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Nicole Galashaw Sabari and April Thomas ORANGEBURG, S.C.  The HBCU Leadership in Education Awareness and Preparation (HBCU LEAP) Mentoring Program recently awarded scholarships to two South Carolina State University counseling graduate students.

Nicole Galashaw Sabari and April Thomas each received the $9,000 Pre-Career Footsteps Mentoring Corps (PCFMC) scholarship for the 2024-2025 academic year. The PCFMC is the flagship program of HBCU LEAP, an initiative housed in the HBCU Center for Excellence in Behavioral Health at Clark Atlanta University and funded by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).



The HBCU LEAP team received competitive applications from students nominated and enrolled in various behavioral health graduate and training programs at 13 Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs). The funding opportunity is for graduate counseling students during the academic year they are enrolled in practicum or internship.



I am proud to announce to the SC State University community these nominated students were selected for an exemplary resume, high graduate grade point average, letter of recommendations and clear motivation and commitment to becoming leaders in their professions, said Dr. Antoinette Hollis, an assistant professor of counselor education in SC States Department of Human Services.



SC State school counseling graduate students work with youths to address academic, career, and social/emotional development concerns. Rehabilitation counseling graduate students work in agencies with mental health and disability-related challenges.



Sabari is a masters degree candidate enrolled in the Counselor Education Program.



I chose this school and this program because I believe in the foundation that SC State provides in preparing students for academic and professional success, Sabari said. The professors are amazing, and I appreciate the way they dedicate themselves to creating an authentic learning experience for all students.



She said she humbled and excited to be selected for the HBCU LEAP Mentoring Program.



It is an honor to represent SC State while pursuing an opportunity to apply what I am learning through the Counselor Education Program, which supports the importance of behavioral sciences with an emphasis on the balance between health and wellness, Sabari said. I also value the chance to collaborate and network with mentors who are willing to share their knowledge, expertise, and the guidance that is so needed in my pursuit of counseling as a second career.



Thomas is a masters degree candidate in SC States Rehabilitation Counseling Program. She also is director of operations and community development at the James E. Clyburn Scholarship & Research Foundation and a board member at the Samaritan House. She said those roles have deepened her dedication to community service.



With a background in English and a current internship at the South Carolina Vocational Rehabilitation Department, Thomas is eager to leverage the skills and knowledge she gains through the HBCU LEAP program.



I am deeply honored to have been selected as a participant in the HBCU L.E.A.P. Program at Clark Atlanta University, Thomas said. This opportunity aligns perfectly with my commitment to advancing the field of mental and behavioral health and supporting underserved communities.



I am excited to collaborate with fellow leaders to make a lasting impact in the behavioral health field, she said.



During the 2024-2025 academic year, the graduate students will be required to:

 Conduct two 20-minute presentations on behavioral health related topics to a group of ten or more undergraduates that attend HBCUs.

 Meet with an assigned mentor at least twice during the academic year.

 Attend virtual professional development webinars.

 Create content for the HBCU LEAP social media/digital platforms.

 Submit required documentation of activities.



Hollis said the scholarship is evidence of the SC State Department of Human Services impact in preparing graduate students for success in counseling and addressing needs across underserved communities.



For more information about SC States Counselor Education Program, email Dr. Antoinette Hollis at ahollis4@scsu.edu.. For more information about the Rehabilitation Counseling Program, email Dr. Bridget Hollis Staten at bhollis@scsu.edu..


Only by Giving More, are you able to receive more! Well, in todays corporate world, businesses are taking this plan of action very seriously. Dubai is the hub for economics and business, and making your business stand out in this business city is a challenging task that almost every startup or brand strives to continue. One such way is by giving away Corporate Gifts or promotional items that give you not only brand recognition by promotion but also customer loyalty and trust in return. Through this article, we are going to give you a brief intro of corporate promotional gifts, and their purpose and enlist a few items that can serve as the best corporate promotional gifts in Dubai giving a maximum impact on your business promotion.

What are Corporate Promotional Gifts?

Corporate Promotional Gifts are brand items that companies give to clients, employees, and associates as a part of their promotion campaigns or business development strategies. Such items are usually customized by the companys logo or name which are gifted with the intention of promoting the companys name and as a sign of goodwill or to thank a potential customer. Giving a customized item from Brandcare Solutions is considered one of the best ways to offer promotional gifts in Dubai. Also, Check For Exhibition Stands Builders in Dubai

Purpose of Corporate Promotional Gifts:

The corporate chain runs best when a business has a good business-customer and business-employee relationship, and if you are running a business making your employees or customers feel special is the key to it.

Business or Brand Promotion

By giving away items with your companys name or logo on them, you can create your businesss existence and visibility in the market.

Customer Loyalty

Gifting away items to your clients can turn them into your regular customers. If you can manage to make them feel well-considered and important, it can definitely create a good impression of your company.

Employee Engagement

If you cherish your employees by giving away small but valuable items, it is not a bad bargain to get their utmost support and dedication to the company.

Event Giveaways

You can also offer customized items at conferences, seminars, or trade shows which will create potential customers and give an overall lasting impression of your company.

Characteristics of a Best Corporate Promotional Gift:

Before enlisting different items to serve as promotional gifts in Dubai, you should first understand the attributes a gift must possess to make it impactful on your client or employee. Also Check For Best seo company dubai

Relevance :

Try to give something to your customer or employee that is somehow useful to him.

Personalization:

Gifting a personalized or customized item will make them feel special like the customer name on the gift can make it memorable to them.

Quality:

Try gifting small and high-quality gifts to your employees that can be easily carried around and also show your companys commitment to its workforce.

Items That Can Serve As The Best Promotional Gifts in Dubai

Keeping in view the culture and essence of UAE alive, here are a few items that can make the best promotional gifts in Dubai. You can also check Brandcare Solutions.ae for a look at their exclusive products.

1.Eco-Friendly Drinkware

Dubai has always been in talks due to its environment-conscious initiatives. Promoting the green essence, eco-friendly bamboo or stainless steel bottles can be the best choice if you wish to make a positive brand image in front of a foreign customer. Besides, they are easy to customize with your companys logo and this type of promotional gift in Dubai will also keep you aligned with modern sustainability trends.

2.Desk Organizers

In the corporate city of Dubai, stylish desk organizers with your companys name engraved on them can mirror your professionalism and they can act as useful and relevant giveaways for your employees or work-oriented clients.

3.Tech Gadgets

Tech Gadgets like wireless chargers, multiport charging cables, and power banks can be the best promotional tokens for foreign clients or associates. Besides, if you wish to make a high-value perception of your company in UAEs competitive environment, they can be your best promotional gifts in Dubai. Brandcare Solutions offers a customization option so it can be the ideal gift for a business associate.

4.Travel Accessories

Dubais airport is considered one of the most used airports in the UAE by business travelers. Customized travel essentials such as personalized travel adapters, travel mugs, and laptop sleeves can serve as really meaningful gifts making the impression that you value your customers comfort and preference above all. A customized trolley bag or personalized organizer can make one of the best promotional gifts in Dubai if you are running a tradeshow or marketing campaign for your company.

5. Leather Gifts

It would not be wrong to call Dubai the business hub of the UAE and making yourself remembered in such a competitive market is quite tough. Customized leather gifts such as business card holders, and luxury gift sets can be a wise choice as they can cater to both employees and business partners.

Conclusion

Running a business successfully and maintaining its integrity through the years is not an easy task. You have to remain connected to all your potential clients, employees, and business associates which is impossible. Following the simple practice of giving corporate gifts, you can keep yourself remembered and existent in the competitive market. By investing in promotional gifts you can improve your business image, customer satisfaction, and company turnover which when counted is a worthy investment.
By Udeze Ekene

A civil society organization, Yiaga Africa, has raised concerns about the National Youth Conference announced by President Bola Tinubu.

Naija News reported that President Tinubu, in his Independence Day broadcast on Tuesday, announced that the National Youth Conference would take 30 days.

The President said the conference would be a platform for youths to address the diverse challenges confronting them.

I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 percent of our population.

It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.

The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives.

Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conferences deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria, Tinubu announced.

Yiaga Africa, however, said there is controversy over who is a youth in Nigeria. It stated that while Nigerias Youth Policy defined youths as individuals between the ages of 15 and 29 years, the African Youth Charter extended the definition of youths as individuals between the ages of 18 and 35 years.

The civil society organization called on the federal government to give a clear definition of what age bracket constitutes youth in the country.

President Bola Tinubu has announced a National Youth Confab to provide a platform for young people to engage in critical discussions on governance, the economy, and politics. The first matter for consideration is: who qualifies as a youth? It is essential to have a clear definition to ensure that the conference is not hijacked by individuals who fall outside the youth category.

The National Youth Policy defines youth as persons between 15 and 29 years, while the African Youth Charter extends the definition to those between 18 and 35 years. This distinction must be considered in constituting the conference, Yiaga stated on its X handle.
By Chimezie Enyiocha

The immediate past governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, on Tuesday, dismissed allegations of financial misappropriation by his administration, vowing to swear by the Quran to prove his innocence.

El-Rufai explained that his sojourn into politics was driven by his desire to serve the people and not to amass wealth or embezzle public funds.

He stated this in Kaduna during a Hausa programme aired on Freedom Radio in the state capital.

I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor, the former governor said.

I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people. Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Quran that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.

I have left everything to Gods judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue. I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, Im focused on my activities like reading and writing.

The former governor also hinted about his next political move, stating that he plans to bounce back in politics in 2027 after completing his studies.

According to him, there is no retirement in politics.

His statement followed the report of the Kaduna State House of Assembly which indicted his administration of misappropriation of N423 billion during its eight-year tenure.

Some members of his cabinet had on some occasions denied the allegations, describing the House of Assembly report as politically motivated.
By Williams Anuku

In keeping with its pledge to commemorate the 64th Independence Anniversary on a low key, President Bola Tinubu led Vice President Kashim Shettima, and other high-profile Nigerians and guests to mark the day in Aso Rock.

The event which was colourful climaxed with a military parade held at the forecourt of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Standing as the anniversary guest of honour, President Tinubu was received on arrival at 10am by pipers who ushered him into the arena after an inspection of the Quarter guard mounted by troops of the Guards brigade.

The President thereafter proceeded to climb the saluting dias where he took the national salute as Special Guest of Honour to signify the commencement of the event proper.

The 64th anniversary witnessed a presidential change of guards. This paved the way for a Nigerian Armed Forces Colour patrol and displays to symbolize Nigerias national and military pride.

The segment was followed by a Guards brigade silent drill platoon which awed guests and other spectators including cabinet ministers, presidential aides as well as members of the diplomatic corps who had thronged the venue to witness the festivities.

Guests at the venue were also treated to a variety of unique performances by a combined mass band and displays put together by a cultural troupe drawn from the six geopolitical zones to depict the countrys diversity.

The event climaxed with President Tinubu signing the anniversary register. The President, joined by Vice President Shettima, the leadership of the National Assembly, the Service Chiefs, the Inspector General of Police as well as the National Security Adviser, NSA and Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, proceeded to cut the anniversary cake and thereafter released pigeons to symbolise peace in the country.
Cake Pop is as sweet as her name. She is a female mixed breed large dog that is about 1 year old. Cute, young Cake Pop has colors of brown and black. She is slender and long-legged with an adorable face and super-cute ears. Cake Pops ears stand out straight but off to the side. The ears giv
PALM DESERT, Calif. (AP)  LeBron James grew up without a father, and the top scorer in NBA history has often said he savors every moment and milestone he can experience with his own three children.
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A crime scene worker leaves a Colebrook Lane home in Dublin where a former Alameda County sheriff's deputy was accused of killing a couple. Noah Berger/Special to the Chronicle 2022

An Alameda County jury began deliberating Tuesday the fate of a former sheriffs deputy who faces two counts of murder in the shooting deaths of a Dublin couple with whom he was entangled.

Deputy District Attorney Ted McGarvey told jurors Devin Williams killed Maria and Benison Tran in a cold-blooded, calculated, execution-style shooting in the couples home in 2022 because Williams was jealous of their relationship. Maria Benison and Williams started dating seven months before the double-shooting.

While McGarvey pushed for murder convictions during closing arguments, Marvin Lew, an attorney for Williams, argued that the shootings amounted to voluntary manslaughter. He said Williams acted on intense emotions when he entered the couples home and realized Maria and Benison were not estranged, contrary to what she told Williams.

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Lew described the case as a textbook example of a killing committed in the heat of passion.

McGarvey said Williams knew Maria and Benison Tran were married and lived together.

This is not a case about provocation, McGarvey said, adding that Williams discovered nothing that night.

Williams was there to get even, McGarvey said.

If Williams, 26, is convicted of first-degree murder, he could be sentenced to 50 years to life in prison. If the jury finds his actions met the definition of manslaughter, he could face up to 11 years in prison.

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Williams and Maria Tran met at John George Psychiatric Hospital in San Leandro where she worked as a nurse and he was assigned to guard jail inmates receiving medical treatment.

A deputy accused of a double-shooting sparked an audit of the Sheriffs Department that revealed that 47 deputies failed psychological tests administered during the hiring process between 2016 and 2022. The department, however, wouldnt say whether Williams passed the test before he was hired.

Maria and Benison Tran were shot in their two-story house on Colebrook Lane not long after midnight on Sept. 7, 2022. According to prosecutors, Williams used his department-issued handgun. The couples son, then 14, and other family members were in the home. She was 42; he was 57.

Williams showed up at the home after he finished an overtime shift at Santa Rita Jail, as a text message exchange between him and Maria Tran about their relationship turned tense, according to records shown in court. One text from Williams read: Im about to explode.

Williams lingered outside the home for about 20 minutes before he walked into the home. The temperature was hot, so the front door was unlocked and wide open, according to prosecutors.

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Text messages indicate Williams wanted Maria Tran to walk out and comfort him. She refused. Dont bother my fam, her last text to Williams read.

Before he walked in, Williams prepared the gun, McGarvey said. He showed the jury surveillance footage that captured audio of what McGarvey said was the moment Williams racked the gun, a movement that usually chambers a round, although Lew said there was no evidence thats what the sound captured.

Williams confronted Maria Tran in an upstairs bedroom, prosecutors said.

When Benison Tran called 911, Williams shot him. He then walked up to Benison Tran and shot him again, prosecutors said. Then he turned to Maria Tran and shot her.

Lew said Maria Tran had given Williams assurances about their relationship and the estranged nature of Maria and Benison Trans marriage. When he entered the home the day of the shooting, Williams realized all of those assurances were a sham, Lew said. He pointed to testimony from Maria Trans brother, who said Williams accused Maria Tran of cheating on him.

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Burkina Fasos Minister of Foreign Affairs, Karamoko Jean Marie Traore, highlighted before the UN General Assembly High-Level Debate in New York his countrys progress in combating terrorism and criticized foreign interference in the Sahel region.

Traore reported that Burkina Faso now controls nearly 70% of its territory, up from 40% in 2022, in its fight against terrorist groups. He defended the professionalism of Burkina Fasos Defense and Security Forces, citing their participation in peacekeeping operations and training in international humanitarian law.

The minister accused foreign powers of financing and supporting terrorism in the Sahel, specifically naming Ukraine as a sponsor of terrorists in the region. Traore emphasized the importance of the Alliance of Sahel States (AES), formed to protect the populations suffering from the security and humanitarian crisis.

Expressing frustration with sub-regional institutions inability to address security concerns, Traore stated that the AES is awaiting strong decisions from the UN Security Council, which it appealed to in August.

Burkina Faso also voiced support for reforming the UN Security Council to include African representation, arguing that this would establish the UNs universal character and address persistent injustice against Africa.

The Burkinabe officials address underscored Burkina Fasos stance on regional security and its criticism of international involvement in Sahel affairs.
Equatorial Guinea has rejected a claim laid by Gabon at the International court of Justice in The Hague to islands that could have oil and gas resources.

The two countries have been at loggerheads over Mbanie, an island of 30 hectares, and two other smaller islands nearby.

The dispute is a relic of the French and Spanish colonial borders legacy dating back to 1900.

In 1972, Gabonese army expelled Equatorial Guinea soldiers from Mbanie and has since kept its control over the small uninhabited island.

The two countries have asked the court to decide which legal texts are valid, not specifically to define which nation has sovereignty.

Equatorial Guinea rejected a document put forward by Gabon in 2003 to argue in favor of its sovereignty over the islands.
The United States has demanded the Algerian regime to change its behavior in the region during the meeting held lately in New York between U.S. Under Secretary for Political Affairs John Bass and Algerian foreign minister Ahmed Attaf.

According to a diplomatic source at the U.S. State Department cited by press reports, the meeting, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, was attended by Deputy Assistant Secretary for North Africa Joshua Harris who had called on Algerian rulers on several occasions to show a spirit of realism and compromise in the Sahara issue.

The meeting with Attaf was an opportunity for a frank and realistic discussion of several issues amid accelerating events and soaring tension in the world, urging the Algerian regime to change its behavior in the region already facing serious security, political, economic and social challenges.

According to some experts, the strained relations between Algeria and its Sahel neighboring countries (Mali, Chad, Niger & Burkina Faso) and the escalating war in the Middle East have pushed Washington to warn the Algerian regime, an ally of Teheran and axis of evil, against the consequences of its reckless destabilizing actions in the region.

In July, U.S. Ambassador to Algeria Elizabeth Moore Aubin said the American recognition of Moroccos full sovereignty over its entire Saharan territory is a historical fact and an irreversible decision as evidenced by the Biden Administration which has maintained the U.S. stand announced by former President Donald Trump.

Her remarks dealt a hard blow to the ruling Algerian junta who spent billions of petrodollars on a lost cause for nearly five decades, leaving Algerian people suffering from acute shortages of drinking water, basic food, medicine.

Several international think-tanks have affirmed that the Sahara conflict is over, urging the Polisario and Algeria to negotiate terms of peace before the status quo becomes permanent as the North African Kingdom continues gaining a growing international support for its sovereignty over its Sahara and autonomy.

For Washington, Paris, Madrid, Berlin, London, Moscow, Beijing the resolution of the Sahara conflict will defuse tension in Moroccan-Algerian relationship and help improve regional stability, while the international community is rallying around Moroccos win-win partnership projects, drivers of shared growth and prosperity.
The ministerial meeting commemorating the 10th anniversary of the creation of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS issued, Monday in Washington, a communique reaffirming the importance of the Africa Focus Group in the fight against terrorism in Africa.

The group, co-chaired by Morocco, Saudi Arabia, the United States, and Italy, plays a central role in coordinating regional efforts to counter terrorist threats on the continent, the communique said.

The communique also commended the work of the Africa Focus Group in promoting an active role of African partners and highlighted the imperative to counter malign and non-state armed actors whose actions undercut counterterrorism cooperation and destabilize regions in which they operate, hence the need for close and coordinated collaboration with African countries under the aegis of the Africa Focus Group, the member countries of the Global Coalition pointed out.

US Secretary of State, Antony Blinken, who chaired the ministerial meeting, underlined in an opening address the importance of the Africa Focus Group in the fight against terrorism on the African continent and noted that the terrorist group Daesh is increasing its efforts to expand its operations outside the Middle East, particularly in sub-Saharan Africa.

To tackle this growing threat, the United States, Italy, Morocco formed the coalitions Africa Focus Group in 2021, Blinken recalled, adding that Saudi Arabia joined this Focus Group last year.

The US official who highlighted the effectiveness of the operations carried out by the Focus Group said the efforts made by the group helped African partners better align and coordinate to support civilian-led counterterrorism operations in Sub-saharan Africa.

These efforts are particularly relevant at a time when in sub-Saharan Africa, ISIS affiliates have gained ground, compounding the threat already present from existing militant groups, said Blinken.

Three years after its creation, the Africa Focus Group has become an essential component of the Global Coalition to defeat Daesh in Africa, while current needs and emerging trends require the reinforcement of this dynamic.

The 11th ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh, Chaired by US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, brought together delegations from 87 member countries, including Morocco, represented by minister of Foreign Affairs, Nasser Bourita. The ministerial meeting of the Global Coalition discussed ways to prevent a resurgence of ISIS and provide appropriate support to countries affected by the threat of this terrorist group.

Formed in 2014, this coalition is focused on degrading Daesh capabilities and ensuring its enduring defeat. The coalitions members are committed to tackling the group on all fronts including dismantling its networks and countering its global ambitions.

It also aims to weaken Daeshs financing and economic infrastructure, prevent the flow of foreign terrorist fighters across borders, support stabilisation and the restoration of essential public services to areas liberated from Daesh and counter the groups propaganda.
King Mohammed VI has expressed his eagerness to promote and expand the close and promising relations existing between Morocco and China that he described as model relations.

This came in a message of congratulations that the Monarch addressed to President Xi Jinping on Chinas National Day.

In his message, the King highlighted the excellent level and the model friendship between Morocco and China, emphasizing their shared commitment to strengthening and developing their relationship in all areas.

I am confident the constructive, integrated initiatives our countries have launched in this regard will bolster our bilateral cooperation and open up new horizons for our strategic partnership that fulfill our shared ambitions, the Sovereign pointed out, reiterating his strong desire to continue working with the Chinese President in the same spirit of friendship and mutual trust, to consolidate the close, promising Moroccan-Chinese partnership, for the well-being of the two peoples and the two nations.

In his message, King Mohammed VI also expressed his heartfelt congratulations and best wishes for President Xi Jinpings continued health, happiness, and well-being, as well as for the prosperity and progress of the friendly Chinese people.
A rare full-body shot of J.D. Vance on September 25, 2024, campaigning in Michigan. Photo: Getty Images

Political questions have kept many of us up at night this election season. What would happen if Donald Trump loses? And: What if he wins? What about the dreaded and mathematically possible and maybe increasingly likely prospect of an Electoral College tie? A fourth question, slightly less heavy than the weight of those electoral outcomes, involves Republican vice-presidential candidate J.D. Vance. Its hard to know how tall he is.

For a while there, a large-type Google result  what they call a featured snippet  had Vances height listed at five-foot-seven. This caused some social-media users to make fun of the Ohio senator for being two inches shorter than the national average. Others used it as fuel for the theory that Donald Trump is not as tall as the six-three he claims. What everyone could agree upon is that the running mates appear to be roughly the same height in photos.

Never forget (how tall they were on 9/11 this year). Photo: Getty Images

Without getting too far into the matter of Trumps actual versus stated height and weight, Vance is clearly in the ballpark of Trump, who we all also agree is north of six feet tall.

In a statement, Google said that results like this (heights of famous people) are automatically generated from its Knowledge Graph. This compendium pulls from the web  including sites like IMDb, which once listed Vance as five-seven.

To find the real answer, I reached out to members of Vances inner circle to find out how tall their friend is. Most of them did not respond to this admittedly kind of weird (yes) email. Economist and former Mitt Romney adviser Oren Cass got back to me: Well Im 57 and hes definitely a lot taller than me, for whatever its worth! So did Patrick Deneen, the postliberal political scientist at Notre Dame. Im 56 and hes at least six inches taller than me, he wrote. So 57 seems way off to me. Who could possibly imagine that Google might be incorrect?!?

Fair point. And: Were getting there. After a few emails to the Trump-Vance campaign, I heard back from his communications director, Will Martin. You still trying to pin down JDs height? he texted me.

Yes we are, I texted. Hoping to dispel this 5-7 rumor.

He is 62, Martin wrote.

There we are. J.D. Vance is officially six-two.

This may be a dumb way to spend a few hours at work. Height, however, is important for politicians dreaming of the executive branch. Of the 45 presidents, 20 have been six feet or taller. Just six were five-seven or shorter. So even if polling suggests there are some doubts about his likability, hes got the height for the job.
Eric Adams, mayor of New York, center right, and his lawyer Alex Spiro, center left, outside Gracie Mansion in New York on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Photo: Victor J. Blue/Bloomberg/Getty Images

Last week, federal prosecutors indicted Mayor Eric Adams on five counts, alleging a decade-long scheme to receive luxury international-travel perks and illegal foreign donations in exchange for political favors for Turkish officials. Adams has maintained his innocence, vowing to stay in office and fight the allegations against him.

Though Adams is projecting confidence, his political future remains unclear. If the mayor remains in office, as he claims he will, he faces a difficult road to reelection next year. Adams has already drawn several multiple primary challengers including comptroller Brad Lander, State Senator Zellnor Myrie, former comptroller Scott Stringer, and State Senator Jessica Ramos.

But if the mayor were to step down, or if he were forced out by never-before-utilized measures in the city charter, a nonpartisan special election would take place  and it could be a political free-for-all that may attract some big names. Even with a special election, the 2025 mayoral primary and general elections will go on as scheduled, meaning that some of the mayors current party challengers could continue their bids against him next year in addition to jumping into the special election. The winner in a special election would have the advantage of incumbency, taking power immediately and holding the office until the 2025 election is settled. Here are some of the heavy hitters currently being discussed as possible special-election candidates.

Jumaane Williams

In the case of a future Adams resignation or ouster, public advocate Jumaane Williams will arguably play the most important role in the days to follow: As designated by the city charter, he is next in the line of succession and would becoming the acting mayor. Williams would then be required to schedule the special election to follow and would hold the seat until a successor is elected.

But Williamss name has also been floated as a potential candidate in that special election. City & State reports that the public advocate is likely to run in the special election to replace Adams, citing a source familiar with his thinking. Williams is a progressive who has often clashed with Adams over policy but stopped short of challenging him for his seat in 2025. After news of the mayors indictment broke, Williams held back on calling for his resignation and, in subsequent interviews, wouldnt say if he was considering a special-election campaign. Theres so many things that have to happen before we even get to that question. Its really far ahead, he said in an interview with NY1.

Letitia James

Another name in the mix is attorney general Letitia James. The New York Post reports that top Democratic Party leaders are pushing for James to run to succeed Adams if he were to leave office. And New Yorks Errol Louis recently reported that labor leaders have reached out to James, pledging support for her if she were to jump into the race.

James would likely be a formidable opponent if she were to launch a bid for mayor, having notched several high-profile wins including a successful civil fraud suit against Donald Trump and the Trump Organization. She has experience in city politics, previously serving on the City Council and as public advocate. James briefly mounted a gubernatorial bid in 2022 but later dropped out of the race to pursue reelection as attorney general.

Andrew Cuomo

An Adams special election could potentially serve as a comeback attempt for for the former New York governor. Since news of a federal investigation into Adams and foreign influence was first revealed last November, Cuomo has been said to be mulling a possible run for mayor. A Cuomo bid seems likely only in a special election; the former governor reportedly isnt open to challenging Adams in a primary were it to come to that. But the Post reports that Cuomo has reached out to supporters in the real-estate community and other political heavyweights to say that he intends to run if a special election is called.

In a special election, Cuomo would come armed with big advantages. He has strong name recognition as well as a significant war chest left over from past campaigns. Cuomo left office in 2021 with $18 million in campaign funds, but that sum has shrunk to approximately $8 million due to outstanding legal expenses, per City & State. However, Cuomo will likely be followed by the events that caused his exit from politics: countless accusations of sexual harassment, including a bombshell report from attorney general Jamess office.

Joe Borelli

A Republican city leader is also reportedly considering a special-election bid. Joe Borelli, the minority leader of the City Council, has told people close to him that hes thinking about running for mayor if Adams steps down, per the Post. Borelli has represented Staten Islands South Shore in the City Council since 2015. Prior to that, he served in the State Assembly in Albany. The city councilman might not be as well known as some of the other names currently floating around, but he could provide a conservative option for city voters in a race where multiple Democratic candidates could potentially split the vote.
Rising costs and limited manufacturers, including GE Vernova and Siemens Gamesa, have contributed to the project's challenges.

The Leading Light Wind project off the Jersey Shore has been paused due to difficulties in securing turbine components.

There has been tons of controversy about wind farm projects on the Jersey shore, with residents in beaches like Brigantine against the initiatives, while others argue for implementing the clean energy.

Turns it out may be a moot point: one project is having "a hard time finding someone to manufacture blades for its turbines", local radio station NJ 101.5 reported this week.

We guess when you focus too much on green virtue signaling and ignore the fact that the country doesn't produce or manufacture anything anymore, there's eventually consequences.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities has granted Leading Light Wind a pause on its offshore wind project until Dec. 20, as the developers struggle to secure necessary turbine components, the report says.

The project, led by Chicago's Invenergy and New York-based energyRE, is planned for 40 miles off Long Beach Island and includes up to 100 turbines, expected to power 1 million homes.

Approved in January, the project faced a setback when GE Vernova, one of the three main turbine manufacturers, decided not to provide the turbines initially planned for use. Another option, Vestas, was ruled out, and the only remaining manufacturer, Siemens Gamesa, raised its prices substantially in June.

Invenergy said in a statement: The stay enables continued discussions with the BPU and supply chain partners regarding the industry-wide market shifts. We will continue to advance project development activities during this time.

And straight from the spin room, Christine Guhl-Sadovy, president of the utilities board told NJ 101.5 that the delay would "help the project move forward".

She commented: We are committed in New Jersey to our offshore wind goals. This action will allow Invenergy to find a suitable wind turbine supplier. We look forward to delivering on the project that will help grow our clean energy workforce and contribute to clean energy generation for the state.

By Zerohedge.com

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The oil price rally has reversed again after reports emerged that OPECs biggest oil producer, Saudi Arabia, is rumored to be looking to accelerate the process of unwinding its oil production cuts. The Brent forward curve has taken a circuitous path in September, going from significant backwardation at the end of August to flat on 10 September; this has been followed by a gradual recovery and steepening up to 24 September and then another flattening.

The oil futures markets continue to be strongly bearish: 3 days ago, the Wall Street Journal reported that the number of short positions held by money managers in Brent futures has exceeded the number of longs for the first time on record thanks to prospects of more OPEC+ crude hitting markets in the near future.

Last week, the Financial Times reported that Saudi Arabia was ready to abandon its unofficial price target of $100 a barrel for crude oil as it prepares to increase output, effectively signaling that it is resigned to a prolonged period of lower oil prices.

Previously, Saudi Arabia and seven other OPEC+ members were due to unwind long-standing production cuts from the start of October. However, a two-month delay sparked speculation over the timing of the production increase, with Brent prices dropping below $70 per barrel on renewed demand fears and a weak Chinese economy. FT reported that the kingdom was now committed to bringing back that production as planned on December 1 regardless of market conditions and oil prices at the time as the country tries to avoid more market share to non-OPEC producers including the United States.

There are plenty of detractors, however, including OPEC, which denied earlier this week that it had a new price target.

Still, the Saudi rumors are certainly worrisome for oil markets given the outsized role the country has been playing as OPECs key swing producer. Indeed, Saudi Arabia currently accounts for 2 mb/d out of 2.8 mb/d output cuts from OPEC members and a total of 3.15 from OPEC+. Essentially, the Saudi contribution is double that of the entire group, with only the Kingdom and Kuwait currently cutting production by a double-digit percentage. In fact, a big part of lower output by other OPEC+ members is not voluntary but rather reflects their inability to meet their quotas.

Related: U.S. Oil Demand Shines as Chinas Dulls



However, commodity analysts at Standard Chartered have taken a more nuanced view of the unfolding situation. According to StanChart, Saudi Arabias 84 thousand barrels per day (kb/d) output increase each month starting December 2024 does not necessarily mean that the Kingdom has changed policy and is aiming for market share, pointing out that Saudi Arabia has not had a price target for many years. In StanChart's view, the major underlying story is that Saudi Arabia is sending a warning that it will accelerate the phasing out of voluntary cuts unless all partners involved fulfill their pledges. StanChart views the latest move by Saudi Arabia as one of several warnings it has issued in recent times to any country seeking to free-ride on the compliance of others.

Compliance with pledges will be key in determining whether oil markets remain tight or not.

Back in July, Russia, Iraq and Kazakhstan submitted their compensation plans to the OPEC Secretariat for overproduced crude volumes for the first six months of 2024. According to OPEC, the entire over-produced volumes will be fully compensated for over the next 15 months through September 2025, with Russia paying back a cumulative 480 kb/d, Iraq 1,184 kb/d and Kazakhstan 620 kb/d. According to StanChart, the compensatory output cuts by the three OPEC members work out to a combined 370 kb/d reduction in October, and then an amount varying between 162 kb/d and 206 kb/d for November 2024 through to September 2025. StanChart has worked out that adding the compensation schedule to the recently announced reduction in targets due to delaying the implementation of tapering will result in OPEC production clocking in at 530 kb/d lower in Q4-2024; 540 kb/d lower in Q1 and Q2-2025 and 560 kb/d lower in Q3-2025, if all commitments are kept.

StanChart has argued that the market's current assumption that there will be no compensation reduction is wrong because its highly unlikely that other OPEC+ countries would take it lightly. StanChart says Saudi Arabia is unlikely to accept any further backsliding on promises made by the overproducers, noting that the high-profile visits to Iraq and Kazakhstan by the OPEC Secretary General, Haitham al Ghais suggests that OPEC intends to follow up on the promised cuts.

I received strong assurances that Iraq continues to be fully committed to the DoCs ongoing market stabilization efforts. During this visit, Iraq presented clear and determined steps to compensate for overproduced volumes and gave assurances that it would achieve full conformity going forward, al Ghais said after visiting Baghdad.

Budget Deficit

Its unlikely that Saudi Arabia would be too brash with its pace of unwinding given the country is already facing a significant budget deficit at current oil prices. After enjoying a rare budget surplus in 2022, most Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) economies are seeing their budget deficits widen with current oil prices still well below what they require to balance their budgets.

According to the IMF, Saudi Arabia, the GCCs biggest economy, needs an oil price of $96.20 per barrel to balance its books, thanks in large part to MBS ambitious Vision 2030. The situation is not helped by the fact that over the past few years, the oil-rich nation has borne the lions share of OPEC+ production cuts. The kingdom is currently pumping 8.9mn b/d, the lowest level since 2011. In effect, Saudi Arabia has been selling less oil at lower prices, thus compounding the revenue shortfall.

That said, the Saudis can still afford to inflict some pain on oil markets. As OilPrice.com contributor Irina Slav has noted, Saudi Arabia can simply slam the brakes on Vision 2030, maybe turn it into Vision 2040 or even Vision 2050 if oil markets refuse to cooperate. Further, FT has reported that Saudi Arabia believes it has enough alternative funding options to weather a period of lower prices, including tapping foreign exchange reserves or issuing sovereign debt.

In the final analysis, oil markets will simply have to wait before they decide to call Saudi Arabias bluff. Thankfully, the Covid-era oil crisis and oil price crash whipped OPEC+ into shape and many producers have maintained impressive production discipline ever since. Its unlikely they will be willing to engage in another race to the bottom by flooding the markets with oil.

By Alex Kimani for Oilprice.com

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While Azerbaijan frames its support as climate-focused, observers see it as a way to challenge France's influence and amplify its own voice on the international stage.

The initiative aligns with Azerbaijan's efforts to counter France's support for Armenia and criticize its policies in the Pacific region.

Azerbaijan's financial aid to small island nations for COP29 participation is viewed as a strategic move in its geopolitical feud with France.

Azerbaijani leader Ilham Aliyev is stoking a geopolitical grudge with France, issuing a pledge to fund the participation of small island developing states, some of which have French connections, in the upcoming COP29 environmental conclave.

Azerbaijans financial assistance would cover airfare, accommodation and per diems for up to four delegates for each island state participating in COP29, which will be held in Baku in November. The assistance offer comes several months after Aliyev proposed establishing a special fund to help small island states address the effects of climate change.

Azerbaijani officials portray the initiative in altruistic terms, motivated by a desire to amplify the voices of nations that stand to be the hardest hit by global warming and rising ocean levels.

We will not have an inclusive process [at COP29] if we do not take every measure to ensure participation from frontline communities, said Azerbaijans Ecology Minister Mukhtar Babayev, who is also president-designate of the annual UN environmental conference. We need these perspectives and experiences to guide our approach and strongly believe in our moral duty to support these nations.

Some observers see a more cynical purpose in packing COP29 with representatives of small island nations  a desire on Aliyevs part to get under the skin of French President Emmanuel Macron. The two leaders have been engaged in a tit-for-tat feud for more than a year, revolving around the aftermath of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, which ended with Azerbaijans decisive defeat of Armenian forces and Bakus reconquest of the territory.

France has been an unwavering supporter of Armenia amid Yerevans efforts to negotiate a lasting peace deal with Azerbaijan, rankling Aliyev. In turn, Aliyevs administration has antagonized the French leadership, accusing France of neo-colonial behavior in the Pacific region. In the late spring of this year, Paris accused Baku of stirring up separatist sentiment in the French Pacific dependency of New Caledonia, after earlier recalling the French envoy to Azerbaijan. The initiative to fund a robust islander presence at COP29 can be seen as an extension of Azerbaijans antagonism toward France. Aliyev is on record as saying COP29 will spotlight the need to protect island states from the consequences of global warming.

In August, Babayev participated in a meeting hosted by the island nation of Tonga during which participants from 56 countries, including 33 island states, signed a memorandum aimed at enhancing climate action beneficial to signatories. Azerbaijan announced in late September a contribution of $10 million to the groups joint efforts to promote climate resilience, improve disaster preparedness and support sustainable development.

The recent UN General Assembly session in New York witnessed another round of Franco-Azerbaijani verbal sparring. Macron reiterated strong support for Armenia, saying the international community must be there to ensure that [Armenia-Azerbaijani] peace negotiations are successful and internationally recognized borders are preserved. The Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry portrayed the French stance on the peace process unconstructive. Babayev, meanwhile, touted the environmental cause of small island states during the general assembly.

By Eurasianet.org

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The interior dining area at Mago in Oakland is shown in June. The restaurant was burglarized twice within hours early Tuesday, according to chef-owner Mark Liberman. Minh Connors/The Chronicle Mago chef-owner Mark Liberman, shown at his Oakland restaurant in June, called two consecutive burglaries early Tuesday a punch in the gut. Minh Connors/The Chronicle

One of the Bay Areas top fine dining restaurants suffered two consecutive break-ins early Tuesday morning in Oakland, the owner and city police officials said.

Burglars broke into Mago on Piedmont Avenue twice, stealing approximately $3,500 worth of technology equipment and a few hundred dollars in cash, chef-owner Mark Liberman said.

This was the third time the Colombian restaurant was broken into in the past two years, Liberman said, adding that he felt a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration and anger.

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Were just a small business, and our margins are tight, he told the Chronicle on Tuesday afternoon.

Im still 100% behind Oakland and the restaurant community here and were happy about the direction its going in, it just makes it a punch in the gut to have your restaurant broken into, he said.

Liberman said he received a call from his alarm company at 2:15 a.m. that two people had broken into the restaurant. Police officers were dispatched, and Liberman drove to the restaurant and found that nothing had been taken. A shattered side window was duct taped, he said.

About four hours later, Liberman said he received another call about burglars breaking into the restaurant again. A computer, iPads, point-of-sale systems and cash were taken, he said.

Liberman said he filed a police report. Spokespeople from the Oakland Police Department confirmed the burglaries and said the investigation is ongoing.

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The expiration of the New START treaty in 2026 could lead to an unrestrained nuclear arms race between the United States and Russia.

"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.

Plesetsk Cosmodrome, Arkhangelsk region

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.

Putin on September 25 proposed broadening the scope of Russia's nuclear doctrine, suggesting that attacks by "nonnuclear countries with the participation or support of a nuclear country" could trigger a nuclear response, in a clear reference to Ukraine and its Western backers. The same day, China launched a nuclear-capable ICBM into the Pacific Ocean, its first ICBM test outside of its territory in over 40 years.

Besides potentially "uploading" warheads to existing carriers and developing new weapons systems, the United States recently announced it would deploy nonnuclear cruise missiles that would previously have been banned under the INF treaty to Germany, with Putin promising to respond in kind and lift a self-imposed moratorium on deploying intermediate-range missiles if the deployments go ahead.

Russia has also reportedly deployed nuclear weapons in Belarus, which had not hosted them since the early 1990s.

With numerous changes to nuclear and conventional missile force postures taking place, relations between the West and Russia and China at their lowest point since the Cold War, and with more countries building up significant stockpiles of warheads, we could already be living through the beginning of the next nuclear arms race.

And if the nuclear powers don't agree on new limits, it could be just as risky as the last one.

By RFE/RL

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Big traders of the U.S. WTI Midland crude, which is now part of the dated Brent benchmark, have used a bookout option in the Platts window to reroute Europe-bound cargoes elsewhere, in a move that could influence the price of dated Brent, Reuters reported exclusively on Tuesday, citing trading sources and analysts.

The so-called bookout clause is allowed under the Platts methodology for commodities.

WTI Midland, produced in Texas, was included last year in the Dated Brent part of the Brent benchmark as one of several grades underpinning the contract. Dated Brent, the worlds leading benchmark price assessment, is being assessed by Platts. Apart from WTI Midland, Dated Brent includes Brent, Forties, Oseberg, Ekofisk, and Trollall of these are crude grades produced in the North Sea.

According to the Intercontinental Exchange, Brent is the price barometer for about 80% of global crude.

The rerouting of U.S. cargoes initially bound for Europe could affect the price of Dated Brent, according to analysts who spoke to Reuters. The sale of cargoes to Europe creates the perception that demand in Europe is stronger than in reality, they added.

Yet Reuters has not established any conclusive link between the cargo trading activity and prices, it notes.

Platts told Reuters that it has not received any complaints about the rerouting of cargoes.

Such contract amendments are typical in many markets, Joel Hanley of S&P Global Commodity Insights told Reuters.

Platts doesnt plan to retroactively change its assessments of Dated Brent if cargoes are booked out, Hanley added.

Some of the biggest independent oil traders  including Vitol Group, Trafigura, and Gunvor  have used bookouts of WTI cargoes from the United States traded into Dated Brent, anonymous trading sources told Reuters.

Asked to comment on the rerouting of WTI cargoes bound for Europe, a spokesperson for Trafigura told Reuters,

As set out in the Platts methodology and is common across industry participants, we seek to agree requests from our buyers for additional discharge options where market forces dictate re-direction of cargoes.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The Iran-aligned Houthis attacked and damaged two commercial vessels in the Red Sea near Yemen early on Tuesday, as the conflict in the Middle East escalated in recent days with Israeli attacks on Yemen and Israels killing of the top Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon.

The oil tanker Cordelia Moon, flying a Panama flag, and the Liberia-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Courage came under attack from missiles and a drone boat while transiting the Red Sea near Yemen, various reports say.

One vessel was hit by an unmanned boat, and the master reported that a ballast tank had been punctured, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said on Tuesday. The incident occurred 64 nautical miles northwest of Al Hodeidah, Yemen.

The master of the vessel reported that the ship was proceeding to its next port of call and that the crew was safe.

While UKMTO didnt identify this vessel, reports have it that it is the oil tanker Cordelia Moon. The digital tracks of the Cordelia Moon show, according to Bloomberg, that the ship was returning to the Mediterranean, after delivering Russian oil to India recently.

In a second such incident on Tuesday, UKMTO received a report that a vessel was attacked by a missile at around 97 nautical miles northwest of Al Hodeidah. The ship sustained damage but all crew are reported safe, UKMTO said.

This vessel has been identified by security experts as the Liberian-flagged, Greek-owned bulk carrier Minoan Courage.

Todays attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea are the first from the Houthis in weeks and come hours after Israel carried out air strikes on targets in Yemen this weekend.

According to official Israeli statements, the strikes in Yemen targeted the port city of Hodeidah in response to the recent Houthi attacks on Israeli targets. In Yemen, the city of Ras Isa was also a target, the BBC reported, noting the Israeli strikes targeted power plants in the country. The Yemeni health ministry said four people had died in the Israeli strikes and 29 were wounded.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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The president of Iran Masoud Pezeshkian has hailed a long-term natural gas supply deal with Russias Gazprom that will help the country turn into a regional gas hub, bne Intellinews reports, citing a statement during a visit by Russias Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin.

Gazprom and Irans National Iranian Gas Company signed a preliminary deal in June for the supply of natural gas volumes to Iran. In July, Iran news agency Shana revealed the volumes in the deal, which were set at 300 million cu m daily or 109 billion cu m per year.

At the time, Iranian oil minister Javad Owji said the volumes would be supplied for both domestic consumption and for re-export to neighboring countries. The cost for the construction of the pipeline to carry this gas would be covered by the Russian side, Owji also said in July, as quoted by Interfax.

The contract between Gazprom and NIGC was a masterpiece of energy diplomacy that could create the preconditions for an economic revolution and ensure energy security for the region with the help of Iran, the Iranian official also said.

President Pezeshkian this week echoed the sentiment, saying We believe that if the important joint projects of Iran and Russia are implemented, they will create significant capacities for both countries in offsetting cruel sanctions.

Iran has the worlds second-largest natural gas reserves, after Russia, but has been constrained in its ability to develop these because of U.S. sanctions targeting its energy industry specifically. The gas imported from Russia will be sold on to Turkey, Pakistan, and Iraq.

One deal for re-export is already in the works, with Turkeys state energy major Botas. The company said last week it was in talks with the National Iranian Gas Company on the long-term supply of gas. The current deal between the two, for an annual amount of 10 billion cu m of gas, is set to expire in two years.

By Charles Kennedy for Oilprice.com

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Kazakhstan is negotiating an increase in natural gas exports to China including via a new pipeline, Bloomberg has reported, noting this would put Kazakhstan in a competition with Turkmenistan and Russia.

Despite reports of an economic slowdown in China, the demand for gas continues to grow, Sanzhar Zharkeshov, chief executive officer at Kazakh national gas operator QazaqGaz, told Bloomberg. We hope to reach a consensus on increasing our export volumes to China and possibly other countries like Uzbekistan.

To date, Kazakh natural gas exports to China are quite modest, at 4 billion cu m annually. This represents almost all of the countrys natural gas exports, which stood at a little over 5 billion cu m as of December last year. For context, Kazakhstan itself consumes 21 billion cu m of gas annually. However, the country wants to boost both domestic supply and export supply for additional revenues. China is the natural top target for those additional revenues.

To enable higher exports, the Kazakh state is working with oil and gas producers in the Caspian Sea to motivate higher production. One measure to do this is a new gas price formula, QazaqGaz Zharkeshov told Bloomberg. The government also plans to boost production by 3.5 billion cu m annually over the next five years with the help of Qatari investors, the Bloomberg report said.

The boost in exports to China would require the construction of a new pipeline link to an already existing conduit that is only being utilized at a rate of 70% of capacity. The new pipeline would cost between $3 billion and $6 billion, according to Zharkeshov. The decision on whether to proceed with the project will be made later this year and construction would take between two and three years.

China last year became the largest importer of liquefied natural gas, taking in the equivalent of 16 billion cu ft daily, the U.S. Energy Information Administration reported in August. Pipeline imports are an important alternative source of gas for the Asian powerhouse as demand continues to grow.

By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com

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Nigerias government is set to approve within days the proposed $1.3-billion sale of ExxonMobils shallow water assets to local firm Seplat, Nigerian President Bola Tinubu said on Tuesday.

The U.S. supermajor announced two years ago its intention to sell its shallow water business in Nigeria to Seplat, the biggest Nigerian energy company by market value, in a $1.3 billion deal.

The transaction has been stuck at the regulatory approval level for months and Exxon has yet to receive full clearance for the asset sale.

Earlier this year, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) approved the proposed sale of Nigerian Agip Oil Company Ltd (NAOC Ltd), Enis wholly-owned subsidiary focusing on onshore oil and gas exploration and production in Nigeria, as well as power generation, to Oando PLC. The regulator has also given the green light to Equinor to sell its Nigerian business to Project Odinmim.

But approval of the Exxon deal has been dragging on.

Now the Nigerian president said in a televised speech to mark Nigerias Independence Day that the final green light for the Exxon deal is expected within days.

The ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, Tinubu said, as quoted by Reuters.

NUPRC has yet to announce its go-ahead to the asset sale.

Despite selling its shallow water business, Exxon is committing new investments in Nigerias deepwater.

ExxonMobil has proposed a $10 billion investment in Nigerias deepwater oil resource development, Stanley Nkwocha, spokesman and senior special assistant to the Nigerian President, said last week.

Were working closely with the Presidents office and the Special Adviser to the President to secure favorable fiscal arrangements that will make this significant investment possible, said Shane Harris, chairman and managing director of ExxonMobil affiliates in Nigeria, as quoted by the press release from the presidency.

Our commitment to Nigeria remains unwavering. As we celebrate 70 years of oil production and 8 billion barrels produced, we're not retreating but refocusing our investments on deep-water opportunities, Harris was further quoted as saying.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Iran has fired more than 100 ballistic missiles into Israel, according to the latest reports, after the United States warned Israel this morning that an attack was imminent.

Israel had time to move its cabinet members and Mossad to safety prior to the attack, and Israel is expected to issue a report shortly detailing what damageif anywas done.

Another wave of missiles from Iran is expected.

Todays missiles are different from what Iran sent into Israel in April. Todays missiles are ballistic missiles that travel far more quickly, and multiple missiles were launched at once, making it difficult for Israels defenses to intercept with 100% accuracy. It is widely thought that some missiles made it through, although no reports of casualties have been reported at this time.

The fear factor for the world that watches is not that Irans missiles will inflict some catastrophic damage upon Israelit is Israels likely response to the missile volley, which could be focused on economic damage. For Iran, this economic damage would come from Israel inflicting damage to Irans oil industry, which makes up about half of Irans budget.

If Israel is successful at disrupting Irans oil exports, which mainly go to China, or disrupts tanker traffic in the area, it could send global oil prices higher.

Oil prices were already trading up on the rumors leading up to the attack on Israel. At 10 am ET this morning, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude was trading at $70.16 per barrel, up 2.92% (+$1.99), while Brent crude was also seeing significant gains, trading at $73.61 per barrel, up 2.66% (+$1.91).

Prices are now even higher, with both benchmarks up more than 5% on the day, with Brent trading at $75.35 per barrel.

By Julianne Geiger for Oilprice.com

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Following a year of negotiations, Abu Dhabis oil company ADNOC has agreed to buy Germanys chemicals giant Covestro in a deal worth $16.3 billion (14.7 billion euros) including debt, the German group said on Tuesday.

ADNOC will make a takeover offer at $68.86 (62.00 euros) per Covestro share, which is set to be accepted by the chemicals company.

Subject to the review of the offer document, the Board of Management and the Supervisory Board assume that they will recommend the acceptance of the offer to the Companys shareholders, Covestro said.

The purchase price implies an equity value for Covestro of around $13 billion (11.7 billion euros) and represents a premium of about 54% to the unaffected closing price on June 19, 2023, the day prior to any media coverage of a potential transaction.

The offer will be subject to a minimum acceptance level of 50% plus one share and customary closing conditions, including merger control, foreign investment control, and EU foreign subsidies clearances, Covestro said.

The deal would be one of the largest cash transactions in the chemicals industry ever, as well as the first time a company part of the DAX 40 blue-chip index in Germany would be acquired by a state company from the Gulf.

ADNOC, which pumps nearly all the oil in OPECs major producer the United Arab Emirates (UAE), has been looking to buy into chemicals and petrochemicals to diversify its downstream portfolio.

ADNOC first approached Covestro a year ago.

In June 2024, ADNOCs year-long efforts to acquire Covestro moved a step closer to a successful conclusion after Covestro said it had decided to enter into concrete negotiations with Adnoc and open its books for due diligence on a proposed deal.

Commenting on the strategic deal announced today, Sultan Ahmed Al Jaber, ADNOC Managing Director and Group CEO, said,

This strategic partnership is a natural fit and aligns seamlessly with ADNOCs ongoing smart growth and future proofing strategy and our vision to become a top 5 global chemicals company.

By Tsvetana Paraskova for Oilprice.com

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Jill Marie Bartling, M: 402-215-6715, jillmarie.bartling@bhhsamb.com, https://www.bhhsamb.com - This stunning, nearly new Ranch style home offers 5 spacious bedrooms and 3 bathrooms perfect for any style of living. The open concept main level showcases a large kitchen island that flows into a bright and airy living space. The Primary suite is located on it's own side of the home with an ensuite featuring double sinks, a beautiful tiled shower and quick access to the primary closet & a pass thru to the Laundry room (Washer & Dryer Included). You'll love the fully finished basement featuring a large rec room w/LVP flooring, a bar area, a space for your work out equipment and of course the newly added 2 bedrooms & bathroom. Located in the highly sought after Millard School District, this home is located in the Garden Oaks subdivision. You can also enjoy the new neighborhood park right down the street. There's nothing you have to do here, it's all been done - just move in and get set

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The Sarpy County Election Commission began mailing early voting ballots on Sept. 30.

Roughly 6,750 voters have requested to vote early. Ballots will be mailed daily as additional requests are received and verified. The deadline to request an early voting ballot is 6 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.

Election Day is Tuesday, Nov. 5.

I would like to remind voters that their ballots must be returned in the official return envelope provided, and the envelope must be signed, said Sarpy County Election Commissioner Emily Ethington.

Voters can return their ballots in a number of ways, including via mail (postage required), in person at the Sarpy County Election Commission Office (1102 E. First St., Suite 1 in Papillion), or by using one of the seven secure election drop boxes located across the county.

The drop box locations are:

1102 E. First St., Papillion (northwest corner of the Sarpy County 1102 building parking lot)

1102 E. First St., Papillion (west doors of the Sarpy County 1102 building)

1248 Golden Gate Drive, Papillion (Sarpy County Courthouse Campus parking lot)

1003 Lincoln Road, Bellevue (former Bellevue Public Library parking lot)

215 Enterprise Drive, Gretna (Gretna Ace Hardware parking lot)

7701 S. 96th St., La Vista (La Vista Police Department parking lot)

153 S. First St., Springfield (one block south of Springfield Community Center)

All ballots must be received by the Sarpy County Election Commission, either at the office or at one of the drop box locations, by 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Nov. 5. Early ballots cannot be returned at polling sites on Election Day.

Early in-person voting starts Monday, Oct. 7 at the Sarpy County Election Commission Office.

Sarpy residents should call 402-593-2167 with any questions related to early voting.
San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto said he is very disappointed in the ruling. Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

In a move predicted to drive up jail populations, San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto on Monday abruptly suspended his offices GPS ankle monitoring program, citing a federal court order that limits deputies powers to search its participants without a warrant.

Beginning Oct. 1, the sheriffs office will no longer accept new enrollments in the program, which is often used as a condition of release from jail while a defendant awaits trial.

I am extremely disappointed by the recent ruling  by the District Court, Miyamoto said in a statement. This ruling fails to see the value of Pre-Trial Electronic Monitoring as an innovative program that allows incarcerated individuals, often charged with serious and violent offenses, and avail themselves of opportunities in the community that provide them a chance to succeed while awaiting the resolution of their criminal matters.

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The announcement comes four days after U.S. District Judge Jon Tigar found that the sheriffs office had violated a February court order that barred the program from requiring its participants to consent to warrantless searches. Such requirements, he said, violate defendants rights to privacy and freedom from unreasonable searches.

Tigar threatened to hold the city in contempt of court if the violations continued.

The judges orders stem from a 2022 lawsuit filed against San Francisco and the sheriffs office by the American Civil Liberties Union of Northern California on behalf of three defendants. The suit argued that the sheriffs office usurped the authority of San Francisco Superior Court by imposing search conditions that at times went beyond those ordered by a judge.

Those conditions include consent to a search, at any time, of a defendants body, home, automobile or other property, and consent that the defendants GPS location data can be shared with other law enforcement agencies, who may be trying to solve a crime. Currently, the location information can be shared without a warrant or any showing of articulable suspicion, Tigar wrote in February.

Emi Young, a staff attorney with the Criminal Justice Program at the ACLU of Northern California, said Tigars order recognized that San Franciscos Superior Court judges, rather than the sheriff, are best positioned to determine pretrial release conditions.



The sheriff willfully defied a federal injunction, was chastised, and now refuses to supervise electronic monitoring if he cannot do so by his own unlawful terms, Young said in a statement. We hope the county will reallocate the sheriffs electronic monitoring budget to pretrial diversion services and other agencies carrying out appropriate pretrial supervision.

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In Monday statements, both Miyamoto and San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu said the warrantless search requirement was necessary to safely administer the program.

If Sheriffs deputies are unable to search defendants accused of violent felonies for weapons in real time or conduct home checks, that does not protect public safety, Chiu said. My office will continue advocating in court for an option that allows the program to continue while ensuring public safety, but until then, the most prudent path is to stop enrolling new participants.

The program will continue for those already enrolled.

San Francisco District Attorney Brooke Jenkins blasted what she deemed as a reckless decision from the federal court.

An ankle monitor is nothing more than an adornment if the sheriffs office is not permitted and able to adequately monitor those who are engaged in the program, she said in a statement.

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San Francisco Public Defender Mano Raju said Miyamotos decision had a silver lining.

Electronic monitoring has become the default in many cases even when people can be safely released on their own recognizance or with appropriate support services that help ensure that they return to court for future hearings, Raju said in a statement. The conditions to which people on electronic monitoring are subjected are overly broad and invasive, come at great cost to the county, and often cause harm to those who are suffering from circumstances that make it difficult to adhere to conditions imposed.

The pretrial monitoring program has grown increasingly popular in recent years, in part due to pandemic-era concerns about safe distancing behind bars.

As of September of this year there were 430 people enrolled in the pretrial monitoring program, compared with 329 a year ago and 177 in September 2018.

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Omaha firefighters rescued two dogs from a burning house in the Elkhorn area on Monday night.

Firefighters went to the house located near Camden Avenue and North 193rd Street at 11:51 p.m., Assistant Fire Marshal Joseph Caniglia said in an email. When the firefighters arrived on scene, they saw the fire emerging from the back of the house.

Four adults got out of the house before firefighters arrived. Firefighters rescued the two dogs from inside the house and handed them over to the residents.

The house suffered extensive fire damage, Caniglia said. The Nebraska State Fire Marshal is investigating the cause of the fire.
U.S. Senate candidate Dan Osborns campaign issued a letter to incumbent U.S. Sen. Deb Fischers campaign and a political action committee demanding they cease-and-desist running campaign ads he says make "defamatory statements."

Osborn, an independent challenging the two-term Republican incumbent, said Monday that the ads include false claims.

In response, Fischers campaign pointed to a variety of news articles supporting the claims made in the ads.

The back-and-forth comes as some publicly released polls show Osborn and Fischer in a surprisingly tight race.

I dont think this is an accident for how these negative ads have come out, Osborn said. Its politics as usual, I suppose. But I think we live in a day and age where you shouldnt just be able to completely lie about somebody.

The claims to which Osborn objected include that he was previously a registered Democrat, that he supports abortion up to the moment of birth and that he supports giving Social Security benefits to undocumented immigrants.

In a press conference at his Omaha campaign headquarters, Osborn said he has always been a registered independent. He also called the abortion claim disgusting and said he never voiced support for giving undocumented immigrants Social Security benefits.

But Fischer's campaign noted that in a question-and-answer session with national news website Semafor, Osborn advocated for immigration reform and said its time for undocumented immigrants who have been in the United States for decades to get into Social Security already.

Osborn claimed the Fischer campaign took his quote out of context. He told reporters that some undocumented immigrants should have a path to legal status, so that they then would get Social Security cards.

The Fischer campaign also pointed to articles in The New York Times and Fremont Tribune that reported Osborn saying he was a registered Democrat until 2016.

Osborn and his campaign said the former labor union leader has always been a registered independent and The New York Times mischaracterized his political affiliation. He said the mix-up came from speaking with the Times reporter about how labor union members have traditionally been Democrats.

Osborn also told reporters he supports abortion measures as they were before the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision overturned Roe v. Wade.

Since Roe v. Wade has been overturned, abortions are on the rise. And women are dying, plain and simple, Osborn said. That portion of health care needs to be available.

Fischers campaign also highlighted an Osborn quote reported by the New York Post in which he compared Fischers staff members to "Hitler Youth" members.

As far as Sen. Fischers campaign has gone, shes never had any competition so her staffers and her campaign team are a bunch of Hitler Youth frat boys, to be quite honest with you, Osborn said during a fundraising call, according to The Post.

Under fire for disgracefully comparing Senator Fischers staff to Nazis, Democrat Dan Osborn is desperately trying to change the subject, Fischer campaign spokesperson Derek Oden said.

Osborn apologized for the remarks and pointed to his U.S. Navy background for making the remark.

I wasnt mean-spirited. I was in the Navy for a long time and sometimes I still talk like Im in the Navy, he said. I certainly apologize to those people. It was unintentional.

Our best Omaha staff photos & videos of September 2024
GEORGE Onokpoma had no inclination of the horror lurking around his neighborhood on March 20, 2019. As a dedicated member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), the easygoing George, known for his honesty and uprightness, never nursed any foreboding that he could be a target of violence by the same people he came to serve after leaving his comfort zone in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. George, who hails from Delta State, never knew that those he was sacrificing his one year to improve their lives were waiting in the wings to take his life. If he had known that his dreams would be cut short in such a gruesome circumstance in Bayelsa State while serving his fatherland, he would have heeded his elder brothers advice for redeployment. His elder brother, Honest Akpos, had wanted to seek redeployment for George but he, out of patriotism, turned down the offer, saying: I will go wherever I am posted.h But that decision cost him his life. The 29-year-old twin and graduate of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI) just returned from church where he went for his evening worship. He was sitting at the balcony of his quarters in Swali area of Yenagoa, Bayelsa State, evaluating the scripts of his students when tragedy struck. The quarters, where he lived with other corps members, belonged to Mr.

Jerry Yeseme Moses, the owner of a private school, Victory International School, where George and his colleagues discharged their primary responsibilities as teachers. While Moses and his family occupied the first floor of the storey building, George and his colleagues, including other tenants, lived on the ground floor. But like a scene in a horror movie, the building was invaded by suspected cultists at about 10pm. Gunshots were heard by neighbours and in a twinkle of an eye, George was found on the floor struggling for his life. One of the corps members was also seen gasping for breath in the pool of his own blood, while another victim lay helpless. Their attackers had fled the vicinity. Thirty-year-old Popoola Oluwatobi Olamide, a graduate of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and indigene of Oyo State, died on the spot. Anthony Gbenga Dada, who hails from Kogi State, and George were rushed to the Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Yenagoa. George breathed his last at the hospital, while Dada is still battling to live again. The horror Eyewitnesses narrated the terror unleashed on innocent corps members by gun-wielding cultists. The hoodlums launched their attack under the cover of the night. Moses, who is the landlord of the corps members, said he was inside the house when he heard gunshots. He said: I am the proprietor of Victory International School, Swali, and the corps members are my employees. On that Wednesday at about 10:30, I was watching television when I heard gunshots. I didnt know what was happening. Shortly after, the sounds stopped. I rushed out of the house and quickly went downstairs where the corps members lived. It was then it dawned on me that the attack happened in my building. I saw corps members lying on the floor. I dont really know the reason why they were shot. One of them was lying dead, while the other two were still struggling for their lives. I alerted neighbours to help me put them in the vehicle and I rushed them to the Federal Medical Centre. Unfortunately, two of them died but one was responding to treatment. Moses said he alerted the paramount ruler of the community immediately he heard the gunshots and appealed to him to call the police. The policemen were not there when I took them to the hospital. But when I returned, I was told the police came, he said. Another neighbour of the corps members, Mercy Isaac, said she went upstairs to charge her phone at her landlords place when he heard repeated sounds. She said: I didnt know that the sounds I heard were gunshots. Some other persons in the landlords apartment and I wanted to go out, but the landlord held us and appealed to us to wait. Few minutes later, we heard similar sounds. When the sounds ceased, we all went downstairs only to see the corps members struggling with their lives. We later heard how it all happened. Those who killed them came and saw one of the corps members at the balcony marking his students scripts. They held him and led him to the door where other corps were and asked him to knock at the door. He knocked but when a voice from the room demanded to know

who was knocking, the corps member refused to say his name. The gunmen became angry and concluded he was playing with them. They shot him twice in the head. They broke into the room and shot others. An eyewitness, Glory John, was simply concerned about the good nature of the corps members in the neighborhood. They dont deserve to die, she said. She described them as peaceful and dutiful. They never had an issue with anybody before and anytime they were back from school, they were always indoors, she added. Another source, who spoke in confidence, said the corps members were shot in the head. He said the attackers were obviously out to kill them. According to him, the one that died on the spot was shot twice on the head because they felt that he was joking with them. When they gained access into the room where others were sleeping, they shot another in the head and the other in the lower abdomen. But when they wanted to go, they wanted to shoot the one that survived on the head. On pulling the trigger, they discovered that they had run out of bullets. That was why Dada survived, he said. Why did they kill my brother? What did my brother do to deserve this horrible death?, queried Akpos Honest. The slain George was Honest younger brother. George was special to his family

and very close to his mother, who singlehandedly trained and sponsored all of them through school. Honest, a broadcast journalist based in Port Harcourt, narrated his ordeal. He said: He was my younger brother, he was not a distant relative nor my cousin. He was a twin; his name was George; his twin sisters name is Georgina. He was born in 1989 and he graduated over two years ago in Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Warri. He waited for two years just to get his call-up letter from NYSC. I was on duty on Thursday at about 3pm when I got a call from his twin sister that someone from NYSC called that his brother was dead. She was crying as she was talking. I had to stop all that I was doing and rushed to Bayelsa. I got to Yenagoa by 5pm and saw my brothers corpse in the mortuary. Honest, who wept uncontrollably, said he would explore all legal means to avenge the death of his brother. He said George would not die like his fallen and forgotten colleagues. He vowed to sue all the stakeholders responsible for the safety of his brother. He said: This is one of those incidents that happen to serving corps members and I intend to follow this to the latter. I intend to sue the Federal Government, NYSC and the Bayelsa State Government. I am only waiting for the autopsy to be out; I will not let it go like that because my brother was an honest

Nigerian. Describing his brother as a patriotic Nigerian, he said: I told my brother that I will make arrangements for him to serve in Rivers State because I stay in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, but he refused because he did not like someone going through the back door to do something for him. While in camp, I begged him to allow me redeploy him but he refused. He was a strong Christian. My mum called him the pastor of the house and we were brought up by my mother alone. We are seven and Iam the eldest. My mum called and begged him that his brother wanted to redeploy him to Rivers State but he still refused. He said he wanted to do it the way it ought to be done because he was a strong Christian and didnt like passing through the back door. When he was posted to his primary assignment, l wanted George to serve in Daewoo because he studied Mechanical Engineering and graduated as one of the best students. I believed that since he insisted on serving in Bayelsa, at least Daewoo would have offered him security and accommodation, but he still refused and told me that he would stay where he was posted. So, imagine what it feels like that I had every opportunity to remove my brother from Bayelsa and even to work in Daewoo but because he believed in the system, he did the right thing but paid with his life. He said as at the time he spoke to our correspondent, the management of the NYSC had not deemed it necessary to send a delegation to his distraught mother, adding that even the proprietor of Victory International School where George worked had not bothered to visit his grieving mother. On what he was told happened to his brother, he said: They said a group of hoodlums went to the compound where he stayed, took another corps member from another part of the building and asked him to knock at my brothers door. He knocked and when he was not knocking well, they shot at him and thats the corps member presently in FMC, Yenagoa receiving treatment. And when they broke into my brothers room, they took their phones. The next thing was, they shot my brother right in his stomach. I understand my brother died in the hospital at FMC, Yenagoa, while his roommate died instantly. The government has a regulation that you must honour the youth service corps but they dont have a policy that protects the lives of corps members who have spent years passing through the Nigeria academic system, which is the toughest in the world. Honest lamented that he could lose his mother because of the incident. You dont want to see my mum. My mum has not slept since Thursday(last week). She has been grieving and my mother is hypertensive. I am scared because I dont want to lose my brother and my mother at the same time. He decried the insecurity in Niger Delta, particularly in Bayelsa. He wondered how

the government and security agencies allowed young men to be roaming the streets with weapons. Honest narrated: I was told two Fridays ago that three policemen were killed. I was also informed by the police that at Kaiama, they killed some of their police officers. So, if they can kill police officers, how much more ordinary civilians in the state. I drive through the East West Road every day; you can see how volatile security is in this state. I would say no security. I slept in Bayelsa in an hotel and a friend who accompanied me wanted to buy something but he was told he should hurry up, because that the place was not safe. Honest described his younger brother as very exceptional. They say a mother has a favorite among all the children but you see, George who was killed was exceptional. George went to church on that day and was marking the students scripts in his room when he was killed,he said. He added: But I need to ask why. I need to understand the reason for the killing,

but I was only told that they are cultists and these things happen. I dont know what they smoked but I understand my brother did not participate in the elections; so I would have said he offended someone in the course of working for INEC. But he didnt. So, I need to understand why. My brother will not even insult someone he was older than; that is how humble George was. They have not seen anything. All they do is console the victims. This wont go down like every other issue and thats the promise except I dont know my right. My mother cannot spend years training George and lose him this way. George went to a private school, went to petroleum training institute; he had everything to be a better person. He spent over two years waiting for his call-up letter and you can just kill him and then you say you are sorry! He died a virgin Victoria Ivwhrighe is yet to come to terms with the calamity that had befallen her. She is not believing the report that the son she loved so much and spent fortunes to train in school is no more. They should bring back my son, she kept shouting. Her voice was loud but sorrowfully laced with outcries. This is a joke. George cannot die. Stop telling me that my son is dead, she said. But from Wednesday last week, everyday that passed by brought Ivwhrighe to the reality that her son was no more. His telephone no longer rings. She could only hear his voice from the past. I am not okay, the melancholic woman said. She then remembered one striking feature of her son his moral rectitude. She recollected that her son was a virigin until his death. He would have no taste of a woman except in wedlock. As tears dripped down her wrinkled face, she said in pidgin English: The last time I saw my son was December. George was a Christian. At his age, he had not known a woman yet. He said when he finished his service, he planned go to another school before settling down. I was not privileged to go to school. So, I spent all my life working to train them in school. This thing they are telling me is making me feel pains all over my body, she said. On how she heard of her sons death, she explained: I was in the market when my daughter asked me to give her my friends number. I felt she wanted to get something from my friend, so I sent her the number and also gave my daughters number to my friend. Georgina said some NYSC officials met her and told her George sent them to her. In their presence, my daughter called his brother but the number did not go through. They said Georgina should take them to the house but she refused because she did not know them. They had to emphasize on that for some time before eventually she agreed. When they got there, one of them went to the next compound and told my neighbour what happened. My neighbour then told Georgina. My daughter narrated the incident to my friend. When I came back, I went straight to the kitchen to prepare food to eat; as I was eating, different people were coming into my apartment. Immediately they mentioned Geroge, I told them I didnt want to hear it, that I

wanted my son. The government was the one that posted him to Yenagoa. They should go and bring him. Since then, I have not been myself. I am hypertensive and I have been the one taking care of them. When I gave birth to the twins was when their father ran away. I struggled with them all by myself. But now, they are announcing my son on television. I dont understand. They should give me my son. I want government to give me my son. I need my son. My son was 29-year-old and they are twins. I went through a lot for them. I dont know how to take this issue because my heart is heavy. My twin brother promised to come home first week of April Georgina, the twin sister to the deceased Georgina, could barely talk. She was drenched in grief and drowned in tears. Crying uncontrollably, she said: I dont know what to say. He was my twin brother. He was a friend and a father to me. He was like my better half. Georgina said she spoke to George on January 3. She said in their discussion, George promised to visit home the first week of April. I refuse to accept that my brother is no more and Iam patiently waiting for him to come back as he promised. George lived a triangular life, if he was not in church, then he would be in the school where he taught and if he was not there then he would be at home. George was a straight forward; he always liked to have things done the right way. At first when he knew it was Bayelsa, my elder brother asked him to redeploy but he refused and said he would go to wherever government would send him. People who didntt know him called him the singing prophet because he loved to sing a lot and cannot stay without music. If he was in his room and heard someone singing, he will rush out and make that person his friend. He would wave to people around whenever he was singing; he used to spend time with children. There is even a child that always come around and now he cannot come around again. You can ask anybody about George, they may not know his name but if you say the one that sang and walked about, they will tell you they know him. He just loved music; he was a chorister in the church. The truth is, I am still waiting for him. They should give me my brother. He is not dead though it is taking long but I will wait because he told me he will come first week of April. So, I will still wait; I dont care what they are saying. My brother cannot go just like that. He wanted to serve this country and said there was nothing anybody would say to him to change his mind. He believed whatever happened was for a reason and would accept it like that and he said since he was posted to Bayelsa,then God wanted him there. Let me not say much. Im only waiting. There is still time; first week of April,he will come. Im still waiting; there is no need for consolation because my brother is coming, she sobbed. The outrage and worsening insecurity in Yenagoa The killing of the corps members high-lighted the worsening insecurity in Bayelsa, especially Yenagoa, the capital city. Guns are everywhere in Yenagoa and life is gradually becoming cheap in the capital city. Armed cultists have declared war in Yenagoa, robbing, killing and maiming residents at the slightest provocation. The residents lampooned the police and security agencies for failing in their responsibility to secure lives and properties of the people. They wondered how a small town like Yenagoa with the headquarters of the 16th Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy, Mobility Command of the Airforce, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), the Joint Task Force, Operation Delta Safe (ODS), the police, the DSS and other security outfits could be overrun by cultists. Armed cultists seem to have formed a parallel government administering terror unchallenged. They even attack armed security operatives, kill them and dispossess them of their guns. Even in popular markets, like the Swali Market, cultists operate and kill people in broad daylight at will. Their activities have killed nightlife in Yenagoa. A resident, who identified himself as David, said said he could not control his tears when he saw the lifeless bodies of the corps members and wondered why the insecurity had been allowed to degenerate in the state. He said: What is Yenagoa turning into? The level of insecurity is very alarming; imagine two youth corpers serving in Bayelsa State shot and killed this night at Swali community by suspected armed robbers! When I saw the lifeless bodies of these young men at the Federal Medical Centre,Yenagoa, I was totally troubled in my spirit. What will become of their parents who have spent hard- earned resources to send them to school only to lose them while serving their fatherland, the land that doesnt have faith in the ability of the youths? Another resident, Fawe, lamented that Yenagoa had become notorious for unpleasant and criminal incidents and blamed political actors for the development. He said: Those who call the shots live in well guarded environments and go about in bullet proof cars purchased with taxpayers money. Yenagoa is not bigger than Ada George Road in Port Harcourt. Its the worst thing to lose a child. Now, what will be of the parents of the deceased? The Commissioner for Youth Development, Mr. Udengs Eradiri, and the Ijaw Youths Council (IYC), Central Zone, condemned the gruesome murder of the corps members. Eradiri and the IYC Chairman, Tare Porri, led a high-powered delegation of Governor Seriake Dicksons aides on youths to pay a condolence visit to the state Coodinator, NYSC, Bolade Loto in Yenagoa.

The youth commissioner said the governor was devastated by the report of the killings and mandated them to visit the IYC management in the state. Addressing Loto, he said: As a state, we heard what happened. Our principal, the governor, was very touched and concerned about this ugly incident and we must express our condolence as a state government to the NYSC. Young people who came to serve their nation dont deserve to die in the process. For us, we are sorry that such will happen in our environment. It should not happen to the NYSC, not to youths who are serving their fatherland. But the government is doing everything possible to ensure that the culprits are brought to book. It is unfortunate that the society has gone this bad. We condemn what happened and we are doing our best to engage young people. There is no reason why a young person will take another persons life. Youth corps members are priceless assets to every nation. Our condolences go to their families and we will work very hard to ensure it doesnt happen again. Porri said it was unfortunate that such dastardly acts were happening in Yenagoa despite the presence of many security outfits. He accused the security agencies of conspiracy and urged them to step up their game and guarantee security in the state. He said: It was a terrible and shocking incident that happened to us as Ijaw people. We are not known for things like this. It is unfortunate that young people who were serving our fatherland could be killed in such manner. But my concern is that this sincerely calls for sober reflection. We have many security outfits in the state. We have the Nigerian Army 16th Brigade of the Nigerian Army; Central Naval Command of the Nigerian Navy; Mobility Command of the Airforce; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC); the Joint Task Force; Operation Delta Safe (ODS); the police; the DSS and other security outfits and this kind of incident is happening. The Bayelsa State government is doing its best but these other security agen

cies should do their best. I dont know what is happening, whether it is conspiracy. I call on the security outfits to step up their game. It is life that we are talking about. We are worried and concerned. Also, a former governor of the state, Chief Timipre Sylva, condemned the killing of the corps members and derided the the government for failing to secure Bayelsa. He said: It is a very sad thing that some NYSC members were killed in their own lodge. They were not even outside. They were in their own lodge when two of them were killed. My heart goes to the families of these corps members. They were very innocent people serving the nation but they are no more with us not because of their fault but because the government could not protect them. Also the Sagbama branch of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) condemned the brutal murder. A statement by its Chairman, Dise Sheila Ogbise, said the unwarranted murder of two was the latest in a spate of incessant violence, killings and criminal activities in the state. She said: The insecurity in Bayelsa is alarming and a concern to peace and development in the state. Corps members concern over their safety In fact, corps members are worried over their safety. Barring any change in plans, the youth corps members will be on the streets to protest the death of their colleagues and constant attacks on them by hoodlums in the state. A corps member, who identified herself as Blessing, said they were no longer safe in Bayelsa. She complained that they were targets of attacks by cultists, who rob them of their smart phones and other valuables. Blessing said most of their lodges had been attacked by hoodlums and called on security agencies to provide adequate security for them. Also another corps member, Joy, described the killing of her colleagues as very unfortunate. She lamented the constant attacks on corps members lodges by criminals and appealed to the government and security

agencies to stop the insecurity in Bayelsa. I feel very bad. I dont know them but then, I can imagine how their families feel. We came out to do service to the nation and then they were killed. The government and security agencies are supposed to ensure our safety, she said. The state Coordinator, NYSC, Boladei Loto, expressed disappointment at the incessant attacks of corps members in the state, saying it had become worrisome. These hoodlums have been attacking corps members serially. The Director-General has had cause to write to the state governor and the matter reduced. There is no day we dont record cases of attack against corps members, he said. Loto described the incident as very heart-breaking, pathetic and very shameful, charging the police to thoroughly investigate the killing and bring the perpetrators to justice. She said the NYSC had already contacted the families of the deceased persons, adding that Akpos Honest, the brother of one of the deceased, George Onokpoma, had been crying uncontrollably. Loto said the motive behind the killing was still unknown since the murderers left the scene of the incident without stealing any valuable. Narrating how the incident happened, she said: When I was notified of this incident at the middle of the night on Wednesday, I immediately sent messages to the DG of NYSC, the Deputy Governor and the SSG. They all replied me to express their shock for this dastardly act. Up till now, I am still in shock. I keep asking myself, why? What could have happened because reports have it that they took nothing from them. Since then, we have been in constant touch with the DG of NYSC and with the state government. That very morning, I visited the surviving corps member in the hospital. I ensured the hospital quickly and promptly gave the corps member the needed attention. The two families that lost their children had been contacted. They are still in shock, wondering what their children could have done. They are still weeping. The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Olusholla David, visited the State Secretariat of NYSC and met with Lotto. David expressed shock over the incident and assured the NYSC of a rejigged security strategy to ensure the safety of serving corps members in the state. The police boss promised to brief Governor Seriake Dickson on the incident, adding that the perpetrators would be found and brought to justice. He said: There is nobody that will hear the incident that will not be shocked. The corps members in the state may be scared but please assure them that there will be improved security under my watch, he said.
Mayoral candidates Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell have increasingly in recent weeks attacked each other in advertisements and public statements. Carlos Avila Gonzalez; Gabrielle Lurie/The Chronicle

As the San Francisco mayoral race heated up last month, an influential yet seldom-seen figure in city politics posed a pointed question to candidate Daniel Lurie.

In a late-night email Sept. 4, the conservative donor Bill Oberndorf asked Lurie about a mailer his campaign had recently sent attacking former Supervisor Mark Farrell, one of the other leading candidates trying to unseat Mayor London Breed.

Oberndorf wrote the email the night before a board meeting of his moderate political group, Neighbors for a Better San Francisco, which rose to prominence two years ago by bankrolling the recall of former District Attorney Chesa Boudin. The Neighbors board  which Oberndorf leads  had previously endorsed Farrell, a former interim mayor, and Lurie, a nonprofit founder, as its top choices for mayor.

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After Oberndorf wrote to Lurie in the email obtained by the Chronicle asking if the mailer was accurate and true, he received a defiant response from Lurie the next morning.



If you are asking me on behalf of Neighbors to cover up this corruption and unethical behavior, I do not want to be affiliated with the organization, Lurie wrote. Im not going to be intimidated. San Francisco needs accountable, ethical and courageous leadership.

The exchange shows how a deep-pocketed donor and a leading candidate have clashed over a race in which Farrell and Lurie have been Breeds closest competitors in the polls. The emails also shed more light on the rivalry between Lurie and Farrell, which has intensified in recent weeks as the two candidates attack each other in advertisements and public statements. Farrell and Lurie share Breeds moderate politics but criticize how shes managed the city.

In his Sept. 5 response to Oberndorf, Lurie defended his broadside against Farrell. The mailer accused Farrell of having taken advantage of a dysfunctional bureaucracy he helped create, citing news reports that documented concerns about whether he had followed campaign ethics rules.

Lurie said the mailer had cited its sources correctly and voters deserve to know whether those asking for their support can be trusted. He also issued a rebuke to Oberndorf, saying he would not be intimidated. Oberndorf chairs the Neighbors board and is responsible for the tone and direction for the organization, Lurie said.

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In a statement to the Chronicle, Neighbors Executive Director Jay Cheng confirmed the accuracy of the emails between Oberndorf and Lurie.

When Neighbors made its dual endorsement of Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell it was with the expectation that they would campaign based on facts dealing with the most pressing issues facing our city, Cheng said. Neighbors believes there is no place for misstatements of fact, hearsay, or innuendo in our political discourse, let alone in a race where we have dual endorsed two candidates.



Cheng said the point of Oberndorfs communication with Lurie was to keep the candidates focused on the issues knowing that at some point Farrell would need to respond.

Lurie is not getting financial support from Oberndorf. An heir to the Levi Strauss fortune by way of his late stepfather, Lurie has been pouring millions of dollars of his own money into his campaign, making him by far the biggest spender in the mayors race. He is also benefiting from a political action committee funded with millions from other well-heeled donors, including his mother, the billionaire businesswoman Mimi Haas.



Yet Neighbors remains formidable. The organization was founded in 2020 and quickly became a dominant political force, pouring $4.8 million into the successful 2022 campaign to recall Boudin, a progressive prosecutor who moderates saw as too lenient on crime. Neighbors was the top donor in both the Boudin recall and the recall of three San Francisco school board members months earlier.

In the current election, Neighbors is trying to ensure the passage of Proposition D, a measure to slash the number of oversight commissions and make it easier for the mayor to hire and fire department heads. The group is not spending any money on the mayors race, despite having endorsed Farrell and Lurie.

Oberndorf, however, has made his personal preference clear.

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Public records show that he has given more than half a million dollars to support Farrell and a separate fundraising committee Farrell established to support Prop D. Farrell has pooled some expenses between his Prop D committee and his mayoral campaign, prompting critics to accuse him of circumventing campaign finance restrictions to accept unlimited donations from wealthy donors such as Oberndorf. Farrell has denied the accusations.

Oberndorfs most recent local donation was $350,000 to a new political action committee backing Farrell. At the national level, hes given tens of thousands of dollars this year to elect Republican politicians to Congress, according to federal campaign donation records. Hes given millions to support national Republican candidates in previous years.

While Oberndorf mostly deferred comment for this story to his executive director, he sent the Chronicle a separate email to clear up some misinformation about his background. He noted that he was an early donor to Luries antipoverty nonprofit, Tipping Point Community, but said he thinks Farrell is the person best qualified to lead San Francisco forward.

I still consider Daniel Lurie to be a friend and admire what he did to establish Tipping Point, Oberndorf said.

Oberndorf said he left the Republican Party after it nominated Donald Trump for president in 2016. He voted for Hillary Clinton that year and he voted for President Joe Biden in 2020. He said he and his wife were long-time supporters of the late Sen. Dianne Feinstein and they maintain cordial relationships with many Democrats, including Speaker Emerita Nancy Pelosi and Rep. Ro Khanna.

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After Lurie rebuffed Oberndorf in their email exchange this month, Farrell emailed Oberndorf on Sept. 5 to provide some clarity about Luries mailer and correct his claims about my track record.



He attached a document that provided a side-by-side comparison between Luries mailer and Farrells rebuttals to each point.



You can see that each of his claims is a lie and only designed to tarnish my name and sling mud since I am leading in the polls, Farrell told Oberndorf in the email.



Oberndorf forwarded it to Lurie the next day.

If you think what he has sent out is inaccurate, let me know, Oberndorf said to Lurie.

After the board meeting that Oberndorf referenced to Lurie, the Neighbors board sent a message to its supporters reiterating its dual endorsement of Farrell and Lurie and saying it hoped that differences among candidates would be grounded in fact and not rely on misleading claims.

Neighbors isnt the only political group involved in the tension between Lurie and Farrell.

A comment visible on the side-by-side rebuttal that Farrell sent to Oberndorf shows that Kanishka Cheng, the CEO of TogetherSF Action, worked on the document. TogetherSF Action, a moderate advocacy group, is closely affiliated with Farrell, who hired multiple alums of the organization to work on his campaign. Kanishka Cheng, who is married to Neighbors head Jay Cheng, denied in May that she was working with Farrell when Mission Local reported on a text message that said she was one of the people guiding the ship of Farrells campaign. TogetherSF Action later endorsed Farrell, who has disclosed paying the organization for advertising and mail.



Kanishka Cheng said in an email to the Chronicle that she was asked by Farrells campaign to fact check specific votes referenced in the document because she was Farrells legislative aide when he was in office. I didnt produce the document, she wrote. It took me less than a minute to review, and I provided a comment based on my recollection of his voting history.



Tensions between Lurie and Farrell show no signs of easing.

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CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele

The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership, CACOL, has requested an independent probe into a story of huge financial fraud, theft and official documents manipulation to the tune of about N500bn which was purportedly ploughed into a Dubai investment and had gone awry.

The media has been awash with so many revelations concerning Emefiele, ranging from the role he played in the money illegally approved for a former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki to the recent revelation by Dr George Uboh-led Whistleblowers Network, where it was alleged that $2.5billion disappeared under his watch.

But in a release issued by its Executive Chairman, Debo Adeniran, CACOL stated, We would recollect how a popular Online Newspapers, reported a scoop involving Godwin Emefiele, Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, and his Deputy Edward Lametek Adamu and the Director for Finance Dayo M. Arowosegbe including one of the Special Advisers to the CBN Governor, Emmanuel Ukeje who were caught on tape discussing how to cover up the loss of over N500billion stolen from the apex bank in a private investment that went bust.



According to the online newspapers, In the two authentic telephone audio tapes exclusively obtained by Sahara Reporters, the governor and top officials of the Central Bank of Nigeria haggled over plots to conceal the loss of huge sums of monies in a Dubai investment according to sources at the bank. Emefiele is heard saying in the audio to the deputy governor Adamu: To avoid any serious problem is just, the government just needs to agree to give us at least 100 billion cash but the government will not agree. They will kick against it.

The tapes revealed how the top officials managing Nigerias central bank connived and conspired to cover up financial fraud which has affected the Nigerian economy.

As conversation rages on about the heist and Emefiele was discussing extensively with top officials of the bank to conceal the loss made with the shareholders funds from commercial banks (the monies were reportedly diverted to invest in Dubai to the tune of N500 Billion sometimes towards the end of 2018 and they reportedly lost that investment), Sahara Reporters quoted their CBN sources that, Mr. Emefiele and others in the bank eventually found a way out of their dilemma by diverting funds in possession of the CBN and also printed hard cold cash.



Though, the CBN, through one Issac Okorafor, its director, corporate communications, has confirmed the authenticity of the selective conversation which it claimed was just a routine conversations amongst Senior Management of many agencies and should not be misconstrued as anything but that, there are threads of conversation in the tape that simply does not tally with such hand waive of the CBN Management, especially coming against the backdrop of widespread allegations of financial scams including foreign currency manipulation, money laundering and round-tripping to favor a group of politically exposed persons close to the Presidency.

Hence, CACOLs calls for the two anti-graft agencies, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, and Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) to immediately wade into the matter by thoroughly investigating all allegations surrounding this story and bringing culprits (if any) into justice so as to save this nation from further embarrassment and arrest the drift into financial chaos which the alleged heist was capable of throwing the country into.
The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has said it will place a ban on the importation of milk and other dairy products into the country.

The CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele made this known while addressing reporters at the end of the bi-monthly Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting in Abuja on Tuesday.

Emefiele said that between $1.2 billion and $1.5 billion are spent yearly to import milk into the country.

He said We can no longer continue to spend close to $1.2 billion to $1.5 billion, importing milk into the country, a product we can produce. To some extent, they (milk importers) should help us also to reduce the rate of herders, farmers conflict.

The apex bank also said it will start the rejuvenation of moribund textile mills in the country.

The Director in charge of Development Finance Department in Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mrs Bademosi Tinuola, made the promise at the official commissioning of a garment company, Xirea Apparels by Buphalo company in Port Harcourt, the Rivers state capital, yesterday.

she said The present administration and the Governor of Central Bank are in support of local manufacturers. We believe in growing the economy of the country; we dont want our country to become a dumping ground for all kinds of imported goods. Most of our industries are collapsing now because of indiscipline

We are presently growing cotton in the north. By October we will start to harvest our cotton to encourage textile industries. CBN imported the seeds and planted them so that we can revamp dead textile industries.

With this very soon, the textile factory workers will go back to work, fabric staff, engineering workers will be up and working and employment rate will be higher, crime and criminality reduced and Nigeria economy will begin to work again.

At the end of the meeting, MPC members voted to: Retain the MPR at 13.50 per cent; Retain the asymmetric corridor of +200/-500 basis points around the MPR; Retain the CRR at 22.5 per cent; and retain the Liquidity Ratio at 30 per cent.

Speaking, Emefiele said CBN has held several meeting with milk importers, the first being about three years ago, after the introduction of forex restrictions on over 40 items.

He said About three and half years ago, when the policy on restriction of forex started, we considered including milk on the list of items under restriction from forex, but we conjectured that based on sentiment some people are bound to express, that we should be very careful.

We called on the management of the oldest milk importer into Nigeria, WAMCO into Central Bank office in Lagos.

We held at least three meetings with them and we told them this would have happened but we decided not to allow it to happen, that we are trying to use the opportunity to appeal to them to do backward integration. Integrate backward and begin the process of development and produce your milk in Nigeria.

Importers could also support the pastoralists, get them concentrated in one place instead of moving around. Provide them facilities like water, hospitals, schools.

If you are in a community and you want to enjoy the proceeds of that community there is nothing wrong in providing certain things for the communities to blossom.

The proceeds of what you get in return will be your milk to recoup your investments.

Those are the kind of things we expect companies that are importing milk into Nigeria to do. Unfortunately, after three years, nothing has happened.

If the journey was started three years ago, perhaps the herders, farmers conflict that we see today would not have been as intense as it is this time.

 We would need your help at this time because we can no longer wait for you to continue to be importing this product into Nigeria because we are convinced it can be produced in Nigeria.

The farmers can acquire land and begin to graze their own cows and fatten them and get the milk, and then they can also be complemented by pastoralists who own their own small holder cows under a small farming holder arrangement, they can also get milk from them.

However, the milk importers ignored Emefieles advice which has now led to the forex restrictions on milk importation.

According to Emefiele, Nigeria belongs to us, when we have policy, we want people to respect the policy of this country.

The amount we spend importing milk is too high. We are saying, by doing backward integration, help us to reduce or limit herders and farmers conflict in Nigeria and we are determined to make milk production in Nigeria a viable economic proposition.

By the time we restrict you, if you need loan to acquire land we will give you, if you need loan to grow your grass, we will give you; to produce water, we will give you loan.

But that you will continue to import milk into the country, I think we are getting to the end of road.

I will repeat, we are really getting to end of the road. The era of releasing forex for importation is coming to an end, and it will come soon than expected.
Rochas Okorocha, governor of Imo state, has accused national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adams Oshiomhole, of plotting to destroy the ruling party with his actions.

Okorocha was reacting to his suspension by the party.

The NWC had suspended Okorocha and Ibikunle Amosun, governor of Ogun state, over allegations of anti-party activities.

The duo fell out with the leadership of the APC after failing to secure the gubernatorial tickets of the ruling party for their preferred candidates.

In a statement on Friday, Okorocha accused the national chairman of setting out to destroy the APC in the south east, noting that all states governed by the ruling party in the region are embroiled in crises due to the fraudulent manner he conducted the partys primaries.

The statement, issued by Sam Onwuemeodo, his spokesman read: Adams Oshiomhole was determined right from the outset to destroy APC in the south-east and unknown to party chieftains from the zone who had genuinely supported his chairmanship.

He is playing the politics of 2023 in 2019 and in playing it he has thrown caution to the wind. In all the south-east states, there are crises and all arising from the fraudulent manner he conducted the primaries.

In 2015, Governor Okorocha had joined the merger that gave birth to APC at the risk of his second tenure and was called all sorts of unprintable names.

Yet, he won the governorship election, delivered 24 out of the 27 members of the House of Assembly for APC, two House of Representatives members and one Senator.

In 2019, Oshiomhole felt that such a man should be treated with disdain. He handed over the governorship ticket of the Party to Hope Uzodinma who has never resigned his membership of the PDP on the floor of the Senate like others did and giving all kinds of flimsy excuses.

And if Oshiomhole had meant well for APC and Imo people in particular, would he have given the ticket of the Party to a man facing five corruption charges and having travel ban slammed on him, to be the partys Candidate?

Okorocha berated the national chairman for his lack of wisdom while alleging that Oshiomhole was trying to fulfill his own end of a deal that involved giving out the partys ticket to non-deserving elements.

In the February 23, 2019 Presidential and National Assembly election, Governor Okorocha won in ten, out of the twelve local government areas in Orlu zone to emerge winner for Imo West Senatorial District, he said.

He also delivered four House of Representatives Candidates on the platforms of APC and AA respectively, with one Senate Seat and two House of Representatives Seats outstanding.

And when the APC members across the nation are still celebrating the success of the party in the Presidential and National Assembly elections, Oshiomhole in his wisdom or lack of it, felt that the best action in the circumstance was to suspend two governors who did well in the election, even when he played safe in 2015 and 2019 in Edo State without any known pressure.

Again, Oshiomhole coming with the purported expulsion this time was only acting out of the fear that God in his infinite Mercy could give Governor Okorocha a role to play in the Senate, in the overall interest of the nation.

The truth is that Oshiomhole is only labouring in vain to play his own part of the deal that warranted his giving out the tickets of the party to non-deserving elements like in the case of Imo. Finally, APC especially in the Southeast and in Imo in particular will outlive Oshiomhole.

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Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State has continued to ridicule Governor Umaru Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State since the dethronement of the Emir of Kano, Mahammad Sanusi II, on Monday by the Kano State government. The Kaduna State governor further demystified Ganduje for not appreciating the intellectual wealth Sanusi possesses for national development.

Accordingly, Governor El-Rufai on Wednesday offered the deposed Emir of Kano, Muhammad Sanusi II, another appointment as the Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU).

In a statement at the Government House  Sir Kashim Ibrahim House, on Wednesday, by the media aide to the Governor, Muyiwa Adekeye, the Kaduna State government announced the appointment of Muhammad Sanusi II as Chancellor of the Kaduna State University (KASU). The statement indicated that the former Emir of Kano succeeds the pioneer Chancellor of the university, the Chief of Moroa, Tagwai Sambo, who was appointed into the position in 2005.

The statement reads: On behalf of the government and people of Kaduna State, Malam Nasir El-Rufai is delighted to appoint His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, as the Chancellor of the Kaduna State University. In public life, His Highness has demonstrated a strong commitment to education.

The Kaduna State Government has no doubt that as Chancellor, His Highness Muhammadu Sanusi, would provide symbolic and substantive leadership in raising the profile of KASU as an emerging centre of learning on the national and global level.

Governor El-Rufai had on Tuesday appointed deposed Emir Sanusi II Vice-Chairman of the board of the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency (KADIPA).

Adekeye noted that Sanusis appointment as Chancellor came at a time when KASU was transiting to a multi-campus structure with presence across the state.

He added that the governor thanked the pioneer Chancellor of the institution for the long years of distinguished service to KASU and the state.

El-Rufai, according to him, welcomes the consent of Sanusi to serve as chancellor of KASU and as Vice-Chairman of the board of the Kaduna Investment and Promotions Agency (KADIPA).

The statement further reads: The Kaduna State Government is grateful that HH Muhammadu Sanusi II continues to support and assist the realisation of the governance objectives of the Kaduna State Government.

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A Coronavirus patient who attempted to escape from an isolation centre in Kaduna State has been arrested and taken back.

It was gathered that a gallant officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, an official of the Corps foiled his attempt to escape on Thursday.

The patient was captured by Joshua Philip, a Corps Assistant, at the Infectious Disease Control Center, Down Quarters, Kaduna State, spokesperson of the agency, Ekunola Gbenga, said in a statement.

According to Gbenga, the patient, a male, tried to leave the isolation center for morning prayers without the permission of doctors.

He said this led to a confrontation between our personnel and the patient, who forcefully picked the keys of the gate of the centre and tried to open the gate to escape, thereby exposing the officer to the virus.

Mr Philip, who captured the patient was given some drugs, and has been instructed to self-isolate for two weeks and call the centre if he develops any symptoms, the statement obtained by Premium Times said.
BLOOMINGTON  A 19-year-old Peoria man has been sentenced to four and a half years in the Illinois Department of Corrections after he pleaded guilty to possession of a stolen firearm in McLean County.

Sincere L. Walker appeared in court Monday afternoon before Judge William Yoder, who imposed the sentence. Additionally, Walker was ordered to complete one year of mandatory supervised release following the prison sentence and pay all associated fines and fees due to the court.

This offense is punishable by either a term of probation or three to seven years in prison. Walker earned credit for five days he served in the McLean County jail before posting bail.

Walker was initially charged in July 2023 with possession of a stolen firearm, a Class 2 felony; violating the Illinois Firearm Owners Identification Card Act, a Class 3 felony; and aggravated unlawful use of a weapon, a Class 4 felony.

The additional charges were dismissed.

This case stems from an incident in which police said Walker confronted someone in McLean County with a stolen shotgun.

At his initial appearance hearing, First Assistant State's Attorney Brad Rigdon said Normal Police Department officers were dispatched at 1:45 a.m. July 23, 2023, to a report of an armed subject in the 1300 block of Dalton Drive.

A witness reported to police they had seen the suspect leaving the area in a white vehicle. Officers located the vehicle and the suspect, who was later identified as Walker.

Walker reportedly exited the vehicle and ran from police before officers eventually located him and took him into custody. Rigdon said officers were told Walker was upset because he had loaned his car to someone who crashed it, so he confronted the person with a shotgun.

Police recovered an unloaded and uncased 12-gauge Pardus shotgun discarded at a nearby apartment building. The gun had been reported as stolen.

Sentence recommendations

At Monday's hearing, Assistant State's Attorney Aaron Fredrick asked that the defendant be given five years in prison and said Walker had caused or threatened serious harm when he committed this offense.

Although Walker is only 19, Fredrick said he has a lengthy criminal history with multiple juvenile adjudications. Fredrick noted every time Walker had been given a probation sentence, he violated the terms of his probation by committing a new offense, including when he committed the July 2023 offense.

"He will commit new offenses," Fredrick said. "He does not take advantage to address the issues he clearly has."

Fredrick cited five violations of probation.

The prosecutor said Walker had been given ample opportunity to break his cycle of recidivism through recommendations of anger management and grief counseling, but Walker had not followed through with either referral.

"He can't seek help for his issues because he's not honest about what his issues are," Fredrick said, arguing a five-year sentence was necessary to deter others and to avoid deprecating the seriousness of this crime.

Walker's attorney, Assistant Public Defender Michael Malin, asked the judge to give the defendant a term of probation. Malin acknowledged evidence of motive, and the fact the defendant committed this offense while he was under a continuing court order.

However, Malin said this is the first case Walker has been charged with as an adult and argued he should be given the opportunity to seek rehabilitation because of his youth.

"He's facing the music for the first time of something that actually has teeth," Malin said.

Malin also noted Walker had a troubled childhood, having grown up in a "broken home," and lost his father figure.

"I'm looking at lack of education and successful counseling as to why we're here," Malin said.

In a statement to the court, Walker promised to lead a better life. The defendant said the death of the man he knew as his father prevented him from having the opportunity to turn his life around.

"I was a child," he said of his past criminal offenses. "I realized the last few years; I'm trying to better myself. I really can do this, and I can make something out of my life."

Yoder said he considered the defendant's age and the distress he had faced in his life. Ultimately, the judge said the "troubling list of prior record" as a juvenile influenced the sentence.

"This is his first felony as an adult," Yoder said. "Unfortunately, he has committed a very serious offense as his first felony offense."
DECATUR  Former Illinois Congressman Adam Kinzinger recognizes it's an "awkward alliance" binding Republicans like himself who oppose former President Donald Trump together with independents and Democrats.

But when Kinzinger was asked to speak at last month's Democratic National Convention in Chicago, he said he "didn't hesitate for a second." After all, he had already joined hundreds of former GOP elected officials, staffers and political operatives in endorsing Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign to deny Trump a second non-consecutive term.

Speaking at Millikin University in Decatur on Monday, said he "would absolutely be open" to serving in a prospective Harris Administration. Last month, Harris said she would appoint a Republican to her Cabinet if elected.

"It depends what the job is," Kinzinger told Herald & Review in an interview. "But yeah, I wouldn't be opposed to it, for sure."

"I'm not angling for it, I have no expectation that I'll get offered anything," he said. "But certainly, yeah, if there's an offer and it's something I have an interest in and I think I'd be good at, then I would definitely entertain that."

Kinzinger, a Bloomington native who represented central and northern parts of Illinois in the U.S. House from 2011 to 2023, visited privately with students at the Decatur liberal arts college, spoke with local media and then delivered a lecture to more than 350 people gathered inside the Kirkland Fine Arts Center about the fight to "defend democracy" from Trump.

He also offered a prescription for the Illinois Republican Party to work its way out of the hole in a state now considered safely in the Democratic column: "Reach out to the people that are not insane, and that's gonna take kicking the insane people out."

Those topics and others came up during a media availability and in the roughly 40-minute lecture that followed.

Kinzinger joked with the friendly audience that his initial DNC speech included the phrase "I never thought I'd be here." But, after other Republican speakers used it, he scrapped it to avoid the cliche.

Still, the sentiment behind the words was accurate.

Kinzinger was first elected to Congress during the 2010 midterm election, a Republican wave year spurred on by the conservative Tea Party movement.

And even when Trump came onto the scene, Kinzinger was mostly supportive from a legislative perspective, voting the Republican president's position more than 90% of the time, according to FiveThirtyEight.

Despite qualms with aspects of Trump's "America First" foreign policy, Kinzinger ultimately voted for him in 2020.

But after the Jan. 6 attack on the U.S. Capitol, Kinzinger vehemently denounced Trump and joined nine other GOP House members who voted to impeach him. Kinzinger later served as one of two Republicans on the House select committee that investigated the attack.

With this lack of allegiance to Trump and a hostile new congressional map drawn by Springfield Democrats during the last redistricting process making his path to reelection unlikely, Kinzinger opted to retire from Congress in 2022.

He has since become a CNN political commentator.

Kinzinger said his hope was not to convince anyone who they should vote for, reasoning that most have already made up their minds. Instead, he hope to help people recognize "what the stakes are" in this election.

"I truly think the future of democracy is at stake, and this is about this awkward alliance between some on the right, the center and the left to defend democracy," Kinzinger said.

This, at least in the context of this election, Kinzinger said, means ensuring Harris wins and Trump is denied a second term. Currently, most handicappers have designated the presidential race as a pure tossup.

"I feel I would much rather be in Kamala's position today than in Donald Trump's position," Kinzinger said. "But if she loses and Donald Trump wins, we have to pivot to saying for the next four years, 'how do we defend democracy?'"

Echoing his message from the DNC, Kinzinger said this election rises above partisan politics, calling attention to the potential dangers of a second Trump term. In particular, he said Trump's false claims of election fraud have sown the seeds of doubt in a way where it's "hard for me to see how self governance survives that too many more cycles."

"And my concern is not about Washington, D.C. on Jan. 6," Kinzinger said. "My concern is what happens in these swing states where it's close."

"What about in Arizona, for instance, if you have a Republican legislature that has to certify a win by Kamala? What if they simply refuse to do it? You can see how the Arizona State Capitol becomes a flashpoint for violence, or how that becomes a constitutional crisis if, for instance, all of a sudden the legislature decides they're just going to certify Trump won and not Kamala," he said.

He said these are "the points that I think we need to be aware of, we need to be talking about, and we need to be ready to push back against."

Kinzinger is optimistic, however. In the long term, he figures that if Republicans don't, in his view, course correct, "something else will come and replace them because there has to be a center-right movement in any country and there has to be a center-left movement."

In the short term, he said there's a "very robust 'Republicans for Harris' operation" that he believes could deliver just enough votes to swing the election towards Harris. He said the Democrats' ground game could be a decisive advantage against Trump.

"Now the ground game isn't going to make a difference if you're down by 10 points in a state, but if it's tied or you're down by one, a ground game can make all the difference," Kinzinger said.

During his remarks, Kinzinger also reflected on the weakened state of Illinois Republicans, noting the party had an 11-8 advantage in the state's congressional delegation in 2011. A decade later, the party only holds three of 17 seats.

"I gotta tell you, ladies and gentlemen: yeah, gerrymandering in Illinois does suck," Kinzinger said. "But it's not gerrymandering that did it. It's because people have felt like the crazy, basically, is not what they want representing them."

He urged the state party to shift back to the brand of moderate Republicanism championed by elected officials like former governors Jim Thompson and Jim Edgar.

"If I was advising Republicans, I would say this: never utter the word 'Darren Bailey' again in your life, kick Mary Miller out of the party," Kinzinger said, referencing the 2022 GOP gubernatorial nominee and the incumbent U.S. representative from Illinois' 15th Congressional District, respectively. "Like these are the kinds of things you have to do in order to be a party that people may want to vote for again  and put moderates on the ballot."

Miller is one of Trump's staunchest allies in Illinois. She represents portions of Decatur, including the area immediately west of Millikin's campus.

Kinzinger now lives in Texas with his wife and 2-year-old son, explaining he "had to get away from the threats" on his life that came with his vocal opposition to Trump. But he said, "I'll be back" to Illinois at some point.

He said he has no regrets.

"If I went back in time and, all of a sudden, the clock started again and it was Jan. 6, and you said, 'Adam, you know what the future holds, would you do it?' I would do it even harder than I did the first time," he said.

5 biggest US presidential election upsets since 1872 5 biggest US presidential election upsets since 1872 #5. Grover Cleveland defeats Benjamin Harrison (1892) #4. John F. Kennedy defeats Richard Nixon (1960) #2. Donald Trump defeats Hillary Clinton (2016) #1. Harry Truman defeats Thomas Dewey (1948) #3. Grover Cleveland defeats James Blaine (1884)
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Visionary Organisational Development and Entrepreneurial Club (VODEC) Africa, Mr Daniel Asomani, has called for the scraping of the COVID-19 tax and the E-levy for it to be replaced with the Climate Change levy.



The Climate Change Levy (CCL) will be an environmental tax charged on the energy that businesses use. It will be a means of encouraging businesses to be more energy efficient in how they operate, and aims at reducing the overall emissions that businesses produce.



He explained that the implementation of the climate levy was important as it could serve as a tool to empower the country to tackle climate change while strengthening economic growth.



He also said the adoption of such a levy would ensure that the country took ambitious action on both mitigation and adaptation, and to create green jobs opportunities would attract and inspire the youth to be innovative.



Mr Asomani was speaking at this years national emerging leaders forum held at the University of Professional Studies (UPSA) in Accra last week.



The forum, which was organised by VODEC Africa, was under the theme: Leading for Sustainable Economic Growth in a Multipolar World: The Role of Emerging Leaders, and was attended by representatives of the various political parties and students.



According to Mr Asomani, it was important for the proposed climate levy to be designed in a way that ensured inclusivity, sustainability, efficiency, and effectiveness within the corporate sector.



By embracing this bold shift, we can establish a fairer tax system that empowers our youth, drives economic growth, and priorities the health of our planet. Let us invest in a future where young Ghanaians can change toward a sustainable and prosperous Ghana, Mr Asomani said.



He further called for closer collaboration between all relevant stakeholders such as the government, private sector, civil society organisations, and the youth in the implementation of the climate levy.



Mr Asomani also urged presidential candidates contesting the December 7 general election to consider policies that focused on youth investment, industrialisation, support for local businesses, and good governance.



The Founder and President of Worldwide Miracle Outreach, (WMO) Dr Lawrence Tetteh, added that emerging leaders must be courageous and push for agenda that would bring development to the country.



Emerging leaders must rise up to their responsibilities, when you sit down and let others make decision for you it will only benefit those making those decisions, he added.

Source: Ghanaian Times









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Mei Zhu, owner of Meis Groceries, stands at her store in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco. She has been running the small grocery store along the busy Stockton Street with the help of her family for 10 years and is uncertain about her future in Chinatown, as her business has yet to recover post-pandemic. Concerns regarding crime, homelessness and illegal street vendors have also plagued the community. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle People shop at a vendor along Stockton Street in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco last week. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Daisy Xie was standing outside her Chinatown to-go food business on Stockton Street recently when a man walked past, yelling to no one in particular, Im off my brains already. You think I need to smoke fing dope?

Every day, it is like this, Xie said in Mandarin as the man passed her.

Xie said the neighborhood has seen an increasing number of mentally unwell people on the streets since the pandemic.

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Before, we could call the police and theyd come and lead the person away, she said.Now, its not like that.  This has become the norm.

Chinatown has changed since Xie first opened her business, New Golden Daisy, almost a decade ago, she said, pointing to how San Franciscos homelessness and addiction crises have spilled into the neighborhood.

The area is also faced with illegal vendors, an affordable housing shortage, and concerns about anti-Asian hate and public safety. Longtime small businesses are still struggling with lower foot traffic post-pandemic.

These challenges may come to a head in this Novembers election, when Chinatown community members will choose a new supervisor to represent District 3, which also encompasses North Beach, Fishermans Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Nob Hill, Russian Hill and the Financial District.

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Six candidates are vying to replace eight-year incumbent and Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who is termed out and running for mayor.

Voters say theyre eager for better representation.

Chinatown has never had a Cantonese-speaking supervisor despite a large monolingual population. This year it could elect its first. Candidates include native Cantonese speaker Sharon Lai as well as Cantonese learners Moe Jamil and Danny Sauter, who said theyd hire staff who speak the language.

From left: Danny Sauter, Sharon Lai, and Moe Jamil, candidates for supervisor to represent District 3, which encompasses Chinatown, North Beach, Fishermans Wharf, Telegraph Hill, Nob Hill, Russian Hill and the Financial District. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Chinatown historically has supported the Chinese candidate, even the losing one, David Ho, a Chinatown political consultant, said, pointing to the 2000 supervisorial election where Lawrence Wong, who lost in the runoff against Peskin, won in Chinatown precincts.

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San Francisco, which just 10 years ago had five Asian American supervisors and a Chinese American mayor in Ed Lee, has seen declining Asian American representation in elected office since. The lone Chinese American supervisor, Connie Chan, faces a difficult election in District 1 against Marjan Philhour.

Chinatown has largely rallied around Lai, a former economic nonprofit director, who has earned key endorsements within the neighborhood from progressive groups, including the Community Tenants Association, and merchants, including Edward Siu, president of the Chinatown Merchants United Association.

Its not the baseline reason why people should vote for me, Lai said, before adding that it would be exciting for Chinatown to finally have a native Cantonese-speaking representative.

Lai  who grew up in public housing in Hong Kong and previously served as executive director for DignityMoves, which opened 70 tiny homes for unhoused people in San Francisco  said she will advocate for expanding affordable housing while streamlining approvals for market-rate housing.

Peskin is endorsing both Lai and Jamil, a deputy city attorney on leave. Jamil, who supports preserving historic neighborhoods and creating affordable housing, has been endorsed by many of the same unions and tenants groups as Lai.

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What sets him apart from Lai is public safety, he said, pointing out that she did not support two successful March ballot measures, one that expanded police powers and another that requires drug screening for welfare recipients. He joined the nearly 70% of Chinatown voters who supported the measures.

Supervisor and mayoral candidate Aaron Peskin attends the Hungry Ghost Festival in Chinatown in San Francisco on Aug. 17. Juliana Yamada/Special to the Chronicle

Lai said she had concerns over the police measures loosening of rules on high-speed police chases as well as how the welfare measure might displace people from housing.

Jamil, a supporter of expanded rent control, also criticized Sauters YIMBY stance on building more housing.

Those economic forces, if not restrained by careful legislation and careful stewardship, will unleash a wave of gentrification and displacement that will be very negative to Chinatown, Jamil said.

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Sauter, a neighborhood center director, has been backed by powerful moderates in the city. Running on what he called a pro-housing platform, Sauter, who is a renter, said that he thinks more housing, particularly more affordable housing, is a form of tenant protection.

A community like Chinatown does deserve and require extra sensitivity to housing that other neighborhoods, frankly, do not, he said, before adding that the protections on the books already serve as a buffer against potentially negative impacts of new housing development.

Also on the ticket are Eduard Navarro, an urban designer, Matt Susk, a business person, and Wendy Ha Chau, an attorney.

Flexing Chinatowns political muscle

The nations oldest Chinatown is grappling with how to assert its political power in a district where it is a socioeconomic outlier and where most voters live outside Chinatown.

Chinatown is the citys lowest-income neighborhood with a median household income of just $31,000, according to a Chronicle analysis. But it is flanked by the majority-white, affluent neighborhoods of Russian Hill and Telegraph Hill, where residents may have different priorities.

Many Chinatown residents are noncitizens, unable to vote, and community leaders say that even some of those who can arent registered or dont cast a ballot.

Chinatown is a deep reflection of that lack of civic engagement, Ho said. He added that if the neighborhoods primarily low-income, working-class tenant families voted in proportion to their numbers, issues like housing affordability, job training and economic mobility would become bigger priorities at City Hall.

Ho, who is supporting Lai, said he hopes the neighborhoods next supervisor will respect Chinatowns position as the socialpolitical capital of the Chinese community in San Francisco.

Wing Hoo Leung, president of the Community Tenants Association, which represents about 3,000 low-income, mostly monolingual tenants, said he wants the next supervisor to address public safety and an affordable housing shortage.

Many older residents earn low incomes, $1,000 or less a month, but renting costs more than $1,000, Leung said in Cantonese. If you put all your income into rent, how are you supposed to live?

In the 40 years since Leung moved to the district, he said he never has seen older residents feel as unsafe as in the past three years with high-profile incidents of violence in the city. In 2021, Vicha Ratanapakdee, 84, died after being pushed to the ground, a tragedy that galvanized local activists against anti-Asian violence.

Other violent attacks since then, including a 60-year-old bakery worker being stabbed in Chinatown last year, have done nothing to ease fears.

It breaks my heart, Leung said.

Street vendors operate along Stockton Street in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco last week. Stephen Lam/The Chronicle

Whether Chinatowns anxieties over its future translates into voter power remains to be seen.

Mei Zhu, owner of Meis Groceries on Stockton Street, said that she has endured worsening petty theft since the pandemic. Business is still down about 30% since 2019, she estimated. Shes considering closing her decade-old establishment next year.

Yet Zhu, who lives in the Sunset, said she does not plan to vote this year.

Even if you vote, itll have no effect, Zhu said in Mandarin. No matter who we choose, theyll be the same.

On the other hand, Zhus neighboring business owner, Xie, decided she will vote for the first time this year. Shes still deciding, but she supports Daniel Lurie and Mark Farrell for mayor and Lai for supervisor, she said.
The government is in discussions with their Chinese counterparts for resumption of the three-tier PTC interchange project in the Sekondi-Takoradi metropolis of the Western Region.



The effort is part of governments desire to improve road infrastructure in the region and provide a vital stimulus for the economy.



The Western Regional Minister, Mr Kwabena Okyere Darko-Mensah, gave the hint when he spoke to The Ghanaian Times about the governments vision for the road infrastructure in the region.



He indicated discussions he had with the Minister of Roads and Highways on the way forward for the PTC interchange and reiterated the governments commitment to complete the project, this year.



I have called the Roads Minister and he said, we are trying to agree with the Chinese on the finalising the Chinese loan restructuring and hopefully, when this comes on stream, soon, we will resume completion the PTC interchange project. I want the remaining to be finished this year, he assured.



Already, Mr Darko-Mensah said, tier one (26 meters) of the PTC interchange was being done to ease congestion at the Goil Filling Station area and ensure free-flow of traffic in the oil city.



He told The Ghanaian Times that Takoradi-Elubo highway, which is part of the Trans African Highway, would also be reconstructed into a dual carriage, with Government of Ghana funding and not the Economic Community of West African States ( ECOWAS).



Meanwhile, he said, the reconstruction of the 23- kilometre Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road into a dual carriageway was progressing steadily with the contractor, Justmoh Construction, on course and working at fantastic speed.



The project, which is about 40 percent complete, Mr Darko-Mensah said, was part of the N1H1 highway, and involved the construction of four major bridges including the Ewusiejoe and the Apremdo bridges.



He said The Takoradi-Agona Nkwanta road is a major link connecting Takoradi Port to the mining and agriculture enclave of the Western and Western North Regions. It will also ensure easy transportation of export commodities like bauxite and manganese to the port and haulage of machinery to the mining enclaves at Tarkwa and environs.



Additionally, the stretch, which connected the Agona Nkwanta-Elubo road, he mentioned, would enhance intra-African trade through the movement of goods and people to and from Cote dIvoire.



Mr Darko-Mensah again said, works had also started for the construction of New Takoradi- Nkontompo by -pass and hoped that after the surface was done, the main base material would be laid, assuring we are working on it seriously to have it finished.



He said, with the District Road Improvement Programme (DRIP), the region was on course to open  up the fringed communities, noting that, work on the Ayiem-Mpohor corridors had begun to improve travelling time and reduce the drudgery of connecting with Takoradi, the commercial capital.



Our vision is to make roads motorable in the remotest areas and you will soon see the results from the farm gates. Indeed, DRIP will promote agricultural production, enhance the food chain and also reduce postharvest losses, the Regional Minister explained.



It is recalled that, on September 16, 2020, Vice President, Dr Mahamudu Bawumia cut the sod for the construction of the first-ever $ 2 billion interchange at the PTC roundabout in Takoradi, to executed by Messrs Power China Sino Hydro Corporation Limited and expected to be completed in 30 months.



However, in January 2023, the Chinese Contractor left the site and since then the project had stalled.



Work completed is about 80 percent, Roads and Highways ministry reported

Source: Ghanaian Times









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The Ministry of Communications and Digitalization (MoCD), through the Data Protection Commission (DPC) in collaboration with UNESCO today, launched the Readiness Assessment Measurement (RAM)-Ethical Use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Accra.



The event aimed to explore how artificial intelligence (AI) could be ethically used in Ghana and the role of AI in shaping the countrys future across various sectors.



The Minister for Communications and Digitalization, Mrs. Ursula Owusu-Ekuful ( MP) reflected on the transformational impact AI is expected to have on every aspect of life within the next five years. She shared her thoughts on the parallels between AI development and the steps Ghana previously took in cybersecurity.



We need to engage with AI thoughtfully, much like we did when addressing cybersecurity. The same careful diagnostic approach will serve us well in AI, she said.



The Minister emphasized the importance of preparing the next generation for an AI-driven future by investing in AI knowledge and skills.



She voiced concerns about the growing digital divide, particularly in terms of broadband access. Without addressing the lack of digital infrastructure, we risk leaving many behind as AI becomes more integral to everyday life, she said.



She also highlighted the governments efforts to expand nationwide connectivity, pointing out that the rollout of 4G and 5G networks would be essential for AI adoption in Ghana.



She also shared her thoughts on the importance of keeping humans at the center of decision-making even as AI becomes more prevalent. AI is designed to assist us, not replace us. The final decision always rests with the human, not the machine, Minister stated.



Mr. Edmond Moukala, Head of UNESCOs Accra office, began by noting the privilege for Ghana to be one of two African nations selected for the AI readiness assessment.



He emphasized the importance of grounding AI development in the cultural and ethical realities of Africa. We need AI systems that understand our languages, values, and traditions. AI is not only a tool for the future, but it must also reflect who we are as a people, he said.



He further highlighted the potential of AI in solving local problems such as improving access to basic services like clean water, healthcare, and education in remote areas.



Mr. Moukala stressed the need to ensure that AI systems are adapted to African contexts rather than solely relying on data from other continents.



Mr. James Wright, Programme Specialist, UNESCO Headquarters, discussed the crucial role of AI training and knowledge for both public and private sector workers in Ghana.



He noted that while AI offers many benefits, the countrys poor digital infrastructure could hinder its widespread adoption. Without reliable high-speed internet, our children and citizens will be left behind in the AI revolution, he warned.



Mr. Wright also highlighted the need for a targeted AI training program similar to Europes ambitious goal of training a billion people in AI over the next five years.



Mrs. Patricia Adusei-Poku, Executive Director of the Data Protection Commission (DPC), outlined Ghanas National AI Strategy, focusing on its mission to harness AI for national development.



She emphasized that the strategy is built on several key pillars: building capacity, ethical AI use, and promoting research and innovation.



The vision, she explained, is to make Ghana a leader in AI on the continent, with AI solutions that cater to both economic growth and the countrys unique cultural and social needs.



Mr. Carl Ampah, UNESCO, highlighted the readiness assessment methodology, which aims to evaluate how well Ghana is prepared to adopt AI. He shared insights on the importance of data availability and the need to ensure AI aligns with the nations social and cultural context.



He underscored the practical challenges in rolling out AI, especially in terms of infrastructure and digital literacy.



In attendance were the Chief Director of the MoCD, Mr Alexander Yaw Arphul, Directors and staff of the MoCD, Representatives from the Data Protection Commission, GIFEC and the Ghana Domain Name Registry.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/peacefmonline.com









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The Electoral Commission (EC) is holding an Interparty Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting today Tuesday October 1 at the commissions headquarters in Accra.



According to the EC, the meeting aims to provide an opportunity for Political Parties to present any findings they may have with the Provisional Voters Register (PVR).



A statement issued by the commission said The meeting aims at providing an opportunity for Political Parties to present any findings they may have with the Provisional Voters Register (PVR). It will also afford the Commission an opportunity to present an updated report on issues it has resolved with the PVR. To ensure that Citizens are adequately informed about the process, the Commission will provide live coverage of the meeting. This forms part of the Commissions efforts to build trust in its processes".





Source: Rebeca Addo Tetteh/Peacefmonline.com









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A former General Secretary of the Convention Peoples Party (CPP), Nana Yaa Jantuah, has joined the call for a forensic audit of the voters register.



According to her, a thorough audit would ensure transparency, and once the results were clear, the losing side would have no grounds for dispute, ensuring a fair contest for all parties involved.



The opposition NDC has called for a forensic audit and a re-exhibition of the 2024 voters register, citing discrepancies, including illegal voter transfers.



However, the Electoral Commission has stated that it is open to holding another physical exhibition of the corrected Provisional Voters Register but finds it impractical due to the three to four weeks needed for printing and distribution, given the short time before the election.



The Commission has rather promised an online exhibition of the register.



Speaking on JoyNews AM Show, Nana Yaa Jantuah said, I saw in the letter that they [EC] said no private person can come into their system. We are not saying a private person should come into their system. We want an expert to come into your system for all of us. Even Alan Kyerematen had a certain way that we should do it, that we all sit around the table. I remember the NDC too said the same thing. All political parties would be there.



We would all look at the register, we find an expert, I mean an independent expert to do it. At the end of the day, we take out all the nitty-gritty, all the rubbish, all the dirt, all the names that are not wanted, and everybody is satisfied that this is the register we are going with, she said.



The former Public Relations and External Affairs Director of the Public Utilities Regulatory Commission stated that all stakeholders were calling for a forensic audit.



She emphasized that the Electoral Commission exists to serve Ghanaians and political parties, not itself, and expressed surprise that some political parties remain silent on the issue.



This register is about all of us. I dont see why they [EC] do not want to do it. Its as if the NDC wants an audit, and the NDC wants to create chaos. I am a bit surprised that the NPP is acting as if they are the PR for the EC, speaking out against the audit. They are saying there should not be any audit, and if there is, they would go to the Supreme Court. It is not their business. The EC themselves should come and tell us that they do not want an audit. The NPP started talking about not doing an audit even before the EC spoke, she said.

Source: Ghanaian Times









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The flagbearer of the Liberal Party of Ghana (LPG), Kofi Akpaloo, has dismissed the National Democratic Congress (NDC) call for a forensic audit of the 2024 voters register, labelling it a waste of time and a non-starter.



Akpaloo argued that with less than three months to the December 7 elections, there is insufficient time for the Electoral Commission (EC) to conduct such an audit.



The NDC has been pushing for a forensic audit, claiming that the voter register has been inflated with ineligible individuals.



However, during an Inter-Party Advisory Committee (IPAC) meeting at the Alisa Hotel in Accra on Tuesday, October 1, the LPG flagbearer urged the NDC to abandon its demand, stating that it would only distract from the necessary preparations for the upcoming elections.



We have almost 65 days until the elections and EC is expected to audit the register within the next 60 days. When are we going to do this forensic audit involving 275 constituencies, 40,000 polling stations, and 18 million voters? Who is going to do this auditing in less than 60 days and so NDC, please stop this request because it will not help anybody.



He further defended the EC, stating that the NDCs allegation of the register being filled with ghost names will not have any negative bearing on the outcome of the December 7 polls.



Mind you, this is a biometric register and no dead person can come out of the grave to vote and so if there is a dead person on the register, it will not affect the results so please, this one is a non-starter and you shouldnt have even sent that request here and you have wasted everybodys time





The EC too needs to be commended for the work that they did and it demonstrates the fact that it is up to the task and must be commended and I am not going to accept that human error institution excuse, Kofi Akpaloo added.

Source: citinewsroom.com









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Kneeling before some men of God, John Dramani Mahama, the Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC) was prayed for in his quest to be president again.



The engagement with the pastors and church leaders was to offer the former president an encounter with God ahead of the December 7, presidential election.



The gathering brought together some known controversial men of God who are known for predicting elections in the country.



Notable among them is the Head Pastor of Glorious Word Power Ministries International, Apostle Dr. Isaac Owusu-Bempah.



Despite his spiritual role in helping then Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo to win the presidency, Dr. Isaac Owusu-Bempah has prophesied that Mr John Dramani Mahama will win the 2024 presidential election after he meets with him today.



Also, the founder of the Royal House Chapel International, Apostle General Sam Korankye Ankrah who recently condemned the arrest and detention of violent Democracy Hub protesters was at the meeting.



Known NDC pastor Prophet Nigel Gaisie among others were at John Mahamas fellowship with the Clergy held today.



Pictures from John Mahamas fellowship with the Clergy held below





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

Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

Lowering the cost of health care and prescription drug prices and protecting Medicare and Social Security are among the most important issues for Americans in determining their vote for president, according to a new national West Health-Gallup Poll released today.

Nearly two-thirds say a candidate's position on Medicare/Social Security (63%) is the single or among the most important issues, followed closely by health care costs (57%). Forty-three percent view access to mental health care as important, an emerging issue now seen as close to the level of importance as prescription drug prices (47%), which have been a concern for many years over multiple elections.

However, despite the importance of these issues to voters, two in three say health care is not yet receiving enough attention in the 2024 presidential campaign, and more Democrats (78%) and independents (66%) than Republicans (53%) hold this view. Only 6% of respondents say it's getting too much attention, while 27% say it's getting the right amount.

"Americans remain concerned over high health care prices and the future of Medicare and Social Security even though other issues dominate during this election cycle, and this is especially true for older Americans, a significant voting bloc," said Timothy Lash, President, West Health Policy Center. "Americans across all political stripes want to know where candidates stand on these critical issues and do not think they've heard enough yet. It will be interesting to see how the candidates and political parties address this."

Independent voters were slightly more likely to report trusting Kamala Harris over Donald Trump in addressing key health care issues, according to the survey. This was especially true for improving access to care and insurance coverage and strengthening Medicare. Independents were more than 10 points more likely to say they trust Harris over Trump when considering these issues.

It is notable that about a third of independents report not trusting either candidate on key health care issues. Republicans and Democrats generally fell along party lines, but more Democrats (about 90%) were trusting of their candidate than Republicans (about 70%).

When asked how likely it is that access to affordable health care will improve in the next five years, many Democrats express optimism, while Republicans and independents are more pessimistic. Fifty-eight percent of Democrats believe access is very or somewhat likely to improve, while majorities of Republicans (70%) and independents (64%) say improvement is not very or not at all likely.

Methodology

The West Health-Gallup Pre-Election Health care Survey was conducted via the web from Sept. 9-16, 2024, with 3,660 adults aged 18 and older, living in all 50 U.S. states and the District of Columbia as a part of the Gallup Panel. For results based on the full sample, the margin of sampling error at the 95% confidence level is 2.0 percentage points for response percentages around 50% and is 1.2 percentage points for response percentages around 10% or 90%, design effect included. Reported subgroups will have a larger margin of error, typically 3 to 5 percentage points.

Gallup weighted the combined samples to correct for nonresponse. Non-response adjustments were made by adjusting the sample to match the national demographics of gender, age, race, Hispanic ethnicity, education and region. Demographic weighting targets were based on the most recent Current Population Survey figures for the aged 18 and older U.S. population.

In addition to sampling errors, question wording and practical difficulties in conducting surveys can introduce error or bias into the findings of public opinion polls.

Provided by West Health Institute
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The first major study of social media behavior during wartime has found that posts celebrating national and cultural unity in a country under attack receive significantly more online engagement than derogatory posts about the aggressors.

University of Cambridge psychologists analyzed a total of 1.6 million posts on Facebook and Twitter (now X) from Ukrainian news outlets in the seven months prior to February 2022, when Russian forces invaded, and the six months that followed.

Once the attempted invasion had begun, posts classified as expressing Ukrainian "ingroup solidarity" were associated with 92% more engagement on Facebook, and 68% more on Twitter, than similar posts had achieved prior to Russia's full-scale attack.

While posts expressing "outgroup hostility" towards Russia only received an extra 1% engagement on Facebook after the invasion, with no significant difference on Twitter.

"Pro-Ukrainian sentiment, phrases such as Glory to Ukraine and posts about Ukrainian military heroism, gained huge amounts of likes and shares, yet hostile posts aimed at Russia barely registered," said Yara Kyrychenko, from Cambridge's Social Decision-Making Lab (SDML) in its Department of Psychology.

"The vast majority of research on social media uses US data, where divisive posts often go viral, prompting some scholars to suggest that these platforms drive polarization. In Ukraine, a country under siege, we find the reverse," said Kyrychenko, lead author of the study published in Nature Communications.

"Emotions that appeal to ingroup identity can empower people and boost morale. These emotions may be more contagious, and prompt greater engagement, during a time of active threatwhen the motivation to behave beneficially for one's ingroup is heightened."

Previous research from the same Cambridge lab found that going viral on US social media is driven by hostility: posts that mock and criticize the opposing sides of ideological divides are far more likely to get engagement and reach larger audiences.

The new study initially used the same techniques, finding thatprior to the invasion social media posts from pro-Ukrainian as well as pro-Russian news sources that contained keywords of the "outgroup"opposing politicians, placenames, and so on did indeed generate more traction than posts containing "ingroup" keywords.

However, researchers then trained a large language model (LLM)a form of language-processing AI, similar to ChatGPTto better categorize sentiment and the motivation behind the post, rather than simply relying on keywords, and used this to analyze Facebook and Twitter posts of Ukrainian news outlets before and after the invasion.

This deeper dive revealed a consistently strong engagement rate for solidarity postinghigher than for "outgroup hostility"in the lead up to Russia's attack, which leaps even further after the invasion, while interactions with derisive posts about Russia flatline.

Lastly, a separate dataset of 149,000 post-invasion Tweets that had been geo-located to Ukraine was fed into a similar LLM, to test this effect on social media posts from the Ukrainian population, rather than only news sources.

Tweetsnow X postsfrom the Ukrainian public containing messages of "ingroup solidarity" championing Ukraine were likely to get 14% more engagement, while those expressing antagonism to Russians were likely to gain only a 7% increase.

"Social media platforms allow expressions of the national struggle that would otherwise have been private to reach millions," said Kyrychenko.

"These moments echo solidarity and resistance from a first-person account, which can make them more powerful than traditional media rooted in impersonal reporting."

Researchers acknowledge these trends may result from algorithms used by social media companies, but say the fact that similar effects were detected on two separate platforms, and with posts from both Ukraine's news sources and its citizenry, suggests much of this information-sharing dynamic is driven by people.

"The Kremlin has long tried to sow division in Ukraine, but fails to understand that the Euromaidan revolution and Russia's attempted invasion have only spurred Ukrainian identity towards national unity," said Dr. Jon Roozenbeek, study senior author from Cambridge's SDML as well as King's College London.

"We can trace through social media posts this fortification of Ukrainian group identity in the face of extreme Russian aggression," said Roozenbeek, who published the book Propaganda and Ideology in the RussianUkrainian War earlier this year.

Kyrychenko, a Cambridge Gates Scholar born and raised in Kyiv, recalls the critical role Facebook and Twitter played in the Euromaidan protests in 2014, some of which she participated in as a teenager, and her surprise at the attitude towards social media she encountered in the US after moving there to study in 2018, during the Trump presidency.

"By the time I arrived in the US, social media was seen as toxic and divisive, whereas my experience of these platforms in Ukraine had been as a force for positive political unity in the fight for democracy," said Kyrychenko.

While Kyrychenko points out that hate speech and conspiracy theories still thrive online in Ukraine, she argues that the solidarity fostered on social media reflects some of the early promise these platforms held for uniting people against tyranny.

"The Ukrainian experience reminds us that social media can be used for good, pro-social causes, even in the direst of situations."

Examples of social media posts that were part of the study's dataset:

Ingroup solidarity examples include:

"Thanks to the KALUSH ORCHESTRA band for their support! Glory to Ukraine! " got 4434 retweets.

"Our flag will fly over all of Ukraine, said General Valery Zaluzhnyi." got 5577 favorites and 767 retweets.

"Ukrainian soldiers congratulate students with September 1 and remembers their first bells " ... got 92381 shares and 482896 likes on Facebook.

"In a Polish church, they decided to sing the song "Oh, there's a red viburnum in the meadow" right during the service!  " ... got 34897 shares and 68847 likes on Facebook.

A further description from lead author Yara Kyrychenko of an example of Ukrainian 'ingroup solidarity' social media content:

"On New Year's Eve 2022, a family in the then recently de-occupied Ukrainian city of Kherson watched Volodymyr Zelensky's presidential address over WhatsApp with their relatives in the still-occupied territories.

"A video of the entire family cryingas Zelensky states Ukraine will liberate and rebuildquickly went viral across platforms. It captured something so powerful and deeply emotional that watching it makes many cry, even months later.

"The sense of unity despite barriers, the tender cherishing of the national tradition, and the human connectionall distilled into one TikTok. Posts like these evoke similar feelings of solidarity in countless Ukrainians, even though each has seen a different face of the war."

Outgroup hostility examples include:

"Boris Johnson: negotiating with Putin is like negotiating with a crocodile" got 425 retweets and 4957 favorites.

"It hurts to understand that these bastards shoot absolutely everything. It doesn't matter if the military is there or not. Hospitals, schools...." got 21728 Shares and 25125 Likes.

"Russians don't want to fight for Putin. The story of a soldier captured in Kharkov. 'Bastards! I hate them! They are making propaganda!'" ... got 65409 shares and 79735 Likes.

More information: Social identity correlates of social media engagement before and after the 2022 Russian invasion of Ukraine, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-52179-8 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Undecided voters are less likely to cast their ballot, according to a new study which shows how the fragmentation of the political party system in the UK is fueling low turnout at elections.

The number of citizens undecided in how they'd vote has risen in Western democracies. People are becoming less partisan, meaning they have weaker ties to political parties. There are more parties on the ballot and more voter volatility.

The study, published in Electoral Studies, shows how election participation is lower when citizens are subject to high levels of competition for their vote. People in the electorate are 'in competition' when they have similar preferences for more than one party.

Dr. Hannah Bunting, from the University of Exeter's Elections Centre, found these voters have a ten point lower likelihood of voting than those with a clear political preference. The probability of voting declines from 89.1 percent to 79.2 percent when people are deliberating between two or more parties.

Dr. Bunting said, "Voters are now more indecisive, more likely to switch parties, and generally more volatile and unpredictable in their behavior. My research shows low levels of voting may be related to the more complex choices people have to make, and people becoming more indecisive."

The British Election Study's internet panel suggests around 40 percent of voters are undecided. This new analysis shows they are also less likely to intend to vote.

The study says voter turnout improves when people have a partisan identity and pay greater attention to politics.

Dr. Bunting, who used ten years of British Election Study data for the study, said, "This is a positive sign for democracy. Citizens do seem to spend time deliberating between different parties during competitive elections. The expansion and complexity of choice can promote democracy if parties can convince voters to back them before election day."

The study is also further evidence constituency marginality is not substantially related to individual turnout and partisanship is an important predictor of voting.

At the most recent general election in 2024, polling showed a significant proportion of the British population expressed that they did not know who they would vote for. Turnout at the 2024 general election was the lowest since the 59 percent in 2001.

Dr. Bunting said, "People used to say 'I'm Labour' or 'I'm Tory' but there are fewer and fewer people with that strong partisan identity now. This is coupled with a greater number of candidates and different types of parties on offer. All of this means people are more likely to abstain from voting. It creates a greater cognitive burden for citizens and this complexity feeds indecision which increases the likelihood of making no choice at all. A high number of undecided citizens may thus result in low turnout rates."

The study shows people who have a partisan identity have a 29 percent probability of their vote being in competition between parties, whereas for non-partisans this was higher at 54.3 percent.

Those who pay the least attention to politics are 15 points more likely to be in competition than those who pay the greatest amount of attention. Men are less likely to be in competition, as are older citizens. Individual competitiveness is therefore driven by dealignment and low political engagement, alongside age and gender.

More information: Hannah Bunting, Individual Electoral Competitiveness: Undecided voters, complex choice environments and lower turnout, Electoral Studies (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.electstud.2024.102866
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The rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has triggered concern about potentially detrimental effects on humans. However, the technology also has the potential to harm animals.

An important policy reform now underway in Australia offers an opportunity to address this. The federal government has committed A$5 million to renewing the lapsed Australian Animal Welfare Strategy. Consultation has begun, and the final strategy is expected in 2027.

While AI is not an explicit focus of the review, it should be.

Australians care about animals. The strategy could help ensure decision-makers protect animals from AI's harm in our homes, on farms and in the wild.

Will AI harms to animals go unchecked?

Computers are now so developed they can perform some complex tasks as well as, or better than, humans. In other words, they have developed a degree of "artificial intelligence".

The technology is exciting but also risky.

Warnings about the risks to humans include everything from privacy concerns to the collapse of human civilization.

Policy-makers in the European Union, the United States and Australia are scrambling to address these issues and ensure AI is safe and used responsibly. But the focus of these policies is to protect humans.

Now, Australia has a chance to protect animals from AI.

Australia's previous Animal Welfare Strategy expired in 2014. It's now being revived, and aims to provide a national approach to animal welfare.

So far, documents released as part of the review suggest AI is not being considered under the strategy. That is a serious omission, for reasons we outline below.

Powerful and pervasive technology in use

Much AI use benefits animals, such as in veterinary medicine. For example, it may soon help your vet read X-rays of your animal companion.

AI is being developed to detect pain in cats and dogs. This might help if the technology is accurate, but could cause harm if it's inaccurate by either over-reporting pain or failing to detect discomfort.

AI may also allow humans to decipher animal communication and better understand animals' point of view, such as interpreting whale song.

It has also been used to discover which trees and artificial structures are best for birds.

But when it comes to animals, research suggests AI may also be used to harm them.

For example, it may be used by poachers and illegal wildlife traders to track and kill or capture endangered species. And AI-powered algorithms used by social media platforms can connect crime gangs to customers, perpetuating the illegal wildlife trade.

AI is known to produce racial, gender and other biases in relation to humans. It can also produce biased information and opinions about animals.

For example, AI chatbots may perpetuate negative attitudes about animals in their training dataperhaps suggesting their purpose is to be hunted or eaten.

There are plans to use AI to distinguish cats from native species and then kill the cats. Yet, AI image recognition tools have not been sufficiently trained to accurately identify many wild species. They are biased towards North American species, because that is where the bulk of the data and training comes from.

Algorithms using AI tend to promote more salacious content, so they are likely to also recommend animal cruelty videos on various platforms. For example, YouTube contains content involving horrific animal abuse.

Some AI technologies are used in harmful animal experiments. Elon Musk's brain implant company Neuralink, for instance, was accused of rushing experiments that harmed and killed monkeys.

Researchers warn AI could estrange humans from animals and cause us to care less about them. Imagine AI farms almost entirely run by smart systems that "look after" the animals. This would reduce opportunities for humans to notice and respond to animal needs.

Existing regulatory frameworks are inadequate

Australia's animal welfare laws are already flawed and fail to address existing harms. They allow some animals to be confined to very small spaces, such as chickens in battery cages or pigs in sow stalls and farrowing crates. Painful procedures (such as mulesing, tail docking and beak trimming) can be legally performed without pain relief.

Only widespread community outrage forces governments to end the most controversial practices, such as the export of live sheep by sea.

This has implications for the development and use of artificial intelligence. Reform is needed to ensure AI does not amplify these existing animal harms, or contribute to new ones.

Internationally, some governments are responding to the need for reform.

The United Kingdom's online safety laws now require social media platforms to proactively monitor and remove illegal animal cruelty content from their platforms. In Brazil, Meta (the owner of Facebook and WhatsApp) was recently fined for not taking down posts that had been tagged as illegal wildlife trading.

The EU's new AI Act also takes a small step towards recognizing how the technology affects the environment we share with other animals.

Among other aims, the law encourages the AI industry to track and minimize the carbon and other environmental impact of AI systems. This would benefit animal as well as human health.

The current refresh of the Australian Animal Welfare Strategy, jointly led by federal, state and territory governments, gives us a chance to respond to the AI threat. It should be updated to consider how AI affects animal interests.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
Jonathan Bayer and the Adar Brass Band will perform as part of the SFJCCs Rosh Hashanah festival on Sunday, Sept. 29. JCCSF

With ongoing strife and tensions running high in the Middle East, and communities around the globe struggling to find pathways to peace, now is a good time to pause, take a breath and reset. And with the approaching Jewish high holiday season  beginning with its New Years celebration, Rosh Hashanah  there are many opportunities to do just that.

Greet friends with shanah tovah (wishes for a good year) as this holiday season approaches. Welcome the start of Jewish New Year 5785 on Rosh Hashanah, with celebrations observed from the evening of Wednesday, Oct. 2, through Friday, Oct. 4.

How is Rosh Hashanah celebrated?

Break out the brisket and noodle kugels as the holiday is typically celebrated with a festive meal in the company of family, loved ones and neighbors. And eating things that are sweet, like special round loaves of challah bread and apples dipped in honey, are among the ways in which those who observe the holiday can symbolically wish for a sweet year ahead.

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Whats a tashlich?

A tashlich is a somewhat lesser known ceremonial holiday activity. Literally meaning to cast off, it involves tossing bits of bird seed or bread crumbs into bodies of flowing water, symbolizing letting go of the regrets and mistakes of the past year. There is often a trumpeting of the shofar (a rams horn) at these events to ring in and welcome a new year.

Round braided sweet challah bread symbolizes sweetness in the new year. Che Fico Alimentari

How does Yom Kippur fit into the holidays?

Rosh Hashanahs lighter tone is followed by the more solemn Yom Kippur holiday, which occurs this year from Friday through Saturday, Oct. 11-12. With a distinctly sober tone, this Jewish high holiday focuses on prayerful introspection and reflection, and typically includes a one-day fast. There is beauty in the observance of Yom Kippur as well, with services featuring soulful musical offerings including the much loved Kol Nidre.

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Check out the Chronicles guide to local events and happenings honoring Jewish New Year.

Sweet Beginnings: Rosh Hashanah Festival

Enjoy high holiday traditions and family-friendly crafts, laughter yoga, an SF Beekeepers exhibit, a mahjongg lounge and live music from Jonathan Bayer and the Adar Brass Band. Donations of non-perishable items for the JCCSFs annual food drive  happening through October  are appreciated.

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Free-$18, reservations required. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. 415-292-1200. www.jccsf.org

Rosh Hashanah Extravaganza

Jewish Baby Network and the PJ Library host a celebration featuring song and dance in the meadow, apples and honey, sweet challah, shofar sounds and more. Bring a blanket and snacks. Geared toward families with children, newborn through 36 months. All are welcome, including unaffiliated, single and multi-parent, multi-faith, multi-abled and LGBTQ+ families.

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3-4:30 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 29. Free, $18 suggested donation; registration required. Mothers Meadow, Golden Gate Park, 573 MLK Jr. Dr., S.F. 650-688-3080. www.jewishbabynetwork.org

Israel at the Crossroads: Where Do We Go From Here?

In the midst of deep domestic disagreements and an evolving multi-front war, Israel is at a historic crossroads. Join an engaging and timely conversation with former Israeli Vice Prime Minister, Foreign Minister and Justice Minister Tzipi Livni and professor of Israeli studies Amichai Magen.

6:30 p.m. Monday, Sept. 30. $36-$40.25, reservations required. Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 650-223-8700. www.paloaltojcc.org

Clockwise from top left: Producer-pianist Ronny Michael Greenberg, violinist Elizabeth Castro Greenberg, cantor-baritone Simon Barrad and countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum will perform live as part of Taste of Talent event on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in San Francisco. JCCSF

Taste of Talent: A Musical Celebration

Producer-pianist Ronny Michael Greenberg leads a musical event featuring cantor of Congregation Sherith Israel, baritone Simon Barrad; countertenor Aryeh Nussbaum Cohen and violinist Elizabeth Castro Greenberg. The group will perform festive Klezmer and traditional Jewish songs, classical works by Mahler and Vaughan Williams and a Hamilton remake of the Adon Olam sabbath hymn.

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1:15-2:15 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 1. Free, reservations required. Pottruck Family Atrium, SFJCC, 3200 California St., S.F. 415-292-1200. www.jccsf.org

Tawonga Erev Rosh Hashanah Celebration

The family-friendly outdoor program set in a redwood grove will feature traditional prayers and holiday songs led by former Camp Tawonga Director Deborah Newbrun and award-winning song leader Isaac Zones. Live music with Roger Sideman, Gordon Allen and Casey Cohen round out the program. Bring your own shofar to participate in a community sounding of the horn heralding in a new year.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. Free-$118, reservations required. Joaquin Miller Park, 3600 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. 415-543-2267. www.tawonga.org

Rosh Hashanah Dinner Under the Stars

Chabad SF is set to sponsor a community event, with morning and evening holiday services, an evening cocktail hour and dinner featuring the tastes and traditions of Rosh Hashanah.

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6 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. Free-$108.55, reservations required. 620 Jones, 620 Jones St., S.F. 415-668-6178. www.chabadsf.org

Camp Tawongas Erev Rosh Hashanah celebration will include a performance from Isaac Zones on Wednesday, Oct. 2, in Oakland. Courtesy of Camp Tawonga

Rosh Hashanah Community Dinner

Join friends and family in the East Bay for a traditional Rosh Hashanah supper, spiced up with songs and holiday insights.

7:15 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 2. $25-$36, reservations required. Chabad Center for Jewish Life, 3014 Lakeshore Ave., Oakland. 510-545-6770. www.jewishoakland.org

Chabad Oakland: Shofar at the Lake

Participate in a community tashlich ceremony and shofar sounding. Themes of renewal and rejuvenation and a spirit of communal solidarity prevail, as participants cast off that which does not serve the greater good.

3 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. Free, reservations recommended. Lake Merritt Pergola, 599 El Embarcadero, Oakland. 510-545-6770. www.jewishoakland.org

Rosh Hashanah in the Park

The Oshman Family Jewish Community Center presents a new year celebration out in nature. Connect with the meaning of the holiday through activities for children and adults. Bring a picnic to enjoy. Challah, grape juice, wine and honey will be provided. Limited to 80 families.

4:30-7 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 3. $41 per family, reservations required. Hidden Villa, 26870 Moody Road, Los Altos Hills. 650-223-8700. www.paloaltojcc.org

Reboot and the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco host the community Ctrl Alt Del: Tashlique 2024 featuring tashlich activity and horns trumpeting in a joyful new year on Thursday, Oct. 3, in San Francisco. Reboot SF

Ctrl Alt Del: Tashlique 2024

Celebrate tashlich with a modern twist, presented by Reboot and the Jewish Community Center of San Francisco. Organizers plan to offer environmentally friendly bird seed for casting away negative energy from the previous year. Participants are encouraged to bring their own shofars to trumpet in a joyful year alongside some of San Franciscos finest musicians, including members of the Jazz Mafia, the Irish Pipers Band and the African Orthodox Church of John Will-I-Am Coltrane.

Community Tashlich and Picnic

Join the progressive Chochmat HaLev synagogue, Urban Adamah community farm and Base in celebrating Rosh Hashanah with a picnic followed by a Tashlich ceremony at East Berkeleys Codornices Creek. Attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic lunch or potluck item to share. Light food and beverages will be provided.

1 p.m. Friday, Oct. 4. Free-$36, reservations required. Urban Adamah, 1151 Sixth St., Berkeley. 510-649-1595. www.urbanadamah.org

Dip an apple honey and celebrate a sweet new year for Rosh Hashanah. Yalonda M. James/The Chronicle

Healing Through Art-Making

Join the JCCSF and Jewish Studio Project for an art-making workshop to help process grief and honor healing from the complex challenges of Oct. 7 and the past year.

4-6 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6. $18-$54, reservations required. Jewish Community Center of San Francisco, 3200 California St., S.F. 415-292-1200. www.jccsf.org

October 7 Yizkor Memorial Service

Congregation Emanu-El will host a community memorial service in partnership with the Consulate General of Israel to the Pacific Northwest and led by Rabbis and Cantors from congregations around the Bay Area. Come together as one to remember, honor and mourn the victims of the deadly attack.

7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7. Free, security screening and reservations required; Congregation Emanu-El, 2 Lake St., S.F. www.jccsf.org

An Evening of Remembrance and Hope

Join a solemn memorial event marking the one year anniversary of the October terror attack at a music festival in Israel. Gather and honor the victims through moments of silence and stories of resilience, bringing the community together in solidarity, prayer and reflection.

7 p.m. Monday, Oct. 7. Free, reservations required. Freidenrich Community Park, Oshman Family JCC, 3921 Fabian Way, Palo Alto. 650-223-8700. www.paloaltojcc.org

Sound practitioner Serena Malkani (pictured) will lead Immerse: A Sound Bath and Water Ritual for the New Year at the Osher Marin JCC on Tuesday, Oct. 8. Serena Malkani/Osher Marin JCC

Immerse: A Sound Bath and Water Ritual for the New Year

Cleanse your mind and soul for the new Jewish year with a sound bath and water ritual led by sound practitioner Serena Malkani. Start on land then move into the water (an indoor pool) with crystal bowls and other sound tools. Light snacks will be served. Wear a bathing suit with comfortable clothes over it. Bring a towel, water bottle and journal/pen.

6-8 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8. $18-$54, registration required. Osher Marin JCC, 200 N. San Pedro Road., San Rafael. 415-444-8000. www.marinjcc.org

Tawonga Kol Nidre Service

Camp Tawongas annual Rosh Hashanah celebration branches out this year with an Erev Yom Kippur event. Starting with the famed Kol Nidre musical service, this early service is set in a redwood grove.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Oct. 11. $36-$118, reservations required; for ages 13 and older. Joaquin Miller Park, 3600 Joaquin Miller Road, Oakland. 415-543-2267. www.tawonga.org

Jewish Gateways Kol Nidre Service

This erev (early) Yom Kippur service has a focus on creating an open environment for participants of all backgrounds to connect with Jewish traditions in ways that are personal and meaningful. No previous experience with the Jewish community or knowledge of Hebrew is required to attend.
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US 70 near Silver Creek, North Carolina. Credit: North Carolina Department of Transportation

A Virginia Tech environmental security expert says there are lessons to learn in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene's disaster that can improve preparedness and community resilience.

"The tragic flood event in the southeast U.S. is a poignant example of the confluence of multiple factors, including development in floodplains, inadequate infrastructure maintenance and management, and the specter of climate change, whose compounding effect can amplify the disaster," says Manoochehr Shirzaei, an associate professor of geophysics.

As global climate change continues to intensify, Shirzaei says the southeastern United States is also experiencing the effects of increasingly unpredictable and extreme weather patterns.

"The anomalously high precipitation linked to Hurricane Helene can be partially attributed to a warming atmosphere, which has an enhanced ability to retain moisture," Shirzaei explains.

"Both observational data and climate models suggest that the frequency and intensity of extreme precipitation events have been increasing and are projected to continue rising. This trend underscores the pressing need for adaptive strategies to mitigate the impacts of these intensified weather extremes, reflecting the broader global challenge of climate change."

He also points to aging infrastructure as playing a critical role in amplifying the destructive effects of Hurricane Helene and heightening the associated disaster risks.

"Legacy systems, including levees, dams, bridges, roads, and electrical grids, were not originally designed to endure the growing severity of hurricanes exacerbated by climate change. As these structures deteriorate with time, their vulnerability to failure during extreme weather events increases."

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida late last week, quickly turning toward the northwest, soaking Georgia, the Carolinas, Tennessee, and Virginiakilling dozens of people and leaving behind widespread flooding and destruction.

Shirzaei says a critical factor contributing to the Helene disaster is the widespread human tendency to establish settlements in floodplains, a phenomenon observed globally and a precursor to similar catastrophic events.

"Over the past few decades, the expansion of human populations into flood-prone areas has accelerated worldwide. Many of these vulnerable communities are located in river valleys or downstream of dams, areas particularly susceptible to sudden and significant water discharges, further exacerbating the risk of severe flooding."
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A. The Japanese striped snake E. quadrivirgata infected with O. elongatum (dark arrows). B. The freshwater snail Physella acuta. C. Ochetosoma elongatum. Credit: Dr. Tsukasa Waki

A research group has discovered a new North American trematode, Ochetosoma elongatum, for the first time in Japan in the oral cavities of three native snake species in the Kanto region.

In addition to investigating its life cycle in the wild, the authors conducted a comprehensive literature review to explore the route of invasion of this parasite. The findings of this study were published in Parasitology International.

Ochetosoma elongatum is a snake trematode which is distributed in North America. However, the adult was discovered for the first time in Japan in the mouths of three native snake species in the Kanto region. A previous study reported the presence of a related North American trematode (Ochetosoma kansense) in western Japan, indicating that the two North American trematodes are now infecting native snakes in Japan.

Life cycle of Ochetosoma elongatum in Japan. Credit: Dr. Tsukasa Waki

The sporocysts and cercariae were detected in the North American freshwater snail Physella acuta, which has introduced and established its population in Japan. The cercarae is thought to infect frogs and develop into metacercariae. The metacercariae develop into adults after the host frog was fed by the Japanese snakes, the definitive host.

The snail Physella acuta are thought to be introduced to Japan with imported freshwater plants for aquariums. The increased demand for ornamental fish and exotic pets likely led to the introduction of infected Physella acuta snails and/or North American snakes, resulting in the introduction of this parasite to Japan.

The study's authors included Harushige Seo (an undergraduate student), Eriko Ansai (a graduate student), Tetsuya Sase (an undergraduate student), Associate Professor Tsukasa Waki, and Lecturer Yosuke Kojima from the Faculty of Science, Toho University.

More information: Harushige Seo et al, Introduction of a snake trematode of the genus Ochetosoma in eastern Japan, Parasitology International (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.parint.2024.102947
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Years after the fall of the Berlin Wall, the right to freedom of expression remains less important to Germans who lived in the socialist German Democratic Republic (GDR) than to their West German counterparts. These are the findings of a study by economists from the Leibniz Institute for East and Southeast European Studies (IOS) in Regensburg and the University of Groningen.

The longer people lived in the GDR, the greater the difference is, the analysis showed. In contrast, there are no obvious east-west differences among people born after the fall of the Berlin Wall in 1989.

The study was published in the Journal of Economic Behavior and Organization.

The authors, Dr. Olga Popova (IOS) and Prof. Dr. Milena Nikolova (University of Groningen), approached the division and later reunification of Germany as a natural experiment to investigate the long-term effects of socialism on individual freedom of speech values.

They analyzed data from the German Socio-Economic Panel (SOEP) from longitudinal surveys, involving the same people in 1996, 2006, and 2016, as well as data from the German General Social Survey (ALLBUS) covering 1991 to 2018.

Respondents were asked to indicate, for example, how important they consider the protection of freedom of expression to be as a political goal in comparison to maintaining public order, campaigning against price increases, and giving citizens more influence over the government.

The researchers compared the responses of people who had lived in the GDR before 1989 with those of people who had lived in the Federal Republic of Germany before 1989. According to the results, citizens of the former GDR consistently gave relatively low priority to freedom of expression.

In 1996, as the economists' analysis showed, 6.3% of former GDR citizens considered the protection of freedom of expression to be the most important political goal, compared to 21% of their counterparts in the West, a difference of 14.7 percentage points. In 2006, the difference was 13.2 percentage points while in 2016, it was 15.4 percentage points.

Freedom of expression was also mentioned less frequently by citizens of the former GDR when it came to the second most important political goals. The analysis of the other data sets presented a similar picture consistently from summer 1991 to the end of the surveys.

Nikolova explains, "While there is evidence of some convergence in attitudes over time, the rate is very slow. That's why we can assume that the differences still exist todayand will continue to exist for a long time to come."

The discrepancy in attitudes is more pronounced the older the former GDR citizens are and the longer they therefore lived in the socialist system.

Popova said, "We cannot explain these differences with absolute certainty; they are probably a consequence of the regime's omnipresent efforts to control information and suppress dissenting opinions through indoctrination and political repression. This can create deep-seated mistrustand thus a general caution against free expression of opinion.

"It is remarkable that living in a democracy for more than three decades now has hardly had any contrary influence. On the other hand, those born in East Germany after 1989 do not score lower in terms of freedom of opinion than those from West Germany."

Nikolova and Popova argue that the study contributes to a better understanding of how political regimes influence individual values and how long these effects can last. It also shows how fragile fundamental rights such as freedom of expression can be, even in established democracies.

The SOEP, based at the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW Berlin), is the largest and longest-running multidisciplinary long-term study in Germany. In the ALLBUS study series, conducted by the GESISLeibniz Institute for the Social Sciences in Mannheim, random samples of the German population were surveyed on attitudes and behavior.

More information: Milena Nikolova et al, Echoes of the past: The enduring impact of communism on contemporary freedom of speech values, Journal of Economic Behavior & Organization (2024). DOI: 10.1016/j.jebo.2024.106739 Journal information: Journal of Economic Behaviour and Organisation

Provided by Leibniz-Institut fur Ost- und Sudosteuropaforschung Regensburg (IOS)
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Share of energy poor population by country expressed in % of the total population. Credit: EU, 2024

Depending on the indicator selected, between 8% and 16% of the EU population is facing energy poverty, while most of the energy poor are not income poor, according to a comprehensive analysis of the main energy poverty indicators.

Amidst the EU's push for a fair green transition, and further reinforced by the uncertainties of the energy market, the issue of energy poverty has come to the forefront and become a critical policy priority. Energy poverty can be measured in different ways, but its measurement is a challenge for policy formulation and action to address it.

A JRC study investigated four primary energy poverty indicators to understand the EU-wide distribution and socio-economic profiles of "energy poor." The findings underline the usefulness of relying on a battery of various indicators to provide a picture of energy poverty.

The Social Climate Fund regulation and the revised Energy Efficiency Directive define energy poverty as a household's lack of access to essential energy services, such as heating, hot water, cooling, lighting and energy to power appliances.

According to the Commission's Recommendation on Energy Poverty, it is a multidimensional phenomenon driven by three underlying causes, namely, high-energy expenditures in proportion to household budget, general low levels of income and low energy performance of buildings.

What's the challenge when measuring energy poverty?

There are numerous papers discussing the advantages and disadvantages of different energy poverty indicators used in Europe, but little is known about their overlap and their interrelationships.

The JRC study addresses this gap, for the first time, by assessing the coverage, overlap, and socio-economic profiles of four primary energy poverty indicators employed in the EU for cross-country comparisons, using harmonized microdata for all 27 EU countries.

This study was developed within the Assessing and Monitoring Employment and Distributional Impacts (AMEDI) projects carried out with the Commission's Directorate General for Employment, Social Affairs and Inclusion.

The study employs two types of indicators: "expenditure-based" indicators and "consensual approach" indicators. The expenditure-based indicators are calculated using monetary values: the 2M indicator is calculated as the proportion of households whose share of energy expenditure in income is more than twice the national median (2M indicator), i.e. energy costs represent a high share of expenditures.

While the M/2 indicator (low absolute energy expenditure) is calculated as the proportion of households whose energy expenditure is below the national median energy consumption.

The "consensual approach" indicators are instead based on self-reported assessments of housing conditions: the share of people keeping their house adequately warm (AW indicator), and those who have arrears on utility bills (UB).

The calculations are based on EU statistics and income living conditions (SILC) data from 2015 matched to Household Budget Survey (HBS) data from the same year and uses EUROMOD for refining estimates of household disposable income and improve comparability across countries. For example, they show that 8.5% of Europeans were unable to keep their house warm in 2015 (indicator AW).

The analysis finds that there is very little overlap between the four energy poverty indicators examined. This explains why at least 40% of the EU population (around 180 million citizens) would be classified as "energy poor" if one would follow a "union approach," in which someone is energy poor by at least one indicator.

On the other side, an "intersection approach"where poor is who satisfies the poverty condition simultaneously for the four indicatorswould lead to a very low energy poverty rate of 0.3% of the EU population, i.e. about 330 thousand.

Share of energy poor population by income decile and for alternative energy poverty indicators. Credit: EU, 2024

The results

The aggregate analysis carried out shows that between about 8% (using consensual indicators) and about 16% (using expenditure-based indicators) of the EU population can be classified as energy poor.

Education and employment have a significant impact on energy poverty, as a higher rate of adults with jobs or higher education levels can slightly decrease the risk of experiencing energy poverty. Remarkably, about 30% of energy-poor households are also income-poor, falling below the poverty threshold.

The study also reveals that middle-income households face a relatively high incidence of energy poverty, so it does not only affect income-poor individuals.

Energy poverty among EU Member States

Energy poverty also displays significant disparities across EU countries, as it is influenced by very heterogeneous national realities, including geography, natural resources, climate, infrastructure, national public policies, etc. Furthermore, cultural aspects can explain differences in self-reporting energy deprivation conditions.

For instance, in Greece and Bulgaria, nearly 30% of the population is energy poor by at least two indicators, while in Western and Northern EU countries, this figure drops below 5%. Moreover, the differences in energy poverty rates across EU countries is much larger when using subjective indicators.

For example, AW-poverty rates, which measure the inability to adequately heat one's home, range between almost zero in Sweden and Luxembourg to about 40% in Bulgaria.

A similar trend is observed when analyzing arrears on utility bills (UB), while income shares of residential energy expenditure that are above twice the national median (2M) appear to be more similar across countries, indicating that energy poverty rates range between approximately 10% (Netherlands, Hungary) to slightly above 20% (Sweden, Malta, and Latvia).

This underscores the importance of tailored policy responses that consider national contexts and differences across countries regarding income levels, energy prices or investments in energy capital (i.e. efficient appliances, insulation, etc.). Moreover, this result points to the need to consider carefully what is the most suited indicator for cross-country comparisons.

How to tackle energy poverty across the EU?

Energy poverty has far-reaching consequences, from exacerbating health issues to limiting social and economic participation. Monitoring energy poverty is crucial for understanding the diversity of the socio-economic profiles of the energy poor and for improving the design of inclusive policies. Relying on a single indicator may overlook significant portions of the population experiencing energy-related deprivations.

To address energy poverty requires a policy mix

Income-support policies are essential to tackle energy poverty situations, especially for households under the poverty line. However, considering that middle-income households also experience a relatively high incidence of energy poverty, other types of policies may be warranted to support them.

This is the case of price caps, which reduce the burden of expenditures on energy goods, or structural interventions that step-up energy efficiency by reducing the need for energy consumption. Further, monetary policies such as subsidies to improve energy efficiencies could also reduce the burden of energy expenditures on households.

Finally, behavioral levers, such as assisting consumers in setting goals for reducing energy consumption through apps and educational campaigns to empower individuals to make investment choices that improve energy efficiency, may also be effective in reducing the energy poverty phenomenon.

More information: Recommendation on Energy Poverty. eur-lex.europa.eu/legal-conten  /?uri=OJ:L_202302407

Provided by European Commission, Joint Research Centre (JRC)
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Credit: Ramaz Bluashvili from Pexels

The European Union's chief on Tuesday warned that the continent was "losing ground" in the global technology race and must boost research spending to "turn the tide".

"We must put research and innovation at the heart of Europe's economy," EU commission president Ursula von der Leyen told a ceremony celebrating the 70th anniversary of Europe's CERN physics laboratory.

She hailed the world's largest particle physics lab for helping put the continent "back on the map" for scientific development, after the post-World War II brain-drain.

"Just like 70 years ago, we live in times of rising geopolitical competition," she told the ceremony, attended by dignitaries, including Princess Astrid of Belgium and the presidents of Italy, Serbia and Slovakia.

"We are in the midst of a global race for the technologies that will shape the world of tomorrow, from clean tech to quantum, from AI to fusion," Von der Leyen said, lamenting that "while Europe is home to more researchers than both the US and China, we are losing ground in many fields".

One of those is patent applications, where the European share has been cut in the last two decades from 30 percent to 15 percent".

Increase research spending

"It is time to turn the tide," she said, adding that she wanted "to increase research spending in our next budget".

The CERN lab on the edge of Geneva straddles the border between France and Switzerland. It seeks to unravel what the universe is made of and how it works, aiming to advance the boundaries of human knowledge.

It employs 2,500 people and welcomes some 17,000 visiting scholars every year.

CERN's Large Hadron Collider (LHC)a 27-kilometer proton-smashing ring running about 100 metres below groundhas already begun chipping away at the unknown.

Among other things, it was used to prove the existence of the Higgs bosondubbed the God particlewhich broadened the understanding of how particles acquire mass.

CERN has its sights set on building a huge new particle accelerator that would eclipse the LHC.

A feasibility study is underway for the 91-kilometer Future Circular Collider (FCC), with CERN earlier this year estimating it would cost around $17 billion.

'Hope'

CERN director general Fabiola Gianotti on Tuesday insisted that it could become "the most extraordinary instrument ever built by humanity to study the fundamental laws of the universe and address many of the outstanding questions".

She appealed to CERN's member states22 European countries plus Israelto "ensure that CERN has a brilliant future".

Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic vowed that his country would double its financial contributions to CERN.

Von der Leyen suggested that if developed, the FCC "could preserve Europe's scientific edge".

She said that European countries had to stand together in the face of competition from China, which is evaluating building its own 100-kilometer accelerator "to challenge CERN's global leadership".

Gianotti said it was important for CERN to build its accelerator before China does.

"It will be very difficult to have two such facilities in the world," she told AFP.

 2024 AFP
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The Federal Aviation Administration confirmed it had grounded SpaceX's Falcon 9 rocket pending an investigation into why the rocket's second stage missed its deorbit landing target zone after this weekend's Crew-9 launch from Cape Canaveral, Florida.

SpaceX announced it was halting launches in a social media post late Saturday, but the FAA did not confirm whether or not it had grounded the rocket until late Monday.

"The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX NASA Crew-9 mission that launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28," the emailed statement reads. "The incident involved the Falcon 9 second stage landing outside of the designated hazard area. No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation."

This is the third time this year the FAA has grounded the Falcon 9, and the second time because of an issue with the rocket's second stage.

SpaceX said in its social media post the second stage "was disposed in the ocean as planned, but experienced an off-nominal deorbit burn. As a result, the second stage safely landed in the ocean, but outside of the targeted area. We will resume launching after we better understand root cause."

The launch happened Saturday afternoon with a Falcon 9 making its first human spaceflight from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station's Space Launch Complex 40. It sent the Crew Dragon Freedom with its two passengers safely on a trajectory to meet up with the International Space Station, where it docked on Sunday afternoon.

The first-stage booster also made a successful landing at Canaveral's Landing Zone 1, but the second stage, which is normally brought down in the Atlantic and not recovered, missed the projected landing area.

The grounding took a planned Sunday launch for SpaceX from California off the board, and could affect three more within the next two weeks from the Space Coast.

The California launch was a Falcon 9 with a plan to send up the OneWeb Launch 20 mission for EutelsatGroup from Vandenberg Space Force Base. The Federal Aviation Administration still has that launch on its operations plan advisory, but not until Oct. 9.

The FAA advisory also still has a Falcon 9 launch for a Starlink mission from Cape Canaveral, and that's slated for as early as Oct. 5.

Two more Space Coast launches coming up have time-sensitive payloads. One is the Hera mission for the European Space Agency that's slated to launch as early as Oct. 7 from Cape Canaveral on a Falcon 9, and the second is the Europa Clipper mission from Kennedy Space Center for NASA to send the massive probe to Jupiter's icy moon Europa as early as Oct. 10.

Both the Europa Clipper and Hera missions, though, have launch windows that extend further into October.

FAA's last grounding of Falcon 9 came in August, when a booster met a fiery end on its attempt to make a recovery landing downrange on one of SpaceX's droneships after a Starlink launch.

"The FAA investigates commercial space incidents to determine the root cause and identify corrective actions so they won't happen again," the FAA said in a statement after that incident.

After that launch, SpaceX led an investigation and submitted a final report to the FAA, which was approved. That turnaround was quick, with the failed booster landing happening on Aug. 28, the report filed and submitted with a request to return to flight on Aug. 29 and approval on Aug. 30.

But the first grounding this year, which came in July, took longer to investigate.

In that incident, the FAA grounded Falcon 9 for 15 days when the video feed of a launch from California on July 11 showed the second stage's engine freezing over in space. It resulted in SpaceX not being able to put its payloads into a correct orbit.

2024 Orlando Sentinel. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Some of the participants involved in the study and their owners. Credit: Theophane Piette (CC-BY 4.0, creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)

The voice people use to address their dogs isn't just because of their big puppy eyes. Humans slow their own speech when talking to their dogs, and this slower tempo matches their pets' receptive abilities, allowing the dogs to better understand their commands, according to a study published October 1 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Eloise Deaux of the University of Geneva in Switzerland and colleagues.

Dogs respond to human speech, even though they themselves cannot produce human sounds. To better understand how people and pups communicate, the scientists analyzed the vocal sounds of 30 dogs.

They also analyzed the sounds of 27 humans across five languages speaking to other people, and 22 humans across those languages speaking to dogs. The scientists also used electroencephalography (EEG) to examine the brain responses to speech in humans and dogs.

Humans are much faster 'talkers' than dogs, the study showed, with a speech rate of about four syllables per second, while dogs bark, growl, woof, and whine at a rate of about two vocalizations per second.

When talking to dogs, the humans slowed their speech to around three syllables per second. EEG signals of humans and canines showed that dogs' neural responses to speech are focused on delta rhythms, while human responses to speech are focused on faster theta rhythms.

The authors suggest that humans and dogs have different vocal processing systems, and that slowing down our speech when speaking to pets may have ultimately helped us better connect with them.

The authors add, "What's further interesting, is that while dogs use slow rhythm to process speech, contrary to popular beliefs, they need both content and prosody to successfully comprehend it."

More information: Deaux EC, Piette T, Gaunet F, Legou T, Arnal L, Giraud A-L (2024) Doghuman vocal interactions match dogs' sensory-motor tuning, PLoS Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002789 Journal information: PLoS Biology
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Credit: Pixabay/CC0 Public Domain

"To get rich is glorious." In the 1980s, this was one of the most famous sayingsunofficially, at leastto describe the ethos at the dawn of the opening-up period in post-Maoist China.

China's paramount leader of the time, Deng Xiaoping, apparently justified this unorthodox situation for an ostensibly egalitarian Communist country by saying: "First you let some make money, then more will follow."

And make money they did. One of the earliest examples was Nian Guangjiu, the founder of Chinese snack company Fool's Melon Seeds, who went from being a poor farmer to a wealthy entrepreneur within a few years. But Nian's story is something of a morality tale for those who followed.

He spent time in prison accused of embezzlement and other crimes in 1989, and his company was taken from him. To get rich in China was indeed possible, but it was a route that often led to jail and perdition.

Despite this, the scale and speed of growth in Chinaand the importance of business people, often in the private sector, in generating thismeans the country now has a shared phenomenon with the developed world: a group of fabulously wealthy people.

When the first Chinese "rich list" was produced by Forbes in 1999, there was only one US dollar billionairea Hong Kong magnate based on the mainland called Rong Yiren.

By 2010, this number had risen, even by a conservative estimate, to over 60. And over the next decade, it soared to 389a stunning example of how far China had come since the almost universal poverty of the Maoist years half a century earlier.

The Hurun Report's wealth tracker, which uses a different methodology in calculating and valuing assets, has gone even further, suggesting China currently has the most billionaires in the world at 814, outpacing the US on 800.

Billionaires may have been a good indicator of China's dynamic economybut they are also an all-too-obvious symbol of its sharpening inequality. The Gini coefficient, an international standard of disparities between the richest and poorest in societies, had China in 2021 as significantly more unequal than the US or UK.

Since China's current president, Xi Jinping, came to power in 2012, his stated ethos has been to "serve the people" and deliver "common prosperity." That means more wealth, but more equitably shared out. "Common prosperity" was an almost ubiquitous slogan plastered across walls in Beijing and Shanghai when I visited both cities in late August 2024.

However, China's economy is currently undergoing turbulence as a result of the residual effects of the pandemic and ongoing tensions with the US. The downturn has been severe enough to prompt the country's central bank into announcing a major stimulus package which has, at least, sparked a rally on China's stock market.

So, these days, ostentatious wealth and billionaires appearing like they are above the law are unwelcome. According to the Hurun Report data, China lost about 155 members of this elite group between 2023 and 2024, down to its current estimate of 814 billionaires.

Wealth comes at a cost

Beyond the fact that China's economy has been slowing over the past two years, and the situation in terms of cost of living generally has grown tougher for everyone, there are some other factors that lie behind this chilling of the atmosphere for China's super-rich.

Some of China's best-known billionaires, including Alibaba founder Jack Ma Yun, have reportedly left the country after experiencing a political backlash for making statements regarded as disloyal and too critical of the Chinese government and official regulators. And other super-rich individuals may have taken such high-profile cases as good reason to preempt possible trouble by moving out of China.

While not in the class of the absolute richest of the rich, 13,800 millionaires departed China in 2023 according to one report, mostly to the US, Canada and Singapore. The people in this group that I know of seem to be motivated by a mixture of worries about the economics and politics of their home country. The fact it is increasingly difficult to get assets and cash out of China underlines how badly these people want to be based somewhere else.

We shouldn't overstate the issue, though. It is still OK to be rich in China, if a bit less so than in the past. But it's probably more advisable to be low profile and very loyal in public to the Communist partyand to get rich working in high-tech sectors that the government favors.

For example, Wang Chuanfu, founder of Chinese electronic vehicle manufacturer BYD, has doubled his wealth in the space of a few years. According to Forbes, he is now worth US$20 billion (14.9 billion). The environmental and strategic value of his company, and what it makes, means he is relatively safe to continue living in Shenzhen, where he is currently based.

Ironically, though, the richest person in China since 2021 is Zhong Shanshan, who produces very non-technical bottled mineral water under the Nongfu brand. Ultimately, a key factor in keeping out of trouble if you are super-rich in China is either to be in super-high or very low-technology businesses.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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The map shows the locations of terrestrial and marine protected area downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) events across 16 regions from 2011 to 2020. The color-coded areas represent different types of PADDD events and compensation measures. The overlap of PADDD events and compensation efforts are highlighted in darker shades. The visualization emphasizes the global scope of PADDD impacts and the uneven application of compensatory actions. Credit: Conservation Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14381

Conservation scientists at the National University of Singapore (NUS) have highlighted substantial gaps in the compensation for lost or downgraded protected areas. These gaps risk undermining global efforts for the protection of biodiversity and threaten the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework targets, which aim to conserve 30% of the planet by 2030.

Protected areas play a crucial role in conserving biodiversity, mitigating climate change, and providing essential ecosystem services. These areas are intended for permanent protection, but since the 1900s, many protected areas have suffered downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement (PADDD) events, which expose previously protected species and ecosystems to extinction risks. Despite efforts to implement PADDD offsets and establish new protected areas, these measures often fail to fully restore lost biodiversity protection that PADDD events caused.

The study, led by Associate Professor Roman CARRASCO from the NUS Department of Biological Sciences (NUS DBS) and Yan Yanyun, who conducted the research as a Research Assistant at NUS DBS, reveals a critical shortfall in efforts to compensate for lost or downgraded protected areas via PADDD. The research team used global biodiversity data and spatial modeling to evaluate whether offsets for PADDD events, and newly established, unrelated protected areas effectively restored the integrity of the reserve networks.

The findings have been published in the journal Conservation Biology on 25 September 2024.

Assoc Prof Carrasco said, "Our results demonstrate that the loss of protected areas is not sufficiently compensated by either dedicated offsets or the creation of new protected areas. While there appears to be partial recovery in terms of area, the quality of restoration across biodiversity metrics such as for birds, mammals, amphibians and reptiles remains insufficient."

The study examined 16 territories (including Alaska, Australia, Bhutan, Brazil, Cambodia, Canada, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Hawaii, Mexico, Peru, South Africa, Uganda, the United Kingdom, and the United States) that experienced terrestrial PADDD events and four marine territories (including Australia, Palau, South Africa, and the United States) affected by PADDD events from 2011 to 2020.

The evaluation encompassed compensation metrics such as the size of PADDD offsets, the establishment of new protected areas, and the extent of protection restored in Key Biodiversity Areas, ecoregions, and the ranges of threatened species.

Findings indicated that PADDD offsets were implemented in only 19% of affected terrestrial territories and 25% of marine territories. Considering both PADDD offsets and new protected areas, the restoration of the protection was partial: 63% of PADDD affected terrestrial territories have their lost area compensated, and 57% of these territories have had their Key Biodiversity Areas coverage restored.

Restoration based on territories was even lower for ecoregions representation and threatened species, with only 38% in ecoregions, 20% in amphibians, 33% in mammals, 31% in birds, and 21% in reptiles regaining adequate protection.

Yan said, "There is an urgent need to expand PADDD offsets and new protected areas to ensure biodiversity losses are recovered. This will allow us to meet the 3030 target set by the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework with a focus on quality, not just quantity of area covered."

"The results indicate that we are losing high quality protected areas that were critical to conserve numerous species, and we are not providing alternative protections. This leads to a degradation of protection, leaving vulnerable species increasingly exposed," added Assoc Prof Carrasco.

The findings underscore the largely detrimental role of PADDD events and highlight the need for a more strategic approach in maintaining and designing protected area networks. To safeguard global biodiversity, it is important to focus on restoring the quality of protection alongside expanding the quantity of protected areas.

More information: Yanyun Yan et al, Ability of new protected areas to counteract losses from downgrading, downsizing, and degazettement, Conservation Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1111/cobi.14381 Journal information: Conservation Biology
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A recent study finds that Black high-school students tend not to believe that their teachers are adequately prepared to teach them math in appropriate ways, have negative perceptions of their math ability, and lack awareness about the intersection between math and their desired careers.

Published in the American Educational Research Journal, the study, "'He's Probably the Only Teacher I've Actually Learned From': Marginalized Students' Experiences With and Self-Perceptions of High School Mathematics," was led by researchers at Vanderbilt Peabody College of education and human development and included student interns from the University of Puerto Rico and Fisk University.

The research team emphasizes the need for inclusive and equitable teaching practices to support the math development of marginalized students, especially Black girls.

"One of the key takeaways is that students were generally committed to their learning and vocal about their needs but were often ignored or silenced," said Ashli-Ann Douglas, Ph.D., now a research associate at WestEd and the study's lead author.

"This was particularly true for Black girls who face unique, added barriers in their math classes. As such, eliciting, listening to, and addressing all students' concerns and suggestions is a useful and practical way for teachers to gather feedback and work toward improving the effectiveness of their instruction and learning environment."

The study engaged 67 focus groups with 251 predominantly Black high-school students experiencing economic marginalization.

Key findings:

Many students felt their teachers lacked the skills and knowledge to teach them math effectively and support their mathematical development. 71% of Black girls and 43% of Black boys in general math classes shared negative experiences with a teacher's instruction.

Black girls, especially, had difficulty developing positive math identities and misunderstood the utility of math for their future careers. 71% of Black girls, compared to only 14% of Black boys, reported having a negative math identity.

Many students did not understand that proficiency in advanced math would be required of their desired future careers. 99% of students identified basic math as useful for future careers, but only 58% said the same of advanced math, reflecting a lack of knowledge about the math proficiency required of STEM fields that many hoped to pursue. This disconnect was greater for Black girls (86%) than Black boys (67%).

Based on the study's findings, the researchers recommend these strategies for educators and schools to develop more inclusive and equitable math teaching practices:

Invest in developing relationships with students and create supportive classroom environments that foster joyful learning.

Engage in positive interactions, explicitly recognize all students' math abilities and learning efforts, and solicit and acknowledge the contributions of all students, especially Black girls.

Build a collaborative classroom culture by implementing practices that share power with students, such as group work, peer help, and allowing students to share their work and ideas with the class. These practices can promote learning and engagement by recognizing students' efforts.

Offer teachers professional development focused on improving their ability to provide math instruction and to support all students' math development.

During math instruction, discuss with students the importance of math proficiency to their career goals and envisioned futures.

"Our research illustrates the value of asking questions of and listening to your students, as they have many insights to share," said Bethany Rittle-Johnson, professor of psychology and the Anita S. and Antonio M. Gotto Chair in Child Development at Peabody College.

"This includes asking about their experiences in math classrooms, perceptions of their math abilities, and the usefulness of the math they are learning. It is especially important to listen to students who may not typically be vocal or centered in math classrooms."

More information: Ashli-Ann Douglas et al, "He's Probably the Only Teacher I've Actually Learned From": Marginalized Students' Experiences With and Self-Perceptions of High School Mathematics, American Educational Research Journal (2024). DOI: 10.3102/00028312241266242 Journal information: American Educational Research Journal
The pork ramen with corn at Ajisen Ramen in San Francisco, as seen in 2011. The location at the S.F. Centre, formerly Westfield, is now closed. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

The following is a list of notable Bay Area restaurants that closed in September. For a list of August closings click here.

Ajisen Ramen, a tenant in the food concourse at downtown San Francisco Centre (formerly Westfield mall), is now closed. The menu included chewy noodles in tonkotsu broth with meat options like pork ribs and chashu slices, as well as rice and fried cutlet dishes. The location was one of four California locations belonging to the Japanese noodle chain, which boasts on its website of nearly 65 locations in Japan and 700 worldwide.

Little Spot Cafe on South Van Ness Avenue in San Francisco is now closed. The no-frills coffee hangout with a DIY vibe was popular for remote workers on laptops and teenagers who stopped by to read manga from a large bookshelf. Mission Local reported the shop poured its last batch brew on Sept. 25.

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The Blue Bottle Coffee location inside Palo Altos historic Varsity Theatre closed at the end of September. SFGATE reported the location had been active for 10 years, sharing the property with co-working space HanaHaus. (The Chronicle and SFGATE are both owned by Hearst but operate separate newsrooms.) The Bay Area-born coffee company operates many cafes in the region and throughout the world.

Alameda spot Mos Wine Bar poured its final glasses on Sept. 28. An Instagram post announced the closing and thanked patrons for their support. East Bay Nosh reported the closing.

Bartavelle Cafe off San Pablo Avenue in Berkeley closed its doors in September. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle

Celebrated Berkeley cafe and restaurant Bartavelle Cafe closed in September, as the business was no longer able to keep up with rising costs and business falling around 40% compared to last summer, co-owner Sam Sobolewski told the Chronicle. A move into a new, larger space which had greater than expected construction costs added major stress on the business. The restaurant was best known for its sandwiches and ranked among the Chronicles best Berkeley restaurants.

Bayside Market near the San Francisco Embarcadero closed in September. Co-owner David Pesusic told the Chronicle that operation costs, declining foot traffic and shoplifting were factors in the closing.

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Craig Wathen, left, co-owner of City Beer Store, serves beers at the business original location on Folsom Street in San Francisco in 2006. The shop relocated to the Mission District, where it ultimately closed in September. Laura Morton/The Chronicle

San Francisco craft beer pioneer City Beer Store celebrated its final days in business on Valencia Street in September. Owners Beth and Craig Wathen confirmed the closing to the Chronicle, adding that sales not reaching pre-pandemic levels and a drop in foot traffic drove the move. For 18 years, it was a popular stop for pints and retail packs of craft beer.

Union Square French-Vietnamese restaurant Le Colonial quietly closed on Sept. 1. Executive chef and general manager Geoffrey Deetz told the Chronicle slow summer sales and a lagging recovery were factors in the closing. Former Chronicle restaurant critic Soleil Ho had slammed the restaurant for romanticizing French colonialism in Southeast Asia.

Wood-grilled avocado at Bird Dog in Palo Alto, photographed in 2016. The boundary-breaking Silicon Valley restaurant closed in September. John Storey/Special to the Chronicle

One of the most boundary-pushing restaurants in Silicon Valley closed after 10 years in business. Bird Dog announced its late-September closing, citing the end of its lease as the main motive behind the move. Owners Emily and Robbie Wilson mentioned new projects coming in 2025 in their Instagram post.
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Akhmet Akhat in his atelier in Almaty, Kazakhstan. Credit: Andrzej Rozwadowski

A new project is assessing the influence of ancient rock art on the modern art of Indigenous peoples in Central Asia and Canada, revealing its importance to reclaiming cultural identities.

Rock art holds an important place in the cultures of many Indigenous peoples to this day, indicating their shared communal identities and ancient ties to the land on which they live. However, the influence of rock art on current artistic movements is still rarely recognized and poorly understood.

"The contemporary re-use of rock art is a growing phenomenon," says author of the research, Professor Andrzej Rozwadowski from Adam Mickiewicz University, Poland. "However, to date, very little attention has been paid to how rock art inspires contemporary Indigenous artists, especially in such little known areas as Siberia or Central Asia."

To remedy this, Professor Rozwadowski is leading the project "Rock Art as a Source of Contemporary Cultural Identity," focusing on the Indigenous artists of Central Asia (covering Siberia & Kazakhstan) and Canada. Professor Rozwadowski interviews and documents the art of Indigenous artists in these regions, exploring how their work was inspired by rock art.

His findings are published in the journal Antiquity. In Siberia and Kazakhstan, Indigenous cultural expression was often suppressed by the Soviet Union. Taking inspiration from rock art now provides Indigenous peoples in post-Soviet regions with a link to their ancestors that was erased during Soviet times, making it a key aspect of reclaiming lost cultural identities.

In Canada, a similar process occurred as a result of European colonization. In the face of First Nations traditions being forgotten by younger generations, the application of ancient rock art to contemporary artistic expression is essential for the preservation of heritage. Many Indigenous Canadian artists also consciously link rock art traditions to modern colonial injustice, for example, the residential schools system, acting as decolonizing symbols intended to heal some wounds in Indigenous history.

Fig. 2. Credit: Antiquity

Furthermore, the ways rock art motifs are incorporated into contemporary art share similarities over these thousands of miles. "It turned out that both Asian and Canadian artists see a lot of similarities in the art they create," states Professor Rozwadowski.

"The most memorable thing for me was what Canadian artist from the Cree Nation Jane Ash Poitras said when I met her in Edmonton. When I showed her the work of the Khakass artist Alexander Domozhakov, from southern Siberia, she said, 'Isn't it Norval Morrisseau?'" (Norval Morrisseau is Canada's most prominent Indigenous artist.)

This research shows that the application of rock art motifs to contemporary art is a very deliberate act on part of Indigenous artists, emphasizing the resilience and cultural continuity of various historically oppressed peoples. "Rock art is a source of both aesthetic and identity inspiration for contemporary artists," concludes Professor Rozwadowski.

"It demonstrates how rock art is important to many Indigenous artists as a source for rediscovering their cultural identities, especially now in post-colonial times."

More information: Andrzej Rozwadowski, Giving rock art new life: combining past images, identity and contemporary art, Antiquity (2024). DOI: 10.15184/aqy.2024.135 Journal information: Antiquity

Provided by Antiquity
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An illustration showing the trajectory of ESAs Juice spacecraft during its lunar-Earth gravity assist, featuring a high-resolution ENA image of the million-degree hot plasma halo encircling Earth captured by NASAs JENI instrument. The white rings denote equatorial distance of 4 and 6 Earth radii. The inset showcases measurements taken by the NASAs JENI and JoEE instruments during their passage through the radiation belts, revealing a highly structured energetic ion and electron environment. Credit: ESA/NASA/Johns Hopkins APL/Josh Diaz

From Aug. 1920, ESA's (European Space Agency's) Juice (Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer) mission made history with a daring lunar-Earth flyby and double gravity assist maneuver, a spaceflight first. As the spacecraft zipped past our moon and home planet, Juice's instruments came online for a dry run of what they'll do when they reach Jupiter. During that time, two of NASA's onboard instruments added another first to the list: capturing the sharpest-ever image of Earth's radiation beltsswaths of charged particles trapped in Earth's magnetic shield, or magnetosphere.

The Jovian Energetic Neutrals and Ions (JENI) instrument, built and managed by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) in Laurel, Maryland, on behalf of NASA, took the image as Juice soared away from Earth. What it captured is invisible to the human eye.

Unlike traditional cameras that rely on light, JENI uses special sensors to capture energetic neutral atoms emitted by charged particles interacting with the extended atmospheric hydrogen gas surrounding Earth. The JENI instrument is the newest generation of this type of camera, building on the success of a similar instrument on NASA's Cassini mission that revealed the magnetospheres of Saturn and Jupiter.

"As soon as we saw the crisp, new images, high fives went around the room," said Matina Gkioulidou, deputy lead of JENI at APL. "It was clear we had captured the vast ring of hot plasma encircling Earth in unprecedented detail, an achievement that has sparked excitement for what is to come at Jupiter."

On Aug. 19, JENI and its companion particle instrument Jovian Energetic Electrons (JoEE) made the most of their brief 30-minute encounter with the moon. As Juice zoomed just 465 miles (750 kilometers) above the lunar surface, the instruments gathered data on the space environment's interaction with our nearest celestial companion. It's an interaction scientists expect to see magnified at Jupiter's moons, as the gas giant's radiation-rich magnetosphere barrels over them.

Credit: NASA

On Aug. 20, Juice hurled into Earth's magnetosphere, passing some 37,000 miles (60,000 km) above the Pacific Ocean, where the instruments got their first taste of the harsh environment that awaits them at Jupiter. Racing through the magnetotail, JoEE and JENI encountered the dense, lower-energy plasma characteristic of this region before plunging into the heart of the radiation belts. There, the instruments measured the million-degree plasma encircling Earth to investigate the secrets of plasma heating that are known to fuel dramatic phenomena in planetary magnetospheres.

"I couldn't have hoped for a better flyby," said Pontus Brandt, principal investigator of JoEE and JENI at APL. "The richness of the data from our deep-dive through the magnetosphere is astounding. JENI's image of the entire system we just flew through was the cherry on top. It's a powerful combination we will exploit in the Jovian system."

Now, after using the moon's and Earth's gravity, Juice's trajectory has been successfully adjusted for a future encounter with Venus in August 2025. That Venus flyby will serve as a gravitational slingshot, propelling Juice back toward Earth and priming it for two additional flybys in September 2026 and January 2029. Only then will the spacecraft, now boosted into high gear, make its grand arrival at Jupiter in July 2031.

Provided by NASA
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Credit: Xabi Oregi from Pexels

Recently, the US ambassador to the United Nations announced America's support for the creation of two new permanent UN security council seats for African states. Gary Wilson, a scholar of international law and relationsspecifically issues related to the United Nationsargues that although Africa's time may have come, there are still hurdles to overcome.

What's wrong with the way the UN security council is currently constructed?

One of the most damning criticisms continuously leveled at the United Nations security council concerns its perceived lack of legitimacy. Its composition is increasingly seen as unrepresentative of the international community.

In particular, the identity of the privileged veto-wielding permanent members is frequently seen as at odds with modern global political realities.

The UK and France in particular are widely regarded as having undergone a decline in their global status. Their permanent membership is seen as a relic of having been among the victorious allied powers at the end of the Second World War. Since that time, other states have emerged as global powers.

Japan and Germany are often touted as leading candidates for UN permanent membership on account of their economic status. But regional powers have emerged in the world's under-represented regions who can also lay a claim to permanent membership.

The UN security council's ten non-permanent members are elected in accordance with a formula which ensures they represent the world's different regions. Three seats are reserved for African states, but only for two-year terms. There is no sustained, coherent African voice.

A further criticism of the council is that it has been inconsistent or even partial in its response to international crises.

African states have long felt neglected by the body's leading powers. The legacy of its weak response to the Rwandan genocide, for example, continues to cast a shadow over its legitimacy in Africa's eyes.

What reforms would be in order?

Membership reform has been on the agenda since the UN's early years. The non-permanent members were expanded from six to ten in 1963.

Pressure for change gathered momentum with the establishment of the Working Group on Security Council Reform in the early 1990s. It has generated a series of reports but there's been no change.

Broad consensus exists upon the need for reform, but not on the shape that should take.

It is widely acknowledged that the size of the council will need to grow. Most see it having 22 to 25 member states.

There are some different views about the balance between permanent and non-permanent members. But it's widely accepted that there ought to be new permanent seats for states from Africa, South America and Asia, as well as Germany and Japan.

Other proposals present greater difficulty. For instance, the abolition or reform of the power of veto seems unlikely given the need for the current permanent members to approve this change.

It is conceivable that any newly created permanent members won't get the power of veto. So there would be two tiers of permanent membership.

Suggestions for new categories of seats, for example, which would rotate among states within a region or be held by regional organizations, are also problematic. There is currently no legal mechanism within the UN Charter framework for this to happen.

Where do two permanent seats for Africa fit into this picture?

Although Africa is not the only continent with no permanent members on the security council, it is a striking case. Conflict within Africa occupies a disproportionate amount of the council's time.

A mere glance over the past decade or so will reveal regular appearances on its agenda of Sudan, South Sudan, the Central African Republic and the Democratic Republic of Congo, all current locations of deployed UN peacekeeping operations.

African states are also playing an increasingly important role in supporting the international peace and security agenda.

Over half of the biggest 20 contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, for example, are African states. The African Union has undertaken a number of peace operations of its own, too, sometimes with the UN.

The diversity of the African continent makes the case for two seats more persuasive. There is a risk that a sole African permanent member may fail to represent more than one strand of the continent's demographic makeup.

What are the hurdles in the process of determining which African countries should occupy two permanent seats?

Nigeria, South Africa and Egypt have all been touted as potential aspiring permanent members.

Resolving such competing claims is tied to questions about what qualifies a state for permanent membership.

Given the UN security council's primary responsibility for the maintenance of international peace and security, and the qualifications expected of states standing for election as non-permanent members, it seems reasonable to assess states' ability to contribute to the maintenance of international peace and security.

Even these criteria generate different outcomes dependent upon how they are interpreted. How is a state's contribution to international peace and security quantified? By reference to defense expenditure, participation in UN peace operations, or something else? Many of the largest contributors to UN peacekeeping operations, for example, are not typically seen as likely permanent members. This includes the likes of Ethiopia and Rwanda.

Representation is also a problematic concept. Nigeria and Egypt, for example, have the largest and third largest populations on the African continent; South Africa falls a few places lower down on this criterion. But does a state's population size make it representative of its continent?

Africa is hardly a homogeneous region and each potential permanent member only represents a particular demographic.

What do you think the future holds for the security council?

The council has undergone some divisive experiences in recent years. This is borne out by a recent resurgence in the exercise of the veto power over situations such as the Ukraine-Russia and Israel-Hamas conflicts.

Expanding the permanent membership does not resolve such issues in itself, but may foster a more general re-balancing and more consistency in its approaches in those situations where the veto threat is not in play.

Although there is wide support for the creation of African permanent seats, this cannot be treated in isolation. It must be considered as part of a wider reform package, including:

permanent seats for other regions

the size of the council

expansion of the non-permanent membership

new categories of membership.

It is unlikely that one single reform would be made on its own while other issues were left on pause.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Communities across the Southeast continue to experience flooding, power loss and devastation in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Credit: Federal Emergency Management Agency

Across the Southeastern United States, hundreds of roads are closed, power outages continue to be reported and catastrophic flooding devastated mountain towns as the fallout from Hurricane Helene swept through parts of Georgia, the Carolinas and Virginia this weekend.

Majid Shafiee-Jood, a research assistant professor of civil and environmental engineering at the University of Virginia, discusses how and why this is happening. Shafiee-Jood researches decision-making based on hazardous weather information, including hurricane bulletins, flash-flood warnings and evacuation orders.

Why are we seeing spinoff storms as a result of hurricanes further south?

Hurricanes are rapidly rotating storm systems with strong winds and a spiral arrangement of thunderstorms. Hurricanes typically contain massive amounts of moisture, which could lead to heavy rainfall. Depending on the size or speed of the storm, they can generate massive flooding.

These are typically referred to as flash floodsflood events that occur in a short period after a storm, typically within six hours and often within three hours of the storm. This is different than flooding seen in coastal areas induced by storm surge, known as coastal flooding.

Flash floods happen because you have significant rainfall in one region in a short period of time. It can happen anywhere. In urban areas with significant development, it can happen because the rain doesn't have much space to penetrate into the ground.

In the mountainous areas with steep slopes, especially when soils are saturated, intense rainfall can rapidly turn into flash floods, which are sometimes accompanied by mudslides and landslides. That's what we're witnessing right now in western North Carolina and parts of Virginia.

Is this normal?

It's not unusual. Back in 2018, when Hurricane Michael happened, we had similar landfall in the Florida panhandle area that moved northward toward Georgia and the Carolinas. There's a small dam called Banister Dam in Halifax County, which nearly overtopped because of the significant amount of rainfall produced by then-Tropical Storm Michael.

You created the first-ever hurricane evacuation order database. How does it work?

One of my main areas of research is understanding how individuals and decision-makers make decisions when they receive hazardous weather information. For instance, in the case of Hurricane Helene, a couple of days before the hurricane made landfall, several Florida counties issued evacuation orders.

Over the past few days, many of us in the Charlottesville area received flash flood watch and warning messages on our cell phones. The question is how we respond to this information when the stakes are so high.

Fellow assistant professor Negin Alemazkoor; Harsh Anand, former UVA Engineering doctoral candidate; and I wanted to understand how effective hurricane evacuation orders are. Let's say the Emergency Management Office in Virginia issues a hurricane evacuation order; to what extent do people evacuate based on that information?

We were interested in quantifying that, then realized we needed a database of hurricane evacuation orders, looking at which counties and states issued evacuation orders, when, and what areas they covered.

When we quickly realized such a database did not exist, we spent more than a year putting it together. ... We analyzed social media accounts, news coverage and local government websites to document the evacuation orders issued in response to 25 hurricanes between 2014 and 2022. We're currently working on updating the database for the couple of major hurricanes we have had since 2022.

What further research are you doing that may help Virginians better understand how to be prepared for these emergencies in the future?

Well, we all receive flash flood warnings, but to what extent do we pay attention to these messages? To what extent do we make decisions and act upon receiving this information? One thing we have been trying to figure out using the database is to improve that messaging.

We are also trying to figure out how the responses vary among communities. How do communities across socioeconomic status, urban vs. rural settings, etc., respond differently to this information?

By getting these insights, we hope that we can help the National Weather Service and local weather forecast offices in terms of how they can better communicate the messages. This could also help FEMA and other emergency management offices better understand potential responses from different communities to better allocate their resources.
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Timed series of young water fraction and dynamic water retention. ac, Aare (a), Salzach (b) and Morava (c) rivers with hydrograph plots and land-use (20072020) pie charts. DWR means dynamic water retention. Credit: Nature Water (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00280-z

An international science team has made significant strides in understanding river flow dynamics. The findings leverage isotope hydrology techniques such as measuring stable isotopes in water molecules to elucidate the contributions of various water sources to river flow, offering critical insights for ecosystem management and hydrological risk assessment.

This latest research is published in Nature Water and is a collaboration of scientists from the German Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research (Leibniz-IZW) with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the Federal Institute of Hydrology, Germany, and Stellenbosch University in South Africa.

The international science team analyzed the stable isotopes of oxygen and hydrogen in water molecules from 136 perennial rivers and 45 large catchments worldwide. Dr. David Soto, scientist and isotope specialist at the Leibniz-IZW, assisted in the modeling of precipitation isotope data and its validation for the calculation of the dynamic water retention indicator, which is essential for depicting river flow dynamics. Water retention describes the retention, storage and distribution of precipitation.

High dynamic water retention indicates slow water movement through catchments, suggesting a slower response to hydroclimate events. In contrast, low dynamic water retention signifies rapid water movement and a much quicker response to such events. The team identified key factors influencing dynamic water retention, including land-use changes (such as crop and forest cover) and climate changes (such as air temperature and precipitation). These factors significantly affect how water moves through river catchments, affecting the "age" of water in rivers and their overall dynamics.

"By using models to predict precipitation isotope data, we were able to accurately calculate the dynamic water retention indicator, a crucial tool for understanding river flow dynamics," says Soto. "Our validation of these models ensures their reliability, providing valuable insights into how climate change and land-use patterns affect river systems. Monitoring stable isotopes in natural water systems is vital for predicting and mitigating hydrological risks to improve the management of our natural resources."

Rivers are crucial for supporting diverse ecosystem services. They nurture riverine animal and plant communities, deliver essential nutrients to the marine environment, provide transport routes for trade, generate hydroelectric power and offer recreational opportunities. Even during dry periods, rivers often continue to flow, owing to contributions from several sources, including direct precipitation, surface runoff, interflow through soil, and base flow from groundwater.

Climate change and land-use changes are significantly altering water movement through river catchments, affecting the "age" of water in rivers. This phenomenon, akin to river aging, has profound implications for the services which rivers provide. For instance, the low levels of the River Rhine during the European summer of 2023 disrupted the flow of goods and services because conventional ships could not move anymore, highlighting the critical need for understanding these dynamics.

Catchments with low dynamic water retention are more susceptible to hydrological extremes such as droughts and floods. Therefore, dynamic water retention serves as a crucial indicator for hydrological risk assessment, aiding in the prediction and mitigation of the impacts of climate and land-use changes on river systems.

Ensuring that rivers continue to provide their essential services to ecosystems and human societies alike is paramount. By understanding and monitoring water retention and flow dynamics, it will become easier to adjust to and manage the challenges posed by a changing climate and evolving land-use patterns.

More information: Yuliya Vystavna et al, Predicting river flow dynamics using stable isotopes for better adaptation to climate and land-use changes, Nature Water (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s44221-024-00280-z Journal information: Nature Water

Provided by Leibniz Institute for Zoo and Wildlife Research
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

Social structures in schools perpetuate inequalities against children with developmental disabilities, a new study says.

Ways of defining age-level expectations and the way schools are organized position these children as "atypical." Instead, they should get quality support and teachers who are able to listen to their views and value their experiences, according to the research.

It says a school culture that focuses on progress and attainment can prevent the successful inclusion of all children, including those with disabilities. This "adult-centric view of education quality" does not consider children's experiences and perspectives of what happens in mainstream primary education.

The study is four case studies showing children's experience of education in different English primary schools. The work is published in the British Educational Research Journal.

Dr. Katherine Gulliver, from the University of Exeter and the University of Plymouth, used a range of photography activities, guided tours and interviews during a week spent with each pupil to collect details about the experiences and views of young children with developmental disabilities, whose voices have tended to be excluded from research.

The study demonstrates ways in which young children can develop self-advocacy through opportunities to share their voice and understanding of education.

Dr. Gulliver said, "My aim was to listen to young children with developmental disabilities to understand what is important and valuable to them. Unfortunately, the school system as it is does not consider the real lived experiences of children with developmental disabilities. Children's views are required to explore what is important to them, to help increase understanding of how to support them in a mainstream primary school.

"Children with developmental disabilities have complex and subtle ways in which they shared their views and asked for support in managing things like self-regulation and anxiety."

Children described difficulty with navigating spaces and sounds as causing them discomfort and anxiety. They also shared that they require support in understanding the change between one class to the next class.

The case studies record how children with developmental disabilities learn to be a primary school pupil, managing transitions between classes or activities, and the different spaces and objects that can cause challenges.

They described their experiences as following the classroom rules and routines, such as transitioning from one activity to another or waiting for the teacher to stop talking before they could talk. At times they required support through prompts or accessed interventions to build attention and concentration skills to help them participate.

The study says focusing on following classroom instructions could limit possibilities for children with developmental disabilities to share their ideas and views, which could prevent opportunities for self-advocacy.

Dr. Gulliver said, "Within the mainstream classroom, children are less able to go at their own pace. This is amplified among a school culture in England that focuses on improving education outcomes through closing achievement gaps for disadvantaged pupils rather than focusing on the quality of child-centered education."

The study described teaching assistants as playing an important role in helping children celebrate their own achievements and work at their own pace in a safe, secure, supportive and non-pressured environment.

More information: Katherine Gulliver, Listening to young children with disabilities: Experiences of quality in mainstream primary education, British Educational Research Journal (2024). DOI: 10.1002/berj.4039
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Overview of study design and geographic diversity of AAB. (A) Conceptual overview of study data and experiments. Leveraging 16S amplicon data from 500 sourdough starters, we isolated 21 AAB on selective media and obtained corresponding genomes. We obtained MAGs (N = 8) from metagenomes (sample N = 40) and also included 32 publicly available AAB genomes for a final genome set of 61 for our comparative genomics assessment. We also selected a subset of AAB isolates (N = 10) for synthetic sourdough experiments to measure the functional impact of AAB on starter microbiomes. (B) AAB were isolated from a set of 500 sourdough samples that were previously described using amplicon sequencing, collected from a global network of community scientists (14). Light blue-gray circles indicate the detection of AAB in 16S rRNA gene amplicon data, and bright blue circles denote the recovery of one or more AAB genomes from the sample. Orange circles denote the set of AAB genomes included from NCBI (National Center for Biotechnology Information), recovered from diverse environmental sources and geographic locations. Popout shows example AAB colonies on plate (s.b. 1 cm) and under the microscope at 100 (s.b. 10 m). Credit: mSystems (2024). DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00537-24

When millions of people went into lockdown during the pandemic, they went in search of new at-home hobbies to help cure their boredom. Among them was making sourdough bread. In addition to being sustainable for its use of natural ingredients and traditional methods which date back thousands of years to ancient Egypt, it is also valued for its nutritional benefits.

For example, studies have shown that sourdough contains more vitamins, minerals and antioxidants compared to many other types of bread. For people with mild sensitivities to gluten, sourdough bread can be easier to digest since much of the gluten is broken down during the fermentation process. What's more, many lactic acid bacteria species, which are foundational to sourdough, are considered probiotics, associated with improved gastrointestinal health.

A flavor profile years in the making

The process of making sourdough bread begins with a sourdough starter. These starters are created when microbescommunities of bacteria and yeaststabilize in a flour and water mixture. Known as a microbiome, this community of wild yeast and bacteria is what makes sourdough bread rise and contributes to its taste and texture. Sourdough notably differs from most bread because it relies on this starter of wild microbes to help it rise instead of baker's yeast packets.

Many sourdough starters are preserved over generations, with some samples dating back thousands of years. To maintain a sourdough starter, you extract a sample from a previous dough and mix it into new flour and water. With enough transfers of the sourdough starter, the microbial community will be composed of the yeast, lactic acid bacteria (LAB), and acetic acid bacteria (AAB) that are best adapted to the sourdough environment. What makes different sourdough starters unique are the varying strains of yeast and bacteria that produce the distinctive sour flavor.

Testing genetic diversity

Advances in sequencing technology have enabled researchers to rapidly profile microbial communities, such as the sourdough microbiome. At Syracuse University, members of biology professor Angela Oliverio's lab have been studying acetic acid bacteria to determine how the genetic diversity of AAB impacts sourdough communities.

While previous research has focused more on lactic acid bacteria and yeast, the ecology, genomic diversity, and functional contributions of AAB in sourdough remain largely unknown. Beryl Rappaport, a Ph.D. student in Oliverio's group, recently led a study published in mSystems, in which she and other sourdough scientists, including Oliverio, Nimshika Senewiratne from the Oliverio lab, SU biology professor Sarah Lucas, and professor Ben Wolfe from Tufts University, sequenced 29 AAB genomes from a collection of over 500 sourdough starters and constructed synthetic starter communities in the lab to define the ways in which AAB shape emergent properties of sourdough.

"While not as common in sourdough as lactic acid bacteria, acetic acid bacteria are better known for their dominant roles in other fermented foods like vinegar and kombucha," says Rappaport. "For this study, we were interested in following up on previous findings which stated that when present in sourdough, AAB seems to have a strong impact on key properties including scent profile and metabolite production, which shape overall flavor formation."

To assess the consequences of AAB on the emergent function of sourdough starter microbiomes, their team tested 10 strains of AAB, some distantly related and some very closely related. They set up manipulative experiments with these 10 strains, adding each one to a community of yeast and LAB. They kept a separate community of just yeast and LAB to serve as the control.

"Since we can manipulate what microbes and what concentrations of microbes go into these synthetic sourdough communities, we could see the direct effects of adding each strain of AAB to sourdough," says Rappaport. "As we expected, every strain of AAB lowered the pH of the synthetic sourdough (associated with increasing sourness) since they release acetic acid and other acids as byproducts of their metabolic processes. Unexpectedly, however, AAB that were more closely related did not release more similar compounds. In fact, there was high variation in metabolites, many related to flavor formation, even between strains of the same species."

According to Rappaport, strain diversity is often overlooked in microbial communities, in part because it is difficult to identify and manipulate levels of diversity due to the vastness of microorganisms within a given community. The human gut biome alone can have roughly 100 trillion bacteria living in it. By zooming into the diversity among closer relatives in the lab, researchers can start to understand key interactions in microbiomes.

A new starter source

When it comes to baking, she says their findings offer bread makers a new direction to shape sourdough flavor and texture.

"Since AAB reliably acidified the starters we worked with and released a large variety of flavor compounds, bakers who want their sourdough to be more sour or to create new flavors may try sourcing a starter with AAB or attempt to capture AAB themselves," says Rappaport. "We hope that this study helps to shine a light on the diversity of microbes found in sourdough and their important functional roles."

Their research could also have implications for the health benefits of sourdough bread.

During the fermentation process, AAB generates acetic acid, which significantly aids in breaking down gluten and complex carbohydrates, enhancing the digestibility of sourdough. By examining the genetic diversity of AAB and its influence on acetic acid production, researchers can develop strains that optimize this process.

The broader impact

The team uses sourdough primarily for its use as a model system because the sourdough microbiome is relatively simple to culture and use for repeated experiments in the lab. But their results stretch far beyond baking.

"Our findings will be relevant to people interested in more complex microbial communities, like the human gut or soil," says Rappaport. This is because the sourdough system can be used to ask questions about ecology and evolution which would be more difficult to ask with more complex systems.

When it comes to the human gut, microbial communities can help build resilience to infections and improve efficiency in breaking down complex carbohydrates, fiber, proteins and fats. In the case of soil, microbes help to break down organic matter and maintain overall soil ecosystem stability. There are many unknowns, however, about how multiple levels of genetic diversity impact these processes.

By recognizing how strain diversity can have community-wide consequences on a microbiome, the team's insights could have wide-ranging benefits for human health, wellness and environmental sustainability.

More information: H. B. Rappaport et al, Genomics and synthetic community experiments uncover the key metabolic roles of acetic acid bacteria in sourdough starter microbiomes, mSystems (2024). DOI: 10.1128/msystems.00537-24 Journal information: mSystems
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Location of NEK1 during asexual blood stage schizogony and its association with kinetochore (NDC80) and centrin. Credit: PLOS Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002802

A team of scientists at the University of Nottingham, have uncovered how the parasite that causes malaria orchestrates their cell divisionwhich is key in enabling the parasite to transmit this deadly disease.

In a new paper, published in PLOS Biology, a team of scientists at the university, along with collaborators across the globe, show how they have uncovered key regulators of how malaria parasites manage their cell division.

Malaria is a major public health issue in many developing parts of the world. It is transmitted by female mosquitoes which ingest the parasites when they bite. Malaria was responsible for approximately 608,000 deaths in 2022 (WHO) and is caused by a single-celled parasite termed Plasmodium, that invades the liver and red blood cells.

This new research is led by Professor Rita Tewari from the School of Life Sciences at the university and Professor Mathieu Brochet at the University of Geneva. It aims to unravel the atypical mode of multiplication of the malaria parasite with particular focus on the developmental stages of the parasite within the mosquito in the hope of finding new therapeutic targets.

Professor Tewari said, "It is clear by looking at COVID-19, that controlling the transmission of parasites is equally crucial in addition to controlling the disease. Hence, to have fundamental knowledge of how the parasite succeeds to divide within the mosquito and what switches it uses will help to design intervention targets.

"One of the unusual cell divisions is seen in male sex cell formation. Recently, Professor Tewari's team of researchers have focused on some proteins called kinases. Kinases are a family of proteins which contribute to the control of nearly all cellular processes and have already become major drug targets in the fight against cancer and other diseases. However, studies on these kinases and how they are involved in cell division in Plasmodium species are scarce."

The group have recently characterized two kinases: ARK2 and NEK1, which they have published details of how they contribute to parasite multiplication especially during transmission stages within mosquitoes.

Professor Tewari adds, "Kinases are the best drug targets and their role in parasite transmission is important to unravel. The two studies here are a step in that direction."

The previous study detailing more on this discovery can be found in Nature Communications.

The scientists involved in the current PLOS Biology study were Mohammad Zeeshan and Sarah Pashley from Professor's Tewari's lab at Nottingham. Zeeshan, the first author on the paper said, "NEK1 is a functional protein that plays a crucial role in different stages of Plasmodium development. Our study reveals that the depletion of NEK1 protein from Plasmodium arrests its cell division and sexual development. This indicates that NEK1 could be a potential drug target, not only to stop the malaria disease but also its transmission."

More information: Mohammad Zeeshan et al, Plasmodium NEK1 coordinates MTOC organisation and kinetochore attachment during rapid mitosis in male gamete formation, PLOS Biology (2024). DOI: 10.1371/journal.pbio.3002802 Journal information: Nature Communications , PLoS Biology
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Jinyin Hu and Dr. Thanh-Son Pham. Credit: Jamie Kidston/ANU

The Hunga Tonga underwater volcano was one of the largest volcanic eruptions in history, and now, two years later, new research from The Australian National University (ANU) has revealed its main trigger. The research is published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters.

Until now, the cause of the cataclysmic event has remained largely a mystery to the scientific community, yet a student-led team of ANU seismologists has been able to shed new light on the natural explosion that initiated the event.

The student researchers analyzed the climactic event's noisy but valuable seismic records to decipher its mysterious physical mechanism.

"Our findings confirm there was an explosion, possibly due to a gas-compressed rock, which released energy that equated to five of the largest underground nuclear explosions conducted by North Korea in 2017," study co-author and ANU Ph.D. student, Jinyin Hu, said.

"Our model suggests the event resulted from the gas-compressed rock being trapped underneath a shallow sea, like an overcooked pressure cooker.

"This would be surprising to many because it had been commonly thought that the interaction of hot magma with cold seawater caused such massive underwater volcanic eruptions.

"We used a technique previously developed to study underground explosions for this natural explosion."

Study co-author, Dr. Thanh-Son Pham, said the explosion caused a massive vertical push of water upwards into the atmosphere, causing tsunamis that reached as high as 45 meters at nearby islands.

"The water volume that was uplifted during the event was huge. Based on our estimates, there was enough water to fill about one million standard Olympic-sized swimming pools," Dr. Pham said.

Study co-author, Professor Hrvoje Tkalcic, from ANU, added, "Using seismic waveform modeling, we observed a significant vertical force pointing upward during the event. At first, we were confused by it. But then we realized that the solid earth rebounded upwards after the water column got uplifted."

"A couple of weeks ago, we saw how seismology was used to explain an extraordinary sequence of events in Greenland that included a landslide due to glacial melting, a tsunami, and a seiche lasting for nine days observed globally.

"With Hunga Tonga, we have a relatively short-duration explosive event observed globally and, again, academically driven curiosity and forensic seismology at its best."

According to the ANU seismologists, the Tonga eruption is the best instrumentally recorded event compared to events of similar sizes in the recent past.

"This is one of the largest events in our lifetime. Luckily, we had multiple ways to record the event, from data from satellite images to seismic sensors that record the sound waves and structure," Mr. Hu said.

"There was another event that happened in 1991 that was a similar size in Pinatubo in the Philippines, but back then, monitoring systems weren't as sophisticated as they are now."

The ANU seismologists believe that monitoring the release of gases and micro-seismicity from volcanic sites can help better prepare for future events.

More information: Jinyin Hu et al, A Composite Seismic Source Model for the First Major Event During the 2022 Hunga (Tonga) Volcanic Eruption, Geophysical Research Letters (2024). DOI: 10.1029/2024GL109442 Journal information: Geophysical Research Letters
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NASAs James Webb Space Telescopes NIRCam (Near-Infrared Camera) image of the galaxy cluster PLCK G165.7+67.0, also known as G165, on the left shows the magnifying effect a foreground cluster can have on the distant universe beyond. The foreground cluster is 3.6 billion light-years away from Earth. The zoomed region on the right shows supernova H0pe triply imaged (labeled with white dashed circles) due to gravitational lensing. In this image blue represents light at 0.9, 1.15, and 1.5 microns (F090W + F115W + F150W), green is 2.0 and 2.77 microns (F200W + F277W), and red is 3.56, 4.1, and 4.44 microns (F356W + F410M + F444W). Credit: NASA, ESA, CSA, STScI, B. Frye (University of Arizona), R. Windhorst (Arizona State University), S. Cohen (Arizona State University), J. DSilva (University of Western Australia, Perth), A. Koekemoer (Space Telescope Science Institute), J. Summers (Arizona State University).

Measuring the Hubble constant, the rate at which the universe is expanding, is an active area of research among astronomers around the world who analyze data from both ground- and space- based observatories. NASA's James Webb Space Telescope has already contributed to this ongoing discussion. Earlier this year, astronomers used Webb data containing Cepheid variables and Type Ia supernovae, reliable distance markers to measure the universe's expansion rate, to confirm NASA's Hubble Space Telescope's previous measurements.

Now, researchers are using an independent method of measurement to further improve the precision of the Hubble constantgravitationally lensed supernovae. Brenda Frye from the University of Arizona, along with a team of many researchers from different institutions around the world, is leading this effort after Webb's discovery of three points of light in the direction of a distant and densely populated cluster of galaxies. The Space Telescope Science Institute recently invited Dr. Frye to tell us more about what the team has nicknamed Supernova H0pe and how gravitational lensing effects are providing insights into the Hubble constant.

"It all started with one question by the team: 'What are those three dots that weren't there before? Could that be a supernova?'" she said. "The points of light, not visible in 2015 Hubble imaging of the same cluster, were obvious when the images of PLCK G165.7+67.0 arrived on Earth from Webb's Guaranteed Time Observations of the Prime Extragalactic Areas for Reionization and Lensing Science (PEARLS) 'Clusters' program. The team notes the question was the first to pop to mind for good reason: 'The field of G165 was selected for this program due to its high rate of star formation of more than 300 solar masses per year, an attribute that correlates with higher supernova rates.'

"Initial analyses confirmed that these dots corresponded to an exploding star, one with rare qualities. First, it's a Type Ia supernova, an explosion of a white dwarf star. This type of supernova is generally called a 'standard candle,' meaning that the supernova had a known intrinsic brightness. Second, it is gravitationally lensed.

"Gravitational lensing is important to this experiment. The lens, consisting of a cluster of galaxies that is situated between the supernova and us, bends the supernova's light into multiple images. This is similar to how a trifold vanity mirror presents three different images of a person sitting in front of it. In the Webb image, this was demonstrated right before our eyes in that the middle image was flipped relative to the other two images, a 'lensing' effect predicted by theory.

"To achieve three images, the light traveled along three different paths. Since each path had a different length, and light traveled at the same speed, the supernova was imaged in this Webb observation at three different times during its explosion. In the trifold mirror analogy, a time-delay ensued in which the right-hand mirror depicted a person lifting a comb, the left-hand mirror showed hair being combed, and the middle mirror displayed the person putting down the comb.

"Trifold supernova images are special: The time delays, supernova distance, and gravitational lensing properties yield a value for the Hubble constant or H0 (pronounced H-naught). The supernova was named SN H0pe since it gives astronomers hope to better understand the universe's changing expansion rate.

"In an effort to explore SN H0pe further, the PEARLS-Clusters team wrote a Webb Director's Discretionary Time (DDT) proposal that was evaluated by science experts in a dual-anonymous review and recommended by the Webb Science Policies Group for DDT observations. In parallel, data was acquired at the MMT, a 6.5-meter telescope on Mt. Hopkins, and the Large Binocular Telescope on Mt. Graham, both in Arizona. In analyzing both observations, our team was able to confirm that SN H0pe is anchored to a background galaxy, well behind the cluster, that existed 3.5 billion years after the big bang.

"SN H0pe is one of the most distant Type Ia supernovae observed to date. A different team member made another time delay measurement by analyzing the evolution of its light dispersed into its constituent colors or 'spectrum' from Webb, confirming the Type Ia nature of SN H0pe.

"Seven subgroups contributed lens models describing the 2D matter distribution of the galaxy cluster. Since the Type Ia supernova is a standard candle, each lens model was 'graded' by its ability to predict the time delays and supernova brightnesses relative to the true measured values.

"To prevent biases, the results were blinded from these independent groups and revealed to each other on the announced day and time of a 'live unblinding.' The team reports the value for the Hubble constant as 75.4 kilometers per second per megaparsec, plus 8.1 or minus 5.5. [One parsec is equivalent to 3.26 light-years of distance.] This is only the second measurement of the Hubble constant by this method, and the first time using a standard candle. The PEARLS program lead investigator remarked, 'This is one of the great Webb discoveries, and is leading to a better understanding of this fundamental parameter of our universe.'

"Our team's results are impactful: The Hubble constant value matches other measurements in the local universe, and is somewhat in tension with values obtained when the universe was young. Webb observations in Cycle 3 will improve on the uncertainties, allowing more sensitive constraints on H0."
Descendants of Henry Chung assembled at Henrys Hunan Restaurant on Natoma Street in S.F. MacKenzie Chung Fegan / The Chronicle

The problem with getting people together when youre a restaurant family is that someone is always working. This was the case last Tuesday evening, when 40-odd Chungs (some odder than others *ba dum tss*) gathered to celebrate 50 years of Henrys Hunan Restaurant in San Francisco. Cousin Eddy was there with his wife, Lorna, but his brother Jeff and sister-in-law Mary were holding down the fort over at the Church Street location. And since we had chosen to assemble at the Natoma Street restaurant, cousin Frank was mostly on his feet, manning the wok. Hes on the very edge of our family photo in his apron, having just run over from the kitchen.

Success found my grandparents Henry and Diana Chung later in life. They were in their 50s when they opened the original Hunan on Kearny Street in 1974 after 25 scrappy years of trying to make a go of it in the U.S. The rest is family lore: a call-out in a New York Times article about Chinatown, a New Yorker piece (titled Frisco) that asserted it was the best Chinese restaurant in the world, a cameo by my grandfather in Les Blanks Garlic Is As Good As Ten Mothers, a cookbook peppered with Chungist philosophy, according to an ad in the Chronicle.

An ad from 1978 for Henry Chungs cookbook. The Chronicle

The Hunan Restaurants culinary legacy is significant  at one point Herb Caen reckoned there were more Hunan-style restaurants in San Francisco than there were in Hunan province  but its impact on the Chung clan is even more consequential. The success of the restaurant allowed us to bring over relatives who had been left behind, starting with my grandfathers three children from his first marriage and their families, who suffered mightily during the Cultural Revolution. When they arrived, there were jobs for them; if you ask my relatives, every man, woman and child in Hunan is an excellent cook. By my uncle Meng Qios count, there are some 100 descendants of Henry Chung now in San Francisco.

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If youve dined at any of the Henrys Hunan locations over the past 50 years  Kearny, Sansome, Sacramento, Church, Bryant, Natoma, Mission, Grant  youve met those aunts, uncles and cousins. In fact, the only people in the above photo who havent worked at a Hunan Restaurant are too young to have a work permit (not that that prevented me from moonlighting as an 8-year-old host and cashier).

Im not sure what the fate of Henrys Hunan will be once the current generation retires. My cousins and their children are pharmacists, jewelry store owners, tattoo artists, lawyers and therapists. My grandparents wanted it that way; restaurants were a means to an end, and they didnt want their grandchildren working 12-hour days.

So on a Tuesday, we gathered to honor their memory the way we know how  through incredibly spicy food. Frank was cooking off-menu deep cuts (although they can usually be had if you ask)  bullfrog with zi su, or perilla; scarlet kou rou, meltingly tender steamed pork belly loaded with peppers; hot and sour chicken gizzards with celery and pickled chiles; xiao chao rou, everyones favorite fiery pork stir-fry; Triple Beef Delight, those delights being stomach, tongue and shank. The spice levels were what I would call village hot, but still there were jars of oily house-made la jiao for the chile heads who needed a little extra oomph.

We ended the celebration with a raffle featuring door prizes from Costco that my mom had procured. I took home a family-sized bag of Tajin pistachios. Second-cousin Casey walked away with a three-pack of socks and some scissors, but cousin Louis was the big winner with a box containing 54 pouches of Flamin Hot Cheetos. America is a land of abundance, and were all here thanks to a hole-in-the-wall Hunanese restaurant my grandparents opened 50 years ago.
Stewarts Shops has signed an agreement to purchase the assets of Jolley Associates convenience store chain and S.B. Collins, including its heating oil business Clarence Brown of St. Albans, Vermont.

The acquisition, which requires federal regulatory approval, is expected to close by the end of 2024. Terms of the deal remain confidential.

The transaction includes the purchase of 45 Jolley stores including five in New York, two in New Hampshire and 38 locations in Vermont.

We are thrilled to have this opportunity to acquire a company with such an impressive reputation in a market that weve been watching for many years, said Stewarts Shops president Gary Dake. One of the primary reasons we were drawn to this deal is because of the quality and the character of Jolleys employees.

The acquisition also brings together two longtime family businesses.

Jolley Associates was founded 50 years ago by brothers Bruce and Robert Jolley. Through the years, their business developed a reputation as a market leader throughout Vermont.

Stewarts Shops, a family- and employee-owned business, was founded in 1945 and grew to 360 convenience stores throughout upstate New York and western Vermont.

We are proud of what we have accomplished over the years and we are happy to know that Stewarts is providing our employees an opportunity to have ownership in the business and will continue to treat them well, said Bruce Jolley, president and co-founder of Jolley Associates.
Traffic stop results in drug arrests in Queensbury

QUEENSBURY  A Hudson Falls man and a Queensbury woman were arrested after a traffic stop found drug paraphernalia and crack cocaine.

The Warren County Sheriffs Office arrested Joshua B. Graves, 39, and Billie Jo Parker, age 49, following a traffic stop Sept. 24.

Graves, who was known to officers for having a suspended drivers license, was operating a Chevy Cruze on Corinth Road in Queensbury. During the traffic stop, officers observed drug paraphernalia, as well as a substance consistent with crack cocaine in plain view they reported.

Graves and Parker were removed from the vehicle and upon further investigation, Graves was found to be in possession of almost one ounce of cocaine and Parker was found to be in possession of approximately 100 grams of cocaine. Additionally, over $2,600 in cash was seized from the vehicle. Another passenger in the car, 34-year-old Jacqueline A. Rock of Homestead Village in Queensbury, had an active bench warrant out of the Town of Moreau.

Rock was turned over to the New York State Police to answer the warrant.

Graves was charged with second-degree Aggravated Unlicensed Operation and fourth-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (possession of 1/8th of an ounce or more of a narcotic drug) a class C Felony.

Billie Jo Parker was charged with two counts of third-degree Criminal Possession of a Controlled Substance (one count for possessing  ounce or more of a narcotic drug and one count for possession with the intent to sell) both are class B Felonies. Following the traffic stop, a search warrant of Billie Jo Parkers residence located on Merritt Road in the Town of Queensbury was executed. Upon search of the residence, an additional 100 grams of cocaine was seized along with numerous items of drug paraphernalia consistent with drugs sales activity the Sheriffs Office reported.

Parkers case is still under investigation. Future charges will follow, the Sheriffs Office reported. Graves and Parker were arraigned at Warren County CAP Court where Graves was remanded with bail, while Parker was released on her own recognizance to return at a later court date. Graves posted bail and was released.

Two drivers arrested after vehicle accident in Lake George

LAKE GEORGE  The drivers of two vehicles were arrested earlier this month following a motor-vehicle accident in Lake George.

The Warren County Sheriffs Office arrested the operators of vehicles involved in a accident in Lake George Sept. 21. Shortly before 11 p.m. the Sheriffs Office responded to the crash involving two vehicles on State Route 9N in Lake George.

Investigators reported finding the drivers of both vehicles intoxicated, and they were subsequently arrested. Matthew P. Mcvey, 35, of Montgomery, was transported to Sheriffs Office Headquarters where he submitted to an evidentiary breath test and blew a .24 of 1% BAC. Mcvey was charged with aggravated DWI, and issued a traffic ticket for Failure to Keep Right as a result of the crash. He was released pending arraignment in Lake George Town Court at a later date.

Nicholas P. Ginter, age 45, of Hudson Falls, refused to submit to an evidentiary breath test at Sheriffs Office Headquarters, and was charged with the felonies of Driving While Intoxicated and Aggravated Unlicensed Operation of a Motor-Vehicle 1st degree. Ginter was held in police lock-up pending arraignment in Warren County CAP Court.

From a press release.
GLENS FALLS  U.S. Senate Majority Leader Charles Chuck Schumer (D-NY) is urging the federal government to help New York combat the EEE virus.

Schumer held a press conference outside Glens Falls Hospital Tuesday morning to speak about the growing concerns surrounding the Eastern Equine Encephalitis Virus (EEEV) in upstate New York and to speak about his plan to get assistance from the federal government.

Were here to talk about a problem that has been buzzing around upstate and the Capital Region for quite a while, Schumer said. In the Capital Region, and across New York State, weve seen one of the worst mosquito seasons in recent memory. And this mosquito season is likely to last well into the fall.

EEE virus is spread by mosquitoes, and can affect horses, humans and other animals

A horse in Washington County contracted EEEV in August and another in Saratoga County had to be euthanized last week after contracting the virus. Two emus in Rensselaer County died last month from EEEV.

Schumer said that the first human EEEV fatality in New York in nearly a decade happened in Ulster County in September. Since 1971 there have been 11 human cases of EEEV in the state, and seven of those cases were fatal.

EEEV is a particular risk locally because of the great number of horses in the Capital Region, Schumer said. Saratoga, Warren and Washington counties are home to 6,627 horses, and are central to the states $7 million equine and horse racing industry.

This issue is alarming not only because it risks our health, but the health of the Capitol Region economy as well, Schumer said.

Schumer called on the federal government to help New York fight the mosquito problem. He said he has a two-pronged approach to get the federal government to assist.

The first part involves having the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Environmental Protection Agency to step up coordination with New York, and local health officials, Schumer said.

The second involves pushing for $65 million in additional funding in the next federal budget for the CDCs vector-borne disease programs, which includes study and prevention of EEEV as well as the West Nile Virus and other diseases.

The CDCs vector-borne disease program does more research to help identify what the mosquitos are spreading and how to combat the threat; it also helps provide local municipalities with things they need to help combat mosquitos, such as traps.

This is not widespread yet, but it could be very easily, Schumer said. What were trying to do here is a stitch in time prevents nine, and were trying to make sure it doesnt spread and get worse.

Symptoms of the virus can include sudden high fever, muscle pains, and a headache of increasing severity. Anyone experiencing these symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. There is a preventative vaccine for horses but no treatment once symptoms occur.

From a human disease standpoint, these wouldnt be considered common diseases at this point. They still are fairly rare, said Dr. Sean Bain, MD, chief medical officer at Glens Falls Hospital. But we are having increasing cases, and unfortunately, the consequences can be devastating. We really have no treatment.

Everyone should protect themselves a much as possible from mosquito bites, Bain said.

Wearing long sleeves and pants when hiking, getting rid of stagnant water, and using mosquito repellant are some of the ways to help prevent mosquito bites.

Having animals is a tremendous privilege but its also a tremendous responsibility, veterinarian Dr. Carrie Telgen said. And its on us as caregivers to protect our animals whenever we can from these preventable diseases such as EEE.

City of Glens Falls Mayor Bill Collins said he appreciates that Schumer chose Glens Falls and Glens Falls Hospital to make his announcement Tuesday.

So thank you (Schumer) for driving this home, for fighting for us to make sure were safe here in upstate New York, Collins said.
A debate is brewing inside the race for the 113th Assembly District, but it is not the one where the candidates face each other and ask questions. Assembly candidate Jeremy Messina, running on the Republican and Conservative party lines, has challenged incumbent Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner, a Democrat, to a debate at the Malta Community Center on October 1st, 2024. Woerners camp says Messina should meet her for the League of Women Voters debate, which she has committed to.

Despite Woerners refusal to participate, Messina plans to proceed with the debate as planned. Brady Start, the campaign manager for Messina says they will be taking questions from the audience.

According to a press release by Messinas office, his intention is to inform voters about the candidates platforms and priorities, and that this would be an opportunity for both candidates to engage directly with the voters of the 113th district.

Carrie Woerner refusing to participate in this in-person debate is unsurprising  she continues to refuse to be held accountable for her role in National Grid raising our utility rates and the state closure of Great Meadow Correctional Facility, Messina said in the press release.

This raises concerns about Carries willingness to engage directly with the voters she represents, Messina continued. I look forward to this debate even if it is with an empty podium.

Woerner, however, stands by the fact that she has accepted a debate invitation from the League of Women Voters, what she considers one of the most respected debate hosts in the state, according to a press release from her office.

Instead of agreeing to a quality, bi-partisan debate, her opponent is creating a political stunt, the release read.

He either lures her into a room filled with his supporters and a moderator that was hand-picked by him if she accepts or gives him a photo of an empty chair for his campaign mail and TV if she declines. If he really wanted to debate, he would accept the League of Women Voters invitation and stop playing political games to get headlines, according to the release.

Messina invited Post-Star editor Steve Thurston, and others, to moderate the debate, an invitation that Thurston accepted, but says has received no further information about the event. The short email Thurston received on the issue came from Brady Stark, listed as the campaign manager.

If the Assemblywoman agrees, this will be hosted at the Malta Community Center, Stark wrote.
UPPER TOWNSHIP  THC-infused seltzers and other beverages were a hot seller at Boulevard Super Liquors over the summer, but they wont be on the shelves much longer.

It was nice to have, said Dave Beyel Jr., whose family has long operated the large liquor store just over the bridge from Ocean City. We were selling it and doing well with it.

He said the store took its time before offering the beverages, while others moved more quickly to offer products that were legal as long as the intoxicating element was derived from hemp.

That changed with Gov. Phil Murphys signature on a new law in September, starting a countdown for sale of the products, one which is up Oct. 12. The law immediately banned the sale of any product with any detectable amount of THC to those under 21.

Too frequently, these products are readily available to minors, Murphy said.

New Jersey voters overwhelmingly approved legalizing marijuana in 2020, leading to the establishment of licensed cannabis dispensaries offering edibles, vapes, beverages and dried marijuana flower.

These products are something different. A federal farm bill in 2018 greatly broadened how hemp could be sold, allowing its use as a material but also in other forms. Hemp, marijuana and cannabis are all the same plant with different legal definitions, with hemp defined by its low concentration of THC, or tetrahydrocannabinol, the chemical that provides cannabis with its intoxicating effects.

To be hemp, the plant needs to have less than 0.3% concentration of THC.

Area dispensaries offer weed at 20% to 36% THC.

Atlantic City cannabis 'green zone' expansion adjourned indefinitely An ordinance to amend Atlantic City's cannabis "green zone" to include Albany Avenue was adjourned indefinitely at last week's City Council meeting.

But as Murphy, and hemp proponents, have pointed out, there are a lot of chemicals in cannabis. The federal rules apply to THC Delta 9, but dont cover THC Delta 8, THC Delta 10 or other chemicals that have a similar effect.

These products are sold outside of the regulated market for cannabis even though they can have similar effects, may contain harmful chemicals and other contaminants, and often are sold without appropriate testing or labeling, Murphy said in his signing statement on the law.

To some extent, I get it. Youve got to keep people safe, Beyel said in a recent interview.

There have been multiple reports of retailers selling intoxicating products to minors, and the law provided few safeguards. But he said his staff, and those at other liquor stores, are already trained in the sale of intoxicants and in spotting fake IDs.

Weve been here for 86 years. Were trusted to serve alcohol and check IDs, he said. You have a distribution network out there already.

The bill Murphy signed does include a carve-out for liquor stores, requiring the New Jersey Cannabis Regulatory Control Commission to establish rules for the sale of the products.

Its just the latest obstacle added to an already complicated landscape of overlapping, and sometimes contradictory, state and federal laws governing cannabis and hemp, with the former still classified by federal authorities as among the most dangerous drugs in existence. That is expected to change in the coming years, but marijuana remains illegal federally, while a significant number of states have decided to legalize it.

Staff members with the Cannabis Regulatory Commission declined to be interviewed, citing a lawsuit filed last week.

Could America's divide on marijuana be coming to an end? Though still illegal under federal law, public approval of marijuana grew significantly  and so has the number of states where it's legally sold in stores.

A group of hemp businesses, including one in Sicklerville, Camden County, and some from around the country, have asked for an injunction against enforcing the new law, citing the federal farm bills definition of hemp, and forbade states from interfering with its interstate commerce.

As a result of the amendments, plaintiffs will suffer immediate, irreparable financial harm, and many businesses will be forced to close or lay off employees, reads the suit filed last week in U.S. District Court. This will lead to thousands of lost jobs around the state and turn farmers, business owners and consumers into criminals, despite no changes in federal law and despite the protections Congress has afforded them.

The complaint was filed against Matthew J. Platkin, the attorney general for New Jersey.

Products containing Delta 8 THC became increasingly visible in 2021. Over the summer, multiple liquor stores in the area began carrying THC-containing beverages, offered in brightly colored cans and a beverage option for those keeping California sober.

Customers Beyel spoke with appreciated the option, he said, and enjoyed the beverages. As of early August, the store offered more than 70 products with THC or CBD. Removing them from the shelves will have an impact, but not as big of an impact as on other businesses.

I feel bad for those who invested millions of dollars, he said. The change is not just taking place in New Jersey, he added, with new laws in California and Massachusetts, which both allow cannabis sales.

In Wildwood, Kannavis Botanicals on New Jersey Avenue offers hemp-derived products and makes clear it is not a licensed marijuana dispensary, with a license through the state Department of Agriculture to sell hemp instead. The store offers edibles, flower that is visually indistinguishable from dispensary cannabis and other products, including a THC-infused barbecue sauce.

A staff member who answered the phone this week said the business is in talks with state regulators but did not say the business would close by the Oct. 12 cutoff.

Gov. Murphy signs controversial bill restricting sales of hemp products The bill is flawed, but needed changes probably would not move through the Legislature quickly, Gov. Phil Murphy said upon signing it.

Some manufacturers are looking at options that would have low enough concentrations of THC to be considered intoxicating, which could still be sold to those over 21 through stores with alcohol beverage licenses, Beyel said.

A lot of towns dont want a cannabis store, he said, but existing liquor stores could be a great distribution system.

I know it sounds self-serving, he said. Beyel added that most companies understood the rules were still being formulated.

Even in signing the law, Murphy described it as imperfect, but likely the best he would get on his desk. It gives new responsibilities to the Cannabis Regulatory Commission without adding funding. He said those with alcohol licenses who want to sell cannabis products should have to follow the same rules as those with cannabis licenses, which has been described as one of the most closely regulated industries in the state.

He said he is proud of the states cannabis regulations.

The status quo is untenable, and this bill will put an end to it, Murphy said.

As of Oct 12, any hemp-based intoxicating product can only be sold by businesses with cannabis licenses and overseen by the CRC.

We must ensure that the market is not disrupted by the entry of businesses that are not required to play by the same rules, Murphy said. I welcome the Legislatures cooperation to meet that objective. In the interim, the commission should ensure, to the extent permitted by law, that any regulations it adopts condition approval for alcohol licensees to sell or distribute intoxicating hemp products on compliance with regulations comparable to those that apply to similarly situated cannabis businesses.
A coalition of climate groups rallied in Trenton Monday to urge the passage of a bill that would require companies that have produced fossil fuels since 1995 to pay for economic damages borne of climate change.

They said investment is needed to ensure the state reaches its ambitious climate goals of drawing 100% of its power from renewable sources by 2035 as storm systems grow more severe  and more economically damaging.

New Jersey has already seen worse effects than other places. By 2050, we could face sea levels a foot higher than today, and 240,000 New Jersey homes could either be underwater by then or battered by climate-driven storms, Sen. Raj Mukherji (D-Hudson) told the roughly 50 rallygoers.

The rally came as parts of the South are struggling to recover from the devastation of Hurricane Helene and its aftermath.

The New Jersey bill would require firms that mined fossil fuels or refined crude oil, or their corporate successors, to pay damages to the state if the Department of Environmental Protection finds they were responsible for more than 1 billion metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions since 1995.

The Treasury would determine the total amount of money to be recouped through damages by calculating the effect greenhouse gas emissions have had on residents health, the states natural resources, and flooding risks, among other factors.

Our planet is in crisis, and we must act now to protect the health and well-being of our communities, said Sen. Britnee Timberlake (D-Essex).

Firms fined under the proposal would face strict liability, meaning the program would not consider the intent of a given polluter when determining fines, and would pay damages to the state proportional to their emission impact.

New Jersey hits pause on an offshore wind farm that can't find turbine blades New Jersey has hit pause on an offshore wind energy project that is having a hard time finding someone to manufacture blades for its turbines.

Ray Cantor, deputy chief government affairs officer for the New Jersey Business and Industry Association, which opposes the bill, warned retroactively imposing liability on fossil fuel producers would be fundamentally unfair.

Its dealing with products that are really not banned. Theyre legal products, and moreover, theyre essential for our way of life. Otherwise, legislatures and agencies would ban them now, he said.

Money collected from the fines would flow into a dedicated fund that would pay for climate resilience projects and could be invested to earn interest before their disbursal.

The bill, which has not reached committee hearings in either chamber since being introduced earlier this month, would allow fined firms to pay damages as a lump sum or in installments over nine years, with the first years payment equal to 20% of their total liability and 10% in subsequent years until the fine is paid.

Its unclear how much revenue the law would generate or what level of fines businesses can expect.

A similar proposal in New York that awaits Gov. Kathy Hochuls signature would assess $75 billion in fines over 25 years, but New Jerseys proposal adopts a separate structure that would leave the programs total fines unknown for some time.

Vermont, which approved a nearly identical law in May, is still drafting a methodology to apply penalties on fossil fuel producers.

New Jerseys bill would give the Treasury two years to figure out its own framework. Cantor warned that customers would end up paying for any costs the bill would levy on businesses.

Cape May questions DEP flood rules at last hearing Cape May city officials had their say at the third and final public hearing on proposed new land use rules from the state Department of Environmental Protection, joining other Jersey Cape communities seeking to tap the brakes on the proposal.

Any charge you do, however they come up with a formula, is only going to be passed onto consumers, so we end up paying for this at the end of the day, he said.

This story first appeared on the New Jersey Monitor.
The New Jersey Senate unanimously confirmed former state Attorney General John Jay Hoffman to the state Supreme Court Monday.

Hoffman, 59, will fill the seat left vacant by Justice Lee Solomon, who retired last month after reaching the age of 70, the states mandatory retirement age for judges.

The demeanor of a judge, the heart of a judge, is so very important to everyone in the courtroom. I know of no one who has a bigger heart or is more sensitive to mankind and man than John Hoffman, Sen. Jon Bramnick (R-Union) said following Hoffmans confirmation vote.

Hoffman, a former federal prosecutor, began his career in public service as a trial attorney for the U.S. Department of Justice before joining the U.S. Attorneys Office in New Jersey in 2004.

He joined the state comptrollers office as director of investigations in 2010 before departing for the state attorney generals office two years later. Gov. Chris Christie nominated him to lead that office in 2013.

He held that post until 2016, when he left to become general counsel at Rutgers University.

Senate panel OKs former state attorney general to become Supreme Court justice The Senate judiciary committee unanimously approved John Jay Hoffman to be a state Supreme Court justice. He's expected to be confirmed Monday.

Hoffmans confirmation maintains the high courts tradition of partisan balance. Though he is registered as an unaffiliated voter, Hoffman served in a Republican administration.

He went through a very rigorous screening process, as you all know, said Senate President Nicholas Scutari (D-Union). Mr. Hoffman not only came through with flying colors, but he did so with grace and dignity like he did with all of his other jobs and is truly a public servant looking to serve the public and truly sacrificing the opportunity to make lots and lots of money in the private sector.

In New Jersey, judges are given a seven-year term after their initial confirmation and can sit until the age of 70 if they are later renominated and confirmed.

In a statement, Gov. Phil Murphy called himself incredibly pleased by the Senates action.

As demonstrated by his unanimous confirmation today, John has earned universal respect on both sides of the aisle for his honesty, integrity, and intellect, Murphy said.

This story first appeared on the New Jersey Monitor.
Daymond Gascon/The Chronicle

Amid the escalating chaos at San Francisco Unified School District, its easy to forget that another city educational institution is facing existential challenges.

That would be City College of San Francisco, which is once again at risk of losing its all-important accreditation less than a decade after the community college narrowly avoided being shut down due to poor decision making and problematic fiscal management.

In January, the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges declined to immediately renew City Colleges accreditation, which is necessary for federal funding and for four-year universities and employers to recognize students course credits. In doing so, it charged the Board of Trustees with neglecting the schools long-term fiscal health, interfering with the chancellors authority and failing to follow its own policies and bylaws.

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The board has until March 2025 to put together a corrective plan, which it must implement by January 2027 to avoid steeper penalties that could eventually result in loss of accreditation.

Its not an exaggeration that the November election to fill four seats on the seven-member City College board could determine whether the school survives to educate future generations of students  or ceases to exist as we know it.

Board members have to contend with a looming budget shortfall  unless enrollment dramatically increases, City College stands to lose money starting in the 2026-27 fiscal year, when special state stabilization funding is set to expire.

They will also have to find a new permanent chancellor after the boards current progressive majority helped drive out David Martin, City Colleges ninth chancellor in eight years, who brought the school back from the brink of insolvency. (Trustees have since hired an interim chancellor.)

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Hiring the next permanent chancellor may be the boards most important task. As Supervisor Rafael Mandelman, a former City College board president, told the editorial board, Were not electing (trustees) to solve all the problems  were electing you to select the people who can solve the problems, guide them and hold them accountable on our behalf.

Three incumbents are running for reelection: Board President Alan Wong and trustee Aliya Chisti, both elected in 2020, and Luis Zamora, the San Francisco city attorneys community relations director, whom Mayor London Breed in September appointed to fill a sudden vacancy.

The other candidates are community college professor Heather McCarty, policy advocate Ruth Ferguson, author and economist Ben Kaplan, consumer rights lawyer Julio J. Ramos and business owner Leanna C. Louie.

The candidates best positioned to get City College back on the right track are Chisti, Zamora, McCarty and Ferguson.

We cannot recommend Wong for reelection because his actions  often taken in conjunction with progressive board members Anita Martinez, Susan Solomon and Vick Chung, who were elected in 2022  are central to why City College risks losing accreditation.

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The accreditation commission found that the board interfered with former chancellor Martins duties in key instances, including when Wong developed and administered Martins annual evaluation unilaterally instead of through the required collective process. Wong and the three progressives also took a secretive, legally questionable late-night vote in January to not renew Martins contract. And Wong has often appeared more interested in political posturing  such as authoring a resolution in support of the Green New Deal  than in solving City Colleges fiscal woes; he was the lone trustee to oppose painful but necessary faculty cuts in 2022.

Wong told us that his priorities are maintaining a balanced budget  and strong financial controls, and keeping City College accredited and accessible to all. He also noted that enrollment has started to tick back up.

Unfortunately, Wongs track record suggests he wont make the tough decisions necessary to keep City College afloat.

Chisti, on the other hand, has been a voice of independence and reason on the board. Although she did join other board members in passing a problematic resolution directing the chancellor to restore the 2022 faculty cuts, she also fought to keep Chancellor Martin at the college and has worked to clarify board policies, improve transparency and strengthen trustee training and professional development.

Zamora is similarly focused on stabilizing City Colleges finances and restoring community trust. We were impressed with his commitment to responsibly paying down the schools retiree health care liability and intrigued by his proposal to repurpose underused facilities to bring in more revenue.

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McCarty, a longtime professor at Ohlone College in Fremont who held leadership roles in her labor union and academic senate, brimmed with excitement and energy in her endorsement interview. Her experience in the community college system has given her keen insight into dealing with accreditation, enrollment and financial woes. And although shes deeply involved in her union, we believe she wont be unduly influenced.

Ferguson is a pragmatic policy wonk eager to dive into the nitty-gritty of City Colleges finances. We were impressed not only by her experience getting bills through the California Legislature, but also by her bravery in exposing sexual misconduct in the state Capitol. A workers rights advocate and trained dialogue facilitator, Ferguson will bring a clear-eyed, collaborative approach to the board.

Of the remaining candidates, the most intriguing was Kaplan, who displayed a deep understanding of college finances and enrollment strategies.

Ramos, who served on the City College Board from 2000 to 2008, was well-versed in certain aspects of state community college funding but less persuasive when discussing other critical issues.

Louie gave vague answers to most of our questions about City College. In 2022, she was barred from the ballot after the city attorneys office found she didnt meet the residential requirements to run for a Board of Supervisors seat. She also has a history of inflammatory comments, including calling a local Jewish journalist a Nazi.

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About Opinion The editorial positions of The Chronicle, including election recommendations, represent the consensus of the editorial board, consisting of the publisher, the editorial page editor and staff members of the opinion pages. Its judgments are made independent of the news operation, which covers the news without consideration of our editorial positions.

At this critical juncture, City College needs trustees who are fiscally responsible, collaborative and willing to make politically challenging decisions.
State investigators are probing complaints against a secretive group that recruited fervent Donald Trump supporters to run as spoiler candidates in key swing districts against Republicans  including two in Iowa  according to news reports and a woman it recruited to run in the states 1st Congressional District.

Stephanie Jones, a GOP activist and loyal supporter of the former president and Republican presidential nominee, was targeted by the Patriots Run Project to run as an independent in Southeast Iowas 1st District against Republican incumbent U.S. Rep. Mariannette Miller-Meeks, despite not living in the district  but in De Soto, west of Des Moines.

Little is known about the true identities of the operatives behind the effort. The group has been accused of violating campaign finance law in a complaint filed with the Federal Election Commission for failing to register as a political committee and file disclosure reports.

Republicans have called out the group as unethical and possibly illegal, suggesting the effort was evidence of election interference by Democratic operatives to run spoiler candidates to siphon votes away from GOP incumbents.

Jones  who ultimately never made it on the ballot  believes those behind the effort were genuine, and has said theres no information to substantiate claims that Democrats were involved in the effort to recruit her to run against Miller-Meeks.

Speaking Monday to The Gazette, Jones said she was contacted by investigators with the Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation.

Weve got to respect the investigators and allow them to do their jobs at this time, she said, declining further comment.

Iowa Republican U.S. Rep. Zach Nunn revealed during a Saturday campaign fundraiser that the DCI was investigating complaints against Patriots Run Project, the Des Moines Register reported.

Nunn is seeking a second term in the 3rd District after unseating Democrat Cindy Axne in a close 2022 race that was decided by about 2,000 votes. The 21-county district includes the Des Moines metro, Ottumwa, Osceola and much of rural South Central Iowa.

Patriots Run Project also recruited Trump supporter Joe Wiederien to run against Nunn in Iowas 3rd District. But Wiederien later dropped out after realizing he had been duped.

Wiederien told the Des Moines Register at the Saturday fundraiser that he had been interviewed by DCI officials and had provided them with information about his contact with Patriots Run Project operatives.

DCI officials did not respond to emailed messages Monday from The Gazette seeking comment, including questions about the nature and scope of the divisions purported investigation and whether charges had been filed.

Asked if the Iowa Attorney Generals Office was involved in the probe into Patriots Run Project, a spokeswoman responded: Investigations of election-related crimes are conducted by law enforcement.

The secretive group, the Patriots Run Project  and Wiederiens and Jones stories  were the subject of an Associated Press report in September that revealed the group's operatives scouted conservative candidates online and aided their efforts to qualify for the ballot to run as third-party spoiler candidates in some of the nation's most competitive congressional districts.

The APs reporting detailed how little is known about the group  which is not registered as a business, political committee or nonprofit organization.
Legendary comedian Jeff Dunham announced his new North American Tour entitled Artificial Intelligence with the first 30 cities across North America on sale now.

An additional 31 cities, including Rapid City, go on sale Monday, Oct. 7 at 10 a.m., with pre-sale beginning Thursday, Oct. 3 at 10 a.m. with code "Walter."

Dunham will perform in Rapid City on Wednesday, April 9.

Having just concluded his 2022-2024 Still Not Canceled Tour, Dunham will be returning to the stage with his signature wit and beloved cast of colorful characters. Hes sure to win over audiences across the continent in the same manner that hes done for decades worldwide, which earned him titles such as, Billboards Top Comedy Tour for three consecutive years, Americas Favorite Comedian via Slate, as well as a Guinness World Record for Most tickets sold for a stand-up comedy tour.

Dunham has performed live in front of more than 7.7 million people across 1,500+ performances between June 2007 through June 2024. Hes completed a total of nine international tours with shows in more than 20 different countries, including Canada, the U.K., Ireland, Scotland, Switzerland, Holland, Belgium, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, France, Australia, New Zealand, Abu Dhabi, Israel, Malaysia, Singapore, and also South Africa, where hes the highest-selling international comedian of all time.

Beyond the stage, Dunham has also filmed 12 record-breaking comedy specials, and currently holds three of the top-five highest-rated programs on Comedy Central. Of those specials, Minding the Monsters (2012) and Controlled Chaos (2011) were the networks most viewed specials of their respective years, while 2008s Jeff Dunhams Very Special Christmas Special remains Comedy Centrals highest rated program of all time. His 2019 Netflix special Beside Himself, still ranks in the top five most watched among all Netflix Comedy Specials. All-in, his specials have garnered nearly 2.5 billion views across all digital and broadcast platforms.

Dunham is also an avid car collector whose extensive agglomerate includes the Lost In Space chariots from both the original TV series and current Netflix series; the Batmobile from 1992s Batman Returns; and a replica from the same mold of the 1966 Batmobile from the original Batman TV series. Both Dunham and pieces of his collection have been regular guests on Jay Lenos Garage.

Aside from all his achievements, Dunham and his wife, Audrey, have also created the Jeff Dunham Family Fund, through which a portion of every ticket sold is given to various charities and charitable organizations of all persuasions.

Tickets can be purchased online at themonument.live, by phone at 1-800-468-6463, in person at the Bluepeak Ticket Offices at The Monument or at the EAFB Outdoor Rec.
Wind Cave National Park will commemorate Native American Day Oct. 13 with cultural demonstrations highlighting traditions preserved through centuries.

The day-long event will feature hoop dancing, drumming, and a staged reading in the Lakota language.

The National Park Service and tribal artists extend an invitation to learn about the lives and the traditions of tribal members in our local area and experience native expressions through art, said acting superintendent Rhonda Schier. Cultural demonstrations that invite active participation will begin under the tent on the visitor center lawn at 11 a.m. and continue throughout the day.

Indigenous actors will perform a staged reading in Lakota, with English captions projected for the audience. The reading will be followed by a question-and-answer session with the actors and Oglala Lakota storyteller and playwright Markie Bear Eagle, known for her spoken word poetry featured in short films and animation.

Visitors are encouraged to bring picnic lunches, with a break scheduled from 12:30 p.m. to 1:30 p.m. Picnic tables are available near the visitor center and at a nearby picnic ground. Activities will resume at 1:30 p.m. with world-renowned hoop dancers Starr Chief Eagle and Jasmine Bell. They will teach the stories behind their dances, focusing on nature, humanity, and personal journeys. The performances will be accompanied by traditional Native American drumming.

In addition to performances, Native American artists will provide demonstrations of traditional arts and crafts and offer items for sale. Throughout the day, visitors can explore new exhibits at the Wind Cave visitor center, which blend traditional cultural knowledge with modern scientific research, beginning with the Lakota origin story and concluding with research linked to NASAs search for extraterrestrial life.

For those unable to visit the cave, a virtual tour will be available in the visitor center auditorium. The caves elevators are being replaced, and completion is expected by December.

The Native American Day celebration is free and open to all ages. The Black Hills Parks and Forests Association, a Wind Cave National Park non-profit partner, funds the event.
HEBRON, N.D.  As a three-man team pushed a drill bit dozens of feet underground, keys to North Dakota's past, present and  possibly  its future rose to the surface.

Every 5 feet or so, one of the rig workers shoveled small piles of what appeared to an untrained eye to be nothing more than mud into consecutive rows.

But for Levi Moxness, a geologist at North Dakota's Geological Survey, the samples were easily recognizable.

Moxness knows what he's looking for, which are high concentrations of rare earth elements in some of North Dakota's lignite coal beds. The 17 elements are used across a wide variety of modern electronics and will be needed for building clean energy technologies. Most, however, comes from outside of the United States -- mostly China -- and federal officials are looking to create a domestic industry around the minerals to shore up supply chains.

Exactly where these valuable minerals are and if it might make sense to dig them up both remain open questions.

The state Geological Survey has just wrapped up a $500,000, 50-hole drilling effort that could provide some answers.

Finding minerals is 'like prospecting'

One clue the Geological Survey has for where the rare earths are is how far away a bed of lignite is from white clay.

Rare earths once sat on top of the white clay, but excessive heat around 55 million years ago during the 200,000-year "Paleocene-Eocene Thermal Maximum" (PETM) period caused minerals to leach beneath it. Many of these remain scattered in the ground, but some fell into the lignite coal beds, allowing them to remain in concentrated spots.

Today, these beds of coal are catching the attention of governments, businesses and scientists.

"Rare earths are not actually that 'rare,'" Moxness explained. "If you grind the entire surface of the earth, the rare earth concentration will be on average 180 parts per million."

What is rare, however, are the large concentrations that have been found in lignite over the state's past decade of research. Coal formations with more than 300 rare earth parts per million could interest companies. Samples that state geologists have found in lignite outcrops in North Dakota's Badlands indicate that what the state has is much higher.

But if a company wants to mine for rare earths in North Dakota, it would also likely need to see those large mineral concentrations across large volumes of coal.

Determining where that is exactly, however, is still a bit of a guessing game.

"This is like prospecting," said John Mohl of Mohl Drilling, the company that won the bids to work with the state on the project. His son Jason Mohl, who was working on a separate rig nearby, is the company's president.

Clues from past drive mineral search efforts

A small abandoned lignite coal mine sits near the rare earth search. It was dug before modern mining and environmental regulations went into place in the 1970s. What is left of the mine provided the state a clue of where to look for more coal.

But there was not much luck at the day's first stop. As the drill traveled deeper and deeper underground, no coal was coming up.

Moxness said that the lack of lignite here is likely due to a river washing it over millions of years ago and leaving other minerals in its place. Whatever rare earths leached from the white clay during the PETM are now spread amongst the clay and other rocks, but not coal.

"That is probably why they stopped digging for coal here, too," Moxness said.

There is some continuity between the people who dug the now-abandoned mine and the crew looking for rare earths. Despite improvements in technology, many modern and relatively short-term material constraints remain subject to events that took place across geological epochs.

The drill got to around 120 feet below the surface without hitting any coal and just as Moxness was ready to call it quits on this hole, one of the drill operators noted a different feeling on the rig, indicating the crew finally hit some lignite. A mud sample that brought up chips of coal confirmed that was the case. Moxness advised to drill just a bit deeper.

More coal rose but was not very thick, and its distance from the white clay meant that it was unlikely that any large concentration of rare earths settled there.

The crew took a log of the hole using a large metallic rod to measure the density and types of rock underground, but decided against taking a core -- doing so is a time-consuming process, which in this instance would likely not have provided any useful information on the rare earth hunt.

"It's also good to know where the minerals are not," Moxness said.

Old and new industries

While this one spot will likely not be the site of a future rare earths mine, the land already serves as a reminder of both old and new industries for the state -- and the role that rare earths play.

The white clay where the rare earth elements once sat is the same material that the Hebron Brick Co. -- North Dakota's sole brick manufacturer -- uses to craft its product. This particular hole was being drilled at one of the company's clay mines.

When the drill was not humming, the sound of "moos" from cattle in nearby fields served as an almost immediate replacement.

And just a few miles away was a wind farm, where the energy from the wind turning the towers' blades is converted to electricity with the help of magnets that require rare earths for production. The vast majority of these minerals, however, come from outside the U.S.

The only commercial rare earth mine in the U.S. is Mountain Pass in southern California. But there, the rare earths are concentrated in hard rock, requiring intense chemicals for extraction. This makes for an expensive and at times an environmentally hazardous process. Though operational today, Mountain Pass has gone through numerous owners in recent decades and has struggled to keep the lights on while dealing with environmental issues and competition from China.

Whats found in coal seams could be cheaper to extract, according to recent research out of the University of North Dakota, and it could also create fewer environmental risks because the chemicals needed are much more watered down compared with hard rock extraction.

A large concentration

There was a bit more luck a few miles west of the first site.

As the drill bit pierced the ground, the piles of mud that rose to the surface were darker than at the first spot, meaning that the coal at the new location is closer to the white clay, and likely full of rare earths.

This time, the crew decided to take a core, using a 10-foot-long barrel to pull rock from the earth.

After the core got dug up, the team used an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) machine to get a quick estimate of the concentration of rare earths in the rock. The only rare earth element the XRF could pick up was yttrium -- "Y" on the periodic table -- but since the elements tend to travel in groups, the parts per million of yttrium can be multiplied by a factor of 10 to get an early sense of the total rare earth concentration.

The XRF measurements read 616 parts per million of yttrium, meaning the concentration of rare earths could be higher than 6,000 parts per million, but Moxness said that is probably not an accurate estimate. This coal could just have very high levels of yttrium.

Still, he said a conservative estimate of rare earths in the sample would be around 3,000 parts per million. If correct, that is 10 times higher than what the federal Energy Department has indicated would make mining coal for rare earths economic.

The core sample will be shipped to a private lab in Wyoming for more thorough testing.

There was just one problem with the sample -- it may be too small to be mined economically. The size of the coal in the core was only about a foot long. The largest sample of coal that the team found with a high rare earth concentration during its September drilling program was about two feet long.

While Moxness and other state geologists continued to examine the core, another one got dug up.

In the next attempt, the core extracted a much larger sample of coal from the ground -- nearly 6 feet long -- but measurements from the XRF showed it had scant concentrations of rare earths.

The distance between this chunk of coal and the white clay was too great for significant levels of rare earths to have ever leached down and concentrated there.

Companies might be interested in mining for something like the first sample, Moxness said, but it is much more likely that interest would come if his team is able to find a core that strikes the balance between the concentrations of the first sample and the size of the second. He is hopeful that it is out there.

Life for lignite

Moxness is not the only one who is hopeful.

Lignite has been mined in North Dakota for over a century, but the industry's present makeup is mostly a result of a coal boom that began in the 1960s.

Those boom days are past. It is now a tougher time for the industry. Economic and regulatory pressures in recent decades have made it harder to make money operating coal-fired power plants or build new ones.

Mohl Drilling, the Beulah-based company running the rigs, usually works with companies that mine coal for power production, helping them with exploration on land near existing mines.

Talk of rare earth mining has brought some excitement to Beulah, said Jason Mohl, the company president. He told the Tribune that his family business has operated in coal country for three generations now.

"Everyone's hopeful it might keep the coal industry here longer," he said.

A major federal investment could help too. North Dakota is competing with West Virginia for a $124 million federal grant from the Energy Department made possible through the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law which would provide 50% of the costs for building a facility to process the rare earths found in coal waste.

None of that will happen overnight.

The results of the testing done in Wyoming will be available in a report from the Geological Survey in the next couple of months.

If the results end up piquing the interests of private companies, there is still likely a while to go, and a lot of work to be done, before there is any rare earths boom to speak of in North Dakota.

"Setting up a brand new mining operation could take about a decade," Moxness said.
WASHINGTON/BEIRUT/JERUSALEM (Reuters) -Lebanese troops pulled back from the border with Israel late on Monday as a ground invasion by Israel looked imminent, just days after Israel killed the head of Lebanese armed group Hezbollah in an escalation of regional tensions.

Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs, a security source said, with a Reuters reporter witnessing a flash of light and a series of loud blasts about an hour after the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate areas near buildings it said contained Hezbollah infrastructure south of the Lebanese capital.

A U.S. official speaking on condition of anonymity told Reuters the positioning of Israeli troops suggested a ground incursion of Lebanon could be imminent.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told local council heads in northern Israel that the next phase of the war along Lebanon's southern border would begin soon, and would support the aim of bringing home Israelis who have fled Hezbollah rockets during nearly a year of border warfare.

He also told troops: "We will use all the means that may be required  your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land. Good luck."

Lebanese troops pulled back about five kilometres (3 miles) from positions along Lebanon's southern border with Israel, a Lebanese security source told Reuters. A Lebanese army spokesperson did not confirm or deny the movement.

Lebanon's army has historically stayed on the sidelines of major conflicts with Israel, and in the last year of hostilities has not fired on the Israeli military.

Israel declared the areas around the communities of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi in its north near the Lebanon border as a closed military zone.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said Israel had told the U.S. it is conducting limited ground operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanon near the border.

Washington so far has had little success urging Israel to rein in its assaults on Hezbollah or on the Hamas militia in Gaza.

Israel last week rejected a proposal by the U.S. and France calling for a 21-day ceasefire on the Lebanon border to give time for a diplomatic settlement that would allow displaced civilians on both sides to return home.

U.S. President Joe Biden again called for a ceasefire on Monday.

"I'm more worried than you might know and I'm comfortable with them stopping," Biden told reporters when asked if he was comfortable with Israeli plans for a cross-border incursion. "We should have a ceasefire now."

HEZBOLLAH SAYS IT IS READY TO FACE LAND INCURSION

Friday's assassination of Hassan Nasrallah - the most powerful leader in Tehran's "Axis of Resistance" against Israeli and U.S. interests in the Middle East - was one of the heaviest blows in decades to both Hezbollah and Iran, and followed two weeks of intensive airstrikes.

Hezbollah's deputy leader Naim Qassem, in a first public speech since Nasrallah's death, said that "the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement."

Nasrallah built Hezbollah - created by Iran in 1982 to fight Israel - into Lebanon's most powerful military and political force, with a wide reach across the Middle East.

Now it must replace a leader who the West branded a terrorist mastermind but who to millions of supporters was a hero who stood up to Israel.

Qassem said it would "choose a secretary-general for the party at the earliest opportunity".

He said Hezbollah had continued to fire rockets as deep as 150 km (93 miles) into Israeli territory.

"We know that the battle may be long," he said. "We will win as we won in the liberation of 2006," he added, referring to the last big conflict between the two foes.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned Hezbollah's main backer, Iran, that "there is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country".

In a three-minute video clip in English that he addressed to the Iranian people, he accused their government of plunging the Middle East "deeper into war" at the expense of its own people, whom it was bringing "closer to the abyss".

Israeli airstrikes have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

At least 95 people were killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the past 24 hours, Lebanon's health ministry said early on Tuesday.

Rescuers stood on a flattened building. "We are rescuing these people, pulling out the living, the torn apart, and the martyrs," said one, Mazin al-Khatib.

ASSASSINATIONS OF PALESTINIAN MILITANT LEADERS

Israel has also assassinated leaders of the Iranian-backed Palestinian militant group Hamas in the Gaza war, one of them - its political leader Ismail Haniyeh - as he was visiting the Iranian capital in July.

Hours before Qassem spoke, Hamas said an Israeli airstrike had killed its leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, along with his wife, son and daughter in the city of Tyre.

Abu el-Amin had worked for the U.N. Palestinian refugee agency UNRWA before being suspended in March. UNRWA chief Philippe Lazzarini told reporters it had not known of his purported Hamas role.

Another faction, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, said three of its leaders had died in a strike in Beirut's Kola district, the first Israeli attack so close to the city centre.

The Israeli attacks on militant targets in Lebanon are part of a conflict stretching from the Palestinian territories of Gaza and the occupied West Bank to Iranian-backed groups in Yemen and Iraq. The escalation has raised fears that the United States and Iran will be sucked in.

Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani said Tehran would not let any of Israel's "criminal acts" go unanswered, referring to the killings of Nasrallah and an Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps deputy commander who died in the same strikes.
Guwahati: Patriotic People's Front Assam (PPFA) appreciates the State government in Dispur and current leadership of All Assam Students' Union (AASU) to resolve the definition of Asomiya (Assamese people) with the cut-off date of 1 January 1951. The forum of nationalist citizens, based in the far-eastern part of Bharat, however urges both the parties to bat for 1951 as the base year for 'detection and deportation' of all illegal foreigners in the State as well.

The representatives of AASU (which launched the Assam Movement in association with Asom Gana Sangram Parishad during 1979 to 1985) recently discussed with State chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma to find ways to implement Clause 6 of historic Assam Accord, where it was resolved that Asomiya should encompass only the indigenous tribal families, other indigenous communities of the State, Indian citizens residing in the territory on or before the specific cut-off date and their descendants.

The Clause 6 mentions about the 'constitutional, legislative and administrative safeguards' to protect, preserve and promote 'the cultural, social, linguistic identity and heritage of the Assamese people'. The previous clause referred to the illegal migrants (East Pakistani nationals, who came to Assam before 25 March 1971 and settled here) who would get Indian citizenship and live in Assam. However, the meeting tried to distinguish the Assamese people (from a common Indian national) with the recommendations from the Biplab Kumar Sarma led committee.

"It can be a good beginning for safeguarding the socio-political, linguistic and cultural interest of Asomiya people in their own land. Now what will be wrong if both Dispur and AASU go for the national cut-off year for identifying the illegal migrants in Assam also. If deportation of the then East Pakistanis will be difficult for various international complications, the Union government in New Delhi may think of resettling them in other parts of India," said a PPFA statement, adding that for any reason Assam should not be compelled to take the burden of millions of migrants for decades.
UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The United States has dropped a push for the U.N. Security Council to ask for a plan to transform a security mission helping fight armed gangs in Haiti into a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, a move some diplomats said was made to appease Russia and China.

A senior U.S. administration official, however, pushed back against that assessment, saying Washington changed its strategy to support a call last week by the head of Haiti's transition council, Edgard Leblanc, for a U.N. peacekeeping mission.

"It is not at all that we are bowing to those who might not have the best interests of the Haitian people at heart," said the official, speaking on condition of anonymity. "We are being strategic about how we're going about this and building on the shot of momentum that we heard from the Haitian president."

The 15-member Security Council will vote on Monday on a draft resolution to extend the mandate for the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission until Oct. 2, 2025. The U.N. first approved the mission a year ago after the Caribbean country asked for assistance.

Diplomats say Russia and China did not want the council to ask for a plan to transition the U.N.-backed security force to a formal U.N. peacekeeping operation, so the U.S. removed that language from the draft resolution, seen by Reuters.

Russia wants to allow more time for the security force to establish itself, Deputy Russian U.N. Ambassador Dmitry Polyanskiy said on Sunday, adding: "We don't want to prejudge MSS's outcome. Too early to make conclusions."

'FULL SUCCESS'

Haitian leaders speaking at the United Nations General Assembly last week warned of worsening insecurity in the country despite the partial deployment of the security force.

Powerful gangs, armed with weapons largely trafficked from the United States, have united in the capital under a common alliance and now control most of the city and are expanding to nearby areas.

Leblanc told the U.N. General Assembly on Thursday: "I am convinced that this change of status, whilst recognizing that the errors of the past cannot be repeated, would guarantee the full success of the mission in Haiti."

The senior U.S. official said Washington would "work with partners over the coming weeks to support that call." U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken raised the issue of transforming the security force into a U.N. peacekeeping operation during a visit to Haiti earlier this month.

Many Haitians are wary of an armed U.N. presence after previous missions left behind a devastating cholera epidemic and sex abuse scandals.

The current Kenyan-led international security mission, while authorized by the U.N. Security Council, is not a United Nations operation. Countries voluntarily provide money and personnel.

The mission has made little progress toward helping Haiti restore order with only 400 Kenyan police officers on the ground so far and a shortfall in funding.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said earlier this month that establishing a U.N. peacekeeping force would not be the best solution for Haiti, which faces a humanitarian crisis with mass displacements, sexual violence and widespread hunger.

Gang violence has displaced more than 700,000 people in Haiti, according to U.N. estimates. (This story has been refiled to fix a spelling error in the headline)
Kathmandu, Nepal, October 01, 2024: Nepal and the United States of America (USA) have signed in an agreement to establish a Bilateral Consultation Mechanism between the two countries.

The agreement was reached at the U.S. Department of State and signed by Foreign Minister Dr. Arzu Rana on behalf of Nepal government, and Acting Deputy Secretary of State for Political Affairs John Bass on behalf of the USA government.

It is said that the mechanism will facilitate consultations and discussions among the high level of officials from Nepals Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the U.S. State Department.
Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Prof. Yoro Diallo, recipient of the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award, taking an interview with Guangming Online. (Yan Congxiao/Guangming Picture) By Wang Xinyuan and Yan Congxiao In a recent interview, Prof. Yoro Diallo from the Republic of Mali, recipient of the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award and the executive director of the Center for Francophone Studies at the Institute of African Studies of Zhejiang Normal University,expressed his appreciation for China's modernization and its positive impact on Africa. He highlighted China's contributions to African infrastructure development, emphasizing the construction of over 100,000 kilometers of roads, 10,000 kilometers of railways, and numerous ports. These efforts, he believes, are setting the stage for Africa's own modernization journey. Prof. Diallo stressed the influence of China's modernization effort over the years, which has served as an inspiration for African countries to embrace their unique cultures and histories while advancing development. "Chinese modernization offers valuable lessons for Africa," he said, "especially in areas such as poverty alleviation and infrastructure development." Photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024 shows the prestigious Chinese Government Friendship Award received by Prof. Yoro Diallo. (Wang Xinyuan/Guangming Picture) In addition to economic growth, the cooperation between China and Africa is significantly strengthening their friendship. Prof. Diallo noted that the mutual respect and shared goals have fostered a sense of community, enabling both regions to work collaboratively towards common aspirations. This partnership is not only about economic exchange but also about cultural understanding and shared values, reinforcing the bonds of friendship that transcend borders. China's role in shaping global governance was also recognized, with Prof. Diallo noting how China's peaceful rise and commitment to mutual development are benefiting not only Africa but also the wider world. He highlighted China's significant contributions to peacekeeping in Africa, where Chinesepeacekeeping forceshave not only maintained peace but also contributed to community welfare by building infrastructure and providing medical services. In the broader context, China's Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) was recognized as a crucial platform for sharing development opportunities globally. Prof. Diallo emphasized that the BRI is closely linked with China's modernization efforts and is helping to create shared prosperity for all. He concluded by asserting that China's approach to modernization, rooted in mutual benefit and shared progress, is paving the way for stronger Africa-China relations and deeper cooperation.
Daymond Gascon/The Chronicle

Regarding Endorsement: Prop 5 contains a gross and unacceptable deal on where communities can build affordable housing. Vote no, (SFChronicle.com, Opinion, Sept. 21): Californians suffer from a housing shortage because too many decision makers make the perfect the enemy of the good. There should be a very high bar for saying NO to housing proposals, and for saying NO to proposals that would help fund homes for low-income people and community-serving infrastructure.

While I do not support the provision that prohibits Prop 5 funds from being used to acquire 1-4 unit homes, the reality is that Prop 5 would scale low-income home building in many high-opportunity areas, and would help fund infrastructure necessary for all housing and community needs. Short of massive changes to Californias tax system, we cannot fund our low-income housing goals or infrastructure needs without passing Prop 5.

Politics is the art of the possible. Majority Leader Aguiar Curry spent years getting this measure to the ballot, and she deserves credit for overcoming significant opposition and only taking amendments that she needed to accept to ensure passage. Now, Prop 5 deserves our YES vote in November, not another chance to get stuck in the Legislature.

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Brian Hanlon, co-founder and CEO, California YIMBY

End records secrecy

In Alameda County, a majority of the Board of Supervisors evidently supports the Right to Remain Secret explained in The secret deals whitewashing the conduct of California police officers: Key takeaways from our investigation, (SFChronicle.com, California, Sept. 17). In the excellent investigative reporting by Katey Rusch and Casey Smith, I see that the Alameda County Sheriffs Office withheld records of serious police misconduct that are now, by law, subject to public scrutiny.

My organization, The Interfaith Coalition for Justice in our Jails, ICJJ, and many other community groups in Alameda County have advocated since the passage of sheriff oversight legislation, AB1185, in 2020, for the board to enact meaningful independent oversight of our sheriffs office. We supported the draft ordinance presented at its last regular meeting on Sept. 17.

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After several community members and organizations spoke to endorse the draft ordinance, Supervisor Lena Tam moved to strike and eliminate the critical element provided for under state law, the power to Investigate specific incidents involving sheriffs office personnel.

Falsely arguing that it was redundant, her deletion limits the oversight body to only reviewing policies. Since AB1185 first allowed counties to enact independent oversight of sheriffs offices, 27 people have died at Santa Rita Jail in Dublin. The supervisors need to act now to end the secrecy.

Bob Britton, Castro Valley

Is downtown needed?

Regarding Sacramentos downtown could be model for state (SFChronicle, Opinion, Open Forum, Sept. 22), the question that the column doesnt answer is do we need a downtown? Downtowns at one time were a centerpiece of commerce and public governance and a gathering place.

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Today it isnt necessary for society to function to have a downtown. We do need a place for government to meet and produce legislation but thats it. The idea of a downtown is an antiquated idea that needs to stop. Too many resources are spent on trying to bring back to life an idea that has passed.

Michael Santos, Antelope, Sacramento County

Symphony support?

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

In the San Francisco Symphony-Chorister dispute, where are the other unions hiding out? In the 1970s, I sang with the Seattle Opera Chorus and our union, AGMA, same as the SFO Choristers, authorized a strike over pay and hours, although minor in amount compared to the egregious cuts proposed by the Symphony.

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The question was, would the musicians union cross a picket line. They refused to commit. That left the stage hands union, IASTE and any Teamsters delivering sets and costumes. The stage hands said they would not cross and who really needs to ask the Teamsters if they would cross a picket line? All was quickly settled without any interruption of performances.
The Rep has been rescued.

Virginia Repertory Theatre, which announced in mid-September that it was on the verge of closing its doors for good, said on Tuesday that it had met a fundraising goal of $600,000, supported by over 1,300 donors including individuals, local businesses and foundations.

Funds came in from donors such as Richmond businessmen Jim and Bobby Ukrop, Community Foundation of Richmond and the Robins Foundation. Over 70% of donors had never donated to the theater before, organizers said.

Now we have to start the actual hard work, said Klaus Schuller, the theaters new managing director.

Weve been so impressed and humbled by the generosity that the people of Richmond have shown to us at this time, Schuller said. Its giving us time to make some structural changes, some programming changes that we need to put forward a responsible and accountable season for the rest of the year and going forward.

Last year, Virginia Repertory and longtime managing director and co-founder Phil Whiteway abruptly parted ways. Whiteway sued the theater for age discrimination. He was 71 when the split occurred. In May, both parties reached a settlement, the terms of which were not disclosed.

Over the summer, Virginia Rep brought on new leadership including Schuller, who has 20 years of experience managing operations. Rick Hammerly, who joined Virginia Rep in 2022 and previously served as artistic director of programming, was named the organizations new artistic director.

Schuller, who began in August, said these past few weeks have been spent poring over numbers and figuring out a plan for recovery.

Well, the first couple of weeks were hiding in a windowless room with spreadsheets and bank statements. Since then, its just really been figuring out what a recovery plan could look like. How we can be the kind of organization, not just a responsible organization and a sustainable organization, but an organization that is of, by and for the people of Richmond? The kind of organization we aspire to be. So thats been the focus of my time. And now the re-budgeting process begins, and figuring out how we get from here to there, Schuller said.

Virginia Rep, which previously had an annual operating budget of $5.7 million and interacts with roughly 500,000 patrons, performs at three main venues: the Sara Belle and Neil November Theatre downtown at 114 W. Broad St.; Hanover Tavern at 13181 Hanover Courthouse Road; and the newly purchased Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education at 4204 Hermitage Road.

After announcing the possible closure, the public raised concerns about the theaters purchase of the Scottish Rite Temple for $3.5 million as the new home for its Childrens Theatre in 2022.

I dont want to speculate about the past. We recently acquired the Virginia Rep Center out on Hermitage Road, and I completely admire the ambition and the mission behind that acquisition. But its an expensive building that needs many millions in improvements in mitigations to truly make it the type of performing arts center that it wishes to be. And I just dont believe that Virginia Rep, in this moment, in this most difficult moment in theater in a generation, that Virginia Rep has the wherewithal to make do, Schuller said.

There are currently no concrete plans for the Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education on Hermitage Road. Schuller says that the theater is exploring a sale but nothing is explicit and nothing is off the table.

Fundamental issue is attendance

Schuller says that the fundamental issue remains attendance. In 2018-2019, Virginia Rep had an attendance of 75,484, versus 43,249 in 2023-2024.

We have not recouped the kind of attendance we had pre-pandemic. Audiences have been very slow to come back to the theater, he said. Were still about 40% down from pre-pandemic levels. And thats not an unusual story. I talk to theater managers all over the country, and that seems to be pretty typical.

A closure would have been a tremendous blow to Richmonds art community. Virginia Rep employs 42 full-time employees, with an additional 160 part-time actors, show crew, teachers and technicians during a calendar year.

90% of the actors we employ and all of the designers and staff we employ are Richmond people. We are Richmonds professional theater, Schuller said.

Ive spoken to restaurant owners in this neighborhood, theyre like, Oh my God, if you go, we might follow. Because our patrons can make the difference between success and failure for these businesses. Were not unaware of the gravity, and thats a big part of why we fought so hard to remain, said Schuller.

Without the presence of Virginia Repertory Theatre on Broad Street, the ripple effect on businesses like mine would be significant, Liz Kincaid, co-owner of Tarrants Downtown, Bar Solita and And Dim Sum, wrote in a statement posted to the theaters website. The theater draws large crowds, and those attending performances often dine at nearby restaurants. Its absence would undoubtedly create a financial strain on many small businesses, including my three downtown restaurants.

Virginia Rep will continue its programming on Oct. 12 with the opening of Grace for President, a family-friendly story with an introduction to the American electoral system. The production will be held at the Virginia Rep Center on Hermitage Road through Nov. 3.

Upcoming programming What: "Grace for President" When: Oct. 12-Nov. 3 Where: Virginia Rep Center for Arts and Education, 4204 Hermitage Road Tickets: $21 What: "Charlie & the Chocolate Factory" When: Nov. 30-Jan. 5 Where: The November Theatre, 114 W. Broad St. Tickets: $39 to $68 More info: (804) 282-2620 or va-rep.org

I really see the recovery from this point as being more of a five-year process of reintroducing ourselves to audiences and making the case as to why they should care, why they should get up out of their house on a Friday night, or come straight here from work on a Friday night and patronize the theater. And I think once we make that case and get people here, I believe it will grow and be self-sustaining, because theres no experience like this. That experience of sitting shoulder to shoulder with your community and having that beautiful  whether it be hilarious or dramatic or transformative experience  that is live theater. Once we get you back, I think well keep you, Schuller said.

Grace for President will be followed by Charlie and the Chocolate Factory at the November Theatre in downtown Richmond beginning on Nov. 30.

Gallery: Crowds celebrate 20th year of Richmond Folk Festival
JERUSALEM  Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia officials on Tuesday condemned Irans launching of missiles into Israel, the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war. We stand strong with Israel as it defends itself against these barbaric attacks by Iran. In this dark hour, we pray for the Jewish community, the governor said in a social media post. Attorney General Jason Miyares also expressed solidarity: Over 10 million people  men, women, and children  targeted indiscriminately by over 200 Iranian rockets, he wrote. Our hearts remain united behind Israel.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top official on the Senate committee that oversees American intelligence activities and programs, on Tuesday condemned the action by Iran. At least 180 missiles were launched on Tuesday. An orange glow streaked across Israels night sky as air raid sirens sounded and residents scrambled into bomb shelters. Israel vowed retaliation for Irans missile barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries. Before Irans attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the Iran-backed militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon. Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran. Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict. Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe  citing Irans repeated calls for Israels destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon. Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed. In the U.S., White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles.

We stand strong with Israel as it defends itself against these barbaric attacks by Iran.



In this dark hour, we pray for the Jewish community.   Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) October 1, 2024

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight. Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July. Earlier Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year. If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders. On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war. The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon. Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion. Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Meadowbrook High School on lockdown after reported stabbing Meadowbrook High School was placed under lockdown Tuesday following a reported stabbing that resulted in one student injured and another student placed in custody.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said. The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone. Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas. Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which

in support of Israel. Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes. Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown. Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the

belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons. The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced. As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

22 photos of Belle Isle from The Times-Dispatch archives

JERUSALEM  Gov. Glenn Youngkin and other Virginia officials on Tuesday condemned Irans launching of missiles into Israel, the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

We stand strong with Israel as it defends itself against these barbaric attacks by Iran. In this dark hour, we pray for the Jewish community, the governor said in a social media post.

Attorney General Jason Miyares also expressed solidarity: Over 10 million people  men, women, and children  targeted indiscriminately by over 200 Iranian rockets, he wrote. Our hearts remain united behind Israel.

U.S. Sen. Mark Warner, D-Va., the top official on the Senate committee that oversees American intelligence activities and programs, on Tuesday condemned the action by Iran.

At least 180 missiles were launched on Tuesday. An orange glow streaked across Israels night sky as air raid sirens sounded and residents scrambled into bomb shelters. Israel vowed retaliation for Irans missile barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries.

Before Irans attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the Iran-backed militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe  citing Irans repeated calls for Israels destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

In the U.S., White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles.

We stand strong with Israel as it defends itself against these barbaric attacks by Iran.



In this dark hour, we pray for the Jewish community.   Glenn Youngkin (@GlennYoungkin) October 1, 2024

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Meadowbrook High School on lockdown after reported stabbing Meadowbrook High School was placed under lockdown Tuesday following a reported stabbing that resulted in one student injured and another student placed in custody.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

22 photos of Belle Isle from The Times-Dispatch archives
Family members find bodies of man and woman in trunk

Cancun, Q.R.  The bodies of a man and woman found in the trunk of a car in Cancun Monday have been identified. Bryan Alexis EV, 20 and Layla Beatriz NP, 19, were found bound and shot in the trunk of a silver car.

Their bodies were located around 11:00 a.m. by family members from the El Venado neighborhood in SM 206. Preventative Police were first on scene, confirming the discovery of the two dead bodies.

The man worked as a bricklayers assistant and the woman in a stationery store. Both were found face down in the trunk, bound by their hands and feet. They were found in the trunk of a gray Nissan Tiida owned by one of the deceased.

Family members who had not heard from them since Saturday went to their home to check on them. State Police, Ministerial Police and the Army also attended the scene, guarding the area Monday while awaiting for forensic services.

Police have not provided details surrounding the murders including a possible motive.
Sheinbaums agenda full on inauguration day as first female President of Mexico

Mexico City, Mexico  On Tuesday morning, Claudia Sheinbaum became the first female President of the United Mexican States. Sheinbaum was inaugurated as President of Mexico late Tuesday morning in a formal ceremony held at the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City.

Claudia Sheinbaum inaugurated as President of Mexico at the Chamber of Deputies in Mexico City October 1, 2024.

There, she was sworn in as the first Constitutional President of the United Mexican States where Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador handed over the presidential sash to Ifigenia Martinez, President of the Chamber of Deputies, who in turn, placed it on Sheinbaum.

Sheinbaum was outfitted with the presidential sash after taking the constitutional oath. She gave a speech before moving off to the National Palace where she will hold a three-hour meeting with heads of state. During that meeting, the legal Cabinet will be sworn in and official photos of the new government taken.

Prior to her swearing in, Sheinbaum received several well-wishes, one of which was from her presidential candidate rival Xochitl Galvez who wrote today, as you become the first female president in the history of Mexico, I sincerely wish you well, because only then will our beloved country do well The time has come to show that women govern differently without any man commanding us.

Later this afternoon, Sheinbaum will have dinner with the Secretaries of State, the Chancellor and other department heads after which time she will address the people from the presidential balcony in the capitals Zocalo.

Sheinbaum waves to crowds as she travels from the Chamber to the National Palace after being sworn in as the new President of Mexico.

October 1 marks the first day Claudia Sheinbaum becomes the new, and first female, President of Mexico. She will hold that position until September of 2030.
They are ACTUALLY trying to make posting memes illegal. Vote them out, billionaire Elon Musk declared last week on X, referring to new California measures banning deepfake political ads that use AI to impersonate a candidate. Jordan Strauss/Associated Press

Now that California has banned deepfake political ads using artificial intelligence to impersonate a candidate and misrepresent the candidates views, conservatives are on the attack, online and in court. Besides claiming violations of their freedom of speech, they are asserting, with no apparent evidence, that the state has banned all postings of the humorous videos known as memes.

They are ACTUALLY trying to make posting memes illegal. Vote them out, billionaire Elon Musk declared last week on his X platform, above a photo of Vice President Kamala Harris, whose presidential candidacy he opposes.

He was joined by conspiracy theorist Alex Jones, whose X account Musk restored last year after the previous owners of the platform, then known as Twitter, removed him for repeatedly calling the 2012 Sandy Hook school shooting massacre a hoax.

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California governor, Gavin Newsom, aka Patrick Bateman has publicly outlawed memes and satire in the state of California to the sound of thunderous applause, Jones proclaimed in another X post, likening Newsom to the serial killer in the 1991 novel American Psycho.

And in another posting, the conservative pro-police group Blue Lives Matter said its anti-Harris video magically disappeared from social media after we posted it  and now were told it might be under investigation by California.

The target of their ire is two laws signed by Newsom on Sept. 17 requiring large online platforms to block the posting of materially deceptive content about a candidate in the last 120 days before an election, and allowing anyone harmed by the false content to sue for damages. It allows such postings if they are clearly labeled as parodies or satires. The blocking requirement takes effect in January, but the law authorizing damage suits took effect immediately.

The laws require large platforms to develop state-of-the-art techniques to identify and remove material deceptive content about candidates. They do not directly authorize the state to immediately investigate online political postings, but lawyers for the state and local governments will be allowed to seek court orders requiring removal of content prohibited by the laws.

While the laws will have little impact on the presidential contest in deep-blue California, the political and legal challenges could affect the publics perceptions of the candidates in the upcoming election, and in future elections as well. The question the courts must ultimately decide is whether opponents, using increasingly sophisticated artificial intelligence, can present their own images, whether accurate or not, of their rivals.

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The legislation was prompted by another posting by Musk, a fake ad showing Harris appearing to say, in an AI-generated voice, that she was the ultimate diversity candidate and a deep-state puppet.

But the laws have immediately generated conservative attacks.

Hours after Newsom signed the bills, they were challenged in a lawsuit by the producer of the deepfake Harris ad, Christopher Kohls, whose attorneys said California was using state power to force private social media companies to censor private citizens speech. And on Monday, the laws drew another federal lawsuit from the Babylon Bee, a conservative online publication based in Florida.

Gov. Newsom has no constitutional authority to act as the humor police, attorney Jonathan Scruggs of Alliance Defending Freedom, a strong legal voice on the political right, said in a statement announcing the lawsuit. While lawmakers act as if posting and resharing memes is a threat to democracy, these laws at the end of the day censor speech California politicians dont like.

He said the Babylon Bee is unwilling to post the satire label specified by the law.

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The lawsuits raise potentially significant issues, said Jef Pearlman, a law professor at the University of Southern California.

The California laws clearly dont ban political memes, Pearlman said in an interview. But he said restrictions on speech, including false speech, can lead to plausible free-speech concerns under the First Amendment.
Near the end of summer 2023, we told you a travel nightmare story about the Thompson family of Roanoke. It was a blinger. They missed a (paid in-advance) $58,000 family cruise and land-package vacation because the initial flight their cruise line booked them on got canceled at the last minute.

Initially, the cruise company denied the Thompsons any refund whatsoever. After some publicity about their travel travails, the company offered them $16,000 back.

This year, the title of Best Timesland Vacation Nightmare goes to Roanoke-area travelers who had intended a two-week vacation to Belize. A local nonprofit, Bookbag Santa, organizes the annual trip to the lush Central American nation each summer.

Typically, Bookbag Santa vacationers visit Belize for one or two weeks beginning the last week of July. They travel extra light, with shorts and T-shirts in a carry-on knapsack, so that they can each bring 100 pounds of school supplies (pens, markers, paper, notebooks) for Belizean students as their checked luggage.

When I went on that trip in 2015, the group numbered about 50, which meant we carried 2.5 tons of school goodies. But this year, only four of the scheduled eight travelers made it to Belize at all. And the ones who got there arrived roughly a week after they had intended.

I heard this story from Gary Hunt, a friend who founded Bookbag Santa years ago. He makes all the advance flight and hotel arrangements. Unfortunately, this years Bookbag Santa trip got blown up by a computer crash that affected up to 8.5 million computers, and stranded travelers worldwide.

Among the companies most impacted by the crash was Delta Airlines, on which Bookbag Santa travelers were booked. The problem they experienced wasnt getting into Belize. It was getting out of Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport.

The eight travelers were booked on a 6 a.m. Delta flight from Roanoke to Atlanta on July 22, a Monday, Hunt said. The plan was to catch another Delta flight from Atlanta to Belize City.

From there, theyd catch a small plane  basically a minivan with wings  to Placencia, a sedate fishing village of about 1,000 people at the end of a long peninsula. They had reservations for beachfront accommodations at the Sea Spray Hotel. The plan was to return to Roanoke on Aug. 3.

Hunt woke up at 3:30 a.m. July 22, and by 4 a.m., he and his girlfriend were on their way to the airport from southwest Roanoke County. During the ride there, Delta sent them a text about possible delays.

Shortly after 4 a.m., they arrived at the airport and made their way to the Delta check-in counter. There they found a line of piqued travelers. About half were with Bookbag Santa, and there were half-a-dozen other people just trying to get to Atlanta, Hunt said.

The Delta agent was saying All computers are down, Hunt recalled.

The jetliner that was supposed to ferry them to Atlanta arrived in Roanoke on time, Hunt said. But because of the computer outage, nobody was allowed on the outbound jet. Instead, the airline sent home each traveler who wanted to be on the flight.

Ironically, Hunt added, their July 22 connecting flight to Belize City left Atlanta on time. For whatever reason, it wasnt affected by the computer outage. But the Bookbag Santa group was unable to get from Roanoke to Atlanta to catch it.

The outage also made it difficult to contact Delta Airlines by telephone because thousands of other waylaid travelers were trying to reach its customer service line, too. So Hunt ended up driving to the airport each morning that week, hoping for substitute flights.

Eventually, he managed to snag three tickets to Atlanta on Sunday, July 28, with a connecting flight to Belize City. Another traveler on the trip was able to rebook on U.S. Air to Belize City through Charlotte, North Carolina, for the same day.

That also meant the four travelers had to delay their return flights until Aug. 11. The other four Bookbag Santa travelers couldnt swing such a schedule change, and canceled their Belize plans completely.

The four travelers arrived in Placencia with 400 pounds of donated supplies. Among them were crates of hardcover books Hunt had procured for the Placencia Rotary Club, which is in the process of establishing the villages very first public library.

The rest of the trip went pretty swell, Hunt reports. The owners of the Sea Spray Hotel (Bookbag Santas Placencia headquarters) paid refunds to the travelers whose schedules didnt permit changing the dates.

Delta refunded the unused airline tickets and gave each Bookbag Santa traveler a $100 travel credit, or 10,000 airlines miles.

The outage wasnt Deltas fault, Hunt said. (And airlines werent the only industry affected by the crash.)

Hunt offered high praise for the Delta check-in agent at Roanoke Blacksburg Regional Airport. He neglected to get her name, but described her as a middle-aged woman with braids. She went above and beyond to help he and the others get to Belize, Hunt said. (He plans to write a letter to Delta praising her.)

However, his travel indignities were not over. They struck again returning home. This time, the problem wasnt airlines  it was Uber.

Hunt had left his van at a friends house so he could avoid daily airport parking fees while he was out of the country. He had arranged in advance for an Uber to pick up him and his girlfriend at Roanokes airport at midnight Aug. 11.

During a layover in Atlanta, Hunt called the Uber driver in Roanoke to remind her. Thats when she told him her car was in the shop and she couldnt give him a ride. Instead, another Bookbag Santa returnee drove them to Hunts van after they arrived in Roanoke.

When they got to it, early on the morning of Aug. 12, it had a flat tire, Hunt said.

So there you have the Best Timesland Vacation Nightmare of 2024, at least, the best/worst Ive heard.

Lets hope everyones summer travel goes more smoothly in 2025.
ALLISONIA  Residents and local governments across the region continued taking stock of flood damage from tropical storm Helene, clearing driveways, shoveling scoop after scoop of muck out homes, and sorting through the heaps of debris that lay tumbled against the upstream sides of buildings, trees, fences and walls.

They mourned the storm-related death Friday of a Montgomery County teacher at her home in Craig County and cheered the positive prognosis for a sheriff's deputy who was hit by a wind-whirled piece of metal as he answered the teacher's call for help.

"He's a very lucky individual," Craig County Sheriff Trevor Craddock said about Deputy Gregory May, who remains hospitalized after Friday's incident.

Virginia authorities continued assessing damage, laying the groundwork for further emergency assistance. Gov. Glenn Youngkin, having spent parts of two days viewing flood damage in Southwest Virginia, warned that hurricane watchers are keeping an eye on weather in the Caribbean that could become another major storm. People in flood-prone areas should be ready to get to safety, Youngkin said.

They need to understand that particularly the New River is still angry, the river is angry and rain is only going to make it worse, Youngkin sai

Dangerous winds

As Helene moved through on Friday, it was wind rather than water that proved the most dangerous in Craig County.

"I don't think I've seen winds like that since the derecho years ago," Craddock said.

The sheriff said that May was struck by flying metal in the lower part of his jaw, under the deputy's chin  but the metal missed his throat. The injury is serious but May is expected to make a full recovery, Craddock said.

The deputy was among emergency responders answering a call for help from Holly King, 29, who lived in the 14100 block of Cumberland Gap Road.

In an account issued over the weekend, Craig County emergency services director Daryl Humphreys said that an injured woman told a 911 dispatcher that she was "at her out-building." Responders found an overturned chicken coop on the property, but located the woman's body inside her home. Humphreys said that the metal that hit the deputy came from the chicken coop.

King was a special education teacher at Eastern Montgomery High School, schools spokesman Andrew Webb wrote in an email Monday. This was her sixth year with the school system.

Students at the high school encouraged everyone to wear King's favorite color, green, on Monday, Webb wrote.

In Craig County, drones have been used to take aerial pictures of how the wind sheared off trees, Craddock said. The images have been sent to the National Weather Service, who are determining whether what happened in the county can be classified as a tornado, he said.

But no homes in the county were reported destroyed by the storm, Craddock added, and power and telephone outages were largely repaired by Monday afternoon.

"We're a lot better off than we were on Friday," Craddock said.

Flooded homes

The trucks slowly cruised up and down Julia Simpkins Road along the New River on Monday, through the adjacent Pulaski County communities of Allisonia and Hiwassee. Drivers and passengers stared somberly from the vehicles, searching for possessions scattered far and wide by the flood or just taking in the devastation.

The river's banks are low through this area and the houses are built in the narrow flat strip of flat land between water and the roadway. Every home here seemed to have had water inside, and everywhere the stacks of debris filled yards, leaned against houses and trees, or sprawled across expanses of soupy mud. Boats and RVs and sections of buildings had been carried down the river from who knows where and deposited here.

"I'm just taking things that I know don't belong to me and putting them up by the side of the road" so people might find them, said Jennifer Turman, a Hiwassee resident.

Turman explained that her home was safe on higher ground, but that she'd watched in dismay Friday as water rose around a cottage near the river that is owned by cousins in New Jersey, and which she takes care of.

Turman said that she had watched as larger and larger objects sailed past on the flood  including a surreal moment when an aboveground swimming pool floated by with its wooden deck hanging on around it, until the whole thing began to break up in midstream and was whisked away in pieces.

On Monday, the cottage's porch on the upstream side of the structure was concealed by a tall stack of flood-borne wreckage. There appeared to be rafters and roofing from a building somewhere up the river, still hanging together somewhat, and a giant spool that had stored cable, and a chair, a sawhorse, and myriad other bits and pieces.

"There's a kayak under there somewhere," Turman said.

Turman credited a tall evergreen hedge that grew in front of the porch with taking the worst of the impact and weight as the flood piled up debris. "This is what saved the house," she said, indicating branches poking out from the mass.

Inside, marks on the walls indicated that the cottage filled with about 4 feet of water. It had tipped over the refrigerator, shoved furniture around, and oddly, pushed up the Venetian blinds on the downstream side of the house. The water had even raised one window, Turman said.

A thick gooey layer of silt covered the cottage's floor Monday as a crew of builders talked to Turman about repairs needed to make the structure livable again. It sounded like it was going to be a big project. But Turman said that her family was better off than many.

"The house that was up past the church," she said, pointing upstream then pivoting to gaze down the river, "they found it down there."

In Allisonia, Lynne Riccobonocq's voice shook Monday as she described the damage to her home.

Water had filled the home's first story  a garage  then kept rising, disrupting ductwork and insulation in the garage ceiling, then coming through the floor and into the home's living space on the second floor.

Lynne, 66, and her husband Vinnycq Riccobono, 74, said that they were still figuring out what they needed to do next. Repairs were going to have to include ripping out floors, subflooring and at least a couple feet of drywall in the living space of their home. In the garage, appliances and other possessions were damaged too.

"I built shelves high  but nothing was high enough," Vinny Riccobono said.

The Riccobonos said they were waiting to see if emergency declarations would include Pulaski County, and if the declarations would bring access to government help. Otherwise they were not sure how they would afford repairs.

"I'll do it myself  but I'm 74," Vinny Roccobono said with a tight grin.

Riccobono said that he works in a vehicle repair shop in Blacksburg; Lynne retired after years of cleaning just-built houses for a Blacksburg construction company. They said that like most of their neighbors, they had no flood insurance.

In eight years living in the home in Allisonia, they'd never had much of a problem, the Riccobonos said. They'd put down gravel and built a small wall to create a safer spot for their vehicles. The house was set up so that the garage could be cleaned fairly easily. Water had never got close to their upstairs living quarters, they said.

But on Friday, the river was predicted to crest at 19 feet in Allisonia, but actually reached 21 feet, they said.

"Had it crested at 19, we would have been OK," Lynne Riccobono said Monday.

Now their house smelled like mold and they couldn't stay inside. The Riccobonos said that they were sleeping in their minivan alongside Libby, their 62-pound lab mix.

"We don't have a recovery plan," Lynne Riccobono said. "When you come and you look at this, you can only be in the moment.  You work your whole life and it's gone."

A short distance up Julia Simpkins Road, Dale and Debby Puckett said that the home that they were still in the process of constructing had come through the flood without too much damage. But they lost a tractor, track skid and other machinery that had been parked there  maybe $200,000 worth of equipment, Dale Puckett said.

He said that the New River's normal level at Allisonia and Hiwassee has long been described as 6 feet. The previous local record for a flood was 15 feet, he said. On Friday, the river reached 22 feet near his home, Puckett said.

Like many of the houses nearby, the Pucketts built so that their ground floor was a garage and their living space was upstairs. With a lifetime of local experience, they'd built the first floor to be extra tall. The marks on the garage walls Monday showed that about 7 feet of water had come inside. It mostly just left mud to clean out.

Besides working on their property Monday, the Pucketts were directing workers helping at neighbors' homes.

"We're a heck of a sight luckier than most of them," Dale Puckett said.

New River campground

In Giles County, Riverview Campground manager Justin Harman sounded stressed Monday as he recalled how the New River rose higher than expected and threw a still-unknown number of RVs and associated porches and shelters around the property.

"Everything that was down here that wasn't pulled out was destroyed," Harman said.

High water hits the campground at least a few times per year, and Harman said that the standard notifications went out last week that the river was expected to rise. Many RV owners moved their campers to a higher part of the campground, as usual.

But when the flood turned out to be much bigger than predicted, it caught many RV owners  and Harman too  by surprise.

Harman said that no one was hurt, and there were no pets left in the campground as the water rose  and that he watched in disbelief from higher ground as the flood began to mash campers into one another. He said that it was still too soon to say how many RVs were damaged or destroyed.

"It's more than just a couple dozen," Harman said.

While owners are being allowed into the campground to retrieve personal items, it will be some time before the ground dries enough to tow many of the damaged RVs and sort out the mess, Harman said.

Mary Turner of Narrows, who said that she had had a camper at Riverview for about seven years and had enjoyed many family events there, was salvaging what she could Monday. She said that she and her husband had just renovated their camper this spring, replacing all of its appliances and even its walls.

"We lost everything," she said. "All the hard work is gone."

Turner said that she was glad that she and her husband still had a home in town. Some people's homes had been in Riverview, she said.

Like others in Giles County, Turner said that she was overwhelmed by how many people were helping with cleanup.

Harman said Narrows and Giles High School students brought food and assisted at the campground. The Narrows Fire Department and the high school students brought cleaning supplies, and Macado's in Blacksburg also sent food, he said. Top Notch Towing in Pembroke pulled as many campers out of the campground as possible at no charge, he said.

Hundreds of volunteers have turned out to join the cleanup, with many signing up through a page on the county website, County Administrator Chris McKlarney said Tuesday.

Giles County schools were closed Monday and students were told their homework was to help neighbors, McKlarney said.

Donations of money and supplies have been coming in for the county to channel to 47 families who lost residences in the county  20 of them in the Riverview Campground, McKlarney said. In the first night after the flood hit, only one person in Giles County used a public shelter; everyone else was taken in by relatives or friends, he said.

"The community has really pulled together amazingly  people just take care of other people here," McKlarney said.

By Tuesday afternoon, all roads were open in Giles County and power outages affected only 700 or so residences, down from 5,800 during the weekend. Power would hopefully be restored to everyone in the county by the end of the week, McKlarney said.

In Newport, across Giles County from the flooded campground, Donnie Martin of the Newport Masonic Lodge reported that over the weekend, the lodge purchased 75 or so meals of fried chicken, mashed potatoes, green beans and coleslaw. At Newport's community ballfield, lodge members and family members served the food to about 32 people who were without electricity at home and also to 19 Appalachian Power Co. subcontractors who were in Giles County repairing electrical lines, Martin said.

"Those guys were out there working in the rain.  We told them to go back for seconds and they did," Martin said, laughing.

Appalachian Power said that as of midday Tuesday, about 60,500 Virginia customers remained without electric service.

Boil notice and county help

The New River Valley Regional Water Authority, which supplies water to Blacksburg, Christiansburg, Virginia Tech, and Montgomery County, issued a boil notice Monday telling customers to boil water for at least a minute before drinking or cooking with it.

Executive Director Caleb Taylor said Monday that the boil notice was caused by the flood, which brought an abrupt shift in the characteristics of the New River that is the regional authority's water source.

"The chemistry of the river just changed last night," Taylor said.

The authority monitors the river in a number of ways, including samples that are taken every few hours for lab testing, and sensors that offer a constant, online report on certain aspects of the water. Testing is stepped up during a flood, which can add chemicals or just dirt from a watershed that extends into Western North Carolina.

On Sunday night, the river's turbidity, a measure of how much suspended material is in the water, increased beyond acceptable limits, Taylor said. The authority shut down its treatment plant, cleaned it, adjusted its treatment routine, then brought in more water. But it still was not clear enough.

Taylor said that the boil notice will stay in effect until the river returns to a more normal state or the authority finds a treatment regimen that can deal with the situation.

"This is a 100-year flood event or higher  Lord knows what all's in the water," Taylor said.

Both Pulaski and Montgomery County issued notices Monday about measures the counties are taking to help, including extending hours at Pulaski County's trash and recycling collection centers at Bagging Plant Road and Mason Street and roll-off dumpsters placed in the riverside communities of Allisonia, Delton, Parrott and Belspring.

In Allisonia, the roll-off containers will be at Odell Park and the Allisonia boat launch; in Delton, at the intersection of Clarks Ferry Road and Shulls Lane, and at the intersection of Clarks Ferry Road and Ledge Rock Road; in Parrott, near the intersection of Parrott River Road and Parrott Mountain Road; and in Belspring, near the trestle on Depot Road.

A Pulaski County truck with a grapple boom will pick up storm debris in these areas, the county said: in Allisonia, on Tuesday, and on Oct. 8 and 15; in Delton, on Oct. 9 and 16; and in Parrott and Belspring, on Thursday and Oct. 10 and 17.

The county asked residents to put items for grapple boom pickup near the roadside but not under power lines or low tree branches.

For more information, Pulaski County residents can call the county Public Service Authority at (540) 674-8720 or go online at www.pulaskicounty.org.

In Montgomery County, fire and EMS workers were helping with cleanup along the New River in the McCoy area, spokeswoman Jennifer Harris wrote in an email Monday. A "wireless on wheels" cart was set up in McCoy to offer wi-fi to residents.

The Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is working with Feeding Southwest Virginia to help people affected by flooding, Harris wrote. Collection boxes are being set up throughout the county, including in the lobby of the Montgomery County Government Center, with contributions requested of nonperishable cans of food; bottled water; personal hygiene items like toothpaste, toothbrushes, toilet paper, and deodorant; linens, towels, blankets and pillows; and diapers and baby food or formula.

Donations will be taken until 1 p.m. Friday, Harris wrote.

Before the flooding, the county advised residents in McCoy to evacuate and assisted them, Harris wrote. Evacuation also was recommended in a section of the county near Radford and Interstate 81's Exit 105.

In all, about 15 homes on Big Falls Road, three or four homes on Roundhouse Road, and one on Whitethorne Road were destroyed in the flood, Harris wrote.

Also heavily damaged was the Sportsman convenience store and gas station on Little River Road, just outside Radford. Long a center for fishing and camping, the Sportsman was filled with about 12 feet of water, Donald Miles said Monday.

A regular camper at the Sportsman, Miles said that he now was helping with cleanup at the property. He said that so far, he was just moving big pieces of debris areas outside the store. Still to come would be interior work to clear racks of soggy food items and other wares, and deal with whatever other damage the facility sustained. Miles said that he had no idea if the Sportsman would reopen or in what capacity.

He nodded to where a reach-in cooler had sat outside the store's doors, across from a rack of propane tanks. There was no trace now of cooler, rack or tanks.

"Where are they?" Miles asked, and looked toward the river.

Staff photojournalist Heather Rousseau contributed to this article.
A Covington man pleaded guilty Monday to his role in the attack on the U.S. Capitol nearly four years ago.

Levi Plumley, 27, will be sentenced later on a single misdemeanor charge of entering and remaining in a restricted building, according to court records. Three other charges were dropped as part of a plea agreement.

Plumley spent about half an hour inside the Capitol the afternoon of Jan. 6, 2021, as part of an unruly crowd that forced its way through the East Rotunda door.

A video from the scene showed Plumley talking about how then-President Donald Trump had earlier that day urged his supporters to fight like hell against an election that he claimed was stolen.

Plumley said the rioters broke into the building to take our country back, according to the video from social media that was obtained by police.

The video showed Plumley shortly after he was doused with pepper spray as police officers tried to hold the mob at bay. Records in Washington, D.C., federal court quote him as saying hes never been famous for anything, but I guess now Im the pepper spray guy.

About a dozen individuals from Western Virginia are among the approximately 1,500 people charged to date in what prosecutors say was an attack on democracy.
The term "merkaba" is of Hebrew origin, with its roots firmly embedded in the biblical texts. The word itself is derived from the Hebrew root "r-k-b," which carries the general meaning of "to ride" or "to be carried." While the specific term "merkaba" does not appear explicitly in the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet's vision of the divine chariot, or "throne-chariot," is widely regarded as the foundational source for the merkaba tradition.

In the Book of Ezekiel, the prophet describes a vision of a celestial chariot, composed of four "living creatures" (the "hayyot") with four faces (those of a man, a lion, an ox, and an eagle) and four wings. Beneath the chariot are "wheels within wheels" (the "ophanim"), and the entire assembly is driven by a human-like figure, the "Likeness of a Man," seated upon a throne of sapphire. This intricate and awe-inspiring vision has captivated the imaginations of Jewish mystics and scholars for centuries, serving as the wellspring for the rich tradition of merkaba mysticism.
FLORENCE, S.C.  Envision AESC, a Japanese battery technology company, that is set to open in Florence County in 2026 is hosting a job fair November 13 at the SIMT building on the campus of Florence-Darlington Technical College.

The job fair starts at 8 a.m. and will end at 5:00 p.m. 8 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. is Veterans hour and all Veterans will be seen first and will be served refreshments.

No experience is required for the job fair, and walk-ins are welcome, according to a news release by the Greater Florence Chamber of Commerce.

Community members can RSVP online at the Florence Chamber of Commerces website and apply. All applicants must be 18 years of age.

Ground was broken in June 2023 for the new, state-of-the-art electric vehicle battery factory. The factory is 1.5-million-square-feet and is being built at the intersection of Estate Road and East Old Marion Highway across from Wilson High School.

Initially, the plant was expected to create expected to open in 2026 and create 1,170 jobs. In December 2023, Envision AESC increased its investment in Florence County to $810 million and will create 450 new jobs, the release said. The total investment went up to $1.62 billion and will create 1,620 new jobs.

Again, in January, a $1.5 billion investment was put into the Florence County plant and that is expected to create more than 1,000 new jobs, according to a news release.
Pedestrians walk past a For Rent sign in a doorway on Hayes Street in San Francisco. The citys supervisors are recommending an expansion of rent control protections if Proposition 33 passes in November. Nick Otto/Special to the Chronicle

With statewide polling showing California voters essentially deadlocked on a proposition to allow cities to expand rent control to newer buildings, San Francisco lawmakers continue to prepare to spring into action if the ballot measure passes.

On Monday, the Board of Supervisors Land Use and Transportation Committee, in a 2-1 vote, passed legislation that would expand rent control to about 100,000 San Francisco renters who dont currently have rental price protections. The committee sent the legislation to the full Board of Supervisors with a positive recommendation.

This ordinance will deliver stable housing and freedom from arbitrary price increases and price gouging to roughly 100,000 San Francisco renters who are denied their rights by this outdated state law, said Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin, who introduced the legislation.

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Both the local and state rent control initiatives are the latest in a seemingly unending battle between tenants rights groups and real estate interests over whether to expand rent protections.

Next month, for the third time in six years, California voters will be asked whether to repeal the statewide Costa-Hawkins Rental Housing Act, which says cities cannot impose rent control on housing built after Feb. 1, 1995, or on single-family homes or separately owned multifamily units like condos.

The current statewide measure, Prop. 33, would repeal Costa-Hawkins and allow local governments to set their own rent control laws, and the state wouldnt be allowed to interfere with that. A recent poll by the University of Southern California, California State University Long Beach and Cal Poly Pomona found support for Prop. 33 to be up to 37%, with 33% of respondents against it, while 30% were undecided.

While the San Francisco law would not apply to new construction  it would cover multifamily properties that were built between June 13, 1979, and Nov. 5, 2024  developers and housing advocates have said that it would have a chilling effect on investors and builders who have, by and large, stayed away from San Francisco since the pandemic. That has led to a huge drop in housing production, making it more and more likely that the city could fail to meet its state-mandated goal of producing 82,000 housing units by 2031.

Charley Goss, of the San Francisco Apartment Association, said Peskins ordinance is being pushed through in the middle of campaign season without any study or analysis as to how the development of new housing will be impacted.

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This ordinance, without properly studying the impact on development of new housing, is bad anti-housing policy that will effectively stop new housing from being created.

It will make it all but impossible for San Francisco to meet its housing goals and mandates, he said.

Peskin said the legislation intentionally left out new construction, and accused the large landlord and real estate industry of creating a bogeyman that absolutely does not exist.

This legislation proposed something that is very simple and very elegant, he said. To call this anti-housing policy is absolute hogwash.

Supervisor Dean Preston, a former tenants rights attorney who is co-sponsoring the legislation, said the current rules for which buildings are protected by rent control and which are not is completely arbitrary law.

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We can have two buildings next to each other in San Francisco: one building that has a set of protections and another building that doesnt, he said. There is no policy justification whatsoever.

Supervisor Myrna Melgar, who heads up the committee, voted against moving the legislation forward. She said while she agreed with its goals, she had legal questions about how it would impact buildings with deed-restricted affordable units.

Housing Action Coalition Executive Director Corey Smith speculated that the legislation would inevitably be followed by an effort to apply rent control to all new housing.

Given that this board has previously introduced legislation that would apply rent control to all new housing the general belief is that would be the next step, he said. It would overall have a cooling impact on the ability to get projects financed and built here in San Francisco.

But several tenants took exception to the idea that potentially discouraging developers from building is more important that protecting existing households from unexpected and excessive rent hikes. Longtime Haight-Ashbury activist Calvin Welch said rent control is the only control the city and county has on market rate housing.

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Glimpses of Francis Ford Coppolas brilliance peek through in Megalopolis, but the film is such a muddled mess its hard to say its anywhere near a classic.

Coppola mixes acting styles, storytelling and visuals in an unruly way, suggesting the sci-fi epic was directed by a number of people. Parts are highly artistic and wooden; others are realistic and frightening. The whole thing boils down to a battle between art and politics.

Adam Driver stars as Cesar Catilina, a Nobel Prize-winning architect who envisions a way of rebuilding New Rome into Megalopolis. His chief nemesis, Frank Cicero (Giancarlo Esposito), is the citys mayor and father to Julia (Nathalie Emmanuel), the woman Catilina is attracted to. That complicates the war between forces and softens some of the stiff storytelling.

For good measure, Coppola pulls in Jon Voight (as Cesars wealthy uncle) and Dustin Hoffman (as the mayors fixer). He also has his sister, Talia Shire, and nephew, Jason Schwartzman, in the cast but gives some of the juiciest moments to Aubrey Plaza and Shia LeBeouf as a couple willing to do just about anything to get ahead.

As Coppola unfolds the drama he references everyone from director F.W. Murnau to experimental filmmaker Matthew Barney, suggesting this is much more than a Batman-less Gotham City.

Hoffman and Voight could easily fit in another iteration of The Batman, but theyre often left hanging while Driver plays esoteric games.

'Megalopolis' Francis Ford Coppolas first film in 13 years stars Adam Driver as Caesar, a visionary with dreams of a utopian New York. Giancarlo Esposito, 

Esposito normally works in epics like this, giving countless miniseries the heft they need to hide the flaws. Here, hes exposed, revealing a theatrical side that doesnt quite work with what Coppola has concocted.

Gaudi-like sets help connect Megalopolis to the fall of Rome. Theyre interesting to consider (particularly when Driver and Emmanuel are out on beams contemplating life), but they dont justify why a simple story is dressed up with designer-like trappings.

Far more interesting is the coupling between Plaza and LeBeouf. Shes a journalist willing to do anything to get ahead; hes Catilinas jealous cousin, looking for his own way to tower.

Laurence Fishburne checks in as a driver, but also serves as the films narrator. That lends an air of importance, but it cant hide the Dick Tracy seams that seep through.

Look closer at the cast and youll find a mix of faces from television (Saturday Night Lives Chloe Fineman) to teen movies (D.B. Sweeney and Bathazar Getty).

When he does get to some kind of conclusion, Coppola drags it out, as if to indicate theres a level of importance to be savored.

Theres not, but that doesnt stop him from trying. While Megalopolis isnt as seminal as one of the Godfather films, it does say plenty about its maker. This may have been the project that took decades to launch but its hardly as memorable as something like The Conversation, which took months.
ST. LOUIS  Government lawyers have argued Kim Taylor's 52-count voter fraud conviction should stand because it was supported by evidence presented at trial.

The Justice Department's appellate lawyer also said the trial judge was right to deny Taylor's request to provide jurors with instructions that would have further defined the elements the government would have needed to prove to gain a conviction.

"The court should affirm Taylor's convictions," DOJ appellate lawyer Amanda Mundell said in a brief filed Friday in the 8th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals and opened to public access on Monday.

Taylor, the wife of Woodbury County Board of Supervisors member Jeremy Taylor, was found guilty in November of 26 counts of providing false information in registering and voting, three counts of fraudulent registration and 23 counts of fraudulent voting. Chief U.S. District Judge Leonard Strand on April 1 sentenced her to four months in prison and four months of home confinement, followed by two years of supervised release.

Taylor, 51, completed her prison sentence in late August.

In Taylor's appeal brief filed in August, her lawyer said evidence did not support her conviction. He also contended Strand should not have denied a defense request to include instructions to jurors defining the "willfully" and "knowingly" elements of Taylor's offenses and that the government needed to prove she knowingly and willfully broke the law.

Taylor has asked the appeals court to reverse her conviction and acquit her or, alternatively, reverse the verdict and order a new trial.

Oral arguments before the 8th Circuit court have not been scheduled.

Taylor was convicted of running a scheme to collect votes from Sioux City's Vietnamese community in support of Jeremy Taylor, who ran unsuccessfully for the Republican nomination for a U.S. House seat in the 2020 primary before winning election to the county board that fall.

During the six-day trial in U.S. District Court in Sioux City, prosecutors presented evidence showing Kim Taylor, a Vietnam native who met Jeremy Taylor while he was teaching there, ran a coordinated effort to collect hundreds of votes for her husband from Sioux City's Vietnamese community. Evidence showed Kim Taylor approached numerous Vietnamese voters who had limited English comprehension and filled out and signed election forms and ballots on behalf of them and their English-speaking children. In some cases, she advised them they could fill out and sign voter registration forms, absentee ballot request forms and the ballots themselves for their children without their consent.

Sons, daughters and a granddaughter -- who all were born in Sioux City and speak English -- each testified they had never given consent for their parents to fill out election forms for them, and all were unaware they had done so.

Taylor's attorney said she had acted in good faith and was unaware the law prohibited parents from signing voting documents on their adult child's behalf without consent.

In denying a motion for acquittal prior to Taylor's sentencing, Strand ruled evidence was sufficient to determine Taylor acted willfully and knowingly and that ignorance of the law is not an excuse for breaking it.

In its brief, the DOJ said ample evidence supported Taylor's convictions.

The DOJ also argued Strand correctly denied the defense's requested jury instructions because other instructions already defined the terms "knowingly" and "willfully." The defense also was permitted to argue in its closing statement to the jury that Taylor had acted in good faith.

"Here, the district court reasonably declined to give Taylor's proposed instruction because the court had adequately instructed (jurors) elsewhere and Taylor's proposed instruction was flawed," the government's brief said.

Woodbury County election officials became aware of possible voter fraud in September 2020, when two Iowa State University students from Sioux City requested absentee ballots, only to learn ballots had already been cast in their name. When processing absentee ballots on election night, election workers noticed the handwriting on several of them appeared to be similar. After the election, Woodbury County Auditor and election commissioner Pat Gill notified the FBI, which launched an investigation. Taylor was indicted and arrested in January 2022.

Jeremy Taylor has not been charged, but was named as an unindicted co-conspirator in his wife's case. He is not running for re-election to the board of supervisors in the November election.
SALIX, Iowa -- The Woodbury County Sheriff's Office on Monday released the name of a driver killed Friday night in a crash on Highway 75 near Salix.

At roughly 10:50 p.m. Friday, 32-year-old David Narciso, of Omaha, was traveling northbound on Highway 75 near Salix when he crossed the center line and struck head-on a vehicle that was headed southbound, according to the press release from the sheriff's office.

Narciso's vehicle caught fire, and he was trapped inside it. He was taken to MercyOne Siouxland Medical Center, where he was pronounced dead, according to the press release.

The driver of the other vehicle, a juvenile who has not been identified, suffered injuries that were described as minor. He was taken to UnityPoint Health - St. Luke's.

Alcohol may have been a factor in the crash, the sheriff's office said. The crash is still under investigation.

The Woodbury County Sheriffs Office was assisted by the Iowa State Patrol and Salix EMS.
Verizon has confirmed an outage affecting over 100,000 mobile phone users, including scores in the Sioux City area, that sparked a flurry of complaints on social media about disruptions to placing calls and accessing the internet.

We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers, a Verizon spokesperson told CNN Monday. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.

We are aware of an issue impacting service for some customers. Our engineers are engaged and we are working quickly to identify and solve the issue.  Verizon News (@VerizonNews) September 30, 2024

The outage appeared to start happening around 11 am ET, with roughly 100,000 reports from customers on DownDetector, a site that tracks complaints about service outages. Omaha was among the nine most reported locations, with over 2,500 reports.

Complaints to Verizons verified account on X show that customers have been frustrated by a lack of cell service and an inability to connect to the network. The outage appears to have been ongoing for several hours, beginning mid-morning Monday.

Many Verizon iPhone customers complained that their phones had been stuck in SOS mode Monday morning, allowing only emergency calls via satellite.

A long line of customers with service issues were observed at the Verizon store in Sioux City's Sunnybrook Plaza in early Monday afternoon.

Verizon has 114.2 million subscribers in the United States, according to its website.
Douglas Williams leads his son, DJ, 2, through a pool of water at Crissy Field in San Francisco on Tuesday. Scott Strazzante/The Chronicle Kids cool off at a splash park near the Mission Playground in San Francisco on Tuesday. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle James Blanchard applies sunscreen while at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Tuesday, as temperatures climbed into the 90s. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Sunbathers dot the lawn at Dolores Park in San Francisco on Tuesday. Bronte Wittpenn/The Chronicle Abbie Smith of San Francisco dresses for the heat while riding a skateboard along the Embarcadero on Monday. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

San Francisco soared into the 90s on Tuesday, marking the hottest day of 2024 so far. Temperatures peaked far above normal and set daily records in parts of California, including several Bay Area cities. Wednesday will bring little relief, with San Jose and Walnut Creek reaching between 100 and 110 degrees and San Francisco expected again to get into the 90s.

Parts of the Bay Area faced record heat Tuesday, with daily records at weather stations in San Rafael, Santa Rosa, Kentfield and San Jose. All reached 100 degrees or higher. Read more about which California cities set heat records.

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While we wait for the official temperature numbers for today to come in, it's clear that numbers in the interior East Bay and Santa Clara Valley came in a little cooler than forecasted. That won't be the case tomorrow. Wednesday will definitely be hotter in places like San Jose and Walnut Creek, where temperatures are expected to range between 100 and 110 degrees.

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San Francisco and Oakland could see temperatures soar back into the 90s on Wednesday, with potential highs of 110 degrees in Walnut Creek and Concord. An afternoon sea breeze should help temperatures along the immediate coast.

Healdsburg, one of the most popular destinations in the North Bays wine country, is used to heat -- but not typically this much this late in the year. A scorching sun on Tuesday paid no heed to the arrival of October, as day laborers and day trippers alike confronted sweltering temperatures. Read more here about how Healdsburg residents tried to stay cool.

The National Weather Service in Reno reports that the region is experiencing unusually high temperatures, ranging 10-15 degrees above the norm. Daily records could be broken in Reno and South Lake Tahoe, with temperatures reaching the lower 80s and 90s. However, a brief weather system anticipated for Friday could bring increased afternoon breezes, ushering in a slight cooling trend that carries into next week.

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In response to the heat wave, the San Francisco Unified School District and AAA League canceled outdoor athletic activities scheduled for Tuesday afternoon. The suspension affects middle school soccer, baseball and softball games, as well as certain high school practices. Officials said they are canceling the activities out of an abundance of caution.

A warm night is ahead around the Bay Area, with temperatures expected to remain in the 60s at the coast, upper 60s to mid-70s in the inland valleys and the mid-70s to upper 80s in hills above 600 feet. These overnight temperatures are about 10 to 20 degrees warmer than normal, as much as 35 degrees above normal in the hills.

Citing less fire danger than expected and diminishing winds, PG&E has canceled all planned fire-prevention power outages across its service territory. Nonetheless, the utility warned in its Tuesday forecast that very hot and dry conditions will lead to elevated fire danger for the next couple of days, and a Fire Weather Watch is in effect tomorrow and Thursday for portions of the Central Coast due to low relative humidity and critically dry fuels.

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Iris Villatoro fanned herself with a flyer as she waited for her order at Fiestabowls on Mission Street Tuesday afternoon. The order arrived  a heap of strawberries covered in cold cream  and Villatoro headed back out into the heat, spoon in hand.

Fiestabowls owner Ricky Mendoza said his shops sales double whenever its hot. Most of the boost, he said, comes from orders of his most popular item: the mangonada, crafted with homemade mango sorbet and topped with chili and tamarind.

Mendoza had ordered extra mangos and other supplies in anticipation of the mangonada craze he expected to accompany this weeks heat wave.

Whenever its hot, they make up half our sales, he said.

A Red Flag Warning was issued for interior regions of Monterey and San Benito counties, effective from 3 a.m. Wednesday until 8 p.m. Thursday. The National Weather Service cited critically dry conditions and gusty offshore winds, heightening the risk of fire starts and rapid fire spread. Residents were advised to have an emergency plan.

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As of 2 p.m., downtown San Francisco had hit 93 degrees, while San Jose was at 99.

Santa Rosa, Vacaville and Livermore had hit triple digits. Meanwhile, winds shifted direction at Ocean Beach, dropping the temperature from 92 to 75 and Pacifica from 94 to 81.

The four small lanes at Mission Pool & Playground thrummed with activity Tuesday afternoon as lap swimmers took advantage of San Franciscos only outdoor public swimming pool.

Amy Shepheard, 38, and her 8-month-old son bobbed in the shallow end, escaping the heat of their NOPA apartment.

We have other pools near us, but this is the outdoor one, Shepheard said as her son chewed on a rubber ducky, a gift from the pair of lifeguards who watched over the pool. He loves being in the water  and it was free.

The San Francisco Recreation and Park Department made its nine public pools free for the day as a heat wave pushed temperatures near triple digits.

Planned power outages across the Bay Area were canceled amid Tuesdays heat wave.

Pacific Gas and Electric Co. officials confirmed that customers in Contra Costa, Alameda, Sonoma and Napa counties will not experience disruptions. Despite the ongoing high temperatures, calming winds have reduced fire risks, eliminating the need for outages.

The heat wave scorching the Southwest has the potential to set records for October highs, according to the National Weather Service Weather Prediction Center. San Joses forecasted high for Tuesday is 102, which would eclipse the current record of 101.

Over 150 years of October temperature data, there have just been 30 years when at least one October day reached 90 degrees. Only 4% of years topped 95 while less than 1% hit triple digits. Temperatures of 95 or 100 are also rare in Oakland and San Jose, though not unprecedented.

Danger rides a bicycle shirtless as he carries snacks along the Embarcadero in San Francisco during Monday's hot weather. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

The official San Francisco weather station near Duboce Triangle hit 90 degrees at 12:43 p.m., making Tuesday the hottest day of 2024. Temperatures will continue to climb for a few more hours, pushing the mid- to upper 90s and close to 100 in the Mission District.

Other hot spots around the Bay Area include 88 at the Oakland Airport, 91 in Santa Rosa and Hayward, 95 in San Jose and Concord and 99 in Livermore and Vacaville.

San Francisco and Oakland are expected to reach the mid- to upper-90s Tuesday, according to todays forecast by Chronicle meteorologists. While uncommon for October, the heat isnt unprecedented. In 1992, 2003 and 2020, downtown San Francisco experienced four October days in the 90s.

Oakland Museum thermometers registered five days in the 90s in October 2020.

San Franciscos public pools are offering a reprieve from the unexpected October heat, with free access Tuesday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. As temperatures rise into the 90s, during designated lap swim times there will be additional cooling spaces available for those in need. For more information, visit the San Francisco Recreation and Parks Department website.

Lingering smoggy conditions prompted Bay Area air quality officials extended a Spare the Air alert through Wednesday.

Air quality is forecast to be unhealthy today and tomorrow. Very high inland temperatures and weak offshore winds, along with motor vehicle exhaust, will continue to create elevated concentrations of ozone, or smog, the Bay Area Air Quality Management District said in a statement.

Keep track of Bay Area air quality conditions with the Chronicles air quality tracker.

As midday approached, Sharbel Saker lay on a picnic blanket in the grass at Dolores Park, spraying himself with coconut oil and sunscreen. He was soaking in the sunshine awaiting the arrival of four family members from Florida.

Ive told them repeatedly this is a cold city, Saker said. Now theyre coming in a heat wave.

The 33-year-old had told his family members to pack a litany of cold weather items  jackets, coats, beanies, gloves  for a planned trip to watch the sun set behind Golden Gate Bridge.

Theyre gong to think Im crazy, he said.

At 11:20 a.m., a thermometer near Ocean Beach recorded a temperature of 87 degrees, while Point Reyes was 88 degrees. Several backyard weather stations in Pacifica were in the low 90s.

The fire weather risk remains a concern today and over the next few days. A Fire Weather Watch is expected to be upgraded to a Red Flag Warning for the coastal range mountains south of Monterey, where winds are anticipated to strengthen this afternoon and evening.

No fire weather advisories have been issued for the Bay Area yet, but that could change as conditions approach critical levels today and into the evening. This is particularly true in the hills of Santa Cruz, the East Bay, and the North Bay above 1,000 feet, where temperatures will be warm and relative humidity will drop into the teens. The only factor preventing an official advisory in these areas is the that wind speeds should remain light enough.

With little to no wind at the coast, temperatures are heating up quickly, reaching 84 at Ocean Beach just before 11 a.m., 15 degrees higher than the same time Monday. This upward temperature trend is a sign the afternoon sea breeze may be weaker than anticipated, giving the Mission District and other neighborhoods on the east side of the city a good chance of flirting with triple digits in the coming hours.

A hot air mass roughly 5,000 feet over the Bay Area  record-breaking hot for this time of year  was measured from the 5 a.m. weather balloon at San Francisco Bay Oakland International Airport.

Weather balloons are launched every 12 hours from the airport and record temperature, pressure and humidity, providing important data about the vertical structure of the atmosphere.

The temperature at 5,000 feet was the fifth-hottest of all October weather balloon launches from the airport, and a sign of the forthcoming record-breaking temperatures around the Bay Area this afternoon.

San Francisco has the latest summer weather of any major American city, but even Tuesdays temperatures are predicted to be unusually high for October standards.

If the citys official weather station at Duboce Triangle surpasses 95 degrees, it would be the hottest October day since 1996 and would rank among the 10 hottest October days in 150 years of weather records.

Pedestrians walk on a path at Sue Bierman Park during hot weather on Monday in San Francisco. Lea Suzuki/The Chronicle

As an intense heat wave grips the Bay Area this week, residents without spaces to escape the high temperatures can find refuge at local cooling centers. The National Weather Service has issued excessive heat warnings and advisories in the area until 11 p.m. Wednesday.

Below are links to find nearby cooling centers:

For those outside the Bay Area, here is a link to cooling centers across California .In addition to seeking air-conditioned buildings, the National Weather Service recommends the following safety tips during periods of excessive heat:

 Drink more water than usual.

 Limit strenuous outdoor activities during the hottest time of day.

 Help elderly people and children stay cool.

 Wear light-colored clothing and a hat.

 Provide a cool area for your pets to stay.

National Weather Service extended its excessive heat warning to encompass San Francisco, Salinas Valley (Monterey County) and San Benito County, effective until 11 p.m. Wednesday. Concurrently, the warning remains in force for the interior regions, while a heat advisory remains along coastal areas.

Temperatures are trending much higher than 24 hours ago across the Bay Area. San Francisco is 5 to 10 degrees warmer than Monday morning, while the summit of Mount Diablo is 84 degrees versus just 62 degrees this time yesterday.

This morning-to-morning temperature difference is precursor to an even hotter afternoon.

Ediths Pie, a bakery in Oakland, announced on Instagram that it would close Tuesday as a result of the excessive heat lingering over the East Bay and much of the region.

Well be back tomorrow when the skies cool a little bit and we can turn the ovens on, the bakery said in its social media post.

The National Weather Service issued an excessive heat warning for San Francisco on Tuesday, warning residents of dangerously hot conditions and temperatures reaching up to 96 degrees.

The warning will be in effect between 10 a.m. and 8 p.m. After that, a heat advisory will go into effect through 11 p.m. Wednesday, the weather service said.

Pacific Gas & Electric Co. said late Monday that just over 200 customers were without power in Shasta County, but electricity was expected to be restored there by noon on Tuesday. Service has been restored for all other customers who experienced an outage during the planned outages, the utility company said.

Several thousand customers, mostly in counties north of the Bay Area, had their power preemptively cut in an effort to reduce the chance that PG&Es equipment could spark a wildfire in hot, dry and windy conditions.

Californians will start cranking their air conditioners just as lower electricity prices kick in for the fall. Starting Oct. 1, electricity rates dropped for many Pacific Gas and Electric Co. customers and will remain lower than summertime prices through May 31. PG&Es time-of-use plans, which have varied rates based on when people use electricity charge the most for power in the 4-9 p.m. range partly because people are home using more energy at that time. Thats also when daytime temperatures are hottest in inland areas of Northern California.

An autumn heat wave is prompting excessive heat warnings and heat advisories throughout the western U.S. due to potential health impacts amid scorching conditions. Over 30 million people across the Southwest are under excessive heat warnings and heat advisories.

An excessive heat warning is in effect until 11 p.m. Wednesday for a large part of the Bay Area, spanning Alameda, Contra Costa and Santa Clara counties. The warning is also in place for coastal ranges and interior mountains in the North Bay, the San Francisco Bay shoreline and the Santa Cruz Mountains.

In San Francisco, the excessive heat warning begins at 10 a.m. this morning through 8 p.m. and will then become a heat advisory until 11 p.m. on Wednesday.

Dangerously hot conditions could bring temperatures in inland locations like Concord and Pleasanton up to 108, with overnight lows ranging from the lower 70s to lower 80s, according to the National Weather Service Bay Area.

Go here to read more on active excessive heat warnings.

The city is expected to experience its hottest October day in decades. Sunshine will be plentiful from daybreak and temperatures will rise quickly through the morning. Highs should reach the mid- to upper 90s downtown and east of Twin Peaks, with some areas flirting with 100 degrees. Temperatures will be in the low to mid-90s in the Sunset and Mission districts, with readings in the 80s along the immediate coast. A light sea breeze is expected to develop in the afternoon, bringing temperatures down a few degrees before sunset. Overnight, it will remain mostly clear and mild, with lows in the 60s.

The heat wave is being driven by an unusually strong high-pressure system over California and weak offshore winds that are pushing the chilly marine layer away from the coast.

Read more in today's forecast here.

The eastern edge of Marin County may see some of the highest temperatures Tuesday. Highs in San Rafael, Novato and Santa Rosa will range from 100 to 105 degrees, with similar readings in Fairfield and Vacaville. Vallejo, Napa and Sonoma will see highs in the mid- to upper 90s, while highs along the Marin and Sonoma coasts will be in the 80s. Overnight, expect mostly clear skies and warm conditions, with lows in the low to mid-60s.

Tuesday will be very hot across the interior east bay, with highs topping out around 105 degrees in Concord, Walnut Creek and Livermore. West of the Berkeley hills, temperatures will be quite warm as well, with highs in the low to mid-90s in Richmond and Berkeley and the mid-90s to 100 in Oakland, Hayward and Fremont. Mostly clear overnight with lows in the mid-60s to low 70s.

It will be a rare day along the Pacific Coast where there will be no cloud cover and lots of sunshine. Temperatures will respond as well, with highs in the mid-to upper 80s in Half Moon Bay, Pacifica and Daly City. It will be toasty along the Peninsula as well, with highs in the low to mid-90s in South San Francisco and San Bruno and highs in the upper 90s to around 105 degrees in San Mateo and Redwood City. Clear and warm overnight with lows in the upper 50s to low 60s.

While health officials advise that its best to seek out air conditioning during extreme heat if you can, there are other measures you can take to stay as cool as possible  or avoid a big hit on your PG&E bill.

Here are several tips, gathered from national, state and local health agencies and emergency departments as well as the National Weather Service:
Dear Prudence is Slates advice column. Ashley C. Ford is filling in as Prudie for Jenee Desmond-Harris while shes on parental leave. Submit questions here.

Dear Prudence,

My first and second husband both had children from a first marriage. I never did. I had some hands in raising my first stepchildren but my second stepchildren were already married adults with children of their own when I married their father. I am not close to them. I am close to their children.

My first husband was a jeweler and made many expensive pieces for me. I treasure them greatly. My stepdaughter from my first marriage announced her engagement and she invited my husband and me. I was so touched that I decided to offer one of the pieces to wear. It was so touching to see her delight over being given something that her father handmade that I decided to let my granddaughters each pick out a piece for them to inherit when I am gone (or they get married or graduate).

I didnt realize what a rush of greed it would start. My daughter-in-law is upset that her adult daughter who I never met wasnt getting one while her stepdaughters were. One of my unmarried stepdaughters has been egging on her sisters by saying that they are being deliberately slighted by me because I am not offering them any pieces. I bluntly asked why the hell they thought they were entitled to my jewelry from my first marriage at all. I could toss the lot into the ocean and it wouldnt affect them.

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My husband fully supports me, but this entire situation has left me feeling sick. I never expected such greed out of his children and it is raising alarm bells for me. They all inherited jewelry from their mother, grandmother, and my late sister-in-law and arent satisfied. My husband is about a decade older than me. Is this how they are going to act when he dies? What do I do in the meantime?

Sick of the Greed

Dear Sick of the Greed,

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Its a shame that after sharing your treasured and sentimental jewelry pieces in a celebratory way, members of your extended family ignored the context of your gift, and instead demanded their own piece of the pie. Im sure that left you with a sour feeling in your stomach about the way your husbands children might behave when your husband passes away. So jump ahead of that issue and speak with your husband about it now. Make sure the two of you both know what the plan is for distributing the resources of his estate in the event of his death, and encourage him to have those conversations with his children NOW. You both need to get all of those plans on paper, if you havent already, with the help of an estate planning attorney.

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Theres no guarantee that it wont become an issue now, when he informs his kids, or later. But at least you know that when that time comes, they will all have been forewarned about what they can expect to inherit and from who. In the meantime, I think youve clearly expressed your position that they will not be receiving jewelry from your first marriage, and thats all you need to say to them about it. If they bring it up again, tell them your jewels are not up for discussion.

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!

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Dear Prudence,

Im a big fan of the movie When Harry Met Sally. My wife is younger and from a different country, so shes never seen it. However, I told her before we got married that I strongly agreed with the central thesis of the movie that men and women cannot be platonic friends. And Im not a hypocrite. I dont haveor desire to haveany female friends.

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My wife, on the other hand, does have male friends. This is a constant source of drama in our marriage. I dont understand why she needs male friends. She has more in common with other women, and if she needs male companionship, she has me. It seems like Im constantly on her case about this, and I dont understand why this isnt something she can sacrifice to keep the peace in our relationship. If its that important for her to have emotional bonds with other men, that is a huge red flag.

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I know how this soundsbut I often let things go that bother me if I figure they arent a big deal. You simply cant fight about every difference of opinion in marriage. I choose my battles. But this is a big deal to mea dealbreakera battle I feel compelled to choose. Its a core belief Ive had for most of my life. Since this is more important to me than it is to her, shouldnt she give in on this one?

Harry Burns

Dear Harry,

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Its been 35 years since your compatriot Mr. Burns made his assertion that sex always gets in the way of friendships between men and women. But if we could hear from him today, Id hope hed have expanded his worldview a bit since 1989. It is totally possible for women and men to be friends without sharing a romantic interest in one another. Dont get me wrong, Harry and Sally is a great movie, but its just that: a movie, with a particular point of view and its own biases. In life outside of Hollywood, men and women have deep and enduring friendships every day, all the time, and nobody steps out of line. (And that is just to comment on friendships between heterosexual men and womenwhat about all of the friendships that exist outside of that binary?) This is not a film set, and you are not Billy Crystal.

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Yes, your wife has you, but no woman is an island. And neither is any man. We all need friendships beyond those we have with our spouses. Its healthy, its good for you, and it builds trust. Your wife is her own person, and no matter how close you two are, her experience will always be separate from yours. So just because you dont have platonic friendships with other women doesnt mean she has to follow suit. Also, I assume your wife had male friends before you were married, so this cant be new information to you, yet you call it a dealbreaker. That was your first mistake: You shouldnt have gotten married expecting to change her.

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You write that you dont understand why she needs male friends. Well, have you tried asking her, without a rebuttal ready to launch? I have a feeling she probably has pretty good reasons for keeping them around. In this case, I believe youre the one who needs to reflect and make a shift. You need to work on trusting your wife. It sounds like youre a visual learner so might I suggest some studying material? Cancel your annual rewatch of When Harry Met Sally and turn on something else. Your wife and her friends might be more like Andy and Nigel from The Devil Wears Prada or Mabel, Oliver, and Charles-Haden from Only Murders in the Building. Its just on you to see it from a different perspective.

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Want Advice on Parenting, Kids, or Family Life?

Submit your questions to Care and Feeding here. Its anonymous! (Questions may be edited for publication.)

Dear Prudence,

I went to my regular hairdresser today for a normal cut and blow dry. From the minute he greeted me, I thought, This guy is ON SOMETHING. He was far more exuberant, dramatic, talkative, and clumsy than normal. Plus he was a bit forgetful from moment to moment. Ive never, in 25 years, seen him like that.

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He gave me a good haircutmaybe a bit faster and shorter than normal, but all in all fine. And throughout it all I kept reminding myself that it was just haireven if it wasnt good, it would grow out. Alls well that ends well. Now Im wondering if I should go back in and say something to him. Should I let him know that I noticed and am concerned?

Cut and Dry

Dear Cut and Dry,

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Unless you and your hairdresser are good personal friends, enjoy your fabulous haircut, or find a new salon. You have suspicions based on his behavior, but no real information about the situation. I imagine you wont want to give up a 25-year relationship. So next time youre in his chair, ask him how hes doing and provide a listening ear. But otherwise, Id leave it alone.

Dear Prudence,

I could use some friends, but I just dont feel up to it. There are a few moms of my tweens friends who pass the vibe check and seem really great..but one invited us all over to bonfire it up while the kids trick-or-treat, and it just seems exhausting. Every mom friendship has an expiration date built in, it seems. The kids dont mesh, sabbaticals end, we switch schools, or stay-at-home parents go back to working outside the home. I never see it coming, and always feel bereft. Everyone is too busy to maintain something that doesnt coincide with our kids schedules. Its fine! It makes sense. Its not cruelty, its just life! My teen is an 8th grader, new-ish to this school, and I know that this group of kids will all be a different high-schools next year. How do I muster the energy to enjoy what could be really great, probably temporary, camaraderie with their pretty dope moms?

Tired Mom Seeking Same? Maybe?

Dear Tired Mom,

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How much time do you spend taking time for yourself? You sound exhausted, Mom! Loneliness can be such a burden, but without the energy to show up for you, it can be doubly hard to want to go out and pursue new friendships. It also sounds like the unpredictable nature of other moms floating in and out of your social life has hurt you, and youre hoping for a connection that feels like its got the legs to be long-term. That makes sense. Our friends, like siblings, have the potential to be great witnesses of our lives, as we become witnesses of theirs, and investing in anything less than that can feel wasteful of your limited free time.

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Unfortunately, though, showing up and going to that bonfire is how you start making those long-lasting friends. I know you dont want something shallow, but you have to wade through low water to swim in the river. If nothing else, watching you care for yourself and have patience with your social interactions will set a great example for your child. Explain to them why youre spending an hour alone reading or watching your favorite television show. Let them see you making lunch just for yourself or leaving to meet with a new friend you met in a local art class. Whatever works for you.

Ashley

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Classic Prudie

The day my sister died, I was in her house looking after my nephews while their father stayed by her bedside. He returned home shortly after I had put them to bed and we sat together crying and hugging, talking late into the night. At some point in the early hours of the morning, we ended up having sex and we had a very brief affair with no romantic feelings, just deep sadness and loss. That ended after a very emotional conversation in which he asked me to leave, and Ive stayed away ever since. I didnt even attend her funeral. Several weeks later, I discovered I was pregnant.
This is part of Wedge Issues, a pop-up advice column about politics, running now through the election. Submit a question hereits anonymous!

Dear Wedge Issues,

My grandparents are in their early 80s, and beginning to show some cognitive decline. They had a large hand in raising me, but now my sister handles the bulk of the caretaking duties because Im moving across the country soon. Over the last couple visits Ive become increasingly concerned over the amount of A.I. content they are consuming, my grandma on Facebook, and my grandpa on YouTube. My sister said not to fight them on anything theyre learning unless they are at risk of getting scammed out of money, because it just confuses them to explain it. I taught my grandma, who handles the finances, the warning signs of scams and disconnected her credit card from her phone (again).

But what I saw on my latest visit really troubled me. Every 10 minutes my grandma was showing me another A.I.-generated picture of a politician. My grandfather was watching an amalgamation of A.I. images, video game footage, stock footage, and stuff ripped from movies that claimed to be secret reporting on various wars. I say various wars because at one point whatever he was watching claimed we were secretly at war with Iran, Pakistan, and Saudi Arabia. He did at one point ask me if it was A.I., and I told him yes, and explained why, but he watched it for another two hours before switching it to something less political. Also, my grandpa was very upset that he cant tell whats real anymore. My grandma got mad when I tried to explain that an image of J.D. Vance (who she dislikes, and the image made her dislike him more) was A.I.-generated.

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My sister said to not worry about it if its propaganda that just reaffirms what she already believes, but I really do. She is of the ignore it and redirect philosophy. I cant rope in my mom here, she just got back on OK terms with my grandma, and I cant ruin her relationship with her mother.

My grandparents are fairly progressive for Midwesterners who have never left their small rural town. But I can see they are confused, distressed, and easily tricked by A.I. content. Its increasingly hard to hold a conversation without telling them something they saw just isnt real.

How do I protect my grandparents from political A.I. disinformation without 1) making them feel like Im calling them dumb, 2) distressing them about tech they dont understand, and 3) arguing about beliefs I know are rooted in disinformation that they dont think is disinformation because they saw it on the news? (YouTube. They saw it on YouTube.) And: How can I convince my sister that this is a problem and to back me up here?

A.I. Headache

Dear Headache,

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I really feel for you and your grandparents! The sudden proliferation of A.I.-generated nonsense on the internet is extremely bewildering, not to mention worrisome for the future of our society. The only (minuscule) upside is that this is not just a problem for people your grandparents age. None of us are equipped for this. So, the confusion is something of an equalizer between young and old.

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Thats something that could, weirdly, help you here. Because you can honestly tell your grandparents that youre in this together. Its a fact that will be key to talking about A.I. in a non-patronizing way, and it may be the most human way through this whole mess (for all of us).

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But first, lets address the basic question of whether your grandparents media consumption is a problem.

Its great that this situation doesnt seem to be tearing your family apart, or otherwise causing major relationship damage or social isolation issues. Not every family is so lucky. It also doesnt sound as if your grandparents are getting radicalized into any wild, fringe beliefs, either. Of course, I cant say that for sureI dont know exactly what your grandfather is consuming. But I reached out to some misinformation experts to find out what that whole secret war narrative you mentioned is about, and most experts I talked to assumed it was probably some kind of A.I. sludge where the target is simply engagementthat is, making money off your grandfathers attentionrather than spurring any kind of action or indoctrination. Take heart in knowing its probably not Russian disinformation.

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But if the sludge is just demanding your grandparents attention, that is still itself concerning. Im particularly worried about your description of your grandfathers behavior, and the way it seems to be taking up a lot of his time and thoughts. If he starts to exist more and more in this bizarro universe, it could make him feel more isolated from the real world around him. And it could sap him of energy. We think of screentime as a big issue for kids, but Carolyn Aldwin, the director of the gerontology program at Oregon State University, said in an email that the pixelation of images on YouTube and the like requires brains to fill in gaps for missing information, and that can be particularly fatiguing for older adults with cognitive impairment. At a more basic mental health level, it cant be good for them to be steeped in alarmist content all the time. So, I do agree with you that you should try to ease them out of this.

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The first and broadest piece of advice I have is to try to make sure your grandparents have active offline lives. Often, people are drawn to online conspiracy theories in part because it gives them a sense of empowerment, that they have secret and important knowledge. And if your grandmother is interacting with these bad A.I. photos of politicians, she may find power in digital activism or community in her allies in comment sections. Culturally, Americans arent great at making retired people feel useful and valuable. So, addressing any potential isolation and purposelessness might help get at the root cause here. That could mean helping them look into volunteering activities around them, or encouraging them to join groups with a robust social calendar.

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Another simple suggestion is to just distract your grandfather when he brings it up. Your sister is rightredirection isnt a bad tactic in some of these cases. (Thats especially true if your grandparent is dealing with rapid cognitive decline.) An amiable Wow, thats so interesting. Anyway, how is the new bird feeder working out? could work well. Dont think of it as ignoring the issue, think of it as taking the issue seriously by trying to herd them back into the real world a bit.

And redirecting sometimes, or most of the time, doesnt mean you have to take talking about artificial intelligence off the table entirely. I spoke with Jeff Hancock, the founding director of the Stanford Social Media Lab, and his student Ryan Moore, who studies the role that age plays in internet and technology use, about your case. They said that you should not start by challenging your grandparents beliefs, but by listening to them carefully and patiently. Approach your conversations, as Im sure you do, with empathy: Their behavior is likely driven by a desire to understand the world and look out for their family and their community.

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The next step is to provide them with tools to figure out whats real. You have the power to become a collaborator in their quest for answers. You could, for example, do a joint activity, looking at explainerson Facebook and YouTube, meeting them on their favorite platformson how to spot A.I. disinformation. When they show you something strange, you could gently say, Oh interesting, should we look together to see where this comes from? Together, you can do a search, look at your favorite fact-checking sites, or for research on the source. They may not know some of the basics you take for grantedlike opening a new tab and searching for verification of specific details. Hancock and Moore also recommended a conspiracy-theory-debunking chatbot you could check out with them. Remember to emphasize confusion you have over the A.I. images and videosyou might be more savvy than they are, but you can probably agree that its wild that a computer can generate real-ish looking faces. Tell them you can hardly believe the things youre learning about A.I., too. That way they will see you as an ally rather than a lecturer.

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If they seem open to more help, you could even encourage them to sign up for programs on digital literacy for seniors. Research shows that even short training courses on tools for fact-checking can significantly help seniors with identifying false information, and your family members may feel less embarrassed working through it alone or with an outside third party. Some places have in-person classes you could look for. There are also many online resources tailored toward older people. Poynter, for example, has an online digital literacy course for seniors.

Should you grow impatient, try to bear a few things in mind. Some of the strengths older people havenamely, their experiencework against them in this specific regard. They have spent decades consuming media, but it is based on the belief (true, up until now) that humans are behind editorial decisions. So even if you tell them that a computer is choosing videos for them, they may have a hard time understanding it as anything other than the product of human curation. Its a lot to un-learn.

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And there are some biological factors that may be working against them. Aldwin pointed out that visual problems that can come with aging may make it harder for someone to recognize the discernable imperfectionsthe weird extra fingers, the strange lightingin A.I.-generated images that cue the rest of us in to the unreality of what were seeing. Aldwin noted that older adults with cognitive impairment may have a harder time maintaining focus, which could also make it harder for them to recognize the other telltale signs of A.I.-generated languagethe overuse of formal language or strange sentence structures, for example. Making matters worse, they may more easily lose track of where they heard certain pieces of information, making it harder to distinguish whats confirmed and whats a mere theory. So you can see why this might become frustrating for them.

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If talking about it goes nowhere and all else fails, you can nudge your grandfathers YouTube algorithm in a more positive direction through simple quality time. Show him fun videos you think he might like. Laugh at dumb prank videos together. Pull up cool and legitimate science, history, and news showsit seems he wants to know more about the world, and you may introduce him to his new favorite content creators. And while you cant interfere with your grandmothers Facebook feed, you can send her cat videos over its messaging platform.

Of course, a lot of this would be better done in person, and if youre across the country, its not fair to put it all on your sister, whos already shouldering most of the caregiving responsibilities. Tell your sister to be on the lookout for truly alarming content: My biggest fear would be health-related misinformation, which could put your grandparents in danger. But if she doesnt see an obvious toll on your grandparents, stick with what you can do yourself. Look up local programs on digital literacy. Send them the tools Hancock and Moore pointed out. Talk to them often on the phone, and listen with empathy. Let them know that if they ever want help wading through this, youre there to tackle it with them. A.I. is making the internet a more bewildering place for everyone, not just them.
J.D. Vance held a rally in North Carolina last Monday. He concurrently held a press conference, fielding questions from reporters while his supporters watched. A reporter who identified herself to Vance as Kaci Jones of Charlottes WCCB took her turn on the microphone and first thanked Vance for taking questions. The room was quiet, and the vice presidential nominee flashed a soft smile. Then came a midlength windup into a question about Vances recent stoking of a racist charade about Haitian immigrants. The reporter informed Vance that he had spread those now-debunked false claims. As Jones prepared to ask Vance whether he would have done anything differently after learning about the falsity of the claims he spread worldwide, a man in the crowd yelled at her to shut up.

Boos rained, and Vances questioner paused for a moment. Vance was patient enough for Jones to get her question out, then gave his standard stump answer. My responsibility is to listen to the people that I serve and not a biased media, he said, as the crowd roared. And thats what Ill keep on doing in Springfield, Ohio, or anywhere else. A moment later, the press conference briefly pivoted back into a rally as Vances supporters broke into a chant of Jay-Dee! Jay-Dee!

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Press interactions with presidents, vice presidents, and candidates for those offices are a mixed bag of formats. Some take questions in little scrums as they board or exit an aircraft. Some pop into the White House briefing room. Some take a few questions from the lobby of their New York building. Some poke their head into the press cabin of the campaign plane. Some, as Vance has taken pains to point out lately about Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, almost never take questions at all.

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But very rarely do any of these national politicians take interviews from the very podiums where theyre riling up their supporters. Rallies are for generating enthusiasm and getting visuals that make the candidate look like a big, popular figure. Meanwhile, press conferences are the logistical nuts and bolts designed to earn follow-up coverage that doesnt cost the campaign advertising money. Vance has often blended the two kinds of events, making his interactions with reporters part of the experience of his rallies. Even Trump has not done that with any regularity, though he has a habit of urging his crowd to jeer at the reporters attending his speeches. The least popular person in the race, however, has calculated that taking questions from the media in the middle of his campaign events isat the very leasta net positive.

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But it doesnt always go well, when looking in from the outside.

Vances dual presser-rallies have produced some surreal moments, where Vances supporters boo reporters asking routine questions in the same way New York Knicks fans might boo Joel Embiid. At the same rally where the Haitian immigrant question prompted so much jeering, another reporter asked one of the most obvious questions of the day. Fresh on the heels of the North Carolina Republican governor nominee turning out to be the kind of guy who calls himself a black NAZI on a porn forum, the reporter asked, Does the Trump campaign still endorse Mark Robinson? Only a second later, the crowd erupted into an even higher level of booing, more akin to what Knicks fans would do if Embiid committed a flagrant foul against New York hero Jalen Brunson. Vance waited 10 or so seconds for the booing to subside, let the reporter finish, then replied evasively. It probably sounded better in the room than it did to a swing voter, given that Robinson is badly underperforming Trump in polls of North Carolina.

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At a Vance event in eastern Pennsylvania the weekend before, a reporter referenced the Haitian migrants fiasco and asked if the Trump campaign was trying to win over voters in the middle or not. The crowd booed intensely. A guy near the press pen screamed at the reporter that his question was a waste of time. Philadelphia Inquirer national political reporter Julia Terruso shared a video that laid out just how far away the reporters were from Vance as a press minder held up a microphone that they could then shuffle to the next journalist. Pro: JD Vance actually takes questions at his rallies, Terruso wrote. Con: The format is in front of the entire rally as the rally-goers boo every journalist.

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These exchanges, which take place several times per week at Vance rallies now, have become ritualistic, playing out more or less the same way: A reporter starts into a question that Vance may not like, the crowd boos and yells, Vance and the reporter both wait for relative calm to return to the venue, and then Vance provides a reasonably polite recitation of his talking points. Then the crowd cheers.

One reporter I spoke with who has covered multiple swing-state Vance rallies was pleased with the chance to, you know, ask questions. Trump rarely takes them, and Harris and Walz almost never do in any environment. What Vance gets out of this format is a little less clear. A way to project power over a supposed hack member of the mainstream media? A framing mechanism to make reasonable, obvious questions seem like theyre somehow gotcha journalism? Or maybe just a way to manage his time?

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Vance rails against the media in the style any Republican would, accusing it of ignoring important stories (like the ones he lies about) and propping up the Harris campaign at every turn. But Vance understands press utility better than most. It was press coverage that allowed Vance to generate a hefty round of publicity after he published Hillbilly Elegy in 2016, paving the way for his rise as a political figure. This is not a politician who is unaware of the power of mass media to shape perceptions of him.

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Speaking with reporters from his rally stages could be a way to remedy the perception that he radiates robotic inauthenticity in every interaction he has with a normal human being. As far as unscripted Vance interactions go, he looks downright smooth when he talks to the press with an adoring audience surrounding him on all sides. Thats less true in uncontrolled environments, like during a joyless interaction with Georgia donut shop employees in which he clumsily asked videographers to blur out a workers face and then placed a donut order of just whatever makes sense.

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There are other reasons why the press conferencerally hybrid works for Vance. He has attempted to make a major issue of Harris lack of interviews, and standing onstage to take frequent questions helps him to make the point that Harris does not. (Its not clear this has been a successful strategy, nor should Vance get too much credit given that his answers are often dodgy or not based in reality.)

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The format also provides a buffer for Vance against questions that arent good for him. The reporter who has covered some of Vances recent events explained that the Trump campaign has a staffer controlling microphone access. In a standard press conference environment, a reporter could shout a follow-up question, and they would be audible enough that not only would Vance hear them, but so would everyone else. Thats much less likely in a raucous rally space. The reporter also noted that the crowds at Vance events are on high alert for questions they might perceive as hostile to the candidate: If a question includes the word abortion, for example, the room will soon be full of other sounds.

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Consider the Robinson issue. From the rally stage, Vance stood and looked on like a gladiator while his admirers shouted down a reporter asking about it. But when a different reporter broached the subject in a one-on-one interview backstage the same day, Vance gave a doddering answer that went viral and included a shareable assessment of Robinsons denial: I dont not believe him. (Heres a longer video of Vances answer, but it was the short one by a Democratic video-clipper that went around most.)

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There are logistical considerations at play, too. The reporter I spoke with said that the campaigns practice is to first go to local media for questions, then get to national reporters later on. Vance wants lots of local coverage in swing states, and he never has more swing-state reporters in front of him than when hes giving speeches in those states. Those stories may or may not be positive, but its not clear how much that matters to Vance or his staff. Getting more coverage for which Vance doesnt have to undergo many follow-up questions may be like ordering sprinkled or glazed: just whatever works.

Need advice on living through this historic and nerve-racking presidential election? Slate wants to help. Submit your questions to Wedge Issues here. Its anonymous! No question is too dumbor too existential.
In What Its Like, people tell us, well, what its like to have experiences many of us have not even imagined. This entry is based on an interview with Kyle Lowder, a landscaper in Asheville, North Carolina, about the devastation that Hurricane Helene has wreaked on the western part of the state, primarily due to massive flooding of the mountainous regions rivers and streams. (Kyle is the brother of Slate associate editor Bryan Lowder, who spoke to him for this piece.) On Monday, Gov. Roy Cooper said, We are leading an unprecedented response to surge food, water and needed supplies into these communities. This will be a long and difficult recovery and we must use every state, local and federal resource at our disposal to save lives, restore communications, and begin critical repairs to roads and infrastructure.

Lowder is a supervisor at a landscaping company that was called in this week by local government to help with cleanup effortsa job that so far has involved taking chain saws to many of the citys beautiful old trees, now uprooted and dangerous. He told Slate about the unimaginable damage hes seeing on the ground, the small ways in which residents are stepping up to help one another, and why he believes that the unique spirit of Asheville will survive the disaster, even if some of its beloved neighborhoods will never be the same.

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The situation here is catastrophic. It has shattered my view of whats possible. I dont want everyone to think that absolutely every single square inch of space has been wiped out: Im one of the fortunate people; my apartment and car were spared. But anywhere with old trees or unstable soil, any low-lying areaswhen you hear the news say that things are just gone or are unrecognizable, thats not hyperbole. That is, from what Ive seen, completely accurate. Its crazy to see what the water was able to do.

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Im generally aware that with climate change, a lot of things are possible. But I wouldve never thought that a hurricane or tropical storm of this magnitude could make it this far inland up into the mountains and cause the amount of damage that it has.

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I was not prepared, and I think, just from talking to people around here, thats a really common sentiment, both on the individual level and in terms of our perception of government readiness. I think a lot of us felt like, Oh, a bad storm is coming, we need to lay low a little bit. But I didnt think that there would be any lasting ramifications and certainly had no idea that entire areas would be completely flooded out. The sense was that we just had a bad thunderstorm coming.

And thats what it felt like at firstnothing too crazy. The rain slowly built throughout Thursday afternoon and into the evening. It was sometime during the night that the power got knocked out. And when that happened, the storm had really picked up and woke me up. You could hear the wind and the rain is smashing against the windows, and it was just a lot louder than Ive ever really experienced. But I still had no idea what the full scope of it was going to be.

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On Friday, about late morning, it felt like it was OK to peek outside and see what was going on. Most of the houses just immediately around me were pretty much spared. We are situated on a hill that, I think, kept us from experiencing any major flooding. But once I stepped out away from my specific block and started walking around my neighborhood  its a lot of older homes with really majestic old trees. And unfortunately, many of those in the storm became very dangerous and came down. I think thats when it started to settle in that in many areas it was going to be really bad.

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Related From Slate Ten Ways the Heat Is Changing UsSome Small, Some Horrifying Read More

But from there, we settled into an information blackout because we lost cell service. And so the only thing I really knew was what I could see immediately around me, which was just a lot of fallen trees on houses, a lot of flooding down in the lower parts of my neighborhood, but just not really knowing what was going on.

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Eventually, the emergency briefings started on the radiothats when we started hearing how hard riverside areas, like the River Arts District, Swannanoa, and Black Mountain, had been impacted and that in many cases, the extent of the damage wasnt even known because it was so bad they couldnt get in there.

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In the case of the River Arts District, its this really cool, vibrant area just outside of downtown that has a bunch of old warehouse spaces and industrial buildings that have been repurposed into different studios, flea markets, artist markets. I think when people think of Asheville and what youre doing when you visit here, the funky, weird vibe that people like about it so much, a lot of what theyre imagining comes from the River Arts District.

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There are cool independent movie theaters, interesting queer spaces, green spaceit makes up a big part of the economy here. But going by there now, many of the buildings have been leveled. The ones that are still standing are just completely covered in muck and debris. There are cars piled up that floated from upriver. It looks like a complete disaster zone down there. Ill say that I have seen scores of utility trucks down there working to salvage what they can. But to have that area be impacted so dramatically definitely strikes right at the heart of the city.

A huge bright spot, though, has been seeing people try to help each other. Supplies are getting in now, but up until this point [Monday evening], it has been kind of dire for some, depending on what your specific situation is. But I think people have risen to the occasion to fill that void.

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I didnt have drinking water, but someone I know who has a little office nearby had the 5-gallon watercooler things. So they were able to bring me one of those in exchange for me giving them a bunch of food that was about to go bad that I needed to get rid of. When you walk around now, you see the Little Free Librariesthose have now become little community-information posts. Theyve all got little scraps of paper where people are sharing information about where you could get different resources or if people are still looking for each other and that sort of thing.

Ive lived here for a little over a year, and I would say that everyone in my neighborhood has always been friendly to me, but its 2024: When you move into a new area, people dont interact as much as they used to. But when you go around now, people are out and theyre calling out to each other, and if theres things that people need, theyre getting them for each other. I think that thats made the experience much more tolerable for everyone, to kind of fill the void that needed to be filled while the governments and nonprofits and National Guard were getting the roads cleared and getting in and getting everything set up.

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In terms of my company helping with the cleanup, the local government reached out and basically said, Hey, instead of working on mulch and getting our fall flower beds together, we could actually use a lot of help getting roads cleared and getting your heavy equipment into action. And were happy to jump in and do our part, though it feels a little different than your average workday landscaping peoples yards.

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For my crew, its mostly driving around to fallen trees or dangerous trees that are leaning and getting pathways cut, in many instances. Theres just so much and the trees are so big that the goal has to be just kind of cutting a pathway so people can start getting through, but thats the most we can do for them at the moment. Well continue to do that until things are cleared out.

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As far as weve seen, there are some areas that were very fortunate and escaped major damage. But basically anywhere you go that was a low-lying area, any of those pretty little mountain streams that you might think of when you imagine the area, many of those just turned into raging torrents and damaged the areas around them accordingly.

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There is a house right by where I work that is on the river side of the road. And when I was driving by today, I noticed that something looked kind of weird, and then I realized that the house was still there but it was not on its foundation. It had floated down across the property and was now just sitting on the far end. Ive seen trees on top of cars. Power lines are down everywhere still. Its just a lot of destruction all over the place.

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And right now people are worried about more water. It keeps raining, and none of it has been enough to cause any additional flooding yet, but I think its one of those things that, given the situation, when everyone sees those drops start to fall, its just like  What? Whats going to happen? I think the other main thing that people are worrying about is that we keep hearing that various local dams may break, and that could potentially lead to further flooding in our areas. Im sure the situation keeps changing, but people are nervous.

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I think this whole thing caught people by surprise so much that now its sort of opened everyones eyes to what else is possible. Everyone is considering the possibilities in a way that maybe we werent before.

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Speaking for myself, Ill say that I am guilty of thinking that Asheville and this area is a little mountain oasis thats kind of immune from the worst effects of climate change and everything. And that perception has definitely been shaken up and clarified. There are many areas around here that will not be the same, that will never be the same in some casesthey just arent there anymore.

I mean, aside from the immediate disaster-response stuff like water and cell service, I think youre talking about recovery in terms of years. The last I heard, 40 people have died, and theres just  livelihoods have been completely lost. Entire collections of peoples art that theyve spent a lifetime creating are just completely washed away. A lot of thata lot just cant be brought back.

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What attracted me to Asheville is that being a queer person in the Southeast, it can be kind of fraught, figuring out where youre going to live and that sort of stuff. And so when I was surveying potential options, it didnt seem like there were that many. But Asheville stood out to me as this just funky, queer, free-spirited gem hanging out there up in the mountains of western North Carolina.

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A lot of the energy and openness and vibrancy that Ive experienced in other places, like in New York, you dont typically associate with down here. But you encounter those wonderful weirdos around here, and when you see that thats available and accessible and just kind of run-of-the-mill here, that feels good. It feels like you can go and be a part of that in whatever way you want to. And while a lot has been lost hereand we dont know the full extent of what all has been lost yetI dont think that this disaster or really anything could take away the core spirit of the place. To the extent that we can be OK here, I think that we will be. Eventually we will get there.
For the past year, 24-year-old Marowa Abusharia has unexpectedly been a single mother, living in New Jersey and raising her twins all by herself. She sent me a photo of the two baby girls with chubby cheeks and rosy smiles, and when we spoke on the phone, I could hear them cooing and fussing for their mothers attention as she explained to me that shes a U.S. citizen, but her husband, Loai Omar Abusharia, is Palestinian. The couple married in Gaza in 2019, and she moved back to the U.S. to give birth in September 2023. She was expecting Loai to join her within a few short monthshe had a green card interview scheduled in late Octoberbut on Oct. 7, Hamas executed a deadly attack on Israel. Ever since, Loai has been stuck in a war zone, thousands of miles away from the daughters he has yet to meet.

Ive tried everything. I tried talking to the media, my senator, governor, even the State Department, Abusharia explained. They all have his information, but recently, over the last couple of months, nobody is answering emails or doing anything anymore. (The State Department told me they had no comment on pending or ongoing cases.)

Its not clear how many Americans are currently still in Gaza. According to Axios, U.S. officials previously estimated that 500 to 600 American Palestinians lived in Gaza before the war, while another 45,000 to 60,000 reside in the West Bank. The State Department told me it does not track American citizens who live abroad and believes the vast majority of those who were in Gaza and wanted to leave have already left. The agency said it helped evacuate about 1,800 Americans citizens, green card holders, and their families early in the Israel-Hamas war. Yet, in the year since the war began, several stories have emerged of U.S. citizens and foreign nationals who are still stuck in Gaza, despite indicating to the State Department that they want to leave.

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Farah Chalisa, an attorney based in Chicago, has been trying to help Abusharia bring her husband to the U.S., along with hundreds of others who have reached out to her since Oct. 7 for evacuation assistance. Chalisa says that she, along with Maria Kari, an attorney based in Houston, has successfully advocated for about 250 Americans in Gaza who were eventually evacuated to the U.S. Nearly one year into the war, their list of clients continues to grow.

Kari explained that the process to evacuate from Gaza is complex. The State Department initially made a crisis intake form available for any Americans in Gaza who wished to leave, allowing them to bring parents, spouses, and unmarried children under the age of 21 with them. U.S. green card holders were also able to request evacuation help, but could only bring a spouse or unmarried children under 21 with them. For many families, that meant leaving behind older children, siblings, grandparents, grandchildren, and other relatives.

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By December, roughly two months after Hamas deadly attack, the crisis intake form had been taken down. Kari made a call to United States Citizenship and Immigration Services to understand why, and they said to us, We believe that the emergency is over.  When I reached out last week, the State Department gave me a similar response: We believe that the vast majority of U.S. citizens who were in Gaza and seeking to depart have done so. The agency added that anyone who is still in Gaza should reach out to the State Department or the U.S. embassy in Jerusalem.

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But that doesnt track with the attorneys experience: Kari and Chalisa have been fielding requests on a nearly daily basis from Americans still in Gaza and from Americans based in the U.S. trying to help their family members who are still stuck in the region. Without that crisis intake form, Kari and Chalisa have been forced to advocate directly with the State Department on a case-by-case basis for hundreds of families.

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And even when that crisis intake form was available, submitting one did not guarantee the U.S. government would be able to evacuate you or your family; Kari and Chalisa say they have worked with dozens of clients who managed to fill out the form last year but are still in Gaza today. (Theres no U.S. embassy in Gaza; the closest one is in Israel.) Making matters worse, back in May, Israel took control of the Rafah crossing, the only route for civilians in Gaza to exit into Egypt after the war began, and its remained shut since. There is one other exit from Gazathe Kerem Shalom crossing, along Gazas border with Israelbut the Israeli government controls it. Given these circumstances, since May, Kari and Chalisa say the State Department has been telling Americans in Gaza that its hands are tied and it may be unable to facilitate their evacuation.

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Kari believes the State Department has the power to do more to get people through the crossings than its letting on. She noted that a group of U.S. doctors who went into Gaza to volunteer their services was allowed to use the Kerem Shalom crossing, given that the Rafah crossing was closed. Its not like the U.S. government cant arrange for an evacuation. It can, Kari said. Theres just no pathway for Palestinian Americans and Palestinians to try to arrange for exit on their own.

The key to getting out of Gaza is getting your name on an elusive exit list. The State Department compiles the names of people the U.S. determines are eligible to exit Gaza, and Egypt and Israel have to approve the list. If either country objects to any name, that person may be excluded. The final, agreed-upon list is sent to the Palestinian General Authority for Crossings and Borders, which then posts the exit list to its Facebook page. Since the Rafah crossing closed, the exit list has been sporadically published, often with little notice.

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According to emails shared with me, Abusharia submitted a crisis intake form while it was still available, shortly after Oct. 7, and despite the State Department confirming multiple times that the U.S. was submitting Loais name for the exit list, even working with New Jersey Sen. Cory Bookers office, his name has yet to appear, nearly a full year later. If the individual is not approved to depart, then their name will not appear on the published online crossing list, the agency wrote in an email to Abusharia. We do not know if individuals whose names have not appeared on the published list will be permitted to exit Gaza and enter Egypt.

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For many Americans, if they miraculously make it onto the exit list, its still an impossible task to make it to the border crossing, since transportation options in Gaza are limited right now and the journey requires traversing an active war zone. One family Kari and Chalisa worked with only had enough fuel in their car to drive to the border. If anything went wrong at the crossing, theyd have no way of going back home, as fuel is not just expensive but rarely available since the onset of the war. The family ultimately decided not to take the risk.

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Through their efforts to help folks get out of Gaza, families have told Kari and Chalisa about instances of people showing up to the border crossing on the premise that their name is on the exit list, only to have Egyptian and Israeli officials turn them away, vaguely citing border security as the reason. Kari suspects the exit list has become politicized. She explained that she was working with one client who had been waiting three months to get on the exit list, with no luckuntil they turned to the media. They would get on the news with us and be on the exit list the next day, Kari said.

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Lawmakers across the country have caught on to what has been happening at Gazas border crossings; in February, a group of 16 Democratic senators sent a letter to Secretary of State Antony Blinken and Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas demanding more transparency around the U.S. governments evacuation process. They also called for expanding eligibility for people fleeing, so that at a minimum, any American citizens children, siblings, and siblings spouses and childrenregardless of marital status and ageas well as unmarried grandchildren under the age of 21 could leave Gaza.

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To Kari and Chalisas knowledge, the State Department has not heeded those suggestions. The attorneys have found dealing with the U.S. government to be an exceedingly frustrating experience. The American government likes to say, Well, they chose to go there, and theres nothing we can do,  Kari said.  The crossings are controlled by Israel, or They are controlled by Hamas. They blamed pretty much everyone but themselves.

The attorneys believe the U.S. governments response to Americans stuck in Gaza reflects a widespread apathy toward Palestinians, many of whom have lost hundreds of family members since the war began. Ive seen so many posts where Palestinian Americans or someone on their behalf is pleading for evacuation assistance, and people are commenting, Well, you knew it was a Level 4 Travel Advisory. Whyd you go there in the first place? If you went there, then thats what you signed up for. Theres terrorism there,  Chalisa said. But these are people who went to take care of sick parents, or attend a siblings wedding, or visit their sister.

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Chalisa also noted that when Jewish Americans similarly visit Israel, its viewed quite differently. Why can we be understanding of Israeli Americans traveling to Israel to a point where they consider it a birthright to go back, but we cant show any empathy to Americans who went back to see their families in Gaza for very normal reasons that any of us would go back for?

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To be sure, the U.S. governments response in Gaza was dramatically different than its efforts to evacuate Americans in Israel. Within days of the Oct. 7 attack, the State Department announced it was arranging chartered flights for American citizens who wanted to leave Israel, including working with cruise ship company Royal Caribbean to evacuate Americans by sea. Within the first week, before any Israeli offensive had begun, you start to see cruise ships in Haifa, a port city in Israel, getting the Americans out of there, Chalisa said. But a couple of miles away, people are largely being abandoned.

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As we approach one year since Hamas deadly attack, Palestinian civilians are in gridlock. While all exits out of Gaza remain closed, Israels war continues to decimate the region, bombing at least two refugee camps, most hospitals, and recently a school. Two U.S. agencies also concluded that Israel intentionally blocked critical aid and medicine from going into Gaza. According to an Al Jazeera live tracker, at least 42,000 people have been killed since Oct. 7, and over 95,000 people have been injured. More than 10,000 are considered missing. Plus, more than half of Gazas homes and 65 percent of the regions road networks have been damaged or destroyed.

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Khalid Mourtaga, a 22-year-old U.S. citizen, is among those still stuck in Gaza. He was born in Mississippi and moved to Gaza when he was 2. He had been planning to return to the U.S. after finishing college there, until Oct. 7 happened. Hes been working with Kari and Chalisa to evacuatebut despite media appearances, and repeated communications with the State Department in which it promised to have his name added to the exit list, his name has never once appeared.

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Meanwhile, he and his family are sharing a one-bedroom apartment in Gaza, he told me over WhatsApp, with 16 people living together. With no electricity or running water, he fetches buckets every morning, walking them back up six flights of stairs. He says the sea water has caused almost his entire family to develop skin infections. We feel scared all the time. We are in constant fear because there are a lot of explosions and bombardments around us, Mourtaga said. Whole families are killed every day.

Mourtagas grandfather was killed in the ongoing war, and hes lost track of the number of relatives and friends who have also died.

At this point, he said, it seems almost impossible to leave Gaza.
Gautam Rana, US ambassador, talks about his day-to-day obligations and decisions.

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"Why did I become a diplomat? My honest answer is - I was bored." Gautam Rana is the ambassador of the United States of America to Slovakia.

Prior to coming to Slovakia, Ambassador Rana was an attorney, deputy head of mission and long-term charge d'affaires ad interim at the embassies of the United States in Algeria and Slovenia. He was also posted as a diplomat to the cities of Khost in Afghanistan, Peshawar in Pakistan, and Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates. He arrived in Slovakia in September 2022.

"Coming back to what I said, I think Slovakia continues to be a strong ally", says Rana.

Almost two years into his posting to Slovakia, US Ambassador Gautam Rana believes that Slovakia and America will continue to have a great relationship. In the podcast he also talks about the Slovakia-Ukraine relationship, as well as the relationship between Europe and the USA.
The Orloj dedication coincides with the 100th anniversary of U.S. legislation that severely restricted immigration from Central and Eastern Europe.

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Mark Dillon, a fourth-generation Slovak-American and author, is chair of the Board of Directors of the Czechoslovak Genealogical Society International.

When Martin Izakovic came to the United States in 1911, he worked in the Pittsburgh area before returning to his Slovak village three years later.

Andrej Harsany, a descendant of Izakovics 21st-century extended family, hopes to make a more lasting impact on America as the National Czech & Slovak Museum & Library (NCSML) in the U.S. state of Iowa has recently unveiled a new 1.5 million Orloj astronomical clock tower that depicts the Slovak and Czech emigration story.

The 40-year-old Borova artist has hand-sculpted a dozen 1.2-metre-tall immigrant figurines for the clock. They include a Roman Catholic nun, a miner, a meatcutter, a farmer, a Sokol acrobat, a blacksmith, an ice delivery man, a concertina musician, a woman in Moravian kroj (traditional folk costume - Ed.), a dancing couple, a banker and a mother with an infant.

Starting on September 27, Harsanys 12 hand-painted figurines, highlighting 19th and early 20th-century immigration, will emerge at the top of each hour from the 18.6-metre-tall tower. In pairs, they will rotate as a nearly 1,900-kilogram Prague-crafted clock mechanism plays the music of Czech composers Antonin Dvorak and Bedrich Smetana. Each figurine cost around 18,000.

Each one is symbolic, Harsany said of the figurines in an online interview. Each came with a specific design plan. Each has a story.

The Orloj clock tower. (Source: NCSML)

Dual Slovak & Czech presidential visits

The U.S. event drew both Slovak President Peter Pellegrini and Czech Republic President Peter Pavel, marking a highlight of the museums 50th anniversary year, an institution that began as a local Czech-focused Fine Arts Foundation in 1974.

Harsanys habit-clad nun figurine, the miner with a face blackened to resemble coal dust, and the mother and child, all feature Slovak characteristics. Meanwhile, the farmers attire is typical of early 20th-century Nebraska, still the U.S.' most Czech state by percentage of population. Harsanys meatcutter wields a butchers knife, evoking memories of Chicago and Kansas City, home to beef stockyards and meatpacking factories once staffed by Slovak and Czech immigrants a century ago.

The intent, says Dalibor Mikulas, a native Slovak and NCSMLs Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, is to showcase the contributions and aspirations of immigrants to the U.S.s growth and diversity, drawing on the unique experiences of Slovaks and Czechs, with design input from project donors. Most donors ancestors first arrived in the mid-19th century.

This romantic realism in art is a departure from Harsanys impressionistic style in stone, as seen in exhibits throughout Slovakia. For instance, in Bratislava last year, Harsany teamed up with painter Tomas Zemla at the White & Weiss Gallery to create Earth Song, an exhibition focusing on humanitys exploitation of nature and its environmental impact.

Most of my art is abstract. These figurines are realistic, unique, and were wonderful to work on in my village studio. The white oak used for the figurines was sourced from a wooded area a few kilometres from Harsanys home, he says. Commissioned in March, Harsany completed the project this summer, and it arrived in America a few weeks before the event.

The astronomical clocks digital components were built in the Czech Republic by the SPEL Company in Prague, the caretaker of the 15th-century Prague Orloj, built in 1410. Smetanas music calls people to gather three minutes before the hour, from 9:00 until 22:00, while Dvoraks New World Symphony will play as Harsanys figurines appear.

Among the 200 invited guests were Harsanys Slovak-American relatives from Mount Airy in the U.S. state of North Carolina, where Harsany also has a public granite sculpture. Also attending was NCSML board member Dr. Martin Izakovic, an Iowa physician and another member of the Isakovic family tree, who encouraged Harsany to seek the figurine commission.

Andrej Harsany, a Slovak artist, has hand-sculpted a dozen 1.2 metre tall immigrant figurines for the Orloj clock in Iowa. (Source: Mark Dillon)

NCSML featuring more Slovak exhibits

Harsanys work is the latest initiative by a now globally renowned museum to showcase Slovak and Czech culture, art, heritage, and research at NCSML, under the leadership of Dr Cecilia Rokusek, president and CEO. Rokusek also serves as Slovak honorary consul for southern Florida in the U.S.

It is truly a Czech and Slovak effort, Rokusek says of the project. The Orloj replaces a clock tower damaged by a straight-line windstorm four years ago. Three decades earlier, in October 1995, the original tower was co-dedicated by Slovak President Michal Kovac, Czech President Vaclav Havel, and U.S. President Bill Clinton.

On the evening before the clock tower debut, Pellegrini also dedicated the NCSMLs incorporation of the Jankola Library into its research collection, named after Slovak-American Roman Catholic priest Rev Matthew Jankola. Meanwhile, Pavel brought around 60 guests on his presidential jet, according to the museum.

Pellegrini was also scheduled to meet with Slovak-American leaders for 45 minutes after the Orloj dedication for a forum discussion, followed by a one-hour public political roundtable with Pavel and various diplomats.

Until this spring, the Sisters of Saints Cyril and Methodius, an order of nuns founded by Slovak-American Rev Jankola, managed the library on their campus in Danville, Pennsylvania. Since the mid-1940s, the library has amassed one of the largest collections of Slovak and diaspora literature, history, language, spiritual works, and science holdings in North America.

The Iowa museums tower and collection expansion are seen by benefactors as positive affirmations of an era when more than 500,000 Slovaks emigrated to the U.S. in search of new lives, overcoming a lack of opportunity and discrimination in the Austro-Hungarian Empire. In Slovak lands, one in every five people emigrated to the U.S. between 1880 and the mid-1920s, according to the U.S. genealogy group CGSI.

The tower is named the Buresh Immigration Clock Tower, after the late Ernie Buresh, a Czech-American banker and longtime NCSML donor who contributed $250,000 USD towards the Orloj upgrade.

President Peter Pellegrini, together with Czech President Petr Pavel, officially launched the new Orloj on the renovated tower at the National Czech & Slovak Museum and Library in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, on September 27. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Bublinec)

100 years since immigration restricted

The Orloj dedication also coincides with the 100th anniversary of the Johnson-Reed Act, national U.S. legislation that severely restricted immigration from Central and Eastern Europe, limiting the number of immigrants from Czechoslovakia to 3,073 persons a year. (At the time, Czechoslovakia included Czechia, Slovakia, and the Carpatho-Rusyn homeland region surrounding Uzhhorod, now part of Ukraine.)

Overcoming adversity to retell the immigration story is something the NCSML knows well. In 2008, flooding of the Cedar River adjacent to the museum caused $11 million worth of damage and led the museum to relocate its main building to higher ground. The 2020 windstorm provided an insurance settlement that helped catalyse the clock tower rebuilding and expansion plan to create a functional Orloj and figurines, which were not part of the original tower.

Additional work on the four-sided tower, still in progress, includes one side featuring a stone angel, with reliefs focusing on immigration to Iowa. A Moravian artist is creating two temporary art panelsone representing Czech culture and the other Slovak culture. With further fundraising, the museum hopes to install bronze sculptures depicting immigration to replace the art panels. A sundial will also be added to the fourth side, facing the street.

Iowa can experience extreme weather, including an average of 48 tornadoes per year, with powerful winds and hail. The region receives about a metre of snow each winter, and average daily temperatures are below freezing from December to February.

Harsany arrived in Iowa on September 15 to help install the figurines with the assistance of a construction crew and museum volunteers, and he hopes his woodwork can withstand the test of time and climate change.

Weve done everything we can to protect them, he noted.
Slovak politicians continue to create a hierarchy of otherness that positions different groups against each other according to various criteria.

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Maria Mokra is a PhD student in the European Studies programme at Comenius University in Bratislava.

The list of sources is given in the original version of the article.

Slovakia has a heart. This was how Igor Matovic began his press conference on the Slovak-Ukrainian border after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022. The then finance minister, alongside other government officials, proudly presented measures for temporary refuge and housing contributions. This stance, coupled with open borders and a significant wave of solidarity, raised many questions. What happened to the anti-migrant sentiments that intensified during the so-called migration crisis in 2015? Had there been a shift towards solidarity with those fleeing their home countries in need?

I sought answers to these questions during my research, which compared the responses of politicians during the 2015 migration crisis and the Russian invasion of Ukraine in 2022. In short, its findings challenge the notion of this 'shift. In fact, it is quite the oppositethe contrasting reactions of Slovak politicians highlight enduring boundary mechanisms that position people from the Middle East and Africa against those from Ukraine on the opposite sides.

While the loss of Ukrainian lives evoked grief and a sense of loss, similar feelings were absent for the lives of people from the Middle East and Africa. However, it is not that simple. It seems that the lives of migrants are constantly sorted according to various criteria, creating a hierarchy in how and whose life-threatening situations affect us.

Slovakia has a heart versus We protect Slovakia

According to the International Organization for Migration, foreign nationals with residency permits account for 5.13 percent of the total population, the third-lowest proportion in the EU. One-fifth come from EU countries such as the Czech Republic, Hungary, Romania, and Poland. Before the onset of the Russian invasion, the largest share consisted of people from Ukraine, reflecting a longer history of their movement as a workforce. Following the outbreak of war, this number surged to 56.3 percent.

In 2022, Slovakia, along with other EU countries, immediately opened its borders and enacted legislation ensuring temporary protection for refugees. At the time, Minister Matovic emphasised, Slovakia has a heart, and we want to help people, people in need. As of June this year, 122,427 individuals were registered in Slovakia with temporary protection status.

The acceptance of a large number of people from Ukraine sharply contrasts with the usual approach of our country towards refugees. Each year, only a few applications succeed. The exception was in 2015, when 167 applications were approved. This was during intensive discussions regarding a quota system for accepting migrants in response to the so-called migration crisis in Europe, when EU countries struggled to implement solidarity migration policies towards those arriving mainly from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq, Kosovo, Albania, Pakistan, Eritrea, Nigeria, and Iran. In contrast, Fortress Europe sought to limit their arrival.

Slovak politicians, along with other V4 countries, firmly rejected the EUs proposal for mandatory quotas for accepting displaced people, portraying them as a cultural and security threat to Slovakia. During political campaigns, slogans such as We protect Slovakia were used alongside hate speech against Islam. Ultimately, asylum was granted to only 149 Christians from Iraq, who were portrayed as culturally compatible and persecuted for their religion.

Grievability, cultural racism, and the construction of symbolic boundaries

The differing reactions to the suffering of individuals raise the question of whose lives matter in our society. Judith Butler defines the concept of grievability, which highlights the differing recognition of lives that are deemed valuable and worthy of mourning. While we consider the lives of some individuals as significant, seeking to protect them and we respond with affect of solidarity or loss in case of their endangerment, the lives of others, conversely, mean little to us, and we do not extend them the same protection.

The norms for recognising the lives we wish to protect are influenced by cultural racism, which is not solely based on skin colour but embodies whiteness as a value system. Europe, presented as a centre of cultural progress and values of tolerance and democracy, is placed in contrast with non-European countries, which are depicted as culturally backward. Cultural racism thus legitimises unequal relationships by emphasising the cultural and historical uniqueness of Europe. Within this framework of whiteness, a superior Euro-whiteness is delineated from dirty whiteness, often assigned to people from Eastern Europe. Constructed hierarchies within cultural racism further contribute to the unequal global distribution of social, economic, political, and moral privileges.

To capture the process of distinguishing between lives, I draw upon the concept of symbolic boundaries. Through these boundaries, individuals classify reality, creating shared categories of places, objects, and people, thus dividing them into groups of us and them. In this case, the symbolic boundaries createdboundaries of grievabilitysegregate lives into those we are capable of mourning and those whose loss elicits no affective response from us.

In this article, I present four main criteria by which politicians establish boundaries of grief in their public stances, thereby determining whose lives matter, whose are capitalised upon, and which are rendered invisible: 1) religious, racial, and ethnic closeness, 2) level of suffering, 3) economic contribution, and 4) contribution to the project of Europeanness.

Robert Fico: It is pointless to claim that a pear can grow on an apple tree

The first criterion that shapes the boundaries of grievability is the perceived racial, ethnic, and religious closeness. Slovak politicians create a boundary positioning Blackness and Muslimness vis-a-vis whiteness, Christianity and Slavicness. This reinforces the notion of Europe as a white space that must not be disturbed.

As early as 2015, then-Prime Minister Robert Fico communicateda a warning that Europe will turn black. At the same time, he created a space for distinguishing between lives from the Middle East and Africa based on religious closeness. Alongside other politicians, he emphasised the otherness of Muslim lives and the acceptability of Christian ones, as indicated by his metaphor: It is pointless to claim that a pear can grow on an apple tree when we know that only apples will grow there. This is a position we will hold until the very end. Such statements create a hierarchy among lives from the Middle East and Africa, with Black and Muslim lives remaining ungrievable.

In contrast, people from Ukraine meet the conditions of whiteness, and since they do not disrupt the racial order of Europe, the threat to Ukrainian lives evokes feelings of grief and loss. The highlighted criterion in the context of Slovakia has been the aspect of Slavicness, which politicians depict as a fraternal bond. This bond evokes an obvious obligation as to why Slovakia should feel a response of solidarity and extend a helping hand to people from Ukraine without any restrictions.

However, even among lives from Ukraine, there is a hierarchy when they do not meet the aforementioned criteria. When the extremist politician Stanislav Mizik was at the Ukrainian border, he focused on dark-skinned refugees: I personally do not see any mothers with children here; I see Africa. (...) This is the absolute end of European civilisation. Therefore, dark-skinned migrants from Ukraine are not perceived by politicians as a part of Europe. Moreover, many Ukrainian Roma are often segregated from others and excluded from receiving the same services. This represents a continuous differentiation among lives based on overlapping racial, ethnic, and religious conditions.

Igor Matovic: We are sorry you are poor in Africa, but live in Africa

The second criterion through which politicians create boundaries of grievability is the degree of suffering. According to this, they differentiate lives based on whether they consider their level of suffering to be threatening, compared to those they view as suffering somewhat less.

In 2015, remarks emerged among politicians that labelled refugees from the Middle East and Africa as economic migrants, asserting that poverty was not considered a source of sufficient suffering to warrant assistance. This attitude is expressed in a quote from Igor Matovic, who restricts suffering solely to the aspect of poverty and therefore rejects the opening of borders: ... if we want to be sensible, we would say to economic refugees that, unfortunately, we are sorry you are poor in Africa, but live in Africa The perceived threat is thus not sufficient from the perspective of Slovak politicians to evoke concern and trigger solidarity-based migration policies. This, however, did not apply to Syrian Christians, whose suffering was acknowledged as they were threatened by persecution.

In comparison to political statements from 2015, the responses to the Russian invasion in 2022 create clear connections to the war. They emphasise peoples vulnerability to the conditions brought about by warwinter, hunger, flight, or psychological trauma. Since politicians stressed that this primarily concerns women or mothers with children, the gender aspect played an important role in recognising the degree of suffering. However, not all people fleeing from Ukraine are perceived by politicians as suffering. They do not acknowledge the suffering of individuals without Ukrainian citizenship and instead label them as economic migrants. This leads to the creation of categories of people whose suffering is acknowledged and who are entitled to temporary refuge, and those (often failing to meet whiteness) who do not represent real war refugees and thus have no right to stay. The perception of suffering is therefore racially conditioned.

Peter Kmec: They are in need, and paradoxically, the job market needs them

In addition to perceived closeness and suffering, the ability to mourn is influenced by a neoliberal arrangement that views people as individual economic subjects responsible for their contributions and for themselves. In political stances, refugees are thus seen through the lens of economic benefit. In 2015, politicians portrayed migrants from the Middle East and Africa as unskilled workers without benefits, additionally dependent on the social system, meaning that such an economic entity would not receive solidarity in neoliberalism.

In contrast, Ukrainian migrants are viewed by politicians not only as hard-working but also as necessary for the job market. As stated by Peter Kmec from the Hlas party: They are in need, and paradoxically, the job market needs them. Acknowledging suffering thus overlaps with the possibility of significant economic benefit.

For Slovak politicians, people from Ukraine embody the ideal economic subjecthighly educated yet willing to take any job. The assigning of grievability to Ukrainian lives is instrumental in this sense, as the positive framing of economic benefits correlates with the demand for filling poorly paid, insecure, irregular, and unattractive jobs. Politicians perceive this as an opportunity to relieve the Slovak population of harsh working conditions while simultaneously supporting the countrys economic growth.

Furthermore, they strategically frame this as preparation for the economic development of eastern Slovakia. Ukraine would thus become a site of compensation for the losses of European capital, as was the case for Central and Eastern European countries during their integration into the EU.

The emotional response to threatened lives is closely linked in this case to politicians demands to strengthen Slovakias economic position. This does not aim to disrupt global hierarchies, but rather reproduces them through the imperative of catching up with the West by applying neoliberal logic.

Eduard Heger: They are fighting for us too, because they are fighting for the values we live by

Another criterion for grievability is contributing to the project of Europeanness. This project builds a narrative around Europe as the superior guardian of democracy, progress, and humanitarian values, thereby supporting the idea of European uniqueness and reproducing cultural racism. Slovak politicians adopt this narrative, dividing lives into those that fight for Europeanness and must be protected, and those that threaten this project and therefore must be kept outside the European space.

In 2015, as migrants from the Middle East and Africa were often associated with terrorism, they became a risk and potential disruptors of the Europeanness project. The image of danger, which is not affixed to a specific subject but to migrants from the Middle East and Africa as a whole, obstructs the ability to recognise the endangerment of their lives as worthy of mourning and to implement policies for their protection and care.

Although Ukrainian women and men are often classified through dirty whiteness, which translates into their systematic exploitation as cheap labour, Slovak politicians reinforced their Europeanness after the Russian invasion of Ukraine. In particular, the then-government parties framed the resilience of the Ukrainian population as a broader struggle for us, Europe, and its values. Such statements were frequently made by then-Prime Minister Eduard Heger: ... they are fighting for us too because they are fighting for the values we live by, namely freedom, democracy, and the right to decide about our future By elevating the Ukrainian struggle to the level of contribution to the Europeanness project, they present Ukrainian lives as those that matter, lives that have demonstrated their democratic character and thus deserve to be a part of Europe and to receive assistance. This attitude introduces elements of cultural racism into the evaluation of which lives matterlives must demonstrate the values of European-ness and contribute to this project for us to recognise them as worthy of mourning.

Simultaneously, the application of mourning acts as a strategic step to strengthen Slovakia's position in the Europeanness project. By emphasising the hospitality and humanity with which Slovakia has welcomed Ukrainian migrants, politicians publicly align themselves with the solidarity attributed to Europeanness. This response highlights that supporting only certain lives enhances Slovakia's humanitarian image.

Radical grievability

The division between lives whose threat or loss is worthy of mourning and those that are not reinforces Europe as a white space and serves to bolster Slovakias economic position and its overall standing in the Europeanness project. Thus, comparisons of politicians reactions from 2015 and 2022 indicate that there has been no shift in solidarity, rather they create a hierarchy of otherness that places different groups against one another based on various criteria.

In this hierarchy, it is precisely Black and Muslim lives that politicians not only disregard but wish to keep outside the European space. While they depict Ukrainian lives as worthy of mourning, they subordinate their suffering to Slovak interests. The connection with other research confirms that these findings are not limited to the Slovak context; they must be understood within the framework of a broader racial and neoliberal order, as well as Slovakias position within the global hierarchy.

The unequal distribution of grievability further influences whom we protect and to what extent, and whom we do not. Therefore, this article calls with Butler for radical grievability that acknowledges the interdependence of people and the need for protection and solidarity for all.

 fjuzn magazine
Milos Timko takes the helm at the National Gallery as Anton Bittners brief appointment ends.

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Anton Bittner, an allegedly experienced crisis manager, was removed from his position as acting director of the National Gallery on September 30, just seven weeks after his appointment. He will temporarily lead the National Museum (SNM), succeeding Branislav Panis.

Paniss dismissal, announced on the same day, had been speculated upon over the summer. Culture Minister Martina Simkovicova, a once-popular newsreader turned disinformation star, who was nominated for the role by the far-right Slovak National Party, justified her decision to dismiss Panis, citing multiple well-known management failures. Panis, who studied history and ancient languages, had led the National Museum since 2016. However, the minister did not elaborate on specific reasons.

The ministry also noted that they see no need to provide a detailed public account of the dismissals of directors across various cultural institutions, emphasising that such actions are standard political practice within all ministries. When dismissing the former heads of the national gallery and national museum in August, the ministry held press briefings and issued press statements outlining the reasons for their removal.

Instead, the minister told Slovakia on Tuesday that she had returned from a successful working trip to the United States, where she had numerous business meetings. On Telegram, she mentioned a few of them and promised to reveal more in the coming days, while also sharing several photos of the warm welcome she received from Slovak Americans  a sharp contrast to the protests against her policies and practices in Slovakia.

Simkovicova did not impress during her work trip to Abu Dhabi, the UAE, earlier this year. Slovaks on the internet were amused by her English, while the opposition accused her of skipping most of the UNESCO conference programme, despite spending more time in Abu Dhabi than the event lasted. Furthermore, she faced a no-confidence vote in parliament during the conference.

The Slovak National Museum - Natural History Museum in Bratislava. (Source: TASR - Jaroslav Novak)

As for the National Museum, which is the largest cultural institution in the country, the Culture Ministry stated that Bittner would oversee the museum until a selection process is established. The ministry highlighted his crisis management experience as essential for the role. Bittners task as interim director will be to initiate organisational consolidation and address complex projects, particularly the ongoing reconstruction of Spis Castle and Krasna Horka (The castle whose reconstruction, following a fire, has been ongoing for 12 years and remains unfinished to this day  Ed.), the ministry told the daily Sme.

The ministry has effectively taken advantage of the amendment to the Museums and Galleries Act, pushed through by the government earlier this year. The law no longer states that directors of museums and galleries cannot be dismissed without cause, notes Dennik N.

In July, the ministry published a brief press release on the results of an audit at the understaffed National Museum, revealing 17 deficiencies.

None of them were serious. These were routine issues that tend to occur in large institutions, Panis told Dennik N in an interview.

Despite his removal from the position of director, Panis should continue to work at the National Museum.

His successor, Bittner, who assumed the gallery directorship on August 7 following the poorly justified removal of former head Alexandra Kusa, lacks any background in the arts. His appointment was promoted by the ministry. However, he served less than 60 days in the role.

Upon his appointment, Bittner swiftly revoked free entry to the gallery, a protest measure enacted by Kusa after her dismissal to demonstrate to the public that the gallery was not empty, as claimed by the culture minister. Bittner also removed statements of support for the fired National Theatre director Matej Drlicka from the gallerys website and social media. Bittners leadership repeatedly faced backlash, with former deputy director Alexandra Homolova resigning shortly after his arrival. Bittners remarks comparing a current installation to period products raised eyebrows, as did his blame of the previous administration for leaks during a recent flood crisis, despite no artworks being damaged.

Reports on Monday, September 30, indicated that a new director for the gallery, Silvia van Espen, is expected to be appointed in October, though she has not publicly commented on the transition. Van Espen is associated with the private gallery ZAHORIAN & VAN ESPEN.

On Tuesday, sources within the gallery confirmed to Dennik N that Milos Timko has been appointed as the new interim director of the National Gallery.

Timko has a connection to Bittner, having previously commissioned an audit of the gallery from him. Currently residing within the gallerys premises, Timko and Bittner have a shared history from their time at Gastrometal, a company now in liquidation.
On September 27th, Hurricane Helene made landfall in the southwestern part of Florida. The category 4 hurricane proceeded north 800 miles, through Georgia, North and South Carolina, and Tennessee. Already the fifth deadliest storm in the history of the contiguous United States, killing at least 130 individuals. One area hit particular hard was Asheville, North Carolina. According to The Guardian, the county seat of Buncombe and surrounding areas comprise nearly a third of all deaths caused by the storm.

Around 300 miles inland, Asheville was thought to be impervious to this sort of storm. But as weather grows more extreme due to climate change, unprecedented disasters have been able to reach further, and heavy rains from Helene have caused major flooding in Buncombe County, destroying roads in and out of the area as well as knocking out power and cell service for millions of individuals.

The storm has rendered coffee shops across Asheville and the surrounding areas, at best, temporarily closed while they wait for power and water to return. Cafes like Rowan Coffee, Bad Manners, Vortex Doughnuts, Ultra Coffeebar, Rite Rite, Pollen Coffee + Flowers, Farewell, Grind Asheville, and Retro Coffee have all ceased operations, some indefinitely. Others, like Summit Coffees RAD location and DayTrip, were destroyed completely.

Honestly, things right now arent great. There are entire towns that have been completely swept off the map, new and established businesses are gone, houses floated away, its truly so catastrophic, Bad Manners own Ashlyn Sholar tells Sprudge. Power is slowly returning, but most places do not have access to running water and most likely wont for another week or two. Evacuation is the best course, but only if you have enough gas to make it at least 100 miles outside of town.

For those unable to leave the area, Sholar states that relief efforts are currently underway but face significant challenges. Recovery efforts are working the absolute best they can, given the conditions of the roads and limited supplies. For two long days, most had communication in or out, some still cant get cellular service or wifi, and folks are still trying to contact friends and family members. Satellite trucks rolled into town to give people wifi in major parts of the city, which has been a literal life saver. Water shipments are actively trying to arrive but there are entire roads and highways that are completely gone.

With her cafe closed, Sholar has turned the Bad Manners Instagram account into a digital hub, collating various relief efforts around the citywhere to find power, meals and shelter, where to donate, etc. She has also registered AshevilleRelief.com to host a Google document of an ever-updating list of resources, including text-only versions of the site in multiple languages that may be easier to load for those with limited internet access.

I just cant stress how much of an absolute disaster this is not only for Asheville, but for Marshall, Boone, Chimney Rock, and more! Sholar states. Nothing could have prepared us to watch our cities crumble in front of our eyes. We had disaster warehouses filled with supplies that were quite literally swept away.

For those looking to help with relief efforts, Sholar says the best thing folks can do it donate. Beloved Asheville, United Way, Hearts with Hands, Asheville Buncombe Community Christian Ministry, Haywood Christian Ministry, Diaper Bank, Asheville Habitat for Humanity, and Homeward Bound are all organizations working locally to provide food, supplies, and lodging to those in need. There are also GoFundMe pages set up, including one for Pollen to aid in paying staff currently out of work and for DayTrip and Snowbird to rebuild. Hex Coffee in nearby Charlotte is also raising money for the relief efforts via sales of a special release coffee.

The situation in Asheville and surrounding areas is constantly in flux. The extent of the loss of life and the damages is yet to be known and may take weeks to be fully understood. In the meantime, folks are in desperate need of assistance. If you are able, consider giving to the organizations listed above. Any donations will have a direct impact on those who need it most.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/jd-vance-tim-walz-set-to-clash-during-sole-2024-us-vice-presidential-debate-1120366272.html

JD Vance, Tim Walz Set to Clash During Sole 2024 US Vice Presidential Debate

JD Vance, Tim Walz Set to Clash During Sole 2024 US Vice Presidential Debate

Sputnik International

Republican 2024 vice presidential nominee JD Vance and Democratic nominee Tim Walz are set to participate in a debate on Tuesday evening, which will be the running mates only chance to make their case to voters.

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The vice presidential debate, hosted by CBS News, will take place in New York City at 9 p.m. ET. There will be 90 minutes of debate time with a pair of four-minute breaks, according to the network. Similar to the debate between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris, there will be no studio audience at the Vance-Walz debate. However, unlike the Trump-Harris debate, Vance and Walz will not actively have their microphones muted when the other is speaking, although the moderators reserve the right to do so. Trump selected Vance as his running mate in July and said that the US senator would focus on appealing to workers and farmers in states like Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin, Ohio and Minnesota. Vances 2016 memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," detailed his experience growing up in Ohio and the Appalachian values of his family, which moved to Ohio from Kentucky. In August, Harris announced Walz as her running mate, after she replaced US President Joe Biden as the Democratic Partys presidential nominee. Walz, who served in the US House of Representatives before serving as governor of Minnesota, is a "battle-tested leader," Harris said. The United States will hold federal, state and local elections on November 5, which will determine control of the White House and US Congress.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/military-base-near-baghdad-airport-hosting-us-forces-attacked-with-rockets-1120366423.html

Military Base Near Baghdad Airport Hosting US Forces Attacked With Rockets

Military Base Near Baghdad Airport Hosting US Forces Attacked With Rockets

Sputnik International

A military base near Baghdad International Airport, where US forces are stationed, was attacked with rockets, they were intercepted by air defense forces, Reuters reported citing two Iraqi military officials.

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At least two Katyusha rockets were fired at a military base hosting US forces, the agency said.One explosion can be heard in footage emerging from the scene. The rocket strike comes days after a US airbase near the Koniko gas field in northeastern Syria was targeted by a single drone, which was ultimately engaged by a air defense and struck down without further incident.The twin strikes unfolded as renewed focus was shed on the official removal of US troops from Iraq, a feat that is expected to take place as part of a "two phase transition plan." The US has about 2,500 troops in Iraq. Another 900 troops are said to be in Syria, considered an illegal occupation under international law.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/un-walkout-does-not-absolve-world-for-failure-to-confront-israel-1120366883.html

UN Walkout Does Not Absolve World For Failure to Confront Israel

UN Walkout Does Not Absolve World For Failure to Confront Israel

Sputnik International

On Friday, dozens of UN diplomats walked out ahead of a speech by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, but that does not absolve them of complicity.

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Even more than Israel itself, the United States and most of the world have been unmasked by their support or indifference to the Israeli genocide in Palestine and their aggression in Lebanon and Yemen.As Netanyahu gave his speech to the UN, which he called a cesspit of antisemitism, US-made bombs continued to drop on the Lebanese capital of Beirut.These are USA bombs that are destroying the capital of a UN member state, exclaimed Carrillo. When they killed the late leader of [Lebanese Shia movement] Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah, they dropped about 82 bunker-buster bombs in a heavily populated area of south Beirut.Israel has defended its actions in Lebanon by repeating their justifications for Gaza only substituting Hezbollah for Hamas. They have justified attacks on schools and civilian areas by claiming, often without evidence, that militants were using the area as a headquarters.On Monday, Israel announced that it had started cross-border raids into Lebanon with special forces ahead of an expected full ground invasion. Meanwhile, the Pentagon announced that the United States will send a few thousand more troops to the Middle East if Israel needs assistance.The Israeli leadership They are not shy. They are very straightforward about what they want, argued Carrillo. The US government, I think, more than Israel, the one that has been unmasked over the past year because they are so good at putting out statements, of suppressing their anger, of calling Netanyahu names, or just saying things, right? They are very good with the words. With actions, they are nowhere to be found. And its the same for the EU.Even countries like Iran, which have been directly hit by Israel, have declined to strike back in any significant way. However, Carrillo argues that Iran deserves credit for being at the head of the resistance to American imperialism and the Zionist state.Iran has been behind most of these movements for most of the existence of the Islamic Revolution. Iran is a country that has been under sanctions for 50 years or more at this point. Why? Because they stand against the US imperial project and because they stand against the Zionist state and what they have done to the Palestinians, Carrillo continued. So, if Iran has been paying a price, do they want to pay another price now? Maybe not.While Carrillo said he does feel some sense of abandonment from the Lebanese people, the stakes couldnt be higher for Iran. If you see Iran stepping into this particular conflict, youre going to see the US step [up] as well. And then youre going to see things go really sideways, not just for us in Lebanon or the people in Palestine or the people in Syria or Iraq or Yemen, but absolutely everyone.Which is the choice the US has thrust on the world with its steadfast support of Israel. Either look away from genocide and unfettered military aggression or kick off World War III.And sadly, theres no one to stop them besides these groups, such as Hezbollah, such as Hamas, such as Ansar Allah [aka Houthi] in Yemen, concluded Carrillo. [Those] are really the only ones standing up to this genocidal regime.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/israeli-air-force-strikes-targets-in-beiruts-southern-suburbs---source-1120365781.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/china-understands-who-real-instigator-of-ukraine-conflict-is--russian-ambassador-1120369122.html

China Recognizes True Instigator of Ukraine Conflict  Russian Ambassador

China Recognizes True Instigator of Ukraine Conflict  Russian Ambassador

Sputnik International

China understands who the real instigator of the conflict in Ukraine is, Russian Ambassador to China Igor Morgulov told Sputnik in an interview.

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"Chinese friends have repeatedly, publicly and at various levels stated their clear understanding of who is the real instigator of the conflict in Ukraine and who is continuously adding fuel to the fire, hindering efforts to find a peaceful settlement. And this is not an abstract position," Morgulov said. Russia and China celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 2. The Soviet Union became the first country to recognize the People's Republic of China the very next day after its proclamation.

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Death Toll From Hurricane Helene in US Surpasses 130 - Reports

Death Toll From Hurricane Helene in US Surpasses 130 - Reports

Sputnik International

The number of Hurricane Helene related deaths has reached at least 131 in the southeast of the United States, US media reported on Tuesday.

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North Carolina and South Carolina have reportedly faced the worst damage. The officials in these states said more than 80 people have been found dead. The authorities are trying to airdrop supplies, restore power and clear roads after massive rains from the hurricane left thousands of people stranded and without shelter, according to CBS News. President Joe Biden's homeland security adviser, Liz Sherwood-Randall, told reporters on Monday that over 3,500 federal response personnel were deployed to the storm-stricken areas and the number of urban search and rescue personnel would be increased to 1,250 in the next few days. President Biden is scheduled to visit North Carolina on Wednesday. Former US President and the Republican candidate Donald Trump has already visited Georgia, while his rival Kamala Harris is reportedly planning to visit the region after first response efforts. The hurricane reached the United States late on Thursday, and weakened to a tropical storm on Friday. Helene has caused wide-spread destruction across several states. In response, Biden issued emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, Alabama, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee.

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Russia Warns Estonian-Finnish Plans to Blockade Gulf of Finland Violate Law of Sea

Russia Warns Estonian-Finnish Plans to Blockade Gulf of Finland Violate Law of Sea

Sputnik International

If Finland and Estonia plan to impose a complete blockade of the Gulf of Finland for Russian shipping, Russia will regard such actions as a violation of international maritime laws, the Russian Foreign Ministry told Sputnik.

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Earlier, media reports indicated that Helsinki and Tallinn were hatching plans to close the Gulf of Finland to Russian ships in response to potential "threats". "If we are talking about Finland and Estonia's plans to establish the boundaries of their adjacent zones in the Gulf of Finland, then such a step is their sovereign right. At the same time, such actions, in accordance with the provisions of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea of 1982, do not provide an opportunity to impede shipping and control it. In general, it is not entirely clear what threats the Finnish and Estonian authorities have in mind, but we proceed from the fact that in this matter they will strictly adhere to the norms of international law," it added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240922/estonia-nurturing-atrocious-legacy-of-nazi-collaborators-in-neocon-driven-rewrite-of-wwii------1120247475.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/hezbollah-fighters-attack-3-groups-of-israeli-soldiers-near-border---statement-1120371091.html

Hezbollah States Its Fighters Targeted 3 Groups of Israeli Soldiers Near Border

Hezbollah States Its Fighters Targeted 3 Groups of Israeli Soldiers Near Border

Sputnik International

The Hezbollah fighters have attacked three gatherings of Israeli soldiers in border areas, the Lebanese movement said in a statement on Tuesday.

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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 Tuesday, October 1, 2024, a gathering of Israeli enemy soldiers at Avivim Settlement with artillery shells, the statement published on the movements Telegram channel read. Hezbollah also reported that it unleashed two more attacks on Israeli positions at the Metula and Shtula settlements. Tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border escalated significantly following the initiation of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Since then, the Israeli military and Hezbollah fighters have engaged in near-daily exchanges of fire in various locations along the border.On Monday, Israel unleashed extensive airstrikes upon southern and eastern Lebanon. Chief of Staff of the Israeli Defense Forces, Herzi Halevi, dubbed the military operation "Northern Arrows." In response, Hezbollah launched a barrage of rockets into northern Israel. This escalation followed a string of explosions involving pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon on September 17-18, killing over 40 and leaving roughly 3,500 wounded.On Saturday, Hezbollah confirmed that its chief Hassan Nasrallah had been killed in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Friday.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/idf-launched-attack-on-hezbollah-military-facilities-in-beirut---statement-1120371234.html

IDF Launched Attack on Hezbollah Military Facilities in Beirut - Statement

IDF Launched Attack on Hezbollah Military Facilities in Beirut - Statement

Sputnik International

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said on Tuesday that it launched precise strikes on Lebanese movement Hezbollah's military facilities and infrastructure in Beirut.

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Israel began carrying out massive strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon in late September. IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi labeled the offensive operation in Lebanon Northern Arrows. Hezbollah, in turn, fired dozens of rockets toward northern Israel. This escalation was preceded by a series of explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon from September 17-18, which killed over 40 people and injured nearly 3,500 others. The IDF also said that the Israeli air force launched an air strike on the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA) School in northern Gaza, where, according to intelligence services, Palestinian movement Hamas fighters had been operating. On October 7, 2023, Israel was subjected to an unprecedented rocket attack from the Gaza Strip. In addition, Hamas fighters infiltrated the border areas, opened fire on the military and civilians and took hostages. Israeli authorities say that about 1,200 people were killed during the raid. The Israel Defense Forces launched Operation Iron Swords in the Gaza Strip and announced a complete blockade of the enclave.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/internship-for-journalists-from-expanded-brics-group-opens-at-sputnik-1120372924.html

Internship for Journalists From Expanded BRICS Group Opens at Sputnik

Internship for Journalists From Expanded BRICS Group Opens at Sputnik

Sputnik International

The Sputnik headquarters in Moscow has become the central venue for training sessions for 11 journalists from the expanded BRICS group.

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Representatives of major media outlets from their countries are participating in the special fall session of the SputnikPro BRICS+ project, which opened today at the media group's press center as part of the InteRussia program from the Alexander Gorchakov Public Diplomacy Support Foundation. The session is timed to the XVI BRICS Summit, which is taking place under Russias chairmanship this year. The event was launched by Vasily Pushkov, Director of International Cooperation, and Sergey Orlov, Deputy Executive Director of the Gorchakov Foundation.Young professionals will remain in Moscow until the end of October. During the month, they will attend master classes and workshops from Sputnik experts, meet with representatives of leading Russian companies and think tanks, and get acquainted with the cultural life of the capital.At the start of the event, participants shared their impressions of the program and their stay in Russia.Elsaid Azza Ahmed Abdelmegeed from the Egyptian newspaper Al Ahram remarked:"As for the training, everything has been well organized from the moment we arrived at the airport. The entire team has been cooperative and ready to answer any questions at any time. On the first day of the training, and during our tour of Sputnik Agency, we received valuable information from Vasily Pushkov and Viktoria Polikarpova. It strives to reveal the truth and dismantle the propaganda that both Arab and Islamic countries face. I hope to work with Sputnik one day," she added.Yuri Ferreira Nogueira, a journalist from the Brazilian magazine Forum, supported her:"I am very excited about the upcoming events and lectures from both Sputnik and the Gorchakov Fund. This is a unique opportunity to learn more about the Russian media, while sharing and exchanging experiences in newsmaking with colleagues from different countries," she also noted. Their colleague from Arab News, Tamara Aboalsaud, shared:

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/israel-assassinates-hezbollah-command-as-middle-east-tensions-skyrocket-1120365387.html

Israel Assassinates Hezbollah Command as Middle East Tensions Skyrocket

Israel Assassinates Hezbollah Command as Middle East Tensions Skyrocket

Sputnik International

On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Melik Abdul and Jamarl Thomas discuss the latest current events worldwide, including the latest out of the Middle East.

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2024-10-03T18:06+0000

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Trump to Meet with Zelensky After Turbulent Series of Events Sputnik International On this episode of Fault Lines, hosts Melik Abdul and Jamarl Thomas discuss the latest current events worldwide, including the latest out of the Middle East.

Beirut-based Ecuadorean journalist Esteban Carrillo discusses the latest out of Lebanon as tensions in the Middle East reach a fever pitch. He also breaks down international reception to Netanyahu's appearance at the UNGA.Former Barack Obama Campaign Director Robin Biro weighs in on the upcoming debate between the two vice presidential candidates.Broadcaster, conservation biologist, and author Dr. Reese Halter joins the show to discuss the latest natural disaster sweeping the United States.International relations and security analyst Mark Sleboda joins the show to discuss the latest news from Ukraine.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

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US Agrees on 'Necessity of Dismantling Attack Infrastructure' on Israel-Lebanon Border

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant agreed during their call on "the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure" along the Israeli border to ensure that Lebanon's Hezbollah movement cannot launch an attack on northern Israel, the Pentagon said on Tuesday.



"They agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," the department said in a statement.

Austin also stressed that a diplomatic solution was needed to ensure that civilians on both sides of the border could safely return to their homes. According to the Pentagon, the secretary discussed the importance of ultimately moving from military action to diplomacy.

Austin also made clear that Washington was ready to defend US service members, partners and allies in the face of "threats from Iran" and the movements it supports.
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/israels-invasion-of-lebanon-to-lead-to-further-escalation-of-violence-in-region---moscow-1120374488.html

Israel's Invasion of Lebanon to Lead to Further Escalation of Violence in Region - Moscow

Israel's Invasion of Lebanon to Lead to Further Escalation of Violence in Region - Moscow

Sputnik International

Israel's invasion of Lebanon will lead to a further escalation of violence in the Middle East, the Russian Foreign Ministry said on Tuesday.

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"It is obvious that such a step taken by the military and political leadership of Israel following the murder of a number of Hezbollah leaders will lead to a further escalation of violence in the Middle East region. Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw troops from Lebanese territory and engage in a genuine search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict," the ministry said in a statement. Russia expresses solidarity with the people of Lebanon, which has been subjected to armed aggression, the statement read.The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border aggravated after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/israels-operation-in-lebanon-may-involve-iran--expert-1120370876.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/israels-operation-in-lebanon-may-involve-iran--expert-1120370876.html

Israels Attack on Lebanon  Expert on Possible Further Scenarios

Israels Attack on Lebanon  Expert on Possible Further Scenarios

Sputnik International

The Israel Defense Forces announced on Monday the beginning of targeted ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, following hours of Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire across the border.

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Israels just-announced military operation in Lebanon is yet another effort by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu "to expand the war" in Gaza, Mehran Kamrava, Professor of Government at Georgetown University Qatar, told Sputnik."First, the killing of Haniya. Then, the explosion of pagers in Hezbollah hands, followed by walkie-talkies. And, of course, the crowning achievement so far, which is the killing of Hassan Nasrallah," the pundit recalled.Kamrava also said that a "simple cost benefit analysis has demonstrated" to Netanyahu that "the benefits of expanding the war beyond Palestine and Gaza specifically, to include Lebanon and perhaps later Syria, is to his advantage. And of course, that's what he's trying to do."He referred to several possible scenarios which may unfold as the result of the Israeli operation, including "an expansion of the conflict to the extent that it will involve Iran."In any case, one should wait and see what Israel will do next, the analyst said, adding that so far, the Jewish state "has had complete impunity," and that one of the reasons for it is Iran "has withheld its fire" and "has not fallen into the trap of expanding the [Gaza] war," the analyst noted.He didnt rule out that, aside from the US, a number of other countries could be involved in the conflict, including France, Egypt and Qatar.Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, which killed more than 90 people and injured 172 others, the Lebanese Health Ministry said. The tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been in place since early October 2023, when the Palestinian militant group Hamas staged a surprise attack on the Jewish state.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/us-likely-had-a-hand-in-israels-operation-to-eliminate-hezbollahs-leader-nasrallah---analyst-1120355182.html

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240930/even-limited-israeli-ground-operation-against-hezbollah-in-lebanon-would-be-perilous-heres-why-1120361871.html

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israels just-announced military operation in lebanon, the war in gaza, the explosion of pagers in hezbollah hands
https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/russia-china-settling-95-of-payments-in-own-currencies---russian-ambassador-in-china-1120368868.html

Russia, China Settling 95% of Payments in Own Currencies - Ambassador to Beijing

Russia, China Settling 95% of Payments in Own Currencies - Ambassador to Beijing

Sputnik International

Russia's Ambassador to China told Sputnik in an interview that Russia and China are settling 95% of their bilateral trade in their own currencies.

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economy

igor morgulov

china

russia

people's republic of china

sputnik

dedollarisation

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In March-April of this year, a slight decline was observed in bilateral Russian-Chinese trade. In particular, in March, for the first time since 2022, the total export of goods from China to Russia decreased year-on-year. Many attributed this to the difficulty of mutual settlements. Trade between China and Russia increased by 26.3% to a record $240.11 billion in 2023. Russian and Chinese leaders, Vladimir Putin and Xi Jinping, previously set the goal of doubling trade from $100 billion a year in 2018 to $200 billion by 2024, a figure that was reached in November 2023. Russia and China celebrate the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations on October 2. The Soviet Union became the first country to recognize the People's Republic of China the day after its proclamation.

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/russian-chinese-warships-begin-joint-patrols-in-asia-pacific-1120370229.html

Russian, Chinese Warships Begin Joint Patrols in Asia-Pacific

Russian, Chinese Warships Begin Joint Patrols in Asia-Pacific

Sputnik International

Russian and Chinese warships have begun joint patrols in the Asia-Pacific following joint drills, Russia's Pacific Fleet said in a statement on Tuesday.

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"Russian and Chinese navies' warships replenished supplies in the Sea of Okhotsk after participating in the 'Beibu/Interaction - 2024' exercise, formed a tactical group, and began carrying out patrol missions in the Asia-Pacific region. The ship group crossed the Bussol Strait and entered the northwestern Pacific Ocean," the statement read. During joint patrols, the crews will conduct training and combat exercises, including anti-submarine defense and sea rescue. The Russian tactical group includes large battleships. Chinese destroyers, a frigate, and an integrated supply ship are also taking part in the patrol. A joint detachment of ships from Russia's Pacific Fleet and the Chinese navy departed from Vladivostok on September 21 for the Beibu/Interaction - 2024 naval drills.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240910/us-seek-sound-military-edge-spur-arms-race--putin--1120097269.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/ukraine-loses-over-19250-soldiers-during-operation-in-kursk-area-1120374063.html

Ukraine Loses Over 19,250 Soldiers During Operation in Kursk Area

Ukraine Loses Over 19,250 Soldiers During Operation in Kursk Area

Sputnik International

The Russian armed forces have eliminated more than 19,250 Ukrainian servicepeople and 135 tanks during military operations in the border areas of the Kursk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

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"In total, during the fighting in the Kursk Area, the enemy lost more than 19,250 soldiers, 135 tanks, 65 infantry fighting vehicles, 98 armored personnel carriers, 859 armored fighting vehicles, 569 vehicles," the ministry said. Kiev lost over 340 soldiers in the Kursk Area over the past 24 hours, the defense ministry said. Russia's Sever (North) group of troops repelled two Ukrainian attempts to penetrate the border near Novyi Put settlement in Russia, during which the enemy lost about 25 soldiers.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240928/zelenskys-pie-in-the-sky-hopes-for-long-range-missiles-slow-walked-by-washington---ex-dod-analyst-1120335054.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/venezuela-russia-to-sign-10-year-strategic-alliance-in-december-says-maduro-1120369425.html

Venezuela, Russia to Sign 10-Year Strategic Alliance in December Says Maduro

Venezuela, Russia to Sign 10-Year Strategic Alliance in December Says Maduro

Sputnik International

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said on his television show that his country plans to sign a 10-year strategic alliance with the government of Russia.

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"Vice President Delcy Rodriguez reported from Moscow that an intergovernmental commission of the two countries will be held at the end of the year. And there we are going to sign a strategic alliance for the next 10 years. So Venezuela considers Russia a great older sister. And Russia is counting on Venezuela as a fundamental force in Latin America," Maduro said on air of his television show "With Maduro+." Rodriguez visited Moscow at the end of September, where she took part in the events of the Russian Energy Week and also held a meeting with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Chernyshenko, who is the co-chair of the high-level intergovernmental commission. Following the talks between Rodriguez and Chernyshenko, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry announced preparations for the next meeting of the intergovernmental commission, which is scheduled to take place at the end of the year in Caracas. "Russia has deep, strategic, fraternal relations with Venezuela. Commander Hugo Chavez and [President Vladimir] Putin have created something wonderful. I helped with this as chancellor, and then as president, we strengthened relations in all areas  in the energy sector, in industry, agriculture, education, economics, politics. We coincide 100% in politics and diplomacy, our worldview [coincides] 100%. And in the military sphere too. Good, deep military cooperation, which is only getting stronger over time," the Venezuelan president added.

https://sputnikglobe.com/20240916/venezuela-detains-two-americans-one-czech-for-planning-assassinations---vice-president-1120163724.html

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https://sputnikglobe.com/20241001/watch-russian-su-35-maneuver-drive-us-pilot-anxious-1120370100.html

Watch Russian Su-35 Maneuver Drive US Pilot Anxious

Watch Russian Su-35 Maneuver Drive US Pilot Anxious

Sputnik International

The US military pilot got scared of the of the Russian Su-35 instant maneuver with NORAD officers fretting abou the incident on the social media.

2024-10-01T07:44+0000

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The US military pilot got scared of the Russian Su-35 instant maneuver, with North American Airspace Defense Command (NORAD) officers griping about the incident on social media.The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all  not what youd see in a professional air force, NORAD said in a social media post.According to Russia's Ministry of Defense (MoD), two Russian Tu-95 strategic missile carriers were indeed conducting a routine flight over the Alaska coast on September 23, accompanied by Su-35 and Su-30 fighter jets. While the ministry did not specifically mention the incident, it stressed in a statement that the maneuvers were conducted in accordance with international norms.

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The US military got scared of the Russian Su-35 maneuver Sputnik International The US military got scared of the Russian Su-35 maneuver 2024-10-01T07:44+0000 true PT0M15S

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Forrest Bartlett's Primo Maschio ($2.10) completed a sweep of his two-year-old Delaware Standardbred Breeders Fund (DSBF) eliminations when winning in 1:55.4 on Monday, Sept. 30 at Harrington Raceway to remain unbeaten.

Driven by Trae Porter in Monday's $27,027 division, the Kevin Lare-trained Badlands Hanover gelding was an easy winner on the front end and has now won all seven of his career starts. Lew Not Lou was second with Strange Brew third.

The second DSBF split also went to the favourite, as George And Tina Dennis Racing's homebred Won Last Call ($2.10) overcame an early miscue to prevail in 1:57.4 over Shore Not Beach and Badlands Boogie. The Badlands Hanover gelding recorded his second career win in three starts for trainer Joe Columbo. The win was one of three on the card for driver Montrell Teague.

The top eight point earners from the DSBF eliminations will return to compete in the $110,000 USD finals on Oct. 7-9.

In the $22,500 Free-For-All Handicap Pace, Tlb Racing's Sprocket ($6) was a wire-to-wire winner in 1:52 over Layton Hanover and Ats Hanover. The nine-year-old Sportswriter gelding notched his 37th career win in his 200th start. Pat Berry was the winning driver and Traci Berry was the winning trainer.

Live harness racing will continue on a Monday through Wednesday schedule, with post time at 4:30 p.m.

(With files from Harrington Raceway)
James MacDonald and Amigo Volo rode the pocket trip all the way to victory in the $36,000 Preferred Trot at Woodbine Mohawk Park on Monday, Sept. 30.

As the wings drew away and the field rounded the turn, Amigo Volo had the lead briefly before Osceola and Doug McNair took command. The quarter clicked :26.4 and Amigo Volo was content to follow McNair's helmet. The field remained single file through the half in :55.2. Louis-Philippe Roy, driving Fashion Frenzie, was the first to pull a right line en route to the three-quarters in 1:23.4. MacDonald and Amigo Volo waited until the very last steps of the stretch to pass Osceola on the inside and win by a half length in 1:51.4. Fashion Frenzie passed on the outside to take second and Osceola had to settle for show.

Amigo Volo (Father Patrick-Margarita Momma) is a seven-year-old gelding owned by Pinske Stables and David J. Miller. He moved his seasonal tally to 7-3-3 in 20 starts with $224,906 earned. In his career, Amigo Volo has made 39 trips to the winner's circle and has $2,594,452 in the bank. He paid $4.60 to win.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Woodbine Mohawk Park.

(Standardbred Canada)
The curtains closed on the 2024 season at Grand River Raceway's new five-eighths mile racetrack with 10 races capping off the action on Monday, Sept. 30.

Travis Henry ended the meet as the 2024 leading driver with 54 wins and more than $360,000 in purses. Jason Ryan and Brett MacDonald each tallied driving hat tricks on the finale, yielding them a tie for second with 44 wins apiece.

The honours for leading trainer went to Ashley Lendvoy with 19 trips to the winner's circle and more than $100,000 in purse earnings. Julie Walker and Kyle Bossence tied for second with 13 wins apiece.

The Pop-Up Series for horses not averaging $650 per start in 2024 with a minimum of 10 starts was concluded on Monday with the $12,500 final and $8,000 consolation.

Full Disclosure ($2.10) and Austin Sorrie never found the pylons in the final, going the long way around the track to a three-quarter-length score in 1:53.3. Ashley Lendvoy trains the Sweet Lou-Hilarious son for Gino Toscani.

Smart Thinking ($9.30) won the $8,000 Pop-Up Series consolation by a half length in 1:55.1 with Scott Coulter in the bike for trainer/owner Kim Biekx.

Grand River Raceway's 2024 meet was a historic one for Canadian harness racing with the debut of the expanded Elora oval from a half-mile track that had been in place for that past two decades. The expansion was complete for the June 5 opening and the entire meet was contested over a five-eighths-mile racing surface, producing a new set of track records for the new configuration.

The overall track record of 1:50.3 was set by the Ashley Lendvoy-trained three-year-old pacing colt Betthebeach Yankee (Betting Line-A Beach Cowgirl) and driver Austin Sorrie when winning last Friday, Sept. 27 for owner Gino Toscani while the fastest trotter is eight-year-old gelding Macallan (Credit Winner-Margarita Hall), who won on July 19 in 1:52.3 with Travis Cullen in the bike for trainer Tim Cherwaiko and co-owner Gary Green.

Battle Of Waterloo champion Stonebridge Wizard's 1:51.2 mile on Industry Day, Aug. 5 set a track record for two-year-old male pacers (and a new divisional Canadian record over a five-eighths-mile track) while Manhattan Mayhem was the fastest freshman filly with a 1:53 victory in the Battle of the Belles eliminations on July 29.

Razzin Jazz holds the three-year-old pacing filly record courtesy of her 1:52 score on June 17, the same day Ideal Perception set the track record for aged pacers in 1:50.4. A few days later on June 21, Fated Fire won in 1:52.1 in a track record for aged pacing mares that still stands.

On the trot, the two-year-old record of 1:56.3 was established in the Ontario Sires Stakes Gold Series, with Medley Seelster becoming the track's fastest filly and You Got It Kemp the fastest male on Sept. 6 before Pierre In Paris equalled the male mark in Grassroots action on Sept. 13.

Paquet is the fastest sophomore trotter courtesy of his 1:54 victory in a Gold leg on Aug. 14 and R Liza established the 1:54.2 filly record in her Gold outing on Aug. 12.

Tijuana Seelster set the older trotting mare record at the track with her 1:55.3 victory on June 17.

To view Monday's harness racing results, click the following link: Monday Results - Grand River Raceway.

(Standardbred Canada)
It was a record-breaking day in the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes at Plainridge Park on Monday, Sept. 30 after three stakes records were rewritten by some of the finest state-bred three-year-olds who were competing in the second leg of the series with five races were valued at $412,161.

The pacing fillies went in two $54,054 splits due to the number of entries while all other divisions competed in one $101,351 dash.

The connections of driver Yannick Gingras, trainer Ron Burke and owners Thomas and Scott Dillon had a big day as they sent two record-breaking horses to post while another talented triumvirate of driver Bruce Ranger, trainer Domenico Cecere and owner/breeder Lindy Farms of Connecticut also boasted a record-setter in one of their two stakes wins.

Gingras, Burke and Dillon got started in the $101,351 pace for colts and geldings where they saw their Rocknroll Lou (Sweet Lou-Beautiful Lady) win his second straight Massachusetts Stakes start in record time.

Rocknroll Lou got away third as Oer The Ramparts (Brett Beckwith) and Bang Ah Uey (Jimmy Hardy) traded leads in the :26.3 first quarter. After Bang Ah Uey finally crossed over, he settled in and got to the half in :55 before heading up the backstretch. As the field passed five-eighths, Gingras tipped Rocknroll Lou and bolted to the front before three-quarters, but couldnt clear a defiant Bang Ah Uey around the last turn. But at the top of the stretch, Gingras asked more of Rocknroll Lou and he delivered, pacing home on top by 2-3/4 lengths in 1:51.1.

The clocking was a career-best for Rocknroll Lou ($2.10), who also set a new stakes record for three-year-old male pacers and became the fastest three-year-old pacing gelding ever bred in Massachusetts.

Rocknroll Lou was bred by Lester Gelardi and Anthony Passafaro.

The Gingras, Burke and Dillon trio also won with Every Mans Dream (Always B Miki-Lindys Nightmare), who made it two in a row in the first $54,054 leg for three-year-old pacing fillies.

Color Me Sweet (Brett Beckwith) was bold on the front and cut the mile while Every Mans Dream (Yannick Gingras) sat in the pocket. Color Me Sweet stepped off fractions of :27.2, :56.4 and 1:25.1 before entering the last turn. It was there that Gingras tipped Every Mans Dream and in a matter of a few strides, went right past the leader and then stormed home on top by 3-1/2 lengths in 1:52.4.

The triumph in the non-betting event was the third win of the year in 12 starts for Every Mans Dream, who was bred by Lindy Farms of Connecticut.

Then the group of Ranger, Cecere and Lindy got to work and were responsible for the third stakes record of the day that came in the $101,351 event for trotting fillies where their Treatyofversailles (International Moni-Birthright) turned in the mile of her life.

Dawn Of Lindy (Yannick Gingras) was the early leader until Ranger and Treatyofversailles came rolling up on the outside to take the lead past the quarter. From there, Treatyofversailles got to the half in :56.4 and three-quarters in 1:25.1 where Sassy Zaza (Brett Beckwith) was making her bid on the outside. As they made their way through the far turn, Treatyofversailles started to separate from the field and in the stretch, pulled away to a 2-3/4-length victory in 1:53.4.

The time was a new lifetime mark for Treatyofversailles ($4.40) and also rewrote the stakes record for three-year-old filly trotters.

Ranger, Cecere and Lindy's second win came in the $101,351 trot for colts and geldings where Intl Blockade (International Moni-Love N Lindy) bounced back from an untimely break last week.

Ranger shot right to the front with Intl Blockade and posted snappy and uncontested quarters of :27.4, :57.4 and 1:26.2 before facing a challenge from Keep Asking (Nick Graffam), who moved first-over from fourth to sidle the leader in the last turn. At the top of the stretch, Keep Asking had fought his way to the lead, but the race was not over. Intl Blockade manned-up and came back strong, taking back the lead at the top of the stretch before trotting home under a line-drive by Ranger to win in 1:54.4.

The victory was the sixth win in only 10 starts this year for Intl Blockade ($5.60).

The second $54,054 split for pacing fillies went to Beantown Ace (Captain Crunch-Ace Of Pace), who got the nod in a blanket finish.

Real Shady Lady (Shawn Gray) grabbed the lead at the quarter from Valentine Rose (Matty Athearn), but Valentine Rose recaptured the front and led the single-file field to the half in :57.2. As the field made its way to three-quarters, Beantown Ace pulled first-over and drew even with the leader before entering the final bend. In that turn, Real Shady Lady tipped three-wide around both of them and things got real interesting. When the group turned for home, Beantown Ace pulled ahead of Valentine Rose and then held off Real Shady Lady and the late-closing Whos Perfect (Heath Campbell) to win by a quarter of a length in 1:55.3.

The win was the third of the year in 16 starts for Beantown Ace ($6.20), who is owned and bred by Michael Goldberg Racing. George Ducharme trains the winner.

There was another impressive track record set in non-stakes action later in the card where Leannes Choice (Courtly Choice-Village Madonna) turned in the fastest mile ever paced by a three-year-old filly at Plainridge Park. And she did it as the only filly in the field against eight colts and geldings.

Making her first start since the Jugette in Delaware, Ohio, Leannes Choice (Marcus Miller) led every step of the way en route to a 1-3/4-length victory in 1:50.2, which gave the filly a new lifetime mark and also set the new Plainridge record.

Leannes Choice ($3.80) is owned by her trainer Erv Miller, in partnership with Ronald Michelon and Douglas Overhiser.

Racing resumes at Plainridge Park on Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 2 p.m. and the card will feature the second leg of the Massachusetts Breeders Stakes for two-year-olds.

(Standardbred Owners of Massachusetts)
Eldorado Scioto Downs would like to invite horsepeople to a meeting to discuss the 2025 Ohio Sires Stakes and Buckeye Stallion Series rules and scheduling.

The goal of the meeting is to discuss potential changes and come up with a unified plan to present to the Ohio Standardbred Breed Development Fund at their next meeting.

The planning meeting will be held on Monday, Oct. 7 at 2 p.m. in the Three Diamonds Room in the grandstand.

Anyone interested is welcome to attend. Representatives from the Ohio Harness Horsemen's Association Board of Directors, Miami Valley, Dayton Raceway, Northfield Park and Scioto Downs are all committed to attending.

Questions about the meeting can be directed to the Scioto Downs race office at 614-295-4668.

(Scioto Downs)
Smyth County is now home to its first National Blue Ribbon School.

Monday afternoon, U.S. Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona announced the 356 schools across the country that earned the title for 2024. Among those were eight Virginia schools, including Saltville Elementary School.

The National Blue Ribbon program strives to celebrate the countrys best schools and allows them to serve as models for their best practices throughout the educational system.

For the 1 p.m. announcement, the student body, faculty and staff gathered in the schools gym to watch the announcement. With a heads up about special news to come, the crowd created a sea of Panther blue with their clothing.

The students got an extra lesson on where V falls as the winning school announcements were made alphabetically. To help them wait, students got blue Ring Pops and blue bead necklaces. As the announcements reached Tennessee and Texas excitement grew in the gym. Then, focus grew when the screen changed to Virginia. As Saltville Elementary appeared on the screen, teachers shot blue confetti over the students, and the cheers, hugs, and dancing began.

Smyth County Director of Elementary Instruction Kimberly Williams led the students in giving their teachers a round of applause and a unison thank you shout.

You all worked super hard. Your teachers worked super hard, Williams told the gathering.

Each grade took a turn walking the gyms perimeter giving high fives to the other students.

Afterward, SES Principal Mitzi Frye said she wanted to create an event the students would never forget.

Frye possesses an intimacy with SES that few, if anyone, can replicate. She attended the school as a child, then her children took their turn at the institution. Monday, Frye reflected that she didnt care for school as a youngster, but as she watched her children learn and grow at SES, she felt a desire to be part of that experience. She began to substitute teach, then returned to school herself and worked as an aide, then a teacher. For the last 10 years, shes served as SES principal.

Frye considers her career at SES as the best thing Ive ever done.

For her love of SES and its current student population of 190, she wasnt sure the school would ever become a National Blue Ribbon winner. Its a huge accomplishment, she said, noting that SES is a public school with a 97% poverty rate. Many of the students, she said, experience chaotic living. She strives to make SES a safe space for the students and that each child knows: They are important. They matter. They are enough the way they are.

We want to give them hope, Frye declared, hope enough so that they may break the cycle of poverty.

For the community, Frye hopes this national award will help them see how much the faculty and staff value the students education and how much they love and care for the students and are willing to put into their education.

Shes also grateful that the award may highlight the SES community. It is an amazing place, she said. Saltville and Smyth County are great places to live, and the communitys support of the school makes all the difference.

Frye lauded her teachers and staff. Its like a family here, she said.

School Superintendent Dr. Dennis Carter, who was on hand for Mondays celebration, praised the staff and Frye. We are thrilled to see Saltville Elementary School recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School! This acknowledgment is reflective of the entire Saltville Elementary School community. The learning environment is child centered and focuses on helping each child achieve success. The school has a tremendous instructional leader in their principal, Mrs. Mitzi Frye, and a dynamic staff who work collaboratively to reach each child at their instructional level while working to address barriers children may be facing. This honor was earned by amazing students, a wonderful instructional staff, tremendous custodians, administrative assistants, cafeteria staff, medical providers, bus drivers, and supportive parents.

The National Blue Ribbon description of SES also acknowledges the schools challenges, saying, Many of our students have experienced trauma, including food and financial insecurity. In the face of tremendous adversity, SES works diligently to provide students with the best possible start. Despite having high rates of economically disadvantaged students, SES has demonstrated high academic achievement.

That description also said SES emphasizes high-quality, rigorous instruction balanced with ensuring that each students social and emotional needs are addressed.

Within Smyth County, Carter said, we work to build positive relationships with our students and families while supporting students throughout their academic careers. Saltville Elementarys recognition encompasses the positive impact a school can make in a childs life.

The prestigious recognition highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups.

SES was recognized for its work in the latter category, winning as an Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing School. In Virginia, it was joined by Central Academy Middle School in Botetourt County, Gate City Middle School in Scott County, and T. Clay Wood Elementary School in Prince William County.

Also in Virginia, four schools were honored as Exemplary High Performing Schools. They were Spring Hill Elementary School in Fairfax County, Green Run Collegiate in Virginia Beach, Bethel Manor Elementary School (Langley AFB) in York County, and St. Andrew The Apostle School in the Arlington Diocese.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Award is a testament to the exceptional achievements of students and educators at each of these schools, said Cardona. The 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools are raising the bar for our nations students, serving as models for effective teaching and intentional collaboration in their schools and communities. As we celebrate their achievements, let us look to these schools for inspiration as we champion education as the foundation of a brighter future for every child.

A National Blue Ribbon School award flag is typically displayed in a schools entryway or on a flagpole.

Each nominated school submits a comprehensive application detailing its school culture, programs, assessments, instructional practices, professional development, leadership, family, and community involvement.

While todays SES celebration focused on the school family, a much larger celebration is expected soon.
Vipul Vasant Patil Vs ADIT (ITAT Mumbai)

In the case Vipul Vasant Patil Vs ADIT (ITAT Mumbai), the Income Tax Appellate Tribunal (ITAT) addressed several appeals related to the denial of foreign tax credit (FTC) under Section 90 of the Income Tax Act for the assessment year 2018-19. The appellant, Vipul Vasant Patil, a

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EQS-Ad-hoc: DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft AG / Key word(s): Capital Increase

DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft: Transfer of Antares Hydropower Norway AS in return for a contribution in kind and a cash capital increase from authorised capital



01-Oct-2024 / 11:14 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



Public disclosure of inside information in compliance with Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft: Transfer of Antares Hydropower Norway AS in return for a contribution in kind and a cash capital increase from authorised capital Hamburg, 1 October 2024  DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft AG (DWK, ISIN: DE000A2AAB74) intends to resolve in the near future a capital increase against contributions in kind of up to EUR 350,000.00 by issuing up to 350,000 new shares from the authorised capital, excluding shareholders subscription rights, to acquire Antares Hydropower Norway AS (capital increase against contribution in kind"). DWK Management Board members Jan Erik Schulien and Henning Rath are to be admitted to the subscription as all shareholders of Antares Hydropower Norway AS (Target Company), based in Oslo, in return for the contribution of all shares in the Target Company. The Target Company is to be contributed to DWK as a contribution in kind based on an expected valuation in the mid-six-figure euro range. After finalisation of the valuation report, the specific details of the capital increase against contribution in kind are to be determined and resolved. Furthermore, DWK's Management Board and Supervisory Board today decided to implement a capital increase against cash contributions by issuing new shares from the authorised capital while granting subscription rights (Offer). The issue volume amounts to up to EUR 883,385.60. Up to 552,116 new shares will be issued at a subscription price of EUR 1.60 per share, each with a nominal value of EUR 1.00. This corresponds to a discount of approx. 40% on the closing price of DWK shares on the Hamburg Stock Exchange on the last trading day prior to the resolution. The subscription ratio is 4:1, i.e. four old shares entitle the holder to subscribe to one new share. The option of oversubscription is granted. The subscription offer is to be published in the coming weeks. The proceeds from the cash capital increase are to be used for the further structural development of the company. Board of directors DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft AG

Schopenstehl 22

20095 Hamburg

Germany



End of Inside Information

Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement:



Explanatory part Antares Hydropower Norway AS (Antares) is a hydropower asset and investment manager with roots in Norway and Germany. Antares supports operators and investors in the acquisition, operation and sale of hydropower plants in Norway, Germany and Austria. Antares has long-standing and sustainable access to the most important European hydropower locations and the relevant market participants. In this regard, Antares focuses on smaller run-of-river power plants in Scandinavia and the Alpine region. The company supports investors and manages individual assets, portfolios and investment vehicles. It currently has several ongoing mandates with institutional investors and family offices. The team covers the core areas of corporate finance, operations management and engineering. About DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft AG DWK Deutsche Wasserkraft AG is a German-Norwegian energy company focusing on hydropower. It is focused on the development, acquisition and operation of small-scale run-of-river hydropower plants in Europe, primarily in Norway. With hydropower, DWK relies on an energy source that is characterised by a unique combination of high environmental compatibility and maximum efficiency and energy yield over the entire life cycle. DWK is the first independent hydropower producer to be listed on the stock exchange in Germany. The company has a management team with many years of expertise in the hydropower industry. DWK aims to build and continuously expand its own portfolio of small-hydro power plants. Press contact and Investor Relations edicto GmbH Ralf Droz / Svenja Liebig +49 69 90550 556 DWK@edicto.de 01-Oct-2024 CET/CEST The EQS Distribution Services include Regulatory Announcements, Financial/Corporate News and Press Releases.

Archive at www.eqs-news.com


By all accounts, Wayne Wirt didnt have to die.

The 66-year-old retired Hollywood prop and set builder, father of two and licensed pilot had for years been itching to fly his 1966 Piper Cherokee from his home in California to his new property in Chehalis.

There were signs that the journey hed planned was overly risky. His wife and younger son had tried to warn him. Wirt didnt listen, and he died on Sept. 22, 2022, his body torn apart when his plane smashed, nose-first, into a cinder cone in the Mount Jefferson Wilderness in central Oregon at 2:39 p.m.

Wirt likely got disoriented in the clouds, the National Transportation Safety Board concluded, according to the agencys report on the crash, released in May.

While its unknown exactly why Wirt crashed or why he decided to fly towards bad weather when he had safer options, the traits that made Wirt the man he was  doggedness, independence and a confidence that he could overcome any challenge  may have been precisely the traits that sealed his fate.

Two years after the crash, Wirts wife, his youngest son and his pilot friends still cannot figure out his decisions that day.

Why would you fly over a black cloud, a thunderstorm, a rainstorm, when you have another path to go that would get you to the same place that has clear skies? Wirts youngest son, Corey Winters, said. Thats the question that Ill never have answered.

Wirt wouldve seen clear skies in every direction that day except the one he flew in, satellite images taken at the time show.

Wirts death prompted an odd bureaucratic diktat: the U.S. Forest Service said his family would have to pay the cost to remove his remains and the plane wreckage from the wilderness area. One contractors estimated cost to do the job: $50,000.

Another, less-surprising effect of the family patriarchs death followed: His devoted wife, who was looking forward to a quiet retirement in the company of her best friend, suffered in unexpected late-life solitude on the couples new property in rural Chehalis.

I feel like I lost my compass, Cindy Wirt said.

Can-do

Cindy and Wayne, after dating for five years, married in 1984 on St. Patricks Day, so that he could remember our anniversary, Cindy Wirt said recently, with a laugh. They were too busy working and had little money, so they had no honeymoon, she said. She worked as an accountant for a car dealership and Wayne Wirt was a carpenter on Hollywood sets.

Wayne Wirt wanted to buy a piece of land in the California desert and live off the grid, and the couple did exactly that, having two children in the process. It was difficult, but they managed.

He showed me that whatever he put his mind to, he could figure it out, Cindy Wirt said. It didnt seem like there was anything he couldnt really do.

Along with his can-do approach to life came an attitude of good enough, Corey Winters said, an outcome of his fathers Hollywood career. Wayne Wirt would regularly see his work on sets torn down after it was no longer needed, and so he developed a mindset that what he needed had to be only good enough to pass muster in the moment, Winters said.

In the mid-1980s, Wayne Wirt got interested in flying, and he used a tractor to clear a stretch of land to make a dirt landing strip on his California property. He built hangars that he rented out to people with airplanes. Then he got his own pilots license and bought a four-seat, single-engine airplane.

In 2012, Wayne Wirt retired and went on disability because of severe knee problems. Three years later, he and Cindy bought a piece of land in Chehalis. They wanted to move to Washington to be closer to Cindy Wirts mother, in Port Angeles, and Winters, who lived in Portland at the time.

Just like they had done about 30 years earlier, the land they bought was a fresh slate and, after signing the paperwork in 2015, they got to work building a house. A key feature, though, was already in place: The plot of land was adjacent to a private landing strip. Over the years that followed, the couple would take multiple trips back and forth from their Llano, California, home to Chehalis, carting their belongings and building out the new property.

The Plan

Almost immediately, Wayne Wirt started thinking about flying his Piper Cherokee to Washington. The journey would be by far the longest flight he had ever taken in the small plane  a major trip compared to the short, sunny-day jaunts he would take with his flying buddies in California.

Although Wirt had logged more than 950 hours of flight time, he had little experience flying in bad weather, because conditions in southern California are usually clear. And he had no experience flying in bad weather in the mountains, where treacherous conditions can easily arise in the interaction between winds and the terrain. And, in the five years before his fatal flight, Wirt barely had time to fly his plane at all, too busy moving and working on the new house. And yet, he persisted in his goal to fly from California to Washington.

Knowing she couldnt dissuade him from his plan altogether, Cindy Wirt urged him to at least take somebody with him to have an extra pair of eyes on the controls and on the ground, or to take over for him if he got tired.

I dont feel comfortable with you flying that far alone, she recalled telling him about a month before his final flight.

Oh, well, he replied, confident as ever.

What if you get tired? she asked.

Then Ill land and Ill stay there, he replied.

In mid-September 2022, he drove south to the Llano property with his older son, who then drove back to Chehalis with a trailer. Wayne Wirt was making plans to fly to Oregon the second weekend in September when a friend, Bill McClellan, urged him to reconsider because of the weather forecast for Oregon.

McClellan, a more experienced pilot than Wayne Wirt, had become a sort of intermittent, informal flight consultant for Wirt. He was concerned about Wirts plan to fly such a long distance solo with no experience doing so  and little recent flying at all. But he felt he wasnt in a position to tell Wirt what to do, he said recently. He did try to steer him in the right direction, though, and the weather forecast leading up to that weekend showed storms ahead.

Wayne Wirt agreed to wait until the weather improved, and he checked the weather every day until eventually settling on the following Thursday as his departure day. McClellan told him that if he was set on going despite poor weather in Oregon, he should fly east of the Cascade Mountains, where he could expect clear skies. But eventually he would still have to turn west to get to Chehalis.

McClellan hoped Wayne Wirt would wait even longer for the weather to improve, he said, but Wirt seemed to be in a hurry.

Winters, the Wirts youngest son, was on the Columbia River on his sailboat, between Astoria and Scappoose, when he got a message from his mom telling him that his father was finally planning to fly to Washington. Winters called his father, who told his son he was planning to fly within days.

Like his mother, Winters was worried about Wayne Wirt flying by himself. It was a very long flight, and the plane didnt have an autopilot system, which meant that Wayne Wirt would have to be actively flying the plane the entire time, an exhausting and mentally straining task for anyone, let alone a man in his mid-60s. Winters urged his father not to fly alone.

He basically blew me off and was, like, Im fine, Winters recalled.

The Flight

Bill McClellan checked the weather forecast again before his friends flight on Sept. 22, 2022, planned for 7 a.m. that morning. The forecast called for clouds over the Cascade Mountains that afternoon, and McClellan sent Wayne Wirt a text message to make sure he knew.

Looks like Oregon will have lots of clouds breaking in afternoon, McClellan wrote at 6:40 a.m., receiving no reply.

Wayne Wirt departed around the scheduled time and called his wife at his first stop, at an airport east of San Francisco.

How are things going? she asked him.

Very well, he told her.

Be safe, Cindy Wirt said, and they hung up.

Wayne Wirt then flew to Sisters, where he took on more gas at 2:10 p.m. and lifted off again. According to weather readings at the time, the skies directly north of Sisters were clear, while clouds were gathering over the Cascades.

Almost exactly 29 minutes later, Wayne Wirts plane slammed into South Cinder Peak, about 500 feet below the summit, obliterating the airplane. Wirt died of massive blunt and sharp force trauma, according to a Linn County Medical Examiners report cited by federal officials. Besides likely becoming disoriented by the cloud cover, he was almost certainly tired after seven hours flying, investigators wrote.

Cindy Wirt had been following her husbands progress using the Find My iPhone application and, that afternoon, was surprised to see that the blue dot identifying his phones location on the map had stopped moving. At first she assumed it was a tech glitch, but an hour after his scheduled 4 p.m. arrival time in Chehalis came and went, she began to seriously worry.

A neighbor who was a commercial pilot called Seattle-Tacoma airports air-traffic control for Cindy Wirt and asked if there had been reports of a plane down, and they said yes. The next day, the Coast Guard informed Winters they had found the wreckage of a plane, but it wasnt until three days after the crash, a Sunday, that she got confirmation that the plane was her husbands. The weeks that followed were a daze for her as the grief and shock overwhelmed her.

The Aftermath

Wayne Wirts death triggered an unexpected consequence  the airplane was uninsured, which meant the family had to get the wreckage off of the slope themselves or pay the U.S. Forest Service to do it. A contractor told them it would cost about $50,000, Cindy Wirt said.

Winters wife set up a GoFundMe page.

And then a YouTube star got involved.

A viewer of the HeavyDSparks YouTube channel reached out to David Sparks and told him about the problem Cindy Wirt faced. It was a perfect challenge for Sparks, who documents on the channel how he and his friends pull off difficult recovery operations.

Sparks got permission from the U.S. Forest Service to haul the wreckage and Wayne Wirts remains and film the operation. It took two hours and multiple helicopter flights to put Wirts remains into body bags and to get him and the plane off of the mountain on Oct. 20, about a month after the crash.

Sparks team put the airplane wreckage onto a trailer, and he drove it to Chehalis, arriving at Cindy Wirts house around nightfall.

The work went unexpectedly smoothly, Sparks told Cindy Wirt in a video about the recovery operation that has been viewed nearly 3.9 million times.

He was definitely tired of being up there, Sparks said, adding that Wayne Wirt had a million-dollar view, for sure.

The YouTuber saved the family $50,000 and a host of bureaucratic hassles, but the grief and the nagging, unanswerable questions remain.

Winters, who is himself a licensed pilot and aircraft mechanic, said hes trying to use what happened to his father to help educate others about the dangers of mountain flying. Cindy Wirt, meanwhile, has become worried that she is isolating herself in her grief. She is looking for a regular counselor.

Two years after the crash, the planes wreckage remains in Cindy Wirts hangar.

Shes not ready to let it go, Winters said. So it just sits.
OLYMPIA  Nearly 700,000 Washingtonians got $200 back from their utility this month.

Those rebate checks sent to low- and moderate-income customers, proponents say, show the states new carbon market is raising funds that are helping Washingtonians. But opponents are slamming the timing of the checks and state officials, for what they say is a ploy to gain support for the cap-and-trade program as it faces a potential repeal.

Lets Go Washington, the group behind the repeal effort on the November ballot, filed a complaint last week with the states Public Disclosure Commission, alleging a state Department of Commerce employee violated state law by saying rebates must be sent out by mid-September before the vote on Initiative 2117 could repeal the Climate Commitment Act, which funds the rebates.

Gov. Inslee, his administration and the majority party in Olympia are using money taken from taxpayers to try to influence voters, said Brian Heywood, the Redmond hedge fund manager who has bankrolled the initiatives. This is a clear attempt to bribe voters into protecting his hidden gas tax and its time Gov. Inslee adhered to the law instead of acting like hes above it.

The complaint is the latest in a string of accusations and finger-pointing brought before the PDC, which enforces campaign finance and disclosure laws. Heywood has also been accused of trying to sway voters with discount gas and food, and this week Lets Go Washington faces a hearing on allegations it did not follow campaign disclosure requirements.

Lawmakers passed the rebate as part of the state budget in March, in a session where the slate of Heywood- and GOP-backed initiatives loomed large. Initiative backers had been hammering on gas prices, arguing that the Climate Commitment Act had driven up costs.

Lets Go Washington points to an April email sent by Cheryl Chan Hardee, deputy assistant director of Commerces energy division, which was first reported by The Spokesman-Review, as evidence that the state orchestrated the timing of the checks to sway public opinion.

The groups lawyer, Dan Brady, wrote in a letter to the commission that Hardee was attempting to influence the administration of the rebate program to affect the outcome of Initiative 2117 when she emailed an unidentified recipient that the funds must be spent before the state votes on the initiative.

The commission, however, rejected the complaint for lack of jurisdiction because the law Lets Go Washington alleges was violated doesnt apply to state employees.

The full email exchange, obtained by The Seattle Times, shows Hardee was responding to an inquiry from a small utility seeking clarity from the department.

In early April, a month after the Legislature had included $150 million in the state budget for the $200 rebates, Kelly Haugh, manager of community relations for the Big Bend Electrical Cooperative, which serves about 8,700 customers in Adams and Franklin counties, wrote to Austin Scharff, a senior energy policy specialist at Commerce, with two questions: Are the rebates mandatory? And if the Climate Commitment Act were repealed, would utilities have to pay the state back?

My understanding is that these funds are going to be spent by Sept. 15 before the state votes on the initiative, he wrote in a response, in which he included Hardee. I dont see anything in the proviso that says the funds would ever be returned back to the state.

Hardee then replied, adding that the Legislature required all utilities to participate in the program, meant to help low- to moderate-income Washingtonians and vulnerable populations living in overburdened communities. Even though the rebate was mandatory, utilities could put the funding toward designated local agencies that assist Washingtonians in applying for help with utility bills.

She added: the funds must be spent by Sept. 15, meaning that funds must be deposited into eligible customers accounts on or before the Sept. 15th, before the state votes on the initiative.

All residential utility providers in Washington were eligible for the funds, and the amount each received was determined by the number of households the utility served and several criteria accounting for health disparities, poverty data and the proportion of the population in a utilitys service area that are cost-burdened, according to Commerce.

Ninety percent of the credits, the department said, went to households earning less than 80% of the area median income. The budget legislation specified the payments must be made by Sept. 15.

The department said last week that it was able to repurpose more than $3 million that had been set aside for administrative costs to offer more rebates to 15,000 more customers than expected, altogether representing nearly 23% of the states utility customers.

The timeline just doesnt add up

Hallie Balch, a spokesperson for Lets Go Washington, contrasted the letters identifying the source of the rebate funds as the Climate Commitment Act with the Attorney General Offices opposition to Puget Sound Energy itemizing the cost of the act on customer bills.

She also said that Lets Go Washington was not against people getting extra money and said they urged their network to apply for the rebate.

The initiative would take effect 30 days after the election, according to the Secretary of States Office. Balch maintained funds would be available even if the initiative passes. They would have had at least a month, even, Balch said, to spend the money after Nov. 5.

Instead, customers are receiving letters in the mail about their rebates just a few weeks before ballots will be mailed Oct. 18, she said.

The timeline just doesnt add up for us, she said.

Asked at a news conference in late July about the criticism of the rebates as bribes to entice people to support the cap and trade program, Gov. Jay Inslee said there was no guarantee that Initiative 2117 would reduce energy prices. He said the Climate Commitment Act would assist people with energy bills.

This is an effort to help families reduce and guarantee theyre going to have reduction of energy costs, Inslee said of the rebate program.

And it wasnt the only way the state was helping people with the costs of energy, he argued: The Climate Commitment Act was funding more insulation, heat pumps, solar panels and free bus rides. (Kids ride on public transit for free via funding from the act.)

Were reducing energy prices in a way you can actually count on, he said. That initiative doesnt guarantee anything but more health disadvantages because of pollution.

Although the PDC wont take up Lets Go Washingtons complaint, a hearing is slated for Thursday on administrative charges filed by the commission earlier this month against Lets Go Washington.

Commission staff allege the political action committee failed to report spending associated with each of the six initiatives it was backing accurately and on time, instead initially reporting spending on the initiatives as a single group. They also allege Lets Go Washington failed to report spending on sub-vendors and failed to maintain books substantiating that spending. Lets Go Washington has also been accused of not providing those books in a timely manner when asked. The PDC subpoenaed Lets Go Washingtons records in late July.

In a statement, Heywood said Lets Go Washington has been transparent in all of its campaign reports.

The PDC does not dispute that we have reported every penny we have received and spent advocating for the peoples initiatives, he said. This issue concerns only technical details of how we reported that information.
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Screenshot of the team's system demo showing its user interface. Credit: Han et al.

Artificial intelligence (AI) has opened new interesting opportunities for the music industry, for instance, enabling the development of tools that can automatically generate musical compositions or specific instrument tracks. Yet most existing tools are designed to be used by musicians, composers and music producers, as opposed to non-expert users.

Researchers at LG AI Research recently developed a new interactive system that allows any user to easily translate their ideas into music. This system, outlined in a paper published on arXiv preprint server, combines a decoder-only autoregressive transformer trained on music datasets with an intuitive user interface.

"We introduce the demonstration of symbolic music generation, focusing on providing short musical motifs that serve as the central theme of the narrative," Sangjun Han, Jiwon Ham and their colleagues wrote in their paper. "For the generation, we adopt an autoregressive model which takes musical metadata as inputs and generates 4 bars of multitrack MIDI sequences."

The transformer-based model underpinning the team's symbolic music generation system was trained on two musical datasets, namely the Lakh MIDI dataset and the MetaMIDI dataset. Collectively, these datasets contain over 400,000 MIDI (musical instrument digital interface) files, which are data files containing various information about musical tracks (e.g., the notes played, the duration of notes, the speed at which they are played).

To train their model, the team converted each MIDI file into a musical event representation (REMI) file. This specific format encodes MIDI data into tokens representing various music features (e.g., pitch and velocity). REMI files capture the dynamics of music in ways that are particularly favorable for training AI models for music generation.

"During training, we randomly drop tokens from the musical metadata to guarantee flexible control," wrote the researchers. "It provides users with the freedom to select input types while maintaining generative performance, enabling greater flexibility in music composition."

In addition to developing their transformer-based model for symbolic music generation, Han, Ham and their colleagues created a simple interface that would make it accessible to both expert and non-expert users. This interface currently consists of a sidebar and a central interactive panel.

In the sidebar, users can specify aspects of the music they want the model to generate, such as what instruments should be playing and the song's tempo. After the model generates a song, they can edit the track in the central panel, for instance, by removing/adding instruments or adjusting the time at which they will start playing music.

"We validate the effectiveness of the strategy through experiments in terms of model capacity, musical fidelity, diversity, and controllability," wrote Han, Ham and their colleagues. "Additionally, we scale up the model and compare it with other music generation models through a subjective test. Our results indicate its superiority in both control and music quality."

The researchers found their model performed significantly well and could reliably generate a maximum of 4 bars of music based on the user's specifications. In their future studies, they could improve their system further by extending the duration of the musical tracks their model can create, broadening the specifications that users can give, and further enhancing the system's user interface.

"Our model, trained to generate 4 bars of music with global control, has limitations in extending music length and controlling bar-level local elements," wrote the researchers. "However, our attempts hold significance in generating high-quality musical themes that can be used as loop."

More information: Sangjun Han et al, Flexible Control in Symbolic Music Generation via Musical Metadata, arXiv (2024). DOI: 10.48550/arxiv.2409.07467 Journal information: arXiv

 2024 Science X Network
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Credit: Unsplash/CC0 Public Domain

As is their tradition at this time of year, Apple announced a new line of iPhones last week. The promised centerpiece that would make us want to buy these new devices was AIor Apple Intelligence, as they branded it. Yet the reaction from the collective world of consumer technology has been muted.

The lack of enthusiasm from consumers was so evident it immediately wiped over a hundred billion dollars off Apple's share price. Even the Wired Gadget Lab podcast, enthusiasts of all new things tech, found nothing in the new capabilities that would make them want to upgrade to the iPhone 16.

The only thing that did seem to generate some excitement was not the AI features, but the addition of a new camera shutter button on the side of the phone. If a button is a better selling point than the most hyped technology of the past couple of years, something is clearly amiss.

The reason is that AI has now passed what tech blog The Media Copilot called its "wonderment phase." Two years ago, we were amazed that ChatGPT, DALL-E and other generative AI systems were able to create coherent writing and realistic images from just a few words in a text prompt. But now, AI needs to show that it can actually be productive. Since their introduction, the models driving these experiences have become much more powerfuland exponentially more expensive.

Nevertheless, Google, NVidia, Microsoft and OpenAI recently met at the White House to discuss AI infrastructure, suggesting these companies are doubling down on the technology.

According to Forbes, the industry is US$500 billion (375 billion) short of making back the massive investments in AI hardware and software, and the US$100 billion in AI revenue projected to be made in 2024 is not even close to this figure. But Apple still has to enthusiastically push AI features into their products for the same reason that Google, Samsung and Microsoft are doing it - to give consumers a reason to buy a new device.

Tough sell?

Before AI, the industry was trying to create hype around virtual reality and the Metaverse, an effort that probably peaked with the introduction of the Apple Vision Pro headset in 2023 (a product that incidentally was barely even mentioned in last week's announcement).

After the Metaverse failed to take off, tech companies needed something else to drive sales, and AI has become the new shiny thing. But it remains to be seen whether consumers will take to the AI-based features included in phones such as photo-editing and writing assistants.

This is not to say that current AI is not useful. AI technologies are used in billion-dollar industry applications, in everything from online advertisements to health care and energy optimization.

Generative AI has also become a useful tool for professionals in many fields. According to a survey, 97% of software developers have used AI tools to support their work. Many journalists, visual artists, musicians and filmmakers have adopted AI tools to create content more quickly and more efficiently.

Yet most of us are not actually prepared to pay for a service that draws funny cartoon cats or summarizes text - especially since attempts at AI-supported search have shown to be prone to errors. Apple's approach to deploying artificial intelligence seems to mostly be a mishmash of existing functions, many of which are already built into popular third-party apps.

Apple's AI can help you create a custom emoji, transcribe a phone call, edit a photo, or write an email - neat, but no longer groundbreaking stuff. There is also something called Reduce mode that is supposed to disturb you less and only let through important notifications, but it's anyone's guess how well that will work in reality.

The one forward-looking feature is called Visual Intelligence. It allows you to aim the camera at something in the surroundings and get information without explicitly doing a search. For instance, you might photograph a restaurant sign, and the phone will tell you the menu, show you reviewsand perhaps even help you book a table.

Although this is very reminiscent of the Lens in Google's Pixel phones (or ChatGPT's multimodal capabilities), it does point towards a future use of AI that is more real-time, interactive, and situated in real-world environments.

In the extension, Apple Intelligence and the Reduce mode could evolve into so-called "context-aware computing", which has been envisioned and demonstrated in research projects since the 1990s, but for the most part has not yet become robust enough to be a real product category.

The kicker to all this is that Apple Intelligence is not yet really available for anyone to try, as the new iPhones do not yet include them. Perhaps it will turn out they are more valuable than the limited information seems to indicate. But Apple used to be known for only releasing a product when it was well and truly ready, meaning that the use-case was crystal clear and the user experience had been honed to perfection.

This is what made the iPod and iPhone so much more attractive than all the MP3 players and smartphones released before them. It is anyone's guess if Apple's approach to AI will be able to claw back some of the lost stock price, not to mention the hundreds of billions invested by them and the rest of the tech industry.

After all, AI still has amazing potential, but it may be time to slow down a bit, and take a moment to consider where it will actually be the most useful.

This article is republished from The Conversation under a Creative Commons license. Read the original article.
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Project development with back-ended and front-ended risk. Credit: Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51661-7

Australia risks losing its world-leading advantage in critical and rare minerals used for clean energy, electric vehicles and batteries for solar energy, unless it embraces artificial intelligence in the mining sector, according to research from Monash University and the University of Tasmania.

In a paper published in Nature Communications, the researchers argue artificial intelligence will revolutionize the mining of copper, lithium, nickel, zinc, cobalt and rare earth minerals used to produce clean energy technologies.

Australia is in a prime position to benefit with the world's largest proven reserves of nickel and zinc, the second largest proven reserves of cobalt and copper and the world's third largest proven reserves of bauxite. It is also the world's largest producer of bauxite and lithium and is the third largest producer of cobalt.

Co-researcher Deputy Dean, Research, Professor Russell Smyth, from the Department of Economics at Monash University said to take advantage of these resources, Australia must embrace AI through all stages of the mining process.

"With the right policies and technological advancements, AI has the potential to transform the mining industry, making it more efficient, cost effective, less risky, and environmentally friendly," said Professor Smyth.

Critical and rare minerals are a crucial part of achieving net zero emissions by 2050. But the International Energy Agency (IEA) has identified it takes 12.5 years from exploration to production, meaning investors see it as too risky.

In order to achieve global net zero by 2050, the IEA estimates investment of US $360-450 billion will be necessary by 2030, leading to an anticipated supply between US $180-220 billion. This implies an investment shortfall of up to US $230 billion.

Such a shortfall could lead to insufficient supply in the future, making decarbonization efforts more costly and potentially slowing them down. Professor Smyth said their research could help address a number of these issues.

"AI could improve processes such as mineral mapping by using drone-based photogrammetry and remote sensing; more accurately calculate the life of the mine and improve mining productivity including drilling and blasting performance," said Professor Smyth.

"AI can also be used to reduce the required rate of return on investment by forecasting the risk of cost blow-outs, as well as equipment planning and predictive maintenance and management of equipment to minimize repairs."

Co-researcher Associate Professor Joaquin Vespignani, from the Tasmanian School of Business and Economics at the University of Tasmania, said their theory suggests that back-ended critical mineral projects that have unaddressed technical and non-technical barriers, such as those involving lithium and cobalt, exhibit an additional risk for investors, which they term the back-ended risk premium.

"We show that the back-ended risk premium increases the cost of capital and, therefore, has the potential to reduce investment in the sector. We proposed that the back-ended risk premium may also reduce the gains in productivity expected from AI technologies in the mining sector," Associate Professor Vespignani said.

"Progress in AI may, however, lessen the back-ended risk premium itself by shortening the duration of mining projects and the required rate of investment by reducing the associated risk. We conclude that the best way to reduce the costs associated with energy transition is for governments to invest heavily in AI mining technologies and research.

"Without significant investment by governments around the world in AI within the mining industry to increase productivity and improve environmental practices, there is a high risk that the clean energy transition will become costly for communities, potentially slowing down decarbonization efforts."

More information: Joaquin Vespignani et al, Artificial intelligence investments reduce risks to critical mineral supply, Nature Communications (2024). DOI: 10.1038/s41467-024-51661-7 Journal information: Nature Communications
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Lufthansa was one of several European airlines to announce it was suspending flights to the Middle East.

Top European airlines Lufthansa, KLM and Swiss on Tuesday announced that they were extending their suspension of flights to the Middle East, as tensions spiral throughout the region.

The moves come as Israel launched strikes on Beirut and a senior White House official warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack "imminently" against Israel.

KLM has pushed out until the end of the year the suspension of its once-daily flight to Tel Aviv "given the situation in the region", spokeswoman Elvira van der Vis told AFP.

The Dutch airline had already announced in August that it was suspending flights to Israel until October 26.

Also on Tuesday, German airline group Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to Beirut up to and including November 30.

Lufthansa group flights to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31 while trips to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group said.

Later on Tuesday the Lufthansa group said that it had also decided to "avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Jordanian airspace up to and including 2 October", adding that "flights will continue to avoid Israeli airspace up to and including 31 October".

The Lufthansa groupwhose carriers also include Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlineshas repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines.

Following the example of its parent company, Swiss said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews".

The Israeli army said it had launched a ground offensive in Lebanon and that its forces engaged in clashes on Tuesday, further escalating the conflict after a week of intense air strikes that killed hundreds.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the United States has indications that Iran was preparing to launch a missile attack against Israel "imminently".

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said, warning that such an action would "carry severe consequences for Iran".

 2024 AFP
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German Chancellor Olaf Scholz (center) attends the inauguration of IBM's quantum data center in Ehningen, southern Germany.

Chancellor Olaf Scholz on Tuesday inaugurated US firm IBM's first quantum data center in Europe, saying Germany aims to be at the forefront of the revolutionary technology.

The centerIBM's first outside the United States, and located in Ehningen, near Stuttgartwill allow dozens of European companies and research institutes to gain access to its quantum systems.

While still in its early stages, scientists believe that super-fast quantum computing will eventually be able to power innovation in a range of fields, from smarter encryption software to artificial intelligence.

Scholz hailed the data center as "good news for Germany", adding that Europe's biggest economy needs such "key technologies".

"It is precisely these future fields where we have to be at the forefront, where we must not be dependent on others," he said.

Quantum research is seen as a critical field and both the United States and China have been investing heavily in the area, while Washington has also placed restrictions on the export of the sensitive technology.

Olivier Ezratty, an independent expert in quantum technologies, told AFP that private and public investment in the field have totaled around $20 billion worldwide over the past five years.

The center in Germany consists of two quantum computers linked to quantum processors. One of the computers at the site was inaugurated in 2021 by Scholz's predecessor, Angela Merkel, and was the first in Germany.

Scientists believe that super-fast quantum computing will eventually be able to power innovation in a range of fields, from smarter encryption software to artificial intelligence.

Mind-boggling speed

Quantum computers can process complex information at a mind-boggling speed and should eventually vastly outperform even the most powerful of today's conventional computers.

Regular computers function in binary fashion: they carry out tasks using tiny fragments of data known as bits that are only ever either expressed as 1 or 0.

But fragments of data on a quantum computer, known as qubits, can be both 1 and 0 at the same timeallowing them to crunch an enormous number of potential outcomes simultaneously.

The quantum computers at the German site are vast metal stacks and other components connected via a mass of wiring, and bear no resemblance to regular computers.

IBM already has 250 customers worldwide who are testing its quantum computers to develop applications in various areas.

The US firm has been seeking to develop the technology for 20 years in competition with other tech companies such as Google, Amazon and Microsoft, as well as research labs and start-ups.

Companies that will have access to IBM's quantum systems via the new data center include German auto titan Volkswagen and technology group Bosch.

IBM's quantum data center in Germany is its first in Europe.

Nikolai Ardey, executive director from Volkswagen's innovation unit, said quantum computing could "solve problems in material science, traffic optimization, or deep learning".

The data center "represents an indispensable piece of the bridge between quantum computers and industrial applications at scale," he added.

IBM says it is confident that it will be able to provide clients with a quantum computer able to run cutting-edge applications by 2029.

But the technology still has some way to go. A main challenge is to reduce the rate of errors that systems produce, which experts say is still too high.

By the end of the year the German data center should host IBM's latest quantum system, called Heron, which the firm says will run with reduced error rates and a 25-fold increase in speed from its predecessor.

"In certain aspects... the Heron system is the most advanced today," said independent expert Ezratty.

In addition IBM has built up a large ecosystem of companies and institutions which "are already testing their tools on an experimental scale", he said.

But he cautioned that the error rate was still too high "to perform useful calculations on a large scale".

 2024 AFP
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Today, the final offer price for the shares of Springer Nature AG & Co. KGaA (Springer Nature) was set in the upper half of the price range at 22.50 per share which corresponds to a market capitalisation for Springer Nature of around 4.5 billion.



In total, 26,650,795 shares are being placed with investors, thereof 8,888,889 new shares (the New Shares), 14,285,716 existing shares from the holdings of funds advised by BC Partners (BC Partners) and 3,476,190 additional existing shares are being placed from the holdings of BC Partners in connection with over-allotments. Springer Nature will receive gross proceeds of 200 million from the sale of the New Shares. The total offer size is expected to amount to around 600 million (assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option).



Following the completion of the offering (assuming full exercise of the greenshoe option), the free float is expected to be around 13.4%. The two existing shareholders, entities controlled by the Holtzbrinck Publishing Group and BC Partners, will hold around 50.6% and around 36.0%, respectively.



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Google plans to invest $1 billion to build digital infrastructure in Thailand, including a new data center, the US tech giant has announced, saying the move would support 14,000 jobs in the kingdom.

The new hubs in Bangkok and the industrial area of Chonburi are intended to help meet growing demand for cloud computing in Southeast Asia, the company said in a Monday statement.

Google's investment comes after Microsoft announced in May that it would create Thailand's first data center region to boost cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

"These investments will empower Thai businesses, innovators, and communities to harness the power of cloud and AI technology," Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google and its parent company Alphabet, said.

The investment's details were unveiled after a Bangkok meeting between Porat and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who hailed the move as proof Thailand was becoming a major digital hub in Southeast Asia.

The data center will be located in Chonburi, a major industrial area southeast of Bangkok, while the cloud facilities will be in the capital itself.

Google's expansion in Thailand will add $4 billion to the kingdom's GDP by 2029 and support 14,000 jobs between 2025 and 2029, the company said, citing a report from consultancy Deloitte.

The announcement comes a year after Shinawatra's predecessor Srettha Thavisin made a major push for investment from US tech giants during a trip to New York, seeking finance from Google, Microsoft and Elon Musk's Tesla.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, but its tech sector has lagged behind the likes of Singapore and Indonesia.

The Thai economy, long focused on traditional manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, has struggled to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic.

The government hopes investment from Google, Microsoft and their ilk will diversify and modernize the kingdom's economy.

Thailand's Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission has said the digital economy could contribute as much as 30 percent of GDP by 2027.

Across the region, governments are vying for US tech dollars, with Vietnam making a drive to move up the value chain from its traditional base as a hub for producing shoes, clothes and furniture.

Vietnam hopes to cash in on the US move to become less dependent on China for key resources including high-tech chips.

And last week, Vietnamese state media reported that Musk's SpaceX plans to invest $1.5 billion in the communist country.

 2024 AFP
China Feihe Limited (OTCMKTS:CFEIY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,400 shares, a growth of 16.7% from the August 31st total of 1,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 7.0 days.

China Feihe Trading Up 23.1 %

Shares of OTCMKTS:CFEIY traded up $1.39 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $7.38. The company had a trading volume of 300 shares, compared to its average volume of 4,308. The company has a fifty day simple moving average of $5.11 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $4.99. China Feihe has a 1-year low of $4.24 and a 1-year high of $7.50.

Get China Feihe alerts:

China Feihe Increases Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 19th will be given a $0.1675 dividend. This is a boost from China Feihes previous dividend of $0.15. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 19th.

China Feihe Company Profile

China Feihe Limited, an investment holding company, produces and sells infant milk formula products in Mainland China, Canada, and the United States. It operates through two segments, Raw milk; and Dairy Products and Nutritional Supplements Products. The company provides a range of raw milk, adult milk powders, children's milk powder, liquid milk products, maternity milk powder, and health care products, as well as soybean powder and goat milk powder.

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Nippon Building Fund Inc. (OTCMKTS:NBFJF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 6,300 shares, an increase of 21.2% from the August 31st total of 5,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently  days.

Nippon Building Fund Price Performance

Shares of NBFJF remained flat at C$899.16 during mid-day trading on Monday. Nippon Building Fund has a 52 week low of C$3,555.00 and a 52 week high of C$4,495.79. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of C$4,028.73 and a 200 day simple moving average of C$3,984.15.

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About Nippon Building Fund

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NBF (Nippon Building Fund Inc) is Japan's largest real estate investment trust (J-REIT) which invests in office buildings primarily in Tokyo as well as nationwide. its objective is to source the solid growth of the stable revenues from its assets through exploitation of Mitsui Fudossan's know-how.

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Abrdn Life Sciences Investors (NYSE:HQL  Get Free Report) saw a significant drop in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 154,100 shares, a drop of 10.8% from the August 31st total of 172,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 95,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 1.6 days.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of HQL. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. grew its stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors by 4.6% in the 1st quarter. Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. now owns 18,414 shares of the companys stock worth $251,000 after buying an additional 814 shares in the last quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC grew its position in Abrdn Life Sciences Investors by 2.6% in the second quarter. Commonwealth Equity Services LLC now owns 33,788 shares of the companys stock worth $479,000 after acquiring an additional 868 shares in the last quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. increased its stake in Abrdn Life Sciences Investors by 8.2% during the second quarter. Wedbush Securities Inc. now owns 16,673 shares of the companys stock worth $236,000 after acquiring an additional 1,261 shares during the last quarter. Future Financial Wealth Managment LLC purchased a new stake in Abrdn Life Sciences Investors during the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Finally, 180 Wealth Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abrdn Life Sciences Investors by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. 180 Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 136,231 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,013,000 after purchasing an additional 3,682 shares during the last quarter. 32.21% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Abrdn Life Sciences Investors Trading Up 0.8 %

Shares of NYSE HQL opened at $15.07 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average is $15.23 and its two-hundred day moving average is $14.26. Abrdn Life Sciences Investors has a 52-week low of $11.34 and a 52-week high of $15.90.

Abrdn Life Sciences Investors Increases Dividend

About Abrdn Life Sciences Investors

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd were issued a dividend of $0.49 per share. This represents a $1.96 annualized dividend and a yield of 13.01%. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 23rd. This is a boost from Abrdn Life Sciences Investorss previous quarterly dividend of $0.48.

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Abrdn Life Sciences Investors is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by abrdn Inc The fund invests in public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating in the life sciences sector, including the biotechnology, pharmaceutical, diagnostics, managed healthcare, medical equipment, hospitals, healthcare information technology and services, devices and supplies industries, and in agriculture and environmental management industries.

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Banco Bradesco S.A. (NYSE:BBDO  Get Free Report) announced a monthly dividend on Friday, September 20th, Wall Street Journal reports. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be given a dividend of 0.0032 per share by the bank on Wednesday, May 7th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.54%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 2nd.

Banco Bradesco has raised its dividend payment by an average of 26.7% annually over the last three years.

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Banco Bradesco Stock Up 1.2 %

Shares of NYSE:BBDO opened at $2.45 on Tuesday. Banco Bradesco has a fifty-two week low of $1.95 and a fifty-two week high of $3.21. The company has a quick ratio of 0.76, a current ratio of 0.76 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62. The firms 50-day simple moving average is $2.38 and its 200-day simple moving average is $2.33. The company has a market cap of $26.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.65 and a beta of 1.14.

Banco Bradesco Company Profile

Banco Bradesco ( NYSE:BBDO Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 5th. The bank reported $0.09 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The firm had revenue of $9.64 billion during the quarter. Banco Bradesco had a return on equity of 9.88% and a net margin of 6.68%.

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Banco Bradesco SA, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking products and services to individuals, corporates, and businesses in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through two segments, Banking and Insurance. It provides current, savings, click, and salary accounts; real estate credit, vehicle financing, payroll loans, mortgage loans, microcredit, leasing, and personal and installment credit; overdraft and agribusiness loans; debit and business cards; financial and security services; consortium products; car, personal accident, dental, travel, and life insurance; investment products; pension products; foreign currency exchange services; capitalization bonds; and internet banking services.

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Bank of Hawaii Co. (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Strong Sell from the five analysts that are covering the stock, Marketbeat.com reports. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and two have given a hold recommendation to the company. The average 12-month price objective among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $59.00.

A number of analysts recently commented on the company. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Bank of Hawaii from $53.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 3rd. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods lifted their price target on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $58.00 to $60.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Piper Sandler lowered shares of Bank of Hawaii from a neutral rating to an underweight rating and cut their price objective for the company from $70.00 to $61.00 in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Finally, DA Davidson raised their target price on shares of Bank of Hawaii from $63.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, July 29th.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on Bank of Hawaii

Insider Buying and Selling

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Bank of Hawaii

In other news, insider Taryn L. Salmon sold 2,364 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $67.80, for a total transaction of $160,279.20. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 10,785 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $731,223. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link . Corporate insiders own 2.11% of the companys stock.

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the company. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 4,650,102 shares of the banks stock valued at $336,946,000 after acquiring an additional 87,919 shares during the period. Victory Capital Management Inc. raised its position in Bank of Hawaii by 13.1% in the second quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 1,634,909 shares of the banks stock valued at $93,533,000 after purchasing an additional 189,878 shares during the period. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP raised its position in Bank of Hawaii by 14.2% in the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 789,486 shares of the banks stock valued at $45,167,000 after purchasing an additional 98,465 shares during the period. Swedbank AB lifted its stake in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 3.6% during the second quarter. Swedbank AB now owns 725,000 shares of the banks stock worth $41,477,000 after purchasing an additional 25,000 shares in the last quarter. Finally, American Century Companies Inc. boosted its position in shares of Bank of Hawaii by 8.7% in the second quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 675,615 shares of the banks stock worth $38,652,000 after buying an additional 54,078 shares during the period. 82.18% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Bank of Hawaii Stock Up 0.5 %

Shares of NYSE BOH opened at $62.73 on Tuesday. The firms 50-day moving average is $65.26 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.13. The company has a market capitalization of $2.49 billion, a PE ratio of 16.17 and a beta of 1.05. Bank of Hawaii has a 12-month low of $45.56 and a 12-month high of $75.19. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.71 and a quick ratio of 0.71.

Bank of Hawaii (NYSE:BOH  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Monday, July 22nd. The bank reported $0.81 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.85 by ($0.04). The company had revenue of $255.62 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $157.12 million. Bank of Hawaii had a net margin of 14.54% and a return on equity of 12.25%. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.12 EPS. Equities analysts anticipate that Bank of Hawaii will post 3.45 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Bank of Hawaii Dividend Announcement

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 16th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th were issued a dividend of $0.70 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 30th. This represents a $2.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.46%. Bank of Hawaiis payout ratio is currently 72.16%.

About Bank of Hawaii

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Bank of Hawaii Corporation operates as the bank holding company for Bank of Hawaii that provides various financial products and services in Hawaii, Guam, and other Pacific Islands. It operates in three segments: Consumer Banking, Commercial Banking, and Treasury and Other. The Consumer Banking segment offers checking, savings, and time deposit accounts; residential mortgage loans, home equity lines of credit, automobile loans and leases, overdraft lines of credit, installment loans, small business loans and leases, and credit cards; private and international client banking, investment, credit, and trust services to individuals and families, as well as high-net-worth individuals; investment management; institutional investment advisory services to corporations, government entities, and foundations; and brokerage offerings, including equities, mutual funds, life insurance, and annuity products.

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Centerspace (NYSE:CSR  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 892,300 shares, a growth of 12.3% from the August 31st total of 794,800 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 141,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 6.3 days.

Centerspace Stock Down 1.7 %

Shares of CSR traded down $1.18 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $69.29. The company had a trading volume of 29,675 shares, compared to its average volume of 103,177. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.79, a quick ratio of 0.04 and a current ratio of 0.04. The company has a market capitalization of $1.03 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -87.99, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.18 and a beta of 0.90. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $72.78 and a 200 day moving average price of $67.97. Centerspace has a 52 week low of $46.74 and a 52 week high of $76.16.

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Centerspace (NYSE:CSR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The company reported ($0.19) EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.20 by ($1.39). The company had revenue of $65.04 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $65.90 million. Centerspace had a negative return on equity of 0.67% and a negative net margin of 2.16%. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.28 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that Centerspace will post 4.83 EPS for the current year.

Centerspace Announces Dividend

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Centerspace

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.75 per share. This represents a $3.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 4.33%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. Centerspaces payout ratio is -375.00%.

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Westwood Holdings Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Centerspace during the 4th quarter valued at $5,238,000. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd boosted its position in shares of Centerspace by 199.4% during the first quarter. UniSuper Management Pty Ltd now owns 12,785 shares of the companys stock valued at $731,000 after buying an additional 8,515 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners bought a new stake in Centerspace in the 1st quarter worth about $545,000. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD raised its position in Centerspace by 5.7% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 12,191 shares of the companys stock worth $697,000 after buying an additional 652 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BTC Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Centerspace during the 1st quarter valued at about $279,000. Institutional investors own 79.00% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research firms recently issued reports on CSR. BTIG Research increased their price target on shares of Centerspace from $69.00 to $79.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on Centerspace from $72.00 to $73.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 31st. Raymond James lifted their price target on Centerspace from $75.00 to $82.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Piper Sandler increased their price objective on Centerspace from $64.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $72.29.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on CSR

Centerspace Company Profile

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Centerspace is an owner and operator of apartment communities committed to providing great homes by focusing on integrity and serving others. Founded in 1970, as of September 30, 2023, Centerspace owned interests in 71 apartment communities consisting of 12,785 apartment homes located in Colorado, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota.

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Birkenstock (NYSE:BIRK  Get Free Report) and Phoenix Footwear Group (OTCMKTS:PXFG  Get Free Report) are both consumer discretionary companies, but which is the better business? We will compare the two companies based on the strength of their valuation, risk, analyst recommendations, profitability, institutional ownership, dividends and earnings.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

19.9% of Birkenstock shares are owned by institutional investors. 29.7% of Phoenix Footwear Group shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that hedge funds, endowments and large money managers believe a company is poised for long-term growth.

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Profitability

This table compares Birkenstock and Phoenix Footwear Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Birkenstock 6.26% 5.79% 2.99% Phoenix Footwear Group -9.09% N/A N/A

Analyst Ratings

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Birkenstock 0 4 15 0 2.79 Phoenix Footwear Group 0 0 0 0 N/A

This is a summary of current ratings and recommmendations for Birkenstock and Phoenix Footwear Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Birkenstock presently has a consensus price target of $62.23, suggesting a potential upside of 26.25%. Given Birkenstocks higher probable upside, equities research analysts clearly believe Birkenstock is more favorable than Phoenix Footwear Group.

Valuation and Earnings

This table compares Birkenstock and Phoenix Footwear Groups gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Birkenstock $1.72 billion 5.37 $80.18 million N/A N/A Phoenix Footwear Group $19.15 million 0.03 -$910,000.00 N/A N/A

Birkenstock has higher revenue and earnings than Phoenix Footwear Group.

Summary

Birkenstock beats Phoenix Footwear Group on 9 of the 10 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Birkenstock

(Get Free Report)

Birkenstock Holding plc manufactures and sells footwear products. It also offers sandals, shoes, closed-toe silhouettes, skincare products, and accessories. The company sells its products through e-commerce sites and a network of owned retail stores, as well as business-to-business channels. It operates in the United States, Brazil, Canada, Mexico, Europe, APMA, and internationally. Birkenstock Holding plc was founded in 1774 and is based in London, the United Kingdom. Birkenstock Holding plc is a subsidiary of BK LC Lux MidCo S.a r.l.

About Phoenix Footwear Group

(Get Free Report)

Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. designs, develops, markets, and sells women's footwear primarily in the United States. The company offers its products under the Trotters and SoftWalk brand names. It distributes its products through department stores, specialty and independent retail stores, mail order catalogues, and Internet retailers, as well as directly to consumers through SoftWalkshoes.com and trotters.com Websites. Phoenix Footwear Group, Inc. was founded in 1882 and is headquartered in Carlsbad, California.

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EQS-WpUG: ADNOC International Germany Holding AG / Takeover Offer

Takeover Offer / Target company: Covestro AG; Bidder: ADNOC International Germany Holding AG



01.10.2024 / 08:40 CET/CEST

Dissemination of an announcement according to the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (WpUG), transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The bidder is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.





PUBLICATION OF THE DECISION

TO MAKE A TAKEOVER OFFER

Publication of the decision to make a voluntary public takeover offer (freiwilliges offentliches Ubernahmeangebot) pursuant to Section 10 para. 1 and para. 3 in conjunction with Sections 29, 34 of the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz)

Bidder:

ADNOC International Germany Holding AG

Westendstrae 28

60325 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Registered with the commercial register (Handelsregister) of the local court (Amtsgericht) of Munich under HRB 294070.

Target:

Covestro AG

Kaiser-Wilhelm-Allee 60

51373 Leverkusen

Germany

Registered with the commercial register (Handelsregister) of the local court (Amtsgericht) of Cologne under HRB 85281.

ISIN: DE0006062144

Today, ADNOC International Germany Holding AG (the Bidder), a wholly-owned indirect subsidiary of ADNOC International Limited, decided to make a voluntary public takeover offer to all shareholders of Covestro AG (the Company) for the acquisition of all non-par value bearer shares in the Company (ISIN: DE0006062144), each share representing a proportionate amount of EUR 1.00 of the share capital of the Company (the Covestro Shares) against payment of cash consideration in the amount of EUR 62.00 per Covestro Share (the Takeover Offer).

The Offer Document (in German and a non-binding English translation) which will set forth the detailed terms and conditions of the Takeover Offer, as well as further information relating thereto, will be published by the Bidder following approval by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) on the internet at the website www.covestro-offer.com.

The Bidder reserves the right, to the extent permissible by law, to deviate from the above described parameters.

Important notice:

This announcement is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell Covestro Shares. The final terms of the Takeover Offer as well as other provisions relating to the Takeover Offer will be communicated in the Offer Document after the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht) has permitted the publication of the Offer Document. The Bidder reserves the right to deviate from the key items presented here in the final terms and conditions of the Takeover Offer to the extent legally permissible. Investors and holders of Covestro Shares are strongly advised to read the Offer Document and all other documents relating to the Takeover Offer as soon as they have been made public, as they will contain important information. The Offer Document for the Takeover Offer (in German and a non-binding English translation) with the detailed terms and conditions and other information on the Takeover Offer will be published after approval by the German Federal Financial Supervisory Authority (Bundesanstalt fur Finanzdienstleistungsaufsicht), amongst other information, on the internet at www.covestro-offer.com.

The Takeover Offer will be implemented exclusively on the basis of the applicable provisions of German law, in particular the German Securities Acquisition and Takeover Act (Wertpapiererwerbs- und Ubernahmegesetz - WpUG), and certain securities law provisions of the United States of America. The Takeover Offer will not be conducted in accordance with the legal requirements of jurisdictions other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as applicable). Accordingly, no notices, filings, approvals or authorizations for the Takeover Offer have been filed, caused to be filed or granted outside the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as applicable). Investors and holders of Covestro Shares cannot rely on being protected by the investor protection laws of any jurisdiction other than the Federal Republic of Germany or the United States of America (as applicable). This announcement may not be released or otherwise distributed in whole or in part, in any jurisdiction in which the Takeover Offer would be prohibited by applicable law.

The Bidder reserves the right, to the extent permitted by law, to directly or indirectly acquire additional Covestro Shares outside the Takeover Offer on or off the stock exchange, provided that such acquisitions or arrangements to acquire shares are not made in the United States of America and will comply with the applicable German statutory provisions. The Takeover Offer announced in this announcement will relate to shares in a German company admitted to trading on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange and will be subject to the disclosure requirements, rules and practices applicable to companies listed in the Federal Republic of Germany, which differ from those of the United States of America and other jurisdictions in certain material respects.

Any contract entered into with the Bidder as a result of the acceptance of the planned Takeover Offer will be governed exclusively by and construed in accordance with the laws of the Federal Republic of Germany. It may be difficult for shareholders from the United States of America (or from elsewhere outside of Germany) to enforce certain rights and claims arising in connection with the Takeover Offer under United States of America federal securities laws (or other laws they are acquainted with) since the Bidder and the Company are located outside the United States of America (or the jurisdiction where the shareholder resides), and their respective officers and directors reside outside the United States of America (or the jurisdiction where the shareholder resides). It may not be possible to sue a non-United States of America company or its officers or directors in a non-United States of America court for violations of United States of America securities laws. It also may not be possible to compel a non-United States of America company or its subsidiaries to submit themselves to a United States of America courts judgment.

To the extent that this document contains forward-looking statements, they are not statements of fact and are identified by the words "intend", "will" and similar expressions. These statements express the intentions, beliefs or current expectations and assumptions of the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it. Such forward-looking statements are based on current plans, estimates and projections made by the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it to the best of their knowledge, but are not guarantees of future accuracy (this applies in particular to circumstances beyond the control of the Bidder or the persons acting jointly with it). Forward-looking statements are subject to risks and uncertainties, most of which are difficult to predict and are usually beyond the Bidder's control or the control of the persons acting jointly with it. It should be taken into account that actual results or consequences in the future may differ materially from those indicated or contained in the forward-looking statements. It cannot be ruled out that the Bidder and the persons acting jointly with it will change their intentions and estimates stated in documents or notifications or in the Offer Document yet to be published after publication of the documents, notifications or the Offer Document.

Frankfurt am Main, 1 October 2024

ADNOC International Germany Holding AG

End of WpUG announcement
Equities researchers at StockNews.com assumed coverage on shares of Credit Suisse Group (NYSE:CS  Get Free Report) in a research note issued to investors on Sunday. The firm set a hold rating on the financial services providers stock.

Credit Suisse Group Stock Performance

Credit Suisse Group stock opened at $0.89 on Friday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.53, a current ratio of 1.53 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.79. The company has a market capitalization of $2.77 billion, a P/E ratio of 1.37 and a beta of 1.27. The stocks 50 day moving average is $0.89 and its 200 day moving average is $0.89. Credit Suisse Group has a twelve month low of $0.82 and a twelve month high of $6.36.

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Credit Suisse Group Company Profile

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Credit Suisse Group AG is a holding company, which engages in the provision of financial services. It operates through the following four divisions: Wealth Management, Investment Bank, Swiss Bank and Asset Management and four geographic regions: Switzerland, Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Asia Pacific, and Americas.

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Green Dot Co. (NYSE:GDOT  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,480,000 shares, a decline of 10.8% from the August 31st total of 1,660,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 466,800 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.2 days. Approximately 2.9% of the companys stock are sold short.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Green Dot

A number of large investors have recently modified their holdings of GDOT. nVerses Capital LLC acquired a new position in Green Dot during the second quarter worth $25,000. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of Green Dot by 162.0% during the 2nd quarter. Nisa Investment Advisors LLC now owns 2,602 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $25,000 after purchasing an additional 1,609 shares during the period. Headlands Technologies LLC grew its stake in shares of Green Dot by 89.2% during the 1st quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC now owns 2,743 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 1,293 shares during the period. UMB Bank n.a. increased its holdings in shares of Green Dot by 98.3% in the 1st quarter. UMB Bank n.a. now owns 2,855 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 1,415 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Quarry LP purchased a new stake in Green Dot during the second quarter worth about $32,000. 92.56% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

GDOT has been the subject of a number of recent analyst reports. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reaffirmed a market perform rating and set a $11.00 price target on shares of Green Dot in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Barclays upped their price target on Green Dot from $7.00 to $10.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a report on Monday, September 23rd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and one has assigned 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 $11.50.

Green Dot Price Performance

Green Dot stock opened at $11.71 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $10.74 and a 200-day simple moving average of $9.82. Green Dot has a 12 month low of $7.30 and a 12 month high of $14.05. The stock has a market capitalization of $623.09 million, a PE ratio of -24.91 and a beta of 0.91.

Green Dot (NYSE:GDOT  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The financial services provider reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.23 by $0.02. Green Dot had a negative net margin of 3.41% and a positive return on equity of 4.01%. The company had revenue of $407.10 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $381.87 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.20 EPS. The businesss revenue was up 11.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Green Dot will post 1 EPS for the current year.

Green Dot Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Green Dot Corporation, a financial technology and registered bank holding company, provides various financial services to consumers and businesses in the United States. It operates through three segments: Consumer Services, Business to Business Services, and Money Movement Services. The company provides deposit account programs, including consumer and small business checking account products, network-branded reloadable prepaid debit cards and gift cards, and secured credit programs.

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BQE Water Inc. (CVE:BQE  Get Free Report) Senior Officer Songlin Ye purchased 300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, September 27th. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$57.00 per share, for a total transaction of C$17,100.00.

Songlin Ye also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Wednesday, September 18th, Songlin Ye acquired 600 shares of BQE Water stock. The shares were acquired at an average price of C$55.50 per share, with a total value of C$33,300.00.

On Friday, September 13th, Songlin Ye bought 3,000 shares of BQE Water stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$8.75 per share, with a total value of C$26,250.00.

On Tuesday, July 30th, Songlin Ye sold 800 shares of BQE Water stock. The shares were sold at an average price of C$60.80, for a total value of C$48,640.00.

On Monday, July 8th, Songlin Ye sold 300 shares of BQE Water stock. The stock was sold at an average price of C$61.00, for a total value of C$18,300.00.

BQE Water Trading Up 1.8 %

Shares of CVE BQE opened at C$58.00 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 3.70, a current ratio of 5.62 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 12.98. BQE Water Inc. has a 12 month low of C$25.50 and a 12 month high of C$69.00. The company has a market cap of C$74.24 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 30.05 and a beta of 0.68. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of C$59.28 and a 200-day simple moving average of C$56.57.

About BQE Water

BQE Water ( CVE:BQE Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 27th. The company reported C$0.43 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of C$0.87 by C($0.44). The firm had revenue of C$3.42 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of C$4.10 million. BQE Water had a net margin of 14.27% and a return on equity of 17.67%.

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BQE Water Inc, a water treatment company, provides wastewater management and treatment solutions to the mining and metallurgical industry in Canada, the United States, Latin America, China, and internationally. It offers water treatment solutions for mine drainage, run-off, waste rock seepage, tailings water, groundwater, and lime plant influent and/or effluent streams for treating metals, sulphate, selenium, nitrate, ammonia, and cyanide in the mining sector; smelting and refining services for treating metals and sulphate; and hydrometallurgy services for the treatment of metals, cyanide, and acids.

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Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB  Get Free Report) has been assigned a consensus rating of Reduce from the six research firms that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat.com reports. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation and four have issued a hold recommendation on the company. The average 1-year price target among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $13.92.

A number of equities research analysts have commented on PEB shares. Wells Fargo & Company decreased their price objective on Pebblebrook Hotel Trust from $15.00 to $13.00 and set an equal weight rating for the company in a research report on Friday, September 13th. StockNews.com lowered Pebblebrook Hotel Trust from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Wednesday, September 25th.

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Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Trading Down 2.3 %

Shares of NYSE PEB opened at $13.23 on Tuesday. Pebblebrook Hotel Trust has a one year low of $11.39 and a one year high of $16.65. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.59 billion, a PE ratio of -12.97, a PEG ratio of 0.66 and a beta of 1.84. The company has a current ratio of 0.71, a quick ratio of 0.71 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $13.07 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $13.99.

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE:PEB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 24th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.58 by ($0.42). Pebblebrook Hotel Trust had a negative return on equity of 3.40% and a negative net margin of 6.75%. The business had revenue of $397.11 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $396.29 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $0.62 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, analysts predict that Pebblebrook Hotel Trust will post 1.51 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.01 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.04 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.30%. Pebblebrook Hotel Trusts dividend payout ratio is -3.92%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Jon E. Bortz purchased 22,000 shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was acquired at an average cost of $12.21 per share, for a total transaction of $268,620.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now directly owns 1,341,284 shares in the company, valued at $16,377,077.64. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In related news, CEO Jon E. Bortz bought 66,000 shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $11.98 per share, for a total transaction of $790,680.00. Following the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 1,319,284 shares in the company, valued at $15,805,022.32. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CEO Jon E. Bortz bought 22,000 shares of Pebblebrook Hotel Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, August 13th. The stock was bought at an average price of $12.21 per share, with a total value of $268,620.00. Following the completion of the acquisition, the chief executive officer now owns 1,341,284 shares in the company, valued at approximately $16,377,077.64. The disclosure for this purchase can be found here. 2.40% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Pebblebrook Hotel Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Quarry LP increased its position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 2,376.9% in the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 4,508 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $62,000 after buying an additional 4,326 shares during the period. Quest Partners LLC bought a new position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $157,000. Blue Trust Inc. increased its position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust by 707.8% in the 2nd quarter. Blue Trust Inc. now owns 11,116 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $153,000 after buying an additional 9,740 shares during the period. Algert Global LLC bought a new position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $167,000. Finally, Quadrature Capital Ltd bought a new position in Pebblebrook Hotel Trust in the 4th quarter worth approximately $266,000.

Pebblebrook Hotel Trust Company Profile

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Pebblebrook Hotel Trust (NYSE: PEB) is a publicly traded real estate investment trust ("REIT") and the largest owner of urban and resort lifestyle hotels and resorts in the United States. The Company owns 47 hotels and resorts, totaling approximately 12,200 guest rooms across 13 urban and resort markets.

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Skillcast Group plc (LON:SKL  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Wednesday, September 18th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be given a dividend of GBX 0.17 ($0.00) per share on Friday, October 25th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.34%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 3rd. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Skillcast Group Stock Down 2.1 %

LON SKL opened at GBX 46.50 ($0.62) on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of 41.60 million, a PE ratio of -4,750.00 and a beta of 0.26. The business has a 50 day moving average price of GBX 43.35 and a two-hundred day moving average price of GBX 37.45. Skillcast Group has a fifty-two week low of GBX 19.09 ($0.26) and a fifty-two week high of GBX 54 ($0.72). The company has a quick ratio of 2.22, a current ratio of 1.72 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.05.

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Skillcast Group Company Profile

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Skillcast Group plc provides staff compliance training services in the United Kingdom, Malta, rest of Europe, and internationally. It offers compliance declarations, surveys, and compliance registers; bespoke e-learning solutions; Learning Management System, an managed software-as-a-service that enables companies to build and deliver digital training content; Policy Hub, an online tool that provides corporate policy management solutions; Training 360, an offline tracking and learning solution; Events Management System for managing online and face-to-face corporate training events; SMCR 360, a suite of compliance tools to centralize, integrate, and automate senior managers and certification regime process; and Regtech tools to manage various compliance needs.

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StockNews.com lowered shares of Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report released on Saturday.

A number of other research analysts have also recently issued reports on LEN. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on shares of Lennar from $183.00 to $230.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Lennar from $145.00 to $160.00 and gave the company an underperform rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. Citigroup lifted their target price on Lennar from $164.00 to $196.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. Wedbush reaffirmed a neutral rating and issued a $144.00 target price on shares of Lennar in a research report on Friday, September 20th. Finally, Barclays boosted their price target on Lennar from $177.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, ten have assigned a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $181.94.

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Lennar Trading Up 0.2 %

Shares of LEN stock opened at $187.48 on Friday. Lennar has a 12-month low of $102.90 and a 12-month high of $193.80. The company has a market capitalization of $51.48 billion, a P/E ratio of 12.75, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.61. The company has a quick ratio of 0.98, a current ratio of 4.90 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.08. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $178.55 and a 200 day moving average price of $164.94.

Lennar (NYSE:LEN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, September 19th. The construction company reported $3.90 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $3.62 by $0.28. Lennar had a net margin of 11.51% and a return on equity of 15.47%. The company had revenue of $9.42 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.14 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $3.91 earnings per share. The companys revenue was up 7.9% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Lennar will post 14.13 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Lennar Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 24th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, October 9th will be paid a dividend of $0.50 per share. This represents a $2.00 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.07%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, October 9th. Lennars payout ratio is presently 13.60%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Boston Partners increased its holdings in Lennar by 21.5% in the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 23,775 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,089,000 after purchasing an additional 4,207 shares during the period. Integrated Advisors Network LLC increased its stake in Lennar by 177.3% in the 4th quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 31,258 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $4,659,000 after buying an additional 19,985 shares during the last quarter. First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services increased its stake in Lennar by 331.8% in the 1st quarter. First National Bank of Mount Dora Trust Investment Services now owns 12,033 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $2,069,000 after buying an additional 9,246 shares during the last quarter. Grayhawk Investment Strategies Inc. purchased a new stake in shares of Lennar during the 4th quarter worth approximately $838,000. Finally, Norden Group LLC purchased a new position in Lennar in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $5,592,000. 81.10% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Lennar

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Lennar Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as a homebuilder primarily under the Lennar brand in the United States. It operates through Homebuilding East, Homebuilding Central, Homebuilding Texas, Homebuilding West, Financial Services, Multifamily, and Lennar Other segments. The company's homebuilding operations include the construction and sale of single-family attached and detached homes, as well as the purchase, development, and sale of residential land; and development, construction, and management of multifamily rental properties.

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Shares of The Procter & Gamble Company (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the twenty-one research firms that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Eight analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twelve have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 1 year price target among analysts that have covered the stock in the last year is $175.89.

Several analysts have recently issued reports on the company. Barclays downgraded Procter & Gamble from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $163.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday. BNP Paribas began coverage on Procter & Gamble in a research report on Monday, June 24th. They set an outperform rating and a $187.00 target price for the company. Evercore ISI increased their price target on Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $183.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Citigroup boosted their price objective on shares of Procter & Gamble from $177.00 to $190.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 10th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. raised their target price on shares of Procter & Gamble from $179.00 to $186.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, September 19th.

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Procter & Gamble Trading Down 0.2 %

Shares of NYSE PG opened at $173.14 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $408.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.29, a PEG ratio of 3.76 and a beta of 0.41. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $170.88 and a 200 day simple moving average of $166.28. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.51, a quick ratio of 0.53 and a current ratio of 0.73. Procter & Gamble has a 52 week low of $141.45 and a 52 week high of $177.94.

Procter & Gamble (NYSE:PG  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.40 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.37 by $0.03. Procter & Gamble had a net margin of 17.71% and a return on equity of 33.46%. The company had revenue of $20.53 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $20.69 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business posted $1.37 EPS. Procter & Gambles quarterly revenue was down .1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Procter & Gamble will post 6.97 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Procter & Gamble Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 15th. Shareholders of record on Friday, July 19th were paid a dividend of $1.0065 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, July 19th. This represents a $4.03 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.33%. Procter & Gambles dividend payout ratio is currently 65.69%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 3,373 shares of Procter & Gamble stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $573,410.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 21,513 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,657,210. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. In related news, CEO R. Alexandra Keith sold 3,373 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, August 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $170.00, for a total transaction of $573,410.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 21,513 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,657,210. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, insider Susan Street Whaley sold 450 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $169.22, for a total value of $76,149.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 13,072 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,212,043.84. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders sold 375,553 shares of company stock worth $63,829,141. 0.17% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Procter & Gamble

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Alera Investment Advisors LLC increased its position in shares of Procter & Gamble by 1.2% during the 1st quarter. Alera Investment Advisors LLC now owns 5,007 shares of the companys stock valued at $812,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC increased its stake in shares of Procter & Gamble by 4.1% during the 2nd quarter. Hudson Value Partners LLC now owns 1,516 shares of the companys stock worth $250,000 after purchasing an additional 60 shares during the last quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC raised its holdings in shares of Procter & Gamble by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Fiduciary Alliance LLC now owns 2,261 shares of the companys stock worth $371,000 after purchasing an additional 61 shares during the period. LCM Capital Management Inc lifted its stake in Procter & Gamble by 1.1% in the first quarter. LCM Capital Management Inc now owns 5,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $925,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee grew its holdings in Procter & Gamble by 0.3% during the second quarter. Home Federal Bank of Tennessee now owns 23,318 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,846,000 after purchasing an additional 63 shares during the period. 65.77% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Procter & Gamble Company Profile

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The Procter & Gamble Company provides branded consumer packaged goods worldwide. It operates through five segments: Beauty; Grooming; Health Care; Fabric & Home Care; and Baby, Feminine & Family Care. The Beauty segment offers conditioners, shampoos, styling aids, and treatments under the Head & Shoulders, Herbal Essences, Pantene, and Rejoice brands; and antiperspirants and deodorants, personal cleansing, and skin care products under the Olay, Old Spice, Safeguard, Secret, and SK-II brands.

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StockNews.com cut shares of Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Free Report) from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report report published on Saturday morning.

A number of other brokerages have also commented on TRV. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $221.00 to $234.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. William Blair reiterated a market perform rating on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Friday, June 28th. TD Cowen lowered shares of Travelers Companies from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the stock from $252.00 to $230.00 in a report on Monday, July 15th. Royal Bank of Canada reiterated a sector perform rating and issued a $225.00 price objective on shares of Travelers Companies in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Travelers Companies from $220.00 to $242.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have given a hold rating, four have given a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $227.05.

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Travelers Companies Stock Performance

NYSE:TRV opened at $234.12 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 0.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.32. The firm has a market capitalization of $53.36 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 17.39, a PEG ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 0.62. The firms fifty day simple moving average is $224.19 and its 200 day simple moving average is $218.22. Travelers Companies has a twelve month low of $157.33 and a twelve month high of $243.48.

Travelers Companies (NYSE:TRV  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results 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 business had revenue of $11.28 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $11.35 billion. Travelers Companies had a net margin of 8.37% and a return on equity of 15.90%. The businesss revenue was up 11.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.06 EPS. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Travelers Companies will post 17.19 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Travelers Companies Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th were given a dividend of $1.05 per share. This represents a $4.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.79%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 10th. Travelers Companiess dividend payout ratio is presently 31.20%.

Insider Activity at Travelers Companies

In related news, EVP Michael Frederick Klein sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated 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 of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,820,409.12. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Insiders own 1.33% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 2nd quarter worth about $25,000. Pathway Financial Advisers LLC bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $35,000. Beacon Capital Management LLC grew its position in Travelers Companies by 74.2% in the 1st quarter. Beacon Capital Management LLC now owns 155 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $36,000 after purchasing an additional 66 shares during the last quarter. Opal Wealth Advisors LLC bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $42,000. Finally, Tributary Capital Management LLC bought a new position in Travelers Companies in the 1st quarter worth about $45,000. Institutional investors own 82.45% of the companys stock.

Travelers Companies Company Profile

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The Travelers Companies, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides a range of commercial and personal property, and casualty insurance products and services to businesses, government units, associations, and individuals in the United States and internationally. The company operates through three segments: Business Insurance, Bond & Specialty Insurance, and Personal Insurance.

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September 30, 2024: India continues its effort to design and build SSN (nuclear attack sub) submarines. Construction is supposed to begin this year with the first SSNs entering service in 2032.

India is currently building six locally designed SSBN (nuclear submarines carrying ballistic missiles). India is one of only six nations that build nuclear submarines. The United States was first, putting its first nuclear sub into service during 1954. Russia followed in 1958, followed by Britain in 1963, France in 1971, China in 1983 and India in 2016. The United States always had the largest number of reliable nuclear attack and ballistic missile carrying submarines. The Soviet Union put more nuclear subs into service, but these boats were less reliable and dangerous for their crews because of radiation leaks. When the Soviet Union collapsed in 1991, one of its legacies was that most of its 240 nuclear submarines were worthless. Most were poorly designed and built and more dangerous to their crews than to their enemies. NATO nations are still assisting Russia to decommission these submarines and their 468 nuclear reactors. Most subs had two reactors. NATO nations are assisting Russia in this cleanup, to prevent any of those reactors and their nuclear material from ending up on the sea bottom emitting harmful radiation for hundreds of years. While the Americans, British, French, Chinese and Indians operated and disposed of their retired nuclear subs safely, Russia did not.

India learned how to operate nuclear subs by leasing two of them from Russia. The first was in 1988 when India received the Russian K-43 attack submarine. Russia imposed restrictions on how India could use this sub and India returned it in 1990. In 2010 India leased a more advanced Akula class nuclear submarine but returned it in 2021 because of chronic and crippling maintenance problems.

India had leased those two Russian subs to train their crews so there were Indian sailors capable of operating. In the 1980s India decided to build its own nuclear-powered submarines. This was a slow process. The first Indian ballistic missile nuclear sub was the Arihant, which entered service in 2018 after fourteen years of effort building it and getting the boat to function effectively. Indian Admirals pointed out that Arihant was a demonstration project and successfully went to sea in 2018 on its first patrol, armed with ballistic missiles.

India began working on a SSN in the late 1980s but, as work progressed, it was decided to enlarge SSN design by adding a ballistic missile compartment and put all their efforts into creating an SSBN. This was a tried and true solution. Russia and China had successfully done this, following the example of the United States in the 1950s.

The first American SSBNs were the five 6,000 ton boats of the George Washington class. These were basically Skipjack class SSNs that were enlarged to add a missile compartment for 16 Polaris missiles. The 3,000 ton Skipjacks were designed in the early 1950s and construction of the first one began in 1956 and entered service in 1959. The U.S. Navy literally modified the hulls of two Skipjack SSNs under construction to accommodate the missile compartment and other less drastic changes. Thus the construction of the first American SSBN began in 1957, was launched in June 1959 and entered service at the end of 1959. Four more followed and by March 1961 five of these SSBNs were in service. They all served into the 1980s. The first American SSBN class was followed by five of the 6,900 ton Ethan Allen class, which was designed from the start as an SSBN. The first of these began construction in late 1959 and entered service in August 1961. Four more followed by January 1963. Note that the first American SSN (the Nautilus) began construction in 1952 and entered service in 1955. So the U.S. Navy went from SSN to SSBN in four years.

The Indian Navy took longer to get it done because the Indian weapons development and procurement bureaucracy is infamous for its ability to disrupt and delay weapons development programs. Arihant is still not fully in service. Meanwhile a second Arihant class SSBN, the Arighaat entered service in 2024.

Arihant entered service in 2018 and carried out its first combat cruise with nuclear armed missiles. In 2022 Arihant launched one of its missiles which accurately hit its target area in the Bay of Bengal. Both Indian SSBNs are currently in service with more on the way.

In 2016 India successfully tested its new K4 SLBM (Sea Launched Ballistic Missile) under realistic conditions. This consisted of a submerged silo (like the one used in a submarine) that successfully released the missile at a realistic depth. The missile reached the surface, ignited its rocket motor and completed its ballistic flight as it was designed to do. Several more successful tests like this are required before K4 can enter service. K4 is based on the Agni 3 land based ballistic missile, which has been in service since 2010. Both the Agni 3 and K4 have a range of 3,500 kilometers. K4 is a 20 ton, two stage, solid fuel missile that carries a one ton warhead.

Arihant was built to carry nuclear armed K4 or K15 ballistic missiles designed and manufactured in India. Arihant has four vertical launch tubes, which can carry twelve, three per launch tube, of the smaller K15 missiles or four larger K-4s. The Arihant is based on the Russian Charlie II sub, which it resembles. The Charlie class had eight launch tubes, outside the pressure hull, for anti-ship missiles. Arihant has a crew of 90-100 and six 533mm torpedo tubes in addition to the four vertical missile launch tubes.

In early 2013 the K15 missile underwent its final development test and was ready to be installed in the Arihant. This came after five years of testing and tweaking. In 2007, India announced that it had perfected the technology for launching ballistic missiles from a submerged submarine. That meant the silo design had been perfected as well. In 2008, India began a series of twelve test firings from a missile cell designed to fit into the Arihant. These test firings were not done from the Arihant, but from the cell placed in the ground or underwater to simulate launch from the sub. Seven launches took place in 2008.

The seven ton K15 has a 700 kilometer range with a one ton warhead or 1,900 kilometers with a 189 kg warhead. The latter weight is sufficient to handle a nuclear warhead if India has been successful in developing warhead technology to the same point the U.S. and Russia were in the 1980s.

The first SLBM was the U.S. Polaris A1, which entered service in 1961 after about five years of development. Like the K15 it was a two stage solid fuel missile. The Polaris A1 weighed 13 tons, had a range of 2,200 kilometers and a one ton warhead.

There are apparently problems with the readiness of the nuclear warheads used in the Arihant SSBNs. This has to do with security and controls over who has launch authority.

Since 1999 India has been seeking to build 24 modern diesel-electric submarines. India elected a new reform-minded government in 2014 that was obsessed with making India less dependent on imported military technology. Increased efforts to develop domestic weapons development and production capability have failed. In response to this the government made it more difficult to import needed weapons that Indian firms were unable to develop and build. India is also trying to reduce the power of government weapons development and production operations that have never been able to do much of anything, let alone compete with foreign defense manufacturers.

The major goals of local procurement are to decrease reliance on Russia, which was, until recently, Indias largest supplier of military equipment. For a long time India was the second largest, after Saudi Arabia, importer of weapons in the world and the largest customer for Russian military exports. India has been buying less from Russia since the 1990s. Since the 1960s Russia supplied more and more, often over 80 percent, of Indian weapons imports. In the last decade that has fallen to fifty percent and continues to decline.

The second part of the program to reduce weapons imports is to make it easier for Indian firms to meet the needs of the Indian military. The government issued a list identifying specific weapons and items of military equipment that must be procured locally. Making it mandatory to buy locally has been tried before and led to some spectacular failures, so much so that the government authorized the emergency FTP (Fast Track Procurement) procedures in 2004. With FTP the military could unilaterally buy some items from foreign suppliers. It was assumed that FTP would eliminate the most embarrassing problems with getting desperately needed military weapons. It was also believed that government efforts to clean up the corruption and other problems with the military procurement process would soon make FTP unnecessary. That has not happened.

FTP is still around to allow the immediate purchase of essential military items without the usual political and procurement delays that can add years, sometimes a decade or more, to obtaining needed items. FTP is still needed because the current confrontation with better equipped Chinese forces on the northern border makes it obvious that all the Chinese weapons and equipment is Chinese-made and clearly more modern. Recent Made in India mandates make it more difficult to use FTP. The Indian Air Force believes it will not be able to replace aging jet fighters with local designs in time. The air force will shrink while the politicians come up with more ways to block efforts to fix the problem. This refusal to face reality and actually solve procurement problems has crippled the Indian military for decades.

Meanwhile Indians ask why China developed a world-class weapons development and production capability in the last few decades while India has not? Mainly its about corruption and decades of India making it difficult for Indians to start and operate profitable firms that could produce consumer goods as well as military equipment. The United States became the largest economy in the world over a century ago by encouraging this entrepreneurship. Many other nations, including those in Europe and East Asia like Japan, South Korea and China followed that example.

While making it difficult for Indian entrepreneurs, India tried to use government-owned weapons development efforts and defense manufacturers to locally produce weapons. These state-owned organizations were epic failures and continue to develop second-rate weapons or weapons that dont work at all. Recent examples include assault rifles, helicopters and jet fighters. The only successes have been with privately owned firms and that is what the government wants more of. New rules and laws to reduce restrictions on commercial firms are meant to encourage less dependence on imports. As with previous efforts in this area, the goals tend to be more aspirational than actual. Indian government bureaucrats and procurement agencies have become quite effective at protecting their own interests at the expense of commercial firms and the needs of the military.

This is a problem in all industrialized nations because that is the nature of government; to use their power to expand. Nations like China and Israel are notably different because China did not begin undergoing the industrial revolution until the 1980s. As usual, that produced spectacular results, which will be eroded over the years as the government expands at the expense of successful new firms. That is already happening in China, where the communist government fears the potential political influence of the largest and most successful firms. Israel is a special case because they have been under constant attack by their Moslem neighbors since Israel was founded in 1947. For Israel it has always been a matter of succeeding at developing new weapons or being wiped out.

India is different because it adopted a local form of socialism instead of free enterprise when modern India was formed in 1948. As a result, India has always had to import most of its weapons. Efforts to change this have failed so far, mainly because of corruption and unwillingness to tolerate competitive and efficient defense industries. That corruption that has been pervasive in India for thousands of years and makes imported weapons from nations willing to pay bribes to Indian government officials more attractive than allowing competitive Indian firms to develop and provide cheaper locally made equipment.

One bit of good news is that this form of corruption has been under heavy attack for more than a decade because of the Internet. Political parties could control mass media and much local news, but not the Internet. Fighting corruption has become enormously popular with voters, who learn that most Western countries supplying weapons to India are often very anti-corruption themselves and much more successful at it. When Russia was supplying over 80 percent of weapons imports, you had a supplier that was a dictatorship and quite comfortable with bribes and payoffs. For more than a decade Russia has been losing sales to Western firms. The culture of corruption still exists in Indian defense procurement, but it is under heavy attack. Even if no bribes were involved when buying foreign weapons, that would not fix the inability to create a competitive Indian weapons industry.

The reason for that has to do with why, for most of the last half century, most Indian weapons came from Russia. There were several reasons for that: politics, price and practicality. The policy was a decision by Indian politicians to be non-aligned during the Cold War. This conflict began just as India became independent from the British Empire. Still resentful towards Britain and the West for two centuries of colonial domination, India officially refused to take sides during the Cold War. Yet its relations with Russia, a communist dictatorship, were much warmer than with the Western democracies. Although India clung to democracy, the educated classes were infatuated with the promise of socialism. For several decades Indians abhorred the Russian form of government which was a dictatorship but admired their socialist approach to running their economy. It wasnt until the 1980s that most Indian politicians admitted that the Russian economic model was all a fraud and not working. For India, this set-in motion the sort of free enterprise policies that China had employed since the 1980s. By then it was too late for India. Decades of attempts to impose government regulation and guidance of the economy had created a huge bureaucracy that could not be easily dismantled because many of these jobs were used by politicians to reward supporters and get reelected.

Then there was the price of Russian weapons. They were cheaper than Western equivalents. This meant more could be spent on bribes and payoffs. Finally, there was practicality. Indias main foes were Pakistan and China. Pakistan had a much smaller population, economy and defense budget than India. Russian weapons were adequate for Pakistan. China was also poorly equipped until quite recently, and separated from India by the Himalaya Mountains. Under those conditions Russian weapons were just fine for Indian needs.

Since the Cold War ended in 1991 all this has changed. Indian politics has changed and now officially wants to clamp down on the corruption, which everyone admits cripples the economy. Price is still important, but its been noticed that Russian weapons have slipped in quality and effectiveness since the Soviet Union collapsed. Pakistan is even less of a military threat, because Pakistan is even more corrupt and economically crippled than India. China, however, is another matter. China has managed to build a powerful and productive arms industry. All those Russian weapons India has no longer provides any degree of superiority. India needs Western-quality arms to maintain a competitive military for confronting China, but those are more expensive. Its possible to make them in India under license, but the Indian industry has not been able to master high tech sufficiently to make this practical. In short, its no longer practical to tolerate an inefficient domestic defense industry.

Efforts to create domestic defense industries have been crippled by specific portions of the bureaucracy. The worst of these is the DRDO (Defense Research and Development Organization). Alas, DRDO became a monumental example of bureaucratic inefficiency, wasting billions of dollars and decades of effort on weapons systems that never quite became operational or when they did, they really weren't. DRDO was created in 1958 to provide government support and guidance for defense related research. But the network of research and manufacturing facilities DRDO established since then were more about patronage and plundering the taxpayers than in actually creating competitive defense industries. Even DRDO efforts to create low-tech weapons like assault rifles and other infantry equipment were failures, with sloppiness and inefficiency resulting in very uncompetitive weapons.

Worse, many major DRDO weapons development projects have failed because bad politics ensured that bad ideas kept getting funded, and those efforts rarely produced anything the military found acceptable. For example, the 5.5-ton Dhruv helicopter was in development for two decades before the first one was delivered in 2002. Since then, domestic and foreign users have expressed dissatisfaction. A series of crashes indicated some basic design flaws, which the manufacturer insisted did not exist. Similar situation with locally developed Tejas jet fighter. Indian politicians still cite these two aircraft as examples of successful Indian developed tech. The Indian military has been equally quick to cite these two aircraft as unacceptable and has often succeeded in avoiding accepting more than a token number. Export customers did not exist.

Then there is the effort to develop and build a tank. Many of the problems with the Arjun tank project had to do with nothing more than government ineptitude. The Ministry of Defense was more interested in putting out press releases about how India was becoming self-sufficient in tanks than in attending to the technical details needed to make this happen. The Ministry of Defense crowd has done this sort of thing many times. Moreover, if it isn't incompetence screwing things up, then it's corruption.

Efforts to develop missile systems have also been a long running failure. Work on indigenous missile designs, under the Integrated Guided Missile Development Program (IGMDP), managed by DRDO has gone on for decades, with no useful weapons to show for it. The most common problems were apparently caused by inept software development. While India has a lot of local talent in this department, creating this kind of specialized military software is very difficult and the best programmers tend to join the growing number of new companies that sell their services or software products to foreigners. Many other Indian engineers and scientists migrate to countries where it is easier to put their skills to good use.

The one exception has been ballistic missiles. Curiously this was seen as a really, really important project and the politicians eventually backed off and let the engineers get on with it. India has world class engineers and scientists, but too many of them have to go overseas to do what they do best because the government does not tolerate being told what works and what doesnt by people who know what they are talking about.

India is determined to develop the capability of designing and building high-tech weapons, something few countries can do. India is following in the footsteps of China and Russia, two nations that still have most of their population living in poverty, while the state concentrated resources to create the technological base needed to build modern weapons. Russia and China have gone farther than India in developing and manufacturing modern weapons. Not as far as Western firms, if only because of the corruption and lawlessness in both those nations. But Russia and China had an advantage of having authoritarian governments. Decisions could get made quickly and decisively. India is a democracy and democracies are messy. Important decisions tend to get kicked down the road rather than taken care of. Chinese leaders openly boast of this as a major reason China has succeeded while India fails.

There have been some new ideas and opportunities. One of the most alluring is the growing number of private firms in India that can handle defense work. Currently non-government Indian firms get about a quarter of the contracts. Foreign defense firms can make deals with these private firms who can then go after Indian defense contracts. But standing in the way are the Indian defense officials. The Indian bureaucrats have a well-deserved reputation of gumming up the works and preventing needful things from getting done. This makes it difficult for private companies, especially when the main customer is the government. Getting rid of DRDO and its 30,000 employees is difficult. Over 20 percent of them are scientists and engineers unable to compete in a free market economy with many of the rest are obstructionist bureaucrats that cripple the efforts of commercial firms competing with DRDO. Eliminating DRDO is extremely unpopular with most politicians. Yet in the last few years senior elected officials have made some decisive moves to end the bureaucratic deadlock. This involved something as simple as ending the ban on former military personnel taking key jobs in the Defense Ministry and shutting down state-owned arms factories with long records of failure.

This situation is tragic and a growing number of Indians realize it. India, a regional superpower and the worlds largest democracy, with a population of over a billion, now finds itself in a very rough neighborhood and military efficiency is becoming a necessity, not just a worthy goal. To deal with that, India has always maintained large armed forces and one of the largest armies, with a million troops. But keeping these troops equipped, as is expected of them, has proved to be very difficult. The army keeps falling behind in replacing aging weapons like artillery and obtaining new technology like missiles, smart munitions, and night vision. Getting the money from the government has been the least of their problems. The biggest hassles are with corruption and failed efforts to develop local weapons production.

The latest government moves to change all that are not revolutionary, but evolutionary. As has long been observed, democracies always do the right thing, but often only after trying everything else. India still has not reached the end of the everything else list. For the DRDO this moment arrived in 2024 when the government implemented a number of long overdue reforms. DRDO is losing many of its current staff and forced to concentrate more on efficiency and effectiveness.
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A South Carolina State University alumna recently gave current students advice about the world of communications after college based on her experiences.

Ciara Williams made her second visit to SC State as a guest speaker as part as the Communications Programs Speaker Series to encourage students to think broader after graduating.

Get The Times and Democrat app today Local news has never been this personal. Free to download. Subscribers enjoy unlimited access.

The SC State family and just the communications team in particular-- its a phenomenal group of students, Williams said. What really sparked me about both (2022 and 2024) sessions was the drive students have to make an effective change.

Williams is a 2016 graduate of SC State, having earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in communications.

SC State joins national GirlTREK health movement for Black women SC State University launches campus GirlTREK organization empowering Black women's health justice through policy change, community mobilization, preserving culture, labor rights, and environmental activism.

I have been wanting to do communications since I was about six years old, Williams said. It was just a curiosity that sparked me around that age, and it led me to want to pursue a communications degree at South Carolina State University.

Two SC State scientists receive international recognition for pioneering work in brain-computer interface Summary: The IEEE recognized SC State University faculty members for their groundbreaking brain-computer interface achievement, leading to advancements in robotics and human-machine communication.

Williams is a marketing, communications, and economic development professional with over seven years of experience. She is committed to creating impact via project management, leadership, and strategic marketing and communications.

SC State launches My Brothers Keepers initiative to boost male students success SC State University launches My Brothers Keepers initiative to support and empower male students, aiming to increase retention and graduation rates through mentoring and resources.

She leads marketing and rebranding initiatives that position the county for long-term growth. As the project manager for Orangeburg County Development, she is responsible for workforce development and logistical support to site selection and tax incentive securing.

Williams advises SC State students to be honest about what it is that they want to pursue. She also encourages students to write out a list of things that might interest them and to embrace the process and have fun.
(TBTCO) - Trong thang 9/2024, So Giao dich Chung khoan Ha Noi a to chuc 18 ot au thau trai phieu Chinh phu do Kho bac Nha nuoc phat hanh, huy ong uoc 33.374 ty ong, trong o ky han 10 nam van giu ty trong cao nhat voi 66% tong khoi luong phat hanh.
RAK Properties, a leading UAE property developer, has announced that it has expanded the partnership with Thai hospitality group Minor Hotels to introduce the Anantara Branded Residences on the island destination of Mina Al Arab in Ras Al Khaimah.

The Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Residences promise an unparalleled lifestyle, where the tranquillity of traditional Thai design will meet the tropical allure of Ras Al Khaimah, said a statement from RAK Properties.

The residences feature luxury living, complete with world-class amenities, private infinity pools, expansive terraces, and direct access to the pristine shoreline  all within the comfort and privacy of their own sea-view apartment or overwater villa.

The development will include around 94 residential apartments and 20 overwater villas, it added.

The partnership deal was signed during the Future Hospitality Summit at Madinat Jumeirah in Dubai, thus marking another significant milestone in RAK Properties vision to position Mina Al Arab as a leading global destination for luxury island living within a vibrant community hub.

This expanded collaboration, part of RAK Properties' broader strategy of integrating renowned international hospitality brands, reinforces Ras Al Khaimah's appeal to investors and residents seeking high-end living, said the statement.

The Emirati developer has signed up JT& as the lead designer, thus ensuring the projects architectural excellence and seamless integration into the natural surroundings.

Our continued partnership with Minor Hotels is a key milestone in expanding our luxury portfolio," remarked its CEO Sameh Muhtadi.

The Anantara brand aligns perfectly with our vision of delivering world-class, sustainable developments that highlight the natural beauty of Ras Al Khaimah," he stated.

This project not only elevates the living experience but reinforces Minas position as a premier global destination that fully embraces the unique elements of nature the emirate has to offer," he added.

Amir Golbarg, Senior Vice President, Minor Hotels Middle East & Africa, said: We are proud to continue our partnership with RAK Properties, a visionary developer that shares our commitment to excellence and sustainability.

Their deep understanding of Ras Al Khaimahs potential and dedication to enhancing its natural beauty aligns seamlessly with our Anantara brand values.

Together, we are creating unparalleled luxury experiences that not only elevate the living standards in the emirate but also position it as a premier destination on the global stage."

RAK Properties said its initial collaboration with Minor Hotels led to the opening of the award-winning Anantara Mina Al Arab Ras Al Khaimah Resort earlier this year.

The resort is already breaking barriers in sustainable tourism and luxury by achieving the LEED Gold certification for its commitment to it eco-friendly practices, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
September 30, 2024: The South American nation of Columbia is dealing with some epic failures. First on the list is the 2016 peace agreement with FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia) that was supposed to end a half century of violence. There was less violence in some areas, but many of the pardoned FARC members moved their operations and continued their criminal activities in more remote areas. Soon there was more FARC violence than before although it was now happening in rural areas that had previously been peaceful.

In 2017 FARC demobilized, as agreed. The demobilization did not bring peace because the demobilized FARC members then formed nearly three dozen new gangs that engaged in a variety of criminal activities including robbery, drug dealing, kidnapping for ransom and multiple other forms of violent mischief. These crimes are rarely punished because the gangs either bribe, intimidate or murder judges presiding over these cases.

The mayhem is enhanced by thousands of landmines still present in some areas. Police and soldiers in rural areas often engage in illegal activities rather than trying to prevent them. Corruption among long enforcement personnel is the norm, especially in rural areas where its easier for security personnel to conceal what they are up to. This is especially true when the international drug cartels are involved. The cartels regularly offer security personnel a choice; take the bribe money or get killed for opposing the gangs.

Then there are the problems caused by nearly three million refugees from neighboring Venezuela. Columbia offered them amnesty and refuge, which most of the Venezuelans accepted. Some of the Venezuelans moved on to Europe or the United States for better opportunities. The Americans asked the Colombians to block the movement of Colombians and Venezuelans to the United States and paid Colombia a substantial sum to make it happen. Some migration was blocked, but many refugees got to the U.S. border anyway.

Neighboring Venezuela had the largest oil reserves in the world, and a lot of problems caused by all that money. It wasnt helping the average Venezuelan and over seven million Venezuelans have left their oil-rich homeland since 2015. The endless violence in Venezuela means it is safer to be a Venezuelan anywhere but Venezuela. The primary cause of this is local strongman Nicolas Maduro, who has remained in control since 2020 because he purchased the support of military commanders, armed militias and foreign allies like Russia, China, Iran and Cuba. Maduro would have no useful foreign allies if it were not for the huge oil resources Venezuela sits on. The oil wealth has long been a source of political discord and violence and that is what has kept Maduro alive.

The oil wealth is only a century old. Oil production grew rapidly in the 1920s so that, when World War II broke out in 1939, Venezuela was the third largest producer after the United States and Russia. On the downside Venezuelan oil was more expensive to produce and refine because of its tar-like consistency. That meant Venezuela received less money per barrel than other nations. While Venezuela has the worlds largest proven reserves of oil still in the ground, this petroleum is not as valuable or as easy to pump and sell as elsewhere. That is a minor problem compared to chronic corruption. This has been the case since the beginning, before Spanish colonial rule was overthrown in the early 19th century. The post-colonial governments were largely democratic and less corrupt but not by much. The oil industry was owned by a few families and these families spent a lot of that money to maintain their ownership. Venezuelan oil assets were not nationalized until the 1970s and at that point government careers became far more attractive.

How to handle oil income was always a political issue but one reform government after another was corrupted by the oil wealth. The current Chavez/Maduro government began as another populist reform movement and quickly morphed into another corrupt cartel of cronies. One unique feature of the current corrupt rulers is that they have managed to do more economic harm to Venezuela than any previous political group. Moreover, the current government is relying more on foreign governments to survive. Worst of all the democratic opposition is more fragmented and unable to agree on how to remove the current dictatorship. Most of the 28 million remaining Venezuelans are barely surviving. That is what drove over seven million to flee the country. Those remaining are fixated on survival, not reforming the government.

The security forces are first in line for any economic benefits available. Maduro pays attention to advisors from Cuba, Russia and China. All three told him to allow some free enterprise because in small doses it boosts the economy without threatening Maduros rule. Maduro was also advised to let anyone leave the country if they wanted to, but to strictly control who could get back in. The basic advice was to remain in power because eventually the regional and international pressure would decline and ways around the sanctions would be found. Iran had nothing encouraging to say about that approach. This was what Russia was doing and, while Russia said they were doing fine in the face of continued sanctions, the average Russian described a different, and less encouraging reality. This was especially true since Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Western nations, who provide customers and services that make Venezuelan oil profitable, are able to apply pressure on Maduro to behave. Maduro has not cooperated and currently the United States is offering a $15 million reward to anyone or any group that will make it possible for the U.S. to arrest and try Maduro for his crimes. As a cornered despot, Maduro must continue to rule or risk ending up in an American prison. Staying in power and avoiding a rebellion by angry Venezuelans forced Maduro to allow new presidential elections. Maduro believed he could manipulate the election process and get himself installed as a legitimate head of state. That would make him immune to any U.S. efforts to move Maduro to an American penitentiary.

In July 2024 there were national elections in Venezuela. Foreign observers were allowed in to monitor the voting. Maduros main opponent was the popular, and notably honest Edmundo Gonzalez. Poll watchers monitored the election and confirmed that Gonzalez won with 67 percent of the vote. Maduro insisted, without much evidence, that he had won with 52 percent. This led to large demonstrations by thousands of Gonzalez supporters. Maduro ordered that Gonzalez be arrested for election crimes. Gonzalez sought asylum in the Spanish embassy and that allowed him to reach Spain on September 7th.

Maduro still had the support of several countries, including Russia, China, Iran, North Korea and Cuba. Gonzalez was supported by the Americans, European Union and ten Latin American nations. This leaves Maduro an outlaw head of state who could, if need be, seek sanctuary in nearby Cuba. Sanctuary would be granted if Maduro brought with him some of the billions of dollars he stole while in office. That is not as easy as it used to be.

National leaders trying to flee their country with large amounts of money now have to deal with international restrictions on taking that much money with you. In the last decade international regulators helped Nigeria reclaim large sums which larcenous governors of Nigerian states sought to take with them into exile. Stolen money is no good if the only place you can take it is Iran, Cuba or North Korea. Cuba will actually help wealthy people bring their stolen money to Cuba but expects the wealthy visitor to pay large sums to the Cuban government to remain free and wealthy in communist Cuba. North Korea is another option but few wealthy outlaws take it because the North Koreans will take your wealth and then expel you if they have a chance to do so. Iran is somewhere in between. They will tax your wealth but living in an Islamic religious dictatorship is not pleasant for a foreigner.
Roshn Group, a leading Saudi multi-asset class developer powered by PIF, has secured a SAR9 billion ($2.4 billion) syndicated credit facility.

The unsecured revolving credit facility will be for a duration of five years and is part of Roshns funding strategy, intended for general corporate purposes.

Saudi National Bank, Arab National Bank & Riyad Bank served as Book Runners & Mandated Lead Arrangers. Bank Al Bilad & Alinma Bank participated as Lead Arrangers along with Saudi Awwal Bank as Arranger.

The transaction was supported by Riyad Bank as Documentation & Agent Bank as well as legal firms AS&H Clifford Chance as counsel for the banks and White & Case as counsel for Roshn.

The key credit facility will be used for funding Roshns growth and expansion plans, said a top official.

"This syndicated credit facility is a testament to the confidence that the market has in both Roshn and the countrys real estate market," remarked Avinash Pangarkar, Group Chief Finance Officer, Roshn Group.

"Our banking partners are excited by the progress we are making in developing our projects across the kingdom as we look to support Vision 2030s goals," stated Pangarkar.

"Roshn will draw on these funds over the coming years to push forward with our development strategy," he added.

-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia's Roads General Authority (RGA) has developed an extensive road network covering over 8,000 km and also constructed over 200 bridges to support commercial, tourist, and social activities in the kingdom's Tabuk region, reported Saudi Press Agency.

This infrastructure plays a crucial role in connecting the region to the Kingdom's major projects, such as NEOM, Amaala and The Red Sea, and in serving pilgrims travelling from the northern parts of the world to Makkah and Madinah.

Tabuk region is strategically located in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, bordering Jordan to the north, Al Jouf and Hail regions to the east, Madinah region to the south, and the Red Sea to the west.

Its diverse terrain, encompassing desert, mountainous, and coastal areas, underscores the critical role of its road network in connecting it to other regions in the kingdom. Moreover, Tabuk's strategic position facilitates connectivity with Jordan and, by extension, other countries in the east and north.

Over the past few years, numerous logistical projects have been carried out in Tabuk and services have been offered, benefiting both residents and travelers passing through the region.

According to RGA, a total of 33 projects have been implemented in Tabuk region over the past decade at a combined cost of over SAR2.4 billion ($639 million).

The authority's strategy focuses on improving road quality, safety, and traffic capacity, with the aim of improving Saudi Arabia's position in the global road quality index and reducing road fatalities to less than five per 100,000 people by 2030, said the SPA report.

To ensure efficient road management, the Roads General Authority is utilising advanced technologies, including surveying and evaluation equipment, such as the fleet of 18 pieces of equipment that employ AI to continuously assess the condition of the road network.
Turner & Townsend, a global professional services company majority-owned by CBRE Group, a leading commercial real estate services and investment firm, has appointed Alan Coary as the new data centre lead for Middle East region.

This appointment underscores Turner & Townsends commitment to advancing its digital infrastructure capability to drive innovation, operational efficiency and sustainable practices across its data centre projects in the Middle East.

Based in Saudi capital Riyadh, he will draw upon his extensive 17 years industry experience in delivering hyperscale data centres and managing mission-critical infrastructure projects across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA).

Coary joins Turner & Townsend from Linesight in Ireland, where he was EMEA Regional Account Manager for a hyperscale data centre client. Previously he had served in commercial management roles in Dubai and Australia.

Coary's global expertise and leadership are set to enhance Turner & Townsend's ability to serve a diverse range of clients in the data centres sector, both locally and internationally.

"As we navigate a period of significant growth in the data centre market, Alan Coary's leadership will be pivotal in strengthening our competitive edge and expanding our market share," remarked its Managing Director (Middle East) Alan Talabani.

"His focus on operational excellence and sustainable practices will ensure we continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and stakeholders, both domestically and globally, positioning us as a leader in the mission-critical infrastructure space," he added.

Turner & Townsend pointed out that the data centre market in the Middle East, particularly in UAE and KSA, was experiencing rapid growth, driven by increasing demand for digital services, cloud computing, Internet of Things and artificial intelligence.

Significant investments are being made by clients in these countries to support the growing digital economy, emphasising the need for expert project management and consultancy services to ensure the successful delivery of state-of-the-art data centre facilities, it stated.

On his new role, Coary said: "At this crucial time for the Middle East, the demand for robust, scalable, and sustainable data centre solutions is greater than ever."

"My aim is to leverage our data centre expertise and innovative approach to optimising project delivery to drive growth across our operations and support our clients' business objectives," he added.-TradeArabia News Service
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the countrys leading trade fair for security, safety and fire protection, has been officially opened with 310 participating companies, denoting a 25% increase year-on-year.

Aali M Al Zahrani, Governor of the Higher Commission for Industrial Security and Major General Dr Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence threw open the show, which has seen a 34% increase in exhibition space covering a total area of 23,000 sq m across five halls and dedicated outdoor space.

The event runs from October 1 to 3, at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).

Latest tech

The opening keynote address, delivered by Major General Dr Al-Faraj, and part of the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, underscored the directorate's role in employing the latest technologies for the nation's safety through preventive awareness measures to create a safe society free of risks.

Other topics addressed on the summit's opening day included the Saudi Code for Fire Protection, delivered by Eng Mohamad Al Sabbagh, Saudi Civil Defence; Promoting Fire Safety Awareness and Preparedness, by Colonel Abdullah Al Sherani, Saudi Civil Defence; and the Effectiveness of Deployed Technologies in Fire Detection, delivered by Assistant Commissioner Ryan Ong, Singapore Civil Defence Force.

Several panel discussions also took place, including Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management, which saw experts including Neil Odin, Chief Fire Officer from the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, Jamal Al Ghamdi, Corporate Process Safety Director, Sadara Chemical Company, and Fahad Al-Hassan, Manager, Fire & Emergency, Maaden, discuss the crucial phases following a fire, highlighting best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery.

The first day of the exhibition also witnessed the opening of the Future Security and Safety Summit, which featured a series of presentations. The keynote address at the summit was delivered by His Excellency Eng. Ibrahim bin Abdulqader Al Abu Issa, Assistant Governor of the HCIS for Engineering Affairs and Licensing.

Pivotal role

In his speech, he emphasised the importance of hosting such exhibitions and conferences, highlighting the pivotal role the Authority plays in organising the fields of security, safety, and fire protection.

Following his speech, the summit sessions commenced, including Roadmap to a Successful Security Career by Meshal Al Johani, Security operations Specialist at Saudi Aramco; Drones: The Vanguard of Modern Security by Scott Henderson, General Manager of The Drone Centre, and Threat Risk Assessments: Detect, Respond and Prevent by Abdullatif H Alboali, Head of Internal Audit, Mohammed Bin Salman Nonprofit City.

Riham Sedik, Show ManagerIntersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: We have brought together many of the industrys thought leaders to deliver a range of innovative and insightful sessions designed to facilitate in-depth discussions addressing the most pressing challenges facing security professionals today.

Providing direction

For the next three days, Saudi Arabia will be at the epicentre for providing direction to building a safer and more secure future.

The show floor covers five product categories: Commercial and Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security and Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health.

Intersec Saudi Arabia, organised by 1st Arabia and licensed by Messe Frankfurt, is being held in association with the High Commission for Industrial Security and The General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defence. It will return for a sixth edition from October 1 to 3 at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Centre (RICEC).

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: With more than 17,000 visitors anticipated throughout the three days of the exhibition, Intersec Saudi Arabia has underscored its position as a hub for the global security market for networking, discussing the latest trends and securing business deals.--TradeArabia News Service
Intersec Saudi Arabia, the countrys leading trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, has underscored the burgeoning career opportunities in the Middle Easts security sector.

Speaking during the opening day of Intersect Saudi Arabia as part of the Future Security and Safety Summit, Meshal Al Johani, an industry expert with more than 16 years of experience across the security spectrum, predominantly at Aramco, outlined the opportunities for the next generation of security experts and the required skillset, during his session, Roadmap to a successful security career.

The Middle Easts dynamic and rapidly evolving security sector is on an upward trajectory, and demand for industry professionals able to adapt to emerging technologies, tackle new threats, and ensure the protection of assets, individuals, and organisations is creating a wealth of opportunities for those interested in the sector.

Numerous opportunities

For young professionals, this sector offers numerous opportunities for career advancement. Entry-level roles in corporate security, consulting, and other specialised areas quickly lead to managerial or executive positions with the correct training, certification and continuous development.

Saudi Arabia is rapidly modernising and diversifying its economy under Vision 2030, aiming to reduce oil dependency and develop key public sectors. A critical element of this transformation is the growth of the security services sector, driven by expanding urban centres, the need to protect critical infrastructure, and a diversifying economy.

According to Astute Analytica, the Saudi security services market is projected to reach USD 14.59 billion by 2032, growing at a compound annual rate of 8.1% from 2024 to 2032.

As outlined by Meshal, a commitment to learning ensures that security professionals remain equipped to tackle new challenges and seize emerging opportunities in the industry.

Ongoing education is key to staying competitive in the constantly evolving security landscape. As new technologies, risks, and practices emerge, professionals must stay informed through certifications, conferences, formal education, self-study and joining professional security associations such as ASIS International.

Security strategies

The packed Future Security and Safety Summit agenda on the opening day addressed a range of topics, including the integrated security strategies for mega events in Saudi Arabia, which included insights from Helmut Spahn, Director Safety, Security & Access, FIFA, and Ammar Almubayedh, NEOM Security.

Riham Sedik, Show Manager  Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said: The security industry in the Middle East is evolving rapidly, presenting tremendous career progression opportunities for professionals at all levels. With major infrastructure, technology, and cybersecurity investments, particularly in regions like Saudi Arabia, there is an increasing demand for skilled individuals across various security sectors. Whether in digital security, fire protection, or perimeter defence, professionals can leverage these growth areas to advance their careers and significantly impact the regions security landscape."

Running concurrently with the Future Security and Safety Summit is the Fire Protection and Technology Summit. It was opened by a keynote address from Major General Dr. Hamoud bin Suleiman Al-Faraj, General Directorate of Saudi Civil Defense, in which he highlighted the latest strategies and technologies employed for the nation's safety through preventive awareness measures to create a safe society free of risks.

Tomorrow will see presentations from various experts, with topics focused on Promoting a diverse and inclusive culture for the security workforce, AI on security and safety industry: impact and concerns, Physical Security Vs Cybersecurity, and Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), amongst others.

Fire detection

In the Fire Protection & Technology Summit, the agenda will be led by discussions on Effectiveness of deployed technologies in fire detection, Harnessing the potential of IoT in early fire detection and Fire safety of health facilities, taking centre stage.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and Founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said: With the 2024 edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia expected to be the largest to date by welcoming 17,000 visitors, the next two days promise to be a game-changer for the industry in Saudi Arabia.--TradeArabia News Service
SAMI Advanced Electronics Company (SAMI-AEC), a leader in innovative solutions and a subsidiary of the Saudi Arabian Military Industries, said it has reached a licensing agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company (SATC), a wholly owned subsidiary of Aramco, for the commercialization of Raqeeb, a proprietary smart safety solution created by Aramco.

Raqeeb combines state-of-the-art Internet of Things (IoT) technology with AI to provide safety coverage for workers in high-risk settings.

Developed using the latest Fourth Industrial Revolution technologies, the Raqeeb system connects every worker to SAMI-AEC's IoT platform through wearable technology and environmental sensors, ensuring continuous monitoring and immediate response capabilities.

It has already been deployed at numerous locations, in collaboration with Aramco, significantly reducing workplace incidents and improving operational productivity.

According to the International Labor Organization, approximately 2.78 million lives are lost yearly because of workplace incidents. With over 7,500 fatal injuries and one million non-fatal injuries occurring daily, the pressing need for increased safety measures is evident.

Alarming global statistics on workplace incidents highlight the need for innovations like Raqeeb, said experts.

SAMI-AEC Chief Executive Officer Engineer Ziad Al Musallam said: "This licensing agreement with Saudi Aramco Technologies Company is a significant milestone in our mission to create safer workplaces. Raqeeb is designed to reduce the frequency and severity of workplace incidents, aligning with modern safety standards."

"Raqeeb is poised to be a game changer and would serve as a compelling example of how technology can enhance worker productivity and improve industry safety practices," he stated.

SATC Chief Executive Officer Dr Raed H. Abudawoud said that partnering with SAMI-AEC marks a significant advancement, adding that the licensed technology will enhance team safety and operational efficiency.

Given the longstanding collaboration between the two on various projects, SAMI-AEC is the ideal choice to commercialize Raqeeb, said Abudawoud, who expressed optimism that Raqeeb will be successfully commercialized in the Kingdom and beyond.-TradeArabia News Service
Saudi Arabia Ministry of Finance has released its pre-budget statement for fiscal year 2025, projecting total revenues to reach approximately SR1.18 trillion ($315.73 billion), marking a 4% decline from previous forecasts.

Preliminary estimates for total expenditures are set at SR1.285 trillion, resulting in a projected budget deficit of SR101 billion, up 38% higher than the previous estimates.

This deficit, equivalent to 2.3% of gross domestic product, is considered expected and is anticipated to persist over the medium term due to ongoing expansionary spending policies, reported SPA.

These estimates are based on a baseline scenario positioned between low and high and developed to address the challenges and geopolitical risks impacting the global economy.

The ministry emphasized that this strategy allows the government to maintain a flexible fiscal framework.

The FY 2025 budget aligns with Saudi Vision 2030 by advancing fiscal and economic reforms. The government aims to balance its strong fiscal position, financial reserves, and low public debt while improving spending efficiency and prioritization.

On the outlook, Saudi Finance Minister Mohammed Al Jaadan said: "The pre-budget statement for the fiscal year 2025 confirms that Saudi Arabias government will continue to focus its spending on essential services for citizens and residents, as well as on the execution of strategic projects to enhance economic growth and achieve sustainable development."

The ministry also released revised estimates for FY 2024, indicating revenues of SR1.24 trillion, a 6 percent increase from previous forecasts.

Expenditures are projected to reach SR1.35 trillion, reflecting an 8 percent rise, resulting in a deficit of SR118 billion primarily due to increased spending.

Key focuses include accelerating projects that promote sustainable economic growth and adjusting others to stabilize and diversify the economy. The budget prioritizes enhancements in social services, social protection, and regulatory reforms, said the SPA report.

Additionally, it emphasizes transformative spending, utilizing sovereign funds, and empowering the private and non-profit sectors. Significant initiatives under Vision 2030 are aimed at developing promising sectors, attracting investment, stimulating local industries, and expanding non-oil exports, it added.
Yokogawa Electric Corporation has announced the addition of a new wireless steam trap monitoring device to the Sushi Sensor lineup of solutions in the OpreX Asset Management and Integrity family.

This new product complies with the ATEX directive and is available in Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, and Saudi Arabia from today. It will be later released in the US, Europe and India in compliance with IECEx, FM, and other explosion-protected standards.

The wireless steam trap monitoring device

The Sushi Sensor is a wireless solution for industrial IoT that offers excellent environmental resistance and wide-area coverage capabilities. First launched in 2008, Sushi Sensor is used in a wide range of industries, and more than 30,000 units have been shipped to date.

Development background

Steam traps are installed on steam distribution pipes, heat exchangers, humidifiers, sterilisers, tracers, and other equipment to remove condensate and ensure efficient heat transfer. While this will depend on the scale of the plant in question, losses from failures in steam traps can reach tens of thousands to millions of US dollars annually. Currently, in most instances, workers are responsible for inspecting and monitoring steam traps wherever they have been installed. While the installation of an automatic monitoring system is an effective way to reduce this inspection workload, the cost of installing such systems has been cost prohibitive.

In addition, there is the need to monitor not only the status of steam traps, but also a wide range of related equipment. In response to these needs, Yokogawa has joined forces with the thermal utility engineering firm Armstrong International Inc. to develop this steam trap monitoring device.

Product features

This product leverages the following features to support the monitoring of steam traps. By facilitating the timely detection of failures in steam traps, it can significantly reduce energy loss. When used in combination with the other wireless pressure sensors, wireless temperature sensors, and wireless vibration sensors in the Sushi Sensor lineup, this device enables the monitoring of a wide range of equipment.

*Automatic detection of steam trap status

This device utilises a high-quality temperature sensor and an acoustic sensor to detect the status of steam traps. It can be used in environments with a maximum steam temperature of 440C.

*Lower wireless network construction costs

The use of long-range wireless LoRaWAN communication gives this device the ability to communicate at distances of up to around 1km, enabling the monitoring of equipment over a wide area. These monitoring devices can thus be easily installed wherever steam traps are located, and can be connected to a single gateway, thereby holding down network construction costs.

*Better consistency in inspection quality and less time spent on on-site inspections

The use of Yokogawas on-premise GA10 data logging software (purchased separately) or other similar cloud-based software will enable the centralised monitoring of steam traps and other equipment wherever they are installed around a plant. Not only will this make for greater consistency in inspection quality, it will mean that on-site inspections do not need to be carried out as frequently.

Hiroshi Tanoguchi, a Yokogawa Electric Vice President and Executive Officer, and head of the Yokogawa Products Headquarters, said: With this release, we have enriched the Sushi Sensor family of solutions and made it possible to construct networks efficiently and at a lower cost. In the future, we intend to provide this as an energy monitoring solution.

Based on steam trap status, this will enable the calculation of projected energy losses in monetary terms and facilitate the creation of maintenance plans, with the priority on high-risk equipment. Through the provision of such highly convenient solutions, Yokogawa is helping its customers reduce their emissions of greenhouse gases and hit their ESG management targets. --TradeArabia News Service
LEVA Hotels, a dynamic homegrown hospitality brand, has announced the official launch of its 5-star luxury brand, Zen by Leva, at the opening of the Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai.

This new addition to the LEVA family will introduce a unique perspective on luxury, with its first property set to open in Saudi Arabia. A sophisticated blend of comfort and discovery, Zen by Leva promises to elevate the 5-star experience by focusing on deeper, more meaningful journeys for its guests.

LEVA Hotels began its story in 2019 with the launch of its first property, a 4-star hotel in Dubai. Since then, the brand has grown exponentially, now managing 11 properties across the Middle East and Africa region.

According to a report by Colliers International, the Mena hospitality market is projected to grow to $32 billion by 2026, driven by increasing tourist arrivals and the region's commitment to diversifying its economies.

LEVA has tapped into this market by embracing innovation, technology, and personalized service, setting itself apart as a forward-thinking brand. The introduction of Zen by Leva is the next bold step, aligning with the companys vision to evolve within the hospitality industry.

Zen by Leva redefines luxury by focusing on enriching experiences that engage both the senses and the mind. More than opulence and glamour, Zen is about offering travelers soulful experiences that resonate on a personal level, said the UAE brand.

In todays market, 65% of global luxury travelers say they prefer experiences that offer personal growth and self-discovery, reflecting a shift away from traditional luxury (Skift Research). Zen by Leva is designed for guests who seek both inner journeys and external exploration, offering a carefully curated, balanced experience that reflects the best of both worlds.

On the new chapter, Anand, Founder & CEO of LEVA Hotels, said: "We created Zen by Leva to meet the changing desires of modern luxury travelers. Todays guests are looking for more than just beautiful surroundingstheyre seeking meaningful experiences that resonate on a personal level."

"Zen represents our belief that the true luxury of tomorrow lies in enriching the soul and engaging the senses. This brand is designed to offer elevated experiences that inspire both internal reflection and external exploration," he added.

The first property under the Zen by Leva banner will open in Saudi Arabia, aligning with the Kingdoms Vision 2030 initiative, which aims to increase tourisms contribution to the GDP from 3% to 10% by 2030.

This surge in tourism is driving rapid growth in the hospitality sector, with Saudi Arabias hotel market expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 12% between 2022 and 2026 (KPMG Report).

The new 5-star hotel will offer world-class amenities and thoughtfully curated experiences tailored to both UMRA travelers and visitors looking to explore the rich culture of the region, stated LEVA Hotels in its statement.

Designed to blend local culture with global sophistication, the property will provide an environment for guests to embark on journeys of self-discovery and outer exploration.

The essence of Zen by Leva is captured in its brand promise Elevating Senses.

To support the growth of the Zen by Leva brand, LEVA Hotels said it is committing an initial investment of $15 million, with plans to acquire 1,200 keys in regions including Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Morocco, Qatar and UAE, under the Zen brand by 2027.

This investment reflects LEVAs confidence in the brand's potential and the growing demand for luxury experiences in the region, it added.-TradeArabia News Service
October 1, 2024: During the 1947-1991 Cold War between the NATO alliance and the Soviet sponsored Warsaw Pact, it was accepted that the United States, the nation with the largest military, would take the lead and the other NATO members would follow. The Cold War threat was real. Until 1989 Russia had massed several hundred thousand troops in East Germany along with several thousand tanks, most of them T-72s. There were thousands more tanks waiting in Ukraine, then part of the Soviet Union. Starting in 1989, when the wall dividing Russian controlled east Berlin from the NATO controlled west Berlin came down, the situation began to change.

Back then Russia was called the Soviet Union with more territory and twice as many people as the current Russian Federation. In 1991 the Soviet Union collapsed into 14 independent nations. Two of the largest were the Russian Federation and Ukraine. Russian leader Vladimir Putin always wanted to put the Soviet Union back together and he began doing that in 2022 when he invaded Ukraine. Putin justified this attack because of Ukrainian plans to join NATO. Russia considers NATO an obstacle to Russian expansion plans. Russia also fears attacking NATO because the United States military accounts for nearly half the troops and weapons in NATO. Moreover, the American force is united and able to apply more military pressure than any other NATO nation. While the other 31 NATO nations are supposed to supply forces if called on, the problem is that all the NATO members have armed forces with different weapons, tactics, and languages. Then there is the political angle. The governments of the 32 members are not united in how to proceed. Their military commanders and staffs are more certain of what to do as NATO members, but each of these countries NATO military forces answers to local politicians. All these nations are democracies that ultimately control the use of their military forces. Thats why the United States, with about half the available NATO armed forces, is so important. The other NATO countries cannot be expected to operate in unison because thats not how politics in these nations work.

The Americans and a few other NATO countries have sought reforms of how NATO operates as a military coalition. This is difficult to do because the major militaries in NATO Europe, like Germany, Italy, Spain and France, can contribute substantial forces on their own. But using all these national forces in combat is something that has not been tried in practice. The idea of coalition warfare worked during World War II because the nations then allied, mainly the United States and Britain, each waged separate efforts against the Germans.

Currently Poland and the four Baltic States are NATO members bordering Russia. These countries have a long history of fighting Russian invaders and losing. After the 1990s, with the Soviet Union gone, all these new East European NATO members rearmed and prepared for the worst. These nations are more effective because they have a long history of Russian invasions and are determined to defeat the next one. For example, Poland now has the largest tank force in Europe. Only the United States has more tanks. American officers visiting Poland to observe the Polish preparations came away impressed by the professionalism and determination of the Polish troops. The Americans and Poles believe that another Russian invasion of Poland would not just roll over the defenders but would be stopped with heavy losses. The Polish military plans to emulate what the Ukrainians did but with a larger force than the Ukrainians possessed when Russia invaded.

Meanwhile there are more mundane matters NATO members must tend to, like synchronizing the many different weapon systems the 31 smaller members use. Ukraine had to acquire Western tanks and warplanes because NATO is about all members using similar weapons, not Russian ones. The Ukrainians were in the process of converting when Russia attacked. That was because Russia wanted Ukraine to be part of the new Russian Empire, not the NATO alliance that defended members from Russian aggression.

The Russian attack did not go well, with their initial attack force losing most of their tanks and half a million soldiers dead, wounded, missing or taken prisoner. This was largely due to the massive weapons shipments NATO members sent to Ukraine after the invasion began.

The impact of all those weapons sent to Ukraine was a startling revelation to NATO and a major disappointment to Russia. NATO had long amassed substantial forces to defeat a Russian attack and that attack eventually came, in early 2022, against potential NATO applicant Ukraine. This clarified the long unanswered question of what would have happened if Russia had attacked NATO forces during the Cold War. The Russian attack against Ukraine was not as massive as the one the Soviet Union forces in Eastern Europe were prepared to make against NATO forces in West Germany and beyond. Nevertheless the Russians were revealed to be sloppy and often disorganized attackers.

Ukrainians halted the Russian attack and inflicted heavy casualties on the Russians while doing so. After a year of fighting the Russians had lost most of their modern tanks along with nearly half a million troops killed, wounded or missing. A growing number of Russian soldiers preferred desertion or surrendering to Ukrainian forces to dying in Ukraine. Over a million military age Russian men left the country legally or otherwise to escape military service and the possibility of death or disabling wounds in Ukraine.

Russian tank losses were so heavy that Russia is currently using 1950s - 1960s Cold War era T-55 and T-64 tanks taken out of storage, refurbished and sent to fight and get destroyed in Ukraine. Russia has lost most of its modern weapons. There were a lot of older weapons in storage. Some of these weapons date back to World War II and were maintained for an emergency. That emergency was supposed to be someone else invading Russia, not Russia invading Ukraine, a former part of Russia that does not want to become part of Russia again.

For both NATO and Russia, the failure of Russia Ukraine this answers the question of what would have happened if Russia attacked NATO forces during the Cold War. The failure in Ukraine was not surprising for military historians. Russia has always done poorly in the opening stages of a war, especially as the attacker. This has been a consistent problem for over a hundred years. Russian leaders are shocked when their formidable offensives stumble and fail against determined opposition. Vladimir Putin expected his 2022 attack to be different, but that was because his military advisors were telling him what he wanted to hear, not the truth about Russian shortcomings. This pattern has repeated itself several times since the late 19th Century. It was no different in Ukraine.

While the violence of the war in Ukraine alarmed European NATO members, the United States calmly supplied most of the weapons while European NATO members sent in piles of money and large quantities of supplies for rebuilding the shattered infrastructure that made millions of Ukrainians horrified or homeless because of Russian attacks on civilian targets.
Louvre Hotels Group (LHG) in the MENA region has announced plans to launch 1,000 additional keys in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia within three years.

The growth plan is part of the group's ambitious regional goal to double its footprint in the MENA region to establish itself amongst the top five largest operators in the region with 120 operational and pipeline hotels by 2030.

The strategy is to focus on modern affordable hotels in primary and secondary leisure and business destinations.

LHG said it is reinforcing its presence as a leading midscale operator with multiple hotels across most of Saudi Arabia, as well as Algiers, Amman, Tunis and Muscat to name a few.

Saudi Arabia is leading the strategic expansion with the pipeline announced reinforcing the successful performance of its 16 existing hotels in the kingdom.

The global hospitality leader's robust project pipeline underscores its commitment to the regions hospitality and tourism sectors with existing and new brand entries across its upscale and lifestyle hospitality portfolio.

This includes Royal Tulip Hotels, Golden Tulip Hotels, Kyriad and Kyriad Hotels,Tulip Hotels & Residences and Campanile Hotels.

Amine E Moukarzel, President of Louvre Hotels MENA said: "Our teams in Paris and Dubai have been working closely with investment partners in key markets across Saudi Arabia, Oman and Algeria to introduce compelling modern hotels that cater to the growing traveller needs in the region.

Reinforcing our goals to lead the affordable hotel space, we are planning a dedicated regional office in KSA to provide focused sales, marketing and operational support to our patrons.

This is a commitment to our long-term plans for the region as we work towards adding 35% more rooms to go live with 10,500 keys by 2027.

Our close collaboration with the private sector under the patronage of the Ministry of Tourism is an example of how public private partnerships in the region can accelerate tourism and hospitality infrastructure.

Louvre Hotels Group MENA region currently operates 43 hotels spanning 8,250 keys in UAE, Oman, KSA, Qatar, Bahrain, Tunisia, Algeria, Georgia, Jordan, Lebanon, and Egypt. It continues to build on its legacy of providing high-quality, technology-driven hospitality experiences that meet the evolving needs of modern travellers.  TradeArabia News Service
Red Sea Global (RSG), the developer behind the regenerative tourism destinations Amaala and The Red Sea, has announced that it has signed a strategic agreement with Marriott International, to open The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala.

The signing marks the fourth collaboration between the organisations, following the recent openings of The St. Regis Red Sea Resort and Nujuma, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, and the signing of The Red Sea Edition.

Located on the northernmost point of Triple Bay, the Ritz-Carlton, Amaala is set to bring the global brand's legendary service and distinctive design to the destination.

Set for opening next year, The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala is expected to feature 391 guestrooms, with a mix of Marina Village, sea, and mountain views. Notably, 80% of the guestrooms are slated to offer water-facing views.

Speaking at the signing ceremony, John Pagano, Group CEO of Red Sea Global, said: "Amaala continues to set a new standard in the world of wellness travel and luxury coastal lifestyle with the addition of its latest hotel brand, The Ritz-Carlton Amaala, our largest property at the destination."

"With spectacular views of the Red Sea, the Marina Village and the Hijaz mountains, guests will enjoy a sense of calm and rejuvenation as they enjoy the hotels many facilities," he stated.

Jerome Briet, Chief Development Officer, Europe, Middle East & Africa, Marriott International, said: "Amaala promises to be a one-of-a-kind, holistic wellness destination, and this signing signifies the strong demand for luxury experiences in emerging destinations in Saudi Arabia."

"We are thrilled to strengthen our relationship with Red Sea Global to bring an unrivaled level of luxury to the north of the Kingdoms coast," he noted.

The luxury property will be set within a landscape of natural sand dunes, which the developer has carefully preserved. The design of the resort will integrate seamlessly with the natural surroundings with a facade that maximizes views of the sea from multiple vantage points. The dunes will also serve as a native canopy offering both internal and external shaded spaces for guests to enjoy.

Designed by Foster + Partners, The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala is expected to reflect the local architecture of Al Wajh, the nearby seaside town on the Red Sea. The sophisticated aesthetic will embody timeless elegance and thoughtfully blend traditional influences, architecture, interior design, and craftsmanship.

The Ritz-Carlton, Amaala will feature multiple culinary venues, including sunset restaurants overlooking the Red Sea, said RSG in a statement.

Plans for lavish leisure amenities include fitness and recreational centres, a spa, an adult pool, a family pool, a rock pool, state-of-the-art ballroom and meeting spaces and expansive event space that could fit up to 1,500 guests ideal for weddings, conferences and corporate banquets.

With direct access to the beachfront and a swimmable coastline, the resort will also offer extensive fitness, sports, and wellness facilities including outdoor sporting activities.-TradeArabia News Service
TK Elevator (TKE), a global leader in vertical transportation and urban mobility solutions, has strengthened its position as a premier infrastructure partner in the Middle East through a substantial service contract with Dubai Airports.

The multi-year agreement covers maintenance of close to 5,000 elevators, escalators, and other equipment at Dubai International (DXB), the worlds busiest international airport having served 87 million passengers in 2023.

Ensuring safe, comfortable, and reliable transport for passengers and employees at Dubai's main airport is vital. TK Elevator's novel Universal Service platform supports this objective through streamlined service and maintenance of mobility assets across all major brands.

Under the renewed contract, over 100 TKE specialised professionals will service units throughout the airport's passenger and cargo operations.

"This contract renewal strengthens TK Elevator's prominent position in the Middle East market," said Jurgen Bohler, CEO Asia Pacific at TK Elevator.

"We continue to provide and maintain mobility solutions for numerous iconic infrastructure projects throughout the region, including DXB," he added.

TK Elevator's relationship with Dubai Airports -- the entity that owns and manages DXB -- began in 2004 with the installation of more than 700 elevators and escalators. In 2015, the companys customer-centric approach earned a major service contract, one of its largest globally at the time. Today, TKEs Universal Service platform is the cornerstone of the extended collaboration.

Omar Binadai, Chief Technology and Infrastructure Officer of Dubai Airports, commented, "Our primary objective is to deliver a seamless, safe, and efficient travel experience for our guests. Partnering with TK Elevator allows us to uphold these standards across our extensive mobility infrastructure.

Eduardo Montero, CEO Middle East at TK Elevator, said: "Weve reimaged how we deliver synergistic benefits and value for our customers through efficient maintenance and service across a diverse equipment portfolio. This distinctive capability was instrumental in solidifying our position as a key partner in the airports operations. We're proud to continue our support of Dubai Airports' commitment to excellence and passenger safety."

Montero said the Universal Service by TK Elevator was an industry-leading support platform offering proactive, flexible, and comprehensive elevator service coverage worldwide.

As an entrusted partner, with a global network of 25,000 highly trained technicians and over 1,000 service centers across 100+ countries, TKE ensures portfolio-wide uptime through a combination of remote and on-site support, he noted.

Third-party capabilities, powered by International Technical Services (ITS) in Dubai and globally, allow servicing any brand and various types of multi-brand vertical transportation equipment, such as elevators and escalators, to the highest industry standards.

This ensures prompt assistance anywhere in the world. Throughout this process, TKE prioritizes personal safety and sustainability, minimizing environmental impact through equipment longevity and innovative logistics, added Montero.-TradeArabia News Service
Sofitel, a pioneer of French luxury hospitality, has launched its first branded residences in the UAE, Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai, introducing 70 residences that feature the combined services of a five-star hotel with the comfort of a home.

Launched with Azha Development and Dubai Sothebys International Realty, the project is a stones throw from Burj Khalifa and Dubai Mall.

Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai provides access to world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, and renowned boutiques.

Residents will experience a unique blend of Middle Eastern culture and modern French aesthetics, integrated into every living space.

"As we celebrate the 60th anniversary of the Sofitel brand throughout 2024, this project marks an exciting new chapter for us, bringing our signature French zest and heartfelt service to the real estate market in Dubai, said Maud Bailly, CEO of Sofitel, Sofitel Legend, MGallery, and Emblems.

Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai will set a new standard in luxury living, offering an unmatched lifestyle experience in one of the citys most exclusive areas.

With Sofitels rich heritage and our ongoing commitment to redefining luxury living, this project is the perfect fit for the branded residences market.

We are thrilled to welcome future residents to this unparalleled living experience in one of the worlds most vibrant cities."

The six exceptional penthouses and 64 residences offer a variety of premium amenities, including a state-of-the-art fitness centre, a cafe, an immersive cinema room, and a health club with a stunning 15-metre swimming pool.

Additional services such as 24/7 concierge, valet services, and a la carte options inspired by Sofitels French zest like personal chefs, childcare, and in-residence housekeeping are available to ensure that residents enjoy an elevated lifestyle.

This new residential development further strengthens Sofitels presence in the luxury segment in UAE, targeting the real estate business and diversifying its business lines.

Jean-Baptiste Recher, Regional Vice President of Development for Accors Luxury Brands based in Dubai, said: Sofitel brings key aspects to this real estate project, such as brand reputation, luxury service standards like concierge, spa, kids club, screening room and a cafe, among other services that make this project a standout offering in the luxury segment.

With its strategic location, we are confident it will be a success, for both homeowners seeking a luxury product, services and experiences as well as for investors and supporting business partners.

Azha Properties, known for its visionary approach to developing mixed-use real estate across the UAE, is behind this landmark project.

Imad Dana, CEO of Azha Properties, said: The Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai places residents in the heart of the citys iconic Downtown district.

They will be able to feel the pulse of this vibrant city while enveloped in the sense of tranquillity offered by the residences.

This exclusive development marks a new chapter in Dubais branded residences market, with Dubai Sothebys International Realty playing a pivotal role in supporting the projects sales and marketing activities.

Known for their unmatched expertise in super-prime real estate, Sothebys has positioned themselves as the go-to agency for branded residences in Dubai, driving record-breaking sales and elevating the citys luxury real estate market.

Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai is supported by Accor One Living, an industry-first 360 platform focused on the development, design, and operation of mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities.

Through Accor One Living, homeowners, guests, and partners are connected to Accors diverse ecosystem of brands, expertise, and solutions - creating a constant flow of new opportunities to live, work, and play.

The completion of Sofitel Residences Downtown Dubai is expected by Q4 2026. This project is part of Sofitel's broader strategy to expand its luxury footprint in the region. Alongside the new residences, Sofitel's presence in the UAE includes the recently open Sofitel Al Hamra Beach Resort in Ras Al Khaimah, Sofitel Dubai the Palm, Sofitel Dubai Downtown, Sofitel Dubai the Obelisk, and Sofitel Dubai Jumeirah Beach.  TradeArabia News Service
UAE head-quartered hospitality brand TIME Hotels has announced its expansion into Asia with the launch of two new brands, HALO by TIME and VIVI by TIME, at Future Hospitality Summit in Dubai this week. Both brands will make their debut in the Maldives and scheduled to open in Q4, 2026.

This expansion showcases the continued growth of TIME Hotels  which to date have properties spanning the UAE, Egypt, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Morocco and Liberia  into a new region.

Situated on Hankede Island, in the Addu atoll  the southernmost atoll in the Maldives - VIVI by TIME the Lifestyle brand will have 75 rooms over six stories with spectacular sea views and an array of first-class facilities. HALO by TIME, the upscale brand, spans 8 storeys with 150 keys, including bespoke sunrise and sunset over water villas.

Partnering with MFMC

TIME has partnered with Maldives Fund Management Corporation (MFMC) for its first launch into the region. MFMC is a 100% state-owned company established in 2019 involves the fulfilment of national development goals of Maldives through increased private sector investment and addressing limitations in the local financial system.

Mohamed Awadalla, CEO of TIME Hotels, comments: This is an exciting moment for TIME hotels as we announce our continued expansion with two new sub brands and two hotels opening in the Maldives. Our first foray into this part of the world, TIME is going from strength to strength and I look forward to continuing our positive trajectory in new territories.

Ahmed Nazim, Managing Director of MFMC, adds: We are happy to collaborate with such a prestigious GCC based company in creating these stunning hotels in the Addu atoll. The partnership is a great example of the progress we are looking to make in the Maldives and we eagerly await seeing the hotels come to fruition under TIMEs management.--TradeArabia News Service
OPPOSITION Leader Kamla Persad-Bissessar has called on Finance Minister Colm Imbert to provide a comprehensive report on Colonial Life Insurance Company Ltd (CLICO), stressing that there should be no more secrecy surrounding the matter.

Persad-Bissessar made the statements in Parliament on Friday as she kicked off the debate on the 2025 national budget, which was presented by Imbert on Monday.
October 1, 2024: China has the second largest economy, with a purported annual GDP of $18 trillion. This is second to the United States with $27 trillion. Chinese growth has been spectacular because their GDP in 2005 was only $2.3 trillion. Current per-capita income for China is $13,000 versus $84,000 for the United States. Despite its large economy, China has four times as many people and that lowers the per-capita income. The global average for all nations is $14,000. China's GDP growth rate has been spectacular with most of the growth taking place between 1980 and 2010. The Chinese GDP was only eleven percent of the Americans in 1960 but by 2023 was 65 percent of the United States. During the last decade growth has slowed because of a massive real estate speculation crisis and revelations that provincial officials had not been reporting accurately on their dismal and growing economic problems. The government could issue positive press releases, but the average Chinese knew what was going on, which led to reduced consumption and many with spare cash getting their money out of China. This is illegal but happens anyway thanks to the number of government officials willing to take a bribe. Then there was the population problem. There were not enough young workers and too many retired ones. This was the result of a 1980s population control effort that mandated couples could only have one child.

Several decades of enforcing the one child policy prevented China's population from spiraling out of control over the last few decades. But it also meant that there are now too many old people relative to too few young workers. This shortage first became visible after the 2020 covid19 pandemic hit China. Mandatory quarantines on urban areas forced many members of the working population to stay at home. This was enough to trigger a sustained economic depression that continues. President Xi Jinping took control of the situation and made it worse. Xi Jinping continues to mismanage the economy while making himself an unpopular dictator.

Meanwhile, the shortage of young workers has increased, as the first members of the one child generation reached working age. These workers demanded more money, and attention. Wages moved up rapidly, and there's still a shortage of workers. There's also a shortage of skilled people in the armed forces. Plenty of low skilled or inept volunteers, but not the ones that are most needed, and in demand.

The one child program has not only halted rapid growth of the Chinese population, but permanently changed perceptions of what the optimal family size should be. The enforcement of one child families was strictly enforced in urban areas, while those in rural areas could usually have two children. These policies forced parents to lavish more attention on fewer children. As a result, the children were better educated and accustomed to a higher standard of living. While chided as little princes, these youngsters were more economically successful than their parents and brought a new verve to the economy and culture.

Suddenly most Chinese came to believe that this was one of the secrets of Western success. The economic superiority of the foreigners had long been something of a mystery. Chinese feel inherently superior to those smelly apes with the round eyes and bad manners. In fact, economists, and other social scientists, including Chinese ones, always understood the value of small families. Most Chinese were unconvinced and the one-child policy provided the needed example to demonstrate the economic superiority of smaller families. This created several generations of labor shortages and the growing fiscal and political costs of supporting a huge, by Chinese standards number of retired elderly workers who had to be taken care of. All this has caused a halt to spectacular economic growth and sustained economic stagnation that supreme leader Xi Jinping cannot find a solution for.

Meanwhile President Xi Jinping has consolidated power, with significant constitutional amendments allowing for extended presidential terms. This centralization of authority has been unpopular along with the growing use of surveillance state techniques. The growing prevalence of government surveillance cameras and effective facial recognition technology has made it difficult for people to protest unpopular policies. That increases the degree of discontent.

China continues to expand its military capabilities with larger investments in modernizing the People's Liberation Army (PLA). This includes advancements in cyber warfare, space technology, and naval power, which are pivotal to China's strategic ambitions in the South China Sea and beyond. The PLA's assertiveness in regional disputes, coupled with its global Belt and Road Initiative, reflects China's long-term strategic vision of enhancing its geopolitical influence while minimizing direct confrontations.

Religion, while constitutionally protected, is tightly regulated, with the state exercising stringent control over religious practices. The Chinese Communist Party (CCP) promotes a secular ideology, often clamping down on religious groups perceived as threats to its authority. This has led to international criticism, particularly regarding the treatment of Uighur Muslims in Xinjiang and the repression of Christian congregations. Despite these restrictions, religious communities continue to adapt, finding ways to practice their faith within the bounds of state oversight.

Past mistakes are catching up with China as it continues its post-Cold War policy of aggressive territorial claims and risking, but not going to, war with its neighbors. Internally China is creating the fictional Big Brother surveillance state of the novel 1984. This has more to do with internal politics and the need to distract an increasingly wealthy and concerned population from local problems with corruption, pollution and ineffective government. Domestic unrest has been growing louder and more visible to Chinese and the world. Examples include nationwide protests against rigid covid19 shutdowns. Before that it was the large-scale freedom protests in Hong Kong during most of 2019 and into 2020. This was about Chinese abuse of the special status Hong Kong is supposed to enjoy until 2047, but it is also about the corruption and financial recklessness in the rest of the country. China ignored the Hong Kong protestors and is dismantling the guaranteed, until 2047, freedoms for Hong Kong. The widespread covid19 protests were another matter, so the government backed down and at the end of 2022 is still seeking a way to regain total control of the population. Outside China, the government pursues an ancient, and often quite successful, strategy that emphasizes what appear to be high-risk policies but are actually long-range efforts to wear down the opposition and eventually assume control of the objective with little risk or cost. Or so China believed until the Americans, and many other victims, pushed back.
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.
Corey Jones Public Service Journalism Team Follow Corey Jones 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

A federal judges $6.9 million verdict in favor of the family of an innocent motorist killed in a Cherokee Nation Marshal Service vehicle pursuit has been appealed to the 10th Circuit.

U.S. attorneys filed the appeal notice Friday.

Malinda Phillips, 36, was driving herself to jury duty on Jan. 26, 2018, when Aram Barak Catrons flatbed pickup truck smashed into her SUV at about 80 mph in Tahlequah. Phillips was found immediately by a nurse on scene to have a pulse before soon being pronounced dead.

She left behind her husband and two school-age daughters.

Judge Ronald A. White found CNMS Deputy Preston Oosahwee to be reckless and not sufficiently trained as he violated state law and agency protocols while chasing Catron upward of 90 mph to 100 mph through crowded residential streets for a misdemeanor crime.

Catron was a larceny suspect, whose alleged accomplice Oosahwee already knew was detained at the store.

The deputys trial defense seemed to largely center on his contention that he wasnt in a pursuit, with his expert witness going so far as to call Oosahwees actions surveillance mode instead of a chase.

U.S. attorneys disputed Whites determinations of tort and traffic laws, as well as matters of tribal sovereignty and federal mandates, but were unable to convince him to overturn his own verdict during a hearing July 30.

The United States is the defendant in the civil case because of Cherokee Nations compact with the federal government. The case was filed in the Eastern District of Oklahoma.

Catron, now 41 years old, pleaded guilty in 2019 criminal state court in Cherokee County to first-degree manslaughter. He received a 26-year prison sentence.
Felix Clary Tulsa World Indigenous Affairs Reporter Follow Felix Clary 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

Two Native actors from Reservation Dogs visited the River Spirit Casino in Tulsa on Monday during a stop on the United Indian Nations of Oklahoma Warrior Up to Vote tour.

Actor and comedian Tatanka Means performed a comedy sketch for the visitors before reminding them to register to vote. Means is of Oglala Lakota, Omaha, Yankton Dakota, and Dine descent. In addition to an appearance in season two of Reservation Dogs, Means starred in Killers of the Flower Moon as an Osage man who worked for the FBI.

Zahn McClarnon, who plays Officer Big in Reservation Dogs, may also be recognized for his roles in the TV series Dark Winds and the Marvel spinoff Echo. McClarnon spoke about the importance of Native voting at the event in Tulsa.

Indian voices matter, he said. Our voices as Indian people do matter in these elections. So get out there and vote.

There are more Native people within a 100-mile radius of Tulsa than anywhere else in the United States, McClarnon said, so the Native vote in Oklahoma would be impactful.

Fourteen percent of Oklahomas population identifies as Native American, with two of the largest tribes  Muscogee and Cherokee  having reservations in the greater Tulsa area.

The voter registration deadline for the general election in November is Oct. 11. Oct. 21 is the deadline to request an absentee ballot.

McClarnon also mentioned that 2024 is the 100th anniversary of the Snyder Act, federal legislation that led to Native Americans gaining U.S. citizenship.

Its important that we make an impact, with our communities, and get out there to vote. Im going to keep saying that, he said.

He ended his speech with a play on his catch phrase from Reservation Dogs. Everybody, get out there and register and vote: dont be a shitass.

UINO Executive Officer Margo Gray presented both actors with medallions at the event.

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Randy Krehbiel Tulsa World Staff Writer Follow Randy Krehbiel Close Get email notifications on {{subject}} daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. {{description}} Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. Save Manage followed notifications Close Followed notifications Please log in to use this feature Log In Don't have an account? Sign Up Today

The U.S. Department of Justice has opened a cold case evaluation and review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, the head of the DOJs Civil Rights Division said Monday.

When our review and evaluation conclude, we will issue a public report detailing our findings and conclusions pursuant to the Emmett Till Cold Case Act, Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke said in making the announcement.

The news received the enthusiastic endorsement of those who have been lobbying for federal involvement in the case and for reparations for the massacres two known living survivors and descendants of those who suffered losses in it.

One of the main things we wanted to happen was that no one would talk about the Tulsa Race Massacre and not talk about where are the justice and reparations for those people, said attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons. That was one of our main goals and I think we accomplished that.

No. 2, we wanted the federal government to recognize this formally as the largest crime scene in the history of the United States, he said. We feel very strongly that if you cannot recognize what happened  then no one is safe in America.

The third is, we want to know more about the massacre. We only know about 10% of what actually happened. Who actually participated. We dont have the capacity as a private attorney to get some of that information that we hope the federal government can help fill in some of those gaps.

Today is a really good day to denounce hate, no matter how far back it goes, said Tiffany Crutcher and an ally with Solomon-Simmons in pressing the cause of reparations.

My family and community are deeply grateful, she said. This long overdue action is a step toward acknowledging the immense suffering endured by those survivors and their descendants.

Clarke said the review is being initiated under the auspices of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, a 2008 law named for a 14-year-old boy brutally tortured and murdered in Mississippi after allegedly flirting with a white woman in 1955.

Two men admitted to killing Till, but because they had been acquitted at trial they could not be prosecuted again.

Solomon-Simmons, who represents survivors Viola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Randle, 109, said he does not know the procedure for such cases but expects it may move quickly.

He said Fletcher and Randle were interviewed by an investigator last year, and that he was told the DOJ hopes to issue a report by the end of the year.

Some 35 square blocks of the citys Black Greenwood District were destroyed in the massacre, with hundreds and injured and an unknown number killed.

Tulsa Mayor G.T. Bynum thanked the Department of Justice for acknowledging the citys previous work to examine the massacre and take remedial steps.

When we started this investigation nearly six years ago, we brought in archaeology, anthropology and forensic experts to help bring some form of justice and healing to the victims and families of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, Bynum said in a prepared statement. We have made great strides in our investigation and recently announced eight profiles of interest, including the first positive identification of a Tulsa Race Massacre victim buried in an unmarked grave, C.L. Daniel. We appreciate the DOJs commitment of its substantial resources to help in this investigation, including our community engagement work through the Emmett Till Cold Case Grant that we secured, and look forward to our continued partnership.

The Oklahoma Supreme Court recently dismissed a lawsuit brought by Solomon-Simmons on behalf of Randle, Fletcher, massacre descendants and others against the city of Tulsa and other government entities and the Tulsa Metropolitan Chamber of Commerce.

It was the latest in a long line of unsuccessful legal actions dating back to shortly after the massacre.

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Tulsa mayoral finalists Monroe Nichols and Karen Keith did not disagree substantially on much Monday night except which of them is better suited for office.

Appearing live on KOTV Channel 6, the two agreed that homelessness is the citys most pressing issue, that getting the Tulsa Police Department to full strength is a top priority and that a mayors job should not be about partisan politics.

Where they disagreed most was on past performance: to what extent, if any, Keith is responsible for a scandal at the juvenile justice center, and whether Nichols got enough done during eight years in the Legislature.

My opponent, in eight years, passed two bills, Keith said a few minutes into the debate. There are other (Democrats) who have passed a whole lot more. In about three days, I went up to the Legislature, met with them, came back, met with the Appropriations Committee, and I brought home $50 million. So, arguably, Im the one who knows how to get the work done.

Keith was referring to a bill appropriating $50 million in matching funds to rebuild the Arkansas River levee system in Tulsa County. As a county commissioner, Keith was highly involved in that process, including lobbying Congress and the Legislature.

Later, Keith accused Nichols of walking the vote on the levee measure. Nichols said he was on the phone and would have voted if needed, but the bill passed with no opposition. He pointed out he was present for the Appropriations Committee meeting when the measure was reported out for a floor vote.

What we just heard from Commissioner Keith is what youll hear a lot going into the November races, Nichols said.

Nichols named several bills signed into law that he said were his. He noted that, as a member of the minority party, getting legislation passed sometimes requires a legislator to take his name off it.

It is OK to criticize each other based on our records, but its not OK to lie, Nichols said. Commissioner, unfortunately, you just did that. And I hope thats not a sign for whats to come, but I wouldnt be surprised if it is.

Nichols similarly rebuffed Keiths assertion that as a legislator he voted to defund the police.

I have no idea what Karen is talking about, Nichols said. Im not sure its true. I would never defund the police.

Keith was apparently talking about a 2021 Senate bill that Nichols voted against. The measure forbids municipalities from shifting dedicated tax revenue from its original purpose without a vote of the people.

The bill was a reaction to a Norman City Council vote, during the height of the George Floyd controversy, to shift $865,000 from the police department to other programs it said were related to public safety. The City Councils action was subsequently overturned because of an open meetings law violation.

House Democrats, including Nichols, opposed the bill as an infringement on local government.

Nichols complimented Keith for her work on the levees but faulted her for refusing to take responsibility for the juvenile justice center and a scandal that has resulted in criminal charges against two former employees and bad reports from the states Office of Juvenile Affairs going back at least two years.

Administration of the facility, which Keith was instrumental in building, has been with the courts, but county commissioners apparently had some knowledge of the problems there for two years before the situation went public earlier this year.

The most dangerous thing you can say if youre mayor is Thats not my job, Nichols said. The reality is those young people for years suffered sexual abuse, physical abuse, and nobody did anything.

When we started this campaign, my opponent talked about her contributions to juvenile justice  until there was a problem, Nichols continued. Im sorry, you cant escape that responsibility, and its sad that youre trying to.

Although the Tulsa mayoral elections are nonpartisan, Keith and Nichols both hold other offices as Democrats and have spent many years in public service.

Keith, 70, is a four-term Tulsa County commissioner and before that worked in the office of Mayor Bill LaFortune. She previously was a local television news reporter and anchor for more than 25 years.

Nichols, 40, is completing his fourth two-year term in the Oklahoma House of Representatives and previously worked for Mayor Kathy Taylor, the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, the University of Oklahoma and several nonprofits.

Nichols finished 294 votes ahead of Keith, out of 56,614 counted, in the Aug. 27 election. Because neither received a majority, voters will make a final decision on Nov. 5.

Keith has criticized Nichols for what she seems to view as job-hopping and alluded to it again in her closing remarks, saying mayor should not be a stepping-stone job. She noted Nichols missed a large share of floor votes last spring in his final session and said being mayor is about showing up.

I have served this community, and Im proud of it, even if somebody wants to try to make it as though I shouldnt be, Nichols concluded.

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The national government has set a target of developing Vietnam into a global electronics and semiconductor hub as the industry is seen as a key to the success of other sectors.

The prime minister has approved a semiconductor development strategy until 2030 with a vision toward 2050, along with a detailed road map for the challenging ambition.

The country will implement the strategy in three phases, with the first from 2024 to 2030 focusing on attracting foreign investments selectively and forming a network of at least 100 chip design firms, one semiconductor manufacturing factory, and 10 chip packaging and testing facilities.

During the first phase, the country will train 50,000 engineers.

In the next phase, Vietnam will boost the growth of the semiconductor industry by combining self-reliance and foreign investment attraction from 2030 to 2040.

The country will form a network of at least 200 chip design firms, two semiconductor production factories, and 15 chip packaging and testing plants, with a workforce of 100,000 engineers.

During the last phase of the strategy, Vietnam aims to master semiconductor research and development, complete an autonomous Vietnamese semiconductor ecosystem, and become a leader in some stages and segments of the global chip manufacturing chain.

These goals reflect Vietnams big ambitions to transform itself from a nation lagging in high technology into a global semiconductor hub.

To fulfill such ambitious goals, Vietnam will face several challenges, especially workforce expansion and investment attraction in infrastructure.

Human resources: A passport to success

Realizing that one of the most important factors behind semiconductor growth is the workforce, the government has mapped out a detailed plan to train up to 100,000 engineers to serve the semiconductor industry by 2050.

Vo Xuan Hoai, deputy director of the Vietnam National Innovation Center, stressed that human resources will make breakthroughs in the future semiconductor industry.

Vietnams higher education system has been transforming significantly to suit the demands of the fourth industrial revolution. In 2024, approximately 20 universities started to launch the chip design major.

All we have are human resources which are Vietnams biggest advantage over other nations in the region, stated Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mai Anh Tuan, senior lecturer at the University of Engineering and Technology under the Vietnam National University-Hanoi.

When Vietnam possesses a highly trained and educated semiconductor workforce, other sectors will thrive as a domino effect, according to Tuan.

Yet it is challenging to train this number of potential semiconductor engineers in a short time. Therefore, cooperation between universities and firms is critical to training quality.

Students attend an IC course at the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City. Photo: Thien Thong / Tuoi Tre

Utilizing China Plus One strategy

Amid the U.S.-China trade dispute, Vietnam has a silver lining as many investors active in the support industry are shifting their business to Southeast Asia.

The China Plus One strategy is smoothing the path for Vietnam to attract investments in the semiconductor industry, and a close relationship with China and the U.S. also drives up Vietnams semiconductor growth as the two nations aim to tap the chip field in the Southeast Asian country.

The strategy is bringing multiple opportunities to Vietnam to foster semiconductor and electronics industries, said Assoc. Prof. Dr Tuan.

Nguyen Van Toan, vice-president of Vietnam's Association of Foreign Invested Enterprises, underlined that to achieve semiconductor growth goals, we must concentrate on two factors at the same time, including enhancing foreign investment attraction in semiconductors and electronics toward technology transfer, and promoting domestic strengths by investing in a chip production plant.

To make these opportunities practical, Vietnam should quickly build a comprehensive semiconductor ecosystem featuring chip research, design, packaging, and testing processes to turn the country into a global semiconductor hub.

China Plus One is a business strategy to avoid investing only in China and diversify business into other countries, or to channel investments into manufacturing in other promising economies such as Vietnam and India.

Universities rush to launch integrated circuit major

Assoc. Prof. Dr. Nguyen Thu Thuy, head of the Higher Education Department at the Ministry of Education and Training, stated that there are approximately 5,000 integrated circuit (IC) engineers, and that the number increases 10-15 percent each year.

It is expected to continue soaring in the coming time, Thuy affirmed.

Each year the Vietnam National University-Ho Chi Minh City trains 6,000 engineers for the semiconductor field, while the Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology trains 3,850 semiconductor engineers.

Meanwhile, nearly 3,000 engineers are trained at the Vietnam National University-Hanoi each year.

In addition, as many as 18 other universities will jump on the semiconductor training bandwagon to enrich the countrys chip workforce.

This eagerness to ramp up IC training is believed to turn the nations goal of churning out 50,000 chip engineers from now until 2030 into a reality.

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Vietnam, one of the worlds top rice exporters, is expected to import nearly US$1 billion worth of rice by the end of 2024, according to the General Department of Vietnam Customs.

The Southeast Asian country spent $850 million on rice imports in January-August, compared to last year's total spending of $860 million.

Low rice import prices

Farmers have rushed to cultivate high-cost rice, which is not appropriate for noodle and rice paper production. As a result, producers of these products must use imported rice and admit the import market is bustling with diversified products.

Many enterprises have imported rice for food and animal feed production, said Nguyen Long, a trader of rice imported from India in Ho Chi Minh City.

Long noted that the price of Vietnams five-percent broken rice has occasionally reached nearly $580 per metric ton, with export prices outpacing those of Thailand and Pakistan by $40 per metric ton.

In comparison, rice import pricing ranges from $480 to $500 per metric ton.

The large gap has discouraged enterprises that produce noodles, cakes, and other products from using domestic rice, Long explained.

Nguyen Thi Anh, a noodle producer in Quang Ngai Province, central Vietnam, said she needs five metric tons of rice to produce one metric ton of fresh noodles daily.

Domestic rice prices have surged to VND17,000 ($0.7) per kilogram from VND12,000 ($0.5), while the noodle price has stayed consistent.

Nguyen Thi Anh has shifted to imported rice, priced at VND10,000-12,000 ($0.4-0.5) per kilogram, transported from Ho Chi Minh City.

The owner of a dried noodle production facility in Binh Dinh Province, south-central Vietnam revealed that over the past five years, 40 percent of the rice used for their exports has been imported.

Rice imports cause no impact on local production

Vietnams rice output is abundant to ensure national food security, national reserves, and exports. The country exports some 6-6.5 metric tons of rice per year, according to the Ministry of Industry and Trade.

Vietnam spent nearly $850 million on rice imports in January-August 2024. Photo: Thien Huong / Tuoi Tre

P.C.T., the owner of a rice mill in southern An Giang Province, said Vietnam began increasing rice imports in 2019, mainly from India, Myanmar, Pakistan, and Cambodia, which has helped prevent Vietnamese rice prices from soaring.

A leader of the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development said Vietnam annually buys over one million metric tons of rice from Cambodia, India, and other markets. However, this has no impact on local production due to the different rice varieties, the official added.

According to the Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, by 2030 Vietnam will have produced 43 million metric tons of unhusked rice annually with the current seven million hectares of rice fields.

The country uses 29.5 million metric tons of unhusked rice for national food security, animal feed production, and reserves. The remaining 13.5 million metric tons of unhusked rice, equivalent to 7-8 million metric tons of rice, is for export.

Vietnams rice export prices remain strong, according to the Vietnam Food Association. Currently, 100-percent broken rice is priced at $452 per metric ton, five-percent broken rice at $563 per metric ton, and 25-percent broken rice at $533 per metric ton.

The General Department of Vietnam Customs reported that the country exported 6.15 million metric tons of rice in January-August, generating over $3.85 billion, a 5.8-percent increase in volume and a 27-percent rise in value.

Nguyen Van Thanh, a member of the Vietnam Food Association, noted that domestic demand for low-cost rice has risen, while rice farming areas have decreased due to a shift toward shrimp farming in some Mekong Delta localities.

He added that importing low-cost rice allows local processing firms to maintain profitability without affecting domestic rice production, while also helping to stabilize Vietnams rice export prices.

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Chuong Duong Elementary School in District 1, Ho Chi Minh City on Monday issued a decision to suspend a teacher for 15 days as she had asked her students' parents for contributions to buy her a new laptop.

Parents of students in class 4/3 expressed their concerns about head teacher T.P.H. after she informed them via messages in a Zalo group chat that she would not prepare lesson revision outlines, as some of the parents had disagreed with her suggestions on their funding to buy the laptop.

H. later stated, also via chat messages, that she would not accept any contribution to purchase the device but would retain the funds for activities in class 4/3.

In response, 25 out of 38 parents submitted a petition to the school, requesting either the replacement of the head teacher or the transfer of their children to other classes.

H. on Monday told local media that she had lost her laptop at the school in the 2022-23 academic year, adding that her classroom is equipped with a television so she wanted to have a new laptop to prepare lessons and connect with the television for teaching purposes.

As the school management board made no move after she reported the loss of her own laptop, she asked her students parents to chip in to buy a new device for her.

H. explained that she did not seek the principals opinion on requesting the parents' funding since she believed it was a normal practice aligned with a policy that encourages joint contributions from the state and residents for educational development.

The teacher at a meeting with local media on September 30, 2024. Photo: My Dung / Tuoi Tre

I made this request based on the voluntary spirit of the parents. Without a laptop, the television will go unused, which would be wasteful, she claimed.

Le Cong Minh, principal of Chuong Duong Elementary School, then told the teacher not to receive money from the parents.

H. claimed that she saw Minh's instruction as a reason to create a poll in the Zalo group chat for them to decide if they agreed or disagreed with the principal's decision, as she had found no good excuse to turn down the parents' funds.

All of the parents had agreed to contribute money for me to buy a new laptop at an earlier meeting, so I had no reason to refuse the funds, H. stated.

On Monday morning, 24 of the 38 students in class 4/3 were absent from school. Their parents reported that they had not received any announcements from the school concerning their childrens classroom activities.

Minh confirmed the school is dealing with the case.

It has suspended the teacher and would invite another to teach class 4/3.

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Singaporean national Jovel Chan moved to Ho Chi Minh City at a rather challenging time.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit the globe, her job in F&B marketing for a prominent Malaysian airline came to a halt, forcing her to return to Singapore.

Being lock downed in her apartment in Singapore did not make Chan happy.

Encouraged by friends to relocate to Vietnam, which was still accepting entries with strict pandemic control measures at that time, Chan decided to open a fitness studio in Ho Chi Minh City, hoping to tap into the countrys growing health market.

Chan flew to Ho Chi Minh City in December 2020 where she spent two weeks in quarantine only to find out that the city would soon implement social distancing measures.

Though her plan was put on hold, Chan was able to find a silver lining in the situation.

I'm so glad I got to really see how [Vietnamese] people are because otherwise, as a foreigner, I would have come and worked in an office in District 1, only seeing the technology and modern aspects [of the country], she said.

[Without the social distancing measures] you wouldn't see a lot of the things like the police presence and neighborhoods coming together to help everybody."

Chan herself did her best to be a part of the Vietnamese communitys efforts to support each other by volunteering to help deliver food to those quarantined at home due to COVID-19.

Jovel Chan (R, 4th) joins others in volunteering to help deliver food to those quarantined at home due to COVID-19 in Ho Chi Minh City. Photo courtesy of Jovel Chan

The Singaporean still vividly remembers one day, she and her friends processed a ton of cabbages for distribution.

As the saying goes, when one door closes, another opens.

Another door, another path

While stuck at home, Chan kept up with online discussions about which restaurants in the city remained open and which were closed.

She began to compile a list of these restaurants and posted it to a web domain she had already purchased to promote her fitness studio.

Her list quickly went viral after she posted it to a series of online forums, chalking up over 10,000 views in just a few days.

During the following Lunar New Year (Tet) holiday, restaurants and cafes began reaching out to Chan, asking her to update their operating information.

From knowing no one in the local F&B industry upon her arrival, Chan quickly built a network of many Vietnamese businesses.

Jovel Chan is seen in this photo she provided Tuoi Tre News.

Chans blog is a vibrant platform where she continually updates readers on the latest trends and changes in Vietnams food and beverage scene.

It would feature lists of newly opened restaurants in Ho Chi Minh City, articles about emerging culinary destinations worth exploring in Vietnam, or guides to new Vietnamese restaurants in the city.

In addition to her own writing, some of the content is also produced by her team members.

Despite receiving numerous invitations from restaurants, Chan said she does not focus on monetizing her blog, because if a restaurant is not good, she simply will not review it.

After nearly four years in Vietnam, the 31-year-old blogger now generates her primary income through marketing and consulting for restaurants, as well as organizing tours, events, and supper clubs through her company, Saigon Social.

Thanks to a team which helps handle her operational work, Chan is able to pursue her passion: exploring Vietnamese cuisine.

Besides running her blog, which attracts over 20,000 monthly visits, Chan also writes for several English publications in Vietnam and abroad, helping promote the countrys rapidly growing culinary scene.

However, she does not write about street food but focuses solely on restaurants.

I love Vietnamese street food. I love eating bun rieu [crab noodles] and banh xeo [Vietnamese savory sizzling crepes], but I don't feel that I'm like a local person so I don't know if I should be the best person to write about street food, she explained.

There are a lot of other people who can write about street food better than her, she believed.

Living in Southeast Asia, we all eat street food. So, I want to explore places that make me go wow like seeing people use Vietnamese herbs in drinks, or blending pho into cocktails, Chan said.

Small hidden bars and cafes tucked inside old buildings, filled with surprises and genuinely made drinks, run by young people, truly blow my mind.

Chan believed that in the long term, it is more sustainable for Vietnamese cuisine to also enter a finer and more premium dining space.

"Tourists and food enthusiasts from abroad can also appreciate Vietnamese ingredients and culinary talents in a different way, she said.

If they can only appreciate Vietnamese food on the street, then Vietnamese cuisine will always be VND25,000 and VND20,000. (US$1 = VND24,610)

For instance, if I only eat street food, I wouldnt know that people can create cocktails with Vietnamese gin and basil."

Chan shared an example of dining on oysters in Nha Trang, a tourist city in south-central Vietnam, where she was amazed by the quality, comparing it to that of Japan.

However, she noted that few people would know this unless they visited upscale restaurants.

She also recommended that Vietnamese restaurants create English-language websites to make it easier for foreigners to discover them.

Jovel Chan is seen in this photo she provided Tuoi Tre News.

An exciting time

According to Chan, this is an exciting time for Vietnams culinary scene, with international media outlets from the Michelin Guide to The New York Times spotlighting Vietnamese food and many global brands entering the market.

I feel that now is the time that we're going to see the restaurant scene really change, and see a lot of Vietnamese chefs doing it, Chan said.

In the past, like in every country in Southeast Asia, even Singapore, fine dining was very Western, like French fine dining and Italian fine dining."

Chan highlighted the exciting developments happening in Vietnam's food scene, from modern Vietnamese creations to unique fusions with other cuisines, saying, "It can be anything."

The Singaporean blogger hopes to remain in Vietnam for another five to ten years to witness the continued evolution of the country's culinary landscape first-hand.

I wish I had come so much earlier, Chan said.

Chan expressed her desire for larger events featuring international chefs and greater recognition for Vietnamese chefs both locally and regionally.

She also hopes to see more collaborations between Vietnamese and foreign culinary experts from across Asia.

In the coming months, Chan plans to organize additional food tours focused on modern Vietnamese cuisine and cocktails, along with workshops and tastings where visitors can sample and purchase high-quality gin, rum, sake, and chocolate made in Vietnam.

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KUALA LUMPUR -- Malaysia plans to create a national cloud policy and introduce regulations to encourage the ethical use of artificial intelligence (AI), Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim said on Tuesday.

The announcement comes amid a wave of investments by global tech firms in Malaysia over the past year, as they seek to build critical infrastructure to cater to growing demand for their cloud and AI services.

Anwar said Malaysia's national cloud policy will focus on four core areas, namely public service innovation and efficiency, economic competitiveness and growth, strengthening user trust and data security, and empowering citizens through digital inclusivity.

The government would also set up a national AI office to coordinate initiatives, including completing a five-year technology action plan as well as a regulatory framework to increase adoption of ethical and sustainable AI within the next 12 months, he said.

"We aim to position Malaysia as a hub for generative artificial intelligence and investments from tech partners will be critical in building a robust and secure digital infrastructure," Anwar said at a ground-breaking ceremony for Google's new $2 billion data centre and cloud region in the country.

Google, which this week announced a multi-year partnership with a local tech firm to provide sovereign cloud services, said its investments in Malaysia would create 26,500 jobs and contribute more than $3 billion to its economy by 2030.

"Our investments are designed to provide high performing and reliability, meeting demand for cloud and AI services across the country," Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said.

Digital investments have helped propel Malaysia's economy this year, with growth beating market expectations in the last two quarters and the ringgit currency becoming one of Asia's top performers.

Google's moves are a part of a wider expansion by global tech companies into Southeast Asia, as they vie for a greater presence in a region with a young tech-savvy population of 670 million.

On Monday, Google said it would invest $1 billion in Thailand to build a data centre and cloud region there, to meet growing cloud demand and support AI adoption in Southeast Asia.
Vietnam and Mongolia have issued a joint statement to upgrade their bilateral relations to a comprehensive partnership during the two-day state visit by Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam to the East Asian country.

The Vietnamese leader and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh announced the joint statement on Monday after their talks in which they affirmed that the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership will help boost the all-round cooperation extensively, substantively, and effectively.

The new partnership came amid the two countries celebrating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations set up in 1954, which have fruitfully developed since then.

Besides the announcement of the new partnership, the joint statement also highlighted the key outcomes of the talks between Party General Secretary and State President Lam and President Khurelsukh.

Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (R, 2nd) speaks at the talks with Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam in Ulaanbaatar, September 30, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong

Khurelsukh welcomed Lams visit, considering it a historic event that significantly contributed to fostering the relationship between Hanoi and Ulaanbaatar.

The Mongolian leader highly appreciated Vietnams flexible, balanced, multilateral, and diversified foreign policy, while congratulating Vietnam on its recent achievementshas and affirming that Mongolia attaches importance to its relationship with Vietnam and considers the Southeast Asian country one of its leading partners in the region.

Khurelsukh extended his gratitude to the state and people of Vietnam for donating US$500,000 to support recent natural disaster recovery efforts in Mongolia.

He reiterated that the Vietnam-Mongolia Intergovernmental Committee will convene in Hanoi in November to discuss measures to implement the joint statement on the new partnership.

The Vietnamese leader wished Mongolia success in executing its New Revival Policy and the strategic goals of the Vision 2050, thereby further enhancing Ulaanbaatars international role and position.

Both the host and guest discussed major directions and specific measures to beef up the relationship between the two countries aligning with the new partnership.

They agreed to enhance exchanges of delegations at all levels, make effective use of existing cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, and further promote collaboration in diplomacy, defense, security, and justice.

They pledged to strengthen coordination in combating transnational crimes, participate in United Nations peacekeeping missions, and continue supporting the development of cavalry, a symbol of their bilateral relationship.

The two sides pledged to boost economic cooperation by strengthening trade promotion, opening markets for each others goods, and supporting businesses from both countries, with a view to enhancing trade and investment activities, thereby elevating two-way trade in the near future.

Lam and Khurelsukh agreed to strengthen cooperation in research and development activities related to high-tech science, digital technology, creative innovation, artificial intelligence, information and communication, climate change response, mineral exploitation, and animal husbandry.

Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L, 4th) speaks at the talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh in Ulaanbaatar, September 30, 2024. Photo: Nguyen Hong / Tuoi Tre

They were committed to finding solutions for the challenges in logistics cooperation and to effectively implementing the signed agreements in road, rail, maritime, and air transport.

In addition, the two nations will bolster cooperation in many other fields such as agriculture, science, transportation, culture, sports, tourism, education, labor, and environment.

Both sides will also enhance their coordination and mutual support at regional and international organizations and forums where they are members, such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the World Trade Organization (WTO), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

The two countries will also reinforce cooperation in regional and international affairs, including responding to non-traditional security threats such as climate change, terrorism, and transnational crimes.

The leaders emphasized the need to maintain peace, security, and stability in the East Vietnam Sea. They advocated for resolving disputes through peaceful means to ensure the legitimate rights and interests of all countries, in accordance with international law, including the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Following their talks, Lam and Khurelsukh witnessed the signing of seven cooperative documents between ministries and localities of the two nations.

The Vietnamese leader respectfully invited President Khurelsukh to visit Vietnam, who accepted the invitation with pleasure.

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As many as 20 foreign nationals among over 3,700 inmates have been paroled in Vietnam this year, according to State President To Lams amnesty decision taking effect on Tuesday.

The pardoned foreigners include nine Chinese nationals, three Laotians, two Cambodians, two Americans, and the rest hailing from other nations, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Do Hung Viet told a press conference in Hanoi on the announcement of the 2024 amnesty decision on Monday.

These individuals had previously been jailed for murder, smuggling, gambling, and organizing illegal stays in Vietnam, Hung said.

After the release, the Ministry of Foreign Affair would send diplomatic notes to the diplomatic agencies of relevant nations to complete related procedures and receive the pardoned foreigners, the deputy minister stated.

At a press briefing, Pham Thanh Ha, Vice-Chairman of the Presidential Office, announced that 3,763 prisoners and two inmates with suspended sentences are eligible for this years amnesty.

He emphasized that the annual amnesty reflects Vietnam's humanitarian tradition and the Party and states leniency policy, which aims to encourage inmates who demonstrate good behavior in prison to repent after their release.

Ha also noted that there was no discrimination in the parole consideration process, regardless of whether the prisoners are Vietnamese or foreign nationals.

In late July, State President Lam signed a decision to pardon inmates serving fixed jail terms or suspended sentences, and to commute life sentences to fixed prison terms.

This decision was made in honor of the 79th National Day on September 2 and the 70th anniversary of Hanoi's Liberation on October 10.

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Check out the latest news in Vietnam today:

Politics

-- Vietnams Party General Secretary and State President To Lam, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Chairman of the National Assembly Tran Thanh Man, and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Bui Thanh Son on Monday extended their congratulations to China on its 75th National Day (October 1, 1949 - October 1, 2024).

-- Vietnamese Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh witnessed the signing of cooperation agreements between the two countries' ministries, sectors, and agencies following their talks in Ulaanbaatar on Monday afternoon, the Vietnam News Agency reported.

Society

-- The Ho Chi Minh City Peoples Council has approved a project to upgrade and expand the 1.7-kilometer Tan Thoi Hiep 21 Street in District 12 at a cost of nearly VND1.4 trillion ($56.8 million).

-- Authorities in Ho Chi Minh City released five long-tailed monkeys back into the wild in outlying Can Gio District, the municipal Forest Protection Department confirmed on Monday.

-- Vietnam paroles over 3,700 prisoners, including 20 foreign nationals, this year, according to State President To Lams amnesty decision that takes effect on Tuesday.

-- Vice-chairman of the administration in Ho Chi Minh City Bui Xuan Cuong has tasked relevant agencies with opening the Nam Ly Bridge in Thu Duc City to traffic on Wednesday. Work started on the project on October 8, 2016 and was suspended from March 2019 to March 2023.

-- A car assembly factory in Go Vap District, Ho Chi Minh City operated by a joint venture between world-renowned carmaker Mercedes-Benz Group AG and a local company has had its land lease extended by five years, starting April 14 next year, according to Deputy Prime Minister Tran Hong Has decision.

Business

-- Meta will expand the production of its latest mixed reality headset Quest 3S in Vietnam in 2025, which is expected to create some 1,000 jobs for local workers, Nick Clegg, president of global affairs at Meta, who is on a business trip to Vietnam, said during a meeting with Vietnamese Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh in Hanoi on Monday.

-- Long Son Petrochemicals Company Limited on Monday announced that its US$5-billion petrochemical complex had begun commercial operations in Ba Ria-Vung Tau Province, southern Vietnam.

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Several residential areas in Da Nang City, central Vietnam are facing a resurgence of toxic rove beetles, sparking concerns among locals.

Ong Thi Thuy, vice-chairwoman of the Peoples Committee in Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District, confirmed that authorities have received numerous reports of a rove beetle invasion.

In response, the health department sprayed chemicals in the affected areas on Sunday.

The beetles have been found scattered across several apartment complexes and surrounding neighborhoods in Hoa Tho Dong Ward, typically emerging at night when the weather changes.

Many residents are experiencing distress and panic due to skin blisters after contact

Rove beetles, also referred to as rove ants or striped ants, are slender insects typically seen in autumn during the rice harvest season. They measure between 0.7 and 1 cm in length and have distinctive orange and black stripes.

Tran Dung, a resident of a condo complex, reported finding more than 20 beetles in his bedroom at one point.

A man sprays chemicals to exterminate rove beetles at an apartment complex in Hoa Tho Dong Ward, Cam Le District, Da Nang, central Vietnam. Photo: Truong Trung / Tuoi Tre

He explained that the neighborhood, located near a riverbank and vegetable fields, usually attracts rove beetles at the start of the rainy season, but this recent surge is unprecedented.

My family had to move our sleeping area and wash all our bedding to avoid exposure to the beatles' toxins, Dung said, adding that panic has spread throughout the building, with many residents keeping ointments on hand as a precaution.

Rove beetles carry a potent toxin called pederin, which can cause skin irritation, blisters, and ulcers, even with minimal contact.

Doctors warn against crushing or rubbing the beetles, as this can release the toxin and worsen skin damage.

Vietnam's Ministry of Health has recommended using yellow light bulbs instead of fluorescent ones, as rove beetles are drawn to fluorescent lighting.

Residents are also advised to avoid standing under bright lights indoors and to maintain their distance if beetles are spotted nearby.

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If you havent quite had enough of The Menendez Brothers yet, or if the Ryan Murphy drama has spiked your interest, Netflix has a new documentary film -hearing from the two brothers behind bars.

In 1996, Lyle and Erik Menendez were convicted for the murders of their parents in what became one of the most famous criminal cases of the late 20th century. For the first time in 30 years, and in their own words, both brothers revisit the trial that shocked the nation. Through extensive audio interviews with Lyle and Erik, lawyers involved in the trial, journalists who covered it, jurors, family, and other informed observers, acclaimed Argentinian director Alejandro Hartmann (Carmel: Who Killed Maria Marta?, The Photographer: Murder in Pinamar) offers new insight and a fresh perspective on a case that people only think they know.

Monday October 7 on Netflix.
Dundee Corporation; Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Inc.

TORONTO, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Dundee Corporation (TSX: DC.A) (the Company or Dundee) announced today that, in alignment with its commitment to its core strategic objectives, it has entered into a definitive agreement to sell its investment management business (the Investment Management Business) operated through Goodman & Company, Investment Counsel Inc. to Next Edge Capital Corp. (Next Edge) (the Transaction). The decision to sell the Investment Management Business enables the Company to enhance its focus on its core investment strategy while streamlining operations and further rationalizing its cost structure.



Lila Manassa Murphy, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of Dundee, commented:

This transaction represents a significant strategic step toward cost rationalization, allowing us to more fully concentrate our resources on our core investment strategy. While these funds have played a significant role in Dundees history, this move ensures we can streamline our operations and optimize our expense structure. As we look to the future, we are well-positioned to capitalize on investment and growth opportunities for the benefit of our shareholders.

Rob Anton, President of Next Edge, commented:

We are excited to close on this transaction and we look forward to further diversifying our alternative and value-added product offerings in Canada.

The Transaction is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval and the approval of the unitholders of CMP 2023 Resource Limited Partnership (CMP 2023) and the shareholders of Dundee Global Fund Corporation (Dundee Global Fund).

Unitholders of CMP 2023 and shareholders of Dundee Global Fund will be asked to approve the change of manager at a special meeting. Details about the Transaction will be contained in the meeting materials mailed to unitholders and shareholders.

Following the closing of the Transaction, Next Edge will become investment fund manager and portfolio manager of both CMP 2023 and Dundee Global Fund.

CMP 2023 and Dundee Global Fund referred the Transaction to their independent review committee (the IRC), and the IRC determined that, if implemented, the Transaction would achieve a fair and reasonable result for CMP 2023 and Dundee Global Fund.

ABOUT DUNDEE CORPORATION

Dundee Corporation is a public Canadian independent holding company, listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol DC.A. Through its operating subsidiaries, Dundee is an active investor focused on delivering long-term, sustainable value as a trusted partner in the mining sector with more than 30 years of experience making accretive mining investments.

Story continues

ABOUT NEXT EDGE CAPITAL CORP.

Next Edge Capital Corp. is an investment fund manager and a leader in the structuring and distribution of alternative, private credit and value-added fund products in Canada. The firm is led by an experienced management team that has launched numerous investment solutions in a variety of product structures and has been responsible for raising over $3 billion of alternative assets since 2000.1 Next Edge specializes and focuses on providing unique, non-correlated pooled investment vehicles to the Canadian marketplace.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, which reflects the Companys current expectations regarding future events. Forward- looking information is based on a number of assumptions and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Companys control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the factors discussed under Risk Factors in the Annual Information Form of the Company and subsequent filings made with securities commissions in Canada. The Company does not undertake any obligation to update such forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as expressly required by applicable law.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT:

Investor and Media Relations T: (416) 864-3584

E: ir@dundeecorporation.com

1 Please note that over CAD $2 billion of the CAD $3 billion of alternative assets raised relates to assets that were raised at a previous firm(s).




The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The plane is due to take off from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday with vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 to be prioritised, the Foreign Office said.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said the situation in Lebanon "is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly" and the safety of British citizens there "continues to be our utmost priority".

He added: "That's why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed."

Israel-Lebanon latest: Follow live updates

While the government will pay to charter the flight, those wanting to get on it will be expected to pay a fee of 350 per seat.

Commercial flights are still operating and the Foreign Office has been working with partners to increase capacity to enable British nationals to leave, the department said.

There are concerns about rising violence in the Middle East after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli airstrikes on Beirut at the weekend.

The Iran-backed militant group responded by saying it is ready to fight should Israel launch a ground offensive, with fears mounting that the escalating hostilities could result in a full-scale regional war.

Earlier on Monday, Mr Lammy said the government had set up a rapid response unit to help the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon, with 700 troops stationed in Cyprus and seats booked on commercial flights to bring them home.

The foreign secretary urged those wanting to flee to make use of this help immediately, saying the government might not be able to protect them if the conflict escalates.

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: "I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast-moving.

"While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days."

It emerged today that Israeli special forces are conducting probing operations inside Lebanon, ahead of a potential ground assault.

There were reports of heavy artillery fire in border towns in southern Lebanon on Monday night, after Israel's defence minister Yoav Gallant warned "the next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon".

Mr Lammy said he spoke to US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Monday evening and they are both "concerned" about the situation and are urging de-escalation.

Read more:

Is wider war in the Middle East now inevitable?

Iran seems to have badly miscalculated the risks Israel are willing to take

Asked if military aid could be sent to Israel if it is attacked by Iran, Mr Lammy said he met with the Iranian foreign minister last week and "I was urging Iran to show restraint".

"As you would expect over the coming hours, we will continue to be in touch with Iran," he added.

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On whether he agrees with US President Joe Biden that the killing of Hassan Nasrallah was a "measure of justice", Mr Lammy said: "I don't mourn the death of the head of a proscribed terrorist organisation, but I do mourn the civilians who have lost their lives in the bloodshed over the last few days."
HA NOI  The 'super port' ICD Vinh Phuc (Vietnam SuperPort), developed by a joint venture between T&T Group and Singapores YCH Group, has announced its digital transformation roadmap.

The roadmap, unveiled at the Viet Nam Innovation Day 2024 in Ha Noi on Tuesday, aims to drive efficiency and sustainability in the logistics sector, enhancing the delivery of fast-paced goods and services and increasing trade flows through the leverage of cutting-edge technologies, especially Artificial Intelligence (AI).

During the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Singapore's Ambassador to Viet Nam, Jaya Ratnam, and senior leaders visited the Vietnam SuperPort exhibition to explore its visionary approach to creating a modern, smart, and connected logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

As the flagship port in the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), Vietnam SuperPort plays a crucial role in strengthening trade flows between Viet Nam, the ASEANChina region, and beyond. By serving as a strategic logistics hub, Vietnam SuperPort connects Viet Nam more deeply to global supply chains and positions the country as a critical player in regional trade. Its symbiotic role with Viet Nams economy drives the countrys growth in the global value chain, enabling it to grow without growing pains by providing seamless logistics solutions that match the demands of a rapidly expanding economy.

Vietnam SuperPort is committed to co-developing new technologies with world-class partners to meet the growing demand for faster, more efficient logistics solutions. In collaboration with Singapores YCH Group, the plan includes AI-driven automation, warehouse robotics, and transport management solutions. These advanced technologies will enhance operational workflows, accelerate order fulfilment, and improve inventory control.

With nearly 70 years of industry leadership, YCH Group is a trusted partner in supply chain development, showcasing expertise in AI integration, transport optimisation, and cross-border trade through Singapores Supply Chain City, co-created with global partners.

Vietnam SuperPort underscores T&T Group and YCH Groups commitment to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered automation and blockchain, Vietnam SuperPort is enhancing Viet Nams logistics capabilities and staying at the forefront of supply chain innovation in the ASEAN region, said o Quang Hien, Founder and Chairman of the Strategic Committee at T&T Group.

Vietnam SuperPort collaborates with leading global technology firms to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem that integrates AI-based warehouse management software for real-time inventory tracking, demand prediction, and performance measurement. This initiative, backed by Y3 Technologies' proprietary suite, is designed to optimise logistics efficiency across the region.

In addition to operational enhancements, Vietnam SuperPort aims to strengthen Viet Nams supply chain connectivity and sustainability. Its AI-powered logistics marketplace will serve as a global platform, linking SMEs, financial institutions, and logistics providers, offering enhanced transparency and facilitating access to capital for businesses. Vietnam SuperPort will also develop a blockchain-based ESG management system to track carbon emissions, supporting its goal of becoming Southeast Asias first net-zero logistics hub by 2040.

Our digital transformation plan aligns with Viet Nams national strategy to develop a smart, competitive, and sustainable logistics industry by 2035. This partnership and technological advancement will reinforce Viet Nams role as a critical player in the regional supply chain, said Dr Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort.

Vietnam SuperPort is an 83-hectare, multi-modal logistics port located in Vinh Phuc Province. It is a strategic joint venture between T&T Group and YCH Group. It aims to enhance Viet Nam's integration into global supply chains, reduce logistics costs, and boost the countrys competitive edge in international trade. Aiming to be Southeast Asias first net-zero multimodal logistics port, Vietnam SuperPort is committed to sustainability, with plans to integrate clean energy and advanced technologies.

T&T Group is currently the leading multi-industry private economic group in Viet Nam. It has developed an ecosystem of over 500 member companies, joint ventures, and affiliated companies, employing 80,000 people and operating effectively in seven core business areas: finance and investment, green real estate, industry and trade, smart logistics, clean energy, agriculture, forestry and aquaculture, transport infrastructure and seaports, and healthcare, education, and sports.

Originating from a dedication to contributing to a rich and beautiful Viet Nam, T&T Group is one of the private economic groups honoured to receive the First-Class Labour Medal (three times), the Second-Class Labour Medal, and the Third-Class Labour Medal.

T&T Group is trusted by partners and government agencies to implement large-scale projects closely linked to the national economic strategy. In its strategy to 2030, T&T Group aims to maintain its position among the top 10 largest multi-industry private economic groups in Viet Nam and the top 50 influential enterprises in Asia and the region.

YCH Group is Singapores leading homegrown, end-to-end supply chain solutions partner for some of the world's largest companies and brands. Headquartered in Singapore, YCHs DistriParks and supply chain hubs are strategically located in more than 100 key cities across China, India, Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia, the Philippines, Laos, Viet Nam, Japan, and the Republic of Korea.

YCH focuses on boosting productivity and sustainability for its customers with its proprietary best-in-class suite of award-winning solutions across industries such as fast-moving consumer goods, electronics, chemicals, healthcare, cold chain logistics, and e-commerce./.
HA NOI  Cashew nuts are one of the exports which have created a large market for Viet Nam, however the industry faces the risk of trade deficit due to higher raw material prices.

Exports of cashews were up 22.9 per cent in volume and 21.8 per cent in turnover year-on-year, according to the General Department of Customs, with an average price per tonne of US$5,706.

Notably, the export turnover of cashew nuts still maintained growth, but the gap between the export value and the import turnover of raw materials has gradually narrowed.

In 2023, the export turnover of cashew nuts reached $3.64 billion, while the import of raw materials stood at $3.1 billion. The industry achieved a trade surplus of $500 million.

In the first eight months of this year, the cashew industry spent about $2.7 billion to import raw materials for processing, approaching the import value of last year.

"This figure accurately reflects the current situation of the cashew industry," said Vu Thai Son, chairman of Binh Phuoc Cashew Association and general director of Long Son Company.

Viet Nam is the world's leading country in processing cashew nuts. It has a large number of factories, but the domestic raw material area is reducing, only meeting about 10 - 12 per cent of the demand for raw cashew nuts for those factories. Most of the raw materials have to be imported from Africa and Cambodia, according to Son.

A few years ago, the raw cashew nut supply was quite large, however this year supplies have fallen sharply due to drought.

In addition, African countries' export of raw cashew nuts has also tightened, so the selling price of raw cashew nuts has increased by 40-50 per cent.

The growth rate of the export price of cashew nuts is not significant, so many enterprises have suffered heavy losses.

According to the Viet Nam Cashew Association (VINACAS), Viet Nam's cashew tree growing area is gradually decreasing year on year, from 440,000ha in 2007 to 302,500ha in the 2019-2020 crop year, with an output of about 339,800 tonnes.

In 2024, the total cashew area nationwide will remain at 305,000ha, with estimated output of raw cashew nuts at 370,000 tonnes. With low incomes and greater competition from imported raw cashew nuts, the domestic growers in some areas have switched to other crops with higher value.

At the beginning of this year, the price of cashew nuts skyrocketed - suppliers demanded price increases or cancelled contracts, causing a lack of raw material for domestic cashew factories.

Bach Khanh Nhut, VINACAS permanent vice chairman, said every year Viet Nam imported more than 2.5 million tonnes of raw cashews, of which about 1.7 million tonnes are sourced from Africa, mainly west Africa.

This year, El Nino impacted cashew production across Africa, including the Ivory Coast, leading to low output and high prices.

Raw material exporters from Africa had increased the price of the contracts that had previously been signed with Vietnamese enterprises, by 40-50 per cent to $1,500-$1,700 per tonne.

For many years, Viet Nam had led the global cashew supply chain, but that position was shaky and would certainly be lost if it did not change in time.

Small and medium sized factories must compete with large export processing enterprises, mainly foreign direct investment (FDI) factories, in purchasing raw cashew nuts. SMEs could face bankruptcy if things do not change, leading large firms to eventually dominate the world cashew nut market, he warned.

"The cashew industry's profits have always been very low and now there is no profit, some even face losses," Son told Thanh Nien newspaper.

Small enterprises who sell cashew nuts on the domestic market or export to China without signing a contract in advance, are the only ones who can make money.  VNS
HA NOI  The stock market began the week on a downturn, extending the VN-Index's losing streak to a second consecutive session as foreign investors resumed net selling after three consecutive net buying sessions.

The VN-Index on the Ho Chi Minh Stock Exchange (HoSE) closed at 1,287.94 points, down 2.98 points, or 0.23 per cent.

On the southern bourse, market breadth was negative, with 189 stocks declining, 115 advancing and 58 remaining unchanged. Liquidity fell to VN16.3 trillion (US$659.8 million), marking an 11 per cent increase compared to the previous session.

The VN30-Index, which tracks the top 30 stocks by market capitalisation on the HoSE, edged down by 0.01 points to 1,352.5 points. Within the VN30 basket, 19 stocks fell, eight gained and three remained unchanged.

The market's downturn was led by large-cap stocks in the financial and real estate sectors, with the Bank for Foreign Trade of Vietnam (VCB) posting the steepest decline in market capitalisation, falling by 0.54 per cent and contributing nearly 0.68 points to the VN-Index's overall decrease.

It was followed by Vinhomes JSC (VHM), which declined by 1.38 per cent, the Bank for Investment and Development of Vietnam (BID), which dropped by 0.8 per cent, and Vingroup Joint Stock Company (VIC), which decreased by 1.18 per cent.

However, the market's losses were mitigated by gains in certain pillar stocks, led by the Vietnam Prosperity Joint Stock Commercial Bank (VPB), which rose by 1.77 per cent, contributing nearly 0.7 points to the VN-Index.

Experts from Viet Dragon Securities noted: Liquidity declined compared to the previous session but remained at a high level, indicating that supply continues to exert significant pressure as the market approaches resistance levels. Given the current cautious candle signals, market movements may temporarily slow down and possibly undergo a correction in the upcoming session to test the supportive cash flow around the 1,285-point region.

"Therefore, investors should take a slower approach, observing the supply-demand dynamics to reassess the market's condition. For now, it is advisable to consider this rebound as an opportunity to adjust portfolios towards risk mitigation."

On the Ha Noi Stock Exchange (HNX), the HNX-Index also declined by 0.34 per cent, closing at 234.91 points.

During the session, shares worth more than VN1.1 trillion were traded, with a total trading volume of over 56 million shares on the northern bourse.

Foreign investors resumed their selling spree, with net sales amounting to over VN505 billion on the HoSE.  VNS
HA NOI  The Ministry of Industry and Trade has analysed trade defence instruments from other countries imposed on Viet Nams exports and discussed measures to mitigate them in the future.

The recommendations were made as a result of the monthly meeting between the ministry and Vietnamese trade offices abroad on Monday.

Viet Nam has become a rising exporter in recent years due to its advantages in low labour and production costs, but statistics show the number of cases in which Vietnamese exports face measures against unfair trade has increased compared to the 2001-11 period.

That 10-year period saw only 50 cases recorded, while in 2020 alone there were 39 cases.

Fourteen cases have been recorded in the last nine months.

Of the 257 cases recorded since 2001, 141 cases were anti-dumping investigations, 37 were anti-circumvention, 27 were anti-subsidy and 52 were safeguard investigations.

The number of markets that impose such measures on Vietnamese exports also expanded alongside the increase in the number of cases, said Truong Thuy Linh, deputy director of the Trade Remedies Authority under the ministry.

Apart from traditional export partners, investigations have also started from ASEAN countries, Mexico, South Africa and Taiwan (China), she said.

More products are being investigated as well, she added, including not only those with high export turnover such as shrimp, pangasius, steel, wood and solar panels, but also those with small and medium export value and volume, such as lawn mowers, honey, paper plates and staplers.

The scope of investigations is also expanding, including new contents such as product scope investigations and anti-circumvention of trade defence measures, Linh said.

More importantly, the trade defence tax rate may be pushed up due to market economy issues, since some countries such as the US have not recognised Viet Nam as a market economy, and use the costs of a third country to determine the normal value of the products in anti-dumping cases.

Viet Nam's trade offices abroad play a crucial role in protecting the rights of Vietnamese manufacturers and exporters, Linh added.

In many cases, as soon as they receive information from investigation agencies about the likelihood of an investigation into a product, these offices immediately inform our government, she said.

inh Quoc Thai, General Secretary of the Viet Nam Steel Association, stressed the importance of coordination between the trade offices and businesses in Viet Nam.

The trade offices play an important role in gathering information in each stage of the lawsuits and delivering them back to Viet Nam, he said.

Recently we have received early warnings of possible lawsuits from them, which have helped us prepare better and have more time to develop appeal strategies when issues arise.

Thai urged the Vietnamese trade offices in countries that import steel from Viet Nam to continue to keep track of trade investigation regulations, connect Vietnamese steel export businesses with lawyers and local importers, and take part in public consultation sessions where the complaints are filed.

In closely following Canadas investigations on Vietnamese exports, Viet Nam Trade Counsellor in Canada Tran Thu Quynh said that tractor, container chassis and wind turbines may be the next type of goods to face anti-dumping investigations.

We have also received informal information indicating that there will be a new investigation related to Vietnamese upholstered office furniture. It is also possible that the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will investigate wind turbine towers and solar panels exported from Viet Nam, she said.

To help businesses avoid being accused of dumping or evading trade defence measures, the Vietnamese trade office in Candada has organised various events to promote the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP), which focused on understanding the rules of origin and how to utilise cumulative origin principles in production, Quynh added.

We have also asked the Canadian government to develop a database of imports that meet their origin standards, and facilitate effective and sustainable utilisation of free trade agreements, she said.  VNS
HA NOI  Value-added pangasius products, including dried fish maws and fish skin snacks, are increasingly popular among international consumers, according to the Viet Nam Association of Seafood Exporters and Producers (VASEP).

As of the end of August 2024, exports of dried pangasius fish maws had reached US$58 million with China the largest buyer.

In the first eight months of this year, this country had imported $21 million worth of the product, accounting for 36 per cent of Viet Nams total export value for this product.

Currently, 12 Vietnamese companies are supplying to the Chinese market.

Over the past two years, China has increased its purchase of the snack to compensate for a supply shortage from Mexico, boosting revenues for many Vietnamese enterprises.

Fish maw is not only a delicacy prized in China, but also a symbol of success, prosperity and wealth in the country, said VASEP.

Therefore, the product is often used as a gift at important events in China."

Prices for fish maws in China can range from US$450 to $1,000 per kilogramme.

VASEP added that Mexico used to be Chinas top choice but due to certain endemic fish species facing extinction and tighter regulations in Mexico, China has gradually shifted its focus to Southeast Asia, significantly increasing purchases from Viet Nam.

In the seafood industry, pangasius fish maws were once considered a by-product with little value. They are now relatively expensive due to the intricate processing involved. To produce one kilogramme of dried fish maws, five to seven kilogrammes of fresh fish are required.

In addition to China, Viet Nam exports to Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore and the US.

The potential for Viet Nams dried fish maw export remains huge, but the shortage of input materials is a big challenge, according to VASEP.  VNS
Ly Ly Cao

HA NOI  Innovation propels breakthroughs and self-transcendence, fostering creativity for advancement in the digital era and sustainable human development.

That was the message from Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh speaking on Viet Nam's Innovation Day 2024 on Tuesday morning, which also marks the fifth anniversary of the National Innovation Centre (NIC).

The PM highlighted the Party and State's steadfast dedication to science, technology and innovation as vital components for the nation's rapid and sustainable growth.

The 13th Party Congress Resolution prioritises advancements in these areas to boost productivity, quality and competitiveness. Legal frameworks, such as the Science and Technology Law, explicitly define innovation's role in driving economic and social development.

PM Chinh said there is a need for cohesive implementation strategies tailored to different sectors and regions.

Innovation plays a central role in enhancing productivity and competitiveness, underpinning progress across industries and economies, the PM added.

Viet Nam now boasts approximately 4,000 innovative start-ups, 208 investment funds, 84 incubators, 35 business promotion organisations and 20 creative start-up centres, said PM Chinh.

The country's start-up ecosystem ranks 56th globally out of 100 countries, with both Ha Noi and HCM City making it to the top 200 innovative startup cities list worldwide.

The country holds the 44th position in the Global Innovation Index for 2024 and ranks 71st out of 193 countries in the E-Government Development Index for the same year.

Looking ahead, the PM noted that the rapid advancement of science and technology, alongside the Fourth Industrial Revolution, has sparked profound and far-reaching changes globally, affecting each country and region significantly.

Innovation is increasingly recognised for its pivotal role and has become an indispensable driver in the specific development of science and technology and the broader strategies for national progress. It stands as the anchor for swift and sustainable development, representing an objective trend that cannot be reversed.

For Viet Nam, innovation is a crucial element driving digital transformation, green initiatives and the sustainable development of the country in this new era of growth.

The PM outlined three key principles for fostering innovation: Innovation must be a strategic imperative, placing emphasis on industrialisation, modernisation and sustainable development.

It should prioritise people and businesses as central drivers, particularly focusing on the youth as future leaders.

Lastly, innovation requires bold thinking, action, risk-taking, and dedication to national interests and a prosperous future for the nation.

At the event, the PM also announced that October 1 annually will be celebrated as National Innovation Day.

New opportunities

Over the last five years, NIC has been instrumental in encouraging collaboration between the Government, universities and enterprises, with the Government playing a key role in connecting resources, shaping comprehensive development strategies, and supporting entrepreneurs in enhancing innovation capacity, especially start-ups in their development stages.

Apart from offering workspaces, workshops, seminars, and networking events for start-ups with local and international businesses, NIC also conducts training programmes in partnership with major companies like Google and Meta and collaborates with global innovation hubs to send startup groups abroad for incubation and training programmes in countries and territories such as Belgium, South Korea, Taiwan (China) and Japan.

Innovation is the driving force behind revolutionising Viet Nams economic growth model. Our fifth anniversary celebration is not only an opportunity to reflect on the achievements we've made but also a springboard for breakthroughs in the future, shaping the technological landscape of Viet Nam, Vu Quoc Huy, Director of NIC, said.

Speaking to Viet Nam News, Dr Nguyen Van Thai, product manager at CT Semiconductor, said that Viet Nams innovation ecosystem is growing fast, which requires an adequate high-quality workforce and technological independence.

Also on Tuesday, CT Semiconductor launched the centre for specialised training in semiconductor chip assembly, testing and packaging. This initiative aims to equip electronics students to master ATP technology, with interns gaining practical experience on cutting-edge chip testing equipment and diverse chip varieties, according to Thai.

He believes that the sustainable development of Viet Nams semiconductor industry depends on seizing technological leadership and attracting top global talent.

This years Innovation Day is also a gathering of global key technology leaders, including Meta, NVIDIA, Qualcomm, AMD, Intel, Qorvo and Samsung.

With Viet Nams AI potential on the rise, Meta is dedicated to bolstering the country's ambition of integrating AI as a core element of its digital economy, said Nick Clegg, Metas President of Global Affairs.

Through collaboration with the Government of Viet Nam, we look forward to the future opportunities coming out of Viet Nam, Nick added.

He also shared about Meta's plans for cooperation and investment in the country in the future.

In 2025, Meta plans to enhance the production of its cutting-edge mixed reality device, the Quest 3S, in Viet Nam, Nick said, adding that this strategic move is anticipated to generate approximately 1,000 job opportunities in the country, underscoring Meta's trust in Viet Nams skilled workforce.

Moreover, Meta is set to introduce the Vietnamese-language virtual assistant "Meta AI" in the upcoming months. This initiative aims to empower businesses and individuals in Viet Nam by providing access to a versatile tool that can drive significant innovation and creativity.

Viet Nam will lead in the deployment of Meta AI ahead of several European nations. The AI will support Vietnamese and will be provided to users free of charge, Clegg said.  VNS
HA NOI  Viet Nam and Mongolia need to closely coordinate to facilitate market access for agricultural products, especially livestock, and cooperation in minerals, construction, logistics, digital transformation, green and clean energy.

Party General Secretary and President To Lam made these remarks at a meeting with economic organisations of Mongolia held on Tuesday in Ulan Bator, within the framework of his State visit to Mongolia.

In addition to delegations of Vietnamese and Mongolian officials, the meeting also featured the Mongolian National Chamber of Commerce and Industry and leaders of ten large Mongolian enterprises in the fields of import and export (food, beverages, household products, consumer goods), energy, minerals, transportation, logistics, tourism, education, agriculture and banking.

The top leader highly appreciated that the two countries have recently organised many activities to enhance cooperation between economic agencies and enterprises, contributing to promoting their economic cooperation.

Lam emphasised that economic and trade cooperation has seen bilateral trade turnover reaching more than US$120 million in 2023.

But he stressed there is still have much room for expansion.

In the future, Viet Nam will focus on implementing digital economic transformation, green growth, development of science and technology and innovation to integrate deeply in the global supply chain.

At the same time, Viet Nam will promote investment in developing strategic infrastructure, continue to create a favourable investment and business environment for enterprises.

Speaking at the meeting, Deputy Prime Minister of Mongolia Dorjkhand Togmid emphasised that the event is a valuable opportunity for economic organisations and large enterprises of Mongolia to share their aspirations with the senior leaders of Viet Nam, finding opportunities to strengthen trade and investment cooperation with Viet Nam.

Representatives of Mongolian economic organisations also offered proposals to promote cooperation, expand trade and investment in various fields and share information on policies and development potential of each country.

Learning about introducing production and business activities along with those proposals, Lam affirmed that the State and Government of Viet Nam always welcome Mongolian enterprises to increase trade and investment cooperation.

He added that Vietnamese ministries and branches always create all favourable conditions for foreign enterprises, including Mongolian enterprises, to do business effectively.  VNS
HA NOI  The successes in education and science and technology cooperation between Viet Nam and Ireland have been serving as a solid foundation for the development of bilateral relations in other areas where both countries have significant potential, such as renewable energy, agriculture, and innovation, according to a scholar.

In an interview granted to the Vietnam News Agency in Europe ahead of the upcoming state visit to Ireland by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and President To Lam, Associate Professor Dr. Tran Le Nam from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering under the University College Dublin (UCD) further said although Viet Nam set up its diplomatic relations with Ireland in 1996, relatively late compared to other European countries, the two nations have achieved significant accomplishments in the fields of education, training, and science-technology.

Each year, the Irish government offers 30 full scholarships for Vietnamese students to learn at top universities in the European country. With the collaboration of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Ireland also provides several postgraduate scholarships to Viet Nam as part of a national poverty reduction programme. Since 2015, the bilateral education exchange programme has facilitated partnerships between 15 Vietnamese and eight Irish universities across various fields, stated Nam.

According to the expert, bilateral cooperation in science and technology has also achieved remarkable successes. In 2010, the Irish Aid programme supported the establishment of the Ireland-Vietnam Initiative for Blood-borne Virus Initiative (IVVI), which is based on collaboration between the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology in Viet Nam and the UCD.

Viet Nam and Ireland recently prioritised cooperation in areas such as agricultural economics, food safety and nutrition, environmental issues, climate change response, and innovation through joint projects funded by the Irish government. The Irish Research Council and the Irish Aid have supported projects on addressing air pollution, greenhouse gas emissions, and related health issues in HCM City.

With education and training cooperation as a focal point of the Vietnamese top leader's visit to Ireland, Nam expressed his belief that upgrading bilateral relations in this sphere will open up broader opportunities for bilateral collaboration, helping the two countries enhance the quality of education, research, and human resources development.

This move will also facilitate closer collaboration between universities and research institutes in both countries on high-tech research projects, he said, adding that research projects in renewable energy, climate change, and pharmaceuticals can get priority, allowing Vietnamese research institutes to learn from and access Ireland's advanced technologies.  VNS
ULAANBAATAR  Party General Secretary and State President To Lam on Tuesday visited Inter-Level School No.14 named after President Ho Chi Minh in the Mongolian capital city of Ulaanbaatar, as part of his ongoing state visit to Mongolia.

Lam laid flowers at the statue of the late leader and toured the space commemorating him on the school campus.

Writing on a memory book, he expressed his delight to visit the school, one of the major national schools of Mongolia which has trained many talents for the North Asian country.

He showed his hopes that the school's teachers and students will continue promoting their glorious tradition, completing their tasks and missions, meeting the expectation of Mongolian people, deserving its name, and contributing to strengthening the traditional friendship between the two countries.

The school currently has about 6,000 students and 238 teachers and staff. One of the typical activities of the school is to honour the great career of President Ho Chi Minh and the school's students also learn about the culture and customs of the Vietnamese people.

The Vietnamese leader and delegation were treated with art performances featuring Mongolian traditional culture and honouring President Ho Chi Minh. On this occasion, the school launched a painting, photo and literature contest on the topic of exploring the Vietnamese nation.

Principal Gungaajav thanked the Vietnamese people for the warm sentiments and support that they have given to the school, helping it improve the studying environment for students.

Lam said he is moved to visit the school on the occasion of the 70th anniversary of the Viet Nam-Mongolia diplomatic relations and the 75th founding anniversary of the school.

He said that beloved President Ho Chi Minh devoted his whole life to the cause of national liberation of Viet Nam, contributing to the common struggle of nations for peace, national independence, democracy, and social progress in the world.

President Ho Chi Minh was the first leader of Viet Nam to pay an official visit to Mongolia in 1955, together with Mongolian leaders to lay firm foundation for the friendship between the two countries, opening up a period of development and solidarity between the two nations.

The top leader shared he is delighted at the fact that it is one of the leading schools, exemplifying modern and advanced general education in Mongolia, and has trained many leaders and talents for the country. He also noted that the school serves as one of the symbols for the fine traditional friendship between the two countries.

Lam wishes the school's administration, teachers, and students good health, joy and continued successes in their noble mission for the prosperous and happy future of Mongolia and its people.

Lam presented US$50,000 from the Vietnamese Party and State to support the school in upgrading its teaching equipment in preparation for the new 2024-25 academic year. Meanwhile, the Party Committee, authorities, and people of Ha Noi also provided gifts, and the Viet Nam National University - Ha Noi awarded scholarships to the school.

Established in 1949, the school is one of the key institutions for training talents for Mongolia. To mark the 90th birthday of President Ho Chi Minh in 1980, Mongolia decided to name the school after him.  VNS
Ireland wants to step up collaboration with Viet Nam in education, agrifood and trade, Irish Ambassador to Viet Nam Deirdre Ni Fhalluin told the Vietnam News Agency on the threshold of the State visit to the European nation by General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam Central Committee and State President To Lam.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam and a high-ranking Vietnamese delegation will pay a State visit to Ireland. Could you please share with us the context of the relationship between the two countries and the significances of the visit?

Irelands Embassy in Viet Nam was established in 2005 and since then our two countries have shared a warm relationship, underpinned by our development cooperation programme. Much of our focus has been on supporting ethnic minority communities in Viet Nam and on humanitarian mine assistance  working with partners to clear affected land, raise awareness of mines in schools, and support people who have been disabled by unexploded ordnance.

Recently, as Viet Nams economy has continued its impressive growth, we have increased our bilateral cooperation in the areas of agriculture, food systems, and higher education, focusing on technical support and capacity building, and on building institutional links between our two countries.

Our President, Michael D. Higgins, undertook a State visit to Viet Nam in 2016. I know that this visit is still fondly remembered in both countries, so we are delighted that the return State visit of Viet Nam's Party General Secretary, President To Lam to Ireland is now taking place, marking our countries deepening relationship.

Ireland has strengths in many areas such as education and training, financial services, insurance, information technology, green technology, renewable energy, etc. What are your comments on the potentials for cooperation between the two countries in the future?

Ireland was not a developed country until relatively recently - we experienced rapid development and economic growth in the latter half of the last century. Were now often called The Silicon Valley of Europe, recognised globally as a centre for pharmaceuticals, technology (Ireland is home to the European headquarters of many big tech companies such as Meta and Google) and high quality education.

From our own development journey, we know how important education is for a countrys development. We have supported Vietnamese students to undertake fully-funded Masters degrees in Ireland under our scholarship scheme, the Ireland Fellows Programme. These students return to Viet Nam with high quality education and experience, and hopefully a lifelong connection to Ireland.

The Embassy is also increasing cooperation between universities and institutes in our two countries to share experience and build capacity in areas such as agriculture and agrifood, which are priority fields for both Ireland and Viet Nam . The Ireland Viet Nam Agrifood Partnership (IVAP) is a great example of our strong collaboration in this area.

Ireland is a small island  we also face the growing and urgent challenge of climate change. We must tackle this challenge together and we are increasing our climate resilience work in rural communities in Viet Nam and deepening university cooperation and research in the areas of climate change and sustainability.

After nearly 30 years of establishing diplomatic relations, the two countries have seen many positive results in bilateral cooperation. What are notable highlights in the cooperative relationship between the two countries in recent times?

At the Embassy, were very proud of our long development cooperation programme with Viet Nam, particularly our focus on working with ethnic minorities, and humanitarian mine assistance, and also our programmes on nutrition and maternal health, and our growing work on increasing resilience to climate change. We were proud recently to be able to provide 250,000 euros in humanitarian funding for the response to the impact of Typhoon Yagi, which has had a devastating impact in northern Viet Nam . That funding is supporting the work of UNICEF providing immediate assistance in the form of clean water and hygiene to affected families.

It is great to see the bilateral relationship between Ireland and Viet Nam evolving in the years since we established our Embassy, as we seek to increase our cooperation in other areas such as education and agrifood, as well as to increase trade between our two countries. The relationship between Ireland and Viet Nam will continue to evolve and develop along a positive trajectory. The State visit of President Michael D. Higgins to Viet Nam nearly a decade ago was an important milestone in our bilateral relationship. Party General Secretary and President To Lams visit marks another significant step, and I am delighted that this return visit is now taking place. I am looking forward to continuing my work to further deepen and strengthen our ties during my time as Ambassador. VNS
ULAANBAATAR  Party General Secretary and State President To Lam visited the Vietnamese Embassy and met with representatives of the Vietnamese community in Mongolia on Tuesday, as part of his state visit to the country.

Lam stated that his trip is of important significance, as it takes place in the context that the bilateral relationship is at its best, mutual understanding and trust between the two countries' people are deepening, and cooperation in various fields such as politics, defence, security, economy, and tourism is expanding, achieving tangible results in recent times.

The two sides freshly announced the establishment of a comprehensive partnership on the occasion of the 70th founding anniversary of diplomatic relations, and discussed major measures to promote the ties in a deeper, more effective, practical, and long-term manner, he said.

Regarding the Vietnamese community in Mongolia, the top leader emphasised that the community needs to continue promoting the spirit of solidarity, strive to grow stronger, actively integrate, comply with Mongolia's law, and contribute to the host countrys development and the Viet Nam-Mongolia comprehensive partnership.

He urged the Vietnamese Embassy in Mongolia to uphold its role as a bridge connecting the two countries and their ministries and sectors to effectively implement agreements between the high-ranking leaders of the two nations, including a joint statement on the establishment of the Viet Nam-Mongolia comprehensive partnership; and coordinate to effectively promote all-around cooperation.

The embassy was also asked to well perform community-related affairs and citizen protection in the country.

Ambassador Nguyen Tuan Thanh reported that there are currently around 900 Vietnamese people living in Mongolia.

Previously, the top leader and the delegation visited a memorial site dedicated to late President Ho Chi Minh in Mongolia.  VNS
ULAANBAATAR  General Secretary of the Communist Party of Viet Nam (CPV) Central Committee and State President To Lam and his entourage left Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday, concluding their two-day state visit to Mongolia and heading to Ireland for a state visit at the invitation of Irish President Michael D. Higgins.

During his stay in Mongolia, President Lam held talks with President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, met with Chairman of the Parliament Dashzegviin Amarbayasgalan and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene, and attended the opening of the Viet Nam Cultural Day 2024.

He also visited the Inter-Level School No 14 named after President Ho Chi Minh, met with staff from the Vietnamese Embassy and the Vietnamese community in Mongolia, and representatives from several Mongolian business organisations.

Throughout their meetings, the leaders from both countries highly valued the Viet Nam-Mongolia traditional friendship spanning over seven decades. They engaged in extensive discussions on the future development of bilateral relations, as well as global and regional issues of mutual interest.

The Mongolian side affirmed that they always consider Viet Nam an important partner in Southeast Asia and expressed a desire to further expand mutually beneficial cooperation across various areas.

Viet Nam, in turn, underscored the importance of developing its relations with Mongolia, respecting Mongolias peace-loving, open, independent, and multi-pillar foreign policy, as well as its "third neighbour" policy. Viet Nam also wished to further strengthen bilateral ties in the coming time.

The leaders agreed that deepening and developing Viet Nam-Mongolia ties match the shared interests of their people and make a significant contribution to ensuring peace, stability, and development in the region and the world. They concurred on the need to upgrade their relations to a comprehensive partnership and further expand collaboration.

Both sides vowed to facilitate the exchange of all-level delegations through the Party, State, Government, and National Assembly channels. They also vowed to support the policy of expanding close relations between the people of both countries and exploring the possibility of establishing new cooperation mechanisms among the two nations' ministries, sectors, and localities.

A commitment to extending collaboration in national defence-security, law enforcement, economy-trade-investment, agriculture, science, transportation, culture, sports, tourism, education, labour, environment, and social welfare was also made, along with enhancing global and regional cooperation.

Both sides signed seven memoranda of understanding on cooperation between relevant ministries and units.

The visit played a crucial role in guiding and opening up new prospects for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries.  VNS
HCM CITY  The Saigon Water Corporation (SAWACO), the largest tap water supplier in HCM City and a state-owned enterprise, leads the water industry with its commitment to enhancing smart water supply systems and technological modernisation.

Focused on sustainable development, SAWACO aims to provide clean, safe, and reliable water to local communities.

The corporation has set ambitious goals centred on scientific and technological advancements, information technology integration, and digital transformation.

SAWACO is dedicated to significant projects that transition to a smart water supply system, meeting the demands of the digital era and benefiting clean water consumers in HCM City and nearby areas.

In 2010, SAWACO transitioned from a traditional parent-subsidiary model to a sole-member limited liability company, while preserving its foundational structure.

This strategic transformation not only streamlined operations but also enhanced accountability, enabling SAWACO to respond more effectively to the challenges facing the modern water supply industry.

SAWACO operates with a robust organisational framework that includes ten subsidiaries, including one wholly owned enterprise and nine subsidiaries in which it holds over 50 per cent of controlling shares.

The corporation oversees eight member companies that contribute capital and manage non-public shares, in addition to six affiliated units.

This mission is accomplished through a combination of standardised products and comprehensive services, with a focus on leveraging technology, fostering innovation, and promoting creative solutions throughout operational processes.

In todays fast-paced environment, one of SAWACOs primary focuses is the intensification of technological applications within the clean water supply process, including the automation of operations and the digital transformation of customer care services.

The corporation has successfully implemented a range of quality management software applications designed to enhance efficiency and service delivery.

Noteworthy technologies include the Geographic Information System for Water Supply Network (SAWAGIS), Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems, a centralised Network Operations Center (NOC), and a continuous online water quality monitoring system.

SAWACO has also developed a user-friendly mobile application to facilitate customer care, ensuring that consumers have easy access to information and support.

Several of SAWACOs member companies have taken significant steps to implement innovative solutions that enhance customer experience.

For example, Trung An Water Supply Joint Stock Company, in collaboration with Phu Hoa Tan, Ben Thanh, and Tan Hoa, has introduced multi-channel customer care services, as well as electronic service contracts for new water meter installations.

These companies have also integrated QR codes on receipts, allowing customers to conveniently track the progress of their requests and services.

These units are prioritising the digitisation of customer records, which encompasses documentation related to new water meter installations and various projects.

By converting physical files into digital formats and storing them within the companys GIS data framework, SAWACO enhances operational efficiency and enables swift field searches for customer meter locations and records.

Central to SAWACOs strategy is the deployment of a comprehensive Customer Relationship Management (CRM) programme.

This initiative leverages the power of Big Data to monitor customer water usage, manage supply operations.

The CRM system also plays a crucial role in controlling water loss, which is essential for maximising profits while minimising operational costs and reducing administrative burdens.

The focus on customer-centric service aims to provide the most convenient and prompt responses to customer needs.  VNS
MBABANE  The Ministry of Public Service has not engaged the CSC in the investigation of civil servants who alter their dates of birth when they are close to retirement.

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) revealed this information immediately after the Minister of Public Service, Mabulala Maseko, tabled a report in Parliament that was in response to a motion moved by Lobamba Lomdzala Member of Parliament (MP) Marwick Khumalo, who was seconded by Mayiwane MP Sicelo Dlamini. The MP moved that the minister of Public Service should engage the CSC to investigate the growing and prevalent trend of public servants who resort to altering their dates of birth, either midway through their tenure of employment or towards reaching retirement age.

The minister was given 14 days to table a report before the House. The MPs said if the CSC could successfully carry out the assignment; it would be revealed that the public service is dominated by people who should have long retired. It has since come to light that despite the ministrys timely response to the motion, the CSC was never consulted as per the Parliaments request. The reason the CSC was placed at the centre of the exercise that was requested by Parliament, the MPs said, it was because it is responsible for hiring and firing civil servants, hence being the right fit for the exercise. The Chairman of the CSC, Simanga Mamba, when engaged about the report and how they arrived at refusing the 180 civil servants who wanted to alter their dates of birth and granted the 246, as per the report that was tabled by the minister, stated that they were not involved in the process.

Concerns

The Ministry of Public Service hasnt engaged us as the employer in this regard. However, the Civil Service Commission has noted the concerns raised, he said. Mamba added that the commission will meet this week to discuss the matter to address the issue. He further explained that the PS is the one responsible for granting the authority to alter dates of birth. This is in breach of the Constitution. All along, the date of birth alteration was being authorised by the PS in the Ministry of Public Service. It is time this dates of birth alteration is done with the approval of the commission, as the employer, in terms of Section 186 of the Constitution, he said. Section 186 of the Constitution states that; The Civil Service Commission may, among other things;

(a) initiate or cause to be initiated appropriate procedures or processes leading to the selection or short-listing of candidates for appointment to public office;

(b) enquire or cause to be enquired into any grievance or complaint whether or not leading to disciplinary action;

(c) exercise appellate functions, with power to vary, in respect of certain decisions by persons or authorities exercising delegated powers;

(d) do or cause to be done any act or thing reasonably necessary for the due and prompt execution of any function prescribed in this Constitution or any other law; and

(e) delegate upon the Chairman or any of its members any of its functions.

Mamba explained that a change in the date of birth is a material term in the employment contract. Therefore, the employer (which is the CSC) should approve the same and it should only be granted cautiously and in exceptional circumstances. For now we dont have a position on this matter until we get a formal report from the ministry. Once we get the report, we will be in a position to give clear guidelines on this matter going forward to curb such practice, he said. Noteworthy, the legal instruments used in this are the Government General Order A635, and Civil Service Board Circular No. 3 of 1994. The circular also bars the use of affidavits to support a date of birth change.

The circular states that only the date of birth that was recorded when an officer joined the service will be recognised. You are requested to have copies of officers application forms in their personal files, so that the information can be obtained in making calculations for terminal benefits. Affidavits as to birth certificates are no longer accepted, even though a birth certificate obtained after an officers appointment is a legal document. Information therein contained should not necessarily supersede information furnished earlier by a government officer, which partly or wholly formed the basis of his or her contract of employment, states the circular.

Interested

Maseko, the Minister of Public Service, when asked about the report he tabled, as well as the reception of the report by the stakeholders, said he was no longer interested in responding to questions about this issue. He said he felt like there were people with ulterior motives in this matter who abused every possible platform to push a certain narrative. I am from a meeting regarding the same issue. I have taken a decision not to respond to any of the questions regarding the issue of dates of birth. I have tabled a report in Parliament, which is yet to be debated and adopted. I cannot discuss issues of civil servants through the media, he said.

The minister was requested to clarify what happened to the 180 civil servants whose requests were rejected. Maseko referred all questions to the Principal Secretary, Sipho Tsabedze.

Tsabedze said: Any response that I will be giving now will be as good as debating the report while the people who requested it have not debated it.
HA NOI  As Viet Nam's economy continues to recover, certain industries are finding it difficult to keep pace with the demand for skilled labour.

Sectors such as e-commerce, logistics and warehousing are growing rapidly, yet many companies are being forced to train their own staff due to a lack of formal educational programmes.

The challenge, however, is not limited to specialised fields. Even entry-level positions like drivers and warehouse workers are hard to fill.

Data from Viec Lam Tot, an online job search platform, highlights that recruitment demand in the first eight months of the year increased by 30 per cent compared to the same period in 2023. The demand is concentrated in key southern economic regions and is particularly high in fast-growing sectors such as construction, real estate and logistics.

Despite this surge, 85 per cent of companies surveyed reported labour shortages, with 30 per cent facing severe gaps, some lacking more than half of the workers they require.

A growing mismatch

This labour market imbalance is a persistent issue. According to the Employment Department, over one million working-age individuals are either unemployed or underemployed. Meanwhile, companies across the country are struggling to recruit, with over 836,000 general labour positions still unfilled.

One major barrier is the absence of structured educational pathways for emerging industries like e-commerce and logistics.

Le Thi oan Trinh, Deputy General Director of Human Resources at Scommerce, a start-up with 20,000 employees, spoke of the difficulty in finding qualified recruits. The company, which provides rapid delivery services through its brand Ahamove, primarily serves clients like Tiktokshop and Shopee.

Many industries arent being taught at educational institutions fast enough, Trinh told the Voice of Viet Nam.

E-commerce, for instance, is covered in only a few schools. The same is true for logistics and warehousing. These are new industries where most companies have to train their employees internally.

"Weve had to learn management and goods-sorting techniques ourselves. Training centres dont offer classes in automated sorting, so we had to figure it out. Only in transportation can we hire workers who have gone through formal training.

She added that, despite appearing straightforward, roles such as delivery drivers require a high degree of professionalism.

Shippers need discipline and skills, like using smartphones for sorting goods and handling customer service. Its not as simple as it seems.

Its not just e-commerce and logistics that are facing recruitment issues.

Le Thi Bich Hang, from the management board of Printing Company No. 7, described the printing sectors labour shortage as critical.

With only 100 people nationwide receiving formal training in printing each year, companies are left scrambling for skilled workers.

We had plenty of orders, but the lack of workers led to a crisis. In response, we developed an in-house training programme, Hang said.

This programme, the '40 Skilled Workers Initiative' focuses on hiring workers and training them internally. It takes two to three years for an employee to master printing machines, but the initiative has helped build a skilled workforce that now meets production demands.

Hang noted that while they once hoped to hire graduates who could begin working immediately, it became clear that retraining was necessary.

The advantage of todays young workers is their energy, creativity and enthusiasm. We now recruit third and fourth year university students as paid interns to train them early, which helps alleviate recruitment challenges.

Changing expectations of job seekers

Recruitment difficulties, however, are not solely tied to supply issues. The criteria that job seekers use when selecting jobs have shifted.

According to Hoang Thi Minh Ngoc, chief operating officer at Cho Tot and director of Viec Lam Tot, companies are facing three key challenges, including recruitment efficiency, optimising applicant screening and increased competition among businesses.

Many recruiters complain about the time-consuming process of sifting through incomplete resumes. Only 14 per cent of applicants meet the full requirements for technical skills, soft skills, and attitude.

Moreover, competition for talent is intense, especially with companies adjusting salaries and benefits to attract applicants. And its no wonder, todays job seekers prioritise three main factors: salaries and benefits (56 per cent), a safe and comfortable work environment (52 per cent) and positive relationships with colleagues and supervisors (44 per cent).

Flexible work arrangements are also gaining popularity, with around 30 per cent of employees opting for part-time, remote, or freelance positions. This trend is reshaping the way businesses approach recruitment, particularly in industries where remote work is viable.

Trust has become a crucial element in the job search process. Job seekers increasingly value the credibility of job listings and companies, with 80 per cent expecting job postings to be authentic.

However, 30 per cent of candidates struggle to present themselves effectively in their resumes, and many find the recruitment process too cumbersome.

A large majority - 60 per cent hope for simpler application procedures.

Ngoc emphasised that while salaries and benefits might draw applicants in, a companys corporate culture would be what keeps them.

Salary is the initial attraction, but its the company culture that makes employees want to stay.  VNS
HCM CITY  More than 1,000 delegates from 80 countries and territories will attend the UN Day of Vesak celebrations from May 6 to 8, 2025, at HCM City's Viet Nam Buddhist University.

This is the fourth time Viet Nam will host the annual event, which is held in Phu Nhuan District.

Its theme will be "Harmony and Inclusion for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development".

Phan Van Mai, Chairman of the city People's Committee, said the City is honoured to be chosen as the host and would make all efforts to ensure the event is successful.

Most Venerable Thich uc Thien, vice president and general secretary of the executive council of the Viet Nam Buddhist Sangha, said Viet Nam would use its experience from organising the event three times in the past to ensure it is successful.

Most Venerable Phra Brahmapundit, president of the International Council for Day of Vesak, said he was impressed with Viet Nams previous successful hosting of the event, and believed it would emulate that next year.

He hoped the world Buddhist community would come to Viet Nam to support and assist the country as it organises the UN Day of Vesak and also learn how Buddhism has grown rapidly here over the past two decades.

Highlighting the theme "Harmony and Inclusion for Human Dignity: Buddhist Insights for World Peace and Sustainable Development", Brahmapundit said the festival would not be merely a celebration but also advocate for sustainable development and addressing global challenges such as environmental pollution, climate change and others.  VNS
BANGKOK  Thailands Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Chulalongkorn University have co-organised a seminar in Bangkok, discussing ways to step up Viet Nam-Thailand cooperation through their three-connection strategy.

The strategy, approved by Vietnamese and Thai leaders in November 2022 to propel forward the countries' socio-economic development, highlights the three connections between their supply chains (particularly regarding oil refinery, agriculture, and the production of machinery and electronic components), their businesses and localities, and their sustainable development strategies.

Addressing the seminar on September 26, Vietnamese Ambassador to Thailand Pham Viet Hung and the head of the Thai ministrys department for East Asia Piyaphak Sricharoen stressed the importance of bilateral economic, trade, investment cooperation and of enhanced connectivity, including the three-connection strategy.

The already established links between the countries many industrial sectors and localities are conducive to the implementation of the strategy, Piyaphak said.

Meanwhile, Hung proposed further promoting the participation of and coordination between the public, private sectors, and expert community. He expressed his hope for the early establishment of a joint working group between the two nations to discuss and carry out concrete measures aimed at advancing the strategy.

Sanan Angubolkul, Chairman of the Thai Chamber of Commerce, said Viet Nam holds several advantages over Thailand, such as a young population structure, political stability, a strong anti-corruption drive, and numerous free trade agreements (FTAs) signed. He also suggested that Thai businesses seize the opportunity of Viet Nam's low production costs, particularly in the food processing sector, adopt appropriate business models and comply to Viet Nams laws and policies.

Thong Kulthanwat, President of the Thai-Viet Nam Business Association, pointed out that a major challenge currently facing northeastern Thailand (bordering Laos and close to Viet Nam) is transport infrastructure. Thai goods shipped to Viet Nam incur transit costs through Laos, and there is no direct flight from Viet Nam to the region. Therefore, Thong held that to implement the strategy, it is necessary to improve transport infrastructure connectivity, not only among Thailand, Laos, and Viet Nam but also among Thailand, Laos, and Cambodia.  VNS
PATHUM THANI  Rescue officials have confirmed the loss of 25 lives in the tragic school bus fire that occurred in Pathum Thani on Tuesday.

The bus was among three that had been chartered by Wat Khao Phaya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani to take young primary students and teachers on a sightseeing trip to Ayutthaya.

Police and rescue officials said they had recovered 22 bodies of students and three bodies of teachers from the wreckage. Nineteen individuals had been rescued.

Police forensic experts, led by Pol Lt-General Trairong Phiewphan, arrived at the scene at about 1.30pm to oversee the investigation.

Pol Maj-General Silapakhom Iamwong, deputy commissioner of the Provincial Police Bureau 1, confirmed that the bus was transporting 38 students and six teachers.

The recovery of the bodies has been challenging due to the extensive damage caused by the fire. Deputy PM and Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul said a crane will be required to safely access the interior of the bus.

School staff said the students had visited Wat Phra Si Sanphet in Ayutthaya and were heading to the learning centre of Phra Ram 6 Electricity Generating Office in Nonthaburis Bang Kruay district when the accident occurred.  THE NATION/ANN
The collaboration of over 3,500 representatives from the government, private sector, and civil society at the ESG Symposium 2024 is ready to push forward the proposals to accelerate transition towards a low-carbon society, enhancing opportunities for a better quality of life, economic growth, and environmental sustainability.

The plan emphasises four key approaches: unlocking legal and regulatory barriers, promoting access to green finance, developing technology and infrastructure, and strengthening small and medium-size enterprises adaptability and capability.

Prasert Jantararuangthong, Deputy Prime Minister of Thailand and minister of Digital Economy and Society said, If all parties collaborate under the ESG strategy, which focuses on creating an economy alongside balanced social and environmental governance with transparency, following the philosophy of sufficiency economy and the United Nations' sustainable development goals, we can work together to make the world a better place again."

"We also aim to position Thailand as the ASEAN centre for carbon credit trading through the Thai Stock Exchange, creating a new form of energy security for domestic consumption and energy exports within ASEAN, DPM Jantararuangthong said. Please rest assured that Thailand is ready to tackle the environmental crisis. The government has incorporated this issue into its policies and outlined the Nationally Determined Contribution roadmap for greenhouse gas reduction, ensuring that all sectors can work together in an integrated manner.

At the symposium, SCG declared that they are ready to act as a mentor, providing support and serving as a liaison to foster cooperation between various sectors.

Thammasak Sethaudom, president and CEO of SCG said, ESG symposium 2024 is where key recommendations were compiled and presented to the government to expedite implementation through transitioning to clean energy while promoting a circular economy and utilising the Saraburi Sandbox, Thailands first low-carbon model city, as a pilot area to address policy, industrial system, and green infrastructure challenges while ensuring no one is left behind. This will create opportunities to expand the model to other provinces nationwide in the future.

Thammasak Sethaudom, president and CEO of SCG speech at the symposium

Efforts should focus on developing the workforces knowledge and understanding of clean energy to reduce costs. Promoting the adoption of innovations and technologies, such as AI and automation, will help enhance SME competitiveness. Additionally, domestic agencies should be established to certify such standards, helping to reduce the costs associated with carbon credits.

This initiative serves as a testing ground, incorporating public-private-people partnership to implement the four proposals to create low-carbon city in a real-world setting. This approach will help identify opportunities, limitations, and solutions. The governments promotion of decentralising decision-making and operations to local agencies will reduce procedural steps and ambiguities in project implementation, accelerating progress across all fronts, said Thammasak.

Carbon market pilot around the corner The local authorities are on track to complete a carbon credit market development scheme in Vietnam, which is careful preparation for establishing a pilot carbon trading platform from next year.

North Hanoi Smart City strives to become first carbon-neutral urban area Property development players have signed a deal to help make North Hanoi Smart City the first carbon-neutral urban area in Vietnam.
Jimmy Koh, head of network partnerships and strategic marketing, foreign direct investment advisory at UOB

How do you assess Vietnams appeal to the foreign business community?

The global supply chain is undergoing significant changes, much of which is influenced by geopolitical factors, particularly the tension between China and the West. This has led to a major restructuring of global supply chains, with many companies now shifting operations to Southeast Asia.

Vietnam has become a particularly interesting destination. The concept of ASEAN as a manufacturing hub isnt new as we saw this in the 1990s and early 2000s, before China joined the World Trade Organization (WTO).

Back then, Vietnam wasnt a major player in the region. However, as companies now return to Southeast Asia, Vietnam stands out due to its large labour force, growing market, and rising middle class, which are attracting significant FDI capital flow.

Looking ahead, as long as the global supply chain continues to diversify, Vietnam will remain a key destination to foreign investors. From 2015 to 2023, global FDI dropped by around 35 per cent, but during that same period, FDI into ASEAN soared 90 per cent, clearly highlighting the region's growing importance, and Vietnam will continue to be a part of this shift.

Which sectors are attracting the most attention from foreign investors?

This is mostly driven by the need to diversify supply chains. Products previously manufactured in China are now moving elsewhere, with Vietnam becoming a key location.

We are seeing interest in industries such as industrial manufacturing, consumer goods, and mid-level electronics assembly. While the focus isnt on high-end technology, these sectors still involve a significant amount of added value through assembly processes.

Tech companies that initially set up in Ho Chi Minh City are now expanding into Hanoi, partly due to its proximity to China. This expansion is creating new opportunities, and the growing number of industrial parks in Vietnam reflects the increasing interest and growth in these sectors.

What distinct advantages does Vietnam have to enticing interest from foreign investors compared to its regional peers?

The next five years are critical for Vietnam. As global supply chains continue to be restructured, every country in the region will be competing to attract foreign investment. This period will likely determine the new equilibrium in terms of FDI.

Vietnam has several advantages, particularly in sectors like electronics, consumer goods, and textiles. When people think of textiles from Vietnam, they associate it with quality. Vietnam is also gradually moving into mid-level electronics manufacturing, which is something the country can handle well. Each ASEAN country has its own role, and Vietnams strengths set it apart from countries like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia.

That said, there's plenty of opportunity in ASEAN, and I believe there's enough market share for the whole region to benefit from FDI.

What measures is UOB implementing to help foreign investors expand their businesses in Vietnam?

When companies enter a new market, their first need isnt banking services, but rather building relationships with government agencies. One of the key things we do at UOB is facilitating connections between companies and relevant government bodies. This helps businesses understand which strategic industries qualify for tax incentives.

UOB also assists in connecting businesses with local supply chains, navigating the regulatory landscape, and establishing partnerships with trade associations, human resources firms, legal firms, and accounting firms.

Through this holistic approach, UOB provides end-to-end support for corporates, from initial setup to full-scale operations, ensuring that they are well-positioned to succeed in Vietnam.

Vietnam is performing strongly in the green sector, such as promoting renewables and the green economy as the country aims to reach net zero by 2015. What initiatives or financial solution has UOB introduced to support business in going green in Vietnam?

The journey towards sustainability is a gradual one. At UOB, we advocate for a just transition, recognising that businesses cant become entirely green overnight. Our role is to help them gradually shift towards sustainability.

For instance, we work with factories to install solar panels, which is increasingly driven by demand from large Western consumer firms.

We assist our clients throughout this transition, providing the tools and guidance they need to move towards a greener future.

What is your forecast for FDI attraction in Vietnam for the rest of 2024?

Last year, FDI numbers were somewhat muted, partly due to the global economic slowdown. Investment into ASEAN and Vietnam, however, has remained resilient. While I dont foresee a dramatic rise in FDI due to the continued uncertainty and challenges in the global economy, Vietnam and ASEAN will continue to be attractive destinations for investors.

We have seen interest from German, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Korean companies, indicating that it's no longer just Chinese corporates enter the market. This diversification of investors reinforces Vietnams position as a key player in the global FDI landscape.

Vietnams agricultural products appeal to foreign customers Vietnam's agricultural products were sold well in foreign markets in Q1, with a surge in both volume and prices documented.

Slovenian expert highly values cooperation potential with Vietnam Vietnam and Slovenia have great potential to enhance cooperation across multiple domains such as labour, tourism, logistics, and import and export of agricultural products, former General Director of Chamber of Commerce and Industry of Slovenia (CCIS) Ales Cantarutti has said.
Leveraging Australias experience in energy transition to help Vietnam maintain stability in its national electricity system and ensure long-term energy security was a key discussion point at the Vietnam State of Energy Transition Conference organised by the Australian Embassy to Vietnam on September 18.

Delegates from policy-makers, government agencies, business and energy institutions participating in the Conference. (Photo: The Embassy of Vietnam in Australia)

Prof. Ken Baldwin, who is the director of the Energy Change Institute at the Australian National University, acknowledged that Australia is facing challenges related to human resources, supply chains, and financial mobilisation.

The country will need to invest billions of US dollars to upgrade and expand its electricity grid and replace lucrative fossil fuel export sectors such as coal and gas with clean alternative energies like green hydrogen. Furthermore, Australia must capitalise on export opportunities arising from decarbonisation, as demand for fossil fuels is expected to decline.

Despite differences, both Vietnam and Australia are expected to see significant growth in electricity demand, Baldwin stated. Vietnams growth is driven by manufacturing and household needs, while Australia will require two to three times more electricity to replace fossil fuels.

According to Baldwin, the growth in the electricity sector is driven by various business needs but necessitates substantial expansion in both countries. Both countries will compete for capital, technology, and skilled labour, highlighting the need for collaboration to accelerate the energy transition and overcome challenges, he added.

The close diplomatic relationship, which has lasted over 50 years, and the similarities in the potential for renewable energy development, as well as approaches to managing the energy transition, have prompted Australia to support Vietnam in this transformation.

Renewable energy currently accounted for nearly 40 per cent of Australias total electricity generation in 2023, while the figure for Vietnam is 26 per cent, according to data from the Ministry of Industry and Trade. The Australian government aims to increase the proportion of renewable energy to 82 per cent by 2030.

Similarly, Vietnam is developing gas power projects with the aim of promoting wind energy development, particularly offshore wind, which could gradually replace fossil fuel energy in the future.

Since 2022, the Future of Electricity in Vietnam programme, established by the Australian government, has brought together relevant agencies from both countries to share experiences and explore potential solutions for Vietnams electricity sector. The scheme has examined Vietnams electricity sector from seven key aspects: power sources, fuel, consumption, the electricity grid, markets, planning, and resilience. It draws on policy studies from Australias electricity sector and analyses the countrys experiences to provide useful references for Vietnams energy transition.

Mike Davidson, a specialist engineer from the Future Energy Systems at the Australian Energy Market Operator, emphasised that finance is a crucial element, alongside Australias commitment to supporting Vietnams energy transition through various funding mechanisms.

Australia has provided $30 million over three years, with an additional $90 million committed to supporting Vietnams energy transition, along with a $2 billion financing package for economic growth and energy transition in Southeast Asia. These funds aim to mobilise private sector investment and provide blended finance, he said. I expect a lot of that to be sufficient.

Collaboration between Australia and Vietnam is key to finding solutions for energy transition, according to Davidson. Australia has provided technical studies and reports to help Vietnam identify options for its energy transition, and continues its university partnerships to train the next generation of energy transition experts.

Two main things Vietnam can do to improve its energy system are to explore new fuel sources, particularly low-carbon fuel sources, and to balance these fuel sources to meet customer demand and provide the utility that customers require, said Davidson. Were looking forward to working with Vietnam on both of these challenges.

The energy transition will not only help maintain stability in the national electricity system but also ensure long-term energy security for Vietnam.

Deputy Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hoang Long stated that there are five issues Vietnam needs to address in its energy transition: capital sources, modern technology, skilled labour, governance capacity, and learning from experience, as well as suitable policies and legal frameworks to support the transition.

Vietnam is also refining its legal framework to create a fair market for foreign and private Vietnamese investors to participate in the wind energy sector. We are reviewing the nations power plan and coordinating with international partners, including Australia, to finalise the plan in the near future, Long said.

Vietnam is facing rapidly increasing demand for gas, according to assessments by the energy market research and consulting company Wood Mackenzie. It predicts that Vietnams gas demand will grow by an average of 12 per cent per year, reaching three times the current level by the mid-2030s.

This places significant pressure on the energy sector, particularly as domestic supply from current gas fields has sharply declined, with a reduction of 25 per cent over the past five years.

The electricity sector will continue to be the largest consumer of gas, with 14 per cent of projected supply expected to come from gas by 2030.

Andrew Goledzinowski, Australian Ambassador to Vietnam Australia and Vietnam are comprehensive strategic partners, where climate change and energy transition are among the key pillars. Firstly, theres an AUD$30 million ($20.4 million) commitment by Australia, which we are using to mobilise private capital to assist with Vietnams energy transition, because its not something governments can achieve solely with their own funds. Secondly, we have another AUD$90 million ($61.1 million) commitment made by Prime Minister Albanese during his visit to Vietnam last year to support Vietnam in its energy transition. The third available fund is an AUD$2 billion ($1.36 billion) financing facility for energy transition in Vietnam and other Southeast Asian countries. These are the specific funds, but there are other sources of Australian government and multilateral funding that we can also utilise to help create blended finance for an effective transition for Vietnam. This is the second phase of our cooperation with Vietnam in terms of knowledge sharing. I have just handed over seven reports and discussion papers that provide a wealth of technical information gathered by experts in both Vietnam and Australia to explore options for transition. The first phase delivered five technical discussion papers. The next phase will commence now, marking the start of the third phase. We hope that the collaboration, which began in 2022, will continue and be beneficial for both countries.

Australia donates $2 million to Vietnam in wake of devastating typhoon The Australian government has donated AUD$3 million ($2 million) to Vietnam to help with humanitarian relief, emergency supplies, and other essential services in response to the devastation caused by Typhoon Yagi.

Australia experts offer input on Vietnams green energy transition Australian and Vietnamese experts gathered in Hanoi on September 18 for the inaugural Vietnam State of Energy Transition (VSET) Conference.
This request was made by Chineses Minister of Industry and Information Technology Jin Zhuanglong during a meeting with Vietnamese Minister of Industry and Trade Nguyen Hong Dien on September 30 in Beijing. The meeting took place as part of the 13th session of the Vietnam-China Joint Economic and Trade Cooperation Committee, aimed at strengthening bilateral economic ties.

Minister Dien urged major Chinese corporations to collaborate more closely with Vietnamese automobile manufacturing and assembly companies to provide commercial vehicles that align with market demands and Vietnam's industrial strategies. He emphasised that such partnerships could be mutually beneficial for both countries, particularly in boosting the automotive sector.

In response, Minister Zhuanglong identified the automotive industry as an area with significant potential for cooperation. He noted that several leading Chinese automakers are planning to increase their investments in Vietnam.

China is committed to supporting its automotive companies in expanding their production and operations in Vietnam, in line with the needs of both countries, Minister Zhuanglong said.

Minister Zhuanglong further encouraged Vietnam to enhance its regulatory framework and improve the business environment to support the long-term growth of Chinese companies. Currently, top Chinese automotive manufacturers such as BYD, Geely, Chery, Great Wall, SAIC, and Wuling are present in the Vietnamese market.

Notably, Geely recently signed a joint venture with Tasco to build a factory in Thai Binh province, with an investment of $168 million. BYD, Chinas largest electric vehicle manufacturer, has also entered the Vietnamese market, planning to open 50 dealerships nationwide.

The Vietnamese Ministry of Industry and Trade is currently formulating a strategy for the development of the automotive industry through 2030, with a vision to 2045, which will prioritise electric vehicles and green energy.

Minister Dien also highlighted Vietnam's economic growth, supported by its industrialisation and modernisation efforts, which have driven average annual growth of 6.17 per cent. This economic progress has allowed Vietnam to transition into a middle-income developing country.

As part of the country's industrial restructuring, Vietnam is reducing its dependence on mining while increasing its focus on the processing and manufacturing industries. In this context, Minister Dien called on China to invest in consumer industries and modern mineral processing projects that meet environmental standards and market demands.

He also stressed the importance of industrial cooperation, proposing that both countries share experiences in supply chain development. He suggested that Vietnam should play a more active role in providing products and services to foreign investors.

Furthermore, Minister Zhuanglong raised the potential for collaboration in the aerospace industry. Thailand has recently joined Chinas space station programme, and we hope Vietnam will be the next member, he said.

He also invited Vietnam to cooperate in the manufacturing and production of aircraft, offering China's expertise and technology transfer to support Vietnams aviation sector development.

According to Vietnams Ministry of Planning and Investment, China led the number of new projects in Vietnam in the first seven months of this year, with 540 projects valued at $1.22 billion, accounting for 29.7 per cent of the total new projects. As of the end of July, China's cumulative registered direct investment in Vietnam had reached $28.5 billion across 4,754 active projects, making China the sixth-largest investor among 147 countries and territories.

Warburg Pincus aims to expand investment footprint in Vietnam Renowned private equity firm Warburg Pincus is planning to expand its investment in Vietnam to capitalise on growing industries.

Vietnam calls on Apple to set up R&D centre to boost innovation During a visit to New York for the 79th UN General Assembly, Vietnams Party General Secretary and President To Lam met with senior executives from US tech giants Apple, Meta, and Supermicro, urging deeper collaboration on Vietnams manufacturing capabilities and innovation potential.
The event was organised in collaboration with the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City and the Vietnam Association of Prevention Medicine (VAPM) in Hanoi.

Experts in the panel discussion

Themed "Vaccine: A New Paradigm in Dengue Fever Prevention in Vietnam", the event aimed to provide a platform for advancing knowledge sharing, fostering collaboration in holistic dengue management strategies, and introducing a new dengue vaccine available in public and private institutions. The dengue vaccine was approved by the Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) in May 2024.

The symposia were attended by nearly 1,000 scientists, healthcare professionals, and representatives from the Ministry of Health, World Health Organization (WHO), the US CDC, and the Japan External Trade Organization.

Dengue fever is among the most common mosquito-borne viral diseases worldwide and is recognised as one of the top threats to public health by the WHO. Dengue is currently endemic in more than 100 countries and causes an estimated 390 million infections each year with global incidence rates increasing 30-fold over the last 50 years due to climate change, rapid urbanisation, and movements of people and goods.

Vietnam is listed among the top countries suffering a serious burden from dengue fever by the WHO. Experts warn that dengue fever is evolving to become more unpredictable and dangerous as it no longer follows the same patterns while expanding endemic areas. From 1980-2018, Vietnam recorded epidemic peaks every 10 years, but then from 2019-2023 alone, Vietnam experienced peaks in 2019 (with over 300,000 cases) and 2022 (361,813 cases).

Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Vu Trung, director of the Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, and chairman of the symposium in Ho Chi Minh City, emphasised, The peak of the dengue fever epidemic in Vietnam typically occurs in the rainy season, from July to November. Recently, Vietnam has recorded new cases of dengue fever, including severe and life-threatening cases, even during the remaining months of the year. Moreover, dengue fever typically affected the central and southern regions, but in recent years, dengue fever has become more prevalent in the north of Vietnam. These concerning shifts have intensified the need for more immediate actions and resources within the healthcare sector and community for dengue prevention and management.

As co-chairman of the symposium in Hanoi, Prof. Phan Trong Lan, director of the National Institute of Hygiene and Epidemiology, stated, The Vietnamese government, healthcare agencies, and the Vietnamese people have worked together to achieve progress in dengue prevention and management, especially in reducing death rates. The introduction and availability of the dengue vaccine, alongside ongoing efforts in vector control, personal protection, and community engagement, mark a significant step forward for Vietnam. These integrated dengue prevention measures will help reduce burdens on the healthcare system, ultimately benefiting the country's overall health and economy.

The symposia also featured Prof. Veerachai Wattanaveeradej, director of Vaccine Research Centre at Bangkok Phramongkutklao Hospital and Executive Committee at the Royal College Pediatricians and Pediatric Society of Thailand, who shared key learnings about the safety profile and post dengue vaccination surveillance, from clinical trials to real-life practice in Thailand  one of the top 30 countries in the world experiencing high burdens from dengue fever.

Dr. Derek Wallace, president of Global Vaccine Business Unit at Takeda, addressed the Vietnamese healthcare community about the innovative dengue vaccine as part of a comprehensive strategy for dengue fever prevention and control. Takedas dengue vaccine has been recommended by the WHOs Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) for introduction in countries with high dengue burden and high transmission intensity to maximise public health impact.

Dr. Wallace shared, While current prevention efforts are essential, the introduction of a vaccine that provides broad protection marks a significant breakthrough in the fight against this disease. Takedas dengue vaccine represents a major step forward in our mission to develop innovative vaccines that address the toughest public health challenges. The recent recommendation by WHO underscores the vaccines potential as an important tool within an integrated strategy to help reduce the global threat of dengue.

Dion Warren, area head of India and Southeast Asia at Takeda

Dion Warren, area head of India and Southeast Asia at Takeda, added, Collaboration is key in the fight against dengue. Takeda is proud to join forces with health authorities, healthcare professionals, medical societies, academia, and other partners to combat this public health threat in Vietnam. With dengue posing substantial health risks in Vietnam, the introduction of the dengue vaccine as an additional preventive tool alongside existing measures offers renewed hope. We are optimistic about the future, where integrated protection against dengue could improve the lives of countless people in Vietnam and beyond.

In recognition of the efforts in dengue prevention and management by Vietnamese healthcare professionals, photo exhibitiona themed Three-Decade Journey of Preventing and Controlling Dengue Fever in Vietnam were held. In Ho Chi Minh City, the exhibition was hosted by Assoc. Prof. Nguyen Thi Kim Tien, former minister of health, and in Hanoi, by Prof. Vu Sinh Nam, senior advisor on dengue fever at the National Institute Of Hygiene And Epidemiology and chief of staff at the VAPM.

The photo exhibition

Takedas dengue vaccine is currently approved for children and adults in more than 40 countries, including the European Union, Brazil, Argentina, Columbia, Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Vietnam. The vaccine is also accessible through public vaccination programmes in Indonesia, Brazil, and Argentina.

In addition to being recommended in the World Health Organization's (WHO) dengue vaccines position paper, the vaccine has recently been included in the WHOs List of Prequalified Vaccines, underscoring its quality and reliability as an important dengue prevention method suitable for public programmes.

Indonesia issues dengue fever warning to Bali tourists Indonesias Health Ministry has issued an early warning asking local and foreign tourists to remain alert against dengue hemorrhagic fever (DHF), which is on the rise in Bali.

Takeda dengue vaccine approved in Vietnam The Drug Administration of Vietnam (DAV) on May 14 issued a decision approving dengue vaccine of Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, becoming the first dengue vaccine approved in the country for use in individuals from four years of age, regardless of previous dengue exposure and without the need for pre-vaccination testing.

Experts come together to enhance dengue prevention strategies in Vietnam On September 28, Takeda Pharmaceuticals (Asia-Pacific) Pte., Ltd. (Takeda), in collaboration with The Pasteur Institute in Ho Chi Minh City, held the conference Orientations and Solutions to Enhance Dengue Haemorrhagic Fever Prevention Effectiveness in Vietnam, attracting many top-notch experts from the healthcare industry.
Google to invest 1 billion USD in developing data centre in Thailand, illustration photo/ Source: freepik.com

Bangkok - Alphabet Inc's Google announced on September 30 that it will invest 1 billion USD in Thailand to build a data centre and cloud region to meet growing cloud demand and support artificial intelligence (AI) adoption in Southeast Asia.

The investment will create an average of 14,000 jobs annually until 2029, Google said.

Google stressed that its cloud and data centre infrastructure in Bangkok and Chon Buri will help meet growing demand for Google Cloud capabilities and AI innovations, and the companys popular digital services - such as Search, Maps, and Google Workspace.

The data centre will be located in an industrial estate in Chon Buri, while the Google cloud region, which consists of hardware and software dedicated to providing services to private and public sector entities, will be in the capital Bangkok.

Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said Google's investment was "perfectly aligned" with the Southeast Asian nation's Cloud First Policy.

The same day, Paetongtarn met with Ruth Porat, President & Chief Investment Officer of Alphabet Inc. and Google, to discuss cooperation in technology. The discussion also touched on Google's investment plan for digital infrastructure development in the country.

Google's chief scientist to attend Generative AI summit in Vietnam Jeff Dean, recognised globally as "The God of engineering" at Google, will visit Vietnam in a landmark event this month.

Google grants $1.5 million to Fulbright University Vietnam for AI research and education Fulbright University Vietnam has received a $1.5 million grant from Google to advance AI research and education in Vietnam.
MATSAPHA - The National Commissioner (NatCOM) of Police, Vusi Manoma Masango, has issued a directive, mandating all officers to prioritise crimes involving gender-based violence (GBV).

He further directed the law enforcers to ensure that any police officer involved in perpetrating abuse is brought before a court of law. In a bold move to combat GBV, even within the ranks of law enforcement, the NATCOM declared that any officer accused of abusing their partner will be immediately stripped of their service firearm. Masango declared this during a moving prayer service at the Matsapha Police Academy yesterday.

He said any officer suspected of perpetrating GBV against their partner will have their service firearm immediately confiscated. The service, characterised by intercession, music and a moving sermon by Sharpe Memorial Church of the Nazarene Reverend Mfanaleni Mkhatshwa, was convened in response to a troubling spate of suicides incidents within the police service, emphasising the urgent need for spiritual nourishment and support.

Died

Recently, Nomfundo Sihlongonyane, a female police officer, tragically died when her husband, Frans Dlamini, shot her before turning the gun on himself, both dying on the same day. Additionally, another officer reportedly took his life at the Swazi Plaza Police Post in Mbabane.In his remarks, Masango expressed deep concern about the troubling trend of law enforcement officers taking their own lives and those of their partners. He emphasised the importance of the police service to come together to address this issue.

On the other hand, the NATCOM noted that not long ago, they launched Amnesty Month, inviting individuals in possession of illegal firearms to surrender them to the police and receive amnesty. However, he announced that from that day forward, the police would no longer grant leniency to those found with illegal firearms. Masango reiterated the sadness felt within the police community, regarding the rise in suicide cases. He recalled a recent meeting involving wellness structures, including chaplains, DCS representatives, psychotherapists and regional commissioners, aimed at brainstorming solutions to address this pressing issue.

He highlighted the need to return to the drawing board to evaluate their approach and identify areas of improvement. The NATCOM revealed that he had given a mandate to interrogate the term confidentiality. He stated; We are all going to suffer because of confidentiality. We allow the people we are in relationships with to endure pain due to this term. This is our biggest challenge; many of us will spend months or years keeping secrets about incidents where we are harming our partners. No, not this time.

He emphasised that every police officer has a mandate to protect life and property. We would be failing in our duty if an officer who is abusing their partner is allowed to maintain confidentiality. No, not this time, he repeated. To the DCS, he issued a directive with military precision, stating that as soon as they left the prayer meeting, all crimes involving GBV should be investigated and taken to court, if necessary. He asserted that whether it was the NATCOM himself or any member of the police service, anyone involved in crimes related to abuse should face legal consequences. He mentioned that issues of counselling would be left to the relevant structures, such as pastors and chaplains, and that there should be no loss of life due to GBV within the police service.

Expressed

Masango expressed his satisfaction at the presence of station commanders and regional commissioners in the meeting. Any officer in your stations who is abusing their partner, from today, should not be allowed to carry a firearm. An instruction will come from the NATCOM detailing how this will be enforced, he stated, eliciting applause from the audience.

He noted that all organisations in the country, including government and non-governmental organisations (NGOs), are concerned about these incidents. Masango revealed that officers involved in these situations, including those at the homes of the deceased Sihlongonyane and Dlamini, would receive support through professional counselling.

He further mentioned that they would explore other avenues to assist police officers in collaboration with development partners. With their help, he hopes to establish a toll-free number for officers to discuss their issues with the appropriate people, pending government approval. The NATCOM warned the officers to take note of the terms health and wellness, and to reflect on whether they were truly mindful of these concepts. He urged them to consider what love means and what happens when someone decides to take the life of the person they claim to love. Masango remarked that love is blind if one can harm the person they profess to love. To the female officers, we all have a challenge to confront this issue. If your abuser, who is meant to go to court for abusing you, is someone you choose to drop charges against, because you love them, do you want to risk your life in the name of that love? he questioned.
Deli Vietnam Office Technology Co., Ltd organised a groundbreaking ceremony for its $270 million Deli-Hai Duong stationery factory on September 28. Located in Dai An Industrial Park in the northern province of Hai Duong, the project represents the largest foreign-invested project in the province to date.

Deli Vietnam received its investment certificate last November and received an investment adjustment certificate in February. Construction of the project was expected to begin in the second quarter of this year.

The factory is expected to cost $270 million and is aiming to start operations in the first half of 2026.

Le Ngoc Chau, Deputy Secretary of Hai Duong Party Committee and Chairman of Hai Duong People's Committee, said, "The construction of this factory is an important milestone in the economic development of the province, demonstrating effective cooperation between foreign-invested enterprises and local authorities."

"Hai Duong is striving to become a modern industrial province and a dynamic industrial centre for the Red River Delta. This groundbreaking ceremony is a good start, creating a ripple effect and attracting more and more businesses to invest successfully and effectively in the province," Chau added.

Statistics published by Hai Duong Department of Planning and Investment show that in the first eight months of 2024, the province attracted nearly $320 million in overseas investment, equal to 93 per cent of the amount for the whole of 2023. These projects are focussed on energy, processing and manufacturing, and stationery, and are mainly in industrial parks such as Dai An, Phuc Dien, and An Phat 1.

Hai Duong has 577 valid focused foreign-invested projects with a total accumulated registered capital of nearly $6 billion from 27 different countries and territories. Hai Duong has also set a target of attracting $500 million this year, with the expectation of $850 million in disbursed capital.

Hai Duong People's Committee highly appreciates the role of Deli Factory in the province's growth. The project is considered to create momentum to touch further targets. That is the general goal of the "Action Programme to implement the Resolutions of the Politburo, the Government and the Provincial Party Committee Standing Committee on socio-economic development and ensuring national defence and security in the Red River Delta region to 2030 and vision to 2045" of Hai Duong People's Committee on February 28, 2023.

This action plan combines the goal of developing the province into a modern industrial province by 2030, aiming to become a centrally-run city and will be in the country's top 10 provinces and cities in terms of economic scale. The province will have a reasonable economic structure based on the development of high-tech industry, and supporting industry doing a good job of environmental protection and ensuring climate change response.

Tuong Quynh Phuong Deputy general director of Dai An Joint Stock Company, developer of Dai An IP Early this year, Dai An was confused about the feasibility of the provinces target to attract $900 million and the disbursement goal for the whole year because of political fluctuations that are not favourable for luring foreign direct investment (FDI) into Vietnam. At the time, conflicts in the Middle East, and between Russia and Ukraine, and the competition between world powers in politics, economics, investment, and trade are still complicated. Those fluctuations may lead to a decline in international investment in Vietnam. However, Dai An as well as industrial park developers in Hai Duong have seen the determination to improve the competitiveness of the investment environment of the government, the prime minister, and authorities at all levels. We have seen the determination to reform administrative procedures and resolve land issues. Both the province and the investors are trying to enhance the quality of investment promotions. The Board of Directors of Dai An Industrial Park has implemented investment promotions that more closely align with investors. After years of negotiations, several foreign investors have selected Dai An IP as their production hub. We highly appreciate the comprehensive support of Hai Duong People's Committee and Hai Duong Industrial Parks Management Authority for the Deli-Hai Duong factory project. The speed at which the Deli Hai Duong factory and other projects in IPs have contributed to attracting $590 million in the first eight months of the year, passing the initial target by $90 million. With this momentum, we expect the province to be among the top ten localities for FDI this year.

Hai Duong expects foreign firms to train skilled workforce Chairman of the Peoples Committee of northern Hai Duong province Trieu The Hung visited foreign-invested firms operating in the locality on February 19, including Best Pacific Vietnam Co. Ltd. and Doosan Electro  Material Vietnam Co. Ltd.

Hai Duong, Roks Suwon city explore deeper cooperation Authorities of northern Hai Duong province hosted a local reception on February 26 for a delegation from the Republic of Korea (RoK)s Suwon city.

Northern provinces notch up e-governance progress The northern localities of Haiphong, Hai Duong, and Hung Yen have made improvements in e-governance, according to 2023 survey results announced last week in Hanoi.

First BIM workshop in Hai Duong commences strategic collaboration between ICE and Autodesk The Institute of Construction Economics (ICE) under the Ministry of Construction and Hai Duong Department of Construction organised a workshop on "Promoting the Adoption of Building Information Modelling (BIM) Framework" within the northern province on May 30.

Future bright for innovative FDI schemes High-quality foreign investment worth at tens of billions of US dollars is expected to pour into Vietnam, according to official government projections.
Hosted by the Ministry of Planning and Investment (MPI), Innovate Vietnam 2024 promises to ignite the future of innovation in Vietnam. Co-organised by NIC and VCCorp, the event will take place on October 1-2, 2024, at the NIC campus in Hoa Lac High-Tech Park in Hanoi.

Innovate Vietnam 2024 launched

The event will be graced by Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, alongside key leaders from various ministries, government agencies, research institutions, universities, companies, banks, investment funds, and global organisations. This high-profile gathering aims to showcase NICs transformation over the past five years and reaffirm its role in advancing Vietnams innovation ecosystem under the theme Aspiration - Pioneering - Breakthrough.

The NIC has been instrumental in fostering an environment conducive to developing cutting-edge technologies, particularly through collaboration between government, universities, and enterprises. The centre has played a pivotal role in promoting Vietnam as a leader in the semiconductor and AI sectors by facilitating training programmes and scholarships in line with government policies.

As a result of these efforts, Vietnam has seen continuous improvement in the Global Innovation Index, with the NIC contributing to the countrys global positioning as a tech-driven economy. Vietnam now ranks first globally in high-tech imports, exports, and creative goods exports.

Minister of Planning and Investment Nguyen Chi Dung, in his opening remarks, highlighted NICs mission, saying, "On October 2, 2019, the NIC was established with the goal of leveraging the opportunities presented by the Fourth Industrial Revolution and driving Vietnam's breakthrough in innovation."

The NIC has focused on advancing key technology sectors and is now seen as a major player in positioning Vietnam as a leader in innovation and entrepreneurship in Asia by 2045.

MPI Minister Nguyen Chi Dung

Specifically, the NIC has been doing well in establishing, growing, and leading the national innovation ecosystem; contributing to building mechanism and policies related to innovation and startups; promoting the role of Vietnam's innovation ecosystem.

Vu Quoc Huy, director of the NIC said, Innovation is the driving force behind revolutionising Vietnam's economic growth model. Our five-year anniversary celebration is not only an opportunity to reflect on the achievements we've made, but also a springboard for breakthroughs in the future, shaping the technological landscape of Vietnam.

Vietnam's global innovation index has been climbing up year by year to 44th of 133 countries and territories.

Global tech leaders gather in Vietnam

Several leading figures from the technology sector will be present, including Nick Clegg, Metas president of global affairs; Raymond Teh, senior vice president worldwide field operations, Asia-Pacific at NVIDIA; Becky Fraser, vice president of Global Government Affairs at Qualcomm; and senior executives from AMD, Intel, Qorvo, and Samsung.

These industry leaders will provide insights into emerging technologies, discuss business strategies in Vietnam, and explore potential collaborations to strengthen Vietnams innovation capabilities.

Meta is honoured to partner with the MPI to advance Vietnams AI-driven future and foster an innovation ecosystem. As Vietnams potential for AI development continues to grow, Meta is committed to supporting Vietnams long-term vision of establishing AI as a key pillar of its digital economy. Through collaboration with the government of Vietnam, we look forward to the future opportunities coming out of Vietnam, Clegg from Meta said.

"AI is advancing societies and economies by helping researchers and enterprises solve the worlds greatest challenges across healthcare, climate, manufacturing and more, said Raymond Teh from NVIDIA. Working with the NIC and Vietnam's local technology ecosystem, NVIDIA will help turbocharge innovation across its industries."

PM Pham Minh Chinh visiting some booths at the Innovate Vietnam 2024

Playground for innovation and collaboration

Innovate Vietnam 2024 features an exciting line-up of activities to honour practical innovation, encourage breakthroughs, inspire creativity, and promote the entrepreneurial spirit.

Attendees will be able to explore cutting-edge exhibits featuring the latest advancements in AI, semiconductors, and green technology. These experiences will offer a glimpse into the future of technology and its potential applications across various industries.

A series of workshops featuring presentations and panel discussions will offer diverse and objective perspectives on Vietnams opportunities and challenges in AI, semiconductors, and high-tech sectors. Attendees will gain insights into technology trends, explore collaboration opportunities, and learn about strategies for attracting investment. These deep-dive sessions bring together influential figures, industry experts, and policymakers.

The event will conclude with a grand gala, spotlighting innovative products and services centred around consumer needs, complemented by captivating presentations of technology and art.

NIC also revealed new partnerships with NVIDIA, Qualcomm, Dassault System, Intel, SemiSEA, and ViSemi at the event. These collaborations aim to foster talent development in AI, semiconductors, and smart manufacturing, as well as promote innovation through initiatives like the annual semiconductor expo.

Innovate Vietnam 2024 serves as a gathering point for policymakers, businesses, investors, and research institutions from both domestic and international markets. It offers a platform to exchange ideas, establish strong partnerships, and highlight the potential of Vietnams innovation ecosystem, with NIC playing a crucial role.

Innovate Vietnam 2024 set to welcome 20,000 attendees The establishment of the NIC (National Innovation Centre) reflects the Vietnamese government's determination to enable innovation, while Innovate Vietnam 24 looks to discuss advances in the field in early October.

Early innovation can lead to success Innovation continues to become one of the driving forces for businesses, especially large ones, in the era of continuously developing technology, constantly fluctuating markets, and fiercer competition.

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.
LSP will produce various petrochemical products, including essential plastic resins such as polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), for customers both domestically and internationally.

Plastic resins from LSP will help lessen imported polyolefin products and enhance competitiveness for downstream businesses along the value chain. They are building blocks for various industries, including packaging, agriculture, electrical appliances, automotive, and many more.

Kulachet Dharachandra, general director of LSP, stated, We are proud to announce the commercial operation of our complex. We believe that LSP will bring growth to long-term economy and enhance competitive advantages to the petrochemical and plastic industry in Vietnam. However, in response to the continued global petrochemical industry downturn and volatile crude oil prices that are contributing to high raw material costs, LSP will optimise its operation mode, and accelerate operational excellence.

LSP plans to increase operational flexibility by expanding the range of raw materials used in production. This strategy will allow for better cost management in line with market conditions and help mitigate the impact of raw material price fluctuations. The company plans to increase the proportion of imported ethane as a raw material, alongside the current use of naphtha and propane. The increased use of imported ethane will contribute to reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

LSP is a flagship investment for of SCGC and SCG in the region, with more than $5 billion. The complex is located in Long Son, Ba Ria  Vung Tau province, and has a world-scale mix feed cracker, world-class technology polyolefin plants, a specialised tank terminal, and a central utilities plant, and other supporting facilities which are fully equipped with advanced technology to ensure safety and be environmentally friendly. LSP is committed to conducting its business in line with sustainable development, focusing environmental, social, and governance standards.

LSP aims to play a key role in the development of the petrochemical and plastic industry landscape in Vietnam, as well as demonstrating its commitment to high quality and sustainability.

$5.1 billion Long Son Petrochemicals Complex ready to roll Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) is completing the final procedures to operate the $5.1-billion Long Son Petrochemicals Complex in Ba Ria-Vung Tau province.

Long Son Petrochemicals expected to start commercial operations in August The Long Son Petrochemicals (LSP) complex, which is wholly owned by SCG Chemicals Public Company Limited (SCGC) under SCG, is expected to commence commercial operations in August.
Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh visited the Vietnam SuperPort exhibition booth

The move aims to enhance regional fast-paced goods and service deliveries and rising trade flows through the leverage of cutting-edge technologies, especially AI.

During the event, Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh, Singaporean Ambassador to Vietnam Jaya Ratnam, and senior leaders visited the Vietnam SuperPort exhibition to explore its visionary approach to creating a modern, smart, and connected logistics hub in Southeast Asia.

As the flagship port in the ASEAN Smart Logistics Network (ASLN), Vietnam SuperPort plays a crucial role in strengthening trade flows between Vietnam, ASEAN, China, and beyond. By serving as a strategic logistics hub, Vietnam SuperPort connects Vietnam more deeply into global supply chains and positions the country as a critical player in regional trade. Its symbiotic role with Vietnams economy drives the countrys growth in the global value chain, enabling it to grow without growing pains by providing seamless logistics solutions that match the demands of a rapidly expanding economy.

Vietnam SuperPort is committed to co-developing new technologies with world-class partners to meet the growing demands for faster, more efficient logistics solutions. In collaboration with Singapores YCH Group, the plan includes AI-driven automation, warehouse robotics, and transport management solutions.

These advanced technologies will enhance operational workflows, accelerate order fulfilment, and improve inventory control. With nearly 70 years of industry leadership, YCH Group is a trusted partner in supply chain development, showcasing expertise in AI integration, transport optimisation, and cross-border trade through Singapores Supply Chain City, co-created with global partners.

Vietnam SuperPort underscores T&T Group and YCH Groups commitment to sustainable growth and long-term competitiveness. By embracing cutting-edge technologies like AI-powered automation and blockchain, Vietnam SuperPort is enhancing Vietnams logistics capabilities and staying at the forefront of supply chain innovation in the ASEAN region, said Do Quang Hien, founder and chairman of the strategic committee at T&T Group.

Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort, introduced the application of AI during the digital transformation roadmap of Vietnam SuperPort

Vietnam SuperPort collaborates with global technology leaders to create a comprehensive digital ecosystem that integrates AI-based warehouse management software for real-time inventory tracking, demand prediction, and performance measurement. This initiative is backed by Y3 Technologies' proprietary suite, designed to optimise logistics efficiency across the region.

In addition to operational enhancements, Vietnam SuperPort aims to strengthen Vietnams supply chain connectivity and sustainability. Its AI-powered logistics marketplace will serve as a global platform, linking small- and medium-sized enterprises, financial institutions, and logistics providers, offering enhanced transparency and facilitating access to capital for businesses. Vietnam SuperPort will also develop a blockchain-based environmental, social, and governance management system to track carbon emissions, supporting its goal of becoming Southeast Asias first net-zero logistics hub by 2040.

Our digital transformation plan aligns with Vietnams national strategy to develop a smart, competitive, and sustainable logistics industry by 2035. This partnership and technological advancement will reinforce Vietnams role as a critical player in the regional supply chain, said Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort.

The perspective view of Vietnam SuperPort multimodal logistics centre

Vietnam SuperPort marks vision of a connected future The recent launch of Vietnam SuperPort marks a critical hub connecting supply chains between China and Southeast Asia, with an ambitious goal of achieving net-zero by 2040. This milestone enhances Vietnams logistics capabilities while contributing to the nations climate change objectives.

Vietnam SuperPort to elevate supply chain capabilities Vietnam SuperPort, a joint venture between YCH Group (Singapore) and T&T Group (Vietnam), has launched the new vision to enhance the country's logistics capabilities. Yap Kwong Weng, CEO of Vietnam SuperPort spoke to VIR's Nguyen Huong about the launch.
WAUNAKEE, Wis. (AP)  Former President Donald Trump spent more than an hour ahead of Tuesday night's vice presidential debate campaigning in a Democratic county that is crucial to Kamala Harris ' hopes for winning the key battleground state of Wisconsin.

Republican Trump appeared at a manufacturing facility in Waunakee, a suburb of Wisconsin's capital city of Madison in the Democratic stronghold of Dane County. Trump had never campaigned in Dane County nor visited as president.

In an event advertised as economic-themed, Trump bounced from subject to subject, also taking on Democratic nominee Harris on issues, including foreign policy, crime and immigration, while intermittently pivoting to criticism of outgoing President Joe Biden.

Im asking every citizen to join me in launching sort of a new golden age for America," Trump told hundreds inside Dane Manufacturing, a metal fabricator that has a long history of hosting Republican candidates and officeholders.

Trump also could not pass up a jab at former President Jimmy Carter on the Georgia Democrat's 100th birthday.

With hollow praise, Trump declared the one-term Carter the happiest man because he is considered a brilliant president compared to Biden. Trump did not note Carter's birthday, nor his status as the longest-living former president.

Later Tuesday, Trump held an event at a museum in Milwaukee, Wisconsin's largest city and home to the state's largest number of Democratic voters and second-largest number of Republicans. The event was intended to highlight school choice initiatives giving incentives to families wishing to send their children to private schools. Universal school choice was highlighted in the Republican platform this year.

Trump took questions for more than half an hour. He claimed the U.S. faced its most dangerous time since World War II, citing the escalating Middle East conflict as well as the Russia-Ukraine war, and again argued he would have prevented those conflicts had he won a second term four years ago.

He accused Biden of being weak toward Iran's leadership. Asked about an Iranian attack on a U.S. base in Iraq during his presidency  revenge for the U.S. killing Iranian Revolutionary Guard Gen. Qassem Soleimani  Trump downplayed the brain injuries suffered by more than 100 service members.

Injured means, you mean, because they had a headache? Because the bombs never hit the fort, he said.

Last Saturday, he held a rally in western Wisconsin where he blamed Harris for crimes committed by people in the country illegally.

Both of his planned stops were ahead of Tuesday's debate in New York between Trumps running mate JD Vance, a senator from Ohio, and Democratic vice presidential nominee Tim Walz, the governor of Minnesota.

Dane County, the location of Trump's first stop, is Wisconsin's fastest-growing county and an economic engine for the state, fueled by jobs in the health care and tech industries. It is also home to the University of Wisconsin.

Dane Countys population grew by about 30,000 people between 2016 and 2020. It has gone up by another 13,000 since then, based on the most recent U.S. Census Bureau estimate.

That presents a challenge for Republicans, especially given that nearly 90% of registered voters in the county cast ballots in 2020. Biden won 75% of the vote that year in Dane County, beating Trump by 181,000 votes in the county while carrying the state by fewer than 21,000. Hillary Clinton beat Trump in Dane County in 2016 by 47 points, and Trump won the state by less than a point.

It's a point former Wisconsin Gov. Tommy Thompson said he made to Trump. In remarks to the crowd before Trump arrived, Thompson said the former president should go where the opposition is."

And, the retort was, Isnt Madison very liberal? Thompson said. Yes, but Dane County has the third most Republican votes in the state of Wisconsin and all we have to do is increase them.

Democratic presidential candidates have long come to Dane County to hold massive rallies to fire up the base. Harris campaigned there on Sept. 20, holding a rally in Madison that attracted more than 10,000 people.

Waunakee, which bills itself as the only Waunakee in the world, is slightly more Republican than the county as a whole. In 2020, Trump got 36% of the vote there compared to less than 23% countywide.

Cooper reported from Milwaukee. Associated Press writer Thomas Beaumont in Des Moines, Iowa, contributed to this report.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP)  Former Tennessee Gov. Winfield Dunn, who left dentistry to make a successful run for office in 1970 without having previously held public office, has died. He was 97.

The Republican from Memphis died of natural causes Saturday at his Nashville home, son Charles Dunn said in an email. Winfield Dunn became the state's first GOP governor in 50 years, helping usher in a two-party system. He was barred from succeeding himself as governor  a law that later was changed  and ran unsuccessfully for a second term in 1986.

Governor Winfield Dunn was, simply put, a genuine statesman, Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee said in a statement. He was a true servant of the people of Tennessee. He led with principled integrity, a strong faith, and a gracious love for others."

Dunn's achievements include expanding public kindergartens to every Tennessee school. He also created a regional prison program, a new Department of Economic and Community Development and a state housing agency to help middle- and low-income families obtain mortgages.

"I've never really thought about a legacy," Dunn said in an interview in 1998. "But I would say it was a time when more good people, for all the right reasons, became a part of the process than ever before. I think I helped create a change in the political climate in Tennessee."

Born Bryant Winfield Culberson Dunn on July 1, 1927, in Meridian, Mississippi, he was a virtual unknown in Tennessee when he mounted the state Capitol steps in the spring of 1970 to announce a run for governor. Only two reporters were present.

Through extensive traveling around the state, and with the support of Sen. Howard Baker, R-Tenn., and Rep. Dan Kuykendall, a Memphis Republican, Dunn won a four-man primary and went on to defeat Democrat John Jay Hooker Jr. in the general election.

Dunn's campaign manager was 30-year-old Lamar Alexander, who later would become governor, U.S. senator, U.S. education secretary and a presidential candidate.

Dunn opposed a medical school at East Tennessee State University in 1974, which was approved anyway by the Legislature. He also tried to force a regional prison on Morristown, but the project was halted because of local opposition.

Both those cost him support in Republican east Tennessee, hurting him in 1986 when he ran for governor again and was defeated by Democrat Ned McWherter.

During that race, McWherter said about Dunn: "I like him, and he's a good, honest man."

In his first year as governor, Dunn asked the Legislature to increase the state sales tax to 4% from 3%. The Democratic Legislature approved 3.5%.

Dunn recalled in 1998 that Democrats opposed him generally.

They gave me a hard time, he said. That first year was a learning year for me.

Dunn earned degrees in finance from the University of Mississippi and dental surgery from the University of Tennessee at Memphis.

He took a job with Hospital Corporation of America shortly after leaving office in 1975 and was a vice president with the company when he ran for governor the second time.

"I feel I was a part of altering the political history of the state," Dunn said in 1998. And it can never be taken away. I know I was a child of fate. I was in the right place, at the right time.

In addition to his son Charles Dunn, he is survived by his wife of 74 years, Betty Prichard Dunn; daughters Donna Gayle Dunn Hurley and Julie Claire Dunn; and many grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Waco Independent School District and the Economic Opportunities Advancement Corp. will open a new Early Head Start center in the former Brazos High School building to support students with young children.

The center, made possible through a $60,000 federal grant, will officially open its doors Oct. 7.

Waco ISD has seen its graduation rate go up and its dropout rate go down by providing support to students through programs such as night school and Saturday classes, outgoing Waco ISD Superintendent Susan Kincannon said in a news release. The Brazos EOAC Early Head Start Center is another way that we are supporting students so that they are able to obtain a high school diploma and create a better future for their families.

The new facility, which has undergone renovations after Brazos High closed in May, will provide day care services for Waco ISD students who are parents.

The old Brazos High School, 3005 Edna Ave., was an alternative credit recovery campus within Waco ISD which served students who needed additional support to complete their high school education.

For eight years, it provided a flexible learning environment for students at risk of not graduating, offering personalized academic plans to help them recover lost credits. The school closed when Waco ISD consolidated its alternative education programs.

Were excited to see this project come to life, said Susanne Siegfried-Wilson, the Early Head Start director for EOAC in Waco. Its crucial that we support these students by providing a safe, nurturing environment for their children so they can focus on their education.

Siegfried-Wilson told the Tribune-Herald by phone this joint effort has been a high priority for Kincannon in the months leading up to her retirement.

The new center will have three classrooms that can support up to 24 children, ages 6 weeks to 36 months, with a 4-to-1 child-to-staff ratio. The staff will include six infant/toddler teachers with appropriate credentials. Lauryn Morton was named site manager and child and family advocate for the center.

Only five spots have been filled so far. Siegfried-Wilson said EOAC is actively recruiting families through online channels, including Facebook.

The more students we can support, the better, Siegfried-Wilson said. Were really trying to get the word out so that more of these young parents can take advantage of this resource.

The program is free for Waco ISD students and offers services including vision, hearing and developmental screenings to ensure early intervention when necessary. Teachers will customize curriculum plans for each child, allowing them to learn at their own pace. The center will provide meals, formula, snacks and diapers while the children are in attendance.

The Early Head Start center is expected to be a lifeline for students who might otherwise be forced to drop out to care for their children. The program will also serve low-income and at-risk families, in line with Waco ISDs broader mission of providing educational opportunities for all.

The collaboration was initially approved earlier this year when the Waco ISD board passed a lease agreement allowing EOAC to use the Brazos High building at no cost.

In return, EOAC agreed to provide services to Waco ISD students and their families, including the new Early Head Start program.

This will be the first time weve been able to serve all of our students in Waco ISD who have this need, Kincannon said.

Head Start services will continue year-round, even during summer break, enabling teen parents to work and earn money for their families. The summer program may transition to home-based services if needed. EOAC will assist families in accessing extended-care funding, and children can remain in the program after their parents graduate from Waco ISD until they are eligible for prekindergarten at 36 months of age.

EOAC Executive Director James Jesse described the partnership as truly transformative for the community, saying, By providing these services, we are not only ensuring better outcomes for children but also empowering families to achieve long-term stability and success.

EOAC used federal funds to establish the center, with about $60,000 allocated primarily for ongoing expenses such as staffing and supplies.

The center passed its child care licensing inspection in August and is set to open Oct. 7, pending the receipt of its license.
Birding in the Greenbelt

Greenbelt Lake was a popular place on this warm end of summer morning as fisherman were taking advantage of the recently built dock courtesy of a REAP grant. Others were also enjoying the new shelter to gather out of the sun. Our 12 Prairie Rapids Audubon Society birders were off on a hike to search for fall migrants. Six of us wielded some massive photo equipment looking for the perfect shot. If anyone tries to tell you that birding is an inexpensive hobby dont listen to them. Wed hate to hazard a guess at how much had been spent on binoculars, cameras and lenses within our group. We would agree it is all worth it!

Our species numbers were a bit lower today with a total of 32 seen or heard. Four were new to our count with a total of 61 so far this fall. We had a couple of highlights when first a group of at least 20 chimney swifts came swooping in low over Greenbelt Lake. A little later we started seeing individual migrating broad-winged hawks heading south.

Charles Rash, Denver

Obvious choice in election

Steve Corbin, guest opinion, Saturday, September 14th: My gosh, all you ever write about is Donald Trump! Is this all you think about? Trump is terrible is your mantra! Lets hear what you and the Democratic Party have done to this country in just a few short years. The Democratic party with help from the legacy media lied to the American people for how long regarding the mental acuity of Joe Biden? Thats right, lied! Bidens nominee for the Supreme Court, Ketanji Brown Jackson cant give you the definition of a woman, in fact the Democratic Party doesnt know the answer to that one either. And, I just love the Respect for Women you espouse by allowing biological men to compete against women in major sports, disregarding the true intent of Title IX? Also, who conspired with social media to trample our first amendment rights of free speech regarding the Hunter Biden laptop and the truth around Covid and the mandated covid shots? Oh right, that would be Biden and the Democratic Party. We have a choice in November, the party of nonsense and government control, or the party of common sense and freedom. The choice seems pretty obvious too!

Gary Fober, Cedar Falls

Poll customers

Once again the Courier has chosen to change its comics and puzzle lineup. And once again it has made worse choices. I suspect it is a cost saving move, which as usual does not benefit the customer. Removing decent puzzles like the Jumble and completely changing all the comics are poor choices. It would have been interesting to see a customer poll on those.

Barney Google and Sally Forth? I expect better from this publication.

John Jensen, Cedar Falls

October Surprise

Tim OBrien is a Democrat running for the Iowa House in District 68. I wonder what Tim OBriens Republican October Surprise will be. It will be something that is twisted as they are masters at selecting partial data without presenting full information.

Case in point: With Andrew Wenthe in 2006 they said; Tell Bachelor Andy to pay his dues and pay his property taxes. What was omitted? Bachelor Andy was a renter, no property taxes to pay. Masters of half-truth.

Case 2: In my case (Brian Schoenjahn), putting out an ad saying I had been a career politician in public office for over 30 years. What was omitted? Most of those thirty plus years in office were accumulated by being Mayor of the City of Arlington. Being mayor in our small communities is somewhat of a thankless task and people do so as a matter of civic duty, not as a power trip and certainly not for the time and pay. True, yes. Misleading, yes. As Tim has said of these types of ads, do you like it? Me Neither

Former state Sen. Brian

Schoenjahn, Arlington

Trump-Harris debate

Vice President Harris was successful in drawing President Trump into a few political Rabbit holes. Whereas, President Trump exposed the failure of Harris border policy, which has resulted in the invasion of more than 10 million illegal immigrants, including unknown numbers of criminals and terrorists.

President Trump reminded Americans of the failed economic policy of the Biden/Harris administration as well as their failed energy policy, which is fueling the current inflation. Also, he called her to account for her flip-flopping on policy issues.

President Trump confronted the Vice President with her Administrations failure in the disasterous US withdrawal from Afghanistan  the loss of American lives and of billions in military armaments. He pointed out that the Biden/Harris Administrations fiasco in Afghanistan and their failed foreign policy was a major factor in the outbreak of wars in the Ukraine and the Near East.

But, for me, as a Christian, Kamalas most immoral and destructive policy is her support for the murder of human beings in the womb, even up to and including the very time of birth. She of course lied by trying to deny this and fired back with criticism of Presient Trumps pro-life policy.

Pro-life policy is not a matter of personal opinion but is based on the teaching of Holy Scripture: the unborn child, as well as the infant, is a special creation of God and is valued by Him (Psalm 139:1316; Luke 18:15-17).

The debate was helpful because it clarified the choice for voters  between the pro-life, successful policies of President Trump and the failed, culture-of-death policies of Kamala Harris.

Duane Lindberg, Waterloo
Library announces upcoming events

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Public Library has announced its events for the next week.

Wednesday, 5:30-7:30 p.m.  Knitting & Crocheting Drop-In at the Hive. Different patterns and supplies will be provided, but attendees are welcome to bring any materials of their own. A staff member will be available to help anyone who needs support.

Thursday, 6-8 p.m.  Family Movie Night will feature Migration in Meeting Room AB. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. The event is held every first Thursday of the month.

Friday, 10 a.m. to noon  The movie Young Frankenstein will be featured during the First Friday Flick in Meeting Room AB. The event is held the first Friday of the month and features new releases or classic films. Popcorn and soda provided free of charge.

Hydrant flushing continues Thursday

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Water Works will continue its water main flushing program Thursday.

Water mains will be flushed in the area from Ansborough Avenue to Westfield Avenue from Maynard Avenue to Black Hawk Road.

Customers living within the area and within several blocks of the flushing area could experience some discoloration. Customers in the area are urged not to plan a washday Thursday.

The discolored water is bacterially safe.

Black Fiddle event set at Vesterheim

DECORAH  Vesterheim, the National Norwegian-American Museum and Folk Art School, will host a lecture about the Black Fiddle on Thursday.

Paul Sveinall, from Vest-Agder, Norway, will make the presentation, followed by a performance on the restored black fiddle by Nina Byttingsmyr, from Froland, Norway, in Vesterheim Commons at 7 p.m.

Fiddle maker Sren Fleskasen was a well-known fiddler from Vest-Agder. The fiddle was dyed a dark color to disguise its inferior quality. People were convinced the fiddle possessed an evil spirit.

The event is presented in connection with the exhibit, Hand Me Down the Fiddle: Norwegian Fiddlers, Fiddles and Fiddle Tunes in the Upper Midwest, guest curated by fiddler and musical historian Beth Hoven Rotto. The show is open at Vesterheim through May 18. The fiddle is in the exhibit, on loan from Dorothy Roisland.

The exhibition and events are supported by a Scandinavian Folk Arts & Cultural Traditions in the Upper Midwest grant from the American Scandinavian Foundation and a gift to the Vesterheim Annual Fund from Carol Birkland and Tom Woxland, and Peter Dahlen and Mary S. Carlsen.

For more information, go online to vesterheim.org or call (563) 382-9681. The museum is located at 502 W. Water St. in Decorah.

UNI foundation raises $40 million

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa Foundation raised $39.9 million in support of UNI during the 2023-24 fiscal year.

UNI launched the Our Tomorrow Campaign in 2022 with a goal to raise $250 million. In January, the university announced it surpassed the original $250 million campaign goal two and a half years early and raised the fundraising goal to $300 million. The current fundraising total stands at $279.9 million.

Nearly $17 million supported student access and success during the 2023-24 year. Fifty-one new scholarships were established by donors this year. These numbers push UNI past its original $75 million goal for scholarship support to nearly $90 million in new scholarship funding for UNI students.

Fulbright scholar hosted by UNI

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa has been selected to host a Fulbright scholar in residence. This program brings visiting scholars from abroad to U.S. colleges and universities, helping the institutions internationalize their curricula, campuses and surrounding communities, and diversify the educational experiences of their students, faculty, staff and stakeholders.

Arta Berisha, a prize-winning journalist and an academic from Kosovo, will bring her expertise to UNIs department of communication and media and the Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy. She is one of 43 Fulbright scholars in residence and among 1,000 outstanding foreign faculty and professionals who will teach and pursue research in the United States for the 2024-2025 academic year through the worldwide Fulbright Visiting Scholar Program.

Berisha will be assisting with the Media and Power course on campus within the department of communications and media. She will also collaborate with UNI professors Bettina Fabos (emeritus), Chris Martin and Catherine Palczewski on the final module of their Media and Power handbook that concerns misinformation in the media and the construction of truth.

She will also be working with the Jacobson Center for Comprehensive Literacy to create an international media literacy conference and will be involved in other departmental activities throughout the year.

Foundation gives $4,000 in grants

WATERLOO  The Waterloo Schools Foundation board of directors approved $4,205 in grants to Waterloo Community Schools students and staff.

These innovative projects include:

Equipment to further the established student volunteer-led organization that sells concession items at Central Middle School. Overseen by Ashley Chase, this grant will allow students to expand their product offerings and continue having real-world experiences as entrepreneurs.

Assistance to attend the Congress of Future Medical Leaders at Harvard by Deliliah Schultz. Schultz will connect with other like-minded medical-focused individuals while hearing from Nobel Prize winners and attending live question and answer sesions of surgeons surgeries.

Guitar class enhancements at Central Middle School will allow teacher Ryan Occena to grow his curriculum.

These grants will be funded through Waterloo Schools Foundations grant cycle funds and the Middle School CTE fund.

Central Christian Fall Bazaar set

WATERLOO  Central Christian Church, 3475 Kimball Ave., will sponsor its annual fall bazaar Saturday, from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Featured will be crafts, including seasonal items, gently used holiday and old home treasures, candy, cookies by the pound, a book store and a raffle.

This years cafe will feature cinnamon rolls for breakfast and a brisket lunch, which includes a sandwich, cole slaw, beans, dessert and beverage for $10.

While supplies last, quarts of chicken and noodles and ham and bean soup will be available for $8 on the day of the event.

For more information, contact the church at (319) 234-6231.

African wildlife program set Oct. 8

CEDAR FALLS  Prairie Rapids Audubon Society will meet at 7 p.m. Monday at the First Presbyterian Church, 902 Main St.

Guest speaker Linda Rudolf will present a program focused on the birds and wildlife of Kenya and Tanzania through the lens of her camera and with stories of her adventures on this, her third trip to the continent.

The public may attend.

Thompson speaks on mental health

WATERLOO  The National Alliance on Mental Health is holding a free presentation featuring Black Hawk County Sheriff Tony Thompson.

Thompson will discuss his book The Uncomfortable Convergence between Mental Illness and the Criminal Justice System.

He has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement with the last 16 as the county sheriff.

The program is from 7 to 8 p.m. Oct. 9 in the lower level of the First Congressional Church, 608 W. Fourth St.

Design exhibit opens at UNI

CEDAR FALLS  The University of Northern Iowa Gallery of Art will present Alumni Spotlight: Diverse Perspectives in Graphic Design for this years Elena Diane Curris Biennial Design Exhibition.

The display, Oct. 10 through Nov. 15, features work by UNI department of art alumni, faculty and students. An opening reception is planned at 6 p.m. Oct. 10, followed by public program awards and a design panel in Room 111 at the Kamerick Art Building.

The exhibition is named after Elena Diane Curris (1977-2015), daughter of former University of Northern Iowa president Constantine (Deno) Curris and Jo Hern Curris. An endowment from her family, supplemented by contributions, promotes UNIs graphic design program.

Exhibitors in the main gallery are Jill Paisley, 2004 graduate and owner/creative director at Luckythirteen Design in Dubuque; Sarah Steil,1996 graduate and co-founder/brand strategist of BTD Brand in Minneapolis; Stephanie Mathena, 2015 graduate and owner at Etta | Design Studio brand + web design studio in Minneapolis; and Luke Vaughn, 2010 graduate and Iowa-based Senior Brand Manager at Bluespace Creative.

Current UNI graphic design students exhibiting in the Gallery Showcases include seniors Dylan Lundquist of Osceola; Megan Anderson of Fort Dodge; Chloe Russell of Glenwood; and Sam Benson of Walford.

All events are free and open to the public. Gallery hours are 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by appointment. The gallery is located on the main floor of UNIs Kamerick Art Building South.

Numbers being

added to city poles

WATERLOO  The citys traffic operations department is adding numbers to 5,000 structures. The mapping process includes numbering and physically labeling streetlight poles, traffic signal poles, fiberoptic/electrical control cabinets and signs.

The city hopes the addition will help report problems.

If there is a streetlight out, a traffic signal out, a signalized intersection that has an issue or a down or damaged sign, look for the asset number. It is a white sticker with black numbers. Then, call the traffic operations department at (319) 291-4440 or report it online at cityofwaterlooiowa.com/trafficdepartmentproblem.php.

Seats available for conservation event

CEDAR FALLS  The 29th annual Under the Harvest Moon fundraiser for Black Hawk County Conservation is Nov. 1 at Hartman Reserve Interpretive Building.

Reservations will be accepted until Oct. 20 or until all seats are claimed, whichever comes first. A limited number of reservations are still available.

Contribution is $50 per seat or $45 per person for a table of eight. Happy hour and raffles are followed by a Moment in Thyme dinner and dessert with coffee by Cup of Joe.

Silent auction items include a BBQ smoker, a pink retro-style dorm fridge, charcuterie workshop for eight, a pie a month for a year and more. The live auction showcases a four-city holiday lights tour, behind-the-scenes tour at the Omaha Zoo, two nights in a Wisconsin VRBO and more.

To register or for more details, visit www.BlackHawkCountyParks.com under the Events menu. For questions, call (319) 277-2187. All proceeds benefit conservation projects and initiatives in Black Hawk County parks.

Wright House + Party event set

WATERLOO  Celebrate the intersection of art, fashion and activism at the Wright House + Party with Humanize My Hoodie Oct. 11. The event is from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. at the Waterloo Center for the Arts, 225 Commercial St.

Andre Wright, a Waterloo native, is executive director for Wright House of Fashion and co-founder of Humanize My Hoodie. He will make a presentation, and there will be music with DJ Billie Baker and limited editions HMH+WCA Collab hoodies and beverages available to purchase.

Wright House of Fashion is a non-profit organization that inspires and engages youth in collaborative partnerships with the fashion design community.

The Humanize My Hoodie movement originated from a demand to end the killing of Black and Indigenous people across the world. HMH recognizes how hoodies have been used to amplify the myth of Black criminality and works debunk that stereotype by designing revolutionary social justice campaigns for Black and Indigenous people of color. The hoodie invites conversations, and HMH uses their sweatshirt and other tools to arm marginalized communities with ways to uplift humanity and fight against violence and racism.

The Partake of the Fruit series is an immersive artistic experience featuring the works of acclaimed Iowa-based artists Lovar Davis Kidd, Akwi Nji, Jill Wells and Andre Wright.

Admission is free and open to the public.
A Carson Middle School student has been arrested after allegedly making threats toward another student.

The Carson City Sheriff's Office says they received a call about Instagram direct messaging between students at the school.

The threats were directed from one student to another

Officers have identified the student and taken them to Carson City Juvenile Detention Center

They are facing a felony charge for making terroristic threats.
The Israeli military on Tuesday warned people to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing what it said were limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

The militant group denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, but hours later the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year. Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

There was no immediate confirmation, but if true it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

Israel advised people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, said the statement posted by the Israeli military on the platform X. The warning applied to communities south of the Litani.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon as it presses ahead with a rapidly escalating campaign against Hezbollah.

Anticipating more rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches in northern and central Israel.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a U.N. peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL, which patrol southern Lebanon, have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. UNIFIL said any such cross-border operation would be a dangerous development and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, claimed troops were conducting localized ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

Were not going to Beirut," he said. "Were only going to areas next to our border and will do what is necessary to dismantle and demolish Hezbollah infrastructure.

He said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon going all the way back to Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

An Israeli military official said troops taking part in the latest incursion were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of meters (yards) from Israel. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said there had been no clashes yet with Hezbollah fighters.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying that ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon through the night and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man in his 50s. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

Afif, the Hezbollah spokesman, said the missile attack is only the beginning.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza. Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated. In recent weeks Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon.

Hagari said the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution had called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to patrol the region. Israel says those and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Israeli official says no plans to march on Beirut

Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Monday that his country is willing to deploy the army in support of the resolution if there is a cease-fire. Lebanons armed forces would not be able to impose an agreement on the far more powerful Hezbollah.

The military statements indicated that Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has done in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation over the past year has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group.

There was no word on how long the operation would last.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses. The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon. A British government-chartered flight is due to leave Beirut on Wednesday to evacuate U.K. nationals. The U.K. has also sent 700 troops to a base in the nearby island nation of Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation of the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon.

(Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.)
The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had begun a limited, localized operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, opening a new front in its war against the Lebanese militant group.

In a brief announcement, it said it was striking Hezbollah targets in areas close to the Israeli border, and that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support the ground forces. It gave no details on how long the operation would last, but said the army had been training and preparing for months.

A few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized and targeted ground raids," it said. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The incursion came shortly after it was approved by Israeli political leaders and marked a new stage in Israel's war against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.

Earlier, U.S. officials said Israel had launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

The sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut and smoke rose from the capital's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, who last engaged in ground combat on Lebanese soil during a monthlong war in 2006.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

The group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, Hezbollah is ready. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Shortly before the Israeli invasion, the army declared three northern communities near the Lebanese border to be closed military zones, indicating that the ground operation was imminent.

The army has heavily beefed up forces along the border in recent days, and commanders have said they are prepared to go into Lebanon if ordered to.

Chris Coyle, a resident of northern Israel, said the army had erected gates and checkpoints throughout the region and positioned scores of tanks along the border in recent days. Theyre certainly getting ready to go in, he said.

In the nearby Golan Heights, an Associated Press reporter heard Israeli artillery fire and explosions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces also fired flares into Lebanon.

An AP reporter in the southern Lebanon town of Marjayoun reported sounds of heavy shelling and explosions and occasional airstrikes coming from areas closer to the border.

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Hezbollah's capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Monday's in central Beirut  outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis  would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

It's possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Monday's strike in Beirut killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' Oct. 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year. The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the U.N. estimate is around 200,000.

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000  including many fighters but also many civilians.

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Melzer reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Sam McNeil in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights; Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Geir Moulson in Berlin; and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, contributed reporting.

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Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed without permission.
JERUSALEM (AP)  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Earlier Tuesday, Israel launched what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri warned that Iran would respond to action against its territory with strikes on Israel's entire infrastructure with multiplied intensity.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages on Tuesday, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

Fears of a broader conflict

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

Iran said it fired Tuesday's missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israel's statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; and Associated Press producer Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran contributed.

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
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Larry Goodman checks his weight, blood pressure and pulse every morning. Then, as he makes breakfast in his kitchen in Middletown, Delaware, a digital health company 3,000 miles away in California reviews his numbers.

When you have a bad heart, every time you feel something you think, This is it, says Goodman, 69. But I dont panic anymore. If there are numbers I dont like, I get a call from my doctors office in 10 to 15 minutes.

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Like half of the 6.7 million Americans with heart failure, Goodman has a type called heart failure with reduced ejection fraction, meaning that the left side of his heart is too weak to pump enough blood out to his body.

Goodman first landed in the hospital with heart failure 15 years ago, unable to breathe and with fluid accumulating in his body, and for many years was in and out of the hospital.

Recognize early heart failure signs Nearly 1 million U.S. adults are diagnosed each year with heart failure, but more than one-third of cases are missed by primary care physicians at early, more treatable stages, according to a 2021 study.  Dont overlook the early warnings of heart failure: Shortness of breath

A dry cough thats worse at night

Tiredness

Nausea

Low appetite Leg swelling and an increase in the girth of your torso are potential indicators of fluid buildup when the heart isnt pumping strongly, says Sourin Banerji, M.D. If you are diagnosed, make an appointment with a heart failure specialist, Banerji suggests.

A few years ago, he joined a program at ChristianaCare, a Delaware-based health system that offered a new digital monitoring program aimed at helping Black Americans with advanced heart failure get access to a breakthrough treatment: a combination of four drugs that together can save lives.

The drugs cut the risk of early death by 70 percent, improve symptoms and even help the heart function better. Without them, 10 to 15 percent of people with advanced heart failure are likely to die in just two years. In 2022, the American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology updated their guideline-directed medical therapy and for the first time recommended these four drugs, hailed as the fantastic four.

Yet most people who could benefit arent getting them. In a 2024 Duke University study of 33,036 older adults hospitalized for heart failure, 4 out of 5 were candidates for the drug combo but fewer than 1 in 6 got them. Among older adults, rates are especially low. 

A big reason: It's not a one-size-fits-all therapy. Check-ins and follow-up are required to make sure each patient is getting the right dose of the medications for their unique needs, and that theyre able to tolerate any side effects.

But a tidal wave of new digital and remote monitoring programs is helping to change the trends. Instead of making frequent trips to the doctor or worrying about the drugs effects, those with heart failure can now track key health indicators at home with close monitoring by health care practitioners.

Its almost like the clinic is brought to the patients, says Sourin Banerji, M.D., medical director of advanced heart failure at ChristianaCare Health. Other health systems are using a variety of home monitoring options, including an implanted sensor called CardioMEMS, approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in 2022.
The presidential race continues to be extremely close among voters in battleground state Pennsylvania, with Democrat Kamala Harris leading Republican Donald Trump by 3 percentage points, according to an exclusive AARP poll released Tuesday.

In a head-to-head matchup, Vice President Harris has 50 percent of the vote among likely Pennsylvania voters while Trump has 47 percent. Three percent are undecided. Among voters 50-plus the lead flips: 53 percent support Trump compared to 44 percent for Harris, with 2 percent undecided.

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The results, which are within the polls margin of error of plus or minus 4 percent, show a swing from an earlier AARP-commissioned poll conducted in Pennsylvania in late April when President Joe Biden was still the Democratic nominee for president. At that time, Trump had 49 percent of likely voters support, while Biden had 45 percent. Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee on Aug. 5 after Biden announced he was exiting the race.

Harris gains relative to Biden have been concentrated among younger, independent and Democratic voters, according to the poll, which surveyed 1,398 likely voters between Sept. 17 and 24. Meanwhile, support from the older voter cohort has remained relatively static.

[Harris] needs to make more inroads with older voters  Its absolutely critical for her, says Jeff Liszt, a partner with Democratic polling firm Impact Research, which conducted AARPs bipartisan survey along with GOP polling firm Fabrizio Ward. And at the same time, its absolutely critical for Trump to hold on to, and win some more of, those older voters.

AARP (Source: Getty images)

Pennsylvania is a key battleground state in the 2024 presidential election, and whoever wins it will get 19 electoral votes toward the 270 needed for the presidency. Past presidential races have been incredibly close, with Biden beating Trump by just 1.17 percent in 2020, and Trump beating Democrat Hillary Clinton by just 0.73 percent in 2016.

Were a pivotal state for this presidency, says Bill Johnston-Walsh, state director of AARP Pennsylvania. Whoever wants it is going to have to go through us.

The national pollsters agree. There is no state more important than Pennsylvania, says Bob Ward, a partner with Fabrizio Ward. The state has the most electoral votes of all the swing states this election cycle, Ward notes. Winning Pennsylvania doesnt guarantee the White House but makes the journey toward securing it much easier, he says.

In addition to the focus on the presidential race, eyes are also on the U.S. Senate, where Democrats currently hold a slim majority. The balance of power could shift depending on the outcome of Senate races this year, including in Pennsylvania, where incumbent Democratic Senator Bob Casey Jr., is being challenged by Republican Dave McCormick. Among all likely voters, the AARP poll found 49 percent support Casey, while 45 percent back McCormick, with 6 percent undecided. Among voters 50-plus, McCormick leads with 50 percent of the vote, with Casey trailing by 5 percentage points. Five percent are undecided.

AARP (Source: Getty images)

In the contest for attorney general, Democrat Eugene DePasquale leads Republican Dave Sunday by 3 percentage points among likely voters of all ages, 47 percent to 44 percent. Nine percent are undecided. Among voters 50-plus, Sunday leads with 49 percent of the vote, while DePasquale has 42 percent, and 9 percent are undecided.

Its neck and neck all the way down the ticket, says AARPs Johnston-Walsh. A real race to the finish line.
by Jeroen van Baar

In the chart-topping podcast The Rest is History, British historians Tom Holland and Dominic Sandbrook discuss key events from the past at great length and in sumptuous depth. I was listening to their fourth episode on the French Revolution when a detail caught my ear. Part of the reason the Revolution could occur, Tom and Dominic argued, is that a nasty opinion publique had taken hold in late-eighteenth-century Paris. Pamphlets filled with inflammatory rumors were sold by the tens of thousands and read aloud on street corners. Some of them spread fables about the alleged sexual escapades of the young queen Marie Antoinette, which eroded the authority of the monarchy and set the stage for its bloody demise.

It is all too reminiscent of public opinion today. In the recent Trump-Harris presidential debate, for instance, Trump alleged that Democrats were condoning post-birth abortions. Her Vice-Presidential pick [] says execution after birth is OK, Trump said. And later: The former governor of Virginia said we put the baby aside and then we determine what we want to do with the baby.

To those uninitiated in Republican propaganda, the comment must have sounded like yet another ridiculous falsehood made up on the fly by the former president. But as a political neuroscientist, I recognized it from five years ago. In 2019, I was a researcher at Brown University studying how the brains of political partisans color their perceptions (of an inauguration crowd, perhaps). 43 committed Democrats and Republicans watched political videos in our brain scanner. One of the videos we used was a PBS news segment on abortion, in which then-Virginia Governor Ralph Northam, a pediatrician and a Democrat, described what happens in the tragic scenario when a fetus is not viable outside the womb: resuscitation is attempted if the parents so desire. Despite numerous clarifications from Northam, this was gleefully interpreted by Republicans to mean that Democrats condone legal infanticide. The fact that Trump is still touting this conspiracy theory five years later speaks to its effectiveness at riling his base.

In our study, we discovered that neural processing of the PBS video was more similar between two people who had the same political orientation than across the aisle. Why? One reason is that our brains constantly link incoming information to knowledge stored in memory. So if youve heard this particular conspiracy theory before, the way your brain encodes Trump talking about it will be very different than for someone who is taken aback by the seemingly novel absurdity. This has important implications for repairing our polarized political landscape. Even if we could convince opposing partisans to consume the same information, like (approximately) unbiased news, they would interpret it differently depending on the programming they have received in the past. The rift of understanding is widened every time a conspiracy theory is rehearsed, like Trump did in the debate. People who spread these falsehoods, clearly, are not interested in uniting the nation.

This raises a critical question about conspiracy theories. After they have been released into the population, how long does it take for them to die out? A team of Italian researchers reported in 2022 that participants who strongly believed in a falsehood like the moon landing was fake in 2016 supported that belief less strongly in the 2020 follow-up, suggesting that a person may recover from being infected by a false idea. But the true power of conspiracy beliefs is not that they are kept alive by the same individuals, but rather that temporary believers pass them around, like a rock star crowd surfing on a crowd. By the time a host has recovered from the virus, it has already spread to many others.

The virus analogy goes a long way here. Just as the coronavirus was quicker to multiply than previous pandemics thanks to our improved global transportation systems, false beliefs like COVID-19 vaccines cause autism spread more swiftly thanks to our amazing global communication systems. When I was growing up, there was one guy in the town square waving his pamphlets about alien abductions and crop circles. Nowadays, this man has an account on Twitter or Truth Social and shares his notions with billions.

Even online, though, conspiracy beliefs only spread if they are infectious in themselves. What makes them so? Interestingly, conspiracy theories may be attractive because it is valuable to believe them. This is paradoxical, as a belief must usually be true to have value. The statement Bus 60 does not run on Sundays will only help you get around the city if it is correct. But conspiracy beliefs are very different in nature. They talk about stuff so far removed from our everyday existencethe goings-on of world leaders, moonwalkers, or queens in Versaillesthat they carry no evidential value at all. Instead, they are valuable because they make us feel better (people in power suck!) or because they allow us to connect with others.

The latter point is illustrated beautifully in the Netflix documentary Behind the curve, which features key players in the Flat Earth movement. Although some of them run experiments to confirm their beliefs (of course spectacularly refuting them), most of their time is spent going to conferences, chatting on internet forums and producing podcasts about their hobby. Flat-earth belief is not a theory; its a club. And just like the flat-earthers club, there appears to be a club that considers Virginia pediatricians to be baby-killing devils. Although this idea is not grounded in fact, it provides believers with the joys of righteous anger and community connection. Unfortunately for the rest of us (and unlike the harmless flat-earth hobby), anti-abortion conspiracy theories have had a very real impact on policy discussions, elections, and the makeup of the countrys highest court.

Is there a solution? New research by social psychologists suggests that you can inoculate people against misinformation, analogous to how we vaccinate ourselves against viruses. The issue, of course, is that conspiracy believers are unlikely to accept this kind of help, as it would take their treasured hobby away. If The Rest Is History still exists in fifty years, Tom and Dominic will no doubt view this as one of the great ironies of our time.

***

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This Durga Puja, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe pays a heartfelt tribute to 50 glorious years of Bengali rock music. The brand released the Rockanjali song, composed and performed by renowned Bengali rock musicians: Siddhartha Sankar Roy (Siddhu) & Avijit Burman (Pota) from Cactus, Gaurab Chatterjee (Gabu) from Lakkhichara, and Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo. This musical tribute from Bingo! Tedhe Medhe not only celebrates the cultural significance of Bengali rock but also highlights the power of friendships and bonding, themes that resonate deeply with the spirit of Durga Puja.

The Rockanjali song encapsulates the essence of Bengali rock, while simultaneously inspiring a new generation of music lovers. It stands as a tribute to the genres profound impact on Bengali art and culture, offering a powerful reflection of the past 50 years.

In a move to inspire and connect with their core consumers, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe also launched the Rockanjali contest, offering a platform for young, talented musicians to showcase their skills and pay homage to the legacy of Bengali rock during Durga Puja. The contest received entries from over 120 students across colleges in Kolkata, all competing fiercely for a chance to be among the top 15 bands. These finalists will take the stage at some of the city's most iconic Durga Puja pandals during the festival, giving them a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to perform in front of thousands. For the first time ever, Kolkata will experience a Concert on wheels as part of the Rockanjali Pujo Tour. Over the course of six consecutive days, from Chaturthi to Navami, the tour will visit six renowned Durga Puja pandals across the city, spreading the energy of Bangla rock far and wide.

Speaking about the theme song,Suresh Chand, VP & Head of Marketing, Snacks, Noodles and Pasta, ITC Foods With Rockanjali, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe wanted to create something truly special for this Durga Puja. Our song honours the rich legacy of Bengali rock music while giving young, emerging talent a platform to shine. Through the Rockanjali Pujo Tour and contest, Bingo! Tedhe Medhe is excited to connect with the youth and foster the next generation of rockstars during one of Kolkatas most iconic festivals.

Renowned singer and composer Anindya Chatterjee from Chandrabindoo commented, Bengali rock has always been about expressing the deepest emotions of our peopleour struggles, our joy, our friendships. The Rockanjali song, created in collaboration with Bingo! Tedhe Medhe, is a tribute to the spirit of Bengali rock and to the fans who have kept it alive for 50 years. Its an honour to be part of this project with so many iconic voices.

By blending music, culture, and competition, Bingo! Tedhe Medhes Rockanjali is set to provide a unique experience that will resonate with the citys cultural routes, creating a lasting impact. The song will serve as a gateway for the next generation of musicians, setting the stage for Bengals future rock stars.
The retail landscape in India is evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by shifting consumer preferences, technological advancements, and the rapid expansion of digital platforms. In this dynamic environment, brands need more than just intuition to thrivethey need insights grounded in data. Consumer research has become an indispensable tool for brands looking to navigate these changes and better understand their audience.

Understanding Consumer Behavior Through Research

Brands today are faced with a complex web of consumer behavior patterns, influenced by factors such as regional preferences, socio-economic conditions, and digital penetration. The ability to decode these patterns is crucial to delivering products and services that resonate with diverse consumer segments. This is where BrandPulse Global, a leading consumer research company, comes into play.

Indias retail market is expected to reach $1.1 Tn by 2027 and $2 Tn by 2032 growing at 25% CAGR, driven by a growing middle class and increasing internet penetration. BrandPulse Global specializes in conducting detailed surveys and audits that provide brands with valuable insights into consumer preferences, purchasing behavior, and emerging trends. From understanding what drives purchasing decisions in metro cities to uncovering rural buying habits, the companys research helps brands develop targeted strategies that maximize engagement and sales.

The Power of Data-Driven Decisions

In an age where data is king, brands are increasingly relying on consumer research to make informed decisions. For example, surveys conducted by BrandPulse Global provide insights into product performance, pricing sensitivity, and brand loyalty, allowing companies to fine-tune their offerings. The companys audits help brands identify gaps in customer satisfaction and optimize the in-store experience to meet evolving expectations.

According to BrandPulse Globals research, 98% of global brands, 94% of mid-tier brands, and 90% of emerging brands rely on consumer research and data-driven decision-making to shape their strategies and stay competitive in the market. By leveraging these insights, brands can forecast trends, anticipate market demands, and adjust their marketing strategies accordingly. As a result, consumer research is not just shaping the future of retail in Indiaits becoming the backbone of its growth.

Customized Solutions for a Diverse Market

Indias retail sector is highly diverse, with consumers in urban, semi-urban, and rural areas displaying vastly different shopping behaviors. BrandPulse Global understands the importance of tailoring research methodologies to cater to this diversity. Whether its through in-shop branding studies, consumer preference audits, or localized surveys, the company ensures that its research reflects the true pulse of the market.

In rural India, where 69% of the population resides, there is a strong reliance on traditional retail, with 89% of retail transactions still occurring in unorganized retail stores. For brands aiming to break into new regions or demographics, BrandPulse Global provides the essential data needed to refine product offerings and positioning. This localized approach gives brands a competitive edge, enabling them to connect with consumers on a deeper level.

Shaping the Future of Retail

India currently has the 4th Largest retail market in the world and accounts for about 10 percent of its GDP.. As Indias retail sector continues to grow, the role of consumer research in shaping its future cannot be overstated. With new consumption patterns emerging due to increased digitalization and changing lifestyles, brands that invest in understanding their consumers will be better positioned for success. BrandPulse Globals comprehensive consumer research services offer brands the insights they need to stay ahead of the curve.

According to Riya Maity, Business Head of BrandPulse Global, The future of retail in India is data-driven. In an increasingly competitive market, consumer research provides the foundation for informed decision-making. At BrandPulse Global, we are committed to helping brands decode consumer behavior and turn those insights into strategies that drive growth.



The Road Ahead



As Indias retail landscape continues to transform, consumer research will remain a critical component for success. By partnering with BrandPulse Global, brands are equipped with the tools and knowledge to navigate these changes, ensuring they stay relevant and competitive in an ever-evolving market.



In a world where understanding consumers is key to business success, BrandPulse Global is helping to shape the future of retail, one data point at a time.

Also Read: Rahul MIshra joins Kotak Life as AVP - Brand Marketing
dentsu X India has been awarded the digital media mandate for LG Electronics. The account was won following a competitive multi-agency pitch and will be serviced from the agencys New Delhi office.

As per the mandate, dentsu X - the data & tech-driven agency from dentsu India, will cater to a gamut of digital media solutions for the brand. It will offer a comprehensive suite of solutions overseeing online marketing plans across social media platforms, content creation, influencer marketing, media planning and buying, analytics, and full-funnel management for LG Electronics B2B segment and B2C website.

This collaboration highlights dentsu Xs commitment to upholding the brands philosophy of transparency and integrity. The agency will play an pivotal role in enhancing and expanding the brands digital footprint with innovative and engaging brand strategies. Leveraging its expertise in Media, Tech, Data, and Content, dentsu X intends to deliver transformative digital-first experiences, steering business growth and bolstering LG Electronics' leadership in the consumer electronic industry.

Commenting on the partnership, Jose Leon, CEO, dentsu X India said, We are thrilled to welcome LG Electronics onboard. This strategic win aligns perfectly with dentsu Xs digital-first and data-driven approach. Our objective is to enhance LGs digital presence through cutting-edge strategies, driving growth and reinforcing its leadership in the consumer electronics industry.

Anita Kotwani, CEO, Media South Asia, dentsu added, We are excited to join forces with LG Electronics, a leader in the Consumer Electronics industry. LGs blend of contemporary innovation and authentic approach, along with its evolving core philosophies, aligns seamlessly with dentsu Xs goal of creating transformative brand experiences. Our commitment to driving revenue growth through distinctive data-driven and consumer-centric strategies will add significant value to LG Electronics. We are confident that our digital solutions will support them in achieving its business objectives and further strengthen its industry leadership.

Jae Hyung Jun, Head - Corporate Marketing, LG Electronics India commented, We are thrilled to partner with dentsu X as we elevate our digital presence. With dentsu X's innovative approach and deep understanding of the digital landscape, we are confident this collaboration will further strengthen LG's connect with our customers across digital platforms. We look forward to leveraging their expertise to enhance brand engagement and drive impactful results for LG India.

Also Read: Robert Gilby, CEO, dentsu APAC, steps down
Emcure Pharmaceuticals Ltd., one of the leading Indian pharma companies in India, has attained a milestone on World Heart Day, making it to the Asia Book of Records for the 'Largest Heart Shaped Structure Formed Using Wish Card by Doctors' at Mumbai, symbolizing the collective commitment to combat heart diseases, with contributions from over 5,000 doctors across India.

The "ACE YOUR HEART" campaign, launched on September 2, 2024, intended to address the urgent need for increasing awareness about the growing incidence of heart attacks and improving cardiovascular (CV) health nationwide. A community-based study published in The Lancet revealed that 55% of cardiovascular deaths occur at home due to delays in seeking timely care. The initiative specifically focused on cardiologists and consulting physicians to increase awareness on increasing CVD burden in India amongst the people and how individual can protect them.

Spanning over a month, Emcure's campaign successfully reached and surpassed its target, engaging over 5,000 doctors through various innovative activities, interactive educational tools including digital and physical wish cards, Hearts ace puzzle reflecting major risk factors contributing for CVD. The campaign culminated in a grand event on September 29, 2024 with a detailed presentation of World Heart Day initiatives, a screening of campaign highlights through a special video, and the unveiling of the record-setting heart structure measuring an impressive 15x15 feet.
The closely watched Google ad tech antitrust trial in the Eastern District of Virginia has concluded after just three weeks, defying initial estimates of a four to six week timeframe. Judge Leonie Brinkema efficiently guided the case, leading to a swifter conclusion.

Closing Arguments Scheduled for Thanksgiving Week:

While the courtroom action has ended, the legal battle continues. Both sides have until November 4th to submit revised findings of fact, outlining key case details. After a three-week review period, closing arguments are set for November 25th, with extended time allocated compared to opening statements. Judge Brinkema may also pose questions during this stage.

Potential 2025 Ruling and Appeals:

A verdict from Judge Brinkema could arrive by early next year. If the Department of Justice (DOJ) prevails, a separate hearing will determine penalties. Both Google and the DOJ are likely to appeal decisions unfavorable to them. This outcome mirrors the ongoing Google antitrust lawsuit over search dominance, with penalties still under deliberation by Judge Amit Mehta.

Google Maintains Competitive Landscape Claims:

Google expressed confidence in its defense, emphasizing a competitive ad tech landscape and challenging the DOJ's definition of the relevant market. They argue "header bidding," a method aimed at maximizing publisher revenue, remains prevalent despite DOJ claims. Google also highlights the prevalence of direct deals between advertisers and publishers, bypassing exchanges altogether.

"In reality many digital ads are not sold on ad exchanges and most publishers dont use Google Ad Manager. Direct deals, where ad buyers and sellers bypass an exchange entirely, make up 70% of all digital ads spending. As our employees testified, our products help advertisers and publishers streamline traditional, manual negotiation by incorporating features that come from the programmatic or the real-time bidding world. Yet the DOJ excluded direct deals, even those using ad tech tools, from its alleged markets," said Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President, Regulatory Affairs, Google.

Antitrust Scrutiny Continues:

Regardless of the outcome in Virginia, Google faces further antitrust scrutiny. A separate case led by Texas attorneys general targets similar concerns about Google's power in the digital advertising market. This trial is slated for early 2025.

Also Read: Google unveils AI updates to boost advertiser engagement on YouTube
Actor Govinda injured his leg on Tuesday morning while cleaning his licensed gun. It was said that the actor was immediately rushed to Criti Care Hospital in Andheri. He was then operated on and the bullet was removed from his leg.

As per the reports that police has taken his gun and bullets for the investigation and Govinda on the other hand is recovering in the hospital ,where his family is present with him.

Later the actor's audio statement was released online,in which Govinda thanked his parents and guru and said that because of their blessings he is fine. He said that he was shot and the bullet has been successfully removed from his leg. He also thanked the doctors and well wishers for their prayers and support.

It is said that the actor was to leave for Kolkata but before that he tried to keep his gun in the cupboard which fell on the ground and when he picked it up ,it accidentally got fired injuring his left leg. The actor is now able to converse with his family and is said to be doing well.

Also Read: Govinda & Aruna Irani groove together
Movado, the iconic Swiss watchmaker known for its modern design and ingenious spirit since 1881, has announced the launch of its new campaign featuring brand ambassador, Bollywood star Sidharth Malhotra. He is seen wearing new designs from some of Movados most globally recognized collections - Bold Quest, Bold Fusion, and Heritage Series.

Movement was the inspiration for the campaign- as its the key component of the brands DNA, with Movado meaning always in motion in Esperanto, a language created in 1887 to break down communication barriers. The visuals capture the actor moving throughout his daily life in various dynamic settings, highlighting the versatility and sophistication of Movado watches.

"We wanted to ensure movement and motion was portrayed in the creative concept  a key element that defines Movado, while featuring designs from some of our most globally recognized collections, said Xavier Gauderlot, President International at Movado Group Inc. Sidharth Malhotra continues to be an exemplary ambassador, and we are proud to continue our partnership with him.

The watches highlighted in the campaign epitomize the fusion of timelessness and innovation, represented by Sidharth Malhotras blend of classic charm and modern appeal.

"Continuing my journey with Movado has been truly special, said Sidharth Malhotra, The brand's unique ability to blend timeless elegance with a modern flair truly resonates with me. The featured collections, especially the Bold Quest and Bold Fusion, are remarkable for their contemporary designs and exceptional craftsmanship. I am excited to collaborate with a brand that embodies such a distinctive blend of heritage, modernity, and innovation."

Also Read: Movado launches Bold Quest Collection with a campaign ft Sidharth Malhotra
We are in a new era of Public Relations. In the last few years, the importance of reputation management has undergone a sea change. More brands and clients, especially from the leadership teams, are viewing Public Relations from a close range. The industry has undergone a radical change with the advent of social media, which has to a large extent changed the approach to Public Relations. We have a relatively new and young audience that we need to face in the coming years so there are bigger challenges for brands and PR practitioners, who have to be more agile and proactive in their thinking to draw up business solutions for clients.

In our exclusive weekly column  PR Conversation  Adgully interacts with leading business leaders and obtains their exclusive views and insights on the various trends in the PR and communications industry.

In an exclusive conversation with Adgully, Aakanksha Gupta, Founder and CEO, The Other Circle, discusses her journey of establishing her own PR firm. She shares insights into the key strategies that have helped her succeed in such a competitive industry and offers her approach to crisis management for brands in todays fast-paced digital world. Gupta also provides advice to brands on balancing traditional PR with the growing demand for digital and social media-driven communications. Additionally, she highlights the key qualities she looks for when hiring talent, particularly in light of the current talent crunch in the PR industry and more.

From Adfactors PR to founding The Other Circle, youve had quite the journey. What inspired you to take the entrepreneurial plunge and establish your own PR firm?

Fresh out of Xavier Institute of Communications in 2009, I dove headfirst into the world of copywriting and PR. But it wasnt long before I felt the itch  the nagging sense that something was missing in the polished corridors of established PR firms.

I saw a gap in the industry where creativity was suffocating and fresh ideas were often overlooked. This realization sparked the creation of The Other Circle (TOC) in 2013. More than just a PR firm, TOC emerged as a rebellion against the status quo  a place where out-of-the-box thinking wasnt just encouraged, it was the norm.

My entrepreneurial journey was driven by two key factors. First, I recognized a lack of authentic storytelling in PR, especially in the early 2000s. I believed people craved engaging narratives over traditional news formats, and I wanted to fill that void. Second, Ive always felt a deep sense of purpose in helping others. PR offered me an opportunity to leverage my skills to support businesses and contribute to their success in a meaningful way.

In essence, The Other Circle was born from a passion for creative storytelling and a desire to make a positive impact in the business world. It wasnt just about starting a PR firm; it was about revolutionizing how businesses connect with their audiences and tell their stories.

The Other Circle has been thriving for over 11 years now. What key strategies have helped you maintain success in such a competitive industry?

One of the key strategies that has contributed to The Other Circles success is  to fail forward to learn fast, which essentially means there has to be a willingness to learn from failures and adapt quickly. By embracing experimentation and learning from our mistakes, weve been able to refine our approach and stay ahead of the curve.

Additionally, weve always focused on hiring talented individuals who are smarter and more skilled than ourselves. Trusting their judgment and empowering them to take ownership of their work has been essential for our success.

I believe that a leaders role is to provide direction and support while allowing their team to navigate and adapt to the market. By empowering our team and trusting their expertise, weve been able to achieve significant growth and success.

Finally, weve focused on identifying and targeting niche markets with high potential. By investing time, energy, and resources into these smaller markets, weve been able to build strong relationships with clients and media outlets and establish a strong presence in these specialised areas.

Given your extensive experience, how do you approach crisis management for brands in todays fast-paced digital world?

The most effective approach to crisis management is preventing it in the first place. By anticipating potential threats and taking proactive measures, you can significantly reduce the likelihood of a crisis occurring in the first place.

Unfortunately, many PR agencies fail to conduct a thorough threat analysis when working with brands. This involves identifying key stakeholders, analysing potential risks, and developing a zero-day crisis communication plan. By being prepared, you can avoid reactive crisis responses and minimise damage if a crisis does occur.

Building a strong and loyal community is another essential aspect of crisis management. When a crisis arises, a supportive community can be a powerful advocate for your brand. By fostering positive relationships with your customers, influencers, and other stakeholders, you can create a network of individuals who are willing to defend your brand and help you weather the storm.

In todays fast-paced digital world, its crucial to be proactive and prepared for potential crises. By conducting a thorough threat analysis, building a strong community, and developing a well-thought-out crisis communication plan, you can significantly reduce the risk of a crisis and mitigate its impact if it does occur.

Whats your advice to brands on balancing traditional PR with the growing demand for digital and social media-driven communications?

There doesnt necessarily need to be a strict balance between traditional and digital PR. Both channels have their own unique advantages and can be used effectively in different situations. The key is to understand their strengths and weaknesses and choose the appropriate approach based on your specific goals, target audience, and the nature of your message.

Traditional PR channels, such as print media, often provide a sense of credibility and reach a wider audience. They can be particularly effective for in-depth stories, thought leadership pieces, and establishing long-term relationships with key stakeholders.

On the other hand, digital platforms offer more immediate and targeted communication. Social media, email marketing, and content marketing can be used to engage with your audience directly, gather feedback, and measure the impact of your campaigns. By strategically combining traditional and digital PR, you can create a more comprehensive and effective communication strategy. For example, you might use traditional PR to launch a new product or service and then leverage digital channels to engage with your audience and gather feedback.

Ultimately, the best approach will depend on your specific goals and the unique characteristics of your brand and target audience. This will help you make informed decisions and maximize the impact of your communication efforts.

What are the key qualities you look for when hiring talent for The Other Circle, especially considering the current talent crunch in the PR industry?

When hiring new talent at The Other Circle, we prioritize cultural fit, authenticity, and a genuine passion for storytelling in the PR industry. We believe that these qualities are essential for creating a positive and productive work environment.

Given the current talent crunch in the PR industry, its important to be creative and adaptable in your hiring strategies. Consider investing in training programs to develop young professionals into top talent, while attracting top talent itself. By offering opportunities for growth and development, you can create a more competitive and engaging workplace.

Tapping into the audio revolution, how do you think Indian PR agencies can effectively leverage podcasts as a powerful tool for storytelling and reaching targeted audiences?

Podcasts offer a unique opportunity for PR agencies to connect with their target audience more intimately and engagingly. By producing high-quality, informative, and entertaining content, agencies can build trust, credibility, and a loyal following. The Other Circle recognized the potential of podcasts early on, leveraging them as a powerful tool for storytelling and reaching targeted audiences.

When creating a podcast, its important to focus on providing value to your listeners. Avoid overly promotional content and instead work on sharing insights, expertise, and engaging discussions. Consider the interests and preferences of your target audience and tailor your content accordingly. And remember that you dont need to sound intelligent, you just need to be authentic. Regional language podcasts can be particularly effective in reaching specific demographics in India.

By producing content in local languages, you can connect with a wider audience and build stronger relationships.

The last and most important step is to ensure your podcast reaches the right people, for which you need to identify and utilize effective distribution strategies and promote it through social media, email marketing, and other channels. Consider collaborating with other podcasters or influencers in your industry to cross-promote your content.

What advice would you give to aspiring PR professionals who are looking to make their mark in the industry, especially those interested in entrepreneurship and starting their own agencies?

To establish a successful career in PR, especially if youre considering entrepreneurship, its crucial to gain a diverse range of experiences. Working in both large and small organizations will expose you to different approaches, best practices, and industry standards. This hands-on experience will help you develop essential skills and build a solid foundation for your future.

Specializing in a niche area can also set you apart in a competitive market. By focusing on a particular industry or sector, you can become a subject matter expert and offer unique value to clients. Over time, you can expand your expertise, but starting with a specialized focus can help you establish your reputation.

Continuous learning is essential in the fast-paced PR industry. Stay updated on industry trends, new technologies, and emerging best practices. This can be achieved through attending conferences, webinars, reading industry publications, and networking with other professionals.

Additionally, being tech-savvy is crucial in todays digital age. Embrace new tools and platforms that can enhance your work and help you reach your target audience effectively.

Finally, a fearless approach is essential for success in PR. Be willing to take calculated risks, think outside the box, and don't be afraid to challenge the status quo. Resilience and the ability to learn from mistakes are desirable qualities for PR professionals.

How realistic is the portrayal of the PR industry and its processes in Uorfi Javeds show, Follow Karlo Yaar?

Uorfi Javeds show, Follow Kar Lo Yaar, offers a candid and authentic portrayal of the PR industry. The show highlights the challenges, triumphs, and behind-the-scenes drama that are a part of everyday life for PR professionals. One of the key takeaways from the show is that PR is a human business. Its filled with real people facing real challenges and making real decisions that need to stand the test of time. The show demonstrates that PR is not always perfect and that unexpected situations can arise at any time, but how, with the presence of mind and some empathy, we can go a long way.

Uorfi Javed herself is a fascinating figure who embodies the spirit of female empowerment. Despite facing significant backlash and criticism, she remains true to herself and continues to pursue her goals. The show provides a unique opportunity to see how a PR agency works with a client who is bold, truthful, controversial, and inspiring.

Overall, Follow Karlo Yaar offers a valuable glimpse into the world of PR. Its a reminder that PR is a dynamic and challenging field that requires a combination of creativity, resilience, and a willingness to adapt to unexpected circumstances.

Also Read: Women leaders have a way of embracing a more balanced way of leadership: Aakanksha Gupta
State Secretariat for Security Policy

Bern, 01.10.2024 - On 1 and 2 October, experts from Europe and North America will exchange views on current security policy developments and challenges at the Warsaw Security Forum (WSF). Switzerland will be represented at the event by Markus Mader, State Secretary for Security Policy, and Thomas Sussli, Chief of the Armed Forces.

The WSF is one of the largest security policy conferences in Europe. A wide range of topics will be addressed this year, in particular the war in Ukraine and its impact on European security. Emphasis will also be placed on energy security, climate change and the resilience of democracies. The WSF employs a variety of presentation formats and serves as a platform for discussions between government representatives, international organisations, academia and civil society.

Active participation and networking

State Secretary Mader will take part in a high-level panel discussion on Different Dimensions of Total Defence, which will examine holistic concepts of security and defence and the interplay between civilian and military instrument.

The Swiss delegation will also hold bilateral talks with international counterparts on security policy and bilateral cooperation.

Address for enquiries

Mathias Volken

Swiss Armed Forces Spokesperson

+41 58 488 90 96

Publisher

State Secretariat for Security Policy

https://www.sepos.admin.ch/de



Defence

http://www.vtg.admin.ch



General Secretariat DDPS

https://www.vbs.admin.ch/




Lower Parel Car Parking Tender Worth 520 Crore Faces Criticism, May Cause 300 Crore Loss 2

A new car parking project in Lower Parel, worth 520 crore, has sparked controversy with concerns of a potential 300 crore loss. Despite past failures in similar projects across Mumbai, the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has issued a fresh tender for constructing a 548-space parking system at the Asphalt Plant in Lower Parel. RTI activist Anil Galgali has raised objections, citing collusion between contractors and officials, and has called for the cancellation of the tender.

In a letter addressed to Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Municipal Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani, Galgali highlighted the inflated cost of the project. He pointed out that the cost per parking space amounts to 95 lakh, which he claims will lead to a loss of 300 crore.

Galgalis letter suggests that the same original equipment manufacturer (OEM), Sotefin Parking Private Limited, is likely to be involved, as in previous projects. Similar contracts were awarded for car parking systems in Matunga, Flora Fountain, and Worli, with prices significantly lower. For instance, the Worli project cost 33.90 lakh per car, while the Matunga project cost 21.87 lakh per parking space.

Anil Galgali criticised the BMC for failing to conduct a proper price evaluation for the Lower Parel project. He compared the costs to similar projects being executed by other government agencies like CPWD, NHIDCL, Railways, and the Delhi Municipal Corporation, which have reportedly been completed at far lower costs.

According to Galgali, the BMC is overpaying for outsourced projects, with some contracts costing 200% to 300% more than comparable projects. He suggested that the BMC should request bid documents and cost estimates from agencies like MMRDA to reassess the rates.

Galgali also accused BMC officials of inflating tender prices, saying, If action is taken against such officers, no one will do such a job in the future. He emphasized that the people of Mumbai are bearing the brunt of these inflated costs.

The Lower Parel parking project is now under scrutiny, as calls for accountability grow.
Mission Happy Harda: A Revolutionary Model for Rural Entrepreneurship and Development 2

The Narmada Valley Rural Development Foundation, under the initiative of Mission Happy Harda has emerged as a successful and innovative approach to foster entrepreneurship by transforming obstacles into opportunities. This unique model is not only reshaping the future of rural India but is also a significant step towards realizing the vision of a developed India by 2047. Happy Harda is poised to become a role model for all districts in the country, showcasing how rural development can be achieved through collective effort and innovative thinking.

As a journalist, I was invited to attend this years meeting under Mission Happy Harda, but what I experienced went far beyond mere reportage. After spending hours understanding the intricate workings of this initiative, I was left amazed by the depth and scope of its vision. This initiative can be best described as a comprehensive approach aimed at bringing about sustainable development and transformation in the district of Harda.

Visionary Leadership and Logical Framework

The foundation and leadership of Dr. Arun Joshi, Vice Chancellor of C.V. Raman University and a key member of Happy Harda, have been pivotal in shaping the roadmap for rural development in the Narmada Valley. With a strategic, well-thought-out plan, Dr. Joshi and the Happy Harda team are addressing the rural-urban divide at the micro level. By creating information and knowledge hubs, they are promoting transparent governance and providing a platform for those dedicated to bridging the gaps in sectors such as agriculture, technology, education, health, and social upliftment.

For those passionate about innovation and rural development, Happy Harda offers a cutting-edge platform to bring about real change. The initiative encourages participation from experts and entrepreneurs in diverse fields, ensuring that the impact reaches the grassroots level.

Empowering Agriculture and Entrepreneurship

One of the most noteworthy aspects of the Happy Harda model is its commitment to agriculture and rural entrepreneurship. By focusing on organic farming, horticulture, and small-scale food processing units, the initiative connects these sectors with large retail associates. This linkage helps improve the scale and quality of production, offering farmers and small entrepreneurs access to larger markets.

The Happy Harda initiative is particularly beneficial for organic farmers, horticulturists, and those involved in small food processing units, providing them with the opportunity to expand and grow their businesses. In addition to offering strategic support, the platform also connects these small entrepreneurs with consumers, both large-scale and boutique, who are seeking high-quality, locally sourced products.

Promoting Eco-Tourism and Heritage Preservation

Happy Harda is also making strides in promoting tourism, particularly eco and nature tourism, in the region. Handia, a sacred pilgrimage site located approximately 20 kilometers from Harda, is a key attraction. Known for its temples dedicated to Lord Shiva and the famed Nabhi Kund (center of the Narmada River), Handia offers a wealth of historical and spiritual significance. According to local belief, one of the temples was built overnight by the Pandavas during the Mahabharata era, adding a layer of mystique to the regions heritage.

To further capitalize on this heritage, Happy Harda has developed several websites dedicated to promoting eco-tourism. These sites offer a variety of experiences, including local food tours, adventure activities, farming experiences, and tours that showcase the regions rich historical and cultural legacy.

Dairy Farming and Sustainable Agriculture

Another focus area of Mission Happy Harda is dairy farming, with an emphasis on breeding Indian cows that produce A2 milk, known for its health benefits. The initiative has developed a socio-economic model that ensures both the quality and sustainability of dairy products. This not only supports local dairy farmers but also contributes to the broader goal of sustainable agriculture in the region.

The Heart of Agricultural Commerce: Harda Mandi

At the heart of Hardas agricultural economy is the Harda Mandi, one of the largest agricultural markets in Madhya Pradesh. The mandi facilitates the auctioning of major crops such as moong, gram, tur, wheat, urad, maize, soybean, and mustard, serving as a crucial hub for farmers to sell their produce. The transparency in daily price updates provides farmers with critical information, empowering them to make informed decisions regarding their sales.

Collaborating for Comprehensive Rural Development

The success of Happy Harda is driven by the collaboration of a diverse group of stakeholders. Bharat Bhushan, founder of Friends of Bharat, and Rajiv Bahety, the founder of Happy Harda, have brought together people from all walks of life to discuss and address the challenges of rural development. The initiative has garnered support from a wide array of participants, including progressive farmers, MSME entrepreneurs, educators, financial experts, and other stakeholders.

The platform is organized into specialized focus groups that tackle different aspects of rural development, such as organic farming, dairy production, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), education, and finance. These focus groups work closely with local communities, particularly in the 400 villages that form the foundation of the initiative. The villages are grouped into 40 clusters, with each cluster consisting of 10 villages. From each cluster, 4-5 business partners are selected, forming a group of 2000 business partners who play a crucial role in driving local growth.

Scaling for Success

The platform connects local suppliers and farmers with business partners, providing them with the consistency and scalability needed to thrive in the marketplace. This model ensures that the benefits of Happy Harda reach not only the farmers and small businesses but also the consumers who are looking for high-quality, locally sourced products.

Conclusion: A Role Model for Rural India

The Happy Harda model is a groundbreaking initiative that has the potential to reshape rural India. By focusing on sustainable agriculture, empowering entrepreneurs, and fostering community-driven development, Happy Harda is creating a blueprint for success that can be replicated across the country. Through the collaboration of dedicated individuals and innovative strategies, Mission Happy Harda is transforming challenges into opportunities, proving that rural India has the potential to be at the forefront of the nations development journey.

As India looks ahead to 2047, the 100th anniversary of its independence, initiatives like Happy Harda will play an instrumental role in fulfilling the dream of a developed, prosperous, and self-sustaining nation.
Pentagon Chief Warns Iran of 'Serious Consequences' if It Attacks Israel 2

The United States Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant and reiterated serious consequences for Iran if Tehran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

The Pentagon Chief discussed security developments and Israeli operations with counterpart Gallant and made it clear that the US supports Israels right to defend itself.

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israels right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, Austin said, sharing a post on X on Tuesday.

The US Defence Secretary in his talks to Gallant, further ensured that the US is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran.

He said, I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.

I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, Austin added.

The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had launched precision strikes on the Lebanese capital in Beirut on September 27, which led to the death of Hassan Nasrallah.

Following the death of Nasrallah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Irans Ayatollah regime and asserted that those who target Israel will face consequences and that no location in Iran or West Asia is beyond Israels reach.

Netanyahu called Nasrallah the main engine of Irans axis of evil and added, Nasrallah was not just another terrorist, he was the terrorist. He was the axis of the axis, the main engine of Irans axis of evil. He and his people were the architects of the plan to destroy Israel. He was not only operated by Iran, he also frequently operated Iran.
After nine days and hundreds of miles paddling down the states waterways, the 2024 Great Alabama 650 race is mostly a done deal.

This was the sixth year in which the race, presented by the Alabama Scenic River Trail, has challenged kayakers (and, more recently, paddleboard pilots) to travel a winding route from Weiss Lake in Cherokee County to Fort Morgan at the mouth of Mobile Bay. Among the feats accomplished in the sixth year of the event: A Baldwin County woman joined the elite club of five-time finishers and a Florence man claimed the overall win for the second year in a row.

Based on the online tracking map and leaderboard, it appeared the last three racers on the course were all in lower Mobile Bay early Tuesday morning, closing in on the finish with about eight hours left to go. The race started at 10 a.m. Saturday, Sept. 20, with a 10-day limit.

Trey Reaves of Florence, Ala., who won the 2023 edition in 6 days, 1 hour and 31 minutes, repeated as overall winner and mens solo winner this year. According to a video posted by race organizers, he finished with an overall elapsed time of 7 days 8 hours and 14 minutes. (Note: Total elapsed times are not the official result times. Official times will be lower, after the duration of mandatory breaks at portage stops is subtracted from the overall time.)

Asked what was most memorable about his race this year, Reaves said everything up until the Bay. I mean, the Bay is going to be the most memorable thing, for sure, because it was so bad. But it was a magical run this year down to the Bay.

Trey Reaves celebrates as he approaches the finish of the 2024 Great Alabama 650. (Courtesy of Alabama Scenic River Trail)Courtesy of Alabama Scenic River Trail

The passage of Hurricane Helena to the east made for less-than-tranquil conditions on Mobile Bay over the weekend, though the storms devastating path passed hundreds of miles away. The storm had other impacts on the race: Five-time finisher and three-time winner Bobby Johnson, a resident of Clearwater, Fla., dropped out after three days, saying he made the decision due to a possible hurricane coming by the house.

Afterward, Johnson said on Facebook that Reaves and he went back and forth over the first 200 miles and it would have been a battle to the end. Johnson seconded that, saying their friendly rivalry was a motivating factor. Its easy to push whenever Bobbys here, because you know that if you dont get out in front of Bobby by the time you get to the Bay, Bobbys going to beat you. Theres no doubt about it. Youve got to have miles.

David Miller finished second overall and in the male solo category with an overall elapsed time of 8 days, 5 hours and 14 minutes. Mirko Pruefer followed with a time of 8 days, 10 hours, 26 minutes.

Ryan Gillikin, featured in an AL.com article published before the start of this years race, finished Monday morning. She came in fourth overall with a time of 8 days, 23 hours and 25 minutes and won the female solo category. Additionally, this was the fifth time she completed the race, meaning she became the third person ever recognized as a member of the 3,250 club of five-time finishers. She also won the inaugural 2019 event as part of a tandem team, so this was her second first-place finish.

Ryan Gillikin became a five-time finisher of the Great Alabama 650 in the sixth edition of the race.Lawrence Specker | LSpecker@AL.com

It was hard, Gillikin said just afterward, in a video posted by race organizers. The first three days were hot. We had to push.  we pushed really hard the first three days, it really tore me down. Then the middle part of the race kind of builds you back up. Then the bay crossing knocks you down again.

Rewards included seeing some beautiful sunrises and meeting some fun people, she said.

John Knippers rounded out the Top Five. In 2023. he became the first competitor ever to complete the race on a stand-up paddleboard, and he repeated the feat in 2024.

RELATED: When the race is an adventure, and Alabamas waterways are the course

He was followed by Jessica Nance and Candi Hill, who won the tandem division, and Joseph Bolton, one of the owners of Pro Cycle & Tri in Fairhope.

As of Tuesday afternoon, Lindsey Tilton had passed the last checkpoint and moving along the Fort Morgan peninsula, on her way becoming the first female to finish on a paddleboard.

Dirk McCall of Fairhope, a paddleboarder attempting the race for the first time, found himself among those who withdrew early. In an account posted on Facebook, he said his first attempt had been a learning experience. Among other issues, he found that the weight of gear he was carrying made his board unstable at the start.

By the time he got to Henry Neely Lake he was suffering from back pain but he was also having fun learning how to surf powerboat wakes to increase the speed of his self-made board. He opted to withdraw on Day Two, seeing that he was under-supplied and unlikely to make an upcoming time cutoff.

I had paddled 87 miles in 34.5 hours without sleep - a new personal best, he wrote. I was so surprised I felt as good as I did on day 2. I really blew the race on the first day.

McCall said hed decided to do the race in July, as his mother was dying. Shed been active in water aerobics until the end, and she encouraged me to exercise and use my body as long as I could, he wrote.

I will be 60 years old next year when I give the Alabama650 another go, he said.

For more on the event, visit www.alabamascenicrivertrail.com.
This is an opinion column.

In Birmingham, it feels like an existential moment.

Live or die. Flourish or fade. Prove em wrong, or let them be right.

Perhaps, for those who love it, that would be a fate worse than death. But the city faces an incredibly important period, whether it recognizes it or not.

Birmingham, this town that was called magic for its rapid growth, is losing population and clout at an angle nearly as steep. Long the states largest city, and for a time the biggest in the South, it has dropped to second, or third in its own state, after Mobiles annexations. It is awash in the kind of violence that has hounded it since birth, when writers called it Bad Birmingham, and The Murder Capital of the World, as former Jefferson County Chief Deputy Coroner Jay Glass wrote in his book of Life and Death in the Magic City .

It is a town born of a geological gift  the proximity of all the necessary ingredients to make steel  that swelled to 340,000 people in 1960. But it has been haunted from the beginning, and through most of its history, by the specter of race. And of violence.

Birmingham began as a hodgepodge of European immigrants with different customs and languages, drawn to work in mines and mills, piled right on top of a brutally repressed, disenfranchised Black population, as Glass put it.

So many people were murdered in the early days they couldnt even agree on the numbers. Then-coroner C.L. Spain swore 306 people were killed in Jefferson County in a single year  1912. There was outcry, and that number remained in dispute.

But the reputation didnt. Birmingham was violent in all the ways.

It was more wild west than any wild west town, and in the 1920s recorded homicide rates like we didnt see again until now. Good statistics are hard to find between the 30s and 50s, but by 1960, when Birminghams population peaked at more than 340,000, it was a city known as Bombingham .

It was an unjust city and county in which police shot 200 Black men between the 1940s and the early 1970s , many in the back, and ruled almost all justifiable.

It was a city where Black people rarely felt protected by a justice system that never caught a single one of the Klan bombers who set almost 50 bombs between the 1940s and 1965. None would be solved for decades. It was a town where many thought street justice was the only option.

Of course Birminghams injustice made it important. It called itself a cradle of the civil rights movement, because people like Rev. Fred Shuttlesworth, and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and thousands of residents walked for justice and protested with peace and were jailed for daring to do it .

But court decisions that assured peoples rights did not assure much of anything else in this town. The city fragmented like shrapnel after desegregation. Birmingham was 60% white in 1960, when white people began to flee Birmingham and build new suburbs and school systems right up against the city limits.

The city lost a total of 75,000 people between 1960 and 1990. It lost 110,000 white people in that period.

White people were not the only ones to flee. Between 2000 and 2020 the city lost more than three times as many Black people as white -- 41,641 to 12,464. There are several reasons for all the losses. Peer pressure. A changing economy. The perception of better and safer schools, newer housing, shinier things. Racism.

And of course the fear of crime.

Those of us who love the citys grit and admire its baked-in grime tried to say the fear was overblown. Birmingham is, after all, a small city at the heart of a larger metro area of more than a million, so its per capita murder rate is deceiving and pushes it unfairly to the top of the deadliest cities lists every single year. It doesnt even report crimes to the FBI regularly anymore. As if that makes them go away.

But Birminghams story is not just told by all-too-common beefs and brawls and feuds. It is punctuated too by a series of high-profile incidents that shocked the city simply because they were not representative. They happened in the places we take our guests, and thus could not be ignored. Fairly or not, those events cemented the perception of danger, drove people away, and signaled the most devastating message to all those who would consider a life inside the city: Will my family be safe?

Crimes like the murders outside the Hush lounge wake us to problems that are otherwise easy to ignore or rationalize. They shake us, especially when they are followed up with a series of murders and no resolution. Those who have tried to make excuses for a town they love cannot help but be chilled. Especially those of us who have seen the way a crime like this can change the citys trajectory.

Across history were incidents that still haunt us.

Morris Avenue, that cobblestone street that separates the north from the southside of Birmingham, was once a thriving nightspot, Birminghams answer to Underground Atlanta. But the 1977 abduction and murder of a Chicago steel exec visiting the Show-Boat Lounge changed that.

During the decade of the 70s  you cant pin it all on that killing, of course - Birmingham lost almost 50,000 white people.

The Ensley Grill was a popular spot in days gone by, but the robbery/murder of manager Nathan Madison in 1986 didnt just close the business. It prompted a flood of flight.

And that same year Five Points South was stunned, as it so recently was, by the murder and mutilation of a waitress named Tracey Schoettlin. The neighborhood survived, but in truth it was never the same.

Best-selling author Rick Bragg, then a star reporter at The Birmingham News, is remembered locally for the lede he wrote on that story:

Night comes to Birmingham like a thin, torn lampshade over a bright, hot bulb, unable to snuff the light out completely but enough to cast pockets of shadow here and there.

But these are the words from that piece that ring in my head.

Something terrible happened not far from here, to one of their own, Bragg wrote. And the people who live around or frequent the Southside are conscious  very conscious  that it could happen again.

Thats the way people of Birmingham feel now. Not just because of the shooting outside Hush, which like too many murders in this town remains unsolved. At least five people have been killed in the time since, and Birmingham would be on pace to break records even if the mass shooting had not occurred.

The city, long among the most violent, is not just heading in the wrong direction, it is heading against the trends. Most of America, including Birmingham, saw increases in homicides during and after COVID, but most cities have reversed that . But Birmingham has not.

It has set records. The city seems  sick.

Birmingham is truly at a critical moment. The flippant nature of Mayor Woodfins social media response does not build confidence, despite his sorta apology . You cant build faith in the safety of your city with snark and gotcha Grams any more than you can build it by hiding crime data or pretending everything is rosy.

I recall words of a UAB professor named John Sloan years ago, and how the memory of such sensational crimes tend to pile up in peoples minds.

There are seminal events that can change a community, he said. How people respond can define a community for years.

Birminghams future depends on the response. From politicians, residents, business owners and even the metropolitan area that has a stake in it all.

It is a matter of survival.

John Archibald is a two-time Pulitzer winner.
An Auburn man who authorities say is in the U.S. illegally has been denied bond on charges that he killed a Columbus doctor in a wrong-way crash in September.

Armin Rubido Gomez Lopez, 41, is charged with reckless manslaughter - a felony - in the Sept. 7 crash on Interstate 85 in Lee County, according to Opelika police. Killed was Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, a prominent Columbus surgeon.

Gomez was arrested Monday after he was discharged from a Georgia hospital where he was treated for injuries he sustained in the crash.

Charging documents against Gomez state he was under the influence of alcohol when the crash happened. Police said he has a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

He has a previous DUI conviction in Lee County from 2022.

The crash happened that Saturday at the Exit 62 northbound ramp.

Authorities say Gomez was driving southbound on the northbound ramp when he struck Goodchilds Tesla head-on.

Goodchild, 50, was airlifted to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital but did not survive, His wife sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Goodchild left behind three children.

A gifted and dedicated surgeon, Malcolm recently celebrated the first anniversary of his private practice, a testament to his commitment and excellence in his field, according to his obituary. His professional achievements were a source of great pride for his family and a reflection of his unwavering dedication to improving the lives of others.

Malcolms life was marked by his love for his family, his professional passion, and his dedication to those around him, the obituary read. His sudden and untimely passing leaves a profound void in the lives of all who knew him.

Lee County District Judge Russell Bush denied Gomez bond, noting his previous conviction, the seriousness of the crime and Gomezs status as someone who is in the country illegally.
The shooting death of a man at a southwest Birmingham neighborhood store has been ruled justifiable and no criminal charges will be filed.

Malike Williams, 26, was killed about 5 p.m. on Sept. 24 at Big Boy Convenience Store at 2714 Pearson Avenue S.

Police at the time said the deadly shooting possibly stemmed during a dispute over a social media post.

Williams died en route to UAB Hospital.

We believe that two adult males who were involved in an armed confrontation with one another, Officer Truman Fitzgerald said last week. One party had a gun, the second party had a gun, and one of those males fired shots.

Sgt. LaQuitta Wade said Tuesday that detectives presented their evidence to the Jefferson County District Attorneys Office which determined the shooting was justified.

Williams slaying is the ninth homicide in the city this year to be ruled as justified.

Williams best friend, 34-year-old Damone Gardner, was shot to death less than four hours later, possibly during an argument over Williams killing.

No arrests have been made in Gardners death.
Widespread devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene came to light Monday across the South, revealing a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers and mud-covered highways in one of the worst storms in U.S. history. The death toll topped 130.

A crisis was unfolding in western North Carolina, where residents stranded by washed-out roads and by a lack of power and cellular service lined up for fresh water and a chance to message loved ones days after the storm that they were alive.

At least 133 deaths in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Floridas Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

The toll steadily rose as emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. During a briefing Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people hadnt been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, saying some might be dead.

President Joe Biden said he will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to meet with officials and take an aerial tour of Asheville.

He said earlier that the federal government would be with affected residents in the nations southeast as long as it takes.

Government officials and aid groups worked to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule to the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns. At least 40 people died in the county that includes Asheville.

The destruction and desperation were overwhelming. A flattened cargo container sat atop a bridge crossing a river with muddy brown water. A mass of debris, including overturned pontoon boats and splintered wooden docks and tree trunks covered the surface of Lake Lure, a picturesque spot tucked between the mountains outside Asheville.

A woman cradled her child while people around her gathered on a hillside where they found cellphone service, many sending a simple text: Im OK.

The North Carolina death toll included one horrific story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees. A courthouse security officer died after being submerged inside his truck. A couple and a 6-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed.

Rescuers did manage to save dozens, including an infant and two others stuck on the top of a car in Atlanta. More than 50 hospital patients and staff in Tennessee were plucked by helicopter from the hospital rooftop in a daring rescue operation.

How some of the worst-hit areas are coping

Several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including a 4-mile (6.4-kilometer) section of Interstate 40, and the citys water system was severely damaged, forcing residents to scoop creek water into buckets so they could flush toilets.

People shared food and water and comforted one another in one neighborhood where a wall of water ripped away all of the trees, leaving a muddy mess nearby. Thats the blessing so far in this, Sommerville Johnston said outside her home, which has been without power since Friday.

She planned on treating the neighborhood to venison stew from her powerless freezer before it goes bad. Just bring your bowl and spoon, she said.

Others waited in a line for more than a block at Mountain Valley Water, a water seller, to fill up milk jugs and whatever other containers they could find.

Derek Farmer, who brought three gallon-sized apple juice containers, said he had been prepared for the storm but now was nervous after three days without water. I just didnt know how bad it was going to be, Farmer said.

Officials warned that rebuilding would be lengthy and difficult. Helene roared ashore in northern Florida late Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee. The storm upended life throughout the Southeast, where deaths were also reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said Monday that shelters were housing more than 1,000 people.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper took an aerial tour of the Asheville area and later met with workers distributing meals.

This has been an unprecedented storm that has hit western North Carolina, he said afterward. Its requiring an unprecedented response.

Officials implored travelers from coming into the region to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. More than 50 search teams spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

Waiting for help and searching for a signal in North Carolina

Several dozen people gathered on high ground in Asheville, where they found one of the citys hottest commodities  a cell signal.

Is this day three or day four? Colleen Burnet asked. Its all been a blur.

The storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina. Rainfall estimates in some areas topped more than 2 feet (61 centimeters) since Wednesday.

Ten federal search and rescue teams were on the ground and another nine were on their way, while trucks and cargo planes were arriving with food and water, FEMA said. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell surveyed damage with Cooper Monday.

Volunteers were showing up, too. Mike Toberer decided to bring a dozen of his mules to deliver food, water and diapers to hard-to-reach mountainous areas.

Well take our chainsaws, and well push those mules through, he said, noting that each one can carry about 200 pounds (90 kilograms) of supplies.

Why western North Carolina was hit so hard

Western North Carolina suffered relatively more devastation because thats where the remnants of Helene encountered the higher elevations and cooler air of the Appalachian Mountains, causing even more rain to fall.

Asheville and many surrounding mountain towns were built in valleys, leaving them especially vulnerable to devastating rain and flooding. Plus, the ground already was saturated before Helene arrived, said Christiaan Patterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

By the time Helene came into the Carolinas, we already had that rain on top of more rain, Patterson said.

Climate change has exacerbated conditions that allow such storms to thrive, rapidly intensifying in warming waters and turning into powerful cyclones, sometimes within hours.

Destruction from Florida to Virginia

Along Floridas Gulf Coast, several feet of water swamped the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, forcing workers to move two manatees and sea turtles. All of the animals were safe but much of the aquariums vital equipment was damaged or destroyed, said James Powell, the aquariums executive director.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp said the storm literally spared no one. Most people in and around Augusta, a city of about 200,000 near the South Carolina border, were still without power Monday.

With at least 30 killed in South Carolina, Helene was the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the state since Hurricane Hugo made landfall north of Charleston in 1989, killing 35 people.

Tropical Storm Kirk forms and could become a powerful hurricane

Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a large and powerful hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm was located about 800 miles (1,285 kilometers) west of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph (95 kph). There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not a threat to land.
Shomari Figures, the Democratic nominee in Alabamas redrawn 2nd congressional district, says a new Republican-backed state law on absentee voting and Secretary of State Wes Allens initiative to remove voters from the rolls on suspicion that they are not citizens are efforts to suppress the vote.

Allen disagrees, saying they are efforts to keep elections honest.

The dispute, with the general election five weeks away, continues battles fought between Democrats and Republicans in the Alabama Legislature and in federal courts.

At a press conference Monday where House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels endorsed Figures, Figures responded to a question about Senate Bill 1, which passed the Legislature in March and made it a crime to pay someone or receive payment for helping another voter obtain, fill out, or turn in an absentee ballot application. A federal court blocked the section of the new law that pertains to blind, disabled, and illiterate voters, but left the rest in place. Alabama Attorney General Steve Marshall is appealing the ruling that blocked part of the law.

Figures was also asked about Allens initiative to remove some voters from the rolls because they had received non-citizen identification numbers from the federal government. It is illegal for non-citizens to vote.

Some Alabama voters and the U.S. Department of Justice have challenged Allens initiative in lawsuits. The DOJ said native-born and naturalized U.S. citizens were on Allens list of voters to be removed from the rolls.

I think theyre all an effort to suppress the vote, Figures said. I think they are all an effort to make it as hard for people to vote as possible, and it is not something that we can sit back and take. Its not something that we can sit back and accept. Its also not something we can allow to succeed.

Allen, a Republican and former legislator who was elected secretary of state in 2022, supported SB1, the absentee ballot law, and stands by that position. Allen and Republican lawmakers said it was intended to stop ballot harvesting, the distribution and collection of absentee ballot applications to influence elections. Allen said the claims that he is trying to suppress the vote are false.

Contrary to the beliefs of some members of the Democratic party, it is possible to both encourage eligible U.S. citizens to exercise their constitutional right to vote and stand firmly against practices that compromise the integrity of our elections, Allen said. Initiatives like unsolicited mass mail absentee voting and same-day voter registration are said to combat voter suppression, but instead they promote dishonest and untrustworthy elections. As Secretary of State, voter participation is not the top priority  safeguarding the votes of the individuals who are eligible to cast them is.

Voting, disability, and civil rights groups that sued to challenge SB1 said it violated the Constitution and federal voting laws and would inhibit efforts to help people who are elderly, disabled, homebound, and incarcerated cast their absentee ballots.

Voter turnout will be important in the District 2 race in which Democrats could flip a Republican seat.

Figures faces Republican nominee Caroleene Dobson. Dobson is a lawyer from Montgomery who grew up in Monroe County in the southern part of the district. Both Dobson and Figures are first-time candidates.

Dobson did not take sides in the disagreement between Figures and Allen over SB1 and Allens voter rolls initiative except to issue a statement through her campaign spokesman.

Caroleenes position on voting rights is simple - everyone who has the legal right to vote should be allowed to exercise that right to vote within the election laws of our state and nation, spokesman Drew Dickson said.

District 2 is important in Alabama and nationally because the potential flip of a Republican seat could affect control of Congress after November.

A federal court approved a redrawn district map for Alabama after ruling that the states previous map likely violated the Voting Rights Act by packing Black voters into a single majority Black district, District 7, a ruling upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court.

Analyses provided to the court showed that Black-preferred candidates, Democrats, got more votes than Republicans in 16 of 17 recent elections in the new district.

But Republicans cast almost as many votes in the March primary as Democrats, an indication that the race will be close.

This election is one of the most important elections of our time, and some will say, My vote doesnt matter, Daniels, who was runner-up to Figures for the Democratic nomination, said. Well, if your vote doesnt matter, why are they focusing so hard to take it away from you? Thats the question you must ask yourself.

Read more: Alabama 2nd District candidates Dobson, Figures to debate live on AL.com in October

Daniels said when his wife went to vote in an election in Madison County in August, she learned that she had been placed on inactive status. Daniels said she was still able to vote but that raised concerns about how commonplace it is for voters to be mistakenly classified as inactive.

We vote in every election, said Daniels, who has served in the Legislature since 2014 and as House minority leader since 2017. And so that tells me, if thats happening in my household, someone that they know served the state, then how many other households is this happening in, and how many people hadnt had a local election to even determine whether or not theyre on the inactive list?

According to Secretary of State Allens office, the board of registrars in each of Alabamas 67 counties are responsible for updating and evaluating the statuses of Alabamas registered voters. Generally, individuals are placed in an inactive status if a mailing from the registrars office is returned undeliverable, the secretary of states office said.

Sydney Dean, a member of the Madison County Board of Registrars, said the board sends voters identification cards after they register. Dean said the board also sends voters a card when there is a change of address or name or if their voting precinct is moved.

If the post office returns a voters card as undeliverable, the voter is placed on inactive status. Dean said thats flagged on the voter rolls when the voter shows up to vote. But she said they can fill out an update form and still vote.

Dean said the system is an effective way of handling situations when the post office mistakenly returns a card. Dean said that apparently happens often based on feedback the board hears from voters.
When University of Alabama sophomore Finley Richardson saw an announcement from her school describing a new program for students passionate about public service, she knew she was interested

I just knew that it was something that I really wanted to be a part of, Richardson said. The thing that kind of drives me, the core mission that I have for myself and anything Im a part of is one to serve, to pursue truth and to learn and grow.

Richardson, an economics and philosophy major, is one of 39 students enrolled in the nonpartisan, interdisciplinary program, which is getting underway this fall. The scholars program is based in the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership , according to a news release.

Former Sen. Richard Shelby donated his congressional materials for research and academic purposes to create the institute.

Shelby retired in January 2023 after serving in the U.S. Senate since 1987, making him the longest-tenured Alabamian in the chamber. The former Tuscaloosa prosecutors decades-long political influence is shown in the many university buildings around the state bearing his name.

Scholars receive a scholarship and will participate in a speaker series featuring local, state and national leaders and a course on the Constitutions role in modern society. The students will also receive mentoring and support and opportunities for internships and undergraduate research.

Richardson said she and the other scholars are truly driven by love and passion and desire to improve the state of Alabama and improve the world.

She said shes looking forward to hearing from and growing with her peers from different walks of life. Shes interested in seeing how the state of Alabama operates and being challenged in her learning and thinking.

If I can only accomplish one thing, being a part of this program, it would be just to grow as a student and as a leader.
Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will meet tonight in the sole debate among vice presidential candidates.

Hosted by CBS News, the debate is set for Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. ET (8 p.m. CT) from New York City. It is set to last for 90 minutes and will be simulcast on all major networks. You can download the CBS app for a live stream. People without cable can watch on streaming services including Philo (free trial), fuboTV (free trial), Paramount+ (free trial) and DirecTV Stream (free trial).

Moderating the VP debate will be CBS Evening News anchor and managing editor Norah ODonnell and Face the Nation moderator and CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

According to CBS, Vance, Republican Donald Trumps running mate, and VP Kamala Harris running mate Walz, will be behind podiums on opposite sides of the stage. They will be introduced on the order of the incumbent party, so Walz will be introduced first.

There will be no opening statements and no live audience. Microphones will remain on throughout the debate and will not be muted when the other candidate is speaking.

Each candidate will be asked a question and have two minutes to answer then the other candidate will have 2 minutes to respond followed by a 1 minute rebuttal. Moderators will have the discretion to give candidates an additional minute to continue a topic.

Each candidate will have 2 minutes each for closing statements. Vance won an earlier coin toss and elected to go second so he will deliver his statement last.
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin revealed details of the police department staffing on Tuesday to correct what he said is inaccurate information about how many officers short the department has been.

Theres a lot of numbers out there that are just false, Woodfin told the Birmingham City Council.

The staffing of the Birmingham Police Department has long been an issue amid a wave of violent crime that threatened to break the citys record of homicides set in 1933 even before a mass shooting in Five Points South left four people dead and 17 others injured.

Ideally, the city would have 851 sworn officers, 440 of whom would be available to work patrol, Woodfin said. Currently, there are 377 officers available to patrol, Woodfin said.

See also: FOP responds to Woodfins plan to address police staffing struggles

Were only short 63 patrol officers, he said.

Birmingham City Council President Darryl OQuinn has previously said is down nearly 300 officers. After the Five Points South shooting, State Rep. Juandalynn Givan said she believes the city may be as many as 400 officers.

Deputy Chief Rod Mauldin on Tuesday told the council that on Saturday, 78 candidates participated in the BPDs Physical Agility and Ability Screening, with 38 meeting the physical requirements.

Thats more than weve had in the past four years, Mauldin said.

At least 16 candidates are expected to take part in the next police academy that starts in November.

This city cannot do what it does without us supporting our Birmingham officers, Woodfin said.

In order for the city to be the best version of itself, we need Birmingham police officers, not just new recruits.

Woodfin said the plan he is proposing includes increasing retention pay and the number of take-home patrol cars for officers. We need to be more aggressive, Woodfin said.

He said his plans call for increasing the hiring bonus from $5,000 to $10,000 for new officers and offering relocation bonuses of $5,000 to help officers relocate to a residence in Birmingham.

Woodfin then called an emergency public safety meeting with the City Council for the afternoon to present his plan for recruiting and retaining police officer in the aftermath of recent violent crimes, including the mass shooting Sept. 21 in front of Hush Lounge.

Woodfin proposed a $15.8 million plan for recruiting and retaining officers for the Birmingham Police Department.

These are necessary things we have to do, Woodfin said.

The price tag might have some sticker shock, But yall asked me to do something, Woodfin said. We need to be overly aggressive in recruiting.

The funding would come from the citys general reserve fund, which had $290 million in it as of June 23, 2023. Woodfin asked the council to consider voting on the proposal on Oct. 8.

To attract and retain more officers, he proposed spending $4.5 million for a take-home vehicle program, with money going to purchase 75 patrol cars; 50 to initiate the program and 25 to sustain the current fleet.

He proposed increased signing bonuses for new recruits, bumping up from $5,000 currently to $10,000.

He also proposed a retention bonus of $10,000 a year to keep officers in the department.

The proposal includes $600,000 for media marketing and a recruitment campaign and spending $200,000 on recruiting consultants.

It calls for a new policy of eight hours a month of mental health observance leave, which would be taken like an extra day of vacation.

The proposal includes nearly $1.2 million for a part-time reserve officer program, and $561,600 for a police trainee program that allows for immediately hiring future police officers to begin academy preparation.

The plan calls for spending $100,000 to pay 20 out-of-state candidates per year relocation assistance to help them move to Birmingham.

It includes a $1,000 referral incentive for referring future police officers.

Council member Hunter Williams asked for specific numbers on how short the department is including non-patrol employees. Woodfin said that wasnt available, but said what people are most concerned about is that the city be fully staffed with patrol officers.

What we want to solve for is the priority, Woodfin said.

Later, Woodfin appeared in studio and told WBRC-TV that there were 172 unfilled positions total. City spokesman Rick Journey said Woodfin informed council members that the priority is to hire 172 officers, not the 63 he mentioned in the meetings.

It was not clear as of Wednesday morning why there was a discrepancy in the numbers.

Police have a full strength number and an unfilled positions number. The initial number came from the strength number. The 172 referred to patrol positions to be filled, Journey said.
Alabamas senior senator told military and business leaders in Huntsville the country needs to get back to protecting the American people first by funding law enforcement, cracking down on immigration and protecting small family farms.

In his Washington update to the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce on Monday, Sen. Tommy Tuberville lauded developments around the state but called the Huntsville area the shining star. Yet the nation faces significant challenges, he said, adding Redstone Arsenal and the areas defense contractors could be called upon soon.

Were looking down the barrel of a gun and two world wars, he said, referring to conflicts in Israel and Ukraine. And after 20 years of the U.S.-led war in Afghanistan, were not as strong as we need to be. Were not even close. We need to build everything up.
U.S. Sen. Katie Britt, R-Ala., will be supporting GOP vice presidential nominee JD Vance as a surrogate for her Senate colleague in the debate spin room on Tuesday night, the Britt campaign said Monday.

The spin room is where reporters go to seek out reaction from the candidates and their top supporters following a debate.

Britt is expected to make the case for why Vance, the Republican senator from Ohio, is the superior debater to Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic nominee for vice president while taking shots at any stumbles or perceived errors made by Walz.

She is also expected to advocate for the Trump campaign platform.

Tuesday nights debate between Vance and Walz will be hosted Tuesday by CBS News in New York at 8 p.m. Central.

The debate is the only time Vance and Walz will go toe to toe during the campaign.

Britt will be joined by several GOP congressional colleagues -- Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and Reps. Elise Stefanik of New York and Byron Donalds of Florida -- as well as Donald Trump Jr., Trump senior adviser Jason Miller and Trump campaign transition co-chairman Howard Lutnik, according to NOTUS.

Britts role in the spin room is not the first time shes helped bolster the Trump campaign. She spoke at the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee in mid-July.

We will defeat decline, dust off our dreams and forge our future because families across our nation deserve better, Britt said at the convention. Once again, America will be the land of limitless opportunity for all and paving that path starts today. So lets roll up our sleeves. Send President Trump back to the White House. And get America back on track.
The United Nations Organization opened its doors in 1945, and by 1989, the Security Council and General Assembly together voted on 870 resolutions dealing with the Arab-Israeli conflictas it was commonly known in those decades. When I worked on a research project commissioned by the Office of the late Prime Minister of Israel, Yitzhak Shamir, I read and tabulated every one of them.

In this period, the Security Council condemned Israel, its highest rebuke, 49 times. Sometimes Israel was vigorously condemned, deplored, or strongly deplored. No Arab state was ever so chastised.

In the same period, the General Assembly condemned, deplored, or otherwise castigated Israel 321 times. Again, no Arab state was ever so judged. The aggregate number of individual state votes against Israel in the UNs first 44 years came to 55,642 votes.

For the UNs first quarter-century, it did not issue a single resolution referencing Palestinians. In those UN decades, there were no Palestinian on anyones lips.

Image from X.

The Palestinians made their UN debut three years after the Six-Day War of 1967. Post-war, the five months of heated debate in both chambers climaxed on November 22 with UN Security Council Resolution 242, which would shape the conflict for decades to come. And this text, too, said nothing about any Palestinians.

The germ of this notional nation originally came from the Chairman of the Arab League of States, Gamal Abdel Nasser of Egypt. In a 1959 meeting, he raised the idea of rebranding the mixed bag of migrant workers called the Arab refugeesas they had been called for ten years into Palestinian refugees, even though there was nothing Palestinian about them. (No, it was not the KGB that created the Palestinian identity).

His model was the then-ongoing, five-year bloody terror rebellion in Algeria against the French (1954-62), which he supported. There, the Muslims had the brains to abandon their religious jihadi vocabulary, which would not win them support in France, and, instead, adopted the identity of patriotic, anti-imperialist freedom fighters. After WWII, there were scores of such colonial uprisings.

After that, it took another decade for the lie of Palestinians to gestate. Golda Meir was their inadvertent midwife.

Two years after Israels miraculous victory, on June 17, 1969, during an interview with the London Sunday Times, Israels new Prime Minister went to war against the growing fashion of speaking of Israels enemies not as the Arabs but as the Palestinians. Golda said, There never was such a nation, causing the Jew-haters to exclaim, How dare she deny the existence of the Palestinians! And the rest is history.

When Golda emigrated to Eretz Israel in 1921, no Arab there called himself a Palestinian. However, thanks to this interview, which made waves worldwide, by December 10, 1969, UN GA Resolution 2535 referred to the people of Palestine. A year later, UNGA 2628 included the rights of Palestinians With these two resolutions, the Palestinians entered the chatter in the hot air factory that is the UN, which had a solid record of hostility to the worlds only tiny Jewish state for a quarter-century before anyone ever heard of Palestinians.

As a reminder of the historic absence of an Arab Palestinian identity, in 1950, Jordan annexed the Judea and Samaria it had overrun in 1948, even though no Arab ever had a name for these areas. There never was an Arab nation living in these hills. We know this because authentically indigenous peoples do thatthey name their rivers, lakes, hills, and mountains.

This reality meant that, in 1967, all that the New York Times stylebook could do was refer to the western bank of the Jordan River that the IDF had captured. Thats a no-name name, no more than a topographical description barren of any national or historical resonance. Moreover, in 1950, Jordan did not identify the Arabs on the western bank as being a different nationality entitled to their own state. And, of course, Jordan did not surrender its claim to that land until 1988.

However, once inside the UN as a concept, these freedom-fighters a.k.a. the PLO terror covens, made known their presence in the world via one terrorist horror after another. They planted bombs in Israeli supermarkets; skyjacked airliners, using the terrified passengers as hostages to trade for terrorists in Israeli prisons; slaughtered Israeli children in school buses and classrooms; and murdered Israeli athletes at the 1972 Olympic Games.

From this moment forward, the very name Palestinian effectively switched sides, migrating from Jews to Arabs. In 1948, only Zionists identified as Palestinians. The Arab position, which the Grand Mufti had adamantly insisted upon since the Paris Peace Conference in 1919, was that there never was such a country with that name. Today, the Arabs are the Palestinians and as such, it is a form of verbal apartheidno Jews included.

Before long, the treasonous Israeli and Jewish left climbed aboard the Palestinian bandwagon and became partners with Nasser in creating this faux-nationality. One motivating factor was their opposition to the rise of a new generation of Zionist pioneers throwing up new settlements in the liberated territories in the middle of the night on uninhabited land. These settlements did not dispossess any Arabs, just as the leftist kibbutzniks in the 1930s and 40s did not drive any Arabs from their homes.

The difference was that the new settlers were religious Jews whom the socialists reviled. The Zionist lefts notion of the resurrection of Jewish independence did not envision a state any more religious than other liberal democracies. They wanted a new Jewish identity stripped of the Jewish religion. Religion had gone out fashion during the Enlightenment, right?

In 1993, the architect of the future Oslo Peace fiasco, the atheist Yossi Beilin, had for many years said that if Israel defined the conflict as religious, there could be no peace. So, Israel would redefine it as a political clash between two nations claiming ownership of the same territory that could then be resolved via political compromise.

It is Israels tragic history that the invention of the mendacious and venomous Palestinian narrative was as much an Israeli-Jewish betrayal as psychological warfare waged by the Arabs.

In Israel in 2022, no less, hostility to the Jewish religion was a prime catalyst for riots after the Israeli elections when the Likud Party won. This was because Likud wanted to reform the disgustingly one-sided High Court. Supported by a former prime minister, the kibbutz-raised atheist Ehud Barak, mobs blocked automobile and airport traffic because they were terrified that a reformed court would be more respectful of the Jewish religion.

The Oslo Peace fiasco, no less, had been led by two soulmates of Barak and Beilin, namely Rabin and Peres. Both were well-known Marxists who wanted to be rid of what they called the West Bank, or the administered areas/shtachim. Notably, they and their followers never call this region Judea and Samaria because of its religious resonance. Only religious Zionists use those names.

Tragically, today in Israel, everyone across the political spectrum calls the Arabs Palestinians. Each time they do this, they unwittingly support the fantasy that there is such a nationality and that it is entitled to its own state in its ancient homeland, just like the Jews.

Secular Israelis seem to nurse the unconscious fantasy that, someday, the Palestinians will have a change of heart, stop hating and murdering them all the time, and act like a normal nation at peace with its neighbors.

The Palestinian national identity is a verbal hologram; that is, something that looks like it is there, but really is not. The enemy is Islam. The Palestinian identity is as empty as the Palestinian National Museum was on the day it opened in Bir Zeit in 2016. After the ribbon-cutting ceremony, guests were ushered into the brand-new, $25 million building whose every corridor, wall, and gallery was empty of any objets dart produced by Palestinian artists and artisans in the Palestinian style.

And when journalists asked the curator, Where are the exhibits? He said they were being made abroad, and there was a delay in delivery.

Shai ben-Tekoas PHANTOM NATION: Inventing the Palestinians as the Obstacle to Peace is available at Amazon.com in hard cover or a Kindle ebook. His podcasts can be heard on www.phantom-nation.com.
It would be good to feel better about life after January 20, 2025. But wait We all know that well be more than just lucky to get out of this political hellhole intact by February 2025.

Not only do we have the multiple not-so-veiled threats against Trumps life -- coming from the likes of Schumer, Pelosi, Jeffries, and their devotees -- to the stock market crash predictors who daily warn clients that somehow, mysteriously, Trump will not be inaugurated even if elected. We also have the two actual attempts on Trumps life thus far. We have the legal and the media and the financial wars against him.

Hillary Clinton launched this, so naturally shes now doubled down on her signature effort to dehumanize Trump. The truth about Hillarys Russia scams is out but that still has no effect on his enemies. They have known all along that Hillary was, and is, a con.

To the Democrat Party bosses, as well, and to the Swamp, and to the globalists, Trump is a monster only because he is a real and standing threat, again, to their own long-term ambitions and vices. Patriotism is not (contrary to the recent Hillary endorsement by the NY Times, with its forked tongue) what moves the Democrats. The NYT said today that Kamala is the only patriotic choice. Who knew? She sure hasnt told us.

The Democrats do not like being out of office, nor do they hand over the reins in good faith. Look at Lincoln, Bush (see Al Gore), and of course Richard Nixon, who got away with far less than your average rogue Democrat. Hillary Clinton took some of the White Houses bespoke dinner china when she left (that was hers, right?). The Obamas were hideously ungracious to the incoming Trumps (the Obamas wouldnt even leave town, eva!). Democrats are adverse to being nice, to playing fair, and to just going.

One clear reason the Jan. 6 prosecutorial cheerleaders are trying to hold on to a last shred of credibility is: what if they have to pull off a fake insurrection again? Can they count on Antifa to whip it up? Will Congress have a leg to stand on? What if there is no Mike Pence to give them cover this time? What if the votes do go back to the states? What if the Republicans go belly up again?

Alternatively, what if the Pentagon actually obeys its commander in chief and does provide legitimate security for the Congress and the crowd? What if the Congress is forced, this time, to follow the constitutional procedures it is charged with, in certifying the election if the votes have been tallied without prejudice?

What will the Democrats do if there is no question that they have lost the race, by both electoral and popular vote, and as losers they have nowhere to go, no way to cheat any further, no roadblocks in place, no last-minute criminal arrests of an incumbent president to pull off, no assassination to engineer, no scandals terrible enough to pull up the stops.

Will the Congress even pretend to do the right thing?

What if they have to wait until after January 20 to bring President Trump down, because nothing else has worked? Will they be stopped? Can they be stopped?

Trumps Democrat- and- Friends enemies say that their hatred is about saving our democracy. They say it is about joy, or security or fairness. None of those terms apply. It is not and never has been about Trump. It is about massive power -- securing it, sustaining it, and dictating the decimation of a nation, America, for their globalist paymasters, and to save their own monetized fannies. It wont work.

Why wont it work? Because they are instructed by the false, historically doomed trinity of isms -- communism, socialism, and fascism, different suits fashioned by likeminded political tailors. Isms that have or will destroy nations.

So, what regrets the Democrats will almost instantly enjoy if Kamala steps up to govern! Welcome to hell on earth. It will be too late, barring divine intervention, to turn back USAs national doomsday clock. The Democrats must know she cant do it right or even a little right, even if she wanted to. But the winners will be royally stuck with a suddenly apparent, dud act.

Or: will our blessed nation be reinaugurated, and will its detractors finally let up? Will the endless carping, invasions, vitriol, and lies hit a pause button? Will the Democrats redirect their energies to the field for 2029, or just go away?

Will we finally have some domestic peace, and will the foreign wars stop?

Will we have our American dream come back to us and to the world, and have a good man as president -- one who can fix our bare-survival economy, our migrant crises, our persecutions; who does not scorn our deeply held values and beliefs?

Again: vote and pray.

Image: Defense Visual Information Distribution Service
It's an unfortunate reality that millions of Americans lack convictions founded in logic, reason, and history, instead relying on feelings as their primary touchstone.

They seek out misinformation sources that aligns with their emotional needs, codifying deep divisions in their political leanings.

The Kamaa Harris campaign's minimal information tactic reveals another divide we have glossed over too much: how to make sense of the information available. The Harris campaign is mining a vein they call 'joy,' which I call disinformation, curated especially for low-information, low-attention, and high-emotion voters.

Millions believe in moral relativism, and that thinking happy thoughts is somehow superior to critical thinking.

God help us survive these people.

When Harris is asked about the economy, various tested revolving messages would have you imagine yellow school buses and happy middle-class children blissfully walking towards a sun-filled tomorrow with Harris leading the parade.

President Trump tells you to think about the last four years and the not-so-wonderful times under the Biden/Harris administration, while Harris delivers what amounts to pabulum for millions of voters who don't want to be sad anymore, even if what they hear is scripted nonsense.

Last month, my wife and I held a local Republican meeting at our home.

I was struck by the passion of all who attended, as well as the mundane goings on of local politics during a hotly contested election season. I was asked to say a few words and had some prepared remarks.

Sometimes, events overtake even our best-laid plans, and this was one of those days. Earlier that day, three events were reported that caused me to rethink my remarks:

The new Labour government in Great Britain cracked down on supposed hate speech by anti-immigrant protesters, which saw over 400 Brits arrested for" pushing harmful and hateful beliefs." The government is ramping up arrests of those with "extremist ideologies" in the latest wave of arrests. The crackdown includes those accused of misogynist views.



At that exact moment, the newly installed Palestinian representative to the UN sponsored a non-binding resolution passed overwhelmingly 124-14 to strip Israel of the right to self-defense in Gaza and the West Bank, giving Israel a year to retreat to its pre-1967 borders.



Then there were one of more than a dozen pro-Palestinian and pro-Hamas rallies at American Universities calling for everything from divesture to the suspension of Jewish students, support for Hamas, another October 7, and calls for the genocide of Jews in general. All this is happening as laws are broken and extremist views leave no room for dialogue.

A single theme connects all these seemingly disparate events  the systematic breakdown of civil society and especially how quickly we are losing the free speech battle.

What should be crystal clear to me appears to be lost by many.

I never believed in the concept of Hate Crime that amplifies what is already a criminal act. Hate crimes are really thought crimes. Anyone who has read the books 1984 or Animal Farm knows that the plots from these books have become today's reality and appear to have unintentionally become a blueprint for how previously free nations are dying.

Your convictions are very much on trial today.

Britain has no constitution; free speech is what the government says it is.

Don't think for a second, though, that our progressive, liberal government and courts won't stretch laws to encompass your convictions as criminal. It has happened already -- dating from the Obama administration in 2015.

Here's a Politico account:

"We always have a concern when we see the rhetoric rising against any particular group in America, that it might inspire others to violent action  and that violent action is what we would have to deal with," [Attorney General Loretta] Lynch told journalists at Justice Department headquarters.

Where is the line between "violent talk" and free speech? Millions of Americans today are cowed on subjects ranging from immigration to our views on government, J6, and even how we feel about homosexuality, gender issues, and other behaviors that many consider anti-social or even inconsistent with a Judo-Christian nation.

John Adams, a Founding Father and President of the United States, stated:

"Our Constitution was made only for a moral and religious people. It is wholly inadequate to the government of any other."

On the matter of gun ownerships, we are even seeing our children being asked to spy on parents.

According to the Daily Wire:

Children in Michigan will soon be able to anonymously report their parents or other adults for improperly storing firearms that are accessible to a minor. The new tip line was part of an amendment to House Bill 5503, a supplemental K-12 budget that passed the Michigan legislature on Wednesday, The Midwesterner reported. A new gun storage law went into effect in Michigan earlier this year, requiring gun owners to keep unattended weapons unloaded and locked with a locking device or stored in a locked box or container if it is reasonably known that a minor is likely to be present on the premises. The new provision, which is part of a supplemental spending bill, allocates $1 million for the tip line for the 2024-2025 school year.

The intrusion of the State into our lives is now almost complete. Did you pick up on how fast they could catch the would-be Trump assassin by using license plate readers that are now ubiquitous? You have no privacy between CCTV, license plate readers, and your digital footprints. Connect that with a government that does not trust its citizens, and you can conclude that we are approaching the status of a police state.

I fully support my local sheriff, but I certainly don't trust the FBI or the many woke prosecutors, overstepping State and local governments, or any of the anti-freedom law enforcement that exists in so many locales.

Of all the definitions for conviction, the one that I believe most apropos is the state of being convinced of error or compelled to admit the truth. Finding real truth is an arduous and frequently unsatisfying endeavor. We begin with the assumptions often blasted at us by this or that group that wants something from us. If you are simple-minded and predisposed to incorporate that assumption into your worldview, that's enough for far too many of us. Absolute truth is worth fighting for. Real truth is only discovered through effort and by putting aside your desire to accept mindless joy instead of reality; we are not free unless we embrace truth and the requisite responsibilities that accompany being a free person.

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: DonkeyHotey, via Wikimedia Commons // CC BY-SA 2.0
Americans are pulling together to help the victims of the Hurricane Helene in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, Georgia, and Florida, moving swiftly ahead of the Harris-Biden administration's slow, pokey, bureaucratic response, with food, water, Starlink, generators, transport, GoFundMe campaigns and other ways to help amid the devastation of the storm. President Trump is among them. It's just like what Mr. Roger used to say amid disasters: "Look for the helpers."

But then there are those who'd rather take advantage of the situation, using the disaster to rob and steal from the thousands of Americans who have been rendered vulnerable and helpless by the storm for their own profit.

According to the Daily Mail:

A group of migrant workers have been accused of looting properties in a flooded part of Tennessee after storm Helene tore through the southern state. Deputies with the Washington County Sheriff's Office arrested all eight men on Saturday, according to Sheriff Keith Sexton. Police say the men looted structures in one of the county's flood zones. Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33, were all charged with burglary. The other five - Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43, and Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37 - were charged with aggravated burglary because they allegedly broke into occupied structures.

So it wasn't gap-toothed, barefoot, whiskey-swilling Appalachian lowlife of hillbilly fame who are accused of doing this in the area, nor was it the Black Lives Matter "activists" in this instance, it was criminal migrants accused of doing this deep in the interior of the country, people who obviously hadn't been vetted and clearly have little to contribute to the U.S. in terms of skills or education or even simple acculturation, yet who somehow got into this country. They'll probably get let off easy and be permitted to stay.

The Mail says they were legal migrants with work permits, but that doesn't tell us much, given the extent to which the Harris-Biden administration has blurred the lines between legal and illegal immigrants through all its gray-area "programs."

Were these lowlife from the slums of some Latin American hellhole flown in through the Harris-Biden parole-in-place program for Venezuelans, Cubans, Nicaraguans and Haitians, just on the word of their traffickers who say they'll 'take care of' them? Some 30,000 a month get in at way, none of them taking the normal immigration line in. Supposedly, it's so that they can apply for asylum here rather than there, since customer convenience is paramount, but in reality so that Fox News cameras can't film them streaming over

Or were they one of them all-comers rolling in from the Harris-Biden CBP App making their request from Mexico, once again, gaining entry by presenting frivolous asylum claims to be taken with utmost seriousness no matter who is making them, and to be adjudicated several years from now.

Or did they get in through any of the many migrants "service centers" that dot the region in places like Colombia and Guatemala, free bus service to America included, so they can file for asylum on the inside instead of wait -- work permit included. Again, it keeps the Fox News cameras away.

In addition, the Harris-Biden administration's use of "asylum officers" over legally trained immigration judges who know asylum law has ensured that thousands get waved through as asylees simply because they live in bad neighborhoods at home, and may themselves be the reason why the neighborhoods are bad. The work permit and benefit packages come in instantly once the asylum officer waves them through, and they wave through many more than judges allow through employment of law.

All of these programs are outside normal immigration quotas, which only Congress can authorize, and all of them somehow create "legal" immigrants from among the unvetted hordes rolling in without waiting in the legal immigration lines. ICE on Friday released a memo stating that 425,000 migrants with criminal backgrounds have been let in to roam about the country, preying on U.S. citizens and immigrants, legal and illegal.

Were these accused looters among the 425,000? Someone should ask Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, whose agency created the report.

It shouldn't be surprising if they were. Most were charged as cat burglars, the most dangerous kind of looters who enter occupied homes with zero regard for the lives of their victims, acting with the psychopathic ruthlessness of Latin American criminals, who have no social capital to speak of.

If a car breaks down in many Latin American countries, the criminals will be there to rob you in your vulnerable state before the Triple-A truck ever gets there. This sad reality was related to me on my second trip to Latin America in 2002 by the woman who is now President Javier Milei of Argentina's foreign minister, Diana Mondino. She told me how dangerous Argentina had become amid its economic crises amid impunity for criminals and the breakdown of law and order. Here's someone it actually happened to in just this way the now-foreign minister described to me 12 years before -- she had been Miss Venezuela.

Now it's happening here, with thugs looting, the product of Harris-Biden open borders and all its pernicious Harris-Biden variations bringing that terrible aspect of the culture here.

The fact that Latin American criminals do what they do so ruthlessly and viciously is why people cannot trust anyone easily in those societies. Criminals operating with this kind of impunity create low-trust societies that so many people want to move away from.

In contrast, the Americans pulling together amid the flood damage demonstrated strong social capital, neighbor looking out for neighbor, sharing resources, pulling together. That's the real America the migrants have no respect for, nor loyalty to, just the contempt it takes to loot for profit as one's neighbor is knocked down.

Sure, there will probably be domestic looters caught in time, given the scope of the disaster.

But it's telling that every time an outrageous crime is committed, it's a migrant who's involved. When one has no respect for U.S. immigration law, or when one's immigration status is handed out cheaply, it doesn't take long for the migrants to treat that great gift of living in America as worth about as much as they paid for it. They don't love this place, they have no loyalty to our laws, and sure they don't love us. They just view us as money to harvested.

An open border is just about the loudest advertisement that can be to criminals to get their sorry keisters into the United States now, because with their criminal backgrounds, they can't get in otherwise, and a new administration might just close the door forever. Get in while the gettin's' good.

As for the Americans who are trying to dig out, neighbor helping neighbor as the Harris-Biden administration fails them, they pay twice for this Harris-Biden disaster.

Image: Twitter screen shot
Beginning with Obama, the Democrat party has used intersectional microtargeting to isolate voters and make them paranoid, and then to promise them bounty in the form of taxpayer monies. The trickledown from this is inevitable: A leftist who works for a left-leaning publication put out the perfect tweet soliciting funds for hurricane relief, but only for very specific segments of a region devastated by the storm.

The scope of the disaster is staggering, and it affects everyone, regardless of race, color, creed, or lifestyle:

REPORT: The Hurricane Helene de*th toll has risen to over 130 as survivors in western North Carolina describe seeing bodies stuck in trees.



Locals are describing the apocalyptic scenes on the ground as the official de*th toll continues to climb.



There were bodies in the pic.twitter.com/fdr9DI6yzz  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 1, 2024

However, whats been obvious since Hurricane Helene wreaked its havoc, especially in western North Carolina, is that Harris and Biden do not believe that they are governing for the benefit of America and all Americans. Instead, they are governing for the benefit of those who vote for them.

Thus, the Harris-Biden administration could barely be roused to spend taxpayer money through FEMA to help out the storm-stricken areas (see here and here). Kamalas rote press conference is an embarrassment. And of course, neither member of the demented and defective duo is inclined to provide moral support through visits. (Same goes, of course, for the border disaster and the train derailment in East Palestine.)

Its not just at the top of the ticket, of course. Democrats have been open in celebrating the destruction. The same people who assure us that hate is bad sure hate well.

What were witnessing is the breakdown of the United States of America in favor of tribalism. And honestly, should we really be surprised to see this from the party that,

This tribalism has even affected how Democrats give to those hurt by the hurricane. Most people, when they think of hurricane relief think of essentials that everyone needs in a region flooded with water, lacking drinking water, food, electricity, medicine, and communications. However, when youre a member of the intersectionally obsessed tribes, you dont see people in need; you see members of your tribe in need. As for everyone else...well, whatev...

This tweet sums it all up:

We put together a list of resources @19th

for those looking to donate in the wake of Hurricane Helene.



We focused on mutual aid groups and organizations on the ground that are helping LGBTQ+ people and people seeking an abortion. https://t.co/fgAz085QAo  Jessica Kutz (@jkutzie) September 30, 2024

By the way, Ms. Kutz got the handle for her own site wrong. The site @19thnews, which represents 19thNews.org. That organization, in turn, identifies itself as an independent, nonprofit newsroom reporting on gender, politics and policy. I assume 19th refers to the 19th Amendment, giving women the right to vote, which makes it pretty funny that it obsesses about transgenderism, which is relentlessly erasing women. I actually urge you to check out that site to see where tribalism has taken so much of America.

Image by AI.
Vice president and Democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris has set an impressive bar for word salad. But in one recent, exceptional statement, she was crystal-clear in her ignorance:

Vice President Kamala Harris declared on a debate stage in Philadelphia that as of today, there is not one member of the United States military who is in active duty in a combat zone in any war zone around the world, the first time this century.

In addition to ignoring U.S. troops offshore serving in combat situations, she and her MSM cheering squad have overlooked the most direct threat from a nation-state on American soil since the attack on Pearl Harbor. But finally, the truth will out.

Even NBC and many other mainstream domestic and international news organizations have now reported on the state of Iran having an ongoing attempt to try and kill our former president and commander-in-chief, Donald Trump.

Top U.S. intelligence officials briefed former President Donald Trump on Tuesday about threats from Iran to assassinate him, a Trump campaign spokesperson said. President Trump was briefed earlier today by the Office of the Director of National Intelligence regarding real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States, spokesperson Steven Cheung said in a statement.

Iran is now trying to make a direct attack on U.S. soil. Such a move transcends state-sponsored terrorism: Iran has crossed a threshold and is committing an act of war.

Senator Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) got it right:

I think this is an act of war against the American people, Graham said. Its a hostile act. The Iranians have hacked into President Trumps campaign account [and] his legal teams account, sharing the information with the American media to undermine our election.

Meanwhile, candidate Harris, in her political hackery and quest for power, is simply denying the threat, and President Biden is nowhere to be found.

Meanwhile, Donald J. Trump, who has already taken a bullet defending democracy and is undaunted and unafraid to continue his campaign throughout America, has put his marker down and stated that the entire U.S. military is watching and waiting. All hope this is true, even for this administration.

Big threats on my life by Iran. The entire U.S. Military is watching and waiting. Moves were already made by Iran that didnt work out, but they will try again. Not a good situation for anyone. I am surrounded by more men, guns, and weapons than I have ever seen before. Thank you to Congress for unanimously approving far more money to Secret Service - Zero NO Votes, strictly bipartisan. Nice to see Republicans and Democrats get together on something. An attack on a former President is a Death Wish for the attacker!

In this nasty, vicious, often over-the-top hot-house-rhetoric election cycle, I take advice from my late Catholic mother and remember to light a candle for the safety of all parties who are on the ballot and exposed to great mortal danger.

Finally, it is now looking as though the polls are beginning to break in Donald Trumps favor, so he may again be our president and commander-in-chief.

If so blessed, he can then ask those currently serving, who are sworn to support and defend our Constitution, and more directly protect his life, what they have been doing during this time of great peril. It will be time for a reckoning.

Image: Chickenonline via Pixabay, Pixabay License.
When earthly justice finally catches up with global villains, especially those who wage terror and victimize the innocent, normal Americans view it as a good thingbut Americans in Dearborn, Michigan? Well, they mourn.

From a report by Joshua Klein, published by Breitbart:

Dearborn Memorial Service Mourns Perfect Hezbollah Chief Nasrallah, Accuses U.S. of Terrorism On Saturday, a memorial service for slain Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah took place at the Hadi Youth Community Center in Dearborn, Michigan. The event, which was live-streamed on YouTube, featured fiery speeches from local religious leaders and activists who praised Nasrallah and Irans leadership while condemning America.

The speaker who led the memorial, Imam Usama Abdulghani, eulogized Nasrallah as a martyr whose death at the hands of the wickedest and most evil of Allahs creations (Israel) was a reward for all his Jew-killingearlier this year, Abdulghani made headlines for his declaration that the children of Dearborn would be soldiers of the Mahdi (the expected messiah of Islam) who would perpetuate the war against Israels existence, and all things non-Islam. In an presumed address before his followers, Abdulghani stated this:

Why does the Leader say that the war in Gaza isnt a war between Gaza, Hamas, and Israel, this is Truth vs. Falsehood, all of faith vs. all of arrogance. Why would they say these things? Why do they connect the dots? More importantly, for you and I who are parents, we have a responsibility. These children whom Allah has blessed us with, they are in our responsibility. We have to have those conversations with them so they understand, they connect the dots, and this [war against Israel] continues.

Things are getting pretty out of hand in Dearborn.

When President Trump took out the Islamic States Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi, he relayed the details of al-Baghdadis in perfect, matter-of-fact, and merciless detail:

Last night, the United States brought the worlds number one terrorist leader to justice. Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi is dead. He was the founder and leader of ISIS, the most ruthless and violent terror organization anywhere in the world. The United States has been searching for Baghdadi for many years. Capturing or killing Baghdadi has been the top national security priority of my administration. U.S. Special Operations Forces executed a dangerous and daring nighttime raid in northwestern Syria and accomplished their mission in grand style. The U.S. personnel were incredible. I got to watch much of it.  He died after running into a dead-end tunnel, whimpering and crying and screaming all the way.

Never forget when Trump told the world that al-Baghdadi went whimpering and crying and screaming all the way to his death.



 pic.twitter.com/mOyILTZMpA  Olivia Murray (@americaliv1) April 9, 2024

Naturally, the progressives lost their collective mind, and The New York Times infamously memorialized the terrorist as an austere religious scholar.

When Trump sanitized the earth of Irans Qassem Soleimani, he tweeted out a picture of a giant American flag, then made these remarks:

Last night, at my direction, the United States military successfully executed a flawless precision strike that killed the number-one terrorist anywhere in the world, Qasem Soleimani. [snip] Under my leadership, Americas policy is unambiguous: To terrorists who harm or intend to harm any American, we will find you; we will eliminate you. We will always protect our diplomats, service members, all Americans, and our allies. [snip] Soleimani made the death of innocent people his sick passion, contributing to terrorist plots as far away as New Delhi and London. Today we remember and honor the victims of Soleimanis many atrocities, and we take comfort in knowing that his reign of terror is over.

As expected when a reign of terror ends, the Democrats come unglued; they attacked Trump, with Joe Biden implying that the president was lying about intelligence reports regarding Soleimanis imminent plots.

And now, when a Western government eliminates the leader of Hezbollah, a man directly responsible for untold terror across the Western world, *certain* Westerners lament the loss, remembering him as a hero for their cause.

So much for vetting these newcomers.

Image: Khamenei.ir, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons, unaltered.
We give our police officers extreme power. We provide them with the right to arrest us before we are convicted in court or even indicted by a Grand Jury. We give them guns and qualified immunity to use those firearms.

Now, in Tim Walzs Minnesota, a non-citizen Muslim from Somalia has all those special rights.

Ill assume Somali-native Officer Lesly Vera is a good woman. Now 23, she emigrated legally when she was four. Although she has been here for 19 years, we wonder how much of America she really understands, and respects. Rather than moving to a town where she could assimilate into our American culture, her mother took her to the largest Somali community in the U.S.

If a mother wants to adopt good American values, Minneapolis is a bad choice. The reason the choice is bad extends beyond tampons in boys bathrooms. The Somali influx and influence in the North Star State is so strong, according to Wiki, almost 100,000 Minnesotans speak Somali at home. Many were drawn to Minnesotas huge welfare benefits, giving them free housing, free food, free medical care, and free education. If you werent born here, you could name anything you need in Minneapolis, and a government program or charity will probably give it to you. And when it comes to obeying the law in parts of the city, Muslims have imported Sharia Law as an essential part of their culture.

There is hardly anything American in the Somali sections of Minneapolis.

Of course, many Somali immigrants are assimilated into our country and its values. Many learned to speak English very well. Many are now proud Americans. But many also learned how to work the system. Some leaders of the Minneapolis Somali community spoke English well enough to defraud taxpayers out of $40 million in a massive Federal Child Nutrition Program scam. A fake charity called Feeding Our Future fed those tens of millions of dollars into the Somali crooks pockets but did little to feed hungry kids.

But back to Ms. Vera. When we send a rookie officer onto the streets with 15 rounds of high-power hollow point .40 S&W ammunition in her Glock model 22, Ill take an officer fully assimilated into the American culture over one isolated in a group that imports its native Sharia law for disputes within their community.

Ms. Veras hiring as a police officer raises a fundamental question. If she is so dedicated to protecting a major American city, why hasnt Ms. Vera become a U.S. citizen? Shes lived here for 19 years and could have taken the oath of citizenship five years ago as soon as she turned 18.

All of Tim Walzs sycophants running Minneapolis and its police department assure us she is dedicated to her new work. I hope so. After swearing in Ms. Vera, Mayor Jacob Frey said he saw Hope in the room.

I think the question of why she didnt become an American citizen and pledge her loyalty to this country rather than Somalia raises serious questions and overrides all the hope in any room.

Image: Public domain.
As of today, the International Longshoremans Association (ILA) is on strike at 45 ports along Americas eastern and southern shores. It is demanding a huge wage increase and the end of automation. Harold Daggett, the ILAs president, has gone on record saying, I will cripple America. Even assuming the normal posturing in these negotiations, thats a singularly ugly threat. Although Daggett successfully pushed back against DOJ charges that hes a member of the mob, that has a mob-like feel.

The ILAs demands are simple (emphasis mine):

The union is demanding higher wages and a total ban on the automation at ports regarding cranes, gates and moving containers in the loading and unloading of freight.

According to those who purport to know, the ILA wants to have wages increased by 76% over the next six years. The United States Maritime Alliance (USMA) has countered with a 50% wage increase and triple pension contributions, which sounds good.

However, the real issue is that total ban on automation. My bet is that the ban is why the USMA is offering so much. Thats because its assuming that ports will have many fewer employees over the next few years thanks to automation.

In that regard, the ILA is the 21st-century Luddite. The Luddites were a 19th-century British movement that fought against industrialization in the textile industry. They knew that coal-powered machines would mean fewer jobs and lower pay for textile workers. They responded to this threat to their livelihoods with violence.

However, there was nothing the Luddites could do to stop this inexorable progress. Admittedly, the British government was not inclined to side with the workers over the manufacturers, but the reality is that technology, whether for good or ill, cannot be stopped. If it makes things happen better and faster for less money, a form of evolution will operate, and the machines will take over.

Im not saying this in a nasty learn to code way. Every time an industry is phased out, individual lives are destroyed, and thats tragic. But that tragedy will not stop societys demands for things that are better and more affordable. And if the government steps in, it will only pervert the economy in a way that harms everyone.

Daggett is todays Luddite, and one can see that from his threats. While historys Luddites used to destroy machines, Daggett openly threatens to destroy the entire U.S. economy:

"I will cripple you, and you have no idea what that means. Nobody does."



Harold Dagget, Chief Negotiator for the International Longshoremen Association, threatens to cripple the US economy with IMMINENT port strike.



In a recent interview, Harold explains the impact of what will pic.twitter.com/ImySIQrXoy  Brother Mikey (@BrotherMikeyX) September 30, 2024

Those are exceptionally ugly threats that go far beyond the usual posturing. So, what gives? Who is Harold Daggett?

Although he presents himself as a working stiff fighting the big guy, he is an extremely wealthy man:

Meanwhile, Daggett  has worked at the ILA for 57 years and took the helm as president in 2011  raked in $728,000 in compensation last year from the ILA. He collected another $173,000 as president emeritus of a local union branch, according to labor department filings. He lives in a 7,136 square-foot house valued at $1.7 million on a 10-acre lot in Sparta, New Jersey, according to Zillow and NJ Property Records. By comparison, his fellow union bosses at the AFL-CIO, Teamsters and autoworkers unions earn less than $300,000 a year, according to a Politico report. Daggett formerly owned the Obsession  a 76-foot yacht  and his family reportedly saw him zipping around in a Bentley, according to The New York Times.

Even Elon Musk is impressed:

Dude had more yachts than me! https://t.co/eg2v6QhIlw  Elon Musk (@elonmusk) October 1, 2024

But theres more to Daggett than just money. There are also those alleged mob ties:

The Justice Department, which has reportedly lost two cases against Mr Daggett, has accused him of being an associate of the Genovese crime family  one of the infamous Five Families of the US Mafia. Charged with racketeering in 2005, Mr Daggett, took the witness stand and portrayed himself as a mob target, despite evidence against him from a turncoat Mafia enforcer saying he was under the mobs control, the New York Times reported. During that trial, one of Mr Daggetts co-defendants, a renowned mobster named Lawrence Ricci, disappeared. His decomposing body was found in the trunk of a car outside a New Jersey diner several weeks later, with the killing still unsolved. Despite his union serving as a historic symbol of the grip of organised crime on union members, as depicted in the 1954 film On the Waterfront, Mr Daggett was acquitted in both cases.

Daggett claimed discrimination drove the charges:

The union leader has previously criticised the Waterfront Commission, set up to combat Mafia control of the port, calling the allegations of mob influence total bulls---, and a dark, ugly attack on Italian Americans. Its a damn tragedy for the Waterfront Commission to enjoy free rein and target Italian Americans as part of their historic anti-worker campaign. Lets be real here. The Waterfront Commission has, for decades, claimed good jobs went to only those with so-called mob ties, he said in 2022.

Lets hope that Daggetts threats do not come to fruition. Indeed, Ill give you a silly alternative scenario.

In two weeks, just when people are getting nervous, but before too many pro-Trump votes have been cast, Kamala will ride in and save the day, per a secret backroom deal. No one will remember that Biden was too ineffectual to prevent the strike. The media, though, will be sure to say that if Kamala can face down the ILA, shes the woman to face down China, Russia, Iran (if it isnt already a smoking ruin), and North Korea.

Do I think thats really whats going on? No, but its a fun theory.

As for the rest of you, stock up on essentials. This could get ugly fast.

Image: X screen grab.
A friend of mine who was once conservative and then broke under Trump Derangement Syndrome told me that it was Trumps fault that Israel was attacked on October 7. Thinking about it, hes right. In a funny way, Trumps policies did lead to this, but Biden pulled the trigger. An interview with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad on Turkish CNN helps clarify everything. I should say, too, that I think that whats happening now is awesome, and thats due to the Harris-Biden administration (not that either Harris or Biden wanted this outcome).

So, please bear with me as I unpack this.

The 1967 War wasnt just an Israeli triumph. It was also an important triumph in the Cold War. Thats because, before the 1967 War, the Soviet Union had been reasonably friendly to Israel, which had been founded as a secular-socialist nation. By 1967, though, the Soviet Union had turned against Israel, which, since then, has been completely allied with America.

Image: X screen grab.

For decades now, as part of this allegiance, Israel has allowed America to tell her whether its okay to wage a war and when to pull back from that war. In essence, America had the primary seat in Israels war cabinet. The reason Israel gave this authority to another country was because of an unspoken premise: America, the most powerful nation in the world, would protect Israel from the annihilation her regional enemies threatened.

Moreover, Israel and America had a common enemy: Iran.

Democrats ignore that Irans chants have been Death to America! Death to Israel! They also ignore that, to Iran, while Israel is the Little Satan, it is America that is the Great Satan. The thousands of American civilian lives lost to Iranian-funded terrorism, whether civilians in hijackings or bombings or troops killed in the Marine barracks bombing or through Iranian support in Iraq, attest to the fact that Iran has long been in a hot war against America

Things began to shift under Obama, who thought that the solution to the Middle East conflict was to make nice with Iran. I wont get into his motives, but the one thing we can know is that they were not intended to support Americas long-time ally, Israel. Empowering Iran could only put Israel at risk. What Obama, himself a bully, seemed not to grasp is that when you grovel before a bully, he doesnt respect you; he only abuses you more.

Nevertheless, political dynamics change slowly. So, even though Obama decidedly tilted American politics away from Israel, Israel still acted as if it owed America fealty. It still shared its intelligence with America, discussed its plans with America, and heeded America when America yanked on the leash.

Trump marked a sea change in American politics. First, he was affirmatively pro-Israel, as evidenced by his moving the American embassy to Jerusalem and recognizing Israeli control over the Golan Heights.

Second, he stopped rewarding the Arabs in the West Bank and Gaza for their intransigence. In the past, when they walked away from a negotiation, America wooed them back to the table with increased promises. Trump did the opposite. Every time they walked away, he took things off the table. Refusing to negotiate was no longer a winning tactic.

Lastly, Trump sidelined the Iranians. One of the reasons there were no major terrorist attacks on his watch was that he was breaking them economically. Then, he killed the IRGCs terrorist chief, who was conveniently in Iraq. Had the repercussions of that strike been allowed to play out, Irans mullahs might have gone under.

Trump also sidelined the West Bankians and Gazans when he negotiated the Abraham Accords. Basically, he said to the Sunni Arab nations, You need to work with Israel. Not only will this counter the Shia threat Iran poses to all of you, but it will also bring you new kinds of prosperity, especially as your oil wells are slowing. During his talk at the UN, PM Netanyahu had a visual showing the two choices Trump offered the Sunni nations:

Netanyahu shows maps of blessing and curse pic.twitter.com/I6kFso8gyo  RT (@RT_com) September 27, 2024

Had Trump remained president, its a certainty that the region would have shifted to Israel because Americas might, protection, and moral heft, as well as Irans economic decline, would have been behind the shift. However, because election shenanigans threw the 2020 election to Biden, everything changed.

Once Biden was in the White House, he brought wealth back to the mullahs; the Sunni nations got nervous without Trump as their protector; and, when Trump got back in the election game, Iran realized it had a limited window of time within which to undermine the Abraham Accords. Thats why it weaponized its proxies in October. So yes, in a way, my friend was right: Trump set the table for the attack because Iran had to destroy the Abraham Accords.

But, to switch metaphors, it was Biden who pulled the trigger. You see, Israel always had the ability to destroy Hezbollah and the mullahs. The pager attack was in the works for 15 years. Israel had long ago infiltrated Hezbollah. After all, when you have a regime built upon sadism, people will do what they can to help out the regimes opponents.

Israel also had a fair amount of control within Iran. We know that because of an amazing interview the former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad gave on Turkish CNN:

 Breaking: Iran's  former president Mahmoud Ahmadinejad:



Iran's Secret Service had established a unit to target Mossad agents within Iran. However, the head of this unit turned out to be a Mossad operative himself, along with 20 other agents.  pic.twitter.com/tK3XR38Zk6  Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) September 30, 2024

The only thing stopping Israel was America. When Biden turned on Israelwhen he slow-walked weapons to the point of an effective boycott, when he kept leaking Israels plans, when he tried to save Hamas through ceasefires as Israel was prevailing against an existential enemy, and when he built a pier that effectively resupplied HamasIsrael finally broke the leash. America no longer guaranteed protection, so its magical control over Israel ended.

Thats what triggered Israels sudden willingness to destroy every Iranian proxyHamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis. Had Biden backed Israel, none of this would have happenednot October 7; not Hamass or Hezbollahs destruction; and not the mullahs panic that the house of cards in which they live, one built upon greed, the lust for power, and sadism, would collapse around them.

So, both Trump and (yes) Biden deserve credit for whats happening nowand its a glorious thing.
Donald Trump is a good man to have in a storm.

We can see that with his commanding relief efforts against the monstrous damage across several states from Hurricane Helene, effectively reminding voters who the real president is, and who the poseurs are. Nothing does it like a live demonstration in the aftermath of a hurricane, where speed and crisis management are paramount, and no spin artist can re-create the illusion of them.

And yes, it is serious:

An old Air Force buddy of mine is an EMS worker [firefighter/EMT] in east Tennessee and he messaged me earlier today and his text was basically (paraphrasing):



"saw the videos you've been sharing and that's nothing. Those videos are just from people who are in places with pic.twitter.com/CKRd8whq1H  Mrgunsngear (@Mrgunsngear) October 1, 2024

REPORT: The Hurricane Helene de*th toll has risen to over 130 as survivors in western North Carolina describe seeing bodies stuck in trees.



Locals are describing the apocalyptic scenes on the ground as the official de*th toll continues to climb.



There were bodies in the pic.twitter.com/fdr9DI6yzz  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 1, 2024

REPORT: The Hurricane Helene de*th toll has risen to over 130 as survivors in western North Carolina describe seeing bodies stuck in trees.



Locals are describing the apocalyptic scenes on the ground as the official de*th toll continues to climb.



There were bodies in the pic.twitter.com/fdr9DI6yzz  Collin Rugg (@CollinRugg) October 1, 2024

In contrast, the White House is largely absent, while Kamala Harris is going to meetings behind shiny tabletops in Washington, and staging photo ops to appear to be doing something. Biden is nowhere to be found, and truth be known, is dealing with a slew of major crises, such as the port strike and the Iranian attack on Israel.

Trump's on the ground, though, and has got an stellar cadre of allies who are magnifying the effect of the example he's setting -- in Elon Musk, who is bringing Starlink to the stranded, and in Florida's governor, Ron DeSantis, who is delivering heavy infrastructure equipment according to his formidable experience handing hurricane disasters -- Elon is setting up communication systems in the disaster zone, and DeSantis is bringing in the heavy-lifting emergency equipment needed such as temporary bridges for rescue and hurricane cleanup operations. There's also the estimable Franklin Graham, and many churches which are delivering aid to the helpless and stranded in alliance with Trump.

Along with countless private sector citizens, they're doing it on their own, while the federal government under Biden and Harris is still floundering in paperwork and bureaucracy, and thousands remain desperate for help, cut off in remote areas without homes, roads, electricity, clean water, supplies, or food.

Trump's working with Franklin Graham to bring in supplies:

President Trump is in Georgia with @Franklin_Graham, bringing supplies and support to the victims of hurricane Helene. This is what real leadership looks like! pic.twitter.com/1nYNCZdZxg  Tex-Mex Trumpian (@TexicanTrumpian) September 30, 2024

Hey @MacFarlaneNews It wasnt a campaign stop. It was an aid mission with Franklin Graham & Samaritans purse & President Trump was warmly welcomed. Which is why you didnt post any video of people saying otherwisepic.twitter.com/5SSQOTOK6B  Ava- I Love My USA!  (@WEdwarda) September 30, 2024

He's also mobilizing and encouraging volunteers:

President Trump with Franklin Graham in GA. Got out of vehicle, met a couple & then went straight to the volunteers. That is a man of The People. While billions of dollars waiting to be sent to Zelensky by Biden-Harris.  Mae (@Guitarmom) September 30, 2024

He's up at midnight talking with Elon:

Donald Trump is up at midnight talking to Elon Musk talking about his brilliant communication system (@Starlink)



Joe Biden has probably been asleep for five hours. pic.twitter.com/4Jew7O2D2K  ALX  (@alx) October 1, 2024

 President Trump just announced he's partnering with @elonmusk to provide Starlinks to communities across the southeast hit by the Hurricane



This is HUGE!



Trump has ALREADY done more than the Harris Biden regime to help these folks.

pic.twitter.com/63Zvgleh8K  Nick Sortor (@nicksortor) September 30, 2024

Trump and Elon are teaming up to provide Starlink internet to those affected by Hurricane Helene.



Elon will always come through.



This is the team we need to fix America.



pic.twitter.com/iw5FjlL8mA  TEAM USA (@__TEAM_USA) September 30, 2024

He's also raising funds through GoFundMe, now past $3 million:

BREAKING: Trump just launched a GoFundMe for Hurricane Helene victims. It's almost at $1 million already just within a few minutes



He's taking matters into his own hands because the federal government refuses to care. pic.twitter.com/1Zd2k90Qiq  George (@BehizyTweets) September 30, 2024

Trump created a GoFundMe for hurricane victims.



Kamala raised funds to bail out ANTIFA.



Choose. Your. Fighter.   (@esoryelsnya) September 30, 2024

His allies are doing a lot, too.

Ron DeSantis, meanwhile, is using his specialized knowledge of hurricane relief leadership to bring in heavy equipment:

We have dispatched a convoy of @MyFDOT staff and heavy equipment, including 7,500 feet of temporary bridges, to North Carolina to help with damage assessments and roadway repairs. pic.twitter.com/zG3Gf8Xwms  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 1, 2024

Doing the work Joe wont do.

This is AMAZING: DeSantis sends temporary bridges to North Carolina in the wake of Hurricane Helene damage.



This guy is basically running his own federal government - or what the feds SHOULD be doing. Instead, they are held up by bureaucratic red tape. https://t.co/aEcHUQqbV7  Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) October 1, 2024

Where is the army core of engineers?. Why was DeSantis able to build a bridge in three days?. Yet these Americans are left to suffer. https://t.co/weXr5UNTTK  christine yanoti-tinaro (@TYT12345ABC) October 1, 2024

Theres a lot of pulling together:

Look at the work the Republicans are putting in! Florida strong  @GovRonDeSantis Gov DeSantis is sending aid, heavy equipment, temporary bridges.... @markrobinsonNC hasn't stopped working, MAGA & MAHA on the ground helping folks, @nicksortor & crew donating & installing https://t.co/xcZkO6rKPn  Florida Husky  (@bandyt88) October 1, 2024

Just want to note that nearly every chopper and plane up in the sky right now to help with storm recovery belong to private citizens. Thats whos likely going to be there for you in a crisis, not the federal government. Plan accordingly.  Robby Starbuck (@robbystarbuck) October 1, 2024

That's leadership, in real time. Trump's doing so much hes even triggering memes:

Trump was seen fixing the Verizon tower in his spare time.  pic.twitter.com/Iv9Iiqbsb7  Juanita Broaddrick (@atensnut) October 1, 2024

As for Biden, who ought to be the one on the ground helping out, and isn't, the picture looked more like this:

Trump flew directly to Valdosta to deliver critical supplies to the victims of Helene.



Biden was at the beach all weekend.



Kamala staged a phone call photo. pic.twitter.com/inPq15OpPC  End Wokeness (@EndWokeness) September 30, 2024

They dont call him Slow Joe for nothing:

Trump went to East Palestine before Biden-Harris.



Trump went to the border before Biden-Harris.



Trump spoke to Laken Rileys family before Biden-Harris.



And he spoke to the Afghanistan Gold Star families before Biden-Harris.



So, its no surprise that Donald Trump went to pic.twitter.com/1smnMOCF5z  The Vigilant Fox  (@VigilantFox) October 1, 2024

As for Kamala Harris, first it was fundraisers and parties in Beverly Hills, but soon as word of that got out, the fake photo op was next:

I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery.



I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing pic.twitter.com/nlZPB0h3mO  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 30, 2024

But still no sign of her on the ground. She was in fact, taking in meetings.

At her staged FEMA meetings in offices in Washington, she took no questions:

JUST IN: Kamala Harris just proved with her staged FEMA briefing on Hurricane Helene that her presidency would be just four more years of the same pic.twitter.com/HoRagzTIlD  Kyle Becker (@kylenabecker) September 30, 2024

Millions of people don't have power, entire towns are destroyed, and over 120 people are gone  and Kamala Harris just took ZERO questions at FEMA headquarters.



This is not presidential material... pic.twitter.com/JjoGEo6xuV  johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 30, 2024

After returning from her glitzy fundraisers in San Francisco, Kamala Harris showed up to the FEMA headquarters, spent less than five minutes reading off a script about hurricane relief, and then bolted before the press could ask her questions. pic.twitter.com/jzpNRUEObq  Trump War Room (@TrumpWarRoom) September 30, 2024

Pokey slow:

Kamala Fails Again.



Today, they're reporting FEMA was "coming out tomorrow" to provide aid. Six days later. Unreal. pic.twitter.com/ggUvItFDi3  Free River Girl (@ChazDogs) September 30, 2024

What a picture:

Joe Biden is at the beach, Kamala Harris is at a fundraiser with billionaires, and Tim Kaine is at a pig roast. Meanwhile FEMA is prioritizing DEI over victims.https://t.co/SVHdKbYUQW  Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) October 1, 2024

And people noticed the difference:

Act like a president, get treated like a president:

CNN JUST ADMITTED RIGHTFUL PRESIDENT TRUMP IS BEING TREATED AS THE PRESIDENT BY HURRICANE VICTIMS!



"He's being treated not just as a former President, but almost as though he's a sitting President."



Kamala DEFINITELY wouldn't want you to share this!

pic.twitter.com/6dTOOWHzuW  Bo Loudon (@BoLoudon) October 1, 2024

This is now the second major catastrophe where private citizen Donald Trump beat the Biden-Harris administration to the scene.



In 36 days, we have the chance to send him back the White House.



Its time, America. pic.twitter.com/BbyZ7BVU1O  johnny maga (@_johnnymaga) September 30, 2024

There's nothing quite like this demonstation of leadership vs. ersatz leadership quite so vivid as Trump and Harris in this crisis. Americans know who the true leader is, if the CNN report is any indication. One can only hope that all the voters can see the difference between real and fake and choose accordingly.

Image: Twitter screen shot
The codename for the Android 16 Operating System (OS) update has leaked. The name suggests Google may have begun anew with its OS naming schemes.

Android 16 internal codename is Baklava

Google has always used codenames for the Android OS. The company prefers the names of desserts. Moreover, Google has stayed true to the serial order of the English alphabet until Android 15.

The first commercial release of the Android OS was internally called Cupcake. The subsequent mainstream version was codenamed Donut. Following the naming convention, the Android 14 was internally called Upside Down Cake. The Android 15 update is referred to as Vanilla Ice Cream.

Hence, for Android 16, Google should have opted for a name that starts with the alphabet W, such as Waffle Sundae or Whoopie Pie. However, Google has reportedly codenamed the Android 16 OS update Baklava.

It is important to note that Baklava is a popular puff pastry dessert. This means Google hasnt given up on the naming of the Android OS updates after desserts.

Why has Google opted to call the Android 16 update Baklava?

Google is actively developing Android 16. The company sets the platform SDK version to the codename until the SDK is finalized.

Inside an AOSP version of Android, the min_sdk_version field is set to Baklava. The min_sdk_version field for Android 15 was set to VanillaIceCream. When Android 15 hit its first Platform Stability milestone, the Android version name was changed from VanillaIceCream to Android 15.

Interestingly, even a Google engineer inadvertently leaked the Android 16 codename. He set up an additional check to see if the builds platform SDK codename matches Baklava.

It seems there could be a fundamental reason why Google hasnt followed the traditional naming convention. Since Android 14, the OSs development has undergone a significant and fundamental change. It is referred to as the Trunk Stable project.

The Android 14 QPR2 version had build IDs that started with the letter A, and this continues with the Android 15 QPR builds. This suggests Google has started a new method of Android OS development, and hence, the naming convention has restarted.
AI safety is one of the hottest topics in tech right now. Companies have scooped and scraped an untold amount of data (YOUR data) to train their AI tools, and many of those tools pose a threat to cybersecurity and job security. This is why governmental intervention is required to make sure that AI companies dont go too far. However, Californias governor just vetoed a pretty important AI safety bill. Was it for a good reason? Its tough to say.

What is this bill?

Many state politicians have undoubtedly been inundated with bill after bill to help regulate the burgeoning AI technology. Californias Governor, Gavin Newsom, mentioned that he has seen many, and signed off on them as well. However, one fell through the cracks. In a letter to the California State Senate, he explained that he decided to return bill SB 1047.

This bill outlines several key requirements that will affect AI companies. These companies would be required to implement strict safety protocols that would prevent unwanted bias, unintended outcomes, misinformation, etc. Next, these companies would be subject to regular audits to make sure that theyre complying with the safety protocols. The companies would also need to report any and all notable incidents to help the authorities identify emerging threats.

The bill would require that there be a cloud computing cluster created called a CalCompute. This would be a publicly available cluster of cloud computers that will help with safe AI development.

Lastly, it would need to ensure protection for whistleblowers who report on potentially harmful AI development or violations of the law. It will help ensure transparency.

Targeting the titans

SB 1047 would mostly target larger companies whose AI has the potential to affect people en masse. These include companies like Google, Meta, OpenAI, Microsoft, Anthropic, and others. Companies with models that cost over $100 million to train will be under this bill. Also, it would affect companies with models that cost $10 million to fine-tune. This is one important part of Newsoms argument.

This bill seems to be in line with many of the regulations proposed over the past few years. It pushes for transparency, government oversight, and restrictions for major AI companies.

Californias governor vetoed an important AI safety bill

As useful as this bill sounds, Gavin Newsom had other plans. He explained why he didnt want to pass the bill. He picked apart some of the key aspects of the bill.

SB 1047 takes the approach that many regulatory bodies have taken; targeting the largest companies with the most potential to cause harm. This approach makes sense. However, in his statement, he mentioned that theres always the possibility that the biggest threat might not be the biggest company. Smaller, specialized models may emerge as equally or even more dangerous than the models targeted by SB 104, he said in his letter.

Rather than only focusing on the larger companies, he wants to have regulations that will scale to affect smaller companies as well. The small-time chatbot that keeps you company could pose a risk along with Googles massive umbrella of products.

Too broad

Another point that Newsom brought was the fact that SB 1047 is rather broad. He says that it does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data. Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions  so long as a large system deploys it.

Newsome doesnt think that this approach will work. The bill doesnt really take into account what the AI is being developed for; it will need to be restricted so long as its being made by a large company. So, it doesnt matter if a tool is being made to regulate the flow of power in a city, track the progress of a pandemic, or just help you write witty social media posts; if a large company develops it, then it will need to be regulated.

What Newsom wants are regulations that focus on what areas the AI can do the most damage, not what companies have the most capital.

Some people arent happy

As you can guess, there are some people who arent too happy about this decision. Scott Wiener, the main author of the bill, spoke out about the veto on X.com. This veto leaves us with the troubling reality that companies aiming to create an extremely powerful technology face no binding restrictions from the U.S. policymakers, he said in his statement. He finished by saying were not going anywhere. So, its obvious that weve not heard the last from him or other voices advocating for regulation.

In fact, other notable supporters of the bill include Elon Musk, Mark Hamill, Alyssa Milano, Shonda Rhimes, and J.J. Abrams. Not only that, but the bill also got support from SAG-AFTRA, SEIU, and other unions. There are some pretty heavy figures looking to have this bill go through.

Who opposed the bill? This should come as no surprise

There are several who are happy about the veto, and it should come as no surprise that many of them are companies developing AI. Companies like Google, Meta, and OpenAI were vocal about their opposition to the bill. Fewer guardrails mean more wiggle room for them to develop their AI. This is for better or worse.

For example, a Google Spokesperson told the Verge, We join many small and larger developers in thanking Governor Newsom for helping California continue to lead in building responsible AI tools that benefit California, our nation, and the world.

Over on Metas side, the companys public affairs manager told The Verge, We are pleased that Governor Newsom vetoed SB1047. This bill would have stifled AI innovation, hurt business growth and job creation, and broken the states long tradition of fostering open-source development. We support responsible AI regulations and remain committed to partnering with lawmakers to promote better approaches.

On a separate note, OpenAIs chief strategy officer, Jason Kwon, wrote a letter to Scott Wiener telling him that the bill would stifle progress.

These are the typical responses that wed expect from the companies developing AI technology. Its true that strict regulation would make it tougher for them to progress and keep up with competition.

Other people who opposed the bill include former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, San Francisco Mayor London Breed, and eight congressional Democrats from California.

Was this the right move?

At its surface, this news seems like it would be frustrating for people pushing for AI regulation. Right now, the AI regulatory framework is like a patchwork of potential bills, hopes of laws, and major fragmentation. A state-wide tightening of the vice for AI companies in California would have been huge for the AI industry. As Newsom puts it, 36 of the 50 biggest AI companies are in California. This means that California holds a ton of power in the AI landscape.

There needs to be some solid regulation for these companies. Lets not kid ourselves, weve seen how defiant companies like Meta and Google are when it comes to staying within the law. How many times have these companies been smacked on the wrist for violating data privacy laws? We dont know the full effects of AI on the world just yet, so the companies with the largest sway over the AI industry should be the ones with the tightest muzzles.

The Bill aims to address that. It would have taken away their ability to self-police their actions. So, were left without any strong legislature that would have otherwise kept these companies on the straight and narrow.

But

We need to look at this veto from both sides. Major companies need to be regulated. However, we cant doubt that the bill has some holes in it that Newsom pointed out. Should companies be restricted when developing tools for small tasks? If Google develops a tool that creates AI-generated avatars, should the company have to report everything on that?

Also, theres also the point that he made about the bill only targeting large companies. Again, we still dont know the full scope of AIs effects. So, its hard to tell if an up-and-coming company could create a tool that could have some devastating effects. We just dont know. A lion can cause a ton of damage, but so can a mouse.

We should take into account that the bill has its blind spots. So, its hard to say whether the veto was the right move, the wrong move, or something in between. What we can hope for is a new bill that will be closer to everyones liking.
Google CEO Sundar Pichai suggested it would take several years for the antitrust trials against the company to conclude. He may have implied that these court cases dont threaten the companys immediate future and business prospects.

Google CEO confident antitrust trials will take several years

Google is in the midst of two antitrust trials. These are major legal battles concerning the companys burgeoning empire and its business practices. Both cases, brought by the US Justice Department, allege the tech giant illegally dominates the digital advertising market and online search.

The antitrust case concerning Google Search has been going on for a few years now. The other antitrust case against Google involves the digital advertising market, which started recently. The US DOJ has alleged Google AdX dominates the market. This puts its competitors at a huge disadvantage.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai has reportedly suggested that these cases are far from concluding. During an interview for an upcoming episode of The David Rubenstein Show: Peer to Peer Conversations, Pichai said, Its going to take time for it to play out.

Google suffered a setback in August this year when Judge Amit Mehta ruled against the company. The Judge essentially concluded that Google Search is a dominant player that stifles competition.

Judge Mehta even indicated that Googles competition has to toe the companys line, and hence, ad prices dont follow free market principles. As expected, Pichai has a contradicting opinion. We definitely disagree with the ruling, but its still in the middle of the remedies phase, he said.

Why is Pichai confident about the antitrust cases dragging on?

Apart from the cases against Google, brought on by the US DOJ, the search giant is also battling similar legal battles in other countries. The company even offered some remedial solutions but these were allegedly turned down.

Google would appeal every decision the courts take against the company, indicated Pichai. And you know, we will appeal and this process will likely take many years, Pichai mentioned.

Google would try multiple legal techniques and arguments to refute the allegations. While Googles legal teams fight and appeal in the courts, the company is working quickly to develop a strong position in Artificial Intelligence, Pichai reportedly mentioned.

Pichai seems confident about the antitrust cases dragging on for several years. However, the US DOJ and several other regulators seem relentless. If Google loses, the company may have to break itself into smaller entities.
Google has categorically denied working with Samsung to design and deploy the Auto Blocker feature in the latters One UI. The search giant made the public announcement after Epic Games sued Samsung over this feature.

Epic Games accuses Google of colluding with Samsung to block sideloading

Epic Games sued Samsung this week. At the heart of Epics latest legal battle is Samsung One UI, and specifically, the Auto Blocker feature.

Samsung introduced the Auto Blocker feature in the One UI 6.1.1. Samsung has stressed that Auto Blocker is a One UI feature designed to keep devices safe from malicious files or USB hacking attempts.

However, this feature blocks one of the privileges that Android OS users have had for several years. Specifically speaking, Auto Blocker attempts to prevent or dissuade users from sideloading apps on their Samsung Galaxy smartphones.

This security and privacy option can be quite useful in certain scenarios. However, Epic Games has reportedly alleged this feature blocks sideloading apps, and that Google was part of the design and deployment process.

Auto Blocker was intentionally crafted in coordination with Google to pre-emptively undermine the ruling in Epics court cases against Google for app sideloading.

Google claims it has nothing to do with the Samsung One UI Auto Blocker feature

Epic has accused Google of knowingly and intentionally working with Samsung on the Auto Blocker feature. As reported by The Verge, Samsung hasnt yet responded. However, Google has publicly denied collaboration with Samsung.

To make this about access to a game is deliberately misleading; this is about user safety. And Epics lawsuit puts their corporate interests above user protections. (5/5)  David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024

Googles Head of Android Security and Privacy, David Kleidermacher, published a series of Tweets defending Google. He called Epics latest lawsuit a meritless and dangerous move. David even categorically stated that Google did not request Samsung to create the Auto Blocker feature.

Correct, we didn't request that Samsung turn on the Auto Blocker by default either  David Kleidermacher (@DaveKSecure) October 1, 2024

Android has its own Play Protect feature. It checks for harmful apps on a device regardless of their source. Having evolved significantly, the feature has long warned users about the risks associated with downloading apps directly from the web.

Googles security practices for the Android platform do not prevent or block sideloading, David noted. It is unlikely that Epic Games has any substantial proof indicating Samsung and Google have colluded on the Auto Blocker feature. Perhaps the Fortnite developer is hoping the courts could force these companies to make necessary disclosures.
Clashes between Google and the Russian government continue over issues related to content removal. For some time, the Kremlin has been pressuring big tech companies to remove content deemed illegal by the state. This time, Russia has fined Google and Discord for not complying with local regulations.

Clashes between Russia and Google have been constant in recent years

Opposition to the Kremlin constitutes a significant portion of the content Russia considers illegal. Whether it is political material against the state or criticism of the government, Russia usually requests the immediate removal of such content because it is considered illegal in the country. They also consider content related to non-conservative values illegal. However, companies like Google have not heeded the states requests.

In contrast, Google has acted in a relatively defiant manner. Since the onset of the conflict between Russia and Ukraine, Google has been removing YouTube channels related to Russian state media and public figures. The company has also removed millions of videos that support the Ukraine invasion. Of course, this action has not gone down well in Moscow.

Moscow fines Google and Discord

Now, Russia is imposing fines on both Google and Discord for failing to comply with government content removal orders. Both companies will have to pay 3.5 million rubles ($37,674.92). In Googles case, the fine is for failing to remove illegal content. Discord, on the other hand, is fined for failing to restrict access to illegal content on its servers.

The Russian government is not imposing big fines, but it does enforce a policy of constant small fines for each individual infringement. This is not the first time the Mountain View giant has received similar sanctions in the country. Russia has fined the company in the past for allowing content that promotes non-traditional sexual relations and discredits the Russian armed forces.

Recently, the Russian government claimed that Google blocked new accounts in the country. Previously, Russian YouTube users reported internet speed throttling that made it virtually impossible to play videos. The Russian government blamed Google for this, but the American company denied the accusations.
It hasnt been long since OPPO settled its patent dispute with Nokia. It seemed that everything was fine for the Chinese brand, which was able to resume selling OnePlus phones in Germany. However, in a surprising turn of events, OnePlus phones have been banned in Germany again, and this time it was not Nokias fault.

While the situation with Nokia seems to be settled, another company detected a potential patent infringement in OnePlus devices. Now it is InterDigital that claims the unauthorized use of its 5G technology. The company focuses on researching and developing technologies related to wireless products.

OnePlus stops selling phones in Germany amid new patent dispute

Germany once again banned the sales of OnePlus phones due to the new patent dispute. OnePlus places high value on intellectual property rights and fair access to standard essential patents, which is essential for driving innovation in the industry. We will continue to negotiate with InterDigital and wish to resolve this matter in an amicable way. Meanwhile, our commitment in Europe remains unchanged and we will continue to provide excellent products and services to our users, reads an official statement from the company.

Negotiations are underway to resolve the dispute

Currently, OnePlus and InterDigital are negotiating to try to resolve the new dispute. However, it is not known how long it will take for OnePlus to start selling smartphones again. The lawsuit seems to specifically affect OnePlus phones, as the company still offers other products. Currently, Germans can buy the OnePlus Pad 2, Buds Pro 3, and Watch 2 through the companys website.

Resolving the situation with Nokia took a relatively long process of around two years. During that time, the company had to completely stop selling OnePlus phones in the European country. OnePlus probably wants to resolve the situation much faster this time. Plus, the OnePlus 13 is coming soon, and European mobile tech fans are excited about it. OnePlus could lose a lot of potential sales if it doesnt have things ready by then.
Samsung is reorganizing its product launch strategy this year. The company announced the Galaxy Tab S10 series without a base model, offering only Plus and Ultra versions. Samsungs next step in this line would be to ditch the base Galaxy S26 model in 2026.

The Samsung Galaxy S26 series could only offer Plus and Ultra models

Ice Universe, a reliable tipster focused on Galaxy devices, said on X that Samsung is considering ditching the vanilla Galaxy S26. So, just like the Galaxy Tab S10 series, the South Korean giant would only offer Plus and Ultra variants. The main reason behind the change would be the poor competitiveness of the base Galaxy S devices against similar devices from big Chinese companies.

Recently, an OPPO representative confirmed that the upcoming OPPO Find X8 will be smaller than the current Find X7. This will make it a compact device, as it will also be lighter, thinner, and have reduced bezels. Ice Universe uses this product as an example of how Chinese companies are releasing compact phones that leave the base Galaxy S models out of the competition. Products like the Xiaomi 13 and Xiaomi 14 also do a fantastic job in this regard.

The Galaxy S FE devices would be their replacement

You will realize that Galaxy S25 is no longer worth releasing, claimed the tipster. Samsung will still release a base Galaxy S25 model, but it could definitively rule it out in the Galaxy S26 series of 2026. Another reason would be the existence of the Galaxy S FE models, which offer many of the key features of the main Galaxy S devices at a lower price. The company would consider the existence of a base Galaxy S and a Galaxy S FE a bit redundant.

Plus, while there are still people who value a compact format, there are even more who prioritize a lower price. The Galaxy S FE models meet that premise while appealing to a market that generally prefers bigger screens.

Samsung has also been offering FE models in the Galaxy Tab series for a while now. Its possible that the popularity of the more affordable FE model compared to the base Galaxy Tab made it easier for the company to ditch it. The vanilla Galaxy S24 and Galaxy S25s commercial performance will likely determine the future of these phones.
T-Mobile will be paying a fine of $31.5 million to end investigations into multiple data breaches. Half of the amount will have to be spent on improving cybersecurity.

T-Mobile to pay a fine for previous data breaches

The US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has ordered T-Mobile US to pay a $31.5 million penalty. The fine is reportedly part of a settlement between the two over a string of breaches that occurred between 2021 and 2023.

T-Mobile suffered multiple data breaches in the aforementioned years. Multiple reasons, including enabling remote access to a frontline sales application, allowed hackers to compromise the security of the company.

T-Mobile customer data including names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, drivers license numbers, device identifiers, and account PINs, have been exposed. The latest data breach occurred in 2023. Concerningly, it was T-Mobiles fault as the company had misconfigured permissions settings. This allowed hackers to obtain customer account data.

As a collective penalty for these breaches, T-Mobile will pay a $31.5 million fine to the FCC. Interestingly, half of the penalty will revert to T-Mobile for ramping up the cybersecurity of its operations.

How will T-Mobile improve cybersecurity?

The FCC is calling this settlement groundbreaking. The agency hopes its actions will send a message to other carriers that there will be consequences if they dont beef up their systems.

Of the $31.5 million, $15.75 million will go to the United States Treasury. The company will have to spend the other half of the amount to improve its cybersecurity program.

T-Mobile has two years to implement a compliance plan designed to protect consumers from similar breaches in the future. As part of the process, T-Mobile will designate a Chief Information Security Officer, who will report to the Board of Directors on cybersecurity issues.

T-Mobile will also conduct independent third-party assessments of its information security practices. This could involve hiring cybersecurity experts who try to break into the companys secure networks and alert companies about any potential weak spots or vulnerabilities.

The telecom company will reportedly adopt and implement a zero-trust security framework. Additionally, employees and customers may have to adopt Multifactor Authentication (MFA), which may involve OTPs, secure keys, and other technologies for secondary authentication.
It seems like Google has spent more time in court this year than ever, as the company is fending off its third major antitrust trial. Late last year, the company was sued for its dominance over the Android app market and earlier this year, the same happened for its dominance over the search engine market; and it lost both of them! Now, Google is in the hot seat for its advertisement business. Whats going on in this case? The answer is: A LOT. Heres a rundown of the Google ads antitrust trial.

At the time of writing this article, the trial is still going on, and it will be for some time. As such, the article will be updated as notable events happen. So, feel free to check back to see the latest news and updates.

Why is Google being sued?

Its one thing to be the biggest player in a market, but its another entirely to BE that market. This is something that Google is being accused of in this case. The U.S. (DOJ) Department Of Justice is suing Google because the way it operates its ad business could be seen as anti-competitive. Its such a large ad provider that it essentially controls all three sides of the ad-buying/selling process.

Because of Googles formidable size and influence over the ad market, the company is able to write the rules of how online advertising should be conducted. One company with that much control over such a large market is bound to be under the eye of regulators. Googles ad business has grown to the point where the competition couldnt possibly catch up. According to a report from eMarketer (via The Washington Post), Google owns 25.6% of the ad market in the U.S. with Meta owning 21.3% and Microsoft trailing behind with 13.9%. Thats just as a whole; in certain regions, Google owns more than 90% of the ad market. In these regions, Google is pretty much the only option.

The fact that Google is big isnt the only reason why its being sued. Essentially, the prosecution accuses it of buying its way to the top. Google allegedly bought out several ad companies so that it could have control over them. This is a move that many large companies pull in order to have more control over a market.

If Google loses this case, then it might have to break up its biggest moneymaker. The company thrives on ads, so if its ad business is disrupted, it could cost the company greatly.

News publishers are in Googles shadow

One of the industries being propped up by Googles ad business is journalism. Google surfaces links to news sites, and the traffic generated from that helps the sites earn ad revenue. Google takes its cut of the ad revenue and gives the rest to the news sites. This symbiotic relationship has been keeping news sites along with other sites afloat for years.

The thing is that publishers are pretty much locked into a single ad ecosystem. Firstly, Googles search engine is the biggest one surfacing the website. Not only that, but theyre pretty much forced to use Googles ads because its the biggest online ad company.

So, if Google decides to make changes to how it displays ads, its pricing, or anything else, then pretty much the entire industry has to roll with the punches. One company can decide the fate of most of the news sites on the web. If you start a news company today, it would be basically impossible for it to succeed without Googles influence.

Diminishing returns

This symbiotic relationship is starting to turn parasitic, as one side is benefiting more than the other. The money that publishers are getting from ad revenue has been going down over the years. In 2022, Google made $224.47 billion from ads (including all sources like YouTube, AdSense, Google Network, Google Ads Manager, etc.) and it made $237.86 billion in 2023. Thats a 6% increase year-over-year.

However, the amount of money that news sites earn in ad revenue has been diminishing. This is something that doesnt make sense, and its causing the journalism industry to suffer. One unfortunate case has to do with a company named Gannet. This is a massive news organization that owns outlets such as USA Today. Since 2019, its had to shutter more than 170 news businesses. Thats hundreds of jobs lost. It sued Google last year because of the diminishing ad revenue.

Gannet has been scorned, and its senior vice president of revenue, Tony Wolfe, testified in this case.

High prices

One thing that caused the court to really turn an angry eye to Google was the exorbitant fee that the company charges for ad transactions. We found that Google takes a 20% cut of each ad transaction. This is a pretty large chunk, and its unfortunate to hear because the ad revenue that publishers are getting is going down. Google is showing no leniency to publishers.

What makes it worse is the fact that Google knew that this fee was ridiculous. According to some emails uncovered during the trial, even some of Googles own executives acknowledged that the fee was too high. One person remarked that it was not long-term defensible. Johnathan Bellack, a Google ad executive admitted that the price was above market prices.

This sort of blatant knowledge of outlandish practices completely ruins the companys case. The higher-ups at the company knew that it was putting a chokehold on the publishers who relied on it, and it chose to keep going down this path because there was really no competition. It was either Google or Bust for most of the publishers on the market. Since its such a big player on the field, its able to make these malicious moves with no consequences.

Google begs to differ

The company stated that the fee was transparent and in line with industry rates. It also argued that users keep the vast majority of their revenue, which is up to 70% of the revenue.

There are just a few things about Googles argument that dont add up. Firstly, the company said that the fee is in line with industry rates, but its own executives acknowledged that the 20% fee was higher than market prices. So, theres a pretty big contradiction there.

Second, Google said that people keep the vast majority of their revenue Thats not saying much! We sure hope that they keep the majority of their revenue. Otherwise, thered be no reason to advertise in the first place. Google just stated that its doing the bare minimum of what selling ads is supposed to do.

Floating average

Boston University economics professor Timothy Simcoe presented findings that the market average fee for SSPs (Supply Side Platforms) was about 16% while Google was charging around 19.8%. This showed that Google was a bit above the market.

However, Google presented some other findings that might turn the tides of the case. According to ADWEEK, Yale University economics professor Judith Chevalier testified in favor of Google. She said that Google had actually charged less than the competition at times.

One thing that makes this case complicated is the fact that several sources are giving contradicting numbers. Several anonymous sources have come forth with different numbers. One said that 20% was about the average while another one said that the average was about 15%. Not only that, but a 2022 study found that it was about 23%.

Losing to the competition

A presentation from Google made back in 2019 noted that the company was actually losing ground in the US Display market overall and to key competitors (FB & TTD),. FB and TTD refer to Facebook and The Trade Desk. The presentation revealed that, while the market overall had grown 14% to 20% between 2018 and 2019, Googles share had only grown 8% in the same time period.

This could be significant because if the company was worried about the competition, and if its rate of growth was slower than the market, then it couldnt be a monopoly. If the competition is gaining ground, then it could mean that theres actual tangible competition to challenge Google. Thats the companys defense.

Playing all sides

Whats also fueling this lawsuit is Googles massive influence over the add-buying and selling process. If youre looking to sell ads, buy ads, or be connected with either side of the ad-selling/buying process, youre most likely going to have to go through Google. The company controls all parts of this process, and this gives it the ability to bring whatever changes it wants to the market. Any company with that much control over an industry is much too big.

Imagine having to buy items from Walmart because those are the only supermarkets in your town. Then, trying to sell that item at a pawn shop, only to realize that all of the pawn shops in your town are owned by Walmart. Also, knowing that the app you used to search for that pawn shop was developed by Walmart. This means that one company can control how much money you pay and how much money youre paid when you sell an item. So, if that company wants to make a change to any side of the process, it can.

Google runs an ad-buying and ad-selling business, and it also has a business that connects buyers and sellers. One monopoly is bad enough. But a trifecta of monopolies is what we have here, Attorney Wood said in her opening statement.

Theres so much truth to this statement. Just like with the search engine market, Google pretty much embodies the online ad market. The fact that Google has so much control over the market doesnt bode well for its case.

The 2019 publishers meeting

Just like most large trials, were seeing a bunch of information coming to the surface that was long-buried. One bit of unearthed media is a recording of a 2019 meeting that Google held with its publishers. The meeting involved major publishers such as The Wall Street Journal.

During the meeting, Google announced a change to its business that would put other companies that Google was competing against at a huge disadvantage. It announced something called UPR (Unified Pricing Rules).

Before this change, if a company wanted to auction off ad space on its site, it would have the ability to set the price floor (the lowest price it would accept from a company to place its ads on its site). This means that it could set a higher price floor for one company than another.

One thing that publishers would do is set a higher price floor for Google than other companies. This is a move to make it so that theyre not as reliant on Googles ads as others. Also, smaller ad exchanges would have a better chance to display their ads.

No company wants to depend on one source of income too much, as it gives that source more control over the company. Also, if something happens to that source, it could put that company in jeopardy.

Well, during the meeting, Google announced that publishers will no longer be able to set different prices. This means that all exchanges would need to pay the same minimum amount of money to display their ads. Smaller ad exchanges were put onto the same playing fields as the behemoth Google, making their offers less effective. Allegedly, it was Googles way of bullying publishers into needing to use its service more than others. Publishers are more reliant on Googles service, and this is something that it wants.

Googles response

Google knew that some publishers would be upset by this news. The companys former product manager for GAM (Google Ad Manager), Rahul Srinivasan, said, We thought some publishers would be upset, in a statement during the trial. In order to soften the sting of this news, the company decided to try to butter up the publishers by announcing something positive along with it. Thats a pretty sad move.

During the trial, the company made its stand on the subject. Srinivasan testified that bringing the UPR was actually beneficial for the overall experience. It allowed the company to streamline the ad auctioning process. He said that publishers would set hundreds or even thousands of rules specific to each buyer, and it would filter out good bids, according to ad exchange. It would muddy the waters and make the whole ad-buying process more complicated than it should be.

Along with that, he mentioned that this would over-complicate the buying process as well as the selling process. He gave the example of Criteo and how it would get several calls for the same ad inventory from different vendors. This caused the company to throttle queries. For those unfamiliar with the terminology, it boils down to making the ad-buying and ad-selling process extremely complicated.

Along with that, Googles former VP of product for display and video ads received an email from Srinivasan three months after the 2019 meeting. It read that market perception improved over the last 3 months due to continued dialogue with publisher partners and the press, and incorporation of some publisher feedback into product changes.

Streamlined

So, Google made a solid case that UPR streamlined the whole process. However, the fact that it knew that publishers would be upset would rub people the wrong way. Google knew that it was taking something away that benefitted publishers.

This case is still going strong, and its going to continue to rage on for months. Be sure to check back as more information gets added.
Coco Gauff reached the quarter-finals of the China Open after Naomi Osaka retired with a back injury in Beijing.

This was a much-anticipated fifth meeting between two of the WTA Tours biggest stars  and a first since 2022  and Gauff had just levelled at one-set all when Osaka, who received medical treatment early in the contest, shook hands.

Gauff helped carry Osakas bags off the court and then said: It was a good match up until this point. I wish Naomi a speedy recovery. No one wants to win a match like this, especially one-set all.

Lending a helping hand @CocoGauff helps her opponent off the court after Naomi Osaka is forced to retire due to a lower back injury. Gauff advances to the #ChinaOpen quarterfinals with the score at 3-6, 6-4, RET. pic.twitter.com/ahm3pavauj  wta (@WTA) October 1, 2024

Overall I tried my best. It wasnt my best tennis.

It had been an encouraging week for Osaka, who was playing her first tournament under new coach Patrick Mouratoglou, and she was the better player for most of the two sets.

The Japanese star was within sight of victory when she broke the Gauff serve to lead 6-3 4-3 but she lost the next three games before calling it a day.

Zhang Shuai (pictured) recorded a 6-4 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech (Achmad Ibrahim/AP)

Fourth seed Gauff will next face Ukrainian qualifier Yuliia Starodubtseva, who continued her brilliant run by defeating 10th seed Anna Kalinskaya 7-5 6-0.

Chinese wild card Zhang Shuais remarkable week also continued with the veteran, who came into the tournament having lost 24 singles matches in a row, making it four victories in succession with a 6-4 6-2 win over Magdalena Frech.

In the last eight she will take on 15th seed Paula Badosa, who upset US Open finalist Jessica Pegula 6-4 6-0.
BBC journalist Frank Gardner has criticised an airline after he was forced to crawl on the floor to reach a plane toilet because of a lack of onboard wheelchairs.

The security correspondent for BBC News, who was paralysed in 2004 after being shot by al Qaida gunmen, said his experience on the LOT Polish Airlines flight was degrading and physically deeply uncomfortable.

Mr Gardner added that it was humiliating to have to shuffle along the floor in his suit on the flight from Warsaw to London on Monday.

LOT, the flag carrier of Poland, said it was deeply sorry for Mr Gardners distressing experience.

It added that onboard wheelchairs were not yet available on its short-haul fleet due to limited space, but it was testing solutions to equip the aircraft in the near future.

Mr Gardner said the lack of such devices was unacceptable for disabled passengers, adding that they could easily fold up to fit into a cupboard or an overhead locker.

The journalist said it was shameful that disabled passengers should still be so discriminated against in this way.

In a BBC News article discussing his experience, Mr Gardner wrote: On a flight from Warsaw back to London on Monday I had to crawl on the floor of the plane in order to reach the toilet.

My experience onboard the flight was both physically deeply uncomfortable and also, of course, quite degrading.

This is 2024, not 1970, and I find it extraordinary that an airline is allowed to fly in and out of British airports with a policy that effectively says if you cant walk, you cant go to the toilet on our planes.

Mr Gardner said the cabin staff on the flight were fantastic and as helpful as they could be, adding that they encouraged him to complain as they could see how wrong it was.

In a statement, LOT Polish Airlines told the PA news agency: We are deeply sorry for the distressing experience Mr Frank Gardner encountered on his recent flight with us.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by the lack of an onboard wheelchair.

Currently, onboard wheelchairs are available on our Dreamliner aircraft. However, due to limited space, our short-haul fleet does not yet have this facility.

We understand the importance of accessibility and are actively testing solutions to equip our short-haul aircraft with onboard wheelchairs in the near future.

The airline added: We are committed to improving our services to ensure all passengers have a comfortable and dignified travel experience.
A pair of Bulldog mix besties need your help! The two dogs are currently staying at the Wake County Animal Center in Raleigh, North Carolina and are what's called "bonded" together. That means that it's probably best to adopt the two as a duo. But when you see how cute they are together we're sure you want to snap them both up right-quick.

Think of it this way, with two that means there's more to love! That's why you should probably adopt both dogs.

In a video shared by the @twogingerpibbles account, it shows the Bulldog mix dogs looking so sweet in their enclosure. Of course Warrior and Waluigi share a kennel. It probably makes them very happy not to be alone!

Related: Bonded Pair of Goldens Abandoned by Owner in Canada Are Hoping for a Holiday Miracle

These two are so in sync that their tails even wag at the same time. They're just the sweetest of babies. Can someone come and bring these dogs home?

The comments section was obsessed with these two. Many people wanted them to find a good home ASAP. "Please someone save this adorable pair!!" begged one commenter. "Omg! Walking potatoes!" another commenter praised. "The amount of squish some lucky person or family is going to get with these two!" teased one commenter. "Oh my goodness!! They are so cute, hope they find a loving home," another person chimed in.

Adopting From Wake County Animal Center

Warrior and Waluigi are just two of the many animals that could be yours today! These dogs need a loving human to take them out of the rescue system. So here's how you can adopt from Wake County Animal Center.

Based in North Carolina, you'll want to make sure you've really thought about what kind of dog you want before heading to the facility. Things like your living environment, level of activity, finances, and whether or not you rent can all be factors in deciding whether to adopt. Then you'll want to head to the Wake County website or facility to find the pup of your dreams. It is both advisable and necessary to meet with your potential pet to see if you're a good match. The rescue actually requires it.

Then you'll put in an application and wait for it to get approved. This part is obviously the scariest step, but if it all works out you could be going home with a brand new pup  or two!

So many dogs need someone to give them a chance. Today is the day that you could save a dog's life.

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.
British citizens in Israel have described the missile strikes from Iran as terrifying and harrowing as they sought shelter in a safe rooms.

Gaby Young, 39, who is the sister of Nathanel Young who was killed on the Gaza border following the attacks of October 7, found shelter in a safe room with her husband and children after missiles from Iran hit Israel on Tuesday.

Ms Young, who is originally from Southgate, London, but now lives in Raanana, central Israel, described hearing loud booms of explosions, but said the missile strikes have become a daily occurrence for Israelis.

Speaking moments after leaving her safe room, she told the PA news agency: The booms we heard were absolutely terrifying. Weve got songs and YouTube to distract our children and were trying to stay calm ourselves, but were not calm.

Gaby Young, a British citizen in Israel, heard loud explosions from her safe room as missiles from Iran hit Israel (Gaby Young)

We heard at least 10 booms at a time, some of them closer and some of them further away.

Unfortunately, its become part of everyday life, and obviously today was a lot more worrying because its a different level of the types of rockets that were used, coming from Iran directly, which are thousands and thousands of miles (away).

I guess the only reason were fortunate or lucky is that we have the infrastructure that we have are safe rooms and safe places to go and shelters.

Ms Young received a phone alert telling her she had a minute and a half to get to a protected space.

Simon King with his wife and two sons (Simon King/PA)

Meanwhile, her parents who moved to Israel from London last November, a month after Mr Youngs death, were driving home and had to get into a ditch on the side of the road.

She added: Theyre from England, like its their first time, they didnt know what to do, so obviously that was terrifying for them.

She said she feels the need to keep a brave face for her family, but wished her young children did not have to live in fear.

I have two babies and some older kids as well and its terrifying for everyone because they feel the fear from their parents as well.

Almost 20,000 rockets have been fired into Israel over the past year, so unfortunately my family are used to it, which shouldnt ever be.

Meanwhile, Simon King, 60, a British-Israeli living in Kibbutz Hatzerim, near Beeri, south Israel, described seeing orangey-white explosions across the sky before finding shelter in his safe room with his children.

It was like Guy Fawkes but only one colour. Orangey-white, Mr King told PA.

We saw ballistic rockets entering the atmosphere. I didnt catch those on my little films, because I was on my bike trying to get back to the house quite quickly.

You could see them exploding very high up.

Mr King, who relocated to southern Israel in 1984, where he lived with his wife, Zehavit King, 51, and his two sons aged 14 and 15, said he heard a siren alarm seven times warning locals in his area to find a safe room, which shook from explosions.

We heard some huge bangs and even the safe rooms shook and thats concrete, he said.

Its quite harrowing, actually, all of this stuff going on.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said Britain stands with Israel and supports the reasonable demand for the security of its people after an attack on the country by Iran.
A British-Lebanese family has been reunited after making a terrifying journey out of Beirut with missiles landing left, right and centre.

At Heathrow Airport on Tuesday, 19-year-old Lara  who did not want to give her surname  was greeted by her mother Solange after cutting short a holiday to Lebanon.

Lara, who travelled with her grandmother who is in her 90s, was also greeted by her 13-year-old brother Ali, who came back from Lebanon on Saturday.

Asked about her journey to the airport, she said: It was terrifying, I didnt know if I was going to make it.

People in Lebanon have said goodbye to me in a way they shouldnt. Like they will never see me again.

Whenever I hear a bang I think its a missile coming towards me.

The woman added that some people were struggling to afford to pay for flights out of Lebanon at short notice.

Solange, (no surname given), waits for her daughter Lara to arrive at Heathrow Airport on a flight from Beirut, Lebanon (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Asked if the Foreign Office was doing enough, she said: No, its disgusting.

On Monday, the Government announced it had chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave.

Laras brother, Ali, said of his journey: I was at risk of losing my life. There were rockets left, right and centre.

Ali showed the PA news agency a video he filmed on his way to Beirut Airport on Saturday, showing plumes of smoke rising into the air over the city.

The youngster said he couldnt sleep in the country because the drones were flying so low.

It was like having a fly in your ear, he added.

Their mother Solange said: We lost a lot of family and friends last week. Some of them are still under the rubble.

Lara (no surname given) speaks to media at Heathrow Airport after arriving on a flight from Beirut, Lebanon (Andrew Matthews/PA)

Talking about her children, she said: Its so sad that at that age theyve seen so much. They saw the Port of Beirut explosion. But nothing will stop them going back.

My daughter said she would be happy to die if they bomb the airport.

A 60-year-old United Nations worker said the situation in Lebanon is the worst he has seen in the 13 years he has worked there.

The man, who did not want to be named, arrived in the UK having retired from his job as planned.

He said explosions and shelling have significantly increased over the last few weeks in the city of Tyre where he was working.

Its rough, lots of civilian areas have been hit, he said.

Ive not seen this intensity before, its bad.

Some have moved away from Tyre to Beirut further from the border.

But people are stoic, he added.
Singer Martin Lee, who was a member of the group Brotherhood Of Man  who won the Eurovision Song Contest for the UK in 1976, has died at the age of 77.

The pop group won the contest with the song Save Your Kisses For Me at the final in The Hague, in the Netherlands  the song topped the table with 164 points, more than 70 points ahead of second-placed Switzerland.

Save Your Kisses For Me topped the UK singles chart in the same year, and was also number one in more than 30 different countries.

Lee with the rest of Brotherhood Of Man (Myung Jung Kim/PA)

A statement from the band said: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Brotherhood Of Mans Martin Lee, who slipped peacefully away on the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024, from heart failure after a short illness. Martin was 77.

Tony Hiller, the groups manager, put the songs success down to their TV appearances across France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland the year before the contest  and the record sold six million copies.

Lee was brought into the group as their main vocalist and guitarist in 1972  along with Lee Sheriden, Sandra Stevens and Nicky Stevens  by Hiller after their initial line-up disbanded.

His groups Eurovision win came after they had their first European number one with Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby, which led the groups songwriters to begin composing a song to enter into the competition.

Prior to joining Brotherhood Of Man, Lee had already released a solo single called Cry Jose, and had also played in the Johnny Howard Band.

Lee was born Martin Barnes, on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, but had spent five years of his youth living in Australia.

He was married to Brotherhood Of Man bandmate Stevens for 45 years, and also had a daughter from his first marriage, who was born in 1973.

Alongside Sheriden, Lee also wrote most of the groups hits including their three number one singles Angelo, Figaro and Save Your Kisses For Me.

The group had eight UK top 75 singles with their second line-up and also had a UK top 10 album in 1978 compilation Twenty Greatest.

With Lee they amassed 26 platinum, gold and silver discs along with three Ivor Novello Awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the US.

In 2020, the band retired from performing having kept the same line-up which won Eurovision more than 40 years previously.

In the bands statement about Lee, they added: He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.

Over the past 50 years the four of us have toured the world together in harmony and have so many happy memories, but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee RIP.
Coldplay frontman Chris Martin has confirmed the band will only make 12 studio albums together.

The pop-rock group, comprised of vocalist Martin, guitarist Jonny Buckland, drummer Will Champion and bassist Guy Berryman, are to release their 10th studio album, Moon Music, later this week.

Speaking on the Zane Lowe Show for Apple Music 1, Martin said: We are only going to do 12 proper albums and thats real  promise.

In response, Lowe said: I dont want you to promise that. I want 50 albums.

Martin said: Yeah, no, but its good. No, you dont, because less is more.

And for some of our critics, even less would be even more.

The singer previously said during a special BBC Radio 2 Christmas show in 2021 with presenter Jo Whiley that the band would release their last record in 2025 with plans to only tour after that.

Martin told Lowe: Ill tell you why its really important that we have that limit. First of all, theres only eight Harry Potters

Theres only 12-and-a-half Beatles albums. Theres about the same Bob Marley (albums)  so, all of our heroes.

And also, having that limit means that the quality control is so high right now, and for a song to make it, its almost impossible, which is great.

And so where we could be kind of coasting, were trying to improve.

Martin added: The joy of making something, thats funny, I was thinking about that this morning.

That will always continue in some way, but theres something about the Coldplay thing.

I dont know where the songs come from, I dont know where the ideas come from, but thats just been coming to me for about four or five years now  that you have to finish like this.

And I trust that, just like I trust the songs.

So if we do something together after that, creatively, beyond touring, then it will be something different, or itll be a side thing, or itll be a compilation of things we hadnt finished.

He continued: And also, to make an album great as a band, its such a lot of wrangling of people, and I want to give the others some of their life for themselves.

Since the release of their debut number one record Parachutes in 2000, the band has had a streak of chart-topping studio albums.

These include A Rush Of Blood To The Head (2002), X&Y (2005) Viva La Vida Or Death And All His Friends (2008), Mylo Xyloto (2011) and Ghost Stories (2014).

There has also been A Head Full Of Dreams (2015), Everyday Life (2019) and Music Of The Spheres (2021).

Coldplay frontman Chris Martin performs on the Pyramid Stage at the Glastonbury Festival 2024 (Yui Mok/PA)

The group were recently named the most-played British group of the 21st century by music licensing company PPL.

This year they headlined the Glastonbury Festival on the Saturday night, where they were joined by artists including Little Simz and Nigerian music star Femi Kuti, as well as Back To The Future actor Michael J Fox.

The band are to play dates in Australia from October as part of their ongoing Music Of The Spheres world tour.

They will also make history next year 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.

Their 10th studio album, Moon Music, is out on Friday.
Doctors were told not to speak up during tick-box meetings on infections at a hospital, an inquiry has heard.

The Scottish Hospitals Inquiry is investigating the design, construction and maintenance of the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital (QEUH) campus in Glasgow, including looking at issues with ventilation and water contamination.

It was launched in the wake of deaths linked to infections.

On Tuesday, consultant microbiologist Dr Teresa Inkster gave evidence at the inquiry.

Drawing from her witness statement, Senior counsel to the inquiry Fred Mackintosh KC said she initially did not attend acute infection control committee (AICC) meetings, though she later did but was advised not to raise grievances.

Dr Inkster had a number of concerns surrounding the water supply and other areas where harmful bacteria had colonised, the inquiry heard.

Mr Mackintosh said: Youre discussing here that you didnt attend or non-attendance at AICCs, then the fact that you attended, and you were told to attend, but not to speak.

And then you discuss senior management team (SMT) meetings.

Now, this may be my fault, but my impression gained looking at the minutes of the AICC and the incident management team (IMT), infection prevention control (IPC) management team, is they dont seem to contain a lot of content about the various incidents this inquiry is investigating.

They do seem to contain a lot of generalised, standardised reporting and systems.

He asked to what extent the meetings and the systems the hospital had in place was effective in supervising the risk on unusual organisms that may have arisen from the water ventilation system in the new hospital.

She said: I dont think it was particularly effective. It felt to me that the AICC was a tick-box exercise. We had an agenda.

There was a lot of reporting, but not enough reporting about serious issues on the site or outbreaks.

We were discouraged to speak up. When I first started, I was told thats how it was. You go there, you say very little.

You leave it to the lead infection control doctor (ICD) to talk. It felt like a very controlled meeting at the ICC.

She went on to say that she had asked for water to start being tested at the hospital as early as 2015, but this idea was initially rejected due to Health Protection Scotland (HPS) guidance on pseudomonas, an umbrella term given to a number of bacterium that can cause infections in multiple parts of the body, including the skin, lungs and eyes.

She said: I faced resistance initially with that because, at the time, Health Protection Scotland had released the national pseudomonas guidance and it did not recommend water testing.

It was different from the guidance in NHS England and Wales at the time.

The inquiry, taking place before Lord Philip Brodie, continues.

An NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde (NHSGGC) spokesperson said: The current Scottish Hospitals Inquiry hearings have yet to hear from various key staff.

A number of NHSGGC staff will be able to provide evidence to respond to these issues and will endeavour to support the inquiry to fully establish the facts.
An independent inquiry into the death of Harry Dunn could be set up as early as November, the Foreign Secretary has told the teenagers family.

Harrys mother, Charlotte Charles, told the PA news agency her family was a victim of the previous Conservative governments terrible approach to working class people like us.

The teenage motorcyclist was killed when a Volvo driven by then-US State Department employee Anne Sacoolas hit him while on the wrong side of the road outside RAF Croughton in Northamptonshire in August 2019.

Sacoolas had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf following the crash and she was able to leave the country 19 days later.

Mr Dunns death led the family on a three-year fight for justice, which included a meeting with former US president Donald Trump at the White House.

Sacoolas appeared before a High Court judge at the Old Bailey by video-link in December 2022, where she pleaded guilty to causing death by careless driving.

She was advised against attending her sentencing hearing by her employer, and Mr Dunns family said they were horrified that the US government was actively interfering in our criminal justice system.

Mrs Justice Cheema-Grubb handed Sacoolas an eight-month prison sentence, suspended for 12 months.

The Dunn familys spokesman Radd Seiger said Foreign Secretary David Lammy had expressed a strong commitment to addressing the failings we encountered within the political and diplomatic systems in London.

He said the Foreign Secretary wanted the inquiry set up sooner rather than later and had indicated it could be set up as early as November.

Speaking after the meeting on Tuesday, Mrs Charles told PA: We are incredibly grateful to Mr Lammy for finding the time to meet with us this afternoon and for agreeing to set up this important inquiry.

He made it clear that he is determined to ensure that all lessons are learned from the way we were treated. I cant thank him enough.

Its over five years since we lost Harry and we miss him terribly every day. We are doing the best to pick up the pieces of our shattered lives and we just try to take life a minute at a time.

At long last we feel that we are being fully supported by our own Government, having been so badly let down by the ministers and officials who were responsible for helping us when Harry died but who did the opposite.

Harry Dunn was killed in a road crash in August 2019 (Family handout/PA)

Mrs Charles continued: As a family, we have no doubt that we were victims not only of Anne Sacoolas and the US government, but the then-UK governments terrible approach to working class people like us.

They thought we were nobodies from rural England. They thought that Harrys life did not matter.

Well, we are human beings like everyone is, and Harrys life was as important as anyone elses.

The Foreign Office and government deserve no credit and thats not how it is supposed to work.

Mr Seiger claimed the Foreign Office is an elitist institution that is simply not set up to help ordinary people, and said Mr Lammy had made it clear the inquiry would ensure lessons are learned.

He told PA: We all know that the primary villains here were Anne Sacoolas and her employer the US government, but when we turned to the then-Tory government for help to right this wrong, their initial reaction was to fob us off.

The Foreign Office does amazing work all around the world in advancing Britains interests and supporting nationals abroad, but it is an elitist institution that is simply not set up to help ordinary people like Harrys family who are in need of support at home when their rights are being abused by foreign states. It considers itself above all that.

David Lammy and Labour have been clear from the moment we engaged with them in 2019 that they would hold an inquiry into the series of failures at the time that led to the scandal of the treatment of Harrys family and ensure that lessons are learned.

Today he was true to his word and we now look forward to supporting and working with the chair of inquiry.

We cannot bring Harry back to his family sadly, but having righted the wrong and secured justice, we can ensure that his death is not in vain and that we leave him a legacy that no other family will be treated so poorly again.

Mr Seiger continued: It should not have taken the courage and tenacity of the family and the campaign team to right this wrong. That is what a government is for.

David Lammy has today expressed a strong commitment to addressing the failings we encountered within the political and diplomatic systems in London.

With the inquirys help, together we must ensure that the voices of bereaved families are heard at the highest levels of government and that their rights are never compromised in favour of currying favour with other more powerful governments.
Robert Jenrick has doubled down on his widely criticised claim that UK special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists after a Conservative Party leadership rival accused him of misunderstanding the law of armed conflict.

The frontrunner in the race to replace Rishi Sunak defended as absolutely correct his assertion that the British military is taking lethal action because of fears that European laws would free any detained assailants.

Asked on Tuesday whether he could back up the claim, he insisted he could not elaborate on particular cases and instead cited comments made by ex-defence secretary Ben Wallace to the Telegraph.

Mr Wallace told the newspaper last year that Britain was unable to render people across borders, meaning we are more often than not forced into taking lethal action (rather) than actually raiding and detaining.

Tom Tugendhat sid he was extremely concerned at Robert Jenricks remarks (Jacob King/PA)

Leadership rival Tom Tugendhat said he was extremely concerned at Mr Jenricks remarks, while fellow contender James Cleverly urged him to justify his statement in media appearances on Tuesday morning.

Repeatedly asked whether he knows that special forces are killing terrorists instead of capturing them, Mr Jenrick told BBC Radio 4s Today programme: As Ben Wallace has said in that (Telegraph) interview, decision-makers are being asked to make decisions which they might not ordinarily make  for example, to call in a drone strike and take lethal action in that way.

It was put to the former immigration minister that he is unable to back up his claim, to which he replied: Of course Im not going to elaborate on particular cases because these things, these cases are not things that any minister or foreign minister can speak about.

He denied he could have chosen his words more carefully, insisting the point I was making was absolutely correct.

The European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) is forcing decision-makers to make decisions which they might not ordinarily make, he suggested.

Mr Jenrick drew condemnation from across the political divide over his statement in a promotional video for his leadership bid that special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if they are caught the European court will set them free.

Former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve described the clip as one of the most astonishing videos I have ever seen posted by a Conservative MP, let alone a candidate for the leadership.

A Labour source said: Robert Jenricks ludicrous attempt to politicise our special forces shows you how far the Tories have fallen. He should apologise. Our brave servicemen and women deserve better than this.

Asked whether he agreed with the claim, shadow security minister Mr Tugendhat told Sky News: No, I dont. I think what he said is wrong and Im afraid demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of military operations and the law of armed conflict.

Im extremely concerned that such words should not be seen in any way to encourage people to take any action other than surrender to British forces when asked to do so.

Former foreign secretary Mr Cleverly said: Youre going to have to ask Robert to justify that statement. Thats not something which I have heard.

Thats not something which Im comfortable kind of repeating.

The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict.

We have, I was about to say some of the most no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.

In the Telegraph article cited by the leadership frontrunner, Mr Wallace criticised the international human rights framework, bemoaning the lunacy of Britain being unable to arrest people in countries whose police forces are unacceptable.

But he stopped short of calling for the UK to leave the ECHR  a move supported by Mr Jenrick.

Nicknamed Robert Generic when first elected to the Commons in 2014 for his apparently moderate politics, Mr Jenrick has gradually moved to the right of the Tory Party.

The MP for Newark resigned as a minister last December, claiming legislation designed to revive the former Rwanda deportation policy did not go far enough.

He insisted on Tuesday that his values havent changed but that his time as a minister, particularly in the Home Office, led him to the conclusion that the British state isnt working in the interests of the British people.

I saw that we were not able to secure our borders and to keep the public safe, which to my mind is the most basic duty of our country, he said.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has spoken in public for the first time since being released from prison after he struck a deal with the United States.

He travelled from Australia to Strasbourg to address a human rights committee (Pace) of the Council of Europe, which has said in a report that he was a political prisoner.

He described his cell in Belmarsh Prison, where he was held for several years as he fought extradition to the US, as a dungeon.

He apologised for his faltering address, saying he is still trying to adjust after years of isolation had taken its toll.

Julian Assange was held in Belmarsh Prison in south-east London (Yui Mok/PA)

Legal action against Mr Assange started in 2010 after hundreds of thousands of leaked documents about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were published.

Mr Assange, accompanied by his wife Stella and WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnssson, said: Justice for me is now precluded as the US government insisted in writing into its plea agreement that I cannot file a case at the European Court of Human Rights or even a Freedom of Information Act request over what it did to me as a result of its extradition request.

I want to be totally clear: I am not free today because the system worked.

I am free today (after) years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.

I pled guilty to seeking information from a source.

I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source, and I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was.

I did not plead guilty to anything else.

I hope my testimony today can serve to highlight the weakness, the weaknesses of the existing safeguards, and to help those whose cases are less visible, but who are equally vulnerable.

Mr Assange said he is still adjusting to being freed and having to cope with things like the spooky sound of electric cars.

He said freedom of expression is at a dark crossroads.

The criminalisation of news-gathering activities is a threat to investigative journalism everywhere. I was formally convicted by a foreign power for asking for, and receiving and publishing, truthful information about that power while I was in Europe.

The fundamental issue is simple  journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime.

Mr Assange told the committee he was a political prisoner, saying: The political basis for the US governments retributive acts against me was in relation to publishing the truth about what the US government had done. Then, in a formal legal sense, once the US proceeded with its legal retribution, it used the Espionage Act, a classic political offence.

In a question and answer session with members of the committee, Mr Assange said the extradition treaty between the UK and UK was one-sided, adding: Nine times as many people are extradited to the US from the UK than the other way around.

Protection for US citizens being extradited to the UK is stronger.

Mr Assange was given a standing ovation by committee members at the end of the 90-minute session.

He closed his remarks by saying: In 2010 I was living in Paris. I went to the United Kingdom and never came back  until now. Its good to be back.

Its good to be amongst people who, as we say its good to be amongst friends.

I would just like to thank all the people who have fought for my liberation and who have understood, importantly, that my liberation was coupled to their own liberation, and that when one of us falls through the cracks, soon enough, those cracks will widen and take the rest of us down.

Keep up the fight.
Lady Gaga has resumed method dressing during the press tour for Joker: Folie A Deux, as she once again channelled her Harley Quinn persona embodying goth-glam.

The singer and actress arrived to the Los Angeles premiere at the TCL Chinese Theatre in a custom Celine black gown with oversized shoulders paired with Tiffany & Co jewelry, alongside her co-star Joaquin Phoenix in a matching black ensemble.

In her latest acting role, 38-year-old Gaga plays the love interest of the Joker (Phoenix) in the Todd Phillips-directed sequel.

Director Todd Phillips, from left, Lady Gaga, and Joaquin Phoenix arrive at the premiere of Joker: Folie A Deux( Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

The US star, real name Stefani Germanotta, told Variety magazine that she did not have a psychiatric nurse on hand during the filming of the psychological thriller  unlike when she starred in House Of Gucci.

I was very much working closely with Todd and Joaquin every single day and it was like a completely different experience, she said on the black carpet.

The film is the sequel to Phoenixs Oscar-winning performance in 2019 film Joker, which also scooped the Oscar for best original score by Hildur Guonadottir.

Joaquin Phoenix, left, and Lady Gaga arrive at the premiere of Joker: Folie A Deux at TCL Chinese Theatre in Los Angeles (Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP)

Introducing the film on-stage at the premiere, director Phillips said it is not necessarily the sequel you might expect, in videos circulating online.

The film, whose title refers to the French term for madness of two, is a musical fantasia following Arthur Fleck, known as The Joker, and Quinn, as they fall in love at Gotham Citys Arkham Asylum.

They are known for their toxic romantic relationship in the comics, and trailers for the film show Phoenix and Gaga singing and dancing together.

The US premiere comes after Gaga released a 13-track companion album to the film, titled Harlequin.
London Underground workers have given a fresh mandate for strike action while pay talks continue.

Members of the Rail, Maritime and Transport union (RMT) voted by more than 9-1 in favour of taking action if necessary over the next six months.

No strike dates have been announced but the union said it is keen to secure an improved offer on pay.

The RMT said because of changes to pay bands, not all members would be entitled to the same percentage increase which was wholly unacceptable.

General secretary Mick Lynch said: Our members on London Underground are sending a clear message to management that they will not put up with substandard pay offers or any attempt to treat members unequally in any pay deal.

We are always willing to find solutions to industrial relations issues, but our members will not tolerate an imposition of any pay deal where members are not being treated equally or fairly.

A Transport for London spokesperson said: We are disappointed that the RMT has balloted London Underground employees over pay and conditions.

We have held a number of constructive discussions with our trade unions and have presented a pay offer. We are still considering their feedback to the offer and will continue to work with the unions to ensure that we reach a fair agreement for our hardworking colleagues that is also affordable and delivers for London.

It would be in everyones best interest to continue to discuss this without the threat of strike action, so we can work together to support London and the wider UK economy.
Shipping containers at the Seagirt Marine Terminal before the strike by the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) over a new labor contract in Baltimore, Maryland, on Monday Photograph: Jim Lo Scalzo/EPA

Joe Biden has urged port operators to give workers a meaningful increase in pay after tens of thousands went on strike, prompting some of the busiest ports in the US to brace for crippling disruption.

About 45,000 port workers represented by the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) began walking off the job after their contracts expired at midnight, with 36 ports along the east and Gulf coasts affected. They typically handle about half of the nations ocean shipping.

Related: Strike looms at busiest US ports as 45,000 workers prepare to walk off job

Talks over a new contract between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) have broken down, and the union dismissed a last-ditch offer from operators hours before the strike was due to began.

Hours after the strike began, the White House issued a robust statement calling on USMX to negotiate a fair contract that reflects the substantial contribution of ports workers to Americas economy.

Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits, the US president said. My administration will be monitoring for any price-gouging activity that benefits foreign ocean carriers, including those on the USMX board.

The strike  the first by port workers on the US east coast since 1977  threatens to shut down ports from Maine to Texas, mangling supply chains and straining the US economy.

As workers joined picket lines at ports including Philadelphia, Houston and Virginia in the early hours, economists have warned that failure to end the strike swiftly could lead to shortages and higher prices.

Ocean carriers have enjoyed record profits since the pandemic, Biden added, and in some cases profits grew in excess of 800% compared to their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates.

Its only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.

Negotiators on both sides of the table have accused the other of refusing to bargain. The ILA has argued that USMX, which represents 40 ocean terminals and port operators, has low-balled offers on wage raises for workers and accused it of violating the previous contract by introducing automation at several US ports.

It is estimated the strike will cost the economy as much as $5bn a day. The union has said it will still handle military cargo, and that passenger cruise ships will be unaffected.

In a statement issued after Bidens intervention on Tuesday, port operators said they were proud of the pay and benefits offered to their employees.

We have demonstrated a commitment to doing our part to end the completely avoidable ILA strike, USMX said, arguing that its latest proposed wage increase exceeds every other recent union settlement and addresses inflation. We look forward to hearing from the Union about how we can return to the table and actually bargain, which is the only way to reach a resolution.

In Philadelphia, the local ILA president, Boise Butler, said the union would strike for as long as it needed to get a fair deal, and claimed that it had leverage over the companies. This is not something that you start and you stop, he told Associated Press. Were not weak, he added, pointing to the unions importance to the nations economy.

Shipping companies made billions of dollars during the pandemic by charging high prices, and now we want them to pay back, Butler added. Theyre going to pay back.

USMX filed an unfair labor practice charge against the union with the National Labor Relations Board last Wednesday, alleging the union was refusing to negotiate. Before the strike on Monday, USMX said it and the union had exchanged new offers on wages. The union countered by claiming the charge was a publicity stunt.

Current wages under the contract that expired on Monday range from $20 an hour to the top wage of $39 an hour. The union is seeking raises of 77% over the six-year contract, to a top rate of $69 an hour by 2030.

The Transportation Trades Department (TTD) of the AFL-CIO, the largest federation of labor unions in the US, issued a statement before the strike in support of the union.

Let us be clear: the employers, not the workers, have shirked their responsibility and punted labor negotiations to the 11th hour, when the damage to the public and the national supply chain would be most detrimental, said Greg Regan and Shari Semelsberger, president and secretary-treasurer of TTD. While USMX seeks to cast blame on the frontline workers who move our supply chain, they are at fault.
Southwark Crown Court

An Algerian watch thief has been spared jail because of overcrowded prisons.

Adam Benchima, 23, stole a 10,000 luxury watch from a Chinese mans wrist in Soho, central London, on Jan 10.

He has avoided incarceration, however, after a judge cited overcrowding in British jails.

In September, 1,750 prisoners were released in England and Wales under the Governments early release scheme after institutions became close to running out of space. Up to 1,700 more are due to be freed on Oct 22.

The tourist, who was targeted by a gang of watch thieves in January, had been waiting for a taxi on Greek Street in Soho when the theft took place.

Benchima played a significant role in the robbery, which involved two accomplices, Southwark Crown Court was told.

He was identified on CCTV and arrested. However, the watch has not been recovered.

Rachel Rodney, for the prosecution, said: Two men took hold of the complainants arm and pretended to be drunk, and a third then grabbed the complainants arm and took the watch. The three men then fled the scene.

Incidents like these are too common in London

Benchima, of Stonebridge Park, north west London, previously admitted one charge of robbery and has been on remand since February.

Judge Henrietta Paget KC said the robbery was a nasty incident as she handed Benchima a 20-month prison term, suspended for two years. Benchima was also ordered to complete 30 days of rehabilitation.

Judge Paget said: Incidents like this are all too common in our community here in London. Visitors from overseas should feel safe to come to our capital.

You have been in custody since February... the courts are well aware of the prevailing conditions in prison and I have been told by your advocate about the effect that your time in prison has had on you.

I hope you know, Mr Benchima, that I have taken a chance on you today, dont waste it.

Mei Kuan Yew, the defence barrister, in mitigation, said that Benchima had borrowed money to buy a bike for delivery work, and at the time of the robbery his friends had demanded to be repaid.

He added that Benchima was terrified of going back to prison.

Luxury watch owners targeted by gangs

In January, the Metropolitan Police revealed that three hundred watches to the value of 4 million were stolen in just six months as part of organised opportunist attacks in central London.

The force said criminal gangs are targeting luxury watch owners on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights between the hours of 11pm and 4am.

Gangs with specialist knowledge of luxury watches commonly steal brands such as Rolex, Audemars Piguet and Patek Philippe from vulnerable individuals who are under the influence of alcohol or alone.

The Met recorded 2,000 incidents between April and September 2022 across three boroughs including Westminster, Kensington and Chelsea, Hammersmith and Fulham.

Soho, an area one hundredth of the size of the three boroughs, accounted for 31 per cent of all attacks during that period, with other hotspots including South Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair.
Stanford University's Hoover Tower rises above the campus with the foothills of the Santa Cruz mountains in the distance. Photograph: David Madison/Getty Images

California became the fifth state in the US to ban universities from admitting students based on their family connections, and the second state, after Maryland, to extend the ban to private, non-profit universities.

Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class  not the size of the check your family can write or who youre related to, Phil Ting, the Democratic state assembly member who authored the legislation, said in a statement.

Private non-profit colleges popular with wealthy Americans, including Stanford and the University of Southern California, will be affected by the new legislation, which goes into effect in September 2025.

Illinois, Colorado and Virginia have previously passed legislation banning public university admission based on legacy status, or connections to donors, according to the National Conference of State Legislators.

Related: Prosecutors charge 10 people at UC Irvine after pro-Palestinian protests

The wave of new state laws comes in response to the decision last year by the supreme courts conservative majority to bar both private and public universities from considering race as a factor in college admissions. The litigation over racially-based affirmative action put a spotlight on all the ways that white students benefit from non-racially-coded admissions practices, particularly legacy admissions, which media outlets dubbed affirmative action for rich kids.

The California law will ban admissions offices from favoring applicants whose family members are graduates of or are significant donors to the school, which Tings office called an unfair practice often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body.

Advocacy groups that supported the bill called it an important step forward.

In a statement, Helen Iris Torres, CEO of Hispanas Organized for Political Equality, called it a bold step to dismantle unfair admission practices.

Legacy and donor preferences are a recipe for aristocracy, not justice. [The law] is a critical first step toward ensuring that Californias most selective colleges do not further tip the scales in favor of those who already enjoy the most privilege, Ryan Cieslikowski, a recent Stanford graduate and the lead organizer at Class Action, an organization that fights against inequitable admissions processes, said in a statement.

Across the US, the practice of giving priority university admission to students with family connections is coming under attack from multiple directions. Last year, the US department of education announced it was investigating allegations that Harvards admissions process discriminates on the basis of race by using donor and legacy preferences in its undergraduate admissions process.

In a complaint against Harvard, Lawyers for Civil Rights, a non-profit based in Boston, argued that students with legacy ties are up to seven times more likely to be admitted to Harvard and can make up nearly a third of a class  and that about 70% are white.

Some high-status private colleges and universities have announced they are voluntarily ending any admissions priority for legacy students, including Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Maryland; Amherst College in Massachusetts, and Wesleyan University in Connecticut.

A 2023 study that compared students by test scores and income found that wealth played a tremendous role in getting students admitted to elite private colleges. Children from families in the top 1% are more than twice as likely to attend an Ivy-Plus college (Ivy League, Stanford, MIT, Duke and Chicago) as those from middle-class families with comparable SAT/ACT scores, the study concluded, pointing to private schools preference for admitting children of alumni, among other advantages.

Under an earlier California law, also authored by Ting, elite private schools in California had been forced to report how many of the students they admitted had each had benefitted in their applications from a personal connection to a donor or from a family member or members previously attending the school.

In 2023, Stanford reported that 15.4% of its incoming fall 2023 class, or 271 students, had benefitted from a legacy or donor connection, though it said that all of those students had also met the schools academic standards for admission. First generation students, whose parents did not attend college, represented 21.2% of the incoming class, Stanford said.

The University of Southern California, a school that featured prominently in the recent Varsity Blues admissions bribery scandal, disclosed that, for its fall 2023 class, it admitted 1,791 students based on their relationships to donors or alumni. That was about 14.5% of USCs total number of admitted students, the Los Angeles Times reported. As for Stanford, USC said that every legacy admission met their academic criteria for admissions.

In signing the legislation into law, the California governor, Gavin Newsom, said the policy would make higher education in the state more fair: In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work, he said in a statement.

The public University of California system eliminated legacy admissions in 1998, Newsom said.

It is not yet clear how the new anti-legacy laws will play out in practice, since children from wealthy, highly educated and well-connected families have many different kinds of advantages when approaching the increasingly competitive colleges admissions process.

The supreme court ending affirmative action for racial minorities in US college admissions is expected to lead to a decrease in the number of students from underrepresented backgrounds who are admitted to US schools with competitive admissions processes, which is what happened at University of California schools when California voters banned affirmative action in 1996.

The Associated Press contributed reporting
The gang used the device to quickly open targeted vehicles and start them in seconds - Central News

A gang of car thieves used a keyless device disguised as a Nintendo Gameboy to steal 2 million worth of vehicles, a court has heard.

At least 170 cars across London were stolen by the gang over four years. One Volvo was stolen and driven away with the owners three-year-old child strapped into a rear car seat, Snaresbrook Crown Court was told.

The gang cloned the victims cars by using identical number plates and produced forged documents that were so convincing they were able to sell them to dealers as well as private buyers.

The vehicles were stolen in Barnet, Enfield, Haringey, Redbridge, Waltham Forest, Barking, and Chigwell between October 2018 and December 2022.

A group of five men were sentenced at Snaresbrook Crown Court to a total of 13 years and five months - Central News

In May 2021, gang leaders Alfie Brown, 31, and Andre Clarke, 33, tried to steal the Volvo in Chigwell with the three year-old still inside.

When they realised the toddler was in the car, they screeched to a halt, leaving the child with minor injuries as they ran off.

David Burvill, 36, and Mark Preece, 30, laundered 78,000 from the sale of the stolen cars.

Marcin Gorecki, 40, who worked at British Car Auctions, operated as an insider for the gang, helping to move the stolen cars and sold a Jaguar which had been exchanged for a stolen vehicle with cloned plates to a car dealership in Essex in 2019.

The gang was sentenced to a total of 13 years and five months.

(L-R): Marcin Gorecki, Alfie Brown and Mark Preece - Met Police/Central News

Detective Constable Dave Van Der Valk, from the Mets Specialist Crime North team who led the investigation, said: There were two layers of victims in this case  those who had their cars stolen and those who bought the stolen cars.

Those who bought the stolen cars without realising were truly the most affected as they did not receive any compensation from insurance companies which meant there were 170 victims affected by the heartless behaviour of the group.

This verdict, and lengthy two-year investigation that led to it, demonstrate that well leave no stone unturned in our pursuit to catch criminals who look to enjoy the proceeds of illicit funds, no matter how complex the case.

The gang stole 2 millions worth of vehicles - Central News

Scotland Yard launched an investigation into the gang in January 2022 when officers discovered that a series of car thefts in north London were linked.

Brown, of Aberdeen Road, Edmonton, was sentenced to five-and-a-half years for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle and conspiracy to possess or acquire criminal property.

Clarke of Beehive Road, Waltham Cross, was sentenced to four years and three months for conspiracy to steal a motor vehicle and conspiracy to possess or acquire criminal property.

David Burvill (left) and Andre Clarke - Met Police/Central News

Gorecki of Eleanor Way, Waltham Cross, was given a two year suspended sentence for conspiracy to possess or acquire criminal property.

Preece, of Shakespeare Road, Romford, was given a nine month sentence suspended for 12 months, for conspiracy to possess or acquire criminal property.

David Burvill of Eastwood Rise, Leigh-on-Sea, was given an 11-month sentence suspended for 15 months, for conspiracy to possess or acquire criminal property.
James Rushton in Sudzha

The drone detector beeps and flashes urgently.

It has detected the radio transmissions from an incoming Russian first-person view (FPV) drone; one of the small, remotely-controlled killing machines that now account for the majority of casualties on both sides.

We need to leave, get in the cars, orders Andreyi, our Ukrainian military intelligence escort.

As The Telegraph rapidly exits the deserted central square of Sudzha, automatic weapon fire is audible in the near distance as Ukrainian soldiers open up on the incoming Russian drone.

One of the reasons Ukraines surprise invasion of Kursk initially went so smoothly was the absence of Russian drone teams, a member of Ukrainian military intelligence told The Telegraph.

It was indicative of a larger lack of preparation by the Russian army at the border.

As Russia has since scrambled to react to the Ukrainian offensive, more drone teams are being utilised and the skies above Kursk Oblast are now  like every other part of the front  saturated with the small aircraft.

The Aug 6 incursion into Kursk surprised the world. Since Russia escalated its conflict with its neighbour in February 2022, the narrative had been one of heroic resistance repelling marauding invaders.

But that all changed when the Ukrainian army crossed the border into the Kursk region, capturing Russian towns and potentially creating a bargaining chip for president Volodymyr Zelensky, if peace talks ever happen.

When his troops entered Russia, they found the Kremlins forces completely unprepared. They seized more territory in two weeks than Russia had seized from Ukraine in the whole of 2024. Around 1,200 sq km (470 sq miles), according to Ukraines commander-in-chief Oleksandr Syrskyi.

The Telegraph was given the opportunity to visit Sudzha, one of the occupied towns. I was one of the few Western journalists allowed to do so.

Our trip began at a casualty receiving and humanitarian aid distribution station, a few miles from the Russian-Ukrainian border.

As we waited for our Ukrainian military contact, a small puppy ran around with boundless energy biting the shoelaces of the medics.

It was rescued from Russia, one of the medics says. Shes a war trophy, one of the Ukrainian soldiers adds with a smile.

Andreyi, our escort, agreed to take us to visit Sudzha, a small Russian town captured in the early stages of the occupation of Kursk Oblast.

And whilst the Ukrainian forces took Sudzha relatively intact, Russian strikes are now slowly levelling it.

Sudzha was taken intact by Ukraine forces but is now being levelled by Russian artillery - ZUMA Press, Inc. / Alamy Stock Photo

When we took the town there was almost no damage, Andreyi said, something relatively easily verified by videos posted by advancing Ukrainian soldiers at the time. And two weeks ago it was quiet. Now theyre hitting the town with artillery, drones and glide bombs.

It is a familiar story. For the last two years, one of Russias main tactics for taking Ukrainian settlements has simply been to pound them into rubble with heavy artillery and air strikes, before moving in waves of disposable infantry to occupy the ruins.

Before we leave for Russia, a white triangle is applied to the vehicle we are travelling in and blue tape is wrapped around our arms: a simple but effective measures to identify that we are not Russian infiltrators to Ukrainian forces inside Kursk.

The situation inside the Ukrainian-controlled portion of Russia is tense. After initial successes, Russia is now counter-attacking in force.

Some of its FPV teams have been moved to the Kursk region in an attempt to push back the Ukrainian incursion, a member of the Ukrainian 80th Airborne reveals. It suggests the strategy of attempting to draw Russian forces away from Ukraines Donbas region has been at least partially successful.

As a result of the drone threat, the military vehicle in front of us  driven by Andreyi and our other Ukrainian escorts  bristles with antennas, making it a powerful electronic warfare jamming system designed to detect and defend against drones.

Were all aware that an experienced FPV pilot is largely capable of negating such measures, so our best defence is to drive fast to not stay in any one location for too long, and look as inconspicuous as possible.

As we enter Russia, we pass the destroyed border crossing, smashed in the initial Ukrainian assault.

The road to Sudzha is lined with a number of destroyed armoured vehicles; we pass a Ukrainian M109 self-propelled gun sitting abandoned in a field and then the burnt out shells of two Russian tanks in quick succession.

On the outskirts of the town, we drive by numerous destroyed buildings; the charred skeletal remains of one civilian property is still smouldering. According to our escort, it was struck by a Russian artillery or drone strike a few hours ago.

Ukraine forces continue to hold onto Sudzha despite advancing Russian infantry - Oleg Palchyk/Global Images Ukraine via Getty Images

There are no emergency services left to respond to the fire; Sudzha is deserted. What little signs of life remain largely consist of a number of stray cats and dogs and a small contingent of Ukrainian military.

The town is only around 5 km from the greyzone  the uncontrolled section of the battlefield between Ukrainian and Russian positions, where any detected movement is invariably immediately subjected to artillery fire and FPV strikes by either side.

As such, it is also easily in range of Russian artillery and drones. Russian sabotage groups are also a constant threat, Andreyi says. There are small groups of Russians everywhere, he says. Sometimes as close as 800 metres to the houses on the edge of town.

These Russian infiltrators attempt to penetrate Ukrainian lines in small numbers under cover of darkness, to lay mines and ambush patrols.

As we arrive at the central square of Sudzha. Andreyi and his men seem relatively relaxed, showing us the plinth where a statue of Lenin once resided. Only rubble now remains, the statue having been blown up by Ukrainian soldiers.

Pasted on the side of the plinth are photographs of towns in Ukraine that Russia has destroyed. Ukrainian flags, the flag of the Kursk Peoples Republic (a trollish reference to the Kremlins peoples republics set up in Donetsk and Luhansk) and the flag of the Chechen Republic of Ichkeria (the government in exile of the anti-Kadyrov Chechen exiles, who fight alongside Ukraine) fly in the square.

Apartments just off the central square are all abandoned; the doors left unlocked and swinging wide open.

Ukrainian troops have cleared each building to ensure that no Russian soldiers remain behind.

But hazards could remain. Be careful; dont touch anything, warns Andreyi. There could be booby traps.

We returned to the vehicle just as the drone detector beeped and we made our hurried exit from Sudzha.

When we arrived back at our starting point in the relative safety of the Ukrainian side of the border, Andreyis nerves had given way to an avuncular mood.

He is clearly proud of the Ukrainian militarys achievements in Kursk.

Whilst the long-term impact of Ukraines surprise push is still to be seen, they have at the very least shown how meaningless Russias much vaunted red lines actually are.
Correction

An article The Islamist threat is all too real - Gove understands it needs tackling (March 18) reported that Michael Gove had declared the Muslim Association of Britain extremist.

In fact, Michael Gove said the Government would assess if the Muslim Association of Britain met their definition of extremism.

This correction has been republished following an upheld ruling by the Independent Press Standards Organisation.
Frank Gardner said there is no reason for Polish airline LOT to have such a discriminatory policy - Andrew Crowley

The disabled BBC journalist Frank Gardner has said he was forced to crawl down the aisle of a Polish airliner to use the toilet.

Mr Gardner posted a picture of himself sprawled on the floor of the aircraft on X, formerly Twitter, with two other people standing next to him.

It is the latest in a long line of discriminatory incidents suffered by the security correspondent, who requires a wheelchair after he was left partially paralysed when terrorists shot him 20 years ago.

Mr Gardner wrote: Wow. Its 2024 and Ive just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as we dont have onboard wheelchairs. Its airline policy.

If youre disabled and you cant walk this is just discriminatory.

In a follow-up post, he added: In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, its the airline. Wont be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century.

When asked by a well-wisher if he was alright, he replied: Bit of a sore backside and my suit is not thrilled but hey.

Wow. It's 2024 and I've just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as "we don't have onboard wheelchairs. It's airline policy". If you're disabled and you can't walk this is just discriminatory. pic.twitter.com/aFuxo89DR5  Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) September 30, 2024

It is not the first time the security correspondent has suffered discriminatory treatment while travelling by air.

Two years ago Heathrow Airport apologised to Mr Gardner after he was left on an empty airliner when ground staff failed to deliver his wheelchair to the door.

In 2022, he lambasted the consistently crap performance of UK airports with wheelchair delivery to airliners doors after being stranded on his arriving flight at Gatwick airport.

Mr Gardner has used a wheelchair since he was shot by al-Qaeda while reporting in Saudi Arabia in 2004 - Andrew Crowley

LOT, which is Polands biggest airline, said it was deeply sorry for the distressing experience that Mr Gardner encountered on Mondays flight.

We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by the lack of an onboard wheelchair, an airline spokesman said, adding that because of limited space there are no such devices aboard any of its short-haul fleet.

He added: We understand the importance of accessibility and are actively testing solutions to equip our short-haul aircraft with onboard wheelchairs in the near future.

The airline said wheelchairs suitable for moving around the cabin are carried aboard its long-haul Boeing 787 Dreamliner fleet, and that passenger assistance is available from check-in to boarding.

Polish airline LOT said its short-haul fleet does not have wheelchairs due to limited space - Dirk Daniel Mann/iStock

Mr Gardner told The Telegraph that he was on a LOT flight between Warsaw and London on Monday evening. Data from FlightRadar24, a tracking website, shows that the airliner in question was a Boeing 737 Max.

Addressing LOTs apology for his treatment, the BBC security correspondent said: Im afraid I dont accept that as I flew them in May from Tallinn to London and they didnt have an onboard wheelchair then either, saying its not our policy.

These things fold up so small they can fit in the cupboard or even in an overhead locker so theres really no excuse not to have them on a short haul flight. Why should some passengers be allowed to go to the loo in mid-flight and others not?

He added: If BA, easyJet and everyone else Ive flown can manage it there is no reason for this airline to still be flying in and out of Heathrow with such a discriminatory policy towards disabled passengers in 2024.

Mr Gardner has used a wheelchair since being shot six times by al-Qaeda while reporting on terrorist activity in Saudi Arabia in 2004. Bullets damaged his spinal nerves and left him partially paralysed.

While he survived the attack in Riyadh on June 6 2004, his cameraman colleague Simon Cumbers, 36, was shot in the head and died instantly.
An ambulance drives past Westminster academy in Westbourne Park, west London. Photograph: LNP

A 14-year-old girl has been left with potentially life-changing injuries, while a 16-year-old boy is in hospital, after a substance  believed to be acidic  was thrown at them by a male who approached them on the street outside their school, police have said.

Officers are hunting a male suspect who they believe rode to and from the scene at Westminster academy in west London on an e-scooter, and covered his face as he launched his attack on Monday afternoon. Detectives have appealed for witnesses to come forward.

From our inquiries so far, we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road, said DCI Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation.

The suspect was described as a tall, slim, black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava.

Puvis added: A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. The 27-year-old woman has since been discharged from hospital.

The two teenage victims  a girl and a boy  remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl, we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are. But, at this time, they are being treated as life-changing.

On Tuesday, a lone police officer was guarding the entrance of the school, which is closed for the day. One local shopworker, who did not want to be named, said he heard sirens and a big kerfuffle outside in the aftermath of the incident.

This school, they usually have everything under control  you dont see fights outside, he said. I have never seen anything like this. Yesterday was just out of the blue.The schools principal, Numera Anwar, said: This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.

This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place.

Police said officers on patrol nearby were flagged down shortly before 5pm on Monday. Two were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell, with each having since been discharged from hospital.

They added: Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic. There have been no arrests at this time and a number of crime scenes are in place.

Adam Hug, the leader of Westminster city council, said: This is a truly shocking attack on school pupils and a member of staff.

The council has been in touch with Westminster academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can. We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police.

The police said anyone who witnessed the incident, or who had information that could help should call 101 with the ref CAD 4987/30 Sept. To remain anonymous, contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
Charles Ehikioya, who has served for 26 years, has denied the claims - BBC

The chairman of the Mets Black Police Association faces being sacked from the force for allegedly sending racist and misogynistic WhatsApp messages.

Inspector Charles Ehikioya is accused of sending inappropriate texts between 2017 and 2020, Scotland Yard said.

Insp Ehikioya, based in the professionalism command, could be dismissed without notice if his behaviour is found proven at a gross misconduct hearing, beginning on Jan 6.

The officer, who has served for 26 years and previously claimed he was racially harassed by two white colleagues when he was stopped while driving home from work, has denied the claims.

The details of the alleged WhatsApp messages have not been disclosed but they are said to be misogynistic, racist, violent and otherwise inappropriate.

Andy George, president of the National Black Police Association, has called the allegations dubious and that the case will show the corruption at play within the misconduct system.

A notice for the five-day-long hearing in Southwark reads: Between 2017 and 2020, Inspector Ehikioya is alleged to have: participated in a WhatsApp chat with a police constable in which there was an exchange of messages and media items. During the WhatsApp chat it is alleged that he sent/or received messages alleged to be inappropriate.

Abuse of power

Commander Colin Wingrove previously said of the allegations: We are determined to build a Met that truly listens to and reflects the many communities it serves.

There is no place for racism. Discrimination in all its forms must be challenged by every Met officer and member of staff.

It is not appropriate to discuss the details of a forthcoming misconduct process which must take place without interference.

In August 2020, Insp Ehikioya accused his employer of exercising an abuse of power when he was pulled over by two white officers for no other reason other than the fact that they have seen a black man driving a car.

He said at the time: I just feel they have done this because I am black and this is well out of order and it shouldnt be the reason you go round intimidating members of the public.

The Met noted in their statement that no action was taken against the inspector as a result of the stop.

Scotland Yard conducted a review of the incident, which occurred in south London on May 23, but had found no evidence of misconduct.
Iran fires a Fateh 110 missile in a test

Iran is preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack on Israel, the White House believes.

Washington said the US was readying its forces to help Israel defend itself against the attack, which officials said would carry severe consequences.

It comes after Israel announced it had launched a ground incursion into Lebanon overnight.

An missile launch from Iran would be the second direct attack on Israel since Oct 7.

Hundreds of drones, ballistic and cruise missiles were shot down by Israeli and Western forces in April. Israel responded with a single missile strike on an air defence unit near Irans nuclear programme.

Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, warned Iran that it would face serious consequences if it decided to launch a direct attack against Israel.

Meanwhile, David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, said he had urged restraint when speaking with his Iranian counterpart in recent days.

None of us want to see a regional war, the price would be huge for the Middle East and it would have a significant effect on the global economy, Mr Lammy said.

Iran has vowed it will have its revenge for the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, who was assassinated in Tehran in July.

Mr Austin also said the US supported Israeli operations inside Lebanon to dismantle infrastructure that could be used to launch Oct 7-style attacks on Israel.

I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, Mr Austin said.

Like Mr Lammy, he called for a diplomatic solution to the crisis to ensure that civilians on both sides of the border could return home.

He added that the US was well postured to defend its allies from Iran and Iran-backed terrorists and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.

Despite Washingtons support, Israel was bracing itself on Tuesday for Iranian reprisals. The Israeli military tightened restrictions on civilians living in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

The new restrictions, which include limits on gatherings in cities, came hours after it was confirmed Israeli forces entered Lebanon to hit Hezbollah targets in the rugged border region.

Israel also said it was calling up four more reserve brigades for the northern operation.

Meanwhile the secretary of Irans supreme national security council said that the Islamic Republics revenge would not be a one-off strike.

When responding to the Zionist regime, we must remember that the resistance front is at war, and a single action does not carry much meaning, Ali Akbar Ahmadian said.

Blood will strengthen jihad

The Zionist enemy is in a state of desperation, trying to portray itself as successful through psychological operations based on a few assassination operations, but there is no success for this regime, he added, referring to the death of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah.

Last night, they launched a so-called limited ground operation but were immediately forced to retreat.

The martyrdom of divine leaders does not disrupt Hezbollahs work, nor will it diminish the fighting power of this movement.

The blood of this dear martyr will further strengthen the jihad, resistance, and fight against the Zionists.

The ultimate responsibility for deciding how Iran will respond rests with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.

In contrast to the UK and UK, his Nato allies, President Tayyip Erdogan of Turkey said Ankara would stand by Lebanon and support it with all its means after Israel launched raids into Lebanon as part of a limited ground incursion.

We will never leave our Lebanese brothers on their own in these difficult days and will support them with all our means, he said at the reopening of the Turkish parliament following its summer recess.
Iran has threatened more crushing attacks after firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel.

A huge wave of rockets appeared on Tuesday night to have been shot down by Israels Iron Dome defence system.

Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that it had launched the attack in response to Israels assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader.

If the Zionist regime responds to Irans operations, it will face devastating attacks, the IRGC added.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that war had been declared on Israel.

07:39 PM BST

Were moving our live coverage

Follow the latest in our new liveblog.

07:27 PM BST

Watch: Gazans celebrate as missiles fly overhead

07:26 PM BST

Hamas praises heroic attack on Israel

Hamas has praised the heroic Iranian missile strikes on Israel for avenging the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

07:11 PM BST

Germany: Irans attack on Israel must stop immediately

Germany demanded that Iran end its missile attack on Israel, expressing fears that the escalation in the fighting could fuel further conflict.

I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms, Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister, posted on X, adding that Iran must stop the attack immediately as it was leading the region further towards the abyss.

07:09 PM BST

Palestinian killed by shrapnel in West Bank

Palestinian media reported that a man was killed by missile shrapnel in the West Bank near Jericho during the Iranian attack on Israel.

Israel has reported no deaths so far.

07:05 PM BST

In pictures: Missiles intercepted above Israeli cities

A projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya - AFP

Sirens were heard across the country, especially in Tel Aviv - Anadolu

Rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

07:02 PM BST

Israel vows revenge against Iran at place and time we decide

Israel vowed to retaliate following the Iranian missile attack, saying it would respond at the time and place of its choosing.

This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

06:53 PM BST

IDF claim large number of missiles intercepted

Israels military said it had intercepted a large number of missiles fired by Iran at the country, adding that there were a few hits during the barrage.

We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country, Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, said on Tuesday night.

06:50 PM BST

Trump: The world is on fire

Donald Trump said the world is on fire and that US leadership is absent after Iran launched a large missile attack on Israel.

Under President Trump, we had NO WAR in the Middle East, Trump added, referring to himself in the third person as he sought to repeat his claims that Oct 7 would not have happened had he been in the White House.

06:48 PM BST

Iran says 80pc of 200 missiles hit their targets

More than 80% of the IRGCs missiles in the first wave hit the intended targets, Irans Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

It added that 200 missiles had been launched.

06:47 PM BST

Eight killed as gunmen open fire in Tel Aviv

Eight people have been killed in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli media has reported.

Israeli police said two shooters were neutralised and that the families of the victims had been notified.

Read more here.

Two gunmen killed eight people in Tel Aviv after opening fire on civilians

06:42 PM BST

Israel says no more threat from Iran for now

Israels military says the threat from Iranian missiles and rockets is over for now.

06:39 PM BST

Israel permits citizens to leave shelters

Israels military has announced its citizens are permitted to leave protected spaces throughout the country after a situational assessment.

06:38 PM BST

Biden directs US military to help shoot down barrage

Joe Biden has directed the US military to aid Israels defense and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council said on Tuesday.

Mr Biden and Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the White House situation room and receiving regular updates, NSC spokesman Sean Savett said.

.@POTUS & @VP are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room & receiving regular updates from their national security team. @POTUS directed the US military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel  Sean Savett (@NSC_Spox) October 1, 2024

06:35 PM BST

Two lightly injured so far in missile attack

Israels emergency services have reported two have been lightly injured so far in the missile attack.

06:34 PM BST

In pictures: Israelis take shelter as missiles light up the sky

People take cover behind vehicles under a bridge along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv - AFP

People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles on a freeway in Shoresh, Israel - AP

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel - Reuters

Dozens of rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem - Anadolu

06:28 PM BST

Iran says missile attack is revenge for Nasrallah assassination

Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attack was in response to Israels killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as the bombing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran in July.

A senior Iranian official later told Reuters that the order to launch missiles was made by the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei remains in a secure location, the senior official added.

06:24 PM BST

The ranges of Irans missile arsenal

06:21 PM BST

Watch: Missile strikes on Tel Aviv

06:19 PM BST

Iran has declared war on Israel - official

A senior Israeli official to The Telegraph that Iran has declared war directly on the State of Israel.

They added: 400 ballistic missiles were fired at the State of Israel directly from Iran. The Iranians targeted Israeli civilians.

It is the duty of the State of Israel and the free world to act against Iran.

06:17 PM BST

Pictured: Rockets fly above Tel Aviv

Rockets, sent by either Hezbollah or Iran, fly in the sky above Tel Aviv

06:12 PM BST

Explosions rock Jerusalem - watch live

06:09 PM BST

200 missiles launched at Israel

Nearly 200 missiles have been launched at Israel from Iran, Israels army radio announced.

06:06 PM BST

IRGC threatens more crushing attacks if Israel responds

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have threatened more crushing attacks for Israel if it responds to the missile barrage launched on Tuesday evening.

06:04 PM BST

Iran says Tel Aviv is target of attack

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israels commercial hub Tel Aviv, state media reported, citing officials.

The official IRNA news agency said Iran had launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv, without elaborating after staying quiet during the start of the barrage.

06:03 PM BST

Explosions in Jerusalem

Explosions sounded in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening as air raid sirens rang out, AFP journalists reported, with what appeared to be air defence interceptors echoing over the city.

The explosions came shortly after the military said that Iran had launched a missile attack targeting Israel.

06:00 PM BST

Iran has fired tens of ballistic missiles at Israel, says IRGC

Irans Revolutionary Guards said in a statement that Iran fired tens of ballistic missiles as part of its barrage at Israel.

The IRGC added that it is firing missiles from several locations.

05:59 PM BST

10 million civilians are target of Iranian attack - IDF

Israels military has said 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.

Iranian projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv - AFP

Over 100 missiles are believed to have fired at Israel so far - AFP

05:54 PM BST

Our defence is not airtight, says IDF spokesperson

Israeli army spokesman Rear-Adm Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. However, the defense is not hermetic, he said.

05:51 PM BST

Sirens continue throughout Israel

Sirens are sounding throughout Israel amid an Iranian missile attack on Israel, with reports suggesting over 100 missiles have been launched so far.

Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid an Iranian missile attack.



Some media reports in Israel suggest that over 100 missiles have been launched in the attack. pic.twitter.com/BJ8R3H6XSw  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 1, 2024

05:47 PM BST

Biden: US prepared to help Israel defend itself

Joe Biden has said the US is prepared to help Israel defend itself against these attacks and protect American personnel in the region after Iran launched missiles at Israel.

05:43 PM BST

Iran launches missiles at Israel

Iran has launched missiles targeting Israel, the military said Tuesday, following US warnings that an Iranian attack was imminent.

A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel, the military said in a statement. It said sirens were sounded across Israel, including in Jerusalem.

05:30 PM BST

What Telegraph readers are saying...

05:16 PM BST

Israel says it assassinated Hezbollahs head of weapon transfers

Israels military announced the assassination of Muhammad Jaafar Qasir, Hezbollahs head of weapon transfers from Iran and its regional proxies.

04:59 PM BST

Fear and anxiety on the streets of Tehran

On the streets of Tehran, there is fear and anxiety as tensions between Iran and Israel reach unprecedented levels.

Residents of the Iranian capital told The Telegraph that they are increasingly worried about the Islamic Republics imminent strikes on Israel, which they fear could drag the country into a war it has not seen in decades.

They [the authorities] are pushing the nation into somebody elses war, and we, the people, will be the ultimate victims, said a shopkeeper from southern Tehran.

They have already impoverished us by funnelling our money into their so-called axis [of resistance], and now they want to bring war to our streets, he added, referring to Irans financial support of its regional allies against Israel. We dont want this situation, and no Iranian voted for it.

In other parts of the capital, some parents are thinking of stopping sending their children to school.

I told my wife today that we should stop sending our daughters to school for a while, said a resident of Tehrans Tajrish neighbourhood. No one knows what will happen next and I cant live if God forbids anything to happen to her.

His seven-year-old daughter had just started school two weeks ago, and he said, She owns the future of this country, not those who are dragging us into war.

04:50 PM BST

Pictured: Commercial plane flies over smouldering suburbs of Beirut

A Middle East Airlines airplane flies over Beirut as smoke rises from Dahieh, a known Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut - AP

04:47 PM BST

IDF: Air raid sirens sound in central Israel

Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel on Tuesday, the military said, a day after the army launched ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions.

Sirens sounded in central Israel, the military said, without providing details of the areas that were affected.

04:41 PM BST

Explosion heard in Tel Aviv

An explosion has been heard in the Tel Aviv region with witnesses reporting that a rocket was fired from Lebanon, but landed in an open area south of the city.

04:23 PM BST

US embassy tells all US government employees to shelter

The US embassy in Jerusalem has instructed all US government employees and their families in Israel to shelter in place until further notice ahead of a potential Iranian missile attack.

In a statement posted on its website, the embassy said it may further restrict or prohibit US government employees from travelling to certain areas of Israel, such as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.

04:00 PM BST

Watch: Flaming rocket lands in Israeli city of Ramat Hasharon

Footage shows a rocket, still in flames, lying on a pavement in the city of Ramat Hasharon, which borders Tel Aviv.

03:56 PM BST

Netanyahu will appeal to Putin to restrain Iran

Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly set to ask Vladimir Putin to use his influence to prevent an Iranian attack on Israel during a possible phone call on Tuesday evening.

Talks are ongoing for the possible phone call to go ahead, Hebrew outlet Ynet reported.

The last conversation between the pair reportedly took place in November 2023.

03:51 PM BST

Iranian strike on Israel could be as big as April attack - US official

If it goes ahead, Irans ballistic missile attack on Israel could be as big or potentially bigger than the one in April, a US official has told Reuters.

They added that the current assessment is based on initial indications and it is difficult to be certain.

US officials said earlier on Tuesday that Iran appeared to be preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

03:44 PM BST

Israels limited ground invasion so far:

03:38 PM BST

Israel has not detected aerial threat from Iran for now

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had not detected an incoming aerial strike from Iran for now, after a US official said there were indications of an imminent missile attack.

For now, we have not detected any aerial threat launched from Iran, Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman said.

He added that the Israeli army was prepared to defend and attack Iran in the event of a strike launched from the Islamic Republic.

03:30 PM BST

Hezbollah says it launched more missiles at Tel Aviv

Hezbollah said on Tuesday afternoon it had launched missiles towards Sde Dov airbase on the outskirts of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

It said the strike was in retaliation for attacks on civilians in Lebanon, in the second operation on Tuesday it dedicated to its slain leader.

The Iran-backed group said its fighters launched a salvo of Fadi-4 rockets at the Sde Dov air base in Tel Aviv in response to the targeting of civilians and the massacres that the enemy carried out.

03:22 PM BST

Hardline Iranian MP blames president for weakening Hezbollah

A hardline Iranian MP has accused the president of the Islamic Republic of weakening Hezbollah during his trip to New York last week.

I wish our dear president, who is a doctor and has said that he doesnt understand politics, would make use of experienced advisors and not say during his trip to New York, We are willing to lay down our weapons if Israel lays down its weapons, Mojtaba Rahmandous said on Tuesday.

I wish he wouldnt weaken Hezbollah and wouldnt say that Hezbollah cannot stand up to Israel, nor would he suggest that we have new negotiations with the Europeans, he added.

Mr Rahmandous was referring to remarks made by President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Mr Pezeshkian said in a private event in New York: We are ready to give up all our weapons if Israel does the same and an international organisation comes to the region to ensure security.

He later rejected the idea of an international organisation in his speech at the UN General Assembly, claiming that the presence of foreign forces is the origin of instability.

The shift in Pezeshkians approach was likely influenced by significant pressure from inside Iran, particularly from the media and hardline factions.

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later said: What the president meant was that if there is to be peace and security in the region, weapons should not be given [to warring parties]. His comments did not indicate any intent to reduce tensions with Israel but rather focused on disarmament of weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Pezeshkian also said: Hezbollah cannot stand against Israel alone, Islamic countries must take action. Hezbollah is facing a government that is armed to the teeth and possesses superior weaponry.

03:17 PM BST

IDF carries out precise strike in Beirut

The IDF has carried out a precise strike in Beirut, Lebanons capital.

Two attacks on the capital were carried out this afternoon, according to security sources.

This included an attack on a high-rise building in the Jnah district.

Israel launched several attacks on Beirut on Tuesday, according to security sources - Anadolu

03:12 PM BST

Reminder: Iran launched massive missile attack on Israel in April

As a reminder, the last time Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel was back in April.

Tehran launched a barrage of missiles, rockets and drones from both its own territory and its proxies across the Middle East.

Iranian state television said ballistic missiles had also been launched in a joint assault designed to overwhelm Israeli air defences deep in the occupied territories.

US and British forces reportedly intercepted more than 100 drones after hundreds were launched from Iran in a long-awaited attack after weeks of threats from Tehran.

Get a full recap of the attack here.

03:07 PM BST

Which long-range weapons does Iran have?

03:02 PM BST

Israel not yet identified aerial threat from Iran

Israel has not yet identified any aerial threat from Iran, its military spokesman has said.

The spokesman went on to say that any Iranian attck on Israel would have repercussions.

[The] IDF is prepared for offence and defence, he added.

03:00 PM BST

Netanyahu: great challenges are on the way

Benjamin Netanyahu has warned days of great challenges are on the way as Washington warned Iran was preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack.

What I ask of you is two things, the Israeli prime minister said. One, to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives.

And second, to stand together, he continues. We will stand firm together in the trying days ahead. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will win.

 ,   >> pic.twitter.com/ig8t9QnOq0  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) October 1, 2024

02:56 PM BST

Iran attack on Israel carries severe consequences

Iran deciding to launch a direct military attack against Israel would carry severe consequences, a White House official has said.

02:43 PM BST

Iran preparing to imminently launch missile attack on Israel

Washington is actively supporting defensive preparations to help Israel defend itself against an imminent missile attack by Iran.

02:38 PM BST

Watch: IDF raids on terror targets in Lebanese territory second tunnel

02:26 PM BST

Israel calls up four more reserve brigades for northern operation

The Israeli army mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border, the military said on Tuesday.

This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes, the army said in a statement.

02:20 PM BST

Watch: IDF raids on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

This is the moment an underground Hezbollah was targeted and destroyed by the IDF in southern Lebanon at some point in the last 12 months.

02:11 PM BST

Hezbollah strikes back with missile attack on Mossad base

Hezbollah said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Mossad intelligence agency as it responded to Israels ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese terror group said it fired Fadi-4 missiles at the Glilot Base near Herzliya, which is home to the IDFs military intelligence unit and Mossad headquarters.

The missile reportedly missed its targets and landed in the Tel Aviv area, injuring two people, including a bus driver who was hit in the head with shrapnel.

It comes as intense fighting rages between Israel and Hezbollah after the IDF launched limited, targeted raids across southern Lebanon overnight.

02:05 PM BST

More pictures of Hezbollah infrastructure targeted by IDF

The Hezbollah infrastructure was targeted by Israel in covert operations over the last 12 months

Inside a tunnel discovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a covert operation over the last 12 months

The IDF said it destroyed thousands of targets and hundreds of Hezbollah weapons sites

The IDF revealed the militarys operations for the first time on Tuesday afternoon

01:44 PM BST

Israeli troops found and destroyed Hezbollah tunnels

Were getting more information on the targets Israeli troops have been hitting since launching covert operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon last year.

Special commandos have crafted operations designed to dismantle Hezbollahs military, preventing it from carrying out another Oct 7-style attack, the IDF said.

The troops also uncovered and destroyed underground infrastructure, struck thousands of targets and hundreds of weapons storage facilities, tons of explosives, and hundreds of living areas for operatives, command centres and more, an IDF statement revealed.

Israeli troops have been carrying out covert operations inside Lebanon since last October

01:29 PM BST

Israeli forces have been operating inside Lebanon for months

The IDF said its troops have been operating inside Lebanon for months.

An Israeli military spokesman claimed dozens of operations had taken place since the war broke out in October last year, focusing on destroying Hezbollah infrastructure.

01:05 PM BST

Hezbollah: no direct clashes with Israel

Hezbollah has said there have been no direct ground clashes with Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese terror group also denied that the IDF had entered a ground operation in the country at all.

Smoke billows near a village in southern Lebanon after an Israeli air strike - REUTERS

12:52 PM BST

Watch: Israel destroys pro-Hezbollah TV channel in Beirut

Israeli fighter jets have attacked a pro-Hezbollah TV channels headquarters in Beirut, Al Jazeera reported.

No casualties were reported in the attack.

12:48 PM BST

IDF imposes new restrictions in Tel Aviv after Hezbollah attacks

The IDF has imposed new restrictions on civilians in northern and central Israel after a barrage of rockets were fired by Hezbollah from Israel.

The restrictions have been imposed in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, the Carmel and Wadi Ara areas, and the northern West Bank.

Under the restrictions, educational activities and workplaces are only allowed if there is a bomb shelter nearby.

There are also restrictions on gatherings, with only 30 people allowed to meet outdoors and 300 people indoors. Beaches will be closed, the IDF said, adding that the restrictions will end on Saturday.

12:38 PM BST

Russia calls on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon

Russia has joined a chorus of countries calling on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

It follows similar calls by Spain earlier on Tuesday.

We are witnessing together that the geography of hostilities is expanding, which is further destabilising the region and increasing tensions. These tensions are destructive to the region and the surrounding areas. We remain deeply concerned, a Kremlin spokesman said.

12:18 PM BST

Pictured: Israeli tanks near Lebanon border

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border - AP

12:06 PM BST

Irans response will not be a one-off strike, says top security official

The secretary of Irans supreme national security council has said that the Islamic Republics response to Israels invasion of Lebanon will not be a one-off strike.

When responding to the Zionist regime, we must remember that the resistance front is at war, and a single action does not carry much meaning, Ali Akbar Ahmadian said on Tuesday.

The Zionist enemy is in a state of desperation, trying to portray itself as successful through psychological operations based on a few assassination operations, but there is no success for this regime, he said

Last night, they launched a so-called limited ground operation but were immediately forced to retreat, he claimed.

With his martyrdom, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah raised the flag of resistance to the highest peak.

The blood of this dear martyr will further strengthen the jihad, resistance, and fight against the Zionists.

He added: Certainly, the leadership of Hezbollah will continue with greater strength and divine support after the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Hezbollah will shine more brightly than ever. The martyrdom of divine leaders does not disrupt Hezbollahs work, nor will it diminish the fighting power of this movement.

The ultimate responsibility for deciding how Iran will respond rests with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.

11:48 AM BST

Hezbollah says fighters ready for direct confrontation

Hezbollahs fighters are ready for a direct confrontation with Israel, the terror groups spokesman said, as he denied claims that the IDF had launched a ground invasion.

Israel has insisted the ground operation will be short, though Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy leader, said on Monday that it was ready for an offensive and that the battle may be long.

11:32 AM BST

Your views on Israels ground invasion of Lebanon

11:09 AM BST

UN peacekeepers claim no ground operation in Lebanon

UN peacekeepers have claimed there is no Israeli ground invasion taking place in southern Lebanon right now.

Mohammad Afif, Hezbollahs media relations chief, has also denied that Israeli troops have entered Lebanon.

The IDF said at around 2am Israel time (12am in the UK) that its troops had entered southern Lebanon a few hours earlier.

11:00 AM BST

Analysis: Is Hezbollah waiting for the right moment to hit back?

Hezbollah is clearly turning up the volume of its attacks against Israel as IDF troops entered southern Lebanon overnight.

Hezbollah fired for the first time their Fadi-4 missiles at central Israel, claiming they were aimed at the intelligence HQ in Glilot, just north of Tel Aviv.

The Fadi-4 belongs to a family of surface-to-surface missiles which are powerful and have long range, though lack precision compared to other missiles in their arsenal.

Israelis are preparing for many more attacks in the coming days as Hezbollah is still believed to have thousands of long-range rockets at their disposal.

But many are wondering why Hezbollah hasnt already launched many more long-range missiles, as Israel pounds Hezbollah in unprecedented ways from the air and now on the ground as well.

Its unclear if this is due to major challenges stemming from a lack of leadership following a mass assassination of Hezbollahs top commanders and leaders, or if its part of the groups strategy to gradually increase their attacks the deeper Israeli troops move into Lebanon.

10:46 AM BST

In pictures: aftermath of Hezbollahs attack

Hezbollahs attempted attack on Mossads HQ struck the Route 6 highway near Kafr Qasim - which is around 15 miles from Tel Aviv.

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a rocket fired by Hezbollah in Lebanon - AFP

A rocket landed along the Route 6 highway near Kafr Qasim

10:41 AM BST

Israel orders evacuation of 25 Lebanese towns

The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of around two dozen Lebanese towns and villages near the border.

The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said.

Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, installations and combat equipment is putting his life in danger. Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted, he added.

10:20 AM BST

Hezbollah targets Mossad HQ

Hezbollah said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Israels Mossad intelligence agency and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

10:19 AM BST

Its time to crush Hezbollah

Israels hardline national security minister has praised the ground invasion of Lebanon, saying now is the time to crush Hezbollah.

The decisions we made in the last few days are important, correct and necessary. At the same time, this is the time not to stop, [we must] continue doing everything, with all our might, Ben Gvir said.

I pray for the success of the IDF soldiers who are currently fighting in difficult conditions in southern Lebanon; the people of Israel stand behind them, he added.

10:09 AM BST

Lebanon facing one of the most dangerous stages in its history

Lebanon is facing one of the most dangerous moments in its history, its caretaker prime minister has said.

Najib Mikati made the comment as he launched a $426m (319.4m) appeal to help civilians affected by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Around 95 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the last 24 hours, according to the Lebanese health authorities.

Around 200,000 civilians have been displaced by the conflict, according to United Nations estimates.

10:02 AM BST

Pictured: Lebanese civilians flee to Syria

People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing on the Syrian side of the Syrian-Lebanese border - Xinhua News Agency

09:43 AM BST

Israeli man injured in attack from Lebanon

A man has been moderately wounded after projectiles were fired from Lebanon into central Israel.

The man is conscious, with a shrapnel wound to the head, Israels Magen David Adom ambulance service said.

A witness said that an explosion was heard in Tel Aviv, while sirens were also heard in the cities of Kfar Sab and Raanana.

09:39 AM BST

Israeli troops operating at walking distance from Lebanese border

Israeli troops are operating at a walking distance from the Lebanese border, a security official has said.

He declined to say exactly how far into Lebanon Israeli troops had gone.

The official went on to say that raids had so far been limited to a specific area and time.

Buildings in Lebanon are struck by artillery fired by the Israeli military - REUTERS

09:16 AM BST

Air sirens sound across central Israel

Air sirens are sounding across central Israel after projectiles were fired from Lebanon, the military said in a statement.

A witness told Reuters that an explosion was heard in Tel Aviv.

Sirens could also be heard in the cities of Kfar Sab and Raanana.

Well bring you more details as they come in.

09:09 AM BST

IDF: Hezbollah planned Oct 7-style invasion

Hezbollah had plans to use homes in southern Lebanon to launch an Oct 7-style invasion of northern Israel, the IDF said on Tuesday.

Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases already for an attack on Israel, Daniel Hagari, the IDFs spokesman, said.

Hagari added that the terror group planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities and massacre innocent men, women and children. They called this plan, Conquer the Galilee.

Watch the full video in the post below.

08:49 AM BST

Watch: IDF confirms ground invasion of Lebanon

This is the moment the IDF announced its ground invasion of Lebanon.

The IDF said it was carrying out targeted, localised raids.

08:35 AM BST

Israeli troops told to make history as Lebanon invasion begins

Israeli soldiers received orders on Monday night to invade Lebanon for the first time since the war with Hezbollah in 2006.

Troops, including paratroopers, along with tanks and other military vehicles, had been gathering at the northern border over the past two weeks.

Special forces troops made a number of cross-border raids over the weekend before Israel finally gave the green light to a limited, localised and targeted ground offensive.

We have the great privilege of writing history, as we did in Gaza  to do it here in Lebanon as well, the commander of the elite Egoz unit told soldiers at an undisclosed location on the northern border.

Read the full story here.

08:30 AM BST

Analysis: Israel and US agree on a limited invasion - but for how long?

So far, Israels assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon has progressed like clockwork. But the launch of its ground incursion, codenamed Northern Arrows, in the early hours of Tuesday morning will provide its greatest test.

The political objective of the operation is clear: to make things safe enough that some 63,000 Israeli citizens can return to their homes along the 75-mile border with Lebanon.

The precise military objectives, however, have not been publicly revealed.

The IDF described the operation as targeted and limited in a statement released last night. It is focused on terrorist targets and infrastructure in a number of villages near the border, which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements, it added.

Reports in the US press on Monday suggested the White House had successfully pressed for a limited operation in order to keep the already high risk of regional escalation to a minimum. Crucially, it does not want Israel to be seen to be annexing more Arab land.

So far Northern Arrows appears to accord with this; the impression given by the public statements since Monday is that the ground incursion will be a quick in and out.

But Israel has been trying to clean the same ground since 1978 when it launched Operation Litani, its first effort to clear the southern area of Lebanon up to the Litani river of Palestinian-aligned militia.

Read the full story here.

08:18 AM BST

Houthi rebels targets Tel Aviv with drones

Yemens Houthi rebels said on Tuesday they had targeted Israeli military posts in drone attacks on Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The group said it would intensify attacks on Israel after their military infrastructure was attacked on Sunday.

Israel carried out 17 air raids on Yemeni infrastructure, killing five and injuring 57, a Houthi spokesman said.

07:57 AM BST

IDF tells Lebanese civilians not to drive south of Litani River

The IDF has warned Lebanese civilians against driving in areas south of the Litani River until further notice.

It came after warnings of intense fighting between the IDF and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

This warning is valid until further notice, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said.

The warning suggests Israeli forces intend to attack areas south of the river, covering an area of around 850 sq km, which is home to some 20,000 residents.

The Litani River flows east to west around 20 miles north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.

07:49 AM BST

Latest pictures from Lebanon

We have some new pictures come in from Lebanon as residents wake up to the aftermath of massive Israeli air strikes across the country overnight.

Locals and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon - AFP

Syrian refugees, who fled from southern Lebanon villages due to ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, take shelter in a parking lot in Sidon, Lebanon - REUTERS

Smoke rises over Beiruts southern suburbs after a strike early on Tuesday morning - REUTERS

07:40 AM BST

Intense fighting in south Lebanon

Israeli troops were engaged in intense fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning, the IDF said in a statement.

Hezbollah operatives are using the civilian environment and you as a human shield to organize to carry out attacks, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said on X.

It comes after Hezbollah confirmed it had twice targeted troops in Metula in northern Israel.

07:28 AM BST

Israeli troops already in Lebanon before ground invasion

A video posted by the IDF (see 6.47am post) confirmed Israeli troops had already begun operating in Lebanon days before launching a wider ground invasion overnight.

The commander of the elite Egoz unit, which was set up to fight Hezbollah, told his troops overnight that low signature operations had been carried out covertly.

DF releases footage of elite commandos, paratroopers, and armored units preparing to enter Lebanon

07:21 AM BST

If youre just joining us...

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Israels ground invasion of Lebanon.

If youre just joining us, heres a recap of whats happened overnight:

The IDF confirmed shortly after midnight UK time (2am local time) that it had launched ground operations in southern Lebanon

A spokesman for the Israeli military said it had begun targeting terrorist targets and infrastructures belonging to Hezbollah

The ground invasion was supported by air force and artillery units, who launched precise strikes on military targets in the area

Officials later told Axios that Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon

At around 1.30am UK time, an unmanned aircraft was shot down over the Mediterranean

Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, spoke with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, agreeing on the need to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure

The US later warned Iran of serious consequences if it attacked Israel. Earlier on Monday Iran said it would not send troops to fight in Lebanon or Gaza

Hezbollah launched rockets back at northern Israel at around 5.30am UK time

Well bring you more updates and analysis from the conflict throughout the morning.

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut in the eaerly hours of Tuesday morning - AP

07:01 AM BST

IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons, infrastructure sites in Beirut

The Israeli Defence Forces says it has made air strikes in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut against several Hezbollah sites, including weapons production facilities and other military infrastructure.

The terrorist organisation Hezbollah intentionally builds its weapons production and military sites under the heart of Beirut and embeds them in population centres in the city, the IDF said in a statement.

It also released a video on X it said were of those strikes.

06:54 AM BST

Hezbollah says it has fired at Israeli troops in Metula

Hezbollah said in a statement on Tuesday that it had fired at Israeli troops across the border in the northern town of Metula with artillery fire but made no mention of Israels announcement that it had begun a ground incursion into Lebanon.

Israeli media said rocket alert sirens had sounded for the second time in an hour in Metula, and later sirens also sounded in the nearby community of Avivim.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Earlier Hezbollah said it has targeted Israeli troops who were carrying out movements in orchards near the Lebanese border opposite Adaisseh and Kfarkila.

06:47 AM BST

Watch: IDF troops prepare for invasion

The Israeli Defence Forces has posted video of what it says is elite commandos, paratroopers, and armoured units preparing to enter Lebanon.

06:44 AM BST

Three killed in strike on Damascus: Syrian media

Damascus in Syria was also hit - X/Dima Khatib

The night airstrike in Damascus reportedly targeted a meeting between Hezbollah and Iranian military leaders - X/Theunk13

Syrian state media says three civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Damascus early on Tuesday and nine others wounded, citing a military source.

The Israeli enemy launched an air aggression with warplanes and drones from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting several points in Damascus, the official SANA news agency says, adding that three civilians were killed and nine others injured.

Earlier, state media reported that one of its anchors had been killed in an Israeli strike.

05:30 AM BST

Israel detects three launches from Lebanon

The Israeli army says it has detected three launches from Lebanon, most likely rockets.

In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Forces said air raid alerts were triggered in the Upper Galilee region, following which two launches were identified that crossed the territory of Lebanon and were successfully intercepted.

There was a subsequent launch towards the Baram region which fell in an open area, the army added.

05:06 AM BST

Time is now to strike Iran

When your enemies publicly declare that they want to kill you, it might be a good idea to listen.

There is one regime in particular which has done the work of identifying itself as such an enemy.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and its terrorist proxies have unequivocally declared themselves devoted to the destruction of the West. Again and again, their intentions have been clearly stated: first to destroy Israel and then to move against their true enemy, America, and the rest of the West.

Read more: The Wests true enemy is clear. We must strike now before its too late

04:31 AM BST

Incident northwest of Yemens Hodeidah

Britains Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) says it is investigating a report of an incident 64 nautical miles northwest of Yemens Hodeidah.

04:03 AM BST

US warns Iran of serious consequences if it attacks Israel

Pentagon defence chief Lloyd Austin said in a post on X that the US is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.

He added that in a call with Yoav Gallant, Israels minister for defence, he reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024

03:31 AM BST

US and Israel agree on necessity of dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure

Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, has spoken with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister.

They agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, the US defence department said in a statement.

Mr Austin reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, according to the statement.

Israeli tanks move into position on the border on Monday - AP

03:08 AM BST

Shelling in Aita al-Shaab and Rmeish

Local residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

Aita al-Shaab is about 0.6 miles (1km) north east of the Israeli border in Lebanons south.

About 3 miles to the south east of Aita al-Shaab, flares were repeatedly launched over the Lebanese border town of Rmeish, lighting up the night sky.

02:55 AM BST

Lefts worship of Hezbollah is dangerous

Hassan Nasrallah was a vicious, murderous terrorist with the blood of many thousands on his hands, in Israel, across the Middle East and around the world. But you may not have known that had you read The New York Times hero-worshipping eulogy of the dead Hezbollah leader, in which they labelled him a beloved and powerful orator, who supposedly championed equality among Muslims, Christians and Jews. Associated Press joined in the applause, calling him charismatic and shrewd, an astute strategist, idolised by his Lebanese Shiite followers, and respected by millions across the Arab and Islamic world.

Read more: The New York Times Hezbollah terrorist worship exposes the Lefts moral collapse

Mourners for Nasrallah in Tehran on Monday - GETTY IMAGES

02:05 AM BST

US official: all military staff accounted for after Iraq attack

Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport earlier tonight, two Iraqi military officials told Reuters, but a US official has disputed reports that American forces were targeted.

All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported, the defence official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Read more: Rockets fired at US military base in likely Iran-linked attack

01:55 AM BST

Israel targets Palestinian commander in strike on refugee camp

An Israeli strike in Lebanon early on Tuesday targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movements military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

Maqdahs fate is not known.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said.

It marked the first strike on the camp, the largest of several Palestinian camps in Lebanon, since cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel broke out nearly a year ago.

01:33 AM BST

Syria says journalist killed in air strike

Syrian state television has said that one of its journalists was killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus.

SANA, the governments official news agency, reported three rounds of strikes in the capital tonight.

State television said in a statement that it mourns anchor Safaa Ahmad who was martyred in the Israeli aggression on the capital Damascus.

Three civilians died in the attack, the agency added.

01:27 AM BST

Unmanned aircraft shot down over Mediterranean

Israels air force has shot down an unmanned aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea, the Israeli Defence Force has said.

In a statement, the IDF said the aircraft was dozens of kilometres west of the coast of Israel.

  ,          ,             (@idfonline) September 30, 2024

01:17 AM BST

Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?

Israel has launched an invasion of Lebanon because it says it wants to restore security to Israeli communities living in the north, which were displaced because of constant incoming rocket fire from Hezbollah.

The Telegraphs James Rothwell explains why Benjamin Netanyahu has taken such a big gamble  and what could happen next.

Read more: Why Israel has invaded

01:14 AM BST

Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon

Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon and insists its ground operation against Hezbollah is limited, according to a report.

Officials told Axios that the Israeli cabinets decision to rubber-stamp tonights ground invasion emphasised that the operation is targeted and limited in time and scope and is not intended to occupy southern Lebanon.

01:02 AM BST

What you need to know

Israels ground invasion of Lebanon has begun

The IDF confirmed on Monday night that is has started a targeted incursion

Hezbollah has not responded but earlier said it was attacking Israeli soldiers at the border

The Israeli army has conducted at least six strikes on southern Beirut after the army ordered residents to evacuate

Israel told the US about the invasion, a State Department spokesman has said

Syria says it has engaged with hostile air attacks over Damascus that are believed to be from Israel

Earlier tonight, rockets were fired at a US military base in Baghdad

12:58 AM BST

Israel told the US about invasion plan

Israel informed the United States about its planned ground invasion in Lebanon, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has told journalists.

President Biden earlier on Monday indicated he opposed an Israeli ground operation.

We should have a ceasefire now, he said.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah following the Israeli armys announcement of the ground raids, but the groups al-Manar television reported the Israeli statement announcing the raids on its Telegram channel.

12:55 AM BST

Explosions in Damascus

Syrian state media says its air defences are intercepting an attack near Damascus.

Our air defence systems are intercepting hostile targets in the Damascus area, Syrias official SANA news agency said, using a phrase usually used to refer to Israeli strikes.

12:39 AM BST

Heavy shelling on the border

Local residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab have reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

12:35 AM BST

Operation Northern Arrows under way

The Israeli Defence Forces say its air force and artillery units are supporting ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

Operation Northern Arrows is being carried out with approval from the Israel government, the IDF added.

The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes.

12:11 AM BST

IDF confirms ground invasion has begun

Full statement from the IDF:

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, the IDF began a few hours ago a targeted and demarcated ground operation in southern Lebanon against terrorist targets and infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, in a number of villages near the border, which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements on the northern border.

   ,                    ,    ,         >>     (@idfonline) September 30, 2024

11:33 PM BST

Rockets fired at US military base

A military base hosting US forces in Baghdad was hit by a rocket attack on Monday evening, according to reports.

At least two rockets were fired at the Victoria military base, which hosts American forces near Baghdad International Airport, according to the Reuters news agency, citing two Iraqi military officials.

It was also reported that the base had activated its air defences, intercepting the rockets.

Ahmed Rasheed, a Reuters journalist in Baghdad, shared footage of the attack:

Read more: Rockets fired at US military base in likely Iran-linked attack

11:26 PM BST

UK government charters flight out of Lebanon

The British Government has chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid fears of a wider conflict.

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation in Lebanon as volatile and with the potential to deteriorate quickly as the flight, due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, was confirmed.

The Government will pay to charter the flight but British nationals will be expected to pay a fee of 350 per seat, the BBC reported.

Read more: Government charters flight out of Lebanon to help Britons escape

11:00 PM BST

Pictured: Israeli artillery pounds the border

Israeli artillery pounds areas along Lebanons southern border - EPA

An Israeli tank moves into position on the border - AP

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell towards a Hezbollah target on the border - AP

A German air force aircraft at Beirut airport from where it will shortly depart with 110 passengers, Germanys foreign office said - DPA

10:44 PM BST

Watch: Explosion near Beirut airport

A Lebanese security source has told AFP that at least six Israeli strikes have hit south Beirut.

Minutes ago, Reuters caught this footage of an explosion near Beirut airport.

10:33 PM BST

Hezbollah targeted Israeli troops near border

Hezbollah said it has targeted Israeli troops who were carrying out movements in orchards near the Lebanese border

The militant group said it targeted enemy soldiers movements in the orchards opposite Adaisseh and Kfarkila.

A source close to the group told Reuters that the Israeli soldiers were right on the border.

09:59 PM BST

Netanyahu raises prospect of war with Iran

Israels prime minister warned Iran there was nowhere in the Middle East that Israel could not strike after troops were ordered to prepare for an invasion of Lebanon.

In a speech in English directed at citizens in the Islamic Republic, Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was heading towards the abyss in a possible prelude to a direct war with the regime.

The speech came as Israeli tanks continued to mass on Israels northern border with Lebanon on Monday, with early reports of tanks beginning to shell villages.

Mr Netanyahu raised the prospect of expanding the war yet further, telling Iranians: There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.

Read more: Netanyahu warns Iran: There is nowhere we cant strike

Speaking in English, Benjamin Netanyahu told Iranians: There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country

09:48 PM BST

Large blast heard in Beirut

Witnesses in Beirut say they have heard a large blast in the south of the city.

Moments ago, Israel told residents in Beiruts southern suburbs to evacuate to escape its imminent air strike.

09:23 PM BST

Watch: Lebanese media reports artillery fire on border

09:04 PM BST

Israel warns Beirut residents of imminent strikes

Israels military has just issued an urgent warning for residents in Beiruts southern suburbs to evacuate due to planned strikes on Hezbollah targets.

Residents in the Al-Laylaki, Haret Hreik and Burj al-Barajneh areas have been told to leave by IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee.

As with its strikes on Hezbollah targets on Saturday morning, the IDF has released maps detailing where it plans to bomb, with instructions in Arabic.

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              pic.twitter.com/N60UKlRxmV    (@AvichayAdraee) September 30, 2024

08:58 PM BST

How the Israel-Lebanon border looks

08:50 PM BST

Loyalty to Iran is starting to slip

A fortnight ago, there would have been no questioning the devotion Lebanese Shia Muslims felt for Iran.

Just as for their brethren across the Middle East, Iran has long been their political and spiritual lodestar. What the Vatican is for you Christians, Iran is for us Shia  only more so, one is often told by Shias in Lebanon and elsewhere in the region.

Yet with Iran shying away from direct confrontation with Israel even as Hezbollah  its creation and most important proxy  lurches ever deeper into crisis, there are mounting signs that, in Lebanon at least, loyalty has begun to slip.

Read more: Hezbollah supporters: Everyone has abandoned us and now Iran has, too

08:34 PM BST

Watch: Biden calls for ceasefire

08:17 PM BST

Hezbollah: Iran is on our side

Hezbollah has not asked for any help from Iran as it knows they are on our side, a senior MP told local media on Monday.

It follows Iran saying that it would not send any troops to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel.

There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a spokesman said, adding that fighters in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression.

A huge crater is seen at the site of the massive Israeli airstrike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, on Friday - Alamy

08:00 PM BST

Lammy: I wont mourn Nasrallah

David Lammy, the UK Foreign Sercetary, has said he wont mourn the death of the head of a proscribed terrorist organisation after Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.

But I do mourn the civilians that have lost their lives in the bloodshed over the last few days, Mr Lammy added.

He went on to say that an immediate ceasefire should be implemented and a political solution be found to ensure Israelis can return to their homes in northern Israel.

This echoes the beliefs of Washington, Mr Lammy said, as he revealed he had spoken with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state.

We both agreed the position that we had at the U.N. last week that the best way forward is an immediate ceasefire and to get back to a political solution, Mr Lammy said.

BREAKING: Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP has been speaking about the situation in the Middle East



Read the latest: https://t.co/jO23o73VKF



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/tSKGlsqIJ8  Sky News (@SkyNews) September 30, 2024

07:45 PM BST

Latest developments from Lebanon and Israel

In case you missed it, here are the headlines from the Middle East today:

Israel expanded its war on Hezbollah to central Beirut for the first time since the conflict began in October 2023 in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks.

Meanwhile, Iran said on Monday it will not send troops to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel.

Earlier this afternoon, Israeli troops launched targeted operations in southern Lebanon on Monday as the army widened its campaign against Hezbollah ahead of a possible ground invasion.

Governments across the world are trying to get their citizens out of Lebanon as quickly as possible, including the British Government, who said toda it is working with airlines to secure seats for British nationals on flights leaving Lebanon.

Also on Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran it is heading towards the abyss - the same message he told the people of Lebanon days before Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, was killed in an Israeli air strike.

Amid reports of an imminent ground invasion - which could happen within hours - Israels defence minister has confirmed the next phase of his countrys war with Hezbollah will begin soon amid reports of an imminent ground invasion.

07:35 PM BST

Israel poised to launch invasion of Lebanon

Israeli troops are preparing to launch a limited ground invasion of Lebanon which could start as soon as today, senior US officials believe.

Israels operation is expected to be smaller than its 2006 war against Hezbollah, which was a wider ground incursion, instead focusing on ensuring security for border communities in the north, the Washington Post reported.

However, it came after intense talks between Israel and Washington over the weekend, with US officials believing they had done enough to convince Tel Aviv not to launch a major operation, the New York Times reported.

Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, said on Monday that the next stage of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon, adding that the purpose of such operations would be to facilitate the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north.

Israeli troops had already launched targeted operations in southern Lebanon on Monday as the army widened its campaign against Hezbollah.

An Israeli official told the Telegraph that elite commandos were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons sites and command and control centres, in a bid to push its fighters away from Israels northern border.

07:27 PM BST

Watch: Israeli tanks massing in northern Israel

07:26 PM BST

Israel declares military zone along northern border

The Israel Defence Forces declared a military zone along parts of its northern border with Lebanon on Monday ahead of possible ground operations in the neighbouring country.

The areas of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi in northern Israel have been declared a closed military zone. Entry to this area is prohibited, the military said in a statement.

07:26 PM BST

Pictured: Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon

Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon have landed in their home country as efforts continue across the world to get citizens out ahead of an anticipated ground invasion by Israel.

People disembark from a Bulgarian government plane following its arrival from an evacuation flight from Lebanon - Stoyan Nenov

07:25 PM BST

US: Israel told us ground operations are limited

Israel has told Washington that its operations in Lebanon are limited in focus, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near its border with Lebanon.

They have been informing us about a number of operations, I know Ive seen reports about ground operations. Weve had some conversations with them about that, the State Department said in a briefing on Monday.

They have at this time told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. But were in continuous conversations with them about it, Matthew Miller, the departments spokesman, said.

07:23 PM BST

Hello and welcome to our live coverage

Were bringing you the latest as IDF troops prepare to launch a limited ground invasion of Lebanon.
Israeli airstrikes overnight attacked neighbourhoods in the Dahieh suburbs of southern Beirut. Photograph: Houssam Shbaro/Anadolu/Getty Images

Israeli officials have ordered the residents of about 30 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate, in the first concrete demands since the military launched what it called limited, localised, and targeted ground raids on Monday against Hezbollah.

Israel began its incursion, which it has called operation Northern Arrow, with a barrage of shelling across the blue line that separates Israel and Lebanon, and said it would send in ground troops against targets located in villages close to the boundary that would pose an immediate threat to communities in northern Israel.

The ground incursion marks the first time Israeli troops have launched sustained operations in Lebanon since 2006, when the two countries signed a peace deal that ended a 34-day war between Israel and the Shia militia Hezbollah, which dominates large swaths of southern Lebanon.

In a statement, an Israeli military spokesperson told residents of the villages to evacuate to north of the Awali River, nearly 35 miles from the blue line, as the Israel Defense Forces targeted what they called Hezbollah attack infrastructure along the frontier between Israel and Lebanon.

The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately, Avichay Adraee posted on X, adding that any home used by Hezbollah would be targeted.

It is unclear why Israel asked residents of certain towns in the south, and not neighbouring towns, to leave, nor is it clear why it ordered them to go so far north. Be careful, you are not allowed to go south. Going south could put your life in danger, the statement added. We will let you know when it is safe to return home.

Burj al-Shemali, a town of about 60,000 people in south Lebanon that was included in Israels evacuation order, received calls warning residents to leave, prompting many to flee, Ali Deeb, the mayor, told the Guardian.

Some went to Tyre, some went to the Awali River. Others stayed, as they didnt have a place to go or they didnt have the money to leave, he said, adding that everyone in the town was scared.

As of midday on Tuesday, the scope of the Israeli ground operation remained unclear. Israeli airstrikes against targets in Beirut and shelling in southern Lebanon continued overnight, and Lebanese emergency workers said they had recovered 25 bodies and rescued 13 wounded people since 8pm on Monday.

Local residents have told Reuters that at least 600 people have sought refuge in a monastery in the town of Rmeish as Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon continue.

The Lebanese prime minister, Najib Mikati, met UN officials on Tuesday and said it was one of the most dangerous stages in [Lebanons] history. He also claimed that about 1 million of our people have been displaced due to the devastating war waged by Israel on Lebanon.

Small Israeli commando units had crossed the blue line to participate in the incursion, Israeli officials confirmed. But the army did not appear to have sent tanks or other armoured units across the boundary, and had mobilised just one brigade as part of the operation, making it considerably more limited in scope than the year-old war in Gaza.

Both Israeli and Hezbollah officials said there had not been direct clashes between fighters from the two sides. And it is unclear whether the Israeli government intends to occupy territory in southern Lebanon, depopulate it to create a buffer zone, or conduct raids and then retreat across the blue line, which has marked the frontier since 2006.

Nonetheless, international officials have voiced concerns that Israel could further escalate the offensive, potentially leading to a protracted conflict in southern Lebanon with results similar to the previous large-scale wars of 2006 and 1982.

We fear a large-scale ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon would only result in greater suffering, Liz Throssell, a spokesperson for the UN high commissioner for human rights, told reporters in Geneva.

The UK foreign secretary, David Lammy, called for an immediate ceasefire and warned that none of us want to return to the years in which Israel found itself bogged down in a quagmire in southern Lebanon.

None of us want to see a regional war, Lammy said in remarks broadcast on the BBC. The price would be huge for the Middle East and it would have a significant effect on the global economy.

Related: Will Hezbollah survive Israels onslaught?  podcast

At the same time, US officials have voiced cautious support for the operation, with the defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, agreeing with the Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant, on the necessity of dismantling [Hezbollahs] attack infrastructure along the border.

In a night-time call between the two sides, Austin reaffirmed US support for Israels right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanese Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed terrorist organisations, a readout of the call said.

A US-French proposal had called for a 21-day ceasefire in order to hold negotiations between Israel and Hezbollah. The US president, Joe Biden, had personally backed calls for a ceasefire as well, and when asked about a potential ground invasion on Monday, he said: Im comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.

Hours later, the IDF launched the incursions into southern Lebanon. Israeli military officials on Tuesday announced a series of restrictions that they said were prompted by safety concerns, after Hezbollah launched rockets at Tel Aviv and other towns and villages in central Israel. Those included closing beaches, limiting private and public gatherings, and closing workplaces and educational institutions that do not have access to bomb shelters.

The Israeli offensive has followed a number of Israeli successes against Hezbollah that appear to have emboldened the prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, to move against the Iran-backed organisation despite considerable diplomatic efforts to avert an escalation in the war.

The Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed by an Israeli strike on Beirut on Friday, dealing a heavy blow to the militant group and raising fears that Israel might be preparing for a ground offensive in Lebanon, and that the conflict could spread across the Middle East.

That followed two weeks of strikes, which began with the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members that killed dozens of people and injured thousands more. Israel has since continued to pound Beirut and has also launched strikes on Yemen and Syria.

Israel has struck targets in Syria and Yemen, saying that it was launching attacks against Iranian-backed militias across the Middle East.
Israel has vowed to retaliate after Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at targets across Israel in a dramatic intensification of a conflict that appeared to be escalating out of control.

Iran made a big mistake tonight  and it will pay for it, Benjamin Netanyahu told a meeting of his security cabinet late on Tuesday. The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies  They will understand.

The unprecedented Iranian salvo of more than 180 ballistic missiles came less than 24 hours after the Israeli prime minister ordered the largest ground incursion into southern Lebanon in a generation.

Guardian reporters in Jerusalem witnessed dozens of missiles flying overhead towards Israels main coastal cities in a huge attack just after 7.30pm, with the engines of the rockets clearly visible from below.

Air sirens sounded across Israel as the missiles, many of them intercepted by Israeli air defenses, streaked across the night sky in trails of red and gold. Other missiles, still intact, appeared to continue on towards the coast and central Israel to the sound of distant explosions.

In the early hours of Wednesday, at least five Israeli strikes hit Beiruts southern suburbs, after the Israeli military issued multiple evacuation orders for buildings in the city, saying it was targeting Hezbollah sites.

Minutes before Iran began the strike, at least two gunmen in the Israeli seaside city of Jaffa launched an attack that killed six and wounded 10, including an IDF soldier, sowing further concerns that the rising cycle of violence could lead to terror attacks inside Israel.

Israels military said it was not aware of any injuries from the missile attacks, but the Palestinian civil defence authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank said a man was killed near Jericho and falling rocket debris had caused damage and started fires in the area.

Iran said it launched the missiles toward three Israeli military bases as retaliation for a series of Israeli strikes in Lebanon against its proxy Hezbollah that has devastated the southern suburbs of Beirut, the capital, as well as villages in the countrys south.

The Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed by an Israeli strike on Beirut on Friday, dealing a heavy blow to the militant group.

Irans president, Masoud Pezeshkian, hailed the attack as a decisive response to the aggression of the Zionist regime, adding: Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat  Do not enter into a conflict with Iran.

The order to launch missiles at Israel was made by the supreme leader, Ali Khamenei, senior Iranian officials told Reuters.

Late on Tuesday, Irans foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, said Irans action was concluded unless Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In a statement on X, he said: Israels enablers now have a heightened responsibility to rein in the warmongers in Tel Aviv instead of getting involved in their folly.

Diplomatic efforts to contain the conflict were unravelling quickly as the tit-for-tat attacks threatened to set the Middle East alight less than one week after the US and France announced an effort to broker a 21-day ceasefire between the two sides.

Related: Missile attack on Israel signals that widely feared regional conflict has ignited

World leaders called for restraint, with the UN secretary general, Antonio Guterres, condemning escalation after escalation in the region.

This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire, he said.

Emmanuel Macron condemned Irans attack and said France mobilised its military resources in the Middle East to counter the Iranian threat. Frances president also called on Israel to end its military operations in Lebanon as soon as possible.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) described the Iranian attack as serious and vowed to retaliate. The US also warned that Iran would face consequences for launching the strike, raising the spectre of a direct confrontation between Tehran and Washington.

We are on high alert both defensively and offensively, the IDF spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a broadcast statement before the attacks. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.

US destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea took down multiple missiles launched by Iran, US defence officials said. Those there include the USS Arleigh Burke, USS Cole and USS Bulkeley. Additional destroyers are in the Red Sea.

On the edge of the Old City, many stopped to watch the missiles flying overhead in what appears to have been an unprecedented attack, as explosions thudded in the distance at a staccato pitch. Millions of Israelis were told to take shelter as the country closed its airspace to civilian aircraft.

Orli Mircus, 56, a social worker and a psychotherapist from Tel Aviv, said she had witnessed the attacks and felt fear  a lot of fear, mainly with the explosions over our heads.

At that moment I wanted to know where were our beloved ones were, she said. I wasnt thinking, I was so afraid.

I am worried about what will come, I am worried about Israels reaction to the attack, who logically wants to defend itself and that will bring another reaction, possible not only from Iran, she said.

Israeli media, citing the military, said the countrys air force would continue conducting powerful strikes throughout the Middle East on Tuesday evening.

Already this week, Israel had launched strikes in three countries: Lebanon, Syria, and Yemen.

The White House earlier warned it had indications that Iran was preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. The state department later said there had been no warning from Tehran, although some reports suggested the Iranians had told the Russians what they were planning.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack, a senior official said in a statement, warning that such an action will carry severe consequences for Iran.

What those consequences could be remain unclear.

Oil prices shot up 5% on the news of the Iranian missile strikes, which raise the prospect of a wider war between the two arch enemies.

The British prime minister, Keir Starmer, who was on the phone with the Israeli prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, when the barrage of missiles began on Tuesday, condemned the Iranian attack.



Downing Street said he reiterated to Netanyahu the UKs commitment to Israels security and the protection of civilians, but emphasised the importance of seeking ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza.

The UK defence secretary, John Healey, said that British forces played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.

On Monday Israel began a ground incursion into southern Lebanon, which it has called operation northern arrow, with a barrage of shelling across the border.

The ground incursion marks the first time Israeli troops have launched sustained operations in Lebanon since 2006, when the two countries signed a peace deal that ended a 34-day war between Israel and the Shia militia Hezbollah, which dominates large swaths of southern Lebanon.

Related: Stopping Irans attack would have forced Israel to use sophisticated  and expensive  defences

In the first concrete demands since the military launched its incursion, Israeli officials on Monday ordered the residents of about 30 villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate. An Israeli military spokesperson told people to evacuate to north of the Awali River, nearly 35 miles (55km) from the blue line between the two countries, as the IDF targeted what it called Hezbollah attack infrastructure along the UN boundary.

The Lebanese prime minister, Najib Mikati, met UN officials on Tuesday and said it was one of the most dangerous stages in [Lebanons] history. He claimed that about 1 million of our people have been displaced due to the devastating war waged by Israel on Lebanon.

US officials have voiced cautious support for the operation, with the defence secretary, Lloyd Austin, agreeing with the Israeli defence minister, Yoav Gallant, on the necessity of dismantling [Hezbollahs] attack infrastructure along the border.

The Israeli offensive has followed a number of Israeli successes against Hezbollah that appear to have emboldened Netanyahu to move against the Iran-backed organisation despite considerable diplomatic efforts to avert an escalation in the war.

Nasrallahs death followed two weeks of strikes that began with the explosion of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah members that killed dozens of people and injured thousands more. Israel has since continued to pound Beirut and has also launched strikes on Yemen and Syria, saying it was launching attacks against Iranian-backed militias across the Middle East.

Additional reporting by Quique Kierszenbaum in Jerusalem
Jean Marie Le Pen is seen singing in a still from the video circulating on social media - X

Jean-Marie Le Pen, the founder of Frances far-Right National Front (FN), has been filmed singing along to a neo-Nazi song with a fascist-linked rock group.

The 96-year-old is under investigation for misappropriation of public funds in a case in which his daughter, Marine, and 25 other people linked to the FN and its successor, National Rally, are on trial.

The trial opened in Paris on Monday and Ms Le Pen and her co-accused deny the charges, which relate to alleged embezzlement from the European parliament.

Mr Le Pen is not appearing in court as it has been ruled he is not fit to stand trial for health reasons.

However, footage circulating on social media shows him at his home outside Paris singing along with members of Match Retour, a far-Right rock group from Lyon. In the clip, one of the bands members is wearing a T-shirt glorifying the Hitler Youth.

Jean-Marie Le Pen was filmed at his home with members of the Match Retour group, but daughter Marine said he was incapable of consenting to any act whatsoever - Mediapart/X

Match Retour is known to be affiliated with an international neo-Nazi network known as Blood and Honour, which emerged from the UKs far-Right music scene in the 1980s. Its members call for violent action to ensure the survival of European races.

The former far-Right leader, who shocked France when he made it to the second round of the 2002 presidential election, can be seen happily singing along with the band in the clip.

Marine Le Pen, the 56-year-old former president of National Rally, has said she will take legal action against the group and those who allowed them into her fathers house, claiming they took advantage of his frailty and alleged dementia.

She said that she had lodged a complaint against the group for abuse of weakness.

He may not know what year it is

Its a fact that (Jean-Marie Le Pen) is not in a position to give his consent to any act whatsoever, Ms Le Pen told AFP, denouncing the scandalous behaviour of those I will take to court to have condemned.

Jean-Marie Le Pen is capable of reciting Musset, but may not know what year it is, she added in a statement.

In the video, the groups members sing a Napoleonic song, Fanchon, and serenade the aged leader with a specially written piece that refers to notorious homophobic remarks he made in public in 1997.

According to Mediapart, a French investigative outlet, Match Retour performed in May 2022 at a rally in Sainte-Croix-aux-Mines (Haut-Rhin) in tribute to French SS soldiers killed by the French army in 1945.

Marine Le Pen and her co-accused arrive for the trial in Paris on Monday - Jonathan Rebboah/Avalon

The video clips emerged at a delicate time for the National Rally, with its leaders and dozens of staff on trial over allegations they used fake jobs to defraud the European Parliament of millions.

In their indictment, investigating judges found Mr Le Pen and his daughter were co-decision-makers in an alleged system, which began in 2004, designed to use European Parliament funds to pay employees who were actually working for a political party.

Ms Le Pen faces a potential 10-year-prison term, a million-euro fine and a five-year ban from elected office that could scupper her hopes of claiming the French presidency on her fourth try in 2027.

It threatens to cast a shadow over her record score in Julys snap parliamentary elections that saw the RN win 126 seats and claim a kingmaker role over Michel Barniers fragile minority government.

Mr Le Pen has multiple past convictions for racism, anti-Semitism and Holocaust denial, famously once dismissing the Nazi gas chambers as a detail of history.
Robert Jenrick, here with his wife Michal Berkner in Birmingham on Tuesday, has moved to the Right politically - Stefan Rousseau/PA

Robert Jenrick will channel Sir Tony Blair in his conference speech by vowing to build a new Conservative Party, should he become Tory leader.

The phrase has been deliberately picked to echo the New Labour drive led by Sir Tony and Gordon Brown, which took the party out of the wilderness of opposition into power in 1997.

Mr Jenrick will also use his speech on Wednesday to name five policy changes he would focus on if he were to win.

These are to reject mass migration, focus on cheap, reliable energy, get Britain building again, a small state that works and a more united country.

The former housing and immigration minister comes into the final day of Tory conference as the leadership front-runner, with more votes from MPs than the other candidates.

He will give a no-notes speech, as Lord Cameron did to clinch the leadership in 2005, and has been rehearsing it as late as 2am in recent days, according to allies.

Mr Jenrick will say: The truth is this. If were to tackle the immense challenges we face, if were to restore the publics trust, we must build something new.

A new Conservative Party. That is what I call for today. Nothing less than a new Conservative Party built on the rock of our oldest values and best traditions. If I become our leader, this is what  together  we will build.

The nod to the New Labour project reflects a wider admiration among Tory MPs for the efficiency with which Sir Tony turned an election-losing party into one that held power for 13 years.

Tougher on immigration

Mr Jenricks front-runner status has been secured with a strategy that has seen him put the need to win back Reform voters with a tougher immigration position front and centre.

The Tory MP for Newark has pledged to pull the UK out of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) to help tackle illegal migration, and to have an annual cap on legal net migration of below 100,000.

Tory MPs are knocking the field down from four to two this month, but Mr Jenricks team are confident he has the numbers to make the cut-off. His campaign has won plaudits from Tory strategists watching from the sidelines for its early success.

But backers of some of his opponents  Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat  believe his ECHR position could divide Tory MPs for years to come, given opposition from moderates.

Mr Jenricks ECHR stance triggered a row at the conference when he said British special forces were killing rather than capturing terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if they are caught the European court will set them free.

Other rivals issued criticism. Mr Tugendhat, a former security minister, said the comments risked making life much more dangerous for our soldiers. Mr Cleverly said: Our military do not murder people.

Mr Jenrick refused to back down, saying: The point I was making was absolutely correct. His team believes his position is popular with the Tory membership.

There are also concerns about whether his move from being a moderate Tory who voted to remain in the EU in 2016, to a more Right-wing position, could be targeted by political opponents.

Decision to resign

Mr Jenrick, who has the most detailed policy proposals of any candidate, will make reference to his resignation from Rishi Sunaks Cabinet last year in his speech in Birmingham.

He will say: I loathe empty rhetoric. Big talk and little action thats part of the reason we are where we are. You know I will take a stand. Thats what I did last year.

Its frankly the reason I won my constituency of Newark, against every poll and pundit, the only seat we held in the whole of Nottinghamshire, because my constituents  to whom I owe so much  knew I took a stand. For them. For the country. For the change we need.

The resignation in question came in December 2023, when Mr Jenrick quit as immigration minister, citing frustration that Mr Sunak would not harden-up a law delivering his plan to deport migrants who arrived on small boat crossings to Rwanda.

On Tuesday, Mr Jenrick ruled out a merger with Reform, saying: I see Reform as a symptom, not a cause. It exists in its current state because my party failed to deliver on some of the big issues like immigration.

So the answer is not to merge with Reform or ape Reform, although I dont denigrate it because Im not going to denigrate the millions of people who vote for it. What I want to do is have very serious and clear answers to those big issues.

He also suggested he would welcome Boris Johnson, Penny Mordaunt and Andy Street back into the fold, calling for the Conservative family to get back together.
Kemi Badenoch, who is seeking the Tory leadership, argues that wealth-creation should be celebrated - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

Kemi Badenoch will declare wealth is not a dirty word on Wednesday in a conference speech defending those with assets being targeted by Labour.

The former business secretary, who is seeking the Tory leadership, will display her Conservative values with an argument that wealth-creation should be celebrated.

The rhetoric is timely, with Sir Keir Starmer and his Cabinet ministers having promised that only working people will be spared any tax rises in the Budget on Oct 30.

It has led to concerns that capital gains tax or inheritance tax could be increased. Neither option has been ruled out by the Labour government, despite weeks of speculation.

Mrs Badenoch will tell conference delegates in Birmingham: The Conservatives have to be the party of wealth creation. Wealth is not a dirty word. It supports jobs and families. It pays for our schools, for our health service. We should encourage it.

The speech will make reference to her time in the Cabinet, when she held the posts of international trade secretary and then business secretary.

She will describe seeing first-hand how investors and businessmen are leaving the UK.

A spokesman for Mrs Badenoch said of her speech: Kemi will explain how her economic policy is focused on increasing productivity. She will robustly defend wealth creation, saying that without it we cannot deliver effective public services or help the poorest in society.

Mrs Badenoch is in second place in the leadership race on Tory MP votes, behind Robert Jenrick but ahead of James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat.

She has based her leadership pitch on the need for renewal by 2030 and beyond, into the years when the Tories hope they could be back in government.

Mrs Badenoch had made a merit of how her campaign has talked about the Conservatives as a whole rebuilding for office together, rather than herself being the sole point of focus.

Her allies have praised her charisma and X-factor, arguing she has the ability as a Tory leader in opposition to cut through with the public.

But some MPs on rival camps have argued the headlines she triggered at conference about maternity pay, indicating in an interview she thought the burden on businesses it caused was excessive, may make some colleagues hesitate before giving their support.

Mrs Badenoch has said the comments were taken out of context.

In her 20-minute conference address, Mrs Badenoch will promise to dismantle the legacy of Sir Tony Blair and Gordon Brown, two former Labour prime ministers, if she wins office again.

The criticism chimes with Tories who argue it was a mistake not to unpick more determinedly New Labour policy drives when the Tories were in power over the last 14 years.

A Badenoch spokesman said: Kemi will talk about how she plans to dismantle the Blair and Brown framework of ever increasing social, economic and legal control. She will say that we thought Blair and Brown were defeated in 2010, but the truth is the left never left.

Civil servants undermined ministers

Speaking at a conference fringe meeting hosted by the Spectator, Mrs Badenoch claimed that up to 10 per cent of civil servants were so very, very bad that they should be in prison, claiming they leaked official secrets, undermined their ministers and agitated against them.

She said: The trick to being a good minister is to find the good [civil servants] quickly, bring them those and try and get the bad ones out of your department as quickly as possible.

Theres about five to 10 per cent of them who are very, very badshould be in prison, leaking official secrets, undermining their ministers, agitating. I had some of it in my department, usually union-led, but most of them actually want to do a good job. And the good ones are very frustrated by the bad ones.

Mrs Badenoch said this was why Ed Davey, the Liberal Democrat leader, ran into trouble when he was post office minister because of the Yes, Minister approach where successive ministers did as they were told by their civil servants.

I didnt do that, and thats why I managed to achieve so much in my department on Brexit regulations, getting rid of 4000 [regulations], removing the European Court of Justice on Port Talbot, we had a great deal, she said.

I win my fights

She also defended her combative approach to politics, saying she did not like a fight but, if she had one, she would win it. Thats what politics is. Its about sorting out difficult problems. Its about sorting out disagreements, she said.

If youre not prepared to fight for your values, if youre not prepared to fight for Conservatives, to fight for your people, you have no business being in politics. I dont like a fight. But if someone brings a fight, then we need to have it. And I dont have fights that I cant win. I win my fights, and thats what makes me different.
Lottie Moore thought she would get to her mid-20s, settle down and have kids  but thats not how life is panning out - Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph/Geoff Pugh for the Telegraph

I am from a comfortable middle-class family, Im Oxford educated with a career as a political researcher, and a good salary of more than 60,000.

But at the age of 28, in the prime of my childbearing years, I am worried that I wont be able to afford to have children in the timeframe that my biology demands.

And I am not alone. Almost every woman in my friendship groups feels this same pessimism.

Why do successful young women like me feel that motherhood is out of reach?

My situation is not unusual. I did well at school and went on to study at the University of Bristol. From there I went on to do a Masters at Oxford, and took on the 60,000 worth of debt that comes with studying.

I then moved to London, where I find myself in one of the top social brackets for those considered to be doing well.

It seems natural that I would be thinking about moving onto the next stage of my life and having children.

This would certainly fit into what I envisioned for myself growing up, and what my parents and the generation before me did. I thought I would get to my mid-20s, settle down and have kids.

But for many of us, this is just not how things are panning out. The reality is that for the foreseeable future I simply cannot afford to have children.

I live in a rented flat for which I pay an extraordinary amount, and this, coupled with the rising cost of living, leaves me with almost no ability to save.

Despite earning generally well above my peers, it doesnt go far  even though I dont live a luxurious lifestyle. It certainly doesnt stretch far enough to fund having a baby. Providing a stable home for a child is completely out of the question, when you move from rented flat to rented flat every couple of years at the whim of whichever landlord who owns the property.

Like many young people, it will be years before Ill be in a financial position to buy my own home, and there is simply no way I could cover the costs involved in providing all the paraphernalia that comes with having a baby.

Then there is the issue of childcare, which everyone knows is monumentally expensive.

Given the option, I would prefer not to work if I have children and be a stay-at-home mum for the first five years at least. But there is no way I could afford to do that and neither could any of my friends.

Instead, I would have to outsource my parenting to an underpaid nursery worker and then work like a dog to fund it.

By contrast, at my age my mother had already given birth to two children and my father provided for us. Of course, with that came some financial struggles, but they made it work. My mothers choice to stay at home and look after us would be considered a wasted opportunity by many liberal feminists, when in fact it is the opposite.

But there is also a culture of risk aversion among younger women like me. There is a feeling that everything has to be completely perfect. That you cant have a baby until you can afford all the Mini Boden and Montessori schools, rather than viewing starting a family as a natural process you can get on with.

Liberal feminism has encouraged women to think we can have it all. We cant. Very few people are honest about the fact that when you have a baby, something has got to give.

Lottie Moore says a culture change is needed if women like her are to see children as a viable option - Geoff Pugh

So if we are to break this cycle of younger women like me viewing motherhood as an untenable option, we need change.

An increase in affordable housing would be a good place to start. We also need a government that values the institution of the family. Mothers are worth more than their contribution to the economy. The solution to the birth crisis is not just to get women to have babies, and then throw money at them to pay for someone else to look after them. The state is a terrible parent. The current Government is not listening to what ordinary women like me actually want.

A better approach would be for the Government to introduce policies that allow parents, if they so choose, to remain at home and look after their own children. A Government which incentivises couples to start families and discourages the risk aversion which has arisen among young people.

If we want to tackle the birth rate crisis, we need a serious culture change in how society views having children. Fertility must be seen as a public good, not a private luxury. But fundamentally, our low birth rate is not the consequence of economic policies; it is a much deeper, cultural crisis.

As told to Sanchez Manning
Dale Semper, pictured here in 2020, said the lives of him and his family were torn apart by the unjustified actions of the police. Photograph: Linda Nylind/The Guardian

A black executive who sued the Metropolitan police for 1m has told of the bitter-sweet moment of reaching a settlement with the force after alleging that he was racially profiled.

Dale Semper was pulled over in his car by police officers in August 2017 and wrongly accused of involvement in gun crime, something he said had a devastating impact on his job as a bank manager, his finances and his mental health.

The force has not admitted liability but said in a statement on Tuesday that some elements of this case were not handled as well as they could have been.

Semper was handcuffed in front of neighbours while his car and home were searched for firearms. He was later suspended from his 72,000-a-year job at Lloyds Bank. Police also searched the homes of his partner and mother during an investigation that finally ended in 2019.

He was cleared of any wrongdoing, but he and his family then brought a 1m damages claim against Scotland Yard, alleging racial discrimination, false imprisonment, malicious prosecution, misfeasance and breach of data protection.

Semper said on Tuesday: Seven years after the unjustified search of my and my familys home, and the intrusive steps taken afterwards, the Met  has finally apologised for its officers conduct and settled my and my familys civil claims.

We remain convinced that the actions taken against me were motivated by racism, both conscious and unconscious.

He added: This is a bitter-sweet moment, as although I feel some justice has been done, my and my familys lives have been torn apart by the unjustified actions of the police, and the extreme delays in responding to our complaints, which, disgracefully, remain ongoing seven years after the events.

Holborn Adams solicitors, which represented Semper and his family, added that the police had also agreed to reinvestigate parts of the complaints from Semper and his family that were initially dismissed.

Semper said that he hoped lessons from the case would assist in the stated intention of its commissioner, Sir Mark Rowley, to make the force truly anti-racist. The family said they would now welcome an invitation by Rowley to discuss how they were treated.

In a statement issued by the force as part of the settlement, a senior Met officer said on Tuesday they had settled a civil claim brought by Semper and members of his family relating to events between 2017 and 2019 that ended with no further action being taken.

The deputy assistant commissioner, Stuart Cundy, added in the statement: We stand by the necessity to act following information that was received, but accept some elements of this case were not handled as well as they could have been and we apologise for the impact that has had on the complainants.

The Metropolitan police has already apologised during the complaints procedure for certain comments which were made by officers during the investigation and reiterates that apology.

Lawyers likened Sempers experience to the 1998 action film Enemy of the State, in which the lead character played by Will Smith has his life turned upside down by authorities without explanation or cause.

Semper and his partner, Denise Huggan, told the Guardian in 2020 how they believed the 26-month investigation was driven by racial profiling and about the impact that it had on the family when they were pulled over by the police.

They rushed up to the car, banging on the window, shouting: Get out, get out of the car. They handcuffed me. They said they were arresting me  I said: For what? You got the wrong guy, Semper recalled.
Migrants protest about cramped conditions at a hotel in west London in June - JAMIE LORRIMAN

Migrants could be housed in hotels for up to three more years because of the asylum backlog, it has been reported.

Since winning the election Home Secretary Yvette Cooper and other ministers have realised that clearing the backlog will take longer than they had hoped, The Times reported.

The Labour Party had pledged to clear it and end asylum hotels but a Whitehall source told the newspaper that the it is much worse than we thought.

Its going to take a lot longer to clear than we anticipated. It certainly wont be cleared in a year, they added.

A Labour source said: We have inherited a completely failed immigration system from the Tories. Including them spending over 700 million on Rwanda, and gimmicks that didnt work. Were working on clearing down the backlog they left behind, they clearly did nothing at all in the months before the election.

The numbers speak for themselves.

According to Home Office figures released in August, a total of 118,882 people were waiting for an initial decision on an asylum application in the UK at the end of June 2024, down by 32 per cent from 175,457 at the end of June 2023, which was the highest figure since current records began in 2010.

But the latest total was up slightly from the 118,329 waiting to be dealt with at the end of March this year, indicating a rise in the last three months of the 12-month period.

Earlier this month, Ms Cooper told broadcasters that the Government was making progress on clearing the asylum backlog and returning those with no right to be in the UK so that we can end these very costly asylum hotels.

The Labour manifesto released ahead of the general election said that the party would restore order to the asylum system so that it operates swiftly, firmly and fairly.

We will hire additional caseworkers to clear the Conservatives backlog and end asylum hotels, saving the taxpayer billions of pounds, the manifesto said.

On Monday, official data revealed that Britons have suffered a slump in living standards as a surge in net migration wiped out any gains from economic growth.
Mohammad Marandi used divisive language during an interview with Radio 4 - NurPhoto

The BBC has admitted that it failed to sufficiently challenge an Iranian guest who accused Israel of being an ethno-supremacist state that is committing a holocaust in Gaza.

Mohammad Marandi, a professor at the University of Tehran, appeared on Radio 4s flagship show on Tuesday to comment on how Iran would respond to Israels limited ground invasion inside Lebanon.

In what Jewish organisations called a disgraceful move, Mishal Husain, the BBC presenter, permitted Mr Marandi to speak at length, unchallenged, as he called Israel a genocidal regime that believed its citizens were the chosen people.

A BBC spokesman said: The Today programme covered the latest developments in Lebanon and the Middle East and interviewed a range of people including IDF spokesperson Lt Col Peter Lerner, US Diplomat Dennis Ross and Iranian academic Mohammad Marandi to get a broad perspective on the complex politics of the region.

Mohammed Marandi was interviewed to gain an understanding of the view from Iran, and what their response is likely to be.

This was a live interview and he was challenged during the course of the interview, and the Israeli position was reflected.

However, we accept we should have continued to challenge his language throughout the interview.

The BBC is facing a wave of criticism for allowing what commentators have called offensive anti-Semitic tropes to be broadcast on its airwaves largely interrupted.

Mishal Hussain appeared to allow anti-Semitic tropes to be aired - Shutterstock

Husain only appeared to interrupt him once to ask what he meant by Iran will do whatever it takes to stop Israel. Mr Marandi skirted around the question, saying: Im not part of the Iranian government.

The Iranian-American academic, who is the son of the former Iranian health minister, has previously been called a propagandist and mouthpiece for the Iranian regime by HonestReporting, an organisation that works to combat prejudices in the media.

The BBC, which must remain duly impartial according to its own guidelines, allowed Mr Marandi to continue uninterrupted as he claimed that the UK supports this Holocaust in Gaza, just as it supports the slaughter of the Lebanese.

We have no doubt that [the UK] will be with the Israelis until the very last Palestinian, he said, adding that the only way forward was resistance by Irans proxy forces.

The professor then labelled Israel an expansionist regime that believes in ethno-supremacism, without rebuttal from Husain.

It believes that they are a chosen people. They have exceptional rights, and therefore they have exceptional rights to the whole region. Its not just Palestine today. It goes beyond the borders of Palestine, he added.

The presenter waited for Mr Marandi to finish, thanked him and moved on to a new segment of the show.

The Board of Deputies of British Jews said they were deeply concerned with the national broadcaster for allowing his claims to be aired without clear pushback.

We will be raising this directly with the BBC at the highest levels, it added in a statement.

Profoundly and appallingly offensive

Claudia Mendoza, the CEO of the Jewish Leadership Council, told The Telegraph: Comments such as these are unacceptable and anti-Semitic, drawing upon ancient conspiracy theories about Jewish power and control.

It is disgraceful for the BBC to air such comments, even more so given that they went unchallenged in a prime-time slot.

Hadar Sela, the co-editor of the Committee for Accuracy in Middle East Reporting and Analysis (Camera), which lobbies for a fair representation of Israel in the media, said that for six years the BBC has solicited commentary from an apologist for the Iranian regime.

No less unsurprising is the fact that BBC presenter Mishal Husain made no effort whatsoever to challenge Marandis racist rant and redundant claims of genocide, Ms Sela told The Telegraph.

This is not the BBC providing various viewpoints: this is the BBC knowingly providing a platform for lies and hate speech.

Simon Schama, a historian and BBC presenter, called the Todays Programme profoundly and appallingly offensive for allowing Mr Marandi to air his anti-Semitic abuse about chosen people, holocaust in Lebanon etc without challenge.

A spokesman for the Israeli embassy in London told The Telegraph: Its very concerning that the UKs national broadcaster would allow such hateful incitement to go unchallenged.

For Mr Marandi to be allowed to have openly endorsed such violent acts against civilians by calling for resistance by terrorist groups illustrates a remarkable abdication of journalistic responsibility and a clear breach of the BBCs impartiality guidelines, they added.

They said that accusing Israel of committing a holocaust in Gaza is a clear case of anti-semitic rhetoric... for this to have gone unchallenged by the BBC beggars belief.
Sir Keir Starmer is meeting Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission president, on Wednesday - LEON NEAL/AFP

Sir Keir Starmer will not be allowed to cherry-pick a new Brexit deal, Brussels has vowed ahead of the Prime Ministers meeting with Ursula von der Leyen on Wednesday.

European Commission officials told ambassadors of the 27 EU member states that the red lines of the original Brexit negotiations with the Tories would not change for a Labour government and that they would guard against British efforts to bend EU rules.

It is important to protect the integrity of the internal market, an EU diplomat told The Telegraph after the behind closed door meeting with envoys on Monday evening.

The Commission promised to guard the balance of rights and obligations and acknowledged that the scope to start further cooperation is limited.

Sir Keir is holding his first substantive talks with Mrs von der Leyen, the Commission president, in Brussels on Wednesday as he looks to cement his reset of relations with the EU and forge closer post-Brexit ties with the bloc.

Last week Sir Keir said he would not pretend that talks with Brussels were going to be easy.

The Government wants to overhaul the post-Brexit trade deal, which is up for review in 2026 - GARETH FULLER/PA

The Government wants to strike a security and migration pact with the EU and overhaul the post-Brexit trade deal, which is up for review in 2026.

During the first Brexit negotiations from 2017 to 2021, the Commissions inflexible approach was driven by the red line that London could not cherry-pick the benefits of single market membership without the obligations of EU membership.

The Prime Minister has ruled out any return to free movement or rejoining the single market, which the EU believes will limit the ambition of any revamped trade deal.

EU capitals are also reluctant to reopen talks over an agreement they see as weighted in their favour, sources in Brussels said.

The envoys also demanded Mrs von der Leyen get clarity from Sir Keir over Britains intentions ahead of fisheries negotiations before the UK-EU deal on access to British waters expires at the end of 2026.

The Commission will meet the Prime Ministers call to revamp the UK-EU trade deal with its own demand for access to British waters.

An EU diplomat said there was broad and explicit support from some 16 member states for the meeting between Sir Keir and Mrs von der Leyen now that positive momentum seems to be building with the Labour Government in office.

Though with the key and important caveat from member states that principles that applied during the Brexit negotiations still apply, the diplomat told The Telegraph.

There was broad support for strengthening foreign and defence cooperation to shore up a united European front after Russias illegal invasion of Ukraine, sources said.

But EU-27 ambassadors insisted that any new deals with Britain could only be agreed if the UK stuck to its existing Brexit agreements.

They also urged the Commission to ensure the UK fully implemented the Windsor Framework agreement on the Irish Sea border before striking new deals.

Despite the treaty on post-Brexit trading arrangements for Northern Ireland being signed in February 2023, it has still not been fully implemented.

The ambassadors also wanted Mrs von der Leyen to grill Sir Keir on plans for better energy cooperation.

The Government also wants a UK-EU veterinary deal to reduce border checks on animals and animal products, an agreement on chemicals regulations, better terms for UK touring artists and improved recognition of UK professional qualifications.

Youth mobility deal

Mrs von der Leyen is likely to press the EUs case for an improved youth mobility deal, making it easier for European students to come to the UK, during her meeting with the Prime Minister. Sir Keir rejected the initial call for the agreement.

Her officials have warned her against any quid pro quo on Sir Keirs hopes of a better deal for UK bands.

Brussels is willing to agree on the chemicals and the veterinary deals, if the UK aligns with EU rules, which are governed by the European Court of Justice.

But sources said a UK-EU migration deal, which is supported by France and Germany and would allow the return of Channel migrants, is not currently on the table.

Dr Mike Galsworthy, Chair of European Movement UK, said the Government must reconsider its apparent hostility to a youth mobility scheme with the EU.

After all, the UK has youth mobility schemes with 13 other countries  including Australia and Japan  so it makes sense to have one with our nearest neighbours and closest partners, he said.
The reality for new arrivals in the city of Springfield has not always matched the postcard image. Photograph: Carolyn Kaster/AP

For John, living in a room in a shared house without even a door for privacy was what he found himself dealing with when he first arrived in Ohio four years ago.

I was afraid to tell my wife, who was still in Florida at the time, John says. When I spoke to her on the phone, I closed the video so she wouldnt see what it was like. John, who did not want to give his real name out of fear of the consequences, paid $50 a week for a room in a house that was also home to a family of Haitians and others who came and went regularly.

Living in substandard conditions, especially for recent arrivals to Springfield, is a common, if little talked about, experience among the Haitian community.

Weve seen things like no heat or hot water in winter; issues with leaking roofs and walls collapsing; multiple families renting rooms in a larger home; dangerous water and electrical configurations  things that could cause a serious fire, says Ryan Davis, a staff attorney at Advocates for Basic Legal Equality (Able), a non-profit law firm.

Related: Ohios Republican governor condemns Trump and Vance for Springfield claims

Even as Haitians in Springfield struggle with poor housing arrangements, the community has been blamed by many longtime residents and sections of the national media alike for causing rents to increase across working-class parts of the city.

But reports and research suggest that hard-charging landlords and property companies rather than immigrants may be responsible for the rising cost of housing.

Reuters has reported that the number of affordable housing vouchers fell in recent years in Springfield, as landlords moved away from offering their properties to tenants through government support programs and into market-based rents, where greater profits can be made. That move means that there are several hundred fewer properties now available to low-income and in-need Springfield residents.

I dont think its fair at all that the Haitian community has been targeted as a reason for rising rents, says Davis.

Conversations with several Haitian workers, legal representatives and community leaders in Springfield found that First Diversity Staffing, a temporary staffing agency, has played a key role in securing employment for Haitian and other immigrant laborers from Central America to work at distribution facilities, warehouses and farms in the Springfield area.

All the while, a company called Ten Enterprises, whose registered agent is a person named George Ten, has been buying up dozens of properties in and around south Springfield, where the majority of the citys Haitian population lives. George Ten is also the CEO of First Diversity Staffing.

All 48 properties owned by Ten Enterprises  typically smaller and older residential homes  were purchased since 2021, coinciding with the height of the Haitian immigration wave to Springfield. By March of that year, a USA Today report found that Springfield had the fifth hottest housing market in the US, despite having a median home price of just $145,000.

While owning a large number of properties is perfectly legal, and landlords say renovating and renting out houses contributes to the citys tax base, many Springfield residents have taken to public forums to ask that property companies help contribute to the increased costs associated with managing an influx of new residents.

Emails and phone calls to First Diversity Staffing, asking if it is providing financial or other support to local schools and healthcare centers left to deal with the fallout of a major population increase, were not answered.

Ten Enterprises isnt alone.

Garlind Properties owns 324 homes or parcels in Clark county. About 260 of those properties were purchased since 2019 and many of its tenants, according to a New York Times report, are believed to be Haitian immigrants.

A member of the Haitian community who asked not to be named due to the sensitivity of the housing issue says Garlind Properties is infamous for overcharging Haitians for housing. The company also has a number of negative reviews posted online calling out the poor standard of its properties. Voicemails left with a phone number associated with Garlind Properties were not responded to.

Aside from housing issues, immigrants are also facing challenging employment conditions. When companies such as Amazon, Dole Fresh Vegetables and Topre, a Japanese auto parts manufacturer, struggled to find labor in the aftermath of the pandemic, temporary staffing agencies found hundreds of Haitian workers to fill the gaps.

But that created insecurities for Haitians, too.

Related: Haitian immigrant group calls for arrest warrants for Trump and Vance in Ohio

The biggest issue we see with the temp agencies is that  and its not illegal, unfortunately  workers are not given benefits, theyre not given time off, says Katie Kersh, a senior attorney at Able.

Its just much harder for people who are trying to build lives. It prevents them from having a lot of things they need to get ahead.

A Dole Fresh Vegetables representative didnt directly answer the Guardians questions asking if the company was assisting the Springfield community in handling its growing population, instead saying: At Dole we care for and support all of our employees and communities.

Despite the challenges in housing and employment, some changes are taking shape.

Last year, the city of Springfield established a rental property registry to keep tabs on negligent landlords and ensure that properties were up to livable standards.

Whats more, this year the building of about 1,200 housing units in a west Springfield suburb was announced in a move city authorities believe would ease the pressure on housing supplies.

However, single-family homes in the development are expected to start at $300,000, a price thats out of reach for many Springfield residents, where the median household income is about $45,000.

Since the bleak early days of life in Springfield, Johns accommodation status has since taken an upward trajectory. Today, he owns his own home and has become a realtor, though the memory of the first months in Ohio hasnt left him, especially as he sees so many others demeaned and singled out for being in the same situation today.

The houses on this side of Springfield were really bad, he says.

People are afraid about this situation.
Pine martens were driven to extinction in England at the turn of the 20th century. Photograph: Mark Hamblin/2020VISION/Devon Wildlife Trust/PA

Fifteen pine martens are darting through the woods of Dartmoor for the first time in 150 years after the rare but recovering species was reintroduced into south-west England.

The nimble, tree-climbing mustelids were released last month at secret locations in the steep, tree-lined valleys of Devon in what conservationists are hailing as a historic step in the restoration of the regions woodlands.

We havent had pine martens here for 150 years, and to see them moving out into this landscape to explore it and find their way is really exciting, said Ed Parr Ferris, conservation manager at Devon Wildlife Trust, which is leading a partnership of seven conservation organisations returning the marten to south-west England.

The eight adult females and seven males were caught from resurgent populations in Scotland, meticulously checked for health, and driven to 10 woodland pens, where they were released under the cover of darkness well away from people and busy roads. The threat of road traffic is a big risk for the mostly nocturnal animals.

Fitted with GPS or radio tags depending on their size (lighter radio tags were used on the smaller individuals), the animals were fed in the pens for three days to acclimatise, before the doors were opened and the martens slipped away into the night.

Pine martens were driven to extinction in England at the turn of the 20th century by the loss of forests and persecution, with gamekeepers in particular targeting the animals for preying upon pheasants and poultry.

They returned naturally to Shropshire in 2015 and populations have since spread, boosted by hugely successful official reintroductions in Wales and in the Forest of Dean. Unofficial rogue releases have also resulted in the species turning up in the New Forest and even in London.

Food availability studies have identified plenty of food in Dartmoors woods for the omnivorous predators, which take whatever is easiest and most abundant in a forest  berries, at this time of year, and mostly field voles at other times. Studies have also shown the pine martens are effective predators of grey squirrels, giving hope that they may provide a natural control for the introduced squirrel, which damages trees in commercial plantations and has virtually wiped out the red squirrel in England.

But the pine marten still needs a helping hand to establish viable populations across England, according to conservationists, and well-planned official releases  this one took six years of preparation and consultations  using large numbers of health-screened animals are much more likely to succeed.

Maverick releases of one or two animals have led to the individuals being found dead on roads, according to Parr Ferris. Pine martens are solitary but they like to live near other pine martens, and when it gets to breeding season they look for mates and if they are on their own they travel across the landscape and are vulnerable to roadkill, he said. We need a number of animals to form a population thats resilient and sustainable.

In this release, all 15 animals are being tracked via GPS or radio by volunteers for the project partners, which include Dartmoor national park authority, Forestry England, National Trust and the Woodland Trust. So far, none have strayed near roads or into situations that might cause them danger.

Next year the project, which is funded by the National Lottery Heritage Fund, will translocate another group of Scottish pine martens to Exmoor with the support of the national park and Somerset Wildlife Trust. Previous reintroductions have shown that releasing 30 to 40 animals slowly creates a viable population of 70+ animals, which live at low densities as they further expand their range.

The martens impacts on rare woodland birds and bats in Devon will be carefully monitored, with advisers also available to meet any farmers or shooting estates that encounter problems with predation.

On the whole, landowners have been really supportive, said Parr Ferris, who added that small tweaks to standard non-lethal predator controls could stop the martens causing problems for shooting estates.

We are asking people to adapt to a new species coming back in the landscape but a lot of these communities want to see a vibrant, natural environment and the return of a species theyve lost and we want to help people adapt to having that. The whole point is to build a really great woodland environment that supports pine martens and supports other things as well.

Abigail Parravani, forest planner for Forestry England, said: Restoring a native predator doesnt only conserve the species itself but helps to restore entire woodland ecosystems by reinstating natural processes that humans have interrupted. Im excited to watch the project unfold and see the positive impact of pine martens on the health and resilience of these important landscapes.

Alex Raeder of the National Trust, said: We are looking forward to welcoming the return of the pine marten to Dartmoor, which is a significant step in restoring the ecology of these very special oak woodlands so characteristic of the ancient landscapes of the south-west.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves plans to start attending meetings between European finance ministers - Hollie Adams/Bloomberg

The same problems, and it would seem, a depressingly similar approach to solutions.

Leaving the European Union appears to have made no difference to Britains path; in attempting to revive economic growth, the Government is preparing to adopt many of the same strategies and policies as our near neighbours.

Having acted to divorce itself from Europe, the UK is drawn remorselessly back into its low growth, gravitational orbit.

Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is even planning to start attending meetings of European finance ministers. In some respects, it will be as if we never left.

In any event, her focus on a combination of industrial activism and investment in public works is virtually the same as that prescribed for the rest of Europe.

The tax burden too, already at a 70-year high, looks to be heading towards the levels that preside in much of continental Europe.

If you believe 40pc of national income is too high, think something like the 45pc that rules in Germany. Thats where the new Government is threatening to take us.

Whats required to galvanise growth is bottom-up incentives and freedoms, not the top-down instruction and control that European policymakers seem to have in mind.

Like Britain, Europe has been worrying about its slowing growth rate for as long as I care to remember. In his recent report on European competitiveness, Mario Draghi dates the concern to the turn of the century, which also happens to be when Europes monetary union came into being.

But I would go further back in time to trace the origins of Europes decline. Commentators were lamenting the increasingly sclerotic state of the European economy long before the advent of the single currency.

Indeed, monetary union was at the time quite widely thought of as a possible solution to Europes lack of growth. In the event it proved to be precisely the reverse, helping to embed the economic paralysis that has continued more or less ever since.

As a former president of the European Central Bank, Draghi obviously doesnt see it that way; hed prefer to delude himself in thinking of the single currency as an important stepping stone to US levels of productivity growth. Sadly, the evidence for this from 24 years of monetary union is virtually non-existent.

Sustaining Europes still deeply flawed single currency through its various crises has, to the contrary, become an all-consuming distraction, depriving Europes core economies of the oxygen needed for virtually anything else.

Even in the core industry of automobiles, Europe has been caught napping by Chinese upstarts. In the digital economy, it languishes far behind the US and many parts of Asia, having spawned none of the industrys global standard bearers.

Europes deficiencies have been known and talked about for decades, but nothing is done about them beyond more of the same. You would think that by now the penny would have dropped, but there is no sign of it.

In corporate finance, the idea that two and two equals five underpins all industrial merger proposals.

With the EU, it has been the other way around. The whole has come to be worth rather less than the sum of its parts. If the EU was a company, it would break itself up, but theres no such prospect.

Its not just about a dysfunctional single currency. Give or take, Britain has fared little better outside monetary union than those in it. Nor has Brexit made any difference.

Its not been as bad for the UK economy as some had feared, but youd also struggle to see anything in the way of upside.

The mistake is increasingly obvious. In broad terms, the UK has followed the same economic trajectory as Europes other major economies. The disease may not be quite as acute in the UK, but the ailment is essentially the same.

On a per capita basis, real disposable income has grown almost twice as much in the US as in the EU since 2000.

America and Asia have become richer, but Europe relatively poorer. Its been much the same story for Britain.

Reading Draghis report on Europes competitive failings, he might have been writing not about the EU, but the UK. Draghis list of economic weaknesses is as familiar to Britain as to Europes other major economies.

The foundations on which post-war prosperity were built are being shaken to breaking point, he writes in almost apocalyptic terms, and the threat to prosperity and way of life is existential.

The previous global paradigm is fading. The era of rapid world trade growth looks to have passed, with EU companies facing both greater competition from abroad and lower access to overseas markets.

Europe has abruptly lost its most important supplier of energy, Russia. All the while, geopolitical stability is waning, and our dependencies have turned out to be vulnerabilities.

But although Draghi is spot on in his diagnosis, many of his solutions are, I fear, likely to make a bad situation even worse.

Even where he is right in his recommendations, such as the urgent need to reign back on Europes penchant for safety first, over regulation, hes very unlikely to make headway against Europes still jealously guarded sovereignties and the intractable bureaucracy of the Brussels machine.

Lack of a common legal system, the absence of a capital markets union and a still woefully inadequate single market in services, make meaningful progress all but impossible.

But its worse than that. Despite the evidence of his eyes, more Europe, not less, is Draghis solution. His report is the very definition of doing the same thing but delusionally expecting different outcomes.

Like Reeves, Draghi vests his hopes for a more dynamic economy in a great wave of modernising investment spending, both public and private.

To digitalise and decarbonise the economy and increase our defence capacity, the investment share in Europe will have to rise by around 5 percentage points of GDP to levels last seen in the 1960s and 70s, Draghi says. Like Prometheus Unbound, a mass of entrepreneurial endeavour would follow naturally in its wake, Draghi seems to think.

The chances of this happening in economies that international capital already regards as the past rather than the future are almost zero.

Again, Draghi has it the wrong way around. An entrepreneurially driven economy is galvanised not by spending hundreds of billions of taxpayer euros pursuing political flights of fancy, but by reducing government interference and wealth sequestration to a bare minimum.

Europe is in a terrible hole, and further relative decline against the US and China looks inevitable. Draghi sees this clearly, but he has no solutions for a continent committed to improvement through welfare rather than work and wealth creation.

Yet it is the European path that Reeves seems determined to follow.
Amy Wax claimed the University of Pennsylvania was penalizing me for standard-issue, conservative anti-woke opinions

A professor suspended for making comments deemed racially offensive has claimed she was targeted for expressing anti-woke opinions.

The University of Pennsylvania law school has suspended Amy Wax, a law professor, for a year with half pay after she was accused of making racist, sexist and homophobic remarks.

The allegations against Dr Wax include that she said that on average, blacks have lower cognitive ability than whites, that the country would be better off with fewer Asians and that women, on average, are less knowledgeable than men.

She is also alleged to have said that some non-Western countries are s---holes and that adverts depicting black men married to white women in an upper-class picket-fence house are unrealistic.

However, Dr Wax has dismissed the allegations of abuse or discrimination against students as totally bogus and made up, telling the New York Sun they have been fabricated and tacked on as a cover for penalizing me for standard-issue, conservative anti-woke opinions and factual observations that are not allowed on campus.

Dr Wax, who once invited a white nationalist to speak to her class, added that she was committed to exposing students to opinions and viewpoints they dont want to hear and said she feared campuses like Penn were raising a generation of students who cant deal with disagreement.

Disciplinary proceedings were first launched against Dr Wax in 2022, when Ted Ruger, the Penn Law School dean, demanded a major sanction be imposed against the professor for showing a callous and flagrant disregard for university standards with her incessant racist, sexist, xenophobic, and homophobic actions and statements.

White supremacist

The 12-page charge sheet noted that Dr Wax in 2021 invited renowned white supremacist Jared Taylor to speak to her class. It came after the professor gave an interview to the US journalist Tucker Carlson in which she claimed that black Americans and non-Western groups were resentful towards Western people.

Dr Waxs views have long sparked controversy. In 2018, she was removed from teaching first-year students after the law school dean accused her of having spoken disparagingly and inaccurately about the performance of black students.

Then in 2021, a student petition calling for her to be sacked reached 2,500 signatures after she said that the United States is better off with fewer Asians and less Asian immigration.

Following nearly two years of deliberation, involving more than 700 pages of transcript and 70 exhibits, a five-member hearing board ruled in June 2023 that Dr Wax had committed a major infraction of the universitys behavioural standards, according to a letter from Liz Magill, the former Penn president.

The board said Dr Wax had displayed flagrant unprofessional conduct that breached her responsibilities as a teacher to offer an equal opportunity to all students to learn from her.

Discriminatory and disparaging

It found she had a history of making sweeping, blithe, and derogatory generalizations about groups by race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and immigration status.

In addition, Dr Wax was accused of breaching student-teacher confidentiality by publicly speaking about the average grades of law students by race, and making discriminatory and disparaging statements, some in the classroom, targeting specific racial, ethnic, and other groups with which many students identify.

Dr Wax, a multi-award-winning professor with degrees from Yale, Oxford, Harvard and Columbia, appealed the decision, claiming that the sanctions were based on vague, novel, and undefined allegations of offences.

However, the university said last week in a notice posted in its almanac that the boards ruling had been upheld.

Responding to the ruling, Provost John L Jackson Jr said that academic freedom is and should be very broad but teachers must convey a willingness to assess all students fairly and must not engage in unprofessional conduct that creates an unequal educational environment.

Mr Jackson added that Dr Waxs conduct left many students understandably concerned about her being able to impartially judge their academic performance.

David Shapiro, Dr Waxs lawyer, told the campus newspaper, the Daily Pennsylvanian, in November last year that officials propped up their case against Wax by throwing in a handful of isolated, years-old allegations [which are highly contested] about alleged interactions with a few minority students.

The law professor has not been fired or stripped of her tenure, but has been told she will lose her named chair and summer pay, and must note in public appearances that she speaks for herself, not as a university or law school member. The decision will come into effect from 2025.

Following the announcement, Dr Wax said she intended to stay at the school as a conservative presence on campus, adding that her treatment amounted to performance art that underscores the fact that the university doesnt want conservatives like me on campus.

Alex Morey, a campus advocacy lead from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression, said the ruling against Dr Wax represented a dangerous erosion of academic freedom.

Faculty nationwide may now pay a heavy price for Penns willingness to undercut academic freedom for all to get at this one professor. Mr Morey said. After today, any university under pressure to censor a controversial faculty member need only follow Penns playbook.

Penn States treatment of Dr Wax will fuel allegations of double standards, after the university hosted a Palestine Writes literature festival in September, which critics say included speakers with a history of making anti-Semitic remarks.

The university also came under fire last year for resisting calls to discipline faculty members for allegedly making anti-Semitic remarks in the wake of Hamass October 7 attack on Israel, and for its delay in removing a pro-Palestinian encampment that was allowed to remain in situ for more than two weeks.

Virginia Foxx, the Republican congresswoman who leads the House Education and Workforce Committee, previously said: Penn has demonstrated a clear double standard by tolerating anti-Semitic  harassment, and intimidation, but suppressing and penalising other expression it deemed problematic.
Robert Jenrick and his wife Michal Berkner play with Scalextric slot cars at the Conservative conference - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Tom Tugendhat and James Cleverly have criticised Robert Jenrick over his claim that UK special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists to prevent European judges setting them free.

Mr Jenrick, the frontrunner in the Tory leadership contest, caused a stir on Monday by arguing that the British military is taking lethal action against dangerous figures out of concern that they would be released by the European Court of Human Rights.

In a promotional video for his campaign, he claimed that special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if they are caught the European court will set them free.

He was echoing comments made by Ben Wallace, the former defence secretary, in an interview with The Telegraph last year.

Mr Wallace said Britain was unable to render people across borders, meaning we are more often than not forced into taking lethal action [rather] than actually raiding and detaining.

Mr Tugendhat, the former security minister, said he was extremely concerned by Mr Jenricks remarks, while Mr Cleverly, the former home secretary, urged him to justify his statement.

Asked whether he agreed with the claim, Mr Tugendhat told Sky News: No, I dont. I think what he said is wrong and Im afraid demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of military operations and the law of armed conflict.

Im extremely concerned that such words should not be seen in any way to encourage people to take any action other than surrender to British forces when asked to do so.

Mr Cleverly said: Youre going to have to ask Robert to justify that statement. Thats not something which I have heard.

Thats not something which Im comfortable kind of repeating. The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict.

We have, I was about to say some of the most no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.

Jenrick stands by comments

Mr Jenrick refused to back down, telling BBC Radio 4s Today programme on Tuesday that the point I was making was absolutely correct.

He said: As Ben Wallace has said in that [Telegraph] interview, decision-makers are being asked to make decisions which they might not ordinarily make  for example, to call in a drone strike and take lethal action in that way.

When it was put to him that he was unable to back up his claim, he said: Of course Im not going to elaborate on particular cases because these things, these cases are not things that any minister or foreign minister can speak about.

He also suggested that Britains membership of the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR), which is enforced by the court in Strasbourg, could stop it killing the next Osama bin Laden.

He said: It troubles me that if our special forces, our military were faced with the question of could we take out an individual such as Osama Bin Laden, that has posed such a danger to our people and those of our allies, that we might not be able to do that because of our continued membership of the ECHR.

And it demonstrates to me why its important to leave the ECHR.

He likened ECHR membership to Brexit, arguing that there was a clear leave or remain choice when it came to the convention.

The row comes as the four remaining leadership contenders make their pitch to party members at the Tories annual conference in Birmingham.

Mr Jenrick has repeatedly called for the UK to leave the ECHR, arguing that it is necessary to properly secure our borders.

He is the only one of the four candidates explicitly proposing to pull Britain out of the convention. Others have not ruled it out but called for a wider overhaul of migration policy before that is considered.

Mr Tugendhat has said he is prepared to leave the ECHR, but argued the UK should try to reform it first. Both Mr Cleverly and Kemi Badenoch, the former trade secretary, have suggested that leaving the convention would be too simplistic, warning against easy answers or quick fixes.

However, both have left the door open to a possible withdrawal, with Mrs Badenoch saying that if necessary the UK should leave international frameworks like the ECHR.

Dominic Cummings, Boris Johnsons former chief adviser in No 10, claimed that there was no extra-judicial killing being carried out by the British military.

But he said the perversities of the Human Rights Act, which enshrined the ECHR in UK law, meant that arresting suspects was sometimes seen as impractical.
Lucy Letby

A doctor has blamed senior nurses for extending Lucy Letbys time on the neonatal ward by closing ranks around her.

The Thirlwall Inquiry into Letby is hearing from Dr John Gibbs, a paediatrician who worked at the Countess of Chester during the years she was a nurse on the neonatal unit.

Letby was convicted of the murders of seven babies and the attempted murders of seven others while working as a nurse at the Countess of Chester Hospital between 2015 and 2016.

In April 2016, Letby was moved on to day shifts after concerns were raised about a correlation between her working at night and babies collapsing unexpectedly.

Dr John Gibbs said one aspect that made it more difficult to confirm his suspicions was a very firm pushback from senior nurses.

He said: There was a very strong argument being put forward from the senior nurse on the unit, that this suspicion was totally wrong and that it was maligning nurse Letby and that she was a very competent, safe nurse.

Dr Gibbs admitted that he should have gone straight to the police in February 2016, some four months before Letby was removed from the neonatal ward.

He said: I regret that we or I didnt go to the police at this time after the thematic review. Why didnt I go straight to the police, why didnt we paediatricians go straight to the police?

I know the parents of the later babies will not thank us for this.

Lucy Letby - CHESTER STANDARD/SWNS

The consultant, who retired in 2019, said he originally felt sympathy for Letby after it was noticed she had been present at the resuscitation of four babies who had died.

He said that he himself had experienced a bad run and thought she had been unlucky to be involved in a number of incidents.

Dr Gibbs initially worried that the deaths were being caused by superbugs or contamination of the feeding fluid, but by 2016 there was definitely the realisation that Letby was involved.

He said it was his understanding that Dr Stephen Brearey, the neonatal clinic lead, told medical director Ian Harvey and director of nursing Alison Kelly on May 1 2016 about suspicions Letby was deliberately harming babies.

Dr Gibbs said: He fed back to us that no decision had been made but senior managers would consider the problem and hopefully would come to a decision.

That could have been a trigger, it should have been a trigger, that we bypass the managers and went to the police. We failed to do that.

The full consultant group met on June 27 to discuss the serious concerns about the number of deaths and persistent association with Letby, the inquiry heard.

Letby was removed from the ward in July 2016, but she issued a formal grievance which was upheld and the consultants were asked to apologise to the nurse in February 2017.

The inquiry heard that Tony Chambers, the chief executive, informed consultants that external reviews had revealed no criminality and told them to draw a line under the Letby issue.

In Febryary 2017, Dr Gibbs contacted the British Medical Association against executives orders to ask for advice.

He said: We defied what we were told and we were starting to ask questions.

A letter was sent to the chief executive by the consultants urging a coronial investigation into the deaths. At this time, Letby was still working in the hospital but in a non-clinical role.

Dr Gibbs said that by then trust between ourselves and senior executives was breaking down.

Police were not brought in to investigate the increased mortality rate until May 2017. Letby remained at the hospital in a non-patient role until her arrest in July 2018, the inquiry has heard.

04:43 PM BST

Inquiry finished for the day

The inquiry will resume at 10am on Friday morning when it will hear evidence from paediatric registrars Dr Rachel Lambie, Dr Matthew Neame, Dr Huw Mayberry, and Dr Cassandra Barrett.

Here is a summary of what the inquiry heard from Dr John Gibbs, a paediatric consultant at the Countess of Chester hospital, today:

Dr Gibbs said he initially worried baby deaths were from a superbug or contamination.

He said he initially felt sympathy for Lucy Letby after noticing a correlation of babys deaths, thinking it was a bad run that could happen to anyone.

A serious collective failure was displayed by the paediatric team at the hospital.

Dr Gibbs presumed Letbys innocence but had recognised the nurses connection by early 2016.

He expressed regret at having not gone straight to the police in February 2016.

Plans were made to only allow Letby back onto the ward if CCTV camera were installed or she was monitored at all times.

Nurses falsely accused elsewhere were said to have weighed on Dr Gibbs mind.

A confidential report by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health in 2016 linked Letby to the deaths.

Dr Gibbs said he defied managers orders in urging the BMA to investigate.

04:18 PM BST

Lucy Letby was not working on day Baby C was harmed, BBC investigation finds

Lucy Letby was not present when a baby she was convicted of killing was harmed, a BBC investigation has reported.

Letby was found guilty of killing a boy known as Baby C by injecting air into his system at the Countess of Chester Hospital in June 2016.

During the trial, prosecution experts said an X-ray of the baby showed a marked gaseous distention of the stomach, which they suggested was due to a deliberate pumping of gas into his feeding tube.

Read the full story here.

Countess of Chester Hospital - ANTHONY DEVLIN/GETTY IMAGES

03:49 PM BST

Apology letter was for stress caused not false accusation, says doctor

On 28 February, the consultants, including Dr John Gibbs wrote a letter of apology to Lucy Letby.

Dr Gibbs told the inquiry that he had not been apologising for the accusations, but for the stress that had been caused.

He said: Some of my colleagues say we never accused her of anything. I think we were implying quite strongly what we were accusing her of.

We didnt apologise for having raised concerns that she may have harmed patients.

03:42 PM BST

We defied NHS managers orders and urged BMA to investigate, says doctor

Dr John Gibbs told the inquiry that in February 2017 he contacted the British Medical Association to ask for advice.

When asked why he had done so, he said: [Because] we were going against what the managers clearly advised that that was the end of the discussion about Letby.

He added: We defied what we were told and we were starting to ask questions.

A letter was sent to the Chief Executive by the consultants urging a coronial investigation into the deaths. At this time Letby was still working in the hospital but in a non-clinical role.

Dr Gibbs said that by February 2017 trust between ourselves and senior executives was breaking down.

Police were not brought in to investigate the increased mortality rate until May 2017 as Letby remained at the hospital in a non-patient role until her arrest in July 2018, the inquiry has heard.

03:22 PM BST

Confidential review reported Letby link in 2016

The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health was invited to review the spike in baby deaths by the hospital in 2016 and produced two reports.

Although one report was made public, a second confidential version was also written, which stated consultants had identified Lucy Letby was on shift for all deaths and had become convinced by the link.

The authors said that view was quite subjective and warned there was no other evidence or reports of clinical concern beyond this simple correlation.

Following the RCPCH report Dr Gibbs said his head was left swimming and in January 2017 senior consultants were called into a meeting to discuss Ms Letbys future.

He said: It was emotional, a letter was read out from Letby by one of the senior nurses in a quite emotional tone.

Then we were told how much wed upset Letby by the chief executive, and told firmly that the board had accepted the findings that there had been no evidence of any wrongdoing, and that Letby was exonerated, or, I dont know if he used the word exonerated, but no evidence against her, and that a line was being drawn under this.

He added: It was clear that was the end of it. These reports had shown no wrongdoing, and we were to apologise to Letby.

03:10 PM BST

Nurses falsely accused elsewhere weighed on doctors mind

The inquiry heard that Dr John Gibbs had previously told colleagues we should be cautious in necessarily attributing a causal relationship with Letby following the case of another nurse at a nearby hospital who had been falsely accused.

He said that in that case the nurse had been wrongly accused after there was a correlation between her being present and certain incidents.

He said it was the parallel with the case against Letby that had raised his concerns and made him more cautious.

He added: I think we dont want to go there too much because of whats been said about the Letby trials, but there are other nurses who have been accused of harming children because they seem to be around at the wrong times.

Dr Gibbs said a review of the unit by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child health in September left him disappointed.

He said: Its just disappointing that they didnt pass an opinion on whether they felt the deaths were explained by pressures on the unit.

02:59 PM BST

Letby only allowed back onto ward if CCTV installed

After the death of two babies, Child O and P, on successive days in June 2016 , Lucy Letby was removed from the hospitals neonatal unit after consultants suspected she deliberately harmed them.

Dr John Gibbs said after Letby was removed from the unit she could only be allowed to return to the ward if CCTV cameras were installed, or she was monitored by another nurse at all times.

He said: I didnt think that was likely to be possible Wed never have got them up in time. He said that it was just a way of trying to make it difficult for her to come back.

Discussing the use of air embolism to kill the babies, he said it was: A devious and subtle way of trying to harm patients which tends to leave nothing behind afterwards for the post mortem to find.

He said it was a silent, hidden way of killing that leaves nothing at post mortem.

01:21 PM BST

Lucy Letby: Serial killer or a miscarriage of justice?

Lucy Letby was convicted of the murders of seven newborns and the attempted murders of seven more. In August 2023, she was described by the judge as having led a cruel, calculating and cynical campaign of child murder.

But despite the guilty verdicts and her application to appeal being roundly rejected by judges in May, troubling questions have started to emerge about some of the scientific evidence used to convict Letby.

Read the full story here.

Conspiracy theories, armchair detectives and now scientific concerns

01:12 PM BST

Inquiry breaks for lunch

The inquiry will resume at 2.05pm

01:00 PM BST

Doctor did not suspect Letby despite further deaths

Dr John Gibbs said that even after further collapses occurred in April, including those of Child L and his twin brother, Child M, he still wasnt clear that harm was happening to the babies.

He said: Despite that thematic review most of the babies had an explanation for their deaths from the post mortem.

Dr Gibbs said that while all of the babies hadnt had post-mortems the majority had done.

He continued: Because we had explanations for all the deaths I wasnt sure that harm had happened to these babies.

He said that while some of the babies did have risk factors, there were unusual features like strange rashes.

They were deaths that had explanations but they werent entirely satisfactory, especially when you look back at them.

Following the collapse of Child O, on 23 June 2016, however, Dr Gibbs said his first thought was not its Letby again but just that we have had another collapse.

He said: Looking back on it it sounds foolish to say I just wasnt sure whats happening on the unit.

12:40 PM BST

I should have gone to the police after senior nurses closed ranks, says doctor

On 7 April, 2016, Lucy Letby was moved to day shifts after concerns were raised about a connection between her working at night when babies collapsed unexpectedly.

Dr John Gibbs said one aspect that made it more difficult to confirm his suspicions was a very firm pushback from senior nurses.

He said: There was a very strong argument being put forward from the senior nurse on the unit, that this suspicion was totally wrong and that it was maligning nurse Letby and that she was a very competent, safe nurse.

Dr Gibbs admitted that he should have gone to the police following the thematic review.

He said: I regret that we or I didnt go to the police at this time after the thematic review. Why didnt I go straight to the police, why didnt we paediatricians go straight to the police?

I know the parents of the later babies will not thank us for this.

He said that while there were suspicions that something might have been done to the babies it was best managed through senior levels in the trust.

12:30 PM BST

Letbys involvement realised by early 2016

Dr John Gibbs has been asked about a thematic review that took place in February 2016 into the higher-than-expected mortality rate at the unit in 2015.

He said: By 2016 [there was] definitely the realisation that Letby was involved with most of them.

There were some deaths and collapses that I knew she wasnt around at the time, but that association was causing concern.

He added that it would have been inappropriate to tell CQC inspectors who visited the hospital that same month about their concerns.

It is a bit inappropriate to just tell the CQC inspectors when they happen to be visiting if you havent tried to sort that out within your own trust management structure, he said, adding: Its almost like telling Ofsted youve got a problem with the teacher, and youve never told anyone in the school.

12:21 PM BST

Doctor presumed Letbys innocence

Discussing the death of Child I, who Lucy Letby killed with an injection of air into her stomach and bloodstream, Dr John Gibbs said he did not realise at the time that she was responsible for other attacks.

He said this influenced his thinking as to why the baby had collapsed. I thought this was a baby who was quite precarious, who decompensated quickly, he said.

Dr Gibbs denied telling the mother of Child I that her baby needed to have a post-mortem in order to clear the hospital of wrongdoing.

He said he was sure the mother thought he said that so he was not going to argue with her, but said he would never tell the family of a patient that they were being forced into having a post-mortem.

12:07 PM BST

Serious collective failure from paediatric team

Dr John Gibbs said that with hindsight it was a serious collective failure on the part of the paediatric team not to recognise the significance of blood test results relating to Child F in 2015.

The results showed that insulin had been given to him, but Dr Gibbs told the inquiry he only became aware of them two years later.

11:58 AM BST

It is not always possible to explain a death, says doctor

Dr John Gibbs said that he was initially satisfied that Child Cs death had been partly explained. After receiving a cause of death from a post mortem, he said he felt a sense of relief.

He added: It would not compensate for the tragedy of losing a child, but is likely to help a bit with an explanation for the childs death.

Some causes of death will have an influence or possible consequences for future children or pregnancies and so on.

He said that in his experience of neonatal units it was not always possible to explain a death.

He added: When that situation keeps arising, something very strange is happening.

11:33 AM BST

Doctor felt sympathy for Letby after noticing correlation

Dr John Gibbs, a consultant at the neonatal unit, said he originally felt sympathy for Lucy Letby after it was noticed she had been present at the resuscitation of four babies who had died.

He said that he himself had experienced a bad run where there had been a high number of incidents and deaths.

I felt sympathy for Letby at that time, because I felt she had been unlucky to be involved in a number of incidents, he told the hearing.

It can happen to any of us, and its happened to me during my career, that you have a bad run when youre on call or on duty, and in a short space of time a number of unfortunate incidents and other deaths may happen, but that stops happening, its just an unfortunate coincidence.

Im not sure how closely we considered other members of staff. Obviously Letby wasnt the only nurse involved in all of those.

11:20 AM BST

I worried baby deaths were from superbug or contamination, says doctor

Dr John Gibbs, a paediatric consultant at the Countess of Chester, said that he was concerned that there was an infection or medical problem behind the deaths of babies on the unit.

He told the hearing. There was something that was affecting these babies.

I worried at this stage that we had some kind of medical problem on the unit, you do get superbugs or some nasty infection, or as has happened on some units, contamination of the feeding fluid for babies.

11:14 AM BST

Doctor initially had no concerns over childs sudden death

Dr John Gibbs said that he originally had no concerns over the death of Child C who deteriorated quickly and died in June 2015.

Letby was convicted of killing the baby just four days after its birth by injecting air into its stomach.

Dr Gibbs said he was called to the neonatal unit at the Countess of Chester in the evening, at which point Child C had already collapsed and staff were attempting resuscitation.

He said: When a baby suddenly collapses you would hope to get some response even if it was not sustained.

I attended 10 minutes into the resuscitation and there was no response onwards. I didnt know why Child C had collapsed and died.

Asked by Nicholas de la Poer KC, counsel for the inquiry, whether he had any concerns that there was anything wildly out of the ordinary, he replied: Not at all.

Dr Gibbs also said he did not feel that Child C had the same rash as the other babies, which had been later deemed as a sign of air ambolism.

11:02 AM BST

Recap: What to expect from the Thirlwall Inquiry

The public inquiry into baby deaths at the Countess of Chester Hospital where Lucy Letby worked began on September 10.

The statutory inquiry - which is being led by Lady Justice Thirlwall - was ordered by Steve Barclay, the former health secretary, in August 2023.

Proceedings are being heard at Liverpool Town Hall and are expected to last around four and a half months. Here is everything you need to know about the inquiry.

Lucy Letby - CHESTER STANDARD/SWNS

10:51 AM BST

Evidence hearing begins

Its week four of the Thirlwall Inquiry. Today, the inquiry is hearing evidence from Dr John Gibbs, a consultant paediatrician who worked at the Countess of Chester during the years Lucy Letby was a nurse on the neonatal unit.

Dr Gibbs said: I do deeply regret and I am ashamed that I failed to protect the babies from harm by Letby but I do understand the parents would probably prefer explanations rather than belated apologies.

The consultant, who retired in 2019, said the unit was understaffed in nursing by around 21 per cent but not unusually so for the Cheshire and Merseyside reason, which was running at 27 per cent staff deficits.

Dr Gibbs also said that consultants were not spending enough time on the neonatal unit because of gaps in the rota.

We should have had seven registrars, and often we only had six, and that was the case through 2015 and 2016.
Tom Tugendhat addressing the party faithful at the Conservative conference in Birmingham - Geoff Pugh for The Telegraph

Tom Tugendhat will brand Labour selfish, greedy socialists on Wednesday as he uses his Tory conference speech to attack Sir Keir Starmer.

The former security minister will say that the Government is already rudderless just months after taking power in a landslide election victory.

Addressing the party faithful in Birmingham, he will also warn that five years of Labour will mean higher taxes, more regulation, more control.

He will say that the Conservatives must fight back by championing freedom, but will warn they can only do so if they end their internal squabbling.

Mr Tugendhat will make the remarks at the end of a four-day conference which has seen the Tory leadership contenders repeatedly clash.

Each candidate will deliver a 20-minute address to members on Wednesday, with Mr Tugendhat going first after positions were drawn by lots.

He will say: Labour have told us who they are. They are rudderless, selfish, and greedy. They are taking us back to the 70s and the politics of division.

Socialism  higher taxes, more regulation, more control. The lowest common denominator, trashing hopes and dreams.

Outsider in leadership race

Mr Tugendhat is widely seen as an outsider to reach the final two of the leadership contest when the candidates are whittled down on Oct 10.

He came joint bottom in the last ballot of MPs, held in mid-September, with both he and James Cleverly winning the backing of 21 colleagues.

But figures within his camp were bullish about his chances and said he had momentum behind him after a good conference.

In his speech Mr Tugendhat will decry the petty point scoring that has blighted the Tories and say the country is crying out for leadership.

We have heard platitudes not substance in this campaign. Too much about personality and not enough about principle, he will tell delegates.

Too much about change without saying how. I am standing before you today because Ive had enough of the lack of substance, the lack of principle, the lack of clarity.

Mr Tugendhat will call for an end to talking our country down and tell supporters: I want to make you proud to vote Conservative again.

Miliband trying to destroy country

The speech will come after he used fringe events at the conference to attack Labours record on net zero and its handling of the crisis in the Middle East.

He warned that Ed Miliband was trying to destroy this country with his plans to plaster pylons across the countryside of England.

At a session organised by the Onward think tank, he said the Energy Secretary was the worst secretary of state this country has seen since Lord North.

Not only is he going to close down important industries in Aberdeen and Teesside, but hes actually going to destroy the opportunity for growth and employment in this country and send jobs to China, he said.

So hes going to make us economically weaker, energy security is going to be undermined, agricultural security is going to be undermined, and our national security is going to be undermined.

Middle East conflict

The former security minister also criticised the Governments incredibly bad handling of the conflicts between Israel and both Hamas and Hezbollah.

He said that Sir Keir had tried to ride both horses by stopping some arms sales to Israel but also being vaguely condemnatory of terrorism.

That is a remarkably unwise thing to do, he said.

David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, has made Britain irrelevant in Middle Eastern diplomacy by the way hes conducted himself, Mr Tugendhat added.

He will use his speech to set out his plans to boost economic growth, enhance housebuilding, and reduce Britains dependence on migrant workers.

Law and order

Mr Tugendhat is also expected to address law and order after backing the use of stop and search to tackle the knife crime epidemic blighting Britains streets.

Ahead of his conference address he accused opponents of the tactic, which heavily impacts young black men, of the tacit racism, of low expectations.

He said: Im on the side of the mother who, when her son goes out, wants to make sure that he comes home that night and she doesnt have to go and identify his body.

Thats why Im on the side of the women who know that when their son is being searched, it is actually for his protection, not just for the wider society.

Ive spoken to many families where the parents understand what policing is for and they hate the tacit racism of low expectation that suggests it is culturally normal for a certain group within our community to be behaving differently from others.

It isnt, were all British. Everybody of every culture and every creed deserves the same protection from the British law as everyone else.

Mr Tugendhat also said Tory governments and not the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) were to blame for record levels of migration to Britain.

Whether to leave the ECHR has become a key dividing line in the leadership campaign, but he said it would be better to reform it.
Conservative Party Conference 2024

The last time the Conservative conference was held in Birmingham, two years ago, Liz Truss was prime minister, which serves to remind us of the importance of picking the right leader. Funnily enough, her fringe meeting on Monday was one of the best attended, with more than 300 people crammed into one of the theatres within the citys cavernous ICC and as many left outside unable to get in.

Since she has been demonised as the principal cause of the partys disaster on July 4 this was a surprisingly high turnout. Moreover, they had come not to bury Liz but to praise her. There is a growing sense among members (who installed her in No 10, we should remember) that her diagnosis of the countrys ills and her prescription for its recovery was right all along.

She emphasised the importance of a dash for growth and that is precisely what Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor, is now saying. Without growth there is no prosperity, no improvement in public services and the gradual erosion of the countrys capacity to improve. A general decline sets in and accelerates as politicians continue to shy away from the decisions that have to be made. But while Ms Truss had the right approach she botched the implementation, compromising the governments reputation for fiscal probity and wrecking the Tory partys vaunted competence and good sense, possibly for good.

Not that she was having any of this, of course. At a Telegraph event hosted by our very own Tim Stanley, she maintained that she would have done better at the election than Rishi Sunak had she not been forced out of office. She reminded her audience that when she left Downing Street after 49 days, the shortest tenure on record, the Reform Party was on 3 per cent of the vote. On election day it secured more than 14 per cent and cost Ms Truss her own seat in Norfolk, which she lost by just 600 votes to Labour. The Reform candidate won 10,000.

Many of the nostrums that she is advancing for the self-imposed task of saving the West are familiar Reform tropes. We are, she said, already a Socialist country, and have been for years. Labour will merely exacerbate the trend. Energy costs were the highest in the world, hitting the cost of living, holding back growth and deterring investors. She would have given the go ahead to fracking. The establishment  the Treasury, the Bank of England, the Civil Service in general  wielded the real power, not politicians, yet where was the scrutiny of the people who run these institutions? After all, it was their fault, not hers, that the mini-Budget two years ago went so badly wrong.

You might consider this to be self-delusion on an ocean-going scale from someone forced from office by her own colleagues. But if her analysis is largely correct it cannot just be ignored by those trying to succeed Rishi Sunak as party leader.

We have been here before. After Boris Johnson was turfed out, the same arguments were being had about how the Tories had to change, why they had not only failed to reduce immigration but presided over its increase, why taxes were at a record level and why the state was bigger than ever (though that was partly because of Covid measures).

Here in Birmingham the Tories are going through the same process all over again and doing so with remarkably good cheer after undergoing the worst shellacking at the polls in 200 years. The mood is upbeat, helped by the pigs ear Labour has made of its first few weeks in power and buoyed by several good local election results recently, where they rather than Reform were the beneficiaries of a backlash against the Government.

But you cant help but feel they have not yet come to terms with the scale of what has happened to them or are fully cognisant of the threat Reform poses.

Grief is said to have five phases, the first of which is denial. The Tories are still at stage one and have not moved on to anger, let alone acceptance. The debates between the four leadership candidates are too narrowly focused on analysing the past rather than looking to the future. Opposition is an opportunity for much bigger thinking than we have seen so far.

Labour will fail because more state control is simply no longer the answer to the problems of the 21st century. Before the 2010 election the Tories were keen on redefining the limits of state action and turning over more public services to the private and voluntary sectors.

For a while they were keen to pursue the approach adopted in Canada in the mid-1990s when their budget deficit spiralled out of control. That involved a comprehensive re-evaluation of the functions that government should be undertaking and the jettisoning of anything non-essential. They reduced federal spending by almost 10 per cent in two years, leaving room for tax cuts, which helped boost economic growth.

We are in an unsustainable fiscal position, burdened by unaccountable, inefficient and vastly costly public services, like the NHS and run by a bureaucracy resistant to innovation. This has to change or we will go bankrupt.

For all its talk, Labour has retreated to its old ways that failed last time: the high-spending, all-controlling, heavy-handed state. Those ideas had been defeated under Thatcher and should have been buried forever by 14 years of Tory-led government. The fact that they werent goes a long way to explaining the partys historic defeat.

Now they are having to make the case for small government all over again in far more difficult circumstances and none of the four leadership candidates seems to grasp the scale of this task.

Maybe we will hear something tomorrow when they each appear on the conference platform to make their pitch for the job. Is anyone prepared to acknowledge that entirely new models for the delivery of health and social care, welfare payments and pensions, energy security, planning and the rest will be needed in the coming decades and that thinking how they might work needs to start now.

Just carrying on tinkering at the edges without drastic reform is no longer an option. Taxes will remain high and the debt will spiral to the point where no one will lend to us anymore.

On the fringes here in Birmingham are all sorts of gatherings looking to the long-term future, not just the next four years. There is no shortage of ideas. The Tories need to pick a leader who is able to understand and implement them.
Donald Trump in Valdosta, Georgia, on 30 September. Photograph: Michael M Santiago/Getty Images

As research finds that the deadly Hurricane Helene was greatly exacerbated by global warming, Donald Trump is continuing to deny the climate crisis and court donations from the industry most responsible for planetary heating. Environmentalists worry that he will also gut flood protections and climate policy if he wins Novembers presidential election.

Hours before Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend region Thursday night as a major category 4 hurricane, Trump baselessly said nuclear warming, not the climate crisis, is the warming that youre going to have to be very careful with. The following day, he said the little hurricane was partially responsible for attendees leaving his rallies early.

As the hurricane continued to ravage the region over the weekend, the former president dismissed global warming in a Saturday speech, and the following day referred to the climate crisis as one of the great scams of all time.

Helene has now killed more than 150 people across the region.

On Tuesday in Wisconsin, Trump incorrectly said that under the green new scam, Democrats wanted to rip down all the buildings in Manhattan and they wanted to rebuild them without windows. No environmental plans included removing windows from buildings, though Democrats Inflation Reduction Act did include incentives for replacing windows with more energy-efficient models.

Related: Whats at stake in the US election? The climate for the next million years | Bill McKibben

A preliminary study from the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, published on Monday night, found that climate change caused 50% more rainfall during the hurricane in some parts of Georgia and the Carolinas.

Its obscene that communities  are suffering and dying from the reality of the climate emergency while Donald Trump denies that it even exists, said Brett Hartl, political director at the environmental non-profit Center for Biological Diversity Action Fund.

When Trump visited hurricane-ravaged Georgia on Monday, he said: Were here today to stand with complete solidarity with the people of Georgia and all those suffering in the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Helene. But he is now headed back to the campaign trail to court donations from the fossil fuel industry, which accounts for over 75% of all planet-heating pollution and nearly 90% of all carbon dioxide emissions.

On Wednesday, Trump will attend two fundraisers in oil-rich Texas. First, he will hold an invite-only lunch in the Permian Basin, the worlds most productive oilfield. Later, hell reportedly hold a Houston cocktail party co-hosted by Jeff Hildebrand, who runs Hilcorp Oil and has been a major donor to Trump since 2017.

Last week, Trumps vice-presidential pick, JD Vance, also attended two fundraisers thrown by oil industry executives in Dallas and Fort Worth, before being forced to cancel two Georgia fundraisers due to the hurricane.

The events come months after Trump reportedly offered a brazen deal to oil bosses, proposing that they give him $1bn for his White House re-election campaign and vowing that once back in office he would shred dozens of environmental regulations and prevent any new ones, sparking congressional investigations.

Plans to gut emergency management

Trump has also come under fire for his ties to Project 2025, a wide-ranging policy blueprint from which he has tried to distance himself, but which was written by allies and previous advisers of his. The plan leave US communities with far fewer resources to rebuild after climate disasters.

If enacted, the plan would end the Federal Emergency Management Agencys (Fema) federal flood insurance program  the primary source of federal flood insurance across the country  and replace it with private insurance plans starting with the least risky areas currently identified by the program.

The playbook calls for an end to Femas disaster preparedness grants. And it calls to break up and privatize the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The agency should fully commercialize its forecasting operations and focus on providing data to private companies, the plan says, referring to forecasts done by the National Weather Service, the countrys main source of weather forecasting which sends out warnings about disasters like Helene.

While roads, bridges and entire towns are being washed away, Trump and Project 2025 plan to gut Fema and roadblock every agency from confronting the climate crisis, said the Center for Biological Diversitys Hartl.

Project 2025 additionally calls for a review of the National Hurricane Center, a division of the National Weather Service which provides warnings, forecasts and analysis on dangerous storms.

Related: Project 2025: rightwing manifestos key proposals and how they could affect you

Data collected by the center should be presented neutrally, without adjustments intended to support any one side in the climate debate, the project says. But scientists have long warned that the climate crisis is strongly linked to increased hurricane intensity.

In a statement, a spokesperson for the Heritage Foundation, the rightwing thinktank that led Project 2025, said the plan does not call for the elimination of NOAA, the NWS, or the NHC.

Rather than cutting FEMA, Project 2025 is advocating for a realignment of the agencys mission and focus  away from DEI and climate change initiatives and restoring it to that of helping people before, during, and after disasters, the agency said.

But the proposal would slash protections for flood-affected communities. And it would also more broadly catalyze a dismantling of climate policy, including efforts to curb planet-heating emissions.

Donald Trump just denied climate change for a week straight, is raising money from big oil billionaires tomorrow, and is planning to gut disaster aid with his Project 2025 agenda next year, said Pete Jones, rapid response director for the climate-focused advocacy group Climate Power. When American communities are devastated by extreme weather, Trumps plan is to increase their suffering while handing out $110bn in tax breaks to big oil.
Beirut has been repeatedly attacked by Israeli airstrikes this week. Photograph: Fadel Itani/AFP/Getty Images

The UK has chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons to leave the country amid the escalating violence in the region, as governments around the world begin making contingency plans to evacuate their citizens. amid the escalating violence in the region.

The UK arranged a flight that was due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri international airport on Wednesday. David Lammy, the foreign secretary, described the situation in Lebanon as volatile and with the potential to deteriorate quickly.

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised. There are 5,000 British single and dual nationals in Lebanon, including members of their immediate families, and the government said it was working on all contingency options.

Israel has begun a limited, localised and targeted ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon and sealed off communities along its northern boundary, it confirmed early Tuesday. At least 95 people were killed by Israeli strikes on Monday, according to Lebanons health ministry.

Lammy said: The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly. The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority. Thats why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.

He chaired a ministerial meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on Monday to discuss the conflict.

British military assets have been deployed to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean in case an evacuation is required, although ministers and officials have stressed that Britons should leave immediately.

Britain joins several other countries in making arrangements or contingency plans to evacuate citizens. Cyprus, the closest EU member to the Middle East, is likely to be the main hub for evacuations, having processed around 60,000 people fleeing the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006. Neighbouring Turkey has offered facilities as well.

The US has already ordered the deployment of dozens of troops to Cyprus to help prepare for scenarios, including an evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.

Most contingency planning seems to be by sea  Lebanon is bordered by Israel and Syria, making land evacuations close to impossible  enabling movement of larger groups, but that will be defined by the security situation, a source familiar with the process told Reuters. It takes about 10 hours to Cyprus by sea, or 40 minutes by plane from Beirut.

Germany has evacuated non-essential staff, families of embassy workers and German nationals who are medically vulnerable out of Lebanon and will support others trying to leave, a joint statement by the foreign and defence ministries said on Monday.

Germans in the region can leave the country on commercial flights via airports that are still open, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry said.

France, which has been urging citizens not to travel to Lebanon, has had evacuation plans in place for several months but has not issued an evacuation order. Present contingency plans centre on Cyprus and Beirut airport, while it is also discussing evacuations via Turkey. France has a warship in the region, and a helicopter carrier in the southern French town of Toulon, which would need several days to travel to the area.

Canada has announced it has reserved 800 seats on commercial flights over the next three days for Canadians, permanent residents and their immediate family, with the next flight scheduled to depart on Wednesday. About 45,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon

Canadian foreign affairs minister Melanie Joly wrote on X: If you are a Canadian citizen in Lebanon, you must leave now. If you are offered a seat, take it now.

Australia has urged an estimated 15,000 of its citizens in Lebanon to leave while Beirut airport remains open. Earlier, news reports from Canada suggest it will co-operate with Australia, in a plan that involves contracting a commercial vessel to transport 1,000 people out each day, the Toronto Star reported.

A Bulgarian government jet has returned to Sofia with 89 nationals who were evacuated from Lebanon. Prime minister Dimitar Glavchev, who welcomed them at the Sofia airport on Monday, said the government was discussing all options for future evacuations. According to deputy foreign minister Elena Shekerletova, 160 out of about 400 Bulgarians who live in Lebanon have said they want to be evacuated.

The Greek foreign ministry has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid any travel to the country. A frigate is on standby in case assistance is needed.

Meanwhile Italy has reduced unnecessary diplomatic staff and beefed up security personnel at its embassy in Beirut, a source told Reuters. Foreign minister Antonio Tajani has repeatedly urged nationals to leave the country and sought assurances from Israel on the safety of Italian soldiers operating in peacekeeping operations in the area.

Portuguese prime minister Luis Montenegro has advised against travel to Lebanon. The country has a plan to evacuate Portuguese citizens living there in cooperation with partner countries in the EU, he said.

Speaking earlier on Monday, Lammy said: We will do all that we can to assist people to get out and we have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.

I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

He added: And of course, whilst we will do everything we can to protect British nationals  and those plans are in place to do so  we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we could do that if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.

Lammy said he had spoken his US counterpart, Antony Blinken, and that they agreed that the best way forward is an immediate ceasefire.

It is understood that about 15 spaces for British nationals were secured on a flight that arrived on Sunday and a further 40 on a flight due to leave on Tuesday.
Israel intercepts projectiles from Iran a day after the army launched ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions

The US vowed that there will be severe consequences for Iran after it launched a ballistic missile attack on Israel in a significant escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

Around 200 missiles rained down on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, according to a senior Israeli official, who said: Iran has declared war directly on the State of Israel.

Footage showed missiles and explosions lighting up the night sky, arriving thicker and faster than in a previous Iranian strike on Israel in April.

Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said: We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case.

It left the Middle East on Tuesday facing the prospect of a direct war between Israel and Iran, something both countries have been at pains to avoid despite simmering tensions for years. Calls for Israel to target Irans suspected nuclear weapons programme were also growing among hardliners, while Western leaders urged all sides to pull back from the brink .

Late on Tuesday night, some hours after the Iranian attack, Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, said Tehran would pay.

They will understand, he said. We will stand by the rule we established: whoever attacks us  we will attack him.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) warned after that it would launch a crushing response if Israel retaliated. Irans armed forces also suggested it would attack any country that supported Israel striking back.

In the event of direct intervention by countries supporting the regime [Israel]... their centres and interests in the region will also face a powerful attack by the armed forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the state news agency reported.

Joe Biden, the US president, said the attack on Israel appeared to be ineffective and defeated. Kamala Harris, his vice-president and the Democratic nominee, promised unwavering support to Israel.

I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias, Ms Harris said.

Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Mr Netanyahu as well as the King of Jordan to condemn the Iranian attacks and call for de-escalation across the region.

John Healey, the Defence Secretary, said on Tuesday British forces had played their part in attempts to avoid further escalation in the Middle East.

Iran said the attack used hypersonic missiles for the first time and was in revenge for the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iranian-backed Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah.

A gas platform was reportedly hit in Ashkelon as air raid sirens went off across Israel. Most of the missiles appeared to have been intercepted by Israels Iron Dome defence system and the Israeli Defense Forces said no casualties had been reported.

In the Jaffa area of Tel Aviv, eight people were killed in a terrorist shooting that was launched simultaneously with the missile strike.

Rear-Adml Daniel Hagari, a spokesman for the IDF, said: We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.

The IRGC said the missile attack came after a period of restraint following an attack on the sovereignty of Iran, a reference to the killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the Hamas leader, in Tehran in July. If the Zionist regime responds to Irans operations, it will face crushing attacks, an IRGC spokesman said.

Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, said in a statement: With Gods help, the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.

Khamenei remains in a secure location, a senior Iranian official said, where he has been since the assassination of Nasrallah last week.

Masoud Pezeshkian, the Iranian president, said: Netanyahu should understand that Iran is not warlike, but it will stand firmly against any threat.

This is only a glimpse of our capabilities. Do not engage in conflict with Iran.

But the White House made clear that Iran must pay a price for its latest act of aggression.

Mr Sullivan said: Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. We are proud of the actions that weve taken alongside Israel to protect and defend Israel.

Obviously, this is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel.

He said Washington would discuss next steps with Israel.

The missile attack came just hours after Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at pushing back Hezbollah from the border and creating a buffer zone between the two countries.

As the world waits to see how Israel will respond to the missile attack, there was pressure from Israeli hawks to take out Irans nuclear enrichment sites, including the Natanz uranium enrichment facility 200 miles from Tehran where Iran is close to producing bomb-grade uranium.

Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon early on Tuesday morning - ATEF SAFADI/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Jared Moskowitz, the Democratic congressman seen as a moderate, said: Iran has made a mistake, it has put its nuclear facilities on the board as fair game.

Mr Netanyahu said in a speech to the UN earlier this week that the long arm of Israel could reach anywhere in the Middle East.

After the April attack, Israel launched a somewhat muted response, striking Isfahan, a city surrounded by nuclear facilities.

According to The Wall Street Journal, Israel warned Iran before the attack it would respond to any strike on its territory with hits on Tehrans nuclear or oil facilities.

Mr Biden directed the US armed forces to help Israel shoot down some of the missiles in the attack on Tuesday, the White House said.

Lloyd J Austin, the US defence secretary, told Yoav Gallant, the Israeli defence secretary, that America stood ready to defend Israel from further Iranian threats.

A Pentagon official said Mr Austin made it clear that the United States is well postured to defend US personnel, allies and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations.

Footage showed Iranian missiles falling in the vicinity of Nevatim air base, which is home to Israels fleet of F-35 fighter jets. Dozens of flashes of orange light could be seen hitting the ground in videos widely circulated on social media in the wake of the attack.

The Iron Dome system is set up only to intercept incoming targets that are headed towards populated areas. If the system determines that a missile is going to land in an open location, the munition is allowed to hit the ground in order to conserve expensive interceptor rockets.

Mr Sullivan said he was not aware of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel.

US naval destroyers deployed in the eastern Mediterranean Sea joined Israeli attempts to head off the attack.

USS Bulkeley and the USS Cole both fired to intercept Iranian missiles, said General Pat Ryder, the Pentagons spokesman. The vessels were in the area as part of a bolstered presence aimed at monitoring tensions in the Middle East.

Donald Trump said Mr Biden and Ms Harris were leading the world to the brink of World War III because of their weak leadership.

He said the world is on fire and spiralling out of control and that we have no leadership, no one running the country.

A meeting of the emergency Cobra committee was held in Whitehall, after David Lammy, the Foreign Secretary, spoke to Ali Bagheri, his Iranian counterpart, to urge restraint.

The Foreign Office is not commenting on potential British involvement in helping Israel defend itself against Iranian missiles.

Earlier on Tuesday, Britons in Lebanon were warned that the UK could not guarantee getting them out quickly if the febrile and fragile situation deteriorated.

It is still hoped that a UK-chartered flight will leave Beirut on Wednesday to take British citizens out of the country. Britain is also seeking to buy dozens of seats on commercial airlines to help people leave.

Mr Lammy urged British nationals in Lebanon to leave, warning that the airport in Beirut could be closed if fighting continued.

Speaking to broadcasters at the Foreign Office, Mr Lammy said: I have warned and cautioned now for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion.

And of course, this is now turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground.
Smoke rises after an Israeli airstrike in Beirut. Photograph: Bilal Hussein/AP

To drive away from Beiruts Mediterranean coastline is to climb, up into the rugged, unrelenting ridges of Mount Lebanon. The limestone mountain range that traverses huge lengths of Lebanon lent the country not just its name but beauty, diversity  and a combustible political culture that risks being inflamed again as Israeli forces invade.

For centuries before modern Lebanon was established, its mountains were a natural barrier to invading armies. For the regions religious minorities  especially Christians and Druze  they became a sanctuary. Ensconced in remote mountain villages, the kaleidoscope of communities that would eventually form the Lebanese nation developed distinct identities, histories and anxieties over their own survival. Lebanon, wrote one of it great historians, Kamal Salibi, was a house of many mansions.

How to govern such a diverse country  the constitution recognises and apportions power across 18 official faiths  is unresolved to this day. With the fall of the Ottomans, power over Lebanon passed to French colonial authorities, who carved out borders and imposed a constitution that blatantly favoured the countrys Maronite Catholics. They were guaranteed the presidency, a Christian majority in parliament and control of the Lebanese army.

It was unviable from the outset. For years, the countrys fast-growing Sunni and Shia populations agitated for a fairer share of power. Tensions regularly boiled over into street battles in Beirut. The influx of displaced Palestinians after the creation of Israel strained the social fabric even further.

In 1975, it tore. Over the next 15 years, the Lebanese state dissolved and the country descended into a civil war fought between a bewildering array of militias allied to different political causes and religious creeds.

The Lebanese civil war, from 1975 until 1990, was a hugely complex conflict that ultimately claimed the lives of at least 100,000 people, pitting Sunnis, Christians, Shia and Druze against each other.

The war was further complicated by interventions from Lebanons neighbours Israel and Syria, and by the presence of a sizeable Palestinian refugee population which was also targeted, most notoriously during the Sabra and Shatila massacre in 1982.

Although some of the politically aligned militias involved were not initially sectarian, as the war developed it became increasingly sectarian in nature.

The start of the war is generally dated as 13 April 1975, when Christian militiamen attacked a bus carrying Palestinians to a refugee camp. As clashes between militias from different communities spread, the countrys armed forces and political system split, with Beirut itself dividing along what would be known as the green line between Muslim west Beirut and Christian east Beirut.

In a conflict that would be marked by massacres and inter-communal brutality, the first external intervention was by Syrias armed forces in 1976 to address the imbalance of power. Israel became increasingly involved, launching a full-scale invasion in 1982 (the first Lebanese war) and laying siege to Muslim areas of west Beirut. During this period, Christian militias were permitted entry by Israeli forces into the Palestinian Sabra and Shatila refugee camps where they killed hundreds in revenge for the assassination of the Christian Phalangist leader Bashir Gemayel.

The conflict finally ended in 1990 with an agreement on political power-sharing based on representation for the different communities.

East Beirut, predominantly Christian, was divided from majority-Muslim west Beirut by a green line that snaked across the centre of the city and was riddled with snipers and armed checkpoints. Depending on the political temperature of the day, or the whims of the young militiamen stationed at them, crossing these borders could be deadly. About 17,000 Lebanese people were forcibly disappeared during the war, many for belonging to the wrong faith and crossing the wrong checkpoint at the wrong time.

Past Israeli governments have sought to exploit Lebanons ruptures. When Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982, trying to drive out Palestinian militants using the country as a launching pad, it formed alliances with rightwing Christian militias, who saw the opportunity to reassert their primacy over the country.

Infamously, in September 1982 the Israeli army fired illumination flares into the sky above two areas of Beirut, Sabra and Shatila, populated by Palestinian families, allowing their Christian collaborators to go house to house slaughtering mostly women and children.

By 1989, Israel had long given up on its Christian allies and all sides of the Lebanese civil war were exhausted. They gave up their arms in exchange for a new political deal that distributed power along more equitable lines. Lebanese people who had spent years confined to particular Beirut neighbourhoods or mountain villages started the process of reweaving a diverse society.

Just one militia was permitted to keep its weapons: Hezbollah, representing Lebanons Shia Muslims, in order to fight a continued Israeli occupation of Lebanons south.

War gave way in the 1990s to rebuilding and a debt-fuelled economic boom, and though Lebanons social divisions are thought to have lessened, they remain unhealed, a toxic legacy passed down the generations. Marriage, divorce, inheritance and child custody disputes are still decided according to religious, not civil law. Political offices are still decided along sectarian lines. Too often, Lebanese people meeting each other still ask innocuous-sounding questions (Whats your last name? Where are you from?) that will cast light on their religious affiliation.

As another Israeli invasion builds in southern Lebanon, and warplanes bomb primarily Shia areas of Beirut, there are fears these old scars could reopen. At least a million Lebanese people are on the move, many seeking shelter in neighbourhoods and villages largely populated by other sects.

Civil society leaders have emphasised that so far Lebanese people have shown each other solidarity. But as the crisis lengthens, the few signs of disharmony  reports of landlords refusing to house Shia families for fear of becoming targets of Israeli drones, or videos of arguments between displaced Shia and the residents of a predominantly Christian neighbourhood  threaten to spread.

For Hezbollah, it means they must watch their backs even as they fight on the frontline against Israel. For much of the past two decades, the militia group  the most powerful force in Lebanon  has shown political savvy, striking an alliance with a powerful Christian party, and working at times with the Sunni party of the former prime minister Rafik Hariri (whom Hezbollah members are accused of having assassinated 19 years ago).

Hezbollah has been sensitive to the idea that the Shia community cannot be isolated, said Michael Young, a senior editor at Carnegie Middle East. But these relationships had grown strained in recent years, he added.

When Beiruts port exploded in 2020, damaging the primarily Christian neighbourhoods surrounding it, Hezbollah blocked any meaningful investigation of the blast. The groups involvement in the Syrian civil war also alienated many Sunnis. It meant that as tensions with Israel started to soar last October, they entered the war without a strong sectarian partner on the other side, Young said.

Over the past days, Hezbollahs political opponents from across Lebanons sectarian spectrum have been muted in their criticism. But many will be considering that Hezbollah may emerge from this war substantially diminished, and if it does, it could provide an opportunity to rebalance power in the country once again.

Everyone must be thinking about  if Hezbollah is weakened, what are the ways we can not find ourselves in this situation again? Young said. They want to widen their room to manoeuvre.
Israeli special forces have been operating in southern Lebanon since November last year, pinpointing and destroying Hezbollah tunnels and infrastructure close to its border.

In a briefing for journalists held at the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) northern command headquarters in Kirat Sarah on Tuesday, a senior officer with direct knowledge of the operations said Israeli commandos had spent hundreds of days and nights in Lebanon over the last 10 months dismantling Hezbollah hideaways and weaponry.

The briefing came just hours after Israel announced it had launched a limited, localised and targeted ground incursion into southern Lebanon using tanks, jeeps and other conventional troops.

With the media unable to access the front line just some 10km away, journalists were instead shown an assortment of weapons, intelligence and other materials gathered by commandos on undercover raids into Lebanon since November 2023.

Journalists were led down a replica Hezbollah tunnel built by the IDF to give a sense of what they are like  very similar to the tunnels built by Hamas but dug from soil and rock, not sand.

Long narrow passageways were shown to journalists not dissimilar to those made by Hamas

Video footage captured by the soldiers from head and body cameras was also declassified and distributed as was footage of air strikes on tunnels and other infrastructure the commandos had located.

These operations were conducted in order to dismantle the military capabilities of Hezbollahs Radwan Forces and prevent it from carrying out its October 7th-style Conquer the Galilee plan for an invasion into northern Israel, said the IDF in a statement.

The officer giving the briefing said surreptitious raids over the border had started cautiously in November but gathered pace once it had become clear that Hezbollahs elite Radwan forces had pulled back from positions close to the border to a second line of defence.

In the early days of the conflict following Oct 7, hundreds of these fighters were killed as they launched shoulder-launched anti-tank rockets into Israeli border communities, resulting in more than 63,000 Israeli having to leave their homes.

The officer said there had been no firefights or other direct engagement with Hezbollahs forces on the ground, although two militiamen died in an explosion when they entered a tunnel that Israeli special forces had previously cleared and mined.

We knew there was a good chance we would not meet the enemy face to face, he said.

More than 70 separate infiltration operations took place along the 75km Israel-Lebanon border with typical missions involving around 20 men, he added.

Over the 10 months, Israeli special forces dismantled multiple tunnel hideouts

Hezbollahs most extensive tunnelling and other infrastructure was found in villages and heavily forested areas  locations that proved good natural cover.

In several cases, tunnels running hundreds of metres, equipped with sleeping and cooking facilities as well as weapons, explosives and ammunition, were entered from shafts dug within residents homes.

In one instance, the entry to a tunnel was hidden under a childs bed, the officer said. In others, rucksacks packed with military uniform and kit were found lined up in tunnels so that Hezbollah fighters could travel to their muster points without attracting attention, the IDF said.

The close proximity to the Israeli border of the infrastructure and the type of weapons uncovered indicate that Hezbollah had been planning an October 7 style assault on northern Israel, the IDF claimed.

It was stymied, said a spokesman, because the IDF was quick to reinforce its northern border immediately after Oct 7.

We are not talking about a defensive part of the Hezbollah operation here, said the briefing officer, adding that the Radwan forces were thought to be on a six hour standby time should the order have been given for an attack.

Israeli special forces seized vast amounts of weaponry and ammunition during the raids

Weapons uncovered and displayed included assault rifles, anti-tank missiles, assault rifles, belt-fed machine guns, improvised explosive devices and anti-vehicle and personnel mines.

The officer said that more than 10,000 elite Radwan Hezbollah fighters continued to pose a threat. I would guess they have fallen back to a second line and are re-planning, he said.

Nevertheless, what the Israeli special forces had achieved was unprecedented in the history of Israel, he added.

There was little reliable or definitive news on the progress of the IDFs main land incursion.

At around 2am on Tuesday morning, the IDF said it began ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Like the special forces targets, the new targets were said to be located in villages close to the border that pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery were supporting the ground forces with many strikes said to be taking place on military targets in the area.

These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon said the IDF in a statement.

Operation Northern Arrows will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

Escalation was not limited to the Israeli side. Hezbollah fired rockets into northern and central Israel for much of the day, with one rocket hitting a motorway and injuring several people about an hour above Tel Aviv.

Then in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, on Tuesday evening gunmen shot and killed at least seven people on the citys beachfront.

An already tense situation across the country was made worse by US briefings saying that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile strike on the Jewsish state.

Just an hour afterwards air raid sirens started to sound across Tel Aviv and large parts of Israel.

As people were sheltering, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, added: Citizens of Israel, we are in the midst of a campaign against Irans axis of evil. Yesterday, I said that these were days of great achievements... But there are also great challenges.
It is a deeply wounded Conservative Party that has gathered in Birmingham for its conference this week - Ian Forsyth/Getty

It is a deeply wounded Conservative Party that has gathered in Birmingham for its conference this week. What is most striking is that the bulk of the remaining 121 Tory MPs are suffering some kind of self-delusion.

They seem to seriously believe that all they have to do is pick a new leader, develop some fresh policies, and all will be OK  not least because the Labour government has got off to such a terrible start.

In private messages, many of them have said to me words to the effect of We could be back in five years. An important part of their formula for victory is to win back voters who switched to the Reform Party in July. They think its going to be that simple.

This attitude betrays a total lack of awareness on several different levels. Having gone through five leaders since 2016 and indulged in endless internal squabbling, the Tory party is perceived by most voters as being a bunch of careerists who are more interested in themselves than in the country at large.

A far bigger headache for them is that they are no longer trusted. Take their election manifestos of 2010, 2015, 2017, and 2019. Each promised to reduce immigration to the tens of thousands per year. Net migration numbers for the past two calendar years have averaged 725,000! Similarly, the constant refrain that they would stop the boats was meaningless.

The same applies to tax. Traditionally, the Conservatives have always had an advantage over Labour in this area, being seen as competent and responsible. Yet after a series of deceptions in successive Budgets, the tax burden is higher than its been since the 1940s. I could go on.

The truth is that the Conservative brand is broken. It may recover, but I believe it will be many years before that day comes. In Birmingham, activists and parliamentarians seem oblivious to all of this.

Im often asked by reporters which of the Tory leadership candidates would be best or worst from a Reform perspective. I dont care. We can have more of the same with James Cleverly; a pitch to the Lib Dem vote from Tom Tugendhat; the Im not quite sure what it really all is Kemi Badenoch; or the re-invented Robert Jenrick.

Frankly, it makes very little difference. Our internal polling shows that most Reform voters, many of whom supported the Conservatives in 2019, loathe the party. They feel completely let down by them. I share their anger.

At the 2019 general election, in the spirit of Brexit, I stood down 317 candidates in order to guarantee a Conservative majority in the Commons. This helped to secure Boris Johnson an 80-seat majority. Since then, Brexit has not been delivered in anything like the way voters were led to believe it would be. The result, as we saw in July, is those who lent the Tories their vote in 2019 have called in that debt. They wont make the same mistake twice.

Reform is here to stay. The Tories had their chance and they blew it. All talk of whether a future deal between me and the Conservatives can be done is irrelevant. It is not even on my agenda, I simply dont trust them.

There is a misunderstanding about the new centre-Right in the Western world. Whether its Donald Trumps takeover of the Republican Party in America or the Freedom Partys performance in Austria, the old centrist, conservative, stuffy approach to politics no longer inspires.

As Reform looks to the future, it is Labour voters who interest us most. Countrywide polls show that we are already picking up support from those who reluctantly voted Labour in July, believing that Reform could not prosper under the first-past-the-post electoral system.

Political historians will say that the Conservatives can recover and Reform will fade away, but I dont believe them. Im used to being told that Im wrong. For years, people told me we would never leave the EU. They said I was wasting my time. But I kept going and we won.

Our aim is not to reach a compromise with the Conservatives. It is to replace them as the real opposition to a socialist Labour Party that is in trouble already. Ambitious? Yes. Impossible? No.
Yahoo UK's poll of the week lets you vote and indicate your strength of feeling on one of the week's hot topics. After 72 hours the poll closes and, each Friday, we'll publish and analyse the results, giving readers the chance to see how polarising a topic has become and if their view chimes with other Yahoo UK readers.

Phillip Schofield is back on television in Channel 5's Cast Away. (Channel 5) (A Channel 5 Broadcasting Limited / Burning Bright Productions)

Phillip Schofield is back on prime time television for the first time in over a year in Channel 5's survival series Cast Away. Having come out as gay in February 2020 after nearly 27 years of marriage to wife Stephanie, the TV stalwart  who has been on UK television since the mid-1980s  stepped down as the host of This Morning on 20 May, 2023 after admitting to an unwise but not illegal affair with a much younger male colleague. He was later dropped as the host of the British Soap Awards and Dancing On Ice, retiring from the public eye.

After resigning from ITV over the incident, the broadcaster announced that its policy on work relationships has been updated in the wake of furore. Then, in December, a barrister who conducted an investigation into Schofield's conduct asserted that ITV made "considerable efforts" to find out the truth about an alleged affair between Schofield and a runner in 2019 but was "unable to uncover the relevant evidence" until the presenters own admission in late May 2023. The former presenter "reluctantly declined" to take part in the investigation because of "the risk to his health".

Now, after months of being out of the spotlight  bar a couple of confessional interviews and a trip to the Grand Prix  the 62-year-old presenter is back in the limelight in the Channel 5 show that maroons a celebrity for ten days and nine nights on a remote, unpopulated island off the coast of Madagascar, with only a video camera, and the bare essentials to survive.

Schofield claims his return to TV isn't about trying to rebuild his media career, saying "this is me having my say as I bow out", adding that things would have been different for him had he been involved in a heterosexual affair, but should the presenter be back on TV at all?

Some think his relationship with a younger colleague represents an abuse of power, while others think it's time to forgive and forget and let him "bow out" on his own terms. But what do you think? Let us know in the two polls below.

This poll has now closed, please come back on Friday to read the results and analysis via the link below.

Read more of Yahoo UK's Poll of the Week articles

This article originally appeared on Yahoo TV UK at https://uk.news.yahoo.com/phillip-schofield-back-on-tv-142156848.html
John Amos, who scored an Emmy nomination for the TV series Roots and starred in comedy film Coming To America opposite Eddie Murphy, has died at the age of 84, according to his publicist.

The US actor died on August 21 in Los Angeles of natural causes, publicist Belinda Foster told the PA news agency.

It is with heartfelt sadness that I share with you that my father has transitioned, his son, Kelly Christopher Amos, said in a statement.

Actor John Amos played Toby, the older version of Kunta Kinte, in Roots (Gus Ruelas/AP)

He was a man with the kindest heart and a heart of gold  and he was loved the world over.

Many fans consider him their TV father. He lived a good life. His legacy will live on in his outstanding works in television and film as an actor.

My father loved working as an actor throughout his entire life  he was my dad, my best friend, and my hero.

His agent, Julia Buchwald, added: We were so proud to represent John. He was not only a remarkable talent but also a deeply kind and generous soul.

His impact on the industry and those who knew him will never be forgotten.

Amos shot to fame in the 1970s when he played Gordy Howard, the weatherman on The Mary Tyler Moore Show, which led to his role as family patriarch James Evans Sr in the Norman Lear sitcom, Good Times.

John Amos died on August 21 (Amy Sussman/Invision/AP, File)

He went on to portray the older version of Kunta Kinte in the ground-breaking miniseries, Roots.

Amos scored his only Emmy nomination for his role in the 1977 series which depicted the atrocities of slavery.

The sprawling cast included Louis Gossett Jr as Fiddler, Ben Vereen as Chicken George, and LeVar Burton as the young Kunta Kinte.

I knew that it was a life-changing role for me, as an actor and just from a humanistic standpoint, Amos told Time magazine.

It was the culmination of all of the misconceptions and stereotypical roles that I had lived and seen being offered to me. It was like a reward for having suffered those indignities.

Actor John Amos (Nick Ut/AP)

Over a decade later, Amos starred as Cleo McDowell in Coming To America, who hires an African prince, played by Murphy  before reprising the role in the films sequel.

Other starring roles included Admiral Percy Fitzwallace, chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, on US drama The West Wing; and Major Grant in Die Hard 2.

Prior to his acting career, Amos served as a member of the New Jersey State National Guard.
A Just Stop Oil protester shouted Shame on you at a judge after she was found guilty along with three other campaigners of taking part in a protest which brought traffic in central London to a standstill.

Ben Plumpton, 70, of Charlestown, Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, Gregory Sculthorpe, 38, of Doncaster, South Yorkshire, Naomi Goddard, 60, of Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire, and Kate Bramfitt, 52, of Hexham, Northumberland, were found guilty after a trial at Stratford Magistrates Court of wilfully obstructing a highway.

They were among 80 people who took part in the peaceful protest on November 6 last year which went past the Cenotaph in Whitehall towards Parliament Square and caused major disruption.

Queues of traffic built up as they began slow marching in the road for about 25 minutes, taking up two lanes but enabling cyclists to pass by.

They were each given a conditional discharge for nine months, and ordered to pay a 26 victim surcharge and 310 costs  except Bramfitt, whose costs were reduced to 200 after she described herself as economically inactive and not receiving benefits.

Bramfitt then shouted at Deputy District Judge Patricia Evans before storming out of court saying: What you have done is shameful. How do you live with yourself?

It is shameful, all of you  you are criminalising people who are fight for your futures. Shame on you, judge.

The court heard that the demonstrators had not informed the police about the protest beforehand and did not co-operate with officers when they were arrested.

The judge said public safety had to be managed and the impact of the protest went quickly from small to significant.

The protesters sat or laid down after they were arrested and knew their actions would cause disruption, the court was told.

The judge said: The traffic on this occasion was barely crawling and brought to a standstill while the arrests were effected.

Buses were delayed and diversions needed, meaning the impact of the protest had knock-on effects.

No prior notification of the demonstration was given by JSO, except to state that there was to be a month of protest action taking place during that period of the year.

Another defendant, Lora Johnson, 40, of Reydon, Suffolk, who was tried in her absence, was found not guilty of the same offence.

She took part in a second march on the same day which involved a group of around 25 women who were holding placards referring to mothers and grandmothers.

Her protest lasted about 15 minutes and was short and of less impact to other road users, the judge said.

Johnson did not attend court, while the other defendants represented themselves during the two-day hearing.

Earlier, Bramfitt, who is a long-term environmental campaigner, said the protest was part of the culmination of lots of actions to try to make a difference.

She said has spoken to her MP and her neighbours about the issue, and mentioned the recent Hurricane Helene in the US.

Describing the legal process as basically a nightmare as she is also looking after an elderly father and has two children at university, she told the court: Im doing this to help my mental health because I feel that things will change if enough people shout for change and argue against corruption.

It has taken a massive mental toll. I get frequent migraines from a lack of sleep. I burn out because of the news and stuff.

She added: It just messes with your life, basically, and I feel that we should not have been arrested for just walking down the street.

Plumpton had told the court: I feel we had to cause a minimal amount of disruption to be effective, and said when the police spoke to her she felt we had not caused enough disruption.

She said she did not resist arrest and told the officer about her concerns for her granddaughter over climate change, about gas companies, and that a dossier had been sent to the Metropolitan Police.

She added: I accept there was some disruption. I think that disruption was going to be considerably extremely minor in comparison to disruption caused by flooding.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer spoke to Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon and condemned Irans attack on Israel in the strongest terms, a Downing Street spokesperson has said.

The attack on Israel began during the leaders conversation, the spokesperson said. In the same call, Sir Keir also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon.

Iran said it fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Iran said it had launched the missile strike in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

A Downing Street spokesperson said on Tuesday evening: The Prime Minister spoke to Israels Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon, and they discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

The Prime Minister condemned Irans attack on Israel today in the strongest terms, which began during the leaders conversation, and expressed the UKs steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians.

During the call, the Prime Minister also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon to allow space for a political solution in line with UNSC Resolution 1701. The Prime Minister also raised the situation in Gaza and the importance of a ceasefire and action to bring home the hostages.

People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran in Shoresh, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel on Tuesday (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

The Prime Minister also chaired a ministerial meeting in Downing Street today on the situation in the Middle East.

Sir Keir also spoke to King Abdullah of Jordan about the urgent need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza.

A Downing Street spokesperson said that the leaders began by underscoring the urgent need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza. They both called for de-escalation to prevent the extreme humanitarian situation from worsening.

The Prime Minister said he will work alongside partners and do everything possible to push for de-escalation and push for a diplomatic solution.

The attack comes after Israel began a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, carrying out what it described as limited, localised operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Earlier on Tuesday, Britons in Lebanon were warned that the UK cannot guarantee getting them out quickly if the febrile and fragile situation deteriorates.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged British nationals in Lebanon to leave via commercial flights or on a UK chartered plane due to depart on Wednesday, warning that the airport in Beirut could be closed if fighting continues.

Speaking to broadcasters at the Foreign Office, Mr Lammy said: I have warned and cautioned now for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion.

And of course, this is now turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground.
Have you ever seen a Mountain Bongo before? Most people haven't. The animals are incredibly rare. Thankfully the Whipsnade Zoo in England recently got their very own Mountain Bongo. And now they're showing the animal in a video online so that we all can get a peek.

A zookeeper at Whipsnade took cameras along as he fed the Mountain Bongo, a creature that again, is super unique.

As the man explained in the video, the Mountain Bongo isn't just rare for the zoo, "but in the world." Which means we're really getting a treat. "Most people have never heard of them," he added. But that all changes today.

Related: Zoo Animals Reduce Stress for Airport Passengers in Philadelphia

"It's quite a big beast," the man said, before presenting Pembe to the internet. He's honestly pretty cute! The zookeeper explained that there are only 100 to 150 Mountain Bongos left in the wild, making Pembe part of a very exclusive club.

The zookeeper joked that Pembe is a bit of a "flirt" so they're hoping he'll make a match with a female one day. Fingers crossed, big guy!

Pembe has his own little fan club growing online. "Oh Ive only seen them in pictures before. Oh hes lovely," wrote one person. "Hes quite a distinguished gentleman," someone else teased. "He is GORGEOUS, never heard of a Mountain Bongo, thank you for sharing him and let's hope we can make those numbers increase!" another commenter praised. "Such a gorgeous animal, oh my goodness! Look at those horns, and the markings around his face!!" praised one person.

The Rare Eastern Mountain Bongo

Often confused for Okapi, the Eastern Mountain Bongo is a red-colored antelope with white stripes. The number of stripes per animal varies, but it's thought that most Mountain Bongos have anywhere from 10 to 15 stripes on each side of their bodies. Females tend to be brighter in color than males, but both have long, spiraled, lyre-shaped horns. They're actually some of the most colorful African forest antelopes.

It is true that Eastern Mountain Bongos are in trouble. Bongos are very secretive animals so it's hard for researchers to track them. The number of Bongos has actually been debated just because they're so hard to find!

The biggest threats to Bongos are poaching, habitat destruction, and illegal trapping. Bongos have long been hunted for their skins and for food. Thankfully, measures have been taken to protect the Bongo population and they are currently under the full protection of the Kenyan Wildlife Service. That's why it's so important to raise awareness about the Mountain Bongo. The more people know about them, the more they put pressure on government agencies to keep them safe.

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A woman was raped and killed by a stranger on a park bench after a night out, a court has heard.

Natalie Shotter, 37, was found dead on a bench in Southall Park, west London, on July 17 2021.

Homeless Mohamed Iidow, 35, is on trial at the Old Bailey charged with her rape and manslaughter.

On Tuesday, prosecutor Alison Morgan KC gave a brief outline of the case as a jury panel was selected to try the case.

She said: In short, it is alleged that he raped Natalie Shotter and that the act of rape caused Natalie Shotters death.
Oh baby! A Massachusetts hospital is experiencing a baby boom among its nurses.

A dozen nurses, all co-workers in the same intensive care unit at the University Campus of the UMass Memorial Medical Center in Worcester, Massachusetts, have welcomed 12 babies between 2023 and 2024, and they all happen to be baby boys.

Plus, one of the nurses, Stephanie Fortin, is getting ready to welcome another child, baby no. 13, of the group this October, too! Fortin was also the first out of the dozen nurses to welcome the first baby of the bunch, her son Trey in January 2023.

PHOTO: A dozen nurses, including Kathryn Coreas, Steve Sainte, and MaryMargaret Meggy Rossi, at UMass Memorial Medical Center University Campus in Worcester, Massachusetts, have welcomed 12 babies within the past year. (UMass Memorial Health)

"I think it was a surprise to all of us, honestly," ICU nurse Stephanie Smith, who welcomed her son Benjamin 7 months ago, told "Good Morning America." "The best part was everyone just kind of sharing, 'We're pregnant,' and then following, like, four weeks later, 'It's a boy,'  I think that was just the funniest part."

PHOTO: Nurse Stephanie Smith and her son Benjamin, who was born Feb. 26 and is now 7 months old. (UMass Memorial Health)

The nurses  11 moms and one dad  have not just been helping patients but also helping each other and along the way, they said they've become more than just co-workers.

PHOTO: Monica Serra holds her son Roman. (UMass Memorial Health)

"Everyone on the unit is super supportive and helpful," said ICU nurse Monica Serra. "Like Steph, right before I gave birth, she came by with frozen food and stuff like that for us to store in the fridge. So we just have a great network of friends on our unit. It's not just co-workers. We're all a great support system."

Kentucky sheriff's office welcomes 15 babies in the last year

Marcia Davidson, who welcomed her first child, a son named Troy six months ago, said she and her fellow nurses would joke that there was "something" in the hospital's water system.

PHOTO: Stephanie Smiths son Benny and Kathryn Coreas son Matteo have met already but the nurses and their co-workers plan to introduce all of their kids to each other soon. (UMass Memorial Health)

"We keep saying, 'Stop drinking the water here because there's something in it that's causing us all to have baby boys,'" she said with a laugh. "We're all anxious to see who's going to be the first baby girl that's going to break our streak. So that'll be exciting and I'm sure she'll be famous in her own respect on the unit."

PHOTO: Brianna Sheehan with her son Conor, who recently turned 1. (UMass Memorial Health)

Labor and delivery unit experiences baby boom among its own staff

In a statement, UMass Memorial Nurse Manager Valerie Fernald said the hospital system was "thrilled" for the nurses, many of whom are first-time parents.

"I think these boys are special gifts to our nurses who have worked so incredibly hard to care for our patients during the COVID-19 pandemic and every day!" Fernald said. "Of course, as the mom of four boys myself, I have a special place in my heart for my 2 Lakeside ICU staff and their beautiful baby boys!"

PHOTO: Madison Laframboise with her first child, a son named Weston who is now 5 months old. (UMass Memorial Health)

The nurses said they plan on introducing their little ones to each other if they haven't already.

Nurse Madison Laframboise added that she's "excited for these guys all to grow up together."

12 nurses at same hospital welcome 12 babies in 1 year originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
A bus passes by a news van in front of a Los Angeles MTA bus depot near the site where overnight a bus was hijacked by an armed subject with passengers on board Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A man who allegedly hijacked a city bus in Los Angeles, killed a passenger and held its driver at gunpoint last Wednesday has been charged with murder and kidnapping, authorities said.

Lamont Campbell, 51, was charged with numerous felonies related to the hijacking, including carjacking, assault with a semi-automatic handgun, robbery, and felon in possession of a gun, Los Angeles county prosecutors said Monday.

Campbell is alleged to have shot and killed 48-year-old Anthony Rivera on his way home from work. He also allegedly threatened and robbed another passenger with the weapon.

Prosecutors said Campbell first boarded the Metro bus at about 12:30 a.m. in South Los Angeles on Sep. 25, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. After forcing the driver to continue driving by holding him at gunpoint, he led police cars on a slow chase through downtown for an hour before they were able to deploy spike strips to stop the bus and perform a hostage rescue.

The other passenger, who was injured and quickly released, has not been identified.

Metros 12,000 employees deserve to be safe at work and our nearly 1 million customers deserve to be and feel safe as they travel to and from their homes, work, and leisure activities," Metro CEO Stephanie Higgins said in a statement.

Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon said at a press conference Monday that Campbell had an extensive criminal record, the Los Angeles Times reported. Officials also commended the bus driver, Dennis Contreras, for his bravery and remaining calm.

Rivera's family told KABC-TV that Rivera, a former national guardsmen, was only a few blocks away from home when the gunman boarded the bus.

He was just trying to get home from his very long shift as a parking lot attendant at Dodger Stadium, Riveras cousin Sarah Beck said. All he wanted to do was just get home safely, but he never made it home.

The family called for more safety measures to protect passengers that depend on public transit.

I just miss him dearly, Riveras mother, Teresa Flores, told KABC-TV. Theres so much I want to say and I just cant. Im just dumbfounded they took my son. ... Hell always be with me, hes my heart.

Campbell will be arraigned Tuesday. If convicted of all his charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 90 years, eight months to life in prison.
At the start of the 2000s, only two ears of corn remained.

Courtesy of High Wire Distilling Co.

Ann Marshall and Scott Blackwell didnt set out to help save a part of the countrys agricultural history when they opened High Wire Distilling Company in 2013. The husband-and-wife duos focus was to create a unique and memorable whiskey, one which celebrated the best of South Carolinas produce. But when introduced to James Island, or Jimmy Red corn, their stories became entangled with that of the endangered grain, and ultimately, its resurgence.

At the beginning of the 1900s, Jimmy Red corn was pervasive across Appalachia, and it slowly spread east into South Carolina. The corn was used in everything from moonshine to grits due to its nutty, sweet flavor. And with a high oil content, it was an ideal energy source for livestock feed. But as other varieties of corn thrived in industrial agriculture production, Jimmy Red fell out of favor, noted by the Slow Food Foundation for Biodiversity.

As a crop, it requires high-touch, both literally and figuratively. The grain is an open pollinator, which means that it can be easily fertilized by pollen from other corn, which threatens its purity. So it must be pollinated by hand. And, according to Blackwell, it also has a reputation for being comparatively more enticing to deer and racoons.

Courtesy of High Wire Co. Distilling

By the end of the 20th century, the corn was near extinction. The last farmer to cultivate the crop had passed away, leaving only two ears to fellow South Carolina farmer and seed enthusiast Ted Chewning. Having saved varieties of nearly extinct corns, beans, heirloom radishes, watermelons, and field peas, Chewning planted Jimmy Red over the next few years to increase the seed harvest each season.

Word spread of the corn, and it soon started to pop up on menus throughout the state. Chef and restaurateur Sean Brock famously became the first to use Jimmy Red in his kitchens at McCradys, where he was partner and executive chef, and Husk, which he founded in 2010. Nearly a decade later, Brock was featured in an episode of the Netflix show, Chefs Table, which focused on his drive to celebrate the flavors of Lowcountry cooking. His use of Jimmy Red corn played a central role in the story. But at that time, Jimmy Red had yet to be explored as an option to make bourbon.

Enter Marshall and Blackwell. As they worked on the concept and buildout for High Wire Distilling, they wanted to make sure their bourbon stood out from the rest. You cant outdo Makers Mark, says Marshall. And we didnt want to.

Neither were convinced that Dent corn, the common agricultural variety used in whiskey distillation, was what they wanted to include in their bourbon. They teamed with Glenn Roberts, founder of Anson Mills, which specializes in heirloom grains, to identify the ideal strain of corn for their whiskey. Roberts walked them through a tasting of more than 20 varieties, with Jimmy Red saved for last. He introduced it by saying, and this is the one youre going to use to make your whiskey.

When Glenn gave us this little bit of red corn, I was like, How does this guy know anything about how the whiskey is going to turn out? He does grits, says Blackwell. We were still pretty early on, so I was like, Ill just use a cupping method to give me a glimpse of whats going on with this corn.

Courtesy of High Wire Co. Distilling

Blackwell, who worked for years in the coffee business, implemented a cold cupping process as he sampled corn for its potential to make whiskey. Similarly to how coffee is tested to identify each strains characteristics, Blackwell steeped the grains in water. But rather than make a cup of coffee, he made something more akin to porridge. Its not something youd want to eat, says Blackwell. But its good for identifying the right characteristics for a good whiskey.

Instead of tasting for flavor, Blackwell looked for other subtle clues, like minerality and the presence of mildew. The high-oil content that made Jimmy Red so popular as livestock feed played a big part in its success as a whiskey grain, as it coats the pallet and creates a unique mouthfeel.

Minerality is the baseline that tells us it has the right starch content, that its going to have a beautiful conversion, said Marshall during a seminar on whiskey at the Food & Wine Classic in Charleston. What we loved the most about Jimmy Red is that its really sweet, but its not a high-fructose corn syrup sweetness that you can get from a lot of bourbons. Its more like a nectar or honey sweetness.

After much trial and error, it became clear that Jimmy Red was the right fit for their flagship bourbon. I would look at yellow corn, blue corn, other red corn, and I kept using Jimmy Red as the control, says Blackwell. But its so unique and it had that perfect minerality we were looking for. Glenn was spot on.

That unique flavor, of baking spices and caramel corn, allowed them to create a product thats quite different from other bourbons, most of which use some type of mixture of corn, rye, and wheat. High Wires flagship bourbon skips rye and wheat altogether, utilizing only 100% Jimmy Red corn.

Courtesy of High Wire Co. Distilling

Marshall and Blackwell started with enough seed to plant 2.5 acres of Jimmy Red, which they planted in partnership with Clemson University. Today, the team has 450 acres planted across the state between four farms. In 2024, the team filled its 5,000th barrel of whiskey.

What started as a passion project to save a bit of South Carolinas agricultural past led to the production of one of the states most highly awarded whiskeys. In 2018, the team was named Overall Winner at the Made in the South Awards. And in 2020, Marshall was nominated in the Outstanding Wine, Spirits, or Beer Producer category by the James Beard Foundation.

And just to think this all came about from two remaining ears of corn, says Marshall. Such a big part of South Carolinas past is having a major impact on the states culinary future.

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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
Gavin Creel, a Tony Award-winning Broadway star best known for his performances in "Hello, Dolly!," "Thoroughly Modern Millie" and "The Book of Mormon," has died.

Creel died Sept. 30 at his home in New York City at age 48. He had been diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in July, his partner told The New York Times.

A rep for Creel confirmed the news to TODAY.com.Creel, who was known for his high-energy physical performances and his strength as a singer, made his Broadway debut in 2002 playing smooth-talking salesman Jimmy Smith opposite Sutton Foster in the original production of Thoroughly Modern Millie, receiving a Tony nomination for the role.

Gavin Creel in May 2022.

He remained a near constant presence on the Broadway stage, receiving a second Tony nomination for playing the hippie leader Claude in the 2009 revival of "Hair," before winning a Tony for best actor in a musical for his portrayal of Cornelius Hackl in the 2017 revival of Hello, Dolly! starring Bette Midler.

The Tony really felt like a hug from the community Ive been in for 20 years, he told The San Francisco Chronicle. That feels good. I can literally do nothing else in my life and Im still a Tony winner. I will never not have done that.

For several years, Creel, who was born in Findlay, Ohio, played the role of fastidious missionary Elder Price in "The Book of Mormon," embarking on the show's first national tour in 2012, before taking the role to London's West End, where he won a Olivier Award in 2014.

Creel also starred in the Broadway productions of "La Cage Aux Folles" (2004), "She Loves Me" (2016) and "Waitress" (2019) and "Into the Woods" (2022).

In recent years, he appeared onstage in his own Off-Broadway show, Walk on Through: Confessions of a Museum Novice, which chronicled his love for the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

Creel also brought his talents to television a handful of times, appearing in Eloise at the Plaza and Eloise at Christmastime in 2003, and Ryan Murphy's "American Horror Stories" in 2021.

Many of Creel's fellow Broadway stars paid tribute to him on social media.

Sutton Foster shared a photo of her and Creel being affectionate on Instagram, writing, "My sweet friend. I will love you forever."

Josh Gad, who originated the role of Elder Arnold Cunningham in "The Book of Mormon," shared a different photo of Creel on Instagram."We have lost someone far too young, far too early still in his journey and far too impactful to our creative community. My heart breaks for his family and his closest friends. This is just not fair. We will never forget you @realgavincreel," he wrote.

Idina Menzel also shared a pic of Creel, writing, "Sweet sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among the angels. I love you so much."

How did Gavin Creel die?

Creel died of a rare and aggressive type of cancer known as metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma. He had been diagnosed just two months before his death.

What is metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma?

Melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma is a type of cancerous tumor that starts in the lining of the nerves that connect the spinal cord to the rest of the body, according to Mayo Clinic. Metastatic means the cancer has spread beyond its origin site in the body, or metastasized.

These tumors are rare and can be extremely aggressive, according to the American Journal of Neuroradiology.

Symptoms of this type of cancer can get worse quickly and include: pain and weakness in the tumor area, and a growing lump under the skin.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in Tuesday as Mexicos first female president, riding the enthusiasm over her predecessors social programs but also facing challenges that include stubbornly high levels of violence.

After a smiling Sheinbaum took the oath of office on the floor of Congress, legislators shouted Presidenta! Presidenta! using the feminine form of president in Spanish for the first time in over 200 years of Mexicos history as an independent country.

The 62-year-old scientist-turned-politician receives a country with a number of immediate problems, also including a sluggish economy, unfinished building programs, rising debt and the hurricane-battered resort city of Acapulco.

In her speech, Sheinbaum said that with her arrival come all of the women who have struggled in anonymity to make their way in Mexico, including those who dreamed of the possibility that one day no matter if we were born as women or men we would achieve our dreams and desires without our sex determining our destiny.

She made a long list of promises to limit prices for gasoline and food, expand cash hand-out programs for women and children, support business investment, housing and passenger rail construction. But any mention of the drug cartels that control much of the country was brief and near the end of the list.

Sheinbaum offered little change from outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors Hugs not Bullets strategy of addressing root causes and not confronting the cartels, apart from pledging more intelligence work and investigation. There will be no return to the irresponsible drug war, she said.

Sheinbaum romped to victory in June with nearly 60% of the vote, propelled largely by the sustained popularity of her political mentor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. She has pledged to continue all his policies, even those that strengthened the power of the military and weakened the countrys checks and balances.

Lopez Obrador took office six years ago declaring For the good of all, first the poor, and promising historical change from the neoliberal economic policies of his predecessors. Sheinbaum promised continuity from his popular social policies to controversial constitutional reforms to the judiciary and National Guard rammed through during his final days in office.

Despite her pledge of continuity, Sheinbaum is a very different personality: a cautious scientist and ideological university leftist, as opposed to the outgoing presidents chummy, everyman appeal.

Lopez Obrador was a tremendously charismatic president and many times that charisma allowed him to cover up some political errors that Claudia Sheinbaum will not have that possibility of doing, said Carlos Perez Ricart, a political analyst at Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. So, where Lopez Obrador was charismatic, Claudia Sheinbaum will have to be effective.

She will wield formidable power because Lopez Obradors Morena party controls both houses of Congress. But the country remains deeply polarized between the outgoing presidents fanatic fans and almost one-third of the population who deeply resent him.

If we want a strong government, the checks and balances also have to be strong, said opposition Sen. Maria Guadalupe Murguia, suggesting that an all-powerful army and unchecked ruling party could come back to haunt Mexico. Remember, she said, nobody wins everything, and nobody loses forever.

Sheinbaum is not inheriting an easy situation.

Drug cartels have strengthened their hold over much of Mexico, and her first trip as president will be to the flood-stricken Pacific coast resort of Acapulco.

Hurricane John, which struck as a Category 3 hurricane last week and then reemerged into the ocean and struck again as a tropical storm, caused four days of incredibly heavy rain that killed at least 17 people along the coast around Acapulco. Acapulco was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, and had not recovered from that blow when John hit.

Sheinbaum must also deal with raging violence in the cartel-dominated northern city of Culiacan, where factional fighting within the Sinaloa cartel broke out after drug lords Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez were apprehended in the United States after they flew there in a small plane on July 25.

Lopez Obrador has long sought to avoid confronting Mexicos drug cartels and has openly appealed to the gangs to keep the peace among themselves, but the limitations of that strategy have become glaringly apparent in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, where gun battles have raged on the citys streets. Local authorities and even the army  which Lopez Obrador has relied on for everything  have essentially admitted that the fighting will only end when the cartel bosses decide to end it.

But thats only the latest hotspot.

Drug-related violence is surging from Tijuana in the north to Chiapas in the south, displacing thousands.

While Sheinbaum inherits a huge budget deficit, unfinished construction projects and a burgeoning bill for her partys cash hand-out programs  all of which could send financial markets tumbling  perhaps her biggest looming concern is the possibility of a victory for Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 US presidential election.

Trump has already vowed to slap 100% tariffs on vehicles made in Mexico. Though that would likely violate the current US-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, there are other things Trump could do to make life difficult for Sheinbaum, including his pledge of massive deportations.

Relations with Mexicos northern neighbor were already tense after Lopez Obrador said he was putting relations with the US embassy on pause after public criticism of the proposed judicial overhaul.

At her inauguration, Sheinbaum boosted the free trade agreement with the United States and Canada, saying we know that economic cooperation strengthens the three nations.

There are areas where Sheinbaum could try to take Mexico in a new direction. For example, she has a Ph.D. in energy engineering and has spoken of the need to address climate change.

But on Tuesday, she said she would cap oil production at 1.8 million barrels per day, which would be more than what the troubled state-owned company currently produces. We are going to promote energy efficiency and the transition toward renewable sources of energy, she said.

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PHOENIX  If it wasnt painful enough for the Arizona Diamondbacks to be home for the postseason after being eliminated Sunday, they spent Monday in damage control after their owner pointed fingers and chastised one of his highest-paid players.

D-backs owner Ken Kendrick blamed himself for the signing of free-agent starter Jordan Montgomery, saying he was the one who suggested to the front office that they sign him after starter Eduardo Rodriguez injured his left shoulder in spring training.

Kendrick now says he regrets the recommendation, saying the Diamondbacks never should have signed Montgomery, who went 8-7 with a 6.23 ERA in 21 starts, to a one-year $25 million contract.

The kicker?

Instead of blasting Montgomery on his way out the door, Kendrick likely will be seeing plenty of him next year, too. Montgomery has a $22.5 million player option in 2025 that he expects to exercise.

Jordan Montgomery signed with the Diamondbacks in 2024.

Let me say it the best way I can say it," Kendrick said Monday on the The Burns & Gambo Show. If anyone wants to blame anyone for Jordan Montgomery being a Diamondback, youre talking to the guy who should be blamed, because I brought it to their attention. I pushed for it. They agreed to it.

It wasnt in our game plan. You know when he was signed, right at the end of spring training. And looking back, in hindsight, a horrible decision, to have invested that money in a guy that performed as poorly as he did.

It was our biggest mistake this season from a talent standpoint. And Im the perpetrator of that.

This was one of the strongest condemnations by an owner towards a player since the days of George Steinbrenner and Hall of Famer Dave Winfield nearly 40 years ago.

Montgomery, who signed too late to pitch in spring training, struggled most of the year. He was removed from the starting rotation in August before returning in September.

Really, Montgomery didnt want to pitch in Arizona in the first place. He waited for a contract offer from the Texas Rangers that never arrived, and passed up a four-year proposal by the Boston Red Sox earlier in the winter. He wound up taking the D-backs offer, and then fired his agent, Scott Boras.

Now, six months later, everyone is mad at one another.

Kendrick, frustrated that the D-backs missed the playoffs by one game, needing Atlanta or the New York to sweep their doubleheader Monday, also took shots at the commissioners office for forcing the two teams to play to play the twinbill. They were makeup games after Hurricane Helene caused the postponement of games last Wednesday and Thursday in Atlanta.

He called it a debacle" that could have been prevented, saying that MLB should have had the two teams to play a doubleheader last Monday when they were both off

Im disappointed that MLB did not take a more aggressive posture to insist on those games being played earlier, Kendrick said. That decision would have changed how the week would have unfolded for a lot of teams, even those guys. I think they are both very disadvantaged  having used, in some cases, top pitchers, and burned out their bullpens. Theyre going to go play in a postseason when you should be able to have your best players ready to go.

Yet, while Kendrick bemoaned the potential impact the hurricane might have played on their postseason chances, the players thought it was almost immoral to use that as an excuse.

I mean, people are losing their lives, their homes," ace Zac Gallen told reporters Monday. So, for me to get mad about a natural disaster when people are worried about other things would be tone deaf."

Amen.

While Kendrick didnt hide his disappointment  with the D-backs finishing with the same 89-73 record as Atlanta and the Mets but losing the tiebreaker  he did not criticize manager Torey Lovullo or GM Mike Hazen.

For any of us, at least for me, to say our manager did a poor job this season or our general manager did a poor job this season," Kendrick said, I wouldnt be the one to say that.

While the D-backs attendance increased to 2.3 million, their largest total since 2008, its unclear whether the franchise-record $175 million payroll will decrease after failing to make the playoffs.

Kendrick, who still paid former D-backs starter Madison Bumgarner $14 million this year, isnt hiding the fact that he hopes Montgomery leaves, clearing $22.5 million.

Are we going to be in a position to financially compete yet again next year? Kendrick said. I think the answer is basically, yes, we are.  I think that we have a core of players that will be returning that will leave us in a position that will allow us to be very, very competitive yet again next season. And it wont be inexpensive to do that.

The D-backs have their entire starting lineup under contract, along with their rotation, with the exception of first baseman Christian Walker.

Theres a lot of unknowns here, a lot of uncertainties," Walker told reporters. Theres a good chance I land here, but some unknowns."

And now, theres another unknown.

If Walker returns, and happens to struggle, could he be Kendrick's next victim?

Follow Nightengale on X:@Bnightengale

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Jordan Montgomery signing was 'horrible mistake,' D-backs owner says
New York City Mayor Eric Adams arrives for his arraignment outside Manhattan Federal Court on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024 in Manhattan, New York. Barry Williams for New York Daily News via Getty Images

The New York City mayor has begun formally challenging last week's bribery and fraud indictment.

His arguments in Monday's motion to dismiss amount to this: SCOTUS lets me do it.

A recent Supreme Court decision helps Adams by requiring a specific quid-pro-quo to prove bribery.

In his first formal attack on last week's sweeping public corruption indictment, New York City Mayor Eric Adams takes aim at what his lawyer says is the weakest of the five federal charges: bribery.

Adams' argument? It's not bribery if the US Supreme Court lets you do it.

In a court filing on Monday, Adams attorney Alex Spiro cites a groundbreaking June SCOTUS decision as reason enough to toss the bribery count.

The decision is Snyder v. United States. It says handing a politician a bag of money is essentially A-OK under federal law, so long as there is no specifically stated quid-pro-quo.

In Adams' case, the Turkish officials who gave him $100,000 in upgraded flights and luxurious hotel stays never specifically linked those perks to a specific request for something in return, Spiro argues.

And these were gratuities, not bribes, the lawyer says.

At a press conference after the motion was filed, Spiro compared Adams' $100,000 in flights and accommodations to perks like a hotel room upgrade or a good table at a restaurant, which are regularly extended to politicians.

"The indictment does not sufficiently allege that Adams agreed to accept benefits in exchange for performing an official act," Spiro wrote in Monday's 25-page motion .

It's the first time Snyder  a case named for an Indiana mayor who took $13,000 from a truck company  is being cited as a defense in a major public corruption prosecution.

It makes perfect sense for Adams to cite it, said Michel Paradis, an attorney who teaches national security and constitutional law at Columbia Law School.

"Snyder will be helpful to Adams principally in really putting the government to its proof on the quid-pro-quo elements of the case," Paradis said.

Prosecutors were "clearly cognizant of Snyder in how [they] framed the indictment, to show the kind of close nexus between the quids and the quos that the Court now insists upon," he added.

Federal prosecutors say Adams enjoyed nearly a decade of globe-circling Turkish Airlines trips. They say that in return, Turkish officials asked for a few small favors from Adams, including that he not mention the Armenian genocide, and that he sever ties with a particular community center.

They also say Turkey asked Adams for a large favor, one that Adams granted: in 2021, the then-leading mayoral candidate leaned on city fire officials to bend the rules and approve occupancy for a Midtown skyscraper that held the Turkish consulate.

The indictment quotes an unnamed Turkish official telling an Adams staffer that because Turkey had supported the soon-to-be mayor, it was now "his turn"  meaning Adams'  to support Turkey by getting the consulate opened.

"I know," the feds say Adams responded when told by the staffer that Turkey saw this as "his turn" to reciprocate.

Spiro says in his filing that the travel perks Adams enjoyed are the kind of gifts that constituents or foreign dignitaries routinely give, to show their appreciation or gain access to a politician.

Snyder  in a majority opinion written by Justice Brett Kavanaugh and joined by the current conservative supermajority's five other justices  broadens the definition of "gratuities" and limits the definition of "bribes."

(In addition to Spiro, Adams is represented by Avi Perry and William Burck. Burck is on the board of Fox Corp, clerked for Anthony Kennedy, and, according to the New York Times, is a friend of Kavanaugh.)

In this new, post-Snyder world, the feds must prove that a politician clearly knew that cash or goods are being offered as payment for an official act, and that the official act was taken specifically in response to that offer.

Critics of the SCOTUS ruling feared it would open the door to politicians freely taking handouts.

"Adams will argue that the Turkish government gave him things out of gratitude for his past friendliness toward Turkey's interests," merely as a "thank you," Paradis told Business Insider.

Meanwhile, "the government will argue that Turkey gave him goodies, and he accepted those goodies, on the understanding that he would continue to use his political position for Turkey's benefit," the constitutional law expert said.

"Prior to Snyder, the government would not have had to show such a tight connection between the bribes and the expectation that Adams would do things for them in the future," Paradis added.

"Now they do, which is why the indictment puts a lot of emphasis on the consulate and the Armenian genocide allegations."

Federal prosecutors have yet to respond to the motion to dismiss.

The Justice Department and Spiro didn't immediately return requests for comment for this story Monday afternoon.

Adams has pleaded not guilty to the indictment, which also charges him with illegally accepting campaign contributions from Turkish officials and others via straw donors.

If convicted on all counts, he faces a maximum of 45 years in prison.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Managers at Teslas Grunheide factory in Germany are visiting the homes of workers on sick leavebut dont expect them to be bringing chicken noodle soup and orange juice.

A director of Teslas Gigafactory Berlin-Brandenburg sent managers to check on about 30 sick employees, according to German news outlet Handelsblatt. Per a recording from an internal meeting, these visits were paid.

Employees did not respond well to visits from their managers, with some planning to call the police or slamming the door on their supervisors.

But Grunheide factory manufacturing director Andre Thierig doubled down on the companys decision to visit sick workers. He argued widespread use of sick days is a result of workers taking advantage of Germanys policy that grants employees full pay for six weeks of leave. About 5% more employees take sick leave on Fridays and late shifts compared to other workdays, he said, citing company analyses.

That is not an indicator of bad working conditions because the working conditions are the same on all working days and across all shifts, Thierig told the Guardian. It suggests that the German social system is being exploited to some extent.

Thierig added that visiting workers on sick leave was common practice and just an appeal to the employees work ethic.

Union grievances

The check-ups follow reports of rampant absenteeism at the factory. Handelsblatt reported that sick leave at Teslas German factory increased 17% in August, triple the average in the Germany auto industry.

The surge even caught the attention of Tesla CEO Elon Musk, who wrote on X that he plans to investigate the matter.

Dirk Schulze, a regional director of IG Metall, the German union representing a chunk of the factorys 12,000 workers, said harsh working conditions and long hours have necessitated higher rates of sick leave. Tesla should make changes to its work culture if it wants to see a reduction in employee sick leave, he said.

Employees from almost all areas of the factory have reported an extremely high workload, he told Fortune in a statement. When there are staff shortages, the ill workers are put under pressure and those who remain healthy are overburdened with additional work.

Tesla did not respond to Fortunes request for comment.

Last October, German media reported a high number of work-related accidents at the factory, such as burns and limb amputations, that forced workers to take at least three days of sick leave. Tesla said workers received protective clothing and training on factory safety.

The German gigafactory, which opened in 2022 as the companys first European operation, promised the ability to eventually produce a million cars per year. But it has fallen short and lowered its monthly production goals last year as it navigated cutting costs on electric vehicles amid waning demand. Tesla planned to carry out voluntary layoffs of about 300 German factory workers in April.

Months after the German factory began operations, the plant had trouble retaining employees. Workers at the time claimed some employees took sick leave longer than their period of employment due to lack of motivation. Others left due to low pay in an otherwise competitive industry.

The EV giant has a track record of allegedly punishing workers for taking sick leave outside of its European operations. During the pandemic, two U.S. Tesla workers said they received termination notices after calling out sick and opting out of unpaid leave, despite the company giving employees the option of not returning to work should they not feel comfortable. Tesla factory workers in Nevada have claimed the company threatened to fire them for taking sick days, which Tesla deemed an unplanned day off.

Its at the discretion of the supervisor, an anonymous Tesla employee told the Guardian in 2019. If they want to get rid of you, its very easy to say an absence was unscheduled or not approved.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
I recently visited my parents, both well into their seventies, at their cozy Norwegian home, in the village where I grew up, Rros. I found myself surrounded by an open landscape that seems to hold the wisdom of centuries. A normal Wednesday, with perfect weather outside to stay inside. I had planned to take a few days off to write and enjoy some me-time, but my 8-year-old daughter and her cousin were running around, filling the house with the kind of chaos only youthful energy can bring. Meanwhile, my mother, juggling grandchildren and dinner preparations, suddenly had to take off for a Dugnad.

Dugnad. The word holds a special place in Norwegian culture, embodying the spirit of communal effort, volunteerism, and collective responsibility. Even at their age, my parents wouldn't dream of missing a Dugnad, not even when the house is filled with visiting family. To them, and to many Norwegians, Dugnad isnt just an eventits a way of life, a declaration of belonging, and an expression of interdependence that goes back generations. As I watched my parents prepare to contribute their time and energy to a community project, it struck me that this deep-rooted cultural practice holds lessons far beyond our small village. It might just be the key to solving some of the most pressing challenges facing America today.

The Viking Code: A heritage of dynamic equilibrium

Dugnad is more than just a communal task; it's a manifestation of a cultural ethos baked into "the Viking Code"a set of values that has guided Norwegian society for centuries and for me has become a blueprint for creating a vital society where high-performance individualism can flourish together with a strong sense of collectivism. While Norwegians are fiercely independent and value personal freedom, there's an equally strong commitment to the common good. Dugnad is where these two forces meet.

In Norway, Dugnad can take many forms: cleaning up a local park, painting a community center, or even helping a neighbor with their roof. Its never about grand gestures but rather about everyone doing their part, however small. The beauty of Dugnad lies in its simplicity and its ability to unite people from all walks of life in a shared purpose. It's a practice that has kept Norwegian communities resilient and cohesive, even in the face of external pressures and internal differences.

The American paradox: Individualism vs. collectivism

In contrast, American culture has long celebrated the rugged individualist, the self-made person who pulls themselves up by their bootstraps. This ethos has driven innovation and prosperity, but it has also fostered division and a sense of isolation, particularly in times of crisis. The challenges of the 21st centuryglobal pandemics, climate change, economic inequalityrequire a level of collective action that American society is struggling to achieve.

But in Minnesota, a state with deep Norwegian roots, Governor Tim Walzs leadership style resonates with the spirit of Dugnad and the core of the Viking Code. His background as a teacher and his approach to governance emphasize collaboration, shared responsibility, and a deep connection to communityprinciples that echo the Norwegian tradition of Dugnad.

While Kamala Harris represents a historic and progressive vision for America, her running mate embodies a quieter but equally powerful potential for change. His leadership is rooted in the very essence of what makes Minnesota, and by extension Norwegian-American communities, unique: a commitment to collective well-being that does not diminish individual rights but enhances them.

Dugnad as a Declaration of Interdependence

America is at a crossroads. The polarization and fragmentation we see today are symptoms of a deeper issue: the tension between individualism and the need for collective action. But what if this tension could be resolved? What if America embraced a new "Declaration of Interdependence," modeled on the principles of Dugnad?

Imagine a country where communities come together regularly across parties to address local issueswhere volunteering isnt just an occasional activity but a regular, expected part of life. Imagine corporations adopting these principles, encouraging employees to contribute to community projects as part of their work culture. Imagine a political system where leaders prioritize the common good over partisan gain.

What may sound like a utopian fantasy are the principles of Dugnad that have been successfully implemented in Norway for generations. Tim Walz makes a plea for such community spirit that can be adapted to fit the unique contours of American society, providing a framework for addressing everything from economic inequality to environmental sustainability.

The Viking Code and America's future

As what has been coined a pivotal moment in American history approaches, the lessons from Norway can serve as guiding philosophy for life. The spirit of Dugnad and the Viking Code offer a path forward for Americaa way to bridge the divide between individualism and collectivism, to create a high-performance culture rooted in shared values. Its a vision of a society where personal freedom is not only preserved but enriched by a deep commitment to the common good.

America has the opportunity to return to the path of such a legacyone that future generations will look back on with pride. But it will require a shift in thinking, a willingness to embrace interdependence as a strength rather than a weakness. It will require a new declaration, one that honors the individual while committing to the collective.

It will require American Dugnad.

Read more:

The opinions expressed in Fortune.com commentary pieces are solely the views of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions and beliefs of Fortune.

This story was originally featured on Fortune.com
WASHINGTON  The Georgia Department of Corrections houses inmates in horrific and unsafe conditions in violation of the Constitutions protection against cruel and unusual punishment, a Justice Department report released Tuesday alleges.

The report found the state deliberately indifferent to these unsafe conditions for nearly 50,000 prisoners. The constitutional violations, which the state has known about for years and failed to remedy, resulted from staffing deficiencies, the physical condition of the buildings, the management of gangs and the control of weapons and other contraband, the report found.

"Our findings report lays bare the horrific and inhumane conditions that people are confined to inside Georgia's state prison system," said Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, head of the Justice Department's Civil Rights Division. "People are assaulted, raped and killed or left to languish inside facilities that are woefully understaffed. Inmates are maimed and tortured, relegated to an existence of fear, filth and not-so-benign neglect."

Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke speaks during a news conference where she announced that the Justice Department will file a lawsuit challenging a Georgia election law that imposes new limits on voting, at the Department of Justice in Washington, D.C., on June 25, 2021.

Clarke said federal officials looked forward to working swiftly with state officials to remedy the constitutional violations. But state officials denied constitutional violations and said all prison systems have problems with staffing and violence.

The Georgia Department of Corrections was extremely disappointed to learn about the federal accusations about the system, spokesperson Joan Heath said. Correctional staffing, violence and gang activity are problems at all prisons, including the federal Bureau of Prisons, she said.

Contrary to DOJs allegations, the State of Georgias prison system operates in a manner exceeding the requirements of the United States Constitution, Heath said. Hence, DOJs findings today reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the current challenges of operating any prison system.

Georgias prisons would cooperate with federal authorities, Heath said. But the Justice Departments track record in prison oversight is poor, including monitoring Rikers Island in New York for eight years despite employing one guard for each inmate there, she said.

The report identified hundreds of serious incidents of systemic violence and chaos in the prisons. In December 2023, the prisons experienced five homicides at four prisons, and other serious incidents, including numerous deaths after altercations between inmates, and a Central State Prison inmate dying from cardiac arrest after being stabbed, treated at a hospital and returning to prison.

The investigation found 142 inmates were killed in Georgia's prisons from 2018 to 2023. That homicide rate was three times the national rate during the same period.

In April 2023, Smith State Prison had two brutal assaults with one resulting in a mans death. On April 5, an inmate was discovered dead, possibly strangled by his roommate. The local coroner noted the body was badly decomposed and had likely been dead for over two days.

Sexual violence also is a systemic problem, according to the report. Inmates reported 635 sexual-abuse allegations in 2022, the most recent year available, 639 in 2021 and 702 in 2020.

In August 2020, an inmate at Phillips State Prison was held hostage and tortured for four days, having been stabbed from behind with his eye pierced and suffering a traumatic brain injury, the report said.

Individuals incarcerated by the Georgia Department of Corrections should not be subjected to life threatening violence and other forms of severe deprivation while serving their prison terms, said U.S. Attorney Ryan Buchanan for the Northern District of Georgia.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Georgia prisons 'horrific and unsafe,' violate the Constitution: DOJ
Residents in Asheville, N.C. on Saturday.

Some of the victims of Hurricane Helene are cut off from the outside world.

Beyond collapsed roads and bridges, many affected areas, especially in western North Carolina, have experienced severe to total communications blackouts, as cell towers and internet services are down from the hurricane and subsequent flooding, power outages and landslides.

Edward Hinson, the chief marketing and sales officer at SkyLine/SkyBest, a small telecommunications company that provides TV and internet service to rural western North Carolina, said the damage to the communications infrastructure there is catastrophic.

Its hard to foresee what the next stages look like, because were still just assessing so much damage, he told NBC News. I dont know how to articulate how bad the damage is.

The damage is difficult to analyze and transmit given the limited communications abilities in the area. So far, over 120 people have died as a result of the hurricane, and hundreds are still missing.

The Federal Communications Commission produces daily updates about connectivity in counties affected by Helene. As of Monday, 370 of North Carolinas 1,452 cell sites are out because of a lack of power, 103 are on backup power, and three are too damaged to function, the FCC stats show.

The situation is particularly dire in Avery, Mitchell and Yancey counties, where 10% or fewer of the cell sites are fully functioning.

Two local television stations and two FM radio stations are also out of service in North Carolina, the FCC said.

Internet providers often have disaster contingency plans, such as keeping backup generators and fuel on hand to keep service going during power outages. But the flooding was severe enough to override them, Hinson said.

Our goal right now is to get our core network back up and running. We had some of our facilities chest-deep in water. A backup generator wont help you when the buildings on its side or upside-down or chest-deep in water, he said.

Companies that track internet connectivity say much of western North Carolinas broadband internet speeds are slow and, in some areas, nonexistent.

NetBlocks, a U.K. company built to track global internet censorship, said some cities and towns in the area expect severe to full broadband outages. Waynesville and Hendersonvile are completely offline, while Weaverville and Morganton have gone from full disconnection to extremely limited service.

Asheville is still at only around 10% of connectivity, said Isik Mater, the companys director of research. Asheville and its vicinity havent seen any recovery since the landfall, she said.

Doug Madory, the director of internet analysis at the analytics company Kentik, confirmed to NBC News that Ashevilles internet presence has not yet recovered.

Dee Davis, the president of the Kentucky- and Tennessee-based Center for Rural Strategies, an organization that helps coordinate nonprofit organizations to benefit rural America, said it can be agonizing for people affected by severe flooding not to be able to check on loved ones. Davis lost a close friend in the eastern Kentucky floods of 2022.

A lot of mamas and daddies who wake up and they dont know where the kids are and they dont know what to do, theyre limited. That moment of powerlessness has a real effect, he said.
Israel has launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, opening a new and dangerous phase in almost a year of war.

The incursion, which Israels National Security Cabinet has called the next phase of its war with Hezbollah, marks the fourth time that Israeli soldiers have publicly entered Lebanese soil in nearly 50 years, and the first since Israels 34-day war in the country in 2006.

Israeli troops laid the groundwork for what it called a limited ground operation in recent days, ramping up airstrikes that have killed hundreds of people, destroyed homes and displaced about 1 million people in Lebanon.

The latest escalation comes after Israel killed Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Friday and decimated the leadership of the most powerful paramilitary force in the Middle East.

Heres what we know.

Extent of incursion unclear

Israeli officials have characterized the incursion into southern Lebanon as limited in scope, saying there will be no long-term occupation.

Officials have, however, declined to say how deep Israeli troops would venture into the country or how long the operation is expected to last. On Tuesday, the Israeli military called on residents in more than two dozen villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate approximately 30 miles into the country.

An Israeli security official told reporters on condition of anonymity Tuesday morning that the operation does not amount to an invasion or incursion, describing it instead as localized raids that are very limited in scope and in the area of operation.

The official said there were so far no clashes on the ground between the IDF and Hezbollah, but refused to comment on whether Israeli tanks have entered Lebanon and would not elaborate on how deep into Lebanese territory Israeli troops have advanced, saying they were focused on the border areas.

The amount of forces and the type of forces are more appropriate to something of a limited raid, and not, for example, things weve seen in Gaza with very, very large forces, the official added.

Hezbollah rejected the claim that Israeli forces had entered southern Lebanon, describing them as lies, according to a statement by spokesman Mohamed Afif on Tuesday.

A source from the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the Israeli military has staged some sporadic raids across the Lebanon-Israel border but its troops have not remained on Lebanese soil. The assessment that Israel has not yet launched a full-scale invasion was supported by two other high-level Lebanese security sources.

A man stands on the rubble of buildings near the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, on September 29, 2024. - Hassan Ammar/AP

The Israeli military earlier said it was focused on removing immediate threats from Lebanese villages along the border, including Hezbollahs ability to infiltrate northern Israel. Israeli soldiers, including paratroopers and commandos, as well as armored corps troops have been preparing for limited, localized, targeted operations in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said, adding that soldiers have been training for weeks and had gained skills and operational experience in Gaza over many months.

While the extent of Israels military plans inside Lebanon remain unclear, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become increasingly defiant of international calls for restraint and de-escalation, as well as widespread outrage over growing civilian casualties in Lebanon and Gaza.

Previous military operations initially declared by Israel to be limited in their goals have proved to be anything but.

Examples include Israels years-long occupation of southern Lebanon that began in 1982 with the stated aim of a brief and limited mission to destroy the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in the country.

More recently, Israels military declared a limited operation in Rafah, southern Gaza that has left the city in ruins.

What happened ahead of the incursion?

Shortly before the incursion, Israels National Security Cabinet approved the next phase of its war with Hezbollah, according to Israeli media.

In preparation, the Israeli military launched small raids and artillery fire across the Lebanon border, and sealed off several communities in northern Israel, limiting the movement of civilians there.

The Lebanese army had also evacuated observation posts at the southern border and moved to barracks in the border villages, according to a Lebanese security source. The Army Command later denied reports it withdrew. CNN is unable to independently verify the Lebanese armys movements.

Meanwhile, Israels air force once again bombed the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut, predominantly Shia neighborhoods where Hezbollah has a stronghold.

It follows Israeli airstrikes that hit inside Beiruts city limits early Monday for the first time since the Palestinian militant group Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel.

The Lebanese health ministry said on Monday that at least 95 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in just 24 hours, and another 172 others injured.

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on a village near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29, 2024. - Kawnat Haju/AFP/Getty Images

Isnt Israel fighting Hamas in Gaza? Why are Israeli troops now in Lebanon?

Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah have been engaged in a tit-for-tat escalation since the war in Gaza began following Hamas attack on Israel last October. Hezbollah first attacked Israel on October 8 and has said it will not stop striking Israel until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave, much of which has been reduced to rubble by Israeli bombs and fighting.

In recent weeks, Israel has refocused its military objectives north with a new war aim to return displaced residents to their homes along the Lebanon border. About 60,000 Israeli civilians have been forced from their homes by Hezbollahs rocket attacks.

Whats unfolded is some of the fiercest fighting between the two longtime foes since the 2006 Lebanon war, which killed 1,100 in the country. Nearly 50 Israeli civilians and 121 Israeli soldiers were also killed.

Last month, pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon in a coordinated Israeli attack that killed dozens of people and maimed thousands, including women and children.

Israel has also stepped up a relentless bombing campaign across Lebanon targeting Hezbollahs infrastructure and leadership, but the strikes have also decimated homes and neighborhoods in densely populated areas. Massive airstrikes in southern Beirut have killed a string of Hezbollah leaders, as well as more than 1,000 people.

The Iran question

The latest developments raise questions about how a weakened Hezbollah will respond, and the extent to which its backer Iran could get involved, once more ratcheting up fears of a wider regional war.

Hezbollah is part of an Iran-led alliance spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Iraq that has attacked Israel and its allies since the war with Hamas began.

In a fiery speech on Sunday, Netanyahu said one of Israels goals is changing the balance of power in the region and that there is no place in Iran or the Middle East that the long arm of Israel will not reach.

Killing Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and wiping out the groups capabilities to launch a large-scale attack on Israel were necessary conditions to achieve that goal, he said.

Israel has also ramped up attacks on multiple fronts against other Iran-backed militants, including launching strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen.

But despite the recent Israeli strikes on its proxies, Iran has appeared wary of moving into direct conflict with its longtime enemy, even as their decades-long shadow war has been pushed further into the open. Many observers fear any direct Iranian retaliation could draw the United States further into the conflict.

In a weekly news conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani described Israels actions in Lebanon as criminal, and said that while the Islamic Republic is not a warmonger No measures and adventurism against Irans national security will go unanswered, state-run IRNA reported.

How has the US reacted?

Attention has focused on how the once-mighty US is increasingly powerless to rein in its ally or to influence other major belligerents in a fast-worsening regional crisis.

US officials told CNN they were informed by their Israeli counterparts that the incursion into Lebanon was expected to be limited in scope and duration.

The White House on Monday said Israel has the right to defend itself, but warned of the risk of mission creep in a ground operation that could ultimately broaden in scope and turn into a longer-term incursion.

President Joe Biden last week unveiled a 21-day ceasefire proposal, backed by other US allies, that was almost immediately rejected by Netanyahu  to the frustration of the White House.

The US is a key provider of Israels weapons  it likely supplied the 2,000-pound bombs used to kill Hezbollahs leader  but Biden and his advisers have continued to call for a diplomatic resolution.

How has the world responded?

Several states and UN bodies have warned of the impact on civilians in Lebanon and the risk of further regional instability.

The European Union renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. In a statement on Monday, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell called for the respect of international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and said the sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed.

UNIFIL said in a statement that any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging all actors to step back from such escalatory acts which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed, it added.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Israel on Monday to refrain from any ground incursion into Lebanon, and called on both sides to agree to a ceasefire.

The United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the recent escalations, fearing its impact on regional stability, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported, adding that the Gulf state reaffirmed its unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The UAE also directed an urgent $100 million relief package to the people of Lebanon.

Jordan expressed its rejection of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Saudi Arabia said it stresses the need to preserve Lebanons sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Qatar expressed solidarity with Lebanon as well as readiness to provide support to the people to confront the consequences of the Israeli aggression.

Turkey condemned Israels ground operation, calling it a violation of sovereignty and an unlawful act of occupation, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.

The United Nations agency for humanitarian emergencies (OCHA) warned of the devastating impact on civilians of the recent escalations in Lebanon. The UN agency urged the international community to urgently promote de-escalation and ensure that all parties respect international humanitarian law, while prioritizing immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected people.

The UNs World Food Programme has also launched an emergency project to scale up food assistance for up to 1 million people in need in Lebanon.

CNNs Tamara Qiblawi, Mostafa Salem, Ivana Kottasova, Jeremy Diamond, Lauren Izso, Tara John, Mick Krever, Eyad Kourdi, Joseph Ataman, Irene Nasser, Stephen Collinson, MJ Lee, Lex Harvey, Sarah El Sirgany, Abeer Salman and Mike Schwartz contributed reporting.

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Chef Jose Andres joins TODAY.com for Dining With the Stars.

Welcome to Dining With the Stars, a series where we sit down with celebrities and chefs to discuss all things food. Grab a seat at our table to find out their favorite restaurants, dream dinner party guest list and more delicious details.

Chef Jose Andres new cookbook, Zaytinya, was released on March 19 and features more than 150 recipes inspired by Greek, Lebanese and Turkish cuisine. Bearing the same name as his popular, vegetable-centric restaurant, the book is filled with colorful images and recipes for dishes such as Chicken Youvetsi and Turkish eggs with yogurt and Aleppian chile crisp (clbr). Andres, who was born in Spain and now lives in Washington, D.C., has always been partial to cooking with Spanish olive oil, but his latest project served as a reminder of the delicious ingredients that lie near the eastern Mediterranean.

Whether hes cooking in his restaurants or at home for his wife and three daughters, Andres is always thinking about others. The James Beard Award-winning chef and humanitarian splits his time between running his 31 restaurants and feeding those in need. His not-for-profit organization, World Central Kitchen (WCK), provides food to communities in need across the globe; these days, youll find frontline workers in Gaza providing food and supplies to displaced Palestinians. (Editor's Note: After this interview was conducted, seven WCK workers were killed in an IDF airstrike. WCK announced in a statement that they would be pausing operations immediately in the region. They have since resumed.)

We must do more, Andres told Al Roker in a TODAY appearance following the strike. We need to do everyday shipments to the North. We can solve the hunger problem in the North.

Despite his impossibly busy schedule, Andres found time to take a seat at our table for this edition of Dining With the Stars.

You previously mentioned that your wifes gazpacho made you fall in love with her. Do you prefer her cooking or your own?

I have said this many times: I may be a chef, but my wife, Patricia, feeds our family. She doesnt always like to cook, but there are many dishes she makes that our family loves, like her garbanzos with spinach. I know that when Tichi cooks, she cooks with love.

Whats one thing you do in the kitchen that makes cooking easier?

Give the most time-consuming jobs, like peeling blueberries and strawberries (Yes, I peel my berries!) to the annoying houseguests. It will keep them busy and let you focus on the cooking!

What are a few ingredients you think home cooks should stock in their pantry to make their food more flavorful?

Of course, Spanish extra-virgin olive oil is my favorite, but I love Greek olive oil too, and California. No matter what, always have good olive oil in your kitchen.

Pimenton is one of my favorite ingredients. You might know it as paprika, but the kind from Spain is a special smoked paprika. It adds sweetness and smokiness to any dish.

World Central Kitchen has fed millions of people during times of need. Why is this work so important to you?

During and after a disaster, food is the fastest way to rebuild our sense of community. With World Central Kitchen, we can put people back to work preparing meals, and we can put lives back together by fighting hunger. Food relief is not just a meal that keeps hunger away, its a plate of hope. It tells you in your darkest hour that someone, somewhere, cares about you. That has been our mission since the beginning.

Where would you send a first-time tourist to eat in Barcelona, Spain?

You have to start at La Boqueria, Barcelonas famous market. Here, you can see the amazing foods of Spain  it is like looking through a window into the history and stories of Spanish ingredients and cooking. Start early in the morning and, if you can, get a seat at El Quim; ask for the days special or order one of my favorites, fried eggs with baby squid.

Favorite restaurant in Washington, D.C.?

Thats like asking me to choose my favorite daughter!

Go-to comfort food?

Lentil stew, like my mother used to make, with lots of vegetables and pimenton.

Dream dinner party guest list?

You can actually see it on my new show, Dinner Party Diaries on Amazon Prime, where I cook with Jamie Lee Curtis, Bryan Cranston and OShea Jackson Jr. Its like a dream come true!

Favorite food city outside of the U.S.?

The next city I go to. I am always inspired by the cooking I come across on my travels and the people who make the food to feed their community.

Cooking at home or dining out?

Both. Equally. Day by day.

Editors note: Andres responses have been edited for clarity.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
(This story has been updated to include new information.)

Former president Donald Trump returned to Wisconsin Tuesday, making a campaign stop in Dane County, with a second stop coming in Milwaukee. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is also holding an event in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.

Trump delivered remarks at Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee, about 13 miles north of Madison, and then is scheduled to speak at Discovery World, a science museum along Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee at 5 p.m. The visit comes days after his last Wisconsin stop, Saturday in Prairie du Chien.

Emhoff will speak at Diamond Discs International, a small manufacturing business in Milwaukee. Harris last held a rally in Wisconsin Sept. 20 in Madison.

The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel is providing live updates. Refresh your browser for the latest:

Trump ends Waunakee speech around 3:20 p.m.

Trump spoke for about an hour and 15 minutes in Waunakee, wrapping up his speech at 3:20 p.m.

"Remember, early mail-in voting is underway," Trump told the crowd. "So vote, vote, vote. You got to get going."

Trump is scheduled to appear at Discovery World at 5 p.m. It's not yet clear whether he's making the hour-and-a-half drive or traveling by plane to Milwaukee.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump supporters line up outside Discovery World, hoping event remains public

Trump supports queue outside Discovery World hoping event remains public

Trump supporters lined up outside Discovery World early Tuesday afternoon even as rumbles of the events closure to the public were circulating among the crowd.

Bradley Kahn, 35, of Chicago said he had tried to attend a Trump event in 2015 but it was canceled. Hes been hoping to see him since, and Milwaukee was a close destination.

He wanted to get a selfie Tuesday.

If it gets canceled today, I would be pretty upset, he said.

He was hoping to hear from Trump about election strategy, particularly immigration policy and employment.

Ahead in the line, Kelly McAuliffe said she and her family members arrived at Discovery World from the Chicago suburbs around 5 a.m.

She said the event invitation said there was limited space but that, since she arrived, police had over time moved attendees back from the front door.

By early afternoon, the line of a few dozen people stretched west on the sidewalk between Discovery World and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

She was no longer optimistic that she and other supporters would be getting into the event.

 Alison Dirr

Doug Emhoff will visit Diamond Discs International

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is greeted by Milwaukee County officials after landing in Milwaukee.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff and former Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo will deliver remarks at Diamond Discs International, a small manufacturing business in Milwaukee.

They'll also get a tour of the building.

 Ricardo Torres

Doug Emhoff lands in Milwaukee

Trump again criticizes prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner

Trump on Tuesday again criticized a prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner and arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Bout, the so-called merchant of death, was exchanged in a 2022 prisoner swap for Griner, who had spent nearly a year in Russian captivity.

Trump again essentially accused Griner of not being patriotic enough, saying she tied her shoes during the national anthem.

Griner played for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, winning gold both times.

Then, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as Griner stood on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, tears streamed down her face as she stood for the national anthem.

Last year, Bout urged Trump to seek refuge in Russia, saying he believed his life was in peril.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump falsely claims immigrants are being signed up to vote

While touching on immigration, Trump claimed immigrants are being registered to vote, a claim PolitiFact has debunked before.

"There's a reason why they let all these people in, because they want to get them to vote," Trump said.

Trump didn't mention a Republican-led referendum question on the Nov. 5 ballot in Wisconsin, which aims to prevent noncitizens from voting in local elections in the future. Some cities in the U.S. do allow that, but nowhere in Wisconsin does.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has said it knows of only four alleged cases of voter fraud related to citizenship since 2015. Wisconsin's voter registration form includes a checkbox confirming the voter is a U.S. citizen.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump calls Tommy Thompson 'the dean'

Trump shouted out former Wisconsin governors Scott Walker and Tommy Thompson, who also spoke at the rally Tuesday. Trump called Thompson "so respected" and "the dean."

Trump said Thompson called him during his 2016 campaign, expressing doubts about Trump's ability to win Wisconsin and telling him to campaign in other battlegrounds.

"He said, 'Here's a deal. If I think you're going to win, I'll call you back,'" Trump said. "He called me about three weeks later. He said, 'It's time to come up. You're going to win this thing.'"

 Hope Karnopp

Trump falsely claims there was a 'coup' when Harris became Democratic nominee

Trump again falsely claimed that there was a coup when Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.

He added that Walker says it was a coup, and also mentioned Thompson as he repeated his claims that it was a coup.

But a coup, or coup detat, is defined as a sudden, violent and unlawful seizure of power, experts say. So while Bidens exit from the race was unusual, experts say it does not amount to a coup."

Trumps comments undermining confidence in this year's presidential election echo the tactics he used in 2020 when he lost to Biden.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump claims 50,000 people were turned away from Prairie du Chien rally

There were long lines outside the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center for Trumps remarks Saturday afternoon. Plans for an outdoor rally moved indoors for Secret Service staffing reasons. Theres upwards of 1,000 people outside. This image shows people waiting to enter the auditorium.

After taking the stage at Dane Manufacturing, Trump claimed 50,000 to 60,000 people were turned away from his Saturday rally in Prairie du Chien.

About a thousand people were standing in line to get into the rally, but the auditorium sat somewhere near 300 people.

The rally was initially planned to be held outdoors but switched to indoors over Secret Service staffing concerns. The agency was responsible for securing the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York on the same day.

 Hope Karnopp

There were long lines outside the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center for Trumps remarks Saturday afternoon. Plans for an outdoor rally moved indoors for Secret Service staffing reasons. Theres upwards of 1,000 people outside. This image shows people waiting to enter the auditorium.

Trump starts after about a 30-minute delay

Trump took the stage at 2:05 p.m., about a half hour behind schedule.

In the meantime, attendees heard standard songs on Trump's rally playlist, including "YMCA" and "Macho Man" by the Village People and "Gloria" by Laura Branigan.

There were some newer additions: "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

 Hope Karnopp

Wisconsin union president accuses Trump of 'shell game' on overtime

A Wisconsin union president is accusing Trump of playing a "shell game" when it comes to overtime pay and protections.

"He is claiming that he will eliminate taxes on overtime pay but he fails to mention that he would do so by eliminating overtime pay altogether," Stephanie Bloomingdale, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO president, said Tuesday in a statement.

She referred to Trump's recent comments at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, that he "hated" to give overtime and "wouldn't pay" it.

Bloomingdale also referred to Project 2025, which Trump has been trying to distance himself from in recent months.

"When Donald Trump comes here and tries to sell this underhanded scam, we are wise to the lie he is again trying to sell," she said. "The truth is that Donald Trump does not care about the well-being of Wisconsin working people and he never has."

 Mary Spicuzza

Vice President Kamala Harris visiting areas affected by Hurricane Helene before Thursday's Wisconsin visit

Before heading to Wisconsin on Thursday, Harris will visit areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Harris is scheduled to go to Georgia on Wednesday, according to a White House pool report. She will also travel to North Carolina, the pool report said.

Trump traveled to the storm-hit battleground state of Georgia to survey damage from Helene . Trump told reporters, "We're not talking about politics now," but he then criticized Biden and Harris over the administration's hurricane response in the hours leading up to the trip.

Biden has pushed back on false claims made by Trump over his response to the disaster.

"Donald Trump is a liar," read a post on X from Biden. "Im working with governors and local officials to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene."

Harris cut a previous campaign trip short to return to Washington, D.C., for briefings about the disaster.

She's planning to address voters in the Fox Valley on Thursday, according to an advisory to voters from Wisconsin Democrats.

The visit would be Harris' fifth to Wisconsin since she became the Democrats' presidential nominee in late July. The Harris campaign early Tuesday declined to comment on her travel plans, and a spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin didn't respond to a message about the advisory.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump crowd count at 500 indoors, 4,500 outside

According to a spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, the Dane Manufacturing facility held 500 people ahead of Trump's remarks, while about 4,500 stood outside the building.

 Jessie Opoien

Walker, Thompson encourage '72-county strategy' for Trump in Wisconsin

Walker and Thompson greeted the crowd at Dane Manufacturing ahead of Trump's remarks, each stressing the need for Republicans to cut into the strong Democratic margins in Dane and Milwaukee counties.

"You need to go beyond your comfort zone. You need to talk to family and friends, neighbors and coworkers, including some who maybe dont typically vote for a Republican," Walker said. "Remind them ... this simple truth. Life was better when Donald Trump was president of the United States."

Walker argued that any distaste for Trump's rhetoric is negated by his approach to the economy, the border and violent crime.

Thompson, in a rousing speech, reiterated his insistence that Trump can win Wisconsin by increasing his vote share in the state's two most liberal counties.

"You have to go where the votes are. You have to go where the opposition is. You have to come into Dane County, Milwaukee County and southwestern Wisconsin," he said. "Dane County has the third-most Republican votes in the state of Wisconsin, and all we have to do is increase them."

"Democrats," he said, "get the hell out of our way."

 Jessie Opoien

Gov. Tony Evers criticizes Trump's visits

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said, "I know Wisconsin families, and theyre going to reject (Trump) again in November."

"As president, Donald Trump was a disaster for Wisconsin, and we havent forgotten. A second term would be a heck of a lot worse  Trumps extreme Project 2025 agenda would hurt working families, cut Social Security and Medicare, dismantle support for public education across the country and more," Evers said. "Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting to lower costs, cut taxes and invest in Wisconsins future.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump campaign releases statement on Emhoff visit

In a statement, Wisconsin press secretary for Trump's campaign, Jacob Fischer, said "no visit from Doug Emhoff can conceal the reality that the dangerously liberal Harris-Walz agenda will be one that Wisconsinites simply can't afford."

"Emhoff has stood on the sidelines for four years of failure, and it's time to retire his second gentleman title. President Trump and JD Vance will lower taxes, empower our businesses and put hard-working Americans first, while Harris and Walz advance dangerously liberal policies and bankrupt our country," Fischer said.

 Hope Karnopp

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson 'so happy' Trump is competing in Dane County

Thompson told reporters at Trump's event in Waunakee he's "so happy" the former president honored his request to visit Dane County.

In an interview last month on WISN-TV's "Upfront," Thompson said he told Trump during his August rally in La Crosse that to win Wisconsin, he'll have to compete in the liberal strongholds of Dane and Milwaukee counties  areas that have rarely been a focus for Republican candidates.

Thompson, the state's longest-serving governor, told reporters Tuesday that by campaigning in both counties in one day, the former president will send a message that: "I want your vote. I'm here in Dane County because Im going to compete for your votes all over the state of Wisconsin."

Trump lost the village of Waunakee by 28 points in 2020  about half his losing margin countywide.

 Jessie Opoien

Where is Waunakee, Wisconsin, the site of Trump's visit?

Waunakee is about 13 miles north of Madison. It's in the northern part of Dane County, a county that produces large Democratic margins that present headaches for Republicans.

In 2020, Trump lost the village of Waunakee by 28 points, about half his losing margin in the county. Waunakee has a population of about 15,000.

Eric Hovde, the Republican candidate for Senate running against Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, also visited Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee in September, where he took questions from employees.

 Hope Karnopp

Discovery World has hosted Harris, Vance and now Trump

Trump's appearance in Milwaukee Tuesday will take place at Discovery World, a science museum that juts out into Lake Michigan. The museum's current facility was built in 2006.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump's running mate and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance spoke at Discovery World at an event sponsored by the Log Cabin Republicans, a pro-LGBTQ group.

Harris also spoke at Discovery World in May, before she became the Democratic presidential nominee. During that visit, she focused on the economy and disparities that affect Black homeowners and business owners.

 Hope Karnopp

More: From admission cost to hours to exhibits, here's what to know before a Discovery World visit

Trump to make his first Dane County campaign stop

Hundreds of supporters are lined up outside Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee awaiting a visit from Trump. His remarks are scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

It's Trump's first campaign event in Dane County, Wisconsin's fastest-growing county and a Democratic stronghold. Biden led Trump by more than 181,000 votes in the county when he defeated him statewide by about 21,000 votes in 2020. In Waunakee, Biden led Trump by about 2,600 votes.

Dane Manufacturing has served as a friendly space for Republican candidates in the liberal region. Hovde toured the metal fabrication facility and fielded questions from employees about a month ago, and Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz did the same at the company's former location during his 2016 presidential bid. Cruz, who now backs Trump, at the 2016 stop referred to him as a "sniveling coward."

In his Tuesday speeches, Trump is expected to criticize the current Democratic administration's economic policy.

"When Wisconsinites send President Trump back to the White House, he will lower input costs for our farmers, cut 10 regulations for each new regulation implemented, and help, not hurt, farmers ability to feed the world," the Trump campaign said in a news release promoting the campaign events.

"While Kamala Harris desperately tries to run from her four years of failure for farmers, workers, and families across the state, Wisconsinites know that only President Trump can Make America Wealthy, Safe, Strong, and Great Again," the news release said.

 Jessie Opoien

Harris planning Fox Valley campaign stop Thursday in Wisconsin

Harris will be returning to Wisconsin on Thursday to rally voters in the Fox Valley. The campaign hasn't yet confirmed her travel plans, but a Wisconsin Democrats advisory with a registration link went out to voters.

Harris was last in Wisconsin in late September for a rally in Madison. The Fox Valley visit would be Harris' first to northeastern Wisconsin. Trump rallied in Green Bay in April for his first campaign stop of 2024, and running mate JD Vance was in De Pere recently.

 Hope Karnopp

What do the latest Trump-Harris polls show in Wisconsin?

A new Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin voters will be released Wednesday afternoon, right in the middle of this week of campaign visits. The poll is considered one of the highest-quality surveys in the country.

The last poll, conducted between Aug. 28 and Sept. 5, showed Harris with a four-point lead over Trump. That was within the margin of error, as have been most Marquette polls this year in battleground Wisconsin.

The last poll also showed an important switch for Harris: For the first time, she led among voters who consider themselves "very enthusiastic" to vote. Harris closed an enthusiasm gap that presented problems for Biden, then pulled ahead of Trump in the latest poll.

 Hope Karnopp

About 462,000 absentee ballots have been requested in Wisconsin

Election Day is Nov. 5, but voting is well underway in Wisconsin. According to Sept. 30 data from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, 461,704 voters have requested mail-in absentee ballots. About 87,000 of them have been returned by voters.

Early voting, which provides an opportunity to cast an absentee ballot at an in-person location, runs from Oct. 22 to Nov. 3 in Wisconsin. It's up to each city, town or village to decide how many dates, times and locations to offer.

You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, look up what's on your ballot, find your polling place and more at myvote.wi.gov.

 Hope Karnopp

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Donald Trump, Doug Emhoff campaign in Wisconsin today; live updates
Gary He outside the 20-seater plane McDonald's in Taupo, New Zealand. Gary He/McAtlas

Having visited more than 55 countries, the photojournalist Gary He has tried many McDonald's menus.

In his coming book, He has captured the cultural essence of McDonald's locations around the world.

Speaking with Business Insider, He shared the top 10 items he wishes were on American menus.

In 2019, while on a trip to Marrakech in Morocco, Gary He, a Brooklyn-based photojournalist, received an unexpected surprise with his regular McDonald's order.

A pack of dates paired with a chebakia  a Maghrebi sweet made using deep-fried dough that's shaped like a rose and drizzled with honey syrup  a tomato-and-legumes soup called harira soup, and a bottle of laban, or salted buttermilk, all packed in a tiny box.

Curious about the box and its significance, He turned to Google to find out more ... only to find there wasn't much information available online.

"When I began researching McDonald's specialties in other countries, there was very little information, and most of it was very scattered," He told Business Insider.

This is where the idea to document one of the largest restaurant chains in the world came about for He, who recalled, "There was an opportunity to play a journalist and documentarian while also tapping into that lifelong love of McDonald's and combining it into a single project."



Five years later, the James Beard Award-winning photojournalist has traveled to more than 55 countries across six continents and compiled a 420-page book, "McAtlas: A Global Guide to the Golden Arches," which is scheduled for release in November. The book has more than 200 photographs of menu items and architectural wonders that showcase how this American chain has integrated across cultures.

Given that about 27,000 of the brand's 40,000 restaurants are outside the US, one way the company maintains its popularity and strives to drive its international sales is by introducing locally popular items with a McDonald's spin. The Wall Street Journal reported in 2023 that these local items contributed about 30% of the brand's food sales.

While some of these dishes were introduced to the American audience in 2018 as part of the brand's rotating menu at its international restaurant in Chicago, most others are still a plane ride away.

Even He  who has tried and tasted many of the brand's local offerings, from Iftar-special menus in the Middle East (like the one he was served in Marrakech during Ramadan) to celebrity-chef-inspired sandwiches in Europe  wishes he could get a slice of them without always having to travel across the ocean.

Here, we've rounded the 10 global items He wishes were on American menus.

The McSpaghetti from the Philippines

The Filipino McSpaghetti is made using sweet marinara sauce. Gary He/McAtlas

Whether at birthday parties or potlucks, this dish is a favorite across Filipino households.

"Almost every American chain that has entered the Philippines has some version of the sweet marinara pasta on their menu," He told BI.

According to Smithsonian magazine, this Italian-style spaghetti was introduced to the country by early European traders and, over the years, adapted for the Pinoy palate by sweetening the sauce.

What separates Filipino spaghetti is that instead of a tomato-based marinara sauce, the Pinoy version uses a sweet banana sauce  since bananas are grown regionally and are available in abundance on the tropical island  and is topped with sliced hot dogs instead of meatballs.

At McDonald's, the dish follows a similar recipe. It features pasta tossed in banana ketchup and topped with sliced hot dogs and served with a side of the chicken McDo, which is a piece of fried chicken.

"I like the McSpaghetti the best, even over the version sold by its local competitor, Jollibee," He said.

The macaroni soup from Hong Kong

The macaroni soup, or 'twisty soup' as it's called on McDonald's menus, was born out of mixing American and local flavor profiles at Cha Chaan Teng or local cafes. Gary He/McAtlas

This dish also has some colonial roots, given that it originated in cha chaan tengs  local cafes that served Western cuisine at affordable costs in the 1950s  and was made using cheap post-World War II eats like Campbell's cream of chicken and macaroni pasta.

"These restaurants," He told BI, "created a new flavor profile that, over time, became one of the defining Hong Kong foodways."

One of the most iconic dishes to emerge from these cafes was the macaroni soup.

The original recipe  which isn't far from what McDonald's serves today  features a hearty soup of pasta with ham, beef, or chicken broth and is usually served with breakfast alongside scrambled eggs.

On the McDonald's menu, it's called "twisty pasta" and can be paired with veggies and eggs, sausages and eggs, ham and eggs, or some grilled chicken.

For He, whose relatives are from southern China and Hong Kong and who grew up eating cha chaan dishes, relishing a bowl of macaroni soup is  as he puts it  "all nostalgia."

The corn pie from Thailand

According to Gary He, you can enjoy the corn pie a la mode in a bowl of soft serve in Thailand. Gary He/McAtlas

We won't blame you if you mistook this popular Thai dessert for its American equivalent: the apple pie. It's got the same crusty exterior, but replacing the crunchy apples is a soft, sweet, and salty creamy corn filling.

"A lot of countries have special pies, but it's what they do with them that matters the most," He said, adding that he loves that "Thailand sells theirs a la mode in a bowl of soft serve."

It's been a favorite among locals and tourists  especially South Koreans  which is why, in 2018, the brand introduced the dish at its South Korean outposts, too, for a limited time.

And though the corn pie tops most lists, Thailand McDonald's is also well known for other pies, including pineapple, curry crab, and carbonara.

But He puts the corn pie "definitely on the Mount Rushmore of McDonald's international menu items."

The McRib from Germany

In McAtlas, He reports that the American "McRib became McDonald's first recurring limited-time offering." Gary He/McAtlas

If you see this one and think, "I've seen the McRib on American menus," technically, you're right.

But the McRib is not a mainstay of US menus, and He thinks that's a marketing tool the brand employs to drum up excitement around the item.

McDonald's said in a press release that it likes to "change up our menu throughout the year by offering some limited-time-only items, like our Shamrock Shake in the spring," which is why the McRib makes only special appearances on US menus.

But what's so special about the German one?

For one, it's available year-round, and diners, including He, say the pork used in Germany is quite good and a popular protein choice.

The McAloo Tikki from India

The McAloo Tikki enjoys popularity not just in India but also in other nations with large populations of Indian expats, such as the UAE. Gary He/McAtlas

In Indian fast food, where Western outlets compete not only with one another but with food vendors on the streets, the McAloo Tikki was a game changer: The mashed-potatoes-and-peas cutlet, which is doused in Indian spices, had a familiarity that was relatable to Indian palates but also a foreignness that was appealing.

When the brand launched the burger, it was sold for 20 rupees, per a BBC report. This was on par with similar food items served on the streets, making it an affordable and convenient option for eating on the go.

"The McDonald's version of the Indian street snack is so good," He told BI, "that you can see why they've also sold it in other markets with large Indian expat populations."

The McAloo Tikki traveled across the Arabian Sea in the early 2000s, when the brand decided to launch a 5-dirham version in the UAE.

The only vegetarian and affordable offering on its menus then, this burger was a dinnertime favorite among the growing Indian and South Asian expats in the Emirates.

The McArabia from the Middle East

In the early 2000s, as people in the Middle East began boycotting Western brands, local McDonald's franchisees in the region introduced the McArabia to showcase their regional roots. Gary He/McAtlas

A McDonald's spin on the shawarma sandwich  a Middle Eastern wrap made using pita bread, sliced grilled chicken, garlic sauce, and pickles  the McArabia was the region's franchisees' answer to the boycott of Western brands in the Middle East in the early 2000s.

And thanks to its reinterpretation of local flavors, it still holds a place on the menus.

Part burger, part wrap, this crowd favorite uses two Halal grilled chicken patties topped with tomatoes, lettuce, onions, and garlic sauce, all encased in Arabic flatbread.

While the wrap comes nowhere close to the real deal  He said "only a crazy person would say that these are better than a shawarma sandwich"  the locals have been enjoying it for over two decades, as did He on his trip to Saudi Arabia.

"The chicken patties used here are some of the most flavorful and juiciest that I've tried at McDonald's around the world," He said.

The McCafe coffee from Australia

A side of hot cross buns with a cup of McCafe coffee from Australia. Gary He/McAtlas

Americans love their coffee, and there's no lack of fine-tasting cups in the States.

Still, if you're visiting Australia, He suggests you get your morning coffee fix at a McCafe, simply because this is where the global fast-food giant first conceptualized the cafe concept.

"When you think of Australian coffee culture," He told BI, "McDonald's is usually not the first thing that comes to mind, but McCafe first started in Melbourne and went global from there, focusing on espresso-forward drinks that are far superior to the ones offered by competing chains."

From the classic cappuccino to the babyccino  a mini milk-only version for your little ones  there's a variety of drinks to pick from.

The cheese bowls from Brazil

McDonald's in Brazil serves a side of melted cheddar cheese bowl that you can pair with your McNuggets, fries, or even burgers. Gary He/McAtlas

Picture dipping crispy McNuggets or fries into a warm bowl of soft, melted cheddar cheese  that's what's being served up across Latin American McDonald's restaurants.

The product was first introduced in Brazil and came packed in 3.5-ounce cups.

And according to He, "It's as delicious as it sounds."

The McBaguette from France

The McBaguette derives inspiration from a French staple, the baguette and was introduced as a limited-time item in 2012. Gary He/McAtlas

The baguette is a French staple  it's even part of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage list.

The McBaguette, a McDonald's spin on the original, is another item that divides the internet. The sandwich was first introduced in 2012 and has since appeared and disappeared from the menu.

According to He, it is now occasionally reintroduced with new fillings, such as chicken and Bearnaise steak sauce, or during occasional promotional campaigns such as the one in the hit Netflix series "Emily in Paris."

He says he got to try his first McBaguette "long before Emily arrived in Paris."

His first thoughts were: "Is it a jambon beurre? No, of course not. But the crispy crust of the mini baguette, Emmental cheese, and whole-grain Dijon mustard were enough for me to deem it superior to any McDonald's sandwich we have in the States."

A traditional breakfast platter from Guatemala

A typical breakfast plate in Guatemala reimagined for the local McDonald's. Gary He/McAtlas

In Guatemala, you can expect to get a taste of local cuisine even at a McDonald's, given that the brand has incorporated regional elements within its fast-food menu.

For breakfast, which He indicated was his favorite, expect a large (or small, if you choose) spread of scrambled eggs, sausages, plantains, refried beans, salsas, and tortillas  "probably the best breakfast you can get at McDonald's worldwide," He told BI.

Read the original article on Business Insider
NEW YORK  Its been the year of Robert Downey Jr.

After scooping up an Oscar in March for his simmering turn in Oppenheimer, the A-lister earned an Emmy nomination for HBOs The Sympathizer and nabbed an eye-popping payday for two more Marvel movies. His showbiz ubiquity continues with McNeal, a provocative yet cumbersome new Broadway play that opened Monday at Lincoln Centers Vivian Beaumont Theater.

Written by Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar (Disgraced), the drama follows a blowhard named Jacob McNeal (Downey), who has just been diagnosed with end-stage liver failure when he gets a call that hes won the Nobel Prize for literature. The prestigious accolade happens to coincide with the impending launch of his next book, Evie, which Jacob warily agrees to promote with a New York Times Magazine profile. But accusations that he may have plagiarized the entire novel threaten to implode its release, and so do Jacobs public displays of bad behavior.

Robert Downey Jr. makes his Broadway debut in "McNeal."

More often than not, the play feels like a 90-minute Bill Maher rant. He shakes his fist at Instagram and texting slang, carping that kids just dont read books anymore. He draws eye rolls for a racist joke about a young South Asian assistant (Saisha Talwar), and later tries to goad an astute Black journalist (Brittany Bellizeare), calling her a "diversity hire" and lionizing Harvey Weinstein during a booze-soaked interview. (Guys like him were getting what they wanted, Jacob smarmily suggests.)

If hes not blathering on about the malleability of truth, hes bemoaning the good old days when politicians like Ronald Reagan at least tried to say things. And when his estranged son (Rafi Gavron) and ex-lover (Melora Hardin) confront him about pillaging their most painful, personal memories for his novels, he callously shoots down their grievances. (Carnage be damned, he proclaims. Im doing Gods work.)

Lauded writer Jacob (Robert Downey Jr., left) goes toe to toe with journalist Natasha (Brittany Bellizeare) in a scene from "McNeal."

The problem is not that Jacob is inherently unlikable. Many of pop cultures best recent creations  Lydia Tar in Tar, the Roy family on HBOs Succession  have been morally bankrupt and viciously uncompromising. But unlike those characters, we rarely get a glimpse of his self-loathing or heartache. Instead, hes an exhausting person to spend any length of time with, and Downeys natural charisma can only go so far in offsetting Jacobs more insufferable qualities.

McNeal marks Downeys first Broadway outing, following a short-lived run in the 1983 off-Broadway musical American Passion. While most celebrities of his stature choose time-tested plays to make their debuts, its to the actors credit that he selected a new work, which aims to be both resonant and button-pushing.

Artificial intelligence, and the notion of whether to fear or embrace it, is threaded loosely throughout the narrative. Many of the plays interstitial scenes take place within the cloud, which is vividly brought to life by Jake Bartons sleek projections and his scenic design with Michael Yeargan. A giant iPhone screen and an uncanny AI portrait of Downey tower over the proceedings at various points throughout the show.

Jacob denounces chatbots from the outset, blustering that they only tell us what we want to hear and numb us to cruel facts of life such as illness and death. As a test of both AIs humanity and his own, he eventually decides to write an entire new book using ChatGPT, although the thorny questions it raises go limply underexplored.

McNeal commits the cardinal sin of wasting Broadway treasures Andrea Martin and Ruthie Ann Miles, who pop in briefly as Jacobs frenzied agent and concerned doctor, respectively. More ironically, its exactly the type of play that Downeys smug title character would claim to deplore: all empty provocations and not an ounce of soul.

"McNeal" runs through Nov. 24 at New York's Vivian Beaumont Theater (150 W. 65th Street).

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Broadway review: Robert Downey Jr. misfires with 'McNeal' debut
At least seven people were killed and eight others injured in a stabbing and shooting attack Tuesday night in Tel Aviv, Israel, according to the Ichilov Hospital in Tel Aviv.

The Israeli Police Spokesperson's Unit suspects terror as a motive in the incident. Both of the two alleged attackers have been killed, the unit said.

PHOTO: Police vehicle is seen near the site of a shooting by gunmen at a light rail station on October 1, 2024 in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Leon Neal/Getty Images)

MORE: Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: Iran to launch 240-250 missiles at Israel, sources say

The two suspected terrorists started the killing on the city's light rail system and continued on foot before they were killed by the Municipal Security Patrol and citizens present using personal firearms, according to police.

Large police forces are present and conducting extensive searches for any additional threats.

PHOTO: Israeli security and police officers inspect the site of a shooting incident in Tel Aviv, Israel, October 1, 2024. (Abir Sultan/EPA via Shutterstock)

PHOTO: Armed Israeli police officers keep watch near a cordon at the site of a shooting incident in Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024. (Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock)

The incident took place on Yerushalayim Street in Tel Aviv.

The attack took place just prior to a large missile launch from Iran into Israel. About 180 missiles were launched at multiple targets in Israel, according to the Israel Defense Forces.

Most of the missiles were intercepted, but "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed," an Israeli security official said.

This is a developing story. Please check back for updates.

7 dead in suspected terror shooting, stabbing in Tel Aviv amid Iran missile attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Lauren Hallgring, an 8th grade social studies teacher who received the American Civic Education Teacher Award for 2024, talks about the award and her class curriculum at Neptune Middle School in Neptune, NJ Monday September 16, 2024.

NEPTUNE  A Neptune Middle School social studies teacher is leading the way on one of the most politically fraught education topics, one that will only become more potentially contentious ahead of a presidential election.

Teacher Lauren Hallgring is not just leading her colleagues through the quagmire that is teaching civics and American politics in a polarized climate, she has been recognized as a leading voice in her field.

The nonprofit, nonpartisan Center for Civic Education has named Hallgring as one of three teachers in the nation who were recognized with the 2024 American Civic Education Teacher Awards. The Center on Representative Government at Indiana University and the National Education Association also cosponsor the awards.

"These teachers represent civic education at its best," Center for Civic Education President Donna Phillips said in a statement. "Their dedication to ensuring that each succeeding generation understands the principles and values of our representative democracy benefits not only their students, but our entire nation."

Hallgring has taught social studies at Neptune Middle School for 15 years, helping young minds understand the intricacies of government and how to participate.

"We've created these opportunities where the students they really have a chance to use their voice," said Hallgring, who has a masters degree in American history from Monmouth University.

Lauren Hallgring, an 8th grade social studies teacher who received the American Civic Education Teacher Award for 2024, talks about the award and her class curriculum at Neptune Middle School in Neptune, NJ Monday September 16, 2024.

Social studies lessons have moved beyond the rote memorization of dates and events, Hallgring said. Instead, Neptune students perform exercises around the Constitution and consider how it has changed over time, she said.

They hold a beach cleanup in Ocean Grove, analyze the debris they collect, then decide which steps are needed to reduce garbage along the coast. For example, her students consider how they would urge town officials to install water fountains along the boardwalk to reduce plastic water bottle use in the area, the teacher said.

Starting in the 2022-23 school year, New Jersey's public middle schools were required to teach civics, with a focus on "the values and principles underlying the American system of constitutional democracy; the function and limitations of government; and the role of a citizen in a democratic society."

"There's so much more than just picking up a piece of trash (Neptune students consider) how can you make change," Hallgring said.

Hallgring said she knew from a young age that she wanted to be a teacher. Already passionate about education and history, she was a freshman in high school when terrorists attacked the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. She saw then her future path.

"I've always been drawn to history. I want to preserve that," Hallgring said.

Teaching history and American government can be particularly challenging today due to the extra scrutiny teachers face when discussing the topics. But Hallgring takes a balanced approach to any controversial subjects.

"I've gotten really good at playing both sides," she said. "I think I do a good job of staying down the middle. One day, I'll say something (to the students), and the next day, hit them with something else.

"It is scary in this climate (for civics teachers)," she said. "I tell the parents at Back-to-School Night 'This is what we're going to do, and they're going to have these conversations,' but it's not my place to sway them one way or the other."

Amanda Oglesby is an Ocean County native who covers education and the environment. She has worked for the Press for more than 16 years. Reach her at @OglesbyAPP, aoglesby@gannettnj.com or 732-557-5701.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Neptune NJ Middle School civics teacher gets top national award
Enemy veep candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz are prepping for their first and only debate Tuesday -- with both camps just praying their hopefuls don't screw it up.

Enemy veep candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz are prepping for their first and only debate Tuesday  with both camps just praying their hopefuls dont screw it up.

Vance, a 40-year-old Republican senator from Ohio, and the Democratic Minnesota governor, 60, have never debated at the vice-presidential level and have spent the past weeks preparing their policy points, approach and candor with their closest advisers in mock debates.

The GOPer had Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.) stand in for Walz in his mock debates, while the governor chose Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg to play the role of Vance for him.

Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, speaks during a campaign rally on Sept.28, 2024. AP

Vance and Walzs televised showdown will occur just over a month ahead of Election Day and is expected to be the final head-to-head politicking that viewers will see before they cast their vote for the top presidential tickets of Vice President Kamala Harris or former President Donald Trump.

Walz has said he is nervous to spar with his GOP foe, but Trumps campaign heaped praise on the governors rhetorical experience  seemingly trying to set him up for extra failure if he does poorly and soften the blow for Vance if the Minnesota pol does well.

Walz is very good in debates. I want to repeat that. Tim Walz is very good in debates. Really good. Hes been a politician for nearly 20 years, Trump adviser Jason Miller told reporters Monday morning on a press call.

Hell be very well-prepared for tomorrow night. Hes not going to be the wildly gesticulating something [of a] caricature we see at rallies pointing to Kamala Harrison dancing about on the stage. Walz is going to be buttoned up, Miller said.

But in a bit of mixed messaging, Vance told The Post last week that he doesnt have to prepare that much to face off against Walz.

Vances prep has largely taken place in Cincinnati, Ohio, and involved his wife Usha. It also included reviewing Walzs previous debate tactics when he was running for other offices.

As for Walz, those close to him likewise seemed to be trying to downplay expectations, telling the press that the governor just doesnt have the verbal game to be totally carefree going into the debate.

Hes a strong person, Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-Minn.) told CNN. Hes just not a lawyer-debater type. Its not like he was dreaming of debates when he was in first grade.

Some of Walzs nerves come from him not wanting to let Harris down and make her think she should have picked a different VP candidate, campaign aides said, according to CNN.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is preparing to go straight into Trump and largely skip over Vance but also push the claim that the senator is tied to the Heritage Foundations controversial Project 2025. AP

Vance is looking to expose Walz for his record as governor in Minnesota overseeing the COVID-19 lockdowns there and his response to the 2020 George Floyd riots. The Republican also will go directly after Harris record as San Franciscos former district attorney and President Bidens current vice president, Trumps campaign said Monday.

Miller predicted Walz will be aggressive and a chameleon but that Vance will be prepared and work around the Minnesotans folky demeanor.

Walz is preparing to go straight into Trump and largely skip over Vance but also push the claim that the senator is tied to the Heritage Foundations controversial Project 2025 while leaning into his own Minnesota appeal, CNN reported.
Dallas Brower has been jailed for the killing (Ada County Sheriffs Office)

An Idaho man who killed a vagrant after taking him to IHOP for breakfast has been sentenced to life in prison.

Justin Friesner and his best friend Cameron Russell were both homeless and huddled at a bus stop in Boise when they were approached by stranger Dallas Brower offering help, according to Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Katelyn Farley.

Hours later, Friesner was dead and his body later found near the Boise Airport, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Cameron and Justin, who had been homeless for a few months at that point, were cold and hungry and accepted what they thought was a kind gesture, the prosecutor said in court.

Farley said that after Brower, 27 at the time, took the men to eat they went to his car and he offered them marijuana. She claimed the joint was laced with fentanyl which caused the men to fall asleep.

Justin Friesner was killed in 2023 after a man treated him to breakfast at IHOP (Flahiff Funeral Chapels & Crematory - Caldwell)

Cameron indicated after only having taken a few hits, his memory goes black before waking up to his best friend being stabbed by the defendant while still in the back seat of the defendants vehicle, Farley said.

Russell, who survived the attack, was traumatized by the ordeal, according to Farley. He still remembers the baby-blue latex gloves and devilish smile Brower wore as he stabbed his 24 year-old friend.

Justin was the sweetest person I knew, Russell said. It traumatized me. I could not sleep at night. I watched my own best friend die for no reason. The fact that he has no remorse or anything  its sad.

Police arrived on the scene to find both men unconscious and Brower on the phone acting very calm and covered in blood.

Brower told police the men had tried to carjack him but evidence proves otherwise. Police said they found a buried knife and a note stating his desire to kill.

Friesner had been stabbed 16 times, according to the Ada County coroners report which listed his cause of death as sharp force injuries of the neck and chest.

Browers defense attorneys said their client had experienced hallucinations for years and noticed himself becoming more violent about four years ago after his use of drugs, including methamphetamine, ramped up.

Brower was sitting with the men at IHOP when he began to believe that Friesner and Russell should die, his defense told the court.

Theyre eating when he starts having these hallucinations with voices of thought that these are bad guys who had done bad things, and I need to do something about this, Public defender Jonathan Loschi said. It was almost an out-of-body experience. He was not in his right mind.

Dallas Brower pleaded guilty in May to first-degree murder in the death of Justin Friesner (Ada County Sheriffs Office)

In May, Brower pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Friesner and to the aggravated assault of Russell with a deadly weapon.

Judge Derrick ONeill handed down the prison sentence, with 25 years fixed, during a hearing on Thursday after the victims families spoke out.

Not a day goes by without me wishing I was there to protect him in those final moments, one last time, Deslie Friesner, the victims sister, tearfully said in court. ...I cant imagine the way he fell in his final moments. The only piece we have is that he fought to the end because thats just who he was.

You are not a man, she told Brower. Youre a weak and sorry excuse. Justin never gave up. And here you are now, right where you belong.

Before Brower was jailed, he apologized to the victims families.

I would just like to apologize to everyone thats been affected by my actions, and know Im here today willing and ready to accept whatever the consequences, he said.

I sincerely hope you have mental health issues, ONeill told Brower as he passed sentence. I would hate to think that your soul is so vacant that this was entirely, unconditionally premeditated and deliberate and remorseless.
A person dropping a ballot into a box with the Iranian flag behind them. (NBC News; Getty Images)

On Friday, U.S. authorities accused three Iranian men of stealing and leaking files from former President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign, the largest hack and leak election influence operation since Russias breach of Hillary Clintons campaign and Democratic organizations in 2016.

Irans influence efforts using hacked material from the Trump campaign follow what the U.S. says was a series of brazen influence operations in 2020, all authorized by Tehrans senior leadership. Iran has consistently denied such allegations.

Iran, like China and Russia, constantly creates fake accounts on U.S. social media platforms in attempts to shift Americans opinion, U.S. intelligence officials say. Its unclear that such operations have had much effect.

But Irans 2020 election interference efforts stand apart from what have become well-recognized interference patterns, according to an indictment from the Justice Department, Treasury Department sanctions, researchers and media reporting, and comments from current and former U.S. officials. Experts say that the 2020 operations were the first time Iran seriously targeted U.S. elections and that the efforts reflect Irans desire to find ways to worsen discord in American society around partisan politics and free elections.

The thing that runs through both their activities in 2020 and in 2024 is the focus on trying to sow distrust within our political system, said Brandon Wales, who was the executive director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in 2020 and now is the vice president for cybersecurity strategy at SentinelOne, a cybersecurity company.

We have not seen very aggressive action to actually target our election infrastructure, which is largely disconnected from the internet and extremely difficult to directly target remotely, he said. Instead, its trying to use what access they can to undermine American confidence in our systems and in each other.

Access to a local election night reporting system

The date of the first Iranian interference attempt of 2020 isnt public; it happened in the late summer, a former U.S. official who worked on the issue at the time told NBC News. The official asked not to be named and declined to share specific details about the incident, citing the government practice of not naming victims of cyberattacks unless they come forward.

An Iranian hacker group linked to contractors working for Tehran broke into a local government website, the official said. That gave them access to election night reporting (ENR) systems, which provide live updates on unofficial results on Election Day. They were quickly removed and unable to cause harm, a Cyber Command senior official, Army Maj. Gen. William J. Hartman, said at the RSA Conference in San Francisco last year, when some details about the incident were declassified. The location and exact date havent been made public.

Those hackers never had the ability to change the vote count, but they could have appeared to tinker with it in real time to sow doubts about the election, Hartman said. Its not clear what the hackers planned to do with the access, but they were aware they had access to the ENR systems, the U.S. official familiar with the incident said.

The operation mirrored one of the earliest known attempts by one country directing its hackers to interfere in anothers elections: a 2014 incident in which Russian hackers were alleged to have broken into Ukraines national election reporting system to make it appear that an unpopular pro-Russia candidate had somehow won the presidency.

Fake Proud Boys campaign

In the most bizarre and elaborate foreign influence campaign of 2020, Iranian hackers staged an entirely fictional cyber-enabled fraud and harassment campaign, the Justice Department alleged in a detailed 2021 indictment. In October of that year, they tried to make it appear that the Proud Boys, a pro-Trump militia group, had hacked multiple states, were using stolen voter information to conduct mass voter fraud by mailing ballots in their names and were harassing Democratic voters across Florida.

The Iranian hackers did successfully steal some voter data from Alaskas Online Voter Registration System, but otherwise none of it was true. The hackers, who the Justice Department said worked for Emennet Pasargad, an Iranian cybersecurity and information operations company that does work for the countrys government, staged a video that purports to show the operation, set to the Metallica song Master of Puppets.

The video doesnt actually depict a way to successfully commit voter fraud, and an analysis of its technical hacking scenes actually show the hackers trying to break into a server in Moldova, according to an analysis by the Election Integrity Partnership, a Stanford University-backed election research group that has since disbanded.

The hackers tried to post it to various platforms online, but it gained little traction. A Google spokesperson said in 2020 that it was uploaded to YouTube but that it had fewer than 30 views by the time Google removed it.

Around the same time, the indictment says, the Emennet Pasargad hackers also sent tens of thousands of harassing emails to registered Democrats in Florida, where such voter information is free to the public, and Alaska. The emails varied, but they generally called recipients by name, claimed to have hacked their states voting infrastructure and demanded the voters change their registration to Republican. The emails came from at least two spoofed Proud Boys email addresses and said, You will vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you. A Google spokesperson said in 2020 that the hackers tried to send about 25,000 threatening emails through Gmail but that around 90% of them were sent to spam filters.

Some voters alerted authorities to the emails, and on Oct. 21, FBI Director Christopher Wray and then-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe accused Iran of the operation at a news conference.

Alireza Miryousefi, at the time a spokesman for the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, denied that Iran had done anything to try to influence the U.S. election.

Compromise of news system used by dozens of outlets

Around September or October, the Emennet Pasargad hackers gained access to an American media company that serves dozens of news publications in an apparent attempt to produce mass disinformation about election results, according to the Justice Departments 2021 indictment. The hackers successfully tested that their access let them change content on news sites.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the hacked company is Omaha, Nebraska-based Lee Enterprises, which owns nearly 100 small news companies across the country. NBC News has not independently verified that Lee Enterprises is the media company that was hacked, and it didnt respond to a request for comment.

On Nov. 5, the day after the election, the hackers tried to log back in to the media company with previously stolen credentials, only to realize they had been changed, the indictment says.

Enemies of the people kill list

At least as early as Dec. 7, 2020  after the election but before Joe Biden was sworn in or pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol  Iran allegedly tried another campaign to imitate right-wing radicals to divide the U.S.

On various websites, it circulated a hit list, titled Enemies of the People, that listed American political figures who either helped secure or administer the election or had tried to counter Trumps false claims that he had won it.

The following individuals have aided and abetted the fraudulent election against Trump, it said. Changing votes and working against the President is treason and patriotic Americans should never forget those who helped overthrow our democracy!

The site showed photos of them in crosshairs, described their work and in some cases provided personal information like their home or email addresses. People on the list included employees of Dominion Voting Systems, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former CISA Director Chris Krebs.

On Dec. 23, the FBI and CISA announced that Iran was behind the campaign, though the agencies didnt specify any individuals or agency or the company. As of that date, the campaign appears to be inactive.

The post-election creation of the Enemies of the People website demonstrates an ongoing Iranian intent to create divisions and mistrust in the United States and undermine public confidence in the U.S. electoral process, the agencies said in a public alert.

Miryousefi denied that Iran was behind that campaign.
Sussex Police said the man was arrested when the flight landed at Gatwick [Getty Images]

A man has been charged following an alleged sexual assault on a sleeping woman on a plane, police said.

Sussex Police said officers were called at about 04.55 BST on Saturday to a report that a man had sexually assaulted a woman in her 20s on a flight from Doha, Qatar to Gatwick Airport.

Momade Jussab, 65, of Feltham, Hounslow was arrested when the flight landed and has been charged with sexual assault, the force said.

Det Insp Darren Taylor said the incident "must have been extremely traumatic" for the victim, and she was being supported by specialist officers.

Mr Jussab has been remanded in prison and is due to appear at Lewes Crown Court on 28 October, police said.

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to southeasttoday@bbc.co.uk or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.

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An OnlyFans model was found floating dead in a harbor off Miami after she attended a yacht party hosted by a mystery rapper, according to reports.

The body of Brazilian mom Adriana Vieira, 31, was found on Sept. 22, the US Sun reported, citing interviews with her mom calling for an investigation.

Adriana Vieira was found dead in a Miami harbor on Sept. 22. Newsflash

She was allegedly last seen swimming in the harbor the night before, when she attended a party on board a yacht that was hosted by a rapper, who was neither identified nor accused of any involvement.

It was not clear how the model wound up dead or in the water and the Miami Police Department did not immediately respond to a request for a comment Tuesday.

Vieira, originally from Brazil, was a 31-year-old mother to a 6-year-old. Newsflash

Her body is reportedly being held for an autopsy.

I want my daughters death to be investigated and need help me bring her body back, the models mother, Antonia de Lourdes Vieira, told a Brazilian news outlet, according to the Sun.

I dont know how long I have until shes buried in a paupers grave.

Vieira, who was originally from Brazil, regularly shared adult content on OnlyFans, promising random free hot videos and pics and messages when you least expect them.

Veiras mother is calling for an investigation into her death. Newsflash

Vieira pitched herself to would-be viewers as a big ass and fitness girl, teasing subscribers: Let me spoil you, baby.

She reportedly relocated from Sao Paulo to Florida with her husband, Roberto Tesario, two years ago before Tesario went back to Brazil, leaving Vieira in the US to raise their 6-year-old son.
Rebel Wilson is married! What she shared about her Italian wedding

Rebel Wilson is a married woman!

Wilson, 44, tied the knot with fashion designer Ramona Agruma in Sardinia, Italy, on Sept. 28.

The Pitch Perfect franchise star announced the news Sept. 30 when she shared a photo from the couple's nuptials on Instagram. The stunning image shows both brides dressed in gorgeous white gowns as they hold hands outside a waterfront building.

"Married. Sardinia 28.9.24," Wilson wrote alongside the pic, adding diamond ring emoji.

Agruma popped into the post's comments to add two red heart emoji.

Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma on Sept. 14, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario.

Wilson's "Pitch Perfect" co-star Adam Devine also comment to with the couple well.

"Both of you look stunning! Congrats Rebs. Look at us all grown up! So happy for you!" wrote Devine, who welcomed his first child, a son named Beau, in February 2024.

"My Big Fat Greek Wedding" screenwriter and star Nia Vardalos commented, "Cake topper picture! Beautiful brides!!!"

Wilson and Agruma, whos the founder of the Los Angeles-based clothing brand Lemon Ve Limon, have been dating for two years. During that time, Wilson revealed she welcomed a daughter, Royce, who turns 1 in November.

They went Instagram official with their romance in June 2022. when Wilson shared a photo of her and Agruma cozying up to each other.

I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess, she wrote in the caption, adding rainbow and heart emoji and the hashtag #loveislove.

Wilson and Agruma announced their engagement in February 2023 after Wilson proposed in front of Sleeping Beautys castle at Disneyland.

We said YES! Wilson captioned a photo of the milestone moment.

Later the same month, Wilson opened up during an appearance on "The Drew Barrymore Show" about how she had to calm her nerves after she popped the question.

She said, 'Yes, Wilson recalled to host Drew Barrymore. And then I was like, Ah OK great and then I was so overwhelmed."

After the proposal, Wilson and her new fiancee decided to try out a new ride at the theme park, but Wilson found she needed a moment to absorb what had just happened.

Ive never been engaged before, or proposed to, or proposed, so it was such a huge thing in my life, and then we went on this new ride and I go, Hang on, I just have to like ... , she said, jokingly acting out someone falling toward the floor.

I literally collapsed on the floor for like five minutes," she recalled. "And then I go OK, Im good. Lets get churros.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Personnel with the San Angelo Police Department have resigned or been placed on leave pending an investigation connected to a gun found in a foiled smuggling attempt at the border, according to police.

One SAPD employee has resigned, and two others have been placed on administrative leave with pay.

On Monday, SAPD Sgt. John Bouligny said the department will not yet release the names or the unit of these individuals.

"It is normal operating procedure to pay employees placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation," Boulingy added.

On April 23, agents with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security apprehended a man at the border attempting to cross over into Mexico with firearms. At this time, there is no indication that the subject and the smuggling event is associated with any cartel.

Personnel with the San Angelo Police Department have been resigned or placed on leave pending an investigation that happened at the border involving firearms, according to police.

"During the course of their investigation Homeland Security Agents discovered that one of the firearms was allegedly purchased at a gun show in another jurisdiction," according to a Sept. 26 police media release. "During the investigation it was discovered that the firearm in question had, at one point in time, been in the possession of the San Angelo Police Department."

On May 29, an internal investigation in SAPD was initiated regarding the firearm alongside the criminal investigation.

Upon taking office, Chief Travis Griffith was made aware of this ongoing internal and criminal investigation that began months prior. Retired Chief Frank Carter had requested the assistance of the Texas Rangers regarding a theft of a firearm, and Griffith supported that decision.

"The San Angelo Police Department is fully committed to the integrity of this investigation which is why all information pertaining to this investigation was not released," the release stated. "While we would like to report all information to the public, there is a necessity for due process. The priority of this investigation is the criminal case, which is currently being handled by the Texas Rangers."

As the investigation continued, the focus began to settle on a particular three-man division of the police department, Griffith said during a Sept. 26 press conference.

One individual resigned, and two others are on administrative leave pending the investigation.

No one has been charged at this point, Griffith said.

"It is important to note that simply resigning or being placed on administrative leave does not indicate any criminal wrong doing or violations of department policy," the SAPD release stated. "We want to make it clear that if any individuals are found to have engaged in criminal wrongdoing or violations of department policy, they will be held accountable."

More: San Angelo man given award for saving two kids from fiery apartment

More: Texas DPS trooper and US army veteran dies after being struck by vehicle

This article originally appeared on San Angelo Standard-Times: San Angelo police personnel placed on leave pending investigation
ANKARA (Reuters) -Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan said on Monday that the United Nations General Assembly should recommend the use of force, in line with a resolution it passed in 1950, if the U.N. Security Council fails to stop Israel's attacks in Gaza and Lebanon.

NATO member Turkey has denounced Israel's devastating attack in Gaza against Palestinian militant group Hamas, and condemned its recent attacks in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah militants. It has halted all trade with Israel and applied to join a genocide case against Israel at the World Court, which Israel rejects.

"The U.N. General Assembly should rapidly implement the authority to recommend the use of force, as it did with the 1950 Uniting for Peace resolution, if the Security Council can't show the necessary will," Erdogan said after a cabinet meeting in Ankara.

The resolution says the U.N. General Assembly can step in if disagreements among the Security Council's five permanent veto-wielding powers - Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States - mean they fail to maintain international peace.

The Security Council is the only U.N. body that can normally make legally binding decisions, such as authorising use of force and imposing sanctions.

Erdogan also said he was sad to see Muslim countries failing to take a more active stance against Israel, urging them to take economic, diplomatic, and political measures against Israel to pressure it into accepting a ceasefire.

"For the peace of everyone in our region, from Muslim to Jew to Christian, we call on the international community and Muslim world to mobilise," Erdogan said, adding Israel's attacks would target Muslim countries too if it is not stopped soon.

(Reporting by Huseyin Hayatsever and Tuvan Gumrukcu; Editing by Toby Chopra)
People watched from a distance new Israeli air strikes on Beirut in the early hours of Tuesday [Getty Images]

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to assist British nationals trying to flee the fighting, the foreign secretary has announced.

The situation was "volatile" and had the potential to "deteriorate quickly", David Lammy said, just hours before Israel announced the start of a "localised and targeted" ground operation in southern Lebanon.

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible to take the flight, with vulnerable people a priority.

The plane is scheduled to leave on Wednesday from Beirut, which was hit by fresh Israeli air strikes overnight.

As of last week, there were thought to be between 4,000 and 6,000 UK nationals, including dependants in Lebanon.

The UK government will pay to charter the flight, which will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, but British nationals will be expected to pay a fee of 350 per seat.

British nationals and dependants will be eligible to request a space on the flight. Any non-British dependants boarding the flight will require a visa, granted for at least six months, to enter the UK.

Any further flights in the coming days will depend on demand and the security situation on the ground, the Foreign Office said.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority," Lammy stressed.

Speaking to reporters, he added: "I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast-moving and of course whilst we will do everything we can to protect British nationals, and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we can do that if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days."

A few hours later the Israeli military said a "limited, localised and targeted" ground operation was under way against Hezbollah, the Iran-backed armed group.

Air strikes hit a southern suburb of Beirut, after the Israeli military warned residents there to evacuate.

Victoria Lupton, 37, is planning to leave Lebanon on Wednesday with her young family - but not on the flight chartered by the UK government.

"A week ago the British government emailed us saying we should be buying our own flight, which was quite a difficult message to receive because there were no flights to be had," she told the BBC on Tuesday.

"I eventually managed to get a flight to Athens, which is leaving tomorrow. Then last night, late at night, the British government messaged saying they had chartered one flight that goes to Birmingham and would I like a place on it. But that's leaving tomorrow so I am sticking with my existing flight."

She spends a couple of months a year in Lebanon as the founder and chief executive of Seenaryo, a non-profit organisation which helps educate Middle Eastern women and children through theatre and play.

She told the BBC: "I'm feeling sick. All of us are feeling sick and living in a state of terror."

"I have a three-year-old and I was moving my daughter's cot as far away as possible from the windows to make sure she didn't get hit. None of us are sleeping. We are only sleeping a few hours a night. It's a very, very difficult worrying time."

The Israeli government says the aim of its military operation is to enable 60,000 displaced Israelis to return to their homes. Hezbollah says its fighters are ready to confront an Israeli invasion.

According to officials in Lebanon, more than 1,000 people have been killed in the past two weeks, while up to a million may now be displaced.

Lammy and his US counterpart Antony Blinken spoke by phone on Monday. He said they had seen the media reports and were both urging "de-escalation".

He added the UK would be keeping in touch with Iran, and reiterated the call for a 21-day ceasefire to enhance the prospect of a political solution.

His comments come after Sir Keir Starmer last week told British nationals in Lebanon to "leave immediately" as fighting intensified between Israel and Hezbollah.

Britons had previously been advised to book flights out of the country - but there were limited options available, with most airlines except the national carrier having cancelled flights.

The Ministry of Defence has sent nearly 700 troops to nearby Cyprus to prepare for the possible evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon and the government "continues to advise against all travel to Lebanon".

Tensions have been growing across the Middle East since Hamas gunmen attacked Israel on 7 October last year, killing about 1,200 people and taking 251 others as hostages.

The Israel military campaign in Gaza in response to the Hamas attack has killed more than 41,000 people, according to the Hamas-run health ministry.

Previously sporadic fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on 8 October - the day after Hamas's unprecedented attack. Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions, in solidarity with Hamas.

Hezbollah has launched more than 8,000 rockets at northern Israel and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. It has also fired anti-tank missiles at armoured vehicles and attacked military targets with explosive drones.

Families of hostages in Gaza held a news conference in London, along with the relatives of other British-Israelis killed on 7 October, following a memorial event at Downing Street.

They said they felt let down and called on the government to do more to free their relatives. Earlier, they met Sir Keir and Lammy.
FILE - Abortion rights protesters rally near the Georgia state Capitol in Atlanta, on May 14, (Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) (ASSOCIATED PRESS)

SAVANNAH, Ga. (AP)  When a Georgia judge overturned the state's abortion ban this week, abortion rights advocates praised the ruling and opponents denounced it  all knowing the state's top court could put it on hold in coming days or weeks.

Any changes to abortion policy in Southern states could have an impact that resonates beyond their borders. Most states in the region have bans in place, forcing women who are seeking abortion procedures to travel to obtain them.

So as long as the ban is lifted, it could change abortion-related travel patterns. And the ruling puts another spotlight on a contested state in this year's presidential election, in which Democrats have sought to make abortion a major issue.

Here's a look at where things stand.

What was the ruling?

Georgias abortion law violates womens rights to liberty and privacy guaranteed by the state constitution, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney ruled Monday.

Since 2022, the law effectively prohibited abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy, which is before women often know they're pregnant. Thats the point when cardiac activity in an embryos cells can be detected by ultrasound. The law banned abortions once a detectable human heartbeat was present  with some exceptions.

McBurney ruled that the law infringed on the liberty of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices. He also wrote that Georgia gives women a constitutional right to privacy that includes making personal health decisions.

The judge wrote that his ruling reverts Georgias abortion law to its prior status, which allowed abortions until viability, which is generally considered to be about 22 to 24 weeks' gestational age.

It was the judges second ruling striking down the same law. In 2022, McBurney declared the law invalid because it was enacted by state lawmakers in 2019, when Roe v. Wade still protected abortion rights nationally.

The Georgia Supreme Court overturned that earlier ruling and sent the case back to McBurney to consider the merits of other legal arguments raised by abortion providers challenging the law. That paved the way for the Monday ruling.

Whats next in the courts?

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, blasted the ruling, saying: Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge.

Republican state Attorney General Chris Carr planned an immediate appeal to the state Supreme Court, a spokesperson said.

Advocates on both sides of the abortion debate in Georgia noted the states high court could keep McBurneys order from taking effect while the states appeal is pending.

It took the Georgia Supreme Court just over a week to overrule McBurney and reinstate the law after it was struck down the first time, in November 2022.

What does this mean for people seeking abortions?

Georgia clinic officials told The Associated Press that they would accept patients whose pregnancies are past six weeks' gestation  and also that they know the ban could be reimposed quickly.

That could make a big difference in the state. There were about 4,400 abortions monthly in Georgia before the ban took effect, and there have been about 2,400 monthly since then, according to estimates from the Society of Family Planning.

Allowing more abortions could mean that more women who want them can obtain them. It could also ease the flow of patients to clinics in other states, particularly North Carolina, the closest place where abortion is legal further into pregnancy. The Guttmacher Institute estimated that nearly 6,000 Georgia residents traveled to North Carolina for abortions last year.

How does Georgia fit into the national abortion landscape?

Most Southern states have abortion bans that are either similar to the one overturned in Georgia or that are in effect at all stages of pregnancy.

So when a state lifts a ban, it could become a destination for people from nearby states seeking abortion. It's not clear whether that will happen in Georgia, given the possibility the state Supreme Court could reinstate the ban.

Even before this week, Georgia, a hotly contested state in the presidential election, has been a flashpoint in the political debate over abortion.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris traveled there last month to highlight reporting that two women in the state died after they didn't get proper medical treatment for complications from taking abortion pills to end their pregnancies. The vice president used the occasion to blast her Republican opponent, former President Donald Trump, for appointing justices to the U.S. Supreme Court who cleared the way for states to impose bans.

After Monday's ruling, it leaves 13 states with bans on abortion at all stages of pregnancy and three that bar them after the first six weeks or so of pregnancy.

___

Mulvihill reported from Cherry Hill, New Jersey.
Estonias Jevgeni Supin from Zolba Productions, credited for the first Estonian Viaplay original Who Shot Otto Mueller, has unveiled his slate of five high-end dramas, including My Dear Mother repped by Film.UA Group and Von Fock, due to world premiere at Tallinn TV Beats first Screening Day on Nov. 20.

Supins extensive slate and the caliber of his TV projects, all framed as international co-productions, reflect both his ambition to set Estonian -and Baltic- drama on the global map and his pioneering breakthroughs in co-production.

The four-part period crime Von Fock, for instance, was the first Estonian series ever to receive support from both Creative Europes Media Program and Eurimages pilot program for series co-productions in June. This [EU public money] meant the world to me, said Supin, who recently stepped down as head of TV Beats Forum to fully focus on producing. It shows that we indie producers from the Baltics are on the right track and that our mission to take Estonian, Lithuanian, Latvian stories and culture outside our country borders have been recognized, and it matters greatly.

Framed as a co-production between Zolba Productions, Latvias Berghein Production and Nafta, Italys Movie.Mento and Albolina Film, Von Fock is based on the historical crime novels Detective von Fock by author Ain Kutt, who teamed up with Leana Jalukse (Estonias Oscar entry Mother) and Germanys Lilian von Keudell for the screen version.

Estonian enfant terrible Arun Tamm (Bad Hair Friday, Container) is directing.

Set among the Estonian high society of Baltic Germans in the first part of the 19th century, the story follows the nominal hero Paul von Fock and the baron of Sagadi (Priit Pius) on a quest to solve various murder mysteries while pursuing the love interest of the beautiful Maria von Nottbeck (Aurora Ruffino).

Supin describes it as a good old whodunnit story with a right mixture of romance and a bit of suspense placed in a noble society, which should stand thanks to authentic filming locations and historical manors and castles.

The series, ordered by Eesti Telefilm for Estonias national pubcaster ETV, has received backing from LTV in Latvia, LRT in Lithuania, the Estonian Film Institute, Latvian Investment Agency LIAA and Italian tax credit, on top of IDM Film Commission Sudtirol.

Supin, who is producing together with Helen Lohmus, said he is discussing global rights with a major distributor. The national rollout is set for the spring of 2025.

Next up is the psychological drama My Dear Mother which marks the first international co-production for Estonias leading platform Elisa, staged with Ukraines Film.UA.

Based on true events, the limited series toplines Doris Tislar (The Class), Elina Reinold (Revenge Office) and Indrek Ojari (Names Engraved in Marble).

Doris Taaker directs based on a screenplay written by Raoul Suvi, which he co-developed with Elisa Estonias head of content Toomas Ili and Tallinn Black Nights Film Festival director Tiina Lokk.

When the brutally murdered mother of drug addict Alina (30) is found on the beach one day, the question arises whether Alina is a cold-blooded manipulator or a lifelong victim of abuse, runs the logline. The show distributed by Film.UA is slated for a spring 2025 delivery on Elisa Huub.

While working with Elisa Estonia on another high-end series in the early stages of development  Operation Silver Wolf, billed as Da Vinci Code meets Indiana Jones  Supin struck a separate deal with the Baltic regions fast-expanding platform Go3 on two other projects.

The six-part A Girl from Tallinn for which Go3 holds second window rights after main commissioner ETV, is staged as a copro with Ukraines Film.UA and Bulgarias Agitprop, with backing from the Bulgarian Film Centre and Creative Media.

Critically-acclaimed Ilmar Raag (The Class, A Lady in Paris) is directing the drama in which former criminal Ivan, now a law-abiding Ukrainian businessman, meets a girl who looks exactly like Maria, the love of his life, murdered 30 years ago in Tallinn in the turbulent 1990s. Principal photography is set for next summer.

A Girl From Tallinn is yet another high-profile project that emphasizes our dedication to producing premium content for both local and international viewers, said Justinas Docka, head of content for Go3, which also backed the Series Mania multiple-winning Latvian dramedy Soviet Jeans.

Meanwhile, as announced earlier by Variety, Go3 has also teamed with Supin on the project Let it Snow, currently in development. The light crime/comedy, partly set in Finland, is being co-produced by Take Two Studios. The Finnish groups co-founder Eero Hietala said the larger-than-life story about the Finnish underworld fueled his interest when Supin first pitched it at Seriescamp, Cologne in 2023.

Let it Snow will be showcased at the curated TV Beats Co-financing Market (Nov.18-20) during the Industry@Tallinn & Baltic Event.

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PETOSKEY  More than 100 people made their way to Pennsylvania Park and then around downtown Petoskey on Sunday for the fourth annual Walk Against Hate.

The Walk Against Hate is a national walk that is hosted by the Anti-Defamation League (ADL), which started more than 100 years ago to fight antisemitism, bigotry and discrimination.

Around 120 people participated in the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024 in Petoskey.

Olivia Benson, Samantha Fettig and Emily Meyerson led the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024 through downtown Petoskey.

Organizer Val Meyerson told the News-Review around 120 people participated in the Petoskey walk and they were able to raise more than $4,000.

Prior to the walk, Meyerson and 57th Circuit Court Judge Jennifer Deegan spoke to the crowd about why they chose to join the walk.

Elizabeth Pollie and Barbara Bartley hold signs at the start of the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024.

Val Meyerson speaks to the crowd before the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024 in Petoskey.

For example, Meyerson addressed the violence in the Middle East.

"While we cannot solve the world's problems, we can stand in solidarity with one another to ensure that hate has no home in Michigan, and certainly not here in Petoskey," Meyerson said.

Jennifee Deegan, 57th Circuit Court judge, speaks at the 2024 Walk Against Hate.

More than 100 people participated in the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024 in Petoskey.

Deegan spoke about biases in the judicial system, and about how juries are asked to identify any biases they may hold themselves and to avoid applying those biases to people on trial. She said people need to be blind to how people carry themselves, their socio-economic status and more when determining the outcome of a case.

She also said things that start in the court system, including hate, can permeate out into the community.

"You don't have to like the outcome of everything that's happened over the years, but you have to have a firm and deeply-held conviction that the court system does work," Deegan said. "It's not perfect, but it does really try to remove those things that can cause hatred through our community while we are working every day."

Subscribe: Get unlimited access to our local coverage

The walk started in Pennsylvania Park and made a loop around downtown before heading to Bayfront Park for refreshments and live music.

Meyerson said the walk is a great opportunity for the community.

Pete Kehoe performs at the Festival Place Shelter following the Walk Against Hate.

People and dogs alike made their way around downtown for the Walk Against Hate on Sept. 29, 2024.

Its important to remind people that kindness is really easy and it should be our go-to, she said.

Meyerson added that she wants people to know the ADL "is out there fighting hate, antisemitism, racism and bigotry of all kinds all the time."

 Contact reporter Karly Graham at kgraham@petoskeynews.com. Follow her on Twitter at @KarlyGrahamJRN.

This article originally appeared on The Petoskey News-Review: Petoskey residents participate in 4th annual Walk Against Hate 2024
Prince Harry is having a busy autumn.

Fresh off the Duke's New York City trip, Sentebale announced that Harry will be visiting Lesotho and South Africa in early October. It will mark his first return to the region since his and Meghan Markle's visit in 2019, and he will be joined by Sentebale co-founding patron Prince Seesio.

"It fills me, the team, and our wider community with joy to welcome Prince Harry or Mohale as we affectionately refer to him by his Sesotho royal name which means 'warrior,'" Prince Seeiso said. "Now more than ever, as we look to the challenges of our young generation here in Lesotho, the collective energy of both local and international individuals and organizations who see the potential in these youth, is embraced. We know that there are bright futures at stake, and we continue to approach our work with the vision that all children can be empowered, healthy and resilient through sustainable solutions that can ultimately be locally driven."

Chris Jackson - Getty Images

"Through its work in Lesotho and Botswana, Sentebale has developed a profound understanding of local youth  their passions, their concerns, and their extraordinary creativity," Prince Harry said in a statement about the visit. "These young adults are eager and capable of driving meaningful change, yet significant barriers still stand in their way. As we head towards our 20th anniversary, our ambition has grown, giving us the confidence to bring our skills and experience in designing solutions with young people, and to leveraging our convening power to engage with leading regional players and global funders so we can add Sentebales voice to addressing the challenges faced by the next generation in Southern Africa."

On the trip, the group (which includes corporate foundations and philanthropists) will head to Lesotho "to witness Sentebales programs at work." In Lesotho, Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso will meet with local leaders and youth advocates. After, they will go to Johannesburg, South Africa for working sessions with "leading Southern Africa-based business leaders, foundations and organizations already active in the youth sector." Per Sentebale, "these sessions will explore collaborative strategies to deploy expertise and innovative capital to reduce the digital divide and ensure youth access to healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities."

Jenna Jones

Earlier this week, Prince Harry spoke alongside Lesotho's Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso at an event on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly. "I would like to start by extending my deepest gratitude to Their Majesties for their continued friendship," Harry said. "The Lesotho royal family, as well as Lesotho itself, has been a pillar of strength for me over the last 20 years, welcoming me with open arms and such kindness."

He added, "The beautiful mountain kingdom feels like a home away from home, that friendship has only grown stronger as we've worked together to tackle some of the most pressing challenges facing the pursuit of people and the wider world. It all began two decades ago, when my dear friend Prince Seeiso first gave me a tour of your special country. I was struck by the strength and courage of your people amidst the immense challenges they face."



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This weekend, an American lawyer married a princess. Like a real-life The Prince & Me, Princess Theodora of Greece wed Matthew Kumar, a Los Angeles-based attorney on Saturday at the Metropolitan Cathedral of Athens.

Theodora wore an off-the-shoulder wedding gown with a foldover top and embroidery throughout. The gown was designed by Celia Kritharioti, whose brand is the oldest couture house in Athens, founded in 1906. The princess, of course, wore a tiarain this case, one that once belonged to Princess Margaret of Connaught, a granddaughter of Queen Victoria and niece of England's King Edward VII.

Milos Bicanski - Getty Images

The tiara traces back to Margaret and her husband Prince Gustaf Adolf, second in line to the Swedish throne. The couple fell in love in Egypt and announced their engagement in Cairo. The Khedive of Egypt then gave the bride the diamond Cartier tiara as a wedding present in 1905. It was later passed down to Margarets daughter, Princess Ingrid of Sweden, who ended up marrying the future King Frederik IX of Denmark.

The Greek royals began wearing the tiara in 1964, when Ingrids youngest daughter, Princess Anne-Marie, married King Constantine II of the Hellenes. Now Theodora is the seventh royal bride to wear this headpiece, called the Khedive of Egypt Tiara.

Theodoras veil, too, is a family heirloom. It also belonged to her ancestor, Princess Margaret of Connaught. Its made from antique Irish lace.

Milos Bicanski - Getty Images

Princess Theodora and Kumars wedding has been a long time coming. The pair got engaged in 2018 and have had to postpone their wedding twice. First, in 2020, the wedding was delayed due to the pandemic and then, last year, delayed again when Theodoras father, King Constantine II, died.

Finally, the couple was able to have their Greek Orthodox ceremony in Athens, with a number of royal guests. Theodoras paternal aunt, former Queen Sofia of Spain, attended, as did former Queen Anne-Marie of Greece. The brides brothers, Crown Prince Pavlos and Prince Phillipos, were both groomsmen. The Crown Princes daughter, Princess Maria-Olympia and Arrietta Morales de Grecia, Theodoras niece, were bridesmaids.

The Greek royal family released a statement about the wedding prior to the big day. It read , The couple's desire to have their wedding in Athens reflects their love for Greece, the strong ties they maintain with the country and their desire to share Greek culture and hospitality and identity with their guests.

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One is sweeter and one is pure pumpkinboth make a delicious pie.

One of the flavors most emblematic of crisp autumn days, pumpkin pie remains a beloved holiday favorite. If you've ever had a recipe call for the use of pumpkin puree or pumpkin pie filling, you might be surprised to learn that there is a difference between the two.

We caught up with culinary professionals to learn more about which item pie makers should reach for in the grocery store.







Meet Our Expert

Matt Alexander , executive chef of Cingari Family Markets, a family-owned chain of supermarkets across southwestern Connecticut



Aaron Fleisch , senior chef, of culinary innovation, at Libby's, the major producer of canned pumpkin products



Ronna Welsh, author of The Nimble Cook and chef/owner of Purple Kale Kitchenworks, a cooking school in Brooklyn, NY







Related: 24 Pumpkin Dessert Recipes, Including Everything from Pies to Cheesecake

Pumpkin Puree vs. Pumpkin Pie Filling

If you're a bona fide member of Team Pumpkin (as opposed to, say, Team Apple), then you've likely pored over the labels of pumpkin-centric canned goods pondering which one works wonders for pumpkin pie. "The primary distinction between the two lies in their simplicity and intended use," says Matt Alexander, executive chef of Cingari Family Markets, a supermarket chain across southwestern Connecticut.



Pumpkin Puree

This product has just one core ingredient. "Pumpkin puree is exactly that100 percent pure pumpkin, cooked and blended to a silky, smooth texture without any added ingredients," says Alexander.

Libby's, a heritage brand renowned for its pumpkin products, labels its puree as Libby's 100% Pure Pumpkin. "It's made from the Dickinson pumpkin variety of Libby's Special Seed (a pumpkin proprietary to Libby's) with nothing addedno added salt, sugar, artificial flavorings, colorings, or preservatives," says Aaron Fleisch, senior chef of culinary innovation for Libby's.

How it tastes : As you might suspect, given that pumpkin is a winter squash with relations to acorn, butternut, and kabocha squash, pumpkin puree has an earthy flavor with a subtle sweetness. Alexander likens it to a mild, unseasoned sweet potato,

Best for: "It's ready-to-use for all cooking and baking purposes," says Fleisch.

Pumpkin Pie Filling

Whatever the brand, this product always includes a bit extra, beyond the pumpkin. "Pumpkin pie filling has that classic fall flavor," says Alexander.

"For some cooks, pumpkin pie filling is a useful base onto which they may add their own spices and sweeteners: up the cinnamon, add orange zest," says Ronna Welsh, author of The Nimble Cook and chef/owner of Purple Kale Kitchenworks, a cooking school in Brooklyn, NY.

Ingredients and taste : Different brands include slightly different variations of ingredients. Libby's take on pumpkin pie filling, called Libby's Easy Pumpkin Pie Mix, contains pure pumpkin with notes of cinnamon, cloves, ginger, and sugar, says Fleisch. While pumpkin pie filling is sweet, it's not overwhelming. "It won't taste like candyit's more balanced," adds Alexander.

Pie-ready: The pumpkin, Fleisch points out, is perfectly steamed and pureed, lending a creamy, thick, and smooth texture, resulting in a velvety pie filling.

When Should You Use Pumpkin Pie Filling vs. Pumpkin Puree?

You can't go wrong with either productit depends on the recipe you are using and whether you prefer to make your pie filling from scratchor if you need more of a helping hand.

Baking With Pumpkin Pie Filling

With pumpkin pie filling, your dreamy pie comes together in no time. Fleisch suggests combining pumpkin pie filling with 2/3 cup evaporated milk and two eggs for a 9-inch, (4-cup) pie.

Baking With Pumpkin Puree

If you prefer to mix up your pumpkin pie from scratch, try one of these pie recipes that call for pumpkin puree. Simply follow the steps outlined in Libby's Famous Pumpkin Pie recipe, which has been featured on the brand's label since 1950, or try our Pumpkin Crunch Pie, or Deep-Dish Pumpkin Meringue Pie.

While you can finesse pumpkin pie filling, our experts agree that pumpkin puree provides a wider berth for creativity. "Since there are many ways to season pumpkin pie, a can of plain pumpkin puree lets you tweak the pie exactly to your taste," says Welsh. Like cloves, but not nutmeg? Prefer honey to cane sugar?" Such options are entirely up to the home baker. Pumpkin puree offers the perfect foundation for the ingredients of your choice, confirms Fleisch.

Pumpkin pie filling, on the other hand, can impose roadblocks. "While the common spicesnutmeg, cinnamon, mace, clovesare great mates for pumpkin (and most squash, in general), they may not be what you want in, say, a savory pumpkin soup," explains Welsh.

Can You Substitute Pumpkin Pie Filling for Pumpkin Puree?

If you accidentally buy the wrong product, don't panic, says Alexander. "You can definitely use them interchangeablyit's just a matter of adjusting your seasoning," he says.

Puree fix : If you're making pumpkin pie and you bought pumpkin puree, you'll need to add sugar, spices, and possibly milk or eggs to attain that traditional pie-filling taste, he says.

Filling fix: On the flip side, if you accidentally buy pumpkin pie filling, you can dial back on the spices and sweetener called for in a pie recipe, or balance out the sweetness and spice to make it work for a savory dish by adding some salt, pepper, or acid like lemon juice," Alexander says.

Ways to Use Pumpkin Beyond Pie

While pie often remains the star of any fall feast, there are so many delicious ways to use pumpkin puree or filling in your cooking. "I love using pumpkin puree or pie filling in pasta sauces, ravioli fillings, risotto, even bread pudding or smoothies," says Alexander. Pumpkin puree is also a multi-tasker. Pumpkin can be used as a substitute for ingredients like eggs, oil, and butter," says Fleisch. Try it in the following drinks and dishes:

Pumpkin baked goods : Pumpkin donuts, pumpkin breadthe list goes on.

Pumpkin pancakes : Leftover pumpkin puree adds richness to a classic pancake batter.

Pumpkin smoothies : Pumpkin puree, Greek yogurt, almond milk, and plenty of seasonal spices equal autumnal bliss.

Pumpkin soups : Creamy pumpkin puree takes on coconut milk and curry powder for a satisfying soup.

Pasta : Pumpkin puree combined with Parmesan, milk, white wine, rosemary, and sage elevates weekday pasta nights.

Pumpkin spice lattes: Whisk together cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves, a few tablespoons of pumpkin puree, and flavorings like vanilla extract and maple syrup into your morning joe.

Read the original article on Martha Stewart.
By Kashish Tandon and Bhanvi Satija

(Reuters) -The World Health Organization on Tuesday recommended vaccinating pregnant women and administering infants with an antibody to prevent severe respiratory synctial virus (RSV) infection in newborns.

RSV, which typically causes cold-like symptoms, is a leading cause of severe infection and death in babies and older adults. A majority of RSV-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with about 101,400 annual deaths in children under the age of five, according to the WHO.

WHO recommended a single shot for pregnant women, in the third trimester that typically starts at 28 weeks, to protect their babies.

Pfizer's RSV shot, sold as Abrysvo, is the only available vaccine in the United States and Europe for use in pregnant women. It is also approved in a few other markets such as Japan and Canada.

For infants and toddlers, Sanofi and AstraZeneca's antibody, Beyfortus, is again the only approved shot in the U.S., United Kingdom and some other countries - but its supply has been limited.

The manufacturers recently received approval for an additional manufacturing line for Beyfortus from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

WHO's strategic advisory group noted the concerns around supply and the high cost of the antibody, which it said could seriously limit global access and equity for the treatment.

"We are looking forward to more products to enter the market to allow for global access and increase the equity to use these products," said Hanna Nohynek, chair of WHO's strategic advisory group on immunizations.

This time WHO's advisory group focused on children, Nohynek said, adding that it had received requests from several countries about recommendations for the elderly.

WHO executive Joachim Hombach said there were challenges to implement recommendations for older adults, as many countries did not have vaccination programs in place for that age group.

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon and Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giulianis (R) daughter said shes backing Vice President Harris in a Monday article for Vanity Fair and grieving the loss of her dad to former President Trump.

I spent a lot of my life wishing my father had less power, Caroline Giuliani said in her Vanity Fair piece. But I never wanted it to happen like this. And selfishly, the deeper my dad gets stuck in the quicksand of his problems, the more fleeting our opportunities to connect as father and daughter become.

After months of feeling the type of sorrow that comes from the death of a loved one, it dawned on me that Ive been grieving the loss of my dad to Trump, Caroline Giuliani continued. I cannot bear to lose our country to him too.

This isnt the first time Caroline Giuliani has backed a Democrat for president over Trump.

In 2016, she also reportedly supported the Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, saying on Facebook that she was pro-Hillary all along.

In her Vanity Fair piece, Caroline Giuliani said she is voicing her adamant support for Kamala Harris and Tim Walz, stating that she is a recently engaged-to-be-married, 35-year-old who hopes to feel more joyous than fearful about the potential of becoming a parent herself and that she is obligated to advocate for a future worth bringing children into.

We live at a crossroads in history, where the future of not only our democracy but our planet is at stake, the former mayors daughter said.

The elder Giuliani was disbarred last week in the nations capital by a federal appeals court due to his efforts to stop the transfer of power following Trump losing the 2020 election.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign and a political adviser for Rudy Giuliani.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
KNOXVILLE, Tenn.  A group of employees from a plastics factory clung to spools of flexible yellow plastic pipes on the back of a flatbed semitruck for hours waiting for help as the Nolichucky River raged around them as Helene hit eastern Tennessee Friday.

But the truck tipped over and at least seven people were swept away by the floodwaters, the Knoxville News Sentinel, part of the USA TODAY Network, has learned. The incident happened in Erwin, Tennessee, just a mile from Unicoi County Hospital, where that same day, dozens of staff and patients were stranded on a hospital roof prompting harrowing rescues.

At least one of the factory workers died, a woman, according to an immigrant advocacy group working with families of some of the employees. The company, Impact Plastics, confirmed the death of one other person but did not provide details.

"We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees, founder and CEO Gerald OConnor said in a statement released Monday, indicating the toll may be higher than what's been confirmed so far. Those who are missing or deceased, and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.

The fate of the others is unknown, obscured by a lack of clear communication from state and local leaders compounded by the confusion caused by widespread devastation that knocked out electricity and communications, making it difficult to track down people who are unaccounted for across the region.

The flooding in Erwin, especially near the Riverview Industrial Park where the Impact Plastics factory is located, was cataclysmic.

The ruins of the Impact Plastics facility at Riverview Industrial Park on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee, in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Helene.

The industrial park is just a couple hundred feet from the Nolichucky River, which swelled with a rush of water comparable to nearly twice what cascades over Niagara Falls. Only a parking lot and two roads separate Impact Plastics from the river.

Just a mile south of Impact Plastics is Unicoi County Hospital, the site of a dramatic helicopter rescue that same day of 54 staff and patients stranded on the roof as the river brook loose from its banks.

Erwin is one of dozens of East Tennessee towns submerged following the flooding that devastated the region after Hurricane Helene made landfall and turned north, unleashing historic levels of rain. There have been five confirmed deaths  three in Unicoi County  across East Tennessee through Monday, but federal, state and local officials expect that number to rise.

Impact Plastics employee: We couldnt leave

Jacob Ingram has worked at Impact Plastics for nearly eight months as a mold changer. It's a role, he said, that keeps him on his feet the entire first shift.

As the waters rose outside, managers wouldnt let employees leave, he said. Instead, they told people to move their cars away from the rising water. Ingram moved his two separate times because the water wouldnt stop rising.

They shouldve evacuated when we got the flash flood warnings, and when they saw the parking lot, Ingram told the News Sentinel, Knox News. When we moved our cars we shouldve evacuated then  we asked them if we should evacuate, and they told us not yet, it wasnt bad enough.

And by the time it was bad enough, it was too late unless you had a four-wheel-drive.

The company confirmed six employees and a contractor are missing but denied allegations that management forced anyone to continue working as waters rose outside. Further, the statement said, while most employees left immediately, some remained on or near the premises. It reiterated management and assistants were the last to exit the building.

Search and rescue teams on the grounds at the Riverview Industrial Park on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Desperate employees seek refuge on semitruck's flatbed

Ingram and 10 other employees were fighting their way through waist-deep water in the parking lot when a semitruck driver from PolyPipe USA, which operates next door, called them over and helped them get onto the back of his open-bed truck, packed full of the large yellow flexible gas pipes.

It provided a temporary respite.

Videos posted by Ingram on Facebook show dark brown, raging rapids running through the companys parking lot, picking up vehicles that then bobbed up and down like toys in a bathtub.

In their panic, the group called 911 and were told rescuers would be there in 15-20 minutes.

But help was a long way away.

We called the police station God knows how many times, Ingram said. For two or three hours we were on the back of the trailer  it was because the hospital was about to collapse, and I understand that, but they shouldnt have told us someone was on the way (when they werent).

As he waited, Ingram thought about his family, about his 2-year-old daughter and his fiancee. He called his dad and told him to tell them he loved them.

Search and rescue teams on the grounds at the Riverview Industrial Park on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Into the water

Suddenly, a piece of debris hit the truck. The jolt knocked a woman into the rapids, Ingram said.

Soon after, a second piece of debris smashed into the truck and another woman fell into the water and was swept away, he said.

The truck was hit again, but this time the piece of debris was much bigger, the impact much harder, and the the truck flipped. Ingram crammed his hands under a plastic band around the yellow pipes.

It saved his life.

I wedged my hands into it, and it took everything I had to hang on, he said. I seen them (the pipes) floating down river, so thats what gave us the idea. We knew it was floating.

Roughly half a mile from the factory, Ingram and four other employees came to rest atop a pile of debris.

They were safe, though they didn't know it at that moment.

After an hour or so passed, a rescue helicopter from the Tennessee National Guard plucked them from danger.

Some of the Impact Plastics employees did not survive

One of the employees who died, Bertha Mendoza, 56, fell off the truck and vanished into the flood, according to Ingram and a representative from Tennessee Immigrant and Refugee Rights Coalition.

Mendoza was separated from her sister as the two tried to stay afloat, according to a GoFundMe page dedicated to her. Her body was found Sunday, the page says, but Mendoza has not yet been publicly identified by officials.

Another employee, Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso, has been missing. Her husband, Francesco Guerro, told Knox News through a translator that officials didnt ask families for any identifying features  clothing or tattoos. They didnt even ask for pictures, he said. (Officials began asking for photos Monday, Sept. 30.)

Ingram told Knox News that Reynoso was one of the employees who climbed onto the flatbed with him.

Reynoso was in touch with her husband throughout the morning and sent videos showing water rising up to her ankles, Guerro said. In one of her last messages, she told him the water had gotten so high she wasnt sure if she would be able to get out.

She told him to take care of the kids, he said.

He tried to get to his wife, but by the time he made near the factory, roads were closed. He tried unsuccessfully to get to the factory by several routes. At the time, there were helicopters circulating in Erwin to rescue those trapped atop Unicoi County Hospital. Every time he saw a helicopter, he hoped she would be on it.

She never came, she never came, he said.

Reporter Areena Arora, senior editor Sarah Riley and photographer Saul Young contributed to this report.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Tennessee plastics factory workers swept away by Helene floodwaters
Sirens blared across Israel and loud booms were heard late Tuesday after Iran launched a missile attack on the country. The Israeli military said its missile defense systems carried out "a large number of interceptions," and a U.S. defense official said the United States intercepted some of the missiles to help defend Israel.

After about 45 minutes, the Israel Defense Forces said it was safe for people across Israel to leave shelters, and spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the military did not "identify any additional aerial threats from Iran."

Hagari said that while a few of the Iranian weapons did land and assessments were ongoing, the IDF was "not aware of any casualties."

American officials said nearly 200 missiles were fired towards Israeli territory from Iran, while the IDF said, "Since the beginning of the Iranian missile attack ... IDF systems have identified approximately 180 missiles fired towards Israeli territory from Iran."

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared the attack a failure but vowed that "Iran will pay for it."

"The regime of Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves," Netanyahu said. He also thanked the U.S. "for its support of our defense effort."

The Israeli leader, speaking on the eve Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, concluded his remarks by saying, "Israel is on the move, and the axis of evil is retreating. We will do everything necessary to continue this trend, to achieve all the goals of the war, primarily the return of all our abductees, and to ensure our existence and our future."

U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Tuesday during a news conference from the White House that American Navy destroyers joined Israel "in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles."

In Tel Aviv, the missiles seemed to come in waves, each one starting with sirens blaring out, loud booms, and then silence until the next blaring of sirens began.

"The explosions you hear originate from interceptions or falls [of missiles]. The air defense system detects and intercepts threats all the time," the Israeli military said.

An Israeli security official said most missiles were intercepted "in cooperation" with the U.S. Air Forces Central Command, but that "several hits were identified, and the damage is being assessed."

Projectiles being intercepted by Israeli military defense systems in the sky above Tel Aviv, Oct. 1, 2024. / Credit: JACK GUEZ/AFP/Getty

Sullivan said President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris monitored the attack and the response from the White House Situation Room. He said the U.S. did not know of any deaths in Israel but that they were monitoring a report of a Palestinian civilian death in Jericho in the West Bank.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday that Iran's attack was "totally unacceptable, and the entire world should condemn it."

He said initial reports suggested "that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack."

In a statement late Tuesday night, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said that "U.S. forces in the Middle East intercepted multiple missiles launched by Iran toward Israel," calling it an "outrageous act of aggression by Iran."

"We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region," Lloyd added.

In Jerusalem, retired trauma surgeon Bill Schecter, from San Francisco, said he got an alarm on his phone and went into the shelter in his apartment building.

"We heard multiple booms. I suspect it was the Iron Dome shooting down missiles," Schechter said, referring to Israel's defense systems. "There were two waves. One where we heard booms. Then it went silent and we came out. Then we heard another series of booms and had to return to the bomb shelter."

Missiles fired by Iran are seen over Jerusalem, from Hebron in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Oct. 1, 2024. / Credit: Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu/Getty

Iran's mission to the United Nations issued a statement that confirmed the attack on Israel and indicated that its direct assault was over.

"Iran's legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out," the Iranian statement said. Iran supports many proxy groups in the region, and it wasn't clear whether any of those groups might still launch additional attacks on Israel after the Iranian missile salvo.

Iranian state television claimed victory after the attack, saying many missiles had made it through Israel's defense systems and hit their targets, though there was little evidence to support that assertion.

While Iran's missiles appeared to have claimed no lives, Israeli police said two gunmen opened fire on members of the public on a road in Tel Aviv not long before the rockets were fired. The Associated Press cited police as saying six people were killed in the attack before the two suspects were killed.

The explosions from the Iranian missile assault rang out just hours after a senior White House official told CBS News the U.S. had indications that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel. Israeli officials said that warning was shared with them.

Iran last fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in April, in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria's capital, which killed a number of senior Iranian military commanders.

Iran launched more than 300 missiles and drones at Israel in that April attack, but Hagari said at the time that virtually all of the weapons were intercepted before entering Israeli territory, and he reported only minor damage to one military base from the few missiles that did land in the country. One 10-year-old girl was "severely injured by shrapnel" from an intercepted missile, but the IDF reported no additional casualties.

U.S. officials told CBS News earlier Tuesday that Iran had been ready to strike Israel again on short notice since early August, when Tehran threatened to retaliate for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

An Iranian diplomatic source told CBS News on Tuesday that the country's leadership was "under heavy pressure to take action" against Israel amid the escalating attacks on its close ally Hezbollah, but they believed any Iranian strike on Israel would be limited in scope. Iran framed its missile attack on Israel as a response not to Israel's operations against Hezbollah, but to its assassination of senior Iranian military figures earlier in the year.

The Iranian attack came a day after Israel announced the beginning of "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" against the Iran-backed group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

President Biden has called repeatedly for a cease-fire amid weeks of escalating fire between Israel and Hezbollah over the southern Lebanon border. Officials at the White House, State Department and Pentagon have all made clear the risks of an all-out war between Israel and the well-armed Iranian proxy group in Lebanon, warning that it could spiral into a broad regional conflict.

/ Credit: CBS News

On Sept. 30, Pentagon Deputy Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told reporters that a number of American units already in the Middle East would have their deployments extended, and the forces due to replace them would instead overlap. That includes F-16, F-15E, A-10 and F-22 fighter aircraft and the personnel who operate the planes, she said, amounting to an increase of an "additional few thousand" U.S. troops in the region.

U.S. defense officials told CBS News Tuesday that there were more U.S. military capabilities in the region now, including 40,000 American troops, than there were when Iran launched its missile attack on Israel in April.

Iran backs a range of groups across the region, including Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthi rebels in Yemen. Tehran refers to these groups as a "resistance front" against Israel's decades-long occupation of Palestinian territory, while Israel refers to it as an axis of evil with the ideological goal of wiping the Jewish state off the map.

Hezbollah calls its rocket and drone attacks on Israel a legitimate support and defense of Palestinians in Gaza and the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and the Houthis have claimed the same rational for their months-long targeting of commercial and military vessels in the Red Sea.

One of the biggest risks for the U.S. is that Iran's proxy groups  including smaller militias based in Iraq and Syria  will target American forces in the region in retaliation for Washington's support of Israel. They have already done so since Oct. 7, firing rockets and drones at U.S. bases more than 165 times. Most of the attacks cause little to no damage, but a January drone assault on a U.S. outpost in Jordan, claimed by an Iran-backed group in Iraq, killed three U.S. troops and wounded dozens.

Before the Iranian missile attack, the IDF tightened domestic security precautions across much of the country on Tuesday. Among the new measures announced by the IDF's Homefront Command were limits on the number of people permitted to gather in public across northern Israel, near the Lebanon border.

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By Jeff Mason, Simon Lewis and Matt Spetalnick

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The United States warned Iran that it would face severe consequences for its ballistic missile attack on Israel on Tuesday, saying the barrage marked a significant escalation but appeared to have been thwarted.

President Joe Biden expressed solid U.S. support for Israel and described Iran's attack as ineffective. He said there was a discussion under way about how Israel would respond, and he planned to speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

U.S. military forces in the region helped Israel and its air defenses defeat the attack and the Biden administration was consulting with Israeli officials on next steps, said U.S. national security adviser Jake Sullivan.

"This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event," Sullivan told reporters at the White House. "We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case."

Sullivan did not specify what those consequences might be, but he stopped short of urging restraint by Israel as the U.S. did in April when Iran carried out a drone and missile attack on Israel.

Biden was reported to have urged Netanyahu to "take the win" and refrain from retaliation after Iran's April attack to avoid a wider regional war, given that Israel was largely unscathed.

Some analysts said Israel's response would likely be sharper this time, suggesting it could target Iran's nuclear or oil facilities, while other experts said the U.S. was still expected to work behind the scenes to rein in Israel's response.

"The United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel," Biden later told reporters, while adding that it remains to be seen how Israel will respond.

Iran's ballistic missile attack marks a steep escalation of tensions in the region, despite months of intense negotiations by the Biden administration and regular pledges that a ceasefire to end the Gaza conflict was imminent.

Biden, in the waning months of his term, already faces sharp criticism at home and abroad for U.S. military support of Israel, as does his Vice President and the Democrats' presidential candidate Kamala Harris.

Former President Donald Trump issued a statement after Iran's missile launch but didn't directly address the strike.

"Iran has been exporting terror all over the world, and it's been just unraveling. The whole Middle East has been unraveling," said Trump, who will face Harris in the Nov. 5 election.

Harris said Iran was a dangerous and destabilizing force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israel's security.

US NAVY ASSISTS IN INTERCEPTION

Iran fired a salvo of missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's air and ground campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, and Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards vowed that if Israel struck back, Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous".

Israel said it intercepted more than 180 missiles launched from Iran.

The Pentagon said two U.S. Navy destroyers fired about a dozen interceptors against Iranian missiles aimed at Israel.

Pentagon spokesperson Major General Patrick Ryder described the attack as significant and said the United States supported Israel's right to defend itself.

Ryder said the attack was about twice the scope of Iran's April attack on Israel in terms of the number of ballistic missiles fired.

U.S. officials said they had no warning from the government of Iran that they were going to launch such an attack.

"No notice was given to the United States prior to our response; however, a serious warning was issued afterwards," the Iranian mission said in a statement.

Israeli Major General Herzi Halevi said Israel would "choose when to collect the price, and prove our precise and surprising attack capabilities," but did not provide any specifics.

Israel's retaliation on Iran in April was relatively mild and appeared calibrated to dial back risks of a major war between the arch-foes, even though it shattered a taboo of direct attacks that Tehran broke days earlier.

But analysts suggested Israel could hit back harder this time.

"Iran's missile attack greenlights a counterstrike by Israel, potentially the final showdown blow that Prime Minister Netanyahu has been seeking for years," said Laura Blumenfeld, a Middle East analyst at the Johns Hopkins School for Advanced International Studies in Washington.

(Reporting by Jeff Mason, Simon Lewis, Matt Spetalnick, Gabriella Borter, Phil Stewart and Trevor Hunnicutt; Writing by Matt Spetalnick; Editing by Don Durfee and Lisa Shumaker)
A Washington-based Airman received an award for rescuing a woman who had a hiking accident in late August, the U.S. Air Force announced.

Airman 1st Class Troy May made the rescue on Aug. 28 near Ashford, Washington, while hiking to High Rock Lookout. He received an achievement medal on Sept. 9.

One of the Air Forces core values is service before self, and Airman 1st Class May clearly exemplified that core value with his actions, Lt. Col. Joshua Clifford, 62d AMXS commander, said in the news release. While our team of Airmen showcase amazing accomplishments every day, we relish the opportunity to focus on one Airmans courage and recognize them for truly living the Air Forces core values.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Troy May holds his Air Force Achievement Medal at Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington, on Sept. 13, 2024. May received this commendation after carrying a woman who had just broken and dislocated her ankle down a hiking trail.

The woman he rescued, 79-year-old Ursula Bannister, takes a trip every year to High Rock Lookout and this year, she went to spread her late mothers ashes.

I know the trail very well, and there are always many people there, Bannister said in the news release. When I couldnt find anyone to accompany me on this outing, I just went by myself.

She had finished lunch and had begun hiking down when she felt her leg give out, according to the Air Force. She stepped into a hole, causing a shock to travel up her body.

U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Troy May carries Ursula Bannister, a 79-year-old Tacoma resident, on his back while Layton Allen and others follow and assist Bannister on the High Rock trail near Ashford, Washington, on Aug. 28, 2024.

She called for help, and thats when some hikers found her. As hikers called emergency responders and tried to help her as best as they could, then came May and his friend.

My first thought was if I could carry her down, I should carry her down and get her there as quickly as I can, May said in the news release.

Injured hiker was in a lot of pain as Airman carried her to safety

Donning cowboy boots, May put Bannister on his back and started to carry her down the trail. The boots made carrying her down the trail very painful though as gravity pulled her off of him, the Air Force said. He had to use his legs to stop at some points.

He carried her most of 1.6 miles down the hiking trail. His friend, Layton Allen, also carried Bannister some of the way.

Once we got down, we loaded her into her car, elevated her foot and started driving to the hospital, May said. We met search and rescue about 30 minutes down the road, put ice on her foot, drove the rest of the way to the hospital and waited for her son to get there.

Ursula Bannister, 79-year-old Tacoma resident, recovers at her sons home on Bainbridge Island, Washington, on Sept. 12, 2024.

A few days later, Bannister called May and Allen to thank them for helping her. She had surgery and was recovering, she told them.

I truly felt that these two guys were meant to be there to save me, and that sort of swam in my subconscious at the time, Bannister said in the news release. I considered them my angels.

Saleen Martin is a reporter on USA TODAY's NOW team. She is from Norfolk, Virginia  the 757. Follow her on Twitter at @SaleenMartin or email her at sdmartin@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Washington airman carries woman down steep hiking trail after injury
Nina Agdal and social media influencer and wrestler Logan Paul pictured at a Sports Illustrated event on May 16, 2024, in New York City.

Logan Paul is officially a dad.

The YouTuber turned WWE star took to social media to share the good news on Sunday, writing in the caption that "Esme Agdal Paul has entered the chat." Paul is seen cuddled up with fiancee Nina Agdal and his newborn daughter in a hospital bed, embracing one another.

The couple announced their engagement in July 2023, revealing eight months later on social media that "another Paul" would be joining them in Fall 2024.

Multiple people, including Logan's loved ones and other influencers, expressed their support and excitement for the new family. "SO INSANE SO HAPPY FOR YOU," Jake Paul, Paul's brother, wrote in the comments.

Pam Stepnick, Paul's mother, called the birth the "Best collab yet!!!

"Grammy Pammy has entered the chat too!! Thank you Logan & Nina Thank you for bringing this little Angel into our family!!!"

Logan Paul shares baby news on YouTube, social media in April

Logan Paul pictured at a Triple Threat match on Night 2 of WrestleMania 40 on April 7, 2024.

The Prime co-founder shared in an April YouTube video that 2024 was the year that he and Agdal, a Danish model, "wanted to at least attempt to make a baby."

"Jan. Feb. March. You know, try to have a baby before the end of the year. That was our goal," Paul said.

The couple, according to Paul, jumped the gun a little bit  by accident.

The clip cuts to Paul shooting photographs of Agdal at his home.

"You can see the bump. Look at this little bump here. ... Eight weeks pregnant. You know what's crazy? In like 20 years there's gonna be a little person that's half her, half me running around this earth. And they have no idea what's going on right now and we get to raise it," Paul said.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: 'Another Paul:' Logan Paul's newborn daughter is social media official


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The Department of Home Affairs is looking for a partner to replace its 15-year-old travel document reading system that has reached end of life with new hardware, software and services.

In a request for tender (RFT) document uploaded to AusTender, the Department said it was looking for a partner to provide the new system to support manual border clearance processing for international travellers both entering and leaving Australia.

The new solution is to replace its Fraudulent Travel Documentation System for international airport primary line and primary support points processing, which was deployed in 2009.

This included the provision of electronic machine readable travel document [MRTD] readers, ongoing maintenance and constant travel document template and software releases.
by Arundathie Abeysinghe

After the choice of anti-system President Dissanayake, the country's political and ruling class is looking ahead to the snap elections on 14 November. The role of the smaller forces that together make up 25% of the electorate will be decisive. In the background the international dynamics and the framework of relations with China and India (and the West).

Colombo (AsiaNews) - Having archived the election of the president with the rise of the leftist and anti-system candidate Anura Kumara Dissanayake, now the political landscape in Sri Lanka is turning to the parliamentary vote scheduled for 14 November, in which the 225 representatives of the Assembly will be elected.

The 16th Parliament was officially dissolved on 24 September, ahead of its natural expiry date of August 2025. In these weeks of frenetic eve, new alliances are being studied - as well as rifts between once close factions - ahead of a major electoral round.

Interviewed by AsiaNews, political analysts Kanishka Gamage and Rajni Samarasinghe point out that the parliamentary elections are taking place at a critical time in the nation's political and economic history, after the widespread protests of 2022. In a country like Sri Lanka, in default and unable to repay its debt, most political parties are actively seeking alliances to maximise their electoral opportunities'. The aim, they continue, is to forge alliances with smaller parties, particularly minority parties, which are significant as they constitute about 25 per cent of the electorate.

The Tamil political parties, the Muslim Congress and the All Ceylon Muslim Congress, have also been decisive, they warn, in past presidential and parliamentary elections. The National People's Power (NPP), led by President Anura Kumara Dissanayaka, in contrast, is unlikely to have significant support from minority communities, as it has not historically cultivated deep relations with these communities. Although the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Slfp) is a smaller party (with 13 MPs in the previous parliament), it retains the ability to mobilise votes through its traditional grassroots mechanisms,' Kanishka and Rajni point out.

At the same time, the United National Party (UNP), led by former president Ranil Wickremasinghe, and the Samagi Jana Balawegaya (SJB), led by former opposition leader Sajith Premadasa, are in talks to merge and contest as one group.

Meanwhile, the Sri Lankan Podujana Peramuna (Slpp) is strengthening the party by appointing new members, particularly from the youth and professionals as organisers of the electorate. Even if their main goal is not to win elections and send members to Parliament, their main aim so far remains to strengthen the party.

This choice seems to be garnering support, so much so that some politicians who left the party to support other candidates are trying to return, but are meeting resistance from those who have remained loyal to the party.

According to the general secretary of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party (Slfp), Dayasiri Jayasekara, who leads the faction that supported presidential candidate Sajith Premadsa, we will participate in the parliamentary elections as Samgi Jana Sandanaya, (a new alliance). The party, he warns, will resolve internal legal issues and problems after the elections.

Political science professors Malinda Semasinghe and Sampath Tennakoon say that the outcome of the elections could also significantly influence the nation's geopolitical dynamics: in particular, they warn, relations with regional powers such as India, major Western powers and China. According to common opinion, the NPP party is considered to be closer to India and the Western powers, while an eventual majority - and a government - with NPP traction would end up building closer ties with China.
The victim, Fr Gregorius Saloum, served as parish priest in Ibl al-Saqi, in the south of the country. He was seriously wounded in yesterdays attack along with his wife and children. Kfour, a Christian village near Nabatieh, was also hit with the local church suffering heavy damages.

Beirut (AsiaNews)  As Israeli air raids continue in southern Lebanon, Christians are being affected as well.

This afternoon Fr Gregorius Saloum, parish priest at the Greek Orthodox Church in Ibl al-Saqi, southern Lebanon, was reported killed by the Quds News Network.

Initially, it was thought that the clergyman, who belongs to the Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch, was only wounded. As the hours went, his death was reported but not officially confirmed.

Amid a cacophony of contrasting voices, a feeling of great fear and deep concern is gripping Lebanese Christians, marked by the war between Hezbollah and Israel, which saw Israel launch a "limited" ground operation overnight.

Initial reports indicate that Fr Gregoriuss wife and children were also wounded. His home, located on al-Sagi hill, appears to have been hit by several rockets.

The fate of the Orthodox priest is but the latest in a series involving attacks and destruction that have affected Lebanese Christians in a war pitting Hezbollah against Israel but in fact affects everyone in the country.

Yesterday, Kfour, a Christian village near Nabatieh, was also hit by Israeli fire with heavy damages at the local church.

Before that, the village of Ain el-Delb, near Sidon, in the south of the country, was hit by Israeli planes. In the Christian majority location, 32 deaths have been confirmed, including a Christian woman, plus scores of wounded.

A source told AsiaNews that the target was a prominent local Hezbollah fighter, named Ahmad Awarki, who leads the Shia movement in the city of Sidon.

To reach him and be sure to kill him, Israel did not hesitate to fire multiple rockets and an entire building collapsed once it was hit.
by Steve Suwannarat

Cambodias best-known independent journalist still active despite ongoing repression has been arrested. His posts on social media on environmental damage caused by stone quarries were probably the pretext used by the authorities to detain him on charges of causing social disorder". Dara was also actively reporting on online scams by transnational crime syndicates employing people in slave-like conditions. He joins about a hundred political prisoners already in detention in Cambodia.

Phnom Penh (AsiaNews)  Mech Dara, Cambodia's best-known independent journalist still active despite media repression, was arrested yesterday while travelling with family members.

The Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association confirmed the arrest citing a military police spokesman who did not indicate the charges nor where the journalist was taken.

At the time of his arrest and before his phone was seized, Mech Dara sent a message to the Cambodian NGO Cambodian League for the Promotion and Defense of Human Rights (LICADHO).

Multiple sources report that his recent posts on Facebook regarding environmental damage caused by stone quarries may be behind his arrest. In fact, the authorities yesterday claimed that his posts were causing "social disorder".

In Cambodia, spurious accusations have long been used to silence the media, with laws written or modified for that purpose.

For many years, pressures on Cambodian authorities by foreign government, human rights groups, and media freedom advocates have fallen on deaf ears. As a result, Cambodia ranks 151st out of 180 countries on Reporters Without Borders annual press freedom index.

About a hundred political prisoners are currently held in Cambodian prisons, including a former leader of the Kem Sokha opposition party, and a dozen environmental activists convicted last year of conspiracy against the government after they spoke out against environmental damage for which they were sentenced to prison terms ranging from six and eight years.

Because of Daras reputation, a campaign started yesterday following his arrest and detention, urging the Cambodian government to ensure that the legal action against him and eventually his trial are transparent and fair.

The veteran journalist worked for the Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post newspapers, which have been silenced by the authorities before he joined the Voice of Democracy, which was also forced to stop publication last year.

His commitment, however, does not only concern domestic affairs, which are already hard to cover without taking great risks, but also involve cross-border issues that touch Cambodia, like online scams by transnational crime syndicates with workers held in virtual slavery, an issue downplayed by the authorities fearful of alienating investors.

For his courageous commitment in this area, the US State Department honoured him last year with a 2023 Trafficking in Persons Hero Award.
Lee Im-jae, 54, convicted of failing to foresee the huge turnout of people in Itaewon on 31 October 2022. Other officials including the head of the local government exonerated. Incident not classified as an accident and regulations not mandatory according to the court. Victims' relatives appeal demanding harsher punishment.

Seoul (AsiaNews/Agencies) - Since the 2022 Halloween stampede in Seoul's Itaewon nightlife district, that left 159 people who had attened one of the first post-pandemic mass gatherings dead, victims' families have been demanding justice.

Yesterday, a court in the capital sentenced Lee Im-jae, 54, a former Yongsan police chief, to three years imprisonment. The prosecution argued that the massive influx of people was foreseeable, but despite this, security officials failed to ensure order. There were just over 130 officers on the scene that evening, of whom only about 50 were in uniform: a far insufficient number.

Reconstructions of the tragedy had pointed the finger at the responsibility of high-ranking government officials, including President Yoon Suk-yeol himself and the Minister of the Interior, Lee Sang-min, which then fell on deaf ears. For the associations and families of the victims, investigations involving junior officials absolve the highest officials of any responsibility.

In addition to Lee Im-jae, the investigation also focused on other officials in the district, including Yongsan local government chief Park Hee-young.

However, the Seoul court found them not guilty, because the regulations in force at the time of the events did not require them to find security measures for unplanned events. Crowds caused by large gatherings were not classified as an incident under the law at the time, the judges argued, and there were no mandatory regulations specifying the need to establish separate security management plans for events without a host.

The prosecution had sought seven-year prison sentences for both Lee Im-jae and Park Hee-young. The defence of the defendants, however, argued throughout the trial that a crowd mob of this size could in no way have been foreseen in advance, relieving the two of any responsibility.

So far, twenty-three people, including two companies, have been indicted in connection with the tragedy. In fact, it is not the responsibility of individual persons because, as the Constitutional Court itself has ruled, the Halloween tragedy of 2022 stems from a failure involving multiple government entities and agencies.

One overarching issue is illegal building: the pedestrian alley that night was less than 4 metres wide, contrary to South Korean law. Following yesterday's court ruling, the victims' relatives held a press conference in front of the court, denouncing the outcome, in particular the acquittal of the Yongsan district office chief, while urging the prosecution to appeal the verdict in order to obtain harsher sentences for both defendants.
30 September 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan has emerged as a significant player in the global defense market, driven by increased military spending, strategic partnerships, and domestic innovation in recent years. The 5th Azerbaijan International Defense Exhibition (ADEX-2024) showcased the countrys achievements, with a marked emphasis on collaboration and a path forward on military self-sufficiency.

Historical Context

Before delving into the event context, I would like to brief you about the historical background of the countrys defense industry. Over the past two decades, Azerbaijan has been engaged in a massive effort to modernize and upgrade its military. War with Armenia over the breakaway Garabagh region forced Baku to drastically ramp up military spending and invest vigorously in various military technologies. The Garabagh War forced Baku to drastically ramp up military spending and invest vigorously in various military technologies.

This conflict, combined with other challenges, such as establishing a centralized government post-independence and contending with external factors like the 907th amendment of the United States, significantly hindered the nation's development. These struggles made it difficult for Azerbaijan to establish national unity and pursue economic growth during its early years as an independent state. Despite these obstacles, Azerbaijan's drive to modernize its military has been a cornerstone of its national policy. Encouraged by a tremendous influx of oil revenues, Azerbaijan achieved a twentyfold increase in military spending over the past decade, laying the foundation for the development of a robust military-industrial base. The Ministry of Defense Industry (MDI), created in 2005, played a pivotal role in shaping Azerbaijan's defense capabilities. Between 2007 and 2016, Azerbaijani military production underwent a fortyfold expansion, transforming the country from a simple buyer of arms into a budding arms exporter.

The Republic of Azerbaijan has successfully established such relations with most of the world's countries and continues to develop them. The defense sector now supplies products to more than 10 countries, including Turkiye, Georgia, Pakistan, Jordan, Israel, and China. This rapid growth in military production and export has also been accompanied by a shift in Azerbaijan's partnerships with key defense players. Baku has moved away from a traditional "buyer-seller" relationship and towards co-development and co-manufacturing with its partners, signaling its growing technical and industrial self-reliance.

Expanding Partnerships and Strategic Cooperation

ADEX-2024 provided the platform for further agreements with defense giants such as Turkiyes Aselsan, China Precision Machinery Import-Export Corporation, and Israels Elbit Systems. A notable agreement was signed between AS Holdings and Azersilah, focusing on the joint production of NATO-standard light weapons. This strategic memorandum strengthens ties between Azerbaijan and Israel, a key defense partner, and underscores Azerbaijans growing technical and manufacturing capabilities. While total domestic defense self-sufficiency might be unattainable for small and medium-sized states such as Azerbaijan, indigenous defense industrialization still has its own undeniable benefits. In this context, relations with Israel are particularly important for Azerbaijan.

Additionally, Azerbaijans first locally developed laser weapon, the Fireforce, was also introduced at ADEX-2024, demonstrating the countrys shift toward high-tech military innovations. Weighing 900 kilograms and boasting a power of 30 kilowatts, the "Fireforce" is mounted on a light-armored vehicle, offering a glimpse into the future of Azerbaijan's military technology.

New Generation of Armored Vehicles and UAVs

Beyond collaborations, Azerbaijan has made significant strides in indigenous defense innovation. At ADEX-2024, the ITX-15 and ITX-20 armored personnel carriers, developed domestically in 2024, were unveiled. The Tufan Mine-Resistant Ambush-Protected vehicle, which is preparing for serial production, further showcases the capabilities of Azerbaijans defense sector. These developments not only enhance the nations military but also position Azerbaijan as a growing arms exporter, with increasing demand for its products. In addition, the presentation of the Revival P and Revival T vehicles at ADEX 2024 reflects Improtex Industries' ambition to establish itself as a key player in the demining sector, both nationally and internationally. With their sturdy design, explosion resistance, and advanced technological features, these vehicles are expected to see increased proliferation, addressing the needs of numerous countries, particularly those affected by conflict, besides Azerbaijan.

And on the second day of the event, President Ilham Aliyev was presented with JF-17C (Block-III) multirole fighter jets at Heydar Aliyev International Airport. Developed as a joint venture between Pakistan Aeronautical Complex and Chengdu Aircraft Industry Corporation of China, these advanced, lightweight aircraft have been integrated into Azerbaijan's Air Force. The JF-17C is known for its air-to-air and air-to-ground capabilities, high maneuverability, and effectiveness in both day and night operations.

Military Power as the Main Guarantor of Security

In today's world, increasing defense spending has become a global trend, driven by the need for national security amid various geopolitical challenges. If global security and the international legal system do not function effectively, nations often feel compelled to bolster their military power. Azerbaijan's military buildup is partly a response to a tradition of embargoes, particularly from Western countries, which have imposed restrictions on arms sales and military technology transfers.

President Ilham Aliyev has previously emphasized the necessity of strengthening military capabilities, especially in light of the revanchist forces in Armenia. During the inaugural session of the Milli Majlis of the Republic of Azerbaijan's VII convocation, he remarked, "The countries standing behind Armenia, their activities, their decisions, resolutions, statements - all this shows that this dirty game against us is not over yet."

This indeed underscores the urgency for Azerbaijan to fortify its defense capabilities to ensure its sovereignty and security. In today's reality, the main guarantor of security is military power.

So what holds for the future?

By reducing dependency on foreign suppliers, Azerbaijan is positioning itself to meet the needs of its military domestically. The stage is set for Azerbaijan to further expand its defense sector, cementing its status as a key player in the region and beyond. To note, Azerbaijan has disclosed its planned defense and national security expenditures for 2025. According to the forecast, 6.66 billion manats ($3.92 billion) will be allocated for defense and national security, making up 16.8 percent of the state budget for 2025. One of Azerbaijans paths is towards building a self-reliant and collaborative defense sector.

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 September 2024 13:48 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin, AzerNEWS

The endless interest of the West, and especially the United States, in the South Caucasus is no longer a secret to anyone. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, the USA, which tried to penetrate the region, created new means of leverage for it.

For many years, USAID has played the role of an obvious broker of Western capitalism. Its inexhaustible financial resources have always included the poor countries in which it is interested. Considering that in the South Caucasus, Azerbaijan, Georgia and Armenia are post-Soviet regions and have always been of interest to the West, USAID's active activities in these countries can be linked to this.

However, unfortunately, USAID's activities are not always based on the principles of humanism. Of course, the organisation that implements the soft power policy of the United States has always exerted political influence against small states under the guise of humanism and tried to interfere in their internal affairs.

USAID and its impacts on national consciousness

The collapse of the Soviet Union created a serious political vacuum in a number of countries. Some countries, which took the concept of democracy as a delicacy, did not feel the poisonous substances in it. In this way, the United States, which has introduced itself to the world as a harbinger of democracy, was able to easily spread to countries with problems related to national and ethnic minorities, political parties, media, education, social and many more.

Since the mentioned problems directly affect the national consciousness, the financial institutions of the USA, such as USAID, have always acted liberally in this field. For some reason, the US, which spares millions of dollars, instead of helping people suffering from hunger and poverty in Africa and the Far East, spends more money on solving problems related to political parties, ethnic minorities, and a number of issues that are not relevant to institutions core mission.

Of course, if we take a somewhat realistic approach, we can say that there are always big interests behind such assistance - that is, it would be kind of naive to think that the United States does this assistance for free.

USAID implements programmes in everything from agriculture, health and education to governance, democracy and human rights. The institution is mainly financed from the state budget, has representative offices in more than 80 countries and programmes in more than 100 different fields.

USAID's report released in 2021 shows that during 2019-2020, Georgia received 252 million dollars, and Ukraine received 808 million dollars, and programs implemented in various fields were financed. Today, the destruction in Ukraine due to involvement in the war, and the fragile nature of stability in Georgia is in sight.

History is a living witness - Middle East and South Caucasus axiom

Today, USAID's policy in the Middle East is continued in the South Caucasus through Armenia based on a similar scenario. As a blind beggar of the West, the Yerevan administration, which is ready to endanger the region, has put its mouth on the financial faucet of the United States and surrendered all its destiny to the responsibility of the West.

However, there is enough information about other activities of the White Helmets in Syria under the name of humanitarian aid. For example, British journalist Vanessa Beeley, who investigated the causes of the civil war in Syria, said that the "White Helmets" organisation operating in Syria was supposedly engaged in humanitarian activities. During the investigation, it was revealed that this organisation received financial support of 150 million dollars from various funds of the United States until 2000, and from the funds of the Soros, Clintons, and Rockefeller brothers in 2013-2016. The members of the organisation trained the rebels in Syria and were taught the technologies of sabotage. Currently, the collected materials related to the criminal activities of this organisation have been submitted to the Hague court.

These processes are currently being carried out in Armenia. US non-governmental organisations continue to increase their financial assistance to Armenia. The point of interest is that after Azerbaijan liberated Garabagh from the occupation, the amount of aid surged, which gives rise to the expansion of certain thoughts, specifically financial aid, to the activities of those who live with a sense of revenge in Armenia. According to the document signed between the Deputy Prime Minister of Armenia Mher Grigoryan and the head of the USAID mission in this country, John G. Allelo, the amount of aid has increased from 120 million dollars to 250 million dollars. According to the signed document, the allocated funds will be directed to improving the social condition of the population, increasing the defence capacity, and ensuring energy security.

The joint military exercises of the US and Armenian servicemen in July, the arrival of two US Boeing C-17 military transport planes loaded with ammunition to Yerevan's Zvartnoch airport in August, and other facts indicate that the region has entered a dangerous period. The US is trying to control states in this region through destabilisation.

USAID head Samatha Power's statement about allocating 100 million dollars to the people who voluntarily left Garabagh and their opinion that they need help clearly reveals the hypocrisy of US policy. Why did the Azerbaijanis who left their homes and came to Baku as a result of the military aggression of Armenia in the early 1990s escape the attention of USAID? For some reason, the Khojaly genocide, the killing of children, women, and the elderly in Karabakh did not interest USAID. On the other hand, in the early 1990s, the United States declared that it recognised the territorial integrity of Azerbaijan, and on the other hand, it adopted a law prohibiting "direct aid" to Azerbaijan. The more armed Armenia tries to destabilise and acts as a "representative" of the interests of foreign countries, the more it will suffer poverty and degradation.

Today, considering its destructive activities in various countries, national governments have kicked USAID out of the country. Over the past 5 years, USAID has been withdrawn from Belarus, Russia, Turkmenistan, Zimbabwe, Venezuela, Bolivia, Congo, and other countries. Azerbaijan does not need help. Although Armenia is an independent state, it remains a puppet state for organisations like USAID.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
28 September 2024 19:42 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin, AzerNEWS

A year has passed since Garabagh was cleared of the separatist regime. This date is also marked by the full implementation of international laws and UN resolutions that have been disrespected in the past three decades.

However, some international organizations that serve separatism and terrorism, and even those who call themselves human rights defenders, ignore these laws.

Francois Zimeray and Catalina de la Sota, who called themselves lawyers and overstepped their bounds against the territorial integrity of another state, launched another biased campaign to show solidarity with the separatist remnants.

According to their absurd claims, France must appeal to the International Court for the crimes committed in Nagorno-Karabakh. These two idiots, who have zero information about the situation in Garabagh, claim that "100,000 Armenians" have been deported from Garabagh  but without mentioning the Garabagh region of which country. Although the claim is unchanged, the numbers are cynically distorted again.

We remind you that after the anti-terror operation measures in Garabagh, different versions were invented regarding the number of Armenians who voluntarily left the Garabagh region. Looking back to previous vesrions issued in 2023, Yerevan talked about 200,000 Armenians in ambitious statements. Later, 150,000 was mentioned in the baseless statements of Armenian lobby organizations. Now there is talk of granting refugee status to 100,000 Armenians. It seems that as Armenia comes to terms with the facts, the numbers also change towards the truth.

Francois Zimeray and Catalina de la Sota call France to judge the Garabagh territory of Azerbaijan, while neither France nor organizations have the right to interfere in the internal affairs of the region today. What were they thinking when Armenia occupied more than 20 percent of Azerbaijani territory until 2020.

It would be good if France gave shelter to "100 thousand Armenians" in the cities of Marseille or Bourbon. There is no doubt that if France does this, the numbers will be slightly smaller and more realistic.

Francois Zimeray and Catalina de la Sota shed tears for 100,000 Armenians, but they grossly violate their human rights. It should be recalled that about 30 years ago, more than 1 million internally displaced persons settled in temporary tents in different places of Azerbaijan. Although international organizations saw this, their attitude was not reflected in any statement. Today, the remains of Azerbaijanis who were mass-murdered in Khojaly, Meshali, Baganis Ayrym, and Kalbajar are found under the soil. Innocent civilians were killed by special torture. Families and civilians who were brutally killed do not interest the so-called lawyers like Francois Zimeray and Catalina de la Sota. Because their concern is not human rights, their goal is to serve criminals and cover up Armenian crimes.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Elnur Enveroglu Read more

When reviewing the steps taken and the results achieved in the direction of the normalization of relations between Armenia and Azerbaijan and the signing of a peace agreement in the last six months alone, only one question arises: what is the main force that hinders or delays the peace process?

On January 23, 2023, the EU Council approved the dispatch of a long-term civilian mission to Armenia. The mission aimed to promote stability on the Azerbaijani-Armenian border, build confidence on the ground, and provide an environment conducive to EU-supported efforts to normalize relations between Azerbaijan and Armenia.

However, the arrival of the mission group to the South Caucasus territory did not seem to be good-willed at all. Especially when talking about the border areas of Armenia with Azerbaijan, the arrival of the EU Mission should have been agreed with Azerbaijan. But they did not do what was necessary.

In the early days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan reacted with a statement to the start of activities of EUMA out of the blue on the borders of Armenia and Azerbaijan. The ministry stated that such an engagement must not be exploited to derail the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, including in the context of the border delimitation process that should be carried out exclusively on a bilateral basis.

It must be ensured that the deployment of the EU mission in Armenia duly takes into account the legitimate interests of Azerbaijan, and such an undertaking by the EU takes place in a manner that does not undermine mutual trust and confidence, the ministry said in its statement.

In fact, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan was right in its statement, and the remark in its appeal was that the EU mission group was placed directly on the borders without Azerbaijan's consent. This arbitrary decision of the European Union had a direct impact on relations with Azerbaijan in the literal sense of the word. Because the EU's bilateral agreement with the occupying state and its operation in the region without the opinion of a third party undermined its credibility.

During the first period of activity of the EU Mission, Azerbaijan thought that Armenia would be emboldened by this and resort to provocations on the border - and this assumption was reflected in reality.

If we look at the situation on the border in the last few months, we can note that Armenia has caused many provocations and at best fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani army.

As for the result, it is clear once again that the EU Mission in Armenia plays an important role in encouraging Armenia in provocations rather than monitoring. The mission team, without weapons, seems to be the architect of a game that is actually more dangerous than weapons.

The European Union has begun to expand the Mission's mandate a bit further without any basic or necessary circumstances. Peter Stano, the Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union, known for his biased claims, said this in his recent statement. At the same time, his statement did not escape the attention of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan. Peter Stano's unfounded opinions about the mandate of the EUMA and the militarization of Armenia were strongly criticized by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in response to the question of Armenia's "Armenpress" news agency. In his statement, the EU official interpreted the views of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan incorrectly and with obvious bias.

Today, the state of Azerbaijan is concerned about the activities of the EUMA and has reasons for its concern. The mission supposedly promotes peace with its activities, but in reality, it supports the provocative activities of Armenia and, when appropriate, makes biased accusations against Azerbaijan with its non-objective approach. The head of the EU Mission has repeatedly voiced opinions that Azerbaijan is preparing for any attack, based on the false and slanderous claims of the Armenian side. While drawing conclusions from today's observations, it is once again clear that the Mission's main task is to undermine the normalization process by comprehensively supporting Armenia against Azerbaijan.

Standing by a state that has occupied Azerbaijani territories for 30 years, defending it in its provocative activities against Azerbaijan, and presenting itself as a neutral organization exposes the hypocritical activity of the EU under the guise of peace. Considering that the military support of the European Union and the West to Armenia has been steadily increasing in the last year, we should not be surprised that the European Union Mission in Armenia hinders peace that is needed in the South Caucasus.

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Elnur Enveroglu is AzerNews deputy editor-in-chief, follow him on @ElnurMammadli1

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
30 September 2024 13:23 (UTC+04:00)

By Farman Aydin, AzerNEWS

Although the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) operates as a parliamentary branch of the Council of Europe, an international organisation of 46 states engaged in the protection of human rights, democracy, and the rule of law, certain inadequacies are evident, especially in terms of its relations with Azerbaijan.

It should be recalled that this inadequacy resulted in the indefinite suspension of the cooperation of the Azerbaijani delegation with the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe and its participation in the organisation. It was on January 24 of this year that the Azerbaijani delegation made a statement in this regard, and since that time, Azerbaijan is not represented in PACE.

Well, based on the statement of the Azerbaijani side, it can be noted that since the period when Azerbaijan regained its independence after 1991, it has rendered great services in ensuring human rights and the rule of law. However, the biassed action of PACE against Azerbaijan, the calls of the European MPs about not accepting the credentials of the members of the Azerbaijani delegation, as well as the baseless statements made in a row, made the "Assembly, which is a defender of human rights" unreliable in the eyes of the official Baku.

The claim put forward by the Assembly was that official Baku did not fulfil its "main obligations". However, double standards and biassed claims of pro-Armenian politicians against Azerbaijan were clearly reflected behind the resolution put forward by PACE regarding the demand.

After September 2023, the European Parliament and PACE, as well as a number of Western institutions, started a number of biassed activities against Azerbaijan, such as black PR and smearing campaigns. Among the activists of such campaigns, the head of the German delegation to the PACE, German MP Frank Schwabe, was at the forefront with his anti-Turkish and anti-Azerbaijani position.

Schwabe, who was declared persona non grata by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan, further damaged the reputation of the human rights organisation he represented by defending Armenians. The German politician, who tried to unjustly blame Azerbaijan, which has restored its territorial integrity and sovereignty, interfered in Azerbaijan's internal affairs in a manner inconsistent with its authority and grossly violated the rules of law.

Azerbaijan's historic victory over Armenian separatism created a severe trauma for biassed politicians like Schwabe. In fact, PACE, as an institution acting as a defender of human rights, instead of discussing the 30-year occupation of Armenia and the vandalism and human crimes it committed in Garabagh, discussed trivial issues related to the arrest of criminals and created useless arguments. Certainly, the anti-Azerbaijani politicians represented in the organisation made ground for this.

From today, PACE starts the autumn session for five days, but Azerbaijan is not represented in that session. PACE still cannot get out of the influence of Armenian separatism, which committed crimes in Garabagh for 30 years. This undermines the trust of the organisation day by day. It is clear that PACE wants to restore Azerbaijan's mandate in the assembly and is trying to take steps in this regard, albeit in a timid form. However, the pressure exerted by the organizations under the influence of the Armenian lobby neutralises the determination of PACE.

As an example, let us note that the recent meeting on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York between the Secretary General of the Council of Europe Alain Berset and Azerbaijans Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov was followed by a petition from a dozen international human rights organizations addressed to Berset demanding that he set clear requirements for Baku.

It is clear that the petition emphasises the possibility of restoring Azerbaijan's relations with PACE if the so-called conditions are met.

Azerbaijan is unambiguously unchanging in its position. Official Baku, unlike some organisations, does not change its colour as a result of external influences. PACE knows that Azerbaijan is right in its position and therefore envisages the January 2025 session as the date for the restoration of relations.

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30 September 2024 16:22 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan has rapidly positioned itself as a must-see destination for travel enthusiasts, reflecting substantial growth in its tourism sector. This surge was visible during the recent Formula 1 race, and with the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP29) slated for November, the country is set to further solidify its reputation as a global tourism hub.

Azerbaijan has rapidly established a highly developed tourism industry, emerging as a frontrunner in the Caspian region. The country proudly hosts a multitude of five-star hotels, high-class recreation areas and restaurants, mountain and balneological resorts, and modern airports in various regions. With a robust recreational infrastructure, streamlined visa procedures, and affordable travel options, Azerbaijan achieved a historic milestone in 2019 by welcoming a record 3.2 million foreign tourists, setting an all-time high for the country. Historically known for its oil production, Azerbaijan has shifted its focus towards tourism as a key component of its non-oil economy, recognising its long-term potential as a significant source of foreign exchange earnings.

Notably, this year, the development of new tourist destinations, the liberalisation of visa procedures with several countries, and the initial steps in tapping into the recreational potential of the Garabagh region.

According to the State Statistics Committee of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in the first seven months of 2024, the growth in inbound tourism accelerated further, with a 31.4% increase compared to the same period last year. Russia continues to dominate the incoming segment, with over 630,000 Russian tourists visiting Azerbaijan in 2023 and 360,000 in the first half of 2024a 20% increase year-on-year. Turkiye holds the second spot, accounting for 16.5% of total inbound tourism, followed by India, which saw a 2.5-fold increase in travellers. Iran and Saudi Arabia round out the top five, contributing 8.3% and 4.2% to the total, respectively.

The current tourist season has proven exceptionally favourable for expanding Azerbaijan's tourism ties with various countries, including distant regions. According to the State Statistics Committee, from January to July, the number of visitors from Persian Gulf countries reached 258.8 thousand, marking a 39.6% increase. Meanwhile, arrivals from European Union countries grew by 28%, and from CIS countries by 20.5%. In addition, for information, the "Socio-Economic Development Strategy of Azerbaijan for 2022-2026" formulates the task to increase the share of tourism in the country's non-oil GDP by 1.5 times compared to 2019, increasing the share of industry revenues by an additional 20 percent over the next four years. According to the calculations of the State Tourism Agency of Azerbaijan, in the medium term, the inbound tourist flow in the country is planned to reach 4 million people, and domestic tourism indicators - up to 6 million people.

An exciting initiative supporting this growth is the launch of the "Tourist Village" project. In cooperation with the State Tourism Agency and the State Employment Agency, this project seeks to support tourism activities in rural villages with high tourism potential. The goal is to create alternative accommodation for both local and foreign tourists while improving the well-being of local communities and family farms involved in tourism. Initially, 20 guest houses in the Laza village of the Gusar region, as well as Ilisu and Saribash villages of the Gakh region, will be equipped as part of the "Agrotourism" initiative. This project also aligns with the broader goals outlined in the "2022-2026 Socio-Economic Development Strategy."

So given this context, as mentioned above, with the upcoming COP29 event in November bringing an anticipated 80,000 foreign visitors, a record-breaking milestone is indeed on the horizon.

Of course, the anticipated numbers might raise questions such as, How ready is the country?

Well, in order to enhance the quality of service within the hospitality sector, recent efforts have focused on expediting the certification process and awarding stars to hotels, alongside initiatives to improve the qualifications of hotel staff. A key strategic direction has been the attraction of global hotel brands and the encouragement of local hoteliers to invest in the country's regions. In that regard, the Azerbaijan State Tourism Agency (ASTA) has been focused on showcasing the countrys diverse tourism opportunities in many countries, such as Kyrgyzstan, Japan, the UAE, Turkiye, the USA, and so on. Its also important to note that, the country's hotel infrastructure has seen an impressive eightfold increase in the number of hotels and hotel-like facilities for the first time in almost a decade. Now the total numbers are approximately 757 establishments with 56,562 beds.

As COP29 hosts, there is another objective ahead, which is the enhancement of green tourism. So, to bolster "green" tourism, Azerbaijan has established a network of national parks, with plans for more and offers equestrian, hiking, and mountaineering routes in the scenic mountain forests of the Greater Caucasus. Notably, Azerbaijan is home to 350 active mud volcanoes, a rare natural phenomenon. As a record-breaking achievement on the horizon, we can assure, that this hidden gem of a travel destination is yet to prove and rise even more!

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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30 September 2024 19:57 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The Second Garabagh War in 2020 triggered many changes in the South Caucasus. Following Azerbaijan's decisive victory, Armenia's shift towards the West and attempts to become a clear French colony, particularly the arrival of the European Union's observation mission in the region, brought numerous issues with it.

Although the EU's observation mission in Armenia promised to bring peace and tranquillity during its initial arrival, its activities in the South Caucasus have revealed that these promises were false. The mission, which was supposed to conclude in 2022, is still ongoing and has remained silent in the face of numerous provocations by Armenia against Azerbaijan.

The mission currently has nearly 1,500 observers, yet no one knows what they are doing. Considering that Azerbaijan's position has not been taken into account regarding the commencement of long-term activities, it would be misleading to claim that this mission is impartial.

So, what is the EU's observation mission doing in the South Caucasus?

In a comment on the issue for Azernews, political scientist Turab Rzayev stated that the fact that the mission is not causing problems at the moment does not mean it wont cause issues in the future.

This observation mission does not currently pose a specific problem for us, but that does not mean it wont create problems for us in the future. Additionally, we cannot fully ascertain what this mission is currently engaged in. It is likely conducting some documentation processes. However, we do not see the direction of these documents. We may witness documentation being conducted against Azerbaijan over the years.

The expert noted that the reports might distort information and reflect false narratives.

For example, Azerbaijan could be depicted as the aggressor in reports, and there could be documentation against Azerbaijan in ceasefire violations, which the international community and the Western public might try to exploit against Azerbaijan in the future.

Turab Rzayev touched on the missions illegal activities since its inception in the South Caucasus.

A mission that was initially two months long and comprised only 40 people has now been unlawfully extended for more than two years. At the same time, the number of members keeps increasing. There are observation and meeting points, and offices there. Among these objects are both retired and active military personnel. For instance, it is known that 70-80 members of the French Gendarmerie are present here. The Gendarmerie is related to the French Ministry of Defense, meaning it is part of the military. If this is a civilian mission, what are police or military personnel doing there?

The expert particularly deemed it absurd that representatives from Canada are part of the European mission.

We see individuals representing Canada here. We know that Canada is not an EU country. So, what are individuals from Canada or the US doing here?

The political scientist discussed the unnecessary extension of the mission's duration.

Another issue is the extension of the missions timeline. The mission, which has more than a thousand active individuals, has even exceeded its two-year period. Yet, we still witness the preservation of the missions existence.

This raises the question: What are you doing there? The mission must provide precise reports to the Azerbaijani side and present its findings. Just because these individuals are not currently engaged in military activities does not mean they will not participate in any provocations or military operations in the future or take on roles such as advisors or military engineers. No one can guarantee that.

This mission has shown enough disrespect to the Azerbaijani side. At the very least, it should fulfil the demands of the Azerbaijani government and share information with us, T. Rzayev concluded.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

@fatimalatifova

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1 October 2024 08:30 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Azerbaijan is stepping up as a key player in the global fight against climate change, taking on the role of chair for COP29, which will be hosted in Baku this November. With climate change posing a significant threat to humanity, the country is preparing to address unresolved issues from previous conferences and is focused on achieving a new climate financing agreement. Expectations are high as world leaders gather to discuss critical financial commitments aimed at bolstering efforts in both developed and developing nations.

Regarding expectations for the COP event to be hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee and member of the Milli Majlis ( Parliament of Azerbaijan), stated in an interview with Azertac that the main focus of this conference will be reaching an agreement on a new financial commitment.

"The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a new funding amount for climate action that developed countries will provide to developing countries. While the previous target of $100 billion in climate finance was due by 2020, this was reportedly only achieved in 2022," said Parvana Valiyeva.

She noted that the primary goal of the Parties at COP29 will be to determine this new funding amount, adding that the current financial goal of $100 billion is insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to address the challenges faced by the countries most affected by climate change.

So what is climate finance?

Climate finance refers to the financial resources provided to support climate-related projects and initiatives, particularly in developing countries. This funding aims to help these nations mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It can come from various sources, including governments, international financial institutions, and private sector investments.

Importance of climate finance:

Effective climate finance is essential for enabling sustainable development and achieving global climate targets. It supports technology transfer, capacity building, and the implementation of climate action plans that align with the Paris Agreement.

According to Parvana Valiyeva, the climate finance goal should be increased.

"This goal should be significantly raised to at least $500 billion, or even $1 trillion. The world community expects this from developed countries, and serious work needs to be done in this area," she said.

Ms. Valiyeva emphasized that the G7 and, to some extent, the G20 countries must understand their responsibilities in this matter: "These countries must make appropriate decisions and reach a consensus."

But what would happen if this target were actually increased to, say, $1 trillion?

If the climate finance target is increased to $1 trillion, several potential outcomes and implications could arise:

Enhanced support for developing countries

Increased capacity: Developing nations would have significantly more resources to invest in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Improved adaptation: More funding could enhance efforts to adapt to climate impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, thereby reducing vulnerability.

Accelerated global climate action

Faster transition to renewables: With more resources, countries could accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, contributing to global emissions reductions.

Innovative solutions: Increased funding could drive innovation in climate technologies and practices, fostering a more sustainable economy.

Strengthened international cooperation

Global collaboration: A higher funding target may necessitate greater cooperation among countries, leading to more collaborative projects and shared technologies.

Equity and justice: This move could address climate equity, acknowledging the responsibility of developed countries to support those most affected by climate change.

Challenges in implementation

Funding mechanisms: There would need to be clear and effective mechanisms for distributing this funding to ensure it reaches the intended projects and communities.

Accountability and oversight: Increased funding could lead to greater scrutiny regarding how funds are used, necessitating strong governance frameworks.

Potential economic impacts

Economic growth: Investment in green technologies and infrastructure could stimulate job creation and economic growth in both developed and developing countries.

Market shifts: A significant increase in climate finance could shift investment trends, encouraging private sector involvement and driving the development of sustainable markets.

Political and public pressure

Expectations on developed countries: Increased targets would put pressure on developed nations to fulfill their commitments, potentially affecting international relations and negotiations.

Public support: Greater visibility and public awareness of climate finance needs could drive advocacy and demand for action from governments and businesses.

Raising the climate finance target to $1 trillion could fundamentally reshape global climate action, providing essential resources for adaptation and mitigation efforts. However, it would also require robust mechanisms to ensure effective and equitable use of funds, fostering accountability and international cooperation.

Parvana Valiyeva noted that Azerbaijan, as the chair of COP29, is making every effort to reach an agreement on new climate financing goals and to achieve results based on consensus.

"Azerbaijan's COP29 Presidency is striving to reach an agreement on climate finance between developed and developing countries, and to achieve results based on consensus. The COP29 Presidency is calling on developed countries and international financial institutions to take action and is working continuously to support this goal. Additionally, regular and constructive meetings are being held with the Parties, international organizations, and other interested stakeholders."

As an example, she mentioned that informal consultations were held with heads of delegations in Azerbaijan from July 25-28, 2024, to discuss key issues on the COP29 agenda.

It should be emphasized that addressing the needs of developing small island states is a priority for Azerbaijan, as these countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Despite their limited influence on climate change itself, they bear the brunt of its worst consequences.

President Ilham Aliyev stated in his speech that solving the challenges posed by climate change for developing small island states will be among Azerbaijans priorities as COP29 chair.

"We plan to hold the Small Island Developing States Summit during COP in Baku. We will do everything we can to ensure that the voices of small island developing states are heard loud and clear. I call on all countries during COP29 to make maximum efforts to reach an agreement that meets the needs and priorities of small island developing states," President Aliyev said.

Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, also emphasized this issue. "The COP29 Presidency attaches special importance to the problems faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which suffer the most from the negative effects of climate change. Azerbaijan's support for them is highly appreciated by the international community," she added.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan has already demonstrated its support for addressing the damages caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters in several developing small island states. Azerbaijan will allocate funds for technical assistance programs through the United Nations, which represents 33 small island developing states, as well as other international organizations. The Republic will also support the participation of Small Island Developing States in COP29.

Parvana Valiyeva also mentioned that Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29 has been recognized by the international community.

The Future Pact was recently adopted as a key outcome of the Future Summit held in New York on September 22-23. This document outlines the main directions for countries' activities in the coming years and includes a specific paragraph on COP29.

She cited the views of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding COP29 as examples.

" A number of heads of state and government referred to COP29 in their speeches both at the Summit of the Future and during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that COP29 is approaching and stated that the outcome of the event should be a new climate finance target. President Erdogan highlighted that financial and technological exchange, along with capacity building, are crucial for supporting developing countries in the context of climate change. He believes that COP29 in Azerbaijan will contribute to addressing these issues."

Parvana Valiyeva pointed out that during the session, developing countries called for an increase in climate financing from the current target of $100 billion during COP29 in Azerbaijan: "Additionally, the Maldives, Marshall Islands, Great Britain, Belgium, Monaco, Kenya, Fiji, and other countries referenced COP29 in their speeches in New York."

This demonstrates the significance of COP29 as a historic event and underscores Azerbaijan's leading role in combating climate change, one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, she added. Valiyeva quoted the head of state: "President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that developed and developing countries should contribute to the solution of climate problems within their capabilities, rather than blaming each other for climate change. While our country is working towards achieving a historic agreement in Baku, the success of the Baku Agreement requires the joint efforts and constructive participation of all Parties. All parties have a collective responsibility in this matter."

She stated that COP29 calls on the international community to reach a consensus on the ambitious new climate finance goal, noting that if a consensus is not reached in Baku, it will negatively impact the future of climate negotiations.

"As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized, our country will spare no effort during COP29 to create a bridge between developed and developing countries, to reach consensus, and to ensure the success of COP29," she concluded.

In conclusion, as Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, it stands at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change, advocating for increased financial commitments from developed countries. The importance of climate finance cannot be overstated, as it is essential for supporting vulnerable nations and fostering global cooperation. The discussions in Baku will be pivotal in shaping future climate policies and commitments. With the potential to raise the climate finance target to $1 trillion, the outcomes of COP29 could significantly influence the trajectory of global climate action. Collaboration and consensus among all parties are crucial for success, underscoring the collective responsibility to address one of the most significant challenges facing our planet today.

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Nazrin Abdul is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: Nazrin

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 October 2024 13:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Gabil Ashirov

Jingoist Armenian nationalists go the extra mile to axe the peace process between Azerbaijan and Armenia, which has never been so close to the deal. The revanchist clique is trying every possible way to achieve its goals without taking any lessons from the past humiliating defeats in 2020 and 2023. They still believe that proliferating lies could save them at the end of the day  the lies that we know as fabrications of ostensible so-called genocides, Armenian pogroms, and Armenophobia in Azerbaijan, but at the end of the day, the truth was revealed, and the justice was restored.

Deprived of all possible resources, Armenians are now engaged in spreading baseless materials and disinformation on the Western media about the destruction of the so-called Armenian cultural heritage, which never existed.

It is clear that the material was prepared and circulated with reference to the same centre, which transmits to all media in the form of a thesis. Press agencies, which receive orders from only one centre controlled by the Armenian lobby, print the materials in a standardized way without any different research.

However, the media outlet in the Netherlands went further to compare Azerbaijan, a country famous for its multiculturalism, with ISIS. Besides, Azerbaijan has not only taken care of cultural heritage in the country but also sponsored the restoration of historic buildings throughout the world including Europe. So, I condemn the rhetoric of nos.nl and advise them to go through the colonial history of the Netherlands instead of conducting a smearing campaign against Azerbaijan.

As for the starkly distorted article, it reminds me of the style of the Anti-Tom literature series. Like the said series, the lies are so blunt that the author cannot hide them despite all his/her efforts. Generally, we can divide the cultural heritages mentioned in the article into three groups.

The first and most ridiculous cultural heritages are the buildings belonging to the terrorist and separatist group that called itself NKR. It is interesting: "In which country are the symbols of separatists and invaders preserved as cultural heritages?" Even today, after 160 years, the Confederate Flag is prohibited in the USA. Besides, does the Netherlands preserve the symbols of the Nazis, who invaded the country in the 1940s, as cultural heritage? Surely, not. If neither the USA nor the Netherlands allows displaying the symbols of separatism and invasion why should Azerbaijan preserve them as cultural heritage? If it is normal, let the Netherlands do it first.

The second cultural heritages mentioned in the so-called article are churches that were built during the invasion. Frankly speaking, as a citizen of Azerbaijan, I have never been interested in the fate of any edifice built in Garabagh during the invasion. That is why we do not know whether they have been deconstructed or not. But here arises a question: "Can anyone construct, for example, a mosque without permission in any part of the Netherlands? Or what does the Dutch government do against such illegal constructions?" Again, we are coming to the same point. i.e. some people in the Netherlands are thinking that Azerbaijan cannot do the things which can do the Netherlands. Let me remind you that Azerbaijan is not a colony of the Netherlands. Azerbaijan has the right to do everything according to national and international laws.

The third and last cultural heritage mentioned in the article is the churches built in the Middle Ages. Obviously, the issue is a little bit complicated. To understand the point, we should leaf through the pages of history.

So, the first country in the territory of the present Azerbaijan was Albania. The said country kept its existence until the Arab invasions. Albania was the first to recognize Christianity as a religion of the state. Present Garabag was the strategic territory of Albania and the country built many churches in the region. Even the first church assembly in the said country, which is called Aquen Church Assembly, was conducted in Garabagh. Anyone can google and find out the truth. However, the Arab invasion ended this state and the population converted to Islam. Despite the Islamization of the country, the Albanian church with its tiny community kept its existence in Garabagh. After the Arabs, the Armenian Church eyed the Albanian Church. The struggle between the two churches continued until the Russian invasion in the XIX century. As is known, following the invasion of the Caucasus, Tsar Russia settled Armenians from Iran and Ottoman in Azerbaijani territories. In mid of the 1830s, the head of the Armenian Church applied the Russian Tsar on the issue. Russian Tsar not only abolished the Albanian Church but also dispersed the Albanian community in Garabagh throughout Azerbaijan.

In a nutshell, Armenia erased the Albanian heritage after usurping the Albanian Church in Garabagh. Azerbaijan restored the Albanian Church in the 2000s and after the 44-day Patriotic War, Azerbaijan restored justice and returned the magnificence of the Albanian churches to itself, to their lawful heirs, in Garabagh - first to the community and then to all Azerbaijanis who are progenies of Albans.

So, the destruction of any cultural heritage in liberated Garabagh is out of the question. It is just a provocation of Armenian jingoist nationalists. Azerbaijan was, is, and will be a multicultural country. All people regardless of their nationality and religion are living and will live in peace forever.

The opinions of outside forces are not important to us. We are neither interested nor worried about their untrue opinions about Azerbaijan. As the proverb says, the dogs bark but the caravan moves on.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
1 October 2024 16:51 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

Digital development in today's world brings not only advancements but also new threatschief among them is the rise of cybercrime, which has emerged as one of the most pressing issues of our time. This modern form of crime transcends borders, highlighting the need for a collaborative approach in combating it. To effectively tackle cybercrime, countries must unite in their efforts, sharing resources and strategies to safeguard against this pervasive threat.

What is cybersecurity?

Cybersecurity refers to the measures taken to protect computers, networks, and data from unauthorized access, attacks, damage, or theft. As our reliance on digital infrastructure grows, so too does the frequency and sophistication of cyberattacks. These threats can come from various sources, including hackers, cybercriminals, aiming to access, alter, or destroy sensitive information or disrupt operations.

Key components of cybersecurity

1. Network security - Network security involves protecting the integrity, confidentiality, and accessibility of computer networks. This includes implementing firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and secure network configurations to guard against unauthorized access and attacks.

2. Application security - Applications are often the target of cyberattacks. Application security encompasses measures to protect software and applications throughout their development and deployment. Techniques include secure coding practices, regular updates, and penetration testing to identify and remediate vulnerabilities.

3. Information security - This aspect focuses on safeguarding sensitive data from unauthorized access and breaches. Information security involves encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention strategies to ensure that data remains confidential and intact.

4. Operational security - Operational security involves the processes and decisions for handling and protecting data. This includes risk assessments, incident response planning, and adherence to security policies and procedures to minimize risks associated with daily operations.

The importance of cybersecurity

Cybersecurity is vital for several reasons:

- Protecting sensitive information: Organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive data, including personal information, financial records, and intellectual property. Breaches can lead to significant financial losses and reputational damage.

- Maintaining trust: Customers and stakeholders expect that their data will be handled securely. A single breach can erode trust and lead to customer attrition.

- Regulatory compliance: Many industries are subject to strict regulations regarding data protection. Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal consequences.

- Safeguarding infrastructure: Critical infrastructure, such as healthcare, energy, and transportation, relies on secure systems. Cyberattacks targeting these sectors can have dire consequences for public safety and national security.

Azerbaijan is making significant strides in the fight against cybercrime.

President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev addressed the issues of cybercrime in his speech to participants of the 29th Annual Conference of the International Prosecutors Association (IPA) held in Baku.

"The emergence of new forms and manifestations of cross-border criminality, including new types of cybercrime, the use of social media platforms, and the opportunities created by artificial intelligence for criminal and terrorist purposes pose new and complex challenges to prosecution authorities," the President stated.

The "International Cyber Security Days" (ICSD) conference is regularly held in the capital, Baku. The 4th conference, which began on September 19 of this year, was attended by local and foreign specialists working in the field of cybersecurity, as well as individuals responsible for this area in state institutions, private enterprises, and organizations.

The conference is dedicated to the theme of "Cyber Security for the Green Economy," organized jointly by the State Service of Special Communication and Information Security of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the "PROSOL" company.

At the event, Tural Mammadov, head of the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security, highlighted an important issue.

He announced that the State Service will soon begin simulating cyber attacks across all state institutions.

"For several years, we have been implementing the Cyber Hygiene project in our country. There are two main directions here. One involves preparing an information security calendar and organizing seminars based on it.

The other direction is the implementation of the Cyber Hygiene pilot project. This project has now entered a new phase, transitioning from hands-on learning to a reactive learning method.

We plan to assess responses by simulating cyber attacks in all government institutions in the near future. With this method, we aim to enhance their learning skills and reaction abilities," said T. Mammadov.

To further enhance international cooperation in cybersecurity, Baku hosted the region's first international conference on Cyber Diplomacy on September 25. This landmark event brought together diplomatic representatives, cyber ambassadorsa new diplomatic role in several countriesand key global stakeholders to discuss the vital role of diplomacy in information security.

During the conference, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between the State Service for Special Communication and Information Security (XRITDX), the Institute for Development and Diplomacy, and Romania's National Research and Development Institute for Informatics (ICI Bucharest).

The memorandum establishes the Twinning Center for Cyber Diplomacy in Azerbaijan, aimed at promoting research, education, and skills enhancement in this crucial field. The center seeks to foster international collaboration in cyber diplomacy, information security, and digital governance through various research and educational initiatives.

According to the agreement, XRITDX will provide administrative and strategic support for the Twinning Center's activities, including the involvement of trainers for skill development. The Institute for Development and Diplomacy will facilitate joint scientific publications, academic cooperation, and training sessions on cyber diplomacy. Meanwhile, ICI Bucharest will contribute to the development and implementation of research and educational programs, coordinate joint projects, and facilitate the exchange of expertise in cyber diplomacy at the Twinning Center.

These initiatives underscore Azerbaijan's commitment to strengthening its cybersecurity framework and enhancing its role on the global stage in combating cyber threats. In an era where digital advancement brings both opportunity and risk, Azerbaijan is positioning itself as a proactive leader in the global fight against cybercrime. Through initiatives like the "International Cyber Security Days" conference and the establishment of the Twinning Center for Cyber Diplomacy, the country is not only addressing the pressing challenges of cyber threats but also fostering international cooperation and knowledge sharing. As cybercrime continues to evolve, Azerbaijan's commitment to enhancing its cybersecurity framework and promoting research and education is essential for safeguarding sensitive information, maintaining public trust, and ensuring the security of critical infrastructure. These efforts reflect a broader understanding that combating cyber threats requires a united approach, emphasizing the importance of collaboration among nations and organizations in this digital age.

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Nazrin Abdul is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: Nazrin

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2024 15:43 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with Belarusian Foreign Minister Maxim Ryzhenkov during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports.

The sides discussed the multiple facets of the strategic partnership between Azerbaijan and Belarus.

Both ministers conveyed their satisfaction with the current state of cooperation and stressed the necessity of maintaining high-level meetings and political dialogue to explore new cooperation opportunities and enhance the partnership.

They underscored the important role of dialogue between the leaders of both nations in furthering Azerbaijan-Belarus relations, and positively reflected on the historic visit of the President of Belarus to Azerbaijan's liberated territories. Such interactions were deemed vital for assessing the future of their friendship and collaboration.

The conversation also highlighted the potential for cooperation across various economic sectors, especially in trade and investment, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on these opportunities.

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Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
29 September 2024 19:34 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's national air carrier, AZAL, is launching a campaign in honour of Tourism Workers' Day, celebrated on September 29. The campaign, under the slogan TURIST OLMAGIN VAXTIDIR! (TIME TO BECOME A TOURIST!), runs from September 29 to 30, 2024.

Passengers can use the promo code TOURIST29 on AZAL's official website or mobile application to receive a 29% discount on all regular international flights. This discount applies to economy class fares and excludes taxes and fees.

The campaign is valid from September 29 to 30, 2024, with a flight period between October 1 and December 25, 2024.

Tickets can be booked on the airline's official website www.azal.az and via the mobile app. The AZAL mobile application can be downloaded from the link: https://bit.ly/azal-app.

AZAL offers a wide range of destinations. Enjoy the opportunity to book your air tickets at special rates!

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30 September 2024 11:16 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

During the International Forum on Carbon Pricing held in Baku, Orkhan Nazarli, Head of the State Tax Service under the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, met with Margaret Cotton, Deputy Division Chief, Revenue Administration II, Fiscal Affairs Department, International Monetary Fund, Azernews reports.

At the meeting, Nazarli emphasized Azerbaijans commitment to expanding relations with the IMF. He noted the importance of the IMFs support for various projects aimed at improving the business environment and fostering public-private sector partnerships.

The forum, co-organized by the Organization of Intra-European Tax Administrations (IOTA) and Azerbaijans State Tax Service, was highlighted as a significant platform for discussing critical issues. A key topic discussed was the support for the "green" economy and the acceleration of the transition to low-carbon business solutions, which is a primary focus for many countries. In this context, implementing decarbonization efforts while maintaining economic stability and promoting fairness in the business environment is of great interest to the international community. The importance of investigating carbon pricing and tax mechanisms was also underlined.

Nazarli shared that Azerbaijans tax authorities have been conducting analyses and studying international practices in this area. The discussion also included the potential for strengthening partnerships with the IMF, focusing on applying tax instruments to foster a sustainable and competitive economy, improving the business environment, and enhancing public-private sector cooperation.

The parties exchanged views on the priorities for future cooperation, the progress made in promoting international relations between tax authorities, and upcoming prospective projects.

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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30 September 2024 13:02 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan is taking significant steps in the energy transition process, according to Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, who spoke at the "Baku Climate Action Week," Azernews reports.

"One of the 14 key initiatives included in the action agenda of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) is the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund (CFAF). We believe this fund can play an important role in addressing the existing gaps in climate finance. The capital for the fund is expected to come mainly from fossil fuel-producing countries and companies involved in oil, gas, and coal production," Jabbarov said.

He emphasized the importance of investing in climate action for developing countries and small island states, highlighting Azerbaijan's belief that resource-rich nations should take the lead in combating climate change. "This initiative could have significant benefits in bridging the gaps in climate finance. With an initial capital raising of US$1 billion and at least 10 donor countries joining the fund, we believe this will be a key topic of discussion at COP29," the minister added.

Jabbarov also addressed the pressing need to develop a "green economy" in response to global climate changes, decreasing natural resources, and increasing demand. He warned of the potential economic consequences of climate change: "According to the calculations of the World Bank, as a result of the effects of climate change, global GDP will decrease by 1.5-5% annually until 2050. Climate change disrupts the ecological balance and negatively affects biodiversity. These factors once again emphasize the importance of taking urgent measures to mitigate the wide-ranging effects of climate change."

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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30 September 2024 13:41 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Azerbaijan's diverse tourism potential was highlighted at the "Tourism Expo Japan 2024," held in Tokyo from September 26-29.

According to Azernews, the State Tourism Agency organized Azerbaijan's participation to foster knowledge exchange and collaboration with international tourism experts.

The expo aimed to promote Azerbaijans cultural, natural, health, and business tourism, alongside its winemaking traditions and gastronomy. Representatives from the Azerbaijan Tourism Bureau met with the Association of Japan Travel Agencies and key tourism agencies, discussing future cooperation.

Azerbaijan's Ambassador to Japan, Gursel Ismayilzade, also visited the national stand at the expo. In the first eight months of this year, visitors from Japan to Azerbaijan increased by more than 60% compared to the same period last year.

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1 October 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The second day of the international conference, held within the framework of the Action Week on Climate Change, is taking place in Baku, Azernews reports.

The Week of Action will be held for the first time in Baku from September 30 to October 4, 2024.

This event will lay the foundation for the climate agenda of COP29, which will take place in Baku in November.

The Week of Action on Climate Change has brought together key stakeholders from various fields, including politics, finance, trade, investment, science, art, culture, society, and the media.

The main themes of the event are "energy transition," "cities and urbanization," "water security," "food and agriculture," "small and medium enterprises," and "green skills."

The first half of the week (September 30 to October 2) will be dedicated to climate solutions involving government agencies, academia, and the private sector. In the second half (October 3-4), the focus will shift to science, education, art, culture, and other fields.

Many events will be organized in different parts of the city as part of the Climate Change Action Week.

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1 October 2024 10:43 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved the allocation of a $47 million loan to Azerbaijan for the implementation of the digital transformation project of Azerbaijan Railways CJSC (ADY), Azernews reports citing ADY.

The loan funds will help Azerbaijan digitize its railway system and increase the safety, reliability, and efficiency of the countrys railway networks.

The project also aims to support the digitization of ADYs core processes, including rail transport management, asset management, investment planning, and the customer data processing system, as well as corporate functions.

"The modernized and digital railway system will support Azerbaijan's main role in connecting the economies of East and Central Asia with the Caucasus and Europe. We are pleased to support this initiative, which will help Azerbaijan maximize its strong potential as a trade and communication hub," said Yevgeny Zhukov, Director General of ADB's Central and West Asia Regional Department.

ADB believes that digitization is crucial for increasing operational efficiency and competitiveness, and for fully exploiting Azerbaijan's role in regional transit corridors. It will also improve ADYs operational and financial performance through optimized data management, asset management, and overall rail operations.

It should be noted that since Azerbaijan joined the ADB in 1999, the bank has allocated more than $5 billion to support sovereign and private projects in sectors such as transport, energy, health, and agriculture. The membership of the bank, which was established in 1966, includes 68 countries, 49 of which are from the region.

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1 October 2024 11:48 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

Climate change challenges pose not only a threat to the agricultural sector but also an opportunity to create more sustainable, efficient, and modern agricultural systems for future generations, said Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, Azernews reports.

Speaking on the second day of Baku Climate Action Week, Mammadov emphasized the impact of climate change on agriculture, stating, "The agricultural sector is one of the areas directly affected by climate change. Azerbaijan is carrying out large-scale reforms to address this effect. The efficient management of water resources and land use is central to these reforms."

Highlighting the countrys goals, the minister noted that supporting farmers through modern technologies and sustainable resource management is a priority.

"Innovative approaches and modern technologies play an important role in the fight against climate change. In this context, Azerbaijan is modernizing irrigation systems, creating more efficient water use opportunities for farmers, and investing in renewable energy sources," Mammadov said.

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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1 October 2024 15:19 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Ministry of Energy hosted the latest meeting of the Working Group on the coordination and monitoring of green technologies and energy efficiency in Azerbaijan's liberated territories, Azernews reports.

Chairing the meeting, Minister of Energy Parviz Shahbazov emphasized the important steps taken towards establishing a green energy zone in the liberated areas, in line with President Ilham Aliyevs directives. Shahbazov also outlined the strategic goals set in this field.

The meetings agenda included reports on progress in using renewable energy in Garabagh and East Zangazur, as well as the implementation of decisions from the previous meeting. Monitoring results on green technology and energy efficiency were reviewed, alongside discussions on heat supply systems for multi-apartment buildings.

Proposals for rooftop solar panels and energy charging points in restored towns and villages were considered. Participants agreed to address deficiencies identified during monitoring and ensure further actions are implemented according to schedule.

In addition to state institutions, representatives from the Presidents office, "Recovery Construction and Management Service," "Azerigas", and the Shusha City State Reserve Administration were present at the meeting.

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1 October 2024 15:36 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The Baku Harmony Climate Initiative is set to become an annual event, according to Azerbaijan's Minister of Agriculture, Majnun Mammadov, in a statement to journalists, Azernews reports.

Mammadov explained that the main goal of the initiative is to raise farmers' awareness of climate change and unify global efforts for coordinated action.

"We are thinking of turning it into an annual event. Since climate change affects the agricultural sector the most, it is at the heart of this initiative farmers stand. Regardless of what steps we take, farmers will implement it in the field," he said.

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Akbar Novruz is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @ykwiua

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1 October 2024 15:00 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The creation of joint enterprises between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia was a key topic of discussion during a recent meeting, according to Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov, who shared the information on his "X" account, Azernews reports.

"We were pleased to welcome the delegation from Saudi Arabia to our country. We discussed the promotion of bilateral investments and trade relations, the creation of joint ventures, and the possibility of Saudi investors participating as residents in Azerbaijan's industrial parks," Jabbarov displayed.

We were delighted to host the delegation from #SaudiArabia in our country.



During our discussions, we focused on enhancing bilateral #investment and #trade relations, explored the potential for establishing joint ventures, and discussed the possibility of Saudi investors joining pic.twitter.com/EAmF6gXnb9  Mikayil Jabbarov (@MikayilJabbarov) October 1, 2024

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1 October 2024 16:32 (UTC+04:00)

Akbar Novruz Read more

The inaugural Azerbaijan Halal Business and Tourism Forum (AZHAB Forum) will be held in Baku on October 8-9, according to the Small and Medium Business Development Agency (SBA), Azernews reports.

The two-day forum aims to foster new partnerships in investment and trade, facilitate the exchange of ideas and experience, and promote foreign investment in Azerbaijan. The event will feature a conference and an exhibition, covering sectors such as food, tourism, and finance, alongside discussions on standardization in these areas.

Panel discussions and exhibitions showcasing products and services from both Azerbaijan and abroad will also take place. The forum will bring together officials, specialists, and business leaders from around 20 countries, representing various sectors and regions.

The event is being organized by the Ministry of Economy of Azerbaijan, State Tourism Agency, KOBIA, and "Caspian Event Organizers" LLC, with support from international organizations including the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), International Islamic Business Association, and others.

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29 September 2024 22:15 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan has hosted the Korean Food Festival in Baku, Azernews reports. Around 200 guests attended the festival.

During the event, performances by the winners of the 2023 and 2024 K-pop festivals organized by the South Korean Embassy in Azerbaijan were showcased.

This year's festival featured a variety of Korean dishes, including bulgogi, tteokbokki, dakgalbi, japchae, kimbap, kimchi, and sujeonggwa, which were prepared and presented to the guests. Additionally, attendees were introduced to Korean snacks, tea, seaweed, and food products from the country.

The Ambassador Lee Eun Yong stated that he was pleased to have the opportunity to promote the flavors of Korea in Azerbaijan through this festival, highlighting the appeal of Korean cuisine in terms of both taste and nutrition.

The event became an excellent opportunity for people in Azerbaijan, where there are very few Korean restaurants, to become acquainted with Korean dishes and food products.

In the future, the Embassy of the Republic of Korea to Azerbaijan will continue to create opportunities for Azerbaijanis to taste Korean cuisine through similar events.

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30 September 2024 14:57 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Azerbaijan National Library has held a meeting with the participation of the Culture Ministry's representatives and heads of publishing houses regarding the preparations for the 10th Baku International Book Fair, Azernews reports.

The Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Baku International Book Fair, Deputy Minister Farid Jafarov, stated that this year the exhibition celebrates its 10th anniversary, and the duration of the fair has been extended compared to previous years. For the first time this year, the fair will last for 7 days.

More than 320 events of various formats will be organized as part of the Book Festival, which is the highest number recorded in the history of the Baku International Book Fair.

The Deputy Minister noted that 56 foreign organizations from 19 countries and 110 entities of the book industry will participate in the fair, with the Islamic World Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (ICESCO) being the honorary guest this year.

During the meeting, a wide discussion was held regarding the overall program of the fair, the schedule, and routes for bus transportation organized to the Baku Expo Center, as well as other organizational matters, collaboration efforts to promote the fair, and the possibility of publishers offering significant discounts on books.

At the conclusion, issues related to the ministry's support for local publishers' participation in international book fairs, organization of book exhibitions in regions, and implementation of joint projects aimed at fostering a reading culture were also discussed.

To develop the book industry and promote a reading culture in our country, regular meetings are held between representatives of the Culture Ministry and entities in the book industry.

The 10th Baku International Book Fair is scheduled for October 2-8. Organized by the Culture Ministry, the event is timed to the 530th anniversary of the birth of the brilliant Azerbaijani poet and thinker Muhammad Fuzuli (14941556).

So far, 47 organizations from 19 foreign countries representing four continents have registered to participate in the book fair, as well as over 100 domestic publishing and printing houses and book enterprises.

Renowned writers and poets, scholars, and young authors from Azerbaijan, Turkiye, Ireland, Germany, Venezuela, and other countries will participate in the upcoming event.

Over 270 events of various formats are planned within the book fair.

Baku International Book Fair 2024 promises a wide range of activities for its visitors, including workshops for children and adults, book presentations on inclusivity and other relevant topics, autograph sessions, conferences, symposiums, contests, reading and music hours, as well as the 16th meeting of the Asian Committee on "Narrative Art".

The book fair will be open for visits every day from 10:00 until 20:00. Admission is free.

Special buses will take visitors to the Baku Expo Center from the "Academy of Sciences," "28 May," and "Koroglu" metro stations.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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30 September 2024 13:59 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

Baku Museum Center has presented an exhibition titled "Abstract Art Experience of the Azerbaijani Artists, Azernews reports.

The art project is co-organized by the Azerbaijan Artists' Union with the support of the Azerbaijan Culture Ministry and the Baku Museum Center.

The opening ceremony was attended by prominent art and cultural figures.

Azerbaijan Deputy Culture Minister, People's Artist Murad Huseynov, Chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union Farhad Khalilov, Member of the Azerbaijani Parliament, People's Artist Polad Bulbuloglu, and Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies Elchin Shamilli addressed the event.

This exhibition launches the "Caspian" Biennale Platform program, organized by Azerbaijan Artists' Union, the International Artists Club, and the United Club of Artists of Azerbaijan, which promises to be a major cultural event for the entire region.

The "Caspian" Platform will take place from September 28 to October 1, bringing together artists, curators, and experts from Caspian countries to foster cultural exchange, dialogue, and collaboration through art.

Within the framework of the platform, there will be exhibitions, roundtables, and discussions focusing on contemporary art in the region and its interaction with global artistic processes.

Contemporary art in Azerbaijan from the 20th and 21st centuries is characterized by several major directions.

These include, first and foremost, socialist realism, embodied in the work of Tahir Salahov, Mikayil Abdullayev, and many other masters.

Another direction is the "Absheron School," represented in the work of artists such as Tofig Javadov, Rasim Babayev, and their like-minded colleagues.

The third direction, underground (unofficial art), is manifested in the work of Gorkhmaz Afandiyev, Ashraf Murad, Javad Mirjavadi, and other nonconformists.

These directions have found their reflection in the works of art historians and experts. A significant aspect of culture and a large direction of contemporary art in Azerbaijan remains unexplored: modern abstract art.

The Azerbaijan Artists' Union has decided to initiate a series of exhibitions of national abstract art (as exemplified by the presented exhibition) and also to encourage research by art historians in this direction.

Contemporary abstraction in Azerbaijan is an avant-garde phenomenon. It has deep roots in Azerbaijani traditional culture, particularly the ancient carpet, which features abstract geometric elements and ornaments.

The very structure of carpets, palas, and kilims relies on abstract geometry. In this sense, the Azerbaijani people carry abstract thinking and the experience of abstract visual forms in their cultural consciousness.

Interestingly, in addition to artists who primarily work in abstraction (Mir-Nadir Zeynalov and Huseyn Hagvardi), there are several authors who, while working in other directions, have made individual experiments in abstraction.

Such works are represented in the exhibition through the examples of Kamal Ahmad, Gennady Brijatyuk, and Ujjal Hagvardi.

Elchin Aslanov and Ramiz Aslanov have created a synthesis of carpet forms and traditional miniatures in a contemporary interpretation.

This exhibition serves as an impetus for further development, both for the practices of artists and for new theories by art historians in the field of abstract art and the expansion of its scope.

Visitors can expect new discoveries and upcoming exhibitions of Azerbaijani abstract art.

Exhibition hours: September 27  30 from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM (free admission)

Address: Baku, Neftchilar Ave. 49, Baku Museum Center (4th floor)

Phone: +99412 493 58 83, +99450 273 21 80

Exhibition hours: September 27-30 from 10:00 to 18:00 (free entry)

Address: Baku, Neftchilar Avenue, 49, Museum Center (4th floor)

Media partners of the event are Azernews.Az, Trend.Az, Day.Az, and Milli.Az.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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Azerbaijan Culture Minister Adil Karimli has met with representatives of Artists' Unions from several countries visiting the country as part of the Caspian Biennale on the topic of "Antibusiness in Arts and Abstract Art," Azernews reports citing the ministry.

The meeting was attended by Ibrahim Valikhojayev (Uzbekistan), Nargiz Hamidova (Tajikistan), Umirbek Jubaniyazov (Kazakhstan), Laszlo Lelkes (Hungary), Quram Tsertsvadze (Georgia), director of the Ankara Painting and Sculpture Museum Erdem Akkurt and chairman of the Azerbaijan Artists' Union.

Welcoming the guests, the Culture Minister stressed the importance of the Caspian Biennale platform.

He underlined that the gathering of artists, curators, and experts from the Caspian region and other countries under this traditional project is a significant event.

The biennale contributes to the expansion of relations in the field of visual arts between our countries and creates a fertile environment for experience exchange.

The guests who spoke also emphasized the role of the biennale in deepening cultural exchange and expressed that conducting joint exhibitions would be beneficial.

During the conversation, satisfaction was expressed regarding the expanding scope of the Caspian Biennale year by year.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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Around 40 musicians, musicologists, and music lovers living in Europe have participated in the video conference on the introduction of Azerbaijan's modern professional music in Sweden, Azernews reports.

The videoconference was organised by the chairman of the Gobustan Society of Azerbaijani Intellectuals, Saadat Karim, who lives in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Delivering the opening speech, Saadat Karim briefed the conference participants about Azerbaijan's centuries-old music history.

He underlined that the first information about this was found in a number of historical monuments discovered during archaeological excavations, including the rock paintings of Gobustan (18th-3rd millennia BC) and Gamigaya (3rd-1st millennia BC), as well as mediaeval music.

The epic "Book of Dede Korkut," which contains rich information about it, its genres and instruments, and the works of genius Azerbaijani poets Nizami Ganjavi and Fuzuli.

Later, the composer, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Khadija Zeynalova, spoke about her activities in Germany, where she lives, about the festivals and concerts held in different countries of the world where her works were performed, as well as about the "Bridge of Sound" orchestra, which she leads.

Zeynalova noted that the main goal of her activity is the promotion of Azerbaijani music. She also shared his views on the cooperation of German students and professors with Garabagh University.

The chairman of the Netherlands-Azerbaijan Campground Society, Firangiz Bagirova, introduced the participants to the projects implemented by the society.

"One of our projects is related to the choir performing the song "Yellow Come" in different countries during 2023. The main purpose of this project was to prevent the attempts of Armenians to adopt our music," she said.

Firangiz Bagirova also touched upon the music project "The World through Children's Eyes," dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy.

According to her, the musical composition was shown in different cities of the Netherlands for two years.

Composer Galib Hasan Mammadov, a student of genius Fikrat Amirov, spoke about his musical activities in Norway. His works are published in leading Norwegian publishing houses.

At the videoconference, Azerbaijani folk songs were played, and excerpts from concerts of works of the Azerbaijanis living in Europe were presented as well.

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Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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1 October 2024 17:39 (UTC+04:00)

Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Head of the Department of Foreign Policy Affairs of the Presidential Administration, Hikmet Hajiyev met with the winners of the fourth "Yukselis" competitionc Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

The meeting was attended by the head of the Department of Humanitarian Policy, Diaspora, Multiculturalism, and Religious Affairs of the Presidential Administration, Farah Aliyeva, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the "Yukselis" competition, Deputy Minister of Youth and Sports, Farhad Hajiyev, the head of the working group of the "Yukselis" competition.

The participants of the meeting underlined the steps taken by the state administration towards the development of the country's intellectual potential, as well as the support given by the competition "Yukselis" to the personal and professional development of skilled personnel. Hikmet Hajiyev congratulated the winners and called their successful results in the competition a valuable contribution to the modern management system of the Azerbaijan state and the country's development strategy.

Hikmet Hajiyev emphasized the successes achieved in the mentoring program of the competition and said that the leadership abilities of the winners have become stronger based on mutual experience. He noted that he is sure that the next meetings that will take place within the framework of the mentoring program will greatly benefit the winners.

It should be noted that Hikmat Hajiyev, assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, is the mentor of the "Yukselis" competition.

It should be noted that the "Yukselis" competition was established according to the Decree of the President of Azerbaijan dated July 26, 2019. The purpose of the competition is to identify and support promising executives aged 21-51, with a high intellectual level and at least two years of management experience, and to create a personnel reserve bank in the country.

According to the information, the winner of the "Yukselis" competition will have the opportunity to receive personal career advice from top managers of large companies and heads of state bodies and a cash prize of 20,000 manats for a year.

On December 25, 2023, the Decree was signed by the President of Azerbaijan regarding the holding of the fourth "Yukselis" competition.

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1 October 2024 20:02 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The legal scope of the damage caused by Armenia to Azerbaijan during the First and Second Garabagh Wars is extremely significant. Considering the occupation of Azerbaijani lands, the destruction of residential areas and historical monuments, the displacement of nearly one million Azerbaijanis, the missile attacks on Barda and Ganja using cluster rockets and ammunition during the Second Garabagh War, and the current danger posed by landmines buried in Garabagh, the legal consequences Armenia may face in terms of punitive measures or compensation are of great interest.

In a comment on the issue for Azernews, Lawyer Rahim Mammadov stated that this is a complex process.

The assessment of the damage caused by Armenia to Azerbaijan in the context of international law, both during the First and Second Garabagh Wars, is an extremely complicated process. During the 30-year occupation, Armenia inflicted immeasurable damage on the Republic of Azerbaijan and its people, he added.

The expert noted that the material damage inflicted by Armenia on Azerbaijan exceeds $850 billion.

After the end of the Second Garabagh War, special commissions were established in Azerbaijan, which began to evaluate the material damage inflicted on the Republic of Azerbaijan from the period of occupation until the liberation of the territories. Evidence is being collected, including satellite images. So far, the damage inflicted on Azerbaijan has been recorded as exceeding $850 billion. However, if moral damages are added, the total damage should exceed a trillion dollars, he noted

The lawyer emphasised the importance of applying the Iraq scenario to Armenia in accordance with international practice.

After Iraq occupied Kuwait in 1990, the UN Security Council recognised Iraq as an aggressor state a year later and applied the principle of extraordinary reparations against it. The legal philosophy behind this was that, based on the relevant resolution, Iraq was stripped of its right to control its natural resources, and these resources were sold on the world market through an international mechanism, with the proceeds paid to the Kuwaiti government in installments. However, unfortunately, none of the four resolutions adopted by the UN Security Council recognised Armenia as an aggressor state, expert stressed.

Mammadov stated that Azerbaijani citizens and the government can apply to international courts with sufficient evidence.

We, as Azerbaijani citizens, can only file complaints with the European Court of Human Rights regarding compensation for the damage caused by Armenia. The government, however, can file a complaint against Armenia in accordance with Articles 33 and 34 of the European Convention on Human Rights.

The expert also stressed the importance of determining the extent of the moral damage inflicted by Armenia on Azerbaijan.

Moral damage is also important here. Nearly one million Azerbaijanis were displaced from their homes during the First Garabagh War. Their psychological conditions as well as the fates of those who witnessed the crimes in Baghanis Ayrim, Dashalti, Kalbajar, and massacres in Khojaly and Meshali have resulted in significant moral harm. Today, the issue of landmines also poses a particular danger. The political purpose behind Armenians planting those mines in Garabagh is itself an act of aggression. It represents a significant threat to the resettlement of Azerbaijani citizens in the liberated territories and to economic activity. I repeat, it is not just an obstacle but a threat, Mammadov said

The lawyer noted that reparations, not compensation, should be applied against Armenia.

The law enforcement agencies and special services of the Republic of Azerbaijan must gather substantial evidence to bring this issue into the legal sphere and to determine the extent of the damage caused by Armenia, presenting it in accordance with the relevant provisions of international courts. If compensation is simply the payment of damages in monetary form, reparations can take various forms, including not just money but also property and other resources being paid to the victim state. In my opinion, a decision similar to that imposed on Iraq would be more just and legally sound for Armenia.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

@fatimalatifova

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28 September 2024 15:37 (UTC+04:00)

On September 28, Azerbaijan's President Ilham Aliyev signed a decree to improve the extraction, processing, and supply of Naftalan oil, expand the use of Naftalan oil and its derived products, and promote the city of Naftalan worldwide as a wellness tourism destination, according to Azernews.

To be updated...

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28 September 2024 22:06 (UTC+04:00)

The opinions expressed by Peter Stano, Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy of the European Union (EU) in response to the question of the Armenian news agency "Armenpress" about the mandate of the European Union Mission in Armenia and the militarization of Armenia, are completely groundless and unacceptable.

Aykhan Hajizada, Spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, told this in his commentary on the claims of Peter Stano, European Union (EU) Spokesperson for foreign affairs and security policy, Azernews reports, citing MFA.

We resolutely reject the false and biased interpretation of the views of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan by the official of the European Union.

The expansion without any basis, of the mandate of the Mission created with the consent of Azerbaijan, and the idea that it is supposed to play a role in supporting peace in the region and the normalization process between Azerbaijan and Armenia demonstrates how this Mission has been misused.

This Mission, which is actively exploited as an anti-Azerbaijani propaganda tool, cannot have any role in Azerbaijan's normalization process with Armenia.

Despite various promises since the establishment of the EU Mission, they ignored the legitimate interests of Azerbaijan, and the Missions activities did not ensure mutual trust and confidence.

It is known to everyone that the Head of the EU Mission has repeatedly voiced opinions that Azerbaijan is preparing for any attack based on the false and slanderous claims of the Armenian side, and that the main task of the EU Mission is presented as "protecting Armenia from Azerbaijan, thereby undermining the normalization process. In this environment, the Armenian side is abusing the presence of the EU Mission.

Moreover, the campaign aimed at the militarization of Armenia, which is known throughout the world for its policy of aggression, nearly 30 years of military occupation against Azerbaijan, and new promises of greater military supplies (including lethal and offensive weapons) is a threat to Azerbaijan's national security. The European Union Spokesperson's justification of this process is a source of concern.

Non-termination of massive militarization policy, including the acquisition of strategic offensive weapons by Armenia that does not give up its territorial claims against its neighbors, can be considered as efforts to create further tension in the region.

Azerbaijan is a supporter of sustainable peace, stability, and security in the region based on the basic norms and principles of international law. It is necessary to resolutely prevent steps that threaten peace.

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29 September 2024 10:30 (UTC+04:00)

Baku has hosted the 58th Executive Committee meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), Azernews reports.

The event took place alongside the IAP's29th Annual Conference and General Gathering, which is set to occur in the capital of Azerbaijan from September 29 to October 2.

During the meeting, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev discussed ongoing reforms within the country's prosecutor system, following the guidance of President Ilham Aliyev. He also mentioned how the Azerbaijani prosecutor authorities contribute to the IAP's work.

Kamran Aliyev highlighted that Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the United Nations Conference on Climate Change (COP29), calling it a sign of the international community's trust in Azerbaijan and its rising influence globally.

He said that holding the IAPs Annual Conference in Azerbaijan is a significant achievement, and the country will continue to support the association's efforts.

The meeting included discussions on future strategies for the IAP, strengthening international relations, leadership selection, new member admissions, and the scheduling of upcoming meetings.

Participants decided that the IAPs 30th and 31st Annual Conferences will be held in Singapore and Al-Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, respectively.

The International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) is a global organization for prosecutors, founded in 1995, with over 183 members from more than 177 countries across all continents.

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29 September 2024 10:00 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Minister of Foreign Affairs Jeyhun Bayramov has delivered a speech during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azernews reports.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

I congratulate His Excellency Mr. Philemon Yang on assuming the Presidency of the 79th session of the General Assembly and thank the outgoing President, His Excellency Mr. Dennis Francis, for his outstanding efforts in leading the previous session.

I also thank His Excellency Mr. Antonio Guterres, the Secretary General of the United Nations, for his continuous efforts to achieve the noble objectives of the UN.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The world continues to grapple with a wide range of challenges that no single country can overcome alone. The worsening global climate crisis, rising inequalities, emerging divides, and heightened tensions affect us all, irrespective of background or location. It is high time to demonstrate that multilateralism works and can deliver with a unified voice, leaving no one behind.

The current state of international politics is divisive, with universally accepted fundamental norms and principles of international law being disregarded and misinterpreted.

In the face of continued erosion of multilateralism, it is paramount that the United Nations continues to foster international solidarity and cooperation.

The UN Charter principles and purposes constitute the foundational normative framework in international relations, and must be applied consistently, not selectively.

The UN is mandated to ensure that every nation has an equal voice and is treated on the same footing.

In this regard, Azerbaijan advocates for a reinvigorated and reformed multilateral system, with the UN at its core, underpinned by strict adherence to and non-selective application of the universally accepted norms and principles of international law.

Urgent progress is needed on the UN Security Council reforms, based on the work done and the gains achieved in good faith and a spirit of flexibility, constructiveness, and cooperation.

We view the pivotal Summit of the Future, held a week ago, as a renewal of our common commitment to international law, the UN Charter, multilateralism, and international cooperation. The Pact for the Future, its negotiated outcome, is a blueprint for building a better, more sustainable, and prosperous world for everyone.

It is time for our collective commitments to turn into real and decisive action.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The global climate crisis threatens decades of progress, imperils humanity's future, and disproportionally affects vulnerable countries. Growing divisions in international relations shouldnt distract us from the imperative to address climate change, the greatest transnational challenge of the century.

What has been done so far remains insufficient to limit global temperature rise to 1.5C. For the sake of the future, the time has come for urgent, concerted, and sustained efforts to give effect to our commitments to a global vision for sustainable development.

November 2024, Azerbaijan will host the 29th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Guided by the call In Solidarity for a Green World, Azerbaijan will spare no effort to bridge developed and developing countries and foster a collaborative spirit to tackle climate challenges as a common commitment and moral duty.

The confidence placed in us by the international community to host and preside over COP29 this year is a testament and recognition to Azerbaijan's readiness to lead the climate agenda and contribute to global climate action. As the Incoming Presidency, Azerbaijan reaffirms its commitment to delivering COP29 in a transparent, impartial, inclusive, and party-driven manner.

We have presented our vision based on two parallel pillars to enhance ambition and enable action, with climate finance as our top priority this year. These pillars are mutually reinforcing  progress on each sends a strong signal supporting the other.

The primary expectation for the COP29 Presidency is an agreement on a fair and ambitious New Collective Quantified Goal (NCQG) on climate finance.

This will be the first major climate finance goal after adopting the Paris Agreement, and we have been working tirelessly to support the Parties in landing a deal.

The COP29 Presidency made it clear that agreeing on a fair and ambitious NCQG that is adequate to the urgency and scale of the problem and takes into account the needs and priorities of developing countries is the ultimate test of the Parties' commitment to the Paris Agreement and climate action in the years ahead.

We need to continue to work constructively on the NCQG and steer the process to a successful outcome at COP29.

COP 29 Presidency also works with the Parties to deliver an outcome on carbon markets this year. Fully functioning carbon markets will be a significant step in implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) cost-effectively and bolstering ambition in mitigation.

Moreover, we have put forward 14 initiatives covering topics such as the link between climate action and sustainable development goals, green energy zones and corridors, energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, agriculture, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, green digital action, and more. One of the initiatives under COP29 Action Agenda includes the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund, an innovative source for climate finance to be voluntarily supported by fossil fuel-producing countries and companies.

COP29 will also be an opportunity to set differences aside and contribute to global peace and the climate agenda. Given the intersection of conflicts and the increasingly challenging climate crisis, Azerbaijan introduced a flagship COP29 Truce Initiative embedded in the Joint Solemn Appeal announced a few days ago.

More than thousand NGOs, Faith Leaders and prominent personalities, as well as many parties have already joined this Appeal. We call on everyone to transcend political divergences, stand in unity, and respect the Truce during the month of COP29.

Excellencies,

Azerbaijan has always been at the forefront of promoting international peace, and security, inter-religious and inter-cultural dialogue, contributing to the 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, and fostering global solidarity and multilateralism.

Azerbaijani Chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement in 2019-2023 has marked by the Movements enhanced role and increased contributions to a collaborative spirit in international relations. Under visionary leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, H.E. Mr. Ilham Aliyev, decisive steps were taken to enhance international solidarity and galvanize collective response to global challenges at a time of erosion of multilateralism.

Guided by a noble call to leave no one behind, Azerbaijan continues to lend its support to developing countries in need. Since 2020, we have provided humanitarian, economic, and technical assistance worth USD 330 million to over 140 nations.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

As we past the halfway mark of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, we observe stagnation in its implementation. With only 17% of SDG targets on track, we need an urgent and accelerated progress.

At a national level, we are taking necessary measures to implement the SDGs and setting an example for others to follow. We have fully embraced the SDGs nationally, prioritizing 17 goals, 88 targets, and 119 indicators. This has been achieved through collaborative and inclusive process involving civil society, the business community, youth, and other key stakeholders.

Azerbaijans GDP has risen four times in less than two-decade span. Poverty has gone down from 49% to 5%. The external public debt is expected to be some 7% of the GDP for 2024, one of the lowest globally.

Clean environment and green growth became one of the five priority areas of our new national development strategy. In line with this, Azerbaijan is looking into ways of further Greenhouse Gas Emission reductions and working on its 1.5C aligned NDC. A few months ago, we have joined the 2030 Global Methane Pledge.

We will also establish green energy zones and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050 in the Garabagh and Eastern Zangazur regions.

Azerbaijan will continue to play an essential role in global energy security, contributing to sustainable development, eradication of poverty and helping millions to transition to clean energy in the region and beyond. Share of renewables in the total installed electrical capacity in Azerbaijan will reach 30% by 2030. This high target is established, primarily, to improve energy efficiency and introduce innovative solutions in urban environment, transport systems, and industry.

The projected increase in renewable electricity production in the coming years will allow Azerbaijan to become an exporter of green electricity to European countries through the landmark trans-regional Black Sea Submarine Cable Project.

Mr. President,

In the face of increasing challenges, coming together in unity and solidarity and fostering dialogue and mutual understanding is an absolute necessity.

With a centuries-long tradition of diversity and multiculturalism, Azerbaijan firmly believes in a dialogue and collaborative spirit, mutual understanding, and respect among different cultures and religions. Azerbaijan put particular focus to the promotion of a culture of peace and encouraging intercultural and interreligious dialogue worldwide, including through the Baku Process and Peace4Culture initiatives.

Excellencies,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

The end of armed conflict with Armenia and restoration of Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity created substantially new environment in the South Caucasus. For the first time since decades, stability has been achieved on the ground, de-facto peace is established.

By putting an end to military occupation, it is Azerbaijan that created conditions, for both parties to eventually turn the page of enmity and embark on good-neighbourly relations.

This process was launched by Azerbaijan in the immediate aftermath of its victory in the 44-Day Patriotic War.

This offer was made despite unhealed wounds of the conflict still persist to date in the form of razing to the ground of dozens of cities and hundreds of towns and villages, destruction and desecration of each and every piece of historical and cultural heritage and barbaric pillage of natural resources.

Azerbaijan demonstrated political wisdom and will by offering Armenia peace on equal terms, fully in line with norms and principles of international law, on the basis of mutual recognition of and respect for each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Over the past year, Azerbaijan and Armenia have registered significant progress in the normalization process through direct bilateral negotiations, in particular with respect to drafting a bilateral agreement, delimitation and demarcation of state border, as well as elaboration of a set of confidence-building measures.

Azerbaijan will continue to take this process forward acting with strong sense of responsibility for not only its national security and well-being, but also for ensuring a better future for entire region. Our commitment and determination remain intact to bring this process to its logical conclusion.

For the finalization of the normalization process, Armenia has yet to legally abandon territorial claims against Azerbaijan once and for all through implementing constitutional amendments. Armenias negligence with respect to implementation of constitutional amendments combined with dramatic increase in military budget, acquisition of large amount of offensive weaponry from both traditional and new suppliers and attempts to maintain obsolete conflict-driven narratives and structures, derails the normalization process.

Establishment of peace and good-neighbourly relations cannot be sustainable and irreversible if recognition of sovereignty and territorial integrity of Azerbaijan remains in legal limbo, is contingent on domestic legal or political scenarios. Partial peace is not an option after so much pain and sufferings inflicted by irredentism and territorial claims against neighbours.

At this critical moment Azerbaijan calls for expeditious steps to address remaining impediments for finalization of the normalization process with full sense of responsibility.

Along with Armenias responsibility to honour its international obligations and previously undertaken commitments, it is also incumbent on entire international community to encourage the sides for the establishment of genuine, sustainable and irreversible peace. Such a peace should outweigh any dividend that might be expected by manipulating one side against other or building dividing lines between them. Practices that brought devastations in other parts of the globe must be ceased to be projected to the South Caucasus by feeding revanchism.

Excellencies,

Ensuring justice with respect to serious war crimes and crimes against humanity is of vital importance in terms of healing the wounds of the past conflict.

While accountability and redress serve to ensure the rights and interests of the victims, they are also key prerequisites on the path to genuine post-conflict normalization and reconciliation.

In this regard, it is of paramount importance to shed light to the fate of about 4000 Azerbaijanis who went missing due to the conflict.

Resolving this issue is essential not only in terms of accountability, and the rights of the victims and their families, but also for post-conflict reconciliation and normalization.

Around 300,000 Azerbaijanis expelled from Armenia continue to be deprived of their ancestral homeland in blatant violation of international law. Despite repeated calls by the Western Azerbaijan Community to launch a dialogue and ensure a safe and dignified return to the homeland, the Government of Armenia denies them exercising the fundamental right of return enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, the Convention Relating to the Status of Refugees and other important international acts.

Excellences,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

Along with inter-state process of normalization, Azerbaijan has, internally, embarked on large-scale post-conflict rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. This aims at ensuring the right of hundred thousands of Azerbaijanis to eventually exercise their violated right to safe and dignified return to their homes.

Thanks to the tireless efforts taken by the Government, life now returns to the territories that have witnessed unprecedented destruction during military occupation.

Regrettably, the massive contamination of territories of Azerbaijan with landmines and other explosive devices remains a significant obstacle to the smooth progress of rehabilitation and reconstruction efforts. Since the end of the conflict in 2020, 377 individuals, among them civilians have fallen victim to landmines.

With this in mind, Azerbaijan has introduced a national goal, SDG18, focusing on mine action.

Given the scale of the problem, there is an urgent need for increased international support to strengthen Azerbaijan's humanitarian mine action capacity.

Taking this opportunity, I thank all countries and other stakeholders who have generously contributed to humanitarian de-mining in Azerbaijan and reiterate our call for increased international support and solidarity.

Mr. President,

Ladies and Gentlemen,

In conclusion, I wish to reaffirm Azerbaijans commitment to further contribute to international peace and security through promoting respect for international law and investing in international solidarity and cooperation.

We remain to be strong proponent of combined efforts to overcome challenges and pave the way for a brighter future for ourselves and the generations to come.

I thank you.

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29 September 2024 11:14 (UTC+04:00)

"COP 29 Presidency also works with the Parties to deliver an outcome on carbon markets this year. Fully functioning carbon markets will be a significant step in implementing nationally determined contributions (NDCs) cost-effectively and bolstering ambition in mitigation," said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov as he addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azernews reports.

"Moreover, we have put forward 14 initiatives covering topics such as the link between climate action and sustainable development goals, green energy zones and corridors, energy storage, harmony for climate resilience, agriculture, clean hydrogen, methane reduction from organic waste, green digital action, and more. One of the initiatives under COP29 Action Agenda includes the establishment of the Climate Finance Action Fund, an innovative source for climate finance to be voluntarily supported by fossil fuel-producing countries and companies.

COP29 will also be an opportunity to set differences aside and contribute to global peace and the climate agenda. Given the intersection of conflicts and the increasingly challenging climate crisis, Azerbaijan introduced a flagship COP29 Truce Initiative embedded in the Joint Solemn Appeal announced a few days ago. More than thousand NGOs, Faith Leaders and prominent personalities, as well as many parties have already joined this Appeal. We call on everyone to transcend political divergences, stand in unity, and respect the Truce during the month of COP29," the minister said.

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29 September 2024 12:35 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Minister of Justice Farid Ahmadov has received his Ethiopian counterpart Tesfaye Wakjira, who is currently visiting Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

During their discussions, Minister Ahmadov stressed the robust cooperation that exists between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia across various sectors, both bilaterally and within the framework of international organizations.

He pointed out the significant progress Azerbaijan has made in the digitalization of its judicial system and the ongoing training initiatives aimed at enhancing the efficiency and effectiveness of the judicial process.

The Azerbaijani minister also mentioned the establishment of cooperation agreements with the Ministries of Justice in 34 countries, highlighting the potential avenues for further developing legal cooperation specifically with Ethiopia.

In response, Tesfaye Wakjira described Addis Ababa as the political capital of Africa and expressed Ethiopia's keen interest in the judicial reforms being implemented in Azerbaijan.

He proposed the drafting of a mutual document to facilitate cooperation in the legal sphere between the two nations. Minister Wakjira also conveyed Ethiopia's desire to learn from Azerbaijan's model of delivering public services, which he views as a potential framework to improve judicial processes in his own country.

The meeting continued with a productive discussion on the future prospects for judicial cooperation between Azerbaijan and Ethiopia, as well as addressing other issues of shared interest.

Both ministers expressed optimism about enhancing their bilateral relationship and working together more closely in the judicial realm.

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29 September 2024 13:30 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister, Jeyhun Bayramov has held a meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) Hissein Brahim Taha, during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, Azernews reports.

The sides discussed the ongoing cooperation between Azerbaijan and the OIC, exploring current initiatives and potential partnership opportunities.

Minister Bayramov expressed Azerbaijan's commitment to fostering and prioritizing relationships with both brotherly and friendly nations. He reaffirmed Azerbaijan's willingness to further enhance cooperation within the framework of the OIC, highlighting the country's active role in supporting and promoting the activities of the organization.

During the meeting, he also shared comprehensive insights about Azerbaijan's preparations and objectives related to its presidency of the upcoming 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

His discussion emphasized the importance of attracting sufficient financial resources to effectively tackle issues related to climate change.

Minister Bayramov pointed out Azerbaijan's readiness to engage in collaborative efforts within COP29, especially given the critical nature of addressing climate change challenges that are particularly relevant for OIC member states.

The meeting concluded with both parties exchanging views on a variety of other issues that are mutually important to them.

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29 September 2024 11:40 (UTC+04:00)

Armenian Armed Forces have fired at the positions of the Azerbaijani Army in the direction of the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic, Azernews reports citing the Azerbajan Defense Ministry.

On September 28, at around 23:20, Armenian armed forces units from the positions in the direction of Almali settlement of Keshishkand region using small arms subjected to fire the Azerbaijan Army positions stationed in the direction of Yukhari Buzgov settlement of Babak region of Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic.

The Azerbaijani Army took adequate response measures in the mentioned direction.

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29 September 2024 14:43 (UTC+04:00)

The end of armed conflict with Armenia and restoration of Azerbaijans sovereignty and territorial integrity created substantially new environment in the South Caucasus. For the first time since decades, stability has been achieved on the ground, de-facto peace is established," said Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov as he addressed the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly, Azernews reports.

"Azerbaijan demonstrated political wisdom and will by offering Armenia peace on equal terms, fully in line with norms and principles of international law, on the basis of mutual recognition of and respect for each others sovereignty and territorial integrity.

Over the past year, Azerbaijan and Armenia have registered significant progress in the normalization process through direct bilateral negotiations, in particular with respect to drafting a bilateral agreement, delimitation and demarcation of state border, as well as elaboration of a set of confidence-building measures.

Azerbaijan will continue to take this process forward acting with strong sense of responsibility for not only its national security and well-being, but also for ensuring a better future for entire region. Our commitment and determination remain intact to bring this process to its logical conclusion," Bayramov added.

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29 September 2024 16:38 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan's Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has held a meeting with Prince Faisal bin Farhan Al Saud, the Foreign Minister of Saudi Arabia, on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly's General Debate, Azernews reports.

During their talks, both parties praised the strengthening of ties between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia. They discussed collaboration based on mutual respect for each country's legitimate interests within international organizations, including the UN and the OIC.

Minister Bayramov expressed appreciation for Saudi Arabia's ongoing support of Azerbaijans just causes.

He highlighted Saudi Arabia's engagement in Azerbaijan's renewable energy sector, and noted that Azerbaijan's hosting of the 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change this year could open up further avenues for cooperation in green energy between the two nations.

The ministers acknowledged the importance of leveraging the Intergovernmental Joint Economic Commission as a means to enhance cooperation and maximize development opportunities in trade, investment, and the economy for both countries.

Their discussions also covered various other bilateral and regional issues of shared interest.

The ministers also signed a "Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Government of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia on the exemption of holders of diplomatic, special, and service passports from visa requirements for short-term visits."

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29 September 2024 17:12 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov has met with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, Azernews reports citing the ministry's "X" social network.

The sides discussed a wide range of topics, including the Sustainable Development Goals, COP29, demining, reconstruction of liberated territories, post-conflict normalization, and the peace agenda.

Foreign Minister @Bayramov_Jeyhun of the Republic of #Azerbaijan had a meeting with UNSG @AntonioGuterres at #UNGA79 to deliberate on a diverse array of topics, including SDGS, COP29, demining, liberated territories reconstruction, post-conflict normalization and peace agenda. pic.twitter.com/My77GS1ne2

 MFA Azerbaijan  (@AzerbaijanMFA) September 29, 2024

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29 September 2024 18:00 (UTC+04:00)

Meetings are being held with delegations from international organizations and foreign states attending the 29th Annual Conference of the International Prosecutors Association (IPA) in Baku, Azernews reports citing Prosecutor General's Office.

Azerbaijan Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met with the delegation led by Mongolian Prosecutor Jargalsaikhan Banzragch.

Kamran Aliyev emphasized that the existing mutual trust and friendly relations between the two countries serve as a platform for further developing political, economic, and cultural ties, which are rooted in deep historical connections between the two peoples. He provided detailed information about the measures being implemented in Azerbaijan to combat crime.

Highlighting the historical significance of holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in the country, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev informed the guests that during COP29, the Office of the Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan, in collaboration with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), will hold a high-level plenary session titled "Mobilizing Law Enforcement for Enhanced Climate Action" on November 15, and presented the invitation letter to the guests.

Reflecting on the strong ties established with Mongolia's prosecutorial authorities, Kamran Aliyev spoke about the importance of experience exchange and bilateral visits of prosecutors.

The Prosecutor General of Mongolia highly appreciated the reforms being implemented within the prosecutorial authorities as well as the existing relations between the prosecutorial bodies of the two countries.

He also congratulated Kamran Aliyev on the occasion of October 1, the professional holiday of the Republic of Azerbaijan's prosecutorial staff, and the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the prosecutorial authorities.

The delegation's business visit to Azerbaijan continues.

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29 September 2024 20:15 (UTC+04:00)

A meeting has been held in Stockholm, the capital of Sweden, aimed at strengthening the activities of the Azerbaijani Diaspora, Azernews reports.

A the beginning of the event, the National Anthem of Azerbaijan was played, and a moment of silence was held to honor the memory of the Azerbaijani martyrs.

In their remarks, the participants underlined that the unification of various organizations would contribute to strengthening the diaspora. The necessity of establishing an organizing committee for better coordination of the activities of the Swedish-Azerbaijan Federation (SAF) was highlighted.

By a majority vote, the organizing committee was created. It was noted that during the next congress of the federation, scheduled for early 2025, the organizing committee would be responsible for selecting the executive board of the federation.

At the end of the event, the importance of establishing an Azerbaijani House was mentioned, and an initial project related to this was presented.

Established in 2020, Swedish-Azerbaijan Federation, was not very active during the pandemic. However, the organizations represented within it carried out several events in collaboration with both the Azerbaijani and Swedish communities.

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29 September 2024 17:40 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijan Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev has received a delegation headed by Director of the State Prosecutor's Office of Kenya Renson Mulele Inqonqa, Azernews reports.

The meeting was organized in the framework of the 29th Annual Conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) held in Baku.

Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev noted that cooperation with Kenya within the Non-Aligned Movement has reached a high level and highlighted the strong political ties between the two countries.

He emphasized the historical significance of holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29) in our country and pointed out Kenya's substantial contribution to global efforts in addressing climate issues.

Recalling the Kenyan delegation's first visit to Azerbaijan in February of this year and the establishment of solid connections among prosecutorial bodies, Kamran Aliyev discussed the importance of experience exchange and bilateral visits of prosecutorial staff.

Renson Mulele Inqonqa appreciated the reforms being implemented in Azerbaijans prosecutorial bodies and the existing relations between the prosecutorial agencies of the two countries.

Subsequently, a Memorandum of Understanding was signed to strengthen legal cooperation between our countries and to develop the existing relations for further intensification in the future.

The business trip of the delegation to Azerbaijan country continues.

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29 September 2024 19:26 (UTC+04:00)

Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev addressed the participants of the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors held in Baku.

Azernews presents the President's address:

Dear event participants,

I cordially welcome you to the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors held in Baku.

For us, hosting such a distinguished event that brings together representatives from over one hundred nations and international organizations, including UN specialized agencies, as well as prosecutors, judges, lawyers, experts, and other prominent individuals, is a significant occasion and a testament to the esteem shown towards our country.

Azerbaijans hosting of important international events has already become a tradition. As you are aware, by the unanimous decision of the nations of the world, Azerbaijan has the honor of being chosen to host the 29th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP29).

In the fight against climate change, which has been a concern for all of humanity, our country, along with other nations and international organizations, will strive to contribute to improving the global environmental system. It is no coincidence that, in collaboration with international organizations, an event themed Mobilizing Law Enforcement for Enhanced Climate Action is scheduled on the sidelines of COP29.

For many years, Azerbaijan endured occupation and military aggression from neighboring Armenia. Throughout the occupation, our people were subjected to a policy of ethnic cleansing, and numerous war crimes and crimes against humanity were committed against us. Finally, our countrys territorial integrity and sovereignty were fully restored in the aftermath of the Patriotic War of 2020 and the anti-terrorist operation of 2023.

Nearly four thousand Azerbaijanis went missing during the occupation. They were tortured by the Armenians, then murdered and buried in mass graves. To this day, Armenia refuses to provide information on the fate of those missing persons and the locations of their mass graves.

Furthermore, tangible and cultural sites, as well as places of worship belonging to the Azerbaijani people, 9 cities and hundreds of towns and villages were razed to the ground during the occupation. Armenia, as an occupying and aggressor country, is accountable for those acts of crime at the state level. Instead of apologizing to the Azerbaijani people for all the crimes committed, Armenia levels baseless accusations against our country. Regardless, Azerbaijan continues its efforts to achieve peace and stability in the region today.

Dear guests,

We highly appreciate our longstanding relationship with the International Association of Prosecutors and believe it is important to strengthen efforts to further solidify this partnership.

Azerbaijans prosecutorial bodies have undergone progressive reforms, ensuring the rule of law and the full protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. Our countrys law enforcement agencies contribute significantly at the international level to the fight against transnational crime, terrorism, separatism, trafficking, money laundering, illicit drug trade, cybercrime, illegal migration, and more, while supporting international cooperation toward that end.

The emergence of new forms and manifestations of transborder crime, including new types of cybercrime, the use of social media platforms, and the exploitation of opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to commit crimes and engage in terrorist activities, present new and complex challenges for prosecutorial bodies.

In the meantime, we are concerned about the growing trends of ethnic and religious hatred and discrimination around the world.

I am confident that the four-day conference themed Role of the Prosecutor in Upholding the Rule of Law will contribute to achieving shared objectives and pave the way for enhanced cooperation.

I once again welcome you to Azerbaijan, extend my best wishes, and wish the conference success.

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 28 September 2024

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29 September 2024 20:21 (UTC+04:00)

We highly appreciate our longstanding relationship with the International Association of Prosecutors and believe it is important to strengthen efforts to further solidify this partnership, Azernews reports that President Ilham Aliyev said this in his message to the participants of the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors.

Azerbaijans prosecutorial bodies have undergone progressive reforms, ensuring the rule of law and the full protection of fundamental rights and freedoms. Our countrys law enforcement agencies contribute significantly at the international level to the fight against transnational crime, terrorism, separatism, trafficking, money laundering, illicit drug trade, cybercrime, illegal migration, and more, while supporting international cooperation toward that end.

The emergence of new forms and manifestations of transborder crime, including new types of cybercrime, the use of social media platforms, and the exploitation of opportunities offered by artificial intelligence to commit crimes and engage in terrorist activities, present new and complex challenges for prosecutorial bodies.

In the meantime, we are concerned about the growing trends of ethnic and religious hatred and discrimination around the world.

I am confident that the four-day conference themed Role of the Prosecutor in Upholding the Rule of Law will contribute to achieving shared objectives and pave the way for enhanced cooperation, the President noted.

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29 September 2024 20:54 (UTC+04:00)

The 29th Annual Conference and General Assembly of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP), the first and only global organization for prosecutors worldwide, commenced at the Baku Congress Center, Azernews reports, citing Azertag.

The event began with the reading of an address from President Ilham Aliyev to the attendees, delivered by Kamran Aliyev, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan.

The opening ceremony featured speeches by Kamran Aliyev, Prosecutor General, and Juan Bautista Mahiques, the President of the IAP and Attorney General of the Public Prosecution Service of the Autonomous City of Buenos Aires.

Approximately 470 participants from 95 countries, including prosecutors and other high-ranking officials, take part in the 29th annual conference and general assembly.

The event will include various plenary sessions, working group meetings, and both bilateral and multilateral discussions, along with a series of social activities designed to foster professional connections among prosecutors and lawyers from different nations.

The four-day conference themed Role of the Prosecutor in Upholding the Rule of Law will feature presentations on topics such as transparency, accountability, and data protection in the framework of digital evidence and AI usage, prosecuting domestic and

gender-based violence, economic crime asset recovery etc.

Several important decisions regarding the strategy and future activities of the IAP are expected to be made during the event.
30 September 2024 10:36 (UTC+04:00)

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Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan will hold Computer-Assisted Tactical Command-Staff Exercise Maharat-2024 (Mastery) under the Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2024, signed between the Defense Ministries of 2 countries, Azernews reports.

The exercise, commencing on September 30 at the War Games Center of the Military Administration Institute, will engage over 100 servicemen from both countries.

Its primary objectives are to enhance the interoperability of the operational units of the Azerbaijani and Uzbek armies, strengthen combat capabilities, and develop the military decision-making, initiative, and management skills of the commanders of the operational units.

The Maharat-2024 exercise is scheduled to continue until October 6.

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30 September 2024 16:00 (UTC+04:00)

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Humanitarian demining efforts in Azerbaijan and NATO's support for these activities have been discussed, Azernews reports, citing Samir Poladov, Deputy Chairman of the Board of the Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA), as he told during an official visit to Luxembourg.

As part of the visit, the Azerbaijani delegation held bilateral meetings with Orkhan Muradli, Director of the Operations Support Division of NATOs Support and Procurement Agency, and other officials.

During the meetings, there was an exchange of views on Azerbaijan's mine problem, NATO's support, the implementation of new technologies and advanced practices, and prospects for future cooperation in the field of humanitarian demining.

Note that despite attempts at formally requesting information about the location of those mines, Armenia repeatedly denied that it possessed the relevant information and refused to engage on the issue.

Finally, in February this year, Armenia submitted 8 minefield maps of territories located in the liberated lands to Azerbaijan. These maps cover some of the areas along the former contact line. However, the maps covering part of the former contact line passing through Khojavand, Tartar, and Goranboy districts, as well as the areas mined by Armenian military units when they retreated in November 2020, have not been submitted yet.

Many have suspicions about these maps because previous minefield maps submitted by Armenia were inaccurate. Only 25 percent of these maps were correct. Especially submitting minefield maps of the height where civilians do not live increases this suspicion. It is also worth noting that more than 55% of recent landmine cases have occurred outside the areas covered by the information provided.

The behaviour that Armenia displayed in relation to the landmine threat is indeed another setback to the peace and confidence-building measures taken during the post-conflict period in the region.

It is worth noting that because of Azerbaijan's liberated territories remain contaminated with mine, the new infrastructure and green energy projects remain a risky and problematic goal. These obstacles to a legal peace are part of the challenges facing the repopulation, development, and integration of the liberated territories on the path to a full peace.

The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action, known as ANAMA, has grown from a fledgling organisation to one fully equipped to clear mines, provide risk education, and assist survivors of accidents. Today, ANAMA's efforts are aimed at continuing the increase and expansion of mine action capacity to provide the clearance of all liberated areas of Azerbaijan.

---

Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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30 September 2024 14:11 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Today, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met with a delegation led by the Prosecutor General of Georgia, Giorgi Gabitashvili, Azernews reports.

Kamran Aliyev emphasised that the meetings held during the 27th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in Tbilisi had a positive impact on the development of cooperation between the prosecutorial bodies of both countries. He also noted that the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the IAP, to be held in Baku, would further strengthen the existing relations.

The Prosecutor General highlighted the historic significance of hosting the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Azerbaijan, noting that COP29 would contribute greatly to the protection of the planet and the discussion and resolution of global challenges.

Georgia's Prosecutor General, Giorgi Gabitashvili, praised the reforms implemented within the prosecutorial bodies and the strong cooperation between the two countries' prosecution services.

At the end of the meeting, Kamran Aliyev invited the Georgian Prosecutor General to a high-level plenary session to be held in Baku on November 15, in cooperation with the UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC).

The delegation's official visit to Azerbaijan is ongoing.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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30 September 2024 13:38 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev received the leader of the faction of the Liberal Democratic Party of Russia in the State Duma of the Russian Federation Leonid Slutsky, Azernews reports.

Speaking at the meeting President Ilham Aliyev said: Dear Leonid Eduardovich, I am very pleased to welcome you. You are welcome! Your visit is of great importance. I am confident that it will make a great contribution to the strengthening of the friendly and partnership relations between our countries.

As you may know, the President of the Russian Federation paid a state visit to Azerbaijan last month, and it gave a great impetus to the development of our bilateral relations in all areas. As you know, there are extensive inter-parliamentary relations between our legislators. The intergovernmental commission is working successfully and humanitarian cooperation is developing fast. All these and many other issues were discussed during the visit of the President of Russia to Azerbaijan. We reaffirmed with satisfaction the progressive and dynamic nature of our relations. And of course, inter-party relations between the political forces of our countries are also an important factor of our interaction. You are heading one of the leading political parties of the Russian Federation, which enjoys great authority in all regions of the Russian Federation. The successful results of election campaigns demonstrated by representatives of your party suggests the great authority of your political force as an important factor in the political system of the Russian Federation.

We, of course, observe all this with great interest and joy. I wish you and the party you are leading continued success. Of course, as the head of the foreign policy direction of the State Duma, you are also familiar with the successes in the Russian-Azerbaijani track, because we will discuss these and other issues in detail today and outline ways of further cooperation.

And lastly, I would like to express my gratitude to you for finding time to visit the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan despite your busy schedule. The city of Shusha was among the settlements you have visited. This, of course, gives your visit a special significance. I am sure that the Azerbaijani public, first of all the former IDPs, will appreciate your decision to visit the Karabakh region.

You are welcome again.

xxx

Leonid Slutsky said:

- Dear Ilham Heydarovich, it is a great honor and an auspicious occasion for me to be visiting our brotherly Azerbaijan every time, meet with you and note with deep satisfaction the progress Azerbaijan is registering on the way of development of national economy. You are successfully implementing what Heydar Aliyevich bequeathed to you. The same applies to social policy, your closeness to each family and every person, the most serious humanitarian projects realized in the country every year. For me, it was a significant event to realize my much-coveted dream of visiting Shusha, the cultural capital of Azerbaijan. I can say that the Karabakh region is recovering at an extraordinary pace. There are already two beautiful international airports  Fuzuli and Zangilan, while a third airport is also under construction at a rapid pace. Shusha today is a major construction site, restoration of its historical sites is in full swing. I am happy to have visited Shusha. It was a landmark event for me. This is why I specifically came here a day earlier. I would like to say a special word with regard to certain countries of the region that attribute to themselves, at least in part, the success of the anti-terror operation, the operation as a result of which Karabakh returned home to Azerbaijan. After the national poverty reduction program was successfully developed, after Azerbaijan became an energy-independent state, another and perhaps the main precept of your great father, the founder of the modern state of Azerbaijan, Heydar Aliyevich Aliyev, whose memory we honor in Russia, was realized. I will visit his grave before leaving for Moscow, following this tradition. I am talking about Karabakh's return home. There are no merits of any country here except for Azerbaijan, except for the Azerbaijani leadership, the Azerbaijani people, the Azerbaijani Armed Forces. This is not only a task of national importance, it is a task of stability in the South Caucasus, a task of historic proportions, and it has been successfully solved.

The creation of new jobs, including science-intensive clusters, is underway in the Karabakh region of Azerbaijan at an accelerated pace today. And just as some people once couldnt imagine the swift return of Karabakh, some may not fully grasp today what Karabakh will become in just a few years. But I saw with my own eyes yesterday that it would be a prosperous and fertile land again, and cooperation between Russian and Azerbaijani infrastructure companies, the implementation of infrastructure projects would also take place in the Karabakh region in the interests of the people, to which all of the many years of your activity as the leader of modern Azerbaijan have been dedicated, dear Ilham Heydarovich.

It is also significant for me that our respected and beloved Polad Bulbuloglu was with me yesterday. For 18 years, he was the Minister of Culture of Azerbaijan, and for 18 years worked as your Ambassador to Russia, worthily representing the foreign policy line of the President of Azerbaijan in the Russian direction, as the dean of the diplomatic corps in Moscow. And now he worthily represents the Karabakh region, where his father is from, in the Milli Majlis. Yesterday we visited the historical home of Bulbul, where the presidents of Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Belarus, many other political and public figures have also visited before. So it has been a doubly significant visit for me. Of course, we will discuss a significant number of issues that are topical in our bilateral agenda, including, of course, the parliamentary diplomacy dimension, which is developing very successfully together with the Milli Majlis.

After visiting Shusha yesterday, I would like to say again, dear Ilham Heydarovich, that I congratulate all those who, just like me, live with Azerbaijan in their hearts, including those who live far beyond the borders of the Azerbaijani state. I congratulate them on the return of Karabakh home. Karabakh is Azerbaijan!

President Ilham Aliyev: Thank you very much!

---

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30 September 2024 15:05 (UTC+04:00)

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has congratulated the Jewish community of Azerbaijan on the New Year - Rosh Hashanah, Azernews reports.

The address reads:

"Dear fellow compatriots,

I cordially congratulate you on the New Year Holiday of the Jewish people - Rosh Hashanah - and extend my sincerest wishes to each of you.

Azerbaijan, which plays the role of a bridge between the East and the West, is one of the unique places, where friendly and fraternal relations have existed between peoples, and ethnic and cultural diversity and high multicultural values have been preserved for centuries. Throughout history, representatives of different cultures and faiths have always lived here in peace, good neighbourliness, mutual trust and respect as one family without facing discrimination. Even today, in our country, where the atmosphere of exemplary tolerance prevails, there are ample opportunities for ethnic and religious minorities, including the Jewish community, to keep their traditions, language and culture alive by taking advantage of their national and spiritual values.

I would like to particularly emphasize that as an integral part and equal member of our society, our citizens of Jewish origin contribute to conveying the realities about Azerbaijan to the world community, and are closely involved in the public and political life of our country, which is currently experiencing a great progress and rapid development.

Dear friends,

On the occasion of Rosh Hashanah, which epitomizes renewal, spiritual purity, solidarity and kindness, I once again extend my congratulations to all of you and wish happiness to your families and abundance to your homes.

Happy holiday!

Ilham Aliyev

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan

Baku, 30 September 2024"

---

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30 September 2024 17:02 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Russian President Vladimir Putin has awarded Polad Bulbuloglu, Azerbaijan's former ambassador to Russia, with the "Order of Alexander Nevsky" for his contributions to strengthening cooperation between Russia and Azerbaijan, Azernews reports.

Note that Polad Bulbuloglu is a prominent Azerbaijani figure, known for his multifaceted career as a musician, composer, actor, and diplomat. Since 2006, Polad Bulbuloglu has served as Azerbaijans Ambassador to Russia, an important role given Azerbaijan's significant geopolitical relationship with its northern neighbor. His diplomatic work involves fostering Azerbaijan's political, cultural, and economic relations with Russia.

It is worth noting that the Order of Alexander Nevsky is one of Russias highest state decorations, named after the legendary Russian medieval prince and military hero, Alexander Nevsky. It is awarded to Russian and foreign citizens for outstanding service to the country, particularly in strengthening international relations and fostering economic, political, or cultural cooperation with Russia.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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1 October 2024 09:00 (UTC+04:00)

At the Media Development Agency of the Azerbaijan Republic, a meeting was held with Ding Tao, the temporary charge d'affaires of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Azerbaijan.

According to Azernews, this was reported by the Media Development Agency.

At the meeting, the Executive Director of the Media Development Agency, Ahmad Ismayilov, referring to the "Joint Declaration on the Establishment of strategic partnership between the Republic of Azerbaijan and the People's Republic of China", said that in the corresponding Declaration, the Parties support cooperation in the field of media and information exchange, and express their readiness to strengthen cooperation in the fields of media and think tanks. In this regard, he emphasized the importance of establishing mutual cooperation between institutions responsible for the media field and media subjects, organizing the exchange of experience in the direction of combating the spread of information based on fake and unreliable sources, as well as establishing relations between educational institutions for training specialists in the media field.

Ding Tao, the Charge d'affaires of the People's Republic of China in the Republic of Azerbaijan, spoke about the current situation and prospects of cooperation in the field of media between the two countries and emphasized the importance of further expanding mutual relations in the future, the importance of involving China's experts working in the media field in the trainings held in Azerbaijan, and the importance of establishing long-term effective partnership and communication. He also emphasized the necessity of organizing mutual visits related to the mentioned issues.

Furthermore, at the meeting, a wide range of opinions were exchanged on issues of interest to both sides.

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1 October 2024 10:21 (UTC+04:00)

Nazrin Abdul Read more

The procedure for executing the verdict related to the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran is ongoing, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev informed journalists, Azernews reports.

He emphasized that communication with the Iranian authorities continues in this matter.

This is solely about procedural issues. The verdict from the first-instance court must be confirmed by the Supreme Court of Iran. The procedural rule dictates that once this process is completed, the verdict will be executed, he explained.

An armed attack occurred at the Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran on January 27, 2023, around 8:30 AM (GMT+4). The assailant, a man in his 50s, approached the embassy armed with a Kalashnikov rifle.

Initial reports from the Chief of Tehran Police indicated that there were two children in the car with the gunman. However, security camera footage later confirmed that he was alone. After briefly acknowledging an Iranian security guard outside, he entered the building without any attempts to detain him. Inside, he fatally shot the head of the embassy's security service and wounded two guards before being apprehended. The incident is currently under investigation.

In the aftermath of the attack, Azerbaijan evacuated its officials from the embassy, including those injured, and completely suspended operations at the embassy in Tehran.

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1 October 2024 10:35 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Under the 2024 training plan, practical demonstration classes on engineering training were conducted for commanders and their deputies, Azernews reports.

During the classes, servicemen received comprehensive information on fortifications, engineering barriers, modern engineering equipment and weaponry.

The classes also included demonstrations of techniques for clearing areas of mines and unexploded ordnance using Mechanical Mine-Clearing Equipment (MEMATT).

Additionally, participants observed the processes of creating passages through unexploded engineering obstacles and crossing barriers by laying pontoon bridges. The focus of the classes is to improve the capabilities of military personnel in installing and overcoming engineering obstacles, as well as to expand their knowledge of engineering training.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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1 October 2024 12:25 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in Lachin district, met Monday with a delegation led by Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of the Ukrainian city of Irpin, Azernews reports, citing AZERTAC.

The meeting saw the signing of the Memorandum on establishing twinning relations between the city of Lachin and the city of Irpin.

The document envisages exchange of experience across various domains, including preservation of the historical and cultural heritage, urbanization, environmental protection, information technologies, landscaping, public transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, as well as youth and sports.

This is indeed a milestone occasion. We have officially cemented the existing friendly relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Oleksandr Marushyn noted.

He described Azerbaijans support to Ukraine as irreplaceable, expressing Ukraines eternal gratitude to Azerbaijan for its position and fraternal support.

The signing of the Memorandum on establishing twinning relationsp between Lachin and Irpin is of great importance. Thus, the document stipulates familiarizing with history, culture and daily life of the cities, as well as establishing the friendly relations, Masim Mammadov noted.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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1 October 2024 13:03 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

The opening ceremony of Computer-Assisted Tactical Command-Staff Exercise Maharat-2024 (Mastery) was held, Azernews reports.

The exercise is conducted between Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan in accordance with Bilateral Cooperation Plan for 2024, signed between the Defense Ministries of 2 countries.

The opening ceremony honored memory of Heroes of Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan. National anthems of both countries were played. Major General Vugar Aliverdiyev declared the event open and extended his greetings to the participants and guests.

It was stated that this exercise is an important step aimed at strengthening the military cooperation of both countries and jointly approaching the solution of the common regional security problems.

It was noted that the goal of the Maharat 2024 exercise is to increase the coordination and efficiency of the allied forces and develop the strategic partnership.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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1 October 2024 17:58 (UTC+04:00)

Laman Ismayilova Read more

The project "Theatre: From Generation to Generation," organised by the Culture Ministry's Scientific-Methodical and Qualification Centre for Culture, continues to evolve, Azernews reports.

A thematic seminar panel titled "Acting Mastery: Human Nature and Paradox" was held on the small stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre.

The seminar participants honoured the memory of those who lost their lives in the 44-day Patriotic War with a minute of silence.

Acting Director of the Scientific-Methodical and Qualification Centre for Culture, a Doctor of Philosophical Sciences in the field of Arts Studies Vugar Humbatov, welcomed the guests, paying tribute to the martyrs and wishing good health to the war veterans.

He conveyed his gratitude to the seminar participants, emphasising the particular importance of this project in enhancing cultural understanding and promoting theatrical arts.

The guest for the panel, moderated by theatre critic Daglar Yusuf, was People's Artist Nurauddin Mehthikhanli, a leading actor of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre.

In his discussion with the youth, he provided insight into the paradoxical nature of acting, which is built upon the contrast between human nature and culture.

He explored the theoretical and practical foundations of acting, the psychology of creativity among actors, as well as the traditions and modern currents of theatre.

During his speech, N. Mehthikhanli highlighted the paradoxical nature of acting based on the contrast between human nature and culture.

He spoke to the youth about theoretical and practical foundations, the creative psychology of the actor, traditions, modernity, and new creative trends.

In his speech, N. Mehdikhanli emphasised that the theatre will live forever as long as there are talented and dedicated youth

"Theatre will live eternally as long as there is talented and dedicated youth," he said.

The seminar focuses on promoting the development of theatrical arts in Azerbaijan by creating a platform for sharing ideas and exchanging experiences across generations.

This initiative aims to apply modern international trends in the theatre, increase interest in this art form, and engage young individuals in shaping an active creative environment.

As part of the seminars "Theatre: From Generation to Generation", plans are underway to organise interactive meetings with theatre artists.

Noteworthy, Azerbaijan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and one of its most significant contributions to the world of performing arts is its professional national theatre.

The history of Azerbaijani theatre dates back to the late 19th century, when the first professional national theatre was established in Baku.

The National Theatre was created in the 1870s at the initiative of prominent playwright Mirza Fatali Axundov.

Adventures of the Lankaran Khanate Vizier was the first dramatic work played on the stage of the Azerbaijani theatre. Its premiere took place on March 10, 1873, at the initiative of Azerbaijani print media founder Hasan-bay Zardabi and dramatist and public figure Najaf-bay Vazirov.

During the 1960s, the Azerbaijani theatre art entered a transformative phase with the staging of William Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra." This era saw the emergence of talented young playwrights who made significant contributions to the theatre's repertoire.

In the 1980s, the national theatre experienced a period of remarkable artistic development. This era witnessed significant advancements in terms of stylistic and genre diversity, contributing to the theatre's overall artistic growth.



Starting in the 1990s, Azerbaijani theatres demonstrated plays by modern and classic Azerbaijani writers, as well as works by Russian and international dramatists. This era marked a broadening of the theatre's repertoire.

Over these years, the theatres in the country have produced a wide range of theatrical works that have gained wide recognition.

----

Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @lmntypewriterrr

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1 October 2024 16:15 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

In September, staff of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) conducted another visit to individuals of Armenian descent, as reported by the Azerbaijani side, Azernews reports.

One-on-one meetings were held with the detainees, and conditions were created for them to communicate with their families.

In accordance with its mandate, the ICRC assesses the treatment and detention conditions of detainees during such visits. The ICRC also facilitates the restoration or continuation of detainees' contact with their families. Observations and recommendations from these visits are shared and discussed only with the detaining authorities, in line with the ICRCs procedures, the statement emphasized.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan's law enforcement agencies have detained and brought to Baku several former leaders of the Armenian separatists in Garabagh, including former "presidents" Arkadi Ghukasyan, Bako Sahakyan, and Arayik Harutyunyan, former "foreign minister" David Babayan, former "parliament speaker" David Ishkhanyan, generals Levon Mnatsakanyan and David Manukyan, as well as former "state minister" Ruben Vardanyan.

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Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

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28 September 2024 23:30 (UTC+04:00)

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi emphasized that Washington must abandon its "two-faced" approach toward Beijing, which involves simultaneously suppressing China while also engaging in dialogue and cooperation, Azernews reports.

"Stopping the deterioration of relations between the two countries and stabilizing them meets the interests of the peoples of the two states and meets the expectations of the international community," the Chinese foreign minister said during the meeting with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly.

Wang also called on the United States to to stop arming Taiwan and oppose its independence.

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28 September 2024 22:00 (UTC+04:00)

The owner of the only cinema in Castelvetrano, the Sicilian hometown of the notorious Cosa Nostra mafia boss Matteo Messina Denaro, has refused to screen a film based on his life, Azernews reports via The Guardian.

Denaro died of cancer in September last year, nine months after he was arrested following 30 years on the run.

The heavily fictionalised film, Sicilian Letters, premiered at the Venice film festival and will be released in Italian cinemas on 10 October.

Salvatore Vaccarino, the owner of Marconi cinema in Castelvetrano, refused to host a preview and to screen the film, the Giornale di Sicilia reported. It doesnt interest me, it doesnt concern me, Vaccarino told the newspaper.

He is the son of the late former mayor Antonio Vaccarino, who was convicted of drugs trafficking in the 1990s and is known for having corresponded with Denaro on behalf of Italys secret services as they sought to capture him. Sicilian Letters is based on the correspondence.

The Ansa news agency cited sources as saying one reason for Vaccarino not showing the film could be because of the reference to his father. Others said sympathies for Denaro ran deep in Castelvetrano and the film depicted him in a negative light.

Giovanni Lentini, Castelvetranos mayor, said he would try to persuade Vaccarino to show the film so that citizens can be given the chance to see it.

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29 September 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The United States wants to monopolize mediation efforts in the Middle East, Azernews reports, citing Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, as he told in his statement on the results of his participation in the high-level week of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

"The Americans have closed all the mechanisms for assistance in the Middle East processes, primarily the quartet of international mediators, which includes Russia, the United States, the United Nations and the European Union. Now you can see that the Americans want to monopolize the mediation efforts, sometimes they organize different formats with our Jordanian colleagues, sometimes with our Egyptian colleagues, sometimes with our Qatari colleagues, but they still try to lead all this themselves," he said.

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29 September 2024 19:55 (UTC+04:00)

Explosions were heard in the Hodeidah port in Yemen, according to the Saudi Al Hadath channel. On Saturday the Houthi rebels fired a missile at Israel, Azernews reports, citing ynet.

Army says airstrikes focused on key military infrastructure in Ras Issa and Hodeidah, including power stations and ports used for importing oil;

Israel can strike powerfully even 2,000 kilometers away, the official says in a message to Iran.

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30 September 2024 18:37 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Turkmenistan and the United States, based on many years of experience in cooperation, are aimed at strengthening cooperation in the energy sector within the framework of the C5+1, Azernews reports.

Special attention was paid to energy issues at the meeting. It was noted that Turkmenistan and the United States are currently following the path of considering international contacts in the field of international energy.

In addition, issues of strengthening cooperation in the field of security, as well as the development of trade and economic ties, where the Turkmen-American Business Council continues to play an important role, were discussed.

Prospects in the field of education and scientific exchange were also discussed, where both sides noted the positive experience of long-term cooperation within the framework of academic exchange programs of the US government.

It should be noted that the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Turkmenistan Rashid Meredov also held separate talks with US Secretary of State Anthony Blinken, during which strategic issues of bilateral relations were discussed.

Recall that the C5+1 diplomatic platform is a comprehensive approach of the US government to Central Asia, involving interaction with the governments of five countries in the region.

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30 September 2024 22:33 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

Chinese scientists have made a breakthrough in the treatment of type 1 diabetes using stem cells and an innovative method, Azernews reports.

The results of this revolutionary study indicate that type 1 diabetes is characterized not only by insulin deficiency, but also by aggressive destruction of beta cells of the pancreas, which are responsible for the production of insulin. This hormone is produced by the immune system.

In June 2023, a patient from the Tianjin region underwent a unique operation to transplant reprogrammed stem cells into abdominal muscles. The procedure took less than 30 minutes. After just ten weeks, the woman's body regained the ability to independently produce the necessary amount of insulin. This effect has been maintained for more than a year. During this time, the patient stopped dangerous fluctuations in blood glucose levels and now feels normal 98 percent of the day. The patient himself notes that he now buys sweets and eats various foods.

Two more patients are currently undergoing similar treatment, and doctors say the initial results are very positive. The monitoring of these patients will continue until November. The head of research, Deng Hongkui, plans to expand the program to 10-20 participants.

Prior to this study, a Shanghai-based research team reported in April a successful cell transplant using stem cells into the liver of a 59-year-old man with type 2 diabetes.

Despite the promising results, experts urge caution. Jay Schuyler, an endocrinologist at the University of Miami, offers a five-year program to fully evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, emphasizing the need for long-term patient monitoring.

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1 October 2024 08:00 (UTC+04:00)

The Israeli Defence Forces have declared the territory of three settlements near the border with Lebanon a closed military zone.

"After assessing the situation, Metula, Misgav Ama and Kfar Giladi areas in the north of Israel have been declared a closed military zone," it was said in the report.

The decision was announced against the background of expectations of a possible Israeli ground operation in Lebanon.

Earlier, US President Joseph Biden said that he would not support the planned ground operation against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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1 October 2024 20:25 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The US Department of Defense has allocated $2.1 billion for the production of Trident II D5 ballistic missiles and new Warhead 93/Mark7 nuclear warheads, Azernews reports.

The document notes that the contract in the amount of $2,112,872,740 was awarded to Lockheed Martin. It provides for the production of "Trident II D5 missiles and support systems" designed for launching from submarines, as well as the "development of Warhead 93/Mark7".

The contract also provides for the supply of these weapons to the UK. It is assumed that the work under the contract should be completed by September 30, 2029.

In addition, the Pentagon has allocated Lockheed Martin over $1.16 billion to develop systems for installing Trident II missiles on submarines, as well as navigation nodes. Work on this contract should be completed by September 29, 2031.

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1 October 2024 22:30 (UTC+04:00)

By Alimat Aliyeva

The UAE state-owned oil company Abu Dhabi National Oil Co. (ADNOC) has signed an investment agreement with the German chemical company Covestro, Azernews reports.

Under the terms of the deal, ADNOC will buy back all shares of the chemical manufacturer for 14.7 billion euros.

The company offered to buy back Covestro shares for 62 euros each, which is 54% higher than their market value on June 19, 2023 - the day before the first rumors about a possible deal appeared.

Covestro is a former division of Bayer, which was separated into an independent company in 2015. Bayer finally withdrew from the share capital of Covestro in 2018. The revenue of the chemical company at the end of last year amounted to 14.4 billion euros. At the same time, the manufacturer remains unprofitable for the second year in a row: in 2023, the company's net loss amounted to 198 million euros, and in 2022 - 272 million euros.

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1 October 2024 23:00 (UTC+04:00)

In Italy, students who disrespect teachers will face punishments, and their parents will also be held accountable, according to "The Guardian," as reported by Azernews.

The Italian government is introducing strict measures to address inappropriate student behavior, aiming to restore respect for teachers and enhance school discipline. One of the key changes includes imposing hefty fines ranging from 500 to 10,000 on students and their families for insulting or bullying teachers.

Additionally, school principals will gain more authority to expel students exhibiting unacceptable behavior. A new behavior evaluation system for middle and high school students will also be implemented, affecting their academic progress. Students who score less than five points in behavior will have to repeat the school year, regardless of their academic achievements.

These reforms reflect the government's commitment to empowering teachers and fostering a respectful learning environment, which is expected to not only improve discipline but also the overall quality of education.

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1 October 2024 17:19 (UTC+04:00)

Fatima Latifova Read more

"We are interested in signing a peace treaty and will work towards its realization," Alen Simonyan, Speaker of the Armenian Parliament said this in his statement to his local media.

Simonyan added that if the Azerbaijani side has this intention, then "the ball has long been on Azerbaijan's court".

It should be noted that peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia have reached an impasse. This is due to Armenia's avoidance of peace and its refusal to accept Azerbaijan's natural demands for peace, including the removal of territorial claims against Azerbaijan from its constitution.

Since the meeting between the two countries' prime ministers in Almaty in May, the Armenian side has been evading peace and withdrawing from negotiations.

Currently, the Armenian side is trying to sign a peace agreement in a short time by agreeing on insignificant issues, avoiding the main demands of Baku. This intention of Armenia can have two meanings in the region: firstly, the presence of a signed document related to the peace agreement in the hands of Armenia. The second is for Armenia to start the next steps within the framework of its economic interests based on the peace agreement.

Azerbaijan has repeatedly stated that the peace agreement will be accepted only if the preamble containing territorial claims is removed from the Armenian constitution.

---

Fatima Latifova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter:

@fatimalatifova

Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz
Comet Tsuchinshan-ATLAS Could be Visible This Week To Oregon-Washington, Coastlines, but Better in Oct - Video

Published 9/28/24 at 9:25 a.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff

(Bandon, Oregon)  Yesterday, it made its closest approach to the sun, and in the next few days it may be visible in some parts of Oregon and Washington  although the coastlines of either might be a stretch. But wait, there's more: it may yet be seen in early evening skies along the coastlines of Oregon and Washington in October. Above: photo from the ISS this week by NASA astronaut Matthew Dominick.

C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS is the comet everyone has been talking about the last few days and with good reason: it's already been photographed in various parts of the world, including the U.S. From now through through October 1, it may be visible in the east some 45 minutes before sunrise  for those 40 degrees north or higher (which is us here in Washington, Oregon and its coastlines).

However, scientists say, it's going to be extremely low on the horizon. While it will be decently bright at +2 or +3 magnitude  about the visibility of stars in the Big Dipper  it's going to be more difficult to see through all that atmosphere.

See Washington Coast Weather - Oregon Coast Weather - Inland Oregon Weather

Space.com recommends you bring binoculars to your little out-of-this-world sojourn.

If you can see it, you'll be looking at a fuzzy object with a tail shooting upwards.

Manuela Durson caught this fire shot of Neowise in the east above the southern Oregon coast of Bandon - see Manuela Durson Fine Arts



Photo ISS - NASA (cropped)

It's possible it could get as bright as Venus, if dust conditions and sunlight match up right. There's also a possibility it could be visible by telescopes in the daylight, though you'll have to know exactly where to look.



Photo ISS - NASA (the full shot)

At that point in October, the Oregon coast and Washington coast get a little bit of the advantage to see with the naked eye as it will be low in the western horizon  really low. However, blue hour light may cause interference.

Places to look this week could be from Manzanita's Neahkahnie Overlook, where can see the east fairly well.

Stay tuned to Oregon Coast Beach Connection for more on when and where to look at that time. See live coverage of the comet from a telescope in Italy

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Trick to Spotting Some Sneaker Waves on Oregon Coast / Washington Coast

Published 9/27/24 at 5:45 p.m.

By Oregon Coast Beach Connection Staff





(Oregon Coast)  Unruly waves to wild, big 'n scary breakers are often a hefty attraction along the Oregon coast and Washington's coastline. And for good reason. This presents plenty of dangers, however. (Above: Bad sneaker wave juju in Newport. This area had been clear for a good 100 feet of beach until this happened)

Yet it does not take major storm systems to create wanton ocean surges. Something called sneaker waves is an actual thing: it happens a lot out on the coast. These are known for knocking people over and even sweeping them out to sea.

Worse yet, inlanders and certainly out-of-staters often don't believe the threat exists.

So, the constant message from Oregon coast officials is never turn your back on the ocean.

Again, for good reason. Yet is it possible to get a little warning?

Sometimes it is, said Tom Horning, a geologist in Seaside.

There's a bit of a surprise here: there are conditions to look out for when a sneaker wave may be coming, but you have to be paying close attention to the tide. If the water suddenly recedes quite a ways, he says, then you may have a problem coming.

This could give you a heads up ahead of time, instead of seeing the monstrous thing come raging your way.

It's not a guarantee  only a helpful guideline. There's really no defense better than keeping an eye on the ocean.

.

The clue that a sneaker wave is coming is a large withdrawal of the ocean after a period of smaller waves, Horning said. The withdrawal represents a magnified trough preceding a magnified peak - a big wave - that is following. If the ocean pulls out an abnormal distance, keep an eye on it and plan your escape route - if you are in an area that can be flooded by the coming big surge.

Horning said its best to watch the ocean for 10 to 20 minutes to get an idea of whether or not sneaker waves are likely. But if in doubt, simply stay away from the beach  period. If you see waves reaching up close to cliffs or foredunes, stay off it and watch the beach from above.

Another trick to estimating if a site is safe is to stay on dry ground, as that site should not get swamped by waves, Horning said. But this only works if the weather is dry. If it has been raining, you have to study the site to see if it has foam or bits of debris from waves. You should also keep in mind when the tide will peak. A site can be dry early in the tidal cycle, but can be hit by waves as the tide rises. Caution and a close eye on the ocean is needed.



Near Oceanside: sneaker wave inundates Cape Meares (Oregon Coast Beach Connection)

Horning said sneaker waves are a likelihood on low-lying beaches or rocky ledges during much of the winter. So its best to stay clear of these kinds of beaches during these conditions  it's that simple.

Luckily for Washington, most of those beaches in the south are wide, flat and have clear access to land.

Beaches with high cliffs behind you and no escape are especially bad: like at Bandon, Gleneden Beach, Lincoln City, Oceanside, and some areas around Gold Beach, Port Orford, Brookings and Yachats.

Sneaker waves sneak up on you and can carry away the unprepared, Horning said. Sneaker waves are formed by at least two wave trains that are moving at slightly different speeds and that are out of phase. As a result, they produce a complex wave train that can double the heights of the waves every few minutes, with smaller waves happening in between.

Compounding this beach safety issue is the fact most from out of state don't understand the concept of these deadly waves that literally sneak up. Much of that is that most other coastal states (and regions around the world) do not have sneaker waves like the southern Washington coast and Oregon coast. In fact, the phenomenon more or less disappears as you get into Canada. See: Sneaker Waves More Common on Oregon / Washington Coast Than Rest of U.S. Sneaker waves occur more often here than most U.S. places, but there's a twist

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ASC chain Inova Surgery Center, an affiliate of Falls Church, Va.-based Inova Health, has been charged with violating the Americans with Disabilities Act and the Age Discrimination in Employment Act for firing an employee because of disability and age.

The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission filed a suit alleging that after a 52-year-old radiologic technician requested an extension of medical leave to recover from carpal tunnel surgery, Inova Surgery Center terminated her and replaced her with two younger coworkers while she was on leave, according to a Sept. 30 news release from the EEOC.

The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, alleges the conduct violates the ADEA, which protects employees 40 years of age and older from age discrimination, and the ADA, which requires employers to provide reasonable accommodations to employees with disabilities.

The lawsuit is seeking back pay, liquidated damages, compensatory and punitive damages for the employee and equitable relief to prevent future discrimination.

Becker's has reached out to Inova and will update the story if more information becomes available.
A former theater in San Francisco has been sold to an affiliate of several area medical professionals for $4.9 million, according to a Sept. 30 report from the San Francisco Business Times.

The three-level, 16,594-square-foot building formerly housed San Francisco's Playhouse theater. It was acquired by 532 Sutter LLC, which is registered to Megan McDougle, a former nursing director at the San Francisco Surgery Center. The LLC is directed by orthopedic surgeon James Chen, MD, also of SFSC.

The building sold for about 46% less than what it was acquired for in 2018, according to the report.

It is not clear whether Dr. Chen and Ms. McDougle plan to occupy the building or lease it to various tenants.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts is encouraging its members to review options for colorectal cancer screenings amid a rise in cases, according to an Oct. 1 news release from the insurer.

Here are five things to know:
The GI space saw numerous developments and industry moves in September.

Here are 10 updates on the GI and endoscopy space, as reported by Becker's:

1. A newly developed, teleoperated robotic endoscopy system could open up access to the procedure globally. The new system is the first teleoperated endoscope and was tested on a synthetic model in Hong Kong remotely from Zurich.

2. Researchers at the Cleveland Clinic discovered a new bacterium that weakens the immune system in the gut, which could contribute to inflammatory and infectious gut diseases. The study, published in Science, revealed that the bacterium Tomasiella immunophila breaks down a crucial component in the gut's immune barrier.

3. The American Gastroenterological Association, which represents more than 16,000 physicians nationwide, brought together 100 new members and patient advocates to urge Congress to reduce prior authorization burdens and improve reimbursement rates.

4. Sonia Kupfer, MD, a GI specialist, was tapped as inaugural director of the community advancement of physician-scientists at the University of Chicago.

5. Exton, Pa.-based US Digestive Health signed a five-year contract with payer Highmark Health, an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. The contract ensures that Highmark members will have in-network access to US Digestive's gastroenterologists in Pennsylvania and Delaware.

6. A patient at the University of Chicago became the first to receive Tremfya, a recently FDA-approved treatment for ulcerative colitis produced by Johnson & Johnson.

7. New data from cancer screening and diagnostic test provider Exact Sciences showed a 88.3% sensitivity rate for its blood-based colorectal cancer screening test. The blood test also showed 31.2% sensitivity for advanced precancerous lesions at specificity of 90.1% for negative samples confirmed by colonoscopy.

8. It remains unclear how new quality indicator guidelines released by the American College of Gastroenterology and the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy will impact the way that endoscopists approach colonoscopies. According to the American Journal of Managed Care, the implementation of these guidelines will fall on "the goodwill of endoscopists and endoscopy units." Medical technology company Olympus expressed support for the new colonoscopy recommendations.

9. The FDA cleared Caddie, the first cloud-based AI platform designed to detect colorectal polyps during colonoscopies.

10. On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold-card program, including 12 gastrointestinal procedures.
Following the closure of the only crisis stabilization unit in Sonoma County, area hospitals are seeing a rise in mental health patients seeking care in their emergency departments, The Press Democrat reported Sept. 30.

In August, county officials closed the facility to address a mold infestation. Remediation work is ongoing and it may take several more months before the facility  which provides 24/7 crisis stabilization services for patients experiencing mental health crises  can reopen.

In the meantime, local hospitals are seeing an uptick in ED volumes. Spokespersons for Sutter Santa Rosa Regional Hospital and Providence Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital told the news outlet they have seen more mental health patients since the facility has closed.

County officials said they are working with local hospitals to coordinate care for patients, and that Sonoma County is considering whether to contract with an alternative site or use a section of an existing short-term psychiatric health facility until the facility reopens.
A nonprofit founded by Alice Walton, the heiress to the Walmart fortune with an estimated net worth of $91.3 billion, gave $249 million to help fund a new medical school in Arkansas, Forbes reported Oct. 1.

Ms. Walton has donated an estimated $1.5 billion during her lifetime, ranking as America's 26th most generous philanthropist, according to Forbes.

In 2021, she announced plans to finance and build an independent medical school in Bentonville, Ark., which was then called the Whole Health School of Medicine and Health Science. The school is 154,000 square feet and sits on 14 acres.

Pending accreditation, the Alice L. Walton School of Medicine's four-year medical degree program will welcome its first class of 48 students in 2025.

Another of Ms. Walton's nonprofits, the Alice L. Walton Foundation, recently partnered with Chesterfield, Mo.-based Mercy, Cleveland Clinic and other organizations to invest $700 million over 30 years to improve healthcare access in Arkansas. The foundation will also develop an outpatient center for specialty care in Bentonville.
The COVID-19 pandemic accelerated the adoption of remote and hybrid work in health systems, especially within IT teams. Healthcare organizations expect this trend to continue due to the flexibility it offers employees.

"Munson Healthcare has embraced remote and hybrid work models for select IT roles, capitalizing on this flexibility as a strategic advantage for attracting and retaining talent throughout the state of Michigan and nationwide," Michael Saad, CIO of Traverse City, Mich.-based Munson Healthcare told Becker's. "This approach has been instrumental in filling pivotal IT leadership and technical roles."

Mr. Saad emphasized that providing remote and hybrid work options for IT staff has emerged as a significant benefit for employees. This flexibility not only enhances productivity but also plays a crucial role in retaining skilled talent within the organization, he said.

At Baton Rouge, La.-based Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System, 60% of the team works fully remote, 15% hybrid and 25% onsite.

"While there are many advantages and some disadvantages of the remote/hybrid model, we have not seen a material impact on the speed of implementing IT projects," Will Landry, CIO of the health system, told Becker's.

As a result, Mr. Landry expects to maintain this configuration for the IT team.

"At this time, the advantages outweigh the disadvantages," he said. "We are committed to focusing on more interdisciplinary rounding and spending more time at the elbow with our clinicians."

Meanwhile, Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai leans heavily on a hybrid approach. At the health system, 10% of its team operates fully remote, 20% of IT staff are on site while the remaining 70% work in a hybrid model.

"Our hybrid team members reside locally and come into the office based on business requirements and customer needs. This flexibility has proven invaluable, particularly during critical events," Craig Kwiatkowski, PharmD, CIO at Cedars-Sinai told Becker's.

In particular, Dr. Kwiatkowski said during the nationwide Crowdstrike IT outage, hybrid team members came together to address urgent issues on-site for several days, ensuring a prompt and effective response.

"Such instances highlight the importance of having a critical mass of local team members who can transition seamlessly between remote and in-person work, depending on the demands of the moment," he said.

Additionally, the hybrid IT teams have remained as productive as ever, according to Dr. Kwiatkowski.

However, the shift toward remote and hybrid work arrangements hasn't been seamless.

"One of the biggest challenges of remote and hybrid work is maintaining effective collaboration and communication among team members," Zafar Chaudry, MD, chief digital officer and chief AI and information officer at Seattle Children's told Becker's. "While technology can help bridge the gap, it can also lead to misunderstandings and a lack of connection."

At Seattle Children's, the organization has fully embraced remote and hybrid work models, with most employees working remotely. This shift has led the organization to implement additional collaboration tools, prioritize enhanced cybersecurity and support tools to ensure that employees have the necessary technology and support to work effectively remotely.

Matt Junk, interim CIO of Arlington, Va.-based VHC Health echoed some of Mr. Chaudry's thoughts stating that maintaining team cohesion and fostering innovation in remote work settings remains a challenge for healthcare organizations.

"Innovation often thrives on these unplanned moments, you can't schedule innovation over a Teams meeting," he told Becker's.

Despite this, Mr. Junk said hybrid and remote models have allowed employees to manage their work and personal lives more effectively, leading to improved morale and job satisfaction

"This flexibility also opens up the recruiting pool nationally, enabling VHC Health to attract top talent from across the country, bringing diverse skills and perspectives to the team without the expense and barriers of relocation," he said. "Additionally, remote work can enhance productivity by providing opportunities for longer, uninterrupted focus periods, if employees can create personalized, distraction-free work environments."
Tuscaloosa, Ala.-based DCH Health System tapped Rachel Anderson to serve as its new vice president of supply chain.

Previously, Ms. Anderson was corporate director of supply chain at Montgomery, Ala.-based Baptist Health, according to an Oct. 1 news release from DCH Health.

Anderson will assume her new role Oct. 14.
Marcus Romanello, MD, has been named vice president for medical affairs and chief medical officer of Cincinnati-based Christ Hospital Health Network.

Dr. Romanello most recently served as chief medical officer of Kettering Health Hamilton (Ohio) Hospital, according to an Oct. 1 news release from Christ Hospital.

The Christ Hospital Health Network includes two hospitals, as well as outpatient centers and medical offices.
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have given the state's attorney general the authority to review and veto private equity healthcare deals deemed bad for patients and consumers, NPR affiliate KQED reported Sept. 30.

The proposed legislation would have covered deals involving public hospitals, health systems, physician groups and long-term care facilities operating in the state, the report said.

Mr. Newsom said the bill was redundant because the state's Office of Health Care Affordability already has the authority to review and evaluate healthcare transactions, according to the report.

Private equity firms spend about $20 billion per year on healthcare transactions in California and $83 billion nationwide, according to the report.
Worcester, Mass.-based UMass Memorial Health has acquired Milford (Mass.) Regional Medical Center and the Milford Regional Physician Group as part of a new corporate affiliation.

Milford Regional Medical Center has changed its name and branding to UMass Memorial Health-Milford Regional Medical Center, according to an Oct. 1 news release from UMass Memorial Health.



Milford Regional President Ed Kelly will stay in his role while joining UMass Memorial Health's leadership team. Approximately 2,500 employees and providers from Milford Regional are now part of UMass Memorial Health, the release said.



There will be no change to patient care, medical records, billing or insurance at the hospital, according to a news release from UMass Memorial Health-Milford Regional Medical Center.



The new affiliation will not affect the hospital's clinical relationships with other academic medical centers, including Boston-based Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, Brigham and Women's Hospital and Boston Children's Hospital, the release said.
In late September, 133 nurses at Waterbury (Conn.) Hospital voted "no confidence" in Chief Nursing Officer Michelle Diaz, BSN, RN, and demanded her dismissal.

Of the 138 nurses who participated in the vote, 131 said they have considered leaving the hospital in the past six months.

A spokesperson for Connecticut Health Care Associates 1199, which held the vote, told Becker's the hospital has "deteriorated" over the last few years, including outdated computers, ineffective leadership and shortages of supply and staff.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, the hospital employed 350 nurses, and it now employs about 280, the spokesperson said.

Yale New Haven (Conn.) Health is negotiating to buy Waterbury and two other Connecticut hospitals from Los Angeles-based Prospect Medical Holdings, but the organizations have been battling over the deal in court for months.

The union is meeting with Ms. Diaz, the hospital's president and the system's regional CNO on Oct. 9, the spokesperson said.

Waterbury did not respond to Becker's requests for comment but will update this article if more information becomes available.
Here are seven spine and orthopedic patent lawsuits that have been filed or settled so far in 2024:

1. Medical devicemaker Axonics won a patent infringement trial against Medtronic. Medtronic alleged that the company copied three elements of its sacral neuromodulation technology and sought $150 million from the device manufacturer.

2. Mighty Oak Medical and Medacta entered a settlement and license agreement to end a patent dispute related to patient-specific pedicle guides. Under the agreement, Medacta has a non-exclusive license to Mighty Oak's patents related to the pedicle screw guides.

3. A federal judge upheld a 2023 patent infringement verdict in favor of Globus Medical. In November 2019, the Moskowitz family, which holds spinal fusion implant patents, sued Globus Medical alleging direct and indirect infringement.

4. RSB Spine sued Salt Lake City-based devicemaker Innovasis over a patent for the InterPlate device. RSB Spine alleged Innovasis knowingly infringed a U.S. patent.

5. DePuy Synthes, Johnson & Johnson's orthopedic company, asked an appeals court to reverse a $20 million award granted to Gary Rasmussen, MD, in a 2022 patent case. The verdict, reached in March 2022, centered on the "Balanced Sizer" product included in DePuy's Attune knee system. A federal jury found DePuy Synthes infringed on a device invented by Dr. Rasmussen that reshapes existing bone and cartilage before knee replacement procedures.

6. An appeal board for the European Patent Office revoked a pain-management system patent belonging to medical device company Nevro following a challenge from its competitors Medtronic and Boston Scientific.

7. French orthopedic devicemaker Safe Medical saw another win against Neo Medical over patent infringement. The Paris Judicial Court upheld its judgment from a May 2021 ruling that Neo Medical infringed on one of Safe Medical's patents. Neo Medical was found to be guilty of infringing the patent for a pedicle screw kit.
Team behind famous Derry Girls artwork in the Maiden City pay tribute to film that won an Oscar

Belfast Lord Mayor Micky Murray joins street artist Donal ODoherty from Peaball and actor James Martin at the unveiling of a new mural celebrating Oscar-winning short film An Irish Goodbye in Belfast city centre

A new mural dedicated to Oscar-winning short film An Irish Goodbye has been unveiled in Belfast city centre.

The painting depicting cast and crew is at Winetavern Street in the Smithfield area.

It was created by street arts collective Peaball  the team behind the famous Derry Girls mural.

As part of the city councils Belfast 2024 celebration of culture, Lord Mayor Micky Murray joined some of the films stars for the official unveiling.

He said: Belfast 2024 is all about highlighting and showcasing our citys creativity and we couldnt let it happen without paying tribute to one of our greatest creative success stories, An Irish Goodbye.

The short film is the story of two brothers from rural Co Tyrone following their mothers passing.

The feuding siblings played by James Martin and Seamus OHara carry out their late mothers last wishes with her ashes.

It won Best Live Action Short Film at the Academy Awards and Best British Short Film at the Baftas in 2023.

Mr Murray added: The film really put our local film sector on the map when it picked up both Bafta and Academy Awards last year, so this is a fitting tribute to a creative collaboration which has done so much to promote Belfast on a world stage.

Well done to the Peaball crew on creating another really striking and memorable piece of art. The location is perfect too, directly overlooking the site of Belfast Stories, the new home for storytelling and screen in our city when it opens in 2030.

As well as James and Seamus, the mural features directors Tom Berkeley and Ross White.

There are also nods to scenes in the movie, including the memorable balloons used by the brothers as part of their mothers farewell.

Tom and Ross said: All of us behind An Irish Goodbye are totally honoured that Belfast City Council have decided to pay tribute to the films success in this touching way.

The pair met at university in England, where both studied to become actors.

Later they set up a theatre production company that toured the UK and Europe before making the jump to screenwriting in 2019.

They said they will always be thankful for the support they received from fans in the city.

The people of Belfast were behind us every step of the way of this little films incredible journey, from its humble beginnings on a farm in Templepatrick, all the way to the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, they added.

As surreal as it is for the team to see our faces 10ft high across a wall, Peaballs wonderful artwork will hopefully go on to serve as a constant reminder of all the love, support and hard work that so many put into the filming of An Irish Goodbye,

The Peaball artists have backgrounds in graffiti, street art, muralism, tattoo, graphic design, facilitation and print.

The team is based in Londonderry, but is eager to get involved in projects across the region.

The mural is the latest in a series of street art by the collective.

A spokesperson said: An Irish Goodbye is a fantastic addition to Belfasts street art scene, honouring the films Oscar win and showcasing the talent of our team at Peaball. Its a proud moment for the city, highlighting this historic Oscar win and the citys famous creative spirit.
Eamonn Holmes became visibly frustrated on Tuesday while discussing the fallout from former colleague Phillip Schofield's return to mainstream TV.

Schofield has split opinion among Channel 5 viewers with his new three-part series Cast Away, filmed on a remote island in the Indian Ocean.

It marks his first TV project since his departure from ITV over 16 months ago after admitting to an affair with a young male runner on This Morning.

During a discussion about his TV return on GB News with co-host Isabel Webster, Holmes reacted angrily when Webster pointed out that Schofield hadnt done anything illegal regarding the affair.

He fired back: Why is that even relevant? He met the boy when he was 15, so why do you keep on pushing that?

Holmes, who has been openly critical of his former co-star, has admitted feeling very proud to have thrown him under the bus.

Webster responded: Its a fact, Im sticking with the facts. He has not been convicted of any crime.

The Northern Irish presenter then claimed Schofield is addicted to fame, adding that the presenter deserved his time away from the public eye.

The controversy began when it was revealed that Schofield met his lover, then just 15, at a theatre school talk, as reported by The Mail on Sunday.

The young man approached Schofield for a job, and he later arranged an interview, eventually leading to a role as an ITV production assistant once he turned 18. Their affair began several years later.

Phillip Schofield says disaster has struck as wind destroys tent in Cast Away

While filming Cast Away, Schofield referred to himself as the shamed, disgraced Phillip Schofield, who had an affair.

The former Dancing On Ice host said: Strangely, I think another TV presenter or two might have done exactly the same thing.

Difference is heterosexual. It's not an unusual thing in the gay world for there to be a difference in age groups.

That's not that unusual in the straight world, but if that had been the case with me and it had been a woman. Pat on the back. Well done, mate.

Schofield admitted to a secret affair with a younger male colleague at ITV but has strongly denied any accusations of grooming.

The 64-year-old presenter denied being "forced out" of the network and expressed deep regret, saying he was "so very, very sorry" for lying to ITV, his colleagues, wife, and friends.

An external review by Jane Mulcahy KC, conducted on behalf of ITV, concluded that the channel made "considerable efforts" in 2019 to investigate rumours of an affair between Schofield and a production runner but found no concrete evidence to substantiate the claims.

At the conclusion of the Channel 5 show, Schofield admitted he was unsure about returning to presenting.

With tears welling up, he said: I'm not saying I'm done, but I know I'll never go back to daytime television. I've lived a hundred TV lives.

The episode ended with an emotional moment as Schofield reunited with his daughter Molly, 31, and their dog. Molly expressed her support, saying she was "proud to say he's my dad."

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away airs for three nights from Monday, September 30, at 9pm on Channel 5, and is available to stream on My5.
In the last 18 months my life has totally unravelled, says Phillip Schofield at the start of his new TV series, as his boat touches down on a pristine white sand beach.

I locked myself away from the outside world. But now I want to see if the ultimate isolation can finally set me free.

And so the disgraced TV presenter joins the ranks of those who believe that the path to redemption is through reality television.

As the latest contestant on the Channel 5 series Cast Away, Schofield is joining celebrities including Ruby Wax and Joanna Lumley, who sign up to spend 10 days on a remote tropical island off the coast of Africa, with nothing but some basic survival gear and several thousand pounds worth of camera kit.

In terms of an attempted stab at image rehabilitation, being dropped on a desert island for 10 days and being made to film himself is a masterstroke. Because what it does is basically allow Schofield to monologue, uninterrupted, for a whole three hours (the series comprises three episodes, of which I was given access to the first one).

Some of those hours are entertaining: he is, after all, a talented broadcaster. We see him attempt to go fishing, and fail miserably; chop wood and set up a bivouac that promptly almost gets levelled in a storm. We see him hunt down a crab and get lost on the island after dark.

We even see him crack jokes. I can get fired, but I never quit, he quips at one point, when asked if hed consider backing out. Har har.

Also batting for Team Schofield are his family (naturally), who are filmed pre-island having a casual outside dinner and who pop up occasionally throughout the episode to give their opinions on him, mostly to show how supportive they are and how great he is.

The main interviewee here is his daughter Molly, who appears during some of the more emotional moments to talk about how devastating the impact of her fathers very public cancellation had on their family.

This is something Schofield addresses too: in detail, almost like hes in a rush to get his story across before we switch off. We get heartfelt musings on the impact of coming out later in life (its just given me more anguish than joy), scenes of Schofield sniping about his colleagues on This Morning, and even an extended speech in which he hints that the press fallout almost drove him to suicide.

All this is mentioned. What isnt mentioned, at least in episode one, are the more toxic elements of this story. The young man Schofield had an unwise but not illegal affair with. The power imbalance in their relationship. The fact that Schofield hid it for two years. The culture of bullying at This Morning (this does crop up, but he insists he knew nothing about it). And above all, the fact that it might possibly be a bit too soon to try making a comeback on national television.

Theres no attempt at balance here, not even from the producers. This is the Schofield Show, and were just along for the ride. Schofield himself expresses hardly any remorse, settling instead for a sort of barely-concealed resentment at his perceived ill-treatment at the hands of the press and public. And while it might make for fascinating television, its doubtful that this is going to hasten along any kind of return to the small screen.

Instead, this just reads as a desperate grab for public redemption. Queasy viewing, best avoided.

Phillip Schofield Cast Away episode one is streaming on Channel 5. Episodes two and three will air at 9pm on Tuesday and Wednesday
Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University; Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School; Ken Hom CBE; Dr Laura Wells, Lecturer, International Hospitality Management at Ulster University; Donald Sloan, Chair and Founder of the Oxford Cultural Collective.

Celebrated chef Ken Hom has hosted a special collaboration with students at Ulster University in a bid to help inspire hospitality students.

On Tuesday evening he was greeted by over 100 guests including members of the local hospitality industry at the Ulster University Culinary Salon, for a unique dining experience for guests and a learning experience for students, who had the opportunity to cook alongside the acclaimed chef.

Im here to tell the students at Ulster University that they shouldnt do anything they dont have a passion for, Mr Hom said.

If you want to get into the industry, you have to love it. Today, young people can travel and absorb the atmosphere, food and smells of other countries and come back to places like Belfast to make the food that they have enjoyed elsewhere their own.

Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University; Professor Gillian Armstrong MBE, Pro Vice Chancellor & Executive Dean of Ulster University Business School; Ken Hom CBE; Dr Laura Wells, Lecturer, International Hospitality Management at Ulster University; Donald Sloan, Chair and Founder of the Oxford Cultural Collective.

Nothing touches me more than to see a place like Belfast taking off like a rocket. All of you here tonight will benefit from it, people will come to this wonderful city for hospitality, places to stay, and for good food.

I never dreamt my cooking would make such an impact, but somehow Chinese food has caught the imagination of people in this country. Tonights menu is a mixture of east and west, with influence from Chinese techniques and flavours using wonderful Irish produce.

Dr Laura Wells, Lecturer, International Hospitality Management at Ulster University said they hoped a visit from Mr Hom would enrich the students at the university.

It was an honour to host Ken Hom at Ulster University and introduce him to our talented Culinary Arts Management and International Hospitality Management students, she said.

"Within the Department for Hospitality Tourism and Events Management, we seek to create immersive learning experiences that truly inspire and enrich our students and fuel their passion for the industry. It was fantastic to hear directly from Ken, a world-renowned chef and TV personality, about his own career path and his distinct philosophy around the role of food as a catalyst for change.

Ken Hom CBE pictured with Ulster University Culinary Arts Management and International Hospitality Management students Leslin Joy (left), Lisa Quinn (centre) and John OMahany (right).

Professor Ioannis S. Pantelidis, Head of the Department of Hospitality and Tourism Management at Ulster University also said: Our Culinary Salons are always such a great learning opportunity for our students and the level of inspiration they get from legendary colleagues such as Ken Hom is priceless as it fuels their imagination as to what they can achieve.

"Ken puts an authentic touch in everything he does and his sense of humour and passion for food merged with his pioneering approach to merging cuisine techniques and flavours showcases what can be done when you have a clear vision, be it in the kitchen or in management and leadership of hospitality brands.

The visit by Ken Hom is made possible by the support of the Savoy Educational Trust and delivered in partnership with the Oxford Cultural Collective.

Angela Maher, Chief Executive, Savoy Educational Trust added: The Savoy Educational Trust is delighted to continue its support of the Culinary Salons series at Ulster University. This unique programme enables students to interact with, and learn from, some of the best hospitality professionals in the world.

"It is wonderful to see how well connected the university is to industry and the importance they place on experiential learning within their courses.
Best Place to Work in IT (Under 100 employees)

Barbara McKiernan, managing director at VANRATH, and Matt Evers, director of IT recruitment

IT recruitment company VANRATH is again sponsoring the category of Best Place to Work in the industry (Under 100 employees).

Managing director Barbara McKiernan said: Were excited to announce that VANRATH will once again sponsor the Best Place to Work (Under 100 employees) award at this years Belfast Telegraph IT Awards.

This partnership aligns with our commitment to recognising and celebrating excellence in Northern Irelands tech sector.

The recruitment agency has over 25 years of experience of supporting IT professionals and businesses, witnessing incredible growth in the industry in Northern Ireland.

Ms McKiernan added: This award is especially meaningful to us because it highlights outstanding career opportunities, attractive benefits, innovative workspaces, and flexible working models  key factors that define the tech landscape in Northern Ireland.

Our journey to becoming a trusted leader in IT recruitment is driven by core values like confidentiality, professionalism, and the deep market knowledge of our specialised consultants.

With a 96% client retention rate and over 1,300 glowing Google reviews, we take pride in being the highest-rated recruitment agency in Northern Ireland.

Belfast Telegraph IT Awards 2024

She said the business was passionate about advancing careers and offering confidential advice to professionals at every stage of their journey.

Whether youre actively seeking a new opportunity or just exploring the market, were here to connect you with the right employers and guide you through every step of the process, from interview preparation to offer management.

Our continued involvement in the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards reflects our ongoing dedication to the success of Northern Irelands IT community.

Were proud to be part of an event that celebrates the remarkable achievements of talented individuals and businesses who contribute to this thriving industry.

She added that as the deadline for entries approaches on October 11, we wish all the finalists the very best of luck.

Your hard work and innovation are key to making Northern Irelands tech sector what it is today.

VANRATH remains committed to supporting a vibrant IT industry and helping professionals achieve new career milestones.

We look forward to celebrating the successes of IT professionals at the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards.

To enter the Belfast Telegraph IT Awards, go to www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/itawards/enter
Record number of entries submitted for this years accolades

Sharon McClements of UU, chair of the judging panel at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, and Diana Fitzsimons, planning adviser

The judging panel in the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards (l to r) Martin Doherty, RICS; Dr Gerard Kelly, Queens University Belfast; chair of panel Sharon McClements, Ulster University; Dan Corr, Chartered Institute of Housing; Diana Fitzsimons, planning adviser; Angela McGrath, Department of Finance, and Padraig Venney, National House Building Council. Not pictured: Mark Graham, Co-Ownership, Claire McNamee, Law Society and Stephen McCarron, National Association of Estate Agents

The shortlist in the 2024 Belfast Telegraph Property Awards in partnership with Openreach is published today.

Ahead of the awards ceremony on October 25, over 100 property businesses, projects and individuals have made the grade across 18 categories in the industrys most prestigious awards programme.

The winner of the non-entry category of Property Personality of the Year will be announced at the ceremony in Belfasts Crowne Plaza Hotel.

And this year, a new category of Regeneration Project of the Year has been added.

Martin Doherty, RICS and Dr Gerard Kelly, Queens University Belfast

Sharon McClements, chair of the judging panel, is a senior lecturer in the built environment at Ulster University and a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).

She said: The judges of the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards 2024 assessed and judged a wide range of property categories showcasing the talent, commitment, innovation and growth of the NI property sector.

We had a record number of entries this year, including a strong number of entries in the new Regeneration Project of the Year category.

"This category demonstrated the importance of regeneration to local communities as well as the social, economic and environmental benefits.

"The shortlisted projects all highlight how significant challenges can be overcome through innovation and creativity and how we can maintain our buildings heritage for generations to come.

There will be much to celebrate on the day.

Sharon McClements of UU, chair of the judging panel at the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards, and Diana Fitzsimons, planning adviser

Garret Kavanagh, director of Openreach NI, said: "We are delighted to partner with the Belfast Telegraph Property Awards again this year.

"The property sector is a really important partner to Openreach, designing, building and selling the homes and properties of the future.

"As lifestyles change, remote working being only one example, the homes that people want to live in are changing and the demand for connected technologies is only ever going to increase.

"We understand that availability of high-speed broadband has a direct impact on house prices and saleability and we are working with the property industry to future proof our network. Congratulations to all those who have made the shortlist.

Regeneration Project of the Year was open to a project of any size that sees the redevelopment, repurposing or retrofitting of an existing building that delivers social, economic and environmental change.

The ceremony will be hosted by comedian Neil Delamere.

To enquire about tickets please contact Karen McGarvey on karen.mcgarvey@mediahuis.co.uk

Belfast Telegraph Property Awards shortlist 2024

Property Marketing Campaign of the Year sponsored by Barrett Group

Montgomery Finlay & Co

Templeton Robinson

Iamsold

Hagan Homes Ltd

Henderson Group Property

Fit Out of the Year sponsored by WH Stephens

RPP Architects Ltd  Aflac

Like Architects Ltd  Crumlin Road Gaol Distillery

McCue  The Ivy

Calibro Workspace  DHL Supply Chain HQ

Young Agent of the Year sponsored by Shoosmiths

Alan Martin  Pinpoint Property Ltd

Lucy Brennan  Pinpoint Property Ltd

Molly Rose Ramsay  Templeton Robinson

Scott McGregor  Templeton Robinson

Adam Steenson  CPS

George Jolliffe  Lisney

Jason Beatty  Colin Graham Residential

Commercial Development of the Year sponsored by Carson McDowell

Angus Properties Ltd - The Printworks

Lotus Property - The Junction Retail and Leisure Park

RPP Architects Ltd - Belfast Harbour Studios

Lacuna Developments - Nelson Place

Dunluce Healthcare - The Peninsula

Mixed-Use Development of the Year sponsored by Todd Architects

Lacuna Developments - Park Avenue

Radius Housing - Creevagh Heights & Sean Dolans GAC Community Facilities

Regeneration Project of the Year sponsored by TSA Planning

Collins Rolston - Space Antrim Hub

Hall Black Douglas Architects  Bank Buildings

Dickson FitzGerald Architects - 23-29 Queen Street

Sloans Gym

Rathbane Group - Pearl Assurance House

Like Architects Ltd  Crumlin Road Gaol Distillery

Like Architects Ltd  The Keep Belfast

Lotus Property - The Junction Retail and Leisure Park

Angus Properties Ltd - The Printworks

McGurk Architects Ltd - Newgate Arts and Culture Centre

Alskea Ltd - Admin House, Belvoir Park Hospital

RPP Architects Ltd  Europa Hotel

Young Architect of the Year sponsored by RTU

Holly Moag  RPP Architects Ltd

Joanne Connor  RPP Architects Ltd

Ciaran Vaudequin  Like Architects Ltd

Roslyn Blackburn  Todd Architects

Property Management Company of the Year sponsored by Tenancy Deposit Scheme

Pinpoint Property Ltd

Gordon Estates Management Ltd

Lisney

Property Deal of the Year sponsored by Wilson Nesbitt

Martin Property Group

Osborne King

Architectural Practice of the Year  Commercial sponsored by Mills Selig

Like Architects Ltd

Collins Rolston

9yards Architecture

RPP Architects Ltd

Architectural Practice of the Year  Residential sponsored by Mills Selig

McCann Moore Architects

Farren Architects

9yards Architecture

Healy McKeown Architects

Collins Rolston

Residential Development of the Year sponsored by Progressive Building Society

Radius Housing - Creevagh Heights

Alskea Ltd - Oakfield Park

Strand Homes  High Trees

Lotus Homes - Edenbrook

Climate Initiative of the Year sponsored by Like Architects

Henderson Group

Antrim Construction Company Limited

Radius Housing

Fraser Millar

Commercial Estate Agency of the Year sponsored by A&L Goodbody

CPS

McConnell Property Limited

Cushman & Wakefield McCombe Pierce

Property Legal Team of the Year sponsored by Radius Housing

Wilson Nesbitt

Millar McCall Wylie

DWF

Mills Selig

Eversheds Sutherland LLP

MKB Law

Residential Estate Agency of the Year  Sole Branch sponsored by TLT

HMK Property

Cairns and Downing Sales and Lettings

Grant Estate Agents

Manor and Mill Ltd

Colin Graham Residential

McMillan McClure

AQ Properties

Nicholas Residential

Montgomery Finlay & Co

Residential Estate Agency of the Year  Multi Branch sponsored by TLT

Pinkertons

Templeton Robinson

CPS

Fetherstons

Ulster Property Sales

John Minnis Estate Agents

Developer of the Year sponsored by MKB Law

Henderson Group Property

Alskea Ltd

Hagan Homes Ltd

Lotus Homes

Strand Homes

Fraser Millar

Residential Lettings Agency of the Year sponsored by Millar McCall Wylie

Property People

Key Lets NI

Fetherstons

John Minnis Estate Agents

Templeton Robinson

Manor and Mill

McMillan McClure

Pinkertons

Ulster Property Sales

Colin Graham Residential

Young Property Professional of the Year sponsored by e.surv

Mark Nicholas  Nicholas Residential

Harrison Ash  Hagan Homes

Emma McNeill  John Minnis Estate Agents

Nicola Brown  Pinpoint Property Ltd

Richard Henderson  Titanic Quarter Ltd

Peter Wilson  Rider Levett Bucknall

Mark Gillespie  Antrim Construction Company Limited
How to get away with murder: The 1922 killing of a Catholic pub owner that shocked Belfast... and may now be solved

Historian Edward Burkes latest book sheds new light on the brutal case, as he reveals the identity of the man believed to have killed an innocent family

Four men wearing police uniforms and armed with guns burst into 3 Kinnaird Terrace, a home in north Belfast that belonged to well-known Catholic publican, Owen McMahon

Gillian Halliday Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 13:56

When Rebel Heart, a controversial four-part drama depicting Irish history between the 1916 Rising to the Civil War and partition, was broadcast by the BBC in 2001, the late Lord David Trimble  then First Minister  wrote a blistering letter to the Beeb, decrying a scene that closely resembled a real-life murder case that took place in Belfast in 1922.
Belfast bus lane causing congestion and stripping city of life, says angry publican

Belfast bar owner hits out at lack of footfall as traffic woes grow

Congestion on lower Garfield Street as Bus lane replaces parking

Kurtis Reid Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 07:44

A Belfast city centre business has claimed a new bus lane has resulted in a city devoid of life after Translink removed parking bays to accommodate it.
SIGN UP FOR THE DAILY JWR UPDATE. IT'S FREE. (AND NO SPAM!) Just click here.

Why is Sean "Diddy" Combs in jail? He hasn't been convicted of a crime. He was charged by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York with conspiracy to commit racketeering, conspiracy to commit sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. How about the presumption of innocence?

Pretrial detention in federal court is much different than in the various states. In state court, typically after a felony arrest, an arraignment hearing is scheduled. At the hearing, a judge sets a monetary amount for bond. The accused can post a cash bond or use a surety to post bail. The accused is then free pending trial. There is no such system in federal cases.

In federal court, pursuant to the Bail Reform Act of 1984, an accused has a presumption of release pending trial. Federal prosecutors must overcome that presumption. The presumption is overcome by proving that an accused is a flight risk  the fear that an accused will run before trial.

This is where it gets dicey for Combs. The court will consider a person's access to funds and ease of travel. Someone like Combs, with substantial wealth, is more likely to be detained because of access to quick cash, making it easier to flee.

Another problem for Combs was his alleged contact with witnesses prior to the indictment. Federal prosecutors can present evidence that the accused poses a danger to the community, such as a history of violence or threats to witnesses.

If a judge finds that the accused is either a risk to flee or dangerous, she may order the accused remain in custody until trial.

According to The New York Times, during Combs' detention hearing, prosecutors presented evidence that Combs had committed violence against women, had access to weapons, had a history of anger management and substance abuse, and had contacted some of the victims, and witnesses, who reported being afraid of him.

A federal magistrate and a federal district court judge have decided to detain Combs pending trial.

Combs is a victim of his own wealth and notoriety.

In a state cash bail system, a judge sets a sum based on factors like the seriousness of the offense and the accused's criminal record. If the accused doesn't have the money, she sits in jail until trial. Many of those charged with a crime in state court remain in jail simply because of their inability to post bond.

In contrast, federal law requires the judge to conduct an extensive hearing and consider a variety of factors in deciding whether to release a defendant before trial. If released, the accused pays nothing up front to be released  only a promise to pay a certain sum of money in the future if the defendant fails to appear for trial. The advantage of the federal system over the state cash bail system is that a defendant's freedom is not determined by their ability to pay.

In March, federal Homeland Security agents raided Combs' residences in Los Angeles and Miami as part of an investigation into alleged criminal activity.

According to news accounts, a recent indictment against Combs alleges arson, kidnapping, forced labor, bribery, obstruction of justice, prostitution and sex trafficking, including forcing victims into engaging in recorded sexual activity referred to as "Freak Offs."

For Combs, money is the problem. Not that he doesn't have enough, but that he has too much. Theoretically, it would be easy for someone with Combs' resources to be released, call a friend with some connections, charter a private jet  without a flight plan  and flee the country.

Ironically, a federal statute created to eliminate wealth as a factor for release is keeping Combs in jail.
The Belfast Harbour schedule has the boat listed for another departure at 11pm

30th September 2024. Passengers gather at Belfast Harbour's cruise ship dock as they wait to board. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Melody Thor and John Hennessee from Florida arriving at the terminal.

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey cruise ship and CEO Mike Petterson, who said he was more impressed with Belfast's beverage offerings than its food.

The Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey sits at the mouth of Belfast Lough off the shore of Bangor this morning. Image: Pacemaker

A cruise ship stranded in Belfast for four months left the city last night  but is making a quick return.

Mapping data indicates it travelled only a few miles overnight, and will make a second attempt to leave Belfast later today.

It is understood its return is to allow some paperwork to be completed.

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey arrived in Belfast in May and had been stuck ever since as it needed major repairs.

It was supposed to be undertaking the first part of a three-year cruise, but repairs took much longer than expected.

Although it finally departed last night, it doesnt appear to have got far.

At 9am today, the CruiseMapper tracking website placed the ship a few miles from Bangor, Co Down.

According to the Belfast Harbour website, it will arrive back in the port at 1.30pm. It is listed for another departure at 11pm tonight.

Yesterday, amid jubilant scenes, Odyssey residents gathered at Belfast Harbours cruise ship dock from early afternoon to board.

Many of the 600 passengers were seen celebrating as they boarded the ship, seemingly ready to head to the Caribbean.

Luxury liner sets off from Belfast after being stranded for four months

Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, was applauded by waiting passengers after telling them the ship was on the way at around 7pm.

Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal, he said he was a little stressed as efforts were made to clear a few last-minute things.

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Its administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button at the end of the day. Its been done and were putting the vessel in motion right now.

The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD.

Weve been expecting this outcome for hours.

He said the initial departure was due at 11.59pm last night  a minute before the terminal closes.

The good news is that we have complete clearance and we will be out of here very, very, very soon.

Asked how would he remember Belfast, he said your summer is horrible and you cant cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink.

The cruise costs passengers up to 27,000 per month. The firm acquired the ship previously owned by Braemar Cruise Ltd for $13m and planned to invest $10m to ensure it was operational and kitted out for guests.

It has now spent double that figure after being besieged by problems, ranging from issues with electricity generators to problems with on-board water distillation systems  even one of the vessels four engines was found to have cracked.

The ship is completely residential  to own a cabin with a balcony, youll need to fork out over 220,000, alongside monthly fees.

However, some of the stranded passengers made the most of their time in Northern Ireland.

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Kit Cassingham and her friend Dr Richard Namikas decided to walk 70 miles from Belfast to Derry to see as much of the province as possible.

The people here are so warm and being able to see some of this beautiful countryside outside of Belfast was a real gift, she said.

30th September 2024. Passengers gather at Belfast Harbour's cruise ship dock as they wait to board. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

Kit and her husband Randy completely uprooted their life and sold their home in Colorado to live on the ship indefinitely, but are now eager for the next step in their journey.

Ive loved my time here. Its a bit sad to leave, but I did sign up for a world cruise, Kit said.

Other passengers found love during their time in Belfast.

Gian Perroni proposed to Angela Harsanyi after the pair were thrown together during the liners stay.

Andy Garrison (75), who said he will be on board for at least three-and-a-half years, said he arrived in Belfast for what he thought was three days in August and ended up here for six weeks.

He said he wanted something to do so he ordered a model of the Titanic  built close to where the Odyssey has been stuck  which he made over three or four days.

Asked if he was worried it could be seen as a bad omen, he said: No, Im not. As a matter of fact, Im going to put this on the wall of my room.

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey docked in Belfast

He said the passengers had been resilient in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a really nice group.

I like Belfast a lot, actually. I would stay here and enjoy myself except Im leaving on a ship, he said.

I am so happy to be sailing away, Im ready to go.

We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we will stay for a while.

Cyndi Grzybowski (69) from Appling, Georgia, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.

My better half passed away three years ago, so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do, she told reporters yesterday.

My son has been so supportive of this because when this opportunity came up, I was really humming and hawing because Ive been on the farm for 27 years, and he said, mom, the only thing Ive heard you talk about is going to see the world.

We started out as strangers in Southampton and Belfast and now we truly are family.

We had two amazing parties yesterday with the pedal bikes... and last night at Revolution de Cuba, we had a get-together with fantastic food.

Thank you all so very much, truly, Belfast has been such a wonderful place. I have so enjoyed every minute here.
A school health and welfare officer and former Army Cadet leader accused of sexually abusing 11 teenage girls today denied all allegations levelled against him.

Neil Clarke Beckett was called to give evidence at his trial, now in its fourth week, at Belfast Crown Court, where he rejected a suggestion that he used his position of power and authority to prey on children.
Northern Irelands two main universities have expressed their opposition to the establishment of an independent body focused on higher education oversight  despite experts saying such dedicated bodies exist elsewhere in Ireland and the UK.

A motion proposed by a People Before Profit councillor was passed at a previous Derry & Strabane District Council.

In it Queens University in Belfast (QUB) and Ulster University (UU) were asked for their views on a report from Irelands leading body of experts at the Royal Irish Academy (RIA).

RIA has highlighted how no higher education strategy exists in Northern Ireland, which it says demonstrates the need for oversight.

It specifically referenced a recommendation to establish an independent oversight body for higher and further education here.

The RIA report, focused on strengthening and stimulating third-level regional collaboration in the north-west, notes that Northern Ireland is the only region within these islands that does not have a tertiary education oversight body to provide independent advice to government.

It added: It is difficult to envisage a HE (higher education) oversight body supporting such a geographically skewed distribution of HE places or concluding that such concentration would be in the interests of economic and cultural development or social cohesion.

However, QUB Vice President Dr Ryan Feeney said he was content that the Public Services Ombudsman in NI provides an appropriate oversight and argued that a specific provision for higher education is not required.

QUB made clear it is supportive of university expansion in the north west.

Vice Chancellor of UU, Paul Bartholomew, suggested that the recommendation for an independent oversight body was underexamined within the RIA report.

He claimed that such bodies conduct no control of student numbers or patterns of distribution.

Mr Bartholomew suggested a previous body that existed, before being abandoned in the 2000s, had no impact on the distribution of student numbers when it was running.

He claimed that oversight as outlined in the report is incompatible with the autonomous nature of universities.

At a council meeting on Tuesday, Sinn Fein also opposed independent oversight, with Councillor Emma McGinley claiming that this is the role of elected representatives.

However, the author of the report, Gerry McKenna, who was Vice Chancellor and President of the University of Ulster (1999-2006), disputed that assertion.

He said Ministers too require expert advice and it should be independent, but ultimately decisions fall to the Minister and Economy Department.

The fact a taskforce was set up to increase numbers at Magee indicates that autonomy doesnt rest with the university, it rests, obviously, beyond that.

Mr McKenna said it is incontrovertible that Northern Ireland should have independent oversight, adding that the question should not be, why should it have it? but rather why does it not have it?.

He said the previous Northern Ireland Higher Education Council (NIHEC) was advisory and its terms of reference limited it to advising on issues referred to it by the parent department.

Nonetheless, it did advise on student numbers and research distribution as did the previous NI sub-committee of the Universities Funding Council, he added.

It was their advice that encouraged significant expansion at Magee and associated funding, which was welcomed by the University management at the time.

Mr McKenna believes a body similar to the Higher Education Authority in the south would be appropriate.

Ideally a body should be established which could perhaps be advisory but free to comment on any aspect of HE and FE, he explained.

To be cost-effective, such a body could use the technical apparatus of the Office for Students in England, the Scottish Funding Council or the HEA to do number crunching as appropriate. The key is that it should be independent.

Meanwhile, the motion proposer Shaun Harkin said he is alarmed that institutions would oppose the creation of an oversight body.

He added: If any organisation needs to be held accountable by the government, its Ulster University.

If a survey of people in the north west was conducted, wed find they agree.

Campaigners, the Derry University Group, believe that in saying any oversight of the distribution of student numbers would infringe upon university autonomy, Mr Bartholomew is accepting that the current skewed geographical distribution is entirely the responsibility of UU, and he is clearly unapologetic for the current anomaly.

UU has made it clear it cant increase numbers in Magee, without impacting on Belfast. That should not be their decision to make.

A proper scrutiny commission would ensure proper regional balance, which will require 6,000 full-time student places, at a minimum, transferred from Belfast to Magee, to meet the guarantee given under New Decade, New Approach.
Former Sinn Fein press officer Michael McMonagle (centre) was given references by Sean Mag Uidhir (right) and Caolan McGinley (left) before joining a charity

Sinn Feins Conor Murphy has said the party only became aware on Wednesday that two of its press officers wrote job references for a former colleague who was facing paedophile charges.

Michael McMonagle, who is a former Sinn Fein press officer himself, pleaded guilty to 14 charges of child sex abuse last month at Londonderry Crown Court.

The 42-year-old of Limewood Street in Derry admitted committing the offences on various dates between May 2020 and August 2021.

After his arrest, McMonagle was suspended by Sinn Fein in 2021.

However, it has emerged that Sean Mag Uidhir, Sinn Feins longstanding chief press officer, and Caolan McGinley both wrote job references for McMonagle in an application for a role in the British Heart Foundation.

The charity confirmed to the Belfast Telegraph that neither of those references had alerted it to the reason why McMonagle had left Sinn Feins employment.

Both Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley quit Sinn Fein after the party launched an investigation into the job references.

Speaking to Cool FM on Tuesday, Finance Minister Mr Murphy said it became apparent last Wednesday when asked when Sinn Fein learned of the references.

Thats the first we knew that any references had been given, he added.

The person involved had been suspended as soon as we knew he was arrested back in 2021. We had no further dealings with him after that.

But we were not aware until last Wednesday that references had been given to support a job application.

Those were not cleared by the party and would not have been cleared by the party.

We initiated disciplinary proceedings against the people involved and they took a decision to resign on Saturday.

In a statement last week, Sinn Fein said it was unacceptable and wrong that those job references were provided for McMonagle.

Following this inquiry, Sinn Fein was made aware that, three months after his employment ended, two former work colleagues were asked for work references in relation to their assessment of Michael McMonagles work as a press officer, said a spokesperson.

Both provided these references without clearance from Sinn Fein. This was unacceptable and wrong.

The Sinn Fein spokesperson said the references were not provided by, or on behalf of Sinn Fein.

Permission was not sought, nor would it have been given from the party for the provision of these references or their content.

In view of the serious nature of this revelation, Sinn Fein undertook an immediate internal process.

Before this process concluded, both press officers resigned from their positions and party membership with immediate effect.

News Catch Up - Tuesday 1st October
Education Minister Paul Givan, left, met with representatives from the LCC, led by chair David Campbell.

The chair of the Loyalist Communities Council (LCC) said plans for an Irish language school in east Belfast were "causing polarity and volatility in the community during a meeting with the Education Minister Paul Givan.

Mr Givan met with the LCC, which represents the UDA, UVF and Red Hand Commando paramilitary groups last week, which led to criticism from various political parties and groups.

The Department of Education said the meeting was to discuss a range of issues relating to education underachievement in loyalist areas and share information on the Departments RAISE programme and other relevant initiatives.

However, the LCC said it also used the meeting to raise concerns about a proposed Irish language school in east Belfast and urged Mr Givan to stop the development.

The BBC reported a note about the meeting that was released by the Department of Education, said that LCC chair David Campbell claimed plans for Irish-language school Scoil na Seolta were not supported in east Belfast and instead were causing polarity and volatility in the community.

The meeting was also attended by Mr Givans special advisor, Richard Bullick.

Belfast City Council gave planning permission for the proposed temporary nursery and primary school and soft play area in June.

The school is backed by Irish language campaigner Linda Ervine and would be the first Irish language school in east Belfast.

The meeting between the LCC and Mr Givan caused controversy and was widely criticised.

Former UUP leader and Upper Bann MLA Doug Beattie, hit back on X (formerly Twitter), noting how the LCC felt threatened by: A temporary nursery, a primary school and a soft play area. I do not believe this represents the majority view of the loyalist community.

While Sinn Fein MP John Finucane said: 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.

Last week Mr Campbell said the backlash is an example of best practice in political hypocrisy and those critical of the meeting are the same people who also preached the need for loyalism to move away from protest to politics.

The extremely constructive meeting with Paul Givan dealt primarily with the subject of educational underachievement and inequality in loyalist areas, particularly in relation to loyalist teenage boys, Mr Campbell said.

Communities Minister Gordon Lyons also said ministers receive invitations from people across Northern Ireland and that doesnt mean people are telling us what to do - it means we are listening to different perspectives.

Scoil na Seolta previously said they received over a 100 letters from parents expressing interest in sending their child to the school, which received permission to set up in the Montgomery Road area.

A spokesperson for Scoil na Seolta said last week: Our school offers a safe and inclusive environment for all children from across east Belfast. With over 100 expressions of interest from parents in the past weeks we look forward to welcoming children through our doors soon.

Our school is fully independent, sourcing its own funding, and has not relied on the Department of Education for any financial assistance.

Read more Body that speaks for loyalist thugs doesnt get veto on the life choices of children

News Catch Up - Tuesday 1st October
The PSNI said the man was taken to hospital after an assault by a number of men in west Belfast (Photo: Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph)

The PSNI said the man was taken to hospital after an assault by a number of men in west Belfast (Photo: Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph)

The PSNI has said it will not tolerate vigilante activity after an attack on a house in west Belfast today was linked to an serious assault on a man in the area the day before.

Police received a report of criminal damage to a property in the Ardcaoin area just before 6pm.

Damage was caused to doors and windows were smashed. No-one was present in the property at the time.

It is believed that the man has left the area.

Chief Inspector Hamilton said: Although enquiries are ongoing, at this stage of the investigation we are linking this attack to a report of the assault of a man on Suffolk Road on Sunday, 29th September, during which he sustained serious injury.

"Anyone with information on those responsible should contact police on 101 .

We would reiterate that we are aware of online speculation connecting last nights assault to recent reported approaches to women and attempted sexual assaults in the west Belfast area; however there is no evidence linking these reports at present, and no arrests have been made.

The PSNI said the man was taken to hospital after an assault by a number of men in west Belfast (Photo: Kevin Scott/Belfast Telegraph)

We want to make it clear that the PSNI will not tolerate any type of vigilante activity and we would caution any individual or group in the strongest terms against taking the law into their own hands.

"The Police Service is responsible for law enforcement in Northern Ireland, not the community.

We are continuing to liaise with elected and community representatives to discuss these issues and our officers will be providing a visible policing presence throughout west Belfast. If you have concerns  report them to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency."

The man was taken to hospital by police after he was assaulted on Sunday shortly after 8pm.

He had earlier been spoken to by police after a separate report that he had made remarks to a teenage girl that made her uncomfortable. However, he was not arrested.

Sinn Fein MP Paul Maskey called for anyone with information in relation to incidents in west Belfast over recent days to contact police.

The West Belfast MP said: Police have been dealing with a number of incidents across west Belfast in recent days.

If anyone has information on these incidents, they should bring this to the PSNI.

The police now have a job of work to do to bring whoever was responsible for incidents last week before the courts."

News Catch Up - Monday 30th September
Exclusive | Sinn Feins top Stormont spin doctor never told charity it was hiring child sex suspect

British Heart Foundation says despite not being told the truth it wont try to recover 30,000 from Michael McMonagle who now admits child sex crimes

Former Sinn Fein press officer Michael McMonagle was given a reference by Sean Mag Uidhir (inset)

Sam McBride Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 07:25

Sinn Feins most senior spin doctor in Northern Ireland did not warn a charity that the man he was recommending for a job was facing paedophile charges, the charity has confirmed.
Tanaiste blasted for being unconcerned over Irish funding to loyalist paramilitary-linked charities

Irish Foreign Minister refuses to say if cash should be pulled and IFI bosses questioned

Tanaiste Micheal Martin

Bill Breathnach Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 07:36

The Tanaiste has been criticised for being unconcerned about Irish tax-funded projects that are being managed by loyalist paramilitary-linked community groups.
Britons in Lebanon have been warned the UK cannot guarantee getting them out quickly if the febrile and fragile situation deteriorates.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy urged British nationals in the country to leave by commercial flights or on a UK-chartered plane due to depart on Wednesday, warning that the airport could be closed if the fighting continues.

Israel has begun a ground offensive in southern Lebanon, carrying out what it described as limited, localised operations targeting Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

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Mr Lammy urged all sides to back away from the risk of all-out war in the Middle East and demanded immediate ceasefires in both Lebanon and Gaza, where Israel is fighting Hamas.

The charter aircraft from Lebanon on Wednesday follows efforts to secure seats on the remaining commercial flights out of Beirut, including one to Heathrow on Tuesday.

The UK has already deployed troops to Cyprus in case the situation deteriorates further and an emergency evacuation is needed.

Mr Lammy told broadcasters at the Foreign Office: I intend to put on a charter flight using commercial services tomorrow, and Im seeking more capacity over the coming days so that people can return to our country over the next few days whilst the airport is still open.

But I have warned and cautioned now for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion.

And of course, this is now turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground.

Some 4,000-6,000 British nationals are thought to be in Lebanon and they have been encouraged to register with the UK authorities as efforts are stepped up to provide routes out on flights.

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the UK charter flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

The Foreign Secretary added: We cannot make guarantees in what is a febrile and fragile situation and I suspect more people are coming forward because they recognise that in previous conflicts of this kind it has been quite hard, actually, to get out of harms way.

He warned all sides to come to the table to avoid a wider war in the Middle East.

None of us want a return to the years in which Israel found itself bogged down in a quagmire in southern Lebanon and pitched battles between Israeli soldiers and of course the Lebanese side, Mr Lammy said.

He added: We have been warning for months that we risk a regional war with escalation on all sides and that is why we want to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

It is politics, discussion and diplomacy that will solve the problems before us and we urge, with partners, restraint at this time.

Smoke rises from an attack in Beirut, Lebanon, after Israel invaded in the early hours of Tuesday (Hussein Malla/AP)

Mr Lammy has held talks with his Iranian counterpart in recent days.

Asked what message he had for Tehran, the Foreign Secretary said: We are urging restraint.

None of us want to see a regional war, the price would be huge for the Middle East and it would have a significant effect on the global economy.

In a brief announcement released in the early hours of Tuesday morning by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF), the military said it was targeting Hezbollah in areas close to the border between the two nations.

The IDF added that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support forces on the ground.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, said troops were conducting localised ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

The IDF gave no details as to how long the operation in southern Lebanon would last but said its army had been training and preparing to cross the border to fight for months.
Donald Trump has repeatedly spread falsehoods about the US federal response to Hurricane Helene despite claiming not to be politicising the disaster as he toured hard-hit areas in south Georgia.

The former president and Republican nominee claimed on landing in Valdosta that President Joe Biden was sleeping and not responding to Georgia governor Brian Kemp, who he said was calling the president and hasnt been able to get him.

Mr Trump repeated the claim at an event with reporters after being told Mr Kemp said he had spoken to Mr Biden.

The president accused Mr Trump of lying about federal contacts with Georgia officials.

Hes lying, and the governor told him he was lying, Mr Biden said on Monday.

I dont care about what he says about me, but I care what he what he communicates to people that are in need, Mr Biden continued.

He implies that were not doing everything possible. We are. We are.

The White House previously announced that Mr Biden had spoken by phone on Sunday night with Mr Kemp and North Carolina governor Roy Cooper, as well as Scott Matheson, mayor of Valdosta, Georgia, and Florida Emergency Management director John Louk.

Mr Kemp confirmed on Monday morning that he had spoken to Biden the night before.

Joe Biden, right, speaks with North Carolina governor Roy Cooper by videolink (Mark Schiefelbein/AP)

The president just called me yesterday afternoon and I missed him and called him right back and he just said, Hey, what do you need? And I told him, you know, weve got what we need, well work through the federal process, Mr Kemp said.

He offered if there are other things we need just to call him directly, which I appreciate.

Mr Biden said he will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to get a first-hand look at the devastation, but will limit his footprint so as not to distract from recovery efforts.

In addition to being humanitarian crises, natural disasters can create political tests for elected officials, particularly in the closing weeks of a presidential campaign where North Carolina and Georgia, two battlegrounds, were among the hardest hit states.

Mr Trump over recent days has used the damage wrought by Helene to attack Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and suggest she and Mr Biden are playing politics with the storm  something he was accused of doing as president.
Theyll be choking on their pints as they sit down in the Welders Club in east Belfasts Dee Street.

But once that initial bitter taste subsides, you wonder whether the idea that the Dublin Government should step in to rescue Harland and Wolff would be easier to swallow with the knowledge that one of the iconic industries that built Belfast will survive long into the future.

Money is money, no matter where it comes from. And its the currency of business and survival, even if there proves to be a strong rumbling across the east of the city should Dublin plant a firm foot in the heart of its economy, and a hand around one of the crown jewels of British economic history.

The idea, which at first glance appears far-fetched, has been floated by SDLP MLA Cara Hunter. However, it would certainly present an opportunity for the Dublin Government to signal its intentions over a shared future.

And an already financially buoyant Republic of Ireland would have much to gain as it has an ambitious plan to invest in offshore wind technology.

While putting two and two together doesnt necessarily mean the answer will be investment in the shipyard, there has certainly been a renewed interest in investing north of the border.

Cash has been flowing northwards through the Shared Island programme  more often than not for projects which will, naturally, benefit the economy in the Republic as well as Northern Ireland.

Such projects include 600m committed for the A5 north-west transport corridor, while work is advancing on related N2 and TEN-T upgrades in Monaghan and Donegal.

Construction of the Narrow Water Bridge, linking the Mourne Mountains with Cooley Peninsula, and completing the Carlingford greenway are also on the agenda. While the contribution to Casement Park may not have been successful in getting the stadium built in time for the Euros in 2028, that money remains on the table for now.

Money too is there for improved rail services between Dublin and Belfast while, halfway between the cities, investment has been made in improving the Boyne Visitor Centre to encourage more tourism. Cash is flowing, in stark contrast to the drying up of funds from across the Irish Sea.

It will be interesting to see if a testing of the water sees the unlikely notion sink without trace before any launch is considered.

And the suggestion will raise another conundrum: which is more important to the people of east Belfast  pride in the past or the prospect of a solvent, perhaps prosperous, future?
The PSNI is considering the circumstances of the collapse of the trial of a man accused of raping a sex worker after she admitted lying to police.
BENNINGTON  The long-awaited trial of a former Pine Cobble teacher who was allegedly involved in the months-long, repeated child sexual assault of one of his students in 2021 is still winding its way through the legal system three years after it allegedly occurred with no official trial date set and no real end in sight.

The case has so far been a roller coaster of motions, hearings, delays, arguments, negotiations, and ever-changing conditions of release while awaiting trial for former Pine Cobble math teacher, Peter Hirzel, now 63, and his alleged victim, a former student and underage teen whom Hirzel is charged with sexually assaulting on numerous occasions in his Pownal residence between April 2021 and January 2022.

In the latest developments in the years-long case, Bennington Judge Kerry McDonald-Cady issued a protective order, requested by The State, barring the defense counsel from obtaining private communications between the victim and their parents pertaining to possible undiagnosed mental health issues. In his request, state prosecutor Jared Bianchi cited a Vermont statute that explicitly confirms a patients right and privilege to not share confidential communication with any other person if they so desire about a mental health issue.

The judge ruled that, since the victim herself had already been deposed by the defense and had subsequently revealed her diagnosis back in October 2023, the defense already had the information it needed and that did not need to depose the parents about private conversations.

The defendant has not persuaded the court as to the reason necessary for the parents to waive their (childs) privilege to provide the same information or to corroborate it, Judge McDonald-Cady stated in her ruling. For this reason, the court grants the states request for a protective order to prohibit the defense from asking.

When asked by the Banner why he wanted to depose the parents, David Silver said, I wanted to talk to her parents about her behavior and how it would affect her perception of reality, and her reliability as a fact witness.

The way I read the judges opinion is she thinks I have enough to make a showing to get the complainants mental health records, which is one of the reasons I wanted to take the parents' deposition. I wanted to make it clear that I was not on a fishing expedition, that I had solid evidence that she had an undiagnosed mental illness at the time she made these allegations against Mr. Hirzel.

When asked what he felt about the judges ruling, Silver said, Not anything I would want to share.

Since Hirzels arraignment in early 2022, there have been numerous twists, turns, and delays, making it one of the most prolonged current cases still pending in Bennington. The case has been set for jury picks two separate times. Both times have been delayed.

At the end of her current ruling, Judge McDonald-Cady set a tentative date for December to both complete discovery and for the defense to file any motions to dismiss or suppress, with the state deadline to file a written response two weeks later in January 2025. She also announced a possible jury draw for some time in March 2025. There is currently no set trial date.

What appeared to be support for the middle school student during a challenging year, court documents allege, soon became multiple sexual assaults spanning over ten months between the ex-math teacher and his student at the Berkshire private school in Williamstown, Mass.

Hirzel was arraigned in Bennington Superior Court in January 2022 on a single felony sexual assault charge. He was initially held without bail at the Marble Valley Regional Correctional Facility in Rutland due to the seriousness of the charges, but, in numerous motions, including one in which Hirzel requested he be allowed to spend the Christmas holidays with his sister, has whittled down his confinement to a loose curfew at his residence.

According to a police affidavit, Hirzel was the victims former math teacher at the exclusive pre-kindergarten through ninth-grade Pine Cobble school, where he taught sixth, seventh, and eighth-grade math classes.

The victims therapist contacted the childs mother after details emerged about what had allegedly happened at Hirzels Pownal residence over a 10-month period back in 2021. Hirzel appeared to befriend the victim during what was described as a tough year for the victim. The victims mother, believing Hirzel served as a positive support person for her child, would drive the victim to his Pownal home to talk and hang out. Eventually, Hirzel was allowed to pick up the victim and go to his residence together.

This eventually led to multiple incidents of rape, court documents state.

Hirzel and the victim communicated through FaceTime, Snapchat, Instagram, and Messenger, sometimes using fake names and different accounts. Hirzel allegedly told the victim not to say anything about their relationship because he didnt want to get caught or get in trouble. When police asked the victim if Hirzel had attempted to make contact since disclosing the rapes, the victim said he had, using a burner type of account on Instagram.

Police issued a search warrant for Hirzels Pownal residence soon after the allegations came out and allegedly found evidence that the victim had mentioned to police during their investigation.

Several attempts to reach the school after the charges were filed were unsuccessful. Hirzel is no longer listed as a faculty member at the school, although his LinkedIn profile has still listed Pine Cobble as a place of employment from August 2018 to the present. It also listed self-employment beginning in August 2022.

Hirzel faces a minimum sentence of 25 years and a maximum of life imprisonment with a possible $50,000 fine if convicted.
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This Story in History is selected from the archives by Jeannie Maschino, The Berkshire Eagle.
Richard Reiss is the author of Desperate Love: A Fathers Memoir. He lives in Canaan, N.Y., with his wife Paula. Richard Reiss can be reached at rpreiss63@gmail.com.
A Report by Cactus Communications, written by Dr H. S. Sudhira, Director, Gubbi Labs

The rapidly evolving technological landscape has brought significant benefits to various sectors. In particular, the biopharma industry has experienced a plethora of advancements that have helped reshape its development and growth, especially in countries like India. Advances in areas such as gene editing, nanotechnology, stem cell research, and synthetic biology, among many others, have established a new framework for the biopharma industry in India. Emerging technologies, from artificial intelligence to genomics, are persistently reshaping India's biopharma industry, encouraging new research avenues, accelerating product development, improving supply chains, and enhancing the sector's global competitiveness.

Advancements in the field of genomics are revolutionising the Indian biopharma industry. Next-generation sequencing technologies have allowed researchers to gain in-depth insights into the genetic makeup of diseases. Some of the hereditary cancer syndromes, certain cardiovascular diseases (hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, long QT syndrome, familial hypercholesterolemia, and others), neurogenetic diseases, rare genetic diseases, are some of the diseases that the next generation sequencing can help in screening. This understanding has accelerated the development of targeted therapies, including personalised medicine. Genomics is empowering biopharma companies not only to understand diseases better but also to create effective and more personalised treatments. The Genomics for Understanding Rare Diseases India Alliance Network (GUaRDIAN) is one of the initiatives in India using genomics to understand the genetic origins of rare diseases.

In recent years, emerging technologies such as cell and gene therapy have become pivotal in shaping the paradigm of the biopharma industry, fostering revolutionary changes in the field of medical biotechnology. Unleashing promising potential for combating life-threatening diseases like cancer, Alzheimer's, and many genetic disorders, these new-age orchestrators are changing the conventional medical landscape of India.

Gene therapy and cell therapy are at the forefront of biomedical innovation, holding the potential to treat, and even cure, numerous lethal diseases. While cell therapy is an intervention technique where functional cells are introduced into a patient's body to replace or repair damaged tissues or cells, gene therapy aims to modify or manipulate the expression of a gene or to alter the biological properties of living cells for therapeutic use. Both interventions are enabling a transition from traditional pharmaceuticals to complex and innovative treatment methods, significantly impacting the biopharma industry.

An emerging way to treat cancer is immunotherapy, where the patients immune system is strengthened to attack cancer cells . It is less painful than surgery, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy, and is known to lower the relapse of cancer. Specialised killer cells, called 'T-cells' in the human immune system, protect our body from cancer and other diseases. They can recognise tumours and cancerous growths destroy them. In advanced stages, cancer cells can inactivate T-cells or modify themselves in a way that cannot detect them. A new approach in immunotherapy, known as CAR T-cell therapy, restores the ability of the T-cells to recognise the cancer cells and kill them.

Chimeric Antigen Receptors or CARs are proteins that assist T-cells in recognising and attaching to a specific protein or antigen, present on cancer cells. The interaction between these two proteins leads to the destruction of the cancer cell. First introduced in 2017, the CAR T-cell technology holds promise for the treatment of cancers, especially leukaemia.

Now, researchers at the Indian Institute of Technology Bombay (IIT Bombay) have developed a patented technology to leverage the patients immune system to cure cancer. Prof. Rahul Purwar and his team of scientists from the Department of Biosciences and Bioengineering, IIT Bombay, have used a combination of gene therapy and cell therapy to modify the immune cells to attack and kill cancer cells. They have secured a patent for their approach and in collaboration with Prof Gaurav Narula of the Tata Memorial Hospital. Taking this research to market, the researchers have incubated a company at IIT Bombay, called ImmunoACT to provide CAR-T cell therapy services commercially .

The Indian biopharma industry is steadily embracing the advancements in cell and gene technology. The Government's impetus through the Department of Biotechnologys "National Biopharma Mission", launched in collaboration with the World Bank, has significantly contributed to the development and commercialisation of cell and gene therapies in India.

These therapies are becoming a focal point for investment, innovation, and commercialisation in the biopharma sector. Several startups and established pharmaceutical companies in India are focusing on these innovative technologies, leading to strategic alliances and collaborations between organisations and research institutions to expedite development and distribution.

The introduction of gene and cell therapies into the Indian pharma market is also challenging the traditional clinical pathway. Regulatory bodies are required to respond promptly and devise guidelines and policies that are fit for purpose for these novel therapy types. A collaborative effort between regulatory bodies, pharmaceutical companies, and stakeholders is poised to develop comprehensive protocols that ensure novel biopharmaceuticals' safety and efficacy.

Furthermore, entering the domain of cell and gene therapy also prompts the necessity for specialised manufacturing capabilities. The quality control checks and balances for these therapies vary significantly from the ordinary pharmaceutical products  demanding high-purity manufacturing spaces, experienced workforce, and advanced analytical testing capabilities. Some of the Indian biopharma companies like ImmunnoACT, Immuneel and Biocon have already geared up to address these challenges.

The potential market for cell and gene therapies is vast. With the leap being made from generics to cell and gene therapies, Indian pharmaceutical enterprises will break new ground, ushering in a new era for the country's biopharma industry. With state-of-the-art research, sound clinical trials and data, and consistent regulatory efforts, gene and cell therapies stand to transform India's biopharma landscape, enhancing the healthcare sector's ability to treat chronic and life-threatening diseases.

Stem-cell technology is yet another game-changing technology that is influencing biopharma in India. Stem cells have shown potential in treating diseases which were previously considered incurable. Indian biotech companies such as Reliance Life Sciences and Lifecell have heavily invested in stem cell technology. Lifecell, a hallmark company in this niche, provides umbilical cord blood stem cell banking  a service that allows individuals to store stem cells at birth for potential future use.

Synthetic biology, described as the design and construction of novel artificial biological pathways, is a relatively new concept in India. However, it presents significant potential for the biosimilar and biopharmaceutical industry, offering avenues for the creation of high-value pharmaceutical products. Indian companies are leveraging synthetic biology in the production of ingredients for the pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmeceutical industries.

Another crucial emerging technology is the Internet of Things (IoT). IoT technologies are creating interconnections between tools, machines, and people, enabling data sharing in real-time. For instance, IoT has been instrumental in enhancing supply chain management in the biopharma industry, ensuring temperature control of sensitive drugs during transport, and offering real-time visibility and traceability, thus minimising risks associated with mishandling during transit. Indian pharma industry is increasingly implementing IoT to track and trace the supply chain logistics for pharmaceutical products, negating the threat of counterfeit drugs.

In addition, there are also ecosystem enabling players like the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Platforms (C-CAMP), Atal Innovation Centre at the Centre for Cellular and Molecular Biology (CCMB), and Bangalore Bioinnovation Centre, who are providing a host of support of services like analytical services, R&D services, incubation, seed funding and prototyping.

In summary, emerging technologies are driving significant advancements in the Indian biopharma industry, thereby positively influencing the global competitive landscape. Elements such as genomics, cell and gene therapy, stem-cell technology, synthetic biology, and IoT are not only improving operational efficiencies but also enhancing patient care through better diagnosis and treatment techniques. It is an exciting time for India's biopharma industry, as the fusion of biology and technology could serve as the springboard for exponential growth.

About Gubbi Labs

Gubbi Labs is a private research collective that works on various domains ranging from sustainable ecosystems to liveable settlements. As part of its science communication initiative, it runs Research Matters, a multilingual science news portal.

About Cactus Communications

Cactus Communications is a science communication and technology company, accelerating scientific advancement by making science globally accessible.
Indias growing biomedical sciences sector is ripe with potential, yet it faces several challenges. In recent years, there has been a notable shift in government policies, private investments, and educational reforms aimed at boosting research and innovation in this critical area. One of the key factors that can significantly influence this growth is the collaboration between industry and academia. Such partnerships have the power to not only fuel the biomedical sector but also strengthen India's position as a global player in healthcare research and innovation.

Biomedical sciences encompass a wide array of disciplines, from biotechnology and pharmacology to clinical research and medical device development. This field is crucial to the development of therapies, diagnostics, vaccines, and other medical innovations that directly impact public health. With a population exceeding 1.4 billion, Indias healthcare needs are immense, creating an urgent demand for new solutions in healthcare.

India has already established itself as a global hub for pharmaceutical manufacturing, earning the nickname pharmacy of the world. However, while the country excels in generics and large-scale production, its contribution to cutting-edge biomedical research and innovation still lags. Addressing this gap requires collaboration between academia, which can provide fundamental research and innovation, and industry, which can offer resources, funding, and practical implementation.

Opportunities for Growth Through Industry-Academia Collaboration

Accelerating Research and Development (R&D)

One of the primary benefits of industry-academia partnerships is the acceleration of research and development. Academia has a rich talent pool of researchers and scientists, while industry offers access to funding, infrastructure, and practical know-how. When these two sectors collaborate, they can pool their strengths to drive innovation in areas such as drug discovery, medical devices, diagnostics, and biopharmaceuticals.

For example, research institutions can focus on early-stage discoveries, and once promising leads are identified, industries can step in to support translational research and commercialisation. This not only fast-tracks the R&D process but also increases the likelihood of bringing new technologies to market.

In India, government-backed initiatives such as the Biotechnology Industry Research Assistance Council (BIRAC) have been pivotal in encouraging such collaborations by providing funding and incubation opportunities for joint projects between industry and academia.

Bridging the Talent Gap

A well-educated workforce is essential for the growth of biomedical sciences. Academia plays a critical role in providing students with foundational knowledge, but the industry offers hands-on experience and application-based learning. By working together, industry and academic institutions can create specialised training programmes and internships that better prepare students for the demands of the biomedical sector.

Collaborative programmes that include joint degrees, internships, and co-operative education can create a seamless transition for students from the classroom to the workplace. Furthermore, industries can benefit from access to a pipeline of well-trained, job-ready graduates, while academia can ensure that its curriculum aligns with the latest industry trends and demands.

Driving Innovation in Medical Technologies

India's biomedical sector stands to benefit from a wave of medical technology innovations, from artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in diagnostics to the development of more accessible and affordable medical devices. Industry-academia partnerships can significantly influence the pace at which these innovations are developed and deployed.

Collaboration can facilitate the development of technologies that address India's unique healthcare challenges, such as improving access to healthcare in rural areas or addressing the growing burden of non-communicable diseases (NCDs). Furthermore, by collaborating with global industry leaders, Indian academia can ensure that local innovations meet international standards, opening the door to export and global collaboration.

Access to Funding and Resources

One of the most significant challenges for academic research in India is the lack of adequate funding. By collaborating with industry, research institutions can gain access to the financial resources necessary to support high-quality research. Industry can also provide access to cutting-edge technologies, infrastructure, and technical expertise that may otherwise be unavailable to academic researchers.

For instance, large pharmaceutical companies or medical device manufacturers often have access to the latest tools for drug testing, imaging, and data analytics. Academic researchers can leverage these resources to enhance the quality and scope of their studies. Furthermore, industries that invest in academic research stand to benefit from the commercialisation of innovative products that emerge from these collaborations.

Challenges in Industry-Academia Collaborations

While the potential for growth is significant, industry-academia collaborations in India face a number of challenges that need to be addressed for successful partnerships.

Differences in Objectives and Timelines

One of the biggest barriers to successful collaborations is the difference in goals and timelines between academia and industry. Academic institutions are often driven by the pursuit of knowledge and the desire to publish their findings, while industries are focused on market-driven outcomes and the commercialisation of products. Moreover, industries usually operate on tighter timelines, aiming for quick returns on their investments, while academic research may take years to yield results.

Overcoming this challenge requires clear communication and alignment of objectives from the outset. Establishing shared goals that benefit both parties, such as focusing on translational research with commercial potential, can help bridge this gap.

Intellectual Property (IP) Issues

Ownership of intellectual property is another challenge that can complicate industry-academia partnerships. When research leads to new discoveries or inventions, disputes may arise over who holds the rights to these innovations. Academic institutions may seek to retain control over their research, while industries may want exclusive rights to commercialise the products.

Establishing clear IP agreements at the beginning of a collaboration can mitigate conflicts. A balanced approach that protects the interests of both parties while encouraging innovation is essential.

Funding Limitations

While industry involvement can provide much-needed funding for academic research, not all institutions have the same access to industry partners. Smaller universities or those in rural areas may struggle to attract industry interest, leading to unequal opportunities for collaboration. Additionally, industries may be hesitant to invest in early-stage research that does not promise immediate returns, limiting the scope of innovation.

To address this, government initiatives could play a critical role in providing seed funding and incentives for industries to collaborate with academic institutions, especially in underserved regions.

Regulatory and Bureaucratic Hurdles

The regulatory landscape for biomedical research in India can also pose challenges. Lengthy approval processes, bureaucratic red tape, and complex compliance requirements can slow down innovation and discourage industry involvement. Streamlining these processes and creating more favourable policies for industry-academia collaboration could help remove some of these barriers.

The Way Forward

Fostering collaboration between industry and academia is not just an opportunityit is a necessity for the growth of biomedical sciences in India. As the country continues to evolve as a global healthcare leader, bridging the gap between research and practical application will be key to meeting both domestic and international healthcare needs.

To capitalise on the opportunities presented by such partnerships, both sectors must address the challenges that currently hinder collaboration. By aligning goals, securing funding, and navigating regulatory frameworks, industry-academia partnerships can unlock the full potential of India's biomedical sector.

With the right support, India can position itself at the forefront of biomedical innovation, driving advancements that benefit not only its own population but the global community as well.

Vaibhav Patel, Director of Quality Assurance and Regulatory Affairs, University of Minnesota


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Britain's Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The late Queens granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring.

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The royal British baby will be a little brother or sister for the couples three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzis son and Beatrices stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.

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Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi and his daughter Sienna and son Wolfie (HRH Princess Beatrice/Buckingham Palace/PA)

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The British King has been informed and both families are delighted, the Palace said on Tuesday.

The news comes during one of the royal familys most personally challenging years.

Beatrice is the eldest daughter of the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, and the new baby will be the Yorks fourth grandchild.

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Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi in the royal box at Wimbledon in July (Zac Goodwin/PA)

The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrices younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenies second child Ernest last year.

The Mapelli Mozzis daughter Sienna, whose has the second name Elizabeth in honour of the late Queen, was born at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, weighing 6lb 2oz, on September 18 2021.

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 We are delighted to share that we have named our daughter Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.



We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna. pic.twitter.com/6abMIXDSLT  Princess Beatrice of York (@yorkiebea) October 1, 2021

Last month, Andrews controversial Newsnight grilling over his relationship with paedophile financier Jeffrey Epstein hit the headlines once again, with Prime Videos new dramatisation A Very Royal Scandal featuring Michael Sheen as the duke and Ruth Wilson as interviewer Emily Maitlis.

Beatrice, who attended a negotiation meeting with her father ahead of the interview, was played by Honor Swinton Byrne.

The princess topped the list of Tatlers best dressed people in 2024, and was praised for being a beacon of sartorial elegance by pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour.

She married millionaire property tycoon Mr Mapelli Mozzi in a secret lockdown wedding in 2020 attended by her grandparents the Queen and Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh, after her planned ceremony was postponed because of the pandemic.

Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi celebrated their wedding with their closest family.



 The happy couple are pictured with Her Majesty The Queen and The Duke of Edinburgh. Photograph by Benjamin Wheeler. pic.twitter.com/Ztw1Kk0eRy  The Royal Family (@RoyalFamily) July 18, 2020

Known as Edo, Mr Mapelli Mozzi is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Williams-Ellis.

His son Christopher Woolf, nicknamed Wolfie, was born in 2016 to his then-girlfriend, American architect and designer Dara Huang.

Beatrice has described Wolfie as her bonus son and he joined the Mapelli Mozzis at Kates Together At Christmas carol service in Westminster Abbey last December, holding hands with his stepmother as he arrived.

Wolfie, Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi arriving for the Princess of Waless Together At Christmas service at Westminster Abbey in 2023 (Chris Jackson/PA)

The princess, who is not a full-time working royal, is an adviser for Afiniti, an artificial intelligence software firm, and a co-founder of The Big Change Charitable Trust.

In 2011, she hit the headlines with the unusual Philip Treacy pretzel hat which she wore to the then-Duke and Duchess of Cambridges wedding.

It was likened to everything from a toilet seat to a cat flap and Facebook pages sprung up in its honour, attracting thousands of followers.

But she later auctioned the headwear on eBay for charity, raising more than 81,000 for good causes.
Pensioner Vinod Bajaj said the government is failing older people, claiming there is a shortfall of almost 40 per week in the state pension.

The 74-year-old who lives in Limerick said the government needs to set out a clear pension plan for the years ahead.

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It was confirmed that there will be a 12 increase in weekly social protection payment rates, including the State pension.

As part of Budget 2025, there will be a bonus double payment for recipients of long-terms social protection payments.

Mr Bajaj said: The (government) tried to keep everybody happy and with the surplus of money they could have made some real changes.

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Personally, they are giving me an extra 12. But that will be gone through the extras I will have to pay including the electric grid improvement and an increase in the carbon tax.

The state needs to be more transparent with how it will pay out the pension in the coming years.

He believes the state pension should be increased by around 40 a week.

He said that a plan to reform pensions published in 2019 said that the contributing State Pension will be at 34 per cent of the average industrial wage and all future increases will be linked to this.

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Finance Minister Jack Chambers (left) and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe ahead of a press conference for the 2025 budget. Image: Niall Carson/PA Images

Mr Bajaj said he was hoping to see an increase from 277 to 330 for the weekly contribution pension, to bring it to 34 per cent of the national average wage.

The government promised to do it but nothing has been done, he added.

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Many pensioners do not know about this plan. The government has forgotten but I have not.

He said the current state pension is about 29 per cent of the industrial wage, which is 277 per week.

The average industrial wage is 967 per week, meaning the state pension should be around 332.

The government has not increased the pension in line with the industrial wage, leaving a 40 shortfall, he added.

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He has said there is a need for a systematic review and commitment to ensure pensioners receive a fair increase.

The government has failed the pensioners, he added.

They said they were going to do it, they said they will divide the system and then make sure that all future pensions increases are linked to that one. But nothing has happened.

The government needs to put this right. That document is a living document.

The 277 will get you by, but it does not allow any unfortunate circumstances.

The impact on pensioners is one thing, but where is the fairness. Pensioners these days cannot say anything at all.

Im not any better off in taking an extra 12. Everything has increased, including health insurance. 6 of that increase will go to health insurance, 6 will go to the taxman and I will have 3 to buy a coffee.

Is that how you want to treat the pensioners?

The government is helping lots of other people, but what are you doing for the senior citizens of this country?
The 71-year-old Cork man who died in Florida during Hurricane Helene last week had planned to visit his family in Glanmire in the near future.

Aidan Bowles had thought the worst of the hurricane had passed, but he was caught in his home in Pinellas County in the subsequent storm surge. His son, Sam, told RTE radios Morning Ireland that he had spoken to his father late on Thursday night.

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I called him around 10pm last Thursday night and he told me there was nothing to worry about, that everything was fine and the storm had already passed him. But the storm surge is what caused the issue.

The next morning around 9.30am, I got a call from the police to say my father was deceased in his home and there was about eight to 10 feet of water surrounding it.

Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said Mr Bowles was found in a bedroom in his residence and he appeared to have drowned from the rising water that entered the residence.

In an emotional tribute, Sam told of how his father, who adopted him when he was a year old, had emigrated to the United States at the age of 20 with just $800 in his pocket and went on to have a very successful career as an attorney in New York.

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His father had been a smart and very intelligent person who could light up a room. He was a man of many hats. He was a New York attorney when he first emigrated. Then he got into the coal business and became one of the largest exporters and importers of coal out of the Gulf of Mexico.

He was a superhero. He adopted me when I was a one-year-old. He has done so much for me and for everyone he has come into contact with. He was so funny. He knew how to say it and when to say it.
The Government will hand voters billions of euros in tax cuts and spending increases and outline plans to use a whopping Apple tax windfall in a bumper pre-election budget.

Ireland now has one of Europe's healthiest sets of public finances, mainly thanks to a surge in corporate tax revenues paid by a handful of large US multinationals.

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Officials are projecting a massive 25 billion surplus this year and 12 billion in 2025, which comes on the back of 8 billion surpluses in the previous two years.

That is in stark contrast to the State's economic situation in the wake of the financial crash, when governments posted deficits running into the tens of billions over several years.

The taxes that the Government receives, including social contributions, are now well in excess of 100 billion and have doubled compared with 10 years ago.

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According to the latest estimates of tax receipts, the Exchequer is expected to take in 105 billion this year, not including PRSI contributions or local property taxes.

Approximately 8 billion of the 14.1 billion Apple taxes will be received by the Exchequer in 2024, with the remainder due in 2025.

The back taxes are due after a European Court of Justice judgment last month restored a 2016 European Commission ruling that found the State gave undue tax benefits to Apple, which would be illegal under EU rules.

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The final judgment in the long-running case ordered the Government to recover billions in back taxes from Apple, which had been put in an escrow account pending the outcome of the case.

Even before the addition of Apple back taxes, corporation tax returns are expected to be just under 30 billion this year.

Corporate tax receipts are 28 per cent ahead of last year, which is far in excess of previous Department of Finance projections.

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So how does the Government spend the tax money?

In the last budget, social protection spending was by far the biggest outgoing for the Government, accounting for almost a quarter of all its expenditure.

This includes the cost of benefits paid to pensioners as well those for working-age people.

About a fifth of Government spending goes on health.

Health spending rose significantly in response to the Covid pandemic and has been maintained in recent budgets because of the growing cost of looking after Ireland's ageing population.

The next biggest spending items are payments to the EU and the cost of debt interest  the amount the Government has to pay for the money it has borrowed.

Government spending is set to rise again in Budget 2025 ahead of a general election due by March.

But after a series of controversies and spending failures across the public service, including a bike shelter that cost more than 350,000, opposition politicians will be keeping a close eye on value for money.
The Tanaiste has condemned Irans missile attack on Israel as reckless, as senior figures in government called for efforts to be made to avoid a catastrophic second front of war in the Middle East.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin expressed sympathy with the Israeli people in the face of this aggression by Iran.

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He said officials are in contact with the Irish embassy in Tel Aviv and its representatives in Ramallah and encouraged Irish citizens to follow the advice of authorities.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

Mr Martin said he was very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

He said there would be an extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion and that potentially leaving more than a million people displaced is unacceptable.

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This continuing escalation needs to stop, Mr Martin said.

The consequences of widening regional conflict would be disastrous for all the peoples of the region.

I urge all leaders to think of the immediate and long-term consequences of their actions.

We need to see immediate ceasefires in Gaza and in Lebanon, the release of hostages and a return to diplomatic and political pathways to bring this cycle of violence to an end.

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Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaks to the media at Government Buildings in Dublin (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

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Speaking on Tuesday morning, Mr Harris said: The Government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

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In a statement, Irelands Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish peacekeepers were safe and are maintaining force protection measures.

Mr Martin said the incursion is in a different area (to) where our troops are located.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said on Tuesday: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.

While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well-trained to handle any increased volatility.

Mr Harris paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, he said.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive, and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Trocaire is gravely concerned by the unprecedented escalation of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and the latest incursion into southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/5AR3T2f7OL  Trocaire (@trocaire) October 1, 2024

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
The Tanaiste has said he is very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Micheal Martin said the extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is unacceptable.

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On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

The targets, it said, posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Taoiseach Simon Harris said Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

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A picture taken from a position in Israel by the border with southern Lebanon shows a fire in the area of the Lebanese village of Adaisseh during Israeli bombardment. Photo: AFP via Getty

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Mr Harris said: The Government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

He also paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

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I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, Mr Harris added.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the Government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

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Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

He thanked members of the Defence Forces who are based in Lebanon.

Irish troops have served with such distinction in the Unifil mission for so many years now. Were so proud in this country of the peacekeeping role of the men and women of the Defence Forces, Mr Harris added.

Im really conscious of this particularly challenging, difficult and dangerous time, of the incredible sacrifice and effort they make.

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But of course, I want to assure them, their families and people of Ireland that keeping them safe remains absolutely paramount.

Mr Martin warned of the dangers of an escalation of fighting, adding he is very concerned about recent events in the region.

International humanitarian law has to be respected and I dont believe it has been respected, certainly it hasnt been in Gaza and it certainly isnt in Lebanon either, he added.

The extraordinary impact on millions of people is, in my view, unacceptable, potentially a million people in Lebanon displaced.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Mr Martin said he spoke to the Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy on Monday night as news of the incursion began to break, saying he has been assured they are safe.

Its a different area of where our troops are located, he added.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish personnel remain accounted for and safe.

It added: They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures. Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground.

Lt Gen Clancy said: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

World Israel says it has begun limited, localised sout... Read More

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility.

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
A judicial tribunal will later examine allegations of widespread police spying on journalists.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in London is to probe claims that investigative reporters in Northern Ireland were subject to unlawful covert intelligence by the police.

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The actions of three police forces  the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Durham Constabulary and London's Metropolitan Police  are set to be scrutinised.

A complaint was initially brought to the IPT by documentary makers Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who were controversially arrested in 2018 as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a film they made on a Troubles massacre.

Preparatory hearings before the IPT subsequently have heard further claims that PSNI spying operations extended to several other reporters operating in the region.

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Journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (PA)

In the case involving Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey, the PSNI asked Durham Constabulary to investigate the leak of a Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland document that appeared in the documentary, No Stone Unturned, into the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in the village of Loughinisland in Co Down.

Given the ombudsmans role is to probe allegations of wrongdoing against police in the North, the PSNI said it would have presented conflict of interest issues for it to have taken on the leak probe, and therefore asked for Durham to lead on the case.

In 2020, the High Court in Belfast ruled that warrants secured by police to raid Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birneys homes and business offices in Belfast were wrongly obtained.

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The PSNI later unreservedly apologised for how the men had been treated and agreed to pay 875,000 (1 million) in damages to the journalists and the film company behind the documentary.

Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey lodged a complaint with the IPT asking it to establish whether there had been any unlawful surveillance of them.

Former Durham detective Darren Ellis, who took a leading role in the investigation, is set to be a key witness before the tribunal.

As well as the events around the documentary, the tribunal  chaired by Lord Justice Singh  has also been presented with evidence related to two other instances of police surveillance against Mr McCaffrey in 2013 and 2011.

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RTE northern editor Vincent Kearney (PA)

In the 2011 incident, it is alleged that the Met Police illegally obtained Mr McCaffreys phone data  material the PSNI subsequently secured seven years later as part of another probe into the reporters work.

Earlier this year, the BBC instructed lawyers to contact the tribunal over claims one of its ex-investigative reporters was spied on by police.

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The allegations relate to former BBC journalist Vincent Kearney and his work on a 2011 Spotlight documentary that probed the independence of the Police Ombudsmans office.

Mr Kearney, who is the current northern editor at RTE, has said he is determined to find out what happened.

The tribunal also heard claims that the PSNI undertook six-monthly trawls of the phone data of troublemaker journalists to see if they were in contact with officer sources.

Under pressure to address the claims aired at the IPT, the PSNI published a report on its surveillance of journalists in the summer.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA)

The report revealed that the PSNI had made 323 applications for communications data relating to journalists since 2011.

However, it said the vast majority of applications were related to journalists who were victims, suspects or witnesses to crime.

The report, which was compiled for the Northern Ireland Policing Board  the PSNIs oversight body  said of the 323 applications, 10 sought to identify a journalistic source using covert powers.

As well as the report, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also announced an independent review, headed by Angus McCullough KC, of any use of surveillance against journalists and other specific groups by police in Northern Ireland.

Mr Boutcher has insisted much of the public concern over the spying claims has arisen because of misinterpretation of documents made available in redacted form at the tribunal.
The chair of the Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee has described the doubling in the cost of building rapid-build modular homes for Ukrainians as unacceptable.

The increase in the cost of the modular homes was revealed in the latest report from the Comptroller and Auditor General. The price rose from an originally estimated 200,000 per residential unit in June 2022 to a projected cost of 436,000 by June 2024, an increase of almost 120 per cent.

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However, the Comptrollers report said the latest projections of the Department of Integration indicated total costs for the project of 289.3 million, indicating a final estimated average cost per unit of about 442,000.

Sinn Fein TD Brian Stanley told RTEs Morning Ireland that there needed to be clarification of the costs of the modular units.

In the case of the units in Rathdowney, Co Laois, the units were 45m while a very small house would be 90m.

So these are literally very, very small prefabricated dwellings. And if you look at the ones in Rathdowney, the cost per unit was supposed to be 145,000, by the time they were finished they were 345,000 for these 45m units, that is unacceptable.

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Mr Stanley pointed out that the escalating costs of the National Childrens Hospital were over seven to eight years, while, in this case, the cost more than doubled in the space of just over 12 months.

That is not acceptable. And we need to get to the bottom of it. And it's clear to me that the type of contracts being used, this has been clear to me for some time, that whats being used by the State, the framework agreements and the other type of agreements they are entering into with contractors, are not fit for purpose, particularly for the taxpayer.

The Office of Government Procurement should explain what had happened, he said. They had a role in scrutinising contracts.
Budget 2025 features on many of the newspaper front pages on Tuesday.

The Irish Times calls the budget a "pre-election giveaway" that will see many families gain thousands of euros over the next 12 months.

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The Irish Examiner highlights the waste in Government after the Comptroller and Auditor General reported a litany of spending failures across the public service.

The Irish Independent says the budget will surpass anything seen during the Celtic Tiger.

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The Herald calls Budget 2025 an 8 billion "blowout".

The Irish Daily Mirror speaks to Irish peacekeepers in Lebanon as Israel begins a ground offensive.

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The Irish Daily Star gets "no comment" from a Coolock protester.

The Belfast Telegraph reveals that a top Sinn Fein spin doctor failed to warn a charity that a former colleague he was recommending for a job was under investigation for child sex offences.

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One of Cork's most famous chippers will be closing down this weekend, according to The Echo.

The British front pages are a mixed bag, with the highly-anticipated report into abuse complaints on the set of Strictly Come Dancing leading the charge, although Israels invasion into southern Lebanon has also taken the lead for some titles.

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The Metro, The Sun, the Daily Mirror and the Daily Express all lead on the results of the Strictly Come Dancing investigation, with the BBC upholding some, but not all, of the complaints, made by Amanda Abbington against Italian dancer Giovanni Pernice.

The Guardian, the Daily Mail, and the Financial Times look to Israel for a headline as the national military confirms a ground operation in southern Lebanon, with intense artillery shelling and air raids targeting towns and villages near the border overnight.

GUARDIAN: Israel has begun ground attacks on Hezbollah inside Lebanon, says US #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/cmfwD4oYiB  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

MAIL: World holds breath as Israel set to invade Lebanon #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XklKCQug0o  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

FT UK: Israels forces poised for imminent ground assault #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/d0UpquH80t  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

After the war on Gaza and the hours-old invasion of Lebanon, the Daily Telegraph leads on prime minister of Israel Benjamin Netanyahus warning to Iran: We are coming for you.

The Independent splashes on Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who has ordered Cabinet Secretary Simon Case to stand down from the pinnacle role in Whitehall.

INDEPENDENT: Starmer forces top civil servant out of office #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/YdJL5NAhnX  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

The i leads on the UK Post Office scandal, with a new report finding there is a reasonable likelihood a second software created shortfalls for sub-postmasters before the well-known Horizon disgrace.

I: Post Office second IT scandal linked to wrongful convictions #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/XrItO10K5Y  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

Migrants could be housed in hotels for up to three more years because of an asylum backlog in Britain, as per The Times.

TIMES: Migrants to be stuck in hotels for three years #TomorrowsPapersToday pic.twitter.com/rPQRSpCrf6  Neil Henderson (@hendopolis) September 30, 2024

Lastly, the Daily Star reckons the Matrix is real  and the Bible proves it  so only one question is left for readers: If you take the red pill, are you really prepared to see how deep the rabbit hole goes?
An apparent Russian artillery strike hit a market in the southern Ukrainian city of Kherson on Tuesday, killing at least six people and wounding three others, authorities have said.

The attack came on the same morning Ukrainians across the country were observing a minutes silence for their military and war dead.

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The strike happened as shoppers made their way between stalls at the city centre market, regional governor Oleksandr Prokudin said.



The market attack came on the same morning as Ukraine celebrated Defenders Day (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

He published a video showing the blurred corpses of people in civilian clothes lying near a stall with tomatoes and other vegetables.

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Ukraines general prosecutors office said the strike was most likely carried out by Russian artillery and hit close to a public transport stop.

It initially reported that seven people were killed but later corrected that toll to six, saying a severely wounded person thought to be dead was in intensive care at a local hospital.

The city has not recently been a hot spot in the war, now deep into its third year, as the fiercest battles have been taking place in Ukraines eastern Donetsk region where Russias army is pushing hard to take ground ahead of the winter.



People held photos of their relatives during a nationwide minutes silence in memory of fallen soldiers (Efrem Lukatsky/AP)

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The hilltop Donetsk town of Vuhledar, an important Ukrainian stronghold for the past two years and part of a belt of strategic garrisons, appears to be on the brink of falling into Russian hands.

Fighting for control of Vuhledar has advanced nearly into the town centre, making it almost impossible to deliver humanitarian aid, Donetsk regional governor Vadym Filashkin said on national television on Tuesday.

There are still 107 people left in the town, although all children have been evacuated, he said.

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Ukrainian forces have struck back with an incursion into Russias Kursk border region, but the government is waiting to hear what further

western military and financial support it can count on.

The Kherson region was one of four, also including Donetsk, Luhansk, and Zaporizhzhia, that Moscow illegally annexed in September 2022 and is partly occupying. Russian president Vladimir Putin wants Ukraine to withdraw completely from those regions. Ukraine refuses.



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Kherson fell into Russian hands after Moscows full-scale invasion in February 2022. A Ukrainian counteroffensive recaptured western areas of the Kherson region, including the regional capital of the same name, nine months later.

The market attack came on the same morning as Ukraine celebrated Defenders Day, an annual public holiday that honours the countrys armed forces, veterans and war dead.

Across Ukraine, traffic stopped and people on pavements came to a halt at 9am to commemorate those defending Ukraine and those who have sacrificed their lives for the country.

People gathered at Independence Square in Ukraines capital, Kyiv, carrying pictures of fallen Ukrainian soldiers.

For others, life goes on, but unfortunately for us it stopped when my brothers heart stopped, said Angelina Stashenko, holding a portrait of her 30-year-old brother, Denys Stashenko, who was killed in action in May in the Donetsk region.





951 days of the battle for the state. For 951 days, you have been writing history on the battlefield. You sacrifice yourselves so that Ukraine does not have to be sacrificed. Both those who were born a warrior and those who became one.



Those who changed their lives so that our pic.twitter.com/jWcKxJXMdx  Volodymyr Zelenskyy /   (@ZelenskyyUa) October 1, 2024

I hope future generations will never forget the price our loved ones paid for their freedom. I hope Ukraines future will be bright, his mother, Halyna Stashenko, said.

The national holiday was established in 2014 and first celebrated in 2015, following Russias annexation of Crimea and occupation of parts of the eastern Donetsk and Luhansk regions of Ukraine.

Although no official or reliable statistics are available, tens of thousands of Ukrainian soldiers and civilians are believed to have died fighting Russia over the past 10 years.

Ukraine president Volodymyr Zelensky used the occasion to appeal for further support from his countrys western partners, following his visit last week to the United States.

The daily Russian terror, the daily attempts to destroy life  all this can be stopped, Mr Zelensky wrote on Telegram following the strike on Kherson, adding that Ukrainian strength and the determination of our partners must be greater than Putins desire to spread terror.





In an address to the military, Mr Zelensky thanked troops for their sacrifices.

You dedicate yourselves so that Ukraine is not surrendered. Both those who were born warriors and those who became warriors. You changed your own lives so that our freedom remains unchanged, Mr Zelensky said.

We see your courage. We see it every day and every night. On weekdays and weekends. In heat and frost. Always. Every minute. A minute whose value you know better than anyone else. A minute that can change absolutely everything, he said.
Desperate residents of the storm-battered mountains of western North Carolina lined up for water and food, hunted for mobile phone signals, and took buckets from creeks to flush toilets days after Hurricane Helenes remnants deluged the region.

Exhausted emergency workers toiled around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach people stranded by the storm, which killed at least 150 people across the southeast, a toll expected to rise.

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And election officials across the south made emergency preparations to ensure displaced residents would be able to vote in the upcoming presidential election.



Helene blew ashore in northern Florida late on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and quickly moved north (Mike Stewart/AP)

President Joe Biden was set to survey the devastation in the region on Wednesday.

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Officials in the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville said their water system suffered catastrophic damage that could take weeks to fully repair.

Government officials, aid groups and volunteers worked to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule to the town and surrounding mountain communities.

At least 40 people died in Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, a normally bustling city of 94,000.



The storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina (Tariq Bokhari via AP)

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The North Carolina death toll included one story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees.

A courthouse security officer died after being submerged inside his truck.

A couple and a six-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed.

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Rescuers did manage to save dozens, including an infant and two others stuck on the top of a car in Atlanta.



People queued for water in West Asheville in the wake of the hurricane (Jeffrey Collins/AP)

More than 50 hospital patients and staff in Tennessee were plucked by helicopter from the hospital rooftop in a daring rescue operation.

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The storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina.

Rainfall estimates in some areas topped more than two feet (61cm) since Wednesday, and several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides. This included a four-mile section of Interstate 40 that was heavily damaged.

Helene blew ashore in northern Florida late on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and quickly moved north.



A woman looks at her phone as an Asheville resident with power drops an extension cord for others to use (Mike Stewart/AP)

The storm upended life throughout the southeast, where deaths were also reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Officials warned rebuilding would be long and difficult.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said shelters housed more than 1,000 people.

Along Floridas Gulf Coast, several feet of water swamped the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, forcing workers to move two manatees and sea turtles.



Officials warned rebuilding would be long and difficult (Pamlico County Special Operations via AP)

All the animals were safe, but much of the aquariums vital equipment was damaged or destroyed, said James Powell, the aquariums executive director.

Georgia governor Brian Kemp said the storm literally spared no-one.

Most people in and around Augusta, a city of about 200,000 near the South Carolina border, lacked power.

With at least 30 killed in South Carolina, Helene was the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the state since Hurricane Hugo made landfall north of Charleston in 1989, killing 35 people.
A senior doctor has told a public inquiry he is ashamed that he failed to protect babies from harm by serial killer nurse Lucy Letby.

Consultant paediatrician Dr John Gibbs apologised to parents of Letbys 14 victims shortly after he was sworn in to give evidence on Tuesday at the Thirlwall Inquiry into the events at the Countess of Chester Hospitals neonatal unit.

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The now retired medic said: I deeply regret and I am ashamed that I failed to protect the babies from harm by Letby, but I do understand that the parents concerned would probably prefer explanations rather than apologies.

He said he and his fellow consultants should have contacted the police in early 2016 before Letby went on to attack other infants including the murders of two triplet boys in June that year.

The inquiry heard that, following a third baby death in June 2015, he emailed his consultant colleagues to relay concerns from registrars that the infants involved showed a strange purpuric looking rash and that nurses on the unit were also very worried.

Dr Gibbs said Letbys name came up as a common factor in July 2015 because she was involved in the resuscitation attempts of all three babies and another infant who was successfully revived.

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But he told counsel to the inquiry Nicholas de la Poer KC that he had no suspicions that deliberate harm was being caused at that time.

He said: It had been felt she had been unlucky to have been involved in a number of incidents.

It can happen to any of us and it happened to me during my career, that you have a bad run. But then that stops happening if its just an unfortunate coincidence.

Immediate concerns about possible deliberate harm should have been raised, though, in August 2015, he said, with a blood test result which indicated Child F had been administered synthetic insulin.

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Dr Gibbs said he did not see the result and his colleagues appeared to not appreciate its significance, but he classed it as a collective failure by the paediatric team.

He said: We all had the chance to look at those results.

He acknowledged a similar collective failure in April 2016 when another infant, Child L, was poisoned with insulin by Letby, but medics again missed the significance of another blood test.

The consultant said he was unsettled by the sudden and unexpected death of Child I in October 2015 and that towards the end of that year and into 2016 he became more concerned.

Dr Gibbs said: We were trying to make sense of the number of collapses and deaths that were happening, and realising Letby was around for many of them, not all of them.

The consultant said the full enormity of it all hit me when he saw an external thematic review in February 2016 which looked at deaths on the unit throughout 2015.
Iran has fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, sending Israelis diving into shelters but prompting celebrations across Iran. There was no immediate report of casualties in the attack late on Tuesday.

Israel said it intercepted many of the missiles, and officials in Washington said US destroyers assisted in Israels defence. Iran said most of its missiles hit their targets.

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Iran fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday as the months-long fighting between Israel and Irans proxies in the region: Hezbollah and Hamas; escalated, threatening a wider regional conflict.

Israel ordered residents to remain close to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the country.



People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds in Shoresh, Israel (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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Iran said it had launched the missile strike in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week. A statement also made reference to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh who was killed in Tehran in July.

The strikes came as Israeli police said six people had been killed in a shooting incident in Tel Aviv. No further details were released.

A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran, which backs the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

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Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari released a video statement on Tuesday saying the air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.

Soon after, a series of explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem.

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It was not immediately known if they were interceptions or incoming missiles landing. The explosions near Jerusalem were so loud that windows shook.

The orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television.



An armed Israeli Apache helicopter is seen from northern Israel (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

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TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon, and as Israel said it had begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages where people were ordered to evacuate, and Hezbollah militants responded by firing a barrage of rockets into Israel.

There was no immediate word on casualties as fighting intensified and concerns of a wider regional war grew.



Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

A senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel.

US ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also warned of consequences if Iran fired missiles into Israel.



Demonstrators celebrate the missile attack on Israel in the Iranian capital Tehran (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

He urged the public to stay close to sheltered areas.

The Iranian strike could be widespread. Following Home Front Command guidelines can save lives, he said.

Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets.

Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East.

Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The military statements indicated Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Israels prime minister, Benjamin Netanyahu, issued a warning on Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas. There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach, Mr Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Hezbollahs acting leader, Naim Kassem, promised the group will fight on following the death of Nasrallah, its long-time chief, and several of the groups top commanders who have been assassinated in recent days.

Mr Kassem said the groups fighters are ready and the slain commanders have already been replaced.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since October 8, the day after Hamas sent fighters into Israel and sparked the war in Gaza.

It has been almost a year since about 250 people were abducted from Israel, and friends and family are worried about their loved ones as attention turns away from hostages and north toward Lebanon.
Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers in southern Greece battled a wildfire for a third day that has killed two people and devastated a large forested area, prompting pledges of assistance from other European Union countries.

Three waterbombing aircraft from Italy and Croatia were due to arrive later on Tuesday after Greece requested help through the 27-country blocs emergency civil protection mechanism.

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The Greek fire service said more than 400 firefighters, assisted by 20 aircraft, were engaged against the blaze in the mountains of Corinthia in the Peloponnese region.



Greece is hit every summer with destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

The authorities were optimistic that progress had been made as the main front of the blaze was out, leaving a large number of scattered fires.

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But it remained unclear whether that success could be expanded on before winds whipped up and spread the blaze again.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said firefighters had been hampered in their initial response by the difficult terrain and poor road network.

During the first, crucial stage of the fire, firetrucks had great difficulty approaching (the blaze) because of the narrow roads, he said.



The fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires over the past few months (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

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The many ravines and the gale-force winds blowing that day greatly impeded the firefighting effort, Mr Marinakis added.

Officials ordered that another village be evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday, a day after half-a-dozen similar orders were issued.

A major road that was closed overnight as flames swept close by was reopened on Tuesday.

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The blaze destroyed a historic church in the mountains and reportedly damaged buildings outside the threatened villages, but the fire service was not immediately able to provide further details.

The two victims were identified as local residents who got trapped late on Sunday by the fast-advancing blaze.



This years fire season had been flagged as the most dangerous in two decades (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

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Greece, like other southern European countries, is hit every summer with destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming.

Over the past few months, the fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires.

This years had been flagged as the most dangerous fire season in two decades after the countryside was left parched by a protracted drought and early summer heatwaves.

But Greeces big investments in extra water-bombing aircraft, warning drones and other equipment have led to most blazes being extinguished shortly after they broke out.
Iran says it fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday as the months-long fighting between Israel and Irans proxies in the region: Hezbollah and Hamas; escalated, threatening a wider regional conflict.

Israel ordered residents to remain close to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the country.

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Iran said it had launched the missile strike in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week. A statement also made reference to Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh who was killed in Tehran in July.

The strikes came as Israeli police said six people had been killed in a shooting incident in Tel Aviv. No further details were released.

A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.



People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds in Shoresh, Israel (AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

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Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran, which backs the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari released a video statement on Tuesday saying the air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.

Soon after, a series of explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem.

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It was not immediately known if they were interceptions or incoming missiles landing. The explosions near Jerusalem were so loud that windows shook.

The orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television.



Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

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TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon, and as Israel said it had begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages where people were ordered to evacuate, and Hezbollah militants responded by firing a barrage of rockets into Israel.

There was no immediate word on casualties as fighting intensified and concerns of a wider regional war grew.

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An armed Israeli Apache helicopter is seen from northern Israel (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

A senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel.

US ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also warned of consequences if Iran fired missiles into Israel.

He urged the public to stay close to sheltered areas.



Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

The Iranian strike could be widespread. Following Home Front Command guidelines can save lives, he said.

Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets.

Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East.

Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The military statements indicated Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.
Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior US administration official, who warned of severe consequences should it take place.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US was actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations.

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This comes after the Israeli military warned people on Tuesday to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing what it said were limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered but said it was ready to battle them.

The military advised people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, the statement posted by the Israeli militarys Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, on the platform X, said.

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The army had earlier warned people not to travel south of the Litani, some 18 miles (30km) north of the border. The border region, which has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

Hezbollah denied that Israeli troops had entered Lebanon but said its fighters were ready if they did.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion.

He said Hezbollah was ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

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An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armoured trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, US officials said on Monday that Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a UN peacekeeping force known as Unifil, which patrols southern Lebanon, have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. Unifil said any such cross-border operation would be a dangerous development and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, said troops were conducting localised ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

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In a briefing later in the day, he said Israel had carried out dozens of small ground operations inside Lebanon going all the way back to October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and arsenals.

He showed photographs purporting to show Israeli soldiers inside homes in southern Lebanon. It was not immediately possible to confirm these claims.

An Israeli military official said the troops were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of metres from Israel.

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The official said there had been no clashes yet with Hezbollah fighters on the ground.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying that ground troops had entered Gaza.

The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon through the night and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

The official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man aged in his 50s.

Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Later on Tuesday, the military announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches over Hezbollah rocket fire.

The announcement on Tuesday limits public gatherings to 30 people and includes Jerusalem. It also comes a day before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, when large crowds typically gather to pray at the Western Wall.

The changes are in effect until October 5th. Their extension could affect memorial events planned to honour victims of Hamass October 7 attack.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamass October 7th attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza.

Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated.

In recent weeks, Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of his top commanders, as well as many civilians.

Rear Admiral Hagari said a UN Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution had called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to patrol the region.

Israel says these and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Lebanons prime minister Najib Mikati said on Monday that his country was willing to deploy the army in support of the resolution if there was a ceasefire.

Lebanons armed forces would not be able to impose an agreement on the far more powerful Hezbollah.

The military statements indicated that Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has done in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas.

The military official said marching to Beirut, as Israeli forces did during their 1982 invasion of Lebanon, was not on the table.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation over the past year has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its long-time leader Mr Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group.

The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a month-long war in 2006.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months.

A ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles.

The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed on Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement on Monday that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation.

He said commanders killed in recent weeks had already been replaced.

European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

A British government-chartered flight is due to leave Beirut on Wednesday to evacuate UK nationals.

The UK has also sent 700 troops to a base in the nearby island nation of Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation of the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon.

Spanish foreign minister Jose Manuel Albares has urged 1,000 Spanish civilians currently in Lebanon to leave the country and for Israel to stop its assault.

Mr Albares said there are still commercial flights available to leave, but that he is in contact with Spains defence ministry to prepare a possible evacuation.

The land invasion of Lebanon must stop, Mr Albares said, while also demanding the end of Israeli operations in Gaza and the return of the Israeli hostages held by Hamas.

Spain has 676 soldiers in Lebanon deployed under a United Nations peacekeeping mission.
Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior US administration official, who warned of severe consequences should it take place.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US was actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations.

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This comes after the Israeli military warned people on Tuesday to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing what it said were limited ground operations against Hezbollah.





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White House officials did not immediately offer any evidence backing its intelligence finding. The official added that the administration was confident in the determination.

Irans state media has not suggested any attack is imminent. Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran previously launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of the Iranian projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed while in flight. Even those that reached Israel appeared to miss their marks, experts suggested.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday that Israel was facing large challenges as it fought an Iranian axis.

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Israeli armoured personnel carriers and tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (Baz Ratner/AP)

In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.

Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, but hours later the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year. Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

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If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

US ships and aircraft are already positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran.

There are three US navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region. All have the abilities to shoot down incoming missiles.



An Israeli Apache helicopter fires a missile towards southern Lebanon (Leo Correa/AP)

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Israel advised people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, the statement posted by the Israeli military on the platform X said. The warning applied to communities south of the Litani.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon as it presses ahead with a rapidly escalating campaign against Hezbollah.

Anticipating more rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches in northern and central Israel. The military also said it was calling up thousands more reserve soldiers to serve on the northern border.

Hezbollah denied that Israeli troops had entered Lebanon but said its fighters were ready if they did.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion.



Israeli shelling directed at an area of southern Lebanon (Leo Correa/AP)

He said Hezbollah was ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armoured trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, US officials said on Monday that Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a UN peacekeeping force known as Unifil, which patrol southern Lebanon, have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. Unifil said any such cross-border operation would be a dangerous development and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, said troops were conducting localised ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

In a briefing later in the day, he said Israel had carried out dozens of small ground operations inside Lebanon going all the way back to October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza.



Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb (Hassan Ammar/AP)

He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and arsenals.

He showed photographs purporting to show Israeli soldiers inside homes in southern Lebanon. It was not immediately possible to confirm these claims.

An Israeli military official said the troops were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of metres from Israel.

The official said there had been no clashes yet with Hezbollah fighters on the ground.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying that ground troops had entered Gaza.

The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.



A damaged building at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon through the night and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

The official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man aged in his 50s.

Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Later on Tuesday the military announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches over Hezbollah rocket fire.

The announcement on Tuesday limits public gatherings to 30 people and includes Jerusalem. It also comes a day before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, when large crowds typically gather to pray at the Western Wall.



Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon in recent weeks (Hassan Ammar/AP)

The changes are in effect until October 5. Their extension could affect memorial events planned to honour victims of Hamass October 7 attack.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamass October 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza.

Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated.

In recent weeks, Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of his top commanders, as well as many civilians.

Rear Admiral Hagari said a UN Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution had called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to patrol the region.



Israeli soldiers sleep on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (Baz Ratner/AP)

Israel says these and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Lebanons prime minister Najib Mikati said on Monday that his country was willing to deploy the army in support of the resolution if there was a ceasefire.

Lebanons armed forces would not be able to impose an agreement on the far more powerful Hezbollah.

The military statements indicated that Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has done in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas.

The military official said marching to Beirut, as Israeli forces did during their 1982 invasion of Lebanon, was not on the table.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation over the past year has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.





The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader Mr Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group.

The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a month-long war in 2006.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months.

A ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles.

The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.





Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed on Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement on Monday that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation.

He said commanders killed in recent weeks had already been replaced.

European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

A British government-chartered flight is due to leave Beirut on Wednesday to evacuate UK nationals.

The UK has also sent 700 troops to a base in the nearby island nation of Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation of the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon.
One of Natos longest serving top officials, Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg, stepped down on Tuesday, handing the reins to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte as the military alliance confronts some of the biggest challenges in its history.

The two men, who first sat together at Natos table 14 years ago as the leaders of Norway and the Netherlands, greeted each other warmly outside the alliances Brussels headquarters, before laying a wreath to fallen military personnel, surrounded by the flags of the 32 member countries.

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Mark has the perfect background to become a great secretary-general, a visibly emotional Mr Stoltenberg said as he ended a decade in office.



Mark Rutte, left, and Jens Stoltenberg attended a wreath-laying ceremony at Nato headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday (Harry Nakos/AP)

He has served as prime minister for 14 years and led four different coalition governments, so therefore he knows how to make compromises, create consensus, and these are skills which are very much valued here at Nato, Mr Stoltenberg said.

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Mr Rutte said he cannot wait to get to work.

He said his priorities would be Natos support for Ukraine, with the war now in its third year, increasing defence spending and strengthening partnerships that the alliance has established with other countries around the world, notably in Asia and the Middle East.

Mr Rutte also underlined the importance of keeping the trans-Atlantic bond between the United States, Canada and Europe strong, and expressed confidence that he could work well with whoever was elected to the White House.





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Surveys suggest the US election in November will be a close race. It could see the return of Donald Trump, whose talk during his last term of office about low defence spending among European allies and Canada undermined trust of Nato member countries.

It became an existential challenge, as smaller members feared that the US under Mr Trump would renege on Natos security pledge that all countries must come to the rescue of any ally in trouble, the foundation stone the alliance is built on.

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But Mr Rutte said: I know both candidates very well.

He praised Mr Trump for pushing Nato allies to spend more and for toughening their approach towards China.



Mark Rutte lay a wreath during the ceremony at Nato headquarters (Harry Nakos/AP)

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He also hailed the fantastic record of Vice President Kamala Harris and described her as a highly respected leader.

I will be able to work with both. Whatever is the outcome of the election, Mr Rutte said.

Mr Stoltenberg, Natos 13th secretary-general, took over in 2014, the year that little green men from Russia infiltrated Ukraine. Moscow annexed the Crimean Peninsula, sparking a defence spending buildup at the worlds biggest security alliance that gathered pace over his term.

His tenure was surpassed only by Dutch diplomat Joseph Luns, who spent 12 years in charge of Nato.

Nato secretaries-general run the headquarters, drive the alliances working agenda and speak on behalf of the 32-nation organisation with one unifying voice. Continuity is usually the key word when they take up office.



Jens Stoltenberg made a statement at Nato headquarters (Harry Nakos/AP)

Mr Rutte becomes Natos top civilian official as Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine approaches the 1,000-day mark.

There can be no lasting security in Europe without a strong, independent Ukraine, he said in his first speech on taking office, and he affirmed a commitment made by the organisations leaders in 2008 that Ukraines rightful place is in Nato.

Russian forces are making advances in eastern Ukraine. Ukraines army has a shaky hold on part of the Kursk region in Russia, which has provided a temporary morale boost, but as casualties mount it remains outmanned and outgunned.

Mr Rutte will have to find new ways to encourage support for Ukraine among the allies, whose ranks have swelled to 32 countries since the invasion as Finland and Sweden joined to seek protection from Russia under Natos security umbrella.

Mr Trump has been critical of US aid to Ukraine, and he suggested last week that Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky should have made concessions to Russian leader Vladimir Putin before he launched his invasion in 2022.
The Isaacs - "Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah" | The Press House

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (September 30, 2024)  Gaither Music Group is excited to celebrate the release of Goodness of God, the first single from the GRAMMY-nominated, multi-GMA Dove Award and Singing News Award-winning group The Isaacs first-ever praise and worship project, the highly anticipated album Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah. The single is available now on all digital platforms as fans await the full album release on October 25, 2024. The band  members of the Grand Ole Opry and the GMA Hall of Fame  will make a stop at the Grand Ole Opry October 30th during their fall tour across the US. (Get tickets here.)

Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah is an inspiring collection of some of todays most celebrated praise and worship songs, including The Isaacs original track, (More Than A) Hollow Hallelujah.

The Isaacs first started playing on the Grand Ole Opry 30 years ago and were inducted as members in 2021 (one of the first gospel artists to join the Oprys ranks). Matriarch Lily and her three children, Ben, Sonya and Becky, have won numerous awards and earned Gospel Hall of Fame status for their work, which has resonated with audiences worldwide. For decades, the group has bridged the gap between gospel and mainstream country music, performing with the likes of Dolly Parton, Vince Gill and Alison Krauss and opening for Reba McEntires 2023 tour.

Their upcoming album reflects their talent for producing stunning harmonies and blending bluegrass, Southern gospel, and country sounds, reimagining time-honored classics like You Say, Oceans (Where Feet May Fail) and What A Beautiful Name with heartfelt arrangements that invite listeners into a moving worship experience.

To accompany the album release, a special concert DVD will also be available, featuring performances filmed at The Fisher Center for the Performing Arts at Belmont University. The DVD captures The Isaacs performing these timeless songs with behind-the-scenes stories and interviews. The DVD will be released simultaneously with the album on October 25, 2024.

The Isaacs will debut the special via TV broadcast on UPTV, followed by broadcasts on RFD-TV, TBN, and other networks on October 25. A YouTube premiere of the performance and interview highlights from the recording will be available on Gaither Music TV on the same day.

For those eager to get an early glimpse, GaitherTV+ will offer early access to The Isaacs latest video content starting October 17, 2024. Subscribers can enjoy exclusive performances and behind-the-scenes stories ahead of the full albums release. Subscribe here for early access to Gaither's latest content.



We have learned the healing, freeing power of singing praise in our lives time and time again, Sonya Isaacs reflects. We wanted to create a project that not only celebrates these incredible songs but also helps others find peace and victory through faith and worship in a world where we so desperately need it!



The Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah CD and DVD are available for pre-sale now at Amazon, Christianbook.com, Parable.com and other retailers. The recording and companion DVD are distributed by Capitol Christian Music Group and Universal Music.

Track Listing:

1. Gratitude

2. Blessings

3. (More Than A) Hollow Hallelujah

4. Alpha And Omega/ Agnus Dei

5. What A Beautiful Name

6. You Say

7. Oceans (Where Feet May Fail)

8. Goodness Of God

9. Reckless Love

10. Psalm 23 (I Am Not Alone)

11. King Of Glory

12. Forever

The first digital single, "Goodness of God," is now available for streaming and download here. The full album Praise & Worship: More Than A Hollow Hallelujah will be available for digital and physical purchase on October 25, 2024, and can be pre-ordered here.



About Gaither Music Group:

One of the largest independent Christian music companies in the world and a household name for millions of fans, Gaither Music Group (part of Sun Label Group, which encompasses Gaither Music, Sun Records, Green Hill, emeraldwave by Green Hill, and Rural Rhythm), in partnership with Primary Wave Music Publishing, is known worldwide for its award-winning and top-selling recordings, including the Gaither Gospel Series, of which 133 products have been certified gold, platinum, or multi-platinum.

These recordings, which encompass more than 200 video copyrights, showcase gospel music pioneers; many of the finest performers in the gospel and country genres; up-and-coming acts; and country artists including The Oak Ridge Boys, Jimmy Fortune, Joey+Rory, Alabama, Alan Jackson, The Statler Brothers, George Jones, Vince Gill, Josh Turner, Tennessee Ernie Ford, The Isaacs, and others.

The Gaither Music Group brand has partnered with established artists including The Estate of Whitney E. Houston, Sandi Patty, Gloria Gaynor, Steven Curtis Chapman, and a host of acclaimed talent from various fields of music. Gaither Music Group has garnered sales of more than 40 million DVDs and CDs, including such PBS stalwarts as Billy Graham: Gods Ambassador, the only authorized video autobiography of Reverend Billy Graham; The Gospel Music of Johnny Cash; and three Elvis Presley projects, including He Touched Me and The Gospel Music of Elvis Presley, in conjunction with the Elvis Presley Estate.

Gaither Music Group developed a strategic partnership with Cracker Barrel Old Country Store in 2008; and its alliances with Capitol Christian Music Group, Virgin Music Label & Artist Services, Universal Music Group, and Time Life Music remain bedrocks for the company. Most recently, the Gaither Music TV YouTube channel crossed the 3.7 billion life-to-date streaming benchmark and hosts more than 3.5 million subscribers.

About The Isaacs:



Multifaceted award-winning group The Isaacs have spent five decades creating the undeniable family harmonies and distinct sound that have made them a favorite among audiences everywhere.

They toured with country superstar Reba McEntire last year and they are currently wrapping up production on two new records due out later this year.

As matriarch Lily and her three children Ben, Sonya and Becky celebrate their 50th anniversary, the 2021 Grand Ole Opry inductees and Gospel Music Hall of Famers continue to build on the legacy first launched by the family back in 1971, with a newfound excitement and never-waning passion for the music they love to make. The masterful vocalists, instrumentalists and songwriters are known for their ability to bridge and blend genres, and their sound has led to invites from high-profile contemporaries including Dolly Parton, Reba McEntire, Vince Gill, Alison Krauss, Paul Simon and many more to sing on over 50 albums and share many stages across the country.

The groups origins reach back decades. The Isaacs first started playing on the Grand Ole Opry 30 years ago, and are frequent guests on the weekly show. They play over 100 dates a year for fans around the world, and have performed on prestigious stages like Carnegie Hall, entertained fans at CMA Fest, the "CMA Country Christmas" special and many more.

The much-lauded group has also been nominated and performed on numerous awards shows, including the Grammys, GMA Dove Awards, where they have earned 19 Dove Awards collectively in various categories. They have also won trophies at the International Bluegrass Music Association Awards, the Singing News Fan Awards and the Inspirational Christian Country Awards. Three of their recent projects received consecutive Grammy nominations for Best Roots Gospel Album and Best Roots Gospel Song.

They often tour internationally, traveling to South Africa, Norway, Holland, Scotland, Ireland, Israel, Canada, the Faroe Islands, and more to bring their musical messages to fans around the globe.

The Isaacs started a non-profit organization called The Isaacs Foundation to bless the less fortunate in America. They have also raised hundreds of thousands of dollars to bless Israel, specifically Holocaust survivors, orphans and lone soldiers. They frequently guide hundreds of guests on a pilgrimage to Israel and explore the Holy Land through a unique and exclusive lens.

Our goal is to use the blessings of all the doors God is opening for us to share the message of hope and love to as many people as we can, says the family.
There were also examples of stereotyping, not being considered to be impartial in reporting on a cultural group because staff were perceived to be part of that cultural group, and staff not being offered opportunities because they were considered to have been hired to meet diversity quotas, the report said. Loading It added that almost all participants who identified as First Nations or CALD (culturally and linguistically diverse) described having experienced racism in the workplace. Only one CALD participant said they had not experienced racism. There is an absolutely undeniable racist culture at the ABC, said one anonymous respondent. Anderson said the details of the 171-page report were disturbing. On behalf of everyone at the ABC, I am sorry for any and all racist behaviour and past harms experienced by our Indigenous and CALD employees, either currently or formerly employed, Anderson told staff on Tuesday.

We all need to do better for our colleagues on our commitment to zero tolerance for racism in our workplace. We all need to do better for our colleagues by preventing or acting on behaviour that seeks to discriminate against, bully or demean them. The role of the report was not to investigate or make findings on individual incidents or racism, rather to focus on how the ABC responds to racism and cultural safety in the workplace. Participants quoted in the ABCs racism report A man had shared a microaggression, and [ABC senior executive] patted him and said sometimes you just have to move on.

I struggle with the idea that I have to leave myself at the door. That metaphorical door was built by and for middle class white men. They fit through it, they dont have to leave anything.

 does someone have to say a slur for it to be racist, or is it the pattern? I think most people know not to say a slur, but the micro things are way harder, like lack of opportunities [for diverse staff].

I feel a responsibility to my community and children, because if I leave, we are leaving the fight for the next generation.

It was comments like ohh, how much of you is Aboriginal? Dont worry. You dont look it. ABC chair Kim Williams told Melbourne Drive host Ali Moore there were a number of things in the report that were unpalatable. I dont think anyone can read a report such as this and feel comfortable, Williams said, adding the ABC would not tolerate bad behaviour.

Racism is an issue in Australia, he added. Many respondents said racism was manifested in the systems and policies of the ABC, explicitly noting the presence of structural or system racism and unconscious bias. Many also said the ABC had made significant progress recently to address these issues, however. As part of its response, the ABC has engaged former Australian race discrimination commissioner Chin Tan to continue this work, and created a new director of First Nations strategy, who will join the ABCs leadership team and report directly to the managing director. Outgoing ABC boss David Anderson (left) said the report was more reason for him to stay on to lay the groundwork for his successor. ABC chair Kim Williams is on the right. Credit: ABC The current head of Indigenous, diversity and inclusion Kelly Williams is taking up the role in the interim while it looks for a permanent appointment.

Anderson thanked the 120 participants during an appearance on the ABCs 24-hour News Channel and encouraged all staff to read the report. Loading He said it was important work needed to begin in the months he has left at the broadcaster to put a framework in place to address the recommendations. If anything its a reason for me to stay longer, not a reason to leave earlier, Anderson said. The acting media director of the Media Entertainment and Arts Alliance Michelle Rae said the report was a watershed moment for the media industry.

All Australian media organisations are now on notice that they can no longer ignore these issues of inclusion, access and diversity, Rae said. It is shameful that so many ABC staff have felt abandoned by their employer when they have suffered racism, discrimination and bias. Other media organisations cannot assume these issues are isolated to the national broadcaster. The ABCs union house committee called for real tangible and transparent changes that are clear, measurable and implemented with staff consultation. ABC members dont want the changes to only amount to online training and a poster campaign, a statement said. The reviews publication marks almost 12 months of work and examines staff experiences of racism at the broadcaster and the adequacy of systems and processes to support those who have experienced it.

Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaighana and Meriam woman and a lawyer, was picked to lead the review, sparked by the treatment of veteran broadcaster Stan Grant, who has since left the broadcaster. The review team enlisted independent psychological support for ABC staff to help them cope with the report, as reported by this masthead on Friday. Participants in the review were contacted this week and offered three sessions per person with specialists Psychs for Journalists, funded by the ABC, according to correspondence seen by this masthead. Staff were told they could use the sessions before or after the reports release. Chair of the ABCs Bonner Committee and journalist Dan Bourchier thanked Anderson for commissioning the report, and to the ABCs board for committing to implement all the recommendations. I asked David to call for this review because it was clear there were big challenges. This report is a turning point and seeks to strengthen and reform the ABC, Bourchier said. Its a line in the sand  we need to do better.
Oh, what a wedge! The government will surely be squeezed into allowing Qatar Airways to take a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, regardless of whether it is in the national interest.

Because its certainly not in the Labor governments interest to block the Middle Eastern carrier  again.

The optics of denying Qatars application to buy a 25 per cent stake in Virgin would be so damaging for the government that it would be reckless for Treasurer Jim Chalmers to even try. Credit: Marija Ercegovac

Without any cogent explanation, the government in July last year denied Qatars application to run 28 additional services into Australia.

The government was comprehensively skewered during last years Senate inquiry, facing allegations that it was acting as a Qantas puppet  at a time when Qantas was facing intense scrutiny for selling tickets on cancelled flights, illegally sacking ground staff and providing atrocious service for customers attempting to redeem COVID-19 pandemic-era flight credits.
Virgin Australias outgoing boss Jayne Hrdlicka says it would take the airline at least six years to be able to fly on long-haul routes and boost capacity from Australia to Europe if Qatar Airways was not allowed to take a 25 per cent stake.

Virgin confirmed Qatars intention to take a 25 per cent stake in the Australian airline on Tuesday, flagging its intention to commence wet lease services to Doha which would boost capacity between Australia and Europe by mid-2025.

Under a wet lease, one airline loans aircraft, crew and maintenance to another carrier and the proposed deal would need approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).

Bain Capital appointed Jayne Hrdlicka as Virgin Australias chief executive in 2020. Credit: Dan Peled

If we were to decide to start long-haul international on our own, which we wouldnt do because its too much risk, it would take us six years to gain access to the aircraft. The supply chain in aviation are not back to normal post COVID.
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Christmas always comes early for book lovers. Some of the biggest releases of 2024 hit our shelves this month with new novels and non-fiction from masters of the craft. From Tim Wintons dystopian vision and Ta-Nehisi Coates exploration of the myth-making of conflict, to Stanley Tuccis food diary (and thats only the Ts!), theres plenty to add to the shelf, or Christmas wish list, this month.

Juice, Tim Winton

Hamish Hamilton, $49.99

In his first novel since 2018s The Shepherds Hut, Tim Winton ventures into cli-fi territory with a dystopian story set in northwest Australia about two centuries from now. Publishers have described the 500-page epic as Tim Winton as youve never read him before. In an interview with this masthead, the literary legend said: Id like the experience of the book to be longer than the reading of the book. Ive been in this caper long enough to know some books do achieve that.

Tim Winton first novel in nearly six years is set in a dystopian future. Credit: Violeta J. Brosig

Shapeshifting: First Nations Lyric Nonfiction, edited by Ellen van Neerven and Jeanine Leane

UQP, $34.99

Edited by acclaimed writers and poets Jeanine Leane and Ellen van Neerven, Shapeshifting is a collection of evocative and experimental nonfiction writing by First Nations authors. The pieces seek to challenge the essay as a form; to redefine and reinvent conventions of genre. Contributors include Alison Whittaker, Charmaine Papertalk Green, Mykaela Saunders, and Evelyn Araluen.

Rapture, Emily Maguire

Allen & Unwin, $32.99

The Miles Franklin-shortlisted authors latest novel follows Agnes, the motherless child of an English priest living in ninth-century Mainz. To escape her fate as a nun or a wife, Agnes disguises herself as a manJohn the Englishmanwho becomes a celebrated teacher in Rome, dazzling the Church hierarchy. But problems arise when the one person who knows her identity arrives in Rome.

Emily Maguires Rapture takes us to the ninth century. Credit: Sarah Wilson

Naku Dharuk: The Bark Petitions: How the People of Yirrkala Changed the Course of Australian Democracy, Clare Wright

Text, $45.00

Claire Wrights ability to bring history to life has spoken for itself in her four works, including the best-selling The Forgotten Rebels of Eureka and You Daughters of Freedom. In the third instalment of her democracy trilogy, Wright examines the creation of the Yirrkala Bark Petitions: Naku Dharuk in 1963 by the Yolu of northeast Arnhem Land. Dont be deterred by the size of this book, it is one of monumental importance.
Sophie, Sophie British producer Sophie was one of the most influential figures of 10s pop. She gained a cult following in 2014 with the releases of Bipp and Lemonade  futuristic tracks beamed in from a faraway galaxy, threaded with sounds and textures at once cold and colourful, alien and beguiling. Her ceaseless innovation would eventually have swaths of the pop landscape either imitating her or hitting her up to collaborate. Sophie worked with the likes of Rihanna, Madonna, Vince Staples and Charli XCX; XCX dedicated a song to the producer on her recent world-beating (and thoroughly Sophie-inspired) album Brat. After years as a recluse Sophie emerged as a glamorous trans woman and instant queer icon in the music video for Its Okay to Cry, from her stunning 2017 debut solo album Oil of Every Pearls Un-Insides. Her music made more sense than ever, its transgression the clear expression of someone whose art and identity would never fit into rigid binaries. Sophie, who died in Athens in January 2021. Credit: In Athens in January 2021 Sophie slipped and fell to her death while climbing a balcony to get a better view of the full moon. Her brother and studio manager Benny Long doubtless felt immense pressure to honour her legacy on this eponymous posthumous album. His effort is palpable across the 16-track LP of collaborations, but so is Sophies absence on the final cut.

The structure of the record is fairly conventional. The first few tracks conjure black holes in deep space with oppressive, droning sounds lending a funereal quality. By the time Reason Why, featuring Kim Petras and BC Kingdom, arrives in a sheeny spurt of mid-tempo, mid-energy hyperpop, it feels like opening the blinds after days of mourning. The song kicks off a cartoony, playful run of tracks before the record veers into techno territory thats darker but not aggressively so. Synths pop like artificial gunfire in a video game and, while percussion patterns are militant, the snares are muted, as though the drumstick tips have been coated in cotton wool. Berlin Nightmare and Gallop, featuring Sophies former partner Evita Manji, are more anxious and foreboding, the sort of thing that could soundtrack a tense heist in a discerningly scored Payday 2 series. Sophies brother and studio manager Benny Long oversaw this 16-track LP of collaborations. Credit: Exhilarate kicks off the sentimental send-off stretch of the album. It features Bibi Bourelly, who co-wrote Bitch Better Have My Money and whose voice approximates Rihannas on an empowerment anthem treated with enough Sophie-esque flourishes  atonal bass blobs, a faint, ever-present buzz  to render it refreshingly weird. Always and Forever is pastel-toned and gauzy, with Hannah Diamonds helium coo sending the tribute heavenwards. The yearning, 80s-indebted production on My Forever is more emotive and, combined with longtime colleague Cecile Believes plaintive, clear vocal turn, makes for the records most memorable track after Reason Why. Sophie had already chosen the full track list, and most songs were close to completion, according to Long. He says finishing the album was a matter of honing certain sounds he knew Sophie wasnt happy with, but well never know how it might have sounded if Sophie had been the one doing the honing. Sophie is a painstaking labour of love, but it also feels like a diluted distillation of her essence. You cant help but suspect that Sophies version would have far eclipsed its impact.
Netflix should not have claimed Baby Reindeer was a true story at the beginning of each episode because the actions portrayed by the character Martha were worse than those of the real-life woman whose actions inspired the show, a US judge has said.

In a massive blow to the streaming giant, US federal court judge Gary Klausner has ruled the defamation action brought by Scottish lawyer Fiona Harvey, the real-life inspiration for Martha, could proceed.

Fiona Harvey (left) and Jessica Gunning as Martha in the Netflix series Baby Reindeer.

Harvey is seeking $US170 million ($245 million) in damages against the streaming giant. Her claim states that since the release of the series  in which Martha harasses and sexually assaults Donny (the shows creator and star, Richard Gadd)  she had been inundated  with threatening and harassing messages from viewers, and had suffered severe emotional distress in the form of anxiety, nightmares, panic attacks, shame, depression, nervousness, stomach pains, loss of appetite, and fear. Specifically, a fear of going outside.

Netflix had sought to have the claim struck out under anti-SLAPP (strategic lawsuits against public participation) laws, which are designed to prevent legal challenges that seek primarily to silence, intimidate or otherwise hamper free speech, particularly in reference to journalistic reporting.
Its worth checking that your funds are flowing in regularly when you start a new role, says director and financial adviser at Pursue Wealth, Sam Robinson. When first establishing a super fund or starting with a new employer it is best to check this regularly for the first few pay cycles to ensure the correct frequency of your contributions - some [funds] will have push notifications each time you receive a contribution. If you notice any gaps, youre entitled to raise this with your employer. If you dont have any luck resolving payments, you can report unpaid super to the ATO to investigate this on your behalf. Get acquainted with the basics Once youre satisfied that your contributions are flowing, its time to get familiar with the basics of how your fund works so you can start building a connection to your money.

This step doesnt require a finance degree or months of research. Most of the information youll need for this step can come from a quick call or live chat message to your fund. Parc Wealth Managements head of operations Michelle Bryant says one of the best things Gen Z savers can do is check that they dont have multiple super accounts floating around. Consolidating into one account is a good way to make sure youre not paying more fees than you should, she says. You can view details of your super accounts via ATO online services and also search for any lost or unclaimed super. Nows also the time to check what insurances you are paying in your fund, Bryant says, and what fees youre paying each year.

There have never been more options for how to invest your superannuation, so its also worth taking a look at where your funds are being placed. Delahunty says that many young Australians are turning to social media, their family or friends for information about super. However, the best way to find out how your money is being invested and how much youre paying in fees is to ask your superannuation provider directly. The information they can trust is from their fund. Weigh up extra contributions Australian employers are required by law to pay 11.5 per cent of eligible employees salary into superannuation, but you also have the power to top this up.

You can boost your funds either by asking your employer to salary sacrifice an additional slice of your pre-tax pay into your fund, or you can make voluntary payments directly yourself. Loading Delahunty says its worth thinking about salary sacrifice early in your working life. This approach can deliver big returns, and you might not notice the impact on your take-home pay as much if you start while youre young. If you can do that and forget about it, the significant difference that can make to your travel and life after work is enormous, if you do it when youre young, she says. Bryant notes that before younger workers add more to their super, they should consider their other financial goals.

The most important thing to understand is that this money will be inaccessible for a really, really long time  and are they comfortable with this? she says. Read up on First Home Super Saver Homeownership may feel light years away for many young workers, but the experts say its worth at least getting a handle on how Australias first home super saver scheme works. The policy, which lets you make voluntary super contributions to help you buy your first home, has specific rules and eligibility requirements that you need to consider. If you are a first home buyer and are certain you want to allocate your savings towards your first home, start considering this option for purchases within three to five years of your intended purchase date, says Robinson.
The views espoused by people at the event are not the views of the college and they were not speaking on behalf of the school, he said. The college cannot be held to account for the personal views of individuals who have no operational role in the school. Sheikh Ahmad Jundi, 74, spoke at an event attended by children and held at Al Sadiq College last month. Credit: SMH Jundi has served since 2017 as a board member of Al Sadiq, which caters to the Alawite community, and whose Greenacre campus sits within Home Affairs Minister Tony Burkes seat. The kindergarten to year 12 school received $10.9 million in federal government funding in 2022 and another $2.5 million from the state, according to MySchool data.

Jundi was one of several speakers at the September 22 religious event to celebrate the birth of the prophet Muhammad, which was attended by young children who sang for the audience. Jundi, with a school banner hanging on the wall behind him, began by calling in Arabic for a minute of silence for the souls of the innocent martyrs who fell at the hands of the criminal Zionist forces led by America and its allies. He twice called for Allah to protect Nasrallah, as well as Syrian president Bashar Al-Assad  a member of the Alawite sect  and Islamic armies in every place. Ahmad Jundi has served on the board of Al Sadiq College since 2017. Credit: SMH May He shield them from all harm and help them defeat every oppressor and intruder, and overcome every conspirator and traitor, and restore the rights that were taken, Jundi said.

Toward the end of the speech, he prayed to Allah, the Exalted, to grant victory to Hezbollah in Lebanon, the face of resistance, and with the help of Syria the shield in Lebanon. The speech followed another in May, at an event unrelated to the school, in which Jundi supported the resistance all over the world and especially Hezbollah in all places around the world. Federal Education Minister Jason Clare, whose electorate includes Al Sadiqs second campus at Yagoona, said schools were required to meet fit and proper person requirements under the Australian Education Act. This includes arrangements for managing and supervising the provision of education at a school, including by relevant individuals at a school, Clare said. The federal education department will write to the school to seek further information.

Jundi, an Australian citizen born in Lebanon, told the Herald on Tuesday he supported Australias interests above all else and his comments were referring to Hezbollah as a political party in Lebanon. I dont like any violence from anyone, he said. I dont like it because I dont like killing. We all belong to God. Asked about the debate over whether expressing support for Hezbollah was a crime or ought to be, Jundi said it was a matter for police and government. Al Sadiq College is split over two campuses in Greenacre and Yagoona (pictured). Credit: SMH Were under the umbrella of Australian government law, he said.

A spokesman for the Association of Independent Schools of NSW said all member schools were expected to adhere to Australian laws. Al Sadiq, which last year purchased a new site at Chester Hill for $9.5 million, has 770 students. Jundi, as a representative of the Moslem Alawi Society Sydney, was one of nine signatories to a statement last month denouncing the ongoing Israeli aggression against the Palestinian and Lebanese people. The statement said the leaders were committed to safeguarding the countrys stability by preventing the importation of overseas conflicts into Australia. Hezbollahs External Security Organisation, part of its military wing, was designated a terrorist organisation by Australia in 2003. In 2021, Australia expanded the listing to include the organisation as a whole, a decision also made by Britain, Canada and the United States.

New Zealand and the European Union have banned the military wing only. The Hezbollah entry on the Australian list of proscribed organisations notes the groups history of aggression toward Israel and that it had provided support  such as training, operational assistance, and weapons for Palestinian extremist groups including Hamas Izz al-Din alQassam Brigades. At the same time, the group maintains a social welfare network that encompasses education and health services. Three Sydney mosques held mourning ceremonies for Nasrallah from Sunday to Tuesday, attended by hundreds of people. A memorial service held for Hassan Nasrallah at Kingsgrove on Tuesday evening. Credit: SMH
The symptoms of schizophrenia are thought to be caused by the dysregulation of dopamine  a hormone and neurotransmitter that affects how we think and plan and experience pleasure. All current antipsychotics target one dopamine receptor in the brain, D2, to reduce symptoms. The drugs mainly treat the so-called positive symptoms, though. You can think of positive symptoms as a distortion of inputs to the brain that result in people with schizophrenia having false ideas or beliefs (delusions) and false perceptions (hallucinations) which mainly involve sight and sound. But there are also negative symptoms, which can take away normal behaviours, such as the ability to communicate or feel pleasure. The third group of symptoms is arguably the most disabling: cognitive deficits that affect memory, focus, reasoning and attention. These symptoms disrupt treatment and day-to-day living, and can prevent people with schizophrenia entering the workforce, says Professor Brian Dean from the Florey Institute. Professor Brian Dean from the Florey Institute undertook initial research that laid the foundations for a breakthrough treatment for schizophrenia. Credit: The Florey

If a doctor says to someone with schizophrenia, You have to take these tablets daily to keep your illness under control, they dont necessarily conceptualise the connection between the drugs theyre taking and then the disease getting better, he says. Thats the conundrum of schizophrenia. While most current antipsychotics fail to markedly improve negative symptoms and cognitive decline, one drug seemed to work in people resistant to other antipsychotics: clozapine. It binds to a different type of receptor in the brain. Back in the 1990s, Dean was one of the researchers who began pursuing these curious structures, called muscarinic receptors. And he needed brains. The key receptors

The first experiments are something that I feel very honoured to have done, Dean says. They were on post-mortem brain tissue collected after someone with schizophrenia had died, and these were donated by their relatives right across Victoria. Loading The experiments showed people with schizophrenia had low levels of two muscarinic receptors, M1 and M4, in key areas of the brain. These receptors are important in cognitive functions such as decision-making and memory. They are also important in how we perceive the world in general because they monitor how we process input from vision and from hearing, Dean says. So you can imagine if they go wrong, it would quickly generate problems.

Images of the key M4 receptor produced out of research conducted by Professor Arthur Christopoulos at Monash University. The image on the right shows xanomelines interaction with the receptor. Credit: Sarah Piper/Monash University In a follow-up experiment, he and his colleagues took ultra-thin slices of brain tissue and exposed them to a radioactive molecule known to bind to M1 and M4 receptors. That revealed a subset of just over a quarter of people with schizophrenia who had about 74 per cent fewer receptors in certain parts of their brain. By the start of this century, data from multiple lines of evidence led Dean and other scientists to suggest that stimulating M1 and M4 receptors could make for a potent treatment for schizophrenia. US researchers at pharmaceutical company Eli Lilly were investigating the drug xanomeline  which activates muscarinic receptors  for use in Alzheimers disease. People at Eli Lilly saw our and other research and said, well, hang on, those results suggest it would work in schizophrenia  lets try it, Dean says.

But they soon ran into a painful problem. Its just looking so promising A small study showed xanomeline, as expected, improved the positive, negative and cognitive symptoms of schizophrenia. That part of it was brilliant, Dean says. But then you had these horrible peripheral side effects that were just unacceptable. These included nasty gut pain and vomiting. The drug was abandoned. But the evidence kept building that targeting M1 and M4 could be a game-changer. Former Eli Lilly scientists took up the torch and founded a new company, Karuna Therapeutics, and began hunting a way to allow the drugs effect in the brain while blocking it in the body.

A stained section of human cerebellum, from the Victorian Brain Bank. Credit: Florey Neurohistology, They found their answer in trospium, a bladder-control drug. It blocked xanomelines effects on the gut but didnt cross the blood-brain barrier. Thats whats so clever here, Dean says. Xanomeline goes into the brain. The drug that blocks the side effects doesnt. The new combination treatment, which would come to be known as Cobenfy, retained its cognitive benefits while suppressing the sickening side effects. With good data from three clinical trials showing the drug could, for some, address positive and negative symptoms and improve cognitive issues, Cobenfy last week became one of the rare new neurological drugs to get approved for use in the clinic.

The drug is expensive at $US20,000 per year, and has to be taken twice a day  a major drawback given the difficulty some people with schizophrenia have in sticking to a treatment regime. Clinical trials have only tested the drug for five weeks, so longer-term data is needed. But now its out in the real world, clinicians will be able to get a proper handle on just how helpful it may be in treating people who had otherwise run out of options. Cobenfy is now available to be trialled in the US to all people with schizophrenia, Dean says. If this drug can get some of the people with schizophrenia back into the workforce again, which it might because their cognition improves, that would be a fantastic step forward. Its just looking so promising. Clinical trials showed a new drug Cobenfy could address positive and negative symptoms and improve cognitive issues in some people with schizophrenia. Credit: Bristol Myers Squibb

The boon of basic research Its getting harder to fund discovery research in Australia. There can be a political focus on quick-turnaround, easily translatable drug research that rewards funding with a breakthrough in the span of an electoral term. Dean says this story underscores the power of basic discovery research. We had to wait 24 years for a clinically relevant outcome! he says. That timeframe doesnt fit within the politicians psyche. But basic research in places like the Florey (Institute), trying to understand how brains work and how theyve gone wrong in disease, is going to be essential for finding new ways to treat depression, bipolar disorder, even schizophrenia.
As images of airstrikes in southern Lebanon flashed across her TV, Melbourne dentist Sue Hosn felt a pang of panic  and then a heaviness she hadnt felt in more than four decades.

Israel was bombing the surrounds of Tyre, the historic holiday town on the Mediterranean where Hosn lived in her teenage years. It is still home to her sister and extended family.

Sue Hosn has lost family members to the recent airstrikes in southern Lebanon. Credit: PENNY STEPHENS

There are bombs everywhere, Hosns sister said from the other end of the telephone line. The buildings next to her family home had been reduced to rubble.

Hosn, who fled Tyre with her family as a teenager during Israels 1978 invasion of southern Lebanon, knew there was just one thing to do.
Peter Dutton has accused the national broadcaster of failing to understand why the Lebanese militant group, Hezbollah, is listed by Australia as a terrorist organisation in a terse press conference where the opposition leader rebuked an ABC reporter for her questions.

Melbourne and Sydney protesters at weekend rallies held Hezbollah flags and portraits of its assassinated leader, Hassan Nasrallah, prompting Dutton to demand prosecutions of those displaying terrorist symbols.

At the press conference, ABC reporter Anushri Sood put to Dutton that some groups considered the laws hypocritical because, she said, Israels actions had resulted in 45,000 deaths and its flag was still allowed.

Dutton responded: Israel is a democracy. Its not run by a terrorist organisation. Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation. Theyre a listed terrorist organisation. And if people are in favour of a terrorist organisation, they should declare it, and authorities should deal with them.
The leaders of Queenslands major parties have been warned against inflammatory political language about the states voting system, on the first formal day of the election campaign.

LNP leader David Crisafulli labelled compulsory preferential voting undemocratic on Tuesday, while Premier Steven Miles said the LNPs plan to change it would corrupt the electoral system.

The process, by which voters must rank every candidate for their ballot to be valid, is in place in several states and is used for the federal lower house.

Labor leader Steven Miles and Liberal National Party leader David Crisafulli on the first day of the 2024 Queensland election campaign Credit: Matt Dennien, Cameron Atfield

Optional preferential voting, where a simple 1 can be marked next to a candidate of choice, also exists around the country, for some Queensland councils, and previously at state level.
Thompson is being investigated by the states corruption watchdog over matters including claims made during his mayoral campaign that he served five years in the army.

Troy Thompson speaking to A Current Affair in his first sit-down interview since being elected as Townsville mayor. Credit: A Current Affair

Nine News revealed Miles had sought the power to issue the notice as premier, rather than have it done by the local government minister.

Premier Steven Miles issued Troy Thompson with a show cause notice after cabinet discussed legal advice on Monday night.

A mayor accused of misleading voters about his army service in Australias biggest military city is facing a 12-month suspension.

He conceded in a May interview on A Current Affair that he had misled voters about his military record, blaming 100-plus concussions.

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The notice accuses Thompson of risking the welfare of council staff and damaging confidence in local government.

Ive consistently said that if Mr Thompson cares about Townsville in the way he claims to, the best thing for Townsville would be for him to stand down, Miles said in a statement.

While Thompson has three weeks to respond, he has already vowed to seek a Supreme Court injunction to protect the integrity of our local government if the premier tried to remove him.
The castle Newcastles castle has been revived into a family-friendly museum. Credit: NewcastleGateshead Initiative Is Newcastles castle one of the most imposing or impressive in Britain? No. In fact, much of it no longer exists, having fallen into disuse over the centuries. But the city centre location and sheer explorability make Newcastle Castle tremendously enjoyable to venture into. The museum-like sections on which family owned the castle during which particular period are dry, but you can essentially have free run of the big medieval keep. Scamper along passageways, discover old prison cells, clamber up spiral staircases and take in the views of the River Tyne from the turrets. See newcastlecastle.co.uk

The family attraction Spark a love of literature early, at Seven Stories. Credit: Damien Wootten The gorgeous, warm-hearted Seven Stories breathes fresh life into childrens books. At a simple level, this means storytelling sessions and having tea with a life-size model of The Tiger Who Came to Tea. More ambitious areas look at magic and witchcraft in popular series from the Chronicles of Narnia to Harry Potter, or the different types of story plot. Amid lofty attempts to get children to create their own stories and understand plot structures, there are also plenty of opportunities to dress up and play with puppets. See sevenstories.org.uk

The tunnel In WWII, Victoria Tunnel served as an air raid shelter for the city. Credit: Ouseburn Trust The entrance to the Victoria Tunnel lies opposite Seven Stories, and guided tours take you through its unusual history. This four-kilometre tunnel was originally an underground wagonway designed to transport coal from a mine to the River Tyne. In World War II, it was converted into a giant air raid shelter for the city. There are entertaining anecdotes about dubious shenanigans from both eras, including the gruesome tale of a man crushed to death by a runaway coal wagon. See ouseburntrust.org.uk

The wall Sunset at Hadrians Wall. Credit: VisitBritain/Thomas Heaton The Victoria Tunnel runs under the eastern end of Hadrians Wall, the massive boundary barrier stretched across the north of England by the Roman Empire. The remains of the Segedunum Roman Fort are on display in the suburb of Wallsend, although for a better idea of what a Roman garrison town by the wall looked like, head 30 kilometres west to Corbridge Roman Town. The better-preserved ruins here come with explanatory signs about what life was like at the cold, lonely edge of the mighty empire. See segedunumromanfort.org.uk; English-heritage.org.uk

The hotel The Maldron Hotels slightly unusual room configuration is useful for groups. Credit: NewcastleGateshead Initiative The Maldron Hotel aims for distinction through its thoroughly determined yellow and grey colour scheme. But its the slightly unusual room set-up of king bed plus single bed that makes it useful for travelling groups that dont fit the usual couple or family-of-four mould. Location is key for those wanting to enjoy Newcastles famed nightlife, too  the Maldron is within easy stumbling distance of the famously boisterous Bigg Market bar strip. See maldronhotelnewcastle.com

The beer terrace By the River Brew Co  this microbrewery is gleefully experimental. Credit: NewcastleGateshead Initiative By the River Brew Co has its home in a collection of shipping containers on the South Bank of the Tyne. This microbrewery is gleefully experimental, and regularly offers up unusual new concoctions. The location of the terrace, next to the looming Tyne Bridge, is the real winner, however. Sydneysiders may find the design of the bridge somewhat familiar. For a simple feed, plump for the neighbouring street food market. See bytheriverbrew.co

The statue One of the worlds truly great pieces of public art  the Angel of the North. Credit: VisitBritain/Andrew Pickett Just south of the city centre, overlooking the A1 trunk road, the Angel of the North is one of the worlds truly great pieces of public art. Antony Gormleys 20-metre tall statue, with a wingspan of 54 metres, stands on a hill, acting as a grand welcome. Its worth going to see up close, partly to realise just how comparatively gargantuan it is, and partly to learn how it was put together in one herculean overnight operation. Access is from the A167, rather than the A1. One more thing Newcastle is one of the UKs more unexpected entry points, but Emirates flies there four times a week from Dubai. This means you can get to Newcastle from the major Australian cities with just one stop, then use it as a base for exploring the north of England. If its the castles and coastline of Northumberland youre after, or the poet hangouts and rolling hills of the Lake District, Newcastle is the nearest realistic airport. See emirates.com
Chisinau: Moldovans are being urged to shun thieves, fugitives and bandits after an exiled pro-Russian business magnate pledged to pay voters to vote no in a referendum on joining the European Union.

Infrastructure Minister Andrei Spinus warning underscored the increasingly unruly campaign for the October 20 presidential election in which pro-European incumbent Maia Sandu is seeking a second term.

Voters will also take part in a referendum on altering the Constitution to enable ex-Soviet Moldova, one of Europes poorest countries, to press for membership of the 27-nation EU. The country of 3 million is wedged between southern Ukraine, near Odesa, and Romania.

Much of Moldovas capital Chisinau has had to be rebuilt repeatedly thanks to the wars and conflicts of the 20th century. Credit: iStock

The most vocal opponent of EU membership, fugitive pro-Russian businessman Ilan Shor, offered in a weekend Telegram post to pay voters the equivalent of $42 if they registered for his campaign.
London: Prince Harry has returned to Britain for a charity event for seriously ill children, appearing happy and playful as he chatted with the youngsters.

Huge congratulations, you little legends. I salute you. We salute you, a beaming Harry said in a speech at the annual ceremony staged in London by the WellChild charity, for which he is a patron.

Prince Harry visits with a young person at the WellChild charity event. Credit: WellChild/X

The WellChild Awards is an event that never fails to inspire me, the prince said. The stories of young people who battle against the odds, living lives filled with medical procedures, hospital stays, endless appointments, they remind us all of the strength of the human spirit.

Harry, King Charles younger son and the Duke of Sussex, is rarely out of the media spotlight despite stepping down from official royal duties. The focus on him has been particularly intense this month after he celebrated his 40th birthday and began a series of public appearances.
Warning: graphic content.

Jerusalem: At least six people were killed and nine wounded on Tuesday when two gunmen got off a tram in Tel Aviv and opened fire on passers-by, before themselves being shot dead by security forces and an armed civilian, Israeli police said.

Police labelled the incident a terrorist attack but there was no immediate claim of responsibility from armed Palestinian factions or other militant groups. Shortly after the attacks, air raid sirens sounded as Iran launched missiles toward Israel.

Emergency services near the site of a shooting by gunmen at a light rail station in Tel Aviv, Israel. Credit: Getty Images

Israel has been on high alert for months as the war in Gaza approaches its first anniversary and the escalating conflict in Lebanon appeared set to draw in Iran.
A warning was conveyed via Switzerland telling Americans that it was our right to self-defence and that we do not intend to continue [the attack]. He said Irans action came after exercising tremendous restraint to give space for a ceasefire in Gaza. Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful, Araghchi added. Earlier US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said Washington was well-postured to defend its personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations in the Middle East. This image taken from video shows projectiles being intercepted over Jerusalem, Israel. Credit: AP

US President Joe Biden expressed full US support for Israel and described Irans attack as ineffective. He said there was an active discussion about how Israel would respond. US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said Israel appeared to have defeated the attack without loss of life. This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel, Sullivan said. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Credit: AP

We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case. Sullivan did not specify what those consequences might be, but he stopped short of urging restraint by Israel as the US did in April when Iran carried out a much smaller drone and missile attack on Israel. US news website Axios, citing Israeli officials, reported the Netanyahu government would launch a significant retaliation within days that could target oil production facilities inside Iran and other strategic sites. Projectiles fly through the sky in central Israel as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran towards Israel. Credit: AP Netanyahu vowed retaliation: Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

He said the missile attack was a failure and that Iran would soon learn a painful lesson, just as its enemies in Gaza, Lebanon and other places have learnt. Whoever attacks us, we attack them, he said. Loading French President Emmanuel Macron said he strongly condemned Irans new attacks, adding that in a sign of its commitment to Israels security France has mobilised its military resources in the Middle East. The statement from his office gave no details on what additional military assets had been sent to the region and the Defence Ministry was not immediately available for comment. The European Union also condemned the attack, and the UN Security Council scheduled a meeting on the Middle East for Wednesday (Thursday AEST).

No injuries were reported in Israel. But the Palestinian civil defence authority in the Israeli-occupied West Bank said a man was killed near Jericho and falling rocket debris had caused damage and started fires in the area. Irans Foreign Ministry said its operation was defensive and was only directed at Israeli military and security facilities. Earlier, Irans state news agency said Tehran targeted three Israeli military bases. Iran urged UN Security Council action. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned what he called escalation after escalation, saying: This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire. Israel in a post on X, formerly Twitter, criticised Guterres for not holding Iran responsible for firing 181 ballistic missiles at 10 million Israeli civilians.

EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell also called for an immediate regional ceasefire. The dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation risks ... spiralling out of control, he posted on X. British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said the UK supported Israels right to self-defence, stating that Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long. Israelis take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles. Credit: AP Iran said if Israel retaliated, Tehrans response would be more crushing and ruinous. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian said in a social media post: This is just part of our capability. Do not get into a confrontation with Iran. On Wednesday, Israel renewed its bombardment of Beiruts southern suburbs, a stronghold of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, with at least a dozen airstrikes against what it said were the armed groups facilities.

Large plumes of smoke were seen rising from parts of the suburbs. Israel issued new evacuation orders for the area, which has largely emptied after days of heavy strikes. Hezbollah said it confronted Israeli forces infiltrating the Lebanese town of Adaisseh early on Wednesday and forced them to retreat. Israeli strikes also killed at least 32 people in southern Gaza as the military launched ground operations in the hard-hit city of Khan Younis, Palestinian medical officials said on Wednesday. Reuters reported at least 60 people were killed in strikes on the Gaza Strip. Israel has continued to strike what it says are militant targets across Gaza nearly a year after Hamas October 7 attack ignited the war, even as attention has shifted to Lebanon, where it is battling Hezbollah, and to Iran.

The European Hospital in Khan Younis said it received the bodies after heavy Israeli airstrikes and ground operations in the city. It said the dead include several women and children, and that dozens of people were wounded. There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military. Meanwhile, Israel police said six people were killed in a shooting in Israels Tel Aviv. It was unclear if it was an incident related to Irans attack. Police said two suspects opened fire on a boulevard in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighbourhood in the citys south. Twelve people were wounded in the shooting. Police called the attack an act of terrorism and said the two suspects were killed. Oil prices shot up 5 per cent on fears of a wider war between the two arch-enemies. The previous round of Iranian missiles fired at Israel in April  the first ever  were shot down with the help of the US military and other allies. Israel responded at the time with airstrikes in Iran, but wider escalation was averted.

Emergency services are seen near the site of a shooting by gunmen at a light rail station in Tel Aviv, Israel. Credit: Getty Images The Pentagon said the scope of Irans airstrikes was about twice the size of Aprils assault. Nearly 1900 people have been killed and more than 9000 wounded in Lebanon in nearly a year of cross-border fighting, most in the past two weeks, according to Lebanese government statistics on Tuesday. Israeli soldiers raise their fists from a moving APC in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border on Tuesday. Credit: AP
A new Lowy Institute poll finds that 73 per cent of Australians say they would prefer Kamala Harris to become president. Only 22 per cent say they would prefer Donald Trump.

It seems highly unlikely that Kamala Harris, as president, would walk away from AUKUS. Keir Starmer and Anthony Albanese will be keen that she doesnt. Credit:

But what kind of foreign policy would Harris pursue if she were elected president in November? Harris has not been a major foreign policy player in the Biden administration, so it is way too early to identify a Harris doctrine. However, drawing on her public statements, her record, and the people on whom she may depend, we can begin to discern a Harris disposition.

First, Harris identifies with the mainstream US tradition of American leadership abroad. At the Munich Security Conference in February, she said: I believe it is in the fundamental interest of the American people for the United States to fulfil our longstanding role of global leadership.

By contrast, Trump defines Americas interests much more narrowly. As he once said: Hey, Im the president of the United States  Im not the president of the globe.
Auditors found in breach of their duties can be disqualified, suspended, or have conditions placed on their registration. SMSF auditors have the right to appeal decisions, but most appeals are upheld by ASIC or the AAT.
The process is intended to reduce the need for individuals affected by fraud to re-tell their story, said Richard McMahon (pictured above), general manager for government and regulatory at Arca, an industry body dedicated to consumer credit in Australia.
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In the upcoming vice presidential debate, I hope JD Vance holds Walz accountable for his connections to the Chinese Communist Party.

Walz has had a long-standing relationship with China.

He even chose his wedding date to coincide with the anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and regularly opposes trade sanctions on China.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz opposed tariffs that are a key component of America's defense against China's economic aggression and called on President Trump to "end the trade war with China."

In Walz's world view, "There's just no substitute for 1.6 billion consumers, who are hungry, to get our China trade negotiations normalized. There's not enough market in the rest of the world to absorb our capacity."

The Chinese are well known for recruiting mid-level U.S. politicians and showering them with contracts and favors.

Walz earned his living over the years by shepherding students and tourists on propaganda trips to China. He was paid by Beijing but he won't reveal how much. He taught for a year in China.

Vance needs to make the China connection the centerpiece of his critique of Walz.

He could be a real life Manchurian Candidate set upon us to take over our country.
Press Release

October 1, 2024 EDCOM 2 urges CHED: Hasten promotion of guidance counseling programs, reconstitution of technical panels EDCOM 2 Commissioners Senator Sherwin Gatchalian and Senator Joel Villanueva, along with Senator Pia Cayetano called on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to prioritize the implementation of essential courses and the reconstitution of technical panels to resolve issues within guidance counseling programs. In today's CHED 2025 budget hearing in the Senate, CHED Chairperson Popoy De Vera cited mental health concerns as one of the main reasons for student drop out. Senator Villanueva pointed out the shortage of guidance counselors, a profession struggling with low enrollees and graduates due to its restricting career path in the education sector. Citing data from EDCOM 2, Commissioner Senator Joel Villanueva also underscored that in DepEd, only around 2,000 guidance counselors serve approximately 28 million students. While higher education institutions have a more favorable guidance counselor-to-student ratio, the scarcity of graduates from guidance and counseling programs remains a major issue. CHED Chairman Popoy De Vera disclosed that only 43 higher education institutions (HEIs) offer guidance and counseling programs nationwide, calling the career path in the field "a dead end". "There are actually regions in the Philippines where there is no university offering guidance counseling - so you can imagine how challenging it would be to produce guidance counselors. In our data, Region II and Region IX have no HEIs offering guidance and counseling...We hope that Congress can amend the law fast enough so that we can produce enough guidance counselors", De Vera said. "We need to fast-track the courses that we are in dire need of", Senator Cayetano stressed. She suggested a possible educational pathway where students taking up professional degrees such as education could undergo an additional 12 to 18 units to qualify as "school counselor associates". Chairman De Vera welcomed the suggestion and committed to addressing the shortage. "We're very interested to be part of the initiative. We can also adapt what we are doing in the enhanced master's program in nursing, which recognizes prior learning and experience, so students do not need to take all the units. We achieved that program in two months, hopefully magawa din natin sa ibang courses." Delays in reconstituting Technical Panels The issue of technical panels was also raised during the hearing. CHED Technical Panels, composed of experts and stakeholders from various fields, are responsible for reviewing and updating programs to ensure they align with industry needs and international standards. EDCOM 2 reported that despite efforts to revitalize these panels, progress has been slow. From FY2020 to FY2023, only 15 out of 98 technical panels were reconstituted, leaving 63 still pending. "What is the reason for the delay?", Villanueva prodded. Aline Magalong, Director of CHED's Office of Programs and Standards Development, provided updates on the situation. As of October 1, 2024, 33 technical panels have been reconstituted, but many are still in the process of being rationalized, particularly those with overlapping disciplines. Chairperson De Vera also explained that the remaining pending technical panels are still undergoing ongoing consolidation, saying, "A lot of the technical panels with similar disciplines have been consolidated. What we are still working on are the panels for engineering and technical fields as we are still working with the Private Sector Advisory Council. Hopefully, we can finalize these by December." Villanueva noted that, despite this progress, 40 technical panels still remain to be reconstituted. "We really need more input and support from the different industries and sectors to really help us address these gaps. Walang huhugutan ang CHED kung wala ang input nitong mga experts in the other areas," said Senator Pia Cayetano.
American India Foundation (AIF)

News Summary

American India Foundation Trust (AIFT), catalyzing social and economic change in India for the past 23 years, in partnership with HDFC Bank celebrates the handover of their coveted Learning Resource Centers (LRC) to the community and the local administration in Balangir, Odisha.
If theres one car that can be considered as the king of reinvention, its the Hyundai Santa Fe. In the five generations its been around, e...
A TRUE leader  thats how the manager of Carlows Fairgreen Shopping Centre was described as he was honoured for his outstanding contribution to our industry.

The accolade came from the Shopping Centre Managers Association of Ireland (SCMAI) at their conference in the Slieve Russell Hotel, Cavan recently. John, a familiar face to many, described receiving the award as a proud moment, telling The Nationalist he was both surprised and delighted.

The SCMAI was founded in the 1980s and provides professional support for those in the industry. John has been involved with the SCMAI since about 2000 as chairperson, secretary and he currently holds the position of treasurer. The association has a conference every two years. John was MC this year and found himself very surprised to have been called back on stage after the closing address and presented with this award in front of his peers.

The SCMAI thanked John for his leadership in the industry, calling him an integral part of the association for over 25 years.

John has been a mentor and friend to so many centre managers over all those years and right up to today offering guidance and assurance with pure honesty. John is always at the other end of the phone at any time to offer help and advice when needed and sometimes when you dont even know you need it, the gathering heard.

Addressing the crowd, chairperson Denis Carroll said that particularly during the Covid period, a very challenging time for the industry, John and his Zooms at noon helped many get through the hard and uncertain times, both professionally and personally.

Denis went on to pay tribute to Johns professional credentials, outlining his membership of both the Society of Chartered Surveyors of Ireland and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.

That is the formal side of John, but most of us know that he is a funny, engaging and absolutely unique character, said Denis.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A luxury cruise ship which was stranded in Belfast for four months is to return to the city just hours after it finally set sail.

Chief executive of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson said the liner still had to complete administrative paperwork before it could finally depart to undertake a three-year round-the-world cruise.

Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave the city in May but was delayed as it needed repairs.

Passengers cheered, applauded and hugged the liners chief when he confirmed on Monday night that they were ready for departure from Belfast port.

However, on Tuesday the ship remained docked off the Co Down coast and information on the Belfast Harbour website indicated that it was expected to return to the port in the afternoon with another departure scheduled for 11pm.

Mr Petterson told the PA news agency: We still have some administrative paperwork to be finished before leaving the Belfast area.

He said passengers would not disembark when the ship returned to port and the liner would leave when the paperwork was completed before midnight.

The residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey waved goodbye to the city they had become so familiar with on Monday night, bringing souvenirs and memories with them.

One man, who carried a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board on Monday, said he enjoyed Belfast but was ready for the rest of the cruise.

Another woman from Georgia said she had always wanted to see the world, but thanked Belfast for hosting them, calling it a wonderful place.

Passengers prepare to board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Port (Liam McBurney/PA)

One pair of would-be voyagers became engaged while waiting for the cruise to begin.

Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, got to know each other as they walked to and back from the ship in the past few months.

After a proposal under a supermoon, they said they have found their soulmates.

The passengers bade Belfast farewell with a bike tour ahead of their departure on Monday.

CEO of Villa Vie Residences Mikael Petterson speaks to Donna Martemucci as passengers prepare to board the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal (Liam McBurney/PA)

After last-minute paperwork delays, there were scenes of joy in the cruise terminal when it was confirmed that the ship was on its way to collect passengers.

The ship is expected to anchor in Belfast Lough overnight before beginning its voyage in earnest on Tuesday morning.

Andy Garrison (75), who said he will be on board for at least three-and-a-half years, said he arrived in Belfast for what he thought was three days in August and ended up there for six weeks.

He said he wanted something to do so he ordered a model of the Titanic which he built over three or four days.

Asked if he was worried it could be seen as a bad omen, he said: No, Im not. As a matter of fact Im going to put this on the wall of my room.

Andy Garrison at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal (Liam McBurney/PA)

He said the passengers had been resilient in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a really nice group.

I like Belfast a lot actually, I would stay here and enjoy myself except Im leaving on a ship, he said.

I am so happy to be sailing away, Im ready to go. We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we stay for a while in the Bahamas.

Cyndi Grzybowski (69), from Appling, Georgia, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.

Cyndi Grzybowski said she enjoyed every minute in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

My better half passed away three years ago so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do, she told reporters on Monday.

My son has been so supportive of this because when this opportunity came up, I was really humming and hawing because Ive been on the farm for 27 years, and he said, Mom, the only thing Ive heard you talk about is going to see the world.

We started out as strangers in Southampton and Belfast and now we truly are family. We had two amazing parties yesterday with the pedal bikes and last night at Revolution de Cuba, we had a get-together with fantastic food.

Thank you all so very much  truly, Belfast has been such a wonderful place. I have so enjoyed every minute here.

The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased ranging from 100,000 to 300,000.

Gian Perroni and Angie Harsanyi found love in Belfast (Liam McBurney/PA)

Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years, but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship.

Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson said he was a little stressed as efforts were made to clear a few last-minute things.

Passengers board the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship at Belfast Ports Cruise Ship Terminal, after the luxury cruise ship became marooned in Belfast for four months due to unexpected repair works (Liam McBurney/PA)

Its administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button, at the end of the day. Its been done and were putting the vessel in motion right now.

The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD. Weve been expecting this outcome for hours.

He said departure was due just before midnight, when the terminal was due to close.

The good news is that we have complete clearance and we will be out of here very, very, very soon.

Asked how would he remember Belfast, he said your summer is horrible and you cant cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink.
ATLANTA  Today, The Carter Center and the world celebrate the 100th birthday of former President Jimmy Carter. As the longest-living U.S. president in history, he stands as a beacon of leadership and compassion, inspiring people around the globe.

Born on Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, Georgia, Jimmy Carter has dedicated his life to service, integrity, and human rights. Early in life, he was an active member of his beloved Plains community alongside his wife, Rosalynn, whom he married in 1946. He was elected to the Georgia State Senate in 1962 and served as Georgias 76th governor from 1971 to 1975. He became the 39th president of the United States in 1977 and held that office for four years. President Carters commitment to advancing human rights and peace globally was evident through his foreign policy accomplishments and domestic initiatives.

In 1982, President and Mrs. Carter founded The Carter Center, a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving lives by advancing democracy, resolving conflicts, and eliminating preventable diseases. The Carter Center has become a leading global health and human rights organization that has positively impacted over 80 countries. The Center pioneered election observation, deploying 125 missions, and has supported the elimination of neglected tropical diseases in 22 countries. It continues to innovate, including by demonstrating how access to health services can pave the way to sustainable peace.

On Sept. 17, The Carter Center hosted a star-studded concert event at Atlantas historic Fox Theatre to honor the music-loving former president. Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song brought together more than 4,000 of President Carters family members, friends, and biggest fans. Georgia Public Broadcasting will air a recording of the concert at 7 p.m. EDT today and at other times throughout October. The show also can be viewed on demand at gpb.org/jimmycarter100.

To help celebrate President Carters centennial, The Carter Center encourages friends and supporters from around the world to contribute to a digital mosaic. So far, nearly 5,000 people have submitted photos and tributes, many remarking on how he has inspired them through his exceptional life and work.

President Carters legacy continues to inspire hope and progress worldwide. His century of life is a testament to the power of service, and The Carter Center stands as an enduring reminder of his commitment to peace, health, and human rights.

High-resolution photos are available for download here.

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Contact: media@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
ATLANTA (Sept. 30, 2023)  The Carter Center, the Georgia Democracy Resilience Network, Democracy Defense Project, and Georgia Democracy Task Force today held a panel discussion on election integrity ahead of the November election. The event was held at The Carter Center.

Discussions focused on bipartisan efforts in Georgia to build confidence in electoral processes, how to maintain peace during the election cycle, and the legal and technical aspects of elections. The organizations are promoting voter education in Georgia, one of the key states where they are helping strengthen democratic norms leading up to the general election.

Panelists included Carter Center Board of Trustees Chair Jason Carter, former Atlanta Mayor Shirley Franklin, Georgia Democracy Task Force Co-Chair Ryan Germany, and former Georgia Attorney General Samuel Olens.

Every election is going to be imperfect, but that doesnt mean it lacks credibility, said Carter, who highlighted the importance of having faith in the electoral system.

The Carter Center has deployed more than 120 full and limited observation missions in 40 countries, including the U.S., and three Native American nations. In addition, 18 expert missions have been conducted in 16 countries. The Georgia Democracy Resilience Network is a cross-partisan effort working for a more peaceful Georgia. Democracy Defense Project is a bipartisan organization working to defend the transparency, safety, security, and validity of the countrys electoral system. The Georgia Democracy Task Force is a nonpartisan extension of the American Bar Associations Task Force for American Democracy, supporting legal professions in fulfilling their duty of protecting election integrity and upholding the rule of law in Georgia.

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Contact: In Atlanta, Maria Cartaya, maria.cartaya@cartercenter.org

The Carter Center

Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope.

A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide.
In a standout year for animated features, one of the very best titles of the year, Gints Zilbalodiss Flow, has secured a U.S. release date and a new trailer from American distributors Sideshow and Janus Films.

Watch the new trailer below:

The film is set to open in Los Angeles and New York on November 22, followed by a nationwide U.S. release on December 6, 2024.

I saw Flow last week at the Ottawa Intl Animation Festival, where it won the feature film grand prize. The story is easy to explain: a cat, a capybara, a lemur, a bird, and a dog have to survive and find dry land in a newly-aquatic planet Earth. With the water constantly rising, its an edge-of-your-seat survival film that had the entire audience I saw it with spellbound for its entire 85-minute running time, which goes by in the blink of an eye.

While the dialogue-less film may be easy to describe, its infinitely complex in emotion and meaning. Its an example of cinema at its finest and one of the best animated features Ive seen in years. The film, a very strong contender for the best animated feature Academy Award, has already been submitted by Latvia as the countrys official entry for the international feature film Oscar.

Its the second feature directed by Latvian director Gints Zilbalodis, who turns 30 years old this year. He produced his first feature Away (2019) entirely by himself. Flow, loosely inspired by his 2012 student film Aqua, is a more ambitious $3.7 million co-production between France/Belgium co-production, with most of the animation done at Sacrebleu Productions (France), Take Five (Belgium), and Zilbalodiss own company in Latvia, Dream Well Studio.

Zilbalodis is the films director, art director, cinematographer, and editor. Additionally, he co-wrote the film with Matiss Kaza. Both of them also produced the film with Ron Dyens and Gregory Zalcman.

Leo Silly-Pelissier was director of animation, and Zilbalodis composed the music with Rihards Zalupe. Gurwal Coic-Gallas was sound designer.

The film was animated with free open-source software Blender and its real-time rendering engine Eevee.
Bruks Siwertell supplies ship unloader to Kuwait Portland Cement Co

Peter Bell By 01 October 2024

Bruks Siwertell has recently completed the commissioning of an ST 490-M Siwertell ship unloader for returning customer, Kuwait Portland Cement Co. It was installed on a jetty in Shuaiba Port, Kuwait City, Kuwait, next to the operators existing rail-mounted ST 490-F Siwertell unit.

The ongoing performance of Kuwait Portland Cement Cos original Siwertell ship unloader was one of the main reasons why the operator opted for a second unit. The new rail-mounted ship unloader handles various cement types and delivers a continuous material handling capacity of 800tph, discharging vessels up 80,000dwt.

Both unloaders are designed to operate in Kuwaits extremely hot climate. To accommodate predicted temperature rises in the region, the latest unit can withstand ambient summertime temperatures of up to 55C.

Commissioning the new ship unloader in these very high temperatures was a challenge, notes Bengt Svensson, senior contract manager of Bruks Siwertell. However, we overcame it, and have now completed the installation and operator training. The new unloader has passed its performance tests, fulfilling the operators expectations.

The new unloader features a new side tilt motion, which offers an enhanced reach into the corners of the cargo hold as well as under the hatch coamings. This additional manoeuvrability means that even less material is left for the clean-up phase, which reduces vessel turnaround times, raising the utilisation rate of the jetty and therefore profitability.

Furthermore, all Siwertell unloaders offer a layer-by-layer unloading process, which minimises the chance of airborne emissions from avalanches in the cargo hold. The side tilt function adds to this capability.

Both the current and new unloader are also equipped with a total capacity regulating system, maximising the use of each unit, and ensuring that they do not overfill the downstream conveying system. They can also directly discharge to bulk trucks via a truck loading arrangement underneath the ship unloaders gantry. This configuration increases the flexibility and efficiency of the operation, claims Bruks Siwertell.

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Heavy fuel oil to be supplied to Egyptian cement factories

ICR Newsroom By 01 October 2024

Egypt's Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources will provide heavy fuel oil to cement factories through a centralised distribution system starting today, Deputy Prime Minister for Industrial Development and Minister of Industry and Transport, Kamel El Wazir, announced.

The move comes in response to demands from the Cement Division of the Building Materials Industry Chamber, which called for sufficient heavy fuel oil supplies to ensure factories can operate at full capacity, reports Zawya.

Egyptian cement factories have also been instructed to prepare a report for the Ministry of Industry, detailing the prices of quarry materials over the past three years, highlighting price increases and their impact on the sector. The demands also included consistent disbursement of export support payments, extension of investors rights to benefit from quarry resources, and testing pozzolanic cement for compliance with standard specifications.

El Wazir further noted that a committee is reviewing the export support programme, with a focus on prioritising sectors based on local content and production technology.

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Holcim plans new US$44m calcined clay processing line in Czech Republic

ICR Newsroom By 01 October 2024

Holcim Cesko is set to embark on its largest investment to date with the construction of a new calcined clay processing line at its Cizkovice cement plant, worth CZK1bn (US$44m). This cutting-edge project, expected to be completed by the end of 2026, is part of Holcims broader decarbonisation initiative aimed at reducing energy intensity and eliminating reliance on fossil fuels. By incorporating calcined clay, a low-carbon material, the new line will significantly reduce CO 2 emissions and enhance production efficiency.

Berthold Kren, director of Holcim Cesko, highlighted the importance of this investment, marking a major milestone in the companys sustainability goals. The project has also secured a CZK330m grant from the Ministry of Environment's modernisation fund, further supporting its eco-friendly ambitions. The company plans to replace fossil fuels with alternative energy sources, including waste-derived fuels, and benefit from locally sourced materials, reducing transportation emissions.

Founded in 1898, the Cizkovice plant is a key player in Holcims global operations. Holcim, headquartered in Switzerland, employs over 60,000 people worldwide and is a leader in sustainable building solutions across over 70 countries.

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CLEVELAND, Tenn.  For the second time 12 days the two-time TSSAA reining state champion Cleveland volleyball squads used late match runs in a pair of sets and dominated the other for a sweep of archrival Bradley Central, Monday at Raider Arena.





The Lady Raiders held off the Bearettes 25-21 in the opener before rolling to a 25-13 second set. The teams traded the first 34 points of the final set before the hosts went on a 6-0 streak and held off a late charge by the visitors for a 25-20 final.





Both teams will be back in action Tuesday for key district battles.





Fifth-ranked Cleveland (27-10, 4-0) will host Walker Valley (8-16, 2-2) for Senior Night in 5-AAA action, while Bradley (17-12, 3-1) will travel to 12th-ranked East Hamilton (23-8, 5-0) to battle for first place in 6-AAA.





The Lady Raiders will wrap up the regular season Wednesday with a trip to Rhea County (11-17, 2-2) for a district matchup match.





The Bearettes journey to Ooltewah (10-18, 0-3) Wednesday to cap 6-AAA play before hosting Rhea County Thursday for Senior Night.





After Cleveland opened Monday's action with the first two points, Bradley bounced back for four straight points as the teams traded the next 13.





Down 10-9 the Lady Raiders, who had previously made four serves errors in five tries, regained the edge with a 3-0 spurt.





The teams once again went blow for blow for the following 18 points.Up 20-28, Cleveland once again put up three straight and after an even swap, push it to set point.





Bradley once again rebounded, closing the gap to 24-21 before two-time Gatorade Tennessee Player of the Year Lauren Hurst capped the opening set with a backline slam.





The teams traded 4-0 runs to open the second set, but after the score was knotted 5-all, the host took control to down 20 of the final 28 points.





Unwilling to surrender, the Bearettes led the final set by as much as three points until the score stood 17-all.





Once again the Lady Raiders heated up at the end with a 6-0 run behind the serving of senior Audra Capps.





The Bearettes tried to responded with a 3-1 spurt, but Hurst slammed the door with her 19 kills of the night, raising her TSSAA career record to 2,487.





The 6-foot-3 senior also had a trio of blocks, handed out four assists and drilled a pair of aces.





Juniro All-Stater Gunny Brock helped out with 11 kills, plus had a couple of blocks and two aces.





Sophomore setter Ava Franklin dished out 32 helps, downed a trio of "dinks" and slammed home a pair of "dunks."





Senior Laney Inman spiked nine kills for Bradley, while sophomore Lilly Franklin dished out nine assists and junior Libby Stewart handed out eight "dimes" plus downed four kills.
I would like to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to the Chattanooga YMCA for their incredible support during the IRONMAN Chattanooga triathlon this weekend.

Despite the official cancellation of the swim portion due to Hurricane Helene, the YMCA opened their doors early Sunday morning to accommodate those athletes who were still determined to complete the full triathlon. The staff was incredibly welcoming, helpful and positive, ensuring that everyone had a safe and enjoyable experience. They accommodated as many athletes as they could, from all over the country and world. They organized this all on their own without any contact from the race organizers, and didnt even charge a dime. Their generosity and dedication to our community are truly inspiring.

The YMCA's support for IRONMAN athletes is just one example of their commitment to serving our community. They offer a wide range of programs and services for people of all ages and backgrounds. I encourage everyone to consider supporting the YMCA and all the wonderful work they do.

Patrick OHagan
During my time in the Tennessee General Assembly, it was very common to run into famous people. The Capitol and Legislative Plaza was a frequent stop for music icons, movie stars and yes politicians.

One such frequent visitor was Governor Winfield Dunn. I was fortunate to have him visit my office on numerous occasions. We discussed pending legislation frequently. I remember the first time we met and I was star struck.

Over the years he was a source of wisdom that I could have never imagined. I would always thank him for sharing that wisdom and let him know how humbling it was to be the recipient of his knowledge. He would follow my appreciation statement with his tag line that he was so well known for: Oh, youre too kind! he would say.

One of the most memorable interactions I had with the governor was when my good friend Colonel Mike Walker, of the Tennessee Highway Patrol, asked me to sing the National Anthem at the annual memorial service for fallen officers. After I sang the Starnes Spangled Banner, I returned to my seat on the stage, right next to Governor Dunn. He leaned over and said, Wow Vince, I never knew you could sing so well. I looked at him and said Governor, youre too kind. He gave a little chuckle.

Governor Dunn, you were always very kind and I appreciate youre mentorship through the years.

Vince Dean


Lucy Allen Coppedge (nee McDonald), 85, passed away on September 27, 2024, at Hospice Center of Chattanooga, surrounded by loved ones.

Born on June 23, 1939, in Knoxville, Lucy called many places home but her heart was always in Middle Tennessee. She had lived in Chattanooga since 2015.

Lucy grew up in Gallatin and maintained a strong community of family and friends there her entire life. However, her work and family led her to make a positive contribution to many communities. From social work in a troubled Atlanta, to community and political service in Columbia, Tn., to launching an art gallery in Wyoming to supporting senior services in Nashville, Lucy was an active and passionate advocate and a good friend to so many.

Lucy had a profound passion for nature and was an avid animal lover. Lucy always had a house full of pets (most recently her beloved cat Izzy). She proudly sponsored Grizzly Bear 399 and her cubs, contributing to the conservation of Yellowstone National Park. Ever the one to live up to the nickname of Lucky Lucy, she was a preferred poker player in Las Vegas and never turned down the opportunity to test her luck on a scratch-off lottery card.

Lucy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Needham Coppedge.

She is survived by her daughters, Debora Guthrie and Nancy Clemmer, son Rob Coppedge, stepson, Bill Coppedge and their families including 10 grandchildren and two great-grandchildren.

Lucys ashes will be interned in Gallatin Cemetery at a later date and she will be remembered by her family in various places around the country that she loved and called home.

For those who wish to celebrate Lucys life, we encourage you to donate Grand Teton National Park Foundation, https://www.gtnpf.org/donate/ or Best Friends, https://bestfriends.org/?form=FUNLJQZPGEN, to continue to make this world as beautiful as Lucy envisioned it.

Please share your thoughts and memories at www.ChattanoogaEastChapel.com

Chattanooga Funeral Home East Chapel, 404 S. Moore Road, East Ridge, has been entrusted with Lucys arrangements.
Visitation and funeral arrangements for Governor Winfield Dunn were announced on Monday. Governor Dunn passed away peacefully, surrounded by family on Saturday. He was 97.

The Dunn family will receive visitors on Thursday, Oct. 3, from 4-6 p.m. and on Friday, Oct. 4, from 12-2 p.m., in Courtenay Hall of First Presbyterian Church of Nashville (4815 Franklin Pike). A Service of Witness to the Resurrection and Celebration of Life will be held in the sanctuary of First Presbyterian Church on Friday, Oct. 4, at 2 p.m.

Born in Meridian, Ms., Mr. Dunn volunteered to enter the U.S. Navy at 17 years of age and became a veteran of World War II. Honorably discharged from the Navy, he earned his undergraduate degree from the University of Mississippi. He graduated with honors from the University of Tennessee College of Dentistry, and was a practicing dentist in Memphis for 14 years. In Memphis, he was an active member of the Phoenix Club, the Junior Chamber of Commerce and the Memphis Dental Society. He was a founding member of Christ United Methodist Church and a member of the board of Trustees of John Gaston hospital. He became engaged in grass roots political activity and increasingly interested in the public life of Tennessee, serving as Chairman of the Shelby County Republican Party.

At 43 years of age, Mr. Dunn was elected governor of Tennessee in 1970. Against all odds as a political unknown, his election as the first Republican governor in 50 years, the first Shelby County resident to be elected governor in 64 years, ushered in a new era of progress in the state. Under his leadership, Governor Dunns accomplishments include delivering statewide public kindergarten and creating the Department of Economic and Community Development. His administration made significant improvements in public and higher education, mental health, highway development and economic growth.

Governor Winfield Dunn was, simply put, a genuine statesman, said Governor Bill Lee. He was a true servant of the people of Tennessee. He led with principled integrity, a strong faith, and a gracious love for others. Our state is a better place because of his service and leadership. Maria and I join all Tennesseans in honoring Governor Dunns life, and we pray for Betty and the Dunn family in the days ahead."

Governor Dunn is survived by his bride and partner for 74 years, Betty Prichard Dunn, a loving companion, a native of Memphis and a former First Lady of Tennessee. He proudly leaves behind his son, Charles Winfield Dunn, father of Andrew Charles Winfield Dunn and Margaret Louisa Lovelace Dunn, his daughter Donna Gayle Dunn Hurley (Edwin), mother of Stuart Winfield Hurley, Peter Grey Hurley and Catherine Elizabeth Hurley Mize (Hunter) and his daughter Julie Claire Dunn (Alex Koss), mother of John Patrick Warren and the late William Culberson Warren.
Frank Fritz of American Pickers has died at age 60. His co-host Mike Wolfe announced the news in an October 1 social media update.

Its with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night, Wolfe wrote on Instagram.

American Pickers premiered on the History Channel in 2010. Fritz appeared on the show for a decade before departing in 2021 amid health problems and reports of a falling out with Wolfe. He suffered a stroke in 2022.

Mike Wolfe says he will miss Frank Fritz so much

Frank Fritz and Mike Wolfe of American Pickers | Brian Killian/WireImage

In his Instagram post, Wolfe said that Fritz was just like he was on TV in real life.

Fritz was a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself, Wolfe wrote.

Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures  Weve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home, he added. I love you buddy and will miss you so much. I know [youre] in a better place.

In a statement shared on X, Cineflix Productions, which produces American Pickers, said it was saddened to share the news of Fritzs death.

Frank filmed American Pickers for over a decade, the company said. We will always remember the bearded charmer and his never-ending search for vintage motorcycles and bikes. Our thoughts are with Franks loved ones during this difficult time. He will be deeply missed.

The American Pickers stars reconciled before Frank Fritzs death

Prior to his death, both Fritz and Wolfe had spoken out about their strained relationship.

In a 2021 interview with The Sun, Fritz claimed that he hadnt talked to his friend and co-host in two years and that the duos reality show was tilted towards [Wolfe] 1,000%. Meanwhile, in a message on his Instagram about Franks American Pickers exit, Wolfe said that he was pray[ing] for the very best and all good things for [Fritz] on the next part of his journey.

Though there was tension between the American Pickers stars, the pair reportedly reconciled before Fritzs death. Wolfe visited Fritz multiple times in 2023, according to the Des Moines Register. A friend told the paper that Wolfe told Fritz he was irreplaceable and that there were tears flowing on both sides.

In July 2022, Fritz was found unresponsive at his home in Davenport, Iowa, after experiencing a stroke. A few months later, a longtime friend was installed as a temporary guardian to manage Fritzs affairs because his health and decision-making capacity were seriously impaired. Fritz made progress through 2023, according to the Des Moines Register, eventually reaching a point where he was well enough to reconnect with Wolfe.

For more on the entertainment world and exclusive interviews, subscribe to Showbiz Cheat Sheets YouTube channel.
Cherokee Nation citizens are now able to submit photos of themselves with their harvested doe or buck as an entry into the Cherokee Phoenix Big Deer Contest sponsored by Cherokee Nation Wildlife Conservation. For a full list of contest rules, visit www.cherokeephoenix.org/big_deer_contest/.
Home News Jimmy Carter becomes first former president to celebrate 100th birthday

President Jimmy Carter has turned 100, becoming the first former commander-in-chief to reach the triple digits and be the longest-lived former president in United States history.

Carter hit the milestone on Tuesday, having been born weeks before President Calvin Coolidge won reelection and while Prohibition was still the law of the land.

In celebration of the former president, The Carter Center released a statement Tuesday morning calling Carter a beacon of leadership and compassion, inspiring people around the globe.

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President Carters legacy continues to inspire hope and progress worldwide. His century of life is a testament to the power of service, and The Carter Center stands as an enduring reminder of his commitment to peace, health, and human rights, stated the Center.

On Sept. 17, the Center held a concert in Carters honor at the Fox Theatre in Atlanta, Georgia, which featured several musical talents and approximately 4,000 attendees.

Carter was a native of a small farming town in Georgia, eventually receiving a bachelor of science degree from the United States Naval Academy in 1946. That same year, he married Rosalynn Smith. Their marriage would last until her death last November at the age of 96.

Beginning in the 1960s, Carter became involved in politics, being elected to the Georgia Senate in 1962, becoming governor of Georgia in 1971, and serving as campaign chairman for the Democratic National Committee in 1974.

In 1976, Carter was elected president, defeating Republican incumbent and former vice president Gerald Ford with 297 electoral college points and more than 40 million votes.

Significant foreign policy accomplishments of his administration included the Panama Canal treaties, the Camp David Accords, the treaty of peace between Egypt and Israel, the SALT II treaty with the Soviet Union, and the establishment of U.S. diplomatic relations with the Peoples Republic of China, according to the Jimmy Carter Presidential Library.

On the domestic side, the administrations achievements included a comprehensive energy program conducted by a new Department of Energy; deregulation in energy, transportation, communications, and finance; major educational programs under a new Department of Education; and major environmental protection legislation, including the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

Carter would only serve one term in office, however, as a severe economic recession and international problems such as the Iranian Revolution dropped his approval ratings.

Since leaving office, Carter has become known for his many charitable efforts, including decades of volunteering with Habitat for Humanity alongside his wife.

Beginning in the 1980s, Carter was a regular Sunday School teacher at Maranatha Baptist Church of Plains, Georgia, overseeing classes even in 2015 while he was battling cancer.

Carter was a longtime member of the Southern Baptist Convention, but ultimately left the denomination in 2000 due to, among other things, their refusal to allow women to serve as pastors.

Carter was put into hospice care in February of last year due to various health issues, and has since quit teaching Sunday School at Maranatha.

Reportedly, Carter wanted to reach 100 in order to be able to cast a vote for Democratic presidential hopeful and current Vice President Kamala Harris.
Home News Pastors widower curses killer to life without peace after he pleads guilty to her murder

The widower of the-late United Methodist Church pastor, the Rev. Autura Eason-Williams, cursed the final suspect involved in her killing, Eduard Rodriguez-Tabora, to a life without peace on Monday, after he pleaded to second-degree murder and was slapped with a 20-year prison sentence.

May you not find any peace and rot in your cell as time moves like a snail and I hope misery keeps you company every day, every hour, every second that you breathe, Eason-Williams told the 22-year-old Rodriguez-Tabora, who will be deported to his native Honduras at the end of his sentence.

Eason-Williams had joined other family members in court in sharing how the pastors murder devastated them, according to WREG Memphis.

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Kristin Williams, the pastors niece, told Rodriguez-Tabora how much she lost in the death of her aunt.

You took someone away who meant so much to me and who poured into my life. Every single day of my 30 years, she poured into my life, Williams said. Though I dont forgive you, I do hope and pray that you get the help that you need.

The Rev. Eason-Williams, 52, who led Capleville United Methodist Church in Tennessee, was fatally shot in the driveway of her home in Whitehaven during a carjacking just after 4 p.m. on July 18, 2022. Friends say she was on her mobile phone with a colleague when she was attacked.

Two teenagers were charged along with Rodriguez-Tabora for her death. One teen waived his right to a hearing last year and pleaded guilty for his role in the attack on the pastor. He will remain in the care of the Department of Children Services until the age of 19. The second teenager, 16-year-old Miguel Andrade, pleaded guilty to second-degree murder and was sentenced to 28 years in prison earlier this year.

As with the sentencing of Rodriquez-Tabora, the late pastors family members expressed strong words and emotions at Andrades sentencing.

Andrade was originally facing a first-degree murder charge for killing the pastor, along with carjacking, aggravated robbery, and possession of a firearm during a dangerous felony, WREG reported. Those charges carried possible maximum penalties of life in prison or the death penalty.

I hate you to my f---ing gut, the pastors widower told Andrade during his victim impact statement, according to Action News 5. I have no remorse for you. I wish the worst for you while youre locked up for 28 years.

The grieving widower also said he hoped the teenagers family suffers the worst pain imaginable while he's locked up.

I wish for you to die. I will never forgive you. I hope all your family  feels the worst pain imaginable with you being locked up. But it will never measure up to my pain, he said, according to Memphis CBS affiliate WREG.

Andrade was charged as an adult in the case, at the request of the Shelby County District Attorneys Office. Investigators said the teenager was wearing an ankle bracelet on the day he shot the pastor due to previous criminal activity. And even after he killed the pastor, the teenager went on to carjack another victim.

Despite the circumstances, Andrade was given bail and allowed to be free until he was sentenced. The late pastors widower and other family members were outraged about the situation.

On Monday, Rodriguez-Taboras attorney Robert Amann spoke to the pastors family after they spoke to his client.

They were moving and passionate and there are no winners here, Amann said. I thought it was important that we empathized with what they were going through.
Home News Calif. sues Catholic hospital for refusing to perform emergency abortion

California has filed a lawsuit against a Catholic hospital that refused to perform an abortion on a woman who reportedly was experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency.

California Attorney General Rob Bonta said in a press release Monday that his office has filed a complaint against Providence St. Joseph Hospital of Eureka in Humboldt County Superior Court.

The lawsuit alleges that, in February, the hospital refused to perform an abortion on Anna Nusslock, whose water broke when she was 15 weeks pregnant with twins.

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Nusslock had to go to a critical access hospital 12 miles away from Providence, according to the complaint, with her actively hemorrhaging by the time she was on the operating table.

The attorney general hopes to receive an injunction against the Catholic hospital that would require its medical staff to perform emergency abortions for patients in the future, in keeping with state abortion law.

It is damning that here in California, where abortion care is a constitutional right, we have a hospital implementing a policy thats reminiscent of heartbeat laws in extremist red states, said Bonta, as quoted in the announcement.

With todays lawsuit, I want to make this clear for all Californians: abortion care is healthcare. You have the right to access timely and safe abortion services. At the California Department of Justice, we will use the full force of this office to hold accountable those who, like Providence, are breaking the law.

An unnamed Providence spokesperson told Reuters via email that the medical facility was heartbroken over Dr. Nusslock's experience earlier this year."

Providence is deeply committed to the health and wellness of women and pregnant patients and provides emergency services to all who walk through our doors in accordance with state and federal law, stated the hospital spokesperson.

Providence is believed to be the first hospital to be sued under Californias Emergency Services Law requiring hospitals to provide any care necessary to relieve or eliminate the emergency medical condition, The New York Times reported.

The Emergency Services Law does not have a religious exemption, reported the Times, with the state arguing that the issues at hand exceed protections for religious exercise.

The state law was modeled after the federal Emergency Medical Treatment and Labor Act, passed in 1986, and meant to guarantee that hospitals provide a wide range of emergency medical care, regardless of whether a patient can pay.

Currently, the Biden administration and Idaho, which has a near-total ban on abortions, are in ongoing litigation over whether EMTALA requires hospitals in the state to provide emergency abortions.

In late June, the United States Supreme Court vacated a stay on a lower court injunction allowing the federal government to require hospitals that receive Medicare funds to provide abortions for emergency reasons and sent the case down to the lower court level for further proceedings.
Home News Former megachurch Pastor Mike Baker moves growing congregation into new building

Mike Baker, the former pastor of Eastview Christian Church in Bloomington, Illinois, who resigned from the megachurch after his son, Caleb Baker, was fired from his job as a pastor at Central Christian Church due to adultery, will move his growing new congregation into a new building on Sunday.

Bakers new Song & Sword Church, which he started six months after resigning from Eastview Christian Church, announced that they will move their in-person services into a 30,000-square-foot building in Bloomington that formerly housed the City of Refuge Ministries.

The 59-year-old Baker, who said he had planned to retire at Eastview, told WGLT in a recent interview that he will be expanding the childrens ministry of Song & Sword Church and prioritize serving people in need.

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Were stepping into a space where you can sense the spirituality, he told the news outlet. It honestly suits me really well.

In June 2023, independent investigators for Eastview Christian Church concluded that Pastor Caleb Baker used his position while serving at the church to "persuade women to engage in sexual activity." Mike Baker, according to the report, exhibited a "serious conflict of interest," and "should have recused himself due to his conflicting loyalties and allowed others in leadership to exercise proper biblical discipline regarding Caleb."

The conclusions were made public in an 11-page report produced by attorneys from the law firm Wagenmaker & Oberly who were tasked with investigating Caleb Baker's alleged sexual misconduct, the alleged cover-up and the impact of power dynamics upon staff and the congregation from Baker and Eastview's upper-level leadership.

Allegations that Baker covered up his son's sexual misconduct erupted in February 2023 after Central Christian Church in Arizona announced Caleb Baker's firing after he was caught in an extramarital affair with another church staffer.

Eastview Christian Church elders said in an earlier statement that they only became aware of allegations of abuse against Caleb Baker after he left the church in 2016.

It was not until July 2022 that they got a complaint from a former employee alleging an abusive culture in 2016.

While Bakers new church has now grown to about 300 members, including some who are former members of Eastview Christian Church, Eastview Christian Churchs membership has fallen from 5,500 in its heyday under Baker to about 3,750 members in February, WGLT reported.

Baker told the news outlet that his ministry is now structured to include an executive team as well as a pastoral team to enhance accountability beyond what existed in his previous ministry.

He said, however, that he did not believe his sons actions at Eastview caused as much harm as claimed by his accusers.

I do not think it was as much harm as was indicated by some people that might have complained about it, Baker said. Theres no doubt about it that pastors, especially of mega-churches, have targets on their back. When accusations begin to fly, it becomes very natural for that to happen.
Home News Homeschooling continues to increase across the US post-pandemic: report

The number of parents who are homeschooling their children continues to increase even after the end of COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns, according to a recently released report.

The Johns Hopkins Institute for Education Policys Homeschool Research Lab recently published an analysis of the homeschooling rate for 21 states for the 2023-2024 academic year.

According to the report, 30 states keep track of homeschooling numbers. Of that number, the analysis examined the statistics that were available for 21 states.

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The report found that 19 states saw an increase in the number of children being homeschooled, with increases including small ones like a 2% rise in Georgia, to large growth as seen with the 29% increase in Delaware.

Only two of the 21 states analyzed, Vermont and New Hampshire, reported a decrease in the number of students being homeschooled. Although, according to the report, New Hampshires decline might not actually reflect a drop in homeschoolers.

However, insider reports indicate that the decline in New Hampshire is likely related to the states Education Freedom Account (EFA) and how homeschool students who receive public funding are no longer counted as part of the states total homeschooling number, noted the report.

So, this decline may not truly reflect a decrease in actual homeschool participation, but may be just a change in how students are counted in this state. Indeed, the EFA program was launched in 2021 and reported homeschool participation in the state has been declining since then.

As to the reason for this post-pandemic rise in homeschooling, the report described the cause for it as unknown, while asserting that it was not driven by a global pandemic or sudden disruptions to traditional schooling.

Angela Watson, director of the research lab who authored the report, told The Hill last week that people really thought that when schooling went back to normal, as the pandemic kind of waned, that everybody would go back to their normal way of educating.

And so, every year, we keep thinking that the numbers are going to drop and the numbers are going to drop, and we keep not seeing that happening to the degree that we thought that it would in education circles, Watson added.

One caveat of the research was that states are known to lump homeschoolers into the overall category of private school students or sometimes group them with those involved in microschooling.

In some states, microschool students are legally classified as homeschool students, even if what theyre doing isnt happening at home, Watson said. It looks much more like a private school in a lot of circumstances, but theyre legally classified, and they legally are counted under that homeschooling umbrella.

In recent years, many parents have decided to homeschool their children due to factors like the pandemic lockdowns or concerns over public school curriculum content.

Last year, the Urban Institute released a study indicating that, during the 2021-2022 academic year, public school enrollment declined by about 1.2 million students, with about 26% of that number shifting to homeschooling.
Home News Thousands of North Carolina residents look to local church for supplies, prayer: 'People are broken' 'This storm is bringing our community together in a way that I've not seen in a long time'

HENDERSONVILLE, N.C.  A member of a local church assisting residents with disaster relief efforts by distributing basic supplies in the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction said the crisis has left the community broken but united.

"I was hearing story after story; people are broken," Kristi Brown of First Baptist Church in Hendersonville told The Christian Post on Monday. It was incredible what I heard today.

According to a video that senior pastor Justin Alexander posted on Facebook, about 5,000 people in the town of approximately 15,000 drove through the church's parking lot, which is 25 miles south of Asheville. The area has drawn national attention as the epicenter of the devastation that has ravaged the region and wiped entire communities off the map.

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'It's so overwhelming'

Brown, who serves as executive director of the Ascend Women's Center in Asheville, is no stranger to crisis. Her crisis pregnancy center in West Asheville made headlines in 2022 when it was among those vandalized by members of the radical Antifa-affiliated group Jane's Revenge, who shattered the center's windows and spray-painted the building with threatening graffiti.

She was among about 100 volunteers and staff at the church dispensing food, water and basic hygiene products to residents from about 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday. Volunteers also ministered to their spiritual needs, and Brown singled out several harrowing stories from locals she prayed with that "blew her away."

One woman whose house and shed were crushed by fallen trees told Brown she's had no contact with one family member since last Friday when the storm hit, leaving the area without power, internet or gas for days. Dead bodies have reportedly been found in trees, and more than 1,000 people remain unaccounted for, according to the New York Post.

I found when I would ask people to pray about stuff, they would tell me some things to pray about: their home, a missing loved one, whatever the need, Brown said. "But they all were saying, 'I just don't know what to do with this.'"

One young mother told Brown she was rattled as her husband was helping remove the hundreds of downed trees from the roads and noted she wouldn't have been able to feed her infant if she hadn't had the forethought to sanitize 25 baby bottles before the storm. She had gotten down to her last bottle of water by the time she got to the church.

She started crying when I first started speaking to her, Brown said. "She said, 'It's so overwhelming.'"

"I just kept hearing that nobody was prepared for this," Brown added.

Brown said most people attempted to smile and keep up good spirits, though one woman was honest and told her she was "really struggling."

"After I prayed with her, she just reached her arms up  I didn't know her, never met her in my life  she said, 'Can I hug you?' I said absolutely. So we just hugged through the car window, and she just embraced me, would not let go and she was sobbing in her car."

Even if their house was spared, Brown said many are straining beneath the trauma of witnessing the shocking scale of devastation in their community.

"People right now just need people to care and love them, and let them know it's going to be OK," she added. "But I share all that to share the brokenness that's going on right now."

'Blessings in this storm'

Despite the widespread suffering, Brown remains hopeful and said there's "absolutely" an opportunity for the Gospel amid the darkness.

That's why we were asking people if we could pray with them today: to give them spiritual hope in the midst of all this crisis and devastation, she said.

"As we were praying with them and giving them food, water, all the things they needed, we were just letting them know that there is a hope and there is a peace. None of this caught God off guard. Even though we're all caught off guard with it, He's still going to provide all the needs that everybody needs, so we were trying to give them that spiritual hope today."

Brown, who said she is struggling herself, urged Christians to pray urgently for the restoration of the region's critical infrastructure and for the mental well-being of residents who will need patience as they come to realize "this is going to take years, not weeks, to recover from."

People right now don't even know where to turn for the basics, she said. "We probably need mental health professionals in here, because everyone's going to probably have some PTSD from this. People are hurting, but they need to know people care."

It's not that I doubt God or His sovereignty; it's just I'm struggling with so much loss and destruction, she added. How do people come back from this?

Neighboring Asheville is a liberal city in an otherwise deep-red part of North Carolina, but Brown believes the crisis has managed to unite an otherwise divided area in a fractured nation. She noted locals could not wait on the federal or state response and had to jump into action to take care of each other.

I'm trying to find the blessings in this storm, she said. "This storm is bringing our community together in a way that I've not seen in a long time. I think nationwide, our community has been divided in this whole political season that we're in. But now people are helping people."

"So a blessing is, I think, the unity that's formed because we're all in crisis together," she added.
Home News Trump campaign ad blasts Harris for backing taxpayer funding of sex-change surgeries for prisoners

A new ad put out by the campaign of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump targets Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris over her support for using taxpayer dollars to pay for sex-change surgeries for prisoners and illegals.

The X account for the Trump War Room, which describes itself as The official war room account of the 2024 Trump campaign, shared a 30-second ad on Sept. 20 that says, Kamala is for they/them. President Trump is for you. The message reflects the phenomenon in which those who don't self-identify with a particular gender use the pronouns they/them instead of the gender-specific pronouns he or she.

The ad begins with a narrator saying, Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex-changes for prisoners and cuts to a clip of Harris stating that every transgender inmate in the prison system would have access to sex-change surgeries. Harris made this promise during a forum at the National Center for Transgender Equality Action Fund titled Transform the White House. Before Harris made that declaration, she had discussed how the California Department of Corrections was standing in the way of surgery for prisoners.

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Harris detailed how there was a specific case that she worked [on] behind the scenes to not only make sure that that transgender woman [a man] got the services [he] was deserving but also made sure that they changed the policy in the state of California to ensure access to taxpayer-funded sex-change procedures.

Its hard to believe, but its true. Even the liberal media was shocked Kamala supports taxpayer-funded sex changes for prisoners and illegal aliens, the narrator adds as images of Harris with trans-identified members of the Biden administration appear on the screen.

The ad also includes a screenshot of an ACLU questionnaire Harris filled out during her first presidential bid in 2020, answering in the affirmative to a question asking if she would use executive authority to ensure that transgender and non-binary people who rely on the state for medical care  including those in prison and immigration detention  will have access to comprehensive treatment associated with gender transition, including all necessary surgical care.

Harris response to the inquiry included a paragraph elaborating on her position on the matter: It is important that transgender individuals who rely on the state for care receive the treatment they need, which includes access to treatment associated with gender transition. Thats why, as Attorney General [of California], I pushed the California Department of Correction and Rehabilitation to provide gender transition surgery to state inmates.

The then-U.S. senator stressed her support for policies ensuring that federal prisoners and detainees are able to obtain medically necessary care for gender transition, including surgical care, while incarcerated or detained. She shared her belief that Transition treatment is a medical necessity, vowing to direct all federal agencies responsible for providing essential medical care to deliver transition treatment.

The ad concludes with the narrator summarizing the point of the video as Kamalas for they/them. President Trump is for you, as a picture of Harris standing next to a drag queen appears on screen followed by a picture of Trump speaking with factory workers.

The ad comes as several states have implemented bans on body-mutilating sex-change procedures for minors amid concerns about their long-term impact. States that have passed laws banning some or all forms of the body-deforming procedures include: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.

Examples of adverse consequences experienced by youth exhibiting gender dysphoria were outlined in a lawsuit filed by detransitioner Chloe Cole, who once suffered from gender dysphoria and self-identified as male as a minor, but saw her discomfort with her female sex subside as she got older. A lawsuit filed by Cole last year outlined how she experienced suicidal thoughts after having a double mastectomy along with deep physical and emotional wounds, severe regrets, and distrust of the medical system.

The new ad from the Trump campaign comes as polling indicates a close race between Trump and Harris. The RealClearPolitics average of polls measuring voter preferences based on surveys taken since Sept. 11 shows Harris leading Trump by 2 percentage points, capturing 49.1% to Trumps 47.1%. The RealClearPolitics no toss-up map, which predicts the outcome of the presidential race based on state-level polling averages, shows Trump winning 281 electoral votes to Harris 257.
Home News Trump declares 'God is strongly with us' as he visits hurricane-ravaged Georgia

Former President Donald Trump invoked the name of God several times as he visited hurricane-ravaged Georgia on Monday.

In a post on his Truth Social account, Trump shared a clip of his remarks on Monday in Valdosta, Georgia. Trump, the Republican nominee for president of the United States in the 2024 presidential election, visited the city after Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic damage on it and other cities throughout the southern U.S.

In our hearts ... God is strongly with us and the American people are stronger than any challenge that stands in our way, he said. Working together, we will overcome these hardships, we will endure, we will rebuild Valdosta, every other town that has been so badly hit. And we will emerge stronger, more united and more prosperous than ever before.

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The clip concluded with Trump declaring, We pray to God for those that have been so badly injured and, in particular, for the people that are no longer with us.

In a separate post sharing the full video of his remarks, the former president delivered a message to every family that has been displaced here in Georgia, in North Carolina, and throughout the region.

You are in our prayers today, and throughout the long weeks that lie ahead, he wrote. We love you  we are with you  and we will be back again and again.

Trump made the remarks as he stood beside the Rev. Franklin Graham, CEO of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association and the charitable organization Samaritans Purse, the organization's volunteers, and state and local leaders.

After proclaiming We pray to God throughout this long week, the long weeks that lay ahead, Trump led the audience in a moment of silence and prayer for those who lost their lives as a result of the storm.

In addition to mentioning God multiple times in a speech delivered in one of the areas hardest hit by the storm, Trump authorized a GoFundMe fundraiser to help the victims of Hurricane Helene. As of Tuesday evening, the fundraiser has raised more than $3.3 million, far exceeding its initial goal of $1 million.

Five days after the storm made landfall on the Florida Gulf Coast and brought flooding storm surge to the Sunshine State as well as catastrophic flooding to many other southern states, millions of people remain without power in the hardest hit areas.

According to Poweroutage.us, which keeps track of electrical outages in the U.S., more than 400,000 customers remain without power in Georgia, nearly 600,000 power outages persist in South Carolina, and nearly 400,000 are without power in North Carolina.

More than 50,000 people are without power in both Florida and Virginia. President Joe Biden elaborated on the damage caused by the storm as he provided an update on his administrations efforts to assist in the recovery efforts Tuesday: Theres been reports of over 100 dead and  as a consequence of this storm, and there are reports of up [to]  600 people unaccounted for because they cant be contacted.

Over the weekend, Biden approved major disaster declarations in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, and a similar declaration was issued in Georgia on Monday. These pronouncements from the White House enable victims recovering from the storm in select counties to receive funding from the federal government.

Meanwhile, the president has approved emergency declarations in Virginia, Tennessee and Alabama, which authorize the deployment of federal resources to assist local governments in the provision of evacuation and shelter support. Biden indicated during his remarks on Tuesday that he planned to visit North Carolina later in the week, possibly on Wednesday or Thursday.
Home News Zachary Levi endorses Trump in 'career suicide' move, declares 'every single one of us is a child of God'

Professing Christian and Shazam star Zachary Levi endorsed former President Donald Trump for president and told attendees at a Reclaim America Tour stop that every individual is a child of a God in a speech he acknowledged is likely career suicide.

The 44-year-old Hollywood actor publicly announced his choice for president during the event with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and former Rep. Tulsi Gabbard on Saturday in Dearborn, Michigan.

Every single person, whether you're a Democrat, whether you're a Republican, whether you're a Libertarian, an Independent, every single one of us is a child of God, every single one of us is deserving of being seen and heard and loved and valued, Levi told the audience.

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Levi, who stars in the popular DC superhero franchise, said his parents, who were Christians and Kennedy Democrats that then turned into Reagan Republicans, taught him to "have a healthy level of distrust of the government," adding that Kennedy is the "real deal.

"In a perfect world, in whatever that would look like, perhaps I would have voted for Bobby," Levi said. "But we don't live in a perfect world. In fact, we live in a very broken one. We live in a country that has been hijacked by a lot of people who want to take this place way off the cliff, and we're here to stop that."

"We are going to take back this country. We are going to make it great again; we're going to make it healthy again. And so, I stand with Bobby, and I stand with everyone else who is standing with President Trump. ... Of the two choices that we have, and we only have two, President Trump is the man that can get us there," Levi said.

When I came out and I said I was endorsing President Trump through my endorsement of Tulsi and Bobby, the messages that I received  90 percent have actually been quite lovely and supportive, and Ive really appreciated that, Levi said following the discussion with Gabbard and Kennedy.

But I will say, though, Levi added, within my industry, as you can probably imagine, Hollywood is a very, very liberal town, and this very well could constitute career suicide.

Levi is no stranger to weighing in on political issues: the actor made headlines last year after he said he was in hardcore agreement that COVID-19 vaccine manufacturer Pfizer is a real danger to the world.

In 2020, following President Joe Bidens presidential victory, Levi wrote on Instagram, My hope and prayer is that Joe Biden and Kamala Harris answer that very call, in the same way I hoped and prayed that Donald Trump would do the same.

He later tweeted, I am no fan or supporter of Trump, and I find his behavior to be vulgar, callous, narcissistic, and lacking empathy. And while Im not a Conservative, I know many who backed 45 not because they liked him, but because he was the only candidate they felt cared about their needs.

Levi, who also starred in the faith-based film American Underdog, previously opened up to The Christian Post about how Hollywood negatively impacted his mental health.

Hollywood is not exactly the most loving, kind, safe place for people's hearts and minds and souls," he said in a 2022 interview. "And so, there's a lot of trauma and abuse that I suffered, even at the hands of a lot of my employers and a lot of just the system that is Hollywood. And again, I didn't recognize it as trauma; I just thought, well, these are struggles, and you kind of worked through them. Little did I know that all of that was feeding into the same trauma that I experienced as a child, and I was just reliving a lot of that pain over and over and over again.

When I was in the darkness, it was the first time in my life five years ago when I felt perhaps there is no God," he said. "In that moment, I didn't believe in a God, because if there was a God, I don't know why I would be going through the darkness that I was going through where I felt there was no God."

"I was crying out, literally like screaming and crying out to God, to help me understand what was going on with me. And I wasn't getting any answers. I wasn't getting anything of the things that I had previously in my life, feeling like I had gotten clarity and answers and vision from God. So it really, really rocked my world, the actor told CP.

Since embracing Christianity, the actor said he understands that no amount of performance is ever going to ultimately earn your worth or your love; you are lovable, and you are loved simply because you are. The fact that we exist is a miracle. We are all these walking, talking miracles.
Home Opinion The persecuted Church and the power of a faithful witness

The new Lausanne State of the Great Commission briefing reports that, State restrictions on religion have growth throughout the world. State support for Christianity has declined and Today more than 360 million Christians worldwide suffer high levels of persecution and discrimination for their faith. It adds, the rising tide of violence targeting Christians shows no sign of abatement.

How does this persecution manifest itself? Sometimes it takes softer forms such as anti-conversion or anti-blasphemy, and apostasy laws, or digital surveillance, and social ostracism. But too often around the world it is showing itself through attacks on churches, church burnings or demolition, home burnings, physical assault, arrests, imprisonment, kidnapping, rape, torture, etc. The Lausanne report estimates that 312 million Christians in 76 countries suffer extreme levels of violence, a figure that has doubled over the past 30 years.

This past week at the Lausanne Congress weve heard story after story from or about the persecuted church. We heard of crackdowns in India and China, imprisonments in Iran. We learned more about repression in North Korea. And we heard too many stories of Islamist terror against Christians in sub-Saharan Africa.

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The top ten nations with the worst rankings for persecuting Christians include North Korea, Somalia, Yemen, Eritrea, Libya, Nigeria, Pakistan, Iran, Afghanistan, and Sudan.

I found it interesting that the State of the Great Commission listed the United States, not in the low, but now in the medium, category in terms of government restrictions with social hostilities on the rise through identity politics. There is greater pressure to conform to non-Christian agendas, hostility to Christian ideas, limits of expression, etc. In neighboring Canada we have seen a rash of church burnings.

What is fueling all this? The report was weakest in answering this question. My assessment: depending on the location, it could be the forces of secularization, the imposition of statism, or some form of political or religious radicalism.

Yet intermixed with all this, weve heard the resolve of so many Christians in the suffering church to be faithful witnesses in the midst of persecution. Sometimes, as legal restrictions mount, this witness will have to take new forms: lifestyle evangelism, interfaith dialogue, and other under-the-radar, innovative ways to share the gospel.

They reminded the in-seat audience of 5,000 that the persecution of Christians has existed from the beginning of the Church. Jesus himself warned that it would be inevitable. They told us not to forget the testimony of those who have been martyred. They noted how the early church and other Christian traditions have done a better job at this than evangelicals. They also reminded us that it is not just Christians who are persecuted for their faith. And we must speak out for all those who suffer such persecution.

This was a key theme. It is the responsibility of the global church to stand with the persecuted church and against injustice. They asked us to do this by promoting religious freedom globally. The report spoke of being involved with democratic movements that push back against autocratic or totalitarian rule. They encouraged education in human rights so that we understand the international legal system and protections that are in place. They even mentioned the importance of documenting violations of religious liberty.

Finally, some of those who spoke reminded us that persecution is not the end of the story. It is part of the story, but not the whole story. This tribulation will end when Christ returns to reign. As Revelation 2:10 says, a crown of life awaits those who are faithful, even unto death.
Fulanis in Nigeria kill more Christians than Boko Haram and ISWAP, report says

Fulani herdsmen and other "bandit" terrorists often allied with them killed more civilians in Nigeria over a four-year period than Islamic extremist groups Boko Haram and Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP), a new report states.



"Other Terrorist Groups," commonly called "Fulani bandits," killed 12,039 civilians from October 2019 to September 2023, while "Armed Fulani Herdsmen" killed 11,948 civilians, according to the Aug. 29 report by the Observatory of Religious Freedom in Africa (ORFA).



The better-known Boko Haram and ISWAP combined killed just 3,079 civilians, the ORFA report stated.



The Fulani herdsmen form part of the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM), and it is believed that part of the "Other Terrorist Groups" known as "Fulani bandits" are connected to the FEM, according to the report.



"It implies that FEM is a much bigger factor in the Nigerian culture of violence than Boko Haram and ISWAP," the ORFA report stated.



Most of the victims were Christians, according to the report.



"The data shows that more Nigerian Christians were victims of violence than Nigerians holding to other religious affiliations," it stated. "Amongst the 30,880 civilians killed in the four-year reporting period, the number of Christians killed was 16,769, while the number of Muslims killed was 6,235."



Of 21,532 civilians abducted, 11,185 were Christians, while the number of Muslims abducted was 7,899, the report stated. Members of African Traditional Religions (ATRs) killed numbered 154, and 184 were kidnapped, while the religions of 7,722 civilians killed and 2,264 abducted was unknown, according to ORFA.



Taking into account the relative sizes of the Christian and Muslim populations within the states researched, the ratio of Christians to Muslims killed was 6.5 to 1, and the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted at 5.1 to 1, according to the report.



"The ratio of Christians to Muslims killed rises significantly when the religious composition of the states is taken into consideration" in comparison with the overall numbers, which show a ratio of Christians to Muslims killed at 2.7 to 1, and the ratio of Christians to Muslims abducted at 1.4 to 1, the report stated.



In the total of civilians and security personnel, 55,910 people were killed in 9,970 attacks, while 21,621 people were abducted in 2,705 attacks, with some overlap. ORFA documented 11,610 attacks in which people were killed and/or abducted, and of these, 8,905 involved killings without abductions; 1,065 involved both killings and abductions; and 1,640 involved abductions without killings.



"This is an average of eight attacks per day involving killings and/or abductions over a four-year period," the report stated. "These numbers include attacks with civilians, Security Forces and/or Terror Groups killed and abducted."



Muslims were killed by the same groups that killed Christians, although with different percentages: 55 percent of the Christians slain were killed by Armed Fulani Herdsmen (9,153) and 29 percent by Other Terrorist Groups (4,895). Boko Haram and ISWAP combined accounted for just 8 percent of the Christians killed (1,268), the report states.



For Muslims, it was the reverse: 24 percent of the Muslims slain were killed by Armed Fulani Herdsmen (1,473), and 53 percent by Other Terrorist Groups (3,334). Boko Haram and ISWAP combined accounted for just 12 percent of the Muslims killed (770).



The main area for Armed Fulani Herdsmen attacks was in Nigeria's North Central Region, including the southern part of Kaduna state; for Other Terrorist Groups, it was the North West, also crossing into North Central, according to the report. The main area of operation for Boko Haram and ISWAP was in the North East.



"The epicenter of violent attacks was in the North West and North Central," the report noted. "Most civilian killings took place in the North West (11,626) and North Central (8,789). The North East followed with 5,521 civilians killed."



For Christians these numbers were 5,250 killed in the North West, 6,081 in the North Central and 2,595 in the North East; for Muslims, they were 3,678, 1,106 and 1,262 respectively.



In the four-year reporting period, the North West was the epicenter of abductions, followed by the North Central.



"The abduction phenomenon began slowly in the 2020 reporting period, but then picked up speed in 2021 onwards," the report stated. Most civilian abductions were in the North West at 12,042 and North Central with 6,325.



For Christians, these numbers were 5,931 and 3,277; for Muslims they were 4,976 and 2,469, the ORFA Report stated.



"The same aggressors that were responsible for most of the killings were by far the most important actors in the Nigerian abduction industry as well," the report stated. "Most civilians were abducted by Other Terrorist Groups (13,728) and Armed Fulani Herdsmen (6,380). Boko Haram and ISWAP combined abducted 1,023 civilians. The data warns against national and international attention being focused mainly on Boko Haram and ISWAP, with FEM activity being largely passed over."



Muslims were abducted by the same groups that abducted Christians, but with different percentages. Of Christians, 60 percent were abducted by Other Terrorist Groups (6,675) and 35 percent by Armed Fulani Herdsmen (3,914). Boko Haram and ISWAP combined were responsible for just 4 percent of abductions of Christians (422).



For Muslims it was comparable: 71 percent of the Muslims abducted were abducted by Other Terrorist Groups (5,635), and 24 percent by Armed Fulani Herdsmen (1,903), according to the report. Boko Haram and ISWAP combined were responsible for only 4 percent of the abductions of Muslims (300).



While the ORFA report highlighted economic motives for the attacks as herders seek to take over farmers' lands for grazing, the Rev. Yusufu Turaki, formerly vice president of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), said the aim of the Fulani herdsmen and other jihadists is to destroy Christianity and Christians, seize their lands, establish an Islamic state and impose sharia (Islamic law).



"The most striking point is that the Fulani Ethnic Militia (FEM) are killing Nigerian civilians unopposed," Turaki said. "Mass killings, abductions and the torture of whole families go largely unchallenged as government forces pursue targets hundreds of miles away, according to the research findings."



The Islamic aggressors appear to want to overthrow the Nigerian government, he said.



The ORFA report showed that people were most vulnerable at home. Most civilians were killed (25,312) or abducted (16,761) during attacks on their communities; other, isolated attacks killed 5,568 civilians and resulted in the abductions of 4,771 people.



The Islamic extremists targeted Christians as well as moderate Muslims who did not adhere to their ideology.



"Since 2015, there have been consistent reports of disparate treatment meted out to Christian and Muslim captives by members of Terror Groups," the report stated. "Differences in treatment were observed based on reports from victims or their families, relating to forced labor; sexual violence; ransom demands and release; execution risks; religious tests."



Nigeria remained the deadliest place in the world to follow Christ, with 4,118 people killed for their faith from Oct. 1, 2022 to Sept. 30, 2023, according to Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List (WWL) report. More kidnappings of Christians than in any other country also took place in Nigeria, with 3,300.



Nigeria was also the third highest country in number of attacks on churches and other Christian buildings such as hospitals, schools, and cemeteries, with 750, according to the report.



In the 2024 WWL of the countries where it is most difficult to be a Christian, Nigeria was ranked No. 6, as it was in the previous year.



Numbering in the millions across Nigeria and the Sahel, predominantly Muslim Fulani comprise hundreds of clans of many different lineages who do not hold extremist views, but some Fulani do adhere to radical Islamist ideology, the United Kingdom's All-Party Parliamentary Group for International Freedom or Belief (APPG) noted in a 2020 report.



"They adopt a comparable strategy to Boko Haram and ISWAP and demonstrate a clear intent to target Christians and potent symbols of Christian identity," the APPG report states.



Christian leaders in Nigeria have said they believe herdsmen attacks on Christian communities in Nigeria's Middle Belt are inspired by their desire to forcefully take over Christians' lands and impose Islam as desertification has made it difficult for them to sustain their herds.

 Christian Daily International-Morning Star News
Lebanon on brink of 'humanitarian catastrophe', Christians warn

The humanitarian needs in Gaza and Lebanon have reached dire proportions as violence escalates in the Middle East, Christian groups have warned.

Tearfund said that Lebanon is struggling to cope with the scale of need, with some 90,000 people displaced from their homes and essential infrastructure crippled by Israeli airstrikes.

The conflict has only worsened the challenges in Lebanon, which has already been grappling with political and economic turmoil since 2019.

Safa Hijazeen, Tearfund's Regional Director for the Middle East, said that this year's olive harvest has been wiped out, and that toxic remnants from the bombs will render the ground unsafe to grow on for at least another 10 years.

"People in Lebanon are terrified and confused, waiting for death and destruction to arrive. Lebanon was already on the verge of collapse; now it's heading towards a humanitarian catastrophe," he said.

"Families in Lebanon are normalising war, it's their daily bread now. Tens of thousands of children are missing school because it's not safe to go out - instead they're learning to tell the difference between a sonic bomb or another type of missile overhead.

"The impact of the airstrikes in Lebanon will last for a generation."

Tearfund has relaunched its Middle East appeal to support local partners, including churches, as they provide shelter, medicine and meals to displaced people.

"A year after the October 7 attacks, the need in Gaza is immense and Lebanon stands on the brink of disaster," Hijazeen added.

Aid to the Church in Need (ACN) is providing food parcels and medical aid to Christian communities in Lebanon. Sister Maya El Beaino of the Sisters of the Sacred Hearts of Jesus and Mary has remained with the Christian community in Aid Ebel, around three miles from the Israeli border in southern Lebanon.

She said the area is home to around 9,000 Christians who are living in "constant danger".

"There is no hospital in the area, no Red Cross, and we have only three hours of electricity a day. That means no internet, no water," she said.

"It's true that many left the region at the beginning of the Gaza war, but many families have returned because life in Beirut was too expensive, and they could not bear the separation from their religious leaders."

Sister Mary, who is the only member of her congregation remaining in the convent, described the situation as "simply terrible".

"People are still carrying trauma from the war in 2006, and now there's fear that bridges and roads will be bombed again," she said.

Joshua Youssef, head of Help The Persecuted, said that Lebanon was facing needs "on an unprecedented scale". Help the Persecuted is providing shelter, food and pastoral support through its War Refuge Centre. It also runs a network of safe houses which it said are expected to be completely full in the coming days.

"One million people are fleeing the war, and the need is vast and urgent," he said.

Christian Aid's Middle East lead, Julie Mehigan, expects to see "massive" displacement and civilian casualties in Lebanon.

"All the while Gaza is continually being bombed from land, air and sea. We are on the precipice of yet another humanitarian calamity in the region," she said.
New report shows link between corruption and Christian persecution abroad

(CP) A new study has shown a correlation between high levels of government corruption and increased persecution of Christian communities across several nations. Stressing the need for a concerted international response, the report points to a direct association between corrupt practices within government bodies and discriminatory policies against Christians.

The report, titled "Corruption and Christian Persecution" and released this month by the U.S.-based persecution watchdog International Christian Concern, shows that corrupt governments often fail to protect minority rights, leading to environments where Christian persecution is either ignored or tacitly supported.

The report corroborates various studies, including reports by Transparency International, which seeks to combat global corruption and defines it as the misuse of public power for private gain. ICC suggests that the fact that countries with high levels of corruption also experience significant Christian persecution is not merely coincidental.

In the report, the group cites examples from countries recognized as the worst persecutors of Christians.

In Afghanistan, corruption permeates multiple sectors, including government and law enforcement, severely undermining legal and social protections for minorities, the report says, noting that pervasive corruption has allowed extremist interpretations of Islamic law to flourish, putting Christian converts at grave risk. They face dire consequences, including death threats and social exclusion, with corrupt officials often turning a blind eye or even condoning such acts.

In Nigeria, corruption not only hampers economic development but also directly impacts the safety of Christian populations. Corruption has facilitated a lack of accountability for acts of violence against Christians, who constitute nearly 70% of religious killings in the country, according to the report, which suggests that this neglect is often due to corrupt relationships between local officials and extremist groups.

The situation in Azerbaijan, a predominantly Muslim country, where the militarily seized control of Nagorno-Karabakh  a region predominantly inhabited by 120,000 ethnic Armenian Christians  last year, reflects a similar pattern.

In Azerbaijan, a high tolerance for corruption among the populace affects all layers of society, including the treatment of religious minorities. "The country's economy, particularly its oil and gas industry, is susceptible to corrupt practices, with reports of widespread cronyism among government officials and business elites," says the report.

It adds that "tolerance of corruption" is also high among the population in Azerbaijan, with everyday citizens using bribes to bend the laws in their favor. Like many countries, the constitution of Azerbaijan guarantees freedom of religion, but Christians face restrictions, violence and intimidation.

In Pakistan, empirical evidence suggests that corruption and religious persecution have detrimental effects on the country's economic growth, says the study. The economic ramifications are profound, as corruption and Christian persecution jointly degrade economic stability, discouraging foreign investment and stunting national growth through a cycle of instability and distrust.

In India, the intertwining of Hindu nationalist ideology and governmental corruption synergizes the oppression of religious minorities, including Christians. This collusion leads to policies and law enforcement practices that disproportionately target Christians, from police inaction to legal discrimination, under the guise of maintaining Hindu cultural supremacy, the study says.

In Myanmar, the combination of corruption and religious persecution manifests through systemic discrimination enforced by both government and military forces. Historical and ongoing corruption within Myanmar's colonial-era structures allows for continued exploitation and targeting of Christian communities, particularly in regions embroiled in ethnic conflicts, ICC says.

Similarly, in Eritrea, widespread corruption among government officials has facilitated a harsh clampdown on religious freedoms, according to the report, which cites the U.S. Department of State (2020) to point out that the Eritrean regime's lack of transparency and accountability enabled the perpetuation of severe human rights abuses against Christians, who are often detained in inhumane conditions without trial.

In China, the government's strict control over religious activities is worsened by corrupt practices that affect all levels of bureaucracy, enabling widespread human rights violations. As officials ascend the bureaucratic ladder, their involvement in corrupt activities increases, particularly those that suppress unauthorized religious practices, says the report. The corruption leads to severe repercussions for Christians, including surveillance, arbitrary detention and harsh punishments without due process, as the state seeks to eliminate any potential threats to its authority.

The study also refers to the role of state-controlled narratives and corrupt media practices in public intolerance and discrimination against Christians, particularly in Middle Eastern countries.

ICC suggests that a concerted international response is critical in addressing the dual challenges of corruption and Christian persecution.

It urges advocacy groups and international bodies to collaborate more closely in imposing sanctions against corrupt officials and regimes that perpetuate religious persecution. The group further calls for international partnerships to provide asylum and support to persecuted individuals to mitigate the immediate dangers they face while also pressuring their home countries to reform.

 The Christian Post
The little known story of Thomas Harding  the last Lollard martyr

Thomas Harding was the last Lollard to be executed for heresy, before the creation of the Church of England. This is the story ...

The Lollards

The Lollards were England's first evangelical movement. Many people supported John Wycliffe's reforming ideas which spread across England. Some people became itinerant preachers, and went in pairs to towns and villages, telling people the good news about Jesus in English. People gathered in each other's homes, where meetings were led by men or women, to pray and read the Bible in English.

They were educated and peaceful people and were called the Lollards. Their beliefs were biblical, and by modern standards quite mainstream. In fact they were known as evangelicals. However, in this pre-Reformation period, some of their beliefs and practices were regarded as suspicious by the main Church authorities. They were considered heretics for things like meeting without a priest, using English instead of Latin, having meetings outside a church building, giving primary authority to the Bible over the Church, and particularly believing that the bread and wine of communion were purely symbolic.

The Chiltern Lollards

Lollards were particularly numerous in the Chilterns, in the heavily wooded area roughly between London and Oxford. Here Lollards were persecuted in 1414, 1462 and 1511. It was probably in 1511 that William Smith, Bishop of Lincoln, set up an inquiry into heresy in south Bucks, based at the former bishop's palace at Wooburn, near Beaconsfield. In December 1511, some Lollards living in Amersham were interviewed and spoke against idolatry and superstition. Some were sentenced to be monks in monasteries, and some were sentenced to make pilgrimages. These were cruel times, and others were sentenced to death if they did not renounce their evangelical beliefs.

Thomas Harding

One of the associates of the Lollards at Amersham was Thomas Harding. His story is told in Foxe's Book of Martyrs, and in local oral tradition. Thomas Harding, along with many other Lollards agreed to recant their views. By 1521, Harding was found to have returned to holding Lollard beliefs, and was again called before an ecclesiastical court, set up by the new hard-line bishop John Longland. This time six Lollards, five men and one woman, were sentenced to death. Harding escaped death by recanting again. One of the conditions imposed on him was that he must not leave the Parish of Amersham. However, after the executions in Amersham in 1522, Thomas Harding moved to Chesham, where he kept a smallholding.

William Tyndale

Meanwhile there was a newer version of the New Testament in English, translated by William Tyndale from the original Greek. It was in more modern and common English, and easier to understand than Wycliffe's translation. It was published in Worms and later Antwerp, and first smuggled into England in early 1526. Tyndale's New Testament became very popular and was adopted by the Lollards. Tyndale also wrote other theological works, which today would be classed as mainstream evangelical.

The Last Lollard Martyr

Around Easter in 1532, Thomas Harding, aged about 60, was found sitting by a stile going into the woods, where he was reading one of Tyndale's theological books called 'The Obedience of a Christian Man'. Thomas and his wife Alice were arrested in their house, where other books were found under his floorboards, which were considered illegal, most notably Tyndale's New Testament and another theological work of William Tyndale's called 'The Practice of Prelates'.

Harding was taken to Wooburn to be interrogated by the bishop and by Rowland Messenger, the vicar of High Wycombe. The charges against him were that he was reading the New Testament in English, that he claimed the bread and wine in the communion service were merely symbolic (i.e. he denied transubstantiation), rejected the worship of images, and spoke against pilgrimages for earning merit. These were all considered heretical then.

On May 30, 1532 Harding was taken to Chesham for execution. The place was up White Hill, on the way to Botley, easily visible as an example to many. Harding was chained to a stake and a fire was lit beneath him. It is recorded that one of the spectators threw a firelog at his head, a strange kindness which hastened his demise.

It was just two years after Harding's execution, in 1534, that the Church of England was formed, and it was in 1539 that Henry VIII introduced the English Bible into churches. With the creation of the Church of England, many of the things that the Lollards had believed and practised were no longer heretical.

Legacy

Thomas Harding is believed to be the last Lollard martyr, before the start of the English Reformation. There are a number of reminders of Thomas Harding in Chesham which can be visited. Chesham lies at the north-west end of the London Underground Metropolitan Line. There is a granite cross memorial to his memory, near the entrance to St Mary's parish church, and a commemorative stone erected on White Hill near to his place of execution. Neither are far from the station. There is also a primary school named in his honour. Harding is still a local surname, and many claim to be related to him.
AI is top of mind for workers who have an eye on how the technology will impact their day-to-day jobs and long-term career prospects. And for good reason as 92% of IT jobs are expected to be transformed by AI, rendering 74% of IT pros fearful that AI will make their skills obsolete.

A recent survey from Skillsoft sheds additional light on these dynamics. Its survey of 2,500 full-time employees in the US, UK, Germany, and India revealed that 35% of respondents lack confidence that they have the skills required to succeed in their roles, with 41% noting concerns regarding job security because of a skills gap.

Skills gaps hold workers back from reaching their full potential and ultimately hinder organizations in achieving their key business objectives, said Ciara Harrington, the companys chief people officer, in a release.
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.
Islamic Relief

Several major UK humanitarian charities have launched emergency fundraising appeals as they respond to a growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

Charities including UNICEF UK, ActionAid, Oxfam, Islamic Relief and the British Red Cross have all started asking for donations in the last week in response to the crisis and have either launched new appeals or expanded their existing Gaza appeals to cover Lebanon.

Meanwhile, the Disasters Emergency Committee (DEC) has said it is monitoring the situation, although it is yet to launch any formal appeal.

The organisation said: The DEC is closely monitoring the crisis as it develops, and assessing it against our criteria for launching a national fundraising appeal in the UK.

Lebanon appeals launched

According to the Guardian , over the last fortnight Israeli airstrikes have reportedly killed over 1,000 people, injured around 6,000, and forced a million people to flee their homes, leaving them with little to no access to food, clean water or shelter.

The new crisis has struck the Middle Eastern country at a time when it was already struggling, following the Covid-19 pandemic, the Beirut explosion in 2020; a 2022 cholera outbreak, violent political conflicts, and an ongoing economic crisis.

Islamic Relief has launched a new appeal and set a target of raising 10m to support people displaced by the conflict.

The charity has been working in Lebanon since the Gaza conflict first began on 7 October last year, providing food, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses, and will be using donations to continue supporting the Lebanese people.

UNICEF UK has launched an appeal to support displaced children and families in Lebanon.

Between 24-27 September, the childrens charity has supported 35 collective shelters, hosting more than 14,000 displaced people, and its workers have been supplying clean water, blankets, sleeping bags, hygiene kits and dignity kits to those in need.

ActionAid has launched a Lebanon Crisis appeal to support displaced children and families, with a particular focus on women and girls.

The charity, which primarily supports women and girls living in poverty, is working with local partners on the ground in Lebanon to provide food, clean water, shelter and medical assistance to those in need.

Gaza appeals expanded

Oxfams newly renamed Gaza and Lebanon appeal now incorporates the latter country too.

The charity is working with local partners on the ground in Lebanon to provide food, clean water, hygiene kits and cash assistance to those in need and is supporting the operation of shelters in Beirut, Mount Lebanon and North Lebanon.

Action Against Hunger has expanded its Gaza and West Bank appeal to include Lebanon.

It has already been working in Lebanon since 7 October, and in that time, its workers have been providing hot meals, clean water, blankets and cash assistance, and will use donations to continue this work.

The British Red Cross has also expanded its Gaza crisis appeal to include Lebanon.

Working directly on the ground with the Lebanese Red Cross, the charity is providing food, clean water and medical care, including vital services like blood transfusions and ambulances for those injured in explosions.

CARE International has expanded its Gaza and West Bank crisis appeal to include Lebanon, and is providing food, clean water and short-term shelter kits to those in need, as well as hygiene kits and dignity kits to women and girls who menstruate.

The charity is also looking to use donations to scale up its response to the crisis in Lebanon by working with local womens organisations on the ground to protect those fleeing from their homes from the increased risks of gender-based violence, abuse and exploitation.

Concern Worldwide has extended its Gaza appeal to include Lebanon and is providing cash assistance, mental health first aid, hygiene kits, dignity kits for menstruating women and girls and other essential items like kitchen cookware.

Plan International has relaunched its Gaza appeal as the Gaza and Lebanon Childrens Emergency Appeal.

Working with local partners in Lebanon, the childrens rights charity is providing food, hygiene kits, blankets and mattresses to children and their families in need.

It has also said that it is ready to offer child protection expertise; mental health support and opportunities to learn.

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Late in the night after the last presidential debate, J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential candidate, appeared on CNN to praise the performance of Donald Trump. Kaitlan Collins, the network host, wanted to know why Trump had repeated a false claim that Haitian immigrants were eating the pets of residents in the town of Springfield, Ohioa claim that Vance had propelled into the national spotlight with a social media post the day before.

Vance seemed to concede that the veracity of the story was in doubt (whether those exact rumors turn out to be mostly true, somewhat true, whatever the case may be), but he argued that his bigger goal was to get the press to focus on the topic of immigration overall: I think its interesting, Kaitlan, that the media didnt care about the carnage brought by these policies until we turned it into a meme about cats, he said.

Vances argumentwhich drew more attention when he repeated it on the Sunday politics shows a few days laterwas widely derided as cynical and defensive.

But CJRs analysis of media coverage on the three big cable news networksCNN, Fox News, and MSNBCin the weeks since the debate shows that he may have nonetheless succeeded at drawing media attention to his campaigns talking points.

Immediately after the debate, Google queries for Haitians spiked sharply, as did search prompts such as eating pets, Haitians eating ducks video, and even just the word immigrants.

Coverage of the subject of immigration surged on cable news, toobut while interest among searchers quickly dissipated, on cable the topic saw sustained engagement. In the first week of September, for example, the word immigrants was mentioned on average about forty-one times collectively each day; in the last week of September, it was mentioned on average some seventy-seven times a day.

In fact, while the debate between Trump and Kamala Harris was widely seen as a win for Harris, cable news coverage since then has largely trended in Trumps favor, at least in terms of time allotment. Our analysis of closed-captioning data from the three cable networks shows that while Trump and Harris had roughly similar levels of engagement prior to their debate, Harris has consistently lagged in the weeks since.

That trend is even more apparent when looking at the vice presidential side of the ticket. Vances amplification of the pet-eating falsehoods coincided with the first time he was covered more on CNN than Tim Walz since Walz was announced as Harriss running mate. In fact, to the extent Vances goal was to keep himself in the news, his approach has largely succeeded: he was consistently mentioned more on MSNBC, especially after his second interview with CNN, when he said he would continue to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people. (The coverage there is much more likely to be negative.)

Meanwhile, Walzs main advantage came when he was announced as Harriss running mate, but news interest in him has largely tapered off, and he has all but stopped doing interviews with national media. The vice presidential debate may offer Walz a chance to reintroduce himselfif he can overcome Vances knack for drawing the spotlight.

Meghnad Bose and Dhrumil Mehta are, respectively, a Delacorte fellow at CJR and the deputy director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism.
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Before J.D. Vance, Donald Trumps running mate, spread xenophobic lies about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, the Haitian Times, a newspaper based in New York that covers Haiti and that countrys diaspora, was already planning to visit the town, part of a multicity listening tour to connect with the communities that it seeks to cover. Initially we didnt want to report it, because were very mindful about amplifying lies and false rhetoric, Macollvie Neel, the editor of the paper, said of Vances remarks. We made a conscious decision not to even touch it. Then Trump parroted the same lies during the presidential debate on ABC. Chaos followed. Springfield schools and municipal buildings received bomb threats, forcing them to shut down. Haitian residents faced all manner of assault and harassment. One woman reported to the Times that she woke up to find acid thrown on her vehicle and the windows smashed. Soon, the paper itself was attacked: Neel received messages calling her racial slurs, and her home was swattedthe practice of calling police officers to a location as a hoax. (CNN previously reported on the swatting incident.)

The Times began its cross-country tour eighteen months ago, as a means of getting in touch with diaspora communities outside of the typical coastal enclaves of Florida, New York, and Massachusetts where Haitian immigrants have traditionally settled. Primarily, the events were designed to listen to the concerns of participants, who would often describe incidents that sounded like assault or discrimination. One Haitian man in Indianapolis approached a resident in his yard to offer help; the resident pulled out a gun. Other incidents involved the wrongful denial of housing and online attacks. The Times, in turn, reported on these incidents, adding context about racist anti-immigrant tropes, failures of government, and sociocultural interactions. They created a series called Haitians in America, devoted to individuals experiences.

I saw that there was a disconnect between what people thought were hijinks, pranks, people being nasty online or looking at them funny, and the structural racism that exists in this country, Neel said. Because the stuff that was aggravated harassment, intimidationa lot of it sounded like hate crimes to me. As part of its tour, the Times partnered with the NAACP on events to inform attendees about how to report incidents. We have a version of racism in Haitiwe have colorism, of coursebut it plays out a little bit differently, Neel said. For folks who come in, who are just wanting to work, make some money, and take care of their families, theyre not really attuned to social justice issues or spending a lot of time pursuing respect for their civil rights.

Since the Vance and Trump attacks, the Times webmaster has been responsible for moderating and removing hundreds of harassing comments posted on the papers articles onlinea traumatic task in itself. As Neel was telling me about the ninety-two comments under one article about the threats that Haitian residents of Springfield were experiencing, she paused to send a quick note to the webmaster, who is based in Haiti, about removing more comments with racial slurs. Some of this stuff he doesnt even realize is rooted in racism, all these dog whistles, she said.

I think when youre a new immigrant and Black, you really dont understand all the ways racism works [in America], Garry Pierre-Pierre, the publisher and founder of the Haitian Times, told meespecially in the small, predominantly white towns that have become a more economically feasible landing place for Haitian immigrants than big cities. With the Haitians in America series and the listening tour, staff at the Times are seeking to spend more time inland. We know a lot of people are going straight to Indiana, going to Kentucky, rural Connecticut, rural South Carolina, where theres just a lot of jobs, anywhere theres an Amazon warehouse, Neel said. Those are the types of stories we wanted to follow.

Back in Springfield, Neel and her team held their event, albeit virtually; local police couldnt guarantee the meetings safety. Before Trump and Vance made their remarks, the session was intended to focus on infrastructure strains in the communitya topic that the paper has often encountered in its reporting. In recent years, almost twenty thousand people have arrived in Springfield, a town of just under sixty thousand. But the agenda for the meeting changed. Once all these bomb threats and the pets and cats or whatever started going on, it was clear that the focus had to be on providing information about racism, Neel said.

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She invited Sharon Wright Austin, a professor of African American studies at the University of Florida, to discuss the long history of anti-Black immigration policies and how Haitian immigrants specifically have triggered their creation or been used as test cases. A lot of the people in Springfield who are not really familiar with the way things are in America are maybe thinking, Wow, they hate us, Wright Austin said at the start of her presentation. But its not just your group. This is something thats typical of the way immigrants of color have been treated. Wright Austin, who has taught classes on Caribbean migration, used almost half of the ninety-minute session to chart a history of the different waves of Haitian migration to the US.

I always say to the team here that in the national discourse in America, so much time covering immigration and policy is spent on who gets in the door and who has to stay back, Neel said. To me, the story of immigration, a lot of it, doesnt even start until you are inside America. Assimilation and the meeting of different cultures has always fascinated her the most. This is where people are making sacrifices to build an entire new life, and this is where you have the people who were born here getting a new opportunity to decide what kind of person they want to be, she says.

In recent days, the intense national spotlight on the Haitian community in Springfield has dimmed somewhat, but it is still making headlines: among other stories, two organizations that represent Haitian diaspora groups are now suing Vance and Trump for violations of civil rights. Tonight, Vance will take his turn on the debate stage; Springfield could easily come up again. Whatever happens, the Times will be covering Americas Haitian diaspora long after the election-year glare subsides.



Other notable stories:

Ahead of the vice presidential debate between Vance and Tim Walz on CBS, CJRs Meghnad Bose and the Tow Centers Dhrumil Mehta explored how much the major cable networks have been covering the candidates in recent weeks. In spreading the lie about Haitians eating pets in Ohio, Vance may have succeeded at drawing media attention to his campaigns talking points, Bose and Mehta write. By contrast, interest in Walz has largely tapered off, and he has all but stopped doing interviews with national media, per Bose and Mehta, but the vice presidential debate may offer Walz a chance to reintroduce himselfif he can overcome Vances knack for drawing the spotlight.

Also for CJR, Yona TR Golding reports on legal and regulatory complaints that a coalition of left-wing Israeli human rights organizations has filed accusing Channel 14a right-wing TV network known for its support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahuof airing broadcasts in which pundits and guests have called for war crimes, including genocide, against Palestinians. (A Channel 14 spokesperson described the allegation as grossly defamatory and politically motivated.) Israels attorney general will now have to decide whether to open a criminal probe based on the complaint.

And the satirical site The Onion, which is under new ownership, is bringing back its satirical Onion News Network, which parodies cable news, with a real-life cable-news anchor in the chair: Joshua Johnson, formerly of MSNBC. Johnson said he isnt just there for the laughs, the Washington Posts Will Sommer reports. Instead, hes hoping his ONN segments prod real journalists to reconsider why some media outletspompous and disconnected from their audiencesare so easily parodied.

ICYMI: The life and death of Hassan Nasrallah

Feven Merid is CJRs staff writer and Senior Delacorte Fellow.
T-Mobile has reached a $31.5 million settlement to resolve a probe by the Federal Communications Commission into significant data breaches over three years that impacted tens of millions of U.S. consumers, the agency said on Monday.

T-Mobile will pay a $15.75 million civil penalty and has agreed to spend another $15.75 million over two years to strengthen its cybersecurity program. The FCC said T-Mobile suffered data breaches in 2021, 2022 and 2023 that impacted millions of current, former or prospective T-Mobile customers.

The 2021 breach alone impacted 76.6 million U.S. consumers while a 2023 breach impacted 37 million, the FCC said.

The FCC said T-Mobile, the nations third largest wireless carrier with 119.7 million customers, will address foundational security flaws, work to improve cyber hygiene, and adopt robust modern architectures, like zero trust and phishing-resistant multi-factor authentication.

Todays mobile networks are top targets for cybercriminals, said FCC Chairwoman Jessica Rosenworcel. We will continue to send a strong message to providers entrusted with this delicate information that they need to beef up their systems or there will be consequences.

T-Mobile did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Earlier this month, the FCC said AT&T had agreed to pay $13 million to resolve an investigation over a data breach of a cloud vendor in January 2023 that impacted 8.9 million AT&T wireless customers.

AT&T disclosed in July a separate massive hacking incident in April that resulted in the illegal downloading of about 109 million customer accounts that is under FCC investigation.

In July, the FCC said Verizons TracFone Wireless agreed to pay $16 million over data breaches and implement reforms.

(Reporting by Shepardson; Editing by Leslie Adler)
A jury has ruled in favor of three women who alleged they were sexually abused while patients at a Virginia childrens hospital, awarding them a total of $300 million in damages.

The jury in Richmond Circuit Court last week awarded each woman $60 million in compensatory damages and $40 million in punitive damages, WTVR-TV reported.

A total of 46 former patients sued the Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents in New Kent, which treats vulnerable children, and Dr. Daniel Davidow, the hospitals longtime medical director. In this first trial, the three former patients alleged that Davidow inappropriately touched them during femoral pulse exams.

To have a group of people  a group of strangers  to look at them, to listen to them, to tell them that they believe them, that they believe in them, it broke them down, it broke them down in tears immediately, said Kevin Biniazan, the womens lawyer. It brook us all down in tears.

Davidows attorney, Bob Donnelly, told the jury during opening statements that Davidow unequivocally denies the sexual assault allegations. Donnelly said the femoral pulse exam conducted by Davidow dates back to the 1960s and 1970s and is a standard examination.

Davidow was acquitted of felony sex abuse charges against two other former patients after a criminal trial in April.

The next civil trial is scheduled in March.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
MAYFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Best Buy management reported Sept. 23 that a man had exchanged a fake cell phone for a new phone and was also given $129 for the difference in cost.

They said the man had bought a $1,400 phone from the store around 1:45 p.m. He returned to the store about 30 minutes later and returned the phone for another model.

At that time, they did not notice that he had carefully opened and removed the first phone from the box and replaced it with a fake phone.

They then learned that possibly the same man had gone to the Best Buy Mentor location and tried to return another fake phone with the receipt from the Mayfield Heights location.

At the time of the report, Mentor police had arrested four people involved in the theft. One was the suspect from the theft in Mayfield Heights.

The Michigan man, 22, was found to be reported as a missing person out of Detroit.

Charges for theft by deception and unlawful use of a communication device were filed against him.

Read more news from the Sun Messenger.
Press Release

October 1, 2024 STATEMENT OF SEN. WIN GATCHALIAN ON THE VERDICT OF THE ATIO CASTILLO HAZING CASE I welcome the Manila Regional Trial Court Branch 11's guilty verdict on the ten Aegis Juris fratmen involved in the hazing and death of University of Santo Tomas law freshman Horacio 'Atio' Castillo III. The road to justice has been long and challenging, especially for Atio's family who waited seven years for this day to come, but today marks a victory for the rule of law against the evil of hazing. The death of Atio sparked public outrage and calls for justice, which ultimately led to the passage of the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 (Republic Act No. 11053). Despite this law, it is tragic that some of our fellow Filipinos still die due to hazing. From 2014 to 2024, mass media reported 17 deaths from hazing, the most recent being a Grade 11 student from Nueva Vizcaya. Alongside the pursuit of justice for other hazing victims, we must also ensure that our institutions, including schools and law enforcement agencies, work diligently to eliminate hazing. Ang hamon sa bansa ay tiyaking wala nang kapwa Pilipino ang mamatay nang wala sa oras dahil sa mga walang kabuluhang karahasan.
Rescuers dig through the rubble of a building, a day after it was hit in an Israeli strike, in the southern Lebanese village of Ain El Delb on September 30, 2024. Mahmoud Zayyat | Afp | Getty Images

Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah militants and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries. The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006. The Israeli military said in a brief statement that it began "limited, localized and targeted ground raids" against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," it said. There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months. Israel has said it will continue to strike the group until it is safe for displaced Israelis from border communities to return to their homes. Ahead of the Israeli announcement, United States officials said Israel launched small ground raids inside Lebanon, and Israel declared three small border communities to be a "closed military zone," restricting access only to army personnel. There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants. But throughout the evening, Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut. Smoke rose from the capital's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

Israel launches risky phase of fighting

Israel has been emboldened by its recent battlefield gains against Hezbollah and appears intent on delivering a knockout blow to its archenemy. But a ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon, where hundreds have been killed in recent Israeli strikes and hundreds of thousands have been displaced. Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate.

A view of debris of the building, where Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah lost his life, after Israeli army's airstrike, carried out by F-35 fighter jets, in Dahieh, Beirut, Lebanon on September 29, 2024. Anadolu | Anadolu | Getty Images

Both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown. While Hezbollah has built up a formidable arsenal, Israel has invested great sums into training and intelligence gathering. Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollah's top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the group's upper echelons. Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses. The group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced. The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollah's political affairs.

Israel shifts attention from Gaza to Lebanon

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds. Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas' cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials. Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Oct. 8 in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since then, coming close to a full-fledged war on several occasions but stepping back from the brink. In recent weeks, Israel's war against against Hamas has scaled back and it turned its focus northward toward Lebanon, stepping up the attacks on Hezbollah. Israeli leaders say they want Hezbollah to implement the U.S. resolution that ended the 2006 war, which required the group to withdraw some 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the Israeli border.

Key setbacks for Hezbollah
CNBC's Jim Cramer on Monday told investors why he's optimistic about Starbucks , reviewing the bull and bear cases for the stock recently released by different analysts.

"I'm a bull on Starbucks with this new CEO," he said. "I think he's got such a great track record that he's more than earned the benefit of the doubt."

The ailing coffee change announced a change of management last month, replacing CEO Laxman Narasimhan with former Chipotle CEO Brian Niccol. Starbucks saw sales decline over the past few quarters, and shares fell more than 20% during Narasimhan's time in the role, according to CNBC. Niccol spearheaded Chipotle's turnaround after a series of foodborne illness incidents, and the Mexican chain managed to see traffic and sales climb recently even as peer restaurants report a tough consumer landscape.

Cramer compared a bearish downgrade from Jefferies and a bullish upgrade from Bernstein, as both firms posted analyses last week. Jefferies analysts argued that Starbucks' business will take time to bounce back, and these turnaround efforts will be expensive and potentially hurt its earnings power in the short term.

Meanwhile, Bernstein analysts argued Starbucks' new leadership could significantly increase earnings potential, and the turnaround may not need to be completed in order for the stock to perform. Bernstein's team were more focused on Starbucks' gains in the long term than in the next few years. However, both analyst teams agreed that Starbucks should lower its earnings estimates for 2025.

Cramer reviewed Niccol's work at Chipotle, remarking that the CEO was able to improve aspects of the business that Starbucks needs to work on, such as digital ordering infrastructure and more effective throughput.

"Like the bulls at Bernstein, I'm willing to look through a weak year if it means Starbucks can come out the other side much stronger, and I believe Brian Niccol can pull that off," he said. "Doesn't mean the stock won't sell-off if management lowers expectations  something that I do expect  it just means I'd recommend buying more Starbucks into weakness."

Starbucks did not immediately respond to request for comment.
Covestro's headquarters in Leverkusen, Germany. The company has adjusted its full year guidance for 2022, citing a number of factors.

Abu Dhabi's state-owned oil firm ADNOC on Tuesday said it has agreed to buy German chemicals firm Covestro for 14.7 billion euros ($16.4 billion).

ADNOC, short for the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, will launch a 62 euros-per-share voluntary public takeover that implies an equity value for Covestro of around 11.7 billion euros and represents a premium of around 54% to Covestro's closing price on June 19, Covestro said in a statement.

Covestro shares were trading 3.7% higher as of 10:09 a.m. London time.

The deal represents an enterprise value of 14.7 billion euros, ADNOC said in a separate statement. It added that the transaction is key for the firm's international growth strategy of becoming a top-five chemicals player.

"As a global leader and industrial pioneer in chemicals, Covestro brings unmatched expertise in high-tech specialty chemicals and materials, using advanced technologies including AI," said Sultan Ahmed al-Jaber, group CEO and managing director of ADNOC.

Covestro, a former unit of Bayer , manufactures polymer materials for construction and engineering processes. Its products are used in sectors such as sports, telecommunications, as well as in the chemical industry.

As part of the deal, ADNOC also signed an investment agreement in which it pledged to provide additional funding by buying 1.17 billion euros worth of new shares of Covestro from a capital increase.
A bell during the listing ceremony of Ola Electric Mobility at the National Stock Exchange in Mumbai, India, on Friday, Aug. 9, 2024.

Food delivery platforms, jewelry companies  and even an electric scooter manufacturer.

More consumer-centric companies are looking to capitalize on India's booming stock market and strong economic growth, by going public.

India's benchmark indexes broke record highs throughout the year, with the Nifty 50 and BSE Sensex climbing 19% and 17%, respectively, according to LSEG data.

The South Asian country is now set to emerge as the world's third-largest consumer market by 2027, according to a report by BMI, backed by strong growth from consumer-focused companies in sectors ranging from healthcare, transportation and consumer staples.

"After a decade, India's growth story is now likely to be driven by private consumption. With a better macro outlook, the risk appetite for investors for business to consumer companies have gone higher," said Atul Singh, CEO and managing director of wealth management firm LGT Wealth India.

"Private consumption is coming back after more than a decade. It may have started with large corporations like Reliance and Adani , but the positive macro story is driving more business to consumer companies to list," Singh told CNBC in an interview.

India had 238 listings in 2023, reaching a nine-year high with 614 billion Indian rupees ($7.35 billion), according to FactSet data. The research platform showed that there have already been 264 IPOs so far this year.

Transportation

Among the names making headlines for its IPO is Hyundai Motor India, which aims to raise $3 billion from its IPO listing. This would surpass the listing of state-owned Life Insurance Corporations' at $2.7 billion, potentially making Hyundai Motor India's IPO the country's largest.

This comes hot on the heels of the listing of Ola Electric in August. Shares of the electric two-wheeler manufacturer, surged 20% in its market debut. The company priced its shares at 76 rupees (91 cents), raising over $730 million in its initial public offering.
U.S. crude oil prices rose more than 2% on Tuesday, coming off session highs as traders assessed whether a missile attack by Iran against Israel would lead to further escalation in Middle East.

"There has been a lot of complacency about this war," Helima Croft, head of global commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, told CNBC's "The Exchange." Traders have largely dismissed the threat of oil supply disruptions from simmering tensions in the Middle East, she said.

The question now is whether Israel might target Iran's nuclear facilities or oil infrastructure in response to the attack, Croft said. Iran is producing at a five-year high of over 3 million barrels per day, she said.

"We do need to think about a scenario where Iranian oil supplies are at risk," Croft said.

Here are Tuesday's closing energy prices:

The Israel Defense Forces identified about 180 missiles fired from Iran toward Israel. Most of the missiles were intercepted, though several hits have been identified, an Israeli security official told NBC News.

The IDF is assessing the situation and is not currently aware of any casualties, said military spokesman Daniel Hagari.

"This attack will have consequences," Hagari said. A senior White House official told NBC News earlier that the U.S. would help defend Israel and warned Iran that an attack would "carry severe consequences."

Tensions in the Middle East have dramatically escalated over the past week, as Israel has pounded the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah with airstrikes, killing the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Israel dispatched ground forces into southern Lebanon on Tuesday.
Sumit Dhawan, CEO of Proofpoint, took the reins as head of the cybersecurity company in 2022, a year after it was acquired by Thoma Bravo for $12.3 billion. He's been pushing the firm to consider strategic opportunities such as mergers and acquisitions of smaller cybersecurity players to boost the company's market expansion and stimulate industry consolidation.

LONDON  Privately-held cybersecurity firm Proofpoint is exploring tapping external investors for pre-IPO financing and the consideration of mergers and acquisitions of smaller cyber companies as it seeks a return to public markets in 2026, CEO Sumit Dhawan told CNBC.

"We are looking at potentially exploring public markets sometime in the next 12 to 18 months," Dhawan, who took the reins as Proofpoint's newly appointed chief in November 2023, over two years after the company was acquired by private equity firm Thoma Bravo.

Dhawan added that the timing of Proofpoint's IPO would still remain dependent on general market conditions as well as the outcome of the 2024 U.S. presidential election.

Since Proofpoint's 2021 buyout by Thoma Bravo and Dhawan's subsequent appointment as CEO, company management has been pushing the firm to consider strategic opportunities such as mergers and acquisitions of smaller cybersecurity firms to stimulate industry consolidation.

Noting that there are currently too many players in the cybersecurity market, Dhawan said that Proofpoint is looking for acquisition targets that offer a "strategic fit" for the company  for the right price.

"It's happened in many other technology spaces  it happened with infrastructure, it has happened in the application platform space  where you start building fewer providers but richer platforms and, as a result, there will be consolidation," Dhawan told CNBC in an exclusive interview this week.

"There are at this point in time, 2,000 or so non-profitable cybersecurity companies that are venture-backed, so clearly they'll either get consolidated or potentially not exist. Because there's no way any market can have that many players. So it's going to happen, it's bound to happen."
Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris speaks onstage during a campaign event, in Las Vegas, Nevada, U.S., September 29, 2024.

Harris campaign surrogates are planning a series of stops with small businesses in at least six battleground states this week, according to a preview of the announcement first obtained by CNBC on Tuesday.

Harris will not be attending these specific events herself. The campaign said "elected officials" and "community leaders" will go in her place, but did not specify who the surrogates will be.

The campaign tour, titled "Small Business for Harris-Walz," is billed in part as an appeal to Black and Latino communities, key voter demographics that were essential to Democrats' 2020 victory but have begun to slip in favor of Republican nominee Donald Trump this election cycle.

Trump has been working to capitalize on that momentum.

"If you're Black or Hispanic, thank you very much, vote for Trump. You'll be in good shape," he said at a Georgia rally last Tuesday.

This week's small business tour is the Harris campaign's latest effort to quell Trump's gains.

President Joe Biden ran a similar playbook when he was expected to be the Democratic presidential nominee before he dropped out of the race in July.

In December, for example, he touted the gains of Black-owned and Latino-owned small businesses under his administration as a way to highlight his efforts to close the racial wealth gap and to win back voters who felt nostalgic for the pre-pandemic economy that Trump oversaw.

Harris is adopting that argument for her own campaign, working to draw a similar contrast with her Republican opponent.

"Vice President Harris has proven that she will be a champion for small business," Richard Garcia, the Harris campaign's small business engagement director, wrote in a statement Tuesday. "Unlike Donald Trump who is only fighting for himself."

Over the next week, the Harris campaign will extend that pitch specifically to small businesses in Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, and Pennsylvania. The campaign plans to host a variety of organizing events, volunteer trainings and house parties.

So far, Harris has proposed giving small businesses a $50,000 tax deduction for their startup expenses, a tenfold expansion from the current $5,000 deduction. She has also floated a 28% tax on long-term capital gains, a lower rate than Biden's 40% tax proposal in order to reward "investment in America's innovators, founders and small businesses."
An Impulse employee works on assembling a Mira vehicle. Impulse Space

Los Angeles-based space startup Impulse, which is led by renowned rocket specialist Tom Mueller, has raised $150 million in a new fundraising round led by venture capital firm Founders Fund. Impulse is scaling a product line of orbital transfer vehicles  colloquially known as "space tugs"  and so far is building two, the smaller Mira and the larger Helios. While rockets get satellites and payloads into orbit, like an airplane carrying passengers to a metro area, space tugs deliver them to specific destinations, like taxis taking those passengers home from the airport.

Mueller, the first employee of SpaceX who spent nearly two decades developing engines for CEO Elon Musk, told CNBC that the funds will secure Impulse Space's future. Mueller founded Impulse three years ago after leaving SpaceX and leads the company as CEO. "This means that we're sufficiently funded through the development of Helios and the upgraded version Mira and out past the first flights of both of these products," Mueller said.

Tom Mueller delivering the commencement speech at the University of Idaho in 2018. University of Idaho

Impulse flew its first mission, called LEO Express-1, with a Mira vehicle carrying and deploying a small satellite. Launched in November, Impulse declared full mission success in July after a variety of additional demonstrations, with Mueller arguing it was "probably the most successful orbital transfer vehicle debut in history." "That success really helped with this raise, as well as all the customer engagement that we're getting," Mueller said. The company has a backlog of contracts from both commercial and government customers  ranging from standard satellite deliveries to building the propulsion system for a private space station to demonstrating the capabilities of its Helios vehicle in the distant geosynchronous orbit for the U.S. Space Force. A wide swath of venture investors joined the company's $150 million round including: Airbus Ventures, Alumni Ventures, Balerion Space Ventures, Lux Capital, RTX Ventures, Spring Tide, Tamarack Global, 137 Ventures, DCVC, Elysium, First Principles Group, Island Green, Overmatch and Trousdale Ventures. The new round brings Impulse's total fundraising to $225 million to date, the company said.

A Mira vehicle in orbit during the LEO Express-1 mission that launched November 2023, with several pairs of its Saiph thrusters visible. Impulse Space

Impulse's next mission, LEO Express-2, is set to launch later this year. Then it plans to launch an updated version of its Mira vehicle in late 2025, perform a demo mission with Helios by mid-2026 and debut its "GEO Rideshare" missions by 2027, according to the company.

Tapping reusable rockets, Starship or not

In Mueller's view, while SpaceX reduced the cost to launch mass to orbit, the in-space delivery systems on the market are lacking. And there's more launch capacity coming, with large reusable rockets in development by Rocket Lab , Blue Origin, Relativity and others. "There's a lot of cost and efficiency to be gained  [with] a reliable solution for any customer who wants to move things around in space," Mueller said.

A Mira vehicle at the company's Redondo Beach headquarters. Impulse Space

While he said he started Impulse "really based on what I thought Starship could do commercially," Mueller noted that "now we're finding out that [SpaceX is] probably not going to fly commercially for maybe another five years and there's not a lot of information yet on what the arrangements will be." SpaceX continues to develop its monstrous Starship rocket system, with increasingly ambitious test flights by prototypes. The rocket is crucial for the company's future, whether that's deploying its own Starlink satellites or flying high-profile moon missions for NASA. "For now, [we'll be] flying on Falcon 9 and the medium launch vehicles," Mueller added. Headquartered in Redondo Beach, California, Impulse currently has about 140 employees and plans to expand to more than 200 next year as it scales Mira and Helios production. The company does most of its design, manufacturing, assembly and even engine test firing at its 60,000-square-foot facility. Mueller noted that the current Impulse facility allows the company to scale to producing at least 10 of its Mira spacecraft a year before it needs to expand. "We feel good right now. Got that [fundraising] behind us, so it's head down and make progress now," Mueller said.
Cars sit submerged in a flooded area at a used tire dealer after Tropical Storm Helene in Hendersonville, North Carolina, U.S., September 27, 2024. Ken Ruinard | Via Reuters

Long lines for gas. Shelters at capacity. More than 300 road closings. A severely damaged water system that could take weeks to repair. Hundreds of miles from where it made landfall in Florida's Big Bend, Hurricane Helene caused unprecedented damage in western North Carolina, where at least 49 people have died and dozens of others are missing. "The devastation was beyond belief," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said at a news conference Monday afternoon. "And even when you prepare for something like this, this is something that's never happened before in western North Carolina." The Federal Emergency Management Agency reported Monday that it had delivered about 1 million liters of water and more than 600,000 meals to North Carolina. More than 5,000 households have contacted FEMA to apply for assistance by phone and online. FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell, who joined Cooper in Asheville on Monday, said more than 1,200 federal workers are now on the ground, responding to one of the worst disasters in North Carolina's history, vowing: "We are going to be here as long as it takes to finish this response and continue through the recovery." But some residents have criticized what they view as a lack of preparation for the catastrophic storm.

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Devonna Brown, an Asheville business owner, said she felt the city failed its residents. "They should have been more prepared. They knew that this storm was coming," she said. "We're very frustrated by it. I mean, there's no way to get in, no way to get out." Sara Legatski, another Asheville business owner, said officials should have expressed more urgency and brought in emergency water supplies earlier. "There should have been a more urgent call for people to be prepared," she said. "Were they stationing water off the mountain ready to be trucked up here, knowing how fragile our water system is? None of this is a surprise. Anyone acting like this is a surprise has not been here long enough and is not from the mountains and does not understand how water works." Spokespeople for the city and Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, didn't immediately respond to requests for comment about residents' criticisms. Cooper said at a news conference Monday that people are working nonstop to provide food, water and help. He said flooding and continuously rising rivers have prevented first responders from entering some communities.

Ed McMahon watches traffic along Catawba Ave. in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Sean Rayford | Getty Images

At a news conference earlier Monday, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder expressed frustration with what she described as a slow response to requests for supplies. More from NBC News: Israel announces invasion of southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah

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Claudia Sheinbaum to be sworn in as Mexico's first female president "We've been asking for water, and we're just getting water, and it's still in low quantities," she said. "There's a large need in our community, and we would like to see a different response from our state partners, a better response from our state partners," which fulfills those requests through FEMA. At Monday's White House briefing, homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall told reporters that FEMA focused its pre-positioning efforts in the Big Bend, Florida, area and that the effort saved lives. Post-landfall, it "surged capacity to where it was needed the most." She noted that western North Carolina has now been identified as the area that was hit most acutely. Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican who represents western North Carolina, said state emergency officials can't tell him where 400 pallets of food and water from FEMA intended for hurricane relief have gone. Edwards' staff says two counties in particular, Haywood and McDowell, desperately need water. FEMA said in a news release that it sent 25 trailer loads of food and 60 trailer loads of water to North Carolina. State officials are now distributing them, but Edwards' staff says it hasn't been able to find out where they are going or when. A state official told Edwards' team by email Sunday that the state is leaving any announcements about where food and water will be distributed up to the counties. "If the public is just told water etc was dropped off at point X we could see people actually fighting over who gets what," the official said.

An aerial picture taken on September 28, 2024, shows storm damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Valdosta, Georgia. John Falchetto | Afp | Getty Images

Asked by NBC News on Monday whether FEMA knows what happened to the water and why it's not quickly getting to those who need it most, Criswell said the agency was "sending as many resources as they're asking" for and trying to "to push water in." "It's going to take all of us to come together to make sure, understand where the communities are that maybe we haven't gotten to yet get those resources to them," she said. NBC News also asked FEMA spokesperson Jaclyn Rothenberg about a request for more resources that was sent out Sept. 17, which cited a "severe shortfall" in some disaster response teams. Rothenberg acknowledged that staffing had been an issue. "It is true we are operating a lot of missions across a lot of disasters," she said, which is why the agency put out a call in mid-September for what it called a "surge capacity force." On Monday, about three days after Helene hit Florida as a Category 4 storm, survivors in North Carolina were scrounging for food and clean water and shuffling from shelter to shelter.

A storm damaged car rests on a house in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Sean Rayford | Getty Images

The hurricane, which immediately followed a rainstorm that dumped more than half a foot of rain in parts of western North Carolina, was downgraded to a tropical storm on its way north and triggered mudslides, felled trees, destroyed bridges, breached roads and left thousands without power, officials said. "The damage is severe," state Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said. "This is an all-hands-on-deck type of event." Meanwhile, water, electricity and cellphone service outages remain widespread across Buncombe County and other parts of western North Carolina, officials said. Ben Woody, Asheville's assistant city manager, said essential infrastructure in the city has been damaged, including its water system. "The damage to the Asheville water system is catastrophic  we have a severely damaged water system." More than 11,000 people have requested help trying to locate loved ones they've been unable to reach because of spotty cellphone service, said Drew Reisinger, Buncombe County's register of deeds. Officials have narrowed the number to 150 priority missing persons cases  most of them elderly people or those who are medically dependent  with crews being deployed to homes and elsewhere trying to track them down, Reisinger said. State and federal officials said Monday that crews were also working frantically to distribute water, restore cellphone service and repair damage to utility infrastructure and to more than 300 roadways that remain closed across the state, most of them in western North Carolina.

Utility companies work to restore power in the wake of Hurricane Helene in Perry, Florida, U.S., September 29, 2024. Kathleen Flynn | Reuters
Indian Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles Shri Piyush Goyal is talking to media on EU-India trade relations. India will waive tariffs on industrial imports from four European nations for a $100 billion investment over 15 years, ending nearly 16 years of negotiations.

India will fabricate its first chip in two years, Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal told CNBC during a one-on-one interview in New York.

India's push into semiconductors comes as more U.S. chipmakers set their sights on India. Nvidia , AMD , Micron are among the U.S. companies that have pledged to expand in the country.

"I'm in touch with the Micron CEO regularly, and they are making good progress," Goyal said.

Goyal added that Indian behemoth Tata and other domestic companies are working to make India's semiconductor dream a reality.

It's unlikely India will manufacture the most cutting-edge chips without the expertise of companies like Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC ) and Samsung which build some of the world's most advanced chips.

"It is a tough job, but we have the talent, we have the skills," said Goyal. The minister referenced a recent trip to Silicon Valley where he visited several U.S. semiconductor companies and "saw tons of Indians working on the shop floor [and] on management teams," recounts Goyal.

The minister, spearheading U.S. corporation expansion efforts under Prime Minister Narendra Modi, is confident India will be able to deliver the first chip by 2026-2027.

Apple has already found success in India as it has looked to diversify its supply chain away from China. Goyal says 14% of the world's iPhones are manufactured in India, with that number "expected to grow." Apple increased assembly in the country in the last two years while boosting its retail presence to attract new iPhone buyers. And according to Goyal, Indian customers are increasingly opting for the more expensive iPhones.

Apple has also begun manufacturing other products, including iPads, AirPods and Apple Watches in the country. "They're increasing production," Goyal added.

Apple's expansion efforts in India have brought 150,000 jobs across manufacturing facilities in India, making it the biggest employer in the country's electronics industry, according to India's Commerce department. An Apple spokesperson was not immediately available to comment.

Apple's foray into India comes amid ongoing growth challenges in China.

On the recent bout of optimism around China's economic story and the latest stimulus measures, Goyal suggested that India's success is not predicated on China's troubles.

"India is not dependent on China. We stand on our own competencies, on our capabilities, and we believe we an offering that is far superior to China," said Goyal.

Goyal met with a few Wall Street investors on Monday including executives from BlackRock , Warburg Pincus and KKR. Goyal said almost all the U.S. private equity players are looking to build and develop data centers across the country.

Google , Microsoft and Nvidia are among the tech companies that are bringing artificial intelligence expertise to India, which Modi's government has been receptive to. But analysts warn that India must continue tackling larger issues including poor infrastructure, bureaucracy and red tape that have slowed down corporate expansion plans.
TOKYO, JAPAN - SEPTEMBER 06: Japanese former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba speaks during a press conference at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan on September 06, 2024 in Tokyo, Japan. Ishiba and former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi are the front runners in the race of the upcoming presidential election for the ruling Liberal Democratic party of Japan (LDP) according to recent polling. (Photo by Tomohiro Ohsumi/Getty Images)

Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba on Tuesday unveiled his cabinet as he seeks to heal party divisions and secure a national mandate with an Oct. 27 snap election.

The 67-year-old former defence minister, who last week won a close-fought contest to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), was confirmed earlier in the day as prime minister by parliament. He is scheduled to hold his first press conference later in the day in Tokyo.

The Ishiba administration's approach to diplomacy with Japan's closest ally, the United States, will be in focus, as he has repeatedly called for a more balanced relationship with Washington.

He has also proposed creating an Asian version of the collective security group NATO to deter China, an idea that could draw ire from Beijing and has already been dismissed by a senior U.S. official as hasty.

Ishiba must quell simmering anger at home over rising living costs and a sluggish economy, and navigate a volatile security environment in East Asia fuelled by an increasingly assertive China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

The veteran lawmaker, seen as somewhat of a party outsider who failed at four previous leadership bids, has named a mix of rivals and allies and to a cabinet of 20 ministers that includes only two women, fewer than half the previous administration.

Among the men are two leadership rivals in key positions, Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi to stay on as chief cabinet secretary, a post that includes the role of top government spokesman, the government announced.

The appointment of Kato, a proponent of former premier Shinzo Abe's "Abenomics" expansionary fiscal and monetary policies, appears to be a balancing act to alleviate concerns over the next cabinet's economic strategy.

The Nikkei stock index fell nearly 5% on Monday in reaction to a surging yen following Ishiba's win over Sanae Takaichi, a monetary dove and fiscal expansionist, in Friday's leadership contest. The index recovered ground on Tuesday.

A close Ishiba ally, Takeshi Iwaya, a former defence chief, will take over as foreign minister, while Gen Nakatani will return to the defence ministry, a position he held in 2016. Yoji Muto, a former junior minister, will take charge at the economy, trade and industry ministry.

In his victory speech on Friday, he spoke about the need to beef up Japan's security after recent territorial incursions by Chinese and Russian military vessels.
Former President Jimmy Carter has defied odds and is officially 100 years old today  and he credits his longevity to the strong relationships in his life, especially his marriage.

James Earl Carter, Jr., more commonly known as Jimmy Carter, served as the 39th U.S. president from 1977 to 1981. He's outlived all presidents in U.S. history, earning the distinction of being the oldest former president.

In 2019, Carter told People Magazine that he never expected to live as long as he has: "It's hard to live until you're 95 years old."

In February of 2023, President Carter entered home hospice care after several hospital stays over the years, following his cancer diagnosis in 2015.

"I just thought I had a few weeks left, but I was surprisingly at ease," he said during a press conference in 2015. "I've had a full life, I have thousands of friends  so I was surprisingly at ease, much more so than my wife was."

What's his secret to living a long and happy life? Who he married. He and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 at 96 years old, kept each other going.

When asked what he believed helps people live longer, he said to People: "I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse: someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life."

Married for 77 years, the former president and first lady didn't have longevity in mind, he told People; they were simply looking for ways to serve their community and pour into each other.

Their love story began when the two met at Plains United Methodist Church in their hometown of Plains, Georgia, Mr. Carter told The Washington Post. He asked her on a date to the movies, and told his mom that he was going to marry Rosalynn the next morning, he said in his interview with The Post.

They went on to share four children and a total of 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

The two also founded The Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization devoted to improving lives, in 1982. Since then, the center has built thousands of homes in more than ten countries alongside Habitat for Humanity.
Mark Rutte, incoming secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), during a transition ceremony at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Mark Rutte, the affable and meticulous former Dutch premier, has a daunting task ahead to keep the defense alliance a global force. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

As the Netherlands' former Prime Minister Mark Rutte becomes the new General Secretary of NATO on Tuesday, his leadership skills will be put to the test quickly as the bloc confronts both external threats and vulnerabilities within the alliance. Rutte, a figurehead in Dutch politics for several decades and prime minister from 2010 to 2024, is well-known as a consummate diplomat and consensus-builder, able to keep often disparate parties and lawmakers on side. Ascribed the nickname "Teflon Mark," Rutte has been adept at avoiding political crises at home during his career and he's likely to need those skills  and adeptness at managing often tricky geopolitical personalities and relationships  to navigate testing times for the NATO alliance. Not only is the bloc facing the ongoing challenge of the Russia-Ukraine war  a conflict which shows no signs of ending as Russia commits more troops and spending to the fight  but also heightened tensions with superpower China, and "rogue states" North Korea and Iran. The Western military bloc also faces uncertainties closer to home, most significantly with the U.S. presidential election next month and the potential for a second term in office for former President Donald Trump, a man who has openly criticized and berated NATO members' spending and the alliance's posture when it comes to its main adversary, Russia.

Signalling he would put his powers of persuasion into practice in his new role, Rutte said Tuesday that he would be looking to encourage NATO's 32 members to increase defense spending  a perennial bugbear between member states despite it having broadly improved among member states in recent years, data shows  and to keep the transatlantic bond in the alliance "rock solid." "As Secretary General, I will work on three main priorities," Rutte said as he took over the reins from Jens Stoltenberg during a handover ceremony in Brussels. "The first is to keep NATO strong and to ensure our defenses remain effective and credible against all threats. For this we need more forces with better capabilities and faster innovation, this requires more investment, because to do more we must spend more," he said. "There is no cost-free alternative," he added. Rutte said his second priority is to step up support for Ukraine and "to bring it ever-closer to NATO" saying Europe's security depended on an "strong, independent Ukraine." His third priority is to strengthen partnerships within the alliance, particularly with the European Union and countries around the world with similar values, Rutte said. "Our security has to be a team effort," Rutte noted. Commenting on the threat posed by Russia, after repeated warnings by Russian President Vladimir Putin that Moscow is willing to use nuclear weapons if its territory is threatened by Western powers backing Ukraine, Rutte said he didn't believe there was any immediate risk. "We hear regular threats from the Kremlin and it's true that Putin's nuclear rhetoric is reckless and irresponsible, but at the same time let me make it absolutely clear we do not see any imminent threat of nuclear weapons being used," Rutte told reporters later Tuesday.

Geopolitical analysts say Rutte faces a raft of challenges as he takes over the military alliance, with immediate tasks including ensuring Ukraine is as strong as possible before probable peace talks with Russia, ensuring crucial defense spending increases among member states and mitigating any fallout from the U.S. election. "As NATO secretary-general, Rutte will face a different set of challenges" to when he was PM, Armida van Rij, senior research fellow in the Europe Programme at Chatham House said in analysis last week. "Externally, there is a revisionist Russia and an assertive China. Internally, there are challenges to democracy within the alliance and depleted military supplies. The alliance has just undergone a period of transformation and developed new regional plans through a new force model, which still need to be adequately resourced," she noted.

Jens Stoltenberg, outgoing secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) right, shakes hands with Mark Rutte, incoming secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO), during a transition ceremony at the NATO headquarters in Brussels, Belgium, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

Oana Lungescu, distinguished fellow and former NATO spokesperson at the Royal United Services Institute defence and security think tank, commented that, when it comes to defense spending, Rutte will have to "make a strong case not just about figures and percentages, but about the concrete capabilities that are needed to keep NATO nations safe in a dangerous world," she said in emailed comments Monday. The possibility of another U.S. administration led by former President and Republican candidate Donald Trump also poses a potential challenge for Rutte, although on Monday he insisted he would be happy to work with either Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris, adding that he had good relations with both. "I'm not worried. I know both candidates very well," Rutte told reporters, adding: "I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more [on defense], and he achieved because indeed, at the moment, we are now at a much higher spending level than we were when he took office," Rutte noted. "Kamala Harris has a fantastic record as vice president. She's a highly respected leader, so I will be able to work with both," he said.

U.S. President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Jens Stoltenberg, Secretary General of NATO as they attend the NATO summit at the Grove Hotel on December 4, 2019 in Watford, England. Dan Kitwood | Getty Images
BARCELONA, SPAIN - MARCH 01: A view of the MasterCard company logo on their stand during the Mobile World Congress on March 1, 2017 in Barcelona, Spain. (Photo by Joan Cros Garcia/Corbis via Getty Images)

Mastercard said Tuesday that it's agreed to acquire Minna Technologies, a software firm that makes it easier for consumers to manage their subscriptions.

The move comes as Mastercard and its primary payment network rival Visa are rapidly attempting to expand beyond their core credit and debit card businesses into technology services, such as cybersecurity, fraud prevention, and pay-by-bank payments.

Mastercard declined to disclose financial details of the transaction which is currently subject to a regulatory review.

The payments giant said that the deal, along with other initiatives it's committed to around subscriptions, will allow it to give consumers a way to access all their subscriptions in a single view  whether inside your banking app or a central "hub."

Minna Technologies, which is based in Gothenburg, Sweden, develops technology that helps consumers manage subscriptions within their banking apps and websites, regardless of which payment method they used for their subscriptions.

The company said it works with some of the world's largest financial institutions in the world today. It already counts Mastercard as a key partner as well as its rival Visa .

"These teams and technologies will add to the broader set of tools that help manage the merchant-consumer relationship and minimize any disruption in their experience," Mastercard said in a blog post Tuesday.

Consumers today often have tons of subscriptions to manage across multiple services such as Netflix, Amazon and Disney Plus. Owning multiple subscriptions can make it difficult to cancel them as consumers can end up losing track of which subscriptions they're paying for and when.

Mastercard noted that this can have a negative impact on merchants because consumers who aren't able to easily cancel their subscriptions end up calling on their banks to request a block on payments being taken.
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A logo of US company's Meta is displayed during the Vivatech technology startups and innovation fair, at the Porte de Versailles exhibition center in Paris, on May 22, 2024. Julien De Rosa | Afp | Getty Images

A former Meta staffer who was placed on a "Do Not Hire" list after he stalked and harassed one of the company's employees found himself rehired by the tech giant after it gutted its talent and recruitment department, a lawsuit filed Tuesday says. The suit, filed in New York Supreme Court on behalf of Meta employee James Napoli, accuses the company of violating New York City's human rights law and negligence for hiring the person back. It also accuses the company of retaliation after it allegedly sidelined Napoli and took him off big projects when he raised concerns that the person had been rehired. "I had spoken to my employer about this  on numerous occasions and I was told that he would not be able to enter our offices, that he would not be hired again, and then like, all of a sudden, this guy is reaching out to me [on Meta's internal messaging system]," Napoli, a marketing leader who works out of Meta's New York City office, told CNBC in an interview. "I trusted that my employer would be able to keep me safe, right? Because stalkers and harassers are also workplace hazards And this isn't just a hazard for me, this is a dangerous individual that was let back into the workplace." The lawsuit comes after CEO Mark Zuckerberg announced in March 2023 that Meta would be reducing the size of its recruiting team as part of a larger strategy to cut 21,000 jobs, remove layers of middle management and operate more efficiently. Meta owns Facebook, Instagram, Messenger and WhatsApp. Although Wall Street has responded favorably to Meta's cost-cutting plans, layoffs in the company's customer service and trust and safety teams have made it harder for the social networking giant to respond to concerns from small businesses and influencers, as well as state and local election officials who use Facebook and Instagram, CNBC has previously reported. In the aftermath of Meta's cost-cutting efforts and ensuing layoffs, attorneys for Napoli say in the lawsuit that the company is relying "more heavily on hiring employees through outside contractors" and employs "far fewer recruiters to screen applicants," which has negatively impacted their ability to properly catch red flags. "Meta's employment practices are apparently so chaotic, reckless, and ineffectual that the company fails to keep track of the most fundamental data point in its workplace  the dangerous people who pose a severe risk to Meta's own employees," the lawsuit, filed by attorneys Carrie Goldberg and Peter Romer-Friedman, states. "Yet Meta tells the public and public officials that the company has the ability to safeguard the personal data of billions of children and adults on their platforms." Meta has previously dealt with similar allegations that it's employed workers who have engaged in stalking and related activity. For example, in 2018, the company said it fired a security engineer who allegedly used internal data to stalk women online. Meta didn't immediately respond to request for comment on the lawsuit filed Tuesday.

'Do Not Hire' list

The person accused of stalking Napoli, identified only by the initials "G.F." in the complaint, was a member of Meta's marketing team before he was laid off in November 2022 when the company cut 13% of its staff as part of a larger restructuring. Before the layoffs, G.F. and Napoli occasionally saw each other in meetings but were no more than "work acquaintances," Napoli said. After G.F. lost his job, he reached out to Napoli for support and asked him to get a coffee. During that meeting, the accused stalker started making "disturbing" comments, the filing states. "[He] told me that he hears voices, God talks to him, and God had been talking to him about me since April of that year, and he sent me a list of documents that were his like journal entries over the months," Napoli recalled. Napoli "immediately" reported the incident to his manager and to HR, and says at first he was concerned for G.F.'s well-being. But over the next year, Napoli says, the situation escalated. G.F. began sending Napoli up to 30 messages a day, contacting his family members and referencing Napoli's partner, friends and even his dog, Luigi, in messages. "I am being mind tortured with an A.I tech which I don't know where it's coming from and I am feeling like my love for you is being used for experiences I didn't agree for, while I am being told by spirits that you and I are the two messengers," G.F. wrote in one message to Napoli, according to the complaint. G.F. found out where Napoli lived and "personally delivered a large ream of disturbing writings and drawings" to the apartment, forcing Napoli and his partner to move, the lawsuit says. "It really felt like I was drowning for a long time because there was just nothing that I could do to escape.  It was really terrifying," said Napoli. "I was worried about going out, I was worried about my dog, I was worried about my partner, because they were all mentioned by this person." Napoli reported G.F. to the police and considered getting a restraining order, but under New York state law orders of protection are only available to people who have an intimate or familial relationship to their stalker, the lawsuit states. In September 2023, Napoli informed Meta that the stalking had increased "in both frequency and severity," and the HR department assured him that G.F. was on the company's "Do Not Hire" list and its "No Entry" list, which identifies people who shouldn't be permitted into company buildings. But just four months later, the company hired G.F. back to a contractor position after he apparently slipped through the cracks in the hiring process, the lawsuit says. Napoli learned his accused stalker was back at Meta when G.F.'s name popped up on Workplace, the company's internal messaging system. Napoli says he received a message from G.F. stating that he'd been rehired and would be seeing him at meetings and events. "To have all of that come back after I was guaranteed that I would be kept safe, it was really harrowing," said Napoli. "I immediately went to [HR]... they let me know that they were equally stunned. They didn't have an answer as to how it happened, and they let me know that they would investigate."

Terminated again
An employee carries shoe boxes at the Footlocker retail store in the Barton Creek Square Mall on August 28, 2024 in Austin, Texas.

Nike on Tuesday said it was withdrawing its full-year guidance and postponing its investor day as it gears up for a new CEO to take the helm.

Last month, the company announced that CEO John Donahoe would be stepping down in October and replaced with longtime company veteran Elliott Hill, effective Oct. 14. Given the impending CEO change, the company has decided to withdraw its full-year guidance and intends to provide quarterly guidance for the balance of the year, executives said.

"This provides Elliot with the flexibility to reconnect with our employees and teams, evaluate the current strategies and business trends and develop our plans to best position the business for fiscal '26 and beyond," finance chief Matthew Friend said on an earnings call with analysts.

When reporting fiscal fourth-quarter results in June, Nike cut its guidance for fiscal 2025 and said it was expecting sales to be down mid-single digits after it previously expected them to grow. Friend said since the fiscal year started, the company's "revenue expectations have moderated... given traffic trends on Nike Digital, retail sales trends across the marketplace and final order books for spring."

"We continue to see indications of slight second-half improvement in revenue trends versus our first half," said Friend. "As we plan to introduce and scale newness and innovation across the marketplace, we now expect gross margins to decline versus the prior year."

Nike said it expects revenue in its current quarter to be down between 8% and 10% and gross margin to be down about 1.5 percentage points. That's worse than the 6.9% drop in revenue that LSEG analysts had expected.

It's also postponing its investor day, originally scheduled for November. It's unclear when the meeting will be rescheduled.

Shares fell about 5% in extended trading after the updates and after Nike delivered mixed results for its fiscal first quarter.

Here's how the world's largest sneaker retailer performed compared with what Wall Street was anticipating, based on a survey of analysts by LSEG:

Earnings per share: 70 cents vs 52 cents

70 cents vs 52 cents Revenue: $11.59 billion vs $11.65 billion

The company's reported net income for the three-month period that ended August 31 was $1.05 billion, or 70 cents per share, compared with $1.45 billion, or 94 cents per share, a year earlier.

Nike beat earnings expectations by 18 cents, but it fell short on revenue as it works to fix its product assortment and rework its approach to innovation.

Sales dropped to $11.59 billion, down about 10% from $12.94 billion a year earlier.

Nike's gross margin grew by 1.2 percentage points in the quarter to 45.4%, higher than the 44.4% that StreetAccount analysts had expected. Still, profits fell by nearly 28% during the quarter.
A Novo Nordisk spokesperson said in an email to CNBC that the company has mitigation plans in place to minimize or prevent any production disruption due to seaport strikes. "We plan to ship our products to and from the U.S. via airfreight," the spokesperson said.

Novo Nordisk has raked in nearly $50 billion in sales from Wegovy and Ozempic, with most of that revenue coming from the U.S., its CEO said in recent testimony before the U.S. Senate.

In the past year, Novo Nordisk has imported through Norfolk 419 twenty-foot equivalent unit, or TEU, containers worth of pharmaceuticals and injection devices that contain semaglutide, a compound in its branded weight-loss drugs, according to George. "Novo fine syringes commonly used for insulin injections come into the U.S. by ocean freight as well," he said.

"Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly are both heavily reliant on the Port of Norfolk," said William George, director of research at ImportGenius, which tracks the customs data.

Bills of lading, the digital receipts of freight containers, show that the delivery mechanisms for insulin and weight-loss drugs rely on East Coast ports for incoming trade.

As a port strike stretching from New England to Texas halted nearly half of all trade coming into the U.S., customs data shows that critical medical devices and drug components for the booming, expensive weight-loss and diabetes drugs from Novo Nordisk and Eli Lilly  Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro and Zepbound  are among the trade casualties in the ILA union port work stoppage.

Vials on the Wegovy line at the Novo Nordisk A/S production facilities in Hillerod, Denmark, on Friday, March 8, 2024.

Noushin Shamsili, CEO and president of Nuco Logistics, which specializes in pharmaceutical imports and exports, told CNBC on Monday that the strike comes at a critical time for inventory replenishment for the drug sector. "Almost all of this industry is just on time," said Shamsili. "Raw materials are being brought in to complete drug manufacturing."

"We are watching October numbers anticipating a surge of air freight for fast-moving and perishable items such as produce, seafood, medical supplies and other just-in-time inventories," Monts said.

Dennis Monts, global chief commercial officer at PayCargo, said air sector volumes strengthened in September, peaking about two weeks ago.

An Eli Lilly spokesperson said the company actively works to reduce exposure to risks inherent in managing a global supply chain. "We work with various partners and have multiple contingencies in place to ensure a reliable supply of our medicines," the spokesperson said.

Approximately 48% of the active pharmaceutical ingredients, or APIs, used in the U.S. are imported from India. Without these APIs, medications cannot be produced. APIs are also manufactured in Europe, and the U.S. points of entry for those are the East Coast ports.

Some of these APIs are critical components needed for the manufacturing of the blockbuster weight-loss drugs.

"The strike by ILA at East and Gulf coast ports could impact the importation and distribution of medications like Ozempic," Shamsili said. "The potential effects of the strike include supply chain disruptions, increased shipping costs, inventory shortages of APIs, and production delays."

Eli Lilly, which makes Mounjaro and Zepbound, has been expanding its production facilities in the U.S., as well as in Ireland, but it imports some APIs from Swiss manufacturer Corden Pharma, to produce tirzepatide for the two branded drugs. Novo Nordisk imports some of its APIs for the weight-loss drugs for Ozempic and Wegovy. The API that is used for both Ozempic and Wegovy is semaglutide.

Ports strike is a risk to medical supplies

The risk to medical supplies more broadly is being monitored by the Biden administration and state governments, such as New York.

On Monday, leaders at the Department of Health and Human Services met with trade associations, distributors, manufacturers, and other stakeholders to assess vulnerabilities and supply chain impacts, the administration said.

"Current preliminary assessments indicate immediate impacts across medicines, medical devices, and infant formula for consumers, parents, and caregivers should be limited," the administration said in a statement. "The Administration is taking action to monitor and address potential impacts on consumers of labor disputes at East Coast and Gulf Coast ports."

The Food and Drug Administration and the Administration for Strategic Preparedness and Response have also been in touch with trade associations, distributors, and manufacturers to limit impacts on consumers and assess vulnerabilities, the administration said.

Shamsili said the East Coast ports are also a gateway for generic medicine made in India.

Compounding the problem for the health-care industry supply chain is the ripple effects of Hurricane Helene.

Mirko Woitzik, director of intelligence solutions at Everstream Analytics, said Baxter International has a key facility in North Cove, North Carolina, that was damaged. That facility makes IV fluids that supply 60% of the U.S. market, including hospitals. The plant is also the largest U.S. supplier of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions.

"The U.S. has just overcome a general shortage of IV fluids that lasted since 2014 due to production issues, recalls, and higher demand due to Covid-19," said Woitzik. "In 2023, the U.S. FDA still listed 55 IV injection bag-related shortages."

Gov. Kathy Hochul of New York, which is home to the largest port in the strike, said in a statement Monday night that the state is "working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need."

Woitzik said that while there are other IV fluids manufacturers, including ICU Medical , which has a 17% market share, and B. Braun, which has a 23% market share, they are unlikely to be able to make up the supply shortage in the short term.

"IV fluids are essential medicines used in hospitals for routine and critical care," Woitzik said. "In the case of a shortage, elective surgeries may be impacted and patients have to stay in hospital longer due to rationing."

He added that a similar incident occurred in 2017 when Hurricane Maria devastated multiple pharmaceutical and medical device plants in Puerto Rico, leading to shortages of IV fluids and other patient-critical materials across the U.S. for years.

The Alliance for Chemical Distribution has said the strike will result in severe delays, reroutes, and greater uncertainties on the delivery of essential products at countless U.S. ports.

Brandon Daniels, CEO of supply chain risk management consultant Exiger, said the disaster relief agencies and the critical infrastructure providers are scrambling to triage the most important and most affected critical goods.

Some drug shipments are labeled "high-value pharmaceuticals" and "low-value pharmaceuticals." Other shipments identify the APIs used in the U.S. to make weight loss drugs, as well as the syringes and disposable needles.

"Although 90% of containerized imports of pharmaceuticals are handled by these ports, we were able to identify that only 23 medicines in the 165 critical medicines are only manufactured through foreign sources," said Daniels.

"High value medicines will go through air freight," Daniels said. "We are more concerned about the existing shortages of medicines that we are already tracking and how this disruption hurts the ability to source important APIs and precursors for everything from antibiotics to pain medicines."

Daniels said consumable products that are necessary in disaster relief such as sterile gloves and medical plastics are also processed through these ports.
Tesla Chief Executive, Elon Musk enters the lobby of Trump Tower in Manhattan, New York, U.S., January 6, 2017.

Tesla is set to report third-quarter vehicle production and delivery numbers on Wednesday.

Analysts are expecting Elon Musk's automaker to report about 463,310 deliveries, according to estimates compiled by FactSet StreetAccount. That would include about 435,900 of Tesla's Model 3 sedans and Model Y SUVs.

Tesla reported deliveries of 435,059 and production of 430,488 vehicles for the same period a year ago, before it was selling the Cybertruck. More recently, Tesla reported deliveries of 443,956 and production of 410,831 vehicles for the second quarter of 2024.

If Tesla meets analysts' expectations that would represent a 6.5% year-over-year increase for deliveries after declines in the first and second quarters of 2024.

Deliveries are not defined in Tesla's financial disclosures, but they are the closest approximation to units sold reported by the company.

In the third quarter, as it did earlier this year, Tesla continued to offer a variety of incentives and financing plans to drive sales volumes, particularly in the largest market for EVs in the world, mainland China.

Tesla hasn't given specific guidance for the full year of deliveries in 2024, but the company has said it expects a lower delivery growth rate this year versus last. Wells Fargo, pointing to this lack of guidance, said in a note that it's expecting 1.63 million full-year deliveries for Tesla and third-quarter deliveries at around 440,000, below consensus.

Goldman Sachs last week said it expects Tesla deliveries and production "to come in-line with consensus, largely driven by the strength in the China market." Goldman Sachs recommended buying call options ahead of the Wednesday report.

Robotaxi day in focus

Shares in the EV maker are up more than 20% over the past month, in anticipation that deliveries could improve year over year and sequentially in the third quarter, and ahead of the company's robotaxi day on Oct. 10.

Tesla plans to host investors and fans at its "We, Robot" marketing event at a Warner Bros. Discovery movie studio in Los Angeles.

The automaker is expected to show off the design of a "dedicated robotaxi," which Musk has referred to previously as the CyberCab. Tesla may also provide updates on its humanoid robotics project "Optimus" and other automotive and AI-driven products and services.

Tesla EV sales and revenue fell in the first half of 2024, and the company still has yet to deliver a self-driving system that can function as a robotaxi without a human driver at the wheel ready to steer or brake at any time. Tesla also renamed its premium driver assistance option to Full Self-Driving Supervised, tacking on a disclaimer-style term at the end.

Meanwhile, several rivals in the autonomous vehicle industry have begun producing robotaxis, and operating commercial robotaxi services. Rivals include Alphabet -owned Waymo in the U.S., and Pony.ai and Baidu in China. Amazon -owned Zoox is preparing a launch of a commercial robotaxi service in the U.S. as well.

Tesla brand erosion

Some customer interest in buying Tesla vehicles has been chilled by the brand's strong association with Musk.

The company's favorability among both liberal and conservative consumers fell in July, according to CivicScience. Tesla favorability dropped with Democrats to 18% in July, down from 39% in January, and it declined among Republicans to 22%, down from 36% in January.

Musk  who also leads SpaceX, X and xAI  has long shared provocative posts on social media, but in recent years, he's become less filtered and more vociferous online about his right-wing political beliefs.

In July, he publicly endorsed former President Donald Trump, and he frequently posts screeds on X concerning illegal immigration, election fraud, crime, violence and other flashpoint issues.

He has shared political misinformation and deepfakes with his massive online following on X, according to reports by The Associated Press, CNN, NBC News, The New York Times and others. Before Musk acquired Twitter, now known as X, his feed focused more on Tesla and SpaceX, according to an analysis by The Washington Post.

Among the posts Musk recently spread on X were false claims that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating people's pets. The Springfield Police Division, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and other local groups have all said the claims were baseless.

It remains to be seen whether left-leaning customers' view of Musk will weigh on deliveries this year. Pew Research has found that Democrats have a much more favorable view of battery-electric vehicles and are more likely to buy them than Republicans in the U.S.
Republican vice presidential nominee, U.S. Sen. JD Vance speaks at a campaign rally at Radford University on July 22, 2024 in Radford, Virginia. Alex Wong | Getty Images News | Getty Images

Many voters ages 50 and up say two issues  Social Security and Medicare  could decide how they cast their ballots this November. The presidential candidate who wins on Nov. 5  either former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris  may be tasked with restoring solvency to those programs as they face looming trust fund depletion dates. Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance, in a Sept. 12 interview on CNBC's "Squawk Box," said that first addressing another issue, immigration, could help the programs' funding woes. Vance said Social Security and Medicare are facing a "massive fraud problem" because of undocumented immigrants who are collecting benefits, citing what he said were incidents of fraud related to him by some of his constituents and friends. "Before we start talking about doing anything to the benefits for Americans who have earned them, let's deal with the illegal alien fraud in our Social Security and Medicare system," Vance said. "I think that costs us a lot of money."

watch now

It's not the first time the Trump-Vance campaign has suggested immigration is hurting the programs that millions of retirees rely on for monthly benefit checks and health-care coverage. Trump in March said on social media platform Truth Social that Democrats are "killing Social Security and Medicare by allowing the invasion of the migrants." Meanwhile, Harris has talked about creating an "earned pathway to citizenship," which may encourage immigrants to work and contribute to the programs. The Harris campaign did not provide CNBC more details on those plans.

Who is eligible to benefit from Social Security?

The Social Security Administration assigns a unique Social Security number to each individual who is either a U.S. citizen, is lawfully admitted to the country as a permanent resident, is lawfully admitted on a temporary basis with Department of Homeland Security authorization to work, or has a valid non-work reason for needing a Social Security number, according to the agency. A Social Security number is required for most jobs in the U.S., and employers are typically required to deduct payroll taxes from each employee to fund programs including Social Security and Medicare. Over many years of work, the employee usually contributes a sufficient amount to be eligible to claim monthly Social Security checks and Medicare benefits when they retire or become disabled. Documented immigrants  such as those with permanent status and dual intent temporary visas  pay the payroll taxes that contribute to Social Security and Medicare, according to Tara Watson, a senior fellow at The Brookings Institution and author of the book "The Border Within: The Economics of Immigration in an Age of Fear." Generally, undocumented immigrants are not eligible for Social Security or Medicare benefits, Watson said, but they may pay in to the programs anyway. Some undocumented immigrants may use false Social Security numbers to work in jobs that require payroll tax contributions to Social Security and Medicare, and therefore they unofficially contribute to those programs, she said. Others, such as seasonal workers, may not pay payroll taxes. Many long-term immigrants do receive benefits after contributing to the programs and earning eligibility, Watson said. Immigrants may eventually qualify for Social Security benefits if they are present in the U.S. lawfully and earn the required credits by working and contributing to the program, according to the American Academy of Actuaries. Undocumented immigrants contributed $33.9 billion in federal social insurance taxes in 2022 toward Social Security, Medicare and unemployment insurance, according to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy. Yet because of their immigration status, those workers are barred from accessing those benefits.

How widespread is Social Security fraud?

There are two common types of Social Security fraud involving immigration: When people who aren't eligible for a Social Security number either steal one or create a false one so they can try to get a job in the U.S., and when people who aren't eligible for Social Security or Medicare benefits use a fraudulent name or Social Security number to claim benefit payments. Committing these kinds of fraud isn't easy. But it is possible for some people, including some undocumented immigrants, to carry it out. Stealing benefits can be difficult, since it requires tapping into someone's Social Security account and changing their bank account information to access the money, according to Andrew Biggs, a senior fellow at the American Enterprise Institute and former principal deputy commissioner at the Social Security Administration. After the Social Security Administration started allowing individuals to change their bank deposit information through their online accounts, the agency and the Office of Inspector General began receiving complaints of unauthorized changes, Jeffrey Brown, deputy assistant inspector general at the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General, told the House Ways and Means Committee in 2023. More from Personal Finance:

'Was my Social Security number stolen?' Answers to questions on massive breach

Why eligible families miss out on Social Security survivor benefits for children

Social Security cost-of-living adjustment may be 2.6% in 2025 Audits found $33.5 million in benefits for 20,878 beneficiaries was redirected through unauthorized direct deposit changes between January 2013 and May 2018, according to Brown. However, another $23.9 million for 19,662 beneficiaries was prevented from misdirection by the agency before payments were made. The investigation, from a 2019 report, did not implicate undocumented immigrants in that activity. "Our audits found fraudsters may steal identities to work or to claim earnings-related benefits," Brown said in his written testimony, which did not give demographic information on those committing the fraud. There have been cases of undocumented immigrants found to be misusing Social Security numbers to fraudulently access benefits. "There are certainly some immigrants who are getting benefits when they shouldn't be, but I think it's a relatively small group of them," Watson said. "This is not a problem that I've heard specifically that, as [Vance] says, is widespread," Biggs said, referring to Vance's comments about social services fraud by undocumented immigrants.

What happens to unclaimed earnings?

The type of fraud in which Social Security numbers can be misused for work purposes may be more common, experts say. When someone is working using a Social Security number that isn't theirs, their earnings may be credited to the person whose name matches that number in the agency's records. Alternatively, they may be credited to the Social Security Administration's earnings suspense file. The earnings suspense file is an electronic holding file for wage items where names and Social Security numbers on Form W-2s do not match the Social Security Administration's records, an agency spokesperson said via email. The wage records stay in that file until they can be verified and matched to a worker's record. Despite the wage records' unidentified status, the program's trust funds have received revenues for the wage items placed in the suspense file, the spokesperson said. A 2023 report from the Social Security Administration Office of the Inspector General showed the earnings suspense file had accumulated $2.15 trillion in wages for tax years 1937 through 2022. The earnings suspense file includes undocumented immigrants, among other people, Watson said. She said the existence of the earnings suspense file "gives you an indication that people are putting into the system and not claiming from the system."

Immigrants in the labor market 'very much a positive'

Immigration overall is a net positive to Social Security and Medicare, experts say. Both programs rely on funding from payroll taxes. The experts say that more immigrants means more workers who contribute to both Social Security and Medicare through their paychecks. "Immigration, in general, has a very positive role," said Sam Gutterman, chairperson of the American Academy of Actuaries' Social Security committee. Neither the Social Security Administration nor the Department of Health and Human Services, which oversees Medicare, provided recent data on the effect of undocumented immigrants on their programs. When asked about Vance's statement that undocumented workers are draining Medicare and Social Security, HHS spokesperson Renata Miller said: "These claims are false and they serve as a distraction from the health care concerns that everyday Americans care about. HHS will continue working to lower health care costs so that patients can fill a prescription without rationing pills or going into medical debt." The Social Security Administration in an email explained that there are strict rules about who can legally receive benefits and Social Security numbers. "The Social Security Act does not permit payment of benefits to noncitizens residing in the U.S. if they're not lawfully present here," a Social Security spokesperson said. "In order to get a Social Security number for work, by law you need to be a U.S. citizen or have [Department of Homeland Security] authorization. SSA has stringent evidentiary requirements to confirm the authenticity of documents and prevent issuance of numbers to ineligible individuals."

In a 2013 report, the Social Security Administration said it is difficult to precisely identify the total amount of taxes paid and benefits that may have been received by unauthorized workers. In that report, the office of the program's chief actuary said undocumented immigrants paid as much as $13 billion in payroll taxes to the program's trust funds in 2010, while about $1 billion in benefit payments were attributed to unauthorized work. That resulted in a contribution of roughly $12 billion to the program's cash flow that year, according to the agency. "We estimate that earnings by unauthorized immigrants result in a net positive effect on Social Security financial status generally," the office of SSA's chief actuary said. "We estimate that future years will experience a continuation of this positive impact on the trust funds," it wrote. More recently, the Social Security Administration has said immigration tends to be beneficial for the program because those new entrants to the country tend to be working age. "When they come to the country, they tend to come here for economic opportunity and enter the labor force, and that's very much a positive," Stephen Goss, chief actuary of the Social Security Administration, said in testimony before the House Budget Committee in June. "That actually helps us with having more revenue coming in," Goss said. Those workers may eventually work the length of time necessary to qualify for benefits, Goss said.

However, some immigrants pay into the program and never collect benefits, he explained. And if they have children, that helps to make up for the country's low birth rate, which also benefits the program, Goss added.

Looming depletion dates are the more pressing issue
This combination of images shows Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, at left in Erie, Pa., Aug. 28, 2024, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz speaking at the DNC in Chicago, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago.

If past is prologue, the Walz-Vance face-off may as well not even happen  at least according to some analysts, who say it's hard to tell whether vice presidential debates affect the overall race.

But the 2024 cycle has already made confetti of political norms, and there are some genuinely good reasons to think Tuesday's debate might actually matter.

For one, the showdown might be the final time that the two presidential tickets share a stage before Election Day. Trump and Harris debated just once, and the GOP nominee has repeatedly shut down the possibility of squaring off again.

The nominees have also been less visible: Harris has done few interviews since taking the reins in July, and Trump has done far fewer rallies than in his prior presidential runs.

Trump and Harris, meanwhile, are running neck and neck in most of the swing states that will decide the election, polls show. If the running mates can move the needle at all, they might upend the race.

 Kevin Breuninger
A container ship departs the Port of Newark for the Atlantic Ocean on September 30, 2024 seen from New York City. Spencer Platt | Getty Images News | Getty Images

A massive dockworker strike at seaports on the U.S. East and Gulf coasts is expected to wreak havoc on global supply chains and the economy, with American consumers likely to notice shortages of popular products if the work stoppage lasts for a long time. Workers at ports stretching from Maine to Texas went on strike early Tuesday in a dispute over wages and automation. The action, which is likely to have severe consequences on ships carrying billions of dollars of cargo, is the first by the International Longshoremen's Association, or ILA, union in nearly half a century. The ILA, which represents about 45,000 port workers, made good on its threat to strike at 14 major ports after talks broke down with the United States Maritime Alliance, or USMX, employer group ahead of a Sept. 30 deadline. "The top-line takeaway here is duration amplifies impact," Lisa DeNight, managing director of national industrial research at Newmark, told CNBC's "The Exchange" on Monday. "If this strike goes on for a couple of days the implications are, well, rather short-lived, I'd say. If this drags on, it has cascading impacts throughout the global economy  not just the U.S. economy. So, the unpredictability of this issue here is really in play and it has the magnitude to really throw a giant wrench in global supply chains," she added. DeNight said that even a minor disruption of just a couple of days could have "really significant implications for certain industries," including pharmaceuticals, auto and manufacturing.

Supply chain crises

Ocean supply chains have already been hit hard this year by conflict in the Red Sea, a lengthy drought affecting the Panama Canal and the Baltimore bridge collapse. Even so, Peter Sand, chief analyst at ocean freight rate intelligence platform Xeneta, has said that given more than 40% of total "containerized goods" enter the U.S. via ports on the East and Gulf coast, "the stakes could not be higher."

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Speaking to CNBC's "Street Signs Europe" on Tuesday, Sand said he expects the strike to last for one week. "We see the dominos fall in multiple stages now. At first, of course, the immediate effect is on the U.S. East and Gulf coast, right?" Sand said. There will then be a knock-on effect for vessels currently queuing outside the ports, he added, meaning their next journeys to the U.S. with new goods will be delayed. "We will see disruption with some ships being late out of Europe and the Mediterranean towards the end of October and early November," Sand said. The ships will be delayed leaving Asia toward the end of December and early January  "and that's basically when the next normal mini-peak in container shipping happens in the lead-up to Chinese New Year."

Workers picket outside of the APM container terminal at the Port of Newark in Newark, New Jersey, US, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Bloomberg | Bloomberg | Getty Images

"So, it's really crunch time with so many things at stake now. You might say it is a perfect storm, but it is also a really good negotiating position for those people wanting a strike," Sand said. For American consumers, he said the strike could soon result in shortages of perishable or temperature-controlled goods, such as bananas and other fresh fruit.

Danish shipping giant Maersk has warned that just a one-week shutdown could take four to six weeks to recover from, "with significant backlogs and delays compounding with each passing day." In an update published Monday, Maersk said the disruption would likely lead to delays in cargo movement, increased costs and logistical challenges for firms relying on U.S. East Coast and Gulf ports. A lengthy labor dispute, the firm added, may exacerbate these disruptions.

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Not everyone is as concerned about the broader economic ramifications of the U.S. port strikes, however. Bradley Saunders, North America economist at Capital Economics, said in a research note published late last month that the strike action was unlikely to trigger any major economic disruption because  despite denials ahead of time  U.S. President Joe Biden would have "little choice" but to intervene and invoke back-to-work legislation ahead of the November election. Biden has said that he will not use existing labor law to force union workers back on the job, which is within his powers under the Taft-Hartley Act.

Shipping containers are stacked as dockworkers are on strike in Port Newark on October 1, 2024 in New Jersey. Bryan R. Smith | Afp | Getty Images
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The Sir George Williams Campus is looking a little brighter these days thanks to a new mural in the heart of Quartier Concordia.

Located on the northwest corner of De Maisonneuve Boulevard and Mackay Street, the public artwork honours the career of Gabor Szilasi, photographer and professor emeritus in the Department of Studio Arts.

A major figure in photography in Canada, Szilasi began teaching in 1971, first at the College du Vieux Montreal, and then as a professor at Concordia from 1980 until his retirement in 1995.

This mural reminds us that Gabors work continues to inspire many generations of artists, students and researchers, says Annie Gerin, dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts. The mural also embodies our facultys commitment to enrich our environment and the lives of our communities.

The artwork was painted by Rafael Sottolichio and produced by MU, a charitable organization that aims to beautify Montreal by creating perennial murals rooted in the community. The project is part of the City of Montreal's Programme dart mural and is the 31st entry in MUs Tribute to Montreals Great Artists series.
If your product keeps setting fire to peoples legs, no one wants that info getting out

When you start a new job, they assign you two rules. One: Arrive on time. Two: Dont ever talk about the organ harvesting operation in the basement. And if those rules ever come into conflict for some reason, priority goes to rule number one.

You might be tempted to speak up about what youve discovered, simply because its the right thing to do. But if you value your job, you better wise up and never tell anyone about such issues as...

5 The Precarious Department Store In 1987, a Korean developer named Lee Joon started work on a four-story apartment building. Then, partway through construction, he had a better idea: Instead of apartments, he could turn the whole thing into a department store. His contractors told him that made no sense. Don't Miss Load-bearing walls separate the units in an apartment building, and if youre making a commercial space instead, youd have to riskily knock those walls down. Plus, youd have to carve up new holes for escalators. You should have started with a different frame if you wanted to do that. Joon didnt like this feedback, so he dismissed those contractors and sought out new ones. via Wiki Commons He also planned on going with pink, which was madness. Contractors werent the only obstacle. Building codes also banned his plan, but Joon figured out a way around this. Hed be allowed to change this site to a department store if he also built a fifth floor on top of it and installed an ice rink there. That may sound crazy to you, but thats because you werent bribed by Lee Joon. With that hurdle out of the way, it now fell to a new crew of contractors to say this latest plan was even nuttier than the last one. So, Joon fired these guys too and found new new contractors. Sampoong Department Store opened in 1990, and it was probably doomed from the start. It became more doomed as time went by, thanks to the buildings practice of piling all the air-conditioning equipment on the roof and dragging it back and forth to weaken the cement. In 1995, visible cracks appeared, and Joon took the precaution of moving merchandise to the basement. Then on June 29th, with managers declaring that a collapse was imminent, Joon still refused to evacuate the place, as it was a particularly good business day. Advertisement via Wiki Commons Business was booming! The building collapsed that day, killing over 500 people. It was the deadliest building collapse since the Circus Maximus in Rome, almost 2,000 years earlier. Conspiracy theorists figured it had to have been a terrorist attack, because how can a building possibly fall apart like that on its own? The building that went on to break Sampoongs record for fatalities was the World Trade Center six years later. Conspiracy theorists figured that one couldnt have been a terrorist attack, because whatever the official explanation is, it always has to be something else. Advertisement

4 The Prostitution Sting The way a prostitution sting usually works, an officer gets a sex worker to agree to a deal and then makes an arrest before actually having sex. The history of law enforcement also has its fair share of officers actually having some sort of sex with someone before arresting them. This last tactic was especially popular back in the days of gay stings, when police would get or give oral sex and then book the guy on solicitation. HBO Here it is depicted on HBOs sex-and-porn show The Deuce. In 2013, an officer in Fort Smith, Arkansas, observed something like that going on. Sgt. Don Bales saw an affidavit saying that an officer investigating a massage parlor made it a point to fully strip, pay the woman and get properly masturbated by the masseuse before making his arrest. This didnt seem right. Officers are generally banned from paying for sex in the same way everyone else is, even during an investigation. The only state where they arent is Michigan (state motto: If you seek a pleasant peninsula, look about you). Advertisement Advertisement So, Bales snapped a photo of the affidavit. Then he gave it to his attorney. This attorney redacted names and stuck it on his blog, but Bales sharing the unredacted version with his attorney broke the law, said the department. Hed put his fellow officer at risk, because if his identity ever got out, well, then hed been in danger, in danger of not being able to get rub-and-tugs anymore. Emiliano Vittoriosi And without that release, you dont want to see what officers do when stressed. They fired Bales. Police can get away with quite a bit, but sharing that affidavit was beyond the pale. Advertisement We dont know what happened to the massage client officer, but the same year they dismissed Bales, that department arrested a different officer for hiring a sex workers services. This was a woman the department had previously arrested for prostitution, and this officer had followed that up by visiting her and hiring her four times. The department discovered this when they picked her up again for an unrelated offense. In his defense, the officer said theyd merely had sex for money and had never kissed in public.

3 The Salmonella Eggs In 1988, someone in Britains Department of Health made a startling statement. Most of the egg production in this country, sadly, is now affected with salmonella, said Edwina Currie. The nation panicked  or at least they started eating fewer eggs, which is as close to panic as British people ever get. Egg consumption suddenly dropped by half. Farmers destroyed 400 million eggs and killed four million hens, not because they were infected but because egg demand had plummeted. Melissa Walker Horn Everyone substituted eggs with beans, leading to much suffering. Edwina Currie (who was now nicknamed Eggwina Currie) had done a terrible thing by saying that, said the government. Salmonella outbreaks were rare, so shed scared people for no reason. They forced her to resign. But according to a report the government had its hands on, but chose to keep from the public till it was leaked the following year, there really were millions of Salmonella infections in the poultry industry, and shed been right to speak about them. Advertisement Advertisement Also, shed never told anyone to panic. Shed said that most of egg production had been affected by salmonella, not that most individual eggs were infected. And the advice she offered related to this was simply to cook eggs. Dont make mayonnaise with raw eggs or dump raw eggs in your drinks, she said, due to the risk of food poisoning. Many people would say thats good advice in general. United Artists Rocky ate raw eggs, and he ended up getting brain damage. Anyway, it definitely ended up being Curries biggest scandal of 1988. And this was the same year that she invited Jimmy Saville to run a psychiatric hospital full of teen girls, giving him the keys to all the patients rooms. Advertisement

2 The Fire-Safe Cigarettes You will not be terribly surprised if we told you that Philip-Morris fought to downplay the dangers of cigarettes. But besides the long-term health dangers of smoking, were talking about the danger of the cigarette setting you on fire, which is real and kills some thousand Americans a year. Its serious enough that we now have laws about how all cigarettes need to be designed so they extinguish on their own if left unattended. In 1999, Philip-Morris created their own spin on the fire-safe cigarettes: Philip-Morris Smoke safely, with the cool refreshing taste of Philip-Morris. The new Merit cigarette contained two bands of paper that burned extra-slowly. That meant the cigarette should put itself out if left alone. But then one in-house scientist, Michael Lee Watkins, discovered that maybe they should have given these new smokes less time with the marketing team and more time with the science team. Slow-burning paper meant partly burned tobacco would fall out of the cigarette. The phenomenon was called coal drop-off, and it meant these cigarettes were more likely to set fires, not less. Advertisement Advertisement They were now getting 40 times as many complaints from customers related to clumps of fire falling off cigarettes than they had before switching the to fire-safe ones. So, Philip-Morris did the reasonable thing and moved Watkins to an office without a phone line, to keep him from calling them or from doing any work at all. Then they fired him. Once he was gone, they quietly changed the paper used in Merit cigarettes to get rid of the coal drop-off issue, while never officially admitting that his points were justified. Atria The points were entirely without merit. Watkins took his findings to the government, who now made him a witness in their upcoming suit against cigarette companies. The judge ultimately barred him from testifying because the greater lawsuit was about them lying about all the other stuff (nicotine being addictive, smoking causes cancer), so this one thing about fire safety was irrelevant. The judge did go on to rule against the companies. Then they finally got around to settling on what sort of admissions Big Tobacco has to make about smoking. They settled on it in 2022, decades after the suit started. Advertisement
In her new Netflix special Ellen DeGeneres: For Your Approval, the former queen of daytime TV comedy cried that she was kicked out of show business for being a strong woman. Meanwhile, the former employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show wonder how exactly replacing her crew with non-union workers during COVID and firing people for going on medical or bereavement leave was a show of strength.

Before 10 employees of The Ellen DeGeneres Show came forward and accused their boss of creating a toxic workplace rife with "racism, fear and intimidation" in July 2020, the blonde-haired, blue-eyed, elfish talk show host was synonymous with kindness and gentleness in popular culture, a brand that DeGeneres worked very hard to cultivate everywhere besides on her own set. Very quickly, the many little people whom the media giant had mistreated found their voices, and horror stories of DeGeneres bad behavior became common knowledge as millions of Twitter users gawked at the revelation that the multi-millionaire who claimed to make be kind her personal mantra would get a waitress fired for daring to serve the 33-time Emmy-winner with chipped nail polish.

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However, and despite the sudden dip in public opinion over the outpouring of allegations against the host, The Ellen DeGeneres Show trudged on mostly unperturbed until Warner Bros. finally ended the show in 2022. Today, DeGeneres is hawking her hour-long demand for America to once again view her as a paragon of empathy under the thin veil of a stand-up show, and, following the premiere of For Your Approval on September 24th, six of the comedians former staffers spoke to Rolling Stone in order to crash their old boss pity party.

Theres a difference between your persona and the way that you were handled in the media versus the culture that you perpetuated which hurt a lot of people, one former employee told Rolling Stone anonymously, reiterating what the public learned about DeGeneres in 2020 and what DeGeneres demands we forget about her now. She was misrepresenting the narrative and trying to reframe herself as not a bully.  She really missed the mark.

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In For Your Approval, DeGeneres declines to address the most serious accusations made against her by the people over whom she held immense power, chalking up the occasional bizarre snake prank as a product of her playful sense of humor and painting the mean stories about her as sexist attempts to oppress a successful woman. It feels like its manipulative, one former employee said of the special. Youre titling the show For Your Approval, which suggests that youre trying to guilt the audience into feeling bad for you, and then youre trying to empower yourself at the same time by saying that you endured all of this hard stuff.

As Rolling Stone noted, DeGeneres made For Your Approval under a two-special deal with Netflix that netted her $40 million total for both the new show and the 2018 special Relatable, a point that her former staffers must raise after she claimed in the new special that she was kicked out of show business. Said one former employee, She made millions of dollars doing a Netflix special talking about how she got canceled, but by nature of making millions of dollars to do a Netflix special, you were not silenced. You were not kicked out of Hollywood. Most people cant get Netflix specials.

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And while DeGeneres desperately tries to force the general public to forget that theyd ever seen a less-than-saintly side of her, the people who got the worst of her bad behavior dont have that option. Even however many years removed I am from working there, seeing her just brings me back to that fear and that anxiety that I would have, one staffer said of their experiences working for DeGeneres. Literally, the sight of her gives me a trauma response. I cant say that for any other job Ive had in any other field.

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But, whether or (most likely) not DeGeneres whitewashing of her own workplace toxicity succeeds in restoring her compassionate image, this is far from the end of her comedy career, no matter what she may claim about being canceled. I doubt this is the last time well hear from her, one employee predicted. If theres a big enough price tag on something, shell do it.
The show has only been nominated for its stunt work, so far

Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia has racked up a ton of honors over the years. Its the longest running live action sitcom in American TV history, it won a Peoples Choice Award for Favorite Cable TV Comedy in 2013 and it holds the distinction of being the only show in existence to feature a Christmas episode in which a fully naked Danny DeVito bursts out of a leather couch  aka the greatest nude scene in Hollywood history.

But despite its popularity and acclaim, Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia has barely been acknowledged by the very institution thats supposed to be in charge of rewarding TV excellence: the Emmys.

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The cast hasnt exactly been tight-lipped about their feelings concerning the shows exclusion from the Emmys, they even brought up this glaring oversight at the 75th ceremony, complaining that their show (not to mention Martin) had yet to win a single Emmy. Although Rob McElhenney and DeVito admitted that they won Emmys for Welcome to Wrexham and Taxi, respectively.

The consistent Emmy snubbing also inspired the unsubtle meta commentary of Season Nines The Gang Tries Desperately to Win an Award.

Sunnys lack of Emmy love came up during Kaitlin Olsons recent appearance on WTF with Marc Maron. While Maron was aware that Olson had been nominated twice for playing DJ Vance (not to be confused with JD Vance) on Hacks, he seemed surprised that she had never received the same honor for playing Sweet Dee on Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia. Has (Sunny) gotten any love from The Emmys? Maron enquired. No, Olson replied. Nobodys been nominated for anything.

Olson did qualify that one member of the Its Always Sunny team was recognized by the Television Academy. We had our stunt coordinator get nominated, I think twice, Olsen admitted. Actually, Marc Scizak was nominated three times for Outstanding Stunt Coordination for a Comedy Series or a Variety Program, but those are the only nominations that the show has received.

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While It's Always Sunny may not seem like a particularly stunt-heavy show, according to Scizak, his job involved doubling for McElenney and sometimes coordinating fight scenes to make him look badass.

So will the rest of the Its Always Sunny gang ever score an Emmy for their work on the show? Or should they pull a reverse-Bear and submit themselves in the drama category?

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It seems like one of those shows thatll probably be on so long, theyll have to give it a special award, Maron theorized.

Yeah. Itll get like a lifetime achievement something or other, Olson agreed.

Hopefully the Emmys will eventually find a way to pay tribute to the Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast before theyre so old that they show up with walkers, wheelchairs and a DeVito-sized urn.

You (yes, you) should follow JM on Twitter (if it still exists by the time youre reading this).
Tommy Lee Jones is a great actor, but hes not necessarily known for his work in comedies. That led to a dilemma for Men in Black director Barry Sonnenfeld: Who was going to tell the intimidating Tommy Lee Jones that hes not funny?

According to a People excerpt of his upcoming book Best Possible Place, Worst Possible Time, Sonnenfeld knew he was in trouble when Jones had to film an MIB scene with an alien named Mikey. Special effects guru Rick Baker created Mikey as a long-nosed ET who had multiple flippers to go along with the usual arms and legs.

In the scene, Jones tough-guy Agent K interrogates Mikey while puppeteers manipulate his eyes, mouth and flippers. The alien is protesting his innocence when Jones interrupts him with a stern, Thats enough, Mikey. Put up your hands.

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And then, writes Sonnenfeld, Mr. Jones sing-songs his way towards what he thinks should be a big-time comedy punchline: AND ALL YOUR FLIPPERS!

Sonnenfeld broke into a cold sweat as he realized he was about to embark on a very, very, very long 20 weeks of directing an actor who was, gulp ... trying to be funny.

Sonnenfeld called Cut! while avoiding eye contact with the Oscar-winning actor. Hey, Tommy, he finally managed, still pretending to study his script. It will be funnier if you dont acknowledge that And all your flippers is funny.

Jones responded with a fiercely opinionated glare, so Sonnenfeld tried to explain. See, Tommy, for you, this is all in a days work.  Agent K doesnt think All your flippers is funny. Youre just saying it the same way youre saying, Put up your hands. Its just normal police procedure. Thats what makes it funny for the audience.

Still no response from Jones other than a cold hard stare. Lets try one more! Sonnenfeld suggested. Itll be fun!

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Thus began five months of convincing Jones to play it straight, and the actors agent not being happy. You dont want Tommy to be funny, the agent cried. You only want Will Smith to get laughs.

Sonnenfeld tried to explain how all the great comedy duos worked. You need one funny guy and one straight man, but they both get laughs, he pleaded. In fact, I would argue the straight man gets the bigger laugh. The comedy is in the reaction shot.

The agent wasnt buying it and kept pushing back. I promise, swore Sonnefeld. Tommy is as funny as Will. Trust me.

Jones was never really convinced until he saw Men in Black in front of an audience. The actor never received laughs that big, before or since. As Jones made his way through press tours for the film, journalists kept asking him what the secret was to being so damn funny.

Stand next to Will Smith, Jones replied, and do whatever Barry Sonnenfeld tells you to do.
Every data breach and online attack seems to involve some kind of phishing attempt to steal password credentials, launch fraudulent transactions, or trick someone into downloading malware. Indeed, Verizons 2024 Data Breach Investigations Report finds phishing to remain among the top threat actions associated with breaches.

Enterprises regularly remind users to beware of phishing attacks, but many users dont really know how to recognize them. And humans tend to be bad at recognizing scams.

According to Proofpoints 2024 State of the Phish report, more than 70% of employees admit to risky behavior that leaves them vulnerable. This speaks to both the sophistication of attackers and the need for equally sophisticated security awareness training, which many companies fail to adequately provide. Add in the fact that not all phishing scams work the same way  some are generic email blasts while others are carefully crafted to target a very specific type of person  and it gets harder to train users to know when a message is suspect.
World leaders hope to deepen cooperation with China

Xinhua) 09:22, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, leaders from various countries have expressed their hopes to deepen friendly cooperation with China and make joint contributions to global sustainable development.

Congratulating China on its remarkable development achievements in the past 75 years, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the Serbian side is sincerely joyful over these achievements, and is confident in China's development prospects.

Faced with a complex international situation, the peoples of Serbia and China have always shared common philosophies and are committed to developing friendly relations, allowing the solid friendship between the two countries to continue to shine, Vucic said.

Pointing out that the practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields has yielded fruitful results, Vucic said he believes more cooperative projects will be implemented in the future for the benefit of the two peoples.

"China is a stabilizing force in international affairs and an important driving force for global economic growth," said Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, adding that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved national independence.

Over the past 75 years, China has continuously promoted technological development and innovation, contributing Chinese wisdom to the improvement of the world's political, economic, and cultural landscape, Zardari said.

China has clear development goals and remarkable achievements in the fields of economy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, which have attracted worldwide attention, said Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Emphasizing the deep friendship between Cyprus and China despite geographical distance, Christodoulides said that the Cypriot side sincerely appreciates China's long-term support on the Cyprus issue and is unwaveringly committed to the one-China policy.

The Cypriot side firmly supports the development of EU-China relations and is ready to work with China to further advance Cyprus-China and EU-China relations, he said.

Maltese President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that since Malta established diplomatic relations with China, the two countries have maintained friendly relations, mutual trust, and strong bilateral development, adding that the Maltese side looks forward to further enhancing cooperation with China for the benefit of the two peoples.

Noting that the Pakistan-China friendship is "unbreakable," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries firmly support each other on issues involving their core interests.

Pakistan is ready to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of energy, agriculture, mining, information technology, and people's livelihoods, promote interaction between businesses of the two countries, support the high-quality development of Pakistan's economy, jointly build an "upgraded version" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and promote the construction of a closer Pakistan-China community of shared future in the new era, Sharif said.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov said that China has embarked on a successful path of modernization, and the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is uniting more and more countries.

Currently, Kyrgyzstan is undergoing large-scale economic reforms to improve the well-being of its people, and China's experience is of great significance for Kyrgyzstan, Japarov said, adding that Kyrgyzstan hopes to further strengthen friendship and cooperation with China, which will create new opportunities for the prosperity and development of both countries.

China's poverty alleviation efforts have provided valuable lessons for "Global South" countries, said Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, praising China's adherence to its own development path and its efforts to promote common development of the world.

Over the 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Bahamas and China, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields, said Davis, adding that the Bahamian side is ready to work hand in hand with China to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and jointly voice the concerns of developing countries on important issues.

President of the National Assembly of Thailand Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that over the 49 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, the two countries' relations and cooperation have continuously deepened.

This year, the two countries signed the visa-free agreement, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations, and it is believed to promote closer exchanges in trade, investment, tourism, and other fields between the two countries, said Matha.

Thailand is willing to cooperate more closely with China, and use the strong bond of Thai-Chinese relations to enhance the well-being of Thailand, as well as regional countries and peoples.

China has achieved a level of development that the world admires, said Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Laszlo Kover.

In recent years, China-Hungary economic and trade cooperation has been continuously deepened, and it is believed that bilateral exchanges and cooperation will continue to flourish, said Kover.

Luis Redondo, president of the National Congress of Honduras, spoke highly of China's achievements in modernization and commended China's contributions to world peace and development.

He reiterated the firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to deepen the relationship between Honduras and China for the benefit of both peoples.

Redondo also expressed willingness to work together with China to promote high-quality BRI cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and contribute to the great practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
Pastor Joakim Lundqvist, International Ambassador of 'Word of Life Church,' Illuminates the Darkness that Plagues Our World Today

NEWS PROVIDED BYCharisma MediaSept. 30, 2024LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept. 30, 2024 / Standard Newswire / -- Pastor Joakim Lundqvist went through his own period of darkness; however, after seeing the Light of the Lord during a youth revival event, his eyes were opened.In his book, Shine Your Light, Pastor Joakim Lundqvist encourages us to trust God, so we too can see the One and Only Light in a world of darkness (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-397-6)."Almost every religious ideology involves a deity to be worshipped. But that godhead is rarely described in detail," Lundqvist said. "The story of the gospel is completely different. It is one about a God who has created you not just to obey and serve Him but to have an intimate, personal relationship with Him."Shine Your Light serves to not only reestablish the truths about God in your life but also to illuminate your distinctive, unique light that He wants you to share with the world.Through Scripture, our eyes will open to these truths: "God is light. All light. Only light. All love. Only love. All good. Only good. And that because He is, He can be trusted."Why does this reaffirmation of God's nature matter? Because God is light  and nothing but light  we can be certain that any darkness in our lives was not authored by Him. So truly, we can devote our minds, hearts, and souls to the One who lights our way. Once we accept this truth, God will shine His light through us to save the lost.Amidst the darkness of this world, Pastor Joakim Lundqvist also explains that there are New Age and Eastern religions who have altered the word, "light," to terms like "enlightenment" and "enlightened." Light equals clarity; however, these religions are anything but clear. In turn, "God is the true light  a light that reveals and enables us to see and know His nature, His goodness and love, and allows us the knowledge and assurance we need to trust Him, surrender to Him completely, and live our lives for His glory."Once you open your eyes to the Light of the Lord, what is the next step? Trust God!serves as pastor and international ambassador of Word of Life Church in Uppsala, Sweden. Even in this highly secularized nation, it has grown to a megachurch and become the launchpad of more than nine hundred churches in Europe, Russia, Central Asia, the Middle East, India, and beyond. Word of Life's oneyear Bible school has graduated more than 37,000 students worldwide. Joakim Lundqvist is a highly esteemed speaker, having inspired millions of believers in more than fifty nations to make a difference for Jesus in their world. He is the author of four books translated into several languages. He and his wife, Maria, married in 1987 and have two daughters, one soninlaw, and two grandsons.X: @joakimlundqvistFacebook: @Joakim-LundqvistYouTube: @Life.ChurchInstagram: @joakimlTitle: Shine Your Light: Discover Your Unique Call to Illuminate the World With God's Love| Release Date: October 1, 2024 | Retail: $19.99 | ISBN-13: 9781636413976 | E-Book ISBN: 9781636413983 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 5.5" x 8.25" x .56" | Page Count: 224 | Hometown: Uppsala, Sweden; Baton Rouge, LA | BISAC Category: RELIGION / Christian Living / Inspirational, RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth, RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual GrowthTo interview Lundqvist or for a review copy, please contact media@charismamedia.com SOURCE Charisma Media
Hurricane Helene killed scores of people when it struck Florida late last week and then plowed through the Southeast as one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history
ATHENS  Climate activists and local elected officials kayaked across the Hudson River on Saturday to call for Gov. Kathy Hochul to deny the Iroquois natural gas pipeline expansion.

The rally was attended by representatives from the environmental action group Food & Water Watch, Concerned Citizens of Dover, Concerned Health Professionals of New York, and local elected officials from Columbia and Greene counties.

Attendees first gathered at Athens Riverfront Park for a rally on land, before getting into kayaks and traveling across the Hudson River, along the path of the Iroquois pipeline.

Hochul and the state Department of Environmental Conservation have a responsibility to protect New Yorkers, Emily Skydel, senior organizer of the Hudson Valley branch of Food & Water Watch, said during the rally on Saturday.

We deserve clean air and a healthful environment, and we will not allow a greedy gas company to decide our future for us, she said.

The proposed expansion of the Iroquois pipeline entails adding a compression-only enhancement on two compressor stations located in Athens and Dutchess County's town of Dover.

Expansion of the pipeline will allow for an additional 125 million cubic feet of natural gas to pass through it per day, according to a brochure from Iroquois.

Changes to the Athens station will include the addition of 12,000 horsepower of compression and gas cooling.

A formal application was filed by Iroquois in January 2020 with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission to permit the project, according to the Iroquois website.

In January, the state Department of Environmental Conservation requested input from the state Department of Public Service on the need for the project. The Department of Public Service assessed the proposed project, and in February determined the expansion was necessary to ensure utility companies Con Edison and National Grid were able to continue providing safe and adequate gas service to customers in downstate New York, according to the DEC's website.

The DEC is also reviewing the project to determine if it adheres to air pollution and climate change regulations, and ensure it does not contribute to excessive pollution.

Iroquois is awaiting air permits for the proposed pipeline expansion from the state DEC.

Were one air permit away from a seriously dangerous project that gives absolutely no benefits for the region for gas that nobody wants, Skydel said.

Roughly 20 people attended Saturday's rally and held signs containing statements such as Stop the Pipeline and Our House is on Fire."

Expansion of the pipeline is not needed, said Sandra Steingraber, a biologist and cofounder of Concerned Health Professionals of New York.

We know the climate crisis calls us to end all new fossil fuel build-out, lest we hit unfixable tipping points, she said. We know that if this moves forward, this expansion, that the people of Athens will suffer first and worst. Compressor stations kill people, we have good data for that. Compressor stations fill peoples homes with cancer causing benzene. We have good data for that.

People in the Hudson Valley need more options for powering their homes, Steingraber said.

We deserve better kinds of ways to turn on the lights and keep our homes heated and cook our food, other than doubling the amount of fracked gas through an aging, crumbling pipeline that runs under our beloved river," she said.

The expansion of the pipeline will make it harder for Athens to reach its climate goals, Athens Village Trustee Josh Lipsman said during the rally.

Would this benefit Athens or our surrounding communities? Not us, he said. No increased taxes collected, no increased jobs, no increased money flowing into our communities. No loss of jobs if the project is denied. This would benefit downstate folks, perhaps. They may have increased demand for energy supply. Its unclear if thats actually even true.

The response to increased energy demand should not be to increase fossil fuels, Lipsman said.

We should not be responding to a possible downstate demand for more energy by increasing fossil fuel availability, he said. But by offering folks alternatives, like community solar farms, solar panels, energy efficient technology and other sustainable resources.

There is a choice between stopping some of the health effects of the proposed pipeline expansion, or continuing forward, Hudson 3rd Ward Supervisor Michael Chameides said Saturday.

What do we want our future to look like? he said. I want a future where we can go out with our friends and enjoy the environment, have a great time kayaking, and that the world around us is a sustainable place that feeds us healthy food, that we enjoy and we can enjoy together. But an alternative is that corporations are sort of extracting our resources, theyre making a lot of money, and its all at our expense, where the environment is actually causing increased harm to us. Thats the decision point ahead of us.

After the rally, attendees got into kayaks and traveled across the Hudson River along the path of the pipeline to the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse.

While kayaking they held signs with messages against the pipeline, or wore them pinned to their life jackets. They also shouted various chants such as Stop the Iroquois Pipeline.

The expansion of the pipeline is a danger to the communities it is in, Juliana Toloza Serna, a participant in the rally from New York City, said Saturday.

Its not only a huge danger and hazard to the communities living here, but also pollutes the whole environment for everybody, she said. We are here to stop it as people that live in New York and benefit from the energy, which locals do not benefit. We are standing in solidarity with the locals and saying we do not need this and we do not want it.

There is nothing natural or environmentally friendly about the potential expansion of the pipeline, said Trina Chiemi, who was also attending the rally from New York City.

With all the methane emissions that come from it that harm our communities and also harm out planet, she said. We only have five years left to reach the 1.5 degree maximum warming limit, and to do so we have to stop all expansion of new fossil fuel infrastructure.

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Israeli tanks are reported to be massing on the border with southern Lebanon. Its special forces are already active in Hezbollah territory.

A ground offensive is widely expected even if its extent is not yet known.

Despite the international clamour to agree a ceasefire, Israel thinks it has Hezbollah on the ropes and is in no mood to let up. Even with America, its most important ally, leading the ceasefire chorus (with our very own Keir Starmer playing the part of Little Sir Echo) Israel is not to be dissuaded.

Nobody should be surprised. Hezbollah, bank-rolled and armed by Iran, is the world's most powerful terrorist group. Stronger even than the government or military of Lebanon  which it has destroyed as a functioning country  it is committed to the destruction of Israel.

It has fired thousands of rockets and missiles at Israel since Hamas, another Iranian-backed terrorist group (though nowhere near as formidable), mounted its barbarous incursion into Israel almost a year ago.

Lebanon's Hezbollah deputy leader Sheik Naim Qassem delivers an address from an unknown location, days after Hezbollah chief Hussein Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike

A satellite image showing the site of the Israeli air strike that killed Nasrallah in Beirut on Sunday

Over 60,000 Israelis have had to flee their homes in the north of the country, which borders Hezbollah's heartland of southern Lebanon.

Israel has seized the chance to cripple its mortal foe. A 21-day ceasefire, as urged by the international community, would have led nowhere  but would have given Hezbollah time to regroup.

Western commentators like to emphasise Hezbollah's military prowess and remind us how Israel has not always come off best in previous encounters. They do not seem to realise how much Israel learned from that and how weakened Hezbollah is.

In the aftermath of the Hamas attack on Israel on October 7, the longtime Hezbollah leader, Hassan Nasrallah, claimed Israel was 'shaking and trembling' in fear and 'weaker than a spider's web'.

He called on all Iran's terrorist proxies in the region, from Syria to Iraq to Yemen and (of course) Lebanon, to join in an 'historic and decisive' war to eliminate the 'Zionist entity'.

These words have never sounded more hollow. Nasrallah, who operated from a residential district of Beirut because he knew he was a marked man, was killed in an Israeli air strike on Friday.

Even President Biden, cheerleader for the ceasefire clique, had to admit there was a 'measure of justice' in his death. How could he say otherwise since, for decades, Nasrallah had presided over a terrorist killing machine?

The inevitable and regrettable civilian casualties are on him and his kind. There are fewer of his 'kind' than there were, however. Israel has decapitated a large chunk of the Hezbollah leadership in a series of remarkable operations which illustrate just how far Israeli intelligence has penetrated its upper echelons.

The sabotage of Hezbollah pagers and walkie-talkies  previously thought to be safer than using smartphones  killed 37 and wounded around 3,000 ranking officials and fighters. One observer quipped that Hezbollah was now being run by people not important enough to have pagers or walkie-talkies.

Targeted bombing has taken out at least a dozen senior military commanders and many more junior ones, again showing just how much Israel knows about Hezbollah's leading lights.

Firefighters extinguish the fire that broke out in an apartment after the Israeli army carried out an air strike in Beirut

Residents inspect a damaged car that was hit in the air strike yesterday

It has also seriously degraded the terror group's stockpile of rockets and missiles, though it still has plenty in reserve. Finding a successor to Nasrallah who can match his authority and reputation in the Arab world will be well nigh impossible, however. Potential leaders are either dead or in hiding, fearing further Israeli airstrikes.

Of course, Hezbollah is still no pushover. Its fighters are battle-hardened, its arsenal immense. We do not know if Israel plans a limited incursion to take control of some border areas, or aims to push Hezbollah back to north of the Litani river  about 18 miles from the Israeli border  which would reduce its ability to rain down missiles on northern Israel and allow the IDF to capture much of its arsenal.

But whatever Israel has in store, Hezbollah is reeling from two self-inflicted mistakes: it seriously underestimated Israel's capabilities and it grossly overestimated the willingness of its Iranian paymasters to come to its aid. That is Nasrallah's miserable legacy.

Despite Hezbollah's relentless missile barrage, the damage it has managed to wreak has been minimal, the deaths surprisingly and thankfully few  in stark contrast to the toll Israel is taking on its enemy.

Yet, as it discovers Hezbollah is no match for Israel's firepower, technology and intelligence, Iran has been sitting on its hands.

The usual bellicose rhetoric emanates from Tehran but actions to support its troubled proxy are not forthcoming. A terrible revenge for Nasrallah's assassination is promised. But there were similar threats when two months ago Israel assassinated Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in an official guest house in Tehran. Nothing happened.

Yesterday, I spoke to Professor Ali Ansari, director of the Institute for Iranian Studies at St Andrews University. He confirmed what I suspected: Iran has very few options when it comes to helping the likes of Hezbollah.

Southern Lebanon is almost 1,000 miles from Tehran. Iran can hardly send a land army to aid its beleaguered allies. Israel's state-of-the-art jet fighters would control the skies against Iran's ancient airforce and could do a lot more damage to it than vice versa.

Fears of a wider war in the Middle East are understandable. But despite all the dire predictions, nobody ever outlines what it would entail.

The Arab Gulf states are as hostile to Iran as Israel. This mitigates the threat of the 'oil weapon' which caused the West so much pain in the 1973 and 1979 Middle East crises, when oil prices quadrupled, throwing Europe and America into recession.

The truth is that the Iranian regime is scared. It is unpopular at home. And that dislike could quickly turn to hate if it launches an unnecessary war which most Iranians, who do not share their leaders' anti-Israel obsession, would not support. It's also fearful for its own wellbeing.

If Israel can kill Nasrallah in Beirut and Haniyeh in Tehran (their own capital!), how safe is anybody in the Iranian government? No surprise, then, that even Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, was reported this week to have been moved to a top-secret safe house (though Iranians must wonder if anything is secret from Israel these days).

Iranian leaders must also know that if it really did threaten Israel, the West  for all its criticisms of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's bellicose approach  would come to its aid.

Iran found that out the hard way, when Israel's allies rallied round to neutralise its missile and drone attack earlier this year. Even Sunni Arab states pitched in to defend Israel.

To leave Iran in no doubt that Israel would not be on its own, the US has already deployed two massive naval carrier groups in the region: one at the southern end of the Red Sea, the other in the eastern Mediterranean.

Israel could still come unstuck if it overreaches  as it has before in Lebanon  but, for now, the initiative is with it and, however strong the calls for a ceasefire, it will do what it perceives to be in its best interests. Something it always does because in every struggle its very existence is at stake.

So Iran is cowed for now. Israel will attempt to cut Hezbollah down to size, as it has Hamas. It cannot be destroyed completely. But it can be seriously defanged.

A nuclear-armed Iran, however, would be an entirely different matter, which is why, whatever it takes, it must never be allowed the bomb.
During the miners' strike of 1984-85, Labour MPs used to proudly wear 'Coal not dole' badges in their lapels. Fast-forward 40 years and coal has never been a more dirty word in socialist circles.

Yesterday, when the boilers of Britain's last coal-fired power station, at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, were shut down for the last time, hardly a tear was shed.

Coal may have been the lifeblood of the Industrial Revolution, a phenomenon that transformed the world, but today Labour, in a mad rush to achieve net zero carbon emissions, is presiding over a deindustrialisation of Britain that will leave our country poorer, more vulnerable and won't even do anything to protect the environment.

We can  and perhaps should  rejoice at the decline of coal as a means of producing electricity. It is one of the dirtiest fuels you can burn, producing around twice as many carbon emissions, kilowatt-hour for kilowatt-hour, as gas.

Yet there is something rather disturbing about the glee with which climate campaigners, and Government ministers, have cheered the end of the coal industry  and, indeed, the decline of much of Britain's heavy industry in general.

A police officer is led away to an ambulance after being injured in the Miner's Strike in 1984

Moreover, since we closed our coal-fired power stations we are simply not generating enough electricity to meet demand. (Stock photo)

For Ratcliffe-on-Soar is not the only icon of British industry which closed yesterday. The second of the two blast furnaces at Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant was also allowed to cool down for the last time.

Its closure will mean the loss of 2,800 jobs and no steel will be produced in South Wales until a new electric arc furnace is completed in 2027.

In Scotland, meanwhile, the writing is already on the wall for the Grangemouth oil refinery, whose owner  Ineos  plans to replace it with a terminal to import fuels refined abroad. The company says it has been forced into the move because it is losing 380,000 a day.

Industrial decline in Britain is nothing new. Indeed, it is perhaps the inevitable consequence of scaling the heights we did from the early 19th century onwards.

The Industrial Revolution transformed Britain from a country based on agriculture and handicrafts to one steeped in large-scale industry and factories.

New technologies increased production and made products cheaper. Engineers like Isambard Kingdom Brunel built bridges, tunnels, ships and railways that were longer, faster and bigger than anything seen before.

Then the rot set in. Lancashire's cotton mills started closing in the 1930s due to cheaper competition from the Indian subcontinent.

Our car industry was failing by the 1970s, brought down by overmanning, rapacious unions, cheap foreign imports and ill-judged state intervention.

Ed Miliband (pictured)  the grandly titled Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero  has accelerated Britain's deindustrialisation

During the miners' strike of 1984-85, Labour MPs used to proudly wear 'Coal not dole' badges in their lapels. (Labour leader Keir Starmer)

It was much the same story with our steel industry in the early 1980s: out-dated technology, a lack of investment and the soaring cost of coal and oil.

The difference between then and now is that, far from attempting to defend British industry, Government policy seems designed to undermine it.

The new administration's need to show progress towards net zero carbon emissions is giving ministers a perverse incentive to close down UK industry and import goods  because then the emissions will appear on some other country's carbon balance sheet. Fatally, Britain's net zero target is based only on 'territorial' emissions  pollutants physically spewed out in the country itself. It excludes carbon emitted elsewhere in the world in the name of making goods for UK consumers.

Make a ton of steel in Port Talbot and the emissions will be added to Britain's total. Import steel instead, and the carbon dioxide produced in its manufacture will be added to Chinese or Malaysian emissions.

That allows UK ministers to boast they have brought Britain a little closer to achieving its net zero target  but it can hardly be said to help the planet.

On the contrary, it will lead to an overall increase in emissions, because the manufacturing process is more carbon-intensive there than it is in Britain.

Take China. No less than 60 per cent of its power is still generated by coal-fired power stations. Ironically, many of the solar panels and wind turbines which lie at the heart of Labour's clean energy policy are made abroad with dirty electricity. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, China has 654,000 jobs in wind, Britain just 31,000  in spite of Britain having installed more offshore turbines than any other country. So much for Labour's idea of a 'just transition' to renewables.

Ed Miliband  the grandly titled Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net Zero  has accelerated Britain's deindustrialisation through his self-imposed target to decarbonise the grid by 2030  five years earlier than the Conservatives had planned.

The second of the two blast furnaces at Tata Steel's Port Talbot plant was also allowed to cool down for the last time. (Stephen Kinnock, Labour Party MP, poses near Tata Steel Port Talbot steel production plant)

According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, China has 654,000 jobs in wind, Britain just 31,000. (A flock of birds fly past turbines)

Until recently, however, Miliband appeared to meet little opposition to his plans in Labour circles. Anyone who questioned his agenda was dismissed as a 'climate change denier' and Right-wing reactionary to boot.

But recently he has come up against a formidable opponent in the shape of Gary Smith, general secretary of the GMB union, who last week branded the net zero pledge 'bonkers' and 'fundamentally dishonest'.

Smith, who represents thousands of North Sea oil and gas workers, added: 'If we don't change course, if we don't get real about what's happening in the energy sector, I fear that over the next decade we will lose up to a million jobs.'

His fears are backed up by Sharon Graham, leader of the Unite union. Both are unconvinced by Miliband's claim that his glorious green revolution will create masses of 'green jobs', not least because Britain's drive towards wind and solar is creating far more jobs abroad than at home.

Smith's intervention came as Government figures revealed that Britain's industrial users pay more for their electricity than their counterparts anywhere else in the world  half as much again as in Germany and four times more than in the US.

No wonder the trade organisation Make UK revealed in July that Britain had fallen out of the world's top ten manufacturing nations for the first time.

UK manufacturing output was worth $259billion in 2022, the latest year for which data is available. That placed us 12th in worldwide rankings, behind the likes of Russia, Taiwan and Mexico.

'This is a major body blow to UK manufacturing,' said Dr Graham Hoare, chief executive officer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry.

Industrial decline in Britain is nothing new. Indeed, it is perhaps the inevitable consequence of scaling the heights we did from the early 19th century onwards. (Tata Steel in Port Talbot)

'We are home to some of the most innovative manufacturers and research facilities in the world. We must do everything possible to harness this expertise to reinvent ourselves as a manufacturing superpower.'

This is unlikely to happen while Miliband is helming our energy policy. His claim that decarbonising will cut prices and increase energy security is fantasy.

Britain already generates a higher share of its electricity from wind (28.1 per cent in 2023) than any other developed nation apart from Portugal and Denmark  so why do we have the highest industrial electricity prices?

The truth is that, while the marginal cost of wind power might be low, the cost of incorporating it in the grid is very high because of upfront costs and the need for back-up. It's no coincidence that the country which generates most of its energy from wind  Denmark, at 57.7 per cent  has the highest domestic energy prices in the world.

Moreover, since we closed our coal-fired power stations we are simply not generating enough electricity to meet demand. Last year, 10 per cent of our electricity was imported via subsea cables.

If Miliband really wanted to increase Britain's energy security and cut prices he would be embracing a broad mix of sources, not over-relying on wind and solar. He certainly wouldn't be condemning gas to the same fate as coal.

His ideologically driven rush to net zero is condemning much of of UK industry to closure. That might make for a country which, on paper, is cleaner. But it will also make for a poorer and more insecure one, ever more reliant on imports for its basic needs.

Ross Clark is the author of Not Zero: How An Irrational Target Will Impoverish You, Help China (And Won't Even Save the Planet).
Queen Camilla's son Tom Parker Bowles confesses to 'loving' Harry Enfield's portrayal of King Charles in the spoof Channel 4 series The Windsors  in which Pippa Middleton 'seduces' Prince Harry.

But Tom, promoting his new royal cookery book, hotly disputes the late Haydn Gwynne's portrayal of his mother as a gin-swigging chainsmoker.

'It's inaccurate. She never drunk a glass of gin in her life. Doesn't smoke,' he says, adding: 'Sadly, the woman who played my mum died. She was really brilliant. But my mother hardly drinks. Never seen her so much as tipsy.'

Tom Parker Bowles confesses to 'loving' Harry Enfield's portrayal of King Charles in the spoof Channel 4 series The Windsors

Harry Enfield plays a power-hungry King Charles in the Royal Family spoof The Windsors

Tom is currently promoting his new royal cookery book (pictured) and hotly disputes the late Haydn Gwynne's portrayal of his mother in The Windsors

Gyles Brandreth tells Radio Times that he confessed on BBC Radio 4 to a teenage crush on Camilla when she was 17... after seeing her smoke a Woodbine in shrubbery near his boarding school Bedales, Peterborough.

'A few weeks later, Camilla happened to encounter my wife Michele at a flower show,' recalls Gyles. 'She said: 'Now, look. Tell Gyles that I do not deny I was smoking, I do not deny I was in the bushes. But that I do deny they were Woodbines!'

Gyles Brandreth (pictured) told the Radio Times that he confessed on BBC Radio 4 to a teenage crush on Camilla when she was 17

How will Marianne Faithfull react to Redlands, the play about the infamous 1967 drugs-bust arrest of Mick Jagger and Keith Richards?

She won't be over the moon that the play, which opened in Chichester last night, perpetuates the myth that Jagger had been interrupted by the police consuming a Mars bar concealed about Faithfull's privates.

Marianne described the gossip as 'a dirty old man's fantasy'. However, Redlands' director Justin Audibert insists: 'We have left it in because it is part of the story.'

Redlands perpetuates the myth that Mick Jagger (pictured) had been interrupted by the police consuming a Mars bar concealed about Faithfull's privates

Barbra Streisand, sharing a bubble bath with the late Kris Kristofferson in 1976's A Star is Born, didn't raise any objection when he became physically aroused.

'What's the point in stopping yourself?', he asked. 'I think you try to be involved in the scene. I don't think it bothered Barbra.'

The songwriter and actor added: 'It was a great experience, and I think the bathtub scene is probably the sexiest, nicest scene I ever got to shoot. It was a pleasure being with her.' All together now: 'For The Good Times.'

Barbra Streisand, sharing a bubble bath with the late Kris Kristofferson in 1976's A Star is Born (pictured), didn't raise any objection when he became physically aroused

Josephine Hart's widower Maurice Saatchi, 78, recalls telling Bob Geldof about his autumn romance with Lynn, 70, widow of his close friend Sir Evelyn de Rothschild. 'I said in the most serious voice I could muster: 'I'm sure that Josephine and Evelyn are looking down at Lynn and thinking, this is very good'. And Bob's answer was 'self-serving bull****'. He's pretty plain-spoken is Bob.'

Maurice Saatchi (left of Edna O'Brien) says Bob Geldof (right) is 'pretty plain-spoken'

With Disney having turned her 1988 bonkbuster Rivals into a TV series, Dame Jilly Cooper identifies Snow White as her favourite among the film giant's princesses.

Asked to imagine how Snow White would fare if she met her famous lothario character Rupert Campbell-Black, Jilly saucily responds: 'Well, in the early days he'd have taken her upstairs pretty fast.' Was she Grumpy or Happy?
In today's extract from his candid and irrepressible memoir, Boris Johnson compares his political downfall to the assassination of Julius Caesar  and his friend and protege Rishi Sunak to Brutus.

There were many conspirators by the end, he says, but by resigning just minutes after Health Secretary Sajid Javid, it was Rishi who dealt the fatal blow.

While reading his Chancellor's 'leaden' resignation letter, Mr Johnson found himself murmuring Caesar's dying words, as chronicled by the Roman historian Suetonius: 'You too, my son?'

Throughout this account of his final months in power, his tone is more of sorrow and incredulity than of anger.

He accepts responsibility for his own shortcomings and failure to carry his Tory colleagues along with him ('I'm afraid I was sometimes arrogant.') But there is remarkably little self-pity about the manner of his betrayal.

Boris Johnson says he is now looking to his future and doesn't rule out a return to politics

While reading Rishi Sunak's (centre right) 'leaden' resignation letter, Mr Johnson (centre left) found himself murmuring Caesar's dying words

However, he is in no doubt it was a mistake to unseat him, 'both for Rishi and for the party  never mind the country'.

There are some important nuggets of hard-learned wisdom in this book for those currently jostling for the Tory leadership.

Listen to your colleagues, offer hope and vision, talk to the electorate, share their ambitions, and, perhaps above all else, 'own the future'.

Boris says he is now looking to his future and doesn't rule out a return to politics. On quitting the Commons in 2022, his parting words were, 'hasta la vista, baby'  roughly translated as 'see you later'.

Experience tells us he's not a man to be written off. After all, he once said his chances of being PM were about the same as 'being reincarnated as an olive or decapitated by a frisbee'. But he made it.

UK's lack of energy

With the closure of the UK's last coal-fired power station at Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, the fuel that powered the industrial revolution, and at its height sustained more than a million jobs, continues its fade into history.

On the same day it was confirmed that the coal-fired blast furnaces at Port Talbot steelworks are being mothballed, presaging the death rattle of another once-vital British industry and putting more than 2,000 out of work.

Meanwhile, at Grangemouth, a more recent technology is being jettisoned, as Scotland's only oil refinery is set to close with the loss of another 400 jobs.

Thanks to Labour's Gadarene rush to decarbonise the economy, we are entering a new age of rapid de-industrialisation.

In theory, these old technologies will be replaced by newer, greener ones. In practice we are simply not ready for that transition.

Ratcliffe-on-Soar in Nottinghamshire, e UK's last coal-fired power station, closed at midnight

Environment Secretary Ed Miliband (pictured) has given every impression of wanting to kill off all fossil fuel production and usage as soon as possible

If we want to keep the lights on and the wheels of industry turning, we will have to import gas, oil, steel and even coal for many years to come.

In his short time in office, Environment Secretary Ed Miliband has given every impression of wanting to kill off all fossil fuel production and usage as soon as possible, regardless of the consequences.

He is driven not by common sense but by vanity and blind zealotry.

He speaks of a 'just transition' to renewable energy, but this scorched earth programme is anything but that.

GMB general secretary Gary Smith describes the Government target of reaching Net Zero by 2030 as 'bonkers'.

It's not often the Mail is on the same page as a union baron, but on this occasion Mr Smith is absolutely spot-on.
Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child, Buckingham Palace has announced.

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.

The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie

Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, also shares Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Alongside the statement, Beatrice, 36, shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

Beatrice is pictured in New York last week at the Youth Impact Council Launch

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three (pictured)

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The grandchild will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Eugenie has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

Where will Princess Beatrice's new baby be in the line of succession? How newborn will push Eugenie and royal cousins further down line to the throne Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's second child will be born 11th in line to the throne. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, who is currently 10th in line to the throne. Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie sits in 11th place as it stands, but she will move down to 12th place once the baby is born. The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and Mr Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring. The baby will also be a sibling to Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, who is not in the line of succession. Their new child will not be an HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) or a Prince or Princess - and will also not require the monarch's permission to marry. For hundreds of years, the Royal Marriages Act 1772 meant descendants of George II had to seek the sovereign's consent before they wed, otherwise their marriages were deemed invalid. But this law was repealed through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which restricted the consent to just the first six people in the line of succession. As the new baby is 11th in line, they will not at present need to seek a monarch's approval to wed. George III, George II's grandson, had ordered the 1772 Act after his younger brother, the Duke of Cumberland, secretly married Lady Anne Horton, deemed to be a highly disreputable widow of a commoner. Advertisement

The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie's second child Ernest last year.

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice of York attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 2013

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
Stacey Hollands knew she had to make every second of her life worth it after losing her dad to cancer.

At 24, she began looking closely at her own health after her dad made the decision to eliminate toxic products from his life following his devastating diagnosis.

She started to dive deep into understanding every formula she applied to her skin.

The beauty therapist was stunned when she made the discovery her favourite skincare and makeup products were filled with harmful ingredients.

She was determined to replace all the items in her beauty cabinet with 'cleaner' alternatives that delivered 'real results', but what she wanted, didn't exist.

So Stacey set out to create her own all-natural mineral skincare and makeup range offering result-driven products. Her vision was to merge 'clean beauty' with high performance and affordability so her brand could stand out in the increasingly saturated market.

After more than two years of researching, developing and working tirelessly to 'perfect' her first ever line, she launched Lust Minerals in 2014 from her linen closet at home on the Sunshine Coast, Queensland.

Fast forward, the mum-of-two has built a 'clean' beauty empire - after her global brand made $34 million in sales over the past five years.

Stacey Hollands (pictured) is the founder and CEO of Australian beauty brand Lust Minerals

Before starting her business, Stacey was working as a beauty therapist when her family's life was turned upside down after her dad was diagnosed with cancer.

'It was a challenging experience in my life that transformed my perspective and furthered my knowledge about the impact that chemicals and toxins can have on one's health,' Stacey, now 34, told FEMAIL.

Cleaner lifestyle

'I immediately wanted to substitute the products that I was using and replace them with cleaner alternatives, and beauty products were a challenging replacement.

'Whilst there were plenty of clean beauty products out there, few married "clean" and "high performance" to deliver real results for consumers.'

Growing up with sensitive skin, Stacey suffered from breakouts - leaving her feeling conscious as a teenager.

As she was young, she had no idea that using conventional makeup products didn't allow the skin to breathe, which made the breakouts worse.

Before starting her business, Stacey was working as a beauty therapist when her family's life was turned upside down after her dad was diagnosed with cancer

So when she began looking for all-natural products, she thought many of the mineral foundations were 'expensive and unaffordable'.

'I remember thinking why should mineral makeup only be accessible for those who can afford to pay $90 for a foundation?' she recalled.

'Bridge the gap'

'A lot of mineral makeup that was on the market at the time, from my point of view, was watered down with fillers. The concentration levels weren't there and the level of minerals were not enough to be beneficial, and this then affected their performance.

'I was determined to bridge this gap and provide a cleaner alternative to women. My goal was to create a product that was formulated with clean, high performing ingredients to deliver real results for customers.'

She invested $10,000 of her savings to create her first batch of samples.

Stacey created an all-natural mineral beauty range that offers result-driven products

The one Lust Minerals item Stacey can't live without If I had to choose one Lust Minerals product, the one I use every single day and could not go without is the Pro Finish Liquid Mineral Foundation. It's everything I need - lightweight, breathable, and covers pigmentation. As I enter my 30s, it has been supporting and helping to heal and soothe hormonal breakouts without inflaming them. As a busy mum juggling work and family life, I really love how quick and easy it is to apply, and how it lasts. I can easily put it on before my Pilates class in the morning, it takes just a few minutes and applies seamlessly. I do a quick touch up after my morning workout in the midst of getting the kids ready, and then I wear it during the entire workday - it gets me through afternoon school sports and errands, and still looks just as glowy and beautiful by the end of the day as it did in the morning. It never lets me down. It feels like a second skin, making wearing it for up to 16 hours a day a breeze. Advertisement

In September 2014, Stacey launched her beauty range - starting with three products - a mineral loose powder foundation, a BB cream, and a mineral stick foundation.

'The launch was seven months after my dad had passed,' she said.

'I was wearing all the hats and single-handedly managing every aspect of the business. Balancing this immense workload with my role as a beauty therapist and becoming a mother was not a light task.

'I was also up against some pretty big, well-known brands and at times felt like a small fish in a big sea. However, at the same time, this just motivated me to want to work harder.'

'I didn't give up'

Her hard work paid off after Lust Minerals 'evolved' into what Stacey describes as a 'global beauty powerhouse' that provides 'clean beauty products to millions'.

'In the early days, getting into stockists was our goal and it was challenging competing against other well-established brands. It often took 100 rejections before we got one yes, but I didn't give up - I believed in the product so much,' she said.

'After securing our first three stockists, we grew to 82 stockists within the first two years, which was an incredible achievement.

'Still, I really wanted to accelerate our growth, so I decided to launch e-commerce in 2019. Since then, we've sold over $34 million in clean beauty products, with more than 200,000 loyal returning customers.'

Customers have noticed glowing skin after using the brand's skincare range

As a working mum, Stacey said her work-life balance has always been a challenge.

'Balancing my role as a beauty therapist, being a wife, and being a young mum has definitely tested my limits. There's never enough hours in the day,' she said.

'It required a lot of late nights and early mornings, often blurring the lines between work and personal life, and therefore I had to become extremely organised and intentional about my time.

'Hard to switch off'

'Being the CEO of an eight-figure business and leading a large team comes with significant responsibilities, but so does being a wife and a mother to two beautiful young children, who require a lot of hands-on support.'

She said it has been 'incredibly hard to switch off at times' as she finds it 'difficult' to balance motherhood and business.

Stacey's vision was to merge 'clean beauty' with high performance and affordability so her brand could stand out in the increasingly saturated market (picture of a customer's result)

The top five Lust Minerals skincare items 1. Hyaluronic Acid Serum: $56 2. Superfood Gel Cleanser: $48 3. Rejuvenation Oil: $56 4. Vitamin C Brightening Serum: $56 5. Firming Peptide Moisturiser: $56 Advertisement

However, she's found a way to enjoy the best of both worlds.

'I feel that it is an amazing blessing that after 10 years, I am just as passionate and excited to wake up every day as I was when I first started,' she said.

'Mum guilt'

With a hectic work schedule, Stacey said there were moments in her life where she experienced mum-guilt.

'Before my youngest started school, I went through a period of feeling really guilty about having missed out on time with her, and I felt as though time was running out,' she explained.

'This led us to do a six-week trip which actually turned into four months of travelling around Australia in our caravan. This experience allowed me to truly connect with my kids and fill my own cup up whilst still working full-time.

'I'm so grateful for this time we spent together, and this also helped me to understand the importance of balance.'

After the family returned to reality, Stacey and her husband realised they needed the 'peace and joy in slowing down'.

After more than two years of researching, developing and working tirelessly to 'perfect' her first ever line, she launched Lust Minerals in 2014 from her linen closet at home

'So we purchased a 260-acre farm in the hinterland of the Sunshine Coast so we can have the best of both worlds. We have a home near the beach and now we spend our weekends out at the farm enjoying quality time as a family,' she said.

'The farm allows us to slow down - even though it's a full-time job for my husband managing the property and all our animals, it's the peace of the space we love most.'

'Be the best role model'

She hopes she could be the 'best role model' for her kids.

'I genuinely love that they see me pursuing my dreams. It's all I could ever hope that they do in life too,' she said.

When it comes to her business, Stacey said her 'work never feels like work' because she's 'genuinely invested' in 'changing lives' and 'redefining the beauty industry'.

She referenced a study that found women absorb approximately 2kg of chemicals through beauty products each year alone.

When it comes to her business, Stacey said her 'work never feels like work' because she's 'genuinely invested' in 'changing lives' and 'redefining the beauty industry'

'These chemicals can have serious effects on skin and overall health. That's why I'm so dedicated to keep moving forward, and to offer a solution,' Stacey explained.

'Our products are formulated without harmful chemicals, providing a safer alternative that still delivers amazing results, and supports skin-health in the long term.'

As Lust Minerals celebrates its 10th birthday, the brand recently reformulated several skincare items to focus on natural, patented ingredients - backed by clinical studies.

'We are deeply committed to innovation and our mission is to deliver the very best in clean, high-performance cosmetics. Just as our mineral makeup delivers results that are equal, if not better than conventional products, I wanted our skincare to do the same,' Stacey said.

'This led me to reformulate several of our skincare products, ensuring we are pioneering the most effective clean beauty products on the market. We're setting a new standard for what clean beauty can really achieve.

'Behind the scenes, we're currently working on more reformulations. It's our 10th year in business this year, and it's important to me that as technology continues to advance, so do we.'
The BBC drama follows a group of young and ambitious bankers in Canary Wharf

One of BBC's steamiest shows to date, following a group of London bankers as they navigate the intense finance sector, returns to UK screens tonight.

The wait is finally over for British fans of the much-loved financial drama Industry, made by BBC and HBO, with the third season airing on BBC One at 10:40pm this evening.

Set in the heart of Canary Wharf, the show centres on a group of ambitious young graduates and their attempts to forge a career in the fast-paced, cut-throat world of investment banking.

Despite the third season not yet airing on BBC One, HBO have already renewed Industry for a fourth season following a string of impressive reviews about the 'bigger and better' third edition, according to Variety.

In season three, Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, as the company becomes involved with Lumi, a green tech energy company.

BBC's drama Industry is back on BBC One at 10:40pm on Tuesday. Pictured: Myha'la as Harper Stern

Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington takes the reins on the company, playing British aristocrat Lord Henry Muck, described as the embodiment of 'old money' privilege.

British fans have had to wait longer than those across the pond, with season three of Industry having already aired in the US.

Season three debuted in America on 11 August, with the remaining episodes being released every Sunday evening until 29 September.

As a result, UK fans have been voicing their disappointment over having to wait for season three on X.

One fan recently: 'More than a little miffed that, living in UK, I can't yet watch this joint BBC/HBO show, written by two Brits, with 75 per cent British cast and have to wait until some unspecified time for BBC to show it.'

Another fumed: 'Imagine my surprise when I find out season three is already airing in the US but not here in the UK. It's literally a BBC show'.

A third added: 'I cannot believe Industry, a show set in London with so many British actors, premiered in the US two months before it premieres in the UK? We were episode for episode with America for Succession, but not this? If I see spoilers HBO, you will pay.'

Following the furious reaction from fans, the BBC confirmed to FEMAIL last month that series three will reach UK screens in October - once all episodes have finished airing in the US.

The London-based financial-drama made headlines from the get-go with its steamy scenes

Pictured: A three-way kiss between Harper (Myhala Herrold), Robert (Harry Lawtey) and Yasmin (Marisa Abela)

The first episode of season three premiered in America on 11 August (pictured: Marisa Abela as Yasmin Hanani)

In September, a BBC spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Industry season three will arrive on BBC iPlayer and BBC One early next month [October]. UK viewers can catch up on the first two seasons on BBC iPlayer now.'

The first season of Industry ran in the UK and US simultaneously, with episode one airing one day later in the UK in November 2020.

Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) will find themselves front and centre in IPO of Lumi.

Meanwhile, since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myha'la) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).

The show - which is created, written, and executively produced by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay - is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO and the BBC.

British fans were put on the backburner for season two, waiting almost two months longer for the release, according to Virgin Radio.

Kit Harington is seen as Lord Henry Muck (pictured) in the third series of high-finance drama Industry

While the series continues to show steamy scenes, the BBC decided not to air a scene showing an erect penis amid the sex scandals involving their presenters.

In the first episode of the third series, viewers could have seen the organ of Charles Hanani, the father of main character Yasmin who is portrayed by Marisa Abela.

Charles is her billionaire scammer dad who is portrayed by RADA-trained actor Adam Levy, 53.

He will be seen having sex in his yacht with a blonde woman in the first two minutes of the first episode. However, the BBC has confirmed that they decided against using that explicit version.

In October 2022, HBO announced that they had renewed Industry for a third season, with star Myha'la Herrold - who plays Harper - gushing: 'Y'all did this... Thank you so much for watching our show and sending us so much love.

'I can't wait to bring you more @industryhbo. Season three is coming!'

Pierpoint will once again be the centre of the gripping show, as viewers are plunged back into the unrelenting world of investment banking (pictured Harry Lawtey as Robert and Kit)

Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, as the company becomes involved with Lumi, a green tech energy company (pictured Marisa and Harry)

Creators Mickey Down and Konrad Kay previously teased on a Discord chat that they had 'a very good season three idea.'

'We had a rule that we had to burn our best plot ideas as quickly as possible,' Kay said of season two.

'Hold nothing back. Every episode should feel like a finale. We hate how slow most modern TV is.'

'Industry reached new heights in season two, cementing its status as a buzzy hit with addictive storytelling, layered characters, a breakneck pace, and keen observations about contemporary workplace dynamics,' HBO Programming senior VP Kathleen McCaffrey told Deadline.

'We're incredibly proud of what Mickey and Konrad, Jami O'Brien, Jane Tranter, and the team at Bad Wolf - together with our entire cast and crew - accomplished.

'We couldn't be more excited to continue our journey with them into season three.'
The Duchess of York has revealed her granddaughter Sienna had a unicorn-themed party to celebrate her third birthday.

Sarah Ferguson, 64, who lives in Royal Lodge in Windsor, explained how her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice turned to a popular British supermarket for Sienna's cake.

In an interview with Hello!, Fergie said that Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi also hosted Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank and their two sons August and Ernest.

Prince Andrew's ex-wife said: 'We had such a good time, with balloons and a fabulous unicorn cake from Tesco.'

The Duchess also revealed that her daughter was especially happy with the present she bought Sienna.

Pictured: Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi attend Vogue World Show in London in September 2023

Last year, Edo - who has son Christopher Woolf from a previous relationship - marked Sienna's second birthday by sharing a photo of her wearing a sombrero

Sarah added: 'I also gave her a pink mackintosh with glitter in it and I think mum was thrilled with that!'

Beatrice - who is Vice President of Partnerships and Strategy at Afiniti - and Edo are raising their daughter to be a private citizen and have never shared a photo of Sienna's face.

Unlike her sister Princess Eugenie, Beatrice doesn't have social media - but did allow her sibling to post a picture of Sienna at London Zoo with her cousins in April 2023.

Last year, Edo - who has son Christopher Woolf from a previous relationship - marked Sienna's second birthday by sharing a photo of her wearing a sombrero.

The birthday girl was pictured wearing a floral dress and walking away from the camera.

The proud father wrote at the time: 'Happy Birthday Baby Girl. You bring us so much love and joy every day.'

Earlier this year, one of Beatrice's friends told Tatler: 'Sienna is absolutely gorgeous and looks exactly like Bea. She's really cheeky and has a very good personality.'

Praising her parenting, the friend added: 'Bea has such a good heart and she's such a kind person, so motherhood came very naturally to her; she's a fantastic mum'.

Sarah Ferguson (pictured), 64, who lives in Royal Lodge in Windsor, explained how her eldest daughter Princess Beatrice turned to a popular British supermarket for Sienna's cake

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

Beatrice's daughter weighed 6lbs 2oz when she was born at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital in London at 11.42pm on 18 September 2021.

Two weeks after her arrival, Beatrice and Edo announced they had decided to call their daughter Sienna Elizabeth, in a touching tribute to the late Queen.

Posting an image of their baby's footprints on Instagram, Edoardo wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi. Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying.that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

'A massive thank you to the Midwife and the amazing team at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital.'

Pictured: Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi on their wedding day in July 2020, which was attended by the late Queen and Prince Philip

Beatrice - who is Vice President of Partnerships and Strategy at Afiniti - and Edo (pictured at Wimbledon in July 2021) are raising their daughter to be a private citizen

Sienna is the late Queen's 12th great-grandchild. Like many of her cousins, she does not have a royal title.

Only grandchildren of the monarch through the male line are automatically entitled to the styling of HRH.

King Charles could bestow a title on his great-niece if desired, but it is unlikely to be asked for.

However, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Such titles are not officially recognised in Italy anymore. They can still, however, be used as a sign of respect.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

Sienna is currently placed in tenth position in the royal line of succession, under her mother Princess Beatrice.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was all smiles today as she presided over a ballet event despite wet weather.

The Argentina-born monarch, 53, was ever chic as she attended the launch of the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam where she was greeted by young fans and ballerinas.

Despite torrential downpour threatening to get the best of the day, the effervescent royal turned up in a stylish dark grey cape and matching suede hat while an assistant shielded her with an umbrella.

Known for her love of eye-catching prints and bold colours, the grey palette was a marked departure from her usual style, however the fashionista didn't fail to turn heads.

Accompanying the look was a glistening satin green shirt which she paired with grey suede high heel pumps.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands was all smiles today as she presided over a ballet event despite wet weather

Maxima was seen clutching a small bouquet of flowers which were seemingly gifted to her by a young ballerina

For accessories she opted for grey leather gloves, a blue clutch bag and opulent diamond earrings. She also donned silver metal bracelets as well as a chunky one decorated with blue stones.

The Queen's make-up was pared back except for a light touch of grey eyeshadow and black mascara, meanwhile her blonde tresses were tucked neatly under the brim of her hat.

While at the event, the royal also made an impression beyond fashion - one that delighted her waiting fans.

A group of young ballerinas were honoured to meet the Queen, including one dancer who boldy cut some dance steps for Maxima.

One image captures the royal visibly impressed with the young girl who was dressed in a blue bodysuit and white tights. She appeared to plie for the royal as her face lit up with a smile.

She was also seen clutching a small bouquet of flowers, which were seemingly gifted to her by the young student.

According to news site ahk.nl, the occasion called for Maxima to officially open the new building of the Dutch National Ballet Academy (NBA) at Nicolaas Tetterodestraat in Amsterdam today.

'This milestone marks the official end of a search of more than a decade for a new home that can accommodate all the pupils and students of the NBA' it added.

Maxima was ever chic as she attended the launch of the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam where she was greeted by young fans and ballerinas

The occasion called for Maxima to officially open the new building of the Dutch National Ballet Academy (NBA) at Nicolaas Tetterodestraat in Amsterdam

The building comes complete with seven large studios, which serve as both theatre rooms and classrooms for the young students.

The news comes as the busy royal stepped out last Wednesday for 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.

The mother-of-three looked typically glamorous as she stepped out in a vibrant orange ensemble for the event alongside her husband, 57, who looked dashing in blue.

She 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.

A group of young ballerinas were honoured to meet the Queen

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 emphasised 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.

Accompanying the look was a glistening satin green shirt which she paired with grey suede high heel pumps

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 Schoof, 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.

The anniversary marked 15-years of progress in advancing financial inclusion, most notably in achieving UN goals in Sustainable Development Goals.
Queen Mary was joined by her husband king Frederik X and Princess Benedikte

Queen Mary looked elegant in a mint green ensemble as she joined her husband King Frederik and his aunt Princess Benedikte at the state opening of parliament.

The Danish queen, who shares four children with King Frederik, looked typically stylish in a coat dress and matching hat with a brooch.

Mary, 52, and Frederik, 56, sat apart, as per royal protocol, after greeting Benedikte, 80, outside the seat of the Danish parliament, Christiansborg in Copenhagen

Queen Mary's coat dress was belted at the waist and fell just below the knee.

The Australian-born royal wore her long brown hair in a bow-dry beneath her hat and carried a bouquet of pink flowers.

The three Danish royals were seated apart in the upper gallery, although Mary and Frederik were seen leaning across the empty seat between them to talk.

Queen Mary looked elegant in a mint green ensemble as she joined her husband King Frederik and his aunt Princess Benedikte at the state opening of parliament

The Danish queen, who shares four children with King Frederik, looked typically stylish in a coat dress and matching hat with a brooch

Queen Mary of Denmark (centre) sat with Princess Benedikte (left), Queen Margarethe's younger sister, and her husband King Frederik (right)

The Queen and King leaned across the empty seat between them to talk

Queen Mary chose a knee-length, mint green coat dress for the formal occasion while Princess Benedikte looked equally elegant in a cream, tweed suit. King Frederik, meanwhile, opted for a three-piece navy suit

King Frederik wore a three-piece navy suit complete with a pale blue shirt and a bronze tie.

His aunt, Princess Benedikte, looked equally smart in a cream, tweed skirt suit, which she paired with a sky-blue hat and matching scarf.

She wore a pair of diamond earrings and carried a quilted Chanel handbag.

Margarethe, 84, a distant cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth II, announced her abdication on New Years Eve, having reigned for 52 years - making her the second-longest reigning Danish monarch.

Recently hospitalised after suffering a fall, she is 'doing very well' - although she was not present at today's event.

Gathered for the opening of the Danish parliament, which takes place on the first Tuesday in October, the royals were joined by Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen, who arrived with her husband Bo Tengberg, 59.

Mette Frederiksen, the youngest prime minister in Danish history, was dressed in a dark pink trouser suit while her husband looked smart in dark suit and tie.

With her hair brushed back, natural make-up and a wide smile, Prime Minister Frederiksen cut a stylish but approachable figure.

Last week, Mary gave an informal update regarding her mother-in-law's health.

The King, 56, acceded to the throne on January 14, after his mother - the second-longest reigning Danish monarch - abdicated

He appeared in good spirits, smiling as he made his way towards the seat of the Danish parliament, Christiansborg in Copenhagen

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen (right), the youngest prime minister in Danish history, was dressed in a dark pink trouser suit while her husband Bo Tengberg (left) looked smart in dark suit and tie

With her hair brushed back, natural make-up and a wide smile, Prime Minister Frederiksen cut a stylish but approachable figure

Before the National Conference for Health Visitors in Copenhagen on Monday, September 23, Queen Mary said: 'Under the circumstances, she is doing very well.

'I had the opportunity to visit her a few times since she came home. She's super cool and keeps her spirit high. Thank you for the question.'

On September 23, Queen Mary attended the National Conference for Health Visitors with The Mary Foundation, which was likely her first outing since Queen Margrethe was discharged form hospital.

It was assumed that all of Queen Margarethe's public engagements had been cancelled to allow her time to recover.

Frederik told reported that he had spoken to his mother and believed she was 'in good hands'.

He added: 'We take it day by day. The doctors are the ones who decide.'

The King was speaking as he arrived at the Danish capital's City Hall to attend celebrations marking the 100th anniversary of the Copenhagen Royal Chapel Choir.

Queen Margrethe, a third cousin of the late Queen Elizabeth, is known for her chain-smoking and love of dachshunds.

Despite abdicating in her New Year's Eve speech at the end of last year, the former monarch continues to perform royal duties alongside her son and Queen Mary.
The former BBC Radio 1 radio host also said she was subject to racism in the role

Clara Amfo has revealed that she was sexually abused by a former family friend as a child.

The One Show host, 40, from Kingston upon Thames, spoke to Annie Mac on her podcast Changes and recalled her experience of becoming a 'survivor' of childhood sexual abuse.

She said: 'In my personal life, my friends know about this, and my family knows now but I'm a survivor, I'm a victim, however you want to look at it, of childhood sexual abuse.

'I was sexually abused by a friend of our family.

'And it went on for quite a while between the ages of, I think I was five, coming up to six years old. And it stopped because one of my brothers found out.'

In the same interview, Clara also revealed that she experienced racism during her radio stint at the BBC, with an unnamed colleague allegedly saying that the show would get more 'gangster' with her arrival.

Broadcaster Clara Amfo (pictured) revealed she was sexually abused by a family friend at the age of five

Clara (pictured during her childhood) said she mourns her childhood self before she became a victim of sexual abuse

The 40-year-old, who presented the 2024 Brit Awards, said that her world view was permanently altered, adding: 'From five years old, I knew that the world wasn't a safe place'.

Clara, who is the fifth out of six siblings, was born to Ghanaian parents in southwest London.

Her microbiologist father first came to the UK for work, and her mother later following and working as a hospital cleaner.

She explained that during her childhood she was not equipped with the language to express her trauma, and at first, she thought the abuse was 'normal', saying: 'I was a little kid, so you think, ''this is normal, this is just what happens when I'm with this person'''.

Clara said: 'Issues of trust, self-worth, you know, just ruptured, really. And the innocence just dies in you. You can never get it back. She added: 'And I mourn that for my childhood self, you know?'

The abuse stopped when her brother discovered what had happened. She said: 'And that's how it ended. And the change there was that that's when I really realised, ''oh, hang on a minute, all this was wrong. I'm not safe with this person''.

Clara said she has since spent a 'lifetime' trying to navigate the aftermath of the traumatic experience.

The broadcaster did not tell her mother about the abuse because she struggled to communicate the truth at the time.

She said: 'I've had to do so much work on myself from such an early age, I basically had a nervous breakdown at the age of 18 or 19 because the enormity of what had happened to me really hit round that age.'

Pictured: Annie Mac and Clara Amfo attend The NME Awards 2020 at the O2 Academy Brixton

Clara discussed her childhood with Annie Macmanus on her podcast called Changes (seen together in 2021)

After grappling with depression and anxiety, Clara put herself in therapy but kept her decision a secret from her mother.

Clara said: 'I basically had to put myself in therapy in secret because I was so depressed and so anxious and so terribly sad and just horrified.'

Despite the past events, Clara revealed that she now feels 'strong', saying: 'I feel very in control of who I am now, I think it's a confidence thing.'

Elsewhere, Clara discussed the racism she experienced while working at the BBC in 2021 when she started to work at Radio One.

Clara explained that the transition was met with racism from listeners and alleged that a BBC peer made a racist comment on her securing the position at the time.

A spokesperson from Radio One told FEMAIL: 'We take any reports of misconduct extremely seriously, and follow up with appropriate action.

Clara said: 'There were even people in our place of employment, or our old place of employment I guess... I remember someone had sent someone a message saying, ''radio one is about to get more gangster now'' about me, which is so cringe'.

'It's so cringe, such base level and reductive racism... and I found out who it was, but the thing is, I wasn't surprised, and that was somebody in our building.'

She also revealed the 'vitriol' she would receive in the text consoles, explaining that when she played a grime song, a listener texted in and said: 'Why don't you f**** back to [radio] one extra.'

Clara said: 'You can feel what they're really saying is, ''go back to where you're from'', it's so coded'.

'I remember from them onwards I said curate the feed, I only want to interact with people who want to interact with me, and I tell you what, that saved my mental health.'

Pictured: Maya Jama, Roman Kemp, and Clara Amfo on stage during the BRIT Awards 2024 at The O2 Arena

Clara Amfo attends the Prime Video awards for trialblazers

After the podcast episode aired, Clara took to Instagram to share a photograph of herself during her childhood.

She wrote: 'Thank you to everyone who has reached out since the episode of 'Changes' was released. @anniemacmanus Thank you for being a trusted friend and professional with the conversation we had. 

'What saddens me but doesn't surprise me, is that so many of you are fellow survivors of sexual abuse in childhood. Statistically speaking 90 per cent of children know their abuser, I've found that to be absolutely true in conversations I've had with friends and strangers alike.

'For some of you, the trauma that never fully leaves and shows up in how you treat your body, the relationships you in engage in, how you perceive yourself etc.

'Some of you are able to temporarily compartmentalise and move smoothly through life. Some of you may find yourself at the intersection of all the aforementioned. I'm of the opinion that's it's all valid.

'One of my recurrent replies to people's kind messages in the past 24 hours is 'I'M STILL HERE B****!' because there have been times when I felt quite the opposite. 

'This is why I will always be an advocate for talking to someone, whether it's a mental health professional and/or finding community in verified organisations where possible. 

'Please check out the site below for a long list of organisations. sexualabusesupport.campaign.gov.uk

If you are short on research time, check out these two. @napac.uk. @survivorsukcharity Specifically for boys, men and non-binary survivors. Believe kids, support adult survivors, big love.'

If you need to talk about sexual abuse, contact rape crisis call 0808 500 2222
Princess Beatrice has today revealed that she is pregnant with her second child - but it's possible that her husband was dropping hints about the happy news as early last week.

Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, who runs property firm BANDA, appeared to have shown his excitement about the arrival of another baby with a photo of a beautifully decorated nursery.

The company's Instagram profile, which has more than 230,000 followers, shared a selection of images of a playroom perfect for a toddler.

The cream walls and furniture were the perfect complement to sweet pastel touches, like a selection of floating balloons, stuffed animals and a rocking elephant.

'Floating colourful balloons as pendants and sconces, with relaxing wallpaper reminiscent of the sky, and a giraffe that evokes cherished memories for the homeowners,' the caption read.

Princess Beatrice (left) has today revealed that she is pregnant with her second child - but it's possible that her husband (right) was dropping hints about the happy news as early last week

It was a rare snap for the company's social media, which usually sticks to glossy kitchens and kitsch living rooms.

Beatrice and Edo announced their exciting news in a statement from Buckingham Palace today.

The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson, 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight.

Edo also shares Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three,' the statement read.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods.

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice.

The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth (pictured), three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

The company's Instagram profile, which has more than 230,000 followers, shared a selection of images of a playroom perfect for a toddler

The cream walls and furniture were the perfect complement to sweet pastel touches, like a selection of floating balloons, stuffed animals and a rocking elephant

Beatrice and Edo announced their exciting news in a statement from Buckingham Palace today

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice. Beatrice in New York last week

It pushes Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie back to 12th in line.

The grandchildren will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Beatrice has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

Like Beatrice's other children, the new baby will not be known by the title of HRH or have a royal title.

The baby will also be the 14th great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, with the eldest being Savannah Phillips and the youngest being Princess Eugenie's son Ernest Brooksbank.

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna, with her husband Edo

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo pictured standing in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
Princess Beatrice is expecting her second child with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi - but it won't be constant fancy dinners and ballroom dances in palaces for their expanding family.

Instead, the late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and her Italian property developer partner, 40, enjoy a more 'normal' life than some of their royal relatives.

Indeed, the royal, who is already mother to the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, and stepmother to eight-year-old Wolfie, Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang, is often spotted delighting in everyday activities.

In August, the King's niece looked in great spirits as she strolled around the streets of Mayfair with her husband of four years, after nipping to Marks & Spencer for a healthy food shop of vine tomatoes and leafy greens.

Beatrice - who is the daughter of Sarah Ferguson and Prince Andrew - further proved she's one of the Firm's most relatable royals after spending her summer attending Glastonbury's music festival and BST Hyde Park to watch Kings Of Leon perform.

Princess Beatrice (pictured left) is expecting her second child with her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi (pictured right, with his son Wolfie, pictured centre)

But while the royal - who is Vice President of Partnerships and Strategy at Afiniti - enjoys her downtime, she is also known to be a hands-on mother to Sienna, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

For her third birthday, Sienna had a unicorn-themed party - complete with a cake from Tesco, according to her grandmother, the Duchess of York.

Sarah Ferguson, 64, who lives in Royal Lodge in Windsor, explained how her eldest daughter Beatrice turned to the popular British supermarket for the little girl's cake.

In an interview with Hello!, Fergie said that Beatrice and her husband also hosted Princess Eugenie, Jack Brooksbank and their two sons August and Ernest.

Prince Andrew's ex-wife said: 'We had such a good time, with balloons and a fabulous unicorn cake from Tesco.'

The Duchess also revealed that her daughter was especially happy with the present she bought Sienna.

Sarah added: 'I also gave her a pink mackintosh with glitter in it and I think mum was thrilled with that!'

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, are raising their daughter to be a private citizen and have never shared a photo of Sienna's face.

Unlike her sister Princess Eugenie, Beatrice doesn't have social media - but did allow her sibling to post a picture of Sienna at London Zoo with her cousins in April 2023

Last year, Edo marked Sienna's second birthday by sharing a photo of her wearing a sombrero. The birthday girl was pictured wearing a floral dress and walking away from the camera

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi grabbing breakfast on the last day of Glastonbury 2024

Unlike her sister Princess Eugenie, Beatrice doesn't have social media - but did allow her sibling to post a picture of Sienna at London Zoo with her cousins in April 2023.

Last year, Edo marked Sienna's second birthday by sharing a photo of her wearing a sombrero. The birthday girl was pictured wearing a floral dress and walking away from the camera.

The proud father wrote at the time: 'Happy Birthday Baby Girl. You bring us so much love and joy every day.'

Earlier this year, one of Beatrice's friends told Tatler: 'Sienna is absolutely gorgeous and looks exactly like Bea. She's really cheeky and has a very good personality.'

Praising her parenting, the friend added: 'Bea has such a good heart and she's such a kind person, so motherhood came very naturally to her; she's a fantastic mum'.

Meanwhile, in 2020, sources claimed that 'doting stepmother' Beatrice put up 'loads of pictures' of husband Edoardo's son in their home so he 'feels like he has two families'.

Speaking about the royal embracing her role, insiders told The Telegraph's Camilla Tominey: 'Beatrice ensured there are loads of pictures of him up in their house, so he feels like he has two families, and they do get on well.'

Friends of the royal said she talks about the youngster 'all the time' and warmly embraced him into her life.

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

Wolfie has previously been kept out of the public eye, but proudly walked arm-in-arm with his stepmother and father as he joined the King and Queen on their walk to church at Sandringham on Christmas Day 2022.

Then in 2023, he made his first appearance at a royal engagement at the Princess of Wales' Westminister Abbey carol concert.

Beatrice and Edo have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Meanwhile, earlier this year, the mother of Beatrice's stepson said she is glad her son Wolfie has 'two sets of parents trying to help him' navigate his childhood.

Dara Huang, 41, who was in a relationship with Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi between 2015 and 2018, shares eight-year-old Wolfie with her ex, who is now married to Princess Beatrice.

The architect, who is from Florida but lives in Chelsea, said she is glad her son has 'two sets of parents trying to help him on both sides'.

She told Harper's Bazaar: 'Wolfie has had two sets of parents trying to help him on both sides, and I just think, "The more, the merrier."

'I feel lucky to have such positive people around him, who really embrace him  because it didnt have to be so easy.'

Dara added: 'It's all about your point of view. I don't understand people who are divorced and then hold their children as collateral; that doesnt make any sense. It's about creating a happy home and lifestyle.'

In 2023, Wolfie made his first appearance at a royal engagement at the Princess of Wales' Westminister Abbey carol concert

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

Beatrice and her husband Edoardo are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The grandchild will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Eugenie has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.
Royal fans have spotted an awkward error in Buckingham Palace's announcement that Princess Beatrice is pregnant.

The Palace posted a photo of the 36-year-old royal with her husband, Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, and their daughter Sienna on X/Twitter to announce the Princess of York was expecting her second child.

However, perhaps in the excitement of the wonderful news, a little error managed to creep through into the royal family's usually slick and smooth messaging - which some have picked up on.

The post read: 'Her Royal Highess Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together early in the new year; a sibling for Wolfie and Sienna.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

However, while most people wished the couple congratulations on the pregnancy, some others noticed the typo in the post - as it mistakenly read 'highess' rather than 'highness'.

One person wrote: 'Her Royal Highness*'

Another quipped: 'Do they not read what they wrote before they post?'

It appears the team behind the account noticed the minor error as the post was later corrected to read 'highness'.

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

While many royal fans rushed to congratulate the Princess of York and her husband, Edoardo, some pointed out an awkward blunder in the Palace's annoucement

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight.

Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, also shares Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods.

Fans spotted an error in the original X post (left) before it was hastily edited to correct the error (right)

Beatrice is pictured in New York with a friend last week as she attended a Youth Impact Council Launch with her mother

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three. Pictured in a snap on her father's Instagram account

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice.

It pushes Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie back to 12th in line.

The grandchildren will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Beatrice has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

Like Beatrice's other children, the new baby will not be known by the title of HRH or have a royal title.

The baby will also be the 14th great-grandchild of Queen Elizabeth II, with the youngest being Savannah Phillips and the youngest being Princess Eugenie's son Ernest Brooksbank.

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice of York attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 2013

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
Ina Garten has revealed how her mother, Florence Rosenberg, tried to sabotage her romance with her husband, Jeffrey, when they were teenagers, and even tried to put her off marrying him and labeled it 'the worst idea.'

Writing in her new memoir, Be Ready When The Luck Happens, Ina, 76, recalled how her mother 'pulled Jeffrey aside for a private talk' and attempted to dissipate their relationship before her daughter moved away to college.

The TV cook, who recently revealed she and Jeffrey split for six weeks in the 1970s, explained: 'While we were plotting our romance, my mother was hatching a plan of her own. At the end of the summer, unbeknownst to me, she pulled Jeffrey aside for a private talk. Now that I was getting ready to go to college, she "suggested" it was time for us to cool down.

'She told him that if we planned on seeing each other every other weekend during school, two things would happen. My grades would suffer, and he'd wreck my chances for any decent dating relationships on campus. In her words, I needed to have my chance "on the open market,"' Ina divulged, saying that it left her 'furious.'

'I was even more outraged that she thought she could control my private life. Jeffrey was offended, too, but ever the diplomat, he saw a reasonable way to move forward and a silver lining.'

Ina Garten has revealed that her mother tried to sabotage her romance with her now-husband Jeffrey. The couple are pictured here in 2018

Ina dated Jeffrey for five years before marrying him in Connecticut in 1968. They are pictured here on their wedding day

'We weren't going to stop seeing each other, but if I went on the occasional date with someone else, I'd realize that our relationship was special. Trust me, I knew that already!'

The couple's romance blossomed while she was at college in Syracuse and he was at Dartmouth, and one day in spring 1968, Jeffrey floated the idea of marriage, suggesting they say 'I do' that December.

Determined to do things properly, Jeffrey called Ina's parents to arrange a visit so that he could officially ask for her hand in marriage - but they still weren't content with the pair's romance.

Ina recalled panicking when her mother and father announced they were driving to Syracuse to pay her a visit and was convinced they were coming to 'put a stop' to their wedding plans.

When they arrived, Ina said her mother told her: 'I think this is the worst idea. You can't get married now. You really have to wait. You have no idea what he's going to do with his life,' but Ina took the opportunity to speak up for herself.

'As difficult as it was, I had to speak the truth,' Ina wrote. '"This is the first time in my life I've ever said this to you, but I really don't care what you think." It was literally the first time I'd ever defied either of my parents and stood my ground. It felt amazing!'

However, because Ina was only 20 at the time, she needed her parents' permission to wed Jeffrey - and she was shocked when her father Charles actually approved their plans and told her: 'I think this is the smartest thing you've ever done.'

Ina pictured with her father, Charles Rosenberg, on her wedding day in 1968

In her book, Ina also shared a sweet letter that Jeffrey wrote her before their wedding day. The pair are pictured this year

Elsewhere in her memoir, Ina shared a heartfelt letter that Jeffrey wrote her before her wedding day, in which he laid out his hopes for their future.

The letter reads: 'Here are my plans/dreams. We go to Paris once, at least, in the next five years. We won't have much money but that will be all the fun. Maybe we could go camping. But instead of touring the Louvre, etc., I'd like to get up at 4am and walk the streets... down the Champs de L'Esse (his spelling!) while the sun comes up... around the markets... along the Seine. That's us... not the fancy restaurants, etc.

'Next time we go, we'll just live in some small apartment for about two weeks... Next time - I'm older... you're not. Next time - maybe we'll have some money, and then we'll want to do only the things we did when we didn't have any.

'I'm so excited about this idea. You're going to make my whole life so exciting.'
Lord Mountbatten's great-granddaughter has opened up about her dramatic home birth, which saw her rushed to hospital after a 40-hour labour.

Maddison May Brudenell, 30, welcomed her first child with Canadian fiance Bret Kapetanov on 6 August.

The former Ralph Lauren model shares three children with DJ Olaoluwa Modupe-Ojo and was in the midst of their divorce when she met welder Bret during a trip to Ontario.

Within months of that first meeting, Bret relocated to the UK and proposed to Maddison in June 2023.

In an interview with Hello!, Maddison explained how she was in labour for 40 hours with their son Michael Adam at the family home.

Pictured: Maddison May Brudenell with her Canadian fiance Bret Kapetanov. The couple welcomed their son Michael in August

She explained: 'I lifted him out of the water and held him to my chest, and then I heard a snap, it was very alarming.

'Michael went white and then the midwives took over; then the ambulances and paramedics arrived.'

Umbilical cord breakage is a severe childbirth complication and usually is the result of compression caused by vasa previa, where blood vessels block the birth canal.

Alternatively, it can also be caused by a umbilical cord prolapse - where the cord drops through the birth canal before the baby.

Although the mother did not explain why her umbilical cord broke, Maddison and Michael were subsequently hospitalised - but both mother and son appear to have made a full recovery.

Posting on her Instagram Stories today, Maddison said: 'I thought my fourth baby would be my easiest. This labour really surprised me.'

Elsewhere in the interview, Maddison - who is the granddaughter of Lady Pamela Hicks - revealed that she had named her youngest son after her grandfather Michael Brudenell, who was a royal obstetrician.

Maddison's grandfather delivered all of the late Queen's children and died in March 2015, just two weeks before his 90th birthday.

Within months of their first meeting in Ontario, Bret relocated to the UK and proposed to Maddison in June 2023

Maddison has revealed she was in labour for 40 hours with their son Michael Adam (pictured) at the family home

The late Queen pictured speaking with Louis Mountbatten, 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma, in March 1958

Despite their wildly different backgrounds, Maddison revealed her family has been very welcoming towards her husband-to-be - and says Lady Pamela is 'very proud to call Bret her new grandson-in-law'.

She added: 'He had a very different upbringing to me, working on the farm and going to work before school and after school. In that regard, he's a gentleman, and he knows how to treat a woman, and he knows how to respect his elders. He's shown Grandmama nothing but respect, and she holds him in high regard because of it.'

Maddison, the daughter of actor Jeremy Brudenell and Edwina Hicks, married Modupe-Ojo - whose stage name is Jazz Purple - in 2015.

Maddison's great-grandfather was King Charles's beloved great-uncle, the 1st Earl Mountbatten of Burma.

She explained that she bonded with Modupe-Ojo, who grew up in Manchester, through music and their marriage came as a surprise to Maddison's peers.

'I fell in love with his work, and I started attending concerts, but it wasn't until a year later that we got together,' she said.

'We ran away and eloped in a small family wedding. Our children are blessed to have the most wonderful dual heritage.'

She had followed her mother's footsteps into the fashion business when she was signed as a model by the agency Storm at the age of 16. She has worked for the likes of Ralph Lauren and Belstaff.

Now a 'well-being' advocate, she says entering the business so young affected her mental health.

Society had been transfixed when Maddison secretly ran off to be married to DJ Olaoluwa Modupe-Ojo in 2015 (pictured together). However, the couple have since separated

'I was depressed, anxious, feeling pressure in the industry to keep my weight down, to party,' she said. 'I was addicted to drugs and battling an eating disorder.'

Maddison attended the funeral of Queen Elizabeth in September 2022. Her grandmother, Lord Mountbatten's daughter Lady Pamela, is one of the Queen's two surviving bridesmaids and a former lady-in-waiting.

Maddison has fond memories of the Queen Mother, whom she stood next to on the Buckingham Palace balcony after watching Trooping the Colour.

'I'd not had such an awesome experience before,' she recalled. 'I remember her turning to me and saying, "There are a lot of horses, aren't there? How many do you think?" I was sort of gobsmacked, I guess, I just replied, "I don't know".'

Maddison added: 'I was always told to regard our family with importance.'

Maddison's great-grandfather Lord Mountbatten was assassinated in August 1979 when an IRA bomb went off shortly after he departed the fishing village of Mullaghmore in his boat.
Buckingham Palace revealed that Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child - but they won't get the title of Prince or Princess due to a little known rule.

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring.

The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, and Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie.

But like Beatrice's other children, the new baby will not be known by the title of HRH or have a royal title They will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie's second child Ernest last year.

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Pictured left the right: back row: Lady Louise Windsor and James, Earl Wessex. Second row: Lena Tindall, Prince George, Princess Charlotte, Isla Phillips and Prince Louis. Front row: Mia Tindall holding Lucas Tindall. The late Queen Elizabeth II and Savannah Phillips

Prince William and Kate's children George, 11, Louis, six, and Charlotte, nine, all have royal titles.

Prince Harry and Meghan's children - Archie, five and Lilibet, three - were titled as the Prince and Princess of Sussex in March last year.

They were not prince and princess at birth, because they were not grandchildren of the sitting monarch, but they gained the right to these titles when King Charles acceded to the throne.

There is a rule which says only grandchildren of the monarch through the male line are automatically given royal titles.

These rules governing the titles of royal children were set out by King George V - Queen Elizabeth's grandfather - all the way back in 1917.

The use of HRH titles is restricted to only the monarch, the monarch's children and grandchildren, and the monarch's eldest-born's first grandson.

Under those rules, Prince George would have only been legally called a Prince, while Charlotte and Louis would be Lord and Lady Mountbatten-Windsor.

But the Queen changed the rules in 2012, allowing all children of William and Kate to take the Prince and Princess titles too.

Pictured are Savannah Phillips (in the back), from left to right: Prince George, the late Queen with Prince Louis, Princess Charlotte, the late Prince Phillip, Isla Phillips holding Lena Tindall and Mia Tindall

George, Louis, and Charlotte join their parents, Charles and Camilla on the balcony of Buckingham Palace following the Trooping the Colour ceremony in June 2024

Prince William and Kate's children George, 11, Louis, six, and Charlotte, nine, all have royal titles.

The Queen changed the rules in 2012, allowing all children of William and Kate to take the Prince and Princess titles too

So although their mother is a princess, Beatrice's children aren't given royal titles.

The King could bestow a title on his great-niece or nephew if desired, but it is unlikely to be asked for as this didn't happen for Sienna.

Beatrice's husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, also shares Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.'

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

Prince Harry and Meghan's children - Archie, five and Lilibet, three - were titled as the Prince and Princess of Sussex in March last year

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice.

It pushes Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie back to 12th in line.

The grandchildren will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Beatrice has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was born on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Princess Beatrice is pictured in New York last week

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.
Ina Garten revealed an important lesson she learned about knowing your clientele - recalling an awkward interaction after the first time she catered a dinner party in the Hamptons.

The famed cook, who released her memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens on Tuesday, delved into the unfortunate misunderstanding - which ended in the host offering her cocaine as a tip.

Ina, 76, was working at the Barefoot Contessa just before the Fourth of July weekend, when a man walked into the store and asked her to cater a party he was throwing.

While initially trying to say no, he insisted, and Ina eventually relented when he told her he wanted to purchase 'all the smoked salmon and caviar you have in store,' and he didn't care how much it cost.

'This guys doesn't care what it costs? I guess I became a caterer,' she recalled incredulously.

The famed chef, who released her memoir Be Ready When the Luck Happens on Tuesday, delved into the unfortunate misunderstanding - which ended in the host offering her cocaine as a tip

After planning a lavish buffet and setting it up at the host's 'flashy' apartment on the beach, Ina said she ran back to the store to close it up for the night and was shocked by what she saw when she got back to the party.

'My beautiful platters piled high with food were completely untouched,' acclaimed cook and author recalled in horror.

'No one had eaten anything - not a single bit,' she said in despair.

'I'm finished in this town,' she stressed. 'No one wants the food we prepared.'

However, that's when the beloved cook realized people in Westhampton weren't attending the party for her delectable small bites - but rather, something else consumed in a different form.

'After the party was over, I found out the host was the biggest drug dealer in town,' she said. 'The guests at his party were there for something, but it definitely wasn't the food.'

However, it wasn't until the next day when she want back to his house to settle the bill, she realized what was actually happening at the party,

'When I showed up, the host - who looked like he was having a BIG morning after - said he would like to tip me and asked if I could come back to his bedroom,' Ina recalled.

Ina's memoir was released on Tuesday, October 1

However, that's when the beloved cook realized people in Westhampton weren't attending the party for her delectable small bites - but rather, something consumed in a different form. Pictured with her husband Jeffrey

She also delves into her long-term marriage to her husband Jeffrey, and growing up in an abusive household

'What? I followed him (pretty stupid, I now realize), and he asked me if I wanted some 'blow.'

'I thought, You want me to do what? I thought he was tipping me, and it sounded like the wrong way around, until I realized 'blow' was actually cocaine,' the shocked chef said.

'Also I realized that when you're catering a party in Westhampton, you need to know who the customer is,' she pointed out.

Ina's memoir tells the story of her building her cooking empire, which began in 1978 after she spotted an ad in The New York Times and bought a little specialty food store in the Hamptons called Barefoot Contessa.

She also delves into her long-term marriage to her husband Jeffrey, and growing up in an abusive household.
Buckingham Palace has caused confusion this evening after announcing Princess Beatrice's pregnancy.

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news,' concluded the announcement.

However, in posts to the Royal Family's social media accounts, such as on X and Instagram, the statement said the couple were expecting their second child together 'early in the new year', causing confusion over when the Princess' baby is actually due.

The little one will be a younger brother or sister for the couple's daughter Sienna, three, and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, who Mr Mapelli Mozzi shares with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

Beatrice is pictured in New York last week

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three

In a statement, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three'

However, in posts to the Royal Family's social media accounts, such as on X and Instagram, the statement said the couple were expecting their second child together 'early in the new year', causing confusion over when the Princess' baby is actually due

MailOnline has contacted Buckingham Palace.

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The grandchild will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Eugenie has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank.

The baby, who will not be an HRH, will be born 11th in line to the throne, with Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie moving down to 12th place.

Where will Princess Beatrice's new baby be in the line of succession? How newborn will push Eugenie and royal cousins further down line to the throne Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's second child will be born 11th in line to the throne. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, who is currently 10th in line to the throne. Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie sits in 11th place as it stands, but she will move down to 12th place once the baby is born. The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and Mr Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring. The baby will also be a sibling to Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, who is not in the line of succession. Their new child will not be an HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) or a Prince or Princess - and will also not require the monarch's permission to marry. For hundreds of years, the Royal Marriages Act 1772 meant descendants of George II had to seek the sovereign's consent before they wed, otherwise their marriages were deemed invalid. But this law was repealed through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which restricted the consent to just the first six people in the line of succession. As the new baby is 11th in line, they will not at present need to seek a monarch's approval to wed. George III, George II's grandson, had ordered the 1772 Act after his younger brother, the Duke of Cumberland, secretly married Lady Anne Horton, deemed to be a highly disreputable widow of a commoner. Advertisement

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie's second child Ernest last year.

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice of York attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 2013

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
Sarah Ferguson has took to Instagram to share her congratulations to her daughter Princess Beatrice following the royal's pregnancy announcement.

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, who already share daughter Sienna, three, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.

Celebrating the news, which was shared by Buckingham Palace earlier today, the Duchess of York, or Fergie, as she is affectionately known, posted several photos of Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna to her social media account.

The first photo showed herself and Beatrice, who was wearing a floral headband, crouching down with the princess's daughter, who was dressed in a white flower-girl style dress.

'A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart,' the duchess captioned her post.

Sarah Ferguson has took to Instagram to share her congratulations to her daughter Princess Beatrice following the royal's pregnancy announcement. The first photo in her post showed herself and Beatrice, who was wearing a floral headband, crouching down with the princess's daughter, who was dressed in a white flower-girl style dress

Celebrating the news, which was shared by Buckingham Palace earlier today, the Duchess of York, or Fergie, as she is affectionately known, posted several photos of Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna to her social media account

She also referenced all her grandchildren and her step-grandchild in her sweet post: 'Wolfie, August, Ernie and Sienna will be over the moon to have the fifth member of the five aside!'

Beatrice is the eldest daughter of the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, and the new baby will be the Yorks' fourth grandchild, with Beatrice's stepson Wolfie making five.

In a personal address to her daughter amid sweet pictures of Beatrice, Sienna and Fergie's youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, the Duchess wrote: Darling Beatrice. Words cant quite express the joy and excitement I feel as you and Edo prepare to welcome another precious addition to your beautiful family.

Becoming a granny again fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude. Watching you grow as a mother has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and now to see you family blossom further is an absolute blessing.

Fergie added: Our family is growing, and so too is the love that surrounds us. I cannot wait to meet this little one and to see in all the wonderful memories we will make together. All my love.

Beatrice's younger sister Eugenie, meanwhile, showed her excitement for the family's new arrival by sharing the announcement to her Instagram story.

The mother-of-two simply added a reaction picture of a Sesame Street puppet, which applauded enthusiastically.

The happy news comes during one of the royal family's most personally challenging years, with the King, the Princess of Wales and Beatrice's mother Sarah, Duchess of York all being diagnosed with cancer.

'A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart,' the duchess captioned her post. Pictured, Sarah with her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie

In a personal address to her daughter amid sweet pictures of Beatrice, Sienna and Fergie's youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, the Duchess wrote: Darling Beatrice. Words cant quite express the joy and excitement I feel as you and Edo prepare to welcome another precious addition to your beautiful family.'

Beatrice's younger sister Eugenie, meanwhile, showed her excitement for the family's new arrival by sharing the announcement to her Instagram story. The mother-of-two simply added a reaction picture of a Sesame Street puppet, which applauded enthusiastically

Sarah was treated for malignant melanoma skin cancer in January, just months after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer, but Beatrice said in May the duchess had been given the 'all clear'.

Announcing the baby news earlier today, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news,' concluded the announcement.

The little one will be a younger brother or sister for the couple's daughter Sienna, three, and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, who Mr Mapelli Mozzi shares with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice. It pushes Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie back to 12th in line.

The grandchild will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

Beatrice is pictured in New York last week

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Eugenie has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank. Beatrice's baby will not be known by the title of HRH or have a royal title.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie's second child Ernest last year.

Where will Princess Beatrice's new baby be in the line of succession? How newborn will push Eugenie and royal cousins further down line to the throne Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's second child will be born 11th in line to the throne. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, who is currently 10th in line to the throne. Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie sits in 11th place as it stands, but she will move down to 12th place once the baby is born. The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and Mr Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring. The baby will also be a sibling to Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, who is not in the line of succession. Their new child will not be an HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) or a Prince or Princess - and will also not require the monarch's permission to marry. For hundreds of years, the Royal Marriages Act 1772 meant descendants of George II had to seek the sovereign's consent before they wed, otherwise their marriages were deemed invalid. But this law was repealed through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which restricted the consent to just the first six people in the line of succession. As the new baby is 11th in line, they will not at present need to seek a monarch's approval to wed. George III, George II's grandson, had ordered the 1772 Act after his younger brother, the Duke of Cumberland, secretly married Lady Anne Horton, deemed to be a highly disreputable widow of a commoner. Advertisement

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice of York attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 2013

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
Princess Eugenie has congratulated her sister Princess Beatrice after news of her pregnancy was announced.

The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, 40, who already share daughter Sienna, three, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in 2025.

Using her affectionate nickname for her older sister, Eugenie wrote on her Instagram account this evening: 'Congratulations Beabea...

'So looking forward to more on this journey of motherhood together. And adding another little one to the gang.'

Posting a sweet selection of family pictures, she added: 'I couldn't find a single group shot of us. So this one from Christmas 2022 will have to do. Xxxx.'

Princess Eugenie has congratulated her sister Beatrice after news of her pregnancy was announced

Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, shared a sweet picture of Beatrice, her husband Edo and the family

She penned a sweet congratulations message using her sister's nickname

It comes after Sarah Ferguson took to Instagram to share her congratulations to her daughter Beatrice following the royal's pregnancy announcement.

Celebrating the news, which was shared by Buckingham Palace earlier today, the Duchess of York, or Fergie, as she is affectionately known, posted several photos of Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna to her social media account.

The first photo showed herself and Beatrice, who was wearing a floral headband, crouching down with the princess's daughter, who was dressed in a white flower-girl style dress.

'A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart,' the duchess captioned her post.

She also referenced all her grandchildren and her step-grandchild in her sweet post: 'Wolfie, August, Ernie and Sienna will be over the moon to have the fifth member of the five aside!'

Beatrice is the eldest daughter of the Duke of York and his ex-wife Sarah, and the new baby will be the Yorks' fourth grandchild, with Beatrice's stepson Wolfie making five.

In a personal address to her daughter amid sweet pictures of Beatrice, Sienna and Fergie's youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, the Duchess wrote: Darling Beatrice. Words cant quite express the joy and excitement I feel as you and Edo prepare to welcome another precious addition to your beautiful family.

Becoming a granny again fills my heart with so much happiness and gratitude. Watching you grow as a mother has been one of the greatest privileges of my life, and now to see you family blossom further is an absolute blessing.

Sarah Ferguson has took to Instagram to share her congratulations to her daughter Princess Beatrice following the royal's pregnancy announcement. The first photo in her post showed herself and Beatrice, who was wearing a floral headband, crouching down with the princess's daughter, who was dressed in a white flower-girl style dress

Celebrating the news, which was shared by Buckingham Palace earlier today, the Duchess of York, or Fergie, as she is affectionately known, posted several photos of Beatrice and granddaughter Sienna to her social media account

Fergie added: Our family is growing, and so too is the love that surrounds us. I cannot wait to meet this little one and to see in all the wonderful memories we will make together. All my love.

Beatrice's younger sister Eugenie, meanwhile, showed her excitement for the family's new arrival by sharing the announcement to her Instagram story, however she didn't post herself until later in the day.

The mother-of-two simply added a reaction picture of a Sesame Street puppet, which applauded enthusiastically.

The happy news comes during one of the royal family's most personally challenging years, with the King, the Princess of Wales and Beatrice's mother Sarah, Duchess of York all being diagnosed with cancer.

Sarah was treated for malignant melanoma skin cancer in January, just months after undergoing a mastectomy for breast cancer, but Beatrice said in May the duchess had been given the 'all clear'.

Announcing the baby news earlier today, Buckingham Palace said: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together in early spring; a sibling for Wolfie, aged eight, and Sienna, aged three.

'A very proud GiGi/Mum today. Such an incredible blessing and an embrace to my heart,' the duchess captioned her post. Pictured, Sarah with her daughters Beatrice and Eugenie

In a personal address to her daughter amid sweet pictures of Beatrice, Sienna and Fergie's youngest daughter Princess Eugenie, the Duchess wrote: Darling Beatrice. Words cant quite express the joy and excitement I feel as you and Edo prepare to welcome another precious addition to your beautiful family.'

Beatrice's younger sister Eugenie, meanwhile, showed her excitement for the family's new arrival by sharing the announcement to her Instagram story, however she didn't post herself until later in the day. The mother-of-two simply added a reaction picture of a Sesame Street puppet, which applauded enthusiastically

'His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news,' concluded the announcement.

The little one will be a younger brother or sister for the couple's daughter Sienna, three, and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, whose real name is Christopher Woolf, who Mr Mapelli Mozzi shares with his ex-fiancee, architect Dara Huang.

Two new pictures from the family were shared to mark the announcement, with one showing blonde-haired Sienna from behind as she walks along a country lane, holding hands in the middle of her father and big brother Wolfie.

The youngster, with a red bow in her hair, is kitted out in bright yellow wellies and an all-in-one blue waterproof puddlesuit decorated with cloud and bird motifs.

In another picture, an overjoyed Beatrice - wearing a black puffer jacket - smiles at the camera, while being embraced by Mr Mapelli Mozzi, who is gazing at his wife.

The royal baby will be 11th in line to the throne, behind older sister Sienna and mother Beatrice. It pushes Beatrice's sister Princess Eugenie back to 12th in line.

The grandchild will be a great niece or nephew to the King, and a second cousin of Prince George, Louis and Princess Charlotte.

Princess Beatrice is pregnant with her second child. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson , 36, is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth, three, and stepson Wolfie, eight

Alongside the statement, Beatrice shared a picture of Edo, Sienna and Wolfie walking in the woods

Beatrice is pictured in New York last week

Princess Beatrice is already mother to Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi, three

He or she will also be Prince Andrew's fourth grandchild, as Princess Eugenie has two children, August and Ernest Brooksbank. Beatrice's baby will not be known by the title of HRH or have a royal title.

He or she will also be the 14th great-grandchild of the late Queen Elizabeth II, and the second to be born since her death in 2022, following the arrival of Eugenie's second child Ernest last year.

Where will Princess Beatrice's new baby be in the line of succession? How newborn will push Eugenie and royal cousins further down line to the throne Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi's second child will be born 11th in line to the throne. The royal baby will be a little brother or sister for the couple's three-year-old daughter Sienna, who is currently 10th in line to the throne. Beatrice's younger sister Princess Eugenie sits in 11th place as it stands, but she will move down to 12th place once the baby is born. The late Queen's granddaughter, 36, and Mr Mozzi, 40, are preparing to welcome a new addition to their family in early spring. The baby will also be a sibling to Mr Mapelli Mozzi's son and Beatrice's stepson, eight-year-old Wolfie, who is not in the line of succession. Their new child will not be an HRH (His or Her Royal Highness) or a Prince or Princess - and will also not require the monarch's permission to marry. For hundreds of years, the Royal Marriages Act 1772 meant descendants of George II had to seek the sovereign's consent before they wed, otherwise their marriages were deemed invalid. But this law was repealed through the Succession to the Crown Act 2013, which restricted the consent to just the first six people in the line of succession. As the new baby is 11th in line, they will not at present need to seek a monarch's approval to wed. George III, George II's grandson, had ordered the 1772 Act after his younger brother, the Duke of Cumberland, secretly married Lady Anne Horton, deemed to be a highly disreputable widow of a commoner. Advertisement

Beatrice is known to be a hands-on mother to both children, and has become close to her stepson Wolfie.

Beatrice and Edo, who are not working royals, have been married for four years after tying the knot in 2020 at the Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge in Windsor Great Park.

The pair have been living in St James's Palace while their 3.5million house in the Cotswolds is being renovated.

Edo was previously engaged to Chinese-American architect Dara Huang in 2017 and the couple were together for three and a half years.

Their daughter Sienna was worn on September 18, 2021, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

An announcement from the Royal Family said at the time: 'Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are delighted to announce the safe arrival of their daughter on Saturday 18th September 2021, at 23.42, at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital, London.

'The baby weighs 6 pounds and 2 ounces. The new baby's grandparents and great-grandparents have all been informed and are delighted with the news. The family would like to thank all the staff at the hospital for their wonderful care.

'Her Royal Highness and her child are both doing well, and the couple are looking forward to introducing their daughter to her big brother Christopher Woolf.'

Proud aunt Princess Eugenie, who is Beatrice's younger sister, wrote a sweet message on Instagram to congratulate the couple using her nickname 'Beabea'.

She said: 'Beabea and Edo, congratulations on your new angel. I can't wait to meet her and I'm so proud of you. We're going to have so much fun watching our children grow up. Love Euge.'

She went on to pen a meaningful note to her newborn niece, writing: 'To my new niece, I love you already and think you're just awesome from the photos.. we're going to have so much fun together. Love your Auntie Euge.'

A friend of the family said the Duchess of York returned from Balmoral to meet her new grandchild over the weekend, adding: 'She is absolutely over the moon.'

And doting father Edo wrote on social media: 'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget. This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Beatrice - who was recently named best-dressed of the year by Tatler - has released few photographs of Sienna, and those that are publicly available mainly show the back of her head.

Beatrice, who had a close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, decided to honour her grandmother with her daughter's middle name.

Beatrice and Edoardo with Wolfie, whom Edo shares with ex-fiancee Dara Huang, for the Christmas Day church service in Sandringham in December 2022

Princess Eugenie posted a sweet snap of Sienna Mapelli Mozzi and her older cousin August Brooksbank at London Zoo to celebrate Earth Day last year

Princess Beatrice's husband Edoardo shared a previously unseen picture of them kissing at their wedding for their anniversary this year

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are photographed after their wedding in the grounds of Royal Lodge on July 18, 2020 in Windsor

Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo seen at Royal Ascot in June this year

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet along with her full name

The baby, whose name has not yet been revealed, is the Queen's 12th great-grandchild and 11th in line to the throne. Her Majesty is 'delighted with the news', the palace announced in a statement (pictured)

Despite not having a royal title, the little girl is officially a 'Nobile Donna' and 'contessa' - the female version of a count - as a result of her father's noble ancestry.

Edoardo will one day inherit his family's seat, the 18th-century Villa Mapelli Mozzi palace in northern Italy.

When the couple announced Sienna's name in October 2021, Edoardo shared a print of their daughter's feet and wrote: 'Sienna Elizabeth Mapelli Mozzi.

'Our life together has just begun, and I can't wait to see all the amazing things that await us.

'Feeling so much love and gratitude for my amazing wife, baby Sienna and [her half-brother] Wolfie. These are the days I never want to forget.

'This week, a friend said to me the sweetest saying. that with every child you grow a whole new heart.'

Later, the official royal family social media page posted the same image, with the caption reading: 'The couple have said, 'We are all doing well and Wolfie is the best big brother to Sienna.'

Sienna was christened on April 29, 2022, at the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

Beatrice is pictured attending Wimbledon in 2021 while pregnant with Sienna

Princess Beatrice enjoyed a close relationship with her grandmother The Queen and named her daughter in a sweet tribute

Pictured: Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson with their two daughters, Princess Beatrice and Princess Eugenie

Princess Eugenie shared the first glimpse of her niece in a photo celebrating Earth Day.

She revealed that Sienna and her cousin August 'love going to the London Zoo' in a photo of the pair watching the penguins.

In the picture, she appeared to have a thick head of strawberry blonde hair.

Edoardo is the son of former Olympic skier Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi and Nikki Shale.

He had been a friend of the York children for some time before getting engaged to Beatrice. The couple married in 2020.

Known as Edo to friends, he helped mend Beatrice's broken heart following her split from Dave Clark in 2016 after ten years together.

He was educated at Radley school in Oxfordshire before studying for a Master's in politics at Edinburgh.

It is believed Beatrice met Italian property developer Edo in September 2018.

Beatrice and Edoardo stand in the doorway of The Royal Chapel of All Saints at Royal Lodge

However, it is said that he had been close to the York family for some time and that they had known each other as children before Edo and the royal began seeing each other romantically.

He is the son of Count Alessandro Mapelli Mozzi, a British Olympian and member of a formerly titled Italian noble family, and Nikki Shale.

The couple made their first public appearance together in 2019 at the National Portrait Gallery's 2019 Gala. Not long afterwards, he accompanied Beatrice on a family trip with Sarah Ferguson during the Bahrain Grand Prix in March of the same year.

And it was a whirlwind romance, with the couple getting engaged just 11 months after dating in September 2019.

In a public statement Beatrice and Mr Mapelli Mozzi said of their 11-month romance: 'We are extremely happy to be able to share the news of our recent engagement.

'We are both so excited to be embarking on this life adventure together and can't wait to actually be married.

'We share so many similar interests and values, and we know that this will stand us in great stead for the years ahead, full of love and happiness.'

Beatrice's sister Eugenie immediately rushed to share her joy on Instagram with a photograph of the happy couple next to the caption: 'Beabea - wow! I'm so happy for you my dearest big sissy and dear Edo.

Prince William, Prince of Wales and Princess Beatrice of York attend day two of Royal Ascot 2024

Princess Eugenie of York and Prince Andrew, Duke of York stand on the balcony of Buckingham Palace during the annual Trooping the Colour Ceremony in 2013

'It's been a long time coming and you two are meant to be.'

The happy couple got engaged during a romantic trip to Italy, which saw them staying in the exclusive cliffside village of Positano, on the Amalfi Coast.

After they announced the engagement, Edo began joining Beatrice at royal events, such as the Windsors' annual Christmas Day services on Sandringham Estate, before tying the knot in July 2020.

In recent months, the couple have enjoyed a series of exciting adventures together, such as attending BST in Hyde Park and taking to Wembley Stadium for Taylor Swift's Eras Tour.

In July, Beatrice was named by Tatler as the best-dressed person in Britain, 13 years after getting mocked for the hat she wore to William and Kate's wedding.

The society bible praised Beatrice for being 'a beacon of sartorial elegance' by 'pairing vintage-inspired cuts with fresh-from-the-catwalk glamour', although it did note she was the 'subject of much jest' for the Philip Treacy hat.

Beatrice and Eugenie are reported to have cried over articles criticising their hats at the wedding.

Beatrice keeps a low profile and, unlike her sister Eugenie, is not active on social media.

She is the vice president of partnerships at strategy, an artificial intelligence software firm.

She has a number of royal patronages including the Forget Me Not Children's Hospice, the Teenage Cancer Trust and the Helen Arkell Dyslexia Centre.
A Florida mom has revealed how she created a six-figure side hustle by working just 10 hours a week.

Emily Odio-Sutton, 36, told CNBC that she opened an Etsy store in 2022 because her 9-to-5 at a publishing company was preventing her from picking up her daughter from school.

She launched the print-on-demand T-shirt shop using designs from Canva, and further simplified the process by having her orders go through Printify.

Emily raked in $220,300 last year, with around $67,000 being profits.

With her earnings, she was able to pay off her student loans, start investing, open a savings account for her daughters, and go on a cruise with her husband.

Florida mom Emily Odio-Sutton (pictured) has revealed how she created a six-figure side hustle on Etsy by working just 10 hours a week

She's since expanded her business by opening a second Etsy store, but has wisely kept her day job by working part time in publishing.

The most surprising part of all is that Emily spends just 10 hours a week working on her Etsy stores, and most of that work is done from her laptop on-the-go.

The mom-of-two believes that anybody can follow in her footsteps and achieve similar success.

'It's low risk, and you can really experiment with things and learn and take your time,' she told CNBC.

'When I say low-risk, I mean you can launch a whole business for under $40. Canva Pro is $10 per month, Etsy charges $15 to open a shop and you can download research tools like eRank for $6 per month,' she continued.

'The biggest risk is time investment, because you do have to spend time to learn  and to get your shop established  to earn money.'

Emily isn't the first entrepreneurial mom to make bank on Etsy.

Entrepreneurial women across the country are now raking in thousands through Etsy. (Stock image)

Gina Van De Voorde, who lives in Colorado, has made more than a half-million dollars in the two-and-a-half years since she launched her Etsy shop in July 2021.

In an essay she penned for Business Insider, she revealed how she built the Etsy empire - emphasizing research, persistence and consistency.

'Being an Etsy Seller is freedom for me. I don't like being told what to do or having to ask for a day off,' began Gina.

'With my store, I can work however many hours I want, or if I want a vacation I can bring my laptop and work from wherever,' she gushed.
Queen Maxima of the Netherlands once again proved her fashion credentials as she welcomed astronauts to The Royal Palace in Amsterdam.

Joined by her husband King Willem-Alexander, the 53-year-old looked typically chic in a check monochrome dress as she stepped out for the glamorous occasion in the Dutch capital.

The royal couple hosted astronauts and participants of the 35th ASE Planetary Congress on Tuesday evening.

Held from September 30 to October 4, the conference included more than 100 astronauts from 38 countries, with the theme 'Generation Space  shaping the future together'.

Teaming her elegant frock with black heels and a matching clutch bag, Maxima's V-neck midi dress featured ruffle detailing on the wrists and hem.

Queen Maxima of the Netherlands (pictured with King Willem-Alexander) once again proved her fashion credentials as she welcomed astronauts to The Royal Palace in Amsterdam

The Dutch Queen kept her blonde locks straight and wore a smattering of glamorous makeup, before finishing off her look with a pair of dainty gold and diamond earrings.

Her husband looked just as sophisticated in a smart suit, teamed with a crisp white shirt and a light blue tie.

Earlier today, the royal was all smiles as she presided over a ballet event despite wet weather.

The Argentina-born monarch was ever chic as she attended the launch of the National Ballet Academy in Amsterdam where she was greeted by young fans and ballerinas.

Despite torrential downpour threatening to get the best of the day, the effervescent royal turned up in a stylish dark grey cape and matching suede hat while an assistant shielded her with an umbrella.

Known for her love of eye-catching prints and bold colours, the grey palette was a marked departure from her usual style, however the fashionista didn't fail to turn heads.

Accompanying the look was a glistening satin green shirt which she paired with grey suede high heel pumps.

For accessories she opted for grey leather gloves, a blue clutch bag and opulent diamond earrings. She also donned silver metal bracelets as well as a chunky one decorated with blue stones.

Joined by her husband King Willem-Alexander, the 53-year-old looked typically chic in a check monochrome dress as she stepped out for the glamorous occasion in the Dutch capital

The royal couple hosted astronauts and participants of the 35th ASE Planetary Congress on Tuesday evening

Teaming her elegant frock with black heels and a matching clutch bag, Maxima's V-neck midi dress featured ruffle detailing on the wrists and hem

The Dutch Queen kept her blonde locks straight and wore a smattering of glamorous makeup, before finishing off her look with a pair of dainty gold and diamond earrings

Maxima's husband looked just as sophisticated in a smart suit, teamed with a crisp white shirt and a light blue tie

The Queen's make-up was pared back except for a light touch of grey eyeshadow and black mascara, meanwhile her blonde tresses were tucked neatly under the brim of her hat.

While at the event, the royal also made an impression beyond fashion - one that delighted her waiting fans.

A group of young ballerinas were honoured to meet the Queen, including one dancer who boldy cut some dance steps for Maxima.

One image captures the royal visibly impressed with the young girl who was dressed in a blue bodysuit and white tights. She appeared to plie for the royal as her face lit up with a smile.

She was also seen clutching a small bouquet of flowers, which were seemingly gifted to her by the young student.

Queen Maxima of The Netherlands welcomes astronauts and participants of the 35th ASE Planetary Congress at The Royal Palace

Held from September 30 to October 4, the conference included more than 100 astronauts from 38 countries, with the theme 'Generation Space  shaping the future together'. Pictured, The Royal Palace

According to news site ahk.nl, the occasion called for Maxima to officially open the new building of the Dutch National Ballet Academy (NBA) at Nicolaas Tetterodestraat in Amsterdam.

'This milestone marks the official end of a search of more than a decade for a new home that can accommodate all the pupils and students of the NBA' it added.

The building comes complete with seven large studios, which serve as both theatre rooms and classrooms for the young students.
A $5.20 pack of chocolate chip cookies from Coles has just beaten out 21 brands to be named the very best in Australia.

Consumer group CHOICE blind taste tested each brand before awarding Coles Bakery's 'Dreams Crumb True' New York Choc Chip biscuits first place.

CHOICE director Mark Serrels said the popular treats, which come in a pack of four, beat out the competition thanks to their intense chocolate flavour and balanced texture.

'Our experts praised these cookies for their dark chocolate chunks and said they were quite crunchy with a little bit of chew in the centre,' Mr Serrels said.

Judges described the blue ribbon cookies as 'rustic' in style with a subtle aroma of vanilla and generous, uneven chunks of semi sweet chocolate.

Beyond the rich dark chocolate flavour, the cookies also scored an impressive 83 per cent on the sensory scale for their texture and 'amazing' mouthfeel.

The champion cookie was also surprisingly the most wholesome of the bunch, boasting the best health star rating with significantly less sugar than other brands.

Coles also took second prize for their Ultimate Cookies 40 per cent chocolate chip ($5), with Woolworths earning a solid third place for their Bakery Chocolate Chunk Cookie ($5.50).

Coles Bakery Dreams Crumb True New York Choc Chip Cookies ($5.20 for four) have been voted by CHOICE as Australia's best after blind taste testing by a panel of experts

Coles also took out second place for their Ultimate 40 per cent chocolate chip cookies ($5) with Woolworth's earning third for their chocolate chunk cookie ($5.50)

The humble, prize-winning dessert beat out other premium brands such as Cadbury and Arnott's, which were expected to score in the top three places.

And Aussies agree that the New York style chocolate chip cookie is a 'serious' treat for people who like their cookies loaded with chocolate.

'They have an impressive amount of chocolate chips inside,' one said.

'Oh, yum! I am cookie obsessed right now. Need to try these,' another added.

A few fans of the range said the 'totally addictive' Birthday Cake Cookie flavour was even better than the classic choc chip.

For those who prefer homemade treats, former Masterchef contestant, Khanh Ong, recently shared one of his sister's baking secrets for achieving cookie 'perfection'.

The trick lies in using three different kinds of sugar, brown, white and raw, to add more depth to the flavour and texture.

'Raw sugar is in there for the crunch, it doesn't break down like other sugars, it stays in crunchy granules,' Khanh explained.
Classic Aussie biscuits Tim Tam cost less in the UK compared to Down Under

Australians are feeling 'ripped off' after having to fork out more for a classic biscuit compared to supermarkets in England.

A packet of Arnott's Original Tim Tam biscuits will set Aussies back $6 if bought from Woolworths or Coles while not on special.

However, overseas at leading supermarket chain Tesco, shoppers can grab the same product for 2.50 ($4.83 AUD).

Adam, who goes by the social media moniker 'Price Check Guy', was gobsmacked after realising the price difference and created a video.

At first he wondered whether this was due to shipping fees, however the beloved snack is made in Australia.

The insightful video quickly caught the attention of others who were just as shocked.

'Tim Tams are a prime example for how much they're over charging us. I used to buy them at $2.50 on sale,' one commented.

Another Aussie said: 'It was cheaper for me to buy Vegemite from Morrisons in a small town in Scotland than it is to currently buy from Coles [or] Woolies at home.'

A packet of Arnott's Original Tim Tam will set Aussies back $6 if bought from Coles or Woolworths (pictured from Woolworths online store)

However, overseas at leading supermarket chain Tesco, shoppers can grab the same product for 2.50 ($4.83 AUD)

A third said: 'A Woolworths I went to had Tim Tams for $7.20, I nearly died.'

'$6 is ridiculous. $3.50 is about the right price,' someone else added.

'That just proves the point that Australia is becoming more and more corrupt,' one more wrote.

An Arnott's spokesperson confirmed with FEMAIL Tim Tams are proudly made in Australia.

'The average price paid by Australian consumers in the past 12 months was $3.15 for Tim Tam Original 200g,' the spokesperson said.

'We invest in promotional programs to ensure consumers can buy them at great value prices year-round.'

And this isn't the first price difference shoppers have noticed, with Aussies having to pay more for groceries.

Adam, who goes by the social media moniker 'Price Check Guy', was gobsmacked after realising the slight price difference and created a video (stock image)

Customers were also outraged after discovering Vegemite is cheaper in the UK than it is in Coles and Woolworths.

On shelves at Tesco in the UK, customers can grab a 220g jar of Vegemite for 2.20 ($4.25 AUD) while at Coles the same product costs $5.

Meanwhile Woolworths is selling a slightly larger jar (280g) of Vegemite for $6.20.

In Australia the salty spread is beloved nationwide and has been a favourite among households since 1923. It's also the 'Aussie version' of the British classic Marmite.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Bega, the company that owns Vegemite, for a comment. Woolworths and Coles declined to comment on the price difference between the two markets.

The price difference was quickly picked up by shoppers and left thousands furious.

'I'm gonna be pretty upset if this is true. Is Vegemite cheaper in a small town in Scotland than from Coles and Woolies in Australia? Let's find out,' one wrote.

To his surprise, there was a 77c price difference. 'What is going on?' he said.

On shelves at Tesco in the UK, customers can grab a 220g jar of Vegemite for 2.20 ($4.25 AUD)

However at Coles the same product costs $5 (pictured)

'It's cheaper to have Vegemite delivered to my door by Amazon than it is to buy it at Coles or Woolworths. Wild,' one commented.

'It's cheaper to go to a servo and buy it,' another added.

'This is outrageous!' a third said.

However, others argued the price difference is due to 'supply and demand' while some pointed out how wages are lower in the UK compared to Australia.

It's understood a number of key factors come into play when comparing two markets. For instance, GST on food, wages, and the general cost of doing business and taxes differs in Australia and the UK.

One customer posted a video and said: 'I'm gonna be pretty upset if this is true. Is Vegemite cheaper in a small town in Scotland than from Coles and Woolies in Australia? Let's find out.' To his surprise, there was a 77c price difference (stock image)

It comes after Coles and Woolworths were accused of 'sneaky' price practices.

The grocery giants are headed to court after the consumer watchdog launched legal action against them for allegedly breaking consumer law with misleading discount pricing claims.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said the duopoly would briefly jack up product prices by around 15 per cent, before dropping them to below the peak but above the initial price.

That illusion of a discount plays into a human bias to process information as quickly and easily as possible, according to Deakin University consumer behaviour expert Paul Harrison.

'There is really strong research that people do bypass detail when they see something is discounted it serves as a shortcut and a way for a person to say, 'I don't need to process detailed information about it',' he told AAP.

'You could say it's a form of manipulation  we trust these institutions to tell us the truth and if it says it's a discount, we assume it actually is.'
READ MORE: Subtle symptom that revealed 'healthy' little girl had DEMENTIA

All three children in an Indiana family have been diagnosed with a rare brain defect that can cause seizures and paralysis.

The children - aged two, five and 10 - were struck down by seemingly random bouts of dizziness, headaches and sickness that neither doctors nor their parents connected to one another.

Whitney and Ron Niece started to notice something was wrong in June 2022 when their youngest son, Remley, was not as rambunctious as usual and hadn't been for a wee in over 24 hours.

They took him to the hospital where doctors performed an MRI of the boy's brain, revealing he had Chari malformation, a one-in-1,000 defect that causes a herniation at the base of the brain which puts pressure on the spinal cord.

Lincoln, Norrin, and Remley Niece were all diagnosed with Chiari Malformation, a rare disorder that causes the brain to extend into the spinal canal

Each of the boys has undergone brain surgery to correct the condition, which only occurs in one in 1,000 people worldwide

Less than a year later, in February 2023, now 10-year-old Lincoln began having headaches and was also diagnosed with Chari malformation.

And just as Remley was about to undergo surgery about six months later, now five-year-old Norrin began to come down with the same headaches suffered by his siblings and he too was diagnosed.

Since their diagnoses, all three boys have had 'multiple procedures and surgeries' to correct their condition, which is usually caused by a misshapen or small skull putting pressure on the brain.

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The boys' father, Ron Niece, told the Greenfield Daily Reporter: 'It doesn't get any easier, even after multiple procedures and surgeries.'

According to the Mayo Clinic, there is some evidence suggesting that Chiari malformation can run in families, but research is still early.

Chiari malformation typically causes issues like headaches, neck pain, poor coordination, dizziness, and trouble swallowing.

But some people with the condition may never exhibit symptoms or receive a diagnosis, leading doctors to believe the condition is more common.

There are five types of Chiari malformation, with type 1 being the most common and most benign, while type 3 is the rarest and most severe.

This type is associated with debilitating and life-threatening complications.

It's unclear which type the Niece boys have.

The Niece siblings all experienced frequent headaches and vomiting, and Remley would often fall over due to his legs randomly giving out.

However, despite his similar symptoms, the Niece's didn't initially suspect the condition in Lincoln and attributed the symptoms to his congenital heart condition. It's unclear which defect he has.

Lincoln was the first of the siblings to have corrective surgery to prevent his brain from pressing against his spinal cord in March 2023.

But by the time Lincoln went into surgery, Remley had shown signs of delayed development, such as trouble walking and speaking, so he was booked for surgery in August.

That same month, Norrin received his diagnosis following a period of constant headaches. He went in for surgery in January 2024.

The boys' mother, Whitney Niece (pictured here), said that the family is now focused on raising awarness of the disorder, which may cause headaches that are attributed to more common causes

Mrs Niece told the Greenfield Daily Reporter the family has tried to keep a positive attitude in front of the boys, but when Lincoln had his first surgeries, she would sit in the hospital hallway and cry so her sons couldn't see her.

And while she and her husband have tried to be transparent with their sons about their symptoms and surgeries, they try to make the whole ordeal feel less frightening.

For Norrin, his parents told him he would go to sleep and wake up with a couple 'owies.'

All three boys underwent a Chiari Malformation Decompression, the standard treatment for the condition. The surgery involves removing a three-centimeter piece of bone toward the back of the skull to relieve pressure.

However, Norrin and Remley each had complications following the procedure. Both boys developed hydrocephalus, a buildup of fluid in the brain, which required them to have drains placed to remove the excess fluid.

All three boys finished their surgeries by January 2024 and have been healthy since.

According to Weill Cornell Medicine, nearly all patients who undergo decompression surgery experience partial or total improvement in their symptoms.

Despite restrictions needed to keep the siblings from hitting their heads, such as no bike riding or jumping on the trampoline, the family hopes they can get back to 'being typical kids.' It's unclear how long they will face restrictions.

Mrs Niece said she is focused on raising awareness of the condition, which she had never heard of until her sons were diagnosed.

She said: 'So if we can help one other kid that maybe is struggling with headaches and theyve been passed off several times, thats a win in my book.

'Because a lot of people go in to look for something that is causing a headache and unless you say specifically youre looking for Chiari, it can get passed off as something else.'
Dr Christof Koch, a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute in Seattle, a leading brain research centre, knows a great deal about near-death experiences (NDEs)  where people report having mystical encounters after they were declared clinically dead, but then were successfully revived.

Dr Koch has spent 35 years studying consciousness: he is eminent in his field, the author of more than 350 scientific papers and many books. But he knows NDEs intimately because, four years ago, he experienced one himself during a health emergency in the early days of Covid.

'It was utterly remarkable,' he recalls.

'I saw a singularity of overwhelming brightness and felt terror and ecstasy.

'Nothing else  no body, no Christof, no self, no identity whatsoever. But also no world and no passage of time. Nothing except for the icy light,' he said recently.

Dr Christof Koch, 67, a neuroscientist at the Allen Institute in Seattle, has spent 35 years studying consciousness and is an expert on near-death experiences

'Nothing was left but a non-self it [this 'non-self' he'd become] didn't want anything, expect anything, think anything, remember anything, dread anything. But it [the non-self] experiences... It saw a cold, white light of unbearable intensity, unable to conceive of looking away, as there was no 'away from'.'

There was 'no smell, no pleasure, no pain', just 'a timeless universe convulsed to a blazing, icy light'.

Dr Koch, 67, says this experience has marked him for life  not least because he says he no longer has any fear of death (which is 'not uncommon in people who have undergone an NDE'). It has also made him a unique figure in an emerging new era of research into dying and death.

Death remains one of life's greatest mysteries. But new scientific investigations into the bizarre medical phenomena that can arise when we approach death, and even afterwards, may start to unravel it (or make it even more mysterious, as we shall see).

This could help researchers develop new ways to cure debilitating illnesses such as cardiovascular disease and cystic fibrosis  and improve vastly resuscitation techniques and the care of the dying  within just five to ten years, according to some experts.

The latest discovery in this field of death-science reveals something that sounds quite spooky, but which may soon offer revolutionary lifesaving cures: our own human cells can grow into microscopic new creatures after we die.

It's not quite the after-life as we might have imagined it, but nonetheless it is a discovery with extraordinary implications.

Scientists are also focusing on an astonishing phenomenon called 'terminal lucidity'  where terminally ill patients who have long been unconscious suddenly rally into life and communicate happily with staff and visitors, shortly before dying.

And then there is the better known, but just as mysterious, near-death experience.

Such phenomena have traditionally been dismissed by doctors and scientists as just unaccountably weird, or simply invented or imagined. Now leading experts are starting to take them very seriously.

All these strange phenomena raise the question whether the apparently solid boundaries between life and death are far more porous than modern science currently holds.

Renewed debate about what happens to us when we die has been sparked by a recent report by a group of eminent biologists in the US. They argue that, as well as 'alive' and 'dead', there actually exists another condition called the 'third state'  which 'lies beyond the traditional boundaries of life and death'.

The 'third state' is a term coined by Peter Noble, a professor of microbiology at the University of Alabama at Birmingham in the US, and one of the authors of the report (published in the Physiology Journal).

As he explained to Good Health, in this state after we are clinically dead, our bodies' individual cells can survive and reform themselves into new, multi-cell life forms that can replicate themselves  effectively breeding new life after death  and may even be able to repair other human tissues.

He says this intriguing ability of cells to survive Lazarus-like from dead creatures was first demonstrated three years ago by Michael Levin, a professor of biology at Tufts University in the US.

Death remains one of life's greatest mysteries. But new scientific investigations into the bizarre medical phenomena that can arise when we approach death may start to unravel it

'He found that skin cells extracted from deceased frog tissue were able to adapt to the new conditions of a Petri dish, spontaneously reorganising themselves into multi-cellular organisms that could even replicate themselves,' explains Professor Noble.

'Not only that, these new creatures [called 'xenobots'], could do much more than simply be skin cells  they used their cilia [small, hair-like structures] to move through their surroundings, whereas in a living frog, cilia are typically used to move mucus around the creature's slimy skin.'

If that were not astonishing enough, Professor Noble says that Professor Levin's latest research, published in January in the journal Advanced Science, suggests that cells taken from a human windpipe also reorganised themselves into multicellular creatures, called 'anthrobots'.

And when these anthrobots were placed in a Petri dish with damaged nerve tissue, they attempted to repair the nerves.

How could individual cells reinvent themselves from their previous existence in a living body? One theory is that complex animals (and ultimately, humans) evolved as single-celled creatures joined together to cooperate to create multi-cellular creatures.

This involved them giving up their autonomy to serve narrow roles within the multi-celled creature (rather like a multi-skilled craftsperson getting a job doing only one thing on a factory production line).

In reverse fashion, Professor Noble believes that when a multi-celled creature dies, their cells can revert to their previous individualistic states with all their old abilities, such as the frog cells' swimming, and then re-form in new ways that might enable them to survive their host's death.

'We should not be surprised that human cells can do the same thing as ones from frogs,' he says. 'Who knows what can be created? Until now, we've never looked.'

Beyond showing that our cells are more resilient and resourceful than previously imagined, 'these discoveries offer prospects for remarkable new treatments', says Professor Noble.

He predicts that soon specially evolved medical anthrobots could be made from living patients' own tissue and injected back into their bodies to perform specific tasks.

These could include repairing damaged spinal cords, clearing plaques in arteries and removing excess mucus from the airways of cystic fibrosis patients.

The anthrobots may also deliver medication, such as chemotherapy, precisely where needed.

Such advances may come sooner rather than later: 'I think we are five to ten years away from clinical applications,' says Professor Noble.

The fact that cells may survive clinical death may help not only create revolutionary therapies, but could also explain near-death experiences.

NDEs are triggered by major events such as a heart attack, shock or suffocation.

Studies generally suggest that more than one in ten hospital patients who recover from being clinically dead through cardiac arrest recall having an NDE.

These experiences usually share much in common, such as becoming pain-free, seeing a bright light at the end of a tunnel, meeting deceased relations, or seeing one's life flash in front of one's eyes.

Not all NDEs are comforting. In a 2019 study published in the journal Memory, 17 of the 123 patients who reported an NDE recounted seeing demons, visiting Hell or falling into terrifying voids.

Dr Sam Parnia, an associate professor of medicine at New York University, says, 'nobody has tried to find treatments or new ways to restart the heart or prevent brain injury'

Charlotte Martial, a neuroscientist at the University of Liege in Belgium, who co-authored the study, is now trying to verify patients' claims about their out-of-body experiences during NDEs.

Around eight in ten people who've had an NDE report leaving their body, sometimes stating facts about their environment that they seemingly should not know.

To test this, Dr Martial has decorated a resuscitation room at Liege University Hospital with unexpected objects and images, some of which are hidden in places that could be viewed only from the vantage point of someone near the ceiling  she is then asking patients who report NDEs if they'd noticed anything unexpected in the room.

But what actually causes NDEs? Professor Noble's group cites a recent study of 11 cardiac arrest patients from the UK and US who reported having near-death experiences while their brains appeared clinically dead (i.e. where the electrical activity had flatlined).

However, as the journal Resuscitation reported, when the patients finally began to revive through doctors' resuscitation efforts, their brains' cells had survived so well  even after up to an hour without oxygen  that they experienced sudden spikes of the sort of activity normally associated with higher mental function, such as thinking and imagining.

The patients had also had typical NDEs. One, for example, recalled, 'I thought I heard my grandma [who had died] saying, 'You need to go back.' '

Dr Sam Parnia, an associate professor of medicine at New York University who led this study, says that it shows these patients were experiencing 'lucid consciousness' even though they seemed clinically dead, and that brain cells can survive and even continue to function during extended periods without oxygen.

A major implication, he says, is that 'a lot of physicians are taught that after, say, three-to-five minutes of oxygen deprivation, the brain dies. Our study showed this is not true.'

He adds: 'It showed that the brain may not be functioning, which is why they flatline. But if you're able to resuscitate them appropriately, you can restore activity up to an hour later.'

Conventional medicine is writing off these patients prematurely, he argues.

'Nobody has tried to find treatments or new ways to restart the heart or prevent brain injury. They think it's futile.

'Our work opens the window to developing cocktails of drugs that could be given to patients who have technically gone through death to bring them back to life again.'

But why do patients whose brains are clinically dead report mystical NDEs?

Dr Koch is eminent in his field, the author of more than 350 scientific papers and many books

Dr Parnia's theory is that when the dying brain flatlines, the normal 'brakes' come off our brain cells' control systems this disinhibition may then open access to 'new dimensions of reality, including lucid recall of stored memories from early childhood to death'. But other leading investigators disagree.

Dr Koch, whose own NDE inspired his new book, Then I Am Myself The World: What Consciousness Is And How To Expand It, argues that this research doesn't show patients were having NDEs while their brains were flatlined.

He says: 'They could have had these memories come to them later, before they fully returned to consciousness. The patients wouldn't be able to know when the NDEs had happened.'

Instead Dr Koch (who said 'I hope I will never again have to undergo [another such experience] as it is utterly terrifying') suggests that these experiences may occur as dying brains effectively have the bounds of their egos fall away, along with their sense of space and time.

In this way people undergoing an NDE experience what he calls 'mind at large', a form of consciousness that may pervade the entire universe.

While this may sound mystical or religious, Dr Koch believes that consciousness is a physical quality of the universe, just like magnetism, gravity or any of the forces proposed by quantum physics.

'Therefore all this may be explained scientifically one day,' he says. 'But not yet. Nothing in the current laws of physics, chemistry or biology explains consciousness. Yet here we are, seeing, hearing, feeling.'

More mysterious still, perhaps, is another death-related anomaly that scientists are beginning to take seriously, called terminal lucidity.

Over the past 250 years, physicians have recorded cases of terminally ill and long unconscious patients suddenly rallying into life, communicating with medics and family, but then dying shortly afterwards.

Commonly, these patients are the least likely to rally  those who've suffered prolonged, irreversible brain decline as a result of meningitis, dementia, stroke or brain tumours, for instance.

Terminal lucidity incidents may also be very common. In a survey of nursing-home caregivers, 79 per cent reported they'd witnessed patients who'd been in deep comas suddenly rouse and coherently say their goodbyes before dying, reported the journal Archives of Gerontology and Geriatrics in 2010.

Some experts have suggested this might, oddly, reflect cultural values deeply ingrained over a lifetime that it's polite to say 'goodbye'.

But if terminal lucidity were culturally ingrained, it wouldn't happen in very young children. Yet earlier this year, case reports from two paediatric hospitals showed that terminal lucidity can occur in children as young as two, reported the Journal of Nervous and Mental Disease.

One three-year-old girl was in end-of-life care for an autoimmune disease: one evening after a fortnight's unresponsiveness she began talking with her parents, which they and the nurse described as 'like a miracle'.

Chris Roe, a professor of psychology at the University of Northampton, says that scientists have a duty to understand terminal lucidity and its biological implications

She talked to all of the important people in her life, spoke of her impending death, and reassured loved ones of the need not to be concerned about her. She also seemed to be communicating with people who were not visible to others.

After several hours, she asked to 'go to bed' and she returned to her comatose state.

After 48 hours, she died in her parents' arms.

'Children so young would not be expected to have the cultural conditioning or developmental capacity to understand the concepts of death and dying, nor be aware of the emotional impact of their impending death upon their parents,' researchers said.

Chris Roe, a professor of psychology at the University of Northampton and one of the report's co-authors, told Good Health that terminal lucidity has clear parallels with NDEs.

'But there is an extra layer  it involves people whose conditions are usually regarded as irreversibly deteriorated,' he says. 'It is very difficult to imagine how they could suddenly and briefly get better.

'People often think that they are miracle recoveries but they typically are not. Instead, they are the precursor to death.'

Such experiences can be a double-edged sword for loved ones, adds Professor Roe.

'With dying children it can be especially heart-rending,' he says. 'But, conversely, if you have a child who dies with grace and serenity, it can be a considerable comfort.

'After the initial shock of witnessing what they've seen, parents are usually extremely glad about what happened.'

Beyond examining the emotional experiences, Professor Roe says that scientists have a duty to understand terminal lucidity and its biological implications.

'We need to study a lot more cases to verify this as a medical condition and explore what underlies it,' he says.

'We are very open to the idea that we can explain it biologically or neurologically. Nevertheless its explanation may lay beyond the realms of current science.'

He adds: 'We believe that terminal lucidity is not rare  many nurses tell us they have seen such things often, though they won't discuss it with medical colleagues for fear of being dismissed as silly.'

Professor Noble adds: 'I've lost count of the number of times that people have reacted by calling this work 'Frankenstein science'. But I don't mind, because it sparks public interest in what's being done here to explore something mysterious  something that could prove vitally important to our lives.'
Doctors should stop calling early changes to the prostate 'cancer' to unburden patients, experts suggest.

Low-grade prostate cancer, commonly known as GG1 among physicians, often does not spread or causes symptoms.

As such, researchers questioned if it should be renamed 'incidentaloma' to better reflect its severity.

They suggest this could remove some of the 'psychological burden of a cancer diagnosis for patients'.

Researchers from universities including Harvard and the University of California met with participants from multiple fields, including patient advocacy.

Low-grade prostate cancer, commonly known as GG1 among physicians, often does not spread or causes symptoms (file image)

Researchers questioned if it should be renamed 'incidentaloma' to better reflect its severity (file image)

They concluded that while common among older men, such changes should not be considered normal with concerns removing the word 'cancer' could lead men to be less vigilant in monitoring any progression.

Writing in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, lead researcher Matthew Cooperberg, from UC San Francisco, said the word 'cancer' was synonymous with death.

He said: 'We are now finding exceptionally common cellular changes in the prostate that in some cases presage development of aggressive cancer but in most do not.

'We absolutely need to monitor these abnormalities no matter what we label them, but patients should not be burdened with a cancer diagnosis if what we see has zero capacity to spread or to kill.'

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among men and second most deadly, responsible for around 12,000 deaths a year in the UK.

Improvements to the diagnosis of prostate cancer such as MRIs and targeted biopsies means men are suffering fewer harms than previously, strengthening calls for a national screening programme.

Prostate Cancer UK said these improvements means men with a slow-growing cancer can feel confident in active surveillance, such as regular scans and blood tests to check for any disease progression.

Amy Rylance, assistant director of health improvement, said there were arguments 'for and against' its reclassification.

She said: 'It might help to reduce anxiety, but in a cash-strapped NHS it could also mean that surveillance gets deprioritised - both by men and the system - increasing the risk that if the cancer did progress, it could be missed.

'The good news is that UK data shows that over 95 per cent of men diagnosed with these very low risk cancers chose active surveillance, avoiding unnecessary treatments.'
Popular food delivery app Just Eat has issued an urgent warning to customers in response to contamination of host of food products.

A number of products containing mustard traces have undeclared peanuts in them, posing a danger to consumers with allergies.

Mustard powder and flavouring is a common ingredient in numerous sauces, dips, salads and pre-packed sandwiches sold on the delivery app.

The Just Eat warning, which has now been issued to both British and Irish customers, follows similar alarm from both countries' food safety regulators.

The warning from Just Eat, which has now been issued to both British and Irish customers, follows a warning from both countries' food safety regulators

A number of products containing mustard, mustard powder, or mustard flour have undeclared peanuts in them posing a danger to any consumer with an allergy

Britain's Food Standards Agency (FSA) has traced the contaminated mustard ingredients to three Indian producers that supply UK companies, which in turn, provide goods to a host of British restaurants and takeaways.

This warning has now been repeated by Just Eat to its customers directly via an email which reads: 'The Food Standards Agency has made us aware they're warning people with a peanut allergy to avoid consuming foods that contain, or might contain, mustard, mustard powder, or mustard flour, because these ingredients may have been contaminated with peanuts.

'These ingredients can be found in food such as dips, sauces, salads and pre-packed sandwiches.

'The FSA is working hard to identify the products which may have been contaminated with these mustard ingredients because of the severity of some allergic reactions to peanuts.

'Therefore, as a precautionary measure, we wanted to ensure our Just Eat customers are aware of this situation so people with a peanut allergy have up to date information about the potential risk and can take action to keep themselves safe.'

It continued: Whilst the FSA resolves this situation, when ordering food via Just Eat, in addition to checking for peanut based ingredients, we strongly encourage our customers with a peanut allergy to contact the restaurant, cafe or takeaway to ask if any of their products contain mustard.

About one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK have a peanut allergy. Allergy sufferers who accidentally consume products with peanuts may need to use an emergency injector like the one pictured

WHAT IS ANAPHYLACTIC SHOCK? Anaphylaxis, also known as anaphylactic shock, can kill within minutes. It is a severe and potentially life-threatening reaction to a trigger, such as an allergy. The reaction can often be triggered by certain foods, including peanuts and shellfish. However, some medicines, bee stings, and even latex used in condoms can also cause the life-threatening reaction. According to the NHS, it occurs when the immune system overreacts to a trigger. Symptoms include: feeling lightheaded or faint; breathing difficulties  such as fast, shallow breathing; wheezing; a fast heartbeat; clammy skin; confusion and anxiety and collapsing or losing consciousness. It is considered a medical emergency and requires immediate treatment. Insect stings are not dangerous for most victims but a person does not necessarily have to have a pre-existing condition to be in danger. An incremental build-up of stings can cause a person to develop an allergy, with a subsequent sting triggering the anaphylactic reaction. Advertisement

'Please be assured, food businesses have a legal obligation to provide this information to customers and should understand your concerns.'

Mustard is itself an allergen for some people meaning that British businesses have a legal obligation to declare its use in food.

As of Sunday, the FSA published 66 product recalls in the UK in relation to the peanut contamination.

Charity Allergy UK's chief executive, Simone Miles, said the contamination will be concerning to many people with peanut allergies as well as their families.

'We understand the concern and anxiety this investigation is likely to cause for those living with food allergies, especially as it further limits already restricted food choices,' she said.

'This is a challenging and frustrating situation, but the safety of the allergic community must come first.

'We strongly advise anyone with a peanut allergy to follow the FSA's advice and avoid any foods containing mustard until further notice. It is essential not to take unnecessary risks with your health.'

About one in 50 children and one in 200 adults in the UK have a peanut allergy.

Numbers of sufferers have been increasing for years in a trend some experts suspect is linked to a hyper-hygienic society potentially weakening children's immune systems.

Experts estimate that 10 Brits die from an allergic reaction to food each year, with 5,000 people hospitalised for severe reactions.

Allergies can provoke a variety of symptoms but the most serious is a dangerous inflammation of the airways called anaphylaxis.

This can make it hard and even impossible to breath and can cause the body to go into a cardiac emergency like a cardiac arrest due to a lack of oxygen.

Children with allergies are considered to be especially at risk from severe reactions as, due to their smaller body size, small amounts of allergens provoke bigger reactions.

Allergies are also often discovered in childhood meaning parents may not have an emergency injection to hand if an allergic reaction occurs.

Bereaved families of those who have lost children to allergic reactions have repeatedly called for an allergy tsar to improve NHS services and awareness of allergies, to prevent avoidable ill health and death.
READ MORE: 300 Americans are dying per DAY from drug overdoses

Deaths from fentanyl appear to be going down for the first time in a decade after reaching astronomic levels - but experts warn there's a 'horrific' reason behind it.

They say the drug is simply running out of people to kill, after claiming the lives of around 320,000 Americans in the last decade.

Last year, around 75,000 people in the US were killed by the lethally potent drug, which was slightly down on the previous year and the first time deaths have fallen annually since 2011.

Dr Caleb Banta-Green, an addiction expert at the University of Washington, says King County, which includes Seattle, is like a microcosm for the rest of the country.

Deaths from fentanyl there plummeted nearly 10 percent at the end of 2023 compared to the last quarter - but Dr Banta-Green believes the outbreak is 'self-extinguishing'.

Seattle, Washington, has been dubbed a hub for synthetic drugs like fentanyl. Experts warned that while deaths are decreasing in the area, it may be for the wrong reasons (pictured is a man smoking fentanyl in Seattle in 2022)

The above graph shows the number of Americans dying from synthetic drug overdoses every week. These are deaths from fentanyl. After years of increases, deaths nationwide have finally plateaued

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He told local news station KUOW: 'There are only so many people who are using a drug, and when it has that high of a lethality rate, it will eventually  in a really horrific way  start to self-extinguish itself like a forest fire.

'So, it's literally burning out the fuel. The horrible thing in this instance is the fuel is people.'

Earlier this year, the CDC reported that drug overdose deaths decreased three percent from 2023 to 2022. This was the first annual decrease since 2018.

Latest data shows that in the 12 months to April 2024, the US saw 65,787 deaths from synthetic opioid overdoses, mainly fentanyl - down from a peak of 77,693 in June 2023.

Washington state has previously been considered a hotspot for fentanyl overdoses.

In 2022, a record of 56 children in Washington state's foster care and child welfare system died or nearly died after ingesting illegal drugs, including fentanyl. This was as many as the total combined for 2019 through 2021.

Of the 56 instances, 38 involved fentanyl.

Dr Caleb Banta-Green, an addiction expert at the University of Washington, said that the decrease in synthetic opioid deaths in Seattle could be due to the drug running out of people to kill

The above graph shows how synthetic opioid deaths in fentanyl hotspot Washington have slowly started decreasing as of January, the latest data available

Rates have seen a slow decline since the end of last year, however. According to the most recent CDC data, there were 2,632 deaths from synthetic opioids from the last 12 months to April 2024, down slightly from a peak of 2,727 in February 2024.

Dr Banta-Green also pointed to decreases in hubs along the east coast, such as West Virginia and Pennsylvania.

West Virginia, which has been plagued by the opioid crisis for more than 30 years, reported 1,002 deaths from synthetic opioids from the last 12 months to April 2024, a decrease from 1,169 in September 2023. The Mountain State saw a peak of 1,263 in April 2021.

Pennsylvania has also been thrust into the spotlight for its surge in fentanyl use and deaths, particularly in the Kensington neighborhood of Philadelphia.

In 2022, the Philadelphia Department of Public health recorded 1,413 unintentional overdose deaths, an 11 percent increase from 2021.

West Virginia, which has been plagued by the opioid epidemic for the last 30 years, has also seen its synthetic opioid death rates decrease, the above graph shows

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And the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) estimates that eight in 10 of these overdoses were due to fentanyl.

The CDC does not have data on Pennsylvania's overdoses from synthetic opioids, the state reported 4,721 total drug overdose deaths in 2023, a nine percent decrease from 2022.

Dr Banta-Green said: 'I hope we continue to have a decline, but I hope that the future decline isn't because people are dying but because they're accessing the really wonderful life-saving interventions that we're really making great strides to make more widely available.'
A man who went for spinal surgery has been left completely paralyzed due to bungling doctors.

James Spangler, 54, was told the operation would fix the burning pain in his neck and pins and needles in his limbs caused by a condition called spinal stenosis.

But when he woke up after the three-hour surgery at WellSpan York Hospital in Pennsylvania, the father-of-three found he couldn't move anything except his toes.

Scans later revealed that doctors had wrongly inserted screws into his spinal cord, which controls movements in the body.

He has now been awarded $24million in compensation after being forced to quit his job as a mechanic at Harley Davidson, which he had held for 26 years, and needing his wife Wendy to care for him 24/7.

James Spangler, 58, pictured following the botched surgery that left him unable to move anything except his toes

The family's lawyer Iddo Harel, from Ross Feller Casey, told DailyMail.com: 'He went from being a mechanic the day before to a quadriplegic the day after.

'Mr Spangler is the kind of man who has worked very, very hard his whole life in manual professions and never took anything from anybody.

'But now he needs his wife Wendy's help to do everything, and even simple tasks like going to the bathroom.

'He can't stand up and walk himself into another room, he can now brush his teeth but he can't put toothpaste on his toothbrush. This is not just physical torture, this is also emotional torture.'

He added: 'Their lives have been so difficult over the last five years, and what his wife has done for him I can't promise you that my wife or every wife would do the same. She has been caring for him 24/7.'

Mr Spangler was suffering from the common condition called cervical spinal stenosis, where the inside of vertebrae in the neck tightens and compresses the spinal cord, triggering pain.

About 12million people in the US have the condition, which is treated by a procedure to cut open the neck and vertebrae to relieve the pressure.

Doctors also screw a metal plate into the vertebrae during this procedure to protect the open area.

Mr Spangler, who is now 58 years old, had been suffering from pain, which felt like a 'burning' sensation, on and off for three months before he went to see doctors in late 2019.

He was diagnosed with his condition in September, and booked in to have the surgery the following month.

His wife Wendy, pictured above with him, has been his 'rock' and supported him day and night for five years following the surgery

He expressed concerns repeatedly to doctors after waking up from the surgery, but it took another 10 hours to get an MRI and then another 12 to go back into the operating room.

He has been through years of therapy since then and has now successfully gained back the ability to slightly move his right hand and walk as far as one block.

But he still needs constant help with day-to-day activities, including eating, using the toilet, cutting vegetables and brushing his teeth.

The family filed a medical malpractice lawsuit against the hospital and their neurosurgeon Dr Joseph Krzeminski, who has since retired, in April 2021.

Their case was heard during an eight-day trial over the last two weeks, after which it took the jury just an hour to unanimously find the hospital and surgeon negligent.

The family has been awarded $23.87million, which will go towards paying for round-the-clock care for Mr Spangler.

Mr Harel said: 'This case underscores the grave responsibility that healthcare providers have to their patients.

'James Spangler trusted his neurosurgeon, and that trust was tragically violated in the operating room.

Mr Spangler was described as a man who had worked hard all his life and never asked anyone for anything. He is pictured above in a family photograph

'The jury's prompt and unanimous decision reflects the profound impact this negligence has had on Mr Spangler and his family  and the need for accountability in our healthcare system.'

A spokesperson for WellSpan said in a statement: 'We are disappointed in the verdict given the evidence that was presented.

'Options for appeal are being reviewed. Wellspan Health remains fully committed to providing safe, high-quality care for all of our patients.'

Although an appeal has been suggested, it is expected that it is unlikely that one will take place because during the trial Dr Krzeminski said he would not wish what has happened to Mr Spangler on his worst enemy.

The family cried in court as the verdict was read out and thanked their legal team for their aid. One of their sons attended the case, despite his parents requesting that he would not.
A cancer survivor from Texas is relearning how to walk after contracting a crippling mosquito-borne virus.

Prospero Rangel, 78, was outside his home in Brazos County when he was bitten and immediately began feeling 'so itchy'.

Over the following days he began suffering body aches, joint pain, weakness and a fever before being admitted to hospital a week later.

He was diagnosed with West Nile Virus, which is becoming more prevalent in the US due to the warming climate.

However, Rangel is among the 1 percent of patients who develop a severe form of the virus, which causing dangerous swelling of the brain.

Prospero Rangel, pictured with his daughter Sara Salzer, was outside his home in Brazos County when he sustained two bites from a mosquito. He went on to contract

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Rangel's daughter, Sara Salzer, told local news channel KBTX: 'We've been told that there are going to be some symptoms that are going to stay with him for a while.

'We were even told that he may have to do outpatient therapy for the next year.'

The grandfather is the second human case of the West Nile virus in the Brazos County area in 2024.

The first case was reported in mid-September but no details were given around the severity of the person's infection.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), there have been 62 reported human cases of West Nile virus so far this year across the US.

This compares to 1,868 human cases of West Nile illness and 89 deaths during a serious outbreak in 2012, which shows efforts to curtail the virus have paid off.

It generally takes between three and 14 days for the disease to develop.

Around 80 percent of infected people are asymptomatic (no symptoms), but some 20% will develop fever.

And about 1,000 people are hospitalized each year in the U.S. with the most severe form of the disease, which if it spreads to the brain and nervous system, can cause brain swelling, brain damage and death with a three to 15 percent mortality rate.

The West Nile virus is the most common mosquito-spread disease in the continental US

People over the age of 60 are at greater risk for severe illness if they are infected, as are those with with certain medical conditions, such as cancer, diabetes, hypertension, and kidney disease.

So far this year, there have been 748 human cases of West Nile virus in the U.S., including 515 severe or 'neuroinvasive' cases

There is no specific treatment for the virus or vaccine, but 80 percent of cases are mild, where sufferers may experience flu-like symptoms or rashes.

The CDC states that the best way to prevent West Nile is to protect yourself from mosquito bites.

Bite prevention tips include using insect repellent, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants, and using mosquito repellent devices outside and around the home.

In Brazos County, property owners have been encouraged to remove standing water while ensuring that lawn irrigation and onsite sewage systems are properly maintained.

Larvicide can also be used to treat any areas where mosquitoes could lay eggs.
READ MORE: Major egg recall across multiple states over salmonella fears

Several brands of recalled eggs have been given the most dangerous warning label, health officials announced.

Last month, the FDA recalled chicken eggs from Milo's Poultry Farms and Tony's Fresh Market due to a salmonella outbreak in nine states.

This week, the FDA gave the recall a 'Class I' label, meaning that there is a 'reasonable probability' that exposure to the eggs 'will cause serious adverse health consequences or death.'

Distributed by Wisconsin-based Milo's Poultry Farms, LLC, the contaminated eggs have sickened 65 people and hospitalized 24.

No deaths have been reported yet.

All contaminated eggs have been recalled, the FDA said

The recall covered products with a 'Best Buy' date of October 12, 2024, or sooner

The CDC warned that this strain of salmonella, which affects about 1.3million Americans a year, may be particularly difficult to treat, as it is resistant to the common antibiotics nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin (Cipro).

The eggs were recalled after salmonella was detected in the hen egg-laying house and the Wisconsin packing facility.

State officials revealed that 42 of the infections occurred in Wisconsin, where a large number of people said they got sick after eating eggs at restaurants.

In addition to Wisconsin, cases of salmonella were reported in California, Colorado, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, Utah, Virginia, and Illinois, where there were 11 documented infections, the second largest amount.

State officials revealed that 42 of the infections occurred in Wisconsin, where a large number of people said they got sick after eating eggs at restaurants

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All recalled eggs have a 'Best By' date of October 12, 2024, or sooner.

Salmonella is caused by eating foods contaminated with animal feces. It typically causes diarrhea, fever, and stomach cramps that begin six hours to six days after initial infection, according to the CDC.

Most people recover within days, though the illness is responsible for more than 26,000 hospitalizations and 400 deaths a year.
BRINGER OF DUST by J.M. Miro (Bloombury 20, 608pp)

Bringer of Dust is available now from the Mail Bookshop

A SHUDDERING, shattering return to the world of carykks, glyphs, drughrs, humans and other assorted monsters. Cairndale, gateway to the Underworld, is destroyed and the Talents who gathered there now scattered.

But worse is to come, with an unspeak able power bleeding through into this world and bringing more darkness, violence and excruciating pain into play.

As in all the finest gothic constructions, soaring spaces and encrustations of deco ration depend on a sound structure.

Here, whether stumbling through a Piranesi-esque London underworld of sewers and gantries, or seeking refuge in a crumbling Sicilian mansion, we're pulled forward by the most powerful quests: res cuing the lost, finding love, fighting evil.

EXODUS: THE ARCHIMEDES ENGINE by Peter F. Hamilton (Tor 25, 928pp)

Exodus is available now from the Mail Bookshop

NOW humanity's evolved and spread across the universe, history seems to have reached an end.

The ruling caste of highly evolved Celestials live for eons and wield raw power with icy calm.

Into the mix comes a spaceship from the past and - get this - a mysterious planet where it rains iron.

Suddenly a rebel, a mere unevolved human, sees a opportunity to upset the smooth workings of imperial politics, but it all depends on his taking control of the incomprehensibly complex and mysterious Archimedes engine...

Wonderfully machined with many moving parts, this is a book designed to grip and thrill.

Big sci -fi - huge sci -fi - at its best.

THE WOOD AT MIDWINTER by Susanna Clarke (Bloomsbury Circus 9.99, 364pp)

The Wood At Midwinter is available now from the Mail Bookshop

BLINK and it's over. You've walked into a wood and are out the other side without savouring its quiet joys.

To make it come alive, you must take your time, watch and listen.

First broadcast on Radio 4 and obliquely drawing its inspiration from Kate Bush songs, we follow Merowdis Scott's journey into a wintery wood and her growing urge to leave the world behind.

It's finely evoked, tremblingly delicate, but vividly resonant.

Read it slowly and words become footsteps taking you further and further into the girl's mind.

This beautiful edition comes as a lovely package with beautifully judged illustrations and a fascinating afterword by the author.

A pure, sylvan delight.
THE BLOOD OF OTHERS by Simone de Beauvoir (Penguin Classics 9.99, 286pp)

The Blood of Others is available now from the Mail Bookshop

SET in 1940s Paris as the Nazis invade, Helene, a former sweet shop assistant with a zest for life, lies dying - watched over by former lover, Jean.

In flashbacks of alternating narrative voices, we learn how she unconditionally loved Jean, a privileged, boss's son turned Resistance fighter, who never fully reciprocated her devotion.

As their relationship ebbs and flows with the political climate, de Beauvoir draws on personal experience to examine notions of freedom, class, war, moral dilemmas and the role of women as Jean struggles with the guilt that haunts him and Helene is defined and damaged by the men she meets, until her final act of heroism.

A SPRING OF LOVE by Celia Dale (Daunt Books 9.99, 370pp)

A Spring of Love is available now from the Mail Bookshop

COERCIVE control and violent secrets lie at the heart of this sinister and emotionally com plex 1960s tale in which Esther, 30, has been left financially comfortable by an inheritance from her grandfather.

But life is dull, her only pleasure a weekly cinema trip and lonely dinner.

Until she meets Raymond, a travelling salesman. They start dating, then marry - but red flags are flapping wildly: he ingratiates himself with her overbearing grandmother, asks for money and criticises every one she knows.

Yet Esther is happy: she feels loved, has a baby and new friends - then she discovers a terrible truth about Raymond?

Controlled with consummate skill, this menacing tale of manipulation twists and turns to the last shocking sentence.

THE LAST MAN by Mary Shelley (Penguin Classic 12.99, 592pp)

The Last Man is available now from the Mail Bookshop

BEST known for her classic Franken stein, Shelley's later dystopian novel features a global plague that devastates humanity at the end of the 21st century, leaving only one man alive.

Britain is now a republic and Lionel Verney, whose fortunes we have followed since 2073, is our guide through his early life, marriage and friendship with the philosophical Adrian - based on Mary's poet husband.

Verney witnesses the horror of the pandemic and how Britain's social hierarchies and political structures break down as wealth and power protect no one, yet the natural world thrives.

Controversial in its time, it now feels prescient in its examination of isolation, environmental disaster and grief, although the overly long middle section is a plod.
Knead To Know Neil Buttery (Icon 12.99, 256pp)

Knead to Know is available now from the Mail Bookshop

Of the many magnificent foods that pop up in Neil Buttery's book Knead To Know, the most heart-attack-inducing is a pie that was made in the Lake District in the 18th century.

Among its ingredients were two geese, four 'tame ducks', 12 partridges, 15 sparrows, four blackbirds, one leg of veal and 20 rabbits. The pie's pastry required three bushels of flour, and the whole thing reportedly weighed about 22st (140kg).

Buttery's guide to the history of baking is full of such curiosities, and makes for very jolly reading.

Still, it's clear he takes his subject seriously. It was only the discovery that grains could be ground into flour and transformed into bread, he points out, that led early human tribes to give up their nomadic ways and form settlements.

So: 'without bread, there would not be civilisation'.

The aptly named Buttery concentrates mainly on the history of British baked goods and, gradually, a scattershot history of Britain itself emerges. In medieval times, for instance, we learn that ordinary people had their access to flour tightly controlled, and had to have their grain milled in their local lord's mill. The village miller took a cut and was therefore generally loathed.

In Scotland, oatcakes became a staple food when oats displaced barley as the main cereal crop in the 17th century. Traditionally, oatcakes would curl up at the edges - a far cry from the flat, ashen circles we now buy in supermarkets.

Though we associate oatcakes with Scotland, they were also much enjoyed in England. Yorkshire's housewives made theirs with a sourdough batter, which they would fling skilfully onto a hot griddle, so that the oatcake formed a long oval streak.

Digestives emerged as a health food in the 19th century: an 1829 advert claimed that eating them 'supersedes the necessity of having recourse to medicine'.

Preparing the unleavened bread for Passover, working it, flattening it and baking, Drawing from 1695 Amsterdam Passover Haggadah.

Brownies originated, as you might expect, in America in the late 19th century. The first is believed to have been made at a hotel, where a chef baked an 'extra luscious, extra thick' chocolate cookie and cut it into bars.

From the 1890s to the 1920s, America was gripped by 'brownie frenzy' - a craze that gripped the UK too, around 100 years later.

A fair number of origin stories about specific baked goods are, Buttery shows, balderdash. Before reading the book, I believed the old yarn about Eton mess: that it came into being when a pavlova due to be served at Eton was knocked over and ruined, then served to the boys anyway.

In fact, instead of being an accident, Buttery says, it seems to have been purposefully invented by a cook at the school in the 1930s.

He also remorselessly busts the myth about Cornish pasties - that miners would eat them for lunch, using their crimp as a handle. Early photographs, he points out, show miners eating their pasties from bags.

Small pasties were a fairly late development, anyway: before the Edwardian era, pasties were huge and designed to serve several people at dinner.

Most revered was the venison pasty, which was an entire joint that would be wrapped in thick pastry and baked; then, before serving, warmed claret would be poured through the steam hole. Delicious.

Throughout the book, Buttery passes his love of baking and its history on to the reader, but it did leave me feeling perpetually peckish - as well as bereft of all the intriguing British delicacies that have been lost to the mists of time.
Over the past few days, Graham Hancock - author of the bestseller The Sign And The Seal - has described his five-year odyssey around the world examining mysteries in the Andes, Central America and Egypt. His findings challenge existing wisdoms and point to a highly advanced, technologically proficient `forgotten civilisation' which flourished before the end of the last Ice Age. But where could such a race of gods have lived? And why did they disappear? Here he explains why he believes he has finally discovered the lost continent . . .

My quest around the world searching for answers had seemingly been self-defeating. As each clue revealed itself, the mystery became more confused, the questions more tantalising.

I had seen maps, based on source documents thousands of years old, showing accurately the coast of Antarctica in a warmer, ice-free climate. Which civilisation had originally drawn up these maps - and when?

I had seen the extraordinary structures - pyramids, megalithic cities, and immense line drawings in the desert - of South and Central America. These are feats of technology impossible for the culture and the time conventionally assigned to them. Who could have built them, and how, and why?

I had studied the `civiliser' gods in Egypt and the New World who had come - from where? - and brought sudden changes in agriculture and learning, spread their message of enlightenment and vanished. Who were these people? And when had they appeared?

I had seen the pyramids of Egypt, built with a precision and a technology that defies the imagination even today. Where had this scientific knowledge so suddenly sprung from thousands of years ago?

I had seen the pyramids of Egypt, built with a precision and a technology that defies the imagination even today

I had seen, excavated from beside the pyramids, a 140ft-long vessel with all a sea-going ship's characteristics

I had seen, excavated from beside the pyramids, a 140ft-long vessel with all a sea-going ship's characteristics - prow and stern soaring upwards, higher than in a Viking long-boat - to ride out the breakers of the oceans rather than contend with the little ripples of the Nile. Naval experts agreed that the pattern of this vessel could have been created only by shipbuilders from a people with a long tradition of sailing the open seas. At the very beginning of Egypt's 3,000-year history, who had those as-yet-unidentified shipbuilders been?

And why is the statue of the Sphinx so clearly eroded by heavy rainfall when other structures around it on the Giza plateau show only evidence of dry-climate damage from wind and sand?

I had also seen demonstrated the mathematical and astronomical numbers, precisely calculated, coded within the masonry of the Great Pyramid, and I had seen how the pyramids and the Sphinx had been carefully laid out to form a precise map of the skies above Egypt in 10,500 BC, with particular reference to the constellations of Orion and Leo.

And why is the statue of the Sphinx so clearly eroded by heavy rainfall when other structures around it on the Giza plateau show only evidence of dry-climate damage from wind and sand?

There was evidence of an astonishingly early period of agricultural advance and experimentation in the Nile Valley at around the end of the last Ice Age. The characteristics of this great Egyptian `leap forward', which shows every sign of having been violently terminated by a cataclysm in the 11th millennium BC, suggest that it could have resulted only from a sudden influx of new ideas from some as-yet-unidentified source.

And that same epoch was crucial for many other people in many other areas as well. In Bolivia, it was the epoch of the strange gods who had built beside Lake Titicaca the astonishing megalithic city of Tiahuanaco, which may have existed before the 11th millennium BC. Here, too, there are signs of extraordinarily early agricultural experiments - apparently based on introduced techniques. Who had introduced them?

And in both areas important question marks have been raised over the dating of certain remarkable monuments: the huge temple buildings of Tiahuanaco, and the Great Sphinx at Giza.

Could there be an unseen link between all these beautiful, enigmatic monuments, the anomalous agricultural experiments of 13,000 to 10,000 BC, and the legends of seafaring civiliser gods like Osiris in Egypt and Viracocha in South America?

I was captivated by all the mysteries, anomalies, anachronisms and puzzles and wanted to learn as much about them as I could. But I was at a dead end in my inquiries.

It was at this point that my researcher, who had been investigating the long, slow processes by which civilisations arise, offered the vital thought that put me back on track again. He summed up the problem in a note to me:

`If you are looking for a hitherto undiscovered civilisation of great originators who made it on their own, separate from any of the ones we know, you are not looking for a needle in a haystack. You are looking for something more like a city in its hinterland. What you are looking for is a vast region, which occupies a land area at least a couple of thousand miles across. It would have major mountain ranges, huge river systems, and a Mediterranean to sub-tropical climate. It would have needed this relatively undisturbed climate for around 10,000 years . . .

`Then this population of several hundred thousand sophisticated people, we are to believe, suddenly vanished, together with their homeland, leaving very little physical trace: only a few surviving individuals, shrewd enough to see the end coming, wealthy enough, and in the right place, with the resources they needed to be able to do something about escaping the cataclysm.'

He was perfectly right - this was the problem that I needed to solve. His note nagged at my mind all the way through my own research and travels.

Most of us assume that Antarctica has been ice-bound for millions of years. But new discoveries prove that parts of Antarctica were free of ice thousands of years ago

It was, indeed, this exact problem, more than any other, that had scuppered Plato's Atlantis as a serious proposition for scholars. Modern oceanographers have thoroughly mapped the floor of the Atlantic ocean, and there is definitely no lost continent lurking there.

But if all the evidence that I was gathering really did represent the fingerprints of a vanished civilisation, then a continent had to have got lost somewhere. So where? For a while I used the obvious working hypothesis that it might be under some other ocean. But the floor of the Indian Ocean, too, had been mapped and it didn't conceal any lost continents either. The same applies to every other ocean and every other sea. There really seemed to be nowhere now under water into which a landmass big enough to have nurtured a high civilisation could have vanished.

Yet as my research continued, the evidence kept mounting that precisely such a civilisation had once existed.

It must have been a civilisation of navigators; and a nation of builders, too. A civilisation of pyramid-builders, Sphinx-builders, builders who could lift and position 200-ton blocks of stone with apparent ease, and align vast monuments to the cardinal points with uncanny accuracy. Whoever they were, these builders appeared to have left their characteristic fingerprints all over the world.

When their own nation faced certain destruction, a few of them - the survivors, the intitiated ones - went forth to build and leave messages, evidence of their existence: the pyramids of Egypt and the Americas, precisely aligned to show the positions of the stars in the heavens at the time.

But a civilisation advanced enough to build like that, a civilisation rich enough, sufficiently well organised and sufficiently mature to have explored and mapped the world from pole to pole, a civilisation smart enough to have calculated the dimensions of the Earth - such a civilisation simply could not have evolved on an insignificant landmass.

Its homeland must have been blessed with major mountain ranges, huge rivers and a congenial climate, and with all the other obvious requirements of an advanced and prosperous economy - good agricultural lands, mineral resources, forests.

So where could such a landmass have been located? And when might it have disappeared? Moreover, if it had in fact disappeared (and no other explanation would do), then how and why and under what circumstances? Seriously, how do you lose a continent?

Common sense suggested that the answer had to lie in a cataclysm of some kind. As I studied the great myths of flood, fire, earthquakes and ice handed down from generation to generation, I found that there was really only one known and documented catastrophe that fitted the bill - the dramatic and deadly melt-down of the last Ice Age that took place between 15,000 and 8,000 BC.

I was becoming aware of the possibility that a strong connection might exist between the collapsing chaos of the Ice Age and the disappearance of an archaic civilisation that had been the stuff of legend for millennia. In the summer of 1993, I was at a low ebb. After months of hard travel, the geophysical impossibility of actually losing a continent-sized landmass was beginning to undermine my confidence. It was then that I received a letter, from Canadian researchers, Rand and Rose Flem-Ath. In the first few paragraphs I found the missing piece of the jigsaw puzzle that I had been looking for.

`Most of us assume that Antarctica has been ice-bound for millions of years. But new discoveries prove that parts of Antarctica were free of ice thousands of years ago - recent history by the geological clock.'

Here, then, was my answer.

What my Canadian colleagues were referring to was the theory of Earth crust displacement (outlined briefly in Part One of this serialisation). This suggests that the rigid outer crust of our planet has several times been displaced and has moved in one piece over the molten core, much as the skin of an orange, if it were loose, might shift over the inner part of the orange all in one piece.

Ice-covered secrets of sub-tropical continent

Is it a geophysical possibility that Antarctica could have previously been located in a more temperate zone? Fossilised tree stumps have been found some 500 miles from the South Pole. Sir Ernest Shackleton found coal beds within 200 miles of the South Pole - clear evidence of forests. There are impressions of two species of tree fern, once common to other southern continents, and a giant fern tree of another species. Here is conclusive evidence that the climate of Antarctica was once temperate or even sub-tropical. We know that Antarctica is moveable, and that it has been moved - because trees have grown there, and trees simply cannot grow at latitudes which suffer six months of continuous darkness. Advertisement

The theory originated in the 1950s - and no less a scientific authority than Albert Einstein endorsed it. The suggestion is that until the end of the last Ice Age, the entire land-mass of Antarctica had been positioned some 2,000 miles further to the north.

The conclusion followed logically. If such a displacement had shifted the enormous land-mass of Antarctica out of temperate latitudes and into the Antarctic circle, then it was possible that the substantial remains of a lost civilisation of remote antiquity might be lying today under two miles of ice at the South Pole.

It suddenly became clear to me how a continent-sized landmass, that had been the home of a large and prosperous society for thousands of years, could have got lost almost without trace. Perhaps, as the Flem-Aths suggested to me, it is to icy Antarctica that we should look to find answers to the very roots of civilisation - answers which may yet be preserved in the frozen depths of the forgotten continent.

Suppose, then, that a great civilisation had grown up in Antarctica when much of it was located in green and pleasant latitudes. If so, then that civilisation might easily have been destroyed by the tidal waves, hurricanes, electric storms and volcanic eruptions that would have accompanied the continent's movement south.

As the millennia passed, the ruins left behind - the cities, monuments, the great libraries and the engineering works - would have been ever more deeply buried beneath the remorselessly expanding mantle of ice.

Little wonder, therefore, that all that can be found today, scattered around the world, are tantalising traces, echoes of words and deeds, the much-misunderstood teachings, the geometrical edifices and the maps. They are all that were left behind by the few survivors of Antarctica's former civilisation who made it across the turbulent oceans in great ships and settled in faraway lands - in the Nile Valley, in Mexico and around Lake Titicaca in the Andes.

Here and there around the globe, in other words, the fingerprints of a lost civilisation remain faintly visible. The body, meanwhile, is out of sight, buried under two miles of Antarctic ice - and thus almost as inaccessible as if it were located on the far side of the moon.

Fact? Or fiction? Possibility? Or impossibility?

Tomorrow, in the final part of this series, I will attempt to explain just why I think such a race of ancients existed - and why I believe they were determined to warn our own generation to prepare for the apocalypse that also awaits us.
Last November, I paid a deposit of 800 to TUI for a holiday to the Costa del Sol for me, my wife and our daughter and granddaughter.

Tragically, at the end of December, our daughter, 56, was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer which mean she would be unable to travel.

Shortly afterwards, I requested a refund of the deposit from our travel agent as there is no way we will be able to go as we are in our 80s and dont travel unaccompanied. The agent said deposits werent usually refunded but they would make a request because of our circumstances. Medical evidence was provided but they were not successful. Please help.

T.M., Craigavon, Northern Ireland

Sally Hamilton replies: I was sad to hear about your situation but sadder still when I spoke to you, as since writing to me, your daughter had died.

I felt determined to help get back your deposit, especially as the trip you had booked was for May  five months after you had requested cancellation. Surely that was long enough for Tui to resell the holiday.

Tui has a department dealing with customers facing exceptional circumstances, and I felt your situation fitted the category. I asked Tui if it could see its way to handing back your money.

Your 800 deposit had already been used to pay easyJet, Tuis airline partner, for the flights element of your package. Tui had apparently approached the airline regarding a refund but had heard nothing back.

Once I contacted Tui for you, it swiftly agreed to cancel the holiday and return your money via your travel agent at no cost.

At first only you and your wifes 400 share of the deposit was returned but on my second intervention the remaining 400 was refunded. You were very grateful.

Under its terms and conditions Tui did not have to hand back the deposit but thankfully it took into account your tragic circumstances.

You told me you considered taking out travel insurance, but the quotes you received far exceeded the size of the deposit. I can understand the dilemma but would urge readers to always take cover out to protect themselves against unforeseen circumstances as holiday firms may not always be so understanding.

I had a current account with Santander Bank but decided to move to Barclays when I saw its adverts offering 175 within 28 days if I switched.

I did everything requested by Barclays to qualify for the incentive, including downloading the banks app, transferring my direct debits, arranging to pay in 800 each month and signing up for the banks rewards scheme at 5 a month.

All this was completed by July 24. I waited patiently for my bonus. And Im still waiting, 42 days later. Customer service keeps fobbing me off. I am annoyed by the lack of customer care  and lack of bonus  and now regret switching. Please help.

H.D., Banbury, Oxon

Sally Hamilton replies: Competition between banks is rife and all are keen to snap up customers like you. That is because once a bank has signed up a current account customer, they can sell them all kinds of extras from credit cards and personal loans to insurance and savings bonds.

Periodic cashback deals like the one you saw are designed to tempt people to switch. Such deals come and go, so customers usually need to act quickly if they want to secure a particular offer. The Barclays incentive ended on August 30, for example.

Providers currently offering a cash perk include First Direct, which promises to pay 175 to switchers who havent been a customer previously and who meet certain conditions; and Nationwide, also offering 175, which asks customers to deposit 1,000 within 31 days of opening the account.

Now Lloyds Bank is offering 200 to those moving to its fee-bearing Club Lloyds account.

Can Sally Sorts It help you? Do you have a consumer problem you need help with? Email Sally Hamilton at sally@dailymail.co.uk include phone number, address and a note addressed to the offending organisation giving them permission to talk to Sally Hamilton. Please do not send original documents as we cannot take responsibility for them. No legal responsibility can be accepted by the Daily Mail or This Is Money for answers given.

Barclays asked applicants to download the banks app on their phone and sign up to its Blue Rewards programme at 5 a month, as well as transfer a number of direct debits. Anyone applying who previously held a Barclays account that wasnt closed before July 8 this year was not eligible.

You thought you had jumped through all the hoops. Switching is meant to be hassle-free since the introduction 11 years ago of the current account switch service so I couldnt see what was causing the hold up.

The account switch service is where the new bank takes control of moving everything over, such as direct debits, and arranges to shut the old account. The new bank needs the green light from the existing provider to do this. Once the transfer date is agreed, the operation should take seven working days and banks guarantee to put things right if there are glitches with direct debits or other payments and receipts.

I asked Barclays to flick the switch on your transfer and hand over your 175 bonus.

Barclays eventually found your transfer had hit problems because your name had previously been on a joint account with the bank. As the account was still active, it seemed you were not eligible for the offer  even though you had been removed from it some time ago.

Following my intervention, the error was finally rectified and 175 was added to your new account on September 5, along with an extra 100 as an apology for the inconvenience.

A Barclays spokesman says: We are sorry for the delay our customer experienced receiving their switcher bonus. We have corrected this, and the money is in their account.

Scam Watch

Households should beware a scam email impersonating streaming service Disney+, consumer website Which? warns.

Fraudsters catch victims attention by stating their subscription to the film and television platform could not be renewed due to a failed payment.

The email provides a malicious link for recipients to log in and update their account, Which? says.

Tricksters claim Disney+ services will be stopped if you dont do this within two days.

Do not click on the link forward the email to report@phishing.gov.uk.

Straight to the point

Last month my car broke down so I called the RAC. Its mechanic couldnt start the car so arranged for a tow truck. Three hours later, nothing had arrived. I called the RAC again and was told it would be another two and a half hours. The RAC said it would escalate the matter so I arranged alternative recovery as I had been stranded for almost six hours.

F.J., Lancashire.

RAC apologises and says you made your own arrangements shortly before its truck arrived. It has refunded your membership fee for this year.

We flew to Barcelona with British Airways in May. Our luggage went missing along with six other couples. Everyone else was reunited with their luggage when we docked at Palma but we are still waiting for ours three months later.

E.S., Cheshire.

British Airways is unable to locate your missing bag. It apologises and will pay your expenses as well as compensation.

I cancelled a credit card in 2007 but recently discovered it was not cancelled and Ive paid annual fees for the past 17 years  in total around 2,400. Ive also been told new cards were sent to my old address when older ones expired. Im worried it has affected my credit rating.

M.H., London.

The bank apologises and will refund you 1,000. It has not affected your credit score.

In July I visited a Premier Inn in Newquay to celebrate my wedding anniversary but there were works right outside our window. We had no view and had to close our curtains. Premier Inn refuses to refund us as theres a sentence on its website stating building work was taking place nearby.

M.H., via email.

Premier Inn says the works were external and out of their control but has offered you 150 as a gesture of goodwill.
The City watchdog could force banks to publish call waiting times in a crackdown to help frustrated customers.

The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) is considering the move to give those annoyed at being stuck on hold for the information needed to switch to a rival lender.

Sheldon Mills, executive director for consumers and competition at the regulator, ruled out setting fixed minimum times for banks to answer the telephone or respond to a query.

Sheldon Mills, FCA executive director for consumers and competition, rules out setting fixed minimum times for banks to respond to customers

But he said: I will think about whether or not there should be more transparency in terms of customer waiting times so that when you might think about [if] you should move somewhere else, a different provider, you might have that information to take that into account.

The comments came during the FCAs annual public meeting, held online, when consumers are invited to question top bosses at the regulator.

One of those attending suggested consumers should have access to waiting times before we buy from these firms and if banks cannot cope with their existing customer calls they should be stopped from taking new customers.

Mills added: My view is that what we need to ensure is that firms are providing the highest standards of customer service.

A spokesman for trade body UK Finance said: Banks always want to provide the best service and when customers contact them over the phone, they aim to get their customers through to the right person as quickly as possible.

Each bank offers a range of different way to contact them to ensure people receive the help they need.
Ernst & Young (EY) has appointed its first female boss in the UK.

Anna Anthony will take over as UK & Ireland regional managing partner of the big four accountant on January 1  putting her in charge of more than 20,000 staff.

Audit giant EY appoints its first female UK boss

That will make her one of the most senior female executives in Britain.

Anthony, who has been a partner at EY for more than 16 years, said: Leading a business of our size, scale and influence is a privilege and an honour.

Hywel Ball, chairman of EY In the UK, added: Anna is an exceptional leader, with a breadth and depth of experience that makes her an excellent choice as our next regional managing partner.
Joel L Fleishman, scholar of philanthropy, founding director of the public policy program at Duke University, wine connoisseur and the center of a legendary network of friends has died. He was 90 years old.

Professor of Law and Public Policy, Fleishman served as a transformative faculty member at Duke in North Carolina for more than half a century.

His distinguished career at Duke began when former University President and politician Terry Sanford decided to establish a public policy program  and had one name in mind.

Already an authority in the field, Joel Fleishman had developed a plan for integrating aspects of ethics, economics, political science and history into the study of public policy in a report for the Ford Foundation.

Professor Joel Fleishman, teacher, author, scholar of philanthropy and a hugely influential figure at Duke University has died

It helped that the two men had worked together before: Fleishman served as Sanfords legal advisor when the latter was state governor.

Sanford persuaded Fleishman to leave his post at Yale University and return home to North Carolina and Duke where, in 1971, they founded the Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs. The first classes were taught the following year.

Joel was always enthusiastic about giving his time, careful thought and undivided attention to the development of what was first known as the Sanford Institute of Policy Sciences and Public affairs, said Bruce Kuniholm, founding dean of the Sanford School.

Joel is and always will be the heart and soul of who we are and what we will become. We will miss him tremendously.

Professor Fleishman grew up in a conservative Jewish family in Fayetteville, NC, where his father was cantor of the Beth Israel Synagogue, a role subsequently passed to his son, Joel, who went on to fill it for half a century.

Educated at the Talmudical Academy in Baltimore and the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Fleishman embarked upon a formidable legal and academic career.

Yet it was his Jewish faith and its tradition of social justice that lay at the heart of his outlook.

Giving is an important tenet of Judaism, as are the good works, or mitzvahs, commanded by God. Fleishman practiced both through his personal generosity to friends and organizations and through his academic study of, and service in, the field of philanthropy.

His relationship with Mesorah Publications, a small press that specialized in translating and selling important Jewish religious texts at affordable prices, was a good example.

Professor Fleishman was the founding director of what became the Sanford School of Public Affairs at Duke in North Carolina

In 1987, Professor Fleishman walked into the Brooklyn office to thank the staff for their work  and left promising the surprised rabbis he would help create a foundation to address their financial woes.

He kept his promise: Fleishman was a founding member of the board of trustees of the Mesorah Heritage Foundation. The press has since published hundreds of books in Hebrew, English, French, Spanish and Russian.

A gifted fund-raiser and administrator, Fleishman was appointed chairman of the Duke Capital Campaign for the Arts & Sciences and Engineering in 1982. It was Dukes first campaign of its kind.

He hired staff, cultivated donors and created a database from scratch. The campaign raised more than $200 million in endowment funds and a total of $500 million overall.

Some of the Capital Campaign fund-raising was used for the construction of the Sanford Building completed in 1994. The central atrium is named Fleishman Commons in his honor.

A series of important administrative posts followed including as vice president of the university in 1985, senior vice president in 1988 and first senior vice president in 1993.

In 2009, his Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs became the Sanford School of Public Policy. And on Founders Day that same year, Duke presented Fleishman with one of its highest honors: the University Medal for Meritorious Service.

He was described as a real-life Pied Piper, 'whose joyful enthusiasm for deep study and good deeds inspired generations of friends and students '

Professor Fleishman was known for cultivating a huge network of friends around the world - and sent out more than 2600 hand-addressed cards each holiday season

There was further acknowledgement when, in 2019, the Sanford School established the Joel Fleishman Distinguished Professorship of Public Policy in his honor. The decision was announced at a celebration of Fleishmans 85th birthday.

It wasnt until May 2023, after more than 50 years of teaching, that Fleishman finally bid farewell to the classroom, although he continued to serve in a leadership role for several centers of study.

Prof Fleishman wrote and edited numerous books and articles, most recently Putting Wealth to Work: Philanthropy for Today or Investing for Tomorrow?, published in 2017 by the Hachette Book Group.

He held responsibilities beyond Duke, too. Fleishman was a founding trustee of the American Hebrew Academy in Greensboro, NC, for example, and served as trustee of Brandeis University, the Jewish Theological Seminary of America, the American Friends of the Shalom Hartman Institute in Jerusalem and the Partnership for Public Service.

He was formerly chairman of the visiting committee of the Kennedy School of Government at Harvard University and chairman of the board of trustees of the Urban Institute.

In 2003, Fleishman was elected a Fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. He was also a member of the board of directors of the Ralph Lauren Corporation.

Former Dean of the Sanford School, Judith Kelley, said: Joel was a tireless advocate for those in need, an unstoppable creative force for solving problems to make the world a better place. He was beloved by so many whose lives he has changed. I miss him deeply.

Professor Fleishman was the founding director of Duke's prestigious Institute of Policy Sciences and Public Affairs. In 2009, this became the Sanford School of Public Policy (pictured)

Lord Rothermere, Chairman of Daily Mail and General Trust plc, which publishes DailyMail.com, was among those who studied under Professor Fleishman at Duke.

Paying tribute last night, he said: Joel Fleishman has left an enormous legacy, not only in the creation and development of the Sanford School of Public Policy and his immensely valuable work in international philanthropy, but in the huge number of people he inspired and mentored, taught and helped.

'For us, his legacy will always be remembered - and revered. He is deeply missed.'

Adam Abram, former chair of the Sanford Board of Visitors, described Professor Fleishman had been a friend and teacher for more than 50 years.

He said: Joel was a real-life Pied Piper, whose joyful enthusiasm for deep study and good deeds inspired generations of friends and students to join him in attempting to heal the world.

Joel loved his many friends generously, and he was deeply loved and respected in return. We will mourn him. But the generations of friends and students he inspired and taught will continue his work.

Somehow, Professor Fleishman found time to be a connoisseur of wine and for eight years wrote a wine column for Vanity Fair magazine.

This had come about when he attempted to recruit Harold Evans, former editor of The Times of London, to the Sanford School  without success.

There was, though, a compensation: Tina Brown, Evanss wife and the editor of Vanity Fair, heard Fleishman discussing wine over dinner and recruited him to write.

Throughout his life, Joel Fleishman cultivated a vast network of friends across the globe.

Professor Fleishman was endlessly interested in sharing good food, wine, conversation and in bringing people together to work towards a goal

Joel Fleishman started his career at Duke in 1971 but it wasnt until May 2023, after more than half a century of teaching, that he finally bid farewell to the classroom

He was endlessly interested in people, in sharing good food, wine, conversation and in bringing people together to work towards a goal. He especially loved mentoring students during and after their days at Duke.

People were always calling him for advice. He had a photographic memory and could immediately make a connection and put people in touch, recalled Pamela Ladd, his executive assistant for 37 years. 'The influence he had on countless lives, both young and old, is profound.'

One way Professor Fleishman maintained this network was through his annual holiday card list. More than 2,600 people received a card from him bearing a poem he had composed reflecting on the past year.

Ladd says it was only about 10 years ago that he finally relented and dropped the insistence on handwritten addresses.

So extensive were the Friends of Joel, that Prof Fleishmans colleague Bruce Kuniholm made a special game.

For years, when he traveled, Kuniholm asked people if they knew Joel Fleishman. It turned out that many did, of course  in places as far-flung and various as cruise ship on the Baltic, an airport in Istanbul and a Nobel Prize giving ceremony in Oslo.
A young bartender given just 18 months to live has captured hearts after creating a bucket list and vowing to live his remaining days to the fullest.

Liam Bulman, 23, who lives in Wollongong, NSW, has been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma - an incurable and rare cancer that will take his life.

Friends and family have set up a GoFundMe to raise money for Mr Bulman so he can achieve his life goals - with nearly half of the $50,000 already raised.

Among his desires is to take a trip to the F1 Melbourne Grand Prix, stay overnight at Taronga Zoo, go on a helicopter ride, learn to surf and bring his family together for a photo session.

Two companies have already told Daily Mail Australia they would be willing to help Mr Bulman cross off some of the requests on his bucket list.

Illawarra Surf Academy has committed a free learn-to-surf session and Translucent Photography has offered to host the family photo shoot at no expense.

Mr Bulman works at The Illawarra Hotel and his boss Nikki Aitchison is the organiser of the online fundraiser that is titled: 'Bulman's Bucket List'.

She said the support for it had already exceeded expectations and was left stunned after this publication informed her two companies had already offered their services.

A young bartender given just 18 months to live has captured hearts after creating a bucket list and vowing to live his remaining days to the fullest

'It's been mind-blowing and I feel like we haven't touched the sides with our (fundraising) efforts yet,' she said.

'Thank you so much for what you've done, too. That's amazing. He'll be so thankful.

'We're like a big family here. He's been working for us for nearly four years after coming down from Newcastle to study at the University of Wollongong.

'He's been raised beautifully and is always there helping and supporting other people.'

A post on the GoFundMe page said his shock diagnosis came a few weeks ago, not long after he was forced to leave work early one night in severe pain.

'In the early hours of the following Monday morning, Bulman was rushed to hospital by his best mate,' it read.

'Bulman was in crippling pain. This spiralled into four days of vigorous and invasive testing. He was scared, in pain and incredibly tired.'

He was diagnosed with the rare and dangerous cancer a week later after a series of tests.

Ms Aitchison said Mr Bulman, one of six siblings, had already started chemotherapy treatment to help him buy more time.

'He's trying to hold on to as much normalcy as possible,' she said.

Heartbroken mum Emily said the cancer had already invaded her sons lymph nodes, starting within his lower digestive region.

Liam Bulman, 23, who lives in Wollongong, NSW , has been diagnosed with Stage 4 neuroendocrine carcinoma - an incurable and rare cancer that will take his life

Liam Bulman has come up with a bucket list that focuses on fun, family and adventure

He has commenced six courses of cisplatin and etoposide chemotherapy. This will assist us to aim for longevity, quality of life, a chance to make memories, and receive the care and comfort that suits Liam best, she wrote on the GoFundMe page.

She said the cost to attend medical trials could range from $20,000 to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

This would be in addition to other costs, she said, such as equipment for at-home palliative care, adjustable bed, IV, blood pressure cuff, oxygen monitor and physical therapy needs.

Just these basic immediate medical and personal bills come to just over $46,000, she said.

This is without even giving him those life experiences he so desperately deserves.

'Anything we can raise to help take the burden off Liam, we would be incredibly grateful for.'
One candidate in the close Nebraska Senate race has found himself at the center of numerous controversies weeks before Election Day.

Democrat-turned-Independent Dan Osborn, 49, is denying allegations that he was exposed for being on Ashley Madison, despite being married to his wife of 22 years, Megan, with whom he shares three children.

An email directly connected to Osborn was used to sign up for the infamous affair website Ashley Madison, DailyMail.com has learned.

The dating website is well known for facilitating extramarital affairs. It was created in 2001 with the slogan 'life is short, have an affair' with over 37 million unfaithful spouses taking the bait.

His email linked to his birth date and public address was among the thousands compromised in a now-infamous 2015 Ashley Madison hack, according to documents.

The couple tied the knot in 2002, Osborn indicated on a podcast earlier this year.

DailyMail.com reached out to the Osborn campaign and his wife to comment on the claims his email was found on the site.

His campaign denies that Osborn ever 'used Ashley Madison.' But the candidate had access to the email - a 'shared corporate account' that 'multiple people' used.

Osborn, a Catholic, is weathering other rumored scandals too.

He had access to a Twitter account that was previously caught liking explicit gay porn and pictures of naked girls on X, screenshots obtained by DailyMail.com show.

Married Nebraska Senate candidate Dan Osborn has been entangled in multiple scandals, DailyMail.com has learned

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The screenshots - too graphic to be posted in full - in addition to the Ashley Madison account could create rocky campaign conditions for the Independent as he has recently gained the edge over his opponent.

Just last week, a SurveyUSA poll found Osborn is ahead of GOP incumbent Sen. Deb Fischer by one point.

Fischer has held the office for over a decade and Osborn has proved to be one of her most competitive challengers yet.

But these new revelations may have an impact on the rising Independent star's campaign.

His campaign has not explained why Osborn's email was found among those involved in the cheating site Ashley Madison's 2015 data breach.

The email, which according to online records is affiliated with Osborn, can be found by searching databases containing account information from that breach.

That account is 'found' among the data hacked from Ashley Madison, the third-party site claims.

It should be noted that the email being in the database does not necessarily indicate that Osborn himself signed up, someone else could have on his behalf, but it was found in the cheating site's files.

Osborn's campaign is also denying that he 'liked' gay pornography on Twitter, now X, between 2020 and 2021.

But they confirmed that Osborn had access to the account 'BCTGM 50G Union President' along with 'multiple people.'

A screenshot of what appears to be Dan Osborn's twitter account reveals that he may have liked sexualized content

'The account in question was the account of the BCTGM 50G Union President. Multiple people had access to this account and had the ability to like Tweets. Dan did not like these tweets,' said a spokesperson.

Screenshots of the former labor leader's X account show that he liked multiple posts using his clearly denoted and unmistakable username 'Dan Osborn President BCTGM 50G' liked sexual content.

The screenshots of his likes on X were taken in mid 2023.

The numbers at the end of the online handle are the numbers for the union that Osborn used to lead.

According to Osborn's campaign site: 'Dan rose to the presidency of his union, BCTGM 50G.'

An email allegedly affiliated with Dan Osborn was found to be among those exposed in a hack of the cheating website Ashley Madison

Dan Osborn (L) poses with his son Liam (CL), wife Megan (CR) and daughter Eve (R)

The images that were reviewed by DailyMail.com reveal this account liked multiple sexual posts that range from February 2020 to June 2021.

That included a tweet from February 19, 2020 containing a video of three men having sex, according to the screenshots.

The clip linked to the websites of several gay OnlyFans creators featured in the video.

'Afternoon f*** with my friend #gay #anal #sex #assworhip #f***myhole #analdreams #bisexual #pansexual,' another post from September 17, 2020, said.

It featured a video of two people having sex.

Another post Osborn apparently liked was from the account 'Hotties Promo 100k' on August 15, 2020.

Another post liked from the same account shows a women completely exposed from the waist down

The image shows a woman naked from the waist down bending over from behind completely exposing herself before the camera. It includes a link to the woman's OnlyFans account.

A September 30, 2020 post from that same account, also liked by the account linked to Osborn, shows four pictures of a woman suggestively gazing on.

This post also includes links to the woman's personal content accounts.

Republicans were quick to slam Osborn over the revelations.

'This reporting is shocking,' Mike Berg, Communications Director for the National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC), told DailyMail.com.

'Dan Osborn is married with kids, so of course he doesn't want to admit that he made an online profile to cheat on his wife or that he spends his free time on social media liking hardcore gay porn.'

'With that said, the evidence Osborn did make an Ashley Madison profile and was liking raunchy gay porn on the internet is pretty damning,' Berg added. 'I'm praying for Dan Osborn's family.'

Osborn recently flew to Los Angeles to hold a fundraiser and to visit his oldest daughter, 21-year-old Georgia Osborn, who works as a 'gothic exotic dancer' in Hollywood.

Dan Osborn (L) poses with his daughter Georgia Osborn during a trip to Los Angeles in June

The Independent candidate for senator from Nebraska has said his daughter is a 'professional dancer' in Los Angeles, which he remarked is 'very exciting stuff'. He used money from his Senate campaign to finance a stay at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel, disclosures show

According to his financial disclosures, Osborn spent $290 at the Hollywood Roosevelt Hotel for a June 7 stay where he visited his daughter.

He held a fundraising reception in LA days before on June 5 where packages ranged from $1,000 to $100.

The ritzy nearly 100-year-old four-star hotel where he stayed features a marble and chandelier-laden lobby. It is considered one of the most historic and famous lodges in the area.

Posts on Facebook from his gothic dancing daughter Georgia, who attended the American Academy of Dramatic Arts, show her and dad hanging together on that same date.

'Got to see my dad stopping by in LA!' Georgia Osborn posted June 7 alongside some pictures of her and her father.

The father-daughter duo posed for a picture with an Ozzy Osbourne poster during the trip

A general view of the swimming pool at the Hollywood Roosevelt hotel in Los Angeles

Images from the same account show her on stage donning revealing ensembles in front of heavy metal rockers and other artists.

One selfie shows the younger Georgia Osborn alongside country music star Jelly Roll.

During a podcast interview in May with Righteous Media the Independent revealed details about his daughter publicly, saying 'her name is Georgia she is now 21-years-old and she's a professional dancer in Hollywood.'

'It's a very exciting stuff,' Osborn continued in the appearance.

Osborn also has a son, Liam, who just graduated from high school and daughter, Eve, that just began her high school experience, according to posts on Megan Morrissey Osborn's Facebook posts.

Megan Morrissey Osborn and Georgia Osborn and did not return DailyMail.com's requests for comment.
Hoons of Wollongong and Sydney's Bayside be warned, noise cameras will be in place soon.

The state Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been gearing up to install the mic'd-up cameras for months, and they will be in place before the new year.

The microphones pick up loud vehicles, and a camera will capture accompanying footage.

In announcing the start of the trial program earlier this year, NSW Environment Minister Penny Sharpe said car hoons were being 'put on notice'.

Even though the technology is being used in London and New York, the Singaporean government found it was too hard to attribute the source of noise to a specific vehicle because of interference from surrounding traffic and other sources.

In a statement, the EPA said work leading up to the installation of cameras had been ongoing for months, including community consultation on preferred locations.

More than 2500 people suggested to the government about where they thought the cameras should be stationed.

The department said it was working with Transport for NSW, police, councils, an electrical engineer and energy providers to finalise the locations.

The state Environment Protection Authority (EPA) has been gearing up to install the noise cameras, with the technology to be trialed in Wollongong and Sydney 's Bayside

The technology has a microphone which will pick up sounds above a set decibel limit within 15metres from the camera. The sound turns on the camera which then records the accompanying footage

The cameras will be installed on a trial basis to evaluate the effectiveness and accuracy of the equipment.

The trial will be in the Bayside and Wollongong council areas this year.

In NSW, cars less than 20 years old cannot exceed 90 decibels, which is about as loud as a hairdryer, blender, or power tools. Motorcycles less than 40 years old cannot be louder than 94 decibels.

An offending rider or driver can only be fined $600 once authorities take a noise reading while the vehicle is stationary though.

CCTV footage from the New York mayor's office shows three lanes of traffic creeping along a one-way street when a black station wagon comes into view, accelerates loudly and what is presumably AI locates the offending noisy motorist with a red dot.

Last year, the Singapore government abandoned plans for the acoustic cameras.

'The acoustic cameras ... still have limited ability in detecting noise violations from individual vehicles accurately and reliably,' the Senior Minister of State for Transport said in parliament.

The EPA have purchased four of the cameras for $198,000 in total.
BBC drama Industry depicts the world of banking as a pressure cooker plagued by backstabbing, rampant drug taking and affairs - but how true is it to reality?

Real-life bankers have shared their views on the so-called 'Younger Succession', which returns for a much anticipated third season today.

The show follows five young graduates who are competing for permanent positions at Pierpoint & Co, a prestigious investment bank in London.

While the drama is fictional, it is inspired by co-creator Konrad Kay's three-year stint at a US investment bank and claims to depict the 'unrelenting world of high-finance'.

One financial services worker with nearly a decade of experience of working in the City today told MailOnline that the show covered 'realistic themes'.

Industry follows a group of fictional bankers competing during an internship. One of the group, Hari (Nabhaan Rizwan) is seen collapsed in a bathroom cubicle after a gruelling shift

In another scene, Robert (Harry Lawtey) was seen taking ketamine before having sex in a nightclub toilet

Industry depicts the world of banking as filled with drug taking and parties - but how realistic is it?

'The us versus them situation between seniors and juniors is definitely something you see in real life,' he said.

'And you also have a lot of people being out of their depth and having to hide their inadequacies, like you see in the show.

'One inaccuracy was a scene where you saw a junior making a big mistake and their boss trying to fight for them. In reality they'd just be sacked.'

The source said they had seen colleagues taking drugs and having illicit affairs, even if other aspects of the banking lifestyle depicted in the show were less accurate.

'I saw plenty of cases of people cheating on their partners on nights out and you do see drug taking on nights out,' they said.

'People think banking is glamorous when they're doing training out in New York but it very quickly loses its shine.

'In reality you are doing very long hours and spending evenings at your desk. But there's not much shouting in the office - the atmosphere is fairly civil.'

However, another young banker who has worked at a string of investment banks in London insisted the reality of the job was 'much more boring than it seems'.

'There are never any drugs in the office or at work events,' she told MailOnline.

'I'm sure some people do drugs in their own time, but you'll never see people doing coke or anything like that.

'In the office itself people rarely shout at each other, and there is a huge focus on compliance all the time.

'Of course people have relationships, but they usually have to be declared to avoid any conflicts of interest.

'Believe me - it really is much more boring in reality than what it looks like on TV.'

BBC and HBO drama Industry is available to view on iPlayer from 6am today

Kit Harington is seen as Lord Henry Muck (pictured) in the third series of the high-finance drama

Working conditions at investment banks are notoriously brutal, with some reporting 120-hour weeks over six days.

But salaries remain eye popping, with first-year analysts at the top end of the pay scale earning an average 85,000 in London, according to recruitment firm Pearse Partners.

This was in addition to a 60 per cent bonus, which brought their total take-home pay to 136,000.

Juniors are also entitled to a series of perks, including ordering takeaways and cabs home.

Even so, younger Gen Z workers are increasingly shunning the tough conditions and either fighting bosses for a better work-life balance or leaving the industry altogether.

Meagan Loyst, 27, who left university five years ago, 'nearly' ended up as an analyst before switching to venture capital instead.

She told the Telegraph that all her friends in banking had already quit.

Lamide Elizabeth, 26, who joined JP Morgan as an intern during the pandemic, likened investment banking as a 'battle of wills'.

'I definitely had a couple of times where I had to go to the bathroom and just cry for a bit,' she said, describing 'very, very tight deadlines'.

She summarised the ethos of the industry as: 'Are you strong enough to join the elite group of people? Can you keep up with the best of the best?...

'They are able to withstand it, and if you can't withstand it, then you're probably just not good enough.'

In season three, Pierpoint looks to the future and takes a big bet on ethical investing, as the company becomes involved with Lumi, a green tech energy company.

The show includes a host of stars, including Marisa Abela as Yasmin

Game of Thrones star Kit Harrington takes the reins on the company, playing British aristocrat Lord Henry Muck, described as the embodiment of 'old money' privilege.

Yasmin (Marisa Abela), Robert (Harry Lawtey), and Eric (Ken Leung) will find themselves front and centre at Lumi's IPO.

Meanwhile, since leaving Pierpoint, Harper (Myha'la) is eager to get back into the addictive thrill of finance and finds an unlikely partner in FutureDawn portfolio manager Petra Koenig (Sarah Goldberg).

The show - which is created, written, and executively produced by Mickey Down and Konrad Kay - is a Bad Wolf Production for HBO and the BBC.

British fans were put on the backburner for season two, waiting almost two months longer for the release, according to Virgin Radio.

It's a scheduling difference that the show has followed for its third season, with the BBC not confirming a specific date for Industry series three to reach UK screens, despite it currently airing in America.

While the series continues to show steamy scenes, the BBC decided not to air a scene showing an erect penis amid the sex scandals involving their presenters.

In the first episode of the third series, viewers could have seen the private parts of Charles Hanani, the father of main character Yasmin who is portrayed by Marisa Abela.

Charles is her billionaire scammer dad who is portrayed by RADA-trained actor Adam Levy, 53.

He will be seen having sex in his yacht with a blonde woman in the first two minutes of the first episode. However, the BBC has confirmed that they decided against using that explicit version.
Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz will meet Tuesday in their only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election, and both have a point to prove: That they are not completely weird.

Walz may have deployed the term first to write off the entire Republican ticket, but a J.L. Partners/DailyMail.com poll of voters shows he has work to do too.

When 1000 likely voters were asked earlier this month who was the most weird of the two candidates, some 40 percent picked Sen. Vance, 40.

More than a third, 35 percent, nominated Walz, the 60-year-old governor of Minnesota.

But in an election that will go down to the wire, decided by the tiniest of margins, there are signs that there is everything to play for when the two running mates take the stage in New York on Tuesday evening.

J.L. Partners polled 1000 likely voters earlier this month for their views on the two vice presidential candidates, Sen. J.D. Walz and Gov. Tim Walz

Some 25 percent of respondents said they simply did not know who was the weirdest of candidates.

That means that each has a chance to speak directly to an audience that may not know a lot about Vance or Walz.

Our poll also found that Walz starts with another edge over Vance, who has attracted a string of negative headlines over resurfaced remarks about the country being run by 'chidless cat ladies' and lamenting how car seat regulations had led to low birthrates.

Walz starts with a plus two favorability rating (the difference between the percentage of people who approve of him and those who disapprove).

Vance is under water, with a net favorability of minus six.

However, the Ohio senator has actually seen his rating improve during the past month (up from minus eight) while Walz has been trending the wrong way (down from plus four.)

The match-up, hosted by CBS News, may not carry the same sort of stakes as last month's Trump-Harris showdown, but sparks could still fly.

Republican J.D. Vance and Democrat Tim Walz will meet Tuesday in their only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election, and both have a point to prove

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Vance has mocked Walz's military service record, while Walz has gone after Vance's opposition to abortion and his focus on couples having children.

But the key role of each man will be to act as defenders or attack dogs for the candidate at the top of the ticket.

In the past, that he meant plenty of heat but not much light.

This could be different, according to James Johnson, co-founder of J.L. Partners.

'Typically vice presidential debates don't matter however margins are so tight that actually a blowout performance by one of the other candidate could win over some undecideds, at least in theory,' he said.

'A swing voter I spoke to in Pennsylvania, for example, was waiting for this debate to make her mind up.'

Johnson said both candidates were less known to the public than Trump and Harris which meant there might be more space for substance.

'I expect this to be a debate where we spend more time talking about the issues afterwards than the personalities,' he said.

The two can also be relied on to talk up their middle America roots. Both won their places on their ticket with something of an everyman appealVance as the son of a mother brought low by the country's opioid epidemic and Walz with what supporters see as his 'normal dad' and 'Minnesota nice vibe.
Five people including a child were killed when a single-engine plane crashed in North Carolina.

Jason Campbell, 45, was among five people who perished when the doomed aircraft - a Cirrus SR22 - crashed on Saturday night near the woods near Wright Brothers National Memorial's First Flight Airport.

Campbell was a a native of Lubbock and served as a commander in the Army's Special Forces.

The names of the remaining victims not been released as of Monday evening.

The National Park Service was 'waiting for the medical examiner's office,' according to spokesperson Mike Barber.

Wright Brothers National Memorial from the air, Kitty Hawk, Kill Devils, North Carolina

Witnesses reported that the plane was attempting to land at the airport when it caught on fire causing the airplane to burn.

The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department and other local fire departments were at the scene, according to the National Parks Service (NPS) release.

The plane crashed approximately 90 miles south of Virginia Beach, Virginia, as per KLJB News radio.

Campbell's devastated family said he was a graduate of Trinity Christian and a high ranking officer in the military, as per a local news report. A photo on his social media showed Campbell smiling in the cockpit of an airplane.

The National Transportation Safety Board and the Federal Aviation Administration are investigating the crash.

On Sunday, the Wright Brothers National Memorial was closed.
Waleed Aly has backed the legal right of protesters to wave the flags of a proscribed terrorist group and photos of its slain leader, even though The Project host opposes their message.

Thousands marched on the weekend to protest Israel's mass killing of civilians in Gaza and bombing of Lebanon, and some waved the flag of Hezbollah - defined as a terrorist group by the Australian government - and its leader Hassan Nasrallah who was killed in a targeted Israeli attack.

Tensions flared on The Project when co-host Steve Price asked Aly whether a person should be allowed to carry the Hezbollah flag or a photo of its leader in Australia.

'I certainly don't like it.' Aly said. 'I've got nothing good to say about Hezbollah.

'The way the law is drafted, the offence isn't merely holding up that symbol. That's not all that is required for the offence, it's necessary, but not all of it.

'There also needs to be other elements, basically incitement and vilification. That's where it gets tricky. That's where I think the police investigation will take some time, because it's not just going to be about whether you waved a placard.'

The Australian Federal Police said in a statement that merely holding the flag or a photo of Nasrallah was not an offence in itself.

It only rises to the level of an offence if the symbols are used to spread ideas of racial superiority or hatred or were likely to offend, insult or intimidate a person for reasons such as race, religion or nationality.

Waleed Aly has backed the legal right of protesters to wave the flags of a proscribed terrorist group and photos of its slain leader

Tensions flared on The Project when co-host Steve Price asked Aly whether a person should be allowed to carry the Hezbollah flag or a photo of its leader in Australia

Officers can direct people to take down the symbols but cannot remove them by force, although those who fail to comply face fines.

In NSW, protesters initially complied when asked to put away Hezbollah flags but many brought them out later, prompting police to seize at least two flags.

Price said the law did not go far enough.

'The Australian public today have a right to be very confused. Nasrallah is a deadly terrorist,' Price said.

'He has been responsible for some horrible terrorist attacks, killing of Americans, and all sorts of people and yet you can walk down the street with a framed photograph of him after he was taken out by Israel.'

He said there was a policing double standard between the hands-off approach to the protesters on the weekend with the aggressive shutdown of even peaceful protests against Covid-19 lockdowns.

'(At) Covid protests people who were protesting being locked in their houses were fired on with rubber bullets and arrested and dragged down the street,' Price said.

However, Aly dismissed the comparison as an 'apples and oranges argument' as holding a protest during lockdown was an offence in itself as mass gatherings were outlawed at the time.

'It's such an exceptional circumstance, I just think trying to draw the line is crazy,' Aly said.

Melbourne protesters were seen holding aloft framed photos of recently killed Hezbollah boss Hassan Nasrallah

The yellow and green flag of Hezbollah could also be seen being waved by the Melbourne protesters

A spokesperson for Attorney-General Mark Dreyfus said the AFP had confirmed they were investigating a number of breaches, believed to be as many as six.

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-leader Alex Ryvchin called it 'sickening to see fellow Australians on our streets mourning the death of this terrorist kingpin'.

The protests went beyond concerns about the loss of life and future of Lebanon and veered into 'active, open, specific support for Hezbollah' which police needed to take action against, Mr Ryvchin said on Monday.

The Islamic Council of Victoria said only a small number of protesters had Hezbollah flags, saying focusing on that was a deliberate effort to distract from the main issue which was Israel's bombing of Gaza and Lebanon.

'It has been made clear that Hezbollah flags are not welcome and should not be brought,' the group's president Adel Salman said.

'It's a national disgrace that condemning a flag has become easier than confronting the brutal reality of a rogue state intent on annihilating an entire population.'

Political leaders have also expressed concern over the flames of social conflict being fanned by protest actions.

'We do not want people to bring radical ideologies and conflict here, our multiculturalism and social cohesion cannot be taken for granted,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ahead of a cabinet meeting in Canberra on Monday.

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke warned non-citizens at the rallies who sought 'to incite discord in Australia' could have visas refused or revoked.
A beach-goer has put Aussies on high alert after she unknowingly picked up a venomous sea creature and held it in her bare hands.

The woman was walking at Massacre Bay along Victoria's Great Ocean Road when she spotted 'plastic rubbish' along the shoreline.

Without realising the imminent danger, she picked up several bluebottles and laid them across her hand to snap photo for social media.

She posted the photo to Facebook and asked if anyone knew what the bloated blue objects found among kelp and seaweed were.

Aussies were quick to identify the venomous sea creatures.

'Don't touch them!' one shocked user wrote.

'Crikey... wouldn't be picking those buggers up!' another said.

A third advised: 'Just a tip, if you don't know what something is, don't pick it up'.

The woman asked for help identifying what she thought was 'plastic rubbish' on the shore

Aussies were quick to advise the woman that she should never pick up a bluebottle (pictured)

A bluebottle sting can cause pain, whip-like lines and sores on the areas of skin that come into contact with the tentacles.

Along Australia's east coast, between 10,000 to 30,000 bluebottle stings are reported every year.

They are the most common cause of marine stings in Australia, with one in six reporting to have been stung.

Bluebottle stings can be very painful, though are rarely life-threatening.

People who ae allergic to their venom may experience severe reactions.

A commonly believed remedy for the sting includes urinating on a bluebottle sting or applying vinegar.

This can actually make the pain worse.

To treat a bluebottle sting, people are urged to first rinse the affected area with seawater to remove any remaining tentacles.

Do not rub the sting area or use vinegar, as this can make the pain worse.

Then, immerse the sting site in hot water - as hot as can be comfortably tolerated - for 20-30 minutes or until the pain subsides.

The long, trailing tentacles of the bluebottle are responsible for stinging and can extend up to three metres in length

If hot water is unavailable, apply a cold pack or ice to reduce swelling.

If symptoms persist or get worse, seek medical attention.

The long tentacles of the bluebottle can extend up to three metres in length.

The presence of bluebottles on beaches is heavily influenced by wind direction; southerly and northeast winds tend to bring the creatures ashore.

A bluebottle is often mistakenly referred to as a jellyfish, though they are related.

Also known as the Pacific man-of-war or Portuguese man-o-war, the bluebottle isn't a single animal, but a colony of four kinds of highly modified individuals, all dependent on each another for survival.
TikTok influencers who lined up for over an hour to buy cookies from cult American firm Crumbl at a pop-up store in Sydney at the weekend were shocked by more than the $17.50 per biscuit price.

The popular Crumbl cookies were 'stale' days-old imports being sold by fans who had brought them back from overseas - rather than a fresh-baked product intended to woo the Australian market.

The pop-up store in North Bondi was marketed as 'exclusive' on a social media account called CrumblSydney.

But the account was fan-run, the sale was not endorsed by the US-based Crumbl Cookies brands and the biscuits - flown in from Hawaii - were sold for a whopping $75 for five cookies.

A pack of four costs just $AUD21 in the US.

'This was like a scam, this is actually very bad,' TikTok food reviewer Hamze said.

'It's so sweet, the texture is just weird, it's so sugary - I feel like I'm just eating sugar.'

An Instagram account made by the organisers of the pop-up, with the handle Crumblaus, was banned from the platform but its TikTok remains active.

It was there that organisers defended themselves against the fierce backlash on Tuesday.

Elle, from the eastern suburbs, spent over $100 at the pop-up event and was left unimpressed

Sydney TikTok food reviewer Hamze (pictured) said the cookies were 'actually very bad'

Customers waited 'hours' in line to try the famous Crumbl cookies but claimed the imported biscuits were 'stale' and 'underwhelming' (pictured, lines in North Bondi on Sunday)

'We never claimed to be an official Crumbl store. This was clearly stated in bio and our comments. Our goal was to bring the authentic Crumbl cookies to Australia by importing the cookies directly from the USA,' they said.

'We traveled to the US to purchase the cookies and imported them with their original packaging. We did not bake them ourselves.'

When responding to accusations the cookies were stale, organisers said: 'Crumbl cookies should be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerated for up to seven days.

'We kept them to these requirements. Some were warmed to enhance their texture, which is what Crumbl does as well.'

The group then hit back at dozens of customers who slammed the pop-up.

'While most customers enjoyed the cookies, a couple of influencers felt they didnt meet expectations,' they said.

'We apologise that [the cookies] don't live up to expectations however they are just cookies at the end of the day.

Many customers were shocked to see the cookies selling for $17.50 each, despite the same cookies being sold in packs of four for $AUD21 in the US

'While there may be a small difference in quality, some flavours may not appeal to some people.

'A lot of people have reached out to us who were there saying they were delicious and thank you for selling them.'

Elle, an influencer who shares snippets of her life as an 'Eastern suburbs mum', shared her thoughts on the Crumbl pop-up after trying 10 cookies.

In her clip, she and two others described the biscuits as 'underwhelming' and said they looked like they were bought 'from a bake sale'.

Commenters under Elle's review slammed the 'insane' price for 'suitcase cookies' and questioned if organisers could face legal action.

'As an American, not only am I ill for you having to pay big bucks for old stale cookies but Crumbl is overhyped for sure!' one said.

'I feel like Crumbl are gonna take legal action,' another said.

'This looks nothing like Crumbl they played you guys,' another wrote.

'I actually can't believe it was $17.50 for one cookie,' another said.

Organisers said they had ticked all the legal boxes for the event and made very little profit from the pop-up.

'This event was never about profit,' they said.

'We aimed to bring the cookies to Crumbl fans. Importing and reselling is called parallel imports. Parallel imports are legal.

'We followed all legal procedures, declaring the cookies as commercial goods and obtaining the necessary approvals from Australian customs.

'We hope this clears up any confusion. Thank you to those who supported us and gave us valuable feedback.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Crumbl for comment.
Jimmy Carter turns 100 today and has expressed his birthday wish is to get to vote for Kamala Harris.

The 39th president is already the longest lived in U.S. history and is now the first to become a centenarian.

When he went into hospice care in 2023 at home in Georgia it was believed he only had days to live.

But he has reportedly 'perked up' in recent months and told his grandchildren his new aim is to reach Election Day and vote for the Democratic nominee.

His vote could be important as Georgia is a key swing state which polls show is on a knife-edge between Harris and Donald Trump. In 2020, Biden beat Trump by just shy of 12,000 votes.

According to his family Carter is following the election and respected his friend Joe Biden's decision to step aside.

Jimmy Carter turns 100 today and has expressed his birthday wish is to get to vote for Kamala Harris. He is pictured last year at his beloved wife Rosalynn's funeral

Harris has phoned several times and the ex-president has formed a 'real personal kinship' with her, his grandson Jason Carter told the New York Times.

The former president is 'compelled by her story as a real example of the American dream,' the younger Carter said.

Carter's last public appearance was nearly a year ago at the funeral of his beloved wife Rosalynn.

They were the longest-married first couple having been wed 77 years.

Carter had a 'low period' after that, but has now 'gotten re-engaged with the world,' his grandson told the New York Times.

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According to his family Carter is following the election and respected his friend Joe Biden 's decision to step aside

Carter decided last year to receive hospice care and 'spend his remaining time at home with his family' instead of additional medical intervention

'All of us, I think, are surprised to see that hes still going. He may very well be immortal, Jason Carter said.

His birthday will be marked in the small 500-strong town of Plains, Georgia where he lives.

Celebrations include a flyover by military jets, a concert, and a naturalization ceremony for 100 new U.S. citizens.

According to his family Carter now spends his time at home listening to music, including Bob Dylan, and following the Atlanta Braves.

A star-studded concert was held at Atlanta's Fox Theatre earlier in September and raised $1.2 million to support the international programs of The Carter Center, which Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter founded in 1982 to 'wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.'

Always by Jimmy's side was Rosalynn, who died last November, after 77 years of marriage which brought four children, and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren (the family are pictured in the late 70s)

Carter's vote could be importantt as Georgia is a key swing state which polls show is on a knife-edge between Harris and Donald Trump . In 2020, Biden beat Trump by just shy of 12,000 votes

Meanwhile, thousands of Habitat for Humanity volunteers gathered recently to build 30 homes in St. Paul, Minnesota, over five days, led by country music giants Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who worked alongside the Carters for years, beginning with projects in the Hurricane Katrina disaster area.

Presidential historian Cassandra Newby-Alexander, professor of Virginia Black history and culture at Norfolk State University, said the strength of Carter's legacy is in his morality.

She said: 'I think he has probably done more personally in his post-presidency than anyone else because he's not out there looking for attention.

'He's looking to change things. He's not out there trying to make money for himself. He's out there trying to live the life of a Christian, a true Christian, one who cares about the poor and the homeless and the children.'

She added: 'In so many ways, he set the standard for how presidents should be in their post-presidency, as someone who is going to continue to do good, someone who's going to continue to positively impact society.'

In addition to president Carter's 100 years have seen him be a U.S. Navy submariner, a peanut farmer and successful businessman, Georgia governor, and a Noble Peace Prize winner.

The 99-year-old served only one term in office as the nation's 39th president and had been keeping a low public profile in recent years due to the coronavirus pandemic

Democratic presidential candidate Jimmy Carter embraces his wife Rosalynn after receiving the final news of his victory in the national general election on November 2, 1976

He won the White House in 1976 as a little-known former governor from the South, promising honesty and competence after the quagmire of Vietnam and the Watergate scandal that toppled Richard Nixon.

But in neither Atlanta nor Washington did Carter command power the way many politicians are able to do.

Even 28 years after his humbling 1980 defeat to Ronald Reagan, Carter could not draw an invitation to speak at the 2008 Democratic National Convention.

A young nominee named Barack Obama was wary about any association with the one-term president whom voters had rejected.

"It was still an epithet: 'Another Jimmy Carter,"' David Axelrod, top Obama adviser and confidant, said, calling it a 'painful' decision for Obama.

Joe Trippi, who worked for Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy, Carter's liberal rival, said: 'His was a unique presidency in that it came from completely outside the party establishment and then continued to operate that way even in Washington. The Democratic Party never belonged to Jimmy Carter.'
A pensioner was turned away by 'smirking' GP reception staff and denied treatment after being told he was 'already dead', despite being very much alive.

Alan Rocket, 69, had been attempting to re-register at his former doctor's surgery at Shenley Green in Birmingham when he was informed by staff that he was 'deceased'.

Reception workers refused to hand over his medical data, forcing the retired decorator to go home and get his passport to prove he was who he said he was.

It is not clear how the records showed he had died, but a spokesman for the surgery blamed a 'technical issue' with the patient records and apologised for any inconvenience caused.

Mr Rocket, who is in remission from bowel cancer after first being diagnosed five years ago, said the whole experience had been 'really upsetting' for him and his daughters.

Alan Rocket, 69, had been attempting to re-register at his former doctor's surgery when he was informed by staff that he was 'deceased'

Reception workers refused to hand over his medical data, forcing the retired decorator to go home and get his passport to prove he was who he said he was

It is not clear how the records showed he had died, but a spokesman for the surgery (pictured) blamed a 'technical issue' with the patient records and apologised for any inconvenience caused

He told The Sun: 'I'm in remission now but I'm still not 100 per cent clear. So to be told I was dead completely stressed me out.

'I told my daughters and they were upset too. I wasn't getting anywhere so I got my ID and came back and said, "Here you go, I'm alive".'

Mr Rocket claimed that employees had 'smirked' at him when they delivered the news of his earlier death.

But despite delivering the documents that proved his identity, he was reportedly unable to register at the practice for another 24 hours.

The shocking service comes after Keir Starmer warned earlier this month that the 'broken' NHS must 'reform or die' after a damning report found billions of pounds in extra investment has failed to boost performance.

The PM delivered a stark message about the perilous future for the health service, stressing the need for drastic action to slash waiting times and improve access.

But he will make clear there is no prospect of pouring more money in without root and branch changes.

The shocking service comes after Keir Starmer warned earlier this month that the 'broken' NHS must 'reform or die' after a damning report found billions of pounds in extra investment has failed to boost performance

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Instead he argued resources must be shifted from inefficient hospitals to community care and preventing illness developing.

The rapid review has been conducted in just nine weeks to underpin the Government's 10-year-plan for reform.

Tories have accused Mr Streeting of 'trying to chase headlines while laying the groundwork for tax rises at the Budget'.

And health experts said the Government must now set out a plan explaining how it will respond to the review.

Lord Darzi, who now sits as an independent peer, said he was 'shocked' by the scale of the failings he unearthed.

His 142-page report reveals waits for routine care and A&E have got longer, people have got sicker, and progress in tackling some major conditions has stalled.

Meanwhile, the NHS is bogged down in bureaucracy and has become less productive with the money it receives, it adds.

Responding to the report at the King's Fund think-tank in London, Sir Keir said: 'What we need is the courage to deliver long-term reform - major surgery not sticking plaster solutions.

'The NHS is at a fork in the road, and we have a choice about how it should meet these rising demands.

'Raise taxes on working people to meet the ever-higher costs of an ageing population - or reform to secure its future.

'We know working people can't afford to pay more, so it's reform or die.'
Channel migrants will be housed in hotels at the taxpayers' expense for up to three more years, it was reported last night.

Ministers fear a backlog of asylum cases will take longer to clear than expected, meaning many migrants will remain long-term in the full-board accommodation.

About 30,000 migrants, most of whom arrived in Britain by small boat, are currently living in hotels at a cost of more than 4million a day.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper privately believes the backlog will take more time than initially expected to work through, with a knock-on effect on closing migrant hotels, the Times reported.

'It's going to take a lot longer to clear than we anticipated. It certainly won't be cleared in a year,' a Whitehall source told the paper.

A group of people thought to be migrants leave Gravelines in France onboard a small boat in an attempt to cross the Channel

The new Government has set out plans to scrap the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge. (A view of the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge at Portland Port in Dorset)

Conservative ministers had repeatedly declined to put a timescale on the closure of hotels when they were in office.

So far this year 25,185 migrants have reached the UK by small boat including more than 11,000 since Labour came to power.

The new Government has set out plans to scrap the Bibby Stockholm accommodation barge and a large-scale migrant accommodation centre at RAF Scampton in Lincolnshire.

Latest figures, published by the Government in August, revealed the number of Channel migrants winning permission to remain indefinitely in Britain has quadrupled, while efforts to increase deportations have stalled.

More than 25,300 people who arrived here by small boat were granted asylum or another type of humanitarian protection in the year to June, official Home Office data showed.

It compared with about 6,600 in the previous 12 months.

The increases were due to a backlog-clearing exercise launched by former prime minister Rishi Sunak which aimed to eliminate 'legacy' asylum claims by the end of last year.

At the same time, only three per cent of the total number of small boat migrants to have arrived here since the start of the Channel crisis have been removed.

Home Secretary Yvette Cooper (pictured) privately believes the backlog will take more time than initially expected to work through

A view of small boats and outboard motors used by people thought to be migrants to cross the Channel

One of Labour's first acts in power was scrapping the Tories' Rwanda asylum scheme which was designed to save lives in the Channel by deterring crossings in the first place. (Migrants are brought ashore to Dover, Kent)

The figures showed that of the 127,834 migrants to reach Britain since 2018, only 3,788 had been sent home.

In July, just 18 days after the general election, Ms Cooper revealed she was scrapping key elements of immigration laws introduced by the Conservatives last year.

Background papers from her department showed 125,385 asylum seekers whose claims had been barred from proceeding under the Tories' measures will now see their cases go ahead.

One of Labour's first acts in power was scrapping the Tories' Rwanda asylum scheme which was designed to save lives in the Channel by deterring crossings in the first place.

A Labour source said: 'We inherited a completely failed immigration system from the Tories, including them spending over 700million on Rwanda and gimmicks that didn't work.

'We're working on clearing down the backlog they left behind.'
Green Party candidate Jill Stein says Kamala Harris 'cannot' win the election in November and will be part of the effort to stop her.

The far-left Stein is often considered a spoiler candidate who swung votes away from Hillary Clinton 2016. She is back on the ballot in 2024 and determined to make a statement.

Stein believes that anti-Israel sentiment - along with rhetoric about the Jewish state committing 'genocide' - from Muslims and Arab Americans in swing states like Michigan will ultimately deny Harris the presidency this November.

'The Democrats cannot win without the support of the Muslim American community,' she said. 'And that community has left the station and is not coming back unless the Democrats decide that it's more important to them to win the election than it is to conduct the genocide.'

In addition, she called for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to be impeached for allegedly lying to Congress over Israel disrupting aid to the Gaza strip.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein says Kamala Harris 'cannot' win the election in November and will be part of the effort to stop it

She believes that anti-Israel sentiment - including a belief that the Jewish state is committing 'genocide' - from Muslims and Arab Americans in swing states like Michigan will deny Harris the presidency this November

'This was a lie on his part in order to continue this war, which is now very dangerously expanding,' Stein told Newsweek.

Stein - currently polling in single digits but the most ardently anti-Israel candidate on the ballot - spelled out what the Democrats need to do to sway her voters.

'So they have to do a 180 on the genocide and they don't appear willing to do that. They could win those votes back, but it doesn't look like that's on the cards. So it looks like they are sacrificing several swing states,' she said.

She says that Harris will lose enough of Muslim and Arab voters to swing the election to Trump. Most polls show her within the margin of error, tied or losing to Trump in places like Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

Instead, Stein claims those voters are choosing to embrace her candidacy.

Polling by the Council on American Islamic Relations has shown Stein leading Harris and even Trump among Muslim voters in states like Wisconsin and Michigan.

'We're doing outreach all the time to a lot of different groups but it's really been the Muslim Americans and Arab Americans who have really taken this campaign on like it's theirslike they have enormous ownership over this,' she said.

A Democrat spokesperson says not to believe the hype.

Stein called for Secretary of State Antony Blinken to be impeached for accusations of lying to Congress over Israel disrupting aid to the Gaza strip

'Jill Stein is a spoiler for Trump who is working hand in hand with Republican consultants and Trump's former personal lawyer to get her on the ballot in swing states. This will be a close election and the only way to stop Donald Trump is by voting for Vice President Harris,' the DNC's Adrienne Watson said in a statement.

Stein was arrested in April at Washington University in St. Louis as campus chaos related to the Israel-Hamas war spread across the country in reaction to the October 7 Hamas terrorist attack that killed over a thousand Israelis.

Stein, 73, and members of her campaign staff joined pro-Palestinian protests at the college in St. Louis, Missouri when the 2024 candidate got into a scuffle with law enforcement.

Students at WashU are among those engaging in nationwide campus protests over their college's ties to the war in Gaza.

Stein also joined protesters at Columbia University on Friday, where anti-Israel demonstrators have taken over campus with an encampment that they refuse to breakdown despite threats from the college.

She claims Columbia is writing a 'blank check' to fund the war in Gaza because its endowment includes investment in Microsoft, which sells computers to the Israeli Defense Force.

Along with Stein, the others arrested with her team include campaign manager Jason Call and deputy campaign manager Kelly Merrill-Cayer.

Before being cuffed, Stein took a video describing her actions.

Jill Stein (center) and her campaign staff were arrested at anti-Israel protest on Washington University's campus in St. Louis, Missouri on Saturday

Stein currently is part of DailyMail.com's electoral model shading the 2024 election to Trump

'We're standing here with the students at WashU standing up for our constitutional rights, standing up for the American people who want an end to this genocide now,' she said in a selfie-style video.

'Police are gathered here,' she added, panning to an image of a full-force of law enforcement, 'and we're going to stand here in line with the students.'

In the background of the video, the college students are heard chanting, 'Hold the line.'

'Jill and others were attempting to deescalate with police before they began arresting people,' a post from Stein's X account claims.

Holding a megaphone in her hands but speaking without it, Stein said to law enforcement: 'We can avoid the embarrassment and the humiliation that will come down on this administration if it attacks peaceful demonstrators who are simply calling for peace and human rights and the end to a genocide that the American people abhor.'

Stein currently is part of DailyMail.com's electoral model shading the 2024 election to Trump.
Wim Hof's former partner has accused him of abuse, branding him a 'mean drunk' and an 'explosive character' in a bombshell new interview.

The production about Hof's life as 'Iceman' has been temporarily paused following the accusations.

Caroline contacted the Volkskrant newspaper and claimed she and her family were forced to suffer his abuse as he rose to fame. Hof denies the allegations against him.

The health guru became a star through the 'Wim Hof method', famous for its use of breathing exercises and cold showers.

Hof's cold exposure training of a group of celebrities in 2022 was a primary part of the BBC show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof, hosted by Lee Mack and This Morning's Holly Willoughby.

Hof also explained how to deal with stress, which he did through ice baths after the death of his wife to 'get emotional agony out of the way'

The Dutch motivational speaker is noted for his ability to withstand low temperatures and is determined to teach as many as possible about cold therapy

Caroline and her family have reportedly not seen Hof for 11 years, with the former couple's son Noah, 21, not in contact with his father.

The Volkskrant reported: 'For them the name Wim Hof is synonymous with years of aggression, physical violence, humiliation, manipulation.

'They know the Iceman, as Hof calls himself, as a mean drunk with an explosive character and delusions of grandeur.'

Mr Hof told the newspaper: 'It is obvious that she's on the warpath and now wants to make everything look different from how it was.

'Caroline always knew how to quickly get under my skin,' he said while answering questions from the newspaper.

He said he has never been violent.

Hof, who is nicknamed the 'The Iceman' went on to discuss how he used ice water therapy and breathing to control grief and anxiety

Hof this year teared up as he explained how cold water therapy helped him cope with the death of his wife Olaya.

The health guru repeated his claims that breathing, meditation and cold water can fix trauma and boost your health while recalling the tragic loss of Olaya in 1995.

The mother-of-four Olaya took her own life by leaping from the eighth floor of a building.

For help, call Samaritans for free on 116 123 or visit samaritans.org
A social media influencer is blasting Saks Fifth Avenue for allegedly not accepting her dress return, even though she said 'there's nothing wrong' with it.

Brittany Paige, who has just over 30,000 followers on a TikTok devoted to her lifestyle content, posted a video Thursday ripping the luxury American retailer for rejecting her return of a $700 Ramy Brook dress.

It was just one of several dresses Paige bought for her sister's wedding, in which she was the maid of honor.

She didn't end up going with the dress she bought from Saks, so decided to return it. Only, she claims the store sent the dress back after a month without a refund.

'Do not shop at Saks Fifth Avenue. There is something extremely fishy going on with Saks, and they're basically robbing people and scamming people left and right,' she said at the beginning of her TikTok.

Brittany Paige, pictured in her viral TikTok video, said she called customer service after getting the dress back. She said an agent told her Saks wouldn't be accepting the dress back because 'it had deodorant stains, an odor and looked worn.'

A Saks spokesperson didn't directly address Paige's issue when DailyMail.com approached the company for comment but did explain that a rise in online fraud is what prompted a change in its return process (Saks Fifth Avenue in Manhattan pictured)

She called customer service after getting the dress back. She said an agent told her Saks wouldn't be accepting the dress back because 'it had deodorant stains, an odor and looked worn.'

'I'm investigating the dress. I'm showing my mom, like "Mom, can you smell this?" The dress, not only does have tags on it, but there's nothing wrong with the dress,' Paige said.

She added: 'I wore it for five minutes while trying it on in my apartment.'

Her video has received over 471,000 views and has attracted dozens of commenters complaining about having similar issues with Saks.

A Saks spokesperson didn't directly address Paige's issue when DailyMail.com approached the company for comment but did explain that a rise in online fraud is what prompted a change in its return process.

'Across the retail industry, there has been an increase in online fraud, particularly related to returns. As such, we have added more rigorous steps in our return process, including additional quality checking and stronger authentication,' according to the Saks spokesperson.

The statement continued: 'In some instances, this has unfortunately resulted in longer than expected return processing times. Our top priority is ensuring our customers enjoy the luxury shopping experience for which Saks is known and we will continue to take steps to improve our processes moving forward.'

After Paige got the Ramy Brook dress back from Saks, she called customer service again to inquire about a remedy to her situation.

She was allegedly told to send pictures of the dress to the company so it could 'open up a case.'

Paige said she sent eight photos of the dress, then flashed the pictures on screen

Here, she claims there are no deodorant stains, as the company allegedly claimed

Paige said she sent eight photos of the dress, then flashed the pictures on screen.

She showed a picture of the top inside portion of the dress and claimed there were no deodorant stains like Saks had allegedly claimed.

Saks allegedly emailed her back and gave the same excuses as to why they couldn't give her her money back: 'deodorant stains and body odor.'

She called two more customer service representatives, both of whom allegedly told her that they didn't have the authority to accept the return.

Paige claimed that one representative even told her that nothing appeared to be wrong with the dress but told her all she could do was wait for another email from Saks.

'This is supposed to be a luxury department store,' Paige said.

Paige also claimed that she has returned two other dresses from Saks in the past. She said she didn't get her money back until 60 days had passed, despite the company's return policy stating customers can expect ' a full refund within 30 days'

She also claimed that she has returned two other dresses from Saks in the past. She said she didn't get her money back until 60 days had passed, despite the company's return policy stating customers can expect 'a full refund within 30 days.'

'I was calling every week to speak to customer service reps,' Paige said, adding that every time she got on the phone to someone, they allegedly told her they couldnt do anything about the wait time.

'I have not one but two friends who have told me theyve purchased something from Saks and Saks shipped them a different item. When they tried to return it, Saks would not take the return,' she added.

'One friend purchased a Gucci wallet for her husband for Christmas, and they sent her a lesser-value wallet, and they wouldnt take the return,' Paige continued.

'My other friend purchased sneakers, and they sent her a different pair of sneakers. Different brand, two sizes different. They wouldnt take the return. She sent it back twice, and it got rejected twice.'

Many of her viewers flooded the comments to share similarly bad experiences with Saks.

'The same EXACT thing happened to me with a very expensive dress also for a wedding. Tried it on like you for 5 minutes and went through the whole ordeal you went through,' one person wrote.

Another wrote: 'The same thing happened to me! But karma eventually caught up to them when I bought a $130 bracelet that was on sale and they sent me a $2k bracelet instead.'

A third said: 'YESSS!!!! Happened to me!!!! It was an expensive $400 dress!!! And they rejected me twice! I had to call the bank and make a claim and it took over two month to settle.'

Paige replied to this commenter asking if her credit card company had refunded her. She claims her credit card is powerless to do anything because Saks said there was damage to the dress.

The commenter said she sent her bank, Chase Bank, evidence of her dress being perfectly fine.

'It took a while but I did get a refund,' she wrote.

In the end, Paige told the Independent that Saks accepted the return. But she still shamed the company for what it allegedly put her through

Many viewers suggested that Paige go to a Saks Fifth Avenue store to return it.

In a follow up video, she addressed this, revealing that Saks.com - the online retailer - and Saks Fifth Avenue - the brick and mortar stores - became separate businesses in 2021.

Customers can return items in store, but Paige expressed skepticism that doing this would help.

Paige spoke to the Independent and revealed that her Ramy Brook dress return has now been accepted.

She told the outlet that a member of Saks Fifth Avenue's executive team called her on September 27 and let her know she'd be receiving a FedEx return label.

Three days later, this person called again and informed her that she had issued the return.

'While I am happy that my issue seems to be resolved  Ill believe it when I officially see the money back on my credit card - Im still incredibly frustrated for all the other people who had a similar experience as me,' Paige said.

'Customers shouldnt have to post TikTok videos publicly shaming a brand in order to get a refund for a purchase that they rightfully returned.

'If a brand doesnt want to accept returns, then they should alter their return policy to not allow returns. Instead, Saks is gaslighting their customers claiming their returned items are damaged, when they arent.'
Weekend protests in Sydney and Melbourne saw all manner of banners, flags and pictures emblazoned with Hezbollah and Hamas advocacy.

They included pictures of slain terrorist leaders Hassan Nasrallah and Ismail Nasrallah, including signs declaring 'a nation led by martyrs will triumph'.

Hezbollah and Hamas are listed as terrorist organisations. It is an offence to display symbols of such organisations.

The law isn't an old one - the criminal code was amended less than a year ago, seemingly to prevent exactly the sort of scenes we witnessed in Australia's two largest cities over the weekend.

However, the AFP released a statement claiming that merely holding a flag of a terrorist organisation, or photo of a terrorist leader, isn't enough to fall foul of the law.

If that is true the law needs updating and quickly.

Scenes like those we saw on the weekend have no place in Australia.

A protester holds up a photo of slain Hezbollah secretary-general Hassan Nasrallah during a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne on Sunday

Flags representing these terrorist organisations being waved by young men hiding their identity behind face masks, presumably in a bid to evade police detection, can't be justified under the banner of free speech.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has called for action. Labor's finance minister Katy Gallagher called him divisive when he did.

Dutton is the divisive one because he's prepared to call out the bad behaviour of a few? Give me a break.

The PM took a deep breath and said what transpired on the weekend was 'worrying', refusing to name the terror organisation when doing so.

The government announced a special envoy to 'combat Islamophobia', as though that will fix this worsening situation on our streets.

The right to protest is something democracies hold dear, but there are limits.

Where are the left wing voices expressing concerns about what we are now bearing witness to?

Remember when then-opposition leader Tony Abbott addressed a rally outside parliament house and signs appeared behind him while he was doing so stating: 'Juliar is Bob Brown's b**ch'?

It was an anti-carbon tax rally.

Abbott claimed not to have known the signs were there, condemning them when confronted with the images.

The famous signs that got Tony Abbott in trouble

Either way, the offensive natures of those banners - and they certainly were offensive - pales into insignificance alongside advocacy signs now calling for martyrdom on behalf of an officially listed terrorist organisation.

And some federal parliamentarians have even attended these weekend rallies and others like them in recent months, presumably as a show of support.

On the weekend the Deputy Leader of the Greens, Mehreen Faruqi, was in attendance in Sydney according to reports yesterday.

Where is the outrage on social media that still permeates today when it comes to Abbott's far lesser of evil actions more than a decade ago for what we are now witnessing?

The hypocrisy is off the charts.

Labor's political timidity dealing with the growing public advocacy for violent terror organisations is no doubt because it doesn't want to face a backlash in Muslim communities in outer metropolitan electorates ahead of a tight election campaign.

Protesters at a pro-Palestine rally in Melbourne earlier this year. It is not suggested those pictured above support Hamas or Hezbollah

As sickening as that rationale is, the Greens are also looking to tap into pro-Palestine advocacy in inner city areas of Sydney and Melbourne.

We've already seen how anti-Semitic (and out of control) such protests can get on university campuses.

You wonder if some of the more radical cause advocates on the Left - who wheel out supporters on a variety of issues designed to 'smash capitalism' - ever stop to consider how they would go living under the terrorist regimes that have been in charge in parts of Palestine.

In short they probably wouldn't live under them for very long, because most left wing values on everything from sexuality, to drug liberalisation, to many other freedoms of expression are anathema with how, for example, Hamas governs Gaza.

And that is just for starters.

But from the luxury of enjoying the protections in this country, these perennial opponents of the western values they benefit from choose to side with the sort of organisations that would strip away their rights.

Politicians need to rise above such stupidity and look after the national interest. In the case of the Labor government, that means doing much more than it is now.
Most teachers have seen a rise in pupils arriving at school unwashed or in dirty clothes in the last year, a survey suggests.

A poll of 500 school staff found four in five reported an increase in hygiene issues, with a third saying the rise was 'significant'.

In addition, almost three in 10 have seen children repeatedly miss school because they were ashamed of their poor hygiene.

Teaching leaders last night said the problem was down to poverty, with parents unable to afford toiletries, run washing machines or buy spare uniform.

The survey, by Censuswide, found more than three in five teachers have seen pupils with dirty uniforms or PE kits, and a similar proportion noted unwashed hair and unclean teeth.

Ruth Brock, chief executive at The Hygiene Bank charity, which commissioned the research said 'hygiene poverty' is a growing problem

A poll of 500 school staff found four in five reported an increase in hygiene issues, with a third saying the rise was 'significant' (file image)

School staff reported they had personally washed pupils' uniforms and purchased soap, toiletries and laundry detergent for families in need.

On average, school staff spent around 27 out of their own pocket in the last year on hygiene support for pupils, the poll found.

Ruth Brock, chief executive at The Hygiene Bank charity, which commissioned the research alongside cleaning brand smol said 'hygiene poverty' is a growing problem.

She added: 'It's heartbreaking that in 2024 children across the UK are missing out on their education because their families cannot afford what they need to stay clean.'

Patrick Roach, general secretary of the NASUWT teaching union, said: 'No child should suffer the shame and embarrassment of coming to school in dirty and unwashed clothes because their family either can't afford to wash them, or doesn't have enough money for spare items of school uniform, which are becoming increasingly expensive for many.

'It is undeniable that teachers are having to pick up the pieces of rising levels of child poverty, caused by the worst cost-of-living crisis in half a century.'
A mother and son from Florida have been arrested and charged with money laundering after law enforcement found the pair allegedly set up fake real estate firms and shell companies to process earnings made through prostitution.

Christopher Jelavic, 48, and his 70-year-old mother Margareta von Lambert were arrested within a day of one another on September 11 and 12 respectively.

The duo are accused of laundering money with the proceeds allegedly totaling in the hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Jelavic and von Lambert were based in South Florida and running a Pompano Beach business called Pretty Woman Escorts as a 'criminal enterprise engaged in commercial sex' but they used von Lambert's job as a realtor as cover to run the escort business.

Margareta von Lambert, 70, was arrested charges of money laundering and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution

Von Lambert is alleged to have run the prostitution empire alongside her son, Christopher Jelavic, 48

The business is alleged to have been running for decades having been initially set up in April 2000 with von Lambert hiring 'realtors' who were in reality working as prostitutes - but many even had valid real estate licenses.

Detectives identified a bland building on the corner of North Dixie Highway as the center of the operation, with county records showing a corporation related to Jelavic purchased the commercial building in 2005 when he was just 24.

The business was hidden behind a front company known as Boca Art Studios, according to the affidavit.

In the years since, the mother and son allegedly set up shell companies registered with the Florida Division of Corporations in order to 'facilitate the laundering of commercial sex proceeds.'

Von Lambert is alleged to have used her Florida-registered real estate license to facilitate the enterprise and provide an air of legitimacy, the documents state.

But the entire empire came crumbling down after detectives with the Broward County Sheriff's Money Laundering Task Force became suspicious when Jelavic placed multiple ads and classifieds for 'escort services'.

Despite there having been several investigations over the years into Pretty Woman Escorts, none had been successful at disrupting or dismantling the business, nor at finding those responsible for running the seedy enterprise, reports CBS Miami.

The pair are accused of running Pretty Women Escorts, a website, pictured, for prostitution but all under the guise of a real estate agency

Margareta von Lambert, pictured, had set herself up legitimately as a realtor but detectives believe the properties listed were a cover in order to launder money from prostitution

Detectives looked back through previous investigations and found individuals allegedly 'engaging in a pattern of racketeering activity' that included prostitution and money laundering through Pretty Woman Escorts and the other businesses.

Police then set up a new investigation which saw them gather additional information from records searches together with evidence from surveillance, traffic stops, subpoenas, recorded phone calls, confidential sources, undercover operations and ever searches in the trash.

After sifting through the garbage, detectives also monitored the comings and goings of every car and person who visited the Pompano Beach property.

The sex workers were described as being 'young Hispanic and European' women with clients paying $300-$400 for an hour with them.

'Good things come in tiny packages,' reads one ad on Pretty Woman's website. 'This tiny 5'-foot-2 Colombian is waiting for you.'

'I am an Asian/ LatinaI take extreme pride in myself and my appearance,' another states. 'I am always impeccably groomed and dress for any occasion.'

'Do you have a desire for a woman who will mesmerize you, allure you, and invite you with her touch, charisma, charm, intelligence, and sensuality?' asks a third. 'I make it my mission to ensure the time we spend together will make you forget about the outside world.'

Broward Sheriff's Office Detective Jairo Barrera explained how the sex workers earned 55 percent share while Jelavic's cut was set at 45 percent.

The business also used drivers who received around $25 for each trip as they traveled to the client's locations between 6pm and 5am.

Detectives identified the corner building at 3311 North Dixie Highway, as the center of the operation with county records showing a corporation related to Jelavic purchased the commercial building in 2005 when he was just 24

Authorities say that at one point Jelavic and von Lambert, pictured, attempted to leave the U.S. for Brazil in order to avoid being prosecuted, according to the documents

But the pressure appeared to be mounting and in one incident on July 25, documents detail how a confidential source told detectives that Jelavic allegedly expressed 'deep frustration and stress' to his mother about ongoing issues with the enterprise and suggested they focus more on real estate ventures.

Detectives investigated further and found out through a confidential source how Jelavic told an associate that he had to cancel attending an event that night because of a 'major issue with an employee.'

According to the documents as seen by Local10 which run to more than 100 pages, Jelavic explained how a woman he had been training for a month accidentally sent a mass text message to all of his clients.

It led to the complete shutdown of his business operations leaving his phone disconnected and business to stop functioning.

After the incident, Jelavic said that he was 'fed up with the stress' of the business.

One of his associates then suggested he should focus on real estate instead.

Documents then detail how Jelavic allegedly met up with his mother again on August 1.

On that occasion the pair discussed about transferring properties to his own teenage son in order reduce tax liabilities.

The investigation found that Jelavic's bank accounts with Bank of America, Wells Fargo, and JP Morgan Chase had allegedly received about $174,000 through various means including Zelle, credit card transactions and cash deposits.

It's alleged all of the money came from prostitution earnings between June 2023 and June 2024.

The payments were then allegedly drained out of his bank accounts using checks and online transfers to a joint accounts with his mother, von Lambert, documents state.

The descriptions were particularly vague with comments such as 'home remodeling,' 'loan for construction,' 'IPH School, refund travel expenses,' and multiple checks for 'bathroom remodeling.'

Over the same time period, von Lambert's checking accounts received around $84,000 in deposited checks and Zelle payments that came from the same account.

Von Lambert advertised herself as a 'real estate broker, artist & designer' with her son, Jelavic, purchasing millions of dollars worth of real estate, through her.

'What is noticeable when examining Margareta von Lambert's bank accounts is the lack of financial transactions of real estate activity for an account associated with a real estate business and the lack of financial transactions of art studio activity for an account associated with an art studio business,' according to the affidavit.

Jelevic's shell companies then allegedly sold a Tamarac property with von Lambert as the realtor involved who helped 'facilitate this money laundering transaction.'

Jelavic and von Lambert had no idea their communications had been intercepted and were being monitored by authorities. Several of their conversations were included in the affidavit.

In August, Jelavic told his mother of his intentions to buy a home in Croatia, which the affidavit said 'hints at plans to move or hide assets internationally.'

Weeks later, Jelavic was heard speaking with a former Pretty Woman escort telling her 'that he is going to prison for money laundering, organized crime, and other serious offenses,' according to the affidavit.

'Jelavic discusses further going away to prison and communicates his farewell to [the former escort],' the affidavit reads.

He later called another associate and told him how the police had 'seized all his assets, and that he will be going to prison.'

'Jelavic advises that he was planning on quitting the business, selling the office, and moving on,' the affidavit details. 'Jelavic wanted to tell [the associate] his goodbye's and that he hopes he survives this.'

Authorities say how earlier this month Jelavic and von Lambert attempted to leave the U.S. for Brazil in order to avoid being prosecuted.

They pulled up to Miami airport just after 3am on September 7th to try and flee the country, according to the documents.

He bought plane tickets for himself and his wife to two different cities in Brazil, according to the affidavit.

Hours later, Jelavics wife and his mother arrived at the airport to join him.

Jelavic and Lambert both face charges of money laundering and deriving support from the proceeds of prostitution.

The pair will remain in jail until they prove that the source of their bail has nothing to do with the alleged crimes.

If correctional deputies release them on bond, they will not be allowed to travel outside Broward or Palm Beach counties.
A popular Australian cafe has shut its doors after battling soaring expenses amid the country's crippling cost-of-living crisis.

Dan's Coffee Haus Australia, in Blaxland in the Blue Mountains, went into liquidation on Monday.

In a video shared to the cafe's Instagram account, owners and best friends Daniel and Gabby revealed the cafe was closing for good after 15 years.

Daniel explained the pair did not picture the cafe 'coming to an end' when it first opened in 2009; however soaring supply and energy costs pushed up their costs, and customers numbers thinned out as few could afford to eat out.

'Gabs and I are at a stage where we have put a lot of thought into the future of this place, and we've decided that we're going to close the doors,' Daniel said.

'This is the hardest season hospitality has faced in the last two decades that I can remember.

'With the current situation with the cost-of-living crisis and people not having disposable income to spend on luxury things like hospitality services, it's made life more difficult and stressful than enjoyable.

'We have always enjoyed what we do, we love what we do but we also said we would walk away if it ever became more stress than enjoyable.'

Dan's Coffee Haus, in Blaxland - a town in the Blue Mountains of NSW - plunged into liquidation after struggling with the cost-of-living crisis

Daniel added they 'held on for as long as they could' but due to the current climate it was doing 'more damage' the longer they continued to trade.

He said customers should not feel 'sad' for them as they are keeping a positive attitude.

'We're excited for our new chapters, whatever that looks like... we are just so grateful for this whole journey,' Daniel said.

'The greatest privilege and honour was serving the lower mountains community for so long.'

The pair finished their video encouraging their customers to support other local cafes, bakeries, coffee shops and businesses.

'All these guys, they're trying to support their families and their workers, just like we had done for years,' Daniel said.

'These guys need your help and support and we wish them all the success in the world. They deserve it, they're in the thick of it.'

Business partners Gabby (left) and Daniel (right) explained the cafe faced the hardest season in hospitality in the last two decades

The pair, who started the cafe in 2009, encouraged customers to not feel 'sad' for them and to support local businesses

It comes as hospitality businesses across the country succumb to an industry-wide cost crunch.

Financial services and software company CreditorWatch predicted in a report published on May 21 that one in 13 hospitality businesses would fail in the next 12 months.

The report said businesses were reliant upon spending customers - a demographic that had 'dried up as cost-of-living pressures mount'.

It outlined the food and beverage industry ranked first for external administrations and tax office debts of over $100,000, and also came in third for invoice payments more than 60 days overdue.
A pet owner has been heavily fined for animal cruelty after authorities rejected his bizarre claims about his dog's open wounds, including that it turned 'into a zombie and started eating himself'.

The 27-year-old man from Usher, south of Bunbury in Western Australia, was found guilty in Bunbury Magistrates Court on September 19 of cruelty to his male American Staffordshire bull terrier called Blaze.

RSPCA WA inspectors attended the man's property in April in response to reports the canine was suffering 'substantial open wounds to his back, neck, shoulders and head'.

In a statement, RSPCA WA said the man gave 'contradictory and confusing accounts' when quizzed by an inspector about how the dog was injured.

'Among the possible reasons for his injuries, the offender suggested he could have been in a dog fight, he could have nibbled at his fur, someone could have hit him, or he could have turned into a zombie and started eating himself,' it said.

Officers took Blaze to an animal hospital where vets discovered wounds on his neck and back 'consistent with third degree burns' that were 10 to 14 days old.

A follow-up examination found his wounds were consistent with being injured in a dog fight, although the veterinarian could not rule out burns.

A wound was also found to be infected with debris underneath.

The 27-year-old man from Usher was found guilty in Bunbury Magistrates Court of cruelty to his male American Staffordshire bull terrier, Blaze (pictured)

Magistrate Stephen Butcher said the offender's reasons for Blaze's injuries were 'internally inconsistent and implausible', reported The West.

'If it was not so serious it would be laughable that he thought Blaze turned into a zombie and started eating himself,' he continued.

'(It is) plain as the nose on my face that anyone can open their eyes and see the injuries which make the lies more implausible.'

RSPCA WA inspector manager Kylie Green said it was obvious the dog was in pain.

'Blaze needed vet care for his infected wounds and it is blatant cruelty to have denied him that,' she said.

Blaze has since recovered in the care of RSPCA WA and is looking for a new home.

The magistrate found that the man allowed Blaze to suffer harm which could have been alleviated by taking reasonable steps, such as seeing a vet.

In a statement, RSPCA WA said the man gave 'contradictory and confusing accounts' when quizzed by an inspector about how the dog's injuries were sustained

The man was fined $5,000 and ordered to pay $1,089 in costs.

He was also banned from being in charge or owning animals for five years.

To report suspected incidences of animal cruelty or neglect, contact the RSPCA on 1300 CRUELTY (1300 278 358) or online.
A star on this year's Great British Bake Off was allegedly sacked from his job at Lloyds after he was accused of stealing thousands of pounds.

John Mincher wowed the judges in the Bake Off tent in the first episode of the new series and was awarded the prize of Star Baker.

But before he joined the hit show Mr Minicher, who now works for the NHS as a directorate support manager, headed a compliant unit at Lloyds HQ in Pendeford near Wolverhampton.

It was during this role that the 37-year-old allegedly misused a system intended to pay compensation to customers.

The shocking revelation did not turn up in pre-show checks which do not involve the police - a source told The Sun.

Great British Bake Off contestant John Mincher was allegedly sacked from his job at Lloyds after he was accused of stealing thousands of pound

Before he joined the hit show Mr Minicher headed a compliant unit at Lloyds HQ in Pendeford near Wolverhampton. It was during this role that the 37-year-old allegedly misused a system intended to pay compensation to customers (stock image)

Speaking to The Sun, an ex-colleague of the TV star said they were shocked to see him on the show.

The former co-worker said: 'This was about seven years ago but I could not believe it when I saw him on Great British Bake Off. I almost spat out my tea. Loads of people remember what happened.

'The bosses accused him of stealing thousands. He was marched out of the office immediately.'

They added that Mr Mincher had been a popular boss before his dramatic exit from the company.

Mr Mincher came out on top in the first episode of the fifteenth series which has always started with cake week.

The judge's enjoyed his signature bake loaf cake.

His showstopper 'The Perfect Brunch' Illusion Cake also impressed the judges with Prue Leith highlighting the margarita flavour as providing a nice kick.

Taking home the Star Baker prize Mr Mincher was praised for his consistently good bakes throughout the day in the Bake Off tent

Mr Mincher came out on top in the first episode of the fifteenth series which as always started with cake week His showstopper 'The Perfect Brunch' Illusion Cake impressed judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith (pictured)

Taking home the Star Baker prize Mr Mincher was praised for his consistently good bakes throughout the day in the Bake Off tent.

MailOnline have approached Mr Mincher, Lloyd's Bank and Channel 4 for comment.

A spokesperson for Lloyds Banking Group told The Sun: 'We do not comment on individual colleagues.'

The show told the paper: 'Bake Off undertakes robust background checks which are a compulsory requirement for contributors to be able to participate in the programme.'
A wild brawl has erupted on an escalator in a busy mall, leaving shoppers stunned.

Two men began wrestling on the moving escalator at the Lake Haven Centre on NSW's Central Coast at about 10.15am on Sunday.

One man, with a t-shirt over his head, was seen swinging a hammer while the other man threw punches in shocking footage captured by a witness.

Shoppers can be heard yelling as one man, who has a t-shirt over his head, narrowly avoids tipping over a shopping trolley full of groceries behind him.

NSW Police said officers from the Tuggerah Lakes Police District were called to the Lake Haven Centre following reports of an altercation.

'Police have been told two men  one believed to be aged in his 30s and one in his 50s  were involved in a physical altercation, with one of the men armed with a hammer,' police said in a statement.

The spokesperson said the two men fled the shopping mall a short time later.

Police later on Sunday arrested a 36-year-old man and charged him with affray and armed with intent to commit an indicatable offence.

Two men began wrestling on the moving escalator at the Lake Haven Centre on NSW's Central Coast at about 10.15am on Sunday (pictured)

A 36-year-old man has been charged with with affray and armed with intent to commit an indicatable offence following the incident

The 36-year-old was refused bail in Wyong Local Court on Monday. He will appear in the same court on Wednesday, October 16.

Daily Mail Australia has contacted the shopping centre management for comment.

The Lake Haven Centre has been rocked by a spate of incidents in recent years.

In May, the mall was plunged into lockdown after a teenage girl allegedly pulled out a knife in front of terrified shoppers near the Kmart store.

The knife was secured and the teenager was transported to hospital for assessment after the girl was cornered by security.

In May 2022, there was an alleged armed robbery at the Lake Haven Centre.

A man allegedly threatened a security guard with a knife after trying to leave a supermarket without paying.

Two days later, police were called to the same supermarket following reports a man had stolen items and threatened security guards with a small wooden bat.

Police attended and located a man in a nearby street.
President Joe Biden is disappointed at how quickly his influence is dwindling as Vice President Kamala Harris is trying to move beyond him, according to an NBC News report.

Biden has noticed that Harris is not referring to him very often in her campaign speeches, the report notes, citing six people familiar with his comments.

He was also saddened when Harris specifically distanced herself from him, insisting in the presidential debate that she was 'clearly' not Joe Biden and offering a 'new generation of leadership.'

A Harris campaign official tried to ward off rumors of an upset Biden by noting that the president has repeatedly told Harris to do whatever she needs to do to win.

Harris and Biden also had lunch together on Thursday for the first time in a while, an official confirmed, as they both went to the White House for a meeting with Ukrainian president Voldymyr Zelensky.

U.S. President Joe Biden is increasingly disappointed as his influence dwindles a new report claims

Harris met separately with Zelensky at the White House, however, and delivered separate remarks from the president.

The White House dismissed the report as 'uninformed claims' that were 'the polar opposite of the truth.'

In the meantime, sources tell NBC News, Biden appears saddened by his vanishing profile on the national stage and 'left behind.'

Harris is moving on, referring to the president less on the campaign trail.

'She has to become her own person,' a Harris campaign official told NBC News. 'She needs to do that to win.'

US President Joe Biden pauses as speaks from the Oval Office

US Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris campaigns without Joe Biden in Nevada

Biden's appearance on ABC's 'The View' last week to with the adoring hosts appeared to a bit of therapy for the president as they praised his political legacy.

But he also remained adamant that he could have beat former President Donald Trump, despite the Democratic party leadership pushing him out of the race.

'I never fully believed the assertions that somehow there was this overwhelming reluctance to my running again,' Biden said during the interview. 'The fact of the matter is my polling was always in range of beating this guy.'

The growing uneasiness between the two candidates was only emphasized in a Saturday Night Live sketch where a doddering Biden character was pushed aside by the Harris character before he could finish speaking.

If Harris wins in November, Biden's legacy will be vindicated for choosing Harris in the first place as his vice president and stepping aside at the right moment. But if Trump emerges victorious, it is possible Biden will harbor grudges against the leaders of the Democratic Party for the rest of his life.
One of the alleged sex assault victims of former child star Nathan Chasing Horse is revealing details and demanding a new indictment after Nevada's Supreme Court dismissed his case.

The star of 1990 Oscar-winner Dances With Wolves, the 48-year-old Chasing Horse had charges dismissed last week, however the court left open the possibility of refiling in a case that led to more criminal charges in the U.S. and Canada.

Kristy Holston, the chief deputy public defender representing Chasing Horse, successfully argued that a definition of grooming presented to the grand jury without expert testimony tainted the states case.

Ren Leone-LaCroix, who says Chasing Horse began assaulting her from the age of just 14, eventually became a 'spiritual wife' and became pregnant with his child before leaving, is undeterred and will fight to get a trial.

'It took me a long time to realize the full extent of what he took from me,' she said. 'He took my whole life, everything I ever knew. And I want that for him.'

One of the alleged sex assault victims of former child star Nathan Chasing Horse is revealing details and demanding a new indictment after Nevada's Supreme Court dismissed his case

Ren Leone-LaCroix, who says Chasing Horse began assaulting her from the age of just 14, eventually became a 'spiritual wife' and became pregnant with his child before leaving, is undeterred and will fight to get a trial

Leone-LaCroix - a Lakota Sioux - first met Chasing Horse after she was adopted and raised in a white household and wanted to access her native roots.

She met the actor and spiritual leader in December of 2005, when Leone-LaCroix was seven.

'I remember, like, thinking he was one of the most beautiful people I'd ever seen. He had a way of just like swallowing the energy wherever he was,' she told ABC News.

Leone-LaCroix and her mother Melissa Leone eventually joined 'The Circle,' Chasing Horse's group, which required large cash payments for membership of $15,000-$20,000 a year.

'It was like the lights being turned on in a dark room,' Melissa Leone said. 'It felt so open. It felt so loving.'

When Leone was diagnosed with cancer in 2012, a 14-year-old Leone-LaCroix was called to visit Chasing Horse's home in Las Vegas and led her into a closet for a 'healing ceremony' for her mother.

'He said that it would cost me my virginity, I had tried saying no at first, and he said that if I didn't, that my mom would die and she wouldn't get help,' Leone-LaCroix said .

Chasing Horse allegedly raped her 'shortly after that.'

Leone-LaCroix - a Lakota Sioux - first met Chasing Horse after she was adopted and raised in a white household and wanted to access her native roots

'He said that it was a sacred promise between him, me and the spirits and that if I told them, my mom would get sick again.'

Lawyers for Chasing Horse claim that Leone-LaCroix consented to sex with him 'in a transactional manner' to help heal Leone and 'did not testify that she told Nathan no.'

'Makes me feel like the worst mother on the planet,' said Leone, who eventually recovered but had no idea of what he'd done to her daugher. 'Like it's unforgivable. And how she held that for so long.'

When she turned 16, Leone-LaCroix was asked to become one of Chasing Horse's 'spiritual wives,' of which he'd have seven at a time.

'He had told us that it was like traditional for holy men to have multiple wives because they -- medicine men -- needed more help than most people,' Leone-LaCroix said. 'And so that's why he needed more love and more care.'

She eventually told her mother that she wanted to be one of them.

'I looked at it as an honor. When she told me that she loved him, that was enough,' Leone said.

Leone-LaCroix said Chasing Horse would often become violent and try to play each of the wives against each other.

Leone-LaCroix and her mother Melissa Leone eventually joined 'The Circle,' Chasing Horse's group, which required large cash payments for membership of $15,000-$20,000 a year

Nathan Lee Chasing Horse, 47, was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota

A male member of the group, Fernando Trujillo, says he never saw any sex abuse but said that the wives were forced to wear bells so they could be heard and men were told that they'd go blind if they looked at them.

Leone-LaCroix said the abuse became almost ritualistic.

'He had choked me and like slammed my head on the ground to the point where I had been out for three days. I was never allowed to go to the hospital for any of my injuries. If the bruises started to fade, he always made more,' she said.

She finally left after discovering she'd become pregnant at the age of 23 in 2021.

'Knowing I'm just as unsafe and I'm just as unloved and I'm just as unprotected,' she said. 'Like, why don't I value myself more? That was intense.'

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.

The full seven-member courts decision, issued Thursday, reverses earlier rulings upholding the charges by a three-member panel of the high court and a state judge.

Holston said prosecutors also failed to provide the grand jury with evidence that could have cast a doubt on the allegations against Chasing Horse, including what she described as inconsistent statements made by one of the victims.

Chasing Horse is best known for portraying Smiles A Lot in the 1990 film 'Dances with Wolves.'

Nathan Chasing Horse sits in court, April 3, 2023, in Las Vegas. He now faces new charges

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.

The ruling directs the judge overseeing the case in Clark County District Court to dismiss the indictment without prejudice, meaning charges against Chasing Horse can be refiled.

But the order for dismissal wont take effect immediately, as prosecutors also have the option to ask the high court to reconsider within 25 days.

'The allegations against Chasing Horse are indisputably serious, and we express no opinion about Chasing Horses guilt or innocence,' the order says.

Holston declined to comment. District Attorney Steve Wolfson, in a statement Thursday, described the court's decision as 'only a minor setback.'

'My office is committed to resurrecting the charges in this case,' Wolfson said, 'and we will not rest until we obtain justice on behalf of the victims in this matter.'

Chasing Horse is charged with sexual assault of a minor, kidnapping and child abuse. He has pleaded not guilty.

Kristy Holston, the chief deputy public defender representing Chasing Horse, successfully argued that a definition of grooming presented to the grand jury without expert testimony tainted the states case

Leone feels intense guilt for allowing her daughter to be around Chasing Horse

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 is unlikely to be released from custody, even after the high court's decision, because he faces charges in at least four other jurisdictions , including U.S. District Court in Nevada and on the Fort Peck 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 a 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, leading a cult and taking underage wives.

Authorities have said one of the wives was offered to Chasing Horse as a 'gift' when she was 15, while another 'became a wife' after turning 16.

Chasing Horse also is accused of recording sexual assaults and arranging sex with the victims for other men who allegedly paid him.

His legal issues have been unfolding at the same time lawmakers and prosecutors around the U.S. are funneling more resources into cases involving Native women, including human trafficking and murders.

Chasing Horse was born on the Rosebud Reservation in South Dakota, which is home to the Sicangu Sioux, one of the seven tribes of the Lakota nation.
A conservative commentator has called out protesters waving Hezbollah flags at pro-Palestine rallies around the world, accusing them of glorifying a terrorist organisation.

Thousands marched on the weekend to protest Israel's mass killing of civilians in Gaza and bombing of Lebanon, with some carrying the Hezbollah flag and photos of its killed leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli air strike on Friday, amid escalating tensions in the region.

Conservative commentator Carla Efstratiou slammed the protesters in a video posted to social media.

'Does anyone find it a bit strange that people in the West are now outwardly and very proudly supporting terrorist organisations?,' Ms Efstratiou said.

'Instead of celebrating his death because, well, he's a terrorist, people in Sydney marched in his honour to defend him.'

She highlighted a sign from a protester that said: 'The Lebanese resistance by Hezbollah is a beacon of hope for the entire world.

'This is a terrorist organisation. They do the same with Hamas,' she said.

Conservative commentator Carla Efstratiou accused protesters of glorifying a terrorist organisation after they were spotted waving Hezbollah flags at a pro-Palestine rally

'We see this all across the world. People, usually university students, are glorifying this terrorist organisation who do drastic things,' she added.

'Imagine if after the twin towers were blown up by the two planes, people were defending Osama Bin Laden and Al Queda.

'That sight would be unheard of, but now we've got people saying how great this Hezbollah leader is. What's going on, and why is no one questioning it?'

The Islamic Council of Victoria blamed a small number of people for the Hezbollah flags, saying the community's focus was on the escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

'It has been made clear that Hezbollah flags are not welcome and should not be brought,' the group's president Adel Salman said.

However fixating on flags served as a 'convenient distraction' from violence in the Middle East, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said.

'It's a national disgrace that condemning a flag has become easier than confronting the brutal reality of a rogue state intent on annihilating an entire population.'

Protesters were seen holding aloft framed photos of recently killed Hezbollah boss Hassan Nasrallah, while others were seen waving the group's flag

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-leader Alex Ryvchin called it 'sickening to see fellow Australians on our streets mourning the death of this terrorist kingpin'.

The protests went beyond concerns about the loss of life and future of Lebanon and veered into 'active, open, specific support for Hezbollah' which police needed to take action against, Mr Ryvchin said on Monday.

Political leaders have also expressed concern over the flames of social conflict being fanned by protest actions.

'We do not want people to bring radical ideologies and conflict here, our multiculturalism and social cohesion cannot be taken for granted,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ahead of a cabinet meeting in Canberra on Monday.
Australian media titan Ita Buttrose had to be helped from a wheelchair and assisted down church steps as she joined a mix of Sydney's A-List to farewell her sister-in-law on Tuesday.

Robyn 'Elizabeth' Buttrose was remembered at a funeral service at Rose Bay's St Mary Magdalene Church in Sydney's eastern suburbs, on what would have been her 79th birthday.

Mourners included Richard Pratt's long-time mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock, fashion designer Charlie Brown, Sydney identity Fadi Ibrahim, raconteur Rick Walton, Darrell Lea chocolate heiress Carissa Lea and partner Jamie, and socialite and wife of artist Charles Billich, Christa.

The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-six, who was known by all as 'Elizabeth', suffered multiple strokes almost a decade ago that left her with major health problems.

She passed peacefully at an eastern suburbs care facility on Friday, September 20.

Elizabeth was the widow of economist and banker Will Buttrose, mother to fractured siblings Lizzie, Richard and Yvie, and sister-in-law to 82-year-old Ita, veteran journalist and former chair of the ABC.

A diverse crowd of mourners flocked to St Mary Magdalene church in Rose Bay for a Catholic funeral service that saw the warring siblings come together to farewell their late mum.

Buttrose arrived through a back-entrance in a lightweight red wheelchair and sat separate to the congregation in a side room, despite several other guests also arriving in wheelchairs.

Media titan Ita Buttrose arrived through a back-entrance in a lightweight red wheelchair

She had to be helped from the wheelchair and assisted down the church steps to the service

Lizzie Buttrose arriving at St Mary Magdalene Church in Rose Bay

Sydney identity Fadi Ibrahim - little brother of King of the Cross nightclub owner John Ibrahim - also attended the funeral among high-profile members of Sydney's eastern suburbs social set

Fashion designer Charlie Brown (pictured left) alongside Richard Pratt's long-time mistress Shari-Lea Hitchcock (right)

Much-loved entertainer Maria Venuti was also spotted in a leopard-skin clad wheelchair alongside her daughter Bianca and young granddaughter Allegra.

Elizabeth was the widow of the late William Buttrose, a high-profile banking figure who held senior roles at Macquarie Bank, Lloyds Bank, and NatWest, and was a respected commentator on Nine's Today show.

William passed away in 2006 at the age of 62 after a two-year battle with cancer.

The couple, who famously met at a party they both gatecrashed in their 20s, raised three children: Richard, socialite Lizzie, and Evie, a director at law firm Corrs Chambers Westgarth.

The mother-of-three and grandmother-of-six, who was known by all as 'Elizabeth', suffered multiple strokes almost a decade ago that left her with major health problems. She passed peacefully at an eastern suburbs care facility on Friday, September 20

In a statement, Ita Buttrose expressed her grief, saying, 'My sister-in-law (pictured) endured a long illness and she is now at peace. 'She was loved by all, and we have wonderful memories from when we were younger'

Elizabeth was the widow of the late William Buttrose, a high-profile banking figure who held senior roles at Macquarie Bank, Lloyds Bank, and NatWest, and was a respected commentator on Nine's Today show

In a statement to The Daily Telegraph, Ita Buttrose expressed her grief, saying, 'My sister-in-law endured a long illness and she is now at peace.

'She was loved by all, and we have wonderful memories from when we were younger.'

The sad news comes after Ita stepped down as chair of the ABC in March after five years in the role.

Her tenure at the ABC was seen as steadying the ship following the sudden departures of her predecessor Justin Milne and managing director Michelle Guthrie.

'Five years is quite a long time to serve the ABC. I know some chairs have gone on and done a second term, but I'm conscious that I'm a woman of a certain age,' she told Stellar Magazine in March.

'Sometimes you need to examine yourself and say, "Well, I am a person of a certain age and everything's fine, and cognitively I'm good," but still, weigh it up.

'Another five years. What would it be like? You have to know in yourself when you need to step aside. I felt that. It had nothing to do with any current events.'

Much-loved entertainer Maria Venuti was also spotted in a leopard-skin clad wheelchair alongside her daughter Bianca and young granddaughter Allegra

The Rocks gallery owner and socialite Christa Billich is pictured arriving at the funeral

Darrell Lea chocolate heiress Carissa Lea and her partner Jamie are pictured
Peter Dutton was left stunned by an ABC reporter question asking why Hezbollah is classified as a terrorist organisation.

The Opposition leader has called for snap arrests of protesters who wave Hezbollah flags or parade photos of the terrorist group's slain leader Hassan Nasrallah, as happened at pro-Palestine rallies in Sydney and Melbourne over the weekend.

He has even demanded parliament be recalled to urgently pass legislation that would ban shows of support for terrorist organisations if current laws did not allow for arrests.

Speaking to the media in Sydney on Tuesday, Mr Dutton was asked by an ABC reporter why Hezbollah flags should be banned if Israel flags were not.

'Israel is a democracy,' he replied.

'It's not run by a terrorist organisation. Hezbollah is a terrorist organisation.

'They're a listed terrorist organisation, and if people are in favour of a terrorist organisation, they should declare it and authorities should deal with it.'

The reporter then questioned why the Australian government lists Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation.

Taken aback, Mr Dutton highlighted that question was 'from the ABC, just to be very clear'.

After a brief back-and-forth, the reporter asked: 'If you could just explain what determines something as a terrorist organisation.'

Dutton fired back, accusing the ABC of being 'in greater trouble than he imagined'.

Peter Dutton was left stunned after a question from an ABC reporter during a press conference on Tuesday afternoon

'I had presumed up until this point, at least, that the ABC supported the government's laws,' he explained.

'The government has passed laws, supported on a bipartisan basis, but not by the ABC it seems, in relation to the proscribing or the listing of a terrorist organisation.

'Hezbollah, under Australian law, is a listed terrorist organisation.

'Now, if the ABC doesn't support that, they should be very clear about it because I think that's quite a departure.

'But you asked me why our country has listed Hezbollah.

'They're a terrorist organisation, they organise terrorist attacks, and if that's not clear to the ABC, then I think the ABC is in greater trouble than I first imagined.'

Hezbollah is officially recognised as a terrorist group by the Australian government, as well as by the US, UK, and EU, but is also a formal political party within Lebanon.

It enjoys popular support among much of Lebanon's Shia community, and the governments of Iran and Syria.

The Australian government's national security agency has stated that Hezbollah is directly or indirectly engaged in preparing, planning, assisting in, or fostering terrorist acts.

Dutton's comments come just days after the ABC was slammed for its news reports on the weekend protests, which did not question those who were openly supporting Hezbollah and praising its deceased leader.

'He was the mother, he was the father of Lebanon,' one woman, who was wearing a hijab, said about Nasrallah in the report.

'He brought comfort, he brought security, when we really wanted answers we turned to him.'

The ABC has been slammed after failing to call out pro-Palestine demonstrators who were mourning the death of a leader of a listed terrorist organisation

Melbourne protesters were seen holding aloft framed photos of recently killed Hezbollah boss Hassan Nasrallah

A spokesperson for the ABC pointed out that the criticised segment was 'the third of three stories on the events in Lebanon commissioned for 7PM News bulletins'.

'The other stories, filed by Kathryn Diss and Eric Tlozek from Jerusalem, provided full context on the recent conflict, which included the fact that Hezbollah had fired rockets 'deep into Israeli territory', depicted Israelis taking shelter under air raid sirens, Prime Minister Netanyahu calling Nasrallah 'not just another terrorist, the terrorist, the central engine of Iran's axis of evil', and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant calling Nasrallah a 'mass murderer'.'

Executive Council of Australian Jewry co-leader Alex Ryvchin called it 'sickening to see fellow Australians on our streets mourning the death of this terrorist kingpin'.

The protests went beyond concerns about the loss of life and future of Lebanon and veered into 'active, open, specific support for Hezbollah' which police needed to take action against, Mr Ryvchin said on Monday.

The Islamic Council of Victoria blamed a small number of people for the Hezbollah flags, saying the community's focus was on the escalation of violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

'It has been made clear that Hezbollah flags are not welcome and should not be brought,' the group's president Adel Salman said.

However fixating on flags served as a 'convenient distraction' from violence in the Middle East, Australia Palestine Advocacy Network president Nasser Mashni said.

'It's a national disgrace that condemning a flag has become easier than confronting the brutal reality of a rogue state intent on annihilating an entire population.'

Political leaders have also expressed concern over the flames of social conflict being fanned by protest actions.

'We do not want people to bring radical ideologies and conflict here, our multiculturalism and social cohesion cannot be taken for granted,' Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said ahead of a cabinet meeting in Canberra on Monday.

Israeli troops have begun 'targeted ground raids' in southern Lebanon, with the military saying it's targeting Hezbollah targets.

Hundreds of people have been killed in Lebanon following a multi-day missile attack from Israel, which it said targeted the designated terrorist group and its weapon stocks, and the assassination of the Hezbollah leader.

The attack has levelled residential apartments and dozens of children are among those killed.

Israel and the Lebanon-based, Iran-backed Hezbollah have been trading rocket attacks across the border for months.

Save the Children estimates 60,000 kids have crossed into Syria from Lebanon, with many suffering dehydration and exhaustion, since the escalation on September 24.
Chilling photographs have emerged of a toddler wearing a shirt with a Hezbollah flag printed across the front during a pro-Palestine rally.

The disturbing discovery was made during a demonstration in Sydney on Sunday.

A toddler was seen being held up by a protestor while another took a photo.

The toddler was wearing a black shirt with the worrying logo printed in yellow across it.

'Long live the resistance,' was written across the back in black and red letters.

Hezbollah is a political group from Lebanon that has been listed by Australian authorities as a terrorist organisation.

Its leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli air strike in Beirut on Friday.

Hezbollah flags and images of Nasrallah were a common sight at the protests that also unfolded in Melbourne over the weekend.

Chilling photographs have emerged of a toddler wearing a shirt with a Hezbollah flag printed across the front during a pro-Palestine rally

Hezbollah flags and images of Nasrallah were a common sight at the protests that also unfolded in Melbourne over the weekend

Liberal Senator James Patterson said the sight of Hezbollah flags at rallies in Melbourne and Sydney were 'disturbing' given it is designated by Australia as a terrorist organisation.

'This is a clear contravention of 80.2HA of the Commonwealth Criminal Code. It's time for police to enforce the law,' he tweeted.

Victoria Police told Daily Mail Australia they were 'aware prohibited flags were seen at a demonstration in the Melbourne CBD' on Sunday.

'Victoria Police supports the right to protest peacefully and had a visible presence at the protest to ensure public safety,' a spokesperson said.

'An estimated 600 people attended the demonstration and there were no arrests.

'Appropriate referrals will be made to Australian Federal Police as the lead agency concerning prohibited symbols.'

The group supporting Hezbollah were also heard chanting 'labayka ya Nasrallah' in Arabic, which translates roughly to 'at your service, Nasrallah'.

Rally organisers in Melbourne told AAP the group carrying Hezbollah flags was not affiliated with those running the demonstration.

Rally organisers in Melbourne told AAP the group carrying Hezbollah flags was not affiliated with those running the demonstration

Islamic community leaders also said this group was not representative of the Muslim community in Australia or the protest, which was calling for Israel to stop military operations in Gaza and Lebanon, where they are fighting Hezbollah.

'They are definitely a minority. An absolute, tiny minority,' Islamic Council of Victoria's president Adel Salman told The Australian.

'For my own experience, my knowledge of the community, there is no support of Hezbollah, no love of Hezbollah, right now, this is all about support for the Lebanese people.

'The community is concerned about the escalating violence, but our concern primarily is about what's happening in Palestine, in Gaza, that's still the main focus in the community.
A Republican running for Congress in Virginia has gone viral after campaign footage that looked like a 'family photo' was not what it seemed.

Derrick Anderson, an Army veteran, is attempting to flip a blue district red in 2024 after its current occupant, Abigail Spanberger, announced she would vacate to run for governor in 2025.

Anderson recently released a campaign ad that featured footage of himself with a woman and three children - what appeared to be a family photo - in an effort to play to women voters and family values.

However, the mom and three girls are in no way related to him with it later emerging that they are the wife and three children of an old friend of Anderson.

Anderson even posted a video of himself and his fiance out on the campaign trail just weeks earlier.

A Republican running for Congress in Virginia has gone viral after a family photo he used in a campaign ad was not what it seemed

Derrick Anderson, a veteran, is attempting to flip a blue district red in 2024 after its current occupant, Abigail Spanberger, announced she would vacate to run for governor in 2025

He currently lives alone with his dog after getting engaged in September.

Liberals on social media accused Anderson of lying about his family status on social media to win votes.

A Virginia Democrat wrote: 'If you think renting a crew to play house will make you relatable, youve officially entered the realm of the bizarre, Derrick. Its time to get real: you cant Photoshop authenticity!'

'Derrick Anderson is back on the campaign trail. He probably shouldnt continue to use My Best Friends Girl by The Cars as his campaign song,' joked another.

Someone else also wondered if George Santos was in charge of Anderson's campaign.

When asked about the response to the footage, a spokesperson for Anderson said that the attacks were silly and unfair.

'The false, politically-motivated reporting on Derrick  who is happily engaged and very proud of/vocal about his family  appearing in a normal campaign video with female supporters and their kids is both hilarious and sad,' the spokesperson told HuffPo.

The spokesperson - who described the footage as Anderson posing 'with female supporters and their kids' - also told the New York Times that this is standard operating procedure.

He recently released a campaign ad that featured footage of Anderson with a woman and three younger women, appearing to be his wife and daughters. Anderson even posted a video of himself and his fiance out on the campaign trail just weeks early

Anderson's opponent is Democrat Yevgeny 'Eugene' Vindman, a Ukraine native and key player alongside his brother Alexander in the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump

'Derrick's opponent and every other candidate in America are in similar pictures and video with supporters of all kinds,' they said.

That opponent is Democrat Yevgeny 'Eugene' Vindman, a Ukraine native and key player alongside his brother Alexander in the first impeachment trial of Donald Trump.

The DCCC said in a statement that Anderson is using those women as a way to protect himself from attacks on abortion.

'Derrick Anderson is so desperate to mask his anti-abortion views and look like a family man that he's posing for fake family pictures,' Spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen said.

'He's clearly not above misleading Virginians and definitely can't be trusted to represent them in Congress.'

Anderson, who maintains through his spokesperson he did not lie, recently penned an op-ed titled: 'Want to lower the temperature in politics? Stop the lies.'

'Im calling on voters to reject the lies and help us unite this country. And when you see my opponent and his allies lie, call them on it. Youll get the truth from me; demand the truth from my opponent,' he wrote in The Daily Progress.

'Demand straight answers and zero deception. Dont let my opponent talk out of both sides of his mouth. Demand truth, demand character. You deserve that much as voters.'

An August poll showed Anderson and Vindman tied at 41%-41%, according to WJLA.

Cook Political Report rates the races as a 'Lean Democrat' but still called it competitive for the Republican Anderson.

Republicans taking back the seat would likely be key to growing their slim majority in the House of Representatives.
A drunk Michigan man lunged at a mail carrier with a knife after he received a campaign letter for Kamala Harris.

Russell Frank Valleau, 61, flew into a rage and attempted to stabbed a Black postal worker after receiving political mail for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign.

Valleau allegedly said he didn't want that 'Black b**ch' in his mailbox.

He then called the mail carrier the same derogatory name and threatened her, according to Oakland County prosecuting attorney Karen McDonald.

During the rampage, the apparently drunk Valleau took out a knife and lunged at the mail carrier. But she quickly deterred this attack by whipping out her postal service-issued pepper spray, Law & Crime reported.

Russell Frank Valleau, 61, flew into a rage and attempted to stabbed a Black postal worker after receiving political mail for Vice President Kamala Harris' campaign (Farmington Hills Police Department)

Valleau was charged on Friday by Farmington Hills prosecutors with assault and ethnic intimidation. PICTURED: Vice President Kamala Harris at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Detroit, Michigan, on September 19

Oakland County prosecuting attorney Karen McDonald released a statement on Friday that stated Valleau said he didn't want that 'Black b**ch' in his mailbox. He then called the mail carrier the same derogatory name and threatened her. PICTURED: Photo of USPS workers in Royal Oak, Michigan

Police later found the suspect in a neighbor's yard after he fled the scene.

McDonald wrote: 'In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote.

'Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases.'

Valleau's next hearing is scheduled for October 27.

He was charged on Friday with assault and ethnic intimidation - that particular charge set his bond at $25,000 and carries a maximum sentence of two years.

He's currently being held at Oakland County Jail.

According to public records reviewed by DailyMail.com, Valleau has an extensive rap list dating back to the 1980s.

His most recent criminal offense from around 2010 carried domestic violence and firearm possession by a felon charges.

Valleau took out a knife and lunged at the mail carrier. But she quickly deterred this attack by whipping out her postal service-issued pepper spray, Law & Crime reported. PICTURED: Trump at a campaign town hall event at Macomb Community College in Warren, Michigan, September 27

Police later found him in a neighbor's yard after he fled the scene

Valleau's next hearing is scheduled for October 27

The incident reflects the increasingly tense atmosphere surrounding upcoming election between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Last week, shots were fired into Harris' campaign office in Tempe, Arizona, on September 23.

Staffers at the Democratic Party-coordinated campaign office on called Tempe Police to report finding what appeared to be bullet holes through the office's front windows.

It was the second such shooting in as many weeks, police said, after the front windows were shot with either a BB gun or a pellet gun just after midnight on September 16.
The millionaire co-founder of American cookie chain Crumbl has broken his silence over the fake pop-up event hosted in Sydney's Bondi Beach over the weekend.

Foodies and TikTok influencers who lined up for over an hour on Sunday to buy a $17.50 Crumbl cookie claimed they were sold 'stale' and expensive days-old imports - instead of a freshly-baked biscuit.

Crumbl co-founder Sawyer Hemsley commented on a TikTok review by influencer Elle the Eastern Suburbs Mum, who lashed out after spending $150 on just 10 cookies.

'You need to try them fresh in the US! PS: This pop-up is not affiliated with Crumbl Cookies,' he said.

It marks the first time the US-based franchise has acknowledged the pop-up - which was eagerly attended by legions of Aussie fans who queued to try the cookies.

However, many were left disappointed.

'I'm starting to feel sick... I can't believe I waited an hour,' Elle said in her review.

The event, which was marketed as 'exclusive' on the social media account CrumblSydney, sold fans a five-pack of cookies for an eye-watering $75.

Crumbl co-founder Sawyer Hemsley (pictured) has broken his silence on the Bondi pop-up

Sydney influencer Elle spent $150 on 10 cookies at the fake Crumbl pop-up on Sunday

The co-founder left a comment on the influencer's review, which has over 500,000 views

'This was like a scam, this is actually very bad,' TikTok food reviewer Hamze said.

'It's so sweet, the texture is just weird, it's so sugary - I feel like I'm just eating sugar.'

Organisers defended themselves on TikTok earlier on Tuesday arguing the cookies were not stale and that they had never claimed to be an official Crumbl store.

'Our goal was to bring the authentic Crumbl cookies to Australia by importing the cookies directly from the USA,' they said.

'We travelled to the US to purchase the cookies and imported them with their original packaging. We did not bake them ourselves.

'Crumbl cookies should be kept at room temperature in an airtight container for up to three days, or refrigerated for up to seven days.

'We kept them to these requirements. Some were warmed to enhance their texture, which is what Crumbl does as well.'

The group said only a 'couple of influencers' were disappointed by the quality.

Customers waited 'hours' in line to try the famous Crumbl cookies but claimed the imported biscuits were 'underwhelming' (pictured, lines in North Bondi on Sunday)

Cookies were sold for $17.50 a piece or five for $75 with fans standing in line for over an hour

'While most customers enjoyed the cookies, a couple of influencers felt they didnt meet expectations,' they said.

'We apologise that [the cookies] don't live up to expectations however they are just cookies at the end of the day.

'While there may be a small difference in quality, some flavours may not appeal to some people.

'A lot of people have reached out to us who were there saying they were delicious and thank you for selling them.'

Organisers said they had ticked all the legal boxes for the event and made very little profit from the pop-up.

The event, which was marketed as 'exclusive' on the social media account CrumblSydney, sold fans a five-pack of cookies for an eye-watering $75 (pictured)

'This event was never about profit,' they said.

'We aimed to bring the cookies to Crumbl fans. Importing and reselling is called parallel imports. Parallel imports are legal.

'We followed all legal procedures, declaring the cookies as commercial goods and obtaining the necessary approvals from Australian customs.

'We hope this clears up any confusion. Thank you to those who supported us and gave us valuable feedback.'

Daily Mail Australia has contacted Crumbl for comment.
The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to help Brits flee the country as Israel began its long-anticipated ground offensive in defiance of international pleas to find a diplomatic solution to its war with Hezbollah.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) says it has begun 'localised and targeted raids' against the Iran-backed militant group - a proscribed terror organisation in Britain - in southern border villages.

Amid fears of an all-out Middle East war that has threatened to explode since Hamas invaded Israel almost a year ago, the Foreign Office has engaged an airliner to take vulnerable British citizens to safety - with potentially more to come.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

Brits who have registered their presence in Lebanon will be told how and when to request seats - with those who have not made the FCDO aware of their status in the country urged to do so 'immediately'.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has warned that the situation in Lebanon is 'volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly'.

He added: 'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Are YOU a Brit fleeing Lebanon? Email jon.brady@mailonline.co.uk

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburb early on Tuesday

Israel was last night bombarding Lebanon from the sky and on foot as an incursion got underway

Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured at the UN last week) has urged Brits in Lebanon to make themselves known to the Foreign Office immediately

Smoke and flames rise into the Lebanon sky as an Israeli bombardment continues into the night

Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'.

He told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out. We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

Israel says the targets it has struck with ground and bombing offensives posed an 'immediate threat' to communities along the border with Lebanon.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The ground assault was given the green light after hundreds of Israeli tanks massed on the border, with foot soldiers also supported by intense air strikes.

Dramatic pictures showed a barrage of rockets and bombs lighting up the sky, while artillery fire was heard in a number of villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border.

The deployment of boots on the ground represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against Hezbollah, whose leadership has been wiped out in a series of recent airstrikes.

Israel has not said how long it intends to carry out its operation in Lebanon, but said troops had been preparing for the incursion for months.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Tension in the Middle East escalated even further after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut on Friday.

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

Heavy shelling has been seen in southern Lebanon as Israel prepared to invade

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Lebanon

An Israeli tank manoeuvres in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday

Amid the increased violence, Syrian state-run media also confirmed that one of its television presenters was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Damascus.

It came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raid, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the county's southern border with Israel.

The sound of explosions could be heard on the border overnight, with hundreds of Israeli tanks lined up for the ground invasion.

Fires were seen erupting across Lebanon as plumes of smoke billowed into the night sky.

Hezbollah also said it 'targeted' Israeli soldiers' carrying out 'movements' in orchards near the Lebanese border.

The Lebanese health ministry said 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes, with another 172 injured. Israel said around ten rockets crossed over the border from Lebanon, with some intercepted and others 'falling into open areas'.

The Israeli army earlier declared three of its northern communities as a 'closed military zone' as signals grew that more forces could soon be sent into Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militants.

As an Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

An Israeli mobile artillery unit is seen near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

The ground invasion could mark the first time Israel and Hezbollah engage in ground combat since their 34-day war in 2006.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.

People check for drone attacks as Israeli airstrikes continue while people flee and take refuge in parks and squares in Beirut

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivering a televised address from an unknown location, days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have lined up at the Lebanon border, with a ground invasion looming

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But the Israeli army has heavily beefed up forces along the border with Lebanon in recent days.

Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days. They have also hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Despite the heavy blow Hezbollah has suffered in recent weeks, acting leader Naim Kassem said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, the group's fighters are ready.

A smoke plume erupts after an Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the village of Ibl al-Saqi in southern Lebanon on September 30

Smoke billows from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam yesterday

He said the commanders killed have already been replaced.

Nasrallah's longtime deputy, Kassem will remain in his acting position until the group's leadership elects a replacement. The man widely expected to take over the top post is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollah's political affairs.

Hezbollah's capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas.

Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollah's capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Monday's in central Beirut - outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis - would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

It's possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Search and rescue team members, together with locals, work to find bodies under the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meeting with Israeli troops Monday, said Israel would 'use all the capabilities we have,' hinting at a ground operation.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday.

Germany, which has been calling on its citizens to leave Lebanon since October 2023, sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats' relatives and others.

Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out, with priority given to families with children and vulnerable groups.

In the past week, Israel has frequently targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, including the massive strike Friday that killed Nasrallah. But it had not hit locations closer to the city center.

Monday's strike killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced that its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Firefighters search for survivors inside an apartment building hit by an Israeli air strike in Beirut's Kola district, September 30, 2024

Firefighters extinguished the fire that broke out in the targeted apartment after the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a multi-story building in the Kola district of Beirut

This screenshot from a video taken on Sept. 29, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah

Israel also launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen (pictured) on Sunday

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Sharif was an employee, and was put on administrative leave without pay in March as it investigated allegations about his political activities.

Israel has accused the agency, known as UNRWA, of links to Palestinian militant groups, while the agency says it is committed to neutrality and works to prevent any such infiltration.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Hezbollah and Hamas are allies and both supported by Iran, and Hezbollah said it would continue the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there was a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year.

The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the UN estimate is around 200,000.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until the attacks stop and its citizens can return home.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, on September 29

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on villages near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29 as air strikes across the country continue

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have been deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe.

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group 'bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.'

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000 - including many fighters but also many civilians.
The identity of a former trainee teacher who groomed and sexually assaulted a 15-year-old student can be revealed after a gag order restricting publication of her name and the school involved was revoked by the courts.

Petra Shasha, 28, was found guilty of sexually abusing, grooming and indecently assaulting the schoolboy in the ACT Supreme Court last week.

Her name had already been reported at the time of her arrest in February 2022, which marked the end of the 'relationship' she had cultivated with the then 15-year-old.

The court heard Shasha first formed a bond with the St Edmunds College student while working as a pre-service teacher for three weeks at the school in late 2020.

Despite being 24 at the time, Shasha and the boy grew so close that the teenager believed they were a couple.

Prosecutors told the court that she methodically groomed the young boy by giving him lifts, designer clothes and other gifts and transferring him money so he would take part in a sexual act.

After one day of deliberation, the jury found Shasha guilty of persistent sexual abuse of a child, supplying pornographic material to a young person, grooming and committing an act of indecency on a child.

Shasha was however found not guilty on charges of separate grooming and committing an act of indecency on a child.

Former teacher Petra Shasha (pictured) has been found guilty of having a sexual and romantic relationship with a 15-year-old schoolboy from late 2020 to February 2022

Her victim told police that Shasha brazenly spent time with him in public and had made plans for what to do if they see anyone they know.

'We always said, if we see anyone we know, just keep walking,' he said, according to the Canberra Times.

'We didn't want anyone to see.'

The court heard Shasha never directly taught the schoolboy but did hang around his group of friends at lunch.

He then reached out to her on social media after she finished her stint at the school, where they communicated regularly while she worked at nearby Canberra Girls Grammar School.

She denied indecently assaulting the boy on two occasions - once in a David Jones change room and another time in a car - but was found guilty of the former.

Shasha however admitted to sending him numerous explicit videos and photos of herself but only after he turned 16, the age of consent.

A jury in the ACT Supreme Court found the then 24-year-old (pictured) groomed him by buying him designer clothes and transferring him money before indecently assaulting him in a car

Some 'revealing ... cleavage' images of herself were however sent to him when he was just 15 but she claimed to have a 'reasonable belief' that he was a year older.

The schoolboy admitted to lying to Shasha about his age and grade at school, which her barrister argued 'provides her a defence' at the beginning of the trial.

The court heard that Shasha had reached out to the victim after finding out police were investigating their relationship to tell him he 'is 'not a f***ing victim'.

A separate recording caught her saying: 'baby, don't f*** with me please, my ears are burning'.

Shasha remains on bail as she awaits sentencing in February.
ABC managing director David Anderson has been forced to issue an abject apology after a scathing report found racism was endemic at the national broadcaster.

The report, which was commissioned in the wake of Stan Grant's shock resignation from the ABC over claims he was unsupported while the target of racist attacks, found racial discrimination, slurs and stereotyping were rife at the organisation.

Specific details included staff receiving comments about their racial appearance, stereotyping and being mistaken for someone else in a racist manner.

Mr Anderson issued a full apology to all ABC employees past and present on Tuesday.

'I have today written to all staff and I have expressed that I am deeply sorry to anybody who experienced racism at the ABC for whenever that is and whenever that has happened,' he told ABC News.

'It shouldnt have happened, it shouldnt happen and I am sincerely sorry for that experience.'

The ABC boss also issued an warning to staff.

'For anyone who thinks it is OK to display or practice racist behaviour, or who thinks they can make people feel belittled based on their identity, we will call you out and remove you from this organisation,' Mr Anderson said.

ABC Managing Director David Anderson has issued an apology to ABC staff, past and present after a report found racism was endemic at the national broadcaster

'You are not welcome here. We are a workplace that values respect, and we expect it.'

The 171-page report was led by Indigenous lawyer Terri Janke, a Wuthathi, Yadhaighana and Meriam woman.

It received evidence from 120 past and present ABC staff including Indigenous and CALD (Culturally and Linguistically Diverse) employees.

'People who are First Nations and CALD expressed not feeling valued in the workplace, and tokenised, the report, titled Listen Loudly, Act Strongly, stated.

'There is a cultural issue throughout the organisation that allows racism to exist and persist at the ABC, which has caused widespread distrust in these systems among First Nations and CALD staff.'

Stan Grant (pictured with wife Tracy Holmes) sensationally quit as host of ABC flagship show Q+A last year after he claimed the national broadcaster had not supported him when he was subject to racial attacks online

Interviewees said ABC management show 'lack of shared understanding of racism'.

The ABC said it will implement all 15 recommendations of the report, which it expects all staff to read.

Other measures include rolling out anti-racism training across the ABC, providing pathways for career progression and representation of culturally diverse staff at management level and the creation of a First Nations Director of Strategy role.

The ABC will also bolster its response to racist attacks on staff, including from social media, with a process where staff members are urged to immediately report such an attack to a centralised and independent team.

Anti-racism training will be rolled out across the ABC as one of the 15 recommendations of a scathing report into the broadcaster's culture

Last year Grant, who is a Wiradjuri, Dharawal and Gurrawin man, accused ABC management of 'not supporting him' when he was racially abused over taking part in a broadcast panel discussing colonialism ahead of King Charles' Coronation.

'Not one ABC executive has publicly refuted the lies written or spoken about me,' Grant said as he quit his role hosting Q+A.

'I don't hold any individual responsible; this is an institutional failure.'
The Tory leadership battle looks to be too close to call after a poll showed Kemi Badenoch's advantage with party members narrowing.

A survey of activists by YouGov suggests the shadow housing secretary would win in a run-off against rival Robert Jenrick - but the gap has closed dramatically.

Six weeks ago the firm detected an 18-point margin - 59 per cent to 41 per cent - in favour of Ms Badenoch. But that has now dropped to just four points - 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

Conservative members are notoriously hard to poll, but the findings point to a knife-edge result if they end up in the final two.

Ms Badenoch, Mr Jenrick, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat have all been making their pitches at Tory conference this week - after the survey was conducted.

But next week MPs will evict another two contenders, before members make a final decision and the winner is announced on November 2.

Ms Badenoch, who came second behind Mr Jenrick in the most recent Parliamentary vote, has been struggling to move on from comments she made about 'excessive' maternity pay in an interview on Sunday.

Yesterday the Tory hopeful said she was being 'attacked' and misinterpreted like Margaret Thatcher had been over her 'no such thing as society' remark in the 1980s.

In other developments today:

Mr Jenrick is under fire for a campaign video suggesting UK special forces kill terrorists instead of capturing them, to avoid the possibility the European Court of Human Rights will force their release;

Mr Tugendhat has demanded that defence spending is raised to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030;

Mr Jenrick and Mr Cleverly will take their turn being grilled on the conference stage this afternoon.

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Kemi Badenoch's significant lead among activists looks to be eroding

Mr Jenrick appears to be gaining ground on Ms Badenoch

Appearing on the conference stage yesterday, a defiant Ms Badenoch insisted she had not been questioning benefits for mothers - but making a broader point about business regulation and tax.

However, Ms Badenoch also suggested Brits should be less 'scared' about whether they can 'afford' to have children.

Stressing her determination to make things more 'comfortable' for would-be parents, she said having a family was 'probably the most meaningful thing that any of us are ever going to do'.

Allies have complained of a 'Stop Kemi' campaign by supporters of rival Robert Jenrick, who seized on her comments yesterday.

Asked about the maternity pay row on stage, Ms Badenoch - who is once said to have quit a job at the Spectator rather than put pressure on the business by taking maternity leave - said: 'Who remembers 'there's no such thing as society'? Everybody remembers...

'Mrs Thatcher gave an interview to Woman's Own magazine where she was asked a question and she said there was no such thing as society.

'She was talking about people wanting government handouts, that there are only individual people and families...

'And that very good explanation got cut down into a soundbite that was used to attack her.

'When you are a leader, when you are a Conservative when you are making the argument for Conservative principles your opponents are going to try and turn it into something else.

'We need to decide who is going to be leader of the party, not the Left, not the Guardian, not the BBC, just Conservatives.'

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Mr Tugendhat said there was a 'very clear argument' that defence spending should be increased towards 3 per cent.

The Tory leadership candidate told LBC: 'There's a very, very clear argument that in order protect ourselves to make sure we're ready for whatever the world throws at us, we need to be increasing defence spending to 3 per cent and investing in technology.'

He added: 'Frankly, it's an insurance premium that if we don't pay, the alternative is more expensive.'

Meanwhile, Mr Cleverly went on the attack against Mr Jenrick over his campaign video claiming that special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists.

The shadow home secretary was asked if he agreed with his competitor in the Tory leadership race Mr Jenrick that the SAS kill rather than capture terrorists to avoid legal challenges.

Touring broadcast studios this morning, Tom Tugendhat said there was a 'very clear argument' that defence spending should be increased towards 3 per cent

James Cleverly has gone on the attack against Mr Jenrick over his campaign video claiming that special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists to avoid human rights cases

Mr Cleverly told Sky News: 'You're going to have to ask Robert to justify that statement. That's not something which I have heard.

'That's not something which I'm comfortable kind of repeating.

'As I say, if Robert is able to justify that I think he should.

'The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict.

'We have, I was about to say some of the most, no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.'
Iran will face 'serious consequences' if it attacks Israel, the US has warned, as thousands of American troops have been sent to the region amid fears that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could escalate into all-out regional war.

US fighter jet squadrons are being deployed, including F-15E and F-16s - jets which played a significant role in shooting down Iranian drones when Tehran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel back in April.

F-22 jets and A-10 warplanes are also being sent, while the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is already positioned in the Gulf of Oman, with the USS Harry S Truman on its way as part of a scheduled deployment.

A 'few thousand' more American troops are also being moved to the region, the Pentagon said last night, to bolster security for the 40,000 already based across bases in Iraq, Syria and elsewhere.

The Biden administration is hoping to avoid the situation spiralling into a broader war that could potentially drag in US forces, and has urged Israel to keep its incursion limited in scope.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southeastern Lebanon

Israeli soldiers work on tanks at a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Oct. 1, 2024

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Monday night, said the US 'supports Israel's right to defend itself'

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln is already positioned in the Gulf of Oman

Overnight, Israel said its forces engaged in 'limited, localised, and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon villages that posed 'an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel'.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Monday night, said the US 'supports Israel's right to defend itself.'

'We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities,' he wrote on X.

He added that 'I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel,' Austin said.

On Sunday, Austin warned that 'should Iran, its partners or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people.'

Ahead of the incursion last night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his own warning to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas.

'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach,' Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of the Hezbollah.

The group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said his fighters were 'ready for war' and prepared to fight on for a long time if necessary.

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Israel has also assassinated several of the group's top commanders in recent days. Kassem said the group's fighters and slain commanders have already been replaced.

It is unclear what response Iran may have to the attack on its proxy, with official in Tehran said to be divided on what next steps to take.

A repeat of April's massive missile and drone barrage on Israel is one possibility, but analysts have suggested that Iran will not launch such an attack unless they expect the probability of success to be higher than before.

There are also fears that Iran and its proxies could carry out terror attacks on Israel, or renew strikes by against US military bases and personnel in the Middle East.

Israel was last night bombarding Lebanon from the sky and on foot as an incursion got underway

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border

It comes after the Biden administration advised its ally Israel against launching a major ground invasion in Lebanon, calling instead for a more targeted incursion, according to US officials.

But more hardline elements of Israel's government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, this morning called for a wider operation to 'crush the terrorist organisation'.

Israeli officials were reportedly left frustrated with the US and IDF after plans for the 'limited' ground invasion were leaked hours ahead of the move against Hezbollah.

When questioned by reporters on the operation, President Biden appeared to confirm the claims, saying: 'I'm more aware than you might know.'

Asked whether he was comfortable with the operational plans, he said: 'I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease fire now.'

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

On Friday, Netanyahu made a defiant speech to the UN, ignoring calls for a ceasefire from the US, Britain and others, and instead stating that Israel would push ahead with its objectives and defend itself against Iran.

'If you strike us, we will strike you. There is no place - there is no place in Iran - that the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that is true of the entire Middle East,' Netanyahu said.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Israel and Iran-backed group have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since October 8, the day after Hamas sent fighters into Israel and sparked the war.

Israeli ground and air attacks on the strip have seen over 40,000 Palestinians killed in the months since, according to the Gaza health ministry.

It's been almost a year since some 250 people were abducted from Israel, and friends and family are worried about their loved ones as attention turns away from hostages and north toward Lebanon.
Hezbollah has unleashed a barrage of rockets on several Israeli communities hours after Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) launched raids on southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese group targeted the border villages of Shtula, Metula and Avivim while sending dozens of rockets streaming toward the city of Haifa - a major port city in Israel's north - and Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military said the operations in Lebanon began on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'limited, localised, and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

'These raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, kibbutzim and communities along our border,' said military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, adding: 'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel.'

But more hardline elements of Israel's government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, this morning called for a wider operation to 'crush the terrorist organisation'.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

The ground operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday, three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israel was last night bombarding Lebanon from the sky and on foot as an incursion got underway

Smoke and flames rise into the Lebanon sky as an Israeli bombardment continues into the night

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for a full-fledged invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

Officials warned Lebanese citizens not to drive south of the Litani river to avoid being caught up in fighting or airstrikes.

'Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon,' army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram.

'For your personal safety, we ask you not to travel by vehicles from the north to the south of the Litani River.'

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said.

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Lebanon

An Israeli tank manoeuvres in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.

Israeli troops train in preparation to enter Lebanon

IDF troops are pictured preparing ahead of ground incursion into Lebanon

IDF gear is seen prepared ahead of the 'limited raids' into southern Lebanon

People check for drone attacks as Israeli airstrikes continue while people flee and take refuge in parks and squares in Beirut

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivering a televised address from an unknown location, days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have lined up at the Lebanon border, with a ground invasion looming

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But the Israeli army has heavily beefed up forces along the border with Lebanon in recent days.

Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days. They have also hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Despite the heavy blow Hezbollah has suffered in recent weeks, acting leader Naim Kassem said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, the group's fighters are ready.

A smoke plume erupts after an Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the village of Ibl al-Saqi in southern Lebanon on September 30

Smoke billows from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam yesterday

He said the commanders killed have already been replaced.

Nasrallah's longtime deputy, Kassem will remain in his acting position until the group's leadership elects a replacement. The man widely expected to take over the top post is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollah's political affairs.

Hezbollah's capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas.

Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollah's capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Monday's in central Beirut - outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis - would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

It's possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Search and rescue team members, together with locals, work to find bodies under the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meeting with Israeli troops Monday, said Israel would 'use all the capabilities we have,' hinting at a ground operation.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday.

Germany, which has been calling on its citizens to leave Lebanon since October 2023, sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats' relatives and others.

Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out, with priority given to families with children and vulnerable groups.

In the past week, Israel has frequently targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, including the massive strike Friday that killed Nasrallah. But it had not hit locations closer to the city center.

Monday's strike killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced that its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Firefighters search for survivors inside an apartment building hit by an Israeli air strike in Beirut's Kola district, September 30, 2024

Firefighters extinguished the fire that broke out in the targeted apartment after the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a multi-story building in the Kola district of Beirut

This screenshot from a video taken on Sept. 29, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah

Israel also launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen (pictured) on Sunday

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Sharif was an employee, and was put on administrative leave without pay in March as it investigated allegations about his political activities.

Israel has accused the agency, known as UNRWA, of links to Palestinian militant groups, while the agency says it is committed to neutrality and works to prevent any such infiltration.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Hezbollah and Hamas are allies and both supported by Iran, and Hezbollah said it would continue the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there was a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year.

The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the UN estimate is around 200,000.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until the attacks stop and its citizens can return home.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, on September 29

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on villages near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29 as air strikes across the country continue

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have been deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe.

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group 'bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.'

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000 - including many fighters but also many civilians.
The death toll from the devastating Hurricane Helene that battered the southeastern United States has climbed to at least 130 as massive search and rescue operations are launched.

Helene smashed into the Florida Gulf coast on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and quickly moved through Georgia, leaving a trail of destruction in its wake as it tore through houses, ripped up roads, and severed lines of communication.

The ferocious storm- one of the worst in US history - has already killed more than 100 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with the death toll expected to rise once rescue teams reach isolated towns and emergency telecommunications assets come online.

Throughout North Carolina, some 300 roads were closed, more than 7,000 citizens registered for US Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance, and the National Guard was flying 1,000 tons of food and water to remote areas by plane and helicopter, officials said.

The US government, states, and localities, are all engaged in a massive recovery effort that spans the southeast after people were left stranded without running water and 1.8million homes and businesses remained without power on Monday.

A view of a damaged area in Asheville, devastated by the heavy rains and flooding after Hurricane Helene on September 30

An American flag sits in floodwaters in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the Shore Acres neighborhood on September 27

A destroyed home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, near Black Mountain, North Carolina

Storm-damaged vehicles are shown in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, near Fairview, North Carolina

Several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including a four mile section of Interstate 40

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said on Monday at least 25 people in his state had died, including a firefighter responding to emergency calls during the storm and a mother and her 1-month-old twins who were killed by a falling tree.

South Carolina has reported at least 30 dead, making Helene the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the state since Hurricane Hugo made landfall north of Charleston in 1989, killing 35 people.

And in North Carolina's Buncombe County, which includes the tourist destination of Asheville, 40 people have died, the county manager has stated.

Several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including a four mile section of Interstate 40, and the city's water system was severely damaged, forcing residents to scoop creek water into buckets so they could flush toilets.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper took an aerial tour of the damage and said 'significant resources' would be needed in the short and long term.

'The devastation was beyond belief, and even when you prepare for something like this, this is something that's never happened before in western North Carolina. Search and rescue teams are continuing to work,' Cooper said in a news briefing.

The North Carolina death toll included one horrific story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees.

A courthouse security officer also died after being submerged inside his truck as the storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina with rainfall estimates in some areas topping more than 61cm since Wednesday.

And a couple and a six-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed.

Officials implored travelers from coming into the region to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles.

More than 50 search teams spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane reveal a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers, mud-covered highways, and collapsed communication lines.

And as the death toll climbs, hundreds have been left unaccounted for as emergency workers struggle to reach areas isolated by destroyed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.

The death toll in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene climbed to 130 Monday night as rescue crews in the southeast US frantically continued their search for survivors

Ashville's water system was severely damaged, forcing residents to scoop creek water into buckets so they could flush toilets

Some 1,200 federal personnel were on the ground in addition to state and local responders, and the US Army Corps of Engineers was planning major debris removal.

About 3,000 federal personnel were also deployed, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CNN.

The sheriff's office in Pinellas County, Florida, published a grim litany of the nine people left dead there so far, almost all of whom were found in their homes.

Nearly all appeared to have drowned, it said, while the others were buried under debris.

Among the other demolished towns was the tiny hamlet of Bat Cave, about 100 miles west of Charlotte, where in what climate scientists are describing as a 1,000-year event the Broad River rose to unprecedented levels, washed away homes and broke through the town's bridge.

Aaron Smith, 31, his wife and two young sons sat in front of the Bat Cave fire station with one suitcase among them.

It was all they could save after the Hickory Creek rose into a torrent, demolishing three of the four walls of their home and sending a boulder through a bedroom wall.

'There's no roads, there's no evidence of roads, there's no trees, it's just water and stuff,' Smith said.

'When it comes to where we going to go from here, I guess anywhere but here. I don't see anything to go back to.'

Private helicopters tried to land in Bat Cave to evacuate people, but locals waved them away from a bridge that appeared ready to collapse as firefighters spray-painted 'DON'T LAND' on the structure.

Bat Cave is just upstream from the village of Chimney Rock which was largely destroyed by the wall of water surging down the Broad River, according to emergency responders.

The river flows into Lake Lure, which was full of the remains of homes, trees and other debris.

Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari posted a video on X showing the devastation at Lake Lure, calling it 'post-apocalyptic.'

'It's so overwhelming. You don't even know how to fathom what recovery looks like, let alone where to start,' Bokhari wrote.

Storm debris in the waters of Lake Lure in Rutherford County, near the village of Chimney Rock, as seen from overhead from a North Carolina National Guard plane on Monday

A member of the Georgia Army National Guard helps distribute Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) provided water, tarps, food and ice to residents after Hurricane Helene swept through Valdosta, Georgia

A helicopter takes off from a front yard in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, near Fairview, North Carolina

Emergency personnel respond at Garren Creek Fire Department in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30

A ladder serves as a footbridge over Craig Creek on September 30, near Black Mountain, North Carolina

A 'Road Closed' sign is seen after hurricane Helene hits Asheville along with the western part of North Carolina

Motorists drive past flood damage along Craig Creek in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30

Some 1,200 federal personnel were on the ground in addition to state and local responders, and the US Army Corps of Engineers was planning major debris removal

President Joe Biden said he would visit North Carolina on Wednesday to meet with officials and take an aerial tour of Asheville, and visit Georgia and Florida soon after

Amid the chaos, President Joe Biden, attributing the storm's devastation to climate change, said he would visit North Carolina on Wednesday to meet with officials and take an aerial tour of Asheville, and visit Georgia and Florida soon after.

He may also ask Congress to return to Washington for a special session to pass supplemental aid funding.

'There's nothing like wondering, 'is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?'' Biden said at the White House.

'Many more will remain without electricity, water, food and communications, and whose homes and businesses are washed away in an instant. I want them to know we're not leaving until the job is done.'

Trump on Monday visited Georgia, another epicenter of the destruction - and both are among the key swing states where the US election will be decided in just five weeks' time.

In the city of Valdosta, Trump vowed to 'bring lots of relief material, including fuel, equipment, water, and other things' to those in need.

'The federal government is not being responsive,' he told reporters. 'The vice president, she's out someplace, campaigning, looking for money,' he said, referring to his election rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

'We're not talking about politics now,' he said later, wearing a bright red 'Make America Great Again' hat while standing in the rubble of a furniture store.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris also canceled campaign events to return to Washington Monday for a briefing on the federal response.

'Over the past few days, our nation has endured some of the worst destruction and devastation that we have seen in quite some time,' Harris said afterwards.

'And we have responded with our best, with the best folks who are on the ground and here doing the kind of work that is about rising to a moment of crisis.'
Disabled BBC journalist Frank Gardner has told how an airline prevented him from using a wheelchair on board - forcing him to crawl between the bathroom and his seat.

The corporation's security correspondent, who was shot and paralysed by al-Qaeda gunmen in Saudi Arabia in 2004, has criticised LOT Polish Airlines and vowed never to fly with them again.

Mr Gardner, 63, posted about the ordeal on X, formerly Twitter, to his 125,000 followers - then spoke on BBC Breakfast this morning about what he called the airline's 'inhumane' approach, as he urged them to 'sort it out'.

He shared a photograph of his legs on the floor of his flight, writing: 'Wow. Its 2024 and Ive just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as "we dont have onboard wheelchairs. It's airline policy".

'If youre disabled and you cant walk this is just discriminatory.'

BBC security correspondent Frank Gardner shared this photograph on X, formerly Twitter, as he told of being forced to crawl on a flight after being prevented from using a wheelchair

Speaking on BBC Breakfast today, Frank Gardner accused the airline of being 'inhumane' and urged them to 'sort it out' as he told viewers of his ordeal on the flight from Warsaw to London

LOT Polish Airlines has apologised for Frank Gardner's 'distressing' experience on their flight

He added in a follow-up post: 'In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, it's the airline. Won't be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century.'

And he blasted the airline's approach as 'inhumane' when talking about his experience on the London-bound flight on BBC Breakfast this morning.

Mr Gardner said: 'It is outrageous in terms of air travel that LOT, the Polish airline I travelled on from Warsaw last night back to London, had no onboard aisle chair.

'I said, "Well, how do you expect me to the loo?" "Well, we can help you."

'Well, not really, because if somebody drags you to the loo its too difficult. I had to crawl on my backside along the floor  which wasn't particularly clean - of the aircraft.

'The cabin crew were very embarrassed and they were as helpful as they could  there was a really nice steward there who was fantastic. He was able to take my legs.

'But the point is, guys, it's not difficult to have an onboard aisle chair. These things fold up to the size of a pram, if not smaller, and they fit into an overhead locker or into a cupboard.'

Many people offered him support in replies to his original post on X, while expressing dismay about the airline's policy.

One commenter said: 'Think this airline needs to be challenged on it's disability rights accessibility programme. Extraordinary that this should be happening in 2024.'

Another wrote: 'Absolutely unbelievable this wasn't made clear in advance so you could avoid booking. UK airports should not be selling slots to this company.'

Mr Gardner was also told: 'I hope what you have had to go through tonight will mean they change their outdated policy to a new policy that mentions the word "dignity". I am sorry you had to yet again find the strength to endure.'

Frank Gardner told BBC Breakfast: 'It is outrageous in terms of air travel that LOT, the Polish airline I travelled on from Warsaw last night back to London, had no onboard aisle chair'

Frank Gardner has said of the Polish airline involved: 'Won't be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century'

After being shot and left for dead in Saudi Arabia in June 2004, he returned to work 10 months later - appearing here on BBC Breakfast News with Dermot Murnaghan and Natasha Kaplinsky

Other responses included 'Absolutely appalling', 'Words fail' and 'This is honestly shocking', while there were calls for LOT Polish Airlines to apologise.

Mr Gardner replied to one commenter by saying: 'I don't understand why an airline like this is allowed to fly in and out of UK airports. It would take nothing to fix this.'

And now the firm has said it was 'deeply sorry' for Mr Gardner's 'distressing' ordeal.

In a statement to MailOnline, LOT insisted the airline did permit onboard wheelchairs - but only on long-haul flights, though they are investigating whether they could be extended to short-haul journeys.

LOT said: 'We are deeply sorry for the distressing experience Mr Frank Gardner encountered on his recent flight with us. We sincerely apologise for the inconvenience and discomfort caused by the lack of an onboard wheelchair.

'Currently, onboard wheelchairs are available on our Dreamliner aircraft. However, due to limited space, our short-haul fleet does not yet have this facility.

'We understand the importance of accessibility and are actively testing solutions to equip our short-haul aircraft with onboard wheelchairs in the near future.

'As mentioned on our website, for long-haul flights, we provide onboard wheelchairs to assist passengers in moving around the cabin.

'Additionally, our ground staff is always ready to assist passengers from check-in to boarding and from the aircraft to the baggage claim area.

'We deeply regret the inconvenience Mr Gardner experienced and sincerely apologise for the distress caused.

'We are committed to improving our services to ensure all passengers have a comfortable and dignified travel experience.'

Social media users offered sympathy and support after reading of Frank Gardner's experience on the LOT flight while there were also calls for the airline to apologise

Mr Gardner has been using a wheelchair since being shot by al-Qaeda militants in Saudi Arabia in 2004 while reporting as the BBC's Middle East correspondent

But Mr Gardner said on BBC Breakfast: 'The idea that, oh yeah, we're looking into this, it's something well consider  that is a rude word beginning with B, because I flew LOT before in May, from Tallinn, and I had the same thing.

'It's an arrogant and lazy attitude. Sort it out, LOT  you shouldn't be flying in the 21st century without an onboard aisle chair.

'It's inhumane to make passengers crawl to the loo on your planes.'

A new campaign called 'Rights For Flights' was launched earlier this year, with backers including the charity Disability Rights UK and disabled TV presenter Sophie Morgan.

Supporters want the Civil Aviation Authority to be given new powers to fine airlines and other groups for failing to take good care of disabled passengers.

They say many travellers suffer poor experiences such as being left to wait too long on a plane after landing and having wheelchairs damaged in transit.

Mr Gardner previously told in June 2022 of being left stranded on an empty plane at Gatwick as he slammed UK airports for their 'consistently cr*p' treatment of wheelchair users.

He was forced to wait on the aircraft from Madrid while passengers and Iberia Express airline crew disembarked the plane without offering him assistance.

He said that was the fifth time this had happened to him since he began using a wheelchair after being shot six times by militants while reporting in Saudi Arabia.

In 2004, Mr Gardner and his cameraman Simon Cumbers were working in Saudi Arabia, finishing a piece for television.

They were shot six times at close range by a group of al-Qaeda sympathisers and Mr Cumbers was killed while Mr Gardner was left for dead.

Mr Gardner has spoken previously about being badly treated on planes and at airports, including delays being helped to disembark after landing

Frank Gardner joined the BBC in 1995 and became Middle East correspondent four years later

Irish freelance cameraman Simon Cumbers, 36, was killed in the June 2004 shootings of him and Frank Gardner in the Saudi Arabian capital Riyadh

His legs have minimal sensation from the knees down, while above the knee he can feel them but can 'barely move them'.

Despite his injuries, Mr Gardner - who had been the BBC's Middle East correspondent at the time of the shooting - returned to work and was awarded an OBE for services to journalism in 2005.

He has continued to cover stories in danger zones around the world.

Adel Al-Dhubaiti, the man who murdered his colleague, was later caught and sentenced to death, and executed in Saudi Arabia in January 2016.
One of the UK's biggest cinema chains could be back from the brink after a successful restructuring bid in the High Court.

Four companies which form part of troubled cinema operator Cineworld have had plans approved to stave off the threat of administration with a 16million cash injection.

Cine-UK Ltd, Cineworld Cinemas Ltd, Cineworld Cinema Properties Ltd and Cineworld Estates Ltd are parts of the UK arm of the world's second-largest cinema chain but were at risk of entering administration if the restructuring was not approved, the court heard.

The court in London previously heard that the four companies, which run 101 sites and employ 4,401 staff, form part of a wider group which operates cinemas in 10 countries, including the US under the Regal Cinemas brand.

The approval means 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 to be made available as the four companies renegotiate the leases of some of their venues.

One of the UK's biggest cinema chains could be back from the brink with a 16million cash injection after a successful restructuring bid in London's High Court

Four companies which form part of troubled cinema operator Cineworld have had plans approved to stave off the threat of administration

Mr Justice Miles approved the restructuring on Monday, stating in a written judgment that 'the court should exercise its discretion in favour of sanctioning the plans'.

But their barrister, Tom Smith KC, told the court on Thursday that they are 'presently unprofitable' after being 'severely adversely impacted' by the Covid-19 pandemic and strikes by screen actors and writers last year.

Five of the 101 Cineworld UK sites are now set to close due to being 'commercially unviable'.

Mr Smith said the US arm of the chain had provided the UK firms with around $65m 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 brand announced in June it would close sites in Glasgow Parkhead, Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus in the event of said plans gaining approval but added the total number of impacted sites could not be confirmed until the restructuring process is complete.

The barrister continued that the US arm had agreed to pay 16.7m in rent due for the three months since then as there was 'no prospect of raising the money from anywhere else'.

Mr Justice Miles also dismissed a bid by the landlords of four sites, the Crown Estate and UK Commercial Property (UKCP), to get an injunction blocking the companies from renegotiating the leases of the sites.

The two bodies said that agreements last year prevented the leases from being renegotiated, with their barrister Ben Shaw KC claiming the restructuring would bring 'adverse consequences'.

The brand announced in June it would close sites in Glasgow Parkhead (pictured), Bedford, Hinckley, Loughborough, Yate and Swindon Circus in the event of restructuring plans gaining approval

Pictured: The Loughborough site which also faces closure

In a 31-page judgment, Mr Justice Miles said that while the landlords 'may well feel aggrieved' about the restructure, the renegotiations last year 'did not achieve what was needed to stave off the cashflow shortfall these companies now face' and that they 'now face imminent administration, absent the plans'.

But the judge also gave UKCP the green light to appeal against his ruling, stating that the case involved 'novel points of legal principle' and that there 'is a realistic prospect of an appeal on them succeeding'.

Following the ruling, a Cineworld spokesperson said: 'We are pleased that the court has approved our restructuring plan.

'This will enable us to re-set the business for the long-term and ensure a sustainable future for Cineworld in the UK.'

Since meeting difficulty over summer, Cineworld has been pushing an array of cheaper tickets which may well coax customers back into their venues.

'Cineworld always strives to create the ultimate cinema experience with a range of exciting offers throughout the year,' a spokesperson said.

'We offer many affordable ways to get the most out of your cinema experience, from our year-round family ticket, where adults pay kids' prices, to our Unlimited Card, providing members with unlimited film access and discounted concessions.'
More than 20 children are feared to have died in a school bus inferno after their coach exploded while returning from a field trip in Thailand.

The bus was carrying kids from the Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in the Uthai Thani province when it caught fire on a road in Pathum Thani, on the outskirts of Bangkok, at around 12.38pm local time.

Dramatic footage from the scene shows flames engulfing the entire vehicle as it burned under an overpass, huge clouds of dense black smoke billowing into the sky, with firefighters trying to put out the inferno.

Officials said the bus carried 44 students and teachers who were returning from a school trip, with up to 25 of the passengers on the bus feared dead.

They said the children were in Grade 3, making them around nine or ten years old.

The bus was carrying kids from the Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam School in Uthai Thani province when it caught fire on a road in Pathum Thani province on the outskirts of Bangkok at around 12.38pm local time

The rescued children (like the girl pictured above) suffered burn injuries

Dramatic footage shows flames engulfing the entire vehicle as firefighters battled to put out the inferno

Forensic police officers take photographs as they inspect a burnt-out bus that was carrying students and teachers on the outskirts of Bangkok, on October 1, 2024

Horrifying pictures from the scene showed their charred corpses in the burned-out vehicle.

Firemen took some of the children who were able to escape the blaze into a nearby building, where they were seen being counted.

Rescue workers said that at least 19 out of the 44 passengers, including teachers and pupils who have been rescued and rushed to hospital. At least 25 others remain missing.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said there were fatalities and offered condolences to the victims' families.

Transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the number of fatalities was not clear but 25 people were unaccounted for after the blaze.

'Initial reports said there are 44 on board, 38 students and six teachers. As far as we know now, three teachers and 16 students got out,' he told reporters.

'For those still missing, we are not clear yet.'

Many of the rescued passengers suffered burns, with shocking pictures showing a little girl with burn wounds.

Firemen took some of the children who were able to escape the blaze into a nearby building, where they were seen being counted

Rescuers gather at the site of a bus that caught fire, carrying young students with their teachers, in suburban Bangkok, Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Firefighters gather around a burnt-out bus that was carrying teachers and students from Wat Khao Phraya school, reportedly leading to some on board being hospitalised, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, October 1, 2024

Rescuers hold a white cloth to cover the body of a victim inside a bus that caught fire, carrying young students with their teachers, in suburban Bangkok, Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Rescuers gather at the site of a bus that caught fire, carrying young students with their teachers, in suburban Bangkok, Tuesday, October 1, 2024

Forensic police officers inspect a burnt-out bus that was carrying students and teachers on the outskirts of Bangkok, on October 1, 2024

First response teams work in the area where a bus carrying students caught fire after a gas leak, at Vibhavadi Rangsit road in Bangkok, Thailand, October 1, 2024

Local media report that one of the front tyres exploded, causing the bus to steer out of control and crash into a metal barrier on the side of the road.

The crash reportedly sparked the fire that soon engulfed the entire vehicle.

The bus was running on compressed gas and the crash ignited its fuel tanks, a rescue worker said in footage broadcast on local TV.

'I have learned of the fire on a bus carrying students from Uthai Thani... resulting in deaths and injuries,' Paetongtarn wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

'As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the injured and deceased.'

The blaze has been put out but rescue workers have had to wait for the bus to cool down before searching it for bodies, a rescue worker said.

Thailand has one of the worst road safety records in the world, with unsafe vehicles and poor driving contributing to the high annual death toll.
Eccentric 'Iceman' Wim Hof, famed for his death-defying cold-water therapy, lost his wife to suicide before later being accused of abuse by his estranged ex-partner.

Dutch daredevil Hof, 65, who famously climbed Mount Everest in just his shorts and sandals, has been accused of abuse by his former partner.

In an explosive interview, his ex branded him a 'mean drunk' with an 'explosive character'. Hof denies the allegations.

The claims are the latest twist in the life of the health guru - dubbed a 'real superhuman' for his feats of freezing endurance - which saw his previous wife, Olaya tragically take her own life after leaping to her death from an eighth floor.

The mother-of-four. whose full name was Marivelle-Maria, had been with the 'Iceman' for 15 years when she killed herself while staying with family in Spain in 1995.

Wim Hof, known as the 'Iceman' for his 'superhuman' feats of cold endurance has been accused of abuse by his ex partner. He denies the claim

The accusations are the latest twist in his controversial life, which saw his previous wife of 15 years, Olaya (pictured) taking her own life in 1995

Her death reportedly came after a lengthy battle with depression and schizophrenia, and left Hof alone to look after their four children, Enahm, Isa, Laura and Michael.

Opening up about the tragedy on Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett's The Diary of a CEO podcast in June, Hof said he found out Olaya's mental health was deteriorating 'too late' and he had 'no means of control'.

'My wife took her own life and that led to depression, and I was not able to do anything,' he said, adding she 'went into the shadows of her own mind'.

The Dutchman claimed during the early days of their marriage she had suffered from what he thought was mild depression. By the time their four children had arrived, she had been diagnosed with schizophrenia.

Crushingly, Hof claimed that a month before his wife leapt to her death, she had told him she wanted to have a fifth child with him but that she needed to get better first.

'I was not able to do anything, so it turned into a defeat, it turned into me being hopeless, it turned me into being depressed, but I had no time to be depressed, I had to take care of four children on my own, with almost no money,' Hof said.

Hof met Olaya in 1982 when he was living a carefree, hippy-style life in a squat in Amsterdam.

Originally from Pamplona in Spain, she had just finished her studies and loved his bohemian kookiness; he thought she was the most amazing woman he'd ever met.

Hof's exploits have led to him clinching 26 world records for cold endurance

Wim Hof teared up as he explained how cold-water therapy helped him grieve the death of his wife - amid claims he is promoting 'dangerous' therapies

The Dutch motivational speaker and athlete, who is renowned for promoting cold water therapy, appeared on Dragons' Den star Steven Bartlett 's (pictured) The Diary of a CEO podcast in June

After getting married the pair had four children together before moving into an apartment, with Hof ditching his Bohemian lifestyle to take on a series of jobs - from tour guide to postman - to pay the bills.

Yet by the time their family was complete there were serious problems. What he thought were depressive tendencies in his wife were becoming something else.

He believes the stress on the body and hormonal balance that pregnancy exerts affected her mind.

He said he was the main carer for the four children long before Olaya died, saying she would go to stay with her parents in Spain for lengthy periods.

Having eventually received a diagnosis of schizophrenia, there were appointments with psychiatrists. Pills were administered but they only made things worse.

Previously speaking to the MailOnline Hof said: 'If I'd known then what I know now, I could have done something. But I was powerless. I felt completely alone. We didn't know as much about mental illness then as we do now.'

Olaya was staying with her parents in Spain on that fateful night in 1995 when she eventually took her own life, aged just 35, having kissed her children goodbye only moments before.

He was leading a tour party when he received a message to call his wife's family in Spain urgently. She had leapt to her death at 2am.

Hof later said the grief he felt after the death of his wife was 'an inexplicable burden' and 'traumatised' himself and his four children.

To cope with her loss, Hof turned to cold water therapy 'to feel alive again'.

He developed a new breathing technique to control the bone-chilling temperatures which he said also helped him control his anxiety and grief.

The health guru became a star through the 'Wim Hof method', famous for its use of breathing exercises and cold showers.

The short, sharp, rapid breathing technique was famously shared with celebrities when Hof fronted the BBC reality show Freeze the Fear with Holly Willoughby and comedian Lee Mack.

In the show, the BBC reality show Freeze the Fear with Holly Willoughby and comedian Lee Mack.

He taught celebrities - including Alfie Boe, Chelcee Grimes, Owain Wyn Evans, Dianne Buswell, Tamzin Outhwaite, Patrice Evra, Gabby Logan, and Professor Green - how to control their bodies and mental health with sub-zero ice challenges.

In 2022 he fronted the BBC reality show Freeze the Fear with Holly Willoughby and comedian Lee Mack

He taught celebrities how to control their bodies and mental health with sub-zero ice challenges. Pictured is a poncho-wearing Hof watching Alfie Boe taking the plunge

Since learning the technique Hof has racked up 26 world records for feats of death-defying cold endurance, leading to him being dubbed a 'real superhuman'.

While in 2007 aged almost 50, he climbed from Everest's base camp to almost 22,000ft in just his shorts.

But now the daredevil Dutchman faces accusations of abuse by his former partner.

In a bombshell interview, Hof's ex Caroline branded the 65-year-old a 'mean drunk' with an 'explosive character'.

She claimed the ice-loving TV star had abused her around 13 years ago, the Volkskrant newspaper reported.

Hof, who is nicknamed the 'The Iceman' went on to discuss how he used ice water therapy and breathing to control grief and anxiety

Caroline and her family have reportedly not seen Hof for 11 years, with the former couple's son Noah, 21, not in contact with his father.

The Volkskrant reported: 'For them the name Wim Hof is synonymous with years of aggression, physical violence, humiliation, manipulation.

'They know the Iceman, as Hof calls himself, as a mean drunk with an explosive character and delusions of grandeur.'

Mr Hof told the newspaper: 'It is obvious that she's on the warpath and now wants to make everything look different from how it was.

'Caroline always knew how to quickly get under my skin,' he said while answering questions from the newspaper.

He said he has never been violent.

The allegations are the latest to blight the star's career, with his controversial cold-water therapy having previously been branded 'reckless'.

The health guru was recently slammed and accused of promoting 'dangerous' therapies after a string of families claimed their loved ones died after performing the breathing method.

The Sunday Times reports the unusual method is alleged to have led to people dying - accusing Wim of acting recklessly by failing to warn of the risks.

The newspaper reported that Kellie Poole, a mother-of-three, collapsed and died in a river in Derbyshire after embracing the trend.

Hof claims his cold-water therapy can help improve health and mental well-being. But his controversial method has previously been dubbed 'dangerous' following a series of tragic deaths linked to the trend

In April 2022 the 39-year-old joined her friend Victoria Fielding at the River Goyt in the Peak District for a two-hour class on the method.

Soon after entering the cold water she began complaining of a headache before collapsing.

She was pulled from the water and another member of the class desperately tried to resuscitate her, but she tragically died at the scene.

Her inquest heard that she had an undiagnosed heart condition and the cold water 'might have had an effect on cardiac function and might link to sudden death'.

A prevention of future deaths report was issued to warn that some people may 'experience an adverse physiological reaction to cold water immersion' which could potentially threaten their life.

The Sunday Times used coroners' reports and interviews as well as public statements from families, to identify 11 deaths in which the victim is believed to have tried cold-water techniques.

In August 2022, 17-year-old Madelyn Metzger drowned in the family swimming pool in California.

Raphael found his daughter face down in the water and he dragged her out, tried to perform CPR and called paramedics but she sadly passed away.

He later discovered Maddie had been researching the method since 2020 and had downloaded his app the month before the incident occurred.

Her father has filed a 67 million lawsuit and is seeking an injunction that would ban Hof and his businesses from promoting his breathing method in California.

Mr Metzger argues Wim is negligent in promoting his technique and caused death by failing to properly warn people of the risk of drowning.

Hof and his business deny the allegations, arguing they had no duty of care over Maddie.

The Dutch motivational speaker is noted for his ability to withstand low temperatures and is determined to teach as many as possible about cold therapy

The 65-year-old revealed how he first embraced the unusual method in a bid to conquer his grief following his wife's death in 1995

They said: 'We are deeply saddened by the loss of life and extend our sympathies to all who have lost loved ones. The safety and wellbeing of everyone practising the Wim Hof Method is of utmost importance to us.

'That is why we consistently emphasise safety across all our platforms, products and in every aspect of our training,' the Times reported.

They said warnings and disclaimers are used anywhere the Wim Hof Method is advertised.

But a spokesperson added: 'It's important to note, however, that we advise against practising the Wim Hof Method for those with certain health conditions and always recommend consulting a doctor if you're unsure.'

Hof's daughter Laura - whose mother died when she was eight - previously spoke out and championed his cold-water therapy.

Describing how her father raised her and her siblings after her mother's suicide, she told RTE: 'I was raised by a very special man, which I only understood later.

'We always used to play outside  if it was cold, it didn't really matter. The weatherman never dictated what we needed to wear.'

'We were very free  I don't think there were any rules,' she remembers. 'Sometimes you would think, OK, kids need some rules, but it was also the best time of my life. My father used to play more than we did. So, he always wanted to go outside with us, and that was great.'

For confidential support, call Samaritans on 116 123, visit samaritans.org or visit https://www.thecalmzone.net/get-support
A Georgia judge on Monday struck down the state's six-week abortion ban after deeming it unconstitutional, with pregnancy terminations now legal in the state up until about 22 weeks.

The ban first took effect in 2022 and prohibited women from having abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in his order that the law violates Georgia's Constitution.

He found that 'liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.'

With the state's attorney general set to appeal, the decision sets up another potential Georgia supreme court battle over reproductive rights.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney has ruled that Georgia's restrictive six-week abortion law is unconstitutional

A spokesperson for Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr (pictured) has advocated for the abortion ban. A spokesperson for Carr said he would appeal the ruling

Pictured: The Nathan Deal Judicial Center, home of Georgia's Supreme Court and Court of Appeals

When the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 and ended a national right to abortion, it opened the door for state bans.

Thirteen states now bar abortion at all stages of pregnancy, with some exceptions.

Georgia was one of four where bans begin after about the first six weeks of pregnancy - often before women realize they're pregnant.

McBurney's ruling would allow abortions through at least 20 weeks of pregnancy.

Kara Murray, a spokesperson for Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr, said he would immediately appeal to the state supreme court.

The state high court earlier reversed a separate ruling by McBurney that had struck down the law on different grounds and could put Monday's ruling on hold pending an appeal.

'We believe Georgia's life act is fully constitutional,' Murray said.

The bans have been felt deeply in the South because many people live hundreds of miles from states where abortion procedures can be obtained legally. If the Georgia ruling stands, it could open new avenues to access abortion not only in Georgia, but for people in nearby states.

Georgia's law was passed by state lawmakers and signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019 but it was initially blocked from taking effect until the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, which had protected the right to an abortion for nearly 50 years.

Kemp has in the past tried to soften its political impact by trying to focus on the health of mothers. Monday, he attacked the ruling.

'Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge,' Kemp said in a statement. 'Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our most sacred responsibilities, and Georgia will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn.'

Carol Tobias, president of the National Right to Life Committee, called the ruling 'ridiculous.'

'This judge is an activist judge who is ignoring higher court rulings to do what he wants,' she said in an interview. 'And I don't think it's going to stand.'

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, one of the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, celebrated the ruling.

'Since we've seen these direct attacks here in the South, in particular, on abortion access, we have been in a deep defensive posture for a really long time,' she said. 'It feels like our work has not been in vain.'

A Georgia judge on Monday struck down the state's six-week abortion ban after deeming it unconstitutional, with pregnancy terminations now legal in the state up until about 22 weeks. Pictured: Abortion rights protesters rally near the Georgia state Capitol in Atlanta, on May 14 2022.

The ban first took effect in 2022 and prohibited women from having abortions beyond six weeks of pregnancy

The bans have been felt deeply in the South because many people live hundreds of miles from states where abortion procedures can be obtained legally

While carafem, an abortion provider in Atlanta, plans to expand its services as permitted over the next several weeks, co-founder Melissa Grant said she fears a reversal.

'Staff and clients will be living with this possibility hanging over immediate change, and that can be devastating to people who are trying to plan their lives and try to take care of their health,' Grant said.

Kwajelyn Jackson, executive director of Feminist Women's Health Center, another Atlanta abortion provider, said they 'will not be turning patients away based on the presence or absence of fetal cardiac activity, and so for as long as we are able, we're hopeful that we'll be able to care for patients who need services from us.'

Georgia's law prohibited most abortions once a 'detectable human heartbeat' was present. Cardiac activity can be detected by ultrasound in an embryo's cells that will eventually become the heart at around six weeks into a pregnancy.

Before the law kicked in, there were more than 4,400 abortions each month in Georgia. That has dropped a monthly average of about 2,400 since the ban began in 2022 according to data from the Society of Family Planning.

The ruling means the law in the state reverts to its prior status, allowing abortions until roughly 20 weeks into a pregnancy, McBurney wrote.

The right to privacy in the Georgia Constitution includes the right to make personal healthcare decisions, he wrote.

'When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then - and only then - may society intervene,' McBurney wrote.

An 'arbitrary six-week ban' on abortions 'is inconsistent with these rights and the proper balance that a viability rule establishes between a woman's rights of liberty and privacy and society's interest in protecting and caring for unborn infants,' the order says.

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris speaks on reproductive freedom and Trump abortion bans at the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre on September 20, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Vice President Harris Campaign Rally in Atlanta, Georgia

Claire Bartlett, executive director of the Georgia Life Alliance, expressed confidence that the Georgia Supreme Court would again overturn McBurney, saying he wrongly attempted 'to create a right to abortion out of whole cloth by finding that it resides in our Constitution.'

'It's just ironic that based on his decision on Georgia's constitutional protection against a person being deprived of life, liberty or property, which is what the argument was, that he chose to focus on a woman's right to liberty rather than the child's right to life,' Bartlett said.

In part because Georgia has no way for citizens to place initiatives on the ballot, there's no referendum on abortion rights scheduled for Georgia's election this year. But Democrats have focused on abortion as they appeal to women and suburbanites.

Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris visited Atlanta to cast Republican Donald Trump as a threat to women's freedom and lives, warning Trump would limit abortion access even more if reelected. It's also a key issue in state legislative races as Democrats try to cut into Republican majorities.

Harris' visit came after ProPublica reported that two women in the state died after they didn't get proper medical treatment for complications from taking abortion pills to end their pregnancies. Democrats argue such deaths were a predictable outcome of restrictive laws

Harris has been outspoken on abortion rights ever since the Supreme Court's decision more than two years ago.

The Vice President also said last month that she supports ending the filibuster in the Senate to pass abortion rights protections as legislation to protect abortion access federally has been blocked from moving forward since the overturning of Roe V Wade.

Democrats have been trying to pass legislation restoring the abortion protections provided in Roe v Wade since the landmark decision was overturned by the Supreme Court in 2022.

However, Democrats need 60 votes to overcome the filibuster in the Senate but only hold a 51 seat majority.
Four Britons have been rescued after their motor yacht caught fire before sinking off Menorca.

The blaze broke out in the engine room before spreading rapidly to the rest of the vessel in Mahon, the capital of the Mediterranean island, on Sunday.

Dramatic footage showed coastguards who went to the rescue trying to put out the fire with high-pressure water jets as a huge plume of black smoke rose into the air.

Emergency responders had initially planned to tow the 40-ft boat to Mahon Port so firefighters could tackle the blaze with more sophisticated equipment.

But coastguards eventually decided to take it further out to sea to minimise the risk of explosion before it sank.

The blaze broke out in the engine room before spreading rapidly to the rest of the vessel in Mahon, the capital of the Mediterranean island, on Sunday

Dramatic footage showed coastguards who went to the rescue trying to put out the fire with high-pressure water jets as a huge plume of black smoke rose into the air

The British nationals had already been rescued unharmed and taken ashore on a boat belonging to a sailing club based at Mahon Port.

It was not immediately clear this morning if they were holidaymakers or lived locally.

The drama occurred around 6pm on Sunday when the motor yacht was in an area known as the Mahon Channel. It sank around two hours later around four nautical miles south-east of Mahon Port.

The nationality of those on board emerged this morning.

A spokesman for the Spanish Coastguards said overnight: 'On Sunday evening a fire broke out on board a 12-metre long motorboat in the Mahon Channel.

'Its crew were rescued by seamen from the Mahon Sailing Club.

'A tug began to tow it before coastguard vessel Antares took over, whilst at the same time efforts were made to put out the blaze.

'Finally it sunk around 8pm at a depth of 92 metres. The coastguard vessel collected the floating debris.'

In June, a British couple were injured in a boat explosion in Majorca. They were rushed to hospital with second-degree burns following the incident on June 16 in the Port of Palma.

The 44-year-old man and 30-year-old woman were said to have been handling the engine of a Zodiac-type semi-rigid boat when the blast occurred and sent them flying into the water.

Another vessel alongside it also ended up catching fire as a result.

As well as burns to their face and arms, the injured pair also suffered less serious burns to other parts of their body.

The drama occurred around 6pm on Sunday when the motor yacht was in an area known as the Mahon Channel

Emergency responders had initially planned to tow the 40-ft boat to Mahon Port so firefighters could tackle the blaze with more sophisticated equipment. But coastguards eventually decided to take it further out to sea to minimise the risk of explosion before it sank

Five days earlier a British holidaymaker was among three people injured when a boat exploded in a pleasure port in Cabo Roig near Torrevieja on the Costa Blanca.

The 37-year-old was rushed to Torrevieja Hospital along with a 31-year-old Lithuanian woman after suffering facial burns.

A third person, a Spanish man aged 34, was airlifted to a hospital in Valencia after suffering severe burn injuries.

Police described the incident as an accident afterwards but said at the time they were still investigating.

Footage showed concerned Good Samaritans rushing towards the spot where the explosion occurred after seeing a ball of flames rise into the air.

The unnamed Spanish man, the most seriously injured of the three casualties, was described locally as a workman who was cleaning the vessel.

He suffered serious burns to the bottom half of his body.
Phillip Schofield's latest attempt to launch a comeback on a desert island survival programme called 'Cast Away' failed to hide his 'bitterness' over his fall from grace according to a body language expert.

Since he was forced to resign from ITV's This Morning when it emerged he was having an affair with a 20-year-old male colleague while married, the former presenter has battled desperately to rebuild his tattered career.

But his latest effort to return to the public eye on Channel 5, is a 'epic act of TV vanity publishing' according to body language expert Judi James.

The 62-year-old stars in a three part series which details his trials surviving on an island close to Madagascar for ten days which aired for the first time last night.

Phillip Schofield: Making his latest attempt to return to television screens in 'Cast Away'

Anger: Schofield gritting his teeth is a sign of frustration a body language expert said

Stranded: The former face of ITV spends much of the series reflecting on his collapsed career

Ms James explains despite Schofield's endeavours to 'make us his friend and confidante' it is his overriding sense of 'anger and bitterness' which come to the forefront.

Speaking exclusively to MailOnline, she said: 'At one very telling moment when Schofield is being briefed by a survival expert he throws his eyes to the camera in a non-verbal "aside".

'This makes us his friend and confidante. Which is then the theme throughout. He "confides" directly, using his own camera as the catalyst.

'For a man working a comeback it is a very powerful move as it allows him to spill all with an air of one-to-one intimacy.'

But she goes on to add that: 'There is in a second non-verbal emote a hint of supressed anger or bitterness.

'He talks about being sad for so long and his teeth bare and then clench while his head shakes in disbelief.'

The series sees Schofield speaking to camera about his experiences on the island but also talking with his family back at his home.

Schofield in a 'telling moment' when he uses a coy expression to earn the trust of the audience

Ms James says Schofield uses non-verbal gestures to reveal his emotions on the show

While with his wife and daughters they clearly show their support according to Ms James.

She says: 'They gaze at him with nose-wrinkling indulgent, adoring smiles and he asks Are you ok? several times.'

Schofield uses his experience of being in front of television crews to try to put his position on his ruined career across.

'Apart from acting as director and cameraman he also does his own voice-over and films himself as his own talking head in a studio setting that is interspersed with the desert island action,' Ms James says.

'He is also the star of the show in terms of filming himself panning for food and sitting in several island locations etc.

'So we see him talking about his experiences to camera in the studio then also talking about them on location.

'His emotional displays are clearly important, as is his use of the camera to direct the role of his audience at home.'

Schofield sits with his family who have supported him throughout his troubles

Schofield laughing with his family which the body language expert claims is meant to reveal their support for him

During the television series Schofield argues he never wanted to in the limelight

At one stage Schofield argues he never wished to be famous.

This also came to the attention of Ms James who described it as 'ironic'.

She said: 'There are tears in the studio and tears on location.

'There are big dollops or irony, like when he films scenes of his family sitting round a table with him before telling us that "none of them are happy with the limelight".

'Or, when he says "I never wanted to be famous" or "Let me get on with a quiet life"-by filming one of the biggest, longest selfies in history.'

Channel 5 Commissioning Editor, Guy Davies, described the series as more than 'just a survival challenge... it is 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.'
A judge has upheld an involuntary manslaughter conviction against a movie armorer in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin.

Armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed asked a New Mexico court to dismiss her conviction or convene a new trial, alleging that prosecutors failed to share evidence that could have cleared her over the shooting on the set of the Western film 'Rust.'

But Judge Mary Marlowe Sommer in her written order noted that Gutierrez-Reed's attorneys did not establish that there was a reasonable possibility that the outcome of the trial would have been different had the evidence been available to her.

The judge also rejected a request from Gutierrez-Reed that she be released from custody, saying it was moot because the request for a new trial was denied.

Marlow Sommer halted and ended Baldwin's trial in July based on misconduct of police and prosecutors and their withholding evidence from the defense in the 2021 shooting of cinematographer Halyna Hutchins on the set outside Santa Fe.

A judge has upheld an involuntary manslaughter conviction against a movie armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed (centre) in the fatal shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin

The 'Rust' film set's armorer Hannah Gutierrez-Reed poses for mugshot after being convicted of involuntary manslaughter

Cinematographer Halyna Hutchins died after being hit by a bullet from the prop gun that Baldwin was handling on the Rust film set in October 2021

Baldwin, the lead actor and co-producer for 'Rust,' was pointing a gun at Hutchins during a rehearsal on a movie set outside Santa Fe when the revolver went off, killing Hutchins and wounding director Joel Souza.

A jury convicted Gutierrez-Reed of involuntary manslaughter in March in a trial overseen by Marlowe Sommer, who later sentenced her to the maximum 18-months.

Gutierrez-Reed has an appeal of the conviction pending in a higher court. Jurors acquitted her of allegations she tampered with evidence in the 'Rust' investigation.

Prosecutors blamed Gutierrez-Reed for unwittingly bringing live ammunition onto the set of 'Rust' and for failing to follow basic gun safety protocols.

Evidence that Gutierrez-Reed's attorneys said prosecutors failed to share included a report by a firearms expert about the functionality of the gun that Baldwin used, ammunition that was later turned in to authorities and an interview with 'Rust' ammunition supplier Seth Kenney.

Defense attorneys did not immediately respond Monday to an email requesting comment on the judge's decision.

Gutierrez-Reed has pleaded not guilty to a separate felony charge that she allegedly carried a gun into a bar in Santa Fe, New Mexico, where firearms are prohibited.

A proposed plea agreement is awaiting court review.

Gutierrez-Reed is currently serving her sentence at the Santa Fe County Adult Detention Facility.

Baldwin, seen here outside the Santa Fe County Sheriff's offices on the day of the shooting, was had the charges against him brought twice

This aerial photo shows the movie set of "Rust," at Bonanza Creek Ranch, October 23, 2021

Alec Baldwin broke down in tears and hugged his wife Hilaria as his involuntary manslaughter case was sensationally dismissed in July

Baldwin, meanwhile, saw his involuntary manslaughter case dismissed in July.

The judge at the court in Santa Fe, New Mexico, said at the time that there had been errors by the prosecution in the handling of evidence, which she said 'impacted the fundamental fairness of the case'.

The decision came after a day-long hearing without the jury present over bullets that should have been in evidence, which Baldwin's lawyers claimed were 'concealed' from them and 'buried' in another case file.

The issue had upended the trial for Baldwin who pleaded not guilty to two counts of involuntary manslaughter as he was accused of negligence.
Licensed and Board-Certified Professional Counselor Offers a Lasting Solution to Defeat Mental Strongholds

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Charisma Media

Sept. 30, 2024

LAKE MARY, Fla., Sept. 30, 2024 /Standard Newswire/ -- Licensed and board-certified professional counselor, Kenza Haddock, dives into the three forces that attack mental health: the flesh, the enemy, and the world. As she draws from her knowledge and experience in the field, The Three Enemies of Your Mental Health (ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-368-6) provides biblically sound advice and teaches readers to have victory over spiritual warfare that lasts.

Whether the issues presented during therapy sessions with my own patients or consultations with other therapists, about 95 percent of them came down to fighting the battle against what I call the three enemies of mental health, Haddock writes.

The Three Enemies of Your Mental Health explains how sneaky attacks from our flesh, the devil and the world can open the door for spiritual battles to rage in our lives. By diving into the power and meaning of each enemy, readers can expose the root problem and prevent future attacks.

This book not only provides readers ways to look out for attacks, but also provides a practical approach to navigating their mental health, with the all-encompassing belief that Jesus Christ can fight, and win the battles going on in the mind.

The Three Enemies of Your Mental Health published by Charisma House, releases on October 1, 2024, and is available online at MyCharismaShop.com and wherever books are sold. Kenza

Haddock, LPCS, BCPC, is a licensed professional counselor supervisor and an accredited clinical trauma specialist with expertise in treating complex mental health conditions through both clinical and biblical methods. A former Muslim, she has spoken at conferences and churches and been featured in numerous news outlets regarding the intersection of Christianity and mental health counseling. Haddock and her husband own Oceanic Counseling Group LLC, an outpatient mental health agency headquartered in South Carolina. She also was a cofounder of the #healSC campaign, which raised awareness about mental health issues and garnered statewide media attention.

Keep in touch with Kenza

Facebook: kenzahaddock

Instagram: @oceaniccounseling

Website: https://kenzahaddock.com/

Title: The Three Enemies of Your Mental Health: Gain Lasting Victory Over the Devil, the Flesh, and the World | Release Date: October 1, 2024 | Retail: $19.99 | ISBN-13: 978-1-63641-368-6| E-Book ISBN: 978-1-63641-369-3 | Binding: Trade Paper | Size: 8.25 x 5.5 | Page Count: 208 | Hometown: Myrtle Beach, SC | BISAC Category: HEALTH & FITNESS / Mental Health, RELIGION / Christian Living / Spiritual Warfare, RELIGION / Christian Living / Personal Growth

To interview Kenza or for a review copy, please contact don@veritasincorporated.com.

SOURCE Charisma Media

CONTACT: don@veritasincorporated
An urgent search continues for a young schoolgirl who's been missing in Brisbane for more than 36 hours.

The girl, 11, left a Pine Mountain Road home in Carina Heights in the city's south-east 6am on Monday.

She was captured on CCTV carrying a skateboard at an Upper Mount Gravatt shopping centre two hours later at 8am and hasn't returned home or been in contact with her family since.

Police and family have serious concerns for her welfare due to her behaviour being out of character and her young age.

She is described as Caucasian, 140cm tall, slim build and blonde/brown hair.

Queensland Police have launched an urgent appeal to help track down this missing girl

The girl was last seen wearing these red and black TN shoes (pictured)

She was last seen wearing black shorts with blue trimming, a black pullover jumper, and red and black TN shoes.

She is known to frequently use public transport.

A public appeal shared by Queensland Police attracted more than 1,500 Facebook shares within several hours.

Police urge the girl, or anyone who has seen her, to immediately come forward.
Tory leadership hopeful James Cleverly backed Israel's military invasion of Lebanon today, as UK ministers pleaded with Brits to escape the fighting.

Defence Secretary John Healey told people to 'leave Lebanon immediately', as intense fighting began between Israeli Defence Force troops and Hezbollah fighters.

The UK Government has chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave as Israel said it had begun what it called a 'limited, localised' operation in the southern part of the country.

Asked on Sky News if he supports Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, Mr Cleverly, the former foreign secretary said: 'I do, and the reason why is what I have always said, Israel has the right to defend itself.

'Israel has been at the receiving end of rockets from Hamas, who are embedded within Lebanese society. I love Lebanon. I've been to Beirut.

'I've spoken with representatives of many of the parts of Lebanese society on a very, very regular basis.

'But Hezbollah are doing huge damage, not just to Israel, but to the Lebanese people. Those rockets have been raining down for months, and Israel has now taken action.

'My support has always come with the caveat that Israel must continue to adhere to international humanitarian law. They absolutely have the right to defend themselves.'

Asked on Sky News if he supports Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, Mr Cleverly, the former foreign secretary said: 'I do, and the reason why is what I have always said, Israel has the right to defend itself.

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border,

Defence Secretary John Healey told people to 'leave Lebanon immediately', as intense fighting began between Israeli Defence Force troops and Hezbollah fighters.

Mr Lammy reiterated calls for Britons in Lebanon to leave and said the Government will do 'all that we can' to assist people in fleeing.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation in Lebanon as 'volatile' and with the 'potential to deteriorate quickly' as the charter flight, due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, was confirmed.

UK authorities want all Brits in the country to get in touch for help, via the Foreign Office website.

Mr Lammy reiterated calls for Britons in Lebanon to leave and said the Government will do 'all that we can' to assist people in fleeing.

In a brief announcement released in the early hours of this morning by the Israeli Defence Force (IDF), the military said it was targeting Hezbollah in areas close to the border between the two nations.

The IDF added that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support forces on the ground.

'A few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localised and targeted ground raids,' it said.

'These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.'

The IDF gave no details as to how long the operation in southern Lebanon would last, but it did say its army had been training and preparing to cross the border to fight for months.

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the UK flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority. That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Speaking to broadcasters earlier on Monday evening, Mr Lammy said: 'We will do all that we can to assist people to get out and we have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.

'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast-moving.'

He added: 'And of course, whilst we will do everything we can to protect British nationals  and those plans are in place to do so  we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we could do that if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

A man walks past damaged buildings at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs this morning

Mr Lammy chaired a ministerial meeting of the Cobra emergency committee on Monday to discuss the crisis.

There are an estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon and the Government says it is working on 'all contingency options'.

British military assets have been deployed to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean in case an evacuation is required, although ministers and officials have stressed that Britons should leave immediately.

On Monday, the Prime Minister's official spokesman said Sir Keir Starmer has been 'very, very clear' that British nationals 'should leave now, particularly whilst commercial flights are still available'.

The spokesman told reporters: 'We're doing everything we can to work with commercial airlines to maximise capacity because we want people to leave, and I understand that there have been extra Middle East Airlines flights leaving Lebanon over the weekend, another scheduled for Tuesday, and we have secured seats for British nationals on those flights.'

It is understood around 15 spaces for British nationals were secured on a flight which arrived on Sunday, and a further 40 on the flight due to leave on Tuesday.

The spokesman said the focus is on 'securing extra spaces on commercial flights for those who do want to leave and reiterating our calls for those to leave and to register their presence with us and book the first available flights'.

Meanwhile, the families of Israeli hostages kidnapped on October 7 have said the UK Government 'must do more' to help bring them home.

Speaking at a press conference, relatives said a deal must be struck urgently with Hamas to bring people home.

During a meeting with Sir Keir and Mr Lammy on Monday, the Prime Minister agreed that the hostages must be freed and returned immediately, the conference was told.

Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents Yocheved and Oded Lifschitz were kidnapped, said she felt 'encouraged' by the meeting, but urged the Government to do more.

'They listened carefully to what we said,' she said. 'But I think the British Government can and should do more.

'They must treat (the hostages) as if they are their own.'
A Donald Trump supporter has received shocking death threats after praising Haitian employees for showing up on time.

Jamie McGregor, 48, CEO of McGreggor Metal Co. from Springfield, Ohio, is a lifelong Republican who voted twice for Trump.

But he has now had to purchase a gun for protection after receiving a flurry of death threats for speaking favorably about his Haitian employees after Trump infamously denounced the Haitians in Springfield with false claims that they were eating pets last month.

Posters branding him a traitor for hiring immigrants have also been plastered around his town as he told the NYT he is now having to take his family to shooting ranges in preparation for the worst.

'I have struggled with the fact that now we're going to have firearms in our house... and now we're taking classes, we're going to shooting ranges, we're being fitted for handguns,' he said.

Jamie McGregor, 48, CEO of McGreggor Metal Co and lifelong Republican, from Springfield, Ohio (pictured) has received death threats after publicly praising his Haitian employees

It comes after former president Donald Trump made comments during the September 10 presidential debate with Kamala Harris about Haitians stealing and eating pets in Springfield

McGreggor runs a company that produces parts for cars, trucks, and tractors and began hiring Haitians who had settled in Springfield and they now make up around 10 per cent of his labor force of 330.

But the dad and businessman has now been slammed after publicly praising his Haitian team members for their hard work and willingness to work.

Threats have been pouring in from all angles - and not just directed at McGreggor, but also his business and family.

'The owner of McGregor Metal can take a bullet to the skull and that would be 100 percent justified,' said one message left on the company voice mail.

Another asked why he was 'importing Third World savages who eat animas'.

'Stack all 20,000 Haitians inside Jamie McGregor's factory at once and force him to praise the benefits of foreign labor while being crushed to death by Black bodies themselves being crushed to death,' another said.

McGreggor added that his mother, 80, and children have also been receiving terrifying calls just because he had spoken out in an effort to show that Haitian workers had helped his company expand.

'They come to work every day. They don't cause drama. They're on time,' he told the newspaper.

On PBS News Hour, he noted that his Haitian employees were drug-free and wished he 'had 30 more'.

The CEO said he never dreamed that speaking up on behalf of his workers would put he and his family in danger, and revealed some of his American workers felt undermined by his comments

This sparked McGreggor to host emergency meetings at all three of his facilities so he could offer an apology to his offended staff and explanation behind his comments.

He told his employees he was 'deeply sorry' if he caused any offence and highlighted they were 'here to make metal parts... not to debate immigration'.

Due to the threat levels, the FBI turned up on the doorstep of McGreggor Metal on September 12, warning him he needed to take precautions abide by strict safety protocols.

Security experts gathered at the family home and advised them to switch up routes to and from school and work, scrub their digital footprints, use gloves and tongs while handling mail and keeping the blinds drawn in their house at all times.

Although the threats against his family have subsided in recent days, the worried dad said he is still struggling to completely relax back into normal life.

'You know, things are just different now,' Mr. McGregor said, noting that he would not vote for Mr. Trump again.
An Aussie woman has issued an urgent warning after spotting a man committing a despicable act in public at a popular beach.

Ashleigh Blake was at Coolum Beach on Queensland's Sunshine Coast on September 18 alone when she noticed a man allegedly masturbating while looking at her.

Ms Blake claimed to have recognised the man after seeing him naked at the beach - near teenage girls - on previous trips to the beach.

'I'm furious, yesterday I caught a man touching himself on the beach while looking at me,' she told TikTok users in an expletive-ridden rant to the platform a day later.

'I look around and realise I'm the only one on the beach, I look up and he is naked, he has uncovered himself and his d**k is out and he is jerking off while looking at me.'

Ms Blake filmed the man in the middle of his filthy act and has since handed over the footage to police.

She described the act as 'disgusting' and urged other women to speak out about similar incidents to raise awareness.

'Im here to warn women, especially on the Sunshine Coast, men are f***ing c***s,' Ms Blake said.

Sunshine Coast local Ashleigh Blake (pictured) issued a dire warning after spotting a man allegedly masturbating at a beach while looking at her

The video sparked a flurry of comments from viewers who slammed the man's disgusting act.

The warning also prompted other women to share their own similar experiences.

'This happened to me and my friend at this exact location,' one viewer wrote.

Another added: 'When you said Sunshine Coast my heart sank ... I thought that kind of stuff didnt really happen here.'

A third wrote: 'Had it happen to me three times as a teenager all at different beaches and twice at a bus stop.'

Others said the issue wasn't restricted to Aussie beachgoers, with many reporting being flashed by men elsewhere.

'This happened to me when I was 19 at a bus stop at night by myself he had it out and kept walking by in front of me so I'd notice,' one viewer wrote.

'I pretended I knew nothing and tore off to the servo across the road.'

Ms Blake and the man were the only people at Coolum Beach (pictured) at the time and reported the incident to police who have launched an investigation

Another added: 'This happened to me too in Italy and Switzerland, no place is safe,' another said.

Queensland Police has confirmed an investigation into the incident is underway.

'Police are investigating reports of an indecent exposure incident ... at Second Bay in Coolum Beach,' a spokeswoman said.

'Initial investigations indicate a man exposed himself and was behaving indecently on the beach around 2pm.

'He reportedly left the scene when confronted by a member of the public.'

Anyone with information has been urged to contact police.
A head teacher who was convicted of sexual harassment earlier this year has been accused of more inappropriate behaviour by female staff members.

Gregory Hill, 49, was found guilty of harassing trainee teacher Chloe Regester, 25, for nearly a year while working at Howard Junior School in King's Lynn, Norfolk.

Hannah Gidman, 26, moved to the UK from Australia back in 2019 and took up a role at the school after recently qualifying as a teacher.

She told the BBC she experienced similar behaviour from Hill while working at the school, such as him telling her he had imagined her in a bikini.

The BBC has spoken to four other women, including Ms Gidman, who claimed they experienced similar behaviour from Hill when working at the school. He reportedly did not respond to the allegations.

Ms Gidman was 22 when she began working at the school and said problems started when she went out to dinner with colleagues and Hill complained he had not been invited.

She claimed Hill would make 'sexualising comments' towards her 'at least once a week' but did not complain over fears she would lose her job.

Hannah Gidman, 26, (pictured) and three other women have come forward with allegations about inappropriate behaviour they experienced from Hill

Ms Gidman said comments made by Hill, in which he said he could imagine her on the beach in a bikini, left her feeling 'icky' and 'uncomfortable'

Chloe Regester (pictured) quit her job as the school's leader for art and design and technology following her ordeal at the school

Gregory Hill, 49, (pictured outside Norwich Magistrates Court) was found guilty of harassing trainee teacher Chloe Regester, 25, for nearly a year while working at Howard Junior School in King's Lynn, Norfolk

On one occasion he told her he imagined her on the beach in a bikini, which she said left her feeling 'icky' and 'uncomfortable'.

'I don't think anyone should have to go through what me and other people I worked with went through,' Ms Gidman told the BBC.

Ms Gidman now works as a teacher in Australia and spoke to the BBC because she believes the complaints system needs to change.

Other women who spoke to the broadcaster said they experienced inappropriate behaviour from Hill, claiming he would frequently make comments about their looks.

One woman, who wanted to remain anonymous, told the BBC 'my looks should have nothing to do with how I'm doing my job'.

None of these women were involved in Hills' conviction for harassment.

Hill, who won a local award for Inspirational Teacher of the Year in 2022, denied harassment and resisted arrest but was jailed for 20 weeks following a trial at Norwich Magistrates Court in August this year.

Ms Regester said Hill requested her personal attendance to accompany him to Sandringham last September following the death of the Queen - he is pictured here with a school tribute

Ms Gidman, 26, (pictured) told the BBC she experienced similar behaviour from Hill while working at the school, such as him telling her he had imagined her in a bikini

He contacted Ms Regester through Facebook and WhatsApp and even ordered her to go with him and pupils to Sandringham after the late Queen died, a court heard.

But when he found out the object of his attention was gay, he made withering remarks about her partner and belittled her dress sense, saying she had 'lesbian shoes'.

When Hill was arrested in the car park of his school he spent 30 minutes lying on the ground and wrestling with officers, who caught the 'bizarre' scene on bodyworn cameras.

Sentencing the disgraced educator, District Judge Christopher Williams said he had a 'chilling ignorance' of the power he held over staff at Howard Junior School in King's Lynn, Norfolk, which had led to his 'spectacular fall from grace'.

He added: 'Even now, you fail to realise how wrong your behaviour was.

'You abused the power you held, especially over young members of staff at the school. You are an obsessive individual.'

In a victim impact statement read out at the sentencing, Ms Regester described the messages she received as a 'constant drain' on her mentally and physically.

'He was always hounding me with messages and emails late at night,' she said.

'I started to struggle with sleeping and would have nightmares.

'I had concerns that Hill was aware of my movements and this led to a fear of seeing him when I was out and about.

'These last few years have completely changed me as a person and I do not know if I will ever return to the person I once was.'

Former special constable Hill yelled he was being assaulted by officers when he was arrested just before 9am on March 13 last year.

He also compared himself to George Floyd, who died in Minnesota in the US after a policeman put his knee on his neck for nearly ten minutes, shouting: 'I cannot breathe.'

A spokesperson for the Eastern Multi-Academy Trust (EMAT), which took over the school after Hills' arrest, said when the arrest took place it urgently reviewed safeguarding, complaints and whistleblowing procedures.

It said it was appalled by the allegations and commended the victim for their courage in bringing him to justice.

MailOnline has contacted Ms Gidman for comment.
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have been ramping up for months amid bitter cross-border fighting, and are now coming to a head with the region facing the prospect of a full-scale war.

Israel's Defence Forces (IDF) said they launched 'limited' raids inside Lebanon last night, with Hezbollah retaliating with a barrage of rockets being launched deep into Israeli territory.

So how did we get here? And where did the decades of enmity between two of the most powerful fighting forces in the Middle East begin?

What is Hezbollah?

Hezbollah is an Iran-backed Lebanese militant group and political party which has a sworn hatred of Israel and is designated a terror organisation by many Western governments.

It's name - Hizb Allah - means 'Party of God', and since the 2000s it has become one of the foremost political forces in Lebanon and by far the strongest military force.

Hezbollah fighters attend the funeral of three Hezbollah commanders who died in an Israeli strike on a southern suburb of Beirut on September 20

Interceptions of rockets launched from Lebanon to Israel over the border, amid ongoing cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, are seen close to the Israeli border with Lebanon, on its Israeli side September 16

Flames rise after an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, Sept. 28

Hezbollah fighters stand behind the coffin of commander Fouad Shukur, who was killed by an Israeli airstrike on July 30, as the late leader Hassan Nasrallah speaks on a screen in the background

What are Hezbollah's origins?

Iran's Revolutionary Guards founded the militia in 1982 during Lebanon's 1975-90 civil war, part of Tehran's effort to export its 1979 Islamic Revolution and fight Israeli forces that had invaded Lebanon in 1982.

The group has risen from a shadowy faction to a heavily armed force with big sway in Lebanon and the region.

The United States and United Kingdom are among the governments that designate it a terrorist group. So do Sunni Muslim Gulf Arab states including Saudi Arabia.

Hezbollah is a Shi'ite Islamist group and shares the ideology of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Why are Israel and Hezbollah enemies?

Israel and Hezbollah have been bitter enemies for decades, with each vowing to destroy the other.

The armed group was built up by Iran to counter Israel. When Israeli troops withdrew from Lebanon in 2000, Hezbollah took credit for pushing them out.

Hezbollah continues to oppose Israel's presence in disputed border areas, and has carried out deadly attacks on Israeli and US forces in Lebanon.

The armed group stepped up its rocket attacks on Israel on October 8, the day after Hamas launched its bloody invasion of Israel from Gaza, triggering the war there.

Fighters from the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah carry out a training exercise in Aaramta village in the Jezzine District, southern Lebanon, in May

Hezbollah fighters are seen training at a site in southern Lebanon in May

Hezbollah has vowed to continue firing rockets into Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, where health officials say more than 41,000 people have been killed so far.

For its part, Israel says it will not tolerate constant attacks on its territory, arguing that it must dismantle Hezbollah if it wants to safely return thousands of evacuated citizens - who fled since October 7 - to their homes in the north.

Why is Hezbollah concerned about the war in Gaza?

Hezbollah is a powerful part of the 'Axis of Resistance', an alliance of Iran-backed groups across the Middle East that also includes Palestinian terror group Hamas, which ignited the Gaza war by attacking Israel on October 7.

Declaring solidarity with the Palestinians, Hezbollah began firing on Israeli positions in the frontier region on October 8.

The sides have been trading fire on a near daily basis since then, with Hezbollah launching rockets and drones and Israel mounting air and artillery strikes.

The attacks have mostly struck near or at the frontier, but both sides have also widened their attacks.

Tens of thousands have been uprooted in Lebanon and Israel.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system operates for interceptions as rockets are launched from Lebanon towards Israel, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Haifa, Israel, September 24, 2024

How powerful is Hezbollah's military?

While other groups disarmed after Lebanon's civil war, Hezbollah kept its weapons to fight Israeli forces that were occupying the predominantly Shi'ite Muslim south of the country.

Years of guerrilla warfare led Israel to withdraw in 2000, but Hezbollah retained and built up its arsenal.

Hezbollah demonstrated military advances in 2006 during a five-week war with Israel, which erupted after it crossed into Israel, kidnapping two soldiers and killing others.

It fired thousands of rockets into Israel during the conflict, in which 1,200 people were killed in Lebanon, mostly civilians, and 158 Israelis were killed, most of them soldiers.

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

Hezbollah's military power grew after 2006. The group says its rockets can strike all parts of Israel and its arsenal includes precision missiles.

During the Gaza war, Hezbollah has announced attacks using surface-to-air missiles - a weapon it was long believed to have in its arsenal but had never before confirmed possessing. It has also launched explosive drones at Israel.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah previously claimed that the group has 100,000 fighters.

The US Central Intelligence Agency's World Factbook says Hezbollah was estimated in 2022 to have 45,000 fighters, split between roughly 20,000 full-time and 25,000 reservists.

What is Hezbollah's role in Lebanon?

Hezbollah's influence is underpinned by both its weaponry and the support of many Lebanese Shi'ites who say the group defends Lebanon from Israel.

It has ministers in government and lawmakers in parliament.

Lebanese parties opposed to Hezbollah say the group has undermined the state and unilaterally dragged Lebanon into wars.

It entered Lebanese politics in 1992, contesting elections, and began taking a more prominent role in state affairs in 2005 after Syria withdrew forces from Lebanon following the killing of former prime minister Rafik al-Hariri, a Sunni politician who symbolised Saudi influence in Beirut.

A massive march in Sadr City to carry the symbolic coffin of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed in a Israeli Air Force airstrike on Hezbollah headquarters in Beirut

A UN-backed court convicted three Hezbollah members in absentia over the assassination. Hezbollah denies any role, describing the court as a tool of its enemies.

In 2008, a power struggle between Hezbollah and its Lebanese political foes led to armed conflict, after the government vowed to take action against the group's military communications network. Hezbollah fighters took over parts of Beirut.

In 2018 Hezbollah and allies who support its possession of arms won a parliamentary majority. This was lost in 2022, but the group still has major political sway.

Has it attacked the West?

Lebanese officials and Western intelligence have said groups linked to Hezbollah carried out suicide attacks on Western embassies and targets, and kidnapped Westerners in the 1980s.

The United States holds Hezbollah responsible for suicide bombings in 1983 that destroyed the US Marine headquarters in Beirut, killing 241 servicemen, and a French barracks, killing 58 French paratroopers. It also says Hezbollah was behind a suicide attack on the US embassy in Beirut in 1983.

Referring to those attacks and hostage-taking, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah said in a 2022 interview that they were carried out by small groups not linked to Hezbollah.

Hezbollah has also been accused of militant attacks elsewhere. Argentina blames it and Iran for the deadly bombing of a Jewish community centre in Buenos Aires in which 85 people died in 1994 and for an attack on the Israeli embassy in Buenos Aires in 1992 that killed 29 people.

What happened during the 2006 war?

The last major conflict between Hezbollah and Israel occurred in the summer of 2006 and lasted 34 days.

Lebanese people refer to it as the July War while it is known as the Second Lebanon War in Israel.

It began on July 12, when Hezbollah fighters launched a cross-border raid into Israel, killing three Israeli soldiers and capturing two others.

Israeli soldiers march along a road in southern Lebanon after crossing from northern Israel Wednesday Aug. 9, 2006

Israel responded with a large-scale military operation, declaring that it aimed to dismantle Hezbollah, prevent further incursions into Israeli territory, and press the Lebanese government to exercise greater control over Hezbollah.

The war was widely considered to have been a military failure for Israel, and by the time a UN-brokered ceasefire came in, it had failed to push Hezbollah back or prevent its rocket attacks.

The ceasefire brought an end to the immediate hostilities, and by October most Israeli troops had withdrawn.

Hezbollah's leadership claimed victory in the war, despite heavy casualties. Israeli leadership did the same, but a government inquiry called the Winograd Commission found otherwise.

'Israel initiated a long war, which ended without its clear military victory,' the commission wrote in its damning report.

An Israeli air strike hits a residential area that is a Hezbollah stronghold, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on July 15, 2006

What has happened since the war?

Hezbollah's influence in Lebanon continued to grow following the war, with the group strengthening its political and military standing.

It established a comprehensive social services network for its supporters to encourage loyalty in its strongholds.

It also built up its close ties with Iran by supporting allies in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, allowing them to gain battlefield experience.

In 2009, Hezbollah updated its manifesto, saying it was committed to integrating into Lebanon's political system while also reaffirming its opposition to Israel.

After the 2006 conflict ended in a stalemate, both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

How has Israel targeted Hezbollah in recent weeks?

Hezbollah was rocked by clandestine attacks on its fighters after thousands of their walkie talkies and pagers were detonated earlier this month.

Hundreds were killed and thousands seriously injured in the attacks, which Hezbollah and Iran blamed on Israel and vowed revenge for.

Israel never officially claimed responsibility for the bombs, but analysts believe that its Mossad spy agency and military is the most likely candidate to have been behind the operation.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

Intensified airstrikes on southern Lebanon began soon after, while Hezbollah launched rocket attacks in retaliation.

Large strikes began to target the southern suburbs of Beirut, where Hezbollah's stronghold is located, taking out key Hezbollah figures.

Then, last week, the group's chief Hassan Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah since 1992, was assassinated along with several other senior commanders.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for a full-fledged invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

Hezbollah vowed on Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses, with the group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, saying in a televised statement on Monday that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation.
Hezbollah has launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel while hitting border villages with artillery fire hours after IDF troops conducted overnight raids into towns in southern Lebanon.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.

Israel has not yet commented on the impact of the strikes, but Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said the IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon was launched to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

'These localised ground raid raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, kibbutzim and communities along our border.'

But more hardline elements of Israel's government, including National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir, this morning called for a wider operation to 'crush the terrorist organisation'.

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

The casing of what is thought to be a Hezbollah rocket is seen lying on a pavement in Israel

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

The Israeli military said the operations in Lebanon began on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'limited, localised, and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

The ground operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday, three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

But Rear Admiral Hagari added this afternoon that IDF special forces units had been conducting small scale raids to destroy Hezbollah tunnels along the border ever since October 7.

Close to 3,000 militants from Hezbollah's elite Radwan force and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas's October 7 onslaught.

But they were forced back by Israeli airstrikes, allowing IDF commandos to conduct raids undetected, Hagari said.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

Following the overnight raids, IDF officials this morning called on residents in more than 20 areas in southern Lebanon to evacuate their homes, signalling more ground operations were imminent.

'The IDF (Israeli military) does not want to harm you, and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately.

'Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, installations and combat equipment is putting his life in danger,' army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on X.

The military advised people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

Hezbollah however denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon at all, casting doubt on the situation on the ground.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, the Lebanese group's spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were 'false claims' of an Israeli incursion, simply stating that his forces 'were ready' to respond to an invasion.

A general view shows damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Search and rescue team members try to find victims following an overnight raid by the Israel army on the Palestinian camp of Ain Al Hilweh, in Sidon, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for a full-fledged invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

Officials warned Lebanese citizens not to drive south of the Litani river to avoid being caught up in fighting or airstrikes.

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said.

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

A view from Shuja'iyya school after Israeli army's attack in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 01, 2024

Smoke billows amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.

Israeli troops train in preparation to enter Lebanon

IDF troops are pictured preparing ahead of ground incursion into Lebanon

IDF gear is seen prepared ahead of the 'limited raids' into southern Lebanon

People check for drone attacks as Israeli airstrikes continue while people flee and take refuge in parks and squares in Beirut

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivering a televised address from an unknown location, days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have lined up at the Lebanon border, with a ground invasion looming

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But the Israeli army has heavily beefed up forces along the border with Lebanon in recent days.

Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days. They have also hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Despite the heavy blow Hezbollah has suffered in recent weeks, acting leader Naim Kassem said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, the group's fighters are ready.

A smoke plume erupts after an Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the village of Ibl al-Saqi in southern Lebanon on September 30

Smoke billows from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam yesterday

He said the commanders killed have already been replaced.

Nasrallah's longtime deputy, Kassem will remain in his acting position until the group's leadership elects a replacement. The man widely expected to take over the top post is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollah's political affairs.

Hezbollah's capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas.

Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollah's capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Monday's in central Beirut - outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis - would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

It's possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Search and rescue team members, together with locals, work to find bodies under the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meeting with Israeli troops Monday, said Israel would 'use all the capabilities we have,' hinting at a ground operation.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday.

Germany, which has been calling on its citizens to leave Lebanon since October 2023, sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats' relatives and others.

Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out, with priority given to families with children and vulnerable groups.

In the past week, Israel has frequently targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, including the massive strike Friday that killed Nasrallah. But it had not hit locations closer to the city center.

Monday's strike killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced that its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Firefighters search for survivors inside an apartment building hit by an Israeli air strike in Beirut's Kola district, September 30, 2024

Firefighters extinguished the fire that broke out in the targeted apartment after the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a multi-story building in the Kola district of Beirut

This screenshot from a video taken on Sept. 29, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah

Israel also launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen (pictured) on Sunday

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Sharif was an employee, and was put on administrative leave without pay in March as it investigated allegations about his political activities.

Israel has accused the agency, known as UNRWA, of links to Palestinian militant groups, while the agency says it is committed to neutrality and works to prevent any such infiltration.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Hezbollah and Hamas are allies and both supported by Iran, and Hezbollah said it would continue the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there was a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year.

The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the UN estimate is around 200,000.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until the attacks stop and its citizens can return home.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, on September 29

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on villages near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29 as air strikes across the country continue

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have been deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe.

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group 'bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.'

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000 - including many fighters but also many civilians.
An asylum seeker accused of pretending to be gay to stay in Britain has been granted an appeal after a judge was found to have blundered - while also misgendering a trans witness.

The Pakistani man, who came to the UK as a student, applied for permission to remain here but was rejected by an immigration tribunal.

But the judge who made that decision has now had it struck out - while also being criticised for using the word 'he' when referring to a witness who identifies as a trans woman.

Upper Tribunal judge Paul Skinner has described the previous ruling's 'use of non-female pronouns' as something which was 'to be regretted'.

He also said the previous judge had erred by suggesting the applicant was in a 'marriage of convenience' with a woman, whereas the man is not married at all.

An asylum seeker accused of pretending to be gay to stay in Britain has been granted an appeal after the case was heard at the Asylum and Immigration Tribunal in London (pictured)

Claudia Coelho was misgendered by a judge in a previous ruling on a asylum seeker's bid to remain in the UK after she gave evidence as a witness in support of him, a new judgment says

The earlier misgendering has been criticised in a new ruling by Upper Tribunal judge Paul Skinner (pictured)

That was the reason he gave for overturning the asylum rejection and sending it back to be heard again by a different judge.

But Judge Skinner, deputy judge of the Upper Tribunal's Immigration and Asylum Chamber who heard the case at London's Field House, made a point of raising concerns about how a trans witness who had been supporting the asylum seeker was mentioned in the earlier ruling.

He highlighted the Equal Treatment Bench Book as stipulating that 'it should usually be possible for a trans person to be referred to in their acquired gender'.

He said: 'A persons gender identity can be of profound importance to an individual and for a trans person being referred to by their birth sex may cause real distress.

'Moreover, referring to a trans witness by their birth sex is unlikely to foster an environment where they feel comfortable in giving evidence or feel like they have treated with respect.'

The new judgment describes how one of the applicant's witnesses supporting their appeal was a trans woman named Claudia Coelho, adding: 'That she is trans is made clear in paragraph 1 of her witness statement.'

Judge Skinner says: 'Notwithstanding this, and the fact that the Judge in certain places refers to Ms Coelho as "she", in her decision, the Judge (as well as misspelling the witnesses surname "Quoeto") states "he has been a host at Disco Rani since 2012. He welcomes people when they come to the club."'

The other judge tells of asking the witness 'whether it is [sic] never crossed his mind that the appellant is pretending to be gay in order to regularise his immigration status in this country to which they replied that the thought never crossed their mind'.

Judge Skinner said of those comments: 'The Judges use of non-female pronouns to describe Ms Coelho, and the apparently interchangeable use of different gendered pronouns (which may itself reasonably be perceived (whether correctly or not) as reflecting a view by the Judge that Ms Coelhos gender identity is not something worthy of respect), are to be regretted.'

The asylum seeker, who has been granted anonymity, first claimed asylum on the basis of his sexuality on September 29 2020, a new ruling published by the Upper Tribunal shows.

The Home Office rejected his claim 'on the basis that it was not accepted that he was in fact gay', prompting an appeal to the First-Tier Tribunal which hears immigration cases.

But the Home Office has now 'conceded' that the original decision should be set aside, the appeal allowed and the case heard again, the new ruling says.

The trans woman involved in the case was described as a host at Disco Rani, a nightclub holding LGBTQ+ events in South Ealing, west London

Judge Skinner said the previous judge made an 'error of law' by saying the Home Office had considered 'the marriage as a marriage of convenience' after being told of a relationship between the asylum seeker and a woman.

He said: 'This is wrong in two respects: first, the appellant had never claimed to have been married to his partner.

'And, secondly, as already noted, there was no allegation by the Respondent [the Home Office] as to the genuineness or otherwise of the claimed relationship.

And he added: 'By the by, the Judge also appeared, wrongly, to have considered that this was an application under the EU Settlement Scheme, which did not exist at the time of the appellants 2018 application.'
Rockets were launched at a base housing US troops near Baghdad airport as tensions continue to escalate in the Middle East.

The missiles were fired at the base at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday, causing no casualties, the interior ministry and two security sources said.

'The Victoria Base at Baghdad Airport was targeted with three rockets, two of which were shot down by the base's special defenses, while the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Service Command,' a security source said.

A second security source confirmed there were no casualties and said that the incident had not affected air traffic.

The interior ministry later said 'two Katyusha rockets fell, the first in the garage of the second regiment of the Counter-Terrorism Service and the other in an abandoned yard inside the airport'.

Baghdad International Airport building in Baghdad city capital of Iraq (file photo)

Unverified footage posted to X shows two rockets soaring through the sky overnight

A second security source confirmed there were no casualties and said that the incident had not affected air traffic

Major General Yahya Rasul, spokesperson for the Commander-in-Chief of the Iraqi Armed Forces, emphasized that Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani has directed the Minister of Interior to conduct an immediate investigation into the incident.

In unverified footage of the incident posted on X, explosions and sirens could be heard at the base which was used as the headquarters of US forces in Iraq from 2003 until 2011, when it was handed over to the Iraqi government.

It still hosts US forces, and has previously been a target of Islamist forces in Iraq.

Following the attack, the next scheduled flight to leave Baghdad airport, a Turkish Airlines flight to Istanbul, has been cancelled.

The munitions used in the airstrike were reportedly Katyusha rockets, a weapon first fielded by the Soviet Union that has recently been used in the Middle East by Hezbollah and other Iranian-linked groups in Iraq.

Iraq's Prime Minister Mohammed Shia' al-Sudani on Tuesday ordered an investigation into a 'security breach' after the Katyusha rockets landed at the Baghdad International Airport.

A rocket launcher was seized in a residential area in western Baghdad near the airport and three unfired rockets were dismantled, security sources said.

Sudani 'has directed the Minister of Interior to conduct an immediate investigation to determine the causes of the security breach involving the launch of several Katyusha rockets from the Ameriya area last night,' according to a statement from his office.

'He has also ordered that the results of the investigation and the identification of those responsible be announced within 48 hours,' the statement added.

It said an investigation has begun into the attack which comes as Israeli forces launched ground raids and air strikes on Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional conflict amid the ongoing the war in Gaza.

The incident comes amid rising tensions in the Middle East, with Baghdad witnessing several restless nights as protests ensued over the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike in Beirut.

New footage emerges of the rocket attack on a #US military base near #Baghdad



A series of Katyusha rockets targeted Military Base Victoria near Baghdads International Airport early Tuesday.

Two missiles were intercepted & one landed inside, causing no casualties.#Iraq #Israel pic.twitter.com/Jjp8NeaOQN  iMAQ (@manzooraq) October 1, 2024

On Saturday, the supporters of the Popular Mobilization Forces (PMF) attempted to enter Baghdads Green Zone, home of the diplomatic missions, with the intent to burn down the US embassy, in retaliation for Nasrallahs death.

Since war broke out in the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, militant factions have targeted bases in Iraq and Syria that house US troops because of American military support for Israel.

Washington has repeatedly responded with air strikes on faction headquarters in both countries.

The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and around 900 in neighboring Syria as part of the coalition it established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group.

The coalition also includes forces from other countries including Britain and France.

Armed Iraqi factions loyal to Iran have demanded the withdrawal of those troops.

Washington and Baghdad announced on Friday that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in Iraq within a year.

But the joint statement and US officials did not say how many American troops would remain in Iraq.

In response, the Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, a coalition of Iran-backed armed groups opposed to the United States and Israel, called for the withdrawal to be 'comprehensive and according to a clear timeline'.

After a decline in militant attacks in recent months, rockets were fired in August at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, injuring seven Americans.

And in September, Washington said the US diplomatic complex in Baghdad was attacked by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.
A senior Israeli official has accused the U.S. of endangering IDF troops by leaking information about its planned ground invasion of Lebanon.

As reported by The Times of Israel, an unnamed official called the leaks 'dangerous', adding that 'this was done even though the U.S. supports the operation but it is clear that the U.S. is worried - and therefore they outed the operation to try to limit it'.

The comments come amid reports that ministers in Israel's political security cabinet were left frustrated that the news of their planned invasion was leaked when an unnamed US security official confirmed yesterday to different news outlets of an impending 'limited' invasion into Lebanon.

In addition, during a U.S. State Department briefing Monday, spokesman Matthew Miller said that Israel had 'told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border'.

President Joe Biden also told reporters yesterday that he was 'more aware than you might know', before adding: 'We should have a cease-fire now'.

Israeli ministers are reportedly frustrated over leaked reports of an invasion into Lebanon from the U.S. and the IDF

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, on September 30, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

A man looks at the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ruwais neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs today

It comes as the IDF confirmed last night a 'targeted and delimited ground operation in southern Lebanon' against 'terrorist targets and infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hezbollah'.

Spokesman Daniel Hagari added that the villages Israel is targeting are 'near the border, which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements'.

The long-awaited ground invasion of Lebanon came after a day of ratcheting in tensions in the war-torn region.

The incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows' by the IDF will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other areas'.

The ground assault, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light after hundreds of Israeli tanks had massed on the border, with foot soldiers also being supported by the IDF's intensified air strikes.

Dramatic pictures showed a barrage of rockets and bombs lighting up the sky, while artillery fire was heard in a number of villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border.

The deployment of boots on the ground represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against Hezbollah, whose leadership has been wiped out in a series of recent airstrikes.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah hit back this morning by sending a barrage of rockets into northern Israel.

It comes as the Pentagon confirmed last night that thousands of American troops had been deployed to the region amid fears that fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon could escalate into an all-out regional war.

The Biden administration is hoping to avoid the situation spiraling into a broader war that could potentially drag in U.S. forces, and has urged Israel to keep its incursion limited in scope.

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southeastern Lebanon

Israeli soldiers work on tanks at a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Oct. 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border

Israel was last night bombarding Lebanon from the sky and on foot as an incursion got underway

The U.S. has also warned that Iran will face 'serious consequences' if it attacks Israel.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, in a call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant on Monday night, said the US 'supports Israel's right to defend itself.'

'We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities,' he wrote on X.

He added that 'I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel,' Austin said.

On Sunday, Austin warned that 'should Iran, its partners or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people.'

Ahead of the incursion last night, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued his own warning to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas.

'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach,' Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed Hassan Nasrallah, the long-time leader of the Hezbollah.

The group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said his fighters were 'ready for war' and prepared to fight on for a long time if necessary.
Are YOU on the Villa Vie Odyssey? Please email: tips@dailymail.com

It was supposed to be the start of the holiday of a lifetime but four months on from docking in Belfast, frustrated passengers on the 'cursed' Villa Vie Odyssey are returning to the city again - less than 12 hours after finally leaving.

The latest delay for the 125 passengers who became unofficial residents of the city over the summer is the need for them to complete some final paperwork.

After initially docking in the Northern Irish port in May due to unexpected repair works, the passengers were forced to while away their summer with city booze cruises and sight seeing tours.

To make the best of their situation, some passengers turned to inhaling Vitamin D pills to offset the effects of the sullen Belfast sky.

Others focused on themselves and found love, with one couple who met while marooned on the port getting engaged there just four months later.

But despite the relative understanding some passengers showed, there was dissent.

The ship finally set off just before midnight last night to scenes of junbilation that were ultimately premature (Pictured: Passengers celebrating in the bar last night)

The 125 holidaymakers thought they were finally on their way until disaster struck again

The Villa Vie Odyssey sits at the mouth of Belfast Lough off the shore of Bangor this morning

The Villa Vie Odyssey leaves Belfast Harbour last night where it had been stranded since May

One unfortunate woman claimed she was ousted from the cruise despite the delays after her private WhatsApp messages critiquing the operation were leaked.

The 'cursed' ship, which sees passengers pay 27,000 per month to embark on a three-year global voyage, finally set off just before midnight last night to scenes of junbilation that were ultimately premature.

The ship, which is carrying 125 passengers, anchored off Belfast Lough overnight and is now making its way back to Belfast Port instead of heading to Brest in Brittany.

But passengers aboard the ship were told this morning they are having to return to the port to complete some final paperwork. It marks yet another delay for the cruise ship hitting the high seas after being plagued by mechanical issues.

Passengers aboard the luxury liner were told they could be returning to the port of Belfast this afternoon.

However, the ship remains of the coast of Bangor, with the engine switched off.

No official announcement has been made about the ship's movements, according to several of those onboard.

The cruise is said to have left its dock in the port last night not to incur additional costs.

Prior to the latest setback, passengers had cheered, applauded and hugged the liner's chief when it was confirmed last night that they were ready for departure.

Yet those aboard have not let another delay dampen their spirits - with some partying at the boat's many bars until sunrise.

Retired doctor David Austin from Georgia in the US told MailOnline from the ship this morning: 'A few of us literally partied until sunrise. Joyous to the point of disbelief that is actually happening.'

Passenger John Frim told the BBC he was a little 'confused' by the situation but was 'happy to be home' and have slept in his 'own bed' on the ship for the first time.

Passengers wave as they board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal last night

Mikael Petterson (centre), chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, speaks to passengers as they prepare to board the cruise ship at Belfast Port's Cruise Ship Terminal yesterday

Another passenger, Mary Ann Demsar, said she was still 'very excited' to be going to 'see the world', adding: 'It's been tough getting here with all the delay.

'But I've had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.'

Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: 'Not sure exactly what's happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.'

The residents of the Villa Vie Odyssey waved goodbye to the city they had become so familiar with, bringing souvenirs and memories with them.

Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: 'Not sure exactly what's happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.'

Passengers finally board the Villa Vie Odyssey at Belfast Cruise Ship Terminal last night

Mikael Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, gets a kiss from a passenger as they board the cruise ship at Belfast Port's Cruise Ship Terminal yesterday evening

One man, who carried a self-assembled model of the Titanic on board yesterday, said he enjoyed Belfast but was ready for the rest of the cruise.

Another woman from Georgia said she had always wanted to see the world, but thanked the city for hosting them, calling it 'a wonderful place'.

The luxury liner became stranded due to unexpected repair works in May, forcing passengers to become familiar with the sights Belfast and Northern Ireland has to offer.

One pair of would-be voyagers became engaged while waiting for the cruise to begin.

Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, got to know each other as they walked to and back from the ship in the past few months.

After a proposal under a supermoon, they said they have found their soulmates.

Andy Garrison, 75, prepares to board the Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship in Belfast yesterday

Melody Thor Hennessee and John Hennessee prepare to board the ship in Belfast yesterday

The passengers bade Belfast farewell with a bike tour ahead of their departure yesterday.

After other last-minute paperwork delays, there were scenes of joy in the cruise terminal when it was confirmed that the ship was on its way to collect passengers.

Andy Garrison, 75, who said he will be on board for at least three-and-a-half years, said he arrived in Belfast for what he thought was three days in August and ended up there for six weeks.

He said he wanted something to do so ordered a model of the Titanic which he built over three or four days.

Asked if he was worried it could be seen as a bad omen, he said: 'No, I'm not. As a matter of fact I'm going to put this on the wall of my room.'

He said the passengers had been 'resilient' in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a 'really nice group'.

'I like Belfast a lot actually, I would stay here and enjoy myself except I'm leaving on a ship,' he said.

Shirene Thomas from North Carolina prepares to board the cruise ship in Belfast yesterday

Gian Perroni and Angela Harsanyi fell in love after being stuck in Belfast for four months

'I am so happy to be sailing away, I'm ready to go. We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we stay for a while in the Bahamas.'

Cyndi Grzybowski, 69, from Appling, Georgia, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.

'My better half passed away three years ago so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do,' she told reporters on Monday.

'My son has been so supportive of this because when this opportunity came up, I was really humming and hawing because I've been on the farm for 27 years, and he said, 'Mom, the only thing I've heard you talk about is going to see the world'.

'We started out as strangers in Southampton and Belfast and now we truly are family. We had two amazing parties yesterday with the pedal bikes... and last night at Revolution de Cuba, we had a get-together with fantastic food.

The Villa Vie Odyssey cruise ship at Belfast Port on September 28 as preparations continued

'Thank you all so very much - truly, Belfast has been such a wonderful place. I have so enjoyed every minute here.'

The luxury cruise offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or villas can be purchased for 90,000 to 260,000.

Owning a villa on board guarantees the room for a minimum of 15 years, but the ownership stays valid for the entire operation of the ship.

Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal yesterday, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson said he was 'a little stressed' as efforts were made to clear 'a few last-minute things'.

'It's administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button, at the end of the day. It's been done and we're putting the vessel in motion right now.

'The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD. We've been expecting this outcome for hours.'

Asked how he would remember Belfast, he said 'your summer is horrible' and 'you can't cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink'.

Are YOU on the Villa Vie Odyssey? Please email: tips@dailymail.com
Sir Keir Starmer is poised to pick between Britain's most senior female civil servants and Theresa May's Brexit negotiator when appointing Whitehall's new top official.

The race to become the new cabinet secretary has officially begun after Simon Case, who has held the 200,000-a-year role since 2020, confirmed he is quitting.

Those linked to the job include three women who currently head Government departments, with the PM said to favour a female replacement for Mr Case.

But Sir Oliver 'Olly' Robbins, the architect of Mrs May's doomed Brexit deal, is also seen as a leading candidate due to his relationship with Sir Keir's chief aide Sue Gray.

Mr Case announced he was standing down yesterday on health grounds, telling colleagues 'whilst the spirit remains willing, the body is not'.

He stressed his departure at the end of the year was 'solely to do with my health and nothing to do with anything else'.

It followed reports of bitter tensions at the heart of No10 between himself and Ms Gray since Labour's general election victory in July.

Sir Keir Starmer is poised to pick between Britain's most senior female civil servants and Theresa May 's Brexit negotiator when appointing Whitehall's new top official

The race to become the new cabinet secretary has officially begun after Simon Case, who has held the 200,000-a-year role since 2020, confirmed he is quitting

Mr Case stressed his departure was 'solely to do with my health and nothing to do with anything else', despite reports of bitter tensions with Sir Keir's top aide Sue Gray

Sir Oliver 'Olly' Robbins, the architect of Mrs May's doomed Brexit deal, is also seen as a leading candidate due to his relationship with Ms Gray

As well as a bumper salary, the new cabinet secretary will enjoy 28.97 per cent pension contributions and 30 days holiday a year, according to a job advert.

Antonio Romeo, from the Ministry of Justice, Tamara Finkelstein, from the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs, and Sarah Healey, from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, are among current female permanent secretaries who could apply for the role.

Melanie Dawes, the chief executive of Ofcom, and Minouche Shafik, a former deputy governor of the Bank of England, have also been linked to the position.

Prior to the general election, it was reported that Ms Gray - Sir Keir's powerful chief of staff - had held secret talks with Sir Oliver about returning to a top job in Whitehall.

But any return for Sir Oliver to a senior civil service job would likely anger Tory Brexiteers due to his past role as the negotiator of Mrs May's Brexit deal.

The former PM's agreement, thrashed out by Sir Oliver with the EU, was rejected three times by the House of Commons before her downfall.

Sir Oliver is currently working at Hakluyt, a Mayfair-based strategic advisory firm, having previously worked for Goldman Sachs after leaving the civil service in 2019.

Mr Case has been the UK's most senior official since September 2020, when he replaced Sir Mark Sedwill as cabinet secretary and head of the civil service.

His spell in charge of Whitehall was dogged by the Partygate scandal, with Mr Case forced to remove himself from leading an investigation into lockdown-busting gatherings after it was revealed a party was held in his own office.

Ms Gray subsequently took over the Partygate investigation, before she quit as a top civil servant to become Sir Keir's top aide.

Mr Case's absence from work due to illness meant he missed a scheduled appearance in front of the Covid Inquiry, although he belatedly gave evidence to the pandemic probe in May.

Earlier this year, it was reported Mr Case was still working from home at least two days a week - but insiders stressed he is taking calls and fully engaged when not physically present in Whitehall.
The date is etched on Shanelle Dawsons memory: on December 19 2009, having spoken to a psychic, she finally voiced her fear that her father, Chris, a charismatic former Australian rugby star, had murdered her mother - in order to marry his teenage lover.

For 27 years, Shanelle had clung on to the belief that her mother Lynette, known as Lyn, had deliberately walked out of the family home in the secluded Bayview suburb of Sydney, and chosen to vanish without trace.

Her fathers story was that Lyn, 33, had abandoned her children to go and join a commune, though strangely, she had taken nothing with her - no clothes, nor her passport.

But Lyns family, especially her brother Greg, had been sceptical about Chris Dawsons story from the start. They could not believe Lyn would willingly leave her little girls, Shanelle, who was then aged four, and her sister Sherry, two. And they became even more suspicious when Dawson, a schoolteacher, moved one of his former pupils into the family home in Lyns place, just two days after her disappearance in 1982.

Lynette Dawson and her husband Chris Dawson. Lynette went missing in January 1982 from the family home in Bayview on Sydney's northern beaches

Despite that - and despite two coroners inquests in 2001 and 2003, which recommended that charges be brought against her father - Shanelle refused to believe her father had done anything wrong. He was a hero to her growing up, she says now, and she could not bring herself to think of him as a cold-blooded killer. (Indeed, the police and prosecutors refused to carry out the coroners recommendations, taking the view there wasnt enough evidence to convict.)

It was only after the psychic told Shanelle that she believed her mother had been strangled with her favourite blue belt that the truth dawned.

I believe Id always known this truth and had repressed it, she says now. All of a sudden, so much made sense  the snapshots of incoherent memories, the flashes of weird moments Id had with my dad, where the cracks had shown. The way my mothers memory was banished, and we never spoke of her, nor had any photos of her, or ever mentioned her birthday or anything about her...

Yet it would be another 13 years before Dawson faced justice. He was found guilty of Lyns murder just two years ago, then aged 74, after an award-winning true crime podcast investigating Lyns disappearance, The Teachers Pet, sparked global public interest in the case.

Presented by journalist Hedley Thomas, the podcast topped the UK charts with 60 million downloads worldwide, and is widely believed to have triggered the re-opening of the case by police. Now, three months after three judges unanimously dismissed Dawsons appeal against his murder conviction, an ITV crime documentary, Twisted Twins, examines the role Dawsons identical twin brother Paul may have played in the story.

Shanelle had clung on to the belief that her mother Lynette had deliberately walked out of the family home, and chosen to vanish without trace

Lyns body has never been found, Chris has never admitted killing her - and Paul has always denied any knowledge of the murder. But its clear from the documentary that the pair were closer than most siblings: they dressed in matching clothes and had matching number plates on their cars. They were both former models and played professional rugby for the same team in New South Wales, before both going on to train as teachers.

Neither smoked, nor drank and they chose to live within spitting distance of each other, first in Sydney and later in Queensland. Both have been accused of having affairs with teenage pupils at the schools where they taught - and through interviews with friends, family and those who knew them, the show explores allegations of historic sexual offences by both brothers.

Shortly after Lyn disappeared, Chris Dawson moved 16-year-old Joanne into the family home as stepmother to his two little girls.

Surely Paul, who would have known Lyn well  she and his brother were teenage sweethearts - would have been concerned about his sister-in-laws sudden disappearance? How much did he know, or guess, of what had happened to her?

Shanelle, now 47, certainly has her suspicions.

I havent spoken to Paul in more than 15 years, she tells the Mail. There is the situation of the young students, who he allegedly had inappropriate relations with, though he denies this. Then there is, of course, my mothers murder.

In Paul and his wife Marilyns statements, there are gaps and inconsistencies, as well as contrary responses. There are still a lot of unanswered questions.

I asked the detective on the case why Paul and Marilyn werent questioned more extensively, as it seems obvious to me theres more detail to be gleaned there. His response was: There is no evidence to suggest that further questioning is needed.

To which my response was: Thats b******t.

Former New South Wales Detective Sergeant Damian Loone, who was instrumental in bringing the case to trial, and is himself a twin, says in the ITV documentary: I believe hes covering for his twin.

Dr Katie Wood, a clinical psychologist and twin expert, who has twin sisters, adds: In the context of the history of this twinship, theres definitely a question mark over Paul. Did he know that his brother was going to murder his wife? I dont think we have clarity on that. Did he know where this body is, on which plot of land it is? Im not sure. But to not know something, I would be very surprised.

Identical twin brothers Paul and Chris Dawson - both of whom were former models and played professional rugby for the same team in New South Wales

Chris Dawson, once a charismatic former Australian rugby star and school teacher, is serving 24 years for the murder of his wife Lynette who disappeared in 1982

Shanelle vividly recalls the day she first discussed with someone else her fears that her father had killed her mother. Several months after seeing the psychic in 2009, she drove to visit her mothers brother Greg and his wife Merilyn at their home in the harbour town of Newcastle in New South Wales. She told them: I believe my father murdered my mum.

She remembers: My aunt and uncle gave me big hugs, there were tears, and they expressed so much relief that I had finally come to know the truth.

Her uncle Greg, who had spent years investigating his sisters disappearance, then showed her the evidence he had compiled from the inquests.

Reading those files helped to make it all sink in, in a very grounded and solid way, Shanelle recalls. Part of me still wanted to believe that it might have been an accident, but that was yet another grasping of hope that my dad might not be that horrible. The evidence suggested otherwise, and I had to let that hope dissolve along with so much else.

Her father had gone on to marry Joanne, who had been the familys babysitter, on January 15, 1984, when Joanne was barely 19 years old, and he was 35  Joanne wore Lyns wedding ring for the ceremony - but they divorced in the early 1990s.

Shanelle hasnt been in touch with her father since Fathers Day, September 2, 2018, five months after the podcast The Teachers Pet started airing, and three months before he was arrested. Despite fearing the very worst of him, she maintained contact until then because she still felt torn inside  and wanted desperately not to fall out with her sister, who still believes their fathers innocent.

The day Shanelle finally broke contact, she sent him a text saying: You are my father, and Ill always love you; you are a part of me and me of you. But I wont live a life based on lies, nor will I keep subjecting myself to emotional manipulation and control.

Lynette and Chris Dawson - pictured together in 1966 - had met at a school dance when they were both 16 and married five years later

His response was to blame her: This is not about me. You have continuously pushed your family away and made the choice to be free spirited.

Even today, she is torn between her innate love for him and her revulsion of him.

Shanelle, who has autism, travelled the world in a bid to escape her demons and now lives in a camper van in New South Wales with her daughter Kialah, ten, whom she home schools as she also has autism.

Kialah suggested that we go and visit him in prison? she says. But Im not sure he would want to see us. Hes still in denial about what he did. I still feel deep grief and disbelief and am trying to psychologically understand the father I thought I knew.

She has also now been ostracised by her younger sister Sherry, who has described the case as a witch hunt.

Tragically, Shanelle barely remembers her mother, who met Dawson at a school dance when they were both 16 before marrying him five years later.

When I was little, there were no photos of Mum around except for a few kept in a shoebox alongside a lock of my baby hair, up high and shoved to the back of the cupboard, she writes in her book My Mothers Eyes published earlier this year.

I cherished those tiny remnants of Mum so much, though I certainly never pulled them out to look at them when my father was around, or often at all. Growing up without my mother was as though I had a deep and huge wound that nobody but her knew how to tend to. Nobody else in the immediate family acknowledged my mother and we didnt discuss her, so she became the elephant in the room.

If anybody in the outer circle of family ever mentioned Mum, there was an uncomfortable silence. Obviously, they werent aware of the unwritten code. Pretending somebody never existed doesnt make it so.

Shanelles happy childhood ended abruptly the day her mother left home.

Shanelle Dawson (2nd left) with Chris (4th from right), Paul (2nd right) Dawson and Sherry Dawson (far right)

Dad told us Mum had left because she didnt love us anymore, she adds. It was a viciously cruel thing to say to us... the abandonment issues ran deep within me.

After Joanne left 1990, Shanelle, then aged 13, had three years alone with her father and sister, before Dawson married his third wife, Sue, a maths and science teacher, and moved to the Gold Coast, where Sue had twins.

That was the first time I started observing glimpses of deeply concerning traits in my father, she says. Up until then he had been my hero and could do no wrong. But he would bully my stepbrother and pretend to play rough with him, scowling at him not to be a sissy if he started to cry. Id catch a glimpse of the dark look in his eyes and knew he wasnt playing.

Other recollections began to emerge, such as being rebuked by her father on the morning of Lyns disappearance for contradicting his insistence that he had driven her to a bus stop for a short break.

I remember the feeling that thats not actually what happened, she says. Why is he saying that? I remember correcting his version of events and he took me into the bathroom and scolded me.

When she was 14 years old, her father said to her: Its a shame your mother let herself go. She had such a pretty face.

She says: I dont remember the context of the conversation. I just remember vividly the line my father spoke and the creepy feeling it gave me at the time.

There was another moment, when she was 17 and about to leave home: I for some reason said to him: I feel like you need to forgive yourself for something. And he flashed me a look, and looked deep into my eyes. I remember thinking that was a strange deep look.

It was only when her father was arrested in 2018 that the truth fully sunk in.

She will never know whether the psychic was right and her mother was strangled with a blue belt, but at last she knew her deep suspicions of his guilt were true, and the heavy weight of her fathers crime finally registered.

'New mum' Joanne Curtis (centre) with her school teacher lover Chris Dawson's children Shanelle and Sherry

The image that stays in my head, as I recall that sad, sad day is of my father wearing shorts and being escorted from his Gold Coast home by suit-wearing detectives, she says.

His head is bowed down. My dear dad, I thought as I watched him being taken off to jail. I know youve done a really, f***ing horrible thing and this is necessary justice, but it still breaks my heart, again and again.

After the guilty verdict, Chris was sentenced to 24 years in jail. Last year, he was also given a three-year sentence for having unlawful sexual activity with an underage student.

The last time Shanelle saw her father, whos now 76, was when she read out her victim impact statement in court.

When my father was brought into the courtroom, I started to cry at the sight of him, she recalls. As he limped toward his chair, in his prison greens, the tears kept coming.

Despite her tears, Dawson didnt look at his daughter as she read her statement to him: The night you removed our mother from our lives was the night you destroyed my sense of safety and belonging in this world for many decades to come. Almost all of the love, nurturing and kindness vanished from my life.

She adds: I didnt rejoice when the sentence was handed down. I was consumed with a heavy sadness. I accepted the trial and sentencing as a necessary part of the process and Im glad at least part of the truth has been told that my mother didnt abandon us  but I dearly wish the whole situation never happened at all.
Three people were killed and 15 others injured in a stabbing rampage in a Walmart in China.

Footage shows the knifeman, identified as a 37-year-old man surnamed Lin, launching the chilling attack as he walks into the Walmart supermarket in Shanghai.

People can be seen running away from Lin, who was wearing a blue shirt as he calmly strolled around the shop floor, knife in hand.

Lin has since been detained, the Songjiang district police said in a statement on Tuesday.

According to the initial investigation, Lin had travelled to Shanghai to 'vent his anger' following a personal financial dispute, police said in the statement.

CCTV footage shows the attacker walking through the Walmart gripping a knife

People were stood by a stabbing victim rolling around in pain on the floor as they were waiting for an ambulance to arrive

Footage shows knifeman Lin, wearing a blue shirt, launching the chilling attack as he walks into the Walmart supermarket in Shanghai with his weapon in hand

The assailant, a 37-year-old man surnamed Lin (pictured centre), has been detained, local police of Songjiang district said in a statement on Tuesday

Eighteen people were sent to hospital for treatment, and three later died.

The attack took place in a suburban district southwest of Shanghai and comes on the eve of the weeklong National Day holidays.

The knife attack came one day before China's National Day 'Golden Week', when holiday travel was expected to surge.

Public stabbing incidents have risen over the years in China, with authorities often putting the blame on mental illness. Children at schools are a common target.

In September, a 10-year-old Japanese student was fatally stabbed by an attacker metres from his school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen.

That incident along with a June knife attack on two Japanese nationals in Suzhou, a major city in eastern China have stoked security concerns among members of the Japanese community in China.

People assist an injured man following a knife attack at a supermarket in Songjiang, Shanghai, China, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on October 1, 2024

Injured people wait for help following a knife attack at a supermarket in Songjiang, Shanghai, China, in this screengrab obtained from a social media video released on October 1, 2024

Stabbing incidents are rare in Shanghai but not unprecedented.

Earlier this year, a Chinese man stabbed four U.S. university instructors at a public park in Jilin in the northeast and a Chinese person who tried to intervene.

The four instructors from Cornell College were teaching at Beihua University. Their injuries were not critical.

In 2022, a man went on a stabbing spree at a major hospital in the Chinese financial hub, injuring 15 people.

The man, whom authorities said was 'resentful of society' after an investment fell through, was sentenced to death a year later.
Stephen Mulhern has apologised to tenants living in property owned by his 4million firm who claim they've lived with damp and mould for years.

His tenants said they feel 'bitter and alienated' after having their complaints ignored for two to three years.

Pictures of the refurbished bungalow obtained by The Big Issue show walls covered in damp and mould, which the tenants - one of which was a key worker during the pandemic - said affected their mental health.

Mr Mulhern said he had no idea about how bad the flats were and is 'absolutely mortified'.

He said he is paying an independent management company to look after the property and promised to fix it as a 'matter of urgency'.

Dancing on Ice's Stephen Mulhern has apologised to tenants living in property owned by his 4million firm who claim they've lived with damp and mould for years

Mr Mulhern said he had no idea about how bad the flats were and is 'absolutely mortified'

Pictures of the refurbished bungalow show walls and ceilings covered in damp and mould

The inside of the house riddled with mould rented by Mr Mulhern's firm

The Catchphrase presenter is director of JFDI Productions, which has 4.3million in assets bringing in 5,750 a day.

The 47-year-old, who is paid a 113,000 dividend, set up the firm in 2007 which now has seven properties.

Mr Mulhern himself lives in a luxury London pad, bought for 910,000 in 2013.

His company JFDI Productions bought the bungalow in the Glen Parva area of Leicester in April 2020 for 165,000.

It was refurbished and rented out to the tenant and a flatmate, who pay 775 a month.

They first noticed a problem with damp and mould and pointed it out during an inspection with management agent Connells a few years ago.

They said: 'The agent merely recommended that we ventilate properly and keep the house warm during the winter. We did, but the damp gradually worsened. We remained patient, sending polite emails at first. In later conversations, my remarks became a bit sharper.'

One of the tenants slammed Mr Mulhern as 'a millionaire, profiting off our misery'

The damp pictured on some of the walls of the property

Stephen Mulhern has invested heavily in real estate, believed to own seven properties around the country, including his own lavish London home which he posts images of on Instagram

The Catchphrase presenter in his home in London, which he bought for 910,000 in 2013

'I despise how little they seem to care...Stephen Mulhern, Jas Athwal and their ilk are all part of the same system that treats tenants like disposable income streams.'

They bought a humidity meter which showed moisture levels between 70 per cent and 80 per cent and that convinced the agency to install a ventilation system, but this did little to improve things.

Mr Mulhern's spokesperson told MailOnline: 'Stephen was absolutely mortified to learn about this situation and the awful experience the tenant has faced which is clearly unacceptable.

'Stephen had not been made aware of any of these issues as he relies entirely on an independent company who manage the property on his behalf.

'Having not been aware of the issues until now, Stephen has taken this matter into his own hands immediately and has personally requested for a team of damp specialists to visit the property to make sure that the problems with the ventilation and mould are resolved as a matter of urgency.

'We have contacted the tenant to express sincere apologies for the distress and frustration the management of this matter has caused.

'This falls way below the standards Stephen expects and he is doing everything possible to remedy this ASAP, and this process is already underway.'

Last month, Labour MP Jas Athwal was exposed as a landlord who was renting out mould-riddled and insect infested flats.

He said he had dismissed the agent charged with managing his rental properties after tenants claimed they were living with black mould and ant infestations.

Labour MP Jas Athwal sacked the estate agent responsible for managing his mould-riddled and insect infested flats

Ant infestations were found in a number of the seven flats owned by Mr Athwal

The MP for Ilford South in east London owns a rental portfolio including 15 residential and three commercial properties in the capital, according to the MPs' register of interests

Mr Athwal said he was 'shocked and sickened' by the series of problems, and he was 'furious' not to have been made aware of them earlier.

The newly-elected MP for Ilford South in east London owns a rental portfolio including 15 residential and three commercial properties in the capital, according to Parliament's register of MPs' interests.

A BBC investigation found black mould in some of the properties, with dirty and dark communal areas, fire alarms hanging loose from the ceiling, and ant infestations in a number of the seven flats in one block.

In a statement posted online, Mr Athwal said: 'I am shocked and sickened by the series of problems that have come to light.

'I had not been aware of these issues until this week, for which I am furious. I have immediately dismissed the managing agent of my properties.

'As the landlord, the buck stops with me, and I unreservedly apologise to my tenants for the unacceptable experiences they have endured.

'I will be reimbursing every tenant that is out of pocket for repairs or renewals they have had to undertake.'

The MP previously claimed to be a 'renters' champion' and had said he was 'proud' to let out properties at 'below market rents'.

Tenants living inside Mr Athwal's flats said they were being threatened with eviction if they complained about the conditions, while accusing Mr Athwal and his manager of being slow to respond to complaints or were completely unresponsive.
Lebanon is facing a 'humanitarian catastrophe' amid Israeli airstrikes and a ground invasion, the UN has warned.

Evacuation orders for residents have been implemented across the southern suburbs of Beirut and there have been 'waves of displacement' as a result, according to UNICEF's deputy representative for Lebanon, Ettie Higgins.

She said: 'What we are seeing unfold is a huge humanitarian catastrophe. It's really a very, very, very difficult and fast unfolding catastrophe.'

A million people have fled their homes in Lebanon in one of 'the most dangerous stages in the country's history,' the country's prime minister, Najib Mikati, said.

While the Lebanese government has said the conflict may have displaced up to a million people, the UN estimate is around 200,000.

A mourner reacts during the collective funeral held for people killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday in the city of Ain Deleb in southern Lebanon, amid the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Sidon, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

People check for drone attacks as Israeli airstrikes continue while people flee and take refuge in parks and squares in Beirut

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 30 September 2024

Mr Mikati made the comment during a meeting with UN organisations and ambassadors of donor countries this morning.

A short time after, he launched a 319.4m appeal to help civilians affected by the escalating conflict.

UNICEF is continuing to deliver assistance on the ground and staff have dealt with 'hundreds of thousands of absolutely traumatised children'.

At least 95 people have been killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the last 24 hours, Lebanon's health ministry said.

The Israeli military ordered the evacuation of several Lebanese communities near the border Tuesday, shortly after starting what it called a 'limited, localized' operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out 'targeted ground raids' in villages close to the Israeli border.

The targets, it said, pose an 'immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.'

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas.

A mourner reacts during the collective funeral held for people killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday in the city of Ain Deleb in southern Lebanon, amid the ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, in Sidon, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Rescuers and people inspect the site of an Israeli strike that hit a building in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp, near the southern city of Sidon, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Firefighters extinguished the fire that broke out in the targeted apartment after the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a multi-story building in the Kola district of Beirut

People take photos of destroyed building after three leaders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine group have been killed by Israeli airstrike in the Kola area of Beirut, Lebanon on September 30, 2024

'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach,' Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, promised the group will fight on following the death Friday of its long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel has also assassinated several of the group's top commanders in recent days. Kassem said the group's fighters are ready and the slain commanders have already been replaced.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since October 8, the day after Hamas sent fighters into Israel and sparked the war in Gaza.

It's been almost a year since some 250 people were abducted from Israel, and friends and family are worried about their loved ones as attention turns away from hostages and north toward Lebanon.
Britain is set for yet another day of pandemonium amid fresh warnings of heavy rainfall and floods that are 'more disruptive than usual'.

The Met Office has issued a yellow alert for the East Midlands and East Anglia until 4pm today, with 30-40mm of rainfall expected in some areas.

Flooding in some homes and businesses within the warning area are likely, according to the forecaster.

Some interruptions to power supplies are also likely, with bus and train services predicted to be impacted by poor weather conditions.

Spray and heavy rain could also impact motorists, by making journey times on roads lengthier.

The Met Office have issued a yellow weather warning for parts of eastern England

CHESHIRE: A man seen on a rubber dingy paddling through the torrential rain in Cheshire today

CHESHIRE: A man continues to make his way through the street in Hale on the same street as Manchester United Football Player Casamiro's house

CAMBRIDGE: A group out punting on the water in Cambridge as wet weather continues to plague parts of England

CAMBRIDGE: The group continue on the water as the downpour rains upon them

NORFOLK: A tractor attempts to make it through the A1101 Welney Wash Road between the Old Bedford river and the New Bedford river

The Environment Agency has issued 64 red flood alerts as well as 157 flood warnings across England.

There are also another five amber flood warnings issues for Wales in areas surrounding the River Alyn and Dee.

Eastern England will see clouds and gales today, with largely dry spells in other parts of the country.

Northwest England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland set to 'take the biscuit for bright blue skies', the Met Office said.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern said: 'For East Anglia, for the East Midlands and for London it's a dreary start (to Tuesday) - a lot of low cloud, persistent damp weather and a gusty wind making it feel cool.

'Wales, something a little brighter coming along but north-west England, western Scotland and Northern Ireland all take the biscuit for bright blue skies first thing.'

He continued: 'It's a real west-east contrast during Tuesday.

The Environment Agency has issued 64 red flood alerts as well as 157 flood warnings across England as well as five amber flood warnings in Wales

BEDFORDSHIRE: A car underwater on a motorway as tankers continue to try and remove the water

NORFOLK: The road between Old Bedford and New Bedford river submerged in water

NORFOLK: Road closure signs on the A110 Welney Wash Road today

LONDON: Commuters attempt to shelter as they cross London Bridge in the rain on Monday

DEVON: Sheep stranded in a flooded field after the River Axe burst its banks yesterday

'The brightest spells will be in the west and most especially the North West, whilst the Midlands, parts of northern and eastern England will be plagued by low cloud, outbreaks of rain at times and a strong wind - particularly strong around the coastal part of eastern England.

'That's going to make it feel cold in the east, but in the west, where we do get some sunshine and lighter winds compared with the last couple of days, highs of 15C to 17C are likely.'

The meteorologist said the UK can expect 'more widespread fine weather' on Wednesday which will continue into Thursday and Friday 'before more rain at the weekend'.

Fields were flooded in the market town of St Ives in Cambridgeshire today after the River Great Ouse burst its banks -as floods plague parts of Britain.

Meadows in the town were deep underwater this morning following heavy rain, with a group of buildings cut off from the main town, with access only possible over a bridge.

Provisional statistics published by the Met Office showed that some counties in the UK experienced more than double their average rainfall in September, with six English counties experiencing record levels of rainfall.

Reading has seen its most thundery month in decades, with seven days recorded in September alone - the most in 55 years.

Only one month in Reading - May 1969 - has seen more thunderous occasions.

Dr Stephen Burt, meteorologist at the University of Reading, said: 'Since the university began recording rainfall, back in 1901, our wettest September to date was 1974, when 145.7 mm was recorded.

LIVERPOOL: A drenched man in a raincoat walks past a flooded road sign yesterday

KENT: Waves crash over the promenade in Folkestone on Monday

OXFORDSHIRE: Cars drive down the water logged country lanes after another night of rain yesterday

'The September average, from 1991-2020, is just under 50 mm. As of today this month's rainfall total stood at 154 mm, making this the wettest September on our records.

'The year-to-date total has now reached 657 mm, and has thus already exceeded our annual average rainfall (period 1991-2020) of 655 mm.

'Since 1908, only two years have been wetter at this point - in 1928 (665 mm Jan to Sept 1908) and 1951 (664 mm in the same period).

'Over the last 12 months, we have received 955 mm precipitation, almost half as much again as our normal rainfall - or, put another way, about 17 months worth of rainfall in the last 12.

'Perhaps even more remarkable is that seven days this month have had 'thunder heard' in the Reading area, also a new September record (previously six days in September 1976).

'Since our records of thunder-days began in 1908, only one month has ever had more days with thunder (May 1969, with 11 days), although seven days with thunder were also noted in May 1924, July 1925, June 1963 and May 1967.

'This month's count also exceeds the annual total in several recent years - just six days in the whole year in 2021, for example - and accordingly becomes Reading's most thundery month in 55 years.'

This comes shortly after a lucky motorist was rescued yesterday from his nearly-submerged car in Shropshire amid dozens of flood alerts yesterday.

The driver had attempted to traverse the ford at Boreton Brook, near Candover, at around 7.30am when his car became trapped.

Dramatic photos show firefighters using ropes and pole as the muddy waters rushed through an open window and nearly fully submerged the car.

The man was rescued and taken to hospital by paramedics for precautionary checks.

A lucky motorist was rescued yesterday from his nearly-submerged car in Shropshire

Dramatic photos show firefighters using ropes and pole during the rescue mission as the muddy waters rushed through an open window and nearly fully submerged the car

The driver had attempted to traverse the ford at Boreton Brook, near Candover, at around 7.30am when his car became trapped

The rescue mission prompted Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service to remind people to be aware of the dangers of being near flood water as Britons brace.

A fire service spokesperson said: 'Crews from Red Shrewsbury have just rescued a male from flood water in Condover, please be aware of the dangers when near flood water.'

A West Midlands Ambulance Service spokesperson added: 'We were called by the fire service to Condover in Shrewsbury to assess a man who had been submerged in flood water.

'He was assessed and treated by ambulance staff before being conveyed to Royal Shrewsbury Hospital for further precautionary checks.'
A British tourist who fell over and broke his hip while on holiday in Egypt has been told to pay 55,000 to return home, despite being insured.

Geoff Seedall, 69, was enjoying a family holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, when he tripped over in the hotel and fractured the bone.

The grandfather-of-three was told he needed surgery to repair the bone, but doctors in Egypt recommended he return to the UK for the procedure.

Geoff's daughter-in-law Kelly Seedall, 40, says the travel insurance company want him to pay 40,000 for a medical flight home and 15,000 for his hospital stay.

The company will then reimburse Geoff, who was recently diagnosed with Vascular Dementia and Alzheimer's disease, but his family cannot afford to do this.

British holidaymaker Geoff Seedall, 69, was enjoying a family holiday in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt, when he tripped over in the hotel and fractured the bone. Pictured: Geoff with his daughter-in-law, Kelly and grandchildren Ryan and Zara

Geoff has been told by the insurance company to pay 40,000 for a medical flight home and 15,000 for his hospital stay

Geoff with his wife, Eileen, who has been left 'in pieces' over the plight of her husband

Kelly said: 'The whole reason you get travel insurance is so you aren't in this situation where you have to pay out thousands.

'If we had the money, then we wouldn't take out travel insurance, because we don't need it.

'But they are saying we have to upfront the cost to get [him] home, and they will pay us back at a later date.

'We've put a complaint in and it will take eight weeks for them to respond - Geoff doesn't have eight weeks, so we need to get him home.'

Kelly says they have considered a commercial flight home for Geoff, of Stalmine, Lancashire, but they are worried because he's 'getting confused..'

She said: 'They would need to airlift him home.

'The 40,000 would be for the aircraft and for two nurses to go with him and put him on a stretcher.

'There's been talks of him getting on a commercial flight, but he's confused and is lashing out - he's also struggling with the language barrier.

'To put him on an aircraft with other people wouldn't be the best solution so I think we need to get him home now.

'Obviously if you are waiting for people to board a plane, then it's going to be a problem so we are hoping to get the 40,000.

'But we will do whatever it takes to get him home.'

Geoff, who has type one diabetes, is currently in Egypt with wife Eileen, 66, and grandson Ryan, 21.

Kelly says the whole family are 'heartbroken' about the incident and she's avoided telling her daughter Zara, seven, as she doesn't want to upset her.

She said: 'We are heartbroken, I'm trying to hold it together but it's tearing us apart.

'You honestly never think it will happen to your family and you take out travel insurance thinking you are fine.

Geoff's family are said to be 'heartbroken' over the situation, which has left Geoff in an Egyptian hospital until he can afford to fly home

The family have launched a GoFundMe page to help raise the funds to bring Geoff home

'He's always thinking of others and I just feel so scared and sorry for him because he must be so frightened and confused.

'We just want him back, I don't know what we are going to do if we can't raise the money.

'I've told my daughter Zara only parts of it, I've tried not to tell her too much.

'I'm in bits, I don't want to tell her that she's never going to be able to see him again because he's such an amazing grandad to her.

'He means the world to us.'

She added: 'My mother-in-law Eileen is understandably in pieces, watching the love of her life slowly become less and less her husband.'

The family has so far raised just over 4,000 towards their goal via a GoFundMe page.

MailOnline has contacted the insurance company for comment.
A female member of the British Army Air Corps repeatedly sexually assaulted a female colleague before stubbing out a cigarette on her face after she rejected her advances, a court heard.

Olivia Nelson is accused of kissing, groping, trying to undress and intimately touching her fellow soldier who had offered her comfort after she broke up with her girlfriend.

Jurors were told the incident began in the Army barracks where the 21-year-old is said to have drunkenly forced herself on her alleged victim before continuing the assault in the toilet of a pub during a night out.

When the woman - who cannot be named for legal reasons - managed to escape being groped, Nelson then put out a cigarette on her face, the court heard.

Nelson denied six charges related to sexual assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Winchester Crown Court.

Olivia Nelson is accused of kissing, groping, trying to undress and intimately touching her fellow soldie

The Air Army Corps is the combat aviation arm of the Army.

Nelson denied six charges related to sexual assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Winchester Crown Court.

Opening the case, prosecutor Mark Karpinski told the court that Nelson and her colleague 'quickly became friends in a strictly platonic sense' when they met at Middle Wallop Army Barracks, Hants.

The alleged assaults took place several days after Nelson ended her relationship with her girlfriend.

'The [colleague] wanted to be supportive and offered [Nelson] all of the comfort that you would expect from a good friend,' he said.

'A couple of days later the defendant went out drinking,' Mr Karpinski added.

Nelson returned to the barracks 'intoxicated', and tried to kiss her colleague.

'[The colleague] was in bed and [Nelson] walked up to [her] bedside and initiated unwanted sexual activity without consent, particularly she tried to kiss [her].'

'Some time later [the colleague] went to the communal toilet cubicles and showers,' he said.

Nelson followed her and tried to kiss her again, the court heard.

The alleged victim rejected Nelson's advances and tried to go to bed, but Mr Karpinski said it was here that Nelson tried to undress her, 'again without her consent'.

'[The colleague] returned to bed, [Nelson] followed [her] and tried to undress her while she was in bed again without her consent,' he said.

The jury was told that a few days later, there was a social event at a pub in nearby Andover.

'Both [the alleged victim] and [Nelson] attended as part of a wider group,' said Mr Karpinski.

Nelson denied six charges related to sexual assault and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm at Winchester Crown Court

Nelson allegedly followed her colleague into the toilets during this event.

Mr Karpinski said Nelson 'grabbed her breasts and tried to kiss her', before also trying to touch her intimately.

The colleague allegedly 'managed to escape', but Nelson went after her and tried touching her intimately again, over her clothing.

A short while later, Nelson 'put a cigarette out by stubbing it on [the alleged victim's] face'.

In a police interview, Nelson 'answered no comment to all questions put by the police'.

Nelson has been charged with five counts of sexual assault, one count of attempting to assault by penetration and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

She denies them all.

The trial continues.
It's one of life's simplest yet most delicious foods.

And with its main components being two of the most basic ingredients money can buy, you wouldn't be wrong to expect a simple loaf of bread to cost just a few pounds.

But, as presenter Kate Lawler found out earlier this week when she was charged almost 9 for just 12 slices of sourdough, there are some loaves that really take the cake (or should that be bread) for their extravagance.

Ranging from as much as 13 to a whopping 24, the price of some of Britain's most expensive loaves will cost you more dough than you bargained for.

Here MailOnline lists some of the priciest and where you can find them - if you fancy breaking the bank...

Ranging from as much as 13 to a whopping 24, the price of some of Britain's most expensive loaves will cost you more dough than you bargained for

Earlier this week presenter Kate Lawler went to a store in north London to purchase her beloved artisan loaf and got a shock when she saw the amount on the card reader

Poilane's decorated loaf is one of the most expensive in the UK and is garnished with 'entirely hand-made dough decorations'

The Happy Sky Bakery certainly offers one of the most unique loaves on the market, with its Tokyo Milk Bread, albeit for a not so generous price

Poilane, Decorated loaf - 24.40 (2kg)

At a whopping 24.40, Poilane's decorated loaf is thought to be this country's most expensive out there.

As the name suggests, it is garnished with 'entirely hand-made dough decorations' before it is baked in a wood-fired stone oven.

Poilane is a French bakery although it now has a shop in London's Belgravia.

The artisan bakery, run by third generation baker Apollonia Poilane, is popular with both bread lovers and celebrities alike ever since it first opened a shop in the French capital in 1932.

Kourtney Kardashian previously shared a snap on her Instagram of the world famous bread loaf with the words 'Forever isn't long enough' emblazoned on the front.

At a whopping 24.40, Poilane's decorated loaf (pictured) is thought to be this country's most expensive out there

Poilane is a French bakery although it now has a shop in London's Belgravia, pictured

Harrods Personalised Loaf - 17 (2kg)

Harrods' has always been renowned for its luxury and their personalised sourdough loaf is no exception.

The unique product can be ordered as the perfect gift with someone's initials emblazoned on the front - whether they are a fellow bread aficionado or just someone close to your heart.

While Harrods does not disclose the price on its website, the loaf is believed to cost upwards of 17.

For those looking to get their hands on one, you will have to order at the department store's in-house bakery before 3pm for collection 48 hours later.

Harrods' has always been renowned for its luxury and their personalised sourdough loaf (pictured) is no exception

The loaf is available to order at the department store's (pictured) in-house bakery before 3pm for collection 48 hours later

Gail's sourdough - 13 (2kg)

Of course, a list of most the UK's most expensive baked goods wouldn't be complete without a mention of one of the capital's most popular (and pricey) bakeries.

Many bread aficionados are likely to be well aware of Gail's signature sourdough, but for those who aren't, it will set you back 13 for a 2kg loaf.

It has 'sour and tangy notes' and 'is chewy, spongy' and most importantly 'satisfying to eat', according to the bakery itself.

The loaf is made from a 'diverse variety of grains for depth of flavour' and is 'skillfully fermented' and 'hand shaped' by the most skilled Gail's bakers.

It is available for collection from any of Gail's bakeries across London. With dozens of sites, there is no excuse not to try it.

Gail's signature sourdough will set you back 13 for a 2kg loaf

Gail's has quickly become one of London's most popular bakeries

Happy Sky Bakery, Tokyo Milk Loaf - 11.40

The Happy Sky Bakery certainly offers one of the most unique loaves on the market, albeit for a not so generous price.

The Japanese bakery's Tokyo Milk Loaf is priced at 11.40 normally, although right now punters can grab it for less than a tenner.

It is baked for 72 hours using the bakery's' special 'high temperature, deep fermentation technique'.

The bread is only available from the west London bakery, near Shepherd's Bush, on Fridays and Saturdays.

'We believe our simply good ingredients gives simply good effects,' their website states adding: 'We bake a little differently everyday to correspond the temperature and humidity to ensure our quality.'

Another unknown bakery has also been accused of charging too much for its bread after Kate Lawler was charged almost 9 for a loaf of sourdough bread (pictured)

Another unknown bakery has also been accused of charging too much for its bread after Kate Lawler was charged almost 9 for a loaf of sourdough bread.

The presenter went to a French bakery in north London to purchase her beloved artisan loaf. But the 44-year-old was left shocked when she was charged a whopping 8.82.

She said that although it smelt 'lovely', she could not justify the price tag, but the man working in the bakery had already started cutting it up before she realised the cost.

To add insult to injury, Kate was asked whether she wanted to leave the bakery a tip.

She said: 'I tapped no tip and then I had the audacity to feel stingy, what's going on in the world?

'12 slices of bread for 8.82? The guy is a robbing b******.

'He should've had a black and white stripy jumper, black eye mask and a SWAG bag,' she added.

Kate did not name the bakery she bought the sourdough from but admitted that she has tasted 'better' loaves.

The TV star wrote in her caption: 'How much is a loaf of sourdough where you live? Less than 8.82 I hope.

'Still, it's fresh, it's healthy and I can't wait to slab some avocado and eggs on two toasted slices of it tomorrow.'
A British tourist was found dead in a hostel in Bali hours after pleading with staff to have his room changed.

The 32-year-old man, from England, told his friend that he was feeling sick before retreating into his room at the lodging in Badung Regency on September 26.

He had reportedly planned to switch rooms the next day, but never emerged the following morning.

A cleaner, Komang Ari Triwarsana, 19, said she discovered the Briton's corpse when she checked on the guest at around 12.30pm on September 27.

She said she grew suspicious as he had still not woken up past noon. She reported to the hotel staff, who called police to investigate.

The 32-year-old man, from England, told his friend that he was feeling sick before retreating into his room at the lodging in Badung Regency (pictured above) on September 26

Cops said the British man was found dead in his hostel room (pictured above: an emergency worker at the scene)

The British man's hostel is located in Badung Recency, a central Bali province

Ipda I Putu Sukarma, Head of Public Relations of the Badung Police, said: 'The witness tried to clean the room because the victim had actually wanted to move rooms. It was his own request the day before.'

Officials said there were no signs of violence found.

Inside the room, there were various medications and hygienic products.

Hotel receptionist Dayu Novi, 24, said the man had talked to her the night before requesting for a room change.

She said: 'Yesterday afternoon at around 12.53pm, the victim's friend, who was also staying here, sent a message to the manager asking to check on him.

'The request was because the victim had previously admitted to not feeling well.'

Badung Police said they believe the Briton was ill. He was taken to the Prof. IGNG Ngoerah General Hospital Denpasar for a post-mortem examination to determine the cause of his death.

A spokesperson for the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said: 'We are supporting the family of a British man who died in Indonesia and we are in touch with the local authorities'.
Dozens of women mourning the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah have sat outside of an Australian mosque after the women's section filled out.

Hundreds attended a prayer session at All Rahman Mosque in Kingsgrove, in Sydney's south to pay their respects to the terrorist organisation leader for a second consecutive night on Tuesday.

Hezbollah, a recognised terrorist organisation, confirmed on Saturday that Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli air strike in Lebanon's capital Beirut last week.

The women were given chairs to sit down outside of the mosque as Nasrallah, a founding member of Hezbollah, was celebrated as a martyr.

Men could also be seen walking in and out of the mosque to pay their respects while others wearing high-vis vests stood at nearby tables providing food and water to attendees.

It marked night two of a three-day vigil for the leader which started the day after protesters took to the streets in Sydney and Melbourne on Sunday.

Just hours before Tuesday's prayer session, Israel announced that it has launched a 'localised and targeted' invasion into Lebanon to push Hezbollah away from the border.

Further protests are planned to take place in Sydney over two days during the upcoming public holiday weekend, prompting a request from NSW Police Commissioner Karen Webb that they be prohibited, citing safety fears.

Dozens of women mourned outside of a Sydney mosque (pictured) on Tuesday night after the women's section filled out for a prayer session to honour Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah

Australian, Indigenous, Lebanese and Palestinian flags flew outside the mosque while hundreds filed in (pictured) for the second of a three-day vigil for Nasrallah

Images from Tuesday's gathering showed Australian, Indigenous, Lebanese and Palestinian flags flying outside of the mosque.

Attendees of all ages, including young children and teens could be seen solemnly and silently listening to prayers and speeches being made by community leaders.

The mosque's leaders at Al Rahman told hundreds of attendees on Monday that Nasrallah had been a 'supporter of the oppressed'.

'When martyrs depart, they leave behind a timeless legacy of good deeds and reputation that (forges) a path for future generations who will carry forward the ideology and movement, and will shake the thrones of injustice everywhere,' one leader said in Arabic and translated by The Australian.

The mosque's leaders told hundreds of attendees on Monday that Nasrallah had been a 'supporter of the oppressed' and celebrated him as a 'martyr'. Pictured is Tuesday night's session prayer

Men in high-vis jackets manned tables outside the mosque while providing food and water for attendees (pictured)

'This is what our martyrs would have wanted so that their blood is not shed in vain.'

Celebration of Nasrallah's life has continued to stir controversy after Hezbollah flags were flown at protests in Sydney, sparking an Australian Federal Police investigation.

A statement from NSW Police on Tuesday announced intentions to block upcoming protests after organisers submitted requisite forms for public assembly.

'Officers from Operation Shelter have conducted negotiations with protest organisers ... but are not satisfied that the protest can proceed safely,' it reads.

'Accordingly, the Commissioner has decided to apply to the NSW Supreme Court to prohibit the two assemblies.

The second day of vigils followed NSW Police announcing their plans to block protests in Sydney next Sunday and Monday over safety fears

Nasrallah was one of the founding members of Hezbollah, a recognised terrorist organisation, which confirmed his death on Saturday and sparked protests in Sydney and Melbourne

The prayer session came just hours after Israel announced it had launched a 'limited' ground invasion into Lebanon on Tuesday (pictured, aftermath of Israeli strikes in Beirut)

'The NSW Police Force recognises and supports the rights of individuals and groups to exercise their rights of free speech and peaceful assembly.

'However, the first priority for the NSW Police Force is the safety of the participants and the wider community.'

The statement was released just hours after Israel and Hezbollah launched volleys of artillery across the border almost a year after the October 7 attacks.

Israeli officials announced on Monday (local time) that they had launched ground raids based on 'precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon'.

'These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel,' a statement from Israeli officials reads.

Australians in Lebanon have been urged by Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong to leave the country as soon as possible after Israel attacked Hezbollah targets using hundreds of exploding pagers and walkie talkies in September.

The two waves of explosions in concurrent days killed 37 people and injured roughly 3,000 others according to Lebanese officials.
The situation in Lebanon could become 'much, much more dangerous' as Israel begins a ground invasion of its neighbour, Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned as he urged Brits in the country to leave.

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Beirut to help UK nationals flee a major attack by Israel Defence Forces (IDF) units targeting Hezbollah fighters.

Amid fears of an all-out Middle East war that has threatened to explode since Hamas invaded Israel almost a year ago, the Foreign secretary warned that this might be the only way out.

In a video message posted online, Mr Lammy said the situation is 'volatile and has the potential to deteriorate quickly'.

'We continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region but you should not wait for these,' he said.

'We know that events can escalate with little warning and the situation on the ground could become much, much more dangerous.

'This means there's no guarantee that another option will become available.

'The UK government is providing an option for you to leave now. My message is clear: take it.'

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) said.

Brits who have registered their presence in Lebanon will be told how and when to request seats - with those who have not made the FCDO aware of their status in the country urged to do so 'immediately'.

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburb early on Tuesday

Israel was last night bombarding Lebanon from the sky and on foot as an incursion got underway

Foreign Secretary David Lammy (pictured at the UN last week) has urged Brits in Lebanon to make themselves known to the Foreign Office immediately

Smoke and flames rise into the Lebanon sky as an Israeli bombardment continues into the night

Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

In a later interview with broadcasters Mr Lammy called for ceasefires in Lebanon and Gaza and urged Israel and Iran to avoid the risk of a regional war in the Middle East.

He told reporters: 'We will continue to speak to the Israelis and indeed to other actors in the Middle East.

'At this time, none of us want to see a regional escalation. None of us want a return to the years in which Israel found itself bogged down in a quagmire in southern Lebanon and pitched battles between Israeli soldiers and of course the Lebanese side.'

He added: 'We have been warning for months that we risk a regional war with escalation on all sides and that is why we want to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

'It is politics, discussion and diplomacy that will solve the problems before us and we urge, with partners, restraint at this time.'

Asked what message he had for Tehran, which backs Hezbollah, he said: 'We are urging restraint. None of us want to see a regional war, the price would be huge for the Middle East and it would have a significant effect on the global economy.

Israel says the targets it has struck with ground and bombing offensives posed an 'immediate threat' to communities along the border with Lebanon.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The ground assault was given the green light after hundreds of Israeli tanks massed on the border, with foot soldiers also supported by intense air strikes.

Dramatic pictures showed a barrage of rockets and bombs lighting up the sky, while artillery fire was heard in a number of villages close to the Israel-Lebanon border.

The deployment of boots on the ground represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against Hezbollah, whose leadership has been wiped out in a series of recent airstrikes.

Israel has not said how long it intends to carry out its operation in Lebanon, but said troops had been preparing for the incursion for months.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Tension in the Middle East escalated even further after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Israeli strikes on Beirut on Friday.

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

Heavy shelling has been seen in southern Lebanon as Israel prepared to invade

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Lebanon

An Israeli tank manoeuvres in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday

Amid the increased violence, Syrian state-run media also confirmed that one of its television presenters was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Damascus.

It came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raid, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the county's southern border with Israel.

The sound of explosions could be heard on the border overnight, with hundreds of Israeli tanks lined up for the ground invasion.

Fires were seen erupting across Lebanon as plumes of smoke billowed into the night sky.

Hezbollah also said it 'targeted' Israeli soldiers' carrying out 'movements' in orchards near the Lebanese border.

The Lebanese health ministry said 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes, with another 172 injured. Israel said around ten rockets crossed over the border from Lebanon, with some intercepted and others 'falling into open areas'.

The Israeli army earlier declared three of its northern communities as a 'closed military zone' as signals grew that more forces could soon be sent into Lebanon to fight the Iran-backed militants.

As an Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

An Israeli mobile artillery unit is seen near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

The ground invasion could mark the first time Israel and Hezbollah engage in ground combat since their 34-day war in 2006.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.

People check for drone attacks as Israeli airstrikes continue while people flee and take refuge in parks and squares in Beirut

Hezbollah deputy leader Sheikh Naim Qassem delivering a televised address from an unknown location, days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have lined up at the Lebanon border, with a ground invasion looming

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But the Israeli army has heavily beefed up forces along the border with Lebanon in recent days.

Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days. They have also hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Despite the heavy blow Hezbollah has suffered in recent weeks, acting leader Naim Kassem said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, the group's fighters are ready.

A smoke plume erupts after an Israeli airstrike targeted the outskirts of the village of Ibl al-Saqi in southern Lebanon on September 30

Smoke billows from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam yesterday

He said the commanders killed have already been replaced.

Nasrallah's longtime deputy, Kassem will remain in his acting position until the group's leadership elects a replacement. The man widely expected to take over the top post is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollah's political affairs.

Hezbollah's capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas.

Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollah's capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Monday's in central Beirut - outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis - would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

It's possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Search and rescue team members, together with locals, work to find bodies under the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the port city of Sidon, southern Lebanon

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meeting with Israeli troops Monday, said Israel would 'use all the capabilities we have,' hinting at a ground operation.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday.

Germany, which has been calling on its citizens to leave Lebanon since October 2023, sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats' relatives and others.

Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out, with priority given to families with children and vulnerable groups.

In the past week, Israel has frequently targeted Beirut's southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, including the massive strike Friday that killed Nasrallah. But it had not hit locations closer to the city center.

Monday's strike killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced that its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Firefighters search for survivors inside an apartment building hit by an Israeli air strike in Beirut's Kola district, September 30, 2024

Firefighters extinguished the fire that broke out in the targeted apartment after the Israeli army carried out an airstrike on a multi-story building in the Kola district of Beirut

This screenshot from a video taken on Sept. 29, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli airstrikes on Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah

Israel also launched a fresh wave of airstrikes against Houthi targets in Yemen (pictured) on Sunday

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu, pictured addressing the United Nations General Assembly in New York on Friday

The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said Sharif was an employee, and was put on administrative leave without pay in March as it investigated allegations about his political activities.

Israel has accused the agency, known as UNRWA, of links to Palestinian militant groups, while the agency says it is committed to neutrality and works to prevent any such infiltration.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas' October 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Hezbollah and Hamas are allies and both supported by Iran, and Hezbollah said it would continue the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there was a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year.

The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the UN estimate is around 200,000.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until the attacks stop and its citizens can return home.

Firefighters attempt to extinguish the fire at a power plant following Israeli airstrikes on Hodeidah city, Yemen, on September 29

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on villages near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29 as air strikes across the country continue

Hundreds of Israeli tanks have been deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe.

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war.

But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group 'bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.'

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000 - including many fighters but also many civilians.
A North Carolina middle school teacher's home was snapped being swept away with her inside during the Hurricane Helene chaos which has killed at least 130.

Kim Ashby was last seen floating down the Elk River in Elk Park, North Carolina, after her holiday home was ripped from its foundations by floodwaters.

She went to the property on Friday to retrieve her belongings as the waters began to surge, but was swept away before she could leave.

Ashby's stricken family have not heard from her since.

Elk Park is part of the Blue Ridge Mountains and lies 75 north of the city of Asheville which was also decimated by water and mud after the storm moved up the coast on Friday.

The family of Ashby have also yet to hear from the teacher after she was forced to cling onto a mattress when her home was pulled into the water

Rod was found on Saturday two miles from their home and is recovering, while Ashby remains missing

Asheville, seen here, had flourished in recent years and people had moved to the area thinking they would be safe from the dangers of climate change

Asheville had thrived in recent years and become one of America's coolest cities, famed for its culture and food scene.

But locals - some of whom moved to Asheville believing it would be safe from climate change - are now unable to find a hot meal, as the city nears crisis point.

On Monday, WRAL reported that nearly all of the residents of Asheville had been left offline and struggling to reach their loved ones due to a lack of cell service.

Their struggles pale in comparison to the heartache inflicted on the family of missing teacher Ashby, with at least 130 dead and 600 missing.

Ashby's loved ones said she was forced to cling onto a mattress when her home was pulled into the water.

Ashby's daughter Jessica Meidinger said that her mom's husband Rod opened the front door of their home they knew they were in danger.

She told WRAL: 'He went outside just to check on where the water level was at that time, and he noticed a quarter of the house had already been washed away. As soon as he saw that he was running inside and told her to get dressed.'

Meidinger said that before the couple finished getting dressed the power of the surging water from the Elk River carried the home away with them still inside.

She added: 'They managed to get on a mattress and just held on. They hit in an embankment or a turn, and the house just kind of collapsed on them.

'And they started, I guess they were able to grab each other and were floating. At some point, they got hit by a tree and got separated in the water.'

Rod was found on Saturday two miles from their home and is recovering, while Ashby remains missing.

Search efforts are still ongoing for the beloved teacher who taught at SanLee Middle School in Sanford, North Carolina.

Christian Chaney, principal of the school, said: 'Tears have been shed. We miss you. And we want you back here safe. We firmly believe that will come to be, and that will happen.'

Meanwhile, roads around Asheville and North Carolina have been so badly-damaged by the Helene that some rescuers have been forced to deploy mules to help.

In a post to Facebook, the Mountain Mule Packer Ranch said they had been using the animals to deliver vital supplies which included insulin.

Mike Toberer told the Associated Press that he had decided to bring a dozen of the animals to help reach the mountainous areas whose roads were swept away by Helene.

Residents who have been separated from the center of town by a washed-out road, discuss their experiences in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina

Ron Grindstaff, right, comforts his wife, Marie, as they remove belongings from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina

Damages caused by the passing of Hurricane Helene are seen in Elk Park on September 29, 2024

Due to the devastation in the state, mules are being used in the area to help deliver supplies to residents in areas where roads have been damaged or destroyed

Leo Grindstaff, 12, left, helps his brother Gabe, 4, while walking to their grandparent's house to help salvage items in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Debris is seen here after the storm broke through Asheville, leaving the area devastated

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper took an aerial tour of the Asheville area and later met with workers distributing meals.

He said: 'This has been an unprecedented storm that has hit western North Carolina. It's requiring an unprecedented response.'

While Mayor Esther Manheimer told 'CUOMO' guest host Brian Entin on NewsNation that the once-thriving city was at 'a point of desperation'.

'The roads are washed out, the bridges are washed out and on top of that our communications are wiped out,' she said.

Mayor Esther Manheimer told NewsNation the once-thriving city was at 'a point of desperation'

'Most people have spotty cell phone service at best, and those hard to reach areas have nothing. We are still in a crisis mode. This is a very serious situation.'

According to Manheimer, around 600 people are still unaccounted for in Asheville and President Biden will fly over the city on Wednesday to see the damage.

Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane reveal a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers, mud-covered highways, and collapsed communication lines.

Asheville and many surrounding mountain towns were built in valleys, leaving them especially vulnerable to devastating rain and flooding.

Plus, the ground already was saturated before Helene arrived, said Christiaan Patterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

'By the time Helene came into the Carolinas, we already had that rain on top of more rain,' Patterson said.

A tragic final photo has emerged of grandparents sitting on the roof of their North Carolina home surrounding by raging floodwaters as they waited for rescuers to arrive

Jonah Wark, right, kisses his wife Sara Martin outside their flood-damaged home on the Pigeon River in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Sept. 28, 2024, in Newport, Tennessee

Asheville residents residents line up for gasoline at a gas station on Sunday

People wait to get water at Mountain Valley Water in the aftermath of Helene in West Asheville

Climate change has exacerbated conditions that allow such storms to thrive, rapidly intensifying in warming waters and turning into powerful cyclones, sometimes within hours.

Several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including a 4-mile section of Interstate 40.

The citys water system was severely damaged, forcing residents to scoop creek water into buckets so they could flush toilets.

The death toll from Helene is continuing to rise as authorities across six states including North Carolina slowly make their way through the decimated communities.

Helene smashed into the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane before quickly moving into Georgia.

It left a trail of destruction in its wake as it tore apart houses, ripped up roads and severed lines of communication.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said on Monday at least 25 people in his state had died, including a firefighter responding to emergency calls during the storm and a mother and her 1-month-old twins who were killed by a falling tree.

South Carolina has reported at least 30 dead, making Helene the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the state since Hurricane Hugo made landfall north of Charleston in 1989, killing 35 people.

And in North Carolina's Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, 40 people have died, the county manager has stated.

Volunteers stage water for people in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, in Asheville

Employees Linda Bandy, left, and Carissa Sheehan clean up their frame shop damaged by flood water from Hurricane Helene on North Green Street, in Morganton, North Carolina

The North Carolina death toll included one horrific story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees.

A courthouse security officer died after being submerged inside his truck. A couple and a 6-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed.

The sheriff's office in Pinellas County, Florida, published a grim litany of the nine people left dead there so far, almost all of whom were found in their homes.

Nearly all appeared to have drowned, it said, while the others were buried under debris.

The government, states, and localities are all now engaged in a huge recovery effort as people still remain without water or power.

President Biden told reporters at the White House: 'There's nothing like wondering, 'is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?

'Many more will remain without electricity, water, food and communications, and whose homes and businesses are washed away in an instant. I want them to know we're not leaving until the job is done.'

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said on Monday that shelters were housing more than 1,000 people.

Damage estimates ranged from $15billion to more than $100billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend, as water systems, communications and critical transportation routes were affected.

Property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials assess the destruction.
A billionaire Donald Trump donor is behind a billboard on the Wyoming-Colorado border that reads, 'Venezuela ahead, BE PREPARED.'

Drivers entering Colorado from Wyoming on I-25 have been met with the sign with the Venezuelan flag and the warning ahead of the November presidential election.

The billboard references reports out of Aurora of the Tren de Aragua gang taking over buildings and committing crimes in the Denver suburb, where at least 10 Venezuelan gangsters have been arrested.

The sign also reads: 'Paid for by Clipper Properties LLC, Tim Mellon, Member.'

Mellon, the heir to a banking fortune worth an estimated $14.1billion, is one of Trump's biggest supporters, USA Today reported. His family founded Mellon Bank in the 1800s and were principal investors in Gulf Oil.

Drivers entering Colorado from Wyoming on I-25 have been met with the sign with the Venezuelan flag and the warning ahead of the November presidential election

Tim Mellon, the heir to a banking fortune worth an estimated $14.1billion, is one of Trump's biggest supporters. Mellon is pictured in 1981

The reclusive billionaire, 82, has given $75 million to Trump's campaign, and also contributed $25 million to Robert Kennedy Jr's failed independent bid.

He has donated a total $227 million to political campaigns, mostly to Republicans.

Mellon, who is reportedly based in Wyoming, has been accused of racism over statements he made in his memoir, panam.captain.

He wrote in the book: 'Black people, in spite of heroic efforts by the Establishment to right the wrongs of the past, became even more belligerent and unwilling to pitch in to improve their situations.'

Mellon's nephew John W. Warner IV previously told Vanity Fair the Trump donor is 'the most private Mellon there is.'

The controversial billboard is also backed by former Wyoming Speaker of the House through his Clipper Properties LLC.

Many of the arrests stem from violent activity at the properties, particularly the Whispering Pines apartments, whose landlord has claimed the gang overtook the property late last year and began charging 'rent' from tenants

Aurora Mayor Mike Coffman and Council Member and Public Safety Chair Danielle Jurinsky have denied that Tren de Aragua has 'taken over' the city, and say there are only issues in a few properties.

'TdA has not 'taken over' the city,' the said in a statement.

'The overstated claims fueled by social media and through select news organizations are simply not true. Again, TdAs presence in Aurora is limited to specific properties, all of which the city has been addressing in various ways for months.'

Focus on Tren de Aragua jumped after footage from a security camera surfaced on social media showing a group of heavily armed men brazenly entering an apartment in Aurora.

That prompted Trump to vow to 'liberate Aurora' from Venezuelans he falsely said were 'taking over the whole town.'

Police have called the reports exaggerated but nonetheless acknowledged that it is investigating 10 gang members for involvement in several crimes, including a July homicide.

Aurora police have identified the Tren de Aragua gangsters arrested in connection to their reported violent takeover of several apartment complexes in the city

Among them is a Venezuelan who was arrested in another Denver suburb and accused of helping someone else steal a motorcycle and pointing an AR-15 at a tow truck driver who had asked him to move his car.

Another was suspected of stealing designer Gucci sunglasses in Boulder and has a multi-state criminal record, including for carjacking and vehicular assault.

The law firm Perkins Coie was hired by the lender for Whispering Pines Apartments, 1357 Helena Street, to investigate the reported takeover and claims the gang has been extorting 'rents' from people they moved into vacant units.

Former US attorney T. Markus Funk wrote: 'The evidence we have reviewed indicates that gang members are engaging in flagrant trespass violations, assaults and battery, human trafficking and sexual abuse of minors, unlawful firearms possession, extortion, and other criminal activities, often targeting vulnerable Venezuelan and other immigrant populations.'

The report, issued in August, says that 'Tren de Aragua has threatened to kill (and, in certain instances, has apparently actively attempted to kill) members of Whispering Pines management.'

The gang's activities reported escalated this year, with a housekeeper claiming in April 2024 that two individuals 'went into an apartment, came out with large firearms, and were coming to kill [the property manager].

Elsewhere, from the heartland to major cities like New York and Chicago, the gang has been blamed for sex trafficking, drug smuggling and police shootings as well as the exploitation of migrants.

The size of the gang and the extent to which its actions are coordinated across state lines and with leaders believed to be outside the US are unclear.
Police have launched a manhunt after a teenage girl was left with 'life-changing injuries' in a suspected 'acid attack' at a school in London.

The 14-year-old was one of three people hospitalised after being allegedly sprayed with the harmful substance outside Westminster Academy in Paddington yesterday.

A teacher and a 16-year-old boy were also hurt in the attack, while the Metropolitan Police said two of its officers who rushed to the scene were also checked over by medics as a precaution.

Emergency services rushed to the scene at around 4.40pm on Monday after an assault involving an 'acid-like corrosive substance', with witnesses claiming they saw people 'rushing around' inside and outside the buildings.

The school remained closed to students today, with its headteacher saying the 'distressing incident' took place as teachers and pupils were leaving at the end of the school day.

Two teenagers and a member of staff have been injured in an 'acid attack' at Westminster Academy in Paddington (Pictured: Police patrolling outside the school)

There is currently a search under way for the assailant following the incident which left a 14-year-old with potentially 'life changing injuries'

The Met says has launched an 'urgent' investigation to find those responsible, with officers seen outside the school this morning.

Officers had been flagged down by a member of staff outside the school, with claims the substance had been thrown at a teenage girl and two others, The Times reports.

The 14-year-old girl who was hurt in the incident remains in hospital with potentially life-changing injuries', the force said.

A 27-year-old woman has since been discharged from hospital after the attack, while a 16-year-old boy, is being treated for non-life threatening or life-changing injuries.

The principal of Westminster Academy, Mrs Numera Anwar, has shared a message as the school remains closed today.

Her message read: 'One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance.

'This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.

'This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place.

'We are working with the local authority and will have counsellors and other support available onsite.

'The welfare of the students at Westminster Academy is always our priority and that continues to remain the case.

'This will clearly be an unsettling time for the wider community and parents. While police lead the investigation into this incident I would urge everyone to avoid speculation as this will not be helpful and may compromise the investigation.

'Our focus remains on our students and staff members and that is what we are concentrating on.'

It comes shortly after the academy located on a Harrow Road, announced they were closed today via their website.

Police officers standing at the entrance of Westminster Academy today following the incident

Police (Pictured outside the school) are on the hunt for the assailant following the incident, which left a 14-year-old girl hospitalised with potentially life-changing injuries

'Due to unforeseen circumstances the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday 1st October,' the statement read.

'Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teacher. Thank you for your understanding.'

Members of staff have since returned to the premises today and could be seen in meetings.

Locals have since spoken out about the incident, with one describing it as 'very scary'.

A barber continued: 'Around six ambulances and around four police cars were outside last night, there were people rushing around the school and inside.'

A neighbour said: 'This is a sensitive time for the community, it's usually a busy area here but as you can see today- nothing.'

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: 'This is a truly shocking attack on school pupils and a member of staff.

'The council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

'Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can.

'We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police.'

The principal of Westminster Academy Numera Anwar has urged the public not to speculate to avoid compromising the investigation

A local resident said: 'This is a sensitive time for the community, it's usually a busy area here but as you can see today- nothing'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September by staff at a school in Alfred Road W2 after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a staff member.

'Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade and found three people injured.

'Victim one - a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains in hospital.

'Victim two - a 27-year-old woman - whose condition is not life-threatening or life-changing. She has been discharged in from hospital.

'Victim three - A 14-year-old girl, whose injuries may potentially be life-changing. She remains in hospital.

'Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic.

'Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest those responsible. A number of crime scenes are in place.

'Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.'

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, have been urged to call call 101 quoting reference CAD 4987/30 Sept.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Westminster Academy has announced a temporary closure following the incident

It said the closure was due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: 'Firefighters were mobilised to a chemical incident on Harrow Road in Westminster.

'Firefighters assisted emergency service colleagues and worked to make the scene safe.

'Two teenagers and one adult woman sustained injuries from a substance which Metropolitan Police Services believe to be acidic and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

'The Brigade's 999 Control Officers were called about this incident at 16.50 and mobilised two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from North Kensington Fire Station, as well as specialist hazardous materials colleagues.

'The incident was over for firefighters by 17.45.'
British passengers have described chaotic scenes after 'all four' tyres on a Ryanair plane burst as it landed in Italy.

Arriving and departing flights have been suspended at Bergamo's Orio al Serio airport, near Milan, following the incident involving the flight from Barcelona.

Dramatic pictures show the passenger plane with its tyres missing and metal wheels ground down after apparently scraping along the runway, which was also damaged.

Onlookers who had been on another flight have claimed that their pilot told them it happened due to a 'bad landing', though this has not been confirmed by the airline or airport.

Alice Longhurst, a marketing consultant from London, said: 'You could smell the burning rubber in the plane. That was quite scary.

'We were ready to go and there were flames which was scary. I was shocked. I never experienced anything like this before.

Ryanair flight FR846 which arrived from Barcelona El Prat, on the runway of Orio al Serio airport, in Bergamo, Italy

Dramatic pictures show one one of the burst tyres on the Ryanair plane

Passengers wait for their flights at Orio al Serio airport after the Milan-Bergamo airport was closed due to the incident

'They told us to wait for a couple of hours and then they took us off the plane,' the 35-year-old went on.

She is now currently waiting at Bergamo airport and said she was told to expect delays of at least six hours.

Cleanup operations are reported to be underway after the tarmac was damaged.

Emergency services were pictured at the scene, but no one is believed to have been injured.

Airport authorities have reportedly said that no flights will be operating until at least 5pm local time.

Incoming flights were diverted to other airports, including Milan Malpensa and Verona, Sky Italia reports.

A spokesperson from Ryanair said: 'Flight FR846 from Barcelona to Milan Bergamo (1 Oct) experienced a tyre issue upon landing at Milan Bergamo Airport.

'Passengers disembarked normally, and the aircraft was inspected by engineers, who are currently servicing the aircraft so that it can return to service.'

Emergency services are seen at the site of the dramatic landing on Tuesday

Airport authorities said in separate comments: 'SACBO [the company that manages the airport] advises that due to an aircraft grounded on the runway due to technical problems, operations are suspended.

'Departing flights are delayed and arriving flights may be diverted or cancelled until reopened.'
A senior Conservative has revealed how MI6 warned him in Bangkok about a foreign plot to disrupt the contest to choose Boris Johnson's successor as prime minister.

Graham Brady, now Lord Brady of Altrincham, was chairman of the Tories' 1922 Committee as Liz Truss battled Rishi Sunak to replace Mr Johnson two years ago.

In his new book, titled 'Kingmaker - Secrets, Lies and the Truth about Five Prime Ministers', Lord Brady has described the chilling warning he received in July 2022.

He recalled how he was ushered into a 'large metal room' in the Thai capital to be told of possible interference in the Conservative leadership election.

Lord Brady disclosed how this risked leaving the Tories in the embarrassing position of being unable to tell who had won the contest between Ms Truss and Mr Sunak.

Graham Brady has revealed how MI6 warned him in Bangkok about a foreign plot to disrupt the contest to choose Boris Johnson's successor as prime minister

Lord Brady of Altrincham, was chairman of the Tories' 1922 Committee as Liz Truss battled Rishi Sunak to replace Mr Johnson two years ago

Ms Truss was declared the winner of the Tory leadership contest - and Mr Johnson's successor as PM - on 5 September 2022 following a ballot of party members

Lord Brady recalled how he was ushered into a 'large metal room' in the Thai capital to be told of possible interference in the Conservative leadership election

Lord Brady had travelled to Thailand with his wife Vic in July 2022 and, soon after arriving on the island of Koh Phangan, got a call from Cabinet Secretary Simon Case.

In his book, Lord Brady described being told by Whitehall's top official: 'Sorry to disturb your holiday but there is something that I should share with you.'

'I may have to speak in an elliptical way in case the line isn't secure... We have growing evidence, increasingly credible evidence, that foreign actors are preparing an intervention in the leadership election with the aim of influencing its outcome.

'We may have to say something publicly  but this is your election, not ours, so it will be your decision.'

In a extract of his memoirs, as reported by the Evening Standard, Lord Brady then arranged with Mr Case to speak again on a more secure line at the British embassy in Bangkok.

The former MP added in his book: 'I realised that I was going to a particular part of the embassy.

'I was shown into a large metal room within a room. The 'safe talking space' was locked by a metal lever.'

He continued: 'Simon Case was already on the screen, and someone else joined him shortly.

'On the table was a letter addressed to me as Chairman of the Conservative Private Members Committee  the formal and now seldom-used title of the '22.

'There was nothing certain or specific, but it seemed that fragments of intelligence showed serious cause for concern.

'The election interference could come in the form of 'hack and leak', 'disruption of the ballot', 'tampering with the numbers of votes', or 'denial of access'.

'The last was the most serious of all, because we could reach the close of the poll and not be able to tell who had won.

'The Intelligence Service chap helpfully added: 'The reason our General Elections are pretty safe is it's very hard to tamper with a pencil and a bit of paper.''

Ms Truss was declared the winner of the Tory leadership contest - and Mr Johnson's successor as PM - on 5 September 2022 following a ballot of party members.

A month before the vote result was announced, it was revealed how ballot papers were delayed in being sent out over security fears.

The Tories said they had changed their plans for the contest after consulting with GCHQ, with alterations made to 'enhance security around the ballot process'.
An OnlyFans model has been found dead in a Florida harbor following a party on a rapper's yacht.

Adriana Vieira,31, was discovered floating in the water on September 22.

The mother-of-one reportedly went swimming the night before she was found in Miami harbor.

The name of the rapper who hosted the party has not been released.

Vieira, originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, reportedly arrived in Florida with her husband two years ago and they posted photos of their lavish lifestyle on social media.

The body of Brazilian-born Adriana Vieira,31, was discovered floating in Miami harbor on September 22

Her husband, named as Roberto Tesario, returned to Brazil soon after leaving Adriana to raise their child alone.

Her mother Antonia de Lourdes Vieira told Brazilian media: 'I want my daughter's death to be investigated and need help me bring her body back.

'I don't know how long I have until she's buried in a pauper's grave.'

Vieira's six-year-old son is reportedly being cared for by a nanny while her family travels to the US.

She had reportedly gone swimming the night before her body was found

Viera was discovered after attending a rapper's yacht party. The name of the rapper has yet to be released

Her body is being held for an autopsy by a medical examiner while police investigate her death

Her body is being held for an autopsy by a medical examiner while police investigate her death.

A haunting final photo posted by Vieira the day before she was found shows two bikini-clad women on board a yacht with a bottle of champagne visible in the foreground.

The model was known to social media followers as LadyRichForever.

She posted adult content to OnlyFans through her $14-a-month subscription service.

The final photo posted by Vieira shows her aboard a yacht just before sunset the day before her body was discovered

Vieira also worked as a dancer and model in the US and walked in last year's Miami Swim Week.

Her Instagram feed details her glamorous jet-set life, featuring snaps from New York, Las Vegas and aboard luxury yachts.

DailyMail.com has contacted Miami police for comment.
A five-year-old boy was 'seriously injured' and two other children were hurt in a vicious knife attack outside a kindergarten in Switzerland, police have said.

The youngsters were walking to a daycare centre in northern Zurich on Tuesday when they were suddenly attacked.

A 23-year-old Chinese man has been arrested on suspicion of carrying out the attack and is being questioned by police.

The attack happened at around midday on Berninastrasse, a largely residential street in the Oerlikon district in the north of Switzerland's biggest city.

'According to initial findings, a daycare worker was on her way to a daycare centre with several children when a man suddenly attacked the children with a blade,' Zurich police said in a statement.

Police officers pictured outside the day care centre in Zurich, Switzerland

The children were among a group who were walking to the centre in northern Zurich at around midday local time when they were suddenly attacked

Armed police and emergency services swooped on the scene after being alerted to the attack

'The daycare worker reacted immediately and overpowered the attacker with the help of a man, and held the suspected perpetrator until the emergency services arrived.'

'One seriously wounded boy and two moderately injured boys aged five were given first aid' by emergency services 'and then taken to hospital', the statement added.

Armed police and emergency services swooped on the scene after being alerted to the attack, and arrested the suspect.

All of the victims were boys aged five and they received first aid from paramedics at the scene before being taken to hospital.

Local residents in the area of Berninastrasse described seeing terrified parents running to find their children as news of the horrific events emerged.

'I heard children screaming and then a lot of police officers arrived,' a woman at the scene told reporters.

Police officers near an after-school care facility in Zurich on Tuesday

The area was cordoned off and the doors to the daycare centre were covered up

A police cordon off the area where a man attacked several children, injuring three

Local outlet Blick reports that a father whose son goes to the daycare centre ducked underneath the police barrier and ran towards the door, with his friend telling a reporter that the man 'is panicking and wants to know what's going on'.

The father said after being sent back behind the police barrier: 'I don't know if my son is OK!

'The police sent me away again. I don't know where my son is, they just told me that he is unharmed, but I can't go to him.'

'There are at least six to seven police cars on site. The ambulance is also on the square with several vehicles,' an eyewitness told local media of the major operation.

'Shortly after twelve o'clock, the Zurich City Police were alerted to a violent crime on Berninastrasse. Three children were injured,' said the Zurich City Police in a press release.

'A suspect was arrested in connection with this. There is no longer any danger to the public.'

A police officer standing guard close to the scene of the attack today
A police investigation is underway after a man's body was recovered from the Yarra River metres away from the heart of Melbourne's CBD.

The grim discovery was spotted in the water off the Banana Alley precinct of Flinders Street at about 4pm on Tuesday.

The man's body is yet to be formally identified.

Victoria Police are yet to determine the cause of death.

A man's body was pulled from Melbourne's Yarra River on Tuesday afternoon

Banana Alley near Flinders Street remained cordoned off as a crime scene on Tuesday night

It's understood police may have been looking for man who had attended a nightspot in the vicinity and had not returned home in recent days, the Herald.

The vicinity remained cordoned off on Tuesday night as police and forensic officers scoured the scene for potential evidence.

Police have collected CCTV from businesses along the riverfront as part of their inquiries.

Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers.
CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil accused author Ta-Nehisi Coates of being an 'extremist' during a tense on-air interview.

Coates appeared on Monday's program to discuss his new book 'The Message' - a collection of essays during which he details a visit to Palestine. Coates' memoir, Between the World and Me, was banned in some South Carolina schools after white students complained that it made them 'ashamed' of their race.

Among anecdotes of Coates' visits to Africa, The Message shares the voices of Palestinians on the West Bank.

Dokoupil - whose two children and ex-wife live in Israel - was quick to criticize the author for not including an Israeli perspective in his work claiming it delegitimizes the pillars of the country.

'The content of that section would not be out of place in the backpack of an extremist,' Dokoupil said.

'Why leave out that Israel is surrounded by countries that want to eliminate it? Why leave out that Israel deals with terror groups that want to eliminate it?

CBS Mornings co-host Tony Dokoupil (right) slammed author Ta-Nehisi Coates (left) for 'delegitimizing' Israel's right to exist

Ta-Nehisi Coates new book, The Message, is a trio of interconnected essays that examine how the stories people tell  or avoid telling  can shape and even distort reality: I am most concerned always with those that dont have a voice. https://t.co/bDsBxZMbah pic.twitter.com/G4WCkI146I  CBS Mornings (@CBSMornings) September 30, 2024

Coates defended his book saying it is his goal to give a voice to the voiceless

'Is it because you just dont believe that Israel in any condition has a right to exist?'

Coates defended his book saying it is his goal to give a voice to the voiceless and there is already enough pro-Israel perspective in mainstream media.

'I would say the perspective that you just outlined, there is no shortage of that perspective in American media,' he said.

'The reporters of those who believe most sympathetically about Israel and its right to exist dont have a problem getting their voice out.

'But what I saw in Palestine, what I saw in the West Bank, what I saw in Haifa in Israel, what I saw in the South Hebron Hills, those were the stories that I have not heard and those were the stories that I was most occupied with.'

Dokopuil doubled down claiming people who read 'The Message' will finish it believing Israel is a horrible place that should not exist.

Dokopuil said Coates new book will leave readers thinking that Israel is a horrible place

Dokoupil - whose two children and ex-wife live in Israel - was quick to criticize the author

Coates appeared on CBS Mornings to discuss his new book 'The Message' - a collection of essays including one on his visit to Palestine

Gayle King attempted to smooth the conversation over by giving Coates 20 seconds before the end of the segment to simply talk about the message of his book

'What I struggled with throughout this book, what is it that so particularly offends you about the existence of a Jewish state that is a Jewish safe place and not any of the other states out there,' he said.

'If Israel has a right to exist, and if your answer is no, then I guess the question becomes why do the Palestinians have a right to exist? Why do 20 different Muslim countries have a right to exist?'

Coates fired back: 'Theres nothing that offends me about a Jewish state. I am offended by the idea of states built on ethnocracy, no matter where they are. I would not want a state where any group of people lay down their citizenship rights based on ethnicity.'

'Either apartheid is right or its wrong. Its really, really simple. Either what I saw was right or its wrong. I am against a state that discriminates against people on the base of ethnicity. Im against that. There is nothing the Palestinians could do that would make that okay for me.'

Gayle King attempted to smooth the conversation over by giving Coates 20 seconds before the end of the segment to simply talk about the message of his book.

The interview left viewers divided with some quick to slam Dokopuil for his line of questioning and accuse him of being racist.

'The questions that one host asks are incredibly hostile, combative, and rude,' one person said.

'They're also cartoonishly racist, blaming Palestinians for their own oppression.;

Another person said, 'You will never see a more insanely confrontational interview on a network morning show than this one. Ivanka Trump received a warmer reception on this same show.'

'The interviewer is an obvious racist, and was not hiding it here. But Coates had a powerful, clear response. Nothing justifies racism,' said a third person.

Others commended Dokopuil for asking the difficult questions.

'Thank you Tony for using your journalist "chops" to question and point out the missing pieces,' one person said.

'I watched. I think it was one of the more intelligent conversations on morning TV. He asked questions for people that arent engaged. I dont think it was blather at all because the answers were important. Consider a change of perspective for informational questioning, teach,' said another.
The wreck of the 'Ghost Ship of the Pacific' has been found on the California ocean bed, eight decades after its historic role in World War II.

Found almost 3,500 feet beneath the water's surface, the wreck of the 'Ghost Ship of the Pacific' was discovered through powerful robotic sonar technology after 82 years.

The 314-foot-long ship was identified to be the only US Navy Destroyer that was captured by Japanese forces during World War II, known as the DD-224 or USS Stewart.

Another set of drones managed to capture images of the wreck days later, finding it sitting upright and 'almost perfectly intact', reported the New York Times.

The level of preservation is 'exceptional' for a ship of its age, according to superintendent of the Cordell Bank and Greater Farallones national submarine sanctuaries.

'[This] makes it potentially one of the best-preserved examples of a US Navy 'four-piper' destroyer known to exist,' she continued.

Found almost 3,500 feet beneath the water's surface, the wreck of the 'Ghost Ship of the Pacific' was discovered through powerful robotic sonar technology after 82 years

The wreck of the DD-224 was said to be found in almost perfect condition, potentially making it one of the first of its kind to be so well preserved

The 314-foot-long ship was identified to be the only US Navy Destroyer that was captured by Japanese forces during World War II

The 'Ghost Ship' was known as the DD-224 or USS Stewart

Russ Matthews said: 'The whole history of that ship was actually exceptionally well documented. The only piece of that story we didn't have is, what does it look like today?'

The drones used to locate the historic shipwreck have become a valuable asset fo researching the history of our oceans.

In 2018, Ocean Infinity developed and deployed the largest fleet of marine robotics to collect subsea data.

'Using the latest remote and robotic technology, we provide scientists and research institutions with vast quantities of data to help them make important decisions and to aid their understanding of the changing ocean landscape,' wrote Ocean Infinity.

The company also helped find the wreck of the USS Nevada in 2020, which escaped Battleship Row at Pearl Harbor in 1941 and was one of the US Navy's longest-serving battleships.

The drones, orange and torpedo-shaped, serve to collect high resolution data using sonars that create high-resolution maps of the seafloor. The same technology is used for projects such as wind farms, oil rigs or laying undersea cable and pipelines.

Senior Vice President, Jim Delgado, of SEARCH Inc, the leading global organization in maritime archaeology, told the New York Times: 'We're in the midst of, I think, a radical change in Ocean discovery.

Delgado was part of the search for the DD-224 for a decade as the director of maritime heritage for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, which oversees more then 620,000 square miles of underwater parks in the US.

The company's research to understand and predict changes in weather, climate and oceans and coasts is part of their effort to educate as well as conserve and manage coastal and marine ecosystems and resources.

Russ Matthews, president of the nonprofit Air/Sea Heritage Foundation and a member of the discovery team, told the New York Times: 'The whole history of that ship was actually exceptionally well documented. The only piece of that story we didn't have is, what does it look like today?'

Matthews and Sherell, the director of maritime operations at Ocean Infinity, collaborated to test the biggest autonomous drones to locate the DD-224.

The drones, orange and torpedo-shaped, serve to collect high resolution data using sonar that create high-resolution maps of the seafloor

The data gathered by Ocean Infinity now makes up the best map of that portion of the Cordell Bank sanctuary

Sherrell said that mapping a region of 37 square nautical miles, which was the search area for the DD-224, typically takes weeks but with the drones the ship was spotted within hours.

Now, the data gathered by Ocean Infinity makes up the best map of that portion of the Cordell Bank sanctuary.

The Stewart received two battle stars for her service in WWII. She began when she joined the Destroyer Squadron, Atlantic, in 1921 where she was sent to the Philippines for a 23-year mission.

In October 1945, the Stewart was recommissioned by the US Navy and nicknamed 'RAMP-224' before her engines gave out and she was sunk off San Francisco

The USS Stewart began when she joined the Destroyer Squadron, Atlantic, in 1921, and received two battle stars for her service in WWII

As war broke out in 1937 between Japan and China, Stewart was stationed along Chinese ports before World War II led her back to the Philippines.

She was lead ship of the second group against Japanese forces and came under several vicious night-time attacks.

Stewart sustained damage to her torpedo racks and galley, as well as a shot below the waterline that flooded the engine room with two feet of water.

Despite being able to continue operating, she was severely damaged and wasn't supported well enough on the Surabaya floating drydock she was docked at during repairs. As the dock rose, she fell onto her side in 12 feet of water that caused further damage to the hull and propeller shafts.

A Japanese bomb caused even more damage before the ship's port was eventually evacuated.

Later in the war, reports of an American warship operating in enemy waters came through after Japanese forces had repaired the Stewart in 1943 until arriving in Kure in 1944.

She was lead ship of the second group against Japanese forces and came under several vicious night-time attacks

Stewart sustained damage to her torpedo racks and galley, as well as a shot below the waterline that flooded the engine room under two feet of water while still operating

After sustaining large amounts of damage, the Stewart was docked in a floating drydock where she overturned into the water and was repaired by Japanese forces and was being used in enemy waters

In April 1945, she was bombed and damaged by US forces and was eventually found again in August of the same year.

In October 1945, the ship was recommissioned by the US Navy at Kure and nicknamed 'RAMP-224' for 'Recovered Allied Military Personnel' before her engines gave out near Guam.

She was decommissioned in May 1946 and sunk off San Francisco as a target for aircraft after two hours of gunfire.

Dr. Delgado said: 'This ship, in its own way, basically was humanized by the Navy. People pour so much into ships - and we have since the beginning of time. They represent us.'
The stepfather of Baby P, who died after months of abuse, has lost his latest parole bid to be freed from jail.

Steven Barker was jailed for 12 years in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in Tottenham, north London, in 2007.

He was also handed a life sentence and ordered to service a minimum term of 10 years after being convicted of rape at a separate trial.

In a decision released on Tuesday, the Parole Board said: 'After considering the circumstances of his offending, the progress made while in custody and the evidence presented in the dossier, the panel was not satisfied that release at this point would be safe for the protection of the public.

'Nor did the panel recommend to the Secretary of State that Steven Barker should be transferred to an open prison.

Steven Barker (pictured) was jailed for 12 years in 2009 for causing or allowing the death of 17-month-old Peter Connelly in Tottenham, north London, in 2007

Peter Connelly, initially referred to in court as Baby P, died after months of abuse

'Given that key areas of risk remain to be addressed, the panel considered that he was appropriately located in a closed prison.'

Barker will face another parole review in around two years' time.

Barker, 47, has spent 15 years in prison for torturing and killing 17-month-old Peter and for raping a two-year-old girl.

He has been denied parole four times since 2017 but was hopeful that his fifth would result in a full appeal and his eventual release.

Barker was among three people jailed in relation to the death of baby Peter in 2007.

Peter's mother Tracey Connelly, 42, was released in 2013 before being locked up again in 2015 for breaching her licence conditions.

She is alleged to have been selling naked photos of herself and 'developing intimate personal relationships' online.

She was released in July 2022, but recalled to prison again this month for breaching her license conditions a second time.

She was subject to 20 licence conditions, including having to wear an electronic tag and disclose all her relationships, having her internet use monitored and obey a curfew.

Tracey Connelly, 42, was given an indefinite sentence with a minimum of five years in 2009 after covering up her 17-month-old son's barbaric injuries and letting him die in her care

Barker's brother Jason Owen, 48, was given a six-year custodial sentence for allowing Baby P to die, but has been released

She was also banned from going to certain places to 'avoid contact with victims and to protect children'.

Barker's brother Jason Owen, 48, was given a six-year custodial sentence for allowing Baby P to die, but has been released.

Little Peter had suffered over 50 injuries, despite being on the at-risk register.

Social workers, police and health professionals made a total of 60 visits to his home over an eight-month period before he died.

His horrific injuries included a broken back, fractured shinbone, damage to the head, and blackened fingers and toes from cigarette burns.
The Israeli military has warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah.

Israel Defence Forces spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon.

'You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.

Israel's defence forces (IDF) claimed to have launched 'localised' cross-border raids on southern Lebanon late last night, which Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said were designed to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

Clips and images released by the IDF showed tanks, artillery and helicopters pounding targets just across the border, along with a video showing special forces seemingly preparing under the cover of night for a raid.

However, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have contested Israel's version of events, denying the claim that IDF troops had stepped foot on Lebanese soil.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel today, prompting officials to close beaches and limit the size of public gatherings.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.

A child sleeps in the trunk of car as people displaced amid Israeli military strikes in Lebanon stay in a street in Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A displaced child sleeps at a makeshift encampment where scores of displaced people live, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

The casing of what is thought to be a Hezbollah rocket is seen lying on a pavement in Israel

Israeli artillery shells the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

The Israeli military said their ground operations in Lebanon began in earnest on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'localised and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

Israeli officials have insisted the raids will be limited in scale, adding they do not intend to launch a ground assault on Beirut or occupy swathes of Lebanon.

The operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday - three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

But Rear Admiral Hagari added this afternoon that IDF special forces units had been conducting small scale raids to destroy Hezbollah tunnels along the border ever since October 7.

Close to 3,000 militants from Hezbollah's elite Radwan force and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas's October 7 onslaught.

But they were forced back by Israeli airstrikes, allowing IDF commandos to conduct some 70 raids undetected in which they destroyed weapons caches, collapsed tunnels and gathered intelligence, Hagari said.

It was revealed this afternoon that the IDF also mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border in the wake of the latest ground incursions.

'This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes,' the army said in a statement.

The statement did not provide details about the new brigades being called up, but one brigade typically consists of 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers, while an armoured tank brigade has about 100 tanks.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes today, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

A general view shows damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Search and rescue team members try to find victims following an overnight raid by the Israel army on the Palestinian camp of Ain Al Hilweh, in Sidon, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Despite the IDF's claims, Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon at all, casting doubt on the situation on the ground.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, the Lebanese group's spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were 'false claims' of an Israeli incursion, simply stating that his forces 'were ready' to respond to an invasion.

Many observers dismissed this as a propaganda tactic, but no videos or photos of Israeli troops in Lebanon had emerged at the time of writing.

Nevertheless, Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for an invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

A view from Shuja'iyya school after Israeli army's attack in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 01, 2024

Smoke billows amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.
An accomplice of the Monster of Avignon was found to have a haul of hundreds of child sex and animal abuse images after he was arrested for his part in the rape case that has shocked France, it has emerged.

Thierry Postat is among 51 men charged with the aggravated rape of a woman who was drugged by her husband and then abused by men that he invited to their home in a picturesque village in Provence.

Dominique Pelicot has admitted his part in the mass rape of his wife Gisele who he drugged by putting powerful sedatives in her evening meal and rose wine to render her unconscious for the abuse that followed.

Postat and most of the other defendants have denied raping Madame Pelicot, claiming they believed they were taking part in a sex game in which she pretended to be asleep.

However, this morning it emerged that Postat, 61, a heating engineer, had more than 650 child pornography photos and 419 videos of child sex and bestiality on his lap-top computer.

Thierry Postat (right) is among 51 men charged with the aggravated rape of a woman who was drugged by her husband and then abused by men that he invited to their home in a picturesque village in Provence

Dominique Pelicot (pictured) has admitted his part in the mass rape of his wife Gisele who he drugged by putting powerful sedatives in her evening meal.

Postat (right, wearing grey) and most of the other defendants have denied raping Madame Pelicot, claiming they believed they were taking part in a sex game in which she pretended to be asleep

Postat's visit to the Pelicot's home and the rape of his wife Gisele (pictured) in August 2020 was catalogued under the name 'Thierry'

Postat, a grandfather, will take the stand this week to give evidence about his role in the Monster of Avignon trial, which the main defendant Pelicot's own daughter has described as France's worst sex case for the past 20 years.

But this morning court psychologist Annabelle Montagne told the trial that the 61-year-old was a paedophile.

Madame Montagne told the court: 'Paedophilia is one of Postat's perversions, the sexual object being a child. Bestiality is another.

'There are many different parts to his sexuality.'

Postat was detained in September 2021 as part of the huge police investigation to track down Pelicot's accomplices following his arrest a year earlier when he was caught taking pictures up women's skirts in his local supermarket.

Following a search of Pelicot's home in the village of Mazan, detectives found 20,000 images and films of the system rape his wife by strangers.

They spent months tracking down his accomplices, using the images Pelicot had taken and the notes he had made about his accomplices, on a computer file entitled 'abuse'.

Postat's visit to the Pelicot's home and the rape of his wife Gisele in August 2020 was catalogued under the name 'Thierry'.

Dominique Pelicot, who has allegedly drugged and raped his wife Gisele Pelicot, appears during his trial on September 17 (right)

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

During questioning Postat denied rape and maintained he had taken part in a 'sex game' to which Madame Pelicot was a willing participant.

A search of his ASUS laptop revealed a haul of child pornography and bestiality.

The court record stated: 'Thierry Postat was charged on 28th September 2021 [for the aggravated rape of Gisele Pelicot].

'A search was carried out of his home which discovered one mobile phone and two laptop computers.'

During the search, sex toys and bondage equipment was found.

'A technical examination of a computer file showed it contained 656 paedophile pornographic photos, 419 videos of paedophilia as well as videos of urination and bestiality,' the court added.

In September 2022 Postat was also charged with possession of child sex images.

Gisele Pelicot, who only discovered the abuse in 2020 after being told of it by police, was given a round of applause by members of the public when she arrived in court this morning.

The 71-year-old grandmother have waived her right to anonymity to raise aware about the use of drugs to commit sexual abuse against women.

Gisele Pelicot, who has allegedly been drugged and raped by men solicited by her husband Dominique Pelicot at their home in the southern French town of Mazan, is seen during the trial of her husband with 50 co-accused, at the courthouse in Avignon, France, October 1, 2024

Dominique Pelicot appears during his trial with 50 co-accused at the courthouse in Avignon, France, September 17, 2024

Madame Pelicot stared unblinkingly across the courtroom as her husband of 50 years took his seat in the dock this morning.

The 71-year-old retired electrician was not in court yesterday because he underwent an operation in hospital linked to infections in his liver and bladder.

Appearing frail and walking slowly Pelicot held his head in his hands, stroked the bridge of his nose and held his chin as proceedings got underway.

Pelicot and his co-defendants face up to 20 years in jail if convicted of aggravated rape.

The case continues.
A Utah husband has admitted to trying to kill his terminally ill wife after he choked her while she was in hospice care in a bid to 'ease her suffering'.

Dewayne McCulla last week pleaded guilty to attempted manslaughter for choking his late wife Arenda Lee McCulla back in December 2021, according to Law&Crime.

Arenda, 47, died on December 21 after a grueling battle with breast cancer while receiving end-of-life care in La Verkin, Utah.

Her husband reportedly 'choked' her in front of six family members and had to be 'pulled off of her', according to charging documents obtained by KSL.

Dewayne McCulla (left) has admitted trying to kill his terminally-ill late wife Arenda (right) in 2021 in a bid to 'ease her suffering' shortly before her death in a Utah hospice

The couple are pictured in happier times. McCulla will be sentenced in December and faces up to 15 years behind bars

She died the next day.

La Verkin police began investigating DeWayne after Arenda's son filed a complaint accusing his mother's husband of choking her.

When questioned by cops, DeWayne reportedly said that 'he would do this again because he loved his wife'.

Prosecutors originally charged DeWayne with attempted murder.

But he pleaded down to attempted manslaughter and could face up to 15 years behind bars when he is sentenced in December.

Arenda was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, which then returned and spread to her brain, neck, liver and lungs.

Arenda is pictured during her treatment. She was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 2020, but the disease later spread

Arenda is pictured with her son Anthony Ryder, who has blasted his stepfather's behavior during his mother's final days

Days before her death, her son Anthony Ryder posted an update on a GoFundMe page for medical expenses, which gave a glimpse into the harrowing, 'trauma, mutilation and pain' his mother was going through.

'After having radiation in the beginning of October and 3600mg of Chemotherapy daily for two weeks on one week off it only extended her life for a few months; if you can call it living.

'Radiation burns that it caused open sores and blisters in her throat making it impossible to eat, so much so she went almost an entire week not being able to eat anything but an Ensure Shake. These are the cruelties of breast cancer.'

Speaking to DailyMail.com after McCulla's conviction, Ryder said: 'The betrayal that my mother and I endured from Dewayne McCulla runs much deeper than the legal proceedings alone.

'In addition to attempting to murder my mother, McCulla was found in bed with my mother's sister just hours after the incident.

'I've also submitted a notarized affidavit detailing how he committed fraud against both my mother and me, exploiting our assets.'

'My mother had explicitly expressed her desire to seek relief through Oregon's Death with Dignity Act,' he added.

'Dewayne chose not to honor her wishes, isolating her in her final months, all while text messages reveal he was planning to leave her even before these events transpired.'

Prior to falling ill, Arenda was described as an avid mountain biker and a big part of the local community in the Hurricane and La Verkin area.

Originally from Binghampton, New York, she moved to south Utah in 2005 and volunteered at a youth rehabilitation center for many years. The McCullas married in January 2020, according to the late mom's Facebook page.

An obituary written by Ryder paid tribute to his 'first best friend.'

'We lost a wife, mother, sister, and friend. We had a wonderful best friend, side kick, and was the brightest in the room. One who never had the chance to grow old,' he wrote.
An aspiring cop has sparked chaos with unverified claims about carnage in Asheville, North Carolina, following Hurricane Helene.

Jordan Lanning, 20, has taken to social media to share tales of the storm's aftermath, some true and some creating mass panic, as the wanna-be police officer claimed rescue vehicles are being 'intentionally sabotaged.'

Lanning deferred to TikTok to spread news from 'where news crews should have been,' suggesting in one video that truckers - who were allegedly transporting relief aid - had their tires slashed while stopped at a rest stop.

His news updates filled a vacuum as the surrounding area was cut off from the rest of the news outlets after the storm.

Jordan Lanning, 20, has taken to social media to share tales of the storm's aftermath, some true and some creating mass panic, as the Asheville-native claimed rescue vehicles are being 'intentionally sabotaged'

An aspiring cop has created widespread hysteria over unverified claims of damage and devastation in Asheville, North Carolina following the historic Hurricane Helene. Pictured: A house floats downstream in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

Lanning, an aspiring police officer, deferred to TikTok to spread news from 'where news crews should have been,' explaining in one video that truckers - who were allegedly transporting relief aid - had their tires slashed while stopped at a rest stop

The 20-year-old's claims of 'intentional sabotage' appear to be referencing an incident that happened before Helene even made landfall, The Daily Beast reported.

His post continues alleging 'intentional vandalizing' is happening all over urging locals to 'keep your weapons on you,' and to 'stay safe.'

In one video Lanning claims 'there have been shootings at gas stations over gas,' adding that the vandal incidents are still happening 'trying to prevent people from leaving.'

Lanning said the rumor about sabotaged relief trucks added credence because someone had slashed the tires on his roommate's pickup truck earlier in the week.

'They cut his gas line, but didn't steal his gas,' Lanning said of his roommate's car. 'They cut his battery too. They just sabotaged it intentionally.'

Lanning, a Walmart employee, also shared scenes from inside his since-destroyed workplace detailing the ruins brought on by the superstorm, further alleging that people have been looting from the ruins.

Onlookers have since shared their conspiracies, thoughts and prayers with some users alleging the 'intentional vandalizing' was planned by the 'liberal government,' and others emphasizing 'waiting for proof before believing hearsay.'

In one video Lanning claims 'there have been shootings at gas stations over gas,' adding that the vandal incidents are still happening 'trying to prevent people from leaving'

Lanning, a Walmart employee, also shared scenes from inside his since-destroyed workplace detailing the ruins brought on by the superstorm, further alleging that people have been looting from the ruins

Lanning updates his TikTok feed each morning and night, usually with a voiced-over video of his account of the news, accompanied by a somber music clip in the background.

The widespread devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene came to light Monday as the death toll topped 130.

At least 133 deaths in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Florida's Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

In North Carolina residents remain stranded by washed-out roads and a lack of power, cellular service and fresh water.

The toll is expected to rise as emergency workers reach isolated areas caused by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding.
The son of a former Morgan Stanley banker tried to suffocate his comedian girlfriend with a pillow after punching and biting her in a jealous rage, a lawsuit claims.

Ivy League-educated Oliver Lane, 26, allegedly dragged Sienna Hubert-Ross around their Manhattan apartment, choking and slapping her before pinning her down and trying to murder her.

Hubert-Ross managed to ring her mom and a friend during the 'savage' August 8 attack, according to her New York Supreme Court complaint, obtained exclusively by DailyMail.com.

But 'the two of them could only contemporaneously listen, helplessly horrified and stunned as they heard Lane's fists pounding Hubert-Ross while she screamed in terror and pleaded with him to let her live,' it says.

British-born Lane would have killed Hubert-Ross, 25, had he not 'disabled' himself when he missed with a punch and thrust his fist through a glass door, her lawyers allege.

The up-and-coming actress was found 'bruised, bloody and battered' when cops showed up to arrest Lane.

Oliver Lane, 26, is accused of violently attacking then girlfriend Sienna Hubert-Ross (left) during an August 8 altercation at their Manhattan apartment

The up-and-coming comedian and actress has filed a 13-page complaint containing shocking images of her bruised and battered arms and legs after the assault

He faces a slew of assault charges as well as a demand for $5,000,000 in damages from Hubert-Ross who claims to have suffered emotional and psychological injuries that threaten to derail her career.

Her blood-curdling allegations are laid bare in a 13-page complaint containing photographs of her legs and arms peppered with bruises, welts and scratches, and published for the first time by DailyMail.com

The lurid filing says the pair enjoyed a whirlwind romance after connecting in May on trendy dating app Hinge, where marketing exec Lane posted a photo of himself in a dashing black tuxedo.

Within a week and a half of their first date, he told Hubert-Ross 'he loved her' and promised to break off all communications with an ex-girlfriend named Sammy, it says.

Lane wanted her to move into a Lower East Side apartment with him and another man but she was worried that the housemate, Will, 'had a homosexual love interest in Lane and if they lived together, Will and Lane would engage in a romantic affair.'

The disagreement sparked a July 26 argument at O'Hanlon's Bar where, according to the complaint, Lane allegedly shoved Hubert-Ross before telling her in the taxi home: 'I'm going to f*****g kill you.'

When he shoved her again the next day she 'conceded' and agreed to move in with him and Will.

In the early hours of August 8, Lane and Hubert-Ross ran into a friend of hers with whom she had had a brief 'hook up' years earlier, the suit says.

Lane - a product of elite British school Eton who majored in music and political science at the University of Pennsylvania  demanded to look through her phone but couldn't find any evidence of cheating.

Lane is alleged to have violently lashed out on Hubert-Ross after accusing her of cheating and flying into a jealous rage

According to the filing, the two had an argument that turned physical after Lane had told Hubert-Ross to move into his Lower East Side apartment (Google street view pictured) in late July

Lane is the Ivy League-educated son of a London-based banker

When Hubert-Ross turned the tables by asking to see what he had been texting to Sammi, he flew into a rage, calling her 'an immature little b****h* and a 'little c**t', it's alleged.

'Lane begrudgingly gave Hubert-Ross his phone and she saw why he was so angry and defensive,' the suit continues.

'Namely, because Lane and Sammy had extensive and recent romantic text communications, including texts where Lane told Sammy that she was the only one for him and that Lane often woke up thinking about her, when he was in bed with Hubert-Ross.

'Before Hubert-Ross could review any further, Lane snatched his phone back from her and violently threw her into the stove. Hubert-Ross stayed on the ground, stunned and shocked by what had just occurred.

'Unfortunately for Hubert-Ross, this was just the beginning of Lane's violent assault and attempted murder.

'As she laid terrified on the kitchen floor, Lane violently grabbed Hubert-Ross by her arms, dragged her into the bathroom, picked her up and threw her into the porcelain bathtub.'

The complaint contends that Hubert-Ross - who shares comedic skits and Kamala Harris impersonations with her nearly-300,000 Instagram followers - could do little to defend herself from her 6ft 1in attacker.

Fearing for her life, she dialed her mother and was able to text a friend, Sarah, to say 'r u awake. Oliver just hit me.'

Hubert-Ross's mom merged Sarah into the call and they both listened in shock to the ensuing 'vicious assault and battery', the complaint alleges.

The actress's lawyers allege Lane would have killed Hubert-Ross, 25, had he not 'disabled' himself when he missed with a punch and thrust his fist through a glass door

Court records show Lane pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at an August 8 arraignment and was bailed to reappear on November 20

'Lane next grabbed Hubert-Ross and threw her off the bed, causing her to violently hit her head against the bottom of the bedframe and she briefly lost consciousness,' it continues.

'Lane continued to throw Hubert-Ross around the room, yelling at her and telling her that Sammy was there to support him during a difficult medical diagnosis.

'Lane then sat on top of Hubert-Ross on the bed, propped her up and violently slapped her across the face at full strength multiple times. Lane also bit her on the arm.'

The two women claim they overheard Lane say that he wanted to kill Hubert-Ross. He placed his hands around her neck and started to choke her, the complaint adds.

She kicked him in a 'last ditch attempt to save herself' but this allegedly made Lane angrier and he slapped her across the face.

'Hubert-Ross continued to scream and plead with Lane to stop. However, rather than relent to her pleas, he dialed up the attack and took a pillow, put it over Hubert-Ross's head and mouth and began to suffocate her,' the suit alleges.

'Hubert-Ross somehow managed to escape this attempted murder and run out of the room, but Lane quickly followed and grabbed her by the arm to drag her back to the bedroom.

'In the bedroom Lane tried to punch her but missed, shattering the glass door to the bedroom. Thankfully, Lane's first missed punch of the night created a barrier of broken glass between him and Hubert-Ross.

'Then, before Lane could then finish the job and kill Hubert-Ross, he stepped on the broken glass which temporarily disabled him in time for the police - called by Sarah - to arrive at the scene.'

The suit says cops led Hubert-Ross to safety and she obtained an order of protection against Lane which he breached by texting her the very next day.

Court records confirm he was criminally charged with strangulation in the second degree, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison, plus assault in the third degree and criminal obstruction of breathing, both misdemeanors.

The complaint claims Hubert-Ross, who has garnered a large following on social media, was forced to audition for a big role 'covered in bruises' as a result of the incident

Hubert-Ross is now seeking damages for physical and emotional distress for which she now requires therapy, her lawsuit states

Lane's dad lives in London and worked for Morgan Stanley for nearly 25 years, according to his LinkedIn page, prior to leaving last year.

The Oxford alum is also non-executive chairman of the Grosvenor group, a property company owned by Britain's Duke of Westminster, and has held advisory posts with the UK government and Bank of England.

His son's accuser is claiming damages for various physical and emotional ailments that will require ongoing therapy for Acute Stress Disorder, depression and suicidal ideation, according to the complaint.

'Moreover, on August 14, 2024, Hubert-Ross had an audition with a very well-known broadcast network television show, something which Lane knew about before he viciously assaulted her,' it says.

'Because of Lane's attack, Hubert-Ross auditioned while covered in bruises and suffering from the mental trauma of the event, which negatively impacted her performance and she was not offered the role.'

Brett Gallaway, Partner at McLaughlin & Stern, the firm representing Hubert-Ross, told DailyMail.com: 'We are proud of Ms. Hubert-Ross for having the courage to come forward as an advocate for victims of domestic-violence and even more so, as an advocate for herself.

'The allegations against Mr. Lane are very serious as it was a brutal attack leaving both physical and emotional scars that will haunt her for the rest of her life.

'Mr. Lane will now be forced to answer for his crimes, and we look forward to ensuring he pays for his cowardly actions.'

Lane pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at an August 8 arraignment and was bailed to reappear on November 20.

At the time of publication his lawyer had not returned a call asking for comment.
Wim Hof's daughter has launched a furious defence of the TV 'Ice Man' after his former girlfriend sensationally accused him of being a drunken abuser.

Production on a British film about 65-year-old wellness guru Hof's life has been temporarily halted after his ex-partner Caroline made shocking accusations against him.

But now Hof's daughter Laura from a previous relationship has backed her father and angrily rejected Caroline's claims.

Hof, whose cold exposure training of celebrities was the basis of BBC show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof in 2022, hosted by Holly Willoughby and Lee Mack, denies the serious allegations.

Laura took to Instagram to accuse her former stepmother of making unsubstantiated claims in Holland's national de Volksrant newspaper.

Wim Hof's daughter has launched a furious defence of the TV 'Ice Man' after his former girlfriend sensationally accused him of being a drunken abuser (Pictured: Laura and her father Wim)

Production on a British film about 65-year-old wellness guru Hof's life has been temporarily halted

Hof's daughter Laura from a previous relationship has backed her father and angrily rejected Caroline's claims

Wim Hof has said he denies all of Caroline's allegations

Hof's cold exposure training of celebrities was the basis of BBC show Freeze the Fear with Wim Hof in 2022

He taught celebrities how to control their bodies and mental health with sub-zero ice challenges. Pictured is a poncho-wearing Hof watching Alfie Boe taking the plunge

Laura claimed Caroline had thrown her out of the house 23 years ago.

She claimed that although her father had never 'raised a finger' to her, he had been denied his paternal rights to see her half-brother Noah for years.

Her post continued: 'My dad has never, ever raised a finger about me or Caroline! Caroline has physically abused me up to 2 times, verbally was a constant

'Caroline kicked me out of the house, and then tried to block me and my dad multiple times

'Caroline has denied Noah, my brother, my father's right for years.

'Caroline is extremely manipulative.'

A spokesman for the London-based company behind the biopic on Hof said: 'Genesius Pictures can confirm that due to the severity of the allegations, this production, which was in development only and had not begun filming, is on hold.'

The production company had said The Iceman, which was to star Joseph Fiennes as the Dutch motivational speaker, would be an 'inspiring', 'moving' and 'at times extremely funny' film. Promotional materials for the project were removed from its website yesterday.

Caroline contacted Volkskrant and spoke out about how she and her family had to endure his abusive behaviour as his fame grew.

The extreme athlete denies the allegations.

Laura (pictured) claimed Caroline had thrown her out of the house 23 years ago

Laura also claimed Caroline had denied Wim Hof (pictured) his parental rights for years

The Dutch motivational speaker is noted for his ability to withstand low temperatures and is determined to teach as many as possible about cold therapy

Hof's exploits have led to him clinching 26 world records for cold endurance

His Wim Hof method, famous for its use of cold showers and breathing exercises, has made him wealthy and brought him into contact with stars such as Oprah Winfrey and Jim Carrey.

Caroline was in a relationship with Hof for 10 years but neither she nor her family have seen him for 11 years. They had a son, Noah, who is 21.

They, and her two other children from a previous marriage, Christiaan and Nathalie, were dismayed at the prospect of a film celebrating a man she says left them traumatised.

'For them the name Wim Hof is synonymous with years of aggression, physical violence, humiliation, manipulation', Volkskrant reported.

'They know the Iceman, as Hof calls himself, as a mean drunk with an explosive character and delusions of grandeur. Someone of whom they had to be permanently wary.'

Hof told the newspaper: 'It is obvious that she's on the warpath and now wants to make everything look different from how it was.

'Caroline knew how to get under my skin' he said while answering 44 questions from the newspaper. He added: 'Because of her, I started drinking, yes.'

But he insisted he had never been violent.

MailOnline contacted Caroline and Laura for comment.
A beloved California black bear was tragically put down after taking a swipe at a camper recording him approach from atop a tree stump.

On the night of August 22, 2024, a well-known black bear named Victor, identified by the distinctive 'V' on his chest, wandered into a Mammoth Lakes campground. Attracted by the scent of grilled steak, he approached a campsite where campers were enjoying dinner.

Most campers retreated to safety, but one individual remained to film the encounter, positioning themselves between Victor and a bear-proof storage container. As Victor moved toward the container, he swiped at the camper, causing minor injuries before the camper fled.

Wildlife officials were alerted and tranquilized Victor, transporting him 40 miles away. They eventually euthanized him and disposed of his body at a local landfill.

Victor was a well-known habituated bear, meaning he had lost his fear of humans due to frequent interactions.

A seemingly idyllic evening camping trip in Mammoth Lakes turned tragic when a black bear, known as Victor, approached a campsite looking for food.

The campers abandoned their dinner, but Victor continued, eventually encountering a woman who had climbed onto a stump to appear larger. The bear swiped at her, leaving minor injuries.

Residents considered him a friend and neighbor, and his death sparked outrage in the local community.

A celebration of life was held, and the Bishop Paiute Tribe even performed a burial ceremony. The ceremony included prayers, songs, and offerings, honoring Victor as one of their sacred relatives.

Local artists created artwork commemorating Victor, and social media posts continued to feature eulogies and photos of the beloved bear. A memorial service was held at Lake Mary on September 9, where attendees shared their memories and tributes to Victor.

While Victor has been described as being a friendly and calm by local residents, this was not the first time he had swiped at a human.

Two weeks prior, another visitor to the Lakes Basin had approached Victor too closely while trying to take a selfie. Victor responded defensively by swiping at the person. Wildlife officials, however, determined the attack was provoked by the individual's actions and decided to release Victor.

'It was a defensive swipe instead of an offensive swipe,' Captain Patrick Foy from the Department of Fish and Wildlife told SFGate.

However, the August incident was unprovoked.

Following the euthanasia, wildlife officers transported the bear's carcass to a field office in Bishop. Due to the tranquilizer and euthanasia drugs, officials decided against allowing the carcass to decompose in the wild and disposed of it at a nearby landfill.

Several days later, Steve Searles, a Mammoth resident known among the community as 'the Bear Whisperer' shared a heartbreaking photo on Facebook: Victor's lifeless body lay exposed in the landfill, bathed in sunlight.

The image deeply affected Searles, who said he spent days grappling with the decision to share it. Ultimately, he posted the photo to express his frustration with how authorities handled the situation and their lack of preventative action.

The photo quickly gained traction, shared nearly 200 times and garnering over 650 comments.

A Change.org petition launched in late August protesting Victor's treatment has already garnered over 76,000 signatures.

The petition reads: 'Our community feels a negative weight by the way Victor's life was destroyed and how the body was handled.

'We are calling for those who began this incident to be fined and for the authorities to handle this differently as well as assurance that this will not happen again.'

The woman's injuries, coupled with video footage of the incident, led wildlife officials to euthanize Victor, sparking outrage in the community

The viral spread of the video and photo ignited a wave of online criticism directed at the campers and the injured woman.

Accusations of improper camping practices and a lack of understanding about bear behavior filled social media platforms. One Instagram user commented, 'These people seem to be camping incorrectly with a lot of trash out in the open and absolutely no understanding of how to behave in the forest inhabited by bears.'

Foy, however, argues that the campers were not at fault.

'They were having dinner. They can have dinner. That's not a crime, that's not a violation of the law,' Foy said.

During her interview with police, the woman explained that she believed sudden movements or running away could provoke a bear attack. Following this advice, she remained frozen in place.

'How can you blame her for that? She froze in fear,' Foy said. 'There are people who tell us we should cite her and arrest her. And no, we're not doing that.'

California, with its human population of nearly 40 million, is home to an estimated 65,000 black bears. This coexistence often occurs in areas like Mammoth Lakes, which boasts over 800 campsites.

Since 1983, technology has dramatically changed the landscape of human-bear interactions. Campers can now easily record and share encounters with bears on social media, leading to increased awareness and reporting of incidents.

Consequently, the number of reported human-bear conflicts in California has surged. While the average was 674 incidents per year from 2017 to 2020, this number skyrocketed by 160% percent in 2021, reaching an average of 1,678 reported conflicts.

Photos of Victor's lifeless body dumped at a landfill sparked outrage among the community

The Bishop Paiute Tribe, honoring him as a sacred relative, held a burial ceremony

The Mammoth Lakes Town Council held a meeting on September 4 to address the recent bear incident, focusing on community support and shared experiences.

While no specific action items were on the agenda, Town Manager Robert Patterson emphasized the meeting's purpose: to provide a space for those affected by Victor's death to connect and share their experiences. In his opening remarks, Patterson acknowledged the tragedy and its negative impacts on the community, local government officials, land managers, and wildlife agencies.

Russell Black, the environmental program manager at Fish and Wildlife, stated that no incidents involving Victor were reported to the agency before August. Had Victor's activities been reported, Fish and Wildlife could have intervened.

'We're trying to get the word out there. We're here, we want to help,' Black said. 'This incident is our worst-case scenario.'

Delaney Prince, the campground host at Pine City, told Outside she hopes the incident emphasizes the importance of bear safety education.

'We should do better,' said Prince. 'We are the humans, they are the animals.'
The IDF has revealed it has been carrying out covert raids in Lebanon for months and even thwarted a Hezbollah plan for 3,000 militants to slaughter Israelis in the days following October 7.

As the Israeli military officially launched their ground operations in Lebanon early this morning, IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari today disclosed that it has already carried out more than 70 smaller raids with special forces since the beginning of the deadly war.

It claimed to have destroyed several Hezbollah positions, tunnels, and thousands of stashed weapons that could have potentially been used by the Iran-backed terror group to invade Israel.

According to the IDF, troops in the raids over the past months covertly reached around 1,000 Hezbollah sites across southern Lebanon including tunnels and bunkers - located both inside Lebanese villages and forested areas.

'Hezbollah dug tunnels under homes in these villages close to the border with Israel, tonight we are declassifying a series of IDF operations conducted since the beginning of the war aimed at dismantling Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure and capabilities in the area of the Israel-Lebanon border,' Hagari said.

The IDF today disclosed that it has already carried out more than 70 small raids with special forces in Lebanon since the beginning of the deadly war

In footage shared by the IDF today, soldiers could be seen exploring Hezbollah tunnels which were packed with weapons

During their operations, the IDF uncovered tunnel shafts, weapons, operational posts and storage facilities

The Israel Defence Forces said soldiers have identified and breached 'underground access points' near the border area

During these operations, IDF special forces entered into Hezbollah compounds in dozens of locations along the border with Israel and collected intelligence while dismantling their weapons.

Israeli soldiers snuck into Hezbollah's underground tunnels and exposed the militant group's hidden weapon caches and seized and destroyed the arms - including advanced Iranian-made weapons.

The IDF shared footage from the covert operations captured on IDF soldiers' bodycam devices as Hagari made his defiant statement, showing Israeli soldiers working their way through deep tunnels and dragging out guns and cases of other weapons.

'Overall, IDF soldiers exposed and dismantled over 700 Hezbollah terror assets during these operations,' Hagari said.

The military spokesman revealed the details of three similar special operations, including one that took place in Meiss El Jabal - a Lebanese village close to the border with Israel, and only a few hundred metres away from the Israeli city of Qiryat Shemona.

Hagari said many residents of the Lebanese village had fled due to Hezbollah's terrorist activities - but as part of the operation the IDF collected intelligence on a house close to the border which was used by militants to dig underground infrastructure below it.

According to Hagari, the house was set to be used as a 'preparation area' before Hezbollah would have attempted to invade Israeli territory.

During the operation, troops conducted a targeted raid on the house and revealed a large amount of weapons had been stored.

And in the basement, soldiers discovered an elevated platform built to hide a shaft that led to an underground tunnel that was 150metres long.

Footage captured the moment IDF soldiers dragged Hezbollah guns and weapons from an underground lair in Lebanon

Special Forces soldiers searched through a Lebanese home and discovered tunnel entrances under furniture

Many of the tunnels had been excavated in stone when the IDF discovered them during their covert operations

Soldiers could be seen smashing down walls to uncover the hidden tunnel systems

In one operation, a Hezbollah living space was found among weapons

The homes, tunnels, and weapon storage facilities were then destroyed in joint ground and air strikes, according to the IDF

The IDF then dismantled the house and tunnel in a joint ground and aerial strike, according to Hagari.

A similar operation was carried out in the Lebanese village of Kfarkela, close to the Israeli border and the town of Metula - one of the most heavily attacked Israeli communities over the last year.

The IDF followed 'precise intelligence' regarding an underground tunnel use by Hezbollah to hide weapons.

During scans in a child's bedroom located inside a house in Kfarkela, soldiers found the 100metre tunnel excavated in stone under a small bed, and within the tunnel, discovered weapons stored in barrels.

Following the operation, the house, tunnel, and arsenal of weapons were destroyed in a ground and aerial strike.

The final example took place in the Lebanese village of Ayta ash Shab - where since the beginning of the war IDF troops have struck hundreds of Hezbollah targets including military outposts, rocket launchers, and weapon storage facilities.

'Using classified technological means we identified the Hezbollah compound and preparation area built near the village... including a system of combat trenches above and below ground,' Hagari revealed.

The network of trenches connected to an underground tunnel which housed a weapon storage facility, a command and control centre, and a living space for Hezbollah militants.

The tunnel root went deep underground in the direction of the Lebanese village, and at the end of the operation, the entire infrastructure was blown to pieces in joint ground and aerial activity carried out by the IDF.

'The operations that we declassified tonight are only a small number of dozens of operations that will be revealed going forward,' Hagari said.

Some of the tunnels spanned to around 150metres in length before they were dismantled by the IDF

Caches of weapons were discovered in the sites which soldiers later destroyed

Guns and other weapons were hidden away in weapon storage facilities in the underground areas

The inside of a Hezbollah underground tunnel IDF troops entered in Ayta Ash Shab, southern Lebanon

Items used by Hezbollah militants to live in the underground tunnels were also found during the operations

These covert raids have been carried out since early in the Israel-Hamas war after the IDF said it managed to push back Hezbollah's elite Radwan force from the border area, enabling Israeli commandos to enter Lebanon with almost no detection.

There were no direct clashes with Hezbollah operatives amid any of the raids, the IDF stated.

According to IDF assessments, some 2,400 Radwan terrorists and another 500 Palestinian Islamic Jihad terrorists - trained by Radwan - were waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas carried out its October 7 massacre is southern Israel.

The IDF Northern Command had expected an invasion from Lebanon and bolstered its defences and in the following weeks, carried out several strikes on Hezbollah operatives and sites along the border, causing the thousands of Radwan terrorists to withdraw several kilometers back.

The raids carried out by the IDF commandos, including combat engineers, sometimes lasted three to four days and overall, 200 night' worth of operations had been carried out, according to the military.

The IDF identified that while its commando operations were successful, it was not enough to be able to achieve the newest of Israel's war goals  enabling the return of the displaced residents of the north - of which there are around 60,000 - to their homes.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'localised and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

Military officials have said they aim for the offensive to be as short as possible, spanning even just a few weeks.

Israeli officials have insisted the raids will be limited in scale, adding they do not intend to launch a ground assault on Beirut or occupy swathes of Lebanon.

There has been no intention by the IDF to remain in southern Lebanon, but instead, it plans to bolster its defenses and surveillance on the border following the ground operation against the terror group, and make sure Hezbollah does not return to the area.
Police are hunting a suspected 'acid attacker' who fled on an e-scooter after dousing two teenagers in a corrosive substance outside a school.

A 14-year-old girl was left with life-changing injuries and two other victims were hospitalised after the attack outside Westminster Academy in Paddington yesterday.

Police spearheading the manhunt described the suspect as a 'tall, slim, Black male' who was wearing dark clothing with his face hidden by a mask or balaclava. They added that the suspect rode an e-scooter to and from the scene.

A teacher, 27, 'bravely and selflessly' rushed to provide first aid to the two young victims, injuring herself in the process but has since been discharged from hospital.

A 16-year-old boy, who was a friend of the girl, was also hurt, while the Metropolitan Police said two of its officers who rushed to the scene were also checked over by medics as a precaution.

The attack happened at around 4.40pm on Monday with witnesses claiming they saw people 'rushing around' inside and outside the buildings.

The school remained closed to students today, with its headteacher saying the 'distressing incident' took place as teachers and pupils were leaving at the end of the school day.

Two teenagers and a member of staff have been injured in an 'acid attack' at Westminster Academy in Paddington (Pictured: Police patrolling outside the school)

There is currently a search under way for the assailant following the incident which left a 14-year-old with potentially 'life changing injuries'

The Met says it has launched an 'urgent' investigation to find those responsible, with officers seen outside the school this morning.

Officers had been flagged down by a member of staff outside the school, with claims the substance had been thrown at a teenage girl and two others.

Detective Chief Inspector Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: 'Officers were on routine patrol when they were flagged down to this terrible incident.

'From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.

'A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. Fortunately she has now left hospital.

'The two teenage victims  a girl and a boy - remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are but at this time they are being treated as life-changing.'

DCI Purvis added: 'I would like to acknowledge the incredible bravery of all the emergency services who responded, including our London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade colleagues.

'Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell. I am happy to update that they are both well and have left hospital, and we will continue to look after their welfare.'

The principal of Westminster Academy, Mrs Numera Anwar, shared a message as the school remains closed today.

Her message read: 'One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance.

Police officers standing at the entrance of Westminster Academy today following the incident

Police (Pictured outside the school) are on the hunt for the assailant following the incident, which left a 14-year-old girl hospitalised with potentially life-changing injuries

'This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.

'This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place.

'We are working with the local authority and will have counsellors and other support available onsite.

'The welfare of the students at Westminster Academy is always our priority and that continues to remain the case.

'This will clearly be an unsettling time for the wider community and parents. While police lead the investigation into this incident I would urge everyone to avoid speculation as this will not be helpful and may compromise the investigation.

'Our focus remains on our students and staff members and that is what we are concentrating on.'

It comes shortly after the academy located on a Harrow Road, announced they were closed today via their website.

'Due to unforeseen circumstances the WA school site will be closed on Tuesday 1st October,' the statement read.

'Students will resume lessons through online learning. Information will be shared with them via Google Classroom through their teacher. Thank you for your understanding.'

Members of staff have since returned to the premises today and could be seen in meetings.

Locals have since spoken out about the incident, with one describing it as 'very scary'.

The principal of Westminster Academy Numera Anwar has urged the public not to speculate to avoid compromising the investigation

A local resident said: 'This is a sensitive time for the community, it's usually a busy area here but as you can see today- nothing'

A barber continued: 'Around six ambulances and around four police cars were outside last night, there were people rushing around the school and inside.'

A neighbour said: 'This is a sensitive time for the community, it's usually a busy area here but as you can see today- nothing.'

Adam Hug, leader of Westminster City Council, said: 'This is a truly shocking attack on school pupils and a member of staff.

'The council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal. Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

'Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can.

'We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police.'

A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September by staff at a school in Alfred Road W2 after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a staff member.

'Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade and found three people injured.

'Victim one - a 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains in hospital.

'Victim two - a 27-year-old woman - whose condition is not life-threatening or life-changing. She has been discharged in from hospital.

'Victim three - A 14-year-old girl, whose injuries may potentially be life-changing. She remains in hospital.

'Tests of the substance are ongoing. At this stage officers believe it to be acidic.

'Urgent enquiries are under way to identify and arrest those responsible. A number of crime scenes are in place.

'Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.'

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, have been urged to call call 101 quoting reference CAD 4987/30 Sept.

For those who wish to remain anonymous, you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Westminster Academy has announced a temporary closure following the incident

It said the closure was due to 'unforeseen circumstances'

A London Fire Brigade spokesman said: 'Firefighters were mobilised to a chemical incident on Harrow Road in Westminster.

'Firefighters assisted emergency service colleagues and worked to make the scene safe.

'Two teenagers and one adult woman sustained injuries from a substance which Metropolitan Police Services believe to be acidic and were taken to hospital by London Ambulance Service.

'The Brigade's 999 Control Officers were called about this incident at 16.50 and mobilised two fire engines and around 10 firefighters from North Kensington Fire Station, as well as specialist hazardous materials colleagues.

'The incident was over for firefighters by 17.45.'
Robert Jenrick's Tory leadership campaign appeared to go off the tracks today... as he crashed a Scalextric toy car at the party's conference in Birmingham.

The former immigration minister and his wife, Michal Berkner, were seen playing the racing game as they toured the conference exhibition floor.

As they visited the various stands, the married couple also posed with an 'I'm Backing British Farming' poster and chatted to those from the Movember charity.

The Conservative contender won over at least one new supporter as he petted a guide dog called Stevie.

Mr Jenrick is competing against Kemi Badenoch, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat in the battle to be named as Rishi Sunak's successor as Tory leader.

As well as appearing on the main conference stage, the rivals have been trying to woo party members at a variety of fringe events and conference drinks receptions.

Robert Jenrick's Tory leadership campaign appeared to go off the tracks today... as he crashed a Scalextric toy car at the party's conference in Birmingham

The former immigration minister and his wife, Michal Berkner, were seen playing the racing game as they toured the conference exhibition floor

As they visited the various stands, the married couple also posed with an 'I'm Backing British Farming' poster

Mr Jenrick was pictured chatting to those from the Movember charity as he continued his tour of the exhibition floor

Mr Jenrick and Ms Berkner, an Israeli-born and US-educated corporate lawyer, have three daughters together

The Conservative contender won over at least one new supporter as he petted a guide dog called Stevie

Mr Jenrick and Ms Berkner, an Israeli-born and US-educated corporate lawyer, have three daughters together.

During a Q&A event at the Tory conference this afternoon, Mr Jenrick told an audience that one of his daughters has the middle name Thatcher.

He explained: 'She was born the year Margaret Thatcher died.'

Mr Jenrick also said he won't accept 'freebies' if elected as leader of the Conservative Party.

He added: 'I've got three young girls, and they have all been reading the papers, watching the news, and one of them said to me the other day 'does this mean we're going to get free tickets to Taylor Swift?'

'And I said to Sophia, no, that's only for the leaders of the Labour Party.'
Robert Jenrick revealed his daughter's middle name is 'Thatcher' as he tried to woo the Tory faithful at conference today.

The leadership hopeful said he and his wife wanted to pay tribute to the former PM when they had a child the year she died.

Mr Jenrick - one of the favourites for the top job - also seized on the row wracking Keir Starmer by pledging he will not take 'freebies' if he gets back into government.

Mr Jenrick and shadow home secretary James Cleverly are making their pitches on the conference stage, after Kemi Badenoch and Tom Tugendhat had question and answer sessions yesterday.

Robert Jenrick revealed his daughter's middle name is 'Thatcher' as he tried to woo the Tory faithful at conference today

The leadership hopeful said he and his wife wanted to pay tribute to the former PM (pictured) when they had a child the year she died

Mr Jenrick - one of the favourites for the top job - also seized on the row wracking Keir Starmer by pledging he will not take 'freebies' if he gets back into government

Mr Jenrick said: 'I've got three young girls, and they have all been reading the papers, watching the news, and one of them said to me the other day 'does this mean we're going to get free tickets to Taylor Swift?'

'And I said to Sophia, no, that's only for the leaders of the Labour Party.'

Asked whether he would turn down freebies, Mr Jenrick provoked laughter by pausing - but then replied: 'I will do.'

Underlining his commitment to bring down immigration, including leaving the European Convention on Human Rights to remove barriers to action, Mr Jenrick said: 'I don't want our party to keep making and breaking promises on things that matter so much to this country, that is immensely damaging to this party and immensely damaging to trust in politics.'

He also defended a campaign video in which he suggested UK special forces were killing terrorists rather than capturing them to avoid falling foul of human rights laws.

The Tory leadership battle looks to be too close to call after a poll showed Ms Badenoch's advantage with party members narrowing.

A survey of activists by YouGov suggests the shadow housing secretary would win in a run-off against rival Robert Jenrick - but the gap has closed dramatically.

Six weeks ago the firm detected an 18-point margin - 59 per cent to 41 per cent - in favour of Ms Badenoch. But that has now dropped to just four points - 52 per cent to 48 per cent.

Conservative members are notoriously hard to poll, but the findings point to a knife-edge result if they end up in the final two.

Ms Badenoch, Mr Jenrick, James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat have all been making their pitches at Tory conference this week - after the survey was conducted.

Your browser does not support iframes.

Kemi Badenoch's significant lead among activists looks to be eroding

But next week MPs will evict another two contenders, before members make a final decision and the winner is announced on November 2.

Ms Badenoch, who came second behind Mr Jenrick in the most recent Parliamentary vote, has been struggling to move on from comments she made about 'excessive' maternity pay in an interview on Sunday.

Yesterday the Tory hopeful said she was being 'attacked' and misinterpreted like Margaret Thatcher had been over her 'no such thing as society' remark in the 1980s.
Robert Jenrick doubled down on his controversial claim that UK special forces are 'killing rather than capturing terrorists' to avoid breaking European human rights laws.

The former immigration minister came under fire from his Tory leadership rivals and Labour over his comments in a social media video released to coincide with the Conservative Party Conference.

After a morning spent dodging saying whether he knew the statement to be true and sidestepping flack from his rivals - two of whom served in the Forces - in Birmingham he finally addressed the claim head-on as he was grilled on the main stage in front of members.

Asked whether he believes 'special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because lawyers will set them free under the European Court (of Human Rights)', he said: 'I do, I do.'

He went on to cite a complaint made by former defence secretary Ben Wallace, that the UK would not have been able to capture Osama Bin Laden because of ECHR rules rendition of people living in foreign countries.

Appearing on the main stage this afternoon he was a sked whether he believes 'special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because lawyers will set them free under the European Court', Robert Jenrick replied: 'I do, I do.'

In the video, posted on social media yesterday, Robert Jenrick underlined his pledge to take the UK out of the ECHR

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, a former soldier, said UK forces did not 'murder people'

The Al-Qaida leader was taken by Navy Seals from a compound in Pakistan in 2011 without the permission of authorities in Islamabad, and later executed.

He said: 'Our very respected former colleague Ben Wallace, one of the best defence secretaries in modern times, used his first intervention after leaving office to make almost this very point.

'He said that he would think it was difficult for the UK, our armed forces, to conduct a similar operation to the one that the United States did to ''kill or capture'' Osama bin Laden.

'That's wrong. I don't want our human rights apparatus to be standing in the way of taking the right operational decisions for our national security and for protecting the lives of the brave men and women who serve in our special forces.'

Rivals for the Conservative top job have heaped pressure on Mr Jenrick - seen by many as the favourite to win - to back up the allegation.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, a former soldier, was asked about his words when he followed him onto the main stage.

'Whoever says that needs to justify their words. I've never accused the British Armed Forces of murdering anybody. If you're going to make that accusation you need to back it up,' he said.

In the video, posted on social media yesterday, Mr Jenrick underlined his pledge to take the UK out of the ECHR - which is separate to the EU.

'Our special forces are killing, rather than capturing, terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if they are caught the European Court will set them free,' he said.

Challenged this morning over not being unable to back up his claim, Mr Jenrick said: 'Of course I'm not going to elaborate on particular cases because these things, these cases are not things that any minister or foreign minister can speak about.'

Rivals for the Conservative top job have heaped pressure on Mr Jenrick (pictured) - seen by many as the favourite to win - to back up the allegation about the European Court of Human Rights

Fellow Tory contender Tom Tugendhat is pushing for defence spending to be hiked to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030

However, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: 'You're going to have to ask Robert to justify that statement. That's not something which I have heard.

'That's not something which I'm comfortable kind of repeating.

'As I say, if Robert is able to justify that I think he should.

'The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict.

'We have, I was about to say some of the most, no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.'

Leadership rival Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier, said he was 'extremely concerned'.

Asked whether he agreed with the claim, the shadow security minister told Sky News: 'No, I don't. I think what he said is wrong and I'm afraid demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of military operations and the law of armed conflict.

'I'm extremely concerned that such words should not be seen in any way to encourage people to take any action other than surrender to British forces when asked to do so.'

Former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve described the clip as 'one of the most astonishing videos I have ever seen posted by a Conservative MP, let alone a candidate for the leadership'.

A Labour source said: 'Robert Jenrick's ludicrous attempt to politicise our special forces shows you how far the Tories have fallen. He should apologise. Our brave servicemen and women deserve better than this.'
The Israeli military has confirmed that Iran has unleashed a barrage of missiles into Israel tonight - with the Islamic Republic defying warnings that any such attack would invite 'severe consequences'.

Air raid sirens sounded as some 181 missiles began raining down on Israel, many lighting up the night sky in bright orange flame as they were intercepted by Israel's 'Iron Dome' defence system.

The Israeli military has vowed that there 'will be repercussions for this attack', with the ambulance service reporting no injuries from the onslaught.

Iran's assault marks a major escalation in the Israel-Hamas war and follows a previous bombardment in April which saw hundreds of drones and missiles launched at the country.

With the world holding its breath over an all-out war in the Middle East, the White House said President Joe Biden ordered the US military to 'aid Israel's defence' and shoot down Iranian missiles.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, are both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room.

The IDF has not confirmed which missiles were used, but the US had warned earlier that it was preparing for Iran to launch ballistic missiles this evening in yet another major escalation that leaves the Middle East on the brink.

These can cover the thousands of kilometres from Iran to Israel in just over 10 minutes, rather than drones or cruise missiles which can take far longer.

The aerial attack comes as Israeli police battle a terrorist attack in Jaffa, southern Israel, with Israeli media reporting that at least six people have been shot dead.

It comes as:

Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on towns and cities across Israel

IDF claimed to have conducted cross-border raids on southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate targets across Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon an UN agency appealed for $400 million in humanitarian aid

Projectiles are pictured being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem on Tuesday night

This picture shows a projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya

Many rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv

Israeli media are reporting that over 100 missiles have been fired into Israel

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Israeli air defense system fires to intercept rockets over Hadera, Israel

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv

A rocket is seen, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Missiles rain down on Israel, as the IDF attempt to intercept them

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

'In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has distributed life-saving instructions in various areas across the country.

'The public is asked to adhere to the Home Front Command's guidelines. Upon hearing a siren, you must enter a protected space and remain there until further notice.

'The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.'

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to carry out 'crushing attacks' against Israel if it retaliated after a missile attack by the Islamic republic.

'If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks,' the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement carried by Iranian news agency Fars.

They added: 'In response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel).'

Israeli officials reportedly claimed that they expected the target of the new Iranian attack to be three military air bases, as well as an intelligence headquarters north of Tel Aviv, which was evacuated this afternoon.

IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagar said that any missile attack from Iran was expected to be on a wide scale and urged citizens to take shelter in safe rooms in the event of a bombardment.

In a televised briefing, he added that Hezbollah had launched barrage of rockets on the Tel Aviv region, in the latest provocation as Israel's war on the terror group in Lebanon appears to show no sign of slowing down, with more units moving to the border.

A large-scale attack by Iran on Israel could now be the catalyst for an all-out war in the Middle East.

In the UK, Downing Street said it 'completely condemns Iran's actions'.

Sky News reports that Sir Keir Starmer has spoken to Netanyahu and the King of Jordan and is expected to have more calls with EU later this evening.

Moments before Iran unleashed its missiles, Lord Admiral West, the former Head of the Royal Navy, questioned how large the scale of the attack would be and spoke about the implications this could have.

He told MailOnline: 'If it's pre-warned and fired on a limited scale, just for Iran to say to all their own people and to the terrorists in the region, "Look, we're not taking this lying down the fact that the Israelis have attacked Hezbollah and gone into Lebanon", that's one thing.

'If it is a huge and major ballistic missile attack tied in with other actions as well, that's a different kettle of fish, and that could lead to a larger Middle East war.'

Lord West said that while the US have stepped in to assist Israel, it was unlikely that the UK would be able to help defend ballistic missiles.

He added: 'If it's only ballistic missiles, then there's little that we can do with our aircraft to shoot down ballistic missiles.

'If it's purely ballistic missiles being fired, then you can't shoot them down from a fighter aircraft.

'And that's all we'd have available in that area. Now, the Type 45 destroyer could shoot down a ballistic missile that's aimed at it, or something close to it, but not things that are being fired into Israel.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon said Israel was facing 'large challenges' as it fought an Iranian axis and urged the public to listen to public safety guidelines - but he made no direct mention of a missile threat.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this... a direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,' a senior US official told MailOnline this afternoon.

Rear Admiral Hagari declared that Israeli officials had received the intelligence update from Washington ahead of the Iranian attack.

He said Israel and its allies are in a 'high state of readiness' and any attack from Iran would have repercussions, while the US Embassy in Jerusalem instructed its employees and families to 'shelter in place'.

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late last night.

Israeli citizens elsewhere were warned by the Home Front Command to 'stay next to a protected space', 'minimise moving around the area' and 'avoid gatherings'.

Meanwhile IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.

Iran in April launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in a one-off retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate compound in Syria.

But all those projectiles were downed by Israeli, Jordanian, British and US defences, and analysts said the move was more a symbol of intent on Tehran's behalf and not designed to cause real damage.

The latest Iranian attack comes in response to Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last Friday and the punishing airstrikes of the past week that have displaced more than 1 million people from their homes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

Tehran had appeared uncharacteristically reluctant to trumpet its support for Hezbollah in recent weeks even as Israel dramatically ramped up its military offensive against the Iranian proxy.

However, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon this afternoon issued a cryptic statement affirming that Tehran will continue to 'stand by' Hezbollah.

'The Lebanese people are aware and can fully distinguish between their friends who stood by them in the darkest of circumstances, and those who provide cover for their enemy to besiege and target them,' it said.

'The influential role of Iran will become more and more clear to the world when the star of victory over Zionist terrorism shines,' it added.

'Iran is continuing its approach steadfastly, unaffected by all the noise that is happening.'

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv

Israel's military stated that Iran has launched missiles towards the State of Israel

Projectiles fly in the sky after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Iranians celebrate on the street after a barrage of missiles was unleashed on Israel

This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Tel Aviv as Israel's anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran

A child sleeps in the trunk of car as people displaced amid Israeli military strikes in Lebanon stay in a street in Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Police officers take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in central Israel

A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon on October 1, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel October 1, 2024

A displaced child sleeps at a makeshift encampment where scores of displaced people live, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

An Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Iranian defence week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 24

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Israel's defence forces (IDF) claimed to have launched 'localised' cross-border raids on southern Lebanon late last night, which Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said were designed to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

Clips and images released by the IDF showed tanks, artillery and helicopters pounding targets just across the border, along with a video showing special forces seemingly preparing under the cover of night for a raid.

However, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have contested Israel's version of events, denying the claim that IDF troops had stepped foot on Lebanese soil.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel today, prompting officials to close beaches and limit the size of public gatherings.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.

Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

The casing of what is thought to be a Hezbollah rocket is seen lying on a pavement in Israel

Israeli artillery shells the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

The Israeli military said their ground operations in Lebanon began in earnest on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'localised and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

Israeli officials have insisted the raids will be limited in scale, adding they do not intend to launch a ground assault on Beirut or occupy swathes of Lebanon.

The operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday - three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

But Rear Admiral Hagari added this afternoon that IDF special forces units had been conducting small scale raids to destroy Hezbollah tunnels along the border ever since October 7.

Close to 3,000 militants from Hezbollah's elite Radwan force and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas's October 7 onslaught.

But they were forced back by Israeli airstrikes, allowing IDF commandos to conduct some 70 raids undetected in which they destroyed weapons caches, collapsed tunnels and gathered intelligence, Hagari said.

It was revealed this afternoon that the IDF also mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border in the wake of the latest ground incursions.

'This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes,' the army said in a statement.

The statement did not provide details about the new brigades being called up, but one brigade typically consists of 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers, while an armoured tank brigade has about 100 tanks.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes today, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

A general view shows damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Search and rescue team members try to find victims following an overnight raid by the Israel army on the Palestinian camp of Ain Al Hilweh, in Sidon, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Despite the IDF's claims, Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon at all, casting doubt on the situation on the ground.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, the Lebanese group's spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were 'false claims' of an Israeli incursion, simply stating that his forces 'were ready' to respond to an invasion.

Many observers dismissed this as a propaganda tactic, but no videos or photos of Israeli troops in Lebanon had emerged at the time of writing.

Nevertheless, Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for an invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said.

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

A view from Shuja'iyya school after Israeli army's attack in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 01, 2024

Smoke billows amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.
President Joe Biden paid tribute to his 'good friend' Jimmy Carter on occasion of the former president's 100th birthday, calling him a 'moral force' for the country.

'Happy 100th birthday,' Biden said in a video posted to the White House social media accounts. 'You've always been a moral force for our nation and the world.'

'You're one of the most influential stories in our history. Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again, your commitment through the Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity,' he added.

'Mr. President, I admire you so darn much and God continue to bless you: Mr. President and a good friend,' he said.

Biden 81, spoke in front of Carter's presidential portrait on display at the White House. The video included images of a young Joe Biden, then a senator from Delaware, in the Oval Office with President Carter.

President Joe Biden wishes a happy birthday to Jimmy Carter

Biden was an early endorser of Carter's when Carter ran in the Democratic presidential primary in 1976. He and Jill Biden stayed close to Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter.

Additionally, the North Lawn of the White House features a display that includes the number '100' with the message 'Happy Birthday President Carter' in honor of the 39th president.

The former president is spending his birthday at his home in Plains, Ga., where he has been in hospice care for 19 months.

He is the first former U.S. president to live to be 100.

Carter became an inspiration after his one-term in office for his post-presidency work, when he became a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian and an advocate for democracy.

He and Rosalynn established The Carter Center in 1982 to 'wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.'

His grandson Jason Carter told The New York Times that the former president has 'really gotten re-engaged with the world.'

He admitted the family worried for their patriarch after the death of Rosalynn Carter last year.

The last time Jimmy Carter was seen publicly was nearly a year ago, using a reclining wheelchair to attend his wife's funeral. He looked severely diminished.

A sign wishing former President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday sits on the North Lawn of the White House

Then-President Jimmy Carter with then-Senator Joe Biden in 1978 in Wilmington, Del.

But, Jason Carter says, the former president has rallied.

'In these last few months, especially, he has gotten a lot more engaged in world events, a lot more engaged in politics, a lot more, just engaged, emotionally, with all of us,' he told the Associated Press.

Carter likes to listen to Bob Dylan, the Allman Brothers Band and Garth Brooks. His is also frustrated with the performance of the Atlanta Braves.

And what he is looking forward to is Election Day, so he can vote for Kamala Harris.

Jason Carter also said his grandfather, who has did election monitoring around the world, appreciated Biden's decision to step down as the Democratic presidential nominee.

'He, like a lot of us, was incredibly gratified by his friend Joe Bidens courageous choice to pass the torch,' he said. 'You know, my grandfather and The Carter Center have observed more than 100 elections in 40 other countries, right? So, he knows how rare it is for somebody whos a sitting president to give up power in any context.'

Jason Carter continued: 'When we started asking him about his 100th birthday, he said he was excited to vote for Kamala Harris.'

He also revealed Harris calls often to check in on the former president.

Jimmy Carter was last seen in public in November at wife Rosalynn's funeral

Jill Biden, Jimmy Carter, Rosalynn Carter and Joe Biden together at the Carters' home in Plains, Ga., in April 2021

Carter's hometown is marking his birthday with a flyover of military jets, a naturalization ceremony for 100 new citizens and a concert.

All the former presidents were invited to contribute a video message - all but Donald Trump.

Trump used Carter as a punching bag to knock Biden before Biden dropped out of the race.

Carter will not attend the celebrations in person. He is bedbound and being cared for by his sons and daughter.

'The caregiving side of this takes a toll, as it would in any family,' Jason Carter told The Times. 'All of us, I think, are surprised to see that he's still going.'

'You know,' he added, 'he may very well be immortal.'
The Middle East has broken out into open warfare - yet again.

Iran has launched a barrage of missiles at central Israel - and multiple people have been killed in an apparent terror attack in the streets of Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah has unleashed new rounds of rocket attacks on the Jewish State and Israeli Defense Forces are staging raids into Lebanon, vowing to uproot terrorists from the shared border.

Anticipation is building for the potential of a full Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon - and the White House is scrambling to prevent all-out regional conflict.

But it is not only what happens in the next few days and weeks that has the Biden administration on high alert.

The President's national security team is also now looking ahead to the dangerous months after the 2024 election  the roughly 90-day period between the election on November 4 and the inauguration of America's next president on January 20, 2025.

It is in this 'lame duck' interval  when a presidential successor has been chosen but not yet sworn into office and the incumbent president's power is at its lowest ebb  that the White House is desperately worried about the outbreak of a 'lame duck war.'

Biden's team has grown increasingly concerned that Iran (patron of Hezbollah and nearly all of Israel's enemies) may seize on this period to blow off international restraints and race to build a nuclear weapon.

The White House is scrambling to prevent all-out regional conflict, warning Tuesday morning that Iran is 'preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel' and vowing 'severe consequences' for Tehran if they do. (Above) Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike in southern Lebanon on October 1, 2024

Air raid sirens are sounding throughout northern and central Israel , as Hezbollah unleashes new rounds of missile attacks on the Jewish State and Israeli Defense Forces stage raids into Lebanon, vowing to uproot the terrorist group from their shared border. (Above) Israeli security forces inspect damage from rocket reportedly fired from Lebanon on October 1, 2024

President Trump, too, has raised concerns over an Iranian nuclear breakout in the waning days of Biden's term, according to my sources.

If Iran does make a break for the bomb, America, Israel and the West will be forced to decide whether to preemptively strike Tehran or standby while the Islamic Republic becomes a nuclear-armed menace.

Biden is taking this threat extremely seriously.

I know this because in the spring, the administration asked my think tank the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) for ideas on what they should do.

The FDD is a well-known critic of former President Barack Obama's fatally flawed 2015 Iran nuclear deal, which gifted Tehran tens of billions in economic relief yet still would have allowed the regime to begin to pursue nuclear weapons after a ten-year pause. President Trump withdrew from that agreement in 2018.

FDD has even taken President Biden to task for restraining Israel's response to the October 7 attacks.

However, to his credit, Biden's advisors were open to our ideas on permanently deterring Tehran from going nuclear.

The President's national security team is also now looking ahead to the dangerous months after the 2024 election  the roughly 90-day period between the election on November 4 and the inauguration of America's next president on January 20, 2025.

The frightening reality, though, is that no matter what Biden does or who wins the election in November, President Biden may be faced with the most treacherous foreign policy dilemma in generations.

In one scenario, Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election.

This will signal to Tehran that they can expect more sympathetic treatment from the White House.

For all of Harris's lip service about standing up to Iranian aggression, her team has a distinctively different record.

Her current national security advisor Phil Gordon previously played a crucial role in designing President Obama's Middle East policy  a time when U.S.-Israel relations were historically toxic and Iran's aggression was on the ascent.

Gordon's approach has been to engage Tehran and restrain Jerusalem.

The Islamic Republic will see a potential negotiating partner in a President Harris  and far-left Democrats like Senator Bernie Sanders and Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez will try to push the inexperienced new president into an even more anti-Israel direction.

For months inside the Biden-Harris administration, an intense policy debate has been raging  pitting the President's national security team against the Vice President's foreign policy advisors.

For all of Harris's lip service about standing up to Iranian aggression, her team has a distinctively different record.

On one side is Biden's national security advisor Jake Sullivan and his team who are obsessed with 'de-escalation' of the conflict between Israel and its Iranian-backed enemies, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis in Yemen, and Iran-backed militias in Iraq.

At times, Biden has forced the Israelis to rein in their response to attacks and withheld or delayed the delivery of crucial weapons systems and bombs.

All of this has emboldened Iran's supreme leader Ali Khamenei.

But the president frequently stood by Israel in the face of withering criticism from the left flank of his party, sent US carrier strike groups to the waters near Iran and assembled an impressive coalition of Middle Eastern partners, including Jordan and Saudi Arabia, to help defend Israel against Tehran's April 13 drone and missile attack.

It's a mixed record, for sure.

But, for Israel, it's better than the alternative.

Israel will view Harris's impending election as a signal that they have less than 90 days to severely degrade their regional enemies.

At FDD, we have long warned about supreme leader Khamenei's decades-long strategy to drive American forces out of the Middle East, surround Israel with its terrorist proxy armies and destroy the world's only Jewish state.

In 2015, he vowed to destroy Israel by 2040  and a countdown clock was erected in Tehran's Palestine Square to tick off the minutes until that day.

Israel may see little choice but to strike at Iran's nuclear weapons program and take out Tehran's senior leadership and economic assets.

Such a conflagration would make their crippling decapitation strikes against Hezbollah in Lebanon and the destruction of Hamas's terror and governance capabilities look tame by comparison.

The second scenario for this lame-duck period at the end of Biden's term is equally fraught.

If Donald Trump wins the election, Iran's ayatollahs may decide it is now time for them to race towards a nuclear bomb  and, according to U.S. and Israeli intelligence, Tehran is just a turn of the screw from that goal.

The Islamist fundamentalist regime has mastered the production of fissile material and the long-range missiles that are necessary for delivering a nuclear payload.

The next step is the construction of a warhead and Iranian scientists have reportedly taken initial steps toward the design of a weapon.

If Donald Trump wins the election, Iran's ayatollahs may decide it is now time for them to race towards a nuclear bomb  and, according to U.S. and Israeli intelligence, Tehran is just a turn of the screw from that goal.

The only thing holding Khamenei back is an instinct for self-preservation.

With memories of crippling Trump-era sanctions that brought Iran's economy to its knees in 2016, and Trump's killing of his most trusted and lethal battlefield commander Qasem Suleimani, Khamenei may decide that a Trump administration is too dangerous for him.

Since 2009, Khamenei and his shock troops have put down multiple rounds of domestic protests against their rule.

Another round of Western economic warfare may tip the population against Khamenei's regime yet again. Add to that American and Israeli support for Iranian protesters and the regime could be at risk.

In this light, the Iranian dictator may see an A-bomb as his only guarantee of survival.

Khamenei could then use a bomb as nuclear blackmail  a sword of Damocles that he hangs over an American president.

If Khamenei dashes for the bomb and Biden doesn't act, Trump or Harris could take office with radical mullahs in possession of the world's most dangerous weapons.

Khamenei then will be well on his way to realizing his genocidal ambitions.
A British boxer was today convicted of murdering a Spanish teenager following a petty Costa del Sol 'road rage' spat in 2020.

Lewis Briggs, 24, hung his head as he was found guilty of jumping out of his Mercedes and fatally stabbing his 'defenceless' victim in a 'surprise' attack after turning round and hunting him down following a run-in moments earlier.

Ulrich Perez's family were not in the courtroom in Malaga at the end of the six-day-long trial to hear jurors return their verdict just over 24 hours after they were sent out to deliberate.

But the Brit expat's mum Michelle burst into tears after hearing her son could be jailed for nearly 25 years in the coming days as two plain-clothes police officers led him into custody pending sentencing.

The nine jurors ruled by a 8-1 majority it had been proven Briggs murdered Ulrich, 19, near his home in Diana Park between the resort towns of Marbella and Estepona as his victim returned from running an errand for his mum.

A British boxer was today convicted of murdering Spanish teenager Ulrich Perez (pictured) following a Costa del Sol 'road rage' spat

Nine jurors ruled by a 8-1 majority it had been proven Lewis Briggs, 24 (pictured), murdered Ulrich

Lewis Briggs, 24, hung his head as he was found guilty of jumping out of his Mercedes and fatally stabbing his 'defenceless' victim in a 'surprise' attack

The jury foreman announced in a short address to the court they had also unanimously concluded the personal trainer, who boxed at a gym linked to Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan, had changed the number plates on his rented UK-plated Mercedes after his horror crime to try to throw police off the scent.

Ulrich died after being kicked and then stabbed in the heart just after 2.30pm on November 18 2020. He had berated Briggs less than two minutes earlier for driving too fast towards a zebra crossing he was standing by.

The expat, who said he had boxed professionally after taking the stand on the first day of his trial last Monday, claimed he accidentally stabbed his victim despite admitting to turning round and getting out of his car with a knife he took from his glove compartment.

But the jury foreman, rejecting Briggs' defence lawyer's closing speech claim a manslaughter conviction and 15-month prison sentence would be the right decision, said: 'We find it proven by an 8-1 majority the accused kicked his victim and stabbed him in a surprise and unexpected attack he had no chance of defending himself against.'

He added: 'The victim wasn't prepared for the attack and the proof was that he had still had a shopping bag in his hand.

'He didn't let go of the bag until the other man kicked him before stabbing him in his left side.

'The attack from the moment the defendant got out of his car to the moment he got back into his vehicle and drove away only lasted about 10 seconds.'

Public prosecutor Pablo Ibanez reacted to the guilty verdict by asking judge Francisco Javier Soler, who reserved sentencing, to jail Briggs for 22 years for murder and another two years for fraud for replacing his Mercedes number plates with those of a neighbour in the apartment block where he lived before fleeing Spain and sparking an international manhunt.

Rocio Amigo, a private lawyer acting for the dead man's family who prosecuted the Brit as part of the same trial, demanded similar prison sentences with the same 22 years for murder.

Ulrich Perez's mother Tatiana Perez Martinez, 43, and his father Juan Carlos Espinoza, 46

Ulrich's mother and sister Abril, 25

Lewis Briggs is seen, right, wearing a white shirt in court last week

Briggs' lawyer Ana Maria Hidalgo Perez asked the judge, who warned the convicted killer in open court he would get 'at least 15 years', to sentence him to the minimum terms for each crime.

Her attempts to extend his pre-trial conditional bail, following his release from prison at the start of last year after two years on remand, were refused after the prosecutors persuaded the judge Briggs represented a 'high flight risk' following the jury verdict.

Ulrich's family had to sit through CCTV footage showing the murder during the trial at the Audiencia Provincial Court in Malaga. The footage is believed to have played a key role in the jury verdict along with a police report into the crime.

Briggs turned round to his victim's family from the stand soon after the start of the trial and said to them: 'I want to say sorry. It was never my intention to kill anyone. It was an accident' after claiming he had been binging on alcohol and cocaine at an all-night party before the murder and wasn't 'thinking straight.'

Although he admitted to killing his victim in a 'stupid error' he blamed his late dad in court for stealing his neighbour's number plates and arranging to have his Merc shipped back to the UK before helping him flee Spain via Portugal.

He also used his time on the stand to paint his victim as the more aggressive man on the day of the murder.

Briggs, held in December 2020 near Leeds after a five-week international manhunt and extradited to Spain, is said to have boxed often at the MGM gym.

It has now closed after being rebranded as the MTK Marbella gym but welcomed stars like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua and was closely linked to Irish crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan who is currently holed up in Dubai.

Former trainee chef Ulrich's tearful mum Tatiana Perez Martinez said during her evidence in court: 'My son left our home because I sent him to buy some washing up powder we needed.

'I'd grounded him a few days earlier because he'd lost his ID and given the Covid restrictions still in place I didn't think it was a good thing to have happened.

'A neighbour told me something had happened to Ulrich and because I knew he was a bit clumsy I thought at first he'd fallen on the stairs and broken a bone.

'When I reached the street it was full of police and I saw someone over him trying to revive him.'

Ulrich's Nicaraguan-born dad Juan Carlos Espinoza reacted to today's verdict by saying this afternoon: 'Today is a day justice has been done.

'I hope he gets the longest jail sentence possible. And let him suffer whatever he has to suffer in prison.'

The family's lawyer said outside court: 'I'm satisfied with the result.'

Briggs, who also faces being ordered to pay Ulrich's mum up to 300,000 euros (the equivalent to 250,000) in compensation, is expected to appeal after sentencing.

No date has yet been announced for the sentencing ruling, which will be notified in writing rather than in open court.
The former head of the Police Federation today denied making sexual comments about PC Andrew Harper's widow - insisting he was only offering to support her.

Retired PC John Apter is facing gross misconduct proceedings from his former force for allegedly making sickening remarks about Lissie Harper at an awards dinner.

He is alleged to have told appalled colleagues: Id like to comfort her in my hotel room.

Mrs Harper had been due to collect a posthumous bravery award on behalf of her husband - who was dragged to his death by a getaway car he had tried to stop in 2019 - at the ceremony in 2020.

Apter is also accused of groping a much younger female constable and making sexually inappropriate comments towards a third woman on a separate occasion.

Retired PC John Apter is facing accusations he repeatedly acted in a sexually inappropriate way towards women

Lissie Harper had been due to collect a posthumous bravery award on behalf of her husband Andrew when the alleged comments took place

Mrs Harper's husband PC Andrew Harper, who worked for Thames Valley Police, was killed while responding to a bike theft by three teenagers in Berkshire in August 2019

Giving evidence in his defence today, Apter said his comments about Mrs Harper was a misunderstanding of a comment made after they were sat on the same table.

He admitted it was 'not inconceivable' he could have said 'I'll look after her at the dinner table' but said any suggestion he made a sexually suggestive remark was 'deeply offensive'.

The misconduct proceedings at Hampshire Constabularys headquarters in Eastleigh have heard the comments were allegedly made at the Annual Roads Policing Conference.

Apter gave a speech at the ceremony and handed Mrs Harper the posthumous award.

In his evidence, Apter said he was 'really concerned' about Mrs Harper's attendance, which came just five months after her husband's death and funeral.

There was emotion anyway but it was a very emotional time, he said.

I was very concerned our attempts to do something positive could re-traumatise.

I was really worried.

Lissie Harper was forefront in my mind.

The hearing was told a 'huddle' took place where PC Apter sought 'reassurances' that enough measures were in place to support Mrs Harper and general logistics.

I remember I was really insistent that the support must be in place for Lissie, he told the panel.

PC John Apter (pictured in uniform) is accused of saying: 'I'd like to comfort her in my hotel room'

Lissie Harper (pictured) said that it would have been 'highly inappropriate' of Apter to make the comment

He told the hearing the group were 'engaged' with planning to help Mrs Harper with support.

On what was said at this meeting, he said: I know what I didn't say.

When asked to expand further, he said: I certainly didn't say anything in a sexually inappropriate way and certainly not in a hotel room about a hotel room.

Absolutely not, absolutely not.

I accept that in the conversation , I was really insistent about the support that was going to be in place.

The only think I have reflected on is that Lissie was on my table.

Prior to this, I would have wanted to meet her if not at the reception then prior to that.

At the dinner table it's not inconceivable I could say I'll look after her at the dinner table.

Asked if there would be any 'sexual element' to the comment, he responded: No.

All of this is deeply upsetting, but with Lissie Harper and what she has been through and to have this allegation is deeply offensive.

All of the allegations are but this one and the impact of such an allegation, not on me, but on Lissie and her family would have been horrific.

But at no time did I say anything in my mind that could even be misinterpreted as something sexual.

Following Andrew's death, Mrs Harper successfully campaigned for Harper's Law

The campaign extended mandatory life sentences to anyone who commits the manslaughter of an emergency worker on duty

Henry Long (left), Jessie Cole (centre) and Albert Bowers (right), were jailed over PC Harper's death

He told the panel after the awards evening, Mrs Harper reached out to him afterwards, 'thanking' him for the evening.

I knew Lissie was really passionate about putting things in place about support, he said.

She asked about keeping in touch, which she did.

I wouldn't say friendship, but I had a great deal of respect for Lissie and her family.

He told the hearing they would go on to meet a 'few times' in support for what eventually became Harper's Law - which introduced mandatory life sentences for anyone convicted of killing an emergency worker whilst committing a crime - which he was 'really proud of'.

We became professionally close, he added.

Which is why this has been so painful because that closeness was severed when she was notified about the allegations against me.

Apter also disputed the other allegations against him.

Apter is accused of acting in a sexually inappropriate manner towards two women, including sexually touching a much younger constable on her bottom while whispering: Is that ok?

PC Apter, enjoyed a 30 year career in policing and was chairman of the Police Federation of England and Wales from 2018 to 2021

Apter has denied all three charges of gross misconduct against him

On another occasion, it is alleged, Apter said to a pregnant woman working at the Police Federation: Maybe youll get a bum now.

On whether he made the 'bum' comment to his pregnant colleague, he said: Absolutely not.

No and it would have been, firstly a deeply offensive, illogical comment.

I wouldn't have made it anyway, but [the colleague] being a member of the team even more so, it just would not be in my vocabulary to speak to a colleague like that or say anything like that.

On whether a separate male colleague, who is alleged to have been in the room at the time, had said it, he continued: No, I never heard [him] with [the colleague] say anything remotely similar to this.

Obviously if I had it would have been challenged.

PC Apter also denied being drunk at a police night out before the Police Bravery Awards in London in December 2021, where he said comments of him drinking from a hip flask were a 'complete lie'.

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.
Residents of a Colorado mountain town are becoming frustrated with disrespectful, 'leaf-peeping' tourists who are blocking the roads making it nearly impossible for locals to get around.

One resident of Idaho Springs for eight years, Keturah Srot, said she's 'never seen roads like this'.

After planning a day trip to Canon City through Guanella Pass, she was stopped in her tracks after encountering the tourist traffic.

'There were hundreds and hundreds of cars illegally parked on both sides of the road,' she told KDVR.

'There were hundreds and hundreds of cars illegally parked on both sides of the road,' said Keturah Srot

'Tree-peeping' tourists travelling into a Colorado mountain town visit to see the trees that have changed into their fall colors

Srot has said she had 'never seen roads like this' as tourists' cars were parked blocking the roads and causing traffic jams along a Colorado mountain town

The Park County Sheriff's Office took a video in a separate area that was suffering the same issues as on Guanella Pass.

Srot said they couldn't drive any further and managed to turn back around.

'We lost two and a half hours, and we ended up having to cancel our plans for the day,' she added.

Aside from the heavy traffic, her frustrations lie mostly with the cars parked blocking roadways.

'Nobody would be encountering the kind of headlock or gridlock had people not been parking there,' she said.

'The road was backed up and jammed all the way from Kenosha Pass to the exit for Safeway in Conifer on Friday morning heading westbound... It's bad bad,' said a commentor on a Park Country Sheriff's

'Nobody would be encountering the kind of headlock or gridlock had people not been parking there,' Srot said

The Park County Sheriff's Office shared a Facebook post about the traffic caused from tourists.

One resident commented: 'Today was absolutely insane. I understand the want to admire and enjoy scenery... However, it's not fair or tolerable for locals. We all need to find a positive result for everyone.'

Another user also wrote: 'The road was backed up and jammed all the way from Kenosha Pass to the exit for Safeway in Conifer on Friday morning heading westbound... It's bad bad.'

One said it took her five and a half hours to get to loaf n jug from Blackhawk, 'It took over two hours to go one mile.'

Another brought the attention to cars parked along Guanella on both sides 'of an already narrow road', facing opposite directions, and making it impossible for traffic to go both directions.

'It's the worst I've ever seen it! So many side mirrors were busted off as well,' they added.

To which the PC Sheriff's Office responded that they were working on the issue.

Srot also worries that emergency services will be unable to reach people quickly because of the traffic and road blocking.

She hopes visitors who continue to come and see the leaves are respectful and only stop in designated areas.

'It just makes locals have a lot of road rage and anger and we don't want to see tourists anymore,' she said.
A casket was seen being pulled around in powerful floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.

The horrifying clip shows a casket being thrown around muddy floodwater in Erwin, before it was later found in the debris during a community cleanup.

Karren Tipton had caught the footage of the casket, and was later part of the crew who recovered the casket, she told Fox.

It is unclear where the casket came from and if there was a body inside it. DailyMail.com has contacted Tipton for further information.

CNN has reported that the storm has killed at least 137 people across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with the death toll expected to rise.

Rescuers are still continuing their efforts to make contact with hundreds of people who are cut off by washed-out roads and downed communication lines.

On social media, families and friends have been sharing images of missing loved ones on groups dedicated to finding those still lost since the storm.

The horrifying clip shows a casket being thrown around muddy floodwater in Erwin, Tennessee

Suzanne Hamrick is appealing for help in finding her aunt Caroline Clementson and her partner Dave Prophet, the couple are seen here

A high concentration of those posting on the page have been sharing pictures of people inside Asheville, North Carolina, which was decimated by the weather.

Daniela Stokes shared an image of her daughter Katie, seen here, saying she could not reach her

Heather Harper shared an image of her missing cousin Jack Bundrick and his girlfriend, saying she was appealing for information on the whereabouts of the two.

Harper was not alone, with Suzanne Hamrick sharing an image of her aunt Caroline Clementson and her partner Dave Prophet.

Hamrick said there had been a misunderstanding in her family that caused them to think the elderly couple had been found.

Dominique Nolan posted images of her 7-year-old son Connor Borgese who lives in Arden, North Carolina, with his father.

Nolan said: 'I am his mother and I live in Rochester NY. I have not had communication with him or his father since Friday.

'Please if anyone knows how that area is doing or anything please. I am so many miles away and all I have is the news making me more and more scared for my son. Please.'

Daniela Stokes shared an image of her daughter Katie, from Asheville, saying she could not reach her and asked for anyone in the area to keep an eye out for her.

Locals in North Carolina and Tennessee have also since built their own online spreadsheet to help track those who have been found.

As of Tuesday morning 1,650 names had been entered, with 479 people being marked as found. Leaving a further 1,171 people still marked as missing.

'STATE OF SHOCK': Tennessee community devastated by Helene spots casket floating through raging floodwaters in heartbreaking aftermath of the deadly storm. pic.twitter.com/6cta7AhZVT  Fox News (@FoxNews) October 1, 2024

The casket seen in the horrific footage was later recovered as part of a community clean-up

Connor Borgese lives in Arden, North Carolina, with his father and his mom has not heard from the pair since Friday

Heather Harper shared an image of her missing cousin Jack Bundrick and his girlfriend, both seen here, saying she was appealing for information on the whereabouts of the two

John Templeton, 46, was one of those who evacuated with his family from Asheville on Saturday.

Templeton had previously left his home in Houston during Hurricane Harvey in 2017 and also worked in relief work in 2005 after Hurricane Katrina.

Speaking to Reuters, he said: 'I'm pretty familiar with disaster zones and this is worse than any I've seen before.'

As Templeton left on the only accessible road out of Asheville, he passed a convoy of National Guard vehicles and water trucks coming the other way.

'It was a sinking feeling in my stomach because I knew that everybody still there just had no idea what the coming suffering and misery would look like,' he said.

While photojournalist Billy Bowling, who has been capturing drone footage of the devastation, posted: 'Human impacts from Helene in WNC will rival Hurricane Katrina based on the hell Ive seen the last 48 hours.'

In North Carolina, the state was coordinating 92 search and rescue teams from 20 states and the U.S. government according to Governor Roy Cooper.

On Monday emergency workers delivered a million liters of water, 600,000 meals and hundreds of pallets of airlifted supplies, he said.

Some 300 roads were closed and more than 7,000 people have registered for U.S. Federal Emergency Management Agency assistance in the state, officials said.

As of Tuesday, at least 40 people have been declared dead in and around the city of Asheville, a tourism area known for its art galleries, breweries and outdoor activities.

Mayor Esther Manheimer told NewsNation the once-thriving city was at 'a point of desperation'.

'The roads are washed out, the bridges are washed out and on top of that our communications are wiped out,' she said.

Debris is seen here after the storm broke through Asheville, leaving the area devastated

Leo Grindstaff, 12, left, helps his brother Gabe, 4, while walking to their grandparent's house to help salvage items in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene

A destroyed home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, near Black Mountain, North Carolina

'Most people have spotty cell phone service at best, and those hard to reach areas have nothing. We are still in a crisis mode. This is a very serious situation.'

According to Manheimer, around 600 people are still unaccounted for in Asheville and President Biden will fly over the city on Wednesday to see the damage.

Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane reveal a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers, mud-covered highways, and collapsed communication lines.

Asheville and many surrounding mountain towns were built in valleys, leaving them especially vulnerable to devastating rain and flooding.

Plus, the ground already was saturated before Helene arrived, said Christiaan Patterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

'By the time Helene came into the Carolinas, we already had that rain on top of more rain,' Patterson said.

Helene smashed into the Florida Gulf Coast on Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane before quickly moving into Georgia.

It left a trail of destruction in its wake as it tore apart houses, ripped up roads and severed lines of communication.

Damage estimates ranged from $15billion to more than $100billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend, as water systems, communications and critical transportation routes were affected.

Property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials assess the destruction.
Two U.S. destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea fired a dozen interceptor missiles to take down some of the 180 rockets fired by Iran at Israel on Tuesday night.

The attack sparked terror on the streets of Tel Aviv and was in response to Israel's recent killing of Hezbollah's senior leadership, and its ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Iranian missiles lit up the sky and smashed into buildings as air sirens blared across Israel just hours after the White House had warned an attack was 'imminent'.

Stark footage showed Israel's Iron Dome defense system shooting down some of the incoming projectiles and sending burning fragments to the ground as Americans in Tel Aviv were urged to take cover in bomb shelters.

A White House spokesman said President Joe Biden had preemptively 'directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel.'

Two U.S. destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea - the U.S.S. Cole and U.S.S. Bulkeley - fired a dozen interceptor missiles, the Pentagon confirmed.

Defense officials said they were still assessing how many Iranian missiles the U.S. took down.

Speaking at the White House, Biden's National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said: 'U.S. Naval destroyers joined Israeli air defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles. President Biden and Vice President Harris monitored the attack and the response from the White House situation room.

'At this time, and I stress at this time, we do not know of any deaths in Israel. We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel. In short, based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated effectively.'

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel

President Joe Biden convened a meeting with Vice President Harris and their national security team as Iran launched a ballistic missile attack against Israel

The USS Cole seen here at Fleet Week NYC in Manhattan, New York on 24 May 2023.

Sullivan said it was a 'significant escalation by Iran' and Biden is 'tracking this minute-by-minute.'

He said there was a reported death of a Palestinian civilian in Jericho in the West Bank.

Antony Blinken, the U.S. Secretary of State, said Israel had 'effectively defeated this attack' with the 'active support of the U.S.'

A State Department spokesman said: 'Of course, there must be consequences for Iran for this attack.'

In Lebanon, 6,000 American registered with the U.S. State Department for information on how to leave.

Other nations in the Middle East went on alert. Officials in Baghdad said Iraq closed its airspace for safety reasons. Jordan also closed its airspace.

The 180 missiles rained down on Tel Aviv in two major salvos about 15 minutes apart.

It remains unclear exactly what was hit in Israel and what the impact on the ground will be. Tehran was targeting Mossad headquarters and military bases, CNN reported. The headquarters of Israeli's spy agency is just outside Tel Aviv.

Iran's decision to attack was reportedly made by the country's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who was said to be in a secure location.

National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan speaks about the situation in Israel

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the attack was in response to Israeli attacks in Lebanon that killed several Hezbollah leaders.

'In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and martyr Neilvorushan, we are striking military targets with dozens of missiles,' the Iranian military said.

Iran's state TV claimed that 80 percent of their missiles launched at Israel hit their target. It's unclear exactly what the targets were.

Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country's air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats.

'However, the defense is not hermetic,' he noted.

Iranian launched projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem

People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles

Just before the Iranian missile barrage began, Israeli police said gunmen opened fire in Tel Aviv on the boundary with Jaffa, leaving at least six dead.

TV footage showed gunmen getting off at a light rail station and opening fire.

Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Israel told its employees to return home and be prepared to enter bomb shelters as the White House warned of an imminent ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The attack could see the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war and comes a day after Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at crippling the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

'Iran's legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regimewhich involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iranhas been duly carried out,' Iran's representative to the United Nations said.

The first missiles were fired around 12:30 pm ET, according to reports out of Israel. The U.S. warning had come about five hours earlier.

The White House had warned any attack would carry 'severe consequences.'

'The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,' a senior administration official told DailyMail.com earlier Tuesday.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.'

Israeli defense minister Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the 'imminent' threat with U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin.

A man holds children as people take cover during an air raid siren

People take cover behind a vehicle parked along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv

People take shelter during an air raid siren

The U.S. Embassy warned its staff in Israel to prepare to head for bomb shelters amid reports Iran is planning an 'imminent' ballistic missile strike. The image shows an Iranian rocket launched during a drill earlier this year

The attack followed a previous bombardment in April which saw hundreds of drones and missiles launched at the country.

A Western source had told Axios that unlike the April attack, this time Iran planned to launch ballistic missiles that can reach Israel within 12 minutes, and not with drones or cruise missiles that allow for much longer preparation time for defense and interception.

The Pentagon said on Monday that United States was sending a few thousand additional forces to the Middle East to bolster the 40,000 already in the region and to help defend Israel.

U.S. fighter jet squadrons were deployed to the region, including F-15E and F-16s.

F-22 jets and A-10 warplanes are also being sent, while the U.S.S. Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is already positioned in the Gulf of Oman, with the U.S.S. Harry S. Truman on its way as part of a scheduled deployment.

The attack raises the possibility of all-out war between the two bitter enemies, who have fought a shadow war for years as Tehran sought to destroy Israel, and Israel tried to rein in Iran's nuclear program.

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon in the early hours of Tuesday

When Iran launched the direct attack on Israel in April, few of the missiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have been escalating as they move to pick off the top leaders of Hezbollah.

Over the past year, Hezbollah has been attacking Israel in solidarity with Hamas, the Gaza-based armed group also backed by Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Tuesday statement that Israel is facing 'large challenges' as it fights an Iranian axis.

In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.

Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said Israel and its allies are in a 'high state of readiness' and any attack from Iran would have repercussions.

Rescue workers in Beirut drive through the rubble of a building decimated by Israeli airstrikes

Israeli soldiers in a moving APC in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late last night.

IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.
This is the shocking moment an enraged driver attacked a parking warden ticketing him - in the latest spate of abuse faced by Britain's under-siege civil enforcement officers.

The foul-mouthed motorist was caught on body camera confronting two council officials in Coventry in what has been branded an 'unacceptable' assault.

The fuming man was illegally parked and was left outraged after being issued a parking ticket when he launched into his vile verbal tirade.

After being told 'it's alright, you're being recorded mate' the fuming driver then storms over to one of the council workers and aggressively shoves him.

The driver tells the warden: 'I don't give a ****, ****ing record me you fat ****.'

When the warden replies 'do you want the police on you?', the man shouts back 'do it, *****ing do it.'

This is the shocking moment an enraged driver attacked a parking warden ticketing him

The incident filmed in Coventry led to the driver being convicted of assault

In the video, the man can be seen driving in the car (left) as the warden appears to leap out of the way as a loud bang is heard

The warden then radios for help as video footage appears to catch the driver getting into his car and accelerating past the warden, narrowly missing both officers as they scramble out of the way.

The incident, which took place in 2023, was investigated by West Midlands Police which arrested the man, who was later convicted of assault in October of that year and sentenced to a community order.

Coventry City Council warned the successful prosecution was only one case in a number of alleged assaults against its parking wardens.

It follows a surge in attacks against civil enforcement officers nationwide, who have been filmed being brutally attacked by yobs while working.

Councillor Abdul Salam Khan, deputy leader of Coventry City Council said: 'Everybody deserves to be safe, supported and treated with respect at their workplace. We know many residents appreciate the work of council officers but as this footage shows, there are a small minority who take it too far.

'Council staff work hard every day to support the people of our city and we know that is appreciated by most people, but sadly cases of abuse are rising, and this cannot be allowed to continue.

'There is no excuse for abuse and if you assault our staff, we will inform the police and we will push for a prosecution. I'd like to thank our police colleagues for their invaluable support with this incident.'

A police spokesperson said: 'Incidents like this are completely unacceptable and we continue to work with our local authority partners to take action wherever and whenever we receive information about this kind of incident.

'Everyone has the right to go to work without the fear of being assaulted and we will take strong action against anyone responsible for this type of offence.

'Following our investigation into this incident, a man in his 40s was arrested, charged and convicted of assault in October last year.'

in February of this year, shocking footage also filmed in Coventry, caught the moment a furious motorist attack a traffic warden after being ticketed for illegally parking.

in February of this year, shocking footage also filmed in Coventry, caught the moment a furious motorist attack a traffic warden after being ticketed for illegally parking (pictured)

A van driver (left) in Coventry goes to confront a traffic warden after having a parking ticket placed on his windscreen and is filmed pushing the officer to the ground in a heated dispute

The civil enforcement officer was hurled to the ground after he slapped the motorist with a penalty charge while patrolling in the Foleshill area of Coventry.

The driver immediately leaves the van after seeing the ticket placed on his windscreen and angrily tells the officer: 'I was moving mate', before pushing him in the chest.

The video recorded on the warden's body camera captures him crying out 'did you see that?' as he is shoved to the pavement during the confrontation.

His colleague then tries to intervene and is also verbally and physically assaulted during the heated dispute on Victory Road in June last year.

Coventry council previously warned aggressive incidents, including staff being punched, kicked and spat at, had doubled in the past four years.

In August last year, a driver was caught on camera brawling with a traffic warden in Manor Park, east London.

A driver who was caught on camera attacking a traffic warden with a wooden pole has said he feels 'embarrassed' by the public confrontation

The fight broke out on Chesterford Road in Manor Park, east London, last year after the warden took photos of the man's van

The clash, which took place in the middle of a residential road, was caught on camera, with the warden suffering a broken finger.

His attacker - Alex Verulashvili- was arrested, with the matter being resolved using a community resolution.

Speaking to MailOnline after footage of the brawl went viral, Mr Verulashvili apologised and said he felt 'embarrassed' by the public confrontation.

The Georgian-born father in his forties from Basildon admitted it was not his 'highest point', and added: 'It was just in the heat of the moment.

'I am not that kind of guy. Usually I am very, very smiley and open to discussing things. But I was very irritated with his action.'
A woman died from complications after undergoing six plastic surgeries at a medical facility in the northeastern Brazilian city of Sobral.

Viviane Monte, 24, has surgery on August 31 and spent 20 days in the intensive care unit at before she passed away last Thursday, one day before her birthday.

Her boyfriend of six years, Renan Santiago, told Brazilian news outlet G1 that she paid approximately $7,300 for a breast reduction, buttock fat grafting, and liposuctions on her stomach, arms, back and neck.

Santiago said that Monte for a long time had envisioned undergoing breast reduction and as of late wanted to have fat removed from her abdomen because she believed she had put on extra weight.

Viviane Monte underwent six plastic surgeries on August 31 and was discharged the following the day before she fell ill September 2 and died Thursday after spending 20 days hospitalized, her boyfriend told Brazilian news outlet G1. The businesswoman was only 24

Renan Santiago, pictured with his girlfriend Viviane Monte, said she researched a surgeon who agreed to do a breast reduction and liposuction on her stomach. He added that doctor convinced her to have four additional surgeries - buttock fat grafting and liposuctions on her arms, back and neck

He explained that Monte found a doctor who agreed to do both surgeries and persuaded her to undergo the other four surgeries, including the neck liposuction, which he agreed to do free of charge.

Before the surgery, Monte was placed on a weight-loss program and underwent additional testings to show that she was a candidate for all of the surgeries.

Santiago said Monte was discharged the day after she had her procedures and began to experience discomfort on September 2 when she was unable to urinate.

Viviane Monte died last Thursday from complications of undergoing six plastic surgeries at the same time at a hospital in Sobral, a city in the northeastern Brazil state of Ceara

The family of Viviane Monte alleges that the 24-year-old's surgeon is responsible for her death. She had six plastic surgeries at a medical facility in Sobral, Brazil on August 31 and fell very ill two days later, going into cardiac arrest upon arriving at an emergency center unit. He conditioned worsened and she died last Thursday from the postoperative complications

The surgeon, whose name was not shared by Monte's family, advised her to visit the nearest emergency care center, where her went into cardiac arrest and was revived.

Monte's condition worsened as the days passed and developed a bacterial and fungal infection and was given two bags of blood. In addition, her breasts opened up and she had discharge both arms.

Santiago accused the doctor of malpractice 'because he didn't provide assistance ... he didn't advise her to have fewer procedures.'

He said the surgeon was well aware 'about the risk and he simply didn't warn her.'

'She had no idea,' Santiago added. 'She only had a dream of having the surgery. And she went on to live her dream.'

The Ceara State Department of Public Safety is investigating Monte's death.
Holidaymakers onboard a rowdy TUI flight have described the moment seven 'drunk and unruly' passengers were arrested by armed police in Gatwick after causing 'tequila terror' which saw them abuse staff during a flight from Cancun.

Fellow passengers claim the group of men and women had been swigging from large bottles of duty-free-bought tequila before they opened an agressive tirade against staff who had told them to 'calm down.'

The group allegedly became beturbed after the staff stopped serving them alchohol midway through the cross-Atlantic flight from Mexico and had refused to hand their passports to cabin crew.

One eyewitness said he was appalled by the 'disgusting' language used by the group, as terrified young families also awoke to the chaotic scene unfolding this morning.

Upon landing, the group were escorted off the runway at Gatwick by armed police officers carrying guns and tasers.

A group of seven drunk and unruly passengers were arrested by armed police officers at Gatwick Airport this morning

The passengers caused chaos on a flight to Cancun this morning

The group allegedly became beturbed after the staff stopped serving them alchohol midway through the cross-Atlantic flight from Mexico

One eyewitness said he was appalled by the 'disgusting' language used by the group

One woman being detained could be heard shouting hysterically in a video of the incident, saying, 'Don't touch me'.

Mac Mack, who was flying home after visiting a friend in Cancun, said the trouble had begun at the airport when the group had tried to push in line at the departure gate.

'Apparently they had been drinking before and at the time of the incident,' the 58-year-old, from South London, explained.

'They were all UK nationals. They refused to give their passports to cabin crew.

'They had upset people initially by pushing into them in the line at Cancun Airport.

'I was surprised it didn't end up in fisty-cuffs.

'They were fine initially, but on TUI flights they stop serving alcohol after dinner.

'[The group] started on their duty-free booze, according to passengers sitting near them.'

A group of seven drunk and unruly passengers were arrested by armed police officers at Gatwick Airport this morning

Upon landing, the group were escorted off the runway at Gatwick by armed police officers carrying guns and tasers.

One woman being detained could be heard shouting hysterically in a video of the incident, saying, 'Don't touch me'

Police on the plane as they were arrested at Gatwick Airport this morning

Holidaymakers onboard a rowdy TUI flight have described how seven 'drunk and unruly' passengers made their journey hell

Fellow passengers claim the group of men and women had been swigging from large bottles of duty-free-bought tequila

Passengers said they saw cabin crew asking the group to behave and telling them to hand over their passports - which they refused to do

The incident was allegedly sparked after the bar closed on the cross Atlantic flight

Passengers said they saw cabin crew asking the group to behave and telling them to hand over their passports - which they refused to do.

Mr Mack said that around quarter to four in the morning - shortly after the plane had flown over the east coast of Canada - a 'loud and aggressive' argument broke out, with cabin crew desperately trying to calm the unruly group.

'It was tequila terror at 60,000 feet,' he continued.

'There were kids on the flight and a lot of people were woken up to people screaming obscenities at each other.

'Passengers were scared; if it had kicked off against the cabin crew, it would have been the group against just seven or eight skinny girls and boys.

'They eventually shut up and calmed down.'

Another elderly male passenger, who did not want to be named, added: 'I was really concerned about the disgusting language being used in front of my wife.

'One of them hit the back of my seat, thrusting it upright as he joined the argument.'

Mr Mack added that once cops boarded the plane and took away the unruly passengers, they seemed 'contrite'.

'As we hit the stand at Gatwick the captain told everyone to stay in their seats and five or six armed police came on board,' he said.

'There were seven or more outside the plane with carbines, pistols, tasers....

'The group was mixed, both men and women, with mixed ages from around 18 to some in their 50s.

'They were not people you would really want to be friends with.

'They were very contrite when faced by the Old Bill at Gatwick.'

Mr Mack added that it had been quite the return trip after the Air Bnb he was staying in in Cancun flooded following Hurricane Helene.

A spokesperson for Sussex Police said: 'Police are investigating a report of a disturbance on board a flight inbound to London Gatwick from Cancun on October 1.

'Officers have spoken with passengers and crew.

'Anyone with information is asked to report it to Sussex Police online, quoting serial 224 of 01/10.'

A TUI spokesperson said: 'We'd like to apologise to customers on TOM079 from Cancun to Gatwick, whose flight was disrupted by the unacceptable behaviour of a small group of passengers.

'The safety of our customers and crew is our number one priority and any unacceptable behaviour will not be tolerated. The flight was met by the local authorities who escorted the disruptive passengers off the aircraft.'
A Brazilian influencer and her friend are missing at sea after a speedboat transporting them back to shore from a luxury yacht capsized off the coast of Sao Vicente on Sunday.

Police confirmed that Aline Tamara Moreira, 37, and Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria 27, were onboard a speedboat when the accident happened as they desperately search for the two women who disappeared in a coastal region known as the Devil's Throat.

Just moments before the tragedy struck, influencer Aline had posted images of herself on the luxury yacht alongside her friends.

One image shows Aline, dressed in blue, on the boat looking at the camera as she holds a drink. Another picture shows the influencer joined by two female pals.

According to her brother Anderson Carlos Moreira de Amorim, Aline does not know how to swim.

line Tamara Moreira de Amorim, 37 disappeared after a speedboat accident in Sao Vicente, Brazil

Her friend Beatriz Tavares da Silva Faria 27 is also missing

Aline reportedly has a 17-year-old son

Survivors told that they were at a party on a larger yacht and when they decided to leave, six of them used a speedboat that overturned after it went to pick them up.

Five people, two men and three women were rescued and received medical attention.

They had injuries caused by the collision with parts of the vessel and with the rocks in the region.

The City of Sao Vicente reported in a statement that the Mobile Emergency Care Service (SAMU) was called to respond to the incident.

After initial care, four of those rescued were taken to the Central Emergency Room while one refused further medical attention. At the health unit, the remaining four were medicated and discharged from hospital.

Nilce Aparecida Silva, a resident of Praia Grande, is a cousin to the missing woman Beatriz and she took to Facebook to ask for prayers so that she might still be found alive.

She said: 'In addition to being a cousin, Bia is my granddaughter's godmother. She loved the sea and, when she came to the coast, she always found a way to stop by our house. We are praying that she will be found alive.'

Just moments before the tragedy struck, influencer Aline had posted images of herself on the luxury yacht alongside her friends

Nilce made her home available to other Beatriz relatives following the search. According to her, Beatriz was living in the east zone of Sao Paulo.

One survivor Camila Alves, 20, took to social media to give details about the accident.

'During the journey, a very strong wave made the boat capsize on top of us. We saw three life jackets and two gallons of gasoline. Each one grabbed one and tried to fight for their lives', she recalled.

'None of the girls knew how to swim. Everyone started to get lost and try to save themselves', adding that 'people were seriously injured in the accident. I hit my head on the rock, I got stitched up. Everyone was really hurt.'

She also urged the public to 'pray for the girls, so that they are found alive and well'.

The 'Devil's Throat', which is the region where the accident occurred, is located between Porchat Island and Xixova-Japui State Park, in Sao Vicente. It attracts surfers because of its waves, but hides several dangers due to the strong currents that hit the area.

It comes as Brazilian OnlyFans model Adriana Vieira, 31, was found dead in a Florida harbor following a party on a rapper's yacht last week.

The mother-of-one reportedly went swimming the night before she was found in Miami harbor.

The name of the rapper who hosted the party has not been released.

Vieira, originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, reportedly arrived in Florida with her husband two years ago and they posted photos of their lavish lifestyle on social media.

Her husband, named as Roberto Tesario, returned to Brazil soon after leaving Adriana to raise their child alone.

Her mother Antonia de Lourdes Vieira told Brazilian media: 'I want my daughter's death to be investigated and need help me bring her body back.

'I don't know how long I have until she's buried in a pauper's grave.'

Vieira's six-year-old son is reportedly being cared for by a nanny while her family travels to the US.
A student killed the newborn baby she had carried in secret by putting her in a Kellogg's cereal box and hiding it in a suitcase, jurors heard today.

'Cool and calculating' Jia Xin Teo, 22, 'probably knew' she was pregnant when she arrived at Coventry University, a jury heard, but hadn't told anybody she was expecting  including the father of the baby back home in Malaysia.

A court heard the pregnancy was only discovered after friends in her halls of residence forced entry to her bedroom after becoming concerned about Teo and found 'blood everywhere'.

Prosecutor David Mason KC told jurors Teo had given birth on March 4 this year to a 'full term' baby girl, adding: 'Nobody else even knew she was pregnant.

'She then took the decision to kill her newborn daughter by placing her into a cereal box which went into plastic bag which was sealed and then into a suitcase.'

Warwick Crown Court heard Jia Xin Teo eventually admitted giving birth and told police where she had hidden the infant

The barrister added: 'According to the account she gave the police, her baby definitely survived a least a number of minutes and was still moving when she put the little girl into the box and then the bag.'

The court heard the baby's body was only discovered two days later when Teo, by then in hospital, admitted what she had done.

Mr Mason said the Crown's case was that Teo 'knew what she was doing', adding: 'She knew that her baby could have survived and yet chose to deliberately kill her'.

But the prosecutor said the jury would have to decide whether the defendant was indeed guilty of murder as the prosecution suggest, or 'whether the balance of her mind was or might have been so disturbed at the time' that she is not guilty of murder but instead guilty of infanticide.

Mr Mason said that when Teo's friends entered her bedroom they found blood stains, smears and clots all over the room. Teo had locked herself in the bathroom but was eventually persuaded to come out.

Paramedics were called but Teo refused to go to hospital and was instead transferred to a room so the blood stains could be cleaned.

Mr Mason said one of her friends had helped to move her belongings, which 'unbeknown to him' included the red suitcase containing the baby girl.

Teo eventually agreed to go to hospital and was admitted to an emergency gynaecology unit, where a pregnancy test proved positive.

But the defendant refused a vaginal examination and denied giving birth. Medics knew otherwise and called police, the jury heard. Officers were sent to both the ward and her halls of residence in Coventry.

Warwick Crown Court heard Teo eventually admitted giving birth and told police where she had hidden the infant.

'The baby was removed to the mortuary at the hospital where her mother was being treated', Mr Mason said.

The following day, March 7, a bereavement midwife was sent to the hospital 'to speak to and counsel' Teo.

The student told her she had miscarried and given birth, having been aware she was pregnant. She admitted her boyfriend in Malaysia was the father but admitted nobody knew she was pregnant, saying she couldn't tell her parents because she didn't know what their reaction would be, due to her age. Teo admitted her baby had been 'alive  crying and moving' and said there had been a lot of blood and she was scared.

Mr Mason said Teo didn't 'show any grief, only fear of her parents and of being arrested and what would happen next', and never asked the midwife about the baby.

A post mortem examination was carried out by two pathologists but due to the short time the baby was alive, they could not establish a definitive cause of death, describing it as unexplained.

Prior to being interviewed by police, Teo was seen by a mental health nurse, who asked if she had heard voices. Teo's denial would prove 'extremely important', Mr Mason said, as she went on to claim in her interview that she had heard voices  some telling her to put the baby in a cereal box and others saying not to.

The prosecutor told the court Teo told officers she 'did the wrong thing', by putting the infant in the cereal box after she gave birth on the bathroom floor. 'She said she couldn't control herself', Mr Mason added.

Teo said that she had put the crying infant in her sink and turned the water on in a bid to quieten her down so nobody would hear her.

She told officers the baby was submerged for two or three minutes before she transferred her to the cereal box, still moving, and then wrapped the box in a plastic bag because it's base had quickly gone soggy.

Mr Mason told jurors that for a defence of infanticide, those representing Teo would have to establish that her mind was or might have been disturbed or not fully recovered from the effect of giving birth. Two psychiatrists were of the opinion that such a defence was open to her, he added.

But Mr Mason said Teo had 'deliberately hid her pregnancy from everyone', lied to the doctors about giving birth and refused a vaginal exam.

He told jurors: 'You can infer that if it hadn't been for the heavy blood loss the birth would have remained secret' and said her disposal of the baby 'required significant thought'.

Teo, of Coventry, denies murder.

The trial continues.
Prince Harry has been pictured with the Princess of Lesotho as he kicks off a visit to South Africa for his charity Sentebale just hours after leaving Britain following a whistle-stop visit to the UK without Meghan.

Dressed in a white shirt, jeans and a dark jacket, the 40-year-old Duke of Sussex can be seen posing with his arm around the Princess of Lesotho Senate Seeiso in an image shared on Instagram.

'Had a pleasure of hosting a lunch today,' she wrote next to the picture, which was shared as a reel.

Harry's trip to Lesotho and South Africa appears to mark another week away from his wife Meghan and their two children Archie and Lilibet, who did not join the Duke in the UK either.

Harry did not appear to visit King Charles or Prince William while in the UK yesterday, despite staying at a London hotel just two miles from Buckingham Palace and less than an hour's drive from his brother's home.

He had come to London for the WellChild Awards to recognise some of Britain's bravest children and support a charity close to his heart.

Prince Harry was seen posing with his arm around Princess Senate Seeiso in an image shared by the African royal on Instagram - hours after he flew to the UK

Harry's trip to Lesotho and South Africa appears to mark another week away from his wife Meghan. Pictured: The couple in Colombia in August

Harry, who is not likely to have stayed in a royal property, was set to fly from London to South Africa for events in support of his charity Sentebale.

The royal has travelled to Lesotho for a gathering of business leaders, philanthropists and local stakeholders, aimed at driving forward the work of his youth-focused charity, supporting the digital and economic inclusion of the next generation in Africa.

It is unlikely that Meghan will join him on the trip, despite not having seen him for ten days after he spent a week in New York with a series of engagements, including an event in honour of his mother Princess Diana.

Yesterday the Duke of Sussex was at a central London hotel just two miles from Buckingham Palace and less than an hour's drive from his older brother's home.

A spokesman for Harry declined to comment on whether any family meetings were planned. But MailOnline understands that no such rapprochement has happened on this trip, his third to Britain since May.

The seed of Sentebale was planted in 2004 when Harry spent two months in the African kingdom of Lesotho during his gap year. The experience made a lasting impression on the young royal, who was then aged 19.

The Duke of Sussex, Patron of WellChild, arriving for the annual WellChild Awards in London yesterday

Harry chatting with Noah Nicholson, six, and his mother at the WellChild awards yesterday

Yesterday the Duke of Sussex, who turned 40 earlier this month, was at a central London hotel just two miles from Buckingham Palace

He came face-to-face with Aids orphans, met other traumatised young people and visited herd boys living a harsh existence looking after cattle in remote mountain areas.

Harry was invited to the country, land-locked inside South Africa, by Seeiso, a friend of the his mentor, ex-Army officer Mark Dyer.

Founded in 2006, Sentebale began working in Leosotho before expanding into Botswana, and operates in four key areas: strengthening the social and emotional wellbeing of those living with or affected by HIV; helping to provide access to health and social services; driving youth advocacy; and building individuals' skills and livelihoods.

MailOnline has contacted Archewell for comment.
Gruesome footage shows the moment a man was forced to bite a giant anaconda to stop himself from being crushed to death in a Brazilian river.

An onlooker filmed the terrifying near-death experience as the man sinks his teeth into the huge snake as it wrapped itself around him.

The video shows how he struggled with the powerful reptile as he stood in chest-deep water.

In a desperate bid to save himself, the man chomps down on the snake near its head, while another man can be seen grabbing its tail and a third tries to uncoil the water boa from a wooden boat.

More than half a minute passes until it eventually gives up and unwraps itself from its would-be victim.

An onlooker filmed the terrifying near-death experience as the man sinks his teeth into the huge snake as it wrapped itself around him in a Brazilian river

The video shows how he struggled with the powerful reptile as he stood in chest-deep water.

The victim's friend then grabs it by the neck as it is raised onto the boat in Terra Santa, in the Amazon rainforest on Sunday.

It is not known if the man sustained injuries after grappling with the powerful snake.

Anaconda attacks are rare but can occur in the rivers and creeks of the Amazon jungle, where the reptiles typically live.

The anaconda, also called water boa, is one of the largest snakes in the world but is not venomous.

They can grow to more than eight metres long and can weigh more than 200kg.

To kill their prey, they wrap their body around the animal and use their brute strength to squeeze it until it can no longer breathe, before swallowing it whole.

Another man can be seen grabbing its tail while a third tries to uncoil the water boa from a wooden boat

More than half a minute passes until it eventually gives up and unwraps itself from its would-be victim

The victim's friend then grabs it by the neck as it is raised onto the boat in Terra Santa in Brazil

The anaconda, also called water boa, is one of the largest snakes in the world but is not venomous (file image)

The attack comes weeks after two giant pythons were discovered in a British woodland.

The non-venemous snakes, which can grow up to six-feet long, are not big enough to kill an adult but could attack children and small pets.

A ball python, also known as a royal python was spotted in Huntsham Wood in Tiverton, Devon on August 30.

And two days later, a similar snake was found in the same area.

Staff from Tropiquaria Zoo, in Watchet, Somerset, came to rescue the animals which appeared to have been well-fed and cared for.

However as the snakes were found close together, experts believe they were likely deliberately abandoned by their owners.

Ball pythons live in grasslands, shrublands and open forests of west and central Africa and would struggle to survive in the wild during a British winter.
A heartbreaking video shows the moment a four-year-old boy from Texas begged his father for a piece of bread before he later starved to death.

More than 30 videos of Benjamin Cervera were shown in court on Monday, including a video of the small boy nervously asking his father for something to eat.

'Dad, dad, can I have bread?' Benjamin said with his hands tightly folded in front of his chest as his clothes hung off of him. The video was taken just days before the four-year-old died of starvation.

The young boy begged his father for bread, water, or milk before pleading: 'I want some bread,' according to KSAT.

The videos, where captured on cellphone and surveillance footage, were played in front of Benjamin's father, Brandon Cervera, 31, who faces life in prison if convicted.

'Dad, dad, can I have bread?' Benjamin said with his hands tightly folded in front of his chest as his clothes hung off of him. The video was taken just days before the four-year-old died of starvation

More than 30 videos of Benjamin Cervera were shown in court on Monday, including a video of the small boy nervously asking his father for something to eat

Other videos from early 2021 show the small boy rooting through cabinets and the fridge to get food in the middle of the night. Benjamin could be seen grabbing fruit snacks, a Jell-O cup, cookies, and milk.

Eventually, Brandon would lock the cabinets, making it harder for Benjamin to steal food.

In a text exchange with his ex-wife, Brandon allegedly told her: 'He don't need to eat dinner' and told his ex to just give the child bread after she told him he had been begging all day.

Surveillance footage also shows the child crying while trapped in his sparsely furnished room, which he shared with his brother. Benjamin was the only family member who did not have a bed and he was forced to sleep on a mattress with a urine-soaked blanket.

Other videos show Benjamin punching himself in the face in the backseat of a car and Brandon threatening his child while he begged for bread, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The cellphone footage was obtained by police off his stepmother Miranda Casarez's device, while the surveillance footage was taken from cameras placed inside the apartment, according to Detective Lawrence Saiz of the San Antonio Police Department.

Benjamin's father, Brandon Cervera, 31, who faces life in prison if convicted, was expressionless while the videos played in court on Monday

While prosecutors displayed the evidence, many jurors had to look away or shook their heads, all while Brandon remained expressionless, according to KSAT.

The Bexar County Chief Medical Examiner, Dr. Kimberley Molina, also showed photos of Benjamin's bruised body and told the court the injuries were not from attempts to perform CPR - as Brandon's defense has tried to conclude.

The father's defense has attempted to discredit Molina's report, where she ruled the boy died of starvation, saying it is misleading, according to KSAT.

His attorney, Jodi Soyars, argued that Molina rounded the numbers and that could affect how the child's growth was perceived, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

The boy's clothing and weight were used to calculate his BMI, which helped lead her to a starvation ruling.

Benjamin only weighed 28 pounds at the time of his death and hadn't grown in 10 months, according to Molina. She also noted the boy had no body fat and no food was found in the intestinal tract when he died.

During a welfare check (pictured), Benjamin was seen with black eyes and was extremely skinny. When the child died, he had no body fat, no food in his intestinal tract, had macrocytic anemia, his thymus gland had disappeared, and he weighed a mere 28 pounds

Other videos from early 2021 show the small boy rooting through cabinets and the fridge to get food in the middle of the night. Benjamin could be seen grabbing fruit snacks, a Jell-O cup, cookies, and milk

Surveillance footage also shows the child crying while trapped in his sparsely furnished room, which he shared with his brother. Benjamin was the only family member who did not have a bed and he was forced to sleep on a mattress with a urine-soaked blanket

She also said Benjamin suffered from macrocytic anemia from vitamin deficiencies. The blood disorder occurs when the body lacks essential nutrients to form enough blood cells.

Benjamin's thymus gland - located in the upper chest - had also disappeared, which is possible if a child is under extreme stress, she said, according to The Express-News.

Pediatrician James Lukefahr, who treated the boy at the hospital where he died, also said the boy was underweight for his age and agreed with Molina's ruling.

'In my opinion, there was substantial evidence that Benji had been the victim of starvation leading up to his death,' he said, according to KSAT.

During a welfare check, Benjamin was seen with black eyes and was so skinny his ribs poked out.

Officer Omar Perez, one of the two cops who made the welfare call, told the court that Benjamin 'had visible injuries.'

Benjamin would sneak into the kitchen at night to get food, but that eventually became harder as locks were added

His cause of death was ruled starvation by a medical examiner. Brandon's defense have tried to claim the autopsy is misleading and the boy had always been small

Perez added: 'He had bruises on his eyes and torso and he was skinny...able to see his bones.'

Brandon and Casarez told police the boy had harmed himself and had behavioral issues.

Benjamin died on August 17, 2021 and Brandon now faces charges of injury to a child causing serious bodily injury, which a felony.

Casarez was found guilty in April and was sentenced to 25 years in prison for injury to a child by omission causing serious bodily injury, according to the San Antonio Express-News.

Benjamin's older brother, who is only identified as BC, testified that Casarez forced his brother to eat hot sauce and hand sanitizer and would throw the boy in the air and not catch him, according to People.
A tycoon who is selling her iconic Highland castle after a row with locals is facing a new battle after thirteen people put their names forward to join the local council of which she is the only member.

Samantha Kane - a lawyer and self-styled lady of the manor - purchased Carbisdale Castle in 2022 for more than 1million, with plans to bring the 29-bedroomed property back into use.

Shortly afterwards, she also won a battle to buy three hectares of the land around her property, at the cost of the local community, as four out of five members of the local council resigned in protest.

However, last month it was revealed that she is selling the castle amid a bitter row with 'homophobic and racist' locals, as she claimed the rural area is 'not ready' to have a transgender owner.

Now, she is facing a new challenge after thirteen people put their names forward for the seven seats available for Ardgay and District Community Council, which was forced into abeyance in February after all but one of its members quit - Ms Kane.

Tycoon Samantha Kane is selling her iconic 5m Carbisdale Castle near Bonar Bridge, Sutherland

Ms Kane looks out on the Highland countryside. She sold off property in London to fund the refurbishments at Carbisdale Castle

Carbisdale Castle near Ardgay in the Scottish Highlands

The tycoon, who was vice-chair, could become an isolated figure on the council because she did not resign her membership and it remains unchallenged.

Voting by postal ballot is now closed with the result announced on October 14.

Ardgay and District Community Council was due to meet for the first time since a stormy extraordinary general meeting (EGM) in November.

Following that meeting, the group received a number of complaints and police had to be called.

Chairwoman Silvia Muras, secretary Anna McInnes, treasurer Sabrina Ross and member Dr Buster Crabb all quit. None are seeking re-election.

Ms Kane's plans to buy land near the castle property was the subject of the EGM. The community council had voted against the proposal due to doubts over the local benefits from the purchase.

After the resignations, the community council could not be quorate as it requires a minimum of four members.

Ms Kane behind the bar at Carbisdale Castle. She was restoring it at a reported cost of 10million

Barrister Ms Kane ploughed millions of pounds of her fortune into restoring Carbisdale Castle

One of the grand rooms of Carbisdale Castle which has gone on the market for 5million

Ms Kane appeared on This Morning to discuss her journey to becoming comfortable in her skin in October 2022

Locals said they were 'delighted' when Ms Kane bought Carbisdale Castle, near Bonar Bridge, Sutherland, in 2022 with plans to bring the 29-bedroomed property back into use as a luxury hotel.

But they claim the relationship turned sour when she started putting up fences blocking access to public pathways.

Local councillor Michael Baird, however, said there was an 'element of truth' to Ms Kane's claims as the 'small community around the castle' had 'hounded out' a previous developer.

Ms Kane, 65, rejected the claims made by locals. She said: 'These people are obviously motivated by some sort of hate or jealousy or prejudice. I have done everything in my power to be friendly and nice.'

The barrister, who named herself Lady Carbisdale after buying the castle for 1.2million, is believed to be the only person in the UK to have changed gender three times.

She claims she put the property on the market for 5million because of 'hurtful' comments made about her gender identity, and asserted that the area 'is not ready' for a transgender custodian of the castle.

The 19-bedroom manor is close to Ardgay, around 30 miles north of Inverness, and Ms Kane pledged to sink millions of pounds into restoring the category B-listed building, which was built in 1907 in the Baronial style.
This is the dramatic moment a CNN correspondent had to abandon a live broadcast and take cover as Iran rained missiles on Israel.

Jim Sciutto was reporting live from a rooftop in Tel Aviv as Iran launched hundreds of missiles on the country on Tuesday night.

'We've gotta get off the roof,' Sciutto said as the missiles in the sky over Tel Aviv quickly increased. 'These are coming down right next to us here. We gotta go inside.'

The anchor rushed from the vantage point into a bomb shelter, while footage showed the rockets fall through the sky amid deafening sirens.

'Please take cover,' CNN's Kaitlan Collins told Sciutto from the broadcasting studio.

Jim Sciutto was reporting live from Israel as Iran launched an attack on the city on Tuesday

Incredible. Chilling images on CNN as Iran launches a barrage of missiles on Tel Aviv, Israel, sending @JimSciutto and crew to seek cover. pic.twitter.com/d1zlq2xlD0  Curtis Houck (@CurtisHouck) October 1, 2024

Israel has the Iron Dome defense system to intercept missiles, but some fragments appeared to be reaching downtown Tel Aviv.

Iran launched missiles at Israel as darkness started to fall one day before the Jewish New Year - with Israelis taking to bomb shelters in fear for their lives.

Earlier Tuesday, the U.S. Embassy in Israel told its employees to return home and be prepared to enter bomb shelters as the White House warned of an imminent ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The warning comes with the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war and a day after Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at crippling the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

Iran launched missiles at Israel as darkness started to fall and Americans took to bomb shelters in fear for their lives.

The White House had warned any attack would carry 'severe consequences.'

Iran launched missiles at Israel as darkness started to fall and Americans took to bomb shelters in fear for their lives

A man holds children as people take cover during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel October 1

People take to shelters as missiles rain down on Tel Aviv on Tuesday

'The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,' a senior administration official told DailyMail.com earlier Tuesday.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.'

Israeli defense minister Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the 'imminent' threat with U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin.

The attack could exceed the scale of a previous bombardment in April which saw hundreds of drones and missiles launched at the country.

A Western source told Axios that unlike the April attack, this time Iran is expected to launch ballistic missiles that can reach Israel within 12 minutes and not with drones or cruise missiles that allow for much longer preparation time for defense and interception.

Israel has the Iron Dome defense system to intercept missiles, but some fragments appeared to be reaching downtown Tel Aviv

A rocket flies in the sky above Tel Aviv

The Pentagon said on Monday that United States was sending a few thousand additional forces to the Middle East to bolster the 40,000 already in the region and to help defend Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Tuesday statement that Israel is facing 'large challenges' as it fights an Iranian axis.

In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.
A fight between two Fat Bear Week contestants halted the competition after one bear killed another in a gruesome, televised brawl.

An adult male and female were caught on the competitions' livestream fighting in the mouth of the Brooks River in Katmai National Park, Alaska.

Resident naturalist for explore.org, Mike Fitz, gave commentary on the deadly altercation between the two bears.

Fitz said: 'Watching bears attack other bears is often difficult to see, especially if a bear kills another bear so this is a difficult situation to witness.'

The commentators had little idea what started the fight, but said they didn't believe it was over food resources but rather a 'dominance' fight.

The two bears were seen fighting as experts, who were looking on at the time, were unsure what started the spat

Bear 469 was seen on livestream for the Fat Bear Week competition killing another bear

Female bear 402 was killed by another adult male bear. Although she never won the Fat Bear Week contest, she was popular for mothering eight litters of cubs

Katmai Park Ranger Sarah Bruce said: 'He's a predator toward this female bear... We don't know why they're fighting... [These are] two bears very clearly not playing around.'

The two bears were seen on the livestream footage fighting in the river. Adult male number 469 and adult female number 402 battled for more than 20 minutes, before 402 was killed by 469.

According to Bruce, during this time of year, bears are in a state of hyperphagia where they try and eat 'anything and everything they can'.

'It's an uncommon thing to see, a bear predating on another bear, but it's not completely out of the question,' she added.

Bruce said that there is little sense as to why a bear would waste energy on a bear for food resources in this way.

The bears were briefly separated with hopes that they had disengaged, until the male bear swam back and pursued the female, which Fitz said was an indicator that the fight was a display of power.

The Brooks River is the home of the Fat Bear Competition in Alaska, home to one of the greatest salmon runs left on earth

'This is just a demonstration of strength and power; it's a clear reminder of how big and strong and powerful these animals actually are,' he said.

The male bear, number 469, is an easily identifiable bear with darker fur and a patch of light fur on his shoulder. The two bears were fairly similar in size, Noami Boak said: 'It's pretty clear that she is fighting for her life.'

Fitz added that in these interactions with bears, the submissive or subordinate bear will hope that the clearly larger or more powerful bear will disengage.

It was presumed that 402 was overpowered and drowned by the male bear, Fitz said: 'The situation that we dealt with today was difficult to witness we love to celebrate the success of bears with full stomachs, and ample body fat, but the ferocity of bears is real. The risks that they face is real. Their lives can be hard, and their deaths can be painful.'

Around 10 minutes into the river fight, 402 died before her remains were pulled ashore by 469 and pulled at by his teeth before she was dragged off camera.

Bruce said: 'It's amazing to have this unique opportunity to get a peek into the lives of these wild brown bears and this is the reality of it, that doesn't mean that it's an easy reality to accept. It's certainly not an easy reality to watch.'

Boak added: [We can't] assume a bear's behavior is like our behavior, it's very different.'

Bear 128 Grazer was the champion of the Fat Bear Week competition in 2023, and was known as a particularly defensive mother bear

The year before, the 2022 winner, who also took the title in 2020, was bear 747 weighing in at a believed 1,400 pounds

The Fat Bear Week is an annual competition, now in its 10th year, that 'celebrates the healthy appetites of brown bears'.

The competition is held at Katmai National Park, and this year it will take place from October 2-8.

Wildlife and bear enthusiasts are invited to observe the bears in their natural habitats in Alaska, home to one of the greatest salmon runs left on earth, where viewers vote for the bear they believe 'best exemplifies fatness and success in brown bears'.

In 2023, the Fat Bear Competition Winner was a female bear named 128 Grazer who earned a reputation as ' a particularly defensive mother bear who has successfully raised two litters of cubs', according to Fat Bear Week's website.

The year before, the 2022 winner, who also took the title in 2020, was bear 747 after an online cheating scandal disrupted the semifinals, according to CNN.

His online profile on Explore.org said 747 is one of the biggest brown bears on Earth, possibly weighing as much as 1,400 pounds.

The competition also added in a Fat Bear Junior competition in 2021 for cubs to vie for their own title.

Fitz announced that the bracket reveal for 2024 will be postponed until 7 pm eastern time on Tuesday.
Sobs rang out in a small-town Kentucky courtroom Tuesday as footage was played of a local sheriff shooting dead a judge after finding his daughter's number on the jurist's phone.

Lechter County Sheriff Shawn 'Mickey' Stines, 43, the accused killer, appeared in the CCTV footage inside the inner chamber of his longtime 'friend', District Court Judge Kevin Mullins.

In the chilling clip played in the opening minutes of his preliminary hearing, Stines repeatedly shot Mullins, 54, as he sat behind his desk.

Mullins attempted to scramble behind the desk and chair in the corner of the room while Stines continued firing shots.

In perhaps the video's most haunting moment, the sheriff then goes to leave, but stops as his hand is on the door handle, shoves aside the desk chair and fires a couple more shots into the judge, before eventually walking out of the room.

In the chilling footage played in the opening minutes of his preliminary hearing on Tuesday, Stines repeatedly shot Mullins, 54, as he sat behind his desk

Mullins attempted to cower behind the desk and chair in the corner of the room while Stines continued firing shots, before eventually walking out of the room

The sheriff wiped his eyes as he listened to testimony on Tuesday

As the video was played, sobs could be heard from the public gallery. Two women could be seen comforting one another after viewing the horrific clip.

The court heard Stines had found his daughter's number in Mullins' phone, and had tried to call his daughter from the judge's phone, amid ongoing speculation about a potential motive for the shooting.

As DailyMail.com exclusively reported last month, just hours before the shooting, the sheriff and judge, who were longtime friends, shared an outside table at the popular Streetside Grill & Bar on Main Street for lunch, only a few hundred yards from the courthouse.

The pair were lunchtime regulars together at the sports bar and on that fateful Thursday ordered their usual  both having the $13.99 wings with salad.

'Everything seemed fine between them. There was no clue that anything was wrong at all,' one of the staff attending them that day told DailyMail.com.

'You wouldn't have guessed there was the slightest problem.

The court heard that surveillance video also showed Stines looking at Mullins phone several times and then using his phone and Mullins phone to try and call his daughter before the shooting.

The court heard Stines had found his daughter's number in Mullins' phone, and had tried to call his daughter from the judge's phone

Upon discovering his daughter's number in the phone, he jumped to his feet within 'seconds', the court heard. He then opened fire.

Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified that during the lunch the pair had appeared to argue. 'I was told that judge made a statement to Mickey about, 'Do we need to meet private in my chambers?' That's all I was told," Stamper said.

No further background was shared.

The video and new details come as the court seeks to determine whether there is enough evidence for Stines to face a grand jury.

He entered a not guilty plea on a charge of murder.

The judge determined there was probable cause and allowed the case to proceed to a grand jury.

Police allege Stines shot Mullins dead at the County Courthouse in Whitesburg Kentucky on September 19.

Lechter County Sheriff Mickey Stines, 43, is accused of shooting his 'friend', District Court Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, at the County Courthouse in Kentucky in September

Mullins was appointed to serve as a judge in the state's 47th district under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009

According to Kentucky State Police detective Clayton Stamper, who is the lead investigator on the case, in the moments before the alleged shooting the men appeared to be having a conversation using their mobile phones.

'Stines uses his telephone to make some phone calls, he then borrows judge's phone and seems to make a call on that, and that led to what you just saw,' Stamper told the court.

The duo had been at lunch earlier in the day with several other friends, one of whom reported that Mullins asked Stines: 'Do we need to meet private, in my chambers?'

Under cross examination, Stamper was asked whether he has any evidence to suggest this shooting was premeditated.

The video comes as the court seeks to determine whether there is enough evidence for Stines to face a grand jury. He entered a not guilty plea on a charge of murder

Mullins appeared in court via videolink from Leslie County Jail, 50 miles from Whitesburg

'No,' he said.

He was then asked if there was any evidence so far which would demonstrate the shooting 'was not a reaction to what was on that phone.'

'No,' he said again.

Stamper confirmed in court that Stines' daughter has been interviewed by police. The interview took place in the presence of her mother.

Three cell phones in total are currently at a forensic lab being downloaded and will form part of the investigation.

Police allege Stines walked into the judge's outer office, told court employees he needed to speak to Mullins alone, then proceeded to shoot him once they entered the inner office.

Stines then walked out with his hands raised and surrendered to officers, who placed him in handcuffs. He was charged with one count of first-degree murder.

Mullins was appointed to serve as a judge in the state's 47th district under former Gov. Steve Beshear in 2009.

Stines was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022

Stines and Mullins had worked together on drug policy in the rural Kentucky county that has been badly hit by the opioid epidemic

He oversaw juvenile matters, city and county ordinances, misdemeanors, traffic offenses, arraignments, felony probable cause hearings, claims involving $2,500 or less, civil cases involving $5,000 or less, voluntary and involuntary mental commitments and domestic violence cases, according to a Letcher County website.

Mullins also gained recognition for his efforts to treat those with drug addiction rather than incarcerate them. He started a program in 2010 that allowed inmates with substance abuse disorders to enroll in inpatient treatment as a condition of pretrial release.

He was previously an assistant commonwealth attorney for nine and a half years, focusing on drug-related offenses.

Stines, meanwhile, was elected sheriff in 2018 and reelected in 2022.

The two men were reportedly friends for 20 years before the incident.

Stines could face the death penalty if convicted of murder because Mullins was a public official.
An Eton-educated graduate has been accused of trying to suffocate his girlfriend with a pillow after beating her in a jealous rage in New York.

Oliver Lane, 26, allegedly dragged Sienna Hubert-Ross, 25, around their Manhattan apartment, choking and slapping her before pinning her down and trying to murder her.

Hubert-Ross managed to ring her mother and a friend during the 'savage' attack which happened on August 8, according to her New York Supreme Court complaint obtained by DailyMail.com.

Lane studied at the prestigious British private school Eton and majored in music and political science at the University of Pennsylvania.

Hubert-Ross's mother and friend allegedly heard the beating down the phone as they listened to Lane pounding her while she 'screamed in terror and pleaded with him to let her live,' the complaint says.

Oliver Lane, 26, (right) is accused of violently attacking his then girlfriend Sienna Hubert-Ross (left) during an August 8 altercation at their Manhattan apartment

The up-and-coming comedian and actress has filed a 13-page complaint containing shocking images of her bruised and battered arms and legs after the assault

Lane is alleged to have violently lashed out on Hubert-Ross after accusing her of cheating and flying into a jealous rage

British-born Lane would have killed Hubert-Ross had he not 'disabled' himself when he missed with a punch and thrust his fist through a glass door, her lawyers allege.

The up-and-coming actress was found 'bruised, bloody and battered' when police showed up to arrest Lane.

He faces a slew of assault charges as well as a demand for $5,000,000 (3,766,725) in damages from Hubert-Ross who claims to have suffered emotional and psychological injuries that threaten to derail her career.

Her allegations are laid bare in a 13-page complaint containing photographs of her legs and arms peppered with bruises, welts and scratches, and published for the first time by DailyMail.com

The lurid filing says the pair enjoyed a whirlwind romance after connecting in May on the dating app Hinge, where marketing exec Lane posted a photo of himself in a dashing black tuxedo.

Within a week and a half of their first date, he told Hubert-Ross 'he loved her' and promised to break off all communications with an ex-girlfriend named Sammy, it says.

Lane wanted her to move into a Lower East Side apartment with him and another man but she was worried that the housemate, Will, 'had a homosexual love interest in Lane and if they lived together, Will and Lane would engage in a romantic affair.'

The disagreement sparked a July 26 argument at O'Hanlon's Bar where, according to the complaint, Lane allegedly shoved Hubert-Ross before telling her in the taxi home: 'I'm going to f*****g kill you.'

According to the filing, the two had an argument that turned physical after Lane told Hubert-Ross to move into his Lower East Side apartment (Google street view pictured) in late July

Lane has been accused of beating his former partner in a jealous rage

When he shoved her again the next day she 'conceded' and agreed to move in with him and Will.

In the early hours of August 8, Lane and Hubert-Ross ran into a friend of hers with whom she had had a brief 'hook up' years earlier, the suit says.

Lane - a product of elite British school Eton  looked through her phone but couldn't find any evidence of cheating.

When Hubert-Ross turned the tables by asking to see what he had been texting to Sammy, he flew into a rage, calling her 'an immature little b****h* and a 'little c***', it's alleged.

'Lane begrudgingly gave Hubert-Ross his phone and she saw why he was so angry and defensive,' the suit continues.

'Namely, because Lane and Sammy had extensive and recent romantic text communications, including texts where Lane told Sammy that she was the only one for him and that Lane often woke up thinking about her, when he was in bed with Hubert-Ross.

'Before Hubert-Ross could review any further, Lane snatched his phone back from her and violently threw her into the stove. Hubert-Ross stayed on the ground, stunned and shocked by what had just occurred.

'Unfortunately for Hubert-Ross, this was just the beginning of Lane's violent assault and attempted murder.

'As she laid terrified on the kitchen floor, Lane violently grabbed Hubert-Ross by her arms, dragged her into the bathroom, picked her up and threw her into the porcelain bathtub.'

The complaint contends that Hubert-Ross - who shares comedic skits and Kamala Harris impersonations with her nearly-300,000 Instagram followers - could do little to defend herself from her 6ft 1in attacker.

The actress's lawyers allege Lane would have killed Hubert-Ross, 25, had he not 'disabled' himself when he missed with a punch and thrust his fist through a glass door

Court records show Lane pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at an August 8 arraignment and was bailed to reappear on November 20

Fearing for her life, she dialed her mother and was able to text a friend, Sarah, to say 'r u awake. Oliver just hit me.'

Hubert-Ross's mother merged Sarah into the call and they both listened in shock to the ensuing 'vicious assault and battery', the complaint alleges.

'Lane next grabbed Hubert-Ross and threw her off the bed, causing her to violently hit her head against the bottom of the bedframe and she briefly lost consciousness,' it continues.

'Lane continued to throw Hubert-Ross around the room, yelling at her and telling her that Sammy was there to support him during a difficult medical diagnosis.

'Lane then sat on top of Hubert-Ross on the bed, propped her up and violently slapped her across the face at full strength multiple times. Lane also bit her on the arm.'

The two women claim they overheard Lane say that he wanted to kill Hubert-Ross. He placed his hands around her neck and started to choke her, the complaint adds.

She kicked him in a 'last ditch attempt to save herself' but this allegedly made Lane angrier and he slapped her across the face.

'Hubert-Ross continued to scream and plead with Lane to stop. However, rather than relent to her pleas, he dialed up the attack and took a pillow, put it over Hubert-Ross's head and mouth and began to suffocate her,' the suit alleges.

'Hubert-Ross somehow managed to escape this attempted murder and run out of the room, but Lane quickly followed and grabbed her by the arm to drag her back to the bedroom.

'In the bedroom Lane tried to punch her but missed, shattering the glass door to the bedroom. Thankfully, Lane's first missed punch of the night created a barrier of broken glass between him and Hubert-Ross.

'Then, before Lane could then finish the job and kill Hubert-Ross, he stepped on the broken glass which temporarily disabled him in time for the police - called by Sarah - to arrive at the scene.'

The suit says police led Hubert-Ross to safety and she obtained an order of protection against Lane which he breached by texting her the very next day.

The complaint claims Hubert-Ross, who has garnered a large following on social media, was forced to audition for a big role 'covered in bruises' as a result of the incident

Hubert-Ross is now seeking damages for physical and emotional distress for which she now requires therapy, her lawsuit states

Court records confirm he was criminally charged with strangulation in the second degree, a felony punishable by up to seven years in prison, plus assault in the third degree and criminal obstruction of breathing, both misdemeanors.

The accuser is claiming damages for various physical and emotional ailments that will require ongoing therapy for Acute Stress Disorder, depression and suicidal ideation, according to the complaint.

'Moreover, on August 14, 2024, Hubert-Ross had an audition with a very well-known broadcast network television show, something which Lane knew about before he viciously assaulted her,' it says.

'Because of Lane's attack, Hubert-Ross auditioned while covered in bruises and suffering from the mental trauma of the event, which negatively impacted her performance and she was not offered the role.'

Brett Gallaway, Partner at McLaughlin & Stern, the firm representing Hubert-Ross, told DailyMail.com: 'We are proud of Ms. Hubert-Ross for having the courage to come forward as an advocate for victims of domestic-violence and even more so, as an advocate for herself.

'The allegations against Mr. Lane are very serious as it was a brutal attack leaving both physical and emotional scars that will haunt her for the rest of her life.

'Mr. Lane will now be forced to answer for his crimes, and we look forward to ensuring he pays for his cowardly actions.'

Lane pleaded not guilty to the criminal charges at an August 8 arraignment and was bailed to reappear on November 20.

At the time of publication his lawyer had not returned a call asking for comment.
Chilling footage shows two terrorist stalking victims at a Tel Aviv train station before shooting six people dead just moments before Iranian missiles rained down on Israel in an apparently coordinated attack.

At least nine others were wounded in the shooting on Tuesday night, just a day before the Jewish New Year.

Magen David Adom - Israel's national emergency services - announced that the 'terrorist' incident in Jaffa involved multiple casualties.

The video shows a gunman and another suspect dressed in all black prowling along a light rail station before opening fire.

A volley of shots was unleashed before anguished screams were heard and more shots rang out. The suspects then turned around and began advancing along the other side of the platform where bodies were later seen piling up in a separate clip.

According to local police, the two armed men were 'neutralized' by security forces .

Chaos has unfolded in the Israeli city on Tuesday - just one day before the Jewish new year

Pictured: Men, holding weapons, on the streets of Tel Aviv

Healthcare professionals are deployed to the scene after armed attack in Jaffa, Israel on October 01, 2024

Initial figures from law enforcement stated the death toll was eight before this was revised down to six. It is unclear if previous reports continued the attackers who were shot dead.

'We know their origin and are conducting further checks with the Shin Bet,' Tel Aviv District Commander Haim Sargrof said of the suspects. 'They are not Israeli citizens.'

Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report at 7.01 p.m. of people injured by gunfire on Yerushalayim Street near Erlich Station.

Security forces responded and arrived to find the shooting in progress along with shouts of 'Allah Akbar', the Jerusalem Post reports.

Sargrof said the gunman opened fire onboard the light rail, killing four, before the suspects continued their rampage on the street.

One was armed with an assault rifle, while another began stabbing with a knife.

A light rail security guard, two officers from the municipal Sela Unit, and police officers shot at the terrorists, who were described as non-Israeli citizens.

Magen David Adom - Israel 's national emergency services - announced that the 'terrorist' incident in Jaffa involved multiple casualties

According to local police, the two armed men were 'neutralized' by security forces with another suspect reportedly at large

Members of the Israeli police's forensics department inspect the scene of a shooting attack in Jaffa

Israeli National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir looks on, near the scene of a shooting attack in Jaffa, Israel

Medics and paramedics provided on-site medical treatment to a number of wounded people, 'in varying conditions' MDA said.

They included two unconscious people in critical condition, two in serious condition, two in a moderate condition and one with minor injuries.

Hanan Peretz, head of the Sela Unit, praised the swift response of his team.

'They identified the gunman, took cover without hesitation, and fired at him,' he said. 'It seems the terrorist's weapon malfunctioned during the shooting.'

Eyewitnesses described the chaos to the Jerusalem Post.

'We were on the light rail when we suddenly heard gunfire from outside,' one witness said.

'At first, we thought it was fireworks, but then we realized it was something much worse. There were many gunshots. We dropped to the floor, and people were crying. I saw someone bleeding on the ground.'

A nearby shop owner added, 'I saw crowds of people running and shouting 'terror attack.' I quickly closed my shutters and locked up.'

Police vehicle is seen near the site of a shooting by gunmen at a light rail station

The attack unfolded as a barrage of Iranian missiles rained down on Israel

The Dome of the Rock on the Al-Aqsa compound, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount is seen as projectiles fly through the sky,

It comes as Iranian rockets lit up the sky and smashed into buildings across the city - just hours after the White House warned an attack was 'imminent'.

Iran said the missile attack was in retaliation for the deaths of the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week, the death of the head of Hamas, Ismail Haniyeh and Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps Abbas Nilfroshan.

MDA said that it was searching the sites of rocket strikes across the country.

'Currently, there are no reports of injuries from the fire towards Israel, other than minor injuries from shrapnel or falls on the way to safe areas,' the agency said.

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Embassy in Israel told its employees to return home and be prepared to enter bomb shelters as the White House warned of an imminent ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The warning comes with the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war and a day after Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at crippling the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

The IDF has since said the citizens can leave their protective areas the airstrikes are believed to be over.

Broken glass is seen,following a shooting attack in Jaffa

A police officer holds a weapon, near the scene of a shooting attack in Jaffa, Israel

Chief of IDF staff Herzi Halevi assessing situation after Iran strikes Israel. Israelis were told they could leave their bomb shelters around an hour after the attack began

'We request that the public continue to follow the home front command's guidelines,' a statement reads.

The first missiles were fired around 12:30 pm ET, according to reports out of Israel. The U.S. warning had come about five hours earlier.

President Joe Biden convened a meeting of his national security council, including Vice President Harris, shortly before the attack began.

'They reviewed the status of U.S. preparations to help Israel defend against these attacks and protect U.S. personnel in the region,' the White House said.

The White House had warned any attack would carry 'severe consequences.'

'The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,' a senior administration official told DailyMail.com earlier Tuesday.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.'

IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari echoed his sentiments in a statement given to the BBC.

The terrorists reportedly began shooting on the light rail train before continuing their rampage in the street

'We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide,' he says.

'We are not aware of any casualties; this is thanks to your responsible conduct,' he added.

At least one Palestinian has been confirmed dead. The man from Gaza was killed by shrapnel near the West Bank city of Jericho during the missile attack, Hussein Hamayel, the governor said.

The attacks come just days before the anniversary of the October 7 attack on Israel by Hamas.

Ebrahim Azizi, the head of Iranian Parliaments National Security and Foreign Policy Committee warned that the missile strikes were just the first wave of attacks by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

This is a breaking news story, please check back for updates...
The BBC licence fee is 'unsustainable' in the age of Netflix and Disney subscription services, James Cleverly warned today as Tory leadership rivals turned their fire on the broadcaster.

The shadow home secretary branded the licence a 'tax' on viewers as he tried to woo Conservative members at the party's annual conference in Birmingham.

He also suggested foreign viewers of UK television including the BBC back catalogue could help pay for the broadcaster during an 'era of streaming services', saying it should sell Peppa Pig to China.

And his leadership race rival Robert Jenrick used his time on stage in front of the faithful to say he was 'sorely tempted' to scrap the charge.

The shadow home secretary branded the licence a 'tax' on viewers as he tried to woo Conservative members at the party's annual conference in Birmingham.

He also suggested foreign viewers of UK television including the BBC back catalogue could help pay for the broadcaster during an 'era of streaming services', saying it should sell Peppa Pig to China.

And his leadership race rival Robert Jenrick used his time on stage in front of the faithful to say he was 'sorely tempted' to scrap the charge.

Mr Cleverly said: 'I had a delegation from the BBC come along to me and say, when I was a new MP, and they did the usual thing: ''Oh, because of the unique way the BBC is funded ya-ya-ya-ya''.

'And I said to them at the time, this was back in 2015, I said ''If I were you, at the next renegotiation of the licence fee, I would start your planning to become a subscription service. You have a back catalogue of some of the best television in the world''.

'If Disney and Netflix can make money on the subscription model, the BBC should, because the bottom line is, in the era of streaming services, the tax to watch television is an unsustainable business model.

'And that back catalogue of content that we have already paid for, why don't we make sure that when China obsesses about Peppa Pig  apparently Peppa Pig is very popular in China  and other content, that they pay for it rather than demanding that we pay for it all over again?'

As part of a similar question-and-answer session, Mr Jenrick earlier said the TV licence fee is 'a question we'll have to give a lot of thought to'.

He said: 'Well I'm sorely tempted to say that I would scrap it, but look, I have three young daughters.

'They watch so little terrestrial TV. They're on YouTube on their tablets, their iPads.

'I think it's difficult to see the long-term future for the licence fee, but you know, that's a question we'll have to give a lot of thought to.'
Tom Tugendhat swiped that Robert Jenrick 'knows nothing' about military matters today after he claimed UK special forces are killing terrorists instead of capturing them to dodge European human rights laws.

The Tory leader contenders are embroiled in a bitter spat after Mr Jenrick made the comments in a social media video released to coincide with the party conference.

The former immigration minister doubled down as he was asked on the stage in Birmingham whether he believes 'special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because lawyers will set them free under the European Court (of Human Rights)'.

'I do, I do,' he insisted.

Mr Jenrick went on to cite a complaint made by former defence secretary Ben Wallace, that the UK would not have been able to capture Osama Bin Laden because of ECHR rules rendition of people living in foreign countries.

But Mr Tugendhat - a former soldier - delivered a stinging rebuke to his colleague at a fringe event.

The ex-security minister told the Centre for Policy Studies function: 'It is an extremely serious allegation and without very specific examples it would be  I think  it would be irresponsible to do that.'

He added: 'If you present a legitimate military threat to the United Kingdom, then we have under the laws of armed conflict today a legal ability and in fact a military capability to conduct operations to keep the British people safe.

'I am afraid that is simply a fact, and if you don't know it please don't comment on military matters you know nothing about.'

Tom Tugendhat (right) swiped that Robert Jenrick (left) 'knows nothing' about military matters today after he claimed UK special forces are killing terrorists instead of capturing them to dodge European human rights laws

In the video, posted on social media yesterday, Robert Jenrick underlined his pledge to take the UK out of the ECHR

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, a former soldier, said UK forces did not 'murder people'

The Al-Qaida leader was taken by Navy Seals from a compound in Pakistan in 2011 without the permission of authorities in Islamabad, and later executed.

He said: 'Our very respected former colleague Ben Wallace, one of the best defence secretaries in modern times, used his first intervention after leaving office to make almost this very point.

'He said that he would think it was difficult for the UK, our armed forces, to conduct a similar operation to the one that the United States did to ''kill or capture'' Osama bin Laden.

'That's wrong. I don't want our human rights apparatus to be standing in the way of taking the right operational decisions for our national security and for protecting the lives of the brave men and women who serve in our special forces.'

Rivals for the Conservative top job have heaped pressure on Mr Jenrick - seen by many as the favourite to win - to back up the allegation.

Shadow home secretary James Cleverly, a former soldier, was asked about his words when he followed him onto the main stage.

'Whoever says that needs to justify their words. I've never accused the British Armed Forces of murdering anybody. If you're going to make that accusation you need to back it up,' he said.

In the video, posted on social media yesterday, Mr Jenrick underlined his pledge to take the UK out of the ECHR - which is separate to the EU.

'Our special forces are killing, rather than capturing, terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if they are caught the European Court will set them free,' he said.

Challenged this morning over not being unable to back up his claim, Mr Jenrick said: 'Of course I'm not going to elaborate on particular cases because these things, these cases are not things that any minister or foreign minister can speak about.'

Rivals for the Conservative top job have heaped pressure on Mr Jenrick (pictured) - seen by many as the favourite to win - to back up the allegation about the European Court of Human Rights

Fellow Tory contender Tom Tugendhat is pushing for defence spending to be hiked to 3 per cent of GDP by 2030

However, Mr Cleverly told Sky News: 'You're going to have to ask Robert to justify that statement. That's not something which I have heard.

'That's not something which I'm comfortable kind of repeating.

'As I say, if Robert is able to justify that I think he should.

'The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict.

'We have, I was about to say some of the most, no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.'

Leadership rival Tom Tugendhat, a former soldier, said he was 'extremely concerned'.

Asked whether he agreed with the claim, the shadow security minister told Sky News: 'No, I don't. I think what he said is wrong and I'm afraid demonstrates a fundamental misunderstanding of military operations and the law of armed conflict.

'I'm extremely concerned that such words should not be seen in any way to encourage people to take any action other than surrender to British forces when asked to do so.'

Former Conservative attorney general Dominic Grieve described the clip as 'one of the most astonishing videos I have ever seen posted by a Conservative MP, let alone a candidate for the leadership'.

A Labour source said: 'Robert Jenrick's ludicrous attempt to politicise our special forces shows you how far the Tories have fallen. He should apologise. Our brave servicemen and women deserve better than this.'
President Joe Biden issued a strong warning to Iran as missiles started raining down on central Israel and told the nation he was monitoring events from the White House situation room.

Iran launched a barrage of nearly 200 missiles at Israel on Tuesday night and sparked terror on the streets of Tel Aviv in response to the death of Hezbollah's senior leadership and the ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

Rockets lit up the sky and smashed into buildings as air sirens blared across the capital just hours after the White House warned an attack was 'imminent.'

'The United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,' Biden said in a post on X as the attack began.

The president was otherwise non-specific about how the U.S. and its key ally would respond. He said this morning he and Vice President Kamala Harris convened his national security team 'to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel.'

The White House said Biden and Harris were monitoring events from the Situation Room and 'receiving regular updates from their national security team. President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel. '

The U.S. has already taken steps to that end, sending U.S. air and sea power, as well as bolstering and replenishing Isreal's missile defense system.

By midafternoon Tuesday, Secretary of State declared that 'initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners effectively defeated this attack.'

The U.S. updates came as live footage aired of Israel's vaunted Iron Dome took out some of the incoming rockets and sending burning fragments to the ground as Americans were urged to take cover in bomb shelters.

At one point shortly before 8pm local time in Tel Aviv, the incoming missile fire became so voluminous and close that CNN's Jim Sciutto had to quickly abandon the Tel Aviv rooftop he was using as his broadcast location.

It remains unclear exactly what was hit and what the impact on the ground will be.

Projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv

'The United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region,' Biden said in a post on X as the attack began

The events tugged Biden's attention back to the Middle East, a day after he commented on Israel's plans for a 'limited' invasion of Lebanon.

Asked Monday if he was 'comfortable' with what is being called a limited invasion, Biden responded: I'm more aware than you might know, and I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.'

The White House later underlined Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah.

'What we have said is consistently Israel has the right to defend itself against Hezbollah. We are not shedding tears over a terrorist,' said White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre. 'We've been very clear Israel has right to defend itself,' she said, calling the support 'ironclad.'

At the same time, U.S. policymakers are anxious to avoid a widening regional war. Iran's mission to the UN called the missile attack 'legal' and 'legitimate' and warned it would hit back should Israel respond.

'Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime,' the Iranian mission wrote.

Israel is warning of unidentified 'consequences' for the attack on its homeland, as experts warned of a potential significant Israeli response.

'We are on heightened alert on defense and offensive, we will protect the citizens of Israel. This [missile] fire will have consequences. We have plans, and we will act in the time and place that we choose,' said Israel Defense Forces Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari.

Amid the relentless barrage from Iranian, Israeli police said gunmen opened fire in Tel Aviv on the boundary with Jaffa, four deaths and seven people injured, according to Israeli police.

TV footage showed gunmen getting off at a light rail station and opening fire. Israel media reported at least four people were seriously injured.

Rockets fly in the sky above Tel Aviv

Projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv

Earlier Tuesday, U.S. Embassy in Israel told its employees to return home and be prepared to enter bomb shelters as the White House warned of an imminent ballistic missile attack from Iran.

The warning comes with the Middle East on the brink of an all-out war and a day after Israeli forces launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon aimed at crippling the Iranian-backed militia Hezbollah.

The first missiles were fired around 12:30 pm ET, according to reports out of Israel. The U.S. warning had come about five hours earlier.

President Joe Biden convened a meeting of his national security council, including Vice President Harris, shortly before the attack began.

'They reviewed the status of U.S. preparations to help Israel defend against these attacks and protect U.S. personnel in the region,' the White House said.

The White House had warned any attack would carry 'severe consequences.'

'The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel,' a senior administration official told DailyMail.com earlier Tuesday.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.'

Israeli defense minister Defense Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the 'imminent' threat with U.S. defense secretary Lloyd Austin.

The attack could exceed the scale of a previous bombardment in April which saw hundreds of drones and missiles launched at the country.

A Western source told Axios that unlike the April attack, this time Iran is expected to launch ballistic missiles that can reach Israel within 12 minutes and not with drones or cruise missiles that allow for much longer preparation time for defense and interception.

The Pentagon said on Monday that United States was sending a few thousand additional forces to the Middle East to bolster the 40,000 already in the region and to help defend Israel.

A man holds children as people take cover during an air raid siren

People take cover behind a vehicle parked along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv

People take shelter during an air raid siren

The U.S. Embassy warned its staff in Israel to prepare to head for bomb shelters amid reports Iran is planning an 'imminent' ballistic missile strike. The image shows an Iranian rocket launched during a drill earlier this year

U.S. fighter jet squadrons are being deployed, including F-15E and F-16s - jets which played a significant role in shooting down Iranian drones when Tehran launched a missile and drone attack on Israel back in April.

F-22 jets and A-10 warplanes are also being sent, while the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier is already positioned in the Gulf of Oman, with the USS Harry S Truman on its way as part of a scheduled deployment.

The order from U.S. Embassy, the first such order in months, indicates the severity of the situation.

Three Israeli officials told The New York Times the attack would involve unmanned drones and missiles fired toward Israel.

The warning from the U.S. came at around noon Israel time, which was 5 am ET, an Israeli official told Axios.

The attack raises the possibility of all-out war between the two bitter enemies, who have fought a shadow war for years as Tehran sought to destroy Israel and Israel tried to rein in Iran's nuclear program.

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut. Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon in the early hours of Tuesday

When Iran launched the direct attack on Israel in April, few of the missiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Israeli attacks on Lebanon have been escalating as they move to pick off the top leaders of Hezbollah.

Over the past year, Hezbollah has been attacking Israel in solidarity with Hamas, the Gaza-based armed group also backed by Iran.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Tuesday statement that Israel is facing 'large challenges' as it fights an Iranian axis.

In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.

Israeli Defense Forces spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari declared that Israeli officials had received the intelligence update from Washington but that no aerial threats from Iran had yet been detected.

He said Israel and its allies are in a 'high state of readiness' and any attack from Iran would have repercussions, while the US Embassy in Jerusalem instructed its employees and families to 'shelter in place'.

A large-scale attack by Iran on Israel could trigger all-out war in the Middle East, with experts warning any such escalation would likely see the US come to Israel's defence.

Rescue workers in Beirut drive through the rubble of a building decimated by Israeli airstrikes

Israeli soldiers in a moving APC in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late last night.

IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.
The Seattle Police Department is disbanding its beloved Mounted Patrol Unit due to lack of funding.

Police announced the decision on Monday after Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed a city budget that calls to 'remove support for SPD's Mounted Patrol Unit' despite giving the department a $62 million boost, reported Fox 13.

The horseback unit served the community for nearly 150 years but has been forced to downsize over the past decade and have only managed to stay afloat thanks to donations.

Washington's largest city has struggled with just 913 cops to serve its 750,000 people after losing 725 officers in the last five years as the City Council began defunding the department.

'As SPD continues to recover from loss of hundreds of officers over the past four years, we have to carefully prioritize how to use existing scarce resources,' the department said.

The Seattle Police Department is disbanding its beloved Mounted Patrol Unit

Mayor Bruce Harrell proposed a city budget that calls to 'remove support for SPD's Mounted Patrol Unit'

'The Seattle Police Department is heartbroken that we have to make the very difficult decision to begin decommissioning our Mounted Patrol Unit over the next several months.'

'We will be working to find a compassionate and meaningful transition for each of the animals. We hope that some of them might be used to serve the community in other ways, such as therapy horses.'

In the 1880s, the Mounted Patrol Unit was used to patrol remote areas of the city, but was phased out during the Longshoreman's strike of 1934, according to the Seattle Police Foundation.

It was revived in 1972 and entered into service in 1973 with eight horses, seven officers, and one sergeant.

Budget shortfalls put the unit at risk in 2010 which led the foundation to launch an intensive fundraising campaign called 'Save our Horses' which extended funding through 2014.

The current unit has six horses, one pony, five officers and one sergeant and is mostly used in a ceremonial capacity.

The horseback unit served the community for nearly 150 years but has been forced to downsize over the past decade

The current unit has six horses, one pony, five officers and one sergeant and is mostly used in a ceremonial capacity

'Over the past decade, due to lack of resources, the unit has been downsized and is primarily used for community events, ceremonies, and memorial services,' police said.

Fans of the Mounted Unit blame 'Defund the Police' movement that began with the riots that rampaged across the city in the wake of George Floyd's murder in Minneapolis by a white police officer.

'After 150 years, Seattle Police Mounted Patrol Unit is being disbanded. Another casualty of the failed defund the police movement,' one person said.

'Never forget the far-left activists and politicians who pushed for this. Many who are running for re-election in WA State are responsible for this.'

'Oh. So defunding the police brought this to an end? Nice,' said another.

Others were supportive of the decision saying it's good for the animals and the resources will be better used elsewhere.

'Long overdue. The mounted patrol hasn't served a police function in more than a decade. It's purely a PR tool,' one person said.

'This is good news for the horses. I hope they all end up at a sanctuary where they can live their best lives,' said another.
A North Carolina man heroically jumped into fast flowing floodwaters to save a woman who was trapped in a pile of debris.

Eddie Hunnell was caught on video making the daring rescue after Leslie Worth was swept along the New River when her home was pulled into the water on Friday.

Hunnell was in the area to celebrate his son's wedding when the waters of the river started to rise rapidly.

Footage of the daring rescue shows him launching himself into the strong icy currents of the New River from a row boat.

Carrying a life vest and a rope, he is quickly pulled downstream along with Worth who can be seen in a life vest of her own.

Footage of the daring rescue shows him launching himself into the strong icy currents of the New River from a row boat

Hunnell was in the area to celebrate his son's wedding when the waters of the river started to rise rapidly

As onlookers race down a nearby bank to aid Hunnell, he manages to intercept Worth in the water.

With his hand firmly gripped on the rear of her life vest, he can be seen swimming doggedly back to the bank.

The two can then be seen getting to their feet and sharing a hug as they clamber up the side of the river.

Worth can be seen being greeted with hugs as she pants and tries to catch her breath.

Speaking with WRAL afterwards, Hunnell said: 'When it was happening, I was trying to make the calculated risk of 'how do we save her?'.

He continued: 'I grew up swimming on a swim team. I was a lifeguard, and I'm in okay shape, but I couldn't watch her die. I felt like I needed to do that.'

Hunnell added: 'It didn't hit me until I laid down in bed that night and about had a panic attack, but I didn't see another option.'

Worth and her husband Phil lost all of their belongings when their home slumped into the floodwaters. A GoFundMe has since been launched to help them.

The couple were also later welcomed to the wedding rehearsal dinner as the family's guests.

Following the daring rescue, Worth can be seen being greeted with hugs as she pants and tries to catch her breath as she is welcomed ashore

Worth and her husband Phil, center and left, lost all of their belongings when their home slumped into the floodwaters

Homes and vehicles that were damaged in a flash flood from Hurricane Helene lie on the side of a road near the Swannanoa River in Swannanoa, North Carolina

People clean up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Hot Springs, North Carolina

They are among hundreds of families who have been left devastated by Hurricane Helene, which barreled into the southeast of the country last week.

CNN has reported that the storm has killed at least 137 people across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with the death toll expected to rise.

Among the worst-affected areas is the North Carolina city of Asheville, which sits in a valley and which has so-far seen 40 people confirmed dead.

Rescuers are still continuing their efforts to make contact with hundreds of people who are cut off by washed-out roads and downed communication lines.

Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane reveal a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers, mud-covered highways, and collapsed communication lines.

Damage estimates ranged from $15billion to more than $100billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend, as water systems, communications and critical transportation routes were affected.

Property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials assess the destruction.
While Hurricane Helene demolished the Southeast US over the weekend looters decided to ransack a Trump merch store in Florida.

Lance Petrisevac, 57, and John Peters, 61, were arrested on Friday in Madeira Beach after cops found them lingering outside of a shopping complex.

The officers, who were patrolling the closed-off beach area due to extensive flooding, ran into the men around 9.41pm just off of Madeira Way.

One of the suspects was sporting a Trump cowboy hat while the other was holding two Trump t-shirts, a coffee mug and a hat, according to documents obtained by The Smoking Gun.

Police said that Peters was 'heavily intoxicated' while Petrisevac told officers that the cowboy hat 'ended up in his possession' after it 'washed up from the hurricane.'

At the time, the retail store 'was unsecured due to damage from the storm,' police said, according to the outlet.

Lance Petrisevac, 57, and John Peters, 61, were arrested on Friday in Madeira Beach after cops said they found them lingering outside of a shopping complex with stolen Trump merchandise

One of the suspects was sporting a Trump cowboy hat while the other was holding two Trump t-shirts, a coffee mug and a hat

Both men, who police say are transients, were arrested for burglarizing an unoccupied structure, and loitering and prowling.

They are currently in custody at Pinellas County jail on a $250 bond, arrest records, reviewed by DailyMail.com, revealed.

A judge also ordered the thieves to stay away from the Trump store, according to The Smoking Gun.

When they were arrested, Petrisevac told officers he is employed as a 'local fisherman in the area but does not live here.'

Peters did not make any statements, as police said he 'appeared to be heavily intoxicated.'

Both men have repeatedly broken the law as prior arrest records revealed that Petrisevac has been arrested three other times in September alone.

On September 1 he was arrested for possession of open alcohol, five days later he was arrested for having an open container and trespassing in a structure after being warned, records showed.

A judge also ordered the thieves to stay away from the Trump store on Madeira Way following the burglary

Police said that Peters was 'heavily intoxicated' while Petrisevac told officers that the cowboy hat 'ended up in his possession' after it 'washed up from the hurricane.' (pictured: Inside the trump store)

On September 12 he was arrested again for trespassing in a structure after being warned.

Peters was arrested on September 4 for having open alcohol, and again two days later for having an open container. He was nabbed for the same charge on September 20, according to records.

CNN has reported that the intense storm has killed at least 137 people across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with the death toll expected to rise.

Rescuers are still continuing their efforts to make contact with hundreds of people who are cut off by washed-out roads and downed communication lines.

On social media, families and friends have been sharing images of missing loved ones on groups dedicated to finding those still lost since the storm.

A high concentration of those posting on the page have been sharing pictures of people inside Asheville, North Carolina, which was decimated by the weather.

CNN has reported that the intense storm has killed at least 137 people across the Carolinas, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, with the death toll expected to rise. (pictured: A woman who cries after losing everything in the storm in Florida)

A casket was seen being pulled around in powerful floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee after the storm

Locals in North Carolina and Tennessee have also since built their own online spreadsheet to help track those who have been found.

As of Tuesday morning 1,650 names had been entered, with 479 people being marked as found. Leaving a further 1,171 people still marked as missing.

A casket was seen being pulled around in powerful floodwaters brought on by Hurricane Helene in Tennessee.

The horrifying clip shows a casket being thrown around muddy flood water in Erwin, before it was later found in the debris during a community cleanup.

Karren Tipton had caught the footage of the casket, and was later part of the crew who recovered the casket, she told Fox.

It is unclear where the casket came from and whether there was a body inside it. DailyMail.com has contacted Tipton for further information.
The Monster of Avignon Dominique Pelicot has been linked with five new cold cases including the murder of a woman in Marseille, it has emerged.

Detectives at France's Cold Case Bureau have identified the rape of four women and the murder of another that appear to bear a striking resemblance to Pelicot's modus operandi, according to reports in France.

The cases include the murder of an estate agent, referred to only as Christine B, in Marseille who was found strangled at her office in the Berre-l'Etang district of the city in May 2000.

The other women were also estate agents and were all held at knife point during savage sexual assaults in towns across France between 1994 and 2004.

Detectives from the Cold Case Bureau, based in the Paris suburb Nanterre, identified similarities between these crimes and two other cases  one attempted rape and one murder  in which Pelicot has been implicated.

Dominique Pelicot 9pictured) has been linked with five new cold cases including the murder of a woman in Marseille

Pelicot's wife Gisele, is seen during the trial of her husband in Avignon on October 1

Dominique Pelicot has been accused of recruiting men online to assault his wife repeatedly over 10 years

These are the rape and murder of Sophie Narme, 23, 1991 and the attempted rape of another estate agent, a woman aged just 19, in May 1999, both in Paris suburbs, close to where Pelicot was living at the time.

The retired electrician has admitted being the author of the attempted rape in which he held the terrified woman at knife point after making a bogus appointment to view a flat to rent, after he was presented with DNA evidence.

The young woman only escaped when she managed to break free of the ropes he had tied her up with and locked herself in a store cupboard.

But Pelicot denies the rape and murder of estate agent Sophie Narme who was also lured to an appointment to view a property by a bogus buyer and was then anaesthetised and repeatedly stabbed before being strangled with her Chanel belt.

The five new cases  one murder and four rapes  all involve attacks on estate agents and the use of a knife.

Gisele Pelicot, 71, (pictured arriving at court) was routinely sedated without her knowledge by her depraved husband Dominique at their retirement chalet in Mazan

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 Pelicot was caught up-skirting women in a local supermarket, prompting officers to search his home

Dominique Pelicot, who has allegedly drugged and raped his wife Gisele Pelicot, appears during his trial on September 17 (right)

Dominique Pelicot is standing trial in Avignon along with 50 other men for the aggravated rape of his wife Gisele over ten years up to 2020.

The 71-year-old has admitted drugging her with powerful sedatives and then inviting dozens of men to their home in a picturesque village in Provence to rape her while he filmed and took photographs.

Most of his co-defendants deny rape and claim they believed they were taking part in a sex game in with Madame Pelicot pretended to be asleep.
Sodden parts of Britain have experienced the wettest September on record after being deluged over the past week, leading to widespread flooding.

As yet more rain lashed the country today, provisional figures showed rainfall figures for last month reached new highs in 10 English counties, the Met Office said.

Of the areas recording their highest-ever September totals since records began in 1836, Gloucestershire was worst-hit with 212.2mm, or 8.35ins.

The figure is more than double the UK average for September, of 90mm (3.6ins).

On September 27, River Thames breached its banks in Sonning, Berks as provisional figures showed rainfall figures for last month reached new highs in 10 English counties

Some flooding on a country lane in Dunsden, Oxfordshire on September 27 as sodden parts of Britain have experienced the wettest September on record

People shelter from the rain during heavy rain in central London today, as flooding continues in areas of the country

Bedfordshire, where 182.7mm, or 7.2ins, fell, and Oxfordshire, which received 185.2mm/7.29ins of rainfall, recorded their highest-ever totals in any single month regardless of time of year, since 1836.

Other which received a soaking included Berkshire (172.1mm/6.77ins), Buckinghamshire (176mm/6.92 ins), Northamptonshire (171.3mm/6.74ins) and Wiltshire (196.5mm/7.73ins)

On Monday, the final day of September, over two more inches of rain fell in places, with the wettest place  Marsden, West Yorkshire  recording 57mm (2.2ins) in the 24 hours to 9am this morning  with further outbreaks of rain continuing through the day.

After flooding hit central England including Bedfordshire over the weekend, watercourses burst their banks yesterday in areas including Merseyside, where residents were evacuated from homes in Bootle, and Wigan, Greater Manchester, where pensioners bungalows were left underwater.

The saturated end to the month came despite warm and sunny weather in the middle of the month when even western Scotland saw temperatures reach 25C (77F).

But the pleasant conditions were brought to an end with heavy thunder which included as many as 13,000 lightning strikes in a single day  heralding an unsettled finish to the month.

Forecasters said the wettest conditions were generally experienced in southern areas.

Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle said: September saw unsettled weather across the UK. The jet stream was south shifted for most of the month, making it very wet for some in the south, but rather dry for some in the north.

Welney in Norfolk where a stretch of the A1101 became impassable as yet more rain lashed the country today

The A1101 Welney Wash Road on the Norfolk-Cambs border is currently under 2.5 foot (31 inches / 76cm) of water following heavy rain in the last week

The month began with heavy showers and thunderstorms to the south of the UK, whilst the north of the country saw much drier and warmer conditions.

Although mid-month saw a return to more settled weather and an increase in temperatures, low pressure was never too far away and the end of the month concluded with frontal systems bringing heavy rain and thunderstorms, with an Amber National Severe Weather Warning being issued.

Overall, England saw 95% more rainfall than its September average, with Wales experiencing 39% more, the Met Office said.

Southern England had its wettest September since 1918, and its third wettest since 1836.

Meanwhile, temperatures and sunshine hours were close to average

The Met Office said Britain experienced an average of 122.7 hours, 4% less than usual

The average daily maximum temperature for England was 17.6C (63.68F), 0.5C below the 1991-2020 average, and 16.1C (60.98F) in Wales, 0.8C lower.

Some respite in the rain is now expected with a mostly cloudy day tomorrow, followed by dry conditions and sunny spells in most areas on Thursday and Friday, before more unsettled weather returns at the weekend.
A senior consultant who worked at the hospital where Lucy Letby murdered babies today said he is 'ashamed' that he failed to protect them.

Dr John Gibbs, a paediatrician who retired from the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2019 after a 36-year career in medicine, told the public inquiry into the serial killer's crimes that he and his colleagues were guilty of 'dithering' and should have called in police sooner.

He said he was 'at fault' and 'deeply regretted' what had happened. But parents now needed answers not 'belated apologies,' Dr Gibbs added.

'I do deeply regret and I'm ashamed that I failed to protect the babies from harm by Letby, but I do understand that the parents concerned probably now would prefer explanations rather than belated apologies,' he said.

Letby, 34, was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more on the neo-natal unit at the Countess, between June 2015 and June 2016.

Dr John Gibbs (pictured in August 2023) told the public inquiry into the serial killer's crimes that he and his colleagues were guilty of 'dithering' and should have called in police sooner

Letby, 34, was convicted of murdering seven babies and attempting to murder seven more on the neo-natal unit at the Countess, between June 2015 and June 2016

Dr Gibbs said that, by late 2015 or early 2016 he and his colleagues had suspicions that Letby could be harming patients on the neo-natal unit, although they were by no means certain.

He said he was worried Letby volunteered to do extra shifts, so worked more than her colleagues, and her association was simply a coincidence.

But by April 2016, doctors' suspicions about Letby had begun to coalesce, Dr Gibbs said.

Medics had identified that six of the babies who died in the preceding 12 months had all collapsed between 9pm and 4am and the decision was taken to take Letby off night shifts.

But he said there was 'very strong push back' from senior nurses running the unit who were insistent that doctors were utterly wrong about 'maligning' Letby, who they viewed as a 'very competent staff nurse.'

Nicholas de la Poer, counsel to the inquiry, asked Dr Gibbs: 'If your suspicion was right then Letby might pose a very serious danger?'

Dr Gibbs replied: 'Yes.'

The barrister added: 'And if that's your reasoning at the time, doesn't that risk require immediate action?'

Dr Gibbs said: 'Yes, it should have done. But perhaps we were influenced by the conviction that we were wrong from the nursing side.

'I regret that we, or I, didn't go to the police after this time.'

Letby was convicted of trying to murder four babies and murdering two triplet brothers in 2016 before she was moved off the unit in July that year

Dr John Gibbs retired from Countess of Chester Hospital (pictured) in 2019 after a 36-year career in medicine

Dr Gibbs added: 'We should have involved the police earlier some time in 2016. I feel I was at fault for not involving the police earlier.'

He said the fact that no-one had seen Letby causing harm, combined with the fact that the post-mortems carried out on the babies had failed to uncover any foul play, also 'contributed to me dithering at that time.'

He said managers knew they would need to handle calling in the police carefully, so as not to cause 'panic and unnecessary alarm,' by setting up proper communication channels and helplines to reassure parents of children who had been cared for on the unit.

But Dr Gibbs admitted now it had been a mistake to wait for executives to act.

'Was I wrong to wait for that to happen the way things turned out  yes,' he added.

Letby was convicted of trying to murder four babies and murdering two triplet brothers in 2016 before she was moved off the unit in July that year.

In a statement to inquiry Dr Gibbs admitted that the failure to spot the 'significance' of high insulin levels in blood tests of two of the babies, taken eight months apart, in August 2015 and April 2016, was a 'serious collective failure' of medics on the unit.

He said this should have raised immediate concerns about possible deliberate harm or accidental administration of the drug, but junior medics who saw the results didn't understand their importance.

Dr Gibbs said that  although he had suspicions about Letby and knew about harm inflicted by killer nurses Beverley Allitt and Victorino Chua, who both poisoned patients with insulin - it didn't occur to him to look back over any babies notes to assess blood test results.

Dr Gibbs (pictured on Channel 4 news in August 2023) said he was worried Letby volunteered to do extra shifts, so worked more than her colleagues, and her association was simply a coincidence

He said he personally was unaware of them until more than two years later once Cheshire police had begun investigating.

Dr Gibbs said it wasn't until after the deaths of Letby's final two victims, triplet brothers, Baby O and Baby P, at the end of June 2016, that doctors realised air embolus  the injection of air into the bloodstream  could be to blame.

Dr Gibbs said it was a 'devious and subtle way of trying to harm patients which leaves nothing behind for a post-mortem to find.'

Soon afterwards, Letby was moved into an admin role at the hospital and Dr Gibbs said consultants were reassured when the senior managers ordered a review by the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health, and a case review of each child death by neonatologist Dr Jane Hawdon, that an explanation for the spike in unexpected deaths would be found.

So Dr Gibbs said he was 'stunned' when, in an 'emotional meeting,' in January 2017, senior managers told consultants, who hadn't seen either report, that no wrongdoing by Letby had been found and they were ordered to apologise to her.

Dr Gibbs told the inquiry: 'I was too stunned to ask anything at the end of that meeting, my head was swirling, I didn't quite understand what had happened.'

He said a letter from Letby was read out by a senior nurse 'in quite an emotional tone' and chief executive Tony Chambers told the consultants how much they had 'upset' her.

Dr Gibbs said Mr Chambers told them 'firmly' that the hospital board had accepted the 'findings that there had been no evidence of any wrong doing against her and a line was being drawn under this.

'It was clear that was the end of it, the board had accepted these reports had shown no wrongdoing and we were to apologise to Letby,' Dr Gibbs added.

Days later the consultants wrote to Mr Chambers asking for the board's understanding of the increase in deaths.

Medics had identified that six of the babies who died in the preceding 12 months had all collapsed between 9pm and 4am and the decision was taken to take Letby off night shifts

Dr Gibbs said: 'We paediatricians couldn't understand the increase and interestingly the board could and we wanted to know their reasons.'

When they finally saw the reviews, he said, they realised that deliberate harm had not been excluded.

On February 28 all seven consultants wrote a letter of apology to Letby, the inquiry was told.

Mr de la Poer asked: 'Were you accepting that you didn't think Letby had done anything wrong?'

Dr Gibbs replied: 'We were not saying she had done no wrong. We were just apologising for the stress we had caused her and the other nurses on the unit as well.'

By that stage he said the consultants had identified eight unexplained deaths on the unit but it was 'clear' that trust had broken down with senior executives.

In April consultants met a barrister instructed by the hospital who told them he was to help to decide if there was enough reason to go to the police.

Dr Gibbs said medics understood he would be helping them to present the case to officers.

'We made it very clear that we felt he had been misled and we had been misled, and he apologised for that,' Dr Gibbs added.

Police were eventually called in a month later.
Multiple employees inside a Tennessee plastic factory have died after being told by their bosses not to evacuate during Hurricane Helene, according to a worker.

Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee, confirmed that there had been fatalities at their plant after Friday's extreme weather - but haven't revealed how many people had been killed.

Two people are said to have died, with up to five still missing.

Employee Bertha Mendoza, 56, has since been confirmed as one of those who had died in the floods, according to a fundraising page. Alexa Peterson told NBC News that her father Johnny was among those who had died. She told the outlet she was seeking legal representation.

Jacob Ingram, a mold changer at the company, told the Knoxville News Sentinel that as the flooding began, mangers told employees to move their cars but wouldn't let them leave.

Ingram said: 'They should've evacuated when we got the flash flood warnings, and when they saw the parking lot. When we moved our cars, we should've evacuated then.'

It emerges as the death toll from the brutal Hurricane which swept the southeast last week passed 150 people.

Bertha Mendoza, a 56 year-old mother of two, died after Hurricane Bertha floods struck Impact Plastics in Erwin, Tennessee

As the flooding began, mangers told employees to move their cars but wouldn't let them leave - according to one employee

He continued: 'We asked them if we should evacuate, and they told us not yet, it wasn't bad enough. And by the time it was bad enough, it was too late  unless you had a four-wheel drive.'

The outlet reported that a group of employees had clung to spools of flexible pipes on the back of a semitruck waiting for help.

The truck tipped over and at least seven people were then swept away by the floodwaters.

Founder and CEO Gerald O'Connor said: 'We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees.

'Those who are missing or deceased, and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.'

The company also claimed that at no point were employees told they would be fired if they left the premises.

Fernando Ruiz has been left searching for his mother Lidia Verdugo after he spoke with her while she was working as the rain fell.

Some of those who died have been identified as Monica Hernandez, left, who is missing and the mother of Fernando Ruiz Lidia Verdugo, right

Francisco Javier Guerrero's wife Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso also remains missing

The company also claimed that at no point were employees told they would be fired if they left the premises

According to Ruiz, he told her to leave but she replied that the managers at the plant weren't telling them as the water levels continued to climb.

Guadalupe Hernandez told WSMV her sister Monica Hernandez had gone to work on Friday and received a call from her in which she said goodbye, in case she wasn't saved.

She hasn't been heard from since.

Francisco Javier Guerrero's wife Rosa Maria Andrade Reynoso had also gone missing in the waters.

He told WBIR: 'She said goodbye to me, and to take care of the kids. We feel destroyed because of what's happening, specifically because we don't have answers if she is one of the people that were located.'

The Tennessee Immigrant & Refugee Rights Coalition (TIRRC) said in a statement that they had seen people struggling to get help from the authorities.

They said: 'TIRRC staff members who deployed to the area witnessed community members struggling to access interpretation services from local and state government agencies, as well as requests by agencies for identification and documentation from immigrant community families that hindered their ability to identify missing loved ones.'

Flood damage brought on by Hurricane Helene is seen here covering a hospital in Erwin on Saturday

Footage shared by Ingram on his social media shows dark brown muddy water running through the company's parking lot.

Large pickup trucks can be seen bobbing up and down inside the fast flowing floodwaters.

Among the worst-affected areas is the North Carolina city of Asheville, which sits in a valley and which has so-far seen around 50 people confirmed as dead.

President Joe Biden was set to survey the devastation in the region Wednesday.

Rescuers are still continuing their efforts to make contact with hundreds of people who are cut off by washed-out roads and downed communication lines.

Images of the destruction caused by the hurricane reveal a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers, mud-covered highways, and collapsed communication lines.

Damage estimates ranged from $15billion to more than $100billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend, as water systems, communications and critical transportation routes were affected.

Property damage and lost economic output will become clearer as officials assess the destruction.

At a news conference on Tuesday, North Carolina governor Roy Cooper said: 'Communities were wiped off the map'.
Controversial plans to legalise assisted dying in Scotland have been dealt a hammer blow after SNP ministers said Holyrood does not have the power to act.

Adults with an incurable illness would be allowed to ask doctors to assist with their death by providing them with a lethal dose of a fatal substance, under a proposed new bill.

But ministers have now admitted the right-to-die plan is outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

They said only the UK Government has the power to grant permission for the deadly drugs used in the process.

The Scottish Government also warned that costs would be substantially higher than set out.

Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is the driving force behind Scotland's assisted dying legislation

Campaigners say the intervention shows the members bill lodged by Liberal Democrat MSP Liam McArthur is potentially fatally flawed and not fit for purpose.

Although the SNP Government said it would remain neutral on the proposal and allow a free vote, its comments could sink the legislation by encouraging SNP MSPs to vote against it.

A string of senior figures, including former First Ministers Nicola Sturgeon and Humza Yousaf, have already signalled they will vote against the bill.

Dr Gordon Macdonald, chief executive of campaign group Care Not Killing, which is leading the opposition to the Bill, said: We have been warning this was the case for some considerable time.

'Indeed, even if the UK Labour Government decided to grant special powers under section 30 of the Scotland Act the assisted suicide Bill would be pushed back until after the next Holyrood elections as it takes up to 18 months for such processes to be put in place.

Also, the only time such powers have been granted in the past was for the independence referendum and to take such action on such a matter would open up a can of worms for Westminster.

The proposed Bill pulled the wool over peoples eyes to try and secure support. It fails to take into account that drug licensing and medical regulations are reserved to Westminster but the Liam McArthur Bill tries to imply there would be no problems on these matters.

Clearly, that is not the case and the SNP Government has made its views most clear that the Bill is potentially fatally flawed and not fit for purpose.

Sir Keir Starmer has already confirmed he is ready to fast-track legislation to allow the terminally ill to end their own lives in England and Wales.

The Prime Minister said earlier this month that there is a case to be made for changing the law and MPs could be given a vote to legalise assisted dying before the end of the year.

But Scottish Health Secretary Neil Gray yesterday sent a memorandum setting out the Scottish Governments position on the Assisted Dying for Terminally Ill Adults (Scotland) Bill to Holyroods health, social care and sport committee.

It said: In the Scottish Governments view, the Bill in its current form is outside the legislative competence of the Scottish Parliament.

The Government said that a particular concern was that the bill gives ministers the power to specify in regulations a drug or other substance as an approved substance to be used for terminally ill adults to end their life.

It said that this appears to relate to the reserved matter of medicines, medical supplies and poisons.

It said that other parts of the bill may relate to reserved matters, including a section which makes provision for ministers to specify qualifications and experience of registered medical practitioners carrying out the functions of the bill, and another section giving a right to conscientious objection.

SNP Health Secretary Neil Gray may be powerless to implement assisted dying legislation

Assisted dying is a contentious topic and many senior politicians have indicated they will vote against it

A financial memorandum published alongside the bill said year one costs would be between 263,434 and 313,882, with annual costs between 23,107 and 35,566 in year two, rising to between 160,186 and 368,954 in year 20.

But the Scottish Government said it believed the unit costs of staff time have been underestimated as costings related to unrealistically low salaries and said the costs of training have been omitted.

It added: As such, it is our view that the costs associated with the bill could be substantially higher than estimated in the financial memorandum.

Summarising its position, the Scottish Government said: We recognise that there are strong feelings in this debate, and that a range of deeply felt views will be expressed as this bill is being considered.

'Our hope is that this debate can be conducted with sensitivity and respect.

Whilst the Scottish Government will be maintaining a neutral position on the Bill at this Stage, we will be listening carefully to the evidence given to the committee.

The issue of what steps will be required to bring the Bill within legislative competence will require to be revisited should the bill pass stage one.

Three previous attempts to legalise assisted dying in Scotland have failed to secure enough support from MSPs.

Mr McArthur said: I welcome the input of the Scottish Government and the commitment it has made to ensure a free vote on the bill alongside its position of neutrality on assisted dying.

The Presiding Officer has certified that the Scottish Parliament can pass a bill in this area but I have always been clear that the Scottish and UK Governments will need to agree to measures that will ensure that a truly comprehensive assisted dying process can operate in Scotland.

There are established mechanisms for transferring powers to enable legislation to be fully enacted in Scotland and no reason why these cannot be applied in this case.

Our current laws on assisted dying are failing too many terminally ill Scots, often leaving them facing an undignified and sometimes painful death despite the very best efforts of palliative care.

'The bill I have put forward will give terminally ill, mentally competent adults the option to control the manner and timing of their death.

A UK Government spokesman said: As with all Scottish Parliament legislation, we will consider the bill in the usual way at the appropriate time.
Israel came under fire from a salvo of 181 Iranian missiles on Tuesday night

Israel has vowed Iran's missile attack 'will have consequences' as the Middle East teeters on the brink of an all-out war.

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night in revenge for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the assassination of its leader last week.

Air raid sirens sounded as some 181 missiles began raining down on Israel, many lighting up the night sky in bright orange flame as they were intercepted by Israel's 'Iron Dome' defence system.

The shocking assault, hailed as 'heroic' by Hamas, was 'twice the scope' of Tehran's previous bombardment in April which saw more than 170 explosive drones and 120 ballistic missiles launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate building in Syria.

Despite claims by the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) that a new type of hypersonic missile was used for the first time, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said there were no Israeli casualties, with only a few projectiles sneaking through air defences to impact sites in the centre and south of the country.

'We are on high alert both defensively and offensively,' Hagari said in a TV broadcast.

'We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.'

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the 'significant escalation by Iran', but added: 'In short, this attack seems to have been defeated and ineffective'.

And British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was on the phone to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu when the attack began, said: 'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

It comes as:

Hezbollah launched rocket attacks on towns and cities across Israel

IDF claimed to have conducted cross-border raids on southern Lebanon

Israeli airstrikes continue to devastate targets across Lebanon and Syria

Lebanon an UN agency appealed for $400 million in humanitarian aid

IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (pictured) said the Iranian attack 'will have consequences'

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1

Projectiles are pictured being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem on Tuesday night

This picture shows a projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya

Many rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv

Israeli media are reporting that over 100 missiles have been fired into Israel

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Israeli air defense system fires to intercept rockets over Hadera, Israel

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv

A rocket is seen, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Missiles rain down on Israel, as the IDF attempt to intercept them

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

With the world holding its breath over an all-out war in the Middle East, the White House said President Joe Biden had ordered the US military to 'aid Israel's defence' and shoot down Iranian missiles.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, were both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room.

The US had earlier warned that it was preparing for Iran to launch ballistic missiles this evening in yet another major escalation in the Middle East.

These can cover the thousands of kilometres from Iran to Israel in just over 10 minutes, rather than drones or cruise missiles which can take far longer.

Israeli media reported that between 150 and 200 missiles were fired into Israel in what Iran confirmed was a revenge attack for Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said its 'Fattah' hypersonic missile, which translates as 'conqueror' or 'bringer of victory' in Arabic, was part of the salvo.

Iran claimed that 80 per cent of the missiles hit their targets, but the US and Israel have said the attack appears to have been ineffective, putting the number of missiles fired at 181.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened to carry out 'crushing attacks' against Israel if it were to retaliate, adding: 'In response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel).'

Hamas also praised the missile assault, releasing a statement that read: 'The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) blesses the heroic rocket launches carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran against wide areas of our occupied lands.'

It added that it was 'in revenge for the blood of our heroic martyrs'.

The aerial bombardment of Israel came as police battled a terrorist attack in the city of Jaffa, with Israeli media reporting that at least six people were shot dead.

At least nine others were wounded in the shooting on Tuesday night, just a day before the Jewish New Year.

Magen David Adom - Israel's national emergency services - announced that the 'terrorist' incident in Jaffa involved multiple casualties.

The video shows a gunman and another suspect dressed in all black prowling along a light rail station before opening fire.

A volley of shots was unleashed before anguished screams were heard and more shots rang out. The suspects then turned around and began advancing along the other side of the platform where bodies were later seen piling up in a separate clip.

According to local police, the two armed men were 'neutralized' by security forces

Israeli police inspect a crater left by an exploded projectile at a heavily-damaged school building in Israel's southern city of Gedera

Men, women and children take shelter as air raid sirens sounded across Israel

British Prime Minister condemned the Iranian attack and said he was 'deeply concerned' that the Middle East is 'on the brink'

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv

Israel's military stated that Iran has launched missiles towards the State of Israel

Projectiles fly in the sky after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Iranians celebrate on the street after a barrage of missiles was unleashed on Israel

This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Tel Aviv as Israel's anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran

A child sleeps in the trunk of car as people displaced amid Israeli military strikes in Lebanon stay in a street in Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Police officers take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in central Israel

A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon on October 1, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel October 1, 2024

A displaced child sleeps at a makeshift encampment where scores of displaced people live, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

The attack by Iran on Israel could prove to be the catalyst for an all-out war in the Middle East, particularly if Tel Aviv decides to respond in kind.

In a rare emergency briefing, Sir Keir Stamer said he 'utterly condemned' Iran's attempt 'to harm innocent Israelis' and 'push the region ever-closer to the brink'.

He said: 'We stand with Israel, and recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression.

'Iran must stop these attacks, together with its proxies like Hezbollah.'

The PM added: 'We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people.

'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

He said the situation in Lebanon 'is incredibly grave' and warned British nationals to leave immediately.

Sir Keir refused to confirm or deny whether the British military would be helping Israel, telling reporters: 'This is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self defence and relevant updates will be provided in due course.'

Moments before Iran unleashed its missiles, Lord Admiral West, the former Head of the Royal Navy, questioned how large the scale of the attack would be and spoke about the implications this could have.

He told MailOnline: 'If it's pre-warned and fired on a limited scale, just for Iran to say to all their own people and to the terrorists in the region, 'Look, we're not taking this lying down the fact that the Israelis have attacked Hezbollah and gone into Lebanon', that's one thing.

'If it is a huge and major ballistic missile attack tied in with other actions as well, that's a different kettle of fish, and that could lead to a larger Middle East war.'

Lord West said that while the US have stepped in to assist Israel, it was unlikely that the UK would be able to help defend ballistic missiles.

He added: 'If it's only ballistic missiles, then there's little that we can do with our aircraft to shoot down ballistic missiles.

'If it's purely ballistic missiles being fired, then you can't shoot them down from a fighter aircraft.

'And that's all we'd have available in that area. Now, the Type 45 destroyer could shoot down a ballistic missile that's aimed at it, or something close to it, but not things that are being fired into Israel.'

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

An Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Iranian defence week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 24

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MP also condemned the attack, saying: 'Iran's barbaric attack on Israel shows that the regime in Tehran is intent on killing as many innocent men, women, and children in Israel as possible.

'They are trying to murder Jews, Muslims and Christians in the only democracy of the Middle East. The world must unite in condemning this heinous act of state terrorism.

'This is just the latest action from a regime that, for the past 45 years, has murdered its own citizens and hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Syria and Yemen. Today, my thoughts are with the people of Israel and everyone in the Middle East who is suffering at the hands of Iran's brutal leaders.'

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised yesterday as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late Monday.

Israeli citizens elsewhere were warned by the Home Front Command to 'stay next to a protected space', 'minimise moving around the area' and 'avoid gatherings'.

Meanwhile IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.

Israel's defence forces (IDF) claimed to have launched 'localised' cross-border raids on southern Lebanon late Monday, which Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said were designed to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

Clips and images released by the IDF showed tanks, artillery and helicopters pounding targets just across the border, along with a video showing special forces seemingly preparing under the cover of night for a raid.

However, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have contested Israel's version of events, denying the claim that IDF troops had stepped foot on Lebanese soil.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel today, prompting officials to close beaches and limit the size of public gatherings.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.
The BBC has become embroiled in a new row over its coverage of Israel amid claims it allowed an Iranian academic to make 'racist' and 'antisemitic' comments without challenge.

The UK's largest Jewish community organisation said it was 'deeply concerned' about the interview on the Today programme, between Mishal Husain and University of Tehran's Mohammad Marandi.

Marandi described Israel as an 'expansionist regime' which believed in 'ethno-supremacism' and that 'they are a chosen people' who felt they had 'exceptional rights'. He also described the events in Gaza as a 'holocaust'.

After the interview aired, The Board of Deputies of British Jews put out a statement on social media raising concerns the comments were not properly challenged on the programme.

It said: 'We are deeply concerned about our national broadcaster allowing such language to be transmitted via the airwaves without clear pushback. We will be raising this directly with the BBC at the highest levels.'

Mohammad Marandi described Israel as an 'expansionist regime' which believed in 'ethno-supremacism' and that 'they are a chosen people' who felt they had 'exceptional rights'

The UK's largest Jewish community organisation said it was 'deeply concerned' about the interview on the Today programme, between Mishal Husain (pictured) and Marandi

After the interview aired, The Board of Deputies of British Jews put out a statement on social media raising concerns the comments were not properly challenged on the BBC programme

Marandi, who was born in Virginia in the US before moving to Iran, previously acted as an adviser to Iran's nuclear negotiations team.

Leading historian Simon Schama responded to the interview, saying the academic's remarks were 'antisemitic abuse' and that it had been 'appallingly offensive'.

Another historian Simon Sebag Montefiore called it a 'racist rant' filled with 'lies, libels, conspiracy theories, fake facts, anti-semitic tropes and even distortion and misuse of Holocaust history'.

Both historians said the BBC interviewer had failed to properly counter his remarks during the interview.

The BBC responding to the row said the professor had been challenged in the interview but admitted 'we accept we should have continued to challenge his language throughout the interview'.

The row comes after the BBC was accused of 'systematic bias' against Israel in a report labelled 'profoundly troubling' by the Chief Rabbi.

Leading historian Simon Schama responded to the interview, saying the academic's remarks were 'antisemitic abuse' and that it had been 'appallingly offensive'

Historian Simon Sebag Montefiore called it a 'racist rant' filled with 'lies, libels, conspiracy theories, fake facts, anti-semitic tropes and even distortion and misuse of Holocaust history'

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, 1 October 2024

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv on October 1

Sir Ephraim Mirvis has backed calls for an independent inquiry after the report alleged the corporation made 'false and damaging claims about Israel's conduct' in the war in Gaza.

On the Today programme, Professor Marandi, who is an Iranian-American academic, said of the current crisis in the middle-east: 'The only way forward is resistance, because there is nothing that will stop this Israeli regime, because that is the nature of the regime.

'It's an expansionist regime. It believes in ethno-supremacism. It believes that they are a chosen people. They have exceptional rights, and therefore they have exceptional rights for the region.'

Schama, who regularly presents shows for the BBC, described the academic as 'a servile apologist for the misogynist-theocratic tyranny'. He said Mr Marandi gave his 'standard exterminationist antisemitic abuse' that had been aired 'without challenge'.

A BBC spokesman said: 'The Today programme covered the latest developments in Lebanon and the Middle East and interviewed a range of people including IDF spokesperson Lt Col Peter Lerner, US Diplomat Dennis Ross and Iranian academic Mohammad Marandi to get a broad perspective on the complex politics of the region.

Chief Rabbi Sir Ephraim Mirvis has backed calls for an independent inquiry after the report alleged the corporation made 'false and damaging claims about Israel's conduct' in the war in Gaza

A woman holds a sign in protest against the BBC's coverage of the Hamas-Israel war on October 16, 2023, at the BBC HQ in London

The row broke out on the day that the BBC's chief executive of news and current affairs, Deborah Turness, wrote a blog about the difficulties in covering the conflict

'Mohammed Marandi was interviewed to gain an understanding of the view from Iran, and what their response is likely to be.

'This was a live interview and he was challenged during the course of the interview, and the Israeli position was reflected.

'However, we accept we should have continued to challenge his language throughout the interview.'

The row broke out on the day that the BBC's chief executive of news and current affairs, Deborah Turness, wrote a blog about the difficulties in covering the conflict.

She said: 'But if there is one thing we have learned more than any other in the past year, it's that such is the depth of the polarisation in this war, so many have come to see impartial reporting as being somehow against them, because it does not solely reflect their view of the conflict.'

She said much of this was explained by 'social media algorithms' and 'echo chambers' that give consumers more of what they already 'like'.
CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour has sparked outrage as she insisted that Iran does not want conflict at the exact moment the nation was raining missiles on Israel.

The British-Iranian journalist claimed live on air that the Islamic Republic does not want its conflict with Israel to 'escalate,' and suggested the Jewish state is to blame for Tuesday's attack.

'Nobody, nobody, not the Lebanese nor the Iranians want this to escalate even further. Iran does not want an Israeli or a U.S. war against it. It is unlikely to be able to resist that, it does not want it,' Amanpour told Dana Bash.

'The Iranian foreign minister told me in New York during the United Nations that they were showing restraint and that Hezbollah was showing restraint as well, and that it wanted, you know, to de-escalate all of this... That was the word also from the podium at the United Nations by the Iranian president.'

Just minutes before Amanpour's statements, her colleague Jim Sciutto was forced to abandon his position on a roof in Tel Aviv as the missiles got closer.

CNN anchor Christiane Amanpour has sparked outrage as she insisted on live air that Iran does not want conflict as the nation rained missiles on Israel on Tuesday

Amanpour went on to say Iran 'felt it had no choice' but to strike Israel after the Jewish state conducted assassinations of Hezbollah members in Lebanon.

'Now, Hezbollah is not there, you know, Iran is not there to protect Hezbollah. It's the opposite,' she said.

'Hezbollah is meant to be the frontline troops of Iran. So this response from Iran is more likely because it feels it has been left no choice.'

Social media users quickly took to X to slam Amanpour for her comments given the timing.

Commentary magazine editor John Podhoretz shared several posts about Amanpour's analysis.

'Iran doesn't want more escalation, says Christiane Amanpour as hundreds of ballistic missiles rain down on Israel because she's either insane or evil,' he wrote.

'Christiane Amanpour on CNN right now talking about how Hezbollah wanted a ceasefire and mean Israel wouldn't allow it. Her role as a propagandist for evil is now escalating.

Podhoretz added: 'My recommendation to CNN is to get Christiane Amanpour off the air before she starts singing the Iranian National Anthem.

'Amanpour now directly blaming Israel for the strike because of Netanyahu speech to the Iranian people. Because, you know, Israel launched missiles at Iran.'

Amanpour had previously said that 'So far, there is no evidence that anything has landed, that it is being intercepted according to our correspondents on the ground.'

Just minutes before Amanpour's statements, her colleague Jim Sciutto was forced to abandon his position on a roof in Tel Aviv as the missiles got closer

Iran launched dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday, sharply escalating a conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas

People take shelter in Israel as missiles sent by Iran filled the skies on Tuesday

She also suggested Iran's attack was not meant to kill civilians, citing reports that the US and Israel had 'assessed that the targets would be three Israeli air bases, and an intelligence base.'

Iran launched dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday, sharply escalating a conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas that began nearly a year ago and threatening to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

The orange glow of missiles streaked across Israel's night sky as air raid sirens sounded across the country and millions of residents scrambled into bomb shelters. The attack raised the strong likelihood of an Israeli reprisal.

Before Iran's attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against Hezbollah's leadership in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.
A Texas father voiced his outrage after his teenage son was forced to attend a mandatory religious assembly held at his public school.

Jon Luna, 52, of Mansfield, never introduced his young son to religion before his son's class was mandated to attend a Christian service during the school day.

Luna stated that his son, a student at Lake Ridge High School, was not given an option to sit out of the assembly, adding that he feels 'religion was imposed on him in a public school.'

The assembly was a meeting of the religious organization Fellowship of Christian Athletes.

Jon Luna, 52, of Mansfield, never introduced his young son to religion before his son's class was mandated to attend a Christian service during the school day

Luna stated that his son, a student at Lake Ridge High School, was not given an option to sit out of the assembly, adding that he feels 'religion was imposed on him in a public school'

The controversy unfolded last week when Luna's son, just a freshman, recorded the assembly leader preaching to the audience, calling on students to accept Jesus Christ as their savior and leading the auditorium in prayer.

'Jesus, thank you for dying for me. I believe I am a sinner who needed a savior. Come into my life, make me new again,' the leader of the assembly can be heard directing the students to pray during the service.

The assembly took place during his son's advisory study hall period - a time he typically uses to complete extra work, but instead he received an email from his teacher with a message reading: 'Go to the theater for advisory.'

'And it was mandatory, and all of his class went in with this other group of kids,' Luna told NBCDFW.

'The only thing he knew, a man came up on stage and said, please take out your Bibles, and if not, look it up on the internet,' Luna added.

Emphasizing that his children were not brought up with any religious affiliation, Luna did not understand why his son would be told to do something 'he has not subscribed to.'

The school has since apologized to the Luna family making special note that events like the FCA's will further be marked as 'entirely optional.'

'No child should go to school and be told to do something that is completely against their foundation, whether it be their religion or their culture,' Luna said.

Public schools are no stranger to controversy over curriculum as in Oklahoma schools are tearing themselves apart over a new directive ordering teachers to incorporate the Bible into their lessons.

Back in June, Republican State Superintendent of Public Instruction Ryan Walters decreed that every classroom from grades five to twelve must have a copy of the holy book.

However at least four school districts have pushed back on the orders, stating they will not be complying.

'As a public school system, it is crucial that we maintain neutrality and objectivity in our curriculum and instructional practices,' Owasso Public Schools Superintendent Margaret Coates said.

The Oklahoma Education Association, a group of education professionals, also hit back at the directive, stating it infringes on freedom of religion principles.

Although Oklahoma law already explicitly allows Bibles in the classroom and lets teachers use them in instruction, Walters has doubled down on his commitment, insinuating there could be consequences for those who do not.

'Some Oklahoma educators have indicated they wont follow the law and Oklahoma standards, so let me be clear: they will comply, and I will use every means to make sure of it,' he told ABCNews.
Whoopi Goldberg claims Hollywood is 'right-leaning' after Shazam actor Zachary Levi said endorsing Donald Trump for president could tank his career.

On Tuesday, Goldberg, 68, played the clip of Levi officially announcing that he is team MAGA and immediately disagreed with his statement.

While hosting 'Team Trump's Reclaim America Tour' on Saturday, Levi, 44, revealed he will be voting for the former president in the upcoming election before introducing Robert F. Kennedy Jr. and US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard to the stage.

During the Michigan rally, he told Gabbard that his decision 'could constitute career suicide' for himself.

'As you can probably imagine Hollywood is a very very liberal town and this very well could constitute career suicide,' Levi said.

In response, Whoopi said: 'Thats not necessarily true. From the beginning of Hollywood, there have been  its always been a very right-leaning town, but I know you dont know much about the Hollywood history, so let me school you.'

Whoopi Goldberg, 68, said Hollywood is right-leaning' on The View on Tuesday after Shazam actor Zachary Levi said endorsing Donald Trump for president could tank his career

While hosting 'Team Trump's Reclaim America Tour' on Saturday, Levi, 44, revealed he will be voting for the former president in the upcoming election

'We are, like America is, we're mixed. We're a mixed bunch and sometimes it may seem like there's more Democrats and sometimes it seems like there's more Republicans, but the truth of the matter is very few people seem to bite it because they're Republican,' the Sister Act star continued.

She added that Levi's statement that Hollywood would punish him for being Republican is 'more BS and it's unnecessary.'

'Jon Voight, who is working. Dennis Quaid, who is working. People are working. Stop that! Its more BS and its unnecessary.'

Midnight Cowboy star Jon Voight, the 85-year-old father of Angelina Jolie, has supported Trump since 2016 and even spoke at the former president's inauguration in January 2017. He has endorsed Trump once again in 2024.

During the Michigan rally, he said that his decision 'could constitute career suicide.' (pictured: Trump visiting Georgia after Hurricane Helene)

Whoopi said Levi's statement that Hollywood would punish him for being Republican is 'more BS and it's unnecessary'

In May, Quaid, 70, said he plans to vote for Trump in November because Joe Biden's 'weaponization of the justice system' forced him to swing to the right.

Quaid, a two-time Golden Globe nominee, is currently starring in a biopic about Ronald Reagan, where he stars as the late president.

Voight is also playing a supporting role in Reagan and in Francis Ford Coppola's Megalopolis.

Over the weekend, Levi revealed that his first pick for president was RFK Jr., but after he dropped out of the race, he said that with the two options left Trump 'is the man that can get us there.'

'This year, I found Bobby Kennedy, and I thought, man this guy, this guy's it,' he said.

'And in a perfect world, whatever that would look like, perhaps I would have voted for Bobby, but we don't live in a perfect world. In fact, we live in a very broken one.'

He continued: 'We live in a country that has been hijacked by a lot of people who want to take this place way off the cliff. And we're here to stop that, right?'

The crowd started cheering for the Hollywood star as he used Trump's coined phrase: 'We are going to make America great again!'

'And so, I stand with Bobby, and I stand with Tulsi, and I stand with everyone else who is standing with President Trump, because I do believe that of the two choices that we have, and we only have two, Donald Trump, President Trump, is the man that can get us there,' Levi said.

Dennis Quaid, 70, said he plans to vote for Trump in November because Joe Biden's 'weaponization of the justice system' forced him to swing to the right

Jon Voight, 85, has supported Trump since 2016 and even spoke at the former president's inauguration in January 2017. He has endorsed Trump once again in 2024

He added that Trump will get America there because he has 'the backing and the support and the wisdom and the knowledge, and the fight' that RFK and US Rep. Tulsi Gabbard have.

Despite endorsing Trump now, back in 2020, Levi openly shared how he wasn't a fan of the Republican.

'I am no fan or supporter of Trump, and I find his behavior to be vulgar, callous, narcissistic, and lacking empathy.

'And while Im not a Conservative, I know many who backed 45 not because they liked him, but because he was the only candidate they felt cared about their needs,' he previously tweeted.

Levi has always taken a stance in politics as he previously shared his skepticism with vaccines and criticized the SAG-AFTRA strike.
The state of Colorado is set to pay more than $1.5 million in legal fees to web designer Lorie Smith who won a Supreme Court case after she refused to set up a page for a same-sex marriage.

Last year the Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote in favor of Smith that the right to free speech allows some businesses to refuse to provide services for same-sex weddings.

Smith, the owner of 303 Creative, is an evangelical Christian who said she believes marriage can only exist between a man and a woman.

She sued Colorado's civil rights commission and officials in 2016 because she said she feared being punished for refusing to serve gay weddings.

Now a state board has approved to pay $1.5 million in legal fees - just under the nearly $2 million that Smith had originally sought after her free speech win.

Colorado is set to pay more than $1.5 million in legal fees to web designer Lorie Smith (pictured)

Alliance Defending Freedom senior counsel Bryan Neihart said it was common for the prevailing party in a civil rights case to ask for and receive legal fees after winning in court.

'Our clients Lorie Smith and her design studio, 303 Creative, prevailed at the US Supreme Court and achieved a landmark victory  a victory that helps to protect all Americans' freedom of speech from government censorship and coercion,' Neihart said.

In Smiths bid for fees, Alliance Defending Freedom said its $2 million request would reimburse them for 2,174.4 hours of work on the litigation. The requested amount was a 36% reduction from the 3,374.9 billed hours they devoted to the case, the group said.

Smith and lawyers for Colorado in a court filing said they planned to file their finalized settlement notice to the court by October 16.

The Supreme Court ruling overturned a lower court's decision that the Denver-area business owner was not allowed an exemption from a Colorado law that prohibits discrimination based on sexual orientation.

'The First Amendments protections belong to all, not just to speakers whose motives the government finds worthy,' wrote Justice Neil Gorsuch for the majority.

'In this case, Colorado seeks to force an individual to speak in ways that align with its views but defy her conscience about a matter of major significance.'

Smith, the owner of 303 Creative, is an evangelical Christian who said she feared being punished for refusing to serve gay weddings

The Supreme Court ruled in a 6-3 vote in favor of Smith that the right to free speech allows some businesses to refuse to provide services for same-sex weddings

Smith insisted she did not want to discriminate against anyone but simply objects to not being able to express her Christian beliefs.

And she argued that her websites counted as art and were protected by her constitutional right to free speech.

In his majority opinion, Gorsuch agreed. He said that the First Amendment prohibited Colorado from 'forcing a website designer to create expressive designs speaking messages with which the designer disagrees.'

President Joe Biden said at the time the ruling was disappointing.

'I'm deeply concerned that the decision could invite more discrimination against LGBTQI+ Americans,' he said.

'More broadly, todays decision weakens long-standing laws that protect all Americans against discrimination in public accommodations  including people of color, people with disabilities, people of faith, and women.'
A third man has been arrested over the kidnap of an 87-year-old pensioner who was dragged into a car, blindfolded and strangled.

The man, 39, was arrested on suspicion of kidnap on September 22 at an address in Blackpool. He remains in custody for questioning.

Shohad Miah, 24, from Royton in Greater Manchester, was previously charged with kidnap, grievous bodily harm, robbery and intentional strangulation.

The arrests are in relation to an incident that occurred at approximately 9pm when the 87-year-old was walking home in the Lee Street area of Oldham.

He was dragged into a black car and blindfolded, while demands were made for his money and personal items, before he was pushed out roughly 19 miles away in the Rishworth area of West Yorkshire.

The man eventually got help after knocking on a door at around 10.40pm.

The pensioner was allegedly taken while he was walking home on Lee Street in Oldham (pictured) and was attacked as he was driven around West Yorkshire last Sunday

Shohad Miah, who previously appeared at Tameside Magistrates Court, was charged with kidnap, grievous bodily harm, robbery and intentional strangulation

Detective Inspector Emma Hulston, from GMP's Major Incident Team, said: 'We have now arrested three men in connection with this shocking incident and we continue to make good progress with our enquiries.

'We understand the concern from local residents and those further afield across Greater Manchester after hearing of what happened to the elderly man, we do believe it was an isolated incident with no wider threat to the public.

Specialist officers are supporting the victim whilst he recovers from this traumatic ordeal and we have an investigation team working hard behind the scenes to investigate fully and build a timeline of events leading up to this incident.

'We continue our appeal for information that may assist their enquiries and any information can be submitted through the major incident portal, linked here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/06GMP24S63-PO1

'Information can be provided through our MIPP Portal, or by contacting the investigation team on 0161 856 3635 quoting log number 3165/150924.

'The independent charity Crimestoppers can also be contacted anonymously on 0800 555 111.'
Sir Keir Starmer said he is 'deeply concerned' the Middle East is 'on the brink' after Iran's missile attack but refused to say whether Britain will help defend Israel.

Speaking from 10 Downing Street this evening, the Prime Minister repeated his advice to British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately, with the situation becoming 'increasingly grave'.

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday night in revenge for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the assassination of its leader last week.

Sir Keir would not be drawn on any British military involvement in the defence of Israel.

He said: 'We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression.

'Iran must stop these attacks. Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.

Sir Keir Starmer said tonight he is 'deeply concerned' that the Middle East is 'on the brink' after Iran 's missile attack

The Prime Minister repeated his advice to British nationals in Lebanon to leave immediately

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

'Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people.'

The attack on Israel began while Sir Keir was talking to Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday, Downing Street said earlier.

Sir Keir added: 'This, as you will appreciate, is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self-defence and any relevant updates will be provided in due course.'

Sir Keir said his diplomatic efforts had been focused on the need to find a political solution.

'We have to find a route to de-escalate on all fronts. And in the end, the only solution here is a political solution. So my calls have been about the importance of creating space and the conditions for that de-escalation and to find that political route forward.'

Asked whether he was calling for restraint in Israel's response to Iran, he said: 'My message, very clearly, tonight is to condemn this attack by Iran, to recognise in clear terms Israel's right to security and to defend herself, and I say that in absolutely clear terms.

Sir Keir said his diplomatic efforts had been focused on the need to find a political solution.

Sir Keir delivering a statement on the situation in the Middle East from 10 Downing Street, London, this evening

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

'Obviously, I think, all parties are concerned to ensure this doesn't spiral into a much bigger conflict. But on the principle of Israel's right to self-defence, I've been very, very clear.'

Foreign Secretary David Lammy has also warned against a 'cycle of escalation' as he too condemned the attack.

Iran said it fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the Associated Press news agency reported.

Tehran said it launched the strikes in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Sir Keir also chaired a ministerial meeting in Downing Street on Tuesday on the situation in the Middle East.

The UK Government last night confirmed that British forces 'played their part' in defending Israel as Iran unleashed a barrage of missiles across the country.

Israel's defence system stood firm as Iran launched warheads towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in revenge for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Air raid sirens sounded as 181 missiles began raining down on Israel, with some rockets dramatically exploding into bright orange flames near Tel Aviv.

But as Iran unleashed a salvo of missiles, ordered by its supreme leader Ali Khamenei, falling projectiles burned like comets against the night sky after the rockets were intercepted by Israel's 'Iron Dome' defensive system.

Israel has vowed that its air force will strike 'powerfully' overnight, sparking fears from world leaders that the Middle East is on the brink of being plunged into an all-out war.

The US has confirmed that its troops helped down the incoming missiles, and now the UK has revealed British forces also 'played their part'.

Defence Secretary John Healey 'condemned' Iran's attack, adding: 'British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.'

Mr Healey continued: 'I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism. The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats.'
Israel came under fire from a salvo of 181 Iranian missiles on Tuesday night

Israel's defence system stood firm on Tuesday night as Iran unleashed a barrage of nearly 200 missiles across the country, sparking fears from world leaders that the escalation could plunge the Middle East into an all-out war.

Iran launched wave after wave of warheads towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in revenge for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the assassination of its leader last week.

In the most dramatic development of the Middle Eastern conflict, air raid sirens sounded as 181 missiles began raining down on Israel, with some rockets dramatically exploding into bright orange flames near Tel Aviv.

But as Iran unleashed a salvo of missiles, ordered by its supreme leader Ali Khamenei, falling projectiles burned like comets against the night sky after the rockets were intercepted by Israel's 'Iron Dome' defensive system.

The sickening attack, which Israel has vowed to exact revenge for, forced civilians to seek shelter as huge chunks of molten metal crashed to the ground.

The expected assault, hailed as 'heroic' by Iran-backed Hamas, marks a major escalation in the Middle East, and was 'twice the scope' of Tehran's bombardment in April, which saw more than 170 explosive drones and 120 ballistic missiles launched.

In a major embarrassment for Iran, the US said that the missile volley was 'defeated and ineffective', with just one reported death - a Palestinian man who was killed by shrapnel in the West Bank.

It comes as:

Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon overnight on Monday with the aim of driving Hezbollah forces away from the border;

The operation will be 'limited' and last for 'days, not weeks', Israeli officials told the US;

British nationals scrambled to escape the war-torn country, with the UK government chartering an aircraft from Beirut today

Two terrorists armed with an assault rifle and a knife killed six people in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv minutes before the Iranian missile attack;

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1

IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari (pictured) said the Iranian attack 'will have consequences'

Projectiles are pictured being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem on Tuesday night

This picture shows a projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya

Many rockets, fired from Iran, were seen flying over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv, but Israel's Iron Dome stood firm

Iranian police stand guard as Iranians celebrate after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, next to the British embassy, in Tehran

Nearly 200 missiles were launched by Iran on Tuesday night in a major escalation

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Israeli air defense system fires to intercept rockets over Hadera, Israel

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv - as the Iron Dome stood firm

A rocket is seen, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a celebration after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran

A view of damaged vehicles as Israeli forces arrive in the area and investigate debris of missiles fired from Iran

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Missiles rain down on Israel, as the IDF attempt to intercept them

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Despite Iran claiming a new type of hypersonic missile was also used for the first time, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said there were no Israeli casualties and just a few hits in the centre of the country and in the south.

'We are on high alert both defensively and offensively,' Hagari said in a TV broadcast. 'We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran's massive missile attack on Israel 'a big mistake' and vowed to make Tehran 'pay for it'.

'Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it,' said Netanyahu hours after the attack, warning: 'Whoever attacks us, we attack them.'

In a separate statement, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who was at the command and control centre monitoring the interception of Iranian missiles, also vowed to punish Iran for the attack.

'Iran has not learned a simple lesson - those who attack the state of Israel, pay a heavy price,' he said in a statement issued by his office.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the 'significant escalation by Iran', but added: 'In short, this attack seems to have been defeated and ineffective'.

And British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, who was on the phone to his Israeli counterpart Netanyahu when the attack began, said: 'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

With the world holding its breath over an all-out war in the Middle East, the White House said President Joe Biden had ordered the US military to 'aid Israel's defence' and shoot down Iranian missiles.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, were both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room.

The US had earlier warned that it was preparing for Iran to launch ballistic missiles this evening in yet another major escalation in the Middle East.

These can reach their targets in just 12 minutes are expected to be used in the attack, rather than drones or cruise missiles which can take longer, a source told Axios.

Israeli media are reporting that between 150 and 200 missiles were fired into Israel in what Iran confirmed was a revenge attack for Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran claimed that 80 per cent of the missiles hit their targets, but the US and Israel have said the attack appears to have been ineffective.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said its 'Fattah' hypersonic missile, which translates as 'conqueror' or 'bringer of victory' in Arabic, was part of the salvo.

The salvo of rockets, seen raining down on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, came as Israeli police battled a terrorist attack in Jaffa, southern Israel, with Israeli media reporting that at least six people were shot dead.

The devastating attack on Israel comes just hours after the IDF launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon to carry out raids against Iranian-backed Hezbollah targets.

As missiles bombarded Israel, the IDF said: 'A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. You are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command's instructions.

'The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.'

In a chilling warning of further bloodshed, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said that should Israel retaliate Tehran's response would be 'more crushing and ruinous'.

They added: 'In response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel).'

But this statement was followed by a defiant announcement by Israel that its fighter jets are poised to attack other targets in the Middle East 'in a powerful way'.

Hamas also praised Iran's missile attack, releasing the statement: 'The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) blesses the heroic rocket launches carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran against wide areas of our occupied lands.'

It added that it was 'in revenge for the blood of our heroic martyrs'.

On Tuesday night, it appeared almost the entirety of the Iranian missiles were intercepted, either by Israel's allies, or by its own network of defensive systems such as the Iron Dome.

Israeli police inspect a crater left by an exploded projectile at a heavily-damaged school building in Israel's southern city of Gedera

Men, women and children take shelter as air raid sirens sounded across Israel

British Prime Minister condemned the Iranian attack and said he was 'deeply concerned' that the Middle East is 'on the brink'

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv

Israel's military stated that Iran has launched missiles towards the State of Israel

Projectiles fly in the sky after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Iranians celebrate on the street after a barrage of missiles was unleashed on Israel

This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Tel Aviv as Israel's anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran

A child sleeps in the trunk of car as people displaced amid Israeli military strikes in Lebanon stay in a street in Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Police officers take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in central Israel

A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon on October 1, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel October 1, 2024

A displaced child sleeps at a makeshift encampment where scores of displaced people live, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

An Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Iranian defence week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 24

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

A military spokesperson said Israel recorded 'a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country'.

One Palestinian was reported to have been killed near the West Bank city of Jericho when a projectile landed nearby during the rocket barrage, said Hussein Hamayel, the Palestinian governor of the area. He said the man, originally from Gaza, was killed by falling shrapnel.

US Navy destroyers deployed to the eastern Mediterranean took down multiple missiles, according to security sources, while Israel's neighbour Jordan came to its aid.

Jordan's Public Security Directorate said its air defences and the Royal Jordanian Air Force had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Israel.

A large-scale attack by Iran on Israel could now be the catalyst for an all-out war in the Middle East.

In the UK, Downing Street said it 'completely condemns Iran's actions'. In a rare emergency briefing, Sir Keir Stamer said he 'utterly condemned' Iran's attempt 'to harm innocent Israelis' and 'push the region ever-closer to the brink'.

He said: 'We stand with Israel, and recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression. Iran must stop these attacks, together with its proxies like Hezbollah.'

The PM added: 'We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people.

'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

He said the situation in Lebanon 'is incredibly grave' and warned British nationals to leave immediately.

Sir Keir refused to confirm or deny whether the British military would be helping Israel, telling reporters: 'This is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self defence and relevant updates will be provided in due course.'

Moments before Iran unleashed its missiles, Lord Admiral West, the former Head of the Royal Navy, questioned how large the scale of the attack would be and spoke about the implications this could have.

He told MailOnline: 'If it's pre-warned and fired on a limited scale, just for Iran to say to all their own people and to the terrorists in the region, 'Look, we're not taking this lying down the fact that the Israelis have attacked Hezbollah and gone into Lebanon', that's one thing.

'If it is a huge and major ballistic missile attack tied in with other actions as well, that's a different kettle of fish, and that could lead to a larger Middle East war.'

Lord West said that while the US have stepped in to assist Israel, it was unlikely that the UK would be able to help defend ballistic missiles.

He added: 'If it's only ballistic missiles, then there's little that we can do with our aircraft to shoot down ballistic missiles.

'If it's purely ballistic missiles being fired, then you can't shoot them down from a fighter aircraft.

'And that's all we'd have available in that area. Now, the Type 45 destroyer could shoot down a ballistic missile that's aimed at it, or something close to it, but not things that are being fired into Israel.'

Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MP also condemned the attack, saying: 'Iran's barbaric attack on Israel shows that the regime in Tehran is intent on killing as many innocent men, women, and children in Israel as possible.

'They are trying to murder Jews, Muslims and Christians in the only democracy of the Middle East. The world must unite in condemning this heinous act of state terrorism.

'This is just the latest action from a regime that, for the past 45 years, has murdered its own citizens and hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Syria and Yemen. Today, my thoughts are with the people of Israel and everyone in the Middle East who is suffering at the hands of Iran's brutal leaders.'

The ballistic missiles were fired from Iran while Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon also launched rockets and fired small arms into Israel.

It followed Israel's ground assault on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and its killing of the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on Beirut last week.

The remarkably minimal impact of the barrage of misiles was in part due to Israel's sophisticated warning systems, its shelters and air defence networks such as the Iron Dome and David's Sling.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians in the centre and the south of the country received messages on mobile phones to take cover and avoid gatherings.

Last night, Professor Michael Clarke, previously of the Royal United Services Institute, said the Middle East faced a full-scale conflict.

He said: 'This might not be the only attack. If I was making decisions in Iran I wouldn't be just firing one salvo.

'I also suspect there will be a lot more terrorist incidents on behalf of Iran. In the past fortnight Israel has had its adversary on the back foot. The question is are they over-reaching themselves? Should we [the UK] support it fully?

'The wider world is saying be careful Israel, we are closer to a regional war than we were two weeks ago, or even 48 hours ago. A ceasefire does not appear to be on Israel's agenda.'

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu this afternoon said Israel was facing 'large challenges' as it fought an Iranian axis and urged the public to listen to public safety guidelines - but he made no direct mention of a missile threat.

'We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this... a direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran,' a senior US official told MailOnline this afternoon.

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late last night.

Israeli citizens elsewhere were warned by the Home Front Command to 'stay next to a protected space', 'minimise moving around the area' and 'avoid gatherings'.

Meanwhile IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.

Iran in April launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in a one-off retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate compound in Syria.

But all those projectiles were downed by Israeli, Jordanian, British and US defences, and analysts said the move was more a symbol of intent on Tehran's behalf and not designed to cause real damage.

The latest Iranian attack comes in response to Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last Friday and the punishing airstrikes of the past week that have displaced more than 1 million people from their homes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

Tehran had appeared uncharacteristically reluctant to trumpet its support for Hezbollah in recent weeks even as Israel dramatically ramped up its military offensive against the Iranian proxy.

However, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon this afternoon issued a cryptic statement affirming that Tehran will continue to 'stand by' Hezbollah.

'The Lebanese people are aware and can fully distinguish between their friends who stood by them in the darkest of circumstances, and those who provide cover for their enemy to besiege and target them,' it said.

'The influential role of Iran will become more and more clear to the world when the star of victory over Zionist terrorism shines,' it added.

'Iran is continuing its approach steadfastly, unaffected by all the noise that is happening.'

Israel's defence forces (IDF) claimed to have launched 'localised' cross-border raids on southern Lebanon late last night, which Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said were designed to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

Clips and images released by the IDF showed tanks, artillery and helicopters pounding targets just across the border, along with a video showing special forces seemingly preparing under the cover of night for a raid.

However, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have contested Israel's version of events, denying the claim that IDF troops had stepped foot on Lebanese soil.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel today, prompting officials to close beaches and limit the size of public gatherings.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.

Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

The casing of what is thought to be a Hezbollah rocket is seen lying on a pavement in Israel

Israeli artillery shells the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

The Israeli military said their ground operations in Lebanon began in earnest on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'localised and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

Israeli officials have insisted the raids will be limited in scale, adding they do not intend to launch a ground assault on Beirut or occupy swathes of Lebanon.

The operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday - three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

But Rear Admiral Hagari added this afternoon that IDF special forces units had been conducting small scale raids to destroy Hezbollah tunnels along the border ever since October 7.

Close to 3,000 militants from Hezbollah's elite Radwan force and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas's October 7 onslaught.

But they were forced back by Israeli airstrikes, allowing IDF commandos to conduct some 70 raids undetected in which they destroyed weapons caches, collapsed tunnels and gathered intelligence, Hagari said.

It was revealed this afternoon that the IDF also mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border in the wake of the latest ground incursions.

'This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes,' the army said in a statement.

The statement did not provide details about the new brigades being called up, but one brigade typically consists of 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers, while an armoured tank brigade has about 100 tanks.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes today, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

A general view shows damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Search and rescue team members try to find victims following an overnight raid by the Israel army on the Palestinian camp of Ain Al Hilweh, in Sidon, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Despite the IDF's claims, Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon at all, casting doubt on the situation on the ground.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, the Lebanese group's spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were 'false claims' of an Israeli incursion, simply stating that his forces 'were ready' to respond to an invasion.

Many observers dismissed this as a propaganda tactic, but no videos or photos of Israeli troops in Lebanon had emerged at the time of writing.

Nevertheless, Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for an invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said.

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

A view from Shuja'iyya school after Israeli army's attack in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 01, 2024

Smoke billows amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.
The lights of the world's most prestigious and iconic theatres were dimmed tonight in memory of Dame Maggie Smith.

As family, friends and fans mourn for the loss of the British iconic actress who died last Friday, the lights of some of renown West End theatres were dimmed in honour of the double Academy Award-winning star

A video shared online shows the moment several people stopping to film the minutes when the glittering lights which illuminate the street were momentarily turned off at 7pm.

It comes as MailOnline revealed images which showed Dame Maggie was on roaring form during a lunch at Lemonia restaurant in Primrose Hill just seven days before she died.

The two minute switch off was announced on Friday after the death of the 89-year-old beloved star by her sons Chis Larkin and Toby Stephens issued via her publicist.

The dimming of the lights is a solemn tradition where the great West End theatres switch off their outside lights for a minute in honour of those who have died.

The statement read: 'It is with great sadness we have to announce the death of Dame Maggie Smith.

The lights of the world's most prestigious and iconic theatres in London's West End were dimmed tonight in memory of Dame Maggie Smith

Maggie Smith beaming for the camera in a fashion campaign for Loewe in what would end up being her last photo

Dame Maggie Smith attending the Royal and World Premiere of The Second Best Exotic Marigold Hotel at the Odeon in Leicester Square, London on February 17, 2015

Dame Maggie Smith in the 1976 film Murder By Death which also starred Alec Guinness

Maggie Smith on the stage of the Old Vic in London, on April 8, 1970, during an intermission of rehearsal of The Beaux' Stratagem

Make up and hair artists add the finishing touches to Maggie Smith before she faces the camera with Peter Ustinov in the comedy 'Hot Millions' being filmed in 1968

'She passed away peacefully in hospital early this morning, Friday 27th September.

'An intensely private person, she was with friends and family at the end. She leaves two sons and five loving grandchildren who are devastated by the loss of their extraordinary mother and grandmother.

'We would like to take this opportunity to thank the wonderful staff at the Chelsea and Westminster Hospital for their care and unstinting kindness during her final days.

'We thank you for all your kind messages and support and ask that you respect our privacy at this time.'

Dame Maggie was widely recognised after playing the fanatical teacher Jean Brodie in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie.

She also won the heart of Harry Potter fans when she appeared in the film services as Professor McGonagall.

Maggie Smith alongside Miriam Margolyes, Richard Harris and Alan Rickman in 2002 film Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets

Dame Maggie Smith is made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on October 17, 2014

Dame Maggie Smith played the Dowager Countess of Grantham in Downton Abbey

However her recognition took a new step as she was central to ITV series Downton Abbey, in her Emmy-award winning role as the acerbic Violet Crawley, Dowager Countess of Grantham, which she continued to play in the films.

She was nominated six times at the Academy Awards, two for a leading role and four for supporting, and won twice for her portrayals of Jean Brodie and Diana Barrie in the 1978 film California Suite.

She was made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour by Queen Elizabeth II during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on October 17, 2014

The video, by Matt Hemley, showing the tribute and shared on social media, has been by over 200,000 people at the time of writing.

Harry Potter star, Daniel Radcliffe, who worked alongside Dame Maggie during the franchise said: 'The first time I met Maggie Smith I was nine years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job.

'I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.

'The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was "would you like me to call you Dame?" at which she laughed and said something to the effect of "don't be ridiculous!"

'I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.'

Daniel Radcliffe as Young David and Maggie Smith as Betsey Trotwood in David Copperfield in 1999

Dame Maggie as Professor Minerva McGonagall and Daniel Radcliffe as Harry Potter in The Philosopher's Stone

Maggie Smith, Emma Watson, Rupert Grint and Daniel Radcliffe in Harry Potter And The Philosopher's Stone

Dame Maggie Smith appears in the 2005 film Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram story

He spoke of her 'fierce intellect' and 'gloriously sharp tongue' and said she 'could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny'.

The 35-year-old actor added: 'I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her. Thank you Maggie.'

Rupert Grint, who played Ron Weasley in the franchise also paid a heartfelt tribute.

He said: 'Heartbroken to hear about Maggie. She was so special, always hilarious and always kind.

'I feel incredibly lucky to have shared a set with her and particularly lucky to have shared a dance. Ill miss you Maggie. Sending all my love to her family. Rupert x'

Emma Watson, who played Hermione Granger, posted a heartfelt message on her Instagram story that read: 'When I was younger I had no idea of Maggie's legend - the woman I was fortunate enough to share space with.

'It is only as I've become and adult that I've come to appreciate that I shared the screen with a true definition of greatness. She was real, honest, funny and self-honouring. Maggie, there were a lot of male professors and by God you held your own. Thank you for all of your kindness. I'll miss you.'

Author JK Rowling also paid tribute to Dame Maggie with a social media post that simply said: 'Somehow I thought she'd live forever. RIP Dame Maggie Smith.'
British nationals were scrambling to get out of Lebanon by any means last night with families desperately paying thousands to flee on luxury yachts and private jets.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy warned Beirut airport could be closed at any moment, as he announced the Government has chartered a plane for those remaining today.

Up to 6,000 UK citizens are still in Lebanon despite repeated warnings to get out before Israel's invasion began on Monday evening.

As the bombs fell, the Mail spoke to several Britons on the ground who are refusing to move. One said: 'Sometimes cutting and running is not an option.'

While Israel said 'fierce fighting' rages in southern Lebanon, drone attacks and air strikes have rocked Beirut and major cities further north with hundreds of civilians killed in the past two weeks.

It is feared the country could descend into civil war as Christian and Druze communities on the border block fleeing Shiite refugees, worried the presence of Hezbollah members among them will make their towns a target.

Drone attacks and air strikes have rocked Beirut and major cities further north with hundreds of civilians killed in the past two weeks (pictured: a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon)

It is feared the country could descend into civil war as Christian and Druze communities on the border block fleeing Shiite refugees (pictured: IDF missiles hitting Hezbollah targets in Lebanon)

Up to 6,000 UK citizens are still in Lebanon despite repeated warnings to get out before Israel's invasion began on Monday evening (pictured: People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing into Syria)

Many who have the cash are turning to private boat companies to get them to safety in Cyprus and Turkey

The Government has chartered a plane for those remaining British nationals in Lebanon (pictured: Sir Keir Starmer makes a statement on the evolving situation in the Middle East on October 1)

Mr Lammy is 'seeking more capacity' to get people out as scores of flights were cancelled with the few remaining tickets on airlines still operating booked up.

'I have warned for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close,' he said.

'We cannot guarantee we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion. This is turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground.'

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the UK charter flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised. Mr Lammy added: 'We cannot make guarantees in what is a febrile and fragile situation.'

With only the Lebanese Middle East Airlines operating to and from Beirut, many who have the cash are turning to private boat companies to get them to safety in Cyprus and Turkey.

Captain Elias Khawand, who is running the operation of multiple boats, said he is receiving hundreds of phone calls every day.

A ticket costs $1,500 (1,120) on the vessels used for party trips in peace time. They have shipped out 1,000 people since swinging into action two weeks ago.

'We only have luxury boats which is expensive and the number of passengers is restricted,' said Mr Khawand. 'We are trying to get a ferry from Cyprus but we're facing issues with authorisation from Lebanon.'

Dozens of Britons have used this route, but he was forced to suspend crossings for two days yesterday as the sea is too rough.

The chaos has seen others resort to forking out for private jets. American Rick Sweeney runs a security company and has been facilitating getting clients out of the country by any means.

He has organised boat evacuations, overland escapes through Syria and even chartered planes.

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

'We're a little worried about the airspace,' he said. 'We have a ten-seater plane and a 100-seater.'

On Sunday morning, the pilot of the ten-seater said it was too dangerous and 'called it quits'.

But some Britons are staying put. Retired teacher Valerie Fakhoury, 69, from Country Durham, who has lived in Lebanon for 30 years, said her daughter and granddaughter fled over the weekend, but she will not leave.

'My husband is Lebanese and I feel here is home,' she said. 'And I have nowhere really to go in England. I don't feel at this minute there's a need to panic.

'I was here when the Israelis invaded in 2006, I was on the last ferry out. Then I was caught up in the Beirut [port] explosion and got injured.'

Another Briton in his 60s, who asked not to be named, has moved to safety in the mountains. His Lebanese wife is seriously ill and requires home care.

'Cutting and running is sometimes not an option,' he said. 'It doesn't matter where I'm based, but her base is here with the children.'

The Israeli military launched a 'limited, localised' operation in southern Lebanon yesterday, striking Hezbollah 'infrastructure'.

Civilians were warned not to use vehicles to travel south across the Litani river, 20 miles north of the border.

Residents in around 25 villages were told to evacuate and head north.
Olivia Nuzzi has sensationally blamed her ex-fiance for leaking details of her 'affair' with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. in what she claims was a bizarre attempt to blackmail her into continuing their relationship.

The New York Magazine writer, 31, was placed on leave last month after it was revealed that she had engaged in an 'emotional and digital affair' with the former presidential candidate, 70, after she profiled him for a story in November.

Both she and RFK Jr. have insisted the relationship was never physical, with their tryst reportedly extending to steamy sexting sessions and 'incredible' Facetime sex, as friends told Page Six that Nuzzi was impressed by 70-year-old RFK Jr.'s 'sexual stamina'.

But Nuzzi has now lodged a court filing in Washington DC's Supreme Court claiming her now ex-fiance Ryan Lizza 'explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputationa threat he has since carried out.'

In 2022, the Correspondent got engaged to Nuzzi, who announced their betrothal on Instagram with a series of videos showing off a huge, solitaire-cut sparkler on her ring finger

Lizza, the chief Washington correspondent for Politico, was issued with a no-contact order at a court hearing on Tuesday. He did not attend.

He told CNN in a statement: 'I am saddened that my ex-fiancee would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings.

'I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully.'

Nuzzi alleges Lizza began a campaign of harassment in July in an effort to blackmail her back into their relationship.

Olivia Nuzzi has filed against her ex-fiance accusing him of blackmailing her over her 'affair' with RFK Jr

The New York Magazine writer, 31, was sensationally placed on leave after it was revealed that she had engaged in an 'emotional and digital affair' with the former presidential candidate after he was the subject of a story she wrote\

Nuzzi claims Lizza stole an electronic device from her, hacked her, and then 'shopped' information around to media outlets.

The 31-year-old reporter claims her former partner is also behind her bosses finding out about her connection with RFK Jr., potentially 'through a third party or anonymous channel.'

A judge on Tuesday ruled that Nuzzi can have police with her when she attempts to get her belongings back from Lizza.

The matter will return to court on October 15.

The longtime political reporter shot to immense fame after he released a profanity-filled interview with ex-White House Communications Director, Anthony Scaramucci in 2017

Lizza was previously the New Yorker's Washington Correspondent but was fired in 2017 due to allegations of 'improper sexual conduct', as he joined a list of powerful industry figures to face allegations related to the #MeToo movement.

He had married his college sweetheart Christina Irene Gillespie, a family physician, at the St. Regis Hotel in Washington in June 2004. The pair had two children but after 11 years of marriage, they filed for divorce.

In 2022, the correspondent got engaged to Nuzzi, who announced their betrothal on Instagram with a series of videos showing off a huge, solitaire-cut sparkler on her ring finger.

The former couple were due to publish a book together about the 2020 election which has since stalled. Page Six had reported that they were struggling to come up with the anticipated political scoops, with Biden's team in particular mistrustful of Nuzzi.

As reports continue to emerge of New York Magazine's OIivia Nuzzi's affair with RFK Jr., many eyes have turned to her equally controversial reporter ex-fiance, Ryan Lizza

This week, DailyMail.com revealed close friends of RFK Jr's wife, actress Cheryl Hines, are expecting her to file for divorce in the wake of the controversy

On Tuesday, DailyMail.com revealed close friends of RFK Jr's wife, actress Cheryl Hines, are expecting her to file for divorce in the wake of the controversy.

In an exclusive interview, a Hines confidante said the television star, 59, was 'blindsided' by the scandal and had believed her husband's philandering was a thing of the past.

The tryst between Kennedy and Nuzzi reportedly began after she profiled him in an unflattering article for New York Magazine in November 2023.

In her story, Nuzzi condemned Kennedy's 'filthy' car, the 'fear' driving his campaign, and how he tended to cause a 'simmering panic attack' in Washington.

Nuzzi wrote how she went hiking with RFK Jr. near his $6.6 million home in Brentwood, California, which she acknowledged he shared with his wife Cheryl, best known as the star of Curb Your Enthusiasm.

Nuzzi wrote an unflattering profile of Kennedy last fall, where she condemned his 'filthy' car, the 'fear' driving his campaign, and how he caused a 'simmering panic attack' in Washington

'Bobby, as hes known to friends, walked through the French doors dressed for his morning hike in blue jeans, a black hoodie, Keens, and an unfriendly expression,' Nuzzi wrote.

She said she joined Kennedy in his van, which resembled one that 'survived a nuclear war' or 'the chicken-pox vaccine.'

'Rearview mirror smashed to bits, seat belts chewed off, cushions gnawed open, filth and dog hair covering every surface. The death machine smells so bad I thought I might pass out after about 15 seconds riding shotgun,' she wrote.

The unflattering depiction of Kennedy continued as Nuzzi described 'the astounding amount of waste produced by his dogs' on their hike, and recalled how he joyfully pointed out 'coyote s***' to her during the walk.

Although the pair insist their relationship was never physical, it did reportedly extend to steamy texting and Facetime sessions.

Nuzzi was placed on placed on leave after she admitted to 'the nature of some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal', in a statement to DailyMail.com last month.
The former deputy leader of the Conservative Party Michael Ancram has died aged 79.

Mr Ancram, known formally as the 13th Marquess of Lothian, held the role under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard for five years in the early 2000s.

He also served as shadow foreign secretary and had been a member of the House of Lords since 2010, in a political career spanning five decades.

He died in hospital surrounded by family in the early hours of Tuesday following a short illness, his family said in a statement.

New Scottish Conservative leader Russell Findlay posted on X: 'I am sorry to hear of the passing of Michael Ancram who was a first-rate politician and a gentleman. The thoughts of all in the Scottish Conservatives are with his wife and family.'

Former Tory chairman Michael Ancram has died aged 79. Here he is pictured arriving for a service at St Margaret's Church in London in 2023

Mr Ancram, known formally as the 13th Marquess of Lothian, was the former deputy leader of the Conservative Party

He had held the role under Iain Duncan Smith and Michael Howard for five years in the early 2000s

Lord Donald Cameron, a former Scotland Office minister and former MSP, said his uncle had been 'a huge support and inspiration'.

He said on the social media platform: 'Some very sad news tonight. Michael was a man of great warmth, humour and generosity. As an uncle, he was a huge support and inspiration to me.

'We will all miss him very much. Eternal rest grant unto him.'

Former Tory leader Iain Duncan Smith said: 'He was a huge support to me when I was Leader of the Conservative party and a stable voice at times of difficult decision making.

'I will miss him enormously and my Party and country have lost a great public servant.'

One of his predecessors, Jackson Carlaw, said Mr Ancram was a 'politician of charm, principle & duty, he served our country with distinction, while it was always immense fun to be in his company'.

His family said in a statement that he died in hospital surrounded by family in the early hours of Tuesday following a short illness

Mr Ancram also served as shadow foreign secretary and had been a member of the House of Lords since 2010

Jackson Carlaw, who briefly led the Scottish Tories in 2020, described Mr Ancram as 'a politician of charm, principle and duty' who had 'served our country with distinction'.

Mr Ancram's nephew Donald Cameron, a former minister, said: 'Michael was a man of great warmth, humour and generosity.

'As an uncle, he was a huge support and inspiration to me. We will all miss him very much. Eternal rest grant unto him.'

Ex-minister Paul Scully said the peer was a 'real servant of the Conservative party and the country'.

Welsh Tory leader Andrew Davies added: 'Michael Ancram was a staunch and passionate defender of our Union and our nation.'

Speaker of the House of Commons Lindsay Hoyle also said he was the 'nice guy of politics'.

Danny Kruger, the MP for East Wiltshire, said: 'Sad news of the death of Michael Ancram, my predecessor-but-one as MP for Devizes. Michael was a great Conservative and a much loved MP.

'He helped our Party recover its principles & purpose after 1997; we could use his wisdom now. A long life well lived in the public service.'

Veteran crossbench peer Lord Alton said: 'He and his formidable mother (Lady Lothian) gave me great personal encouragement and support in defending the right to life. In both Houses he made wise, measured and well informed interventions.'
Smiling for the camera, it is a portrait that any family would be certain to cherish.

Except this is the worlds biggest cyber crime outfit, responsible for cheating Britons out of hundreds of millions of pounds.

The National Crime Agency released yesterday this extraordinary snapshot of Russian crook Maksim Yakubets with his family.

They are said to run the worlds most harmful cyber crime group, appropriately named Evil Corp.

The NCA, Britains FBI, has revealed for the first time that the gang is headed by Maksim along with his money-laundering father Viktor, brother Artem, cousins Kirill and Dmitry Slobodskoy plus father-in-law Eduard Benderskiy, a former high-ranking official in the Russian intelligence service, the FSB.

Mastermind Maksim Yakubets (left), Father Viktor Yakubets (centre) and brother Artem Yakubets

Sixteen individuals who were part of Evil Corp, once believed to be the most significant cybercrime threat in the world, have been sanctioned in the UK

Brothers Aleksandr and Sergey Ryzhenkov are part of the list of individuals sanctioned

For more than a decade, multi-millionaire Maksim is said to have targeted thousands of Britons, stealing their life savings by hacking their bank details and undertaking espionage missions on behalf of the Russian state to target Nato countries.

Described as untouchable in Moscow, Maksim regularly films himself doing doughnuts around local police, tyres screeching in his Ferrari or customised Lamborghini supercar with a personalised number plate that means Thief in Russian.

The 37-year-old, who has worked for the FSB, is said to live like a king, splashing out on supercars, tiger and lion cubs and splurging more than 250,000 on his wedding. In 2019, a 3.8million US State Department reward  the largest bounty ever offered for a cyber criminal, was placed on his head.

But now the NCA is widening the net, naming the friends and family making millions by intercepting bank transfers of the public plus hundreds of businesses, schools and religious organisations.

Investigators have uncovered photos of the Yakubets clan posing at lavish black-tie events and enjoying holidays. Maksim is said to have started the operation in 2007 from Moscow cafes, employing dozens of people to rinse victims in 43 countries using viruses that are designed not to target anyone in Russia.

Pictured: Denis Gusev, Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, Sergey Ryzhenkov, Artem Yakubets, Kirill Slobodskoy, Dmitriy Slobodskoy, Beyat Ramazanov. These individuals were part of Evil Corp

Pictured Dmitriy Slobodskoy, Maksim Yakubets, Artem Yakubets, Kirill Slobodskoy. These individuals were part of Evil Corp

The National Crime Agency is now naming the friends and family making millions by intercepting bank transfers of the public plus hundreds of businesses, schools and religious organisations

The family business grew to develop relationships with Russias intelligence services, the FSB, SVR and GRU through his father-in-law.

Benderskiy worked for the FSBs secretive Vympel unit, which is close to the Kremlin. Yesterday 16 members of Evil Corp were sanctioned in the UK, US and Australia as investigators revealed the web has extorted at least 225million from victims globally. But insiders say the chances of capturing Maksim are small.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said: I am making it my mission to target the Kremlin with the full arsenal of sanctions at our disposal.

Putin has built a corrupt mafia state with himself at its centre. We must combat this at every turn, and todays action is just the beginning.

Todays sanctions send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate Russian cyber attacks  whether from the state itself or from its cyber-criminal ecosystem.
An Iowa trucker was using a sex chat website on his phone when he caused a multi-car pile-up on a Minnesota highway that killed an unborn baby.

The collision took place on the dangerous I-35 in Fairbault, Minnesota on August 23, 2023 when Joel Adam Sassman's semi-truck collided into a Chevy Suburban.

Troopers responded around 12:20 p.m. for the crash. Officers say all six vehicles were headed north along the highway in a construction zone when there was a collision between a semi and a Chevy Suburban, which caused a chain-reaction.

Eight people in five different vehicles suffered injuries from the crash but 31-year-old Kaitlyn Herbert later lost what would've been her fourth child with her husband Shane while riding as a passenger in the Suburban.

Sassman, who himself was unharmed, was charged last week with criminal vehicular operation causing the death of an unborn child and eight further counts of criminal vehicular operation alleging gross negligence.

An Iowa trucker was using a sex chat website on his phone when he caused a multi-car pile-up on a Minnesota highway that killed an unborn baby

Eight people in five different vehicle suffered injuries from the crash but 31-year-old Kaitlyn Herbert later lost what would've been her fourth child with her husband Shane while riding as a passenger in the Suburban

He told police that 'everything just stopped, and I ran into the back of that car' but eventually police spotted a photo of a semi-nude woman on his phone.

Sassman claimed to be looking at the picture but not at the time of the crash but police soon found further evidence.

'The defendant ... did not have his full attention dedicated to the act of driving his vehicle,' the complaint read.

'There is evidence of [him] accessing websites and sending messages on his cellular phone shortly before the collision. If [he had] been alert to the slowed traffic, then he could have safely slowed his vehicle, and this collision does not occur.'

In addition, they found searches made by Sassman on Adult Friend Finder, an Instagram message and a Snapchat message sent just two minutes before the crash.

A driver in one of the cars involved had begun to slow down to head into the construction zone and saw the truck approaching at a high speed, while two others said they never saw his brake lights go on.

The Herberts have three children who were all under the age of four at the time of the crash, all suffering injuries but they mourned the loss of their unborn child on a GoFundMe.

'Our baby boy, Maddox Paul Herbert, was delivered in the OR and rushed into another room where a team of doctors began to work on him in attempts to save his life. The trauma to Maddox was too great and they were unable to revive him.'

Sassman's next appearance in court is scheduled for December 18.
Tonight marks the one and only debate between vice presidential hopefuls - Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Ohio Sen. J.D. Vance.

The two men will square off at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York.

The debate will be moderated by CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell and Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan.

The conversation could get colorful as it was Vance who first claimed that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio were eating the residents' pets.

Former President Donald Trump produced the most viral moment during last month's debate in Philadelphia against Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, when he brought up the Springfield pet conspiracy theory.

'They're eating the dogs - the people that came in. They're eating the cats,' Trump claimed. 'They're eating the pets.'

Local officials have pushed back on Trump's and Vance's claims since the September 10 debate in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

And despite Democratic criticism of Trump spreading mistruths, party members have kept alive a fake rumor that Vance included a passage in his best-selling book, Hillbilly Elegy, where he makes love to a couch.

There's also a rumor being pushed by the left that Vance wears eyeliner.

Vance will likely go after Walz over his military record - hence the inclusion of the term 'stolen valor' - and his handling of the Black Lives Matter protests that tore through Minneapolis during the summer of 2020, during Walz's tenure as governor.

Walz will likely call attention to Vance's 'childless cat lady' comments about Democrats.

The Minnesota governor got attention from Harris' team after calling Trump and Vance 'weird' when stumping for Democratic candidates - a dig that helped him get picked for the 2024 ticket.

And in a callback to the vice presidential debate four years ago, BINGO will immediately be won if a fly lands on a candidate's head.

In 2020, a fly landed on Vice President Mike Pence as he participated in a debate against Harris in Salt Lake City, Utah.
My friend Naomi was on the bus on her way home when the sirens began wailing throughout Tel Aviv. Her experiences are harrowing.

'Suddenly our phones were vibrating with alerts, the bus was evacuated and we all had to hide behind the bus shelter,' she tells me, sobbing.

'There were two little children cowering next to me and their mum was covering their heads with her arm.'

When, after a while, the rockets stopped, Naomi and the other passengers got back on the bus. Moments later the barrage began again.

'This time we ran under a bridge,' said Naomi. 'We could see the rockets flying over us in the sky. Every time one was hit by a defensive Iron

Dome missile, the boom was so loud that the ground shook.'

A man holds two children as people take cover during an air raid siren in Israel

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv

Civilians take shelter as Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel on October 1

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1

After a few more minutes, Naomi, 32, got back on the bus. They were driving along the highway when the rockets began to rain down on them for a third time.

'We were like sitting ducks. There was nowhere to go. We lay on the side of the highway under some bushes and I was shaking,' she said.

'I video-called my mum because I was absolutely terrified. And I just started praying  saying the Shema [the last thing a Jew is supposed to say before death] and screaming and crying. I was telling her I thought I was going to die. And I just kept saying I am going to die here. I am going to die. I don't want to die.'

After more than an hour, it stopped. For now.

It is a story that so many Israelis will recognise after Iran lashed out with a huge missile attack yesterday evening.

And like so many with friends and family in Israel, I have spent the past days gripped with fear, worrying that such an attack would take place.

At just after 5.15pm UK time, I received my first text from Israel.

Dozens of WhatsApp groups all with the same frantic questions: 'Are you in a shelter?' 'Are you safe?' 'Is everyone ok?'

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

People take cover behind vehicles under a bridge along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv on October 1

Men, women and children take shelter as air raid sirens sounded across Israel

Israel's military stated that Iran has launched missiles towards the State of Israel

But this was frighteningly different to the thousands of rocket attacks that Israelis have sadly grown used to these past 12 months.

That is because it was Iran which had decided to launch almost 200 ballistic missiles into Israel, forcing millions of citizens  including scores of my family and friends  into bomb shelters.

This is only the second time Iran has directly targeted Israel with missiles, instead of using one of its proxy groups.

A previous attack in April was mercifully frustrated by Israel's Iron Dome air-defence system. Just after 5pm local time, gunmen opened fire on innocent civilians in Jerusalem Boulevard in the port city of Jaffa.

Devastating images started to circulate on WhatsApp groups of dead bodies strewn across the pavement.

When the Mail went to press, at least six had been killed and ten wounded. Immediately I texted my family group chat: 'Checking no one is in Jaffa or Tel Aviv.' My aunt replied that she was safe at home. 'Don't go out!' my grandma added nervously.

Then my 'Red Alerts' app  which warns users about the location of missile attacks in Israel  started to flash.

When I clicked on the app, the entire map of Israel was covered by these red warning signs. Tel Aviv. Jerusalem. Ra'anana: All predicted to be struck by missiles in a matter of minutes.

Projectiles fly in the sky after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Iranians celebrate on the street after a barrage of missiles was unleashed on Israel

This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Tel Aviv as Israel's anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran

Israeli police inspect a crater left by an exploded projectile at a heavily-damaged school building in Israel's southern city of Gedera

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Many rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

As I zoomed into the map I could see that many of the areas being indiscriminately targeted by Iran's terror missiles were filled with my loved ones  waiting expectantly in shelters.

It is hard to articulate the panic of knowing that your family and friends are trapped in a country that is being rained on with deadly fire.

'It's horrendous to watch,' my mum messaged in the chat as her sister (my aunt) hid in a bomb shelter with her husband and three of her children.

These deadly 'fireworks' were also filmed soaring over Jerusalem  the holiest place for so many religions.

Meanwhile my cousin, who is studying in a religious college or 'Yeshiva' in the north of Israel, started sending shocking videos of rockets flying nearby alongside the caption 'non stop booms!'

'Stop filming and get in the shelter!' my aunt responded in a panic. But the trauma for so many Israelis will last long beyond this night of terror.

'It's so sad what happened,' my 14-year-old cousin messaged me at around 7.45pm, once she was out of the shelter.

I had no real words of reassurance for her.

'I know, my love. It is.'
Sir Keir Starmer will today tell top Eurocrats that he wants to work 'in lockstep' with them while building a 'more pragmatic and mature relationship'.

The Prime Minister will try to cosy up to European Union bosses with warm words in a bid to 'reset' relations during his first trip to Brussels.

But there could be clashes over a freedom of movement-style deal for young people, with Eurocrats set to warn him that it will likely be the price for closer trading and other ties.

EU officials are also understood to be becoming frustrated with Sir Keir for failing to explicitly say what he wants from a reset - and could demand he spells it out more clearly.

'We need the UK to tell us what it wants,' one diplomat said.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks with Sir Keir Starmer in New York last month

Sir Keir leaves 10 Downing Street ahead of Prime Minister's Questions on September 4

The PM will have talks with Ursula von der Leyen, the European Commission boss, at around 1pm (UK TIME) before meeting EU Council president Charles Michel.

He will round off the day trip by meeting European Parliament president Roberta Metsola at around 4pm.

Before his scheduled departure this morning, Sir Keir, who voted Remain and campaigned for a second referendum in a bid to reverse Brexit while in opposition, said last night: 'The UK is undeniably stronger when it works in lockstep with its closest international partners.

'This has never been more important - with war, conflict and insecurity all knocking on Europe's door.

'We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union.

'Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve - securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.'

It strikes a warmer tone than previous Tory premiers, with former PMs Boris Johnson, Liz Truss and Theresa May all having had testy relationships with Brussels during the fraught Brexit negotiations.

Relations thawed somewhat under Rishi Sunak after he struck a new deal on trading relations governing Northern Ireland.

European Council chief Charles Michel speaks during the closing press conference of an European Union summit on Ukraine in May 2022

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks onstage during the Global Citizen Festival 2024 in Central Park, New York on September 28

However, Sir Keir's government has repeatedly rejected the EU's proposals for a pact which would allow young people to travel and work in the EU and UK, with Downing Street understood to believe they look too much like the free movement of people ended by Brexit.

EU diplomats have suggested there is only limited room for 'tweaks', meaning the issue of a so-called 'youth mobility deal' could become an early sticking point.

Today's talks will also likely touch on the PM's desire to improve the post-Brexit trade treaty, known as the Trade and Cooperation Agreement (TCA), agreed by former PM Mr Johnson.

This includes striking a 'veterinary agreement' to reduce trade barriers on agrifoods, easier access for service professionals and a deal to reduce paperwork for touring musicians and other artists.

They could also cover greater alignment with the bloc's rules in areas such as the chemicals sector and an enhanced deal for workers in the City of London, which Chancellor Rachel Reeves has previously called for.

Tackling illegal migration and small boat Channel crossings will also be touched on, as well as a potential new security pact and better exchanges between police and security services.

The UK has said that it wants a deal to ease restrictions on touring artists, but the EU has ruled this out.

This is because it would require changes to customs and road haulage rules that breach Britain's own red lines.

President of the European Commission Ursula von der Leyen speaks with Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer at the United Nations in New York last month

During the election campaign, Sir Keir said 'everything' about the 'botched' post-Brexit relationship needed re-negotiating, insisting he could strike a 'better' one.

It sparked fears that he may betray the 2016 vote to Leave by caving into certain Brussels demands and slowly unpicking Brexit, as Eurocrats will expect something in return.

Labour promised in its manifesto, however, not to rejoin the bloc's single market and customs union.

The TCA is scheduled to be formally reviewed in 2026, when tensions over other traditionally emotive issues - such as fishing rights - could resurface.

France has told other EU countries that any 'reset' with the UK must include the same level of fishing access to Britain's waters as at present.
A major update in the case of a white female Dallas police officer who killed an unarmed black man eating ice cream in his apartment has left the victim's family furious.

Amber Guyger, now 35, was still in uniform when she returned to her apartment complex on September 6, 2018 and mistook Botham Jean's apartment for her own - which was on the floor directly below his.

She testified at her trial the following year that she found the door ajar, and shot and killed Jean, 27, after mistaking him for an intruder.

Guyger was found guilty of murder in 2019 and was sentenced to 10 years behind bars.

But on Sunday - on what would have been Jean's 33rd birthday - Guyger qualified for parole after serving just five years in prison, the Texas Department of Criminal Justice confirmed to CBS News.

Amber Guyger, now 35, is eligible for parole after serving five years behind bars for the murder of 27-year-old Botham Jean

'His birthdays are always hard, but today is extremely hard,' Jean's sister, Allisa Charles-Findley told NBC DFW, as she and her family fight to keep Guyger behind bars.

'She has only been in for five years, and we have a lifetime without Botham.'

'She's caused my family tremendous, tremendous hurt, tremendous pain,' her mother, Allison Jean added. 'She ought to remain where she is.

'She needs to serve here entire 10-year term, which is well below a sentence that one receives for a murder, murder of an innocent man in the comfort of his home, doing nothing wrong.'

The family is expected to be interviewed by the Texas Parole Board in the coming days as it considers letting Guyger go free.

Other relatives are also writing letters to the parole board urging it to deny Guyger's parole, and supporters of Botham's family have started an online petition.

Jean was eating ice cream on his couch when Guyger shot and killed him on September 6, 2018

His mother, Allison Jean, is now trying to prevent Guyger from being released on parole

'Amber Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison,' it says. 'This sentence was intended to serve as a measure of justice for Botham Jean and his family, and as a statement that such actions will not be tolerated.

'Granting parole at this time would undermine the severity of the crime and the justice that was sought through the legal process.

'Allowing Amber Guyger to be released early would not only be a disservice to Botham Jean's memory, but also to the principles of justice and accountability,' the petition, which has garnered nearly 1,700 signatures as of Tuesday evening, continues.

'We believe that Amber Guyger should serve her full sentence as a reflection of the gravity of her actions and to uphold the integrity of our justice system.

'We urge the Texas Board of Pardons and Paroles to deny her parole request and ensure that justice is fully served for Botham Jean and his family.'

Even the Dallas County District Attorney's Office has said it sent a letter protesting her parole application, NBC DFW reports.

Guyger was still in her police uniform and had just returned from work when she fired at Jean. She was fired from the Dallas Police Department in the aftermath

Jean's death had sparked massive protests across the Texas city, as residents remained outraged that the accountant had just been eating a bowl of ice cream on his couch when he was fatally shot.

TIMELINE OF THE AMBER GUYGER CASE September 6, 2018: Botham Jean, a 27-year-old accountant at PwC, was sitting on his couch eating ice cream when Amber Guyger entered his apartment and shot him. September 9, 2018: Guyger is charged with manslaughter and is put on administrative leave from her job. Guyger, who was still in uniform, told investigators that she had finished a 13.5 hour shift and mistakenly parked on the fourth floor instead of the third floor. She said she found the door of the apartment she thought was hers 'slightly ajar'. She entered the apartment and fired two shots when she was a figure coming towards her. September 13, 2018: Jean's funeral is held at the Greenville Avenue Church of Christ in Dallas. September 24, 2018: Guyger is fired from the Dallas Police Department. November 30, 2018: Guyger is indicted on a murder charge by a grand jury. September 23, 2019: Guyger's murder trial begins in Dallas. Over the next week, jurors were shown body cam footage and 911 call from the night of the shooting. Jurors also hear from neighbors, Dallas PD officers and crime scene analysts. September 26, 2019: Guyger testifies in her own defense saying she was 'scared to death' when she encountered Jean in what she allegedly believed to be her own apartment. September 30, 2019: Prosecutors and defense deliver closing arguments. Jury starts deliberating. October 1, 2019: Guyger is found guilty of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. April 2021: Guyger appeals her murder conviction August 5, 2021: Texas appeals court upholds Guyger's murder conviction, ruling jury had sufficient evidence to find her guilty. March 30, 2022 - Texas Court of Criminal Appeals declines to hear Guyger's case September 29, 2024 - Guyger becomes eligible for parole Advertisement

Guyger was fired from the Dallas Police Department in the aftermath, and at her weeks-long trial in September 2019, she testified that she was 'scared to death' when she encountered Jean in what she believed to be her own apartment.

After she was found guilty of murder, Jean's brother, Brandt, stunned the courtroom by embracing his brother's killer at an emotional sentencing hearing and telling her Jean would have wanted her to turn her life over to Christ.

He said if she asked God for forgiveness, she would get it.

Judge Tammy Kemp also hugged the defendant and gave the ex-cop her own personal Bible to take with her to prison.

Kemp later said in an interview that she could not refuse Guyger a hug and argued that her act of compassion was appropriate because by then the trial was over.

But during her time behind bars, Guyger has repeatedly tried to appeal her conviction.

The appeal hinged on the claim that her mistaking Jean's apartment for her own was reasonable, and therefore, so too was the shooting.

Her lawyer asked the appeals court to acquit her of murder or substitute in a conviction for criminally negligent homicide, which carries a lesser sentence.

Dallas County prosecutors countered that the error was not reasonable, that Guyger acknowledged intending to kill Jean and that 'murder is a result-oriented offense.'

The court's chief justice, Robert Burns III, and Justices Lana Myers and Robbie Partida-Kipness concurred with prosecutors, disagreeing that Guyger's belief that deadly force was needed was reasonable.

In a 23-page opinion, the justices also disagreed that evidence supported a conviction of criminally negligent homicide rather than murder, and they pointed to Guyger's own testimony that she intended to kill.

'That she was mistaken as to Jean's status as a resident in his own apartment or a burglar in hers does not change her mental state from intentional or knowing to criminally negligent,' the judges wrote.

'We decline to rely on Guyger's misperception of the circumstances leading to her mistaken beliefs as a basis to reform the jury's verdict in light of the direct evidence of her intent to kill.'

Guyger then asked the Texas Court of Criminal Appeals - the state's highest forum for criminal cases - to review the appeals court's ruling.

But the court declined to hear her case in March 2022, upholding her sentence, according to WFAA.

'She made four appeals, which really showed that she didn't accept responsibility for what she did,' Allison Jean, the victim's mother, told the Dallas Morning News.

'And so that doesn't soften my own feelings about' her getting parole.

Guyger had claimed in court that she mistook Jean's apartment for her own

Guyger will now appear before the Texas Parole Board to plead her case for an early release.

Members of the board will then ask her 'how she has changed and what she thinks about all these things,' former parole officer Zerita Hall explained, noting there is a chance Guyger may not appear at the hearing in-person.

The letter that Botham's family have sent will then be considered.

'This man was murdered. He was killed in his own home,' Hall said.

'So I would imagine letters of support for her staying in prison would probably be pouring in.'

A decision on her parole could then be made as early as this month.
Israel came under fire from a salvo of 181 Iranian missiles on Tuesday night

Fears that the Middle East could be plunged into an all-out war are growing today after Israel vowed to strike 'powerfully' in response to Iran unleashing a barrage of nearly 200 missiles at them last night.

The UK reaffirmed its commitment to defending Israel by revealing that British forces 'played their part' in largely thwarting Iran as the West desperately scrambles to prevent the Middle Eastern conflict from escalating even further.

The Prime Minister, who was on the phone with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu when the Iranian attack began, said: 'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

In a rare urgent statement from Downing Street, Sir Keir Starmer also warned Brits to evacuate Lebanon, where Israeli forces launched a ground invasion on Iran-backed Hezbollah targets on Monday night.

At least five Israeli strikes reportedly hit Beirut's southern suburbs early this morning, with the world holding its breath as the IDF prepares to unleash a 'powerful' response.

Israel's defence system last night stood firm as Iran launched warheads towards Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in revenge for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the assassination of its leader last week.

In a major escalation by Iran, 181 missiles began raining down on Israel, with some rockets dramatically exploding into bright orange flames near Tel Aviv as air raid sirens sounded.

But as Iran unleashed a salvo of missiles, ordered by its supreme leader Ali Khamenei, falling projectiles burned like comets against the night sky after the rockets were intercepted by Israel's 'Iron Dome' defensive system.

The US has confirmed that its troops helped down the incoming missiles, with the UK also revealing British forces 'played their part'.

Defence Secretary John Healey 'condemned' Iran's attack, adding: 'British forces have this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East.'

MailOnline understands that the UK played a similar role to when it defended Israel from an Iranian attack in April. On this occasion, RAF fighter jets shot down a number of drones, with support from several other countries including the US.

It comes as:

Israel launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon overnight on Monday with the aim of driving Hezbollah forces away from the border;

The operation will be 'limited' and last for 'days, not weeks', Israeli officials told the US;

British nationals scrambled to escape the war-torn country, with the UK government chartering an aircraft from Beirut today;

Two terrorists armed with an assault rifle and a knife killed six people in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv minutes before the Iranian missile attack.

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya on October 1

Iranian state TV broadcasted the moment it launched nearly 200 missiles towards Israel

Projectiles are pictured being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem on Tuesday night

The UK has confirmed that 'British forces played their part in an attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East'

This picture shows a projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya

Many rockets, fired from Iran, were seen flying over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

Some of the missiles, fired from Iran towards Israel, falls on residential areas in Beit Al, near the West Bank city of Ramallah

People take shelter during an air raid siren after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles

Israeli air defense system fires to intercept rockets over Hadera, Israel

Dramatic footage shows missiles exploding near Tel Aviv - as the Iron Dome stood firm

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a celebration after the IRGC attack on Israel, in Tehran

People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Mr Healey added: 'I want to thank all British personnel involved in the operation for their courage and professionalism. The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats.'

The expected assault, hailed as 'heroic' by Iran-backed Hamas, marks a major escalation in the Middle East, and was 'twice the scope' of Tehran's bombardment in April, which saw more than 170 explosive drones and 120 ballistic missiles launched.

The sickening attack, which Israel has vowed to exact revenge for, forced civilians to seek shelter as huge chunks of molten metal crashed to the ground.

In a major embarrassment for Iran, the US said that the missile volley was 'defeated and ineffective', with just one reported death - a Palestinian man who was killed by shrapnel in the West Bank.

Despite Iran claiming a new type of hypersonic missile was also used for the first time, IDF Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said there were no Israeli casualties and just a few hits in the centre of the country and in the south.

'We are on high alert both defensively and offensively,' Hagari said in a TV broadcast.

'We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide.'

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu called Iran's massive missile attack on Israel 'a big mistake' and vowed to make Tehran 'pay for it'.

'Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it,' said Netanyahu hours after the attack, warning: 'Whoever attacks us, we attack them.'

In a separate statement, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who was at the command and control centre monitoring the interception of Iranian missiles, also vowed to punish Iran for the attack.

'Iran has not learned a simple lesson - those who attack the state of Israel, pay a heavy price,' he said in a statement issued by his office.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan condemned the 'significant escalation by Iran', but added: 'In short, this attack seems to have been defeated and ineffective'.

With the world holding its breath over an all-out war in the Middle East, the White House said President Joe Biden had ordered the US military to 'aid Israel's defence' and shoot down Iranian missiles.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, were both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room.

The US had earlier warned that it was preparing for Iran to launch ballistic missiles in yet another major escalation in the Middle East. These can reach their targets in just 12 minutes.

Some 181 missiles were fired into Israel in what Iran confirmed was a revenge attack for Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Iran claimed that 80 per cent of the missiles hit their targets, but the US and Israel have said the attack appears to have been ineffective. Footage online does appear to show that some of Iran's targets were hit, while some buildings had their windows smashed.

The Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps said its 'Fattah' hypersonic missile, which translates as 'conqueror' or 'bringer of victory' in Arabic, was part of the salvo.

The salvo of rockets, seen raining down on Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, came as Israeli police battled a terrorist attack in Jaffa, southern Israel, with Israeli media reporting that at least six people were shot dead.

The attack on Israel comes just hours after the IDF launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon to carry out raids against Iranian-backed Hezbollah targets.

Israeli police inspect a crater left by an exploded projectile at a heavily-damaged school building in Israel's southern city of Gedera

Palestinians investigate a projectile, after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, in Tubas, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank

A restaurant was severely damaged by a missile strike from Iran last night

Pictures show that the window was completely smashed in amid the Iranian onslaught

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv, but Israel's Iron Dome stood firm

A rocket is seen, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv

The missile strike came as Israeli police battled with a terrorist attack in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv

Iranian police stand guard as Iranians celebrate after Iran launched a missile attack on Israel, next to the British embassy, in Tehran

Men, women and children take shelter as air raid sirens sounded across Israel

British Prime Minister condemned the Iranian attack and said he was 'deeply concerned' that the Middle East is 'on the brink'

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel

Missiles rain down on Israel, as the IDF attempt to intercept them

A view of damaged vehicles as Israeli forces arrive in the area and investigate debris of missiles fired from Iran

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on October 1, 2024

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel's commercial hub Tel Aviv

Israel's military stated that Iran has launched missiles towards the State of Israel

Projectiles fly in the sky after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

Iranians celebrate on the street after a barrage of missiles was unleashed on Israel

As missiles bombarded Israel, the IDF said: 'A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. You are instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Command's instructions.

'The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel.'

In a chilling warning of further bloodshed, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said that should Israel retaliate Tehran's response would be 'more crushing and ruinous'.

They added: 'In response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel).'

But this statement was followed by a defiant announcement by Israel that its fighter jets are poised to attack other targets in the Middle East 'in a powerful way'.

Hamas also praised Iran's missile attack, releasing the statement: 'The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) blesses the heroic rocket launches carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran against wide areas of our occupied lands.'

It added that it was 'in revenge for the blood of our heroic martyrs'.

On Tuesday night, it appeared almost the entirety of the Iranian missiles were intercepted, either by Israel's allies, or by its own network of defensive systems such as the Iron Dome.

This photo taken on April 14, 2024 shows flares from explosions in the sky over Tel Aviv as Israel's anti-missile system intercepts missiles and drones from Iran

A child sleeps in the trunk of car as people displaced amid Israeli military strikes in Lebanon stay in a street in Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon

Smoke rises from a building following an Israeli military strike, in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

Police officers take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in central Israel

A missile is launched during a military exercise in an undisclosed location in the south of Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 19, 2024

A view of damaged buildings following Israeli attacks on Laylaki and Haret Hireyk neighborhood of Dahieh region in Beirut, Lebanon on October 1, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

Iranians burn an Israeli flag during a rally

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel October 1, 2024

A displaced child sleeps at a makeshift encampment where scores of displaced people live, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, at a beach in Beirut, Lebanon, October 1, 2024

Israeli soldiers ready their kit, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel October 1, 2024

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires toward targets in southern Lebanon, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

An Iranian missile system is displayed next to a banner with a picture of Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, during Iranian defence week, in a street in Tehran, Iran, September 24

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Smoke seeps out from building rubble at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

A military spokesperson said Israel recorded 'a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country'.

One Palestinian was reported to have been killed near the West Bank city of Jericho when a projectile landed nearby during the rocket barrage, said Hussein Hamayel, the Palestinian governor of the area. He said the man, originally from Gaza, was killed by falling shrapnel.

US Navy destroyers deployed to the eastern Mediterranean took down multiple missiles, according to security sources, while Israel's neighbour Jordan came to its aid.

Jordan's Public Security Directorate said its air defences and the Royal Jordanian Air Force had intercepted Iranian missiles and drones aimed at Israel.

A large-scale attack by Iran on Israel could now be the catalyst for an all-out war in the Middle East.

In the UK, Downing Street said it 'completely condemns Iran's actions'. In a rare emergency briefing, Sir Keir Stamer said he 'utterly condemned' Iran's attempt 'to harm innocent Israelis' and 'push the region ever-closer to the brink'.

He said: 'We stand with Israel, and recognise her right to self defence in the face of this aggression. Iran must stop these attacks, together with its proxies like Hezbollah.'

The PM added: 'We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people.

'I am deeply concerned that the region is on the brink and I am deeply concerned about the risk of miscalculation.'

He said the situation in Lebanon 'is incredibly grave' and warned British nationals to leave immediately.

Overnight, at least five Israeli strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs, a Lebanese security source said, as the Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah sites and issued several evacuation orders.

"At least five Israeli strikes targeted Beirut's southern suburbs," the source said, requesting anonymity because they were not authorised to speak to the media.

AFP correspondents heard multiple explosions and saw smoke rising in one area while a fire appeared to burn.

The Israeli military said early Wednesday that it was "currently striking Hezbollah terror targets in Beirut".

Sir Keir refused to confirm or deny whether the British military would be helping Israel, telling reporters: 'This is an evolving situation but what I will say is that we stand with Israel and her right to self defence and relevant updates will be provided in due course.'

Moments before Iran unleashed its missiles, Lord Admiral West, the former Head of the Royal Navy, questioned how large the scale of the attack would be and spoke about the implications this could have.

He told MailOnline: 'If it's pre-warned and fired on a limited scale, just for Iran to say to all their own people and to the terrorists in the region, 'Look, we're not taking this lying down the fact that the Israelis have attacked Hezbollah and gone into Lebanon', that's one thing.

'If it is a huge and major ballistic missile attack tied in with other actions as well, that's a different kettle of fish, and that could lead to a larger Middle East war.'

Lord West said that while the US have stepped in to assist Israel, it was unlikely that the UK would be able to help defend ballistic missiles.

He added: 'If it's only ballistic missiles, then there's little that we can do with our aircraft to shoot down ballistic missiles.

'If it's purely ballistic missiles being fired, then you can't shoot them down from a fighter aircraft.

'And that's all we'd have available in that area. Now, the Type 45 destroyer could shoot down a ballistic missile that's aimed at it, or something close to it, but not things that are being fired into Israel.'

Shadow Security Minister Tom Tugendhat MP also condemned the attack, saying: 'Iran's barbaric attack on Israel shows that the regime in Tehran is intent on killing as many innocent men, women, and children in Israel as possible.

'They are trying to murder Jews, Muslims and Christians in the only democracy of the Middle East. The world must unite in condemning this heinous act of state terrorism.

'This is just the latest action from a regime that, for the past 45 years, has murdered its own citizens and hundreds of thousands of Muslims in Syria and Yemen. Today, my thoughts are with the people of Israel and everyone in the Middle East who is suffering at the hands of Iran's brutal leaders.'

The ballistic missiles were fired from Iran while Iranian-backed Hezbollah militia in Lebanon also launched rockets and fired small arms into Israel.

It followed Israel's ground assault on Hezbollah positions in Lebanon and its killing of the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on Beirut last week.

The remarkably minimal impact of the barrage of missiles was in part due to Israel's sophisticated warning systems, its shelters and air defence networks such as the Iron Dome and David's Sling.

Hundreds of thousands of civilians in the centre and the south of the country received messages on mobile phones to take cover and avoid gatherings.

Last night, Professor Michael Clarke, previously of the Royal United Services Institute, said the Middle East faced a full-scale conflict.

He said: 'This might not be the only attack. If I was making decisions in Iran I wouldn't be just firing one salvo.

'I also suspect there will be a lot more terrorist incidents on behalf of Iran. In the past fortnight Israel has had its adversary on the back foot. The question is are they over-reaching themselves? Should we [the UK] support it fully?

'The wider world is saying be careful Israel, we are closer to a regional war than we were two weeks ago, or even 48 hours ago. A ceasefire does not appear to be on Israel's agenda.'

Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1, 2024

The casing of what is thought to be a Hezbollah rocket is seen lying on a pavement in Israel

Israeli artillery shells the village of Odaisseh in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel, 01 October 2024

Structures in Lebanon are hit by artillery fired by the Israeli Army, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Kiryat Shmona, northern Israel October 1, 2024

Fears of an Iranian attack were raised as the Israeli military warned the residents of more than two dozen Lebanese border communities to immediately evacuate their homes after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah late last night.

Israeli citizens elsewhere were warned by the Home Front Command to 'stay next to a protected space', 'minimise moving around the area' and 'avoid gatherings'.

Meanwhile IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee told Lebanese citizens to flee north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometres (36 miles) from the border, raising fears that the IDF may intend to send its forces deep into southern Lebanon or step up the intensity of airstrikes.

'You must head north of the Awali River to save yourselves and leave your houses immediately,' said the statement.

Iran in April launched hundreds of drones and missiles at Israel in a one-off retaliation for an Israeli strike on an Iranian consulate compound in Syria.

But all those projectiles were downed by Israeli, Jordanian, British and US defences, and analysts said the move was more a symbol of intent on Tehran's behalf and not designed to cause real damage.

The latest Iranian attack comes in response to Israel's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last Friday and the punishing airstrikes of the past week that have displaced more than 1 million people from their homes across southern and eastern Lebanon.

Tehran had appeared uncharacteristically reluctant to trumpet its support for Hezbollah in recent weeks even as Israel dramatically ramped up its military offensive against the Iranian proxy.

However, the Iranian Embassy in Lebanon this afternoon issued a cryptic statement affirming that Tehran will continue to 'stand by' Hezbollah.

'The Lebanese people are aware and can fully distinguish between their friends who stood by them in the darkest of circumstances, and those who provide cover for their enemy to besiege and target them,' it said.

'The influential role of Iran will become more and more clear to the world when the star of victory over Zionist terrorism shines,' it added.

'Iran is continuing its approach steadfastly, unaffected by all the noise that is happening.'

Israel's defence forces (IDF) claimed to have launched 'localised' cross-border raids on southern Lebanon late last night, which Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said were designed to prevent Hezbollah from conducting an 'October 7-style massacre'.

'Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel,' he said.

Clips and images released by the IDF showed tanks, artillery and helicopters pounding targets just across the border, along with a video showing special forces seemingly preparing under the cover of night for a raid.

However, Hezbollah and Lebanese officials have contested Israel's version of events, denying the claim that IDF troops had stepped foot on Lebanese soil.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah launched waves of rockets at targets across Israel yesterday, prompting officials to close beaches and limit the size of public gatherings.

Air raid sirens sounded across northern and central Israel this morning as air defence systems sprang into action to down the Hezbollah rockets - but some projectiles appeared to sneak through.

Pictures and videos shared to social media showed the remnants of downed projectiles lying in the streets, while smoke was seen rising from buildings struck in Hezbollah's attacks after explosions rang out in Tel Aviv.

The Lebanese group claimed it launched a barrage of Fadi 4 missiles at Israeli Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv, the IDF 8200 intelligence unit in Glilot, as well as a series of other military targets.

The Israeli military said their ground operations in Lebanon began in earnest on Monday night and involved the elite 98th division, which was deployed to the northern front two weeks ago from Gaza where they had been fighting against Hamas for months.

It said its air force and artillery supported ground troops engaged in 'localised and targeted ground raids' against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages.

Israeli officials have insisted the raids will be limited in scale, adding they do not intend to launch a ground assault on Beirut or occupy swathes of Lebanon.

The operation, which comes nearly a year on from Hamas' October 7 attacks, was given the green light yesterday - three days after Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was confirmed dead following a devastating attack in Beirut.

But Rear Admiral Hagari added this afternoon that IDF special forces units had been conducting small scale raids to destroy Hezbollah tunnels along the border ever since October 7.

Close to 3,000 militants from Hezbollah's elite Radwan force and the Palestinian Islamic Jihad were allegedly waiting in southern Lebanon villages to attack Israel in the days after Hamas's October 7 onslaught.

But they were forced back by Israeli airstrikes, allowing IDF commandos to conduct some 70 raids undetected in which they destroyed weapons caches, collapsed tunnels and gathered intelligence, Hagari said.

It was revealed this afternoon that the IDF also mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border in the wake of the latest ground incursions.

'This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes,' the army said in a statement.

The statement did not provide details about the new brigades being called up, but one brigade typically consists of 1,000 to 2,000 soldiers, while an armoured tank brigade has about 100 tanks.

Meanwhile, Israel's air force continued to pound targets across Lebanon with brutal airstrikes yesterday, while also hitting Damascus in Syria and various locations in Gaza.

Dystopian images that emerged early this morning showed Israeli flares and munitions lighting up the night sky in southern Lebanon, softening up Hezbollah positions in preparation for the IDF incursion.

A general view shows damaged buildings, in the aftermath of Israeli strikes on Beirut's southern suburbs, Lebanon October 1, 2024

Search and rescue team members try to find victims following an overnight raid by the Israel army on the Palestinian camp of Ain Al Hilweh, in Sidon, Lebanon, 01 October 2024

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon, on the Horeshim interchange in central Israel on October 1, 2024

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

Astonishing pictures show missiles being launched into Lebanon as a ground incursion got underway

Israeli armored personnel carriers (APC) and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024

A picture shows a view of the destruction at the site of an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Laylaki neighbourhood in Beirut's southern suburbs on October 1, 2024

Residents inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

Despite the IDF's claims, Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon at all, casting doubt on the situation on the ground.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, the Lebanese group's spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were 'false claims' of an Israeli incursion, simply stating that his forces 'were ready' to respond to an invasion.

Many observers dismissed this as a propaganda tactic, but no videos or photos of Israeli troops in Lebanon had emerged at the time of writing.

Nevertheless, Israel has dealt heavy blows to Hezbollah in the past two weeks.

It successfully pulled off a ruthless covert operation that saw thousands of rigged communication devices explode in the hands of Hezbollah members, and proceeded to launch a devastating campaign of airstrikes.

Hezbollah chief Nasrallah - a towering figure who turned the group into Lebanon's top military and political force - was assassinated last week along with several other senior commanders in one of those strikes.

Now, Israel has indicated it is primed for an invasion of Lebanon, with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

The deployment of boots on the ground overnight to conduct raids on southern Lebanese villages closest to the border represents a significant escalation in Israel's war against its enemy to the north.

The IDF said that its incursion, dubbed 'Operation Northern Arrows', will continue 'according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas'.

The IDF's incursion into southern Lebanon came after Netanyahu issued a stark warning to Iran, whom Hamas and Hezbollah are both backed by.

He said: 'There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country.'

Hezbollah's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday the group will fight any Israeli troops who try to occupy parts of Lebanon.

Lebanon's prime minister meanwhile said his country was facing 'one of the most dangerous phases of its history', urging the United Nations to provide aid for one million people displaced by Israeli air strikes.

'Around a million of our people have been displaced because of the devastating war that Israel is waging on Lebanon,' the National News Agency reported Najib Mikati as saying.

'We urgently call for more aid to reinforce our ongoing efforts to provide basic support to displaced civilians,' he added in a meeting with UN representatives.

Mikati later this morning launched an appeal for more than $400 million in aid to address the humanitarian crisis unfolding in his country in coordination with the UN humanitarian agency OCHA said.

An excavator operates among the rubble of buildings destroyed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day in Ain el-Delb neighborhood, east of the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon, 30 September 2024

Residents and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp for Palestinian refugees on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon early on October 1, 2024

A view from Shuja'iyya school after Israeli army's attack in the central Gaza Strip, Gaza on October 01, 2024

Smoke billows amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, as seen from Tyre, southern Lebanon October 1, 2024

Israeli artillery shells hit areas near villages in southern Lebanon along the border with Israel, as seen from the Upper Galilee, northern Israel

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30 before the ground invasion

The US said it was informed beforehand about Israel's raids, which have been described as 'limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.'

The invasion is said to have forced Lebanese troops to retreat three miles from their positions along the counrty's southern border with Israel.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese health ministry said early this morning that 95 people had been killed in Israeli strikes in the past day, with another 172 injured.

An overnight Israeli strike in Lebanon targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said, adding the militant commander's fate was unknown.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said on Tuesday citing a military source.

As the Israeli bombardment continued into the night, residents living in southern Beirut were ordered to evacuate 'immediately'.

'You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah, and therefore the IDF will act against them forcefully,' IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee said on X.

'For your safety and the safety of your family, you must evacuate the buildings immediately, starting at a distance of no less than 500 meters.'

The intensive air strikes of the past two weeks have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

Tensions are escalating after Israel said it had wiped out Hezbollah's top brass in the airstrike on southern Beirut that killed the group's leader, Hassan Nasrallah

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon

Bombs are raining down on Lebanon, lighting up the sky as Israel ordered evacuations

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border

Smoke rises over Beirut's southern suburbs after a strike, amid ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces

British nationals have been urged to leave Lebanon immediately, with Foreign Secretary David Lammy warning the conflict could 'escalate in a major way'.

Lammy told reporters on Monday night: 'I have been urging since coming to office in July for British nationals to leave Lebanon. And indeed the previous government from October 2023 was urging UK nationals not to travel to Lebanon.

'Notwithstanding that we sent a rapid response team. 700 troops are in Cyprus. We will do all we can to assist people to get out.

'We have secured places on commercial flights that are flying tomorrow so that UK nationals can get out.'

Asked what he would say to British nationals who have not yet taken his advice, he said: 'I urge them to leave because the situation on the ground is fast moving.

'While we will do everything we can to protect British nationals and those plans are in place to do so, we cannot anticipate the circumstances of the speed with which we could do that If things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.'

The UK Government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid escalating violence.

The flight was due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday and vulnerable British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 will be prioritised, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office said.

Mr Lammy said: 'The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly.

'The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority.

'That's why the UK Government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed.'

Dramatic pictures show huge Israeli shelling obliterating parts of southern Lebanon

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

IDF released a clip of a bombing raid on Beirut

Mr Lammy said the situation on the ground is 'fast moving' and ministers can't guarantee support 'if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days'

Nasrallah, seen addressing supporters in Lebanon's capital Beirut in November 2013, was killed by an Israeli air strike on the city on Friday

People check buildings levelled on September 27 by Israeli strikes that killed Nasrallah

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began.

The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes.

Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Early on Monday, Hezbollah vowed to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

Giving his first address since the group's leader was killed, deputy Naim Qassem said: 'Hezbollah's front will continue, everyone on the battlefield is ready and, despite the losing of our leader and commanders, we will not move aside nor will we forsake our duty in support of Gaza and in defence of Lebanon,' he said.

'If the Zionists enter Lebanon, we are ready and prepared for a ground battle, and we will be victorious.'

Israel's order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will invade Lebanon immediately.

Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.
Ministers have won a key legal victory in the fight to deport European Union citizens who commit crimes in Britain.

A new ruling by the immigration courts set a higher bar for European offenders who attempt to bring human rights claims to avoid deportation for recent crimes.

It means that - thanks to Britain's historic Brexit vote - EU criminals who commit offences here will be treated like any other foreign national during the deportation process, rather than receiving preferential treatment.

The successful legal challenge, brought by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, affects the way the Home Office can remove EU criminals convicted of committing offences from 2021 onwards.

It will make it more difficult for offenders to claim it would be 'disproportionate' to remove them if they were convicted after the EU Withdrawal Agreement came into force.

Katarina Vargova was jailed for two years and one month in 2022 for her role in a Berkshire-based drugs ring that saw police seize heroin and cocaine with a street value of 182,000

The successful legal challenge, brought by Home Secretary Yvette Cooper, affects the way the Home Office can remove EU criminals convicted of committing offences from 2021 onwards

The case centred on convicted drug dealer Katarina Vargova, a Slovak national. She was jailed for two years and one month in 2022 for her role in a Berkshire-based drugs ring that saw police seize heroin and cocaine with a street value of 182,000.

Vargova, now 38 and who was living in High Wycombe, Bucks, at the time, was convicted of possession of Class A drugs with intent to supply.

While she was in prison, in November 2022, the Home Office issued her with a deportation notice.

Vargova lodged a human rights claim in January 2023 as part of the internal Home Office appeal procedures, which was refused in February this year.

She used Article 8 of the European Convention on Human Rights - the right to private and family life - to claim that deportation was 'disproportionate' due to her 'strong private life established whilst lawfully in the UK exercising treaty rights, and the fact her deportation is not in the interests of her rehabilitation'.

She then lodged an appeal in the lower immigration tribunal. There, a judge ruled the Home Office had placed a 'disproportionate emphasis on the appellant's past offending'.

Judge Farin Anthony concluded: 'Having applied the safeguards as set out in the Withdrawal Agreement and having applied the EU law principles of proportionality, I reached the conclusion that the expulsion decision by the respondent is a disproportionate measure.'

Pictured: An EU flag flies outside the UK parliament in London (file photo)

The Home Secretary then appealed against that initial decision, and won. Her lawyers argued that the Withdrawal Agreement 'specifically agreed' that an EU citizen's 'post-transition conduct should be treated differently from pre-transition period conduct' and that Britain should be 'permitted to apply its national legislation' rather than EU law.

The new ruling by the Upper Tribunal Immigration and Asylum Chamber said: 'We find Judge Anthony has erred in law in a manner material to the decision to allow the appeal, for the reasons set out in the Secretary of State's grounds seeking permission to appeal, the grant of permission to appeal, and in light of our primary finding in relation to the approach to be taken in relation to the deportation of an EU national who has committed offences after the specified date.'

The panel, chaired by the president Mr Justice Dove, ordered the lower tribunal to hear Vargova's case again.

Crucially, they said their ruling provided 'clarity' on how similar cases should be dealt with.

EU nationals found to have committed crimes up to December 31, 2020, are treated differently and will still benefit from rules which applied during the UK's membership of the bloc.

A Home Office spokesman said: 'Foreign nationals who commit crimes should be in no doubt that the law will be enforced and, where appropriate, we will pursue their deportation.'
By Nazrin Abdul

Azerbaijan is stepping up as a key player in the global fight against climate change, taking on the role of chair for COP29, which will be hosted in Baku this November. With climate change posing a significant threat to humanity, the country is preparing to address unresolved issues from previous conferences and is focused on achieving a new climate financing agreement. Expectations are high as world leaders gather to discuss critical financial commitments aimed at bolstering efforts in both developed and developing nations.

Regarding expectations for the COP event to be hosted by Azerbaijan for the first time, Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee and member of the Milli Majlis ( Parliament of Azerbaijan), stated in an interview with Azertac that the main focus of this conference will be reaching an agreement on a new financial commitment.

"The main expectation from COP29 is to agree on a new funding amount for climate action that developed countries will provide to developing countries. While the previous target of $100 billion in climate finance was due by 2020, this was reportedly only achieved in 2022," said Parvana Valiyeva.

She noted that the primary goal of the Parties at COP29 will be to determine this new funding amount, adding that the current financial goal of $100 billion is insufficient to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels and to address the challenges faced by the countries most affected by climate change.

So what is climate finance?

Climate finance refers to the financial resources provided to support climate-related projects and initiatives, particularly in developing countries. This funding aims to help these nations mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change. It can come from various sources, including governments, international financial institutions, and private sector investments.

Importance of climate finance:

Effective climate finance is essential for enabling sustainable development and achieving global climate targets. It supports technology transfer, capacity building, and the implementation of climate action plans that align with the Paris Agreement.

According to Parvana Valiyeva, the climate finance goal should be increased.

"This goal should be significantly raised to at least $500 billion, or even $1 trillion. The world community expects this from developed countries, and serious work needs to be done in this area," she said.

Ms. Valiyeva emphasized that the G7 and, to some extent, the G20 countries must understand their responsibilities in this matter: "These countries must make appropriate decisions and reach a consensus."

But what would happen if this target were actually increased to, say, $1 trillion?

If the climate finance target is increased to $1 trillion, several potential outcomes and implications could arise:

Enhanced support for developing countries

Increased capacity: Developing nations would have significantly more resources to invest in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient infrastructure.

Improved adaptation: More funding could enhance efforts to adapt to climate impacts, such as extreme weather events and rising sea levels, thereby reducing vulnerability.

Accelerated global climate action

Faster transition to renewables: With more resources, countries could accelerate the transition from fossil fuels to renewable energy sources, contributing to global emissions reductions.

Innovative solutions: Increased funding could drive innovation in climate technologies and practices, fostering a more sustainable economy.

Strengthened international cooperation

Global collaboration: A higher funding target may necessitate greater cooperation among countries, leading to more collaborative projects and shared technologies.

Equity and justice: This move could address climate equity, acknowledging the responsibility of developed countries to support those most affected by climate change.

Challenges in implementation

Funding mechanisms: There would need to be clear and effective mechanisms for distributing this funding to ensure it reaches the intended projects and communities.

Accountability and oversight: Increased funding could lead to greater scrutiny regarding how funds are used, necessitating strong governance frameworks.

Potential economic impacts

Economic growth: Investment in green technologies and infrastructure could stimulate job creation and economic growth in both developed and developing countries.

Market shifts: A significant increase in climate finance could shift investment trends, encouraging private sector involvement and driving the development of sustainable markets.

Political and public pressure

Expectations on developed countries: Increased targets would put pressure on developed nations to fulfill their commitments, potentially affecting international relations and negotiations.

Public support: Greater visibility and public awareness of climate finance needs could drive advocacy and demand for action from governments and businesses.

Raising the climate finance target to $1 trillion could fundamentally reshape global climate action, providing essential resources for adaptation and mitigation efforts. However, it would also require robust mechanisms to ensure effective and equitable use of funds, fostering accountability and international cooperation.

Parvana Valiyeva noted that Azerbaijan, as the chair of COP29, is making every effort to reach an agreement on new climate financing goals and to achieve results based on consensus.

"Azerbaijan's COP29 Presidency is striving to reach an agreement on climate finance between developed and developing countries, and to achieve results based on consensus. The COP29 Presidency is calling on developed countries and international financial institutions to take action and is working continuously to support this goal. Additionally, regular and constructive meetings are being held with the Parties, international organizations, and other interested stakeholders."

As an example, she mentioned that informal consultations were held with heads of delegations in Azerbaijan from July 25-28, 2024, to discuss key issues on the COP29 agenda.

It should be emphasized that addressing the needs of developing small island states is a priority for Azerbaijan, as these countries are particularly vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Despite their limited influence on climate change itself, they bear the brunt of its worst consequences.

President Ilham Aliyev stated in his speech that solving the challenges posed by climate change for developing small island states will be among Azerbaijans priorities as COP29 chair.

"We plan to hold the Small Island Developing States Summit during COP in Baku. We will do everything we can to ensure that the voices of small island developing states are heard loud and clear. I call on all countries during COP29 to make maximum efforts to reach an agreement that meets the needs and priorities of small island developing states," President Aliyev said.

Parvana Valiyeva, a member of the COP29 Organizing Committee, also emphasized this issue. "The COP29 Presidency attaches special importance to the problems faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which suffer the most from the negative effects of climate change. Azerbaijan's support for them is highly appreciated by the international community," she added.

It should be noted that Azerbaijan has already demonstrated its support for addressing the damages caused by hurricanes, earthquakes, floods, and other natural disasters in several developing small island states. Azerbaijan will allocate funds for technical assistance programs through the United Nations, which represents 33 small island developing states, as well as other international organizations. The Republic will also support the participation of Small Island Developing States in COP29.

Parvana Valiyeva also mentioned that Azerbaijan's chairmanship of COP29 has been recognized by the international community.

The Future Pact was recently adopted as a key outcome of the Future Summit held in New York on September 22-23. This document outlines the main directions for countries' activities in the coming years and includes a specific paragraph on COP29.

She cited the views of UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and Turkiye President Recep Tayyip Erdogan regarding COP29 as examples.

" A number of heads of state and government referred to COP29 in their speeches both at the Summit of the Future and during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres noted that COP29 is approaching and stated that the outcome of the event should be a new climate finance target. President Erdogan highlighted that financial and technological exchange, along with capacity building, are crucial for supporting developing countries in the context of climate change. He believes that COP29 in Azerbaijan will contribute to addressing these issues."

Parvana Valiyeva pointed out that during the session, developing countries called for an increase in climate financing from the current target of $100 billion during COP29 in Azerbaijan: "Additionally, the Maldives, Marshall Islands, Great Britain, Belgium, Monaco, Kenya, Fiji, and other countries referenced COP29 in their speeches in New York."

This demonstrates the significance of COP29 as a historic event and underscores Azerbaijan's leading role in combating climate change, one of the most pressing challenges facing the world today, she added. Valiyeva quoted the head of state: "President Ilham Aliyev emphasized that developed and developing countries should contribute to the solution of climate problems within their capabilities, rather than blaming each other for climate change. While our country is working towards achieving a historic agreement in Baku, the success of the Baku Agreement requires the joint efforts and constructive participation of all Parties. All parties have a collective responsibility in this matter."

She stated that COP29 calls on the international community to reach a consensus on the ambitious new climate finance goal, noting that if a consensus is not reached in Baku, it will negatively impact the future of climate negotiations.

"As President Ilham Aliyev emphasized, our country will spare no effort during COP29 to create a bridge between developed and developing countries, to reach consensus, and to ensure the success of COP29," she concluded.

In conclusion, as Azerbaijan prepares to host COP29, it stands at the forefront of international efforts to combat climate change, advocating for increased financial commitments from developed countries. The importance of climate finance cannot be overstated, as it is essential for supporting vulnerable nations and fostering global cooperation. The discussions in Baku will be pivotal in shaping future climate policies and commitments. With the potential to raise the climate finance target to $1 trillion, the outcomes of COP29 could significantly influence the trajectory of global climate action. Collaboration and consensus among all parties are crucial for success, underscoring the collective responsibility to address one of the most significant challenges facing our planet today.
In bombshell allegations, an additional 120 victims have come forward to accuse rapper Sean 'Diddy' Combs of sex abuse over a span of 25 years, with several underage victims, including a 9-year-old, among them.

The claims where made by Texas lawyer Tony Buzbee who announced he's representing 120 new victims who he believes have legitimate cases against the rapper turned media mogul.

Of the 120 new victims, 25 were underage when the alleged abuse happened between 1991 and as recently as this year, Buzbee revealed.

The youngest victims were 9, 14, 15 when they were victimized, the high-profile lawyer announced at a press conference in Houston Tuesday.

'This individual, who was 9 years old at the time, was taken to an audition in New York City with Bad Boy Records,' the attorney disclosed.

'This individual was sexually abused allegedly by Sean Combs and several other people at the studio in the promise to both his parents and to him himself of getting a record deal.'

Diddy faces new allegations from an additional 120 victims, the youngest who was nine when he came into contact with the rapper

Combs founded Bad Boy Records in 1993, the label that launched the careers of Notorious B.I.G., French Montana and Machine Gun Kelly.

'Other boys were there to audition as well,' Buzbee stated. 'All of them were trying to land a record deal. All of them were minors.'

Diddy's legal team reacted to the new allegations shortly after Buzbee went public.

'Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors,' Combs' lawyer Erica Wolff told DailyMail.com.

'He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.'

However, the promise of fame was leveraged over multiple child victims, Buzbee claimed.

Lawyer Tony Buzbee said during a Houston press conference Tuesday that there could be many other victims out there and urged them to come forward

'Another minor told allegedly by Sean Combs that he would make him a star, but he needed to visit with him in private about it away from his parents. Once they were in private area, allegedly Mr. Combs made the victim perform oral sex upon him,' Buzbee said.

Thousands of calls with fresh accusations have flooded Buzbee's law firm since federal prosecutors announced a federal indictment against Diddy and arrested him last week.

'An individual, 15 years old at the time, flown to New York City to attend a party was drugged and then taken into a private room allegedly in the presence of Mr. Combs where this female individual-- minor-- was raped and then other individuals took turns raping her,' Buzbee detailed.

Working with law enforcement, the attorney said many accusers have been weeded out with non-credible stories, however, at least 120 potential new victims will file individual cases against Diddy and possibly other abusers.

Many of the new victims had previously told law enforcement that they had been abused, including some who cooperated with the FBI.

Many have medical records that prove they had been raped or drugged, Buzbee added.

'Drugs were found in their system-- weird drugs, drugs that you probably never heard of,' the lawyer explained.

'One in particular that continues to pop up is a drug called Xylazine, or tranq, which based on our research is known as a horse tranquilizer.'

Buzbee said much of the alleged abuse took place at Combs' parties, like his infamous 'White Party' thrown every year in the Hamptons with an A-list guest list

Diddy's annual Labor Day 'White Party' was known for being crazy and often getting out of control, with neighbors often calling the cops to complain about noise

'White Party' guest lists often included the rich, famous and beautiful

The alleged victims are scattered throughout the country, but many are in California, New York, Florida and Georgia.

About half are women, and the other half are men, Buzbee said.

Much of the alleged abuse happened at parties, such as Diddy's infamous white parties or 'puppy parties.'

'One individual who was 22 years at the time she was assaulted said that the typical MO at one of these parties...was that when you were handed a drink, and now we know that the drink is laced with something, that if you refused to drink it, you were kicked out of the party,' Buzbee detailed.

In another disturbing case, an adult pregnant woman claims she was raped after attending a group dinner with Combs in Miami.

'She wasn't drinking because she was pregnant, but whatever she drank at the table, apparently was laced with something,' Buzbee stated.

'She blacked out, and she woke up in the same bed, again allegedly with Mr. Combs in his mansion in Miami. Her vagina and her anus were torn and sore, and I could go on. And literally, you're sensing a theme here.'

A hotline number for other potential victims in bold, red font was directly behind the attorney as he pleaded with others to come forward.

'If you're out there, and you have been victimized, you are not alone. There is a great strength in numbers,' Buzbee said, speaking to potential victims who have yet to come forward.

Buzbee added that many of the cases will be filed under pseudonyms to protect the victims, with the vast majority being filed in courts in New York City and Los Angeles.
After the end of World War II, it took Britain almost a decade to finally abolish rationing for everyday goods.

While the war may be almost 80 years in the past, nearly 40 per cent of the public would now welcome back the ration book to help fight climate change.

Researchers from Uppsala University, Sweden, surveyed almost 9,000 participants from India, Brazil, Germany, and the US.

Their responses revealed that rationing for fuel and 'emissions-intensive' products such as meat is nearly as widely accepted as raising taxes.

Lead author Oskar Lindgren, a PhD student at Uppsala University, says: 'Rationing may seem dramatic, but so is climate change. This may explain why support is rather high.'

Almost 40 per cent of people would accept a return to WWII-style rationing for fuel and meat in order to combat climate change, according to a new study. Pictured: a Ministry of Food ration book from the final years of rationing

A survey of nearly 9,000 people from five continents found that support for rationing was broadly similar to support for higher taxes on fuel and meat

If the world is to hit the climate change targets laid out in the Paris Agreement, governments worldwide will need to take measures to reduce the consumption of carbon-intensive products like fossil fuels.

Currently, most governments and researchers focus on 'economic instruments' like taxing polluting products and subsidising greener alternatives.

However, scientists believe that a fairer alternative might be to limit how much of these goods can be bought.

Mr Lindgren says: 'One advantage of rationing is that it can be perceived as fair, if made independent of income.'

Just like in WWII, rationing ensures that everyone gets an equal share of limited resources - regardless of how well-off they are.

As this graph shows, the researchers found that gender and income only had a small effect on whether people supported the policy. The biggest factors included how concerned people were for the environment and whether they drove a car daily

In total, 8,654 individuals from five continents were interviewed to compare the acceptability of rationing against the acceptability of taxation.

Each participant was asked to rate policies on a scale from one to five with one being strongly against and five being strongly in favour.

Overall, 38 per cent of respondents said they would accept monthly limits on fuel purchasing compared with 39 per cent who said they would accept greater fuel taxes.

Likewise, 33 per cent of people said they would support monthly limits on meat purchases compared with 44 per cent who said they would back a greater tax on high climate-impact foods.

Around the world, some forms of rationing are widely used to mitigate or limit the impacts of climate change.

Support for meat rationing was lower in the US and Germany than in South Africa and India where the measure received broad support (stock image)

The researchers point out that in some Chinese cities, driving is rationed by allowing drivers to use the roads only on given days as part of a scheme to reduce pollution.

Likewise, fishing quotas ration the amount of fish which can be caught by fleets in protected areas of the ocean.

Even in the UK, hosepipe bans during droughts are a commonly used form of water rationing which helps mitigate the impacts of increasingly frequent and severe heatwaves.

However, the researchers had not anticipated that wider rationing for food and fuel would receive comparable support to increased taxes.

Co-author Dr Mikael Karlsson, also of Uppsala University, says: 'Most surprisingly, there is hardly any difference in acceptability between rationing and taxation of fossil fuels.'

The researchers point out that in some Chinese cities such as Beijing (pictured) fuel use already is indirectly rationed by preventing people from driving on specific days. This is intended to help reduce air pollution within the city.

In the US, women were significantly more likely to support rationing for fuel while people who expressed concern for the environment were the most likely of all to support any form of rationing

The proportion of people who supported or opposed taxation and rationing varied between countries, with lower and middle-income countries generally being more supportive of rationing.

Of the South African participants, 49 per cent were accepting of some form of rationing while 46 per cent of Indian participants would.

Meanwhile, support for rationing was only at 29 per cent in both the US and Germany.

Likewise, people were more likely to support rationing if they were more concerned about environmental issues.

However, the researchers also found that taxation for fuel and food could be an even more unpopular alternative.

Dr Karlsson says: 'In Germany, the proportion of people who strongly oppose fossil fuel taxes is actually higher than the proportion who strongly oppose fossil fuel rationing.'

In the US, 28 per cent of people also said they were strongly opposed to either meat or fuel rationing as a means of combatting climate change.

Despite some opposition, the researchers insist that rationing could be a viable alternative to increasing taxes.

Mr Lindgren added: 'More research is now needed on attitudes towards rationing and the design of such policy instruments.

'Many people seem willing to limit their consumption for climate mitigation purposes, as long as others do the same. These are encouraging findings.'
It's something that features on many people's bucket lists.

And if you've always dreamed of seeing the Northern Lights, tonight could be your opportunity.

According to Met Office forecasts, the aurora will be visible over parts of Scotland and the North of England tonight and tomorrow evening.

'There is a chance of enhanced auroral activity and aurora sightings across Scotland and similar latitudes into 02 Oct due to the possible arrival of the 29 Sep coronal mass ejection,' the Met Office said.

And with clear weather forecast, tonight could be a perfect opportunity to see the stunning natural phenomena.

The Met Office predicts that the Northern Lights may be visible over parts of Scotland and the North of England tonight

The Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, are caused by the interaction between charged particles ejected from the sun and gases in the Earth's atmosphere.

As the sun shoots highly energetic particles towards the planet, these are funnelled towards the North and South Poles by the Earth's magnetic field.

There, they collide with molecules of oxygen and nitrogen to produce the beautiful, shifting glows we recognise as the Northern Lights.

Normally, this glow is only visible in extreme latitudes closer to the magnetic poles.

However, when the Sun ejects a massive wave of particles in an event called a 'coronal mass ejection' this causes Northern Lights to flare up so intensely that they can be seen at lower latitudes.

On September 29, the Sun released a large coronal mass ejection which is due to strike Earth with a glancing blow sometime today.

On September 29, the sun released a large coronal mass ejection (pictured) which is due to strike Earth with a glancing blow later today

The arrival of this wave of charged particles may cause the Northern Lights to be visible over parts of the UK.

This enhanced aurora is expected to remain active into tomorrow but is likely to diminish into October 3.

Earlier this year, similar coronal mass ejections led to extremely bright auroras which were visible from as far South as Cornwall and London.

However, experts caution that tonight's solar activity will not be large enough to trigger a repeat of those amazing views.

A Met Office Spokesperson told MailOnline: 'I'm afraid the chances for aurora sightings tonight are not great.

As charged particles from the sun's coronal mass ejection hit Earth's atmosphere their collision will produce the colourful lights that we recognise to be visible at lower latitudes. Pictured: Nothern Lights over Whitley Bay, England in May 2024

The Met Office says the best views will be over the North of Scotland where clear skies are forecast. Pictured:

'If they do occur it'll most likely be restricted to the north of Scotland where the skies look clearest.'

In addition to creating the Northern and Southern lights, the arrival of the coronal mass ejection today will also trigger a minor to moderate geomagnetic storm.

Severe geomagnetic storms can disrupt global navigation and communication systems as areas of the upper atmosphere become electrically charged.

In extreme cases, these events can even trigger electrical blackouts on Earth as the charge overloads the terrestrial electrical grid.

Thankfully, according to the American National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), storms of the size predicted for today will only cause very minor disruption to some satellites and high-frequency radios.

The Met Office spokesperson adds: 'There's no indication for anything widespread, the activity levels are nothing out of the ordinary and typical for this point in the solar cycle.'

Conditions for viewing the aurora will be best in the North of Scotland where conditions will remain clear and dry into the evening

For the best chances of seeing the aurora tonight, head to an area with clear skies away from artificial lighting.

Even at its strongest, the aurora can often be faint over the UK so it is important to give your eyes plenty of time to adjust to the darkness.

If you are still struggling to see the Northern Lights you can try using your phone's camera to reveal details that might be hidden from the naked eye.

During the last flare of auroral activity over the UK, many keen skywatchers complained that photos of the sky showed brilliant colours that were not visible to most observers.

For the best views try using your phone camera to catch more of the details. Your phone will be able to reveal details hidden to the naked eye like in this picture taken of the Northern Lights in Cornwall during May this year

Jake Foster, astronomer at the Royal Observatory Greenwich, previously told MailOnline: 'To the naked eye, the aurora is unlikely to look very colourful, so taking photographs of the sky with a long exposure or night mode will be the best way to know if the aurora truly is happening above your head.'

This is because modern phone cameras feature settings which capture more light by compiling dozens of dim pictures into a single brighter image.

Mr Foster adds: 'The longer the exposure time, the more light the camera can acquire and the brighter the image will be. This is especially noticeable when using "night mode" or a similar setting on your phone camera.'

Luckily for anyone keen to catch tonight's aurora, the Met Office weather forecast is currently looking promising.

From 10 pm this evening the Met Office predicts dry weather and very little cloud cover over Scotland which should make for some excellent viewing opportunities.
READ MORE: The astronomical events of 2024 that you DO NOT want to miss

Following the dazzling event that blocked out the sun in April, skygazers are about to be treated to the second solar eclipse of 2024.

An annular solar eclipse  when the moon blocks the face of the sun  is taking place in the afternoon tomorrow (October 2), astronomers say.

Thousands of people will see the moon appear in the middle of the sun, resulting in a halo of sunlight known as a 'ring of fire'.

While only a small proportion strategically-placed of Earthlings will be gifted with the amazing sight, it's one not to be missed.

Here's how and when to see the second solar eclipse of the year.

Both annular and total solar eclipses occur when the moon casts its shadow over part of the Earth. It's just that with an annular solar eclipse, the moon is further away from Earth, so it appears smaller to us and therefore doesn't cover as much of the sun

The moon passes between Earth and the sun during an annular 'ring of fire' eclipse seen from Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah on October 14, 2023

Types of solar eclipse Total: Moon completely blocks out the sun, casting a shadow on Earth Annular: Moon doesn't completely cover the sun, resulting in a halo of sunlight known as a 'ring of fire' visible around the silhouette of the moon Partial: Sun is only partially covered by the moon, making it look like the sun has had a 'bite' taken out of it Hybrid: Combination of a total and an annular solar eclipse Solar eclipses occur only at the new moon phase, when the illuminated side of the moon faces away from Earth Advertisement

A solar eclipse happens when the new moon passes between the sun and Earth, which means our view of the sun gets blocked.

While April's total solar eclipse blocked out the whole of the sun, tomorrow's event is only an annular solar eclipse, meaning the moon is further from us in its orbit and hence appears smaller.

And because the moon appears smaller, it doesn't quite cover the whole of the sun  instead resulting in the distinctive 'ring of fire'.

Professor Don Pollacco, an astronomer at the University of Warwick, told MailOnline: 'If the moon is slightly further away, it seems to be smaller than the sun disk.

'At this time, you can see a ring in the sky called an annular eclipse.'

If you're lucky, the annular solar eclipse will appear as a perfectly-round orange circle in the afternoon, like a gigantic hula hoop.

Daylight will become dimmer  although not as dark as during a total solar eclipse  and confused birds may begin to behave as if it is dusk, by squawking and returning to their nests.

If you're lucky, the annular solar eclipse will appear as a perfectly-round orange circle, like a gigantic hula hoop. Pictured, the annular solar eclipse is seen from Valley of the Gods outside Bears Ears National Monument in Utah, October 14, 2023

When and where will the annular solar eclipse occur? As it passes through the Pacific Ocean, the first land to see the annular solar eclipse will be: Hanga Roa, Easter Island (starting at 14:04 local time) It will then pass to the following (all times are local): Tortel, Aysen Region (Chile) (17:20)

(17:20) Villa O'Higgins, Aysen Region (Chile) (17:21)

(17:21) Cochrane, Aysen Region (Chile) (17:21)

(17:21) Gobernador Gregores, Santa Cruz Province (Argentina) (17:22)

(17:22) Puerto San Julian, Santa Cruz Province (Argentina) (17:24)

(17:24) Puerto Deseado, Santa Cruz Province (Argentina) (17:27) It will finish in the south Atlantic Ocean, just north of the Falkland Islands (Falkland Islands will only see a 'partial' eclipse). Source: timeanddate.com Advertisement

However, the bad news is that the vast majority of Earthlings won't get to see tomorrow's annular solar eclipse.

It will only be visible from the southern tips of Argentina and Chile, as well as Easter Island in the southeastern Pacific Ocean.

Meanwhile, other parts of South America including Brazil, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru as well as Hawaii and New Zealand should see a 'partial' solar eclipse.

A partial solar eclipse is where the sun is only partially covered by the moon, making it look like the sun has had a 'bite' taken out of it.

It's worth bearing in mind that the annular solar eclipse will only be visible along a relatively narrow path, known as the 'path of annularity'.

In any one location along the path, people will see a partial eclipse followed by the total eclipse, and then a partial eclipse again, effectively as the moon moves in and then out of position.

Only around 175,000 people will see the annular solar eclipse sandwiched either side by a partial solar eclipse, according to timeanddate.com

And about another 239 million will only see the partial solar eclipse but no annular solar eclipse.

At Easter Island, the annular should be visible from just after 2pm, but in southeastern Argentina, it should be viewable at about 5:20pm.

However, NASA warns that you should never view a solar eclipse with the naked eye  not even through sunglasses, binoculars or a telescope  because it can damage your vision.

October 2: This map shows the 'path of annularity' as a deep pink line. It's here where people will see the sun as a 'ring of fire' (annular solar eclipse). Further out are areas that will see a partial eclipse - where it looks like the sun has had a 'bite' taken out of it. Exactly how much of the sun appears 'bitten out' depends on where you are. For example, if you are in northern Argentina you should see a sun with about 30-40% of its surface obscured at the most

A partial solar eclipse is where the sun is only partially covered by the moon, making it look like the sun has had a 'bite' taken out of it. Pictured, a partial solar eclipse at Skegness in Lincolnshire, England, March 20, 2015

Looking directly at the sun with the naked eye is dangerous and can cause permanent damage or blindness.

A simple pinhole projector, solar eclipse viewing glasses, which can be purchased online, or special solar filters are safer.

'During the partial phase of the eclipse it's especially important because the sun remains extremely bright,' Dr Robert Massey, deputy director of the Royal Astronomical Society, told MailOnline.

'Instead, what you need to do is either go to a public event where amateur astronomers might be projecting an image of the sun you can look at.

'Or if you can get hold of certified, proper, good-standard eclipse shades (you can buy them online) they block out most of the harmful light from the sun.'

Unfortunately, if you're in Europe, the US, Asia, Africa or Australia, you have no chance of seeing the annular or partial solar eclipse on Wednesday (October 2)

Unfortunately, if you're in Europe, the US, Asia, Africa or Australia, you have no chance of seeing the annular or partial solar eclipse tomorrow.

The next total solar eclipse isn't visible in the UK for another 66 years

Occurring on September 23, 2090, it will be the first total solar eclipse visible from Britain since August 11, 1999, and the first visible from Ireland since May 22, 1724.

However, there will be a partial eclipse visible for Brits on March 29 next year.
Verizon's nationwide outage that left thousands of people without service on Monday has sparked fears that the disruption was caused by a major cyberattack.

Customers were left in the dark for nearly 12 hours after they were stuck on SOS mode from 9:30am ET until 7:30pm ET.

While Verizon has not revealed the cause, experts told DailyMail.com that a cyberattack by Russia or China 'is plausible.'

The CEO of a leading global cybersecurity firm explained that hackers could've prompted Verizon's online routers to release a malicious signal to cell towers, disrupting communications for thousands of people.

Experts said it is plausible that a cyberattack could have caused Verizon's nationwide outage on Monday

Verizon users across the nation were impacted by the outage, but the majority were located in the Midwest. Customers complained that their phones were set on SOS mode and they couldn't send or receive calls or texts

Kyle Hanslovan, the CEO of Huntress - a leading global cybersecurity firm told DailyMail.com: 'This could be a call to action that if the [Verizon outage] was a hijacking, what are companies doing to prevent these kinds of attacks from happening.'

Hanslovan noted that 'it isn't clear whether the Verizon Wireless outage is the result of a mistake or something more nefarious,' adding: 'However, the likelihood this was a purposeful cyberattack seems just as plausible.'

At least 100,000 people were impacted by the Verizon outage, with customers living in the Midwest including Illinois, Wisconsin and Indiana being hardest hit.

Mobile phones switched to SOS mode, limiting communications to only emergency calls.

Verizon hasn't confirmed what caused yesterday's outage, but Dave Hatter, the director of business growth at Intrust IT told DailyMail.com: 'The fact that Verizon has not indicated what cause the problem or how they will ensure that it will not happen again has caused some to speculate that it could be a cyberattack.

'That said, they may be tight lipped about it to ensure that information that could lead to a cyberattack is not released.'

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has warned that cybercriminals in countries like China target critical infrastructure to 'physically wreak havoc' or disrupt services at any time they choose.

Hanslovan speculated that the Verizon outage could have been caused by hackers accessing some of the company's online routers and redirecting signals to and from Verizon's cell towers to disrupt cell service throughout the country.

If a cybercriminal redirected the signals sent from those towers, it's possible it would have caused people's phones to stop working.

'There's a history in China where attacks have worked like this. Where entire worldwide traffic was misdirected,' Hanslovan said.

'Sometimes this happens by complete accident, maybe the person was misinformed and redirected the traffic to the wrong place.'

However, Rob DeCicco who previously worked for the National Security Agency (NSA) told DailyMail.com that it's likely the outage was caused by Verizon focusing on 'rolling out 5G in other regions and a lack of personnel monitoring performance.'

Verizon's outage forced thousands of customer's phones to switch to SOS mode, making it impossible to send or receive calls and texts

The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is currently looking into what caused phones to switch to SOS mode.

'At the moment there is no information pointing to one either from Verizon or from the multiple ransomware groups,' Carlos Perez, a spokesperson for the cybersecurity company, TrustedSec, told DailyMail.com.

'It does not mean it is not [a cyberattack], but matters like this take time to identify a root cause,' he continued.

'If it is a cyberattack, [Verizon is] obligated to report it as part of their SEC filling as a material incident to the agency.'

AT&T denied a cyberattack when it's systems were breached in 2021, but was forced to acknowledge earlier this year that hackers had obtained significant amount of customer data including text records, location data and phone numbers.

Fortunately for customers, Hanslovan said their data was likely protected thanks to encryption software used internally by companies that used to safeguard people's information.

Perez added that he doesn't believe people need to take steps to protect their data 'given that we do not know the scope and systems involved in the outage.

'Once Verizon puts more data of what was affected we should know more but it is safe to say that customer should still use a PIN to allow porting of their number or changes to their e-Sims as a basic precaution, outage or not,' he said.

The bigger question will be what companies are doing to protect people from future mistakes and potential cyberattacks.

There is an extreme amount of effort that goes into maintaining cell phone infrastructure worldwide, according to TrustedSec's advisory solutions director, Alex Hamerstone.

'In fact, I think many people would end up being surprised that things work as often as they do,' he previously told DailyMail.com.

Maintaining the cell phone infrastructure is a two-tiered process, Hamerstone said, because the workers need to keep the existing system functioning while also continuously improving, updating and expanding the systems, networks and equipment.

This also includes improving the infrastructure's resilience to security threats.

He clarified that a cyberattack has the possibility to cause a cell phone outage at any time, although 'it is not generally the most likely.'

But, 'regardless of the reason, democratic countries and telecoms worldwide need to ask themselves: 'Are we predictively doing enough to encrypt traffic, modernize the backbone of the internet and warn those at risk?' Hanslovan said.

'In today's era, it's not 'if' a cyberattack like this will happen, but 'when' it will happen again.'

DailyMail.com has reached out to Verizon for comment.
A Montana man found guilty of illegally cloning sheep has been sentenced to six months in federal prison.

Arthur 'Jack' Schubarth of Vaughn, 81, used illegally imported sperm and testicle tissue from giant Marco Polo sheep hunted in Kyrgyzstan to create a his own animal he called the Montana Mountain King (MMK).

Over the last decade, Schubarth had been working to clone and create hybrids of the hulking sheep for captive trophy hunting in Texas and Minnesota.

In addition to a six month prison sentence, Schubarth was hit with a $20,000 fine and ordered to make a $4,000 payment to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Foundation.

Arthur 'Jack' Schubarth of Vaughn, 81, used tissue and testicles imported from Kyrgyzstan to create hybrids

'I will have to work the rest of my life to repair everything I've done,' Schubarth told the judge just before sentencing.

U.S. District Court Judge Brian Morris, who presided over the case, said he struggled to come up with a sentence for Schubarth.

Ultimately, he said he weighed the defendant's age and lack of a criminal record with a sentence that would deter anyone else from trying to 'change the genetic makeup of the creatures' on the earth.

In March, Schubarth pleaded guilty to charges that he and five other people conspired to use tissue from a Marco Polo sheep illegally brought into the US to clone that animal and then breed it to create larger, hybrid species of sheep.

Marco Polo sheep are the largest in the world. They can weigh up to 300 pounds and their curled horns can grow to be five feet long, according to court records.

Schubarth and his co-conspirators hoped that these larger, more valuable hybrid sheep would fetch a higher price from captive hunting reserves.

The Montana man's attorney, Jason Holden, said the illegal cloning has ruined his client's 'life, reputation and family.'

'I think this has broken him,' Holden said.

During the court proceedings, Holden sought a probationary sentence, arguing Schubarth was a hard-working man who has always cared for animals and did something that no one else could have done in cloning the giant sheep.

'On a ranch, in a barn in Montana, he created Montana Mountain King. MMK is an extraordinary animal, born of science, and from a man who, if he could rewrite history, would have left the challenge of cloning a Marco Polo only to the imagination of Michael Crichton [the author of Jurassic Park],' Holden said.

The cloned sheep, named the 'Montana Mountain King,' was part of unlawful scheme to create large, hybrid species of wild sheep for sale to hunting preserves in Texas

Schubarth sent genetic material from the argali parts to a lab to create cloned Marco Polo sheep embryos, then implanted them in an ewe on his ranch

But Sarah Brown, an attorney with the Department of Justice, advocated for Schubarth to do jail time.

She argued that his illegal breeding operation was widespread, involved other states and endangered the health of other wildlife. The crime involved forethought, was complex and involved many illegal acts, she said.

Schubarth owns Sun River Enterprises LLC, a 215-acre alternative livestock ranch which buys, breeds and sells animals such as mountain goats, mountain sheep and other hooved mammals.

His main clients are private hunting preserves where people pay a fee to shoot captive trophy game animals, prosecutors said.

Schubarth - who has been in the trophy hunting business since 1987 - successfully cloned a Marco Polo argali sheep using remnants he bought from a hunter who had killed a sheep in Kyrgyzstan in 2019.

He sent genetic material from the argali parts to a lab to create cloned embryos.

After implanting the embryos in an ewe on his ranch, a pure Marco Polo argali sheep was born, which Schubarth named 'Montana Mountain King.'

Court documents explain that he then worked with other unnamed conspirators to use the MMK to artificially impregnate other various species of ewes - all of which were prohibited in Montana - and create hybrid animals.

Their goal was to create larger, more valuable sheep species to sell to captive hunting facilities primarily in Texas. But Schubarth's conduct spanned several other states as well.

He and his co-conspirators forged veterinary inspection certificates in order to move the illegal sheep in and out of Montana. These forged documents claimed that the sheep were a legally permitted species.

Court records revealed that Schubarth also sold MMK's semen and hybrid sheep to three people in Texas. And a Minnesota resident delivered 74 sheep to Schubarth's ranch to be inseminated by MMK at various times.

Schubarth sold semen from Montana Mountain King along with hybrid sheep to three people in Texas

Prosecutors said that the total value of the animals involved was greater than $250,000 but less than $550,000

He also sold hybrid sheep to people in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota and West Virginia, prosecutors said.

At least two sheep impacted by his conduct died from Johne's disease, a contagious chronic wasting disease that can spread between animals directly or through environmental contamination.

The MMK has since been confiscated by US Fish and Wildlife Services. It is now being held in an accredited facility until it can be transferred to a zoo, said Richard Bare, a special agent with the wildlife service.

The remaining hybrid sheep with Marco Polo DNA on his ranch must be sent to slaughter by the end of the year with the meat being donated to a food bank, judge Morris said.

Prosecutors said that the total value of the animals involved was greater than $250,000 but less than $550,000. Schubarth sold one of MMK's offspring for $10,000 and other hybrids with lesser MMK genetics for smaller amounts.

But Marco Polo sheep aren't the only species Schubarth illegally profited from. In October 2019, he paid a hunting guide $400 for the testicles of a trophy-sized Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep that had been harvested in Montana.

He then extracted, transported and sold the semen, court records said.

Schubarth will not be allowed to breed game stock during the three years he is on probation, judge Morris said.

The case is still being investigated, Montana wildlife officials said. Although Schubarth's five co-conspirators were not named in court records, his plea deal requires him to cooperate with prosecutors and testify if called to do so.

In a letter attached to the sentencing memo, Schubarth explained that he becomes extremely passionate about any project he takes on, including his 'sheep project,' but is ashamed of his actions.

'I got my normal mindset clouded by my enthusiasm and looked for any grey area in the law to make the best sheep I could for this sheep industry,' he wrote. 'My family has never been broke, but we are now.'
READ MORE: Do you get Zoom fatigue? Here's why video chats drain energy

There are 10 filters and 10 backgrounds to choose from, WhatsApp reveals

With more than two billion users in 180 countries, there's no doubt that WhatsApp is the biggest messaging app in the world.

But it seems the Meta-owned platform has made another crafty move in a bid to prise users away from videoconferencing giant Zoom.

WhatsApp has revealed it's rolling out filters and backgrounds for video calls in a bid to spice up personal and work video calls.

Already used by Zoom, virtual video chat backgrounds help maintain your privacy by hiding your actual surroundings.

Meanwhile, filters can freshen up your appearance and inject a bit of much-needed fun into proceedings  especially if it's a dreary work call.

With an estimated two billion monthly active users, WhatsApp is the most popular mobile messenger app worldwide (file photo)

According to Meta, the filters and backgrounds can be selected when the one-one-one or group video call has commenced.

How to try WhatsApp filters and backgrounds The option to add filters and backgrounds will appear during a WhatsApp call

Tap on the effects icons on top right of the screen to bring up the selections

There are 10 filters to choose from - warm, cool, black & white, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fisheye, vintage TV, frosted glass and duo

to choose from - warm, cool, black & white, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fisheye, vintage TV, frosted glass and duo And there are 10 backgrounds - blur, living room, office, cafe, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration and forest. Advertisement

In a blog post, WhatsApp said filters and backgrounds will become available to everyone 'in the coming weeks'  both for one-to-one video chats and group video chats.

'Conversations on WhatsApp should always feel fun and expressive and today,' the blog post reads.

'So we're rolling out filters and backgrounds to make your video calls even more engaging.

'With these new effects, you can now change your background or add a filter during a video call for a more personal touch.'

Filters and backgrounds come to WhatsApp for mobile, but not for desktop.

According to Meta, the filters and backgrounds can be selected when a one-on-one or group video chat has commenced.

During the call, users simply need to tap on the effects icon on the top right of the screen  which looks like a magic wand  to bring up the selections.

There are 10 filters to choose from  warm, cool, black & white, duo, frosted glass, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fish eye and 'vintage TV'.

There are also 10 new backgrounds  blur, living room, office, cafe, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration and forest.

Some of the backgrounds are photos, while others are colourful illustrations.

There are 10 filters to choose from - dreamy (pictured, centre) warm, cool, black & white, duo, frosted glass, light leak, dreamy, prism light, fish eye and 'vintage TV'

And there's 10 backgrounds - office (pictured, centre) blur, living room, cafe, pebbles, foodie, smoosh, beach, sunset, celebration and forest

WhatsApp explains: 'Filters are designed to help you create a more playful atmosphere, whether thats adding a splash of color or creating a more artistic feel for your video.

'With backgrounds, you can keep your surroundings private and transport yourself to a cozy coffee shop or comfortable living room for a more clean and polished look.'

WhatsApp is also adding 'touch up' and 'low light' options that enhance 'the look and brightness of your environment, making your video calls more vibrant and enjoyable'.

In its announcement, Meta platform did not mention any videoconferencing rivals.

But the move is a surefire way to get people off of platforms such as Zoom, Microsoft Teams and Google Meet  and onto WhatsApp.

Zoom soared in popularity during the coronavirus lockdown, as well as other platforms such as WebEx, Microsoft Teams and Skype (file photo)

These videoconferencing platforms soared in popularity during the Covid-19 pandemic when employees were forced to work from home.

Even four years later, many companies are only just getting their employees back into the office, while many more still don't have any plans to do so.

According to a recent study, videoconferencing remains a big part of modern life as people continue to work remotely and attend virtual events.

The study found blurred background or an animated video background makes you tired because it stimulates the brain too much.

Millions of people use WhatsApp for work, even though the product was originally focused on facilitating personal connections between friends and family.

WhatsApp used to be solely for text messages akin to SMS, but it launched voice calls for its mobile app in 2015 and video calls the following year.
An urgent recall has been issued for 194,000 plug-in SUVS following reports that the vehicles can catch fire, even if the ignition is turned off.

Jeep made the announcement Monday after more than a dozen vehicles burst into flames after owners claimed they shut down the hybrids when in park.

The recall applies to the 2020 to 2024 models of the Wrangler 4xe and the 2022 through 2024 models of the Grand Cherokee 4xe.

The American carmaker has urged owners to refrain from parking SUVs in their garage and instead, leave the vehicles on the street.

Jeep has recalled nearly 200,000 plug-in hybrid SUVs that could catch on fire and explode even when they aren't turned on

Jeep's owner, Stellantis, estimated that about five percent of the vehicles are impacted and the fire risk decreases when the vehicle's battery levels are low.

'Accordingly, owners are advised to refrain from recharging. Out of an abundance of caution, the company is also advising owners of these vehicles to park away from structures or other vehicles until the remedy is obtained,' a Stellantis spokesperson told DailyMail.com.

Stellantis also explained that the risk of a fire is reduced when the vehicle's battery power is depleted, urging owners to not recharge the SUVs.

Customers have not yet been asked to bring their vehicle in to be serviced and the spokesperson said a 'remedy is imminent,' adding that they will notify impacted vehicle owners when it's time for them to come in.

The recall primarily affects owners in the US where 154,032 SUVs were recalled nationwide, while roughly 14,000 were recalled in Canada, 673 in Mexico and 25,502 outside of North America.

DailyMail.com has reached out to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) for comment.
Nobody Wants This creator Erin Foster has pushed back against critics and fans who have said that her Netflix rom-com show depicts stereotypes of Jewish people.

The Los Angeles native, 42, was asked Monday by the Los Angeles Times about how she felt about allegations that stereotypes were evident in some of the show's Jewish characters.

Foster responded, 'I think we need positive Jewish stories right now.

'I think it's interesting when people focus on, "Oh, this is a stereotype of Jewish people," when you have a rabbi as the lead. A hot, cool, young rabbi who smokes weed.'

Foster asked, 'That's the antithesis of how people view a Jewish rabbi, right?'

Nobody Wants This creator Erin Foster, 42, has pushed back against critics who say that her Netflix rom-com show depicts stereotypes of Jewish people. Pictured in LA earlier this month

The show, according top a logline, 'follows the unexpected relationship between a rogue rabbi (played by Adam Brody) and an irascible, loud, agnostic woman (played by Kristen Bell)'

Foster explained the difficult balance she faces as a creative in trying to accurately flesh out characters culturally.

'If I made the Jewish parents, like, two granola hippies on a farm,' Foster said, 'then someone would write, "I've never met a Jewish person like that before. You clearly don't know how to write Jewish people, you don't know what you're doing, and that doesn't represent us well."'

Foster based the show in part on her romance with her husband Simon Tikhman, who is Jewish.

She told the paper that she converted to Judaism more than four years ago, adding, 'I'm Jewish, but I didn't grow up Jewish ... it's a different thing.'

The show, according top a logline, 'follows the unexpected relationship between a rogue rabbi (played by Adam Brody) and an irascible, loud, agnostic woman (played by Kristen Bell).'

It is off to a successful start, having landed in the top spot on Netflix's Top 10 list shortly after it began streaming, the newspaper reported.

Glamour's Jessica Radloff said in a September 27 review of the show, 'I can't imagine any guy who watches this show who would then say, "I really want to date a Jewish girl!"

'We come off as controlling, marriage-hungry women who want to plan dinner parties and alienate anyone who doesn't share those same dreams.'

Foster based the show in part on her romance with her husband Simon Tikhman (pictured), who is Jewish

The show is off to a successful start, having landed in the top spot on Netflix's Top 10 list shortly after it began streaming

Foster said she converted to Judaism more than four years ago, adding, 'I'm Jewish, but I didn't grow up Jewish ... it's a different thing'

Bloomberg News Tech Reporter Dina Bass wrote on Twitter Sunday, 'So do I want to watch Nobody Wants This? I love the two main actors - Veronica Mars and the OC are two beloved shows for me.

'But like I'm not dying to be bombarded by Jewish stereotypes and particularly not nasty and lazy ones revolving around Jewish women.'

In a Time review September 26, author Esther Zuckerman said she 'couldn't help but feel let down' after watching the show.

'While it offers up the fantasy of the ideal Jewish man in Noah, the series seems to loathe Jewish women, who are portrayed as nags, harpies, and the ultimate villains of this story,' Zuckerman said. 'I wanted to be swept away by a rom-com. Instead, I was faced with the reality that maybe this show actually hates me.'

Zuckerman said that 'the ultimate letdown of Nobody Wants This' is that 'what should be a show about a woman's entrance into and embrace of Jewish culture instead perpetuates the worst ideas about Jewish women.'

Other users echoed similar sentiments, citing different aspects of the series that rang offensive or inauthentic.

Critics and social media users pointed out aspects of the series they found problematic

One X/Twitter user wrote in response to Zuckerman's review: 'Co-sign it all and the Tovah eating prosciutto bit was actually offensive. Plus - what kind of Jewish bball team practices on Saturdays??? Im shocked a Rabbi consulted on the series.'

Another user said, 'Thank you for this. I wanted to love it but I really disliked the portrayal of Jewish women. I didnt see myself in any of them.'

Said another user: 'Netflix just released a trailer for a show about an agnostic woman who falls in love with a rabbi.

'Ill withhold judgement until it actually debuts but the trailer was a drop with a whole lot of classic Jewish stereotypes. It is aptly titled, Nobody Wants This.'
Zara McDermott has bagged herself a brand new BBC documentary series.

The former Love Island star, 27, will be working on a brand new BBC Three documentary about the impact of stalking.

In the sobering two-part documentary, Zara will join and support victims who have been subjected to domestic abuse and stalking.

She will expose how stalking brutally impacts the everyday lives of people across the UK.

The documentary will also follow the journey of those who decided to report the instances to the police and how the claims make their way through the judicial system.

Zara McDermott has bagged herself a brand new BBC documentary. The former Love Island, 27, will be working on a brand new BBC Three documentary surrounding the impact of stalking

In the sobering two-part documentary, Zara will join and support victims who have subjected to the domestic abuse of stalking

Taking to Instagram, Zara shared a clip announcing the exciting news as she revealed she knows people who have been 'severely impacted' by stalking.

Sat on her couch in a yellow sun dress, Zara said: 'I really want to understand the day to day fear and anxiety that people are feeling.

'I also want to explore who we can better support victims in our society.'

Sharing the clip to her two million followers, she penned: 'As so many of you may already know, I have spent the past 5 years creating documentaries about issues that affect young people, opening up dialogues on topics that often difficult to discuss.

'That's why I wanted my next project to be about stalking, and the impact that this is having on the lives of so many.

'In making this series, I want to understand as much as I can how this can affect someone's life, day in day out.

'If you are currently facing stalking behaviour and are willing to share your story, please email hello@chatterbox.media Your voice is important, and your story can help shed light on this incredibly serious and sensitive issue.

'Thank you so much I have created a 'support' highlight on my page where you can access important websites and professional guidance from a stalking expert if this is something you are experiencing. You are not alone and help is out there.

Taking to Instagram, Zara shared a clip announcing the exciting news as she revealed she knows people who have been 'severely impacted' by stalking

In the sobering two-part documentary, Zara will join and support victims who have been subjected to the domestic abuse of stalking

She will be exposed to the real impacts behind how stalking has adversely affected the everyday lives of people across the UK

'Sending so much love, and thank you again. Zara x'

The two-part series is filmed over ten months.

Speaking about signing up to front the series, Zara said: 'I, like many others, know people who have been affected by stalking.

'I really want to witness the real impact of stalking on people's lives as they deal with the stress, fear and process of reporting these crimes to the police.

'I want to look at what can be done to support them and bring their stalkers to justice.'

Nasfim Haque, the Head of Content at BBC Three, added: 'In this two-part series, Zara McDermott witnesses firsthand the profound impact stalking has on its victims as they live through it.

'Due to the highly sensitive nature of these cases, Zara and the small production team are approaching the upcoming filming process with extreme care and discretion.

'Over an extended filming period, they are working closely with charities and advocates to illuminate how this increasingly prevalent behaviour is affecting young people today.'

A date for release is to be confirmed.

This is not the first time Zara will have worked with the Beeb.

She took to the Strictly dancefloor last year before becoming embroiled in scandal after footage of professional partner Graziano Di Prima physically and verbally 'abusing her' was unearthed by BBC staff.

But Zara has clearly put her past experience behind her as she cheered on pal Pete Wicks during the first live show - who she met through her boyfriend Sam Thompson.

Zara and Sam looked happier than ever as they posed for photos wearing matching T-shirts with TOWIE star Pete's face printed on the front.

And taking to Instagram after the show Zara gushed about having a great time as she penned on her Story: 'Such an incredible evening!

'What an amazing performance and I'm so glad I could be there to support you!! Didn't he smash this!?!?!'

She also shared a snap in her supportive T-shirts with Sam and wrote: 'We wanted to do something fun for Pete considering he was there in the audience for me this time last year with my face all over his shirt!'

The couple also rocked coordinated blue denim jeans with a number of pictures of Pete and large black letters reading, 'Vote Pete Wicks' written down the leg.

This is not the first time Zara will have worked with the Beeb. She took to the Strictly dancefloor last year before becoming embroiled in scandal after footage of professional partner Graziano Di Prima physically and verbally 'abusing her' was unearthed by BBC staff

But Zara has clearly put her past experience behind her as she cheered on pal Pete Wicks during the first live show - who she met through her boyfriend Sam Thompson

Taking to Instagram after the show Zara gushed about having a great time as she penned on her Story: 'Such an incredible evening!

Reality star Zara and I'm A Celeb winner Sam also donned matching black caps with Pete's face printed on the front as they posed for a number of photos outside the BBC studio.

Pete took to the dancefloor alongside professional partner Jowita Przysta.

Pete signed up for the show just days after it emerged his friend Zara, was physically and verbally abused by Graziano while on last year's series.

Yet Pete insisted it hadn't stopped Zara supporting him as he told MailOnline: Zara loves the show, and she's been a massive support so she will probably be my number one fan.'
BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent is missing from her morning show once again - and fans have spotted her on a different programme.

During the corporation's Tuesday broadcast, the presenter, 53, was noticeably missing from her usual spot on the sofa.

Instead, they were treated to another appearance by Sarah Campbell, who also presented on Monday's episode.

Sally hasn't disappeared from the airwaves completely - and instead was spotted presenting the lunchtime news at 1pm.

Nonetheless her absence didn't go unnoticed, with viewers have flocking to X, formerly known as Twitter, to share their discontent and beg for her return.

BBC Breakfast's Sally Nugent is missing from her morning show once again as fans spot her on a different programme

During the corporation's Tuesday broadcast, the presenter, 53, was noticeably missing from her usual spot on the breakfast show

One penned: '@sallynugent have you moved from breakfast to lunchtime news now?'

'How has Sally Nugent managed to blag her way on to doing the one o'clock news ?'

'Sally Nugent, news at one'

'@sallynugent iyah la. Can you come back to work tomorrow, please? Got a hangover here, and that pair of fools on the couch aren't helping. Was expecting you'd be there. Please be back soon'

MailOnline contacted the BBC for comment.

Sally's absence comes just days after Naga Munchetty was notably missing from the programme for the second day in a row on Saturday.

The presenter, 49, who usually hosts alongside Charlie Stayt, 62, from Thursday through to Saturday, was replaced by Nina Warhurst again.

Nina has already stepped in twice within two weeks to cover Sally Nugent earlier this month as well as appearing on Friday's show.

Stepping in, she and Charlie discussed the passing of Dame Maggie Smith and various other news.

Instead, they were treated to another appearance by Sarah Campbell, who also presented on Monday's episode

Sally's absence from the show has not gone unnoticed, as viewers have flocked to x, formerly known as Twitter, to share their discontent and beg for her return

Sally's absence comes just days after Naga Munchetty was notably missing from the programme for the second day in a row on Saturday

The presenter, 49, who usually hosts alongside Charlie Stayt, 62, from Thursday through to Saturday, was replaced by Nina Warhurst, 43, again

It is unclear why Naga is missing from BBC Breakfast, but the programme often undergoes hosting shake-ups.

Thursday's instalment saw an awkward clash between replacement host Nina 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.

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.

BBC Breakfast airs daily on BBC One from 6am.
A UK remake of the iconic US sitcom Cheers is currently in the works - but fans are already fuming that the reboot is a 'terrible idea doomed to fail'.

The beloved American comedy series - which aired from 1982 to 1993 on NBC - will be reassessed in a fresh, new British adaptation, Deadline reported.

The iconic show, which spanned 11 seasons, starred A-listers Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Woody Harrelson.

Working on the script is English screenwriter Simon Nye, known for his works on Men Behaving Badly (1992) and The Durrells (2016).

Fans were left very unimpressed with the news, taking to X - formerly Twitter - and calling for 'more new and creative ideas'.

A UK remake of the iconic US sitcom Cheers is currently in the works - but several fans were left fuming as they branded it a 'terrible idea that's doomed to fail'

The beloved American comedy series - which aired from 1982 to 1993 on NBC - will be reassessed in a fresh, new British adaptation, Deadline reported

They fumed: 'This is clearly a terrible idea. And will fail. There are a zillion new scripts out there. Give one of them a go';

'Just leave it alone';

'Just make new things, please';

'Ah yes, I distinctly remember scratching my head, unable to follow this obscure foreign comedy';

'Aren't they a bit old? Leave it alone. Viewers want original ideas';

'Naah, UK is great at making original stuff, especially when it comes to tv. Let's not turn everything in it to a rubbish America';

'To paraphrase Richard Herring, they'd better put a Rodney in it. The American version of Men Behaving Badly was atrocious (even by Rob Schneider standards) so there's no reason this should work, and it won't';

'Please don't. Why is this even a consideration? I certainly wouldn't be watching it';

Fans were left very unimpressed with the news, storming X - formerly Twitter - with reflective comments - calling out for 'more new and creative ideas'

Yet someone agreed to disagree, hailing Simon, 66, as a 'great writer' and putting faith in the upcoming reboot

The iconic show spanned throughout 11 seasons, with A-listers as Ted Danson, Shelley Long, and Woody Harrelson (pictured Woody Harrelson, Shelley Long, George Wendt, Kelsey Grammer, Rhea Perlman, Ted Danson, John Ratzenberger)

The comedy show explored the regulars of Boston bar 'Cheers' and follows their lives, stories and experiences with each other while drinking or working at the bar

Chief Executive of Big Talk, Kenton Allen, told Deadline: 'I might be insane. The British pub is an endangered species, so there's an answer for the 'Why now?' about it'

'Ridiculous idea!';

'No,' quipped another.

'Please don't'; 'Oh dear'.

Yet some were more optimistic, hailing Simon, 66, as a 'great writer' and putting faith in the upcoming reboot.

'Simon Nye is a great writer. If it goes ahead I hope it's a success,' one penned.

The comedy show explored the regulars of Boston bar Cheers and followed their lives, stories and experiences with each other while drinking or working at the bar.

According to Deadline, the UK remake is being developed by Big Talk Studios, which also produced BBC's The Outlaws starring Stephen Merchant and Ludwig.

Chief executive of Big Talk, Kenton Allen, told the publication: 'I might be insane. The British pub is an endangered species, so there's an answer for the 'Why now?' about it.

'The attitudes of Cheers in the 80s are very different to the attitudes of today, so there's a massive amount of work to be done around taking inspiration from the original characters but creating something fresh.'
First-look images of Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter starring in Channel 4's Brian and Margaret have showcased their epic transformations as they take on the roles of Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher.

Steve, 58, who previously starred in The Reckoning, was worlds away from his usual lighthearted self as he embodied wise and much-feared inquisitor Brian.

In six first-look images released by Channel 4, Steve was seen with receding greying locks and a striped black and white suit.

Elsewhere, Harriet took fans back in time as she perfected the look of the former UK Prime Minister.

For her character, she swapped out her usual brunette tresses with a classic golden perm and wore a striking blue suit with a scallop design around the collar.

First-look images of Steve Coogan and Harriet Walter (pictured) staring in Channel 4's Brian and Margaret showcased their transformations in Brian Walden and Margaret Thatcher

Steve, 58, who previously starred in The Reckoning, looked worlds away from his usual youthful, trendy self and embodied the wise and much-feared inquisitor that is Brian

She layered the then-trendy two-piece over a crisp white shirt and modest black heels.

Brian and Margaret, which will air sometime 2025, was written by RTS award-winner Jamers Graham, known for Sherwood, Quiz, Brexit: The Uncivil War.

It's based on political editor and TV producer Rob Burley's book Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV.

The two-part drama was directed by Academy Award nominee and BAFTA-winning Stephen Frears - known for A Very English Scandal and Florence Foster Jenkins, Philomena.

In 1989 Brian and Margaret came together for their last ever TV interview.

Little did they know they were about to embark on one of the most famous political exchanges of all time.

The 45-minute showdown became a national talking point and set in train a series of events that ended with Margaret's resignation.

Afterwards, they never spoke again.

In six first-look images released by Channel 4, Steve was seen in full character with receding greying locks, a thin stature and a striped black and white suit

Elsewhere, Harriet took fans back in time as she perfected the look of the former UK Prime Minister

For her character, she styled her raven tresses into a classic brunette perm and wore a striking blue suit with a scallop design around the collar

It was based on political editor and TV producer Rob Burley's book Why is This Lying Bastard Lying to Me?: Searching for the Truth on Political TV

Speaking of his role Steve said: 'It's great to be telling a story from the era of the sorely missed forensic interview - two giants of their time locking horns to determine the future of Britain'

Harriet said: 'I have to travel a great distance to reach Maggie Thatcher but with James's brilliant script, Stephen Frears to guide me and Steve Coogan to accompany me I have the dream team to help me achieve it'

Brian and Margaret will be released in two 60-minute episodes.

TV presenter Brian died in 2019 at the age of 86 following complications from emphysema.

The veteran broadcaster, who started his career as a Labour politician, died at home in St Peter Port, Guernsey.

Brian was scouted by ITV, where he worked on Weekend World among other programmes.

He was best known for his tenacious interviews with high-profile politicians and was considered Margaret Thatcher's 'favourite' interviewer.

During one famous grilling when her own Conservative cabinet were turning against her in 1989, Brian asked Margaret whether she was 'off her trolley'.

TV presenter Brian died in 2019 at the age of 86 following complications from emphysema. He was scouted by ITV, where he worked on Weekend World among other programmes

He was best known for his tenacious interviews with high-profile politicians and was considered Margaret Thatcher's 'favourite' interviewer

He asked her: 'You come over as being someone who one of your backbenchers said is slightly off her trolley, authoritarian, domineering, refusing to listen to anybody else  why?

'Why cannot you publicly project what you have just told me is your private character?'

She replied: 'Brian, if anyone's coming over as domineering in this interview, it's you.'

His amiable style frequently beguiled his subjects, very often cabinet ministers, into straying into areas which they would rather not have discussed in public.

His wife Hazel said she was 'happily married' for 43 years and her late husband was 'very cheerful, always happy and got on well with people'.

She said: 'The biggest regret that he would have is that he didn't live to see Brexit, because he was a passionate Brexiteer.

'Margaret Thatcher would never have let things get as far as Theresa May has.

'He agreed with Nigel Farage that the only way is out, unless we wish to give up our British rights and tradition to be held in a superstate.

'To be dominated by a capricious and undemocratic Brussels-Berlin axis is not something he would have wanted.'

Former Conservative prime minister Margaret died in 2013 in a suite at the Ritz after suffering a severe stroke.

Britain's first and only female political leader passed away peacefully aged 87, after battling poor health for more than a decade.

After a minor operation over Christmas, Baroness Thatcher had spent the past few months recuperating at the five-star hotel in central London.

Former Conservative prime minister Margaret died in 2013 in a suite at the Ritz after suffering a severe stroke

The Iron Lady was given 24-hour care by nursing staff in her suite, after becoming too frail to stay in her Belgravia home.

The grocer's daughter, who became the longest serving British prime minister of the 20th century, was honoured with a full ceremonial funeral - one step below a state funeral - at St Paul's Cathedral.

Speaking of his role Steve said: 'It's great to be telling a story from the era of the sorely missed forensic interview - two giants of their time locking horns to determine the future of Britain. To act opposite Harriet Walter with a script by James Graham directed by Stephen Frears is a challenge of the very best kind!'

Harriet said: 'I have to travel a great distance to reach Maggie Thatcher but with James's brilliant script, Stephen Frears to guide me and Steve Coogan to accompany me I have the dream team to help me achieve it.'
Ludwig hit screens to rave reviews last week - with fans hailing the irreverent murder mystery as 'the next Jonathan Creek' after just one episode.

The show, which stars David Mitchell, 50, hit BBC One and BBC iPlayer on Wednesday and fans are already obsessed.

In the new series, David plays John 'Ludwig' Taylor, an introverted and reclusive puzzle setter, who against his better judgement, is dragged into an exciting adventure after his identical twin brother goes missing.

If you've already binged the series - possible since all episodes are available to stream - you may be looking for your next murder mystery fix.

Here's our pick of the genre's five best contenders to scratch the itch.

Ludwig hit screens to rave reviews last week - with fans hailing the irreverent murder mystery as 'the next Jonathan Creek' after just one episode (David Mitchell pictured on the show)

If you've already binged the series - possible since all episodes are available to stream - you may be looking for your next murder mystery fix (pictured Lesley Manville as Susan Ryeland)

Magpie Murders

Ingenious case-within-a-case murder-mystery

Year: 2022

Certificate: 15

Watch now on BBC iPlayer

Watch now on ITVX Premium

This six-part series will appeal to fans of Agatha Christie, Midsomer Murders and Death In Paradise. It's a gentle whodunnit rather than a gruesome gorefest with an imaginative Christie-style twist at the end.

The show is a murder-mystery within a murder-mystery, where the answer to one case is hidden within another. One of the murders takes place in the 1950s, the other in the modern day. 'It's an ingenious idea that keeps you guessing until the end,' says Danny Mays, who plays a police officer in the show. 'It's two stories in one.'

The action starts with crime writer Alan Conway delivering his new book to editor Susan (Lesley Manville), but with the last chapter missing. She pops over to his home to recover the absent manuscript only to find that the poor chap's been killed. It's at this point Conway's fictional detective Atticus Pund (Tim McMullan) appears on the scene to help solve the murder of the man who created him. (Six episodes)

Poker Face

Snazzy, modern take on Columbo from the creator of Knives Out

Year: 2023

Certificate: 15

Watch now on NOW

Watch now on Sky

If you like watching a puzzle being solved, this hot murder-mystery drama from the US is absolutely for you. Essentially a 21st-century take on Columbo, Poker Face was created by Knives Out writer-director Rian Johnson and stars Russian Doll's Natasha Lyonne as Charlie, an old-soul cocktail waitress who can tell when people are lying, and has one of those personalities that just makes people open up and tell her things they probably shouldn't.

Each week's murder is revealed at the start, then we spend the rest of the episode figuring out how Charlie will catch the culprit and learning the 'why' of the crime. Despite the fact that her ability to sense lies is definitely superhuman, Charlie is absolutely not a superhero; she's just a regular person with a strong sense of right and wrong, and a dry sense of humour to boot. The show is very human and it's a pleasure to watch, so it's a relief that it will be back for a second series because you'll get through this first batch of cases all too quickly. (Ten episodes)

Professor T

Ben Miller is perfectly cast as an awkward sleuth in ITV's take on a Belgian detective drama

Year: 2021-

Certificate: 15

Watch now on ITVX

In ITV's Cambridge-set adaptation of the Belgian detective drama of the same name, Ben Miller has a starring role that fits him like cosy pair of slippers - a socially awkward academic who is irascible, impatient and a lover of order. His Jasper Tempest has a knack for solving crimes, and when not being tormented by his overbearing mother (the fabulous Frances de la Tour), he's putting his particular set of skills to good use.

In the second series we learn more about the title character as his eccentricities are unpacked by a therapist (Juliet Stevenson), much to the horror of his mother, and the professor's personal life gets messier as he rekindles his relationship with DCI Christina Brand (Juliet Aubrey).

Series three opens in a manner more befitting The Shawshank Redemption, as the oddball criminologist starts doing time in a prison that looks straight out of the classic Stephen King movie. But no, we are back in Cambridge, and while his friends on the outside worry he won't cope, the professor surrenders to the 'belly of the beast' and treats his incarceration as a field trip - he even finds the time to solve a murder case. (Three series)

Death Comes To Pemberley

'Sequel' to Pride And Prejudice, starring Matthew Rhys and Anna Maxwell Martin

Year: 2013

Certificate: 12

Watch now on Netflix

Watch now on Prime Video

Watch now on U (UKTV)

Two hundred years after the publication of Jane Austen's Pride And Prejudice, this thoroughly enjoyable three-part series continues the story six years after the book left off, but in a very different vein - that of a murder mystery.

Adapted from P.D. James's 'mash-up' novel of 2011, this stars Anna Maxwell Martin and Matthew Rhys as Elizabeth Bennet and Fitzwilliam Darcy, now happily married with a small son. As they prepare to throw a lavish annual ball in their magnificent Pemberley home, the contented couple suddenly find their lives thrown into disarray when a murder is committed on their estate. Rebecca Front and Trevor Eve also star, and Jenna Coleman is excellent in the tricky role of Elizabeth's flighty sister, Lydia. (Three episodes)

Monk

Tony Shalhoub plays a detective with 312 phobias

Year: 2002-2009

Certificate: 12

Watch now on Netflix

'Underdog' detective Adrian Monk makes him the perfect man to solve a mystery (pictured Tony Shalhoub as Adrian Monk)

Detective turned police consultant Adrian Monk (Tony Shalhoub) is the man you want on the case, providing the case doesn't involve milk, ladybirds or different foods touching on a plate, just three of the 312 things of which he's afraid. His phobias make Monk an underdog, so you're rooting for him to solve his cases - and there are plenty of them to enjoy here.

This San Francisco-set show picked up a lot of fans when it was on TV the first time around, partly because Monk was such a likeable character. One of the driving reasons for his phobias was the death of his wife, an over-arching case that the series does finally bring to a close before it ends, and another element of what made him such an engaging underdog. Nuanced, smart, sweet and frequently very funny, this is a terrific show that you could easily lose an entire weekend to, if you're not careful. (Eight series)
The Great British Bake Off gets thrown into chaos on Tuesday when two bakers collapse in the tent and a third dramatically quits.

Viewers are set for one of the most shocking episodes in the show's history, where the contestants will 'drop like flies,' according to The Mirror.

One of the bakers who hits the floor, is 31-year-old midwife Illiyin, who made waves by receiving a Hollywood Handshake from Paul in week one.

As she begins to swoon while the showstoppers are being judged, Paul yells: 'What the hell is going on?' and Prue gasps: 'Are you all right?'

The publication reported that she is then put into the recovery position on the floor as she felt too 'dizzy' to be present for the rest of judging.

The Great British Bake Off gets thrown into chaos tonight when two bakers reportedly collapse in the tent and a third dramatically quits

Viewers are set for one of the most shocking episodes in the shows history, where the contestants will 'drop like flies,' according to The Mirror (Illyin pictured above)

Host Noel Fielding stepped in, in her place and jokes: 'I've had nightmares about this.'

Elsewhere in the episode, which airs at 8pm on Channel 4, another baker 'quits' the tent and quips: 'I've had enough. I'm done.'

It comes after fans slammed the show last week for introducing a 'cruel' twist during the first episode of the new season.

Judges Paul Hollywood and Prue Leith were back for the new series alongside hosts Alison Hammond and Noel Fielding, which kicked off as always with Cake Week.

No one was sent packing in the first week - instead two are now at risk in the next instalment - while John was announced as the very first Star Baker of the series.

However, fans have been left divided over a major format change, with some slamming it as 'brutal' and claiming they would 'walk out' if it were them.

The shocking new rule, which was announced by hosts Noel and Alison, saw the bakers undertake the technical challenge without a recipe, instead relying on taste alone to recreate a Battenberg cake.

Noel told the contestants: 'In a change from the norm, this is a taste and bake challenge. Under your gingham cloth is the perfect mini Battenburg.

One of the bakers who hits the floor, is 31-year-old midwife Illiyin, who made waves by receiving a Hollywood Handshake from Paul in week one

It comes after fans slammed the show last week for introducing a 'cruel' twist during the first episode of the new season

The shocking new rule, which was announced by hosts Noel and Alison, saw the bakers undertake the technical challenge without a recipe, instead relying on taste alone to recreate a Battenberg cake

'You'll have five minutes to inspect your Battenburg, then you'll have to recreate that with no recipe.'

The bakers were stunned to silence and viewers couldn't believe the shake-up, taking to X to write:

'Calling OfCom and the Exam Board because the rules of the Bake off technical challenge have changed #GBBO #GreatBritishBakeOff #BakeOff.'

'No recipe for the technical challenge? Oh bog off Bake Off.'

'WHAT, THIS TECHNICAL?! #GBBO.'

'Omg theyve changed the technical challenge?!?! that is BRUTAL. #GBBO.'

'Woah. This technical challenge is madness #GBBO No recipe.'

'Well that's a cruel week 1 technical challenge #gbbo.'

'The taste-and-bake plot twist in the technical challenge. My jaw has DROPPED. #GBBO.'

When announcing the results last week, Noel said that in fact they would all be going through to the next round

The bakers were stunned to silence and viewers couldn't believe the shake-up

'People have been complaining about the Technical Challenge getting too complicated recently, WHY ARE YOU MAKING IT EVEN MORE COMPLICATED?

'I just wanna see people make a simple bake with a minimal guide, not something already complicated and making them rely on taste alone #GBBO.'

Elsewhere in the episode the 12 contestants had to first make a loaf cake for the signature challenge, before heading onto the Showstopper to make an illusion cake.

This year's bunch includes a fashion designer, paediatric nurse and farm manager who even made the shortlist for Young Farmer of the Year.

When announcing the results Noel said that in fact they would all be going through to the next round.

It came after Jeff couldn't complete the last two tasks due to unexpected illness.
When Amanda Abbington told Giovanni Pernice she was quitting Strictly for medical reasons weeks before the show's finale last year, he helped her find the care she needed.

Giovanni called friends for advice to ensure she had the very best help, despite the fact the duo  who had been paired together on the show two months before  had often found themselves at loggerheads.

Amanda had, say Strictly sources, been a 'difficult' celebrity partner for Giovanni, but a good dancer and always up for a challenge. Meanwhile, the pro dancer did his best to keep them in the competition and to make the practice sessions enjoyable for Amanda.

But just a month after she sensationally quit the competition, Sherlock actress Amanda briefed a red-top newspaper that she had asked for the video footage of their rehearsals, revealing she had suffered post-traumatic stress disorder after taking part in the BBC's blockbuster Saturday night show.

It was the first of many reports which accused Giovanni, a Sicilian dance superstar who makes no bones about the fact he is a perfectionist, of bullying her.

Sicilian dance superstar Giovanni Pernice with Bianca Guaccero on Italian Strictly

The BBC launched an inquiry into Abbington's incendiary allegations, and she ramped up the pressure shortly afterwards with a bombshell interview on Channel 4 News with Krishnan Guru-Murthy, in which she claimed some of Giovanni's behaviour was of a sexual nature.

Those close to Giovanni say that her increasingly regular public appearances infuriated him and made him feel that he had been put on trial by the media  rather than his former employers at the Beeb.

However, he decided to keep a dignified silence and allow the BBC's HR process to do its job, waiting patiently for their report to have the final say.

And yesterday, it seemed his strategy was the right one. The investigation, which took five months  much to Giovanni's frustration, I'm told  and is estimated to have cost taxpayers upwards of 250,000, cleared the dancer of the majority of the allegations.

Of the 17 allegations the BBC looked into, they upheld six, some of which accused Giovanni of using swear words and getting too frustrated with Amanda when trying to teach her dance routines.

On one occasion, the probe concluded, Giovanni put his hands up in the air and said 'f***'.

It also backed up Amanda's account that, at times, he appeared to be giving her overly negative feedback.

It also concluded that there were two moments of 'inappropriate behaviour of sexual banter in the workplace', which were found to have been made and received as consensual jokes. While the full report will never be published, the BBC yesterday released a statement apologising to Amanda, as well as thanking her for approaching them with the complaints.

The corporation said: 'The BBC has now concluded its review into the complaints made by Amanda Abbington against Giovanni Pernice.

Giovanni, 34, posted on Instagram yesterday to say 'It's over'

Amanda Abbington wipes a tear in a bombshell interview on Channel 4 News with Krishnan Guru-Murthy

'We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.

'We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.'

In response, Amanda said: 'As the BBC has indicated today in its statement, my decision to come forward and complain about Giovanni Pernice's conduct towards me was not an easy thing to do. In the days, weeks and months since I contacted the BBC, I've been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being 'mad and unstable'.'

It is undeniable that the outcome of the inquiry is one that is open to interpretation.

While Amanda told of her joy, Giovanni's team say he is 'thrilled' to have been cleared of the majority of the accusations, which have been an ugly stain on his career since the beginning of the year.

And in a statement issued yesterday evening, Giovanni told the Mail: 'I'm glad the review has finally come to an end. The majority of the allegations have been thrown out by the review.

'It has been an extremely difficult year, reading story after story and not being able to say anything in return as I respected the integrity of the review, which the BBC asked everyone to do.

'I loved my time on Strictly and made some amazing memories. But now I am fully focused on Dancing With The Stars in Italy and supporting my dance partner Bianca [Guaccero].

'I'm grateful to all those who have supported me at this time  I really don't know how I would have got through this without the love and belief of my family, friends, colleagues and fans.'

Although Giovanni, 34, who was pictured in London with Strictly judge Craig Revel Horwood on Sunday, came across as extremely magnanimous during the investigation, particularly given the star was forced to quit Strictly after nine years thanks to Amanda's allegations, he has, in reality, been furious about the whole situation.

Amanda and Giovanni on last year's BBC One Strictly Come Dancing

Friends say that he was devastated at her claims. 'She just kept going and going on him,' says a source close to Giovanni.

I know first hand of Amanda's wrath. One Sunday in May she called me via Facebook's Messenger app to take issue with a story I had written about her.

Having found me on the social media platform, she screamed at me for writing that it was Giovanni who asked for their dance rehearsals to be recorded. Amanda claimed it was her request and she threatened to set her lawyers on me.

After her phone call, she sent me a private message on Facebook to apologise for her outburst. When I didn't reply, she posted publicly on my page, telling me to read it. Amanda and Giovanni reportedly fell out just weeks after beginning rehearsals, though Amanda insisted they were friends.

In fact, the inquiry was handed a 28-minute audio recording from the couple's training session which Giovanni believed would help exonerate him of Amanda's complaints.

Within the tape, Amanda says if she were him, she 'would have thrown me out of the window by now' in an apparent acknowledgement that she can be difficult.

She also refers to how she 'self-sabotages', repeatedly mentioning how he has been a support to her and describing herself as a 'nightmare'. And I previously revealed that Giovanni gave investigators a dossier of screenshots of WhatsApp messages between himself and Amanda, 52, in which she gushes at how helpful he has been, how much she likes him and apologises to him.

One source close to Giovanni said: 'Gio thinks he tried hard to find common ground with Amanda.'

I can also reveal that Amanda got in touch with numerous former Strictly contestants whom she hoped could back her up with her claims that Giovanni was a bully.

She reportedly met with two of Giovanni's former partners, TV hosts Laura Whitmore and Ranvir Singh to discus their shared torment.

Laura went on to say publicly that she approached the BBC when she took part in 2015 to complain about Giovanni.

Ranvir has not said a word  but has kept a photograph of her performing a Strictly routine as her Instagram profile picture.

'At that point it [seemed like it] was clear that she wanted others to pile in,' says one source familiar with Amanda. 'There was a sense that she was looking for other people's stories to help hers.'

Strictly staff too, even senior ones, have been left baffled at her determination to place Strictly  one of Britain's most loved and long-standing television shows  under a dark cloud.

'Understandably Amanda feels like she had a very difficult time on the show and her experiences should not be ignored,' says one BBC source.

'Of course things have been changed in response to her complaints to the BBC, which is no bad thing, but hopefully now she will leave things alone.'

Even so, there is a lingering feeling that the report was 'fudged' by BBC bosses to make sure that they could not be accused of not believing Amanda.

I'm told by numerous sources that, for some weeks, bosses held meetings to discuss how they could make sure that the verdict showed that they had listened to Amanda.

BBC insiders say that they hope a line has now been drawn under the saga. However, the same cannot be said for Giovanni. I'm told there is a chance he will take things further.

'His reputation has been dragged through the mud,' says one source close to him.

As for the BBC, Team Giovanni are unhappy at the lack of psychological testing which meant he was paired with Amanda.

So will he sue?

'Who knows,' said a friend. 'Today he is happy [to be exonerated of the majority of claims against him] but maybe when the dust has settled he may look at things differently.'
Natalie Barr has slammed former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson for revealing that the late Queen Elizabeth II had bone cancer.

The former prime minister, 60, said in his upcoming memoir Unleashed that he was aware of the monarch's condition for over a year before her death in 2022.

Sunrise host Barr was angry that Mr Johnson broke protocol by revealing the Queen's private medical matters.

'Dog act, Boris,' the breakfast show host said as she discussed Mr Johnson's current publicity tour ahead of his book release.

'If the royal family or the Queen had wanted to release that [information], they would have. They would all have known. So, to sell a book, I think that's appalling.'

Co-host Matt 'Shirvo' Shirvington agreed, saying: 'To break the Queen's confidence in that way .... just horrible.'

The late queen's cause of death was officially recorded as 'old age' but it was reported soon after her death that she had died from myeloma - a form of bone marrow cancer.

Gyles Brandreth, a former politician and close friend of the Queen's husband Prince Phillip, revealed the cause of death just two months after she passed.

Natalie Barr, 56, (pictured) unleashed a brutal two-word takedown against UK politician Boris Johnson, 60, after he claimed Queen Elizabeth II suffered from deadly bone cancer

In his memoir, Mr Johnson recalled his final meeting with the monarch.

'I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline,' he wrote in his memoir, part of which was published in The Mail on Sunday.

'She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections.'

However, despite her condition, the former PM recalled how sharp her mind remained in that final meeting.

The late Queen died at the age of 96 on September 8, 2022, at 3.10pm.

The former prime minister (pictured) said in his upcoming tell-all memoir Unleashed that he was aware of the monarch's condition for over a year before her death in 2022

According to the NHS, Bone cancer is considered rare; accounting for less than 1 per cent of all cancer diagnosed each year, with only some 600 cases.

Age is considered the biggest risk factor for the disease with people in their late 80s most likely to be diagnosed.

Bone cancer is severe and only about 50 per cent of patients are expected to live five years after their diagnosis.

Mr Brandreth, in his biography Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait, revealed the late monarch had a type of bone marrow cancer.

Now Sunrise host Nat has slammed Mr Johnson on live TV on Tuesday morning for the 'dog act' of revealing the Queen's (pictured) alleged secret medical concerns

He wrote: 'I had heard that the Queen had a form of myelomabone marrow cancerwhich would explain her tiredness and weight loss and those "mobility issues" we were often told about during the last year or so of her life.'

'The most common symptom of myeloma is bone pain, especially in the pelvis and lower back, and multiple myeloma is a disease that often affects the elderly.

'Currently, there is no known cure, but treatmentincluding medicines to help regulate the immune system and drugs that help prevent the weakening of the bonescan reduce the severity of its symptoms and extend the patient's survival by months or two to three years.'

While 'old age' can be listed as contributing to a death, official guidelines state it should only be used as sole cause of death in very limited circumstances.

It comes just a few days after Mr Johnson claimed that Queen Elizabeth II suffered from a form of deadly bone cancer before her death in September 2022

There is no official age limit for saying someone died of 'old age', but it is generally only accepted if the person is over 80.

The doctor should also have cared for the deceased for years or months and noticed a general decline in their health, as well as their functioning in day-to-day life.

There must also be no obvious identifiable disease or injury that contributed to their death, though 'old age' can be listed as a contributing factor.

The final official condition for using 'old age' as the cause of death is that the doctor is 'certain' there is no reason that the death should be reported to the coroner for further investigation.
Jasmine Roth of HGTV fame has detailed her birth story in a first-person essay shared via People magazine.

The 40-year-old television personality  who welcomed her first child, daughter Hazel, with husband Brett in 2020  called the experience 'terrifying' as she nearly gave birth on the side of the road.

At the beginning of her story, Jasmine described heading to dinner with Brett to celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary.

But shortly after, she experienced a 'sharp contraction' that forced her to 'sit down immediately.'

Within two hours of her first contractions, the couple's second daughter, Darla Rose Roth, was born weeks before her due date, weighing 4 lbs. 8 oz.

Jasmine Roth of HGTV fame has detailed her birth story in a first-person essay shared via People magazine

The 40-year-old television personality - who welcomed her first child , daughter Hazel, with husband Brett in 2020 - called the experience 'terrifying' as she nearly gave birth on the side of the road

She noted, 'I breathed through it and since it was still a month before our due date, I didnt think much of it.'

Jasmine and her husband went to their house to collect their hospital bags, though she admitted, 'Neither of us really thought the baby was coming that night, so we hurried, but in retrospect, we should have gone much faster.'

As they prepared for what they expected to be a 25-minute drive to University of Utah Hospital, they were shocked to see the GPS estimate that it would take 55 minutes due to traffic.

'Theres rarely traffic like this in the mountains and there isnt another route to the hospital. What were the odds?!' Roth penned in her essay.

They called 911 and drove along the shoulder of the highway as the emergency operator instructed them to pull over and wait for help.

Jasmine recalled, 'I was terrified but didnt want to admit it. It was very dark out and the traffic was completely stopped as far as we could see.'

Eventually she saw the flashing lights of a firetruck and the fire personnel brought out a tarp, on which they planned to deliver the baby.

'As I climbed hesitantly onto the tarp, the ambulance pulled up and I gladly got on their stretcher instead,' the new mother detailed in her essay.

At the beginning of her story, Jasmine described heading to dinner with Brett to celebrate their 11th wedding anniversary

Jasmine shared a video of her pregnancy in the months leading up to her baby's birth

She was driven to the hospital, with Brett following behind the ambulance.

Darla was delivered with Jasmine 'crying and pushing' on all fours with 'everything she had.'

'I felt her come out and the nurses laid the smallest human I had ever seen in my life right beneath my trembling body,' she shared about holding her newborn for the first time.

'She was perfect, but she was so so tiny. Id never seen a baby so small,' the proud parent wrote.

On September 22, she took to Instagram to share a video of her pregnancy in the months leading up to her baby's birth.

She wrote in the caption: 'This pregnancy was different. Its amazing how 4 years can change things. The last time around, it was all about me. Now, as a mother of a 4.5 yr old, this pregnancy was all about our family.

'How much we can and cant do, how much my body can give, how to juggle it all. Growing a human while approaching my 40th birthday is NOT something I was necessarily planning on (it took us a while to get pregnant, more on that soon) but Im also grateful for the maturity and experience that Ive been able to lean on this time around.'

Roth said on Instagram: 'This pregnancy was different. Its amazing how 4 years can change things. The last time around, it was all about me. Now, as a mother of a 4.5 yr old, this pregnancy was all about our family'

Because she was born prematurely, baby Darla spent 15 days in the in the ICN, a low-level NICU.

Jasmine said in her article, 'Being home with a preemie baby is very different than bringing a full-term baby home from the hospital. There are nurses and pediatrician appointments.

'Shes still using a feeding tube and its challenging to know exactly what she needs as it usually falls outside of the care most parents are used to giving. But since being home for even a few days, Darla has grown and thrived.'

The new mom-of-two gushed about her baby, 'She snuggles, she smiles and shes become part of our family. And while none of our birth story went the way I hoped, Ive accepted it and Im grateful for the experience.'
Australian designer Rebecca Vallance has launched a new collection with American socialite and model Nicky Hilton.

The Holiday capsule collection, which comprises of 31 looks, is available globally from Tuesday and is priced between $749 and $1,299 AUD.

The new range will feature the brand's iconic cuts - mini, midi and gowns - as well as a new silhouettes in the form of a lace jumpsuit.

Vallance's hand embroidered diamante bow applique designs, pearls and floral applique details are also heavily featured in the collection.

It will be stocked around the world in Mytheresa, Saks (US), Revolve (US), Harrods (UK), Bloomingdales Dubai and Kuwait, and Eraldo (IT).

The partnership marks the first time the label has opened up to a collaborator in this way.

Nicky said she was excited to launch this new range alongside her friend Rebecca.

'No one loves dressing up for the holidays more than me. This collection celebrates the very best of a festive time of year,' she said.

Australian designer Rebecca Vallance has launched a new collection with Nicky Hilton

The Holiday capsule collection will comprise of 31 looks and will be available globally from Tuesday

'While making the collection and going through my favourite looks from Rebecca Vallance, we discovered we were drawn to a lot of the same design details and references, which was such an exciting and delightful process.'

Founder Rebecca Vallance also added: 'I'm incredibly proud to have had the chance to work with my dear friend, Nicky Hilton - an international icon - on creating a truly special collection.

'Together, we've brought to life a range that reflects everything we both cherish timeless style, impeccable craftsmanship, and a celebration of femininity.'

'These are values we hold close at Rebecca Vallance, and it's been such a joy to share them with Nicky throughout this collaboration.'

The collection will be priced between $749 and $1,299 AUD
Home and Away fans have been whipped into a frenzy after discovering a worrying photo posted to social media, leading them to believe a series veteran is leaving.

Fans recently noticed that actress Emily Weir, who has played Mackenzie Booth on the show since 2019, is currently on a big US holiday with former co-stars Sarah Roberts and Tim Franklin.

It recently emerged that Emily's three-year contract on the series is soon to expire, leading fans to speculate her 'holiday' may actually be a farewell party.

Alongside a happy snap of Emily sunbaking by a hotel pool, one fan wrote: 'Emily's contract is up and she has been travelling with Sarah Roberts and Tim Franklin.'

Meanwhile, Sarah shared a bikini snap to her Instagram account which captured Emily rocking her best angles on the California holiday in a very skimpy two-piece while having fun in a pool with Tim.

Sarah, 39, and Tim, 34, appeared on the long-running Channel Seven soap opera alongside Emily, but they both left in 2021.

Daily Mail Australia has reached out to Channel Seven for comment.

Last month, Emily and her co-star Tristan Gorey made the bombshell admission they considered leaving the series following a recent shock death on the show.

Home and Away fans have been whipped into a frenzy after they noticed a worrying photo posted to social media which led them to believe a series veteran is leaving. Fans recently noticed that actress Emily Weir (pictured) is currently on a big holiday with her former co-stars. Pictured: Emily with series veteran Tim Franklin

The pair, who play lovebirds Mackenzie and Levi on the series, admitted they were affected by the recent character death of Felicity Newman, played by Jacqui Purvis.

'I don't ever want Mackenzie to die. I want her to leave the Bay, so there's always a place where I can come back to,' Emily, 33, told Yahoo Lifestyle.

The brunette bombshell added if her character had to die she would like it to be in a very dramatic and memorable manner.

'If I had to, I'd love to be in a gunfight or something really left of field. Really do some martial arts, like a fight scene or something.'

However, it has recently emerged that Emily's three-year contract on the series is soon to expire, leading fans to speculate her 'holiday' may be a farewell party for her, as she leaves the show for good

In August, fans were left devastated when fan-favourite character Felicity Newman, played by Jacqui Purvis, collapsed in shock scenes.

In the clip which had fans in tears, Felicity suddenly fell to the ground when her vision went blurry during an emotional conversation with ex-husband Tane Parata.

The character was then rushed to hospital in critical condition, as promos confirmed she will die and actress Jacqui will move on from Summer Bay.
Naomi Campbell turned heads in a nude tweed ensemble as she attended Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week.

The supermodel, 54, looked nothing short of sensational in the chic ensemble which boasted a tweed fabric, a high neckline and fringe trims.

Naomi teamed a black satin coat with the outfit before adding inches to her slender frame with a pair of black court heels.

To complete her FROW look, Naomi further accessorised with a stack of beaded bracelets and a pair of oversized shades.

Posing up a storm ahead of the show, the catwalk icon toted her essentials in a black leather clutch bag and styled her locks straight for the evening.

Naomi Campbell turned heads in a nude tweed ensemble as she attended Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week

The supermodel, 54, looked nothing short of sensational in the chic ensemble which boasted a tweed fabric, a high neckline, a small slit at the leg, and fringe trims

Balenciaga's Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, 43, collection featured retro lingerie items, sheer beaded ensembles over lingerie, bras and pantaboots, and sweaters or coats slung over garters.

Demna was inspired by his childhood memories of creating pretend fashion shows for his summer 2025 lineup.

In a handwritten note, which was blasted out pre-show, Demna said: 'My early memories of fashion start with me drawing looks on cardboard, cutting them out, and making 'fashion shows' on my grandmas kitchen table.'

'35 years later, this show reconnects me to the beginning of my vision. Its a tribute to fashion that has a point of view.'

Naomi's appearance at the Balenciaga show comes after she stunned in a black figure-hugging gown for the Duran Lantink show during Paris Fashion Week.

She was spotted greeting designers backstage at the show held at Lycee Turgot in the French capital on Saturday.

Her appearance came one day after she said a charity watchdog's findings which led to her being banned as a trustee were 'deeply flawed'.

Naomi teamed a black satin coat with the outfit before adding inches to her slender frame with a pair of black court heels

To complete her FROW look, Naomi further accessorised with a stack of beaded bracelets and a pair of oversized shades

Naomi revealed she had instructed new advisers to investigate what happened at her charity Fashion for Relief.

The model, who was disqualified from being a trustee for five years, said the Charity Commission's report was 'incomplete and misleading in their consideration of evidence'.

The watchdog claimed it had found serious mismanagement of funds including hotel stays and spa treatments.

Details emerged 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.

The Charity Commission also found that of the 4.8million generated by Fashion For Relief between 2016 and 2022, only 389,000 was given to good causes.

An enquiry found that between April 2016 and July 2022, just 8.5 per cent of the charity's overall spending was on charitable grants.

Posing up a storm ahead of the show, the catwalk icon toted her essentials in a black leather clutch bag and styled her locks straight for the evening

Naomi was one of three trustees to be disqualified as a result of the probe.

'First of all, I recognise that, as the face of Fashion for Relief, I am ultimately responsible for its conduct,' she said in a statement.

'Unfortunately, I was not involved in the day-to-day operations of the organisation, and I entrusted the legal and operational management to others.'

'I want to assure everyone who has supported us that these findings are being taken very seriously.'

'I have instructed new advisers to undertake a detailed investigation of what transpired.'

Naomi insisted she has 'never been paid a fee for my participation in Fashion for Relief nor billed any personal expenses to the organisation'.

'I've dedicated nearly 30 years of my life to charitable initiatives, and I care deeply about the value and impact of the work I do,' she said.

Naomi pictured in Cannes in 2018 when her organisation Fashion for Relief spent 7,800 on a luxury three night hotel stay

'Typically, I align my charity work with paid assignments, which cover my travel and related expenses.'

'In cases where this is not possible, either myself or personal friends have covered the expenses.'

'In fact, in terms of the specific hotel expense mentioned in the report, the hotel has confirmed that all charges were settled by my personal travel agent, who in turn verified that they were reimbursed directly by a third party unaffiliated with the foundation.'

Naomi said she intends to consider all options, including requesting an appeal, to ensure the report 'presents a fair and accurate representation of our operations'.

'We believe aspects of the report are deeply flawed,' she added.
The second season of FBoy Island ended in explosive style on Sunday, with one contestant walking out after a bombshell secret kiss.

The finale of the BINGE reality series saw leading ladies Krystal Thomas, Nicole Mitrov, and Ally Woodfall making their final decision about the dating pool of FBoys and Nice Guys.

The women were tasked with picking a Nice Guy from a pool of potential paramours and if chosen correctly the pair would split a $50,000 cash prize.

If the women chose an FBoy, however, he had the option to split the cash or walk away with the whole purse himself.

But before each of the ladies' top two men could face up to the final decision, contestant Chad Homan made the shock decision to leave the show.

The bombshell walkout came after all the eliminated contestants were asked to return to the villa ahead of the final elimination.

Chad was then alerted to Ally kissing contestant Joe Blanch behind the villa when they thought no one was watching.

After seeing the offending kiss with his own eyes, an emotional Chad made the decision to take himself out of contention with Ally, leaving her with Andrew Tate enthusiast Joe as her only option.

FBoy Island contestant Chad Homan sensationally walked out of the show's finale after his potential love Ally Woodfall was spied in a secret embrace with Joe Blanch

'Motherf***ers, I'm out," Chad announced to the the other contestants and despite their efforts to stop him, his mind was made up.

'No, no, its all good,' he said.

'Literally, you cant get in the way of them. Thats all it is. Shes already made her choice, fellas.'

'No, no, its all good. Literally, you cant get in the way of them,' he said. 'Thats all it is. Shes already made her choice, fellas.'

After seeing the offending kiss with his own eyes, an emotional Chad made the decision to take himself out of contention with Ally, leaving her with Andrew Tate enthusiast Joe as her only option

Before leaving the villa, Chad had the chance to confront Ally, where he reiterated that his mind was made up and wanted to leave the show with some 'dignity'.

'Clearly I'm in love with you and I want to be here for you, I guess I'm just really scared about being led on and embarrassed,' Chad explained to Ally.

Speaking to News.com.au about Chad's shock exit, Ally revealed she felt helpless and terrified.

'My whole world kind of came crashing down,' she said.

'I didnt have a choice. There was no choice between two people  I was left with Joe by default. And I felt really helpless and terrified.'

Before leaving the villa Chad had the chance to confront Ally, where he reiterated that his mind was made up and wanted to leave the show with some 'dignity'

'I think you can see it in my face. I didnt know Joes status. Everyone was convinced he was an FBoy and I was convinced too.

'It wasnt like: "Oh, Chads left your minds made up." No, it was most harder in a sense.'

In the end though, Joe was revealed to be a Nice Guy, meaning he and Ally walked away with $50,000 in cash.

Speaking to Popsugar, the pair confirmed they are still very much a couple following the show and have plans to move in together.

'We are so serious about this relationship. We could not be more part of each others lives if we tried. Since weve both come off the show, I think weve at most spent a week without each other,' Joe revealed.

'Clearly I'm in love with you and I want to be here for you, I guess I'm just really scared about being led on and embarrassed,' Chad explained to Ally

'Were just always in each others arms and presence. For me, Im very loving and I want to be around my partner and it just works out the exact same. And we have a lot of plans for our future.'

Ally added that the pair had plans to move in together in 2025.

'Were planning to move in together actually in the quite near future, which will be really exciting. I think that definitely, maybe not this year. The year sort of gets away from you when youre playing hide and seek with the world for six months, maybe next year.'

Elsewhere in the finale, Ally's female co-stars ended up with Nice Guys with Nicole Mitrov picking Jack Johnston and Krystal Thomas picking Paddy Colliar.
Goldie Hawn has revealed the secret to her successful longtime relationship with Kurt Russell that has spanned more than four decades.

'You have to have good sex,' Goldie, 78, said on Friday at her Love-In Gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Goldie Hawn Foundation and MindUP, according to an article by E! News.

'Because sex is something that connects you and creates more belonging. People who have healthy sexual relationships usually last a lot longer. But it's not just because of the act, it's because of the warmth and the intimacy that it creates,' she continued.

Goldie jokingly added: 'You have to be nice to each other upon occasion.'

The Oscar-winning actress and Kurt, 73, have been together since 1983 and have son Wyatt Russell, 38, along with daughter Kate Hudson and son Oliver Hudson from Goldie's second marriage.

Goldie Hawn, shown on Friday in Beverly Hills, California, has revealed the secret to her successful longtime relationship with Kurt Russell that has spanned more than four decades

She also brought up that couples don't always agree and that should be welcomed.

'You know youre not the same person,' she said. 'You dont think the same way oftentimes. And you have to accept that, but you have to measure are we having fun, or is this something we want to do? Do we have laughs together? Do we share certain things? You dont have to share everything.'

Goldie also suggested that people should stay realistic about their expectations in a relationship.

'We have a lot of expectation, I think, around relationships, but you have to like the person. Thats very important,' Goldie said.

Kurt also shared his advice on forming a strong partnership.

'Most people that have been together for a long time, I think, share one thing in common,' Russell told E! at the gala in Beverly Hills, California. 'And that is that after that many years together, you will have experienced just about everything there is to experience together and understand all the ups and downs and what it means.'

'I just love the fact that we met and we still doing it. We still like being together,' Kurt added.

Kurt also has son Boston Russell, 44, with his ex-wife Season Hubley, 73.

'You have to have good sex,' Goldie, 78, said on Friday at her Love-In Gala celebrating the 20th anniversary of The Goldie Hawn Foundation and MindUP, according to an article by E! News

Kurt kissed Goldie on the carpet at the gala in Beverly Hills

Goldie and Kurt are shown in November 2018 in the Westwood area of Los Angeles

Kurt and Goldie, shown in March 2014 in Hollywood, have been together since 1983

Former child star Kurt had a main role as Lee Shaw in the Monarch: Legacy Of Monsters television series that he shared with his son Wyatt, who played a younger version of the character.

Kurt has a starring role in the upcoming British crime thriller The Rivals Of Amziah King that also stars Matthew McConaughey, Cole Sprouse, Owen Teague, Scott Shepherd, Rob Morgan and Tony Revolori.

The Love-In Gala marked the 20th anniversary of MindUp - The Goldie Hawn Foundation, which is a 'preventative mental health program [that] has equipped students, educators and families with mental fitness tools that build greater emotional literacy and improve resilience to face challenges with optimism, strength and compassion,' according to the non-profit's website.

Goldie was supported at the event by Kurt, Goldie and Oliver and the celebrity attendees included: Fergie, Demi Moore, Martin Short, Brooks Nader, Nicole Williams-English, Melanie Griffith, Jason Weinberg, Rachel Zoe, Brenda Song, Macaulay Culkin, Nico Mizrahi, Jamie Mizrahi, Orlando Bloom, and Katie Aselton, among others.
Lindsay Lohan cut a glamorous figure in a black sequin embellished dress as she attended Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week.

The actress, 38, looked nothing short of sensational in the stylish ensemble which boasted a high neckline, a sequin embellishment all over, and a figure-hugging fit.

Lindsay layered up from the cold with a chic black leather trench coat that featured structured shoulder pads.

She further accessorised with a pair of classic black shades and toted her essentials in a black leather clutch.

To complete her FROW look, the actress styled her red locks up in a slick ponytail and wore a flawless palette of makeup.

Lindsay Lohan cut a glamorous figure in a black sequin embellished dress as she attended Balenciaga's Spring/Summer 2025 womenswear show during Paris Fashion Week

The actress, 38, looked nothing short of sensational in the stylish ensemble which boasted a high neckline, a sequin embellishment all over, and a figure-hugging fit

Balenciaga's Creative Director Demna Gvasalia, 43, collection featured retro lingerie items, sheer beaded ensembles over lingerie, bras and pantaboots, and sweaters or coats slung over garters.

Demna was inspired by his childhood memories of creating pretend fashion shows for his summer 2025 lineup.

In a handwritten note, which was blasted out pre-show, Demna said: 'My early memories of fashion start with me drawing looks on cardboard, cutting them out, and making 'fashion shows' on my grandmas kitchen table.'

'35 years later, this show reconnects me to the beginning of my vision. Its a tribute to fashion that has a point of view.'

Lindsay's appearance at the event comes after she finished filming Freakier Friday in Los Angeles.

She has been filming the sequel to 2003's Freaky Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis, 65.

Production wrapped earlier this month and both stars shared Instagram posts to mark the occasion.

Lindsay wrote, 'Thats a wrap on FREAKIER FRIDAY! Thank you to the amazing Cast, Crew, producers and everyone @disneystudios who put so much love and effort into making this movie! Cant wait to share it with you all!'

Lindsay layered up from the cold with a chic black leather trench coat that featured structured shoulder pads

She further accessorised with a pair of classic black shades and toted her essentials in a black leather clutch

To complete her FROW look, the actress styled her red locks up in a slick ponytail and wore a flawless palette of makeup

Jamie Lee also reflected on working on the sequel, writing, 'The last FRIDAY of this FREAKIEST FRIDAY or shall I call it CRYDAY,' she began in the caption.

She noted, 'We still have a couple days left next week, but it's winding down and this morning as I arrived at work and looked at the hundreds of people gathering together to make it for the fans, shooting the movie in California.'

'I'm feeling especially grateful to my ULTIMATE movie daughter, @lindsaylohan without whom we could not have made this movie. Ever.'

She continued: 'Off to wig and work. Thanks for all the LOVE!'

Lindsay replied in the comments: 'So much  and gratitude for YOU and this WONDERFUL experience and Many future fun times together to come!! .'

Lindsay has been filming the sequel to 2003's Freaky Friday with Jamie Lee Curtis, 65, pictured here at D23 in August 2024

Production wrapped earlier this month and both stars shared Instagram posts to mark the occasion

Freakier Friday sees Curtis and Lohan reprise their characters Tess and Anna, respectively, more than two decades after they switched bodies in the beloved 2003 film which was a remake of the 1976 film starring Jodie Foster.

In the sequel, Anna now has a daughter and a soon-to-be stepdaughter. But the mother-daughter duo learn that switching bodies was not a once-in-a-lifetime event.

At Disney's D23 conference, Curtis described the movie as 'a love letter to mothers and daughters' while chatting with People.

'It's so beautiful to see the three generations in this,' Lohan added. 'It's so beautiful to see how Anna looks to Tess for advice. But then Tess still wants to kind of come in and give out the advice.'
Selena Gomez looked elegant in a classic little black dress while attending a New York Film Festival screening of her queer crime musical Emilia Perez, which was held at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan on Monday.

A glimpse at the 32-year-old Emmy nominee's shrinking figure in 2024 versus 2023 has certainly sparked rumors she's hopped aboard the trendy Ozempic train.

Selena's raven mane was pulled back into a severe bun, which accented her Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings.

Gomez's complexion was fully contoured for the film festivities, with defined brows, cat-eye liner, and overlined lips.

The certified billionaire - who attended Sabrina Carpenter's MSG concert on Sunday - flaunted a hint of cleavage in the black halter cocktail dress and matching detached sleeves selected by stylist Erin Walsh.

Selena Gomez looked elegant in a classic little black dress while attending a New York Film Festival screening of her queer crime musical Emilia Perez, which was held at Lincoln Center's Alice Tully Hall in Manhattan on Monday

The backless LBD featured a large bow at the back of the neck, and Selena gave her 5ft5in height a big boost with towering platform heels.

And while Gomez was accompanied by two bodyguards, there was no sign of her rumored fiance Benny Blanco.

Earlier that same day, the 'Texican' pop star's nail artist Tom Bachik posted a video of her aboard a private jet while prepping her glam, which was captioned: 'Monday morning vibes.'

Selena stars as Jessi Del Monte, a transgender Mexican cartel leader's wife, in Jacques Audiard's critically-acclaimed film hitting select theaters November 1 before streaming November 13 on Netflix.

'Making this film was worth all the blood, sweat and tears,' Gomez - who boasts 648.8M social media followers - gushed last week.

'I am extremely proud of this project, Jacques, @karsiagascon @zoesaldana @adytapaz @edgarramirez25 (the entire family) and cannot wait for you all to see it! This movie changed my life!'

Emilia Perez currently has a 'certified fresh' 87% critic approval rating (out of 63 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes.

The two-time Grammy nominee was joined on the black carpet by her castmates Zoe Saldana, Adriana Paz, Karla Sofia Gascon - who were all jointly awarded the Cannes Film Festival's best actress prize on May 25.

2024 vs. 2023: A glimpse at the 32-year-old Emmy nominee's shrinking figure in 2024 versus 2023 has certainly sparked rumors she's hopped aboard the trendy Ozempic train

Selena's raven mane was pulled back into a severe bun, which accented her Tiffany & Co. diamond earrings

Gomez's complexion was fully contoured for the film festivities, with defined brows, cat-eye liner, and overlined lips

The certified billionaire - who attended Sabrina Carpenter's MSG concert on Sunday - flaunted a hint of cleavage in the black halter cocktail dress and matching detached sleeves selected by stylist Erin Walsh

The backless LBD featured a large bow at the back of the neck, and Selena gave her 5ft5in height a big boost with towering platform heels

And while Gomez was accompanied by two bodyguards, there was no sign of her rumored fiance Benny Blanco

Earlier that same day, the 'Texican' pop star's nail artist Tom Bachik posted a video of her aboard a private jet while prepping her glam, which was captioned: 'Monday morning vibes'

Selena stars as Jessi Del Monte, a transgender Mexican cartel leader's wife, in Jacques Audiard's critically-acclaimed film hitting select theaters November 1 before streaming November 13 on Netflix

Emilia Perez currently has a 'certified fresh' 87% critic approval rating (out of 63 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes

Gomez was joined on the black carpet by her castmates (from L-R) Zoe Saldana, Adriana Paz, Karla Sofia Gascon - who were all jointly awarded the Cannes Film Festival's best actress prize on May 25

The two-time Grammy nominee and the Spanish 52-year-old (L) - who plays her onscreen wife Emilia Perez - flashed peace signs side by side

Selena also got an affectionate greeting from co-star Edgar Ramirez, who portrays Gustavo Brun in the Spanish-language film

Gomez later emerged from the event wearing a tuxedo blazer over a matching velvet LBD, dark pantyhose, and pumps

Selena clutched a $2,856 Roger Vivier 'Viv Choc Mini Bag'

Zoe was seen exiting the venue as well

The star seen leaving in her car

Selena and the Spanish 52-year-old - who plays her onscreen wife Emilia Perez - flashed peace signs side by side.

Gomez also got an affectionate greeting from co-star Edgar Ramirez, who portrays Gustavo Brun in the Spanish-language film.

The Rare Beauty founder later emerged from the event wearing a tuxedo blazer over a matching velvet LBD, dark pantyhose, and pumps.

Selena clutched a $2,856 Roger Vivier 'Viv Choc Mini Bag.'

The Emilia Perez gang will next head to Northern California this Saturday for the Mill Valley Film Festival, which will honor the cast with the outstanding ensemble performance trophy.

Hulu subscribers can currently catch Selena as artist Mabel Mora in the 10-episode fourth season of Only Murders in the Building, which streams every Tuesday.

The Venezuelan 47-year-old (L) also got handsy with the half-Dominican, half-Puerto Rican 46-year-old (R) - who kissed him on the lips during the industry event

Zoe (born Zoe Yadira Saldana Nazario) took the plunge in a red-sequin Ferragamo dress, which she wore with Marie Mas jewelry and black center-heeled pumps selected by stylist Petra Flannery

Hairstylist Mara Roszak coiffed Saldana's sleek middle-parted ponytail and make-up artist Vera Steimberg brought out her natural beauty

For her performance as unappreciated lawyer Rita Moro Castro, the Lioness producer-star has impressively topped THR's list of best supporting actress Oscar contenders

Missing from Zoe's side on Monday were her husband of 11 years, Marco Perego Saldana, and their three sons - nine-year-old twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio and seven-year-old Zen

Once inside the cinema, Saldana and Gomez excitedly cheered on members of the cast and crew during the Q&A segment

The Avatar action star spoke on the microphone during the Q&A

The Venezuelan 47-year-old also got handsy with the half-Dominican, half-Puerto Rican 46-year-old - who kissed him on the lips during the industry event.

Zoe (born Zoe Yadira Saldana Nazario) took the plunge in a red-sequin Ferragamo dress, which she wore with Marie Mas jewelry and black pumps selected by stylist Petra Flannery.

Hairstylist Mara Roszak coiffed Saldana's sleek middle-parted ponytail and make-up artist Vera Steimberg brought out her natural beauty.

For her performance as unappreciated lawyer Rita Moro Castro, the Lioness producer-star has impressively topped THR's list of best supporting actress Oscar contenders.

Missing from Zoe's side on Monday were her husband of 11 years, Marco Perego Saldana, and their three sons - nine-year-old twins Cy Aridio and Bowie Ezio and seven-year-old Zen.
Newlyweds Rebel Wilson and Ramona Agruma were smiling from ear to ear on Monday as they went for a romantic honeymoon stroll in Paris following their wedding.

The lovebirds were glowing in France after they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on Saturday on the Italian island of Sardinia.

Ramona, 40, who founded jewellery brand DeLys back in 2013, happily flashed her enormous diamond wedding ring which sat alongside a sleek gold band.

The happy couple looked every inch the matching pair as they donned all-black ensembles, with Rebel stepping into a pair of $1,400 Gucci slides.

The Pitch Perfect star, 44, pulled on a silky black coat over a graphic T-shirt which she paired with a set of leather pants and a designer handbag.

Opting for her usual dark smoky eye, the comedy star let her blonde locks tumble around her shoulders as she slicked on a nude lip.

Wife Ramona donned a similar look, opting for a sequined jacket over her shirt and slacks, and stepping into a pair of blue shoes for a pop of colour.

The Lemon Limon founder rocked a very natural makeup look as she slicked her golden tresses back into a tight ponytail.

Newlyweds Rebel Wilson, 44, (left) and Ramona Agruma, 40, (right) were smiling ear to ear on Monday as they went for a romantic honeymoon stroll in Paris following their wedding

It comes after Rebel broke her social media silence on Monday for the first time since exchanging vows with her long-term partner in Sardinia on Saturday.

The Australian actress married her love Ramona in a romantic ceremony on the Mediterranean island, surrounded by close friends and family members.

A few days later, Rebel took to Instagram to share a photo of the happy couple as they held hands shortly afterwards.

Captioning the image, she wrote: 'Married. Sardinia 28.9.24.'

A source previously told DailyMail.com that the couple planned to tie the knot in a 'super romantic' and intimate ceremony surrounded by their nearest and dearest.

The long-time lovebirds were glowing after they tied the knot in an intimate ceremony on Saturday on the Italian island of Sardinia

Pictures from the big day showed the newlyweds looking incredible in near-identical strapless wedding dresses with voluminous skirts.

Both brides opted for an off-the-shoulder design, but while Rebel opted for a plain finish and a thin belt around her waist, Ramona decided on beaded detailing and a plunging mesh neckline.

Rebel wore her blonde locks in loose waves with a pretty floral hairpiece, while jewellery designer Ramona had her hair pinned up in a stylish chignon.

The newlyweds clutched matching bouquets of white roses as they said their vows in front of family and friendsamong them former TOWIE star Vas J Morgan.

However, a few notables appeared to be missing from the ceremony, including 'close friend' Brittany Hockley and Rebel's former best friend Hugh Sheridan.

Ramona who founded jewellery brand DeLys back in 2013, happily flashed her enormous diamond wedding ring which sat alongside a sleek gold band

It's unclear if Brittany, 37, received an invite to the ceremony or not, however, Hugh, 39, recently claimed he no longer speaks to Rebel and Ramona, and wasn't invited to their wedding, despite being the one to set them up.

Sardinia was the perfect fairytale location for the couple to exchange vows as they notably holidayed in the local commune Porto Cervo just days after going Instagram official with their romance in 2022.

The Bridesmaids actress and her partner were reportedly supposed to get married in a 2025 beach wedding, but Rebel decided to move up the date.

The couple first met in 2021 and announced their engagement in February 2023. They share daughter Royce Lillian who will turn two in November.

DailyMail.com exclusively shared the news of their nuptials last week, revealing the couple were 'thrilled' to be tying the knot.

The happy couple looked every inch the matching pair as they donned all-black ensembles, with Rebel stepping into a pair of $1,400 Gucci slides

'Rebel is really excited to be getting married to the love of her life, she is absolutely thrilled,' a source shared ahead of the big day.

'It is going to be stunning and super romantic. She is madly in love and can't wait to be wed.'

'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,' the source added.

'It will be a small ceremony with close friends and family, and also very elegant,' the insider concluded.
Abbie Chatfield has made the heartbreaking decision to rehome her almost one-year-old puppy Daisy.

The FBoy Island Australia host, 29, announced the sad news on her It's a Lot podcast on Tuesday.

Abbie asked her fans and followers to 'please listen to the full episode before commenting' in the caption of the video she shared to Instagram from the episode's recording.

'Today's episode I'm really nervous about recording. I'm scared about the backlash because I feel really sick about the whole situation,' she began.

'I'm going to be honest because I know that the decision I made was the right decision for me and everyone involved.

'I've had to rehome Daisy.'

Daisy is a one-year-old cocker spaniel the media personality adopted into her family in April.

'I'm going to cry,' Abbie said as she began to explain her decision.

'Daisy is my puppy. I have an older dog, Mr. Walter, who is eight, and I have Daisy, who is one-years-old in a week or two.'

Abbie Chatfield has made the heartbreaking decision to rehome her almost one-year-old puppy Daisy

Abbie Chatfield's one-year-old puppy Daisy (pictured) now lives with the sister of a good friend in Brisbane

'I've had to rehome her because of Walter and his traumas and the way they're manifesting. So before anyone gets into my DMs, I've spent six months agonising over this.'

Walter suffers from anxiety caused by his previous owners.

'I've tried my absolute hardest and I never thought that I would give up a dog, ever,' Abbie continued on the podcast.

Abbie, who lives in a two-bedroom apartment in Sydney, said she's 'tried literally everything' in her capacity to find a way for her two dogs to get along.

Before she adopted Daisy, Abbie said she has never heard Walter growl.

'Adam (my boyfriend) calls him a sugar loaf. He's a blob of a dog,' Abbie said, adding that since she began her romance with the Peking Duk front man that relations between her two furry babies had improved significantly.

The dogs have been getting along better since Abbie began her relationship with Aussie musician Adam Hyde, because they each have a human, but she said their inconsistent schedules are confusing for them

Although Walter has never bitten Daisy or been overtly aggressive with his sibling, Abbie said he fiercely guards his time with her.

'It got better when I started dating Adam because there were two of us and Daisy had Adam and Walter had me. But when Adam's away, then I think Walter's anxiety doubled because he got used to having Adam around,' she said.

'Adam would go to do a gig and in those three days, Daisy would be asleep in a different room and Walter would have night terrors. It's like he's got shell shock.'

Abbie explained that dog trainers and her vet had told her Walter was 'resource guarding' his owner, which is the kind of behaviour dogs display when they're protecting their favourite ball or bone.

She said he would growl at Daisy and now regularly pins her down because he's jealous.

'I had a 10 minute shower and he did it three times. She stands there completely still, shaking. She's not doing anything to him.'

Revealing the sad news on her It's a Lot podcast this week, Abbie said that as Daisy (pictured) grew older and became better behaved, Walter's tolerance for her became less

Initially, Abbie believed the problem would resolve as Daisy grew out of her puppy phase and got trained out of some of her 'annoying behaviours'.

Those included 'liquid pooing' all over a flokati rug and destroying multiple couches.

'She got older and she was less annoying, but it seemed like his tolerance for her got lower as her behaviour got better,' she said.

'In hindsight, I stupidly thought that having a puppy at home would make him more playful and therefore happy.

'Because he was really anxious, particularly after the abusive relationship I went through last year, he got really bad from being around that.'

'I love her more than anything and she's done nothing wrong,' Abbie continued.

She likened the relationship between the two dogs to that of King Charles and Princess Dianna.

'She's Lady Di - and she has an evil man living at home - and that's Walter,' Abbie joked lovingly.

Abbie detailed how she'd relocated to the Northern Rivers when she first adopted Daisy to give the duo time to settle into their new dynamic, to no avail.

She'd also sent Daisy to boarding school while Walter remained at home with a dog sitter during her travels to the US, and had engaged a dog trainer and vets for expert advice.

'When she went to boarding school, he was melancholic. It's like "do you like her or not?"' she said.

'Side note: If you're thinking of getting a puppy, my answer is don't.'

Unfortunately, Walter's jealously of Daisy isn't something that the TV and radio host said she can resolve, and she didn't want to put either dog through the 'trauma' of co-existence for years while she 'figured it out'.

'I knew puppies were hard and this is not the reason at all why she was given up,' she clarified after speaking about how difficult it is to raise one.

'I just don't have the skills, the capacity, the understanding of dogs [to fix Walter and Daisy's relaitonship]. I'm not a dog trainer.'

Abbie added that if she was being selfish, she would have kept both dogs.

'If I was being completely selfish, I could've kept Daisy and done two separate 40-minute walks a day instead of a two-hour walk each day. I'm so sure that I'm the best dog parent.'

Please no one DM me because I've been crying over this for months since I started making the decision to get rid of her.

Abbie spent a significant portion of the 45-minute recording detailing the lengths she goes to for her dogs, including curating obstacle courses for their daily hikes.

'The reason I don't really drink anymore is because I don't want to be hungover for Walter,' she said.

'I would rather make sure they have a two hour walk to go creek hopping, beach hopping, or park hopping.'

The decision has taken a huge emotional toll on the popular TV and radio host, who said that until the day she gave Daisy to her new owner, now a couple of weeks ago, she was 'scream crying in the shower'.

'I've raised her and gone through the hardest parts of her puppyhood. I've done all the hard work with her. She is the best dog.

'She sleeps with her arms around my neck. I can't train that trauma out of him and all I can do is give him a safe place to live.'

Abbie said that she's rehomed Daisy with a good friend's sister in Brisbane, who drove to Sydney to pick her up.

The TV host and podcaster said that she can't train her 8-year-old dog Walter out of his trauma response to sharing his mum with a younger puppy

She packed up all of Daisy's things and made lists of all her food and activity preferences for her new owner.

'A few weeks on I am 100% sure this was the right decision for both dogs, but I am heartbroken,' she penned in the caption of her podcast post.

'I already feel like a failure but I truly believe that it would have been purely selfish to keep both of my angels in a house that they are both merely enduring not enjoying.'

Abbie's 491,000 Instagram followers rushed to her comments to praise the decision and offer kind words of support and encouragement.
Timothee Chalamet's older sister Pauline Chalamet has welcomed her first child with longtime partner Rhys Raiskin.

The 32-year-old Sex Lives of College Girls actress revealed the exciting news while chatting up Barbie director Greta Gerwig at the Stella Mccartney show during Paris Fashion Week on Monday.

In a video shared on X, Pauline exclaimed to Greta, 'I just had a baby!' to which the latter responded, 'No!'

'Yeah!' Chalamet said before putting an arm around her beau and sharing, 'We just had a baby. Three weeks ago.'

The new mom didn't reveal the baby's name, gender, or exact birth date.

Timothee Chalamet's older sister Pauline Chalamet has welcomed her first child with longtime partner Rhys Raiskin

Pauline pictured with brother Timothee in Beverly Hills in January 2018

Timothee Chalamet est tonton 

Sa sur Pauline annonce a Greta Gerwig quelle a accouche il y a quelques semaines  pic.twitter.com/sFvu20NEfq  Paris Match (@ParisMatch) September 30, 2024

Chalamet first revealed her pregnancy by quietly debuting her baby bump during Paris Fashion Week in June.

She appeared in a photo uploaded to friend Jeanne Damas' Instagram Stories.

The low-key TV star never publicly announced that she was expecting and has generally kept quiet on her love life.

It's unknown how long Pauline has been romantically involved with Rhys.

But according to Just Jared, the couple was spotted together on a 2022 New York City lunch date with Timothee, 28.

Pauline is best known for her portrayal of Kimberly in the HBO Max series, Sex Lives of College Girls.

The show follows four 18-year-old freshman roommates at Essex College in Vermont.'

An IMDb synopsis describes its characters as 'a bundle of contradictions and hormones' who 'are equal parts lovable and infuriating.'

Chalamet first revealed her pregnancy by quietly debuting her baby bump during Paris Fashion Week in June

The siblings pictured with parents Marc Chalamet and Nicole Flender in March 2018

The first season of the show premiered in 2021, and in December 2022 the series was renewed for a third season.

Pauline opened up about following her passion for acting and starring in the show in a 2022 interview with The Cut.

She said while doing a scene for the play Antigone in high school, 'something clicked.'

'I was so prepared. We'd really worked, and it was the first time I understood what the work was of bringing a scene and a character to life,' she recalled.

Chalamet added, 'I always enjoyed acting but didn't put all my energy into it until relatively recently, when I was living full time in Paris.'
'Annie, are you okay? So, Annie, are you okay? Are you okay, Annie?'

Michael Jackson's lyric from Smooth Criminal is the absurd pick-up line that prolific Australian adult content creator Annie Knight says she gets the most.

It's also the worst in her opinion.

The 27-year-old, dubbed 'Australia's Most Sexually Active Woman', revealed that the one-liner makes up the majority of opening messages she receives on the dating app Hinge.

'You have no idea how many times in my life this has been said to me,' Knight wrote on her Instagram Stories on Tuesday while hosting an Ask Me Anything for her fans.

'On my Hinge, it's 70 per cent of my messages.'

The adult star and aspiring real estate mogul is most famous for revealing she'd slept with 300 men in 12 months in 2023.

She's upped the ante this year, setting herself the audacious goal of sleeping with 600 men by New Year's Day in 2025.

Annie Knight, dubbed 'Australia's most promiscuous woman', has revealed the worst pick-up line that she gets from men

With just three months left on the blonde's self-imposed countdown to her goal, Knight believes she has more than enough time to achieve it.

Asked if she thinks the much-discussed count is feasible, Knight wrote: 'Absolutely!'

'I'm so on track and I'm so excited.'

She also revealed how she's tracking to date.

'I'm at 480, only 120 more to go,' she wrote on her Stories.

For those doing the mathematics at home, to hit her target Knight has to sleep with an average of 1.64 men for every day of this year.

With 92 days left until 2025, the needle on that average slides down to 1.3 for the remainder of 2024.

The Australian woman famous for setting herself the goal of sleeping with 600 men in 2024 says she's ticked off 480 from her target goal and is 'absolutely' confident she'll complete it

Curiously, Knight also said that she's 'temporarily closed' her applications form for willing and able would-be suitors while she's travelling.

'The application is paused until I'm back from my travels!' she wrote in response to one of her 141,000 followers anonymously asking where he could find it.

'I had such an overwhelming response that I want to get through them before I re-open applications.'

She also firmly shut down one man who sent in a self-deprecating question asking for advice on how to approach women, such as herself, without 'getting shut down'.

The man described himself as 'textbook ick' and Knight firmly replied that she doesn't 'judge people before [she] gets to know them'.

Last year, Annie set herself the arduous task of sleeping with 365 people in the space of a year - a task she said she fulfilled

In other musings shared to her followers, Knight said she has rough plans to travel to Europe next year, but hasn't set any dates or locations yet.

In a more wholesome post, she also revealed that her fondest childhood memory is of snorkelling in the Great Barrier Reef with her mum, dad, and brother in Port Douglas.

'I LOVED it and cried when they pulled me out of the water,' she wrote. 'Then we went to the beach and built a little hut out of palm fronds and bowled coconuts.'

The Gold Coast and Melbourne-based model made international headlines with her audacious bid to sleep with 600 men this year.

'It's just become a challenge for myself more than anything, and it's just a bit of fun,' she told The Edge last month, revealing she was still on course with more than 400 new notches on the bed posts and four months to go.

She says she is 'exhausted' at times and staggers her challenge in calculated sprints - sleeping with several men in one day before taking a period of rest.

'Some days I might sleep with five people and then the next few days I won't sleep with anyone, because I do get tired, it is exhausting and some days I don't want sex,' she told Edge Breakfast.

To see her over the finish line, she admits she has dropped her standards at times - and introduced an application form to find eager aides able to help her in her quest.

The application questions for Annie challenge include standard details such as name and email address, as well as location.

She recently introduced an application form to find eager aides able to help her in her quest

But Annie's prospective partners are also asked if they are willing to be tested for any potential sexually transmitted infections (STIs) before doing the deed, demonstrating the model's commitment to health and safety.

It is not the first time the X-rated content creator has gone above and beyond to make her name and rake in a fortune, however.

Last year, Annie set herself the arduous task of sleeping with 365 people in the space of a year - a task she said she fulfilled.

She has documented her challenges in short videos shared on social media, branding herself 'that girl who tells crazy stories'.

The stories are crazy. In May 2024, she posted on Instagram to tell fans she was preparing for a new personal best by sleeping with seven people in one night, surpassing her record of six hit the night before.

Not all believe them. Some fans started to question the wild stories she shares online after she claimed she had slept with her Uber driver after a night out in June.

Followers flocked to the comments to call her out for the claims. Annie told Daily Mail Australia her critics are only jealous because they 'lead such boring lives'.

The adult star and aspiring real estate mogul is most famous for revealing that she'd slept with 300 men in 12 months in 2023 and claims she's in the top 0.02 per cent of OnlyFans earners

'We were chatting the whole way until I got home. When we arrived at my home, we just kept talking,' she said.

'He was getting requests on his Uber thing and he was just declining them, which I don't even know if you're allowed to do that.

'Then one thing led to the other and before I knew it I was in the back seat.'

Some believed she had simply recycled an 'old' story, writing: 'Hasn't this been posted before?'

Despite the accusations, Annie stood firm and told Daily Mail Australia she has never lied about the sex stories she posts online.




Saoirse Ronan hosted a screening of her new film The Outrun in Manhattan's SoHo neighbourhood on Monday, which was attended by Mischa Barton.

The 30-year-old Golden Globe winner bared her arms in a sleeveless inside out coat dress which boasted a tartan print and turtle neckline.

The event was held at the Crosby Street Hotel, and sponsored by Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society.

The Outrun marks the four-time Oscar nominee's first time producing a movie, in which she stars as newly-rehabbed alcoholic Rona returning to her Orkney Islands hometown.

Saoirse Ronan (L) hosted a screening of her new film The Outrun in Manhattan's SoHo neighborhood on Monday, which was attended by Mischa Barton (R)

Nora Fingscheidt's big-screen adaptation of Amy Liptrot's 2016 memoir currently has a 'certified fresh' 80% critic approval rating (out of 61 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes.

The Outrun was also produced by Saoirse's husband Jack Lowden.

'He handed the book to me, and he said, "You have to play this,"' Ronan recalled to The Times on September 15.

'Jack Lowden and I were trying to keep an eye on the representation of Rona, how nothing else matters to her except alcohol but also remembering that she is human, so anyone can see themselves in her.

'If you find people that you love and you trust creatively, why would you not want to keep working with them? We have very high expectations for one another  when I tried out Rona's Orcadian accent on him for The Outrun, he said, "You're not doing that, are you?"'

The Bronx-born, London-based Irishwoman quietly wed the 34-year-old Emmy nominee in July after they co-founded their production company, Arcade Pictures.

Saoirse originally met Jack - a Scotsman born in Chelmsford - in 2017 on the set of Mary Queen of Scots while co-starring as the late royal and her second husband Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley.

While at the screening, Ronan posed with Sony Classic Pictures co-presidents Michael Barker and Tom Bernard.

The 30-year-old Golden Globe winner bared her arms in a sleeveless inside out coat dress which boasted a tartan print and turtle neckline

The event held at the Crosby Street Hotel, and sponsored by Sony Pictures Classics and The Cinema Society

The Outrun marks the four-time Oscar nominee's first time producing a movie, in which she stars as newly-rehabbed alcoholic Rona returning to her Orkney Islands hometown

Nora Fingscheidt's big-screen adaptation of Amy Liptrot's 2016 memoir currently has a 'certified fresh' 80% critic approval rating (out of 61 reviews) on Rotten Tomatoes

The Outrun was also produced by Saoirse's husband Jack Lowden (R, pictured September 15), who suggested her specifically for the role that scored her the Silver Medallion at the Telluride Film Festival in August

Ronan recalled to The Times on September 15: 'He handed the book to me, and he said, "You have to play this"'

The Bronx-born, London-based Irishwoman continued: 'If you find people that you love and you trust creatively, why would you not want to keep working with them? We have very high expectations for one another  when I tried out Rona's Orcadian accent on him for The Outrun, he said, "You're not doing that, are you?"'

While a the screening, Saoirse posed with Sony Classic Pictures co-presidents Michael Barker (L) and Tom Bernard (R)

Ronan will also portray distraught mother Rita in Steve McQueen's WWII drama Blitz, which will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9

The Foe actress will also play fifth-grade teacher Maria in Jonathan Etzler's $60M-budget comedy thriller Bad Apples, which is based on Rasmus Andersson's 2020 debut novel De Oonskade

The Foe actress will also portray distraught mother Rita in Steve McQueen's WWII drama Blitz, which will have its world premiere at the BFI London Film Festival on October 9.

Saoirse will also play fifth-grade teacher Maria in Jonathan Etzler's $60M-budget comedy thriller Bad Apples, which is based on Rasmus Andersson's 2020 debut novel De Oonskade.

Meanwhile, Mischa dressed her slim 5ft9in figure in a white short-sleeve blouse French-tucked into a black mini-skirt, red tights, and black ballet flats.

The 38-year-old O.C. alum has not announced any upcoming acting projects following her roles last year in Australian soap opera Neighbours and Lionsgate murder mystery Invitation to a Murder.

Barton made an acting comeback after numerous 'hot mess' headlines including crashing a U-Haul in 2018 and refusing to pay the bill.

Meanwhile, Mischa dressed her slim 5ft9in figure in a white short-sleeve blouse French-tucked into a black mini-skirt, red tights, and black ballet flats

The 38-year-old O.C. alum has not announced any upcoming acting projects following her roles last year in Australian soap opera Neighbours and Lionsgate murder mystery Invitation to a Murder

Barton made an acting comeback after numerous 'hot mess' headlines including crashing a U-Haul in 2018 and refusing to pay the bill

Also attending The Outrun screening was The Friend actress Carla Gugino wearing a brown-patterned shirt-dress and gold peep-toe heels

Monsieur Spade actor Dean Winters wore a cozy black cardigan over a navy-blue top, black baggy pants, and gleaming white sneakers

The screening served as date night for Swedish model-turned-realtor Alex Lundqvist and his wife, Keytt Lundqvist

Also attending The Outrun screening was The Friend actress Carla Gugino wearing a brown-patterned shirt-dress and gold peep-toe heels selected by stylist Jessica Paster.

Monsieur Spade actor Dean Winters wore a cozy black cardigan over a navy-blue top, black baggy pants, and gleaming white sneakers.

The screening served as date night for Swedish model-turned-realtor Alex Lundqvist and his wife, Keytt Lundqvist.
Just days after hitting the red carpet in Spain to promote his new movie, Johnny Depp was back stateside, promoting something much different.

The 61-year-old actor was spotted in New York City for the opening of his experimental art exhibition dubbed A Bunch of Stuff.

The installation is described as, 'a multi-layered immersive exhibition showcasing the artwork of Johnny Depp, for the first time.'

Depp was spotted posing with Emilie Grenier, Nathan Holmes, Anne-Sophie Villemin, Guy Vesey, Alex MacDonald, James Barefoot and his Pirates of the Caribbean producer Jerry Bruckheimer.

The actor stepped out in a grey t-shirt under a camo shirt and a grey scarf wrapped around his neck.

He also donned a pair of black sunglasses along with a tan cowboy hat that matched his light brown trench coat.

Just days after hitting the red carpet in Spain to promote his new movie , Johnny Depp was back stateside, promoting something much different

He also donned a pair of black sunglasses along with a tan cowboy hat that matched his light brown trench coat

The actor completed his look with light blue jeans and a pair of black paint-splattered dress shoes.

The exhibition is described as a, 'multimedia exhibition' that, 'features large-scale immersive rooms, traditional gallery spaces, and themed retail' spaces.

The exhibit will be, 'guiding you through the different phases of Depp's life and creative journey, enriched by his own narration.'

It is also said to be an, 'exploration of how Depps artistic practice has both reflected and enriched his life throughout its various stages.'

'Above all else, Depps art reflects his journey. What started as a compulsive need to create, to explore his thoughts and feelings, has developed into a rich and varied body of work, infused with wide-ranging influences from art history,' the official website adds.

The 'heart' of the exhibition is called The Black Box, described as, 'a 360-degree visual experience that immerses viewers in the artwork of Johnny Depp.

The Black Box was created by TAIT in close collaboration with Depp, said to be, 'meticulously designed to transform Depp's artwork from canvas to animated film.'

The White Box includes, '60 physical artworks created by Johnny Depp, spanning three decades.'

The actor completed his look with light blue jeans and a pair of black paint-splattered dress shoes

He is seen in front of some of his art

He was presenting the art work

He posed in front of some of the pieces

The art is seen behind him on the wall

The exhibition is described as a, 'multimedia exhibition' that, 'features large-scale immersive rooms, traditional gallery spaces, and themed retail' spaces

The 'heart' of the exhibition is called The Black Box, described as, 'a 360-degree visual experience that immerses viewers in the artwork of Johnny Depp

The outing comes just days after Johnny Depp reprised his famous Captain Jack Sparrow role in order to put a smile on children's faces on Thursday.

The actor, 61, played the protagonist in the Pirates of the Caribbean film series and thrilled youngsters at the Donostia University Hospital in San Sebastian as he got back in character to pay them a visit.

In a statement by Osakidetza-Basque Health Service, they revealed the Hollywood legend brought joy to the hospital as he 'chatted, played and laughed with the children'.

Johnny - who has been promoting his directorial effort Modi at San Sebastian Film Festival - is also said to have stayed in character the whole time so as not to ruin the illusion.

Sweet images on the ward showed Johnny happily posing for pictures with the children and cradling the babies on the Pediatrics and Oncology ward.
Matt Damon, Justin Theroux, and Paul Rudd were among the famous faces attending the Broadway opening of McNeal at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Manhattan's Upper West Side neighborhood on Monday.

Robert Downey Jr. made his Broadway debut in Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar's new play, running through November 24, which was directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher.

Justin and Paul appeared to have a blast goofing around for the snapping photographers while coordinating in black suits.

The 53-year-old Beetlejuice Beetlejuice actor stuck a silly pose as the 55-year-old Clueless alum awkwardly rested his right hand on Theroux's shoulder.

Matt Damon (L), Justin Theroux (2-R), and Paul Rudd (R) were among the famous faces attending the Broadway opening of McNeal at the Vivian Beaumont Theater in Manhattan's Upper West Side neighborhood on Monday

Robert Downey Jr. (M) made his Broadway debut in Pulitzer Prize winner Ayad Akhtar's new play, running through November 24, which was directed by Tony winner Bartlett Sher

The two-time Emmy-winning producer and Rudd have co-starred in four films - The Baxter (2005), The Ten (2007), Wanderlust (2012), and Mute (2018).

Justin got serious as he posed with his fiancee of one month - The Gilded Age actress Nicole Brydon Bloom - who, at 30, is 23 years younger than him.

Meanwhile, Matt - who celebrates his 54th birthday on October 8 - showcased his salt-and-pepper hair and goatee with a charcoal-grey blazer over a black shirt and trousers.

The talented trio then posed with SmartLess podcasters Jason Bateman and Will Arnett.

The Canadian 54-year-old and the 55-year-old former child star famously got to know each while playing brothers in Fox and Netflix's satirical sitcom Arrested Development, which aired for five seasons spanning 2003-2019.

At one point, Will affectionately put his arm around Theroux, perhaps to congratulate him on his recent engagement.

The middle-aged funnymen were playfully photo-bombed by McNeal producer Susan Downey.

The married couple of 19 years have co-produced all of Robert's acting projects dating back to 2009.

Justin and Paul appeared to have a blast goofing around for the snapping photographers while coordinating in black suits

The 53-year-old Beetlejuice Beetlejuice actor (L) stuck a silly pose as the 55-year-old Clueless alum (R) awkwardly rested his right hand on Theroux's shoulder

The two-time Emmy-winning producer and Rudd have co-starred in four films - The Baxter (2005), The Ten (2007), Wanderlust (2012), and Mute (2018)

Justin got serious as he posed with his fiancee of one month - The Gilded Age actress Nicole Brydon Bloom (R) - who, at 30, is 23 years younger than him

Meanwhile, Matt - who celebrates his 54th birthday on October 8 - showcased his salt-and-pepper hair and goatee with a charcoal-grey blazer over a black shirt and trousers

The talented trio then posed with SmartLess podcasters Jason Bateman (L) and Will Arnett (M)

The Canadian 54-year-old (L) and the 55-year-old former child star (R) famously got to know each while playing brothers in Fox and Netflix's satirical sitcom Arrested Development, which aired for five seasons spanning 2003-2019

At one point, Will affectionately put his arm around Theroux, perhaps to congratulate him on his recent engagement

The middle-aged funnymen were playfully photo-bombed by McNeal producer Susan Downey

The married couple of 19 years have co-produced all of Robert's acting projects dating back to 2009

The 59-year-old Oscar winner frequently credits Susan for helping him maintain his sobriety and reach his dreams including his first play since starring in the off-Broadway musical American Passion, which opened and closed on the same night in 1983

Robert plays fictional writer and 'perpetual candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature' Jacob McNeal who struggles with 'an estranged son, a new novel, old axes to grind, and an unhealthy fascination with AI'

(from L-R) Saisha Talwar, Rafi Gavron, Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, Brittany Bellizeare, and Ruthie Ann Miles also star in McNeal - which began previews on September 5

(from L-R) Andrea, Saisha, Melora, Ruthie, and Brittany got to glam up and walk the red carpet before getting into their characters' costumes

McNeal director Bartlett Sher posed with playwright Ayad Akhtar ahead of their big night

The 59-year-old Oscar winner frequently credits Susan for helping him maintain his sobriety and reach his dreams including his first play since starring in the off-Broadway musical American Passion, which opened and closed on the same night in 1983.

Robert plays fictional writer and 'perpetual candidate for the Nobel Prize in Literature' Jacob McNeal who struggles with 'an estranged son, a new novel, old axes to grind, and an unhealthy fascination with AI.'

Saisha Talwar, Rafi Gavron, Melora Hardin, Andrea Martin, Brittany Bellizeare, and Ruthie Ann Miles also star in McNeal - which began previews on September 5.

Andrea, Saisha, Melora, Ruthie, and Brittany got to glam up and walk the red carpet before getting into their characters' costumes.

McNeal director Bartlett Sher posed with playwright Ayad Akhtar ahead of their big night.

Three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg enjoyed a Broadway date with his second wife Kate Capshaw, with whom he'll celebrate 33 years of wedded bliss on October 12.

The 77-year-old filmmaker and the 70-year-old retired actress brought along one of their seven children - son Sawyer Spielberg and his wife Raye Levine Spielberg - as the family posed with Susan Downey.

Emmy nominee Oscar Isaac suited up for a date night at the theatre with his wife of seven years, Danish film director Elvira Lind.

Three-time Oscar winner Steven Spielberg enjoyed a Broadway date with his second wife Kate Capshaw, with whom he'll celebrate 33 years of wedded bliss on October 12

The 77-year-old filmmaker and the 70-year-old retired actress brought along one of their seven children - son Sawyer Spielberg (R) and his wife Raye Levine Spielberg (2-R) - as the family posed with Susan Downey (2-L)

Emmy nominee Oscar Isaac suited up for a date night at the theatre with his wife of seven years, Danish film director Elvira Lind

Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham flashed a big smile while wearing a black-patterned suit over a green turtleneck

Disgraced filmmaker Woody Allen made a rare public appearance with his third wife Soon-Yi Previn, who was the adopted daughter of his ex-partner Mia Farrow

Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos suited up to escort his wife of 22 years, Pretty Baby producer Ali Wentworth, to the Broadway opening

From executive producer Anthony Russo wore a blue suit to coordinate with his wife Ann Russo's black-and-blue dress

Also spotted at the McNeal opening were Saturday Night actor Matthew Rhys and contemporary artist Rashid Johnson

Oscar winner F. Murray Abraham flashed a big smile while wearing a black-patterned suit over a green turtleneck.

Disgraced filmmaker Woody Allen made a rare public appearance with his third wife Soon-Yi Previn, who was the adopted daughter of his ex-partner Mia Farrow.

Good Morning America co-anchor George Stephanopoulos suited up to escort his wife of 22 years, Pretty Baby producer Ali Wentworth, to the Broadway opening.

From executive producer Anthony Russo wore a blue suit to coordinate with his wife Ann Russo's black-and-blue dress.

Also spotted at the McNeal opening were Saturday Night actor Matthew Rhys and contemporary artist Rashid Johnson.
Kristin Cavallari revealed last Friday that she and boyfriend Mark Estes have gone their separate ways after dating for seven months.

The 38-year-old Laguna Beach alum shared with Alex Cooper on her Unwell Tour stop in Austin that she and the 24-year-old TikTok star called it quits, adding that it's 'fresh.'

Now, a source has shared with Us Weekly exactly what tore the couple apart.

'As they started to get more serious in their relationship, issues started to surface,' the insider said.

It was added: 'They kept having conversations about the future but werent aligned. Kristin realized they were on different pages with what they wanted long-term.'

Kristin Cavallari revealed last Friday that she and boyfriend Mark Estes have gone their separate ways after dating for seven months; pictured in September 2023

The 38-year-old Laguna Beach alum shared with Alex Cooper on her Unwell Tour stop in Austin that she and the 24-year-old TikTok star called it quits, adding that it's 'fresh'

While Mark, whose nickname is Montana, was ready to settle down with Kristin long-term, she wasn't on the same page.

It comes after weeks ago he shared on her Let's Be Honest podcast, 'My end goal obviously would [be] to be married and to have a happy life.'

According to publication's source, Estes 'really wants to settle down and start a family,' which he outlined 'from the start.'

Cavallari is already mom to three children with ex-husband Jay Cutler  Camden, 11, Jaxon, nine, and Saylor, eight.

According to the person close to the situation, the former MTV reality star wasn't fully on board to have a baby.

'She was open to it but also felt very content with her life and family. The age difference was a big factor, and them being in different stages of life was the dealbreaker,' shared the source.

Kristin realized the age gap with Estes, who is 13 years her junior, wouldnt 'work long-term.'

It was also noted that the Uncommon James designer is happy being more 'independent.'

Mark was ready to settle down with Kristin long-term, while she wasn't on the same page

Cavallari is already mom to three children with ex-husband Jay Cutler: Camden, 11, Jaxon, nine, and Saylor, eight

Throughout their months-long romance, the couple often shared sultry photos on social media

Despite the end to their romance, the exes hold no hard feelings toward each other.

'Kristin really liked Mark and enjoyed their time together, and theres no animosity between them. They genuinely had a lot of fun but it ran its course. She is excited to focus on herself, her businesses and her kids right now,' Us Weekly's insider dished.

Kristin confirmed her relationship with Estes in late February with an Instagram post.

The photo was taken just a few weeks after their first date, which she spoke about in an episode of her podcast.

The entrepreneur revealed that she first came across Estes and his group of friends, dubbed Montana Boyz, on TikTok in September 2023.
Luke Burgess shared a precious video to social media on Tuesday which captured his tender side, as he hammed it up with his two young children.

The NRL star, 37, who last week welcomed his son Jackson and also shares two-year-old Charlotte with his fiancee Tori May, posted an adorable clip to Instagram.

The sweet footage captured the Rabbitohs star lying on a couch while tenderly cradling his one-week old in one arm while holding his daughter in the other, and play-growling at her.

Burgess looked every inch the doting dad as he hammed it up with his children, as his young daughter was heard laughing with excitement.

Luke captioned the footage with some heartfelt words: 'Best noise ever. She's still my baby.'

Last week, Luke and Tori May welcomed their second child together, a boy named Jackson Mark Burgess.

The English-born athlete confirmed the exciting news in a sweet Instagram post.

The couple - who already share a daughter Charlotte, two - shared a series of adorable pictures of their newborn baby.

Luke Burgess shared a precious video to social media on Tuesday which captured his tender side, as he hammed it up with his two young children. Pictured

They confirmed the little one's adorable name as they gave their fans a candid update on their family life.

'A very special moment welcoming our son into the world. World class performance from Mum to make sure that he was delivered safely,' Luke wrote.

'Welcome to the world Jackson Mark Burgess. 24/9/24.'

The couple, who got engaged last year, tend to keep their romance and family life relatively private, sharing rare updates on Instagram.

The sweet footage captured the Rabbitohs star lying on a couch while tenderly cradling his one-week old in one arm while holding his daughter in the other, and play-growling at her

The loved-up couple started dating in early 2020 and became engaged at Shelly Beach in NSW in December.

Luke also shares a daughter Grace, eight, with his ex-partner Yolanda Hodgson, who he dated for seven years until their 2019 split.

The British-born athlete moved to Australia ahead of the 2011 NRL season, signing a deal alongside his three siblings - Sam as well as twins, George and Tom - at South Sydney Rabbitohs.
Skye Wheatley has claimed she looked like the 'Angry Bird emoji' while she recovered from her fox eye lift.

The social media star, 30, took to Instagram on Tuesday and in a series of videos shared the reason she took so long to unveil her new face.

The I'm A Celebrity 2024 winner said that after returning from Turkey, where she had the procedure, she is still surprised by her new face.

'I wake up in the mornings and I'm like "oh my God, you look like an alien." I look like the Angry Bird emoji, my face is always changing. Some days its more swollen than others,' said the Big Brother star.

'Now it's starting to look normal, I can post. Hopefully you guys will trust the process and it will change even more than this,' she added.

Skye claimed she was 'scared to post' earlier because she knew people would say things such as 'you look disgusting.'

'I did...look so bad. When I first took my tapes off I was like...' Skye said as she covered her mouth in shock.

'Oh my God, it's actually Stifler's mum. Yep, that's what we look like,' she said, referring to the character played by Jennifer Coolidge in the raunchy teen comedy American Pie from 1999.

Skye Wheatley has claimed she looked like the 'angry bird emoji' while she recovered from her fox eye lift. The social media star, 30, took to Instagram on Tuesday and in a series of videos shared the reason she took so long to unveil her new face. Pictured

After returning from Turkey, where she had the procedure, Skye is still surprised by her new face. 'I wake up in the mornings and I'm like "oh my God, you look like an alien." I look like the Angry Bird emoji, my face is always changing,' she said. Pictured: the Angry Bird emoji

Skye also expressed her gratitude that she could 'finally do eye liner' on her eyes again, after complaining that her eyelids were drooping because of aging.

The social media star also promised she would release a YouTube video and several TikToks that would cover her time in Turkey pre and post-surgery.

It comes just days after Skye revealed her fresh new face after undergoing the 'controversial' fox eye life surgery.

Taking to TikTok on Saturday, the Influencer shared a short clip that showed her hamming it up to the track In Brooke We Trust by me n u.

Skye also expressed her gratitude that she could 'finally do eye liner' on her eyes again, after complaining that her eyelids were drooping because of aging

The social media star also promised she would release a YouTube video and several TikToks that would cover her time in Turkey pre and post-surgery

In the first half of the clip, Skye is dressed quite demurely in a plain white T-shirt and a large red scrunchie holding her hair back which was tied up in a tight bun.

The results of her eye surgery were still disguised behind a pair of black-framed specs.

The clip then cut to Skye 2.0 with the results of her surgery clearly visible with her eyes now boasting a definite almond shape.

The I'm A Celeb star appeared chuffed with her new look, offering a sassy smile to the camera as she sashayed to the music.

She also flaunted an ample amount of cleavage thanks for a white corset top she wore underneath a beige coat.

In the first half of the clip, Skye is dressed quite demurely in a plain white T-shirt and a large red scrunchie holding her hair back which was tied up in a tight bun, then the clip cut to Skye 2.0 with the results of her surgery clearly visible

Skye explained that while she's healing, it will take a minimum of three months for her face to settle, and she expects gradual changes during that time. Pictured before the surgery

Fans were quick to compliment Skye on her new look with one exclaiming: 'Fox eyes are a vibe! I love.'

Another suggested that Skye now bears a resemblance to one particular US model.

'It's giving Bella Hadid slay,' they wrote.

One gal pal of Skye's summed up the sentiment, gushing over her beauty.

'You are so god dam beautiful and down to earth in person. I had the best night with you last night bestie,' they wrote.

Another fan asked if her eyes would 'go down' over time and Skye took the time to reply.

'Yes, I'm only three weeks post op haha it's super fresh, so extra snatched' Skye wrote in response.

Earlier this week, Skye revealed why she had decided to keep her face under wraps and not yet fully reveal her face post-surgery.

The Big Brother star recently returned from Turkey where she underwent the fox eye lift as well as liposuction, a temporal lift and a blepharoplasty.

The fox eye lift surgery, designed to mimic the red carpet look of the same name, has pulled back the outer corner of her eyes to have the almond shape usually achieved with dramatic eye make-up.

Results from the minimally invasive surgery are said to last for between six and 12 months.
Kate Moss took an awkward tumble while enjoying a cigarette outside a restaurant in Paris on Sunday night.

The model, 50, was out in the French capital to celebrate her daughter's 22nd birthday after a busy fashion week.

During the night she stepped out of the restaurant Cibus where the party was taking place in order to have a cigarette.

While sat on one of the wooden chairs outside she accidentally lost her balance and slipped off the chair onto the floor.

She was then helped up by the pals who were outside with her and laughed off the awkward moment before heading back into the venue.

Kate Moss took an awkward tumble while enjoying a cigarette outside a restaurant in Paris on Sunday night

The model, 50, was out in the French capital to celebrate her daughter's 22nd birthday after a busy fashion week but ended up falling over

During the night she stepped out of the restaurant Cibus where the party was taking place in order to have a cigarette

After the quick recovery she flaunted her toned legs in a black and silver semi-sheer dress to rejoin the party.

The catwalk pin-up - who has been teetotal for seven years - looked sensational in the sexy see-through look as she commanded attention.

She wore her blonde locks loose and opted for a chunky gold bracelet for accessories and carried her belongings in a large black YSL handbag.

The stunning model wore black heels with a leopard print detail and opted for a simple cat eye makeup look for the night out.

Meanwhile her daughter Lila stunned in a black frock with ripped detailing and ruching along the bottom.

She held onto a black shoulder bag and teetered down the street in velour ruched cowboy boots.

Lila styled her hair in a sleek bun and wore a dewy palette of soft makeup.

The pair were joined by model and actress Barbara Palvin and Russian model Natasha Poly dared to bare as she went braless beneath a sheer black dress as she arrived for the party.

She is seen leaving the bash later in the night

She was then helped up by the pals who were outside with her and laughed off the awkward moment before heading back into the venue

She was getting some fresh air during the night out in Paris

After the quick recovery she flaunted her toned legs in a black and silver semi-sheer dress to rejoin the party

The stunning model wore black heels with a leopard print detail and opted for a simple cat eye makeup look for the night out

She puffed on a cigarette while outside the restaurant

She laughed after taking the tumble

She was getting some fresh air as she fell over

Lila is seen leaving the restaurant

She was sat at the table before accidentally sliding off her chair

The catwalk pin-up - who has been teetotal for seven years - looked sensational in the sexy see-through look as she commanded attention

She was enjoying a cigarette while out and about

Her pals laughed after helping her up

Sha chatted away at the outside table

She touched up her hair while sat outside

She then headed back inside the restaurant

Kate went all out for glamour as she helped daughter Lila celebrate her 22nd birthday in Paris on Sunday evening

The celebrations later continued over at the Le Bristol Paris, where the stars gathered for the Seventy One Paris Fashion Week After-Party

Kate was a member of The Primrose Hill Set - a name given to the all-star group of edgy residents of the leafy neighborhood, who were known in their heyday for their raucous behaviour with stories of their antics becoming the stuff of legend.

After attending a week-long detox in Turkey back in June 2015, the runway sensation wound up being escorted off an easyJet flight home after her airport drinking session took a heavy turn.

The turnaround may have come as a shock given that Kate's love of boozing, which reportedly extended to flutes of prosecco at 8am and glasses of wine and vodka at lunch, saw friends coin her the nickname 'The Tank'.

Kate - who is now sober - shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties.

Jefferson and Kate - who dated from 2001 to 2004 with Lila being born in 2002 - have an amicable relationship and would ensure their daughter spent a regular amount of time with each of them in her childhood.

Back in 2016, Jefferson admitted that despite Lila having two famous parents, she found them both to be 'deeply uncool'.

Kate was a member of The Primrose Hill Set - a name given to the all-star group of edgy residents of the leafy neighborhood

They were known in their heyday for their raucous behaviour with stories of their antics becoming the stuff of legend

Kate shares Lila with journalist Jefferson Hack, with whom she was in a relationship in the early Noughties

Jefferson and Kate - who dated from 2001 to 2004 with Lila being born in 2002 - have an amicable relationship
Anna Richardson claims Britain doesn't care about the elderly as she attempts to highlight the lack of understanding and support around dementia.

Richardson is fronting a new documentary about dementia after her own father was diagnosed with the degenerative disease - for which there is no cure.

Jim Richardson, 83, was once a leading figure in the Church of England and received an OBE for his services - but is now suffering the cruelness of a condition that affects one in three people.

And Anna claims Britain is guilty of neglecting its elderly citizens by not doing enough to understand dementia and find suitable and affective treatments.

'We don't give a sh*t about old people in this country - it is an absolute crisis and it's getting bigger,' she told The Times.

Anna Richardson, 54, is making a very personal documentary after her father was diagnosed with a disease

The TV presenter, known for Supersize vs Superskinny, says making the TV doc was one of the hardest things she's done

Her new show, airing on Channel 4 on October 2, is called Anna Richardson: Love Loss And Dementia.

Richardson hopes she will raise awareness and improve understanding of dementia in the way that Davina McCall has done for the menopause.

The documentary will trace the Richardson family life as they struggle through the realities of Jim's dementia.

It will also explore stories of other dementia sufferers including a case of late-stage dementia and a man in his twenties with a gene that will cause him to lose his mind.

The support on offer, Richardson says, is not good enough for her father, an intelligent member of the clergy, who does not want to join patronising tea parties to feel better.

Jim is living alone in sheltered accommodation, funded in part by social services and located near family in Staffordshire.

'He has said to me "when I die, I'm going to the company of angels",' Anna adds. Making the film has made me feel a bit closer to him.'

The presenter also fronts dating show Naked Attraction, which sees singletons strip down in successive rounds to be in for a chance of going on a date with the contestant

WHAT IS DEMENTIA? Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of neurological disorders A GLOBAL CONCERN Dementia is an umbrella term used to describe a range of progressive neurological disorders (those affecting the brain) which impact memory, thinking and behaviour. There are many types of dementia, of which Alzheimers disease is the most common. Some people may have a combination of different types of dementia. Regardless of which type is diagnosed, each person will experience dementia in their own unique way. Dementia is a global concern but it is most often seen in wealthier countries, where people are likely to live into very old age. HOW MANY PEOPLE ARE AFFECTED? The Alzheimer's Society reports there are more than 900,000 people living with dementia in the UK today. This is projected to rise to 1.6 million by 2040. Alzheimer's disease is the most common type of dementia, affecting between 50 and 75 per cent of those diagnosed. In the US, it's estimated there are 5.5 million Alzheimer's sufferers. A similar percentage rise is expected in the coming years. As a persons age increases, so does the risk of them developing dementia. Rates of diagnosis are improving but many people with dementia are thought to still be undiagnosed. IS THERE A CURE? Currently there is no cure for dementia. But new drugs can slow down its progression and the earlier it is spotted, the more effective treatments can be. Source: Alzheimers Society Advertisement

Anna split from former Bake Off presenter Sue Perkins in Christmas 2020, but their break-up only emerged in late 2021

The presenter fronts dating show Naked Attraction, which sees singletons strip down in successive rounds to be in for a chance of going on a date with the contestant.

Anna said the show is 'multigenerational, like Strictly' and says while some viewers may be cringing, there's 'nothing titillating' about the contestants stripping off.

The TV favourite believes it should be shown in school as a representation of what normal bodies look like.

'Parents have said to me they put it on and watch with their 16-year-old sons because they want them to see what real women look like,' she told The Sun.

'We know that weve got a big problem with pornography. Its time that we kicked back against that and against violence towards women, and started showing this is what ordinary people look like and what ordinary bodies look like.

'That is the beauty of the show  theres an educational element. Id be on board with getting it shown in schools, there is nothing titillating about Naked Attraction.

'There is nothing pornographic or sexual exciting - if anything, its like opening up a biology manual.'
Jesse Spencer has returned to Australia for his first homeland gig in 20 years.

The Melbourne-born actor, who rose to fame on Neighbours and American medical drama House, is in town shooting Last Days of the Space Age on Disney +.

Appearing on The Project on Tuesday night, Jesse, 45, shocked the show's hosts with how broad his Aussie accent still is after decades living in the United States.

'Are you saying I'm putting it on? Is it working?' Jesse joked, but then admitted it does come and go.

'It comes back pretty quickly as soon as you're off the plane. Obviously when you're doing the dialect and you're on set surrounded by Americans, I mean it really helps (to keep an American accent)' Jesse explained.

'Whatever you're surrounded by, it's like a form of osmosis I guess, and you just sort of take it in and get it back.'

Jesse also said that while he gets back home to Melbourne annually, the country has changed a lot since he lived there full time.

'I've been out of the country for so long, it is kind of strange, and every time you come back it's just changed.

Jesse Spencer (pictured) has returned to Australia for his first homeland gig in 20 years. The Melbourne-born actor, who rose to fame on Neighbours and American medical drama House, is in town shooting Last Days of the Space Age on Disney +

'I was driving in down near Southbank, I was trying to find the Rialto. Where is it? The tallest building in Melbourne. I couldn't find it' he said with a laugh.

It was explained to him that taller buildings have sprung up since.

'I know, it's all over the shop!' Jesse said, adding, 'I try to come home once a year. It's important to come home.'

It comes after the actor debuted a surprising new look.

In the trailer for the Disney + show Last Days of the Space Age, Jesse, who once stunned with his boyish good looks and luscious blond hair, looks very different in several scenes from the new show.

Appearing on The Project on Tuesday night, Jesse, 45, shocked the show's hosts with how broad his Aussie accent still is after decades living in the United States

He has moved on from heartthrob look and now seems to be much more distinguished, playing a father in the drama series, sporting a beard and grey locks.

The series follows three families in Perth in 1979 as the American space station crash lands near the Western Australian city.

Jesse plays dad Tony Bissett, who is juggling family life while also leading a strike at the local power plant.

The new show is a welcome departure for Spencer, who says he has been searching for a production in Australia after working in the US for so long.

'I was looking for an Australian production, probably since 2004,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

In the trailer for the Disney + show Last Days of the Space Age, Jesse, who once stunned with his boyish good looks and luscious blond hair, looks very different in several scenes from the new show (left)

'We have this hiatus, but network TV, the schedule of it  sometimes I had six weeks off, sometimes a little more  but to make a production work is really difficult.

'Once you're in [network TV], it's very hard to get out of,' he explained.

The Melbourne-born actor also spoke to TV Week about his reasons for joining the Disney + production.

'I left Chicago Fire, and then I started a family, and I was doing that for a while, then Last Days of the Space Age came up.

'It was nice to be able to just work for a few months on my first Aussie project in over 20 years. I was so excited to do it,' he gushed.

Jesse's acting career took off on the long-running soap opera Neighbours from 1994 to 2000 as Billy Kennedy, the youngest son of Dr Karl and Susan Kennedy.

Jesse relocated to the US and got his big break on the medical drama House as Dr. Robert Chase, starring alongside Hugh Laurie, from 2004 to 2012

Jesse's acting career took off on the long-running soap opera Neighbours from 1994 to 2000 as Billy Kennedy, the youngest son of Dr Karl and Susan Kennedy. Pictured is Jesse with co-star Brooke Satchwell

He relocated to the US and got his big break on the medical drama House as Dr. Robert Chase, starring alongside Hugh Laurie, from 2004 to 2012.

Jesse starred as a main cast member in the action drama Chicago Fire until 2020, and has since made guest appearances on the show.

Also in 2020, he married his long-time girlfriend, research scientist Kali Woodruff, in a private ceremony in Florida.

The Australian actor revealed the happy news to The Daily Telegraph and called the couple's special day their 'silver lining to 2020.'

In 2020, he married his long-time girlfriend, research scientist Kali Woodruff (left) in a private ceremony in Florida

'Despite a spike in COVID, a venue change, a Saharan dust plume, not to mention a torrential thunderstorm, we made it across the line on our wedding day, and I'm a very lucky man,' Jesse told the publication.

'What a silver lining to 2020. She's smart, pretty and way ahead of her years,' he proudly added of his new wife.

'We're very happy. She is my port in every storm, and we're already excited to be moving on to the next phase of our lives.'

Melbourne-born Jesse began dating Kali after meeting her a Chicago music festival in 2014.

He popped the question last year during a week-long hike in the Peruvian Andes, according to the publication.

Jesse previously dated Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira from 2010 to 2013.
Rosie Huntington-Whiteley has just unveiled her latest fashion collaboration with luxury online clothing store Wardrobe NYC.

The supermodel, 37, posed in some of the designs for a photoshoot to promote the new range, including sexy fishnet tights and form-fitting bodysuits.

The new range also includes figure hugging dresses and skirts, as fans are offered the chance to dress like the fashion maven.

A blazer dress, an overcoat and a long skirt are the more conservative items in the RHW clothing line.

For 4750, customers can buy eight pieces of the collection: the coat, the blazer dress, two bodysuits, the tights, two pairs of trousers, and a skirt.

Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, 37, posed for photos of her new clothing collection in collaboration with Wardrobe NYC

The supermodel showed off her long legs in fishnet tights that form part of the new clothing range

Rosie showed the fishnet tights can be teamed up with a long coat or a short blazer dress to create a sophisticated look

Rosie has had a busy month. She went on holiday with her husband, the actor Jason Statham, 57, and their two children.

Rosie shared a number of photos of their Greek getaway to Antiparos online, including a rare photo of her child, Isabella, 2.

Now she's back to business with the launch of her fashion clothing line collaboration and attending events in the capital.

In an interview on Monday, she revealed how she was once sent home from a photoshoot for being 'too full figured'.

Reflecting on the early days of her modelling career, the Plymouth-born star told how during a period of endless castings, she was once dismissed from a photoshoot was not being the right size.

'I feel fortunate that Ive seen the full breadth of the industry because, when I started, I was on the tube, portfolio and heels in my bag, doing castings with 200 girls,' she explained to NET-A-PORTER's digital title PORTER.

'[I was] getting out in the middle of nowhere and middle of the night, getting into cars with strange drivers, being sent home from shoots because I was too wholesome looking or too full-figured,' she said.

At the peak of her career, Rosie had a contract with Victoria's Secret, the lingerie brand, which she left so she could launch her M&S line.

She feared being ostracised as a result, but thankfully for her, the decision only boosted her career.

Rosie designed the collection with Josh Goot and Christine Centenera for the modern woman to elevate her wardrobe

Rosie revealed her hourglass figure in two different black dresses featured in her collection
A huge star made a shock return to a film set on Tuesday after quitting acting in 2017.

With his grey beard, he looked completely unrecognisable as he shot motorbike scenes with actor Sean Bean in Manchester seven years after retiring.

The 67-year-old famously delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film Phantom Thread and then withdrew from acting completely.

But he has emerged from retirement and was seen filming a movie entitled Avelyn where Sean is thought to be playing the role of an ex-soldier.

But can you guess who it is?

A huge star made a shock return to a film set on Tuesday after quitting acting in 2017

The star, (left) looked completely unrecognisable as he shot motorbike scenes with actor Sean Bean in Manchester seven years after retiring

That's right! It's Daniel Day-Lewis!

While it is not known what role Daniel plays yet - he was seen in a khaki padded jacket and white helmet as he drove Sean around.

There was a huge group of crew on the street shooting the scenes which looked action packed.

In June 2017 Daniel revealed that he had quit acting.

The British star, who rocketed to fame in films including Gangs of New York and The Last of the Mohicans, did not reveal the reason behind his retirement.

A statement released to Variety by his spokeswoman confirmed the shock news.

In it, Leslee Dart said: 'Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years.

'This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.'

A few months later in an interview with W magazine he acknowledged he felt 'great sadness' at the decision but explained he felt compelled to take it.

'The impulse to quit took root in me, and that became a compulsion. It was something I had to do,' he said.

He went on: 'Do I feel better? Not yet. I have great sadness. And thats the right way to feel.'

Can you guess who? It's Daniel Day-Lewis! The star famously delivered an Oscar-nominated performance in Paul Thomas Anderson's 2017 film Phantom Thread and then withdrew from acting completely

But he has emerged from retirement and was seen filming a movie entitled Avelyn where Sean is thought to be playing the role of an ex-soldier

While it is not known what role Daniel plays yet - he was seen in a khaki padded jacket and white helmet as he drove Sean around

There was a huge group of crew on the street shooting the scenes which looked action packed

In June 2017 Daniel revealed that he had quit acting

The British star, who rocketed to fame in films including Gangs of New York and The Last of the Mohicans, did not reveal the reason behind his retirement

A statement released to Variety by his spokeswoman confirmed the shock news he was quitting acting (seen in January 2024)

'When I began, it was a question of salvation. Now, I want to explore the world in a different way.'

Daniel has earned himself a plethora of awards over his illustrious career, including three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012).

The father-of-three is a famously dedicated method actor, and in the role that won him his first Oscar, his acclaimed 1989 performance as Irish writer and cerebral palsy victim Christy Moore in My Left Foot, he reportedly asked the crew to wheel him around in his wheelchair between takes and feed him with a spoon.

To prepare for his part as the wrongly convicted alleged IRA bomber Gerry Conlon in the film about the Guildford Four, In The Name Of The Father, he spent three nights on meagre prison rations in a freezing cold cell.

Those passing by on the set were instructed to abuse him and throw cold water on him.

One technician, who has twice worked with Day-Lewis, said at the time: 'I have never known anything like it.

In it, Leslee Dart said: 'Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years'

A few months later in an interview with W magazine he acknowledged he felt 'great sadness' at the decision but explained he felt compelled to take it

They looked busy at work filming the motorbike scenes

He wore a dark green jacket, black trousers and gloves

Daniel has earned himself a plethora of awards over his illustrious career, including three Academy Awards for Best Actor for his performances in My Left Foot (1989), There Will Be Blood (2007) and Lincoln (2012)

He made sure to put safety first by wearing a helmet

He has been absent from acting since 2017

The film crew followed them in another moving vehicle

He looked in his element filming the action scenes

As well as having a successful career under his belt, Daniel been married to fellow actress Rebecca Miller since 1996

Sean is thought to be playing an ex-soldier in the new film

'We all had to call him by his character's name, even if we bumped into him in the toilets.

'If he was doing a scene where he was being aggressive or having a fight, he would start getting really angry a few days beforehand, and would be glaring and snarling at people on the set.

'You had to know when to steer well clear of him because he could be pretty terrifying when he was in character.

And as well as having a successful career under his belt, has been married to fellow actress Rebecca Miller since 1996, and the couple share two sons- Ronan Cal Day-Lewis (born 1998) and Cashel Blake Day-Lewis (born 2002).
Emily Ratajkowski has been seen in new images for her Kurt Geiger campaign for the winter season.

The campaign introduces The Bond: a set of new designs inspired by the British accessory brand's original store on Mayfair's Bond Street.

'Sleek and minimalist with signature Kurt Geiger design details, the Bond collection represents the latest chapter in the luxury London label's evolution,' a press release shared with DailyMail.com said.

It is the second instalment in a two-part campaign modelled by 33-year-old Ratajkowski, shot by Laura Coulson.

The campaign opens with Emily and a jumbo-sized Bond tote in a bright highlighter-green hue.

Emily Ratajkowski has been seen in new images for her Kurt Geiger campaign for the winter season

The campaign introduces The Bond: a set of new designs inspired by the British accessory brand's original store on Mayfair's Bond Street

'Sophisticated silhouettes, clean lines and contemporary details,' the release added.

'Every item created for Bond pays homage to the elegant - and iconic - London shopping street it is named after. Kurt Geiger opened its first boutique there in 1963. Over six decades later the address remains a bedrock of refined style from which these thirteen handbags borrow.

'Polished finishes and classic neutral shades are combined with the vibrant pops of color and trademark statement hardware beloved by the Kurt Geiger customer.'

'This collection has the image of a powerful woman at its center. With shapes that are intentionally simple, the color and surface become important. I wanted minimalism but something feminine and strong,' said Rebecca Farrar-Hockley, Creative Director of Kurt Geiger, to DailyMail.com.

Kurt Geiger in the midst of ambitious global expansion, with six new stores set to open in North America in the coming months.

Kurt Geiger is a leading London-based footwear and accessories brand 'powered by creativity and kindness,' the press release added.

'Sleek and minimalist with signature Kurt Geiger design details, the Bond collection represents the latest chapter in the luxury London label's evolution,' a press release shared with DailyMail.com said

It is the second instalment in a two-part campaign modelled by Ratajkowski , shot by Laura Coulson. The campaign opens with Emily and a jumbo-sized Bond tote in a bright highlighter-green hue

Ratajkowski's 'strong sense of style' and 'confidence' led to her being made the face of Kurt Geiger's Chelsea collection.

The model stuns in the new images for the affordable luxury British footwear and accessories brand's autumn/winter 2024 line of handbags.

Emily joins the lucrative brand at a time when profits are booming, with the company exceeding 40 million in sales, up 10 per cent.

It's doing so well in the US, having recently opened a store in Orlando, with three more US stores in New York, Los Angeles, and San Diego set to throw open their doors this year.

Ratajkowski and Sylvester Apollo Bear attend the Loewe Paris Womenswear Spring-Summer 2025 show as part of Paris Fashion Week on September 27 in Paris

CEO Neil Clifford said: 'Quite simply.. we stand out from the crowd! Our brand has unique design aesthetic  fun, colorful and instantly recognizable.

That, combined with a strong British DNA and an incredible value proposition  we've filled a white space with bold, maximalist silhouettes at an affordable price point.

'2024 is on track to smash all of our most ambitions predictions  with our global footprint growing exponentially, driven by handbags... now our largest product category in all markets. Not bad for an independent British brand, operating against a pretty tough economic back drop!'

This comes after Emily told Cosmopolitan earlier this year that she is not a big fan of eating salads.

Instead, she digs into a juicy steak. 'I am a carnivore,' she told the publication. 'I really like to eat meat.'

'I enjoy dessert every so often and eat carbs,' she also told the NYT adding she doesn't consider herself ;a crazy fitness person.'
James Corden and Mathew Horne appeared to be the best of friends once again as they walked onto set together for Gavin And Stacey on Tuesday.

The duo, who have done their best to move past feud rumours appeared in high spirits as they made their way to the shoot location in Wales.

Pictures showed the pair in their iconic characters, Gavin and Smithy, as they gave waiting fans a wave and said 'hello'.

James donned a navy blue Tommy Hilfiger zip up, while Mat wore a dark green Fred Perry shirt and a long black coat.

Almost the whole cast were in attendance for scenes being filmed at the house that doubles up as the Essex home of Pam and Mick.

Gavin And Stacey's James Corden and Mathew Horne are all smiles as they waved at fans while on set in Wales on Tuesday, proving they are the best of friends

The pair, who have been rumoured to have had a secret feud, appeared in high spirits as they made their way down the road

Almost the whole cast were in attendance for scenes being filmed at the house that doubles up as the Essex home of Pam and Mick. James Corden pictured with Rob Brydon

James and Mathew have hardly been pictured together since the last cliffhanger episode of the popular sitcom.

The last time they worked together was in 2019 when the show aired a special episode on Christmas Day.

Following the wrap up of the popular series, the pair began to drift apart with rumours of a feud circling them both.

While James found success on the West End stage in One Man, Two Guvnors, and then headed over to America to begin hosting the Late Late Show in 2015, Mat remained in the UK working on TV projects.

Speculation on their friendship continued to grow as many fans feared they had fallen out.

During an appearance on Piers Morgan's Life Stories in 2011, James discussed their relationship as he admitted they had drifted but there was never a pivotal fall out.

As James was asked whether he kept up with Mat, he replied: 'Err, we talk occasionally, yeah.'

Piers then revealed that Mat was asked to take part in the programme but chose not to. Faltering, James continued: 'I didn't know that, but I can understand.'

Gavin And Stacey's James and Mathew went from best friends to hardly ever speaking amid feud rumours - when their joint comedic projects failed to deliver (pictured in 2007)

At the height of the show's success, James (Smithy) and Mathew (Gavin) were inseparable as they struck up a strong friendship on the show (pictured during filming for the Gavin And Stacey Christmas episode in 2008)

Speaking to The Mail On Sunday back in 2015, James admitted that they had worked on some 'atrocious' projects together

Expressing regret for how quickly they got caught up in everything post Gavin And Stacey, he confirmed: 'We never fell out, it was never that. We were one person for a long time. If I have one regret, it was we just rushed those things.

'We did our own sketch show but the reaction was fierce. It was hard to go through that. We were riding this amazing wave and then it just dropped. In one year we spent 263 days together and we went from that to nothing.'

James and Mat reunited for the Gavin And Stacey Christmas special back in 2019 and Mat squashed any rumours of a feud.

When asked about the 'feud' by MailOnline at the launch episode, Mat insisted the claims were entirely were fabricated - with no animosity in place.

As MailOnline asked the actor: 'After rumours of a feud, did you feel the need to address the claims when you reunited earlier this year', Mathew simply insisted the claims were made up, as he joined the whole cast except James at the press conference.

After both insisting there was never a feud between the pair, they have reunited once again for the final ever episode of the sitcom set to air this Christmas.
She instantly became a pop culture icon after bursting into the public eye as loudmouthed Page 3 girl, Jordan.

Having tried her hand at modelling, singing, presenting, campaigning and reality TV, the glamour model quickly became a household name in Britain.

Yet while Katie Price's moniker will ring a bell for both young and old, you would be forgiven for not recognising the star on sight alone, with Katie famously undergoing numerous cosmetic procedures over the years.

After two decades in the spotlight, Katie is almost unrecognisable from the naturally pretty teenager who burst on to the modelling scene at the age of 16, with her natural curls and fresh-faced beauty winning her an army of fans.

Katie, now 46, has undergone an array of procedures over the years, including rhinoplasty, a silhouette facelift, 3D, veneers, lip fillers and Botox, culminating in her first facelift in 2017.

Now, after two decades under the surgeon's scalpel, MailOnline takes a look at the many faces of Katie Price.

The many faces of Katie Price: MailOnline takes a look at the star's changing look after two decades of boob jobs, Botox and face lifts

1995 - Barefaced beauty

At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling.

At a friend's suggestion, the teenager had professional photographs taken and was quickly snapped up by a modelling agency who landed her a Page 3 slot in The Sun newspaper the following year, sparking the creation of her glamour model alter ego, Jordan.

Speaking last year, Katie revealed she was glad that she wasn't exposed to social media at the time as she had 'no idea what Botox was or fillers', otherwise she may have started her tweaks and enhancements at an even earlier age.

1995: At the age of 17, Katie Price was a fresh-faced natural beauty looking to make it into the world of glamour modelling

1998 - First boob job

Having just turned 20, the rising glamour model experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C.

The procedure cost 4,500 and it's thought her mum Amy and stepdad Paul helped pay for her to have the procedure.

Katie has since spoken out about her decision to go under the knife, admitting she was 'too young' and that she feels sorry for young girls growing up these days in a world of social media and filters.

1998: Having just turned 20, Katie experienced her first taste of cosmetic surgery, boosting her 32B cup breasts to a 32C

1999 - Second and third boob job

Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures the following year at the age of 21.

Katie boosted her bust from a C cup to a D cup and just a few months later went up again to a F cup.

Katie has previously claimed that she has only paid for two of her boob jobs over the course of her career - it is not known if these were the ones.

1999: Despite having only just increased her breast size, Katie opted to have two more procedures at the age of 21

2001 - Lip fillers

At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers.

While the glamour model did not confirm the rumours at the time, she was seen sporting a noticeably fuller pout while out enjoying the party scene.

Her overall look had also started drastically transforming, with the model sporting dramatic false lashes, bright lipstick and pale hair extensions.

2001: At the age of 21, Katie had her first cosmetic procedure on her face, opting for lip fillers

2004 - Botox

Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines and wrinkles.

She made no secret of her love of the procedure, announcing at the time: 'I get my forehead and around my eyes Botoxed every six months and I love it. You can't beat it. It just freezes all the wrinkles and that's what you want.'

At the time, Katie insisted she would never take things further and have a facelift, explaining: 'I'd never have a full facelift. I've seen what they can do to people and I don't want to go through that.'

2004: Aged 26, Katie began to experiment with Botox injections that relax the muscles in your face to smooth out lines

2006 - Fourth boob job

Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup.

The glamour model also played around with her overall look and embraced her dark side with a new brunette hairstyle.

She also continued to dabble with fillers and Botox.

2006: Katie went under the knife yet again to take her F cup breasts up to a G cup

2007 - First nose job and veneers

At the age of 29, Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and treating herself to a 25,000 set of new veneers.

'Oh my God, it burned like hell!' she said at the time. 'The next day I had this hideous red rash on my chin but two days later there wasn't a single spot left.'

Speaking about her nose job at the time, she admitted to liking her original nose, explaining: 'I liked my nose before and now. If I had a cupboard with both noses, I would alternate between them!'

2007:Katie took her love of surgery to the next level, undergoing rhinoplasty, a chemical peel and a 25,000 set of veneers

2008 - Fifth boob job

Despite gradually increasingly her bust size over the year, Katie fancied a change on her 30th and brought her bra size back down from an F cup to a C cup.

The procedure meant that Katie had returned to the size of her first boob job 10 years prior.

Katie's changing shape also coincided with the launch of her first clothing line - an equestrian range.

2008: Despite gradually increasingly her bust size, Katie fancied a change and brought her bra size back down to a C cup

2011 - Sixth boob job

Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup.

Katie also underwent body-contouring treatment and cheek and lip fillers.

The Loose Women panelist admitted that she loved having her cheeks filled to give her a 'plumper, more youthful look'.

2011: Katie's smaller chest didn't last long, and at age 33 she went back under the knife again to boost her bust to an F cup

2015 - Seventh and eighth boob job

Just before appearing on Celebrity Big Brother, the reality star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast and an implant protruding from her flesh.

Katie told her shocked housemates: 'Ive got no tits anymore. Theyve gone. Theres not even anything there. If you saw what Im like underneath. The scars gone septic. My whole implant was hanging out on New Years Day.'

Shortly after leaving the Big Brother house she underwent corrective surgery and had her implants swapped for a D-cup.

2015: Just before Celebrity Big Brother, the star had a botched boob reduction that left her with a hole in her breast

2016 - Ninth boob job and tattooed makeup

Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie was undeterred and flew to a Brussels clinic to go under the knife yet again, this time settling on a 32GG bust.

The reality star also had her eyebrows and lips tattooed, also known as 'permanent make-up', explaining that she prefers to go make-up free on a day-to-day basis.

Additionally the star has regular facial treatments, last year sharing a bloodied selfie after having a dermal roller micro-needling treatment, which sees a dermaroller with many tiny needles rolled across into the skin - designed to stimulate cells into regeneration.

2016: Despite her surgery horror the year before, Katie flew to a Brussels clinic to get another boob job, this time a 32GG cup

2017 - First face lift, new veneers and 10th boob job

Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word undergoing a 'Silhouette' face lift.

The procedure is designed to lift a sagging cheeks and blurred jawline, using 'sutures' implanted under the skin to sculpt features.

However, Katie was soon spotted with puffy features, revealing that she suffered an allergic reaction to anesthetic penicillin after having further work on her veneers. She also had her breast implants reduced from 1000ml implants to 795ml.

2017: Despite insisting she would never have a face lift and could rely on Botox, Katie went back on her word

2018 - Second face lift

Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40 to correct it.

She said at the time 'I need to get my face re-corrected after surgeon has totally f**ked my face up', admitting it had

He agent added: 'She had the thread and it really quite distorted her look. She got a lot of backlash, a lot of negative press, a lot of trolling, everyone saying shed taken it too far, when actually it was a job that had not gone to plan.'

2018: Katie claimed her first face lift had been a botched job and went back under the knife the following year aged 40

2019 - Third face lift, boob job first Brazilian bum lift and 11th boob job

Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her entire look with a full body transformation.

The reality star opted for a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck.

Just three months later she returned to the clinic and opted for another boob job, going back down to a D cup.

2019: Katie jetted to Turkey to overhaul her look with a face, eye and eyelid lift, Brazilian bum lift along with a tummy tuck

2020 - 12th boob job and another set of veneers

Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers and revealed her real teeth had been reduced to stubs as she flashed a smile on her YouTube channel.

The mother-of-five then jetted to Belgium to correct botched surgery on her breasts, saying her surgeon was utterly shocked by the 'awful' previous procedure.

Katie said: 'They looked deformed, they were absolutely awful. That's the first time I've gone to a different surgeon. I had to go back to Frank with my head down, ashamed that I'd been to another clinic.'

2020: Katie returned to Turkey to have another set of veneers then jetted to Belgium to correct a botched boob job

2021 - Liposuction, eye and lid lifts and 13th boob job

Amid the Covid pandemic, Katie jetted off to then red-list Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts, liposuction under her chin, and fat injected into her bum.

The reality star also visited Belgium to have her 13th boob job as well as full body liposuction with bum fat removal.

The plastic surgery - performed by Dr Frank Plovier - came just five days ahead of the glamour model's sentencing for her shocking drink-drive crash.

2021: Katie jetted to Turkey for a complete cosmetic surgery overhaul, undergoing full body liposuction, eye and lip lifts

2022 - Another brow and eye lift

Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium at the beginning of 2022 for an eye and brow lift and had been concealing her new look with her head in a bandage.

Dr Judy Todd, an aesthetic doctor at Clinica Medica in Glasgow, said: 'It appears like she's had a face lift, temporal brow lift, and possibly an upper blepharoplasty.'

It was reported last month that Katie plans to travel to Turkey imminently for yet more plastic surgery, amid claims she wanted to get some tweaks in after being unhappy with her latest work.

Sian Dellar, Brow Specialist and Founder of Sian Dellar Permanent Makeup Clinic, added: 'Katie's eyebrows, like the rest of her, have changed lots over the years!

'Back in the 90s she had a very thin over plucked brow which was the fashion at the time, and today she has an extremely thick and unnatural looking brow.

'Currently it seems the face or eye lift that shes had have pulled her brows outward which looks unnatural and makes the brows appear almost stretched.

'Of course, as with any enhancement, its personal preference but we recommend not going too many shades darker, and keeping the shape as natural looking as possible and work to create or enhance brows to frame the face.

'Katies choice to have them so thick and dark and in that unusual positioning means they dominate her face and are the first thing the eye is drawn to. I would love to see Katie take her brows back to 2015/2016 when the fuller brow became a big trend. She got it right then and they framed her face well.'

2022: Katie secretly jetted back to Belgium for an eye and brow lift and is planning to to travel to Turkey for more surgery

2023 - 16th and 'biggest ever' boob job

It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th.

The star went under the knife in a bid to have the 'biggest in Britain' and was subsequently pictured being wheeled into surgery at the Be Clinic in Belgium.

She is said to have wanted even bigger breasts, opting for 2120 CC implants in a bid to boost her already large bust size.

Katie told OK! magazine of her boobs: 'I love them. They healed really quickly and they didn't hurt at all. That probably doesn't help. Because I heal quickly, it doesn't put me off and I have more.

'I would go bigger as well  and I will eventually. I just love having big boobs and a small body. I've always loved that look. In my eyes, if I'm having a boob job, I want them to look fake, I don't want them to look natural. I don't like the natural look.

'I just like that old-school American Playboy pin-up look. When I have surgery, that is what I'm striving for. If I could look like my airbrushed pictures, that would be amazing. But that's impossible to achieve.'

2023: It's not clear if Katie lost track of the number of breast augmentations or opted to keep some of her surgery private but by 2023 it emerged she'd undergone her 16th boob job, two years after claiming to be on her 13th

2024 - MORE facial surgery

In July 2024 Katie confirmed she is travelling to Turkey for facial surgery, to be filmed for a new documentary, after failing to attend a bankruptcy hearing.

The former glamour model was absent at a scheduled 760,000 bankruptcy court hearing having flown overseas for her latest cosmetic procedure.

A warrant was subsequently issued, with Katie admitting she's 'doing the best she can' to rectify her financial issues after receiving 'very clear warnings' that she needed to attend court.
Kristin Cavallari addressed her recent breakup with Mark Estes on Tuesday's episode of her Let's Be Honest podcast for the first time.

While speaking to her listeners about their split, the reality star, 37, confirmed that it was her decision to call it quits with the TikTok star, 24, after seven months of dating.

'Mark and I broke up,' she confirmed. 'It's hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it's not right, and it's not because of love lost or something bad happened.'

The mother-of-three emphasized that 'no one cheated' and Estes didn't do anything 'mean' or anything that would make her 'hate him.'

She went on to praise the influence for being 'nothing but be so sweet and so supportive' during their relationship.

Kristin Cavallari addressed her recent breakup with Mark Estes on Tuesday's episode of her Let's Be Honest podcast for the first time

'He's been the best boyfriend I've ever had. I just know long-term he needs to experience life, he's young... I started to feel the age a little bit with life experience,' she explained.

Cavallari continued: 'I look back when I was 24 and how much life has happened between then, those are crucial years, those are formative years, they're when you find yourself and he needs to be able to do that.'

The Laguna Beach alum stressed that she was 'aware' of their 13-year age gap and hadn't been 'ignoring the fact that he was younger.'

Still, she insisted her and Estes' relationship was the 'best' of her life and 'very healthy and very mature.'

'He will make someone so happy one day ... and he will have a beautiful family of his own,' she predicted. 'I know that one day he will look back and understand it and I actually think one day he will look back and thank me.'

Despite their breakup, Cavallari insisted that she doesn't 'regret going public with him' or 'introducing him' to her three kids Camden, 11, Jaxon, 9, and Saylor, 8 who she shares with ex-husband Jay Cutler.

'I don't regret anything. It was such a good, happy relationship. And I think with every relationship you learn and you grow from, and I will forever look back at Mark and I with such fond memories and just pure happiness,' she noted.

The Uncommon James founder also stated that she was 'optimistic' that she and Estes would remain friends.

While speaking to her listeners about their split, the reality star, 37, confirmed that it was her decision to call it quits with the TikTok star, 24, after seven months of dating

'Mark and I broke up,' she confirmed. 'It's hard because I broke up with Mark because I just know long-term it's not right, and it's not because of love lost or something bad happened'

At this moment, she said she has 'no interest in getting back into the dating world right now.'

'I'm really happy and really content having my life right now being about my kids and work,' Cavallari said. 'I just want to really take care of myself. I'm like really feeling this energy of just wanting to feel really good and making myself a priority and so I don't really know where men fall on that list.'

While she says her mindset may change 'in a few' months, right now she's prioritizing her happiness and 'peace.'

On Friday, the TV personality first revealed her newly single single status while joining podcast host, Alex Cooper, on stage during her Unwell tour stop in Austin, Texas.

Cavallari divulged that her breakup was still 'fresh.'

The fashion designer previously revealed that Estes first came to her attention in September 2023 when she was going through TikTok and she immediately thought he was 'so hot.'

The mother-of-three emphasized that 'no one cheated' and Estes didn't do anything 'mean' or anything that would make her 'hate him'

She went on to praise the influence for being 'nothing but be so sweet and so supportive' during their relationship

Speaking on her podcast in March 2024, she said: 'Back in like September, I'm scrolling and I come across this boy group, I guess you could call them, The Montana Boyz. So I go, "Holy s***-, who are these guys?" Because they're so hot. Specifically this one, who I'm gonna refer to as Montana.'

She then received a message from their account saying 'I love you' and she invited them on to her podcast, where she immediately hit it off with Mark.

Kristin said: 'That attraction was always there, but when I met him, I was like, he's actually a really nice, good guy. He's very sweet from the jump. He was so sweet to me.

'Me dating a 24-year-old is not something that I was searching out. It's not something that I at all ever thought would ever happen. I understand what it looks like to the outside world. I really do. I get that. He is not a typical 24-year-old.

'I think it's a lot of things. I think sex for women just gets better as you get older. Because I think women, when you're in your early 20s and stuff, you're insecure in a lot of ways, you're worried about your body or what [you] look like. I've let all of that go and I think I am more present physically during sex than I've ever been. And I'm so wildly attracted to [Mark]. And I just think we have really hot sex.'

'He's been the best boyfriend I've ever had. I just know long-term he needs to experience life, he's young... I started to feel the age a little bit with life experience,' she explained

Kristin was previously married to Cutler for seven years before they separated in 2020.

Cavallari has previously been romantically linked to Stephen Colletti, Matt Leinart, Brody Jenner, Nick Lachey, Chris Evans and Chase Rice.
Willem Dafoe was a surprise addition to the star-studded runway as he took the catwalk for the Miu Miu show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

The actor, 69, cut a dapper figure for the event as he made his way down the catwalk at the Palais d'Iena in the French capital.

Willem cut a dapper figure in a pair of dark grey suit trousers which was teamed with a white shirt and a navy blue jumper.

The look was finished off with a long navy blue jacket and shiny black shoes, bringing the glitzy fashion event to a close.

Following the release of the runway snaps, fans took to X to praise Willem's look, with posts including: 'The greatest villain of all time! Outstanding actor!'

Willem Dafoe, 69, was a surprise addition to the star-studded runway as he took the catwalk for the Miu Miu show during Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday

The actor cut a dapper figure for the event as he made his way down the catwalk at the Palais d'Iena in the French capital

Willem cut a dapper figure in a pair of dark grey suit trousers which was teamed with a white shirt and a navy blue jumper

'Willem Dafoe is so classy as always.'

'Willem Dafoe making an appearance to close the Miu Miu SS25 show is quite a unique and exciting choice!

'His presence undoubtedly brought a distinctive flair and elevated the show's finale. It's always interesting to see how fashion brands incorporate unexpected personalities in their presentations;

'His charisma truly lights up the runway; Willem never fails to impress;

'Graceful walk. Awesome.'

Willem is no stranger to a runway as he walked for Prada to unveil their autumn collection during Milan Fashion Week back in 2012.

The show, became known as 'The Villains,' as it also featured Gary Oldman, Adrien Brody, Eli Roth and other veteran actors known for portraying sinister characters on-screen.

It comes just months after the actor cosied up to his wife of 19 years Giada Colagrande, 48, on the Beetlejuice 2 red carpet during Venice Film Festival opening ceremony.

The look was finished off with a long navy blue jacket and shiny black shoes, bringing the glitzy fashion event to a close

Following the release of the runway snaps, fans took to X to praise Willem's look

Willem also showed off his laid-back sense of style as he arrived for his apperance in the runway show

The actor, who portrays Wolf Jackson in the Tim Burton sequel, looked happier than ever with his wife as they posed for photos.

Although they keep their relationship relatively low-key, Willem - who married Giada just one year after they met - previously shared details of his romance with the Italian beauty in an article written for The Guardian.

The lovestruck actor explained: 'I met my wife on the street in Rome in 2004. I knew of her because I'd seen her films and we had some mutual friends.

'Getting married was very impulsive and romantic. We were having lunch and I said: "Do you want to get married tomorrow?" I called up City Hall and they said: "If you get here in the next couple of hours, you can register and then you can get married tomorrow." So we ran down there.

'We married the next day with just two witnesses, our best friends: my manager and her editor.'
It was one of the most successful sitcoms in US history, famously set in the bar where 'everybody knows your name'.

But now more than three decades after Cheers served its final beer, UK viewers look set to get their own version of the comedy.

It has emerged that a leading TV company is offering British broadcasters a UK version of the show, which ran for 275 episodes on NBC in America.

The producer has been given the go-ahead to develop the show for British viewers by distributor CBS Studios, which will be set in a British pub.

According to a report by industry website Deadline, British production company Big Talk Studios, which made Rev for BBC2, has signed up writer Simon Nye, known for his work on Men Behaving Badly, to take part in the project.

What'll you have? Cheers will be remade for UK audiences - and set in a British pub

The original series ran for 275 episodes on NBC and made stars out of the cast. Top row: John Ratzenberger, Roger Rees, Woody Harrelson; Middle row: Rhea Perlman, Ted Danson, Kirstie Alley, George Wendt; Front row: Kelsey Grammer and Bebe Neuwirth

Men Behaving Badly writer Simon Nye has been signed up to take part in the project

'Huge challenge': Kenton Allen, chief executive of Big Talk, said he wanted to create 'something fresh' from the original

It is understood that the proposed British version of Cheers would be made by Big Talk along with US production company CBS Studios.

Cheers, regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms, starred Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, Kirstie Alley and Kelsey Grammer, airing for 11 seasons.

Danson played womanising bar owner Sam Malone, while Alley played Rebecca Howe, who becomes manager of the bar.

Grammer's character Frasier Crane would go on to be given his own hit sitcom series, while Harrelson, who played barman Woody went on to a successful Hollywood career starring in films like Natural Born Killers.

Cheers, set in a Boston bar, came to an end in 1993.

Speaking to Deadline, Kenton Allen, the chief executive of Big Talk, described it as a 'huge honour' to be allowed to adapt the comedy.

He said it would set be a 'huge challenge' to make sure it was right.

Mr Allen added: 'The attitudes of Cheers in the '80s are very different to the attitudes of today, so there's a massive amount of work to be done around taking inspiration from the original characters but creating something fresh.'

He said: 'The British pub is an endangered species, so there's an answer for the 'Why now?' about it.'

Numerous UK comedies such as The Office and Ghosts, have been adapted for the US market.

It is regarded as less common for British broadcasters to take hit US shows and remake them for a domestic audience.

This has included The Brighton Belles on ITV, a reworking of The Golden Girls.

Co-stars Ted Danson and Kirstie Alley, who died in December 2022

Kelsey Grammer's character Frasier Crane would go on to be given his own hit sitcom series

In the UK sitcoms are perceived as having less importance to broadcasters than they used to, with TV boss seemingly more interested in expensive dramas in the streaming age.

Channel 4 has been the UK home for the US version Cheers for many years. But it is unclear at this point if they will be among the bidders for a British made version.

It already airs Cheers spin-off Frasier regularly.

Cheers first aired on NBC in September 1982 and after 275 episodes came to an end in 1993.

Cheers, regarded as one of the greatest sitcoms, starred Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson , Kirstie Alley and Kelsey Grammer , airing for 11 seasons

Among the show's other stars were Shelley Long, who played barmaid Diane Chambers, who had a turbulent romance with Malone in the sitcom, while Rhea Pearlman played Carla Tortelli, a feisty, wisecracking waitress.

John Ratzenberger played mail worker Cliff Clavin, while George Wendt played Norm Peterson.

Big Talk is behind the new BBC comedy crime drama Ludwig, starring David Mitchell.
Jesse Spencer proved he is ageing like a fine wine when he walked the red carpet for the series launch of his new project, The Last Days Of The Space Age.

The 45-year-old Australian actor posed alongside his co-star and fellow Aussie Radha Mitchell, 50, in Melbourne on Tuesday.

The former Neighbours star made a dapper appearance in a grey suit with darker threading throughout over a deep blue shirt.

He added a pair of leather dress shoes and kept things simple otherwise, wearing just his wedding ring for an accessory.

Radha was chic in a peach satin jumpsuit with a wide-leg cut, worn under a black blazer.

She added a pair of heels and opted for a peachy makeup look that matched her outfit, and finished with a pair of dangling earrings.

It was a minor Neighbours reunion with another star of the soap, Stefan Dennis also coming along to the event, as did Jordy Lucas.

Likewise making a splash was Jessica Rowe, who stood out in a loud printed coordinate set in neon green, orange and pink tones.

Jesse Spencer (pictured) proved he is ageing like a fine wine when he walked the red carpet for the series launch of his new project, The Last Days Of The Space Age

The new show marks the first time Jesse has returned to Australia for a homeland gig in 20 years.

The Melbourne-born actor, who rose to fame on Neighbours and American medical drama House, was in town shooting Last Days of the Space Age for Disney +.

Appearing on The Project on Tuesday night, Jesse shocked the show's hosts with how broad his Aussie accent still is after decades living in the United States.

'Are you saying I'm putting it on? Is it working?' Jesse joked, but then admitted it does come and go.

The former Neighbours star made a dapper appearance in a grey suit with darker threading throughout over a deep blue shirt

The 45-year-old Australian actor posed alongside his co-star and fellow Aussie Radha Mitchell, 50, (left) in Melbourne on Tuesday

Radha was chic in a peach satin jumpsuit with a wide-leg cut, worn under a black blazer

'It comes back pretty quickly as soon as you're off the plane. Obviously when you're doing the dialect and you're on set surrounded by Americans, I mean it really helps (to keep an American accent)' Jesse explained.

'Whatever you're surrounded by, it's like a form of osmosis I guess, and you just sort of take it in and get it back.'

Jesse also said that while he gets back home to Melbourne annually, the country has changed a lot since he lived there full time.

'I've been out of the country for so long, it is kind of strange, and every time you come back it's just changed.

It was a minor Neighbours reunion with another star of the soap, Stefan Dennis (pictured) also coming along to the event

Likewise making a splash was Jessica Rowe (pictured), who stood out in a loud printed coordinate set in neon green, orange and pink tones

Neighbours actress Jordy Lucas (pictured) was perfect in powder blue

'I was driving in down near Southbank, I was trying to find the Rialto. Where is it? The tallest building in Melbourne. I couldn't find it' he said with a laugh.

It was explained to him that taller buildings have sprung up since.

'I know, it's all over the shop!' Jesse said, adding, 'I try to come home once a year. It's important to come home.'

It comes after the actor debuted a surprising new look.

In the trailer for the Disney + show Last Days of the Space Age, Jesse, who once stunned with his boyish good looks and luscious blond hair, looks very different in several scenes from the new show.

He has moved on from heartthrob look and now seems to be much more distinguished, playing a father in the drama series, sporting a beard and grey locks.

The series follows three families in Perth in 1979 as the American space station crash lands near the Western Australian city.

Jesse plays dad Tony Bissett, who is juggling family life while also leading a strike at the local power plant.

In the trailer for the Disney + show Last Days of the Space Age, Jesse looks very different in several scenes from the new show

The new show is a welcome departure for Spencer, who says he has been searching for a production in Australia after working in the US for so long.

'I was looking for an Australian production, probably since 2004,' he told the Sydney Morning Herald.

'We have this hiatus, but network TV, the schedule of it  sometimes I had six weeks off, sometimes a little more  but to make a production work is really difficult.

'Once you're in [network TV], it's very hard to get out of,' he explained.

The Melbourne-born actor also spoke to TV Week about his reasons for joining the Disney + production.

'I left Chicago Fire, and then I started a family, and I was doing that for a while, then Last Days of the Space Age came up.

Jesse relocated to the US and got his big break on the medical drama House as Dr. Robert Chase, starring alongside Hugh Laurie, from 2004 to 2012

'It was nice to be able to just work for a few months on my first Aussie project in over 20 years. I was so excited to do it,' he gushed.

Jesse's acting career took off on the long-running soap opera Neighbours from 1994 to 2000 as Billy Kennedy, the youngest son of Dr Karl and Susan Kennedy.

He relocated to the US and got his big break on the medical drama House as Dr. Robert Chase, starring alongside Hugh Laurie, from 2004 to 2012.

Jesse starred as a main cast member in the action drama Chicago Fire until 2020, and has since made guest appearances on the show.

Also in 2020, he married his long-time girlfriend, research scientist Kali Woodruff, in a private ceremony in Florida.

The Australian actor revealed the happy news to The Daily Telegraph and called the couple's special day their 'silver lining to 2020.'

'Despite a spike in COVID, a venue change, a Saharan dust plume, not to mention a torrential thunderstorm, we made it across the line on our wedding day, and I'm a very lucky man,' Jesse told the publication.

In 2020, he married his long-time girlfriend, research scientist Kali Woodruff (left) in a private ceremony in Florida

'What a silver lining to 2020. She's smart, pretty and way ahead of her years,' he proudly added of his new wife.

'We're very happy. She is my port in every storm, and we're already excited to be moving on to the next phase of our lives.'

Melbourne-born Jesse began dating Kali after meeting her a Chicago music festival in 2014.

He popped the question last year during a week-long hike in the Peruvian Andes, according to the publication.

Jesse previously dated Brazilian surfer Maya Gabeira from 2010 to 2013.
Cara Delevingne was proudly supported by her sister Poppy as she took to the runway during the Miu Miu Show on the final day of Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday.

Held the Palais d'Iena in the French capital, Cara was joined by her sister, 38, who showed up to support for her older sister at the highly anticipated fashion event.

Cara made her grand entrance onto the catwalk in a two piece leather set that was teamed with a red zipped cardigan.

The look was finished with a pair of brown sandals and a smoke eye that made her famous blue eyes pop.

Meanwhile sister Poppy looked incredible in a beige Miu Miu cropped top and mini skirt as she arrived for the swanky fashion show.

Cara Delevingne (pictured) was proudly supported by her sister Poppy as she took to the runway during the Miu Miu Show on the final day of Paris Fashion Week on Tuesday

Held the Palais d'Iena in the French capital, Cara was joined by her sister, 38, who showed up to support for her older sister at the highly anticipated fashion event

Cara made her grand entrance onto the catwalk in a two piece leather set that was teamed with a red zipped cardigan

Cara ensured all eyes were on her as she walked the runway

Cara's look was finished with a pair of brown sandals and a smoke eye that made her famous blue eyes pop

The star accentuated her natural beauty with a light palette of makeup

She teamed the look with a matching jacket and a pair of black strappy heels with white socks.

The upcoming superstar opted for a slicked back up-do for her golden locks and a radiante palette of make up which showed off her natural beauty.

For accessories, Poppy donned a small silver bag and shielded her eyes from the sun with a pair of tortoise shell sunglasses.

The older sister of model Cara appeared in high spirits as she posed for the camera before entering the event.

After the event wrapped up, Cara met with fans outside of the venue for photos before exiting in a black cab.

It comes after Cara set pulses racing as she went braless beneath a dramatic red coat at Paris' L'Oreal show.

The model completed the look with a pair of matching skimpy hot pants and slipped her feet into towering black platforms.

It comes after Cara put on a loved-up display with her girlfriend Minke last month as she celebrated her 32nd birthday.

Meanwhile sister Poppy looked incredible in a beige Miu Miu cropped top and mini skirt as she arrived for the swanky fashion show

She teamed the look with a matching jacket and a pair of black strappy heels with white socks

Cara met with fans after the event and posed for photos

The star also signed photos before making her way into a black cab

She looked high spirits as she and the musician, also 32, larked about in the sea during their romantic getaway.

In one sweet snap, the pair looked smitten as they smiled for the camera while floating on an inflatable lilo.

Cara showed off her natural beauty as she went makeup-free and showcased her figure in an animal print bikini top.

To complete her beachy look, she scraped her locks up in a messy bun to showcase her sun-kissed glow.
Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby took to Instagram to share heartfelt tributes honoring their late American Pickers costar, Frank Fritz, following his death at age 60.

On Tuesday, Wolfe, who appeared alongside Fritz on hundreds of episodes on their History Channel series, reacted to the devastating news in a post shared with his more than 522,000 followers.

'Its with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,' he wrote on Instagram, alongside a sweet snap of them together.

Wolfe, 60, continued: 'Ive know Frank for more then half my life and what youve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.'

The actor went on to reflect on their years filming American Pickers, which followed them traveling across the United States in search of rare Americana artifacts and treasures.

Frank Fritz's American Pickers costars Danielle Colby and Mike Wolfe led the touching celebrity tributes honoring his legacy following his death at age 60

'Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures,' he wondered.

Before season one of their program aired back in 2010, Wolfe said they 'would take off together to places' they 'never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.'

'Weve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place,' he concluded.

His comment section was flooded with fans extending their condolences.

'Sorry for your loss Mike, it is a loss for all, we share the sadness and the memories,' one wrote.

Others thanked Wolfe for remaining by his side until the very end.

Colby also shared a sweet slideshow of photos of herself posing with Fritz.

'Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,' she began.

Colby also shared a sweet slideshow of photos of herself posing with Fritz as she reflected on his 'ability to make everyone laugh'

'I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,' she wrote. 'Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more'

The reality star added: 'Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.'

She signed off the post by writing: 'Rest in Peace Road Dog.'

Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on American Pickers, also honored the late star's memory with a social media tribute.

He wrote: 'It's with a heavy heart Im sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.

'You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.

'Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know youre in a better place... Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.'

She signed off the post by writing: 'Rest in Peace Road Dog'

Fritz's family and friends confirmed his passing on Tuesday.

'This is a very tough announcement to make Frank passed away last night around 7:30 he was surrounded by myself, Mike Wolfe made a high speed to get back here from Nashville and other friends,' read a post on Fritz' Facebook account on Tuesday.

'Please understand this is a very rough time for us. Including Mike so be kind as we are trying to figure out how to cope with this. Thank you all for your love and support through the years.

At this time, his cause of death remains unclear.

In 2022, one year after leaving American Pickers, Fritz suffered from a debilitating stroke.

Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on American Pickers, also honored the late star's memory with a social media tribute

Rumors about Fritz' death circulated on social media earlier this year, with Wolfe denying the claims.

A friend of Fritz' told The U.S. Sun that he had been left in a wheelchair following the 2022 stroke.

A conservatorship request was filed for Fritz weeks after the stroke, with court documents claiming 'Mr. Fritzs decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.'

MidWestOne Bank was appointed Fritz' conservator and his friend Chris Davis as his guardian.

Fritz's family and friends confirmed his passing on Tuesday over Facebook

American Pickers debuted on History Channel in 2010, following Fritz, Wolfe, and Colby-Cushman, who ran an antique store in Iowa.

Fritz and Wolfe traveled the country in search of all sorts of collectibles from collectors of all kind.

It was revealed in June 2021 that Fritz was leaving the show, as a culmination of many health problems, including a back surgery and suffering from Crohn's Disease.

At the time, Wolfe released a statement saying Fritz, 'is like a brother to me,' adding he would, 'pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.'

Fritz, however, painted a much different picture in an interview with The Sun.

'Mikes statement was bulls***, somebody wrote it out for him. We never were friends in grade school. I dont believe in ten years hes said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing,' Fritz said.

American Pickers debuted on History Channel in 2010, following Fritz, Wolfe, and Colby-Cushman, who ran an antique store in Iowa; seen in 2015

The former co-stars were estranged for years, with Fritz claiming Wolfe did not check up on him after he left the show.

However, the two reconciled last year.
Gemma Collins was rushed to hopsital and claimed she 'nearly died' after being stung by a wasp amid her Venice holiday on Monday.

The TOWIE star, 43, struggled to speak as her tongue swelled following an allergic reaction, before fiance Rami Hawash called for an ambulance.

The businessman, who popped the question in February, captured the terrifying incident as the reality TV star administered ice to her tongue while waiting for medical help.

In the clip the an emotional Gemma explained the couple were in the Italian city to plan their wedding, when she was stung as they dined alfresco.

Gemma said: 'I'm sitting here drinking my coffee As I drink it I feel a sharp sting on my tongue, and it could only happen to me'.

Gemma Collins, 43, was rushed to hopsital and claimed she 'nearly died' after being stung by a wasp amid her Venice holiday on Monday.

The TOWIE star struggled to speak as her tongue swelled following an allergic reaction, before fiance Rami Hawash called for an ambulance

The businessman, who popped the question in February, captured the terrifying incident as the reality TV star administered ice to her tongue while waiting for medical help

'And now I'm about to die because my tongue is swelling up so much. But we've got an ambulance coming. I'm gonna have the injection, and I'm not dying today.'

The ambulance arrived on the water and Gemma was examined and hitched up to a drip before being taken on the boat to hospital.

Captioning the post: 'Never a DULL MOMENT I NEARLY DIED ..My tongue swelled so quick thank god @rami_hawash_ acted so quick'

'THANK GOD and the hotel was amazing and a HUGE THANK YOU TO THE HOSPITAL IN VENICE AND ALL INVOLVED'.

While Rami replied: 'It was really shocking to see love you, get practicing your spiritual work'.

Anaphylaxis is a severe allergic reaction that can be life threatening and symptoms develop suddenly and can include: hives and swelling of the face or mouth.

Last week Gemma's 'schizophrenic' grandmother's tragic life was uncovered as she appeared on an emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are?.

The TV personality traced the story of her mother Joan's biological mother who was forced to give her up to a foster family.

In the clip the an emotional Gemma explained the couple were in the Italian city to plan their wedding, when she was stung as they dined alfresco

The ambulance arrived on the water and Gemma was examined and hitched up to a drip

She was then taken on the boat to hospital

Captioning the post: 'Never a DULL MOMENT I NEARLY DIED ..My tongue swelled so quick thank god @rami_hawash_ acted so quick'

Gemma and Rami pictured together in 2023

Joan had lived most of her life thinking that her mother - also called Joan - had abandoned her.

But Gemma and the team on the show discovered she may have been forced to give up her daughter amid misdiagnosed mental health problems.

Gemma's grandmother was in and out of psychiatric hospitals from 13 years old and was eventually diagnosed as a chronic schizophrenic - which has now been disputed.

An expert then said that when she got pregnant as a teenager out of wed lock she could have been told to give up Joan and was forced to limit her contact with her child due to her 'mental health issues'.

Joan broke down as she spoke about feeling abandoned and unloved as a child as she said: 'You're always left wondering. My foster family was my family. I went into foster care a two weeks old.'

As Joan and Gemma read her foster statement they both broke down in tears as they said: 'This is a lot. It's a huge mix of emotions.'

Joan herself then told how she was sent to a children's home at age 13 for playing truant and cried again as she told how she was bullied there.

In tears she said: 'I went in with my suitcase, it brings it all back and the other kids started taking all my clothes off me. It felt like a prison to me. I went back home after that.'

Last week Gemma 's 'schizophrenic' grandmother's tragic life was uncovered as she appeared on an emotional episode of Who Do You Think You Are ?

Gemma's mum Joan (pictured) had lived most of her life thinking that her mother - also called Joan - had abandoned her

But Gemma and the team on the show discovered she may have been forced to give up her daughter amid misdiagnosed mental health problems

Of her biological mother Joan added: 'She did come and meet me my real mother once. We had a cup of tea and then she said goodbye. I only saw her three times.'

Viewers penned on X amid the emotional scenes: 'Not knowing a family history must be so hard bless her. #WDYTYA.',

'That's so sad #wdytya.','God, poor Gemma's mom #wdytya.',

At the start of the episode Gemma 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.'

The clip ended with Gemma saying: 'It will be nice to know where my mum is from. And just put all the pieces together.'
His bizarre, bushy-haired look has been turning heads this past year.

But Jason Bateman is now officially back to his beard-free ways.

Bateman, 55, publicly debuted his shortened locks as he attended the Broadway opening McNeal in New York City on Monday.

Long gone were the nearly shoulder-length locks that messily hung from his head and unmissable overgrown beard that got people buzzing.

Instead, the actor was looking smart and sharp as he attended the opening of Robert Downey Jr.'s new show.

Jason Bateman publicly debuted his beard-free face and shortened locks as he attended the Broadway opening of McNeal in New York City on Monday

Long gone were the nearly shoulder-length locks that messily hung from his head and unmissable overgrown beard that got people buzzing. Pictured in NYC in September

It's unknown when exactly Jason decided to cut his hair, but he was already sporting a bit of stubble across his chin and cheeks.

It's certainly a far cry from the appearance Jason had been working this past year.

Jason's new look was likely for his role in the new mini series he has been filming with Jude Law, Black Rabbit, with the actor being seen on the set of the show with his bushy countenance.

According to the official synopsis: 'When the owner of a New York City hotspot, Jake Friedken (Jude) allows his chaotic brother Vince (Bateman) back in his life, he opens the door to escalating dangers that threaten to bring down everything he's built.'

The actor appears to have been rocking the look since as early as January, when he was seen watching the USC Trojans and Stanford Cardinals game.

A few months later, fans weighed in on the look as Jason watched the New York Knicks take on the Philadelphia 76ers alongside Justin Theroux.

'Jason Bateman has always had amazing hair and he still does and I am HERE for it,' one user wrote.

Another user took the Ozark star's long hair as a call for help and wrote: 'Knicks fandom finally killed Jason Bateman.'

He posed on the red carpet with Justin Theroux, Susan Downey, Will Arnett, Paul Rudd, and Matt Damon

Long gone were the nearly shoulder-length locks that messily hung from his head and unmissable overgrown beard that got people buzzing

Bateman has been rocking the look while filming scenes for his new mini series Black Rabbit, which is being directed by his former Ozark co-star Laura Linney

The actor appears to have been rocking the look since as early as January, when he was seen watching the USC Trojans and Stanford Cardinals game

Bateman's long hair had fans divided during Game 1 of the Knicks-76ers playoff series back in April

'If it turns out Jason Bateman is the second coming of Christ, I may just have to rethink this whole atheism thing,' a third fan joked.

'Jason Bateman looking like Kurt Russell from The Thing,' another suggested.
The Repair Shop star Will Kirk has welcomed his second child with wife Polly Snowdon.

The craftsman, 39, took to his Instagram on Tuesday and revealed Polly had given birth to a baby boy.

Will shared an adorable photo of the newborn's feet along with another snap of him carrying the baby out of the hospital.

Alongside the post, he wrote: 'Three become four. I'm very proud of my lovely wife for the last 9 months.

'Mum and baby doing well, including an incredibly excited big sister '.

The Repair Shop star Will Kirk has welcomed his second child with wife Polly Snowdon

The craftsman, 39, took to his Instagram on Tuesday and revealed Polly had given birth to a baby boy

Alongside the post, he wrote: 'Three become four. I'm very proud of my lovely wife for the last 9 months'

Will was inundated with well wishes from his followers who wrote: 'Congratulations to you all xx'... 'Best wishes to all! '

'Congratulations to all of you '... 'Beautiful need. Sending huge congratulations to the whole family.'

Will and Polly, who is a doctor, married in August 2021 a year after their planned nuptials were delayed due to the Covid lockdown.

It comes after Will's The Repair Shop co-star Jay Blades has been axed from the upcoming Christmas special of the restoration programme.

Presenter Jay, 54, was charged in September with the physical and emotional abuse of his wife, Lisa Zbozen, over a 20-month period.

And now in the wake of the charges, broadcasters have begun to drop shows featuring Jay from their schedules, while future programmes he was due to star in have been scrapped.

Creators Ricochet are eyeing up The Repair Shop's furniture restorer Will and craftsman Dominic Chinea as potential replacements for Jay, according to The Sun.

It's also reported that Channel 4 have confirmed that his travel series with Dame Judi Dench, The Odd Couple, will not be getting a sequel in light of the allegations.

Will was inundated with well wishes from his followers who wrote: 'Congratulations to you all xx'... 'Best wishes to all! '

Will married his wife Polly in August 2021 with fellow Repair Shop star Jay Baldes (second from right) in attendance

And Channel 5 have allegedly axed plans for an upcoming documentary Jay was filming called A Country House Through Time.

The show was the latest in a string of new factual programmes the presenter was set to host and will have seen the presenter explore a series of stately homes.

Jay appeared before Kidderminster magistrates last month charged with 'controlling and coercive behaviour' over 20 months.

The single charge relates to his fitness instructor wife, Lisa, 43, who announced on Instagram on May 2 that she had walked out of the marriage.

The following day, West Mercia Police began an investigation after officers were 'called to an address' and Jay was arrested.

Court documents allege that he 'repeatedly or continuously engaged in behaviour which was controlling or coercive, namely physical and emotional abuse, towards Lisa Zbozen'.

The alleged behaviour towards his wife 'had a serious effect on her' and Jay 'knew, or ought to have known, that the behaviour would have a serious effect on her', according to the charge.

The offences allegedly occurred between January 1, 2023, and April 9, 2024.

The couple married in November 2022 in Barbados, but in May, Lisa announced that she had walked out on him in an Instagram post where she said she was 'very broken'.

Jay (left) has been charged with offences against his estranged wife Lisa Zbozen (right)

After being charged with the coercive control of his wife, Jay resigned as an ambassador for the King's Foundation.

The furniture restorer, along with other members of the BBC programme, won a daytime Bafta TV award last year for a special featuring the King, who was then the Prince of Wales.

An episode of Jay's show with actor Sir David Jason - David & Jay's Touring Toolshed - was axed from BBC1's Friday night schedule following news of his court appearance.

Jay has also since resigned as a chancellor of Buckinghamshire New University, where he studied criminology and philosophy.

He is due to appear at Worcester Crown Court next month to enter a plea.
American Pickers star Frank Fritz is revealed to have died from the effects of the debilitating stroke he suffered in July 2022.

Fritz's representative confirmed his cause of death to TMZ.

Ahead of his passing, the reality star was previously diagnosed with Crohns disease, which the outlet reported 'may have [also] played a role' in his death at age 60 on Monday.

Crohn's disease is a long-term inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) that causes inflammation in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract.

According to Mayo Clinic, Crohn's disease 'can lead to abdominal pain, severe diarrhea, fatigue, weight loss and malnutrition' as well as other complications like kidney stones.

American Pickers star Frank Fritz is revealed to have died from the effects of the debilitating stroke he suffered in July 2022 that reportedly left him wheelchair-bound (seen in 2015)

This comes after one of Fritz's longtime friends, Annette Oberlander, revealed Fritz died at a hospice facility in Davenport, Iowa, to The Associated Press.

On Tuesday, Oberlander told AP that 'Fritz never fully recovered' from his stroke and 'had been receiving in-patient care since' it happened.

Fritz's American Pickers costars Mike Wolfe and Danielle Colby were among the first stars to pay tribute to Fritz on social media following his passing.

Wolfe, who appeared alongside Fritz on hundreds of episodes on their History Channel series, reacted to the devastating news in a post shared with his more than 522,000 followers.

'Its with a broken heart that I share with all of you that Frank passed away last night,' he wrote on Instagram, alongside a sweet snap of them together.

Wolfe, 60, continued: 'Ive know Frank for more then half my life and what youve seen on TV has always been what I have seen, a dreamer who was just as sensitive as he was funny. The same off camera as he was on, Frank had a way of reaching the hearts of so many by just being himself.'

The actor went on to reflect on their years filming American Pickers, which followed them traveling across the United States in search of rare Americana artifacts and treasures.

'Who would have ever dreamed we would share the cockpit of a white cargo van in front of millions of people interested in our adventures,' he wondered.

On Tuesday, Fritz's costar Mike Wolfe reacted to the devastating news of his death in a heartfelt post shared with his more than 522,000 Instagram followers

Before season one of their program aired back in 2010, Wolfe said they 'would take off together to places' they 'never knew existed with no destination in mind and just the shared passion to discover something interesting and historic.'

'Weve been on countless trips and shared so many miles and I feel blessed that I was there by his side when he took one last journey home. I love you buddy and will miss you so much I know your in a better place,' he concluded.

His comment section was flooded with fans extending their condolences.

'Sorry for your loss Mike, it is a loss for all, we share the sadness and the memories,' one wrote.

Others thanked Wolfe for remaining by his side until the very end.

Danielle Colby also shared a sweet slideshow of photos of herself posing with Fritz as she reflected on his 'ability to make everyone laugh'

'You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more,' she captioned the post

Colby also shared a sweet slideshow of photos of herself posing with Fritz.

'Frank, I will miss your ability to make everyone laugh, your love for talking tattoos, your epic collections but what I will miss the most are those little glimpses of vulnerability from time to time,' she began.

The reality star added: 'Frank, you loved your cat and your momma and we bonded on those things. You will be missed for all of these reasons and so many more.'

She signed off the post by writing: 'Rest in Peace Road Dog.'

Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on American Pickers, also honored the late star's memory with a social media tribute.

He wrote: 'It's with a heavy heart Im sad to say my friend Frank Fritz has passed away last night.

Robbie Wolfe, who replaced Fritz on American Pickers, also honored the late star's memory with a social media tribute

'You all knew him from TV. But I knew him from traveling, fishing and family. He was the godfather to my twin girls. His smile was contagious and his laughter will be missed.

'Most of all just time sitting in a fishing boat talking about life. I know youre in a better place... Love you buddy hope you catch the big one until we see each other in heaven hold the boat steady.'

Fritz's family and friends confirmed his passing on Tuesday.

'This is a very tough announcement to make Frank passed away last night around 7:30 he was surrounded by myself, Mike Wolfe made a high speed to get back here from Nashville and other friends,' read a post on Fritz' Facebook account on Tuesday.

'Please understand this is a very rough time for us. Including Mike so be kind as we are trying to figure out how to cope with this. Thank you all for your love and support through the years.

Rumors about Fritz' death circulated on social media earlier this year, with Wolfe denying the claims.

Fritz's family and friends confirmed his passing on Tuesday over Facebook

A friend of Fritz' told The U.S. Sun that he had been left in a wheelchair following the 2022 stroke.

A conservatorship request was filed for Fritz weeks after the stroke, with court documents claiming 'Mr. Fritzs decision-making capacity is so impaired that he is unable to care for his own safety or to provide for necessities such as food, shelter, clothing, or medical care without which physical injury or illness may occur.'

MidWestOne Bank was appointed Fritz' conservator and his friend Chris Davis as his guardian.

American Pickers debuted on History Channel in 2010, following Fritz, Wolfe, and Colby-Cushman, who ran an antique store in Iowa.

Fritz and Wolfe traveled the country in search of all sorts of collectibles from collectors of all kind.

American Pickers debuted on History Channel in 2010, following Fritz, Wolfe, and Colby-Cushman, who ran an antique store in Iowa; seen in 2010

It was revealed in June 2021 that Fritz was leaving the show, as a culmination of many health problems, including a back surgery and suffering from Crohn's Disease.

At the time, Wolfe released a statement saying Fritz, 'is like a brother to me,' adding he would, 'pray for the very best and all good things for him on the next part of his journey.'

Fritz, however, painted a much different picture in an interview with The Sun.

'Mikes statement was bulls***, somebody wrote it out for him. We never were friends in grade school. I dont believe in ten years hes said five nice things to me, you know? Unless he was cutting somebody else down and we were both laughing,' Fritz said.

It was revealed in June 2021 that Fritz was leaving the show, as a culmination of many health problems, including a back surgery and suffering from Crohn's Disease (seen in 2015)

The former co-stars were estranged for years, with Fritz claiming Wolfe did not check up on him after he left the show.

However, the two reconciled last year.
Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick's criminal case has been dismissed.

The 37-year-old reality star's attorney James Leonard told DailyMail.com exclusively on Tuesday: 'We are happy to report that all of the original charges were dismissed today in Court against Angelina.

'She admitted that on the night in question she created a minor disturbance in her own home. That is the entirety of what we acknowledged in Court and the Court accepted that as a factual basis to being disorderly.

'This conduct as described does not constitute a criminal offense in the State of New Jersey. We are very happy with this result and she is grateful that the matter is now behind her.'

Pivarnick had plead not guilty to assault and resisting arrest after an alleged domestic violence incident at the $1.3M New Jersey mansion she shares with fiance Vinny Tortorella in June.

Jersey Shore star Angelina Pivarnick's criminal case has been dismissed; seen in September

The 37-year-old reality star's attorney James Leonard told DailyMail.com exclusively on Tuesday: 'We are happy to report that all of the original charges were dismissed today in Court against Angelina; Pivarnick and Tortorella are pictured in 2023

Judge Nicole Sonnenblick conditionally dismissed the charge, stating that if Pivarnick fulfills specific probationary requirements within the next year, her plea will be erased from her record, per Asbury Park Press.

At the victim's request, the prosecutor filed a motion to dismiss four other charges: obstruction of the administration of law, resisting arrest, simple assault, and criminal mischief, according to the outlet.

Leonard confirmed to DailyMail.com that Pivarnick has to stay out of trouble for a year and pay a $583 fine.

The reality star was arrested on Sunday, June 2, at 11 p.m. after a visit from the Freehold Township Police Department, DailyMail.com reported after attending a virtual court hearing held on Tuesday, July 23.

Pivarnick was present for the virtual hearing, held by the Freehold Township Municipal Court, and she was joined by her attorney Leonard, who also represents Real Housewives Of New Jersey star Teresa Giudice.

Tortorella also briefly appeared in the Zoom hearing on a separate device, but he then left the meeting.

She was charged with 'simple assault, criminal mischief, obstructing the administration of law and resisting arrest,' a county clerk said during the virtual hearing.

As police responded to Pivarnick's home, she 'did commit an act of obstructing by purposely running from uniformed officers in an attempt to run into a house, lock the door and prevent law enforcement to conduct a domestic violence investigation,' according to the complaint signed by one of the responding officers, via the Asbury Park Press.

The complaint also alleges that the reality star pulled her arms away from officers and refused to follow their orders after she was in custody.

The victim's name has been redacted from the complaint, but he was said to have a 'bodily injury' allegedly incurred by Pivarnick 'striking him with her hands/fists causing scratches, redness and complaint of pain to the victim's hands.'

That alleged injury was the basis for Pivarnick's simple assault charge, and she was also charged with criminal mischief for after police claimed she hit the victim's 'vehicle with her hands causing damage under $500.'

The victim reportedly gave officers a statement about the alleged attack on his vehicle and presented them with a video of that incident, according to the outlet.

Judge Nicole Sonnenblick conditionally dismissed the charge, stating that if Pivarnick fulfills specific probationary requirements within the next year, her plea will be erased from her record; seen in 2023

Leonard confirmed to DailyMail.com that Pivarnick has to stay out of trouble for a year and pay a $583 fine; seen in 2021

Pivarnick was never taken to jail and was, instead, released on summons and ticketed.

Pivarnick snapped up the four bedroom, five bathroom Freehold property in October 2021, following her divorce from Chris Larangeira in January 2021.

She began dating Tortorella in 2022 after they connected on social media. The couple got engaged in 2023.

Their proposal was documented in an April 2023 episode of MTV's Jersey Shore: Family Vacation  a revival of the hit reality series Jersey Shore  that began airing in 2018.

Months later, Page Six reported that Angelina called the police on Vinny after an alleged altercation at her home.

Pivarnick was also accused of hitting the unnamed victim's car, causing less than $500 damage. Her attorney called the incident 'very minor' and said it was 'exacerbated' by a bad reaction to prescription drugs; seen in 2023

The publication obtained a police report showing Angelina had dialed 911 after a claimed instance of domestic violence in August.

However, when police arrived on the scene, the reality star declined to press charges against Tortorella.

A Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request made by Page Six revealed that a 'criminal investigatory record' was made in light of the alleged altercation.

Pivarnick's attorney told the publication at the time: 'I can confirm that Angelina did in fact call the police to her home. After speaking with the officers, Angelina decided not to file charges.

'This matter is now closed. Moving forward, Angelina would ask for privacy as it pertains to her personal life,' he added.

Tortorella's attorney, Elizabeth Rozin-Golinder, also told the publication that nothing has changed regarding the couple's relationship status, as they are still engaged.

'My client and Ms. Pivarnick are still engaged and are still residing together,' she explained. 'Mr. Tortorella denies any act of impropriety that would warrant police involvement and denies any act of domestic violence occurred.

'No charges have been pressed against my client by Ms. Pivarnick or law enforcement. I ask that his privacy be respected in this regard,' she said.

Pivarnick starred on the MTV hit Jersey Shore and currently stars on the revival Jersey Shore: Family Vacation; she's pictured with her costars in 2018

A source told Page Six that despite the incident, the couple were 'still very much in love with one another' and their engagement had not been called off.

They were busy shooting the seventh season of Jersey Shore: Family Vacation, which premiered in February 2024 and aired its season finale in May.

In a December interview with Life & Style, Angelina confessed that she and her future husband had been 'fighting a lot' and that he didn't provide the emotional support she needed when her beloved dog fell ill.

'I'm not a mother of human children. But I want human babies. But I'm not going to have one with somebody that always fights with me over bulls***,' she said.
Danielle Staub's dream of returning to Real Housewives of New Jersey seems like an unlikely reality.

Despite expressing a strong desire to come back to the franchise amid Bravo's planned casting overhaul of the hit series, sources told TMZ that producers 'aren't sold' on having her join the cast.

At the moment, the team behind RHONJ is reportedly keen on moving forward with a 'new cast members and storylines.'

In an effort to 'move away from any heavy themes or toxic fighting,' production is focusing on casting a group of women that are 'positive' and 'loving.'

Considering the mother-of-two's history of pot stirring, fighting and gaslighting her cast mates, Staub is not necessarily in line with the show's new vision.

Danielle Staub's dream of returning to Real Housewives of New Jersey does not seem like a likely reality; seen in 2019

Still, the insider reminded TMZ that 'production is months away from making any final casting decisions' and has not ruled out any former Housewives from returning yet.

The update comes after Staub, 62, admitted that she was finally ready to come back to the franchise for the third time while appearing on The Straightened Out podcast.

'I know I resigned last time and I said I would never return... yeah, I'd do it,' she said last week.

Staub then insisted that she had no interest in playing a supporting role on the show, and would only come back if it's as a full time cast member.

'There will be no friend [role]. I will not be playing "friend" and I won't be there for anyone but me,' she said.

Hinting that she's ready to bring the drama upon her potential return, Staub added, 'All gloves are off now, by the way.'

The reality TV villain also said that she'd have no problem reuniting with fellow Jersey OG Teresa Giudice on the series, despite their falling out when Staub was last on the show in 2020.

'I think [Bravo] should bring me back to clean house. Reboot with Teresa and I like den mothers for the new girls,' she said.

Despite expressing a strong desire to come back to the franchise amid Bravo's planned casting overhaul of the hit series, sources told TMZ that producers 'aren't sold' on having her join the cast (seen with Margaret Josephs, Teresa Giudice, Melissa Gorga, Siggy Flicker, Dolores Catania in 2017)

Staub was arguably the most controversial member of The Real Housewives of New Jersey when the series launched in 2009.

She departed the show after just two seasons, before returning in a supporting capacity for seasons 8, 9, and 10.

Staub officially announced her exit in 2020 during an episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, where she said she would 'never' return to the franchise again.

Bravo currently has The Real Housewives of New Jersey 'on ice' as they figure out what to do with the series following a contentious 14th season that saw the cast completely divided into two teams.

'There are not going to be any decisions about what will or won't happen with the show until early next year,' a source told DailyMail.com in August.

At the moment, the team behind RHONJ is reportedly keen on moving forward with a 'new cast members and storylines'

In an effort to 'move away from any heavy themes or toxic fighting,' production is focusing on casting a group of women that are 'positive' and 'loving'

'There is not going to be any more filming of RHONJ for the remainder of the year. There's nothing planned. It's on ice.'

The current cast includes Teresa Giudice, Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Danielle Cabral and Rachel Fuda, as well as friends Jackie Goldschneider and Jennifer Fessler.

'Everybody is waiting to find out what's going to happen,' the source shared, adding that rumors of some of the cast already getting fired is 'not true.'

'The cast for the new season is not going to be decided anytime soon.

'Casting is not something Bravo is rushing into. It's not even going to start to take form until next year.'

The insider added: 'However, there are some cast members that are less likely to come back than others based on certain events that have unfolded this past season. But, for two or three cast members, it could be over for good.'

Considering the mother-of-two's history of pot stirring, fighting and gaslighting her cast mates, Staub is not in line with the show's new vision; pictured pulling Margaret Josephs by her hair during an explosive fight

Of all the Housewives franchises, RHONJ has aired some of the most intense epic screaming matches and brawls (Teresa Giudice pictured)

When pressed for a reason as to why everything is on hold, the source spilled, 'I think that they don't know what to do.

'They don't know what to do because it's almost like a puzzle where you're trying to put pieces together that make sense.

'And there's very few pieces of this puzzle that make sense for viewers right now.'

Meanwhile, a second source revealed to DailyMail.com that Andy Cohen is 'not ruling out anything' when it comes to what's next.

The current cast includes Teresa Giudice, Jennifer Aydin, Dolores Catania, Melissa Gorga, Margaret Josephs, Danielle Cabral and Rachel Fuda, as well as friends Jackie Goldschneider and Jennifer Fessler

'It can be a cast shakeup with only some cast members coming back, it can be rebooted, or RHONJ can be cancelled altogether  nothing is off the table,' the insider said.

'Bravo has not put a timeline on when filming will resume because, literally, no one knows what's going to happen and it's going to take time to figure out the next steps.'
Katherine Ryan has shared the cutting message she sent to former male colleagues who got in touch after she revealed there was a 'dangerous male comic' on the circuit.

The comedian, 41, claimed last year that there is a 'dangerous comic' working in British showbusiness.

She hosted the Glamour Women Of The Year Awards in London on Tuesday and was honoured with a Feminist Hero Award for speaking out about the alleged predator.

During her speech, Katherine revealed that a host of men she had worked with previously got in touch after her admission - all seeking 'proof messages' that she wasn't talking about them.

'So I had to copy and paste like a hundred times "Do you really think you should be texting me after everything that happened between us",' Katherine said as she revealed how she replied, sparking huge laughs from the female crowd.

Katherine Ryan has shared the cutting message she sent to former male colleagues who got in touch after she revealed there was a 'dangerous male comic' on the circuit

Katherine hosted the Glamour Women Of The Year Awards in London on Tuesday and was honoured with a Feminist Hero Award for speaking out about an alleged predator

Katherine said last year that she 'wrestled' with the decision about whether to work with 'someone who I believe to be a perpetrator of sexual assault' or turn down jobs.

Referencing said male comic in her speech on Tuesday, Katherine began: 'After some soul-searching I though "Why should I stay home? He's be there in his unnecessarily tight jeans, he'll be there wearing beanie indoors or w***ing off a Tibetan monk for views, or whatever he gets up to."

'And so I accepted the gig but every time I had to speak to him I would say stuff like "I'm not getting paid enough to be here, especially for how many times my face will be on the news when your victims come forward" and fun banter like that.

'It happened so long ago we were still using the word victim by the way, we say survivor now which would have been a very different Destinys Child song, less empowering.'

Katherine went on to say that everyone in the industry already knew this man was a predator, but that the survivors didn't feel comfortable speaking out.

'I wasn't trying to get him cancelled because everyone knew,' she said. '"Why didnt you tell a journalist Katherine", everybody knew. "Why didnt you tell the police", everybody already knew. Everybody knew but they couldnt prove it.

'What the journalist wanted from me was never his name it was the women's names. The women who had told me their stories and I believe in a woman's right to physical autonomy just as I believe in the right to autonomy of her voice and if they didnt want to come forward that's up to them. So I couldn't say anything.'

During her speech, Katherine revealed that a host of men she had worked with previously got in touch after her admission - all seeking 'proof messages' that she wasn't talking about them

'I didn't know what they wanted so I showed these texts to my husband and he said: "Oh they just want a poof text, they want you to send them back something nice so they can show their agent and they can show their wife that you definitely weren't talking about them"' (Pictured with husband Bobby Kootstra)

Going on to speak about the other men, she continued: 'But because I wouldn't name my colleague a funny thing started happening, I started to receive texts from men that I'd worked with over the years, like actors, comedians, musicians, just like "Hey Katherine how's it going".

'I didn't know what they wanted so I showed these texts to my husband and he said: "Oh they just want a poof text, they want you to send them back something nice so they can show their agent and they can show their wife that you definitely weren't talking about them."

'So I had to copy and paste like a hundred times "Do you really think you should be texting me after everything that happened between us".'

The Canadian-born comic told host Lauren Laverne in an episode of Desert Island Discs last year that although she believed the man 'is or was dangerous', she was willing to appear on a show with him. The episode came out as Russell Brand was at the centre of allegations of rape and sexual assault, which he denied, but was recorded prior.

Katherine revealed that her 'compromise' was to go on the programme with the unnamed comic but 'let him know under no uncertain terms what I think of him.'

She added that she didn't notice 'much of a reaction' from the comedian in question, but that other comics who were aware of the person's reputation 'really liked what I said'.

Katherine has been outspoken on the issue and is alleged to have challenged Russell while they were co-hosting TV comedy show Roast Battle in 2018, making comments about him on camera which were later cut from the broadcast.

Katherine said last year that she 'wrestled' with the decision about whether to work with 'someone who I believe to be a perpetrator of sexual assault' or turn down jobs

Ryan, pictured, is previously reported to have confronted Russell Brand while they were co-hosting TV comedy show Roast Battle in 2018. Pictured: Ryan (centre) with Brand (left) and Jimmy Carr (right) on the show

Roast Battle consisted of comedians cracking jokes at each other's expense. The first season included Russell, Katherine, and Jimmy Carr. Jonathan Ross replaced Russell for the second season.

During filming of the show - created by Fulwell 73 - Ryan reportedly fired allegations at Russell. Her comments did not make the aired show, according to Deadline.

Katherine's confrontations allegedly revealed how comedians in the industry were openly talking about Russell's sexual and predatory behaviour.

Russell was allegedly 'absolutely furious' after being targeted by Katherine on the show, a source told the paper.

Two other sources claimed he demanded that producers protect him from being roasted about these serious allegations.

Industry insiders have now revealed that they felt it was best Russell step down as a judge on the programme, and that 'in the end, it came down to the fact that it seemed like Russell didn't have a good sense of humour'.
The health condition of Tamil film superstar Rajinikanth is stable and the actor got admitted to a corporate hospital here for a "periodic check-up," Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian said on Tuesday.

The actor would return home after the check-up, the minister said.

Rajini got admitted to the hospital late Monday night.

"Actor Rajini went to the hospital for a periodic check up. He was to have gone to the facility on an empty stomach today but had gone there last night for the test," Subramanian told reporters here.

The minister said that he had been in touch with the hospital authorities since the superstar's admission and also enquired with the doctors there this morning.

"We enquired with the in-charge at the hospital. They said since Rajini was a big celebrity he was asked to get admitted in the night for the periodic check-up," Subramanian said, and added that the top actor was doing good and he would return home soon.

Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi said in a post on the social media platform X: "I stand with the millions of devoted fans of Thiru Rajnikanth around the globe, in praying for his swift and smooth recovery."

Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wished the superstar a speedy recovery, and scores of the top actor's fans sent their prayers on social media and wishes, too, for his quick recovery.

"His condition is stable following his admission for digestive discomfort. He will undergo an elective procedure in the cath lab to attend to the problem near his abdomen, and will be later shifted to a room," a source at the hospital said.

The 73-year-old popular actor is likely to be discharged on Tuesday evening, the source added.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar held a meeting with US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, during which they discussed ways to strengthen bilateral trade and the two countries' investment relationship.

Jaishankar -- on his first visit to the US capital since the third Modi government took office -- will also meet other Cabinet-rank and senior Biden administration officials.

In a post on X early on Tuesday, the external affairs minister said, "We discussed semiconductors, iCET, critical minerals, trusted partnerships and supply chain resiliency. Value the strides we are making in our tech collaboration and economic partnership."

In a readout of Monday's meeting, the US Department of Commerce said Jaishankar and Raimondo discussed the US-India CEO Forum and the US-India Commercial Dialogue.

These initiatives -- led by the US Department of Commerce and the Union Ministry of Commerce and Industry -- aim to strengthen the US-India trade and investment relationship.

The readout said, "They also commended the progress to date under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and reiterated their shared commitment to continuing to advance the work to operationalise the IPEF agreements."
The Israeli military on Tuesday said that Iran has fired missiles at Israel, and air raid sirens sounded across the country as residents were ordered to remain close to bomb shelters.

Israeli police reported a suspected terror shooting on Tuesday in Jaffa in south Tel Aviv, resulting in multiple casualties. Israel said both the gunmen were killed.

The police said four people were killed, and seven others sustained injuries in the attack. The shooting took place at Jerusalem Street, next to a light rail train station, as per The Times of Israel.

Israels MDA ambulance service said it received a report at 7.01 pm (9.31 pm IST) of people injured by gunfire.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site medical treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA was quoted as saying by Reuters.

Videos showed two terrorists armed with rifles exiting the rail before they opened fire. Civilians were seen lying flat on the ground to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, sirens were sound across Israel on Tuesday night in anticipation of a missile attack from Iran. Israel Defense Forces said, Israelis have instructed to remain alert and precisely follow the Home Front Commands instructions.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences if Iran attacks.

The orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television. TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon, and as Israel said it had begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages where people were ordered to evacuate, and Hezbollah militants responded by firing a barrage of rockets into Israel.

There was no immediate word on casualties as fighting intensified and concerns of a wider regional war grew.

A senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel.

U.S. ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari also warned of consequences if Iran fired missiles into Israel.?

He urged the public to stay close to sheltered areas. The Iranian strike could be widespread. Following Home Front Command guidelines can save lives, he said.

Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.
More than five decades after he went missing in an air crash at Rohtang Pass in Himachal Pradesh, Elanthoor village in Keralas Pathanamthitta district is getting ready to welcome the mortal remains of Thomas Cherian, a craftsman in the Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers of the Indian Army and bury him near the tombs of his late parents OM Thomas and Eliyamma.

It was on February 7 1968 that the then Soviet Union made AN-12 transport aircraft went missing somewhere near Rohtang Pass while it was carrying 102 troops from Chandigarh to Leh.

The twin-engine aircraft with the entire passengers perished in the snowy slopes of Rohtang Pass, nearly 4000 meters above sea level. Various units of the Indian Army have been searching for the remains of the aircraft and the passengers since then.

Cherians siblings, Thomas Varghese, Thomas Thomas and Mary Thomas, are now in a dilemma. Should they cry, or be happy, over the news that their elder brother, who would have turned 78 had he been alive, is coming home.

There was not a single day, even in happiness and sorrow, he was away from our memories. It was on February 8 or 9, 1968, that our father came home with a newspaper which had reported that an aircraft belonging to the Air Force had gone missing, and our brother was one of the travelers in the flight, Thomas Thomas, one of the younger brothers, told The Pioneer.

It took another couple of days for the family to get an official communication from the EME Center about Cheriyans death. Our parents were shattered over the news. Ours is a close-knit family and we had a strong bond. My mother who breathed her last in 1998 had always hoped that Achayan (Malayalam for elder brother) would come home one day, Mary Thomas said. She was just 12 years old when she saw Cheriyan for the last time.

Thomas Cheriyan was the second son in the family of five. The elder brother late Thomas Mathew too had served the defense forces and later joined the Forest Department of Kerala. The two brothers and Mary Thomas consider the tracing of the remains of Cheriyan as a miracle and gift from God Almighty.

We are choked with emotions of all kinds. God in Heaven has heard our prayers and my brother can have his eternal sleep along with our parents in the family tomb at the village church, Mary said, while Thomas Varghese sat nearby unable to speak even a word.

Both Thomas Thomas and Mary expressed their gratitude to the Center for providing family pension to their mother Eliyamma till her last. The only sorrow is that we do not have a single picture of our brother, and are dependent on the Army headquarters for retrieving a picture, Mary said, with tears rolling down her cheeks.

The people of Pathanamthitta were always enthusiastic about joining the Defense Forces, the men as soldiers and women as nurses. Many Malayalam short stories and novels have had Pathanamthitta and the Indian Army as the background.

For the young and adventurous from the region which had no industries or major business establishments till the 1970s, the Indian Army was a major employment provider before the West Asian gates opened its floodgates.

The East Odalil family has been busy since Monday evening making arrangements for Cheriyans last journey. His mortal remains are expected to reach home this weekend.

Cheriyan after completing his pre-university course (equivalent to modern day class 12th) joined the Corps of EME when he was hardly 18. He laid down his life for the nation when he had turned 22.

Once the body is brought back to Elanthoor, Cherians name would figure in the record books for the feat of Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army and Tiranga Mountain Rescue for recovering a soldier after 56 years of search mission. Till date only nine bodies out of the 102 passengers who were in the ill-fated aircraft could be retrieved.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) workers mounted a protest here against Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena after Delhi Chief Minister Atishi was stopped from meeting climate activist Sonam Wangchuk at Bawana Police Station. Wangchuk and around 120 others on a march to Delhi demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh were detained at the Singhu border on Monday night.

The Delhi Police has stepped up security around the Bawana Police Station where Wangchuk has been kept. After being denied permission to meet Wangchuk, the chief minister slammed the BJP and the Lt Governor, alleging that this is dictatorship.

"I reached Bawana Police Station to meet Sonam Wangchuk ji and 150 brothers and sisters of Ladakh. Delhi police did not let me meet them. We were told that LG sahab called and ordered not to let me meet them. This dictatorship is not right," Atishi alleged in a post on X.

She said that Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh are also fighting against the LG's rule, and demanded that the same rule be ended in Delhi as well. "The people of Delhi stand with the people of Ladakh. The LG rule should end in Ladakh. Also, the LG rule should end in Delhi. Ladakh and Delhi should get the status of a full state," the chief minister said.

On being prevented from meeting Sonam Wangchuk the people of Ladakh, the Delhi CM expressed, "I am sure that because of LG Saab's phone call, the representative of the elected government, the Chief Minister of Delhi was not allowed to meet Sonam Wangchuk. Because BJP is afraid of the voice of the common people, afraid of democracy.

Scores of AAP workers protested outside the Bawana Police Station against Delhi LG. AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal also objected to Wangchuk's detention and said, "Delhi is not any single person's inheritance; everyone has the right to come here." "Sometimes, farmers are stopped from entering Delhi, at other times Ladakhis are stopped. Is Delhi someone's personal property? Delhi is the nation's capital, and everyone has the right to come here. This is completely wrong. "What are they so afraid of from unarmed, peaceful people?" he asked. Slamming the detention, Aam Aadmi Party leader Manish Sisodia said, "Is Sonam Wangchuk a terrorist? Why does the central government want to stop them from entering Delhi?" He alleged that the BJP was working on converting every state into a Union Territory and jailing those who happen to oppose it.

Wangchuk and several of his associates have gone on an indefinite fast at police stations where they have been kept. According to police sources, they were all examined by a team of doctors. Wangchuk was leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', which began from Leh a month ago. He and around 120 others from Ladakh were detained on Monday night.

The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading an agitation for the past four years to demand statehood for Ladakh, seek its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Wangchuk and those accompanying him were detained at the Delhi border for violating prohibitory orders and were taken to different police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area and Alipur, according to a police officer.

"We tried to convince them to go back as Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (which prohibits assembly of five or more people) is imposed in the national capital but they were adamant," the officer said. The police had imposed curbs on gatherings of over four people in Delhi between Monday and Saturday in three districts North, Central and New Delhialong with all police station jurisdictions on Delhis borders.

For imposing the curbs, they cited communal tensions over the Waqf Amendment Bill, Municipal Corporation of Delhis standing committee elections, pending Delhi University Students Union poll results and elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir, among other things.
The Uttar Pradesh government has initiated the advancement of the four-lane outer ring road construction in Lucknow, a major infrastructure project aimed at boosting connectivity in the region.

A 14.28-kilometre stretch from Raitha underpass to PM Mitra Park will be expanded into a four-lane road.

Additionally, the Raitha underpass located on the outer ring road from IIM will undergo rejuvenation, including widening and strengthening for 8.4 kilometres to make it a two-lane road. These projects, which will cost Rs 139.56 crore, are set to enhance regional infrastructure.

The state government has released funds for these works, and a detailed action plan has been laid out.

The Public Works Department, under the guidance of the chief engineer (development) and the head of the department, will oversee the construction.

These upgrades are expected to significantly improve access to PM Mitra Park, which is being developed in Attari village, Malihabad, through a public-private partnership. Once operational, the mega textile park is projected to create employment for one lakh people, further boosting the local economy.

Designed with future connectivity needs in mind, the parks location offers excellent access to key highways, railways, and air routes. Attari village is situated 20 kilometres from NH-20 and SH-20, both four-lane roads connecting Lucknow with Sitapur and Hardoi.

In addition, the park benefits from proximity to a six-lane outer ring road and strong rail links, with Malihabad railway station just 16 kilometres away, and Lucknow railway station 40 kilometres away.

The park is also strategically located 45 kilometres from Chaudhary Charan Singh International Airport in Lucknow, with further access to the Dedicated Freight Corridor at Kanpur Node, 95 kilometres away, and the Inland Container Depot in Kanpur, 111 kilometres away.
Social worker Augustina Soreng from Jharkhand's Simdega district was honored with the Most Promising Individual for Gender Mainstreaming award at the 8th Annual Martha Farrell Awards for Excellence in Women's Empowerment and Gender Equality. The award celebrates her relentless efforts to uplift tribal women and girls, focusing on critical issues such as migration, human trafficking, domestic and sexual violence, and land rights.

Augustinas grassroots activism, aimed at raising awareness of the rights guaranteed under Indias Constitution, has made a significant impact in marginalized communities. "I am grateful to be here. This award means a lot and contributes to my work," she said during the ceremony.

Her work, which addresses the unique struggles of tribal women, underscores the broader fight for gender equality in India.
M.G.M. Higher Secondary School, Sector 4, recently hosted a career counseling session for the students of Classes 11 and 12. The session, aimed at commerce stream students, saw the participation of guest speakers Tapas Kumar Mazumdar and Ritu Ritulia from the ICSI Dhanbad Chapter.

The event commenced with a warm welcome from the school principal, Father Dr. Joshi Varghese, who greeted the guests and the students. During the session, the speakers discussed career paths related to becoming a Company Secretary (CS), detailing the duration of the course, its structure, and the career opportunities available in Jharkhand and across India after completing the course.

Mazumdar provided insights into the admission process, course scoring system, and placement opportunities, while Ms. Ritulia highlighted the importance of the Company Secretary course and its relevance across various sectors.

The interactive session saw nearly 200 students participate, raising numerous questions about the CS course and its future prospects. In attendance were Vice Principal Rakhi Banerjee, Academic Director George Joseph, and the faculty of the commerce department.
Chief Electoral Officer K. Ravi Kumar today said that ensure training of all the officials related to the election related to the preparations for the upcoming assembly elections as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India. He said that work has to be done with zero error in the election. He was holding a review meeting with all the District Election Officers through online medium from the Election House today.

Kumar said that there has been transfer posting of many officials in the state, so provide the list of EROs and AEROs of any district who have not received election related training immediately so that they can be trained on time. He said that as per the instructions of the Commission; ensure training of Presiding Officer, Polling Officer and ALMT in all the districts.

The CEO said that as per the instructions of the Election Commission of India, in the upcoming assembly elections, an additional polling officer is to be appointed at polling stations with more than 1200 voters. Ensure strict compliance of the guidelines of the Election Commission of India in preparing the list related to vulnerable mapping and deployment of security forces.

He said that the election officers of all the districts should check the availability of the minimum facilities at the polling stations of their districts at their own level. In the meeting, Kumar also reviewed point-wise election related issues like facilities available to Divyang voters, postal ballot, adding new voters etc.

On this occasion, Joint Chief Election Officer Subodh Kumar, OSD Geeta Chaubey, Assistant Chief Election Officer Dev Das Dutta, Junior Chief Election Officer Sunil Kumar along with District Election Officers and Deputy Election Officers of all the districts were present through online medium.
The Uttar Pradesh government is set to organise the Womens Festival as part of the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, dedicated to the safety, dignity, and self-reliance of women in the state. This initiative aims to promote self-employment and entrepreneurship among women.

Additionally, under this phase, provisions for retiring rooms for women will be ensured at all workplaces across the state. Furthermore, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath has directed that creches be established at all workplaces to support women.

ADG, Women and Child Protection Organisation, Padmaja Chauhan announced that the chief minister would officially launch the fifth phase of Mission Shakti from his official residence on October 3, the first day of Sharadiya Navratri.

Mission Shakti nodal officers (deputy commissioners of police/additional superintendents of police) from various districts will join the programme virtually.

Simultaneously, women empowerment rallies will be organised in all commissionerates and districts, including the state capital, Lucknow.

Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath will also unveil various government schemes aimed at enhancing the safety, empowerment, and self-reliance of women. The Womens Fest, to be held at the 1090 intersection in Lucknow, will provide a platform for women to pursue self-employment and entrepreneurship. Organised by womens self-help groups, the fest will feature an exhibition showcasing products made by these groups. A variety of events, including cultural evenings, health check-up camps, motivational talks, street plays, quiz programmes, and cleanliness and health sessions, will also be part of the festivities, she elaborated.

Additionally, working womens hostels will be constructed in key locations such as police lines, PAC battalion campuses, and medical colleges, with special security measures in place for women. Each police station in the state will also have dedicated womens barracks.

In line with initiatives in Lucknow, pink booths and pink scooters will be introduced in all commissionerates for enhanced womens safety.

Public places such as malls, monuments, bus stands, railway stations, and zoos will be equipped with feeding rooms for infants.

Furthermore, rest areas will be set up for women working in unorganised sectors, such as construction sites and factories, allowing them personal space during their workday. Pink toilets will also be arranged in these locations.

To ensure the success of the fifth phase of Mission Shakti, 12 departments will work in coordination, including Home, Women and Child Development, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, Basic Education, Secondary Education, Higher Education, Rural Development, Revenue, Medical Health and Family Welfare, Culture, and Youth Welfare.
In a major relief to lakhs of people in the development areas of 105 urbanized villages, colonies regularized by Municipal Corporation of Delhi(MCD), the Delhi Development Authority(DDA) has allowed DISCOMs to provide new electricity connections, Raj Niwas said on Tuesday.

Giving details, officials said the move comes after directions from Delhi Lt Governor(LG)V K Saxena, who had received representations from all Delhi MPs, certain MLAs and several Resident Welfare Associations in this regard. Moreover, during the LGs visits to such areas, this demand had been raised by hundreds of people LG interacted with.

The beneficiaries include whose colonies were regularised

prior to issuance of Land Pooling Regulations, 2018, land allotted to the landless persons under 20 Point Program, Industry / Godown situated in non-conforming industrial area as per MPD-2021, and JJ colonies.

The DDA has allowed for such connections on all lands where DDA or any other government agency has issued NoC in the past or where plans stand approved for development by any government agency.

A decision had earlier been taken in June, 2023, wherein no new connections were to be allowed within the development areas of 105 urbanized villages in the land pooling areas, since authorization for new constructions in these areas were to be issued by DDA subsequent notification of sectors in these areas as per the Land Pooling Policy.

In this order of June, 2023, exemption was given to Lal Dora, extended Lal Dora and PM-UDAY colonies within the land pooling areas.

Certain areas within development area have been reported which have sanction/ prior approval of various government bodies.

The MCD has regularized 567 colonies in Delhi, prior to notification of Land pooling. Some of the colonies are falling in the land pooling area. These colonies were regularized by the MCD prior to the declaration of the notification of the development area.

However, all such colonies which have been regularized by MCD prior to 24.10.2018 (date of notification of the Regulations of 2018) would be cover under above mentioned Para 3 (1) (e) Regulations of 2018.

Also, land allotted to landless person (falling within Land pooling area) under 20 point Programme by the concerned Departments of GNCTD. Such land allotted prior to 24.10.2018 by the GNCTD are also covered under Para 3 (1)(e) Regulations of 2018. In such cases the concerned DISCOM may take up the matter with the concerned Departments of GNCTD, for any clarification.
Terming the Delhi Police's prohibitory order against Navratri as "Tughlaqi Farman" , AAP leader and Delhi Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday condemned it and sought its immediate withdrawal. He also criticized the Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena for mishandling the law and order situation and demanded his resignation. According to Bharadwaj, this decree has sparked outrage as it aims to curtail upcoming religious festivities without any basis to do so.

The Delhi Police had on Monday issued a prohibitory order against any protests or gathering of five or more persons in the central and bordering areas of the city for the next six days citing law and order issues. The order was issued under the section 163 (earlier section 144 of CrPC) of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita.

Bharadwaj said there is widespread chaos and panic in the city because the Delhi Police has suddenly issued this arbitrary decree , creating a near-curfew-like situation in most parts of Delhi in the coming days.

Referring to the ongoing Shradh period, Bharadwah talked about how throughout this time, people don't buy any new goods and would only start visiting markets with the onset of the Navratri which starts from 3rd November this year. People observe fasts, go to markets and shop, visit temples, regularly during the Navratris. It is a matter of fact that anyone living in Delhi would know that during this time bhandaras are organized in various places across Delhi, but since the LG is not from Delhi, he isnt aware of the culture of the city," he added.

The minister further said this Tughlaqi Farman issued today by the LG-controlled Delhi Police is shameful, and the people of Delhi will not accept this. If the LG thinks that by doing this, Ramleelas in Delhi will stop, or that Jagran or Mata Ki Puja wont be organised, that's not going to happen. I request him to withdraw this order." Bharadwaj hit out at LG Saxena and demanded his resignation, saying he was not able to handle the law and order of the city. "This order is laughable and irresponsible; it has been issued to ban the festivals of Hindus, create chaos and harass Delhi people," the Delhi Minister said. When elections can be held in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, then why can't a festival be held without restriction, he asked.

Bharadwaj said that even BJP leaders were not safe in the city and cited an extortion message a leader of the party in Uttam Nagar received.

He said, "Please resign immediately, and go back to where you cast your vote. Delhi doesnt need you. Imposing restrictions on festivals is shameful. People are saying - GO BACK LG Saab. I appeal to the central government to send the LG they appointed back to Gujarat and take his resignation."

AAP national convener and former Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal in a post on X said that he was "very concerned" over the "deteriorating" law and order situation in the capital.

Delhi Police has imposed prohibitory orders under section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at several places in Delhi for the next six days over the intelligence inputs that some unsocial elements may attempt to create a nuisance in the first week of October.

Under section 163 of the BNSS (formerly section 144 of CrPc), there will be a prohibition on certain things, which include assembly of five or more unauthorised persons, carrying of fire-arms, banners, placards, lathis, spears, swords, sticks, brickbats etc., pocketing or dharnas in any public area etc.

Commissioner Sanjay Arora, through an official order, conveyed that inputs were received that multiple organisations have given calls for holding and organising various events in the nature of protests, demonstrations and campaigns in the territory of Delhi from September 30 till October 5.

The general atmosphere in Delhi is sensitive from a law and order point of view due to various current issues like prevailing communal atmosphere in view of the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill and issue of Shahi Idgah in Sadar Bazaar area, politically surcharged issue of MCD Standing Committee elections and, pending declaration of results of DUSU Elections etc., the Commissioner said. There will be heavy movement of VVIPs and dignitaries on October 2, Mahatma Gandhis birth anniversary.

In the order, Arora mentioned that the Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana legislative assembly elections are underway, and thus, there is a need to continuously check on movement of persons.
Social activist Medha Patkar on Tuesday condemned the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters, likening their treatment to that of the farmers during their protests. Calling it a conspiracy, Patkar announced that she would observe a day-long fast on Wednesday in solidarity with Wangchuk and asked for public support.

Environmentalists, climate experts, and social activists gathered for a press conference at the Press Club under the banner of the National Alliance of People's Movements to address Wangchuk's detention. They expressed their support for the demands of the 'Padyatris,' which include granting statehood to Ladakh and securing Sixth Schedule status for the region.

"These activists are being treated like the farmers were. After walking all the way on foot, they expected the Centre to engage in dialogue with them. Instead of talking, a prohibitory order was issued and they were detained in different police stations. This is a conspiracy," Patkar alleged. She added that both the Prime Minister's Office and the Home Ministry were informed in advance about their march.

"A letter was written for October 3 but that was also rejected. The government is afraid of us and is using the police to block us," she said.

The speakers at the conference also criticised the detention of Ladakh political activist Sajjad Kargili who was scheduled to speak at a panel discussion on Ladakh's issues at Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) later in the day. They claimed that the police cited Haryana elections and a controversy surrounding the Waqf Board as reasons for detaining the Padyatris, calling these excuses to prevent them from entering the city.

The activists demanded the release of Wangchuk and his supporters and urged the authorities to allow their planned 'Padyatra' to Rajghat. The press conference was also addressed by environmentalist Prafulla Samantara and climate expert Soumya Dutta, among others.

Around 120 people from Ladakh, including Wangchuk, were marching towards the national capital demanding sixth schedule status for the Union Territory when they were detained. Wangchuk is leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' which began from Leh a month ago.
Environment Minister Gopal Rai on Tuesday alleged that the Delhi Police stopped the government's 'Harit Kalash Yatra,' an awareness campaign of tree plantation in Connaught Place here following orders from Lt Governor Vinai Kumar Saxena. The 'Harit Kalash Yatra' was scheduled to be held on Tuesday morning as part of Delhi government's winter action plan to combat pollution.

Rai said the event, which aimed to raise awareness about pollution and involved over 1,500 women from across the city, was halted just as the participants gathered at Connaught Place for the 'Harit Kalash Yatra' procession. Despite prior approval from the authorities, the police intervened and shut down the campaign moments before it began.

"Last night, LG sahab issued a directive through the police, and today our tree plantation programme in Connaught Place, aimed at curbing pollution, was stopped," Gopal Rai told reporters. "Around 1,500 women had come from different parts of Delhi, and despite having permission from the Police, as soon as the women lifted the Kalash on their heads, the police cancelled the programme even before I could even reach," Rai said.

Rai also criticised the move, accusing the police and LG of stifling the event while neglecting the city's rising crime. "While crime is rampant, the police are busy removing women involved in an awareness programme instead of catching gangsters," Rai said.

Expressing his disappointment at the disruption, Rai questioned the LG's stance on environmental efforts, stating, "The LG cuts thousands of trees without any permission, and now he chases away those running a campaign for tree plantation with police force."

"The LG doesn't require any permission to cut 1,000 trees, but when the Delhi government organises an awareness programme with all necessary permissions, it is forcibly shut down," Rai alleged. According to Rai, the event was progressing smoothly until the police intervened.

According to Rai, the Delhi Government's efforts have significantly expanded the city's green area, increasing it from 20 percent in 2013 to 23.06 percent by 2021. Delhi now ranks first in the country for per capita forest cover among big cities.  The AAP government promised to plant two crore trees in five years, and by the fourth year, we achieved this target. This year, the aim is to plant or distribute 64 lakh trees, he said.

Meanwhile, Delhi Police on Monday banned protests and the gathering of five or more persons in central and bordering areas of the city for the next six days, citing law and order issues. According to an order issued by the Delhi Police Headquarters, Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has directed the imposition of Section 163 (previously Section 144 of CrPC) of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the districts of New Delhi, North, and Central, and in all police jurisdictions sharing borders with other states. The prohibitory order will remain in
In a daylight robbery at Axis Banks branch in Shamli, a man armed with two pistols stormed the bank and threatened the branch manager, demanding Rs 40 lakh.

The incident unfolded dramatically as the miscreant pointed a gun at the managers head, warning him that if the money was not handed over, he would be shot. The robber even claimed that he needed the money to repay a loan.

When the banks security guard attempted to intervene, the branch manager, fearing for his life, asked him to stand down.

The frightened manager then ordered the cashier to bring Rs 40 lakh. The armed robber held the staff at the gun-point, forcing them to the banks entrance, and made everyone else in the bank raise their hands. Without even bothering to hide his face, the robber calmly walked out, and fled the scene on a motorcycle.

The robbery took place at around 2:27 pm in Axis Banks branch near Dhimanpura railway gate in the citys Kotwali area. The robber entered the managers room, pistols in hand, and showed the manager a suicide note, stating that he was in debt for Rs 40 lakh and would be ruined if he didnt pay it back.

He threatened to either kill the manager or take his own life if the money wasnt provided.

The manager, complying with the demands, instructed cashier Rohit to bring the cash to his office. The robber stuffed the money into a bag, forced the bank staff to escort him to the gate at the gun-point, and then escaped on a bike waiting for him.

Interestingly, the robber spent about 30 minutes inside the bank, but neither the staff nor the customersaround 18 to 20 peopleraised an alarm or contacted the police during the heist. After the robber fled, senior officers, including Shamli SP Ram Sewak Gautam, arrived at the scene. They collected CCTV footage and formed teams to track down the culprit.

One bank employee, Bobby, who was responsible for handling cash deliveries, claimed he was drinking water when the robbery occurred. He tried to take aim at the robber but was ordered by the branch manager to put down his gun. According to Bobby, the robber fled on his bike as soon as he put his weapon back into his bag. Police are conducting further investigations into the case.
The Israeli military on Tuesday ordered the evacuation of nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities.

The orders came hours after Israel sent ground forces into southern Lebanon in what it described as a limited incursion against the Hezbollah militant group.

The evacuation order, posted by the Israeli military's Arabic spokesman on the social media platform X, specified around two dozen communities in southern Lebanon and ordered people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border.

That is farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after the 2006 war.
A voter turnout of 44.08 per cent was recorded till 1 pm in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections on Tuesday, according to Election Commission (EC) data.

Polling in 40 assembly segments across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir including the winter capital Jammu began at 7 am amid tight security. Long queues were seen outside polling stations.

More than 39.18 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 415 candidates, including two former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig, and several former ministers and legislators.

Officials said polling is going on peacefully in all segments with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.

A voter turnout of 44.08 per cent was recorded till 1 pm in the final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir polls, the EC said.

Udhampur district recorded the highest turnout of 51.66 per cent, followed by 50.09 per cent in Kathua, 49.73 per cent in Samba, 42.67 per cent in Bandipora, 42.08 per cent in Kupwara, 43.36 per cent in Jammu and 36.60 per cent in Baramulla.

Among the constituencies, Chhamb in Jammu district was leading with 53.21 per cent polling recorded in the first six hours. Sopore segment, once a terrorist and separatist stronghold, recorded the lowest turnout of 27.76 per cent, the EC data showed.

A dozen constituencies including Akhnoor, Bani, Billawar, Chenani, Jasrota, Marh, Ramgarh, Udhampur East and Udhampur West in the Jammu region and Gurez along the Line of Control in Bandipora have already crossed the 50 per cent mark.

Having gained voting rights for the first time following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370, enthusiastic West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj and Gorkha community members thronged polling stations in the early hours to exercise their franchise.

They had previously participated in the Block Development Council and the District Development Council polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

More than 400 companies of security forces, including paramilitary and armed police personnel, have been deployed to ensure smooth voting.

A voter turnout of 61.38 per cent was recorded in the first phase of the elections on September 18 and 57.31 per cent in the second phase on September 25.

The results are scheduled to be announced on October 8.

Among the prominent candidates in the fray in this phase are Raman Bhalla (R S Pura), Usman Majid (Bandipora), Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez), Taj Mohiuddin (Uri), Basharat Bukhari (Wagoora-Kreeri), Imran Ansari (Pattan), Ghulam Hassan Mir (Gulmarg), Choudhary Lal Singh (Basohli), Rajiv Jasrotia (Jasrota), Manohar Lal Sharma (Billawar), Sham Lal Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra (Jammu North).

To facilitate voter participation, the Election Commission has set up 5,060 polling stations and ensured 100 per cent webcasting across all constituencies. Of the total, 974 are urban polling stations and 4,086 are rural.

Special initiatives to enhance participation include 240 special polling stations, 50 pink polling stations managed by women and 43 polling stations manned by persons with disabilities.

Additionally, there are 45 green polling stations promoting environmental awareness, 29 polling stations located near the Line of Control and the International Border for border residents, and 33 unique polling stations.

For migrant voters of the Kashmir division, 24 special polling stations -- 19 in Jammu, four in Delhi and one in Udhampur district -- have been established.

Officials said a comprehensive security strategy has been implemented at each polling station to ensure peaceful voting.
A voter turnout of 65.48 per cent was recorded till 5 pm in the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Tuesday, according to Election Commission data.

Polling in the 40 Assembly segments across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir, including the winter capital Jammu, began at 7 am amid tight security and is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm.

Long queues outside polling stations since early morning marked the enthusiasm among people who voted for the first time in the Assembly elections post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

More than 39.18 lakh eligible voters are set to decide the fate of 415 candidates, including two former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig, and several former ministers and legislators.

Officials said polling was going on peacefully in all segments including special polling stations along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.

A voter turnout of 65.48 per cent was recorded till 5 pm. The polling is scheduled to conclude at 6 pm, the EC said.

Udhampur district recorded the highest turnout of 72.91 per cent, followed by Samba (72.41 per cent), Kathua (70.53 per cent), Jammu (66.79 per cent), Bandipora (63.33 per cent), Kupwara (62.76 per cent), and Baramulla (55.73 per cent).

Among the constituencies, Chhamb in Jammu district was leading with 77.35 per cent polling recorded in the first 10 hours. Sopore segment, once a terrorist and separatist stronghold, recorded the lowest turnout of 41.44 per cent, the EC data showed.

In Jammu districts 11 segments, Bishnah (SC) recorded 72.75 per cent polling, Suchetgarh (SC) 68.02 per cent, R S Pura-Jammu South 61.65 per cent, Bahu 57.07 per cent, Jammu East 60.21 per cent, Nagrota 72.94 per cent, Jammu West 56.31 per cent, and Jammu North 60.79 per cent, Akhnoor (SC) 76.28 per cent, Marh (SC) 76.10 per cent and Chhamb 77.35 per cent.

In the six seats of Kathua district, Bani recorded 71.24 per cent voter turnout, Billawar 69.64 per cent, Basohli 67.24 per cent, Jasrota 71.79 per cent, Kathua (SC) 71.49 per cent and Hiranagar 71.18 per cent.

In Udhampur districts four segments, Udhampur West recorded 73.20 per cent, Udhampur East 74.07 per cent, Chenani 73.79 per cent and Ramnagar (SC) 70.38 per cent polling.

In the three seats of Samba district, Ramgarh (SC) recorded 73.10 per cent polling, Samba 71.16 per cent and Vijaypur 73.05 per cent.

In Baramulla districts seven seats, Sopore recorded 41.44 per cent, Rafiabad 58.39 per cent, Uri 64.81 per cent, Baramulla 47.95 per cent, Gulmarg 64.19 per cent, Wagoora-Kreeri 56.43 per cent and Pattan 60.87 per cent.

In the six seats of Kupwara district, Karnah registered 66.30 per cent, Tregham 62.27 per cent, Kupwara 59.68 per cent, Lolab 61.22 per cent, Handwara 69.06 per cent and Langate 59.81 per cent.

In the three seats of Bandipora district, Sonawari registered 65.56 per cent, Bandipora 58.60 per cent and Gurez (ST) 75.89 per cent.

Having gained voting rights for the first time following the abrogation of Article 370, enthusiastic West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj and Gorkha community members thronged polling stations in the early hours to exercise their franchise.

They had previously participated in the Block Development Council and the District Development Council polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

More than 400 companies of security forces, including paramilitary and armed police personnel, have been deployed to ensure smooth voting.

A voter turnout of 61.38 per cent was recorded in the first phase of the elections on September 18 and 57.31 per cent in the second phase on September 25.

The results are scheduled to be announced on October 8.

Among the prominent candidates in the fray in this phase are Raman Bhalla (R S Pura), Usman Majid (Bandipora), Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurez), Taj Mohiuddin (Uri), Basharat Bukhari (Wagoora-Kreeri), Imran Ansari (Pattan), Ghulam Hassan Mir (Gulmarg), Choudhary Lal Singh (Basohli), Rajiv Jasrotia (Jasrota), Manohar Lal Sharma (Billawar), Sham Lal Sharma, and Ajay Kumar Sadhotra (Jammu North).

To facilitate voter participation, the EC has set up 5,060 polling stations and ensured 100 per cent webcasting across all constituencies. Of the total, 974 are urban polling stations and 4,086 are rural.

Special initiatives to enhance participation include 240 special polling stations, 50 pink polling stations managed by women and 43 polling stations manned by persons with disabilities.

Additionally, there are 45 green polling stations promoting environmental awareness, 29 polling stations located near the Line of Control and the International Border for border residents, and 33 unique polling stations.

For migrant voters of the Kashmir division, 24 special polling stations -- 19 in Jammu, four in Delhi and one in Udhampur district -- have been established.

Officials said a comprehensive security strategy has been implemented at each polling station to ensure peaceful voting.
Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft initiated coverage on shares of Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT  Free Report) in a research report sent to investors on Friday morning, Marketbeat reports. The brokerage issued a hold rating and a $71.00 price objective on the stock.

Other equities research analysts also recently issued research reports about the company. Roth Mkm raised their price objective on Planet Fitness from $73.00 to $88.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. DA Davidson reiterated a neutral rating and set a $62.00 price objective on shares of Planet Fitness in a research note on Friday, June 14th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of Planet Fitness from $77.00 to $87.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Piper Sandler lifted their price target on shares of Planet Fitness from $80.00 to $89.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Finally, Morgan Stanley restated an overweight rating and set a $79.00 price objective on shares of Planet Fitness in a report on Friday, June 14th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, eleven have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Planet Fitness currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $84.93.

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Planet Fitness Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE PLNT opened at $81.22 on Friday. Planet Fitness has a 52-week low of $46.50 and a 52-week high of $85.08. The firm has a market capitalization of $6.92 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 46.68, a PEG ratio of 2.79 and a beta of 1.49. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $79.48 and a 200 day moving average price of $70.76.

Planet Fitness (NYSE:PLNT  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.71 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.66 by $0.05. The business had revenue of $300.94 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $290.17 million. Planet Fitness had a negative return on equity of 121.99% and a net margin of 14.16%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 5.1% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.65 EPS. Analysts forecast that Planet Fitness will post 2.44 earnings per share for the current year.

Insider Activity at Planet Fitness

In other news, CAO Brian Odonnell sold 6,424 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 7th. The shares were sold at an average price of $77.39, for a total transaction of $497,153.36. Following the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 6,778 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $524,549.42. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. 5.94% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Planet Fitness

Several hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. LRI Investments LLC boosted its position in Planet Fitness by 61.2% during the second quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 403 shares of the companys stock worth $30,000 after purchasing an additional 153 shares in the last quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC lifted its position in shares of Planet Fitness by 1.1% during the 1st quarter. Janney Montgomery Scott LLC now owns 16,388 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,026,000 after buying an additional 174 shares in the last quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System lifted its position in shares of Planet Fitness by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Louisiana State Employees Retirement System now owns 24,800 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,825,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Diversified Trust Co grew its stake in Planet Fitness by 1.5% in the 1st quarter. Diversified Trust Co now owns 20,564 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,288,000 after acquiring an additional 308 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its holdings in Planet Fitness by 478.8% in the 2nd quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 382 shares of the companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 316 shares in the last quarter. 95.53% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Planet Fitness

(Get Free Report)

Planet Fitness, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, franchises and operates fitness centers under the Planet Fitness brand. The company operates through three segments: Franchise, Corporate-Owned Stores, and Equipment. The company is involved in franchising business in the United States, Puerto Rico, Canada, Panama, Mexico, and Australia.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Free Report) from a sell rating to a hold rating in a report issued on Friday.

Other equities analysts have also issued research reports about the company. Roth Mkm cut their price target on Hecla Mining from $6.25 to $6.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. HC Wainwright reissued a buy rating and issued a $10.25 price objective on shares of Hecla Mining in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, four have assigned a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $7.56.

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Hecla Mining Price Performance

Shares of NYSE HL opened at $6.68 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a current ratio of 1.29 and a quick ratio of 0.58. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.18 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -44.53 and a beta of 2.00. The firms 50 day simple moving average is $5.92 and its 200-day simple moving average is $5.50. Hecla Mining has a 12 month low of $3.33 and a 12 month high of $7.40.

Hecla Mining (NYSE:HL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The basic materials company reported $0.02 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.01 by $0.01. Hecla Mining had a negative net margin of 5.56% and a negative return on equity of 0.42%. The company had revenue of $245.66 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $208.80 million. During the same quarter last year, the business earned $0.03 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Hecla Mining will post 0.05 EPS for the current year.

Hecla Mining Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Investors of record on Monday, August 26th were given a dividend of $0.0138 per share. This represents a $0.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.82%. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 26th. This is an increase from Hecla Minings previous quarterly dividend of $0.00. Hecla Minings dividend payout ratio is -33.33%.

Insider Activity at Hecla Mining

In other news, VP Kurt Allen sold 108,612 shares of Hecla Mining stock in a transaction that occurred on Tuesday, September 17th. The stock was sold at an average price of $6.77, for a total value of $735,303.24. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 173,700 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,175,949. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Hecla Mining

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of HL. SPC Financial Inc. purchased a new stake in Hecla Mining during the 2nd quarter valued at about $67,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. increased its holdings in shares of Hecla Mining by 4.9% in the second quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 1,212,146 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $5,879,000 after purchasing an additional 56,203 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning lifted its position in Hecla Mining by 254.8% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 104,317 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $506,000 after buying an additional 74,915 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC acquired a new position in Hecla Mining during the second quarter worth $290,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its holdings in Hecla Mining by 0.9% in the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 338,040 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $1,639,000 after buying an additional 2,939 shares in the last quarter. 63.01% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Hecla Mining

(Get Free Report)

Hecla Mining Company, together with its subsidiaries, provides precious and base metal properties in the United States, Canada, Japan, Korea, and China. The company mines for silver, gold, lead, and zinc concentrates, as well as carbon material containing silver and gold for custom smelters, metal traders, and third-party processors; and dore containing silver and gold.

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Universal Health Realty Income Trust (NYSE:UHT  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 138,300 shares, a growth of 17.5% from the August 31st total of 117,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 62,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 2.2 days. Approximately 1.1% of the shares of the stock are sold short.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in UHT. ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its stake in Universal Health Realty Income Trust by 69.4% in the 2nd quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 332,728 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $13,023,000 after purchasing an additional 136,308 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Universal Health Realty Income Trust in the second quarter worth about $729,000. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Universal Health Realty Income Trust in the first quarter worth about $581,000. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC boosted its stake in Universal Health Realty Income Trust by 213.7% during the second quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 22,387 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $876,000 after buying an additional 15,250 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Deerfield Management Company L.P. Series C bought a new position in Universal Health Realty Income Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $541,000. 64.66% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Universal Health Realty Income Trust Price Performance

NYSE:UHT traded up $0.20 on Monday, reaching $45.75. 55,434 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 76,460. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $43.95 and a 200-day simple moving average of $39.46. Universal Health Realty Income Trust has a 12 month low of $32.27 and a 12 month high of $47.30. The firm has a market cap of $633.64 million, a PE ratio of 39.00 and a beta of 0.83. The company has a quick ratio of 7.93, a current ratio of 7.93 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.90.

Universal Health Realty Income Trust Dividend Announcement

Universal Health Realty Income Trust Company Profile

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, September 30th. Investors of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $0.73 per share. This represents a $2.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 6.38%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Universal Health Realty Income Trusts dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 249.57%.

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Universal Health Realty Income Trust, a real estate investment trust, invests in healthcare and human-service related facilities including acute care hospitals, behavioral health care hospitals, specialty facilities, medical/office buildings, free-standing emergency departments and childcare centers.

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Ameriprise Financial, Inc. (NYSE:AMP  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Hold from the ten analysts that are presently covering the company, Marketbeat reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, five have issued a hold recommendation and four have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price objective among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $463.00.

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods reduced their target price on Ameriprise Financial from $470.00 to $460.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, July 30th. UBS Group dropped their price objective on Ameriprise Financial from $500.00 to $495.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, July 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group cut Ameriprise Financial from a buy rating to a neutral rating and dropped their price objective for the company from $485.00 to $476.00 in a research note on Thursday, September 26th. Royal Bank of Canada lifted their price objective on Ameriprise Financial from $487.00 to $500.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price objective on Ameriprise Financial from $500.00 to $504.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th.

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Ameriprise Financial Stock Performance

Shares of Ameriprise Financial stock opened at $469.81 on Tuesday. Ameriprise Financial has a one year low of $306.63 and a one year high of $471.57. The company has a market cap of $46.66 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 15.99, a PEG ratio of 0.80 and a beta of 1.35. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.16, a quick ratio of 0.59 and a current ratio of 0.59. The businesss 50 day moving average price is $435.13 and its 200 day moving average price is $430.89.

Ameriprise Financial (NYSE:AMP  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The financial services provider reported $8.72 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $8.53 by $0.19. Ameriprise Financial had a return on equity of 73.83% and a net margin of 18.64%. The company had revenue of $4.39 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.24 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $7.44 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, research analysts predict that Ameriprise Financial will post 34.81 EPS for the current year.

Ameriprise Financial Dividend Announcement

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 16th. Investors of record on Monday, August 5th were paid a dividend of $1.48 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 5th. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.26%. Ameriprise Financials payout ratio is 20.15%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, VP William Davies sold 8,700 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $442.07, for a total transaction of $3,846,009.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 13,199 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,834,881.93. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. 0.73% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Trading of Ameriprise Financial

Institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the business. Empirical Finance LLC lifted its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 3.0% during the 1st quarter. Empirical Finance LLC now owns 3,896 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,708,000 after buying an additional 113 shares during the last quarter. Nomura Holdings Inc. purchased a new stake in Ameriprise Financial during the 4th quarter worth about $775,000. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System lifted its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 7.9% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 118,211 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $51,828,000 after buying an additional 8,693 shares during the last quarter. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its holdings in Ameriprise Financial by 151.5% during the 4th quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 595,644 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $226,243,000 after buying an additional 358,780 shares during the last quarter. Finally, BDF Gestion purchased a new stake in Ameriprise Financial during the 2nd quarter worth about $2,836,000. 83.95% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Ameriprise Financial Company Profile

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Ameriprise Financial, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, provides various financial products and services to individual and institutional clients in the United States and internationally. It operates through four segments: Advice & Wealth Management, Asset Management, Retirement & Protection Solutions, and Corporate & Other.

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The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) has received an average rating of Moderate Buy from the sixteen brokerages that are covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have given a buy rating to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $71.07.

A number of brokerages recently weighed in on KO. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price objective on Coca-Cola from $64.00 to $65.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Truist Financial upped their price target on Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $68.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Citigroup raised their price objective on Coca-Cola from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

In other news, major shareholder Cola Co Coca sold 598,619 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $925.00, for a total value of $553,722,575.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 1,883,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,742,280,050. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at this hyperlink . In other news, EVP Nancy Quan sold 18,484 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 27th. The shares were sold at an average price of $71.50, for a total transaction of $1,321,606.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 223,330 shares in the company, valued at $15,968,095. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website . Also, major shareholder Cola Co Coca sold 598,619 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $925.00, for a total transaction of $553,722,575.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 1,883,546 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,742,280,050. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold a total of 974,715 shares of company stock valued at $579,704,927 over the last ninety days. 0.97% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Mattson Financial Services LLC bought a new position in shares of Coca-Cola during the second quarter valued at about $2,636,000. Ashburton Jersey Ltd bought a new position in Coca-Cola during the second quarter worth about $828,000. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund grew its stake in Coca-Cola by 84.2% in the 2nd quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 1,007,300 shares of the companys stock valued at $64,115,000 after buying an additional 460,453 shares in the last quarter. Vienna Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne S.A. Vienna Insurance Group raised its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Vienna Powszechne Towarzystwo Emerytalne S.A. Vienna Insurance Group now owns 21,633 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,377,000 after purchasing an additional 162 shares during the period. Finally, American Trust increased its position in shares of Coca-Cola by 15.5% during the second quarter. American Trust now owns 15,802 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,006,000 after buying an additional 2,119 shares during the period. 70.26% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Coca-Cola Trading Up 0.1 %

Shares of KO stock opened at $71.86 on Tuesday. Coca-Cola has a twelve month low of $51.55 and a twelve month high of $73.53. The company has a market capitalization of $309.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.74, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.60. The firm has a 50-day moving average price of $69.96 and a 200 day moving average price of $64.85. The company has a current ratio of 1.08, a quick ratio of 0.92 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $0.84 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.81 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $12.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.78 billion. Coca-Cola had a net margin of 22.92% and a return on equity of 43.62%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.78 EPS. Research analysts forecast that Coca-Cola will post 2.85 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Coca-Cola Announces Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a $0.485 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.94 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.70%. Coca-Colas payout ratio is 77.60%.

Coca-Cola Company Profile

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The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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Acadian Timber Corp. (OTCMKTS:ACAZF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 6,600 shares, a drop of 9.6% from the August 31st total of 7,300 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 5,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.3 days.

Acadian Timber Price Performance

ACAZF stock opened at $12.89 on Tuesday. The stocks fifty day simple moving average is $12.89 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $12.77. Acadian Timber has a 1-year low of $11.13 and a 1-year high of $14.18.

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Acadian Timber Cuts Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a dividend of $0.2118 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. This represents a yield of 6.5%. Acadian Timbers dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 168.37%.

Acadian Timber Company Profile

Acadian Timber Corp. supplies primary forest products in Eastern Canada and the Northeastern United States. The company operates in two segments, NB Timberlands and Maine Timberlands. Its products include softwood and hardwood sawlogs, pulpwood, and biomass by-products. The company owns and manages freehold timberlands in New Brunswick and Maine; and provides timber services relating to Crown licensed timberlands in New Brunswick.

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Shares of WEC Energy Group, Inc. (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Hold by the twelve brokerages that are covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Three analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $91.69.

WEC has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. StockNews.com cut WEC Energy Group from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Friday, August 9th. Wells Fargo & Company increased their price objective on shares of WEC Energy Group from $98.00 to $103.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of WEC Energy Group from $80.00 to $86.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 6th. Bank of America increased their price target on WEC Energy Group from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an underperform rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on WEC Energy Group in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. They issued a hold rating and a $102.00 price objective on the stock.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on WEC

WEC Energy Group Stock Performance

Shares of WEC opened at $96.18 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $30.40 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.00, a PEG ratio of 2.45 and a beta of 0.44. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.37, a current ratio of 0.74 and a quick ratio of 0.54. WEC Energy Group has a one year low of $75.13 and a one year high of $96.65. The business has a fifty day moving average of $91.40 and a 200 day moving average of $84.55.

WEC Energy Group (NYSE:WEC  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The utilities provider reported $0.67 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.63 by $0.04. The firm had revenue of $1.77 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.87 billion. WEC Energy Group had a net margin of 15.85% and a return on equity of 12.26%. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 3.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.92 EPS. As a group, sell-side analysts anticipate that WEC Energy Group will post 4.87 EPS for the current year.

WEC Energy Group Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Wednesday, August 14th were issued a $0.835 dividend. This represents a $3.34 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.47%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 14th. WEC Energy Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 72.93%.

Insider Activity at WEC Energy Group

In other WEC Energy Group news, VP William J. Guc sold 6,000 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $92.99, for a total value of $557,940.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 7,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $716,208.98. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In related news, VP Mary Beth Straka sold 3,240 shares of the stock in a transaction on Friday, August 30th. The stock was sold at an average price of $93.04, for a total transaction of $301,449.60. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 3,662 shares in the company, valued at approximately $340,712.48. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, VP William J. Guc sold 6,000 shares of WEC Energy Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The stock was sold at an average price of $92.99, for a total transaction of $557,940.00. Following the transaction, the vice president now directly owns 7,702 shares of the companys stock, valued at $716,208.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 11,702 shares of company stock valued at $1,078,058 over the last 90 days. 0.34% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On WEC Energy Group

Institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the company. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in WEC Energy Group in the 2nd quarter worth about $6,445,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL purchased a new stake in shares of WEC Energy Group in the second quarter worth approximately $38,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of WEC Energy Group by 1.7% during the 2nd quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 1,355,909 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $106,385,000 after acquiring an additional 22,026 shares during the last quarter. New Century Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of WEC Energy Group during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $231,000. Finally, Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in WEC Energy Group by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 119,951 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $9,411,000 after acquiring an additional 4,835 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 77.20% of the companys stock.

WEC Energy Group Company Profile

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WEC Energy Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, provides regulated natural gas and electricity, and renewable and nonregulated renewable energy services in the United States. It operates through Wisconsin, Illinois, Other States, Electric Transmission, and Non-Utility Energy Infrastructure segments.

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Iran has fired 500 ballistic missiles at Tel Aviv. The Israeli Iron Dome malfunctioned under the deluge, with many rockets from Iran hitting residential areas. As of now, there are no mentions of Israeli civilian casualties. Earlier on in the day, Hezbollah targeted the Mossad HQ in Tel Aviv with rockets in response to Israels incursion into Southern Lebanon.

Iranian sleeper cell members conducted a mass shooting, killing six people near the Jaffa border, before the Iranian missiles started falling across the city.

Meanwhile, in Gaza, there were mass celebrations in the streets as news of the Iranian missile attacks filtered through. Palestinians were seen cheering wildly as they wished death upon all Jews in the region.

We are living in Bidens world, a world of utter fucking chaos and war. The absolute incompetence of that vegetable in the White House is an astonishing detriment to the validity of the entire United States as a global power.

Not only is Biden a disgrace to the flag of the United States, but he is a disgrace to the security of the entire globe. His negligence and total apathy is why Iran is now at open war with Israel.

Celebrations in Gaza after Irans response and the massive strike on Israel. pic.twitter.com/6EG0SOdVWI  Suppressed News. (@SuppressedNws) October 1, 2024

Escalation? The time for diplomacy has long passed, and it was never attempted in the first place by the ineffectual, impotent Biden administration.

The antisemitic Labour government is just as implicit by their insane decision to limit arms sales to Israel and David Lammy, a man who obviously detests Israel and Jews, is also as guilty of negligence as much as the Biden White House.

Reports of celebrations in Gaza. I havent seen them this happy since October 7. pic.twitter.com/YuoMQJiFv4  Eylon Levy (@EylonALevy) October 1, 2024

Israel will now attack Iran, then Iran will attack Israel again and so onall the while, the US and UK will beg Israel to kick the can down the road again making the situation a lot worse than it already is.

Celebration for the first time after 360 days in Gaza! I cant describe this feeling  Long live iran!

Long live Khamenei! pic.twitter.com/JfEfgHDEWU  Nadira Ali (@Nadira_ali12) October 1, 2024

Joy and tremendous happiness has descended on Gaza and all Palestinians today. The streets are teaming with jubilation and felicitation.

 Celebrations in Gaza at the sight of Iranian missiles pic.twitter.com/Juwl1SQUoK  Middle East Observer (@ME_Observer_) October 1, 2024
Colruyt Group (OTCMKTS:CUYTF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 44,500 shares, a decline of 16.2% from the August 31st total of 53,100 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 0 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently  days.

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Colruyt Group Trading Up 3.5 %

Shares of OTCMKTS:CUYTF traded up $1.49 on Monday, hitting $44.70. Colruyt Group has a twelve month low of $37.60 and a twelve month high of $45.00. The firms fifty day moving average price is $44.70 and its 200-day moving average price is $44.43.

Colruyt Group Company Profile

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Colruyt Group N.V., together with its subsidiaries, engages in the retail, wholesale, food service, and other activities in Belgium, France, Luxembourg, and internationally. It operates through three segments: Retail, Wholesale and Foodservice, and Other Activities. The company provides groceries, fresh products, dry products, and frozen and non-food products; and operates CNG, hydrogen filling, and charging stations.

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Continental Aktiengesellschaft (OTCMKTS:CTTAF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 935,400 shares, a drop of 15.1% from the August 31st total of 1,101,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 2,338.5 days.

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Continental Aktiengesellschaft Stock Down 7.7 %

Shares of OTCMKTS CTTAF traded down $5.25 during trading on Monday, hitting $62.77. The company had a trading volume of 165 shares, compared to its average volume of 430. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $63.75 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $65.00. Continental Aktiengesellschaft has a fifty-two week low of $55.20 and a fifty-two week high of $86.93.

Continental Aktiengesellschaft Company Profile

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Continental Aktiengesellschaft, a technology company, offers intelligent solutions for vehicles, machines, traffic, and transportation worldwide. It operates through four sectors: Automotive, Tires, ContiTech, and Contract Manufacturing. The company offers safety, brake, chassis, motion, and motion control systems; solutions for assisted and automated driving; display and operating technologies; and audio and camera solutions for the vehicle interior, as well as intelligent information and communication technology solutions.

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Entergy Co. (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) has earned an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the fourteen analysts that are covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a sell recommendation, two have assigned a hold recommendation, ten have assigned a buy recommendation and one has given a strong buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $128.58.

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Several equities research analysts have weighed in on the company. BMO Capital Markets upped their price target on Entergy from $124.00 to $131.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Argus raised Entergy to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, August 28th. Bank of America lifted their price target on shares of Entergy from $135.00 to $138.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Guggenheim increased their price objective on shares of Entergy from $118.00 to $128.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Entergy from $143.00 to $144.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Friday, September 20th.

Read Our Latest Report on ETR

Entergy Stock Performance

NYSE ETR opened at $131.61 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81, a current ratio of 0.94 and a quick ratio of 0.62. The company has a market cap of $28.10 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.20, a P/E/G ratio of 2.46 and a beta of 0.73. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $121.00 and a two-hundred day moving average of $112.09. Entergy has a 1-year low of $87.10 and a 1-year high of $131.75.

Entergy (NYSE:ETR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The utilities provider reported $1.92 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.76 by $0.16. Entergy had a net margin of 14.75% and a return on equity of 10.10%. The firm had revenue of $2.95 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $2.98 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.84 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Entergy will post 7.22 EPS for the current year.

Entergy Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th were given a dividend of $1.13 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 13th. This represents a $4.52 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.43%. Entergys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 45.34%.

Insider Activity at Entergy

In other Entergy news, COO Peter S. Norgeot, Jr. sold 11,472 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.16, for a total transaction of $1,321,115.52. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 37,888 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,363,182.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, insider Eliecer Viamontes sold 5,166 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 30th. The shares were sold at an average price of $120.00, for a total transaction of $619,920.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 5,117 shares of the companys stock, valued at $614,040. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, COO Peter S. Norgeot, Jr. sold 11,472 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.16, for a total value of $1,321,115.52. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 37,888 shares in the company, valued at approximately $4,363,182.08. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 50,810 shares of company stock worth $6,140,626 in the last 90 days. 0.39% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of ETR. Sanctuary Advisors LLC purchased a new position in Entergy in the second quarter valued at about $3,876,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL acquired a new position in Entergy during the second quarter worth $42,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC boosted its position in Entergy by 15.5% during the second quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 3,181 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $340,000 after purchasing an additional 427 shares in the last quarter. Truist Financial Corp increased its position in shares of Entergy by 42.0% in the second quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 906,795 shares of the utilities providers stock valued at $97,027,000 after buying an additional 268,004 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Brandes Investment Partners LP acquired a new position in shares of Entergy during the 2nd quarter worth $32,017,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 88.07% of the companys stock.

Entergy Company Profile

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Entergy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the production and retail distribution of electricity in the United States. It generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electric power in portions of Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas, including the City of New Orleans; and distributes natural gas.

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Masim Mammadov, Special Representative of the Azerbaijani President in Lachin district, met Monday with a delegation led by Oleksandr Markushyn, Mayor of the Ukrainian city of Irpin, Azernews reports, citing AZERTAC.

The meeting saw the signing of the Memorandum on establishing twinning relations between the city of Lachin and the city of Irpin.

The document envisages exchange of experience across various domains, including preservation of the historical and cultural heritage, urbanization, environmental protection, information technologies, landscaping, public transportation, energy efficiency, waste management, as well as youth and sports.

This is indeed a milestone occasion. We have officially cemented the existing friendly relations between Ukraine and Azerbaijan, Oleksandr Marushyn noted.

He described Azerbaijans support to Ukraine as irreplaceable, expressing Ukraines eternal gratitude to Azerbaijan for its position and fraternal support.

The signing of the Memorandum on establishing twinning relationsp between Lachin and Irpin is of great importance. Thus, the document stipulates familiarizing with history, culture and daily life of the cities, as well as establishing the friendly relations, Masim Mammadov noted.
McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc. grew its stake in Schlumberger Limited (NYSE:SLB  Free Report) by 2.7% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 87,765 shares of the oil and gas companys stock after purchasing an additional 2,345 shares during the period. Schlumberger makes up approximately 2.8% of McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc.s holdings, making the stock its 18th largest holding. McGinn Penninger Investment Management Inc.s holdings in Schlumberger were worth $4,141,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

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Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Capital World Investors boosted its stake in shares of Schlumberger by 72.3% in the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 88,950,956 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $4,875,402,000 after purchasing an additional 37,333,485 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its holdings in Schlumberger by 14.1% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 85,986,039 shares of the oil and gas companys stock worth $4,712,897,000 after acquiring an additional 10,606,191 shares during the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its position in Schlumberger by 35.8% in the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 11,640,827 shares of the oil and gas companys stock valued at $635,883,000 after acquiring an additional 3,069,395 shares in the last quarter. Ceredex Value Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of Schlumberger in the second quarter worth about $92,944,000. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. bought a new stake in shares of Schlumberger during the second quarter valued at approximately $91,364,000. Institutional investors own 81.99% of the companys stock.

Insider Activity

In other news, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 50,048 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.94, for a total value of $2,499,397.12. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 203,076 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $10,141,615.44. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, Director Vijay Kasibhatla sold 10,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $49.29, for a total value of $492,900.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 62,354 shares in the company, valued at approximately $3,073,428.66. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, CFO Stephane Biguet sold 50,048 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $49.94, for a total transaction of $2,499,397.12. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now owns 203,076 shares of the companys stock, valued at $10,141,615.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 180,716 shares of company stock valued at $9,048,624 in the last quarter. Company insiders own 0.26% of the companys stock.

Schlumberger Trading Down 0.8 %

NYSE SLB opened at $41.95 on Tuesday. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $43.68 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $46.96. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55, a quick ratio of 1.13 and a current ratio of 1.49. The stock has a market capitalization of $59.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.94, a PEG ratio of 0.92 and a beta of 1.51. Schlumberger Limited has a 52 week low of $38.66 and a 52 week high of $61.20.

Schlumberger (NYSE:SLB  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Friday, July 19th. The oil and gas company reported $0.85 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.83 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $9.14 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.08 billion. Schlumberger had a return on equity of 21.92% and a net margin of 12.56%. Schlumbergers quarterly revenue was up 12.8% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.72 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Schlumberger Limited will post 3.49 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Schlumberger Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Wednesday, September 4th will be paid a $0.275 dividend. This represents a $1.10 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 2.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Wednesday, September 4th. Schlumbergers dividend payout ratio is currently 36.54%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several equities research analysts have recently commented on the company. Piper Sandler lowered their target price on Schlumberger from $71.00 to $66.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 15th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on Schlumberger from $62.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Morgan Stanley cut their target price on shares of Schlumberger from $65.00 to $60.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, September 16th. Dbs Bank initiated coverage on shares of Schlumberger in a research report on Wednesday, September 18th. They set a buy rating and a $64.50 price target for the company. Finally, Benchmark reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $68.00 price objective on shares of Schlumberger in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eighteen have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Schlumberger has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $66.08.

View Our Latest Stock Report on Schlumberger

Schlumberger Company Profile

(Free Report)

Schlumberger Limited engages in the provision of technology for the energy industry worldwide. The company operates through four divisions: Digital & Integration, Reservoir Performance, Well Construction, and Production Systems. The company provides field development and hydrocarbon production, carbon management, and integration of adjacent energy systems; reservoir interpretation and data processing services for exploration data; and well construction and production improvement services and products.

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Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk (OTCMKTS:TLKMF  Get Free Report) shares were up 15% during mid-day trading on Monday . The stock traded as high as C$0.18 and last traded at C$0.18. Approximately 5,000 shares traded hands during trading, a decline of 86% from the average daily volume of 36,630 shares. The stock had previously closed at C$0.16.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Stock Up 15.0 %

The stocks fifty day simple moving average is C$0.17 and its 200 day simple moving average is C$0.19.

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Perusahaan Perseroan (Persero) PT Telekomunikasi Indonesia Tbk provides information and communications technology, and telecommunications network services worldwide. The company operates through mobile, consumer, enterprise, Wholesale and International Business, and Other segments. The Mobile segment offers mobile voice, SMS, value added services, and mobile broadband services.

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Pola Orbis Holdings Inc. (OTCMKTS:PORBF  Get Free Report)s share price reached a new 52-week high during trading on Monday . The company traded as high as $9.95 and last traded at $9.95, with a volume of 0 shares. The stock had previously closed at $9.95.

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Pola Orbis Price Performance

The company has a market cap of $2.20 billion, a P/E ratio of 31.09 and a beta of 0.35. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $9.49 and a 200 day moving average price of $9.93.

Pola Orbis (OTCMKTS:PORBF  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Monday, August 5th. The company reported $0.13 earnings per share for the quarter. Pola Orbis had a net margin of 5.63% and a return on equity of 7.31%. The firm had revenue of $275.51 million during the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Pola Orbis Holdings Inc. will post 0.36 earnings per share for the current year.

About Pola Orbis

Pola Orbis Holdings Inc, through its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and sells cosmetics and related products in Japan and internationally. It operates through Beauty Care and Real Estate segments. The Beauty Care segment offers cosmetics; skincare products; health foods; and fashion products, such as women's underwear, women's apparel, and jewelry under the POLA, ORBIS, Jurlique, H2O PLUS, THREE, DECENCIA, Amplitude, ITRIM, FIVEISM  THREE, and FUJIMI brand names.

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Prize Day 2024 was held in Limavady Grammar School recently.

It was an occasion to recognise talent and celebrate the impressive achievements of the pupils.

Past pupil, Professor Cecilia OKane, who is a Professor of Respiratory Medicine, Wellcome Wolfson Institute for Experimental Medicine, Queens University Belfast/ Belfast Health and Social Care Trust was the chief guest.

Principal, Mrs Madden said: It was an honour for those present to listen to Cecilias inspirational address and recognise the outstanding achievement of our pupils.

Set against the backdrop of a national reduction in pass and higher grades when compared to previous years Limavady Grammar students exceeded all expectations.

In NI 30% of A level entries were awarded A*/A grades however in Limavady Grammar 40% of examinations sat resulted in the top A* or A grades and 72% of all grades awarded were A*-B grades.

The figure of 82% of pupils receiving 3 or more A*-C grades represents the best results in recent years that the school has had under normal grading.

At GCSE level, Mrs Madden commended the pupils on their hard work and determination in spite of the many challenges they have faced during their five years in school.

IN PICTURES: Limavady Gramar School annual prizegiving

In Northern Ireland this summer at GCSE level 31% of all GCSE entries received an A or A* grade. In Limavady Grammar the Year 12 students far exceeded the Northern Ireland standards with 47% of all GCSE entries awarded at A*- A grades.

Mrs Madden provided an outline of the achievements of the students in both their academic work and extracurricular activities.

She expressed her immense pride in the school and thanked the staff, Board of Governors, volunteers and Parents Association for their continued support and hard work.
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A march and rally will be held in Derry to mark the beginning of the ongoing conflict in Gaza.

The march will begin at Verbal Arts Centre on Bishop Street at 6.30pm on Monday, October 7. It will then proceed to Guildhall Square for a rally.

Derry IPSC spokesperson Catherine Hutton explained why the timing of this event was so important: "This march and rally will not only be in remembrance of the lives lost but a scream for justice for the people of Gaza.

"Derry people have demonstrated over the last year and for the last 50 years their unswerving support for Palestine.

"According to the Gaza Ministry of Health, over 40,000 Palestinians have been killed since the conflict began.

"However, a study published in The Lancet estimates that the true death toll, including indirect deaths due to the destruction of infrastructure and health services, could exceed 186,000.

"To this grotesque death toll we now can add over 1000 Lebanese citizens carpet bombed and murdered by Israel in the last few days.

"Recent events in Lebanon have been devastating, with intense Israeli airstrikes causing over one million people to flee their homes.

"Mainstream media outlets portray Britain and America as passive onlookers, powerless to stop their ally Israel.

"This of course is nonsense. None of this bloodshed can happen without the support of the United States and Britain.

"The International Criminal Court (ICC) and the International Court of Justice (ICJ) have both played crucial roles in addressing the legal aspects of this conflict.

"The ICJ has issued provisional measures ordering Israel to take all necessary steps to prevent genocidal acts in Gaza.

"While the ICC continues to investigate potential war crimes, the ICJs rulings should have caused the world to stage an urgent intervention to protect civilians and uphold human rights.

"Instead the Western powers have abandoned their obligations under the Genocide Convention to continue to allow the slaughter of the innocents.

"The demands of our movement have not changed in the last year.

"We demand an immediate cessation of hostilities and protection of civilians. We demand unimpeded access to humanitarian aid for the people of Gaza. We demand that the Israeli State is held fully accountable for their actions.

"The United States, Britain and the European Union must begin to act within International Law and meet their obligations under The Genocide Convention.

"We demand that there are no more arms sales to Israel"

Ms Hutton concluded: "We call on the people of Derry to mark a year of slaughter and take to streets to show that Derry people stand against genocide.

"We can never allow these crimes to be forgiven or forgotten."
Sinn Fein was not aware until last week that two press officers had provided a reference for a former colleague who later admitted sex offences, Conor Murphy has said.

Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley resigned as party press officers on Saturday, days after it emerged that they had given references for former colleague, Michael McMonagle, for a job at a charity in 2022.

Last month, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Derry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Minister for the Economy Mr Murphy defended his partys actions after the charity, the British Heart Foundation, told the BBC it had not been alerted that McMonagle was being investigated by police when it employed him.

Sinn Fein has said the references were provided without clearance from the party and described the press officers actions as unacceptable and wrong.

Mr Murphy, a Sinn Fein MLA, told the BBC that the party first became aware the references had been provided last Wednesday following a media query.

He said: We became aware of it, we established the fact that this was provided without anyones knowledge, with no clearance sought nor given from the party.

In fact, we wouldnt have given clearance for such a reference to be provided.

The party then initiated an investigation which may have involved disciplinary proceedings and the two individuals resigned on Saturday morning.

Asked why the references did not mention that McMonagle was under police investigation, Mr Murphy added: It wasnt the party that did that, I am speaking on behalf of the party, I cant speak on behalf of the two individuals.

We did not know, we would not have provided the reference, we would not have cleared them to provide a reference and on the back of finding that out, only a matter of days ago, we moved to take action.

Mr Murphy was also asked why Sinn Fein did not raise issues with the British Heart Foundation about McMonagles new employment, which involved attending an event at Stormont.

He said: When we suspended him and he ended his engagement with us. That matter then, until the point that he was charged, is a matter for the police.

We have no involvement, it is not our job to do the investigation.

To do anything in relation to that could potentially be prejudicial.

It is up to the police to gather sufficient evidence to decide him charge him.

Neither Mr Mag Uidhir nor Mr McGinley has made any comment.

Mr Mag Uidhir was a senior figure in the partys organisation in Northern Ireland and often appeared at media events with senior figures in the leadership.

McMonagle was first arrested in August 2021.

Sinn Fein has said as soon as it became aware of the arrest he was suspended from his job as a press officer at Stormont.

The following September he took up the position with the British Heart Foundation.

McMonagle pleaded guilty to 14 offences of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity at Derry Crown Court last month.

The offences dated between May 2020 and August 2021.

He is due to be sentenced in November.

The resignation of the two press officers emerged as Sinn Fein was holding its Ard Fheis in Athlone at the weekend.
Former Alliance Party deputy leader Stephen Farry has been appointed to a new policy unit at Ulster University.

Dr Farry will jointly lead the universitys Strategic Policy Unit alongside another senior Alliance figure, Dr Jodie Carson, who left her role as a ministerial special adviser at Stormont in the summer.

The high-profile politician recently quit as Alliance deputy leader after failing to retain his North Down parliamentary seat at the general election.

Dr Carson had until recently been working as Alliance minister Andrew Muirs special adviser at the Department of Environment, Agriculture and Rural Affairs.

It is a new and exciting opportunity for me to continue to make a significant contribution to society

Commenting on his appointment, Dr Farry said: This marks a new chapter in my career  a departure from party politics.

It is a new and exciting opportunity for me to continue to make a significant contribution to society by addressing some of the biggest challenges both here in Northern Ireland and further afield.

I am particularly pleased to be joining an institution that has a long-established track record of playing a leading part in advances that are helping to build sustainable futures and improve the quality of life for us all through its research and impact.

It is increasingly evident that rising populism and polarisation within politics creates barriers to the collaborative, consensual solutions that we so desperately need to address significant socio-economic, environmental and geopolitical pressures.

I agree with Ulster University leaders that there is a critical role for academia in addressing such issues. I cant wait to get started.

Dr Carson said: I am delighted to be appointed to develop this new Strategic Policy Unit at Ulster. I have a long-standing connection to the University, having worked in the Economic Policy Centre and Business School.

This is a seminal moment in Northern Ireland with a new Programme for Government and a forthcoming UK Government Spending Review, both of which could be transformational for this region.

Through this new Strategic Policy Unit we are very much looking forward to playing our part in informing public discourse and related policy development here.

Prof Paul Bartholomew, vice-chancellor at Ulster University, said Dr Farry and Dr Carson had the capacity to stimulate policy debate in key strategic areas for the benefit of society, both locally and globally.

Stephen and Jodies considerable experience in effecting change for the benefit of communities and their extensive networks will bolster the strategic policy efforts of our already dynamic research community and help to boost our impact in finding solutions to issues affecting all of us, he said.
A plan which aims to increase regional balance in Northern Irelands economy has been launched by Conor Murphy.

Stormonts Economy Minister said 45 million will be available for councils to distribute through new local economic partnerships over the next three years.

The plans include the restructuring of Invest NI, Stormonts business support agency, to increase staffing numbers in its regional offices.

The sub-regional economic plan highlights a number of economic challenges facing Northern Ireland, which it said are more pronounced at local level.

It highlights that labour productivity in Belfast is 31% higher than in Derry City and Strabane, and median wages in Belfast are 44% higher than in Ards and North Down.

The plan says the employment rate in Mid Ulster is 10 percentage points higher than Derry City and Strabane while export intensity in Newry, Mourne and Down is 11 percentage points higher than both Antrim and Newtownabbey and Ards and North Down.

The rate of employees stating they were in secure employment in Mid and East Antrim is five percentage points higher than in Causeway Coast and Glens

Mr Murphy said: Councils will be asked to establish partnerships, which bring together central government, the business community, universities and colleges, local enterprise agencies and civil society.

These local economic partnerships will identify the main barriers to economic development and the priority interventions that will build the regions value proposition.

I intend to support these partnerships with dedicated funding of 45 million over the next three years.

The minister outlined that Invest NI will put a new focus on regional balance and will be a driving force within local economic partnerships.

He said: Staff numbers in the Invest NI regional offices will be increased by an initial 40%.

These offices will assume responsibility for managing local clusters and businesses with a turnover of up to 2 million.

Property specialists will be recruited to develop land and property for business use.

Invest NI headquarters will support the regional offices, providing specialist advice and expertise.

Mr Murphy said: Invest NI will support this drive towards regional balance and direct 65% of its investments outside of the Greater Belfast area.

Consequently, the whole of Invest NI, not just regional offices, will be re-orientated towards developing local economies.

Kieran Donoghue, chief executive officer of Invest NI, said: I very much welcome the publication of the ministers sub-regional economic plan and the key role of Invest NI within it.

We are committed to working in partnership with the Department for the Economy and other key stakeholders to support the achievement of the ministers policy priority of increased regional balance.

Our forthcoming new three-year business strategy has made regional development a key objective and will provide further detail on our overall approach.

Alliance Party MLA Kate Nicholl said the plan had a a distinct lack of detail around key elements.

She said: It also references the importance of the City and Growth Deal projects, and so it is crucial that the UK Government now urgently lift the pause on the Causeway Coast and Glens and Mid-South West Growth Deals in particular, as important drivers of sub-regional economic growth.
Sinn Fein was not aware until last week that two press officers had provided a reference for a former colleague who later admitted sex offences, Conor Murphy has said.

Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley resigned as party press officers on Saturday, days after it emerged that they had given references for former colleague, Michael McMonagle, for a job at a charity in 2022.

Last month, McMonagle, 42, from Limewood Street, Londonderry, admitted a series of offences, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Minister for the Economy Mr Murphy defended his partys actions after the charity, the British Heart Foundation, told the BBC it had not been alerted that McMonagle was being investigated by police when it employed him.

Sinn Fein has said the references were provided without clearance from the party and described the press officers actions as unacceptable and wrong.

Mr Murphy, a Sinn Fein MLA, told the BBC that the party first became aware the references had been provided last Wednesday following a media query.

He said: We became aware of it, we established the fact that this was provided without anyones knowledge, with no clearance sought nor given from the party.

In fact, we wouldnt have given clearance for such a reference to be provided.

The party then initiated an investigation which may have involved disciplinary proceedings and the two individuals resigned on Saturday morning.

Asked why the references did not mention that McMonagle was under police investigation, Mr Murphy added: It wasnt the party that did that, I am speaking on behalf of the party, I cant speak on behalf of the two individuals.

We did not know, we would not have provided the reference, we would not have cleared them to provide a reference and on the back of finding that out, only a matter of days ago, we moved to take action.

Mr Murphy was also asked why Sinn Fein did not raise issues with the British Heart Foundation about McMonagles new employment, which involved attending an event at Stormont.

He said: When we suspended him and he ended his engagement with us. That matter then, until the point that he was charged, is a matter for the police.

We have no involvement, it is not our job to do the investigation.

To do anything in relation to that could potentially be prejudicial.

It is up to the police to gather sufficient evidence to decide him charge him.

Neither Mr Mag Uidhir nor Mr McGinley has made any comment.

Mr Mag Uidhir was a senior figure in the partys organisation in Northern Ireland and often appeared at media events with senior figures in the leadership.

McMonagle was first arrested in August 2021.

Sinn Fein has said as soon as it became aware of the arrest he was suspended from his job as a press officer at Stormont.

The following September he took up the position with the British Heart Foundation.

McMonagle pleaded guilty to 14 offences of attempted sexual communication with a child and attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity at Londonderry Crown Court last month.

The offences dated between May 2020 and August 2021.

He is due to be sentenced in November.

The resignation of the two press officers emerged as Sinn Fein was holding its Ard Fheis in Athlone at the weekend.
HIGHLIGHTS A 30-year-old Flipkart delivery man lost his life during what should have been a routine delivery in Lucknow Bharat Sahu, who was delivering an iPhone worth Rs 1.5 lakh, was allegedly murdered by two men on September 23. The order for the iPhone was placed with the cash on delivery (COD) option.

In a shocking incident that has left many in disbelief, a 30-year-old Flipkart delivery man lost his life during what should have been a routine delivery in Lucknow. Bharat Sahu, who was delivering an iPhone worth Rs 1.5 lakh, was allegedly murdered by two men on September 23. His body was subsequently dumped into the Indira Canal, raising serious concerns about the safety of delivery personnel in the area.

Sahu, a resident of Nishatganj, went missing after he left for the delivery. His family became worried when he did not return home for two days and filed a missing person report at the Chinhat police station on September 25, reports PTI (via TOI). Deputy Commissioner of Police Shashank Singh provided details of the case, stating, On September 23, delivery boy, Bharat Sahu of Nishatganj, went to deliver the phone at his place where he was killed by Gajanan and his accomplice. After strangulating Sahu, they put his body in a sack and disposed it off in the Indira Canal.

Also read: Apple iPhone 16 series first sale starts today, fans line-up outside Delhi store

The order for the iPhone was placed with the cash on delivery (COD) option, which is a common payment method for many online shoppers.

Following the report of Sahus disappearance, the police began their investigation. A breakthrough came when they found Gajanans phone number, leading them to his friend named Akash. During interrogation, Akash confessed to being involved in the crime. However, as of now, authorities have not yet located Sahus body, prompting the involvement of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) to search the canal.

Also read: iPhone 16 and iPhone 16 Plus with new A18 Bionic chip and camera control launched: Price, specs and more

This heartbreaking incident serves as an important example of the risks faced by delivery workers. As they go out daily to fulfill orders, their safety should also be on priority.
HIGHLIGHTS Mobile retailers are not reportedly happy with their anti-competitive practices. AMIRA talked about the brands relying primarily on online sales channels in the letter. It also highlighted the detrimental effects of these practices in the letter to Praveen Khandelwal.

The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AMIRA) has formally requested the Central government to cancel the operating licenses of some Chinese smartphone makers. This includes iQoo, Poco, and OnePlus. Why is this happening? According to a report by MoneyControl, mobile retailers are not happy with their anti-competitive practices. The association sent a letter to Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on September 27, urging them to take immediate action.

In the letter, AMIRA talked about the brands relying primarily on online sales channels in the letter. This is a problem because e-commerce exclusivity can affect the importance of protecting local businesses and maintaining fair trading practices, according to the association. Kailash Lakhyani, Founder and Chairman of AIMRA explained, IQOO smartphones are mostly available on platforms such as Amazon and Flipkart, with very little supply to traditional retail outlets. This trend is marginalizing local retailers and raises serious compliance concerns.

Further, he also added, Many Chinese companies engage in similar behaviors, utilizing online platforms to support grey market activities, which undermines fair trade in Bharat. We are seeking the cancellation of licenses for firms that do not support local businesses.

Apart from this, AMIRA also highlighted the detrimental effects of these practices in the letter to Praveen Khandelwal. The earnings of these brands are retained in Complete Knocked Down (CKD) formats, contributing minimally to the exchequer. Local traders are left without access to products, which limits their ability to contribute to the economy. Moreover, customers are deprived of their bargaining rights, further stifling competition, said Kailash Lakhyani in the letter.

AMIRAs concerns about Amazon and Flipkarts exclusive distribution agreements with the smartphone brands underscore the urgent need to protect local mobile retailers. The association represents over 1.5 million members, and its plea for government intervention shows the importance of fair competition.
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Tokyo Electron to expand India team to fuel chipmaking ambitions

According to Bloomberg, Tokyo Electron plans to recruit and train local engineers in India to support the country's growing semiconductor industry. This initiative aligns with the Indian government's efforts to promote domestic chip manufacturing.

The company aims to establish a team of engineers by 2026 to provide technical services to Tata Electronics, a major player in India's semiconductor sector. Tokyo Electron will leverage robotics and offer in-person and remote support from Japan to assist the local team. While the exact number of engineers required is not specified, this investment reflects Tokyo Electron's commitment to India's semiconductor development.

The Tokyo-based company aims to hire 10,000 new employees worldwide in the next five years as countries increasingly compete to establish domestic chip production.

In a previous report by Nikkei, Tokyo Electron pledged to provide comprehensive support to Tata Electronics to ensure the success of India's first commercial wafer fab in decades. Tokyo Electron's strong market position in semiconductor equipment positions it as an essential partner for India's semiconductor ambitions. The company's involvement signifies a significant step towards establishing a robust local chipmaking ecosystem in India.

Before SEMICON India 2024 held in mid-September, Tokyo Electron announced it had signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Tata Electronics. The two companies will collaborate to accelerate semiconductor equipment infrastructure for Tata Electronics' first wafer fab to be built in Dholera, Gujarat, and for its assembly and test facility in Jagiroad, Assam.

The growing focus on India comes as the US intensifies curbs against China's chip ambitions. Tokyo Electron's CEO, Toshiki Kawai, has dismissed concerns about US restrictions on its ability to service its machines in China. He believes that the global demand for semiconductor manufacturing equipment remains strong and that India's growing semiconductor industry will continue to contribute to Tokyo Electron's revenue. While sales to China may decline due to US restrictions, Kawai expects India to emerge as a significant market for chipmaking equipment, further driving the company's growth.

Tokyo Electron global workforce FY Japan Rest of Asia Eruope and Midde East North America FY2020 7,806 3,494 528 1,714 FY2021 7,921 3,796 509 1,796 FY2022 8,234 4,328 578 2,000 FY2023 8,796 4,819 669 2,321 FY2024 9,150 4,854 708 2,359

Source: Tokyo Electron, September 2024

Tokyo Electron sales by region (%) FY China Taiwan SEA and others 1QFY24 39.3 16.3 2.4 2Q 42.8 9.3 3.5 3Q 46.9 10.0 2.8 4Q 47.4 10.1 3.2 1QFY25 49.9 14.4 3.1

Source: Tokyo Electron, September 2024
Customer-centric and continuously innovative: How Chunghwa Telecom IDC became Epson's premier partner for sustainable transformation

The Internet Data Center (IDC) is crucial to the operations of many businesses. The efficiency, cybersecurity, and performance in green energy and carbon reduction of an IDC are crucial to the sustainable development of businesses. Epson, known for leveraging core technologies that are "efficient, compact, and precise" to create globally successful products, has partnered with Chunghwa Telecom IDC to advance its sustainability goals.

Based at Lake Suwa in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, Epson made a pledge to "never pollute Lake Suwa" at its inception and has honored this commitment ever since. Today, Epson continues to work with industry partners to deliver innovative technology solutions in five key areas: office and home printing, commercial and industrial printing, manufacturing, visual technology, and quality-of-life enhancements.

Amid these innovations, Epson's commitment to sustainability remains steadfast. In Taiwan, many are unaware that the partnership between Epson Taiwan and Chunghwa Telecom IDC actually began 11 years ago. The primary reason for this collaboration was the need to achieve sustainable transformation goals.

Cutting costs and boosting resilience: How Chunghwa Telecom IDC provides worry-free solutions for Epson

"Ensuring business resilience and uninterrupted operations is a fundamental requirement," says Sydney Wang, Corporate Governance & Management Unitat Epson Taiwan. Initially, Epson Taiwan operated its own data center, managed by its internal IT team. However, the costs of self-management were too high, and keeping up with rapidly evolving information technology trends was also a significant challenge.

This situation prompted Epson to consider the feasibility of outsourcing its IDC services. After a thorough evaluation of service quality and technical capabilities, Epson chose Chunghwa Telecom, Taiwan's leading data center brand, as its exclusive IDC outsourcing partner in 2013. This decision also involved collaboration with Epson Taiwan Service Net, its subsidiary.

"We realized that what our company needed was efficient network services, not the extensive resources required to manage network equipment internally. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's services have indeed eased our concerns!" Sydney Wang notes that since partnering with Chunghwa Telecom, Epson's network operation efficiency has significantly improved. Chunghwa Telecom's extensive professional team offers superior network operation costs, quality, and cybersecurity management compared to the earlier self-managed approach.

Customer-centric "build first, dismantle later" approach facilitates seamless migration

During the data center migration, Chunghwa Telecom's customer-oriented service philosophy left a strong impression on Sydney Wang. She recalls that when they first moved into Chunghwa Telecom IDC, there was a substantial volume of IP and dedicated line services that needed to be transferred. At that time, Chunghwa Telecom prioritized smooth operation and minimal risk for their customers by adopting a "build first, dismantle later" approach, which helped Epson complete the migration swiftly.

Although this method was costlier for Chunghwa Telecom, it allowed for a seamless transition without disrupting operations for the customer. This approach underscores Chunghwa Telecom IDC's commitment to putting customer needs first.

Nationwide IDC network meets remote backup requirements

In the global trend towards sustainability and resilience, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's robust resources have become a vital asset for businesses. Sydney Wang noted that based on the "Business Continuity Plan" disaster prevention needs from their headquarters in Japan, it was recommended that the Taiwan subsidiary's IDC backup location be geographically farther.

With nearly 20 IDC locations across Taiwan, Chunghwa Telecom swiftly responded to the request by relocating the backup data center from Zhubei to the Wenxin IDC in Taichung City, thereby meeting the requirement for longer-distance backup. Chunghwa Telecom IDC's ample resources to meet customer needs clearly demonstrate its strengths.

Emergency bandwidth upgrade ensures normal and remote operations during pandemic

During the pandemic, Chunghwa Telecom IDC's rapid response proved invaluable to Epson. "After the outbreak, most employees had to switch to working from home within a few days, causing an immediate surge in bandwidth demand!" Sydney Wang recalled that when Chunghwa Telecom received the request, they promptly dispatched personnel to urgently increase bandwidth and enhance capacity, allowing Epson to maintain normal remote operations and proving to be a reliable partner during the upheaval of the pandemic.

Proactive alerts and threat mitigation showcase "customer-centric" values

Chunghwa Telecom not only prioritizes customer needs but also excels in technical capabilities and crisis management, helping Epson turn crises into opportunities.

Sydney Wang mentioned that in 2021, Epson received an urgent notification from Chunghwa Telecom's billing department about unusual dialing behavior from Epson Taiwan's representative number, with numerous international calls made to a Southeast Asian country outside of working hours. Chunghwa Telecom immediately took action by temporarily blocking international dialing for the number.

They also conducted an investigation to rule out the possibility of external line theft and determined that the issue was likely due to a problem with the switching equipment vendor's system. They advised Epson to contact the vendor for further inspection. Epson greatly appreciated Chunghwa Telecom's technical expertise, alert system, and proactive problem-solving approach, and decided to entrust the telephone switch upgrade and maintenance to Chunghwa Telecom. This incident has become a classic example of Chunghwa Telecom's "customer-centric" corporate values.

Green energy transformation: partnering for sustainability

Sydney Wang shares during an interview that Chunghwa Telecom will be an important partner for Epson in its journey toward sustainable transformation

Chunghwa Telecom not only excels with its customer-first approach and robust resources, providing strong support for its clients, but its commitment to energy transformation amidst the global sustainability trend has also been a key factor in Epson's ongoing efforts to strengthen its partnership with Chunghwa Telecom.

Sydney Wang pointed out that since its establishment 80 years ago, Epson has actively pursued environmental actions and publicly committed to becoming carbon-negative and underground resource-free (Note 1) in its Environmental Vision 2050." Under this vision, the Epson Group achieved 100% use of renewable energy at its global sites (Note 2) in 2023, becoming the first Japanese manufacturer to fully transition to renewable energy.

In Taiwan, Epson is also committed to energy transformation, actively using renewable energy in its leased office locations and purchasing green electricity certificates to achieve a 100% renewable energy goal. Similarly, Chunghwa Telecom announced in 2020 that its IDC would use 100% renewable energy by 2030. This commitment to sustainable transformation makes Chunghwa Telecom a valuable ally for Epson in pursuing environmental sustainability and opens up more opportunities for future collaboration.

The partnership extends beyond this. As early as 2011, Epson introduced the "Nagano Energy-Saving Patrol" experience from Japan and collaborated with BCSD Taiwan to establish the "Energy-Saving Patrol" in Taiwan. This initiative involves professional volunteers providing comprehensive energy audits for air conditioning, lighting, mechanical and electrical equipment, and office equipment, offering free energy-saving diagnostics to help Taiwanese businesses create low-carbon work environments and implement comprehensive energy-saving plans. By 2023, the Energy-Saving Patrol in Taiwan had audited 365 companies, estimating annual energy savings of 143,087,025 kWh and a reduction of 128,241 metric tons (Note 3) of carbon emissions. Chunghwa Telecom is one of the key partners in this initiative.

With its innovative spirit, service beliefs, and commitment to sustainability, Chunghwa Telecom IDC has become Epson's best support partner. Looking ahead, Chunghwa Telecom's cybersecurity, public cloud services, and equipment subscription optionsoffering leasing instead of outright purchaseswill further bolster corporate digital resilience. We look forward to seeing more innovative services from Chunghwa Telecom, becoming an important partner in our journey toward sustainable transformation! Sydney Wang said.

*Note 1: Free of non-renewable resources such as oil and metals.

*Note 2: Excludes some sales sites and leased properties where the amount of electricity consumed cannot be determined.

*Note 3: According to the official data from the Taiwan Energy-Saving Patrol website (as of July 2024): https://www.energy-patrol.com.tw/front/
The Juliet Letters, the song cycle by Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartet, will be performed by Duke Special and The Fews Ensemble at four concerts, on both sides of the border in October, including in Dundalk.

This evocative work weaves soaring melodies with rich, dark drama, delving into the complexities of the human condition through imagined letters addressed to Juliet Capulet, the tragic heroine of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.

The concerts will take place in The Court House, Bangor, Co Down (Sunday 13 October); Spirit Store, Dundalk, Co Louth (Wednesday 16 October); Avenue Arts Centre, Belfast (Thursday 17 October); and the Town Hall, 1WML, Dublin (Friday 18 October).

Just as Elvis Costello and The Brodsky Quartets 1992 collaboration brought together a musician born of the punk explosion and a quartet from the classical tradition, so with this new concert interpretation which pairs two contemporary greats of Northern Irish music: indie baroque pop romanticist, Duke Special, and the innovative Fews Ensemble, led by Joanne Quigley-McParland (Artistic Director of Newry Chamber Music and The Fews Ensemble), which is no stranger to exciting collaborations, having worked with Northern Irish actors Ciaran Hinds (Belfast, The Terror) and Ian McElhinney (Derry Girls), as well as dancer Colin Dunne.

The Juliet Letters was inspired by a newspaper item about a Veronese academic who had taken on the task of replying to letters addressed to Juliet Capulet, and from the fact that Costello and the Brodskeys were fans of each other's music.

Read Next: Louth TD again calls for Covid inquiry into Dealgan House deaths

We wanted to explore the under-used combination of voice and string quartet, but were anxious to avoid that junkyard named Cross-Over, Costello has said of the work. It also conforms to, and occasionally upsets, the structures found in our respective disciplines and indiscipline!

That spirit of commitment and exploration will be found in these new renditions, as Duke Specials distinctive, soulful voice and theatrical flair blend with the masterful, elegant accompaniment of The Fews Ensemble.

The Juliet Letters explores themes of love, loss, longing, and heartbreak (Costello said it employs music which we believe touches whatever part of the being that you care to mention), creating a world where passion and despair are laid bare, it promises a deeply emotional, immersive, and captivating experience for audiences.

All concerts start at 7.30pm. For more information, tickets and booking, see: https://www.newrychambermusic.org
Irelands Education & Training Boards (ETBs) including Louth & Meath ETB - collectively the largest providers of education and training in the country- have committed to working with the Electoral Commission to encourage voter participation, and to challenge all political parties to tackle inequality in the upcoming general election and new programme for government.

The pledge was made to over 200 delegates attending the Education & Training Boards Ireland (ETBI) Annual conference entitled Hear my Voice: The learner in Education & Citizenship, held in Wexford.

Art OLeary, CEO of An Coimisiun Toghchain said: We know that of those citizens who didnt vote in the recent local elections, 17% said it was because they didnt know who to vote for, 14% said it was because they werent interested in politics, and 10% said their vote didnt matter.

Read Next: Dundalk Museum to host guest lecturer Dr. Edward Burke

"These are the people that as Irelands electoral commission we need to win over. With a footprint in every town, city and county across primary, post primary and Further Education & Training, ETBs are critical to the development and delivery of our voter education programme.

Paddy Lavelle, General Secretary of ETBI said: Well be delighted to work with the Electoral Commission in the run up to the general election and beyond to ensure all voices are heard. Well also be asking all political representatives to prioritise ETBs in their party manifestos and the next programme for government.

"We want to see more multi-denominational Community National Schools, an increased deputy principal allocation for disadvantaged schools, and appropriate funding for the essential further education, training and youth services our ETBs provide.

Over two days, the conference showcased the importance of learner voice in education, democracy and citizenship with ETB learners, past and present playing a key role including former ETB Learner and activist Latisha McCrudden who added her support:

My ETB equipped me with the skills to engage with democracy and politics. I want to make a difference for underrepresented people in this country and hope to run in the 2029 local elections.
Bunny (Joe) ORiordan, from Midleton, has travelled many places during his life. He has done many things, and he has achieved many things.

Now Im going to do the next right things, says Bunny.

After losing his beloved son Cian to suicide, Bunny initiated the Midleton Bike Project out of a desire to bring the community together, creating a feeling of empowerment and uplifting people in a non-judgemental environment.

We can talk through bikes, explains Bunny. The bikes became the catalyst leading to the setting up of The Midleton Hub.

The main purpose of The Hub is to support people in the community maintaining positive mental health by providing effective affordable and accessible counselling, as well as psychotherapy to the public in east Cork and surrounding areas.

Bunny O'Riordan of The Midleton Hub who drove around the 32 counties of Ireland on his late son Cian's bike with a support team to raise funds and awareness for 'living with suicide'.

There was no long-term plan.

The Hub stemmed from interest in bikes, and it evolved to emotional wellbeing, says Bunny.

The Hub which has charitable status, was his idea and his vision.

It is now up and successfully running under a new board of management, says Bunny.

The Hub has five therapy rooms growing all the time, and it will continue the same ethos.

Bunny, a builder by trade, physically built the original warehouse that became The Hub.

My work there is done, he says.

I have the freedom to go and do the next right thing.

With a lot done and more to do, Bunnys important work is not yet done.

I trained as a psychotherapist and Im going on to do a degree this year, says Bunny.

I am planning to set up practice in Cork city working with people who are struggling on a one-to-one basis.

Bunny, (Joe) O'Riordan.

What is Bunnys aim going down the psychotherapist route?

While I have trained as a psychotherapist, I want to act as a mentor to people who are struggling after losing a loved one to suicide, bringing my own experience and my own life into it.

His sons life was tragically cut short in 2009. Cian was 17.

Bunny and Cian bonded through their love of motorbikes. Working together side by side late into the night, swapping tools, swapping ideas, watching their bikes being restored. They were the dream team.

Then I lost him, says Bunny, who rode Cians bike across 32 counties in 32 days to help fund the internal construction of The Hub.

He has done a lot of work on himself after suffering devastating loss.

I was in a perpetual rage, he says.

I thought nobody could possibly experience my pain.

I was murderous and suicidal. I had to do two years of personal work on myself.

Why didnt he just stay under the duvet?

The day came to help people in my own community, says Bunny.

And in order to that I had to get well myself.

He had built a wall.

On December 28, 2018, I was in bed, says Bunny.

Blocks and cement arrived at my door. I knew I had to start building. I remember it was wet and damp and it was warmer outside. But thats how the building started.

Bunny, (Joe) O'Riordan.

His recovery began then.

I started on a journey of personal discovery, and it has not ceased. I got peace of mind by stopping and reflecting.

He learned to walk in his shoes.

I learned to walk with it. Not running away allows for healing. Losing a child is unnatural. There is no natural healing process. It seems you never come to terms with grief and loss.

For me doing personal work on myself, the insanity and the rage began to fade.

Bunny wants to help heal his fellow man.

I like working with people, says Bunny. I have found that. And I have found response to trauma is flight, fight or freeze, in other words, to throw in the towel.

Bunny, never throwing in the towel, intends to help people suffering trauma to stand up and fight.

Instead of staying stuck amid the tragic loss, grief and trauma, I want to offer people an opportunity to grow.

How?

By stopping, reflecting and engaging. It is like catching a nettle in the right place.

He wants people to reach a good place.

I want people who are stuck to discover a value in life again, says Bunny.

Something of value happened to him.

For something good to happen, I had to take an interest in my own life again.

He could laugh again.

My sense of humour returned, says Bunny.

I fell apart after Cian died. We were mates. Whenever I travelled journeys on the bike, I had a guilt trip when I covered the same ground I had covered with Cian on our motorbikes.

Now Bunny travels light.

I dont feel any adverse feelings now. I acknowledge that Ive done this journey with Cian; and the same ground doesnt trigger negative feelings.

Bunny feels fulfilled. Working with people fulfils me as a person, he says. I believe completion of any project is important.

Bunny has been on some journey.

And what a journey it was, he says.

My dreams and aspirations shut down. Then, when I stopped, reflected, and looked back on my life, I could move forward.

He looked on the other side of life.

I broadened my own perspective of life with education, personal work understanding myself, says Bunny.

Now hes doing the next right thing, mentoring people who are suffering mentally and who are stuck.

There is no rule book, says Bunny.

There are no easy answers. But there is a question.

Whats the next right thing?

For more, see wwwbunnyoriordan.com or call Bunny on 085-1146407.

The Samaritans can be contacted on 116 123.
A former teacher of Colaiste Muire in Cobh was remembered at a school event by her colleagues recently, when they dedicated their new library to her memory.

Anne Mansworth, who sadly passed away from pancreatic cancer in 2014, taught English and resource classes at the school.

The opening ceremony of the library last week was a touching occasion, as Annes granddaughter, Faye Creevy, who is now in first year at Colaiste Muire, unveiled a plaque in honour of her grandmother.

Faye was only two when her grandmother passed away.

Fergus OBrien, principal of the school, said: Its fitting that Annes granddaughter unveiled the plaque on the tenth anniversary year of Annes death.

Anne was very well-read and a huge advocate of reading, particularly for young people, so we are delighted to honour her memory by dedicating our newly-revamped library to her.

Local author Michelle Dunne opened the library and said she was thrilled to be asked to launch it on such a special occasion.

She is a past pupil of the school and has many fond memories of her time there.

Michelle admitted that, while she wasnt highly academic, her writing was encouraged and nurtured by her English teacher Sr Mary.

Michelle recounted an anecdote where the gentle nun, who normally wouldnt give out to students, was returning essays to her class. She tapped her finger on the A+ that Michelle had received and wagged her finger at her while saying nothing.

Michelle was perplexed how, having received her first ever A+, she felt her teacher was giving out to her.

After the class, Sr Mary chatted to her and advised her: If you worked as hard as you talk, you would be an amazing writer.

Sr Mary chased her for work, and not only has Michelle still got the gift of the gab today, but she is a prolific writer.

Michelle, who was a former army officer, wrote about what she knew. She used her and her army colleagues experiences as the basis for a series of novels which she wrote.

The main character in these novels was Lindsey Ryan, a former soldier and peacekeeper trying to settle back into civilian life while in the clutches of PTSD. This was received well and has been optioned as a TV series.

This year alone, Michelle has published two psychological thrillers, The Good Girl andThe Hotel Maid. She was asked to write the screen play for The Good Girl so that it could also be filmed for TV.

The Cobh author has another book due to be published by April, 2025. Added to this busy writing schedule, Michelle is also involved in organising and speaking at arts events such as the Spike Island Literary festival, the Cross Drift Arts festival in Garnish Island, and the Murder One festival which will take place in Dublin in October.

She admitted that the festivals counterbalance the solitary job of writing. While speaking at the opening of the library at Colaiste Muire, she advised students who were in attendance to enjoy their time there, as it is the only time in life that you get to spend that much time with your friends.

She advised them not to let devices get in the way of talking to friends.

While acknowledging the wealth of information and enjoying what was now at their fingertips in the library, she quoted fantasy writer George RR Martin, saying: A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies. The man who never reads lives only one.

All secondary schools received a School Library Books Capital Grant in 2022. The amount of money given was based on the number of students in the school. Colaiste Muire received 10,000 and proceeded to invest in new titles for their school library.

They were advised by their local county library in Cobh that students would not read anything over five years old. As a result, they filled their library with more than 2,000 brand new titles of books from all different genres.

There was a lot of work involved in this as they had to catalogue each title and scan it into their online system. A team of Transition Year students took this on as a project with their teachers Ellen ONeill, Annette Sutton, Robert Johnston, and Aedin Johnston. They dedicated all their lunchtimes during 2023 to completing the task.

Such was the excitement about the library in the school, that the team of these TY students opened the library unofficially last year. It was open during lunchtime for lending.

However, this year the school has timetabled junior classes for a reading class in the library once a week.

Ellen ONeill, one of the leading teachers in the project said: So far, this has been very successful in encouraging students to turn off their devices and quietly read for 40 minutes.

The library is also open for one lunchtime during the week to facilitate borrowing by all students and its proving to be an enormous success.

The plan had always been to dedicate the library to Anne Mansworths memory as it had been very close to her heart when she worked there.

So, it was fitting that her granddaughter whom she cherished unveiled the plaque to her grandmother which stated that she was gone but not forgotten.
A Cork City councillor has welcomed progress on a dog park in the city, after years of campaigning by activists.

A petition for fenced-off sections in Cork parks where dog owners can let their dogs off the leash was set up in 2021, and gathered nearly 2,000 signatures.

Social Democrats councillor Padraig Rice recently put in a motion requesting one in Tramore Valley Park.

He was told by Cork City Council executives:

A pilot dog park is presently being developed at the Regional Park Ballincollig and this will be reviewed prior to any decision in relation to the provision of further dog parks.

Mr Rice told The Echo that this was really welcome news, explaining:

A dog park is an enclosed area where dogs can run safely off leash and play with other dogs. They act as a gathering spot and help to create a stronger sense of community for dog owners.

Research shows that dog parks improve the physical and social health of both dogs and their owners.

The development of dog parks in Cork is something that I and others have been calling for, for some time. However, one dog park wont be enough, he said.

We need to see them in all parts of the city. In particular, I would like to see one in Tramore Valley Park, another somewhere near the city centre, and some on the northside.

He also suggested that the council should involve people in the selection of the next location and the design of these dog parks, saying that, at a minimum, they must include access to drinking water for dogs, seats for owners, clear signs, high fences, separate areas for big and small dogs, and waste bins.

Having designated areas for dogs to run around helps to prevent dogs being left off-leash in other areas: This improves safety.

They also can potentially reduce dog fouling on footpaths and other areas, he said.

So many people in the city are dog owners, and we need to provide facilities for them. This new dog park is a good start.
It was fun, festivities and face paint at the recent Family Fun Day at the Plaza Blackpool.

Eva Dolic gets her face painted by artist Alex Appelbe at the Free Family Fun Day that took place at the Plaza, Blackpool.

Nominations sought for Joe Sheehan Community Award

Cathedral Credit Union on Shandon Street are seeking nominations from the public for their Joe Sheehan Community Award for 2024. The award is open to anybody living in the North Cathedral, Middle Parish, Sacred Heart, Sundays Well, St Marys, Popes Quay and Blarney Street communities.

Manager, Eoin Newman said: We are looking for ordinary people who, by their voluntary efforts, have made a difference in either a community, sporting, educational or indeed any field of endeavour. As a community and voluntary organisation, we understand and appreciate the often thankless efforts many people put into community based organisations.

Nomination forms, available in the Credit Union office, must be returned to Cathedral Credit Union on or before October 19. Or email your nomination to info@cathedralcu.ie.

Bygone Blarney Street

The Shandon Area History group invite you to hear the story of Bygone Blarney Street.

This is a trip down Blarney Street  Irelands longest street. Or is it?! The talk goes through the centuries, looking at what people were doing and how life changed.

The speaker is Richard Forrest, chairperson of the Blarney & District Historical Society Coffa House, Church St. It takes place on October 9 at 7.30pm. All are welcome.

Trish OMahony and Norma Barrow, both Murphys Rock and Bride Valley Support Group committee members, at the showing of their film, Murphys Rock and Bride Valley, A Social History, at Blackpool Community Centre.

Sugar at Cork Arts Theatre

Opening on November 19, at Cork Arts Theatre, is Sugar by Michael Patric. In the play, Danyl Sweetnam describes his last days as an Irish Sugar employee.

Cork Arts Theatre said: Its 2006 and Danyl is finding the going tough. His marriage is falling apart, his job is in jeopardy and then theres a family bereavement. Rather than letting it all defeat him though, Danyl decides to laugh his way through it. Contrary to the stereotypical Irish male who finds it difficult to talk about his problems, Danyl will tell it all to anyone, anywhere, anytime. His fear, his grief, his family and even his sex life.

He has a deep love and respect for his work colleagues. They have taught him the value of laughing at the serious stuff. He will tell us with pride how they fought against the company to win a fair redundancy settlement in the Labour Court. Indeed, this fight mirrors his own personal fight with tragedy and loss.

If you can keep smiling at all, you have hope.

The show is written and performed by Michael Patric and directed by Geoff Gould. It runs from November 19 to 23.

See corkartstheatre.com for ticket details.

The passing of Tom Foley

The Blackpool Historical Society expressed its condolences following the death of Tom Foley of Dublin Hill.

The society said: It is with great sadness we hear of the passing of Tom. He was he co-founder of the Blackpool Historical Society in the mid 1990s. He was recently named Historian of the year 2024. Blackpool has lost a great historian and artist. May he rest in peace.

Have Blackpool news to share? Contact robert.mcnamara@theecho.ie
A meeting of Cork City Council held in committee last night was followed by the announcement that Valerie OSullivan, the former acting chief executive officer in Cork County Council, is to succeed Ann Doherty as the citys chief administrator.

Yesterdays meeting followed an appointment process which was initiated by Cork City Council but administered by the Public Appointments Service (PAS).

Green Party councillor Dan Boyle, Lord Mayor of Cork, congratulated Ms OSullivan on her appointment following the decision by the councillors to ratify the PAS recommendation.

On behalf of my fellow councillors, we look forward to working once more with Valerie who has over two decades of senior leadership experience across a wide range of directorates in local government and the wider public sector, he said.

Honoured

Ms OSullivan described herself as honoured and privileged to be formally appointed as chief executive of Cork City Council.

I have dedicated my career to public service and believe so much in the power of local government to make a positive difference in peoples lives, she said.

It is the honour and privilege of my career to continue this in the city of my birth, where I will continue to work with a great team and all the elected members to deliver for Cork city, its residents, communities, and the business sector.

Before Ms OSullivan was formally appointed to this role, she was acting CE of Cork County Council, divisional manager (South Cork), Cork County Council and has previously served as director of services in Cork City Council across a multitude of directorates and functions including housing, operations, environment, corporate affairs and external relations, recreation, and emergency services.

Critical

However, the Lord Mayors Green Party colleague, Oliver Moran, was critical of the what he described as Cork City Councils hire first, ask questions later approach in the appointment process.

Mr Moran said he wanted Ms OSullivan to meet councillors before being appointed to the position. However, he admitted that this was not supported by a majority of councillors.

Speaking to The Echo, the Lord Mayor said that his role was as a chairman of the council rather than a member of the Green Party in relation to this process.

What we all agree is that the selection process of the Public Appointment Service only gives a role to local councillors that they cant really act on, its very badly drafted legislation, and it causes frustration that were not really involved in the process, he said.

That said, as Lord Mayor, Ive made every effort to make sure that all members of the council will have been fully involved in the process, and Id like to think they have been.
Three people were arrested and 7,000 of suspected illegal drugs were seized during the course of searches in Cork city and Cobh today.

The searches were carried out as part of ongoing investigations targeting organised crime in Cork region.

Gardai attached to Cork County Division arrested a woman and two men, all aged in their 30s, during the course of the operation.

The operation was led by the Cork Crime Office, supported by gardai from Community Engagement, the Armed Support Unit, the Garda Dog Unit, Divisional Search Units, and specialist regional units.

A number of items were seized during the course of the searches, including mobile phones and suspected cocaine with an estimated value of 7,000.

The drugs seized will now be subject to analysis by Forensic Science Ireland.

The three people arrested are currently detained pursuant to Section 50 of the Criminal Justice Act, 2007, at garda stations in the County Cork area.

Investigations are ongoing, a garda spokesperson said.
A crack cocaine addict who was released on bail on Monday afternoon on charges of twice burgling The Green Frog cafe was rearrested within hours of his release and charged with stealing 649 worth of property from Brown Thomas.

41-year-old Aymen Barkaoui with an address at Barrack Street, Cork, applied once again to be released today but this time Judge Philip OLeary refused bail and remanded him in custody until October 8.

Garda Shane Conroy charged him with stealing three pairs of Clubmaster sunglasses, valued 649 from Brown Thomas on Monday afternoon, very soon after securing bail on burglary charges.

Garda Conroy said Mr Barkaoui was identified on CCTV taking the property at Brown Thomas. When this was put to the defendant he replied, Its not me.

Eddie Burke, defence solicitor, said, He vehemently denies taking these objects. He vehemently denies that was him in the shop. This man will say he did not have anything to do with this.

Gardai objected to bail on Monday but Judge Philip OLeary released him on bail conditions that day.

Very soon afterwards he was arrested and charged with the Brown Thomas shoplifting.

On Monday he was charged with burglary at The Green Frog Cafe on Western Road on September 26 and again on September 28.

He was charged with burglary at Nu10 phone shop on Oliver Plunkett Street on September 28 and handling three pairs of sunglasses valued 530 that were stolen from Specsavers on Opera Lane, Cork.

Gardai described him as a self-confessed addict whose addiction to crack cocaine was out of control.
Drug giant Pfizer has today announced proposed job cuts at three of its sites in Ireland, including Cork.

Its understood approximately 210 positions will go in total across its facility in Ringaskiddy; Grange Castle, in west Dublin and Newbridge, in Kildare.

Pfizer said it recently launched a multi-year, multi-phased programme designed to assess the efficiency of its manufacturing focused on finding operational efficiencies to increase productivity within the network.

As part of this process, weve conducted a series of evaluations and have proposed a reduction in the number of people supporting our overall manufacturing operations in Ireland," a spokesperson for the groups Irish business said.

These proposals impact colleagues across the Grange Castle, Ringaskiddy and Newbridge sites during the last quarter of 2024 and into 2025.

Reducing jobs is always the very last resort and we have been doing all we can to reduce costs elsewhere and minimize the impact on our people.

We are actively engaging with colleagues and their representatives, and all job-related decisions will be made with transparency, respect, and in compliance with all applicable laws.

For over 55 years, the spokesperson said, Pfizer sites in Ireland have played a key role in the global network", manufacturing many of its leading and newest medicines.

We have invested $9 billion since operations began in 1969 and continue to expand with construction underway for our $1.3 billion investment into Grange Castle, projected to create a substantial number of new roles at the site by 2027, they added.
A 99m financing deal to fund a major expansion of the Port of Cork, announced as part of Budget 2025, will help Cork to become a major hub of renewable offshore energy, Tanaiste Micheal Martin has said.

The funding deal with the Ireland Strategic Investment Fund (ISIF) will close a funding gap previously identified by the port and allow it to extend its deepwater facilities at Ringaskiddy, works for which it already has planning permission.

ISIF is a sovereign investment fund which has a mandate to invest on a commercial basis to support economic activity and employment in Ireland, and is managed and controlled by the National Treasury Management Agency (NTMA).

Thrilled

Mr Martin told The Echo that he was thrilled with the investment, and had been working on securing the deal for a year, following extensive consultation with Transport Minister Eamon Ryan and Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe.

It had to go through a few hoops to get through, but its a major breakthrough for Cork Port and a major breakthrough for renewable energy on the southern coast, the Tanaiste said.

Because the Port of Cork is the one port that already has planning permission to proceed with these developments, it can get on with the investment now to enable it to be ready to meet the offshore wind developments of the next few years.

He said he believed the investment would help build the infrastructure required to allow Cork to become a hub for the offshore wind industry.

Its really very good news, its the first port in the Republic that will be in a position to develop facilities of this kind at this scale, Mr Martin said.

A spokesperson for the Port of Cork Company said it was delighted to have the opportunity to collaborate with ISIF on what it called a critical port infrastructure project.

We have been working on this for quite some time and it is thanks to the help of ISIF and CINEA [the European Climate, Infrastructure and Environment Executive Agency] that we have been able to bridge the vital funding gap that we had identified, they said.

Investment

Simon Coveney, Fine Gael TD for Cork South Central, said the news would mean tens if not hundreds of millions of euros of infrastructure being put together in the heart of Cork Harbour, facilitated by the Port of Cork.

Thats going to mean more investment, more jobs, more activity in the harbour, in a way that will be very good for the Irish economy as a whole, he said.

Cork at the moment is the only port in the Republic of Ireland that has the capacity to be able to make the changes in their port infrastructure to be able to do this, this is an enormous piece of infrastructure being assembled and put on barges or towed out directly onto the sites where theyre going to be assembled off the south and south-east coast of Ireland.

Welcoming the news, Donnchadh O Laoghaire, Sinn Fein TD for Cork South Central, said Cork had huge potential to be an international hub for renewable offshore energy.

I and others, including Cork Chamber of Commerce and the Cork Offshore Renewable Industry Forum, have been calling for some time for investment in the Port of Cork, so this is very welcome, Mr O Laoghaire said.

Its very necessary, and I hope that this can be expedited because there are a number of blockages to delivering the potential jobs that can exist in Cork in terms of renewable energy.

The Port of Cork is one, its good to see that addressed, but we also need to see serious investment in skills in terms of the various forms of technicians, apprentices, engineers and so on that will be needed and the kind of jobs that can be created in that regard, but we also need investment in the grid to ensure that we can bring ashore as much energy as possible.

Necessary

This is an important step, a necessary step, but we need to build upon this to ensure Corks future as a renewable energy hub.

Fianna Fail councillor Seamus McGrath, who is contesting the next general election in the Cork South Central constituency, said that while he welcomed the further development of the Port of Cork, he urged that local residents and the wider community be consulted on the project.

The announcement of funding is welcome, and the Port of Cork has ambitious plans in relation to renewable energy facilities, and thats welcome, but I would ask the port to continue to engage with the local community and the local residents on any future plans for Ringaskiddy, said Mr McGrath.

Fine Gael councillor Una McCarthy, who is also general election candidate for Cork South Central, said the announcement was a major boost for Cork.

The investment is a significant step towards enhancing our offshore renewable capacity, supporting our transition to a greener future, and creating clean jobs that will benefit the local economy for years to come, she said.

As a resident of the lower harbour, I look forward to seeing this development progress.
The man accused of arson by petrol bomb attack at Murphys Rock pub in Ballyvolane at a time when up to 50 patrons and staff were visibly present inside applied to be released on bail today.

Detective Garda Kevin Motherway objected to bail being granted to Stephen McCarthy of Bay 10, Spring Lane halting site, Cork, at Cork District Court.

He faces a number of charges including that on Sunday, September 1, at Murphys Rock, Ballincollie Road, Dublin Hill, Cork, he committed arson in that he damaged by fire property, namely doors, windows, blinds and exterior and interior paint, intending damage or being reckless as to whether it would be damaged.

Stephen McCarthy is also charged with two counts of having a weapon at the same time and place.

Det Garda Motherway indicated that there was an objection to bail being granted to Mr McCarthy.

Defence solicitor Frank Buttimer said the defendant did not initially apply for bail a month ago but was making that application now.

Mr Buttimer argued that the defendant was known to live in Spring Lane and had connections and family ties in Cork so he would not be leaving the area.

Det Garda Motherway said gardai would have significant concerns that he would return to this premises.

If it would ease the States concerns he would be able to offer an address in the Tipperary area where a relative resides. At no stage was it put to him that there was any background issue between Mr McCarthy and the premises. It was a random occurrence, probably arising out of Mr McCarthys intoxication, Mr Buttimer said.

Det Garda Motherway said: Our concern is that he came back twice on the same night.

Mr Buttimer said: Mr McCarthy asked me to say he would adhere to conditions  take himself out of Cork city, sign twice daily at the local garda station, keep a curfew, abstain from alcohol and give an undertaking to remain away from witnesses.

Judge Philip OLeary said: I am satisfied to refuse bail based on the seriousness of the charges (and other factors).

The defendant was remanded in custody to October 15.

In terms of the seriousness of the case, Detective Garda Motherway said Steven McCarthy was socialising at the premises when he was asked to leave at 9.50pm.

He left the premises after a verbal argument with a security guard and went to his car and retrieved a slash-hook and attempted to strike a security staff member with it. He disarmed Mr McCarthy and took the slash-hook but Mr McCarthy then retrieved an axe from his car and walked towards the security staff but did not attempt to strike them. Gardai attended but Steven McCarthy had made good his escape.

At approximately 10.50pm Stephen McCarthy again returned to Murphys Rock, allegedly in possession of two plastic bottles containing petrol which he sprayed over the front of the premises before lighting it  resulting in damage to the outside and the interior of the premises.

The premises had 40 to 50 patrons and staff inside at the time. Confronted by security staff, Mr McCarthy threw petrol at them at the scene and was held until the arrival of gardai 

He also attempted to set bottles alight but failed and continued to throw petrol over the flames.

He allegedly had nine deals of cocaine valued 630 on his person when searched later, Det. Garda Motherway testified.
Its fitting that Budget Day today is taking place during National Breastfeeding Week.

If were serious about improving breastfeeding rates, we must invest in initiatives that properly support families who want to do it.

As a volunteer breastfeeding counsellor for the past seven years, Ive helped countless mothers navigate their breastfeeding experience and know all about the highs and lows of nurturing a baby.

I could write endlessly about how amazing the body is at nourishing and growing a tiny human with breastmilk, and the importance of breastfeeding for infant and maternal life-long health.

One statistic that recently caught my attention is the link between breastfeeding and cancer risk - for every five months of breastfeeding, theres a 2% reduction in the risk of developing breast cancer. If a pharmaceutical company could bottle all the benefits of breastfeeding, they would - but they cant.

That breastfeeding is the optimal way to feed babies is firmly established, but too many mothers still have a shaky experience of it and are regularly failed by a health system that is inadequately funded to help them succeed.

Time, knowledge, and care are the key components to boost breastfeeding - but they require financial support to happen.

Last week, the HSE published the report Breastfeeding In A Healthy Ireland, which details progress on plans to increase breastfeeding rates. The bad news? Ireland continues to have one of the lowest breastfeeding initiation rates in the world, with only 64% of babies commencing breastfeeding after birth (compared to 95% in Sweden!).

The good news? Once Irish babies start breastfeeding, theyre more likely to continue. Since 2015, there has been a 20% increase in exclusive breastfeeding rates for babies at three months.

In 2021, following a Bainne Beatha report that highlighted many negative experiences of breastfeeding support in Ireland, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly announced additional funding for lactation consultant posts in maternity hospitals.

Research tells us when mothers can access timely skilled support when needed, both in hospital and in the community, then breastfeeding continues longer.

Other positives in recent years include the introduction of paid breastfeeding breaks. Mothers are entitled to a one-hour breastfeeding break per working day up to a childs second birthday, a move that encourages breastfeeding to continue when a mother returns to work.

Every euro spent on breastfeeding is a prudent investment in public health. Hospitals are creaking with too many patients, any intervention that reduces the risk of ill health should be championed.

Here are ten things that would positively impact Irelands breastfeeding rates. Ill be keeping a close eye on Jack Chambers Budget today to see if any of them are included:

1. More Midwives

Midwives have been under serious pressure trying to care for more complex pregnancies and deliver healthy babies in an environment of chronic staff shortages. Babies keep coming whether there is a recruitment freeze in place or not.

More funding to maternity hospitals, particularly postnatal wards, will allow midwives to deliver crucial breastfeeding-specific support that can set mum and baby up for a positive breastfeeding experience.

2. More Lactation Consultants

There has been a welcome fourfold increase in lactation consultant posts since 2017, but we need more! Inconveniently, babies continue to be born outside the Monday-to-Friday working week and more lactation consultants are needed to offer support seven days a week.

3. More Free Breast Pumps

When mothers of sick or pre-term babies are discharged from hospital, leaving their precious bundles in neonatal units, access to hospital-grade breast pumps is vital for supplying breastmilk. Some hospitals loan pumps to mums, but others dont have enough to meet the need. Minimal investment would remove this obstacle to breastfeeding (and cost way less than an overpriced security hut!)

4. Promote Existing Support

A high-profile public campaign to highlight a range of voluntary and health service breastfeeding supports would be invaluable for breastfeeding families and would send a powerful message to wider society. There are snazzy TV ads encouraging us to take the bus these days.

Why not a glossy campaign to encourage supporting breastfeeding?

5. More Education for Healthcare Workers

All healthcare professionals -beyond just midwives and nurses -need more breastfeeding education. GPs, practice nurses, staff working in emergency departments, or specialist doctors are all likely to encounter mothers or babies, but have limited formal breastfeeding education as part of their training. This needs to change.

6. Breastfeeding Education in Schools

Integrating breastfeeding education into school curriculums would normalise breastfeeding for the next generation.

7. Increase Maternity Leave Pay

Unsurprisingly, countries with better maternity leave benefits - particularly those that offer longer, paid leave - consistently show higher breastfeeding rates, both in terms of initiation and continuation.

Extend maternity leave at full pay, giving mothers the financial stability to prioritise breastfeeding and watch rates climb.

8. More Support for the Voluntary Sector

The HSE provides grants to voluntary organisations like La Leche League, Cuidiu and Friends of Breastfeeding to train volunteers to deliver community-based breastfeeding support.

Sometimes a cup of tea, a sympathetic ear and slight adjustment of a breastfeeding position at a welcoming breastfeeding support group can make all the difference to a breastfeeding mama.

9. Tighter Formula Advertising Regulations

While families who cant or choose not to breastfeed obviously need to use infant formula, the HSE advice is they should consume first infant milk until they are 12 months old. Current loopholes in Irish regulations allow formula marketing tactics that can undermine breastfeeding and encourage unnecessary consumption of follow-on and toddler milks.

Ireland should fully implement and enforce the WHOs International Code on Marketing of Breastmilk Substitutes to curb misleading formula advertising. All families, regardless of how they feed their babies, will benefit from having unnecessary marketing turned off!

10. Measure Progress

Its essential to audit the impact of all these interventions for accountability and measuring progress.

Good data matters and needs investment but, in time, we can pat ourselves on the back when we improve health outcomes, reduce healthcare costs and transform from breastfeeding laggards into breastfeeding leaders!
By David Young, PA

A judicial tribunal will later examine allegations of widespread police spying on journalists.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in London is to probe claims that investigative reporters in Northern Ireland were subject to unlawful covert intelligence by the police.

The actions of three police forces  the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Durham Constabulary and London's Metropolitan Police  are set to be scrutinised.

A complaint was initially brought to the IPT by documentary makers Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney, who were controversially arrested in 2018 as part of a police investigation into the alleged leaking of a confidential document that appeared in a film they made on a Troubles massacre.

Preparatory hearings before the IPT subsequently have heard further claims that PSNI spying operations extended to several other reporters operating in the region.

Journalists Trevor Birney and Barry McCaffrey outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London (PA)

In the case involving Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey, the PSNI asked Durham Constabulary to investigate the leak of a Police Ombudsman of Northern Ireland document that appeared in the documentary, No Stone Unturned, into the 1994 loyalist paramilitary massacre in the village of Loughinisland in Co Down.

Given the ombudsmans role is to probe allegations of wrongdoing against police in the North, the PSNI said it would have presented conflict of interest issues for it to have taken on the leak probe, and therefore asked for Durham to lead on the case.

In 2020, the High Court in Belfast ruled that warrants secured by police to raid Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birneys homes and business offices in Belfast were wrongly obtained.

The PSNI later unreservedly apologised for how the men had been treated and agreed to pay 875,000 (1 million) in damages to the journalists and the film company behind the documentary.

Mr Birney and Mr McCaffrey lodged a complaint with the IPT asking it to establish whether there had been any unlawful surveillance of them.

Former Durham detective Darren Ellis, who took a leading role in the investigation, is set to be a key witness before the tribunal.

As well as the events around the documentary, the tribunal  chaired by Lord Justice Singh  has also been presented with evidence related to two other instances of police surveillance against Mr McCaffrey in 2013 and 2011.

RTE northern editor Vincent Kearney (PA)

In the 2011 incident, it is alleged that the Met Police illegally obtained Mr McCaffreys phone data  material the PSNI subsequently secured seven years later as part of another probe into the reporters work.

Earlier this year, the BBC instructed lawyers to contact the tribunal over claims one of its ex-investigative reporters was spied on by police.

The allegations relate to former BBC journalist Vincent Kearney and his work on a 2011 Spotlight documentary that probed the independence of the Police Ombudsmans office.

Mr Kearney, who is the current northern editor at RTE, has said he is determined to find out what happened.

The tribunal also heard claims that the PSNI undertook six-monthly trawls of the phone data of troublemaker journalists to see if they were in contact with officer sources.

Under pressure to address the claims aired at the IPT, the PSNI published a report on its surveillance of journalists in the summer.

Police Service of Northern Ireland Chief Constable Jon Boutcher (PA)

The report revealed that the PSNI had made 323 applications for communications data relating to journalists since 2011.

However, it said the vast majority of applications were related to journalists who were victims, suspects or witnesses to crime.

The report, which was compiled for the Northern Ireland Policing Board  the PSNIs oversight body  said of the 323 applications, 10 sought to identify a journalistic source using covert powers.

As well as the report, PSNI Chief Constable Jon Boutcher also announced an independent review, headed by Angus McCullough KC, of any use of surveillance against journalists and other specific groups by police in Northern Ireland.

Mr Boutcher has insisted much of the public concern over the spying claims has arisen because of misinterpretation of documents made available in redacted form at the tribunal.
By Cate McCurry, PA

Pensioner Vinod Bajaj said the government is failing older people, claiming there is a shortfall of almost 40 per week in the state pension.

The 74-year-old who lives in Limerick said the government needs to set out a clear pension plan for the years ahead.

It was confirmed that there will be a 12 increase in weekly social protection payment rates, including the State pension.

As part of Budget 2025, there will be a bonus double payment for recipients of long-terms social protection payments.

Mr Bajaj said: The (government) tried to keep everybody happy and with the surplus of money they could have made some real changes.

Personally, they are giving me an extra 12. But that will be gone through the extras I will have to pay including the electric grid improvement and an increase in the carbon tax.

The state needs to be more transparent with how it will pay out the pension in the coming years.

He believes the state pension should be increased by around 40 a week.

He said that a plan to reform pensions published in 2019 said that the contributing State Pension will be at 34 per cent of the average industrial wage and all future increases will be linked to this.

Finance Minister Jack Chambers (left) and Minister for Public Expenditure Paschal Donohoe ahead of a press conference for the 2025 budget. Image: Niall Carson/PA Images

Mr Bajaj said he was hoping to see an increase from 277 to 330 for the weekly contribution pension, to bring it to 34 per cent of the national average wage.

The government promised to do it but nothing has been done, he added.

Many pensioners do not know about this plan. The government has forgotten but I have not.

He said the current state pension is about 29 per cent of the industrial wage, which is 277 per week.

The average industrial wage is 967 per week, meaning the state pension should be around 332.

The government has not increased the pension in line with the industrial wage, leaving a 40 shortfall, he added.

He has said there is a need for a systematic review and commitment to ensure pensioners receive a fair increase.

The government has failed the pensioners, he added.

They said they were going to do it, they said they will divide the system and then make sure that all future pensions increases are linked to that one. But nothing has happened.

The government needs to put this right. That document is a living document.

The 277 will get you by, but it does not allow any unfortunate circumstances.

The impact on pensioners is one thing, but where is the fairness. Pensioners these days cannot say anything at all.

Im not any better off in taking an extra 12. Everything has increased, including health insurance. 6 of that increase will go to health insurance, 6 will go to the taxman and I will have 3 to buy a coffee.

Is that how you want to treat the pensioners?

The government is helping lots of other people, but what are you doing for the senior citizens of this country?
Women need to be kinder to themselves and to silence their inner critic, according to the organisers of an event designed to show us exactly how  and to have some fun while doing so.

Confidence Unfiltered is described as an empowering day dedicated to celebrating self-love and confidence that will take place in the Maryborough House Hotel on Sunday, October 13.

Presented by entrepreneur Sian Horn, stylist Nessa Cronin, and boob guru Bridget Kearney, the trio say the event is designed to help us embrace our true selves, indulge in lifes simple pleasures, learn a little, and have fun.

Cork-based Sian, who runs multiple businesses, and also has a hugely successful podcast, says she meets so many women through her work, and shes always struck at how we speak to ourselves, and how tough we can be.

Sian crossed paths with Bridget a few years back.

A visit to Bridget literally changed the way I dressed  she put my boobs in the right place and I found my waist! said Sian.

And Ive been following Nessa for years. We were chatting one day and realised that we had a lot to learn from each other, and that by making a little difference you can actually end up making a huge difference to your life, she said.

The trio put their heads together and the result is Confidence Unfiltered, which is all about getting a group of like-minded women together in the one room and letting the magic happen. No preaching, just listening, promises Sian.

Our day will be about facilitating honest conversations, and sharing how we feel. When that happens, women will realise that ultimately we all feel the same, we all tend to stress about the same things, and we theres no need to feel alone, she said.

The event will feature plenty of fun, she said, but therell also be learning involved.

There wont be any stalls or shopping, it will be about reflection, open conversation, and learning how we can feel better from the inside out. Ultimately, it will be about leaving a bit of your s*** behind on the day!

Nessa has been a retailer all her life and specialises in making women of all shapes and sizes feel comfortable and confident in their clothes. She runs an online course in building your confidence by getting to know your body shape, and also runs online membership offering a styling advice service with insider tips and tricks, Style Solutions.

On the day, Ill be sharing tips to build your confidence with your body image. Im a firm believer that you have to be OK with the body you have today.

Clothes are powerful and should be enjoyed. Now. Confidence is something were all born with, the world just knocks it out of us. At the event, Ill be focusing on ways to build a better relationship with your body and how it looks right now, she said.

Meanwhile, Bridget who opened Belle Femme Lingerie in Kilkenny 13 years ago and opened in Douglas just under a year ago, will bring her unique skill set and approach to the event. Belle Femme Lingerie fit without the use of the measuring tape, she explains.

The measuring tape can only give you a number and cannot measure volume, so it is essential that anyone advising women on wearing the correct fitting bra learns how to assess and fit, as we do, without a tape measure.

My role for this event involves showing women the importance of a proper fitted bra and how to wear different styles for different outfits.

Its also about educating women on shapewear and to try and build the confidence back into women to come back into fitting rooms feel safe and to enjoy the experience of bra shopping, she said.

She urged everyone to attend.

This event from 2-6pm will be fun, laughter and letting go of all the responsibilities for a few hours on a Sunday afternoon. Anyone can attend and most importantly you can come on your own and feel welcome.

Sian promises the atmosphere on the day will be electric, and women will feel listened to and go home buzzing.

Theres no woman that Ive met recently that doesnt need to go to this, said Sian. Its the perfect treat before the lead up to Christmas madness.

Join us for an unforgettable day of inspiration, connection, and joy as we learn to eat the cake, light the candle, and dance like no ones watching.

Tickets cost 89 and include a sensational goodie bag. See nessacronin.com/confidence-unfiltered

CONFIDENCE TIPS

Sian says;

Take small risks and push yourself out of your comfort zone. It helps build resilience and boosts your self-assurance.

Embrace your authenticity. Youre not for everyone. Your confidence comes from being true to yourself.

Celebrate your progress. Were all evolving. Reflect on how far weve come and use that to fuel future growth.

Nessa says;

Stop seeking validation from others and learn how to trust yourself and how you feel in your clothes.

Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Things dont get better by chance, only by change.

Stop apologising.

Bridget
Founded in 2005 as an Ohio-based environmental newspaper, EcoWatch is a digital platform dedicated to publishing quality, science-based content on environmental issues, causes, and solutions.

Rising sea levels threaten to completely submerge Tuvalu in the coming decades. Facing an unprecedented crisis, officials are not only trying to preserve a shrinking country but attempting to ensure the nation, as well as its culture and traditions, will still exist, even if its land doesnt.

By 2050. Its estimated that about half of the country will be underwater. By 2100, that number would be 95%. Tuvalu is extremely susceptible to rising seas due to its small size and low elevation, which is just about two meters above sea level on average.

Pasuna Tuaga, Tuvalus permanent secretary for foreign affairs told Reuters, Tuvalu wishes to champion sea level rise to be treated as a standalone agenda, not crowded under the climate change discourse, adding, It is an existential threat to Tuvalus statehood and survival of its identity.

Although it has just 10 square miles of land mass, Tuvalu also controls about 290,000 square miles of the Pacific. Its through this patch of ocean  Tuvalus maritime boundaries  that officials are trying to maintain the countrys existence, even if the sea submerges each of its nine islands. In that case, Tuvalu would keep control of its maritime boundaries and lucrative fishing rights, regardless of the state of its land.

Officials see two potential paths to preserve ownership of its maritime boundaries: through the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea or a resolution from the United Nations, Reuters reported.

Last Wednesday, Tuvalu came closer to the latter, when Feleti Teo, prime minister of Tuvalu, formally requested support for the countrys campaign to permanently recognize its maritime boundaries at the UNs General Assembly.

A rising ocean brings higher tides, and with increasing storm intensity, our villages and fields are devastated throughout the year, he said. Infrastructure such as homes, roads and power lines are washed away. Higher land on which to rebuild does not exist. Our peoples will be unable to exist on the islands and shores they have called home for generations.

Teo also said climate change threatens the culture and very way of life for Tuvaluans and other island nations. The existential threat we face is not of our making. But it will remake us, he said.

Teo said he wants to help shape an ambitious UN declaration for 2026.

He proposed six goals for the declaration, including ensuring upholding the principle of statehood continuity, which ensures a countrys statehood, even if it undergoes government or territory changes; reaffirming Tuvalus maritime zones; a pathway for safe, orderly climate migration; programs to safeguard Tuvaluan culture and heritage; improved financing mechanisms for vulnerable countries; and lastly, to establish a dedicated platform to share best practices, innovative solutions and necessary data and analysis to support informed risk disaster management decisions in affected countries.

Tuvaluans are weighing an important question: whether to stay in their home country amid rising sea levels, or to move to a safer country. Maani Maani, 32, an IT worker and resident of Fongafale told Reuters, Some will have to go and some will want to stay here.

Its a very hard decision to make, he added. To leave a country, you leave the culture you were born with, and culture is everything  family, your sister, your brother. It is everything.

Its a very difficult conversation, very emotional, Grace Malie, a young mother and Tuvalu resident, said in an interview according to the Associated Press. And its 50-50. Some of us wish to stay. Some of them, because they have families, will probably head to Australia.

In response to the looming threat of the countrys destruction from climate change, Tuvalu signed the Falepili Union treaty with Australia in 2023, which addresses Tuvalus need for support amid rising sea levels. The treaty sees that Australia provides $11 million for coastal restoration projects. It also allows for 280 Tuvaluans to emigrate to Australia annually to escape the worst effects of the climate crisis, starting next year.

However, Teo says there is more work to be done.

As a coalition for higher ambition, we will continue to work with all of you to advance stronger advocacy, to raise global awareness, and to ensure higher commitments in support for the affected countries and communities, he said, adding, The international community needs to act now; we cannot afford to wait any longer.
Beyond debuting new features for Copilot+ AI PCs and Windows 11's 2024 update, Microsoft is also giving its Copilot AI a makeover on the web, mobile and desktop. That includes a slightly friendlier interface wherever you access it, along with new capabilities like Copilot Voice, which allows you to talk conversationally with the AI assistant. Ultimately, Microsoft is aiming for Copilot to be seen as more than just a party trick for generative AI search and image creation  it's trying to make it a core part of your daily workflow.

That starts with a cleaner and simpler UI that makes Copilot look different than a boring old search engine. That new look hits Copilot on the web, iOS, Android and Windows today. You'll also be able to access Copilot from within Whatsapp, which could be useful if you want to avoid Meta's AI assistant.

Microsoft also plans to release more experimental AI features via Copilot Labs, similar to the way Google has given users access to early features with its own Labs. There's Copilot Vision, which lets the AI see everything you're viewing in Edge, and Think Deeper, a method for letting Copilot work harder on more complex dilemmas. Both features also have the potential to create new privacy and security issues, but Microsoft appears to have learned a bit from its messy rollout for Recall on Copilot+ PCs. Notably, these Copilot Labs offerings will only be available to people paying for Copilot Pro subscriptions.

Microsoft says Copilot Vision sessions are "opt-in and ephemeral," and nothing is stored for AI training. Any data related to your session is deleted once you're done. The feature also won't work on all websites, only a "limited list of popular websites." And Microsoft notes that Copilot only interprets images and text that you're seeing on a website; it's not doing any major content processing. The company also plans to take feedback from early users, refine safety measures and "keep privacy and responsibility at the center of everything we do."

There's no doubt that Microsoft has to re-establish trust with its users after the botched rollout for Recall, a feature that was meant to help you find anything you've done on your computer, but had some gaping security holes early on. "Ultimately, users want to have confidence with anything happening with sensitive data caches," Microsoft's Windows head, Pavan Davuluri, said when we asked him about the lessons the company learned from the Recall fiasco. He added that he believes the company has "gone above and beyond" to create that confidence by establishing new security standards for Recall.

Copilot Discover (Microsoft)

There are less controversial features coming, as well: Copilot Daily uses Copilot Voice to delivery a summary of news, weather and potentially reminders about tasks every day. Based on the demos we've seen, it's a lot like an early morning podcast built just for you. Copilot Discover, meanwhile, will give you tips about AI features to use (pictured in the screenshot above), depending on Microsoft services you've used in the past.

Personally, I'm still a bit ambivalent about Microsoft's near-instant transformation into an AI company. That's particularly true since we're still dealing with inaccuracies and other issues from OpenAI's ChatGPT, which Microsoft relies on to power Copilot. These Copilot features seem a bit more useful than being a souped-up search engine, but the company still needs to prove it can build AI features with bulletproof security and privacy.

As with practically any AI product these days, Microsoft is also staggering the release of these Copilot features. Copilot Voice and Daily launch today, but Voice will only be available in English in the US, Canada, Australia, the UK and New Zealand. Copilot Daily, meanwhile, only works in the US and UK for now. Copilot Vision will head to Labs over the coming days for a "limited number" of Copilot Pro subscribers, while Think Deeper is available for Pro users in the US, Canada, Australia and New Zealand.

This article contains affiliate links; if you click such a link and make a purchase, we may earn a commission.
On September 5, New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez filed a lawsuit against Snap. Torrez claimed that Snapchat has become a platform rife with sexual exploitation, child grooming and other dangerous behaviors. That legal complaint was heavily redacted, but today, Torrez announced in a press release that he has filed an unsealed complaint, which goes into detail on how Snap allegedly knowingly created an environment that exposed children to sexual predators.

The unredacted accusations include how Snap employees encountered 10,000 sextortion cases each month. Still, the company never warned users because it did not want to strike fear among them. The statement also mentioned that Snap employees regularly ignored user reports related to grooming and sextortion. An account with 75 separate reports remains active, and Snap refused to touch any of this content, citing disproportionate admin costs.

Snapchats disappearing messages have long been a draw of the platform, but the suit alleges that they lull users into a false sense of security. Therefore, predators find it easier to solicit explicit images from users before extorting them for money, or these images will be sent to friends and family.

The unredacted complaint also notes that Snapchats Quick Add feature was suggesting adult strangers to minors, and Snap Map also lets adults find minors accounts. Quick Add was even proven to be dangerous as a New Mexico man, Alejandro Marquez, had used it to lure and rape an 11-year-old girl, as mentioned in the complaint.

The complaint also alleges that Snap's upper management routinely ignored former trust and safety employees who pushed for additional and improved safety mechanisms. CEO Evan Spiegel prioritized design over safety and even refused to preserve abusive images for review and for law enforcement to use as proof. The company also didnt keep its child sex abuse images database updated, even rolling back changes and deleting evidence of matches.

Even worse, predators using Snapchat have taken to creating a Sextortion handbook to teach others how to target users at schools. Compounded with the fact that 90 percent of all reports are ignored and 30 percent of victims never received any assistance from Snap, predators could essentially roam freely.

Thats not the only issue New Mexico is concerned with. The complaint also accuses Snap of tolerating drug and gun sales. Drug dealers freely used the platform to advertise their wares without repercussions while also gaining a huge amount of subscribers. Teens have even died after using drugs they bought after seeing them advertised on Snapchat.

As harmful as these dangers are, Snapchat makes it difficult for parents to monitor their childrens Snapchat use, as only 0.33 percent of teens have joined the Family Center. Snapchat also doesnt truly verify a users age, allowing fake birthdays to pass inspection. This contradicts Snaps claims that it doesnt let children under 13 years old use the app.

Based on these accusations, it would be easy to conclude that Snapchat is a dangerous platform for underage users. The National Center on Sexual Exploitations Director of Corporate and Strategic Initiatives, Lina Nealon, said: In my conversations with law enforcement, child safety experts, lawyers, survivors, and youth, I ask them what the most dangerous app is, and without fail, Snap is in the top two.

In a statement Snap sent to Engadget last month when the lawsuit was filed, the company claimed to be diligently removing bad actors and working with law enforcement. Today, Snap provided the following statement in regards to the unsealed complaint:

"We designed Snapchat as a place to communicate with a close circle of friends, with built-in safety guardrails, and have made deliberate design choices to make it difficult for strangers to discover minors on our service. We continue to evolve our safety mechanisms and policies, from leveraging advanced technology to detect and block certain activity, to prohibiting friending from suspicious accounts, to working alongside law enforcement and government agencies, among so much more.

We care deeply about our work here and it pains us when bad actors abuse our service. We know that no one person, agency, or company can advance this work alone, which is why we are working collaboratively across the industry, government, and law enforcement to exchange information and concept stronger defenses."
Queen Elizabeth II battled bone cancer before she passed away two years ago, according to former U.K. Prime Minister Boris Johnson.

In his new book titled "Unleashed," which is scheduled for release next week, the British politician, 60, disclosed that he had known for a while about the late monarch's condition.

"I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline," Johnson stated in an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail and published on Saturday.

In his new memoir, Johnson described his final meeting with the monarch who died on Sept. 8, 2022, at 96.

According to him, Queen Elizabeth's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, admitted that the late royal's health had "gone down quite a bit over the summer" before her passing.

"She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections," Johnson wrote in the excerpt.

RELATED: Prince Harry Mistaken For Brother William After California Fundraiser Concert

Two days before her demise, the late monarch made headlines after photos of her meeting with former Prime Minister Liz Truss circulated online. The snaps shared by several news outlets apparently featured a dark blue bruise on her right hand.

At the time, speculations arose that she might have been struggling with a serious health issue since Prince Philip had similar bruising before his death.

Despite the bruise and other signs of weakening, however, Johnson indicated in his book that as per her secretary, Queen Elizabeth's mind "was completely unimpaired by her illness."

"... from time to time in our conversation, she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty," the politician recalled before noting that the Queen was determined to carry out her "last duty" of ensuring a "peaceful and orderly transition" of power between him and Truss at the time.

Johnson was not the first to mention the late monarch's alleged battle with cancer before her passing. Royal reporter Robert Jobson also stated in his book "Catherine, the Princess of Wales: A Biography of the Future Queen" that Queen Elizabeth had a kind of bone marrow cancer, which caused her health to "rapidly" deteriorate.

"Unleashed" will release in the U.K. on Oct. 10. It will hit U.S. shelves on Oct. 22.

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Israel's prime minister issued a warning to Iran Monday, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.
(The Center Square)  A dockworker strike that could hobble U.S. ports from Maine to Texas got underway Tuesday as business groups called for President Joe Biden to step in.

Some 50,000 International Longshoremen's Association members went on strike Tuesday against the East and Gulf Coast ports, snarling the flow of goods in what some predict could be the most disruptive strike in decades.

Ohio Chamber of Commerce President & CEO Steve Stivers said the strike could hurt Ohio.

"Today's announcement by the International Longshoremens Association of a strike that will directly impact 56% of Americas ports is devasting news for Ohio," he said in a statement. "Our state is ranked tenth in exported goods; we exported $55.8 billion in goods in 2023, accounting for 6.4% of our GDP. The export business also accounted for 194,000 jobs in 2021 (latest data available). Additionally, 88% of the Ohio companies that export goods are small to medium-sized businesses."

Like it's national counterpart, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the Ohio group called on Biden and the U.S. Congress to intervene in contract negotiations to shorten the duration of the strike.

"Every day of the strike requires 5 to 7 days to clear the backlog, so a lengthy strike will impact the holiday season and have a lasting impact on Ohio's economy," Stivers said.

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce said Biden should use the Taft-Hartley Act to avoid the work stoppage at 14 ports from Maine to Texas. The Taft-Hartley Act, or the Labor Management Relations Act of 1947, restricts some union activities and the power of labor unions. Biden has vowed not to use the 1947 law to intervene.

The Chamber of Commerce said that's what Americans want the president to do.

A majority of American voters (57%) support the Biden Administration taking action to keep the ports open and operating while negotiations continue, according to a national poll from the U.S. Chamber. About 20% of those surveyed said they were opposed to federal intervention. The national poll surveyed 1,467 American voters in September 2024 with a margin of error of ~2.8%.

"A strike by the ILA would have a devastating economic impact, crippling major supply chains and cutting off the flow of numerous goods American consumers and businesses rely on every day," Neil Bradley, executive vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, wrote in a post. "These ports collectively handle more than 68% of all containerized exports and 56% of imports for the nation, with a daily trade value exceeding $2.1 billion."

The National Retail Federation echoed those calls.

"NRF urges President Biden to use any and all available authority and tools  including use of the Taft-Hartley Act  to immediately restore operations at all impacted container ports, get the parties back to the negotiating table and ensure there are no further disruptions," NRF President and CEO Matthew Shay said in a statement. "A disruption of this scale during this pivotal moment in our nation's economic recovery will have devastating consequences for American workers, their families and local communities."

Chris Jahn, president and CEO of the American Chemistry Council, said the strike could affect all Americans.

"The ports impacted by the strike account for about 90% of the waterborne chemical shipments that move in and out of the U.S.," he said. "Shutting down the ports along the East and Gulf Coasts will result in a major disruption of chemical imports and exports, which in turn will hurt the broader economy both here and abroad. We urge the White House to do everything possible to prevent this major shockwave from rippling through the American supply chain and hurting U.S. trade by working with both parties to resume contract negotiations."

The strike, which extends from Maine to Texas, could affect everything from bananas to European beer and automobiles.

The International Longshoremen's Association blamed the United States Maritime Alliance for refusing a contract offer.

"The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject," the union said. "ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing."

It's the first strike at these ports since 1977. The strike will affect 36 U.S. ports handling about half of U.S. ocean imports. Included are Boston, New York, New Jersey and Philadelphia.

Negotiations have been tense since June. The disagreement is between the International Longshore Association and Warehouse Union, which represents port workers across the country, and the U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents terminal operators and ocean carriers.

Wages of East and Gulf coast workers are a base wage of $39 an hour after six years. The union is asking for a 77% pay increase over six years. It is also asking for more restrictions and bans on the automation of cranes, gates, and container movements used to load or unload cargo.
MISSOULA, Mont.  Tim Sheehy hosted a rally at the University of Montana alongside conservative political activist Charlie Kirk.

The rally took place at the Dennison Theater on campus and drew a significant crowd. Prior to the event, Kirk interacted with students at the Oval, where he engaged in discussions and received a standing ovation upon his introduction.

Kirk emphasized the importance of Montana in the upcoming elections.

"I said I'll tell you what's in Montana, the future of the U.S. Senate is in Montana," Kirk said.

Sheehy, a candidate for the U.S. Senate, also addressed the crowd and called for active participation in the upcoming election.

"So you have a really important responsibility this next 35 days, because we have to save this country on and before November 5. I know you've already served your country, but serve it again like I am, because we got to save this country," Sheehy said.

The energy at the event was high throughout, from people lining up before the rally to the end of the 45-minute event. However, there were some disruptions, with a few individuals being escorted out of the building for disruptive behavior.

The rally highlighted community support for Sheehy and Kirk, with many attendees wearing MAGA hats and showing their enthusiasm for the platform discussed.
The government has again extended the 'restricted zone' set up to curb bluetongue virus to include more counties, as over 100 farms have now recorded a case.

Following the identification of more cases, the restricted zone and infected area have been extended, covering ten counties and one city authority across England.

It now includes East Riding of Yorkshire, City of Kingston upon Hull, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Greater London, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex and part of Hampshire.

This brings the total number of cases in England and Wales to 109, according to Defra's latest update published on Monday (30 September).

Farmers and livestock keepers in the restricted zone must follow restrictions on animal and germinal product movements.

Susceptible animals cannot be moved out of the zone without a specific licence, and a general licence to move animals to designated abattoirs is also available. Movements within the restricted zone are permitted.

The extension comes after Wales recorded its first ever case of bluetongue virus over the weekend.

Following confirmation of it, the Welsh government called on farmers to be vigilant and to practice safe sourcing of livestock.

It said further investigations were taking place on the farm affected, located in north east Wales, to determine whether additional controls were needed.

The Deputy Chief Veterinary Officer, Gavin Watkins said the cases identified in Gwynedd were from animals brought into Wales.

We will apply measures to stop the disease spreading from these three sheep and our aim remains to keep Wales free of bluetongue," he said.

It is important to talk to your vet and practice safe-sourcing of livestock, to protect our herds and flocks and keep any further disease out of Wales.

I would urge all farmers and others who keep ruminants and camelids to be vigilant for the signs of Bluetongue and to report any suspect cases to APHA immediately.

We have been raising awareness of the disease with vets and industry and appreciate their help in communicating the risks to animal keepers in Wales.

It follows confirmation of the disease in a single sheep on a farm in Norfolk in late August, which made it the first UK bluetongue case this summer.

Before this, in November 2023, government vets identified the first case of the disease in Britain since 2007.

The worsening situation follows the government's decision to permit the use of three bluetongue vaccines to curb infections.

The vaccines are suppressive, meaning they will reduce some of the clinical signs experienced by animals with the disease, but they do not prevent infection.

Bluetongue does not affect people or food safety, but outbreaks can result in prolonged animal movement and trade restrictions.

BTV is a notifiable disease. Suspicion of it in animals in England must be reported to the Animal and Plant Health Agency on 03000 200 301.
Demand for British beef from key EU and non-EU markets helped underpin a strong performance for red meat exports despite a decline in sheep and pig exports.

The latest figures show that from January to June, total UK red meat exports were up 2% in volume on the year to 260,000 tonnes and worth 860m.

This was an increase in value of 2% on the same period in 2023, according to the HMRC's figures, published today (1 October).

Total beef shipments for the period increased by 11% in both value and volume, largely driven by demand from non-EU markets, as well as major markets in northern Europe.

Volume shipments to non-EU markets in the first half of the year were up 37% on 2023 levels, while beef exports to France and the Netherlands  the UKs biggest markets in the EU were up 6% and 15% respectively.

Jonathan Eckley, AHDB's head of international trade development, said the figures for total red meat exports in the first half of 2024 were 'encouraging'.

"Last year red meat exports totalled 1.7 billion for the year, equalling the record set in 2022, and exporters are on target to achieve that again in 2024.

Beef exports have been the standout success in the first half of 2024. Demand from our major markets in northern Europe such as France and the Netherlands remained robust.

"The increase in volume of shipments to non-EU markets, particularly in West Africa, illustrates again the importance of carcase balance with beef offal volumes up 10%.

However, the volume of sheep meat exports in the first half of 2024 fell 8% on the year, despite their value rising by 9% reflecting tight supplies and high livestock prices.

Shipments for the period to France were worth 163 million (up 23%), the Netherlands worth 12 million (up 60%) and Belgium worth 41 million (up 39%).

Mr Eckley said sheep meat exports had been under pressure in the first half of the year due to tight production, but were still critical to the sector, with 30% being exported, equalling exports from last year.

He added: "As we have seen with beef, demand has held up in several of our major European markets, demonstrating continuing robust demand for quality British lamb.

Pig meat export volumes for the first half of 2024 were down 2% on the year. However, volumes to the Philippines were up 23% on the year.

And volume increases to the US increased 4% on the year, while volumes to South Africa jumped by 42%.

Mr Eckley said while its always disappointing to see a fall in volume, there were some positive signals, highlighted by the volume increases to the Philippines and the US.

"Like beef, carcase balance remains an important factor for the pork sector, and volumes of fifth quarter products exported in the first half of the year are level with the same period in 2023 which is encouraging.

He concluded: We will continue to work with industry and government to cultivate the opportunities for high-quality red meat and dairy on the global stage."
Simon Howie, the Scottish red meat producer, has announced it has installed 3,800 solar panels on farmland in Perthshire.

The 3 million investment, which also includes a 104m high wind turbine, is forecast to produce over 120% of the energy the firm needs.

According to Simon Howie, which is also known as the Scottish Butcher, this would reduce its carbon emissions by over 500 tonnes per year.

The red meat business has also invested in two 450KWh battery storage to maximise return from the energy generated.

Any excess energy generated once the batteries are full and on demand needs are met will be sold back to the grid.

The change comes as the business enters peak operating months, which sees it deliver on the increased demand for Christmas and then into haggis season in the run up to Burns Night.

The 3m project has been primarily funded by Simon Howie with additional support coming from Scottish Enterprise, who provided a 500,000 grant.

Simon Howie, owner of Simon Howie Group, said the climate emergency was real, and as one of Scotlands biggest food firms, it was committed to a more sustainable future.

"Getting the wind turbine and solar panels operational has been a logistical challenge but will reap rewards both for us as a business but also for our customers as it allows us to do all we can to protect them from energy-related price hikes.

"We hope that by showcasing the environmental and commercial benefits of renewable energy, we can encourage other food and drink manufacturers to consider how they can consider a more responsible future.

It comes after a farm in the New Forest had its application to build more than 12,000 solar panels unanimously refused.

The proposed 9.85 hectare scheme at Thornlands Farm, Netley Marsh, would have also seen two sub stations built.

But the New Forest National Park Authority said the proposal went against national policy and the adopted New Forest Local Plan.
Gavin Creel has been hailed as a prince.

Gavin Creel has been hailed as a prince

The American Horror Stories actor, 48, died on Monday (30.09.24) two months after being diagnosed with cancer, following a career that saw him carve a career as a beloved Broadway star.

Among the tributes that poured in to Gavin in the wake of news breaking of his death was one from performing arts institute the New York City Center, which posted on X: We lost our prince. The New York City Center and Encores! family is devastated by the death of Gavin Creel today.

The world has less light.

And LGBTQ support group GLAAD issued a statement in his memory that said: Were devastated to hear about the passing of Gavin Creel, the out actor and Broadway star who delighted audiences throughout the years.

He was a co-founder of Broadway Impact, an advocacy group that mobilized the New York theatre community in the pursuit of marriage equality.

In 2010, Creel accepted the Special Recognition Award for Hair at the GLAAD Media Awards. Our hearts go out to everyone who knew and loved him.

Gavins death was confirmed on Monday by his partner Alex Temple Ward, and his family asked for gifts or donations in his memory be made to Broadway Cares/Equity Fights Aids cause.

Gavin, known to TV fans for playing Troy Winslow on American Horror Stories, had Sarcoma  a cancer that which forms in connective tissue including bones and muscle.

He was diagnosed in July and had been getting treatment at New Yorks Memorial Sloan Kettering.

The actor landed a Tony Award nomination after his debut as a lead in the 2002 production of Thoroughly Modern Millie.

He got another nomination for his performance in Hair before he earned a Laurence Olivier Award for playing Elder Price in the West End version of The Book of Mormon.
Selena Gomez finds it "overwhelming" that she has been in show business for so long.

Selena Gomez shot to fame as a teenager on Disney Channel

The 32-year-old actress made her debut at the age of 10 on 'Barney and Friends' and later attained teen idol status through her Disney Channel show 'Wizards of Waverly Place' in 2007 alongside the likes of 'Hannah Montana' star Miley Cyrus and 'Camp Rock' actress Demi Lovato but endured a string of mental health issues in the years that followed and wishes that she could just reassure her younger self that everything was going to "fine" in the future.

She told E! News: "I would tell her to just calm down, everythings going to be fine on the other side.

"Its a bit overwhelming being in this industry for so long. Im very grateful that Im in a much more stable place."

The 'Only Murders in the Building' star was diagnosed with bipolar in 2020 and now heads up the Rare Impact Fund to help those suffering around the world suffering with mental health issues.

Meanwhile, the 'Lose You To Love Me' songstress is currently starring in Spanish-language French musical crime comedy film 'Emilia Perez' and has had to question whether the whole experience was "real" as Oscar rumours swirl around the project.

She said: "I just dont know if its real. Im even shaking in my voice. Im grateful. I think this movie hits all different cylinders. Its very fun. Its very passionate, and its about four women, really, and their journey. And its been a blessing, so to just be in that category, its an honor."

What's more, Selena has not released an album since 'Rare' in 2020 but just isn't sure when she will be back in the recording studio because she is enjoying her time as an actress.

She said: "Im not sure when Im gonna get back in the lab, if you will. But I am enjoying the acting side.
ICE cotton prices traded higher yesterday, driven by expectations of a recovery in demand and concerns over potential crop damage. The market is anticipating strong demand from China following the announcement of a government stimulus package.

Yesterday, the ICE cotton December contract settled at 73.61 cents per pound (0.453 kg), an increase of 0.89 cents.

ICE cotton prices rose on expectations of high demand from China after a government stimulus package, alongside concerns about crop damage from Hurricane Helene, which hit key cotton-producing areas in US. Trading volume increased, while USDA report showed a decline in cotton quality due to weather impact. Market sentiment was supported by crude oil trends and optimism regarding China's recovery.

The US dollar index traded steadily to slightly up, limiting gains in cotton. However, a similar trend in crude oil prices supported cotton futures, with crude oil showing positive sentiment on the back of potential demand improvements and rising tensions in the Middle East.

Trading volume reached 42,691 contracts, compared to 36,854 contracts cleared on Friday. As of the start of the day on September 30, total open interest stood at 230,546 contracts, an increase of 291 contracts from the previous Friday.

On the weather front, Hurricane Helene hit the Florida coast on Thursday night, bringing heavy rainfall and causing some destruction, particularly in key cotton-producing states such as Georgia and North Carolina. Early estimates suggest cotton crop losses could be around 500,000 bales, though some sources indicate there may be variations in these figures. Full assessments are still pending.

As of September 27, ICE's deliverable No. 2 cotton futures contract inventory remained unchanged at 265 bales.

Cotton traders expressed optimism about Chinese demand, pointing to the countrys recent economic stimulus measures. Demand is expected to rise as these measures take effect in the coming months.

According to the USDAs weekly crop progress report for the week ending September 29, the quality rate of US cotton was 31 per cent, down from 37 per cent the previous week and 30 per cent in the same period last year, largely due to the impact of the hurricane. The report also noted a harvest rate of 20 per cent, up from 14 per cent the previous week, 17 per cent at the same time last year, and a five-year average of 16 per cent.

In summary, the market responded to potential crop losses from Hurricane Helene and positive signals from Chinas economy, with funds adjusting their positions. The USDA report highlighted mixed conditions for the crop.

ICE cotton for December 2024 was last traded at 73.60 cents per pound, down 0.01 cent. Cash cotton was traded at 67.11 cents, up 0.89 cents. The October contract settled at 73.56 cents, up 0.02 cent; the March 2025 contract at 75.28 cents, down 0.08 cent; the May 2025 contract at 76.50 cents, down 0.02 cent; and the July 2025 contract at 77.13 cents, up 0.06 cent. A few contracts remained unchanged from the last closing, with no trades recorded today.

Fibre2Fashion News Desk (KUL)
Hold Your Breath

Joker: Folie a Deux

It's What's Inside

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft

Venom: The Last Dance

October promises a lineup of exciting series and films for all tastes. Be it superhero adventures, psychological thrillers or action-packed stories, there is something for everyone. From Joker 2 to Venom: The Last Dance, here are some of the Hollywood films and series releasing in October.October 3, 2024Set in 1930s, Hold Your Breath follows a young mother who is haunted by the past and becomes convinced that a mysterious presence is threatening her family. What she does to protect her family from the mysterious presence in dust storms follows the crux of the psychological horror film. It is directed by Karrie Crouse and stars Sarah Paulson, Amiah Miller and Annaleigh Ashford among others. Hold Your Breath will be released as a Hulu original film on October 3.October 4, 2024This sequel to Joker (2019) will see Joaquin Phoenix reprise his role as the Joker with Lady Gaga joining the cast as Harley Quinn. The plot follows Arthur Fleck, who is institutionalised in Arkham, waiting for a trail for his crimes. He falls in love with a fellow inmate, and they experience life as a musical through their mutual insanity. Directed by Todd Phillips, Joker 2 is scheduled to have a theatrical release on October 4.October 4, 2024A pre-wedding reunion goes wrong for a group of college friends after a surprise guest arrives with a mysterious suitcase. This would make for a perfect watch for the ones who love psychological dramas. Directed by Greg Jardin, the movie is scheduled to release on October 4 on Netflix.October 10, 2024Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft is an action anime series based on the Tomb Raider video game series. It takes place after the 2013-2018 reboot trilogy. Starring Hayley Atwell as the voice of Lara Croft, the series will release on Netflix on October 10.October 25, 2024Venom: The Last Dance follows Eddie Brock and the symbiote Venomas they go on the run after being hunted by both their worlds. Tom Hardy reprises his role as Brock and Venom, along with Chiwetel Ejiofor, Juno Temple, Rhys Ifans and Alanna Ubach. It will be released on 25th October in India.
Kiara Advani, who was busy shooting for War 2 with Hrithik Roshan is currently taking a break with her actor-husband Sidharth Malhotra. The couple are making the most of their time in Italy and Kiara dropped a small video with Sidharth, giving a glimpse of their vacation. The couple twinned in white. While Sidharth donned a white shirt with black pants, Kiara looked gorgeous in a white dress.Kiara and Sidharth tied the knot on February 7th in an intimate ceremony in Jaisalmer, Rajasthan. The couple was seen together in Shershah, following which their dating rumours started doing the rounds.Recently, the actress was in Italy, shooting for YRF's War 2 with Hrithik Roshan. Besides Kiara and Hrithik, the film will also see Jr NTR in a key role. Kiara will also be seen in the Telugu film Game Changer.Talking of Sidharth, he was last seen in Yodha with Raashii Khanna and Disha Patani.
Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama, conceived by Yugo Sako and directed by Koichi Sasaki and Ram Mohan, is recognized as one of the earliest anime adaptations of an Indian epic. This film revolutionized the animation landscape by introducing Indian mythology to global audiences through the lens of Japanese anime.

With a team of 450 artists, the film was animated using nearly 100,000 hand-drawn cells. Sako chose traditional hand-drawn animation over computer animation because he believed it best captured the warmth and humanity of the Ramayana. Many of the animators who worked on the project later contributed to iconic productions such as Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Doraemon, and films from Studio Ghibli, further cementing the films influence on the animation industry.

Ramayana: The Legend of Prince Rama also introduced a unique collaboration between Japanese anime techniques and Indian storytelling, blending the artistic traditions of the two countries in a way that had never been done before.
By Alimat Aliyeva

The use of nuclear weapons by the DPRK will lead to the "end of its regime", Azernews reports.

"If North Korea tries to use nuclear weapons, it will face an overwhelming and decisive response from our army and the Union of the Republic of Korea and the United States. This day will be the day of the end of the North Korean regime," the president said. His speech was broadcast by KBS TV channel. Later, a military parade will take place on the central street of Seoul.

"The North Korean regime should get rid of the illusion that nuclear weapons protect it," Yoon Seok-yeol argued. He noted that with the adoption of the Washington Declaration, the union of the Republic of Korea and the United States has become an "alliance based on nuclear weapons." The South Korean leader also said he would strengthen trilateral cooperation between South Korea, the United States and Japan.

Yun Seok-yeol noted that the strategic command of the Republic of Korea, which officially begins operating on October 1, will become a key unit to protect the country from the "nuclear threat and other weapons of mass destruction" of the DPRK. It will be responsible for such weapons systems as the Henmu ballistic missiles, F-35 fighter jets and ballistic missile submarines. It is expected that this command will work closely with the Strategic Command of the US Armed Forces, responsible for the American nuclear arsenal.
Kunstliche Intelligenz hat spatestens nach dem Raketenstart von Chat GPT das Leben aller verandert. Doch der Superzyklus steht nach Meinungen von Experten erst am Anfang. Wahrend Aktien wie Nvidia von der ersten Aufwartsentwicklung stark profitieren konnten, versprechen aussichtsreiche Player aus der

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ADELAIDE, AUSTRALIA / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2024 /

HIGHLIGHTS

Follow up drilling to July 2024 Tarcoola JORC Mineral Resource Estimate (MRE) confirms new adjacent zones of shallow pit floor gold mineralisation, with key high-grade assays including:[1]

Hole ID Interval (m) Grade (g/t Au) Depth (m) Including TBM0212 5m @ 5.94 from 11m 1m @ 23.8g/t Au TBM0209 4m @ 10.4 from 32m 1m @ 34.4g/t Au TBM0215 6m @ 6.17 from 39m 2m @ 13.4g/t Au TBM0215 5m @ 6.07 from 99m 1m @ 28.3g/t Au TBM0213 7m @ 9.63 from 67m 2m @ 28.0g/t Au

Barton Gold Holdings Limited (ASX:BGD)(FRA:BGD3)(OTCQB:BGDFF) ( Barton or Company ) is pleased to confirm further high-grade open pit Perseverance Mine assays at the Tarcoola Gold Project ( Tarcoola) .

Figure 1 - Perseverance Mine with July 2024 MRE outline (red) and targeted drilling areas (green)

Commenting on the latest Perseverance Mine drilling results, Barton MD Alexander Scanlon said:

"We are pleased to confirm further high-grade mineralisation in the Perseverance Mine's open pit floor. This is expected to support the definition of additional JORC Resources and we plan to review potential extensions as we position our assets for a potential 'Stage 1' operation utilising our fully permitted Central Gawler Mill."

New pit floor gold zone

Following the definition of a shallow new JORC MRE of ~20koz @ ~2 g/t Au in the Perseverance Mine's open pit floor, Barton completed another 10 holes (882m) of follow up drilling during July 2024. [2 ] Assay results have confirmed another pit floor gold zone to the east of the July 2024 MRE block model .

Figure 2 - Perseverance Mine JORC Resources outline (red) with significant new intersections

Hole ID Interval (m) Grade (g/t Au) Depth (m) Including TBM209 4m @ 10.4 from 32 1m @ 34.4g/t Au from 33m TBM211 4 @ 1.4 from 50 1m @ 2.27g/t Au from 50m & 1m @ 2.49g/t Au from 53m TBM212 5 @ 5.94 from 11 1m @ 23.8g/t Au from 12m TBM213 7 @ 9.63 from 67 2m @ 28.0g/t Au from 68m TBM215 6 @ 6.17 from 39 2m @ 13.4g/t Au from 40m and 3 @ 2.65 from 62 and 3 @ 2.83 from 74 and 5 @ 6.07 from 99 1m @ 28.3g/t Au from 103m

Table 1 - Key high-grade assays from July 2024 Perseverance Mine follow up RC drilling

Resource modelling and extensions

Drilling has focused on testing shallow zones of the pit floor suspected to host further gold mineralisation, with the goal to infill and extend the July 2024 MRE block model and convert additional JORC Resources.

The new mineralisation encountered in this drilling is shallow (within 10-100m of the pit floor) and located east of the July 2024 MRE block model mineralisation. It is therefore anticipated that these materials will increase the total number of gold ounces which could be recovered from the same development profile.

The Company is also reviewing modelled, but unclassified, extensions for potential follow up drilling.

Figure 3 - July 2024 Perseverance Mine JORC Mineral Resource block model with significant new intersections and unclassified mineralisation below and along strike of current JORC MRE (grey)

Figure 4 - Cross section A, showing existing MRE block model and new high-grade intersections

Figure 5 - Cross section B, showing existing MRE block model and new high-grade intersections

Current Tarcoola JORC Mineral Resources Estimate (MRE)

The Tarcoola JORC MRE was last updated during July 2024 as follows: [3]

Table 2 - Tarcoola MRE (June 2024) 3

Authorised by the Board of Directors of Barton Gold Holdings Limited.

For further information, please contact:

Alexander Scanlon

Managing Director

a.scanlon@bartongold.com.au

+61 425 226 649 Shannon Coates

Company Secretary

cosec@bartongold.com.au

+61 8 9322 1587

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this announcement that relates to Exploration Results for the Tarcoola Gold Project (including drilling, sampling, geophysical surveys and geological interpretation) is based upon, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation compiled by Mr Marc Twining BSc (Hons). Mr Twining is an employee of Barton Gold Holdings Ltd and is a Member of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM Member 112811) and has sufficient experience with the style of mineralisation, the deposit type under consideration and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 Edition of the "Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves" (The JORC Code). Mr Twining consents to the inclusion in this announcement of the matters based upon this information in the form and context in which it appears.

About Barton Gold

Barton Gold is an ASX, OTCQB and Frankfurt Stock Exchange listed Australian gold developer targeting future gold production of 150,000oz annually, with ~1.6Moz Au JORC Mineral Resources (52.2Mt @ 0.94 g/t Au), multiple advanced exploration projects and brownfield mines, and 100% ownership of the only regional gold mill in the renowned central Gawler Craton of South Australia. *

Competent Persons Statement & Previously Reported Information

The information in this announcement that relates to the historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources as listed in the table below is based on, and fairly represents, information and supporting documentation prepared by the Competent Person whose name appears in the same row, who is an employee of or independent consultant to the Company and is a Member or Fellow of the Australasian Institute of Mining and Metallurgy (AusIMM), Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) or a Recognised Professional Organisation (RPO). Each person named in the table below has sufficient experience which is relevant to the style of mineralisation and types of deposits under consideration and to the activity which he has undertaken to quality as a Competent Person as defined in the JORC Code 2012 ( JORC ).

Activity Competent Person Membership Status Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Stockpiles) Dr Andrew Fowler (Consultant) AusIMM Member Tarcoola Mineral Resource (Perseverance Mine) Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Tarcoola Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tarcoola Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (until 15 Nov 2021) Mr Colin Skidmore (Consultant) AIG Member Tunkillia Exploration Results (after 15 Nov 2021) Mr Marc Twining (Employee) AusIMM Member Tunkillia Mineral Resource Mr Ian Taylor (Consultant) AusIMM Fellow Challenger Mineral Resource Mr Dale Sims (Consultant) AusIMM / AIG Fellow / Member

The information relating to historic Exploration Results and Mineral Resources in this announcement is extracted from the Company's Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 or as otherwise noted in this announcement, available from the Company's website at www.bartongold.com.au or on the ASX website www.asx.com.au . The Company confirms that it is not aware of any new information or data that materially affects the Exploration Results and Mineral Resource information included in previous announcements and, in the case of estimates of Mineral Resources, that all material assumptions and technical parameters underpinning the estimates, and any production targets and forecast financial information derived from the production targets, continue to apply and have not materially changed. The Company confirms that the form and context in which the applicable Competent Persons' findings are presented have not been materially modified from the previous announcements.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This document may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "seek", "anticipate", "believe", "plan", "expect", "target" and "intend" and statements than an event or result "may", "will", "should", "would", "could", or "might" occur or be achieved and other similar expressions. Forward-looking information is subject to business, legal and economic risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among other things, risks relating to property interests, the global economic climate, commodity prices, sovereign and legal risks, and environmental risks. Forward-looking statements are based upon estimates and opinions at the date the statements are made. Barton undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements for events or circumstances that occur subsequent to such dates or to update or keep current any of the information contained herein. Any estimates or projections as to events that may occur in the future (including projections of revenue, expense, net income and performance) are based upon the best judgment of Barton from information available as of the date of this document. There is no guarantee that any of these estimates or projections will be achieved. Actual results will vary from the projections and such variations may be material. Nothing contained herein is, or shall be relied upon as, a promise or representation as to the past or future. Any reliance placed by the reader on this document, or on any forward-looking statement contained in or referred to in this document will be solely at the readers own risk, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements due to the inherent uncertainty thereof.

JORC Table 1 - Tarcoola Gold Project

Section 1 Sampling Techniques and Data

Criteria Commentary Sampling techniques Nature and quality of sampling (e.g. cut channels, random chips, or specific specialised industry standard measurement tools appropriate to the minerals under investigation, such as down hole gamma sondes, or handheld XRF instruments, etc.). These examples should not be taken as limiting the broad meaning of sampling. Include reference to measures taken to ensure sample representivity and the appropriate calibration of any measurement tools or systems used. Aspects of the determination of mineralisation that are Material to the Public Report. In cases where 'industry standard' work has been done this would be relatively simple (e.g. "RC drilling was used to obtain 1 m samples from which 3 kg was pulverised to produce a 30 g charge for fire assay"). In other cases, more explanation may be required, such as where there is coarse gold that has inherent sampling problems. Unusual commodities or mineralisation types (e.g. submarine nodules) may warrant disclosure of detailed information Sampling during Barton Gold's RC drill programs at Tarcoola was obtained through reverse circulation (RC) and diamond drilling methods. Historic RC and diamond drilling methods were also used in drilling campaigns completed since the mid-1990s. Rotary air-blast (RAB) and aircore drilling has also been completed. These holes were used to guide interpretation but were not used for previous grade estimations or modelling of the results reported in the accompanying Announcement. The drilling program used a Metzke cone splitter (or similar) attached to the cyclone. One-metre splits were constrained by chute and butterfly valves to derive a 2-4kg split on the cyclone. Samples above 1m depth were not collected. Diamond core for drilling has been sawn in half using an automated core saw. Field duplicates were derived from using quarter core for the designated interval. Historic diamond core has been sawn in half or quarter using a core saw. Historic RC samples were collected using various splitting methods over the project's history. A splitter was generally used; however, spear samples were taken for a period of time in some holes. The sample preparation for drilling conducted in 2023 and 2024 of the one-metre sampling for Barton Gold's RC and diamond drill program was conducted by Bureau Veritas (Adelaide) using method FA1 where the 2-3kg split sample received at the laboratory is weighed, dried, crushed to 10mm, pulverized to 75 micron and split to provide a 40g sample for fire assay analysis. The sample preparation of the one-metre sampling for Barton Gold's 2021 RC drill program was conducted by Intertek Genalysis (Adelaide) using method SP1 where the 2-3kg split sample received at the laboratory is weighed, dried, crushed to 3mm, pulverized to 75 micron and split to provide a 50g sample for fire assay and adequate pulverized material for possible future multi-element analysis. Historically RC and diamond drilling samples were analysed by various laboratories by either fire assay or Aqua Regia digest, detection by atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) or a Pulverise and Leach (PAL) process. 1 m RC or diamond samples were generally collected. Drilling techniques Drill type (e.g. core, RC, open-hole hammer, rotary air blast, auger, Bangka, sonic, etc.) and details (e.g. core diameter, triple or standard tube, depth of diamond tails, face-sampling bit or other type, whether core is oriented and if so, by what method, etc.). The RC drilling by Barton Gold used a face-sampling 5 " RC drilling techniques undertaken by Profile Drilling. Profile Drilling used an air delivery systems comprising primary and auxillary compressor plus booster, delivering nominal air capacities of approximately 1000psi/2000cfm. Historic drilling has taken place over numerous periods since the mid- 1980s as follows: 1987-1989 BHP Gold/Aberfoyle JV (RC and HQ3 DD)

1991-1994 Queens Road Mines/Grenfell Resources(RC)

1996-1998 Grenfell Resources (RC, RCD, HQ3 DD)

2001-2002 AngloGold/Gravity Capital (RC/RCD)

2008 LIDDS (NQ DD)

2012 Tunkillia Gold (RC and HQ3 DD)

2016-2018 Tarcoola Gold (RC). Drill sample recovery Method of recording and assessing core and chip sample recoveries and results assessed. Measures taken to maximise sample recovery and ensure representative nature of the samples. Whether a relationship exists between sample recovery and grade and whether sample bias may have occurred due to preferential loss/gain of fine/coarse material. Drilling recoveries were qualitatively described for each drilled interval in the field database along with an estimation of moisture content. In general recoveries were good in the order of 30-40kg for each one-metre interval of RC drilling and less than 1% of intervals noted any moisture content. Samples submitted to the laboratory were weighed on a dry, as-received basis and reported along with assay results. No relationship between grade and recovery has been identified. Drilling recoveries prior to 2012 were not recorded for both RC chips and diamond core. Some earlier reports noted difficult drilling. Grenfell noted that care was taken to maximise recoveries and minimise contamination and wet drilling conditions were not often encountered. AngloGold noted no major problems with drilling conditions. TGL RC drilling programmes noted good recoveries, with weights of 30-40kg achieved in fresh material. Within the weathered zone, sample weights were more variable. Holes collared in the Quaternary overburden yielded poor or no recovery from the upper unconsolidated cover sequence, which does not host gold mineralisation. Diamond core recoveries were recorded by TGL. Local zones of core loss were noted in the oxide zone however core recoveries were generally good. The RC drilling was closely monitored by the site geologist to ensure optimal recovery and that samples were considered representative. Historically, HQ triple tube (HQ3) drilling was used for some holes to maximise core recovery. Re-entry holes were not triple-tubed as they were drilled straight into fresh bedrock. Drilling rates were controlled, and short drill runs were often used through the oxide zone to maximise core recovery. Logging Whether core and chip samples have been geologically and geotechnically logged to a level of detail to support appropriate Mineral Resource estimation, mining studies and metallurgical studies. Whether logging is qualitative or quantitative in nature. Core (or costean, channel, etc.) photography. The total length and percentage of the relevant intersections logged. The RC drilling program electronically logged a number of parameters direct into a database including: Stratigraphy, lithology, weathering, primary and secondary colour, texture, grainsize, alteration type-style-intensity and mineralisation type-style-percentage. Logging practices varied over the project's history, however AngloGold attempted to standardize the logging by relogging holes in 2002. Approximately 17,000m of diamond and RC drilling and conversion of historical data into a consistent coding system. Some inconsistency in the logging is evident in the current database, however significant mapping has been completed in the pit which, in conjunction with the logging, provides a sound geological basis to prepare a Mineral Resource estimate. Logging from drilling is generally qualitative in nature. All diamond core and RC drilling has been geologically logged. Subsampling techniques and sample preparation If core, whether cut or sawn and whether quarter, half or all core taken If non-core, whether riffled, tube sampled, rotary split, etc. and whether sampled wet or dry. For all sample types, the nature, quality and appropriateness of the sample preparation technique. Quality control procedures adopted for all subsampling stages to maximise representivity of samples. Measures taken to ensure that the sampling is representative of the in-situ material collected, including for instance results for field duplicate/second-half sampling. Whether sample sizes are appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. SADME (1964) - Diamond holes were quarter-cored by Grenfell. Aberfoyle (1979-1985) - Samples of open holes TP001-021 were collected in a PVC bag via a cyclone, and then split downto approximately 1.5kg. Newmex Exploration Limited/Tarcoola Gold Ltd (1987-1988) - RC samples from TRC001-TRC025 were collected over 1m intervals via a cyclone with an incorporated splitter. Approximately 3kg was collected for analysis. RC samples from TRC026-TRC138 were collected over 1m intervals and riffle split to collect a sample. The weight of the sample was approximately 2kg. BHP (1987-1989) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals with rock chips homogenized via a cyclone before being split and sampled. A 4m composite sample weighing approximately 2.5kg was initially submitted for analysis. The 1m samples were only submitted if the original 4m sample returned a value of >0.5 g/t Au. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Grenfell (1991-1993) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals were collected in full in plastic bags. The plastic bags were rolled several times to help ensure mixing prior to collecting a 1-2kg sample using a short plastic tube inserted diagonally several times into the material. A 4 m composite was initially submitted for analysis. 1m samples were only submitted if the original 4m sample returned a value of >0.3 g/t Au. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Grenfell (1995-1997) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals were collected in full in a plastic bucket, and then poured through a three-tier riffle splitter. Buckets were emptied through the splitter at 0.5m intervals. A 3kg sample was collected in a calico bag for assay, and the remaining sample collected in a large plastic bag. Poor sample recovery was apparently only noted within a small number of drillholes. Diamond core was apparently half-cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. AngloGold (2001-2002) - RC holes were sampled at 1m intervals. Detail surrounding the RC subsampling techniques was not provided to CSA Global. Diamond core was apparently half- cored, with samples generally taken at 1m intervals. Subsampling is performed during the preparation stage according to the assay laboratories' internal protocols. During the RC drilling program primary samples were collected from a shute on the cyclone splitter. Field duplicates were obtained from a secondary shute on the splitter. To the best of the Competent Persons knowledge, no RC field duplicates were taken prior to 1995. After 1995, field duplicates have generally been inserted in the sample stream at a rate of one in every 20 samples. No data was provided for the AngloGold drilling program however (2001-2002). Results generally give confidence in sampling procedures . Sample sizes are considered to be appropriate to the grain size of the material being sampled. Quality of assay data and laboratory tests The nature, quality and appropriateness of the assaying and laboratory procedures used and whether the technique is considered partial or total. For geophysical tools, spectrometers, handheld XRF instruments, etc., the parameters used in determining the analysis including instrument make and model, reading times, calibrations factors applied and their derivation, etc. Nature of quality control procedures adopted (e.g. standards, blanks, duplicates, external laboratory checks) and whether acceptable levels of accuracy (i.e. lack of bias) and precision have been established. Analytical techniques have varied somewhat over the projects history and are summarised below. SADME (1964) - Diamond holes were sent to Amdel in Adelaide for analysis by Aqua Regia digest flame AAS with a 0.02 detection limit. Any samples returning grades >1 g/t Au were re-assayed by fire assay with an AAS finish. Aberfoyle Exploration (1985-1987) - Samples were submitted to Classic Laboratories in Perth for fire assay using a 50g charge. Newmex Exploration Limited, Tarcoola Gold Limited (1987- 1988) - Samples from TRC001-TRC025 were submitted to Genalysis in Perth for analysis using Aqua Regia digest and AAS finish after roasting to oxidise sulphides. Fire assay was carried out on all samples containing >1 g/t Au determined following Aqua Regia. Samples from TRC026-TRC138 were submitted to Classic Comlabs, Adelaide for analysis by fire assay. BHP Gold (1988-1991) - Samples were submitted to Amdel Laboratories in Adelaide for analysis. The analytical method is not known. Queens Road Mine/Grenfell Resources (1992-1994) - Samples were submitted to Amdel for digest by Aqua Regia (two parts hydrochloric acid to one-part nitric acid), followed by extraction into organic solvent (D.I.B.K.). A 50g subsample was then analysed by AAS with a 0.02 g/t Au detection limit. Grenfell Resources (1996-1998) - Earlier samples were submitted to Amdel for analysis by Aqua Regia digest with AAS finish. Any samples returning grades >1 g/t Au were re-assayed by fire assay with and AAS finish. Later holes were submitted to Aqua Regia digest with graphite furnace AAS. AngloGold, Gravity Capital Limited (2001-2002) - Earlier holes (up to TCRC0029) were submitted to Genalysis in Adelaide. Sample preparation was completed in Adelaide, and then sample analysis was completed in Perth via a 50g fire assaywith AAS finish (Method FA50/AAS). Later holes were submitted to Analabs in Perth for analysis by fire assay. Low Impact Diamond Drilling Services (2008) - Two core holes were submitted to Onsite Laboratory Services, Bendigo for analysis by 25g fire assay with AAS finish. Subsampling techniques are not known. Tunkillia Gold (2012) - Au analysis was completed by IntertekGenalysis in Adelaide, via a 50 g lead collection fire assay with AAS finish to a 0.005 ppm detection limit (Method FA50/AA). Tarcoola Gold (2016-2017) - Samples were dried at 90 C to eliminate the impact of moisture on sample processing. After drying samples are crushed via a Boyd Crusher to <10mm in size then split through a rotary splitter to produce a sub-sample. The crusher is cleaned regularly and has barren bricks crushed between sample groups to prevent contamination. Analysis is through the pulverising and leach (PAL) process. This process reflects the site mill extraction process where: each process is pulverised in aqueous solution with cyanide bearing assay tabs and a collection of assorted sized ball bearings. Each sample is pulverised for an hour, resulting in an Au-CN complex bearing solution and remnant pulverised sample, and the pulverised material is 95% passing 75 microns. Following PAL processing, samples are decanted, centrifuged and prepared for analysis in an AAS with a solvent separation with a DIBK and residence time of 20 minutes. The sample is then aspirated through the AAS to produce a reading. Barton Gold (2020) - 2-4kg splits were sent to MinAnalytical in Perth for preparation and analysis using photon assay techniques for gold and ICPOES/MS for multielement geochemistry. The received samples used MinAnalytical's PAP3502R method for preparation which included weighing before drying and crushing to 3mm. A 500g charge was split for analysis using MinAnalytical's PAAU2 photon assay method for gold which is a fully automated technique designed for the analysis of ores. It uses high energy x-rays to excite the atoms so liberation from the surrounding material is not required. The ~500g single-use jars allows for bulk analysis with no chance of cross contamination between samples. Barton Gold (2021) - 2-4kg splits were sent to Intertek Genalysis in Adelaide for preparation and analysis using 50g fire assay techniques for gold and ICPOES/MS for multielement geochemistry. Whilst preparation and some fire assays were undertaken in Adelaide Intertek also sent some batches to their Perth laboratories for analysis. Intertek's FA50/OE04 method uses a 50 g lead collection fire assay with ICP-OES / MS finish to a 0.005 ppm detection limit. Multielement samples were analysed using Intertek's method 4A/MS48 which is a 4-acid digest followed by analysis using ICP-OES and MS for 48 elements. Barton Gold (2022-present) - 2-4kg splits were sent to Bureau Veritas in Adelaide for preparation and analysis using a 40g fire assay technique for gold. Bureau Veritas' FA1 method uses a 40 g lead collection fire assay with AAS finish to a 0.01 ppm detection limit. No geophysical studies were used in this latest drilling program. Barton Gold's RC drilling program included a comprehensive QAQC component with Field Duplicates, Certified Standards (selection of OREAS CRM's considered most appropriate for expected grade and composition) and coarse blanks collectively inserted at ratio of approximately 1 in 17 primary samples. The sequencing of QC samples is tailored on the basis of preliminary (field) assaying to maximise the effect of QA. Additionally, the laboratories provided their internal QAQC which included check samples, CRM's, blanks and repeats. Analysis of the duplicate samples was variable but considered acceptable given the nature of gold mineralization associated with this project. Some significant variation was noted however this is considered consistent with the interpreted high nugget style of mineralisation. Bureau Veritas' analysis for gold using fire assay performed well with all batches falling within the +/-3SD test of the expected value for the given standards (3 OREAS CRM's). Historically, the amount of sampling and analytical QC data that has been collected has varied over the project's history. Limited sampling and analytical QC data is available to support drilling programs completed prior to 1992, which represents a relatively minor portion of the dataset. Between 1992 and 1994, the only meaningful QC data appears to be a comparison of spear and riffle split sampling results. No significant bias was noted between the methods. Between 1996 and 1998, standard results indicate no significant bias, and blank results suggest no issue with carry-over contamination. Field duplicate results reveal a reasonable amount of scatter, which implies poor sample precision, however no bias was noted. Check (umpire laboratory) assay results also revealed considerable scatter but no significant bias which further attests to the accuracy of the analytical data. It is understood no QC samples were submitted between 2001 and 2008. Tunkillia Gold used blanks to monitor carry-over contamination and no significant issues were detected. Field duplicates were used to assess sample precision, while CRMs were used to assess analytical accuracy. Some pulps were also sent to an umpire laboratory as a further check on analytical accuracy. Field duplicate results provide some confidence sample precision. The scatter which is observed is understandable given the moderate to high nugget effect evident at Tarcoola. The CRMs reasonably demonstrated the accuracy of the laboratory. Pulp repeats were higher than the original results, which did cause some concern however, given the CRM results the Competent Person had reasonable confidence in the accuracy of the primary laboratory. Tarcoola Gold collected field duplicates to monitor sample precision and submitted one main CRM to monitor analytical accuracy. The field duplicate results give some confidence in sample precision, with the scatter which is observed likely a consequence of the high-nugget nature of the mineralisation. Although only one CRM was used, no bias was noted. Verification of sampling and assaying The verification of significant intersections by either independent or alternative company personnel. The use of twinned holes. Documentation of primary data, data entry procedures, data verification, data storage (physical and electronic) protocols. Discuss any adjustment to assay data. Alternative company personnel have verified significant intersections. No twinned holes were used in the course of this program. All data collected in the reported program including collar details, drilling records, sampling records and geological logs are recorded directly into spreadsheets in the field which includes comprehensive interval validation processes. Gyro downhole surveys and Assay results were provided in digital format. All relevant historical data was entered into a DataShed database where various validation checks were performed. Data was exported into an Access Database. No adjustments were made to any assay data in this release. Location of data points Accuracy and quality of surveys used to locate drillholes (collar and downhole surveys), trenches, mine workings and other locations used in Mineral Resource estimation. Specification of the grid system used. Quality and adequacy of topographic control. All 2024 RC collars were sited using a Garmin hand-held GPS system, with all drill collars also picked up using a Leica DGPS system post-drilling (<0.1m accuracy). The RL was generated from the LiDAR survey collected at the completion of drilling. All Barton RC holes were downhole surveyed using an Axis Champ-Gyro system which provided measurements at 20m intervals up and down hole. Collar location and downhole survey methods have varied somewhat over the project's history. Almost all hole collars have been surveyed by GPS, DGPS or total station methods, with checks completed against the topographic DTM. Downhole survey methods have varied somewhat over the projects history and are summarised below. Aberfoyle (1979-1985) - Holes not surveyed. Set-up positions were used and are well documented. BHP (1987-1989) - Holes not surveyed. Set-up positions were used and are well documented. Grenfell (1991-1997) - A single shot Eastman camera was used, with surveys taken every 30-50m (GP, GL series). Early generation holes completed by Grenfell/Queens Road were not surveyed at the time of the drilling. Grenfell conducted a campaign of Eastman surveys for open historical holes, using Fugro Survey as a contractor. AngloGold (2001-2002) - A single shot Eastman camera was used, with surveys taken every 30-50m (TCD, TCRC series). Tunkillia Gold (2012) - A reflex Ezi-shot downhole camera was used, with readings taken every 30m for diamond holes (TADD series) and end-of-hole for RC holes (TARC series). TGL completed validation checks on the downhole surveys including consistency checks on available databases, comparison of digital databases against hard copy records, and against original Eastman camera discs, cross checks on grid to magnetic conversions and visual review. Tarcoola Gold (2016-2017) - In February 2017, Kinetic Technologies was engaged to perform a downhole optics survey for a geotechnical review. A total of seven holes were downhole surveyed for deviation using a directional survey probe. Readings were taken at 10m downhole intervals. Results showed minor lifting in holes deeper than 28m. The majority of grade control holes are drilled to 23m; hence hole deviation is not considered to be significant All site data is reported in Geocentric Datum of Australia 1994 (GDA94) and Vertical Datum in Australian Height Datum (AHD). The map projection is MGA Zone 53. Historic Survey Data has been converted to GDA94. In March 2020 Barton gold engaged Aerometrex to collect LiDAR and high-resolution ortho-imagery over the entire Tarcoola Mining Lease. All datasets are levelled to the LiDAR survey. Data spacing and distribution Data spacing for reporting of Exploration Results. Whether the data spacing and distribution is sufficient to establish the degree of geological and grade continuity appropriate for the Mineral Resource and Ore Reserve estimation procedure(s) and classifications applied. Whether sample compositing has been applied. The spacing of RC drill holes was determined to provide an adequate test for mineralisation being targeted. Sample compositing was not applied Orientation of data in relation to geological structure Whether the orientation of sampling achieves unbiased sampling of possible structures and the extent to which this is known, considering the deposit type. If the relationship between the drilling orientation and the orientation of key mineralised structures is considered to have introduced a sampling bias, this should be assessed and reported if material. Precise controls on the orientations of mineralisation are poorly understood outside of existing modelled zones of mineralisation. Angled drill holes were drilled due to likely steep dip expected on mineralised positions, based on mineralisation observed elsewhere in the deposit area. Further exploration is required to determine true widths and orientations of mineralisation with a greater degree of confidence. Sample security The measures taken to ensure sample security . Barton Gold staff oversaw the sampling on the RC drill rig and maintained oversight of sample security whilst onsite during the drilling programs. Split samples were inserted into pre-printed calico bags. These tied bags were, in batches of 5, ziplocked into labelled poly-weave bags which were inserted into ziplocked Bulka-bags. The bulka bags were strapped onto pallets and either transported and delivered to the laboratory by Barton Gold personnel, orloaded by a Barton Gold representative on to a semitrailer for transport to the laboratories in Adelaide. The trailers were not unloaded whilst in transit. Barton does not have detailed information in regard to sample security measures taken by previous owners of the Tarcoola project. However, Barton understands that these procedures have been in accordance with commonly adopted standard industry practices Audits or reviews The results of any audits or reviews of sampling techniques and data An internal peer review of the exploration data processes has been completed by Barton Gold which has included a detailed review of the assay, survey and QAQC data. MacArthur carried out a review of sampling techniques and data in 2013. Mining Plus undertook a comprehensive audit of the historical drilling database in 2020 and have in part rebuilt the database using original assay results and incorporated significant supporting metadata.

Section 2 Reporting of Exploration Results

Criteria Commentary Mineral tenement and land tenure status Type, reference name/number, location and ownership including agreements or material issues with third parties such as joint ventures, partnerships, overriding royalties, native title interests, historical sites, wilderness or national park and environmental settings. The security of the tenure held at the time of reporting along with any known impediments to obtaining a licence to operate in the area. The Tarcoola ML Project area lies within Mineral Lease (ML) 6455. ML6455 covers an area of 725.35 ha and is situated completely within Exploration Licence (EL) 6210 which was owned by Tarcoola 2 Pty Ltd a wholly owned subsidiary of Barton Gold Pty Ltd. The Mining Lease is covered by a registered Native Title determination held by the Antakirinja Matu-Yankunytjatjara Aboriginal Corporation (AMYAC). Tarcoola 2 has a deed of agreement with AMYAC and all work programs have been approved by AMYAC. Adjacent to the Perseverance Deposit and the Deliverance/Eclipse Target areas are registered State Heritage Places. The Tarcoola deposit is currently held under a Mining Lease which is listed as Under Care and Maintenance. There are no known impediments to obtaining future licences. Exploration done by other parties Acknowledgment and appraisal of exploration by other parties. The Tarcoola deposit has been subject to sporadic exploration by numerous parties since alluvial gold was first discovered in 1893. Companies who have undertaken drilling include: Newmex Exploration, BHP, Grenfell Resources, AngloGold, Stellar, Hiltaba Gold, Tunkillia Gold and Tarcoola Gold. Geology Deposit type, geological setting and style of mineralisation. The Tarcoola Project covers a portion of the north-western Gawler Craton centred over the historic Tarcoola goldfield, where Archaean and Proterozoic rocks form the basement to an extensive cover of Phanerozoic sediments. The Archaean basement has been extensively deformed, whereas the Proterozoic rocks have been weakly to moderately deformed. At Perseverance (current Tarcoola open pit mine), gold mineralisation is hosted within sedimentary rocks of the Tarcoola Formation and granite, both of Proterozoic age. The granite is variably in fault contact with or unconformably overlain by the sediments, which consists of conglomerate, limestone, sandstone, siltstones, and shale. A suite of later intrusions (Lady Jane Diorite) cut both the sedimentary rocks and the granite. Mafic high level intrusives associated with the 1590Ma Hiltaba Magmatic Event are considered to control the spatial setting of both gold and base metal mineralisation. Three deformation events have been recognised in the area. D1 is characterised by open folding and NNW-directed thrusting, responsibly for the southerly dip of the sedimentary package at Perseverance. Steeply dipping NW and NE trending brittle faults developed during D2. These structures host and control the gold mineralisation in the Tarcoola Ridge area. The third deformation event (D3) is represented by the late E-W trending barren quartz veins. Gold has locally been remobilised and enriched in the weathering profile. The base of complete oxidation occurs typically 10-40m below surface, and the base of partial oxidation occurs at a depth of ~20-60m. Within the primary zone, sericite-quartz-pyrite alteration zones are spatially associated with the mineralisation and overprint earlier hematite-magnetite alteration. An outer halo of chlorite (+/-leucoxene and pyrite) is developed. Pyrite, galena and sphalerite are the main associated sulphide minerals, with subordinate amounts of chalcopyrite bornite and/or arsenopyrite noted. Veins can be discrete or form wider stockwork zones and are surrounded by broader quartz-sericite alteration envelopes which can host lower grade background halos of mineralisation. Dispersed supergene mineralisation in the oxide zone can be largely detached from veining. For more detail see: Budd, A & Skirrow, R, 2007. The Nature and Origin of Gold Deposits of the Tarcoola Goldfield and Implications for the Central Gawler Gold Province, South Australia. Economic Geology, 2007. Drillhole information A summary of all information material to the understanding of the exploration results including a tabulation of the following information for all Material drillholes: Easting and northing of the drillhole collar

Elevation or RL (Reduced Level - Elevation above sea level in metres) of the drillholecollar

Dip and azimuth of the hole

Downhole length and interception depth hole length.

Hole length If the exclusion of this information is justified on the basis that the information is not Material and this exclusion does not detract from the understanding of the report, the Competent Person should clearly explain why this is the case. A tabulation of the drilling program including the details of historic holes mentioned in this Announcement are presented in Tables 2 to 5. Data aggregation methods In reporting Exploration Results, weighting averaging techniques, maximum and/or minimum grade truncations (e.g. cutting of high grades) and cut-off grades are usually Material and should be stated. Where aggregate intercepts incorporate short lengths of high grade results and longer lengths of low grade results, the procedure used for such aggregation should be stated and some typical examples of such aggregations should be shown in detail. The assumptions used for any reporting of metal equivalent values should be clearly stated. Reported intersections used the following criteria: Reported intervals have been determined by applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off (minimum 1gram-metre accumulation, ie the multiple of the interval in metres and the weighted average grade) and allowing for a maximum of two consecutive intervals of dilution

No high-grade cut-offs were applied

Zones of anomalous mineralisation presented on drill sections have been determined by applying a 0.1g/t Au cut-off , with a minimum width of two metres and allowing for a maximum two consecutive intervals of dilution. No metal equivalents were calculated Relationship between mineralisation widths and intercept lengths These relationships are particularly important in the reporting of Exploration Results. If the geometry of the mineralisation with respect to the drillhole angle is known, its nature should be reported. If it is not known and only the down hole lengths are reported, there should be a clear statement to this effect (e.g. "downhole length, true width not known"). The relationship between mineralisation width and intercept lengths is unknown. Mineralisation elsewhere in the broader project area where there is greater levels of geological confidence is steeply dipping. Diagrams Appropriate maps and sections (with scales) and tabulations of intercepts should be included for any significant discovery being reported These should include, but not be limited to a plan view of drillhole collar locations and appropriate sectional views . See figures included in the body of this announcement Balanced reporting Where comprehensive reporting of all Exploration Results is not practicable, representative reporting of both low and high grades and/or widths should be practiced to avoid misleading reporting of Exploration Results. Balanced reporting of Exploration Results is presented. Historical drilling has been undertaken across all recently drilled areas and is presented only where applicable at the scale of diagrams provided. Other substantive exploration data Other exploration data, if meaningful and material, should be reported including (but not limited to): geological observations; geophysical survey results; geochemical survey results; bulk samples - size and method of treatment; metallurgical test results; bulk density, groundwater, geotechnical and rock characteristics; potential deleterious or contaminating substances. No substantive exploration data not already mentioned in this table has been used in the preparation of this Announcement. There are however extensive geological, geophysical, geochemical, geotechnical and metallurgical datasets available for this project area Further work The nature and scale of planned further work (e.g. tests for lateral extensions or depth extensions or large-scale step-out drilling). Diagrams clearly highlighting the areas of possible extensions, including the main geological interpretations and future drilling areas, provided this information is not commercially sensitive. Barton Gold is planning further work which will be focused on testing for dip extensions and strike extensions and to confirm grade and geological continuity implied by the current results. Diagrams have been included in the body of this Announcement

Table 2: Drillhole Collar Details for Barton Tarcoola Exploration Drilling (May 2024 - July 2024) programs mentioned in this announcement.

Hole ID Easting Northing RL DIP TAZ Total Depth (EOH) Type* Completion Target TBM0205 454951 6602904 90 -78 272 84 RC 19/7/2024 SE Pit Floor TBM0206 454916 6602871 89 -50 172 60 RC 19/7/2024 SE Pit Floor Perseverance Fault TBM0207 454920 6602877 90 -67 136 84 RC 20/7/2024 SE Pit Floor Perseverance Fault TBM0208 454919 6602888 90 -60 095 96 RC 20/7/2024 SE Pit Floor Granite Fault East TBM0209 454866 6602790 85 -67 123 108 RC 21/7/2024 Granite Fault East TBM0210 454877 6602807 85 -59 126 60 RC 21/7/2024 Granite Vein South TBM0211 454883 6602816 85 -65 105 66 RC 21/7/2024 Perserverance Fault Peela Contact Granite Deeps TBM0212 454890 6602823 85 -50 77 54 RC 22/7/2024 Perserverance Fault Granite Fault East TBM0213 454930 6602863 90 -54 304 138 RC 22/7/2024 Peela Contact Granite Vein South TBM0215 454879 6602822 85 -79 330 132 RC 22/7/2024 Granite Vein South

*RC=Reverse Circulation, DD= Diamond Core.

Table 3: Significant Intersections for Barton Gold Perseverance pit (December 2023 - April 2024) and Perseverance West (September 2023) drilling programs mentioned in this announcement 2

Hole ID From To Metres 1 Au (g/t) Comments &/or including TBM0205 24 27 3 1.44 TBM0205 31 38 7 0.66 including 2m @ 1.07g/t Au from 31m TBM0206 2 4 2 0.93 TBM0206 13 14 1 3.53 TBM0206 26 32 6 0.69 TBM0206 36 38 2 1.8 TBM0206 42 44 2 2.13 TBM0207 9 10 1 1.11 TBM0207 26 27 1 1.06 TBM0207 40 41 1 1.19 TBM0208 27 28 1 2.34 TBM0208 38 40 2 1.86 TBM0208 46 49 3 0.76 TBM0209 32 36 4 10.4 including 1m @ 34.4g/t Au from 33m TBM0210 0 1 1 2.25 TBM0210 6 7 1 4.2 TBM0210 25 26 1 2.55 TBM0211 13 14 1 2.93 TBM0211 50 54 4 1.4 including 1m @ 2.27g/t Au from 50m & 1m @ 2.49g/t Au from 53m TBM0211 58 63 5 0.44 including 1m @ 2.49g/t Au from 53m TBM0212 11 16 5 5.94 including 1m @ 23.8g/t Au from 12m TBM0212 24 25 1 1.6 TBM0213 2 3 1 2.14 TBM0213 67 74 7 9.63 including 2m @ 28g/t Au from 68m TBM0213 86 87 1 1.36 TBM0215 39 45 6 6.17 including 2m @ 13.4g/t Au from 40m TBM0215 62 65 3 2.65 TBM0215 74 77 3 2.83 TBM0215 83 86 3 1.59 TBM0215 99 104 5 6.07 including 1m @ 28.3g/t Au from 103m

1 Note - Not true widths (down hole intersections).

2 Note - Primary intervals calculated by applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off (minimum 1gram-metre accumulation) and allowing up to 2m internal dilution. Included intervals are selected to ensure balanced and representative reporting of mineralisation within primary intervals.

Table 4: Drillhole Collar Details for Historical Drill Holes Mentioned in this Announcement

Hole ID Easting Northing RL DIP TAZ Total Depth (EOH) Type* Completion Target GP005D 454793 6602749 164 -58 65 279 DDH 15/04/1996 GP033RD 454807 6602872 157 -61 113 274.2 RCD 10/03/1997 QR024 454911 6602769 164 -90 0 144 RC 1/01/1993 QR093 454835 6602820 161 -90 0 60 RC 16/04/1993 QR116 454898 6602740 164 -60 331 125 RC 20/04/1993 QR158 454903 6602860 160 -61 235 80 RC 18/08/1993 QR197 454817 6602786 165 -57 32 77 RC 13/09/1993 TBM0035 454773 6602927 152 -60 133 318 RC 18/08/2020 TGC0407 454834 6602804 135 -60 0 23 RC 1/07/2017 Grade Control TGC0411 454839 6602799 135 -60 0 23 RC 1/07/2017 Grade Control TGC0412 454839 6602809 135 -60 0 23 RC 1/07/2017 Grade Control TGC0792 454903 6602784 120 -60 270 45 RC 1/01/2018 Grade Control TGC1158 454904 6602776 100 -60 270 24 RC 1/06/2018 Grade Control TGC1166 454897 6602781 100 -60 270 26 RC 1/06/2018 Grade Control TGC1199 454922 6602821 100 -60 270 32 RC 1/06/2018 Grade Control TGC1202 454907 6602826 100 -60 270 23 RC 1/06/2018 Grade Control TGC1274 454847 6602806 100 -90 0 42 RC 1/06/2018 Grade Control TQ001 454843 6602796 163 -60 106 100 RC 1/09/1991

*RC=Reverse Circulation, RCD=Reverse Circulation with Diamond Core tail, RAB=Rotary Air Blast

Table 5: Significant Intersections for Historical Drilling Mentioned in this Announcement 2

Hole ID From To Metres 1 Au (g/t) Comments &/or including GP005D 183 185 2 1.64 GP005D 190 191 1 11.85 GP033RD 138 148 10 6.47 Including 2m @ 22.8g/t Au from 140m GP033RD 160 161 1 1.17 GP033RD 166 177 11 0.95 QR024 101 102 1 3.65 QR093 44 45 1 3.6 QR093 46 47 1 4.1 QR116 101 103 2 13.32 Including 1m @ 26.0g/t Au from 102m QR158 75 79 4 4.27 Including 2m @ 7.48g/t Au from 75m QR197 57 59 2 0.8 TBM0035 206 207 1 2.36 TGC0407 17 21 4 1.04 TGC0411 21 23 2 2.29 TGC0412 17 18 1 1.11 TGC0792 40 43 3 0.77 TGC1158 17 20 3 1.22 TGC1166 18 26 8 8.93 Including 1m @ 24.42g/t Au from 18m and including 1m @ 31.11g/t Au from 21m TGC1199 26 27 1 1.75 TGC1202 20 22 2 0.81 TGC1274 20 21 1 2.13 TQ001 90 99 9 5.57 Including 1m @ 24.7g/t Au from 93m

1 Note - Not true widths.

2 Note - Calculated applying a 0.5g/t Au cut-off and allowing up to 2m internal dilution. Included intervals are selected to ensure balanced and representative reporting of mineralisation within primary intervals.

[1] Refer to ASX announcements dated 3 / 25 July 2024

[2] Refer to ASX announcements dated 8 / 22 April and 3 / 25 July 2024

[3] Refer to ASX Announcement dated 3 July 2024

* Refer to Barton Prospectus dated 14 May 2021 and ASX announcements dated 4 March and 16 July 2024. Total Barton JORC (2012) Mineral Resources include 824koz Au (26.8Mt @ 0.96 g/t Au) in Indicated and 750koz Au (25.4Mt @ 0.92 g/t Au) in Inferred categories.

SOURCE: Barton Gold Holdings Limited
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2024) - CardioComm Solutions, Inc. (TSXV: EKG) ("CardioComm" or the "Company"), a global medical provider of consumer heart monitoring and medical electrocardiogram ("ECG") software and hardware solutions, is pleased to announce it has received Health Canada clearance of its GEMS Rhythm ECG artificial intelligence (AI) software for the automated detection of multiple arrhythmias and morphology abnormalities.

The GEMS Rhythm arrhythmia and morphology abnormality AI detection will include atrial fibrillation, prolonged QT and QTc intervals, tachycardia/bradycardia/pause, average heart rate, PQ and QRS intervals, identification of patterns of different heart beats such as PACs, PVCs, bigeminy and trigemini, as well as estimation of the heart rate variability.

The clearance of the GEMS Rhythm technology is a critical milestone in the Company's product road map to develop its GEMS software into an all-in-one, device-agnostic, ECG software solution. GEMS Rhythm will first be offered with the Company's GEMS FLEX ECG software to support automated analysis of one to three leads of ECG data acquired through event recorders worn for up to 30 days. Additionally, GEMS Rhythm will automatically review ECGs from its consumer HeartCheck ECG products.

In the next phases of software releases, GEMS Rhythm will be used with the GEMS Holter and GEMS LTCM solutions (in development) to perform continuous monitoring of ECGs over durations of 24 hours to 14 days, with near real-time event triggering throughout the monitoring period. CardioComm's all-in-one GEMS solutions for Event, Holter/Event, and LTCM will provide hospitals, physician groups, and commercial laboratories with ultimate flexibility to provide customized patient care in a fully integrated, device-agnostic software solution.

GEMS Rhythm, GEMS Holter, and GEMS LTCM will join CardioComm's growing product lines, including the HeartCheckTM branded home ECG devices and the Body-by-GEMSTM multiple bio-signal monitoring solutions.

CardioComm is pleased to confirm that research and development support for this GEMS Rhythm project was provided in part through an NRC Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC-IRAP) contribution agreement of up to $150,000.

To learn more about CardioComm's products and for further updates please visit the Company's website at www.cardiocommsolutions.com.

About CardioComm Solutions

CardioComm Solutions' patented and proprietary technology is used in products for recording, viewing, analyzing and storing electrocardiograms for diagnosis and management of cardiac patients. Products are sold worldwide through a combination of an external distribution network and a North American-based sales team. CardioComm Solutions has earned the ISO 13485 and ISO 27001 certifications, is HIPAA compliant and holds medical device clearances and sales licenses from the USA (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada).

Forward-looking statements

This release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information with respect to the financial condition, results of operations and business of CardioComm Solutions and certain of the plans and objectives of CardioComm Solutions with respect to these items. Such statements and information reflect management's current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management. By their nature, forward-looking statements and forward-looking information involve risk and uncertainty because they relate to events and depend on circumstances that will occur in the future and there are many factors that could cause actual results and developments to differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements and forward-looking information.

In evaluating these statements, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements and forward-looking information. The Company does not assume any obligation to update the forward-looking statements and forward-looking information contained in this release other than as required by applicable laws, including without limitation, Section 5.8(2) of National Instrument 51-102 (Continuous Disclosure Obligations).

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225191

SOURCE: CardioComm Solutions, Inc.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2024) - Highcliff Metals Corp. (TSXV: HCM.H) (OTC Pink: IMAHD) ("the Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent dated September 27, 2024 (the "LOI") with Greyridge Exploration Corp. ("Greyridge") whereby the Company will acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of Greyridge (the "Greyridge Shares") by means of a "three-cornered amalgamation" (the "Transaction") among the Company, Greyridge and a subsidiary incorporated by the Company.

The Company is a mineral exploration company listed on the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Transaction will be considered a reverse takeover pursuant to Exchange Policy 5.2. Upon completion of the Transaction, the resulting issuer of the Transaction (the "Resulting Issuer") anticipates it will be a Tier 2 mining issuer on the Exchange. Trading in the listed securities of the Company will remain halted pursuant to section 2.2 of Exchange Policy 5.2.

On September 24, 2024, Greyridge entered into a share purchase agreement (the "ERG SPA") with a wholly-owned subsidiary of Eurasian Resources Group ("ERG"), whereby Greyridge has agreed to acquire all of the issued and outstanding shares of ERG Middle East S.a.r.l (the "ERG Acquisition"), which is the sole owner of ERG's undertakings in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, comprising certain assets and mineral claims in Saudi Arabia (the "Saudi Arabian Properties"). As consideration for the ERG Acquisition, Greyridge has agreed to pay a combination of upfront and deferred cash and Greyridge Shares or Resulting Issuer Shares.

ERG Press Release: https://www.cc.lu/toute-linformation/actualites/detail/luxembourgs-erg-announces-a-sale-agreement-with-greyridge-exploration-for-its-exploration-undertakings-in-saudi-arabia

Greyridge CEO Michael Bradley commented:

"Greyridge has acquired ERG's subsidiary and its exploration assets in Saudi Arabia to become the largest foreign holder of exploration licenses in the country.1 Our goal is to become Saudi Arabia's next exploration champion, by advancing these highly prospective assets towards the country's next major copper and gold discoveries, and by supporting the development of the country's rapidly expanding mining sector.

Greyridge's board, management, and advisors include world-class geologists with proven track records of major mineral discoveries and extensive experience in the Middle East. They are complemented by a highly skilled exploration team based in Saudi Arabia that is committed to applying industry-leading practices to advance these assets."

The ERG Saudi Arabian Properties comprise:

25 licenses covering 1,823 km including the Ad Dawadimi and Al Amar properties situated on and near to defined gold and VMS mineral belts containing highly prospective ground for intrusion related gold, orogenic gold, polymetallic epithermal mineralization, and copper-rich VMS deposits;

398 exploration license applications filed with the Saudi Government;

A Saudi-based exploration and management team with extensive local and international experience.

The exploration licenses grant Greyridge the right to explore the properties, in compliance with government regulations. The Ad Dawadimi and Al Amar properties are 250 km west of Riyadh, accessed by paved road, and lie within 30 km of fully serviced and established town centres.

The Company will provide further information on Greyridge and the ERG Saudi Properties in a comprehensive news release to be issued on a later date.

Terms of the Transaction:

The Company and Greyridge are negotiating terms of a definitive amalgamation agreement with respect to the Transaction (the "Amalgamation Agreement") with the following proposed terms:

The Company will acquire all the issued and outstanding Greyridge Shares by way of a three-cornered amalgamation and, in consideration of the issuance of the Greyridge Shares, the Company will issue common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Resulting Issuer Shares") to the shareholders of Greyridge and ERG.

Prior to closing the Transaction:

The Company has committed to completing a non-brokered private placement financing ("the RTO Financing") by issuing a minimum of 37,500,000 common shares or subscription receipts in the capital of the Company at $0.10 per share, or subscription receipt for minimum gross proceeds of $3,750,000 for the purposes of satisfying the deferred cash consideration for the ERG Acquisition and operational expenditure for the Resulting Issuer.

Greyridge has completed a non-brokered private placement financing (the "Greyridge Financing") for purposes of satisfying the upfront cash consideration for the ERG Acquisition.

Greyridge will complete the acquisition of ERG Middle East S.a.r.l.

On completion of the Transaction, the Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer will consist of five directors, four of whom will be nominated by the current management of Greyridge and one of whom will be nominated by the Company and acceptable by both parties. The management and Board of Directors of the Resulting Issuer will be identified in a subsequent comprehensive news release.

None of the Non-Arm's Length Parties of the Company hold an interest in Greyridge, ERG Middle East S.a.r.l, or the ERG Saudi Properties.

None of the Non-Arm's Length Parties of the Company are Insiders (as that term is defined by the rules of the Exchange) of Greyridge. There is no relationship between or among the Non-Arm's Length Parties of the Company and the Non-Arm's Length Parties to the Transaction.

The Transaction constitutes an Arm's Length Transaction.

The Transaction will not require shareholder approval of the Company as: (a) the Transaction is not a Related Party Transaction (as defined by the rules of the Exchange), (b) the Company is listed on the NEX Board of the Exchange, (c) the Company is not and will not be subject to a cease trade order and will not otherwise be suspended from trading on completion of the Transaction, and (d) it is not required under application corporate or securities laws.

The Company expects to apply for a waiver from the sponsorship requirements.

Completion of the Transaction is subject to the negotiation and execution of the Amalgamation Agreement, satisfaction of the conditions to closing set forth in the Amalgamation Agreement, completion of the Highcliff and Greyridge Financings, the completion of the acquisition of ERG Middle East S.a.r.l., and acceptance of the Exchange.

As at the date hereof, the common shares of the Company are listed on the NEX Board of the Exchange, and the Greyridge Shares are not listed on any stock exchange. A condition to completion of the transactions described herein is the conditional approval for the listing of the Resulting Issuer Shares on the Exchange.

Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, Exchange acceptance and if applicable, disinterested shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all.

Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of the Company should be considered highly speculative.

The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

About the Company

The Company is a mineral exploration company listed on the NEX Board of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "Exchange"). The Company currently has no current mineral properties and is seeking to identify and acquire a new mineral property.

Qualified Person

Robert Phillips, B.Sc . (hons), M.AIG., registered with the Australian Institute of Geologists, is the Qualified Person, as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards for Disclosure for Mineral Projects, for the Greyridge Saudi Arabian exploration projects. Mr. Phillips is not considered independent under NI 43-101 as he is a full-time employee of Greyridge. He has reviewed and approved the disclosure of the scientific and technical information contained in this press release.

This News Release includes certain forward-looking statements that are based on assumptions as of the date of this news release. These statements reflect management's current estimates, beliefs, intentions, and expectations. They are not guarantees of future performance. The Company cautions that all forward-looking statements are inherently uncertain, and that actual performance may be affected by a number of material factors, many of which are beyond the Company's control. Such factors include, among other things: ability to complete the complete the private placement financing, acquire a new mineral property and uncertainty of access to additional capital. Accordingly, actual and further events, conditions and results may differ materially from the estimates, beliefs, intentions and expectations expressed or implied in the forward-looking information. Except as required under applicable securities legislation, the Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise forward-looking information.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN THE POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

[1] Information obtained from Saudi Arabia National Geological Database.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225192

SOURCE: Highcliff Metals Corp.
TAOYUAN, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corporation (hereinafter referred to as MiTAC; stock symbol: 3706), has announced that the server brand TYAN will be integrated with the MiTAC brand. Starting from October 1, 2024, all products will be branded under MiTAC, with the release of a new logo and updated official website. MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: http://www.mitaccomputing.com/

MiTAC entered the server ODM industry in 1999 as one of Taiwan's pioneers in the server market. In 2007, it expanded its presence by acquiring Tyan Computer, building a reputation for designing high-performance motherboards and barebone systems targeting the high-end server market. Following the spinoff of MiTAC's cloud computing business in 2014, MiTAC Computing Technology was established as a subsidiary of Mitac Holdings under the MiTAC-Synnex Group.

With over two decades of experience in server research, development, manufacturing, and sales, MiTAC Computing Technology has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation by leveraging top talent and operational efficiency. Committed to earning customer trust and fostering mutual success, MiTAC designs and manufactures high-quality server products for OEMs and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). Through its leading server brand of TYAN, MiTAC has garnered significant industry appreciations for its extensive expertise and success. Additionally, since July 2023, MiTAC Computing Technology has taken on Intel's Datacenter Solutions Group (DSG) server business, further expanding its influence in the server market under the MiTAC brand.

Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing Technology, explained that although MiTAC and TYAN serve distinct market segments, their integration under a single brand will streamline distribution strategies, create brand management synergies, and strengthen MiTAC's overall market presence.

The brand integration process is fully completed by October 1, 2024, consolidating all products under the MiTAC brand. As the demand for generative AI continues to grow, MiTAC Computing Technology is committed to advancing its AI server product line by leveraging its R&D strengths. "Our commitment to delivering superior solutions and service to our customers remains unwavering," said Rick Hwang. "By unifying our brand, we aim to enhance the value of MiTAC's offerings, providing a seamless and consistent customer experience across all customers."

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. (TSE:3706), specializes in cloud, AI/HPC and edge computing solutions and has over 30 years of design and manufacturing expertise. With a strong focus on large-scale data centers, MiTAC offers flexible and customized solutions for various systems and applications. Our product lineup includes TYAN servers, ORAN servers, high-performance AI servers, and other data center products.

Originally, MiTAC operated the server channel business under the TYAN brand and began selling Intel DSG server products under the MiTAC brand in July 2023. As of October 2024, we have integrated the TYAN and MiTAC brands to streamline our operations and enhance brand management. MiTAC now serves as the sole brand name for all our products.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website:

http://www.mitaccomputing.com/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515283/PR_photo_Rick_Hwang____________President_of_MiTAC_Computing_Technology.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/mitac-computing-technology-achieves-brand-consolidation-expands-server-business-302259911.html
Yuki Kusumi, Group CEO, will take the stage

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Emphasizing how technology touches all facets of our lives, the Consumer Technology Association (CTA) announces Yuki Kusumi, Group CEO, Panasonic Holdings Corporation, as an opening keynote speaker for CES 2025. Mr. Kusumi and Kinsey Fabrizio, CTA President, will share the news and discuss what to expect at CES 2025 during an event in Tokyo, Japan today.

"WELL into the Future is our theme for CES 2025," said Mr. Kusumi. "The Panasonic Group's legacy of social contribution - informed by our seven founding principles - continues to drive our actions as we work to fulfill our Founder's vision of making today better than yesterday, tomorrow better than today."

"WELL into the Future" embodies the idea that the Panasonic Group, through innovations and a commitment to addressing social issues, is leading the development of a wave of cutting-edge solutions to help achieve this vision for a better future.

The Panasonic Group, in collaboration with an ever-growing array of strategic partners who share its values and aspirations, continues to pursue the realization of this vision, not only through its products, technologies, and services, but also through its business activities - including the development of green energy technologies and circular economy practices to help address the urgency of the climate crisis.

With a long and distinguished career in research and development (R&D) and company management, Mr. Kusumi is passionate about innovation, digital transformation, and combatting environmental issues for a better, brighter future for everyone.

"Panasonic and CTA thrive on our abilities to recognize and drive trends in innovation and society," said Gary Shapiro, CEO, CTA. "Under the leadership of Mr. Kusumi, Panasonic's latest vision for a smart energy future and wellbeing is likely to move markets once again."

During the keynote, the Panasonic Group will introduce new initiatives that focus on innovative technologies to enhance the sustainability of society, as well as the health, comfort and safety of families and individuals, and will demonstrate that the Panasonic Group is taking a new step towards realizing the future it aims for.

"As a participant in the first CES in 1967 and each one since then, Panasonic has built decades of innovation that prioritize people," said Fabrizio. "With a keen eye for the future, we know that Mr. Kusumi will offer insights on how technology will affect many facets of our lives."

Mr. Kusumi speaks following the CTA State of the Industry Address at 8:30 a.m. PT on January 7, 2025, in the Palazzo Ballroom at the Venetian. Dive into comprehensive wellbeing for us and our planet. For the latest information on CES 2025, visit CES.tech and register here.

About CES:

CES is the most powerful tech event in the world - the proving ground for breakthrough technologies and global innovators. This is where the world's biggest brands do business and meet new partners, and the sharpest innovators hit the stage. Owned and produced by the Consumer Technology Association (CTA), CES features every aspect of the tech sector. CES 2025 takes place Jan. 7-10, 2025, in Las Vegas. Learn more at CES.tech and follow CES on social.

About Consumer Technology Association (CTA):

As North America's largest technology trade association, CTA is the tech sector. Our members are the world's leading innovators - from startups to global brands - helping support more than 18 million American jobs. CTA owns and produces CES - the most powerful tech event in the world. Find us at CTA.tech. Follow us @CTAtech.

About the Panasonic Group:

Founded in 1918, and today a global leader in developing innovative technologies and solutions for wide-ranging applications in the consumer electronics, housing, automotive, industry, communications, and energy sectors worldwide, the Panasonic Group switched to an operating company system on April 1, 2022 with Panasonic Holdings Corporation serving as a holding company and eight companies positioned under its umbrella. The Group reported consolidated net sales of 8,496.4 billion yen for the year ended March 31, 2024. To learn more about the Panasonic Group, please visit: https://holdings.panasonic/global/

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Nvidia, the semiconductor giant, continues to ride the wave of artificial intelligence (AI) demand, with its latest quarterly revenue more than quadrupling year-over-year. This remarkable growth underscores Nvidia's pivotal role in the ongoing AI boom, even as the company faces challenges in the crucial Chinese market. Analysts remain optimistic about Nvidia's long-term prospects, despite recent stock fluctuations, citing the company's strong position in AI technologies as a key driver for future growth.

Chinese Market Pressures

However, Nvidia's success story is not without hurdles. Beijing's push for domestic companies to adopt locally produced AI chips over Nvidia's products threatens to impact the chipmaker's business in China, which currently accounts for about 11% of its total revenue. This development has caused some investor concern, reflected in a temporary dip in Nvidia's stock price. Nevertheless, the company's innovative prowess, exemplified by collaborations like the integration of its DRIVE Orin platform in NIO's new SUV model, demonstrates Nvidia's adaptability and potential to maintain its market leadership despite geopolitical challenges.

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London, United Kingdom--(Newsfile Corp. - September 30, 2024) - Elsevier, a global leader in medical information and data analytics, announced today its participation in the Global Digital Health Summit (GDHS-24) taking place in Mumbai, India on October 4-5. The premier event convenes thousands of physicians, healthcare leaders, policymakers and digital health companies from around the world and provides a platform to showcase cutting-edge technologies and facilitate discussions on the widespread deployment of digital technologies, including AI.

Jan Herzhoff, PhD, President, Elsevier Health said: "As a company with a strong presence in India, we are excited to partner with the Global Digital Health Summit to highlight the importance of AI and digital health solutions in the transformation of the healthcare system in the country. We also look forward to gathering with providers and partners and exchanging ideas on how we can all collaborate more effectively across the public and private sector to drive positive change that will benefit all patients."

As a leading global provider of clinical solutions, Elsevier has been delivering trusted research content, localized digital solutions and insightful analytics in India since 1996. In the healthcare sector, Elsevier's solutions are used by clinicians across India in delivering quality patient care and enhancing health outcomes.

Some of the key products include ClinicalKey, a leading clinical decision support and reference tool for hospital systems and medical schools that supports point of care and deep reference needs, and the newly launched ClinicalKey AI, which offers a conversational search interface with advanced generative AI to help physicians quickly find accurate and succinct clinical information based on one of the world's largest and most trusted bodies of medical information available anywhere.

The Indian healthcare system is a diverse and complex network of public and private sectors that provide a wide range of medical services to the world's largest population of 1.4 billion people. Despite undergoing significant systemic changes in recent years, the system continues to face challenges including inadequate infrastructure, a shortage of healthcare professionals, and urban-rural disparities throughout the country. These challenges are further intensified by the changing disease profile of India with non-communicable diseases (NCDs) like diabetes and hypertension.

One of the largest hurdles that India faces with its vast population is the marked disparity in the quality and accessibility of healthcare services between urban and rural areas. To help address this disparity, Elsevier is part of Digital Innovations & Interventions for Sustainable HealthTech Action (DIISHA), a strategic Public Private Partnership (PPP) pilot to empower and digitally upskill frontline healthcare workers like Accredited Social Heath Activists (ASHA) workers in building a sustainable rural health delivery model and revolutionizing last mile delivery in India. As part of this pilot, Elsevier Health will support the training of thousands of frontline healthcare workers across the country and the deployment of the expert led AI solution ClinicalPath Primary Care India to assist in the screening and assessment of patients in rural areas.

Mr. Herzhoff added, "We are proud to be a key partner in this national pilot and are committed to working alongside state governments in addressing health equity and improving access to quality care through our innovative suite of solutions now and in the future."

# # #

About Elsevier Health

For more than 140 years, Elsevier has supported the work of researchers and healthcare professionals by providing current, evidence-based information that can help empower students and clinicians to provide the best healthcare possible. Growing from our roots, Elsevier Health applies innovation, facilitates insights, and helps drive more informed decision-making for our customers across global health. We support health providers by providing accessible, trusted evidence-based information to take on the infodemic; prepare more future health professionals with effective tools and resources; provide insights that help clinicians improve patient outcomes; deliver healthcare that is truly inclusive; and supports a more personalized and localized healthcare experience.

Diversity and inclusion are the foundation of our innovation, and our teams are committed to creating education and practice solutions that reflect the diversity of our world. Elsevier Health is helping lay the groundwork for more equitable healthcare worldwide; We bring the same rigor to our digital information solutions as we do to our publishing, allowing us to offer knowledge and valuable analytics that help our users make breakthroughs and drive progress for the benefit of every patient.

About Elsevier

As a global leader in scientific information and analytics, Elsevier helps researchers and healthcare professionals advance science and improve health outcomes for the benefit of society. We do this by facilitating insights and critical decision-making with innovative solutions based on trusted, evidence-based content and advanced AI-enabled digital technologies.

We have supported the work of our research and healthcare communities for more than 140 years. Our 9,500 employees around the world, including 2,500 technologists, are dedicated to supporting researchers, librarians, academic leaders, funders, governments, R&D-intensive companies, doctors, nurses, future healthcare professionals and educators in their critical work. Our 2,900 scientific journals and iconic reference books include the foremost titles in their fields, including Cell Press, The Lancet and Gray's Anatomy.

Together with the Elsevier Foundation , we work in partnership with the communities we serve to advance inclusion and diversity in science, research and healthcare in developing countries and around the world.

Elsevier is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. For more information on our work, digital solutions and content, visit www.elsevier.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225048

SOURCE: Elsevier
Quantum technology (QT) is transforming industries from healthcare to communications, but its advancement depends on the reliability of core components. Today, significant progress has been achieved on that journey. Infleqtion and Thorlabs are pleased to announce a new agreement to commercialise Infleqtion's highly integrated optical fibre collimation package.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930697051/en/

Infleqtion's Fiber Collimator shown with Thorlabs' RSP1D/M Continuous Rotation Mount and Pedestal Pillar Post (Photo: Business Wire)

The fibre collimation package delivers a linearly polarized collimated beam with high extinction ratio and integrated power monitoring. By simplifying the design and enhancing performance, this package offers a compact, robust solution tailored to the stringent demands of quantum technology applications. Reliable and more cost-effective solutions like these are aiding the commercial readiness of QT and are increasing the likelihood of its economic impact across a wide spectrum of industries.

The fibre collimation unit was developed by Infleqtion as part of the Innovate UK-funded project QT Assemble, a 7.3m large consortium effort led by the Fraunhofer Centre for Applied Photonics (CAP) in partnership with 13 organisations across the UK, including ColdQuanta UK Ltd. (now d.b.a. Infleqtion). QT Assemble aims to develop highly innovative QT assemblies in miniaturised packages, making the widescale adoption of quantum technologies easier.

At the core of Infleqtion's engineering philosophy is the belief that the highest-quality components are essential to producing reliable quantum solutions. The licensing agreement with Thorlabs gives more researchers and product development teams access to advanced collimation capabilities, accelerating the development of quantum technologies.

Tim Ballance, President of Infleqtion UK said, "The real promise of quantum technologies is seen when research turns into tangible products that solve real-world problems. This partnership is the next step in driving breakthroughs that will bring quantum solutions to the global market faster."

Keith Dhese, General Manager of Thorlabs Ltd. added, "Through QT Assemble, it's exciting to see the UK playing such a central role in the global deployment of compact, robust technologies to the fast-growing quantum field. Thorlabs is excited to collaborate with quantum technology companies like Infleqtion to accelerate the commercialisation of the critical components that will drive the next generation of advancements in quantum technology. Thorlabs' high degree of vertical integration in engineering and manufacturing positions it strongly for these types of partnerships."

About Infleqtion: Infleqtion's groundbreaking technologies are transforming precision and efficiency in vital sectors worldwide. With 17 years of experience in commercialising quantum technology using neutral atoms, Infleqtion specialises in atomic clocks, quantum software, quantum RF, and neutral-atom quantum computers. We deliver state-of-the-art solutions for positioning, navigation, and timing (PNT), precision timekeeping, and optimisation. Our unparalleled expertise positions us as the preferred partner for global customers seeking advanced quantum solutions for defense and enterprise applications. For more information, please visit us at www.infleqtion.com.

About Thorlabs: Thorlabs, a vertically integrated photonics products manufacturer, was founded in 1989 to serve the laser and electro-optics research market. As that market has spawned a multitude of technical innovations, Thorlabs has extended its core competencies in an effort to play an ever-increasing role to serve the Photonics Industry at the research end, as well as the industrial, life science, medical, and defense segments. The organisation's highly integrated and diverse manufacturing assets include semiconductor fabrication of Fabry-Perot, DFB, and VCSEL lasers; fibre towers for drawing both silica and fluoride glass optical fibres; MBE/MOCVD epitaxial wafer growth reactors; extensive glass and metal fabrication facilities; advanced thin film deposition capabilities; and optomechanical and optoelectronic shops.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930697051/en/

Contacts:

Laurie Morgus, Ph.D.

VP, Marketing Brand

Thorlabs, Inc.

973-300-3000

lmorgus@thorlabs.com

for Infleqtion:

Matt Stubbs

Voxus PR

mstubbs@voxuspr.com
FDA agrees to submission of a marketing authorization application for ADV7103 in dRTA without further clinical studies.

The positive orphan drug designation decision for ADV7103 in cystinuria has opened constructive discussions with the FDA on development in this indication.

These achievements will accelerate partnership outlook for the commercialization of ADV7103 in the US, where the Company had already received expressions of interest.

Regulatory News:

Advicenne (Euronext Growth Paris ALDVI FR0013296746), a specialty pharmaceutical company dedicated to the development and commercialization of innovative treatments for those suffering from rare renal diseases, announced today the achievement of major milestones in the development program of its ADV7103 drug in the U.S, and the search for commercial partners.

ADV7103 in dRTA (Distal Renal Tubular Acidosis): European data deemed satisfactory by the FDA for filing without additional clinical studies in the US

After numerous exchanges with experts from the US Food Drug Administration (FDA), the Agency has concluded that European clinical data can be used to support an application for registration in dTRA. As a result, Advicenne will not conduct a specific clinical study in the U.S., significantly reducing the time and cost required to file a marketing authorization application in the U.S. for this indication.

The FDA's positive opinion was based on consideration of all the clinical data available from the European clinical program. Specifically, the pivotal phase III study (B21CS) and the long-term safety extension study (B22CS), which provide Advicenne with clinical data on efficacy and safety for patients followed over a period of more than 6 years. These studies, presented to the European Renal Association (ERA) and the European Society of Pediatric Nephrology (ESPN), are supplemented by data from real-life cohorts (Real World Evidence RWE), and extensive European pharmacovigilance data.

Following an initial phase of discussions, the FDA considered that the drug's safety data met its requirements in terms of long-term tolerability. This first phase opened the path to a discussion on the relevance of efficacy data from these same studies. This was the purpose of the second phase of exchanges with complementary analysis data from the studies.

Advicenne is now working on the production of a marketing authorization application, accompanied by additional analyses of the natural history of patients and the disease and expects to submit a marketing authorization application in 2025. ADV7103 has orphan drug status in the dRTA indication in the US.

The results of the above studies will be reported at an analysts' meeting to be scheduled shortly.

ADV7103 in cystinuria: preparation for clinical development in consultation with the FDA

ADV7103 has been granted orphan drug designation (ODD) for the treatment of cystinuria in March 2024, adding to the existing orphan drug status for this indication in Europe. This validated Advicenne's regulatory and clinical strategy with the FDA. The ODD application was supported by preliminary clinical results in European patients with cystinuria and extensive data on the population size and expert opinion on the unmet need in this rare disease. Following this success, the Company wishes to discuss the proposed clinical development plan that will serve as the basis for a marketing authorization in this indication. A round of discussions will be launched before the end of the year.

This clinical program proposed has strong support from experts in this condition from both Europe and the United States, as well as from the International Cystinuria Foundation, representing the patient population. There is broad agreement that alkalinization is a cornerstone of treatment and that there is no satisfactory alkalinizing treatment that provides well tolerated, 24-hour pH control, indicated by recent data from the European Cystinuria Registry showing only on fourth of cystinuria patients followed in Europe have a urinary pH above 7.5, the therapeutic target set by international recommendations.

Pending the conclusion of discussions with the FDA and agreement on the clinical program, Advicenne plans to initiate a clinical trial in cystinuria. This study would recruit patients simultaneously in the United States and Europe and enable a registration application to be filed in both markets. In Europe, ADV7103 also has orphan drug status in this indication. Cystinuria, affects some 30,000 patients in the USA and 40,000 in Europe, represents a significant potential market for ADV7103.

Acceleration towards an agreement with potential commercial partners in the United States

Several pharmaceutical companies had shown an interest in ADV7103 in its two indications in the US, a territory Advicenne wishes to cover with a partner. Advicenne has received an initial proposal for the rights to ADV7103 in the US, the terms of which remain confidential. The recent news flow is expected to generate further interest, which the Company intends to pursue actively, particularly from the end of 2024.

Didier Laurens, Chief Executive Officer of Advicenne, commented: "The latest exchanges with the US Food and Drug Administration have been particularly pragmatic and fruitful. They demonstrate the quality of the clinical data we have accumulated in recent years and the expertise of our teams. With the approval of our marketing authorization application for ADV7103 without having to conduct an additional clinical study in the US in dTRA on the one hand, and the possible simplification of its clinical development in cystinuria, on the other, Advicenne now has all the cards to materialize soon a structuring commercial agreement on this large market in the two indications covered by our treatment."

ABOUT ADVICENNE

Advicenne (Euronext: ALDVI) is a specialty pharmaceutical company founded in 2007, specializing in the development of innovative treatments in Nephrology. Its lead product Sibnayal has received Marketing Approval for distal renal tubular acidosis (dRTA) in EU and GB. ADV7103 is currently in late-stage development in cystinuria in Europe and in dRTA and cystinuria in the US and Canada.

Headquartered in Paris, Advicenne, listed on the Euronext Paris stock exchange since 2017, has now been listed on Euronext Growth Paris since its transfer on March 30, 2022. For additional information, see: https://advicenne.com/.

Disclaimer

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements concerning Advicenne group and its business, including its prospects and product candidate development. Such forward-looking statements are based on assumptions that Advicenne considers to be reasonable. However, there can be no assurance that the estimates contained in such forward-looking statements will be verified, which estimates are subject to numerous risks including the risks set forth in the 2023 Universal Registration Document filed with the French financial market authority on April 5, 2024 (a copy of which is available on www.advicenne.com) and to the development of economic conditions, financial markets and the markets in which Advicenne operates. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are also subject to risks not yet known to Advicenne or not currently considered material by Advicenne. The occurrence of all or part of such risks could cause actual results, financial conditions, performance, or achievements of Advicenne to be materially different from such forward-looking statements. Advicenne expressly declines any obligation to update such forward-looking statements.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930865277/en/

Contacts:

Advicenne

Didier Laurens, CEO

+33 (0) 1 87 44 40 17

Email: investors@advicenne.com

Ulysse Communication

Media relations

Bruno Arabian

+33 (0)6 87 88 47 26

Email: advicenne@ulysse-communication.com
Egon Zehnder's 2024 survey reveals that a majority of chief executives feel a responsibility to help solve societal problems

Egon Zehnder, the world's preeminent executive search and leadership advisory firm, today released the results of its latest Global CEO Survey at the Berlin Global Dialogue, which is taking place under the theme "Building Common Ground."

The survey, which polled more than 470 CEOs from around the world, highlights the unprecedented changes business leaders foresee in the coming decade and, more importantly, their responsibility in addressing complex global challenges:

95% of CEOs expect significant, systemic shifts in the economy, geopolitics, energy and technology over the next decade.

80% of CEOs acknowledge an expanded role beyond leading their companies, positioning themselves as key players in shaping new societal realities.

The majority of CEOs also believe they can find common ground with other stakeholders, with climate change emerging as the top priority (32%), followed by regulating AI (30%) and promoting a fairer global economy (13%).

"Political shifts, including the concerning rise of right-winged movements, are increasingly relevant to CEOs. Promoting dialogue between leaders from business and politics is hence more crucial than ever," said Lars-Hendrik Roller, Founder and Chair of the Berlin Global Dialogue.

When asked about the importance of adaptive skills for the future, CEOs prioritized "cultivating a culture of openness and curiosity" (99%).

"CEOs are embracing a new era of leadership," said Michael Ensser, Global Chair of Egon Zehnder. "They are positioning themselves as key architects of societal progress. As complexity increases, they recognize that fostering curiosity and openness within their organisations will be critical to meeting the challenges ahead."

The full report "The CEO Response" is available for download at: https://www.egonzehnder.com/the-ceo-response

About the Berlin Global Dialogue

The Berlin Global Dialogue unites leaders from business, policy, and academia to develop joint solutions for the most pressing challenges impacting the global economy. Established in 2022, it emerged from the economic, political, and social realities of the twenty-first century. Founded with the mission to strengthen the dialogue between different stakeholders, the annual summit convenes select high-level participants for candid, eye-level exchanges in interactive formats that highlight diverse perspectives and facilitate cross-disciplinary collaboration. Berlin Global Dialogue is embedded in ESMT Berlin, one of Germany's leading business schools.

https://www.berlinglobaldialogue.org/

About Egon Zehnder

Egon Zehnder is the world's preeminent leadership advisory firm, inspiring leaders to navigate complex questions with human answers. We help organizations get to the heart of their leadership challenges and offer honest feedback and insights to help leaders realize their true being and purpose.

We are built on a foundation that supports partnership in the truest sense of the word and aligns our interests with those of our clients. Our 600 consultants across 65 offices and 36 countries are former industry and functional leaders who collaborate seamlessly across geographies, industries and functions to deliver the full power of the Firm to every client, every time.

We partner closely with public and private corporations, family-owned enterprises, and non-profit and government agencies to provide executive search, leadership solutions, CEO search and succession, board advisory, and diversity, equity inclusion.

Our services include discovering leaders, developing leadership, advancing governance, shaping successions and unlocking transformations. We partner with Mobius Executive Leadership to offer highly experiential, personalized and transformational programs for senior leaders.

We believe that together we can transform people, organizations and the world through leadership.

For more information, visit www.egonzehnder.com and follow us on LinkedIn and X

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930913921/en/

Contacts:

Media Relations:

Klara Schroeder, Berlin Global Dialogue, Berlin, klara.schroeder@esmt.org

Stacy Drumtra, Egon Zehnder, Chicago, stacy.drumtra@egonzehnder.com

Martin Klusmann, Egon Zehnder, Berlin, martin.klusmann@egonzehnder.com
DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Goldgenie, the globally renowned luxury customizer of technology and gifts, has unveiled its latest masterpiece-the 24k Gold M3 iMac, featuring a 24-inch 4.5 Retina display. Priced at USD $17,000 for the 24k Gold embellished version and up to a cool USD $68,000 if diamond encrusted detailing is further required. This device not only offers state-of-the-art technology but is a statement piece crafted with exquisite attention to detail. Known for their bespoke luxury items, Goldgenie provides a Lifetime Warranty on its 24k Gold customization, ensuring it remains a timeless investment for its discerning clientele.

One of Goldgenie's prestigious clients includes the Swiss-based interior design firm GRESET REICH, led by established designers and hospitality experts Claudia and Yann Greset. Known for curating exclusive projects for high-net-worth individuals (HNIs) across Europe and beyond, GRESET REICH has successfully brought many hospitality, residential, and corporate projects to life. Recently, Goldgenie provided a limited-edition 24k Gold M3 iMac for one of their undisclosed clients, solidifying their position as a preferred luxury partner for elite interior designers.

Claudia and Yann Greset remarked, "We and our clients have been absolutely thrilled with the 24k Gold M3 iMac from Goldgenie. It perfectly complements the luxurious environments we create. The unparalleled craftsmanship Goldgenie brings to the table fills a much-needed gap for bespoke corporate gifts and tech solutions for our clients who are looking for the embodiment of exclusivity and refinement. This iMac is not just a functional device; it's a statement piece."

Goldgenie, originally founded in London, has since moved its gold plating services to Dubai, reinforcing its status as a leader in luxury customization. Through its Gold Plating Services page, Goldgenie offers a range of bespoke customizations for its clients, such as adding engravings, diamonds, carbon fibre, or leather to devices like iPhones and iPads. Each design is carefully crafted to meet the highest standards of quality and exclusivity, tailored specifically to the client's needs.

Founder Laban Roomes commented, "At Goldgenie, our team has a monomaniacal focus on quality, ensuring that each piece we deliver is a masterpiece. From corporate partners to individual clients, we take pride in creating products that exemplify the ultimate in luxury customization. We're thrilled to collaborate with leading designers like Claudia and Yann Greset, whose elite clientele appreciate the fusion of technology and high-end design."

The global market for bespoke luxury goods, which includes high-end customized tech products like those offered by Goldgenie, is booming. According to a 2023 report by Statista, the global luxury goods market is projected to reach USD $386 billion by 2025, with the personal luxury goods segment alone expected to account for USD $352 billion. The demand for customized and personalized luxury products, like Goldgenie's 24k Gold M3 iMac and bespoke 24k Gold iPhone 16 Pro & Pro Max range, is driving significant growth in this sector.

In fact, according to Bain & Company's 2022 Luxury Market Report, bespoke and personalized items account for over 20% of total luxury spending, a trend fuelled by HNIs and ultra-high-net-worth individuals (UHNWIs) seeking unique, tailor-made products. Goldgenie's ability to offer exquisite customizations for high-end tech devices aligns perfectly with this growing demand for exclusivity in the luxury market.

Since its founding in 1995, Goldgenie has become the go-to luxury brand for A-list celebrities, luxury interior designers, and blue-chip corporations. The 24k Gold M3 iMac is the latest addition to a prestigious portfolio of products that include custom-designed Apple devices, luxury iPads, and their iconic 24k Gold-plated roses. The company's unique creations have been featured on television programs such as Channel 4's The World's Most Expensive Presents where it was featured at its Dubai shop selling a USD $250,000 24k Gold Bike and where it found fame and fortune when it was invested in on the hit BBC T.V show Dragons' Den, highlighting its role as a pioneer in luxury customization.

As Goldgenie continues to expand, with offices in London, Dubai, Cambodia, Los Angeles, and Mumbai, its bespoke services cater to high-net-worth individuals and businesses globally. The company's commitment to innovation, elegance, and craftsmanship has established it as a leader in the luxury market.

For those seeking the ultimate fusion of technology and opulence, Goldgenie's 24k Gold M3 iMac is the epitome of elegance. With unparalleled craftsmanship, it remains a testament to Goldgenie's dedication to delivering exclusive, high-quality products.

www.goldgenie.com

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HOUSTON and LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Group 1 Automotive, Inc. (NYSE: GPI) ("Group 1" or the "Company"), a Fortune 250 automotive retailer with 260 dealerships located in the U.S. and U.K., announced the appointment of Mark Raban as Chief Executive Officer ("CEO") of Group 1 Automotive U.K.

Raban brings more than 20 years of executive experience in automotive retail operations and finance to Group 1. In this new role, he will oversee the integration of the recently acquired Inchcape dealerships to drive strategic growth in the U.K. Leveraging the Company's expanded brand portfolio and presence, Raban will also focus on enhancing customer experience and reinforcing Group 1's strong OEM partnerships.

"Mark is a proven leader with a history of success in the U.K. motor trade," said Daryl Kenningham, Group 1's President and CEO. "Following the transformative growth of our U.K. business, he will be instrumental in creating a high-performing culture among our team members and engaging customers across our expanded dealership network."

Prior to joining Group 1, Raban progressed from Chief Financial Officer ("CFO") to CEO at Lookers Motor Group, a dealership group in the U.K. and Ireland. Prior to joining Lookers, he served as CFO of Marshall Motor Holdings and held senior finance roles at companies such as Inchcape Retail, Selfridges, and Borders.

"I am excited to join the accomplished team at Group 1 during a pivotal moment for the organization and look forward to empowering our teams throughout the country," said Raban. "By harnessing our combined strengths, we can drive operational excellence and customer-centric innovation. We have an opportunity to set the highest standard for automotive retailing in the U.K."

Group 1 has operated in the U.K. since 2007. Today, the Company has 114 dealerships across the market and an extensive brand portfolio including Audi, BMW/MINI, Jaguar Land Rover, Lexus, Mercedes-Benz/smart, Porsche, Toyota, Volkswagen and Volkswagen Commercial Vehicles.

ABOUT GROUP 1 AUTOMOTIVE, INC.

Group 1 owns and operates 260 automotive dealerships, 338 franchises, and 44 collision centers in the United States and the United Kingdom that offer 35 brands of automobiles.Through its dealerships and omni-channel platform, the Company sells new and used cars and light trucks; arranges related vehicle financing; sells service and insurance contracts; provides automotive maintenance and repair services; and sells vehicle parts.

Group 1 discloses additional information about the Company, its business, and its results of operations at www.group1corp.com, www.group1auto.com, www.group1collision.com, www.acceleride.com, and www.facebook.com/group1auto.

Investor contacts:

Terry Bratton

Manager, Investor Relations

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

ir@group1auto.com

Media contacts:

Pete DeLongchamps

Senior Vice President, Manufacturer Relations, Financial Services and Public Affairs

Group 1 Automotive, Inc.

pdelongchamps@group1auto.com

or

Clint Woods

Pierpont Communications, Inc.

713-627-2223

cwoods@piercom.com

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The strategic partnership aims to transform the medical clearance process for the airline industry.

Marrakech, Morocco, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MedAire and fit2fly have joined forces in a strategic partnership to transform the medical clearance process in the airline industry. This exciting collaboration will officially launch at the World Safety Operations Conference (WSOC) in Marrakech and the Aviation Health Conference in Lisbon.

This partnership unites fit2fly 's pioneering digital platform, which specialises in automating medical clearances, with MedAire's almost 40 years of unparalleled expertise in providing medical advice to airlines, supported by a robust client base of over 180 airlines worldwide. By combining fit2fly's innovative, technology-driven approach with MedAire's extensive experience and leadership, this collaboration sets a new benchmark in aviation health and safety, delivering efficient, reliable solutions that enhance the travel experience for passengers globally.

For airlines, this partnership means a significant enhancement in the way they handle medical clearances. Integrating advanced technology and streamlined processes ensures that passengers with medical conditions can travel with minimal delay and maximum confidence in health screening, supporting wellness and safety in the air.

Whitney Luxford, CEO of fit2fly, shared, "Our partnership with MedAire is an exciting leap forward in transforming airline medical clearances. At fit2fly, we are driven by the mission to make the medical clearance process a connected and seamless experience, bringing together airlines, doctors, hospitals and passengers to enhance safety and well-being. The fit2fly platform achieves this by streamlining these processes, eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that passengers receive timely, appropriate clearances without the burden of paperwork, creating seamless journeys. We address critical healthcare challenges and improve the travel experience by digitising and automating the clearance process. This collaboration is a testament to our commitment to innovation and safety, providing airlines with the tools for future-ready solutions. Together with MedAire, we're setting a new standard in aviation health, making air travel more accessible and safer for everyone."

Recognising the critical nature of managing sensitive healthcare information, fit2fly is committed to ensuring robust security measures. The platform employs state-of-the-art encryption technologies to protect data in transit and at rest. It adheres to HIPAA and GDPR, meeting global privacy standards. Additionally, fit2fly's ISO 27001 certification reflects its dedication to maintaining the highest level of data security, giving airlines and passengers confidence that their health information is managed securely and with integrity.

fit2fly's platform employs sophisticated clinical logic to automate approval processes, significantly reducing wait times and enhancing the accuracy of passenger clearances. This innovation also ensures that critical healthcare information is managed efficiently and securely.

Bill Dolny, CEO of MedAire, commented, "By bridging diverse healthcare systems and ensuring robust privacy practices, we've strengthened the foundation for global airline support. This partnership brings a new era of connectivity and reliability, allowing airlines to prioritise safety with confidence and precision. MedAire's partnership with fit2fly marks a significant advancement in airline health services. It epitomises the industry's shared dedication to enhancing passenger safety and operational efficiency."

About MedAire:? MedAire, an International SOS company, has partnered with the aviation industry since 1985. MedAire is the aviation industry's proven leader for integrated travel risk management solutions to over 180 leading airlines and over 6,200 private aircraft, including 75% of Fortune 100 companies. Integrated solutions include aviation security intelligence, real-time health and security advice and assistance, training, medical equipment, and professional services for crew and passengers in and beyond the cabin. MedAire handles thousands of calls annually to help crew and passengers manage medical and travel safety events in the air and on the ground with 24/7 access to emergency care doctors, nurses, and aviation security specialists. For more information visit www.medaire.com.

About Fit2Fly:?fit2fly is at the forefront of digital health innovation, specialising in automating medical clearance processes for aviation. With over 30 years of experience in aviation medicine, fit2fly's platform leverages clinical logic to transform how medical clearances are managed, making them swift, secure, and efficient. Dedicated to improving health outcomes and ensuring compliance with global privacy standards, fit2fly provides airlines with the tools to meet passenger health requirements with confidence and care. Their mission is to enhance the travel experience, making air travel more accessible and safer for all passengers whilst becoming the global standard for airline medical clearances, setting a new benchmark for aviation health.

For further inquiries, please contact:

Chris Potter, Head of Marketing, MedAire: chris.potter@medaire.com
Leading an extended Nearshore and Offshore Capability

Decskill joins forces with Astek to Accelerate Leadership in IT Consulting and Digital Transformation worldwide

Lisbon, 1 October 2024 - The Portuguese company DecSkill, Iberian leader in IT outsourcing and digital transformation, is now part of the Astek Group, the global technology company, founded in France, present on the five continents and, now, employing around 10,000 people worldwide.

This operation, which involved the acquisition of 60% of Decskill by Astek, accelerates the internationalization of the Portuguese tech company, as, on the other hand, reinforces Astek Group's Iberian offer, which is currently with a strong growth and globalization strategy.

Portugal, Spain, and Italy will see Decskill playing a key role in the creation of nearshore services for Europe and beyond. Founders Luis Fernandes and Luis Santos will contribute to the company's growth in these markets, as Decskill becomes one of several entities enhancing the group's overall strategy, significantly strengthening its ability to meet the growing demands of clients and companies engaged in digital transformation and global empowerment".

Luis Fernandes and Luis Santos, co-founders of Decskill, note that "Agility is essential in this sector because the digital transformation of companies is, above all, about their sustainability in the short and long term. We are excited about this alliance with Astek, a partner that shares our vision and commitment to innovation and excellence in clients service, ensuring their solidity in a fast-paced digital world. Astek's resources and expertise, along with Decskill's extensive knowledge of the Iberian market, will enable greater scalability for both companies."

Julien Gavaldon, Chairman of the Executive Board of the Astek Group, states that "We're thrilled to bring Decskill's team on board as we pursue ambitious growth plans in this dynamic nearshore market. By integrating Decskill's top-tier expertise, Astek is poised to stay ahead of the curve and deliver exceptional value to our clients."

Decskill: A powerhouse of expertise and unlocking Astek's potential in the Iberian market

Founded in Lisbon in 2014, Decskill has built a solid reputation in providing cutting-edge IT solutions, software development, IT infrastructure management, cloud services, and project management, with over 600 consultants in Portugal and Spain, generating revenues of around 30 million euros. With global reference companies as partners and clients, Decskill leads digital transformation in critical sectors such as Energy, Finance, and Telecommunications, making it a strategic asset in strengthening Astek Group's presence in the Iberian market. By leveraging Decskill's experience, Astek is on the edge to deepen its market penetration in Portugal and Spain, while fostering synergies with Sotec Consulting, recently acquired in Spain. This move will further accelerate Astek's strategic momentum in key European markets.

With this partnership, Decskill will become part of one of the world's largest groups in technological solutions, expanding its expertise and offering to new strategic markets. A wider range of IT services, a stronger IT Infrastructure and Governance and a closer Collaboration to take innovation and agility further, are key factors in this partnership.

Also, Astek believes that human capital is the key to success, maintaining a strong care policy, shared values with Decskill and a keystone of this alliance.

About Astek

Founded in France in 1988, Astek is a global engineering and technology consulting company, present on all continents. With its expertise across various industrial and service sectors, Astek supports its international clients in the smart implementation of their products and services and in executing their digital transformation.

Since its inception, the Group's development has been based on a strong culture of entrepreneurship and innovation, as well as on supporting and training its 10,000 employees, who are dedicated daily to promoting the complementarity between digital technologies and complex systems engineering. The Astek Group expects to achieve consolidated revenues of 720 million euros in 2024.

https://astekgroup.fr/

About Decskill

With more than 10 years of experience in Portugal and Spain, Decskill is an IT consulting company specializing in business transformation solutions. Committed to innovation and trusted by world-leading companies, the company provides project management services for key sectors with an integrated model of Consulting and Data, Experience, and Solutions, standing out for its talent, technological approach, and disruptive vision to solve its clients' technological challenges.

https://decskill.com/

Attachment
Veolia benefits from a unique and differentiating positioning thanks to the combination of its expertise in both waste and energy

Veolia is building a new network to provide heat to nearly 5,000 households in London with energy from waste

The heat energy with around a 60% renewable content due to the biogenic component of the treated waste will help saving 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year

The extension aims to support the future growth to accommodate 20,000 new homes over the next 15 years in line with Southwark Council's Area Action Plan

Regulatory News:

Veolia (Paris:VIE), Europe's local decarbonizing energy leader, is constructing a new district heating network in London that will deliver heat from the Group's SELCHP Energy Recovery Facility (ERF), working in partnership with Southwark Council. By using 75GWh per year of low carbon heat from the electricity generating process that treats non recyclable waste, this network will supply nearly 5,000 homes across 11 social housing and schools.

Currently almost half of the final energy consumed in the UK is used as heat and the domestic, commercial and public sectors account for two-thirds of this energy consumption. This is largely fossil fuelled and district heating networks, using the heat from the waste-fed electricity generation process, represent an efficient, affordable and decarbonising alternative to provide households with cleaner energy.

Veolia will ensure the design, construction, commission and operation of the network. Once operational, the infrastructure project will provide heat energy with around a 60% renewable content due to the biogenic component of the treated waste and will save 14,000 tonnes of CO2 emissions a year compared to the current natural gas or oil boiler derived heat supplies.

This new network builds on the success of the existing urban heating network powered by SELCHP, which already provides low-carbon heat to 3,000 households and has saved about 95,000 tonnes of CO2 over the past ten years.

"Developing local decarbonisation helps to break the dependence on fossil fuels and provide reliable heat to support communities and address energy price volatility. Our new district heating network in London will enable the UK to make further progress towards its decarbonisation targets by 2035, ' said Estelle Brachlianoff, CEO of Veolia, 'Veolia benefits from a unique and differentiating positioning thanks to the combination of its expertise in waste and energy, which makes us the reference in local decarbonised energy. This segment is a major booster to our GreenUp strategic program, which will meet our customers decarbonisation needs while guaranteeing energy security at an affordable price."

Heat, supplied as hot water, will be supplied through a 7km network of insulated pipework at temperatures up to 95C, and fed into the systems that distribute heat in the connected buildings to meet the thermal demands at each location. As this system represents a low carbon solution compared to alternative supplies, emitting only 0.026kgCO2/kWh it will also help to advance carbon reductions for the London Borough of Southwark ahead of their target.

In a significant move earlier this year, Southwark Council approved a Local Development Order (LDO) permitting the construction of the new network. They are the first authority in London to introduce a LDO.

Cllr Helen Dennis, cabinet member for new homes and sustainable development, said: "I'm excited Southwark is paving the way for future generations by tackling the climate emergency head on. This project to expand the low carbon heat network is absolutely vital to us reducing our reliance on fossil fuels and embracing cleaner, more efficient energy resources. The new insulated pipes also gets us closer to ensuring affordable and reliable heating for the 3,000 additional council homes due to be connected to the network around Old Kent Road."

ABOUT VEOLIA

Veolia's ambition is to become the benchmark company for ecological transformation. With nearly 218,000 employees on five continents, the Group designs and deploys useful, practical solutions for managing water, waste and energy that help to radically change the world. Through its three complementary activities, Veolia contributes to developing access to resources, preserving available resources and renewing them. In 2023, the Veolia group served 113 million people with drinking water and 103 million with wastewater services, produced 42 terawatt-hours of energy and recovered 63 million metric tons of waste. Veolia Environnement (Paris Euronext: VIE) generated consolidated sales of 45.3 billion in 2023.

www.veolia.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930761147/en/

Contacts:

GROUP MEDIA RELATIONS

Laurent Obadia Evgeniya Mazalova

Anna Beaubatie Aurelien Sarrosquy

Tel.+ 33 (0) 1 85 57 86 25

presse.groupe@veolia.com

INVESTORS RELATIONS

Selma Bekhechi Ariane de Lamaze

Tel. +33 (0) 1 85 57 84 76

investor-relations@veolia.com
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Versity SA announces the strategic acquisition of INEUF.com, the largest marketplace for new real estate in France.

Versity SA, listed on Euronext Access+ (MLVSY / FR0014003I41) and specialized in 3D and Web 3 solutions, announces the acquisition of INEUF.com, the largest marketplace dedicated to new real estate in France. The financial details of the transaction remain confidential.

This acquisition strengthens Versity's position in the new real estate market and will enable the commercialization of its innovative digital solutions through INEUF.com's databases.

INEUF.com: The reference in new real estate

INEUF.com has become the largest marketplace for new real estate in France, featuring over 4,000 programs and 120,000 apartments available for sale. With a network of 320 sales advisors covering 80 departments and the French overseas territories (DROM-COM), INEUF.com offers top-level expertise in the sale of new real estate properties. The company also stands out for its advanced customer relationship management solutions, powered by artificial intelligence, and its access to a database of qualified leads.

A Strategic Acquisition

This acquisition represents a strategic alliance between Versity and INEUF.com, combining complementary expertise in the new real estate sector and next-generation Web3 technology developed by Versity. This alliance aims to enhance the fluidity and coherence of interactions between buyers, advisors, and developers in an ever-evolving market.

Frederic Ibanez - President of Versity: "I am thrilled to announce this strategic acquisition of the INEUF group. Nicolas Viale has successfully brought together over 80% of the new real estate market in France on his platform. By combining his sales expertise with our 3D modeling tools, we are offering an innovative turnkey solution."

Nicolas Viale, a recognized leader in real estate

President and founder of INEUF.com, Nicolas Viale brings over 30 years of experience in the new real estate and off-plan property sales (VEFA) sector. As a speaker, author, and active member of several professional organizations, he will continue to play a key role in the development of INEUF.com within Versity.

Nicolas Viale - President of INEUF.com: "This partnership is the result of several months of reflection on a common project in a market undergoing rapid change, driven by the development of new technologies and an increasingly complex B2C ecosystem. The ongoing and future developments will help consolidate what has been achieved and create a more fluid and clearer bridge in the world of new real estate."

About Versity SA

Versity SA, listed on Euronext Access, specializes in developing innovative digital solutions for the real estate sector. It aims to streamline interactions between the various market players by integrating next-generation technologies into the real estate industry.

About INEUF.com

INEUF.com is the largest marketplace for new real estate in France, offering over 4,000 programs and 120,000 lots for sale. With its network of 320 sales advisors spread across the country and in the French overseas territories (DROM-COM), INEUF.com positions itself as the leader in marketing new real estate programs and investment properties in France.

For more information, please contact:

Press Service - Versity SA

presse@versity.io

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Commerzbank AG (London Branch) - Pre Stabilisation - Commerzbank AG USD AT1

PR Newswire

LONDON, United Kingdom, October 01

Pre-Stabilisation Notice

October 01, 2024

Not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft

USD Undated Non-cumulative Fixed to Reset AT1 Notes

Launched pursuant to the Issuer's

Additional Tier 1 Notes Programme, dated 05 June 2024, as supplemented.

Commerzbank AG (contact: Ian Turner; telephone: +44-207-7475-1817) hereby announces, as Stabilisation Coordinator, that the Stabilising Managers named below may stabilise the offer of the following securities in accordance with Commission Delegated Regulation (EU) 2016/1052 under the Market Abuse Regulation (EU Regulation 596/2014).

The security to be stabilised: Issuer: Commerzbank Aktiengesellschaft Guarantor (if any): none Aggregate nominal amount: USD Benchmark Description: USD Benchmark Undated Non-Cumulative Fixed to Reset Additional Tier 1 Notes (the "Notes"), which are intended to constitute Additional Tier 1 Instruments of the Bank. Offer price: tbc Other offer terms: Additional Tier 1 Notes Programme, denoms USD200k/200k, listing Luxembourg Stock exchange, Regulated Market. ISIN XS2914160804 Stabilisation: Stabilisation Coordinator: Stabilising Managers: Commerzbank AG Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG Goldman Sachs Bank Europe SE HSBC Continental Europe UBS AG London Branch Stabilisation period expected to start on: October 01, 2024 Stabilisation period expected to end on: no later than 30 days after the proposed issue date of the securities Existence, maximum size and conditions of use of over-allotment facility. The Stabilising Managers may over-allot the securities to the extent permitted in accordance with applicable law. Stabilisation trading venue: Luxembourg Stock Exchange, Regulated Market

In connection with the offer of the above securities, the Stabilising Manager(s) may over-allot the securities or effect transactions with a view to supporting the market price of the securities during the stabilisation period at a level higher than that which might otherwise prevail. However, stabilisation may not necessarily occur and any stabilisation action, if begun, may cease at any time Any stabilisation action or over-allotment shall be conducted in accordance with all applicable laws and rules.

This announcement is for information purposes only and does not constitute an invitation or offer to underwrite, subscribe for or otherwise acquire or dispose of any securities of the Issuer in any jurisdiction.

This announcement is not for distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States or any other jurisdiction in which such distribution would be unlawful.

END
The management and technology consultancy joins a community of businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy

Management and technology consultancy BearingPoint announced it is now B Corp Certified, meeting one of its ambitious sustainability goals and joining a community of businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. B Lab, the international network behind the B Corp movement, verified that BearingPoint has met high standards of social and environmental impact, made a legal commitment to stakeholder governance, and is demonstrating accountability and transparency.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930618482/en/

BearingPoint is B Corp Certified and joins a community of businesses leading a global movement for an inclusive, equitable, and regenerative economy. (Graphic: Business Wire)

"Being B Corp Certified is another big achievement for BearingPoint and our clients as we move toward a more sustainable and diverse future. It shows our commitment to sustainability, diversity, equity, and inclusion. 'Together we are more than business' is more than a slogan for us. It is our purpose because we're all in this together, and we aspire to do more for people, the planet, and society," said Axelle Paquer, Sustainability Sponsor in BearingPoint's Management Committee.

Certified B Corporations, or B Corps, are companies verified by B Lab to meet high standards of social and environmental performance, transparency and accountability. The B stands for benefit. B Corps are committed to balancing purpose and profit. They form a movement transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet.

The B Corp Certification takes a comprehensive look at a business' operations and assesses its Impact Business Model in five key areas: governance, workers, community, environment, and customers. To become a Certified B Corp, a company must achieve a minimum verified score of 80 points across the impact areas by providing evidence of socially and environmentally responsible practices of different kinds, ranging from energy, waste and water use to worker compensation, diversity, and corporate transparency. BearingPoint excelled especially in the areas of workers and governance.

BearingPoint is now part of a global community of over 9,000 businesses that are B Corp Certified.

Axelle Paquer said: "We are very proud of achieving B Corp Certification, and we worked hard to reach this goal we set in 2020. It was one of the four strategic priorities of our Sustainability Strategy 2025, and we committed to setting challenging targets and accelerating our impact locally and globally. Our firm will continue to be bold to reach all our ambitious sustainability goals, and being B Corp Certified is something we and our clients can look to for inspiration."

BearingPoint's strategic sustainability priorities also include Sustainable Ways of Working (SWOW), an approach to implement more sustainability and diversity in its projects, Female Acceleration to increase female representation in leadership positions, and Emission Zero to reduce its emissions 50 percent in comparison to the baseline year 2019. BearingPoint's latest Sustainability Report, "Making progress together," shares the firm's accomplishments on its sustainability journey. It details how the firm has reduced its carbon footprint by 53% per person compared to 2019, the measures implemented to become "sustainable by design" in its daily practice, and how it engaged with local communities and pushed forward for more female representation.

Mathieu Mohorcic, Head of Certification at B Lab Germany, said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome BearingPoint to the B Corp community. All B Corps have worked hard to assess their social and environmental impact. The certification is an important achievement and the beginning of a journey of continuous improvement. As a large management and technology consultancy, BearingPoint has now showcased its positive impact as a whole business. BearingPoint now can effectively inspire its clients around the globe and build collective action towards critical challenges. Do not forget: Leaders build communities, not just profits."

For more information, please visit: https://www.bearingpoint.com/en/about-us/our-purpose/b-corp/.

About B Lab

B Lab is the network transforming the global economy to benefit all people, communities, and the planet. B Lab creates standards, policies, tools, and programs that shift the behavior, culture, and structure of capitalism. We mobilize the global B Corp community towards collective action to address society's most critical challenges, and we collaborate with governments, academia, coalitions, and other institutions to drive economic systems change.

About BearingPoint

BearingPoint is an independent management and technology consultancy with European roots and a global reach. The company operates in three business units: Consulting, Products, and Capital. Consulting covers the advisory business with a clear focus on selected business areas. Products provides IP-driven digital assets and managed services for business-critical processes. Capital delivers M&A and transaction services.

BearingPoint's clients include many of the world's leading companies and organizations. The firm has a global consulting network with more than 10,000 people and supports clients in over 70 countries, engaging with them to achieve measurable and sustainable success.

BearingPoint is a certified B Corporation, meeting high standards of social and environmental impact.

For more information, please visit:

Homepage: www.bearingpoint.com

LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/bearingpoint

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240930618482/en/

Contacts:

Press contact

Alexander Bock

Global Senior Manager Communications

Telephone: +49 89 540338029

E-Mail: alexander.bock@bearingpoint.com
In less than a decade, SICPA has become the global market leader in turnkey fuel marking services, now providing fraud detection capability and revenue optimization for over 60 billion liters of petroleum products annually.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001318857/en/

Truck waiting at loading point for fuel marking (Photo: Business Wire)

Since 2016, SICPA has been successfully deploying its Fuel Integrity Solution (FIS) in Europe, Asia, Africa and the Middle East. FIS is a robust integrated fuel marking solution that provides traceability, monitoring and fraud detection capabilities throughout the supply chain. It answers a serious challenge: according to the United Nations University World Institute for Development Economics Research, with more than USD 130 billion worth of fuels stolen worldwide every year, it is the largest smuggled natural resource.

SICPA's highly resilient forensic markers are introduced into fuel products at all points of entry in a territory. Inspection vehicles equipped with mobile field analyzers can precisely quantify the markers' level in fuel products, in less than 5 minutes, all along the supply chain. Strategic data reporting provides key information on fuel consumption and risk patterns related to fraud detection.

SICPA has acquired solid technological experience through its fuel marking contracts, helping governments achieve their ambitious goals, such as safeguarding and optimising tax collection, combating illicit activities throughout the supply chain, ensuring that consumers receive the product quality they expect and reducing air pollution caused by adulteration with substandard products.

SICPA's FIS enables governments to effectively combat illicit trade by tackling various types of fraud such as smuggling, under declaration, diversion, dumping, adulteration, or dilution. In the Middle East for example, FIS helps authorities to prevent the illegal export of domestic fuel to neighbouring countries as well as its misuse in the domestic market.

SICPA also benefits from a global strategic partnership with Swiss company SGS, the global leader and an unmatched partner for fuel marking operations, field inspection and testing services. SICPA and SGS have a proven track record of successful collaboration ensuring the performance, stability, and robustness of their joint fuel integrity programs.

"SICPA's FIS benefits are recognized by governmental authorities worldwide. Based on a century of combined cutting-edge innovations in material, digital and data science domains, we provide public authorities with ultra-fast forensic detection capabilities on the field, allowing court-admissible evidence. Our system also enables governments to manage their strategic oil reserves, preserving their energy independence and helping to maintain national security by avoiding fuel shortages," explains Omar Messlem, Head of Fuel Segment at SICPA.

About SICPA

SICPA is a Swiss technology company that supports the effective governance and long-term prosperity of nation states.

Our platform of sovereignty enables our customers to authenticate and secure their vital assets, through custom solutions based on a century of combined cutting-edge innovations in material, digital and data science domains.

At the center of every SICPA solution is a custom crafted molecule, unique to each nation. Acting as a single source of truth, these unique markers are deployed across the full value chain to generate actionable and trustworthy insights in real time.

Established in 1927 and headquartered in Switzerland, SICPA is best known for safeguarding the majority of the world's banknotes. With operations across five continents, today our platform delivers sovereignty solutions mainly across revenue mobilisation, identity verification, healthcare security, and brand protection

About SGS

We are SGS the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company. We are recognized as the global benchmark for sustainability, quality and integrity. Our 99,600 employees operate a network of 2,600 offices and laboratories around the world.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001318857/en/

Contacts:

Curtis Vaisse, Strategic Intelligence Communications Director

sicpamediarelations@sicpa.com
NASA Astronaut Dr. Jeanette Epps gives live personal tour around the ISS to business leaders at Boyden's UK Annual Assembly

LONDON, Oct. 01, 2024, part of NASA's SpaceX Crew-8 mission.



Boyden's 250 guests from the international business community in London were treated to a live interview with Jeanette Epps, conducted by Nick Robeson, Managing Partner of Boyden in the UK & Ireland, followed by an instantaneous, live tour of the ISS in what is believed to be a UK first.

"It is a huge honour, and a technological feat by the Institute of Engineering & Technology, to interview Jeanette live at the ISS in front of our guests this year," says Nick Robeson, Managing Partner of Boyden in the UK & Ireland. "Jeanette described the personal challenges behind the media headlines, such as the exploded Russian satellite and faults on the Starliner space capsule. We wish the crew a successful mission and safe return to earth later in October."

While preparations were made to connect with the ISS, Boyden's guests heard from Mark Russell, CEO of The Children's Societyand extraordinary advocate for children's welfare. The Society's work in "transforming the hopes and happiness of young people facing abuse, exploitation and neglect" aligns with Boyden's support over two decades for children and youth-oriented charities in the UK. Donate here.

The London International Gospel Choirmade a gospel choir debut singing to Jeanette in space, Rise Up by Andra Day, and What Have You Done Today to Make You Feel Proud? led by Nina Rosenberger, Artistic Director and MD.

About Boyden

Boyden is a premier leadership and talent advisory firm with more than 75 offices in over 45 countries. Our global reach enables us to serve client needs anywhere they conduct business. We connect great companies with great leaders through executive search, interim management and leadership consulting solutions. Boyden is ranked amongst the top companies on Forbes' Americas Best Executive Recruiting Firms for 2024. For further information, visit www.boyden.com.

Contacts:

Chris Swee, Boyden

CMO

E: cswee@boyden.com Nick Robeson, Boyden

Managing Partner, Boyden UK & Ireland

T: +44 7710 102030

E: nick.robeson@boyden.com



A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7dc8dcc0-824a-4abc-a11b-4e1f7e352453
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

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Der Goldpreis haussiert und schwingt sich von Hoch zu Hoch. Getrieben von geopolitischen Unsicherheiten sowie der Aussicht auf eine lockere Geldpolitik der FED gehen Experten aktuell von weiter steigenden Notierungen bis sogar in den Bereich von 3.000 US-Dollar je Unze Gold aus.



Im Schatten des Basispreises notieren Goldproduzenten aus der zweiten Reihe sowie Explorationsunternehmen noch weit weg von ihren historischen Hochststanden entfernt und bieten dadurch erhebliches Aufholpotential.



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Regulatory News:

Orano Venture Fund has successfully completed its first investment in the French startup DessIA, through its DeepTech fund managed by Supernova Invest. The Orano fund has contributed to a new round of financing totalling 3 million euros, carried out jointly with historical investors Matterwave Ventures and Supernova Invest. This marks the first investment in the startup by an industrial company.

DessIA is a start-up specializing in the development of a software platform to automate engineering processes using artificial intelligence. DessIA already counts a number of industrial leaders among its references, confirming its solid integration within French industry.

As part of its future cooperation with Orano, DessIA will provide a decision-support software platform based on artificial intelligence and bots, which automates the generation of multiple system architectures, using among other sources engineers' knowledge. This innovative solution will help improve performance in engineering studies. Use cases envisaged include studies relating to cabling, ventilation and electrical systems for industrial installations.

This March, Orano launched Orano Venture Fund, an investment fund devoted to sovereign and sustainable industrial transition, managed by Supernova Invest. With 50 million at its disposal, the fund's priority is to support high-potential French and European startups in the fields of the circular economy and advanced industrial technologies, with the aim of meeting the challenges of decarbonization. The fund plans to invest in around fifteen European deeptech startups, from the seed stage through to series A.

"Six months on from the creation of Orano Venture Fund, we are delighted to announce this first investment in the startup DessIA, which fits in perfectly with our ambition to support high-potential startups in the field of advanced industrial technologies. In the context of our group's development, this investment also responds to our desire to accelerate innovation" said David Claverie, Orano's Chief Financial Officer.

For more information on our Orano Venture Fund, visit our dedicated page:

Orano Venture Fund Orano

About Orano

As a leading international operator in the field of nuclear materials, Orano delivers solutions to address present and future global energy and health challenges. Its expertise and mastery of cutting-edge technologies enable Orano to offer its customers high value-added products and services throughout the entire fuel cycle. Every day, the Orano group's 17,500 employees draw on their skills, unwavering dedication to safety and constant quest for innovation, with the commitment to develop know-how in the transformation and control of nuclear materials, for the climate and for a healthy and resource-efficient world, now and tomorrow.

Orano, giving nuclear energy its full value.

www.orano.group

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001396926/en/

Contacts:

Press Office

+33 (0)1 34 96 12 15

press@orano.group

Investor relations

Marc Quesnoy

investors@orano.group
Jane Rhodes appointed as Chief Executive Officer

Magnus Ivarsson appointed as Chief Translation and Early Development Officer

LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- AstronauTx Ltd ('AstronauTx'), a biotechnology company developing novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, today announces the appointment of Dr Jane Rhodes, Ph.D., MBA, as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board, and Magnus Ivarsson as Chief Translation and Early Development Officer.

Jane is an accomplished leader with 25 years of experience in the biotech industry. She was previously President and Chief Business Officer at Verge Genomics, and has held a variety of operational leadership roles in R&D, Corporate Strategy, Innovation and Business Development, at Biogen and Forma Therapeutics.

A neuroscientist by training, Jane began her career in the field of discovery research and worked on novel therapies for Alzheimer's disease, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), stroke and multiple sclerosis (MS). She has contributed to the development and launch of several marketed products for neurological indications over the span of her career.

She co-founded Qr8 Health, a digital health company, and currently serves as Chair of the Board of Pheno Therapeutics and as a Non-Executive Director at Turbine AI. Jane holds an undergraduate degree in Pharmacology and Physiology, and has a Ph.D. in Neurophysiology, both from the University of Manchester, and a Masters in Business Administration from the Babson College F.W. Olin School of Business.

Tim Edwards, Chairman of the Board, AstronauTx, said: "Jane has a strong track record of company formation, successful equity financing and forging large enabling Pharma partnerships, all of which will be invaluable in our next phase of growth. We look forward to working alongside her, with Magnus and the rest of the Leadership team, as AstronauTx progresses its pre-clinical programmes. I would like to thank Ruth McKernan and David Reynolds for the tremendous contribution they have made to creating the Company and setting us on this exciting development pathway."

Todd Foley, AstronauTx Board Member and Managing Director at MPM BioImpact, added: "Both Jane and Magnus have strong backgrounds in biotech and a deep understanding of neuroscience drug development. We look forward to Jane leading the AstronauTx team to deliver oral drugs that are expected to provide much needed symptomatic and disease modifying benefits to patients."

Jane Rhodes, Chief Executive Officer, AstronauTx commented: "The AstronauTx team have built an exciting early-stage portfolio targeting unique and orthogonal approaches to neurodegenerative disease. The Company is backed by a strong syndicate of investors and is poised for growth. I am thrilled to be joining the team to advance new therapies with such huge potential benefit to the aging population, and to be bringing Magnus on board with his uniquely relevant expertise, as we advance several programs into the clinic."

Magnus is a seasoned drug developer with more than 20 years of experience in the global pharmaceutical and biotechnology industry. He has held a range of senior research leadership roles, with responsibilities ranging from early discovery, translation and early clinical development for both small molecules and biologics with a focus on sleep, EEG and neurodegeneration.

Magnus's career includes more than a decade at large pharmaceutical companies Pfizer, Merck and AstraZeneca. Over the last 10+ years, he has held senior leadership positions at multiple successful biotechnology companies in Boston, including Aliada Therapeutics, Vesalius Therapeutics, Alkermes Plc, Rodin Therapeutics and Proteostasis Therapeutics. In these roles, Magnus has been pivotal in advancing both small molecules and biologics into the clinic, and he played a key role in the acquisition of Rodin by Alkermes in 2019.

He has been an honorary associate professor at University of Melbourne, Australia, a research fellow at University College London, UK, and earned his Ph.D. from Lund University in Sweden.

About AstronauTx Ltd

AstronauTx is a biotech company developing novel treatments for Alzheimer's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders, based on amplifying the brain's own physiological protective mechanisms.

AstronauTx was created by SV Health Investors' Dementia Discovery Fund in 2019 with additional seed stage funding from the UCL Technology Fund and the UK Future Fund, and completed a 48 million/$61milion Series A financing in October 2023. The syndicate was led by the Novartis Venture Fund, with participation from SV's Dementia Discovery Fund and new investors MPM BioImpact, Brandon Capital, EQT Life Sciences and Bristol Myers Squibb.

In July 2023, AstronauTx announced a partnership with Saniona, a Danish biotechnology company, to identify new treatments by modulating a novel, undisclosed ion channel target, expanding the Company's portfolio of programmes. In September 2023, AstronauTx was awarded an Innovate UK grant to fund preclinical work on one of its programmes.

For more information, please go to www.AstronauTx.Bio.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/astronautx-appoints-jane-rhodes-as-chief-executive-officer-and-expands-executive-team-302262642.html
Resolution Therapeutics Announces Upcoming Presentations at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2024

PR Newswire

EDINBURGH, Scotland and LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024

- Oral Presentation of complete data from the three-year MATCH Phase 2 trial

- Poster Presentation demonstrating preclinical proof of concept of safety and efficacy of RTX001, an autologous engineered macrophage cell therapy for end stage liver disease

EDINBURGH, Scotland and LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 Resolution Therapeutics Limited ("Resolution" or "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the regenerative potential of macrophage therapy for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases, today announces two abstracts have been selected for presentations at the American Association for the Study of Liver Disease (AASLD) The Liver Meeting 2024. The conference will take place in San Diego, California, between 15-19 November 2024.

Professor Stuart Forbes, founder of Resolution, Professor of Transplantation and Regenerative Medicine at the University of Edinburgh and Consultant Hepatologist at the Edinburgh Royal Infirmary, will give an oral presentation of the complete three-year data from the MATCH Phase 2 trial of autologous macrophage therapy in compensated cirrhosis. Lara Campana, Ph.D., co-founder and Vice President of Research Operations at Resolution will present a poster detailing the preclinical proof of concept of safety and efficacy for RTX001, a novel autologous engineered macrophage cell therapy for end-stage liver disease.

Oral Presentation Details:

Title: Autologous macrophage therapy decreases major clinical outcomes in patients with compensated cirrhosis: extended data from a randomized controlled Phase 2 trial

Publication Number: 95

Author: Stuart J. Forbes, MB CHB, FRCP(Ed), PhD

Date/Time: Monday 18 November 2024, 5:00pm - 6:30pm PDT

Poster Presentation Details:

Title: Preclinical proof of concept of safety and efficacy for RTX001, a novel autologous macrophage cell therapy product for end-stage liver disease

Publication Number: 3556

Author: Lara Campana, Ph.D.

Date/Time: Sunday 17 November 2024, 8:00am - 5:00pm PDT

Members of the Resolution senior leadership team will attend the conference. Please reach out to set up a meeting to learn more about the Company.

NOTES TO EDITORS

About Resolution Therapeutics

Resolution Therapeutics is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on unlocking the regenerative potential of macrophage therapy for the treatment of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. The Company leverages its proprietary cell characterization and engineering platform to develop autologous macrophages with distinct pro-regenerative properties for superior patient outcomes across the spectrum of inflammatory and fibrotic diseases. Resolution's initial focus is on developing RTX001, its lead product candidate with first-in-class potential supported by preclinical data demonstrating anti-fibrotic and anti-inflammatory advantages relative to non-engineered macrophages, for patients diagnosed with end-stage liver disease. The Company is also advancing efforts to expand the potential of its platform into indications beyond liver disease where engineered macrophages have therapeutic potential. Resolution, a spinout from Professor Stuart Forbes's lab at the University of Edinburgh, is based in Edinburgh and London. Learn more by visiting https://resolution-tx.com/ and engage with us on LinkedIn.

About AASLD

AASLD is the leading organization of scientists and health care professionals committed to preventing and curing liver disease. It fosters research that leads to improved treatment options for millions of liver disease patients. It advances the science and practice of hepatology through educational conferences, training programs, professional publications, and partnerships with government agencies and sister societies.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/resolution-therapeutics-announces-upcoming-presentations-at-the-american-association-for-the-study-of-liver-disease-aasld-the-liver-meeting-2024-302262987.html
WESTBOROUGH, Mass., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Channel Company, a global provider of news, insights, strategy, events, and marketing services for the information technology industry, today announced the launch of CRN Asia, delivering industry-leading breaking news, analysis, and market research to IT channel professionals across Asia.

An extension of The Channel Company's trusted flagship CRN brand portfolio, CRN Asia provides independent and in-depth coverage of fast-evolving IT channel technologies, trends, and strategies for solution providers of every size across the region.

"We are committed to being an indispensable resource for IT channel solution providers in Asia," said Matt Yorke, CEO of The Channel Company. "With CRN Asia, solution providers have daily access to the necessary knowledge they need to make rapid decisions and stay competitive in the dynamic IT channel marketplace in Asia and across the world."

"The launch of CRN Asia extends the leading-edge news, trusted analysis, and in-demand events of CRN to a truly global audience," said Alan Loader, Global SVP, Media, The Channel Company. "The daily articles, interviews, and opinion pieces will empower solution providers in Asia to navigate the complex and evolving channel landscape and drive business growth."

CRN Asia's experienced team of journalists delivers the essential news and intelligence providers need to solve technology challenges, explore new opportunities, and make strategic decisions to drive success for their customers and their organizations.

Visit CRN Asia to explore expert, independent channel coverage that supports your business.

About The Channel Company

The Channel Company, Inc. is the global leader in data-driven growth acceleration solutions and services for the IT channel. With 50 years of channel expertise and a premier portfolio of editorial brands, marketing and event services, and strategic consulting, we help technology vendors, solution providers, and IT decision-makers worldwide unlock better business outcomes. The Channel Company is a portfolio company of investment funds managed by EagleTree Capital, a New York City-based private equity firm. For more information, visit thechannelco.com.

About EagleTree Capital:

EagleTree Capital is a leading New York-based middle-market private equity firm, with $5.3 billion of assets under management, that has completed 45 private equity investments and over 100 add-on transactions over the past 20+ years. EagleTree primarily invests in North America in the following sectors: business services, consumer, and water and specialty industrial. For more information, visit www.eagletree.com or find EagleTree on LinkedIn.

Media contact: Corporate Communications, corporatecommunications@thechannelco.com

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/the-channel-company-launches-crn-asia-delivering-trusted-it-channel-news-and-analysis-to-the-apac-region-302263405.html
New report underscores the importance of holistic policies and investments in support of building a skilled and diverse workforce.

ABU DHABI, UAE and GENEVA, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- 2023 saw the highest ever increase in renewable energy jobs, from 13.7 million in 2022 to 16.2 million, according to the newly released Renewable Energy and Jobs - Annual Review 2024 by the International Renewable Energy Agency (IRENA) and the International Labour Organization (ILO). The 18% year-on-year leap reflects the strong growth of renewables generating capacities, together with a continued expansion of equipment manufacturing.

A closer look at the report's data, however, shows an uneven global picture. Close to two-thirds of new global solar and wind capacity were installed in China alone last year.

China leads with an estimated 7.4 million renewable energy jobs, or 46% of the global total. The EU followed suit with 1.8 million, Brazil with 1.56 million, and the United States and India, each with close to 1 million jobs.

As in the past few years, the strongest impetus came from the rapidly growing solar photovoltaics (PV) sector, which supported 7.2 million jobs globally. Of these, 4.6 million were in China, the dominant PV manufacturer and installer. Enabled by significant Chinese investments, Southeast Asia has emerged as an important export hub of solar PV, creating jobs in the region.

Liquid biofuels had the second-largest number of jobs, followed by hydropower and wind. Brazil topped the biofuels ranks, accounting for one third of the world's 2.8 million jobs in this sector. Soaring production put Indonesia in second, with a quarter of global biofuels jobs.

Due to a slowdown in deployment, hydropower became an outlier to the overall growth trend, with the number of direct jobs estimated to have shrunk from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million. China, India, Brazil, Vietnam and Pakistan were the largest employers in the industry.

In the wind sector, China and Europe remain dominant. As leaders in turbine manufacturing and installations, they contributed 52% and 21% to the global total of 1.5 million jobs, respectively.

Despite immense resource potential, Africa continues to receive only a small share of global renewables investments, which translated into a total of 324,000 renewables jobs in 2023. For regions in urgent need of reliable and sustainable energy access like Africa, and especially in remote areas, decentralised renewable energy (DRE) solutions--stand-alone systems that are not connected to the utility grids--present an opportunity to both plug the access gap and generate jobs. Removing barriers for women to start entrepreneurship initiatives in DRE can stimulate the sector, resulting in improved local economies and energy equity.

Acknowledging the high degree of geographic concentration, Francesco La Camera, IRENA Director-General, said, "The story of the energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be about one or two regions. If we are all to fulfil our collective pledge to triple renewable power capacity by 2030, the world must step up its game and support marginalised regions in addressing barriers impeding their transitions progress. Strengthened international collaboration can mobilise increased finance towards policy support and capacity building in countries that are yet to benefit from renewables job creation."

To meet the energy transitions' growing demand for diverse skills and talents, policies must support measures in favour of greater workforce diversity and gender equity. Representing 32% of the renewables total workforce, women continue to hold an unequal share even as the number of jobs keeps rising. It is essential that education and trainings lead to diverse job opportunities for women, youth, and members of minority and disadvantaged groups.

"Investing in education, skills, and training helps reskill all workers from fossil fuel sectors, address gender or other disparities, and prepare the workforce for new clean energy roles. It is essential if we are to equip workers with the knowledge and skills that they need to get decent jobs, and to ensure that the energy transition is a just and sustainable one. A sustainable transition is what the Paris Agreement requires of us, and what we committed to achieving when we signed up to the Agreement," explained ILO Director-General, Gilbert F. Houngbo.

This 11th edition of the Annual Review is part of IRENA's extensive analytical work on the socio-economic impacts of a renewables-based energy transition. This edition-which is the 4th edition developed in collaboration with ILO--underscores the importance of a people- and planet-centred approach to achieve a just and inclusive transition. It calls for a holistic policy framework that goes beyond the pursuit of technological innovation to rapidly meet the tripling target at the lowest-possible cost, and prioritises local value creation, ensures the creation of decent jobs, and builds on active participation by workers and communities in shaping the energy transition. Building on its expertise on the world of work, the ILO contributed the report's chapter on skills.

About IRENA

IRENA is the lead intergovernmental agency for the renewables-based energy transition in pursuit of a systemic change across the energy sectors. A global energy agency comprised of 169 countries and the EU, with 14 additional countries in accession, IRENA provides knowledge, technical assistance and capacity building, project and investment facilitation.

The Agency enables international cooperation and partnerships to fight climate change and promote sustainable development, energy access, energy security and resilient economies and societies.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/highest-annual-growth-of-renewables-jobs-in-2023--reaching-16-2-million-302262849.html
Publication demonstrates the cell therapy product for Parkinson's Disease overcomes most complex challenges in bioproduction, while demonstrating full behavioral recovery in pre-clinical model

TreeFrog Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine biotech focused on using its proprietary GMP compliant technology platform, C-Stem, to develop life-saving cell therapies, today published an article in Neurotherapeutics, demonstrating the first successful bioproduction of a Parkinson's Disease cell therapy in a scalable bioreactor, leading to full behavioral recovery 16 weeks after transplantation using a cryopreserved 3D microtissue format.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241009598667/en/

TreeFrog Therapeutics 10L bioreactor for cell therapy (Photo credits: TreeFrog Therapeutics)

The potential of cell therapy for Parkinson's Disease is well documented dating back to pioneering studies in the 1980s using fetal cell transplants and scientific progress over the last decades provides great hope for the future. The emergence of induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) opened new pathways and solved one of the first major challenges, cell sourcing. However, multiple hurdles remain, particularly around industrialization and no cell therapy for Parkinson's Disease has advanced beyond clinical stage to date.

"Today's publication demonstrates how TreeFrog Therapeutics has overcome the most complex challenges of developing a successful treatment for Parkinson's disease using our C-Stem platform technology and producing a therapy containing mature dopaminergic neurons with a unique 3D format that promotes cell survival post-graft with proven pre-clinical results. We are excited to present the paper to the scientific community and look forward to many discussions on our scientific and bioproduction progress. I am proud of all the work done by Nicolas Prudon, lead author, alongside colleagues at TreeFrog". Jens Schroeder, Chief Medical Officer, TreeFrog Therapeutics.

The paper published online today reinforces the potential of TreeFrog's cell therapy to overcome several complex challenges, one of which being the limitation of the format. Most other existing investigational cell therapies use single-cell suspensions which have an elevated risk of inducing cell death through anoikis affecting survival and/or potency of the product post-transplantation1. The results achieved with the unique 3D format of TreeFrog's cell therapy product demonstrate the potential to circumvent this limitation, providing protection to the more mature, sensitive cells that are neurons.

Another challenge facing companies is the bioproduction strategy. While currently only scale-out methods have been employed, which increase the potential of variability due to the manually intensive methods required, C-Stem production use a scale-up strategy with a stirred-tank bioreactor enhancing productivity and reducing costs. The system is commercial scale ready for the Parkinson's disease cell therapy, with doses for hundreds of patients in one 10L bioreactor.

Finally, as in downstream processing, cryopreservation has proven to be a major challenge in the cell therapy space with fresh product performing better, while cryopreserved product resulted in a delayed time-to-effect.2 The results published today, demonstrate the same efficacy with the cryopreserved product, as the fresh product, with no time-to-effect delay.

Detailed analyses and discussion of the bioproduction process, product characterization and pre-clinical efficacy results can be found in the full paper, available here.

-Ends-

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disease affecting more than 10 million people worldwide3 with prevalence doubling in the last 25 years.4 The complex disease is the result of the degeneration of specific dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. There is a huge unmet need as current treatments provide symptomatic relief only and medication fails to control symptoms for nearly 75% of people.5 Regenerative medicine and in particular, cell therapy, holds great potential as it can replace these lost neurons, ultimately restoring function.

About C-Stem

The proprietary biomimetic C-Stem technology platform is based on a decade of research bringing together stem cell biology, biophysics and bioproduction. It is the world's first GMP compliant cell encapsulation device capable of generating over 1,000 capsules per second, enabling the seeding of bioreactors up to 10 liters and delivering 15 billion iPSC cells in a single batch.

Blending microfluidics and stem cell biology, the C-Stem technology generates alginate capsules seeded with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at very high speed. Engineered to mimic the in vivo stem cell niche, the capsules allow iPSCs to grow exponentially in 3D, and to differentiate into ready-to-transplant functional microtissues. The alginate is both porous and highly resistant, allowing the encapsulated iPSCs to expand and differentiate in large-scale bioreactors without suffering from impeller-induced shear stress. The breakthrough technology addresses critical challenges in the industry of scale and quality, in addition to the efficacy and safety of future cell therapy products.

About TreeFrog Therapeutics

TreeFrog Therapeutics is a French-based biotech company set to unlock access to cell therapies for millions of patients. TreeFrog is unique in its approach to cell therapy development bringing together biophysicists, cell biologists and bioproduction engineers to address the challenges of the industry producing and differentiating cells of quality at unprecedented scale, cost-effectively. To realize their mission of Cell Therapy for all, TreeFrog operates a business model that includes its own therapeutic programs and partnerships with leading biotech and industry players in other areas. In the last 3 years, the company has raised $82 million to advance a pipeline of stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. In 2022, the company opened technological hubs in Boston, USA, and Kobe, Japan, to drive the adoption of the C-StemTM platform and establish strategic alliances with leading academic, biotech and industry players.

www.treefrog.fr

1 Gilmore A.P., Anoikis, Cell Death Differ, 12 (2005), pp. 1473-1477

2 Hiramatsu S., Morizane A., Kikuchi T., Doi D., Yoshida K., Takahashi J., Cryopreservation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurospheres for clinical application, J Park Dis., 12 (2022), pp. 871-884

3 Statistics Parkinson's Foundation

4 Parkinson disease (who.int)

5 www.parkinsons.org.uk

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241009598667/en/

Contacts:

MEDIA

Rachel MOONEY

Chief Communications Officer

+33 6 74 06 34 61
Brampton, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - DATA Communications Management Corp. (TSX: DCM) (OTCQX: DCMDF) ("DCM" or the "Company"), a leading provider of marketing and business communication solutions to companies across North America, is pleased to announce it will be presenting at the 2024 Cantech Letter Investment Conference on Wednesday, October 9, 2024, in Toronto, Ontario.

James Lorimer, CFO of DCM and Pierce Kellam, Senior Director, ASMBL, will be attending the conference. Mr. Lorimer will be delivering an investor presentation and Mr. Kellam will be providing an update on the Company's recently launched digital asset management platform, ASMBL. Mr. Lorimer and Mr. Kellam will also be participating in 1-on-1 meetings with investors at the conference.

Event: 2024 Cantech Letter Conference

Presentation time: 2:30 PM EST (11:30 AM PST) (Track 1)

Date: Wednesday, October 9, 2024

Location: Arcadian Loft, 8th floor, 401 Bay Street, Toronto, ON

"We look forward to participating in the Cantech Letter Conference, as it offers a valuable opportunity to increase our exposure to the investment community," said James Lorimer, CFO. "We will be providing an update on our business and profiling our latest technology solution, which we recently launched in July 2024. ASMBL is a fully AI-enabled digital asset management platform designed to help organizations simplify their increasingly complex digital ecosystems and more efficiently manage digital content across the enterprise."

About Cantech Letter Conference

The Cantech Letter Conference showcases the latest advancements in the Canadian technology sector. With a strong focus on publicly listed companies, the conference offers a unique platform for these companies to highlight their achievements, demonstrate cutting-edge products, and engage directly with industry leaders, investors, and capital markets professionals. Attendees will also have the opportunity to participate in one-on-one meetings with potential investors, fostering valuable connections that can drive growth and innovation.

For more information, please visit: https://www.cantechletter.com/conference/

About DATA Communications Management Corp.

DCM is a marketing and business communications partner that helps companies simplify the complex ways they communicate and operate, so they can accomplish more with fewer steps and less effort. DCM serves major brands in vertical markets including financial services, retail, healthcare, energy, other regulated industries, and the public sector. We integrate seamlessly into our clients' businesses thanks to our deep understanding of their needs, transformative tech-enabled solutions, and end-to-end service offering. Whether we're running technology platforms, sending marketing messages, or managing print workflows, our goal is to make everything surprisingly simple.

Additional information relating to DATA Communications Management Corp. is available on www.datacm.com , and in the disclosure documents filed by DATA Communications Management Corp. on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

Certain statements in this press release constitute "forward-looking" statements that involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM, or industry results, to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. When used in this press release, words such as "may", "would", "could", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "plan", and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect DCM's current views regarding future events and operating performance, are based on information currently available to DCM, and speak only as of the date of this press release.

These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. They should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such performance or results will be achieved. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance, objectives or achievements of DCM to be materially different from any future results, performance, objectives or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

Additional factors are discussed under the headings "Liquidity and capital resources" and "Risks and Uncertainties" in DCM's Management Discussion and Analysis and in DCM's other publicly available disclosure documents, as filed by DCM on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca). Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described in this press release as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected. Unless required by applicable securities law, DCM does not intend and does not assume any obligation to update these forward-looking statements.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225193

SOURCE: Cantech Letter
LEUVEN, Belgium, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Relu, a pioneer in artificial intelligence (AI) assisted segmentation for dental labs and software companies, proudly announces the dual achievement of 510(k) clearance by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and CE Mark approval by an EU Notified Body. These regulatory milestones authorize the commercial distribution of the Relu Creator, the cutting-edge dental tool that enables users to create 3D anatomical models from patients in just minutes.

FDA clearance signifies compliance with U.S. medical device standards, while the CE Mark confirms adherence to EU regulations for product safety and consumer protection. This dual recognition underscores Relu's commitment to excellence in the oral health sector.

"We are thrilled to have attained both FDA and CE approval for the Relu Creator," stated Adriaan Van Gerven, CTO and Co-founder, of Relu. "These significant achievements are a testament to Relu's dedication to creating superior technology that meets the highest international safety and quality standards. We're poised to revolutionize patient and dentist experiences across both continents."

"This approval paves the way for our advanced technology to enter US and EU dental markets with the highest potential for growth. Having led strategy in Dental, AI and Orthodontic sectors, I consider this achievement a key differentiator that sets Relu Creator apart. This is a major step forward in Relu's mission to modernize dental care," said Bindu Saran, former Global Head of Orthodontic Technology at Straumann, former Sr. Manager of R&D at Ormco, and Board Member at Relu.

The Relu Creator integrates cutting-edge AI to deliver features such as automated anatomical identification, and enhanced 3D imaging for dental diagnostics and treatment planning. By improving precision and increasing overall efficiency in dental procedures, Relu Creator is set to be an essential tool for modern dental clinics.

About Relu

Relu is founded in 2019 with the dream of making dental treatments safer and faster. They plug in advanced computer vision and artificial intelligence to automate manual workflows. Their Relu Engine and Relu Creator are used by dental lab and software partners for more than thousands of orthodontic and implant treatments every day. Relu is headquartered in Leuven, BE with an office in Boston, MA, USA. Learn more at relu.eu.

 2024 Relu

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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA OR TO BE TRANSMITTED, DISTRIBUTED TO, OR SENT BY, ANY NATIONAL OR RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF ANY SUCH COUNTRIES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION MAY CONTRAVENE LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS.

This announcement is an advertisement and not an admission document or a prospectus and does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or issue or a solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy any securities nor should it be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction. Potential investors should not purchase or subscribe for any transferable securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of the information in the final form of an admission document (the "Admission Document") which may be published in due course in connection with the proposed admission of its issued and to be issued common shares ("CommonShares") to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock Exchange plc ("AIM") ("Admission"). Upon such publication the Admission Document will supersede this announcement and the information contained herein in its entirety and your investment decision, if any, must be made only on the basis of the information contained therein. It should be noted that an investment in any transferable securities referred to in this announcement carries a number of risks and that the value of investments may go down as well as up. Investors should take independent advice from a person experienced in advising on investment in securities such as those referred to in this announcement if they are in doubt.

CASCAIS, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Pulsar Helium Inc. (TSXV:PLSR)(OTCQB:PSRHF) ("Pulsar" or the "Company"), the helium project development company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a new drill contract with Capstar Drilling for its Topaz Helium Project ('Topaz') in the State of Minnesota, USA. The drill contract follows the successful drilling of the Jetstream #1 well and additional drilling activities are scheduled to occur this quarter. Drilling activities will consist of deepening the Jetstream #1 well by a further c.500m to intersect the full anticipated height of the reservoir, with the option to drill an additional two step out wells. All necessary permits to deepen Jetstream #1 have been obtained, and site improvements and preparation are now underway.

HIGHLIGHTS

A new drill contract has been signed with Capstar Drilling for deepening the Jetstream #1 well by a further c.500m to intersect the full anticipated height of the reservoir, with the option to drill two additional step out wells.

Site improvements are underway, all relevant permits for deepening Jetstream #1 have been obtained, and drilling is scheduled to commence this quarter.

Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar, commented: "The signing of the Capstar Drilling contract is a further step forward as we look to commercialise the high-grade Topaz helium project in Minnesota. We anticipate that deepening the Jetstream #1 well will further validate the economics of the Project and confirm the reservoir's district-scale potential, thus underpinning Topaz as North America's leading helium and CO2 resource."

"These are exciting times for Pulsar particularly as mineral security and 'safe jurisdiction resource development' increasingly shape investor decision making. We are receiving strong support across the political spectrum in Minnesota who recognise the statewide benefits of bringing Topaz on stream. As the project continues to develop at pace, we look forward to keeping the market regularly informed and delivering our strategy for the benefit of all stakeholders."

DRILL CONTRACT DETAILS

Following the successful drilling and testing of the Jetstream #1 well, the Company intends to maintain momentum and has accordingly signed a new drill contract with Capstar Drilling to undertake further drilling at the Topaz Project in Minnesota. The rig is scheduled to commence drilling services this quarter, consisting of deepening the Jetstream #1 well by c.500m, with the option to drill an additional two step out wells.

Capstar Drilling is the rig contractor of choice, having been previously contracted to drill the Jetstream #1 well in February of this year. The rig and experience of the crew with local conditions are highly regarded and the continuity with Capstar Drilling is anticipated to be a benefit to the drill program. Capstar Drilling will provide a 6000 Elenburg Manufacturing trailer-mounted drilling rig and the crew.

All necessary permits required from local, State and Federal authorities have been obtained for deepening Jetstream #1 and site preparations are currently underway. Drilling activities will be overseen by Company personnel and TRES Management Inc. During drilling, a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer will be on location to provide real-time gas composition measurements including helium concentration. On reaching total depth, an open-hole logging suite will be acquired to evaluate the reservoir zone for the next phase of evaluation.

About Pulsar Helium Inc.

Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange with the ticker PLSR and on the OTCQB with the ticker PSRHF. Pulsar's portfolio consists of its flagship Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences not associated with the production of hydrocarbons identified at each. For further information visit https://pulsarhelium.com, follow us on X https://twitter.com/pulsarhelium?lang=en and LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/pulsar-helium-inc.

On behalf Pulsar Helium Inc.

"Thomas Abraham-James"

President, CEO and Director

Further Information:

Pulsar Helium Inc.

connect@pulsarhelium.com

+ 1 (604) 599-0310

OAK Securities*

info@OAK-securities.com

+44 203 973 3678

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The communication of this announcement is not being made, and has not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

The contents of this announcement, which has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of the Company, has not been approved by either of Strand Hanson Limited ("Strand") or OAK Securities (a trading name of Merlin Partners LLP) ("OAK") for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended).

Neither this announcement nor any copy of it may be taken or transmitted, published or distributed, directly or indirectly, in, into or from any restricted jurisdiction or to any persons in any of those jurisdictions or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant securities laws of such jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States, Australian, Japanese or South African securities laws.

This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any shares or other securities in any restricted jurisdiction. The distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the Admission in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this announcement, any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Neither this announcement nor any part of it nor the fact of its distribution shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever.

This announcement is directed only at persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing and disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their business and who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and are: (i) if in a member state of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), Qualified Investors as defined in article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "EU Prospectus Regulation"); (ii) if in the United Kingdom, are Qualified Investors as defined in article 2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and (a) fall within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (b) are persons who fall within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (c) to whom it may otherwise be lawfully distributed (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons").

This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. This announcement does not itself constitute an offer for sale or subscription of any securities in the Company.

The Common Shares referred to in this Announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act or an available exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.

Any subscription for or purchase of Common Shares should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the final Admission Document to be published by the Company in connection with the Admission. The information in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may or should be placed for any purposes whatsoever on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, completeness or fairness. The information in this announcement is subject to change. However, the Company does not undertake to provide the recipient of this announcement with any additional information, or to update this announcement or to correct any inaccuracies, and the distribution of this announcement shall not be deemed to be any form of commitment on the part of the Company to proceed with the Admission or any transaction or arrangement referred to in this announcement. This announcement has not been approved by any competent regulatory authority.

Strand and/or OAK and any of their respective affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase Common Shares and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such Common Shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Admission or otherwise. Accordingly, references in the Admission Document, once published, to the Common Shares being offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by Strand and/or OAK and any of their respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. In addition, Strand and/or OAK or their respective affiliates may enter into financing arrangements and swaps in connection with which it or its affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Common Shares. Neither Strand nor OAK has any intention to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

Strand, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company as the Company's nominated adviser for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies ("AIM Rules") and no one else in connection with the Admission, and Strand will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Admission or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

OAK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company as the Company's broker for the purposes of the AIM Rules and no one else in connection with the Admission, and OAK will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Admission or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

Neither Strand, nor OAK nor any of their respective subsidiary undertakings, affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents or any other person accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

The anticipated timetable for Admission, including the publication of the Admission Document and/or the date of Admission, may be influenced by a range of circumstances, including market conditions. There is no guarantee that the Admission Document will be published or that Admission will occur and investors should not base their financial decisions on the Company's intentions in relation to the Admission at this stage.

The price of shares and any income expected from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide to future performance, and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. Certain figures contained in this announcement, including financial information, have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, in certain instances, the sum or percentage change of the numbers contained in this announcement may not conform exactly to the total figure given.

Neither the content of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this announcement.

Solely for the purposes of Paragraph 3.2.7R regarding the responsibilities of UK Manufacturers under the Product Governance requirements contained within Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Common Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as defined in UK Product Governance Requirements; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by UK Product Governance Requirements (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Fundraising. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the Common Shares.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Placing Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

EU Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("EU MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing EU MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "EU MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any 'manufacturer' (for the purposes of the EU MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Common Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail clients and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by EU MiFID II (the "EU Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the possible Offer. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, the Investment Firms will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of EU MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Common Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Common Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release and the interview contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company's intention to apply for admission to trading of the Company's common shares on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and the timing of its targeted admission; the independent resource estimate for helium and CO2 at Topaz; the potential of CO2 as a valuable by-product of the Company's future helium production; the estimated Geological Chance of Success for the Prospective Resources and the Chance of Commerciality of Topaz; the potential for deepening Jetstream #1 and the potential impact of such deepening on the next iteration of the resource estimate; the Company's expectation that its application on an additional 32,949 acres for the extraction of non-hydrocarbon gases will be granted in the near term; and the intended use of proceeds from the AIM IPO. Forward-looking statements may involve estimates and are based upon assumptions made by management of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's capital cost estimates, management's expectations regarding the availability of capital to fund the Company's future capital and operating requirements and the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals.

No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company's property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Un-risked Contingent and Prospective Helium Volumes have been defined at the Topaz Project. However, estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert its helium volume to reserves and produce that estimated volume. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company's operational or financial performance.

Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company's exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company's performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic date for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, that Pulsar may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the uncertainty of resource estimation; operational risks in conducting exploration, including that drill costs may be higher than estimates and the potential for delays in the commencement of drilling; commodity prices; health, safety and environmental factors; and other factors set forth above as well as under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements and Market and Industry Data" and "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus dated July 31, 2023 filed on the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release, and the Company undertakes no obligation 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 law.

New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. No assurance can be given that the forward-looking statements herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release and interview are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE: Pulsar Helium Inc.
Galway Metals Inc. (TSXV:GWM)(OTCQB:GAYMF) (the "Company" or "Galway") is pleased to report results from its diamond drilling program at the Southwest Deposit in the Company's 100%-owned flagship Clarence Stream high-grade gold project in New Brunswick, Canada. The Clarence Stream Gold Project has district-scale potential with approximately 65-kilometre strike length of highly prospective gold showings and anomalies.

"The drill results show the potential for creating a much larger open pit in the Southwest Deposit with thick gold zones that intersected outside of the current resource. We are planning on following up these results with additional drilling this fall "states Rob Hinchcliffe, President and CEO of Galway. He adds "Additionally, we are looking forward to receiving the assays from the 23 drill holes at the South Deposit, which has intersected some very promising visible gold zones. Keep an eye out for these results in the coming months".

Highlights

CL-200 intersected 1.5 g/t gold over 26.5 metres including 5.70 g/t gold over 4.5 metres: Starting 17 vertical metres from the surface (Figure 1)

CL-203 intersected 1.8 g/t gold over 16.0 metres including 13.5 g/t gold over 1.5 metres

CL-197 intersected 0.8 g/t gold over 16.1 metres and 0.9 g/t gold over 16.5 metres: Starting 30 vertical metres from the surface (Figure 2)

Thick Gold Zones Inside and Outside of Current Southwest Deposit Resource Pits

The drill holes in this release are in the NE area of the Southwest Deposit (Figure 3). Drill hole CL-200 shows high-grade gold continuity within the current resource pit shells and beyond the current Resource Block Model, while bringing mineralization 17 metres from the surface. Holes CL-202 and CL-203 connects high-grade zones at depth within the resource pits. Drill holes CL-197 and CL-198 intersected thick zones outside of known resource pit shells, suggesting open pit expansions towards the NE of the Southwest Deposit. The intercepts mentioned in this press release are in the following Assay and Coordinate Table.

Abundant Visible Gold Intersected within the South Deposit Drilling

On going drilling at the South Deposit, the highest-grade resource within the Clarence Stream project has intersected visible gold (VG) in several of the drillholes. There are currently 23 drillholes with pending assays including holes CS-407 and CS-414 with numerous specks of VG (photos). This was part of a program to increase high-quality gold ounces within the potential Clarence Stream starter pit.

Geology and Mineralization

The Clarence Stream deposits can be characterized as intrusion-related, structurally controlled, quartz-vein hosted gold deposits. These deposits consist of quartz veins and quartz stockwork within brittle-ductile fault zones that include adjacent crushed, altered wall rocks and veinlet material. The mineralized systems are hosted in intrusive and metasedimentary rocks within high strain zones controlled by regional fault systems. Pyrite, base metal sulphides, and stibnite occur in these deposits along with anomalous concentrations of bismuth, arsenic, antimony and tungsten. Alteration in the host rocks is confined within a few metres of quartz veins and occurs mainly in the form of sericitization and chloritization. A more complete description of Clarence Stream's geology and mineralization can be found at www.galwaymetalsinc.com.

New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program

Galway would like to acknowledge financial support from the New Brunswick Junior Mining Assistance Program, which will contribute up to $50,000 towards exploration drilling in 2024.

Review by Qualified Person

Jesse Fisher, P.Geo., Project Manager for Galway Metals, is the Qualified Person who supervised the preparation of the scientific and technical disclosure in this news release on behalf of Galway Metals Inc.

Quality Control and Reports

All core, chip/boulder samples, and soil samples are assayed by Activation Laboratories, located at 41 Bittern Street, Ancaster, Ontario, Canada, Agat Laboratories, located at 5623 McAdam Road, Mississauga Ontario, Canada L4Z 1N9 and 35 General Aviation Road, Timmins, ON P4P 7C3, and/or Swastika Laboratories situated in Swastika, ON. All four labs have ISO/IEC 17025 accreditation. All core is under watch from the drill site to the core processing facility. All samples are assayed for gold by Fire Assay, with gravimetric finish, and other elements assayed using ICP. The Company's QA/QC program includes the regular insertion of blanks and standards into the sample shipments, as well as instructions for duplication. Standards, blanks and duplicates are inserted at one per 20 samples. Approximately five percent (5%) of the pulps and rejects are sent for check assaying at a second lab with the results averaged and intersections updated when received. Core recovery in the mineralized zones has averaged 99%.

About Galway Metals Inc.

Galway Metals is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned, high-grade, open-pitable flagship Clarence Stream gold project in southwest New Brunswick. Clarence Stream is an emerging gold district with an exploration strike length of approximately 65 kilometres and widths of up to 28 kilometres in certain areas. Galway Metals also has 100%-ownership in the Estrades project, a former producing high-grade, gold-rich polymetallic VMS mine in the northern Abitibi of western Quebec. Led by a management team with a proven track-record of creating shareholder value having sold Galway Resources for US$340 million, Galway Metals is focused on creating value for all its stakeholders.

For additional Information on Galway Metals Inc., Please contact:

Robert Hinchcliffe President & Chief Executive Officer

Telephone: 1-800-771-0680

Email: info@galwaymetalsinc.com

Website: www.galwaymetalsinc.com

Look us up on Facebook, Twitter or LinkedIn

Cautionary Statement

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Toronto Stock 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.

This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements" which are not comprised of historical facts. 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. Although these statements are based on information currently available to the Company, the Company provides no assurance that actual results will meet management's expectations. Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Forward looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, the Company's objectives, goals or future plans, information with respect to the OTCQB listing, DTC eligibility, and broadening U.S. institutional and retail investors. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to changes in economic conditions or financial markets, political and competitive developments, operation or exploration difficulties, changes in equity markets, changes in exchange rates, fluctuations in commodity prices capital, operating and reclamation costs varying significantly from estimates and the other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, an inability to predict and counteract the effects of COVID-19 on the business of the Company, including but not limited to the effects of COVID-19 on the price of commodities, capital market conditions, restrictions on labour and international travel and supply chains, and those risks set out in the Company's public documents filed on SEDAR. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. 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.

SOURCE: Galway Metals Inc.
Plurilock to modernize the Customer's Identity and Access Management, Configuration Management Database infrastructure, and encryption infrastructure

Plurilock will refresh the Customer's phishing training and reporting infrastructure and update the Customer's internal cybersecurity communications practices

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Plurilock Security Inc. (TSXV: PLUR) (OTCQB: PLCKF) ("Plurilock" or the "Company"), a global cybersecurity services and solutions provider, announces US$1.9 million in new cybersecurity contracts with a prominent semiconductor company (the "Customer") listed on the S&P 500 index.

Under the four contracts, together valued at US$1.9 million, the Company will provide services to modernize several of the Customer's foundational cybersecurity and information security platforms and resources, including its Identity and Access Management (IAM) stack, its Configuration Management Database (CMDB) infrastructure and integrations, its encryption infrastructure, its phishing training and reporting infrastructure, and its internal cybersecurity communications.

The work will significantly enhance the Customer's posture with respect to Role-Based Access control (RBAC), Zero Trust, least privilege access management, phishing and ransomware readiness, and security best practices awareness.

The new contracts are follow-on business, earned based on success in previous Critical Services engagements with the customer, and were secured through Plurilock's subsidiary, Aurora Systems Consulting.

"We're honored to have earned this opportunity based on the success of our previous work with this valued customer," says Ian L. Paterson, CEO of Plurilock. "Their decision to partner with us once again, this time to modernize their Identity and Access Management infrastructure and enhance phishing prevention strategies, is a testament to the quality and reliability of our solutions. This engagement reaffirms the trust our clients place in Plurilock Critical Services, and we're excited to continue delivering exceptional results."

About Plurilock

Plurilock sells cybersecurity solutions to the United States and Canadian Federal Governments along with Global 2000 companies. Through these relationships, Plurilock sells its unique brand of Critical Services-aiding clients with our expertise to defend against, detect, and prevent costly data breaches and cyberattacks.

For more information, visit https://www.plurilock.com or contact:

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the TSX Venture Exchange policies) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") related to future events or Plurilock's future business, operations, and financial performance and condition. Forward-looking statements normally contain words like "will", "intend", "anticipate", "could", "should", "may", "might", "expect", "estimate", "forecast", "plan", "potential", "project", "assume", "contemplate", "believe", "shall", "scheduled", and similar terms. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance, actions, or developments and are based on expectations, assumptions, and other factors that management currently believes are relevant, reasonable, and appropriate in the circumstances. Although management believes that the forward-looking statements herein are reasonable, actual results could be substantially different due to the risks and uncertainties associated with and inherent to Plurilock's business. Additional material risks and uncertainties applicable to the forward-looking statements herein include, without limitation, the impact of general economic conditions, and unforeseen events and developments. This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. Many of these factors are beyond the control of Plurilock. All forward-looking statements included in this press release are expressly qualified in their entirety by these cautionary statements. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as at the date hereof, and Plurilock undertakes no obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Risks and uncertainties about the Company's business are more fully discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in its most recent Annual Information Form. They are otherwise disclosed in its filings with securities regulatory authorities available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225115

SOURCE: Plurilock Security Inc.
Integrated hospitality solutions leader dives deeper into group sales, meetings, and events in its latest acquisition supported by its investors, including Haveli Investments

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cendyn, a global hospitality cloud-based technology company, has acquired Knowland, the US-based leader in data-as-a-service intelligence on meetings and events for hospitality. The strategic acquisition presents an opportunity to enhance sales prospecting by yielding greater bookings in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) space.

Knowland's platform includes extensive market intelligence data on meetings and events gathered from over 7,500 hotels across the USA and a select handful of international markets. Knowland's products connect hoteliers with market insights to drive more revenue, accelerate the sales cycle, and optimize processes to achieve group sales goals.

Alongside Cendyn's current investors, earlier this year Cendyn welcomed Austin-based Haveli Investments to its private equity portfolio. With their focus on high-quality technology companies, the backing by Haveli Investments along with Accel-KKR puts Cendyn on a strong path to deliver innovation for the hospitality industry. The pairing of Knowland's meeting and event data with Cendyn's Sales CRM, Proposals, and Grouprev platforms highlights the opportunity this acquisition brings to their customers, empowering them to find and drive group bookings with a complete and single solution.

"To effectively sell group business, hoteliers need immediate access to data, and Knowland's event intelligence platform is undoubtedly the market leader in this area. Its sales intelligence complements our Sales CRM, helping hoteliers find their target audience. Then, using our Proposals and Grouprev platforms, hoteliers can complete the booking process. It's the perfect fit with our commitment to helping hoteliers 'Find, Book, and Grow' their business. With Haveli Investments' dedication and expertise in technology joining our expansion, we're poised to deliver a bright future for Cendyn's customers," said Jack Blaha, CEO at Cendyn.

"Salespeople thrive on information, and over the past 20 years, Knowland has provided them with essential data to help target new business efforts and hone in on genuine leads," said Jeff Bzdawka, CEO at Knowland. "This exciting new era furthers our commitment to improving the working lives of hotel sales teams and helps shift the needle towards a proactive sales approach to group business."

According to the US Travel Association, after a slow recovery, business travel is expected to regain 95% of its 2019 peak in 2024. The acquisition provides Cendyn with the opportunity to equip its customers with a combined event intelligence and B2B prospecting solution, simplifying and automating the sales process to ease the management and success of sales outreach.

"We are excited to partner with Cendyn, its leadership team, and all of its shareholders, including Accel-KKR to capitalize on the growth opportunities that lie ahead," said Ian Loring, Senior Managing Director and Executive Chair at Haveli Investments. "We believe Cendyn's broad portfolio of hospitality solutions uniquely positions it to help continue capturing market share, expanding into new markets, and driving value for its customers."

Discover more about Cendyn's range of products and services at cendyn.com

For requests and further information contact:

Megan McIntyre - +44 (0)7981 930 304 - megan@haynesmarcoms.agency

Ryan Haynes - +44 (0)7919 510 051 - ryan@haynesmarcoms.agency

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions.

Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India.

To find out more, visit cendyn.com

About Knowland

Celebrating its 20th year in 2024, Knowland is the world's leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality. With the industry's largest historical database of actualized events, thousands of customers trust Knowland to sell group smarter and maximize their revenue. Knowland operates globally and is headquartered just outside Washington, DC.

To find out more, visit www.knowland.com

About Haveli

Haveli Investments is an Austin-based private equity firm that seeks to invest in the highest quality companies in the technology sector through control, minority or structured equity and debt investments with a focus on software, data, gaming, and adjacent industries. The firm seeks to partner with innovative companies, entrepreneurs, and management teams throughout a company's life cycle. Haveli's experienced team of investors and diverse industry experts will provide operational and strategic support, enabling portfolio companies to focus on driving innovation and increasing growth, scale, and operating margins. Underscoring Haveli's investments is an unwavering focus on DEI and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.haveliinvestments.com, or follow Haveli on LinkedIn, @Haveli Investments.

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Agreement makes SentryBay's patented Armored Client available to TD SYNNEX partners

SentryBay, the leaders in endpoint protection, has come to a partnership agreement with TD SYNNEX, a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. As a result, TD SYNNEX will add SentryBay's Armored Client solution for Microsoft AVD and W365 environments to its extensive portfolio.

The partnership will initially serve TD SYNNEX's channel network of resellers in the USA and Canada, with plans to expand globally in the future, particularly into Europe and Asia.

SentryBay's Armored Client provides an impenetrable defensive layer that once deployed on an end point isolates and protects a DaaS session and all applications run within it from keyloggers, screen capture and malicious process injection to remove the risk from data leakage and credential theft without any need to identify the threat first. This simplified, yet effective solution is targeted at enterprises, as well as SMEs using Microsoft AVD and W365.

By partnering with TD SYNNEX, SentryBay offers a differentiated solution to the distributor's partner ecosystem, which meets the needs of organizations adopting BYOD business models operating within AVD and W365, ensuring their security product portfolio remains at the forefront of innovation. While SentryBay will provide a unique element in the specialty security portfolio at TD SYNNEX, it will also complement existing vendors and solutions, including those from Microsoft.

"As the business world pivots to manage vulnerable devices accessing corporate networks via Microsoft Azure Desktop and W365, it is more important than ever to provide partners with comprehensive solutions to address these challenges. With SentryBay added to our vast portfolio of vendor partners, we're able to enrich the breadth and depth of our security offerings so customers can protect against advanced cyber threats," said Scott Young, Senior Vice President of Product Management at TD SYNNEX.

Tim Royston-Webb, CEO, SentryBay, said: "SentryBay is growing our distributor representation in North America and globally and TD SYNNEX represents the commitment, connections and established channel that is ideal for us as we seek to deliver endpoint protection for all enterprises using Microsoft Virtual Desktop and W365 environments with initial focus in the North America region."

More information on how SentryBay software can help to address key infosec gaps and enhance compliance of any remote access, enterprise and SaaS application within AVD and W365 is available for TD SYNNEX partners here: https://sentrybay.lll-ll.com/

About SentryBay

SentryBay, the OEM at the heart of Citrix App Protection, now mitigates against credential theft and data leakage threats securing Microsoft AVD and W365 environments. Armored Client from SentryBay delivers proven preventative controls, securing all data from keylogging, screen capture, and malicious injection threats on the endpoint. Endpoint data protection is essential to provide a secure, cloud-based IT ecosystem that avoids the weaknesses inherent in both technology and users. SentryBay's confined AVD and W365 environments within which applications can run underpinned by multi-layered anti-malware technology -allows these weaknesses to be overcome. The company's Armored Client solution is used by some of the world's largest enterprises from global FI's to small, medium and large enterprises across all verticals. For more information, visit www.sentrybay.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

About TD SYNNEX

TD SYNNEX (NYSE: SNX) is a leading global distributor and solutions aggregator for the IT ecosystem. We're an innovative partner helping more than 150,000 customers in 100+ countries to maximize the value of technology investments, demonstrate business outcomes and unlock growth opportunities. Headquartered in Clearwater, Florida, and Fremont, California, TD SYNNEX's 23,500 co-workers are dedicated to uniting compelling IT products, services and solutions from 1,500+ best-in-class technology vendors. Our edge-to-cloud portfolio is anchored in some of the highest-growth technology segments including cloud, cybersecurity, big data/analytics, IoT, mobility and everything as a service. TD SYNNEX is committed to serving customers and communities, and we believe we can have a positive impact on our people and our planet, intentionally acting as a respected corporate citizen. We aspire to be a diverse and inclusive employer of choice for talent across the IT ecosystem. For more information, visit www.TDSYNNEX.com or follow us on Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001401104/en/

Contacts:

Manish Patel

Chief Marketing Officer

SentryBay Limited

m.patel@sentrybay.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Prospector Metals Corp. (TSXV: PPP) (OTCQB: PMCOF) (FSE: 1ET) ("Prospector" or the "Company") is pleased to report assay results from the 2024 exploration program at the ML Project located approximately 80 km from Dawson City, Yukon Territory.

During the 4-week program, a total of 520 rock grab and chip samples were collected across the property to establish the extent of the surface expression of known zones as well as sample new areas with unknown mineral potential. All assays have now been received. The contents of this news release are focused on Ag-Pb-Zn targets.

Key Point Summary

New surface discoveries in the Lorrie Lake area greatly expand the high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn footprint at ML.

Lorrie Lake Area yielded up to 2049, 556, and 296 g/t Ag, 34.26 and 33.27% Pb and 5.08% Zn from massive sulfide veins hosted within argillites on the southern boundary of the Lorrie Lake intrusive. The known Ag-Pb-Zn mineralised area is potentially two zones and extends up to approximately 1 km.

yielded up to from massive sulfide veins hosted within argillites on the southern boundary of the Lorrie Lake intrusive. The known Ag-Pb-Zn mineralised area is potentially two zones and extends up to approximately 1 km. 18 grab samples assaying above 100 g/t Ag were found across numerous areas.

The high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn anomalies likely represent the transition from intrusion-hosted to distal structurally-controlled mineralization, contact zone metal enrichment and/or skarn development which provide evidence of a large mineralised system at ML.

A map with new assay results and the broad structural corridor at the ML Project is located here.

These new Ag-Pb-Zn assays augment previously released high-grade gold results which yielded several new surface discoveries such as the Vary Zone (up to 79.96g/t Au) and the Russer Zone (up to 16.22g/t Au) (see Company news releases dated August 15, 2024 and September 16, 2024) 1. The Lorrie Lake Ag-Pb-Zn Zone occurs less than 800 metres from high priority gold targets yet, represents a separate and spatially distinct target.

"The high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn footprint at ML represents a considerable value add at ML," stated Prospector CEO Rob Carpenter. "Not only do the high-grade Ag-Pb-Zn zones in the gold system at ML indicate the presence of a larger mineralized system, the distribution of Ag-Pb-Zn mineralization can provide valuable information about the zoning of the deposit, which can guide further exploration efforts."

1 Best surface samples" are grab / select samples and not necessarily representative of mineralization hosted on the property.

2024 ML Field Program

The 2024 field program on the ML property encompassed:

520 rock grab and chip samples and initial geologic and structural mapping.

high-resolution LiDAR:

WorldView-3 remote sensing survey: Processing underway

Samples from the three known intrusive centers have been submitted for whole rock analysis and age dating.

The work was completed to assess multiple known historic prospects across the property, including previously underexplored intrusion hosted targets, to gain an understanding of key structural and lithologic controls on mineralization with a goal of defining future drill targets. Based on the work, the Company noted a series of steeply dipping NNE trending and E-W trending structural corridors that transect the property and appear to be a primary control on mineralization in all rock types.

All assays have been received and returned results from below detection to 2049 g/t Ag, 34.28% Pb, and 11% Zn.

Lorrie Lake Zone

Silver and base metal mineralization at Lorrie Lake is associated with at least two zones of massive sulfide mineralization consisting of banded pyrrhotite, jamesonite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite hosted within hornfelsed argillites along the southern margin of the Lorrie Lake stock. The zones appear to be structurally controlled along steeply dipping, ENE trending, structures and have been traced for approximately 1km in outcrop and talus float. Individual samples returned from trace to 2049 g/t Ag, to 34.26% Pb, and to 5.08% Zn, with nine samples returning >100 g/t Ag.

Vary Zone - Newly Identified

Two samples from the Vary Zone returned values of 125 g/t Ag and 364 g/t Ag and are associated with highly elevated Cu (up to 1.43%) and Pb (up to 1.9%). The mineralization is hosted within quartz-carbonate veins with disseminated, coarse grained, chalcopyrite and galena, cutting hornfelsed to calc-silicate altered metasediment units along the southern margin of the Mike Lake Stock.

Rubble & Cirque Areas

Localised massive sulfide boulders with coarse arsenopyrite-chalcopyrite in the Rubble and Cirque target areas also returned silver values of 129 g/t Ag and 302 g/t Ag and are associated with highly elevated copper values of 8.39% and 10.4%; respectively. An additional six samples from the areas returned >30 g/t Ag and are associated with quartz-tourmaline-sulfide veins that are coincident with previously reported gold +/- copper mineralization in the areas.

RP Area

Two samples from the RP area on the NE margin of the Lorrie Lake stock returned values > 100g/t Ag. Both consisted of massive sulfide boulders with coarse grained pyrrhotite, arsenopyrite, sphalerite, galena, and chalcopyrite and returned 352 g/t Ag, 10.52% Pb, & 11% Zn and 134 g/t Ag, 4.83% Pb, & 11% Zn. The mineralization is similar to that observed at the adjacent Lorrie Lake target and may represent additional, unrecognized, massive sulifide horizons in the cliffs above the RP area.

SE Area

One sample of a strongly oxidized (hematite-geothite) massive sulfide boulder returned 475 g/t Ag and 3.02% Pb with strongly anomalous As, Cu, Sb, and W.





Figure 1. Silver, Lead, and Zinc assay results grab and chip samples at the ML Project.



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/1564/225131_2bd6055744c3e971_002full.jpg

ML Project Overview

Historical exploration of the ML Project has outlined numerous areas of interest that are loosely defined by a combination of geographic location, host lithology, mineralization type, geochemical signature and/or geophysical response (Figure 1), including intrusion hosted gold (+copper) style, replacement-skarn style, and high-grade vein targets. In addition, there are multiple relatively unexplored mineral occurrences, many of which are high grade gold targets. A total of 117 diamond drill holes have been drilled property wide, testing six property targets. From 2005 to 2008, Dynamite Resources drilled 114 of these holes, with 23 holes at the North Vein Zone (a gold enriched skarn-replacement target) and 71 holes at Skarn Ridge (a gold - copper skarn-replacement target).

The Property hosts numerous other targets of interest which have a variety of intriguing characteristics, such as high-grade rock-soil samples, highly anomalous trench samples, unique geophysical signatures, and large areas of alteration. Additionally, there remain large parts of the property that have received little or no exploration and evaluation. Several of the lesser-known mineralized areas have undergone only cursory assessment by previous operators, thus present very attractive targets.

The property has an impressive technical data base which includes property wide airborne geophysics, satellite imagery, extensive soil and rock sampling, prospecting, selective ground geophysics, and diamond drilling (+16,700m over 117 holes). Most of this exploration took place from 2004 to 2008, a period when most drilling was focussed on two specific skarn/replacement type targets: Skarn Ridge (71 drillholes) and North Vein (23 drillholes).

Assay Methodology & QA/QC

The analytical work on the ML project was performed by MSALABS, an internationally recognized analytical services provider, located in Langley, British Columbia. All rock samples were prepared using procedure PRP-910 (Dry, crush to 70% passing 2mm, riffle split off 250g, pulverize split to better than 85% passing 75 microns) and analyzed by method FAS-221 (50g fire assay with AAS finish) and IMS-230 (0.25g, 4-acid digest and ICP-MS analysis). Samples containing >100 ppm Ag and/or >1% Cu, Pb, & Zn were reanalyzed using method ICF-6 (0.2g, 4-acid digest and ore grade ICP-AES analysis).

The reported work was completed using industry standard procedures, including a quality assurance/quality control ("QA/QC") program consisting of the insertion of certified standard, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream. The Qualified Person has reviewed the data and detected no QA/QC issues.

Qualified Person

The technical content disclosed in this press release was reviewed and approved by Jodie Gibson, P.Geo. Advisor to Prospector, and a Qualified Person as defined under National Instrument NI 43-101 ("NI 43-101").

About Prospector Metals Corp.

Prospector Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. The Company is focused on district scale, early-stage exploration of gold and base metal prospects. Creating shareholder value through new discoveries, the Company identifies underexplored or overlooked mineral districts displaying important structural and mineralogical occurrences similar to more established mining operations. The majority of acquisition activity occurs in Yukon and Ontario, Canada - Tier-1 mining jurisdictions with an abundance of overlooked geological regions possessing high mineral potential. Prospector establishes and maintains relationships with local and Indigenous rightsholders and seeks to develop partnerships and agreements that are mutually beneficial to all stakeholders.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Prospector Metals Corp.

Dr. Rob Carpenter, Ph.D., P.Geo.

President & CEO

Prospector Metals Corp. is a proud member of Discovery Group. For more information please visit: discoverygroup.ca

Forward-Looking Statement Cautions:

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation, including, but not limited to, statements regarding the Company's plans with respect to the Company's projects and the timing related thereto, the merits of the Company's projects, the Company's objectives, plans and strategies, and other project opportunities. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts; they are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "aims," "potential," "goal," "objective,", "strategy", "prospective," and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "can," "could" or "should" occur, or are those statements, which, by their nature, refer to future events. The Company cautions that forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, estimates and opinions of the Company's management on the date the statements are made and they involve a number of risks and uncertainties. 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. Except to the extent required by applicable securities laws and the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange, the Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause future results to differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements include the risk of accidents and other risks associated with mineral exploration operations, the risk that the Company will encounter unanticipated geological factors, or the possibility that the Company may not be able to secure permitting and other agency or governmental clearances necessary to carry out the Company's exploration plans and risks of political uncertainties and regulatory or legal changes in the jurisdictions where the Company carries on its business that might interfere with the Company's business and prospects. The reader is urged to refer to the Company's reports, publicly available through the Canadian Securities Administrators' System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval (SEDAR+) at www.sedarplus.ca for a more complete discussion of such risk factors and their potential effects.

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.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225131

SOURCE: Prospector Metals Corp.
Oakville, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Martal Group, a leader in B2B sales and lead generation, celebrates its 15th anniversary in 2024, marking an incredible journey of growth, innovation, commitment to excellence, and sustained success in helping businesses grow.

Since opening its doors in 2009, Martal Group has partnered with over 2,000 clients globally, from startups to Fortune 500 companies, helping them scale sales through results-driven lead gen strategies.

As a pioneer in modern outbound marketing, Martal has successfully developed and refined buyer-centric prospecting processes that have as much as quadrupled the number of booked meetings for its clients.

In 2023, the company was ranked #43 on The Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies list, recognizing its remarkable 922% revenue growth over the past three years. This achievement is a testament to Martal's innovation and hard work, but also to the trust and support of the clients who have been part of this journey.

When asked about Martal Group's journey from a bootstrapped startup to a top global service provider, CEO Vito Vishnepolsky stated:

"I started Martal as a solo entrepreneur with one mission in mind: to help B2B companies achieve sustainable revenue growth by simplifying and accelerating their sales processes.

Now, 15 years and well over 200 employees later, this mission remains the driving force behind every decision we make, from who we hire to how we operate. While people and processes may change, client success will always be our top priority."

As the Martal team looks toward the future, they strive for a world where B2B sales professionals spend less time managing campaigns and more time building meaningful relationships.

To achieve this vision, Martal is developing a system that will transform how omnichannel outbound campaigns are created, launched, and optimized, all with the help of AI. While a definitive debut date for the platform hasn't been announced, Martal is already rolling out features to new clients with promising results.

Stay up-to-date with Martal Group and learn more about the company's service offerings here.

About Martal Group

For over a decade and a half, Martal Group has specialized in B2B lead generation for companies worldwide. Through a proprietary process and a team of expert sales executives, Martal develops and executes omnichannel strategies for businesses ready to expand or scale in North America and beyond.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225035

SOURCE: DesignRush
Initiates soil & rock sampling on 100% Owned Northern Lights Copper

Northern Lights' historic reports document copper mineralization grading 3% to 12% Cu

Recent sampling confirms copper mineralization (1% to 19% Cu) over widths up to 4 meters at the surface

Company adds to its copper-focused portfolio with option agreement on British Columbia copper/silver property

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Global Copper Corp. (TSXV: CUCU) (FSE: WD9) ("Global Copper" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has initiated a property-wide soil and rock geochemical sampling survey on its 100%-owned, 485 hectare Northern Lights Copper Project (the "Project) in Nevada. The program is designed to test for and expand on the copper skarn mineralization that occurs on the property. Results from the survey will be used to identify zones to be tested by diamond and or reverse circulation drilling in the coming months. The objective of the Company is to confirm the deposit model with additional surface exploration work following by drilling to define a mineable high-grade copper deposit. The project is currently in the early exploration phase but planned drilling will confirm the grade, thickness and downdip extent of the mineralization confirmed at the surface. More details on the Company's flagship Northern Lights copper project are as set out below.

The Company is also pleased to announce that on September 25, 2024, the Company and an arm's length party (the "Optionor") entered into a property option and joint venture agreement (the "Agreement") pursuant to which the Optionor granted the Company an option (the "Option") to acquire several mineral titles located in British Columbia (the "Silver Vista Property"). In order to exercise the Option, the Company shall make the following payments:

Upon receipt of approval from the TSX Venture Exchange for the Option (the "Approval Date"), the Company shall pay the Optionor $10,000 and shall issue the Optionor 4,000,000 common share (the "Common Shares") in the capital of the Company at a deemed price of $0.05 per Common Share; On or before the date that is the sixth month anniversary of the Approval Date, the Company shall pay the Optionor $10,000; On or before December 31, 2025, the Company must incur $100,000 in expenditures on the Property and pay $20,000 to the Optionor; On or before December 31, 2026, the Company shall pay $30,000 to the Optionor; and On or before December 31, 2027 the Company shall pay $40,000 to the Optionor.

The Property is subject to a 2% net smelter return royalty (the "NSR") held by Amarc Resources Corp. ("Amarc") subject to the ability of the Company to purchase 1% of the NSR (resulting in the remaining NSR being 1%) for a purchase price of $1,000,000 at any time.

The Silver Vista property is located in northcentral BC, approximately 55 air kilometres ('km') northeast of the town of Smithers and 300 km NW of northern B.C.'s regional hub city of Prince George.

The Silver Vista property is comprised of approximately 48 square km (4,839.2 hectares) and was recently drilled in 2021 (9 holes over 1,507 metres). Drill hole SV21-07 intersected a continuous 0.62 per cent copper and 46-metre-long zone from 106 metres averages 48 grams per tonne silver. This zone included a 17-metre section containing 1.34 per cent copper and 94 grams per tonne silver. Along this zone as well, the highest copper grade of 2.57 per cent (112 to 113 metres) and the highest silver grade of 431 grams per tonne (121 to 122 metres) were assayed.

Stephen Dunn, President and Chief Executive Officer of Li3 Lithium, commented: "This acquisition adds to the Company's existing flagship Northern Lights Copper Project and furthers the Company's new strategy of focusing globally on copper exploration and project development. We see the energy transition to a net-zero carbon world as opportunity for mineral explorers to focus on the growth anticipated in demand for copper."

Nevada - Northern Lights Copper Project

Global Copper's 100%-owned Northern Lights Copper Project is located in the central portion of Nevada's well-known Walker Lane Trend about 25 kilometers (15 air miles) southeast of Yerington, Nevada (See Figure 2 below). The property consists of 58 lode mining claims covering 1200 acres (485 hectares) and is in close proximity to Nevada Copper Corporation's producing Pumpkin Hollow copper mine which has total resources in excess of 6.5 million lbs of copper equivalent. There are also several active copper exploration projects underway in close proximity to the property.



Figure 2: Northern Lights Copper Project Location Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5472/225197_bcd410a59470ea36_001full.jpg

The Pumpkin Hollow ore deposit is characterized by an intense magnetic high as shown in Figure 3, which uses the same base map as Figure 2. The Northern Lights project is located between two magnetic highs in the eastern portion of the map (see Figure 3 below).





Figure 3: Regional Aeromag Map



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/5472/225197_bcd410a59470ea36_002full.jpg

Mineralization observed on the property consists of: 1) massive magnetite, goethite, hematite, chalcopyrite replacement zones in the Triassic limestone and siltstone; 2) smaller, fracture- controlled zones of magnetite, goethite, hematite with copper oxide; and 3) disseminated pyrite, chalcopyrite, and copper oxides in sedimentary rocks as well as altered dacite porphyry. Visible copper oxide mineralization occurs in a northwest-trending zone approximately 1,500 meters long and 100 meters wide (5,000ft x 330ft). This replacement-skarn style of mineralization (deposit type) is similar to the nearby copper deposit at Pumpkin Hollow, currently in production by Nevada Copper Corporation.

Detailed geologic mapping by the Company and surface rock geochemical results confirm that Northern Lights has copper mineralization (1% to 19% Cu) over widths up to 4 meters at the surface. Review of historic reports dating back to the 1910 to 1920 era suggests that copper mineralization grading 3% to 12% Cu at an average width of 1 to 2 meters (2 to 6 feet) extends to a depth of 100 meters (325 feet). Underground workings are not accessible, and these grades cannot be confirmed without drilling.

The objective of the Company is to confirm the deposit model with additional surface exploration work following by drilling to define a mineable high-grade copper deposit. The project is currently in the early exploration phase but planned drilling will confirm the grade, thickness and downdip extent of the mineralization confirmed at the surface.

Technical information

Quality Assurance and Quality Control of Global Copper's programs are under the control of the Company's geological employees and are consistent with industry best practices.

Qualified Person

Nathan Chutas is the non-independent qualified person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects for the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Mr. Chutas has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release. Also, mineralization hosted on adjacent and/or nearby properties, particularly with respect to neighbouring mineral resources, is not necessarily indicative of mineralization hosted on the Company's Project.

About Global Copper Corp.

Global Copper Corp is focused on its 100% owned Northern Lights Copper Project in Nevada. The Northern Lights Copper Project is located in the central portion of Nevada's well-known Walker Lane Trend about 25 km southeast of Yerington, Nevada. The property covers 1,200 acres (485 hectares) and is in close proximity to Nevada Copper Corporation's producing Pumpkin Hollow copper mine. There are also several active copper exploration projects underway in close proximity to the property. Global Copper Corp plans to confirm the deposit model with additional surface exploration work following by drilling to define a mineable high-grade copper deposit.

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT:

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward looking information is frequently characterized by words such as "plan", "expect", "project", "intend", "believe", "anticipate", "estimate", "may", "will", "would", "potential", "proposed" and other

similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions "may" or "will" occur. These statements are only predictions. Forward-looking information is based on the opinions and estimates of management at the date the information is provided, and is subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause

actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward- looking information. For a description of the risks and uncertainties facing the Company and its business and affairs, readers should refer to the Company's Management's Discussion and Analysis. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking information if circumstances or management's estimates or opinions should change, unless required by law. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225197

SOURCE: Global Copper Corp.
Highlights:

Total revenue of $9.8 million for Q2 2025, reflecting YoY growth of 18% from the comparative quarter



41.6% gross profit margin for Q2 2025



Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $315,574 for Q2 2025





Total revenue of $19.6 million for the Six Months Ended 2025, reflecting YoY growth of 24% from the comparative period



40.7% gross profit margin for the Six Months Ended 2025



Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $420,940 for the Six Months Ended 2025





Segmented revenue for the Six Months Ended 2025:



Vape - B2C: $15.5 million, B2B: $2.4 million



Cannabis - B2C: $1.7 million





Continues to execute on defined expansion plan; opened two additional 180 Smoke Vape Stores in Ontario, expanding retail presence to 31 locations solidifying 180 Smoke's position as the largest omni-channel specialty vape retailer in Ontario 1





Increased customer loyalty accounts to over 245,000 members across online and brick-and-mortar platforms

Vaughan, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Delota Corp. (CSE: NIC) (FSE: S62) ("Delota" or the "Company"), a leading Canadian omni-channel retailer of nicotine vape and alternative tobacco products, is pleased to report it has filed its quarterly financial statements, management discussion and analysis, and associated certifications (collectively, the "Quarterly Filings") for the three and six months ended July 31, 2024. The Quarterly Filings may be accessed under the Company's SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

Cameron Wickham, CEO of Delota, commented, "I am very pleased with our second quarter financial results, and improved adjusted EBITDA. The Company is at an inflection point, in which our platform is fully ready to support growth and expansion to become a national specialty vape retailer. As we continue to scale the business, our bottom line will continue to improve with healthy gross margins of approximately 40%. We continue to execute on our defined expansion plan opening two additional 180 Smoke Vape Stores within the quarter. Since the beginning of 2024, we have added almost 30,000 new loyalty customers across the platform, now having over 245,000 loyalty accounts. Looking at the second half of the year, we will continue to scale the business organically across Ontario and look at consolidation opportunities to build our footprint across Canada, targeting the west coast."

Financial Highlights:

Total revenue of $9,757,783 for the three months ended July 31, 2024 (" Q2 2025 "), reflecting YoY growth of 18% as compared to the three months ended July 31, 2023



41.6% gross profit margin for Q2 2025



Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $315,574 for Q2 2025





"), reflecting YoY growth of 18% as compared to the three months ended July 31, 2023 Total revenue of $19,641,666 for the six months ended July 31, 2024 (" Six Months Ended 2025 "), reflecting YoY growth of 24% as compared to the six months ended July 31, 2023



40.7% gross profit margin for the Six Months Ended 2025



Positive Adjusted EBITDA of $420,940 for the Six Months Ended 2025





"), reflecting YoY growth of 24% as compared to the six months ended July 31, 2023 Segmented Revenue for the Six Months Ended 2025:



Vape - B2C: $15,472,965, B2B: $2,425,337



Cannabis - B2C: $1,743,364



Other Highlights:

On August 26, 2024, the Company opened an additional 180 Smoke Vape Store located at 499 Main Street South, Unit 60D, Shoppers World, Brampton, expanding 180 Smoke's brick-and-mortar presence to 31 locations across Ontario.





On July 25, 2024, the Company opened a 180 Smoke Vape Store located at 70 Joseph Street, Parry Sound.





On April 11, 2024, the Company provided a corporate update on its significant growth and progress.





On April 2, 2024, the Company changed its stock symbol from "LOTA" to "NIC" on the Canadian Securities Exchange. The new stock symbol is intended to better align with its mission of becoming the largest national specialty retailer of nicotine vape and alternative tobacco products.





On February 5, 2024, the Company completed debt settlements in the amount of $215,000 with certain creditors of the Company to preserve cash for working capital through the issuance of 1,535,715 units of the Company at a price of $0.14 per unit.

Select Financial Information

The following selected financial information as at and for the six months ended July 31, 2024 and the year ended January 31, 2024 are derived from the Company's consolidated financial statements.

Six Months Ended

July 31, 2024 Year Ended

January 31, 2024

$

$ Revenue 19,641,666 34,069,680 Net income (loss) (167,016 ) (1,992,576 ) Net earnings (loss) per share - basic and diluted (0.01 ) (0.07 ) Working capital (deficit) (854,417 ) (771,198 ) Total assets 14,423,833 13,735,729 Total non-current liabilities 6,106,756 6,565,672 Total liabilities 13,969,884 13,351,331 Capital stock 7,832,560 7,592,481 Warrant reserve 99,398 99,398 Contributed surplus 503,493 507,005 Accumulated deficit (7,981,502 ) (7,814,486 ) Shareholders' equity (deficiency) 453,949 384,398

Adjusted EBITDA

The Company's "Adjusted EBITDA" is a non-IFRS metric used by management that does not have any standardized meaning prescribed by IFRS and may not be fully comparable to similar measures presented by other companies. Management defines Adjusted EBITDA as the net income (loss) reported, before income taxes and other expense (income) items such as finance costs, finance income, gains and losses related to derivative liability valuations, and adjusted for share-based compensation, depreciation and amortization expenses, gains and losses related to the revaluations of its right-of-use assets and lease liabilities and foreign exchange differences.

The reconciliation of net income (loss) to Adjusted EBITDA is presented below.

Three Months Ended July 31, 2024 Three Months Ended July 31, 2023 Six Months

Ended July 31, 2024 Six Months

Ended July 31, 2023 $ $ $ $ Net income (loss) for the period -

as reported 341,172 (162,549) (167,016 ) (487,173 ) Depreciation and amortization 131,282 146,341 263,892 292,100 Interest and accretion expenses 203,927 32,352 407,845 62,088 Stock-based compensation 4,663 218,981 7,817 218,981 Fair value adjustment of derivative

liabilities (340,970 ) - (47,139 ) - Deferred tax recovery (15,944 ) (15,944 ) (31,888 ) (31,888 ) Lease adjustments (15,459 ) 74,106 (28,800 ) (10,645 ) Foreign exchange loss 6,903 6,962 16,229 13,329 Adjusted EBITDA 315,574 300,249 420,940 56,792

About Delota Corp.

Delota is the largest omni-channel specialty vape retailer in Ontario with a mission of becoming one of the largest national specialty retailers of nicotine vape and alternative tobacco products. The Company's growth strategy includes aggressively growing its flagship brand, 180 Smoke Vape Store, by expanding its retail footprint organically in Ontario and select provinces across Canada, strengthening its national e-commerce platform, and through strategic M&A to accelerate growth and market consolidation. The Company is committed to expanding its nicotine product assortment, enhancing customer experience, and growing its loyalty accounts, which now exceeds 245,000 members.

Investors interested in learning more about Delota can visit www.delota.com.

For further information, please contact:

Delota Corp.

Cautionary Statements

This press release contains "forward-looking statements or information". Forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as: anticipate, intend, plan, goal, seek, believe, project, estimate, expect, strategy, future, likely, may, should, will and similar references to future periods. Examples of forward-looking statements in this press release include statements made regarding information about future plans, expectations and objectives of the Company overall.

Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. The Company may not actually achieve its plans, projections, or expectations. The forward-looking statements and information are based on certain key expectations and assumptions made by the Company. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: the adequacy of our cash flow and earnings, the availability of future financing and/or credit, developments and changes in laws and regulations, consumer sentiment towards the Company's products, failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations, government regulations, competition, loss of key employees and consultants, and general economic, market or business conditions, the impact of technology and social changes on the products and industry, as well as those risk factors discussed or referred to in disclosure documents filed by the Company with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca. Given these risks, uncertainties and assumptions, you should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements.

Any forward-looking statement made by us in this press release is based only on information currently available to us and speaks only as of the date on which it is made. Except as required by applicable securities laws, we undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise.

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.

1 Based on number of retail stores in Ontario.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225202

SOURCE: Delota Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Alternative IQ today announced the Top Contenders for the 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards, the highest honour in Canada's hedge fund industry. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, November 5th at the Gala Awards Dinner at One King West Hotel in Toronto.

The annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program helps investors identify the best performing hedge funds by recognizing winners in 5 performance measures across 6 categories as well as the Overall Best 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund. The awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, which is collected and tabulated by Fundata Canada to determine the winners.

A total of 273 Canadian Hedge Funds - the highest number ever - were considered for a 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Award. For the full Directory of Canadian Hedge Funds, check here: http://alternativeiq.com/hf-directory/ where you will also see a chart as at June 30, 2024 of Average Performance by Hedge Fund Category.

In alphabetical order, the Top Contenders for 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards are:

Overall Best 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund:

(based on 10 year best combined annualized return and Sharpe ratio).

AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP CC&L Absolute Return Fund Forge First Long Short LP Forge First Multi Strategy LP HGC Fund LP (The) Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund SMI Defensive LP

2024 CHFAwards - Equity Focused:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Bedford Park Opportunities Fund DKAM Capital Ideas Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Dividend Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund Lionguard Opportunities Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund Oasis Growth Fund Pathfinder International Fund Pender Partners Fund Peregrine Investment Management Fund LP Agilith North American Diversified Fund Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP Focus International Equity Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Dividend Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Global Equity Fund ROMC Fund SMI Defensive LP Wealhouse Lions Bay Fund Agilith North American Diversified Fund Bedford Park Opportunities Fund Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund LSQ SPAC Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund Pathfinder Resource Fund ROMC Fund SMI Defensive LP Wealhouse Lions Bay Fund Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP Focus International Equity Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Dividend Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund Pathfinder Conviction Fund Picton Mahoney Long Short Equity Fund ROMC Fund SMI Defensive LP Wealhouse Lions Bay Fund Canoe Energy Alpha Fund LP Forge First Long Short LP Kipling Global Enhanced Dividend Fund Kipling Global Enhanced Growth Fund LSQ SPAC Fund Lumen Long Short Equity Fund SMI Defensive LP Timelo Strategic Opportunities Fund Waratah Alternative ESG Wealhouse Lions Bay Fund

2024 CHFAwards - Credit Focused:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP BlueBay Event Driven Credit Fund (Canada) BlueBay High Yield Asset-Backed Credit Fund East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Kipling Strategic Income Fund Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Alpha IQ Fixed Income Fund Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Global Yield Fund RP Debt Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund Access Private Income Fund Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Kipling Strategic Income Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Global Yield Fund RP Debt Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Kipling Strategic Income Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund RP Debt Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund

2024 CHFAwards - Credit Focused (Cont'd):

Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio Access Private Income Fund Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Kipling Strategic Income Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Global Yield Fund RP Debt Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund Wealhouse Amplus Credit Income Fund YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund Algonquin Debt Strategies Fund LP East Coast Strategic Credit Trust Kipling Strategic Income Fund Ninepoint Credit Income Opportunities Fund NorthStream Credit Strategies Fund LP Picton Mahoney Income Opportunities Fund Picton Mahoney Special Situations Fund Purpose Credit Opportunities Fund RP Select Opportunities Fund YTM Capital Credit Opportunities Fund

2024 CHFAwards - Market Neutral:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Amethyst Arbitrage Fund (Canada) CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral CC&L Market Neutral Fund PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity Waratah One Waratah One X Altema Diversified Equity Market Neutral Fund CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity Waratah One Waratah One X CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity Waratah One Waratah One X Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio Altema Diversified Equity Market Neutral Fund CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity Waratah One Waratah One X CC&L Diversified Market Neutral Fund CC&L Global Market Neutral HGC Fund LP (The) PCJ Absolute Return Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Fund Picton Mahoney Arbitrage Plus Fund Picton Mahoney Market Neutral Equity Fund RBC QUBE Market Neutral World Equity Waratah One Waratah One X

2024 CHFAwards - Global Macro/Managed Futures/Multi-Strategy:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return CC&L Absolute Return Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund MacNicol & Associates Absolute Return Fund Meckelborg MFG Diversified Strategy Fund Nymbus Multistrategy Fund PH&N Absolute Return Fund SIA ML Global Tactical Pool Viewpoint Enhanced Global Multi-Asset Viewpoint Global Multi-Asset Trust CC&L Absolute Return Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Northfront Alternative Asset Fund PH&N Absolute Return Fund Picton Mahoney Absolute Alpha Fund RBC Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund SIA ML Global Tactical Pool SMI Opportunities LP Westcourt Performance Portfolio AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP CC&L Absolute Return Fund Fieldhouse Enhanced Pension Plus Forge First Multi Strategy LP Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Meckelborg MFG Diversified Strategy Fund Palos Income Fund, LP Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) SIA ML Global Tactical Pool SMI Opportunities LP Best 3 Year Sharpe Ratio Best 5 Year Sharpe Ratio CC&L Absolute Return Fund Forge First Multi Strategy LP Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Northfront Alternative Asset Fund PH&N Absolute Return Fund Picton Mahoney Absolute Alpha Fund RBC Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund SMI Opportunities LP Westcourt Performance Portfolio AIP Convertible Private Debt Fund LP CC&L Absolute Return Fund Fieldhouse Enhanced Pension Plus Forge First Multi Strategy LP Kensington Alternative Strategies Fund Level 3 Total Return Opportunities Fund Polar Multi-Strategy Fund (Canada) RBC Multi-Strategy Alpha Fund SIA ML Global Tactical Pool SMI Opportunities LP

2024 CHFAwards - Private Debt:

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return AGF SAF Private Credit LP Celernus Pivot Private Credit Fund Espresso Venture Debt Trust Hamilton Lane Senior Credit Opportunities Canada (feeder) KIWI Business Credit Fund LP Merchant Opportunities Fund LP Purpose Apollo Private Credit Fund Qwest Productivity Media Income Trust Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust Yorkville Private Lending LP Capstone Private High Income Pool Celernus Pivot Private Credit Fund Cortland Credit Strategies LP Espresso Venture Debt Trust Invico Diversified Income Fund Merchant Opportunities Fund LP Ninepoint TEC Private Credit Fund Qwest Productivity Media Income Trust Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust Yorkville Private Lending LP Celernus Pivot Private Credit Fund Cortland Credit Strategies LP Espresso Venture Debt Trust Invico Diversified Income Fund Merchant Opportunities Fund LP Next Edge Private Debt Fund Ninepoint TEC Private Credit Fund Portland Private Income Fund Qwest Productivity Media Income Trust Westbridge Capital Partners Income Trust

2024 CHFAwards - Private Equity

Best 1 Year Return Best 3 Year Return Best 5 Year Return Bridgeport Private Equity Opportunities Fund Caldwell Growth Opportunities Fund Canoe Global Private Equity Fund Fiera Global Private Equity Fund Hamilton Lane Global Private Assets Morningside Vintage Secondary 2022 LP Morningside Vintage Secondary 2023 LP Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP Purpose Pantheon Private Equity Fund Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Private Debt/Equity Fund Bridgeport Private Equity Opportunities Fund Caldwell Growth Opportunities Fund Canoe Global Private Equity Fund Fiera Global Private Equity Fund Hamilton Lane Global Private Assets Kensington Private Equity Fund MacNicol & Associates Emergence Fund Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Private Debt/Equity Fund Yorkville Pre-IPO Equity LP Caldwell Growth Opportunities Fund Kensington Private Equity Fund MacNicol & Associates Emergence Fund Portland Global Sustainable Evergreen LP Quintessence Wealth Enhanced Private Debt/Equity Fund

The 17th Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards Gala Dinner will be held on Tuesday, November 5th, 2024 in the Grand Banking Hall at One King West Hotel, Toronto

The 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards will be announced, and trophies presented to the Winners, at the Annual Gala Awards Dinner. A networking Cocktail Reception begins at 5:00pm. The dinner will commence at 6:30pm with a Keynote Address by Sean Kallir, CEO, CIO of HGC Investment Management, recipient of the 2023 Best Overall Canadian Hedge Fund Award.

Fundata Canada is the Principal Sponsor of the 2024 Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program. This year's CHFA Program and its Gala Awards Dinner would simply not be possible without their generous support and that of all the sponsors and event partners including National Bank, Newsfile, Pinnacle Fund Services, RBC Capital Markets, Scotiabank, and SGGG Fund Services.

Interested fund managers, investors, and industry experts can find out more information and purchase tickets here: www.alternativeiq.com, or contact:

About Alternative IQ: Alternative IQ is dedicated to celebrating, supporting and expanding Canada's Hedge Fund Industry. AIQ produces the annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards program and its presentation event (performance as at June 30th), along with THE Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Conference. Alternative IQ also produces the annual CHFA Winners Showcase Investor Conferences, at which the Managers of award-winning hedge funds present to investors, and produces various other programs and publications serving the hedge fund industry in Canada. Alternative IQ is a division of Alliance Sales and Marketing, Inc.

About the Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards: The Annual Canadian Hedge Fund Awards were first held in 2008 and have a two-fold objective: first, to recognize and celebrate the talent in Canada's hedge fund industry and, second, to raise awareness of that expertise throughout the wider investment community. The Canadian Hedge Fund Awards are based solely on quantitative performance data to June 30th, with Fundata Canada managing the collection and tabulation of the data to determine the winners.

- 30 -

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225180

SOURCE: Alternative IQ
MUNICH, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- September 30, 2024, the European leg of Huawei Network Summit 2024 was successfully held in Munich, Germany, with the theme of "Xinghe Intelligent Network, Amplify Industrial Intelligence". At this event, Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communication Product Line, announced more than 20 all-new Xinghe Intelligent Network offerings to propel the digital and intelligent development of Europe.

Many European countries are actively striding towards an intelligent future. For example, Germany announced its artificial intelligence strategy in 2017, promising at least 1.6 billion euros of investments in intelligent by 2025. France updated its national strategy in 2021 and planned to inject about 2.5 billion euros into intelligence under the framework of France 2030.

To keep up with the Net5.5G era, Huawei launched the Xinghe Intelligent Network, continuously leading the development of the data communication industry.

Key offerings include Xinghe Intelligent Fabric, Xinghe Intelligent WAN, Xinghe Intelligent Campus, and Xinghe Intelligent Network Security.

Xinghe Intelligent Fabric : By drawing on intelligent technology and a unique security policy analysis engine, Xinghe Intelligent Fabric can comb through 100,000 security policies in minutes and close service tickets on the current day. It also leverages algorithms to model the quality of application experience, proactively identify deteriorating application experience, and demarcate faults in minutes. Furthermore, Huawei's unique iReliable technology enables superfast switchovers at three levels (link, device, and network levels), ensuring always-on services.

: By drawing on intelligent technology and a unique security policy analysis engine, Xinghe Intelligent Fabric can comb through 100,000 security policies in minutes and close service tickets on the current day. It also leverages algorithms to model the quality of application experience, proactively identify deteriorating application experience, and demarcate faults in minutes. Furthermore, Huawei's unique iReliable technology enables superfast switchovers at three levels (link, device, and network levels), ensuring always-on services. Xinghe Intelligent WAN : By introducing a series of intelligent technologies, Xinghe Intelligent WAN delivers tangible benefits like upgraded intelligent network elements (NEs), automatic path optimization, and intelligent scheduling of millions of flows. It also comes with an intelligent brain to proactively analyze and predict potential network risks, and automatically rectify 90% faults in minutes.

: By introducing a series of intelligent technologies, Xinghe Intelligent WAN delivers tangible benefits like upgraded intelligent network elements (NEs), automatic path optimization, and intelligent scheduling of millions of flows. It also comes with an intelligent brain to proactively analyze and predict potential network risks, and automatically rectify 90% faults in minutes. Xinghe Intelligent Campus : Experience-centric campus network construction, Xinghe Intelligent Campus fully upgrades wireless experience. It ensures uninterrupted audio and video services by intelligently identifying applications and prioritizing traffic in real time. Furthermore, the campus network digital map and NetMaster offer full visibility at three levels (terminal, application, and network levels) and enable intelligence-assisted decision-making. This shortens the average trouble ticket handling time by 90%, and enables one person to manage a campus with over 10,000 users.

: Experience-centric campus network construction, Xinghe Intelligent Campus fully upgrades wireless experience. It ensures uninterrupted audio and video services by intelligently identifying applications and prioritizing traffic in real time. Furthermore, the campus network digital map and NetMaster offer full visibility at three levels (terminal, application, and network levels) and enable intelligence-assisted decision-making. This shortens the average trouble ticket handling time by 90%, and enables one person to manage a campus with over 10,000 users. Xinghe Intelligent Network Security: Intelligence is integrated into network security detection. Specifically, 18 security detection models are generated based on Huawei's cloud-based security brain, achieving as high as 91% accuracy in detecting unknown threats. Additionally, automatic analysis with intelligent models ensures that 99% of security incidents are automatically handled in a closed-loop approach.

In addition to these, Huawei Data Communication announced more professional and intelligent services for global commercial markets, following the release of eight industry-specific solutions in the first half of 2024. For example, Huawei's Xing Nav Mate offers Huawei Certified ICT Expert (HCIE)-like capabilities around the clock, helping easily complete network planning, configuration, and optimization through simple interactions.

For global distribution business markets, Huawei Data Communication has integrated more intelligent capabilities into the cloud-based Huawei eKit SME Network platform to provide a range of intelligent services free of charge throughout the lifecycle. In particular, user interfaces (UIs) are upgraded to V2.0 for better ease of use, helping SMEs easily go intelligent.

The world is now at a critical stage of advancing from digitalization to intelligence. In response, Huawei will continue to upgrade and evolve its Xinghe Intelligent Network offerings to the next generation, helping all industries stride to the intelligent era.

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Biotech industry veteran to lead Tagworks as the company prepares to bring its novel platform and lead antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) program for solid tumors into the clinic in 2025

Founding CEO Marc Robillard, Ph.D., will continue in role of Chief Scientific Officer and as a member of the Board

NIJMEGEN, Netherlands and BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tagworks Pharmaceuticals BV ("Tagworks"), a precision oncology company using its proprietary Click-to-Release treatment platform to develop a new standard of care for patients suffering from solid tumors by targeting clinically validated tumor markers that so far have remained out of reach of current therapies, today announced the appointment of Ken Mills as Chief Executive Officer and member of the Board of Directors. As part of this planned CEO leadership transition, Marc Robillard, Ph.D., the founding CEO of Tagworks, will continue in the role of Chief Scientific Officer and as a board member.

Mr. Mills most recently served as Chief Executive Officer and President of REGENXBIO, which he founded and led for 15 years and where he continues as Chairman of the Board. Dr. Robillard founded Tagworks and has led the company's development of the Click-to-Release treatment platform as a new class of innovative medicines to treat solid tumors.

"Ken brings a wealth of valuable experience and understanding in bringing novel treatments to patients, combined with a strong track record in company building, and we are delighted to add his leadership to the team," said Dr. Robillard. "Tagworks has progressed immensely in recent years and with the $65 million series A financing in 2023 and our first programs expected to enter the clinic in 2025 it is the right time to welcome Ken as CEO to drive the next phase of growth. This move allows me to focus on platform strategy and pipeline development, ensuring we realize the maximum potential of Click-to-Release for the benefit of cancer patients. I am confident that teaming up with Ken will achieve this and am excited to work with him."

"Tagworks has differentiated science and is uniquely positioned to expand the potential of ADCs to safely and potently treat a wide spectrum of cancers by targeting biology that has remained beyond the reach of current therapies," said Mr. Mills. "The milestones Marc and the team have accomplished in building the company, its novel treatment platform, and advancing the first clinical candidates sets a strong foundation for us as a company. I am thrilled to join this committed and talented team to help drive the development of the Company's lead clinical ADC candidate, TGW101, and partner with Marc on the expansion of the Click-to-Release treatment platform and therapeutic pipeline to create precision medicines across multiple cancer types."

"We are delighted to welcome Ken as CEO of Tagworks as we navigate a path to continued success," said Chris Martin, Chairman of the Tagworks Board of Directors. "He brings proven and highly relevant expertise in developing innovative scientific platforms, product development, corporate strategy and business development. We believe Ken's experience makes him a great fit for the next chapter in the company's journey and look forward to leveraging his leadership and experience."

Mr. Mills is a more than 25-year veteran of the biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries. Prior to joining Tagworks, he was the founding Chief Executive Officer, President, and Director of REGENXBIO, a clinical-stage and publicly traded biopharmaceutical company focused on the development and commercialization of adeno-associated virus (AAV) gene therapy. He oversaw several financing rounds, multiple phases of clinical trials, and led the company through an IPO. During his tenure at REGENXBIO, Mr. Mills was also involved in the licensing and advising of a number of biotechnology companies, such as AveXis (Novartis) and Audentes (Astellas), as well as the launch of companies such as Dimension Therapeutics (Ultragenyx), Prevail Therapeutics (Eli Lilly), and Corlieve Therapeutics (UniQure). He is Chairman of the Board at REGENXBIO. In addition, he was a Partner at FOXKISER, working to advise and launch companies in the biopharma space. Mr. Mills received his S.B. in Chemistry from Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

About Tagworks Pharmaceuticals

Tagworks Pharmaceuticals, is a precision oncology company using its proprietary Click-to-Release treatment platform to develop a new standard of care for patients suffering from solid tumors, by targeting clinically validated tumor markers that so far have remained out of reach of current therapies. Its lead program, TGW101, is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) targeting TAG72, a non-internalizing protein found on the surface of many solid tumor cells. Tagworks is developing a pipeline of novel cancer treatments leveraging its Click-to-Release technology in a range of therapeutic modalities, including ADCs and targeted radionuclide therapies. The company is headquartered in the Netherlands with operations in the U.S. For more information, visit us at www.tagworkspharma.com.

Contact

Media and Investors

Sarah Sutton/Maeve Conneighton

Argot Partners

(212) 600-1902

tagworks@argotpartners.com

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Ceramic-based accessible permanent data storage enables monetization of cold data in the Yottabyte Era

Cerabyte, the pioneer of ceramic-based data storage solutions, today announced that its president, Steffen Hellmold, will deliver a mainstage presentation titled, The New Storage Tier to Enable the Yottabyte Era, at Yotta 2024, October 7-9 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Profound technological innovation in compute, memory, networking and storage are needed to scale and serve the Yottabyte era. A bottleneck in any area could dramatically impact data processing. Transformative technologies are required to address critical challenges for long-term data retention and cold storage, especially in the data storage industry.

"As the exponential growth of artificial intelligence and data analytics reshapes the future of information technology, a new kind of storage solution is required," said Hellmold. "An increasing amount of the world's data is expected to be stored for increasingly longer periods of time, driving the need for accessible persistent storage solutions addressing sustainability and affordability requirements. The data tsunami ahead will create immense challenges, and we believe a transformative storage solution is urgently needed."

As an exhibiting partner, Cerabyte will showcase its unique data storage technology, which promises virtually unlimited data retention while providing fast access and dramatically lower total cost of ownership (TCO). Cerabyte's technology is expected to enable data center storage rack solutions scaling from petabyte to exabyte-scale and provide a sustainable and cost-effective solution to address the challenges of security, immutability, and sustainability.

As the first-ever event covering the entire digital infrastructure ecosystem, Yotta will offer attendees discussions on the future of the data center, including deploying AI, compute, and networking sustainably and the demands that enterprise IT leaders are placing on digital infrastructure providers.

Details on the Cerabyte speaker session include:

Session Topic: The New Storage Tier to Enable the Yottabyte Era

This presentation will introduce Ceramic Nano Memory technology and its ability to address the density, performance and access paradigms as well as cost and sustainability demands of datacenters, offering a scaling path to the Yottabyte Era.

Who: Steffen Hellmold, Cerabyte President

When: October 7, 2024, at 1:15 PM PST

Where: MGM Grand, Las Vegas

For more information on Cerabyte solutions, visit www.cerabyte.com

Additional Resources:

Cerabyte Press Kit

Cerabyte Technology

Video Cerabyte AI Use Case: Will AI stay dumb for lack of memory

Video -Cerabyte: The New Storage Tier Featuring Fred Moore, Horison Information Strategies

The Future of Yotta Podcast Featuring Cerabyte

About Cerabyte

Cerabyte is at the forefront of developing sustainable, accessible, permanent data storage technology. Our innovative ceramic-based technology utilizes advanced laser-matrix writing and high-speed microscope reading technologies, forming the cornerstone of a system capable of storing immense amounts of data virtually forever with no data migration required and retrieval within seconds. Our cost-effective, immutable data storage features virtually unlimited media life while being fully recyclable, helping to reduce the environmental and carbon footprint. Leveraging semiconductor manufacturing tool technology, we scale density and speed. We are uniquely positioned to pave the way to the yottabyte era, leading the emergence of the industry's newest storage tier. Learn more at www.cerabyte.com.

Cerabyte and the Cerabyte logo are trademarks of Cerabyte GmbH. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners. 2024 Cerabyte. All rights reserved.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001404920/en/

Contacts:

IGNITE Consulting, on behalf of Cerabyte

Kim Pegnato 781-835-7118 Cerabyte@igniteconsultinginc.com
Space42 is a new, UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global reach, integrating satellite communications, geospatial analytics, and artificial intelligence capabilities



Space42 advances the UAE's Space and AI Strategies and will be a strategic asset in diversifying the nation's economy

Peng Xiao, Group CEO of G42 rang the ADX market opening bell to celebrate this significant milestone

Space42 will trade on ADX under the "SPACE42" ticker

ABU DHABI, United Arab Emirates, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) made its trading debut on the Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX) today following the successful merger completion of Bayanat, a leading AI-powered geospatial solutions provider, and Al Yah Satellite Communications Company P.J.S.C. (Yahsat), the UAE's flagship satellite solutions provider. Space42 is the UAE's new AI-powered SpaceTech company with a global reach.

Integrating Bayanat's advanced geospatial analytics and Yahsat's leading satellite communications with AI capabilities enables Space42 to address the rapidly evolving needs of the global SpaceTech industry. The combined capabilities deliver advanced business intelligence solutions to governments, enterprises, and communities.

Led by Karim Michel Sabbagh as Managing Director, Space42 comprises two business units: Yahsat Space Services and Bayanat Smart Solutions. The Yahsat Space Services unit, led by Yahsat CEO Ali Al Hashemi, focuses on upstream satellite operations for fixed and mobility satellite solutions. The Bayanat Smart Solutions unit, led by Bayanat Managing Director Hasan Al Hosani, integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with an AI-driven multi-intelligence platform, gIQ. Operating as one integrated company, the expertise of each unit aids in decision-making, enhances situational awareness, and improves operational efficiency. The executive team also includes Andrew Cole as Chief Financial Officer.

To celebrate this milestone, His Excellency Mansoor Al Mansoori, Chairman of Space42, commented: "The launch of Space42 represents a bold step forward, not just for our company, but for the UAE's vision of becoming a global leader in AI and space technology. By integrating the strengths of Bayanat and Yahsat, we are expanding the horizon of what's possible. Space42 is set to redefine the future of SpaceTech, and we invite the world to join us in this journey of imagination, collaboration, innovation, and boundless opportunity."

Karim Michel Sabbagh, Managing Director of Space42, commented: "Space42 transforms the SpaceTech industry by optimizing Bayanat and Yahsat's complementary strengths and scale. It reflects the UAE's proactive approach to integrate AI and space technology to identify solutions that positively impact communities. At the intersection of space and AI, Space42 harnesses innovative, reliable, and cost-effective products and services that meet the expanding demands of our growing customer base."

Abdulla Salem Alnuaimi, Group CEO of Abu Dhabi Securities Exchange (ADX), said: "Innovation is a key driver of progress and sustainable development. The merger of two leading entities to create Space42, which is now listed on ADX, represents a major milestone not only for the UAE but also for the global space technology and AI sectors. ADX is proud to have supported the successes of Bayanat and Yahsat, and we are now excited to support Space42 as it embarks on its journey as a newly formed, AI-enabled company. This public listing brings fresh investment opportunities and significant growth potential that will drive Abu Dhabi's space ambitions while contributing to the nation's broader economic strategy. We warmly welcome Space42 as the newest member of the ADX family and remain committed to supporting all our listed issuers in their growth and development."

Hasan Al Hosani, Chief Executive Officer of BayanatSmart Solutions, said: "Space42 marks a transformative moment in the SpaceTech landscape, uniting Bayanat and Yahsat to forge a new frontier in innovation. By seamlessly blending the UAE's visionary approach to AI and space technology, we are set to unveil solutions that not only meet but exceed the evolving needs of the industry worldwide. At the crossroads of technology and exploration, Space42 is dedicated to pioneering breakthroughs that inspire progress and drive positive change on a global scale. Our mission is to harness the power of space and AI to empower a brighter future, reinforcing the UAE's role as a beacon of excellence and leadership in the global space economy."

Ali Al Hashemi, Chief Executive Officer of YahsatSpace Services, added: "Our next chapter as Space42 will be filled with disruptive innovations. Space42 offers unparalleled solutions and services that advance the industry significantly. The unified efforts of our teams drive innovation and set new benchmarks for excellence in the SpaceTech industry, leveraging our advanced satellite infrastructure covering 80% of the world's population. We are proud to be part of a milestone moment for the UAE and the industry and rise to the challenge of being a change agent for good."

As the UAE positions itself firmly in the AI and Space industries, Space42 will contribute to advancing these technologies and solidify the country's position as a regional leader and a significant player globally. Space42 aligns with the UAE's accelerating efforts to achieve the objectives of the National Space Strategy 2030 and the AI Strategy 2031. The business is dedicated to boosting in-country manufacturing, positioning the UAE as a key provider across the space value chain. This commitment enhances national capabilities and strengthens efforts to nurture new generations of space and AI engineers and experts in a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector.

ABOUT SPACE42

Space42 (ADX: SPACE42) is a UAE-based AI-powered SpaceTech company that integrates satellite communications, geospatial analytics and artificial intelligence capabilities to enlighten the Earth from space. Established in 2024 following the successful merger between Bayanat and Yahsat, Space42's global reach allows it to address the rapidly evolving needs of its customers in governments, enterprises, and communities. Space42 comprises of two business units: Yahsat Space Services and Bayanat Smart Solutions. The Yahsat Space Services unit focuses on upstream satellite operations for both fixed and mobility satellite solutions. The Bayanat Smart Solutions unit integrates geospatial data acquisition and processing with AI to inform decision-making, enhance situational awareness, and improve operational efficiency. Space42's major shareholders include G42, Mubadala and IHC.

For more information, visit www.space42.ai, follow us on X @Space42ai, Instagram @Space42ai.

For media inquiries, please contact:

TrailRunner International

Hannah Guenther

space42@trailrunnerint.com

+971 58 591 0602

Photos accompanying this announcement are available at:

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/4eb70579-b355-4831-985c-9be615658356

https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/7ff48193-3d17-4931-ac64-36f8189ea714


WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Tuesday, Jimmy Carter became the first American president to turn 100 and the longest-lived president in U.S. history .



Born in Plains, Georgia, on 1924 October 1, Carter joined politics after leaving the military service.



After serving as the Georgia State Senator and then as governor of Georgia, the dark-horse candidate narrowly defeated the incumbent Republican president Gerald Ford in the 1976 presidential election.



He served as the 39th president of the United States from 1977 to 1981.



Carter pardoned all Vietnam War draft evaders on his second day in office. He successfully pursued the Camp David Accords, the Panama Canal Treaties, and the second round of Strategic Arms Limitation Talks. He also confronted stagflation. In response to the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, Carter escalated the Cold War by ending detente, imposing a grain embargo against the Soviets, enunciating the Carter Doctrine, and leading the multinational boycott of the 1980 Summer Olympics in Moscow.



The Democrat President left active politics after his bid for reelection turned unsuccessful, losing to Ronald Reagan, at the age of 56.



After leaving the presidency, Carter established the Carter Center to promote and expand human rights; in 2002 he received a Nobel Peace Prize for related work. He traveled extensively to conduct peace negotiations, monitor elections, and further the eradication of infectious diseases.



Carter is a key figure in the nonprofit housing organization Habitat for Humanity. He has also written numerous books, including on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. In his book 'We Can Have Peace in the Holy Land', Carter cites Israel's unwillingness to withdraw from the Palestinian territories and settlement expansion as the primary obstacle to peace in the Middle East.



Polls of historians and political scientists generally rank Carter as a below-average president, though scholars and the public more favorably view his post-presidency, the longest in U.S. history.



Carter and wife Rosalynn celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary on July 7, 2023. On October 19, 2019, they became the longest-wed presidential couple. Rosalynn died on November 19, 2023. They have four children: James Carter, Amy Carter, Jack Carter, and Donnel Carter.



To celebrate Carter's centennial birthday, an array of artists from pop, rock, gospel, country, jazz, hip-hop and classical music performed together at Atlanta's Fox Theatre last month.



Capturing the landmark concert event presented by The Carter Center on September 17, 'Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song' will premiere Tuesday at 7 p.m. on Georgia Public Broadcasting. The special will also be available on demand at gpb.org/jimmycarter100.



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Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX

 2024 AFX News
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Red Light Holland Corp. (CSE: TRIP) (FSE: 4YX) (OTCQB: TRUFF) ("Red Light Holland" or the "Company"), a leader in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, is excited to announce that its wholly owned subsidiary, 4316747 Nova Scotia Limited o/a Happy Caps Mushroom Farms ("Happy Caps"), has received a significant reorder from Costco Canada.

Initially, Costco Canada placed an order for 26,880 units (announced August 23, 2024) of the popular Happy Caps "Mega Block" 2kg Mushroom Home Grow Kits which were dispersed last week to 82 Costco locations across Canada. This projected order reflects Costco's continued confidence in Happy Caps' products and highlights the expanding footprint of Happy Caps within the Canadian retail market. Costco Canada has now placed an additional order of 6,720 units to support all Costco warehouses in British Columbia.





Happy Caps 2 kg Mega Block



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/2017/225203_a94350c844ba2961_001full.jpg

The reorder will ensure that Costco's stores are well stocked to meet the continued interest in Happy Caps Mushroom Home Grow Kits, which offer a simple and sustainable way to cultivate fresh mushrooms at home. The 2kg "Mega Block" kits feature Shiitake, Lion's Mane, and Oyster mushroom varieties, all of which have gained popularity since their launch.

"We are extremely pleased with the ongoing support from Costco Canada," said Todd Shapiro, CEO and Director of Red Light Holland. "This increase in order volume highlights the success of our partnership and reinforces the rising demand for sustainable home grow kits in the market. We remain dedicated to providing high-quality mushroom cultivation solutions to our customers."

Furthermore, based on the previously announced (July 11th, 2024) "informal projection letter" received from Costco Canada, Happy Caps anticipates an additional order of approximately 6,800 units in October 2024.

As Happy Caps scales its operations, the company is actively exploring further opportunities with major retailers across North America and Europe, enhancing its distribution network and solidifying its position as a leader in the mushroom home grow kit market.

For more information about Happy Caps and its range of mushroom home grow kits, please visit www.happycaps.ca.

About Happy Caps Mushroom Farm

Happy Caps is an urban gourmet mushroom farm specializing in quality 'grow your own mushroom kits' and mushroom plug spawn.

About Red Light Holland

Red Light Holland is an Ontario-based corporation engaged in the production, growth, and sale of functional mushrooms and mushroom home grow kits in North America and Europe, as well as a premium brand of psilocybin truffles in the legal recreational market within the Netherlands, compliant with all applicable laws.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Such forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are not representative of historical facts or information or current condition, but instead represent only the Company's beliefs regarding future events, plans or objectives, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and outside of the Company's control. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements and information can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "estimates", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will" be taken, occur or be achieved. Forward-Looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company or its respective subsidiaries to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained in this news release. Examples of such information include statements with respect to: the stated plans, goals, and benefits of the partnership with Costco Canada, including the products and mushroom varieties to be offered for sale, the Costco Canada locations which the Company's products will be available for purchase, the amount of order that may be returned or cancelled by Costco Canada, the future IPL order of 6800 kits and the timelines thereof; the stated benefits of the Company's Happy Caps Mushroom Home Grow Kits; the Company's continued exploration of partnerships with major retailers across North America; and the Company's stated business plans and goals.

Forward-Looking information in this news release are based on certain assumptions and expected future events, namely: continued approval of the Company's activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the Company's ability to carry out its stated plans, goals, and benefits of the partnership with Costco Canada under the stated timelines; the potential that Costco Canada may not re-order Happy Caps Mushroom Grow kits including the potential of Costco Canada to cancel the order of the additional Mega Block Kits or the ability that Costco Canada may return product; and the Informal Projection Letter future order of approximately 6,800 Happy Caps Home Grow Kits; the Company's ability to realize upon the stated benefits of the Company's Happy Caps Mushroom Home Grow Kits; the Company's ability to continue its exploration of partnerships with major retailers across North America; and the Company's ability to carry out its stated business plans and goals.

Risks, uncertainties and other factors involved with forward-looking information could cause actual events, results, performance, prospects and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information, the Company's inability to obtain continued approval of the Company's activities by the relevant governmental and/or regulatory authorities; the Company's inability to carry out its stated plans, goals, and benefits of the partnership with Costco Canada under the stated timelines; the Company's inability to realize upon the stated benefits of the Company's Happy Caps Mushroom Home Grow Kits; the Company's inability to continue its exploration of partnerships with major retailers across North America; the potential that Costco Canada may be able to return any of the product from the recent Purchase Order of 26,880 kits in stores nationwide in September 2024, or at a future date; and the certainty of the Informal Projection letter order including the future order of approximately 6,800 home grow kits; and the Company's inability to carry out its stated business plans and goals.

Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing, and the expectations contained in, the forward-looking information and statements are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information and statements, and no assurance or guarantee can be given that such forward-looking information and statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information and statements.

The forward-looking information and forward-looking statements contained in this press release are made as of the date of this press release, and the Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information and/or forward-looking statements that are contained or referenced herein, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225203

SOURCE: Red Light Holland Corp.
The "Austria Alternative Lending Market Business and Investment Opportunities Databook 75+ KPIs on Alternative Lending Market Size, By End User, By Finance Model, By Payment Instrument, By Loan Type and Demographics Q2 2024 Update" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The alternative lending in this region is expected to grow by 13.3% on an annual basis to reach US$185.4 million in 2024. Alternative lending adoption is expected to grow steadily over the forecast period, recording a CAGR of 9.2% during 2024-2028. The alternative lending market in Austria will increase from US$163.6 million in 2023 to reach US$263.3 million by 2028.

This report provides a detailed data-centric analysis of the Alternative Lending industry, covering market opportunities and risks across a range of industry categories. With over 50 KPIs at the country level, this report provides a comprehensive understanding of Alternative Lending market dynamics, market size and forecast, and market share statistics.

It breaks down market opportunity by type of payment instrument, loan types, and consumer behavior. In addition, it provides a snapshot of marketing objective and industry spend dynamics in Austria. KPIs in both value and share term help in getting in-depth understanding of end market dynamics.

Key Attributes:

Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 189 Forecast Period 2024 2028 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $185.4 Million Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2028 $263.3 Million Compound Annual Growth Rate 9.2% Regions Covered Austria

Report Scope

This report provides in-depth data-centric analysis of Alternative Lending industry in Austria through 125 tables and 150 charts. Below is a summary of key market segments.

Austria Economic Indicators

Gross Domestic Product at Current Prices

Population

Unbanked Population

Unemployment Rate

Loan Default Rate

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast

Transaction Value

Average Transaction Value

Transaction Volume

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by End User

End User Business

End User Consumer

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Finance Models

P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

P2P Marketplace Business Lending

P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Balance Sheet Business Lending

Balance Sheet Property Lending

Invoice Trading

Debt Based Securities

Equity Based Crowd Funding

Real Estate Crowd funding

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument Transaction Value, Volume and Average Value

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Model

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to P2P Marketplace Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Consumer Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Business Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Balance Sheet Property Lending

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Invoice Trading

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Debt Based Securities

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Equity Based Crowd Funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Payment Instrument to Real Estate Crowd funding

Cash

Cheques

Credit Transfer

Direct Debits

Debit Card

Credit Card

E- Money

Austria Alternative Lending Market Size and Forecast by Loan Types

B2C Loans

Personal Loan

Payroll Advance

Home Improvement

Education/Student Loans

Point of Sale

Auto Loans

Medical Loans

B2B Loans

Lines of Credit

Merchant Cash Advance

Invoice Factoring

Revenue Financing

Austria Alternative Lending Analysis by Consumer Attitude and Behaviour

By Age

By Income

Gender

Reasons to buy

Gain a thorough understanding of the Alternative Lending market dynamics: Market opportunities, significant trends, and forecasting (2019 2028) are listed. To stay ahead of the curve, comprehend market trends using important KPIs like Value and Share.

Insights by Industry: Evaluate new opportunities across multiple industries, and obtain market dynamics by industry in order to swiftly catch up with the latest and upcoming developments in Alternative Lending markets.

Market-specific strategies: With our unique blend of quantitative forecasting and cutting-edge insights, we can identify growth sectors that are focused on particular opportunities and analyse market-specific risks as well as significant trends in the Alternative Lending industry.

Through industry intelligence, forward-looking research of Alternative Lending market spend, and key opportunities in Austria, develop proactive and profitable company plans.

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/av06ro

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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UK-based AI and robotics company secures funding to redefine warehouse and logistics industry

Dexory, the leading robotics and data intelligence company, today announced it has successfully closed an $80 million Series B funding round. The round was led by DTCP, with participation from Latitude Ventures, Wave-X and Bootstrap Europe, along with existing investors Atomico, Lakestar, Capnamic and several angels from the logistics industry. As part of this investment, DTCP's Michael Rager joins Dexory's board of directors.

The new funding, made up of a mix of equity and growth debt, will support an expansion of their artificial intelligence (AI) powered features across the DexoryView platform, grow its global team and accelerate the deployment of its autonomous robots with customers like GXO, Maersk, DB Schenker and beyond. A significant focus continues to be on expanding across the US market, where Dexory is already live with customers in seven states. The Series B will also enhance development and production facilities at its UK headquarters.

With the close of the round, Dexory has now raised $120 million over the past three years. The company has demonstrated incredible growth since the first commercial launch of their autonomous warehouse robots and software platform for the logistics space only 18 months ago.

Dexory's continued innovation of warehouse optimisation technology will ensure that the firm remains a leader in this space. It is setting new standards and unlocking new value for the warehouse of the future, as businesses continue to manage myriad challenges across their supply chains, amidst cost and service pressures.

The global logistics automation market is expected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15% by 2030. The market size will reach around $90bn by 2030. Additionally, the market value for digital twin technologies is set to rise by a CAGR of 35.7% by 2030, representing a revenue forecast of $155.83bn*. Dexory's innovative solutions are ideally placed in the market to capitalise on the market trends, whilst ensuring warehouse and supply chain professionals can deliver exceptional accuracy and service levels for even the most high-paced and demanding of operations.

Dexory directly addresses the logistics market's urgent need to maximise operating efficiencies across national and global networks. The company's product, DexoryView, provides comprehensive real-time visibility across warehouses of any size through its autonomous mobile robots and AI. Through unique data sets generated from far-reaching sensor and image data, continuous scanning and the latest AI developments, Dexory unlocks new levels of optimization and seamless efficiency.

"We are incredibly excited about the momentum we've built over the past 18 months," said Andrei Danescu, CEO and co-founder of Dexory. "DexoryView is proving to be an unrivalled technology for driving real digital transformation and delivering better business outcomes in the warehousing and supply chain industries. AI is clearly at the forefront of business leaders' minds. With the quality of the data we are extracting and the powerful insights into operations that we generate, DexoryView will deliver commercial success for our customers and investors alike."

"We are very impressed by the progress Dexory has made in transforming warehouse operations with its cutting-edge technology," said Michael Rager, Partner Growth Equity at DTCP and board member at Dexory. "The company is perfectly positioned at the intersection of our investment thesis on digitisation and automation. Its ability to capture detailed, actionable data from physical spaces and integrate it seamlessly into the supply chain is impressive. We are confident in its vision and excited to support their product innovation and expansion into global markets."

Dexory's platform is already making a significant impact in leading distribution companies such as GXO, Unipart, Yusen Logistics, as well as manufacturing players such as GE Appliances and Denso. By providing 360-degree visibility into warehouse operations, DexoryView enhances inventory management and operational decision making. The platform's capability to perform rapid warehouse scans and create digital twins of warehouse spaces allows for optimised performance and future scenario simulations. Organisations such as DB Schenker have been able to increase their inventory accuracy by 6% and maintain it daily, whereas businesses like ID Logistics have been able to reduce manual inventory investigations by 41% in just two months to free up valuable time for other critical tasks.

For more information, please visit Dexory's website.

About Dexory

Dexory captures real-time insights into warehouse operations using fully autonomous robots and Artificial Intelligence. Using autonomous technology to unlock data and drive insights through all levels of business operations, helping companies boost their performance and unlock their full potential. Instant access to real-time data helps optimise the present, de-risk the future and discover the intractable in each location and at every stage of the product journey through the warehouse and onto dispatch.

Introduced to the market in 2023, the DexoryView solution combines robotics, digital twin and AI technologies to understand, analyse and operate end-to-end warehouse operations, offering unprecedented time to value. For businesses that need to thrive in increasingly complex and competitive markets, DexoryView is the solution for warehouse and supply chain operators to gain full visibility of their operations.

About DTCP

DTCP is an investment management firm with 2.8 billion euros in assets under management and over 50 professionals.

DTCP Growth invests in leading cloud-based enterprise software companies. The team has made over 30 investments in Europe, Israel and the US, with notable investments including Aircall, Arctic Wolf, Auth0 (acquired by OKTA), Guardicore (acquired by Akamai), Fastly (NYSE: FSLY), LeanIX (acquired by SAP SE), Pipedrive (acquired by Vista Private Equity), and Signavio (acquired by SAP SE).

*Data from Grand View Research

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001913401/en/

Contacts:

Brands2Life: Brandon Moocarme UK and Monique Pelletier USA

dexory@brands2life.com (UK) monique.pelletier@brands2life.com (USA)
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Winnipeg, Manitoba--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Beyond Lithium Inc. (CSE: BY) (OTCQB: BYDMF) (the "Company" or "Beyond Lithium") is pleased to announce: (i) a proposed non-brokered private placement of up to 10-million units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of $0.05 per Unit for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $500,000 (the "Offering"); (ii) amendments to its existing property option agreements with Bounty Gold Corp. and Last Resort Resources Ltd. (collectively, the "Optionors"); and (iii) an exploration program update for its Cosgrave, Ear Falls, and Victory projects.

Unit Offering

Each Unit consists of one common share in the capital of the Company (a "Share") and one-half of one common share purchase warrant of the Company (each whole warrant, a "Warrant"). Each Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one common share in the capital of the Company for a period of twenty-four (24) months from the date of issue at an exercise price of $0.10 per common share.

Allan Frame, President and CEO of Beyond Lithium, commented, "We are very pleased to announce today that we have signed an LOI with our property Optionors , once again exhibiting the merits of a friendly professional relationship, especially in this subdued environment for junior Canadian lithium explorers .We are also happy to announce field updates from four properties , including the three most advanced .We have judiciously spent flow through dollars and are very encouraged by our results. We look forward to completing our proposed financing and providing more shareholder updates in the near future."

The Company may pay finders' fees in connection with the Offering in cash, shares, warrants or a combination thereof. All securities to be issued under the Offering will be subject to a hold period of four months and one day from their date of issuance.

A portion of the Offering may be completed pursuant to Blanket Order 45-501 - Exemption from prospectus requirement for certain trades to existing security holders of the Manitoba Securities Commission and the corresponding blanket orders and rules in the other Canadian jurisdictions (collectively, the "Existing Security Holder Exemption"). The Existing Security Holder Exemption is available in each of the provinces and territories of Canada.

Subject to applicable securities laws, the Company will permit each person or company who, as of September 30, 2024 (being the record date set by the Company pursuant to the Existing Security Holder Exemption), holds common shares as of that date to subscribe for the Units that will be distributed pursuant to the Offering, provided that the Existing Security Holder Exemption is available to such person or company. Qualifying shareholders who wish to participate in the Offering should contact the Company at the contact information set forth below.

In the event that aggregate subscriptions for Units under the Offering exceed the maximum number of securities to be distributed, then Units will be sold to qualifying subscribers on a pro rata basis based on the number of Units subscribed for. Insiders may participate in the Offering. Qualifying shareholders who wish to participate in the Offering should contact the Company at the contact information set forth below.

There is no material fact or material change of the Company that has not been disclosed.

In addition to conducting the Offering pursuant to the Existing Security Holder Exemption, the Offering will also be conducted pursuant to other available prospectus exemptions.

Assuming the Offering is fully subscribed, the Company intends to allocate the net proceeds for payments under existing property option agreements as described below, and for general corporate and working capital purposes. Actual allocation of the net proceeds may vary from the foregoing and if the Offering is not fully subscribed. The Company may allocate the net proceeds of the Offering in such priority and proportions as the board of directors or management of the Company determines is in the best interests of the Company.

The Company also announces that it has entered into debt settlement agreements (the "Settlement Agreements") with certain creditors of the Company (the "Creditors") pursuant to which the Company agreed to issue to the Creditors, and the Creditors agreed to accept, an aggregate of (i) 4,982,021 Units at a price of $0.05 per Unit in full and final settlement of accrued and outstanding indebtedness in the aggregate amount of $249,101 (the "Debt Settlement").

The offered securities have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This news release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any state in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

Amendments to Property Option Agreements

The Company has entered into a binding letter of intent with the Optionors (the "LOI") to further amend the terms of the Company's existing mineral property option agreements with the Optionors (the "Option Agreements"). Pursuant to the terms of the LOI, among other terms: (i) all cash payments under the Option Agreements will be deferred until an option in respect of a particular optioned property is fully exercised, prior to the expiry of the applicable option term; (ii) certain outstanding cash payments payable to the Optionors totalling $215,650 will be settled by an issuance of common shares at a deemed price of $0.05 per share; and (iii) of the currently outstanding cash payments in the amount of $246,500 under the Option Agreement in respect of the Company's Victory project (the "Victory Option Agreement")$155,250 will be paid in cash (from the proceeds of the Offering) and $91,250 will be deferred until the option in respect of the Victory project is fully exercised, prior to the expiry of the option term (collectively, the "Amendments").

Completion of the Amendments remains subject to a number of closing conditions, including, the parties entering into definitive documentation setting forth the detailed terms and conditions of the Amendments and completion of the Offering on or prior to October 18, 2024 (or such other date as the parties may agree upon) and standard closing conditions for transactions of this nature.

Beyond Lithium Provides 2024 Exploration Program Update for Cosgrave, Ear Falls, And Victory

Summary

The 2024 exploration program commenced in April

Collected 380 grab samples in the 2024 exploration program from the four primary projects with 25% samples pending assays: Cosgrave Project Ear Falls Spodumene Project Victory Spodumene Project Wisa Project

Completed biogeochemical surveys at the Ear Falls (assays pending) and the Victory (assays received) Projects

Received final XRD and TIMA report for the Ear Falls spodumene samples and started XRD analysis for the Cosgrave Project

Channel sampled pegmatites at the Cosgrave Project (assays received) and the Ear Falls' Sandy Creek Beryl West Zone (assays pending)

Ear Falls Spodumene Project

Ear Falls Spodumene Project Confirms Spodumene as the Dominant Lithium-bearing Mineral And >96% Spodumene Liberation and Expanded the Wenasaga North Zone

Initial mineralogical work completed at the Wenasaga North Zone's spodumene-bearing pegmatites established a baseline of the characterization of the lithium pegmatite at Ear Falls: XRD (X-ray diffraction) study for modal mineralogy confirming the main mineralogy of the spodumene-bearing pegmatites are quartz, feldspar (albite, microcline), muscovite, and spodumene with accessory minerals (total <2%) include chlorite, beryl, fluorapatite, biotite TIMA (Quantitative Evaluation of Materials by Scanning Electron Microscopy) study outlines >96% spodumene liberation . This baseline study provides a fundamental viability of recovering or extracting spodumene at Ear Falls

2024 Field Program extends and widens the trend of the Wenasaga North Zone (Figure 1) Outlined obvious area for infill sampling program and biogeochemical survey to follow up

the trend of the Wenasaga North Zone (Figure 1) Completed a trial biogeochemical survey (assays pending) at the Wenasaga North Zone that can potentially be another exploration tool to uncover buried lithium mineralized pegmatites





Figure 1. Ear Falls 2024 Program Expansion and Extension of the Wenasaga North Zone - Only Samples >1,000ppm Li from the 2024 Exploration Program are Labelled



To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/225163_f1831310044dabfe_004full.jpg

Cosgrave Project

Cosgrave Project Confirms Lithium Mineralization with Channel Samples Assayed up to 0.62% Li2O over 1.00m within a Wider Interval of 0.23% Li2O over 6.90m

Channel sampled a seven meters wide pegmatite Further stripping may widen the true width of the pegmatite Returned with 0.23% Li2O and 235ppm Cs over 6.90m including 0.38% Li2O and 272ppm Cs over 3.10m and 0.62% Li 2 O and 227ppm Cs over 1.0m Channel samples are more representative samples than grab samples for analysing pegmatites as channel sampling is a continuous sampling method to examine the outcrop entirely with less selective sampling bias

Highly fractionated pegmatite with an average K/Rb ratio of 15 across the pegmatite Generally, pegmatites with the highest degree of fractionation have a K/Rb ratio of less than 30 (Breaks 2004).

across the pegmatite Pegmatite is hosted in metasediment and is composed of feldspar, quartz, muscovite, and alluaudite similar to the Tanco Mine's mineralization (Cerny 1996)

XRD work in progress to identify the lithium mineral associated with the lithium mineralization from the highly fractionated pegmatite

Submitted the exploration plan to the Ministry of Mines of Ontario for a stripping program to further expose the lithium-bearing pegmatite





Figure 2. Cosgrave Highly Fractionated Alluaudite Pegmatite Channel Samples Map

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/225163_f1831310044dabfe_005full.jpg





Figure 3. Cosgrave Channel Sampled Pegmatite with Coarse Grained Alluaudite, Feldspar, Muscovite, and Quartz

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/225163_f1831310044dabfe_006full.jpg

Victory Spodumene Project

Victory Spodumene Project Identifies Key Indicators for Exploring Lithium Mineralization

LiDAR survey delineated a larger footprint of the Last Resort and the Bounty Gold spodumene-bearing pegmatites (Figure 4)

Identified key and indicator minerals for pegmatites associated with lithium mineralization to narrow down exploration priority targets Quartz (quartz core), feldspar, muscovite, beryl, garnet, and tourmaline Distinguished two generations of pegmatites in the area to optimize exploration in the field

Identified a larger footprint of the Medicine Lake pluton based on field mapping, LiDAR survey, and airborne magnetic survey the Medicine Lake pluton is interpretated as the fluid source of the pegmatites and the lithium mineralization in the area

Biogeochemical Tree Bark Survey shows promising results as an efficient exploration tool to explore for buried lithium mineralization (Figure 5)





Figure 4. Larger Footprint of the Last Resort Pegmatite Delineated from LiDAR Survey

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/225163_f1831310044dabfe_007full.jpg





Figure 5. Biogeochemical Tree Bark Survey at the Last Resort Pegmatite Outlines the Spodumene Mineralization with Elevated Cs Across the Last Resort Pegmatite - the biogeochemical tree park survey is an efficient exploration tool to explore for buried lithium mineralization at the Victory Spodumene Project

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

https://images.newsfilecorp.com/files/8620/225163_f1831310044dabfe_008full.jpg

References

Breaks, F.W., Selway, J.B. and Tindle, A.G. 2004. A Review of Rare-Element (Li-Cs-Ta) Pegmatite Exploration Techniques for the Superior Province, Canada, and Large Worldwide Tantalum Deposits; Ontario Geological Survey, Exploration and Mining Geology, Vol. 14, Nos. 1-4, pp. 1-30.

Cerny, Petr, Ercit, T.S. and Vanstone, P.T., 1996. Petrology and Mineralization of the Tanco Rare-Element Pegmatite, Southeastern Manitoba - Field Trip Guidebook A4, Geological Association of Canada/Mineralogical Association of Canada Annual Meeting. Winnipeg, Manitoba, May 27-29, 1996.

Quality Assurance/Quality Control

All collected rock samples were put in sturdy plastic bags, tagged, and sealed at site. Sample bags were then put in rice bags and kept securely before being sent by road transport or delivered by the crew supervisor to SGS's preparation facility in Red Lake or Sudbury, Ontario, for sample preparation. Pulps were analyzed at the SGS facility in Burnaby, BC. All samples were analyzed with Four-Acid Digestion/Combined ICP-AES/MS package (49 elements). Samples with lithium overlimit (>10,000 ppm Li) are analyzed with another Four-Acid Digestion with higher detection limit of up to 10% Li. Batches of samples with overlimit >10,000 ppm or 1% Li were analyzed with Sodium Peroxide Fusion for validation. The QA/QC protocol included the insertion and monitoring of appropriate reference materials, in this case high concentration and low concentration certified OREAS and CDN lithium standards to validate the accuracy and precision of the assay results.

All tree bark samples were collected from spruce trees of roughly the same size to standardize sample collection. Tree bark was collected using the plastic drywall scraper to scrape the dry outer bark off the trunk of the tree and using the dustpan to catch the bark fragments. Each sample is collected to fill a brown kraft soil sample bag; ideally 100 grams of bark would be collected per each sample. Samples were prepared at the SGS's preparation facility in Red Lake, Ontario, for sample preparation. Pulps are analyzed at the SGS facility in Burnaby, BC. All samples were analyzed with Four-Acid Digestion/Combined ICP-AES/MS package (49 elements).

Qualified Person and Third-Party Data

The scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Lawrence Tsang, P.Geo., VP Exploration of the Company. Lawrence Tsang is a "qualified person" as defined in National Instrument 43-101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects. The potential grades of exploration targets disclosed in this news release are conceptual in nature. There has been insufficient exploration to define a mineral resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in the target being delineated as a mineral resource.

About Beyond Lithium Inc.

Beyond Lithium Inc. has a large greenfield lithium exploration portfolio in Ontario with 23 high potential greenfield lithium properties totalling over 103,000 hectares including two spodumene discoveries, the Ear Falls Spodumene Project and the Victory Spodumene Project, and one lithium-bearing pluton discovery, the Cosgrave Project. The Company has adopted the project generator business model to maximize funds available for exploration projects, while minimizing shareholder dilution. Beyond Lithium is advancing certain of its projects with its exploration team and will seek to option other properties to joint venture partners. Partnering on various projects will provide a source of non-dilutive working capital, partner-funded exploration, and long-term residual exposure to exploration success.

Beyond Lithium currently has 40,887,613 common shares outstanding.

Please follow @BeyondLithium on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and YouTube.

For more information, please refer to the Company's website at www.beyondLithium.ca

CAUTIONARY STATEMENT REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION: This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding future capital expenditures, anticipated content, commencement, and cost of exploration programs in respect of the Company's projects and mineral properties, anticipated exploration program results from exploration activities, resources and/or reserves on the Company's projects and mineral properties, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking information. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "will", "may", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In stating the forward-looking information in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious and base metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the future exploration of the Company's properties, the availability of financing on suitable terms, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the statements of forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, statements as to the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, the proposed expenditures for exploration work on its properties, the ability of the Company to obtain sufficient financing to fund its business activities and plans, delays in obtaining governmental and regulatory approvals (including of the Canadian Securities Exchange), permits or financing, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, the Company's limited operating history, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims, environmental issues and liabilities, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 23, 2022 and other filings of the Company with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release except as otherwise required by law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225163

SOURCE: Beyond Lithium Inc.
Vale and Green Energy Park (GEP), an integrated European hydrogen company, have joined forces to deliver decarbonization solutions for the global steel sector. Through this partnership the companies will work on feasibility studies to develop a green hydrogen production facility to supply a future Mega Hub in Brazil, an industrial complex aimed at manufacturing low-carbon steel products. This joint initiative can provide an open platform for international partnerships in which global steel companies can source and produce hot-briquetted iron (HBI) in Brazil and accelerate the emerging low carbon steel industry.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001836859/en/

Bart Biebuyck, CEO of Green Energy Park (Photo: Business Wire)

Vale has been actively seeking partners to enable the construction of Mega Hubs in Brazil, aligned with its strategic objective to foster the country's low-carbon industry. In these industrial hubs, Vale expects to produce iron ore agglomerates (pellets or briquettes), which will serve as an input to produce HBI (a low-carbon emission steel pre-material) with renewable hydrogen as the reducing agent. The agreement with GEP is another important step in this direction.

"This is a win-win partnership for Brazil and Europe", says Ludmila Nascimento, Director of Energy and Decarbonization at Vale "We are leveraging Brazil's competitive advantages, such as high-quality iron ore and abundant renewable energy, to potentially develop green hydrogen supply, which will enable the offer of a "green" HBI with high added value to European steelmakers. Meanwhile, we are fostering Brazil's new industrialization, based on the low-carbon economy, and contributing to the fight against climate change".

"The partnership with Vale is a major milestone on our journey to Net Zero. We are proud to work with the largest producer of direct reduction pellets in the world to help decarbonize the steel sector. The collaboration between our companies aims to bring our leading green hydrogen technology to the core of the hard-to-abate sectors, offering a highly competitive platform for green steel production in Europe and around the world," comments Bart Biebuyck, CEO of GEP. "Together, we are looking forward to accelerating the green hydrogen industry in Brazil."

The iron and steel industry accounts for approximately 8% of the world's total carbon emissions, primarily due to the use of coal in blast furnaces. High carbon emissions by the steel industry represents a big challenge for global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and reach a carbon neutral economy by 2050.

For every ton of steel produced in blast furnaces about 2.0 tons of CO2 equivalent are released into the atmosphere. In contrast, in the direct reduction route, the HBI produced with green hydrogen as the reducing agent when supplied to Electric Arc Furnaces (EAFs), reduces carbon emissions to approximately 0.4 tons of CO2 equivalent per ton of steel produced, accounting for all emissions along the value chain. This process therefore results in an 80% reduction in emissions, enabling "green steel" production.

Vale and GEP, which is supported by Europe's Global Gateway program, will also collaborate on various aspects of the hydrogen value chain, such as the deployment of electrolysers, the design of industrial plants for green hydrogen and its derivates, as well as other industrial decarbonization applications of renewable hydrogen.

To drive down the costs, Green Energy Park will implement state-of-the-art electrolyser technologies on a standardized production platform. The integrated hydrogen production plant by Green Energy Park features some of the most advanced process engineering designs, including storage and handling facilities for hydrogen and its derivatives. As such, GEP contributes deep engineering and EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Construction) expertise in the field of world-scale cryogenic gas handling and storage, combined with dedicated infrastructure and industrial construction capabilities.

About Green Energy Park

Green Energy Park is an integrated hydrogen company, implementing one of the largest climate impact undertakings in the world. The company's objective is to design, build, and operate hydrogen production infrastructure with ammonia and methanol the long-distance renewable energy carriers of choice. As a molecule's specialist, and to achieve cost leadership, GEP implements leading hydrogen technologies on its standardized production platform at the gigawatts scale. Green Energy Park's mission is to accelerate the energy transition and make the hydrogen economy a reality.

About Vale

Vale is a global mining company that exists to improve lives and transform the future together. One of the world's largest producers of iron ore and nickel and a major copper producer, Vale is headquartered in Brazil and operates around the world. Its operations comprise integrated logistics systems, including approximately 2,000 kilometers of railways, marine terminals and 10 ports distributed around the globe. Vale has the ambition to be recognized by society as a benchmark in safety, the best-in-class reliable operator, a talent-driven organization, a leader in sustainable mining, and a benchmark in creating and sharing value.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001836859/en/

Contacts:

VALE

General Enquiries:

Daniel Kaz, Media Relations Office

daniel.kaz@vale.com

GREEN ENERGY PARK

General Enquiries:

Loreta Pacipaviciute, Media Relations Office

media@gep-global.com

Investor Relations:

Mario Reinisch, CFO

mario@gep-global.com
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Nova Pacific Metals Corp. (CSE: NVPC) (OTCQB: NVPCF) (FSE: YQ10) (WKN: A40GFH) (the "Company", or "Nova Pacific") is pleased to announce that, further to its press release dated August 22, 2024, and due to strong investor demand, it has upsized its previously announced non-brokered private placement (the "Private Placement") to comprise of up to 12,000,000 units of the Company ("Units") at a price per Unit of $0.25 for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $3,000,000.

Each Unit will comprise of one common share of the Company (a "Share") and one Share purchase warrant of the Company (a "Warrant"), with each Warrant entitling the holder thereof to purchase one additional Share at an exercise price of $0.40 for a period of two years from the date of issuance thereof (the "Expiration Date").

The Warrants will include an acceleration clause such that if, following the expiration of the four month Canadian statutory hold period applicable to the Warrants , the Shares trade at or above $0.90 for 10 consecutive trading days, Nova Pacific will have the option, but not the obligation, exercisable at any time thereafter in the sole discretion of the Company to accelerate the Expiration Date to a date that is 30 days from the date the Company delivers a notice to the holders of the Warrants with respect to such acceleration.

Nova Pacific intends to use the net proceeds of the Private Placement for exploration, general corporate purposes and working capital. All securities issued in connection with this Private Placement are subject to a statutory hold period of four months and one day pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

In connection with the Private Placement, the Company may pay finder's fees to eligible non-related parties of up to 8% of the gross proceeds raised. Additionally, Nova Pacific may issue broker warrants ("Broker Warrants") equal to up to 8% of the Units sold. Each Broker Warrant will entitle the holder to purchase one Share at a price of $0.25 per Share for a period of two years.

The Private Placement is expected to close on or about October 28, 2024 and is subject to customary closing conditions, including the approval of the securities' regulatory authorities and the CSE.

About Nova Pacific Metals Corp.

Nova Pacific is a Canadian exploration and development company focused on pursuing projects with a significant mineral discovery thus providing a viable pathway to potential development. The key project being developed by the Company is its recently acquired Lara VMS Project located on southern Vancouver Island, British Columbia. The Lara Project is principally a brownfields development asset with excellent potential for expansion and near-term production.

For additional information please visit: www.novapacificmetals.com

Rights of Indigenous Communities Statement

Nova Pacific recognizes the Rights of all Indigenous Peoples of Canada. The Company is committed to consultation and accommodation with the Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group communities on whose Traditional, Ancestral and Unceded Territory the Lara Property is located. The Hul'qumi'num Treaty Group is a politically unified group that represents six Hul'qumi'num-speaking First Nations: Cowichan, Stz'uminus, Penelakut, Lyackson, Halalt, and Lake Cowichan.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

J. Malcolm Bell

Chief Executive Officer, Director

The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the matters referenced herein and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release.

None of the securities to be issued pursuant to the Private Placement have been or will be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws, and any securities issuable in the Private Placement are anticipated to be issued in reliance upon available exemptions from such registration requirements pursuant to Section 3(a)(10) of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable exemptions under state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell, or the solicitation of an offer to buy, any securities.

Forward-Looking Information

Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information including, without limitation, statements regarding the size, terms and closing of the Private Placement, the amount that may be raised by the Company from the Private Placement, the amount of finder's fees and Broker Warrants that may be issued by the Company, the ability of the Company to obtain CSE approval in respect of the Private Placement, use of proceeds from the Private Placement, the ability of the Company to exercise its acceleration right in respect of the Warrants including the delivery of any acceleration notice in respect thereto as well as other future orientated statements. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking information. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in this forward-looking information as a result of market volatility, market perception of the Company and its projects, investor uptake on the Private Placement, the ability of the Company to obtain regulatory (including CSE) approvals in respect of the Private Placement, regulatory decisions, competitive factors in the industries in which the Company operates, prevailing economic conditions, changes to the Company's strategic growth plans, and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the Company. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking information are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and such forward-looking information should not be unduly relied upon. Any forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the Company's expectations as of the date hereof, and is subject to change after such date.

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 required by applicable securities legislation.

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/225190

SOURCE: Nova Pacific Metals Corp.
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Wellfield Technologies Inc. (TSXV: WFLD) ("Wellfield" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the TSX Venture Exchange has approved the resumption of trading, effective at market opening on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

With trading resumed, the Company will continue advancing its effort to spin-off of its wholly owned subsidiary, Tradewind Markets Inc. ("Tradewind") (the "Spin-off"), as previously announced on September 6, 2024.

The Spin-off marks a key milestone in Wellfield's July 16th announced strategy to establish Tradewind as an independent entity focused on revolutionizing the gold market. Wellfield believes that a successful spin-off will increase shareholder value by allowing capital markets to ascribe value, and provide additional capital, to Tradewind independently of Wellfield's core business, providing an opportunity for Tradewind to be funded and developed on its own with independent management and governance. Stakeholders are actively undertaking to establish a management team and board of directors, which will be disclosed in a subsequent news release.

Levy Cohen, Chief Executive Officer of Wellfield, commented, "A successful spin-off of Tradewind will support Wellfield as we pursue multiple strategic objectives. It will position Wellfield to hold $20M worth of Tradewind stock, opening exciting possibilities for how we might leverage this value-whether to strengthen our balance sheet, fuel future growth, or deliver direct benefits to our shareholders. Additionally, this transaction allows Wellfield to re-focus exclusively on the biggest opportunities within crypto and decentralized finance. We see immense untapped potential within our Coinmama brand and proprietary blockchain technology and look forward to sharing more details on these efforts soon."

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:

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 Company's management pursuing various strategic alternatives towards achieving the Spin-off, including a public listing of Tradewind and strategic partnerships with third-parties; the success of Tradewind as an independent entity to seize untapped opportunities and its ability to deliver significant value to our shareholders following the Spin-off, which are based on the Company's current internal expectations, estimates, projections, assumptions and beliefs, which may prove to be incorrect; the completion of the RTO as announced September 6, 2024; the completion of the concurrent financing; the timeline to complete the RTO and the concurrent 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 shares in the capital of Leonovus Inc. ("Leonovus") 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 dated September 5, 2024 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 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/225217

SOURCE: Wellfield Technologies Inc.
Pioneering Study in Parkinson's Disease to Advance Surgical Treatment Options

RebrAIn, a leader in precise targeting solutions for deep brain stimulation (DBS) and lesion techniques, today announced the successful early completion of recruitment for the second phase of the groundbreaking PARKEO2 clinical trial. Sponsored by the Bordeaux University Hospital (CHU de Bordeaux) and funded by the French government, this study aims to revolutionize surgical treatment for Parkinson's disease.

The PARKEO2 trial, led by Professor Emmanuel Cuny of the CHU de Bordeaux, is a randomized, double-blind study comparing two surgical methods for DBS. It involves 128 patients across 11 renowned medical centers. With recruitment completed ahead of schedule, the study marks a significant step forward in expanding access to advanced Parkinson's treatment.

The study's leading recruitment centers include the "Assistance Publique Hopitaux de Marseille" (APHM), Nice University Hospital (CHU de Nice), and the "Hospices Civils de Lyon" (HCL), under the direction of esteemed professors Jean Regis, Denys Fontaine, and Emile Simon, respectively. Each institution has played a vital role in the trial's success, reflecting France's leadership in stereotactic and functional neurosurgery.

The trial is funded by a combination of public (National Clinical Research Hospital Program PHRC-N) and private funds, reflecting broad support and high expectations for its results. The multicenter nature of the study, involving several research centers across different regions, ensures a diverse and comprehensive approach to data collection and analysis. Furthermore, the inclusion of a control group allows for rigorous comparison and validation of the trial's results.

RebrAIn's involvement in the PARKEO2 trial includes its AI-powered neurosurgical planning software, designed to replicate optimal clinical outcomes in DBS treatments. This technology allows for faster, more precise, and safer surgeries by enabling personalized treatment plans based on individual patient data. Recently approved for a second indication by the FDA for VIM lesioning, RebrAIn's solutions are set to redefine how neurosurgeons' approach complex brain surgeries.

"We are thrilled to have reached this milestone ahead of schedule," said Professor Emmanuel Cuny, Principal Investigator of the PARKEO2 trial. "The dedication of our research teams and participants has been truly inspiring, and we hope the results will lead to groundbreaking new treatment options for Parkinson's patients worldwide."

The PARKEO2 trial, registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04884412, holds the promise of enhancing surgical outcomes for Parkinson's disease, offering a path to more effective and accessible treatments for patients suffering from this debilitating condition.

About RebrAIn

RebrAIn is a French-based company that provides technology to enable precise targeting for DBS and lesioning treatments for patients suffering from severe Parkinson's or essential tremor disease. Its SaaS solution helps neurosurgeons to precisely identify the target area for surgical intervention. Its novel approach uses machine learning of clinical patient outcomes to predict optimal treatment zone in each patient's brain. For more information, visit www.rebrain.eu.

About the Bordeaux University Hospital

(CHU de Bordeaux)

The Bordeaux University Hospital is a leading medical research institution dedicated to advancing healthcare through innovative research and clinical trials. With a strong focus on neurological disorders, CHU de Bordeaux is at the forefront of developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.

Meta Description: The PARKEO2 trial, registered under ClinicalTrials.gov identifier NCT04884412, holds the promise of enhancing surgical outcomes for Parkinson's disease, offering a path to more effective and accessible treatments for patients suffering from this debilitating condition."

Tags: Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS), Stereotactic Neurosurgery, Functional Neurosurgery, AI in Healthcare, Machine Learning in Medicine, Neuromodulation, Personalized Treatment, RebrAIn, PARKEO2 Clinical Trial, Essential Tremor, Parkinson's Disease, Precision Neurosurgery, Healthcare Innovation, Clinical Trials, Bordeaux University Hospital.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001001967/en/

Contacts:

RebrAIn

United States:

Robert Law US Business Development Leader

+1 (734)904-1997 Robert.Law@RebrAIn.eu

International:

David Caumartin CEO

David.Caumartin@RebrAIn.eu
-- Founding CEO Mark Clein named Executive Chairman; Mr. Clein and co-founder Ethan Leder to continue as Board Directors --

BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Precision Medicine Group (Precision), a leading next-generation provider of drug development and commercialization services, today announced the appointment of Margaret Keegan as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and member of the Board of Directors, effective immediately. Ms. Keegan succeeds Mark Clein, who is assuming the role of Executive Chairman. Mr. Clein co-founded Precision in 2012 as CEO and, together with co-founder Ethan Leder, purpose-built Precision to capitalize on the scientific and technological innovations that are transforming drug development and enabling widespread access to new, breakthrough therapies. Mr. Leder formerly served as Executive Chairman and will remain a member of the Board of Directors.

Today, Precision is a global team of 3,500 experts spanning the clinical through commercial continuum, and operating across two groups: Precision for Medicine, the premier provider of biomarker-driven clinical research and development, including integrated lab and clinical trial services, and Precision AQ, the foremost provider of commercialization services supporting life science organizations from launch through product maturity.

"We founded Precision with the belief that we could help change the healthcare landscape by improving the development and commercialization of new therapies and supporting access to life-changing medicine for every patient, everywhere. Over the past dozen years, we invested in the necessary capabilities to power this vision, and I am grateful to my colleagues who work tirelessly to meet the dynamic needs of biotechnology and pharmaceutical companies," said Mark Clein, Co-founder and Executive Chairman of Precision. "Together, we supported the development and launch of hundreds of therapies for some of the most intractable and devastating diseases and provided life science companies the insights, tools, and resources to navigate a complex and ever-evolving global healthcare industry. In Margaret Keegan, we have identified a leader with the vision, experience, and acumen to architect the next chapter. Ethan and I look forward to working with her to further deliver on our purpose for our clients, employees, and the patients they serve."

Margaret Keegan, Chief Executive Officer, commented, "Precision was among the first to recognize the power of more personalized, targeted therapies to deliver better outcomes, and early to identify the possibilities and challenges that precision medicine-based approaches would introduce from clinical development through commercialization. In many ways, our industry is at a similar inflection point now, as we assimilate innovations in technology and artificial intelligence and respond to new regulations and shifting macroeconomic conditions. This introduces a tremendous opportunity for Precision to advance from being the first mover in precision medicine to being the global expert in drug development and commercialization. I am thrilled to be joining Precision at this exciting point in the company's rapid development and look forward to leading this outstanding team of professionals."

"Our selection of Margaret as the next CEO of Precision is the result of a long-term succession planning process. Margaret is a passionate leader, with extensive and proven life sciences industry experience. She has a deep commitment to our foundational principles, with a focus on our patient-centric and client-first approach. The Board is confident in her ability to grow and scale Precision as a complete development partner for our biopharmaceutical customers, from clinical R&D through commercialization," said Dr. John Hubbard, Chairman of the Precision Board of Directors. "On behalf of the Board, I want to express my gratitude to Mark and Ethan for their leadership over the last 12 years. In addition to architecting our innovative business model, they've built an industry-leading team and culture that positions Precision for continued success. I know Mark and Ethan will be active contributors on the board as they transition into their new roles."

About Margaret Keegan, CEO of Precision Medicine Group

Ms. Keegan is an industry luminary, who has held executive leadership roles at large pharmaceutical and leading life sciences companies. Most recently, Ms. Keegan served as Operating Partner at Linden Capital Partners, where she evaluated opportunities across the sector, including providers of clinical research, pharmaceutical and commercial services. Prior to joining Linden Capital Partners, Ms. Keegan was the Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer at PRA Health Sciences, where she held sole responsibility for managing the business operations through the sale of the business to ICON plc. Earlier, Ms. Keegan spent over a decade at IQVIA, where she held roles of increasing responsibility, including President - Clinical Development, responsible for global clinical trials and President, Data Management, Biostatistics, Central Monitoring, Safety and Regulatory. Ms. Keegan launched her career in life sciences at GlaxoSmithKline. Ms. Keegan holds a B.Sc. with First Class Honours in Mathematics from the University of Strathclyde and was named a Chartered Statistician by the Institute of Statisticians, United Kingdom.

About Precision Medicine Group

Formed in 2012, Precision Medicine Group is a specialized services company supporting next-generation approaches to drug development and commercialization. Precision provides an integrated infrastructure that supports pharmaceutical and life science companies as they develop new products in the age of precision medicine. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, with offices throughout North America, Europe and Asia. For more information, visit precisionmedicinegrp.com.

Contact

Hannah Deresiewicz

Precision AQ

hannah.deresiewicz@precisionaq.com

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2504517/Precision_Medicine_Group_Logo.jpg

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/precision-medicine-group-welcomes-margaret-keegan-as-ceo-302264000.html
ThreatQuotient Enables Companies to Scale Security Operations Through Effective and Efficient Use of Threat Intelligence

Internal security operations teams work smarter, not harder with cybersecurity automation that balances human workflow management with automation

LONDON, UK - 1st October, 2024 - ThreatQuotient , a leading security operations platform innovator, today announced Version 6 of the ThreatQ Platform , a major upgrade with significant enhancements to the platform and multiple modules. Dedicated to providing security operations centre (SOC) and cyber threat intelligence analysts with a simplified, data-driven approach to automating their work, the ThreatQ Platform has more than 30 new feature innovations and improvements since version 5.0.

Scaling collaboration with easy intelligence sharing

With industries experiencing more attacks than ever before, collaborating and sharing threat intelligence is a vital capability to scale security operations. The platform focuses on human workflow management combined with data-driven automation, enabling internal teams to scale processes quickly to be more effective and to deliver more efficacy in their outcomes. It achieves this through a fine balance of human know-how combined with automation and machine intelligence.

The platform enables not only the quick sharing of threat intelligence but also a host of new integrations and enhanced STIX2.1/TAXII interoperability, providing superior ecosystem partner support. In the past 12 months, the number of available workflow actions has doubled to deliver further momentum to the ThreatQ Marketplace, including key use cases such as automated hunting in multiple SIEM platforms.

Leon Ward, Vice President Product Management, ThreatQuotient comments:

"Organisations have never experienced the volume and impact of attacks that they've witnessed in recent quarters, but on the positive side, defenders collectively have never had so much hands-on experience in responding to those same incidents. Through collaboration and sharing, defences can be scaled so others are able to respond faster and more accurately, which is what we aim to do through the enhancements that we have built into the ThreatQ Platform. Sharing of key intelligence at scale with third parties has never been easier through the new integrated TAXII server included in ThreatQ Data Exchange."

Scaling workflows by combining humans, automation, and AI

The ThreatQ Platform delivers scalable workflows that strike a balance between human management and automation. ThreatQ ACE uses natural language processing and keyword matching to automatically identify and extract valuable threat intelligence from unstructured text in data feeds.

Additionally, the platform has powerful integrations with generative AI tools such as ChatGPT to accelerate contextual information gathering and sharing. Security professionals can leverage generative AI through the ThreatQ Platform to draft plain text descriptions of detected threats.

Scaling the ecosystem with the ThreatQ Integration Framework

ThreatQuotient delivers automation, scale, sharing and seamless support via an ecosystem of over 450 product and feed integrations available from its online marketplace . Integrations include intelligence feeds, security tools, enrichment services, sandboxes, and many more. In addition, ThreatQuotient provides the ThreatQ Integration Framework with intuitive tools to customise integrations or build custom integrations from scratch. ThreatQuotient continues to develop new capabilities to improve the user experience for analysts. This includes Batch Actions, a capability focused on the ticketing use case that enables users to reduce their workload by easily batching related tickets for remediation (e.g. a single ticket for a CVE that lists affected systems that need to be remediated instead of a ticket per system).

ThreatQuotient customer Thales has deep experience of using the ThreatQ Platform to scale its advanced, personalised threat intelligence service. The company has built one of the largest Cyber Threat Intelligence Services in Europe using the ThreatQ Platform delivering tailored, prioritised threat intelligence drawn from diverse threat data sources and cybersecurity tools. Ivan Fontarensky, Technical Director, CyberDetect and Response at Thales, said: "Our partnership with ThreatQuotient has helped us grow from a team of one to 50 in a few years and become the largest CTI provider in Europe. Today threat intelligence is strategic to our cybersecurity products and research and to our continued market leadership."

The latest cybersecurity automation research from ThreatQuotient, which will launch in November 2024, highlights that to fight today's adversaries, threat intelligence teams need to scale their capabilities. The research highlights that automation is providing tangible benefits in a continuously unpredictable environment with 98% of survey respondents seeing budget increases for cybersecurity automation and nearly 40% now securing net new budgets rather than diverting it from other areas. Additionally, trust in cybersecurity automation is rising as users gain confidence. The research reveals that more than half of organisations regularly share threat intelligence with partners and suppliers and 48% share threat intelligence through official industry channels, which underlines the value of developing solutions that enable faster and more comprehensive intelligence sharing.

In the last 12 months, ThreatQuotient has taken additional steps to partner with more industry peers, and recently announced that the ThreatQ Platform is now available in AWS Marketplace. ThreatQuotient's mission is to enable cybersecurity teams to optimise threat detection, investigation, and response. Additionally, as it has focused on extending its ecosystem, earlier this year it announced its membership in the Electricity Information Sharing and Analysis Centre's (E-ISAC) vendor affiliate program. This partnership marks a significant step forward in fortifying the cybersecurity defences of North America's electricity grid against evolving threats.

To learn more about the latest integrations and features available within the ThreatQ Platform, request a demo or visit our ThreatQ v6 resources for more information.

About ThreatQuotient

ThreatQuotient improves security operations by fusing together disparate data sources, tools and teams to accelerate threat detection and response. ThreatQ is the first purpose-built, data-driven threat intelligence platform that helps teams prioritise, automate and collaborate on security incidents; enables more focused decision making; and maximises limited resources by integrating existing processes and technologies into a unified workspace. The result is reduced noise, clear priority threats, and the ability to automate processes with high fidelity data. ThreatQuotient's industry leading integration marketplace, data management, orchestration and automation capabilities support multiple use cases including threat intelligence management and sharing, incident response, threat hunting, spear phishing, alert triage and vulnerability management. ThreatQuotient is headquartered in Northern Virginia with international operations based out of Europe, MENA and APAC. For more information, visit www.threatquotient.com .

Media Contact
The Macomb Group, Inc., is pleased to announce that it has completed its third acquisition since May 2024. Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, Inc., with operations in the Carolinas and Georgia, is the newest member of their Fire & Fabrication Division. With the acquisition of Leonhardt, The Macomb Group's Fire & Fabrication operations now have production capacity in Michigan, Georgia, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and South Carolina.

"The strategy of expanding our Charlotte warehouse to 120,000 square feet last September, was to introduce our fire protection and fabrication services into the southeast," commented Dennis Roberts, Director of Fire & Fabrication at The Macomb Group. Adding, "Shortly after commencing fabrication operations in the spring, we had the opportunity to open a dialogue with Leonhardt Pipe & Supply owner and President, David Leonhardt."

"The timing for both of our companies was ideal, as we were in the process of planning for the Charlotte expansion of our Carolina fabrication operations, currently located in Blackstock, SC. This transaction will provide our customers with access to new fire protection lines, our employees with increased opportunities for growth, and The Macomb Group with a talented fire protection team in the southeast," commented David Leonhardt.

Joshua Leonhardt and Bob Phoenix, currently Vice Presidents at Leonhardt Pipe & Supply, will become members of The Macomb Group's Southeastern Fire & Fabrication leadership team. In 1984, David Leonhardt and his brother Douglas formed Douglas Leonhardt & Associates, LLC. By the late 1990s, the company had become one of the largest distributors and fire fabricators of life safety products in the country, with multiple locations throughout the southeastern United States. In 1998, the company was acquired and David subsequently retired to pursue his passion for wildlife preservation and agriculture. He returned to the industry in 2004 with his son Joshua, and together they founded Leonhardt Pipe and Supply, Inc. David will focus on guiding a successful transition over the next year.

About The Macomb Group:

The Macomb Group is a leading wholesale distributor of pipe, valves and fittings. Founded in 1977, the company now has 30 service branches and over 700 employees in 11 states including Michigan, Georgia, Indiana, Kentucky, New Jersey, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The Macomb Group serves a diverse mix of end markets, including automotive, food and beverage, general manufacturing, hospitals, schools, power plants, and general industry.

For more information, please call (888) 756-4110 or visit us at www.macombgroup.com.

CONTACT: Mark Calzolano - The Macomb Group, Corporate Development

6600 15 Mile Road, Sterling Heights, MI 48312 (586) 825-6974

SOURCE: The Macomb Group
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Volt Carbon Technologies Inc. (TSXV: VCT) (OTCQB: TORVF) ("Volt Carbon" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has agreed to settle an outstanding debts in aggregate amount of $347,842.91 (the "Debt") by issuing an aggregate of 17,392,145 common shares in the capital of the Company (the "Common Shares") at a price of $0.02 per Common Share (the "Shares for Debt Transaction"). The Board of Directors has determined it is in the best interests of the Company to settle the outstanding Debt by the issuance of the Common Shares in order to preserve the Company's cash for ongoing operations.

$200,000 of the Debt is owed to one (1) arm's length creditor and $147,842.91 of the Debt represents accrued liabilities for management fees owing to a former director and officer of the Company and the current President and Chief Executive Officer. The debt settlement with the current President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company in the amount of $100,000.00 will be a "related party transaction" under Policy 5.9 of the TSX Venture Exchange and Multilateral Instrument 61-101 - Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions ("MI 61-101"). The debt settlement with the President and Chief Executive Officer of the Company is exempt from the minority approval and formal valuation requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to subsections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 as neither the fair market value of the debt, nor the fair market value of the shares to be issued in settlement of the debt, exceeds 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction is subject customary closing conditions, including the prior approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. The Company intends to close the Shares for Debt Transaction as soon as practicable following receipt of the approval from the TSX Venture Exchange. The Common Shares to be issued pursuant to the Shares for Debt Transaction will be subject to a hold period of four (4) months and one (1) day from the date of issuance.

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.

About Volt Carbon Technologies

Volt Carbon is a publicly traded carbon science company, with specific interests in energy storage and green energy creation, with holdings in mining claims in the provinces of Ontario, Quebec and British Columbia in Canada. For the latest information on Volt Carbon's properties and news please refer to the website www.voltcarbontech.com.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS: This press release contains forward-looking statements, within the meaning of applicable securities legislation, concerning Volt Carbon's business and affairs. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "intends" "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". . Such statements include statements with respect to: (i) the receipt of the approval for the Shares for Debt Transaction from the TSX Venture Exchange; and (ii) the intended timing of the closing of the Shares for Debt Transaction. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

Statements of past performance should not be construed as an indication of future performance. Forward-looking statements involve significant risks and uncertainties, should not be read as guarantees of future performance or results, and will not necessarily be accurate indications of whether or not such results will be achieved. A number of factors, including those discussed above, could cause actual results to differ materially from the results discussed in the forward-looking statements. Any such forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

All of the forward-looking statements made in this press release are qualified by these cautionary statements. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking information is provided as of the date of this press release, and Volt Carbon assumes no obligation to update or revise them to reflect new events or circumstances, except as may be required under applicable securities legislation.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225204

SOURCE: Volt Carbon Technologies
Suzano, the world's largest pulp producer, today completes the acquisition of two industrial assets from Pactiv Evergreen in Arkansas and North Carolina, United States. All conditions for completing the agreement announced in July have been fulfilled.

The acquisition of the mills in Pine Bluff and Waynesville, that manufacture liquid packaging board and cupstock, adds approximately 420,000 metric tonnes annually of integrated paperboard to Suzano's production capacity. The Brazilian company will now become a major supplier of papers used to produce Liquid Packaging Board in North America.

Fabio Almeida, Executive Vice President of Paper and Packaging at Suzano and CEO of Suzano Packaging US, said:

"We aim to scale our operations to meet the growing global demand for paper-based packaging. Our successful track record of asset integration gives us confidence that we will be able to enhance operational efficiency, production scale, and safety standards at these units, opening up new opportunities for the employees and positively impacting the local communities of Pine Bluff and Waynesville."

These newly acquired assets benefit from a high availability and competitive costs of wood and energy in the region, and good access to railways, ports, and highways.

The long-term deal signed by the companies establishes that Suzano will provide liquid packaging board for Pactiv Evergreen's converting mills in North America under a long-term commercial agreement.

The transaction is valued at US$110 million, subject to customary price adjustments, and does not materially impact Suzano's financial leverage or debt levels.

Suzano is currently the largest supplier of hardwood market pulp in North America. In addition to the mills acquired in Arkansas and North Carolina, the company has an office in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, and a research and innovation campus close to Vancouver, Canada.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001061743/en/

Contacts:

Hawthorn Advisors

suzano@hawthornadvisors.com
Contract expands company's European footprint

Conti Federal Services, a leading construction and engineering firm specializing in military construction and critical infrastructure for the U.S. federal government, has been named an awardee of a $98M Indefinite Delivery/Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) Multiple Award Task Order Contract (MATOC) by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) Europe District.

The $98M MATOC includes Design-Build (DB) and Design-Bid-Build construction services for new facilities and real property repair and maintenance in support of defense operations, including various US Army and US Department of Defense requirements in Poland. The contract has a five-year base period of performance with work being performed at the following locations in Poland: Boleslawiec, Powidz, Zagan, Swietoszow, and Poznan.

"Securing our first award in Poland is a significant milestone for our company," states Michael Prudente, Vice President of Business Development for Europe and the Middle East. "Expanding into new regions like Poland highlights our ability to adapt and deliver value in diverse environments. Our proven track record of excellence and efficiency enables us to meet the unique needs of each mission, ensuring successful outcomes for our clients wherever they operate."

As the company continues to expand its footprint throughout Europe, a new office location is planned for Poland in 2025.

"Having a permanent location in the heart of Poland will allow us to better serve our clients and their missions. This new location reinforces our dedication to supporting defense operations globally, and we are proud to bring our expertise to this critical mission in Poland," Prudente continued.

Conti Federal is currently supporting the USACE Europe district in Baumholder, Germany for the U.S. Army Garrison at Rheinland-Pfalz as well as on a design-build contract to construct a facility in Sterrebeek Annex near Brussels, Belgium. Conti Federal also has operations across Italy and Israel, supporting the Naval Facilities Engineering Systems Command (NAVFAC) Europe-Africa-Central (EURAFCENT) and the USACE Middle East district, respectively.

About Conti Federal Services

Conti Federal Services is a leading global construction and engineering company with roots dating back to 1906. The company has delivered some of the most demanding projects for the U.S. federal government, specializing in military and secure construction, critical infrastructure, environmental remediation, and disaster response and recovery. Conti Federal is dedicated to ensuring clients meet mission success while committing to its core values of safety, integrity, and compliance. To learn more, visit www.contifederal.com.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001902253/en/

Contacts:

Meredith Koons

Director of Marketing and Small Business Programs

mkoons@contifederal.com

732-540-9478
Expansion of IBM's utility-scale fleet of quantum computers in Ehningen, Germany is marked with ribbon-cutting by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and industry leaders.

New IBM quantum data center in Europe will soon include IBM Quantum Heron-based system with reduced error rates, 16 times better performance and a 25-fold increase in speed over 2022 IBM Quantum systems.

European-based enterprises and research institutions including Credit Mutuel, Bosch, E.ON, Volkswagen Group, and Ikerbasque are accessing IBM global quantum fleet in quest to advance quantum algorithm discovery.

EHNINGEN, Germany, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, senior European government officials and European-based global enterprises, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled the first IBM Quantum Data Center located outside of the United States. It is the company's second quantum data center in the world and marks a significant expansion of its fleet of advanced, utility-scale quantum systems available to global users via the cloud.

Now online in Ehningen, Germany, Europe's first IBM Quantum Data Center includes two new utility-scale, IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems, and will soon feature a new IBM Quantum Heron-based system. These systems are capable of performing computations beyond the brute-force simulation capabilities of classical computers.

First introduced late last year, IBM Heron is the company's most performant quantum chip yet, and advances the company's mission of bringing useful quantum computing to the world by enabling users to increase the complexity of algorithms they are exploring on real quantum hardware.

When the IBM Heron-based system is made available at the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe, it will be the third IBM Heron installed across IBM's fleet of quantum systems that can be accessed by the company's global quantum network of more than 250 enterprises, universities, research institutions, and organizations. IBM Heron offers up to a 16-fold increase in performance and 25-fold increase in speed over previous IBM quantum computers as they were measured two years ago.

When it is deployed alongside the now-available utility-scale systems installed in the new IBM Quantum Data Center, the IBM Heron-based system will expand the more than a dozen quantum computers IBM currently offers through the cloud - the largest fleet of its kind in the world.

The opening of the new quantum data center was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting event attended by senior government officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism, State of Baden-Wurttemberg. IBM CEO and Chairman Arvind Krishna gave remarks alongside Chancellor Scholz, and the Chancellor also spoke at length with IBM leaders including Dario Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research; Ana Paula Assis, General Manager of IBM EMEA; Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum; and IBM Quantum's German-based team about the importance of quantum computing's adoption and growth in the region.

Additionally, the landmark moment was attended by several senior leaders of European-based global enterprises, including Credit Mutuel, Bosch, E.ON, Volkswagen Group, and others, as well as research institutions such as Ikerbasque in Spain and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. These organizations are among the more than 80 European-based organizations within the IBM Quantum Network, many of which have the opportunity to access the systems within the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe to search for the algorithms and applications of quantum computing that could solve some of the most complex challenges across their industries.

"The opening of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Ehningen is good news for Germany. It will serve as a location for innovation and business growth, and is an expression of investors' confidence in the German market. IBM enriches the German quantum computing landscape with this new data center. The German government is providing targeted support for the development of quantum technologies. It is thereby driving forward the development of competencies and capacities in quantum computing in order to promote a robust ecosystem around the development of quantum computers," said Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

"The opening of our first IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe marks a pivotal moment for the region's technological development, demonstrates our commitment to Europe, and underscores the key role of collaboration with industry, academia and policymakers for a pan-European quantum ecosystem. This state-of-the-art facility will foster innovation around quantum computing, creating new opportunities for talent attraction and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global technological advancements," said Ana Paula Assis, General Manager and Chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Our collaboration with IBM for the 'scaling' phase of quantum computing is progressing according to plan. We are working to develop concrete applications that improve the experience of our customer and members, and create value for the Group's businesses," said Frantz Ruble, President of Euro-Information and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Credit Mutuel Alliance Federale. "The availability of this quantum data center on European soil addresses our constraints in terms of processing proximity and Credit Mutuel's approach to regulatory compliance. And it also means we can look forward to the next stages of the quantum project with confidence at Credit Mutuel, CIC and then at Targobank."

"We believe that enabling our scientists and engineers to tackle demanding problems in materials sciences, high-energy physics, and biosciences through quantum computing, and providing state-of-the-art quantum computing access will be key to make disruptive progress in all those disciplines," said Javier Aizpurua, Ikerbasque professor, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and director of BasQ. "A combined use of quantum computing, AI, and data science, if generalized, will give rise to a scenario of new possibilities not only in fundamental research but also in industrial innovation."

"Bosch aims to drive innovation in the field of material simulation using quantum computing. In partnership with IBM Quantum, our team is creating scalable algorithms that aim to revolutionize product development. This includes the creation of new materials for sustainable, carbon-free mobility and the reduction of rare earth elements," said Dr. Thomas Kropf, President of Corporate Sector Research and Advance Engineering, Robert Bosch GmbH. "The European IBM Quantum Data Center allows us to run quantum calculations in close proximity, supporting Bosch's approach to compliance with European data protection regulations. This accelerates our research and development efforts and bolsters the European quantum ecosystem, paving the way for advancements in mobility, healthcare, and sustainable technologies."

"E.ON is investigating quantum computing to tackle energy transition challenges, including large-scale optimization, complex scenario modeling, and quantum machine learning. IBM's first European Quantum Data Center's location is also helpful for EU/German public funding opportunities, which may be available for local access to quantum computational resources and on-site expertise. This milestone underscores Europe's and Germany's leadership in quantum computing and marks a significant advancement in propelling enterprises into the quantum era," said Chris d'Arcy, Managing Director, E.ON Digital Technology GmbH and Chief Data and AI Officer.

"Quantum computing can be the next big thing to solve problems in material science, traffic optimization, or deep learning, that may change the world. IBM's Quantum Data Center in Europe provides access to their unique quantum infrastructure and thus, represents an indispensable another piece of the bridge between quantum computers and industrial application at scale. We are proud to be part of that journey to utilize quantum computing for the transformation into future sustainable and smart mobility," said Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Executive Director, Volkswagen Group Innovation.

"Algorithmiq is pioneering the integration of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and network science to solve the world's most complex problems in chemistry, healthcare and life sciences. To accomplish this, we need algorithms and scale. This is why we've partnered with IBM on both counts: our groundbreaking error mitigation algorithm, TEM, available through the Qiskit Functions Catalog, is proven to be optimal in extending the scale and accuracy of quantum simulations. And now, with more IBM quantum systems available in Europe, we're excited to further strengthen our ties in Europe and partner with an even larger ecosystem of industries, organizations, developers, and scientists to demonstrate TEM's utility - and progress toward quantum advantage," said Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO of Algorithmiq.

IBM recently published evidence that Qiskit is the world's leading and most performant quantum software. Together with access to IBM's advanced quantum hardware, IBM's ecosystem of users across Europe and globally can access tools and systems that can help them to more easily advance the discovery of algorithms that could open the doorway to useful quantum computing and reach quantum advantage: the point at which a quantum computer can solve a practical problem better than any classical method.

The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe can be accessed through the IBM Quantum Platform, continuing IBM's mission to enable the development of quantum computing use cases and to support clients as they press forward with algorithm discovery in the era of quantum utility, and towards quantum advantage.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Angelini

edlehr@us.ibm.com

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Regulatory News:

Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies (Paris:TTE) (LSE:TTE) (NYSE:TTE), met today in Paramaribo with His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname, and Annand Jagesar, CEO of Staatsolie Maatschappij Suriname N.V., Suriname's National Oil Company, to announce the Final Investment Decision (FID) for the "GranMorgu" development located on offshore Block 58.

"GranMorgu" means both "new dawn" and "Goliath grouper" in Sranan Tongo, thelocal language.

A landmark project in a prolific basin

The GranMorgu project will develop the Sapakara and Krabdagu oil discoveries, on which a successful exploration and appraisal campaign was completed in 2023. The fields are located 150 km off the coast of Suriname and hold recoverable reserves estimated at over 750 million barrels.

The project includes a 220,000 barrels of oil per day Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, that replicates a proven and efficient design. Total investment is estimated at around $10.5 billion and first oil is expected in 2028. The GranMorgu FPSO is designed to accommodate future tie-back opportunities that would extend its production plateau.

TotalEnergies is the operator of Block 58 with a 50% interest, alongside APA Corporation (50%). Staatsolie has announced its intent to exercise its option to enter the development project with up to 20% interest. Partners agreed that Staatsolie will contribute to the project from FID and will finalise its interest before June 2025.

Leveraging best-in-class technologies to minimize GHG emissions

GranMorgu leverages technology to minimize greenhouse gas emissions, with a scope 1 and 2 emissions intensity below 16 kg CO2e/boe thanks in particular to:

an all-electric FPSO configuration, with zero routine flaring and full reinjection of associated gas into the reservoirs;

an optimized power usage with a Waste Heat Recovery Unit and optimized water cooling for improved efficiency;

the installation of a permanent methane detection and monitoring system relying on a network of sensors.

Maximising local content for the benefit of Suriname economy and people

Significant investments will be made in local content and job creation and will contribute to the development of the Surinamese economy. Paramaribo will serve as the primary hub for administrative, support and logistic activities. Local companies will be involved in logistics, well services, as well as the installation and operations of the subsea systems and the FPSO. Overall local content is estimated to be more than 1 B$ and more than 6000 jobs (2000 direct and 4000 indirect and induced) are expected to be created in Suriname.

Alongside the FID announcement, TotalEnergies and its partner APA signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Health Ministry to support the rehabilitation of two mother and child hospitals in Paramaribo.

"I am very pleased to launch today the GranMorgu project alongside our partners Staatsolie and APA and I sincerely thank the State of Suriname for its strong support. Building on TotalEnergies' pioneering spirit, this landmark project marks the first offshore development in the country and capitalizes on our extensive expertise in deep offshore innovation. Launched only a year after the end of appraisal, GranMorgu fits with our strategy to accelerate time-to-market and develop low-cost and low emission oil projects," said Patrick Pouyanne, Chairman and CEO of TotalEnergies. "We look forward to continuing our fruitful collaboration with Staatsolie to deliver a transformative project for Suriname's economy."

"Suriname and its people welcome and appreciate the final investment decision of Total Energies and APA Corporation regarding Block 58 with Staatsolie Suriname NV. We consider this a historic and milestone occasion, creating significant opportunities and revenue prospects for Suriname, as well as attracting investors worldwide", said His Excellency Chandrikapersad Santokhi, President of the Republic of Suriname. "This important decision will boost our domestic capabilities and investments and have a major impact on local content opportunities. Suriname is committed to a strong and loyal partnership and expects that the offshore oil and gas development will take off in compliance with environmentally regulations and standard."

"The FID is a historic milestone in Suriname's oil and gas industry. What seemed like a distant dream is becoming a reality. This will be the largest investment ever in our country. Deliberations with TotalEnergies were always constructive and we thank them for the cooperation to arrive at this moment. This project will yield significant income for Suriname and needs to lead to better living standards for every citizen of Suriname. We are convinced, based on the measures taken and the track record of TotalEnergies, that the GranMorgu project will have a worldclass operational and environmental performance. Staatsolie congratulates the Surinamese society with this special moment", said Annand Jagesar, CEO of Staatsolie

About TotalEnergies

TotalEnergies is a global integrated energy company that produces and markets energies: oil and biofuels, natural gas and green gases, renewables and electricity. Our more than 100,000 employees are committed to provide as many people as possible with energy that is more reliable, more affordable and more sustainable. Active in about 120 countries, TotalEnergies places sustainability at the heart of its strategy, its projects and its operations.

@TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies TotalEnergies

Cautionary Note

The terms "TotalEnergies", "TotalEnergies company" or "Company" in this document are used to designate TotalEnergies SE and the consolidated entities that are directly or indirectly controlled by TotalEnergies SE. Likewise, the words "we", "us" and "our" may also be used to refer to these entities or to their employees. The entities in which TotalEnergies SE directly or indirectly owns a shareholding are separate legal entities. This document may contain forward-looking information and statements that are based on a number of economic data and assumptions made in a given economic, competitive and regulatory environment. They may prove to be inaccurate in the future and are subject to a number of risk factors. Neither TotalEnergies SE nor any of its subsidiaries assumes any obligation to update publicly any forward-looking information or statement, objectives or trends contained in this document whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. Information concerning risk factors, that may affect TotalEnergies' financial results or activities is provided in the most recent Universal Registration Document, the French-language version of which is filed by TotalEnergies SE with the French securities regulator Autorite des Marches Financiers (AMF), and in the Form 20-F filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

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Contacts:

TotalEnergies

Media Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 99 l presse@totalenergies.com l @TotalEnergiesPR

Investor Relations: +33 (0)1 47 44 46 46 l ir@totalenergies.com
WASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Boosting research investment into the health and wellbeing of adults with Down syndrome would improve quality-of-life outcomes, reduce the costs of caregiving, and extend lifespans by five years, according to a RAND report commissioned by LuMind IDSC Foundation, the Alliance for Aging Research, BrightFocus Foundation, and the National Down Syndrome Society.

Over the past 50 years, the percentage of the Down syndrome population aged 50 and older quadrupled from about 5% to nearly 20% of the population by 2020. Alzheimer's disease prevalence is roughly six times higher among adults with Down syndrome aged 65 and older than in the general population.

Analysts developed a multistate population simulation and projection model to study trends in Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease and the associated impact on caregiving. The report shows that new treatments and solutions discovered through additional research would significantly benefit individuals with Down syndrome, as well as their caregivers, both medically and financially.

"This report illustrates conclusively that early investment in care and treatment will have a meaningful impact on the health, wellness, and longevity of adults with Down syndrome," said Hampus Hillerstrom, president & CEO of LuMind IDSC. "Not only are the conclusions of this report important to note, but the data itself will be of use to researchers, foundations, and pharmaceutical and biotech companies that may be considering research into the significant medical needs of adults with Down syndrome."

Impact of Treatments

The report found that treatment innovations reducing the onset of Alzheimer's disease in the general population could improve health, survival, and caregiving outcomes by as much as 40% over the next 50 years if made available to people with Down syndrome.

There are no specific drugs approved to treat the co-existing conditions of Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome. Clinical trials for newly approved anti-amyloid drugs Leqembi (lecanemab) and Kisunla (donanemab) did not include anyone with Down syndrome, so researchers and doctors still do not know if anti-amyloid drugs are safe for people with Down syndrome to use. (In 2024, Eli Lilly confirmed that the company plans to conduct a clinical trial evaluating the safety of Kisunla in people with Down syndrome).

In the researchers' analysis, effective treatments resulted in extended longevity and five additional years of good health without Alzheimer's disease.

Reducing Caregiving Challenges

Caregiving for people with Down syndrome aged 45 or older is estimated to require 35,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) hours per year, an estimated annual cost of about $1 billion. The report estimated that caregiver hours for adults with Down syndrome after an Alzheimer's disease diagnosis would be reduced by 40% if investments are made now in research for Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease.

The authors recommend that future Alzheimer's treatment approvals include Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease, which requires the inclusion of individuals with Down syndrome and Alzheimer's disease in clinical trials. They also emphasize the importance of clinician education that addresses the use of these treatments for patients with Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease. Additionally, they advocate for clinician and caregiver education that emphasizes timely detection of Alzheimer's disease among individuals with Down syndrome, along with initiatives to improve early detection of treatable Alzheimer's disease among those with Down syndrome-associated Alzheimer's disease.

Read the full RAND report, Modeling the Impact of Research Investment on Down Syndrome-Associated Alzheimer's Disease, or view a three-page summary.

For more information or to schedule an interview with a representative from any of the organizations named above, please contact John O'Connor at john@keybridge.biz or (202) 981-5042.

About the Commissioning Organizations

LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation

Founded by families in 2004, the LuMind IDSC Down Syndrome Foundation is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a bridge between the Down syndrome community and the research community. LuMind IDSC accelerates research to increase the availability of therapeutic, diagnostic, and medical care options for people with Down syndrome and empowers families through education, connections, and support. Learn more at https://lumindidsc.org/.

BrightFocus Foundation

BrightFocus is a premier global nonprofit funder of groundbreaking mind and sight research across the globe. Through our signature programs -- Alzheimer's Disease Research, Macular Degeneration Research, and National Glaucoma Research -- we invest in bold, innovative science that will find the cures for these heartbreaking diseases. We also share the latest research findings and trusted expert information to inform and empower individuals and families impacted by neurodegenerative diseases. Since our founding more than 50 years ago, we've provided initial funding for highly innovative research and creative ideas, sparking revolutionary approaches and life-saving breakthroughs. Learn more at brightfocus.org.

Alliance for Aging Research

Since 1986, the Alliance for Aging Research has served as a trusted source of health information for both consumers and health care professionals on diseases and conditions that disproportionately affect older adults and has led numerous successful advocacy campaigns promoting the health and independence of older adults. The Alliance is dedicated to changing the narrative to achieve healthy aging and equitable access to care. We strive for a culture that embraces healthy aging as a greater good and values science and investments to advance dignity, independence, and equity. Learn more about the Alliance at www.agingresearch.org.

National Down Syndrome Society

Founded in 1979, the National Down Syndrome Society (NDSS) empowers individuals with Down syndrome and their families by driving policy change, providing resources, engaging with local communities, and shifting public perceptions. NDSS engages grassroots advocates at the federal, state, and local levels and creates resources to support individuals with Down syndrome, their families, and caregivers across the lifespan on topics including education, employment, health and wellness, and aging. NDSS founded the National Buddy Walk Program in 1995 and hosts community engagement events throughout the country including the New York City Buddy Walk and Times Square Video, the NDSS Adult Summit, and the Down Syndrome Advocacy Conference. Visit www.ndss.org to learn more.

SOURCE: Alliance for Aging Research
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports today that drilling continues to intersect high-grade mineralization at the Camp Deposit and the newly identified Camp North target, and continues to delineate veins at the George Lake target on its 100% owned Silver Queen Au-Ag project, British Columbia.

Assays were returned from three target areas on the property, including additional high-grade intercepts from the Camp Deposit which returned:

A 0.7 metre (Est. TT) interval grading 2.7g/t Au, 388g/t Ag, 2.5%Pb and 11.3% Zn (18.4g/t AuEq or 1,372g/t AgEq) within a broader 7.5 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.5g/t Au, 63g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 0.5% Pb and 2.3% Zn (3.4g/t AuEq or 255g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-125.

Drilling confirms lateral continuity over a 90m strike length in a new hangingwall vein segment of the Camp Deposit, which was initially discovered in 2023 drilling but not included in the 2022 Mineral Resource update of the property. The mineralization is shallow, less than 50m below surface, and is open both laterally and at depth. Assays are pending from four drill holes that tested the Camp vein in the Summer '24 program. Only partial assays have been received from three of those holes and additional assays are anticipated over the coming weeks.

Strongly precious metal-enriched mineralization was also identified in a new discovery located 300m to the north of the Camp Deposit. Drilling at the Camp North Target returned:

A 1.8 metre (downhole thickness) interval averaging 0.4g/t Au, 210g/t Ag, 3.2%Pb and 7.4% Zn (10.2g/t AuEq or 761g/t AgEq) within a broader 8.6 metre (downhole thickness) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 67g/t Ag, 1.0% Pb and 4.2% Zn (4.7g/t AuEq or 352g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-128.

This is the first reported intercept from this new discovery. Mineralization is open both vertically and laterally for future targeting. Two holes tested the target as part of the 2024 drill program and further assays are pending from both holes.

Additional assays were also returned from the George Lake target which include:

A 0.3 metre (est. TT) interval grading 1.8g/t Au, 197g/t Ag, 5.4% Pb and 9.7% Zn (14.8g/t AuEq or 1,102g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-116 ; and

A 0.3 metre (est. TT) interval grading 0.8g/t Au, 90g/t Ag, 2.6% Pb and 11.8% Zn (12.5g/t AuEq or 928g/t AgEq) within a thicker 1.0 metre (est TT) interval averaging 0.3g/t Au, 24g/t Ag, 0.7%Pb and 5.0% Zn (4.8g/t AuEq or 356g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-119.

Modelled vein intercepts in the George Lake zone form clusters of relatively narrow gold and silver-enriched, northwest-trending polymetallic veins. Thicker vein intercepts occur in the north-west segment of the zone in the area of the historic Bulkley Cross-cut workings. Two prominent veins sets have been identified in the 3D modelling. Further assay results are anticipated, which will be used to assist drill targeting in the Fall'24 drilling on the property.

VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "These new assays continue to highlight the exploration potential of the area of Camp Deposit. We are encouraged by the thickness of the mineralized intervals in both the Camp and Camp North drilling and both targets remain open for resource expansion. Drilling has re-commenced with a focus on the brand-new No.3 Vein North area for the Fall '24 program. With further assays pending from the Summer '24 drilling, shareholders can look forward to continuous news flow into 2025."

New Drilling - No. 3 Vein North

The Company also reports that drilling has recommenced as part of its 2024 exploration program on the Silver Queen property. Up to 5,000m of new drilling is planned on the No. 3 Vein North target during the Fall '24 program. This is a new target area for the Company, which extends to the northwest from the No. 3 Vein deposit. The No. 3 Vein Deposit and its southeast extension into the NG-3 deposit are the largest deposits identified on the property and contain up to 66% of the current mineral resources on a AgEq basis.

No. 3 Vein North area has seen historical drilling and limited underground development, but little historical mining. Initial drilling will test the immediate northwest extension of the No. 3 Vein, confirm the width and tenor of historical drill intercepts in the area, and test for expansion of mineralization in the immediate area of the historical workings (see Figure 2).

Twenty-four core holes totalling 10,543 metres were completed as part of Equity's Summer '24 exploration program, which includes 18 drill holes totalling 7,541 metres at the George Lake target, four drillholes totalling 2,687 metres at the Camp target, and two holes totalling 975 metres at the Camp North target. Complete assay results have been reported for 15 holes and partial results returned for four additional holes with the balance of assays yet to come.





Figure 1: Plan of Silver Queen project area



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Figure 2: Longitudinal Section of the No. 3 Vein North target, looking northeast, showing proposed drill targeting for the upcoming Fall '24 drill program on the Silver Queen property



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About Silver Queen Project

The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein and the George Lake Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.

The Silver Queen Property consists of 46 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,871ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate with effective date December 1st, 2022 was detailed in a News Release issued on Jan 16, 2023, which can be found by clicking here and the full Technical Report can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca/) and the Company's website.

More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under-explored.

Table 1: Select Currently Reported Composites from 2024 Drilling on the George Lake Target

Hole # From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) ETT

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) AuEq

(g/t) AgEq

(g/t) Comments Camp Deposit

SQ24-125 58.0 66.5 8.5 7.5 0.5 63 0.1 0.5 2.3 3.4 255

inc. 61.7 63.6 1.9 1.7 1.5 217 0.4 1.4 7.5 11.2 835

inc. 61.7 62.5 0.8 0.7 2.7 388 0.6 2.5 11.3 18.4 1372

ASSAYS























PENDING























Camp North Target

SQ24-128 282.0 290.6 8.6 UNK 0.2 67 0.0 1.0 4.2 4.7 352

inc. 282.0 283.7 1.6 UNK 0.4 68 0.0 0.9 8.3 7.9 591

and inc. 287.6 289.4 1.8 UNK 0.4 210 0.0 3.2 7.4 10.2 761

ASSAYS























PENDING























George Lake Target

SQ24-114 204.7 207.2 2.5 1.6 0.1 3 0.0 0.1 1.9 1.7 124 56% Dilution inc. 206.5 207.2 0.7 0.5 0.3 6 0.0 0.1 5.0 4.2 312

SQ24-114 321.9 322.7 0.8 0.5 0.1 18 0.0 0.6 3.3 3.1 230

inc. 322.3 322.7 0.4 0.3 0.2 30 0.0 0.8 5.3 4.9 366

SQ24-114 503.7 504.2 0.5 0.3 1.5 213 0.9 0.9 1.9 7.7 572

SQ24-115 274.0 274.4 0.4 0.3 1.3 263 0.5 1.8 3.4 9.0 667

SQ24-115 290.4 290.9 0.6 0.4 0.9 30 0.0 0.3 8.2 7.6 567

SQ24-115 429.1 430.8 1.8 1.3 0.7 32 0.0 0.2 2.8 3.4 253

inc. 429.1 429.5 0.4 0.3 1.3 57 0.1 0.4 6.6 7.4 548

SQ24-115 449.5 449.9 0.4 0.3 2.5 32 0.1 1.5 3.4 6.4 473

SQ24-116 29.1 29.5 0.4 0.3 1.8 197 0.4 5.4 9.7 14.8 1102

SQ24-117 268.4 269.5 1.1 0.7 3.4 18 0.0 0.3 6.8 8.9 663

SQ24-117 338.2 341.8 3.6 2.3 0.7 37 0.1 0.4 1.0 2.2 166 37.5% Dilution inc. 338.2 339.7 1.4 0.9 1.5 48 0.2 0.3 1.1 3.5 260

SQ24-118 83.1 83.9 0.9 0.5 1.4 21 0.0 0.3 4.5 5.2 384

SQ24-118 345.3 346.2 0.9 0.5 0.3 44 0.1 0.1 1.6 2.4 179

SQ24-119 89.7 91.2 1.5 1.0 0.3 24 0.1 0.7 5.0 4.8 356

inc. 90.8 91.2 0.4 0.3 0.8 90 0.3 2.6 11.8 12.5 928

SQ24-119 133.8 135.4 1.6 1.1 0.8 106 0.1 0.3 0.9 3.1 234

inc. 133.8 134.3 0.5 0.4 0.5 270 0.1 0.5 2.1 6.0 449

SQ24-119 178.2 179.8 1.6 1.1 1.3 12 0.0 0.4 1.2 2.5 189



Notes: drill core samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Downhole composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and <20% internal dilution, except where noted. Accuracy of results is tested through the systematic inclusion of QA/QC standards, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream. AuEq and AgEq were calculated using prices of $1,800/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, $3.50/lb Cu, $0.95/lb Pb and $1.30/lb Zn. AuEq and AgEq calculations utilized relative metallurgical recoveries of Au 70%, Ag 80%, Cu 80%, Pb 81% and Zn 90%.

About Equity Metals Corporation

Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines.

Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."

Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo

President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224937

SOURCE: Equity Metals Corporation
XCMG Collaborates with GMT Company to Kick Off "Global Service Month" in Indonesia

XCMG Financial Australia Pty Ltd Inaugurated in Melbourne, Australia

JAKARTA, Indonesia, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- XCMG Machinery ("XCMG", SHE: 000425) has significantly expanded its service capacity in the Asia-Pacific (APAC) region through strategic initiatives, including the launch of a new financing subsidiary in Australia and a collaborative "Global Service Month" campaign in Indonesia. These developments are part of XCMG's ongoing commitment to enhancing its market footprint and customer service across the region.

Yang Dongsheng, Chairman of XCMG Group, recently embarked on a two-week tour across key APAC markets, visiting local partners and witnessing the inauguration of several localized service innovation projects. This tour included stops at the newly established XCMG Australia Technical Center, XCMG Indonesia Spare Parts Center, its Indonesia Kendari Branch, and meetings with major industry players such as PT. SERVISTAMA PRO INDONESIA (SPI) in Indonesia, along with Rio Tinto and Brooks in Australia.

In Australia, this month marked a significant milestone for XCMG with the unveiling of XCMG Financial Australia Pty Ltd. The new financial platform is set to support financing and risk management systems throughout Oceania, bolstering regional business development. This follows April's launch of the Australian R&D center, further cementing XCMG's strategic layout in the country.

"By deepening our market presence and expanding our network channels in Australia, we are not only fostering strong partnerships but also advancing our capabilities to meet high-end market demands," stated Yang Dongsheng during his visit.

Additionally, Yang signed project agreements with Rio Tinto totaling nearly 800 million yuan ($113 million) earlier in this August, propelling both entities into a new era of global mining equipment leadership. Deployed worldwide, including in Australia, XCMG's "intelligent" and "green" products deliver comprehensive solutions for mining construction, material handling, urban development, and more.

The recent trip also took Yang to Indonesia, where he attended Mining Indonesia 2024. XCMG, the pioneering Chinese construction machinery brand to enter the Indonesian market, is participating in the Mining Indonesia exhibition for the 11th time, in collaboration with its distributor GMT.

At this event showcased were twelve products from four major categories: mining machinery, earthmoving, lifting, and transportation equipment by XCMG. Highlighted were three electric-powered machines - the XC938-EV loader, the XT490 EV truck, and the electric dump truck XGE105, which drew significant attention due to their eco-friendly features.

Currently, XCMG is enhancing its aftermarket competitiveness in Indonesia through full industry chain innovation, thereby creating greater value for its customers. During the trade show, XCMG and GMT jointly kicked off the "Global Service Month" event. This initiative will engage customers across Indonesia, concentrating on their service requirements and dedicated to establishing a superior aftermarket service brand.

"Unwaveringly pushing forward 'full-chain development', upgrading innovative mining equipment, continuously exploring mineral markets, comprehensively laying out new energy fields, intelligent green, efficient, economical construction solutions, empowering dealers, customers, and partnering together, contributing towards building up Indonesian infrastructure," commented Yang.

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xcmg-bolsters-apac-presence-with-new-financial-subsidiary-and-expanded-service-initiatives-302264096.html
By Vicki Hyman

Mastercard

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / There is an economic sector in Africa worth $1 trillion a year, and yet most of the people who work in it are invisible.

"Farmers are the folks that you don't see," says African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi A. Adesina. "Banks don't see them. Buyers don't see them. Traders don't see them. Insurance companies don't see them."

These smallholder farmers often live in remote areas with little connectivity, leaving them with no digital footprint and limiting their access to better prices, loans and innovative agricultural inputs like climate-resistant seeds.

But a new initiative called MADE Alliance, which stands for Mobilizing Access to the Digital Economy, aims to bring 3 million farmers in Kenya, Tanzania and Nigeria into the digital economy. It's the first phase of an ambitious plan, launched earlier this year by the African Development Bank Group and Mastercard, to enable digital access for 100 million people and businesses across the continent in 10 years.

The farmers will be provided a digital identity and access to a network of 6,000 digital agricultural agents through Mastercard's Community Pass infrastructure, which provides access to the digital economy though a digital credential that enables farmers to access any service on the platform.

Adesina, the African Development Bank's Beth Dunford, who is vice president for agriculture, human and social development, Community Pass founder Tara Nathan, and other partners shared their insights at a reception last week on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly, where Mastercard hosted the inaugural MADE Alliance Steering Committee meeting to review progress and discuss open challenges and required support to scale MADE programming.

MADE's deployed programs include unlocking affordable digital financial services for sunflower farmers in Tanzania, internet connectivity and digital skilling for farmer cooperatives in Kenya, clean energy asset financing for farmers in Kenya, and access to markets via Community Pass.

The Mastercard Newsroom spoke with Dunford about the challenges facing smallholder farmers, the possibilities digitalization affords and why investing in female farmers in particular is, in her words, "smart economics."

Why did MADE Alliance Africa chose to focus on the digitization of agriculture for smallholder farmers and women as its first initiative, and why do you think the African agriculture sector holds so much potential?

Dunford: Africa is home to 65% of the planet's remaining uncultivated, arable land, and we believe that agriculture is a critical sector to drive Africa's development. Agriculture accounts for nearly 60% of total employment in Africa and accounts for more than 25% of GDP in its low-income countries. Across the continent, there's no agriculture without women. They provide an estimated 60% to 80% of labor input to the sector. Growth in agriculture is terribly effective compared to many other sectors in lifting people out of poverty, providing degrees of agency to women, for feeding Africa's people and positioning the continent as a breadbasket to the world.

Our challenge is that the majority of Africa's food systems producers are smallholder farmers who, simply put, struggle from season to season due to lack of access to quality inputs like seeds and fertilizer, or access to affordable financing to purchase farming necessities. Africa's smallholder farmers have a variety of needs that the MADE Alliance Africa can solve by boosting sustainable digital access to critical services. MADE Alliance aims to work with local banks to initially provide digital identities to millions of smallholder farmers and women. Digital identities are the gateway to accessing digital services and to high-quality inputs.

Take, for example, that an estimated 99% or more of agriculture transactions in Africa are cash-based - 99%! Digitalizing agriculture and the distribution of goods will bring enormous efficiencies to the marketplace, as well as reduce waste and fraud across the ecosystem.

Mastercard's Community Pass can help establish digital identities for millions of farmers, bring more transparency to pricing and help them access agricultural inputs. What are the challenges involved in bringing this solution to market, and how can they be overcome?

Dunford: Community Pass is designed to operate in remote and rural communities - often with limited connectivity and energy access. This technology, to adapt a popular phrase, "meets farmers where they are." However, there are challenges involved in bringing these solutions to the "last mile" and connecting smallholder farmers and women to financial institutions - challenges that we believe can be overcome or mitigated, including capacity building, infrastructure and the need for new models for governments and the private sector to work together.

To scale these technologies to more farmers in a timely manner, we need to work with farmer cooperatives, networks of member farmers who reap many benefits of doing business as a unit. The challenge is that the majority of farmer cooperatives in Africa are not as operationally efficient as they are in other regions, and the prevalence of digital literacy is relatively low. Africa needs significant investment to educate farmers on how they can benefit from digital technologies to access resources.

MADE Alliance's digital services can connect farmers to new buyers and suppliers who are physically far away, but costs to transport goods to market remain a barrier. Critically, farmers and women need digital devices and reliable connectivity to take advantage of the digital economy.

Finally, local governments see the benefits of digitalization in agriculture, but they can benefit from access to clear models for engaging with the private sector to develop a robust digital ecosystem. Tendencies to centralize digital infrastructure related to agriculture inhibit private-sector participation and make it difficult for businesses to develop sustainable models to serve agricultural communities.

Can you talk a little more about how the MADE Alliance will benefit women?

Dunford: Roughly half of Africa's smallholder farmers are women, with the majority of agriculture sector labor carried out by women. However, compared to their male counterparts, female farmers struggle to create a sustainable livelihood in agriculture, because they are less likely to own property titles or other assets often needed to access financial services. Women farmers have less access to information and extension services, and they lack access to inputs such as seeds and fertilizers. They are disproportionately impacted by climate risks. Collectively, these challenges result in women farmers typically producing up to 20% to 30% less output than male farmers.

The Community Pass initiative helps women make farming a sustainable livelihood by enabling access to critical service providers like banks and agricultural buyers, as well as creating transparency.

Women are the backbone of African economies, and investing in women entrepreneurs fosters women's empowerment and agency over decisions around business, family and community. Investing in Africa's women entrepreneurs is smart economics. Investing in Africa's women has been a cornerstone of the Bank's work. In fact, no Bank project or program will receive Bank financing, unless it details how it will benefit women.

Beyond Community Pass, what role can the private sector play in strengthening the food supply chain in Africa, particularly in making smallholder farmers more resilient? What can governments do?

Dunford: MADE Alliance includes Equity Bank Group, Microsoft, Heifer Foundation and Unconnected.org and soon will add another four to five global and local partners signing on to membership. We welcome more. The MADE Alliance offers a new approach to partnership - one that is private sector-led and thus commercially sustainable by design. Our partnership is anchored in line with the Bank's regional member countries' national policies.

Importantly, the MADE Alliance makes the case that for the private sector, sustainability means profit. Alliance-facilitated partnerships between donors and governments are critical to provide the catalytic funding and regulatory support that de-risks private-sector entry into agriculture markets and segments where margins are razor-thin. Every MADE Alliance program is anchored by a private-sector entity, with other partners crowding into the same community, providing complementary services or funding to bring the program to life.

Originally published by Mastercard

Follow along Mastercard's journey to connect and power an inclusive, digital economy that benefits everyone, everywhere.





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SOURCE: Mastercard
Behavox, a leading provider of AI-driven compliance solutions for Financial Services, today announced its financial results for the third quarter of 2024, highlighting strong momentum and sustained profitability.

Key Financial Highlights

Annual Recurring Revenue (ARR) : Behavox achieved a 36% YoY ARR growth in Q3, building on the 35% YoY growth in Q2 and marking the 15th consecutive quarter of ARR growth for Behavox. The firm remains on track to achieve 40% YoY ARR growth by the end of 2024.

: Behavox achieved a 36% YoY ARR growth in Q3, building on the 35% YoY growth in Q2 and marking the 15th consecutive quarter of ARR growth for Behavox. The firm remains on track to achieve 40% YoY ARR growth by the end of 2024. Profitability: Q3 marked another profitable quarter for Behavox, as the company continued delivering sustained profitability since Q4 2023. The management team is confident that the firm will achieve full-year profitability in 2024.

Erkin Adylov, CEO of Behavox, commented: "Our sustained growth and profitability are a testament to the strength of our products, the dedication of our team, and the trust we have built with our customers. We are positioned for another record year of growth. With the strength of our balance sheet, we're excited about the road ahead as we continue to deliver best-in-class compliance solutions for the financial services industry."

Product and Market Momentum

Quantum AI, Behavox's flagship Communication Surveillance and Supervision product, continues to displace legacy solutions from competitors like Global Relay and SMARSH. The platform's best-in-class alert quality, scalability, and rapid implementation have been pivotal in these wins. In Q3, Behavox went live with 2 systemically important large banks and is concurrently working on 18 enterprise implementations in October alone , the highest in the company's history. Behavox continues to make representations to regulators regarding the use of AI in surveillance and broader regulatory compliance within Financial Services.

Intelligent Archive, a recent addition to the Behavox portfolio, has seen significant market interest, with a 13x growth in pipeline since the start of 2024. This demonstrates a strong demand for a modern archiving solution that surpasses outdated technologies like Enterprise Vault and Bloomberg Vault.

Fahreen Kurji, Chief Customer Intelligence Officer of Behavox, added: "The market has been ready for some time to move away from legacy archiving solutions, but there were no viable alternatives until we introduced Intelligent Archive. Our product offers lower storage costs, superior performance, AI-powered search capabilities, and no excessive data export fees. On top of that, customers benefit from a single vendor providing both Surveillance and Archiving, which drives down the total cost of ownership. This is exactly what the market has been asking for."

Looking Ahead

While formal guidance for 2025 will be issued in November, the management team has already expressed confidence in delivering a 30%+ growth rate next year, with profit margins in the mid-teens.

Erkin Adylov concluded: "Behavox is a multi-product company focused exclusively on delivering cutting-edge compliance solutions to the Financial Services sector. Our technological superiority, top-tier talent, and robust financial foundation position us well to sustain the current growth trajectory. In recent discussions with our customers, we outlined our plans to expand into the Trade Surveillance and Control Room markets an exciting new phase for Behavox, with more updates to be revealed later this year."

To learn more about Behavox's product portfolio, we invite you to join us at the following events:

October 8th, 2024 Regulatory Summary Webinar

October 16th, 2024 Policy Manager Webinar

November 7th, 2024 AI Summit, New York

For more information on Behavox events, please visit https://www.behavox.com/behavox-events/

About Behavox:

Behavox is an Artificial Intelligence company on a mission to build cutting-edge AI systems that safeguard businesses and enhance human productivity. As the world's foremost provider of AI-powered archiving, compliance, and security solutions, we are trusted by leading organizations to secure their text and voice communications data, and monitor a broad range of regulatory, conduct, and insider threat risks. Founded in 2014, Behavox is headquartered in London, with offices worldwide, including in New York City, Montreal, Seattle, Singapore, and Tokyo.

More information about the company is available at www.behavox.com

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001277477/en/

Contacts:

For media inquiries, please contact:

media@behavox.com
ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / OneEthos (www.oneethos.com), the leading Fintech Platform for mission-driven financial institutions, and Montgomery County Green Bank (www.mcgreenbank.org), have announced a strategic partnership which will provide affordable solar to homeowners in Montgomery County, Maryland through an exclusive one-year pilot program beginning November 2024.

OneEthos

Under this program, Montgomery County Green Bank, which serves a population of over 1.1 million people in the County, will offer loan subsidies that provide homeowners with discounted solar loans with rates ranging from 0% for low-income households, to 4.99% for all other residents. The program also allows homeowners to include battery storage and roof replacement in their loan if needed as part of the solar installation. Following a successful one-year pilot phase, the partnership plans to extend to incorporate additional energy efficiency loans.

In the first year, the Montgomery County project is estimated to provide $5,000,000 of consumer loans, with roughly 50% of transactions occurring in Equity Emphasis Areas. Anticipated energy savings will total 1,800,000 kWh and 61,437 therms annually, as well as 1,272.6 MT CO2 emissions mitigated per year. The annual dollar savings are expected to amount to $234,000 for Montgomery County residents.

"This partnership is the foundation and the heart of all that OneEthos stands for in our mission for ethical lending," said Marcio deOliveira, CEO and Founder of OneEthos. "To have the ability to reduce the cost of solar for Montgomery County residents, specifically for those in disadvantaged communities, resulting in more than a 20% savings from their existing energy bill, offers a tremendous opportunity. We look forward to a strong alliance with Montgomery County Green Bank and believe it is just the beginning for the state of Maryland, as well as the impact and change we can create for the rest of the country."

Through its proprietary technology, the OneEthos solar lending platform allows local solar installers to offer customers a unique experience with real-time loan decisions provided 24 hours a day, within 30 seconds or less. The loans are facilitated through OneEthos affiliate Climate First Bank (www.climatefirstbank.com), their banking partner and a successful client of the company. Moving forward, OneEthos intends to make these loans available for sale to community banks, credit unions, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in the Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia areas that are interested in growing their green loan portfolio.

"We are thrilled to launch this new partnership with OneEthos through Climate First Bank," says Stephen Morel, CEO of Montgomery County Green Bank. "The collaboration enables us to continue to deepen equitable access to renewable energy programs for low- and moderate-income homeowners with a very strong partner. It brings us closer to our vision of a prospering, sustainable, and healthy Montgomery County, where everyone can participate in and benefit from clean energy and climate-resilient solutions."

Lisa Walsh, Senior Commercial Solar Developer of Solar Energy Services, Inc. (SES), further added, "As a long-time commercial and residential installer of solar systems in the MD/DC metro area, SES is excited to welcome an established solar financing platform via OneEthos and Climate First Bank. SES has partnered with Montgomery County Green Bank and county business owners to solarize several buildings in Montgomery County, so we know first-hand the value of having a trusted, community-first bank whose mission focuses on bringing affordable solar, and energy efficiency upgrades, to residences and businesses who may be looking to make the switch to solar for the very first time."

About OneEthos:

OneEthos is a Certified B Corp, mission-driven fintech company. The company operates at the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and traditional banking with the objective to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and inclusive financial services to all segments of the population. OneEthos is one of the only fintech companies specializing in climate finance in the United States and regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. The company's mission is to enable Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks to grow their loan portfolios profitably and responsibly, providing access to banking products and services that have a positive impact on people, communities and the environment.

For more information, please visit: www.oneethos.com.

About Climate First Bank:

Recognized as one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member, and operationally net-zerosince it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals; read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC.

For more information, please visit: www.climatefirstbank.com.

About Montgomery County Green Bank:

The Montgomery County Green Bank is a publicly chartered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in Montgomery County, MD. We partner with the private sector to provide more affordable and flexible financing options for County residents and businesses for clean energy and climate-resilient projects. These projects save energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, create healthy living and working environments, foster a more resilient economy and environment, and help the County achieve its environmental goals.

For more information, please visit: www.mcgreenbank.org

Contact Information

John Collins

Collins Strategy Group

john@collinssg.com

(917) 496-4587

Rachel Kent

VP, Director of Marketing

rachel.kent@climatefirstbank.com

(518) 669-3550

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OneEthos

Montgomery County Green Bank

SOURCE: OneEthos

View the original press release on newswire.com.
Joint customers can now deploy Skyflow's data privacy technology directly within their Snowflake environments for privacy controls enforcement across applications or data systems

Skyflow, the AI and data privacy vault company, today announced the launch of the Skyflow PII Data Privacy Vault as a Snowflake Native App on Snowflake Marketplace. This allows joint customers to securely use sensitive data in the Snowflake AI Data Cloud and more easily expand into global markets without major technology stack changes.

Skyflow is a data privacy vault that makes it easy to enforce privacy policies across applications, data systems, and large language models (LLMs), reducing the risk profile of the places you collect and store customer data. Companies that manage Personally Identifiable Information (PII) can reduce regulatory burden with out-of-the-box localized storage, loggable and auditable data protection, governance, fine-grained access control, and more.

Skyflow and Snowflake, the AI Data Cloud company, simplify and secure data storage and usage across an entire organization. As a Snowflake Native App, customers can install and run the Skyflow PII Data Privacy Vault directly in their Snowflake account without data movement, accelerating time to value and reducing data silos while simplifying PII protection across the technology stack.

"Data privacy and security are critical for Snowflake customers handling sensitive information like personal, health, and financial data," said John Bland, Head of Cybersecurity Strategy, Snowflake. "By making Skyflow's PII Data Privacy Vault available natively on Snowflake, we're helping teams unlock powerful new use cases, including AI and analytics on sensitive data. This reduces the overhead of building custom security infrastructure, allowing customers to innovate with confidence that their data is secure and compliant."

"Skyflow and Snowflake have long partnered to make collecting and storing customer data safe and secure," said Skyflow CEO Anshu Sharma. "By launching a Snowflake Native App, we're making it easier than ever for data teams to protect, control access to, and securely use PII. Together with Snowflake, we can help customers make privacy and security a core value proposition while reducing the development time it takes to make that a reality."

Additionally, Skyflow is adding Mihir Shah, former CIO and Head of Data of Fidelity Investments, as an advisor. During his long tenure, he has led multiple transformative initiatives at Fidelity including most recently leading the development of a single enterprise wide Data and Analytics platform.

Data Privacy for LLMs

Skyflow offers a complete data privacy layer for LLMs to help Snowflake customers secure sensitive unstructured and multimodal data without impacting model output. With a customizable sensitive data dictionary and best-in-class NLP, teams can control exactly what information is protected across structured and unstructured data.

During data collection, model training, fine tuning, and inference, sensitive data and intellectual property are identified and anonymized before entering the model. Fine-grained access controls and privacy guardrails also prevent sensitive data exposure in model responses to authorized users.

Data Residency

Skyflow makes it easy to apply governance policies such as fine-grained access control and dynamic masking globally across the Snowflake AI Data Cloud, CRMs, customer service software, unstructured data, and LLMs. This means data teams can run global analytics queries safely, while marketing and customer service teams can access customer information to complete tasks without ever revealing sensitive aspects of data they shouldn't see.

About Skyflow

Skyflow is a data privacy and AI privacy company built to radically simplify how companies isolate, protect, and govern their customers' most sensitive data. With its global network of data privacy vaults, Skyflow is a comprehensive solution for companies around the world looking to securely implement LLMs and meet complex data localization requirements. Skyflow currently supports a diverse customer base that spans verticals like fintech, retail, travel, and healthcare.

Skyflow is headquartered in Palo Alto, California and was founded in 2019. For more information, visit www.skyflow.com or follow on Twitter and LinkedIn.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001000491/en/

Contacts:

Danielle Kucera, danielle.kucera@skyflow.com
xtype has attracted the attention of global investors due to the success of its innovative multi-instance management platform, helping enterprise customers scale their ServiceNow investments.

The new funding will support xtype's mission to help companies globally expand their ServiceNow operations.

This round also included participation from returning investors Columbia Capital, Inner Loop Capital, and SaaS Ventures.

COVINA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- xtype , the leading software company for multi-instance management on the ServiceNow platform, today announced it had raised a $21 million Series A funding round led by Norwest Venture Partners, with participation from ServiceNow Ventures and existing investors including Columbia Capital and Inner Loop Capital. This milestone marks a significant leap forward in xtype's mission to revolutionize how organizations manage their ServiceNow environments.

With this new capital infusion, xtype will scale its cutting-edge platform, providing organizations with unmatched real-time visibility, governance, and automation for their ServiceNow instances across development, testing, and production.

The funding will also fuel the expansion of xtype's presence globally, ensuring more businesses can take complete control of their ServiceNow environments quickly and precisely.

"We are excited to have the support of such esteemed partners in both the tech and venture capital sectors. Their belief in our vision validates our approach and accelerates our mission to redefine multi-instance management for the ServiceNow platform," said Ron Gidron, CEO and co-founder of xtype . "This funding validates our vision that multi-instance management is key to helping customers achieve as much value as possible from the ServiceNow platform. Our platform empowers teams to accelerate innovation, remain compliant, and increase productivity by gaining real-time insights into their entire ServiceNow ecosystem while automating complex processes to reduce risk and improve productivity."

Driving Innovation with Multi-Instance Management

The growing complexity of managing multiple instances has become a critical challenge for mid and large enterprises. As organizations scale, managing version control, update sets, and synchronization across development, testing, and production environments become labor-intensive and error-prone. xtype's platform solves this problem by offering comprehensive visibility into instance differences, automated synchronization, and governance tools that ensure secure and compliant operations at every stage.

"As a stand-out tool on the ServiceNow platform, xtype delivers immediate ROI through enhanced governance, increased team capacity and release velocity, improved quality and backlog reduction. These strengths have attracted a growing number of Fortune 500 companies to adopt xtype," said Dave Zilberman, general partner at Norwest Venture Partners. "But it's not only the product that is exceptional. The experienced xtype team brings a clear vision for excelling in a large and rapidly growing market. We look forward to working with xtype as they continue to deliver streamlined ServiceNow experiences and captivate new audiences."

ServiceNow World Forum in Dallas, October 8th

To showcase the latest advancements in instance management, xtype invites customers and partners to join them at the ServiceNow World Forum in Dallas, Texas on October 8. Attendees will be able to see firsthand how xtype drives the future of multi-instance management, with live demos, on-stage presentations, and in-depth discussions on improving visibility, governance, and automation for their ServiceNow environments.

"ServiceNow Ventures is proud to support xtype as the company continues to empower customers to derive as much value as possible from their ServiceNow investment," said Victor Chang, Vice President of ServiceNow Ventures. "xtype has a deep understanding of the ServiceNow community and differentiated ability to deliver the capabilities they need most - from reducing time to value to improving governance across instances. We look forward to seeing their continued impact."

About xtype

Founded in 2020, xtype is the leading provider of multi-instance management for ServiceNow platform teams, providing real-time visibility, governance, and automation capabilities to simplify and accelerate delivery and compliance on the ServiceNow platform. Trusted by global enterprises in banking, insurance, healthcare, and beyond, xtype empowers teams to innovate faster, ensuring compliance and reducing operational risk.

About Norwest Venture Partners

Norwest Venture Partners is a global venture and growth equity investment firm managing more than $15.5 billion in capital. Since its inception, Norwest has invested in more than 700 companies and currently partners with more than 230 companies in its venture and growth equity portfolio. The firm invests in early- to late-stage businesses across key sectors, focusing on enterprise, consumer, and healthcare. The Norwest team offers a deep network of connections, extensive operating experience, and a wide range of impactful services to help CEOs and founders scale their businesses. Norwest has offices in Menlo Park and San Francisco, Calif.; Mumbai, India; and Tel Aviv, Israel. For more information, please visit www.nvp.com.

About Columbia Capital

Columbia Capital is a venture capital firm based in Alexandria, VA. Since 1989, the Columbia Capital team has invested in digital infrastructure, enterprise technology, and mobility, raising $7.1B in fund commitments. Columbia Capital has developed a profitable and repeatable investment model, guided by a specialized and experienced team, and invested in over 175 portfolio companies, many of which have redefined or created new industries.

About Inner Loop Capital

Inner Loop Capital is a pre-seed and seed venture capital firm investing at the intersection of Infrastructure Software and AI. Inner Loop invests in "AI for Infra" (AI innovations for Cybersecurity, Cloud, and other Infrastructure Software) and "Infra for AI" (new infrastructure layers needed for the ubiquitous deployment of AI). Inner Loop is managed by solo VC Justin Label, is based in Baltimore, MD, and invests throughout North America and abroad. Founded in 2019, Inner Loop is currently investing out of a Fund II. For more information, please visit innerloopcap.com.

For media inquiries, please contact:

YourStory PR for xtype

Email: xtype@yourstorypr.com

Phone: +1 778.772.0754

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View original content:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/xtype-raises-21m-from-norwest-venture-partners-and-servicenow-ventures-to-fuel-innovation-on-the-servicenow-platform-302262767.html
Universal Pictures' Wicked arrives in cinemas 22 November

LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Cambridge Satchel, the British brand known for its distinctive leather bags with a modern twist on tradition, today announces a collaboration with Universal Pictures to celebrate the release of the new cinematic event, Wicked (exclusively in cinemas 22 November).

After enchanting audiences on stage for nearly two decades, Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, finally arrives on the big screen this holiday season as a spectacular global musical event, starring Emmy, Grammy and Tony winning powerhouse Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba, a young woman, misunderstood because of her unusual green skin, who has yet to discover her true power, and Grammy-winning, multi-platinum recording artist and global superstar Ariana Grande as Glinda, a popular young woman, gilded by privilege and ambition, who has yet to discover her true heart.

In celebration of the film, Cambridge Satchel, a top-tier partner with Universal Pictures, has created an exclusive collection of bags designed to translate the magic and drama of Wicked for a fashion-forward audience. The range is composed of 23 exclusive bags, plus film related accessories, each taking inspiration from the themes and characters of Elphaba and Glinda.

The Elphaba-inspired designs point to the dark elegance of the character, incorporating micro-pleated velvet on signature styles such as The Mini Sophie, The Bowls Bag and The Mini Satchel. These include a Grimmerie symbol, offering a discreet reference to Elphaba's spell book in the film.

In contrast, the Glinda-inspired pieces are bold, made from a pink sparkly material to reflect her bubbly personality. The highlight of this range is The Binocular Bag in 'Popular Pink' featuring the iconic 'G' plaque, which is worn by Glinda, played by Ariana Grande, in the film.

The collection also includes a range inspired by Shiz University, the school where Elphaba and Glinda's unlikely friendship blooms. The Classic Satchel in Shiz Blue is reimagined with a twisted strap reflecting the Shiz 'S' monogram, while trunks in this range carry subtle references to both characters and their time at the university. The Friendship line brings together Glinda and Elphaba's contrasting colours - pink and green - symbolising how two opposites can unite and create something beautiful together.

Alongside the bag collection is an array of Elphaba and Glinda inspired accessories. This includes bag charms, mini purses and film quote stickers, plus a leather-bound spell book and bookmark, the perfect stocking fillers for all Wicked fans and fashionistas alike.

"Cambridge Satchel has a proud history of identifying and aligning with culture-defining moments in cinema," said Carine De Koenigswarter, CEO, Cambridge Satchel. "Our partnership with Wicked and the Universal team, is the most exciting yet. We are delighted The Binocular Bag in pink has been chosen to be part of Glinda's glamourous wardrobe and are looking forward to seeing the bag on the big screen this November."

With its themed materials, carefully chosen colours and intricate details the Cambridge Satchel x Wicked collection offers style lovers the chance to carry a piece of this iconic story, a testament to creative storytelling and quality craftsmanship. Each piece has been thoughtfully designed to offer all a piece of the Wicked world, brought to life by Cambridge Satchel's heritage.

The collection ranges from 45 up to 525 and will be available online from 1st October at www.cambridgesatchel.com.

@cambridge_satchel

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The global sleep apnea oral appliances market is on a promising trajectory, projected to reach USD 746.6 million by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 9.6% from USD 471.2 million in 2024. This growth is largely fueled by heightened awareness of the serious impacts of untreated sleep apnea, alongside expanding opportunities in emerging markets with new product introductions. The rising prevalence of undiagnosed sleep apnea, particularly among the aging and obese populations, further drives demand. However, challenges such as complex referral processes and risks linked to improper appliance fitting could hinder progress. Notably, the mandibular advancement devices (MADs) segment leads the market, appealing to consumers seeking less intrusive alternatives to CPAP therapy. North America dominates the market due to strong support from healthcare providers and insurance systems, while the Asia Pacific region is anticipated to experience the fastest growth, driven by increased medical facilities and tourism. Key players like ResMed and ProSomnus are enhancing their offerings through strategic acquisitions and innovations, shaping a competitive landscape eager to meet the diverse needs of sleep apnea patients.

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The global sleep apnea oral appliances market is bringing new advancements in the mandibular advancement devices. More innovations are being done on the mandibular advancement devices for making it custom fit for the users, custom made devices are made to made to provide durability and comfort. Glidewell (US) launched its product Silent Nite 3D in 2024, a customizable 3D-printed oral appliance therapy device that offers an alternative to CPAP therapy.

The sleep apnea oral appliances market is divided into physician-prescribed/customized oral appliances and online OTC Oral Appliances based on purchase type. In the year 2023, the sleep apnea oral appliances market was dominated by the physician-prescribed/customized oral appliances. The large share and the high growth rate of the physician-prescribed/customized oral appliances is attributed to high levels of patient comfort and customizability.

The sleep apnea oral appliances market is divided into two segments based on gender, including male patients and female patients. In 2023, the sleep apnea oral appliances market was dominated by the male patients. The large share and high growth rate of the male patients' segment is attributed to the growing prevalence of OSA in male; different anatomical structure in the upper airway than women which impose a higher risk of airway obstruction during sleep.

The global Sleep apnea oral appliances market has been segmented into North America, Europe, the Asia Pacific, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and GCC countries. North America accounted for the largest share of the sleep apnea oral appliances market in 2023, which is followed by, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa, and the GCC countries. The large share of North America can be attributed the growing occurrence of sleep apnea and the increasing usage of oral appliances for its treatment; a surge in the geriatric population and subsequent increase in the prevalence of OSA; and favourable government regulations for the implementation of sleep apnea oral appliances.

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The sleep apnea oral appliances market is fragmented, with top companies holding significant market shares. The top three players in this market include SomnoMed (Australia), ResMed (US), ProSomnus Sleep Technologies (US). Players in this market are focusing on adopting organic and inorganic growth strategies such as expansions, and acquisitions to increase their sleep apnea oral appliances portfolio, cater to customer needs, increase their profitability and expand their presence in the global sleep apnea oral appliances market.

SomnoMed (Australia):

SomnoMed is leading with the highest market share in the sleep apnea oral appliances market. It has a strong portfolio of sleep apnea oral appliances products. SomnoMed offers a strong product portfolio featuring FDA- and CE-marked approved products, which have been instrumental in sustaining its competitive market presence. Most of the sales in SomnoMed is derived from the US and European market. It has launched SomnoDent Herbst Advanced Elite in 2020, a PDAC-verified milled oral appliance designed to treat mild-to moderate obstructive sleep apnea.

ResMed (US):

ResMed is the second largest player in our market. It has a very strong innovation and product development portfolio. It has geographical presence across 140 countries. The company derives most of its revenues from North America, specifically the US. For further expanding and maintaining its market position, ResMed focuses on organic & inorganic strategies, such as product launches, acquisitions, and expansion. The acquisition of HB Healthcare in South Korea in 2019 further expanded ResMed's presence in the country.

ProSomnus Sleep Technologies (US):

ProSomnus Sleep Technologies is the third largest player in the sleep apnea oral appliances market. It specializes in manufacturing intraoral devices which provides non-invasive treatment for mild-to-moderate sleep apnea by working with the dental specialists. The companies continuous patient monitoring platform will transform physicians ability to manage sleep apnea therapy and real time physiological data. ProSomnus also aims to expand its sales force in North America region and also focuses on international expansions.

For more information, Inquire Now!

Related Reports:

Sleep Apnea Devices Market

Cardiac Monitoring Devices Market

Biomarkers Market

Stem Cell Therapy Market

Biosimilars Market

Get access to the latest updates on Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Companies and Sleep Apnea Oral Appliances Market Size

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NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / GoDaddy

Originally published on GoDaddy LinkedIn

Welcome to the latest issue of the GoDaddy Venture Forward newsletter! Here we share our latest exclusive data, insights and news about small and microbusinesses.

Venture Forward is a GoDaddy research initiative started in 2018 to quantify the growth and impact of online microbusinesses on their local economies, and to provide a unique view into the attitudes, demographics and needs of these entrepreneurs. To date, Venture Forward has surveyed more than 50,000 entrepreneurs with a digital presence, making it the source for microbusiness data and insights. GoDaddy defines microbusinesses as small businesses with a unique domain, an active website and most often fewer than 10 employees.

If you haven't already, subscribe to this newsletter to get updates in your LinkedIn feed each quarter!

Alexandra Rosen

Global Head, Venture Forward

Updated Microbusiness Data Hub

We refreshed the Venture Forward Microbusiness Data Hub through June 2024, or Q2, across Australia, Canada, U.K. and U.S., including updated microbusiness density data, U.S. Microbusiness Activity Index and global e-commerce trends.

Here are two sets of rankings - the first by sector of the economy and the second by microbusiness density across geographies - for the U.S., U.K., Canada and Australia:

Top five e-commerce industries (based on order count) in each country:

COUNTRY TOP 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH U.S. Beauty Health/Medical Retail Fitness/Wellness Fashion U.K. Beauty Pets Health/Medical Fitness/Wellness Retail Canada Beauty Health/Medical Fitness/Wellness Sports Auto Australia Health/Medical Beauty Fitness/Wellness Education Pets Source: GoDaddy Venture Forward, Q2 2024

Top five areas ranked by microbusiness density (the number of microbusinesses per 100 people) in each country:

COUNTRY TOP 2ND 3RD 4TH 5TH Australia (SA3) Adelade City Sydney Inner City Melbourne City North Sydney - Mosman Eastern Suburbs - North Microbusiness Density 6 6 5 5 4 Canada (Province) British Columbia Ontario Alberta Quebec Yukon Microbusiness Density 3 2 2 2 1 U.K (Constituency) Cities of London and Westminster Stoke-on-Trent South St Albans Holborn and St Pancras Hackney South and Shoreditch Microbusiness Density 23 14 9 9 8 U.S. (Lg. Metros: pop. 400K+) New York, NY Tulsa, OK Las Vegas, NV Ft. Lauderdale, FL Miami, FL Microbusiness Density 29 27 20 20 19 Source: GoDaddy Venture Forward, Q2 2024

Download the data.

GoDaddy/UCLA Anderson Forecast: Microbusiness Activity Index (MAI) 2024 annual report

Job creation due to digital infrastructure investment skyrocketed since the start of the pandemic.?Recent data?from GoDaddy and UCLA Anderson Forecast shows that digital infrastructure improvement created more than 280,000 jobs nationwide - equivalent to the entire population of Reno, Nevada - between April 2020 and March 2024.

Growth in infrastructure index, April 2020 and March 2024

STATE GROWTH IN INFRASTRUCTURE INDEX MAI COMPOSITE INFRASTRUCTURE PARTICIPATION ENGAGEMENT Mississippi 9% 98.1 97.4 96.3 104.4 Alabama 8% 100.3 99.8 98.0 104.3 Louisiana 7% 99.7 99.0 98.1 103.6 New Mexico 7% 100.1 99.6 98.2 103.7 Tennessee 7% 102.2 101.8 99.8 103.8 Kentucky 7% 101.4 100.8 98.3 105.4 Arkansas 7% 99.8 99.3 97.3 104.9 West Virginia 6% 98.4 96.7 96.8 105.4 South Carolina 6% 102.4 102.6 99.7 103.4 Oklahoma 6% 102.0 102.4 99.7 102.6

Other excerpted highlights of our 2024 report

"Recent months saw a rise in the MAI, driven by increased microbusiness engagement and Generative AI tool adoption, enabling entrepreneurs with limited resources to boost productivity and compete effectively with larger companies.



On average, each additional entrepreneur generates over 7.4 jobs locally. Microbusiness participation also contributes to greater labor force participation.

"For context, in July 2021, the UCLA Anderson Forecast, in partnership with GoDaddy, launched a new MAI that analyzes the formation, growth, and dynamics of online microbusinesses, using data provided by GoDaddy. The MAI demonstrates a strong correlation with key economic indicators, including employment, unemployment, GDP, and offers timely insights into local economic activity. The report, featuring commentary, analysis, and the latest indices, continues to be published annually."

Read the full report.

Regional Impact

Q&A: Getting to know the University of Missouri Small Business Development Center team that leverages Venture Forward data for statewide economic development planning

The University of Missouri's extension program has created an interactive dashboard to visualize GoDaddy Venture Forward's geographical data, empowering staff at the university's Small Business Development Center to counsel microbusinesses and educate local residents. The dashboard tracks microbusiness density (aka microbusinesses per 100 people) and the MAI, which tracks dozens of factors that impact the success of online microbusinesses. The dashboard is a powerful tool to provide economic briefs for small business counselors and data training for working professionals, among other uses.

Read more.

Entrepreneurship doesn't require a four-year degree

A four-year degree isn't required for successful entrepreneurship. GoDaddy Venture Forward data shows that U.S. microbusiness owners with a college degree and those without contribute similar amounts of income to their household.

A significant portion of microbusiness owners without a college degree make a six-figure income, regardless of gender. Over one-third (34%) of women without a college degree and almost half of men (47%) without one make over $100k pre-tax from their microbusiness.

Women without college degrees have more long-term dreams.?They are more likely to have started their business because they always dreamed of doing so (26%), compared to women with college degrees (20%). Women without college degrees are also 6% more likely to have started because they wanted to be their own boss.



Women with college degrees are more community-oriented.?They are more likely to have started their business to contribute to their community (24%), compared to women without a college degree (19%).

Read more.

In the news

U.S.

Internet expansion helps small businesses expand, too, study shows - Tech Brew

"As internet access grows, so do job opportunities, according to new data from web hosting company GoDaddy.

"The domain registrar's research arm, Venture Forward, teamed up with economists at the UCLA Anderson Forecast to analyze state and local economic activity alongside web-hosting data, ultimately returning a composite score for the robustness of online business in a given area, Alexandra Rosen, global head of Venture Forward, told Tech Brew.

"The most recent results revealed that 'digital infrastructure improvement created nearly 300,000 jobs nationwide between April 2020 and March 2024,' GoDaddy said."

Read more in Tech Brew.

U.K.

Degree of uncertainty: Are young entrepreneurs skipping higher education? - City A.M.

"Young entrepreneurs are skipping the traditional path of higher education in favour of starting their own businesses, new research has shown.

"Of the half a million digital microbusinesses surveyed by GoDaddy's research initiative Venture Forward, 22 per cent of entrepreneurs under the age of 30 said they had started their business after their A-levels instead of pursuing a university degree. This is double the national average of 11 per cent.

"A majority of those - 76 per cent - who traded in the prospect of lecture halls for real-world experience also said they are 'glad' to not have the 'burden' of debt sitting on their shoulders."

Read more in City A.M.

Australia

Why this patch of south-east Queensland is a micro-business hotspot - Sydney Morning Herald

"Tamborine, population 7500, is one of a few major towns in the Gold Coast hinterland - an area with the second-highest density of micro-businesses in Australia, research found.

"GoDaddy's Venture Forward study this year defined micro-businesses as those with fewer than 10 employees, including solo entrepreneurs, specifically looking at those that had a presence online.

"Where most parts of south-east Queensland have one or two of these businesses for every 100 residents, the Gold Coast hinterland - made up of the towns of Springbrook, Canungra and Beechmont, along with Tamborine - has more than 11."

Read more in the Sydney Morning Herald.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from GoDaddy on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: GoDaddy

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/godaddy

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: GoDaddy
Stay sharp and self-sufficient for the first, most critical 72 hours after a disaster hits with these steps to stabilize, recover and rebuild with confidence and a magenta flair

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / When disaster strikes, the chaos can be overwhelming. But staying sharp and prepared can make all the difference in the first 72 hours.

Individuals in a disaster should expect to be self-sufficient and without help or rescue for 72 hours. So here's how to handle this critical time after an emergency, with a little magenta verve.

Immediate Action: The First 24 Hours

1. Safety First: Grab your Go Bag and check yourself and people around you for injuries. Provide first aid where you can, but remember: Moving someone who is seriously hurt should be a last resort unless they're in immediate danger.

2. Survey Your Space: Take a quick but careful look around your home. If it feels unsafe, get out. Watch out for hazards like shattered glass or potential gas leaks.

3. Tune In: Turn off your device or enable airplane mode to save battery life while connectivity and power are out. Instead, keep a battery-powered or hand-crank radio handy to catch updates and instructions from local authorities and the Red Cross. Follow their instructions to stay safe. And rest assured: T-Mobile will be working tirelessly to restore connectivity and deploy Wi-Fi and device-charging trucks.

Stabilizing the Situation: 24 to 48 Hours After

1. Essentials Check: If you haven't already, make sure you have enough water, food and warm clothing. If in doubt about water safety, boil it or use purification tablets.

2. Document Everything: Start snapping photos or videos of the damage for insurance claims and aid applications. While it may seem low priority amid the chaos, this step is crucial.

3. Stay Connected: Charge your device and get connected with T-Mobile's heavy-duty trucks. Reach out to your family and friends, preferably by text because of network congestion, to let them know you're safe.

4. Ask for Assistance: If you need help, don't hesitate to contact disaster relief services like the Red Cross or FEMA. They're there to help with supplies and support. Emergency contacts that are accessible from your locked screen can be crucial - they can provide vital information, such as your medical history, to first responders and make important decisions for you if you can't.

Rebuilding and Recovering: 48 to 72 Hours After

1. Keep the Lines Open: Continue updating your status with loved ones and stay informed about your community and ongoing safety measures.

2. Health Check: Take care of any non-emergency health issues. Check if local pharmacies and hospitals are back in action.

3. Look Ahead: Start thinking about the long haul of recovery. What will you need for rebuilding? Community meetings might begin - make sure you're a part of them.

After the First 72 Hours

1. Mind Your Mental Game: The emotional toll of a disaster is real. Keep an eye on your mental health and that of those around you. Professional help is a strength, not a weakness.

2. Level Up Your Prep Game: Use this experience to beef up your emergency preparedness. Restock your kit, tweak your disaster plan and check out more T-Mobile tips.

Armed with these steps, in true T-Mobile style, the chaos of a disaster aftermath can be less tumultuous for you and your loved ones. Stay safe, stay smart, stay connected and keep rocking that magenta spirit, even in the toughest times.

View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from T-Mobile on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: T-Mobile

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/t-mobile

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: T-Mobile
Lonza Group AG / Key word(s): Acquisition

Lonza Completes Acquisition of Large-Scale Biologics Site in Vacaville (US) from Roche



01.10.2024 / 16:45 CET/CEST





The Vacaville site is one of the largest biologics manufacturing facilities in the world

Acquisition extends Lonza's US Biologics footprint with a significant presence on the West Coast, complementing its existing global manufacturing network

Additional large-scale capacity enables Lonza to harness sustained demand for commercial manufacturing, and to continue supporting a strong pipeline of molecules on the path to market

Basel, Switzerland and Vacaville, US, 1 October 2024 - Lonza, one of the world's largest healthcare development and manufacturing organizations, today announced it has completed its acquisition of the Genentech large-scale biologics manufacturing site in Vacaville, California (US) from Roche for USD 1.2 billion.

The Vacaville facility significantly extends Lonza's capacity for mammalian manufacturing in the US, the world's largest pharmaceutical market. It creates a significant West Coast commercial manufacturing presence close to San Francisco's pharma and biotech hub, complementing Lonza's existing East Coast manufacturing site in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, as well as its international network across Europe and Asia Pacific.

With a total bioreactor capacity of around 330,000 liters, the Vacaville site is one of the largest biologics manufacturing facilities in the world. This acquisition significantly extends manufacturing capacity for late-stage clinical and commercial products, and new molecules on the path to commercialization within the Lonza network. The site joins the Mammalian business unit within Lonza's Biologics division, with more than 750 Vacaville colleagues now being employed directly by Lonza.

Wolfgang Wienand, CEO, Lonza, commented: "The successful acquisition of the Vacaville site marks a major milestone for Lonza, and for our commitment to deliver long-term value for our customers and shareholders. As the Vacaville site joins our Biologics division, we look forward to bringing new customer projects into the facility to meet sustained demand for commercial biologics manufacturing across our business. I am also delighted to welcome more than 750 highly skilled Vacaville colleagues into our global team, as they begin a new chapter with Lonza."

The acquisition of the large-scale mammalian manufacturing site complements Lonza's ongoing investments in large-scale bioconjugation in Visp (CH) and drug product manufacturing in Stein (CH), supporting its ability to meet demand for the large-scale, end-to-end manufacturing of complex biologics. Lonza plans to invest approximately CHF 500 million to further upgrade the facility and add capabilities to meet demand for the next generation of mammalian biologics therapies.

The products previously manufactured at the site will now be supplied by Lonza to Roche with committed minimum volumes over the medium term, phasing out over time as the site transitions to serve alternative customers.

About Lonza

Lonza is one of the world's largest healthcare manufacturing organizations. Working across five continents, our global community of around 18,000 colleagues helps pharmaceutical, biotech and nutrition companies to bring their treatments to market. United by our vision to bring any therapy to life, we support our customers with a combination of technological insight, world-class manufacturing, scientific expertise, process excellence and innovation. Our work enables our customers to develop and commercialize their therapeutic discoveries, allowing their patients to benefit from life-saving and life-enhancing treatments.

Our business is structured to meet our customers' complex needs across four divisions: Biologics, Small Molecules, Cell & Gene, and Capsules & Health Ingredients. Our company generated sales of CHF 3.1 billion with a CORE EBITDA of CHF 893 million in Half-Year 2024. Find out more at www.lonza.com

Follow @Lonza on LinkedIn

Follow @LonzaGroup on X

Lonza Contact Details

Victoria Morgan

Head of External Communications

Lonza Group Ltd

Tel +41 61 316 2283

victoria.morgan@lonza.com

Daniel Buchta

Head of Investor Relations

Lonza Group Ltd

Tel +41 61 316 2985

daniel.buchta@lonza.com

Additional Information and Disclaimer

Lonza Group Ltd has its headquarters in Basel, Switzerland, and is listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange. It has a secondary listing on the Singapore Exchange Securities Trading Limited ("SGX-ST"). Lonza Group Ltd is not subject to the SGX-ST's continuing listing requirements but remains subject to Rules 217 and 751 of the SGX-ST Listing Manual.

Certain matters discussed in this news release may constitute forward-looking statements. These statements are based on current expectations and estimates of Lonza Group Ltd, although Lonza Group Ltd can give no assurance that these expectations and estimates will be achieved. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainty and are qualified in their entirety. The actual results may differ materially in the future from the forward-looking statements included in this news release due to various factors. Furthermore, except as otherwise required by law, Lonza Group Ltd disclaims any intention or obligation to update the statements contained in this news release.

All trademarks belong to Lonza and are registered in CH, US and/or EU, or belong to their respective third-party owners and are used only for informational purposes.

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Voda IQ, a leader in innovative fisheries conservation technology, is excited to announce the appointment of Armando Piccinini as the new European Sales Director, effective October 1, 2024. With an impressive background in aqua conservation and extensive experience in the European market, Mr. Piccinini is set to lead Voda IQ's expansion efforts across Europe.

This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001794964/en/

Armando Piccinini European Sales Director for Voda IQ (Photo: Business Wire)

Armando Piccinini comes to Voda IQ with over two decades of experience in the aquatic conservation industry, most recently serving as Aqua Conservation Specialist at MSD AH. He has a proven track record of spearheading sales initiatives, managing cross-functional teams, and implementing effective marketing strategies. His expertise in PIT tag technology and his deep understanding of the European aquaculture and wildlife markets make him a perfect fit for this role.

In his new position, Mr. Piccinini will be responsible for developing and implementing strategic sales and marketing plans that align with Voda IQ's mission to promote sustainable practices and enhance biodiversity through cutting-edge technologies. His role will be crucial in fostering relationships with key stakeholders, enhancing brand visibility, and expanding the company's footprint in the European market.

Brian Beckley, President of Voda IQ, expressed his enthusiasm about Mr. Piccinini's appointment, stating, "Armando's comprehensive experience and dedication to conservation are exactly what Voda IQ needs as we continue to grow and innovate. We are confident that his leadership will greatly enhance our operations in Europe and help us achieve our strategic goals."

Voda IQ is committed to supporting Mr. Piccinini in his new role, providing him with the necessary resources to drive growth and success. The company looks forward to his contributions and is excited about the future of their European operations under his leadership.

For further information, please contact: Voda IQ Media Relations Email: info@vodaiq.com Phone: (208) 366-9663

About Voda IQ: Voda IQ specializes in the development and production of RFID technology for fish wildlife research, focusing on sustainable solutions and conservation efforts. Headquartered in Hammett, Idaho, Voda IQ continues to lead the market in high-quality PIT tagging and monitoring systems, contributing to global biodiversity and conservation projects.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001794964/en/

Contacts:

Voda IQ

Brian Beckley

(208) 366-9663

Brian.Beckley@vodaiq.com

www.vodaiq.com
LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Tutors International, a global leader in bespoke private tutoring, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with Bonnie Low-Kramen's Ultimate Assistant Training & Consulting Inc., an esteemed organization dedicated to enhancing the skills and professionalism of assistants and executive support staff worldwide.

This collaboration ensures that graduates and clients of Ultimate Assistant Training can confidently access Tutors International's world-class private tutors. The partnership between Tutors International and Ultimate Assistant Training is founded on a shared commitment to the high standards required by UHNW households.

This partnership is rooted in mutual respect and a shared commitment to excellence, with both organizations poised to benefit from each other's expertise.

Bonnie Low-Kramen advocates for a deep personal connection between household staff and their principals: "The most successful and sustainable working partnerships between leaders and staff must involve strong human connections and mutual respect. They require a clear understanding of personality and management styles, in addition to a family's specific needs and preferences."

Tutors International understands the importance of strong human connections. Adam Caller, CEO and Founder, is known for achieving a 'Glass Slipper Fit' with clients. The application process to become a tutor is highly selective, with hundreds of applicants narrowed down to a few who perfectly align with the family's lifestyle and the student's strengths and interests. The final one or two candidates are then invited to meet the family to ensure the best possible match.

A shared commitment to upholding the highest standards

The partnership between Tutors International and Ultimate Assistant Training is built on the mutual recognition of the high standards required to serve UHNW households.

Bonnie Low-Kramen, founder and CEO of Ultimate Assistant Training & Consulting Inc., is renowned for her deep understanding of the executive support field, having spent over 25 years as a personal assistant to Oscar-winning actress Olympia Dukakis. She is the bestselling author of Be the Ultimate Assistant and Staff Matters. Her company offers tailored training programs that empower personal and executive assistants to excel in their roles, making them invaluable to the households they serve.

Bonnie Low-Kramen comments: "We are delighted to partner with Tutors International, whose dedication to service excellence aligns perfectly with our own. This collaboration provides our students with a trusted, vetted resource for educational inquiries and private tutor recruitment, ensuring that the families they support receive the best possible guidance."

Adam Caller, Founder of Tutors International, adds: "Our partnership reflects our shared values of professionalism, integrity, and a commitment to providing the highest standards of service. We look forward to supporting Bonnie's highly trained assistants by offering our expertise in bespoke private education, ensuring that their households have access to top-tier educational resources."

About Tutors International

Tutors International is a leading provider of bespoke private tutoring services, offering personalised education solutions to clients worldwide. Founded by Adam Caller, an expert in educational practice and private tutoring, Tutors International specialises in matching highly qualified tutors with students for full-time, residential placements.

About Ultimate Assistant Training

Founded in 2011 by Bonnie Low-Kramen, Ultimate Assistant Training & Consulting is a leading provider of specialized training for Executive Assistants and support staff. With a focus on empowering assistants to become leaders in their roles, the company offers a range of workshops and consulting services designed to enhance the effectiveness and professionalism of support staff. Learn more at https://www.linkedin.com/company/ultimate-assistant-llc/ and https://www.bonnielowkramen.com/

Media Enquiries

Web: www.tutors-international.com

Email: marketing@tutors-international.com

Phone: +44 (0) 1865 435 135

Tutors International

Prama House

267 Banbury Road

Oxford OX2 7HT

England

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Proserv Aviation Becomes First Authorized Stocking Distributor for Vyper Industrial Products

OAK CREEK, WI / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Proserv Aviation has signed a contract with Vyper Industrial as their first authorized stocking distributor. In addition to having access to the entire Vyper product line, Proserv Aviation is also authorized to deliver Vyper products to the global market.

Proserv / Vyper

Proserv Aviation Partners with Vyper Industrial

Vyper develops premium maintenance equipment intended to increase comfort and safety in the shop. Vyper's current lineup consists of shop chairs, stools, creepers, utility carts and portable shop fans, with many products in development soon to be released. Their products are designed and produced in the USA with industrial-grade materials. Proserv aims to give customers more options, replacing locally sourced but 'economical' resolutions, with now accessible, higher quality alternatives.

"The craftsmanship of Vyper's shop chairs stood out to me right away as a consumer of their product originally. I quickly realized everyone in aviation maintenance would agree," said Mike Miner, Director of Proserv Aviation. "The full-size casters will roll over any FOD, and their vinyl cover can take a beating. Vyper builds products that last a lifetime."

Proserv Aviation currently has over 400 Vyper chairs, stools, and accessories in stock. As a stocking distributor, Proserv holds inventory directly in their warehouse, alongside their other aviation offerings.

"Our partnership with Vyper is unique because we are introducing their product to aviation focused businesses that otherwise wouldn't be aware of their brand," said Miner. "Aviation maintenance is far from light-work. That's why we want to go above offering parts and equipment alone. We want to optimize the entire working environment for aviation professionals."

About Proserv Aviation

Founded in 1992, Proserv Aviation provides aviation aftermarket support, utilizing an extensive warehoused inventory of products for a variety of aircraft, including Bombardier, Cessna, Embraer, Gulfstream, Hawker, and more. Proserv Aviation provides expeditious, re-certified components on an exchange or outright basis to reduce or eliminate customer downtime.

Proserv Aviation is also a buyer of surplus to further expand its extensive inventory. With its financial strength and flexibility, Proserv Aviation accepts surplus via cash or trade transactions.

Proserv Aviation owns and operates GSE America to provide repair, service, and proactive maintenance of all brands of ground support equipment, including Hycom, Tronair, Columbus Jack, Malabar, Piller, and more. GSE America also warehouses a large inventory of GSE replacement parts.

For more information on Proserv Aviation, visit proservaviation.com. For more information on GSE America, visit gse-america.com.

Contact Information

Josh Bailey

Director of Marketing

jbailey@proservaviation.com

(262) 639-8550

SOURCE: Proserv Aviation

View the original press release on newswire.com.
REDDING, Calif., Oct. 01, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report titled, 'China Neurogenomics Market Size, Share, Forecast, & Trends Analysis by Offering (NGS [Kits {Library Prep, QC, DNA Extraction}, Systems], PCR, Microarrays {Protein, DNA, RNA, Tissue}, Software) Application (Research, Clinical), End User-Forecast to 2031.

The China Neurogenomics Market is projected to reach $562.1 million by 2031, at a CAGR of 19.4% from 2024 to 2031.

Download FREE PDF Brochure Of China Neurogenomics Market - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/product/china-neurogenomics-market-6003

The growth of this market is driven by the declining costs of sequencing, the increasing prevalence of neurological disorders, the growing utilization of advanced sequencing technologies in disease diagnostics & precision medicine, increasing pharmaceutical R&D expenditures, improvements in regulatory & reimbursement scenarios for gene sequencing, rising healthcare expenditures, increasing funding for research activities, the growing need for the early detection & prevention of neurological diseases, technological advancements in neurogenomics products, and government initiatives promoting the use of sequencing in clinical & research applications. However, the high prices of neurogenomics products, the low chances of identifying positive, actionable mutations for precision medicine, and ethical & legal issues related to sequencing-based diagnosis are expected to restrain the growth of this market.

The increasing adoption of targeted therapies, emerging economies, and rising awareness regarding neurological disorders are expected to create market growth opportunities. Moreover, the dynamic regulatory landscape, the limited expertise & sequencing capabilities of small & medium-sized laboratories, the shortage of sequencing professionals in the country, and the high capital investments required for sequencing setups are prominent trends in the China Neurogenomics Market.

Declining Cost of Sequencing is Driving the Market Growth

Various pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies have been focusing on genomic research since 2003. This has led to the emergence of the full sequence of the entire human genome. Additionally, rising funding for genomic research activities, the development of advanced sequencing technologies and bioinformatics tools, and the reduced cost of genomic studies provide great opportunities for companies to increasingly engage in the R&D of personalized/precision medicine, targeted therapeutics, and vaccines. This has also been helping companies providing neurogenomics solutions, as well as academic and research institutes, to conduct more studies to map and identify variants and the mechanism of various rare and genetic diseases in neurology.

The pharmaceutical industry is increasingly investing in genomic data-sharing initiatives to accelerate the R&D of novel personalized therapies. Research and academic institutes are conducting various genomic studies and collaborating with key pharmaceutical companies to exchange genomic data and find personalized therapies for various rare and genetic diseases.

Increasing Prevalence of Neurological Disorders: A Significant Driver in the China Neurogenomics Market

China accounts for approximately 17% of the global disease burden related to neurological, mental, and substance use disorders. The country is rapidly undergoing a societal change, facing challenges in reducing the disease burden of psychiatric disorders. The rising cases of neurological disorders pose a high burden on the country's healthcare system, further boosting the demand for advanced diagnostic solutions. For instance, China has a high incidence of brain stroke worldwide. According to the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019, there were 3.94 million new stroke cases, 28.76 million prevalent stroke cases, and 2.19 million deaths due to stroke in China in 2019 (Source: Data Management and Sharing System of the China National Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases).

Furthermore, the incidence of Alzheimer's disease is adding to the growing burden of neurological diseases in the country. According to a recent national cross-sectional study, China has 15.07 million individuals aged 60 years and over with dementia, which includes 9.83 million individuals with Alzheimer's disease, 3.92 million individuals with vascular dementia, and nearly 1.32 million individuals with other forms of dementia. Additionally, the prevalence of Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) in individuals over 60 years of age is 15.5%, with 38.77 million individuals affected by the condition (Source: The China Alzheimer Report 2022). This steady increase in the prevalence of neurological disorders is expected to boost the demand for advanced clinical and research solutions in the country.

Increasing Adoption of Targeted Therapies

Targeted therapies are increasingly adopted in neurogenomics studies for several factors, such as their ability to target specific cells, the increasing number of targeted therapies being approved by the FDA, and their efficacy and safety. Also, targeted therapies in neurogenomics can restrict the disease progression in the early phases. NGS has a major application in cancer diagnosis and targeted therapy based on biomarkers. The use of targeted therapy is expected to boost the growth of the market for neurogenomics solutions in the future.

China Neurogenomics Market Analysis: Key Segmental Findings

By offering: In terms of value, in 2024, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) segment is expected to account for the largest share of 72.5% of the China Neurogenomics Market. The segment's large market share can be attributed to the increasing demand for consumables due to the growing number of neurogenomic tests, recurring purchases of consumables over instruments, and the increasing prevalence of neurological diseases.

In terms of value, in 2024, the next-generation sequencing (NGS) segment is expected to account for the largest share of of the China Neurogenomics Market. The segment's large market share can be attributed to the increasing demand for consumables due to the growing number of neurogenomic tests, recurring purchases of consumables over instruments, and the increasing prevalence of neurological diseases. By Application: The sequencing is expected to register the highest CAGR of 21.2% during the forecast period 2024-2031. The high growth of this segment is due to the rising demand for personalized medicine, the increasing demand for technologically advanced research solutions among end users for developing treatments for neurological conditions, and research studies for the identification of specific gene mutations in complex neurological diseases such as Parkinson's disease and Alzheimer's disease.

Have specific research needs? Request a customized research report - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/request-customization/cp_id=6003

China Neurogenomics Market: Competition Analysis

This report offers a competitive analysis based on an extensive assessment of the leading players' product portfolios, geographic presence, and key growth strategies adopted over the past three to four years. Major companies in the China neurogenomics market have implemented various strategies to expand their product offerings and global footprints and augment their market shares. The key strategies followed by most companies in the China Neurogenomics Market were product launches, expansions, agreements, collaborations, and partnerships. The key players operating in the China Neurogenomics Market include Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.), and MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (China).

The report provides a competitive dashboard that summarizes the market positionings of the 21 market players in four quadrants, namely industry leaders, differentiators, emerging companies, and vanguards. These companies are positioned based on various parameters, including revenue, depth of offerings, brand equity, geographic presence, innovation, and organic & inorganic growth strategies. Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd. (Switzerland), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), and MGI Tech Co Ltd. (China) were positioned in the industry leader's quadrant.

China Neurogenomics Industry Overview: Latest Strategic Developments from Key Industry Players

In June 2024, QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands) launched an updated version of its clinical decision support software, QIAGEN Clinical Insight Interpret (QCI Interpret). This new version offers improved scalability and performance, specifically designed to meet the needs of high-throughput NGS laboratories.

In May 2024, QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands) launched the QIAseq Multimodal DNA/RNA Library Kit. This new kit facilitates the preparation of RNA and DNA libraries for next-generation sequencing (NGS), which encompasses both whole transcriptome sequencing (WTS) and whole genome sequencing (WGS).

In February 2024, Pacific Biosciences Inc. (U.S.) launched HiFi Prep Kit 96 and HiFi Plex Prep Kit 96 Library Preparation Solutions. These kits include 384 validated barcode adapters. They offer automated, scalable, and high-performance library preparation solutions with 40% lower costs and 60% reduced workflow time.

In January 2024, Illumina, Inc. (U.S.) partnered with Haplox, officially known as Shenzhen Hipros Biotechnology Co., Ltd (China), to develop and launch the NextSeq 2000 Dx CN-HAP, the first benchtop genetic sequencing technology of its kind.

In October 2023, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.) expanded its manufacturing capacity in St. Louis to enhance support for biological therapies targeting a range of diseases, including cancer, autoimmune conditions, and rare genetic disorders.

In July 2023, Illumina launched DRAGEN 4.2 software, designed for analyzing next-generation sequencing data. This software enhances efficiency and accuracy while offering increased flexibility and scalability.

In April 2023, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.) launched the Agilent SureSelect Cancer CGP Assay, designed for comprehensive somatic variant profiling across a wide array of solid tumor types. The assay is based on an NGS panel that includes 679 genes curated from cancer databases and in collaboration with leading clinical cancer researchers.

In June 2022, PerkinElmer, Inc. (U.S.) launched new library preparation kits: the NEXTFLEX Small RNA-Seq Kit v4, NEXTFLEX Rapid XP V2 DNA-Seq Kit, and PG-Seq Rapid Kit v2. These kits are engineered to enhance scientific outcomes and reduce the time required for quantification and pooling preparation for sequencing by up to 3 hours per 96 samples.

In March 2022, Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.) launched the Ion Torrent Genexus Dx Integrated Sequencer, an automated next-generation sequencing (NGS) platform capable of delivering results within a single day. This device is tailored for clinical laboratory use, enabling both diagnostic testing and clinical research to be conducted on a single instrument.

In December 2021, F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland) launched the Avenio Tumor Tissue Comprehensive Genomic Profiling Kit (for research purposes only), which complements the comprehensive genomic profiling (CGP) portfolio offered by Roche and Foundation Medicine (U.S.).

In August 2021, Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.) established a manufacturing facility in China for its SureSelect portfolio. This facility aims to shorten the time from design to customer delivery, enable rapid development and iteration on custom panel optimization, and expedite supply for routine sequencing applications.

IMMEDIATE DELIVERY AVAILABLE | BUY THIS RESEARCH REPORT (Insights, Charts, Tables, Figures and More) - https://www.meticulousresearch.com/Checkout/89039050

Scope of the Report:

China Neurogenomics Market Assessment-by Offering

Next-generation Sequencing Systems Kits & Reagents DNA Extraction and Amplification Kits & Reagents Library Preparation & Target Enrichment Kits & Reagents Quality Control Kits & Reagents Other Kits & Reagents

Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Systems Kits & Reagents

Microarray Readers & Scanners Kits & Reagents DNA & RNA Microarray Kits & Reagents Protein Microarray Kits & Reagents Tissue Microarray Kits & Reagents

Software & Services

China Neurogenomics MarketAssessment-by Application

Research Applications Target identification Functional Studies Variant Discovery Transcription Factor Binding Analysis

Clinical Applications

China Neurogenomics Market Assessment-by End User

Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies

Academic & Research Institutes

Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories

China Neurogenomics Market Research Summary -

Particulars Details Number of Pages 140 Format PDF Forecast Period 2024-2031 Base Year 2023 CAGR (Value) 19.4 % Market Size (Value) $562.1 Million by 2031 Segments Covered By Offering Next-generation Sequencing Systems Kits & Reagents DNA Extraction and Amplification Kits & Reagents Library Preparation and Target Enrichment Kits & Reagents Quality Control Kits & Reagents Other NGS Kits & Reagents Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Systems Kits & Reagents Microarray Readers & Scanners Kits & Reagents DNA and RNA Microarray Kits & Reagents Protein Microarray Kits & Reagents Tissue Microarray Kits & Reagents Software & Services By Application Research Applications Target identification Functional Studies Variant Discovery Transcription Factor Binding Analysis Clinical Applications By End User Pharmaceutical & Biotechnology Companies Academic & Research Institutes Hospitals & Diagnostic Laboratories Key Companies Profiled Illumina, Inc. (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc. (U.S.), F. Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd (Switzerland), QIAGEN N.V. (Netherlands), Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S.), Revvity, Inc. (U.S.), Pacific Biosciences of California Inc. (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), Oxford Nanopore Technologies Plc. (U.K.), and MGI Tech Co., Ltd. (China)

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HBM Healthcare Investments AG / Key word(s): Monthly Figures

Key Figures 30.9.2024



01.10.2024 / 17:47 CET/CEST



in CHF Performance in % 30.09.2024 MTD FYTD CYTD NAV 244.34 5.6 1.5 11.9 Share Price 189.40 4.6 1.7 7.8 Total Net Assets (in million) 1'664 HBM Healthcare Investments AG Bundesplatz 1 CH-6300 Zug - Switzerland Tel. +41 41 710 75 77 hbm@hbmhealthcare.com hbmhealthcare.com Wenn Sie keine Mitteilungen von HBM Healthcare Investments mehr wunschen, konnen Sie diese hier a bbestellen . Should you wish to unsubscribe from all HBM Healthcare Investments news, please unsubscribe here. Disclaimer: This message may contain confidential or privileged Information and is intended only for the use of the addressee named above. If you are not the intended recipient of this message, you are hereby notified that you must not use, copy, disclose or take any action based on this message or information herein. If you have received this message by error, please advise the sender immediately and delete this message. The publication is for information purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy securities. Statements regarding the past performance may not be understood as indication for the current or future performance. The value of investments and the income therefrom may fluctuate. A good past performance may possibly not be repeated in the future. It is possible that the investor will not be paid back the full amount invested. Performance data does not take into account any commissions and costs charged when units of the Fund are issued and redeemed. An investment entails risks, which are fully described in the individual offering documents. Some information quoted was obtained from external sources HBM considers to be reliable. HBM cannot guarantee the adequacy, accuracy, timeliness or completeness of or be held responsible or liable for errors of fact regarding such data and information obtained from third parties, and this data may change with market conditions. 06/2023 If the email looks unformatted, please use this alternative link .



End of Media Release


Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Trican Well Service Ltd. (TSX: TCW) ("Trican" or the "Company") intends to release its Third Quarter 2024 results on Tuesday, October 29, 2024 after the close of the market.

The Company will host a conference call on Wednesday, October 30, 2024 at 10:00 a.m. MT (12:00 p.m. ET) to discuss its results for the Third Quarter 2024.

To listen to the webcast of the conference call, please enter the following URL in your web browser: https://www.gowebcasting.com/13425.

You can also visit the Investors section of our website at www.tricanwellservice.com/investors and click on "Reports".

To participate in the Q&A session, please call the conference call operator at 1-844-763-8274 (North America) or 1-647-484-8814 (outside North America) 10 minutes prior to the call's start time and ask for the "Trican Well Service Ltd. Third Quarter 2024 Earnings Results Conference Call."

The conference call will be archived on Trican's website at www.tricanwellservice.com/investors.

ABOUT TRICAN

Headquartered in Calgary, Alberta, Trican supplies oil and natural gas well servicing equipment and solutions to our customers through the drilling, completion, and production cycles. Our team of technical experts provide state of the art equipment, engineering support, reservoir expertise and laboratory services through the delivery of hydraulic fracturing, cementing, coiled tubing, nitrogen services and chemical sales for the oil and gas industry in Western Canada. Trican is the largest pressure pumping service company in Canada.

Requests for further information should be directed to:

Please visit our website at www.tricanwellservice.com.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225238

SOURCE: Trican Well Service Ltd.
Perth, Western Australia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Golden Horse Minerals Limited, (TSXV: GHML) ("Golden Horse" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has, under the terms of the Copperhead Sale Agreement, as amended July 18, 2024, for the acquisition of the strategic Copperhead prospecting lease (P77/4357), located approximately 30km north of the town of Bullfinch, Western Australia, paid the vendor a final cash payment of A$200,000 ("Final Cash Payment").

The Company originally executed the Copperhead Sale Agreement with the vendor on August 1, 2023, and under the terms of the Copperhead Sale Agreement, the Company:

made a cash payment of A$50,000 in August 2023;





elected to extend the term of the agreement by 6 months to August 1, 2024, with a cash payment of A$50,000 in February 2024; and





on May 1, 2024, issued A$250,000 worth of common shares in the capital of the Company ("Shares") (being 621,272 Shares (on a post-consolidated basis).

The Final Cash Payment meets all of the Company's consideration obligations under the terms of the amended Copperhead Sale Agreement, being its requirement to pay the Vendor A$200,000 cash upon the earlier of the date upon which the Company's lists on the Australian Securities Exchange and October 1, 2024.

Under the Copperhead Sale Agreement, the Company has also granted a 1.5% gross smelter royalty to the Vendor over the Copperhead tenement, which is capped at A$800,000.

Golden Horse is targeting to advance the Copperhead tenement via further historic data compilation and interpretation in preparation for drilling.

Commenting on the transaction, Golden Horse MD & CEO Nicholas Anderson said:

"We are delighted to have completed the final payment for the acquisition of the Copperhead tenement. The Company considers this tenement to be extremely important to our exploration strategy for the area as it is located immediately adjacent to the historic Copperhead mine near Bullfinch.

Our highly experienced geology team consider the tenement holds significant potential for further gold mineralisation and are pushing forward with the completion of the detailed review of historical data."

For and on behalf of the Board

Nicholas Anderson

Managing Director & CEO

Disclaimer

This release may include forward-looking statements. Such forward-looking statements may include, among other things, statements regarding targets, estimates and assumptions in respect of metal production and prices, operating costs and results, capital expenditures, mineral reserves and mineral resources and anticipated grades and recovery rates, and are or may be based on assumptions and estimates related to future technical, economic, market, political, social and other conditions. These forward-looking statements are based on management's expectations and beliefs concerning future events. Forward-looking statements inherently involve subjective judgement and analysis and are necessarily subject to risks, uncertainties and other factors, many of which are outside the control of Golden Horse. Such forward-looking statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding the Golden Horse's present and future business strategies and the political and economic environment in which the Golden Horse will operate in the future, which are not guarantees or predictions of future performance. Actual results and developments may vary materially from those that may be contemplated or implied by forward-looking statements in this release.

Given these uncertainties, readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. All information in respect of Exploration Results and other technical information should be read in conjunction with Competent Person Statements in this release (where applicable). To the maximum extent permitted by law, Golden Horse and any of its related bodies corporate and affiliates and their officers, employees, agents, associates and advisers:

disclaim any obligations or undertaking to release any updates or revisions to the information in this release to reflect any events, circumstances or change in expectations or assumptions after the date of this release;





do not make any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the accuracy, reliability or completeness of the information in this release, or likelihood of fulfilment of any forward-looking statement or any event or results expressed or implied in any forward-looking statement; and





disclaim all responsibility and liability for these forward-looking statements (including, without limitation, liability for negligence).

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225241

SOURCE: Golden Horse Minerals Limited
Originally published in International Paper's 2023 Sustainability Report

NORTHAMPTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / International Paper Company

Working with community stakeholders

The future of forests and the future of local communities are closely intertwined. Forests don't just play a critical role in the local socio-economic fabric; they also directly impact the quality of life of people living nearby. Bearing this in mind, we have made it a priority to engage in meaningful partnerships with community stakeholders. This approach fosters a sense of shared responsibility and helps build resilient communities that are economically and environmentally connected to the forests.

Promoting social equity

Our commitment to promoting social equity entails re-examining certain barriers that prevent equal access to sustainable resources. Heirs' property is land passed down from generation to generation informally, often because landowners die without having written a will. In the absence of a will, the land is considered jointly owned by all heirs and split between multiple family members regardless of whether they have set foot on the land, lived on the property or paid the taxes. Since its ownership is unclear, the land often ends up in forced sale, leading to forest fragmentation. This disproportionally affects Black families, contributing to over 11 million acres of land lost in the last hundred years and counting.

That's where the Center for Heirs' Property Preservation (CHPP) comes in. Working in partnership with International Paper, CHPP supports historically underserved communities to build intergenerational resilience. In 2023, International Paper announced its partnership with CHPP. The center works alongside the Mississippi Center for Justice to provide legal services, assistance and resources to help historically underserved Mississippians, with support from World Wildlife Fund and Kimberly-Clark Corporation. This effort, known as the Mobile Basin Heirs' Property Support Initiative, is designed to help families in Mississippi protect and keep their forestland, build intergenerational wealth and promote productive, sustainably managed forests.

Longstanding partnerships with conservation groups

2023 was a milestone year for our work with conservation organizations. As we celebrated a decade of partnering with the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, we also continued our endeavors to preserve and protect our planet's delicate ecosystems together with other strategic conservation partners.

National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF)

International Paper and NFWF began working together to restore and enhance forested ecosystems in 2013. Our Forestland Stewards Partnership (FSP) has delivered many significant accomplishments, including establishing or enhancing more than 700,000 acres of native forest and wildlife habitat to date, including the iconic longleaf pine ecosystem. Now entering its second decade, FSP has funded 177 projects across 13 states that, once completed, will restore, enhance or protect more than 1.6 million acres of forest habitat. The FSP was recently renewed for another five-year period, with International Paper committing $10 million for wildlife and working forest conservation. To learn more about our work with NFWF, visit this website.

The Nature Conservancy (TNC)

Start-of-the-art forestry practices have been at the heart of our collaboration with The Nature Conservancy (TNC) since 2018. This work reaches beyond International Paper's traditional supply chain in an effort to identify nature-based climate solutions that can be replicated anywhere around the world. For instance, the first phase of the Reduced-Impact Logging for Carbon (RIL-C) initiative provided land managers in Indonesia and Gabon with practical, science-based toolkits to improve carbon sequestration in working forests. The second phase of this engagement saw the expansion of TNC's RIL-C toolkit to new geographies in the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico and the Republic of Congo. This funding also allowed TNC and partners at the University of Wisconsin to develop bioacoustics monitoring protocols, which use sound recordings to measure forest a closer look biodiversity and understand the impacts of logging and other disturbances to forestbased wildlife species.

With the first two phases completed, our partnership is now scaling up efforts to inform responsible forestry, carbon sequestration and biodiversity monitoring on the ground in the Central Appalachian region of the U.S. and in Mexico.

American Bird Conservancy (ABC)

Since 2020, International Paper has been partnering with the American Bird Conservancy, an organization dedicated to conserving wild birds and their habitats, to promote forest bird awareness and conservation within our supply chain. Our work engages IP's Fiber Supply Team, academia, forestry and wildlife experts, our wood suppliers and forest landowners in our mill basins in the Southeastern U.S. Specifically, we hold field-based bird workshops, conduct bird surveys, collaborate on academic research and implement bird-friendly forest management practices on strategic sites identified via ForSite. In 2023, our work was recognized by the AF&PA with the Leadership in Sustainability Award for Resilient U.S. Forests (see page 32).

The Arbor Day Foundation

Our partnership with the Arbor Day Foundation dates back to 2019 and continued to flourish and deliver tangible benefits for people and the planet in 2023.

In the past, we have joined with the Arbor Day Foundation to strengthen community resilience through the Community Tree Recovery Program. This public-private partnership distributes free trees to residents in communities affected by natural disasters and supports the restoration of affected forestland. As one of 17 founding members of the Arbor Day Foundation's Evergreen Alliance, we also champion the Foundation's ambitions to plant 500 million trees focusing on neighborhoods and forests of greatest need in the next five years.

World Wildlife Fund (WWF)

After working with WWF for more than a decade on responsible sourcing and landscape investments, International Paper was one of the first five U.S. companies to join WWF's Forests Forward program for corporate action in support of nature, climate and people. Forests Forward engages with companies and other stakeholders around the globe to deliver effective nature-based strategies for forests that help achieve their business and sustainability goals. Most recently, we partnered with WWF to support the Mobile Basin Heirs' Property Support Initiative in a closer look the Southeastern U.S. (see page 35).

Other strategic partnerships to advance forest sustainability

American Forest Foundation (see page 67)

Celebrate Planet Earth  WBCSD Forest Solutions Group

About International Paper

International Paper (NYSE: IP) is a global producer of sustainable packaging, pulp and other fiber-based products, and one of the world's largest recyclers. Headquartered in Memphis, Tenn., we employ approximately 39,000 colleagues globally who are committed to creating what's next. We serve customers worldwide, with manufacturing operations in North America, Latin America, North Africa and Europe. Net sales for 2023 were $18.9 billion. Additional information can be found by visiting internationalpaper.com/.

About International Paper - EMEA

In Europe, Middle East & Africa (EMEA), International Paper focuses on the production and marketing of fiber-based packaging and specialty pulp, employing approximately 4,400 people. As a leading supplier of high-quality corrugated containers for a multitude of applications, we serve customers throughout the region from our network of two recycled containerboard mills and 23 box plants in France, Italy, Morocco, Portugal and Spain. Specialty pulp is made in Gdansk, Poland. Other products available from International Paper in the region include a variety of Kraft linerboard and other pulp products.

Read more





View additional multimedia and more ESG storytelling from International Paper Company on 3blmedia.com.

Contact Info:

Spokesperson: International Paper Company

Website: https://www.3blmedia.com/profiles/international-paper-company

Email: info@3blmedia.com

SOURCE: International Paper Company
Fairfax, Virginia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Law Office of Michael Ephraim, a leading firm in Fairfax that assists in expediting divorces, has recently published a set of comprehensive articles aimed at educating the public on crucial aspects of uncontested divorce. In a recent publication, the firm offers guidance on splitting retirement assets after divorce, helping individuals make informed decisions.

In the publication, Law Office of Michael Ephraim defines key legal terms, such as a Qualified Domestic Relations Order (QDRO), and emphasizes the importance of drafting legal documents to meet IRS standards. The firm advises that the documents be free of drafting errors and that parties entrust the process to an attorney.

Law Office of Michael Ephraim also notes that with properly signed legal documents, the plan administrator receives clear instructions on how to divide retirement benefits in the event of an uncontested divorce. Additionally, the original payee is legally exempted from paying taxes on proceeds given to the other party. Without a QDRO, however, the original payee would be responsible for paying taxes, even if they are not keeping the proceeds, showing the importance of proper documentation.

In addition to retirement asset division, Law Office of Michael Ephraim educates individuals on the divorce process in Virginia. The firm addresses existing knowledge gaps by sharing information on the different types of divorce paths in the state, grounds for ending marriages, and ways of handling processes such as serving divorce papers.

Through the firm's website, the attorneys also handle common concerns and frequently asked questions, such as whether a person can file for divorce if their spouse became pregnant by someone else during the marriage. Attorneys also guide individuals looking to find out whether they need a marriage certificate to file for divorce, or whether the case can be filed in any court nearby.

The law firm also leverages its platform to address key issues faced by individuals navigating divorce, including financial management. While uncontested divorces are becoming more popular thanks to minimal court involvement and clients having the freedom to determine their future, parties must prepare for financial implications. In one of its insightful publications, the firm shares considerations for dividing assets and debts and estate planning.

In addition to its educational resources, Law Office of Michael Ephraim supports parties undergoing uncontested divorce. The team not only helps them prepare agreements and ensure all paperwork is correct, but also works to make the processes smooth and stress-free. One of the firm's key advantages is its ability to streamline the divorce process; clients working with Law Office of Michael Ephraim are not always required to visit the firm's offices or make court appearances, allowing for a more efficient resolution.

About Law Office of Michael Ephraim:

Law Office of Michael Ephraim is a leading firm comprising a team of uncontested divorce attorneys who assist clients in expediting divorces. The firm also helps clients resolve other related issues, such as property and financial issues, while keeping legal fees competitive.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/223833

SOURCE: GetFeatured
This version replaces the news release disseminated on August 15, 2024, at 12:34 PM EDT

Summary: Jebaseelan Varuvel received a 2024 Global Recognition Award for his work in the semiconductor industry. He has led advancements in graphics processing units (GPUs), central processing units (CPUs), and systems on chips (SoCs), improving high-performance, low-power chip designs for electronics.

San Diego, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Jebaseelan Varuvel received a 2024 Global Recognition Award for his contributions to the semiconductor industry. The award highlights his work and advancements in chip design technology.

Photo Courtesy of Jebaseelan Varuvel

"This award is a significant milestone in my career," Varuvel shared. "It reflects the hard work and dedication that my team and I have put into advancing semiconductor technology."

Varuvel has led improvements in low-power semiconductor designs, working with major foundries. He has also received several commendations for his leadership and technical expertise at his current company.

Leading AI-Based GPU Physical Design

With over 19 years of experience, Varuvel has been a key player in advancing a leading semiconductor and telecommunications technology company's AI-based graphics processing unit (GPU) designs, essential for rendering images and videos in electronic devices. He oversees and manages complex semiconductor projects, directing over 25 final designs for application-specific integrated circuits (ASICs) and system-on-chips (SoCs), ensuring high performance and low power use.

Varuvel focuses on the timing and design of semiconductor GPUs and planning and executing projects to achieve high efficiency and effectiveness. He developed the Powerwhiz tool, which significantly boosts the power efficiency of hard macros and subsystems.

Recognitions and Awards

In addition to his technical work, Varuvel has earned multiple recognitions for his contributions to the semiconductor industry. He has served as a judge for the Golden Bridge Awards and the Globee Awards for Technology. He has also been awarded as a Gold Stevie Winner by the 2024 Stevie Awards for Technology Excellence.

His work includes recognition for "Dynamic Mstap Sink Assignments to Improve Clock and Total Power," which won Innovation of the Month. He has also received several commendations for his leadership and technical expertise at his current company.



Varuvel's Nomination for Fellow Membership in IETE and Senior Membership in IEEE

Varuvel has been nominated for the prestigious fellow membership in the Institution of Electronics and Telecommunication Engineers (IETE) and the senior membership in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE). These nominations recognize his outstanding contributions to electronics and telecommunications, highlighting years of dedicated service, research, and innovation.

Throughout his career, Varuvel has made significant advancements in electronics and telecommunications, with his work widely recognized by peers and industry leaders. His research has led to the development of cutting-edge technologies and has played a crucial role in shaping the future of telecommunications. The nomination for fellow membership in IETE testifies to his leadership and his contributions' impact on the field.

Varuvel on His Career and Future

In his closing remarks, Varuvel reflected on his career in the semiconductor industry, saying: "Working in this field has been a fulfilling experience. The recognition and awards are a result of continuous effort and dedication. I will keep striving to achieve high standards in all my projects."

Varuvel is enthusiastic about the future of semiconductor technology. "I'm excited to see how our work will shape the industry and drive technological progress," he added. "We have many projects coming up that I believe will significantly impact both consumers and businesses."

About Global Recognition Awards

The Global Recognition Awards is an international organization that acknowledges outstanding companies and individuals who have significantly contributed to their industries.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224638

SOURCE: Baden Bower
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Oculus VisionTech Inc. (TSXV: OVT) (OTCQB: OVTZ) (FSE: USF1) is pleased to announce the results of its 2024 Annual Meeting of Stockholders ("Meeting"). The Meeting was held on September 30, 2024 in Vancouver, British Columbia. All resolutions put forward at the meeting were approved by shareholders. A total of 54,974,235 common shares (60.13% of the 91,422,569 issued and outstanding shares of the Company entitled to vote as of the August 2, 2024 record date for the Meeting) were present in person or by proxy, constituted a quorum for the transaction of business and were voted at the Meeting. The agenda items submitted at the Meeting were passed as described below. Percentages indicated below reflect the percentage of the total number of shares voted at the Meeting with respect to that agenda item.

Agenda Item 1

The detailed results of voting by ballot in respect of the election of directors were as follows:

Nominee Votes For Votes Withheld Anton J. Drescher 47,630,634 (99.09%) 438,479 (0.91%) Fabrice Helliker 47,619,070 (99.06%) 450,043 (0.94%) Maurice Loverso 47,620,029 (99.07%) 449,084 (0.93%) Rowland Perkins 47,626,322 (99.08%) 442,791 (0.92%) Tom Perovic 47,495,811 (98.81%) 573,302 (1.19%) Ron Wages 47,635,631 (99.10%) 433,482 (0.90%)

There were 6,905,122 broker non-votes with respect to the election of directors. Votes that were withheld and broker non-votes were counted for the purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum but had no other effect on the election of directors.

Agenda Item 2

To ratify the appointment of Davidson & Company LLP, Chartered Professional Accountants, as the Company's independent public accounting firm for the fiscal year ending December 31, 2024. The votes cast for or against this agenda item, and the numbers of abstentions, were as follows:

For Against Abstain 54,298,826 (98.77%) 335.662 (0.61%) 339,747 (0.62)

There were no broker non-votes with respect to this agenda item. Abstentions were counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum, and abstentions were deemed to be "votes cast" and had the same effect as a vote against this agenda item.

Agenda Item 3

To approve the continuation of the Company's Omnibus Equity Incentive Compensation Plan. The votes cast for or against this agenda item, and the number of abstentions, were as follows:

For Against Abstain 47,457,787 (98.73%) 525,995 (1.09%) 85,331 (0.18%)

There were 6,905,122 broker non-votes with respect to this agenda item. Broker non-votes and abstentions were counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Abstentions were deemed to be "votes cast" and had the same effect as a vote against this agenda item. Broker non-votes were not deemed to be "votes cast", and therefore had no effect on the vote with respect to this proposal.

Agenda Item 4

To approve the compensation of the Company's named executive officers. The votes cast for or against this agenda item, and the number of abstentions, were as follows:

For Against Abstain 47,673,788 (99.17%) 315,765 (0.66%) 79,560 (0.17%)

There were 6,905,122 broker non-votes with respect to this agenda item. Broker non-votes and abstentions were counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Abstentions were deemed to be "votes cast" and had the same effect as a vote against this agenda item. Broker non-votes were not deemed to be "votes cast", and therefore had no effect on the vote with respect to this proposal.

Agenda Item 5

To approve the amendment to Company's Articles of Incorporation to change the Company's name to "Oculus Inc.", or such other name the Bord of Directors of the Company may approve. The votes cast for or against this agenda item, and the number of abstentions, were as follows:

For Against Abstain 54,091,241 (98.39%) 365,866 (0.67%) 517,126 (0.94%)

There were 2 broker non-votes with respect to this agenda item. Broker non-votes and abstentions were counted for purposes of determining the presence or absence of a quorum. Abstentions were deemed to be "votes cast" and had the same effect as a vote against this agenda item. Broker non-votes were not deemed to be "votes cast", and therefore had no effect on the vote with respect to this proposal.

The detailed "Report of Voting Results" on all resolutions for the Company's Meeting is available under the Company's profile on SEDAR+, on the Company's website, in the Company's Current Report on Form 8-K as filed with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission available under the Company's profile on EDGAR or upon request by contacting the Company's Corporate Secretary at (604) 685-1017.

About Oculus VisionTech

Oculus VisionTech Inc. (OVT), www.ovtz.com, is a cloud-native development-stage technology company focused on data compliance and digital privacy solutions for business customers worldwide. With offices in San Diego, California and Vancouver, British Columbia, the Company is currently expanding its' new ComplyTrust www.complytrust.com, product suite which includes the ComplyScan cloud data protection and compliance tool and Forget-Me-Yes B2B data privacy Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) platform, optimizing CCPA, GDPR, LGPD and other regulatory compliance legislation for Salesforce organizations worldwide that provide businesses with secure data privacy tools enabling sustained and continuous global regulatory compliance of data subject rights. OVTZ's legacy Cloud-DPS digital content protection solution implements invisible forensic watermarking technology that seamlessly embeds imperceptible tracking components into documents and video-frame content that enables tamper-proof legal auditability for intellectual property protection.

Learn more about Oculus at www.ovtz.com or follow us on Twitter (https://twitter.com/OculusVT) or Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/Oculus VisionTech /)

About ComplyTrust

ComplyTrust Inc. https://complytrust.com/, a 100% wholly-owned subsidiary of Oculus VisionTech, is specifically focused on providing enterprise organizations and individuals with secure data privacy tools that provide sustained and continuous global regulatory compliance of data subject rights. Headquartered in San Diego, California, ComplyTrust was founded by industry veteran storage technology experts and is operated by an experienced management team.

Learn more about ComplyTrust at https://complytrust.com/.

Website: http://ovtz.com/

TSXV: https://money.tmx.com/en/quote/OVT/companyprofile-section-company-spoke

US OTC Markets (OTCQB): https://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/OVTZ/security

Berlin Borse: https://www.boerse-berlin.com/index.php/Shares?isin=US67575Y1091

Frankfurt Borse: https://www.boerse-frankfurt.de/equity/oculus-visiontech

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 and information within the meaning of applicable securities laws (collectively, "forward-looking statements"), including the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements in this news release which are not purely historical are forward-looking statements and include any statements regarding beliefs, plans, expectations or intentions regarding the future. Such forward-looking statements include, among others, statements as to the intended uses of the proceeds received from the Offering. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "should", "budget", "schedules", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. Actual results could differ from those projected in any forward-looking statements due to numerous factors including risks and uncertainties relating to, among others, the change of business focus of the management of Oculus, the inability of Oculus to pursue its current business objectives, the ability of the Company to obtain any required governmental, regulatory or stock exchange approvals, permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSXV final acceptance of the Offering and any planned future activities, and obtain the financing required to carry out its planned future activities. Other factors such as general economic, market or business conditions or changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting the Company's industry, may also adversely affect the future results or performance of the Company. These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this news release and Oculus assumes no obligation to update the forward-looking statements, or to update the reasons why actual results could differ from those projected in these forward-looking statements. Although Oculus believes that the beliefs, plans, expectations and intentions contained in this news release are reasonable, there can be no assurance those beliefs, plans, expectations, or intentions will prove to be accurate.

Investors should consider all of the information set forth herein and should also refer to the risk factors disclosed in Oculus' periodic reports filed from time-to-time with the United States Securities Exchange Commission and Canadian securities regulators. These reports and Oculus' public filings are available at www.sec.gov in the United States and www.sedarplus.ca in Canada.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225271

SOURCE: Oculus VisionTech Inc.
Branson West, Missouri--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Ozarks Teen Challenge (OTC), an adolescent boys' Teen Challenge program in Missouri, stands firm in its commitment to providing top-notch care and support for struggling young men. Therefore, it has announced the launch of its new Equine Therapy service.







Ozarks Teen Challenge in Branson West, Missouri, announces the launch of its new Equine Therapy service

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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OTC refuses to accept the status quo and are determined to be a beacon of light for those who need it most. To do this effectively, Ozarks Teen Challenge has expanded its services. The newest of these services is Equine Therapy. The organization is proud to partner with Dogwood Ranch to launch the Healing Reins program, specifically designed to empower clients who struggle with trauma to hope again. Equine therapy utilizes creative approaches and multiple evidence-based modalities to bring about several benefits, including:

Emotional Regulation: Interacting with horses can help teenage males regulate their emotions and develop a sense of control and responsibility.

Trust Building: Building a bond with horses can help individuals who struggle with trust issues to develop meaningful connections and improve their interpersonal skills.

Confidence Building: Working with horses in a therapeutic setting can help bolster self-esteem and confidence, providing a platform for positive self-discovery and personal growth.

Stress Reduction: The calming presence of horses and the peaceful environment of the ranch can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being.

Communication Skills: Equine therapy encourages effective communication. As individuals learn to communicate with the horses and their therapists, this can translate to improved communication in other areas of life.

Responsibility: Caring for and working with horses imparts a sense of responsibility and accountability, which can be transformative for teenage males facing life-controlling issues.

These are just a few of the many benefits that equine therapy can offer to teenage males who are dealing with life-controlling struggles, including trauma, drug or alcohol abuse, and behavioral concerns such as defiance.

By leveraging the dynamic relationship between client and horse, this program enhances students' trust, communication, and coping skills. The team consists of qualified therapists and equine specialists who are highly skilled and experienced. This therapeutic offering is trauma-informed and specifically tailored to the clients at Ozarks Teen Challenge.







Equine therapy allows individuals to interact with horses, who are magnificent creatures, known for their sensitivity and intuition

To view an enhanced version of this graphic, please visit:

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Equine therapy allows individuals to interact with horses, who are magnificent creatures, known for their sensitivity and intuition. Research from the National Institute of Health has shown that the presence of animals in nature is an extremely helpful therapeutic resource, as it connects individuals with nature and evokes a sense of peace and harmony. Both experiences involve engaging with living beings in a way that can be deeply healing and restorative for individuals facing various challenges.

The responsibility of caring for and working with horses can also impart a sense of accountability, which can be transformative for teenagers dealing with defiance. Additionally, the calming presence of horses and the peaceful environment of the ranch can help alleviate stress and anxiety, promoting overall well-being and potentially leading to improved communication and trust within the family dynamic.

The numerous benefits of equine therapy, combined with the expertise of licensed therapists and equine specialists, create a powerful platform for emotional, behavioral, and spiritual growth. Clients at Ozarks Teen Challenge will experience personal development and have the opportunity to rediscover or strengthen a relationship with their loved ones. This comprehensive approach ensures that students receive the necessary support to find healing, hope, and freedom, fostering a transformative and nurturing environment for their overall well-being.

About the Company:

Ozarks Teen Challenge provides residential care for teenage boys ages 13-17 who struggle with trauma, drug and alcohol use, or behavioral challenges. For 18 years, the ministry has accepted students from nearly every state in America and has hosted international clients as well. Their mission is to help families flourish and find strength in change. The organization refuses to accept the status quo and is determined to be a beacon of light for those who need it most. To do this effectively, the goal is not merely to help clients and their families recover; the vision is to see them flourish.

Ozarks Teen Challenge provides resources and hope to the entire family, equipping them with a licensed professional counselor for family counseling, and an aftercare plan that reinforces long-term success even after client graduation. The organization is committed to individual care, ensuring each student receives a specific growth plan for their needs. For more information about Ozarks Teen Challenge, visit their website or call today at (417) 272-3784.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/224115

SOURCE: GetFeatured
Los Angeles, California--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Blind Logic Productions is proud to announce their support of "Blind Equality Achievement Month," which celebrates the organized blind movement during the month of October.







Throughout the month, members of the National Federation of the Blind (NFB), the transformative membership and advocacy organization of blind Americans, conduct a variety of outreach activities in communities throughout the fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Many activities center on "White Cane Awareness Day," also known as "Blind Americans Equality Day," on October 15th. For blind individuals, the white cane is an essential tool of independence and equality and is now celebrated as such rather than merely as a tool that keeps blind people safe.

The National Federation of the Blind moves toward their 85th anniversary in 2025 and the development of their new "Museum of the Blind People's Movement," the first museum to center the experiences of blind people in the United States. As Jack Teetor stated, "We are honored to be associated with the National Federation of the Blind and look forward to participating in this ground-breaking museum."

The award-winning documentary film, "Blind Logic: The Ralph R. Teetor Story," brings awareness to blindness and what individuals can achieve with courage, concentration, and determination. "Blind Logic" tells the inspirational story of an American blind visionary. Overcoming unthinkable odds, this remarkable automotive pioneer and leader was an inspiration to an entire industry. As Ralph Teetor stated in 1945, "I am not handicapped because I never considered myself so."

Mark Riccobono, President of the National Federation of the blind, said: "Ralph Teetor is one of many blind people throughout history who have demonstrated that blindness is not the characteristic that defines an individual or their future. The National federation of the blind continues to transform the lives of blind people of all ages with this truth today. Our Museum of the Blind People's Movement will share the stories of blind people, from the everyday to the extraordinary."

The Blind Logic Productions website has a "Living with Blindness" page providing links to resources for the blind. www.blindlogicproductions.com living-with-blindness. The site also has a page about how Ralph Teetor overcame adversity. www.blindlogicproductions.com.how-ralph-r-teetor-overcame-adversity-despite-being-blind

Credits include Editor Derek Tow, Composer Jim Andron, Photo Editor Daniel Teetor, and Sound Editing, Effects and Design by Darren King, Nikola Simikic, and Amanda Roy. Written, directed, and produced by Jack Teetor, this documentary is based on the book "One Man's Vision - The Life of Automotive Pioneer Ralph R. Teetor," by the late Marjorie Teetor Meyer.

For more information contact Deborah Gilels or visit our website below.

BLIND LOGIC PRODUCTIONS, LLC Los Angeles, CA www.blindlogicproductions.com

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225234

SOURCE: Pinion Partners
Under the 2024 training plan, practical demonstration classes on engineering training were conducted for commanders and their deputies, Azernews reports.

During the classes, servicemen received comprehensive information on fortifications, engineering barriers, modern engineering equipment and weaponry.

The classes also included demonstrations of techniques for clearing areas of mines and unexploded ordnance using Mechanical Mine-Clearing Equipment (MEMATT).

Additionally, participants observed the processes of creating passages through unexploded engineering obstacles and crossing barriers by laying pontoon bridges. The focus of the classes is to improve the capabilities of military personnel in installing and overcoming engineering obstacles, as well as to expand their knowledge of engineering training.
NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / 1847 Holdings LLC ("1847" or the "Company") (NYSE American:EFSH), a holding company specializing in identifying over-looked, deep value investment opportunities in middle market businesses, today announced the successful sale of High Mountain Door & Trim Inc. ("HMDT"), a division of 1847 Cabinets, to Builders FirstSource, Inc., the largest U.S. supplier of building products, prefabricated components, and value-added services to the professional market segment for new residential construction and repair and remodeling, for more than double the original purchase price.

Headquartered in Reno, Nevada, and founded in 2014, High Mountain specializes in all aspects of finished carpentry products and services. Under the terms of the purchase agreement, HMDT's operating assets were sold to Builders FirstSource, subject to a net working capital adjustment and other customary terms. 1847 expects to utilize a portion of the proceeds from the sale to continue its strategic mission of buying, operating and selling undervalued business.

Mr. Ellery W. Roberts, CEO of 1847 Holdings, commented, "This sale marks a strategic milestone for 1847, showcasing our ability to acquire, operate, and enhance the value of assets before selling them. The proceeds from this sale will be used to strengthen our financial position, pursue new growth initiatives, and potentially acquire other companies that offer accretive value and positive cash flow. This infusion of capital not only boosts our liquidity but also positions us to take advantage of new opportunities for value creation and expansion, ultimately benefiting our shareholders in the long run."

"This transaction is part of our broader strategy to optimize asset allocation and enhance overall shareholder returns. It also highlights the significant gap between the market valuation of 1847 and the intrinsic value of our portfolio companies. We believe this further underscores the compelling investment opportunity presented by 1847," concluded Mr. Roberts.

About 1847 Holdings LLC

1847 Holdings LLC (NYSE American:EFSH), a publicly traded diversified acquisition holding company, was founded by Ellery W. Roberts, a former partner of Parallel Investment Partners, Saunders Karp & Megrue, and Principal of Lazard Freres Strategic Realty Investors. 1847 Holdings' investment thesis is that capital market inefficiencies have left the founders and/or stakeholders of many small business enterprises or lower-middle market businesses with limited exit options despite the intrinsic value of their business. Given this dynamic, 1847 Holdings can consistently acquire businesses it views as "solid" for reasonable multiples of cash flow and then deploy resources to strengthen the infrastructure and systems of those businesses in order to improve operations. These improvements may lead to a sale or IPO of an operating subsidiary at higher valuations than the purchase price and/or alternatively, an operating subsidiary may be held in perpetuity and contribute to 1847 Holdings' ability to pay regular and special dividends to shareholders. For more information, visit www.1847holdings.com.

For the latest insights, follow 1847 on Twitter.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release may contain information about 1847 Holdings' view of its future expectations, plans and prospects that constitute forward-looking statements. All forward-looking statements are based on our management's beliefs, assumptions and expectations of our future economic performance, taking into account the information currently available to it. These statements are not statements of historical fact. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of factors, risks and uncertainties, some of which are not currently known to us, that may cause our actual results, performance or financial condition to be materially different from the expectations of future results, performance or financial position. Our actual results may differ materially from the results discussed in forward-looking statements. Factors that might cause such a difference include but are not limited to the risks set forth in "Risk Factors" included in our SEC filings.

Contact:

Crescendo Communications, LLC

Tel: +1 (212) 671-1020

Email: EFSH@crescendo-ir.com

SOURCE: 1847 Holdings LLC
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Fremont Gold Ltd. (TSXV: FRE) (OTCQB: FRERF) (FSE: FR20) ("Fremont" or the "Company") announces that it has agreed to settle outstanding debts owed to two current and one former member of its management team totalling $499,333. The debts relate to unpaid remuneration and unreimbursed expenses that began accumulating in mid 2021. The Company has entered into debt settlement agreements with each of Dennis Moore, the Company's President, interim Chairman and a director of the Company, Paul Hansed, the Company's CFO, a company controlled by Mr. Hansed and a company controlled by Clay Newton, the Company's former Vice President of Exploration.

The agreements provide for the following (collectively the "Debt Settlements"):

Issuance by the Company to the debtors of a total of 2,097,762 common shares at a deemed price of $0.10 per share (being the unit price of the non-brokered private placement that closed in July 2024) having a total deemed value of $209,776;

Immediate payment of a total of $100,000; and

Deferred payment of a total of $109,777 to take place following the closing of the Company's next equity financing.

In addition, the two current members of the management team have agreed to forgive a total of $79,780 in debt (being 20% of the total amount owing to each).

As the common shares will be issued to a non-arm's length parties to the Company, the Debt Settlements 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 Debt Settlements are exempt from the formal valuation requirements and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 pursuant to Section 5.5(a) and Section 5.7(1)(a) as the value of the common shares issued in the Debt Settlements will not exceed 25% of the Company's market capitalization.

Completion of the Debt Settlements is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. Shares issued in connection with the Debt Settlements will be subject to a four-month hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

About Fremont Gold

The Company's mine-finding management team has a track record of creating shareholder value and has assembled a highly prospective portfolio of potential tier one copper-gold mineral opportunities in the Central Tethyan Mineral Belt in Armenia. The Tethyan Belt is one of the world's most prolific gold, copper and polymetallic mineral belts, yet the Armenian portion of the belt is vastly underexplored.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

"Joel Sutherland"

CEO

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 statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. 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 including the risks detailed from time to time in the filings made by the Company with securities regulations. The reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking information. 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 will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements only as expressly required by Canadian securities law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225224

SOURCE: Fremont Gold Ltd.
THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA OR TO BE TRANSMITTED, DISTRIBUTED TO, OR SENT BY, ANY NATIONAL OR RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF ANY SUCH COUNTRIES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION MAY CONTRAVENE LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS.

This announcement is an advertisement and not an admission document or a prospectus and does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or issue or a solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy any securities nor should it be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction. Potential investors should not purchase or subscribe for any transferable securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of the information in the final form of an admission document (the "Admission Document") which may be published in due course in connection with the proposed admission of its issued and to be issued common shares ("Common Shares") to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock Exchange plc ("AIM") ("Admission"). Upon such publication the Admission Document will supersede this announcement and the information contained herein in its entirety and your investment decision, if any, must be made only on the basis of the information contained therein. It should be noted that an investment in any transferable securities referred to in this announcement carries a number of risks and that the value of investments may go down as well as up. Investors should take independent advice from a person experienced in advising on investment in securities such as those referred to in this announcement if they are in doubt.

CASCAIS, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Pulsar Helium Inc. (TSXV:PLSR)(OTCQB:PSRHF) ("Pulsar" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that it has entered into agreements with FlowComms Limited ("FlowComms"), BlytheRay, and Fundamental Research Corp. ("Fundamental Research") in connection with its ongoing application for the admission to trading of the Company's common shares on AIM.

Established in 2015, FlowComms is a London, U.K. based specialist corporate service provider focused on delivering social media, digital content creation, and market engagement services primarily for small cap listed companies. The Company has engaged FlowComms for an initial period of 3 months (the "Initial Term"), after which time the term shall review automatically on a rolling basis. The agreement is to terminate at the end of the Initial Term or on either party serving notice to terminate of at least 3 calendar months. FlowComms' monthly fee of 2,430 is to be paid in cash, invoiced upon a quarterly basis in advance; this fee covers up to 20 man-hours per month, with additional hours to be charged at a rate of 125 per hour. FlowComms will provide digital engagement services to the Company that includes maintaining and operating digital tools and social media communications; creating regular original and organic media content about the Company; and building a wide-reaching profile across various investor ecosystems. It will also provide market engagement services, including integrating social media data into a broader communications strategy; designing and disseminating communication flows, video clips, events, conference call marketing etc. to drive investor engagement; working with the Company to engage and collaborate with key investor and social media influencers; and providing input to corporate development workstreams, including presentation materials and service providers. FlowComms advises the Company that it does not currently hold any common shares in the Company; as such, FlowComms and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities.

The Company has engaged London, U.K. based BlytheRay to carry out public relations services and activities for a monthly fee of 2,550 prior to Admission on AIM and a revised monthly fee of 3,500 post Admission on AIM, which the Company will pay from cash on hand. Such services and activities include advising the Company on all aspects of its communications with the investment community and the media; co-advising on the form and content of announcements and press releases; releasing announcements required by the AIM Rules for Companies to a Regulatory Information Service on behalf of the Company; managing the

Company's social media; and arranging meetings between the Company and analysts, journalists, existing and potential investors. The Company's agreement with BlytheRay can be terminated by either party giving three months' notice in writing. BlytheRay has advised the Company that it does not currently hold any common shares in the Company; as such, BlytheRay and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities.

Headquartered in Vancouver, B.C., Fundamental Research provides fee-based coverage to publicly traded companies. The Company has engaged Fundamental Research to produce one initiating coverage report and up to three update reports over a 12-month period (collectively, the "Research Reports"). The Research Reports are to include a full financial analysis and an analysis of the Company's industry and operations. The fee for the preparation of the Research Reports is $30,000, which the Company has paid from cash on hand upon execution of its agreement with Fundamental Research. Fundamental Research has advised the Company that it does not currently hold any common shares in the Company; as such, Fundamental Research and the Company are unrelated and unaffiliated entities.

The agreements with FlowComms and BlytheRay are subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

About Pulsar Helium Inc.

Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange with the ticker PLSR and on the OTCQB with the ticker PSRHF. Pulsar's portfolio consists of its flagship Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA, that has been drilled and flowed up to 14.5% helium, USA and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences not associated with the production of hydrocarbons identified at each. For further information visit https://pulsarhelium.com, follow us on X https://twitter.com/pulsarhelium?lang=en and LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/pulsar-helium-inc.

On behalf Pulsar Helium Inc.

"Thomas Abraham-James"

President, CEO and Director

Further Information:

Thomas Abraham-James President,

CEO and Director Pulsar Helium Inc.

connect@pulsarhelium.com

+ 1 (604) 599-0310

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.

IMPORTANT INFORMATION

The communication of this announcement is not being made, and has not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.

The contents of this announcement, which has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of the Company, has not been approved by either of Strand Hanson Limited ("Strand") or OAK Securities (a trading name of Merlin Partners LLP) ("OAK") for the purposes of section 21(2)(b) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (as amended).

Neither this announcement nor any copy of it may be taken or transmitted, published or distributed, directly or indirectly, in, into or from any restricted jurisdiction or to any persons in any of those jurisdictions or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant securities laws of such jurisdiction. Any failure to comply with this restriction may constitute a violation of United States, Australian, Japanese or South African securities laws.

This announcement does not constitute, or form part of, any offer or invitation to sell or issue, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any shares or other securities in any restricted jurisdiction. The distribution of this announcement and other information in connection with the Admission in certain jurisdictions may be restricted by law and persons into whose possession this announcement, any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restrictions. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Neither this announcement nor any part of it nor the fact of its distribution shall form the basis of or be relied on in connection with or act as an inducement to enter into any contract or commitment whatsoever.

This announcement is directed only at persons whose ordinary activities involve them in acquiring, holding, managing and disposing of investments (as principal or agent) for the purposes of their business and who have professional experience in matters relating to investments and are: (i) if in a member state of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), Qualified Investors as defined in article 2(e) of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the "EU Prospectus Regulation"); (ii) if in the United Kingdom, are Qualified Investors as defined in article 2(e) of the EU Prospectus Regulation as it forms part of domestic law pursuant to the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018 and (a) fall within article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005, as amended (the "Order") or (b) are persons who fall within article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order, or (c) to whom it may otherwise be lawfully distributed (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons").

This announcement must not be acted on or relied on by persons who are not Relevant Persons. Persons distributing this announcement must satisfy themselves that it is lawful to do so. Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to Relevant Persons and will be engaged in only with Relevant Persons. This announcement does not itself constitute an offer for sale or subscription of any securities in the Company.

The Common Shares referred to in this Announcement have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "US Securities Act") or with any securities regulatory authority of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration under the US Securities Act or an available exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the US Securities Act and in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.

Any subscription for or purchase of Common Shares should be made solely on the basis of the information contained in the final Admission Document to be published by the Company in connection with the Admission. The information in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may or should be placed for any purposes whatsoever on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, completeness or fairness. The information in this announcement is subject to change. However, the Company does not undertake to provide the recipient of this announcement with any additional information, or to update this announcement or to correct any inaccuracies, and the distribution of this announcement shall not be deemed to be any form of commitment on the part of the Company to proceed with the Admission or any transaction or arrangement referred to in this announcement. This announcement has not been approved by any competent regulatory authority.

Strand and/or OAK and any of their respective affiliates, acting as investors for their own accounts, may subscribe for or purchase Common Shares and in that capacity may retain, purchase, sell, offer to sell or otherwise deal for their own accounts in such Common Shares and other securities of the Company or related investments in connection with the Admission or otherwise. Accordingly, references in the Admission Document, once published, to the Common Shares being offered, subscribed, acquired, placed or otherwise dealt in should be read as including any offer to, or subscription, acquisition, placing or dealing by Strand and/or OAK and any of their respective affiliates acting as investors for their own accounts. In addition, Strand and/or OAK or their respective affiliates may enter into financing arrangements and swaps in connection with which it or its affiliates may from time to time acquire, hold or dispose of Common Shares. Neither Strand nor OAK has any intention to disclose the extent of any such investment or transactions otherwise than in accordance with any legal or regulatory obligations to do so.

Strand, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company as the Company's nominated adviser for the purposes of the AIM Rules for Companies ("AIM Rules") and no one else in connection with the Admission, and Strand will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Admission or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

OAK, which is authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority in the United Kingdom is acting exclusively for the Company as the Company's broker for the purposes of the AIM Rules and no one else in connection with the Admission, and OAK will not be responsible to anyone other than the Company for providing the protections afforded to its clients or for providing advice in relation to the Admission or any other matters referred to in this announcement.

Neither Strand, nor OAK nor any of their respective subsidiary undertakings, affiliates or any of their respective directors, officers, employees, advisers, agents or any other person accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for, or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy, completeness or fairness of the information or opinions contained in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of this announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith and any liability therefore is expressly disclaimed.

The anticipated timetable for Admission, including the publication of the Admission Document and/or the date of Admission, may be influenced by a range of circumstances, including market conditions. There is no guarantee that the Admission Document will be published or that Admission will occur and investors should not base their financial decisions on the Company's intentions in relation to the Admission at this stage.

The price of shares and any income expected from them may go down as well as up and investors may not get back the full amount invested upon disposal of the shares. Past performance is no guide to future performance, and persons needing advice should consult an independent financial adviser. Certain figures contained in this announcement, including financial information, have been subject to rounding adjustments. Accordingly, in certain instances, the sum or percentage change of the numbers contained in this announcement may not conform exactly to the total figure given.

Neither the content of the Company's website nor any website accessible by hyperlinks on the Company's website is incorporated in, or forms part of, this announcement.

Solely for the purposes of Paragraph 3.2.7R regarding the responsibilities of UK Manufacturers under the Product Governance requirements contained within Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any "manufacturer" (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Common Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of (a) retail investors, (b) investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and (c) eligible counterparties, each as defined in UK Product Governance Requirements; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by UK Product Governance Requirements (the "Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Fundraising. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to, the Common Shares.

For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Placing Shares.

Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Placing Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

EU Product Governance Requirements

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (a) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended ("EU MiFID II"); (b) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing EU MiFID II; and (c) local implementing measures (together, the "EU MiFID II Product Governance Requirements"), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, which any 'manufacturer' (for the purposes of the EU MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Common Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Common Shares are: (i) compatible with an end target market of retail clients and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (ii) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by EU MiFID II (the "EU Target Market Assessment"). Notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, distributors should note that: the price of the Common Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Common Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Common Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The EU Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the possible Offer. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the EU Target Market Assessment, the Investment Firms will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the EU Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (a) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of EU MiFID II; or (b) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Common Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Common Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release and the interview contains forward-looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation (collectively, "forward-looking statements") that relate to the Company's current expectations and views of future events. Any statements that express, or involve discussions as to, expectations, beliefs, plans, objectives, assumptions or future events or performance (often, but not always, through the use of words or phrases such as "will likely result", "are expected to", "expects", "will continue", "is anticipated", "anticipates", "believes", "estimated", "intends", "plans", "forecast", "projection", "strategy", "objective" and "outlook") are not historical facts and may be forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, statements relating to the Company's intention to apply for admission to trading of the Company's common shares on the AIM Market of the London Stock Exchange and the timing of its targeted admission; the independent resource estimate for helium and CO2 at Topaz; the potential of CO2 as a valuable by-product of the Company's future helium production; the estimated Geological Chance of Success for the Prospective Resources and the Chance of Commerciality of Topaz; the potential for deepening Jetstream #1 and the potential impact of such deepening on the next iteration of the resource estimate; the Company's expectation that its application on an additional 32,949 acres for the extraction of non-hydrocarbon gases will be granted in the near term; and the intended use of proceeds from the AIM IPO. Forward-looking statements may involve estimates and are based upon assumptions made by management of the Company, including, but not limited to, the Company's capital cost estimates, management's expectations regarding the availability of capital to fund the Company's future capital and operating requirements and the ability to obtain all requisite regulatory approvals.

No reserves have been assigned in connection with the Company's property interests to date, given their early stage of development. The future value of the Company is therefore dependent on the success or otherwise of its activities, which are principally directed toward the future exploration, appraisal and development of its assets, and potential acquisition of property interests in the future. Un-risked Contingent and Prospective Helium Volumes have been defined at the Topaz Project. However, estimating helium volumes is subject to significant uncertainties associated with technical data and the interpretation of that data, future commodity prices, and development and operating costs. There can be no guarantee that the Company will successfully convert its helium volume to reserves and produce that estimated volume. Estimates may alter significantly or become more uncertain when new information becomes available due to for example, additional drilling or production tests over the life of field. As estimates change, development and production plans may also vary. Downward revision of helium volume estimates may adversely affect the Company's operational or financial performance.

Helium volume estimates are expressions of judgement based on knowledge, experience and industry practice. These estimates are imprecise and depend to some extent on interpretations, which may ultimately prove to be inaccurate and require adjustment or, even if valid when originally calculated, may alter significantly when new information or techniques become available. As further information becomes available through additional drilling and analysis the estimates are likely to change. Any adjustments to volume could affect the Company's exploration and development plans which may, in turn, affect the Company's performance. The process of estimating helium resources is complex and requires significant decisions and assumptions to be made in evaluating the reliability of available geological, geophysical, engineering, and economic date for each property. Different engineers may make different estimates of resources, cash flows, or other variables based on the same available data.

Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's control, which could cause actual results and events to differ materially from those that are disclosed in or implied by such forward- looking statements. Such risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, that Pulsar may be unsuccessful in drilling commercially productive wells; the uncertainty of resource estimation; operational risks in conducting exploration, including that drill costs may be higher than estimates and the potential for delays in the commencement of drilling; commodity prices; health, safety and environmental factors; and other factors set forth above as well as under "Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements and Market and Industry Data" and "Risk Factors" in the Final Prospectus dated July 31, 2023 filed on the Company's profile on www.sedarplus.ca. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release are as of the date of this news release, and the Company undertakes no obligation 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 law. New factors emerge from time to time, and it is not possible for the Company to predict all of them or assess the impact of each such factor or the extent to which any factor, or combination of factors, may cause results to differ materially from those contained in any forward-looking statement. No assurance can be given that the forward-looking statements herein will prove to be correct and, accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Any forward-looking statements contained in this news release and interview are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement.

SOURCE: Pulsar Helium Inc.
(All amounts in US$ unless otherwise indicated)

Capstone Copper Corp. ("Capstone" or the "Company") (TSX:CS) (ASX:CSC) today announced the results of a feasibility study ("FS") for its Mantoverde Optimized brownfield expansion project ("MV Optimized" or "MV-O").

John MacKenzie, Capstone's Chief Executive Officer, commented, "We are excited to release the results of our MV Optimized Feasibility Study which, when combined with our recently released Santo Domingo Feasibility Study, defines the next phase of transformational growth for Capstone. MV Optimized is a capital efficient, high return and low risk expansion project that is expected to bring on an additional 20,000 tonnes per annum of copper for approximately $146 million of capital. We see the MV-SD district producing approximately 250,000 tonnes of copper per annum, placing it amongst the largest producing copper districts in the world, with very attractive unit cash costs. Between MV Optimized and Santo Domingo, we expect to have significant optionality to surface further value, including through exploration drilling which has not been performed at Mantoverde since 2019. Our team is committed to pursuing the highest standards in safety and environmental management as well as continued engagement with all stakeholders as we progress our growth plans. The ramp up of the current Mantoverde Development Project continues to progress well and I am thrilled that the plant achieved commercial production in September."

MANTOVERDE OPERATION SUMMARY

Mantoverde (70%-owned by Capstone Copper and 30%-owned by Mitsubishi Materials Corporation) is an open-pit copper-gold mine located in the Atacama region of Chile. Since the 1990s, Mantoverde operated as an oxide mine producing copper cathodes from its 60,000 tonnes per annum capacity SX-EW plant. Last year in 2023, Capstone Copper completed construction of the Mantoverde Development Project ("MVDP") that enabled the mine to process its copper sulphide reserves, in addition to existing oxide reserves. The MVDP involved the addition of a sulphide concentrator (nominal 32,000 ore tonnes per day ("tpd")) and tailings storage facility, and the expansion of the existing desalination plant and other minor infrastructure. First saleable copper concentrate at MVDP was produced in June 2024 and commercial production was achieved in September 2024. Commercial production is defined as the achievement of reaching a minimum of 30 consecutive days of operations during which the mill operated at an average of 75% of nameplate throughput of 32,000 tpd.

MANTOVERDE OPTIMIZED FEASIBILITY STUDY

MV OPTIMIZED HIGHLIGHTS

MV Optimized is a capital efficient debottlenecking expansion of the existing sulphide concentrator from throughput of 32 ktpd to 45 ktpd

An extended 25-year mine life is supported by a higher sulphide Mineral Reserve 1 estimate of 398 million tonnes at a copper grade of 0.49% and a gold grade of 0.10 grams per tonne Sulphide Mineral Reserve tonnes have increased by 68% while contained copper has increased by 40%

estimate of 398 million tonnes at a copper grade of 0.49% and a gold grade of 0.10 grams per tonne The updated oxide Mineral Reserve 2 estimate is 236 million tonnes at a soluble copper grade of 0.21% Oxide Mineral Reserve tonnes have increased by 18% while contained copper has increased by 11%

estimate is 236 million tonnes at a soluble copper grade of 0.21% Expansionary capital of $146 million yields total incremental production of 368,000 tonnes of copper and 215,000 ounces of gold compared to the previous technical report, reflecting a capital intensity of approximately $7,500 per tonne of incremental annual copper equivalent production

Over the next five years, annual production from Mantoverde is expected to average 135,000 tonnes of copper and 37,000 ounces of gold at attractive C1 cash costs of $1.81 per payable pound of copper produced Over the 25-year mine life, production is expected to average 81,000 tonnes of copper and 32,000 ounces of gold at robust C1 cash costs of $2.04 per payable pound of copper produced

MV Optimized outlines an after-tax net present value at an 8% discount rate ("NPV8%") of $2.9 billion for the Mantoverde operation on a 100%-basis based on a $4.10/lb long-term copper price assumption

Capstone plans to begin construction of MV Optimized following acceptance of its environmental DIA permit application and subject to Board approvals. The DIA permit application was submitted in H1 2024 and approval is expected in H1 2025

The Company plans to progress several value enhancement initiatives within the Mantoverde-Santo Domingo ("MV-SD") district, noted in the Opportunities section but not yet incorporated into the base case MV Optimized plan, including: Processing of oxide material from Capstone's neighbouring Santo Domingo and Sierra Norte projects using Mantoverde's excess SX-EW capacity Recovery of cobalt and additional copper from a pyrite concentrate Ongoing exploration of the MV-SD district, including the recently acquired Sierra Norte deposit



A summary of key production and cost details for MV Optimized can be found below. For further details, please refer to Exhibit 1 at the end of this news release.

______________________________ 1 Composed of 219 million tonnes in the Proven category and 179 million tonnes in the Probable category. Please refer to the detailed breakdown of the Mantoverde Mineral Reserve estimate below. 2 Composed of 148 million tonnes in the Proven category and 88 million tonnes in the Probable category. Please refer to the detailed breakdown of the Mantoverde Mineral Reserve estimate below.

2025- 2029 Avg. 2030- 2034 Avg. 2035- 2039 Avg. 2040- 2044 Avg. 2045- 2049 Avg. First 10 Years Avg. 2025- 2049 Total Production Contained Copper in Concentrate tonnes (000s) 99 90 69 47 32 95 1,684 Copper Cathodes tonnes (000s) 36 21 13 28 347 Total Copper tonnes (000s) 135 111 82 47 32 123 2,031 Gold in Concentrate ounces (000s) 37 43 36 26 19 40 805 C1 Cash Costs3 Sulphides C1 Cash Cost / payable lb Cu $1.48 $1.61 $2.42 $2.40 $2.18 $1.54 $1.90 Cathodes C1 Cash Cost / payable lb Cu $2.68 $2.74 $2.64 n/a n/a $2.70 $2.69 Combined C1 Cash Cost / payable lb Cu $1.81 $1.83 $2.46 $2.40 $2.18 $1.82 $2.04

MV OPTIMIZED EXPANSIONARY CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE

The current process infrastructure of the MVDP can sustain up to 45,000 tpd by debottlenecking minor components of the plant. The expansionary capital costs for MV Optimized have been estimated at $146 million as shown in the following table. This reflects a total capital intensity of approximately $7,500 per tonne of incremental annual copper equivalent production.

EXPANSIONARY CAPITAL COST ESTIMATE (by area) ($ millions) Mine 38 Concentrator processing plant 84 Oxide leach optimization 17 Desalination plant 7 TOTAL EXPANSIONARY CAPITAL COST 146

______________________________ 3 C1 cash costs are net of gold by-product credits and selling costs. These are Non-GAAP performance measures; please see "Non-GAAP and Other Performance Measures" at the end of this news release.

Capital for the mine of approximately $38 million reflects the addition of one hydraulic shovel and five haul trucks to support the expanded mining and processing rate of nearly 45,000 tpd, compared to the current nameplate capacity at the Mantoverde Development Project of 32,000 tpd. The strip ratio for MV Optimized has increased to 2.7:1 compared to 2.1:1 for MVDP.

Capital for the processing plant of approximately $84 million reflects additional and/or upgrades to equipment, notably including pipes, pumps, flotation cells, cyclone feed pumps, electrical cabling, and other auxiliary infrastructure to debottleneck the plant.

Capital for the oxide leach optimization of approximately $17 million reflects infrastructure for improved heap and dump management, plus the conversion of the dynamic heap to a bioleach facility to extract sulphide-based copper. The conversion of the dynamic heap to a bioleach facility will also facilitate the potential future extraction of cobalt.

Capital for the desalination plant of approximately $7 million reflects upgrades to ensure a stable flow of the required water for MV Optimized.

For a breakdown of annual capital expenditures, including sustaining and deferred stripping capital, please see Exhibit 1 at the end of this news release.

MINERAL RESERVE ESTIMATE

The Mineral Reserves detailed below consider both oxide and sulphide mineralization as part of the Mantoverde Optimized study. Mantoverde is an open pit-mining complex where oxide ore is treated through both Heap and Dump (ROM) leaching processes and recovered via conventional SX-EW plant to produce copper cathodes. The sulphide ore is processed using a concentrator plant.

The Mineral Reserve was developed by Capstone and contains all Proven and Probable category material planned for processing in MV-O. The designed pit was based on a Lerchs-Grossman optimization process using Whittle software and a detailed phased pit design using the oxide and sulphide pit shells. As a result of the optimization process, six mine phases for oxide material and 15 mine phases for sulphide material were designed to prioritize the higher-grade zones within the mineral extraction plan, while maintaining suitable working widths that would enable high productivity mining sequences using large-scale mining equipment. Mining assumes conventional open pit operations using truck-and-shovel technology.

Following is the current Mineral Reserve Estimate as at June 1, 2024.

Mineral Reserves Flotation Category Tonnage (Mt) Grade Contained Metal TCu % Au g/t Cu (kt) Au (koz) Flotation Sulphide Proven 181 0.58 0.10 1,044 602 Probable 160 0.41 0.09 656 474 Total 341 0.50 0.10 1,700 1,077 Flotation Mixed Proven 38 0.49 0.08 187 99 Probable 19 0.35 0.08 68 47 Total 58 0.44 0.08 255 146 Flotation Sulphide Mixed Proven 219 0.56 0.10 1,231 702 Probable 179 0.40 0.09 723 521 Total Reserves 398 0.49 0.10 1,954 1,223 Mineral Reserves Leach Category Tonnage (Mt) Grade Contained Metal TCu % SCu% Cu (kt) SCu (kt) Heap leach Oxide Mixed Proven 76 0.40 0.30 300 226 Probable 37 0.36 0.27 132 101 Total 113 0.38 0.29 432 327 Dump leach Oxide Mixed Proven 72 0.18 0.14 131 99 Probable 51 0.20 0.14 102 69 Total 123 0.19 0.14 233 168 Heap Dump Leach Oxide Mixed Proven 148 0.29 0.22 432 325 Probable 88 0.27 0.19 234 170 Total Reserves 236 0.28 0.21 665 495

Mineral Reserve Estimate Notes: 1) Mineral Reserves are reported on a 100% basis as constrained within Measured and Indicated Resources and pit designs included within the mine schedule. The attributable percentage to Capstone Copper is 69.993%. Figures include stockpiles as of June 1 2024 that are scheduled to be processed within the MVO plan. The block model is considered to be fully diluted and no dilution or mining losses are applied. 2) The pit designs and mine plan were optimized using assumed metal prices of $3.50/lb Cu and $1,500/oz Au. 3) Mineral Reserves for flotation are estimated above a 0.20% Total Copper (TCu) cut-off. 4) Mineral Reserves for leach are estimated above a 0.10% Soluble Copper (SCu) cut-off for Dump leach, with a variable Heap cut-off between 0.16% and 0.21% SCu to reflect ore availability. Leach-grade material mined after 2037 was scheduled as waste. 5) LOM feed to flotation averaged 87.7% total copper recovery and 65.3% gold recovery. 6) Average heap leach recovery applied in Mine Planning was 71.5% of SCu and 50% of ICu, where ICu TCu SCu. Average dump leach recovery applied in Mine Planning was 38.0% of SCu. 7) Mineral Reserves considered the following average costs: mining cost of $1.87 per tonne moved; $10.11/t flotation processing+tails+G&A; $0.31/lb TC/RC+freight for flotation; $10.14/t heap+G&A; $1.78/t dump leach; $0.35/lb SX/EW costs; and $0.05/lb cathode selling cost. Heap leach Reserve figures include the costs and benefits of bioleaching. 8) Inter-ramp angles in rock vary from 52 to 59. The LOM strip ratio is 2.7:1. 9) Rounding as required by reporting standards may result in apparent summation differences between tonnes, grade and contained metal content. 10) Grade TCu% refers to total copper grade in percent sent to the mill for metallurgical recovery by flotation. Grade SCu% refers to soluble copper grade in percent sent to the leaching processes. Tonnages are in metric units and contained ounces (oz) are troy ounces.

MINERAL RESOURCE ESTIMATE

Mantoverde estimated the Mineral Resource using drill data available as of October 17, 2022. The database included 5,109 drill holes, totaling 937,629 meters of drilling, with data composited into 10-meter intervals. The estimation was based on a three-dimensional geological model that incorporated interpretations of lithology, mineralization, and spatial relationships relative to the Mantoverde Fault. The orebody was modeled using a probabilistic approach based on indicator models.

Grades of TCu, SCu, Au, cobalt (Co) and calcium carbonate (CaCO3) were estimated within a three-dimensional block model using Ordinary Kriging interpolation, applied in three progressively larger passes. Variograms were constructed for each of the sixteen estimation units, supporting the identification of ellipsoid anisotropy and linear trends in the data. High-grade outliers were managed through high-yield restriction (HYR).

Mineral Resources were classified using a geometrical variation of the indicator method (metal and tonnage), which models expected errors and provides a confidence level for production volume estimates. This approach helps quantify the estimation errors in production volumes with a defined level of confidence.

The Mineral Resource Estimates are reported inclusive of those Mineral Resources that have been converted to Mineral Reserves, and use the definitions set out in the 2014 Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM) Definition Standards for Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves (the 2014 CIM Definition Standards). Mineral Resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

Following is the current Mineral Resource Estimate as at June 1, 2024.

Mantoverde Mineral Resource Flotation Sulphide Mixed, Inclusive of Mineral Reserves

Category Tonnage (Mt) Grade Contained TCu % Au g/t Co ppm Cu (kt) Au (koz) Co (kt) Mantoverde Sulphides (Flotation) Measured 187.5 0.57 0.10 178 1,069 603 33 Indicated 332.0 0.41 0.10 134 1,369 1,068 45 Total Measured Indicated 519.5 0.47 0.10 150 2,438 1,671 78 Total Inferred 553.1 0.37 0.08 62 2,046 1,423 34 Mantoverde Mixed (Flotation) Measured 38.9 0.47 0.09 85 183 113 3 Indicated 36.3 0.36 0.09 101 132 106 4 Total Measured Indicated 75.2 0.42 0.09 93 315 218 7 Total Inferred 17.8 0.29 0.06 30 52 34 1 Mantoverde Sulphides Mixed (Flotation) Measured 226.4 0.55 0.10 162 1,252 715 37 Indicated 368.3 0.41 0.10 131 1,501 1,174 48 Total Measured Indicated 594.7 0.46 0.10 143 2,753 1,889 85 Total Inferred 570.9 0.37 0.08 61 2,098 1,457 35

Mantoverde Mineral Resource Heap and Dump Leach Oxide Mixed, Inclusive of Mineral Reserves

Category Tonnage (Mt) Grade %TCu Grade %SCu Contained Cu (kt) Mantoverde Oxides Mixed Heap Leach Measured 101.8 0.46 0.35 356 Indicated 63.3 0.40 0.30 190 Total Measured Indicated 165.1 0.44 0.33 546 Total Inferred 11.5 0.37 0.28 32 Mantoverde Oxides Mixed Dump Leach Measured 153.9 0.22 0.15 231 Indicated 153.3 0.21 0.14 215 Total Measured Indicated 307.2 0.22 0.15 445 Total Inferred 59.5 0.22 0.14 83 Mantoverde Oxides Mixed Heap Dump Leach Measured 255.7 0.32 0.23 587 Indicated 216.6 0.27 0.19 405 Total Measured Indicated 472.3 0.29 0.21 992 Total Inferred 71.0 0.24 0.16 116

Mineral Resource Estimate Notes: 1) Mineral Resources are inclusive of Mineral Reserves. Mineral Resources, including stockpiles and in situ material, are reported in accordance with the 2014 CIM Definition Standards. 2) Mineral Resources are reported on a 100% basis. The attributable ownership percentage to Capstone Copper is 69.993%. 3) Cut-off grade: 3.1. Dump Leach: Oxide: 0.10% SCu 0.20% and oxidation state=1, Mixed 0.10% SCu 0.20% and SCu/TCu 50% and oxidation state=2. 3.2. Heap Leach: Oxide: SCu 0.20% and oxidation state=1, Mixed: SCu 0.20% and SCu/TCu 50% and oxidation state=2. 3.3. Flotation: Sulphide: TCu 0.20% and oxidation state=3, Mixed: TCu 0.20% and SCu/TCu 50% and oxidation state=2. 4) The Mineral Resource pit is based on $4.00/lb Cu and $1,700/oz Au based on long-term forecast pricing. 5) Tonnes are reported on a dry basis. 6) Contained Metal (CM) is calculated using the following formulae: 6.1. CM Tonnage (Mt) TCu (%) *10 for sulphides 6.2. CM Tonnage (Mt) SCu (%) *10 for oxides 6.3. CM Tonnage (Mt) g/t Au*1,000/31.1035 for sulphides and Mixed. 6.4. CM Tonnage (Mt) Co (ppm)/1,000 for sulphides and Mixed 7) Flotation recovery is based on a geometallurgical model, 90.44% TCu and 67.87% Au average for Sulphides and 72.77% TCu and 61.73% Au average for Mixed. Heap Leach recovery is based on operating data, expressed in algorithms per mineral model zone considering both SCu and CaCO3 grades. The average heap leach recovery is 67.64% SCu, with an additional 50% recovery of ICu achieved through the bioleaching process (where ICu TCu SCu). For dump leaching, the recovery averages 38.9% SCu, based on operational data. 8) Tonnage and contained metal have been rounded to reflect the accuracy of the estimate and numbers may not add exactly. 9) Mineral resources that are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability.

COMMODITY PRICING

The MV-O FS assumes analyst consensus commodity price assumptions for copper and gold.

Copper

Capstone markets copper concentrate from its four mining operations. Mantoverde copper concentrate is generally considered clean and low in impurities (deleterious or penalty elements). Capstone foresees substantial demand from trading companies that specialize in blending complex materials with cleaner concentrates. These companies typically prefer concentrates like Mantoverde's due to their compatibility with blending processes and enhanced value proposition. High-quality concentrates are coveted by both smelters and traders alike. This further supports the expected strong demand for Mantoverde's copper concentrate in the market.

The analyst consensus long-term copper price was determined to be $4.10/lb which is below the current spot price and compares with the five-year trailing average of approximately $3.73/lb. Analyst consensus copper prices in 2025-2027 of $4.30/lb, $4.40/lb, and $4.40/lb, respectively, were used in the economic model.

Gold

The analyst consensus long-term gold price was determined to be $1,800/oz which is below the current spot price and compares with the five-year trailing average of approximately $1,881/oz. Analyst consensus gold prices in 2025-2027 of $2,200/oz, $2,100/oz, and $2,000/oz, respectively, were also used in the economic model.

FURTHER UPSIDE OPPORTUNITIES

The company plans to continue to progress several value enhancement initiatives within the Mantoverde-Santo Domingo district that are not yet incorporated into the base case MV Optimized plan, or the recently announced Santo Domingo 2024 Feasibility Study.

Copper Oxides

Capstone plans to progress drilling and studies regarding the processing of oxide material from Capstone's neighbouring Santo Domingo and Sierra Norte projects using Mantoverde's excess SX-EW capacity. To date, oxide materials have been recognized in the shallower portions of the Santo Domingo, Iris Norte, and Estrellita sulphide orebodies. Currently, these oxides are considered as waste material in the recently announced Santo Domingo 2024 Feasibility Study. Meanwhile, only approximately two thirds of processing capacity is being used at Mantoverde's SX-EW cathode copper plant. Exploration efforts at Santo Domingo will target a potential 80-100 million tonnes of oxide material, which could add up to 10 thousand tonnes per annum of copper production.

Cobalt

A district cobalt plant for the MV-SD district is designed to unlock cobalt production while reducing sulphuric acid consumption and increasing heap leach copper production. The cobalt recovery process comprises a pyrite flotation step to recover cobaltiferous pyrite from the tailings streams at Mantoverde and Santo Domingo and redirect it to the dynamic heap leach pads, which will be upgraded to a bioleach configuration through the addition of an aeration system as part of MV Optimized. The pyrite oxidizes in the leach pads and the solubilized cobalt is recovered via an ion exchange plant treating a bleed stream from the copper solvent extraction plant. The approach has been successfully demonstrated at the bench scale, and onsite piloting commenced in January 2024 at Mantoverde.

As currently envisioned, a smaller capacity countercurrent ion-exchange plant will initially treat cobalt by-product streams from Mantoverde producing up to 1,500 tonnes per annum of cobalt, and following sanctioning of the Santo Domingo project, the facility will be expanded to accommodate by-product streams from Santo Domingo. In line with this, Santo Domingo has initiated a Feasibility Study to assess the optimum process configuration for the pyrite flotation and pumping transportation facilities needed to transport pyrite concentrate to Mantoverde's leach facilities.

Exploration in the Mantoverde-Santo Domingo District

Capstone has significant untapped exploration potential within MV-SD district. The Mantoverde Optimized plan presented today was prepared without any expansionary drilling campaign since 2019. At Mantoverde, there are 0.2 billion tonnes of Measured Indicated and 0.6 billion tonnes of Inferred sulphide resources not in reserves. At Santo Domingo, there are 0.1 billion tonnes of Measured Indicated and 0.2 billion tonnes of Inferred sulphide resources not in reserves. The recently acquired Sierra Norte property also represents an opportunity to potentially be a future feed source in the district. Capstone intends to progress its exploration strategy to service its two eventual processing centers between Mantoverde and Santo Domingo, in addition to continuing to evaluate the potential for Mantoverde Phase II which could include the addition of an entire second processing line at Mantoverde.

NATIONAL INSTRUMENT 43-101

A National Instrument 43-101 ("NI 43-101") Technical Report will be prepared to summarize the results of the 2024 Feasibility Study by the Qualified Persons and will be filed on SEDAR+ within 45 days of this news release.

Readers are cautioned that the conclusions, projections and estimates set out in this news release are subject to important qualifications, assumptions and exclusions, all of which will be detailed in the 2024 technical report. To fully understand the summary information set out above, the 2024 technical report that will be filed on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca should be read in its entirety.

QUALIFIED PERSONS

Peter Amelunxen, P.Eng., Senior Vice President, Technical Services of Capstone Copper, a Qualified Person ("QP"), as defined by NI 43-101 reviewed and approved the content of this news release that is based on the 2024 technical report.

About Capstone Copper Corp.

Capstone Copper Corp. is an Americas-focused copper mining company headquartered in Vancouver, Canada. We own and operate the Pinto Valley copper mine located in Arizona, USA, the Cozamin copper-silver mine located in Zacatecas, Mexico, the Mantos Blancos copper-silver mine located in the Antofagasta region, Chile, and 70% of the Mantoverde copper-gold mine, located in the Atacama region, Chile. In addition, we own the fully permitted Santo Domingo copper-iron-gold project, located approximately 30 kilometres northeast of Mantoverde in the Atacama region, Chile, as well as a portfolio of exploration properties in the Americas.

Capstone Copper's strategy is to unlock transformational copper production growth while executing on cost and operational improvements through innovation, optimization and safe and responsible production throughout our portfolio of assets. We focus on profitability and disciplined capital allocation to surface stakeholder value. We are committed to creating a positive impact in the lives of our people and local communities, while delivering compelling returns to investors by responsibly producing copper to meet the world's growing needs.

Further information is available at www.capstonecopper.com

CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This document may contain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of Canadian securities legislation and "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 (collectively, "forward-looking statements"). These forward-looking statements are made as of the date of this document and the Company does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forward-looking statements, except as required under applicable securities legislation.

Forward-looking statements relate to future events or future performance and reflect Company management's expectations or beliefs regarding future events and include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to the estimation of mineral reserves and mineral resources, the conversion of mineral resources to mineral reserves, the ability to successfully complete the strategic review process, the ability to further enhance the value of our projects, the timing and cost of MV Optimized, the expected timing for commencement of construction of the Santo Domingo project, the future validity of the DL600, our ability to fund future exploration activities, the market for project debt, Capstone's ability to raise its equity contribution to the project, the realization of mineral reserve estimates, the timing and amount of estimated future production, costs of production, capital and construction expenditures, success of mining operations, success of mineral exploration, environmental risks, the timing of the receipt of permits, the timing and terms of a power purchase agreement, unanticipated reclamation expenses, title disputes or claims, and limitations on insurance coverage. In certain cases, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "outlook", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved" or the negative of these terms or comparable terminology. In this document certain forward-looking statements are identified by words including "explore", "potential", "will", "scheduled", "plan", "planned", "estimates", "estimated", "estimate", "projections", "projected", "await receipt" and "expected". Forward-looking statements are based on a number of assumptions which may prove incorrect, including, but not limited to, the development potential of the Santo Domingo project and the Sierra Norte project, the results of MV Optimized, and current and future commodity prices and exchange rates. By their very nature forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, changes in project parameters as plans continue to be refined; future prices of commodities; possible variations in mineral resources and reserves, grade or recovery rates; accidents; dependence on key personnel; labour pool constraints; labour disputes; availability of infrastructure required for the development of mining projects; delays in obtaining governmental approvals, financing or in the completion of development or construction activities; objections by the communities or environmental lobby of the Santo Domingo mine and associated infrastructure and other risks of the mining industry as well as those factors detailed from time to time in the Company's interim and annual financial statements and management's discussion and analysis of those statements, all of which are filed and available for review on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward looking statements.

Non-GAAP and Other Performance Measures

The Company uses certain performance measures in its analysis. "C1 Cash Costs" and "Total Project Operating Cost" are Non-GAAP performance measures. These Non-GAAP performance measures are included in this document because these statistics are key performance measures that management uses to monitor performance, to assess how the Company is performing, and to plan and assess the overall effectiveness and efficiency of mining operations. These performance measures do not have a standard meaning within IFRS and, therefore, amounts presented may not be comparable to similar data presented by other mining companies. These performance measures should not be considered in isolation as a substitute for measures of performance in accordance with IFRS.

Exhibit 1: Detailed Cash Flow Model and Select Key Assumptions

TOTAL 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 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 2044 2045 2046 2047 2048 2049 Production Summary Ore Mined (kt) 600,116 46,022 52,699 41,347 47,128 42,330 53,178 36,721 18,313 26,942 34,724 39,612 46,566 27,088 25,389 29,807 11,819 803 6,667 12,963 Leach Grade Materials Sent to Waste (kt) 69,679 6,339 2,988 271 12,053 18,833 26,038 3,157 Waste Mined (kt) 1,545,854 86,393 93,846 105,384 99,486 104,205 94,864 110,194 128,392 119,691 108,099 97,073 95,328 83,540 69,305 52,476 36,020 34,273 16,439 10,846 Ore Rehandled (kt) 335,502 13,263 15,376 13,075 17,114 13,081 21,174 13,220 11,066 5,266 18,231 17,568 7,782 8,061 10,729 4,728 16,470 15,936 15,551 11,995 16,470 16,425 16,425 16,425 16,470 3,603 Throughput (ktpd) n/a 33.9 44.0 44.9 45.0 44.9 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 45.0 9.9 Sulphide Ore Sent to Mill (kt) 393,596 12,358 16,066 16,399 16,469 16,399 16,425 16,425 16,470 16,425 16,425 16,425 16,470 16,425 16,425 16,425 16,470 16,425 16,425 16,425 16,470 16,425 16,425 16,425 16,470 3,603 Cu Head Grade (%) 0.49% 0.73% 0.71% 0.75% 0.66% 0.73% 0.59% 0.72% 0.51% 0.69% 0.62% 0.53% 0.56% 0.49% 0.37% 0.46% 0.39% 0.28% 0.28% 0.34% 0.32% 0.27% 0.27% 0.27% 0.28% 0.33% Au Head Grade (g/t) 0.09 0.11 0.10 0.09 0.11 0.14 0.11 0.15 0.09 0.13 0.12 0.11 0.11 0.11 0.08 0.10 0.08 0.07 0.07 0.08 0.09 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 0.07 Cu Recovery (%) 87.8% 91.3% 88.0% 88.8% 88.8% 87.5% 87.8% 87.8% 88.5% 87.8% 87.5% 83.2% 89.0% 88.3% 88.0% 87.9% 90.3% 88.1% 88.0% 88.6% 90.5% 88.0% 88.0% 88.0% 75.6% 71.3% Au Recovery (%) 65.2% 65.7% 62.8% 68.1% 67.2% 70.8% 63.1% 71.3% 66.0% 69.3% 67.9% 64.9% 67.2% 64.1% 64.2% 68.6% 62.2% 60.9% 60.9% 63.1% 63.2% 59.7% 59.7% 59.7% 58.6% 57.5% Cu Production (kt) 1,684.5 82.5 100.0 109.4 97.0 104.0 85.4 103.7 74.4 99.1 89.0 72.8 82.4 70.6 52.7 66.6 58.0 40.5 40.2 49.0 47.7 38.9 38.9 38.9 34.5 8.4 Au Production (koz) 788.3 27.9 31.8 33.7 37.7 52.6 35.3 54.9 31.4 48.3 43.7 36.3 38.4 35.9 26.4 35.1 26.4 22.5 22.8 27.6 28.5 21.8 21.8 21.8 20.8 4.9 Cu Payable (kt) 736.0 79.7 96.6 105.7 93.3 100.2 82.2 99.7 71.6 95.7 85.8 70.2 79.3 68.0 50.7 64.0 55.8 38.9 38.6 47.2 45.8 37.4 37.4 37.4 33.2 8.1 Cu Concentrate Grade (%) 27.1% 28.4% 28.5% 29.9% 26.7% 27.2% 26.6% 26.0% 27.1% 28.2% 28.1% 28.0% 27.4% 26.7% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 26.0% 28.0% Au Payable (koz) 724.2 25.2 28.6 30.4 33.9 47.4 31.8 49.5 28.3 44.9 40.7 33.8 35.7 33.4 24.6 32.7 24.5 20.9 21.2 25.7 26.5 20.2 20.2 20.2 19.3 4.5 Oxide Ore to Heap Leach (kt) 107,245 11,000 11,000 10,995 11,000 11,000 11,000 10,076 1,386 1,577 11,000 9,431 7,782 Soluble Cu Grade (%) 0.29% 0.28% 0.28% 0.32% 0.33% 0.29% 0.32% 0.21% 0.28% 0.28% 0.27% 0.29% 0.29% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Total Cu Grade (%) 0.38% 0.37% 0.38% 0.43% 0.48% 0.39% 0.42% 0.28% 0.37% 0.34% 0.33% 0.37% 0.38% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Soluble Recovery (%) 71.2% 72.5% 71.0% 73.6% 69.7% 70.4% 71.7% 62.9% 71.0% 74.2% 72.6% 72.1% 72.9% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Total Recovery (%) 68.4% 55.1% 73.6% 71.0% 61.1% 67.5% 76.0% 56.9% 72.6% 77.3% 77.3% 72.3% 71.3% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Soluble Leach Copper Production (kt) 219.3 22.5 21.6 25.9 25.2 22.1 25.3 13.1 2.8 3.3 21.5 19.6 16.4 Total Heap Leach Copper Production (kt) 279.9 22.5 30.4 33.2 32.5 28.6 34.8 16.1 3.7 4.1 27.6 25.2 21.2 Oxide Ore to Dump Leach (kt) 115,917 13,488 15,065 10,419 11,582 5,885 15,089 1,867 961 3,325 10,853 8,422 8,866 10,094 Soluble Cu Grade (%) 0.14% 0.14% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.13% 0.14% 0.12% 0.13% 0.14% 0.14% 0.14% 0.14% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% 0.00% Recovery (%) 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 42.5% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% 0.0% Dump Leach Copper Production (kt) 67.0 8.0 8.5 5.9 6.5 3.2 8.6 1.1 0.5 1.9 6.4 5.1 5.3 6.0 Total Copper Production (kt) 2,031.4 113.0 138.9 148.6 135.9 135.9 128.8 120.8 78.6 105.1 123.0 103.1 108.8 76.6 52.7 66.6 58.0 40.5 40.2 49.0 47.7 38.9 38.9 38.9 34.5 8.4 Revenues Copper Price ($/lb) $4.15 $4.30 $4.40 $4.40 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 $4.10 Gold Price ($/oz) $1,834 $2,200 $2,100 $2,000 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 Copper Revenues ($M) $18,036 $1,044 $1,315 $1,405 $1,196 $1,194 $1,135 $1,056 $685 $920 $1,083 $909 $957 $668 $458 $578 $504 $352 $349 $426 $414 $338 $338 $338 $300 $73 Gold Revenues ($M) $1,328 $55 $60 $61 $61 $85 $57 $89 $51 $81 $73 $61 $64 $60 $44 $59 $44 $38 $38 $46 $48 $36 $36 $36 $35 $8 Gross Revenue($M) $19,364 $1,100 $1,375 $1,466 $1,257 $1,279 $1,192 $1,145 $736 $1,001 $1,157 $969 $1,021 $729 $503 $637 $548 $390 $387 $473 $462 $374 $374 $374 $335 $81 Operating Costs Mine Operating Costs ($M) ($3,087) ($154) ($197) ($162) ($171) ($166) ($213) ($116) ($101) ($138) ($196) ($224) ($221) ($197) ($189) ($162) ($113) ($82) ($112) ($67) ($21) ($20) ($20) ($19) ($20) ($5) Oxide Processing Costs ($M) ($1,547) ($180) ($151) ($150) ($156) ($144) ($170) ($101) ($27) ($35) ($153) ($134) ($117) ($29) Mill Processing Costs ($M) ($3,778) ($127) ($157) ($159) ($158) ($158) ($158) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($157) ($33) G&A Costs ($M) ($503) ($29) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($31) ($27) ($29) ($20) ($20) ($17) ($15) ($11) ($10) ($10) ($10) ($8) ($8) ($6) ($5) ($1)

TOTAL 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 2025 2026 2027 2028 2029 2030 2031 2032 2033 2034 2035 2036 2037 2038 2039 2040 2041 2042 2043 2044 2045 2046 2047 2048 2049 Refining Charges, Treatment Charges, Transportation Cost Royalties Treatment Costs ($M) ($426) ($15) ($21) ($26) ($25) ($27) ($22) ($28) ($19) ($25) ($22) ($18) ($21) ($19) ($14) ($18) ($16) ($11) ($11) ($13) ($13) ($10) ($10) ($10) ($9) ($2) Refining Costs ($M) ($245) ($9) ($13) ($16) ($14) ($15) ($13) ($15) ($11) ($15) ($13) ($11) ($12) ($10) ($8) ($10) ($9) ($6) ($6) ($7) ($7) ($6) ($6) ($6) ($5) ($1) Cathodes Freight Port Costs ($M) ($40) ($4) ($4) ($5) ($4) ($4) ($5) ($2) ($0) ($1) ($4) ($3) ($3) ($1) Concentrate Freight Port Costs ($M) ($561) ($36) ($44) ($47) ($30) ($32) ($27) ($33) ($23) ($29) ($26) ($22) ($25) ($22) ($17) ($21) ($19) ($13) ($13) ($16) ($15) ($12) ($12) ($12) ($11) ($2) Royalties (Ad Valorem) ($M) ($168) ($10) ($13) ($14) ($12) ($12) ($11) ($11) ($7) ($9) ($11) ($9) ($10) ($7) ($6) ($5) ($4) ($4) ($3) ($3) ($3) ($3) Cost Guarantee Cost Guarantee ($M) ($17) ($0) ($0) ($0) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) Other Costs Other Costs ($M) ($12) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) ($1) Capital Expenditures Initial Capital ($M) ($146) ($103) ($43) Sustaining Capital ($M) ($1,366) ($85) ($87) ($100) ($85) ($77) ($121) ($55) ($57) ($112) ($125) ($76) ($52) ($65) ($48) ($39) ($37) ($44) ($44) ($27) ($7) ($5) ($6) ($6) ($5) ($1) Exploration ($M) ($57) ($23) ($11) ($11) ($11) Deferred Stripping ($M) ($929) ($62) ($53) ($74) ($74) ($81) ($42) ($131) ($144) ($109) ($53) ($22) ($27) ($29) ($4) ($25) Leasing ($M) ($193) ($37) ($40) ($35) ($30) ($23) ($18) ($7) ($4) ($0) Closure Cost ($M) ($79) ($79) Change in Working Capital Change in Working Capital ($M) ($16) ($16) Pre-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow Pre-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow ($M) $6,194 $210 $507 $636 $453 $509 $362 $457 $153 $338 $364 $265 $345 $173 $48 $205 $173 $39 $33 $170 $227 $151 $150 $153 $118 ($45) Pre-Tax Cumulative Unlevered Free Cash Flow ($M) $210 $717 $1,353 $1,806 $2,315 $2,677 $3,134 $3,287 $3,625 $3,989 $4,254 $4,599 $4,772 $4,820 $5,025 $5,198 $5,238 $5,270 $5,440 $5,666 $5,818 $5,968 $6,121 $6,239 $6,194 Taxes Unlevered Cash Taxes ($M) ($1,272) ($32) ($52) ($138) ($123) ($139) ($75) ($111) ($44) ($88) ($105) ($41) ($60) ($21) ($10) ($25) ($7) ($29) ($50) ($28) ($33) ($36) ($26) ($1) Post-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow Post-Tax Unlevered Free Cash Flow ($M) $4,922 $179 $455 $498 $330 $370 $286 $346 $109 $250 $259 $224 $285 $151 $48 $195 $148 $33 $33 $141 $177 $123 $117 $117 $92 ($46) Post-Tax Cumulative Unlevered Free Cash Flow ($M) $179 $634 $1,131 $1,461 $1,831 $2,118 $2,464 $2,573 $2,823 $3,083 $3,307 $3,592 $3,743 $3,791 $3,986 $4,135 $4,168 $4,200 $4,341 $4,518 $4,641 $4,759 $4,876 $4,967 $4,922 Cost KPI's* C1 Cash Costs ($ payable lb Cu) $2.04 $2.05 $1.87 $1.67 $1.81 $1.68 $2.10 $1.53 $1.91 $1.56 $2.00 $2.42 $2.23 $2.42 $3.23 $2.32 $2.31 $2.82 $3.18 $2.16 $1.74 $2.15 $2.15 $2.12 $2.37 $2.05 Sulphide C1 Cash Costs ($ payable lb Cu) $1.90 $1.47 $1.62 $1.34 $1.53 $1.45 $1.93 $1.28 $1.81 $1.43 $1.70 $2.32 $2.06 $2.43 $3.23 $2.32 $2.31 $2.82 $3.18 $2.16 $1.74 $2.15 $2.15 $2.12 $2.37 $2.05 Oxide C1 Cash Costs ($ payable lb Cu) $2.69 $3.56 $2.50 $2.56 $2.49 $2.42 $2.41 $2.99 $3.65 $3.62 $2.76 $2.64 $2.73 $2.24

Notes:

*C1 by-product cash costs consist of mining costs, processing costs, mine-level G&A, gold revenue credit, and treatment/refining charges over payable copper pounds.

Production summary shown above excludes 2024 period from June 1, 2024 to December 31, 2024, and commences January 1, 2025.

PRICE DECK MARKETING ASSUMPTIONS Assumption Unit 2025 2026 2027 LT Copper Price $/lb $4.30 $4.40 $4.40 $4.10 Gold Price $/oz $2,200 $2,100 $2,000 $1,800 Chilean Peso CLP/USD 900 825 800 800 Sulfuric Acid $/t $175 $118 $113 $113 Diesel $/l $0.76 $0.71 $0.66 $0.66 Power $/kwh $0.11 $0.11 $0.11 $0.11 Copper Treatment Charges $/dmt $50 $60 $70 $70 Copper Refining Charges $/lb Cu $0.05 $0.06 $0.07 $0.07

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20241001413263/en/

Contacts:

Jerrold Annett, SVP, Strategy Capital Markets

647-273-7351

jannett@capstonecopper.com

Daniel Sampieri, Director, Investor Relations Strategic Analysis

437-788-1767

dsampieri@capstonecopper.com

Michael Slifirski, Director, Investor Relations, APAC Region

61-412-251-818

mslifirski@capstonecopper.com
Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Deveron Corp. (TSXV: FARM) ("Deveron" or the "Company"), announces that in connection with its upcoming annual and special meeting (the "Meeting") of the shareholders of the Company to be held on October 25, 2024, the management information circular (the "Circular") and related materials have been filed on the Company's profile on SEDAR+.

At the Meeting, the Company will ask for shareholders to vote for a proposal to consolidate its common shares on the basis of up to five (5) issued common shares for one (1) new common share (the "Consolidation"). No fractional shares will be issued and any fractional shares will be rounded down to the nearest lower whole share. The Consolidation is subject to the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, applicable securities regulatory authorities, and the approval of the shareholders of the Company.

Included in the Circular is the Statement of Executive Compensation - Venture Issuers (Form 51-102F6) (the "Statement of Executive Compensation") pursuant to National Instrument 51-102 - Continuous Disclosure Obligations, with respect to its stub period ended June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 and for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2024.

As a result of a routine continuous disclosure review by Staff of the Ontario Securities Commission (the "OSC") and in accordance with OSC Staff Notice 51-711 (Revised) Refilings and Corrections of Errors, ("Notice 51-711"), the Statement of Executive Compensation for the stub period ended June 30, 2023 and December 31, 2022 is included in the Circular for the purposes of making the required disclosure to correct an omission from the Company's continuous disclosure materials.

About Deveron: Deveron is an agriculture technology company that uses data and insights to help farmers and large agriculture enterprises increase yields, reduce costs and improve farm outcomes. The company employs a digital process that leverages data collected on farms across North America to drive unbiased interpretation of production decisions, ultimately recommending how to optimize input use. Our team of agronomists and data scientists build products that recommend ways to better manage fertilizer, seed, fungicide, and other farm inputs. Additionally, we have a national network of data technicians that are deployed to collect various types of farm data, from soil to drones, that build a basis of our best-in-class data layers. Our focus is the US and Canada where 1 billion acres of farmland are actively farmed annually.

For more information and to join our community, please visit www.deveron.com/investors or reach us on Twitter @Deveron .

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of that phrase under Canadian securities laws. Without limitation, statements regarding future plans and objectives of the Company are forward looking statements that involve various degrees of risk. Forward-looking statements reflect management's current views with respect to possible future events and conditions and, by their nature, are based on management's beliefs and assumptions and subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, both general and specific to the Company. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in our forward-looking statements. The following are important factors that could cause the Company's actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward looking statements: changes in the world-wide price of agricultural commodities, general market conditions, risks inherent in agriculture, the uncertainty of future profitability and the uncertainty of access to additional capital. Additional information regarding the material factors and assumptions that were applied in making these forward looking statements as well as the various risks and uncertainties we face are described in greater detail in the "Risk Factors" section of our annual and interim Management's Discussion and Analysis of our financial results and other continuous disclosure documents and financial statements we file with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities which are available at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company undertakes no obligation to update this forward-looking information except as required by applicable law. The Company relies on litigation protection for forward-looking statements.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225269

SOURCE: Deveron Corp.
Calgary, Alberta--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Canadian Critical Minerals Inc. (TSXV: CCMI) (OTCQB: RIINF) ("CCMI" or the "Company") hereby reports that QC Copper and Gold (TSXV: QCCU) (QCCUF) ("QC Copper") has made an offer to purchase all the outstanding shares of Cuprum Corp. ("Cuprum") in an all-share deal (the "Acquisition"). Cuprum is a private company (formerly Pickle Lake Minerals Inc.) which owns 100% of the Thierry Mine project ("Thierry"). CCMI currently owns 29.9% of Cuprum and is the second largest shareholder. QC Copper currently owns 7.7% of Cuprum. Following the proposed transaction, CCMI's ownership of QC Copper would be 10.4%. This Acquisition, if completed, will establish QC Copper as one of the largest resource developers in Canada, with two multi-billion pound copper deposits in Quebec and Ontario.

Terms of the Acquisition

QC Copper will issue all shareholders of Cuprum 1.1538 common shares of QC Copper for every Cuprum common share, based on QC Copper's share price of $0.13 per share. QC Copper will issue an aggregate of 82.76 million QC Copper shares in connection with the Acquisition to secure full ownership of Cuprum's assets at Thierry. CCMI will hold 26.77 million shares in QC Copper with an implied value of $3.48 million.

QC Copper is currently advancing its 100% owned flagship Opemiska copper project in Quebec, a former high-grade past-producing copper project. The most recent resource estimate for Opemiska has outlined 2.1 billion lbs in a copper equivalent Measured and Indicated Resource. Opemiska is one of the largest copper resources in Quebec with access to critical infrastructure such as all-season roads, grid power, rail and nearby mining communities. Historically both the Thierry and Opemiska properties sent copper concentrates to the Horne smelter in Quebec.

The Acquisition, if completed, will allow CCMI to remain focused on its flagship Bull River Mine in British Columbia. CCMI will gain diversification with the addition of Opemiska while retaining a significant interest in Thierry. Given that QC Copper is publicly traded, CCMI will be provided with liquidity for their current investment in Cuprum. Shares will be held in escrow for a period of 18 months with 10% of the shares free trading on closing.

Cuprum's Board of Directors formed a Special Committee to evaluate the transaction, ensuring the transaction serves the best interests of all shareholders, including CCMI. Independent financial advisory firm Working Capital Corporation provided a fairness opinion, confirming the transaction is fair, from a financial point of view to the shareholders of Cuprum.

The transaction is subject to approval from the TSXV Exchange and QC Copper's disinterested shareholders. Subject to these approvals, closing is expected by the end of December 2024.

About Canadian Critical Minerals Inc.

CCMI is a mining company primarily focused on two near-term copper production assets in Canada. CCMI's main asset is the 100% owned Bull River Mine project (>135 million lbs of copper) near Cranbrook, British Columbia which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, gold and silver. CCMI also owns a 29.9% interest in the Thierry Mine project (>1.3 billion lbs of copper) near Pickle Lake, Ontario which has a Mineral Resource containing copper, nickel, silver, palladium, platinum and gold.

Caution Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release includes certain information that may constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, but is not limited to, statements about strategic plans, future work programs and objectives and expected results from such work programs. Forward-looking information necessarily involve known and unknown risks, including, without limitation, risks associated with general economic conditions; inability to access sufficient capital from internal and external sources, and/or inability to access sufficient capital on favourable terms; and other risks.

Forward-looking information is necessarily based upon a number of estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable, are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties, and other factors which may cause the actual results and future events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information and the risks identified in the Company's continuous disclosure record. 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. All forward-looking information contained in this news release is given as of the date hereof and is based upon the opinions and estimates of management and information available to management as at 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 required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Service Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this new release.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225303

SOURCE: Canadian Critical Minerals Inc.
Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,400,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$1.15 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate proceeds of C$3,910,000 (the "Offering").

Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Common Share") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date of the Offering at an exercise price of C$1.40 per common share, subject to adjustment in certain events.

The Company is pleased to advise that Offering is supported by key strategic investors, Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., and Eldorado Gold Corporation (TSX: ELD) (NYSE: EGO) ("Eldorado").

"This financing is bolstered by investment from key existing shareholders, and we thank them for their continued endorsement of our work at Perron. Our recently released mineral resource estimate focused on high-grade ounces, and we believe our upcoming PEA, expected to be released in Q4 2024, will demonstrate robust economics on the Perron project," said Victor Cantore, President and CEO of Amex Exploration.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). Because the Offering is being completed pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, the Units issued pursuant to the Offering will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at amexexploration.com. Prospective investors should read the offering document before making an investment decision.

The Company will use the proceeds of the Offering to fund the advancement of the Company's Preliminary Economic Study on its wholly owned 100% owned high-grade Perron Gold Project and general working capital purposes. The Company is well funded for its current exploration program.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about October 15, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. Persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

About Amex

Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant gold discoveries on its 100% owned high-grade Perron Gold Project located ~110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, consisting of 117 contiguous claims covering 4,518 hectares. The project is well-serviced by existing infrastructure, on a year-round road, 10 minutes from an airport and just outside the town of Normetal (~8 km). In addition, the project is in close proximity to a number of major gold producers' milling operations. The project host both bulk tonnage and a high-grade gold style mineralization. Since January 2019, Amex has intersected significant gold mineralization in multiple gold zones and discovered copper-rich VMS zones.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, the planned exploration program on the HGZ and Denise Zone, the expected positive exploration results, the extension of the mineralized zones, the timing of the exploration results, the ability of the Company to continue with the exploration program, the availability of the required funds to continue with the exploration and the potential mineralization or potential mineral resources are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks as well as those risks identified in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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 these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225304

SOURCE: Amex Exploration Inc.
In a time when the world seems more divided than ever, composer and pianist Omar Harfouch is using music to bring people together. On September 18, 2024, Harfouch's "Concerto for Peace" premiered at the Theatre des Champs-Elysees in Paris, delivering a message of hope and unity through a unique fusion of classical and oriental music.

Harfouch, a Lebanese musician and peace advocate, has always believed in the transformative power of art. His "Concerto for Peace" was designed to inspire people to come together, transcending cultural and political boundaries. The concert attracted a diverse audience of over 1,900 people, including diplomats, religious leaders, and cultural figures.

As Harfouch took the stage, he was greeted by an enthusiastic crowd, which included French actress Catherine Deneuve, whose presence added an air of prestige to the evening. Harfouch introduced the 60-piece Orchestre Beziers Mediterranee, led by conductor Mathieu Bonnin, along with co-orchestrator Houtaf Khoury and violinist Anne Gravoin. One of the night's most symbolic gestures was the orchestra's decision to perform while wearing sunglasses, a nod to Harfouch's signature look. Harfouch explained that the sunglasses represented light as a beacon of hope, a reminder that peace can dispel the darkness of hatred.

The evening's program began with "Fantaisie Orientale," a lively composition that blends eastern and western musical traditions. The audience responded enthusiastically, clapping along with the vibrant rhythms. The piece was so well received that it was performed again, setting a celebratory tone for the rest of the night.

Next on the program was "Tripoli," an emotional tribute to Harfouch's hometown in Lebanon. Accompanied by video footage of the city's architecture and scenes of Harfouch's wife, Yulia, the performance was a deeply personal moment that resonated with the audience.

But it was the performance of "You Save One Life, You Save Humanity" that delivered the night's most powerful message. Inspired by both the Talmud and the Qur'an, the piece emphasized the equal value of all human lives, regardless of race, religion, or nationality. The audience, which included religious leaders from various faiths, was deeply moved by the composition's universal message of unity.

The final performance of the night was Harfouch's much-anticipated "Concerto for Peace." The concerto reflected the emotional complexity of the journey toward peace, shifting between tension and resolution. Harfouch's passionate performance conveyed both the pain of conflict and the hope for harmony, leaving the audience spellbound.

As the final notes of the concerto faded, the audience erupted into a standing ovation. Harfouch stood before the crowd and said, "Now it is time for you to respond to the call for peace." In a moving finale, a 30-member choir lined the aisles, delivering a beautiful harmony that echoed Harfouch's message: peace is not an abstract concept-it is something we must all actively work toward.

Reflecting on the success of the evening, Harfouch said, "Music has the power to bring people together. My hope is that this 'Concerto for Peace' will continue to inspire unity and cooperation wherever it is performed."

Looking ahead, the "Concerto for Peace" tour is scheduled to continue with performances at the United Nations in Geneva, the Vatican, and other prestigious venues. Harfouch's vision is clear: to use the power of music to unite people and inspire a movement toward global peace and understanding.

About 'Concerto for Peace'

Concerto for Peace is a pioneering initiative that aims to promote global unity through the power of music. Founded by Omar Harfouch, the project unites musicians from diverse backgrounds to create and perform compositions that go beyond cultural and national boundaries. Emphasizing collaboration, innovation, and social impact, Concerto for Peace seeks to use the universal language of music to foster understanding and harmony in a divided world.



Contact Information:

Contact: Concert for Peace Team

Concerto Pour La Paix

team@concertopourlapaix.org

https://omarharfouch.com/

SOURCE: Omar Harfouch
"Beat the Heat" bill relief and resources help customers overcome the stress of high temperatures

This summer, Entergy Arkansas provided nearly $380,000 through our "Beat the Heat" efforts, helping our low-income customers and communities stay cool and pay their bills throughout the summer. Through Entergy Arkansas' "Beat the Heat" program, customers received bill payment assistance, fans, energy efficiency kits, home weatherization and invaluable support from local community partners.



"We are committed to helping our customers manage their energy costs during times of high usage by providing bill payment assistance, energy efficiency products and services and other resources," said Ventrell Thompson, vice president of customer service for Entergy Arkansas. "We understand the financial challenges many of our customers face, and we are here to support them."

For decades, Entergy Arkansas has partnered with local organizations to ease the burden of hot summer temperatures resulting in increased usage and higher energy costs for our most vulnerable customers. Year after year, this collaborative program provides our customers with energy bill assistance, tools and resources, and support during the critical summer months. Through this program the company:

Donated more than $300,000 in funds from Entergy shareholders, employees and customers to The Power to Care program , which provides energy bill assistance to older adults and customers with disabilities.

Provided customers with free access to Single Stop , an online resource that connects households in need with financial assistance and more.

Awarded more than $12,000 in grants to vulnerable customers to provide free resources like electric fans and home weatherization kits.

Donated to local organizations that weatherized homes for customers in need.

Held in-person customer service events in underserved communities, providing customers with assistance and resources to help manage their bills, energy efficiency kits, pro bono legal aid, Kids to College savings accounts and more.

Provided more than 600 free electric fans to help customers beat high temperatures and save on electricity bills throughout the summer.

Distributed 70 energy efficiency kits to customers. The kits included money-saving LED lightbulbs, advanced power strips, bathroom faucet aerators and V-seal weatherstripping.

Entergy Arkansas is dedicated to ensuring all customers have access to the resources and support they need to stay safe and comfortable year-round. To learn more about our customer assistance programs, visit billtoolkit.entergy.com.

About Entergy Arkansas

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AgileDD, a Houston, TX-based enterprise AI company providing a platform capturing information from domain-specific and technical documents, received an investment from Qlarant Capital.

The amount of the deal was not disclosed.

The company intends to use the funds to expand operations and its development efforts.

Led by CEO Dr. Amit Juneja, AgileDD offers an AI platform to capture information from domain-specific and technical documents with scale, precision, and security that markets need. The platform enables end-users to automatically capture pertinent information accurately from unstructured documents and allows them to arrive at answers or reach conclusions much faster and with more reliability.

The immediate market potential for AgileDDs platform include: department of defense, health insurance, health plans, hospitals, medicare administration, recovery audit contracting, state medicaid administration, social security administration, utilization management, and veterans health administration marketplaces.

FinSMEs

01/10/2024
Air Doctor, a Tel Aviv, Israel-based company which specializes in travel health, raised $20M in Series B funding.

The round was led by Moon, with participation from strategic investors Tokio Marine Holdings, Samsung Ventures (SVIC), and current shareholders Lightspeed Venture Partners, Vintage Investment Partners, Phoenix Insurance, and Munich Re Ventures.

The company intends to use the funds to accelerate its ongoing expansion in Asia, further consolidating its position as a global market player in travel health.

Led by CEO and Founder Jenny Cohen Derfler, Air Doctor is a startup that connects travelers seeking medical attention with local, multi-lingual doctors whilst abroad through a mobile and web app. Available 24/7 in up to 21 languages, users can book appointments and video consultations with doctors worldwide within minutes. The companys algorithms and technology allows Air Doctor to precisely match patients with the most suitable doctors based on preferences such as language, location, and timing.

For insured travelers, Air Doctor offers a claimless, and cashless healthcare experience that enhances customer satisfaction and reduces costs by directing travelers to appropriate outpatient care instead of costly hospital visits. Air Doctor supports thousands of travelers globally and offers three convenient consultation types: in-clinic visits, home visits, and video consultations. The company connects travelers to a global network of over 20,000 multilingual doctors and specialists and operates in 84 countries.

FinSMEs

01/10/2024
Chemify, a Glasgow, Scotland, UK-based deep tech chemical science company, has been awarded a grant from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation to discover new drug leads for treating tuberculosis (TB) and malaria.

By leveraging the companys proprietary Chemputation technology and workflow, Chemify aims to deliver drug design and discovery outcomes and potential drug candidates to positively impact the lives of patients worldwide.

Led by Dr. Lee Cronin, CEO, Chemify is a deep tech chemical science company that combines chemistry, robotics and AI at scale to digitally design, discover and make new molecules. The company will design, make, and discover compounds using its Chemputation technology  an automated, seamlessly-controlled digital chemical stack with cheminformatics, robotics and AI to connect the digital design, planning and multiplexed synthesis of novel small molecules. Potential leads will be iteratively optimized using the Chemputation-driven AI during each development cycle. Lead compounds will then be further analyzed and developed by undisclosed partners.

Chemify was founded by CEO Professor Lee Cronin and spun out from the Digital Chemistry Laboratory at the University of Glasgow to digitalize chemistry on a global scale for the benefit of all humanity.

FinSMEs

01/10/2024
Prospect Partners, a Chicago, IL-based pre-lower-middle market private equity firm, closed Prospect Partners Fund V, at $225m.

Fund V received interest from a diverse group of new investors, successfully expanding and diversifying Prospects investor base. Investors include endowments and foundations, family offices, wealth managers, and fund of funds across the United States.

The fund continues Prospects strategy of backing entrepreneurs in high potential pre-lower-middle market businesses. As with prior Prospect vehicles, Fund V invests in North American businesses at inflection points in the specialty services, niche manufacturing, and value-add distribution sectors.

During the fundraise, Prospect completed its first Fund V investment in Extera Building Solutions, a commercial re-roofing business which is the latest example of the firms ability to source and execute high-quality deals squarely within its strategy.

Founded in 1998 by Erik Maurer, Brett Holcomb, and Brad ODell, Prospect Partners is an active investor and builder of pre-middle market companies. Prospect focuses on partnering with management teams to complete recapitalizations, build-ups, carve-outs, and generational transitions.

FinSMEs

01/10/2024
Fifty-six years after an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane crashed in Himachal Pradeshs Rohtang Pass, the Indian Army has recovered the remains of four victims. The aircraft crashed due to severe weather conditions and the wreckage remained hidden for decades read more

Fifty-six years after an Indian Air Force (IAF) plane crashed in Himachal Pradeshs Rohtang Pass, the Indian Army has recovered the remains of four victims from the accident site.

According to army officials, the remains were found by a joint team of personnel from the Dogra Scouts and Tiranga Mountain Rescue.

Speaking to news agency PTI, an official said, In an extraordinary development, the ongoing search and rescue mission to recover the remains of personnel from the AN-12 aircraft, which crashed on Rohtang Pass in 1968, has achieved significant breakthroughs.

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What happened to the IAF plane in 1968?

A twin-engine turboprop aircraft, an AN-12 craft, went missing on February 7, 1968, while flying from Chandigarh to Leh. The plane, carrying 102 people, went down due to severe weather conditions near Rohtang Pass, and for decades, the wreckage and victims remains were buried in the icy landscape.

Notably, mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering first found the wreckage in 2003, leading to numerous expeditions by the Indian Army, particularly the Dogra Scouts, over the years.

The Dogra Scouts have led search operations in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019.

By 2019, only five bodies had been recovered due to the challenging and dangerous terrain, officials said. The recent Chandra Bhaga Mountain Expedition has recovered four more bodies, restoring hope for the families and the nation, they added.

Who was flying the plane?

Flight Lieutenant Harkewal Singh was piloting the aircraft when it crashed into the mountains of Lahaul and Spiti, on February 7, 1968, killing all 102 people aboard.

Harkewal, who was around 30 at the time, had achieved around 3,441 flight hours, with 2,255 of those in mountainous regions, Hindustan Times reported. A seasoned pilot and a veteran of the 1965 India-Pakistan war, he was posthumously awarded the Vayu Sena Medal. His family had a strong military background, as both of his brothers also served in the Indian Air Force and retired as group captains.

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The AN-12 aircraft took off from Chandigarh, heading to Leh with 98 army personnel and four crew members on board. Squadron Leader PN Malhotra served as the co-pilot. Midway through the flight, Harkewal decided to turn back due to bad weather over Jammu and Kashmir, according to HT. The last radio communication occurred near Rohtang Pass, after which the plane vanished. Its disappearance remained unsolved until 2003, when an expedition team discovered the wreckage at Dhakka Glacier in the Chanderbhaga range of Lahaul and Spiti.

How were the bodies identified?

Of all the remains found, three have been identified as Malkhan Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, and Craftsman Thomas Charan. The identity of the fourth body remains inconclusive, though documents recovered provide details of the next of kin, officials said.

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Craftsman Thomas Charan was from Elanthoor in Keralas Pathanamthitta district, and his mother, Eleama, was informed of the recovery, according to officials. Malkhan Singhs identity was confirmed using documents from official records, while Sepoy Narayan Singh, of the Army Medical Corps, was identified through similar records.

Speaking to ANI, Mayank Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police of the Lahaul-Spiti district, informed that the Army expedition team is currently working on transporting the recovered remains back to the base at Losar.

The remains of the soldiers will be brought to Losar by the expedition team for further identification and formalities, he said. The area where the wreckage and remains were found is extremely challenging to navigate due to the rugged, high-altitude terrain, he added.

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Joint Indian Army-Indian Air Force search operation in 2019

In 2019, a joint search operation by the Indian Army and Indian Air Force found the debris of the aircraft that crashed on Rohtang Pass. The Dogra Scouts from the Indian Armys Western Command started the expedition to Dhaka Glacier in July of that year to focus on recovering the remains of soldiers who were aboard the aircraft.

Ten days into the search, the Army team was joined by personnel from the Indian Air Force to speed up the operation amid challenging weather conditions. The task was made difficult due to the glaciers heavy snow cover from previous avalanches, steep gradients, avalanche-prone slopes, and open crevasses.

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However, after 13 days of intensive searching at an altitude of 5,240 meters, the team successfully recovered various parts of the aircraft, including the aero engine, fuselage, electric circuits, propeller, fuel tank unit, air brake assembly, and a cockpit door.

The team also found personal belongings belonging to some of the passengers on board, Deccan Herald reported. The area where the search took place, along with the recovery locations, were also mapped for future reference.

With inputs from PTI
Atul Kumar, a Dalit student from Uttar Pradesh, cracked the difficult JEE entrance exam in his last attempt and was allotted a seat in Electronics Engineering at IIT Dhanbad. However, the 18-year-old missed the admissions after he failed to pay the fee of Rs 17,500 in time. The Supreme Court intervened in the matter and used its powers to ask the institute to grant him access read more

When he left the Supreme Court on Monday, Atul Kumar was beaming.

A bench led by Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud used its extraordinary powers to ask the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Dhanbad to admit Kumar to its Electrical Engineering course.

The young man reportedly missed his chance to be admitted to the esteemed institute since he failed to pay the required amount of Rs 17,500 in time.

Heres all we know about him.

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Who is Atul Kumar?

Atul Kumar is a Dalit youth from Uttar Pradeshs Muzaffarnagar.

He cracked the difficult entrance exam to the countrys one of the most prestigious Engineering courses this year.

The 18-year-old hails from a family below the poverty line and his father, Rajendra Kumar, is a daily-wage labourer who earns Rs 450 daily.

Atul is the youngest of Rajendras four sons, all excelling academically.

The father somehow arranged the Rs 17,500 fee amount for the Electrical Engineering course at IIT Dhanbad, which was allotted to his son. However, the portal server stopped responding.

Subsequently, Kumar sprinted between pillars to preserve his well-earned spot.

#Congratulations; The Supreme Court has mandated IIT Dhanbad to admit Atul Kumar, a 18-year-old Dalit student who missed the fee payment deadline by minutes. https://t.co/jC6nn6C7O2 pic.twitter.com/laouBTZGoH  The Dalit Voice (@ambedkariteIND) September 30, 2024

When he first went to the National Commission for Scheduled Castes, however, the panel told him it couldnt assist.

He approached the Jharkhand State Legal Services Authority because he had taken the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) at a Jharkhand centre. The legal services body advised him to approach the Madras High Court since IIT Madras had administered JEE this time.

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The High Court, however, declared that it lacked jurisdiction over the relief that Kumar had sought.

He then approached the Supreme Court.

Also read: Why IIT grads are forced to say yes to Rs 33,000 a month salaries

What did the SC say?

The bench led by CJI Chandrachud and Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra on September 25 issued a notice to the joint seat allocation authority (IIT admissions) at IIT Madras.

On Monday, the counsel appearing for the IIT authority said that Kumar was informed about the requisite payment on the mock interview date itself.

The court noted that the deadline to deposit fees was 5 pm on June 24.

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The parents arranged the funds by 4.45 pm, the petitioner states he was logged in at 4.45 pm at the portal, the portal was closed at 5 and payment was not processed.

Justice Pardiwala told the counsel, Why are you opposing so much? You should see if something could be done.

Kumars counsel told the bench that this was his last chance to secure admission, as only two attempts are permissible.

Justice Pardiwala asked the authoritys counsel if the seat allotment intimation slip was on record because you have said that the seat allotment intimation slip instructed for the payment of Rs 17,500.

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So everything was in order. If he had deposited the Rs 17,500 before the scheduled time, you would have proceeded to admit him or not? he said.

The authoritys counsel said the slip was not on record but added, Even if he (Kumar) had pushed one button, we would have given him one day more

The CJI then said, He is such a bright student. Look at his log sheets. It is no way he would not press the button The only thing which stopped him was the inability to pop up Rs 17,500. And as judges of the SC, we should ensure that no child loses admission because they dont have Rs 17,500.

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He went to Jharkhand Legal Services Authority. Then he is (sent) to Chennai legal services and then to the High Court. He is a Dalit boy, he is being made to run from pillar to post, the bench said.

We are of the view that a talented student should not be left in the lurch. We direct that admission be granted to him in IIT Dhanbad.

The petitioners counsel said Kumars father earns Rs 450 daily. The task of arranging Rs 17,500 is a big deal. He collected money from villagers.

The top court used its extraordinary powers under Article 142 to ask IIT Dhanbad to grant admission to the 18-year-old in the same batch.

No existing student be disturbed and let a supernumerary seat be created for the candidate, the bench said.

The court added Kumar would be entitled to all consequential benefits, including hostel allotment.

All the best! Achha kariye! (do well), the CJI told Kumar, as his lawyer informed the bench that senior advocates had decided to pay his fee, as per the Indian Express.

After the hearing, Kumar said, My life is now back on track The CJI did great, he said that financial constraints should not pose a hurdle in ones progress. He said that I have a bright future and it should not be impacted.

I have no words to describe the immense joy I am feeling. Trust me, I cant express even one per cent of the happiness I am feeling. Everyone is delighted, said Kumars father, as per another report by the outlet.

With inputs from agencies
For the past few days, Israel has been bombarding Lebanon with airstrikes, taking aim at Hezbollah targets. In turn, the militant group has responded with strikes of its own, using many of the missiles in its vast arsenal. On Tuesday, as the Jewish nation launched a limited ground operation, the Lebanese group launched a salvo of Fadi rockets read more

Lebanon's Hezbollah militants parade with a missile. It is said that the militant group has amassed an arsenal of rockets, missiles, and mortars with more firepower than many NATO armies. File image/AFP

The skies over Israel and Lebanon have turned yellow, as the Jewish nation and Hezbollah trade airstrikes against one another. On a day when Israel announced that it had begun a limited, localised and targeted ground operation in Lebanon, the militant group responded with its own airstrikes, making this one of the most dangerous phases of this ongoing conflict.

On Tuesday (October 1), air raid sirens rang out loud in Israels Tel Aviv, with the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reporting that it had intercepted three projectiles fired by Hezbollah.

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These strikes coupled with the ones over the past 10 days have once again put the spotlight on the Lebanese-based militant groups missile prowess. We take a closer look at the various rockets that it has already deployed against Israel in recent days.

Fadi missiles rain down on Israel

According to a statement issued by Hezbollah, it launched salvoes of Fadi 4 rockets at the Glilot base of Israels 8200 unit and the Mossad headquarters located on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Similarly, last week too, Hezbollah fired the Fadi rockets, targeting Israels Rafael military industry complexes in northern Israel as retaliation to the series of pagers and walkie-talkies exploding in Lebanon. Notably, this was the first time that Hezbollah had used these rockets since Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 last year, sparking the ongoing war in Gaza.

The Fadi rockets are named after Fadi Hassan Tawil, a Hezbollah militant killed by Israel in 1987. Image Courtesy: @WarWatchs/X

But how deadly are these Fadi rockets? Experts say that the Fadi missiles are tactical multi-use ground-to-ground rockets. Moreover, these rockets are named after Fadi Hassan Tawil, a Hezbollah militant killed by Israel in 1987.

Defence specialists note that the Fadi 1 variant is six metres long with a calibre of 220 mm and a payload of 83 kilogrammes. Meanwhile, the Fadi-2 while being the same size, has a 302 mm calibre, with a 170-kg payload and a range of 100 kilometres.

Some point out that the Fadi missiles are variants of the Syrian version of the Soviet 9M27 rocket, which is part of the Uragan multiple-launch rocket system (MLRS).

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Notably, the first time that Hezbollah used the Fadi missiles was during Israels invasion of Lebanon in 2006.

Nour rocket strikes down Israeli town

On Monday (September 30), Hezbollah announced that it had fired a Nour missile at the Israeli border community of Kfar Giladi. According to the IDF, one projectile launched from Lebanon struck an open area near the community, causing no injuries.

This was the first time that Hezbollah used this missile against Israel since hostilities broke out between the two entities. The Nour missile is an Iranian cruise rocket designed for anti-ship combat  an improved version of the Chinese C801 and C802 missiles.

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The Nour missile is an Iranian cruise rocket designed for anti-ship combat  an improved version of the Chinese C801 and C802 missiles. File image/AP

The Nour missile, measuring 6.38 metres and a diameter of 36 centimetres (14.2 inches), has a range of up to 170 kilometres. The missile operates on solid fuel and can travel at an estimated speed of 0.9 Mach.

According to Boaz Shapira, a researcher at the Alma Research and Education Centre, what makes the Nour deadly is its capability to fly low, making it difficult to detect on radar.

Hezbollahs Qader-1 missile

On September 25, last Wednesday, Hezbollah also used its Qader-1 missile against Israel, targeting the Mossad headquarters on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. In a statement, Hezbollah said that it was at this location that the assassination of its top commanders and the exploding pager attack was planned.

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The Qader-1 missile types are Iranian long-range surface-to-surface missiles. They were first revealed in 2007. The Qader missiles are considered to be the most modern and upgraded version of the Shahab-3 ballistic missile.

The Qader 1 ballistic missile at an undisclosed location. Hezbollah said on September 25 it had fired a ballistic missile targeting Israeli spy agency Mossads headquarters near Tel Aviv. AFP

The weapon, which has a range of 200 to 300 kilometres, is famed for its accuracy and payload. Its warhead weighs between 700 to 1,000 kilograms. Reports state that it uses a combination of liquid and solid fuel and its trajectory is similar to ballistic missiles.

Experts also note that the Qader missiles are equipped with guidance systems and other electronics, which sets them apart from unguided rocket artillery like Katyusha and Fadi.

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While Hezbollah launched this missile, Israel intercepted it with the help of its Arrow defence system.

Hezbollahs other missiles

While the Lebanon-based group has used Fadi, Nour and Qader missiles from its arsenal, it possesses upwards of 150,000 missiles and rockets, according to the World Factbook of the US Central Intelligence Agency.

A report by the Centre for Strategic and International Studies estimates that Hezbollah possesses 40,000 to 80,000 short-range unguided rockets with ranges of up to 20 kilometres, as well as 60,000 to 80,000 long-range rockets capable of reaching distances of up to 100 kilometres. It also equipped with unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) with an estimated arsenal of at least 2,000 UAVs.

Among these, analysts claim the bulk of the missiles are Katyusha-style missiles with a range of 30 km. Hezbollah also has other Iran-made missiles such as Raad (Arabic for Thunder), Fajr (Dawn) and Zilzal (Earthquake) rockets, which have a more powerful payload and longer range than Katyushas.

Defence experts note that Hezbollahs large arsenal of rockets gives the group the ability to fire hundreds or even thousands per day  reducing the efficacy of Israels Iron Dome.

With inputs from agencies
The third and final phase of voting for 40 constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will also take place today. Meanwhile, Tim Walz and JD Vance, the US vice-presidential candidates, are set to engage in a heated 90-minute debate in New York City. Mexicos first female president and Japans new prime minister are also scheduled to be sworn into office today read more

Its going to be a busy Tuesday with several major events scheduled.

Tim Walz and JD Vance, the US vice-presidential candidates, will face off in a high-stakes 90-minute debate in New York City today.

The third and final phase of voting for 40 constituencies in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections will take place today.

In Japan, Shigeru Ishiba is set to be sworn in as the countrys new Prime Minister after his victory in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) leadership race.

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Mexico will witness a historic moment as Claudia Sheinbaum, the countrys first female president, will be officially sworn in today, four months after her electoral victory in June.

Australia will begin offering up to 1,000 work and holiday visas to Indian citizens today, as part of the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA)

Vance-Walz vice presidential debate

The only between the vice presidential candidates in the US will take place on Tuesday night, five weeks before Election Day. This event would be a big opportunity for Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trumps campaign to reach a wide national audience ahead of the election.

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, 60, and Ohio Senator JD Vance have already planned their strategies in the lead-up to the debate. Walz, before being selected as Harris running mate, had referred to the Republican candidate as weird, showing an early peek into his approach. Vance, on the other hand, has been vocal in his criticism of Walzs progressive policies, claiming that they are far left for an average voter.

The 90-minute debate will start at 9 pm EDT. AP

This debate, hosted by CBS News in New York, might not carry the same weight as the September 10 presidential debate between Trump and Harris, but it is still crucial in the election cycle.

Scheduled to take place today at 9 pm ET, the 90-minute debate will be held in New York City, a Democratic stronghold and the former home of Donald Trump.

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Following the debate, Walz and Harris will continue their campaign with a bus tour through central Pennsylvania starting Wednesday.

Third phase of J&K Assembly polls

The third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections, covering 40 Assembly constituencies across seven districts, is set for today. The districts going to polls in this phase include Jammu, Udhampur, Samba, and Kathua from the Jammu region, along with Baramulla, Bandipora, and Kupwara in northern Kashmir.

The intense campaigning for this phase concluded on Sunday evening. Major political parties, including the BJP, Congress, National Conference (NC), and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), have been locked in heated debates over key issues such as Pakistan, the abrogation of Article 370, terrorism, and reservations.

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Polling officials carrying EVMs and other election material in Baramulla district. PTI

The first two phases saw high voter turnout, with 61.38 per cent participation recorded in the first phase on September 18 and 57.31 per cent in the second phase on September 26. This is the first Assembly election since Article 370 was revoked in August 2019, and the final results will be declared on October 8.

In the 2014 Assembly elections, the BJP achieved its best-ever performance in Jammu and Kashmir, securing 18 seats from the four districts in the Jammu region and 25 seats overall. In northern Kashmir, the PDP won seven of the 15 seats, while the NC and Congress claimed three and two seats, respectively. Election officials have assured that all security measures are in place to ensure safe and smooth voting for this critical phase.

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Shigeru Ishiba set to take oath as Japans PM

After winning the leadership race for the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Shigeru Ishiba is set to become Japans next Prime Minister. The 67-year-old veteran conservative leader is expected to take the oath of office today.

On Monday, Ishiba announced that he plans to call for snap general elections on October 27, shortly after his leadership victory in one of the closest LDP races in recent history, according to NHK News and other Japanese media outlets.

Ishibas victory marks his fifth attempt at securing the party leadership, a race he won with strong support from LDPs rank-and-file members.

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However, the LDP faces several challenges. The party, which has governed Japan almost continuously for decades, is grappling with a decline in public support. Several senior leaders have been caught up in scandals, including allegations involving a slush fund, which have affected the partys reputation and stirred controversy.

Mexicos first female president to assume office

Claudia Sheinbaum, Mexicos incoming president, is set to become one of the worlds most influential women when she takes office this week. The 62-year-old former mayor of Mexico City will be sworn in as president today, a little under four months after winning the June 2 presidential election in a decisive victory.

Mexican President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, right, and Mexicos President-Elect Claudia Sheinbaum in the Zocalo of Mexico City, 2019. AP

Representing the ruling Morena party, Sheinbaum will succeed President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who won the presidency in 2018 after three attempts. Her six-year term will run until 2030, during which she is expected to shape Mexicos political landscape.

Sixteen international leaders, primarily from Latin American nations, have confirmed their attendance at the inauguration, she announced last week. Further, representatives from 105 countries and 22 international organizations will attend, with American First Lady Jill Biden leading the US delegation.

Australia to offer work visas to Indian citizens

Starting today, Australia will offer up to 1,000 work and holiday visas annually to Indian citizens. The move is expected to improve mobility and strengthen the people-to-people connection between the two countries, Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal announced.

The India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (AI-ECTA), which took effect in December 2022, includes the new visa offering as one of its core commitments. During his recent three-day visit to Australia, Goyal spoke about the impact of the initiative, which will allow Indian nationals aged 18 to 30 to apply for a one-year visa to work, study, and travel across Australia.

Under the program, Australia will grant up to 1,000 multiple-entry work and holiday visas annually to eligible Indian citizens for a 12-month temporary stay. Both countries are now working toward expanding this partnership into a Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement (CECA), further broadening the scope of economic ties.

With inputs from agencies
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus ratings were down in the dumps after the October 7 attack by Hamas. However, a wave of assassinations of Hezbollah leaders and airstrikes in Lebanon have boosted his popularity. Lets take a look at how it could change his political fortunes read more

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had positioned himself as the man who kept Israelis safe, was widely thought to have taken his eye off the ball on 7 October. AP

Benjamin Netanyahu is becoming more popular in Israel.

The prime ministers ratings were down in the dumps after the October 7 attack by Hamas.

Netanyahu, who had positioned himself as the man who kept Israelis safe, was widely thought to have taken his eye off the ball.

But now, around one year later, things seem to be changing.

Lets take a closer look:

Netanyahu returns to power

Netanyahu returned to power in December 2022 at the helm of the most right-wing Israeli government ever.

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This after his Likud Party won just 32 seats in the 120-seat Knesset.

The swearing-in ceremony capped a remarkable comeback for Netanyahu, who was ousted in 2021 after 12 straight years in power.

Netanyahu had to make a string of concessions and tie up with a number of far-right parties to gain power for a record sixth time.

Netanyahu was leading an alliance of religious and far-right parties that had vowed to prioritise settlement expansion in the occupied West Bank, extend massive subsidies to his ultra-Orthodox allies and push for sweeping reform of the judicial system.

The plans had sparked an uproar in Israeli society, prompting criticism from the military, LGBTQ rights groups, the business community and others, and raised concerns abroad.

In a stormy parliamentary session before his swearing in, the combative Netanyahu took aim at his critics, accusing the opposition of trying to scare the public.

I hear the constant cries of the opposition about the end of the country and democracy, Netanyahu said from the podium. Opposition members: to lose in elections is not the end of democracy, this is the essence of democracy.

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His speech was interrupted repeatedly by boos and jeers from his opponents, who chanted weak, weak  an apparent reference to the numerous concessions he made to his new governing partners.

The attack that changed everything

Then, the Hamas attack occurred on October 7, 2023.

Backed by a barrage of rockets, Hamas militants stormed from the blockaded Gaza Strip into nearby Israeli towns, killing dozens and abducting others in an unprecedented surprise attack during a major Jewish holiday.

Hamas gunmen rolled into as many as 22 locations outside the Gaza Strip, including towns and other communities as far as 24 kilometers from the Gaza border. In some places they gunned down civilians and soldiers as Israels military scrambled to muster a response.

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Israeli media, citing rescue service officials, said at least 250 people were killed and 1,500 wounded in the attack, making it the deadliest in Israel in decades.

The strength, sophistication and timing of the Saturday morning attack shocked Israelis. Hamas fighters used explosives to break through the border fence enclosing Gaza, then crossed with motorcycles, pickup trucks, paragliders and speed boats on the coast.

Palestinians celebrate by a destroyed Israeli tank at the Gaza Strip fence east of Khan Younis. The militant Hamas rulers of the Gaza Strip carried out an unprecedented, multi-front attack on Israel at firing thousands of rockets as dozens of Hamas fighters infiltrated the heavily fortified border in several locations by air, land, and sea and catching the country off-guard on a major holiday. AP

The Hamas incursion on Simchat Torah, a normally joyous day when Jews complete the annual cycle of reading the Torah scroll, revived painful memories of the 1973 Mideast war practically 50 years to the day, in which Egypt and Syria launched a surprise attack on Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the Jewish calendar, aiming to take back Israeli-occupied territories.

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Comparisons to one of the most traumatic moments in Israeli history sharpened criticism of Netanyahu and his far-right allies, who had campaigned on more aggressive action against threats from Gaza.

Political commentators lambasted the government and military over its failure to anticipate what a Hamas attack unseen in its level of planning and coordination.

The assault left the public pointing the finger at those in power.

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Netanyahu, who declared Israel to be at war, had said the military will use all of its strength to destroy Hamas capabilities. But he warned, This war will take time. It will be difficult.

All the places that Hamas hides in, operates from, we will turn them into ruins, he vowed.

But his inability to secure the release of the hostages taken by Hamas or even chart out a future for Israel beyond wiping out Hamas led many to predict that the Netanyahu government was careening towards its demise.

A string of polls taken after the attacks showed Netanyahus popularity waning even further and that if elections were held, the Likud Party would further slip to 17 seats, as per CNN.

But nothing of the sort happened.

Bounce back

Instead, by August 2024, Netanyahus popularity had begun to somewhat bounce back.

By now, the Gaza war was in full swing and violence was continuing to escalate in the occupied West Bank.

Then, in September, Israel carried out a string of assassinations of Hezbollah leaders in a series of airstrikes on Lebanon.

In just over a week, intensified Israeli strikes in Lebanon killed seven high-ranking commanders and officials from the powerful Hezbollah militant group, including the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

The move left Lebanon and much of the Mideast in shock as Israeli officials celebrated major military and intelligence breakthroughs.

Hezbollah chief Sheik Hassan Nasrallah was killed by Israel in an air strike on Lebanon. AP

Hezbollah had opened a front to support its ally Hamas in the Gaza Strip a day after the Palestinian groups surprise attack into southern Israel.

This came after pagers used by hundreds of Hezbollah members exploded almost simultaneously in parts of Lebanon as well as Syria.

The attack left over a dozen dead and thousands wounded  and left Hezbollah operationally degraded and psychologically scarred.

Even in the months before the recent escalation of the war with Hezbollah, Israels military had targeted top commanders, most notably Fuad Shukur in late July, hours before an explosion in Iran widely blamed on Israel killed the leader of the Palestinian Hamas militant group Ismail Haniyeh.

All of this has led to Netanyahu reviving his popularity at least somewhat.

This despite over 100 hostages still in Hamas hands.

Today, a new poll from Israels Channel 12 shows Netanyahu with a 38 per cent approval rating.

The poll showed that the Likud, were elections held today, would emerge as Israels single-largest party with 25 seats.

However, the poll also showed that the current coalition would get 49 seats and the Opposition parties would get 66 seats and thus be able to form a new government.

The Channel 12 poll also shows that Yair Lapid, the Opposition leader, has the support of 27 per cent of those polled.

What do experts say?

Experts say that the conflict seems to be helping Netanyahu.

The regional confrontations are good for Netanyahu, veteran pollster and analyst Dahlia Scheindlin told CNN. They seem quite clearly to be the contributing factor to his recovery.

Scheindlin also added that Israels strikes in Lebanon have resonated with the public.

Its clear enemies of Israel, she said. Theres no ambiguity around this question of occupation, et cetera.

She also said it is hard to separate Netanyahus personal ambition of staying in power with the politically stated goal of allowing Israelis to return to the border areas with Lebanon.

It wouldnt surprise me if part of one of his considerations was so that Israelis feel like  after a year of having been through this horrible shock and trauma and surprise  that they have responded, Scheindlin added. That makes Israelis feel that they have a kind of catharsis, a sort of closure.

Any hopes that Netanyahu would be toppled also received a blow with his rival Gideon Saar joining the Israeli government.

When I ordered the assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, we all knew that an entire nation was behind this decision, Netanyahu said Sunday evening as per CNN. The cohesion of the ranks is a necessary condition for us to stand firm in these testing days, and for us to achieve the goals we have set.

Saars decision to join the government is certainly a painful blow to a large number of Israelis who think that Netanyahu needs to go, and not just because he is being tried on criminal charges, and not just because he is the most corrupt, hedonistic and lying prime minister Israel has ever had, Yedioth Ahronoth columnist Sima Kadmon told BBC.

She added that Saars decision will stabilise and boost the worst government ever to have served in Israel, so much so that the original date of the next elections, October 2026, now appears to be a realistic date.

Israeli opposition leader Yair Lapid has the support of 27 per cent of respondents polled . Reuters File

But no one can say with any confidence as to what happens next.

Theres no real joy in Israel now, Scheindlin told CNN. Even a sense of satisfaction for the moment or even a momentary euphoria  nothings going to take away the reality that this is a very somber time, especially because of the hostages.

Others think this is a temporary high.

Anshel Pfeffer, who wrote a biography of the prime minister, told The National he thinks this is a momentary boost because hes not getting away from any of [Israels] core problems.

The war in Gaza isnt ending and the war in Lebanon may well turn out to be a quagmire despite this initial success. The bigger issue is that Israelis still blame [Netanyahu] for October 7 and Israel being so divided before it. Hes going to try to frame [the assassination] in a kind of Churchillian narrative, as if we went through this period of blood, sweat and tears but now were coming out on top, he added.

I dont think in the long run this will save his career and wont salvage his historic record, not least because even though Netanyahu wants to take credit for what happened over the last few days, a lot of people realise its not because of Netanyahu  he barely gave the OK for these operations  its actually the much maligned intelligence, security and [military] services. Ultimately, I think Israelis will credit them rather than Netanyahu.

They also noted that elections in Israel are not due for another two years.

If elections were held today, Netanyahu and his allies would be unable to form a government. But chances of early elections are slim: The current coalition has little interest in calling for new elections, and the majority it enjoys in parliament prevents the opposition from forcing one. That means any attempt to set an early election would need support from at least some members of the coalition, Shai P, Ginsburg, Associate Professor and Chair, Department of Asian and Middle Eastern Studies, Duke University, wrote in The Conversation.

I believe only an extraordinary event could unseat Netanyahu: a general and unlimited strike supported not only by the Histadrut, which represents the majority of Israels labor organizations, but also by employers and the industrial and financial sector as a whole; a de facto or de jure military coup with the backing of all heads of Israels military, security and intelligence branches; or a military and financial embargo on Israel. Given the extraordinary nature of these events, they are very unlikely.

With inputs from agencies
Israel said on Tuesday that its troops have crossed into southern Lebanon and begun targeted ground raids against Hezbollah operatives in villages near the border. This action, the Jewish nation claims, will be limited in time and scope. However, it is a highly provocative, with many fearing a deadly repercussion from Iran and the Lebanon-based militant group read more

The moment that many feared while others anticipated is here. Israel has launched a ground operation into southern Lebanon early on Tuesday morning, days after it carried out continuous airstrikes, targeting multiple Hezbollah targets.

The ground offensive comes hours after the Israeli war Cabinet approved plans for the newest phase of the war against the Lebanese-based group and as the United States continued to voice concerns.

What do we know of this offensive? What does it mean for the region? How are other world players reacting to the news?

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We take a look at all of it and tried to break it down and simplify it for you.

Beginning of the ground invasion

In the wee hours of Tuesday, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) crossed into southern Lebanon and began limited raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area. The Jewish nation said that its troops supported by airstrikes and artillery had launched ground raids targeting Hezbollah in villages close to the border. The targets pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, the military added.

On X, the IDF wrote, In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation Northern Arrows will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

Flames rise after an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon. AP

As Israel began its ground attack, local residents in border areas spoke of heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

An Al Jazeera report stated that Israel had carried out a raid on the Ein al-Hilweh refugee camp in the coastal city of Sidon in southern Lebanon. This has resulted in the deaths of five people, reported the news outlet.

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Meanwhile, Israel has said that Hezbollah has been launching rockets at Israel since midnight. However, none of the missile strikes have caused any significant damage.

The aim of the ground invasion, as per Israeli officials, is to remove Hezbollah positions along Israels northern border, thus creating the conditions for a diplomatic agreement under which the groups forces would be pushed back beyond the Litani River, in line with UN Security Council resolution.

Furthermore, Israel has said that the operation would be limited in both time and scope and was not intended to occupy southern Lebanon.

Israeli soldiers rest during duty outside a cafe near the Israel Lebanon border amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in northern Israel. Reuters

Timing matters

The timing of Israels ground invasion of southern Lebanon is significant. It all began with the pager and walkie-talkie explosions, killing 37 and injuring around 3,000. Following this, Israel began a wave of airstrikes against Lebanon, hitting more than 1,300 targets, and wiping out the majority of Hezbollahs top command, including its chief  Hassan Nasrallah.

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Interestingly, Israel has also been simultaneously carrying out small, targeted raids into southern Lebanon, entering Hezbollahs tunnels located along the border, said a Wall Street Journal report. The purpose of this was to gather intelligence and further degrade Hezbollahs capabilities.

As Israels Defence Minister Yoav Gallant told troops on Monday, The elimination of Nasrallah is a very important step, but it is not the final one. We will employ all the capabilities at our disposal. We will use all the means that may be required  your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea and on land.

Women stand by debris of houses, during a funeral of villagers and people displaced from southern Lebanon killed in an Israeli strike on residential buildings in Maaysrah, north of Beirut, Lebanon. Reuters

World reacts

Following Israels ground invasion in Lebanon, the United States, the Jewish nations main ally, said that it sees the offensive as being in line with the countrys right to defend itself against threats from terror groups.

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US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin said, We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, he said in a statement posted to X after speaking with Gallant.

Furthermore, he issued a warning to Iran of serious consequences should it directly attack Israel in response to their attacks on the Tehran-backed militant group.

Austin, however, reiterated that a diplomatic resolution was required. I reaffirm that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, he said in his statement.

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Meanwhile, the UK government has announced that a charter plane has been arranged to evacuate Britons and their dependents from Lebanon. British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible, with vulnerable people being given priority. The flight is scheduled to leave Beirut on Wednesday. The UK government will pay to charter the flight, which will depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, but British nationals will be expected to pay a fee of 350 per seat, reports the BBC.

Consequences of Israels ground offensive

But what exactly is Israel hoping to achieve through this ground incursion? According to some, it is a test to assess Hezbollahs true and actual military might. Omar Rahman, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, told Al Jazeera, Obviously, Israel would be making a fatal mistake to send in, at the start, a massive ground invasion given what has happened in the past fighting Hezbollah.

Its bombarded the whole of the south. Now it is sending in these special forces, which are a sort of expeditionary force to probe and see the landscape, see the level of Hezbollah resistance that remains in light of both the bombardment and the confusion that must be existing within Hezbollahs ranks as a result of the assassinations, the killing of Hassan Nasrallah and a lot of the senior leadership, he said.

But, analysts believe that eradicating Hezbollah, as Israel wishes to do so, is almost impossible.

A broader ground invasion in Lebanon would also be highly provocative in the region, relieving memories of the 2006 war, which lasted for a month, causing untold damage and destruction.

An Israeli national flag burns as protesters demonstrate against Israel following the killing of Lebanons Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli air strike in Beirut, near the Israeli Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. File image/Reuters

Many note that a larger invasion would be risky for Israel itself. Analysts believe that the situation awaiting Israel in Lebanon would be different than that in Gaza. The Hezbollah has grown to about 20,000 to 30,000, with thousands more in reserve. Their special forces unit, the Radwan Force, has 3,000 soldiers who are trained specifically to operate in the south and know it like the back of their hand. The Lebanese group, with the backing of Iran, also has many high-tech and advanced weapons in its arsenal.

Defence specialists also note that if the incursion is to achieve a buffer zone, this wont help Israel. Thats because rocket attacks would continue to take place and Israel would have to deploy troops to maintain this area. This would further drag them into an economic loss.

With inputs from agencies
Tensions between Israel and Hezbollah have escalated dangerously following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. After air raids on Hezbollah positions, Israel has begun ground incursion. With memories of the 2006 Lebanon war still fresh, the current violence threatens to plunge the region into further chaos read more

Israeli soldiers leave Lebanese territory during the second day of ceasefire, near the town of Menara, August 15, 2006. File Image/Reuters

The border between Israel and Lebanon has once again erupted into conflict, with Hezbollah and Israeli forces exchanging fire in what has been described as a dangerous escalation.

The situation worsened dramatically this month, when Hezbollah confirmed that its leader, Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike last week.

The Israeli military claimed the building targeted was above Hezbollahs headquarters, and the strike also resulted in the deaths of Ali Karki, the commander of Hezbollahs southern front, and several other senior commanders.

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Israel has since intensified its airstrikes, hitting dozens of Hezbollah targets in Lebanons Bekaa Valley and southern regions.

The ongoing air campaign followed a deadly attack on September 17, when thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah operatives across Lebanon exploded, injuring about 2,800 people, most of whom were Hezbollah members, and killing dozens, including three civilians. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack and vowed retaliation.

This escalating confrontation follows nearly a year of rising tensions. Since October 2023, Hezbollah has been launching attacks on Israel in response to its war on Gaza, which has killed over 41,500 people.

The region is now on the brink of a full-blown war, marking the most serious conflict between Israel and Hezbollah since the 2006 Lebanon War.

What happened the 2006 Lebanon War?

The last major war between Hezbollah and Israel occurred in the summer of 2006 and lasted 34 days. Known as the July War in Lebanon and the Second Lebanon War in Israel, it began on July 12, 2006, when Hezbollah fighters launched a cross-border raid into Israel, killing three Israeli soldiers and capturing two others.

Israel responded with a large-scale military operation, aiming to rescue the abducted soldiers and dismantle Hezbollahs military infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Israels military campaign in 2006 included a massive air and artillery bombardment, targeting Hezbollah positions and Lebanese civilian infrastructure, including Beiruts airport, bridges, and roads.

Hezbollah retaliated by firing thousands of rockets into northern Israel. Despite Israels superior air power, the conflict quickly escalated into a ground war, with Israeli forces entering southern Lebanon.

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During the war, approximately 1,200 Lebanese people were killed, most of them civilians. Human Rights Watch reported that 43 Israeli civilians were killed by Hezbollah rocket fire, while 120 Israeli soldiers died in combat.

More than 4,400 Lebanese were wounded, and hundreds of thousands of people were displaced on both sides of the border, with about a million Lebanese fleeing their homes and up to 500,000 Israelis being evacuated from the north.

What was behind the 2006 Lebanon War?

Israel entered the 2006 conflict with four key objectives: to secure the release of the captured soldiers, weaken Hezbollah, prevent further Hezbollah incursions into Israeli territory, and press the Lebanese government to exercise greater control over Hezbollah.

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However, by the time a United Nations-brokered ceasefire went into effect on August 14, 2006, Israel had failed to achieve a decisive military victory.

The conflict was widely considered a military failure for Israel. The Winograd Commission, established by the Israeli government to investigate the war, harshly criticised the military and political leadership, stating, Israel initiated a long war, which ended without its clear military victory. The governments most senior civilian and military leaders failed completely to understand and internalise the fact that they had signed up, in effect, for a full-fledged war, not just a retaliatory operation.

The commission also pointed out that Israels heavy reliance on airstrikes failed to stop Hezbollahs rocket attacks, which continued throughout the war. Ground forces were eventually deployed, but the report criticised their lack of preparedness, noting that the militarys ground operations were poorly coordinated and ineffective in achieving the wars goals.

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How did the 2006 Lebanon War end?

The war ended with the passing of United Nations Security Council Resolution 1701, which called for the disarmament of Hezbollah, the withdrawal of Israeli forces from Lebanon, and the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces and the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) in southern Lebanon.

By early October 2006, most Israeli troops had withdrawn from Lebanon, though they continued to occupy the border-straddling village of Ghajar for some time.

The ceasefire brought an end to the immediate hostilities, but it did not resolve the underlying issues. Hezbollahs influence in Lebanon continued to grow, and its leadership claimed victory in the 2006 war, despite the heavy casualties and destruction.

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Similarly, Israeli leaders also claimed strategic success, though the Winograd Commission and many military experts disagreed. The ceasefire created an uneasy peace, but it did not disarm Hezbollah or eliminate the threat of future conflict.

How has Hezbollah grown since the 2006 Lebanon War?

Since the 2006 war, Hezbollah has strengthened its political and military position in Lebanon. The group entered Lebanese parliamentary politics in 1992 and held significant influence, controlling 62 of the 128 seats in Lebanons parliament at the time.

It also runs extensive social programs in the areas where its support is strongest, such as the Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut. Hezbollahs close ties with Iran and its involvement in regional conflicts, particularly in Syria, have only increased its battlefield experience and military capabilities.

In 2009, Hezbollah updated its manifesto, reaffirming its opposition to Israel and maintaining its role as a resistance movement while committing to integration into Lebanons political system.

Hezbollahs military engagement in the Syrian civil war, where it supported the regime of Bashar al-Assad, further bolstered its strategic position and strengthened its ties with Iran.

Will the current conflict surge into a new war in Lebanon?

The current conflict between Hezbollah and Israel is a stark reminder of the unresolved tensions from the 2006 war. Both sides have been preparing for years for the possibility of renewed hostilities.

Israels assassination of senior Hezbollah commanders and continued airstrikes on Hezbollah positions have only fueled the groups determination to retaliate, with Nasrallahs killing marking a potential turning point.

Also Watch:

The ongoing violence, displacement, and casualties echo the events of 2006, but with the stakes even higher given the broader regional context. Hezbollahs involvement in Syria, its growing military capabilities, and the tense situation in Gaza all contribute to the increasing possibility of another full-scale war.

Both Israel and Hezbollah have claimed that they do not want a war, but the events of recent weeks suggest that both are rapidly being drawn into one.

With inputs from agencies
Russia plans to raise its spending on defence by 25 per cent in 2025, to a record 13.5 trillion roubles. This news comes even as several countries continue to level sanctions against the Vladimir Putin-led country. The question many are asking is how does Moscow get the money to fund its war read more

A Russian service member is seen atop a T-34 Soviet-era tank that drives along Red Square during a rehearsal for a military parade. Russia is to increase its spending on defence by 25 per cent to its highest on record. Representational image/Reuters

The Russia-Ukraine war is slowly inching towards the 1,000-day mark and it seems that Russian President Vladimir Putin isnt anywhere close to ordering the stop of the war. In fact, if budget documents are to be believed, then Moscow is hiking its defence spending to a record high.

Russia in the midst of the Ukraine war has already hiked its defence spending to levels not witnessed since the Soviet Union era, launching missile after missile, drone after drone on Ukraine, and paying lucrative and hefty pay packages to soldiers, internal as well as foreign, to fight on the front lines.

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Such spending allocations have many asking  Where does Russia have this kind of money to spend?

We analyse and decipher the true state of Russias economy and how it is able to continue financing its war against Ukraine three years in.

Russia raises defence budget

Draft budget documents published on the parliaments website on Monday have revealed that Russia will increase its defence spending by 25 per cent, to a record 13.5 trillion roubles ($145 billion) in 2025. This is about three trillion roubles more than was set aside for defence this year, which was the previous record.

As per the documents, spending on defence and security will account for about 40 per cent of Russias total government spending  or 41.5 trillion roubles in 2025. Moreover, the draft budget has revealed that social spending will decrease by 16 per cent from 7.7 trillion rouble this year to 6.5 trillion roubles next year.

Russia is planning to spend about 40 per cent of Russias total government spending on defence and security. Representational image/Reuters

The Bell, which is an independent Russian news outlet, has written, This increase is confirmation the economy has switched a war footing, and, even if the war in Ukraine ends soon, channeling money to the army and a bloated defense sector will remain a top priority.

Apart from defence, the government will allocate 1.58 trillion roubles or 0.7 per cent of its GDP to education and 1.86 trillion roubles  0.87 per cent of GDP  to healthcare in 2025.

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State of Russias economy

Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, several Western countries and its allies across the world have slapped sanctions on the Putin-led nation. Reports state that Russia holds the record, having been slapped with more individual sanctions than Iran, Cuba, and North Korea combined.

However, despite these several sanctions, Russias economy seems to be chugging along with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) forecasting in April that the Russian economy will grow faster than all of the worlds advanced economies. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) said it expects Russia to grow 3.2 per cent this year, significantly more than the UK, France and Germany.

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Later, in July, the World Bank promoted the Russian economy from an upper-middle-income country to a  high-income one. The World Bank report credited several factors  including trade growth (6.8 per cent), an increase in construction activity (6.6 per cent), and a booming financial sector (8.7 per cent)  for the increase in the real gross domestic product (GDP) (3.6 per cent) of the nation.

Source of Russias money

But how is it that Russia has been able to keep its economy not only afloat but thriving amidst the war? Where does it get its money?

Analysts believe that the Putin-led nation has multiple sources of income and it has been through these channels that the countrys economy has rapidly grown.

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Oil and gas exports, is perhaps, Russias biggest earners. The West and its allies levied many sanctions on Russian oil and gas exports. However, keeping their own interests in mind, they have created enough elbow room that Moscow can continue to produce fossil fuels and even sell them.

A view shows an oil pump jack outside Almetyevsk in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Oil and gas exports, is perhaps, Russias biggest earners. File image/Reuters

Interestingly, since the sanctions were slapped on Russias oil, India and China have become its biggest importers. In February, an analysis revealed that Russia had earned a whopping $37 billion in crude oil sales from India in 2023. The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) in its report revealed that India had increased its purchases of Russian crude by over 13 times its pre-war amounts.

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In June, a Reuters calculation revealed that Russias oil and gas revenues would rise more than 50 per cent year on year to $9.4 billion. These revenues have been the most important single source of cash for the Kremlin, accounting for around a third to a half of total federal budget proceedings for the last decade, reported Reuters.

Another huge source of income for Russia is taxes. At the beginning of 2024, Russia announced a hike in taxes. As per the new tax structure, a 13 per cent tax is levied for incomes of up to 2.4 million roubles ($27,500) a year. For incomes over that amount, a steadily higher tax rate applies, with a maximum rate of 22 per cent for incomes exceeding 50 million roubles ($573,000).

The countrys company income tax rate has also increased from 20 per cent to 25 per cent. Through this reform, the country is estimated to bring 2.6 trillion roubles ($29 billion) in additional federal revenues in 2025.

At the beginning of 2024, Russia announced a hike in taxes. File image/Reuters

Moreover, the Kremlin is also looking at increasing the mineral extraction tax (MET) in certain industries. And as per a study conducted by Carnegie Endowment, the increased rates of profit tax, personal income tax, and MET could bring next years consolidated budget an increase of up to 1.6 per cent of GDP: about 2.52.7 trillion roubles ($27.7 billion).

Russia has also been ramping up its industrial production over the last two years. Its factories are producing everything from boots to ammunition, running around the clock, often on mandatory 12-hour shifts with double overtime, to sustain the Russian war machine. This production only adds up to its GDP.

It is left to be seen how long Russia can sustain this. However, as of now, the Russian economy seems resilient.

With inputs from agencies
Shigeru Ishiba will succeed Fumio Kishida as Japans prime minister. From security threats to an ageing population and low birthrate, here are the five key challenges the new leader will face read more

Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) reacts on the day of a press conference after the LDP leadership election, in Tokyo, Japan September 27, 2024. Reuters

Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned with his Cabinet on Tuesday, paving the way for his likely successor Shigeru Ishiba to take office.

Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Partys leader on Friday to replace Kishida, who announced in August he would resign at the end of his three-year term.

The 67-year-old former defence minister is virtually assured of being formerly designated premier due to his partys majority in parliament.

The veteran lawmaker, seen as somewhat of an outsider in his party who failed at four previous leadership bids, has already begun picking government and party officials who will contest the upcoming general election with him.

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Here are the five key challenges he will face when he becomes the new Japanese PM.

Security threats

After Chinas military aircraft made its first confirmed breach into Japanese airspace in August, tensions have escalated over Chinas increasingly assertive actions in the region. Since then, a number of instances have strained relations, notably the Shenzhen schoolboys fatal stabbing.

Ishiba, who is an expert in security policy, has proposed an Asian version of the NATO military alliance and more discussion among regional partners about the use of the US nuclear deterrence.

He also suggested a more equal Japan-US security alliance, including joint management of US bases in Japan and having Japanese Self Defence Force bases in the US.

Ishiba outlined his views in an article for the Hudson Institute last week.

The absence of a collective self-defence system like NATO in Asia means that wars are likely to break out because there is no obligation for mutual defence. Under these circumstances, the creation of an Asian version of NATO is essential to deter China by its Western allies, he wrote.

Nonetheless, there is no need to hyperventilate about the prospects for dramatic change in defence strategy, according to Nicholas Szechenyi of the Centre for Strategic and International Studies.

The rapidly deteriorating security environment in Asia favours more security cooperation with the United States and other partners, he said.

LDPs controversial image

Outgoing PM Kishida, who took office in 2021, was dogged by scandals over party funding and lawmakers links to the Unification Church.

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Ishiba plans to call a parliamentary election for October 27 after he is formally chosen as PM later in the day.

He has pledged to make the LDP a fair and just party again.

The LDP has had a nearly unbroken tenure governing Japan since World War II.

James Brady of consulting firm Teneo believes Ishibas ability to reflect the popular mood was evident earlier this year in his criticism of his partys response to the political funding scandal.

However, a snap election could also rehabilitate some disgraced party members, said Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University.

In Japan, if you win an election, you are considered to be purified, so some MPs involved in the scandals may return to the public stage, he told AFP.

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Economic challenges

Japans growth has long been hindered by slow wage growth and spending.

Ishiba supports the Bank of Japans progressive departure from its ultra-loose policies; this decision was made in response to his success in the LDP ballot, which sent Japanese stocks plunging on Monday.

His win implies less pressure for large-scale debt-funded spending or a return to monetary easing by the Bank of Japan, policies championed over a decade ago by assassinated ex-premier Shinzo Abe, said Teneos Brady.

To help the governments existing plan to ramp up defence spending to two per cent of GDP by 2027, Ishiba has suggested a hike in corporate taxes.

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He also pledged to continue Kishidas economic policy aimed at pulling Japan out of deflation and achieving real salary increases, while tackling challenges such as the countrys declining birthrate and population and resilience to natural disasters.

Ageing population, low birthrate

Japan has the worlds oldest population after tiny Monaco.

The countrys population aged 100 or older is at a record high of more than 95,000, as per the latest data.

Japan is ageing far faster than any other developed country. Reuters

Ishiba plans to raise the countrys low birth rate by introducing measures such as a review of the countrys notoriously long working hours, and expanding support for parents.

Together with security and disaster prevention, he has referred to the revitalisation of rural areaswhere ageing populations are getting fewer and more isolatedas my lifes work.

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Climate policy

Japan aims to be carbon neutral by 2050.

Ishiba wants to increase the countrys reliance on renewable energy sources in addition to nuclear power, which is still controversial in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011.

Japan has the biggest reliance on fossil fuels and is ranked last among the G7 countries in terms of measures to cut emissions from their power systems, according to the E3G think tank.

Economist and former Bank of Japan board member Sayuri Shirai told AFP that Japan needs to focus more on decarbonisation strategies, especially in business.

If Japanese companies dont do that, they will lose out to global competition because high-carbon emission goods could be punished with taxes and tariffs, she said.

With inputs from agencies
On Monday, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and 150 others were detained at the Delhi border while marching to the national capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. A representative of the group claimed that Wangchuk was taken to Bawana police station and was not being allowed to meet his lawyers. Heres what happened read more

Sonam Wangchuk, the well-known climate activist and educationist from Ladakh, was detained by Delhi Police along with around 150 supporters during their march toward the national capital on Monday. PTI

Sonam Wangchuk, the well-known climate activist and educationist from Ladakh, was detained by Delhi Police along with around 150 supporters during their march toward the national capital on Monday.

The Delhi Chalo Padyatra, led by Wangchuk, had drawn nearly 1,000 participants from Leh as it approached the city border, police officials told The Indian Express.

However, the protesters were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border citing the enforcement of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), which is in effect until October 6.

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What led to this detention? What specific demands are Wangchuk and his fellow protesters making? And how are opposition leaders responding to this arrest? Lets delve deeper into the situation.

Our fate is unknown

On September 1, Sonam Wangchuk, alongside volunteers from the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), began a foot march from Leh to New Delhi.

Their mission was to urge the central government to resume dialogue with Ladakhs leadership on constitutional rights and environmental protection for the Union Territory.

We are on a mission to remind the government of the promise it made to us five years ago, Wangchuk told ANI as the march reached Himachal Pradesh on September 14.

Activist Sonam Wangchuk along with his volunteers arrive in Lahaul and Spiti amid his padayatra from Leh to Delhi. ANI

The march was set to conclude at Rajghat on Gandhi Jayanti, October 2, in honour of Mahatma Gandhis birth anniversary. However, on Monday evening, Wangchuk and his group reached Delhi, where they were met with resistance from the police. Despite warnings about the prohibitory orders in place, the group continued forward.

Police cited Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) as grounds for detaining Wangchuk and around 150 others, including elderly participants and Army veterans. We tried to convince them to go back as Section 163 of the BNS is imposed in the national capital, but they were adamant, an officer told The Hindu.

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Wangchuk and his supporters were then taken to various police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area, and Alipur.

Wangchuk took to X to inform the public, writing, I AM BEING DETAINED along with 150 padyatris at the Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans Our fate is unknown.

I AM BEING DETAINED...

along with 150 padyatris

at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s some say 1,000.

Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veterans...

Our fate is unknown.

We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi... in the largest democracy pic.twitter.com/iPZOJE5uuM  Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 30, 2024

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa told PTI that about 30 women were among those detained, and they were held alongside male detainees. However, Delhi Police denied this claim.

A report in The Hindu quoted a representative of the group claiming that Wangchuk was stopped from meeting his legal team.

The activists later initiated an indefinite hunger strike at the police station where they were detained.

Why were they arrested?

Wangchuk and his supporters were detained following a prohibitory order issued by Delhi Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora on Monday evening.

The order, under Section 163 of the BNSS (formerly Section 144 of CrPC), bans protests and gatherings of five or more people in central and border areas of the city until October 5.

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The reasons cited for the order included concerns over the communal atmosphere, upcoming MCD Standing Committee elections, Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir and Haryana, as well as expected VVIP movement during Gandhi Jayanti.



Wangchuk stressed that the authorities dont want to allow this padyatra to take place, hinting at the heightened security measures around their peaceful protest.

What were Wangchuk and others demanding?

One of the key demands placed by the Ladakhi protestors in their four-point agenda is to include the Union Territory in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, which would grant the local population law-making powers to protect their land, resources, and cultural identity.

Additionally, the protesters are calling for statehood for Ladakh, the establishment of a public service commission, and a faster recruitment process for local jobs. They are also demanding separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts to improve political representation.

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They say the march was a way to urge the government to resume the stalled dialogue with the leadership of Ladakh on their four-point agenda.

Residents from Ladakh hold placards demanding statehood and other democratic rights for their region during a protest in New Delhi in February. File photo/AP

Notably, this isnt the first time Wangchuk has resorted to fasting for Ladakhs demands. Earlier this year, he undertook a 21-day Climate Fast. While ending the hunger strike on March 26, Wangchuk had said it was not the end of the protest.

Whats next?

The detention of Wangchuk and his supporters has sparked criticism from opposition leaders, including Rahul Gandhi and Arvind Kejriwal.

Rahul Gandhi called the move unacceptable and criticised PM Modi, stating, He will have to listen to Ladakhs voice. In a post on X, he questioned, Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future?

He further added, Modi ji, like with the farmers, this Chakravyuh will be broken, and so will your arrogance.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.



Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future?



Modi ji, like with the farmers, this  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 30, 2024

Former Delhi CM and AAP leader Arvind Kejriwal also expressed disapproval, and took to X to wrote, Sometimes they stop farmers from coming to Delhi, sometimes they stop people from Ladakh. Is Delhi the property of one person? Delhi is the countrys capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is completely wrong. Why are they afraid of unarmed peaceful people?

In response to Wangchuks detention, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Leh Apex Body have called for a Ladakh Bandh. The Bar Association Kargil has also voiced its support for the strike.

Hajan Fathima Bano, leader of the Apex Body, Leh told News18, They have not gone there to fight. They want Ladakhs inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, but they are detained. This should not happen.

With input from agencies
A Muslim man, his wife, and in-laws were staying in Bengaluru using Sharma identity. They came to India illegally, entering the country through West Bengals Malda, from Bangladesh. The man used to preach Islam and is a member of the Mehdi foundation read more

During the investigation, 48-year-old Rashid Ali Siddiqui confessed to fleeing from Pakistan to Bangladesh following persecution of religious leaders in his country. Source: Representational Image / PTI.

Four Pakistani nationals, who disguised their identities and used Hindu names in fake Indian passports and forged Aadhaar cards, have been arrested from the outskirts of Karnatakas Bengaluru where they were living for about a decade.

According to a report by The Indian Express, the family  a man, his wife and her parents  had been living in Rajapura village using Sharma as their surname.

Police have identified them as Rashid Ali Siddiqui (48), his wife Ayesha (38) and her parents Hanif Mohammed (73) and Rubina (61). They were using aliases Shankar Sharma, Asha Rani, Ram Babu Sharma and Rani Sharma.

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How were they arrested?

As per IE report, based on intelligence inputs, the police arrested two Pakistani nationals from Chennai International Airport. The duo were apprehended by immigration officials when they landed from Bangladesh and were carrying fake passports. During the investigation, it was revealed that they were related to Siddiqui.

On Sunday (September 29), a team of police arrived at Siddiquis house in Jigani just at the time he and his family were speeding up with packing their belongings and leaving the place.

The police team then questioned Siddiqui, who identified as Shankar Sharma and said he had been staying in Bengaluru since 2018. He even produced the familys fake passports and Aadhaar cards which mentioned their Hindu names.

The cops then barged into the house and saw MEHDI FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL JASHAN-E-YOUNUS written on the wall. There were also photos of Islamic clerics.

On further grilling, Siddiqui confessed they were Pakistani nationals and that he belonged to Karachis Liaquatabad, while his wife and her parents were from Lahore.

During the preliminary investigation, it was also revealed that Siddiqui ran an online food outlet and even supplied engine oil to garages.

Siddiqui, during the probe, confessed that he married Ayesha in 2011 in an online ceremony when she was in Bangladesh with her parents. He also said that he fled from Pakistan to Bangladesh after religious leaders in his country were persecuted.

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In Bangladesh, Siddiqui served as a preacher and his expenses were covered by the Mehdi Foundation, the FIR stated.

When did Siddiqui shift to India?

Things were fine with Siddiqui till 2014 when he again came under attack in Bangladesh. He then contacted a man named Parvez from the Mehdi Foundation in India and moved to India illegally.

Siddiqui, his wife and her parents and a couple of his relatives entered India from Bangladesh via Malda in West Bengal with the help of agents.

Initially, they stayed in Delhi and managed to get fake Aadhaar cards, passports and driving licenses under their disguised identity as the Sharma family. In the capital, Siddiqui continued preaching on behalf of the Mehdi Foundation.

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How did Siddiqui & his family come to Bengaluru?

In 2018, Siddiqui visited Nepal where he met Wasim and Altaf, both residents of Bengaluru, after which he decided to relocate to Bengaluru when they asked him to preach in the city.

In Bengaluru, Altaf used to pay rent for the accommodation where Siddiqui lived with his family, while the Mehdi Foundation paid him for his shows on Alra TV where he preached Islam.

Siddiquis in-laws had also opened bank accounts in Bengaluru with their forged documents.

Forgery & cheating charges slapped

A case has been registered against Siddiqui and his family under sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating) and 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record of Indian Penal Code (IPC) and under sections of Passport Act.

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What is Mehdi Foundation?

The Mehdi Foundation, which is also known as Messiah Foundation, was started in the 1970s in Pakistan.

It was initially called Riaz Gohar Shahi International after its founder and a Pakistani spiritual leader  Riaz Ahmed Gohar Shahi. However, in 2002, it was formally named as MFI.

The organisation promotes the teachings of Younus AlGohar, a spiritual teacher advocating for Sufism, religious harmony, interfaith peace, and humanity beyond religion.

The organisation also works to de-radicalize Muslim youth by promoting Sufism. However, its members have faced religious persecution in various Muslim countries, including Pakistan.

Alra TV, associated with the foundation, is a YouTube channel that promotes Sufi teachings.

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With inputs from agencies.
As per reports, the bullet struck Govindas knee and he was taken to CRITICare Hospital in Mumbai. Police are investigating the incident after seizing the actors weapon read more

Govinda, 60-year-old Bollywood actor. was admitted to the hospital around 5:15 am and is now reported to be out of danger. Source: Instagram.

Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda accidentally shot himself in the leg with his licensed revolver on Tuesday morning. He was rushed to a nearby hospital.

The incident of misfired around 4:45 am when Govinda was checking the revolver before stepping out of his home for an appointment.

As per reports, the bullet struck Govindas knee, and he was immediately taken to CRITICare Hospital in Mumbai.

A report by NDTV said that the actor was alone at home at the time of the incident.

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Sources to CNN News18 said that the incident took place when Govinda was getting ready to leave for airport to catch an early morning flight to Kolkata.

The 60-year-old actor was admitted to the hospital around 5:15 am and is now reported to be out of danger, sources at the hospital told CNN News18.

ANI quoted Govindas manager Shashi Sinha as saying that Govinda was checking and keeping his licensed revolver in its case when he dropped it. The revolver went off and the bullet hit his leg.

The doctor has removed the bullet and his condition is fine. He is in the hospital right now, Sinha was quoted as saying by ANI.

Though there has been no official statement from Govindas family so far, a report by The Indian Express quoted Sunita, the actors wife, who was travelling to Mumbai, as saying that she was going to directly visit the hospital where he has been undergoing treatment.

Govinda, a renowned Bollywood actor, joined Maharashtras ruling party Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), making a comeback in politics after a 14-year hiatus.

Govind Arun Ahuja, better known by his stage name Govinda, is famous for his stellar role in comedy blockbusters in Coolie No. 1, Haseena Maan Jaayegi, Saajan Chale Sasural, Raja Babu, Rajaji among others.

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Govindas recent appearance on the big screen was in the 2019 film Rangeela Raja, directed by Pahlaj Nihalani.

With inputs from agencies.
A two-judge bench was hearing petitions challenging bulldozer justice against people accused of crimes, a practice that has become prevalent across India in the recent past. While highlighting Indias secular status, the court said that its directive on bulldozer action is not limited to any particular religion but applies to all citizens, regardless of their faith read more

The Supreme Court on Tuesday said that whether it is a temple or a dargah, religious structures encroaching on roads, railway tracks and water bodies must be demolished as they threaten public safety.

A two-judge bench was hearing petitions challenging bulldozer justice against people accused of crimes, a practice that has become prevalent across India in the recent past. While highlighting Indias secular status, the court said that its directive on bulldozer action is not limited to any particular religion but applies to all citizens, regardless of their faith.

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Whatever directions we issue will be for pan India and apply to all equally. We are a secular country. If there is any religious structure in the middle of the road, be it gurudwara or dargah or temple, it cannot obstruct the public, Justice BR Gavai said.

Last month, the apex court passed an interim order where it stated that no demolition should be carried out without its permission till October 1, barring buildings constructed illegally in public spaces.

Law must be applied to everyone

The court noted that the razing of structures becomes problematic when they are carried out against individuals accused of committing crimes.

If there are two structures in violation and action is taken only against 1and you find in the background there is a criminal offence, then what? Some solution has to be found for thatsome judicial oversight, the court observed.

It added unauthorised constructions must be demolished under one law that is free of targeting one particular community.

The court emphasized that simply having accusations in a criminal case, or even being convicted, is not sufficient reason to justify the demolition of their homes.

Pan-India guidelines for demolition to be formed soon

The court has said that it will prepare a pan-India guideline that stakeholders would be required to follow while carrying out demolition.

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The guidelines will be prepared in line with suggestions received from the petitioners.

The bench also underscored that demolitions should be carried out under judicial oversight and said that a notice must be sent to the owner of the structure at their registered postal address.

The court also stated that there should be a period between the final demolition order and its execution, allowing those impacted to make alternative arrangements.

With inputs from LiveLaw
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the situation along the LAC is stable but not normal as he shared his views on the overall border situation read more

After over four years of the ongoing military stand-off in eastern Ladakh along the Line of Actual Control (LAC), the situation on India-China borders is stable but not normal, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said in an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma.

He said, As far as China is concerned, it has been intriguing our minds for quite some time. I keep saying that with China, you have to compete, you have to cooperate, you have to coexist, you have to compete, you have to confront and contest.

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A positive signalling is coming from the diplomatic side. But what we have to understand is that the diplomatic side gives you options and possibilities, but when it comes to execution on ground, it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take a decision, General Dwivedi said.

He said, The situation is stable, but its not normal and its sensitive.

We want the situation that was before April 2020 to be restored. Till the time, the situation will remain sensitive, and we are prepared for any kind of contingency. The trust has become the biggest casualty," the Army chief said.

On progress on flashpoints like Demchok, he said, Everything we can think of along the Northern Front is on the table, it includes Depsang and Demchok.

He spoke on a range of issues including terror attacks in the Jammu region of the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, situation in Manipur and Lebanon pager attacks.

On the new wave of attacks in Jammu, General Dwivedi said, If you take all the parameters, I feel we are moving towards peace. The terrorists who have come now are foreign terrorists.

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Whether model villages and border infrastructure are helping in countering Chinese expansionism, General Dwivedi said, State governments have been empowered now to put in resources, and this is the time where the Army, the state governments, and supervision by the central government, all three are coming together. The model villages which are coming together now  they will be much better.

On the ground situation in Manipur, he said, It has become a battle of narratives. Situation may be stable today, but it is tense."

The Indian Army chief explained how the Lebanon pager attack, attributed to Israel, could have been carried out. He said, The war does not start the day you start fighting, it starts the day you start planning."
In an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi on Tuesday, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi discussed a range of critical issues including the ongoing India-China border standoff at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and the persistent unrest in Manipur, which has remained unstable for over a year. He also touched upon broader topics such as the war in Lebanon, Indias push for self-reliance in defence through initiatives like the Agnipath scheme and the evolving conflict in West Asia. General Dwivedi provided valuable insights into these pressing matters, shedding light on the challenges and strategies shaping Indias defence posture.

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On China

You took charge three months back and its been a period of churn for the neighbourhood. Would you say that China is still the biggest security challenge for India? And how do you assess the situation at the border given the high levels of troop deployment and the tensions alongside statements from the Chinese side saying there is progress, more convergence and fewer differences?

So, I have taken three months, but it has 40 years of experience behind it, of course. As far as China is concerned, it has been intriguing our minds for quite some time. I keep saying with China you have to compete, you have to cooperate, you have to coexist, you have to confront and contest.

So whats the situation today?

As we are looking at the positive signalling coming from the diplomatic side, we must understand that the diplomatic side gives you options and possibilities. However, when it comes to execution on the ground, it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides who have to make those decisions.

So whats the situation today?

Its stable but not normal and its sensitive. If that be the case, what are we wanting? We want the situation that was there pre-April 2020 to be restored, whether in terms of ground occupation, buffer zones that have been created, or patrolling that has been planned as of now. Until that situation is restored, the situation will remain sensitive and we are fully operationally prepared to face any contingencies that may arise. Trust has become the biggest casualty.

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So do you see progress? Because that is the word that is being used a lot, that there is progress. Do you see a possible deal on say Demchok or some other place?

From April 20, we see that over time both sides have been sitting together. Diplomatic parley has been taking place. We have had approximately 17 HMCL or core commander-level conferences and 21 WMCC conferences. We have come a long way in resolving whatever low-hanging fruit there were.

When it comes to the difficult situations where we have differing perceptions from both sides, it means that both sides need to negotiate a win-win situation. Some indication has been given from both the diplomatic side. Now the military side will sit together and see how this can be translated on the ground.

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Everything we can think of is on the table along the northern front, and it also includes Depsang and Demchok.

China has also been building a lot of infrastructure including these so-called model villages along the border in an attempt to assert its territorial claims, and India has recently started building such villages, mostly in Arunachal Pradesh. Does it help in countering Chinese expansionism?

Let me first clarify. China is constructing those villages close to the Line of Actual Control, but in most cases, the population is not there. They are carrying out artificial immigration and artificial settlement. No problem. Its their country and they can do whatever they want. However, we see whats happening in South China, where initially, we find fishermen and others in the forefront, and then the military moves in to save them.

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So, is it leading to some kind of a grey zone where the causation may look simple but may have a grand design behind it? Thats what we need to look into. As far as the Indian Army is concerned, we have been having these kinds of model villages and we have been carrying out this job. We have resources in place. What is more important is that the state governments have now been empowered to put in those resources.

This is the time where the army, state government and supervision by the Central government are all coming together. The model villages being established now will be much better. I will quote our Prime Minister from April 1, 2023, when he spoke about the vibrant village programs. He said what I am looking for from the army is basically to provide the soul to these villages.

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What that means, if you translate it, is cultural revival, building trust among the local population, ensuring they feel supported by all of India, and promoting tourism so they feel important wherever they are staying.

On Jammu and Kahsmir

How do you describe the current security situation in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the context of the ongoing elections?

Before I address the present situation, I must reference August 2019, a pivotal moment. After the abrogation of Article 370, I met with the wife of an active politician who shared that her children now clearly understand which countrys flag to draw in school. This clarity about Jammu and Kashmirs relationship with India has emerged since then.

If we analyse the current situation through various indicators, we see improvements. For example, the Amarnath Yatra has seen over two crores of tourists in 2023, which is a significant increase from the previous decade. On the terrorism front, there have only been two new recruits in 2024, compared to hundreds in earlier years. All these parameters indicate a movement towards peace and prosperity.

We initially concentrated our efforts on southern Kashmir, which allowed for development in those areas. However, certain regions were left somewhat unaddressed. Recently, adversaries have targeted these areas, introducing foreign terrorists.

In response, we have reoriented and revitalised our security forces, particularly focussing on revamping the police. The effectiveness of the police is crucial for stabilising the state, and empowering them is a key priority.

What explains the shift in terrorist activity from Kashmir to Jammu?

The shift can be attributed to our focus on development in southern Kashmir, which has allowed for greater peace and stability. However, certain regions, especially in Jammu, were not as closely monitored, making them targets for adversaries. These adversaries, primarily foreign terrorists, have now started to infiltrate and operate in these previously less targeted areas.

On Manipur

You visited Manipur last month, which has been gripped by ethnic violence for more than a year. This is exacerbated by its shared border with Myanmar, a country dealing with its own problems, raising concerns about spillover. What is your assessment of the ground situation in Manipur?

The situation in Manipur, which began in May 2023, started with a rumour that an Anglo-Kuki War Centenary gate was being burnt, though this was not the case. After going on the ground and confirming the facts, it became evident that rumour-mongering triggered major violence, which continues today. This has become a battle of narratives, leading to polarisation between communities. While the situation appears stable, tensions remain. There are several factors to consider, including the internally displaced population, which peaked at 60,000 but has now decreased to below 40,000. The society has also become somewhat weaponised due to the looting of arms. Womens organisations and underground groups have emerged for defensive purposes, and battle lines are hardening.

Our approach has been clear: a whole-of-nation strategy is required. The army and Assam Rifles have deployed around 126 columns in coordination with other stakeholders to restore trust and stabilise the situation. This will take time, as social fractures do not heal quickly. We have also successfully recovered around 25 per cent of the weapons looted, along with many locally-made weapons. Moreover, we are closely working with ex-servicemen, who act as a beacon of national integration and social harmony, to explore possible ways forward.

Are there concerns about foreign assistance to certain militant groups from Myanmar?

The history of Manipur is complex. There used to be valley-based insurgent groups (VBS) that were supported from across the border. Now, similar allegations are arising about other groups. However, we are ensuring that false narratives do not gain traction. For example, there were rumors about bomb drones and the infiltration of 900 anti-national elements, but our ground checks confirmed that these claims were false. Controlling such misinformation is crucial to maintaining stability.

As for external support, Myanmar is dealing with its own issues, and some displaced people have crossed into India, especially into Mizoram and Manipur. These individuals are unarmed and seeking shelter, and India, as a compassionate nation, is providing them with shelter and support until the situation improves.

On self-reliance

Globally, geopolitical alliances are shifting, and self-reliance seems to be a winning strategy. India has focussed on this for a while, especially in defence. How do you assess the progress in defence development, production, and technological innovation? Are we meeting our goals?

Recent wars have shown us that they are characterised by long durations, mass firepower and on-the-ground innovation. To sustain such efforts, arms, ammunition and platforms must be domestically produced. This ensures the ability to modify platforms and adapt to evolving situations. When relying on external sources, modifications become difficult due to a lack of intellectual property rights (IPR), technology, or spare parts.

The Indian Army has committed to ensuring that more than 85 per cent of our acquisitions are of Indian origin. Our motto, Swadeshi Karyani Shakaar, emphasises this. We are actively contributing to the positive indigenisation list, with 176 out of 509 items sponsored by the Indian Army. Programmes like iDEX and Aatmanirbhar Bharat are playing a significant role, and the Make I and Make II initiatives in DAP 2020 are fostering Indian industry investment. So far, we have invested approximately Rs1.13 lakh crore.

Furthermore, public sector undertakings (PSUs) have been corporatised, meaning they are evolving into self-sustaining entities. In the meantime, we are providing support to ensure their success. Simultaneously, we are creating a healthy ecosystem for private industry, assuring them of our commitment.

You also mentioned grey zone warfare. Given that modern conflicts increasingly involve non-military means, how is India poised for this? Weve seen instances like Israels infiltration of Hezbollahs network, and our own leaders, such as General Bipin Rawat, have spoken about Indias two-and-a-half-front war. Are we making progress in preparing for these conflicts?

The army has always been preparing, much like a surgeon who practices on mannequins for years before operating on a real patient. We all understand that wars will come when they come, but the time in between  in the grey zone  requires preparation.

Take examples like the Doklam standoff, Kargil, or Galwan. Do we call them full-fledged wars? No, but they are part of the grey zone. We need to be ready for that space. Tactical missteps can lead to strategic ramifications, involving the whole nation.

To deal with this, we need common thinking at all levels, from commanding officers to the Chief of Army Staff. Grey zone warfare involves cyber, electronic warfare and the cognitive domain, especially the battle of narratives. This isnt just about dealing with adversaries but also about protecting our own population, including the defence community of 1.3 million people.

We must manage the degree of delegation needed for effective action in the grey zone, and we are developing measures to address this at various levels.

Youve also discussed Indias defence manufacturing and enabling private and public sectors. Recently, India placed an order for 73,000 SIG Sauer firearms, but some Indian weapons manufacturers questioned why we didnt use domestically made weapons. How do we balance strategic needs with the Make in India initiative?

Thats a very valid question. Let me take you back to the American Civil War, where the range of weapons was just 75 metres. Soldiers would hide behind logs, fire and then reload. Fast forward to 1988 when I was part of the team that introduced the 5.56 INSAS rifle. The rifle and light machine guns were approved, but we held on to 7.62 mm LMGs because they were tried and tested.

Over time, India has fallen behind in some areas of weapons technology, especially small arms. Ive been involved in procurement since 2012, and every year, private manufacturers would say, We can provide this, subject to That subject to always created delays.

For instance, when I was the Director General of Infantry, I visited a firm in Bangalore. They made a great sniper rifle, but the rifling was done abroad, the barrel was imported, and the ammunition was sourced from somewhere else. We have the capability in parts but havent been able to integrate everything fully.

Regarding the SIG Sauer, its one of the best rifles globally, with a range of 500 metres. In 2019, under General Rawat, this rifle was approved specifically for the infantrys frontline troops. A soldiers weapon isnt just for killing but also for protecting himself. The 500-meter range is critical because soldiers need that buffer distance for safety.

Now, we are balancing this with Make in India. Were producing the AK-203 in collaboration with Russia, and that will meet the needs of many units. Other rifles, LMGs, and carbines are also coming through the Make in India initiative.

What specific steps are being taken to improve the defence acquisition process?

The Defence Acquisition Procedure (DAP) was initially designed to ensure fair and transparent acquisition of imported items. However, with Atmanirbhar Bharat in focus, we need to be more open and adaptable. One initiative we have introduced is the Emergency Procurement (EP), where 100 per cent of the items procured have been indigenised. We are also working on an accelerated procurement programme, led by our Deputy Chief of Army Staff, with support from the Ministry of Defence.

Another important factor is technology. It is advancing so quickly that if we delay by a year, we will be left with outdated tools. To address this, we are decoupling the standard acquisition procedure from technology acquisition, allowing us to move more rapidly and stay ahead of technological advancements.

On West Asia

Lets talk about the war in West Asia, which is clearly expanding. This morning, I got a news flash that the ground offensive has begun in Lebanon, and the Israelis have become involved. Where do you think this is heading?

Let me take your point on the ground offensive. The Israeli strategy, often referred to as mowing the grass, is aimed at temporarily quelling threats. They know it will rise again, and theyll deal with it again. But this time, Israel has adopted a different approach.

If you read The India Way by our external affairs minister, he discusses how, when faced with two opposing sides, you must decide which one to handle first. In the context of the Mahabharata, Abhimanyu wasnt supposed to fight in the Chakravyuhit was intended for Yudhishthir or Arjun. Arjun was challenged elsewhere, and Abhimanyu was left alone. Similarly, Israel has decided that Hamas is its primary focus. They first neutralised Hamas opposition and then considered the other front.

What youre seeing is not an immediate responseits the result of years of preparation. The war doesnt start when you begin fighting; it starts the day you begin planning.

My second question is about the disturbing precedents being set in this conflict, particularly the use of everyday gadgets like pagers and walkie-talkies being turned into bombs. This makes people feel like were all vulnerable, as we all carry gadgets. Does India share this concern, and what are we doing to ensure were not at the receiving end of something similar?

Yes, the concern is valid. The supply chain interruption and interception are things we must be very vigilant about. We need multiple levels of inspectionboth technological and manualon imports to ensure such scenarios dont play out here. The threat is real, and India has to be proactive in securing against it.

On defence diplomacy

The government has set ambitious goals for a Viksit Bharat by 2047. Security will clearly play a key role in this. What is Indias strategic vision for 2047, specifically in terms of defence and security?

A: When we talk about a prosperous nation in 2047, two prefixes are essentialprogressive and peaceful. The security of the nation is provided by our militarythe Army, Navy, and Air Force together. As the security guarantors, we must have the capability to fight wars on multiple fronts, acting as a deterrent.

On the internal security side, we are well-prepared to handle threats from the western and eastern borders. The grey zonewhere war isnt always declared but is ongoingis an emerging area of concern. From denial, weve moved to realisation of these threats, and now is the time to act.

In addition to defence, our defence diplomacy plays a critical role. Whether its encouraging defence exports, exchanging best practices with other countries, or contributing to global peacekeeping forces, India has a vital part to play in shaping international defece strategies.

Theaterisation has been a key part of the 2047 roadmap, and some concerns have been raised about the army having more control due to its size and presence. How do you address those concerns, and is India ready for this?

While the army has significant resources, the control wont solely lie with them. Our first CDS (Chief of Defence Staff) laid a solid foundation, and under General Anil Chauhan, weve achieved significant consensus among the three services. The structure and planning are ready for presentation to decision-makers.

The idea is to have jointness across all forces. In Jointness 1.0, we began consolidating courses, joint logistics nodes, and other structures. Now, with Jointness 2.0, were integrating culture, thinking and processes. Weve achieved about 30 per cent of the jointness goals so far and are progressing rapidly.

As for the armys role, its important to understand that land forces, which include the army, will remain crucial due to their larger presence in the field. But even more significant is the integration of cyber, space and cognitive warfare, which will require a multi-domain approach. The theatre commander will not always be from the army. They could come from any branch, depending on the situation.

On Agnipath and women empowerment

The government is also considering changes to the Agnipath scheme, including increasing the retention rate. Some say this is a politically motivated move, but it will impact the force you lead. What is your take on this?

When women first entered the army, we didnt know how to handle it. Over time, we evolved, building on those early experiences. Similarly, the Agnipath scheme is evolving.

By December 2024, well have about 100,000 Agniveers in the army. The feedback from the ground has been excellent. Commanders are happy because these recruits are enthusiastic and eager to learn. Initially, we were concerned about competition between them, but instead, theres a high degree of cooperation.

The recruitment process has improved, too. We now conduct written exams before physical assessments, ensuring we select individuals who are mentally and physically well-suited. Its a process of continuous evolution, and changes like increasing the age limit for ITI-qualified personnel are already on the table. When further decisions are made, Ill be happy to share them with you.

On the topic of womens empowerment, its clear that strides have been made in the armed forces. Do you see more women playing larger roles, especially in combat?

Yes, womens empowerment is an important aspect of the Indian militarys evolution. Weve deployed female engagement teams in various operations and their contributions have been significant. In fact, were one of the few countries actively promoting this, especially in line with UN initiatives like Resolution 1325, which focuses on womens participation in peace and security.

Weve had discussions with countries like Japan and others on womens involvement in security roles. Over time, I believe you will see more women in combat roles and higher leadership positions. Its not just about including women. Its about recognising their ability to contribute meaningfully across all levels.

On AI

Of course, weve talked about technological advancements. AI is something many countries are discussing, and recently, about 60 nations gathered in South Korea to sign an agreement on using AI in the military. We understand its the future, but it still feels like the Wild West. Do you think we have enough understanding and safeguards in place to deal with it?

Whenever you carry out an evolution, there will always be insecurities and uncertainties, but that doesnt stop you from moving forward. When it comes to technology, we have 16 technology clusters with principal staff officers overseeing them. Thats point number one.

Regarding AI, data becomes extremely important. AI, in its mature form, comes much later. First, we need data, and then we should be able to analyse it through predictive analysis. Only then can we move towards advanced AI, including machine learning, evolving AI and generative AI.

Weve established regional training nodes and collaborated with institutions like the IITs to work toward this goal. We also have a single source of truth system evolving within the Indian Armys information framework. While we have data in various places, it must be gradually integrated, ensuring no confidential information is exposed. Currently, we are working on APIs and gateways to allow different data systems to communicate. Once this integration happens, well move towards utilising AI more fully.

Meanwhile, we are training our human resources in AI. Weve opened an AI incubation cell, and our Deputy Chief recently signed an agreement with BEL (Bharat Electronics Limited) to work on this together. We believe that within three to four years, well be able to combine data and AI more effectively. For now, we have some initial successes, like chatbots for veterans, which are early forms of AI. The real challenge remains in plugging security gaps, and while we are working on that, I can admit we are not fully prepared yet.

You also mentioned grey zone warfare. Given that modern conflicts increasingly involve non-military means, how is India poised for this? Weve seen instances like Israels infiltration of Hezbollahs network, and our own leaders, such as General Bipin Rawat, have spoken about Indias two-and-a-half-front war. Are we making progress in preparing for these conflicts?

The army has always been preparing, much like a surgeon who practices on mannequins for years before operating on a real patient. We all understand that wars will come when they come, but the time in between  in the grey zone  requires preparation.

Take examples like the Doklam standoff, Kargil, or Galwan. Do we call them full-fledged wars? No, but they are part of the grey zone. We need to be ready for that space. Tactical missteps can lead to strategic ramifications, involving the whole nation.

To deal with this, we need common thinking at all levels, from commanding officers to the Chief of Army Staff. Grey zone warfare involves cyber, electronic warfare and the cognitive domain, especially the battle of narratives. This isnt just about dealing with adversaries but also about protecting our own population, including the defence community of 1.3 million people.

We must manage the degree of delegation needed for effective action in the grey zone, and we are developing measures to address this at various levels.
How to deal with Chinas growing assertions has been a intriguing question for experts. In an exclusive interview with Firstpost, the Indian Army chief gave a formula to deal with China as he asserted that the border situation remains sensitive. read more

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi addressed a range of pressing topics including the challenges posed by China at the Line of Actual Control in eastern Ladakh and the fragile peace in Manipur, which has been unstable for over a year. The General also focussed on issues such as the war in Lebanon and Indias quest for self-reliance in defence.

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General Dwivedi offered a five Cs formula to deal with Chinas growing assertions in different fields. He said there was a need to compete, cooperate, coexist, confront and contest with China to deal with the countrys policies.

On India-China border situation

During the curtain raiser of the Chanakya Defence Dialogue on Tuesday, General Dwivedi stated, As far as China is concerned, it has been intriguing our minds for quite some time. With China, you have to compete, cooperate, coexist, confront and contest.

He said, The positive signal is coming from the diplomatic side, but what we need to understand is that the diplomatic side gives options and possibilities. However, when it comes to execution on the ground, it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take decisions.

General Dwivedi described the India-China border situation as stable. But he also said that the situation is not normal and its sensitive.

We want the situation that was before April 2020 to be restored. Until that time, the situation will remain sensitive, and we are prepared for any kind of contingency. The trust has become the biggest casualty, he said.

He said, We are wanting that the situation that was there pre-April 2020 should be restored back. Everything we can think of along the northern front is on the table. It includes Depsang and Demchok.

When asked whether model villages and border infrastructure would help counter Chinese expansionism, the General replied, State governments have been empowered now to put in resources, and this is the time where the Army, the state governments, and supervision by the central government, all three are coming together. The model villages which are coming together now  they will be much better.

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On self-reliance in defence

General Dwivedi advocated for a cautious approach regarding the maintenance of the defence supply chain. Supply chain interruption and interception are something we have to be very watchful of. We have to have various levels of inspection at both the technological and manual levels. More than 85 per cent of the requisitions we are carrying out will be Made-in-India.

On Lebanon pager attacks

Commenting on the Lebanon pager attacks, General Dwivedi noted, The war does not start the day you start fighting. It starts the day you start planning.

On Manipur

Regarding the volatile situation in Manipur, he said, It has become a battle of narratives. The situation may be stable today, but it is tense.

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You can catch the full interview on Firstpost here:
Govindas manager Shashi Sinha said that as the actor was about to leave home around 4.45 am on Tuesday for the airport to take a flight to Kolkata for a show, when the trigger of his licensed revolver was accidentally pushed as he was keeping it in the cupboard read more

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has also given instructions to the hospital authorities to take best care of Govinda and ensure his speedy recovery. Source: Instagram.

Govinda, a renowned Bollywood actor and Shiv Sena leader, shared first audio message for his fans from hospital where he was admitted on Tuesday morning after sustaining leg injuries which he received when his revolver accidentally went off at his Mumbai residence, while he was about to leave for the airport to set off for Kolkata.

Doing better now

With the blessings of my fans, my parents and god, I am doing better now. I was hit by a bullet, which has now been removed," the 60-year-old said in an audio message.

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I thank the doctor here, Dr Agarwal ji. I thank all of you for your prayers, he added.

Govinda was rushed to CritiCare Hospital in Mumbai after his licensed revolver misfired and a bullet hit his leg, police said.

No one has lodged any complaint in this matter, police said, adding they have begun an investigation into the matter.

The actor is out of danger and recuperating at his home, a Mumbai police official was quoted as saying by PTI.

How Govinda was hit by bullet

Govindas manager Shashi Sinha said that as the actor was about to leave home around 4.45 am on Tuesday for the airport to take a 6 am flight to Kolkata for a show, when the trigger of his licensed revolver was accidentally pushed as he was keeping it in the cupboard.

Maharashtra CM Eknath Shinde speaks to Govinda

Maharashtra Chief Minister and Shiv Sena leader Eknath Shinde spoke to Govinda and inquired about his health.

I have personally reached out to Govinda to convey my deep concern about his health condition. On behalf of the government and people of our state, I wish him a swift and complete recovery, Shinde said in a statement.

I have assured Govinda that he and his family will receive all necessary support during this challenging time. Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones, the Maharashtra CM said.

According to ANI, the Maharashtra CMO said CM Shinde has also given instructions to the hospital authorities to take best care of Govinda and ensure his speedy recovery.

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Also Read: Actor, Shiv Sena leader Govinda accidentally shoots self in leg with own revolver, rushed to Mumbai hospital

Govind Arun Ahuja, better known by his stage name Govinda, made his debut in films in 1986 with Love 86.

He has acted in more than 165 Hindi-language films and was last seen in 2019s Rangeela Raja.

In March this year, ahead of 2024 Lok Sabha elections, Govinda joined Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, marking his re-entry into politics after nearly two decades.

Govinda had won the 2004 poll battle from the Mumbai North Lok Sabha constituency on a Congress ticket before stepping away from politics in 2008.

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With inputs from agencies.
Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi described the pager and walkie-talkie attacks in Lebanon as meticulous planning by Israel in an interview with Firstpost. He gave an insight about how military planning happens for a war read more

Indian Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi said the shell company created in Hungary to supply the pagers that exploded in Lebanon, targeting Hezbollah operatives two ago, was a masterstroke by Israel in military planning for a war.

In an exclusive interview with Firstpost Managing Editor Palki Sharma at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue in New Delhi, the Army chief said, The pager that youre talking about, its a Taiwan company [product] being supplied to a Hungarian company; the Hungarian company thereafter giving it to them.

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The shell company which had been created is something which is a masterstroke by the Israelis, he said.

And for that, it requires years and years of preparation. So it means they were prepared for it. The war does not start the way you start fighting. It starts the day you start planning. And this is what is most important, he said.

Does India also face such a security challenge? The Indian Army chief said the supply chain interruption and interception is something India has to be very watchful of. He said, We have to have various levels of inspection whether it is at the technological level as well as manual level to make sure such things do not get repeated in our case.

In a series of device attacks targeting Hezbollah, Israel carried out a massive strike in Lebanon on September 17 and 18. Pagers exploded on September 17, walkie talkies went off the next day.

Thousands of explosions resulted in the death of at least 37 people, including children, and injured nearly 3,000. Lebanese health authorities said many of the injured were civilian bystanders.

Reports suggest that Israel targeted Hezbollah by concealing explosives inside the batteries of pagers that were brought into Lebanon from Hungary. Explosives were reportedly concealed using technology that was so advanced that it was virtually undetectable, a report by CNN quoting security officials said.

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Multiple countries involved in the supply chain are probing how pagers were weaponised. There is still some confusion about who manufactured the wireless communication devices, how and where the explosives were planted in them, and how they made their way into the hands and pockets of Hezbollah operatives.
During his Colombo visit, EAM Jaishankar will call on newly elected Sri Lanka President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office on September 23 read more

File photo of External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, and JVP leader and now Sri Lanka Presisdent Anura Kumara Dissanayake meeting in New Delhi. Source: Instagram / drs.jaishankar.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar will be visiting Sri Lanka this week and call on newly elected President Anura Kumara Dissanayake, who assumed office on September 23. His visit to Colombo would be the first by any foreign minister after the presidential elections last month.

Jaishankars visit to the neighbouring island nation, which is expected to begin on October 4, will be closely watched as it will include high-level engagement between India and Sri Lanka after Dissanayake came to power.

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Indias high commissioner to Sri Lanka, Santosh Jha, was the first foreign diplomat to call on Dissanayake after the outcome of the 2024 Sri Lanka was announced.

The Sri Lanka visit of the EAM will be a significant opportunity for India to reinforce its commitment to providing development support for its strategically situated Indian Ocean neighbor, amid worries about a shift in its foreign policy under the Marxist president.

Through Jaishankars Sri Lanka visit, the Indian government is also hoping to build on its outreach to Dissanayake in the past 12 months that witnessed him visiting New Delhi earlier this year, setting aside reservations over his party Janatha Vimukthi Peramunas (JVP) deep and longstanding resentment against India.

During his Delhi visit, Dissanayake held talks with Jaishankar and NSA Ajit Doval.

India doesnt want Dissanayake to be hostile like Muizzu

A report by Times of India quoted a source speaking on condition of anonymity as saying that Sri Lankas Dissanayake may not have been Indias first choice, but Jaishankars in just the second week of his presidency suggests India doesnt expect him to be hostile in the manner the new Maldives president (Mohamed Muizzu) was initially or the way the interim government in Bangladesh has been."

It took almost six months for the first-high level bilateral visit between Maldives and India after Muizzu took over last year.

India and Bangladesh have still not had any bilateral visit following the ouster of Sheikh Hasina in early August.

During his talks with Indian officials, Dissanayake is said to have praised Indias $4 billion assistance that helped bail Sri Lanka out of a financial crisis. Before becoming president, he also gave an assurance that he wont be letting Sri Lankas land, sea and airspace to be used against India.

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Though there are concerns about what kind of relationship Dissanayake might pursue with China, he has recently said that he views both India and China as valued partners and that he doesnt want Sri Lanka to get involved in any geopolitical fight.

His anti-corruption focus helps India which believes in transparent infrastructure development, responsible debt financing practices, respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity, the rule of law and the environment, ToI quoted the source as saying.
The great Leftist wet dream of unleashing revolutions around the world is not over yet. Failing to do so on their own, these Left-liberals look up to the Islamists to do that. The problem is the moment a revolution reaches its critical tipping point, the Left-liberals become the first casualties read more

The New York Times does it, again!

As one thought its revenge attack comment to describe violence against Bangladeshi Hindus was a genuine mistake, here comes an NYT obituary for Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, highlighting how gifted an orator he was, sincerely desiring equality for all religions in Lebanon.

While the NYT report wants us to believe that Nasrallah sought equality for Muslims, Jews, and Christians, the truth is that under his watch in Lebanon, Beirut lost its cosmopolitan character. He would also openly vouch for the destruction of the Jewish state as his Iran-backed outfit, Hezbollah, carried out dastardly attacks on Jews around the world. Nasrallah saw the Jews as the source of all corruption and deception and even accused them of faking the Holocaust. Such was his abhorrence for them that he was on record saying, If Jews all gather in Israel, it will save us the trouble of going after them worldwide.

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So much for his liberalism and pluralism!

However, if one thought this was a typical NYT problem, then think again. Not very long ago, the Washington Post, an arch-rival as a spokesperson of liberal doublespeak, came up with an obituary of ISIS chief Abu Bakr-al Baghdadi, calling him an austere religious scholar. Interestingly, the first version of the Washington Posts headline called Baghdadi terrorist-in-chief, before it was changed to austere religious scholar at the helm of Islamic State. So, it wasnt an honest mistake but a deliberate, deceptive afterthought!

This liberal propensity to discover, if not invent, goodness among the worst of dictators, fundamentalists, and even terrorists opens an altogether new liberal parameter to look at the world. Everything just became so good, so positive, so uplifting. Its a brave new world of journalistic writing where a terrorist is a human rights activist, and a dictator is a democrat/humanist par excellence.

Maybe the NYT and the Washington Post can come up with a model obit write-ups for future writers and editors to take cue from. Here are two case studies that the opinion editors of the Western newspapers and magazines can look into:

Case 1

Adolf Hitler, an artist, book lover and animal rights activist, dies at 56

The body of Adolf Hitler was found in a bunker with his beloved wife. Hitler was an avid book lover who had more than 16,000 books in his private libraries. He was also the bestselling author of Mein Kampf, which in later years would help former Pakistan Prime Minister Zulfiqar Ali Bhutto in preparing for practical politics. Hitler was a hard-core vegetarian. Such was his faith in vegetarianism that towards the later stages of his life, he took only clear soup and mashed potatoes.

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Last but not least, Hitler was a promising painter. As a young man, he would paint and sell postcards showcasing serene and tranquil scenes from Austrias city life. Had he not been rejected twice by Austrias Academy of Fine Arts for one of its courses, he would have never left Austria for good, and he might have become a fine artist. The world, in that case, wouldnt have faced the trauma of World War II.

Case 2

Saddam Hussein: An Iraqi leader with sad childhood who wrote Quran with his own blood

Saddam Hussein was sentenced to death by hanging after being convicted of crimes against humanity. But looked closely, Saddam himself was a victim of circumstances, especially during his childhood. Troubles for him began even when he was not yet born. His father left Saddams mother about six months before his birth. Anguished and angry, she would try committing suicide on a couple of occasions. She would also regularly smack her stomach in the hope of aborting the yet-to-be-born Saddam. After his birth, his mother remarried, but to a man who would physically and psychologically torment Saddam for years to come. Things became so unbearable that he ran away from home when he was just 10. Maybe it was his difficult childhood that in later years brought him closer to religion, a manifestation of which was his decision to commission a Quran to be written using 27 litres of his own blood. Saddam also wrote romance novels under the pen name S Hussein.

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One can similarly come up with alternative obituaries. In the case of Ayatollah Ali Khomeini, for instance, one can bring out the reformer in him by highlighting his love for Les Miserables, which he called a divine book. Similarly, Idi Amin can be humanised by focussing on his wretched childhood and how he compensated for it by obsessively watching Tom & Jerry in his adult life!

Ironically, this Left-liberal love is largely confined to dictators, terrorists, and religious fundamentalists and rarely gets reflected on democracy and democratically elected leaderships. Here, one needs to recall the great NYT advertisement in 2021, seeking resumes for the job of a South Asia business correspondent based in New Delhi. One of the requirements sought for the position even startled the staunchest of NYT supporters. The American newspaper, quite categorically, sought the candidate to be critical of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his muscular nationalism.

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Explaining its stand, the newspaper wrote matter-of-factly, Indias future now stands at a crossroads. Mr (Narendra) Modi is advocating a self-sufficient, muscular nationalism centred on the countrys Hindu majority. That vision puts him at odds with the interfaith, multicultural goals of modern Indias founders.

Interestingly, the NYT has never put such preconditions for postings in Hong Kong or in mainland China. It has never asked the applicants to prove their pro-democratic credentials while applying for a position in Hong Kong or to publicly criticise Emperor Xi Jinping for a job in Beijing.

With democratic India, this wasnt a one-off incident in the Western media. In fact, there was a barrage of news reports and articles at a time when Prime Minister Modi was about to go to the US on a state visit, demonising India and the Indian leadership. The singular agenda was to say it loud and clear: That India was not a US ally, and it could far less be a reliable partner!

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In fact, when one reads Ashley Rindsbergs The Gray Lady Winked, it becomes obvious that the Western medias, especially the NYTs, love for dictators, terrorists was not a new phenomenon: The NYT was unabashedly pro-Hitler in the Thirties, serving as a sturdy fount of Dr Goebbelss propaganda. The newspaper that, for 20 years, has made Vladimir Putin out to be a second Stalin was unabashedly pro-Stalin in its coverage of the famine in Ukraine. And the paper that persistently envisions an imaginary Holocaust in Syria blacked out the real one at the time, having carefully downplayed the Nazis persecution of the Jews from 1933. There was such a method in the NYTs madness reporting that the Holocaust stories rarely featured on the front page of the American newspaper.

So, today, as one sees the NYT going out of the way to humanise Nasrallah as a great orator and a humanist, one is reminded of the great Leftist rush in France to both legitimise and humanise Khomeini, who had then taken refuge in Paris in the 1960s and 70s after being kicked out of Tehran. Author Kim Ghattas writes in her book, Black Wave: Saudi Arabia, Iran and the Rivalry That Unravelled the Middle East, how Frances Leftist intellectuals, being hugely influential in shaping public opinion, were anti-establishment, anti-power, and anti-imperial. They saw in the Iranian revolutionaries the embodiment of the values they had fought for themselves in the revolution of May 1968 on the streets of Paris. They wanted to believe in Khomeini, the sage under the apple tree. Sartre had once declared: I have no religion, but if I had to pick one it would be Shariati.

The great Leftist wet dream of unleashing revolutions around the world is not over yet. Failing to do so on their own, these Left-liberals pander to the Islamists to do that. The problem is the moment a revolution reaches its critical tipping point, the Left-liberals become the first casualties. The Iranian revolution of 1979 is a case in study. Still, as one sees in the Nasrallah episode, the Leftist disenchantment with Islamism is not over yet.

Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views
Israel will now be on a high having killed the Hezbollah chief, but it needs to be careful that its actions do not upset the careful balance in the Middle East and further spread the conflict read more

One cannot say whether these were strategically choreographed events, but the speech of Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu at the UN General Assembly, the reported killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in an aerial strike, and the threatened ground invasion of Lebanon by the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) all seemed to be in perfect sync.

That is something a little more like the IDF of the past: efficient, ruthless, timely, and not the tardy way it became the target of the major cross-border terrorist act on October 7 last year. Israel has turned its attention towards Hezbollah after focussing on Hamas in Gaza over the last one year. Nasrallahs death is a result of that.

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On October 7 last year, the IDF lost much of its sheen and reputation when it got struck by a surprise cross-border attack from Gaza Strip by Hamas, which is essentially a non-state entity, resulting in 1,200 Israelis dead and over 250 taken away as hostages. It has taken almost a year of a brazen no holds barred IDF aerial and ground campaign, which has simply used the doctrine of destructive dominance to curtail the Hamas presence and capability in Gaza, but not to a convincing level.

Both Hamas and Hezbollah are proxies of Iran, which has major stakes in the Middle Eastern conflict. Its the reluctance and the lack of military capability of the Arab nations that have yielded space to Iran as a major stakeholder. Hezbollah is a Lebanese organisation formed in 1982 by the Shia clergy in Lebanon to evict the IDF from so-called Islamic territories and militarily engage and harass Israel.

Hamas is a Palestinian group that formed in Gaza in 1987 after the beginning of the first Intifada against Israels occupation. They are separate entities but share the objective of armed resistance against Israel. Hasan Nasrallah became Secretary General of Hezbollah in 1992.

Why has Israel turned attention to target Lebanon?

Hezbollah was not involved in the October 7 attack, but since then it has upped the ante to target the northern borderlands of Israel, resulting in more than 90,000 people displaced from their homes. The world, preoccupied with the events in Gaza, has forgotten about the displaced Israelis of the north that happened due to Hezbollahs cross-border firing of rockets into population centres. Thus, as soon as Israel got a bit of a reprieve from Gaza, it turned attention towards the north.

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Israel has killed several Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, including Ismail Haniyeh, who was recently killed in Iran. The US had in 2019 killed Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) commander, Qasem Soleimani, and in recent months more Hezbollah and Hamas commanders have been neutralised through missile and air strikes in Syria. However, much more is being made of Nasrallahs killing; why?

Actually, this is a body blow to both Irans proxy warfare in the Levant and Israel and also a severe setback to Hezbollah because Nasrallah had a larger than life persona and had been the leader for 32 years. Many would compare this to the killing of Osama bin Laden (OBL) in Abbottabad, Pakistan, in 2011. Al Qaeda could never maintain the same stature under OBLs successor, Ayman al Zawahiri.

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Nasrallah gained a reputation particularly in 2006 during the Israel-Lebanon war which was chiefly fought with Hezbollah and resulted in a stalemate. Hezbollah became the first non-state actor in the Middle East which claimed victory against Israel due to Israels inability to gain a clear military advantage. It will not be easy to replace Hasan Nasrallah in the near future.

Israels strategy on the northern front

Throughout the current conflict, Hezbollah has claimed that the groups cross-border strikes have diverted the IDF resources, which otherwise would have targeted Hamas in Gaza. With Gaza militarily stabilising to some extent, the IDF wished to switch focus because of the increasing Hezbollah strikes on the northern Israeli population.

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More importantly, the IDF wishes to overcome the psychological hangup of the failure of 2006 and punish Hezbollah. Starting with the cyber-related pager attack to precision bombing of Hezbollah weapon emplacements, the IDF is following a similar doctrine as in Gaza. It warned the civilians to evacuate and has shown no remorse towards the collateral damage it is inflicting. Its shock and awe of a different kind. The operation to target Nasrallah was a major intelligence success.

Expectations of ceasefire

A ceasefire is very unlikely whether in Gaza or on the northern front, but Netanyahu has gained a moral victory by speaking aggressively at the UN General Assembly and following it up with success in Lebanon. The refocus from Gaza towards the northern front is just about optimising. A few units have redeployed, and more are on the way. The IDF would like to keep the pressure and push the Hezbollah fighters back. One should not expect an IDF roll deep into Lebanon; that will create problems for the future. All that it wants to do is create an exclusion zone so that Hezbollah cannot use short-range projectiles against the Israeli-populated areas.

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We should expect to hear a lot of threats from Iran, but these are unlikely to manifest. Israel will now be on a high but needs to be careful that its actions do not upset the careful balance in the Middle East and further spread the conflict. Until the US elections are over and till Inauguration Day, one can expect the status quo with continued Israeli efforts to weaken both Hamas and Hezbollah, especially as they now have an uncertain and inexperienced leadership. Hezbollahs military capability in 2006 has been largely neutralised by the IDFs technological advancement. The Houthis in Yemen would try to gain some prominence at this juncture.

The writer is a Member of the National Disaster Management Authority. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Turning to Hezbollah after decimating Hamas is nothing less than what the situation demands, so Israel is doing the needful read more

Lebanon's Hezbollah militants parade with a missile. It is said that the militant group has amassed an arsenal of rockets, missiles, and mortars with more firepower than many NATO armies. File image/AFP

It pays to be a little deaf sometimes. Ask Binyamin Netanyahu. Had he paid heed to all the doomsayersespecially in the western mainstream media and several in his own countrythe events of the past week may never have happened. Hamas would have been back in the saddle recouping and regrouping, rendering infructuous the Israeli Defence Force (IDF) actions in Gaza to neutralise it, and Hezbollah and Iran would have continued to target Israel.

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Today due to Israels current deafness, of the 24 battalions of Hamass Iran-funded and trained al-Qassam Brigades, 22 have been dismantled by IDF. Israel also claims it has killed half of Hamass military leaders, including 6 brigade commanders, 20 battalion and 150 company commanders, and over 17,000 Hamas members. That might explain the purported pressure from within Hamas for its leader, Yahya al-Sinwar, to accept a ceasefire deal.

Now that Israel has turned its attention to Hezbollah, rather than just fending off its attacks from the north that began a day after Hamass October 7 foray, a similar outcome cannot be ruled out. Hezbollah is a far larger force, but Israel has killed off much of its senior military leadership too. The ground invasion of Lebanon that Israel began today, although far more complicated and dangerous than its operations in Gaza, shows its intention to see this through too.

As anyone who has ever lived in that region (as this writer has) would vouch, Israel has a near-mythical ability to pull off the unthinkable and keep all its unfriendly neighbours in a state of perpetual unease if not fear. Syria has a population of around 24 million, Lebanon has about 6 million, Jordan is 11.5 million, and Egypt is a whopping 117 million. And Iran, its most active enemy, has a population of 86 million. And Israel? Just 9 million.

Hopelessly outnumbered and belaboured by a long history of hatred from the surrounding Arab majority, the fact that tiny Israel has been able to survive at all is testament to its fortitude and undeniable ability to snatch victory from the jaws of prophesied defeat. Israels wars with surrounding entities have been parsed differently by experts over the years, but that has not affected its self-confidence, nor its ability to do the unexpected when the situation demands.

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The similarity with the Biblical shepherd boy David, facing not one but a network of Philistine Goliaths, is obvious. Yet in the weeks immediately after the horrific murder, rape and abduction of hundreds of people in Israel by Hamas terrorists from Gaza on October 7, 2023, that shocked nation was warned against any large-scale retaliation. Clearly the worlds leaders, especially those heading international organisations, did not understand the mind of Israel/ David.

After the fall of the Iron Curtain, except for the relatively new conflict between Ukraine and Russia, few countries can claim to have the kind of huge implacable enemies right next door as Israel does. India has. There are two large countries on either side of India who are notand can never really befriendly. And smaller neighbours are buffeted by geopolitics to veer to one side and then the other. So India can really fathom Israels position very well.

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Which is why India, while advocating peaceful solutions, cannot really decry Israels response to that most audacious and vicious attack on its people. Imagine if 3,000 terrorists had slipped into Indiaor indeed any nationand slaughtered, raped and kidnapped hundreds of people. Can any self-respecting nation with a self-respecting leadership sit back and do nothing to decimate, disable and dismantle the source of the forces responsible for the outrage?

So it is not at all surprising that a week short of a year after the Hamas attack, Israel is still continuing its military actions in Gaza and finally stepping up its retaliation against Hezbollah and the Houthis who had butted into the Hamas imbroglio. Not listening to the (mostly foreign) voices advising ceasefiretherefore compromiseis a no-brainer as that would not even lead to the recovery of remaining hostages, much less guarantee peace.

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Going after Hezbollah was particularly inevitable. Particularly if Hezbollah does indeed have an estimated stockpile of 120,000 to 200,000 short-range guided ballistic missiles, short & intermediate range unguided ballistic missiles, and short & long range unguided rockets, with which it can theoretically hit any place in Israel. Just like decimating Hamas was a given too. Anything less than brutal retaliation is seen by terrorist organisations as weakness.

The decks may be stacked against Israel, also theoretically, as western media and the experts they choose to quote are at pains to reiterate given the size and capabilities of its enemies, but that is precisely why backing down is not an option. Nor should the psychological victory of killing Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah, who had plagued Israel for over 30 years, be downplayed. That Israeli assertion of ruthless intent will not be lost on its adversaries.

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Setting off explosives embedded in Hezbollahs deliberately low-tech pagers and then walkie-talkies was a similar quintessentially Israeli tactic to create panic in its opponents camp and make them wary about where the next attack will come from. That its networks had been thoroughly infiltrated was the larger message which probably disoriented Nasrallah and his cohort long enough for Israel to eliminate him within his own subterranean headquarters.

Israels chutzpah and psy-ops cannot be underestimated. Even as his troops storm into Hezbollahs well-entrenched southern Lebanon positions on Monday, Netanyahu has been on air (talking in English not Hebrew) about a regime change in Iranwhich he called Persiathat will ensure a lasting peace between two ancient peoples. Israel taking out Hezbollahs top leadership and even Hamas Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran will not be lost on the Ayatollahs.

Formidably well-armed terror groups present a permanent danger. Cynical deal-making and manoeuvring among Israeli political players may well have led to such a pass as many allege, but dealing with the resultant situation demands primacy; blaming and shaming can and will come after its very existence is secured once again. Meanwhile, temporary deafness among the Israeli leadership is necessary as long as Hamas, Hezbollah, Houthis and Iran persist with their implacably inimical intentions.

The author is a freelance writer. The views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect Firstposts views.
Samsungs Auto Blocker feature is at the heart of the dispute. Auto Blocker is designed to protect users from malicious software and apps from unauthorised sources. Epic argues that the additional steps required to download apps are not about security but about blocking competition read more

Samsung defended itself, saying it fosters competition and enhances consumer choice. Samsung also pointed out that users can disable Auto Blocker if they wish, dismissing Epics claims as baseless. Image Credit: Pexels

Epic Games, led by its determined CEO Tim Sweeney, has once again entered the legal arena, this time setting its sights on Samsung. Following Epics high-profile battles with Apple and Google over app store monopolies, the gaming company has filed a lawsuit in the US, accusing Samsung of making it harder for users to install alternative app stores, including Epics own marketplace.

Sweeneys concern had always been that even after winning a legal victory against Google, which forced the company to allow alternative app stores on Android, phone manufacturers could still create barriers. According to Epic, Samsung has done exactly that, requiring users to change their phone settings to download apps from the web, including Epics app store.

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This requirement, introduced in July, makes the installation process longer and more complicated, allegedly extending the steps from 15 to 21. Epic launched its app store in August, only to face these new hurdles.

Auto Blocker sparks a legal clash

Samsungs Auto Blocker feature is at the heart of the dispute. The tech giant claims Auto Blocker is designed to protect users from malicious software and apps from unauthorised sources. However, Epic argues that the additional steps required to download apps are not about security but about blocking competition. According to Sweeney, the more obstacles users face, the fewer are likely to complete the process, making it harder for alternative app stores to gain a foothold.

In response to the lawsuit, Samsung defended itself, saying it fosters competition and enhances consumer choice. Samsung also pointed out that users can disable Auto Blocker if they wish, dismissing Epics claims as baseless. Google, which is also mentioned in the lawsuit, stood by Samsung, with a spokesperson noting that Android device makers are free to take steps to protect their users.

Despite these denials, Epic believes the situation is a clear case of obstructing competition. The company has cited previous communications between Google and Samsung that allegedly discussed limiting competition, although Sweeney admits theres no direct evidence of collaboration between the two tech giants regarding Auto Blocker.

App store freedom

This latest lawsuit is part of Epics broader campaign to open up mobile app stores to more competition, which began in 2020. While downloading apps freely is simple on desktops, mobile platforms like Apples iOS and Googles Android have been more restrictive. Their app stores generate massive revenue from commissions, something Epic has been fighting to change.

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Epic has already secured a minor victory against Apple, though further legal challenges are ongoing. Similarly, Google may soon face penalties for its practices. Yet, for Epic, the fight is far from over. Sweeney acknowledged that despite reaching out to Samsung to find a resolution, no agreement could be reached, leading to the lawsuit. He admitted it wasnt ideal to sue Samsung, a company that has supported Epic in the past, but insisted the fight for a level playing field must continue.

Although Epics app store has gained over 10 million installations, its still far short of the companys goal of 100 million by years end. Sweeney believes features like Auto Blocker have slowed their progress. Despite the ongoing legal costs and challenges, he remains focused on the long-term benefits, confident that the barriers will eventually be removed, allowing for more competition and choice in the mobile app marketplace.
In the filing, Arkansas stated that YouTubes design strategy seems to prioritise keeping young users engaged through content that triggers dopamine hits, leading to addiction. According to the lawsuit, this strategy aligns with a troubling rise in youth mental health issues read more

Arkansas has already filed similar lawsuits against TikTok and Facebooks parent company Meta. These lawsuits focus on claims that these platforms have misled the public about the safety of their environments for children and the protection of user data. Image Credit: Pexels

Arkansas has launched a lawsuit against YouTube and its parent company, Alphabet, accusing the video-sharing platform of contributing to a growing mental health crisis among young people in the state. The state claims that YouTube has been intentionally designed to be addictive, leading to what some have described as brain-rot in its younger audience.

The lawsuit, filed by Attorney General Tim Griffins office, alleges that YouTube violates Arkansas deceptive trade practices and public nuisance laws. It argues that the platforms addictive nature has burdened the state by increasing the demand for mental health services among the youth. The state believes millions of dollars have been spent trying to manage this mental health fallout.

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In the filing, it was stated that YouTubes design strategy seems to prioritise keeping young users engaged through content that triggers dopamine hits, leading to addiction. According to the lawsuit, this strategy aligns with a troubling rise in youth mental health issues, which seems to have grown alongside the popularity of social media platforms, particularly YouTube.

Alphabets Google, which oversees YouTube, has denied these claims, defending its approach. The company emphasised that they have consistently prioritised the safety and well-being of young users. They said efforts have been made to work with experts in mental health and child development to create appropriate guidelines and controls for younger users. Googles spokesperson firmly rejected the allegations as being unfounded.

YouTube has specific measures in place that are supposed to ensure parental involvement for users under the age of 17. However, there are loopholes, as the platform can still be accessed without an account, allowing children to bypass age restrictions.

This legal action comes as part of a broader movement by both state and federal officials to tackle the negative effects of social media on younger users. Earlier this year, the U.S. Surgeon General urged lawmakers to enforce warning labels on social media, similar to those found on cigarette packets, highlighting the risks these platforms pose to young people.

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Arkansas has already filed similar lawsuits against TikTok and Facebooks parent company Meta. These lawsuits focus on claims that these platforms have misled the public about the safety of their environments for children and the protection of user data. As these cases are still being reviewed by the courts, the new case against YouTube adds another chapter to the ongoing struggle between social media giants and state authorities.

Interestingly, Arkansas had also introduced a law requiring parental consent for minors to create new social media accounts. However, this law has been blocked by a federal judge, leaving the issue of social media safety for minors unresolved.

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Platforms like YouTube and TikTok remain some of the most popular among children and teens. However, both have faced criticism for hosting and sometimes promoting videos linked to dangerous behaviours, such as violence, eating disorders, and self-harm. In response to growing scrutiny, YouTube has adjusted its policies, particularly concerning firearm-related videos, restricting certain content to users over 18.

The lawsuit also accuses YouTubes algorithms of pushing inappropriate adult content onto young users and contributing to the spread of child exploitation material. While the lawsuit doesnt specify a monetary figure for damages, it seeks to compel YouTube to fund prevention, education, and treatment programmes aimed at addressing excessive social media use.

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The case reflects an ongoing debate about the responsibility of social media platforms in safeguarding young users and the challenges of regulating an online space that is deeply embedded in everyday life.
When Musk acquired Twitter for a whopping $44 billion, Fidelity invested $19.66 million in the company. However, as of July 2024, Fidelitys shares in X are now valued at just $5.5 million, putting the entire platforms worth at a modest $9.4 billion read more

In 2023, X brought in around $2.5 billion in advertising revenue, which was approximately half of what it earned the year before in 2022. With ad sales accounting for roughly 70 per cent to 75 per cent of Xs total income, the dwindling ad revenue has further weakened the companys financial health. Composite image.

The value of X, formerly known as Twitter, continues to plunge, with the social media platform now worth less than 25 per cent of what Elon Musk initially paid for it. According to a recently released disclosure report from Fidelitys Blue Chip Growth Fund, which holds a stake in the company, Xs current valuation has shrunk significantly.

When Musk acquired Twitter for a whopping $44 billion, Fidelity invested $19.66 million in the company. However, as of July 2024, Fidelitys shares in X are now valued at just $5.5 million, putting the entire platforms worth at a modest $9.4 billion. This sharp decrease in value represents a huge financial blow for Musks ambitious purchase of the social media giant.

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Fidelitys evaluation

Since X is no longer a publicly traded company, Fidelitys report offers one of the few ways for investors and the public to gauge its current value. The firm has consistently downgraded its evaluation of the platform throughout the year. Most recently, Fidelity trimmed the valuation by 78.7 per cent, following earlier cuts in January and March. This significant drop has raised eyebrows, especially given the platforms already shaky financial footing.

In 2023, X brought in around $2.5 billion in advertising revenue, which was approximately half of what it earned the year before in 2022. With ad sales accounting for roughly 70 per cent to 75 per cent of Xs total income, the dwindling ad revenue has further weakened the companys financial health. This financial strain has forced X to make some tough decisions, including shutting down its San Francisco headquarters and relocating operations to Texas. The few remaining employees in California are being moved to a smaller office outside of the city, fuelling concerns over the companys future.

A troubled future

Despite the bleak financial outlook, Musk has been attempting to rally employee morale by promising stock grants  though these would only be awarded to workers who can prove their worth through a written memo. However, given the history of broken promises at the company, many employees remain sceptical about the future. The move to Texas, alongside ongoing financial struggles, has done little to calm the concerns of Xs workforce.

In addition to Fidelity, other stakeholders in X include high-profile figures like Bill Ackman and Sean Diddy Combs. However, Combs, a notable part-owner, is currently facing serious legal challenges, including charges of sex trafficking and abuse, which has brought further scrutiny to the companys ownership.

As X continues to struggle under Musks leadership, questions remain about the platforms long-term viability. The company has seen a massive reduction in value since the purchase, with no clear path to recovery in sight. With its declining revenue, shrinking workforce, and ongoing struggles to attract advertisers, Xs future looks more uncertain than ever.
As the missiles made their way to Israel from the east, blasts were heard over the Jordanian capital Amman, as Israels allies moved to intercept them read more

This picture shows projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Jerusalem, on 1 October 2024. Photo: AFP

Israels military on Tuesday intercepted a large number of missiles fired by Iran at the country, the army spokesman said, adding that there were a few hits during the barrage.

We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country, Israeli army spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

Iran fired at least 180 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israels campaign against Tehrans Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, according to reports.

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Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

Israeli army radio said nearly 200 missiles had been launched into Israel from Iran. Irans Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehrans response would be more crushing and ruinous.

US President Joe Biden ordered the military to aid Israels defence and shoot down Iranian missiles, the White House said.

While Iran-backed groups across the region had already been drawn into the Gaza war, sparked by Palestinian group Hamass October 7 attack on Israel, Tehran had largely refrained from direct attacks on its regional foe.

With inputs from agencies.
President Joe Biden ordered the US military on Tuesday to aid Israels defense and shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, the White House said read more

Moments after Iran launched missiles at Israel, the White House on Tuesday said that President Joe Biden has ordered the US military to aid Israels defense and shoot down Iranian missiles.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next months US presidential election, are both monitoring Irans attack on Israel from the White House situation room.

President Biden directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel, AFP quoted the White House as saying in a statement.

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A call that Biden had scheduled with rabbis on Tuesday ahead of the Jewish high holiday season - which begins later this week with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year - had been postponed to another day, a White House official said.

The United States and other western allies also stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus

Earlier in the day, a senior US official had warned that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, and threatened that the Islamic Republic will have to face severe consequences should it take place.

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, AFP quoted a senior White House official as saying.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.

The United States and other western allies stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran, added the US official.

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With inputs from agencies
Governor of Ukraines Donetsk region on Tuesday said that Russian troops have taken control of the center of Vuhledar, a key position on strategic high ground in eastern Ukraine that had withstood assaults since Moscows full-scale invasion read more

Russian flag being raised over a tower in the embattled Ukrainian town of Vuhledar. Screengrab

Governor of Ukraines Donetsk region on Tuesday said that Russian troops have taken control of the center of Vuhledar, a key position on strategic high ground in eastern Ukraine that had withstood assaults since Moscows full-scale invasion.

Russian forces raises the flags in Vuhledar.



Very strong likelihood that the entire of Vuhledar has now fallen to the Russian forces given the extremely relax demeanor of the Russian troops raising the flags.



Vuhledar, Donetsk Front pic.twitter.com/qv3Hoe6Cmy  Defense Politics Asia (@DefensePolitics) September 30, 2024

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Videos shared on social media captured Russian soldiers waving a flag from the roof of a bombed-out multi-storey building and unfurling another on a metal spire.

According to Reuters, the footage matched the street patterns of Vuhledar.

Additional images depicted smoke rising from the ruins of the small mining town, which has been a significant battlefield where Ukrainian forces successfully repelled Russian armored assaults over the past two-and-a-half years.

The enemy is already nearly in the centre of the city, Reuters quoted regional governor Vadym Filashkin as saying to Ukrainian TV, describing the situation as very difficult.

Vuhledar has strategic significance because of its high ground and its location near the junction of the two main fronts, in eastern and southern Ukraine. Russian forces reached the outskirts last week and intensified their offensive push in recent days.

Andriy Nazarenko, commander of a drone battalion of the 72nd Mechanized Brigade defending the town, said they were outgunned and outmanned in Vuhledar.

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The situation in Vuhledar is very difficult, it is the hardest because assaults have been going on for more than six months and the enemy is constantly rotating its ranks with fresh, trained forces, Nazarenko told Reuters.

Speaking from an undisclosed location during a Zoom interview, Nazarenko said his unit was doing everything possible to maintain a window for the infantry to be able to retreat from the town.

Russias fast advance

Since August, Moscows troops in eastern Ukraine have advanced at their fastest rate for more than two years, with little letup despite Ukrainian forces mounting a surprise incursion into Russias Kursk region.

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Previous Russian assaults on Vuhledar had been particularly bloody, with tanks and armoured vehicles assaulting over open ground. Ukrainian military units released pictures on Tuesday of Russian tanks on fire in fields.

Oleksandr Kovalenko, a Ukrainian military analyst, said that about 2,000-3,000 Russian troops were in the town, attacking from three different directions.

We will not be able to hold on in Vuhledar in these conditions, Kovalenko told Reuters, saying the decision to retreat from Vuhledar should be taken quickly.

Full control over Vuhledar would help Moscows troops to improve their logistics by using railways more actively, easing their further advance in the region and giving them positions on heights to fire artillery.

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The Russian forces already relentlessly shell towns and villages across the region, said Filashkin, the governor, urging people to leave.

Filashkin said that about 350,000 people still remained in the government-held parts of the region. Before the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022, government-held areas held about 1.9 million people. Only 107 civilians remained in Vuhledar, which had a pre-war population of about 14,000, he said.

The Donetsk region, where Russian proxy forces launched a revolt in 2014, is one of four Ukrainian provinces that Moscow claims to have annexed since launching its full-scale invasion in 2022. Moscow says capturing the rest of the province is one of its principal war aims.

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Ukraine drove back Russian forces from the outskirts of Kyiv and recaptured territory in major counter-offensives in 2022. But another big Ukrainian counter-offensive last year was a failure and since then Russian forces have mostly had the battlefield initiative.

President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has called for more Western support to allow Ukraine to push back the Russians, including permission to use long-range weapons to strike deep into Russia.

With inputs from agencies
The Israeli military on Tuesday urged evacuation in nearly two dozen border communities as ground operations against Hezbollah begin, even as the militant group denied any Israeli troops have entered Lebanon read more

Israeli soldiers sleep on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, on Tuesday. AP

The Israeli military on Tuesday urged residents in nearly two dozen communities near the Lebanese border to evacuate, following the announcement of ground operations against Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, however, claimed that Israeli troops had not crossed into Lebanon.

According to The Associated Press, it remains unclear if Israeli forces have entered Lebanese territory, as no photos or videos have surfaced showing ground troops inside Lebanon.

Israel recommended that people move north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border, which is significantly beyond the Litani Riverthe northern boundary of a UN-designated buffer zone established after the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

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You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, said the statement posted by the Israeli militarys Arabic spokesperson, Avichay Adraee, on the platform X.

The warning applied to communities south of the Litani.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon as it presses ahead with a rapidly escalating campaign against Hezbollah.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a UN peacekeeping force known as UNIFIL, which patrol southern Lebanon, have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. UNIFIL said any such cross-border operation would be a dangerous development and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

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Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, claimed troops were conducting localized ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north. He did not provide any evidence.

An Israeli military official said troops were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of meters (yards) from Israel. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said there had been no clashes yet with Hezbollah fighters.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying that ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

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Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon through the night and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man in his 50s. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

Afif, the Hezbollah spokesman, said the missile attack is only the beginning.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

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Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza. Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated. In recent weeks Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of his top commanders, as well as many civilians.

Hagari said the UN Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution had called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to patrol the region. Israel says those and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

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Israeli official says no plans to march on Beirut

Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati said Monday that his country is willing to deploy the army in support of the resolution if there is a cease-fire. Lebanons armed forces would not be able to impose an agreement on the far more powerful Hezbollah.

The military statements indicated that Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has done in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas.

The military official said marching to Beirut, as Israeli forces did during their 1982 invasion of Lebanon, is not on the table.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation over the past year has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses. The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon. A British government-chartered flight is due to leave Beirut on Wednesday to evacuate U.K. nationals. The UK has also sent 700 troops to a base in the nearby island nation of Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation of the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon.

With inputs from agencies
Turkey has strongly criticised Israels offensive in Lebanon, while Russia, China, and the EU have called for a ceasefire. Tel Avivs strongest ally, the United States, however, has sent mixed signals read more

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who had positioned himself as the man who kept Israelis safe, was widely thought to have taken his eye off the ball on 7 October. AP

Israel is facing mounting diplomatic pressure from world powers after its military announced a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday (October 1), marking a sharp escalation in the conflict following a week of intense airstrikes that have left hundreds dead.

Hezbollah, the Iran-backed Lebanon-based group, swiftly denied that Israeli forces had crossed into Lebanon, with a spokesperson calling the claims false and saying there had been no direct ground clash between its fighters and Israeli troops.

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Israel will be stopped sooner or later

Despite the conflicting reports, Turkeys President Recep Tayyip Erdogan was quick to condemn the reported Israeli incursion, urging the international community to intervene. Speaking at the opening of Turkeys legislative year, Erdogan called for the United Nations and other global bodies to stop Israel without wasting any more time.

Whatever it does, Israel will be stopped sooner or later, Erdogan said, ramping up his criticism of Israels actions.

Mixed signals from US

US President Joe Biden indicated that he was opposed to any Israeli ground operation in Lebanon, calling for a ceasefire to prevent further bloodshed. We should have a ceasefire now, Biden said on Monday (September 30).

However, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin later appeared to signal support for Israels efforts to dismantle attack infrastructure along the border, giving Israel limited backing for its military actions.

Russia, China join diplomatic push

Russia, which maintains close ties with Hezbollahs main backer, Iran, also joined the chorus of criticism against Israel. Moscows foreign ministry issued a statement calling on Israel to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory, and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict.

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We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of friendly Lebanon, which has been subjected to armed aggression, the Russian ministry added.

China also weighed in on the rising tensions, stating that it opposed any infringements on Lebanons sovereignty. Beijing expressed high concern over the situation, calling for restraint on both sides.

EU calls for ceasefire

In Europe, the European Unions foreign ministers united in calling for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, with EU foreign policy chief Josep Borrell urging both sides to silence their weapons and allow diplomacy to prevail.

Arms should now be silent, and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all, Borrell said, expressing concern over the escalation of violence and potential for further destabilization in the region.

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There have been reports of small Israeli raids into Lebanon in recent days, which some analysts believe could be reconnaissance missions ahead of a larger ground invasion.

The latest clashes come amid a backdrop of heightened tension along Israels northern border, where Hezbollah has ramped up its military activity in recent weeks.

Israel defends its actions

Israel, which has conducted numerous airstrikes in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions, argues that its military actions are necessary to neutralise threats posed by the group.

Israeli officials have remained steadfast in their justification, citing Hezbollahs rocket attacks and border incursions as provocations, and their response as self-defence.

With inputs from agencies
The information passed along in 2023 and 2024 included flight, cargo and passenger data as well as details on the transportation of military equipment and people with ties to a German arms company read more

A Chinese woman has been arrested in the German city of Leipzig on suspicion of foreign agent activities and allegedly passing on information regarding arms deliveries, the prosecutor general said in a statement on Tuesday.

The suspect, named only as Yaqi X, is accused of passing on information she obtained while working for a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle airport to a member of the Chinese secret service, who is being prosecuted separately, the statement said.

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The information passed along in 2023 and 2024 included flight, cargo and passenger data as well as details on the transportation of military equipment and people with ties to a German arms company, it added.

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Tensions have been simmering between Berlin and Beijing over the past year after Chancellor Olaf Scholz unveiled a strategy towards de-risking Germanys economic relationship with China, calling Beijing a partner, competitor and systemic rival.
Irans Revolutionary Guards threatened to carry out crushing attacks against regional foe Israel if it retaliated for a missile attack under way on Tuesday. read more

At the UN General Assembly in New York last month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of warmongering while Iran had exercised restraint. AP File

Irans Revolutionary Guards threatened to carry out crushing attacks against regional foe Israel if it retaliated for a missile attack under way on Tuesday.

If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement carried by the Fars news agency.

On Tuesday evening, Iran launched a missile attack targeting Israels commercial hub Tel Aviv, state media reported.

The United States had spoken of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack against Israel and warned it would have severe consequences for Tehran.

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Iranian media carried online footage of what they said were missiles being launched against Israel.

State television played joyful songs over the footage and its anchor congratulated the brave Iranian people.

Tuesdays attack was Irans second on Israel after a a missile and drone attack in April in retaliation for a deadly Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Nearly all the munitions fired in that attack were intercepted by Israel or its allies.

An Israeli strike on Beirut on Friday killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, whose Lebanese militant group has been armed and financed by the Islamic republic for years.

Nasrallah was killed alongside General Abbas Nilforoushan, a top commander of the Quds Force, the Guards foreign operations arm.

Iran vowed Nilforoushans killing will not go unanswered.

At the UN General Assembly in New York last month, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian accused Israel of warmongering while Iran had exercised restraint.

He suggested Iran had held back retaliation for the killing of Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, fearing it could derail US-backed efforts for a Gaza ceasefire.

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We tried to not respond. They kept telling us we were within reach of peace, perhaps in a week or so, he said.

On Sunday, Pezeshkian said promises by the US and its allies of a ceasefire in exchange for Irans non-reaction to Haniyehs killing were completely false.

He added that giving these criminals (Israel) a chance would only encourage them to commit more crimes.
A Lebanese policeman looks at damaged apartments that were hit by Israeli strike early on Monday, in Beirut, Lebanon. AP/Representative image

As the situation in Israel becomes volatile with the US warning that Iran is preparing an attack, the Indian Embassy in the country has advised its nationals to stay vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel.

In a statement on Tuesday, the Indian Embassy in Israel said, In view of the prevailing situation in the region, all Indian nationals in Israel are advised to stay vigilant and adhere to safety protocols.

*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*



Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/llt83IwIZ0  India in Israel (@indemtel) October 1, 2024

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Israel on Tuesday announced that it had begun a ground invasion against Hezbollah in Lebanon. Soon after, US warned Israel that Iran was preparing a missile attack against the country.

A senior White House official told AFP that the United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

The Israeli military said it had not detected any aerial threat from Iran for now but stood ready to defend and attack.

Meanwhile, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant discussed the imminent Iran threat with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, a statement from his office said.

By its ground offensive and airstrike, Israel is seeking to dismantle Hezbollah and restore security to the north, where tens of thousands have been displaced by nearly a year of cross-border fire.

Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israels devastating assault on Gaza.

With inputs from agencies
Alarms sounded across the country and Israelis rushed for shelter. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts. read more

Smoke billows after an Israeli Air Force air strike on a village in southern Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel October 1, 2024. Image-Reuters

The Israeli Military said Tuesday that Iran fired roughly 180 missiles at the country on Tuesday. Air raid sirens sounded across the country as residents were ordered to remain close to bomb shelters.

A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel, the military said in a statement. It said sirens were sounded across Israel, including in Jerusalem.

RAW FOOTAGE: Watch as Iranian missiles rain over the Old City in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews.



This is the target of the Iranian regime: everyone. pic.twitter.com/rIqUZWN3zy  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

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The orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television. TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon, and as Israel said it had begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.

It comes soon after the US warned that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, and threatened that the Islamic Republic will have to face severe consequences should it take place.

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, AFP quoted a senior White House official as saying.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.

The United States and other Western allies stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

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A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran, added the US official.

Earlier, the military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.

Iran has vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

The firing of missiles came after Israeli troops launched ground raids into Lebanon, in the biggest escalation of regional warfare since fighting erupted in Gaza a year ago.

With inputs from agencies.
The White House confirmed that Irans ballistic missile attack on Israel was defeated and ineffective, with US forces helping intercept the missiles read more

The White House on Tuesday (October 1) declared Irans ballistic missile assault on Israel defeated and ineffective, while warning Tehran of severe consequences for escalating tensions in the Middle East. Here are five key takeaways from the White House briefing on the situation:

1. Attack thwarted by US and Israeli defences

Jake Sullivan, US President Joe Bidens national security advisor, confirmed that the Iranian missile assault on Israel was largely repelled, with US naval forces playing a crucial role in shooting down some of the missiles. Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, Sullivan said. He praised US efforts to support Israels defence in repelling the missiles.

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2. Significant escalation in the Middle East

Despite the attack being unsuccessful, Sullivan emphasized that it represented a serious escalation in the already tense Middle East situation. This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, Sullivan remarked. However, he also said that the situation was ongoing, limiting the extent of his comments during the briefing.

3. Severe consequences await Iran

The White House made it clear that Iran would face serious repercussions for its actions, although the specifics remain under discussion. Sullivan refrained from outlining the exact nature of the retaliation, saying the US would coordinate with Israel on next steps. We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, Sullivan said, without delving into further details.

4. US and Israel solidarity

Sullivan stressed the importance of US-Israeli cooperation in thwarting the attack, highlighting the strength of their partnership. It is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel, he said, emphasizing that the US remains fully committed to Israels security amid escalating regional threats.

5. Call for global condemnation

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken also weighed in on the incident, calling Irans missile attack unacceptable and urging international condemnation. Blinken praised the collaborative defense efforts between Israel, the US, and other partners. Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack, Blinken stated.
The axis of resistance receives support from Iran and also shares the countrys hatred of Israel and the US. But, they have their own interests and are not completely controlled by Tehran read more

Fired, hit and gone! In the last one week, Israel went all out on Iran and its key proxy, Hezbollah, and eliminated the terrorist groups most powerful and influential chief, Hassan Nasrallah.

Nasrallahs death has now focused attention on Hezbollah, the Houthis of Yemen, Hamas, the Syrian government and various Shiite armed groups in Syria and Iraq  all backed by Iran which is accused of training fighters from these groups to counter the US and Israeli influence in West Asia.

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This network is being dubbed as the axis of resistance and Iran, for decades, has been fostering these groups, enabling them to carry out attacks on Israel and other nations.

The axis of resistance not just receives support from Iran, but also shares Tehrans hatred of Israel and the US. However, they have their own interests and are not completely controlled by Tehran.

Iran has been aiming to be in power in West Asia through proxies but the assaults, starting from pagers and walkie-talkies explosions to targeted firing, left the country and its internal security in tatters.

Devastation beyond Irans imagination

Multiple weapon depots have been destroyed, top group leaders wiped out, the devastation in the past one week in Iran by Israel was something which Tehran never imagined of.

Israeli airstrikes caused unprecedented damage, both physical and psychological, to Hezbollah, a report by NBC News quoted US officials as saying.

Iran armed axis of resistance to avoid direct confrontation with Israel & US

Members of Hezbollah and other proxies are funded and trained by Tehrans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The terrorist group is regarded as a key element in Irans strategy to counter militarily stronger opponents.

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Avoiding a direct confrontation with Israel or the US, Iran has been arming Hezbollah and other proxy groups, equipping them with an arsenal of rockets and missiles. Doing this, Tehran is keeping its hopes alive that with its armed proxy, it can gradually weaken and outflank militarily superior adversaries.

Irans calculation on Hezbollah gone wrong

However, Iran went wrong with gauging how strongly Israel would respond to the October 7 attack by Hamas and cross-border rocket fire from Hezbollah.

The NBC News report quoted former intelligence officers and counterterrorism analysts as saying that Iran also overestimated the strength of Hezbollah.

Basically, their whole calculation has been torn to shreds, the report quoted Bruce Hoffman, terrorism expert and a professor in the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University.

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For Israel, this is a stunning turnaround from the events of almost a year ago," Hoffman said.

Referring to October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel, Hoffman said, Israeli intelligence has restored their aura of deterrence They lost it after the 10/7 debacle.

Iran proved incapable of shielding Hezbollah

The report quoted former intelligence and defence officials as saying that though Hezbollah has been under intense attack over the recent days, Iran has proved incapable - and possibly unwilling - to protect its proteges in Lebanon.

They further said that the recent incidents could possibly raise questions among some Hezbollah fighters about whether Iran is a worthy patron.

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Hezbollahs weakness exposed

For Tehran, its network of proxies, including Hezbollah, Houthi and Hamas, was intended to act as a deterrent against a direct Israeli assault on the country, but the recent events have exposed the weakness at the heart of Irans proxy strategy, the report quoted Matthew Savill of the London-based Royal United Services Institute, who was a senior official in the UKs Defence Ministry, as saying.

While Iran will use its partners in defence of itself, the reverse is not true, and it is unlikely to go to war with Israel to save one of those partners," Savill further said.

Israels successful strike on Hezbollah planned since 2006

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Back in 2006, Israel tried but failed to kill Nasrallah and permanently defeat Hezbollah and since then, it has carried out intelligence work which resulted in success recently.

Long-term intelligence work is paying off, Glenn Corn, a former senior CIA officer, and other former intelligence officers said.

Iran, so far, has been unable to do anything significant to back up the proxies, Corn, who is now the senior director of Geopolitics and Global Threat Assessment at the Institute for Critical Infrastructure Technology, further said.

What if Iran retaliates?

Any counter attack by Iran on Israel may result in massive retaliation by Israel and could lead to a full-blown war for which Tehran is not prepared for.

Also, there is a possible risk that Israeli and the US forces in the region will down several of the missiles, similar to what happened in April, when Iran fired over 300 drones and missiles at Israel with almost no effect.

The new Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkians efforts of reviving nuclear diplomacy with the West may also take a hit if Iran attacks Israel.

Also, Pezeshkian, who has been optimistic about holding negotiations or seeking sanctions relief from the West, which is much-needed for the revival of his countrys economy, may experience a roadblock if Iran plans to retaliate.

What if Iran does not retaliate?

If Iran chooses not retaliate, it may appear weak and seem to be retreating from Israel.

Irans supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is now in a dilemma of his own making. By not responding strongly, he keeps losing face. By responding too strongly, he could lose his head. Like all dictators, Khamenei wants to be feared by his people. These humiliations will fuel talk about succession in Tehran, analyst Karim Sadjadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, said in a post on X.

9 Khamenei is now in a dilemma of his own making. By not responding strongly, he keeps losing face. By responding too strongly, he could lose his head. Like all dictators, Khamenei wants to be feared by his people. These humiliations will fuel talk about succession in Tehran.  Karim Sadjadpour (@ksadjadpour) September 28, 2024

The NBC News report quoted former officials as saying that another option before Iran and Hezbollah could be carrying out terrorist attacks overseas, going after more vulnerable soft targets associated with Israel and the US around the world.

The one concern we should have is a return to the old kind of terrorist game, soft targets such as embassies overseas, both Israeli and US. Certainly that would be a much more plausible scenario, the report quoted Marc Polymeropoulos, a former CIA official, as saying.
The Israeli military on Tuesday announced that it has begun limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against the Iran-backed terrorist group days after it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah read more

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. AP

The Israeli Defence Forces had informed the UNs peacekeeping force in Lebanon before it launched its limited ground operation against Hezbollah in the country.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) released a statement affirming its continued presence in the area despite the dangerous developments. It called on all parties involved to refrain from any actions that could escalate the situation.

It said, Civilians must be protected, civilian infrastructure must not be targeted and International law must be respected.

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The Israeli military on Tuesday announced that it has begun limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against the Iran-backed terrorist group days after it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Hezbollah denies Israeli troops entering Lebanon

Meanwhile, in one of its first comments since IDF declared ground invasion in Lebanon, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

The official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man in his 50s. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

Afif, the Hezbollah spokesman, said the missile attack is only the beginning.

Operation to last for days, not weeks

US officials have told NBC that Israels ground operation, aiming to push Hezbollah away from the Israeli border, will last for days not weeks.

They added that Israel had informed the US of its intention to launch a ground incursion in Lebanon.

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The operation is expected to be brief and focused, likely lasting just a few days rather than weeks, according to sources, with a restricted geographic area of impact.

With inputs from agencies
The Israeli military on Tuesday announced that it has begun limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against the Iran-backed terrorist group days after it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah read more

The Israeli military on Tuesday announced tighter restrictions for people across the country who will most likely gather to celebrate the Jewish New Year from tomorrow.

The military has advised people not to gather in large numbers, especially in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, in view of the ongoing crisis in West Asia.

In accordance with the assessment of the situation by the Home Front Command, it was decided to change the guidelines for the public, Israels home command announced in a statement, adding that gatherings would be held with a limit of up to 30 people in an open area and up to 300 people in a structure.

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The Israeli military on Tuesday announced that it has begun limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against the Iran-backed terrorist group days after it killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Meanwhile, in one of its first comments since IDF declared ground invasion in Lebanon, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati on Tuesday said that more than a million people have been displaced across the country since Israel began its air strikes last month.

Calling the ongoing situation one of the most dangerous phases in Lebanons history, Makati called for more aid to assist displaced people in the country.

Speaking at the UN, the Lebanese leader launched a humanitarian appeal for $426 million so the country can provide basic support to its citizens.

With inputs from agencies
While Hezbollah has denied Israels claim of launching a ground offensive in Lebanon, Hagari said Israeli troops have been carrying out raids in the region to dismantle Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure that pose a threat to Israeli civilian communities in northern Israel. 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

The Israeli military announced a limited ground offensive against Hezbollah in Lebanon on Tuesday but Israel has been conducting cross-border raids in the country since the October 7 attack, IDF spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari has said.

In the past day, IDF started an operation in the area close to the border. This is an additional action to what we already do in Lebanon, Hagari said in a briefing on Tuesday.

While Hezbollah has denied Israels claim of launching a ground offensive in Lebanon, Hagari said Israeli troops have been carrying out raids in the region to dismantle Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities and infrastructure that pose a threat to Israeli civilian communities in northern Israel.

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He said, Our soldiers entered Lebanon dozens of times. They entered villages. They revealed tunnels and collected intelligence. They destroyed infrastructure and weapons. They revealed and destroyed more than 700 sites.

Meanwhile, Lebanons state-run National News Agency said Israeli strikes hit two areas of south Beirut on Tuesday in the latest raids targeting the Lebanese militant group Hezbollah.

The NNA reported a violent enemy strike that targeted a building near the Zahraa Hospital in Hezbollahs south Beirut stronghold, then another minute later on a building near the Kuwaiti embassy.

The Israeli army mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border, the military said on Tuesday, after launching ground operations targeting Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon overnight.

This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes, the army said in a statement.

With inputs from AFP
Jamaicas Holness is on a four-day visit to India and during his trip the two countries are expected to sign a number of MoUs to further bilateral ties read more

Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness on Tuesday acknowledged the bilateral relations it shares with India, saying that Jamaica has a lot to learn from the country.

Holness, who is on his first trip to India, said, As India positions itself as the knowledge capital of the world, we recognize the remarkable strides made by your government in STEM education and digitalization. We, therefore, look forward to learning from India as a beacon of technological advancement and in the global south as the government of Jamaica seeks to equip itself and its people with the relevant skills to navigate this changing and dynamic world.

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#WATCH | Delhi: Andrew Holness, Prime Minister of Jamaica says "As India positions itself as the knowledge capital of the world, we recognize the remarkable strides made by your government in STEM education and digitalization. We therefore look forward to learning from India as a pic.twitter.com/Hx9QlDw4zv  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi said India has been a trusted partner in Jamaicas development journey and that it is ready to share expertise in a range of areas, including digital public infrastructure, biofuel, innovation and health with the Caribbean nation.

The two countries are expected to sign several Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) in the next four days.

Holness will also visit Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday.

As both countries look forward to strengthening bilateral relations during Holness trip, heres a look at India-Jamaica ties:

Traditionally, India and Jamaica have shared similar interests in parliamentary democracy, membership in the Commonwealth

Jamaica is home to over 70,000 Indians and is one of the Grimtya countries that host indentured labourers

India was one of the first countries to recognise Jamaica after it became an independent nation while diplomatic relations between the two nations were established in 1962

Following the visit of then Prime Minister Indira Gandhi to Jamaica (1975), a resident mission was established in Kingston in 1976. A resident mission of Jamaica in India started functioning in 2020

Bilateral trade has witnessed significant growth over the past decade, increasing from USD 28 million in 2011-12 to USD 116 million in 2023-24. The trade in 2023-24 grew 26 per cent compared to the previous year, according to official data.

With inputs from PTI
The Israeli military said it killed D Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the Hamam Hossein division in Beirut, and Mohammed Jaafar Katzir, in charge of Hezbollahs Unit 4400, in a strike Tuesday afternoon read more

A man documents the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, on Tuesday. AP

Israels military on Tuesday said that it killed two senior Hezbollah operatives in an airstrike in Beirut on Tuesday.

The Israeli military said it killed D Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the Hamam Hossein division in Beirut, and Mohammed Jaafar Katzir, in charge of Hezbollahs Unit 4400, in a strike Tuesday afternoon.

Katzir was responsible for shipping weapons from Iran to Lebanon and he supervised Hezbollahs development of precision-guided missiles.

The Air Force planes killed the terrorist D. Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the Hamam Hossein division in Beirut, at the same time as the killing of the terrorist Muhammad Jaafar Katzir, the commander of the unit for the transfer of weapons from Iran and its affiliates to Hezbollah in Lebanon (Unit 4400), who was eliminated earlier today, Israel Air Force said in a statement on Tuesday.

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The IDF continues to attack Hezbollah commanders and anyone who poses a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel, the statement added.

Israel Air Force tweets, "The Air Force planes... killed the terrorist D. Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the 'Hamam Hossein' division in Beirut, at the same time as the killing of the terrorist Muhammad Jaafar Katzir, the commander of the unit for the transfer of weapons from pic.twitter.com/EmRLiZENAg  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

The Israeli military said Katzir also sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah in recent years.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the Israeli claim.

Katzirs brother Ahmad carried out a suicide attack in southern Israeli port city of Tyre in 1982 that killed dozens of Israeli soldiers. His death is marked annually as Martyrs Day.

With inputs from agencies
Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Partys leader on Friday to replace Kishida, who announced in August his resignation at the end of his three-year term read more

Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, center, attends a Cabinet meeting at his office in Tokyo before his resignation. AP

Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned with his Cabinet, paving the way for his likely successor Shigeru Ishiba to take office.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that Kishida and his ministers stepped down at a Cabinet meeting Tuesday.

Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Partys leader on Friday to replace Kishida, who announced in August his resignation at the end of his three-year term.

Ishiba is assured to be prime minister later Tuesday in a vote by parliament because it is dominated by his partys ruling coalition.

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Ishiba will then announce his new Cabinet later in the day.

Kishida took office in 2021 but is leaving so his party can have a fresh leader after his government was dogged by scandals.

On Monday, Ishiba said he planned to call a parliamentary election to be held on Oct. 27 after he is formally chosen as prime minister.

I believe it is important to have the new administration get the publics judgment as soon as possible, Ishiba said.

He also announced his party leaders Monday ahead of naming his Cabinet.

He appointed former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who came in third in the party leadership race, to head the partys election task force.

He is expected to name defense experts and his longtime confidantes Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief once he takes office.

Ishiba has proposed an Asian version of the NATO military alliance and more discussion among regional partners about the use of the US nuclear deterrence. He also suggested a more equal Japan-US security alliance, including joint management of US bases in Japan and having Japanese Self Defense Force bases in the United States.

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Ishiba outlined his views in an article to the Hudson Institute last week. The absence of a collective self-defense system like NATO in Asia means that wars are likely to break out because there is no obligation for mutual defense. Under these circumstances, the creation of an Asian version of NATO is essential to deter China by its Western allies, he wrote.

Ishiba proposes combining of existing security and diplomatic groupings, such as the Quad and other bilateral and multilateral frameworks involving the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the Philippines.

He also noted that the Asian version of NATO can also consider sharing of the control of US nuclear weapons in the region as a deterrence against growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

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Ishiba on Friday stressed Japan needs to reinforce its security, noting recent violations of Japanese airspace by Russian and Chinese warplanes and repeated missile launches by North Korea.

He pledged to continue Kishidas economic policy aimed at pulling Japan out of deflation and achieving real salary increases, while tackling challenges such as Japans declining birthrate and population and resilience to natural disasters.

The LDP has had a nearly unbroken tenure governing Japan since World War II. The party members may have seen Ishibas more centrist views as crucial in pushing back challenges by the liberal-leaning opposition and winning voter support as the party reels from corruption scandals that drove down Kishidas popularity.

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Ishiba, first elected to parliament in 1986, has served as defense minister, agriculture minister and in other key Cabinet posts, and was LDP secretary general under former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Claudia Sheinbaum takes office as the president of Mexico today, becoming the first woman to hold the position in the Latin American nation. Her swearing-in ceremony comes amid a row over her refusal to invite the Spanish king read more

President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum, accompanied by husband Jesus Maria Tarriba, waves as she arrives to a ceremony to certify her as the winner of the presidential election, in Mexico City. File image/ AP

Mexico will get its first woman president today. Claudia Sheinbaum, who scored a landslide election victory nearly four months ago, will take oath as Mexican president. Sheinbaum, 62, will be sworn in at a time when the Latin American nation is wracked by criminal violence.

Having earned a reputation as an able administrator as the former Mexico City mayor, Sheinbaum has emerged as the ruling party Morenas heavyweight politician as outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador retires from politics.

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She will take office in the presence of foreign dignitaries including Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and US First Lady Jill Biden.

Time for women, transformation

Its time for women and transformation, Sheinbaum has said on several occasions, in a nation with a history of gender-based discrimination and violence, with around 10 women or girls murdered every day.

But having a woman president is no guarantee of a greater focus on womens rights, said Maria Fernanda Bozmoski, deputy director of the Adrienne Arsht Latin America Center at US-based think tank the Atlantic Council.

When we think of other women leaders in the region, that hasnt necessarily translated into womens issues being a priority, she told AFP, noting that Sheinbaum also faced other pressing issues such as security, energy and foreign policy.

The Spanish connection and row

As Sheinbaum takes the oath of office in Congress before a celebration in Mexico Citys main square, she will officially become leader of the worlds most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people.

But this comes amid a straining relationship with Spain. One high-profile figure who will be conspicuous by his absence is Spanish King Felipe VI. Sheinbaum did not invite him, accusing the Spanish king of failing to acknowledge harm caused by colonisation.

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In response, Spain announced it would boycott the inauguration, despite its strong economic and historic links with Mexico.

Obrador retires with high approval ratings

A scientist by training, Sheinbaum swept to victory in June with a vow to continue the left-wing reform agenda of outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a close ally.

Lopez Obrador leaves the presidential palace after six years due to the countrys single-term limit, despite an approval rating of around 70 per cent, largely thanks to his policies aimed at helping poorer Mexicans.

He bequeaths Sheinbaum the leadership of a nation where murders and kidnappings occur daily and ultra-violent drug cartels control vast swaths of territory.

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Spiralling criminal violence, much of it linked to drug trafficking and gangs, has seen more than 450,000 people murdered here since 2006.

Controlling crimes, a challenge

While Sheinbaum has pledged to stick to the outgoing presidents controversial hugs not bullets strategy of using social policy to tackle crime at its roots, experts expect some changes in her approach.

It will be a modified version of hugs not bullets that will be more reliant on intelligence and therefore more effective at getting things done, said Professor Pamela Starr, an expert on Mexico at the University of Southern California.

Such an approach by Sheinbaum when she was Mexico City mayor was very successful at lowering crime, she said.

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And, in the shadow of judicial reforms

The new president will also have to deal with the fallout from a row over newly passed judicial reforms that will make Mexico the worlds only country to elect all judges by popular vote.

Lopez Obrador argued the changes were needed to clean up a rotten judiciary serving the interests of the political and economic elite.

The constitutional amendment, which critics argued would make it easier for politicians and organised crime to influence the courts, upset foreign investors as well as key trade partners the United States and Canada.

With eyes on the US election

Even so, experts think Sheinbaum is likely to maintain good relations with whoever wins the US election on November 5  particularly if it is Democrat Kamala Harris, who would also be her countrys first woman president.

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While there will still be some tension and friction, especially over migration, the reality is that both countries recognize the importance of their relationship, Bozmoski said.

Sheinbaum has already shown herself to be a strong leader and is likely to be much more pragmatic, perhaps even less confrontational than her predecessor, she added.

(With inputs from agencies)
Israel said commando and paratroop units launched raids into Lebanon on Tuesday as part of a limited ground incursion, while Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had fired a barrage of missiles into Israel, including at its spy agency near Tel Aviv. read more

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell from northern Israel towards Lebanon, in a position near the Israel-Lebanon border. Image- AP

Russia and Spain urged Israel to immediately pull its troops out of southern Lebanon on Tuesday after the Israeli military began what it said were ground raids against Hezbollah terrorists in the area.

Israel announced the assault after launching a week of intense air strikes on Lebanon that left hundreds dead and killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, military operations the Kremlin also condemned.

Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict, the Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

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We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of friendly Lebanon, which has been subjected to armed aggression, it added.

Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares also said on Tuesday that Israel should cease conducting ground raids in southern Lebanon to avoid an escalation of the conflict enveloping the wider region.

Moscow, which launched an offensive in Ukraine in 2022, has close ties with Hezbollah-backer Iran and has expressed concerns about a wider war in the region.

We insist that the ground incursion should be halted, as were receiving very worrying information, Albares said, adding that it was necessary to reach a truce in Lebanon and a ceasefire in Gaza.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel said intense fighting erupted with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in south Lebanon after its paratroopers, commandos and armoured units launched raids at the start of a ground incursion.

The operation follows intense airstrikes that have devastated Hezbollahs leadership, including longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah who was assassinated in Beirut last week.

Albares also condemned Hezbollahs rocket attacks on Israeli territory. He said the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East was if belligerents complied with international humanitarian law and respected the protections accorded to civilians.

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Since February 2022, Spain has commanded the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and deployed 650 troops along the southern Lebanese border with Israel.

With inputs from agencies.
Evil Corp has been described as a family-centered operation, with Yakubets joined by his father, brother, and cousins in their cybercrime activities. read more

The surge in phishing activities coincides with a separate investigation by the FBI into similar hacking attempts, but originating from Iran, targeting advisors to both former President Donald Trump and the Harris-Walz campaign. Image Credit: Pexels

A notorious Russian cybercriminal gang, Evil Corp, has been accused of carrying out attacks against North Atlantic Treaty Organisation (Nato) countries on behalf of state intelligence services, according to the UKs National Crime Agency (NCA).

The group, which has long operated under the radar, allegedly received protection through family ties with Russias domestic spy agency, the FSB, after being targeted by US authorities, the Guardian reported.

In a briefing released on Tuesday, the NCA described Evil Corp as having an unusually close relationship with the Russian state. Evil Corp held a privileged position, and the relationship between the Russian state and this cybercriminal group went far beyond the typical state-criminal relationship of protection, payoffs, and racketeering, said the NCA.

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Operating out of Moscow, Evil Corp was responsible for cyberattacks and espionage operations against unnamed NATO countries before 2019, while also engaging in criminal activities such as deploying ransomware.

After being sanctioned and having several members indicted by the US in 2019, the group turned to Eduard Benderskiy, a former high-ranking official in the FSB and father-in-law of Evil Corps leader, Maksim Yakubets, for protection, the Guardian reported.

Benderskiy used his extensive influence to protect the group, both by providing senior members with security and by ensuring they were not pursued by internal Russian authorities, the NCA stated.

Evil Corp has been described as a family-centered operation, with Yakubets joined by his father, brother, and cousins in their cybercrime activities.

Despite their decline in influence after US authorities publicised Yakubets lavish lifestyle, the group has continued to evolve, developing new strains of ransomware.

The NCA also revealed that Yakubets right-hand man, Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, has partnered with Russian ransomware gang LockBit. LockBit operates a ransomware-as-a-service model, leasing out malware to other criminals for a share of the ransom, typically demanded in bitcoin.

In a significant blow to LockBit, the NCA and other enforcement agencies seized its website and infrastructure earlier this year. While LockBit has claimed further attacks since, the NCA suspects these are either repeat victims or attempts to downplay the operations impact.
Critics argue that the information gathered could be used to monitor and target opponents of the junta, as well as bolster conscription efforts, following the militarys struggles against pro-democracy forces read more

The Myanmar military junta's census efforts, supposedly for preparing voter lists, are being seen with suspicion in the country. Reuters

Myanmars military government launched a nationwide census on Tuesday (October 1), a move it says is necessary to compile voter lists for a general election promised next year.

Census takers, primarily schoolteachers and local administrative workers, began going door-to-door in the capital, Naypyitaw, under the watch of soldiers and police. More than 42,000 census workers will gather information from over 13 million households across the country, according to the Ministry of Immigration and Population.

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The survey includes 68 questions, covering topics such as household composition, education, disabilities, and access to utilities, but also delves into sensitive areas like the background of household members and the cause of death of relatives  alarming those who joined anti-military resistance movements.

The military, which seized power from Aung San Suu Kyis elected government in February 2021, is widely believed to be using the census to solidify its control.

Critics argue that the information gathered could be used to monitor and target opponents of the junta, as well as bolster conscription efforts, following the militarys struggles against pro-democracy forces and ethnic militias seeking autonomy.

The shadow National Unity Government (NUG), which opposes military rule, has urged caution in complying with the survey. The NUGs spokesperson, Kyaw Zaw, has condemned the census, describing it as a tactic to terrorise the people and urged citizens not to cooperate.

Ethnic militias, including the Chin Brotherhood Alliance and the Dawei Defence Team, have warned they will target those involved in conducting the census, as they did during a voter list survey in January. That effort saw deadly attacks, resulting in the deaths of local officials and police officers, and the capture of military personnel.

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The UN Population Fund, which supported Myanmars last census in 2014, announced in late 2023 that it would not participate in the current effort due to the countrys political unrest. The military government has since turned to China, which has pledged technical support for the count.

Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, head of the military government, stressed the importance of the census in a speech earlier this month, stating that the data would be essential for compiling voter lists ahead of an election.

The census will allow us to prepare accurate voter lists, he said, urging citizens to respond fully without anxiety or doubt.

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However, he did not specify a date for the polls, despite previously pledging elections in 2025.

The political and security situation makes the prospect of free and fair elections unlikely. Independent analysts estimate that the military controls less than half of Myanmars territory, further complicating any efforts to organise a nationwide vote.

Myanmars population is officially estimated at 56 million.

With inputs from AP
NTSBs warning follows the investigation of a February incident involving a United Airlines flight, where a jammed rudder control system nearly resulted in a catastrophic situation read more

(File) The Boeing logo is seen on the side of a Boeing 737 MAX at the Farnborough International Airshow, in Farnborough, Britain. Reuters

The US National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued an urgent safety warning to Boeing 737 operators, warning that faulty rudder components installed on over 40 foreign-operated aircraft may pose a significant risk.

This warning marks another setback for Boeing, which has faced a series of safety concerns in recent years, most recently after a January incident involving an Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 that was found to be missing critical bolts mid-flight.

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The alert follows the investigation of a February incident involving a United Airlines flight, where a jammed rudder control system nearly resulted in a catastrophic situation.

The NTSB revealed on Monday (September 30) that 271 impacted rudder parts may have been installed on Boeing 737s currently in service globally, including aircraft operated by more than 40 foreign airlines.

An additional 16 parts may still be installed on US-registered planes, and up to 75 have been used in aftermarket repairs or maintenance. The board did not specify which foreign airlines could be affected, adding to the uncertainty surrounding the extent of the problem.

FAA, NTSB pushing for broader awareness

Boeing issued a Multi Operator Message in August to inform airlines of the rudder issue, but NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy expressed concerns that many operators may still be unaware of the faulty components.

In a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Mike Whitaker, Homendy urged the agency to ensure that all affected carriers are notified promptly and corrective actions are taken.

The FAA and NTSB are now pushing for a broader awareness campaign to ensure all potentially impacted Boeing 737 aircraft undergo necessary inspections and part replacements.

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Major carriers such as Japan Airlines, China Airlines, and Ryanair have confirmed that their fleets are unaffected. Other international airlines have not responded to requests for comment.

Situation in India

As of August 2024, there were 56 Boeing 737 Max aircraft registered and operating in India. Air India Express, SpiceJet, and Akasa Air operate these aircraft.

So far, neither NTSB nor the Indian aviation watchdog, Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), have named any of these airlines as having the problematic rudder.

Nevertheless, conduction of precautionary checks for each of these airlines fleet of Boeing 737 Max aircraft may be expected.

With inputs from Reuters
Speaking at the UN, the Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati launched a humanitarian appeal for $426 million so the country can provide basic support to its citizens read more

Men stand on the rubble of a building hit in an Israeli airstrike in the southern village of Akbieh, Lebanon. AP

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Makati on Tuesday said that more than a million people have been displaced across the country since Israel began its air strikes last month.

Calling the ongoing situation one of the most dangerous phases in Lebanons history, Makati called for more aid to assist displaced people in the country.

Speaking at the UN, the Lebanese leader launched a humanitarian appeal for $426 million so the country can provide basic support to its citizens.

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Israel begins ground offensive in Lebanon

Meanwhile, just six days before the October 7 attack hits one year, Israel has launched a limited, localised and targeted ground assault against Hezbollah in Lebanon.

The IDF [Israel Defense Forces] began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said in a statement on X early on Tuesday.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it added.

This comes days after an Israeli airstrike killed Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The military did not reveal how many soldiers were involved in the incursion but said its 98th division  including paratroopers and commando units  was taking part.

The military said it was acting on precise intelligence targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it said.

Israel orders evacuation

The Israeli military on Tuesday warned nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities to evacuate, hours after launching what it said was a limited ground incursion against the Hezbollah militant group.

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The warning, posted by the Israeli militarys Arabic spokesman on the social media platform X, specified around two dozen communities in southern Lebanon and asked people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border.

With inputs from agencies
In his upcoming book Unleashed, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made startling claims regarding late Queen Elizabeth IIs cause of death, French President Emmanuel Macrons revenge for Brexit, and raiding an ally to secure vaccine supplies read more

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a string of claims in his new book 'Unleashed'.

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has made a string of claims in his upcoming memoir Unleashed.

In the book whose extracts have been released to the media in recent days, Johnson has made startling claims regarding late Queen Elizabeth II, French President Emmanuel Macron, and practically invading a foreign country to secure vaccine supplies for the United Kingdom.

Johnson became the Leader of the Conservative Party in 2019 and subsequently the Prime Minister of the UK. Later that year, he led the Conservatives to a landslide victory in general elections. Three years later, however, he resigned both as the premier and MP in disgrace after a string of scandals, main among them being the illegal parties at 10 Downing Street during Covid-19 lockdowns.

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Now, two years after the disgraced exit from politics and public life, Johnson has come up with the book  and many startling claims.

Queen had bone cancer

In the first-ever comment on Queen Elizabeth IIs health by a prominent British politician, Johnson has claimed she had a form of bone cancer for over a year.

Johnson said he had known for a year or more that the Queen had a form of bone cancer when he resigned in September 2022, according to Politico.

The Queen died just two days after Johnsons resignation and the appointment of Liz Truss, Johnsons successor who would resign with weeks, as the Prime Minister of UK would be her last major official act.

Notably, the Queens death certificate had old age as the cause of death and there was no indication of cancer.

The Queens health, as with any British monarch, is a closely-guarded secret and Johnsons comment is almost unprecedented.

Recalling the final meeting with the Queen when he resigned, Johnson said she seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections. It has previously been noted by people that she appeared to have a bruise on her hand which appeared to be from intravenous drips.

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Even as it appeared that she had very recently had intravenous treatment, the Queens mood was completely unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our conversation she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty, wrote Johnson.

Johnson said that the Queen knew all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty by seeing through the governments transition from Johnson to his Truss.

Macron & Cameron retaliated over Brexit, claims Johnson

Macron and former British PM David Cameron retaliated over Johnsons stance on Brexit, according to the new book.

Johnson in the book has accused Macron of weaponising irregular migration to undermine Brexit, according to Politico.

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Johnson said that Macron seemed ready to turn a blind eye to gangs smuggling illegal immigrants across the English Channel. He linked this to his championing the Brexit, which he said Macron saw as a terrible snub to the EU and to his view of the world.

As for Cameron, Johnson said that he was offered the top five Cabinet positions if he dropped his position on Brexit and changed stance to remain within the European Union (EU). He said that Cameron threatened to f*** you up for ever if he refused to accept the offer  which he later did.

Aquatic raid to secure vaccines

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At one point when nations were scrambling to secure Covid-19 vaccine supplies, Johnson claimed in the book that he considered launching an aquatic raid on a warehouse in the Netherlands to retrieve vaccines during a supply row with the EU, according to AFP.

Johnson himself admitted the plan was nuts.

Johnson, however, still discussed the plan with senior military officials in March 2021, who advised him it would be impossible to carry out such a raid undetected and it would also likely raise questions as the Netherlands is a NATO ally.
Mark Rutte formally took over as secretary general from Norways Jen Stoltenberg at NATOs Brussels headquarters and says is determined to prepare NATO for the future challenges read more

NATOs new chief Mark Rutte on Tuesday downplayed fears over the impact of a potential Donald Trump victory in upcoming US elections and pledged to keep backing Ukraine, as he assumed leadership of the worlds most powerful military alliance.

The former Dutch prime minister steps into the role at a pivotal moment, as Russia presses its war in Ukraine, China flexes its growing might - and just weeks before voters in the United States head to the polls.

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Im determined to prepare NATO for the challenges of the future, Rutte said as he formally took over as secretary general from Norways Jen Stoltenberg at NATOs Brussels headquarters.

The outcome of the November 5 vote is set to be the straight-talking 57-year-olds first major test - and will shape his initial four-year term at the helm.

On the campaign trail, US former president Trump has threatened not to protect NATO members who do not spend enough on defence and promised he can cut a quick deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end the war in Ukraine.

Im not worried. I know both candidates very well. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more, and he achieved, Rutte said.

I will be able to work with both, whatever is the outcome of the elections."

In opting for the veteran Dutch statesman, a staunch US ally and stalwart backer of Ukraine, NATOs 32 nations have picked a leader expected to keep pushing support for Kyiv and efforts to bolster the alliances own defences in the face of Russia.

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NATO will be in safe hands with you at the helm, said Stoltenberg, who has guided the alliance through one of its most tumultuous decades.

Rutte listed backing Kyiv as among his top priorities - along with ensuring NATO keeps on spending more on defence, and bolstering ties with partners including the European Union and those in the Asia Pacific.

There can be no lasting security in Europe without a strong, independent Ukraine, Rutte said, as he chaired his first meeting of alliance ambassadors.

He said he wanted to step up our support for Ukraine and bring it ever closer to NATO."

We must sustain this support into the future, because Ukraines rightful place is in NATO, he added.

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But Russian forces are advancing on the battlefield more than three-and-a-half years after the Kremlins all-out invasion.

And there is uncertainty over future Western support for Ukraine and growing calls for a resolution to the conflict.

NATO, whose members have supplied 99 percent of all foreign weaponry to Ukraine, agreed at a summit in July to play a bigger role in delivering those arms and Rutte will be key in stewarding support.

Spend more

Another central task for Rutte will be to keep pushing NATOs members to carry on increasing spending on their militaries to counter any potential menace from Moscow.

Spurred on by the war in Ukraine - and pressure from Washington - European countries have already ratcheted up defence spending.

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This year, 23 countries are set to reach NATOs target of spending two percent of gross domestic product on their militaries.

But with the threat from Russia expected to last for years - whatever the outcome in Ukraine - there is a clear understanding that more will be needed.

To do more, we must spend more. There is no cost free alternative if we are to rise to the challenges ahead and keep our one billion people safe, Rutte said.

That could prove a tough sell for Rutte - who only saw the Netherlands reach the two-percent goal in his fourteenth, and final year, in office.

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Even if he wanted to change NATOs direction, Rutte would likely struggle to shake up an alliance based on careful consensus between its members.

Stoltenberg, whose mandate was extended three times, trod a careful balancing act as NATO emerged reenergized in the face of Russias aggression.

And the former Norwegian premier has told his successor that the greatest challenge he faces is keeping all of NATOs sometimes truculent leaders on the same page.

One thing will not change, and that is NATOs core mission, and that is to make sure that we defend our people, our nations, and, of course, our values, Rutte said.
A former Rwandan doctor is on trial in France for his alleged role in the genocide of ethnic Tutsi people in Rwanda during the 1980s and 1990s. This is the eighth such trial in France read more

Eugene Rwamucyo has been charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity, complicity in crimes against humanity and conspiring to prepare those crimes. File image/ AFP

A former Rwandan doctor, accused of abetting genocide of thousands of ethnic Tutsi people during the 1980s and 1990s, goes on trial on Tuesday. Eugene Rwamucyo, 65, is accused of aiding his countrys authorities in disseminating anti-Tutsi propaganda and of participating in mass murder in an attempt to destroy evidence of genocide.

It is estimated that 800,000 people belonging to the Tutsi community were massacred in Rwanda three decades ago by the majority Hutu people. Rwamucyo practised medicine in France and Belgium after leaving his country.

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He has been charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity, complicity in crimes against humanity and conspiring to prepare those crimes. If found guilty he could face life in prison.

Eighth such trial

Rwamucyos trial is the eighth in France relating to the Rwanda genocide, when an estimated 800,000 people  mostly ethnic Tutsis  were massacred. Rwamucyo, who grew up in a Hutu family, was approached by anti-Tutsi militants in the late 1980s after his return from studying in Russia, according to prosecutors, who accuse him of then spreading anti-Tutsi propaganda.

While teaching at university, he also participated in the execution of wounded patients and helped bury them in mass graves in a final effort to destroy evidence of genocide, the prosecution said, quoting witness statements.

His lawyer, Philippe Meilhac, said Rwamucyo denies any wrongdoing and argues the accusation is based on his opposition to the current Rwandan government.

His participation in the burial of bodies in mass graves was motivated by the wish to avoid a health crisis that would have occurred if they had been left out in the open, the lawyer said.

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Detained since 2010

Rwamucyo was detained in May 2010 by French police following an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda. He was detained following a tip-off by his colleagues in the Maubeuge hospital where he was working at the time.

He was openly anti-Tutsi and publicly expressed his support for the genocidal government, said Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for LDH and FIDH, two human rights organisations who are among the plaintiffs.

Around 60 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial, which is scheduled to run until October 29.

In December 2023, a French court sentenced another former doctor, Sosthene Munyemana, to 24 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide.

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(With inputs from agencies)
Irans missile barrage at Israel drew international condemnation even as Hamas celebrated the attack as retribution for the killings of its leaders read more

Iranians celebrate at Palestine Square in Tehran following Iran's air attack on Israel, on Tuesday. AFP

Shortly after Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders, world leaders on Tuesday urged Iran and Israel to step back from the brink and demanded an immediate ceasefire.

France and Germany expressed concern about an escalation in the Middle East and demanded that Iran must end its missile attack on Israel immediately.

I am speaking now, it is 7.16 pm, at a time when the situation is worsening in the Near and Middle East, with an escalation and an attack, and a direct conflict that seems to be underway between Iran and Israel, said French Prime Minister Michel Barnier in parliament, adding that the situation was extremely serious.

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Germany expressed fears that the escalation in the fighting could fuel further conflict.

Israel wird in diesen Stunden von Iran mit Raketen angegriffen. Den laufenden Angriff verurteile ich auf das Allerscharfste. Wir haben Iran vor dieser gefahrlichen Eskalation eindringlich gewarnt. Iran muss den Angriff sofort einstellen. Er fuhrt die Region weiter an den Abgrund.  Auenministerin Annalena Baerbock (@ABaerbock) October 1, 2024

Israel is currently being attacked with missiles by Iran. I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms, Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock posted on X, adding that Iran must stop the attack immediately as it was leading the region further towards the abyss.

UN chief Antonio Guterres condemned the broadening conflict in the Middle East, adding in a statement: This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer also condemned the attack in the strongest terms.

During a call with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, Starmer also expressed the UKs steadfast commitment to Israeli security and the protection of civilians, AFP quoted from a readout of the call from Starmers office.

Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez called for an end to the spiral of violence blighting the Middle East, while the foreign minister demanded restraint.

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The Spanish government condemns Irans attack against Israel and asks that the spiral of violence ends, Sanchez said on social media platform X.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told the Cadena Ser radio station that Madrid was issuing a new call to all the actors, obviously including Israel, to show restraint and not escalation.

Slamming the attack, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly told reporters in Ottawa, Weve all seen the attacks by Iran against Israel, and we condemn them unequivocally, adding that they will only serve to further destabilise the region, and must stop.

Praising the heroic Iran attack on Israel, Hamas said the attack was was in revenge for the blood of our heroic martyrs.

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The Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) blesses the heroic rocket launches carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran against wide areas of our occupied lands, Hamas said in a statement.

Iraq factions, meanwhile, threatened to target US forces if Iran was attacked.

Iran missile attack at Israel on Tuesday sent Israelis to shelters and prompting alarm across the region.

A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel, the Israeli military said in a statement, as sirens sounded across Israel.

After about an hour, the military announced there was no longer a threat and it was decided that it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country, with a large number of Iranian missiles intercepted.

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Reports said between 150 and 200 missiles had been fired in the attack.

It was Irans second on Israel after a missile and drone attack in April in response to a deadly Israeli air strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

AFP reported hearing explosions over Jerusalem, while rescuers said two people were lightly injured by shrapnel in central Israel.

Irans official news agency IRNA said the Islamic republic had launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub.

Its Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attack was in response to Israels killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing widely blamed on Israel.

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Israeli airspace was closed with all flights diverted, a spokesman for the airport authority said.

Iraq, Lebanon and Jordan, which lie between Iran and Israel, closed their airspace too.

As the missiles made their way to Israel from the east, blasts were heard over the Jordanian capital Amman, as Israels allies moved to intercept them, an AFP correspondent said.

Jordan said its air defences responded to missiles and drones.

US President Joe Biden ordered the military to aid Israels defence and shoot down Iranian missiles, the White House said.

While Iran-backed groups across the region had already been drawn into the Gaza war, sparked by Palestinian group Hamass October 7 attack on Israel, Tehran had largely refrained from direct attacks on its regional foe.

With inputs from agencies
Confronting the dual challenges of Gazas densely populated cities and Lebanons formidable mountains, IDF ground forces are compelled to adapt their tactics in an ever-evolving battlefield read more

Engaging an area with F-15 Eagles, F-16 Fighting Falcons, or F-35 Lightning IIs is relatively straightforward when theres no opposing air force to contend with, and ground-based air defence systems are either absent or ineffective. However, when the focus shifts to ground assaults, the dynamics change dramatically. As tanks advance and infantry soldiers attempt to secure territory, they face a gauntlet of threatsrockets, landmines, snipers and more. At thousands of feet above the chaos, the safety of the cockpit feels worlds away, and neither the armoured shell of a tank nor a bulletproof vest guarantees survival. This harsh reality is keenly understood by Israeli infantry soldiers who have recently pushed into various areas of Gaza, suffering casualties as they initiate their ground offensive in Lebanon.

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Over the Mediterranean, the echoes of conflict resonate through the streets of Gaza and the hills of southern Lebanon. In 2024, Israel finds itself embroiled once again in military operations. These regions are not merely battlegrounds. They serve as poignant reminders of long-standing grievances, entrenched rivalries, and the complexities that define modern warfare.

Terrain and tactics

The terrain of Gaza presents considerable challenges for military operations due to its dense urban landscape, characterised by narrow streets and closely packed buildings. This environment complicates manoeuvrability for the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF), as the flat terrain facilitates troop movements but offers limited natural cover, raising the risk of collateral damage during operations. Additionally, Hamas has constructed an extensive tunnel network, allowing for covert movement that enables surprise attacks and ambushes against Israeli forces.

Tactically, the IDF employs various key strategies in Gaza. Urban warfare techniques involve house-to-house searches and direct engagements that necessitate specialised units trained in close-quarters combat, similar to the tactics used by the Indian Army in anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir, known as Cordon and Search Operations (CASO). The IDF aims to neutralise threats while minimising civilian casualties. Counter-tunnel operations are crucial, with specialised units deployed to locate and dismantle Hamass tunnel systems using drone surveillance and ground-penetrating radar. For complex and high-risk targets, the IDF utilises airstrikes and artillery bombardments to target Hamas command centres, weapon caches and tunnel networks.

In Lebanon, the geographical landscape is more varied, featuring rugged mountainous terrain alongside urban centres. This diverse topography enables Hezbollah to employ guerrilla warfare tactics, taking advantage of natural cover for ambushes and fortified positions. The complexity of the terrain presents challenges for conventional military manoeuvres, necessitating a more nuanced approach from the IDF.

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Key tactical elements utilised by Israel in Lebanon include limited ground engagements. The IDF has opted for rapid, tactical operations rather than large-scale ground invasions to mitigate the risks associated with prolonged engagements. Enhanced intelligence gathering is critical for monitoring Hezbollahs activities, utilising aerial reconnaissance and electronic surveillance to track movements and infrastructure. Additionally, targeted airstrikes aimed at disrupting Hezbollahs missile storage facilities and command centres are integral to Israels strategy, seeking to weaken the groups operational capabilities without escalating into a full-blown war.

Current Gaza and Lebanon operations

At the beginning of the year, the IDF initiated Operation Shield of Defence in response to a surge in rocket fire from Hamas aiming to dismantle Hamass military infrastructure by focusing on key leadership and operational capabilities. The IDFs tactics included extensive airstrikes targeting Hamass rocket launch sites, command centres and tunnel networks. Ground operations were also employed to secure areas and neutralise immediate threats. The humanitarian impact of these operations has been substantial with reports of civilian casualties and extensive infrastructure damage.

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The Israeli invasion of the Gaza Strip is a significant aspect of the ongoing IsraelHamas war. Following the Hamas-led attacks on October 7, 2023, Israel commenced bombing the Gaza Strip on October 13. Ground operations began shortly after, with a full-scale invasion launched on October 27 under the campaign named Operation Swords of Iron. This campaign has two primary goals: to destroy Hamas and to free hostages.

On January 23, the Israeli military reported the deaths of 24 soldiers in the Gaza Strip, including 21 reservists in a single incident near the border, marking the deadliest day for Israeli forces since the war began. Hamas claimed responsibility for this incident, highlighting the vulnerability of ground forces compared to their counterparts operating from fighter jets.

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According to Israels Ministry of Foreign Affairs, since the onset of ground operations in Gaza on October 27, 2023, 346 soldiers have tragically lost their lives in combat. As of Monday, September 30, 2024, the data on IDF soldiers wounded in battle reflects the severe impact of the ongoing conflict. Since the start of the war on October 7, 2023, a total of 4,481 soldiers have been injured, including:

2,673 lightly wounded

1,130 moderately wounded

678 severely wounded

Specifically, since the beginning of ground operations, there have been 2,298 wounded, with:

1,158 lightly wounded

699 moderately wounded

441 severely wounded

In Lebanon, Israeli military operations have primarily focussed on Operation Northern Shield, initiated in response to Hezbollahs increased military activity along the border and within Israel. This operation aims to conduct airstrikes against Hezbollahs missile storage facilities and launch sites, seeking to disrupt their operational capabilities and deter further aggression. Continuous aerial surveillance and reconnaissance missions are utilised to monitor Hezbollahs movements, enhancing Israels intelligence on potential threats.

Reports from Tuesday indicate that Israel has launched an overnight invasion of Lebanon, with IDF troops crossing the border to conduct significant attacks on what they claim are Hezbollah targets while urging local residents to evacuate. The Israeli military announced the start of a limited, localized operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, stating that targeted ground raids are being executed in villages close to the Israeli border. These targets have been identified as posing an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

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Residents in over 20 towns in southern Lebanon have been advised to evacuate immediately. IDF spokesperson Avichay Adraee posted on X, stating, The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately. Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted.

Israel announced early Tuesday that this operation had been in the planning stages for several months and was launched following approval from political leaders. Drawing on its experience in Gaza, Israeli infantry soldiers and personnel from mechanised infantry divisions are determined to avoid repeating past mistakes in Lebanon, striving to minimise casualties in this new offensive.

A history of conflicts

The conflict in Gaza has been central to Israeli military operations since Hamas assumed control of the territory in 2007. Previous military actions, including Operation Cast Lead (2008-2009), Operation Pillar of Defence (2012), and Operation Protective Edge (2014), were initiated in response to escalating rocket fire from Gaza. These operations aimed to dismantle Hamass military infrastructure and leadership but frequently resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction of infrastructure. Over the years, the humanitarian situation in Gaza has worsened, with military operations exacerbating pre-existing challenges. This ongoing cycle of violence has created a complex dynamic, where military actions attract international criticism, yet Israel asserts the necessity of its operations for national security.

In Lebanon, Israels military history is deeply connected to its enduring conflict with Hezbollah, which has evolved since the 1982 Lebanon War and the 2006 Lebanon War. Hezbollahs military capabilities have significantly grown over time, bolstered by support from Iran, leading to increased tensions along the Israeli-Lebanese border. Israels focus has shifted towards countering Hezbollahs influence while navigating Lebanons intricate political landscape. These historical conflicts have shaped Israels military strategies and responses in both regions, perpetuating a cycle of violence and instability.

A region too hot

The urban landscape of Gaza and the diverse terrain of Lebanon require distinct tactical approaches as the IDF seeks to neutralise threats from both areas. As tensions rise, these regions remain crucial focal points in Israels broader security strategy, reflecting the inherent challenges and complexities of achieving lasting peace and stability.
In his upcoming book Unleashed, former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is now convinced that the Covid-19 pandemic was a result of a botched experiment in a Chinese lab in Wuhan read more

Former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said that he is convinced that Covid-19 pandemic originated in a Chinese laboratory in Wuhan.

The SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes Covid-19 disease, was first reported in the Chinese city of Wuhan in late 2019. From there, the virus spread to the rest of the world and turned into the worst pandemic in living memory  infecting more than 77 million and killing over 7 million.

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In his upcoming memoir Unleashed, Johnson has said that Covid-19 was most likely made in a lab in Wuhan, according to extracts carried by The Daily Mail.

Even though China and several influential quarters in the West have pushed for the natural origin of Covid-19, there is no evidence for the same and no animal has been found from whom the virus jumped to humans. On the other hand, there is a strong circumstantial case for the virus lab-origin on the back of evidence that has emerged over the years.

The Covid-19 outbreak began next door to the Wuhan Institute of Virology (WIV), the worlds leading institute in coronavirus research. It is now known that scientists at the WIV, led by Bat Woman Shi Zhengli, were conducting research on hundreds of coronaviruses, including the risk gain of function (GoF) research in which scientists give additional characteristics to a pathogen that it does not naturally have  such as making a virus more severe and transmissible.

Referring to such experiments, Johnson has said that it is overwhelmingly likely that the pandemic is a result of botched lab experiments.

The awful thing about the whole Covid catastrophe is that it appears to have been entirely man-made, in all its aspects. It now looks overwhelmingly likely that the mutation was the result of some botched experiment in a Chinese lab, wrote Johnson in the book.

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Johnson compared the scientists at the WIVs lab to witches in William Shakespeares play Macbeth.

Some scientists were clearly splicing bits of virus together like the witches in Macbeth eye of bat and toe of frog and oops, the frisky little critter jumped out of the test tube and started replicating all over the world, said Johnson in the book.

Beside former US President Donald Trump, who was largely ignored because his messaging around Covid-19 was draped in racism, Johnson is the most high-profile Western politician to say that Covid-19 originated in a Chinese lab.

At the onset of the pandemic, however, Johnson had blamed the unregulated wildlife trade in Asia for the pandemic  as the working theory at the time was that the virus originated in an animal market in Wuhan. He had linked the pandemic to the demented belief in parts of Asia that if you grind up the scales of a pangolin you will somehow become more potent. With the passage of time, however, as more evidence emerged of risky Chinese experiments next door to the site of the first outbreak, he became more sceptical of natural origin.

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However, in early 2020, the British government was analysing intelligence about an accident potentially setting off the Covid-19 pandemic.

In April 2020, a member of the British governments secret emergency committee told The Daily Mail that the Cabinet was studying intelligence about a lab accident at the WIV involving risky research on manipulating coronaviruses.

Since then, over the years, it has been learnt that lab accidents at the WIV were reported time-to-time and Chinese scientists and their collaborators in the West had plans for making virus through GoF research resembling the SARS-CoV-2 which eventually caused Covid-19 pandemic.
In a significant shake-up, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on Tuesday dismissed his three deputies and a state secretary, unveiling major reforms in the wartime defence governance sector read more

In a significant shake-up, Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov on Tuesday dismissed his three deputies and a state secretary, unveiling major reforms in the wartime defence governance sector.

Ministry of Defense of Ukraine system  Armed Forces, Main Directorate of Intelligence and State Special Transport Service  is a closed perimeter during martial law. This means that all processes inside must be clear and controlled. Any attempt to influence them, whether external or internal, is unacceptable, Politico quoted Umerov said as saying in a statement on Tuesday.

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In this context, personnel changes are taking place. I signed a submission to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine on the dismissal of deputy ministers Stanislav Haider, Oleksandr Serhiy, Yuriy Dzhygyr, and state secretary Lyudmila Darahan, he added.

Umerov said that Haider has been transferred to a new position in the defence ministers office and did not provide any further details_._

According to Politico, Ukraines army is facing challenges in securing steady defence supplies as Russian forces advance in the Donetsk region, recently breaching the longstanding Ukrainian stronghold of Vuhledar.

Meanwhile, Kremlin troops have intensified airstrikes in the Zaporizhzhia region, gearing up for ground assaults there.

Umerov also announced that Ukraine will begin reforming its defence acquisition system.

Spetstechnoexport is transferred from the Main Directorate of Intelligence to the Ministry of Defence. I set out to complete the cleaning up of the acquisition system in close collaboration with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies, Umerov was quoted as saying.

Spetstechnoexport, a Ukrainian state defence procurement agency, has a troubled history marked by money-laundering scandals.

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Last year, Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau revealed that former leaders of Spetstechnoexport are suspected of laundering over $2 million during 2014-2015, coinciding with the early years of Russias invasion.

Umerov also said that ongoing reforms within the Defence Ministry are aimed at aligning the State Defense Procurement Agency and Non-Lethal Defense Acquisition Agency (DOT) with Nato standards.

Separate supervisory boards for both structures will be established shortly. The submission to the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine will be made this week, Umerov added.

Killing of Spetstechnoexport is a perfect move. It was a long battle," Politico quoted Vitaly Shabunin, Ukraines top anti-corruption watchdog, as saying.

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With inputs from agencies
Alabama-based PTC Armory is selling a customised model of AR-15, the rifle used to shoot Donald Trump, with MAGA Patriot written on one side and TRUMP emblazoned on the other read more

Secret Service agents whisk away Donald Trump, who raises his fist in the air after being shot in a foiled assassination bid. File image/ AP

A US gunmaker is selling customised models of the rifle used to shoot former President Donald Trump.

Alabama-based gunmaker PTC Armory is selling a gun named MAGA Patriot. It is named after the far-right Make America Great Again movement of Republican presidential nominee Trump. It is based on the AR-15 rifle, which is the same weapon used to shoot Trump in the unsuccessful assassination attempt this year.

In July, a 20-year-old man, Thomas Matthew Crooks, fired at Trump at a rally in Pennsylvania. One of the bullets grazed Trumps ear. Moments after firing the first shots, Crooks was located by counter-snipers of the Secret Service and was killed.

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Now, PTC Armory is selling a customised version of the same rifle in Trumps name.

The first batch of the limited-edition rifles has 20 pieces at a cost $2,997 each, according to Financial Times.

The newspaper reported that each of the rifle has TRUMP emblazoned into one side of the weapon and MAGA Patriot written on another.

The companies says on its website that the every rifle has been tested and GUARANTEED to shoot sniper rifle accurate (sic).

The MAGA Patriot AR-15 was designed to be THE AR-15 you reach for in the gun safe when your life or the lives of your loves ones are at stake and you need a rifle you can trust, said PTC Armorys founder Caleb Lee, as per the newspaper.

The purchase of the rifle comes with two days free firearms training at Lees firing school named Patriot Training Center, according to the newspaper.

The gun violence in the United States, which claims dozens of lives every year, is a major issue. It has led to a polarised debate around gun safety measures with Democrats favouring increasing regulation of gun ownership and Republicans against it. Such debates were triggered again after Trumps assassination attempt in July. Despite their own candidates being shot, the Republicans have continued to support guns.

Now, the rifle that shot Trump is being sold in his name. The AR-15 is a type of rifle that is sold by several companies in several models. It is the also the model on which standard-issue rifles of the US military are made. While the military uses automatic version of the AR-15, civilians are sold the semi-automatic version. There are workarounds for that though. A device called a bump stock, which was ironically banned by the Trump administration but was allowed again by the Supreme Court, could turn a semi-automatic weapon into an automatic or a nearly-automatic weapon.
Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance will compete in the lone scheduled US vice-presidential debate on Tuesday. It is set to provide both candidates an opportunity to support their running mates messages to voters ahead of the November 5 US election read more

Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz will face off in a vice presidential debate on Tuesday. AP

Republican JD Vance and Democrat Tim Walz are set to face off on Tuesday in the only vice-presidential debate of the 2024 election. Tuesdays debate will ensure a showdown between the two running mates who have spent the past two months targeting each other and their parties presidential nominees.

Hosted by CBS News in New York, this debate might not hold the same weight as the September 10 showdown between former US President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. However, it will provide a chance for their respective running mates to make an impression and support their leaders. This debate is set to attract the largest television and online audience that either candidate will encounter before Election Day.

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Usually, vice-presidential debates are viewed as the undercard, often overlooked by voters. However, the exchanges between Walz and Vance have gained considerable attention, making this Tuesdays head-to-head particularly exciting as it is their only scheduled debate before the November 5 election.

The first presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris was held on September 10. AP

Harris was generally perceived to have outperformed Trump in their September 10 debate, which might increase the pressure on Vance, the 40-year-old first-term US senator from Ohio, to deliver a strong performance.

Walz, the 60-year-old governor of Minnesota, and Vance have hinted at their strategies for weeks. Walz, before being selected by Harris, used the term weird to criticise the Republican candidate.

Meanwhile, Vance has been critical of Walzs progressive policies and argued that they show that Democrats are too far left for the voters.

When is the debate?

The 90-minute debate, hosted by CBS News, is set for October 1 at 9 pm ET. It will be hosted in New York City, a Democratic-leaning city and the former home of Republican candidate Donald Trump.

Republican candidate JD Vance will face pressure following Kamala Harris strong performance during the September 10 debate. AP

Who are the moderators?

The debate will be held at the CBS Broadcast Centre and moderated by Norah ODonnell, anchor of CBS Evening News, along with Margaret Brennan, the host of Face the Nation.

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What are the rules?

There will be no live audience for this debate. Candidates will remain behind platforms throughout the event, and prepared notes will be allowed on stage.

Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz at the Human Rights Campaign (HRC) National Dinner in Washington. AP

Heres a look at past vice presidential debates  and the larger role of the office Walz and Vance are both seeking.

What is the vice presidents job?

The vice president presides over the Senate and is empowered to break ties, as Harris has done a record 33 times. She exceeded the previous high mark last year, which had held since John C Calhoun was vice president from 1825 to 1832. The officeholder also presides ceremonially in Congress over the certification of electoral results, which Vice President Mike Pence did even after a mob of Trump supporters stormed the US Capitol on January 6, 2021, in a bid to halt the process and transition of power, with some chanting, Hang Mike Pence!

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But the vice presidents main job is to be ready to take over if something happens to the president. Nine have done so following a presidents death or departure from office  the last being Gerald Ford, who became president when Richard Nixon resigned in 1974.

The Constitutions 25th Amendment, ratified in 1967, spelled out the succession rules, stating that the vice president becomes president in case of the removal of the president from office or of his death or resignation. It also allowed the president and Congress to nominate and approve a new vice president if that office is vacated.

Vice presidential historian Joel K Goldstein said two recent assassination attempts against Trump raise the saliency of succession. But he added that many voters view vice presidential nominees as appendages of the candidates who selected them, not necessarily as potential future presidents themselves.

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People do look at somebody as, are they ready to be a heartbeat away? Goldstein said. But it is also a question of how good a decisionmaker is the person who chose them.

Which have been memorable vice presidential debates?

In 1992, James Stockdale, running mate of third-party candidate Ross Perot, was going for breezy but seemed befuddled when he opened the debate by saying, Who am I? Why am I here? His later response to a question, I didnt have my hearing aid turned up, only reinforced that perception.

The debate between No 2s was highly anticipated in 2008 after Republican Arizona Senator John McCain selected Alaska Governor Sarah Palin as his running mate and saw a bump in the polls. But her showdown with then-Delaware Senator Joe Biden is best remembered for Palin approaching him before the start and saying, Can I call you Joe? That was Palin attempting to keep from mistakenly calling her opponent OBiden, conflating Bidens name with that of his running mate, then-Illinois Senator Barack Obama.

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The vice presidential nominee and Texas Democratic senator, Lloyd Bentsen, offered a stinging rejoinder against his opponent, Republican Senator Dan Quayle of Indiana, in 1988. After Quayle compared himself to John F Kennedy, Bentsen replied, Youre no Jack Kennedy, senator. But it was one of the Democratic tickets few high points in a race it lost handily.

In 2020, Harris faced off with Republican Vice President Mike Pence and declared when he tried to interrupt her, Im speaking, a line shes reprised in this campaign. But both candidates might have been overshadowed by a fly that perched on Pences hair for what felt like an eternity.

Will the debate affect the campaign?

A nominees choice of second in command has historically made little Election Day difference. This year could be different.

Historical analysis by Mark P Jones, a political science professor at Rice University in Houston, suggests that voters arent really swayed by a candidates running mate. Even the idea of using a pick to balance a ticket  like pairing the first major party nominee who is a woman of color with a white male in the case of Harris selecting Walz  may also be overstated.

The evidence we have is that theyre really voting for the presidential nominee, Jones said of Americans through the decades.

A key caveat might be that, given just how close the current race is looking to be in swing states, Its always possible that, at the margins, it may matter, Jones said.

One reason why the Walz-Vance debate might shift more opinions this year is that Harris and Trump shared a stage only once, in early September. That means Tuesday may be the last chance before Election Day for voters to see the two tickets square off directly.

But, more likely, both Walz and Vance will simply need to avoid memorable unforced errors that can be endlessly replayed. Jones said such a race-shifting gaffe is unlikely  but not impossible.

Theyre disciplined, Jones said. But all it takes is one.

With inputs from AP
On Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said that its troops have started ground raids in villages in southern Lebanon. The announcement came after Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it had targeted enemy soldiers at the Lebanon-Israel border read more

Smoke plumes billow following Israeli bombardment on south Lebanon from a position along the border in northern Israel. AFP

The Pentagon has backed Israels military action in south Lebanon, with US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin offering support to Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant for dismantling attack infrastructure along the border. Austins comments came after Israel launched targeted ground raids on Hezbollah in south Lebanon.

Austin doubled it up with a warning to Iran of serious consequences if it directly attacked Israel in response to their attacks on the Tehran-backed militant group.

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We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, he said in a statement posted to social network X after speaking with Gallant.

Israel continues its military strikes

Gallant earlier said that Israels military action in Lebanon was not over despite an Israeli strike killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a devastating blow to the militant group.

Austin reiterated the position shared by the White House that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure civilian safety on both sides of the border.

I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, Austin said.

The United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.

Israel launches ground invasion

On Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said that its troops have started ground raids in villages in southern Lebanon. The announcement came after Lebanese militant group Hezbollah said it had targeted enemy soldiers at the Lebanon-Israel border.

A Lebanese security official said Israel had also conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut, while Syrian state media reported deadly strikes around the capital Damascus.

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Escalation amid calls for de-escalation

Ignoring international calls for de-escalation, Israel has continued its military strikes in Lebanon and Gaza. It has vowed to keep fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah and declared a military zone in parts of its border with Lebanon.

Israels military said its ground raids were targetedin villages close to the border". Israel described the targets as an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

This came after Hezbollah said it is ready if Israel decides to enter by land.

Meanwhile, deadly strikes on Damascus

As Israel announced its ground raids, Syrias official news agency SANA said that three civilians killed and nine others wounded in Israeli strikes in the Damascus area. It said that Syrias air defence systems intercepted three rounds of strikes.

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State television said anchor Safaa Ahmad was killed in the Israeli aggression on Damascus.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years.

Attack on Palestinian groups

As the Israeli air force pounded south Beirut, a Palestinian camp official in south Lebanon said an Israeli strike hit Ain al-Helweh camp in the city of Sidon, targeting a Palestinian militant.

The strike hit the house of the son of Mounir Maqdah, the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Israel has accused Maqdah of heading the Lebanese branch of Fatahs armed wing.

Lebanons national army, dwarfed by Hezbollahs military power, was repositioning troops farther from the border, news agency AFP quoted a military official as saying.

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World leaders have urged de-escalation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterress spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying: We do not want any sort of ground invasion.

Israel orders Beirut evacuations

On Monday evening, the Israeli military ordered people in three districts of southern Beirut to evacuate. You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah group you must evacuate the buildings immediately, Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said.

Israel has carried out a wave of deadly airstrikes across Lebanon, the latest of which killed 95 people on Monday, according to Lebanons health ministry. The attacks have been targeted against Hezbollah, Israel has said.

Hezbollah got involved in the Israel-Hamas conflict after Israeli forces launched their military campaign in Gaza following the October 7 raids by the Palestinian group, killing about 1,200 people and kidnapping over 250.

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Israels retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,615 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN has described the figures as reliable.

The Lebanon border clashes between Israel and Hezbollah have rapidly escalated this month.

Everyone is afraid

Israels strikes on Lebanon have killed hundreds of people over the past week and forced up to a million to flee their homes, according to Lebanese officials.

Hezbollah and other groups launched rockets, drones and missiles at Israel over the same period, causing some injuries but no deaths.

Iran has said Nasrallahs killing would bring about Israels destruction, though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any fighters to confront Israel.

Austin warned on Monday of serious consequences for Iran if Tehran directly attacks Israel.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for a ceasefire based on a recent US-French proposal, urging an end to the Israeli aggression against Lebanon.

Earlier on Monday, an Israeli strike hit a building in central Beirut, with an armed Palestinian group saying it had killed three of its members.

Central Beirut resident Kahier Bannout, 42, said it was supposed to be a safe area  not a war zone.

Lebanons Health Minister Firass Abiad said more than 1,000 people have been killed since September 17.

UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi said: Well over 200,000 people are displaced inside Lebanon, while more than 100,000 have fled to neighbouring Syria.

Little time

The US, Qatar and Egypt tried for months to broker such a deal, which Netanyahus critics accused him of obstructing.

In Gaza, the civil defence authority said Tuesday that Israeli bombardment on homes killed 12 people in the central Nuseirat refugee camp. Seven others were killed in Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.

A UN Satellite Centre assessment issued Monday said two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage in nearly a year of war.

(With inputs from agencies)
Two rockets launched at the Victory Base at Iraqs Baghdad airport were shot down by the airports defence system while the third fell in the compound, according to sources read more

It came after another incident over the weekend in which rockets fired from northern Iraq were aimed against a Syrian base housing US-led coalition forces fighting the extremist Islamic State group

Rockets were fired at a base housing US-led coalition forces at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday, causing no casualties, the interior ministry and two security sources said.

The Victory Base at Baghdad Airport was targeted with three rockets, two of which were shot down by the bases special defences, while the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Service Command, a security source said.

A second security source said there were no casualties and that the incident had not affected air traffic.

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The interior ministry later said two Katyusha rockets fell, the first in the garage of the second regiment of the Counter-Terrorism Service and the other in an abandoned yard inside the airport.

It said an investigation has begun into the attack which comes as Israeli forces launched ground raids and air strikes on Lebanon, raising fears of a wider regional conflict amid the ongoing the war in Gaza.

Since war broke out in the Gaza Strip after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7, militant factions have targeted bases in Iraq and Syria that house US troops because of American military support for Israel.

Washington has repeatedly responded with air strikes on faction headquarters in both countries.

The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and around 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of the coalition it established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group.

The coalition also includes forces from other countries including Britain and France.

Armed Iraqi factions loyal to Iran have demanded the withdrawal of those troops.

Washington and Baghdad announced on Friday that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in Iraq within a year.

But the joint statement and US officials did not say how many American troops would remain in Iraq.

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In response, the Iraqi Resistance Coordination Committee, a coalition of Iran-backed armed groups opposed to the United States and Israel, called for the withdrawal to be comprehensive and according to a clear timeline.

After a decline in militant attacks in recent months, rockets were fired in August at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, injuring seven Americans.

And in September, Washington said the US diplomatic complex in Baghdad was attacked by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.
On October 1 at 9 pm ET, US Vice Presidential candidates  JD Vance and Time Walz  will participate in a debate at CBS Broadcast Centre in New York. The face off could be the last debate for both campaigns, with the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump teams failing to agree on another meeting read more

In India, JD Vance (R) and Tim Walz (L) debate can be watched live on Wednesday (October 2) from 6:30 am onwards. Source: REUTERS.

After Donald Trump and Kamala Harris face off, all eyes are on the US vice-presidential candidates debate between their running mates  JD Vance and Tim Walz  on Tuesday which will take place at the CBS Broadcast Centre in New York.

Democrat Walz and Republican Vance will take the stage almost three weeks after the 2024 US Presidential debate between Harris and Trump in Philadelphia.

The CBS News had proposed four dates for the vice-presidential candidate debate - September 17, 24, October 1 and 8, but Vance and Walz chose October 1.

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The CBS News US Vice President debate will be moderated by Norah ODonnell, the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, the Face the Nation. moderator and CBS News foreign affairs correspondent, as announced by the network.

Vance-Walz debate: 10 things to watch out for

1 - Vice presidential candidates debates are not considered as important as presidential debates, however, it is possible this face-off will be different as it is expected to be the last time on prime-time TV in this format  unless Trump and Harris agree to another debate in the run-up to November 5 polls.

2 - During the debate, Walz and Vance are expected to devote much of their debate time attacking Trump and Harris respectively. It is so because Vice presidential nominees traditionally play the role of attack dog for the top of their tickets  in this case, Harris and Trump.

3 - The US Vice Presidential nominees debate comes at a time when recovery efforts are underway across the southeastern United States following Hurricane Helene. It could be a part of the discussion.

4 - Also, there is a possibility that they may talk about West Asia on the brink as Israel escalates its campaign against Iran-backed terrorist groups in Lebanon.

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5 - Throughout the 90-minute VP debate, the two candidates will be standing and unlike the presidential face-off, no microphones will be muted. This raises the possibility of the lovely exchanges of ideas and insults.

6 - The US Vice Presidential candidate debate will not have any live audience. Also, there will be no opening statements, but candidates will get a two-minute closing statement once the debate ends. A virtual coin toss was held on September 26, which Vance won, choosing to deliver his closing statement second.

7 - Walz and Vance will not be given the questions and topics for discussion in advance. Only the moderators will ask questions.

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8 - A maximum of two minutes will be given to the candidates to answer each question, one minute for rebuttals, and one minute each for follow-ups at the discretion of the moderators.

9 - Candidates are not permitted to interact with their campaign members during the commercial breaks.

10 - It is to be seen whether Walz and Vance, in the possible last debate for the campaign, could help sway a few voters ahead of the key battle.

Walz-Vance debate timing

The US Vice Presidential nominees debate will begin at 9 pm Eastern Time (ET) on Tuesday, October 1. There will be two four-minute commercial breaks during the 90 minutes.

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When to watch Walz-Vance debate in India?

The Vance- Walz debate in India can be watched live on Wednesday (October 2) from 6:30 am onwards.

Where to watch Vance-Walz debate live?

The debate will be broadcast on CBS, and on other networks including PBS, NBC, CNN, C-SPAN, Fox News, MSNBC.

Vance-Walz debate will be livestreamed on CBS Newss YouTube channel, CBS News 24/7, Paramount+, C-SPAN, and other sites.

With inputs from agencies.
Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior US administration official, who warned Tuesday of severe consequences should it take place read more

A man documents the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, on Tuesday. AP

A senior US official on Tuesday warned that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, and threatened that the Islamic Republic will have to face severe consequences should it take place.

While the US is actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations amid this heightened threat, Iranian state media has not hinted any imminent attack.

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, AFP quoted a senior White House official as saying.

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We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.

The United States and other western allies stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran, added the US official.

Meanwhile, the Israeli military has called for evacuations in Lebanese border communities and carried out ground operations against Hezbollah, claiming extensive incursions into southern Lebanon.

This escalation raises concerns about the depth of Israels military strategy as it seeks to counter Hezbollah, which is already reeling from recent losses. In anticipation of further conflict, the Israeli army has implemented new restrictions on public gatherings and mobilised additional reserve soldiers for the northern border.

According to The Associated Press, the White House officials did not immediately offer any evidence backing its intelligence finding. The official added that the administration was confident in the determination.

Iran had launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of the Iranian projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed while in flight. Even those that reached Israel appeared to miss their marks, experts and an AP analysis in September showed.

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In a statement on Tuesday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu acknowledged that Israel is facing large challenges in its conflict with the Iranian axis, urging the public to heed safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command without specifically mentioning a missile threat.

Hezbollah denied that Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, but the Israeli army later revealed it had conducted numerous ground raids in southern Lebanon over the past year, releasing video footage of operations in Hezbollah strongholds. If accurate, this would be a significant setback for the Iran-backed group, which is still reeling from recent targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several top commanders.

To support Israel, US naval forces are positioned in the region, including three Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean and an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman, all capable of intercepting incoming missiles.

Israel has also advised residents to evacuate north of the Awali River, approximately 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border, extending beyond the Litani River, the northern boundary of a U.N.-designated buffer zone established after the 2006 war.

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You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, said the statement posted by the Israeli military on the platform X. The warning applied to communities south of the Litani.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon as it presses ahead with a rapidly escalating campaign against Hezbollah.

Anticipating more rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches in northern and central Israel. The military also said it was calling up thousands more reserve soldiers to serve on the northern border.

With inputs from agencies
Footage of the incident posted by Israeli Defence Forces on social media platform X shows munitions lighting up the night sky over Jerusalem as the weapons breached Israeli airspace read more

Iran, on Tuesday (October 1) unleashed a barrage of missiles over Old City in Jerusalem. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) said that over 180 missiles had been fired by Iran towards Israel.

Tehran said that the attacks were in response to the killings of Iran-backed militant leaders.

Its Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attack was in response to Israels killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing widely blamed on Israel.

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Footage of the incident posted by IDF on social media platform X shows munitions lighting up the night sky over Jerusalem as the weapons breached Israeli airspace.

RAW FOOTAGE: Watch as Iranian missiles rain over the Old City in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews.



This is the target of the Iranian regime: everyone. pic.twitter.com/rIqUZWN3zy  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

Sirens sounding in Israel alerted people to head to shelters and remain there till the attack was over.

The Israeli military, in a statement, said, A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel.

After about an hour, the military announced there was no longer a threat and it was decided that it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country, with a large number of Iranian missiles intercepted.

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US destroyers joined Israeli air units against defeated and ineffective Iranian ballistic missile attack, AP reported citing a US official.
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Discounted Price: Rs. 1,55,000 | Free battery charger & BLK 22 Battery.

Scratch & Win Offers

Customers purchasing through Panasonic Exclusive Channel Partners can participate in the Scratch & Win offer, which gives them the chance to win assured rewards such as:

Rs. 500, Rs. 1,000, or Rs. 9,999 Tanishq Gold Gift Vouchers

Rs. 50,000 MakeMyTrip Travel Voucher

Additionally, lucky winners will have the opportunity to receive the Bumper Reward, which includes Panasonic products worth Rs. 2.85 lakhs for a home makeover. Buyers can also enjoy Bonus Offers with discounts of up to Rs. 25,000 on various platforms.

Availability

The offers will be available from October 1st to November 10th, 2024, through Panasonics official D2C website and authorized outlets across India.

Customers can benefit from zero down payments, No Cost EMI up to 12 months, and special long-term EMI plans.

The Scratch & Win promotion will run from November 1st to 30th, 2024, at Panasonic Exclusive Channel Partners.

Speaking about the announcement, Fumiyasu Fujimori, Managing Director of Panasonic Marketing India, Panasonic Life Solutions India, said,
Epic Games on Monday announced a new antitrust lawsuit, targeting both Google and Samsung. This lawsuit, filed four years after Epic sued Google over an app store monopoly, now accuses both tech giants of collaborating to stifle competition in the app distribution market.

Allegations Against Google and Samsung

Epic Games claims that Samsungs recent Auto Blocker feature is part of a coordinated effort with Google to block third-party app stores. This, they argue, secures the Google Play Stores dominance on Samsung devices by restricting competition.

Epic stated that Auto Blocker cements the Google Play Store as the viable way to get apps on Samsung devices, effectively preventing other stores from competing fairly.

According to Epic, this lawsuit addresses coordinated efforts to block competition, undermining the jurys ruling in Epics previous case against Google. That verdict found that Googles app store practices, including deals with phone manufacturers like Samsung, were illegal.

What is Auto Blocker?

Introduced by Samsung in October 2023, Auto Blocker initially allowed users to opt in to prevent app installations from sources outside the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store.

However, in July 2024, Samsung made Auto Blocker a default feature, significantly complicating the process for users to install apps from third-party sources. Epic pointed out that this shift forces users to navigate a 21-step process, likening it to Googles complex Unknown Sources process.

Epic argued that Auto Blocker undermines the courts ruling in their previous case against Google, where the jury found that Googles agreements with device manufacturers were unreasonably restraining trade in a relevant antitrust market.

Googles History with Samsung

Epic claims that Google has a long history of paying manufacturers, including Samsung, to prevent competition.

This included a Revenue Sharing Agreement between Google and Samsung in 2020, which allegedly disincentivized Samsung from competing with the Google Play Store. Epic noted, Samsungs Galaxy Store is well-positioned to compete with the Play Store but has been held back due to Googles deals.

During the Epic v. Google trial, evidence was presented showing that Google paid Samsung to reduce competition. This included an initiative called Project Banyan, which aimed to phase out the Samsung Galaxy Store.

Epics Request to the Court

Epic Games is asking the court to prohibit Google and Samsungs anticompetitive behavior and demand that Samsung remove Auto Blocker as a default setting.

Epic also stressed that it is committed to ensuring the jurys previous decision is upheld, stating, We will take all necessary steps to ensure this decision is fully upheld.

Googles Response

Google denied any involvement in creating Auto Blocker, calling Epics lawsuit meritless and dangerous.

In a statement to The Verge, Dave Kleidermacher, head of security for Android, emphasized that Android allows sideloading and defended Googles security measures, such as Google Play Protect, designed to protect users from harmful apps.

Kleidermacher criticized Epics focus on app store access, stating, This is about user safety, not access to a game. Epics lawsuit puts their corporate interests above user protections.

Samsungs Response

Samsung also responded to Epics claims, emphasizing that users can turn off Auto Blocker during the initial setup process.

In a statement provided to The Verge, Samsungs spokesperson, Chris Langlois, highlighted the companys commitment to market competition, consumer choice, and user control. Samsung labeled Epics lawsuit baseless and promised to contest it.

Epics Future Plans

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney admitted during a roundtable interview that the company does not yet have direct evidence of collusion between Google and Samsung but is hopeful that this will emerge during the discovery phase. He noted that Epic is closely monitoring other companies but has only identified Samsung as engaging in such practices so far.

Sweeney also addressed the Epic Games Store, launched on Android and iOS in August 2020, noting that the store has seen 10 million mobile installations. However, he believes the app stores potential is much greater, with a target of reaching 100 million installations by the end of the year.

Conclusion

Epic Games legal battle against Google and Samsung continues, with the company accusing the tech giants of deliberately undermining competition.

The outcome of this case may set a precedent for future app store practices and influence how companies like Google and Samsung interact with third-party app stores.

Source 1, 2
ACEFAST, popular for its chargers, cables and audio products, recently launched its 218W Desktop Power Station Z4 with 3 x USB-C Ports a USB Type-A port so that you can charge a MacBooks and other laptops or Ultrabooks, iPhones, and other smartphones at the same time. Let us check out the review to find out what this has to offer.

Box Contents

ACEFAST 218W Desktop Charging Station Z4

2-pin 1.5m power cable with copper wire

User manual

Specifications

Input AC110V-240V, 50/60Hz, 2.5A Output Mode A C1 3.3-21V5A(PPS), 5V/9V/12V/15V3A, 20V5A (100W max) C2 3.3-11V5A(PPS), 5V/9V/12V/15V3A, 20V3.25A (65W max) C3 3.3-11V3A(PPS), 5V/9V3A, 12V2.5A, 15V2A, 20V1.5A (30W max) A1 5V3A, 9V2A, 12V1.5A (18W max) C1+C2+C3+A1 100W+65W+30W+18W (213W max) Output Mode B C1/C2 3.3-11V5A (PPS), 5V/9V/12V/15V3A, 20V3.25A (65W max) C3 A1 5V3A, 9V2A, 12V1.5A (18W max) C1+C2+C3+A1 65W+65W+65W+18W (213W max) Output Mode C C1/C2 3.3-21V5A (PPS), 5V/9V/12V/15V3A, 20V5A (100W max) A1 5V3A, 9V2A, 12V1.5A (18W max) C1+C2+A1 100W+100W+18W (218W max) Output Mode D C1/C2 3.3-21V5A (PPS), 5V/9V/12V/15V3A, 20V5A (100W max) C3 3.3-11V2A (PPS), 5V3A, 9V2A, 12V1.5A (18W max) C1+C2+C3+A1 100W+100W+18W (218W max) Total output 218W (max) Support fast charge protocols Output C1/C2/C3 PD 3.0/iP2.4A/DCP/AFC/SCP/QC2.0/QC3.0/QC4+/PPS/SAM 5V2A Output A1 iP2.4A/DCP/AFC/SCP/QC2.0/QC3.0/SAM 5V2A

Design and build

Starting with the design, the charging station has a small squarish design, and has branding on the top. It has a plastic build and measures 102.5 x 93 x 44.5mm and weighs 655 grams. It has a transparent design on the front and polycarbonate body that is coated with UV nano material, resistant to dirt and wear.

The build quality is good, and it has a transparent design, so the chip is clearly visible. On the front are three USB Type-C ports (C1, C2 and C3) and one USB Type-A port (A1).

You can see small bushes on the bottom that prevents the charger from getting scratched.

It even has a 1.3-inch TFT screen that displays voltage, power, and modes. The screen brightness automatically adjusts according to the surrounding environment, so it is not intrusive during the night. You can press the button to switch between modes. You can also double-click the button to turn off the screen.

The back has an input port that takes in AC 110V-240V~50/60Hz / 2.5A. There are also specifications of the Input and output ports, so the total output is 218W.

Performance

The Type C Ports are PD 3.0 enabled to deliver up to 100W of power that lets you charge MacBooks, Surface tablets, and other laptops that charge over Type-C. This also supports 100W Type-C PD (PPS  Programmable Power Supply support) for laptops and tablets, as well as iPads. You can also charge Samsung phones that support up to 45W PPS Fast charging, and iPhones with up to 30W fast charging.

To put the charger to test, we connected the MacBook Pro, Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, CMF Phone 1 and a TWS earbuds, and all the devices were charging simultaneously.

The MacBook Pro was able to reach up to 90W, and the Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra showed 45W PPS, and it showed Super Fast Charging 2.0.

We also tried the Lenovo Legion Go, which supports up to 100W fast charging, and we were able to charge it at up to 92W. When using HONOR 200 Pro, it was able to charge at up to 66W, and it showed HONOR Super Charging (Max 66W). For vivo V40e, which support 80W Flash charge, it offered 44W fast charging. Since all the devices shows their official charging tag, the charger supports all these standards.

However, there is no support for OnePlus / OPPO / realmes VOOC or Super VOOC fast charging from both Type-C and Type-A ports, so we were able to charge at up to 13W maximum, and it just showed fast charging.

The charger has multiple safety protection including over-voltage, over-current, over-power, short circuit, and over-temperature protection. Since it uses GaN technology, the overall energy and efficiency is better, and has a smaller size for a charger with support for up to 218W fast charging.

It also doesnt have any heating issues. The company said that it uses AI technology for temperature control, conducting 40 temperature measurements per second and 3 million real-time detections daily, ensuring lower temperatures and safer fast charging.

Conclusion

The ACEFAST 218W Desktop Charging Station Z4 is a good product to own if youre someone who need to charge multiple devices like laptops, tablets and phones simultaneously. Since it has 100W Power Delivery output from a single port, it can charge most USB-C laptops, including MacBooks at their max charging speed, it is useful.

There is also Super Fast PPS charging for Samsung smartphones, and the QC 3.0 to charge other phones. There are some models in the market with USB Type-C + Type-A ports, but it is rare to find chargers like this that have four ports that can support 100W fast charging from two Type-C ports, simultaneously.

The charger has not been launched in India officially, but you can get it from Acefast Mall (US Plug) for Rs. 6,500 as a part of offer, and it is also available from Amazon.com (Europe Plug) for USD 89.99 (Rs. 7,540 approx.).
TECNO has confirmed the launch of TECNO Spark 30C 5G smartphone in India on October 8th, after it was introduced as a part of Spark 30 series last week. It has a tag line, Crazily Reliable.

The company has confirmed 48MP Sony sensor and 120Hz refresh rate for the phone.

We already know that it has a 6.67 HD+ 120Hz screen, is powered by MediaTek Dimensity 6300 5G SoC, 4GB RAM with up to 4GB of virtual RAM, 64GB / 128GB storage, IP54 ratings, 8MP front camera with dual LED flash, stereo speakers and a 5000mAh battery with 18W fast charging.

Most of the specifications are similar to the TECNO POP 9 5G which was launched recently, so we can expect the Spark 30C 5G to launch in the similar price range, which is around Rs. 10,000.

Regarding this phone, the company said:

Like the legendary Transformers, SPARK 30C is built to lastpacked with qualities more than what meets the eye! As India dynamically moves towards adopting 5G, Spark 30C speeds up the momentum by bringing down the price barriers. Designed for the everyday Indian commoner who doesnt frequently switch phones or can afford expensive upgrades, the SPARK 30C is a steadfast companion, delivering durability and functionality. With an uber-cool design that turns heads among Transformers fans, it combines reliability and style in one great package.
Around 40 musicians, musicologists, and music lovers living in Europe have participated in the video conference on the introduction of Azerbaijan's modern professional music in Sweden, Azernews reports.

The videoconference was organised by the chairman of the Gobustan Society of Azerbaijani Intellectuals, Saadat Karim, who lives in Gothenburg, Sweden.

Delivering the opening speech, Saadat Karim briefed the conference participants about Azerbaijan's centuries-old music history.

He underlined that the first information about this was found in a number of historical monuments discovered during archaeological excavations, including the rock paintings of Gobustan (18th-3rd millennia BC) and Gamigaya (3rd-1st millennia BC), as well as mediaeval music.

The epic "Book of Dede Korkut," which contains rich information about it, its genres and instruments, and the works of genius Azerbaijani poets Nizami Ganjavi and Fuzuli.

Later, the composer, Doctor of Philosophy in Art Studies, Khadija Zeynalova, spoke about her activities in Germany, where she lives, about the festivals and concerts held in different countries of the world where her works were performed, as well as about the "Bridge of Sound" orchestra, which she leads.

Zeynalova noted that the main goal of her activity is the promotion of Azerbaijani music. She also shared his views on the cooperation of German students and professors with Garabagh University.

The chairman of the Netherlands-Azerbaijan Campground Society, Firangiz Bagirova, introduced the participants to the projects implemented by the society.

"One of our projects is related to the choir performing the song "Yellow Come" in different countries during 2023. The main purpose of this project was to prevent the attempts of Armenians to adopt our music," she said.

Firangiz Bagirova also touched upon the music project "The World through Children's Eyes," dedicated to the Khojaly tragedy.

According to her, the musical composition was shown in different cities of the Netherlands for two years.

Composer Galib Hasan Mammadov, a student of genius Fikrat Amirov, spoke about his musical activities in Norway. His works are published in leading Norwegian publishing houses.

At the videoconference, Azerbaijani folk songs were played, and excerpts from concerts of works of the Azerbaijanis living in Europe were presented as well.
A Grand Junction-based federal magistrate has recused himself from a lawsuit filed against local law enforcement officers alleging the officers violated a property owners fourth and fifth amendment rights while executing a search warrant looking for a stolen snow cat.

According to an order of recusal filed Sept. 24, federal magistrate Richard Gurley said after reviewing the case file his impartiality could reasonably be questioned, and so he is recusing himself.

The case has been reassigned to N. Reid Neureiter. Gurley, who was a district court judge in Mesa County from 2006 until June 2024, when he left for the federal magistrate position, was assigned to the case Sept. 23.

The lawsuit was originally filed in March 2020, and names 26 law enforcement officers as defendants, primarily from the Mesa County Sheriffs Office and Grand Junction Police Department.

The case involves a snow cat (painted to look like the General Lee from The Dukes of Hazzard) that was stolen in March 2018 from a restaurant parking lot in Minturn and towed by a Toyota Tacoma to a residence near Grand Junction.

Jason Cuervo was sentenced to three years in community corrections for the theft after being reported to the police by his mother, who is the owner of the property and plaintiff in the lawsuit. Cuervo told the court he was under the influence of drugs while committing the theft.

Law enforcement located the snow cat in a garage at a residence in Grand Junction.

According to the complaint, law enforcement obtained a search warrant to search the property for the snow cat. The search was conducted by GJPD and MCSO SWAT officers.

The lawsuit stated Jason Cuervo was not in the residence at the time of the search.

While they had available a thermal imaging unit from the fire district which would have confirmed the only living heat source in (the residence) was a dog, the SWAT team prepared to hit the residence by firing chemical weapons into the structure, the complaint stated.

The lawsuit alleges the situation did not meet Colorados criteria for a no-knock warrant, but the law enforcement officers on scene did not announce themselves before going into the residence.

According to the complaint, chemical weapons were fired into the residence despite there being no threat of physical violence from anyone at the property.

Defendants used excessive and unreasonable force in executing the search warrant and unlawfully entered areas not authorized by the warrant or any exigent circumstances, resulting in actual damage to the structure and furnishings from both impacts and the hazardous chemicals, the complaint stated. Defendants failed to appropriately secure the structure after their raid left windows and doors unsecure, resulting in the additional loss of property from looting facilitated by their unreasonable search of the premises.

The lawsuit, which was previously dismissed, was re-instated by the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals Aug. 30.
Ouray County Judge Sean Murphy abused his discretion when he excluded evidence against one of three teens  including the stepson of Ouray Police Chief Jeff Wood  in an alleged sexual assault of a 17-year-old girl, the Colorado Supreme Court ruled Monday.

The alleged assault, first reported by the Ouray County Plaindealer last January, occurred in the chiefs home when the three, Gabriel Trujillo, Ashton Whittington and Nate Dieffenderffer, allegedly gave the girl alcohol and drugs.

The first two were over the age of 18 at the time, but Dieffenderffer, Woods stepson, was days away from turning 18.

The alleged incident achieved national attention when the owners of the Plaindealer reported in January that hundreds of its weekly newspapers had been stolen from racks around the area. Those newspapers carried the first story about the incident linking the chiefs stepson to the alleged assault. The headline on the front page story read: Girl: Rapes occurred at chiefs house.

During a preliminary hearing for Whittington in March, the Ouray County judge tossed out evidence presented by prosecutors on grounds it came past a 21-day deadline after he was initially charged.

But the high court ruled in a 5-2 decision that Murphy erred in imposing a sanction against the late filing because he did not make the requisite findings to justify excluding the evidence.

The court noted that the prosecutor had offered explanations for each of the missing and late disclosures, Justice Melissa Hart wrote in the majority ruling, which was joined by Chief Justice Monica Marquez and Justices Brian Boatright, Carlos Samour and Maria Berkenkotter.

Despite these findings, the court ordered the exclusion of all evidence from the preliminary hearing that had been in the peoples actual or constructive possession and that had been disclosed after January 17, 2024, Hart added. The court did not, however, make a record as to why the exclusion of evidence from the preliminary hearing was an appropriate curative sanction or why a continuance would be insufficient.

As a result, the court ordered the case back to Ouray County court for further disposition.

In a dissenting opinion, Justice Richard Gabriel wrote that prosecutors had acknowledged their late filings, and also said the evidence was not as crucial as other evidence that had been properly disclosed.

A court abuses its discretion when it imposes discovery sanctions that are manifestly arbitrary, unreasonable or unfair, Gabriel wrote in his dissent, which was joined by Justice William Hood.

This is obviously a high bar, and for several reasons, unlike the majority, I perceive no abuse of discretion in this case, he added. I believe that the court made sufficient findings to justify its discovery sanction. Indeed, no party disputes that the people violated their discovery obligations in significant ways, and the court so found.

Local restaurant owner Paul Choate, the man who stole the newspapers, returned them hours later, but not before the newspapers owners  former Grand Junction Daily Sentinel Managing Editor Mike Wiggins and his wife, former Sentinel reporter Erin McIntyre  had more printed and distributed. Choate, who had no relationship with the three teens, was later charged with petty theft.
Fri Friday

85 /57

More clouds than sun. Highs in the mid 80s and lows in the upper 50s.
Wisconsin Army Guard Deploys More Than 300 Soldiers

By Vaughn Larson, Wisconsin National Guard Public Affairs Office September 30, 2024

VOLK FIELD, Wis. -- Gov. Tony Evers and senior Wisconsin National Guard leaders joined families and friends at a formal sendoff ceremony Sept. 28 for more than 300 Wisconsin Army National Guard Soldiers deploying overseas.

Most of the deploying Soldiers  Company A and Company C of the 1st Battalion, 128th Infantry Regiment, Company C of the 132nd Brigade Support Battalion, and members of the 457th Chemical Company  will head to locations in the U.S. Central Command area of operations. Fewer than 10 Soldiers from the Headquarters Company, 1st Battalion, 120th Field Artillery Regiment, will deploy to the Horn of Africa to support the U.S. Africa Command mission there.

"It's fitting that we gather here, on the site of the Wisconsin Military Reservation  now Camp Williams and Volk Field," said Brig. Gen. David May, Wisconsin's interim adjutant general. "Since 1888, members of the Wisconsin National Guard have trained here, and from this site, we have sent Soldiers and Airmen off to every conflict since the Spanish-American War."

Command Sgt. Maj. Duane Weyer, the Wisconsin Army National Guard state command sergeant major, reflected on the Wisconsin National Guard's legacy of Midwestern professionalism and how history sometimes repeats.

"Twenty years ago today, 128th Soldiers were training in Mississippi with the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment [of the Tennessee National Guard] in preparation for movement to U.S. Central Command," Weyer said. "Today, most of our Soldiers here deploying today will again meet up with the 278th in preparation for deployment overseas."

Brig. Gen. Matthew Strub, Wisconsin's deputy adjutant general for Army, noted that the National Guard traces its roots back nearly 400 years.

"But today is not just about our history; it's about perseverance," Strub said. "Every generation of Guardsmen has faced its own challenges. The circumstances may change but the mission remains  to protect this nation, defend our way of life and support one another."

May said the nation's presence overseas has never been more critical.

"As global tensions rise to levels not seen in generations, our presence signals stability and strength and commitment to peace," he said. "In these uncertain times, every action we take overseas sends a message. Our allies and partners look to us for reassurance, and our potential adversaries take notice of our resolve and it gives them pause."

Evers thanked the deploying Soldiers for their service to Wisconsin and the nation.

"As you get ready to leave on your important missions, each of you is ready to write a new chapter in Wisconsin's history through your service," Evers said.

The governor told family members that the state is committed to providing them a full range of support and services while their service members are deployed. He also acknowledged the civilian employers of the deploying Soldiers.

"Knowing their positions are ready for when they return is paramount for their confidence in leaving," Evers said.

Strub encouraged the deploying Soldiers to remember the legacy of those who served before them.

"You're a living testament to the enduring spirit of the National Guard, a force that has always stood ready to respond, no matter the challenge," Strub said. "As you depart today, carry with you the knowledge that you are part of a legacy that will not falter, will not fade, and will continue to inspire future generations."

May offered similar parting comments.

"As you embark on this mission, carry with you the pride of Wisconsin, the strength of the U.S. military, and the knowledge that you are making a difference on the world stage," May said. "I've never heard anything but exemplary accolades about a military unit from Wisconsin after deployments, and I have no doubt that you will all carry forward that standard of excellence."

The deploying Soldiers complete mobilization training at Fort Bliss, Texas, before heading overseas. They are to return to Wisconsin in the fall of 2025.

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U.S. and Bulgarian Military Police conduct joint force protection exercise

By Oana Copaceanu September 30, 2024

NOVO SELO TRAINING AREA, Bulgaria -- On Sept. 26, U.S. and Bulgarian Military Police (MP) units came together at the Red Tower Range, Novo Selo training Area (NSTA), to conduct a joint force protection and active shooter exercise to demonstrate the capabilities of the Bulgarian MP's to their U.S. counterparts, with a focus on enhancing cooperation and interoperability between the two forces.

The event was of high importance to both U.S. and Bulgarian leadership as it was attended by Lt. Col. Christopher Kuszniaj, garrison commander, Scott Delay, deputy to the garrison commander, and Col. Mitko Mitev, Bulgarian MP commander.

The exercise was a simulated hostage rescue scenario executed by a 10-man Bulgarian MP team.

Their objective: to clear a building occupied by armed individuals and successfully rescue hostages.

This demonstration provided a unique opportunity for the U.S. MP's to observe Bulgarian tactics, techniques, and procedures, facilitating a real-time comparison of approaches.

Key areas of focus included entry methods, communication strategies, and threat neutralization techniques.

"It was a privilege to witness the impressive demonstration of capabilities by our host nation Bulgarian military police. Collaborating with our Bulgarian partners not only strengthens our bonds but also enhances our overall readiness. By training side by side, we continuously look for ways to improve our protection measures, ensuring we are always prepared to respond effectively," said Kuszniaj as he reflected on the exercise and the importance of joint training.

The exercise underscored the importance of force protection, a top priority for both U.S. and Bulgarian military forces.

Highlighting the importance of understanding the roles, responsibilities, lines of authority, and operations with military personnel during an active shooter incident

It also showcased the operational unity between the two nations' MP's, who already work together daily on joint patrols and security operations at NSTA.

"This demonstration gave our partners an opportunity to assess the differences between U.S. and Bulgarian MP procedures. Identifying these differences improves our ability to work together on incidents of this nature and increases overall levels of cooperation," said Mitev noting the alignment of objectives between the two forces.

Both forces acknowledged the importance of continuous joint operations and training exercises to further enhance their ability to respond to real-world threats.

"Standing side by side with our U.S. counterparts, we build more than just bridges between nationstogether, we are stronger, united in our commitment to peace and security," said Staff Sgt. Marian Slalov, Bulgarian MP.

The exercise allowed U.S. and Bulgarian MPs to confirm proper channels for information sharing among host nation law enforcement and military personnel during an active shooter incident.

It also enabled the ability to identify any gaps in planning, policy, or response coordination that would hinder any current and future response efforts.

"It's great to learn the differences in culture and ways of operation, allowing us to adapt and create a stronger force," said Staff Sgt. Hector Estevez, USAG Black Sea MP.

As the exercise concluded the U.S. Army Garrison (USAG) Black Sea command team presented Col. Mitev and the Bulgarian MP's a certificate of appreciation to highlight the value of these joint efforts in ensuring the safety and security of their respective forces was emphasized.

The commitment to mutual support and readiness will continue to drive future joint training and operations, further solidifying the bond between the U.S. and Bulgarian MP's.

The USAG Black Sea directorate of emergency services is committed to providing safe communities, great work environments and highest level of protection to all military personnel stationed at NSTA.

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Minister Blair participates in Global Coalition Against Daesh Ministers' Meeting

National Defence

News release

September 30, 2024 - Washington D.C. - National Defence / Canadian Armed Forces

Today, the Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence, participated in the Global Coalition Against Daesh Foreign Ministers' Meeting on behalf of the Honourable Melanie Joly, Minister of Foreign Affairs.

At the meeting chaired by U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken, 37 countries convened to mark the tenth anniversary of the Coalition and continued work to establish a way forward in responding to the evolving threat posed by Daesh, including the growth of its affiliates in Africa and Central Asia (including ISIS-Khorasan Province or ISKP).

Coalition members underscored their shared determination to continue the fight against Daesh in the Middle East, Africa, and Central Asia through military and civilian-led efforts while also recognizing the need to adapt, evolve and leverage successes to meet tomorrow's challenges. They emphasized the protection of civilians as a priority and affirmed that international law, including humanitarian and human rights law, as well as relevant UN Security Council resolutions, must be upheld under all circumstances. Minister Blair also joined others around the table in commending the Government of Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces, as well as other partners for their leadership and sacrifice in facing this global threat.

Minister Blair reaffirmed Canada's steadfast support to the Global Coalition and highlighted Canada's commitments of over $4.7 billion since 2016. This includes military, security, stabilization, humanitarian and development assistance through the Government of Canda's Middle East Strategy. He underscored Canada's commitment with the announcement of $38.3 million to support nine new and expanded counter-terrorism capacity building projects, as well as six peace and stabilization projects in Syria and Iraq. These civilian-led initiatives work to counter and respond to the evolving global threat posed by Daesh, while establishing the conditions necessary for lasting stability and social cohesion.

Following the meeting, Ministers of the Global Coalition Against Daesh released a communique that includes the following priorities:

supporting the Government of Iraq's efforts to safeguard the security, peace, and development of the Iraqi people;

endorsing the priorities of the Coalition Stabilization Working Group, with the goal of raising and implementing $394 million for areas liberated from Daesh in Iraq and Syria;

reaffirming their commitment to mobilize members and partners to pursue whole-of-government approaches to counter the global spread of Daesh, particularly in parts of Africa and Central and Southeast Asia. This includes denying their freedom of movement, restricting their access to financing and supporting regional stability through civilian-led programs;

underscoring the need to enhance comprehensive counterterrorism efforts, ensuring that policies and practices are human-rights-based, blocking terrorist access to resources and financing, disrupting cross-border movements of Daesh, and protecting and assisting victims; and

highlighting ongoing initiatives to prevent terrorists from dominating public narratives across traditional media, social media, and encrypted messaging applications, and underscoring the importance of artificial intelligence to combat terrorist propaganda and recruitment.

Since 2014, the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) has contributed to the Global Coalition and works with partners in the Middle East to set the conditions for stability and security. Under Op IMPACT, the CAF provides training, advice and assistance to Iraqi security forces and supports the Global Coalition and NATO Mission Iraq with highly skilled personnel. The CAF also supports efforts to advise Iraqi officials in building more effective and sustainable defence and security institutions and providing capabilities to regional forces.

The presence of CAF personnel in the Middle East and the capacity-building assistance programmes supports our regional partners' security forces, enhancing stability and security in the region.

Final number should be in joint communique

Quotes

"Canada remains a reliable partner in multinational efforts to mobilize against the threat of Daesh. We will continue to provide training, advice and assistance to Iraqi security forces, and support the Global Coalition and NATO through Operation IMPACT. As we mark the Coalition's tenth anniversary, we honour the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in Iraq and Syria to liberate territories from Daesh. We must strengthen our cooperation with partners to counter the spread of Daesh and ensure its enduring defeat." - The Honourable Bill Blair, Minister of National Defence

Quick facts

Established in 2014, the Coalition's mandate is to defeat Daesh through support for broader military and civilian stabilization efforts. With 87 members, the Global Coalition Against Daesh is the largest international coalition in history.

Canada's military efforts are diverse and include contributions to: the Global Coalition; NATO Mission Iraq (NMI); and building the military capabilities of Iraq, Jordan and Lebanon.

Canada has contributed to the Global Coalition Against Daesh since it was established in 2014. In support of the Global Coalition, Canada conducts training, advises and assists operations with Iraqi Security Forces and deploys three Griffon helicopters along with associated personnel to enhance in-theatre tactical transport, including casualty evacuations, if required.

Canada commanded NMI for two years, from the start of the mission in 2018 until November 2020, when Denmark assumed command. NMI is a non-combat advisory, training and capacity-building mission. This role complements Canada's efforts as part of the Global Coalition and ongoing commitments toward creating a safe and stable Iraq.

Joint Task Force IMPACT headquarters continues to operate in Kuwait and includes an Air Detachment comprising two CC-130J Hercules Tactical Airlift aircraft. Its movement of personnel and cargo in the joint area of operations is contributing significantly to Coalition, NATO, and bilateral efforts to build the military capacity of partner nations in the region through its safe and efficient movement of people and goods.

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September 30, 2024

Transcript

Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh Holds an Off-Camera Press Briefing

DEPUTY PRESS SECRETARY SABRINA SINGH: All right. Good morning, everyone. I do have quite a bit at the top, so bear with me and then happy to jump in and take questions. The Department continues to monitor the situation in the Middle East. Secretary Austin has been receiving updates from and providing guidance to his team on the latest developments in the region.

He and Department leaders remain focused on the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the region, the defense of Israel and the de-escalation of the situation through deterrence and diplomacy. To that end, as we highlighted in our statement over the weekend, the DOD has taken steps to further enhance the defense posture of US forces in the Middle East region to deter aggression and reduce the risk of a broader regional war.

This includes Secretary Austin's direction for the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike Group to remain in the CENTCOM AOR, as well as the reinforcement of our defensive air support capabilities. This includes a certain number of units already deployed to the Middle East region that will be extended, and the forces due to rotate into theater to replace them will now instead augment the in-place forces already in the region.

Again, I won't talk specific timelines or numbers for OpSec reasons, but I can tell you these augmented forces include F-16, F-15e, A-10, F-22 fighter aircraft and associated personnel. The Secretary also increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies and DOD maintains robust and integrated air defense capabilities across the Middle East region, ensuring the protection of US forces operating in the region.

Shifting gears, the Department continues to support relief efforts related to Hurricane Helene. As of this morning, Florida has nearly 3,500 guardsmen, hundreds of tactical vehicles and boats and 11 rotary wing assets conducting emergency response missions in dozens of counties around the state. Georgia has around 800 guardsmen activated in support of state and local governments.

South Carolina has activated nearly 600 guardsmen and two helicopters in their recovery efforts. Tennessee has around 130 guardsmen and seven helicopters activated, and Virginia has activated nearly 50 guardsmen, along with one helicopter and numerous high-water vehicles. I'm sure you've all seen the reporting on the devastation Hurricane Helene and the aftermath wrought in North Carolina, especially in the western part of the state.

A multi-state, multi-agency effort is currently underway with guardsmen from Connecticut, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Iowa, Ohio, New York, South Carolina and Florida, joining more than 700 North Carolina guardsmen in support to North Carolina communities. And across the region, national guardsmen are supporting state and local response efforts with warehousing support, high water vehicles, law enforcement support, search and rescue, route clearance, evacuation support, boat rescues and more.

On the active duty side, US Northern Command has deployed a joint enabling capability team to Nashville, Tennessee and has sent a liaison to the Federal Search and Rescue Coordination Group in Orlando. Additionally, a federal team staging facility has been established at Maxwell Air Force Base, with additional incident staging bases at Marine Corps Logistics Base, Albany, Georgia and Robins Air Force Base also in Georgia and at Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

A mission assignment support team is integrated with the National Response Coordination Center here in Washington DC and the Civil Air Patrol has been activated for disaster operations support including damage assessment in North Carolina and South Carolina. The US Army Corps of Engineers is providing emergency power planning and response teams to Georgia Dam, levee and bridge inspection to Tennessee and Kentucky and temporary power to North Carolina.

Additionally, a team for command and control for high water vehicles and air operations support for rotary wing aircraft has been established at Fort Liberty, North Carolina. Four rotary wing search and rescue aircraft and pararescue teams have been deployed to McGhee Tyson, Tennessee. Eight helicopters and 10 Navy Helicopters will be at Fort Liberty as of today and 30 high water vehicles are staged at Fort Campbell.

For further questions about national guard missions, I direct you to contact specific states in question. They would have the most up to date information on their recovery efforts. For active duty support efforts to FEMA, please reach out to US Northern Command on specific evacuation efforts. And of course, our thoughts and prayers are with those that have been affected by this devastating storm.

And finally, Secretary Austin announced today the second iteration of the replicator initiative, replicator two, which will tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat posed by small uncrewed aerial systems to our most critical installations and force concentrations. Throughout his tenure, the Secretary has made the development and rapid fielding of capabilities to counter uncrewed weapon systems as one of his top priorities.

That's why in March this year the Secretary launched a counter uncrewed system Senior Integration Group to focus Department-wide efforts to address this urgent operational challenge. Lessons from this CUXS Senior Integration Group's work regarding the ongoing threat posed by unmanned systems will help inform solutions for the replicator two effort.

From day one, the Secretary and the deputy Secretary have been relentlessly focused on delivering warfighter centric innovation and capability into the hands of our warfighters faster. This is an important step in that direction. A memo by Secretary Austin detailing the direction and execution of replicator two program is available on Defense.gov.

I've been talking for a while. So, with that, I'd be happy to take your questions. Tara?

Q: First, on the retention of additional air power in the region, why the air power? Why instead of ships? What is it that, I guess, you all are concerned about that specifically aircraft can defend against?

MS. SINGH: It's a decision that was recommended in different channels up to the Secretary. The Secretary believes that that is the best way for our forces in the region to have the defense that they need and of course if needed, to come to the defense of Israel.

Q: What would they be doing specifically though?

MS. SINGH: I'm just not going to get into that in any more detail.

Q: OK. And then the Washington Post reported this morning that a US official has spoken to Israel and believes that a ground invasion is imminent. Have you been able to corroborate this?

MS. SINGH: So, what I would say is, I refer you to Israel to speak on any potential operations. I don't have anything on that specifically, so I just refer you to Israel.

Q: But you wouldn't wave us away from it?

MS. SINGH: I just, I don't have anything for you on that, especially on commenting on potential operations.

Q: Can I [inaudible]?

MS. SINGH: Yeah.

Q: I'm sorry to put you on the spot because I know you were probably standing here starting the gaggle, but President Biden just was asked about it and just said that he's very well aware of the plans and that he's confident that they're not going to happen or they're going to stop and there's going to work towards a ceasefire.

Do you have any idea what he's talking about there?

MS. SINGH: I'd refer you to the White House. I don't have--

Q: I think our White House colleagues are asking the same question.

Q: Another follow up--

MS. SINGH: We're just going to go around in an orderly way. So yes, right here.

Q: Sabrina, I mean, last week you said it didn't look imminent. Has that assessment changed?

MS. SINGH: So, I'd refer you to the Israelis to really speak to their operations or any potential operations. I just don't have more to share right now.

Q: But you can say that it's--I mean, last week you said it wasn't imminent. Can you say the same this time? Or if you can't say the same, then things have changed, right?

MS. SINGH: I can tell you that we're working with the Israelis and trying to learn more about what they intend to do. Right now, I just don't have more to offer. Phil?

Q: Can you bring us up to date about planning for a potential evacuation of Americans from Lebanon? Do you have any sense of how many Americans are in Lebanon that the US military might have to evacuate?

MS. SINGH: In terms of how many citizens are in Lebanon, I frankly do not have that number off the top of my head. So that would be--I'd refer you to the State Department for more. In terms of any planning for a potential, whether it be any type of evacuation, look, as we've said before, we're a planning organization.

We have a whole wide range of plans on the shelves that can be implemented at any time. But of course, any decision to evacuate American citizens right now would be determined by the State Department. I think you saw over the weekend State encouraged American citizens that are at the US embassy that are not needed, to be in person to seek passage out of the country. Of course, we're standing by to support State and whatever needs that they require, but right now we're still standing by.

Q: Does the Pentagon have any concerns the State Department is waiting too long to issue more urgent orders for Americans to evacuate?

MS. SINGH: No. What I would say is, and again, I'd refer you to State to speak to this, but my understanding is that the State Department has urged Americans not to travel to Lebanon, but we're not evacuating our American citizens and our Embassy is open and still operating under normal business hours.

Of course, ensuring the safety of our American citizens and personnel is a top priority for State and DOD. But we're continuing to monitor what's happening in the region and if anything changes, we'll certainly let you know. Yes, do you have a question?

Q: Yes. You already said that you didn't want to mention or to comment on whether a ground operation is imminent or not, but there were reports, I think by CNN, that they already conducted limited operation this morning inside Lebanon. Can you confirm? Were you notified?

MS. SINGH: I can't confirm anything or speak to any operations. I would refer you to the Israelis to speak to their own operations. I don't have anything on that.

Q: But you shouldn't be notified?

MS. SINGH: Again, we're in constant communication with our Israeli counterparts. The Secretary had a call just this weekend with Minister Gallant. I'm sure he'll engage him later on this week, but I just don't have more for you on this specifically. Fadi?

Q: Thank you, Sabrina. So, in terms of Israel's operations, I know you don't want to talk about that, but is the Secretary communicating any advice in terms of the administration policy or stance toward what Israel might do next in Lebanon in terms of maybe land incursion? Is it part of the discussion? And is he giving any advice to his counterparts?

MS. SINGH: Yeah. I'm just not going to be able to go beyond the readout, Fadi, as you can appreciate.

Q: I mean, I appreciate the last week when we asked you the question and you said it's not imminent and now it seems like, do you still hold the same stance as last week?

MS. SINGH: Yeah, I was just asked this earlier. Again, it's something that we are in communications with the Israelis on. They have a right to defend themselves. We're continuing to engage with them, trying to learn more and continue discussions on the best way forward, but I just don't have anything more to provide right now.

Q: OK. Let me put it in a different way. Does the Secretary think that a land incursion into Lebanon, even within a limited scope would help Israel defend itself?

MS. SINGH: Well, we support Israel's right to defend itself. Again, that is a hypothetical; that has not occurred. So, we're going to continue to engage with the Israelis on the best path forward. I'm just not going to go beyond that.

Q: The thing that hasn't occurred is the incursion.

MS. SINGH: That's what you were referring to in your question.

Q: Yeah. So, what you're saying, it hasn't occurred yet?

MS. SINGH: That was the question, so I'm just repeating back your words.

Q: Can I just ask one thing away from this, on Iran? Obviously, you just said that the additional force is to deter any aggression and widening the scope of the--

MS. SINGH: The additional forces is actually also there for the protection of US forces in the region.

Q: Yeah, yeah, obviously. I'm talking about the other part. Are you seeing any indication that Iran might be getting ready to support Hezbollah or attack Israel?

MS. SINGH: So, we've seen the rhetoric coming out of Iran. I think we have to take that seriously. It's something that we're watching incredibly closely, whether it be a response from Iran, from Hezbollah, from the IMG groups, the proxy groups in Iraq and Syria. I think we have to take that rhetoric seriously.

And that's why you're seeing the decision to bolster our force posture in the region by the president and by the Secretary, because we do take that rhetoric very seriously. And we believe that we have the capability in the region to defend our forces. And of course, if needed, to come to the defense of Israel.

Q: Thank you.

MS. SINGH: Dan.

Q: A couple of follow ups, please.

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: One, there were Israeli strikes in Yemen and Syria over the weekend. The one in Yemen in particular, the Israeli officials said that they had coordinated with the United States on that. Does that sound accurate?

MS. SINGH: No, I would say that the characterization of coordinated infers that you know we were involved in this operation. I can tell you that the Department did receive a heads up or a notification that they were going to conduct an operation, but we were not involved in that. So, I think I would dispute the word coordinated.

Q: OK. We haven't seen, at least to my knowledge, any attacks on US forces in Iraq, Syria, Jordan, over the last several days, despite this rhetoric. Does the Pentagon have any assessment for what's going on there?

MS. SINGH: I mean, we certainly welcome when there are no attacks on US forces in the region. And I think it's important to remember why they are in the region, which is of course to continue their mission and when it comes to the fight against ISIS, but I don't have an assessment other than, we have to take what the rhetoric coming out of Iran very seriously.

And that's why you're seeing the Secretary make the force posture changes that he is, because we do take those threats seriously. Carla?

Q: Thanks. Was the US-provided bomb used to kill the Hezbollah leader, Nasrallah?

MS. SINGH: I'm sorry?

Q: Was the US-provided--US-made--US-provided a bomb used to kill Nasrallah?

MS. SINGH: I don't know. I'd refer you to the Israelis to speak more to that. Great. Tom, and then I'll go to you.

Q: Yeah. Thanks, Sabrina. Just actually to follow up on Phil's question about the potential evacuations, you said that obviously the Pentagon is a planning organization. Can you give us anything beyond that in terms of could this be by ship, evacuation by air? Would you characterize the troops that would assist with that as being on standby?

MS. SINGH: Yeah. Appreciate the question, but that's just not something we would broadcast on how--if we were needed for a potential evacuation, how that would occur. Right now, there are still--my understanding is that there are still flights going in and out of Lebanon. And the State Department has encouraged American citizens to take those options.

But yeah, I'm just not going to get into specifics. To expand more on being a planning organization, we're the best planning organization. We have a wide range of contingencies for different scenarios, but to forecast that in an on the record way would not make any sense.

Q: I mean, can we go--you still have Britain has sent an extra 60 troops to Cyprus. Can you say of the beefed-up presence now in the region that X number of some of that contingent on--are there to assist with a potential evacuation?

MS. SINGH: They'll be an additional few thousand that are in the region with--

Q: I'm sorry--

MS. SINGH: --an additional few thousand that are in the region, that I just read out, that are part of this augmented force.

Q: And they're there to assist with the potential evacuation?

MS. SINGH: They are there for the protection of US forces, and they are there, should they be needed, for the defense of Israel. But we're talking about air defense capabilities, so no, these would not be used for--if there needed to be an evacuation, these would not be the type of capabilities that would be used as these are air defense capabilities. Jared?

Q: You mentioned the additional combat aircraft that are going to the region or prescheduled they are going to now augment. Does DOD have indications that the US forces facilities could be targeted as a response to Israel's campaign in Lebanon? Beyond the rhetoric that you're saying, are there any indications yet?

MS. SINGH: I think just beyond the rhetoric, I wouldn't get into an Intel assessment.

Q: OK. And then you mentioned a few thousand including air defense capabilities, is that just the fighter aircraft that you mentioned or are there additional assets going?

MS. SINGH: Just the fighter aircraft that would be augmenting the already there, in-region capabilities.

Q: OK. With no additional ground-based air defenses system?

MS. SINGH: No. Chris?

Q: The Israelis talked publicly about some of the smaller raids they've done in Lebanon in the past 24 hours. Is that something you support, given that it's taken place already?

MS. SINGH: So, what I can say, again, and I know this is not satisfying, but I'm not going to just get into more specifics on their operations. We support Israel's right to self-defense. We're continuing to engage with them in discussions on the best path forward, but I just can't get into more details than that right now.

Q: And then does the Secretary trust Minister Gallant to be honest with him and notify him of operations, including a ground incursion given that he didn't with the [inaudible]?

MS. SINGH: Look, I think what I said on Friday still stands. I think I was asked a similar question on this. The type of trust that we have with Israel, I think it is exemplified by the fact that the Secretary has engaged, and Minister Gallant has engaged with the Secretary so many times over the last two weeks.

You're seeing calls--there's a time that's happening every day, sometimes twice a day. Regardless of the cadence of the calls, they're in touch regularly and I don't think you're in touch regularly with someone if you don't have some type of trust there. So, I do think that we have communication with them.

We're going to continue to engage and it's not just here in this building. As you know, there are other agencies and the White House that engage with their Israeli counterparts, and that is a good thing and we're going to continue to do that.

Q: You don't believe that trust has been hurt in any way because of the lack of notification about Israel?

MS. SINGH: I think they're continuing to engage. The good thing is, is that they both know that they can pick up the phone at any time and have a frank and honest conversation with each other, and that's exactly what you've seen happen over the last two weeks. And even just to take a step back, not just within the last two weeks, since October 7th, the Secretary was regularly engaging with Minister Gallant.

And so that conversation, that dialog has continued and that is a good thing. [Inaudible].

Q: I have a follow up actually.

MS. SINGH: OK. I'm just going to go to Haley and then I'm happy to come to you, Brandi.

Q: Thanks. Have any additional forces in the US been put on prepare to deploy orders?

MS. SINGH: Sorry. So short answer is yes. Secretary Austin increased the readiness of additional US forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies. I'm just not going to get into specifics for OpSec reasons, but these forces cover a wide range of capabilities and missions.

Q: OK. So just want to clarify because I think yesterday was kind of confusing in the statement that came out. It seemed to be talking about forces who were already in the region who were put on heightened status, but there's also troops in the US still that are now on.

MS. SINGH: That's my understanding. Yeah. Brandi?

Q: Thanks, Sabrina. Just a quick follow up on your discussion with Idrees, because I couldn't get an answer to this on the plane with Secretary Austin. What was his initial reaction to finding out about those strikes on Friday? And also, in all of these conversations that he's having with gallant and his counterparts in Israel, how much is mitigating civilian harm coming up, particularly in recent accounts?

MS. SINGH: Sure. You didn't watch my briefing on Friday? I'm just kidding. I'm just kidding.

Q: You wouldn't say escalatory, which I thought was interesting.

MS. SINGH: I'm just kidding. Look, the Secretary was caught off guard. We made that pretty clear on Friday. We were not involved in that operation. We were notified as the operation was underway.

Q: Yeah. What is your reaction?

MS. SINGH: So, let me just finish. So again, his reaction was that he was caught off guard. How you interpret that, I'll leave that to you, but that was his reaction. And it was a frank and very firm conversation on both sides. So, I'll leave it at that. In terms of--I'm sorry. Your second question was on--

Q: Mitigating civilian harm.

MS. SINGH: Yes, thank you. That is something that continues to come up with the Secretary's calls, and not just in recent days and not just in recent months, from the very beginning. So, the Secretary, that's something that he raises in his calls with Minister Gallant, to take into account innocent civilians.

You are seeing Israel conduct operations and telling civilians in congested or highly concentrated, populated areas to evacuate. But of course, it is something that he raises. Yeah, of course. Ryo?

Q: Thank you. Different topic. Last week, Japan's incoming Prime Minister Ishiba wrote to the Hudson Institute and proposed ideas such as revision of US-Japan Security Treaty and stationing Japan Self-Defense Force in Guam. What would be your reaction to such proposal? And is the US open to these discussions with Japan?

MS. SINGH: I'm so sorry, Ria, I have not seen the proposal, so I don't have a lot to offer on this at the moment. What I can tell you is our relationship, our military cooperation with Japan is something that the Secretary, this administration values very deeply. That's why you've seen us--I'm trying to find the right word because now I've just blanked on it. But you were on the trip with us over summer in the Indo-Pacific where we actually upgraded our forces in Japan to match the needs of the Indo-Pacific.

So, while I'm sorry, I just don't have more on this specific proposal, I can tell you that we certainly value and will continue to communicate with the Japanese on what more is needed with our mil-to-mil cooperation. Fadi?

Q: Sabrina, I have two separate questions. On the issue of civilians, you said that the Israelis are giving a heads up to population to leave condensed area--

MS. SINGH: That's my understanding.

Q: Yeah, my understanding is different than yours. Just yesterday, 45 people lost their lives when the Israelis flatten the building and in my grandmother's village. To get one target, that building was populated by many displaced people among the people who were killed, people who were trying to get aid to those. In that instance, there was no notification.

Hundreds of other people were killed in their houses, in addition to paramedics who were being targeted. We saw in Gaza, you expressed concern and calling on the Israelis to take civilian population into consideration. However, I don't think that was successful. More than 41,000 Palestinians were killed in Gaza.

Are you going to approach this issue in Lebanon in a different way?

MS. SINGH: I think, Fadi, what I can tell you is that in almost every conversation with Minister Gallant, this is an issue that comes up. Ensuring the safety of innocent civilians in the battle space is something that the Secretary himself reiterates on every call. I think you have to also remember that the US is not involved in these operations.

So, we can continue to reiterate our concerns and we do, and we're very frank and honest about it and it's not just from this Department, it's from other departments and certainly the White House. So, it's something that we are concerned about. We, of course, in the conversations, since basically starting very early on in October, it's something that the Secretary has expressed concern about.

And that's not changing. That's going to be something that we continue to bring up in our conversations and in our calls. So, I'll just leave it at that.

Q: OK. With the Nasrallah call, you said the Secretary was caught off guard, and you described that conversation as being frank and very firm. Was the issue at hand there, the principle of killing Nasrallah or not telling the Secretary ahead of time of the operation? To say, is the Secretary--does he object to the killing of Nasrallah?

MS. SINGH: Well, Fadi, I certainly point you to President Biden and Vice President Harris's statements over the weekend. But I think it's important to remember that Nasrallah and the terrorist organization that he led has the blood of Americans and innocent people on his hands. So, certainly taking someone like that, eliminating a threat like that, someone that has caused the death of innocent Americans, I'd point you to what the president and the vice president said.

And we support Israel's right to self-defense and that is a leader that was on October 8th started or gave the okay to start launching rocket attacks into Israel just after Hamas brutally attacked Israel on October 7th. So, the Secretary was caught off guard.

Of course, any operations within the Middle East always have implications for US forces and ultimately, that's always the Secretary's priority, protecting US forces, taking care of our people. That's something that the Secretary is going to be focused on, and any impact that could affect our forces our troops in the region, he's going to want to know about any operations that could do that. Ellie?

Q: Just a quick one. The 2,000-pound bomb shipment back in April, has that gone through And have there been any other pauses on any other shipments of weapons?

MS. SINGH: Not tracking any other pauses, and I'm still tracking that one shipment from earlier this year is still possible.

Q: And then on Carla's question about if a US-made bomb killed Nasrallah, is the US going to look into that, or is the Pentagon going to commit to looking into whether US bombs leveled those high-rise buildings?

MS. SINGH: We don't conduct investigations every time there's an operation done. For more information on that specific operation, I'd have to refer you to the Israelis. We're just not, you have to understand, we're not sitting next to them as they are conducting an operation. We're not plugged in in that way.

So again, I would refer you to them to speak to their own operations. OK? All right. Oh, Charlie?

Q: Yeah, I had a couple. First, I just want to follow up on what Ellie just said.

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: I know we're not conducting investigations, but surely the Israelis are saying when they're using US weapons on something this important, are those conversations not taking place?

MS. SINGH: Charlie, I don't think every single operation, you know we get a phone call that says and we're going to use X, Y and Z in our inventory. That's just not how operations work.

Q: This isn't any operation.

MS. SINGH: Yeah. And again, this isn't any operation, and that's why we were very caught off guard when we were, in fact, when the Secretary got the notification that this operation was happening.

Q: OK. But just to follow up.

MS. SINGH: Sure.

Q: For all the talk of de-escalation coming out of the White House and the Defense Secretary, the pager attack happened without notice. For all the talk about escalation, they take out Nasrallah. Some might suggest that the Israelis might have Iran on their to-do list. Is the Defense Secretary trying to de-escalate that move? Are they having those conversations?

MS. SINGH: We're having conversations at all levels of government, whether it be from the Secretary's level down or at the White House-level. I think, last week during UNGA, there was a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire. That's something that the administration is still pursuing. We want to see a diplomatic end.

And we ultimately--the way this is going to be resolved is through diplomatic channels. So, appreciate the skepticism and appreciate the concern here, but we're not giving up. We're going to keep engaging. That's what we're there to do. That's why you have so many people continuing to travel to the region to engage, because ultimately, we believe that a diplomatic resolution is the best way forward.

Q: And the reason I ask is because this will have consequences for the United States if Iran gets drawn in, in any meaningful way.

MS. SINGH: Well, absolutely, and that's why you've seen the Secretary make the decisions that he did over the weekend to bolster our force posture, because we do take seriously what the rhetoric coming out of Iran. We saw their attack on April 13th, and you saw our response to that. We can't rule out that they won't respond.

We can't rule out that Hezbollah or Iran's proxy groups in Iraq and Syria won't respond. So, that's why we are taking the measures that we are doing to ensure the protection of US forces. That is the top priority and come to the defense of Israel should we need to. One last question. Yes?

Q: OK. So, I see what you're meaning when you say like it's not our operations, it's Israel's operations and we don't have that much to do about it, but with--

MS. SINGH: No, like, we're not involved in their planning and their operations.

Q: Right. But the weapons that you are providing to Israel that they use in these operations is a big question. By the US law, you actually have to follow if your allies are using these weapons, according to the international law and the war law. So, in that sense, I think my colleagues are asking the same thing. We are really curious how you guys are following this.

It's been one year, and we've seen a lot of things, but we didn't see a pause or any measure against this kind of usage of the weapons in the region. And just today, I think the Israeli Prime Minister shared something on his social media saying that we will bring democracy to Iran. So, in terms of the escalation in the region, it doesn't sound good, and we're just trying to understand how serious you are following how your weapons are being used around the world?

MS. SINGH: Well, as you probably know, it was this earlier this summer. There is a report that State Department compiles, and it's submitted to Congress. And I can't remember how often it is. But it goes through sort of to your question on how US weapons are used and analyzes how they're used when they're sold through either FMS cases or other cases.

And that's a report that's submitted to Congress. Look, there'll be another one that's submitted at some point. I would refer you to State more to speak to that because I don't remember how often they get transmitted. But we still, and this administration still supports Israel's right to self-defense.

And right now, we have to remember how we got here and that was from October 7th. And I think it's really important to remember that as we talk about all the other factors that are happening on the northern border, you still have to remember that October 7th happened. Israel was brutally attacked.

And on October 8th, Hezbollah started launching rockets into Israel. So, Israel has a right to defend itself, and we are going to keep having very honest and very frank conversations on how they do that. And one of the things that we do and one of the things that the Secretary continues to emphasize is the importance of getting civilians out of the battle space.

And look, we have seen them listen to us, but there are times where things could be done better and that's something that the Secretary urges in his phone calls. OK. All right. Thanks, everyone.

Q: Thank you.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Transcripts/Transcript/Article/3921606/

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September 30, 2024

Release

Office of Strategic Capital Announces First Notice of Funding Availability to Secure the U.S. Industrial Base

The Office of Strategic Capital (OSC) today announced the release of its first Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), which lays out eligibility criteria and initiates the application process for OSC loans. This will be the first OSC application call to accelerate commercialization and scale production for critical technologies.

"With this Notice of Funding Availability, OSC establishes itself as a credible lending partner for U.S.-based companies that manufacture and produce critical technology components," said Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks. "This demonstrates that DoD is dedicated to using every tool in our toolbox to secure America's and our military's enduring technological advantage."

The NOFA will finance companies' equipment needs to help them scale production in the 31 covered technology categories identified as promising critical technologies and assets in the National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24 NDAA). By setting forth eligibility requirements and the application process, the NOFA ensures that companies are fully prepared to apply for OSC financing.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III established the OSC in December 2022 with the mission to attract and scale private capital for national security priorities. In December 2023, Congress formally enacted OSC into law through the FY24 NDAA, granting the office new authorities to issue loans and loan guarantees. Congress also appropriated funds for OSC in March 2024 to loan up to $984 million to eligible companies in this NOFA.

"Through these congressional authorities and appropriations, the DoD now has proven financial tools to enable millions of dollars of investment in national security priorities at limited cost to the Department and the taxpayer," said OSC Director Jason Rathje. "OSC's implementation of its congressional mandate will ultimately increase both public and private investment to secure a robust and resilient U.S. industrial base."

To read the full NOFA, please visit the Federal Register website here. OSC encourages the market to share the NOFA widely with colleagues.

About the Office of Strategic Capital

Established by Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III in December 2022, the Office of Strategic Capital has a mission to attract and scale private capital for national and economic security priorities. Follow the work of the Office of Strategic Capital at https://www.osc.mil.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3921005/

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September 30, 2024

Release

Readout of Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III's Call With Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant

Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder provided the following readout:

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant on September 30 to review security developments and Israeli operations. Secretary Austin reaffirmed U.S. support for Israel's right to defend itself against Iran, Lebanese Hizballah, Hamas, the Houthis, and other Iran-backed terrorist organizations. They agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities. The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border. He and Minister Gallant discussed the importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible.

The Secretary made clear that the United States is well postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations, and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict. The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

https://www.defense.gov/News/Releases/Release/Article/3921745/

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September 30, 2024

By Matthew Olay, DOD News

DOD Enhances Middle East Defense Posture

The Defense Department has taken steps to further enhance the defense posture of U.S. forces throughout the Middle East region to deter aggression and mitigate the risk of a broader regional conflict, the Pentagon announced over the weekend.

The announcement comes as tensions in the region have heightened following Israel's targeted assassination of terror group Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon on Friday.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III spent the weekend providing guidance to his team and receiving updates on developments in the Middle East, according to a statement issued Sunday by Pentagon Press Secretary Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

"Secretary Austin stressed that the United States is determined to prevent Iran and Iranian-backed partners and proxies from exploiting the situation or expanding the conflict," the statement reads.

"Austin made clear that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people," the statement continues.

The measures DOD is taking include ordering the USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group to remain in the U.S. Central Command area of operations past its regular rotation date; reinforcement of U.S. air defense capabilities; and using U.S. forces rotating into the region to augment rather than replace forces already there, Deputy Pentagon Press Secretary Sabrina Singh told the media today.

"Secretary Austin and department leaders remain focused on the protection of U.S. citizens and forces in the region, the defense of Israel and the de-escalation of the situation through deterrence and diplomacy," Singh said.

Though not able to get into specific timelines and numbers due to operational security concerns, Singh said that some of the augmented forces being sent to the region include F-16, F-15E and F-22 fighter aircraft, as well as A-10 attack aircraft and associated personnel.

"The secretary also increased the readiness of additional U.S. forces to deploy, elevating our preparedness to respond to various contingencies," Singh said.

"And DOD maintains robust and integrated air defense capabilities across the Middle East ... ensuring the protection of U.S. forces in the region," she added.

When asked whether the Defense Department has any direct knowledge of a retaliatory attack on Israel by Iran and/or Hezbollah, Singh said that, though DOD isn't aware of any specific plans, it's important to take all the rhetoric coming from Iran seriously.

"That's something we're watching incredibly closely; whether it be a response from Iran, from Hezbollah ... [or] the proxy groups in Iraq and Syria," Singh said, adding that concern about such a response is the driving force behind the decision to bolster the U.S. force posture in the region.

"We take that rhetoric very seriously," Singh said, "and we believe that we [need to] have the capability in the region to defend our forces and  of course, if needed  to come to the defense of Israel."

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Lebanon: Press statement by High Representative Josep Borrell after the extraordinary meeting with EU Foreign Ministers

European External Action Service (EEAS)

30.09.2024

Mexico City

EEAS Press Team

Check against delivery!

Good evening, good evening to Brussels from Mexico.

This is a moment of truth with Lebanon. Certainly, it is a moment of truth where this country - caught in the middle of a war - and the European Union has to, collectively, commit to preserve its state's institutions from the risk of collapsing.

That is why I called for this extraordinary Informal Meeting of the European Union Foreign Ministers, to discuss the worsening of the situation in Lebanon and to stress the continued leadership of the European Union to look for a political solution and to prevent further militarisation and deepening of the conflict.

The European Union has continuously been pushing for opening the door to a diplomatic solution; for an immediate ceasefire; for the deployment of the Lebanese Armed Forces; for electing a President in Lebanon; for forming a government; and ensuring that the [UN Security Council] Resolution 1701 will be fully implemented.

As I said, that is why I decided to call for an informal meeting of our Ministers, because of the massive Israeli strikes on Beirut and all over Lebanon since last Friday; the consequences are very much important.

Certainly, they were targeting Hezbollah leaders, but obviously they also represent a violation of the sovereignty of an independent country. The high number of casualties cannot be forgotten.

The issue of the right to self-defence of Israel, according with humanitarian law, and international humanitarian law has to be taken into consideration.

So, I will read the Declaration. This Council has been called taking into account the event of the last weekend and the fact that, according to Lebanese authorities, already one million people are internally displaced - many starting to try to go to Syria.

It is obvious that, as many members have stressed during our meeting, that it [this situation] started by Hezbollah's attacks to the border following the 7th of October. Terrorist attacks against the Israeli Defence Forces in Gaza. Israel has the right to defend [itself], but also taking into account the limits of international humanitarian law.

That has been creating such a big number of displaced people in the south of the border. Israeli people that have had to leave their houses immediately after Hezbollah's attacks. Now, this massive displacement of Lebanese people in the North - which obviously increases the needs of humanitarian support, in the region, and beyond.

The international assistance needs are increasing. As you know, President [of the European Commission, Ursula] von der Leyen already announced 1 billion support to Lebanon.

500 million have been committed in August. An additional emergency measure of 10 million has been announced yesterday by my colleague, Commissioner [Janez] Lenarcic, in charge of humanitarian assistance.

In parallel, we - on our side, on the side of the European Peace Facility - have adopted a new assistance of 15 million for 2024. But, in view of the current circumstances additional European Union support is being considered.

The European Union renews its call for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel, and for both parties to commit to the full and symmetrical implementation of United Nations Security Council resolution [1701], so as to ensure the safe return of displaced populations on both sides as part of a broader negotiated settlement.

We have already made reference to the many civilian casualties in Lebanon, the destruction of civilian infrastructure with its long-term implications, and this high number of internally displaced persons. Once again, I urge the respect of International Humanitarian Law in all circumstances.

Arms should now be silenced, and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all. Hezbollah's firing of rockets and other projectiles into Israeli territory since 8th October has to stop. The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed.

Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation and it has to be avoided. We are very much concerned about the risk of this further escalation of the conflict across the region, and urge for parties in the region to show restraint in the interest of de-escalation.

We have been talking about how to mobilise our humanitarian support. I mentioned the figures - additional support has to be considered in view of the current circumstances. Consular coordination between the European Union Member States and with other associated countries is being exercised in real time to ensure our preparedness to any emergency situation.

More than ever, the Lebanese Armed Forces (LAF) are called to play a critical role as guarantor of both domestic and regional stability. The state requires the capacity to have the monopoly on the use of violence - this is very far away from what is happening right now in Lebanon. The Lebanese Armed Forces, which are the core of the Lebanese society and statehood have to continue playing a critical role. For that, they need our support.

We have adopted a new assistance measure to empower the Lebanese Armed Forces on the 23 September and we are ready to increase its support in view of the evolving situation. We call [on] all partners of Lebanon to contribute to strengthening of the Lebanese Armed Forces, and we are ready to coordinate and facilitate international efforts as appropriate.

In the current situation of emergency, the United Nations mission in Lebanon (UNIFIL) also assumes a fundamental stabilisation role. The safety and security of United Nations peacekeepers is paramount; we call on all parties to protect and support the important mission of UNIFIL.

The European Union and its Member states are ready to build on their steady support to UNIFIL to facilitate the accomplishment of its mission, and to strengthen its role in the framework of United Nations Security Council resolutions - as it could not be otherwise. Member States call also for an urgent meeting of the Security Council, and we will deploy all diplomatic efforts in order to push for a ceasefire.

At this hour of need, all Lebanese leaders should now put national interests first and work together to restore the functioning of Lebanon's state institutions, notably by electing a President and forming a fully-fledged government - as I said at the beginning of my intervention.

We stands ready to assist Lebanon in the consolidation of its state institutions and in undertaking the steps needed for its recovery.

That is what today the Member States have been discussing in this extraordinary Council held by videoconference.

I thank all of you for your attention.

Link to video: https://audiovisual.ec.europa.eu/en/video/I-261499

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Prime Minister speaks with Prime Minister of Israel

India - Ministry of External Affairs

September 30, 2024

The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi spoke with Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu today on the recent developments in West Asia.

The Prime Minister posted on X:

"Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability."

New Delhi

September 30, 2024

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Lebanon's Hezbollah attacks occupied territories with Noor missiles for first time

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Lebanon's Hezbollah launched a missile attack on a Zionist settlement in occupied northern Palestine with its new missile named "Noor".

According to media of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance War, Lebanon's Hezbollah issued a statement and announced that it targeted the Zionist settlement of Kafr Giladi with a new missile.

While the Zionist regime claims to have destroyed a major part of Hezbollah's missile power, the resistance announced that it targeted the Zionist settlement of Kafr Giladi with Noor guided missile.

Some sources reported that this missile is ballistic.

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Yemeni armed forces shoot down 11th US-made drone

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Yemeni Armed Forces spokesman has confirmed that another American-made MQ-9 Reaper drone was shot down over the country.

Brigadier General Yahya Saree made the announcement Monday night hours after video footage circulated online showing a surface-to-air missile striking the unmanned aircraft over Saada province.

An image also showed wreckage of the drone, with pieces resembling that of an MQ-9.

Saree noted that the drone was the eleventh of its kind that the Yemeni air defenses have shot down, adding that the operation was in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese people, as well as in response to an Israeli airstrike on Yemeni oil facilities in the port of Hudaydah.

At least five Yemeni people were killed and 57 others wounded in the attack on Sunday.

The Yemeni armed forces have targeted Israeli ships and those of its allies traveling through the Red Sea over the war in Gaza. The US, Britain and the Israeli regime have also launched airstrikes on Yemen.

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Islamic Resistance in Iraq hits vital Israeli sites with missiles, drones

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Islamic Resistance in Iraq says it has launched missile and drone attacks on four significant Israeli targets in the occupied Palestinian territories.

In a statement on Monday, the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of resistance groups, said the strikes were part of their ongoing resistance against the Israeli occupation and in support of the Palestinian and Lebanese people.

It said the operations included a missile strike using al-Arqab cruise missiles at a vital site, two separate drone attacks on critical targets in the strategic port of Haifa, and a strike in central occupied territories.

The group emphasized that the airstrikes were a response to genocidal actions perpetrated by the Israeli regime against civilians, including children, women, and the elderly.

Tensions have dramatically spiked in the region since the Israeli regime carried out massive airstrikes on southern Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other senior resistance figures on Friday.

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Zionist media report a huge missile attack by Hezbollah on occupied territories

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Hezbollah of Lebanon has fired 50 missiles against the northern parts of the Israeli-occupied Palestinian territories, Zionist media reported.

Al Mayadeen cited Zionist reports on Monday that explosions were heard in the town of Kiryat Shmona.

Another report said that a missile had struck a Zionist settlement in the city of Al Jalil.

There were other reports which said that sirens could be heard in two other settlements of the city.

In another report Al Mayadeen said that sirens were heard in Nahariyya following a missile attack by Hezbollah.

Zionist media also reported that 25 missiles struck the city of Nahariyya on Monday.

Hezbollah stated that its fighters used a Noor missile to target the Kfar Giladi settlement, as reported by Beirut-based Al Manar TV Network.

Some sources mentioned that the Noor missile is a type of ballistic missile used by Hezbollah.

According to Palestinian media, at least four rockets struck the area near the Israeli military base of Kela in the occupied Golan Heights in western Syria.

Hezbollah also stated that, in response to the crimes committed by the Israeli regime in Gaza and Lebanon, its combatants targeted the regime's military base in the Bethsaida area with missiles.

Additionally, the Lebanese Resistance launched a direct and precise missile attack on the Israeli military base in the settlement of Yiftah.

Hezbollah attacks are being carried out in response to recent heavy strikes by the Zionist regime on southern Lebanon.

Official Lebanese tallies said that as many as 105 civilians were killed by the attacks only on Sunday.

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Nasrallah's blood will continue to boil against oppression: Pezeshkian

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has visited Hezbollah's office in Tehran to pay tribute to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of the Lebanese resistance movement who was martyred by the Israeli regime on Friday.

During the Monday visit, the president expressed his condolences to the heroic people of Lebanon and all freedom-loving individuals around the world for the martyrdom of Nasrallah and other Hezbollah commanders, who lost their lives in a massive Israeli strike on southern Beirut.

Pezeshkian signed a memorial notebook in honor of the late Hezbollah leader.

"The world must know that the blood of the great martyr, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and his companions will continue to boil and rise against oppression and tyranny," the president wrote.

He said the United States and other supporters of the Israeli regime showed to the world "how human rights, human dignity and international laws are violated".

Iran's president further criticized the portrayal of terrorists and criminals as human rights advocates, while those who stand against oppression and support the oppressed are labeled as terrorists.

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Enemy should await response to Nasrallah assassination, says Iran top army cmdr.

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Top Commander of the Iranian Army Major General Abdurrahim Mousavi has said that the Israeli regime should await a response from Iran and the resistance front to the assassination of Lebanon's Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

The commander made the comment on Monday as he attended a ceremony at the Hezbollah office in Tehran to honor Nasrallah.

Mousavi warned Iran's enemies and the Zionist regime that they should be awaiting Iran's and Resistance Front's response to the assassination of the Hezbollah leader.

But, Mousavi added, the regime must realize that it is approaching its collapse, and that the Resistance Front, including Hezbollah, will become stronger with the blood of every fighter being shed.

Nasrallah, who was the secretary general of Hezbollah for over 30 years, was martyred on Friday when Israel launched a massive airstrike on the movement's command center and nearby residential buildings in a southern suburb of Lebanese capital Beirut.

During his life time, Nasrallah turned Hezbollah into a powerful force in the West Asia region, which played a key role in the decades-long fighting against the occupying Israeli regime.

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UNRWA terms sanitary, living conditions across Gaza inhumane

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees (UNRWA) has described sanitary and living conditions in the Gaza Strip as "inhumane".

Mountains of garbage are piling up in Gaza's middle areas as sewage leaks onto streets, the UNRWA said on Sunday.

It added that families have no choice but to live beside the accumulated waste, exposed to the reek and the threat of a looming health disaster.

The UN agency underlined that sanitary and living conditions across Gaza are inhumane.

The UNRWA's services encompass education, health care, relief and social services, camp infrastructure and improvement, microfinance and emergency assistance, including in times of armed conflict.

The Israeli regime's genocidal war on Gaza, now in its 360th day, has resulted in the martyrdom of more than 41,000 Palestinians.

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Report: Yemen downs US MQ-9 drone

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Reports from Yemen suggest that the country has shot down another advanced US drone over its airspace as tensions escalate in West Asia over Israel's continuous aggression against Gaza and Lebanon.

According to Al Jazeera news network, the MQ-9 drone was shot down over Yemen's northern province of Sa'ada early Monday.

The Yemeni army has not yet made any official comment.

The Arab country has downed at least eleven US drones since it began operations in mid-November to fight the Israeli aggression in the region, which Yemen says is taking place with direct support of the United States.

Yemen has been conducting attacks on Israel-bound ships, and fired missiles and drones towards occupied territories in response to the Israeli aggression that has been intensified in the past week amid the regime's constant airstrikes on Lebanon.

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Hamas commander killed in Israeli airstrike in Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Palestinian resistance movement Hamas says one of its senior commanders in Lebanon has been martyred in an Israeli airstrike in the country's south.

Hamas said in a statement on Monday that Fatah Sharif Abu Al-Amine, the leader of Hamas in Lebanon and member of the movement's leadership abroad, was killed in a strike in the Al-Bass camp in south Lebanon.

The commander's family members, including his wife, daughter, and son, were also killed in the strike that happened early Monday, according to the statement.

Hamas reaffirmed its pledge that it would continue the path of all the people martyred by Israel until Zionists are driven out of Palestinian land and Al-Quds city is liberated.

Hours earlier, the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine confirmed the martyrdom of three of its commanders in another Israeli airstrike that hit Koula district of the Lebanese capital Beirut. At least ten other people were also injured.

Israel began its bombardment of Lebanon last Monday, launching heavy airstrikes on different cities especially Beirut.

One of the strikes, which happened on Friday, left Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah martyred.

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Three Palestinian leaders martyred in Israeli strike in Beirut

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) says three Palestinian leaders were martyred in a strike that targeted Beirut's Kola district.

The strike hit the upper floor of an apartment building in the Cola district of Lebanon's capital, Reuters on Monday reported.

Al Mayadeen also reported that the PFLP has announced the martyrdom of three of its cadres, two of which are leaders.

In a statement, the PFLP expressed deep pride in their fallen members, calling for their commitment to the path of armed resistance.

The group vowed to honor the sacrifices of these leaders and all martyrs of the Palestinian and Arab nations by continuing the fight until the Israeli occupation is eradicated.

On Sunday, an Israeli airstrike targeted a multi-story residential building in the Cola area of Beirut.

The Zionist army carried out criminal attacks on the southern suburbs of Beirut, which resulted in the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Secretary General of Lebanon's Hezbollah on Friday evening. The attacks on Dahieh continued on Saturday.

In reaction to the incident, the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) movement issued a statement later in the day, calling it a terrible crime and dangerous tension.

The criminal aggression does not undermine the determination of the resistance forces, but persuades them to continue jihad and resistance until the liberation of Palestine, he added.

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Hezbollah rejects rumors on appointment of new secretary general

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has rejected the rumors about the appointment of a successor to Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

Speculations about the appointment of a successor to Nasrallah, the former secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement, are invalid, the public relations office of Hezbollah said in a statement issued early on Monday.

The news about the Hezbollah measures will be valid only when it is released through official statements of the resistance movement, it added.

Hezbollah confirmed on September 28 the martyrdom of Nasrallah after massive Israeli attacks in southern Beirut a day before.

Hezbollah's Monday statement was issued after rumors circulated about the appointment of the executive council leader Hashem Safieddine as the new Hezbollah secretary general.

It is said that the Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu under the support of the United States has ordered the assassination of Nasrallah from the UN headquarters in New York.

Nasrallah, 64, led Hezbollah for 32 years.

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PM Netanyahu's Remarks at the Start of the Government Meeting

Israel - Prime Minister's Office

Press Releases

The 37th Government

30.09.2024

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today, at the start of the Government meeting:

"First, I would like to greet all of the ministers, and our colleague Gideon Saar, who has joined us.

We face major challenges. We will face them together and we will do the work that the people of Israel, and the generations of the people of Israel, expect that we will do.

On the eve of Rosh Hashanah (https://www.jewfaq.org/rosh_hashanah), we are in decisive days. These are days of historic achievements but also of major challenges that we face.

I would like to commend our commanders and soldiers in the IDF and all of the security services, who are excelling in striking our enemies and enabling our people to stand tall with pride.

I would like to stand by our heroic soldiers, conscripts and reservists. While we celebrate the new year, may it be a good one, they will continue to defend our country with that same dedication, sacrifice and heroism that they have shown throughout the past year.

I would like to stand by the families of the fallen, thanks to who we live here. I send best wishes for a quick and full recovery to all of the dear wounded. I would like to stand by the dear families of the hostages; our hostages are always first and foremost with us, and we will not rest until we return them all.

Finally, I would like to thank all citizens of Israel: The reservists' wives, the mothers and fathers of our fighters, and the children, for being steadfast throughout such a long period.

We are in a war for our very existence. We will unite, go hand-in-hand and defeat our enemies.

The people will arise like a lioness, and the Eternal One of Israel will not lie.

So ends a year and its curses, and with G-d's help so begins a year and its blessings.

May we all have a good year and a happy holiday."

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Hezbollah leader's death drags Mideast into uncertainty

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 08:52, September 30, 2024

Analysts believe that Nasrallah's death could create a power vacuum within Hezbollah, destabilizing Lebanon and adding uncertainty to the broader regional conflict, while altering strategic dynamics in the Middle East.

CAIRO, Sept. 29 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Friday evening launched airstrikes on Hezbollah's main headquarters in Beirut's southern suburbs, resulting in the death of Hezbollah's leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and several other Hezbollah commanders.

The event, which grabbed international headlines, was followed by Israel's largest military operation in Lebanon since 2006, with bombings in Dahieh and regions in southern and eastern Lebanon, leading to more casualties.

Analysts believe that Nasrallah's death could create a power vacuum within Hezbollah, destabilizing Lebanon and adding uncertainty to the broader regional conflict, while altering strategic dynamics in the Middle East.

BROAD CONDEMNATION

According to the Israeli military, Friday's airstrikes killed Nasrallah, alongside other Hezbollah commanders, which was later confirmed by Hezbollah.

Lebanon's MTV TV channel reported that the raids had killed at least six people, injured 91 others, flattened several residential buildings, and caused huge infrastructure damage to the neighborhood.

Lebanese Health Minister Firas Abiad said on Saturday that Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon over the past 24 hours had claimed 11 lives and injured 108.

Shortly after Hezbollah's confirmation of Nasrallah's death, Hamas condemned the Israeli airstrikes on Dahieh as "a cowardly terrorist act, a massacre and a heinous crime" that proves once again Israel's "bloodiness and brutality."

They held Israel fully responsible for destabilizing the region and condemned U.S. support for Israel.

Meanwhile, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan condemned Israel's "brutal" and "inhumane" attacks, and called for the Islamic world to take "a more decisive stance" against these attacks.

Iran, Iraq, Tunisia, Syria, Jordan and Egypt also condemned Israel's "terrorist" attacks on Dahieh and "brutal aggression" against Lebanon. A few Mideast countries announced days of mourning.

Also on Saturday, Yemen's Houthi group described Nasrallah's passing as a "huge loss," and "a curse that haunts Israel until it is uprooted."

Internationally, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed deep concern over the escalating situation in Beirut and urged relevant parties to "re-commit to the full implementation" of Resolution 1701 and "immediately return to a cessation of hostilities." France also condemned the strikes and urged an immediate cessation of Israeli strikes in Lebanon.

ENSUING DEVELOPMENTS

Hours after the killing of Nasrallah, Israel launched fresh attacks on Dahieh early Saturday, targeting Hezbollah weapons stored under civilian buildings.

Senior Hezbollah officials, including Mohammad Ali Ismail, commander of Hezbollah's missile unit, and his deputy, Hussein Ahmad Ismail, were reportedly killed in the strikes.

Israeli warplanes also carried out a series of airstrikes on southern and eastern Lebanon, according to Lebanese military sources.

Saturday marked the sixth consecutive day of Israel's most extensive military action in Lebanon since 2006, which the Lebanese Health Ministry said has claimed at least 700 lives. UN humanitarians said the Israeli airstrikes have forced more than 90,000 people to flee their homes in Lebanon.

This marks the latest escalation of the ongoing clashes that began on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah started launching rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in the Gaza Strip, prompting Israel's retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.

According to the Lebanese Health Ministry, 1,640 people in Lebanon, including 104 children and 194 women, have been killed and 8,408 more injured in Israeli attacks on Lebanon since October last year.

Following Nasrallah's death, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced on Saturday a ban on gatherings of more than 1,000 people in central Israel.

The IDF also said that it successfully intercepted a surface-to-surface missile launched from Yemen toward Israel.

Meanwhile, Iran's flag carrier Iran Air cancelled all its flights to Beirut until further notice.

INTO THE UNKNOWN

Many experts believe that Nasrallah's death has dragged the Middle East into a new phase of uncertainty.

Eyal Zisser, vice rector at Tel Aviv University, told Xinhua that Nasrallah's death has not only reshaped the power structure within Lebanon but also impacted the strategic calculations across the region.

"In the immediate aftermath, Hezbollah faces a severe setback. Losing its entire top echelon in quick succession is not just a tactical loss but a profound organizational shock that could take considerable time to recover from," Zisser said.

"Iran's reliance on proxies is also compromised, given that its network has been significantly impacted by these recent Israeli actions," he said, adding that without the support from Hezbollah, "Hamas might find itself under increased pressure to adapt more flexible approaches in its engagements with Israel."

Harel Chorev, a Palestinian affairs expert from Tel Aviv University, told Xinhua that the killing of Nasrallah and other figures further complicated "an already tumultuous situation" and shifted "the balance of power in the Middle East."

"It represents a symbolic defeat and a strategic vacuum that Hezbollah will struggle to fill," Chorev said, adding that "the apparent ease with which Israel has been able to neutralize key figures within militant groups sends a stark warning" to other militant leaders and organizations in the region.

"The underlying tone from Israeli officials suggests a readiness to exploit these vulnerabilities aggressively to ensure regional dominance," Chorev said.

"The assassination is likely to embolden (Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin) Netanyahu, who now sees the opportunity to impose a new paradigm. It is unlikely that Israel will stop the bombing of Lebanon. It is also unlikely that Hezbollah is totally destroyed," Dania Koleilat Khatib, a specialist on U.S.-Arab relations, wrote on the website of Arab News.

"Unless there is someone to steer events, an unbridled Netanyahu will drive the region into more chaos," she wrote.

Through these strikes, Israel conveyed a clear message that it will no longer accept the tit-for-tat attacks on its northern border, but it may not necessarily get its desired impact, Mireille Rebeiz, a Lebanon expert at U.S.-based Dickinson College, told The Conversation on Saturday.

"The fresh wave of violence may only reinforce Hezbollah's resolve. Furthermore, it might see more involvement of other Hezbollah-aligned players in the region," she said.

Youssef Diab, a political analyst from the Lebanese University, regarded the death of Nasrallah as "a turning point" in the Israel-Hezbollah conflict, as it will result in a void at Hezbollah's leadership level.

The assassination will also have a significant influence on the conflict between Israel and Iran, a primary backer of Hezbollah, he told Xinhua.

"All eyes are directed to Iran and what it will say after this big event," he said.

Mehran Kamrava, professor of government at Georgetown University's campus in Qatar, told Reuters Saturday that Iran would not react forcefully to recent events out of its doctrine of "strategic patience."

"And I think that doctrine will continue," Kamrava said. "They are reluctant to engage Israel in any direct way."

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Joint Statement Third Quadrilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of China, Iran, Pakistan, and Russia

People's Republic of China Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Updated: September 30, 2024 15:13

New York - 27 September 2024

Upon the invitation of the Islamic Republic of Iran, the third quadrilateral Meeting of Foreign Ministers of the People's Republic of China, the Islamic Republic of Iran, the Islamic Republic of Pakistan, and the Russian Federation, on Afghanistan was held on 27 September 2024 on the sidelines of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York.

During the meeting, the Ministers discussed the situation in Afghanistan and agreed on the following points:

1- The Ministers reiterated their support for Afghanistan's national sovereignty, political independence, unity, and territorial integrity. They reaffirmed principles of international law, particularly non-interference in its internal affairs, and the right of the Afghan people to independently decide the future of their country in accordance with the principles and purposes of the United Nations Charter.

2- The Ministers stressed that all members of the international community have a shared interest in a stable and peaceful Afghanistan, a country that should serve as a platform for international cooperation rather than geopolitical competition.

3- The Ministers expressed deep concern over the security situation related to terrorism in Afghanistan, noting that terrorist groups such as ISIL, Al-Qaida, the Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement (ETIM), Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), Jaish ul-Adl, Balochistan Liberation Army (BLA) and other similar groups in the region including Majeed Brigade, as well as others, based in Afghanistan, continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security.

4- The Ministers called on strengthening counter-terrorism cooperation at both bilateral and multilateral levels. Afghanistan should be supported in taking comprehensive measures to address both the symptoms and root causes of terrorism and to eradicate terrorism at an early date.

5- The Ministers acknowledged the efforts of Afghanistan's de facto authorities to combat ISIL-Khorasan. They called on de facto authorities to take visible and verifiable actions in fulfilling the international obligations and commitments made by Afghanistan to fight terrorism, dismantle, and eliminate all terrorist groups equally and non-discriminatory and prevent the use of Afghan territory against its neighbors, the region, and beyond.

6- The Ministers condemned the recent terrorist attacks in all shapes and forms in Afghanistan and the region, including the attacks by ISIL-K on Karbala pilgrims on 13 September 2024 and the attacks by TTP in Bannu and Besham in Pakistan on 15 July and 26 March 2024, respectively.

7- The Ministers expressed deep concern over the terrorism-related security situation in Afghanistan and the region and stressed the concept of common, comprehensive, cooperative, and sustainable security, as well as principles of equal indivisible security, examine regional security issues from a more comprehensive and integrated perspective, and work together to address various security challenges in Afghanistan and the region.

8- The Ministers emphasized the importance of building an inclusive and broad-based governance system in Afghanistan that reflects the interests and aspirations of all segments of Afghan society.

9- The Ministers commended the de facto authorities' efforts to reduce the cultivation of traditional opium. They called for comprehensive measures to combat narcotics, particularly in light of the significant rise in the production of synthetic drugs, including methamphetamine jointly fighting against and dismantling transnational organized criminal groups involved in the trafficking of opiates, and cutting off trade and transit corridors of narcotics within and beyond the region and stressed the importance of the international assistance to promote agricultural development and alternative crops on the way to building a society free of drug abuse.

10 -The Ministers urged de facto authorities to create conditions that facilitate the return of Afghan refugees to their homeland, prevent further migration, and take serious measures to ensure returnees' livelihoods and reintegration into political and social processes to achieve a lasting solution.

11- The Ministers expressed appreciation for the regional countries, especially the Islamic Republic of Iran and Pakistan, for hosting millions of Afghan refugees. They urged the international community and donors to provide, adequate, predictable, regular, and sustainable financial support and other necessary assistance, in line with the principle of international responsibility and burden sharing, for time-bound and well-resourced repatriation of refugees back to Afghanistan, as well as to countries hosting Afghan refugees, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran and the Islamic Republic of Pakistan.

12- The Ministers reaffirmed the importance of countering attempts to politicize the provision of humanitarian assistance needed by the people of Afghanistan and called on the international community to continue providing humanitarian assistance to Afghanistan and help the country strengthen its capacity for sustainable and self-reliant development.

13- The Ministers supported effective regional initiatives aimed at uplifting Afghanistan's economy and emphasized the importance of continued economic engagement with de facto authorities to alleviate the dire situation of the Afghan people.

14- The Ministers expressed willingness to expand economic and trade cooperation and regional connectivity with Afghanistan that will contribute to the active integration of Afghanistan into the regional economic cooperation.

15- The Ministers emphasized the importance of the rights and needs of the entire population of the country including all ethnic and religious groups. They also stressed that women and girls' access to education, and economic opportunities, including access to work, participation in public life, freedom of movement, justice and basic services, will contribute to peace, stability and prosperity in the country.

16-The Ministers pointed out that NATO members should bear the primary responsibility for the current plight in Afghanistan. They should create opportunities for Afghanistan's economic recovery and future development and prosperity, immediately lift unilateral sanctions against Afghanistan, and return Afghanistan's overseas assets for the benefit of the Afghan people.

17 -The Ministers encouraged de facto authorities to maintain a friendly and cooperative foreign policy, adhere to international law, comply with international obligations within the bilateral and multilateral treaties that Afghanistan is a party to, and coexist peacefully with neighboring countries, and the region.

18 -The Ministers emphasized that strengthening peace and stability in Afghanistan and countering the threats of terrorism, radicalism, and drug crime emanating from its territory are in line with our common interests in the region. They advocated for the establishment of Afghanistan as an independent, united, and peaceful state, free from terrorism, war, and narcotics, living in peace with its neighbors and ensuring respect for basic human rights and freedoms, including for women, children, persons with disabilities, and ethnic and religious minorities.

19- The Ministers supported all diplomatic efforts that are conducive to the political settlement of the Afghan issue and supported the international community, especially the United Nations. They emphasized the significant role of regional frameworks such as the Moscow Format, the Foreign Ministers' Meeting of Afghanistan's Neighboring Countries, and the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, to play a positive role in achieving a political solution.

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Hezbollah says it attacked Israel using 'Nour Missile' for first time

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 7:00 PM

Hezbollah has carried out a retaliatory attack against the Israeli regime using a "Nour Missile" for the first time, the resistant movement has announced, as the regime presses ahead with its brutal aggression against Lebanon.

In a statement released on Monday, Hezbollah said it had attacked Israel using a "Nour Missile," which sources familiar with Hezbollah say is a ballistic missile.

The missile hit the village of Kafr Giladi in the northern part of the occupied territories, the statement said, adding that it had fired it in response to "Israeli violations of cities, villages, and civilians."

Lebanon's Hezbollah resistance movement has carried out fresh retaliatory attacks on several Israeli military targets and settlements over the past few hours.

The resistance group also fired a barrage of rockets at the Israeli-occupied city of Safed in the northern occupied Palestinian territories.

Footage of the attack shows plumes of smoke rising and according to the Israeli media, the air raid sirens were sounded across the city.

Similar strikes targeted other areas in the occupied Galilee region and the Golan Heights.

Hezbollah has also said that its fighters have targeted an Israeli military base with FADI-2 heavy rockets. The movement said the attacks were in response to Israeli bloodshed in Lebanese towns, and villages.

It added that the retaliatory operations were also carried out in support of Palestinians in the besieged Gaza Strip and their resistance.

In a separate development on Monday, Yoav Gallant, Israeli minister of military affairs said the next phase of the war along the southern border of Lebanon is set to begin shortly.

"The next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon," Gallant said, according to a statement from his office.

In remarks on Monday, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem stated that Hezbollah fighters are prepared and "we will emerge victorious in case the Israeli enemy decides to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon."

Sheikh Qassem also said Israeli forces are killing and committing massacres against civilians across Lebanon, and are attacking civilian and health facilities.

The top Hezbollah official underlined that Israel is delusional if it thinks that it can achieve its goals through massacres and Western support.

A Lebanese political analyst last week 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.

The remarks by Amal Saad, a lecturer at Cardiff University, were part of a seven-part thread analyzing Israel's recent military offensive and the potential risks of Tel Aviv expanding the war into Lebanon.

The mayor of the northern Israeli settlement of Kiryat Shmona, Avichai Stern, 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.

Israeli raids in Lebanon have killed at least 136 people in the last 24 hours. Relatives of the victims say most of them were women and children.

Lebanon's Health Ministry says six paramedics were killed and four wounded in an Israeli attack on a civil defense center in Sahmar, western Bekaa.

On Sunday, it said 14 paramedics had been killed in Lebanon over a period of two days.

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Yemeni air defenses intercept, shoot down US MQ-9 Reaper drone over Sa'ada

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 6:19 PM

The spokesperson for the Yemeni Armed Forces (YAF) says the country's air defense forces have successfully shot down another American MQ-9 Reaper drone while it was conducting hostile activities in the airspace over the northwestern province of Sa'ada.

Yahya Saree said in a televised statement on Monday that the unmanned aerial vehicle was targeted with a locally made surface-to-air missile.

According to Saree, this is the eleventh such aircraft that Yemeni air defenses have shot down since the start of the operations in support of Palestinians in Gaza amid the Israeli regime's genocidal war.

He went on to note that the Israeli enemy, with the US support, launched 17 airstrike on several civilian structures, including sea port facilities and power plants, in Yemen's western province of Hudaydah on Saturday, leaving five people dead and another 57 injured.

Saree further noted that such criminal aggression will never deter Yemenis from performing their religious, humanitarian and moral duties toward Palestinian and Lebanese nations.

This crime will be responded by Yemeni Armed Forces enhancing their retaliatory operations in the near future, the spokesperson pointed out.

Back on September 16, Saree said Yemeni forces had downed a US MQ-9 Reaper drone over the southwestern province of Dhamar.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

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Profile: Sheikh Nabil Qaouq, Hezbollah official and noted cleric assassinated by Israel

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 5:04 PM

By Alireza Akbari

Sheikh Nabil Yahya Qaouq, a prominent Lebanese scholar and Hezbollah official, was assassinated in an Israeli airstrike on Saturday in Al-Shiyah, a neighborhood in the southern suburb of Beirut, Dahiye.

In a statement on Sunday, the Lebanese resistance movement confirmed the assassination of the veteran political and military figure a day after the attack took place.

Dozens of Israeli airstrikes targeted residential buildings in southern Lebanon on the same day, with the Bekaa Valley, located east of Beirut, heavily impacted.

In the village of Nabi Shayth, multiple buildings were reduced to rubble, claiming many civilian lives.

Sheikh Qaouq was born on May 20, 1964, in Abba, a small town in southern Lebanon. He held numerous organizational roles in various Hezbollah units over the years.

"The leadership of Hezbollah announces, with great honor, to the people of resistance, the nation of fighters, and to the religious seminaries in Lebanon and abroad, the martyrdom of His Eminence, the honorable scholar and fighter Sheikh Nabil Qaouq," said a statement issued by Hezbollah.

The movement extended condolences to the Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei and Nabil's family and comrades.

According to the statement, Sheikh Qauoq was a "knowledgeable, mission-driven scholar and a great fighter, always present on the battlefronts of jihad" against the Zionist entity and its backers.

He was close to the fighters on the front lines and spent his noble life in the fields of struggle, sacrifice, and giving, the statement noted.

From 1991 to 2010, he served as Hezbollah's organizational official for the southern region of Lebanon, a critical area during the resistance against Israeli occupation.

After that, he became the deputy head of Hezbollah's executive council, a position he held until 2018.

He also served as the head of the preventive security unit in the Islamic resistance, a role he maintained until his martyrdom on Saturday.

Lebanese and Palestinian resistance groups paid glowing tributes to the martyred Hezbollah official and pledged to keep alive his illustrious legacy.

In a statement, Palestinian Islamic Jihad extended its "deepest condolences" to the supporters of the Islamic resistance on the assassination of the member of Hezbollah's Central Council "in a treacherous and criminal Zionist raid."

"The blood that flows on the altar of freedom, liberation, and support for the oppressed, in the face of the forces of arrogance and global imperialism led by the head of terrorism, the United States, will undoubtedly bloom into a victorious triumph, whether sooner or later," wrote Gaza-based Martyr Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades in a statement.

"We vow to honor the spilled blood by continuing the struggle and fighting until this occupation is expelled from all our occupied lands."

On Sunday, relentless Israeli airstrikes killed at least 105 people and injured approximately 359 others in different parts of Lebanon.

The strikes marked one of the bloodiest days in the country, second only to a recent series of deadly detonations involving walkie-talkies and pager blasts that claimed over 500 lives on a single day.

The Bekaa Valley, Baalbek-Hermel Governorate, and the southern suburbs of Beirut were also bombed in a wave of Israeli airstrikes on Sunday.

According to the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health, the strikes flattened two residential buildings in Ain al-Delb, near Sidon in southern Lebanon, killing 32 people, many of whom were displaced families sheltering in the area. The attacks continued on Monday as well, claiming dozens of more lives.

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More than 100,000 people flee Lebanon to Syria escaping Israeli bombings, UN warns

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 4:27 PM

The United Nations refugee chief says some 100,000 people have fled Lebanon to Syria amid relentless Israeli aerial attacks on Beirut and other parts of the country.

The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said on social media platform X on Monday that those fleeing included both Lebanese and Syrian nationals.

The UN agency is assisting those arriving at four crossing points, he added.

"The number of people who have crossed into Syria from Lebanon fleeing Israeli airstrikes - Lebanese and Syrian nationals - has reached 100,000," Grandi said on X, adding that "the outflow continues."

Lebanon's Prime Minister Najib Mikati says Israel's massive bombing campaign has already displaced as many as one million people from their homes across Lebanon.

"It is the largest displacement movement that may have happened," Mikati was quoted as saying.

Displaced families spent the night on benches at Zaitunay Bay, a string of restaurants and cafes on Beirut's waterfront.

The local authorities have converted schools across the country into shelters in an effort to assist, while many living in areas further from the bombing have opened their homes to relatives and strangers fleeing the danger.

"We were forced to leave Syria and come to Lebanon... where we were received with great hospitality. Now we are going back to my country, Syria," Mohammed Saleh, a Syrian refugee in Lebanon, told media outlets of his double displacement.

"Lebanon is also our country and we feel very sad to leave. The Israelis have attacked and destroyed our second country Lebanon. I cry because of the children who were killed by the Israelis," Saleh added.

President Bashar al-Assad last week said the newly formed government of Syria would 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.

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."

A wave of Israeli airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon have killed more than 1,030 people, including 156 women and 87 children, in less than two weeks.

Meanwhile, Lebanese officials have asked people who lost relatives in recent Israeli airstrikes to provide DNA samples to match with unidentified remains.

Lebanon's Internal Security Forces on Monday called on residents across the country to visit police stations with an identity card to give their samples.

It said more than one person from each family should provide a sample, if possible.

In remarks on Monday, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary-General, Naim Qassemsaid Israeli forces were committing massacres against civilians. He also accused the United States of being an accomplice in Israeli crimes. "The US is a partner with Israel, through unlimited military."

Israeli raids in Lebanon have killed at least 136 people in the last 24 hours. Relatives of the victims say most of them were women and children.

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Iran's top general: Martyrdom of Resistance leaders won't stop fight against Zionism

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 3:33 PM

Chief of Staff of the Iranian Armed Forces Major General Mohammad Baqeri says the martyrdom of Resistance fighters and commanders will not stop the struggle against arrogant powers and the global Zionist system.

Major General Baqeri made the remarks in a message on Monday, as he paid tribute to senior commander of the Quds Force of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) Brigadier General Abbas Nilforushan.

Nilforushan was assassinated along with Secretary-General of Hezbollah Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike that targeted a number of residential buildings in Beirut's southern suburb of Dahiyeh on September 27.

The top Iranian commander offered his condolences to Leader of the Islamic Revolution and Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Armed Forces Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, his family and comrades in the Axis of Resistance, particularly the IRGC servicemen, on the martyrdom of the late Iranian military adviser.

He stated that Brigadier General Nilforushan devoted his life to serving the Islamic Revolution and Iran's Islamic establishment, and succeeded senior commander of the IRGC Quds Force in Syria and Lebanon Brigadier General Mohammad Reza Zahedi, who was killed in an Israeli attack on the Iranian consulate in the Syrian capital of Damascus on April 1.

"The flag that the martyrs of al-Quds have hoisted for the liberation of Palestine and Muslim nations from the grip of global arrogance and wicked international Zionism will never fall to the ground after the martyrdom of Resistance commanders and fighters," Major General Baqeri said.

He stated that the martyrdom of Resistance forces will become a source of awareness and awakening, will raise the morale of Resistance factions to press ahead with the fight against arrogant powers, and will beef up their military might.

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Sept. 29: 'Axis of Resistance' operations against Israeli occupation

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 2:55 PM

By Press TV Website Staff

Amid Israel's genocidal war on Gaza, which has killed more than 41,600 Palestinians so far, the majority of them children, resistance groups in Palestine and across the region continue their operations against the Tel Aviv regime and its Western backers.

The major operations carried out by the Palestinian and regional resistance groups on Sunday, September 29, are as follows:

Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades' operations on Sept. 29:

Targeted the gatherings of Israeli soldiers and military vehicles on the supply line in the "Netzarim" axis south of Gaza City with 107 mm rockets.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces in the vicinity of the besieged house in the town of A'qaba in Tubas, occupied West Bank, using machine guns and explosive devices.

Engaged in fierce clashes with Israeli forces storming the city of Tubas, occupied West Bank, from several axes, with machine guns.

Hezbollah's operations on Sept. 29:

Targeted the "Ovik" camp with a barrage of Fadi-1 missiles.

Targeted the movements of Israeli soldiers in the "Manara" settlement with rockets.

Targeted the "Sa'ar" settlement with a rocket barrage.

Targeted the occupied city of Safad with a rocket barrage

Targeted the "Rosh Pina" settlement with a rocket barrage.

Targeted the "Sonobar" settlement with a rocket barrage.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli forces at the "Ramia" site with artillery shells.

Launched an aerial attack with a squadron of attack drones on the "Aliatakim" camp.

Targeted a gathering of Israeli soldiers in the "Shtula" settlement with missile strikes.

Targeted the Al-Samaqa site in the occupied Lebanese Kfar Shuba hills with artillery shells.

Targeted the "Zevulun" military base with a rocket barrage.

Islamic Resistance in Iraq's operations on Sept. 29:

Launched Al-Arqab cruise missiles at two separate vital Israeli military targets in the occupied Palestinian territories.

Launched a drone strike at a vital Israeli military target in Umm Al-Rashash (Eilat)

Launched another drone strike at a vital Israeli military target in Umm Al-Rashash (Eilat)

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Blood of Nasrallah, companions will turn into bulwark against tyranny: Iran president

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 1:38 PM

President Masoud Pezeshkian of Iran says the world should know that the blood of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and his companions will continue to boil and turn into a bulwark against tyranny and oppression.

The Iranian president paid a visit to Hezbollah's office in Tehran on Monday and signed a memorial notebook in honor of Nasrallah, the secretary-general of Hezbollah, who was martyred during the psychopathic Israeli airstrikes on Beirut on September 27 using US-provided munitions.

"The US and supporters of the Zionist regime showed the world how human rights, human dignity and international regulations are violated," Pezeshkian wrote.

He said terrorists and criminals claim to defend human rights but, ironically, those who are fighting oppression and supporting the oppressed are called "terrorists".

The Iranian president said the Hezbollah chief spent his life on the path toward the liberation of the Palestinian people and fighting the Zionists.

The Palestinian and Lebanese people should know that Iran will continue to stand with them, he said.

Addressing a cabinet session on Sunday, Pezeshkian said it is imperative for Tehran to give a "decisive" response to the criminal Israeli regime.

Nasrallah's assassination came as part of the Israeli regime's escalation against Hezbollah. Hundreds of people have been killed across Lebanon since last Monday.

Israel has been targeting Lebanon since October 2023, when it launched its genocidal campaign in the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah has been responding to the aggression with numerous retaliatory operations, including one with a hypersonic ballistic missile, targeting the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its operations against Israel as long as the Israeli regime continues its campaign in Gaza, which has so far killed more than 41,600 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

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Iran: Israel will be punished; we'll cut off aggressor's hands

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 11:32 AM

The spokesman for Iran's Foreign Ministry says none of Israel's crimes will go unanswered and the regime will be punished for various criminal acts it has committed.

Nasser Kan'ani made the remarks at his weekly press briefing in Tehran on Monday as he was asked about Iran's reaction to the assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in a massive airstrike on southern Beirut on Friday using American-supplied bunker-buster bombs.

"Iran will continue its political and legal efforts and will carry out its proportionate and decisive measures," he said.

Referring to the high capacities of Muslim states to punish Israel, he added that the Palestinian people have a rightful demand from Muslim countries to use their potentialities to exert pressure on the Zionist regime.

The United Nations Security Council has so far failed to deter the Israeli regime from committing crimes given the United States' destructive role.

'Israeli aggression will not be confined to specific geography'

The Iranian spokesman said the ongoing developments in Lebanon and Israel's previous attacks on some other regional countries proved that the regime's acts of aggression will not be confined to a specific geography.

"Under the circumstances that the US uses sanctions as a weapon against Muslim countries, we are witnessing that Muslim states did not use their capacities in the face of the Zionist regime and the US," Kan'ani added.

He noted that Iran has been pursuing a clear stance since the beginning of Israel's war on Gaza last October, based on the need to support Palestine and maintain regional stability, peace and security.

Tehran has carried out extensive diplomatic measures aimed at halting Israel's war against the oppressed people of Palestine and preventing its spillover into the entire region, he said.

The Iranian spokesperson emphasized that the occupiers did not achieve any of their goals during almost one year of the criminal war in Gaza and will fail to gain them in the future, saying Iran has repeatedly cautioned the international community that the war could pose a threat to regional and international peace and security.

'Iran will cut off hands, feet of aggressors'

Kan'ani reiterated Iran's opposition to warmongering and its efforts to promote peace, stability and security and said the country has never sat idly by any act of adventurism against its national interests and security.

Iran has proved in practice that it will stand against the aggressors and will cut off their hands and feet, he emphasized.

He noted that Israel's acts of assassination and crimes will fail to save the regime, restore security to the occupied territories, and rebuild the broken self-confidence of the Israeli army.

Iran is wisely patient to maintain regional and global peace and security, Kan'ani said.

The spokesman, however, warned that Iran will definitely not hesitate to support its national security and that of its regional allies whenever deemed necessary.

'US complicit in crimes against Lebanese, Palestinian people'

The Iranian spokesman reminded extra-regional and independent countries about their responsibility regarding the Palestinian issue and said the disgrace of the United States' support for Israel's airstrikes in Lebanon and the killing of innocent people will be recorded in US history.

He added that the US admission that it has provided one-ton bombs to Israel during its recent attack on Lebanon is nothing but Washington's complicity in the crimes of the Zionist regime.

He emphasized that the terrorist groups in the region are just tools in the hands of the arrogant system to advance its goals.

"Iran's bids to deal with the causes of instability in the region and stop the Zionist regime's war crime machine have no contradiction with the continuation of its efforts to hold constructive dialogue with the world and those who are willing to interact with us to resolve problems and misunderstandings," Kan'ani argued.

He reiterated Iran's resolve to continue its support for regional governments and nations to counter Israel's aggression and threats as the regime is the root cause of instability and insecurity in the region.

"We believe that the Zionist regime's criminal and occupying approaches must end and will continue our defense for the Lebanese and Palestinian people," the Iranian diplomat said.

He emphasized that Iran will proceed with its extensive measures to establish and promote peace, stability and security in the region.

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Hezbollah fires rocket salvos at Israeli targets; sirens sound across northern occupied territories

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 10:45 AM

Dozens of rockets were launched from Lebanon toward the northern Israeli-occupied territories, setting off warning sirens in the area.

The Israeli military said 35 rockets were fired towards the occupied Golan and al-Jalil on Monday, adding that several impacts were identified.

The rocket fire triggered sirens in the Rosh Hanikra and Shlomi settlements, according to Israeli media.

The attack came as tensions escalated after Israel assassinated Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the longtime leader of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, in an airstrike on southern Beirut.

Reports said the terrorist act had been carried out by a squadron of Israeli F-15I jets equipped with US-supplied bunker-busting bombs.

It took place at the culmination of Israel's acts of terror and aggression in Lebanon since the regime unleashed its genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

In an address on Monday, Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem said Israel is committing massacres and crimes against the civilians in Lebanon with the full support of the United States.

He also vowed that Hezbollah would continue to fight the usurping regime, adding, "Victory will be ours".

"We are all there in the field, despite the loss of some leaders and Hassan Nasrallah the main target, and despite the aggressive attacks against all the civilians in Lebanon," he asserted.

"We will be steadfast. We will continue the Islamic resistance. We will continue facing the Israeli enemy in support of Palestine and Gaza and in defense of our Lebanese people."

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Army cmdr. warns Israel: Wait for Iran, Resistance Front response to Nasrallah's assassination

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 10:24 AM

The chief commander of the Iranian Army calls on Israel "to be ready," saying that the regime should await the Islamic Republic and the regional Axis of Resistance's response to its recent assassination of Hezbollah's Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

"Sayyed Hassan's blood will definitely destroy the Zionist regime and its masters," Major General Abdolrahim Mousavi told reporters on Monday.

He described the assassination as a measure taken by "Zionists in line with their wrongful materialistic thinking," through which "they thought they would succeed."

"They are, however, deepening their own grave," the commander added, asserting, "Today, the Zionists are moving farther towards demise."

"Our experience shows that when the blood of a martyr is shed, it serves a force that is thousands of times more formidable than the martyr himself," he said, asserting that Hezbollah would enhance its capabilities even further from now on.

The Lebanese resistance movement's leader was martyred on Friday during intense Israeli airstrikes on the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut, which took place as part of the regime's ongoing escalation against the country.

A day after the assassination, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei said the resistance front would deal more crushing blows to the "dilapidated and decaying body" of the Zionist regime following the atrocity.

President Masoud Pezeshkian also vowed on Sunday that the atrocity would not go unanswered and that it was imperative for the Islamic Republic to give a "decisive" response to the criminal regime.

'Israel miscalculation'

Mousavi, meanwhile, addressed the Israeli regime's and its allies' attempts at portraying the atrocity as a "victory."

He described such efforts as "psychological operation" aimed at pleasing "their masters and own people" and depicting the assassination as an "achievement made by the criminal [Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin] Netanyahu."

Such efforts were also "based on their materialistic standards" and "calculations," the commander said, noting, however, that the calculations have proven to be wrong for years.

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Three senior PFLF members killed in first Israeli strike in central Beirut since Oct 7.

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 8:05 AM

At least three senior commanders of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP) have been killed in an Israeli airstrike on an apartment building in Beirut after midnight, the first time that such raids have targeted the heart of the Lebanese capital since the outbreak of the war in Gaza last year.

Television footage showed the partially flattened floor of the building targeted by the strike in the Kola neighborhood, which lies near the road linking Beirut to its airport.

The Palestinian resistance group identified the victims as Mohammed Abed al-Al, a member of its political bureau and head of the military-security department, Imad Odeh, a member of its military department and military command in Lebanon, and Abdul Rahman Abed al-Al.

An official with Lebanese Civil Defense, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the airstrike also wounded 16 people.

The Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine was founded by George Habash in 1967 as an umbrella organization for Marxist-Leninist and Arab nationalist groups. The PFLP has consistently been the second-largest of the groups forming the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), the largest being Fatah.

Its military wing, known as the Abu Ali Mustafa Brigades, is active in Gaza where it has worked alongside Hamas.

Lebanon's Health Ministry said at least 105 people have been killed over the past 24 hours as Israeli warplanes continue nonstop bombardment across the country.

The ministry added that Israeli attacks in the southern districts of Marjayoun and Nabatieh killed at least seven people and injured about 40 more over the same period.

Meanwhile, the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah has launched a series of attacks on Israeli military positions and illegal settlements in northern occupied Palestinian territories in response to Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese towns.

Hezbollah announced the strikes in a statement issued on Monday morning, stressing they were in support of Palestinian resistance in Gaza and in defense of Lebanon.

The resistance group announced, "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance, on Monday, 30-09-2024, targeted the 'Sadah' site with artillery shells, hitting it directly."

In addition to artillery, Hezbollah fired Fadi-1 missiles at the Ovik camp and deployed a squadron of drones against Israeli forces stationed at the Ali-atakim camp.

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Hezbollah deputy leader vows to 'continue path' paved by Martyr Nasrallah

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 9:50 AM

Hezbollah's Deputy Secretary General Sheikh Naim Qassem has vowed that the Lebanese resistance group will continue the path paved by its late leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and will achieve the goals he set.

He made the remarks on Monday noon as he delivered a televised speech broadcast live in Beirut in commemoration of late Hezbollah chief Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who was martyred on Friday after the Israeli regime bombarded a southern suburb of the Lebanese capital using US-provided weapons and munitions.

"Despite the loss of our leaders and the great sacrifices, we will not renounce our stances and the resistance will continue to assist Palestine. We have persevered despite all the attacks.

"We will continue Nasrallah's path and Hezbollah will continue its goals. Hezbollah's operations continued after its late leader's assassination," he emphasized.

The Hezbollah deputy chief offered his deepest condolences to Imam Mahdi, the Twelfth and last Shia Imam, Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei, resistance fighters across West Asia, Lebanon, and freedom-loving peoples worldwide over the loss of Nasrallah.

"With the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah, we lost a brother, a dear friend and a great leader. He was present on the battlefield and pursued the line of jihad for many years. He followed the path of the late founder of the Islamic Republic of Iran, Imam Khomeini, and his successor Ayatollah Khamenei.

"Sayyed Nasrallah was the leader of freedom fighters, and his primary goal was the liberation of Palestine and holy al-Quds. Know that he will always be among us," he said.

Sheikh Qassem stated that Israeli forces are killing and committing massacres against civilians across Lebanon, and are attacking civilian and health facilities.

"The Zionist regime does not face off resistance fighters, but it rather kills innocents. The US is a partner with Israel, through unlimited military support - culturally, politically, financially," Sheikh Qassem pointed out.

Elsewhere in his remarks, the top Hezbollah official underlined that Israel is delusional if it thinks that it can achieve its goals through massacres and Western support.

Sheikh Qassem stated that Hezbollah fighters are prepared and "we will emerge victorious in case the Israeli enemy decides to launch a ground invasion of Lebanon."

"Israel will not be able to degrade our military capabilities," he underscored.

"Following the martyrdom of Sayyed Nasrallah, Ma'ale Adumim settlement was targeted and millions of settlers in Haifa had to take refuge in shelters. What we are doing now is the least of our capabilities on the battlefield.

"We know that the battle might be lengthy. All options are on the table and we are ready for all scenarios," he said.

Sheikh Qassem also noted that Hezbollah will pick a new secretary-general in the near future.

"We will choose the secretary general for Hezbollah sooner rather than later, according to the mechanism that we have in place," he said.

He also praised the national unity in Lebanon and thanked the Lebanese government, political forces, all non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and hospitals.

"We will win, just as we won in our confrontation with Israel in 2006," Hezbollah's deputy chief concluded.

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Hamas announces martyrdom of its leader in Lebanon in Israeli airstrike

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 7:54 AM

The Palestinian resistance movement Hamas has announced the martyrdom of its leader in Lebanon during an Israeli airstrike against the southern part of the country.

Fateh al-Sharif, "a member of the movement's leadership abroad," was assassinated during the attack that targeted the al-Bass refugee camp in the city of Tyre on Monday, the group announced

The atrocity also claimed the lives of his wife, son, and daughter, it added.

Sharif also used to serve as the president of the Teachers' Union of UNRWA, the United Nations agency for Palestinian refugees.

Hamas hailed him for his track record "in the education sector" and praised him as "a brilliant teacher."

Sharif's assassination came as part of the Israeli regime's October-present military escalation against Lebanon, which took a significantly deadlier turn earlier this month.

On Friday, the regime launched intense airstrikes on the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capital Beirut, assassinating Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, secretary general of the Lebanese resistance movement Hezbollah, besides causing hundreds of other casualties.

Various resistance groups and regional officials have warned that the regime was seeking to turn Lebanon into another Gaza, where it has killed more than 41,500 Palestinians, mostly women and children, since October 7.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres recently insisted, however, that "the world cannot afford" such an unwelcome prospect.

Meanwhile, Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Sunday accused Israel of conducting "criminal operations daily" across the country.

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Hezbollah rejects media reports on Nasrallah's successor

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 7:28 AM

Hezbollah has dismissed media reports about the appointment of a new leader for the Lebanese resistance group following the Israeli assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

"Commenting on news circulating on some media outlets about organizational procedures within Hezbollah's leadership taken after the martyrdom of His Eminence the Secretary General [Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah]..., we are interested in clarifying that the related news is of no importance and can't be relied upon," the movement said in a statement.

Any reports about the movement's structure is rejected unless an official announcement is made by Hezbollah, it noted.

The statement came as the Saudi news TV channel Al-Hadath on Sunday claimed that Hezbollah's Shura Council has chosen Hashem Safieddine as the movement's new leader.

Nasrallah was martyred on Friday after the Israeli regime bombarded a Beirut suburb using US-provided weapons and munitions.

The assassination came as part of the regime's escalation against Hezbollah. Hundreds of people have been killed across the country since last Monday.

Israel has been targeting Lebanon since October 2023, when it launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Hezbollah has been responding to the aggression with numerous retaliatory operations, including one with a hypersonic ballistic missile, targeting the occupied Palestinian territories.

The Lebanese resistance movement has vowed to keep up its operations against Israel as long as the Israeli regime continues its Gaza war, which has so far killed more than 41,595 Palestinians, mostly women and children.

Nasrallah was elected Secretary General of Hezbollah in 1992 at the age of 32 after an Israeli helicopter gunship assassinated his predecessor, Sayyed Abbas al-Musawi.

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Israeli attack on Lebanon refugee site kills 32; Sunday's death toll at 109

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 7:21 AM

Israel has stepped up its aerial assaults on Lebanon, killing at least 109 people and wounding 364 others in the past 24 hours.

The Lebanese Public Health Ministry announced the casualties late on Sunday as the occupying regime continues to pound homes across the country and target commanders of the Hezbollah resistance movement.

According to the ministry, 32 of the 109 victims lost their lives in the Israeli airstrike that flattened a residential tower sheltering displaced families in the Ain al-Delb area, near Sidon in southern Lebanon.

Prime Minister Najib Mikati warned on Sunday that up to a million people in Lebanon may currently be displaced by Israel's bloody attacks.

On Friday, Israel assassinated Hezbollah Secretary General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah in an air raid on the southern Beirut suburb of Dahiyeh.

Reports said the terrorist act had been carried out by a squadron of Israeli F-15I jets equipped with US-supplied bunker-busting bombs.

It took place at the culmination of Israel's intensified acts of terror and aggression in Lebanon since September 17-18, when the regime detonated near-simultaneously thousands of booby-trapped telecommunication devices belonging to Hezbollah members in public places.

Hezbollah and Israel have been exchanging deadly fire since early October, shortly after the regime launched a genocidal war on the Gaza Strip.

Over the past year, Israeli attacks have killed at least 1,640 Lebanese people, including women and children, and injured 8,408 others.

Following Nasrallah's assassination, Hezbollah vowed in a statement that it will "continue its fight to confront the enemy in support of Gaza and Palestine, and in defense of Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people."

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Iran: Israeli attack on 'civilian infrastructure' in Yemen breaches UN Charter

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 6:42 AM

Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kan'ani has strongly condemned the Israeli strikes against Yemen's "civilian infrastructure" such as a power plant and fuel tanks.

"The Zionist regime's move to attack Yemen and the country's civilian and service infrastructure is a blatant and repeated violation of the United Nations Charter," Kan'ani said in a statement on Sunday.

He commended Yemen's honorable support for the oppressed people of Palestine, who have been the target of Israel's genocidal war since October last year.

The Iranian spokesman added that the international community has a responsibility to stand against the Israeli regime's repeated defiance of international law.

The Israeli military said in a statement on Sunday that its warplanes launched air raids on the port of Ras Isa in Yemen's strategic western province of Hudaydah, striking al-Hali and al-Khateeb power plants as well as "sensitive" facilities belonging to Yemen's Ansarullah resistance movement in the area.

'Unconditional US support'

Kan'ani said such savage attacks, which destroyed civilian infrastructures in Hudaydah, exposed the "inhumane" nature of the Israeli regime.

He added that Israel carries out its criminal acts with the "unconditional" support of the United States which is a fully-fledged accomplice in "crimes committed by the criminal gang ruling Tel Aviv".

The spokesman once again warned about the consequences of Israel's warmongering for regional and international peace and security.

"The supporters of this regime, including the US government, are directly responsible for the dangerous and unpredictable consequences of the Zionists' continued crimes in Palestine and Lebanon as well as [their] aggressive and adventurist attacks on Yemen," Kan'ani asserted.

Hudaydah contains oil export facilities but is also a vital conduit for civilian goods and humanitarian aid to Yemen. Back in July, Israeli warplanes carried out airstrikes against the port city, leaving at least nine people killed and 87 others wounded.

A day earlier, Yemen's Armed Forces announced that they had targeted the Ben Gurion airport in the central part of the occupied territories.

The operation came amid the Israeli regime's October-present genocidal war on the Gaza Strip and deadly escalation against Lebanon, which have claimed the lives of at least 41,595 Palestinians and hundreds of Lebanese. Women and children comprise the majority of the victims.

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Islamic Jihad censures Israeli strikes on Yemen's Hudaydah as 'war crime'

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 5:55 AM

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) resistance movement has condemned Israeli airstrikes on the strategic western Yemeni city of Hudaydah, which killed at least four people killed and injured dozens of others, as a "war crime".

In a statement, the Gaza-based group referred to the attack against civilian and service facilities in the coastal city as a "complete war crime."

"This war crime of Zionists adds to the list of atrocities committed by the enemy in shedding the blood of Muslim and Arab peoples," the statement read.

The Palestinian Islamic Jihad also appreciated the resilience and courage of Yemeni nation in supporting Palestinians and their resistance front.

In a statement on Sunday, the Israeli military said dozens of aircraft, including fighter jets, attacked power plants and sea port facilities at the Ras Isa and Hudaydah ports.

Yemen's al-Masirah TV channel, citing health officials, reported that the attack killed at least four people - one port worker and three electric engineers, along with 49 others injured in an initial toll of the Israeli aggression.

Rescue and emergency teams are still searching for missing persons under the rubble of the al-Hali power station, it added.

Footage posted on social media showed smoke rising from the area.

The air raids also caused power outages in most parts of Hudaydah, according to residents.

The attack came a day after Yemeni Armed Forces fired a ballistic missile at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv in the Israeli-occupied territories.

Yemen's Supreme Political Council said on Sunday that the Israeli strikes will not stop its "support for the Palestinian people".

"The Israeli aggression will only increase the Yemeni people's determination to continue their stance," the executive body said in a statement.

Yemenis have declared their open support for Palestine's struggle against the Israeli occupation since the regime launched a devastating war on Gaza on October 7, 2023, after the territory's Palestinian resistance movements carried out surprise Operation Al-Aqsa Storm against the occupying entity.

The Yemeni Armed Forces have said they will not stop their attacks until unrelenting Israeli ground and aerial offensives in Gaza end.

So far, Israel has killed at least 41,595 Palestinians, mostly women and children, and injured 96,251 others in Gaza.

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Hezbollah launches attacks on Israeli military positions, settlements

Iran Press TV

Monday, 30 September 2024 1:58 AM

Lebanon's resistance movement Hezbollah has carried out fresh retaliatory attacks on Israeli military positions and settlements in northern occupied Palestinian territories.

"In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance, and in defense of Lebanon and its people, the fighters of the Islamic Resistance, on Monday, 30-09-2024, targeted the 'Sadah' site with artillery shells, hitting it directly," Hezbollah said in a statement issued on Monday morning.

The resistance movement said it also fired a barrage of Fadi-1 missiles toward the "Ovik" camp on Monday morning.

A squadron of drones also struck Israeli forces at the "Ali-atakim" camp, while artillery shells targeted the "Ramia" site.

A number of Israeli settlements came under Hezbollah's rocket attacks as well, while the occupied city of Safed was hit with a barrage of rockets.

The movement said the attacks were in response to brutal Israeli violations against Lebanese towns, villages and civilians.

It added that the retaliatory operations were also carried out in support of Palestinians in Gaza and their resistance.

The Lebanese Government Emergency Committee announced that the Israeli war machine launched 216 air attacks in the past 24 hours across Lebanon.

The Public Health Emergency Operations Center of Lebanon's Ministry of Public Health said that a total of 105 people have been killed and 359 others wounded in the Israeli offensive.

The ministry said that the attacks were carried out "on towns and villages in southern Lebanon, the Bekaa, Baalbek-Hermel, and the southern suburbs of Beirut."

The Israeli airstrikes are due to the Lebanese Hezbollah resistance group showing solidarity with and giving support to Palestinians since the Tel Aviv leaders unleashed a genocidal war against the besieged Gaza Strip in October 2023.

Since then, Israeli attacks on Lebanese targets have left hundreds of people dead.

Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, who led the resistance movement for over three decades, was himself martyred after Israeli regime forces bombarded a Beirut suburb using US-made jet fighters and bunker-buster bombs.

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China holds drills at disputed Scarborough Shoal

The exercises took place as the Philippines, the U.S. and allies held joint drills in the South China Sea.

By RFA and BenarNews Staff 2024.09.30 -- China has conducted what it called "routine" naval and air exercises near the Scarborough Shoal in the Philippines' exclusive economic zone in the South China Sea, China's military said.

The weekend drills were aimed at boosting capabilities in reconnaissance, surveillance, alert patrol, combat readiness and joint strike operations in real combat environments, the People's Liberation Army, or PLA, said.

"On Sept. 28, the Southern Theater Command of the Chinese People's Liberation Army organized routine exercises such as reconnaissance and early warning, sea and air patrols in the sea and air near China's Huangyan island," the command that's responsible for the South China Sea said in a statement, referring to the shoal by its Chinese name.

Scarborough Shoal, known as Bajo de Masinloc in the Philippines, is about 125 nautical miles (232 kilometers) from the main Philippine island of Luzon. China now effectively controls it, even though a landmark international arbitration case in 2016 rejected Beijing's claims to most of the South China Sea.

Also on Saturday, the Philippine military, together with Australian, Japanese, New Zealand and U.S. forces, held joint maritime drills in the disputed waterway, drawing criticism from the PLA's Southern Command.

"Some countries outside the region are disrupting the South China Sea and creating regional instability," the Chinese military said.

China has repeatedly said that the U.S., as an outsider, has no say in the South China Sea.

On Friday, Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi met U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken in New York to discuss a variety of issues including ways to reduce tension and avoid conflict in the South China Sea.

Wang reportedly emphasized that "China insists on resolving differences with countries directly concerned through dialogue and consultation."

Five-nation joint drills

The joint drills on Saturday, involving navies from the Philippines and the four other nations, also took place in the vicinity of Scarborough Shoal, Philippine officials said.

Six Philippine warships joined the so-called Multilateral Marine Cooperative Activity, or MMCA, alongside three destroyers from the U.S., Japan and Australia, and a New Zealand replenishment vessel.

The Philippine military said an anti-submarine helicopter and search and rescue assets from the Philippines also took part in the MMCA, as well as two helicopters from the U.S., and a P-8 Poseidon aircraft and a helicopter from Australia.

Two Chinese vessels monitored the joint exercise but there was no reported confrontation.

The exercise was "a clear display of our resistance to China's bullying," said Philippine Senator Risa Hontiveros.

"These exercises demonstrate the commitment of the international community to uphold the rules-based order in the entire South China Sea," she said in a statement, "It shows that we who believe in the rule of law will not tolerate any form of violence, threat, or intimidation."

"It has always been clear that it is China who is provoking tensions in the West Philippine Sea  not us  so it is China who must stop her aggression," Hontiveros said, referring to the part of the South China Sea within the Philippine Exclusive Economic Zone.

An EEZ is typically 200 nautical miles (370 kilometers) from a country's coast and the coastal country has jurisdiction over natural resources in the waters and the seabed.

Edited by Mike Firn.

Jason Gutierrez in Manila contributed to this story.

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Israel Moves Closer To Ground Offensive In Lebanon, Despite Biden Opposition

By RFE/RL and RFE/RL's Radio Farda September 30, 2024

Israel appeared to move closer to launching a ground offensive against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, while U.S. President Joe Biden forcefully said he opposed such a move by the close U.S. ally, as events in the Middle East threatened to spin out of control.

"The next stage in the war against Hezbollah will begin soon," Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on September 30, as the U.S. State Department reported that Israeli special forces had launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border.

"We will use all the means that may be required -- your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land," Gallant told his troops.

"The elimination of [Hezbollah leader Hassan] Nasrallah is an important step, but it is not the final one."

Israel killed longtime nemesis Nasrallah on September 27 as it launched a series of massive air strikes in and around Beirut and southern Lebanon that has also claimed the lives of multiple Hezbollah leaders and other members of sanctioned militant groups.

Hezbollah is designated as a terrorist organization by the United States, while the European Union blacklists its armed wing but not its political party. Hezbollah's political party has seats in the Lebanese parliament.

In a televised address, Naim Qassem, deputy director of Hezbollah -- an Iran-backed militant group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon -- claimed that his fighters were "ready if Israel decides to enter by land."

A Lebanese official told the AFP news agency that Lebanon had moved the soldiers of its small national army from regions near the Israeli border to avoid any conflict in the event of a ground offensive by Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, when asked whether he was comfortable with Israel launching a ground operation in Lebanon, Biden told reporters that "I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease-fire now."

Later, as tensions mounted, the White House said in a statement that Washington believes the way to get an Israel-Lebanon cease-fire is to have a diplomatic resolution.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, speaking from Beirut, also urged Israel "to refrain from any ground incursion and to cease fire." He also called on Hezbollah "to do the same and to refrain from any action likely to lead to regional destabilization."

Israeli attacks in Lebanon and in Yemen against Iran-backed Huthi rebels and claims by Tehran-allied Hezbollah militants that they had fired into Israel with its new "nour missile" - which observers say might be a ballistic missile - led to increased fears on September 30 that there could be an all-out war in the Middle East.

Late on September 30, an Israeli air strike hit Beirut's southern suburbs, creating large explosions after Israel's military had warned civilians to leave three specific buildings that would be targeted in the densely populated neighborhood.

Separately, Iran said it will not deploy forces to Lebanon or the Gaza Strip to fight Israel amid the intensified attacks against the Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran," Foreign Ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said on September 30, saying Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression."

Kanani's statement came as Qassem said in a video message that a replacement for Nasrallah will be chosen "sooner, rather than later."

In the message, he said the selection will be made within the regular mechanisms of Hezbollah. He gave no further details.

Nasrallah was killed last week in an Israeli air strike on the southern command center of Hezbollah.

Iranian President Masud Pezeshkian visited the Hezbollah office in Tehran on September 30 "to pay tribute" to Nasrallah, according to the government's website.

Israel's air strikes continued on September 30, including a hit on central Beirut, the first in nearly a year of escalating conflict with Hezbollah, that began after another Iran-supported group designated as a terrorist organization, Hamas, launched an operation into Israel that killed some 1,200 people, with another 250 taken hostage back to the Gaza Strip.

Israel's military has also widened its attacks on Iran-backed militant groups, striking the Yemeni port city of Hodeida, which is held by Tehran-allied Huthi rebels, even as it intensified air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon.

The losses suffered by Hezbollah appear to be the heaviest since Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps helped create the militant group in 1982 to blunt an Israeli invasion of Lebanon.

Nasrallah joined Hezbollah to fight in that conflict, and in 1992 became its leader, building the group into Lebanon's most powerful military and political force.

With reporting by Reuters and AFP

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/israel-lebanon-ground- offensive-hezbollah/33140608.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Iran Faces Dilemma As It Weighs Response To Hezbollah Leader's Killing

By Kian Sharifi September 30, 2024

Iran faces a major dilemma after Israel's killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, a key ally of Tehran, in air strikes in Lebanon on September 27.

If Iran launches a direct military strike on Israel, it risks provoking an all-out war with its archenemy. If Tehran opts for restraint, it could suffer a blow to its reputation among both allies and foes in the region.

Hezbollah, an armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon, is a leading member of Iran's so-called axis of resistance, its loose network of proxies and armed groups against Israel.

The Shi'ite organization -- considered a terrorist organization by the United States, although the European Union has only blacklisted its armed wing -- is also key to Iran's strategy of deterrence against Israel and the United States.

"Iran is in a sticky situation where it desperately wants to be able to respond, but fears the consequence of doing so directly," said Matthew Levitt of the Washington Institute for Near East Policy.

No Good Options

Iran is unlikely to launch a direct military strike on Israel, a move that could trigger a costly full-scale war that Tehran has been keen to avoid, experts said.

In the event of a direct conflict, Israel has overwhelming military superiority, although Iran's arsenal of drones and missiles poses a significant threat, according to experts.

"Iran's options range from bad to worse against Israel given its conventional military deficiencies and the blows its regional terror network has endured," said Behnam Taleblu, senior fellow at the Washington-based Foundation for Defense of Democracies think tank.

Iran in April launched an unprecedented drone and missile attack against Israel. It came soon after suspected Israeli air strikes killed seven senior Iranian commanders in Syria.

But Taleblu said the Islamic republic will likely only launch another direct attack on Israel if the threat is "existential and to the homeland."

With direct confrontation likely off the table, experts said Iran could turn to other members of its axis -- including pro-Iranian Shi'ite militias in Iraq, Yemen's Huthi rebels, and militias in Syria -- to inflict damage on Israel and its key ally, the United States.

Iran's axis of resistance has suffered major losses since Israel launched its devastating war in the Gaza Strip in October 2023, casting doubt on its ability to retaliate against Israel.

Hamas has been severely weakened in the Palestinian enclave. Israel, meanwhile, has killed Nasrallah and most of Hezbollah's leadership in Lebanon in recent months. Israel has also targeted the Huthis and pro-Iranian groups in Syria and Iraq.

Leaning Toward Restraint

Iranian leaders have appeared to be unusually restrained since Nasrallah's killing.

Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has not threatened a direct Iranian response. That contrasts with his explicit promise of revenge after Israel's suspected killing of Ismail Haniyeh, the political head of the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group Hamas, in Tehran in July.

"Iran walked back the promise of hard revenge and bloodlust after the killing of Haniyeh in Tehran because it felt things were at least politically going its way in the region," said Taleblu.

"But the increasingly lethal and bold Israeli actions against Hezbollah in the past two weeks have been nothing short of a strategic game changer against the Islamic republic and its [axis of resistance]," he added.

Still, Iran appears to be adopting a strategy of restraint.

Iran's Foreign Ministry said on September 30 that the country would not deploy forces to Lebanon or the Gaza Strip to fight Israel because Hamas and Hezbollah "have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression."

Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Geneva Graduate Institute, said Iran's unwillingness to respond to Israel's attacks on its allies could deal a blow to Tehran's reputation and standing in the region.

"The perception is that Tehran is unable to enforce its own red lines against Israel," he said. "Even if that is not true, it makes Iran look weak. And perceived weakness invites greater challenge."

Going Nuclear

Even as Khamenei appears to be exercising restraint, hard-liners in Iran have called for military action against Israel. Some have even urged Tehran to weaponize the country's nuclear program, arguing that only a nuclear deterrent will ensure Israel will not directly attack Iran.

Iranian media reports have said that the country has enough enriched uranium to produce 10 nuclear bombs. But experts said it could take Iran months, or even more than a year, to produce enough weapons-grade uranium to make a bomb.

Sabet said Iran's calculus could change if it determines that the capabilities of Hezbollah, Tehran's key deterrent against Israel, have been significantly degraded.

"As the current regional conflict evolves, the Islamic republic may soon face a 'use it or lose it' moment, when it must decide whether to build nuclear weapons [or not]," said Sabet.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/iran-israel-hezbollah- nasrallah/33140755.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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'Treated Like Criminals': Iran Intensifies Deportation Of Afghans

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi and Kian Sharifi September 30, 2024

Every day, hundreds of Afghans, some holding their children, are deported from neighboring Iran.

Many of them crossed into Iran illegally to escape the brutal rule of the Taliban and the devastating humanitarian and economic crises gripping Afghanistan.

In the Afghan border town of Islam Qala, where the deportees are registered with the United Nations, many say they were mistreated by the Iranian authorities.

"They grab Afghan migrants and take them to camps," Yaqub Mohammad told RFE/RL's Radio Azadi, adding that they received little food and water. "They treated us like criminals."

Gul Lalai, another recent deportee, told Radio Azadi that he was "humiliated and beaten up" at a police station in Iran before being expelled from the country.

Iran's deportation of Afghans has intensified in recent months, according to Taliban officials who say as many as 3,000 Afghans are deported from Iran daily. Over half a million Afghans have been forcibly evicted from Iran so far this year, Taliban officials said.

Anti-Afghan Sentiment

The rate of deportation has increased as anti-Afghan sentiment soars in Iran, which witnessed a major influx of Afghan refugees and migrants following the Taliban's forcible seizure of power in 2021.

Earlier this month, Iranian police chief Ahmad Reza Radan said the country planned to expel some 2 million Afghans by March 2025.

The announcement came soon after Iranian lawmakers drafted a bill that would reduce the total number of migrants, mostly Afghans, living in the Islamic republic by 10 percent every year.

The United Nations' refugee agency, UNHCR, estimates that some 4 million Afghans reside in Iran, most of them undocumented migrants. Iranian media say there are up to 8 million Afghans in the country.

Iran's military on September 23 said it had built a wall along more than 10 kilometers of its 900-kilometer eastern border with Afghanistan, the main entry point for refugees and migrants.

Reports have recently emerged of Afghans being banned from buying subsidized bread in the southern Kerman Province, home to a large Afghan community.

Rising Harassment, Abuse

Interior Minister Eskandar Momeni said earlier this month that the issue of illegal migrants was a "sensitive" topic and warned that the government's policies should not fan anti-migrant sentiment.

His comments came amid a rise in attacks against Afghans in Iran.

In August, a video of an Afghan teenager being violently pinned to the ground by Iranian police sparked outrage.

Afghans in Iran have long faced discrimination and harassment. But they say the pressure on them is now growing.

"We have lots of problems here," Omid Poya, an exiled Afghan journalist living in Iran, told Radio Azadi. "Afghans here are facing discrimination and persecution."

Hudaya Sahibzada, an Afghan human rights activist, called on Iran to stop the deportation of Afghans, particularly those at risk of retribution from the Taliban.

"The forcible deportation of Afghan refugees from Iran has intensified," she told Radio Azadi. "Among those deported have been journalists, former soldiers, and activists. Some of them have been killed."

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-iran-migrants- refugees-deportation/33137746.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Taliban Arrests Suspects In Deaths Of 3 Foreign Tourists

By RFE/RL's Radio Azadi September 30, 2024

Afghanistan's Taliban-led government has announced the arrest of several alleged members of a regional branch of Islamic State who are suspected of killing three foreign tourists in Bamiyan in May and involvement in a mid-September attack on compliance officials in Kabul.

Taliban spokesman Zabihullah Mujahid said on X on September 30 that the unspecified number of suspected Islamic State-Khorasan (IS-K) members includes one Tajik national.

He alleged that the Tajik national had come from neighboring Pakistan to carry out attacks in Afghanistan and said other IS-K fighters are in hiding in the Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces of Pakistan with support from certain intelligence agencies. He did not provide evidence.

Islamabad has rejected past accusations that it provides shelter to militants.

Mujahid added that Taliban operations had forced IS-K militants out of Afghanistan, their former base.

The September 12 attack on employees of the High Directorate of Supervision and Prosecution of Decrees and Edicts -- which took over duties from the former UN-backed government's attorney-general's office -- resulted in six deaths and 13 injuries, according to the Taliban.

The Afghan Prosecutors Association said at least 16 prosecutors were killed.

The May 17 attack on a group of tourists at a market in the central Bamiyan Province killed three foreigners and an Afghan, and injured seven others, according to Taliban officials at the time.

An anonymous Taliban source, however, put the number of dead at eight in comments to RFE/RL's Radio Azadi. Radio Azadi could not confirm that account.

Spain later confirmed that some of its nationals had been "murdered" in the attack, and simultaneous reports cited injured citizens from Australia, Norway, and Lithuania.

Four suspects were said to have been detained at the scene.

Bamiyan has remained a tourist destination despite a previous Taliban leadership's destruction in 2001 of two massive sixth-century Buddha statues to prosecute the hard-line fundamentalist group's extreme ban on idolatry.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/afghanistan-suspects-arrested- tourist-attack/33140548.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Kickl's Far-Right Freedom Party Wins Historic Austrian Vote

By Austin Malloy and Andy Heil September 30, 2024

VIENNA -- The anti-immigrant Freedom Party has outperformed polls to win national elections in Austria in a historic showing that underscores far-right gains in Europe but could still leave it in opposition with more mainstream parties battling to keep it out of government.

Supporters on election night in the Austrian capital cheered the Freedom Party's 29 percent support from the country's 6 million eligible voters, placing it nearly three percentage points ahead of Prime Minister Karl Nehammer's ruling People's Party at 26.5 percent and eight points ahead of the opposition Social Democrats at 21 percent.

"Now it's time for a change, in my opinion," Lorenz, a social worker, told RFE/RL in Vienna after ballots were cast on September 29. "And I wish to act more nationally. Because the EU....yeah, we got so many illegal immigrants and that's a problem."

But no single party will hold a majority in the the 183-seat lower house of parliament, the National Council, and talks to form a government are likely to drag out for weeks or months.

Most major parties have vowed to avoid any coalition with the Freedom Party, which became the first far-right party to win an Austrian election since World War II.

Nehammer has specified that his conservative People's Party won't bring the Freedom Party's fiery 55-year-old leader Herbert Kickl into government, but he hasn't ruled out a deal to govern alongside it.

Despite the party's leading spot in polls for most of the past two years, Kickl remains among the country's least popular national politicians.

The Freedom Party's Fortress Austria, Fortress Of Freedom platform also contains a number of perceived pro-business steps that could roughly align with the People's Party, which has governed in coalition with the Greens since 2020.

President Alexander Van der Bellen, a former Greens party member who has expressed misgivings publicly about the Freedom Party, grants the mandate to form the next government.

Van der Bellen said after results were announced that he would ensure any government adheres to the "foundations of our liberal democracy."

Critics of the Freedom Party accuse it of xenophobia, racism, and anti-Semitism, and say its nationalist and anti-Muslim proposals undermine social cohesion.

They say its Euroskepticism threatens Austria's outsized role in the European Union and its pro-Moscow bias endangers the West's efforts to help Ukraine fight off Russia's unprovoked invasion.

The Freedom Party was formed in the 1950s by former Nazis, and it has promised to roll back asylum and immigration policies, including "remigrating" foreigners out of the country and ending reunification policies with immigrants already in Austria.

"I'm sad and I'm disappointed, because it's not a good sign that the far-right party has such good results," Karin, a teacher, told RFE/RL in Vienna late on election night. "It's not good for democracy, it's not good for the country, it's not good for Europe."

Detailed vote tallies are likely to paint a picture of rural voters powering a good deal of the Freedom Party's success.

Stepan, a waiter and student, told RFE/RL in Vienna that he wished the People's Party had fared better in the vote.

"I think in Austria we have a big difference between countryside and cities in the votes," he said. "And yes, the countryside this time won somehow."

The Freedom Party and many of its right-wing populist counterparts surging in European popularity have resisted support for the defense of Ukraine and sanctions that target Russia for its invasion of Ukraine.

The Freedom Party victory comes after Dutch elections last November saw Geert Wilders' far-right Party for Freedom score a surprise victory that also marked a postwar first.

That was followed by major gains for right-wing populist parties in national elections to the European Parliament in June.

Then the political left and center were forced to cooperate to ultimately deny Marine Le Pen's hard-right National Rally a victory after a first-round surge in French snap elections called by President Emmanuel Macron.

In Germany this month, the far-right, anti-immigrant Alternative for Germany made major gains in state voting.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/austria-elections-far- right-win-freedom-kickl/33140178.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Military Base Near Baghdad Airport Hosting US Forces Attacked With Rockets

Sputnik News

20240930

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - A military base near Baghdad International Airport, where US forces are stationed, was attacked with rockets, they were intercepted by air defense forces, Reuters reported citing two Iraqi military officials.

At least two Katyusha rockets were fired at a military base hosting US forces, the agency said.

One explosion can be heard in footage emerging from the scene.

The rocket strike comes days after a US airbase near the Koniko gas field in northeastern Syria was targeted by a single drone, which was ultimately engaged by a air defense and struck down without further incident.

The twin strikes unfolded as renewed focus was shed on the official removal of US troops from Iraq, a feat that is expected to take place as part of a "two phase transition plan." The US has about 2,500 troops in Iraq. Another 900 troops are said to be in Syria, considered an illegal occupation under international law.

 Sputnik

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Israeli Operation in Lebanon Cannot End With Hezbollah Chief's Death - Defense Minister

Sputnik News

20240930

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Israeli military campaign in Lebanon will not end with the death of Hezbollah Secretary General Hassan Nasrallah, Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on Monday.

"The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step but it is not everything," Gallant was quoted as saying by the Ynet news outlet when talking to the Golani Brigade fighters.

The minister said he was ready to deploy Golani Brigade reserves to ensure the return of residents to their homes in northern Israel.

On Saturday, Lebanese Shiite movement Hezbollah confirmed that its chief, Hassan Nasrallah, was killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Lebanese capital of Beirut on Friday.

The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border aggravated after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. Israel began carrying out massive strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon last Monday. Hezbollah retaliated by firing dozens of rockets toward northern Israel.

 Sputnik

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Hezbollah Denies Media Reports About Leadership Changes Following Leader's Death

Sputnik News

20240930

BEIRUT (Sputnik) - Reports related to appointments and other organizational processes following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah are not related to official statements from the movement's leadership, Hezbollah's press service said on Monday.

After the confirmation of Nasrallah's death, some media outlets reported that there may be possible changes in Hezbollah leadership. According to sources, it was allegedly planned to appoint Hashem Safieddine as the new movement's leader.

"Regarding the information spread after the death of the secretary general related to organizational matters, we would like to clarify that these messages have no meaning and are not related to the official statements of Hezbollah's leadership," the statement read.

The situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border aggravated after the start of Israel's military operation in the Gaza Strip in October 2023. The Israeli military and Hezbollah fighters exchange fire almost daily in areas along the border.

Israel began carrying out massive strikes on southern and eastern Lebanon last Monday. Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) Chief of the General Staff Herzi Halevi labeled the offensive operation in Lebanon "Northern Arrows." Hezbollah, in turn, fired dozens of rockets toward northern Israel. This escalation was preceded by a series of explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies in Lebanon from September 17-18, which killed over 40 people and injured nearly 3,500 others.

 Sputnik

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Hamas Says Overseas Leader Killed in Israeli Strike on Southern Lebanon

Sputnik News

20240930

DOHA (Sputnik) - The Palestinian movement Hamas said on Monday that one of the group's leaders in Lebanon  a member of its leadership abroad, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin  had been killed in an Israeli strike in southern Lebanon.

"Hamas mourns the loss of Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin, the leader of the Islamic Resistance Movement in Lebanon and a member of the movement's leadership abroad. Abu el-Amin passed away at dawn today following a terrorist assassination operation targeting him and his family during a raid in southern Lebanon," the movement wrote on Telegram.

Israel began a massive bombing campaign, codenamed Northern Arrows, in southern and eastern parts of Lebanon on Monday. The Lebanese Health Ministry put the death toll at over 1,500. Hezbollah retaliated by firing dozens of rockets toward northern Israel.

On Saturday, Hezbollah confirmed that its leader Hassan Nasrallah had been killed in the Israeli airstrike on Beirut on Friday.

The escalation was preceded by a series of explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies that rocked Lebanon from September 17-18, killing about 40 people and injuring nearly 3,500 others.

 Sputnik

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Norwegian FM Eide

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 30, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide today in Washington and reaffirmed the U.S. commitment to further strengthen the U.S.-Norway relationship. The Secretary thanked Norway for its commitment to Ukraine, including its decision to donate six F-16 fighter jets and provide over $7 billion in long-term security and humanitarian assistance. The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed concerns for the PRC's support to the Russian defense industrial base. They also discussed the situation in the Middle East and underscored the importance of continued diplomatic efforts to bring stability to the region, including by reaching a ceasefire in Gaza that secures the release of all hostages. Secretary Blinken and Foreign Minister Eide also signed a Memorandum of Understanding to cooperate on critical mineral supply chains that safeguard labor and environmental standards globally.

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Joint Communique by Ministers of the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS

US Department of State

Media Note

Office of the Spokesperson

September 30, 2024

Ten years after the formation of the Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS, Deputy Prime Ministers, Foreign Ministers, and Senior Officials convened in Washington, D.C, today at the invitation of Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken. The Global Coalition to Defeat Daesh/ISIS is the largest international coalition in history and remains committed to defeating Daesh/ISIS anywhere it operates.

In 2014, the United States led an international response to the Iraqi government's request for assistance against Daesh/ISIS, resulting in the formation of the Global Coalition. In 2024, five years after the Global Coalition's defeat of Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria, Coalition members honor the sacrifices made by those who fought and died in Iraq and Syria to liberate territories from Daesh/ISIS and commend Iraq for its leadership in the Coalition.

Global Coalition Ministers commit to supporting the Government of Iraq's efforts to safeguard the security, peace, and development of the Iraqi people. The planned transition of the Coalition's military mission in Iraq to bilateral security partnerships reflects a reduction of the Daesh/ISIS threat. Ministers commend Iraq's continuing cooperation in countering Daesh/ISIS in the region, and its ongoing leadership in broader Coalition lines of effort, including stabilization, counter financing, disruption of foreign terrorist travel, and prevention of recruitment to ensure there is no Daesh/ISIS resurgence.

Ministers endorse the priorities of the Coalition Stabilization Working Group, with a goal of raising and implementing $394 million for areas liberated from Daesh/ISIS in Iraq and Syria - toward which members have already announced commitments totaling more than $200 million. The Ministers emphasize the importance of durable solutions for remaining populations in northeast Syria, including bringing to justice detained terrorists, ensuring accountability for crimes including gender-based violence, ensuring detainee populations are housed securely and humanely, and improving conditions for the populations residing in al-Hol and Roj displaced persons camps. Ministers urge support to reconciliation and reintegration efforts in Iraq and Syria and to foster conditions conducive to a Syria-wide political resolution to the conflict consistent with UN Security Council Resolution 2254. Ministers commend Iraq's progress in repatriating over 10,000 of its nationals from northeast Syria and Iraqi efforts to apply accountability where appropriate and in assisting the displaced to reintegrate into their communities of origin.

Ministers commit to counter the continued spread of Daesh/ISIS globally, including across parts of Africa and Central and Southeast Asia. Ministers reaffirm their commitment to mobilize members and legitimate partners and pursue whole-of-government approaches to disrupt Daesh/ISIS global networks by sharing information via trusted and secured systems, to deny their freedom of movement, and to restrict their access to financing and other resources in line with UN Security Council Resolution 2178, 2396, and 2462. Ministers underscore the need to enhance comprehensive counterterrorism efforts, ensure that our policies and practices are appropriately human-rights-based, block terrorist access to resources and financing, disrupt cross-border movements of Daesh/ISIS, and protect and assist victims who suffered under Daesh/ISIS misrule.

Ministers condemn ISIS-K's indiscriminate attacks in Asia and Europe and commit to deterring and disrupting future attacks. To this end, Ministers endorse the Coalition-aligned ISKP Diplomatic Grouping, highlighting the need to improve coordination and to partner with regional counterterrorism and strategic communication initiatives. Ministers also commend the work of the Global Coalition's Africa Focus Group in promoting an active role of African partners and highlighted the imperative to counter malign and non-state armed actors whose actions undercut counterterrorism cooperation and destabilize regions in which they operate. Coalition Ministers welcome the participation of observers from Central Asian states and Africa at the Ministerial and affirm their intent to strengthen counterterrorism cooperation with them.

Ministers applaud the significant work of Global Coalition members in countering Daesh/ISIS propaganda in the ever evolving and challenging information environment, including successful campaigns to expose and discredit the deceptions propagated by Daesh/ISIS. Ministers note ongoing initiatives to prevent terrorists from dominating public narratives across traditional media, social media, and encrypted messaging applications, and underscore the importance of artificial intelligence to combat terrorist propaganda and recruitment. Ministers emphasize that terrorism, in any form or manifestation, should not be associated with any faith, religion, or ethnic group.

Welcoming the Maldives as the newest member of the Global Coalition, bringing the total number of members to 87, Ministers especially recognize the participation of Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Senegal, Pakistan, Kyrgyz Republic, and Kazakhstan as observers and committed the Coalition to increase engagement in these regions to enhance counterterrorism capacities and coordination. Ministers support the Global Coalition adjusting its processes, structures, and instruments to ensure it continues to be fit for purpose to defeat the current Daesh/ISIS threat and to deter and defeat future threats.

On the 10th anniversary of its establishment, with continued affirmation that individual members bear the primary responsibility for the security of their homelands, the members of the Global Coalition recommit to mobilizing and coordinating efforts to defeat Daesh/ISIS in accordance with international law, including the Charter of the United Nations, applicable international human rights law, and all relevant UN Security Council resolutions. Members of the Global Coalition will stand together until Daesh/ISIS is defeated.

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Al-Yahya

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 30, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met today with Kuwaiti Foreign Minister Abdullah Ali Al-Yahya. The Secretary and Foreign Minister welcomed the beginning of the U.S.-Kuwait Strategic Dialogue, which will advance robust bilateral engagement between the two countries in a number of fields. They discussed advancing the security and economic partnership between our two countries to expand cooperation on issues such as emerging technology, strategic investments, and food security. The Secretary and Foreign Minister reaffirmed the enduring strategic partnership to promote peace and stability in the region and deepen security and economic cooperation between the United States and Kuwait.

The Secretary and Foreign Minister discussed the need to reach a ceasefire and hostage release deal in Gaza. They also highlighted the need to reach a diplomatic resolution to the conflict in northern Israel and southern Lebanon that ensures citizens on both sides of the border can return to their homes. The Secretary thanked the Foreign Minister for Kuwait's continued role in getting humanitarian assistance into Gaza and Sudan and discussed measures to ensure more humanitarian aid reaches those in need.

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Secretary Antony J. Blinken at the Opening of the D-ISIS Ministerial

US Department of State

Remarks

Antony J. Blinken, Secretary of State

Loy Henderson Auditorium

Washington, D.C.

September 30, 2024

SECRETARY BLINKEN: Ambassador, thank you very much. Colleagues, good morning and welcome. For those of you who are in New York, I know you just wanted to keep the High-Level Week going, so we're glad to be able to accommodate that here in Washington.

But in all seriousness, before we get going, let me just say a few quick words about the events of the past week. Hassan Nasrallah was a brutal terrorist, whose many victims included Americans, Israelis, civilians in Lebanon, civilians in Syria, and many others as well. During his leadership of Hizballah, the group terrorized people across the region and prevented Lebanon from fully moving forward as a country. Lebanon, the region, the world are safer without him.

The United States will continue to work with our partners in the region and around the world to advance a diplomatic resolution that provides real security to Israel, to Lebanon, and allows citizens on both sides of the border to return to their homes. We likewise will continue working to secure a ceasefire deal in Gaza that brings the hostages home, eases the suffering of people in Gaza, preserves the possibility of a more lasting, secure peace for the entire region.

Diplomacy remains the best and only path to achieving greater stability in the Middle East. The United States remains committed to urgently driving these efforts forward.

Now, turning to the subject of this ministerial, 10 years ago the United States mobilized a global coalition to confront ISIS - or Daesh - a nihilist terror group that over the course of a few months had occupied territory comprising a third of both Iraq and Syria, which it used to conduct a horrific campaign of violence and brutality.

Over the following decade, this coalition grew from 12 to 87 countries. And together, we've made significant progress. In 2017, coalition partners dismantled the last ISIS stronghold in Iraq. Two years later, we did the same in Syria - effectively ending ISIS's efforts to establish a geographic caliphate. We imposed coordinated sanctions on ISIS-controlled assets to hinder the group's recruitment and expansion. And in the last five years, we have collectively invested billions of dollars to help restore security and public infrastructure in some of the communities devastated by ISIS.

These were vital, hard-won achievements. But we know that our work is not done. As ISIS aims to reconstitute itself in the Middle East and makes territorial gains in Asia and Africa, our coalition must remain clear-eyed about the evolving challenge that we face. As we were reminded last week, this is a moment of enormous volatility in the Middle East. It's more important than ever that we enhance our efforts to strengthen security and stability, including in Iraq and Syria, and prevent extremists like ISIS from exploiting conflict in the region for their own benefit.

To that end, let me briefly outline the three core areas where we will focus our conversations today.

First, the United States and Iraq will discuss - and with our other coalition partners as well - our plans for a phased transition of Operation Inherent Resolve. This military mission, established in response to Iraq's 2014 request for support in its campaign against ISIS, will conclude in Iraq by September 2025. Over this period, the United States will work with Baghdad on bilateral security arrangements that will allow us to sustain and build our security partnership and cooperation.

In turn, our Iraqi partners will assume greater responsibility for ensuring that ISIS cannot retake territory within Iraq's borders. We're immensely grateful to Iraq and the Iraqi Security Forces for all of the sacrifices that they've made in this effort, and for their steadfast leadership in combating ISIS.

As we shift into this new phase of our collaboration, we hope to continue working with our coalition partners - including the NATO Mission in Iraq, which intends to continue its own security relationship with Iraq.

The United States will also maintain our counterterrorism efforts from outside of Iraq - including in Syria - for as long as needed. Just this month, U.S. special forces successfully targeted multiple senior ISIS leaders in Syria, demonstrating our own resolve to degrade and dismantle the group and its affiliates.

Second, our coalition will discuss today the repatriation of foreign fighters and their families - which remains the only durable solution to the humanitarian and security crisis in northeast Syria.

More than 43,000 displaced persons from over 60 countries reside in northeast Syria. Most are children who have never known another home.

Meanwhile, roughly 9,000 fighters remain in detention facilities across northeast Syria - this is the single largest concentration in the world. Even from confinement, these extremists are attempting to grow their ranks.

Increasingly, coalition partners are stepping up to meet this challenge. Since 2021, the Iraqi Government has repatriated more than 10,400 citizens. In the last year, the Kyrgyz Republic repatriated more than 432 of its nationals. Partners like Kuwait have also helped facilitate repatriations, permitting planes departing from Syria to refuel at their airbases.

Now, we know repatriation remains a complicated, difficult issue. But if we fail to act, security conditions on the ground will only get worse. We could see fighters once again take up arms and threaten communities that we fought so hard to protect and support. This is not the time to let up. It's a moment to continue our efforts.

We have to urgently accelerate our work to repatriate, reintegrate, and - where appropriate - prosecute detained and displaced persons from northeast Syria. The United States stands ready to provide support - logistically, diplomatically - to advance this effort.

Finally, we will strengthen our cooperation against ISIS branches outside of the Middle East.

In sub-Saharan Africa, ISIS affiliates have gained ground, compounding the threat already present from existing militant groups.

To tackle this growing threat, the United States, Italy, Morocco formed the coalition's Africa Focus Group in 2021. Last year in Riyadh, we welcomed Saudi Arabia as a co-lead of this effort. Already, we've helped African partners better align and coordinate to support civilian-led counterterrorism operations.

ISIS-Khorasan  based out of Central and South Asia - also poses a distinctive challenge. While waging a low-level insurgency in Central and South Asia, this group uses online recruitment to mount attacks around the world, including earlier this year in Iran and Russia.

Through the coalition's Communications Working Group - led by the United States, the United Arab Emirates, and the United Kingdom - we're working with journalists, civil society groups, and activists to push back against the hollow promises that ISIS propaganda seeks to promote.

In the coming year, we have to continue to drive these key efforts forward.

In that spirit, this morning, I can announce that the United States will provide $148 million to enhance civilian-led border security and counterterrorism operations across sub-Saharan Africa and Central Asia.

Separately, we'll contribute $168 million to the coalition's annual Stabilization Pledge Drive for Iraq and Syria. This assistance will enable critical demining operations, restore essential services like water and electricity, invest in education, and promote economic opportunity.

This commitment follows the United States' announcement last week, in New York, of $535 million in additional humanitarian assistance to the Syrian people, as well as displaced communities residing in the country.

A decade into this fight, we can take pride in all that we've accomplished. But as the challenge evolves, so must this coalition.

And as I said, this is not the time to let up. It's a moment to recommit - to recommit to our common mission, to decisively defeat ISIS, and ensure greater security and stability for all of our people.

I thank everyone for being here today, but more important I thank you for what you're doing every day to keep this coalition together, moving forward in the mission that we share.

Thank you very much. Thank you. (Applause.)

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UK charters flight to help British nationals leave Lebanon

Foreign Secretary David Lammy announces that the UK has chartered a flight to help British citizens seeking to leave Lebanon.

30 September 2024

The UK has chartered a flight to help meet any additional demand British nationals and their dependants wanting to leave Lebanon

The flight is scheduled to leave Beirut on Wednesday. Any further flights in the coming days will depend on demand and the security situation on the ground.

Vulnerable British nationals will be prioritised for this flight.

The UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon to help British nationals wanting to leave following escalating violence in the region, the Foreign Secretary announced on [Monday] (30 September).

British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18 are eligible.

The government has worked with partners in recent weeks to increase capacity on commercial flights to enable British nationals to leave, and has now chartered a flight to provide additional capacity.

The flight is due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.

Those who have registered their presence with the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office will be sent details on how to request a seat. If you are a British national in Lebanon who has not already registered your presence, please do so immediately.

Vulnerable British nationals and their spouse or partner, and children under the age of 18, will be prioritised for this flight.

British nationals should not make their way to the airport unless they have a confirmed seat on the plane.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy said:

The situation in Lebanon is volatile and has potential to deteriorate quickly. The safety of British nationals in Lebanon continues to be our utmost priority. That's why the UK government is chartering a flight to help those wanting to leave. It is vital that you leave now as further evacuation may not be guaranteed"

UK government officials have been working non-stop in London, Beirut and the wider region to provide support to British nationals. Last week, 700 troops, alongside Border Force and Foreign Office officials deployed to Cyprus to continue contingency planning for a range of scenarios in the region. An FCDO Rapid Deployment Team has also arrived in Lebanon to bolster the support offered by British Embassy officials.

The safety of British nationals in Lebanon, Israel and the Occupied Palestinian Territories (OPTs) continues to be the UK government's utmost priority and the FCDO urges everyone to continue to follow the relevant travel advice, exercise caution, and monitor media in Lebanon for developments.

The UK has been calling for a ceasefire between Lebanese Hizballah and Israel for over a week and that further escalation must be avoided. A ceasefire would provide the space necessary to find a political solution in line with Resolution 1701.

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All parties must respect the ceasefire and commit to de-escalation: UK statement at the UN Security Council

Statement by Ambassador James Kariuki, UK Deputy Permanent Representative to the UN, at the UN Security Council meeting on the situation in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

30 September 2024

President, let me start by thanking SRSG Keita and Ms. Nzale-Kove for briefing us today. I also welcome the participation of the representatives of the DRC, Rwanda and Angola in our meeting. I will make three broad points.

First, the United Kingdom thanks President Lourenco for his continued mediation efforts. We welcome progress made under August's ceasefire agreement. Parties must now produce detailed plans outlining how and when their commitments will be met. They should also action the plans already in place.

During his recent visits to Angola, DRC and Rwanda recently, my Minister for Africa and the United Nations, Lord Collins of Highbury, encouraged all parties to engage in political dialogue. Whilst negotiations continue, the ceasefire must be respected. We call on all parties to the conflict, including non-state actors, to commit to de-escalation.

Second, the United Kingdom is grateful for SRSG Keita's reflections on the human rights situation in the DRC. Widespread human rights violations and abuses and shrinking civic space are concerning.

We encourage the government of DRC to ensure the investigation into the incident at Makala prison is comprehensive and that those responsible are held accountable.

Despite the ceasefire, the humanitarian situation in eastern DRC remains dire. All parties must respect international humanitarian law and allow for unhindered humanitarian access.

The U.K. condemns the actions of all armed groups that cause terrible civilian suffering. Increased attacks by the Islamic State-affiliated ADF are particularly concerning, as are reports of continued M23 territorial expansion.

The significant challenges faced by the civilian population are now compounded by outbreaks of Mpox. Children account for 60 per cent of cases and 80 percent of deaths. The U.K. is finalising a further package of support for the Mpox response, and we encourage others to provide support.

Women and girls in DRC are particularly vulnerable and face some of the highest rates of sexual violence globally. Strengthening survivors' access to justice and holding perpetrators to account is vital.

President, as we approach MONUSCO's mandate renewal, the U.K. encourages the mission to learn lessons from its withdrawal from South Kivu. The protection of civilians must remain a priority.

Lastly, and crucially, the U.K. also calls on all parties to ensure MONUSCO has the access and freedom of movement required to deliver its mandate. Obstructing, or worse yet, targeting, peacekeeping missions is unacceptable. Council members must all send that clear message to the parties on this point.

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UNHCR sounds alarm on worsening humanitarian situation in the DR Congo

UNHCR - United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees

30 September 2024

GOMA -- Prolonged conflict, serious human rights abuses and flagrant violations of international humanitarian law are unleashing grave suffering on internally displaced Congolese and refugees, the UN Refugee Agency (UNHCR) warned today.

The warning follows a humanitarian assessment visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the capital, Kinshasa, and eastern provinces, by the agency's top refugee protection official, Ms. Ruven Menikdiwela - UNHCR's Assistant High Commissioner for Protection.

In the first half of 2024 alone, more than 940,000 people were forced to flee the violence perpetrated by a multitude of non-state armed groups. Many of those forced to flee have been displaced several times. The number of internally displaced people in DRC currently stands at more than 6.4 million people.

"I am extremely concerned about the forgotten but devastating plight facing civilians in the DRC. It is a travesty that atrocities continue to confront this long-suffering civilian population and that even in their quest for safety, they face a litany of human rights violations," said Menikdiwela.

Three displaced people were killed in the crossfire and another 21 injured in the early hours of 26 September as the Lushagala displacement site, just outside of Goma, was ripped apart by violence. The clashes between various armed actors, using heavy weapons, lasted some five hours.

In North Kivu alone this year, there have been nearly 20 such security incidents affecting displacement sites. By the end of August, UNHCR protection monitors had identified more than 71,200 victims of human rights abuses.

"I have spoken with displaced women and men in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. They have witnessed and experienced unimaginable horrors - killings, detention, kidnapping, extorsion, and recruitment of their children by armed groups. Women and girls, in particular, are faced with an unbearable situation - their bodies are a battle ground."

Menikdiwela warned that gender-based violence is widespread and sexual violence is systematically used by parties to the conflict at an unprecedented scale.

According to data gathered by the gender-based violence (GBV) Area of Responsibility in DRC, in North Kivu alone gender-based violence was reported in significantly higher numbers in the first half of this year (27,328) than for the same period in 2023 (20,771). Alarmingly, 63 per cent of those are of rape. UNHCR teams are increasingly observing displaced women and girls resorting to harmful coping mechanisms, including selling sex to survive and making dangerous forays into conflict zones in search of food and firewood. In many remote locations, humanitarian access is cut off or resources and assistance are scarce. Access to justice also remains limited, and survivors fear retaliation and social marginalization.

Menikdiwela called on all parties to urgently make the well-being of civilians, including displaced people, the priority, by ensuring the humanitarian and civilian nature of displacement sites is guaranteed and that safe passage for displaced populations is restored.

Overcrowding and worsening sanitary conditions in displacement sites have in recent weeks raised deep concern amongst humanitarian actors that displaced populations may face increased exposure to disease, including the virulent mpox virus.

During her mission, the Assistant High Commissioner also met with the Prime Minister and the Vice Prime Minister in charge of Home Affairs, in addition to provincial authorities and humanitarian partners.

She conveyed UNHCR's commitment to continue working with the authorities to assist, protect and seek solutions for the forcibly displaced. "It is abundantly clear that peace is the most sustainable and durable of solutions and is urgently needed," Menikdiwela added.

"What I saw also gives a reason for hope. There is a strong commitment by the various actors to seek solutions. I visited internally displaced families who have benefited from local integration schemes, building their homes, establishing small businesses and contributing positively to their new communities. Authorities have played a key role here, and these efforts must be scaled up," said Menikdiwela.

UNHCR is also calling for additional support and funding from the international community. As of 31 August 2024, UNHCR had received just 37 per cent of the $250 million required to meet the needs of displaced people in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

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Statement by UNICEF Executive Director Catherine Russell on the situation in Lebanon

UNICEF

30 September 2024

NEW YORK, 30 September 2024 -- "I am deeply concerned by the rapidly deteriorating humanitarian situation in Lebanon. Over the last week, at least 80 children have reportedly been killed in attacks, while hundreds more have been injured. According to Government reports, the number of people internally displaced by the violence has spiked to more than 1 million - including over 300,000 children.

"Thousands of children and families are now living in the streets or in shelters; many having fled their homes without essential supplies and belongings. Humanitarian conditions are growing worse by the hour.

"UNICEF and our partners are on the ground in Lebanon, reaching children and families with essential support. Our teams are delivering drinking water, medical supplies, mattresses and blankets, as well as hygiene, dignity and baby kits. We are providing health and nutrition, child protection, and psychosocial support services for children.

"But as the violence intensifies, so do the humanitarian needs. Any ground offensive or further escalation in Lebanon would make a catastrophic situation for children even worse. Such an outcome must be avoided at all costs.

"UNICEF continues to call for an urgent cessation of hostilities. We reiterate our call for all parties to protect children and civilian infrastructure, and to ensure that humanitarian actors can safely reach all those in need - in accordance with their obligations under international humanitarian law."

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Lebanon crisis: Over one million people flee strikes amid invasion fears

By Daniel Johnson

30 September 2024 - More than one million people across Lebanon have been uprooted by ongoing and deadly Israeli airstrikes across the country, including one reported early Monday morning in a residential area of central Beirut, adding to fears of a full-scale invasion.

In a situation update published on Monday the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 11 health workers had been killed and 10 injured between 17 and 28 September. Some 37 health centres have been forced to close due to the fighting out of 317 in total, and three hospitals treating patients have been evacuated.

"Many healthcare workers have been displaced especially in the south, Bekaa and South Beirut", WHO reported.

WHO is continued to support Lebanon's public health emergency response with staffing, financial and technical support, helping coordinate referrals and boosting trauma surgery capacity.

Humanitarian appeal

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continues to be deeply concerned over the humanitarian repercussions of the continued bombing by Israel and rocket fire from Hezbollah, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

Briefing correspondents in New York, Mr Dujarric reiterated the UN chief's call for de-escalation, a ceasefire and "the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701."

"The Secretary-General and his senior staff are in contact with our representatives on the ground, who continue to engage with all actors and all parties to appeal for diplomatic avenues to be given space.

The UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, which patrols the line of separation between southern Lebanon and northern Israel remains in place but the intensity of military action is preventing "Blue Helmets" from carrying out their tasks or moving around their area of responsibility, Mr. Dujarric continued.

A Flash Appeal will be launched on Tuesday to meet the growing needs of around one million people impacted by the growing crisis.

Victims young and old

Among the victims of the weekend bombardment was six-year-old Selena al Smarah, killed along with her parents at home in the southern city of Tyre on Saturday. Her sister Celine, 10, survived but sustained injuries in the attack.

The sisters were regulars at an arts workshop run by the NGO Tiro Association for Arts which has centres in Tyre and Tripoli in the north.

In photos shared with UN News, a smiling Selena holds up one of her drawings from a workshop a day before the attack, while in a short video her sister explains how the sessions cheer her up and let her get together with friends.

"We will continue our work for these children and youngsters in these time of war for as long as it takes," said actor-director Kassem Istanbouli, who heads the volunteer group. Its aim is to foster art education in marginalized areas throughout Lebanon and forge bonds between divided communities.

Last year, Mr. Istanbouli was the joint recipient of the UNESCO Sharjah prize for Arab Culture. In 2021 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres acknowledged Mr. Istanbouli's efforts in engaging youth for positive change and in reopening theatres closed by the 2006 war between Israel and Hezbollah.

Mr. Istanbouli explained that the sisters attended workshops while their parents sold sweetcorn and beans at a small stand near the Lebanese National Theatre in Tyre. "Every day she and her sister come to participate in the training workshop, and every day she would say, 'Professor Kassem, are we having a drawing class today?' And she was happy when I said yes...the world should ensure there's accountability for this ugly crime against Selena."

Exodus to Syria

Meanwhile, some 100,000 of the displaced have reached neighbouring Syria, according to the UN refugee agency, UNHCR.

"The outflow continues," said UN High Commissioner for Refugees, Filippo Grandi, in a tweet, accompanied by a picture of hundreds of people squeezed together at a Syrian-Lebanese border crossing.

Mr. Grandi noted that the agency's teams were on hand at four crossing points inside Syria to support new arrivals.

The development follows a dramatic escalation of hostilities between the Israel military and the Hezbollah armed group based in Lebanon, whose longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a strike on Friday.

On Monday, Hamas announced that its leader in Lebanon, Fatah Sherif al-Amin, had been killed in an airstrike on a refugee camp for Palestinians, along with his family.

Humanitarian relief is being provided by the refugee agency, UNHCR and other UN agencies including UNRWA, the UN agency for Palestine refugees, which has opened nine shelters accommodating 3,350 people.

"UNRWA provides in these shelters aid based on impartiality and non-discrimination, hosting Palestine refugees, Lebanese and Syrian refugees, supporting all in need," said UNRWA Lebanon spokesperson Fadi El Tayyar.

The UN aid coordinating office, OCHA, said that 90 per cent of the one million people displaced fled their homes in just the last week.

"Displacement now surpasses the 2006 war, triggered by intense Israeli strikes and orders for civilian evacuations," said OCHA in a tweet.

According to Lebanon's health ministry, Israeli attacks have killed 105 people since Sunday across the country.

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Collective effort essential to get DR Congo on firm path to peace

30 September 2024 - Mobilization at the national, regional and international level are needed to support the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in the face of continued violence in the east, trafficking of natural resources, and other challenges, the UN Security Council heard on Monday.

"We need to collectively remain engaged in assisting the country on its path to peace and stability," said Bintou Keita, the Secretary-General's Special Representative for the DRC and head of the UN Mission there, MONUSCO.

Ceasefire and dialogue 'framework'

There has been a notable reduction in fighting among warring parties in the volatile east since a 30 July ceasefire - announced by the DRC and Rwanda during a meeting facilitated by Angola - "but peace is not yet won", she said.

"However, today, there is an active framework for dialogue between the DRC and Rwanda invested in proactive mediation, sparing no efforts to resolve this conflict, an operational instrument supporting this mediation and genuine prospects for peace which are now possible," she added.

Ms. Keita told ambassadors that the DRC has made recent incremental progress in political and institutional reform but daunting challenges remain.

Natural resource exploitation

The past few months have seen competition over the exploitation and trade of natural resources which has further entrenched and exacerbated conflict dynamics in the east.

She said the recent intensification of violence in Ituri province is mainly driven by armed groups' attempts to control mining areas.

"As profits have surged with the expansion of semi-mechanized goldmining, armed groups have become militarized entrepreneurs," she continued.

"As a consequence, community leaders and depleted Government forces are struggling to contain armed groups, which have become stronger both militarily and financially."

Thousands in profit

Additionally, the consolidation of the M23 military group's administrative control over Masisi and Rutshuru territories in neighbouring North Kivu province has allowed it to establish full control over coltan production. The metallic ore is used in the manufacture of mobile phones and electronic devices.

Trade from the Rubaya area, which is estimated to supply over 15 per cent of global production of the metal tantalum, generates some $300,000 a month for the group, which she said is deeply concerning and must be stopped.

"The criminal laundering of the DRC's natural resources smuggled out of the country is strengthening armed groups, sustaining the exploitation of civilian populations, some of them reduced to de-facto slavery, and undermining peace-making efforts," Ms. Keita said.

She warned that "unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefitting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive, and civilians will continue to suffer."

ADF group attacks

Meanwhile, eliminating the threat posed by the Allied Defense Forces (ADF) armed group in North Kivu and Ituri "has proven elusive".

The ADF has intensified attacks in recent months, exploiting a vacuum left by Congolese armed forces' redeployment to fight the M23. In June, 272 civilians were killed, making it probably the deadliest month ever for the group whose "neutralization remains a priority for the Mission."

Ms. Keita told the Council that since January, some 2.4 million people have been displaced. Many are sheltering in overcrowded sites where they are vulnerable to diseases such as cholera, measles and a new threat, mpox. The DRC is the epicentre of the current epidemic on the continent.

Political tensions are also growing in the DRC, with opposition parties voicing concern over restrictions on political freedoms, arbitrary arrests, and the shrinking democratic space.

Other important issues include the "plague" of sexual and gender-based violence affecting the country. Humanitarian partners treated over 61,000 victims during the first half of this year - a 10 per cent increase over the same period in 2023.

Support peace efforts

Ms. Keita said the risks and opportunities that she highlighted require national, regional and international mobilization in order to support the people of the DRC.

"First and foremost, we must support peace efforts wherever conflicts exist," she continued.

"The mediation process undertaken by Angola remains the best opportunity for reducing tensions between Rwanda and the DRC, but peace cannot be built in Luanda alone. It also requires investment in the provinces, the territories, the chieftaincies and the villages."

She pointed to UN efforts in this regard. For example, following MONUSCO's departure from South Kivu in June, the UN has supported the establishment of mechanisms for the unarmed protection of civilians.

Consolidating gains, protecting civilians

The Mission is also working together with national and international non-governmental organizations and religious institutions to consolidate gains achieved after years of investment in communities, women, young people and local institutions.

Peacekeepers are also continuing to protect civilians in Ituri. Together with the Congolese army, the FARDC, they have established a joint coordination and operations centre in the provincial capital, Bunia, and response times to warnings have dropped.

In North Kivu, MONUSCO continues to participate in maintaining a defense zone around the cities of Goma and Sake and is providing guarantees to protect civilians by maintaining bases in several locations, including in areas under M23 control.

Modalities for disengagement

Recalling that MONUSCO ended activities in South Kivu in June, Ms. Keita said that at the request of the authorities, the Mission is now engaged in an evaluation process "to ensure that we consolidate our departure and that we plan for the way forward following our withdrawal."

It is estimated that $57 million will be required for the DRC to be able to take over the Mission in the province and the authorities have already committed some $30 million in a display of goodwill.

MONUSCO and the Government are working to define modalities for implementing the next steps for the Mission's disengagement, which will be ramped up in the coming weeks.

"MONUSCO is leaving, but until our very last day, we will continue to protect civilians, support meaningful peace initiatives, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assist the Congolese State in its stabilization efforts," she said.

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Security Council renews Haiti mission mandate, calls for more action against gangs

By Vibhu Mishra

30 September 2024 - The UN Security Council on Monday re-authorized the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to Haiti for 12 months.

The mission was authorized last October to assist Haiti's beleaguered police force. Led by Kenya, it currently has around 410 police officers on the ground and is expected to grow to around 2,500. For now, the country remains mired in crisis.

The renewal comes as the mission tries to curb rampant gang violence, enable an environment conducive to aid delivery, and create conditions for free and fair elections.

In a unanimous vote on resolution 2751, the 15-member Council urged the MSS mission to speed up its deployment and called on all nations to provide additional voluntary contributions and support.

The resolution reaffirmed that the UN Secretary-General may offer logistical support to the mission when requested, subject to full financial reimbursement through available voluntary contributions and in full compliance with the UN Human Rights Due Diligence Policy.

Unprecedented security crisis

Last Thursday, Haiti's transitional President Edgard Leblanc Fils addressed the UN General Assembly, warning that his country faces an "unprecedented security crisis".

"Citizens are living in fear of even moving about freely or going to school, particularly around the capital Port-au-Prince," he said at the General Assembly's high-level debate, urging continued UN support.

The rampant violence has also driven humanitarian needs across Haiti, with more than half the population classified as facing "acute levels of hunger", according to the latest IPC analysis, a global tracking of malnutrition and food insecurity.

US pledges unwavering support

Following the adoption, United States Ambassador and Permanent Representative Linda Thomas-Greenfield emphasized the international community's strong message of solidarity with the people of Haiti.

"The world is standing with you, and we are unwavering in our efforts to help restore security and stability and put the country on the path of peace and prosperity," she emphasized.

She echoed President Leblanc's call for ensuring long-term sustainability and encouraged the international community to build on the progress achieved by the mission so far.

"Let us work together to build on the progress of the Haiti MSS mission. Let us embrace a new approach that sustains it. Let us protect the fragile but inspiring opportunity to build a better future for the Haitian people," Ms. Thomas-Greenfield said.

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World News in Brief: Possible 'dire consequences' for Yemen following strikes, Ukraine hospital attack, human rights in Algeria

30 September 2024 - UN humanitarians on Monday warned of the potentially dire consequences that could arise from disruption to the flow of food imports into Yemen following Israeli strikes on the crucial Red Sea port of Hudaydah.

Aid coordination office, OCHA, said it was assessing priority areas for response in Yemen given that the war-ravaged population rely on imports of fuel and food through both Hudaydah and the nearby port of Ras Issa.

Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said the UN noted with concern the claim by the Houthis - who control the ports along with the capital Sana'a and much of the rest of the country - that they had launched missiles and drone attacks on Tel Aviv and Ashkelon in recent days.

Rain spells more suffering in Gaza

OCHA also warned that without unimpeded access, aid organizations will be unable to adequately prepare for the rainy season in Gaza, as Israel continues its bombing and ground war against Hamas.

The agency said rain and flooding "will only worsen the already dire living conditions in Gaza, raising the risk of health hazards, and may prompt further displacement of hundreds of thousands of people," said Mr. Dujarric, briefing journalists in New York.

Many of the 215 temporary learning spaces serving nearly 34,000 children in Gaza stand to be severely affected by flooding.

"We, along with our humanitarian partners have developed a Winterization Plan to address the most critical needs of more than 2.1 million people in Gaza during the rainy season, which will be their second, given that we are close to the first year mark of the conflict", the UN Spokesperson continued.

"This plan targets more than 850,000 people across nearly 50 neighbourhoods in flood-prone areas."

Around $242 million is required to improve shelter conditions, provide warm clothing and blankets, and redirect floodwaters away from critical infrastructure and dumping sites.

Ukraine hospital attack condemned

UN humanitarians on Monday condemned Russian attacks on Sumy city in the northeast of the country over the weekend that damaged a hospital.

Matthias Schmale, the top UN aid official in Ukraine, said that the Russian military strikes killed and injured several people. He insisted that health centres must not be targeted.

Local officials reported that nine had been killed in the twin drone strikes on the northeastern city close to the Russian border, with 12 injured and more than 120 evacuated for their own safety.

Mr. Schmale's comments came amid continuing violence on Monday, including a reported wave of drone attacks on Kyiv and protective air defence manoeuvres launched in response, according to the Ukraine military.

Outside the capital, media indicated explosions as Russia launched drone and guided bombs attack on Zaporizhzhia that damaged railways and buildings, while in Russia, Ukrainian armed forces reportedly shelled the Belgorod region.

Algerian court urged to reverse 'abusive sentence' against poet

Authorities in Algeria were on Monday urged by top independent human rights experts to reverse a prison sentence handed down to a poet for supporting widespread protests against the Government.

Djamila Bentouis received a two-year prison sentence and 100,000 Algerian dinars fine (worth around $750) for participating in the Hirak social protest movement via her songs and poetry recitals.

Initial charges levelled against Ms. Bentouis accused her of belonging to a terrorist entity.

Call for reform

The Hirak demonstrations began in February 2019 - initially against President Abdelaziz Bouteflika - but evolved into demands for political reforms and other freedoms.

The independent experts who include Alexandra Xanthaki, Special Rapporteur in the field of cultural rights, said that the criminal charges against Ms. Bentouis appeared "directly linked" to her wish to exercise her right to freedom of expression.

The experts - who are not UN staff and receive no salary for their work - also expressed their hope that Algeria "will abide by its international obligations to guarantee the right to freedom of expression" when the appeals court considers the case on Wednesday.

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Briefers Tells Security Council, Despite Political Progress, Ceasefire, 'Daunting' Challenges Remain, Sexual Violence Continues in Democratic Republic of Congo

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9736th Meeting (AM)

SC/15839

30 September 2024

Spotlighting a marked reduction in fighting between Rwandan and Congolese forces following a recent ceasefire agreement, the Head of the Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo called for Member States' continued engagement in peacebuilding efforts, amid the Mission's phased withdrawal and a still tenuous security situation.

"We need to collectively remain engaged in assisting the country on its path to peace and stability," emphasized Bintou Keita, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Noting the country's incremental political progress, she cited the establishment of new national institutions since the December 2023 elections and the opening of the Parliament's autumn session.

At the regional level, she reported that the Luanda Process negotiations continue, along with the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Force's training to the Armed Forces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Nonetheless, "daunting challenges remain", she emphasized. Donors have contributed over $1 billion in humanitarian assistance, but with needs increasing faster, the anticipated funding levels will fall short of the nearly $2.6 billion needed to assist the 8.7 million most vulnerable people in 2024.

Detailing the competition over exploitation and trade of natural resources in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, she cited the intensified violence in Ituri, as well as the consolidation of the M23 administrative control over parts of North Kivu. Other challenges include eliminating the threat in North Kivu and Ituri posed by the Allied Democratic Forces, which in the past three months have intensified attacks against civilians, "exploiting the vacuum created by the Congolese armed forces redeployment to fight the M23," she noted.

Pointing to other challenges, including 2.4 million new people displaced since the beginning of 2024, the outbreak of mpox and sexual- and gender-based violence, she urged national, regional and international mobilization to support the Congolese people, while affirming MONUSCO's continued engagement. "MONUSCO is leaving [...] but until our very last day, we will continue to protect civilians, support meaningful peace initiatives, facilitate the delivery of humanitarian assistance and assist the Congolese State in its stabilization efforts," she declared.

Also briefing the Council was Therese Nzale-Kove, Program Officer, Center for Congolese Women, who reported on the current humanitarian crisis' impact on women, girls and children. Their effective participation in the various peacekeeping, peacebuilding and peace negotiation processes remains very low, she pointed out, stressing that women in civil society must be able to participate fully and meaningfully in all aspects of current peace processes, including the Nairobi and the Luanda processes as well as other regional spaces.

With more than 90,000 cases of sexual violence documented last year alone, including almost 300 women and girls gang raped in the Makala prison in Kinshasa, it is clear that women and girls are not being protected, she noted. The Council, among other steps, must take binding measures on all parties to counter the scourge of sexual and gender-based violence, and ensure that MONUSCO and the Government consult regularly and meaningfully with women civil society organizations at all stages of the transition.

Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone), Chair of the Security Council Committee established pursuant to resolution 1533 (2004) concerning the Democratic Republic of the Congo, then provided an update on the Committee's work, reporting that, among other things, the Committee, during the remainder of 2023, held three informal consultations, including by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Children and Armed Conflict; the Office of Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs; and the Coordinator of the Group of Experts.

Further, he reported that, to date in 2024, the Committee held several meetings, including with the Coordinator of the Group of Experts, and received briefings on natural resources by the Executive Secretary of the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, a representative of the Centre for Responsible Business Conduct of the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD).

In the ensuing discussion, Council members welcomed the July 30 ceasefire reached between the Government of the Democratic people's Republic of the Congo and Rwanda under the mediation of President Joao Lourenco of Angola, as many also expressed support for Luanda and Nairobi processes in resolving the conflict.

"We must all stand ready to support Angola's efforts," France's representative stressed, noting his country's support of 22 million in humanitarian aid and his country's President Emmanuel Macron's regular discussions with President Thisekedo of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and President Kagame of Rwanda

Noting that peace is not only the absence of war, but about "breaking the cycle of violence and fighting impunity", Switzerland's representative emphasized: "The Congolese people want peace." Ecuador's representative expressed concern that violations of humanitarian law have not been curbed.

Joining other countries in voicing concern that women and girls in the Democratic Republic of the Congo face the highest rates of sexual violence globally, the Republic of Korea's representative said that his country will contribute $5 million to that country to support survivors of gender-based violence.

Many speakers, including China's representative, also sounded alarm over the resurgence of the mpox virus and its alarming increase among children, with Sierra Leone's representative  also speaking for Algeria, Guyana and Mozambique  reporting that, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, only 200,000 vaccines are available, while 10 million doses are required to halt the spread.

To that, the representative of the United Kingdom announced that his Government is finalizing a further package of support for the mpox response. Observing that the Council approaches MONUSCO's annual mandate renewal, he encouraged the Mission to learn lessons from its withdrawal from South Kivu. "The protection of civilians must remain a priority," he stressed.

While many States welcomed the completion of phase one of MINUSCOS's disengagement plan, the United States representative observed that the Mission's departure from South Kivu has left critical gaps that cannot go unfilled. The Council should not authorize a further draw-down of MINUSCO without a clear plan to mitigate against these gaps, she said.

Offering another perspective, Malta's representative observed that the crisis remains inextricably linked to the country's rich national resources. "If revenues are equitably shared with the local population," he said, "we could unlock the region from the spiral of poverty and desperation."

The representative of the Russian Federation noted that the infiltration of the 23 March Movement/M23 in South Kivu attests to the tenuousness of the situation. She called for enhanced support to be lent to the SADC Mission in the country, underlining the need to prevent a security vacuum.

While stressing that the Luanda process is "essential" to restoring peace in his country and the region, the representative of the Democratic Republic of Congo called for the immediate withdrawal of Rwandan troops from his country's territory. He also called for targeted sanctions on Rwanda, the main agent of destabilization in the Great Lakes, and asked the Council to set out a sanctions regime applicable to Rwanda and its leaders and any persons involved.

He also stated that MONUSCO will be disengaged wherever it is no longer needed and that its transition activities must now be consolidated. His Government will pursue disarmament and demobilization to reintegrate combatants by offering them viable economic prospects. The demobilization, disarmament, community recovery and stabilization programme is "a crucial lever for peace", and it needs MONUSCO's support, he emphasized.

Despite this, Angola's delegate pointed out that there are signs of hope in the "substantial steps" made in the Luanda process' revitalization and on the disengagement of MONUSCO, noting that he was encouraged by the involvement of the leaders of the Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda to find a political solution for the east, including the countries' signing a ceasefire agreement in July. The next ministerial meeting in October aims to reach an understanding for a Summit of Heads of State that "could seal a definitive peace" and normalize diplomatic relations between the two countries.

To that, the representative of Rwanda said current strategies need to be readdressed to get to the conflict's root causes. "The serious threat posed by the integration, arming, training and financing by the Congolese armed forces of the FDLR" [Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda] cannot be overlooked, and reports downplaying their collaboration are "a danger not only to regional peace but directly to Rwanda". MONUSCO failing to address this issue puts in question "its commitment to ensuring genuine peace in the region", he underscored.

Commending Angola's mediation efforts, he said the future lies in diplomatic, not military, solutions. The Democratic Republic of Congo must demonstrate its commitment to peace by genuinely committing to the Nairobi and Luanda processes, stop its support to the FDLR, put an end to hate speech and violence against Congolese Tutsi communities and organize the safe return of Congolese refugees as a building block for peace.

Refuting that stance, the Democratic Republic of Congo's delegate underlined that his country is not the only party with an obligation to address the situation, as Rwanda has invaded his country and has more than 4,500 troops who have committed grave human rights violations in the country. "The problem is not with the FDLR nor with hate speech; the problem has to do with the plunder of the resources of the DRC," he said.



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Unanimously Adopting Resolution 2751 (2024), Security Council Extends Authorization for Kenya-Led Security Support Mission in Haiti for One Year

Meetings Coverage

Security Council

9735th Meeting (AM)

SC/15838

30 September 2024

Members Divided on Haiti's Call to Transform Mission into United Nations Peacekeeping Operation

The Security Council today renewed its authorization for the deployment of a Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support Mission to Haiti for another 12 months, as several speakers called for the Mission's transformation into a United Nations peacekeeping operation to boost its capabilities and secure more stable funding.

Unanimously adopting resolution 2751 (2024) (to be issued as document S/RES/2751 (2024), the Council also encouraged the Mission to accelerate its deployment, while also encouraging additional voluntary contributions and support.

Further by the text, the Council reiterated the call to Haiti and the Mission's leadership to regularly update the 15-member organ and the Secretary-General of the progress of deployment.

Following the adoption, the representative the United States  co-lead on the text with Ecuador  said that today's unanimous adoption sent a strong message to the Haitian people: "That the world is standing with you." The adoption built on the announcement of new United Nations sanctions listings, she noted, voicing hope that further steps would be taken to hold accountable those responsible for fuelling gang violence. She underscored the urgent need for additional financial contributions to ensure the Mission's long-term sustainability. As well, she voiced support for the recent remarks of Haiti's President, Edgard Leblanc, on the Mission's transformation to a UN peacekeeping mission to ensure more stable funding and expand its capabilities.

Ecuador's representative, welcoming the unanimous adoption of the text, voiced hope that the mission would help establish conditions to hold free and fair elections in Haiti. He welcomed the text's robust emphasis on human rights, accountability, and the protection of girls and boys, and encouraged greater contributions and voluntary support for the Mission. He also called for an exit strategy  including a peace operation  to be considered, given the prolonged violence marked by indiscriminate violent attacks in the country. "Not to do so would be irresponsible," he added.

Several speakers commended the tangible progress made by the Mission since its deployment in June and voiced hope for the Mission's accelerated deployment. Delegates, including the representatives of the Republic of Korea and Slovenia, Council President for September, speaking in his national capacity, also called for additional voluntary contributions to ensure the long-term sustainability of the Mission.

Members were, however, divided on the request to consider the Mission's eventual transformation into a peacekeeping operation. The representative of the United Kingdom noted that this unanimous adoption is the sign of the Council's unity behind the need for continued security support and echoed the call to consider the Mission's transformation. Japan's delegate said the Council "should start considering possible options", underscoring the need to assess the current Mission's effectiveness and sustainability.

However, China's delegate voiced concern over calls to transform the Mission into a peacekeeping operation, as well as the flow of illegal arms into Haiti. Warning that discussing other options now will only interfere with implementation of the Mission's mandate, he stressed: "Haiti does not have the conditions for the deployment of a peacekeeping operation right now."

In a similar vein, the representative of the Russian Federation said that until the Mission expands its presence and achieves its goals to counter organized crime in the country, "it is premature to plan any transformations in the international presence or any changes thereof". "There is a need for a resolute and immediate action to counter smuggling of weapons  American weapons  that have flooded into Haiti," he added.

France's delegate recalled that, in 2023, his country was the first to contribute to the UN Trust Fund for the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti. Having provided 2 million in contributions, his country has also allocated nearly 2 million in assistance to the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie (OIF) for a training in French and Creole for non-French speaking personnel deployed to the country. Further, it supported Haitian national police with 2 million in assistance since 2023 and is working towards initiating the European Union's financial support.

Meanwhile, Guyana's representative, also speaking on behalf of Algeria, Mozambique and Sierra Leone, commended the role the Mission has played helping the Haitian National Police to restore stability and prepare the conditions for elections. While she had expected its quicker deployment, the Mission has "created a sense of expectation among the Haitian people that the situation would improve sooner rather than later". She therefore called for scaled-up funding and humanitarian support.

The representative of Switzerland emphasized the need for human rights and international law to be part of the Mission, enabling it to better carry out its mandate. "Complex challenges" called for an agile response, he said, underscoring the need for the Mission to ensure coordination and rapid information-sharing with other efforts on the ground, notably that of United Nations Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH).

Malta's delegate called the Mission "a lifeline" to the Haitian people and the Haitian Police and voiced hope that it would help re-establish conditions that would enable the holding of free and fair elections, thereby restoring democracy in Haiti. He also voiced alarm that children in the country continued to face violence and were being recruited by armed gangs. While welcoming progress on the political front over the past year, he emphasized the need for parallel advances on the security front.

Haiti's representative characterized the adopted resolution "a striking testament" to international solidarity with Haiti. Nonetheless, "the challenges remain significant and complicated," he said. "Insecurity is omnipresent, paralysing the economy, undermining the institutions and fueling fear among the population." Financial and material support, which the Mission desperately needs, "continues to fall short". Becoming a peacekeeping operation is therefore a "matter of urgency" to achieve more stable financing and to expand the Mission's capacities to reflect the challenges. It is crucial to establish conditions for free and fair elections, he added.

Rounding out the meeting, the representative of Kenya said that, with the renewal, "the Mission is poised to create the conditions for the Haitian authorities to secure the country and undertake social and economic reconstruction". However, this requires its full deployment of 2,500 from its current strength of 410 officers. He appealed for States' further voluntary contributions, adding that the Mission is "only a part of the solution", which called for a multi-pronged approach addressing the challenges' root causes.





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Air Force gears up for first training events at Combat Support Training Range sites

Published Sept. 30, 2024

By Shannon Carabajal

Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Public Affairs

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-LACKLAND, Texas (AFNS) -- The Air Force is preparing for its first Air Task Force training events at Combat Support Training Range sites in November.

The events will give Airmen from ATF Combat Air Base Squadrons an opportunity to train as a team and demonstrate the CSTR sites' ability to host combat support training, said Col. Ross Dotzlaf, Air Force Installation and Mission Support Center Readiness Integration chief.

"This will be a critical test for these sites and the units," he said. "It's the first time they will come together to train as a complete organization and that will help us validate the effectiveness of these training ranges."

Air Task Forces, their Combat Air Base Squadrons and the CSTR initiative share a goal of building Mission Ready Airmen who are fully prepared and trained to deploy and win future wars, he said.

During three-week training events at Fort Bliss, Texas, and Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, Airmen from the 11th and 12th ATFs will practice the skills needed to deploy as mission-ready units postured for combat operations against peer-level adversaries in contested environments.

AFIMSC hosted several planning workshops and site visits to prepare for the events over the past nine months.

"We're focused on ensuring the success of the ATFs and giving them what they need to effectively use the CSTR sites for training," Dotzlaf said.

The planning team included Air Force functional and ATF representatives, as well as subject matter experts from across AFIMSC. Airmen from the 801st Rapid Engineer Deployable Heavy Operational Repair Squadron Engineer Training Squadron and the 325th Fighter Wing at Tyndall AFB, along with members of the Air Force Security Forces Center Desert Defender Ground Combat Readiness Training Center at Fort Bliss helped ready the sites.

"It is a huge effort," Dotzlaf said. "Many, many people were involved in making this happen."

Preparations included securing equipment for various scenarios and establishing support agreements with host installations and training units. The planning team also arranged contracts for essential services such as transportation, custodial work and vehicle maintenance, and developed event training plans, reporting instructions and equipment lists.

In the final planning workshops, CABS leaders visited the training sites, finalized training plans and addressed logistics, reporting instructions and equipment needs.

"AFIMSC (and the functional SMEs) offered valuable insight on how to tackle the many hurdles our team came across when planning for the training events," said Tech. Sgt. Dallas Rodgers, 11th ATF training section chief at Davis-Monthan AFB, Arizona. "If it wasn't for them, we would still be 'spinning our tires' on how to overcome a handful of obstacles."

A CABS, consisting of about 300 Airmen from 54 different Air Force specialty codes, serves as an ATF's primary base operation support element and provides sustainment, protection and airfield management. The training events will cover tasks related to these mission sets, as outlined in the ATF training plan.

"We plan on using this training opportunity as a baseline for our Airmen to assess where our strengths and weaknesses are," Rodgers said. "It will also be the first opportunity for our team to get to know each other and build relationships as we advance our training skills."

Due to the unique capabilities of each CSTR site, the unit training at Fort Bliss in November will train at Tyndall AFB early next year, and vice versa.

"Teams built training plans tailored to specific tasks they can get after most," Dotzlaf said. "At Fort Bliss, for example, there are more opportunities for force protection-type training. At Tyndall, there's a lot more opportunities to train on skills needed for base beddown, sustainment or base recovery after attack. But there will also be some tasks that have overlap at both locations."

AFIMSC began developing CSTR sites in 2022 and is aggressively working to establish up to six fully capable sites over the next several years. The sites are vital to improving readiness for ATF Airmen, Rodgers said.

"They provide our team with various terrain environments and capabilities, allowing us to practice and certify in multiple skills before deployment," he said. "Unlike home station units that often lack these capabilities in a single location, CSTRs offer a centralized solution for comprehensive training. Instead of coordinating multiple TDYs to complete required tasks, our team can efficiently train and certify in one location."

AFIMSC will continue growing CSTR site capacity and capability to meet the needs of the Air Force as the ATFs evolve into Deployable Combat Wings that team, train full-time and deploy together through the Air Force Force Generation model.

"We're refining these sites as we learn what we need to do to better support the mission," Dotzlaf said. "In November, we'll get a lot of lessons learned on what they can do, what they need to do and how we can shape future training for these units."

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Analysts: Escalating conflict tests China's Middle East approach

By William Yang September 30, 2024

As Israel continues to launch airstrikes against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon, China is stepping up its efforts to play the role of peacemaker in the Middle East, issuing statements of condemnation, but Beijing's actions are also exposing the limits of its ability to de-escalate tensions, analysts say.

"Beijing wants to create an impression that it is pushing for greater peace and stability in the Middle East, but I'm not sure what all the statements amount to," said Ian Chong, a political scientist at the National University of Singapore.

After Hezbollah confirmed Saturday that its long-time leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike that took place in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, China's Foreign Ministry reiterated Beijing's concern over the escalating conflict and urged all sides, especially Israel, to take steps to "cool down the situation."

"China opposes the infringement on Lebanon's sovereignty and security, opposes and condemns any action against innocent civilians, and opposes any move that fuels antagonism and escalates regional tensions," a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said in a statement released Sunday.

The ministry statement added that said since the escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah is "a spillover of the Gaza conflict," the priority now is to "implement relevant U.N. Security Council resolutions, end the fighting in Gaza as soon as possible, and earnestly safeguard peace and stability in the Middle East."

Sunday's statement follows Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi's meeting with his Lebanese counterpart last Monday on the sidelines of U.N. meetings in New York. During his meeting with Lebanese Foreign Minister Abdallah Bou Habib, Wang also stressed Beijing's support for Lebanon's efforts to safeguard its sovereignty and security and called for an immediate cease-fire in Gaza.

In recent months, China has sought to play a bigger role in the Middle East as its trade and diplomatic ties with the region expand.

Earlier in July, Beijing brokered meetings that led to reconciliation between rival Palestinian factions. In March 2023, Beijing helped broker a deal between Saudi Arabia and Iran to reestablish diplomatic ties between the long-time rivals.

Chong said that while brokering the reestablishment of diplomatic ties between Iran and Saudi Arabia and reconciliation between rival Palestinian factions were low-hanging fruits for China, it remains unclear what Beijing may do to tackle more complicated regional issues, such as escalating tension between Israel and Hezbollah.

"It depends on what Beijing is willing to do [regarding the current conflict], and I suppose they could try to lean on Tehran, which they supposedly have good relations with," he told VOA by phone, adding that it is unclear how far they can get with Iran on issues related to the Middle East.

Leveraging conflict against US

As part of the attempt to present itself as a peacemaker in the Middle East, some observers say China is focusing on depicting Israel and the United States as aggressors in the ongoing conflict while portraying themselves as siding with "the victims."

"They are painting this narrative that Israel and the U.S. are on the side of injustice and hegemony, and China is on the side of fairness and justice," Tuvia Gering, a non-resident fellow at Atlantic Council's Global China Hub, told VOA by phone.

In comments to Chinese state media, some Chinese analysts have argued that it is the U.S. "that allows, tolerates, or even instigates the escalation" of the crisis in the Middle East.

The United States has been pushing for a cease fire between Israel and Hezbollah to avoid further escalation of the conflict and a wider war in the region.

Chong said the ongoing conflict in the Middle East may help to amplify Beijing's preferred narrative that Washington and its allies are creators of instability, particularly among some developing countries.

"The current situation in the Middle East certainly opens up opportunities for those narratives to perhaps take hold, especially in parts of Africa, Latin America and Asia," he told VOA.

However, he adds, while China may gain some leverage through this tactic, it needs to put forward something more concrete, such as a tangible peace plan to "capitalize on the sentiment."

While China seeks to leverage the crisis in the Middle East against the U.S., Chong said the continued escalation of the conflict could also mean more economic pressure for Beijing, as well.

China is the world's largest importer of oil and after Russia, the Middle East is a key source of energy imports for Beijing to keep its economy running.

"If there is a wider conflict within the Middle East, at a minimum, it may affect energy prices and supplies, which could add to some of China's ongoing economic woes," he told VOA.

However, since its primary trading partners in the Middle East are wealthier countries in the Gulf Cooperation Council and Iran, accounting for more than $300 billion in 2023 in exports and imports, some experts say the impact of the ongoing conflict on China's economic interests is likely to be limited.

"I would imagine the current situation is very worrying for China and many other countries, but so long as the conflict is primarily limited to Israel dealing with different proxies and militias in its immediate surroundings, I don't necessarily think that it would translate into a direct threat of Chinese interests," Mohammed Alsudairi, a lecturer in politics and international relations at the Australian National University, told VOA in a phone interview.

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Iran expects Hezbollah to carry out any retaliation for Nasrallah's death

By Dale Gavlak September 30, 2024

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has urged Muslims to stand by Lebanon's Hezbollah militia "with their resources and help," but analysts say it's unlikely that Iran will retaliate directly on Israel for the airstrike that killed its prime regional ally, Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, and his lieutenants.

Analysts say that Iran will continue to depend on its regional proxies to fight Israel because it wants to avert a direct Israeli hit on the country.

Ahron Bregman, Middle East security professor at King's College London, told VOA that Israel has "sent a very clear message" to Iran with its Sunday attack on its other proxy, Yemen's Houthi rebels, even as it continued to bombard Lebanon.

He said the distance between Israel and Yemen is not dissimilar to that of Iran, giving a strong warning to Tehran.

"It's a big force because you need airplanes to refuel the attacking airplanes. You have to send aircraft to rescue. It's a big operation. The Israelis sent a message to Iran. Look, what we did yesterday to Yemen, we can do it to you. We can hit your oil refineries and even attack your nuclear facilities," said Bregman.

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei said, "the fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront." The statement was taken to mean that Hezbollah is responsible for avenging the death of its leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Sanam Vakil, the director for the Middle East program at London's Chatham House think tank, told The New York Times that Iran is "completely checkmated by Israel at this moment." Vakil added, "Khamenei's statement is indicative of the gravity of the moment and the caution; he is not publicly committing to anything that he can't deliver."

Ali Vaez, Iran Project director with the International Crisis Group, quoted by Saudi Arabia's Arab News said, "Iran is going to stand behind, not with, Hezbollah. Tehran's forward defense strategy has always been based on projecting power beyond its borders and deterring, not inviting, strikes against its own territory."

Nicholas Heras, of the Washington-based New Lines Institute for Strategy and Policy, told VOA that Khamenei has misjudged Israel's military aims, including "the strong weakening, if not destruction of Hezbollah, the repopulation of northern Israel and the decoupling of Lebanon from Gaza."

"The Iranians, they've underestimated Israel. And in order for Iran's strategy of using so-called proxies to create a ring of fire around Israel it requires the Israelis to be deterred. The Israelis are doing the opposite. And so, if Iran can't reestablish deterrence, a major part of its strategic doctrine in the Middle East disappears." he said.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah's deputy and now acting leader, Naim Kassem, has vowed to carry on the fight with Israel, despite the killing of the militia's top commanders. He said Hezbollah members are ready to fight and defend Lebanon against a possible ground offensive by Israel.

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Taliban asserts new gains against Afghan-based IS offshoot amid skepticism

By Ayaz Gul September 30, 2024

The Taliban said Monday that their security forces had killed and captured several "key members" of a regional Islamic State affiliate for plotting recent terrorist attacks in Afghanistan, alleging that the suspects had crossed over from Pakistan.

Zabihullah Mujahid, the Taliban spokesperson, listed the claims and so-called successes against Islamic State-Khorasan, or IS-K, locally known as Daesh, in a formal statement without providing evidence to support them.

The assertions came after the country's three immediate neighbors and Russia jointly urged the de facto Kabul government this past Friday to take "visible and verifiable actions" against transnational terrorist groups, including IS-K, on Afghan soil.

Mujahid said the IS-K operatives in question had been involved in several recent attacks in Afghanistan. They included a suicide bombing in the Afghan capital earlier this month and a May gun attack in the central city of Bamiyan, he added.

Both attacks resulted in the deaths of at least ten people, including three Spanish tourists, with IS-K claiming credit for them at the time.

The Taliban spokesperson said that IS-K insurgents had established "new operational bases and training camps" in the Pakistani border provinces of Baluchistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa after fleeing Afghan counterterrorism security operations.

"From these new bases, they continue to orchestrate attacks, both within Afghanistan and in other countries," he claimed, noting that "some of the arrested individuals had recently returned to Afghanistan from the Daesh Khorasan training camp" in Balochistan.

Islamabad has not immediately responded to the Taliban's allegations, which came two days after neighboring Pakistan, China, and Iran, along with Russia, at a meeting in New York this past Friday, urged the Taliban to eradicate bases of IS-K and other transnational terrorist groups in Afghanistan.

The ministerial meeting warned that these Afghan-based terrorist entities "continue to pose a serious threat to regional and global security." According to a joint statement released after the huddle, the participants recognized the Taliban's efforts in combating IS-K.

"They called on de facto authorities to take visible and verifiable actions in fulfilling the international obligations and commitments made by Afghanistan to fight terrorism, dismantle, and eliminate all terrorist groups equally and non-discriminatory and prevent the use of Afghan territory against its neighbors, the region, and beyond," the statement stressed.

It identified the groups in question as IS-K, al-Qaida, Eastern Turkestan Islamic Movement, ETIM, which opposes China, anti-Iran Jaish ul-Adl, and the Tehrik-i-Taliban Pakistan, TTP, as well as the Baloch Liberation Army, BLA, both waging attacks on Pakistani security forces and civilians.

The United Nations, in a recent security assessment, also described TTP as "the largest terrorist group" in Afghanistan, with several thousand operatives, noting that IS-K activities in the country are also turning into a significant regional threat. It noted that the group had intensified cross-border attacks in Pakistan since the Taliban regained power three years ago and is being facilitated by the de facto Afghan rulers.

A new report issued Monday documented nearly 1,000 deaths of civilians and security forces in Pakistan during the first nine months of 2024. The Islamabad-based independent Center for Research and Security Studies stated that most of the fatalities resulted from attacks by TTP and BLA-led insurgents.

Pakistani authorities have consistently urged Kabul to extradite TTP leaders and militants to Islamabad for trial for instigating deadly violence in the country.

The Taliban has rejected Pakistani and U.N. allegations, saying they are not allowing any foreign groups, including TTP, to threaten other countries from Afghanistan.

The United States has designated TTP and BLA as global terrorist organizations.

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Multinational police force for Haiti renewed for another year

By Margaret Besheer September 30, 2024

The U.N. Security Council on Monday approved a one-year renewal for a multinational police force to help Haiti's embattled national police subdue gangs in the violence-plagued Caribbean nation, and it will now consider turning the mission into a full-fledged U.N. peacekeeping operation.

"In adopting this resolution today, the Council has helped Haiti continue re-establishing security and creating the conditions necessary to holding free and fair elections," U.S. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield said. "So, let us work together to build on the progress of the Haiti MSS [Multinational Security Support] mission. Let us embrace a new approach that sustains it. Let us protect the fragile but inspiring opportunity to build a better future for the Haitian people."

The United States and Ecuador drafted the resolution to extend the mission through October 2, 2025. In the interim, Haiti's transitional government has requested that the 15-nation Security Council begin discussions for transforming the non-U.N. force into a U.N. peacekeeping operation.

"The transformation of the MSS into a peacekeeping operation under the mandate of the United Nations appears not just to be necessary, but a matter of urgency," Haitian Ambassador Antonio Rodrigue told the council.

He said making it one would guarantee more stable and predictable financing and expand the force's capacities. Currently the mission has faced a continued shortfall in funds, equipment and logistics capabilities.

"We firmly believe that this is an approach which is crucial to maintain the gains of the MSS to enhance national security and to establish necessary conditions for the conduct of free and fair elections in the near future," Rodrigue said.

He said despite some progress in the three months since the first contingent of about 400 Kenyan police deployed to Haiti, the country still faces significant and complicated challenges.

"Gang violence continues to rend the social fabric and human rights violations are multiplying, plunging thousands of families into distress," the Haitian envoy said. "Insecurity is omnipresent, paralyzing the economy, undermining in the institutions and fueling fear among the population."

Kenya is leading the mission and its president, William Ruto, visited Haiti about a week and a half ago to meet with officials and Kenyan and Haitian police forces. Ruto said at the U.N. General Assembly last week that he plans to deploy another Kenyan contingent to Haiti by January.

So far only about 500 police have been deployed, the majority from Kenya and the rest from Jamaica and Belize. Diplomats say they expect other countries will also be deploying.

Kenya's U.N. envoy pointed to some initial progress in the capital, Port-au-Prince, including their securing important infrastructure, such as the airport and National Hospital, and several major road intersections.

But he noted the mission needs to quickly reach its fully mandated level of 2,500 personnel and the political transition needs to move ahead.

"I must also emphasize that while the MSS mission is a crucial and innovative intervention, it is only a part of the solution," Ambassador Erastus Ekitela Lokaale said. "Haiti's stability will only be accomplished through a multi-pronged approach that addresses the root causes of its challenges."

Haiti has been rocked by instability since 2021, when President Jovenel Moise was assassinated. Prime Minister Ariel Henry then led the country until he announced his resignation in March. A transitional government is now in place with the goal of organizing free and fair elections. Haiti has not held elections since 2016.

The country is facing a massive humanitarian crisis as a result of the violence. On Monday, international food monitors said more than half the country's population - 5.4 million people - are struggling to feed themselves. At least 6,000 displaced persons in shelters in the capital are facing catastrophic levels of hunger, while 2 million people are one step behind them.

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Thailand's latest reform party voices optimism, but questions remain

By Tommy Walker September 30, 2024

Thailand's newest pro-democracy party says it is determined to continue the fight for human rights and democracy despite facing a number of legal and political obstacles.

The People's Party was formed in August after the dissolution of the reformist Move Forward Party and is already looking ahead to the 2027 general elections.

But some observers and analysts are concerned whether the opposition party will survive and whether its controversial promises will ever be fulfilled.

"In the next the three years it's a matter of how we can beat the battle for the majority seats in parliament. I have to accept it's not an easy task to do, but I truly believe it's possible to achieve," Natthaphong Reungpanyawut, leader of the People's Party, told the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on Sept. 26.

"Our main priorities and policies will be still the same ... to protect human rights and to bring full democracy to Thailand. We want to bring power back to the people, and no one can stop that. For the next election, I believe we have to get at least 20 million votes to get the majority seats in parliament," he added.

The party's predecessors - the Future Forward Party and the Move Forward Party - received 8 million and 14 million votes, respectively, in the past two national elections.

Thitinan Pondsudhirak, a renowned political scientist in Thailand, says the new party's ambitious goal isn't that far-fetched, given the trajectory of recent elections.

"They have good prospects at the polls," he told VOA. "They're being deliberately ambitious, but at the same time, it's not unrealistic, given the jump [from] the popular votes from Future Forward to Move Forward.

"The brick wall that they're against is not the polling booth. The brick wall is against the royalist establishment," he said.

The People's Party has maintained it will continue with one of the Move Forward Party's main pledges, which is amending Thailand's "lese majeste" law, which prohibits criticism of the Thai royals.

This is despite Thailand's Constitutional Court dissolving the Move Forward Party on August 7 after ruling the group's pledges threatened to overthrow the monarchy. The party's leaders were also banned from politics for 10 years.

Prior to that, Move Forward had won the most votes in the 2023 general election, before the Thai Senate blocked the party from forming a government, also because of its campaign pledges.

The Future Forward Party was also dissolved in 2020 by Thailand's Constitutional Court, which ruled the party accepted a donation from its leader, violating election law. The party said it had received the money as a loan, not a donation.

Natthaphong says one of his party's policy aims is to limit the powers of the judiciary.

"The article-by-article constitution amendment, to limit the power of the Constitutional Court, to not overrule the government that is elected by the people, that is a very practical thing we can do as an opposition party over the next three years," he said.

But two months into its existence, the future of the People's Party is already in doubt after Thailand's National Anti-Corruption Commission said it was investigating 44 lawmakers who formerly belonged to the Move Forward Party. Twenty-five of those lawmakers are current MPs for the People's Party.

The probe alleges the lawmakers broke ethics rules for supporting a bill that was to amend the lese majeste law.

Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the People's Party, is one of the lawmakers being investigated. She told the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on Sept. 26 that the case doesn't make sense.

"We are the members of the House of Representatives, and our duty is to pass the laws," she said. "As we endorsed the law to amendment of Article 112 of the Criminal Code, I don't think it's considered a violation of ethics at all, but in this country, anything is possible and totally unpredictable and they don't think in rational, logical sense."

Some analysts believe the People's Party is fighting an almost impossible cause for continuing to achieve these controversial policies.

"The future of the People's Party is, I think, very murky," Tita Sanglee, an independent analyst, told VOA. "There are definitely many voters willing to give it a chance, including many conservatives, who've become disillusioned by the whole Thaksin-joining-forces-with conservative-parties saga and are desperate for a 'fresh' option."

On the other hand, she added, the party will almost definitely face legal challenges. And even if they stop trying to amend the constitution, many of their proposals remain sensitive.

"Even if The People's Party wins by a landslide and takes office in the next election, I doubt it can achieve half of what it promises," Sanglee said.

The party wants to implement more than 300 policy goals, including ending military conscription, promoting labor protections and making it legal to criticize the royal family.

The party labels this as the three "D's" - demonopolization, demilitarization and decentralization - which began under Move Forward's leadership.

Pravit Rojanaphruk, a veteran journalist for Khaosod English in Thailand, says both voters and conservatives may not see the People's Party as anything different to their predecessors, and that may work against the group.

"[The Move Forward Party] have failed to form a government despite having won most seats in 2023 and some voters may doubt if they are really capable of forming a government after the next general election, since all major parties have basically vowed to not join a coalition with them due to their stance on the lese majeste law and the monarchy," he said.

"The not so obvious obstacle is how they can shake off the image of being branded as the new main threat to national security by conservative people and how to keep their members motivated if they fail to form the government again in 2027," he added.

But Sirikanya remained confident that change will happen.

"Every time that the system tries to beat us, they have used up their own political capital from those funny rulings or verdicts," he said. "If we keep fighting this fight, and people back us more and more, someday, maybe in my next generation or the next one, if we keep fighting, we will win."

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Remarks by President Biden Before Air Force One Departure | Dover, DE

September 30, 2024

Dover Air Force Base

Dover, Delaware

2:38 P.M. EDT

Q Mr. President, will you deploy more U.S. troops to the Middle East?

THE PRESIDENT: No.

Q Mr. President, has Netanyahu gone too far?

Q Any comment on the strikes in Yemen, Mr. President?

THE PRESIDENT: Spoke with both sides at the outset of the strike. We support the collective bargaining effort. I think they'll settle the strike.

Q Are you going to talk to Netanyahu? Are you going to talk to Prime Minister Netanyahu? Do you have any-  anything to say to him?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes. I will be talking to him, and I'll tell you what I say to him when I talk to him.

Q Yes, sir.

Q Do you have any words for the victims of the hurricane?

THE PRESIDENT: Yes, it's tragic. As a matter of fact, they're trying to get the exact number. My FEMA adviser is on the ground in Florida right now. There's a distinction between the numbers that FEMA has used and the ones used by  by the locals.

So, it's  it really is amazing. You saw the photographs. It's stunning.

Q So many 

THE PRESIDENT: But  but it really is.

Q So many  so  such a wide area.

THE PRESIDENT: And we  we gave  are giving them all the  all  everything we have. Were on the ground ahead of time. So, we're working hard.

Q Are there any more resources the federal government could be giving them?

THE PRESIDENT: No. We've given them  we have preplanned a significant amount of it, even though they didn't ask for it yet  had  hadn't asked for it yet.

Q Mr. President, will you intervene in the dockworkers strike if they go on strike on Tuesday?

THE PRESIDENT: No.

Q Why not?

THE PRESIDENT: Because there's collective bargaining, and I don't believe in Taft-Hartley.

Q Can all-out  can an all-out war in the Middle East be avoided?

THE PRESIDENT: It has to be. We  we really have to avoid it.

We've already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave, and  but we're not there yet, but we're working like hell with the French and many others to (inaudible).

Thank you.

Q Thank you, sir.

2:41 P.M. EDT

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Zionist army claims beginning of ground invasion of Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Oct 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Zionist army, in a statement, claims to have officially launched a large-scale ground invasion of the Lebanese territory, media reports say.

According to IRNA's report on Tuesday citing this statement, the Zionist military claimed that the ground invasion of Lebanon will be carried out with air and artillery support.

Some media reports announced that the Zionists have begun offensive against Hezbollah's positions near the Lebanese borders.

We have launched a specific ground operation against Hezbollah targets near the Lebanese border, which is accompanied by air and artillery support, Daniel Hagari, the Zionist regime's army spokesperson said, referring to the regime's encroachment on Lebanese soil.

He claimed that the ground operations are aimed at achieving war goals to return Zionist settlers to the northern occupied Palestinian territories from where they had fled out of fear of Hezbollah rocket strikes in the past months.

Earlier on Monday, the Israeli army announced in a statement that based on field evaluations, several settlements including Al-Mutlaa and Kfar Giladi will be declared prohibited military zones.

Ma'ariv newspaper also reported that declaring these settlements as closed military zones could be the beginning of a ground invasion of Lebanon.

An American website Axios, quoting Israeli sources, wrote that the Zionist= army is preparing to attack Lebanese villages near the border.

And, some local sources reported that the Zionist regime is evacuating remaining settlers from northern occupied Palestine.

However, Lebanon's al-Manar news network had earlier denied reports about Zionist soldiers crossing into Lebanon.

This network reported the movements of Israeli tanks in the area along Lebanon's border but said no Israeli soldier has crossed the borders of Palestine toward Lebanon so far.

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Hezbollah conducts op amid Israeli bombing of Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Oct 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The Hezbollah Resistance Movement says it has launched retaliatory attacks targeting Zionist enemy soldiers in fields and orchards of the towns of Al-Adisa and Kafarkala in Lebanon.

Hezbollah announced in this statement that operation on Monday evening was in line with the support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and their courageous and honorable resistance as well as in the defense of the Lebanese nation.

The operation was carried out with appropriate weapons, the enemy soldiers were accurately hit, the statement added.

Separately, the Zionist media reported about Hezbollah's missile strike on the settlement of Shatula in the north of occupied Palestine that prompted activation of sirens there and surrounding areas.

Meanwhile, Lebanese media reported three Israeli airstrikes overnight on areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut.

According to IRNA's report on Tuesday morning, Zionist warplanes bombed the Burj al-Brajneh area neighborhood thrice.

So far, there is no report of casualties and damage from the attack.

Earlier, the Zionist army, in a message in Arabic, had reportedly asked the residents of three areas in the southern suburbs of Beirut to vacate.

The regime's warplanes keep pounding residential areas relentlessly in defiance of international calls and UN resolutions and amid reports that the Zionists seek to in widen the genocidal war its started in Gaza to the whole West Aras region.

However, Lebanon's al-Manar network has denied reports about Zionist soldiers crossing into Lebanon.

This network reported the movements of Israeli tanks in the area along Lebanon's border in the occupied Palestinian territories but said no Israeli soldier has crossed the borders of Palestine toward Lebanon so far.

According to Al-Manar, the Zionist regime's bombarded the areas around Wadi Barghaz and the towns of Kokba, Rashia al-Fakhr, Kafarkla, Al-Khayyam, Nahrblat, Dirseryan and Al-Litani river.

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Hezbollah targets Haifa with Fadi 1 missile

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Oct 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- In a statement, the Islamic Resistance of Lebanon announced a missile attack on areas in the north of the occupied city of Haifa.

According to the information headquarters of the Lebanese Islamic Resistance War, Hezbollah announced in this statement that in line with the support of the Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and their brave and honorable resistance and the defense of Lebanon and its people and in response to the barbaric aggressions of the Zionist regime, cities, villages and civilians, the Islamic resistance fighters bombarded areas around Haifa.

According to Hezbollah, this attack was carried out with several Fadi 1 missiles.

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Zionist regime launches artillery attack on southern Lebanon

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Oct 1, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- The artillery of the Zionist regime is heavily shelling the town of 'Al Khayyam' in Lebanon and its surrounding areas.

According to the Lebanese media, the artillery and armor units of the Zionist regime stationed in the Zionist settlement and military base "Al Matla" are firing missiles in Al-Khayam region in southern Lebanon.

Al-Mayadeen news network also announced that the "Al-Vazani" region in southern Lebanon has been under Israeli artillery fire for two hours.

Some media consider these attacks as a prelude to the Zionist regime's land invasion of southern Lebanon.

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Broome hosts Canadian missile rearmament

By Lieutenant Mick Wheeler

30 September 2024

In a significant first, the ADF has re-armed a Canadian warship in the Port of Broome in Western Australia.

The complete rearmament of HMCS Vancouver, a Halifax-class frigate of the Royal Canadian Navy, was the first time an ally other than the US conducted a vertical launching system (VLS) munitions rearmament activity in Australia.

It was also the first rearmament of its kind to occur in Broome.

VLS is the main launch system for missiles fired from modern warships.

Similar activities took place just days prior when American Arleigh-Burke-class destroyer USS Dewey and Australian Anzac-class frigate HMAS Warramunga rearmed their respective VLS in the Port of Darwin.

In Broome, a combined team of Canadian and Australian Defence personnel, along with Port of Broome employees, carefully loaded the missiles into the VLS on board Vancouver.

The delivery and loading of the missile cannisters was the final piece of months of planning and coordination across both the ADF, Canadian Armed Forces, the Port of Broome and numerous civilian contractors.

Royal Australian Navy weapons electrical engineering officer Commander Matthew Wernas said the rearmament in Broome was the result of significant preparation.

"There are months of planning that goes into making sure that this type of activity goes smoothly," Commander Wernas said.

"Each country does its own rearming activities within their own country, but making sure when we work together that there is a common way of doing a rearmament like the one in Broome is important."

Deputy Director Navy Logistics Futures Commander Dan Turner said there were significant benefits for the Royal Australian Navy and Royal Canadian Navy.

"The ability to re-arm in both Darwin and Broome for the Royal Australian Navy, the Royal Canadian Navy and the United States Navy shows that as a coalition we can together operate in multiple locations in the north of Australia," Commander Turner said.

"Specifically, a rearmament such as Broome provides another option for rearming rather than having to go back to home bases or further down to southern Australia, and enhances our ability to operate in the Indo-Pacific."

Commanding Officer Vancouver Commander Tyson Bergmann said a strong bond existed between Canada and Australia.

"Canada and Australia have a long history of working well together and developing our interoperability," Commander Bergmann said.

"We relied on that interoperability to execute complex rearmament thousands of miles from home in a place where the Royal Canadian Navy had never rearmed vertical launch systems.

"This successful forward rearmament has only strengthened the bond that we have been working on for decades, not just for Canada and Australia, but also for our allies by confirming a proof-of-concept so far from home and in the Indo-Pacific."

Vancouver departed its home port of Esquimalt, British Columbia, Canada, in June and participated in Exercise Kakadu, which is a Royal Australian Navy-led exercise that provides for partners such as Canada, an opportunity to undertake multinational maritime training activities.

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Aussie frigate welcomes Japanese admiral on board

By Lieutenant Marie Davies

30 September 2024

Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force's Rear Admiral Kazushi Yokota, embarked on anti-submarine warfare destroyer JS Ariake, spent an afternoon aboard HMAS Warramunga during Exercise Kakadu.

Rear Admiral Yokota, Commander of Escort Flotilla 3, enjoyed a ship's tour by Commanding Officer Warramunga Commander Dylan Phillips, and had the opportunity to fire the ship's .50 calibre guns, showing expert target precision.

The ship also demonstrated the capability of the Anzac-class frigate, with a 5-inch gun live rapid-fire exercise.

This exercise consisted of Warramunga and Singapore's RSS Supreme manoeuvring together while using their main guns to engage a floating target. The two ships then closed the range to open fire with the crew-service machine guns and upper-deck small arms.

A Republic of Singapore Navy crew member who participated in the exercise aboard Warramunga said it was an excellent training activity and a rare opportunity for his ship to practise in a location with enough sea-room to engage a moving target.

With the theme of the day about enhancing international partnerships, Rear Admiral Yokota thanked Commander Phillips and Warramunga's crew for their hospitality and warm reception.

"Today's visit to the ship was a great opportunity to enhance our relationship," Rear Admiral Yokota said.

"I observed the ship's professionalism and also the very high level of interoperability between participants.

"Our strengths are our partnerships and our friendships in the maritime environment. Through our partnerships we can be more capable by learning from each other, knowing each other and working together."

In true Navy style, transcending geographic boundaries, Rear Admiral Yokota swapped ship patches and exercise coins with several of the ship's crew before disembarking.

Exercise Kakadu, held from September 9-19, was supported by the Royal Australian Air Force and provided an opportunity for regional partners to conduct multinational maritime activities, drawing together about 3000 personnel, ships from 10 countries and aircraft from five, in Darwin and the Northern Australian Exercise Area.

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Five focus on regional security

By Captain Adrienne Goode

30 September 2024

Exercise Suman Warrior 2024 united 195 military personnel from the Five Power Defence Arrangement (FPDA) nations of Singapore, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, Australia and New Zealand.

Held from September 9 to 20 in Warminster, UK, the exercise reaffirmed the commitment of these long-standing partners to regional security.

Conducted every four out of five years on a rotational basis, Exercise Suman Warrior is a land-based command post exercise designed to enhance interoperability, strengthen military ties, and improve collective responses to potential security threats in the Pacific region.

This year's exercise focused on combined arms operations within a multi-threat environment, integrating a multinational brigade headquarters and battle group headquarters.

The Australian Army was represented by 34 members of the 9th Brigade and 16th Regiment, Royal Australian Artillery, who contributed to the FPDA's strategic goals by providing a platform for personnel to engage in the simulated exercise.

Lead Australian planner Major Ryan Bell, of 9th Brigade, said the exercise enabled a shared understanding of each other's systems, processes and capabilities.

"Each nation brings a unique approach to solving complex problems, and by combining our expertise, we achieve results far greater than those possible unilaterally," Major Bell said.

He said the exercise highlighted Australia's commitment to the FPDA, which had been a cornerstone of regional stability for more than 50 years.

Combat team commander Major Edward Wright, of 9th Brigade, said the exercise's greatest value was the opportunity to engage with partner nation forces, where his Malay language skills helped him forge strong relationships with Malaysian and Singaporean personnel.

"Language has been an invaluable aid for us, not so much as an operational tool but a social tool that means we can immediately break down cultural barriers and biases, and build trust quickly at an individual and small-team level," Major Wright said.

"Learning a language and then applying it also demonstrates cultural understanding, which further enables ADF members with language skills to interact with partner forces."

The exercise also showcased 9th Brigade's ability to fight as a team in an integrated workforce.

Captain Rob Cardone said Exercise Suman Warrior was a unique opportunity to expand his skills and work in a complex, multinational environment.

"As a part-time officer, this opportunity has had a meaningful impact on my career development, has honed my operational skills and broadened my understanding of joint military operations," Captain Cardone said.

"It has also reinforced the effectiveness of the training I've received as an Australian Army infantry officer, allowing me to operate confidently alongside my peers from other nations, highlighting the strong foundation of our training."

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The project "Theatre: From Generation to Generation," organised by the Culture Ministry's Scientific-Methodical and Qualification Centre for Culture, continues to evolve, Azernews reports.

A thematic seminar panel titled "Acting Mastery: Human Nature and Paradox" was held on the small stage of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre.

The seminar participants honoured the memory of those who lost their lives in the 44-day Patriotic War with a minute of silence.

Acting Director of the Scientific-Methodical and Qualification Centre for Culture, a Doctor of Philosophical Sciences in the field of Arts Studies Vugar Humbatov, welcomed the guests, paying tribute to the martyrs and wishing good health to the war veterans.

He conveyed his gratitude to the seminar participants, emphasising the particular importance of this project in enhancing cultural understanding and promoting theatrical arts.

The guest for the panel, moderated by theatre critic Daglar Yusuf, was People's Artist Nurauddin Mehthikhanli, a leading actor of the Azerbaijan State Academic National Drama Theatre.

In his discussion with the youth, he provided insight into the paradoxical nature of acting, which is built upon the contrast between human nature and culture.

He explored the theoretical and practical foundations of acting, the psychology of creativity among actors, as well as the traditions and modern currents of theatre.

During his speech, N. Mehthikhanli highlighted the paradoxical nature of acting based on the contrast between human nature and culture.

He spoke to the youth about theoretical and practical foundations, the creative psychology of the actor, traditions, modernity, and new creative trends.

In his speech, N. Mehdikhanli emphasised that the theatre will live forever as long as there are talented and dedicated youth

"Theatre will live eternally as long as there is talented and dedicated youth," he said.

The seminar focuses on promoting the development of theatrical arts in Azerbaijan by creating a platform for sharing ideas and exchanging experiences across generations.

This initiative aims to apply modern international trends in the theatre, increase interest in this art form, and engage young individuals in shaping an active creative environment.

As part of the seminars "Theatre: From Generation to Generation", plans are underway to organise interactive meetings with theatre artists.

Noteworthy, Azerbaijan has a rich and diverse cultural heritage, and one of its most significant contributions to the world of performing arts is its professional national theatre.

The history of Azerbaijani theatre dates back to the late 19th century, when the first professional national theatre was established in Baku.

The National Theatre was created in the 1870s at the initiative of prominent playwright Mirza Fatali Axundov.

Adventures of the Lankaran Khanate Vizier was the first dramatic work played on the stage of the Azerbaijani theatre. Its premiere took place on March 10, 1873, at the initiative of Azerbaijani print media founder Hasan-bay Zardabi and dramatist and public figure Najaf-bay Vazirov.

During the 1960s, the Azerbaijani theatre art entered a transformative phase with the staging of William Shakespeare's "Antony and Cleopatra." This era saw the emergence of talented young playwrights who made significant contributions to the theatre's repertoire.

In the 1980s, the national theatre experienced a period of remarkable artistic development. This era witnessed significant advancements in terms of stylistic and genre diversity, contributing to the theatre's overall artistic growth.



Starting in the 1990s, Azerbaijani theatres demonstrated plays by modern and classic Azerbaijani writers, as well as works by Russian and international dramatists. This era marked a broadening of the theatre's repertoire.

Over these years, the theatres in the country have produced a wide range of theatrical works that have gained wide recognition.
Australian treasurer makes landmark visit to China

By Phil Mercer September 30, 2024

Australian Treasurer Jim Chalmers has been in China on a landmark visit to stabilize his country's relationship with its biggest trading partner.

The trip, the first by an Australian treasurer to Beijing in seven years, is a sign that bilateral ties are improving after years of mistrust.

But frictions persist, including tensions in the South China Sea.

Chalmers' two-day trip to China has been aimed at repairing ties with Australia's largest trading partner, damaged by disagreements over trade and geopolitics.

In Beijing, Chalmers has discussed boosting economic ties with his Chinese hosts.

The Australian treasurer has been upbeat about prospects for the Chinese economy, despite its recent slowdown.

He told the Australian Broadcasting Corp. Monday that Canberra and Beijing can do more to boost trade.

"There could not have been a more important time for us to restart our strategic economic dialogue with China," he said. "The Chinese authorities announced some quite substantial steps when it comes to supporting growth in the Chinese economy."

Last week, China said it carried out a rare test launch of an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters, prompting anger in neighboring countries.

Defense officials in Beijing insisted the test firing that involved a dummy warhead was a "routine" part of its "annual training."

Chalmers said Friday that he had voiced his concerns about the launch to Chinese government officials.

Australia's shadow foreign affairs minister Simon Birmingham told local media that the Canberra government must continue to urge Beijing to show restraint.

The message of regional and global stability, and the role China can play by not undertaking aggressive military postures in the South China Sea, is important for the economy, Birmingham said.

Australia's center-left government has made the stabilization of ties with China a priority since it came to power in May 2022.

But it must balance its key commercial relationship with China with growing security ties with its traditional allies.

The Canberra government says the AUKUS nuclear-powered submarine pact is "on track" and will "endure for decades" after a meeting of Australian, American and British defense ministers in London last Thursday.

The 2021 trilateral accord is considered by analysts to be a response to China's growing assertiveness in the Indo-Pacific region. It will give Australia the technology and hardware to build, run and maintain nuclear-powered submarines.

Beijing has insisted the security pact undermines peace and stability.

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Exiled Belarus Opposition Hails Lithuanian Appeal To ICC On Lukashenka

By RFE/RL's Belarus Service September 30, 2024

Belarus's opposition in exile has welcomed Lithuania's plan to ask the International Criminal Court (ICC) to investigate alleged crimes against humanity by Aleksandr Lukashenka's regime, saying the process could bring international accountability and hope to Lukashenka's victims.

Lithuania's Justice Ministry announced on September 30 that it was referring the "situation in Belarus" to the ICC, listing a litany of alleged crimes against the population by the regime that include persecution, deportations, torture, and "other inhumane acts."

"We are grateful to the Lithuanian government for the principled decision and action," the United Transitional Cabinet, an exile opposition group formed in 2022 and led by former presidential challenger Svyatlana Tsikhanouskaya, said in a statement.

"For hundreds of thousands of victims, for all victims of repression, this gives hope. Hope for justice, hope that crimes will not go unpunished."

The ICC confirmed that it received Lithuania's referral and said it would "examine the request within" and to determine "if there is a reasonable basis to proceed with the opening of an investigation."

Tsikhanouskaya, who fled to Lithuania amid a brutal crackdown after the disputed 2020 presidential election claimed by Lukashenka, added, "The guilty should be brought to international responsibility, the repression should be stopped."

Lukashenka's forces jailed and intimidated the opposition and sympathizers and are thought to have jailed thousands of Belarusians amid the ongoing clampdown on dissent.

Western governments have refused to recognize Lukashenka's authority, and the former communist-era leader has increasingly relied on Russian President Vladimir Putin to keep his tight grip on power in his country of 9 million.

In its appeal to the ICC, Vilnius accuses Lukashenka's regime of a campaign that includes: "serious deprivation of fundamental rights; arbitrary detention, prosecution, and conviction; serious unlawful violence; unlawful killings; sexual violence; physical and mental harm; torture, inhuman and degrading treatment; intimidation and harassment; forced labour; and enforced disappearance among several others."

Lithuania has been a leader in the pursuit of international justice and accountability stemming from Russia's all-out invasion of Ukraine with Minsk's help, from the ICC to appeals to Eurjust and Kyiv's genocide case against Moscow before the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

A request by Vilnius in 2022 prompted the ICC to open proceedings over Russia and Belarus's aggression against Ukraine.

The ICC has since issued multiple warrants, including against Russian President Vladimir Putin and his commissioner for children's rights, as well as Russian military commanders and others.

Signatories to the ICC's founding treaty, the Rome Statute, are bound to detain suspects for whom the court has issued an arrest warrant if they set foot on their soil, but the court has no enforcement mechanism.

Rights groups have previously urged the ICC to investigate Belarus and Russia over the fate of Ukrainian children they say have been forcibly taken to Belarus during Russia's 31-month-old full-scale invasion and are being "reeducated" to turn against their homeland.

"Belarusian democratic forces call on the countries participating in the Rome Statute to support the efforts of the Lithuanian side and the common aspiration of all Belarusians -- to ensure justice for hundreds of thousands of victims and bring Lukashenka and his accomplices to justice for the crimes he committed and continues to commit," the United Transitional Cabinet said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/belarus-icc-lukashenka- lithuania-rights/33140724.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian's Regular Press Conference on September 30, 2024

Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the People's Republic of China

Updated: September 30, 2024 17:58

CCTV: Foreign Minister Wang Yi attended the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. Can you share more details with us?

Lin Jian: On September 28 local time, Member of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and Minister of Foreign Affairs Wang Yi attended the General Debate of the 79th Session of the United Nations General Assembly at the UN Headquarters in New York, and delivered a statement entitled "Building on Past Achievements and Forging Aheada Together Toward a Community with a Shared Future for Mankind."

Foreign Minister Wang Yi noted we are facing a changing and turbulent world and meanwhile, we are also embracing a world full of hope. The security of all countries is tied together, the development of all countries is deeply integrated, each civilization has its own strengths and countries should all enjoy sovereign equality. The United Nations embodies the aspirations of people across the world for lasting peace and common prosperity, and bears witness to the glorious journey of the international community coming together in pursuit of progress. The role of the UN should be strengthened, not weakened.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi elaborated on the significance of Chinese modernization to the world. He pointed out that the People's Republic of China will soon celebrate the 75th anniversary of its founding. Over the past 75 years, no matter how the world changes, China's dedication has not changed. It is dedicated to pursuing happiness for the Chinese people and the rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. It is also dedicated to human progress and world harmony. In the course of seeking its own development, China has kept in mind the common interests of the whole world, generating new opportunities for the world through its own development. The Third Plenum of the 20th CPC Central Committee made an important decision on further deepening reform comprehensively to advance Chinese modernization. It set in motion a new journey where China joins hands with the world in common development and progress. Chinese modernization will contribute robustly to world peace and stability, to the common development for all, to improving global governance, and to the advancement of human civilization. Every step in China's development is an increase in the force for peace. China does not only care about its own development. We are ready to develop hand in hand with all countries. China believes that different civilizations should respect and learn from one another, and jointly contribute to the progress of human civilization.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's proposal on improving global governance and noted that President Xi Jinping has put forth the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative in recent years. They carry China's wisdom for resolving various difficult issues confronting humanity, and bring impetus from China for improving global governance. China's proposal is to put development at the top of the global agenda, uphold the equity and openness of the international system, stay firmly committed to a path of green, low-carbon and sustainable development, and support the UN's role as the main channel for global AI governance. China maintains that all countries' right to independently choose their path of human rights development should be respected. No country should impose its own will on others.

Foreign Minister Wang Yi stated China's stance on the Taiwan question and stressed that Resolution 2758 once and for all resolved the issue of the representation of the whole of China, including Taiwan, in the UN, and made clear that there is no such thing as "two Chinas," or "one China, one Taiwan." On this matter of principle, there is no gray zone or room for ambiguity. Foreign Minister Wang Yi also made clear China's position on hotspot issues, including the Ukraine crisis, the question of Palestine, the issue of Afghanistan and the Korean Peninsula.

Nikkei: The new president of the Liberal Democratic Party of Japan Shigeru Ishiba mentioned the Shenzhen incident in an NHK program and expressed disapproval over Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson's comment that "Similar cases may happen in any country," saying that this should not be overlooked and that this incident will have an impact on Japan-China relations. What is your comment?

Lin Jian: Let me say again that we regret and are saddened by this tragic incident. It is an individual case and is under investigation in accordance with the law. We hope Japan can view the case in a calm and rational way. I want to stress again that the Chinese government never allows any illegal or violent activities, and China will as always protect the safety of all foreign nationals in China. We hope and believe individual cases will not affect the exchanges and cooperation between China and Japan.

Nikkei: In the same program, President Ishiba also mentioned the importance of interaction and communication between the leaders of Japan and China. What is your comment on this?

Lin Jian: China and Japan are close neighbors and important economies in Asia and the world who share extensive common interests and broad space for cooperation. China is open to dialogue and exchange with Japan at various levels. We hope Japan will work with us and play a constructive role to improve and develop our relations.

NHK: Shigeru Ishiba will take office as Japan's Prime Minister tomorrow and form his Cabinet. It's reported that he will probably choose trusted followers for foreign minister, defense minister, and other important positions. Media comments say that this shows he attaches importance to diplomatic and security safeguards, which is the first step to realizing an Asian NATO. What's your response to the personnel appointment in Ishiba's Cabinet? Second, Ishiba is expected to attend the leaders' meetings on East Asian cooperation in Laos next month. Is China willing to hold a meeting between the two leaders?

Lin Jian: On your first question, relevant personnel appointment is Japan's internal affairs. China has no comment on that. We hope that Japan will abide by the principles and common understandings reached in the four China-Japan political documents, have an objective and right perception of China, take a positive and rational China policy, take concrete efforts to comprehensively advance the strategic relationship of mutual benefit, and work with China to promote the sustained, sound and steady development of China-Japan relations.a

On your second question, I have no information to share.

China News Service: We noted that on the margins of the UN General Assembly, Foreign Minister Wang Yi announced visa-free policy to Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia. Could you share more details with us?

Lin Jian: To further promote cross-border travel, China decided to expand its visa waiver program and extend the visa-free policy to ordinary passport holders from Portugal, Greece, Cyprus and Slovenia on a trial basis. From October 15, 2024 to December 31, 2025, ordinary passport holders from these four countries can be exempted from visa to enter China and stay for no more than 15 days for business, tourism, family visit and transit purposes. In that spirit, we encourage relevant countries to offer more visa facilitation measures to Chinese nationals.

AFP: Taiwan's defense ministry said on Sunday that it was on heightened alert after detecting multiple waves of missile firing in Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang. Does China have a comment on this?

Lin Jian: TaiwanaisaaaprovinceaofaChinaaandathere is no such thing as "Taiwan's defense ministry." This is not a question about China's foreign affairs either.

Phoenix TV: The White House announced on its website the decision to provide around US$ 567 million military assistance to China's Taiwan region. What's China's comment?

Lin Jian: The US again provides weapons to China's Taiwan region, which seriously violates the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, especially the August 17 CommuniquA of 1982. The move is in fact emboldening Lai Ching-te and the DPP authorities as they cling to the stance of "Taiwan independence" and make deliberate provocations on the one-China principle. This once again shows that the separatist moves for "Taiwan independence" and connivance and support for such moves from US-led external forces are the biggest threat facing cross-Strait peace and stability and cause the greatest disruption to the real status quo in the Taiwan Strait. Let me be clear, "Taiwan independence" separatism is a dead end and what the US has done to assist the "Taiwan independence" attempt by arming Taiwan will only backfire.

We urge the US to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-US joint communiquAs, and stop arming Taiwan in any form. No matter how many weapons the US provides to the Taiwan region, it will never weaken our firm will in opposing "Taiwan independence," and safeguarding China's national sovereignty and territorial integrity.

*********************************************

During the National Day holiday, there will be no regular press conference from October 1 to 7. The press conference will resume on October 8. During the holiday, questions can be submitted to the Spokesperson's Office via fax, email or WeChat.a

Happy National Day Holiday!

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China steps up security, surveillance in Beijing for 75th anniversary

State security police follow rights lawyer as journalist's phones remain blocked.

By Chen Zifei for RFA Mandarin 2024.09.30 -- Authorities in the Chinese capital are stepping up security measures ahead of celebrations of the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China on Tuesday, slapping restrictions on who may enter the city, rights lawyers and activists told RFA Mandarin.

Police have been following rights activists and lawyers, detaining their family members, or preventing them from entering Beijing, while the phones of outspoken journalist Gao Yu remain blocked ahead of the National Day holiday, they said.

The moves form part of China's "stability maintenance" operations, which kick in ahead of politically sensitive dates or major events, in a bid to stave off potential threats to the ruling Chinese Communist Party before they can occur.

One of the first to be targeted was Li Wenzu, the activist wife of prominent rights attorney Wang Quanzhang, who was detained on entering Beijing in recent days, Wang told RFA in an interview on Monday.

"Li Wenzu got back to Beijing from out of town a few days ago, and was stopped by police at the railway station," Wang said. "They detained her in the police station on the pretext of checking her ID."

"This was because Oct. 1 is a major holiday," said Wang, in a reference to China's National Day, which marks the founding of the People's Republic of China by late supreme leader Mao Zedong on Oct. 1, 1949.

"She was detained for a few hours, before being picked up by officials from the local government [where we live]," he said. "Li Wenzu has been to Beijing dozens of times in the past and has never been stopped or had her ID checked."

"It shows that they've stepped up their so-called stability maintenance operations," Wang said.

Wang said he was also followed by state security police for 50 kilometers while driving away from Beijing on Sunday.

Independent political commentator Ji Feng, a former student leader of 1989 pro-democracy movement on Tiananmen Square, said he has been barred from entering Beijing.

"I'm currently in Yanjiao," Ji said, referring to a town just outside Beijing city limits in the northern province of Hebei. "Beijing is just across the river."

But Ji, who once lived in Beijing but was exiled to his hometown in southwestern Guizhou province in June 2023, has been warned off trying to cross the bridge by state security police.

"They straight up told me I can't enter Beijing, that no politically sensitive figures are allowed in during sensitive periods," he said.

"This year is the 75th Anniversary, which is a medium-importance milestone compared with the major milestones every 10 years," Ji said.

While a person familiar with the situation of the Tiananmen Mothers, who campaign for the victims of the 1989 Tiananmen massacre, said they haven't been forced to leave the city, the authorities have stepped up monitoring of key activists who already live in the city.

State security police are on high alert, and one activist told RFA Mandarin they have left the city of their own accord to avoid unwanted surveillance, and plan to return after the National Day celebrations are over.

Communication blocked

Meanwhile, a friend of independent political journalist Gao Yu, who has been incommunicado since last month, said police have succeeded in blocking all of her attempts at making phone calls or going online in recent weeks.

"A well-wisher recently gave Gao Yu a sim card, but when she inserted it into her phone and went to make the first call, the phone was blocked again," Gao's friend told Radio Free Asia on Monday. "Gao Yu can't even make a phone call."

"She needs to use the phone to make an appointment with her doctor," they said.

Rights activists in Wuhan, Shanghai, Changsha and other parts of China have told RFA Mandarin that they have also been told by local authorities not to go anywhere during the National Day celebrations, and that they will be under close surveillance during the holiday period.

But a shortage of money means that fewer activists are being taken on supervised, out-of-town "vacations" than in previous years, one activist said.

Instead, the authorities are stepping up surveillance of people in their own homes to save time and money, they said.

Translated by Luisetta Mudie. 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.

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North Korea denounces Ukraine's Zelensky for calling it Russia's 'accomplice'

North Korean leader's sister said US military aid worth US$8 billion to Ukraine is an 'incredible mistake.'

By Taejun Kang for RFA 2024.09.29 -- Kim Yo Jong, the powerful sister of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, denounced Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky for accusing North Korea of providing weapons to Russia.

Zelensky told the U.N. Security Council on Tuesday that "Russia has no legitimate reason - none at all - for making Iran and North Korea de facto accomplices in its criminal war."

Both North Korea and Iran have been widely accused by Western intelligence of providing weapons to Russia, with Iran recently said to have sent short-range missiles. Pyongyang has denied the accusation.

In response to Zelensky's remarks, Kim Yo Jong said she was issuing a "stern warning" against his "reckless political provocation."

"The absurdity of accusing our country of being an 'accomplice' to the war in Ukraine, where the evil Zelensky gang is slaughtering innocent Russians, using junk weapons supplied by the U.S. and the West, is a reckless political provocation that cannot be justified by anything," Kim Yo Jong said, cited by state-run Korean Central New Agency on Sunday.

"The world is beginning to grow bored with Zelensky's penny-pinching tricks. I don't know how much more can be done with pity and sympathy, but for the sake of the world's peace and stability, it would be better for him to step down in time before it's too late," she added.

Kim Yo Jong also said that the U.S. and the West, which provided weapons and ammunition to Ukraine, should be given the status of special accomplices.

Since Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February 2022, it has been deepening its relationship with North Korea. In exchange for weapons, analysts and Western officials suspect North Korea is receiving Russian technological aid for its space program.

U.S. military aid to Ukraine

Separately, Kim Yo Jong described U.S. military aid worth nearly US$8 billion to Ukraine as an "incredible mistake," and said the U.S. was playing with fire against nuclear superpower Russia.

U.S. President Joe Biden announced military assistance for Ukraine on Thursday, including the first shipment of a precision-guided glide bomb called the Joint Standoff Weapon.

The aid will provide Ukraine with additional air defense, unmanned aerial systems and air-to-ground munitions, as well as strengthening its defense industrial base and supporting its maintenance and sustainment requirements, Biden said.

He added that the U.S. Defense Department would also refurbish and provide Ukraine with an additional Patriot air defense battery and more Patriot missiles.

"I strongly condemn the U.S. deliberate escalation of the situation in Ukraine by providing Ukraine with astronomical amounts of arms and equipment to prolong and escalate the conflict and plunge the entire European region into nuclear war," Kim Yo Jong said.

"Supporting Ukraine in any further adventurous military action is a dangerous gamble and an irresponsible move that will leave countless lives in limbo, with little hope of avoiding catastrophe," she 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.

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Chinese National and DPRK Facilitator Extradited to the United States; Faces Charges of Conspiracy, Bank Fraud, and Violating North Korea Sanctions

Monday, September 30, 2024

For Immediate Release

Office of Public Affairs

On Sept. 27, the Commonwealth of Australia extradited Jin Guanghua, 53, to the United States. Jin, a Chinese national, and his co-conspirators North Korean banker, Sim Hyon-Sop, 50, and Chinese nationals Qin Guoming, 60, and Han Linlin, 41, both of Liaoning Province, were all charged by indictment in 2022 in connection with a multi-year scheme to facilitate the sale of tobacco to North Korea through the U.S. financial system in violation of the sanctions imposed on North Korea. Jin made his initial appearance in the District of Columbia today.

Between 2009 and 2019, the defendants engaged in a scheme to purchase leaf tobacco for North Korean-owned entities and used front companies and false documentation to cause U.S. financial institutions to process at least 310 transactions worth approximately $74 million that the financial institutions otherwise would have frozen, blocked, investigated, or declined, had they known that the transactions involved trade with North Korea. The transactions resulted in an estimated nearly $700 million in revenue for North Korean entities, and ultimately, for the government of North Korea. The defendants are charged by indictment with conspiracy to commit bank fraud, conspiracy to violate and violations of International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) and the North Korean sanctions regulations, and conspiracy to launder monetary instruments and laundering monetary instruments.

Jin was residing in Australia and was attempting to depart the country for China at the time of his arrest by Australian authorities on March 23, 2023. The arrest followed a request by the United States for Jin's provisional arrest with a view toward extradition.

This case is part of a larger Justice Department response to the ongoing efforts of North Korea to evade sanctions and use the U.S. financial system to engage in illicit trafficking of tobacco products. As alleged in the indictment, trafficking in tobacco products generates revenue for advancing North Korea's Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD) programs. North Korea has been developing nuclear weapons since at least 2006 and financed these activities through illicit trade, including trafficking of tobacco and counterfeit cigarettes, which North Korea has engaged in since at least 1992. North Korea's counterfeit cigarette production capacity is estimated to exceed two billion packs a year. Counterfeit cigarettes are a major source of income to the North Korean regime and may be the single most lucrative item in the North Korean portfolio, as smuggled tobacco is estimated to garner revenue as much as $20 on every $1 spent in cost. North Korean tobacco sales are alleged to flow back to the North Korean government, including to slush funds designed to sustain the loyalty of a core of party elite and to underwrite weapons development programs.

If convicted, the defendant faces a maximum penalty of 30 years in prison for bank fraud, 20 years in prison for violating IEEPA, and 20 years in prison for committing money laundering. A federal district court judge will determine any sentence after considering the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines and other statutory factors.

Assistant Attorney General Matthew G. Olsen of the Justice Department's National Security Division, U.S. Attorney Matthew M. Graves for the District of Columbia, and Executive Assistant Director Robert Wells of the FBI's National Security Branch made the announcement.

The FBI Phoenix Field Office and HSI Colorado Springs and investigating the case. Valuable assistance was provided by the Australian Attorney-General's Department, the Australian Federal Police, and the Justice Department's Office of International Affairs.

Assistant U.S. Attorneys Karen P. Seifert, David Recker, and Steven Wasserman for the District of Columbia and Trial Attorney Emma Ellenrieder of the National Security Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section are prosecuting the case with assistance from Paralegal Specialists Brian Rickers and Jorge Casillas.

An indictment is merely an allegation. All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in a court of law.

Topic: National Security

Components: Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

National Security Division (NSD)

USAO - District of Columbia

Press Release Number: 24-1229

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INTERVIEW: Former 'Office 39' official on how North Korea finances nukes

'Nowadays, no one believes that having nuclear weapons will lead to a better life,' Ri Jong Ho says.

By Noh Jung Min for RFA Korean 2024.09.30 -- Ri Jong Ho was a senior economic official who served under all three generations of North Korea's Kim Dynasty. In his most recent post, he was stationed in China to lead a trading corporation under the control of Office 39, a clandestine group formed in the 1970s to manage slush funds for the North Korean leadership.

But in 2014, shortly after the current leader Kim Jong Un began purging his political rivals, including his own uncle Jang Song Thaek, Ri decided to defect to South Korea, taking his family with him. After two years there, they moved to the United States and currently reside in Virginia.

Ri is now a contributor to a weekly radio program for RFA Korean. In an interview with RFA Korean's Noh Jung Min, he revealed some of the inner workings of Office 39, including how the organization is able to get around international sanctions aimed at depriving Pyongyang of cash and resources that could be funneled into its nuclear and missile programs. The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

RFA: Mr. Ri, You were a high-ranking official in North Korea. Could you briefly tell us what you did in North Korea and why you left?

Ri: Yes, I worked in North Korea's central agency for about 30 years. In the meantime, I founded the Daehung Shipping Company and served as the president of the company. I also served as director of trade management of the Daehung General Bureau, North Korea's largest trade agency. For this, I received the Hero of Labor award.

Then, in 2013 and 2014, my thoughts changed 180 degrees as I witnessed the horrific barbarities committed by the young dictator Kim Jong Un, who took power and brutally executed his uncle, Jang Song Thaek, and hundreds of other senior officials. At that time, Pyongyang turned into a city of bloody fear. I had to witness the brutal execution of my close colleagues. North Korea was no longer a safe land for me, and my patriotism turned into hatred. I decided that this oppressive system must be changed, so in October 2014, I went into asylum with my family.

RFA: North Korea's state-run media revealed a uranium enrichment facility for the first time on Sept. 13. Then a short-range ballistic missile was launched on Sept. 18. North Korea's development of nuclear missiles and provocations continue despite the international community's sanctions against it. Now that the pandemic is over, the government's ability to generate foreign currency income is not the same as before, so I am curious about where the funds for nuclear development are coming from.

Ri: The strong sanctions against North Korea by the United Nations and the United States are believed to have effectively blocked North Korea's major exports such as coal, minerals and textile products. However, China and Russia did not properly implement sanctions against North Korea regarding the income earned by approximately 100,000 workers and thousands of IT technicians dispatched overseas.

The uranium enrichment facility was completed in the early 2000s by (Kim Jong Un's father and predecessor) Kim Jong Il, who received support from the South Korean government and invested that support intensively by importing centrifuges and other special equipment. At that time, North Korea also imported a lot of cutting-edge computer systems. I know this because my colleagues at that time worked on importing them.

In October 2002, North Korea disclosed the operation of the uranium enrichment program during a visit by James A. Kelly, assistant U.S. secretary of state for East Asian and Pacific Affairs. I believe the facility has been in operation since then. Since North Korea was not subject to strong sanctions until 2016, it steadily strengthened the material and technological foundation of its nuclear missile production base since the Kim Jong Il era up until then. In other words, I believe that the uranium enrichment facility did not suddenly appear but was completed beforehand.

RFA: Renovation is still going on at the sites of these nuclear facilities, and an astronomical amount of money continues to be spent to maintain them and manufacture and launch missiles. Is there a department responsible for this cost? How do they raise funds?

Ri: No specific department in Office 39 is responsible for costs. Many organizations are mobilized to make money, and the money is collected in the finance department of Office 39. Then, Kim Jong Un can spend it as he pleases. The Kim Jong Un regime secures funds through domestic resource development, including gold production.

Also, the net profit earned by the 100,000 workers overseas and the thousands of IT technicians is estimated to be about US$300 million every year. I know this well because I have been calculating how much the overseas workers earn each month and how much the country collected during the time I was in North Korea.

Most of this money is deposited into Kim Jong Un's revolutionary fund and is used by him to develop nuclear missiles or to purchase luxury goods. Also, it is used to provide a luxurious lifestyle for him and his family. There are rumors that the country is strengthening its nuclear force with the money it earned through selling weapons to Russia.

RFA: Could you be more specific about the breakdown to get to the $300 million figure?

Ri: The monthly salary of workers dispatched to China is around 2,000 to 2,500 Chinese yuan. That is about $300. $200 of that is paid to the government and the remaining $100 is paid to workers. However, managers sometimes give the workers less. So that would come out to $240 to $250 million. There are about 2,000 to 3,000 IT engineers working in China and Russia. They reportedly earn between $50 to 100 million every year. I think this number is relatively accurate. American experts even told me the numbers were probably correct. The person who oversees all this is Jo Yong Won, secretary for organizational affairs. He is close to Kim Jong Un.

RFA: After sanctions against North Korea and the coronavirus pandemic, North Korea's foreign currency earnings are way down. Circumstances have been detected in which North Korea is committing various illegal acts to raise funds. For example, through cyber hacking. Are there many concerns within North Korea about raising funds like this?

Ri: North Korea has always made detours when faced with sanctions. When the international community comes up with a policy toward North Korea, North Korea comes up with a plan. Since 2017, when Kim Jong Un's money flow was blocked due to sanctions, he (ordered) cyber hacking crimes targeting the international financial system and cryptocurrency exchanges, stealing hundreds of millions of dollars every year. This is an important source of funds for the Kim Jong Un regime, which goes into its nuclear and missile programs.

North Korea's hacker group is a state-level criminal force that targets financial networks and cryptocurrency exchanges around the world like a pirate group under the direct instruction of Kim Jong Un. They hack the financial system using professional and meticulous tactics and steal large amounts of funds. The anonymity of cryptocurrencies is being used to launder and move funds around global financial watchdogs. I think we need a strong response to this and the sanctions against the Kim Jong Un regime should be increased further.

RFA: Do you think the international community's sanctions against North Korea are effective?

Ri: There were reports that the Mercedes-Benz Maybach luxury car used by Kim Jong Un was imported into North Korea despite sanctions. This leads some to question their effectiveness. Electronic equipment used in missiles and parts for mobile missile launch vehicles are also smuggled into North Korea. I believe this is because China has relaxed (enforcement of) sanctions.

Luxury goods can be transported ship-to-ship at sea, as they move in a few containers. I've seen this before. Unless the Chinese customs authorities monitor closely, it is difficult to crack down on it. Nevertheless, the effects of sanctions cannot be ignored. They cause difficulties for North Korea and isolate it internationally.

The effect of the UN sanctions announced against North Korea in 2017 was enormous. It included a complete ban on North Korea's major exports of coal, minerals, marine products and textiles, and a ban on joint ventures with North Korea. These sanctions are still strong. I looked at the data, North Korea's exports amount in 2013 was $4.1 billion, but the export amount in 2023 was only $290 million.

As the coronavirus broke out, the order for all U.N. member states to repatriate North Korean workers to their home country was not carried out well. Many of these people remain abroad even five years later, and I believe this is becoming a major source of income flowing into Kim Jong Un's slush fund.

RFA: We often hear from our sources in North Korea that residents express their dissatisfaction, with resources being diverted to the nuclear program. They say things like, 'Wouldn't it be great if the money used to develop nuclear missiles was used to buy food?' Are the high-ranking officials aware of these complaints from residents?

Ri: Of course. Wouldn't it be great if the money used for nuclear development were used to purchase food for North Korean residents? Regarding nuclear development, North Korean officials also had a strong opinion that economic development should be a priority, with the second nuclear test in 2009.

Jang Song Thaek also opposed the third nuclear test in 2012 and said, "Let's focus on the economy," then he fell out with Kim Jong Un. In 2014, an official stationed overseas expressed dissatisfaction, saying 'Food does not come from nuclear weapons, so why are we subjecting ourselves to sanctions by conducting nuclear tests and not developing the economy?' This is the feeling of most North Korean officials.

In 2014, a Cabinet official complained to me, saying, "If the money spent on national defense were used to import fertilizers, we wouldn't have to worry about farming." As he said, I believe that if Kim Jong Un had used the money spent on building up nuclear weapons for purchasing food and fertilizer, the North Korean people would be free from hunger and suffering.

In 2013, when Kim Jong Un was in the early days of taking power, he said, "If we have nuclear weapons, we can protect peace, the prosperity of the country, and the happy lives of the people."

However, the more that North Korea's nuclear capabilities increased, the more severe that sanctions against the country became. The deepening international isolation caused the economy to collapse and the lives of the people to become even more difficult. Even now, there are many people dying of starvation in North Korea, just like during the (1990s famine). Nowadays, no one believes that having nuclear weapons will lead to a better life. The people are being sacrificed for Kim Jong Un's personal maintenance of power and stability.

Translated by Claire S. Lee and Leejin J. Chung. Edited by Eugene Whong.

Copyright 1998-2016, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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Respected Comrade Kim Jong Un Sends Greetings to General Secretary of C.C., CPC

Korean Central News Agency of DPRK

Pyongyang, October 1 (KCNA) -- Kim Jong Un , general secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea and president of the State Affairs of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, sent a message of greeting to Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China (CPC) and president of the People's Republic of China (PRC), on October 1.

The message said:

General Secretary,

I extend warm congratulations to General Secretary and, through you, to the CPC, the government of the PRC and all the Chinese people on behalf of the Workers' Party of Korea, the government of the DPRK and the Korean people, on the occasion of the 75th founding anniversary of the PRC.

Over the past 75 years since the founding of the new China, the Chinese people have actively pushed ahead with the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics, overcoming all trials and challenges of history under the leadership of the CPC, and the overall national power and international prestige of the PRC are growing stronger day by day.

In particular, great successes are being made in the course of advance to thoroughly implement the spirit of the 20th Congress of the CPC and build a modern socialist country comprehensively.

We are convinced that the Chinese people will achieve the second century target without fail, firmly united around the CPC with General Secretary as its core.

It is the consistent stand of our Party and the government of the Republic to steadily consolidate and develop the traditional DPRK-China friendship.

I believe that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will grow stronger in conformity with the requirements of the new era and the aspirations and desire of the peoples of the two countries.

I wish the PRC prosperity and the Chinese people happiness. -0-

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CONTRACT SIGNING OF ARMY iDEX PROJECT

India - Press Information Bureau

Ministry of Defence

'QUANTUM KEY DISTRIBUTION (QKD) TECHNOLOGY'

Posted On: 30 SEP 2024 6:57PM by PIB Delhi

Continuing with the commitment towards the Atmanirbhar initiative, Indian Army has signed the eighth procurement contract through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX) today. The contract for procurement of 'Generation of Quantum Secure Key (Quantum Key Distribution)' with M/s QuNu Labs was signed, in the presence of Lt Gen NC Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of The Army Staff at South Block, New Delhi. QuNu Labs had proposed a 200 km single hop Quantum Key Distribution in Open Challenge 2.0 under iDEX. It will replace the algorithm-based encryption systems thus enabling greater security as also optimising manpower commitment.

iDEX was launched by Hon'ble PM on 12 April 2018 during Defence Expo India 2018. The aim of iDEX is to create an eco-system to foster innovations and encourage technological development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Research & Development (R&D) Institutes, Academia, Industries including MSMEs, Start-Ups, individual innovators and provide them grants/ funding and other support to carry out R&D which has good potential for future adoption by Indian Defence and Aerospace Organisation. iDEX under Defence Innovation Organisation has emerged as a front-runner in establishing the right kind of contact with the Startups and Innovators and has gained substantial traction in the Defence Startup Community.

At present there are total of 74 Projects of IA under iDEX included as part of Acing Devp of Innovation Tech with iDEX (ADITI), Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) & Open Challenge schemes which involve handholding of 77 Startups for development of latest state of art solutions for the Indian Army. Indian Army is already carrying out field exploitation of the four delivered equipment from various iDEX schemes. Based on the results of the field exploitation further Spiral Development of the innovative technology will be progressed with the Startups.

****

SC



(Release ID: 2060379)

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President Pezeshkian: Iran will stand against cruelty and crime with strength

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian underlined that if the arrogant powers think that with the assassination of the generals and fighters of the resistance, the war against cruelty, aggression and crime will remain on the ground, they are totally wrong and "we will stand against cruelty and crime with strength and we are sure that our brothers and all the Muslims and free people of the world do not remain silent in the face of oppression".

During his presence at the office of the Hezbollah movement in Tehran and on the sidelines of paying tribute to martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah and other martyrs of this movement, President Pezeshkian made the remarks in a short interview with Al-Manar TV channel.

"Shame and curse should be sent to all the false claimants of supporting human rights, freedom and democracy, who have changed the place of oppressors and oppressors today," he said.

The president stated that today the arrogant system has changed the meaning and usage of words with the help of its media empire, and added, "The arrogant call terrorists and murderers saviors, and people who support humanity and the oppressed as terrorists."

Referring to the fact that certainly not only in Iran, but also in the whole world free people are seeking to establish truth and justice following the master of the free people of the world, he clarified, "Our words with arrogant people are the same words of Imam Hossein (AS) who said if you don't have a religion, at least be free and fight in the men's field, not to kill women, children, old and young, and bomb schools, hospitals, and shelters with the help of technology and bombing."

"If the arrogant think that with the assassination of the generals and fighters of the resistance, the science of fighting oppression, aggression and crime will remain on the ground, they are very wrong and we will stand against oppression and crime with strength and we are sure that our brothers and all Muslims and the free people of the world do not rest in the face of oppression," he added.

At the end, President Pezeshkian requested the Almighty God to bless the soul of Martyr Nasrallah with all the martyrs of the fight against oppression and injustice.

2050

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Zionist enemy should worry about its future ahead: Iran FM

IRNA - Islamic Republic News Agency

Sep 30, 2024

Tehran, IRNA -- Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi considered the US to be a definite accomplice in the crimes of the Zionist regime, and said that in the future, "we will see that more young people will join the resistance with greater strength, and the Zionist enemies will not be happy that they have struck a blow, but rather the have to be worried about the future that awaits them".

After meeting with the representative of Lebanon's Hezbollah in Tehran, Araghchi said that "I have come to Mr. Safiuddin to offer my condolences as the Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Of course, I offer my condolences first to the Iranian people and then to the people of Lebanon and my friends in Lebanon's Hezbollah."

"We offer our condolences for the loss of the great leader of the resistance, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, but we believe that the blood of Martyr Nasrallah will be even more effective than the presence of this martyr. Our enemies are unaware that our main weapon is the blood of martyrs," he added.

He pointed out that other tools are worldly tools, but what has brought us and Shia to greatness throughout history is the blood of martyrs, which starts with the blood of third Shia Imam Hussein (AS) and continues until the blood of Martyr Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. "This is not the first time that the leader of Hezbollah is assassinated and martyred by the Zionist regime."

He continued that know what the blood of Martyr Sayyed Abbas Mousavi has done with Lebanon's Hezbollah so far, how much bigger, stronger and more popular Hezbollah has become, and "I am sure that the blood of Martyr Nasrallah will do more than this".

The Iranian foreign minister said that in the future, "We will see that more young people will join the resistance with greater strength, and the Zionist enemies will not be happy that they have struck a blow, but they will be worried about the future that awaits them. The future belongs to resistance."

He stressed that Iran is still the defender of the resistance and will continue on this path and the final victory will be near.

"After the publication of the news of the Zionist regime's attack on Beirut, I immediately appeared in the UN Security Council, which was meeting due to issues related to Gaza, and gave a speech and demanded immediate action by the Security Council, although with the presence of the United States as the biggest supporter of the Zionist regime, it is not up to this council, but we wanted the action of the UN Security Council anyway. "After the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, the Islamic Republic of Iran again requested that another emergency meeting be held in the UN Security Council, and the consultations are continuing in this regard."

Araghchi added that "I spoke to the UN Secretary General and complained that there is no hope for the Security Council, but this does not relieve your Excellency's responsibility as the UN Secretary General, and you must deal with this crime as the voice of the international community".

"I had an urgent meeting with the Secretary General of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation in New York and requested that an emergency meeting of the Organization of Islamic Countries be held at the highest level, and he also promised to discuss and consult with the member countries in this regard. We are contacting Islamic countries to organize this summit," he added.

Araghchi continued that on the other hand, "we started our efforts to provide relief to those Lebanese people who have been displaced by these crises".

He pointed out that the international mobilization for this work has been done, the World Red Cross and Iran's Red Crescent arrived and are collecting the necessary facilities, and of course, many facilities are needed.

"Everyone should help, the international community and neighboring countries should also do their duty, and we are organizing these supports," he added.

Regarding his trip to New York and attending the UN General Assembly, he said: "In New York, I had a very good meeting with the foreign ministers of Lebanon, Egypt, and Russia. The confrontation that the Zionist regime has shown and the support that the United States gives to this regime has set it in motion."

Araghchi pointed out that unfortunately, these supports exist and the weapons used by the Zionist regime are mostly American, and they definitely cannot use these weapons without the permission of the United States, and the United States is a definite partner in the crimes committed by the Zionist regime.

"The US is a definite partner in the crimes committed by the Zionist regime," he added.

2050

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Secretary Blinken's Meeting with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hussein

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 30, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken met with Iraqi Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs Dr. Fuad Hussein today in Washington D.C. On the occasion of the D-ISIS Ministerial, Secretary Blinken underscored the sustained U.S. commitment to defeating ISIS around the world to ensure greater security and stability. The two leaders discussed the importance of sustaining diplomatic efforts to prevent the escalation of conflicts in the region. The Secretary and Deputy Prime Minister/Foreign Minister reaffirmed the shared vision to building an enduring partnership between the United States and Iraq in accordance with Strategic Framework Agreement, including a comprehensive security relationship that supports a stable, secure, and sovereign Iraq.

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Myanmar guerrillas attack junta military headquarters in Mandalay

Activist group said its members fired rockets at the headquarters in heart of Myanmar's second-biggest city

By RFA Burmese 2024.09.30 -- Pro-democracy insurgents battling Myanmar's junta fired rockets at the military headquarters in the city of Mandalay, the group said on Monday, the latest in a series of strikes at the heart of the military's command structure.

There was no immediate confirmation from the junta of the attack on the Central Military Headquarters in Myanmar's second-biggest city early on Sunday, which an activist group called Brave Warriors for Myanmar, or BWM, said its members carried out with 107 mm rockets.

"Two of the rockets hit a building where junta troops who are about to attack in northern Shan state are staying," a member of the group who declined to be identified for safety reasons told Radio Free Asia.

He said some troops were believed to have been wounded in the attack but the extent of casualties and damage were being investigated. Those who carried out the attack escaped, he said.

RFA tried to contact the junta spokesman for Mandalay region, Thein Htay, by telephone to ask about the reported attack but he did not answer calls.

The headquarters is in the heart of Mandalay, on the site of what used to be the walled palace of Myanmar's kings who were deposed by British colonialists in the 19th century. The place was largely destroyed during World War II but the site is of symbolic importance for the nation.

A resident of the area, which is known as Aungmyaethazan township, said he heard loud explosions early on Sunday.

"I heard three or four blasts at around 2.28 a.m. on Sunday morning, they were quite loud, from a big weapon, I think," the resident, who declined to be identified for safety reasons, told RFA.

Myanmar's military has been facing setbacks in fighting in several parts of the country over the past year, at the hands of its old ethnic minority insurgent enemies and new pro-democracy People's Defense Forces, or PDFs, set up by activists largely from the majority Burman community, who took up arms after the generals overthrew an elected government in early 2021.

Despite the setbacks, which have included the loss of a regional command headquarters in Shan state, northeast of Mandalay, and of a naval base in Rakhine state in the west, the military remains in control of major cities and can unleash devastating strikes with its air force.

PDF fighters have launched several rocket attacks on military bases and junta leaders in the capital Naypyidaw as well as in the main city of Yangon. The junta has condemned what it calls "terrorist" attacks and arrested several groups of plotters.

The BWM member said his group and an allied faction called the Shadow Mandalay Group had attacked the Mandalay base twice before, on Dec. 21, 2023, and on Sept. 3 this year.

The BWM also helped plan a rocket attack on an air base in Naypyidaw in July, the group members said.

PDF insurgents and their ethnic minority force allies have also captured a growing number of towns in the Mandalay region including Mogoke, Thabeikkyin, Singu and Tagaung.

Anti-junta forces are also threatening Pyin Oo Lwin, a hill town 64 kilometers (40 miles) east of Mandalay that is home to the military's Defense Services Academy.

Edited by Mike Firn

Copyright 1998-2024, RFA. Used with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. For any commercial use of RFA content please send an email to: mahajanr@rfa.org. RFA content September not be used in a manner which would give the appearance of any endorsement of any product or support of any issue or political position. Please read the full text of our Terms of Use.

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U.S. Must Prepare For 'Long-Term' Confrontation With Russia, Commission Says

By RFE/RL September 30, 2024

WASHINGTON -- The United States must prepare for a "long-term" confrontation with Russia that won't end when authoritarian President Vladimir Putin departs from the political scene, according to a new report by a bipartisan commission.

Ukraine's defeat of Russia on the battlefield is critical to winning that confrontation, and Washington should do all it can to ensure Kyiv is victorious, the U.S. Helsinki Commission stated in its September 30 report.

The commission, which was set up in 1975 to monitor human rights in the Soviet bloc, is composed of 18 lawmakers evenly split between the House of Representatives and Senate as well as three representatives of the executive branch.

"There will be no hope for a peaceful and stable Russia while it remains engaged in war and occupation of its neighbors," the commission said in the report.

"Ukraine defeating the Russian invaders is a necessary, but not sufficient, step towards not only forcing Russia into significant reflection and reform, but also towards uprooting Russian influence and countering Russian aggression more broadly."

The commission's report comes as the future of U.S. military support for Kyiv in its nearly three-year defensive war against Russia is uncertain with a wing of the Republican party, led by presidential candidate Donald Trump, questioning the significant financial commitment.

Congress has allocated $175 billion to support Ukraine since Russia invaded in February 2022, with the majority of the funding spent at home for weapons production and other goods and services. Ukraine would need another large U.S. aid package early next year if it hopes to drive Russian forces from its territory.

Trump, who claims to have a good relationship with Putin, has said he will quickly negotiate an end to the war if elected president. With Russia controlling nearly 20 percent of Ukrainian territory, any deal now would likely force Kyiv to make territorial concessions. And without a U.S. or NATO security guarantee, there would be no assurance that Putin wouldn't invade again.

Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic candidate, backs aid to Ukraine but it is unclear how much further she is willing to go than her current boss, President Joe Biden. His administration has been criticized by Ukrainian supporters for slow-rolling military aid to Kyiv, giving it enough to survive but not enough to win.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy traveled to the White House last week to present his "victory plan" to Biden and request permission to strike military targets deep inside Russia with U.S. missiles. The White House did not announce any change in policy following the meeting.

The bipartisan report, led by Helsinki Commission Chairman Joe Wilson (Republican-South Carolina), can be seen as an exhortation for whichever party wins the presidency and controls the House of Representatives and Senate next year to continue aid.

Wilson is among those Republicans, including Senators Jim Risch of Idaho and Mitch McConnell of Kentucky, who are ardent Ukraine supporters.

Putin, who has been Russia's preeminent leader for nearly a quarter century, has tried to justify his invasion by claiming that Ukraine has historically belonged to Russia. At the same time, he is attempting to rebuild the Kremlin's sphere of influence in the former Soviet space. He has installed people in power in Russia that share his view to ensure his policies continue beyond his time in office.

"Until Russia can reckon with its imperial history and present, cease using repression and corruption as tools of power, and build governing institutions that are grounded in respect for democracy, human rights, and the rule of law, Russia cannot be a responsible international actor. We need to be prepared to contest Russia for the long term," the Helsinki report said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/russia-ukraine-biden-trump- harris-helsinki-mcconnell/33141029.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Navalny May Have Been Poisoned To Death In Prison, Investigative Group Says

By RFE/RL's Russian Service September 30, 2024

Russian opposition politician and outspoken Kremlin critic Aleksei Navalny, who died in prison in February, might have been poisoned, the Insider investigative group said, citing official documents that appear to have been edited to conform with the state's contention he died from cardiac issues.

According to a report by the Insider, published on September 29, the group obtained two variants of official documents on the decision not to launch a probe into Navalny's death in February in the remote Polar Wolf prison in the Arctic district of Yamalo-Nenets where he was serving a lengthy sentence on what he and his supporters said were politically motivated charges.

Both documents were issued on July 26, 2024, and the text in one, the Insider said, appears to have been amended and now complies with the official explanation for the anti-corruption crusader's death.

Navalny's widow, Yulia Navalnaya, has said that her husband "in the last minutes of his life, complained of having a sharp pain in his stomach," while Navalny's associates have said he was killed in prison most likely on the Kremlin's command, which the Kremlin has vehemently denied.

One of the documents -- most likely to have been initially issued according to the Insider -- says that on February 16 Navalny "started complaining about sharp pains in his abdomen area, an impulsive rejection of his stomach's contents started, he began having convulsions and lost consciousness."

A second, apparently edited document, does not list the symptoms described in the initial document.

The official autopsy report said that hypertension and other diseases caused a heartbeat disorder which led to Navalny's death.

"The official cause of death -- heart rhythm disturbance -- would not explain the symptoms we see in the (first) report: sharp abdominal pain, vomiting and convulsions. It is unlikely that such symptoms can be explained by anything other than poisoning," according to resuscitation specialist Aleksandr Polupan, who treated Navalny in an Omsk hospital after he was poisoned with a Novichok-style nerve agent in 2020.

"The short time interval between the abdominal pain and convulsions suggests that it could have been, for example, an organophosphorus substance (a class of substances that Novichok belongs to), but only if it was applied internally, not topically," he added, which other doctors from various medical specialties interviewed by The Insider agreed with.

In 2020, Navalny was poisoned with a Novichok-like nerve agent but survived after he was airlifted to Germany and treated there. Navalny accused President Vladimir Putin of ordering his poisoning then, but the Kremlin has denied that.

The Insider did not specify how and from whom its journalists had obtained the documents.

Russian officials have yet to comment on the report.

After Navalny's death, officials refused to hand the body over to his mother for more than a week, prompting accusations from his supporters that officials were trying to hide evidence of his murder.

Controversy has continued to swirl with Navalny's former associate Ivan Zhdanov saying on September 3 that the refusal by the prosecutor's office in the Yamalo-Nenets Autonomous District to launch a probe into Navalny's death was illegal.

The district's authorities said at the time of death that a probe had been launched, though there was never a report and no findings were released.

The Insider said "other facts" also support the use of a toxic substance in Navalny's death.

"The authorities did not release the body for a long time and did not allow an alternative examination of the biomaterials. However, only now has the fact of poisoning been documented," it said.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/aleksei-navalny-death-prison- insider-report-poisoning-probe/33140565.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Syrian Minister denounces Israel for its 'seven-decade-long criminal record'

30 September 2024 - The Minister of Foreign Affairs of Syria, Bassam Sabbagh, on Monday said the world was at a critical juncture, marked by widespread conflict, economic hardship and environmental degradation.

All of these, he told the UN General Assembly, are exacerbated by failures of multilateral diplomacy and the failure of the United Nations to achieve its founding objectives.

"While we previously sought to promote preventive diplomacy and the peaceful settlement of disputes, we are witnessing today more direct wars and proxy wars waged using terrorist tools," he said.

"Instead of investing efforts and resources in achieving sustainable development for all, some are flagrantly draining the resources of other countries, stealing from their people, and imposing unilateral coercive measures that impoverish and destroy nations."

Stating that Syria has experienced unparalleled suffering for over a decade, he alleged that billions of dollars were spent to erode its development progress, undermine security and stability, spread chaos, and fuel displacement.

"All that has happened has revealed the true intentions of the collective West, which completely contradict the principles and purposes that formed the pillars of foundation and function of this Organization," he said.

The Syrian Minister also condemned Israel for its ongoing occupation of Arab territories since 1967, as well as what he described as its "genocide, war crimes and crimes against humanity". He added that by its actions since 7 October last year, Israel added "another chapter to its seven-decade-long criminal record."

"[Syria] strongly condemns the Israeli aggression against the Palestinian people and renew its solidarity with its legitimate struggle to liberate their occupied land and establish their independent state on their entire national territory, with Jerusalem as its capital, while ensuring the right of Palestinian refugees to return to their homeland in line with international law and relevant UN resolutions," he said.

He also denounced Israel's "heinous crimes" against his country's people in the occupied Syrian Golan, as well as its "unprecedented crime" against Lebanon.

"We stress the need to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it is committing, including the deliberate targeting of more than 200 personnel working for UNRWA [the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees] and other UN and humanitarian agencies."

Minister Sabbagh reiterated Syria's demand for full restoration of the occupied Golan Heights and called for an end to unilateral sanctions imposed by Western countries on Syria and its allies.

In closing, he urged all nations to "summon the courage and make the right choice" to guarantee a better present and better future for the current and future generations, and to save humanity from the scourge of all-out wars looming on the horizon.

He underscored the need for adherence to the UN Charter, respect for international law and multilateral diplomacy, and granting developing countries equal opportunities to advance their societies and achieve well-being, prosperity and sustainable development for their peoples.

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Memorandum on the Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

September 29, 2024

MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE

SUBJECT: Delegation of Authority Under Section 506(a)(3) of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961

By the authority vested in me as President by the Constitution and the laws of the United States of America, including section 621 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961 (FAA), I hereby delegate to the Secretary of State the authority under section 506(a)(3) of the FAA to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.

You are authorized and directed to publish this memorandum in the Federal Register.

JOSEPH R. BIDEN JR.

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U.S. announces largest-ever US$567 million military aid package for Taiwan

ROC Central News Agency

09/30/2024 01:32 PM

Taipei, Sept. 30 (CNA) The United States on Sunday announced a US$567 million military aid package for Taiwan to be delivered under a Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA), the largest such package to date.

The PDA is a process under which the U.S. can send equipment and weapons from existing stocks to its allied partners in crises. In July 2023, the administration of U.S. President Joe Biden authorized the first US$345 million in defense articles and services to Taiwan under the presidential drawdown.

In a statement, the White House said Biden has delegated the secretary of state to "direct the drawdown of up to US$567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan."

The statement, however, did not provide specific details about this latest package.

According to a Defense News report published on Sept. 21, an unnamed U.S. official was quoted saying the package will "fund training, stockpiles, anti-armor weapons, air defense and multi-domain awareness."

It will also include drones, which are key to America and Taiwan's "asymmetric" strategy to defend the island against China's much larger military, the report said.

The Pentagon is currently working on a third aid package for Taiwan, and that the Biden administration plans to complete it before the end of its term in January next year, according to the report.

(By Jay Chou and Ko Lin)

Enditem/kb

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'Taiwan independence' a dead end; US to face consequences if insisting on supporting it by force: Chinese FM

Global Times

By Global Times Published: Sep 30, 2024 06:27 PM

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the US' insistence to support it by force will inevitably inflict harm to itself and suffer the consequences of its actions, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said on Monday, after the White House announced that it has approved a military package of $567 million in defense support to Taiwan region.

US President Joe Biden on Sunday approved $567 million in defense support for Taiwan, the White House said, according to Reuters.

In response to US' latest move, Lin Jian, a spokesperson of Chinese Foreign Ministry, said at a Monday press briefing that the US' latest arms supply to China's Taiwan region, severely violates the one China principle and the stipulations of the three China-US Joint Communiques.

The US move is in fact to support and encourage Lai Ching-te and the Democratic Progressive Party (DPP) authorities in their stubborn pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and their provocation against the one China principle, Lin stressed.

This once again proves that the greatest threat to peace and stability in the Taiwan Straits and the most significant damage to the cross-Straits status quo come from the secessionist activities of Taiwan independence forces and the connivance and support they receive from external forces led by the US, Lin stated.

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the US' insistence on "supporting it with force" will inevitably harm itself and face the consequences of its actions, Lin said on Monday.

"We urge the US side to abide by the one China principle and the three China-US Joint Communiques, and to stop arming Taiwan in any way," Lin said, "No matter how many weapons the US provides to Taiwan, it will not shake our firm determination to oppose 'Taiwan independence' and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity."

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China's Xi calls for Taiwan reunification on eve of National Day

By VOA News September 30, 2024

As China prepared to mark its National Day holiday, it used the occasion to once again call for "reunification" with Taiwan and to flex its military might.

On the eve of National Day Monday, Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his view that reunification was inevitable and essential for fulfilling goals of national rejuvenation. Just one day earlier, China carried out multiple missile firings that put Taiwan's military on alert.

"It is an irreversible trend, a matter of justice, and it is in accordance with the popular will. No one can stop the march of history," Xi said in his remarks.

Since its establishment on Oct. 1 in 1949, the People's Republic of China or PRC has never ruled Taiwan, but it views the democratically governed island as its own territory and has vowed to bring the island under its control, by force if necessary.

On Tuesday, China will mark 75 years since the Communist Party defeated Kuomintang Nationalist forces, ending a bloody civil war. The Nationalists fled to Taiwan, which after decades of one-party rule by the Kuomintang eventually became a thriving democracy.

According to public opinion polls in Taiwan there is very little support for unification with China, regardless of whether it is as soon as possible or in the future.

"Taiwan is sacred territory for China. People on both sides of the Taiwan Strait have blood ties, and these family ties will always be stronger than others," Xi said.

Xi's call comes just one day after Taiwan's Defense Ministry detected multiple waves of missile firings within China's interior. Earlier last week, Beijing also test-fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into international waters, a drill the likes of which China has not conducted since the 1980s.

On Sunday, U.S. President Joe Biden approved $567 million in military support for Taiwan, the largest aid package America has granted the island. The funding will aid Taiwanese "military education and training" and allow for the speedy delivery of military articles, according to a statement from the White House.

Some material for this report was provided by Reuters and Agence France-Presse.

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China decries U.S. military assistance approved to Taiwan region

People's Daily Online

(Xinhua) 09:28, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. military assistance to the Taiwan region, regardless of the amount, will not sway in the slightest China's resolve to oppose "Taiwan independence" and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Chinese spokesman said on Monday.

A statement published on the White House website has announced the U.S. decision to provide military assistance to the Taiwan region worth around 567 million dollars.

In response to a related question at a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that by providing arms to the Taiwan region, the United States once again seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique.

The move, in fact, is aimed at emboldening Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their obstinate pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and challenge the one-China principle, Lin said.

This has proved once again that the secessionist activities by the "Taiwan independence" forces supported by the U.S.-led external forces pose the biggest threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and cause the biggest damage to the status quo of the Strait, said Lin.

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the U.S. insistence on using military force to support the "Taiwan independence" will only backfire, he said.

"We urged the U.S. to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and cease arming the Taiwan region with weapons in any form," Lin said.

In the August 17 Communique released in 1982, the United States "reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China's internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'."

In the communique, Washington also states that it "intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan."

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Secretary Blinken's Call with UK Foreign Secretary Lammy

US Department of State

Readout

Office of the Spokesperson

September 30, 2024

The below is attributable to Spokesperson Matthew Miller:

Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken spoke with UK Foreign Secretary David Lammy today. They discussed the need to de-escalate tensions in the Middle East and the importance of ongoing diplomatic efforts to establish stability. On Gaza, the Secretary and Foreign Secretary reaffirmed joint efforts to resolve the conflict by reaching a ceasefire and bringing the hostages home.



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Address on Day of Reunification of the Donetsk People's Republic, Lugansk People's Republic and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions with Russia

September 30, 2024

09:00

President of Russia Vladimir Putin: Citizens of Russia, friends,

Today, on September 30, we mark the Day of Reunification of the Donetsk and Lugansk people's republics, and the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions with Russia.

I wholeheartedly congratulate all citizens of our country on this truly momentous event. We have come to this moment through years of challenges and difficult trials. We knew the unbearable conditions under which Donbass lived for eight long years, enduring constant shelling and blockades, and the oppression faced by the people of Novorossiya. They stood up against the armed coup in Kiev and resisted the neo-Nazi dictatorship that sought to sever them forever from their historic Motherland, from Russia.

We did not abandon our brothers and sisters and sought to achieve a peaceful resolution to this grave conflict. You know how those talks ended: with lies, deceit and betrayal by the Western elites, who in that time turned Ukraine into their colony, into a military outpost aimed at Russia.

They systematically instilled hatred and radical nationalism, fuelled hostility towards everything Russian, supplied weapons, sent mercenaries and advisers, and trained the Ukrainian army for a new war, so that again, as in the spring and summer of 2014, to launch a punitive operation in the southeast.

Their targets included not only Donbass, but also Crimea and other Russian regions. The subsequent developments fully confirmed the need for and validity of the special military operation and its genuinely liberating nature.

I want to address the residents of the Donetsk People's Republic, Lugansk People's Republic, the Zaporozhye and Kherson regions. Thank you for your steadfastness, determination and strength, for passing down from generation to generation our spiritual values, historical memory, traditions and culture, and above all, our great love for the Motherland, which remains our greatest source of strength in life.

Today, together, we are defending a safe and prosperous future for our children and grandchildren, our shared destiny, the memory of the achievements and victories of our great ancestors, and our loyalty to their traditions and behests.

These sentiments give strength to the participants in the special military operation. Fighting now in Donbass and Novorossiya, defending the borders of Kursk, Belgorod and Bryansk regions, they are defending our vast, beautiful and beloved Russia. We are proud of our heroes and are doing everything we can to support them.

We are actively restoring enterprises and building residential houses, hospitals, schools and kindergartens in the liberated territories. All Russian regions are involved in this effort. Both large and small businesses are making their contribution. Volunteers, non-governmental and religious organisations, and parliamentary parties are playing a huge role too.

I want to thank all citizens of our country for their unity and patriotic spirit. The truth is on our side. All the goals we have set for ourselves will be achieved.

Happy holiday, friends! Happy Reunification Day!

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Lithuania delivered logistical supplies, ammunition, laptops and other equipment to Ukraine

Republic of Lithuania - Ministry of National Defence

2024-09-30

International cooperation

As Lithuania continues to provide military support to Ukraine, a shipment of logistical supplies, ammunition, laptops and other items are reaching Ukraine this week.

Responding to Ukraine's requests, this year Lithuania has delivered to Ukraine 155 mm ammunition, M577 and M113 armored personnel carriers, drone jamming equipment, cold weather gear and clothing, Carl Gustaf recoilless rifle ammunition, RISE-1 long-range smart initiation system, power generators, loaders, trailers, folding beds, and more.

Lithuania's enduring assistance to Ukraine has reached over a billion euros to date, while the military assistance this far amounts to over EUR 683 million.

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72-Year-Old U.S. Citizen Pleads Guilty In Moscow To Fighting For Ukraine

By RFE/RL September 30, 2024

Stephen Hubbard, a 72-year-old U.S. citizen, has pleaded guilty in a Moscow court to charges of mercenary activity for receiving money to fight for Ukraine against invading Russian forces, Russian state-run media reported, which his family members immediately questioned.

"Yes, I agree with the indictment," the RIA Novosti news agency quoted Hubbard as saying in the courtroom during the hearing on September 30.

Prosecutors have alleged that Hubbard signed a contract with a Ukrainian territorial defense unit in the town of Izyum as Russia launched its ongoing invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

The prosecution said Hubbard agreed to fight for Ukraine for $1,000 a month and allegedly received training, weapons, and ammunition.

Hubbard was detained by Russian soldiers on April 2, 2022.

The U.S. Embassy in Moscow has not commented on the situation due to what it called privacy restrictions.

Last week, the same court placed Hubbard, a native of Michigan, in pretrial detention until at least March 26, 2025.

Hubbard's previous pretrial restrictions remain unknown as there were no reports or official statements about his arrest or how he ended up in Moscow.

Hubbard's sister, Patricia Fox, and another relative expressed doubts on the man's reported confession, telling Reuters that he was pro-Russian and could not take up arms to fight against Russians, especially at his age.

"He is so nonmilitary. He never had a gun, owned a gun, done any of that...He's more of a pacifist," Patricia Fox told Reuters by phone, adding that she talked to her brother last time in September 2021.

Fox confirmed earlier reports by Russian media, saying that Hubbard moved to Ukraine in 2014 and lived there for a time with a Ukrainian woman. She added that Hubbard split with his girlfriend and moved to the town of Izyum in Ukraine's eastern region of Kharkiv, where he stayed alone.

Fox also said that in late May 2022, three months after Russia launched its ongoing full-scale aggression against Ukraine, she saw a video distributed by a YouTube channel with just over 100 subscribers, on which she recognized her brother, saying he witnessed Ukrainian armed forces "shelling Izyum for propaganda purposes and to create panic among local residents."

In the video, Hubbard answers questions by a person not seen on camera, saying that he understands why Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops into Ukraine and expresses hope that the war will end soon.

It was not clear in what circumstances and where the video was taken.

Moscow has been accused of targeting U.S. citizens by detaining them on trumped-up charges to later use as bargaining chips in talks to bring back Russians convicted of crimes in the United States and other Western nations.

At least 10 U.S. citizens, including Hubbard, remain behind bars in Russia after a prisoner swap on August 1 involving 16 people that Moscow agreed to free in exchange for eight Russians convicted of crimes and serving prison terms in the United States and Europe.

U.S. citizens RFE/RL journalist Alsu Kurmasheva, Wall Street Journal reporter Evan Gershkovich, and former U.S. Marine Paul Whelan were among those released by Russia.

With reporting by RIA Novosti and Reuters

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/american-hubbard-guilty-mercenary- charge-russia-ukraine/33140396.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Zelenskiy Stresses Need For Battlefield Gains Ahead Of Next Ramstein Meeting

By RFE/RL's Ukrainian Service September 30, 2024

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy once again acknowledged the "very, very difficult" situation his military is facing after his air defenses were forced to destroy multiple waves of Russian drones targeting the capital, while his Russian counterpart, Vladimir Putin, used a state holiday to repeat a pledge to achieve his aims in Ukraine.

Following a meeting on September 30 with top commanders, Zelenskiy said that "reports on each of our frontline sectors, our capabilities, our future capabilities and our specific tasks: The situation is very, very difficult.

"Everything that can be done this autumn, everything that we can achieve must be achieved," he said in his nightly video address.

Zelenskiy stressed the importance of the upcoming Ukraine Defense Contract Meeting at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany and stressed the need to make gains ahead of the gathering to assure Western allies of Ukraine's ability to make battlefield gains.

"It depends on everyone in the Ukrainian team. Now we have to work as hard as we can before Ramstein," he added, referring to the scheduled October 12 meeting.

On the battlefield, Serhiy Popko, the head of the military administration in Kyiv, said there had been no damage after "waves" of incoming attack drones were destroyed over the course of a five-hour air alert in the city that began around 1 a.m. local time on September 30. It was the 10th Russian air attack on the Ukrainian capital this month.

The Kyiv regionwide military administration commander, Ruslan Kravchenko, said later that debris from destroyed drones fell in six districts but caused no casualties and only minor damage.

Ukrainian military authorities said four people had died and 37 more had been injured by Russian air strikes over the past 24 hours in the Donetsk, Kherson, Kharkiv, Dnipropetrovsk, and Zaporizhzhya regions.

They said Russia launched 73 attack drones and three missiles overnight in all, and that Ukrainian air defenses downed 67 of the drones and one of the missiles.

In Russia, Putin vowed to achieve his goals in Ukraine in a September 30 video message to coincide with the anniversary of his unilateral declaration in 2022 purporting to annex four Ukrainian regions partly controlled by Russian troops.

The United Nations has passed multiple resolutions confirming Ukraine's territory and sovereignty since Russia invaded and annexed Crimea in 2014 and launched its support of separatists in eastern Ukraine eight years before the full-scale invasion began in February 2022.

"The truth is on our side," Putin said in the message. "All goals set will be achieved."

The Russian government on September 30 announced plans to increase defense spending by some 30 percent in 2025 as the long war in Ukraine -- initially anticipated by the Kremlin to be a short, swift, and victorious invasion -- has dragged on for 31 months.

A draft budget indicated that Russia plans to raise defense spending next year to 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion), diverting more resources to the war in Ukraine even as the country's economy continues to stagger in the face of Western sanctions.

Putin also signed a decree on a regular fall recruitment of males for mandatory military service, with some 133,000 men aged 18-30 expected to join Russia's forces. Putin has been reluctant to announce extra, irregular mobilizations, fearing a mass exodus of men to other countries similar to what happened following his decree in September 2022 in the early months of the war.

Unprecedented Western military and other support for Ukraine has continued despite fears of "Ukraine fatigue" among backers and Moscow's persistent efforts to undermine European unity.

Ukrainian Foreign Minister Andriy Sybiha traveled on September 30 to Budapest to attempt to bolster support in Hungary, which despite being a NATO and EU member, has been reluctant to back Ukraine's war against Russia.

Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the only EU leader to have maintained close ties with Putin following Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022 and has not provided military assistance.

During a news conference, Sybiha pushed back on remarks by counterpart Peter Szijjarto, who stated Hungary would support any initiative that would achieve peace in Ukraine, a worrisome stance for Kyiv, which has flatly rejected any initiatives by Moscow that would require it to surrender sovereign territory to Russia.

Sybiha said he hoped Budapest would continue to support "Ukrainian initiatives," which hold that Russia must remove all troops from Ukraine.

Ukrainian defenders have prevented Russian forces from fully capturing the four regions in Putin's September 2022 annexation declaration: Luhansk, Donetsk, Kherson, and Zaporizhzhya.

In August, Ukrainian troops launched a cross-border incursion into Russia's western Kursk region in what Kyiv has said is an effort to gain a better foothold for peace talks and to bring the war home to Russians.

After the initial wave of drone attacks on September 30, air defense forces were against put into action in the Kyiv region shortly before 9 a.m.

The Ukrainian military administrator in the southern port city of Kherson said Russia appears to have been targeting critical infrastructure there overnight, damaging a gas pipeline, an administrative building, and residential buildings.

Source: https://www.rferl.org/a/ukraine-kyiv- russia-putin/33140306.html

Copyright (c) 2024. RFE/RL, Inc. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, 1201 Connecticut Ave., N.W. Washington DC 20036.

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Russian Defence Ministry reports on repelling AFU attempt to invade Russian territory in Kursk region (30 September 2024)

30.09.2024

The Armed Forces of the Russian Federation continue the operation to neutralise an enemy group, which broke into the territory of Kursk region.

The Sever Group of Forces continues the offensive operation and engaged formations of 21st, 22nd, 115th mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 82nd and 95th air assault brigades of the AFU, 1st National Guard Brigade, 36th Marine Brigade, as well as 103rd and 129th territorial defence brigades near Lyubimovka, Daryino, Novy Put, Nikolayevo-Daryino, and Plekhovo.

Over the past 24 hours, the Group's units repelled two enemy counter-attacks in the direction of Lyubimovka and Plekhovo, and thwarted the enemy's attempts to attack in the direction of Olgovka and Kamyshevka. As a result, the AFU losses amounted to up to 60 troops killed and wounded, two armoured fighting vehicles, and a motor vehicle.

With the support of Army Aviation and artillery fire, five AFU attempts to break through the border of the Russian Federation towards Novy Put were foiled. The AFU sustained losses of more than 30 troops killed and wounded; three armoured fighting vehicles, one motor vehicle, and one U.S.-made M-88 recovery vehicle were eliminated.

Army aviation and artillery strikes inflicted losses on manpower and hardware clusters of the 22nd, 41st, 61st, mechanised brigades, 17th Tank Brigade, 80th and 95th air assault brigades, 1st and 17th national guard brigades, 36th Marine Brigade, 103rd and 129th territorial defence brigades of the AFU near Bogdanovka, Bondarevka, Daryino, Kubatkin, Kurilovka, Knyazhy Pervy, Kazachya Loknya, Lyubimovka, Malaya Loknya, Martynovka, Mikhaylovka, Makhovka, Novy Put, Novaya Sorochina, Orlovka, Plekhovo, Pravda, Russkoye Porechnoye, Tolsty Lug, and Cherkasskoye Porechnoye.

Operational-Tactical Aviation and Missile Troops have inflicted fire damage in Sumy region on concentration areas and reserves of the 21st, 41st, 47th, and 115th mechanised brigades, 80th and 95th air assault brigades of the Armed Forces of Ukraine, the 1st National Guard Brigade, as well as the 101st, 103rd, and 107th territorial defence brigades close to Belovody, Budivilnoye, Glukhov, Kiyanitsa, Klevan, Kucherovka, Makeyevka, Obody, Pavlovka, Peremoga, Revyakino, Rechki, Studenok, Shalygino, and Yastrebshchina.

In the past 24 hours, the AFU losses amounted to more than 350 troops, eight armoured vehicles, including an infantry fighting vehicle, an armoured personnel carrier, and six armoured fighting vehicles, as well as four artillery guns, one Tunguska anti-aircraft missile gun system, one Israeli-made Rada SAM radar, one U.S.-made M-88 recovery vehicle, and 12 motor vehicles.

Since the beginning of hostilities in Kursk region, the Armed Forces of Ukraine have lost more than 18,900 troops, 133 tanks, 65 infantry fighting vehicles, 98 armoured personnel carriers, 856 armoured fighting vehicles, 562 motor vehicles, 150 artillery guns, 33 MLRS launchers, including eight of HIMARS and six of MLRS made by the USA, nine SAM launchers, five transport-loading vehicles, 38 electronic warfare stations and nine counter-battery radars, three air defence radars, 19 engineering and other vehicles, including 11 counterobstacle vehicles, one UR-77 mine clearing vehicle, and two armoured recovery vehicles.

The operation to neutralise the AFU units is in progress.

Department for Media Affairs and Information

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Ukraine Loses Over 18,900 Soldiers During Operation in Kursk Region - MoD

Sputnik News

20240930

MOSCOW (Sputnik) - The Russian armed forces have eliminated more than 18,900 Ukrainian servicepeople and 133 tanks during military operations in the border areas of the Kursk Region, the Russian Defense Ministry said on Monday.

"In total, during the fighting in the Kursk region, the enemy lost more than 18,900 military personnel, 133 tanks, 65 infantry fighting vehicles, 98 armored personnel carriers, 856 armored combat vehicles, 562 vehicles," the ministry said.

Kiev loses over 350 soldiers in the Kursk Direction over the past 24 hours, the defense ministry said.

On August 6, Ukrainian forces launched an offensive in Russia's Kursk Region. Russian President Vladimir Putin called the move a large-scale provocation aimed at civilians and vowed a proper response. Russian forces launched a counteroffensive.

A Sputnik

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Russian Forces Engaged in Clashes in Center of Ugledar

Sputnik News

20240930

SIMFEREPOL (Sputnik) - The Russian troops are engaged in clashes with Ukrainian forces in the center of Ugledar in the Donetsk People's Republic (DPR), Vladimir Rogov, a senior official in the Russia-appointed Zaporozhye regional administration, told Sputnik on Monday.

"Our troops have advanced to the city center. Intense fighting continues, with our assault forces already in the central area," Rogov said, adding that the Russian military has their control zone in several parts of the city.

Igor Kimakovsky, the adviser to DPR head Denis Pushilin, has said that Ukrainian military were attempting to withdraw their strike groups from Ugledar, which was surrounded by Russian troops, and the rotation of enemy units was nearly impossible.

A Sputnik

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Everything That Can Be Done This Fall, Everything We Can Achieve, We Must Achieve - President's Address

President of Ukraine

30 September 2024 - 19:41

I wish you health, fellow Ukrainians!

I have just concluded a meeting following the visit to the United States. The military, the Government, the Office. Our teams - both Ukrainian and American - are already working on everything we discussed in New York and Washington, and we are already preparing for the upcoming "Ramstein" meeting. This will be a special "Ramstein," and our partners will receive all the details and arguments from our side on how to ensure results in the coming months both at the front and in diplomatic work. The power of weapons and the power of diplomacy are always effective when working together, and this is exactly our plan - this is exactly how we should implement the Victory Plan. We are also expecting concrete actions from our partners to strengthen our strategy. This applies to all our partners - our strength lies in the fact that the free world is defending itself.

We are also preparing to sign another security agreement for Ukraine - the twenty-seventh one already.

I held a meeting of the Staff today. Several key issues were discussed. The first is manning the brigades. The second is weapons and equipment for our warriors - procurement and supply. Additionally, I had a separate discussion with Ukraine's Defense Minister Umerov regarding the fulfillment of contracts and the functioning of institutions within the Ministry of Defense. All real reform measures must be fully implemented.

Today, we also had a detailed and very long conversation with Commander-in-Chief Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Barhylevych. More than two and a half hours. Reports on each of our frontline areas, our further capabilities, and our specific tasks. The situation is very challenging. The most important thing is to put pressure on Russia using all available means and tools to achieve our goal of a real and just peace for Ukraine and all our people as soon as possible. Everything that can be done this fall, everything we can achieve, we must achieve. And it depends on everyone in the Ukrainian team. Now we have to work as hard as we can before "Ramstein."

I thank everyone who is fighting and working for Ukraine! I thank everyone who is helping us!

Glory to Ukraine!

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Ukraine reports downing 67 Russian drones in latest round of attacks

By VOA News September 30, 2024

Ukraine's military said Monday it shot down 67 of 73 Russian aerial drones launched in overnight attacks targeting areas across Ukraine.

In addition to the drones, Ukraine's air defenses also shot down one of three Russia missiles.

The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Vinnytsia, and Zhytomyr regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Officials in Dnipropetrovsk said Monday that drone and artillery attacks damaged at least 10 homes.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said air alerts were active in the Ukrainian capital for five hours, but that air defenses intercepted all attacks directed at Kyiv.

Russia's Defense Ministry said Monday it destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones, both over the Belgorod region that sits along the Russia-Ukraine border.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorod's governor, reported one person killed and another injured in the Ukrainian attacks.

Some information for this story was provided by Reuters

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ROYSE CITY, Texas, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Lonestar Transfer, a leader in timeshare exit solutions, is excited to celebrate four years of working with conservative commentator Dan Bongino. Over these four years, the partnership has helped thousands of timeshare owners find trusted and proven ways to exit their unwanted contracts.



"Dan Bongino has been an incredible advocate for our mission to help families free themselves from timeshare traps," said Karen Holloway. "Were grateful for Dans trust in us and for the clients who have come through his platform."

A Partnership Built on Shared Values

Lonestar Transfer and Dan Bongino share the same values. Both believe in honesty, transparency, and helping people take control of their finances.

"For four years, Lonestar Transfer has proudly supported Dan Bonginos show," added Holloway. "Weve been honored to help his listeners get out of costly, unwanted timeshares."

Why People Choose Lonestar Transfer

Proven Success: Lonestar Transfer has completed over 25,000 timeshare exits.

Lonestar Transfer has completed over 25,000 timeshare exits. 100% Money-Back Guarantee: If clients dont get out of their timeshare, they get their money back.

If clients dont get out of their timeshare, they get their money back. A+ BBB Rating: The company is praised for great customer service and ethical business practices.



Dan Bonginos Strong Endorsement

Dan Bongino , a former Secret Service agent and political commentator, has proudly endorsed Lonestar Transfer for the last four years. His support has helped connect his listeners with a trustworthy solution for their timeshare problems.

"Lonestar Transfer is a company I fully stand behind," Bongino said on his show. "They will help you get out of your timeshare, just like theyve helped thousands of others."

Success Stories from Clients

Many listeners of Bonginos show have turned to Lonestar Transfer for help. These families have found a way out of costly timeshare contracts, without any hidden fees or surprises.

One client said: "I heard Dan talk about Lonestar Transfer, so I reached out. They walked me through everything, and within a few months, I was out of my timeshare. It was such a relief!"

About Lonestar Transfer
BREA, CA, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Misophonia is a condition that has exploded in awareness in recent years, yet little is known about it. Teenagers are particularly hard hit, which has led to the creation of Teens for Education and Advocacy on Misophonia (TEAM). As the nations first non-profit organization focused on supporting teens, TEAM has two primary goals. The first is to remove the stigma and mystery around the condition through providing the latest research on the causes of misophonia, as well as treatment to lessen its effect. The second is to advocate for further research, funding, and public awareness of the disorder.

Founded by Sophie B. Yang, an Orange County teen who herself has experienced the disruptive effects of misophonia, TEAM aims to be a voice for and to teenagers. Teens who are considered the tail end of Generation Z, are also consuming news and information from different forums than previous generations. Social media sites such as TikTok, Instagram, as well as YouTube and Discord, are prime gathering places for teens.

Misophonia is a condition where there are strong physiological, emotional and behavioral reactions to certain stimuli, usually particular sounds. There is little that is known about the disorder, despite its growing prevalence. It is not officially included in standard classification systems such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, with the latest edition being the DSM-5-TR. The largest study on Misophonia to date with a representative sample of the U.S. population (Dixon et al. 2024) found that 4.6% of the U.S. may have clinically significant levels of misophonia.

Work is underway in understanding the condition and finding effective forms of treatment. The Duke Center for Misophonia and Emotion Regulation (CMER), part of Duke University School of Medicine, has been a pioneer in clinical research. Duke CMER envisions a future where doctors and other clinicians provide evidence-based resources and clinical services for people with misophonia. Dr. Zach Rosenthal, an adult clinical psychologist and Director of CMER, is optimistic that TEAMs work will help further their mission. He believes that having a strong voice for teenagers within the misophonia community will encourage pediatricians and primary care physicians to learn about misophonia and offer evidence-based resources and services.

The recent story of actor Melissa Gilbert coming out and sharing her struggles with Misophonia led to a spate of media coverage. Many other celebrities also have misophonia, including Kelly Ripa, Gabby Douglas, and Kelly Osbourne. Interestingly, many historical figures have also had misophonia, such as Anton Chekhov, Marcel Proust, Franz Kafka, and even Queen Elizabeth II. If Misophonia doesnt spare royalty, certainly the average person is also fair game.

For more information about TEAM, please visit https://www.teenmiso.org/

###

About TEAM

Teens for Education and Advocacy on Misophonia (TEAM) is the nations first non-profit organization solely focused on supporting teenagers. During their key formative years, mental health issues such as misophonia can be disabling and disruptive. TEAM has a dual goal of both removing the mystique and stigma surrounding misophonia, while advocating for more focus from research, government and educational institutions. Learn more at https://www.teenmiso.org/.
JAKARTA, Indonesia and NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- LeaderMed Group (LeaderMed), a global pharmaceutical development company, and Combiphar, a leading Indonesian pharmaceutical company in Southeast Asia, announce the formation of a joint venture (JV) to conduct the Phase 3 clinical trial of LM-008, a novel GLP-1 dual agonist, in Indonesia. LeaderMed and Combiphar will also collaborate to bring to the Indonesian market many other metabolic health related treatments, including UltraSculpt. UltraSculpt is a cutting-edge body contouring treatment for targeted fat reduction and skin tightening, which has received strong consumer demand both as a standalone treatment as well as a complementary treatment to LM-008.



This strategic collaboration underscores the significant market potential in Indonesia, a country with one of the highest diabetes prevalence rates and the fourth largest population globally. With over 36 million diabetes patients, representing 13% of the Indonesian population, and with one in every three adults being overweight or obese, Indonesia has an urgent need for effective and affordable treatment options. LM-008, with its unique safety and efficacy profile, will be a one-of-a-kind diabetes and/or obesity treatment in the Indonesian market, and is poised to meet this critical need. Additionally, The Indonesian Ministry of Health, under Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin, has given guidance on accelerated approval for LM-008, with the Phase 3 clinical trial expected to commence in late 2024. This endorsement is a testament to the drugs potential and the governments commitment to addressing the countrys diabetes and obesity crisis.

"We are excited to partner with Combiphar on this critical initiative," said Dr. Joanne Jiang, Chief Executive Officer of LeaderMed Group. "The unique mechanism of the drug and the diabetes and/or obesity profiles of Indonesian and Southeast Asian patients are well matched, and our collaboration with Combiphar will allow us to bring LM-008 and UltraSculpt to market quickly and effectively, addressing the significant unmet need in this region."

"Combiphar is proud to collaborate with LeaderMed on this groundbreaking project," added Michael Wanandi, Chief Executive Officer of Combiphar Indonesia. "This is a significant milestone in bringing innovative treatments to Southeast Asia to improve and save the lives of millions of patients, and we are committed to ensuring its success through this joint venture," Michael revealed.

About LM-008

LM-008 is a globally patented GLP-1 GCGR dual agonist to be developed, manufactured, and commercialized by LeaderMed. It is designed to reduce HbA1c levels and improve lipid profiles, conditions that are highly prevalent in diabetes and/or obesity patients. With its dual-targeted mechanism, LM-008 regulates blood glucose levels, appetite, and basal metabolism in a holistic way to achieve a safer, more efficacious treatment solution for patients.

About UltraSculpt

UltraSculpt is a globally patented and FDA cleared non-invasive body contouring device fine-tuned over 7 years of R&D to permanently reduce stubborn fat pockets and increase skin tightness. Clinical studies show UltraSculpt reduces waistlines by 3-7 cm in one 30-minute, painless treatment.

About LeaderMed Group

LeaderMed Group is a pharmaceutical development company with global operations focused on metabolic health and increasing patient quality of life. It has extensive new drug development experience and successful global approval and launch history. For more information, visit www.leadermedgroup.com.

About Combiphar

Known as a pharmaceutical company in Indonesia, Combiphar was founded in 1971. Currently Combiphar is transforming into a leading consumer health company in Indonesia and growing rapidly as a leading pharmaceutical company in Southeast Asia, dedicated to "Championing a Healthy Tomorrow". For more information, visit www.combiphar.com.

Contact:

Grace Chen, 732-692-4675

grace.chen@leadermed.us
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, NEW ZEALAND, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER STATE OR JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION WOULD BE UNLAWFUL





Luxembourg, 1 October 2024

Art Share 003 S.A. (the  Issuer ) announces an extension of the initial offering ( Initial Offer ) launched on 18 September 2024. Investors will therefore be allowed to subscribe and place orders until 24 October 2024.

) announces an extension of the initial offering ( ) launched on 18 September 2024. Investors will therefore be allowed to subscribe and place orders until The Seller has elected to retain up to 25% of the ownership. CONSEQUENTLY THE OFFER STRUCTURE HAS BEEN AMENDED AS ILLSTRATED IN THE OFFERING MEMORANDUM DATED 1 OCTOBER 2024 TO REFLECT THE ELECTION BY THE SELLER. THE UPDATED OFFERING MEMORANDUM IS AVAILABLE ON THE ISSUER WEBSITE.

The underlying artwork to be acquired by the Issuer,  Abstraktes Bild (809-4)  by Gerhard Richter , is a highly sought-after piece from his iconic Abstraktes Bilder series, and once owned by guitarist Eric Clapton . The Initial Offer has generated strong interest and this extension will enable a wider period for investors participation.

, is a highly sought-after piece from his iconic Abstraktes Bilder series, and once owned by guitarist . The Initial Offer has generated strong interest and this extension will enable a wider period for investors participation. The Initial Offer consists of a placement of up to 350,000 redeemable class B shares of the Company without a nominal value (the  Class B Shares ), offered at a price in EUR which is a price equivalent to USD 100 1 per Offered Share (the  Offer Price ). The Class B Shares will be offered at an aggregate valuation in EUR equivalent of USD 35 million .

), offered at a price in EUR which is a price equivalent to USD 100 per Offered Share (the  ). The Class B Shares will be offered at an aggregate valuation in EUR equivalent of . The Initial Offer is being made by way of a private placement to qualified and/or institutional investors as described in the Issuers offering memorandum (the  Offering Memorandum ), available on www.artshare003.com.

), available on www.artshare003.com. Subject to the completion of the offering and admission onto ARTEX GM (www.artexgm.com), trading of the Class B Shares is expected to start on or around 31 October 2024.

For questions, subscriptions and requests for assistance in connection with the Initial Offer, investors are invited to contact:

Zeus Capital Limited

Ben Robertson (Head of ECM)

ben.robertson@zeuscapital.co.uk

125 Old Broad Street, 12th Floor, London, EC2N 1AR

www.zeuscapital.co.uk

* * *

About Art Share 003 S.A.

Art Share 003 is a public limited liability company (societe anonyme) incorporated under the laws of the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg existing as a securitisation undertaking (organisme de titrisation) within the meaning of the Luxembourg law of 22 March 2004 on securitisation, as amended. It has been set-up with the purpose to issue shares, tracking the economic risk associated with the Artwork and any other associated risk within the meaning of article 53 of the Luxembourg law of 22 March 2004 on securitisation, as amended (the Securitisation Law), through the issuance of, and financed inter alia by the issuance of the Class B Shares.

Art Share 003 was established to facilitate fractional investment in the Artwork through the subscription to the Class B Shares (i.e., conducting a securitisation transaction of the Artwork).

The principal activity of Art Share 003 is to hold and securitise the Artwork, Abstraktes Bild (809-4), by Gerhard Richter (the Artwork), as well as assuming risks, existing or future, relating to the holding of the Artwork. Its principal activities to date have been limited to organisational activities, including entering into certain agreements (i) for the acquisition of the Artwork and (ii) those necessary for the preparation and execution of the Initial Offer, its admission on the ARTEX Global Markets.

Art Share 003 is managed by a board of directors consisting of Mrs Ursula Schmidt, Mr Edouard de Burlet and Mr Ronan Le Bouc.

Art Share 003 does not expect to generate revenues or cashflows from lending, for free, the Artwork to cultural institutions such as museums. It will not conduct any business activities, and its only activities shall consist of activities relating to the ownership, maintenance and promotion of the Artwork within the framework of the Securitisation Law and, as such, these activities shall consist of, and be limited to a passive administration of the ownership of the Artwork.

The strategy will be to display and promote the Artwork in a manner designed to improve public understanding of it.





About ARTEX Global Markets

ARTEX Global Markets AG (ARTEX GM OR ARTEX Global Markets) operates a secure and liquid art-focused multilateral trading facility, regulated, and supervised by the Financial Markets Authority of Liechtenstein within the European MiFID II legislative framework. Providing easy access to a traditionally exclusive fine art market, ARTEX GM aims to democratise investing in artworks from the worlds greatest masters, spanning a period from the Renaissance to the twentieth century. ARTEX GM-listed masterpieces will be on public display, in museums and exhibitions around the world. ARTEX GM will strive to empower investors by offering the latest news, market insights and educational content to allow wider participation in art investing. ARTEX GM was co-founded in 2020 by art enthusiasts and financial markets experts H.S.H. Prince Wenceslas of Liechtenstein and Yassir Benjelloun-Touimi.

ARTEX GM is operated by ARTEX AG, a company incorporated in the Principality of Liechtenstein under company number FL-0002.682.571-2 with registered offices at Wuhrstrasse 6, 9490 Vaduz, Liechtenstein.

ARTEX GM is regulated by the Financial Markets Authority under reference number 307407.

For more information about ARTEX, please visit www.artexgm.com

Press contacts

France and Global

Alienor Miens | Alienor.miens@margie.fr | +33 (0)6 64 32 81 75

Bertrand Chambenois | Bertrand.chambenois@margie.fr | +33 (0)6 11 84 34 92





DISCLAIMER

This document is an announcement and not a prospectus for the purposes of Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 (the Prospectus Regulation), and as such does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to purchase securities of the Issuer.

These materials do not constitute or form a part of any offer or solicitation to purchase or subscribe for, or otherwise invest in, securities in the United States. The securities mentioned herein have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933 (the Securities Act). The securities may not be offered or sold in the United States (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the Securities Act) except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. There will be no public offer of securities in the United States.

In any member state of the European Economic Area, this communication is only addressed to and is only directed at qualified investors within the meaning of Article 2(e) of the Prospectus Regulation (Regulation ((EU) 2017/1129) (Qualified Investors), and no person that is not a Qualified Investor may act or rely on this communication or any of its contents.

In so far as forecasts or expectations are expressed in this investor relations news or where our statements concern the future, these forecasts, expectations, or statements may involve known or unknown risks and uncertainties. Actual results or developments may vary, depending on changes in the operating environment. The Company does not assume an obligation to update the forecasts, expectations or statements contained in this release. The information contained in this announcement is for background purposes only and does not purport to be full or complete. No reliance may be placed by any person for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy, fairness, or completeness. This announcement is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into Australia, South Africa, Canada, Japan, New Zealand or the United States (including its territories and possessions, any State of the United States) or any other jurisdiction where to do so would constitute a violation of the relevant laws of such jurisdiction. The distribution of this announcement may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein comes should inform themselves about and observe any such restriction. Any failure to comply with these restrictions may constitute a violation of the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Offered Shares may not be offered or sold in the United States unless registered under the Securities Act except pursuant to a transaction exempt from, or not subject to, the registration requirements of the Securities Act. The Offer and sale of the Offered Shares has not been and will not be registered under the Securities Act or under the applicable securities laws of Australia, South Africa, Canada or Japan and New Zealand. Subject to certain exceptions, the Offered Shares may not be offered or sold in Australia, Canada or Japan, New Zealand or to, or for the account or benefit of, any national, resident or citizen of Australia, Canada, or Japan. There will be no public offer of the Offered Shares in Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, the United States. In the United Kingdom, this announcement is being distributed only to, and is directed only at, persons who: (A) (i) are investment professionals specified in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") and/or (ii) fall within Article 49(2)(a) to (d) of the Order (and only where the conditions contained in those Articles have been, or will at the relevant time be, satisfied); and (B) are Qualified Investors as it forms part of retained EU law as defined in the EU (Withdrawal) Act 2018 (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons").

In the European Economic Area (the "EEA"), this announcement is addressed only to and directed only at, persons in member states who are Qualified Investors. This announcement must not be acted on or relied on (i) in the United Kingdom, by persons who are not Relevant Persons, and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, by persons who are not Qualified Investors.

Any investment or investment activity to which this announcement relates is available only to: (i) in the United Kingdom, Relevant Persons; and (ii) in any member state of the EEA, Qualified Investors, and will be engaged in only with such persons. For the avoidance of doubt, no offer to the public will made in the United Kingdom and no application will be made for the Offered Shares to be traded on a regulated market in the United Kingdom. This announcement may include statements that are, or may be deemed to be, "forward-looking statements". These forward-looking statements may be identified by using forward-looking terminology, including the terms "believes", "estimates", "plans", "projects", "anticipates", "expects", "intends", "may", "will" or "should" or, in each case, their negative or other variations or comparable terminology, or by discussions of strategy, plans, objectives, goals, future events or intentions. Forward-looking statements may and often do differ materially from actual results. Any forward-looking statements reflect the Company's current view with respect to future events and are subject to risks relating to future events and other risks, uncertainties and assumptions relating to the Company's business, results of operations, financial position, liquidity, prospects, growth, and strategies. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Each of the Company and Zeus Capital Limited, expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to update, review or revise any forward-looking statement contained in this announcement whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Any subscription or purchase of Offered Shares in the possible Offer should be made solely on the basis of information contained in the Offering Memorandum which may be issued by the Company in connection with the possible Offer. The information in this announcement is subject to change. Before subscribing for or purchasing any Offered Shares, persons viewing this announcement should ensure that they fully understand and accept the risks which will be set out in the Offering Memorandum if published. No reliance may be placed for any purpose on the information contained in this announcement or its accuracy or completeness. Neither this announcement, nor the references herein to the Offering Memorandum, shall form the basis of or constitute any offer, or any solicitation of any offer to purchase or subscribe for any Offered Shares nor shall it (or any part of it) or the fact of its distribution, form the basis of, or be relied on in connection with, any contract thereof. The Company may decide not to go ahead with the initial offer and there is therefore no guarantee that the admission will occur. You should not base any financial decision on this announcement. Acquiring investments to which this announcement relates may expose an investor to a significant risk of losing all of the amount invested. Persons considering making investments should consult an authorised person specialising in advising on such investments. Neither this announcement, nor the Offering Memorandum referred to herein, constitutes a recommendation concerning the Offer. The value of the Offered Shares can decrease as well as increase. Potential investors should consult a professional advisor as to the suitability of the Offer for the person concerned. None of Zeus Capital Limited or any of its affiliate or any of its or their affiliates' directors, officers, employees, advisers or agents accepts any responsibility or liability whatsoever for/or makes any representation or warranty, express or implied, as to the truth, accuracy or completeness of the information in this announcement (or whether any information has been omitted from the announcement) or any other information relating to the Company, its subsidiaries or associated companies, whether written, oral or in a visual or electronic form, and howsoever transmitted or made available or for any loss howsoever arising from any use of the announcement or its contents or otherwise arising in connection therewith.





Information to distributors in the EEA

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements contained within: (i) EU Directive 2014/65/EU on markets in financial instruments, as amended (MiFID II); (ii) Articles 9 and 10 of Commission Delegated Directive (EU) 2017/593 supplementing MiFID II; and (iii) local implementing measures (together the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements), and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, delict, contract or otherwise, which the Company, in its capacity as manufacturer for the purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Offered Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that such Offered Shares are: (a) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in MiFID II; and (b) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels as are permitted by MiFID II (the Target Market Assessment). Notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, distributors (for purposes of the MiFID II Product Governance Requirements) should note that the price of the Offered Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Offered Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection, and an investment in the Offered Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offer, including the selling restrictions described in Notice to Investors (Selling Restrictions). Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the Target Market Assessment, the Placement Agents will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties. For the avoidance of doubt, the Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of MiFID II; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, purchase, subscribe for, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Offered Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Offered Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.





Information to Distributors in the UK

Solely for the purposes of the product governance requirements of Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Product Intervention and Product Governance Sourcebook (the "UK Product Governance Requirements"), and/or any equivalent requirements elsewhere to the extent determined to be applicable, and disclaiming all and any liability, whether arising in tort, contract or otherwise, the Company, in its capacity as manufacturer (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) may otherwise have with respect thereto, the Offered Shares have been subject to a product approval process, which has determined that the Offered Shares are: (a) compatible with an end target market of retail investors and investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties, each as defined in Chapter 3 of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; and (b) eligible for distribution through all distribution channels (the U.K. Target Market Assessment). Notwithstanding the U.K. Target Market Assessment, "distributors" (for the purposes of the UK Product Governance Requirements) should note that: the price of the Offered Shares may decline and investors could lose all or part of their investment; the Offered Shares offer no guaranteed income and no capital protection; and an investment in the Offered Shares is compatible only with investors who do not need a guaranteed income or capital protection, who (either alone or in conjunction with an appropriate financial or other adviser) are capable of evaluating the merits and risks of such an investment and who have sufficient resources to be able to bear any losses that may result therefrom. The U.K. Target Market Assessment is without prejudice to the requirements of any contractual, legal or regulatory selling restrictions in relation to the Offering. Furthermore, it is noted that, notwithstanding the U.K. Target Market Assessment, the Placement Agents will only procure investors who meet the criteria of professional clients and eligible counterparties for the purposes of the U.K. MiFIR Product Governance Rules. For the avoidance of doubt, the U.K. Target Market Assessment does not constitute: (i) an assessment of suitability or appropriateness for the purposes of Chapter 9A or 10A respectively of the FCA Handbook Conduct of Business Sourcebook; or (ii) a recommendation to any investor or group of investors to invest in, or purchase, or take any other action whatsoever with respect to the Offered Shares. Each distributor is responsible for undertaking its own target market assessment in respect of the Offered Shares and determining appropriate distribution channels.

1 The Euro amount will be fixed at pricing based by applying the exchange rate published by the European central Bank.
Dublin, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market (2024 Edition): Market Size, Trends, Opportunities and Forecast by Material Type, End-Use Industry, Nature, Region, By Country: 2020-2030" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.



Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market valued at USD 2.22 Billion in 2023 is expected to grow at a CAGR of 6.4% during 2025-2030.



Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market has been steadily gaining importance due to the critical role that these components play in ensuring the efficiency and safety of fluid handling systems. This market involves the production and distribution of specialized elastomers that are used to create soft seat valves which provide tight seals in various applications, ranging from simple water pipes to complex chemical processing plants. The growth and expansion of this market are driven by several key factors, which collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of industrial requirements and technological advancements.



In the industrial sector, the Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market has been steadily gaining importance due to the critical role that these components play in ensuring the efficiency and safety of fluid handling systems. This market involves the production and distribution of specialized elastomers that are used to create soft seat valves which provide tight seals in various applications, ranging from simple water pipes to complex chemical processing plants. The growth and expansion of this market are driven by several key factors, which collectively contribute to the evolving landscape of industrial requirements and technological advancements.



A primary driver of the Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market is the increasing demand for industrial automation and the stringent regulatory standards concerning emissions and safety in the industrial sector. As industries strive to optimize operations and reduce downtime, the demand for high-quality, durable, and reliable valve seats has surged. These elastomers are engineered to withstand extreme conditions such as high pressures, corrosive environments, and varying temperatures, which are commonplace in sectors like oil and gas, chemicals, and power generation. Moreover, the shift towards more stringent environmental regulations globally compels industries to ensure their equipment adheres to the latest standards, thus fostering the demand for advanced elastomeric materials that can enhance the sealing capabilities and longevity of valves.



The expanding scope of applications for soft seat valves across various industries also propels the growth of the Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market. In the pharmaceutical and food and beverage industries, for example, there is a critical need for maintaining purity and preventing contamination. Elastomers that can meet the hygienic and safety standards prescribed in these industries are in high demand. Additionally, the growth in the water and wastewater treatment sector, driven by the increasing urbanization and industrialization in emerging economies, creates substantial opportunities for the market. As these facilities often require large numbers of valves, the demand for durable and efficient elastomers continues to rise.



Moreover, the oil and gas industry remains a major consumer of elastomers for valve soft seats, as these components are vital for ensuring the safety and efficiency of oil extraction and refining processes. The volatility in oil prices and the subsequent investment in exploration and production activities directly influence the demand dynamics in this segment. As the industry continues to recover and stabilize from price shocks, the investments in upstream and midstream infrastructure are expected to boost the market further.



By End Use Industry, Oil & Gas sector contributes the maximum revenue in 2023.

One of the primary market drivers for elastomers in valve soft seats within the oil and gas industry is the ongoing expansion of exploration and production activities. As oil and gas companies continue to explore new reserves and maximize the output from existing ones, the demand for high-quality, reliable valves increases.

The development of fields in harsh environments, such as deep-water or Arctic regions, requires materials that can withstand extreme conditions. Elastomers that can maintain their integrity and functionality in such settings are particularly valued, driving innovations and advancements in materials science.



Asia Pacific represents the largest market in value terms, by region in the Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market.

One of the primary drivers of the elastomer market for valve soft seats in the Asia Pacific region is the rapid industrialization in major economies such as China, India, and Southeast Asia. These countries have seen substantial investments in infrastructure, which necessitates extensive usage of valves in water and wastewater, oil and gas, and chemical processing industries.

Valves equipped with soft seats made from high-quality elastomers are crucial for ensuring the efficiency and safety of these infrastructural projects. The construction of new factories, power plants, and urban utilities directly correlates with increased demand for durable and reliable valve components, thereby boosting the market for elastomers.

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market: Historic and Forecast

Impact Analysis of Macro Economic Factors on Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market

Global Prevalence of Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats (% of overall Elastomers)

Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats End-Use Industry Matrix

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market: Dashboard

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market: Market Size and CAGR, By Value, 2020-2030 (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market: Market Size and CAGR, By Volume, 2020-2030 (Million Tons & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market: Market Value Assessment

Assessment of Degree Impact of COVID-19 on Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Segmentation: By Material Type

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market, By Material Type Overview

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Attractiveness Index, By Material Type (2025-2030)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Fluroelastomers, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Nitrile Butadiene Rubber, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Silicon Elastomers, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer , By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Other Material Types, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Segmentation: By End-Use Industry

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market, By End-Use Industry Overview

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Attractiveness Index, By End-Use Industry (2025-2030)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Energy, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Chemicals, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Automotive, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Other End-Use Industries, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Segmentation: By Nature

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market, By Nature Overview

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Attractiveness Index, By Nature (2025-2030)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Thermoplastic, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Global Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market Size, By Thermoset, By Value, 2020H-2030F (USD Billion & CAGR)

Competitive Positioning

Companies' Service Positioning

Market Position Matrix

Market Share Analysis of Elastomers for Valve Soft Seats Market

Company Profiles

Saint Gobain

Green Tweed

Dupont

Sonoco Products Company

DOW

Huntsman Corproation

Trelleborg Group

Wacker Chemie AG

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies

Lanxess

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/ms3sew

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, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Skincare Market Industry Trends and Global Forecasts to 2035: Distribution by Type of Product by Application, Type of Product by Body Part, Distribution Channel, Type of Offline Distribution Channel, Type of Packaging, Product Category, Gender, Type of Ingredient and Geography" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering.

The Skincare Market is valued at USD 184 billion in 2024 growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period 2024-2035.

The skincare industry is a dynamic and rapidly evolving sector that has a profound impact on the health and appearance of skin for consumers worldwide. Today, the industry offers a wide range of products, including cleansers, moisturizers, serums, and masks, and is constantly innovating to meet customer demands. While cosmetic procedures can effectively target specific aging concerns like deep wrinkles, sagging skin, and loss of skin volume, they may not comprehensively improve overall skin quality. In contrast, a daily skincare regimen can have a significant impact on an individual's overall skin type and quality when followed consistently.

Technological advancements in manufacturing capabilities, advanced product formulation, and customer relationship management tools have driven the development of personalized active ingredients that improve skin appearance. These ingredients include alpha and beta hydroxy acids, retinol derivatives, vitamin derivatives, and advanced bioengineered ingredients that boost collagen production.

Recent trends in the global skincare industry highlight a growing emphasis on personalization, multifunctionality of products, and the rise of the men's skincare market. Consumers are increasingly seeking personalized solutions that focus on ingredient potency and application techniques to enhance efficacy and performance. Skin care products with multiple applications are gaining popularity, offering long-lasting results and addressing multiple skin concerns in a single product. The men's skincare market size is also expanding significantly, as more individuals adopt daily skincare routines and show interest in personal care products that improve skin health.

These trends reflect a shift towards tailored, efficient, and inclusive skincare solutions that cater to diverse consumer needs and preferences.

Research Coverage:

This report provides a general overview of the skincare industry, highlighting details on different factors contributing to the improper health of the skin, featuring insights on the clean beauty movement along with its key principles. Further, it provides information on the different challenges faced by stakeholders engaged in the skincare industry, along with the recent developments and future perspectives associated with the market.

This comprehensive overview presents a detailed analysis of the market landscape, highlighting key players in the industry and their relevant characteristics. The report delves into essential parameters such as company history, size, and headquarters location, as well as product offerings, applications, formulations, packaging, and target audience. This competitive landscape provides a nuanced understanding of the leading companies in the market, enabling a comprehensive assessment of the industry's dynamics and trends.

Detailed profiles of leading companies in the skincare industry. Each profile features a brief overview of the skincare companies, along with information on location of headquarters, year of establishment, number of employees, leadership team, product portfolio, financial information, recent developments, and an informed future outlook.

A qualitative analysis of the five competitive forces, including threats to new entrants, bargaining power of product providers, bargaining power of buyers, threat of substitute products and rivalry among existing competitors under an insightful Porter's Five Forces framework.

This analysis provides a comprehensive qualitative assessment of the skincare industry's megatrends, exploring the impact of emerging trends such as waterless beauty, AI-driven personalization, e-commerce dominance, bio-product innovation, clean beauty, and sustainable practices. Additionally, it examines the influence of gaming and metaverse, social media marketing, and evolving regulatory guidelines.

This analysis delves into the factors influencing the skincare market's growth, including key drivers, potential restraints, emerging opportunities, and existing challenges.

This report provides a detailed estimate of the current market value and future growth potential of the skincare market over the next decade, from 2024 to 2035. Our analysis is based on various parameters, including adoption trends and secondary and primary research validation. We have also provided an informed estimate of the market evolution during the forecast period. The report features the likely distribution of current and forecasted opportunities within the skincare industry. To account for future uncertainties, we have presented three forecast scenarios: conservative, base, and optimistic, representing different market growth tracks.

Comprehensive projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skincare market across various types of products by application, such as skin cleansers, skin moisturizers, anti-aging products, and sun protectors and others.

Comprehensive predictions of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skin care market across various types of products by body part, such as facial care products, body care products, and lip and eye care products.

Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the market across different distribution channels, such as online distribution channels and offline distribution channels.

Comprehensive projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skincare market across various offline distribution channels, such as convenience stores, supermarkets and pharmacies.

Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skincare market across various types of packaging, such as tubes, bottles, jars and others.

Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skin care market across different product categories, such as luxury skincare products and mass skincare products.

Detailed projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the market across different genders, such as men, women and other genders.

Comprehensive projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the skincare market across different types of ingredients, such as natural ingredients and chemical ingredients.

Comprehensive projections of the current and future opportunity for product providers in the market across different geographies.

Key Benefits of Buying this Report

The report offers market leaders and newcomers valuable insights into revenue estimations for both the overall market and its sub-segments.

Stakeholders can utilize the report to enhance their understanding of the competitive landscape, allowing for improved business positioning and more effective go-to-market strategies.

The report provides stakeholders with a pulse on the Skincare Market, furnishing them with essential information on significant market drivers, barriers, opportunities, and challenges.

Leading Market Companies

Amorepacific

Coty

Estee Lauder

Galderma

Kao Corporation

L'Oreal

LVMH

Procter & Gamble

Shiseido

Unilever

Beiersdorf

Chanel

Clarins

Colgate-Palmolive

Cult Beauty

Deciem

Johnson & Johnson

Natura & Co

Revlon

Shanghai Jahwa

Excel Data Packs

Market Landscape of Leading Players

Market Sizing an Opportunity Analysis

Key Topics Covered:

BACKGROUND

ECONOMIC AND OTHER PROJECT SPECIFIC CONSIDERATIONS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

INTRODUCTION

Overview of the Skincare Industry

Rise of the Clean Beauty Movement

Challenges Prevailing in the Skincare Industry

Recent Developments in the Skincare Industry

Future Perspectives

MARKET LANDSCAPE: LEADING PLAYERS IN THE SKINCARE MARKET

Analysis by Year of Establishment

Analysis by Company Size

Analysis by Company Size and Year of Establishment

Analysis by Location of Headquarters

Analysis by Company Size and Location of Headquarters

Analysis by Type of Product

Analysis by Product Application

Analysis by Product Formulation

Analysis by Type of Packaging

Analysis by Gender

COMPANY PROFILES

Leading Players in the Skincare Market

Amorepacific

Coty

Estee Lauder

Galderma

Kao

L'Oreal

LVMH

Procter & Gamble

Shiseido

Unilever

Other Prominent Players in the Skincare Market

Beiersdorf

Chanel

Colgate-Palmolive

Clarins

Cult Beauty

Deciem

Johnson & Johnson

Natura & Co

Revlon

Shanghai Jahwa

PORTER'S FIVE FORCES ANALYSIS

SKINCARE MARKET: MEGATRENDS ANALYSIS

Adoption of Waterless Beauty Products

Personalized Skincare with AI and AR

Digitization and E-commerce

Inclusion of Innovative Bio-products

Adoption of Clean Beauty and Sustainable Practices

Promoting Brands on Social Media

Influence of Gaming and Metaverse

The Evolving Regulatory Guidelines

MARKET IMPACT ANALYSIS: DRIVERS, RESTRAINTS, OPPORTUNITIES AND CHALLENGES

GLOBAL SKINCARE MARKET

SKINCARE MARKET, BY TYPE OF PRODUCT (BY APPLICATION)

SKINCARE MARKET, BY TYPE OF PRODUCT (BY BODY PART)

SKINCARE MARKET, BY DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

SKINCARE MARKET, BY TYPE OF OFFLINE DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL

SKINCARE MARKET, BY TYPE OF PACKAGING

SKINCARE MARKET, BY PRODUCT CATEGORY

SKINCARE MARKET, BY GENDER

SKINCARE MARKET, BY TYPE OF INGREDIENT

SKINCARE MARKET, BY GEOGRAPHY

For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/r/7eucrf

About ResearchAndMarkets.com

ResearchAndMarkets.com is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends.

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NEWTON, Mass., Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- HAProxy Technologies , the company behind HAProxy One, the worlds fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer, has been named a Leader in 20 G2 Fall 2024 Grid Reports. Along with a Satisfaction Score of 99 and badges including Best Results, Best Relationship, and Best Usability, HAProxy was recognized across multiple G2 categories with Leader positions in API Management, Container Networking, DDoS Protection, DevOps, Load Balancing, Web Application Firewall (WAF), and Web Security.



HAProxy stands out in the Leader quadrants of these reports as the only platform that extends performance, reliability, and security to applications in any environment as well as a fully managed and secure edge network. With HAProxy, enterprise technology buyers have a powerful, trusted, and flexible solution they can deploy anywhere  making the HAProxy One platform a compelling alternative to other cloud, SaaS, and CDN solutions.

Our leadership in categories where managed and hosted solutions have displaced traditional on-premises appliances is a massive win for HAProxys vision and evolution over nearly a quarter century said Dujko Radovnikovic, CEO, HAProxy Technologies. Our next-gen security layers enhanced by ML and threat intelligence from our secure edge network compete with the leading solutions for DDoS protection, bot management, API protection, and WAF. Meanwhile, HAProxys unified platform ensures seamless continuity from origin to edge, offering businesses flexibility for cloud migration or repatriation. This infrastructure agnostic solution enables customers to prioritize cost reduction, enhanced privacy, or greater control over AI applications.

HAProxy's platform revolutionizes the traditional application delivery landscape

Despite being best known as a load balancer, HAProxy is clearly separated in the G2 Fall 2024 Grid Reports from the traditional vendors in this market category. In G2 categories such as API Management, Load Balancing, and Web Application Firewall, HAProxys position in the Leader quadrant is a long way from the companys traditional competitors, which are usually found in the Niche quadrant. The breadth and performance of the HAProxy platform, coupled with exceptionally high user satisfaction, positions HAProxy not only as the natural replacement for traditional appliances but as a powerful alternative to the current market-leading solutions.

The G2 Fall 2024 Grid Reports, and the user reviews behind them, tell the same story we hear from our enterprise customers every day, said Tim Bertrand, President, HAProxy Technologies. Modern businesses are jettisoning the traditional application delivery options  known for their high costs and lack of scalability  and you can see that reflected in their low ranking in the G2 reports.

Today's technology buyers face a critical decision between flexible open-source solutions like HAProxy and the prominent players in public cloud, CDN, and other SaaS offeringsour peers in the Leader quadrants, continued Bertrand. HAProxy is winning and building momentum thanks to the strength of our intelligent security layers, our trusted ability to integrate anywhere in an organizations tech stack, and our flexibility and authority all the way from open source load balancing to fully managed services on our secure edge network. HAProxys performance across such a broad spectrum is truly unmatched.

In the last 12 months, HAProxy Technologies further advanced the HAProxy platform with new versions of its open source and enterprise products.

HAProxy 3.0 maintained the strong momentum of the open source load balancer with improvements to simplicity, security, reliability, and flexibility.

maintained the strong momentum of the open source load balancer with improvements to simplicity, security, reliability, and flexibility. HAProxy Enterprise 2.9 added UDP load balancing, and the next-generation HAProxy Enterprise WAF and Bot Management Module enhanced by threat intelligence from HAProxy Edge , a globally distributed secure edge network.

added UDP load balancing, and the next-generation HAProxy Enterprise WAF and Bot Management Module enhanced by threat intelligence from , a globally distributed secure edge network. HAProxy Fusion 1.2 added service discovery for Kubernetes and Consul, enabling intelligent external load balancing, multi-cluster routing, and high performance dynamic configuration with tens of thousands of backends.

added service discovery for Kubernetes and Consul, enabling intelligent external load balancing, multi-cluster routing, and high performance dynamic configuration with tens of thousands of backends. HAProxy Edge integrated the latest HAProxy Enterprise security features, ensuring these modules are battle-tested at scale. HAProxy Edge handles billions of requests per day that feed real-world threat intelligence data into the Intelligent WAF Engine, which powers HAProxy Enterprise WAF, and the reputational scoring system used by the HAProxy Enterprise Bot Management Module.

Exceptional user reviews praise HAProxy platforms multi-layered security, integration, and flexibility

G2 product ratings are based on customer and user reviews and aggregated data from online sources. In the Momentum Grid Report, the Satisfaction Score is affected by several factors, including customer satisfaction with end user-focused and administration-specific product attributes, popularity and statistical significance of reviews, and timeliness and quality of reviews.

G2 awarded HAProxy 48 badges, including naming HAProxy a Leader in 20 Fall 2024 Grid Reports:

Grid Report for API Management

Grid Report for DDoS Protection

Grid Report for DevOps

Grid Report for Load Balancing

Grid Report for Web Security

Momentum Grid Report for API Management

Momentum Grid Report for Container Networking

Momentum Grid Report for DDoS Protection

Momentum Grid Report for Load Balancing

Momentum Grid Report for Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Enterprise Grid Report for DevOps

Mid-Market EMEA Regional Grid Report for API Management

Mid-Market Grid Report for Load Balancing

Mid-Market Grid Report for Web Application Firewall (WAF)

Small-Business Grid Report for Load Balancing

EMEA Regional Grid Report for API Management

Europe Regional Grid Report for API Management

Europe Regional Grid Report for DevOps

EMEA Regional Grid Report for Load Balancing

Europe Regional Grid Report for Load Balancing

The Leader designation signifies that HAProxy has earned best-in-class ratings from verified customers for both user satisfaction scores and market presence.

A user in the banking sector gave HAProxy five stars and wrote , [HAProxy Enterprise] combines a productive load balancer with excellent built-in software WAF  as well as protection from DoS attacks, protection from bots, a module for Google reCAPTCHA [HAProxy Enterprise] allows us to monitor and prevent attacks on our remote service system on a daily basis.

Ive been using HAProxy since version ~1.7, and it remains the only load balancer I can confidently recommend, said another five-star review . It is easy to integrate and combined with automation software (like Ansible) you can deploy a fully reliable environment, essentially creating a turnkey solution ready for clients.

A user who relied on HAProxys flexibility wrote in a five-star review , We need to react and adapt to every crazy customer requirement. HAProxy never lets us down with that.

These and other G2 user reviews show HAProxys ability to simplify, scale, and secure applications in a diverse range of enterprise use cases.

See HAProxy Technologies at KubeCon NA 2024

HAProxy Technologies will attend KubeCon + CloudNativeCon, North America 2024 in Salt Lake City, Utah to showcase its platform and latest Kubernetes capabilities. Visit the companys booth on November 12-15 or schedule a meeting with us.

Join the Global HAProxy Community at HAProxyConf 2025

HAProxyConf 2025 will take the stage in San Francisco, California, from June 3 to 5, 2025. The 2+ days flagship conference for the highly active HAProxy community will be held in the Mission Bay Conference Center, hosting expert speakers from across the open source and enterprise landscape.

HAProxy users, customers, and developers are invited to submit a talk and become a part of HAProxyConf 2025's exciting lineup.

Registration for HAProxyConf 2025 is coming soon.

About HAProxy One

HAProxy One is the worlds fastest application delivery and security platform from the company behind HAProxy. It combines the performance, reliability, and flexibility of our open-source core (HAProxy) with the capabilities of a unified enterprise platform, featuring ultra-low latency security layers enhanced by machine learning, operational feedback from our customers and community, and threat intelligence from HAProxy Technologies global network. The platform consists of a flexible data plane ( HAProxy Enterprise and HAProxy ALOHA ), scalable control plane ( HAProxy Fusion ), and secure edge network ( HAProxy Edge ), which together enable multi-cloud Load Balancing as a Service (LBaaS), Web App and API Protection, API/AI Gateways, Kubernetes networking, ADN/CDN, and end-to-end observability.

About HAProxy Technologies

HAProxy Technologies is the company behind HAProxy One, the worlds fastest application delivery and security platform, and HAProxy, the most widely used software load balancer. Leading companies and cloud providers trust HAProxy to simplify, scale, and secure modern applications, APIs, and AI services in any environment. HAProxy Technologies is headquartered in Newton, MA, with multiple offices across the US and Europe.

Media Contact:

Deb Randel, VP Marketing

HAProxy Technologies, LLC

press@haproxy.com

An image accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/6ff14430-b802-48c1-8ea3-d4bfeebd2289
NEW YORK, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CAST, the leader in software intelligence, today unveiled a new plugin to help companies swiftly migrate from VMware to cost-efficient cloud alternatives. Given the complexity of many VMware configurations, businesses transitioning off those platforms are expected to face hundreds of hours in staff time expense and risk introducing errors to critical systems.



"Many of these VMware deployments happened 20 years ago, so the institutional knowledge necessary for a smooth process is no longer available," said Greg Rivera, Vice President at CAST. "Integrated into CAST Highlight, this plugin empowers leaders with a fact-based, streamlined sequence for migration.

CAST Highlight reads and understands application source code, generating the ideal pathway to transition off VMware including:

Which applications to rehost, containerize, rearchitect, rebuild, or retire

Migration blockers in the code and how to address them

Migration effort estimates

Best-fit cloud-native alternatives on AWS, Microsoft Azure, Google Cloud, Oracle Cloud, and IBM Cloud

The plugin is available free of charge as part of CAST Highlight, integrated into the platforms suite of dashboards, heatmaps and application drilldowns.

To learn more about CAST and its software intelligence solutions, visit www.castsoftware.com.

About CAST

CAST leads the emerging market category of software intelligence. Its technology automatically deciphers custom-built applications and provides instant insights into their inner workings  from portfolio views, down to the finest application detail  whenever executives and practitioners need to know, improve, transform, or control their critical software. See castsoftware.com.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/ea0ba018-0d65-4c94-b23e-05051ff15df2
Plantation, FL, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Amerant Bank announced today that Sterling Harrell has joined the Bank as EVP, Broward Market President. Harrell brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record in commercial banking and financial management, making him a valuable addition to Amerant Bank in Broward County. He will be based in Amerant's recently opened Planation, FL regional headquarters.

Harrell's most recent role was as the Managing Director - Middle Market Florida for TD Bank, where he demonstrated exceptional performance as a results-oriented senior leader who excels in the development and implementation of comprehensive relationship-based strategies.

We are delighted to welcome Sterling to the Amerant team. His extensive experience and leadership capabilities will be invaluable as we continue to grow our franchise across Broward County, said Jerry Plush, Chairman and CEO of Amerant Bank. I am confident that Sterling will be a significant contributor and play an essential role to our Bank's continued success in bringing value-added banking solutions and service to our customers in this key market.

Harrell's appointment signifies another deliberate move in Amerants continued dedication to Broward County and growth throughout South Florida.

I am excited to join Amerant Bank and lead the Broward market team. I look forward to leveraging my experience and working with our team members to deliver value-based solutions and achieve continued success, said Sterling Harrell.

Prior to joining Amerant, Sterling held several leadership positions at financial institutions across South and Central Florida, including TD Bank, SunTrust, and Fairwinds Credit Union, among others. He has also been involved as a board member of organizations like the Association for Corporate Growth South Florida Chapter and the Financial and International Business Association.

Amerant recently held a private client reception at its new Broward regional office located in Plantation at 1200 S Pine Island Rd #700, Plantation, FL 33324. This office is home to key lines of business that contribute with the economic development of the businesses in the area. With this new location, Amerant Bank now has over half of its 600 plus member workforce working in Broward County.

###

About Amerant Bank

Amerant Bank, N.A., is the largest community bank headquartered in Florida and the main subsidiary of Amerant Bancorp Inc. (NYSE: AMTB), with a presence across South Florida and in Tampa, FL, and Houston, TX. The bank has been serving clients for over 40 years and comprises subsidiaries Amerant Investments and Amerant Mortgage. Rooted in the communities it serves, Amerant supports numerous non-profit and community organizations. In 2022 and again in 2023, the company was certified as a Most Loved Workplace by Best Practice Institute. For news and updates, visit the Amerant Newsroom

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TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The United Steelworkers union (USW) is appointing Kevon Stewart as USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada), effective today Oct. 1, 2024, making him the first Black District Director in the union, across Canada and the United States. Kevon succeeds outgoing Director Myles Sullivan, who has accepted a new role as Assistant to the International President, David McCall, working out of the USW international office in Pittsburgh.



Marty Warren, USW National Director for Canada, offered his congratulations:

Congratulations to Myles and Kevon, two dear friends and colleagues, on their new leadership roles within the union, said Marty Warren, USW National Director for Canada.

I look forward to working with Myles and Kevon in their new roles on our shared goals: growing our great union, representing workers and fighting for fairness and social justice, Warren added.

In my new role as USW Ontario and Atlantic Canada Director, I intend to build on our unions work by helping more workers gain union representation with the USW, bargaining industry-leading strong contracts and continuing as the go-to organization for community partnerships, said Kevon Stewart, new District 6 Director. Stewart becomes USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada) from his role as Assistant to the District 6 Director, succeeding Sullivan.

I am honoured to be entrusted with new responsibilities in the USW International Office, working closely with President McCall on our unions priorities, including organizing new members into the union and supporting the Steelworkers unmatched member-to-member education and training programs, said Myles Sullivan, new assistant to the International President Dave McCall. Sullivan becomes Assistant to the USW International President from his role as District 6 Director.

The USW is proud of its commitment to democracy and its unique one-member, one-vote constitutional process for electing its leaders. When vacancies occur between terms, the union appoints interim leaders to fill roles until the next election. The next USW leadership election will be in November 2025.

Myles Sullivan

Assistant to the USW International President

Myles Sullivan has been a labour, political and social justice activist and, above all, a proud Steelworker, for more than a quarter-century. Born and raised in the Northern Ontario gold mining community of Kirkland Lake, he joined the USW in 1995 after he was hired by mining company Falconbridge Ltd. (now Glencore) in Sudbury. He soon became active in the union, taking on roles including health and safety rep and steward before being elected chair of his 350-member bargaining unit within USW Local 2020.

Sullivan was hired as a USW Staff Representative based in Sudbury in 2007. Early in his tenure, he was the servicing staff representative for Local 6500, as members weathered their 361-day strike against Vale, working with some 3,500 families standing in solidarity against the mining giant. His direct involvement in the historic, year-long strike was a defining experience in his life and career.

The strike highlighted the tremendous solidarity and fighting spirit of our members, who fought like hell to resist the destructive, anti-union agenda of a massive, multinational corporation. And it crystalized the necessity for the USW to continue our efforts to build community, labour and political alliances, at home and around the world, Sullivan says. He carried many of the lessons from the strike with him as he went on to bargain major collective agreements, particularly with multinational corporations.

In 2013, Sullivan was appointed USW Area Co-ordinator for northeastern Ontario and served six years in the position before relocating to Toronto as Assistant to the District 6 Director.

In 2021, he was elected as USW District 6 Director (Ontario and Atlantic Canada), a role he has served in since March 1, 2022.

Kevon Stewart

District 6 Director

Kevon Stewart was born in St. Thomas, Jamaica, and moved to Canada with his family when he was seven. He graduated from York University in Toronto after studying kinesiology and geography, intending to teach and open a community centre.

Instead, he took a job as a machine operator at Samuel Strapping, a steel plant in Scarborough, Ontario, and joined USW Local 3.

Stewarts participation in a USW education course sparked decades of union activism. Because of his interest in health and safety, he began training other workers on proper use of overhead cranes and forklifts. That experience led him to serve on his locals grievance committee, as a steward and as his units elected vice chair.

The union noticed Stewarts leadership skills, and in 2004, then-District 6 Director Wayne Fraser began mentoring him for the role of Staff Representative. Stewart serviced local unions in Toronto, the Durham Region and Eastern Ontario, where members worked in sectors such as steel, manufacturing, nuclear energy, service and health care.

In 2019, Stewart accepted the position of District 6 Co-ordinator, overseeing district committees while supporting arbitration cases and bargaining committees. Three years later, he took on additional responsibilities as Assistant to the Director of District 6, becoming the first Black rank-and-file member to hold a USW leadership role in Canada.

As Assistant to the Director, Stewart collaborated with staff on servicing USW members, oversaw district programs and worked with the unions allies and USW employers. He also participated in the unions international initiatives to build global worker solidarity and began serving on the Canadian Nuclear Workers Council  a body promoting nuclear literacy and the safe use of nuclear energy  on behalf of USW members in that industry.

Through his union activism, Stewart made the connection between workers rights and politics. He currently serves as Executive Vice-President of the Ontario wing of the New Democratic Party (NDP)  Canadas only labour party co-founded by Steelworkers in 1961.

About the United Steelworkers union:

The USW represents 225,000 members in nearly every economic sector across Canada and is the largest private-sector union in North America, with 850,000 members in Canada, the United States and the Caribbean.

Each year, thousands of workers choose to join the USW because of the unions strong track record in creating healthier, safer and more respectful workplaces and negotiating better working conditions and fairer compensation  including good wages, benefits and pensions.

For more information

Marty Warren, USW National Director for Canada, 416-544-5951

Shannon Devine, USW Communications, sdevine@usw.ca, 416-938-4402
Irvine, California, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Michigan State University Federal Credit Union (MSUFCU) partners with Origence, the leading lending technology solutions provider for credit unions, to streamline processes and enhance its financial services as it continues to expand. This strategic collaboration aims to leverage Origences arc OS and arc DX platforms for both loans and account opening. The platform will enable MSUFCU to optimize its workflow, enhancing the member experience with a system that is both efficient and easy to maintain.

For more than a decade, MSUFCU customized its core system to scale for its needs. In that time, it continued to grow, acquiring another credit union and two additional community banks and expanding its market into Illinois. As the credit union grew, maintaining its customizable platform became more time-consuming and costly. MSUFCU selected Origences arc OS for its configurable and intuitive technology that would drive efficiency. Ultimately, this upgrade would provide the foundation required to meet the evolving needs of its members and stay ahead in the competitive financial service landscape.

MSUFCU is in a dynamic expansion phase, explained April Clobes, CEO of MSUFCU. We recognized that partnering with Origence would enable us to enhance our lending platforms in a more cost-effective and scalable way, meeting our growing needs with an innovative, configurable, and user-friendly solution. As a CUSO, Origence understands our commitment to our members and our growth initiatives, and they are willing to collaborate with us, listen to our needs, and grow alongside us.

We are excited to have MSUFCU as a partner in our journey to reimagine lending technology for credit unions, said Tony Boutelle, president and CEO at Origence. Together, we are setting a new standard for innovation, efficiency, and service in the financial industry and credit union lending.

Origence recently welcomed MSUFCUs CEO, April Clobes, to the board of directors as an associate board member and MSUFCU as an investor and shareholder for the CUSO.

MSUFCU is a more than $7.8 billion-asset credit union located in East Lansing, Mich. serving more than 350,000 members.

About MSUFCU

Founded in 1937, MSUFCU has a national reputation for excellence and has received several top industry and workplace awards, including being named a Best Credit Union to Work For by American Banker for the sixth year, a Top Workplace by the Detroit Free Press for 13 consecutive years, and a National Best and Brightest Companies to Work For winner for seven consecutive years. MSUFCU has also been certified as a Great Place to Work for 10 consecutive years and has been recognized by the Credit Union National Association, earning first place for the people-helping-people philosophy Louise Herring Award. The Credit Union operates an award-winning, wholly owned credit union service organization, Reseda Group, along with digital financial platforms AlumniFi and Collegiate, trade name Oakland University Credit Union, and its foundation, the Desk Drawer Fund. MSUFCU is headquartered in East Lansing, Michigan; and has 24 branches; over 350,000 members; $7.61 billion in assets; and more than 1,100 employees. For more information, visit msufcu.org.

About Origence

Origence provides the lending technology solutions credit unions need to advance their total origination experience. We were established in 1994 as a credit union service organization (CUSO) and have helped credit unions process more than 88 million applications for $551 billion in funded loans. Our solutions include indirect lending, loan and account origination, auto shopping, marketing automation, lending operations, and more. Origence was named the 2023 CUSO of the year by NACUSO. Learn more at www.origence.com and follow us on X and LinkedIn.

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MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Canon Inc., the parent company of Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, announced that it shipped its most advanced lithography platform, the FPA-1200NZ2C nanoimprint lithography (NIL) system for semiconductor manufacturing to the Texas Institute for Electronics (TIE), a Texas-based semiconductor consortium, on September 26, 2024.



Canon became the first in the world to commercialize a semiconductor manufacturing system that uses NIL technology, which forms circuit patterns in a different method from conventional projection exposure technology, when it released the FPA-1200NZ2C on October 13, 2023.

In contrast to conventional photolithography equipment, which transfers a circuit pattern by projecting it onto the resist coated wafer, the new product does it by pressing a mask imprinted with the circuit pattern into the resist on the wafer like a stamp. Fine circuit patterns on the mask can be faithfully reproduced on the wafer because its circuit pattern transfer process does not go through an optical mechanism. With reduced power consumption and cost, the new system enables patterning with a minimum linewidth of 14 nm1, equivalent to the 5 nm node2 that is required to produce most advanced logic semiconductors currently available.

The full release from Canon Inc. can be found here.

The FPA-1200NZ2C will be used at TIE for the research and development of advanced semiconductors and production of prototypes.



TIE is a semiconductor consortium which was founded in 2021 and is supported by The University of Texas at Austin. It consists of state and local governments, semiconductor companies, national research institutions and other entities. TIE provides open access to semiconductor research and development initiatives and prototyping facilities in order to help solve issues related to advanced semiconductor technology, including advanced packaging technology.

Canon will continue to promote research and development using nanoimprint lithography systems for semiconductor manufacturing to contribute to the evolution of semiconductor manufacturing technology.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc. is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions to the United States and to Latin America and the Caribbean markets. With approximately $29.4 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. as of 2023 has ranked in the top-five overall in U.S. patents granted for 38 consecutive years. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To learn more about Canon, visit us at www.usa.canon.com and connect with us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/canonusa.

# # #

 Based on weekly patent counts issued by United States Patent and Trademark Office.

1 1 nm = one billionth of a meter

2 nm node: refers to a generation of technology in the semiconductor manufacturing process

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MISSISSAUGA, Ontario, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Chens Enterprises Corporation is proud to announce a significant evolution of its brand to better align with the companys expansion and growth.



Since its inception over a decade and a half ago, Chens has transformed from a company dedicated to bringing mainstream food, beverage and household products into ethnic supermarkets across Canada into one of the countrys fastest-growing truly multicultural national distributors.

In addition to representing major ethnic and international brands, Chens has developed a robust lineup of in-house brands, catering to both mainstream and multicultural grocery chains and retailers. These brands include Applewood Signature, named after the community of Applewood Height in which Chens began its entrepreneurial journey and Trensite Milk Powder. Applewood Signature is an in-house brand of premium signature quality food, beverage and household products, which are synonymous with the distinct qualities of Applewood itself. Trensite is Chens in-house milk powder brand filled with rich nutrients and a creamy taste used for drinking, baking, cooking, smoothies, producing ice cream, among many other uses.

Jie Chen, President and CEO of Chens states, Since our humble beginnings, my brothers and I have taken immense pride in our Chinese heritage, which has been reflected in our original branding. We started by introducing mainstream national brands to ethnic stores and retail chains across Canada, and that branding served us well. However, we have now evolved into a truly global company that searches the world for the best products across both mainstream and multicultural markets, while also developing our own in-house brands. It was essential for us to reflect this evolution in our brand direction.

The original Chens logo featured traditional Chinese elements, including gold and red colours and the Chinese character representing their family name. Collaborating with a leading branding agency, Chens has refined its visual identity to match its current and future goals. The updated logo preserves key traditional elements while incorporating a more modern colour palette and font selection. The new tagline, The Best the World Has to Offer, encapsulates Chens commitment to sourcing top-tier products globally for Canadian retailers, whether mainstream or multicultural.

To learn more about Chens and the brands they carry, please visit: https://chensec.com/

For inquiries or to obtain the Chens brand kit, please contact:

Mr. Jie Chen

President

Email: jie.chen@chensec.com

Phone: (416) 618-2168

About Chens Enterprises Corporation

Chens Enterprises Corporation is a Canadian-based food, beverage and household goods wholesale distributor that sources the best international products from around the globe for national Canadian and Multicultural retailers.

Chens represents a multitude of local and international brands and its own in-house brands  Applewood Signature and Trensite. Applewood Signature is a premium signature line of food, beverage and household products that have qualities that are synonymous with the unique properties of Applewood itself. Trensite, interpreted as triple density is a premium milk powder brand that is rich in nutrients and which meets the highest production safety standards combined with advanced low temperature technology.

Chens excels in professional service, fast turnaround times and a wide selection of products, while exceeding industry standards in all facets.
Cleveland, Ohio, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Compass Self Storage, a member of the Amsdell family of companies, is offering a helping hand to support residents and businesses in areas impacted by the recent devastation from Hurricane Helene.

Compass Self Storage is offering one month of free rent for a self storage unit to anyone dealing with the damage from these storms at any of their locations in AL, FL, GA, NC, SC, TN. For a complete list of Compass Self Storage centers, please visit www.compassselfstorage.com.

Dealing with the damage from this powerful hurricane can be very challenging. We want to help soften the impact by offering one month of free rent for a self storage unit to anyone dealing with this difficult situation. We will be ready to assist however possible, stated Todd Amsdell, President.

The Amsdell family of companies (Amsdell Companies) is headquartered in Cleveland, OH. Amsdell draws its roots from the family owned construction company founded in 1928 and has since been active in several billions of dollars worth of real estate ventures with a primary focus on self storage. As industry pioneers, Amsdell has owned and operated over 500 storage centers under various trade names in over 27 states. With over 85 years of doing business, the Amsdell team has extensive experience in property acquisition, construction and property management. Please visit www.amsdellcompanies.com and www.compassselfstorage.com for more information.

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NEW YORK, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- First Responders Childrens Foundation (FRCF), a national 501(c)3 organization dedicated to serving the children of U.S. first responders including firefighters, police officers, paramedics, EMTs, corrections officers, and 911 dispatchers, is pleased to announce that it will be providing 81 scholarship awards this year, totaling over $120,000, to children of NYPD and FDNY first responders.

The First Responders Children's Foundation continues to see a surge in scholarship applications, a stark reminder of the immense financial burdens faced by families within the first responder community, said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of the First Responders Children's Foundation. With the rising costs of college and living expenses, it's becoming increasingly challenging for these families to make ends meet. That's why we're grateful to our donors and corporate sponsors for their support, which enables us to provide critical financial assistance to these deserving students. We will continue to work tirelessly to address the growing need, recognizing that the sacrifices made by first responders' families warrant our support. By helping them overcome these financial hurdles, we can ensure that these children have every opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential.

Nationwide, FRCF proudly awarded over $1.036 million in scholarships, distributing over 360 scholarships to deserving students this year. Notably, 16% of these scholarships were granted to first-generation college students, while over 60% supported children whose parents died or were disabled in the line of duty. Over the past five years, the FRCF Scholarships program has awarded over 1,700 scholarships and a remarkable $4.9 million, paving the way for brighter futures.

"I am incredibly grateful to FRCF for awarding me this scholarship. FRCF's support has not only eased my financial worries but has also inspired me to pursue my dreams with renewed determination to make both my mother, a former NYPD detective, and FRCF proud of me. Thank you to everyone who made this scholarship possible but most of all thank you for believing in me and investing in my future, said Adriana Hendrickson-Slack, FRCF scholarship recipient.

Thanks to FRCF donors and corporate sponsors, in addition to offering scholarships to children of first responders, FRCF provides first responder families with bereavement grants, emergency financial hardship grants, and free mental health counseling. FRCF also has a robust community engagement program to help forge lasting relationships that build trust, inspire future first responders, and strengthen the bonds between communities and public safety agencies nationwide.

Generous supporters of the FRCF scholarship program include Scooter Braun and The Braun Foundation; Patrick Cantlay; Cradlepoint/Verizon; CSX Pride in Service; Devon Energy; Fords Garage; Home Clean Heroes; Niagara Bottling; PricewaterhouseCoopers; Rosewood Foundation; Smiling Rocks; T-Mobile; Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association of America (TIAA); Universal Music Group Nashville, and Victoria Ovis  Louis Vuitton.

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDRENS FOUNDATION (FRCF)

First Responders Childrens Foundation is a national foundation that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of children of first responders. The Foundation focuses on critical areas, including scholarships, financial assistance grants; bereavement assistance, mental health counseling for children; and community engagement programs to foster positive relationships between first responder agencies and the communities they serve. FRCF was founded over 22 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDRENS FOUNDATION

38 EAST 32ND STREET  SUITE 602  NEW YORK, NEW YORK  10016  (646) 8224236 WWW.1stRCF.ORG

First Responders Childrens Foundation is a 501(c)(3) organization. Our EIN / tax ID number is 05-0536854.
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, FAIR Canada released new research challenging some common assumptions about the growing, dynamic world of do-it-yourself (DIY) investors. Forty-five percent of Canadian investors now have some DIY investments. The findings reveal that DIY-Only investors have less risk tolerance and confidence, and are less likely to use the tools on their DIY platform than Hybrid investors who also work with an advisor.

FAIR Canada commissioned the research to deepen our understanding of the attitudes and behaviours of DIY-Only investors, who are exclusively self-managed, and Hybrid investors. Of the 1,350 Canadian investors surveyed, 46% were DIY-Only investors and 54% were Hybrid.

These fresh insights could reshape our understanding and support of individual investors, says Jean-Paul Bureaud, FAIR Canadas Executive Director. The rise in DIY investing reinforces the need for regulators to help all investors make informed decisions with clear, transparent information and to ensure fairness in the investing landscape.

DIY-Only Investors Versus Hybrid Investors

FAIR Canadas findings cite that Hybrid investors (72%) are more likely to indicate they are confident about investing than DIY-Only investors (61%).

They are more likely to report that they commonly make risky investments (34%) than DIY-Only investors (28%). Men and younger DIY investors are also more likely to say they commonly make risky investments.

Hybrid investors are twice as likely to apply to trade options, futures, or over-the-counter derivatives (28% versus 15% for DIY-Only investors), and to use credit or margin to finance their investments (21% versus 11% for DIY-Only investors). They are also more inclined to diversify their DIY portfolios, exhibit greater confidence in their investment decisions and engage in higher-risk investments.

Only 16% of Hybrid investors report not using any of the tools on their online platforms, compared with double the proportion (33%) of DIY-Only investors who report the same.

DIY-Only investors are more likely to rely on financial statements (44%) than Hybrid investors (35%). They are also more likely to rely on media and family and friends.

Almost four-in-10 DIY-Only investors and three-in-10 Hybrid investors do not trust investment advisors. Overall, DIY-Only investors (43%) are less likely than Hybrid investors (52%) to agree the investing process is fair to the average investor.

Implications for Policy and Support

The report underscores the need to review how we regulate DIY platforms and consider whether they could offer some advisor-like features to help DIY investors make better choices, said Mr. Bureaud. Regulators are now looking at how DIY platforms can be improved to offer non-tailored advice to investors. FAIR Canada looks forward to contributing to the evolution of the regulatory framework for DIY investors.

The full report, Understanding Do-It-Yourself Account Holders, is available on FAIRCanada.ca.

About the Research

The Strategic Counsel conducted this online survey for FAIR Canada with 1,350 DIY investors proportionate to the population across Canada. Surveying occurred from February 20, 2024 to March 4, 2024, and May 27, 2024 to June 17, 2024. The sample size for DIY-Only investors was 615 with a precision level of 4.9%. The sample size of Hybrid investors was 735 with a precision level of 3.6%. Precision level refers to how accurately the survey results represent the true characteristics of the entire population.

About FAIR Canada

FAIR Canada champions the rights of individual investors in Canada through advocacy, education, and regulatory advancements. We are the trusted, independent voice on significant issues that affect individual investors. As Canadas only non-profit, investor-focused organization, we provide informed, objective comments on regulatory matters that have an impact on investor fairness and protection. Learn more about investor rights at FAIRCanada.ca and connect with us on X (formerly Twitter) and LinkedIn.

For further information contact:

Jean-Paul Bureaud

Executive Director, FAIR Canada

JP.Bureaud@FAIRCanada.ca

Teresa Pagnutti

Public/Media Relations Lead

Teresa.Pagnutti@FAIRcanada.ca

416-230-0172
Analysts Forecast Huge Growth in Renewable Energy Sector  A Major Opportunity for REV

MALAHIDE, Dublin, Ireland, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- In an era where sustainable energy is essential, Renewable Energy Ventures (REV) is pioneering a groundbreaking opportunity for investors to contribute to the renewable energy revolution while earning significant rewards. REV introduces a utility token that ties into real-world assets (RWA), positioning itself as a first-of-its-kind project in the cryptocurrency space that aligns with the growing trend of decentralized finance (DeFi).

Analysts Forecast Significant Growth in Renewable Energy Market

According to industry analysts, the global renewable energy sector is on the verge of exponential growth, driven by policy changes, technological advancements, and increased demand for green energy. With the sector valued at over $1 trillion, projections show that it will expand rapidly in the coming years. This creates a prime opportunity for REV, as its value is expected to grow alongside the booming renewable energy market. For investors seeking sustainable, impactful projects, REV stands out as a promising candidate for long-term growth and returns.

What is REV?

REV is more than just a cryptocurrency; it is a blockchain-based platform designed to support and fund renewable energy projects globally. As demand for clean energy sources such as solar, wind, and geothermal increases, so does the need for innovative funding solutions. REV bridges this gap, providing investors with a seamless way to contribute to renewable energy initiatives while securing significant returns on their investments.

Presale & Early Investment Opportunities

Early investors in REV's presale have a unique opportunity to secure tokens at a discounted rate before they are available to the general public. This early-stage investment offers the highest potential for returns as REV expands its reach and gains momentum in the market.

The presale is live, and investors can participate by visiting: https://presale.revtoken.io

Getting involved early not only ensures your place in a high-growth project but also supports the future of renewable energy.

Long-Term Growth Plan

REV has a clear long-term vision for growth. As a real utility token and real-world asset, it exemplifies what cryptocurrency and blockchain technology aim to achieve-decentralized and impactful financial systems. As global demand for renewable energy increases, REV is positioned to grow, offering exponential returns for investors. The project will help fund startups and initiatives within the renewable energy space, pushing innovation in clean energy.

With an exciting roadmap ahead, REV plans to partner with top-tier renewable energy companies and list its token on Tier 1 exchanges, offering increased liquidity and exposure. These strategic partnerships will keep REV at the forefront of both the renewable energy and cryptocurrency sectors.

Token Burn and Deflationary Mechanism

REV employs a deflationary mechanism in which a portion of tokens will be burned over time to reduce supply, increase scarcity, and boost value. Combined with the anticipated growth of the renewable energy sector, this makes REV a highly lucrative investment opportunity.

NFT Integration

A unique feature of the REV ecosystem is its exclusive NFT collection. These NFTs are not only visually striking but also play an integral role within the ecosystem. By purchasing these NFTs, investors engage with REV in an exciting way while directly supporting renewable energy projects. Stay tuned for upcoming announcements on the NFT drop.

Why Invest in REV?

With the renewable energy sector growing at an unprecedented rate, and with global governments and corporations prioritizing green energy, the value of sustainable projects is set to soar. REV stands at the intersection of blockchain and renewable energy, offering investors a rare opportunity to contribute to a greener future while earning financial rewards.

As a real utility token backed by real-world assets, REV provides tangible value to investors. Its long-term growth strategy and commitment to funding renewable energy initiatives make it an attractive option for those looking to make a positive impact on both the environment and their financial future.

For more information on the presale and to join the revolution, visit the REV website today! Be sure to watch for the upcoming electric vehicle giveaway, which will be announced after Stage 1 Presale is completed.

Join the REVolution!

Website: https://revtoken.io

Email: contact@revtoken.io

Twitter: https://x.com/REVtoken_io

Telegram: http://t.me/REVtoken_io

Contact Details:

Eleanor Zhang

Business Development Manager

Email: contact@revtoken.io



Disclaimer: This content is provided by REV. The statements, views and opinions expressed in this column are solely those of the content provider. The information provided in this press release is not a solicitation for investment, nor is it intended as investment advice, financial advice, or trading advice. It is strongly recommended you practice due diligence, including consultation with a professional financial advisor, before investing in or trading cryptocurrency and securities. Please conduct your own research and invest at your own risk.

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/bb537b32-096b-4b46-a0f4-de6e3b1632f0
Phoenix, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Phoenix, Arizona -

Reliant Plumbing & Rooter, a trusted family-owned and operated plumbing company based in Phoenix, Arizona, is proud to announce its continued commitment to providing exceptional plumbing services to homeowners and businesses throughout Phoenix and surrounding areas in Maricopa and Pinal counties. Offering a wide range of professional solutions, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter stands out in the industry for its fast response times, top-quality work, and dedication to customer satisfaction.

With services available 24/7, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter specializes in both residential and commercial plumbing needs, ensuring that clients receive prompt attention to urgent plumbing issues. Their team of licensed and experienced plumbers handles everything from routine drain cleaning and hydro jetting to more complex tasks such as trenchless sewer line repairs or replacements. In addition, they provide expert water heater repairs or replacements, offering tailored solutions to meet the unique needs of each customer.

"Our mission at Reliant Plumbing & Rooter is to treat every home and business as if it were our own," said Alexis Mireles, owner of Reliant Plumbing & Rooter. "We understand how disruptive plumbing issues can be, so we strive to respond quickly and efficiently to minimize the inconvenience for our clients. Whether it's an emergency plumbing situation in the middle of the night or scheduled maintenance during the week, we're committed to being there when our customers need us the most."

The team at Reliant Plumbing & Rooter has built a reputation for their reliability, attention to detail, and personalized customer care. Every job is handled with the highest level of professionalism, from diagnosing the problem to offering the most effective and budget-conscious solutions. Whether clients are facing a small leak or a major sewer line issue, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter guarantees that the work will be done right the first time.

"We take pride in the quality of service we offer," Mireles continued. "We understand that our customers expect nothing but the best, and we work hard to exceed those expectations. From our plumbers to our office staff, every member of our team is dedicated to providing an exceptional experience that fosters long-term relationships with our clients."

As a locally owned business, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter has deep roots in the Phoenix community. Alexis Mireles and his team are proud to serve not only Phoenix but also the broader areas of Maricopa and Pinal counties, where they have built strong relationships with local homeowners, businesses, and community leaders. With a customer-first approach, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter has earned the trust of countless residents and business owners in the area who rely on the company for their plumbing needs.

"We are truly grateful for the overwhelming support we've received from the community of Maricopa County," said Mireles. "It's because of our loyal customers and their referrals that we've been able to grow our business and establish ourselves as one of Phoenix's leading plumbing service providers. We're committed to continuing to serve this wonderful community with the highest level of professionalism and care."

Reliant Plumbing & Rooter not only offers a comprehensive array of plumbing services, but they also emphasize ongoing education and training for their team to ensure they remain at the forefront of industry advancements. This commitment to excellence enables the company to offer cutting-edge plumbing techniques such as trenchless sewer line repairs, which minimize disruption to properties while delivering durable, long-lasting results.

Reliant Plumbing & Rooter offers an extensive suite of plumbing services designed to meet the varied needs of their customers. Services include, but are not limited to:

Drain Cleaning: Clearing clogged drains with the latest tools and techniques to restore proper flow.

Hydro Jetting: Utilizing high-pressure water to remove stubborn debris and blockages from pipes.

Trenchless Sewer Line Repairs or Replacements: Minimally invasive solutions that allow for efficient sewer line work without the need for extensive digging.

Water Heater Repairs or Replacements: Offering expert advice and service on both traditional and tankless water heaters.

General Plumbing Services: Covering a wide range of plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance for both residential and commercial properties.

Customers can expect prompt and courteous service from the moment they reach out to Reliant Plumbing & Rooter. The company's dedication to quality, integrity, and customer satisfaction has been the cornerstone of their success and the reason why they are quickly becoming the go-to plumbing company in Phoenix. To learn more about them, visit their website at https://reliantplumbingandrooter.com or call (602) 888-7060.

About Reliant Plumbing & Rooter

Founded by Alexis Mireles, Reliant Plumbing & Rooter is a family-owned and operated plumbing business dedicated to providing fast, reliable, and professional plumbing services across Phoenix, Maricopa County, and Pinal County. With a team of experienced and licensed plumbers, the company offers 24/7 emergency services and a comprehensive range of plumbing solutions for both residential and commercial customers. At Reliant Plumbing & Rooter, customer satisfaction is always the top priority.

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For more information about Reliant Plumbing & Rooter, contact the company here:



Reliant Plumbing & Rooter

Alexis Mireles

(602) 888-7060

alex@reliantplumbingandrooter.com

2820 N 36th St

Phoenix, AZ 85008
Red Bluff, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Bluff, California -

Since 2013, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning has been the go-to plumbing company for homeowners and businesses across Red Bluff, California, and the surrounding areas of Tehama County. As a family-owned and operated business, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning has built its reputation on providing fast, reliable, and high-quality plumbing solutions, catering to both residential and commercial clients.

Located in the heart of Red Bluff, the company offers a full range of professional plumbing services, including emergency plumbing solutions, drain cleaning, camera inspections, fixture installations, sewer line repairs and replacements, and water heater repairs or replacements. With a commitment to excellence, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning treats every customer's home or business with the utmost respect, ensuring a hassle-free and smooth experience.

"At Alpha & Omega, we pride ourselves on treating every customer's property like it's our own. We understand how stressful plumbing issues can be, and we're here to make sure the job gets done quickly and correctly," said Charlie Ford, Owner of Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning. "No matter how big or small the plumbing problem, our team is committed to providing fast and reliable service, ensuring our customers are satisfied every time."

Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is renowned for its wide variety of plumbing services, ensuring that customers' needs are fully met. Whether it's an urgent plumbing issue or a planned installation, the team is equipped to handle it all. Their full range of reliable plumbing services include, but are not limited to:

Emergency Plumbing Services: Available around the clock to tackle any plumbing emergency, from burst pipes to backed-up drains.

Drain Cleaning: Alpha & Omega ensures clear and free-flowing drains, preventing costly repairs down the line.

Camera Inspections: The latest technology to identify blockages, leaks, or other potential problems in plumbing systems.

Fixture Installations: Professional installations for faucets, sinks, toilets, and more, ensuring proper functionality and aesthetic appeal.

Sewer Line Repairs & Replacements: Fast, efficient solutions for damaged or outdated sewer lines, keeping homes and businesses safe from major plumbing disasters.

Water Heater Repairs & Replacements: Expertise in water heater services ensures customers have consistent hot water when they need it.

"Our goal is to provide dependable, expert plumbing services to every customer, whether it's a simple fix or a complex repair," Ford continued. "We want to be the first call people make when they have plumbing issues. It's about building trust with our community and maintaining the high standards we've set since day one."

One of the key values that set Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning apart is their unwavering dedication to customer satisfaction. Charlie Ford and his team understand the importance of prompt and reliable service, and they go above and beyond to ensure that every job is done right the first time. Whether it's a minor repair or a major installation, Alpha & Omega's approach is always centered around the customer's needs, offering clear communication, upfront pricing, and expert advice at every step.

"From the moment a customer calls us, we're committed to making the experience as smooth as possible. Our team takes the time to understand the issue, explain the options, and provide a clear plan for resolution," said Ford. "We believe in treating our customers like family, and that means being transparent, reliable, and delivering high-quality work every single time."

Over the years, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning has earned the trust of the Red Bluff and Tehama County communities. Charlie Ford attributes much of the company's success to the continued support of the local community, which has embraced Alpha & Omega as their trusted plumbing partner.

"As a family-owned business, we've always felt a strong connection to Red Bluff and the greater Tehama County area," Ford shared. "The community has been incredible in supporting our business over the years. We wouldn't be where we are today without them, and we're truly grateful for the trust they've placed in us. It's been a privilege to serve this community, and we look forward to continuing to do so for many more years."

Ford's gratitude extends beyond business success. For him and his family, being a part of Tehama County means more than just providing plumbing servicesit means being active members of a close-knit community. Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning frequently participates in local events and gives back to the community that has helped their business thrive.

For more information, please visit https://alphaomegadrain.com or contact them at (530) 209-6759.

About Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

Founded in 2013, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning is a family-owned and operated plumbing company located in Red Bluff, California. With a focus on fast, reliable service and complete customer satisfaction, they have become the trusted plumbing partner for residential and commercial clients throughout Tehama County. Offering a full range of services from drain cleaning and fixture installations to emergency plumbing and sewer line repairs, Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning delivers professional solutions to keep homes and businesses running smoothly.

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For more information about Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning, contact the company here:



Alpha & Omega Plumbing & Drain Cleaning

Charlie Ford

(530) 209-6759

projectmanager@alphaomegadrain.com

Red Bluff, CA 96080
Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP Securities Litigation Partner James (Josh) Wilson Encourages Investors Who Suffered Losses Exceeding $75,000 In Paragon 28 To Contact Him Directly To Discuss Their Options



If you suffered losses exceeding $75,000 in Paragon 28 between May 5, 2023 and August 8, 2024 and would like to discuss your legal rights, call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

[You may also click here for additional information]





NEW YORK, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP, a leading national securities law firm, is investigating potential claims against Paragon 28, Inc. (Paragon 28 or the Company) (NYSE: FNA) and reminds investors of the November 29, 2024 deadline to seek the role of lead plaintiff in a federal securities class action that has been filed against the Company.

Faruqi & Faruqi is a leading national securities law firm with offices in New York, Pennsylvania, California and Georgia. The firm has recovered hundreds of millions of dollars for investors since its founding in 1995. See www.faruqilaw.com.

As detailed below, the complaint alleges that the Company and its executives violated federal securities laws by making false and/or misleading statements and/or failing to disclose that throughout the Class Period defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and/or failed to disclose that: (1) Paragon 28s financial statements were misstated; (2) Paragon 28 lacked adequate internal controls and at times understated the extent of the issues with its internal controls; and (3) as a result, defendants statements about its business, operations, and prospects were materially false and misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis at all times.

On July 30, 2024, after the market closed, Paragon 28 filed a current report on Form 8-K with the SEC disclosing that "the Company's previously issued audited consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2023, contained within the Annual Report on Form 10-K for that year . . . and the unaudited condensed consolidated financial statements contained within the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q for the quarterly periods ended March 31, 2023, June 30, 2023, September 30, 2023, and March 31, 2024 should no longer be relied upon due to errors in such financial statements, and therefore a restatement of these prior financial statements is required."

On this news, Paragon 28's stock fell $1.24 per share, or 13.7%, to close at $7.79 per share on July 31, 2024.

Then, on August 8, 2024, the Company issued a press release announcing its financial results for the second quarter of 2024. In it, the Company issued revised full-year revenue guidance of $249 million to $255 million, down from a previous range of $249 million to $259 million. The Company also announced the implementation of an "operational efficiency strategy" that involved a 7% reduction in workforce, an "inventory burn-down", and a "[o]ne-time realignment of executive compensation for 2024."

On this news, Paragon 28's stock fell $1.67 per share, or 20.1%, to close at $6.64 per share on August 9, 2024.

The court-appointed lead plaintiff is the investor with the largest financial interest in the relief sought by the class who is adequate and typical of class members who directs and oversees the litigation on behalf of the putative class. Any member of the putative class may move the Court to serve as lead plaintiff through counsel of their choice, or may choose to do nothing and remain an absent class member. Your ability to share in any recovery is not affected by the decision to serve as a lead plaintiff or not.

Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP also encourages anyone with information regarding Paragon 28s conduct to contact the firm, including whistleblowers, former employees, shareholders and others.

To learn more about the Paragon 28 class action, go to www.faruqilaw.com/FNA or call Faruqi & Faruqi partner Josh Wilson directly at 877-247-4292 or 212-983-9330 (Ext. 1310).

Follow us for updates on LinkedIn, on X, or on Facebook.

Attorney Advertising. The law firm responsible for this advertisement is Faruqi & Faruqi, LLP (www.faruqilaw.com). Prior results do not guarantee or predict a similar outcome with respect to any future matter. We welcome the opportunity to discuss your particular case. All communications will be treated in a confidential manner.

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VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Goldshore Resources Inc. (TSXV: GSHR / OTC Markets: GSHRF / FSE: 8X00) (Goldshore or the Company or the Corporation) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Eight Capital, as the sole bookrunner and co-lead agent, and together with Clarus Securities Inc., as co-lead agent, on behalf of a syndicate of agents, including Paradigm Capital Inc. (collectively, the Agents) pursuant to which the Company has launched a private placement (the Offering) for aggregate gross proceeds of up to $12,500,000 in any combination of: (i) Flow-through shares of the Company (the FT Shares), at a price of $0.475 per FT Share, and (ii) Charity flow-through shares (the Charity FT Shares) at a price of $0.53 per Charity FT Share (together with the FT Shares, the FT Securities).



The Company has granted the Agents an option to offer for sale up to an additional 15% of the FT Securities, in any combination, at their respective issue price (the Over-Allotment Option). The Over-Allotment Option will be exercisable, in whole or in part, up to 48 hours prior to the Closing Date.

Gross proceeds from the Offering will be used to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses and flow-through mining expenditures, as defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada), and eligible Ontario exploration expenditures, as defined in the Taxation Act, 2007 (Ontario) (collectively, "Qualifying Expenditures"). Eventus Capital Corp. has been appointed as an advisor to the Company.

Michael Henrichsen, CEO of Goldshore commented, The gross proceeds from the FT Share sale will accelerate Goldshores Strategic Plan to advance the Moss Gold Deposit. By raising funds at this juncture, the Company will be in a position to execute a 15,000 meter winter drill program within the conceptual open pit. The aim of the program will be to increase the ounce profile of the deposit and reduce the strip ratio by extending known mineralization vertically toward the surface and by increasing drill density in locations where mineralized intercepts are too widely spaced to be included in the inferred resource category. We believe the results from this program will positively impact the economic performance of the project on the back of the PEA being completed by G Mining Services in Q1 of 2025.

The Company also plans to conduct a discovery-based exploration program through top of bedrock sampling and a ground based IP geophysical program in an area approximately 10km by 6 km area surrounding the Moss Deposit to identify additional drill targets to realize the district scale potential of our land package. Finally, this funding will allow us to rapidly advance our environmental work as we look to move toward the formal permitting process.

Closing of the Offering is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals, including but not limited to, the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities described herein 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 accordingly, may not be offered or sold within the United States except in compliance with the registration requirements of the 1933 Act and applicable state securities requirements or pursuant to exemptions therefrom. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation to buy any securities in any jurisdiction.

About Goldshore

Goldshore is a growth-oriented gold company focused on delivering long-term shareholder and stakeholder value through the acquisition and advancement of primary gold assets in tier-one jurisdictions. It is led by the ex-global head of structural geology for the worlds largest gold company and backed by one of Canadas pre-eminent private equity firms. The Companys current focus is the advanced stage 100% owned Moss Gold Project which is positioned in Ontario, Canada, with direct access from the Trans-Canada Highway, hydroelectric power near site, supportive local communities and skilled workforce. The Company has invested over $60 million of new capital and completed approximately 80,000 meters of drilling on the Moss Gold Project, which, in aggregate, has had over 235,000 meters of drilling. The 2024 updated NI 43-101 mineral resource estimate (MRE) has expanded to 1.54 million ounces of Indicated gold resources at 1.23 g/t Au and 5.20 million ounces of Inferred gold resources at 1.11 g/t Au. The MRE only encompasses 3.6 kilometers of the 35+ kilometer mineralized trend, remains open at depth and along strike and is one of the few remaining major Canadian gold deposits positioned for fast track through this development cycle. For more information, please visit SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) and the Companys website (www.goldshoreresources.com).

For More Information  Please Contact:

Michael Henrichsen

President, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Goldshore Resources Inc.

P: 604 288 4416

E: mhenrichsen@goldshoreresources.com

W: www.goldshoreresources.com

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains statements that constitute forward-looking statements. Such forward looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the Companys actual results, performance or achievements, or developments to differ materially from the anticipated results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words expects, plans, anticipates, believes, intends, estimates, projects, potential and similar expressions, or that events or conditions will, would, may, could or should occur.

Forward-looking statements in this news release include, among others, statements relating to expectations regarding the exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project, including the proposed ground-based IP geophysical program, the release of an updated preliminary economic assessment, the Companys plan to execute a 15,000 meter winter drill program, to increase the ounce profile of the deposit and reduce the strip ratio, the advance of proposed environmental work, the timing, completion of and amount to be raised under the Offering and other statements that are not historical facts. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors and risks include, among others: exploration and development of the Moss Gold Project will not be undertaken as anticipated, including that the Company will not complete the proposed ground-based IP geophysical program or the proposed 15,000 meter winter drill program, increase the ounce profile of the deposit and reduce the strip ratio, or advance the proposed environmental work; the Offering the Company will not be completed on the terms anticipated or at all; the Company may not obtain all required regulatory approvals for the Offering, include that of the TSX Venture Exchange; the Company may not be able to use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated; the Company may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations which may not be available when needed or on acceptable terms and conditions acceptable; compliance with extensive government regulation; domestic and foreign laws and regulations could adversely affect the Companys business and results of operations; and the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of the Companys securities, regardless of its operating performance.

The forward-looking information contained in this news release represents the expectations of the Company as of the date of this news release and, accordingly, is subject to change after such date. Readers should not place undue importance on forward-looking information and should not rely upon this information as of any other date. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements in the event that managements beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change.
COLUMBIA, MD, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Howard Community College (HCC) welcomed officials from government, industry, and community during a commemorative groundbreaking on its workforce development and trades center yesterday. The 50,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility will provide the county its first public skilled trades training hub, and will offer practical training in cybersecurity, automotive, manufacturing, mechatronics, green technology, construction trades, and more.

National Cyber Director Harry Coker, Jr. delivered keynote remarks for the event, promoting the value of community college workforce development in support of national security, interdisciplinary training, and socio-economic equality for communities nationwide.

We are just over a year into implementing the National Cyber Workforce and Education Strategy, and we know we still have work to do, said Director Coker. We need more Americans to see cyber careers as attainable to them, whatever their background or circumstances. Today, were taking an important step with this groundbreaking, this convening, this dedication to the students and the future in Howard County.

The groundbreaking followed a National Community College Cyber Forum, hosted by the Office of the National Cyber Director and HCC. The forum convened more than 100 educators, cyber industry leaders, students, and faculty in addressing the national cyber workforce trends and training opportunities, and the role of community colleges in supporting the nations data and network security objectives.

In October 2023, HCC President Daria J. Willis launched a two-year, $11 million capital campaign to support the centers construction and address a growing statewide shortage of skilled workers in trades and technical fields. In less than seven months, more than $42 million in proposed county funding, preauthorized state funding, and private gifts were raised for the project, which will formally break ground in January 2025.

We challenged our community to envision a future where all residents could have unique and rewarding pathways to professional success and earning potential, Willis said. Our elected officials, business partners, donors, and campus community have worked together to elevate the skilled trades as a catalyst for this success. We are honored to lead our community and region in building economic equity for all hard-working residents.

HCC is the top producer of registered apprenticeships in the State of Maryland, developing entry-level and managerial talent in cybersecurity, healthcare, childcare, hospitality and tourism, and construction.

The center is projected to open in fall 2026 and will complement the colleges steady enrollment growth over the last three years, and expansion of its liberal arts and skilled trades profile through its dual enrollment partnership with the Howard County Public School System.

Howard Community College is ranked among the nation's top two-year colleges by Niche, an online college selection and data resource for families. HCC enrolls nearly 22,000 credit and non-credit students of all ages from more than 104 countries and yields more than $343 million in economic impact as one of Howard County's largest employers.

ABOUT HCC

Since 1970, Howard Community College (HCC) has been a preferred college choice for students and families in Howard County, Maryland. A public community college, HCC offers associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training and continuing education classes, to nearly 22,000 credit and noncredit students each year. HCC received the 2019 Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, the nations only presidential-level honor for performance excellence in organizations.

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SALISBURY, N.C., Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Food Lion is donating $1.5 million to support the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene as part of its commitment to the towns and cities it serves. Through Oct. 30, customers can join this effort to support their neighbors by donating at the register. The Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Food Lion, will distribute the funds to partner feeding organizations to address recovery and rebuilding efforts as a result of Hurricane Helene.



As part of the contribution, funds have been directed to support an initial emergency donation to American Red Cross in providing food, emergency shelter, relief supplies and comfort, as well as the World Central Kitchen in their efforts to provide meals to those affected by the devastation. To help address the most critical needs, Food Lion is collaborating with local disaster relief and response teams, hospitals, government agencies and community feeding partners to provide nonperishable snacks, water, gift cards and other supplies to shelters and emergency support service areas. To date, Food Lion Feeds has donated more than 280,000 pounds of food and water to community partners. Food Lion Feeds was founded in 2014 by Food Lion to address food insecurity in the towns and cities it serves.

Caring for our neighbors and the towns and cities we serve is an integral part of our Food Lion culture, said Meg Ham, President, Food Lion. Our hearts go out to those devastated by Hurricane Helene, and we want our neighbors and communities to know they can count on Food Lion, especially those who need us most during this time. By joining forces with our customers, we are reminded of the strength and resiliency of our communities to come together to support those impacted by the effects of the storm.

Established in 2001, the Food Lion Feeds Charitable Foundation provides financial support for programs and organizations dedicated to eliminating hunger. The foundation annually awards more than $1 million in grants benefitting more than 500 local feeding partners.

About Food Lion

Food Lion is an omnichannel grocery retailer committed to nourishing its neighbors. More than 82,000 associates across 1,100+ stores deliver an easy, fresh and affordable shopping experience throughout 10 Southeastern and Mid-Atlantic states. With a focus on hunger relief, Food Lion is a pioneer in food rescue. In 2014, Food Lion Feeds was created and has since donated more than 1.2 billion meals to those who are food insecure. The retailer has committed to donate 1.5 billion meals by 2025. Founded and based in Salisbury, N.C., since 1957, Food Lion is a company of Ahold Delhaize USA, the U.S. division of Zaandam-based Ahold Delhaize. For more information, visit foodlion.com.

CONTACT: Food Lion Media Relations 704-245-3317 publicrelationsteam@foodlion.com

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/1d4b2e20-8d63-44cc-a319-fea99aeeb82d
Investors can contact the law firm at no cost to learn more about recovering their losses



LOS ANGELES, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Portnoy Law Firm advises Terran Orbital Corporation ("Terran" or the "Company") (NYSE: LLAP) investors of a class action representing investors that bought securities between August 15, 2023, and August 14, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). Terran investors have until November 26, 2024 to file a lead plaintiff motion.

Investors are encouraged to contact attorney Lesley F. Portnoy, by phone 310-692-8883 or email: lesley@portnoylaw.com, to discuss their legal rights, or click here to join the case. The Portnoy Law Firm can provide a complimentary case evaluation and discuss investors options for pursuing claims to recover their losses.

The Complaint claims that, throughout the Class Period, Defendants made significant false and misleading statements about the Companys business, operations, and future prospects. Specifically, it alleges that Defendants either made inaccurate statements or failed to disclose key information, including: (1) it would take much longer than they had indicated for Terran to convert its customer contracts into revenue and free cash flow; (2) Terran lacked the necessary liquidity to sustain its operations while awaiting revenue from these contracts; (3) Terran concealed the true extent of its serious financial difficulties; and (4) as a result of these issues, Terrans public statements were misleading at all relevant times.

Please visit our website to review more information and submit your transaction information.

The Portnoy Law Firm represents investors in pursuing claims against caused by corporate wrongdoing. The Firms founding partner has recovered over $5.5 billion for aggrieved investors. Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.

Lesley F. Portnoy, Esq.

Admitted CA and NY Bar

lesley@portnoylaw.com

310-692-8883

www.portnoylaw.com

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MEF, a global industry association of network, cloud, security, and technology providers accelerating enterprise digital transformation, today announced the formation of its Southeast Asia Executive Council. Comprising senior service provider executives from across the region, the new council will provide insight and intelligence to MEF leadership to guide MEF strategy, investments, and priorities in Southeast Asia.



The Southeast Asia Executive Council is the latest in MEF's efforts to increase regional collaboration and support the unique needs of service providers across the world. Council members were selected based on their leadership in network transformation strategies; they will serve a one-year term, focusing on critical areas, such as automation adoption, standardization, and future business practices in Southeast Asia.

The Southeast Asia Executive Council includes:

Paul Gampe, Chief Technology Officer, Console Connect by PCCW Global

Budi Satria Darma Purba, Chief Executive Officer, Telin

Charmond Tsang, Chief Commercial Officer, DCConnect Global

Dang Tung Son, Chief Strategy Officer & Deputy Chief Executive Officer, CMC Telecom

Kwee Heng Poh, Head of Transformation & Product, StarHub

Kwang Yong Lee, Vice President, Enterprise Products, Singtel

Kapil Kumar Jain, Vice President, Global Network Services, Tata Communications

Wannapha Srisangangamkul, Assistant Vice Principal, National Telecom Public Company Limited

As MEF continues to champion global digital transformation, we are excited to launch the Southeast Asia Executive Council, said Nan Chen, Chief Executive Officer, MEF. The executives joining this council will bring invaluable regional expertise that will not only inform our strategy but also strengthen our work in accelerating the evolution of secure Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) offerings. Their insights will help us drive innovation and expand the NaaS ecosystem in Southeast Asia, delivering real value to our members and partners.

Paul Gampe, Chief Technology Officer, Console Connect by PCCW Global, and Chair of the Southeast Asia Executive Council, emphasized the importance of the councils work: The Southeast Asia Executive Council brings together some of the most forward-thinking leaders in the regions technology industry. Together, we will support the development of agile, cost-effective solutions that empower service providers in Southeast Asia to meet the evolving needs of their customers and compete on the global stage.

MEFs regional councils have been established with three primary goals: to provide region-specific insights and intelligence that inform MEF's global strategy, investments, and priorities; to shape awareness programs and activities tailored to the regions unique objectives; and to serve as MEF ambassadors, promoting the growth of MEFs member ecosystem within the region.

To learn more about how MEF is driving network transformation and enabling dynamic services across a global ecosystem of automated networks, and for more information about MEF's initiatives, please visit www.MEF.net.

About MEF

MEF is a global consortium of service, cloud, cybersecurity, and technology providers collaborating to accelerate enterprise digital transformation. It delivers standards-based frameworks, services, technologies, APIs, and certification programs to enable Network-as-a-Service (NaaS) across an automated ecosystem. MEF is the defining authority for certified Lifecycle Service Orchestration (LSO) business and operational APIs and Carrier Ethernet, SASE, SD-WAN, Zero Trust, and Security Service Edge (SSE) technologies and services. MEF's Global NaaS Event (GNE) convenes industry leaders building and delivering the next generation of NaaS solutions. For more information about MEF, visit MEF.net and follow us on LinkedIn and Twitter.

Media Contact:

Melissa Power

MEF

pr@mef.net

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/dbb13914-c122-492d-be6a-6019a1eafa73
As the Company comes up to the first anniversary of its restructuring of overhead in late 2023, it announces continued fixed cost leverage and benefits of its option incentive program



Toronto, Ontario, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- MiniLuxe Holding Corp. (the "Company") (TSXV: MNLX), today announced that it has granted an aggregate 3,000,000 options at an exercise price of CDN $0.30 to certain leadership officers of the Company as part of its ongoing incentive program to award equity of options in lieu of cash compensation. In certain cases of senior leadership, equity-based options make up to 30 to 100 percent of an executives base salary compensation. Any new option awards continue to draw from the existing employee incentive pool with no net new incremental dilution to shareholders. Options will be subject to a 1-year cliff vesting schedule (an effective deferment and retention incentive) and exercisable for subordinate voting shares of the Company for a period of 10 years following the date of grant.

Last November MiniLuxe announced a reconfiguration and restructuring of the Companys SG+A that included using stock options as a greater proportion of leadership incentive which would have the dual benefit of: lowering cash burn and fully aligning management and shareholder interests.

Over the past year, the Company has materially reduced SG+A as percent of revenue and lowered cash-burn by over 65 percent from ~$10M to annualized burn rate today of ~$3M. This combined with growing contribution from the core base business (up nearly 4x YTD over prior year) has created significantly stronger fixed cost leverage and improved operating cash flow.

About MiniLuxe

MiniLuxe is a Delaware corporation based in Boston, Massachusetts. MiniLuxe is a lifestyle brand and talent empowerment platform servicing the beauty and self-care industry. The Company focuses on delivering high-quality nail care and esthetic services and offers a suite of trusted proprietary products that are used in the Companys studio services. The Companys studios are company-owned and operated, and the company is currently offering opportunities for franchising. For over a decade, MiniLuxe has been elevating industry standards through healthier, ultra-hygienic services, a modern design aesthetic, socially responsible labor practices, and better-for-you, cleaner products. MiniLuxe aims to radically transform the highly fragmented and under-regulated self-care and nail care industry through its brand, standards, and technology platform that collectively enable best-in-class talent and client experiences. For its clients, MiniLuxe offers industry leading self-care services and better-for-you products, and for nail care and beauty professionals, MiniLuxe seeks to become the employer of choice. In addition to creating long-term durable economic returns for our stakeholders, the brand seeks to positively impact and empower one of the most diverse and largest hourly worker segments through professional development and certification, economic mobility, and company ownership opportunities (e.g., equity participation and future franchise opportunities). Since its inception, MiniLuxe has completed over 4 million services.

For further information

Christine Mastrangelo

Investor Relations, MiniLuxe Holding Corp.

cmastrangelo@miniluxe.com



https://miniluxe.com

https://miniluxe.com/pages/franchise
Philadelphia, PA, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Conde Nast Traveler announced the results of its annual Readers Choice Awards with two standout Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts properties recognized amongst the best in the world. In the Best Mid-Atlantic Hotels category, Philadelphias iconic historic hotel The Rittenhouse ranks #6, and the beloved Annapolis Waterfront Hotel ranks #11.

More than 575,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers across the United States submitted responses rating their travel experiences across the globe, offering a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with its unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest-running and most prestigious accolade, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The Best Hotels in the Mid-Atlantic as voted by CNT readers can be found here.

"For HHM Hotels Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, we don't just offer a place to sleepwe craft unforgettable journeys," said Dani Elhachem, COO of HHM Hotels. "The Rittenhouse and Annapolis Waterfront Hotel are prime examples of our commitment to excellence. These properties don't just accommodate guests; they transport them into the heart of their destinations. From the moment you step through our doors, you're immersed in a world where every detailfrom the carefully curated design to the personalized service and culinary directiontells a story. We're not in the business of cookie-cutter experiences; we're memory makers, offering a stay that's as unique as the guests themselves."

Both The Rittenhouse and Annapolis Waterfront Hotel reflect the essence of Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts, offering guests locally-inspired experiences that showcase the vibrant character of their destinations.

The Rittenhouse is a beacon of luxury in Philadelphia, delivering a five-star experience, elegant accommodations, and world-class service all from a prime location overlooking Rittenhouse Square. An independent boutique hotel steeped in charm and rich history, The Rittenhouse offers a true Philadelphia experience that includes multiple dining experiences, like award-winning Lacroix at The Rittenhouse and the charming Mary Cassatt Tea Room. The Rittenhouse Spa & Club offers a rejuvenating full-service spa with an atrium pool and fitness center.

Nestled on the picturesque harborfront, The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, Autograph Collection, stands as a historic gem, offering unparalleled access to the heart of the charming maritime town. As the only hotel directly on the harbor with onsite dining and elevated amenities, guests are treated to inspiring Chesapeake Bay views and effortless access to shops, eateries, attractions, and the United States Naval Academy. Whether for business or leisure, the hotel's blend of waterside tranquility and colonial history ensures a memorable stay, elevated by impeccable hospitality. Furthermore, the new and unique Neighborhood Passkey program unlocks a world of local experiences, granting guests exclusive access to the area's finest offerings, curated in partnership with cherished local businesses.

The 2024 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

###

About Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts

Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts is designed for those who see the world differently. The curious and discerning travelers who look beyond the beaten path to discover a destinations true spirit, engage with local culture and indulge their curiosities with flair. Each one-of-a-kind hotel in the collection reflects the vibrancy of the surrounding community. With locally inspired design, eclectic amenities, personalized service and insider destination knowledge, Independent Collections hotels and resorts engage guests with meaningful experiences at every touchpoint.

About The Rittenhouse

Located in Philadelphia, The Rittenhouse is a Forbes Five-Star and Michelin One Key-rated Independent Collection Hotels & Resorts property and a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The property stands out among luxury hotels in Philadelphias Center City, offering visitors a Forbes Five-Star experience with well-appointed rooms and suites, world-class service, and the most desirable location in town. From fine dining culinary experiences and impeccably tailored events to our relaxing atrium salt water pool and rejuvenating treatments from the spa, our Rittenhouse Square luxury hotel offers personalized experiences and provides the perfect balance of sophistication and relaxation for families, business travelers, and romantic vacationers alike. For more information, visit rittenhousehotel.com. Follow The Rittenhouse on Facebook at The Rittenhouse and Instagram @the_rittenhouse.

About Annapolis Waterfront Hotel

The Annapolis Waterfront Hotel, an Autograph Collection Hotel, is a unique waterfront retreat in the heart of historic Annapolis, Maryland. Just steps from the U.S. Naval Academy, this revitalized hotel offers 150 spacious guest rooms and suites, 8,200 square feet of flexible event space, and a range of upscale amenities, including a modern fitness center, a veranda terrace, and onsite restaurant. As part of Marriott International's prestigious portfolio, the hotel provides a one-of-a-kind experience that celebrates individuality, character, and uncommon details, inviting guests to discover the charm of Annapolis and the Chesapeake Bay from its unparalleled waterfront location. From business travelers to families, all are welcomed to experience Annapolis like never before at this hotela cornerstone of the community, an anchor of its bustling downtown area, and a leader within the collection. For more information, visit www.annapoliswaterfront.com. Follow Annapolis Waterfront Hotel on Facebook at Annapolis Waterfront Hotel and Instagram @annapolishotel.

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TARIKI-5 GAS WELL HAS COMMENCED DRILLING

VANCOUVER, Oct. 1, 2024 - Monumental Energy Corp. ("Monumental" or the "Company") (TSXV: MNRG) (FSE: ZA6) (OTCQB: MNMRF) is pleased to announce that New Zealand Energy Corp. ("NZEC")(TSXV: NZ) has commenced drilling on its highly anticipated Tariki-5 conventional gas well in the Taranaki region located on the north island of New Zealand.

The Tariki Joint Venture, comprised of NZEC's wholly owned subsidiary, NZEC Tariki Limited (as to 50%) and L&M Energy Limited (as to 50%), reports that operations for the Tariki-5 well commenced at 6:30am (New Zealand Standard Time) on September 30, 2024.

The well is planned to take 27 days to reach the target total depth of 2846 m AHRT (Along Hole below Rotary Table). The key sections of the well are expected to be drilled over the following date ranges:

Tikorangi Limestone (fractured reservoir secondary target for information only) October 12-14, 2024; and Tariki Sandstone (primary development target for full evaluation) October 16 -21, 2024.

The current planning indicates well drilling operations including drilling and completion is expected to be completed by October 26, 2024. Well perforation, clean-up flow and tie-in of the well to production is expected to be completed by November 14, 2024.

As previously announced, all other contractual arrangements necessary to allow gas to be transported through the main New Zealand gas network and to allow gas to be delivered to Genesis Energy have already been completed.

Monumental Energy recently visited the site of the Tariki-5 gas well that NZEC has begun to drill. NZEC has contracts to sell gas from Tariki-5 to Genesis Energy, a large New Zealand gas and electricity utility.

Monumental is a significant shareholder of NZEC, owning 1,293,333 shares or 8.63% at an average cost base of $0.46 cents.

Site Visits Completed

Monumental Energy completed due diligence on a number of opportunities with NZEC during a site visit and is currently in discussions to move oil projects forward. Monumental Energy has cash on hand to fund opportunities that upon success, could potentially provide near term revenue for Monumental. Any potential transaction with NZEC is subject to, among other things, negotiation, execution of definitive agreements and TSX Venture Exchange approval.

About Monumental Energy Corp.

Monumental Energy Corp. is an exploration company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of properties in the critical and clean energy sector. The Company has an option to acquire a 75% interest and title to the Laguna cesium-lithium brine project located in Chile. The Company holds a 2% net smelter return royalty on Summit Nanotech's share of any future lithium production from the Salar de Turi Project, Chile. The Company owns securities of New Zealand Energy Corp.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

/s/ "Michelle DeCecco"

Michelle DeCecco, CEO

Contact Information:

Michelle DeCecco, Chief Executive Officer and Director

Email: michelle@monumental.energy

Or

Maximilian Sali, VP Corporate Development and Director

Email: max@monumental.energy

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.

Forward Looking Information

This news release contains "forward-looking information or statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, which may include, without limitation, the potential plans for the Company's projects, the expected drilling and outcomes at Tariki-5 by NZEC, potential oil and gas transactions with NZEC, other statements relating to the technical, financial and business prospects of the Company, its projects, its goals and other matters. All statements in this news release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that the Company expects to occur, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. Such statements are based on numerous assumptions regarding present and future business strategies and the environment in which the Company will operate in the future, including the price of metals and the price of oil and gas, the ability to achieve its goals, that general business and economic conditions will not change in a material adverse manner and that financing will be available if and when needed and on reasonable terms. Such forward-looking information reflects the Company's views with respect to future events and is subject to risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including the risks and uncertainties relating to the interpretation of exploration results, risks related to the inherent uncertainty of exploration and cost estimates and the potential for unexpected costs and expenses and those other risks filed under the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. While such estimates and assumptions are considered reasonable by the management of the Company, they are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive and regulatory uncertainties and risks. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include, but are not limited to, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions, failure to secure personnel and equipment for work programs, adverse weather and climate conditions, risks relating to unanticipated operational difficulties (including failure of equipment or processes to operate in accordance with specifications or expectations, cost escalation, unavailability of materials and equipment, government action or delays in the receipt of government approvals, industrial disturbances or other job action, and unanticipated events related to health, safety and environmental matters), risks relating to inaccurate geological assumptions, failure to maintain or obtain all necessary government permits, approvals and authorizations, failure to obtain or maintain surface access agreements or understandings from local communities, land owners or Indigenous groups, fluctuation in exchange rates, the impact of viruses and diseases on the Company's ability to operate, capital market conditions, restriction on labour and international travel and supply chains, decrease in the price of lithium, cesium and other metals, decrease in the price of oil and gas, loss of key employees, consultants, or directors, failure to maintain or obtain community acceptance (including from the Indigenous communities), increase in costs, litigation, and failure of counterparties to perform their contractual obligations. The Company does not undertake to update forward-looking statements or forward-looking information, except as required by law.

SOURCE Monumental Energy Corp.
SUDBURY, Oct. 1, 2024 - Frontier Lithium Inc. (TSXV: FL) (FRA: HL2) (OTCQX: LITOF) ("Frontier" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the voting results from its annual general meeting of shareholders of the Company (the "Meeting"), which was held on Monday, September 30, 2024, at the Company's head office in Sudbury, Ontario, Canada. All meeting matters put before the shareholders of the Company, and as more fully described in the Company's Notice of Annual General Meeting of Shareholders and Management Information Circular, dated August 23, 2024, were approved by the requisite majority of votes cast at the Meeting.

A total of 82,619,193 common shares of the Company were voted at the Meeting, representing approximately 36.30% of the total issued and outstanding common shares of the Company as of the record date of the Meeting.

Following the formal portion of the Meeting, the Company provided a corporate presentation to shareholders. The corporate presentation and an audio recording of this presentation will be available on the Company's website and can be found here.

About Frontier Lithium

Frontier Lithium Inc. is a pre-production business with an objective to become a strategic and integrated domestic supplier of spodumene concentrates for industrial users as well as battery-grade lithium hydroxide and other chemicals to the growing electric vehicle and energy storage markets in North America. The Company's PAK Lithium Project maintains the largest land position and resource in a premium lithium mineral district located in Ontario's Great Lakes region.

About the PAK Lithium Project

The PAK Lithium Project contains North America's highest-grade lithium reserves and is the largest in Ontario by size. The project encompasses close to 27,000 hectares and remains largely unexplored; however, since 2013, the company has delineated two premium spodumene-bearing lithium deposits (PAK and Spark), located 2.3 kilometres apart. Exploration is continuing on the project through two other spodumene-bearing discoveries: the Bolt pegmatite (located between the PAK and Spark deposits), as well as the Pennock pegmatite (25 kilometres northwest of PAK deposit within the project claims). A 2023 Pre-Feasibility Study "National Instrument 43-101 Technical Report PFS PAK Lithium Project" by BBA E&C Inc., delivered a 24-year project life, delivering a post-tax NPV(8%) of US$1.74 billion and IRR of 24.1% as per the press release disseminated on May 31, 2023, and was filed on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca).

Forward-looking Statements

This news release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical fact constitute forward-looking statements. Forward looking statements contained in this news release may include, but are not limited to, statements with respect to: estimated mineral resources, estimated capital costs to construct mine facilities, estimated operating costs, the duration of payback periods, estimated amounts of future production, estimated cash flows, net present value, the DFS and statements that address future production, resource and reserve potential, exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects.



Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results may differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements.



Forward-looking statements involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Risk factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward looking statements include: market prices for commodities, increases in capital or operating costs, construction risks, availability of infrastructure including roads, regulatory and permitting risks, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, financing costs, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and those actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, please review the Company's public filings available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE Frontier Lithium Inc.
Vancouver, Oct. 01, 2024 - Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) (OTCQX: SYHBF) (Frankfurt: SC1P) ("Skyharbour" or the "Company"), is pleased to announce that its partner company, North Shore Uranium ("North Shore"), has received a Crown Land Work Authorization permit from the Saskatchewan Ministry of environment (the "Permit"). The Permit covers the Company's 55,700-hectare Falcon property ("Falcon") at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin in northern Saskatchewan. North Shore may acquire an initial 80% interest in Falcon by issuing common shares having an aggregate value of CAD $1,225,000, making aggregate cash payments of $525,000 to Skyharbour, and incurring an aggregate of $3,550,000 in exploration expenditures on the property over a three-year period.

Location Map of Falcon Project:

https://skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/Sky-SouthFalconOption.jpg?v=0.1

Under the Permit, which expires on July 31, 2027, North Shore is authorized to conduct mineral exploration activities including prospecting and ground geophysics, trail and drill site clearing, line cutting, the drilling of up to 75 exploration drill holes and the storage of drill core. While performing the exploration activities, the North Shore is required to comply with existing regulations and the environmental conditions specified in the Permit including reclamation of exploration sites and monitoring wildlife in the area. North Shore is also committed to engaging with local communities and addressing their concerns throughout the life of the project.

As reported by North Shore on September 17, 2024, North Shore is now prioritizing uranium exploration targets for future drill programs at Falcon. The target model is near-surface basement-hosted uranium mineralization which can be associated with electromagnetic conductor systems. To date, North Shore has identified 36 uranium targets at Falcon. The targets were selected based on the analysis of multiple datasets and interpretation by Condor North Consulting ULC, Earthfield Technologies Inc., TerraLogic Exploration Inc. and North Shore. North Shore's current goal is to select the top ten sites to choose from for the next drill program.

Exploration Targets and Uranium Occurrences of Three Holes Drilled by North Shore in Early 2024:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/maps/2024-Falcon-exploration-targets-map.png

?

Mr. Brooke Clements, President and CEO of North Shore stated: "After our maiden drill program at Falcon this March, we are preparing for follow-up work related to our two new uranium discoveries and to evaluating new targets. We believe that Falcon, located at the eastern margin of the prolilfic Athabasca Basin, is a great setting for a major new uranium discovery. We have multiple targets that require testing and we look forward to future exploration programs."

Falcon Uranium Project:

The Falcon Project, which constitutes part of North Shore's Falcon Property, contains eleven mineral claims comprising approximately 42,908 hectares approximately 50 km east of the Key Lake mine. Nine of the claims are from Skyharbour's original South Falcon Uranium Project and the remaining two claims are from Skyharbour's Foster River Project. Historical uranium mineralization discovered at Falcon is shallow and is hosted in several geological settings including classic Athabasca-style basement mineralization associated with well-developed EM conductors. At the EWA target, up to 0.492% U 3 O 8 and 1,300 ppm lead was encountered in outcrop grab samples (Sask. Mineral Deposits Index [SMDI] 5038). Historical grab sampling at Knob Lake (SMDI 1014) also encountered up to 0.01% U 3 O 8 in an outcrop of pegmatite, while anomalous nickel, copper, and molybdenum were found in historical grab samples from the Fraser North target area (SMDI's 1125 and 1126).

A well-defined northeast-trending, locally folded, electromagnetic conductor system runs throughout the Property, which was defined by airborne and ground geophysical surveys by JNR Resources ("JNR") in the 2000's. In 2008 JNR conducted a drill campaign at the property area. Of the 47 holes drilled that year, 28 holes (totaling 7,348 metres) were drilled on the South Falcon Uranium Property at the Walker (14 holes), Walker South (7 holes), and EWA target areas (6 holes). At the Walker and South Walker targets, which lie along the aforementioned EM conductor system, structurally disrupted and variably altered metasediments (including graphitic pelitic gneisses) with anomalous boron, copper, molybdenum, nickel, cobalt, arsenic, and vanadium were encountered in several drill holes. During this same drill campaign, the Fraser Lakes Zone B uranium deposit was discovered approximately four kilometres east of the Walker South target on a refolded extension of the EM conductor system. At the EWA target, which lies along a separate northeast-trending EM conductor, anomalous uranium, boron, lead, and molybdenum were encountered in structurally disrupted pegmatites; the best result was 0.235% U 3 O 8 over 0.5 m (within a 3.5 m interval of 0.113% U 3 O 8 ) in hole WYL-08-501 (Sask. Mineral Assessment File 74H02-0045).

Furthermore, in 2022, Skyharbour completed a FALCON airborne gravity gradiometer and magnetic survey over nine of the eleven claims at the Falcon Property. This new geophysical data will assist North Shore in prioritizing areas along the EM conductor system for drilling. Over 30 kilometres of the EM conductor system remains untested on the Falcon Property. North Shore's initial focus will be on the two claims formerly part of the Foster Project (geophysics), and on generating drill targets on three claims at the southeastern end of the EM conductor systems including Knob Lake, which shows similarities to the Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit approximately 6 km to the northeast and several other high-priority targets elsewhere along the main EM conductor system.

Significant potential exists on the project for basement-hosted, unconformity-related uranium deposits like those further to the north in the Wollaston Domain (i.e. Eagle Point, Rabbit Lake, Key Lake and others), as well as for pegmatite/granite-hosted (i.e. alaskite-type) U-Th-REE mineralization like at the Fraser Lakes Zone B deposit on Skyharbour's adjacent South Falcon East Property, currently under option to Tisdale Clean Energy.

The Option Agreement:

North Shore may acquire an initial 80% interest in the Property by issuing common shares of the Resulting Issuer ("Shares") having an aggregate value of CAD $1,225,000; making aggregate cash payments of CAD $525,000; and incurring an aggregate of CAD $3,550,000 in exploration expenditures on the Property over a three-year period. Once North Shore has earned an initial 80% interest in the Property, North Shore may acquire the remaining 20% interest in the Property within 90 business days by issuing Shares having a value of CAD $5,000,000, and making a cash payment of CAD $5,000,000 to Skyharbour. If North Shore does not elect to acquire the remaining 20% interest, a joint venture will be formed with Skyharbour holding a 20% participating interest.

North Shore will be the operator of the exploration programs during the earn-in stage and for the joint venture if formed. Two claims totaling 10,673 hectares that form part of Skyharbour's Foster River Property are subject to a one percent (1%) NSR royalty payable to Skyharbour. The remaining nine claims totaling 32,235 hectares that comprise Skyharbour's South Falcon Point Property are subject to a two percent (2%) NSR royalty payable to Denison Mines Corp. ("Denison") with North Shore having the right to purchase one percent of the royalty from Denison at anytime by paying $1 million. All Shares will be subject to a four-month-and-one-day statutory hold period in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Qualified Person:

The technical information in this news release has been prepared in accordance with the Canadian regulatory requirements set out in National Instrument 43-101 and reviewed and approved by David Billard, P.Geo., a Consulting Geologist for Skyharbour as well as a Qualified Person.

About North Shore Uranium Ltd:

North Shore is a mineral exploration company focused on uranium exploration at the eastern margin of the Athabasca Basin through its Falcon property which will increase from 12,800 to 55,700 hectares with the addition of the claims subject to the Agreement, and the West Bear property located 90 kilometres to the northeast.

About Skyharbour Resources Ltd.:

Skyharbour holds an extensive portfolio of uranium exploration projects in Canada's Athabasca Basin and is well positioned to benefit from improving uranium market fundamentals with twenty-nine projects, ten of which are drill-ready, covering over 580,000 hectares (over 1.4 million acres) of land. Skyharbour has acquired from Denison Mines, a large strategic shareholder of the Company, a 100% interest in the Moore Uranium Project which is located 15 kilometres east of Denison's Wheeler River project and 39 kilometres south of Cameco's McArthur River uranium mine. Moore is an advanced-stage uranium exploration property with high-grade uranium mineralization at the Maverick Zone that returned drill results of up to 6.0% U 3 O 8 over 5.9 metres including 20.8% U 3 O 8 over 1.5 metres at a vertical depth of 265 metres. Adjacent to the Moore Uranium Project is Skyharbour's Russell Lake Uranium Project optioned from Rio Tinto, which hosts several high-grade uranium drill intercepts over a large property area with robust exploration upside potential. The Company is actively advancing these projects through exploration and drill programs.

Skyharbour has joint-ventures with industry-leader Orano Canada Inc., Azincourt Energy and Thunderbird Resources (previously Valor) at the Preston, East Preston and Hook Lake Projects, respectively. The Company also has several active earn-in option partners including: CSE-listed Basin Uranium Corp. at the Mann Lake Uranium Project; CSE-listed Medaro Mining Corp. at the Yurchison Project; TSX-V listed North Shore Uranium at the Falcon Project; and TSX-V listed Terra Clean Energy (previously Tisdale) at the South Falcon East Project which is host to the Fraser Lakes Zone B uranium and thorium deposit. In aggregate, Skyharbour has now signed earn-in option agreements with partners that total to over $33 million in partner-funded exploration expenditures, over $27 million worth of shares being issued and over $20 million in cash payments coming into Skyharbour, assuming that these partner companies complete their entire earn-ins at the respective projects.

Skyharbour's goal is to maximize shareholder value through new mineral discoveries, committed long-term partnerships, and the advancement of exploration projects in geopolitically favourable jurisdictions.

Skyharbour's Uranium Project Map in the Athabasca Basin:

https://www.skyharbourltd.com/_resources/images/SKY_SaskProject_Locator_2024-02-14_V2.jpg

To find out more about Skyharbour Resources Ltd. (TSX-V: SYH) visit the Company's website at www.skyharbourltd.com.

SKYHARBOUR RESOURCES LTD.

"Jordan Trimble"

_________________________________

Jordan Trimble

President and CEO

For further information contact myself or:

Nicholas Coltura

Investor Relations Manager

?Skyharbour Resources Ltd.

?Telephone: 604-558-5847

?Toll Free: 800-567-8181

?Facsimile: 604-687-3119

?Email: info@skyharbourltd.com

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THE CONTENT OF THIS NEWS RELEASE.

The securities offered have not been, and will not be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act") or any U.S. state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, United States persons absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable U.S. state securities laws. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities in the United States, nor in any other jurisdiction.

This release includes certain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address events or developments that management of the Company expects, are forward-looking statements, including the Private Placement. Although management believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance, and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in the forward-looking statements. The Company undertakes no obligation to update these forward-looking statements if management's beliefs, estimates or opinions, or other factors, should change. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements, include market prices, exploration and development successes, regulatory approvals, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Please see the public filings of the Company at www.sedar.com for further information.
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 - Canadian North Resources Inc. ("the Company," TSXV: CNRI; OTCQX: CNRSF; FSE: EO0 (E-O-zero)) is excited to announce that it has received the final $125,000 payment of the $250,000 exploration grant from the Government of Nunavut's Discover, Invest, Grow ("DIG") program. This grant was awarded to the Company for its successful exploration programs completed in 2023.



It is the second consecutive year that the Company has received the DIG grant. Previously, the Company received the $250,000 DIG for its exploration programs completed in 2022. To date, the Company has received a total of $500,000 DIG program. This continued support will bolster the Company's ongoing exploration efforts at its flagship Ferguson Lake Ni-Cu-Co-PGE project in Nunavut.

The DIG program, administered by the Nunavut Department of Economic Development and Transportation, provides financial assistance to mineral exploration companies contributing to the sustainable growth of Nunavut's resource sector.

"We are honored to be recognized through the DIG program," said Dr. Kaihui Yang, President and CEO of Canadian North Resources. "This grant further highlights the strong potential of the Ferguson Lake project and reinforces our commitment to responsible, sustainable exploration and mine development in Nunavut. We remain dedicated to building lasting relationships with local communities and government as we work together toward developing this valuable resource."

About Canadian North Resources

Canadian North Resources Inc. is an exploration and development company focusing on the metals for the clean-energy, electric vehicles, battery and high-tech industries. The company is advancing its 100% owned Ferguson Lake nickel, copper, cobalt, palladium, and platinum project that covers an area of 253.8 km2 of mining leases (96.9 km2) and surrounding exploration claims (156.9 km2) in the Kivalliq Region of Nunavut, Canada.

The Ferguson Lake mining property contains a substantial National Instrument 43-101 compliant Mineral Resource Estimate announced on March 19 2024, which include Indicated Mineral Resources of 66.1 million tonnes (Mt) containing 1,093 million pounds (Mlb) copper at 0.75%, 678Mlb nickel at 0.47%, 79.3Mlb cobalt at 0.05%, 2.34 million ounces (Moz) palladium at 1.10gpt and 0.419Moz platinum at 0.19gpt; and Inferred Mineral Resources of 25.9Mt containing 558Mlb copper at 0.98%, 333Mlb nickel at 0.58%, 39.6Mlb cobalt at 0.07%, 1.192Moz palladium at 1.43gpt and 0.205Moz platinum at 0.25gpt. In particular, 80% of the Indicated Mineral Resources is Open Pit with 52.7Mt at 0.65% Cu, 0.43% Ni, 0.05% Co, 0.97g/t Pd and 0.17% Pt, which provides a solid Mineral Resource base for the initial development of a potential large mine. The Mineral Resource model indicates significant potential for resource expansion along strike and at depth over the 15 km long mineralized belt and a number of undefined mineralization zones and prospective areas. (Refer to "Independent Technical Report on the Mineral Resource Estimate for the Ferguson Lake Project, Nunavut, Canada ("the Technical Report")", prepared by SRK Consulting and Ronacher McKenzie Geoscience Inc., effective March 19, 2024, filed by the Company to the System for Electronic Document Analysis and Retrieval ("SEDAR+") through the Internet at https://www.sedarplus.ca/landingpage/ on May 3, 2024. The Technical Report has also been posted on the Company's website at www.cnresources.com.)

For further information please visit the website at www.cnresources.com or contact:

Sophy Cesar, Head of Corporate Development

Phone: 905-696-8288 (Canada) 1-888-688-8809 (Toll-Free)

Email: info@cnresources.com

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this news release, including statements which may contain words such as "expects", "anticipates", "intends", "plans", "believes", "estimates", or similar expressions, and statements related to matters which are not historical facts, are forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Such forward-looking statements, which reflect management's expectations regarding the Company's future growth, results of operations, performance, business prospects and opportunities, are based on certain factors and assumptions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties which may cause the actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from future results, performance, or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements.

These factors should be considered carefully, and readers should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. The Company believes that the expectations reflected in the forward-looking statements contained in this news release and the documents incorporated by reference herein are reasonable, but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct. In addition, although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward looking statements, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. The Company undertakes no obligation to release publicly any future revisions to forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events, except as expressly required by law, anticipated events, except as expressly required by law.
Montreal, October 1, 2024 - Amex Exploration Inc. (TSXV: AMX) (FSE: MX0) (OTCQX: AMXEF) ("Amex" or the "Company") is pleased to announce a non-brokered private placement of up to 3,400,000 units of the Company (the "Units") at a price of C$1.15 per Unit (the "Offering Price") for aggregate proceeds of C$3,910,000 (the "Offering").

Each Unit will consist of one common share (a "Common Share") and one half of one Common Share purchase warrant (each whole warrant, a "Warrant") of the Company. Each Warrant will be exercisable to acquire one Common Share for a period of 24 months following the Closing Date of the Offering at an exercise price of C$1.40 per common share, subject to adjustment in certain events.

The Company is pleased to advise that Offering is supported by key strategic investors, Eric Sprott, through 2176423 Ontario Ltd., and Eldorado Gold Corp. (TSX: ELD) (NYSE: EGO) ("Eldorado").

"This financing is bolstered by investment from key existing shareholders, and we thank them for their continued endorsement of our work at Perron. Our recently released mineral resource estimate focused on high-grade ounces, and we believe our upcoming PEA, expected to be released in Q4 2024, will demonstrate robust economics on the Perron project," said Victor Cantore, President and CEO of Amex Exploration.

Subject to compliance with applicable regulatory requirements and in accordance with National Instrument 45-106 - Prospectus Exemptions ("NI 45-106"), the Units will be offered for sale to purchasers resident in Canada and/or other qualifying jurisdictions pursuant to the listed issuer financing exemption under Part 5A of NI 45-106 (the "Listed Issuer Financing Exemption"). Because the Offering is being completed pursuant to the Listed Issuer Financing Exemption, the Units issued pursuant to the Offering will not be subject to a hold period pursuant to applicable Canadian securities laws.

There is an offering document related to the Offering that can be accessed under the Company's issuer profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca and on the Company's website at amexexploration.com. Prospective investors should read the offering document before making an investment decision.

The Company will use the proceeds of the Offering to fund the advancement of the Company's Preliminary Economic Study on its wholly owned 100% owned high-grade Perron Gold Project and general working capital purposes. The Company is well funded for its current exploration program.

The Offering is scheduled to close on or about October 15, 2024 (the "Closing Date") and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and other approvals including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange.

The securities referred to in this news release have not been and will not be registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "U.S. Securities Act"), or any state securities laws and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, "U.S. Persons" (as such term is defined in Regulation S under the U.S. Securities Act) absent such registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act. This news release does not constitute an offer for sale of securities for sale, nor a solicitation for offers to buy any securities. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the company and management, as well as financial statements.

About Amex

Amex Exploration Inc. has made significant gold discoveries on its 100% owned high-grade Perron Gold Project located ~110 kilometres north of Rouyn-Noranda, Quebec, consisting of 117 contiguous claims covering 4,518 hectares. The project is well-serviced by existing infrastructure, on a year-round road, 10 minutes from an airport and just outside the town of Normetal (~8 km). In addition, the project is in close proximity to a number of major gold producers' milling operations. The project host both bulk tonnage and a high-grade gold style mineralization. Since January 2019, Amex has intersected significant gold mineralization in multiple gold zones and discovered copper-rich VMS zones.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Forward-looking statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical facts, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future including, without limitation, the planned exploration program on the HGZ and Denise Zone, the expected positive exploration results, the extension of the mineralized zones, the timing of the exploration results, the ability of the Company to continue with the exploration program, the availability of the required funds to continue with the exploration and the potential mineralization or potential mineral resources are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally identifiable by use of the words "will", "should", "continue", "expect", "anticipate", "estimate", "believe", "intend", "to earn", "to have', "plan" or "project" or the negative of these words or other variations on these words or comparable terminology. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, many of which are beyond the Company's ability to control or predict, that may cause the actual results of the Company to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, failure to meet expected, estimated or planned exploration expenditures, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, general business and economic conditions, changes in world gold markets, sufficient labour and equipment being available, changes in laws and permitting requirements, unanticipated weather changes, title disputes and claims, environmental risks as well as those risks identified in the Company's annual Management's Discussion and Analysis. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. 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 these forward-looking statements except as otherwise required by applicable law.

To view the source version of this press release, please visit https://www.newsfilecorp.com/release/225304
Cocina Consuelo. Illustration: Naomi Otsu

Welcome to Grub Streets rundown of restaurant recommendations that aims to answer the endlessly recurring question: Where should we go? These are the spots that our food team thinks everyone should visit, for any reason (a new chef, the arrival of an exciting dish, or maybe theres an opening thats flown too far under the radar). This month: an uptown fonda, a downtown tavern, and a midtown-adjacent clubhouse from the Contra guys.

Cocina Consuelo (Hamilton Heights)

Cocina Consuelo feels like a fonda, those homey Mexico City lunch counters, and it has a friendliness that cant be manufactured. When chef-owner Karina Garcia arrived one morning last week, she cheerfully greeted her customers  Hi! Good morning, whats up?  like theyd been coming since they were kids. The restaurant started as a pandemic pop-up, and its decorated as exuberantly as the apartment where Garcia and her husband Lalo Rodriguez first hosted those meals. During dinner, they serve mole negro and tortitas de calabaza; during the daytime hours its tortillas with a fried egg and salsa roja; sturdy little picaditas piled high with big crumbles of queso fresco, crema, and chorizo verde with enough cilantro to count as your daily greens; a masa pancake thats thicker than an entire stack of diner flapjacks. Capped with fruit compote (recently blackberry, now apple), its served, like the version that went viral for Golden Diner, in a pool of amber honey butter. With a mug of cafe de olla, its good enough to make new memories. Chris Crowley

The Corner Store (Soho)

If theres a spectrum of TikTok-famous restaurants between Bernies and Bad Roman, the Corner Store, situated appropriately enough on the corner of West Broadway and Houston, sits right in the middle. In the old Dos Casinos space, the team behind Catch has already successfully courted the extremely online crowd, with reservations fully booked within two weeks of opening. The post-COVID elevated bar-and-grill trend is alive and well here, with appetizers like a spinach-artichoke dip and five-cheese pizza rolls that are definitely meant to capture the attention of your camera app. The $12 fries are as good as the attentive waiters say, and some revisionist classics, like a Caesar salad with everything-bagel croutons, are good enough to enjoy even if you live a life blissfully unaware of algorithmic feeds. The sour-cream-and-onion martini is, I promise, delightful, smooth and served on a literal silver platter with a couple chips on the side. Zach Schiffman

Lai Rai (Lower East Side)

Even winos like me agree, New York needed another wine bar like a hole in the head. So why recommend this particular wine bar? Because the narrow Lower East Side space, spilling merrily out onto the sideway, skips the usual dutiful olives-and-Parm-chunks playbook for something more interesting on the food front. How many wine bars do you know that make their own headcheese in the back, musky and zippy with Vietnamese peppercorn? Or fry up their own chicharrones? Lai Rai is a collaboration between two of New Yorks better Vietnamese restaurants, Di an Di in Greenpoint and Mam nearby. Though Lai Rais menu is short, I found its snacks tastier and more satisfying than a good number of full meals Ive had lately.

Matthew Schneier

Brass (Nomad)

Cooler weather calls for capital-R Restaurants: white tablecloths, plush booths, way too much glassware. The arrival of this new spot from Jeremiah Stone and Fabian von Hauske Valtierra could not be better timed. Its tucked into the back of the Evelyn Hotel  you may remember its previous life as Benno  and the menu is dialed in to the kind of refined Euro-American chophouse cooking that just makes sense in this kind of room: a golden puck of crab cake with a puddle of mustard sauce, soft ricotta gnudi buried under Parmesan cream and mushrooms, planks of pork shoulder a la moutarde. There are enough playful touches  gougeres served as a pull-apart ring, firm vanilla custard topped with cartoon-size drips of Creamsicle-orange passion-fruit sauce  to remind you that this duo helped define the downtown wine-bar genre with Wildair; now theyre making power dining a bit more fun, too. Alan Sytsma

Nomad Tea Parlour (Nomad)

Just around the corner from Brass, Nomad Tea Parlour has been slinging perfect shrimp har gow and scallion pancakes since it opened this summer. But Ive been waiting for a cool night to return for one very specific reason: Grandmas beef noodle soup. Unlike some of the updated Cantonese classics on the menu, this soup has not been tampered; the main attraction is the broth, a dark umber infusion  the result of 16 hours spent simmering  with star anise, ginger, and cinnamon, flavors that perfume chunks of beef shank cooked until gelatinous and nearly falling apart. The shank surrounds a mound of bouncy wheat noodles while the bowl is slicked with a bit of spicy red oil beneath a pile of fresh cilantro leaves and crunchy stems. The multilevel room feels cinematic, and this could be a great place for a date or group dim sum, but the long bar up front makes it easy enough to drop in for a drink and an order of lobster egg rolls before tucking into that soup. Tammie Teclemariam
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Samsung's slimmer book-style foldable has been rumored to go by Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, and it was supposedly going to launch on September 25. That obviously hasn't happened, but we do have some launch-related news. Maybe.

A Korean retailer has apparently outed the pre-order and release time frame for the Samsung Galaxy Fold6 Special Edition - not the Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition, mind you.

This may be a typo, it may be the actual commercial name of the device, or it could just be all made up. Do keep that in mind while you read the rest, as the page in question also isn't accessible to us anymore.

Anyway, what it did apparently say was that pre-orders for the device in Korea will start on October 18 and end on October 24 ahead of the phone's release on October 25. So perhaps the September 25 leak got the date right, just not the month.

That is, of course, if this is a real leak by a retailer and not just a figment of someone's imagination. We'll have to wait and see which it actually was.

The Galaxy Z Fold Special Edition (or whatever it will end up being called) is supposed to be larger (8" internal folding screen, 6.5" cover screen), slimmer (10.6mm when folded), and better equipped (200 MP main camera) than the Galaxy Z Fold6 which launched back in July. And yet, it will apparently only be sold in Korea and China, because the rest of the world doesn't deserve these specs - what else can we gather from this strategy?

Via
Something big may be happening in the flagship Galaxy S line, but not next year. The Galaxy S25, S25+, and S25 Ultra are all coming in January, as usual. But in 2026, the Korean company could bring a major change to its lineup, by giving up on the Galaxy S26.

Samsung has already done something similar to its flagship tablet line. This year, only the Galaxy Tab S10+ and Galaxy Tab S10 Ultra were launched, with the 'vanilla' model going missing. And now a new rumor claims the same could happen to the Galaxy S26 series in 2026.

Samsung Galaxy S24

Thus, only the Galaxy S26+ and Galaxy S26 Ultra will arrive (presumably in January 2026). The move will supposedly happen because the base model will no longer be competitive in the market.

Chinese brands are preparing an onslaught of smaller devices with top of the line specs for the next few months, and the Galaxy S25 may barely survive that, but it could be game over for the S26. That is, of course, if this pans out. The source of this rumor, Ice Universe, has a decent track record but is known to exaggerate sometimes, and this may very well be one of those times, so keep that in mind.

Source
Google's Pixel 9 series may be quite crowded already, with the Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold, but it's not complete. Not yet, anyway. There's one more member that needs to join, and that's the Pixel 9a.

This will be the successor to the Pixel 8a which launched back in May, and today a bunch of CAD-based renders of the 9a have been outed for your viewing pleasure.

The Pixel 9a is expected to launch in the spring, so there's still plenty of time to wait until its debut. While the overall design of the phone does scream "Pixel!", there is, as you have surely noticed, one thing that sets this one apart from all the others.

There's barely any camera bump. There seems to only be a small raised ring around the oval-shaped glass housing, and that's it. It's funny how the other Pixel 9 models have one of the hugest camera humps in the industry, and the 9a goes with one of the most diminutive instead.

Perhaps it's meant to signify its mid-range status, below the others in the pecking order? We'll probably never know what Google's intentions were. Anyway, the phone has significantly thicker bezels than the rest of its family, flat sides, a power button in the wrong position (but that's a given with Pixels), a hole-punch in the top center of the screen for the selfie camera, and not much else.

Unlike all the other Pixel 9s, the 9a will launch running Android 15 from day one. Like the others, it too will receive seven years of software support from Google. It's expected to use the Tensor G4 chipset that's powering the rest of the Pixel 9 family, but paired with a downgraded modem in order to cut costs.

Source
Twin brothers Landon and Brandon Aydlett on Tuesday began construction on their next toy timber project  a 28-foot replica of Taiwans Taipei 101 to commemorate Taiwan Double Ten  in the center court of Agana Shopping Center.

The tower will reach to the top of the shopping centers center court using nearly 100,000 individual toy timber logs, and will be among the brothers largest toy timber structures so far.

Similar to the recent Empire State Building construction in August, this tower will surpass the double Guinness World Record-setting tower in June 2022, which stood at nearly 26 feet with 74,000 toy timber logs.

Tower construction will go on during shopping center hours from 10 a.m. on Oct. 1 through Oct. 9.

This tower will not seek to break the current world records as the Aydlett Brothers still remain the official record holders, the brothers said.

The community is welcome to participate by volunteering during shopping center hours to assist with the construction, particularly between Oct. 1 and 7.

This tower project, the 5th since the Tower for Humanitys beginning in June 2022, and the second of back-to-back events this year, will also host the 2nd annual community-wide Canstruction Guam Food Drive and charity event with nonprofit Be Heartfelt.

Food drive

The Tower Team has partnered with Be Heartfelt to host the 2nd Annual Canstruction Guam Competition and island-wide food drive.

With the goal of feeding hungry kids on Guam by providing weekend meals for children in need, every canned good and donation collected improves the quality of life for an individual.

Following the success of the inaugural Canstruction Guam in 2023, Be Heartfelt was able to expand its services to support more children on Guam.

Set to take place on Oct. 12 and 13 at Agana Shopping Center, the Canstruction Guam competition will conclude an island-wide canned food drive.

Organizations are still encouraged to sign up as a canned food drop site and/or run their own food drive campaign through Oct. 11, then form teams to build their own creation with those canned goods.

Canstruction Teams will collect goods through Oct. 11, then bring their collected goods to Agana Shopping Center on Oct. 11 or 12 for set up/drop off.

Canstruction Teams will have all day on Saturday, Oct. 12, to build their creation at Agana Shopping Center.

Public viewing, voting and judging will take place on Sunday, Oct. 13, with an awards ceremony taking place that afternoon.

Prizes will be awarded for teams with the best design, most public votes, and the most canned goods collected.

Canstruction Guam 2024 teams

The Tower Team and Be Heartfelt announced the teams, so far, for the 2nd Annual Canstruction Guam, including:

Girl Scout Troop 406

Cost U Less

Andersen Elementary School

One Pacific Clothing & Lyt

FEMA External Affairs

Providence International Christian School

Guam Philharmonic Foundation

Bank of Guam

GDOE Support Services and Outreach Teams

Food drive public drop-off sites

The following organizations will have a Be Heartfelt drop box for canned food donations. Visit these locations now through Oct. 11 to support the food drive efforts. Be Heartfelt encourages additional organizations to join the food drive.

Learn, Explore and Play Child Development Center

Providence International Christian School

Sen. Dwayne San Nicolas office

Guam Philharmonic Foundation (Micronesia Mall)

Guam Memorial Hospital

Coast 360

Guam Girl Scouts

Lyt Restaurant, Tumon

Lyndon B Johnson Elementary School

Guam Cancer Care

Fly Pole and Aerial Dance Studio

GNC, Micronesia Mall and Pacific Place

The community is also invited to sponsor a log by dropping off canned food items at the tower site in the Center Court of Agana Shopping Center to receive a timber log for personalizing, that will then become a part of the tower.

Commemorating the Taiwan Community of Guam

The Taipei 101 was selected for its iconic architecture and picturesque structure towering over Taipei.

This unique tower, with its resilient construction engineered to handle natures worst, will be a technical challenge for the Tower Team.

This project seeks to help commemorate the Taiwan Community of Guam during the Taiwan National Day/Double Ten Day, which takes place on Oct. 10.

In partnership with the Taipei Economic and Cultural Office on Guam, this event aims to recognize and highlight the contributions of the Taiwan community to the vitality of, and to the rich, cultural diversity found on, the island of Guam.

Tower for Humanity legacy

The Aydlett Brothers are always eager to plan their next project, building something bigger, better and unique.

Due to the scale and size of these projects, the brothers welcome the public to be a part of this unique, only on Guam experience.

Since its beginning in June 2022, the Tower for Humanity has sought to benefit Guam, particularly those who are in need  a building for a cause.

Volunteers are welcome to assist the Tower Team during construction to sort and piece blocks together, prior to placement on the tower.

For more information and how to volunteer with Tower for Humanity, visit their Facebook and Instagram pages @towerforhumanity. For additional information on the Tower for Humanity project, contact Landon Aydlett at (671) 777-5337 or email landonaydlett@gmail.com

To learn more about Be Heartfelt and the important work they do on Guam, contact its president, Lori Marble, at (724) 612-5674, email contactbeheartfelt@gmail.com or marblelori@gmail.com, or visit Be Heartfelts website at https://www.beheartfelt.com.
The Guam Department of Education will ask the Legislature to cover the full $47 million hole in the school districts fiscal 2025 budget, as GDOE stares down freezes on hiring, canceled contracts, and a shortage of cash to pay for power and water.

Members of the Guam Education Board unanimously approved the supplemental budget request Monday night, along with a series of cost cutting measures for GDOE.

But several board members acknowledged that the chances of getting that full $47 million are slim, as lawmakers move to approve a supplemental budget to cover gaps in GovGuams fiscal 2025 budget.

Education board chair Mary Okada said the extra funding will get GDOE up with the bare bones budget level of $303 million that was sent to senators back in April.

The money would be enough to cover utilities, $10 million for facilities maintenance and capital projects including security measures, and contractual costs that are anticipated to be cut, according to Okada.

GDOE will have about $5.6 million set aside for utilities after the approved cuts, but needs a projected $19 million, the board chair noted.

Education board vice chair Angel Sablan said he is not optimistic about GDOE getting the full funding.

I dont think any of us here flunked math. We have less than what we truly need, Sablan said.

But the department was asking for more money than was actually available, he noted.

As of the close of August, GovGuam raked in $37.9 million more in tax revenue and fees than projected, short of GDOEs $47 million ask.

That number could still move, with a report on collections for the month of September, the last month of the fiscal year, due to senators by Oct. 10.

Sablan said everybody and their brother is asking for a chunk of those funds, from law enforcement to the Guam Memorial Hospital.

Were all in the same boat, and its all coming out of one pie, he added.

The vice chair asked that GDOE highlight their biggest needs to senators, in light of the likely shortfall.

Longtime board member Maria Gutierrez echoed Sablans sentiments.

All the years that we submit a supplemental (budget), we never get the amount. So lets not have the Christmas wish list until we really see that it was approved, Gutierrez said.

Recent reports of textbooks being discarded would likely hurt their chances, she added.

The board and GDOE management have provided conflicting information as to whether any of the textbooks discarded as a part of ongoing school clean up were brand new.

GDOEs annual budget is regularly shorted by senators. But the difference for fiscal 2025, according to Education Superintendent Erik Swanson, is that hundreds of millions worth of federal money pumped into the district during the pandemic will dry up, as increased costs remain.

The district received $287 million in federal American Rescue Plan money through the pandemic, along with other federal funding.

Hiring priority

Education board members rejected a proposal from GDOE management for a broad freeze on hiring for the district, and opted to prioritize hirings for certified teachers and other school positions covered or mandated by the Guam Federation of Teachers Collective Bargaining Agreement.

GDOE Deputy Superintendent for Finance and Administration Morgan Wade Paul on Monday presented cuts that would see only 39 hirings to fill vacant positions across the district for fiscal 2025.

Of those, Paul said 26 positions would be school staff, including substitute teachers.

The other 13 would be for the GDOE central office, including 10 maintenance workers, a comptroller, and budget personnel.

Board members, including Gutierrez and Christine Baleto, took issue with the hiring of any administrative positions before school staff.

Okada presented a revision to the cuts that would exempt positions covered by the GFT union contract from hiring freezes. It was approved unanimously.

That includes teachers, nurses, counselors, and vocational instructors, among other positions.

There are also other hiring requirements GDOE needs to meet to fulfill the union contract, like library technicians and one-to-one aides.

Board members voted to prioritize hirings to meet the union contract before any other hirings, including hiring to fill vacancies and hiring for maintenance personnel.

According to Paul, GDOE is short about 51 certified teachers.

Amid board discussions about cuts, Sablan said he plans to stop accepting his stipend as a board member, which tops out at $500 a month.

Superintendents performance up for review

After dealing with budget issues, the board went into a closed-door executive session to go over the evaluation of Swansons performance as education superintendent.

The board shut its doors around 6:30 p.m., and could be heard loudly discussing the matter in the adjacent hallway.

Doors were re-opened shortly before 8 p.m., but members agreed to table discussion on Swansons performance evaluation until an upcoming October board meeting.

Swanson received an unsatisfactory rating on his first job evaluation in March.
A man was arrested and charged with setting fire to trash bins before burning a vehicle and a dumpster at a Mangilao medical clinic Friday night, according to a magistrates complaint filed in Superior Court.

Raifini Jicko, 34, reportedly told police he started the fires for fun, the complaint stated.

He faces 15 years in prison if convicted of three counts of arson as a third-degree felony.

Jicko, who has a previous conviction for aggravated assault and criminal mischief, was being held Tuesday on $1,500 cash bail.

At 10:45 p.m. Friday, police were alerted to a dumpster and a vehicle burning at American Medical Center in Mangilao. The vehicle, a red Hyundai Tucson, was damaged beyond repair, according to the complaint.

While investigating the fire, police met with a neighbor who reported his trash bins were set on fire earlier that night. The bins were destroyed in the blaze.

Police wanted to question Jicko about the fires, and they found him in front of a Mangilao home on Monday.

Jicko admitted to setting fire to a red car and a dumpster at AMC as well as trash bins at a nearby residence, the complaint stated. The fire was started with a lighter and paper. Jicko stated he acted alone and claimed he did it for fun after he had been drinking.

One of his relatives told police that Jicko left home with a piece of cardboard he set on fire, and he was seen throwing the burning cardboard into a neighbors trash bin, the complaint stated.

The relative said Jicko returned home, got a lighter and went out toward AMC. He later told the relative he burned the car and the dumpster at the medical center, but said he didnt do anything wrong, according to the complaint.
Forecasters at the National Hurricane Center in Miami continue to monitor possible tropical development in the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico over the next few days.

Disorganized showers and thunderstorms associated with a trough of low pressure are currently located over the southwestern Caribbean Sea. That system is expected to shift into an area with abnormally warm ocean waters and minimal wind shear, which would make for ideal conditions for gradual development over the next few days.

A tropical depression could form toward the end of this week or this weekend while the system moves generally northwestward over the northwestern Caribbean Sea and into the Gulf of Mexico, the hurricane center said in an update Tuesday morning.

The hurricane center continues to give a medium 40% chance of the system developing into at least a tropical depression over the next seven days. This is unchanged from previous updates.

How much the system develops and where it makes landfall along the U.S. Gulf Coast will depend on the wind shear the system encounters as it moves north through the Gulf. While wind shear will remain low initially, it will tend to increase over the Gulf later this week, according to forecasters at AccuWeather.

The exact strength and direction of the wind shear will tend to determine where downpours and gusty winds will be guided.

Later next week into the following weekend, the downpours could be strewn anywhere from Louisiana to Florida, Georgia and the Carolinas in the U.S., forecasters said. Should steering breezes remain weak, then a track toward Louisiana could occur. Should strong steering breezes from the southwest occur, then a track toward Florida and perhaps the coastal areas of Georgia and the Carolinas would be more likely.

Either way, it looks like the Texas Gulf Coast wont experience significant impact from any potential tropical development.

October typically does not bring much tropical activity to Texas. When looking at records that date back to the 1800s, only six hurricanes or tropical storms have made landfall in Texas during the month, according to WFAA-TV. The overall pattern usually doesnt favor significant tropical systems moving toward Texas.

The region in the Caribbean where Helene formed and this new disturbance could form is a very common area for tropical activity during the month of October. Most storms that form here typically follow a north-northeast track.

This latest system isnt expected to strengthen the way Helene did, which slammed into the Big Bend region of Florida as a Category 4 hurricane before moving into the Appalachians and mid-Mississippi Valley. The death toll from Helene topped 130 on Tuesday, with hundreds still missing.

Helene experienced very little wind shear as it moved north, allowing for it to strengthen rapidly before making landfall.

A non-tropical storm also dove southward through the central U.S., providing additional energy to Helene and helping to send it northward into the southern Appalachians and then westward toward the mid-Mississippi Valley.

In contrast, the latest tropical development is likely to encounter more wind shear and land masses, which will limit any development.

The most likely scenario with this weeks tropical feature is that it will get drawn northward to a point over the Gulf but then shunted northeastward this weekend, AccuWeather said.

Any tropical feature that grabs Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean moisture and brings it along has the potential to cause excessive rain and flooding. The highest risk for significant and possibly excessive rainfall will be across Florida, but this is subject to change, forecasters said.

Activity in the Atlantic

Kirk is expected to turn toward the north over the next few days as it strengthens into a major hurricane.Courtesy National Hurricane Center

Elsewhere, the Atlantic Ocean continues to be a hotbed for tropical activity.

Isaac, which became a hurricane late last week, became a post-tropical storm over the open waters of the North Atlantic south of Iceland and west of the United Kingdom on Monday. Although the storm is no longer tropical, it remains a concern for cross-Atlantic shipping and cruise interests.

Thousands of miles farther to the south over the central Atlantic, a new tropical depression formed Sunday evening and became Tropical Storm Kirk on Monday morning.

Kirk is expected to move to the northwest before turning toward the north. The storm is anticipated to strengthen into a hurricane by Tuesday night and a major hurricane in the next couple days, the hurricane center said in an advisory Tuesday morning.

Just behind Kirk, another area of low pressure has the potential to evolve into at least a tropical depression over the next several days. Its possible this next area of low pressure may wander close to the islands in the northeastern Caribbean toward the second week of October, AccuWeather said.




Haiti - FLASH : The Security Council extends the mandate of the Mission in Haiti by one year





On Monday, September 30, 2024, the Security Council decided to extend until October 2nd, 2025 the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission (MMSS) in Haiti, following the unanimous adoption of resolution 2751 (2024). Mandated by resolution 2699 (2023), the Mission aims to create security conditions conducive to the holding of free and fair presidential and legislative elections, within the framework of a political process led and controlled by Haitians.



After the vote, the United States and Ecuador, co-sponsors of the text, thanked Kenya and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) for their commitment to the text as well as the members of the Council for their support for the extension of the missions mandate. "Thanks to the deployment of this mission, which is a milestone for the reconstruction of peace in Haiti, we have, in just a few months, good hope of seeing the Haitian police forces regain control over organized gangs," Ecuador said.



"While the adoption of this resolution reaffirms the desire to find lasting solutions to address the root causes of the crisis, it is not a solution in itself and there is still a lot of work to be done to restore security," the Ecuadorian delegate nevertheless stressed. In this regard, he called for a long-term strategy to be defined, like the representatives of the Republic of Korea, Japan and the United Kingdom who said they were ready to consider the different options for the future of the Mission.



Despite the divergences on the future status of the Mission https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43313-haiti-flash-the-united-states-abandons-its-request-for-a-peacekeeping-mission-in-haiti.html , several delegations, including those of Slovenia and Guyana, who spoke on behalf of the A3+ (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone and Guyana), also insisted on the need to secure more funding. Member States must be encouraged to support the Mission financially and the Council must use all the tools at its disposal to help the Mission prepare the ground for elections and the Haitian National Police regain control of neighborhoods that have fallen into the hands of armed gangs," insisted the Slovenian representative, who called for "not repeating the mistakes of the past."



"The Haitian people have the right to security and prosperity," Switzerland insisted.



Text of the draft resolution (S/2024/695):



"The Security Council,



Recalling all its previous resolutions concerning Haiti, including resolutions 2645 (2022), 2653 (2022), 2692 (2023) and 2743 (2024), and reaffirming resolution 2699 (2023),



Thanking the Kenyan leadership of the Multinational Security Support Mission, welcoming the deployment of the Mission to Haiti, in response to the appeal made by the Secretary-General and the Government of Haiti, following consultations with Haiti and taking into account the Councils authorization in its resolution 2699 (2023) for security support to Haiti, and also welcoming the offer of several Member States to participate in the Mission and the financial contributions made been provided in support of the Missions operations,



Expressing deep concern about the situation in Haiti, including the violence, criminal activities and the massive displacement of Haitians,



Welcoming the partnership established between the Haitian authorities and the Mission leadership to restore public security for the benefit of the Haitian people,



Reaffirming the need to continue a Haitian-led and Haitian-owned political process that will allow for free and fair presidential and legislative elections, and recalling the Missions mandate to create the security conditions conducive to their holding,



Declaring that the Secretary-General may provide logistical support to the Mission, upon request by the Mission and its donors, in full compliance with the human rights due diligence policy on United Nations support to non-United Nations security forces, provided that such support is fully reimbursed to the United Nations from voluntary contributions available,



Considering that the situation in Haiti continues to threaten international peace and security and stability in the region,



Acting under Chapter VII of the Charter of the United Nations,



1. Decides to extend until 2 October 2025 the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission as entrusted by resolution 2699 (2023), and reiterates its request to Haiti and the leadership of the Mission to keep the Council and the Secretary-General regularly informed of progress made regarding the deployment;



2. Recalls and reaffirms the other paragraphs of resolution 2699 (2023), noting that the arms embargo measures set out in paragraph 14 of that resolution were reaffirmed and renewed in resolution 2700 (2023);



3. Encourages the Mission to accelerate its deployment and looks forward to increased voluntary contributions and support for the Mission;



4. Decides to remain actively seized of the matter."



See also :

https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43313-haiti-flash-the-united-states-abandons-its-request-for-a-peacekeeping-mission-in-haiti.html



HL/ HatiLibre






















Haiti - Cooperation : Minister Joseph discusses Agriculture with France





Vernet Joseph, the Minister of Agriculture, accompanied by two members of his cabinet and his Director General, held a meeting with the French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, who was accompanied by Ms. Radhia Oudjani, Director of the AFD...



Vernet Joseph, the Minister of Agriculture, Natural Resources and Rural Development, accompanied by two members of his cabinet and his Director General Elancie Moise, held a meeting on Friday, September 27, 2024, with the French Ambassador to Haiti, Antoine Michon, who was accompanied by Ms. Radhia Oudjani, Director of the French Development Agency (AFD) in Haiti and Vincent Hommeril, Advisor for Cooperation and Cultural Action.



The review of the AFD portfolio and the statement of a set of perspectives formed the backdrop of this meeting.



The following were discussed in particular:



- The Irrigation Support Project in the South (PAIS) producing satisfactory results in irrigated areas;



- Initiatives relating to activities to improve food security in the North, support for the school canteen program and support for the World Food Program (WFP) were highlighted by the Ambassador as flagship actions of the AFD.



Minister Vernet Joseph succinctly presented his vision of the agricultural sector, broken down into two major challenges:



1 - Improving food security by limiting the increase in the number of people in food insecurity, which has increased from 1 to 5 million in 4 years. In this respect, the Minister invited the AFD to support the Ministry's flagship initiative focused on the development of the cassava sector, due to its potential for improving food and nutritional security and, on the other hand, to contribute to economic growth through penetration of the foreign market.



2 - Economic growth, through a better contribution of the agricultural sector to national wealth.

The Minister relied on a hybrid approach that aims at both support for the production of consumer goods and significant investments to support export sectors (mangoes, coffee, cocoa).



At the end of this meeting, the Minister and the Ambassador agreed:



- To organize a technical meeting to address, among other things, the problem of the "Levekafe" project implemented in the North, Center, and Southeast, which is underperforming, to discuss the priority sectors of the Ministry and especially the conduct of a prospective mission with the agricultural department of the AFD;



- Undertake a mission to supervise the activities of the PAIS project in the South, with the participation of Minister Joseph and Ambassador Michon;



- Explore other sectors such as fishing, rightly considered by the Minister as a major lever for development, with enormous potential characterized by a long coastline, i.e. 9 out of 10 departments. From this point of view, the Minister expressed the wish that maritime professions develop with a view to enhancing maritime potential by promoting industrial and semi-industrial fishing, which is beneficial for the national economy.



HL/ HaitiLibre






















Haiti - News : Zapping...





A tense Council of Ministers

On Monday, September 30, 2024, an exceptional Council of Ministers at the Villa d'Accueil in Musseau allowed the executive to adopt the 2024-2025 budget, postpone the entry into force of the new tax code until 2025, and renew the state of emergency for 1 month. But it was also an opportunity for the members of the Presidential Council to demand that Chancellor Dupuy summon the Haitian ambassadors accredited to the UN and Washington to explain the confusion surrounding the participation of the President of the Transitional Council, Edgard Leblanc Fils, in the 79th United Nations General Assembly. https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43263-haiti-flash-e-leblanc-fils-president-of-the-transitional-council-will-finally-go-to-new-york.html which he attributes to a maneuver by Prime Minister Conille



Arrest of a Gang Leader

Friday, September 27, following an operation led by the Departmental Unit for Maintaining Order (UDMO-South), Guerlain Maslin, Leader of the Gang "Lame ti manchet" operating in Saint-Jean du Sud, more precisely in the locality called "Vilpie" was arrested.



627 people fled the commune of Saut d'Eau

Following the armed violence that occurred on September 23, 2024 in the first section of Canot in the commune of Saut d'Eau, 627 people were displaced. All displaced persons sought refuge with host families: 48% in Mirebalais, 34% in other communal sections of Saut dEau, 11% in Boucan Carre, 5% in Hinche and 2% in Thomonde.



The Chancellery welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the MMSS

The Chancellery welcomes the renewal of the mandate of the Multinational Security Support Mission https://www.haitilibre.com/en/news-43320-haiti-flash-the-security-council-extends-the-mandate-of-the-mission-in-haiti-by-one-year.html and thanks the UN Security Council for its commitment to peace and stability in Haiti, which are essential for sustainable development and the well-being of our people.



Haiti becomes a member of Afreximbank

The African Import-Export Bank (Afreximbank) announced, on September 30, 2024, in a press release published in Cairo (Egypt), an agreement formalizing Haiti's membership in the partnership between Afreximbank and the member states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). During this event, Afreximbank announced its intention to set up a US$250 million facility to support the reconstruction of the Haitian economy.



Regine Abraham non-voting member of the CPT in Mexico

Regine Abraham observer at the Presidential Transitional Council is in Mexico to represent Haiti at the Ceremony of Transfer of Executive Power to President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum.



HL/ HaitiLibre


















The offensive, launched in the early hours of Thursday, has drawn sharp condemnation from Haavisto, particularly over the impact on civilians.

Finnish MP and Foreign Affairs Committee member Pekka Haavisto has voiced deep concern over Lebanons ability to protect its citizens following the Israeli ground offensive that began in the country on October 1, 2024. Haavisto stressed the need for Finland to take an active role in addressing the escalating crisis.

He emphasized that the repercussions extend far beyond the battlefield, with a looming refugee crisis that threatens to overwhelm the already fragile Lebanese state.

Around one million people have already sought refuge due to earlier conflicts, and this new offensive will only increase the number of refugees. Lebanon is a fragile state lacking the capacity to protect its citizens, Haavisto warned.

Haavisto highlighted the urgent need for diplomatic negotiations to prevent the broader Middle East crisis from spiraling out of control. He reiterated the importance of advancing a two-state solution for Israel and Palestine, calling it the key to resolving the long-standing conflict.

If the root causes of this crisis cannot be addressed, the Middle East will remain an uncontrollable hotspot, he stated.

Haavisto underscored Finlands responsibility to be actively involved in peace initiatives for the region. He called for the EU to step up support for the Lebanese government, preventing the country from collapsing under the weight of the crisis. Humanitarian aid for civilians and refugees should be dispatched quickly, and diplomatic efforts must be made to restart negotiations between Israel and Palestine.

Finland must do everything it can in EU discussions to support Lebanons government, to ensure the country doesnt collapse. Aid must be delivered swiftly to civilians and refugees, and we should push for the resumption of Israeli-Palestinian negotiations, Haavisto stated. He also stressed the importance of closely monitoring the safety of Finnish peacekeepers stationed in southern Lebanon, especially if the conflict escalates further.

Haavisto urged the EU to reinforce Lebanons capacity to manage the ongoing crisis. He also called for the UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, to fulfill its mandate by disarming non-state actors in Lebanon. Haavisto argued that this step is essential for stabilizing the region and reducing the risk of further conflict.

The UNIFIL mission must operate according to its original purpose, ensuring that non-state actors in Lebanon are disarmed, he concluded.

As tensions rise in the Middle East, Haavistos calls for immediate action highlight the growing risk of a humanitarian disaster and the critical role of international diplomacy in mitigating the crisis.

HT
Purra made the statement at a tax seminar hosted by the Finland Chambers of Commerce, according to YLE .

MINISTER of Finance Riikka Purra (PS) on Thursday stated that the Finnish government has given up on one of the key goals of its policy agenda  the goal of curbing the deficit in the public economy to one per cent of gross domestic product by 2027.

The goal, she explained, was adopted during the coalition formation negotiations, but the economic situation has since proven more difficult than expected in the spring of 2023.

The Ministry of Finance unveiled its new economic forecast last week, estimating that around four billion euros in additional austerity measures will be required to bring down the deficit to one per cent by the end of the electoral term. Its forecast indicates that the deficit will stand at 3.7 per cent in 2024, 3.2 per cent in 2025, 2.6 per cent in 2026 and 2.3 per cent in 2027.

Purra on Thursday said according to the public broadcasting company that the government is focused fully on its other key fiscal goal  the goal of bringing the debt ratio under control by the end of the electoral term.

Prime Minister Petteri Orpo (NCP), though, insisted that both goals remain on the agenda while assuring that there is no major rift within the government on the deficit goal.

I dont want to use the word give up, he commented to reporters at Kesaranta in Helsinki on Thursday. Its a long way away, itll require a lot of work. But I want to believe that the reforms the government has made make it possible for growth to be faster than whats currently forecast.

Also Orpo said the government is focused on bringing the debt ratio under control. The government, he added, will examine later whether it is also possible to meet the budget deficit goal and whether there is a need for more extensive fiscal adjustments, namely spending cuts and tax increases.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
The Greens goal is to combat biodiversity loss and the climate crisis, and my impression is that this goal is shared by Extinction Rebellion Finland, chairperson Sofia Virta said on Sunday.

THE GREEN LEAGUE and Extinction Rebellion Finland may share the goals of preventing biodiversity loss and combatting the climate crisis, but the party does not approve of the approach the environmental movement took last week to draw attention to the environmental cost of peat extraction, reports YLE.

Thats what gives rise to the linkage thats created in peoples minds. The Greens is a political party that doesnt engage in civil disobedience, and thats the difference between the party and the movement.

Extinction Rebellion Finland continued to court controversy last week with a stunt where protesters daubed red paint on the columns of the Parliament House in Helsinki. The objective of the protest was to highlight that a Finnish majority state-owned company is continuing and expanding peat extraction in Sweden.

Virta on Sunday reiterated her disapproval with the protest in conjunction with the opposition partys party conference in Espoo. Extinction Rebellion Finland, she stressed, has to adhere to the same rules as other associations and movements in the country.

Whats illegal is illegal, and the offenders have to accept responsibility for their actions.

At the same time, she added, I naturally hope that the message that Extinction Rebellion Finland is trying to bring up, in my view with thoughtless means, is taken seriously at the level of lawmakers. Many young people and people of different ages are concerned about what will happen as the climate crisis moves forward if no action is taken. I hope that the message is taken seriously, that measures like these arent needed to amplify it.

YLE on Sunday reported that rank-and-file members of the opposition party are unsure what to make of the latest protest, with some voicing their support for civil disobedience and others calling for more measured actions.

We do advocate the same things, but it feels like these [activists] are slightly frustrated with the political system and dont want to participate in this activity themselves, Pyry Mustajarvi, a member of the youth wing of the Green League, said to the public broadcasting company in Espoo.

Oona Tchitcher said the protest was clearly effective given the extent of debate it kindled, including on the cause of the protest. But was it right? No permanent damage was apparently caused, so maybe in these times, when the world is burning, theres a time and a place for these kinds of stunts.

Im sure that we at the Greens have members of Extinction Rebellion Finland. If you think about where the Greens come from originally, civil disobedience is at the core of the Greens, she added.

Aleksi Teivainen  HT
Mountains to Raleigh: Help!

To: Gov. Roy Cooper, Senate Leader Phil Berger, House Speaker Tim Moore

From: The people of Western North Carolina

First, an invitation. As soon as you can safely do so, book a car or a flight to the N.C. mountains.

Words, photos, Facebook posts or official reports from emergency personnel cannot convey the magnitude of the destruction nor hint at the breadth and duration of recovery and rebuilding. Its going to take years; some towns and communities will never recover. As one resident in Hickory Nut Gorge put it as he narrated a video of a muddy river in front of collapsed stores: Chimney Rock is gone.

For a while it was unknown whether Lake Lure dam would hold; the pressure was building as the river rose. If the dam were to collapse, dozens of not hundreds of homes would be washed downstream.

Of course, power, cell phone coverage, food and water are the immediate concerns. Were told in official dispatches that food and water are en route, by truck and by air. Duke Energy forecasts that most customers will have the lights back on Friday night  thanks to 18,000 linemen from 19 states.

* * *

The magnitude of Helenes destruction is felt in big ways and small. Its inconvenient to be cut off from TV news and the internet updates so many of us are addicted to. Weve seen long lines at gas stations after tropical storms and big snowstorms. But weve never seen the situation at the only supermarket open in miles, our Highland Lake Road Ingles: the line of buggies filled with groceries started at the tomatoes (soon as you make a right into the store) snaked around the meat counter in the rear and looped back up a center aisle.

Hours after we started drafting this column, Senate leader Phil Berger responded issued a statement acknowledging the heartbreaking and devastating images from the North Carolina mountains. The disaster declaration covers 25 counties  exactly a quarter of the states total.

"I've been in contact with the senators in the area and other state and local officials as they continue to assess the damage and impact of Hurricane Helene, he said. It will take time to know the full catastrophic nature of this storm, but the General Assembly stands ready to take the necessary steps to help our neighbors in Western North Carolina.

* * *

Helene is a little like the coronavirus pandemic. We date some political and cultural trends to before and after Covid. For a lifetime  when it comes to roads, familiar scenes, neighboring homes (or our own), our visceral response to a forecast of a torrential downpour  the dividing line will be before and after Helene.

Fear, confusion, imagined consequences and bad motives characterized our socio-cultural response to Covid. In some ways, Helene is similar. Our EMTs, doctors, nurses and medical administrators are overwhelmed; theyre shorthanded; patients and families are panicked.

Heres how Helene is different. This time, Pardees clinics have no power; the exhausted medical folks who care for us in the ER or at bedside may have no home to go home to, and certainly no easy route to get home.

This time, we cant sit at home, turn on CNN or Fox or Netflix and tune out the pandemic. The damage is all around us and inescapable. Yes, the lights, Wifi and nightly news will come back on. But itll be months before all the roads are repaired, maybe more; and years before homes are rebuilt. Helene is going to make the inconveniences of Covid seem like a stubbed toe.

So, fortunately, Gov. Cooper, Leader Berger and Speaker Moore, youve got a good team on the ground locally in state Reps. Johnson and Balkcom and Sen. Moffitt to help lead the recovery-rebuild effort. We have a feeling that those three legislators will break their legislative challenges and achievements in two categories: pre- and post-Helene.

Ahead of the crucial special session on Helene, we look forward to yalls visit.

NOTE: Gov. Cooper was in the region surveying damage on Sunday. U.S. Rep. Chuck Edwards and House Speaker Moore toured the damaged landscape by air on Monday.
It may be election season now, but Haryana always evokes a set of images: wrestlers, fertile crops and the khaps known for passing bizarre orders. One of the tiniest states in India, Haryana is roughly the size of Denmark. Formed out of areas that formerly lay within other kingdoms that became a part of PEPSU (Patiala and East Punjab States Union), which lasted for less than a decade (1948- 1956).

The new state came into being as an offshoot of the 1960s movement for an independent state of Punjab that was led by Sikh religious leader Master Tara Singh. Constituted of Hindi-speaking areas north of Delhi and south of Punjab, this region is replete with history going back to the Indus Valley Civilisation (IVC). The word Hariana occurs in the Delhi Museum Inscription of 1328 CE found near modern Rajpath in Delhi, and its variant Hariyanaka figures in the Palam Baoli Inscription. In the list of pradesas in the Kumarika khanda of the Skanda Purana, which was composed in the 9th or 10th century CE, we come across the territorial designation Hariala or Haripala which manifestly stands for Haryana. It is said to be a populous region consisting of five lakh villages, writes scholar Buddha Prakash in Haryana: Studies in History and Culture.

Less than 150 km from Delhi, Rakhigarhi in the Hisar district of Haryana, is an IVC or Harappan site that dates back 10,000 years. Archaeologists believe that it would have once been much closer to the Ghaggar river which now flows nearly 30 km away and was located in the valley of a pre-historic river. Rakhigarhi has become particularly famous in recent years because the DNA of a skeleton found here do not show a link with steppe people or Indo-Aryans, based on this, the Aryan migration theory is denied.

Findings at Rakhigarhi include terracotta jewellery, gold and semi-precious stones. Excavations at Sinauli, another Harappan site, now in Uttar Pradesh, have produced an ox-driven cart with solid disk wheels; some scholars have unsuccessfully posited them as chariots, copper helmets, bronze swords and wooden coffin burials.

These two sites have strengthened the textual history that describes the region of Haryana as the ancient Iron Age (1200-900 BCE) kingdom of Kuru which was formed by the merger of Bharata and Puru tribes, and which is said to be one of the first recorded instances of an organised society. The Kuru kingdoms sovereignty weakened over the ages as it split into two kingdoms, and was displaced due to massive floods. However, it is credited with the transformation of Vedic religion into Brahmanism and eventually Hinduism.

An ancient land of epic battles

Even those uninterested in history would know about the Indian epic Mahabharat, which is a saga of war between cousins, Pandavas and Kauravas. According to the epic, the 18-day war took place in Kurukshetra near Delhi and ended in the destruction of both Pandavas and Kauravas as well as the death of lord Krishna, and the beginning of the Kali age. The war was gory and brutal, it has remained an allegory of internecine dispute between members of the same clan.

In the historical period, the most illustrious king of this region was Harshavardhan (607-647 CE), who reigned from Thanesar before shifting his kingdom to Kannauj. Excavations at Thanesar have revealed artefacts dating back to the Painted Grey Ware (1300-700 BCE) and Red Polished Ware in the post 300-400 CE period. Another noted site at Thanesar is the tomb complex of Sheikh Chilli (Abd-ur-Rahim Abdul-Karim Abd-ur-Razak), a Sufi saint of the Qadiriya school and one of the teachers of Mughal prince Dara Shikoh.

The Battles of Panipat

Panipat etymologically traces its roots to Pandu Prastha or the land of Pandu, the ancestor of Pandavas. The plains around Panipat have been witness to three of the most historic battles fought for the throne of Hindustan.

Nearly 500 years ago, the first battle of Panipat was fought between the reigning emperor, Ibrahim Lodi and his Timurid challenger, Zahird-ud-din Muhammad Babur, on April 12, 1526.

Babur had marched rapidly from Lahore to Panipat, capturing outposts on the way and defeating two contingents sent by Lodi in advance. However, Lodi outsized Baburs army considerably, according to historian Sir Jadunath Sarkar in Military History of India.

While estimates place Baburs forces at about 12,000- 25,000 men, Lodis army was popularly rumoured to be one lakh men and one thousand elephants. Babur handed Lodi a decisive defeat, by using innovative techniques such as mobile artillery, use of firearms and cavalry charges. This victory alone didnt ensure Baburs complete triumph though; he had to subdue other kings like Medini Rai of Chanderi, Rana Sanga of Mewar and the Afghan chiefs of eastern India. But with this victory, Babur laid down the foundation of Mughal rule which would last till 1857 when emperor Bahadur Shah Zafar was deposed and exiled to Burma by the British East India Company.

In 1556, three decades after Babur's victory, the Second Battle of Panipat was fought between armies that were hard to distinguish on religious lines. On the southern side was a vast army of Afghans led by Hemachandra, popularly memorialised as Hemu, a Hindu minister in the court of Muhammad Adil Shah Sur, the seventh and final ruler of the Sur empire, and arrayed against was 14-year-old Akbar (Babur's grandson) and his regent and general Bairam Khan.

In the words of contemporary Mughal courtier and chronicler Abul Fazal, Hemu...rode proudly on an elephant named Hawai (wind)), which was one of his best. He beheld with apprehension the combats of the warriors of fortunes army (Akbar's), and gathering together a band of fierce elephants he showed every stratagem which his powerful capacity could conceive and every daring deed which lurked in his seditious soul. He made powerful onsets and performed many valorous acts, and dislodged many strenuous soldiers of the sublime army.

Hemu was a soldier of fortune who came extremely close to becoming the emperor. From a small village in Haryanas Rewari district to the de facto ruler of Delhi in 1556 after winning a spate of 22 battles, Hemu could have become the emperor of Hindustan if he had not been struck in the eye by a stray arrow during the second Battle of Panipat. Soon after being hit, he was captured and executed by Bairam Khan.

Noted historian Satish Chandra assessed Hemu as a tolerant ruler, he writes in Hemu- his ancestry and place in history, If Hemu had remained in power, the close association of Hindus and Muslims brought about by Akbar may have developed much earlier. The alliance of Hemu and Adil should thus be regarded as one of the portents of the future

Third battle of Panipat

The most visibilised battle at Panipat saw the disunited Maratha confederacy lose to Afghan Durrani king Ahmed Shah Abdali in 1761. Spun out in a communal yarn, a slew of portrayals in recent years have shown Abdali as the quintessential Islamic tyrant out to destroy Hindu India while showing the Marathas as fighting for the protection of Hindus. Nothing could be farther from the truth.

In the decades following emperor Aurangzeb's death in 1707, the Marathas had reached the pinnacle of their power, their rule extending up to Lahore in the West and the borders of Awadh in the East. But their loss to Abdalis army was not only because of staid military moves such as static artillery and their opponents clever tactic of camel mounted small artillery guns. Sadashiv Rao Bhau, the arrogant leader of the Maratha army, had made few allies and ignored the handful he had, like the Jat ruler Suraj Mal whose plea to march light and leave the thousands of camp followers especially women in safe forts was ignored by Sadashiv.

Kaushik Roy writes in Indias Historic Battles, Bhau dismissed Suraj Mal's sage advice as merely the chattering of a Jat zamindar. The Maratha chiefs differed among themselves regarding the combat technique to be adopted against Abdali. While Malhar Rao Holkar wanted to harass Abdali with guerrilla warfare, Bhau was for a pitched battle.

The Marathas lost everything on that cold January day in Panipat. They lost close to 3,000 men on the battlefield and more than 50,000 camp followers the next day. Roy writes, In a span of seven hours, the Marathas had lost everything they had gained in seventy years. After being defeated by Abdali they retreated behind the Chambal. The only positive effect of the battle was that the Maratha Confederacy was able to get rid of the inefficient and incompetent Balaji Baji Rao. He died either of a cerebral haemorrhage or a heart attack.

HistoriCity is a column by author Valay Singh that narrates the story of a city that is in the news, by going back to its documented history, mythology and archaeological digs. The views expressed are personal
How does it feel to win the Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize for Tantra on the Edge? What significance does this win hold for you as a scholar who has been studying, writing, lecturing and curating exhibitions on Tantra art since you were a PhD student? Madhu Khanna, winner of the Oxford Bookstore Art Book Prize 2024 (Courtesy Oxford Bookstore)

My recognition is a personal pleasure and surprise and a significant victory for Indian patronage. I am deeply honoured that the Apeejay Surrendra Group has recognized the importance of a publication on the art of Tantra. This recognition will undoubtedly reach a wider public readership and stimulate interest in fostering a discourse on the art of Tantra.

When one has engaged with an area of enquiry for a sufficiently long time, a sense of complacency can set in if one isnt watchful. How do you keep the student in you alive?

Like many others, my scholarly and creative writings have only scratched the surface of the vast knowledge of Tantra. Tantra, a Vedic exegesis and an extra-Vedic tradition and culture, is a rich heritage primarily preserved in manuscripts, books, sacred objects, architecture, and visual and performative arts. The vastness of this subject, which has a substantial amount of undocumented literature yet to be unearthed, is a source of endless fascination. Modern scholarship has revealed the diverse schools of Tantric tradition that flourished in India and Nepal, Tibet, China, Japan, and South east Asia. The scope of Tantra is so vast that there is always more to discover and learn, with each day bringing a new surprise. This ongoing process of discovery and learning underscores the continuous evolution and growth of knowledge in Tantra.

How did Tantra on the Edge come into being as an exhibition and a book?

Synchronicity and karmic connections bring people and places together. Positive energy and invisible forces work. In my case, fate brought Ashish Anand and me together through an introduction by an American scholar friend. Ashish Anands quest for excellence in all art forms, artists, and creative scholars is well known. What always fascinated me was DAGs commitment to research and publishing sumptuous art books. DAG has preserved a large number of works in the collection of such well-known artists as GR Santosh, Sohan Qadri, KCS Paniker, Manu Parekh, Shobha Broota, Biren De and others who have made significant contributions to the ever-growing repository of art that originated from the classical imagery of Tantra. The project of bringing the works of these artists into the public domain has been in gestation for over a decade. After a meeting with Ashish Anand, Kishore Singh and his committed team contacted me to be on board as the curator and author of this highly challenging project. I am grateful to DAG for providing contextual material on artists and their works from their ever-growing archives. They were also instrumental in getting supporting material from several sources for the book. The groundbreaking exhibition and the book would not have been possible without their unwavering support for the realization of this project.

Tantra on the Edge: Inspirations and Experiments in Twentieth Century Indian ArtDelhi Art Gallery (DAG)

When you set out to tell the story of the impact of Tantra on modern Indian art, what were your biggest priorities as a curator? How did you zero in on the final set of artists?

I wanted to present those artists with whom I found hard evidence of their link with Tantra either in their works, in their writings, or in recorded conversations about them in journals where critics and authors have identified their works as having been influenced by Tantra. These artists connection to Tantra is not just a casual influence but a deep and significant part of their artistic expression. This observation also refers to the artists experimenting with tantric imagery briefly. Each artist featured in the book reinvented their abiding link with Tantra and translated their expression of Tantra. The concurrent plurality of artistic expressions only goes to show the individuality and commitment of each artist.

In the book, you write, Artists who rejected imported styles of expression to create tantra-inspired art that is distinctly Indian have not received the prestige they deserve. What are the reasons behind this?

True innovation is rarely recognised during the artists lifetime. The artists presented in the book were self-absorbed in their quest and did not play to the gallery and the fashion of their times. Nor were they contacted by the mainstream to showcase their works.

GR Santosh spoke about how a pilgrimage to Amarnath, and his encounter with Kashmiri Shaivism influenced his art. Sohan Qadris art was informed by his Vajrayana practice. While researching their work, what gaps did you find in critical commentary about their art? To what extent is scholarship able to capture inner experiences?

The research reinvented a language of their arts, which is complete in itself. All mandates have boundaries. The spectators and viewers behold the remainder of each artists creative process.

SH Raza was reluctant to label his paintings as tantric because he claimed that he knew little about the philosophy and rituals associated with Tantra. You note that the influence of tantric ideas has gone unacknowledged in his work. Why do you think so?

My research proves that SH Razas position as an artist who drew strong inspiration from Tantra is deliberately evasive. Razas non-representational abstraction has drawn heavily from the signs and symbols that superficially resemble ancient tantric paintings. Hence, it is given that his works are fine examples of what I designate as optical tantra, which excites the eye stimuli by appropriating a pattern without its philosophical referent in Tantra. The formal aesthetic signs in Razas paintings are mirror images from some tantric paintings, as shown in my book. However reluctant modern art historians are to label his work having any connection to Tantra, one would still need to explain why he chose Sanskrit titles such as Purusha-Prakriti, Bindu, Mandala, Kundalini, Ankur, Bija, Nada, Panch-tattva, which are central doctrines discussed in Hindu tantric texts. These words do not come from casual use. They are heavily overlayered with philosophical concepts. Had Raza given these titles in English, ie, Man-Nature, Dot, Circle, Coiled One, Embryo, Seed and Five Elements, his works may have lost their Indic flavour. Raza was deeply involved in the spiritual context of these words and, hence, the title. One should remember that immigrant artists have to negotiate their identity and east-west tension in several works produced in the West. His experiments in optical Tantra do not undermine his position as one of Indias foremost modernist painters. On the contrary, the titles of his works validate the perennial truth that these concepts carry.

Your book challenges generalizations about how women artists relate to Tantra as opposed to men. Shobha Brootas work looks so different from Gogi Saroj Pals and Priya Mookerjees work. What are your thoughts on using gender as a lens to interpret their art? What are the possibilities and limitations involved in such an approach?

The works of these artists offer positive constructs of their inspirations, which serve as alternatives to sexist ideology. Their deep connection to excavate signs and symbols  whether from mythology as Gogi Saroj Pal does in her Hathayogini series, or from archetypes that define creation seen in Mookerjees work or in the minimal representations in Shobha Brootas paintings  is a testament to their unwavering commitment to their inspirations.

These artists make explicit visual statements about their female choices and, thereby, their sovereignty. The fact is that womens subjectivity, irrespective of their caste, class, and denomination, is the norm as they live, and it is enough proof of their authenticity of representation. By believing in their inspirations, these three female artists have rid themselves of the false consciousness created by the patriarchy. There are no limitations, and the world is open to us.

Chintan Girish Modi is a freelance writer, journalist and book reviewer.
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Google said on Tuesday its investments in Malaysia would create 26,500 jobs and contribute more than $3 billion to the country's economy by 2030, as it announced its new $2 billion data centre there had broken ground. Google revealed that its new $2 billion data center in Malaysia will generate 26,500 jobs and add over $3 billion to the economy by 2030, focusing on improving cloud and AI service performance, according to Ruth Porat.(Reuters)

"Our investments are designed to provide high performing and reliability, meeting demand for cloud and AI services across the country," Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat told an event in Malaysia.
Alphabet Inc.s Google plans to invest $1 billion to build data centers in Thailand, joining global tech companies in adding cloud and AI infrastructure in Southeast Asia. Alphabet's Google will invest $1 billion in Thailand for data centers, aiming to enhance cloud services and create 14,000 jobs. This investment aligns with regional efforts to attract foreign tech firms and support local economic growth, potentially adding $4 billion by 2029.(AFP)

The company will add facilities in Bangkok and Chonburi, a province southeast of the capital. The outlay could help add $4 billion to Thailands economy by 2029 and support 14,000 jobs annually over the next five years, Google said Monday, citing a Deloitte study.

The investment was unveiled by Google and Paetongtarn Shinawatra, Thailands recently appointed prime minister, underscoring the push by Southeast Asias governments to attract foreign tech firms. Long seen as a tech hinterland, the region of about 675 million people is fast emerging as a growth opportunity for Apple Inc., Microsoft Corp., Nvidia Corp. and Amazon.com Inc., which are spending billions of dollars to ramp up AI data centers from Thailand and Malaysia to Singapore and Indonesia.

We are investing in cloud regions, data centers and subsea cables across the region, building on our many years of work to bring cloud infrastructure closer to the people and organizations here, Alphabet and Google President and Chief Investment Officer Ruth Porat said in an emailed response to questions ahead of an event with the prime minister in Bangkok. This region holds great potential.

Google has already announced billions of dollars in investment in Malaysia and Singapore this year in what Porat called a highly programmatic and intentional approach to expand awareness and adoption of cloud and AI. Amazon unveiled a $9 billion outlay in Singapore in May, and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella swung through the region unveiling a road map involving expenditures of about $4 billion to build data centers and other infrastructure.

Governments around the world are trying to strike a balance between ensuring digital sovereignty and luring foreign investment. They are seeking to keep control of their citizens data and develop local tech firms, while leveraging global companies investment power and expertise to build AI and cloud infrastructure.

The new Thailand data center capacity will help support Googles AI-driven services such as search, maps and workspace. The company set up in Thailand 13 years ago, and says it has trained over 3.6 million students, educators, developers and small and medium businesses in digital skills in the past five years.

Googles investment is aligned with the countrys cloud policies, Paetongtarn said in a statement. Itll accelerate the development of innovative digital services and in turn unlock economic opportunities, she said.
Larry Summers, the Charles W Eliot University professor and president emeritus at Harvard University, said that India is poised to be the fastest growing in the coming years. The former US treasury secretary said that India's story is extraordinary. He told Hindustan Times, Today, India has $600 billion in reserves and is a generous provider of support to countries around the world. India has had an economic miracle over the last generation, and I believe that the next generation could see quite remarkable economic growth. Harvard's Larry Summers states India is set for remarkable growth, with $600 billion in reserves. He anticipates a sixfold increase in the economy by the centenary of independence, positioning India as a leading global economic force in the coming decades.(Reuters)

Read complete HT interview here

He added, "I am hopeful that between now and the 100th anniversary of Indias independence, the Indian economy could grow sixfold from its current level. And I think India has the very great prospect of being the most rapidly growing significant economy in the world over the next five years, the next 10 years, and the next generation."

On India's potential, Larry Summers said, I think India has an opportunity to be a substantial beneficiary of the fact that resilience is now a far greater concern in the United States and in Europe than it was a few years ago. And many firms that were all about just-in-time are now also heavily about just-in-case. And that means reducing sole dependence on China.

Reflecting on US, he said, I am ultimately optimistic about my country. There is a line that is attributable to Winston Churchill that I dont think he actually ever said, that the United States always does the right thing but only after exhausting the alternatives. I think that ultimately, we will take many of the steps that are necessary.
PlayStation gamers faced a widespread outage that impacted Sonys PlayStation Network (PSN) disrupting multiple consoles, including the PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PS Vita and even older devices like PlayStation 3. The official PSN Service Status page confirmed the issue, saying, "You might have difficulty launching games, apps, or network features. Were working to resolve the issue as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience." PlayStation outage: PlayStation Network faced a major outage impacting consoles from PS3 to PS5, hindering game launches and online features. Users reported a specific error code linked to a software update failure. Sony has not provided details on the cause or resolution timeframe, urging patience from gamers.

The service page listed affected categories under Other, PS Vita, PS3, PS4, PS5, Web". The outage impacted gaming as well as network features on PSN. Users couldnt access multiplayer games or even single-player games that required online connectivity.

The error encountered by some users was identified as PS5 error Code WS-116522-7, which Sonys error webpage attributed to a system software update failure. Although, offline games that dont require an online connection still worked fine.

So far, Sony has not released any information about what caused the outage or the estimated time when the problem will be resolved. Players are advised to keep an eye on updates from Sony as the company works to resolve the disruption as the company said, Were working to resolve the issue as soon as possible."
Tata Steel-owned Port Talbot plant in South Wales hit a significant milestone on Monday when its Blast Furnace 4 ceased operations after over 100 years, marking an end of "legacy" steelmaking as the UK's largest steelworks transitions towards greener steelmaking. A view shows the last working blast furnace of Tata Steel Port Talbot steel production plant at Port Talbot, on the last day of its functioning, in Wales, Britain.(Reuters)

Steelmaking at the site is now set to resume in 2027-2028 as part of a British government-backed investment programme of around GBP 1.25 billion in Electric Arc Furnace-based steelmaking, using UK-sourced scrap steel.

The Mumbai-headquartered steel giant said it is looking ahead to a brighter, greener future for the historic site and sustaining more than 5,000 jobs.

"I am deeply conscious how difficult today is for everyone associated with our business. Throughout this transition, we are doing everything possible to minimise the impact on all those who are affected by the changes we are making, Rajesh Nair, CEO of Tata Steel UK, said in a statement.

Today marks a significant event in the history of iron and steelmaking in the UK as the legacy steel-making assets in Port Talbot close, having reached their end-of-life. It is important at this juncture, to pause, recognise and credit the huge contribution of the many thousands of people and the technologies that have sustained our industry and communities here for generations, he said.

Tata Steel's UK chief noted how Port Talbot represents a steel plant where industrial processes and new technologies have been introduced over time to enhance output and set standards for other steelmakers.

He added: In that tradition, we are planning a brighter, greener future through our GBP 1.25 billion investment in low CO2 scrap-based steelmaking, which will sustain more than 5,000 jobs across the UK, and which will also give Tata Steel businesses across the UK a competitive market advantage.

I also believe our ability to supply customers with the highest quality low CO2 steels will provide a catalyst for others to co-invest in the South Wales region, and we look forward to future collaborations between business partners, academia, governments and communities that will secure that future.

Tata Steels planned GBP 750 million investment in low-CO2 green steelmaking will be augmented by the GBP 500 million Grant Funding Agreement signed off earlier this month with the UK government.

The company said that many of the existing heavy end assets, such as blast furnaces and coke ovens, at Port Talbot had reached the end of their operational life. Sustaining the current configuration any longer, or further investment in the traditional heavy end, was not economically or environmentally viable, Tata Steel UK pointed out.

Following the closures earlier this year of the deep-water harbour, Morfa Coke Ovens, Blast Furnace 5 and Continuous Caster 2, the planned iron and steelmaking asset closures are completed this week with the cessation of the Sinter Plant, Blast Furnace 4 and primary steelmaking, along with some secondary steelmaking and energy systems.

Meanwhile, Tata Steel has started to share detailed drawings and virtual reality simulations of the new Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) with local communities, customers and the local planning department. The company also expects to announce the EAF equipment manufacturer in the coming weeks.

Some of the secondary steelmaking assets and two remaining continuous casters are being retained for major investments in advance of the start of the EAF. During the transition period, supply chain arrangements are to be in place to serve customers until the EAF is commissioned.

Steelworkers trade unions, which have undertaken industrial action and talks with the company over this transition, expressed sadness at the end of an era of steelmaking which will result in an estimated 2,800 redundancies.

Roy Rickhuss, general secretary of the Community Union, said it was an "incredibly sad and poignant day" for the British steel industry.

"Last year, Community and GMB (Union) published a credible alternative plan for Port Talbot which would have ensured a fair transition to green steelmaking and prevented compulsory redundancies. Tata's decision to reject that plan will go down as a historic missed opportunity," he said.

Earlier this month, Business and Trade Secretary Jonathan Reynolds told the House of Commons that the Labour government had succeeded in going much further than the previous Tory governments pact with Tata Steel, delivering a minimum voluntary redundancy payout of GBP 15,000 for full-time employees plus a GBP 5,000 retention payment. The pact also includes an offer of paid-for training to give workers a steady income and upskill them for the jobs of the future.

The Department for Business and Trade (DBT) had announced that alongside making the largest investment in the UK steel industry in decades, Tata Steel has also committed to work with the government to evaluate new investments in steel.
In his first public remarks since he was released from prison, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said Tuesday that he has been freed after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism. WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange speaks during a parliamentary hearing at the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, eastern France.(AFP)

I am not free today because the system worked, Assange said during his address to the of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. He has been giving evidence to its Parliamentary Assembly, which includes parliamentarians from 46 European countries, on his detention and conviction and their effects on human rights.

I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism, Assange said. I pled guilty to seeking information from a source.

Assange was released in June after five years in a British prison. He pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with U.S. Justice Department prosecutors.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. APs earlier story follows below.

LONDON (AP)  Wikileaks founder Julian Assange will make his first public statements since he was released from prison when he addresses the Council of Europe on Tuesday.

Assange, 53, is expected to give evidence to the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France.

The Parliamentary Assembly, which includes parliamentarians from 46 European countries, said the hearing will discuss Assange's detention and conviction and their chilling effect on human rights" ahead of a debate on the topic on Wednesday.

WikiLeaks said in a statement that Assange will attend the hearing in person due to the exceptional nature of the invitation.

Assange was released in June after five years in a British prison after he pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concluded a drawn-out legal saga. Prior to his time in prison, he had spent seven years in self-imposed exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he claimed asylum on the grounds of political persecution.

The Australian internet publisher was accused of receiving and publishing hundreds of thousands of war logs and diplomatic cables that included details of U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His activities were celebrated by press freedom advocates, who heralded his role in bringing to light military conduct that might otherwise have been concealed.

Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

But critics say his conduct put American national security and innocent lives  such as people who provided information to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan  at risk, and strayed far beyond the bounds of traditional journalism duties.

The years-long case ended with Assange entering his plea in a U.S. district court on the Northern Mariana Islands, an American commonwealth in the Pacific.

Assange pleaded guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information. A judge sentenced him to the five years he had already spent behind bars in the U.K. fighting extradition to the United States.

Assange returned to Australia a free man in late June. At the time his wife, Stella, said he needed time to recuperate before speaking publicly.

His appearance on Tuesday comes after the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly published a report on Assange's detention in a high-security U.K. prison for five years.

The assembly's human rights committee said Assange qualified as a political prisoner and issued a draft resolution expressing deep concern at his harsh treatment.
Bengaluru has emerged as the leading city in electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with the highest number of EV charging stations across India, according to a recent report by the Union Energy Ministrys Bureau of Energy Efficiency, Prajavani reported. Bengaluru leads India in EV charging stations. (Pradeep Gaur/ Mint File Photo)

As per the report, there are 4,462 charging stations located within Bengaluru city and a total of 5,765 across Karnataka. Since Karnataka adopted its first 'EV Policy' in 2017, the adoption of EVs in the state has surged, particularly among daily users such as food delivery personnel from Swiggy and Zomato, as well as courier service employees who primarily use electric two-wheelers.

Expanding EV charging infrastructure

BESCOM (Bangalore Electricity Supply Company) has established several EV charging stations across government office premises, including BBMP, TTMC, and BDA offices, Prajavanis report added. Private companies have also contributed to the citys charging network by setting up stations at key locations for their corporate vehicles.

Charging facilities have even expanded into residential apartment complexes, marking a significant increase in accessibility for EV owners.

In a major development, private companies have recently inaugurated the first EV charging station under 'JOULE' (Joint Operation Unifying Last-mile Electrification)' project at Doddakallsandra in Bengaluru.

BESCOM is also building a solar-powered EV charging hub near the Devanahalli International Airport, capable of charging 23 vehicles simultaneously. This 400kW facility will include 20 fast-charging points, allowing vehicles to charge within just 30 minutes. The station is the first of its kind in India to offer a 24-hour EV charging service. It is expected to launch next month, according to the report.

Additionally, BESCOM has plans to implement EV charging stations across highways and expand the network of charging points throughout the state.

Recently, BESCOM also introduced the ability to start and pay for EV charging sessions via Whatsapp.

In addition to these, BESCOM has also launched an innovative AI-based customer support bot called https://ev.bot powered by Pulse Energy, said a press statement from the company on Tuesday.

The new interface to EV Mithra app will provide a seamless charging experience for electric vehicle (EV) users.

(Also Read: Bengaluru's electricity body first in India to allow payment for EV charging via WhatsApp)
Do you often treat yourself to attractive bakery cakes? The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department recommends exercising caution. The department has issued a critical warning regarding the use of potentially carcinogenic ingredients in cakes prepared by bakeries in the state. The Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department is urging bakeries to comply with food safety. (Adobe Stock)

This alert comes after similar concerns were raised about cancer-causing substances in popular dishes such as gobi manchuri, kebabs and pani puri.

Tests conducted on cakes from several bakeries in Bengaluru have revealed that 12 different varieties contain cancer-causing agents, Vijayavani reported.

In response, the Karnataka Food Safety and Quality Department is urging bakeries to comply with food safety and quality standards, emphasizing that these artificial colors not only increase the risk of cancer but may also contribute to various physical and mental health issues.

(Also Read: Karnataka bans Rhodamine-B used as food colour in cotton candy, gobi manchurian)

Higher risk for popular varieties

This alarming revelation has sparked concern among cake lovers. Popular varieties such as red velvet and black forest cakes, often made with visually appealing artificial colors, have been highlighted as posing significant health risks.

Samples have revealed the presence of artificial colors such as Allura Red, Sunset Yellow FCF, Ponso 4R, Tartrazine, and Carmoisine.

Early this year, the Karnataka government banned the use of Rhodamine-B, a food colouring agent commonly used in popular dishes like gobi manchurian and cotton candy. Health Minister Dinesh Gundu Rao said that strict action will be taken if sellers are found using these chemicals in their restaurants.

Rhodamine  B is a chemical colouring agent reportedly used in textile dyeing and the paper industry. Its prevalence in gobi manchurian was aimed at enhancing visual appeal.

The Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, prohibits the use of artificial or synthetic colours beyond standard limits in the making of cotton candy.

According to Section 16 of the regulations, any artificial food colouring is not allowed in the production of gobi manchurian.
A case has been registered by the police against Karnataka BJP MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal for his alleged statement that a great leader has set aside 1,000 crore to topple the Congress government in the state. MLA Basanagouda Patil Yatnal (HT)

Based on a complaint by the Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee general secretary S Manohar, the High Grounds police registered a case under section 192 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, which is related to the maliciously or wantonly provoking others with the intent to incite a riot, PTI reported.

Yatnal had on Sunday claimed in Davangere that a "great leader" of his party set aside a huge amount of money to topple the Congress government and become Chief Minister. He, however, did not reveal the name of the "great leader".

"There are many Chief Minister aspirants in Karnataka who are looking to buy MLAs," he said. In a veiled jab at his rivals within the state BJP, Yatnal suggested that "some individuals may be preparing for an Operation (Lotus), likely backed by funds accumulated through corruption."

"However, attempts to establish a government through such an operation will not be accepted by the high command," he added, as reported by The Indian Express.

Responding to Yatnal, Karnataka Home Minister G Parameshwar said that he was not aware of the people who have accumulated 1,000 crore to destabilise the state government.

(Also Read: Bengaluru court issues summons to BJP MLA Yatnal over alleged incendiary comments against Karnataka minister)

Yatnal was caught in a controversy recently when he accused Congress leader Dinesh Gundurao of harbouring anti-national sentiments, saying, More or less, half of Pakistan is in Gunduraos house. Making statements against the country has become an addiction for Gundurao.

Outraged by these remarks, Dinesh's wife Tabu Rao lodged a complaint at the Sanjay Nagar police station in Bengaluru on April 7.

(With inputs from PTI)
Fifty-six years after the ill-fated Indian Air Forces (IAF) AN-12 aircraft crashed at the Rohtang Pass, four bodies were recovered near the Chandrabhaga range 13 (CB 13) peak, near Batal, in Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal. The bodies were recovered near the Chandrabhaga range 13 peak near Batal in Himachals Lahaul and Spiti district. (File)

While confirming the recovery of four bodies, Lahaul and Spiti superintendent of police (SP) Mayank Chaudhary, said, We have received the information about and the police and medical team will leave from Kaza now. After the post-mortem of the bodies, they will be handed over to their families.

The tragedy dates back to February 7, 1968, when an IAF AN-12 aircraft, carrying 102 passengers, went missing after taking off from Chandigarh and encountering severe weather conditions near the Rohtang Pass. For decades, the wreckage and remains of the victims remained lost in the icy terrain.

Later in 2003, the planes wreckage was discovered in the south Dhaka glacier by an expedition of the ABV Institute of Mountaineering and Allied Sports, Manali. The mountaineers also found the remains of a body, subsequently identified as that of Sepoy Beli Ram, an army man who was on the flight.

It also sparked multiple expeditions over the years by the Indian Army, especially the Dogra Scouts, who have been at the forefront of search missions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019. Despite the treacherous conditions and unforgiving terrain, only five bodies were recovered by 2019.

However, the Chandrabhaga Mountain Expedition has now recovered four additional bodies, bringing renewed hope to the families of the deceased and the nation.
A day after a 30-year-old Delhi Police constable was killed in a road rage incident that stunned the national capital, officers on Monday said they arrested both occupants of the car that rammed the victims motorbike, dragged him for 10 metres and smashed him into a parked car in Nangloi early on Sunday. The car in shambles after the incident late Sunday night. (Arvind Yadav/HT)

Also Read: Cop crushed to death in horrific Delhi road rage

Multiple senior police officers, however, ruled out that the liquor mafia had any role to play in the murder, adding that the two accused were not involved in bootlegging. They are, however, investigating the case as a murder and trying to ascertain if constable Sandeep Malik and the suspects had a history of animosity.

The driver of the car, 39-year-old Dharmendra Gulia, was previously fined in 2018 and 2019 for public drinking, officers said.

We are interrogating Gulia to find out if he had an earlier enmity with constable Malik, and killed him as part of a conspiracy. Gulia and the other arrested man, 25-year-old Rajnish alias Sitto, claim they were inebriated and did not know the person on the motorbike was a policeman since he was in plainclothes, said an officer who asked not to be named.

How he was caught?

They are also being interrogated to ascertain if the constable caught them drinking at a public place and reprimanded them, a senior officer, requesting anonymity, said.

Gulia was arrested on Monday evening from Karnal bypass in a bus that was heading from Himachal Pradesh to Delhi. Sitto was caught in Model Town on Sunday evening.

Both are residents of Veena Enclave in Nangloi, where the incident took place.

Its a case of road rage because Gulia was driving recklessly and constable Malik gestured to him to slow down. Gulia intentionally rammed his car into constable Maliks motorbike from behind, dragged him along with the bike and smashed him into a parked car, joint commissioner of police (western range) Jatin Narwal said.

Malik was declared dead at a hospital in Paschim Vihar hours after the incident.

Police said Malik, a beat officer, was on night patrol duty in plainclothes around Railway Station Road in Veena Enclave due to increasing thefts in the area. Two more policemen from Ranhola police station who lived with him and were also in plainclothes were accompanying him on another motorbike.

A second senior police person, who did not want to be named, said one of the officers accompanying the victim mistook the occupants of the car for a bootlegger.

The officer had been approached by associates of Neeraj Jangra, a local bootlegger, to help him in the liquor trade while he was posted in Nangloi police station, he told investigators.

The two officers spotted the occupants of the car when they rushed to help Malik. One of the policemen mistook the driver for Jangra and made the same claim before the emergency officer, who was the first to reach the crime scene. This information was mentioned in the initial police report as well. However, when we checked the drivers cellphone, which we found in the car, we were able to identify him as Dharmendra Gulia. Sitto confirmed this as well, the second officer said.

Police said Gulia fled the city and borrowed another car to reach Himachal Pradesh, following the incident, and he was tracked to Sirmaur district, where a relative of Gulia stayed.

Gulia sensed that he was being chased by our teams. He left the car and boarded a bus for Delhi. We learnt about his change in plan. Our teams started checking buses coming to Delhi from Himachal Pradesh. He was caught travelling in a bus near Karnal bypass, the first officer said.

Police said Gulia dealt in water purifiers, purchasing purifier sets from Punjab and selling them in Delhi. He also earned money by renting out his property. Sitto owned a grocery shop in his residential neighbourhood, they said.
Kolkata: National Investigation Agency (NIA) officials from Jharkhand searched at least a dozen homes in Kolkata and south Bengal districts on Tuesday in connection with an investigation into Maoist operations, local police officials said. Security personnel stand guard during a raid by NIA on a house belonging to people allegedly linked to Maoists in West Bengals North 24 Parganas district on Tuesday. (PTI)

The raids were held in Kolkata, South 24 Parganas, North 24 Parganas, Howrah, Nadia and West Burdwan districts.

Officials from NIAs Ranchi office conducted the day-long operation. They did not arrest anyone but seized a large quantity of documents, mobile phones and laptops from the homes of several Bengal citizens with suspected Maoist links. Two persons, a man and a woman, were served notice and summoned to the Ranchi office for questioning, a state police official said on condition of anonymity.

No NIA official commented on the raids.

Some of those under scanner told the media that the NIA officials inquired about the whereabouts of Nirmala Biswas, an alleged Maoist operative from Bengal for whose arrest the agency has announced a reward.

Sipra Chakraborty, who was summoned to Ranchi, said the NIA searched her home at Panihati in North 24 Parganas.

They asked about my association with Adhikar, a civil rights group. They said they are probing some leads found during the arrest of Maoist leader Prasanta Bose (alias Kishan Da) in 2021. They have made me a suspect. I have been summoned to Ranchi, Chakraborty said.

The NIA officials raided the home of Prasenjit Chakraborty, a freelance journalist, at Behala in Kolkata, and Sudipta Pal, publisher of a civil rights magazine, at Asansol in West Burdwan district.

They seized my mobile phone and the hard disc of my computer. How can I work without my hard disc. The charges are baseless, Pal told the local media.

The home of Basu Naskar, a senior citizen, was raided at Thakurpukur on the southern outskirts of Kolkata.

The NIA seized all five mobile phones used by my family. I dont know what I have done, Naskar said.

At Baruipur in South 24 Parganas district, the home of Gour Majumdar, a salesman, was searched for three hours.

The NIA seized a lot of documents and questioned Majumdar regarding the whereabouts of Sanjay Mondal, a local resident with suspected Maoist links, a local police officer said.

In Howrah district, the NIA questioned the parents of Siddhasatya Roy, a college student who left his home in the Chatterjee Hat area three years ago.

At Chakdah in Nadia district, the NIA officials picked up Siddheswar Biswas, a local resident, from his home and questioned him at the local police station.

Biswas has been summoned to Ranchi, a police officer said.
As we bid adieu to monsoon this year, the next rainy season will give commuters on the Lucknow-Kanpur highway the gift of a new road that will reduce travel time between the two cities from the current two hours to 45 minutes. 65% construction work on Lucknow-Kanpur Road has been completed(HT)

At least 65% work is done and everyday we are accumulating carbon credits by saving fuel with the use of 3D automatic machine guided (AMG) technology being applied on road for the first time in India. We expect the road will be ready for use by May-June 2025, said a senior National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) official in Lucknow.

He said with monsoon over, workers are allowed to work round-the-clock and will eventually catch up more speed in coming weeks.

The 56-km stretch, including 11.5-km elevated and 45-km greenfield expressway, is Indias first road to use 3D AGM technology and will connect Lucknow ring road with Kanpur ring road.

The entire stretch will be access controlled that means no one can enter the highway apart from the three entry/exit points given by the NHAI.

The road will be so smooth that your coffee kept in the car wont spill, said the official. Sharing statistics on progress of the highway construction, the official said a total 2300 girders are to be placed and 1900 have already been placed.

The use of new technology has helped save on capital expenditure and operational expenditure too, said the official.
Kelingking Beach is considered one of the leading attractions in Nusa Penida. But visitors must scale a long and steep set of stairs to reach the sand.

Tourists are being warned against navigating the steep stairs down to Kelingking Beach near Bali which are considered to be dangerous. Source: TikTok

It's one of the most popular destinations for Aussie tourists and draws in millions of travellers from around the world, but some of Bali's most picturesque spots come with a warning for those visiting.

The world-famous Kelingking Beach is considered one of the leading attractions in Nusa Penida, a mountainous island 20km southwest of Bali, and like many hot spots across Indonesia, is best known for its stunning coastal panoramas.

Yet to truly capture all the beach has to offer, visitors must scale a long, steep and somewhat precarious set of stairs to reach the sand from the top of the cliffside resort above, which, according to some, has become increasingly dangerous.

Tourists flock to iconic Bali beach despite warnings

Social media has become flooded with videos from tourists capturing their attempt at scaling the cliff face which takes most between 30 and 45 minutes to complete. A steady stream of people, usually tourists, are often seen navigating the rocky and narrow 135-metre steep path.

Authorities in Nusa Penida, tour guides, and the local community have noticed an increase in foot traffic, prompting recent warnings to tourists not to attempt the hike down to the beach, according to The Bali Sun. The issue comes from many people attempting to tackle the path at the same time  often wearing inappropriate footwear.

It's been described by many as "extremely challenging" and "not for the weak". Meanwhile, some who've visited have argued "it's worth it" just to see the beach from the bottom. Some however admitted they didn't bother attempting the stairs, instead enjoying the view from the top, considering the beach is off-limits to swimming due to rough and dangerous currents.

Nearby Diamond Beach sees just as many tourists and there the cliffside walkway is just as dangerous, locals say. There have been dozens of injuries and even deaths on Diamond Beach, Kelingking Beach, and their respective hiking trails over the years, it's been reported.

More and more tourists have been flocking to Kelingking Beach in Bali. Source: Instagram

In July, the Head of the Klungkung Tourism Office, Ni Made Suliastiwati and her team reportedly installed safety fences and warning boards on several beaches in Nusa Penida which have a high risk of accidents.

"We have installed warning and swimming prohibition signs. We will increase this by placing security officers in vulnerable destinations," Suliastiwati said.

Tourists planning a visit to Diamond Beach and Kelingking Beach are advised to follow the guidelines and rules that are in place and obey the instructions of the safety officers.

Controversial new development at Kelingking Beach underway

To address the steady flow of tourism in the area, a bold new development has begun. With the help of a Chinese company, local Balinese authorities that preside over the world-famous Kelingking Beach are erecting a 182-metre viewing platform and glass elevator to provide easy access down to the sand. But not everyone is happy about the project.

A Chinese company has been enlisted to build the controversial project. An artist's impression shows the 182-metre viewing platform and glass elevator. Source: ABC

Online, travellers have expressed dismay about it obstructing the pristine panoramic views of the cliffs that overlook the beaches below, while others admit it will likely attract even more tourists to the area. Locals aren't happy either with many arguing that overdevelopment is "destroying Bali".

The government has previously said about 200,000 foreigners live in Bali, contributing to problems such as crime, overdevelopment and competition for jobs. Government figures show 2.9 million foreign visitors arrived through Bali airport in the first half of 2024, making up 65 per cent of total foreign arrivals in Indonesia by air.

There were 541 hotels in Bali in 2023, the figures show, up from 507 in 2019.

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Mumbai: Chief Minister Eknath Shinde has taken serious notice of molestation complaints at the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC)-run Nair Hospital and Medical College, ordering an in-depth inquiry to ensure justice for the victims. As part of the reshuffle, the BMC has appointed Cooper Hospital Dean Shailesh Mohite to replace Sudhir Medhekar, who will be transferred to Cooper Hospital. (Photo by Satish Bate/Hindustan Times) (Satish Bate/HT PHOTO)

Shinde has instructed BMC Commissioner Bhushan Gagrani to conduct a thorough investigation. He has also ordered the transfer of Dean Sudhir Medhekar, who allegedly ignored the complaints.

"These complaints are serious. We will investigate further. We are committed to providing a secure environment in hospitals," Shinde said.

The state government's action comes in the wake of the Kolkata rape incident and criticism over the Badlapur rape case. As part of the reshuffle, the BMC has appointed Cooper Hospital Dean Shailesh Mohite to replace Medhekar, who will be transferred to Cooper Hospital.

At a hearing held in Prabhadevi on Thursday, several more female students came forward with complaints against a suspended assistant professor from BYL Nair Hospital, accused of sexual harassment. To date, approximately 10 complaints have been filed against the professor.

The hearing, organised following a directive from the BMC's additional municipal commissioner, was conducted by the Savitribai Phule Women's Resource Centre's (SPGRC) Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) and Sexual Harassment Prevention Committee at the Workplace.

Initial investigations by Nair Hospital's ICC and the Local Complaints Committee (LCC) had recommended transferring the assistant professor to another college. However, the civic body ultimately suspended him and requested a higher-level ICC to conduct a full investigation.

The Association of State Medical Interns (ASMI) issued a statement, saying, "Multiple complaints were submitted on Thursday, and several female students came forward to speak before the higher committee. We have provided evidence against the assistant professor and the dean. We have made legitimate demands based on this evidence, and if these demands are not met, we will initiate a statewide agitation in Maharashtra."

Sources indicated that three female students detailed their negative experiences with the professor, all of whom mentioned that he threatened them with academic repercussions if they filed formal complaints.

One student alleged that the professor deliberately withheld checking one of her exam answers, forcing her to meet with him to get the issue resolved. "During these meetings, he assaulted me many times," she said, breaking down in tears. Another student shared a similar experience, stating that the professor would call her to his office under the guise of academic discussions and then assault her.

In addition to student testimonies, three staff members were also present at the hearing. One female staff member disclosed that during her more than a decade of service, she had never received as many memos as she did during the year under the professor's supervision37 in total. "I refused to carry out certain tasks that were beyond my authority, but he still pressured me to do them," she reportedly said during the hearing.

The ICC had requested written complaints from students by 25 September and held the Thursday hearing to gather further testimonies. As the investigation unfolds, the BMC and state government face mounting pressure to address the allegations and ensure the safety of students and staff in medical institutions.
After the death of a female patient on Monday night, police have arrested one of the accused and raids are on to arrest the others and identify those involved in assaulting a doctor in Meerut Medical College. For representation only (HT File Photo)

Meanwhile, junior doctors have boycotted work saying they will not work until all the accused are arrested. This caused many problems in the emergency and other wards.

Medical college principal Dr R C Gupta, medical superintendent Dr Dheeraj Balyan, Dr Dhyaneshwar Tank reached the spot and tried to convince the junior doctors, but they did not agree to return to work till the arrest of the accused.

SP, City, Ayush Vikram Singh, said that a case has been registered against the son and friends of the deceased patient on the complaint of the doctor, Manish, who sustained head injuries in the attack.

He further said that one accused has been arrested and raids are being conducted to arrest the others.

CCTV footage is being examined to identify those who were with them during the incident, the SP said.

A woman patient of nearby town, Mawana, was admitted to the district hospital on Monday and seeing her critical condition, doctors referred her to Meerut Medical College Hospital at around 9 pm. Doctors in the emergency examined her and declared her dead.

The deceased womans son, his friends and other family members accused that she died due to the laxity of doctors and allegedly thrashed doctors who were present in the emergency ward. One of the angry family members hit Dr Manish with an iron tool in which he sustained injuries and had to receive stitches.

Junior Doctor Association president Dr Sakshi said that the police has been given 12 hours to arrest the accused. If the arrest was not made, then junior doctors will go on strike.

Doctors have also raised concerns for their safety after the incident and said that such incidents had also happened in the past but no serious measures were taken to ensure their safety.
SBI PO Notification 2024 Live Updates: The State Bank of India (SBI) is expected to release the Probationary Officers (SBI PO 2024) recruitment notification soon. Once released, candidates can check it on sbi.co.in/web/careers/. In the last two years, the notifications were released in September. SBI PO notification in 2023 was released on September 6 and the application process started on September 7. In 2022, the notification was released on September 21 and registrations started on September 22....Read More

Last year, the exam was for 2,000 vacancies while it was for 1,673 vacancies the year before that.

Candidates need a graduation degree in any discipline to apply for SBI PO. Those who are in the final year or semester of their graduation degree course can apply provisionally. They will be required to produce proof of getting the degree at a later stage of the recruitment drive. Medical, Engineering, Chartered Accountant, Cost Accountant qualifications will also be accepted.

The applicants should be at least 21 years old and not more than 30 years old on the cut-off date.

Last year, the SBI PO application fee was 750 for general, EWS and OBC category candidates. There was no application fee for SC, ST and PwBD category candidates.

Follow this live blog for the latest updates on SBI PO 2024
Having celebrated Engineer's Day last month, it's crucial to reflect on the evolving role of engineers in todays fast-paced world. While the foundational knowledge of engineering remains critical, the future demands engineers who are not just technically adept but also equipped with interdisciplinary skills that span emerging technologies, problem-solving, and adaptive thinking. Today, engineers aren't just creators of new solutions  they are problem solvers who address societal needs, from digital payments to global finance. (Parveen Kumar/HT)

Engineering has evolved significantly, shifting from primarily designing solutions to a more vital role in addressing real-world challenges. Today, engineers aren't just creators of new solutions  they are problem solvers who address societal needs, from digital payments to global finance. This shift has redefined what it means to be an engineer and the skills they need to thrive in a rapidly evolving landscape.

Core Engineering Skillsets

The foundation of any engineer remains technical expertise. Skills like coding, system architecture, and understanding complex algorithms have always been essential. But with the rise of platforms like low-code/no-code environments and languages like Python, these core skills are becoming more accessible. Even non-engineers can now leverage these tools to create solutions, allowing businesses to innovate rapidly.

This shift in accessibility doesnt diminish engineers' roleit enhances it. As these platforms handle more routine tasks, engineers can focus on more meaningful and complex challenges. They can dedicate their expertise to solving intricate problems, designing innovative systems, and driving strategic advancements. This ability to prioritise higher-value tasks is where engineers truly distinguish themselves.

Engineers as Real-World Problem Solvers

Engineers stand out today in their ability to solve practical, real-world problems. For instance, the Unified Payments Interface (UPI) in India, developed by the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI), has revolutionised how people transact. By allowing instant, seamless transfers between bank accounts via mobile devices, UPI solves a critical problem of accessibility and convenience in a cash-dependent economy. Its a game-changer, not because of the technology itself, but because it addresses a real needmaking digital payments available to everyone across the country, regardless of financial status.

Democratising Solutions for the Public

The final aspect of modern engineering is democratising these solutions so that they benefit the public at large. One such example is the Finternet, a ground-breaking approach to global finance. It embodies three principles: user-centricity, unification, and universality. By putting users at the centre, creating a unified platform that cuts across various asset classes, and using tokenisation technology to enable universal interoperability, Finternet is set to redefine global finance.

Like Finterent, engineers today are reimagining solutions for unprecedented challenges and solving them at scale for a global audience. Democratising these innovations ensures that society at large, not just a select few, feels the benefits of technology.

Engineering for a Better Future

Engineers must remain adaptable and committed to lifelong learning as technology evolves at an unprecedented pace. The rapid advancements in fields like artificial intelligence, automation, and blockchain require engineers to consistently upgrade their skillsets. Organisations, in turn, are responsible for providing opportunities for continuous learning and skill development.

At Clover Academy, for example, we have introduced two unique formats'AI Saturdays' and 'Techtron'to empower our engineers and trainees with the latest knowledge. AI Saturdays is a 5-hour intensive training session focused on AI tools and learning platforms, emphasising generative AI (GenAI) and adaptive AI technologies. Techtron, on the other hand, is an engaging internal event featuring games and quizzes on emerging technologies, designed to enhance learning in a fun, interactive way. These initiatives highlight the importance of staying updated with technological advancements while cultivating a culture of curiosity and growth.

As we move further into a technology-driven era, the role of engineers will continue to evolve. Their expertise will no longer be limited to their technical abilities, but also extend to engineering a better future for the society at large.

(Author Lakshmi Mittra is SVP and Head of Clover Academy. Views expressed here are personal.)
Indian Institute of Technology Madras (IIT Madras) researchers have demonstrated how drugs injected in the human eye can better deliver to the target region through convection caused by mild laser heating. Laser-based retinal treatments are increasingly being used to treat diseases like retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion. (HT Photo)

With the use of simulation and modelling studies, researchers analysed the efficacy of various types of treatments on the human eye, focusing on heat and mass transfer.

Laser-based retinal treatments are increasingly being used to treat diseases like retinal tears, diabetic retinopathy, macular oedema and retinal vein occlusion. Since the retina is the region of the eye that contains blood vessels and nerves, such treatments must be performed carefully and with precision, mentioned IIT Madras.

Also Read: ISB launches 20-month Post Graduate Programme in Management for fresh graduates, check course details here

The research was taken up nearly a decade ago by Prof Arunn Narasimhan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras, who collaborated with Dr Lingam Gopal of Shankar Nethralaya and initiated biothermal research into the effects of laser irradiation on the retina for the first time in India. The team performed computer simulations and experiments to analyse different aspects of eye treatments, within the scope of bio-heat and mass transfer, informed the press release.

The current study was taken up by Prof Arunn Narasimhan, and IIT Madras graduate student Mr Shirinvas Vibuthe, who used a glass eye mimic to demonstrate how heat-induced convection reduces the time taken for drugs injected into the vitreous region to reach the targeted region in the retina.

For engineers like us involved in medical research due to the practical and ethical difficulties involved in performing experiments on live human organs, computer simulations and mimic experiments are the only available research tools. Using glass-eye experiments and bioheat simulations to analyse invasive treatments in the human eye, we have shown that mild targeted heating can enhance drug delivery to the retina. The medical community needs to take this further and implement it in treatment of retinal diseases," said Prof Arunn Narasimhan, Department of Mechanical Engineering, IIT Madras.

While with natural diffusion alone, the drug mimic took 12 hours to achieve effective concentration at the target region of the retina, heating the vitreous liquid reduced it to just 12 minutes," said Shirinvas Vibuthe, Graduate Student, IIT Madras.

Also Read: Staying in India vs. Going Abroad: Key factors to consider before making a decision
The Embassy of France in India, in collaboration with the Institut Francais India (IFI) and the French Ministry of National Education, announced the departure of 206 Indian Language Assistants who will travel to France to teach English in various primary and secondary schools for the 2024-2025 academic year. These assistants will be spread across various educational departments in France, known as "academies,"

As part of the English Language Assistants Programme, these individuals will spend 7 months i.e. from October to April, assisting English teachers in French public schools, sharing their language skills, and engaging with French students. This experience will also offer them a chance to work closely and understand the French language and culture.

A pre-departure session was organized at the IBIS Hotel Aerocity, New Delhi where Gregor TRUMEL, Director of IFI and Counsellor for Cooperation and Cultural Affairs at the Embassy of France in New Delhi interacted with the assistants before their journey.

Also Read: ISB launches 20-month Post Graduate Programme in Management for fresh graduates, check course details here

The language assistant program brings our two countries closer together. Language assistants are privileged ambassadors of Indian culture in France and of French culture in India. By working in the French education system with French youth, they play a strategic role in intercultural reinforcement, the key to excellent bilateral Franco-Indian relations," said Gregor TRUMEL, Director of The French Institute in India

Programme Highlights:

 This year, 206 Indian language assistants have been selected for this program, alongside 61 returning assistants who have renewed their contracts with the French Ministry of Education.

 These assistants will be spread across various educational departments in France, known as "academies,"

Eligibility Criteria:

Language Requirements:

 IELTS (Academic - score 7.5+)

 B1 level of French or a B.A. in French

Applicant Requirements:

 Must be an Indian resident.

 Be enrolled in a university or Alliance Francaise in India.

 Hold a bachelor's degree (or be in their 3rd year of study).

 Be under 35 years of age as of October 1, 2024.

 Possess an IELTS certificate with a score above 7.5.

 Have at least a B1 level certification in French (DELF, TCF, TEF, etc.) or a B.A. Honors in French from an Indian university.

Also Read: Staying in India vs. Going Abroad: Key factors to consider before making a decision

Program Benefits:

 An opportunity to teach English in France.

 Change to explore France and other European countries.

Program Objectives:

 Support English language teaching in French public schools.

 Allow participants to attend classes at a French university (subject to availability).

 Integrate the pedagogical practices of French schools.

 Encourage linguistic and cultural discovery.

 Strengthen Franco-Indian cultural ties through people-to-people exchange.

Also Read: IIT Madras researchers identify enhanced drug delivery method for eye treatments
The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras Pravartak Technologies Foundation has joined hands with SWAYAM Plus to launch a skill-based training program for Engineering and Science students with electronics background and industry-ready technical skills. IITM Pravartak and SWAYAM Plus have come together to launch a skill-based training program for engineering & science students. Check details here.

The latest initiative, which will span 11 days, will be taught at IIT Madras and will focus on the semiconductor industry. It will also provide placement assistance to participants who excel in the program.

Also read: IIT Kanpur unveils Indias first detonation tube research facility, aims to advance research in combustion & propulsion

A press release issued by IIT Madras in this regard informed that the program is scheduled to begin from October 7 to October 18, 2024. Interested candidates must apply by October 3.

Prospective candidates can apply via this direct link.

Notably, as mentioned already, the new program will be classroom-based and provide hands-on training to participants in areas including PCB assembly, understanding of SMT reflow soldering, PCBA inspection systems, Power Electronics, PWM basics, embedded system design with STM 32 microcontroller, configuring GPIO ports, LCD interface, servo and stepper motor interface using STM 32, and more, the release informed.

It added that participants in the training program could join any semiconductor industry.

Also read: GATE 2025: Registration date without late fee extended till October 3, apply at gate2025.iitr.ac.in

Who is eligible?

Candidates who wish to apply for the training program should be a student or a graduate in engineering/diploma/science with a background in electronics.

About fees and accommodation:

The program includes a subsidized fee of  15,000 + GST.

15,000 + GST. Participants will also be offered accommodation at the IIT Madras campus at a basic cost of  650 per day, which includes food and stay.

650 per day, which includes food and stay. Accommodation requests should be made on/before October 3, 2024.

Also read: BITS Pilani and IIT Bombay collaborate to drive research and innovation

Features of the program:

Industry-relevant curriculum: Designed in collaboration with leading Industry experts to deliver hands-on in the latest technology & processes in Electronics manufacturing.

Placement support: CEC IIT Madras will provide placement assistance and connect final-year students with leading electronics manufacturing companies.

Bridge the skill gap: The program is aimed at meeting the growing demand for qualified professionals in the electronics manufacturing service (EMS) industry.

Meanwhile, Prof. R. Sarathi, Dean (Planning) at IIT Madras, highlighted the importance of the initiative and said it will provide a comprehensive training experience that prepares participants to deliver exceptional skills in the semiconductor industry.

This program is designed to equip with the necessary skills, knowledge, and tools to handle a wide range of technical and customer service issues efficiently and effectively, he added.

For more information, candidates can visit the official website.
FFI on Laapataa Ladies, All We Imagine as Light

Ravi said, The jury said that they were watching a European film taking place in India, not an Indian film taking place in India. He added that the Indian-ness of Laapataa Ladies stems from its central plot.

In its citation for choosing Laapataa Ladies for the Oscars, FFI said: "Indian women are a strange mixture of submission and dominance. Well-defined, powerful characters in one world, a Laapataa Ladies (Hindi) captures this diversity perfectly, though in a semi-idyllic world and in a tongue-in-cheek way.

Ravi on FFI citation of Laapataa Ladies

The 13-member all-male jury of FFI, the body which selects India's entry in the international film category every year, drew ridicule online for their citation.

Reacting to it, Ravi said that it was misinterpreted. They [the jury] wanted it to be positive. We say that women are like the Goddess Lakshmi [goddess of wealth and good fortune] and Kali [goddess of time, death and violence]. [They are] like Lakshmi, who is always blessing you, and also like Kali  they can hurt you whenever they want.

What FFI said earlier

Speaking with ETimes, the FFI president had recently said, "In the jury, everyone has to decide the film. The jury liked Laapataa Ladies, and felt that All We Imagine As Light is like a foreign film and not like Indian cinema. When they saw Laapataa Ladies, it represented the plight of the Indian woman."

"In the film, the women had to wear the goonghat, and because of that, all the misunderstandings occur. They felt that this is something that happens only in India. The jury's call is the most important call. What happens is, that whenever we send a film, there is always one group opposing it and one group supporting it," he had added.

About Laapataa Ladies

Laapataa Ladies, helmed by Kiran Rao, has been produced by Aamir Khan Productions, Kindling Pictures, and Jio Studios. It released in theatres on March 1, 2024. The film starred newcomers Nitanshi Goel, Pratibha Ranta, Sparsh Shrivastava, alongside Ravi Kishan and Chhaya Kadam. Laapataa Ladies takes viewers back to rural India in 2001. Its narrative revolves around two brides who get exchanged during a train journey. The journey filled with twists and turns begins as their husbands start searching for the real bride.

About All We Imagine As Light

All We Imagine As Light follows Prabha (Kani Kusruti), a Mumbai nurse whose life is thrown into disarray when she receives a rice cooker from her estranged husband. Divya Prabha plays Anu, her roommate and colleague, who is struggling to find a private spot in the city to spend time with her boyfriend. Prabhas best friend, Parvati (Chhaya Kadam), a widow, is being forced out of her home by property developers. Payal Kapadia's film made history by winning the Grand Prix award at the 77th Cannes Film Festival.
Actor Kashmera Shah was seen visiting her uncle-actor Govinda at the CritCare Hospital in Mumbai despite their ongoing family feud. In the early hours of Tuesday, Govinda accidentally shot himself in the leg and was rushed to the hospital for treatment. (Also Read | Govinda shares first statement from hospital after shooting himself in the leg) Kashmera Shah met injured Govinda in hospital.

Kashmera visits Govinda amid family feud

On Tuesday, as Kashmera stepped out of her car outside the hospital, the paparazzi asked her to speak about Govinda and the incident. She said, "Kuch nahi (Nothing)" and quickly walked inside the hospital.

Kashmera is the wife of Govinda's nephew Krushna Abhishek. Neither Kashmera nor Krushna share a good relationship with Govinda or his wife Sunita Ahuja. Over the last few years, they have made negative remarks about each other despite efforts to mend their equation.

Govinda shares message for fans and well-wishers

On Tuesday, hours after getting admitted to the hospital, Govinda shared an audio message for his fans in Hindi. He said, "Hello, this is Govinda. With the blessings of my fans, my parents and God, I am doing better now. I was hit by a bullet, which has now been removed. I thank the doctor here, Dr Agarwal ji. I thank all of you for your prayers.

The incident took place around 4.45 am when Govinda's licensed revolver accidentally discharged while he was putting it back in the cupboard, according to Mumbai Police. He was preparing to leave for Kolkata at the time.

Maharashtra CM extends help to Govinda

Speaking about the incident, Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said, "I have personally reached out to Govinda to convey my deep concern about his health condition. On behalf of the government and people of our state, I wish him a swift and complete recovery. I have assured Govinda that he and his family will receive all necessary support during this challenging time."

"Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. Govinda has been an iconic figure in Indian cinema and has brought joy to millions through his performances. We stand united in hoping for his quick return to good health," the CM added.

Shiv Sena member Deepak Sawant told India Today, "I want to inform all his fans that he's absolutely fine, and there's no need to worry. This was an accident. He will be discharged in 48 hours. The doctors have done their job well. His family members are inside, and they are all happy about his progress."
Vedang Raina plays a character facing a brutal prison sentence in his next film, Jigra. For the film, the young actor had to shoot some emotionally intense scenes. In a new interview with Mansworld India, Vedang revealed how shooting those scenes started to impact his mental health. Jigra marks his second film as an actor. (Also read: Vedang Raina exclusive interview: I am still getting used to being in the limelight) Vedang Raina in a still from Jigra.

What Vedang said

During the interview, Vedang shared his experience shooting Jigra and said, Alia [Bhatt] would be in the scene, hit all the right notes with precision and get out of the character as soon as she hears cut. But I couldnt, it is not easy for me to come in and out of character. It did impact my mental health a bit. On the very first day, I was to shoot a rather emotionally intense scene, and I shut myself in my vanity, put the lights off, switched off my phone, and told people to just leave me aloneI sat there listening to my music. Now, as luck would have it, the shot was supposed to happen at 3pm but got delayed and we started rolling around 8 pm. So, I was in that self-imposed solitary confinement for about 8 long hours, and it really started impacting me.

It is not worth it

He went on to add, Even when the scenes were done, I couldnt get out of that zone for 2/3 hours. I realised that it is not going to work like this, and after that I have decided not to put myself through such a thing it is not worth it and I believe there are other ways to access that emotion, I just need to find which one works for me the best.

In Jigra, Alia Bhatt and Vedang play siblings. Alia plays a young woman, Satya Anand, who struggles to save her brother Ankur Anand, who is being tortured while being imprisoned in a foreign jail. Satya pledges to break Ankur out from the prison after he is sentenced to death. It is directed by Vasan Bala.

Jigra releases in theatres on October 11.
Liam Bulman, 23, asked to leave work early last month after he felt unwell. The following week he was in hospital with crippling pain.

Liam Bulman, 23, has been diagnosed with terminal cancer and now wants to fulfil his bucket list. Source: GoFundMe/Facebook

A young bartender has been told he only has 18 months to live after he was diagnosed with terminal cancer at the age of 23. And now, his family and colleagues are doing everything within their power to raise funds so he can live the remainder of his life and tick off the items on his bucket list.

Liam Bulman was working a shift at The Illawarra Hotel in Wollongong last month when he asked to leave early, explaining he felt unwell. The following week he found himself in "crippling pain" and was rushed to hospital by his friend. Days of intensive testing ended with the terminal diagnosis, with Liam told by doctors he had stage-four High Grade Neuroendocrine Carcinoma  a "rare" cancer that had spread.

The university student has since compiled a bucket list with activities he would like to experience, such as going for a joyride in a helicopter and learning how to surf, in the hope of having something to look forward to during this "scary, sad and unknown" time.

Colleagues raising funds to help young bartender with expenses

A fundraising page has since been created in the hope money can be raised to cover medical costs, medical trial attendance and palliative care, all of which will likely amount to $46,000. The remaining money will help fund Liam's bucket list.

"He's smart and kind. He's been raised to work hard and contribute to people's lives, and our community. He's incredible," Liam's colleagues from The Illawarra Hotel wrote on the GoFundMe page.

The young bartender has been told he only has 18 months to live. Source: GoFundMe/Facebook

Liam's mum pleads for a 'chance to make memories'

Emily Bulman, Liam's mum, revealed his cancer is "incurable" and he has started a bout of chemotherapy in the hope it will "buy him more time" since the cancer has quickly spread to his lymph nodes and lower digestive tract.

"This will assist us to aim for longevity, quality of life, a chance to make memories, and receive the care and comfort that suits Liam best," she said on the fundraising page. "Anything we can raise to help take the burden off Liam, we would be incredibly grateful for."

Liam Bulman's bucket list:

F1 Melbourne

Helicopter ride - fly class

Family photo session

Concerts, concerts, concerts

Travel to unique destinations

RV or camper trip

Taraonga overnight stay big cat suite

Learn to surf

Motorbike license

Hot air balloon experience [DONATED]

Japanese spa experience

Cruise with friends

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Angelina Jolie, in her 2016 lawsuit, alleged that Brad Pitt had physically and verbally assaulted her and one of their children during the flight and sought access to detailed records of the FBIs findings and investigation. Recent reports suggest that the Orginal Sin actress may have dismissed the demand. Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie in happier times

E! News reported that Jolie has filed a lawsuit to dismiss it. The report quotes a statement from the filing, which says, The parties to this action hereby stipulate to dismiss this action with prejudice with each party to bear its own fees and costs.

In 2022, a lawsuit was filed by a Jane Doe, widely believed to be Jolie, requesting the release of documents related to an investigation by the Department of Justice and the FBI into the 2016 incident.

ALSO READ| Angelina Jolie withdraws lawsuit over infamous 2016 plane fight with Brad Pitt

Despite the FBIs decision not to press charges against Pitt, Jolie sought to make these records public to help her children obtain necessary medical care and trauma counselling. The lawsuit sought to access detailed records of the FBIs findings and investigation.

Throughout these years, Pitt has consistently denied these allegations.

Tension between Jolie-Pitt is far from over

The couple is still entangled in a separate legal dispute over Chateau Miraval, a French vineyard where they once shared a home and were married.

Jolies legal team recently requested third-party communications regarding the 2016 incident as part of the Miraval case, in what Pitts lawyers have described as a sensationalist fishing expedition.

Jolies legal team told E! News in a statement, While Angelina again asks Mr. Pitt to end the fighting and finally put their family on a clear path toward healing, unless Mr. Pitt withdraws his lawsuit, Angelina has no choice but to obtain the evidence necessary to prove his allegations wrong.

ALSO READ| Angelina Jolie appears stoic as she autographs Mr and Mrs Smith poster featuring ex-husband Brad Pitt. Pics

Jolie and Pitt share six childrenPax, Maddox, Zahara, Shiloh, and twins Vivienne and Knox. The couple got engaged in 2012 after seven years together and married in a private ceremony at their Chateau Miraval estate in 2014. However, by 2016, Jolie filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences.

As of now, Jolie remains single, while Pitt has reportedly been in a relationship with jewellery designer Ines de Ramon since 2022.
Actor Angelina Jolie has officially withdrawn her lawsuit against the Department of Justice and the FBI concerning the 2016 plane incident involving her ex-husband, Brad Pitt. The news, confirmed by E! News, marks the end of a contentious legal chapter for the Oscar-winning star. (Also Read | Angelina Jolie joined by kids Pax, Zahara and Maddox at Maria premiere in New York) Angelina Jolie filed for divorce from Brad Pitt in September 2016.

According to court documents obtained by E! News, the dismissal was finalised with prejudice, indicating that the case cannot be refiled. The agreement stipulates that each party will bear its own legal fees and costs.

The lawsuit was initially filed in April 2022 under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA), with Angelina identified in court as the anonymous "Jane Doe." The filing sought the release of documents related to an alleged domestic violence incident that occurred aboard a private jet.

Angelina's claim detailed that during the flight, Brad "allegedly physically and verbally assaulted" her and their children, leading to "lasting physical and mental trauma." The allegations mirror details from an FBI report that surfaced following the flight from Europe to Los Angeles on September 14, 2016.

According to E! News, it was earlier reported that during this flight, Brad was accused of attacking Angelina and one of their six children, Maddox.

Despite the serious nature of the allegations, federal authorities ultimately decided not to pursue any charges against Brad, who has consistently denied the accusations.

In her FOIA lawsuit, Angelina argued that access to the FBI documents was crucial for her children to receive necessary medical care and trauma counselling.

According to E! News, she also sought to have the case sealed; however, that request was denied by a judge.

Following the plane incident, Angelina filed for divorce on September 19, 2016, citing the day after the incident as their date of separation.

Though the couple was declared legally single in 2019, they have continued to engage in protracted legal disputes over their former joint ownership of Chateau Miraval, a vineyard and winery in France.

Most recently, Brad's legal team criticised Angelina for allegedly engaging in a "sensationalist fishing expedition" after she requested communications from Brad concerning the 2016 incident.

In defence, Angelina's attorney emphasised her desire for a resolution, stating, While Angelina again asks Mr Pitt to end the fighting and finally put their family on a clear path toward healing, unless Mr Pitt withdraws his lawsuit, Angelina has no choice but to obtain the evidence necessary to prove his allegations wrong.
What Ariana said

During a segment in the interview, Ariana was asked by Cynthia whether she got any work done to feel more popular. In response she said, No. A breast surgery? She replied: No, can you imagine? Asked whether she got a face-lift, she answered, No, not yet. Im open.

When the other lady said that she is being truthful seeing the lie detector results, Ariana hit back by saying, This is the best day of my life. Take that you YouTube people Whatever makes women, men, non-gender conforming people feel beautiful should be allowed. Why do we care?"

More details

This is not the first time that Ariana has opened up about these rumours. Last year, the actor fought back tears during a make-up video for Vogue, sharing that she got a ton of lip filler.

Fans are eagerly waiting to see Ariana in Wicked: Part 1. It is directed by Jon M Chu and written by Winnie Holzman and Dana Fox. Apart from Ariana, the first of the two-part adaptation of the Broadway musical also stars Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Marissa Bode, Bowen Yang, Bronwyn James, Keala Settle, and Peter Dinklage in supporting roles. Wicked: Part Two is set for release by Universal Pictures on November 21, 2025, instead of November 26, 2025.
Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez are trying desperately let go of their past, a past quite literally entrenched in their $68 million mansion in Beverly Hills. Ben Affleck and cast member Jennifer Lopez attend a premiere for the film "This Is Me... Now: A Love Story" in Los Angeles, California, U.S. February 13, 2024. (REUTERS)

While the power couple's on-off relationship may have had its share of highs and lows, now it seems their real estate misadventures are coming to the fore. More recently, they separated and put their humongous 38,000-square-foot home on the market, and it does not appear theyre selling it very easily. Despite this, the deal and concept of having a potential buyer collapsed again, as expected.

Notably, Lopez and Affleck first met while filming Gigli and began dating shortly after. By the end of 2002, they were engaged, but they postponed their wedding in 2003 and eventually broke up in 2004. In 2021, the pair rekindled their romance and got engaged again, eventually marrying in 2022 in a lavish ceremony.

ALSO READ| Jennifer Lopez warned to curb her expenses as she spends $100k a day on clothes amid divorce with Ben Affleck: Report

After months of rumours, TMZ reported that Lopez filed for divorce on August 20, 2024, with the official separation date listed as April 26, 2024.

Affleck Lopez's mansion struggled to attract interest

According to TMZ, A couple from New Jersey fell in love with their 38,000 square foot Beverly Hills area home, and it appeared that Lopez and Affleck were finally about to part with the property. Unfortunately, tragedy struck, and the buyers backed out due to a death in their family, even though they were still interested in the mansion.

TMZ also reported that the couple will probably lose money on the sale due to several factors, including improvements they made to the home, the Los Angeles mansion tax, and their brokers fee. Affleck has already purchased a new home, and Lopez has been looking for a new place as well.

Beverly Hills luxury real estate agent Josh Flagg earlier told People, Since Lopez and Affleck listed the home relatively close to what they paid for it, its clear that they really want to move the property, as financial loss doesn't seem to be the couple's main concern.

ALSO READ| Jennifer Lopez, Ben Affleck have bitter public fight amid divorce, she vows to 'never forgive' him for giving up: Report

Generally, people do not sell their primary residence a year after they buy it unless there is a divorce, a death, or some kind of desperation. Im also going to take (a guess) that theyre not going to walk out of this making money. Theyre going to either break even or take a small loss.
Sean Diddy Combs has been accused of sexually assaulting 25 minors, including a nine-year-old. On Tuesday, the embattled rapper was hit with 120 new sex abuse lawsuits, Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee announced at a press conference. The new wave of allegations comes just weeks after the 54-year-old's sex trafficking arrest. Sean 'Diddy' Combs has been hit with 120 new sexual assault allegations(AP)

Sean Diddy Combs hit with 120 new sexual assault lawsuits

Buzbee, representing the 120 accusers, announced the pending civil lawsuits spanning over the last three decades, saying, I want to focus on the ages of these victims. When we talk about the ages of these victims when the conduct occurred, its shocking. While noting that the group of accusers is evenly divided by males and females, he revealed that the youngest victim was aged nine.

This individual who was 9 years old at the time was taken to an audition in New York City with Bad Boy Records, other boys were there to audition as well, Buzbee told reporters, per Page Six. This individual was sexually abused allegedly by Sean Combs and several other people at the studio with the promise to both his parents and himself of getting a record deal.

The attorney went on to highlight another minor victim, a 15-year-old who was flown to New York City to attend a party, where she was drugged and then taken to a private room allegedly in the presence of Mr.Combs. This female individual was raped and then other individuals took turns raping her. Buzbee explained that all of these children were under the pretence of the false promise of I'll make you a star.

We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors, Buzbee went on, adding, We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates. It's a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make sure damn sure we are right before we do that. These names will shock you. Meanwhile, Combs' legal team denied any false and defamatory claims made against him, per USA Today.
The MAMI Mumbai Film Festival, one of Asia's most prestigious cinematic events, returns for its 2024 edition (19-24 October). This six-day celebration of global cinema, creativity, community, and culture will showcase 110+ films from over 45 countriesspanning 50+ languages, lengths and genresas part of the Official Selection. (Also read: 2024 edition of MAMI Mumbai Film Festival to take place from October 19 to 24) Stills from Girls Will Be Girls and Santosh, both premiering at MAMI.

MAMI 2024

Building on the success of last years inaugural South Asia Competition, the Main Competition section continues to highlight the strongest voices among independent filmmakers from South Asia and its diaspora. The expanded vision of the erstwhile India Gold, already very popular among independent filmmakers in the country, continues to successfully attract some of the best talent from across the region to compete with their feature films.

This years competition comprises 11 features with a wonderful representation of seven South Asian and diaspora films, alongside four Indian features. The line-up has a mix of fiction, documentary and animation as well as internationally co-produced films and independent sole productions. Five of the competing directors are women, and most of the films are South Asian Premieres, with a line-up that includes World, Asia, and India Premieres. Two of the competing films are official Oscar submissions from their respective countries.

The Focus South Asia section includes films of all lengths, with the non-features grouped into packages. The non-competitive feature films in this section offer a diverse and dynamic array of storytelling, including two films on South Asian themes by non-South Asian directors. The eclectic selection explores a broad spectrum of unique and demanding experiences, from a deeply personal narrative to a postmodern take on superstardom, making this section a rich exploration of the South Asian experience.

The World Cinema section will showcase some of the most celebrated films of the year. Among the big-ticket films are The Room Next Door by Pedro Almodovar, Emilia Perez by Jacques Audiard, The Substance by Coralie Fargeat, A Different Man by Aaron Schimberg, Cloud by Kiyoshi Kurosawa, Harvest by Athina Rachel Tsangari, Suspended Time by Olivier Assayas, Rumours by Guy Maddin, Evan Johnson & Galen Johnson, April by Dea Kulumbegashvili, and Universal Language by Matthew Rankin.

The festival will open screens across the city to thousands of cinema lovers, offering a selection of some of the best films from around the world. The lineup includes winners of prestigious international awards, such as the Camera d'Or and Jury Prize winners from the Cannes Film Festival, the Silver Bear winners from the Berlin International Film Festival, the Audience Award winner from the Sundance Film Festival, the Golden Lion and Jury Prize winners from the Venice International Film Festival.

MAMI will also screen the official submissions to the 2024 Academy Awards (aka the Oscars) from countries like Argentina, Canada, Denmark, France, Ireland, Japan, Nepal, Norway and the United Kingdom.

SOUTH ASIA COMPETITION

This is the main competition section of the festival. The section aims to showcase breakthrough contemporary South Asian and South Asian diaspora films of the year.

With films representing 10 languages and 12 countries, the competition exemplifies the festival's dedication to discovering new talent while championing the innovative and transformative power of cinema.

Agent of Happiness by Arun Bhattarai, Dorottya Zurbo

Nepali, Dzongkha, English | Bhutan, Hungary | South Asia Premiere

Girls Will Be Girls by Shuchi Talati

English, Hindi | France, India, Norway | South Asia Premiere

Kiss Wagon by Midhun Murali

Malayalam | India | South Asia Premiere

Little Jaffna by Lawrence Valin

French, Tamil | France | Asia Premiere

Nocturnes by Anirban Dutta, Anupama Srinivasan

English, Hindi, Bugun | India, USA | South Asia Premiere

Pooja, Sir by Deepak Rauniyar | Hindi, Maithili, Nepali | Nepal, Norway, USA | Asia Premiere

Rhythm of a Flower (Phool Ka Chand) by Amit Dutta

Hindi | India | World Premiere

Santosh by Sandhya Suri | Hindi | UK, Germany, France, India | South Asia Premiere

Shambhala by Min Bahadur Bham | Tibetan, Nepali | Nepal, France, Norway, Hong Kong, Turkey, Taiwan, USA | India Premiere

The Fable by Raam Reddy | English, Hindi | India, USA | Asia Premiere

Village Rockstars 2 by Rima Das Assamese | India | South Asia Premiere

FOCUS SOUTH ASIA

MAMIs non-competitive section of feature and short films by South Asian and South Asian diaspora filmmakers spotlights talent from the region highlighting the wealth of narratives and styles.

The lineup, comprising 10 features and 13 non-features, spans multiple languages and reflects the festivals commitment to diverse, thought-provoking cinema.

GALA PREMIERES

An out-of-competition section that presents a selection of Indian films with popular names in their ensemble cast. It showcases works from upcoming as well as established talent.

This specially curated out-of-competition comprises Despatch by Kanu Behl (starring Manoj Bajpayee, Shahana Goswami), Ghamasaan by Tigmanshu Dhulia (starring Arshad Warsi, Pratik Gandhi), Go Noni Go by Sonal Dabral (starring Dimple Kapadia, Manav Kaul), the anthology My Melbourne directed by Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das, and The Ancient (Puratawn) by Suman Ghosh (starring Sharmila Tagore, Rituparna Sengupta and Indraneil Sengupta).

Despatch by Kanu Behl

Ghamasaan by Tigmanshu Dhulia

Go Noni Go by Sonal Dabral

My Melbourne by Kabir Khan, Imtiaz Ali, Onir, Rima Das

The Ancient (Puratawn) by Suman Ghosh

WORLD CINEMA

The World Cinema section has been an integral part of the festival since its inception in 1997. This segment offers a panoramic view of the most ambitious and accomplished new films from around the globe.

This section also includes Rendezvous with French Cinema, showcasing some of the finest in contemporary French filmmaking, in collaboration with the Institut Francais en Inde. Additionally, select films have been brought to Mumbai through the generous support of the British Council, the Consulate General of Ireland, the Embassy of Spain, the German Consulate General in Mumbai, the Istituto Italiano di Cultura in Mumbai, and the Royal Norwegian Consulate General. Some of the titles include A Different Man by Aaron Schimberg, A Travelers Needs (Yeohaengjaui Pilyo) by Hong Sangsoo, Christmas Eve in Millers Point by Tyler Taormina, Good One by India Donaldson, The Girl with the Needle (Pigen med nalen) by Magnus von Horn, and Wild Diamond (Diamant Brut) by Agathe Riedinger.

RESTORED CLASSICS

This section was first featured at the festival in 2012. The festival is deeply committed to honouring and preserving the cinematic legacy and this section showcases restored classic films from India and around the world. This curated collection features 4 films and offers audiences the opportunity to relish the magic of cinema's past.

Check out details about the premieres at www.mumbaifilmfestival.com.
Actor Rajinikanth worried fans when news broke that he was admitted to the hospital on Monday evening in Chennai. Apollo Hospitals has now released a statement detailing his health and stating that he will be discharged in two days. (Also Read: Rajinikanth's wife Latha shares an update on actor's health after hospitalisation) Rajinikanth was hospitalised on September 30, here's an update on his health.(REUTERS)

Rajinikanths health update

ANI shared a press note by Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on X (formerly Twitter) that reads, Mr Rajinikanth was admitted to Apollo Hospitals, Greams Road, on 30th September 2024. He had a swelling in the main blood vessel leaving his heart (aorta), which was treated by a non surgical, transcathether method. Senior interventional Cardiologist, Dr Sai Satish placed a stent in the aorta completely sealing off the swelling (Endovascular Repair). We would like to let his well-wishers and fans know that the procedure went, as planned. Mr Rajinikanth is stable and is doing well. He should be home in two days. (sic)

TN health minister on Rajinikanth

Tamil Nadu Health Minister Ma Subramanian spoke to PTI and told them, Actor Rajini went to the hospital for a periodic check up. He was to have gone to the facility on an empty stomach today but had gone there last night for the test. We enquired with the in-charge at the hospital. They said since Rajini was a big celebrity he was asked to get admitted in the night for the periodic check-up. He is doing well and will return home soon. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister M K Stalin wished the superstar a speedy recovery on X.

Upcoming work

Recently, Rajinikanth attended the audio and prevue launch of his upcoming film Vettaiyan. The film, directed by TJ Gnanavel, is slated for release on October 10. Rajinikanths 170th film boasts a stellar cast, with Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Manju Warrier, Ritika Singh, Dushara Vijayan, and Abhirami playing key roles. Lyca Productions has produced it.

Rajinikanth is also shooting for Lokesh Kanagarajs Coolie. The gangster dramas announcement video generated buzz for the monochrome visuals and the song D.I.S.C.O. Coolie will also feature an ensemble cast with Nagarjuna, Soubin Shahir, Shruti Haasan, Sathyaraj and Upendra playing key roles. The film was shot in Visakhapatnam and Chennai so far and is slated for release some time next year.
Actor Sobhita Dhulipala is celebrating the second anniversary of Mani Ratnams Ponniyin Selvan: I in style. On her Instagram, she shared a group picture with the castVikram, Aishwarya Rai, Jayam Ravi, Aishwarya Lekshmi, Trisha Krishnan, and Karthijoking about what she would tell her future kids about them. (Also Read: The Night Manager nominated at 2024 International Emmy Awards, only entry from India) Sobhita Dhulipala plays Vanathi in Mani Ratnam's Ponniyin Selvan films.

Sobhita Dhulipala on 2 years of PS1

September 30, 2022, is when the first part of Manis magnum opus was released in theatres. Sharing a picture of all the cast members posing for a click together, Sobhita joked, Gonna tell my kids these were THE AVENGERS. 2 years of PS 1. The picture was clicked when the cast came together to promote the films sequel, Ponniyin Selvan II in 2023. In the picture, Sobhita is seen dressed in a white shirt and pants. For the unversed, Sobhita played Vanathi in the film, with K Smruthi dubbing for her in Tamil.

Sobhita Dhulipala and Naga Chaitanya

Sobhita got engaged to Naga Chaitanya on August 9 this year at his residence in Hyderabad. Only the couples parents were present for the intimate engagement ceremony. Talking to Galatta, the actor admitted she always saw herself married and with kids. I did always think that I always wanted the whole motherhood experience. I was very clear about it, and getting married. I always saw myself in that setting. I am very attached to my roots, to tradition and my parents, she said.

Upcoming work

After Manis Ponniyin Selvan: I and II, Sobhita was seen in the English film Monkey Man. The film, directed by and starring Dev Patel, is yet to be released in India. However, it received good reviews from critics and the audience and made good money at the box office. She recently starred in a Zee5 original film called Love, Sitara in which she played the titular character. Sobhita also dubbed for Deepika Padukones character SU-M80 in Telugu for Nag Ashwins Kalki 2898 AD.
Tamil Nadu chief minister MK Stalin has wished veteran actor Rajinikanth a speedy recovery. The actor was admitted to a hospital in Chennai late on Monday night. Fans took to social media platforms and sent their prayers as well asl wishes for the actor's good health. (Also Read | Rajinikanth admitted to hospital for elective procedure, condition stable) Rajinikanth was hospitalised on Monday.(AP)

MK Stalin, Sarathkumar wish Rajinikanth quick recovery

The CM shared a post on X (formerly Twitter) in Tamil. A part of it read, "I wish them a speedy recovery." R Sarathkumar also tweeted, "I wish my dear friend Mr Rajinikanth, who has been admitted to the hospital due to sudden illness, to get well soon. I pray that he may soon take up all his duties with full vigour and health."

Subramanian on Rajinikanth

Tamil Nadu health minister M Subramanian told News 18, Rajinikanth's physical condition is stable. We are constantly monitoring his health. News agency PTI, citing its sources, said that Rajinikanth is likely to undergo an elective procedure at the cath lab later on Tuesday.

Rajinikanth's health update

"His condition is stable following his admission for digestive discomfort. He will undergo an elective procedure in the cath lab to attend to the problem near his abdomen and will be later shifted to a room," a source at the hospital told PTI. The 73-year-old popular actor is likely to be discharged on Tuesday evening, the source added.

Fans wish Rajinikanth

Taking to X, a fan wrote, "Get Well Soon, Rajini sir. We will have a lot of fun and enjoyment." "We all pray to God that he gets well as soon as possible," said a person. "Nothing worries kannungala. God always be with our only one lovable," read a tweet. "Thalaiva, I pray to the Lord for your good health... we are waiting for you..," tweeted a social media user. "I look forward to hearing your voice and seeing your smile," said an X user. The actor underwent a kidney transplant in 2016.

Rajinikanth's upcoming films

Fans will see the actor next in Vettaiyan, directed by TJ Gnanavel. It is set to hit theatres on October 10. The film also stars Amitabh Bachchan, Fahadh Faasil, Rana Daggubati, Ritika Singh, Manju Warrier, and Dushara Vijayan. After Vettaiyan, Rajinikanth will be seen in Coolie, scheduled to release in 2025.
Right since its first rushes, Joker: Folie a Deux had greatness written all over it. Joaquin Phoenix owing every frame comes as a shock to no one. And though Lady Gaga's chilling screen presence left everyone wanting for more, she has more than established herself as a bankable actor, courtesy of her last few outings on the silver screen. Gearing up for a release in India tomorrow, the early X reviews pooling in for the Todd Phillips directorial are confirming that the vibes with this one, were bang on. (Also Read  Joker Folie a Deux movie review: Lady Gaga's Harley Quinn complements Joaquin Phoenix's crazy in madcap musical) The first reviews of Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga's Joker 2 are now out(Photos: X)

'Complex' appears to be the general consensus when it comes to decoding Joker 2. Even if every pair of eyeballs that has seen the film so far isn't absolutely mesmerised by the product, one thing most agree on is that the film is for sure, pushing boundaries.

Some X comments lauding Joker 2, read: "Unexpected, audacious, & mesmerizing. A small scale film that feels so grand behind the #IMAX lens. This format just elevates every scene astronomically. Gaga is absolutely phenomenal, & Phoenix brings it again", I walked out of #JokerFolieADeux completely floored. Todd Phillips created a poetic and romantic love story that is brilliantly intertwined with music. Joaquin Phoenix delivered again but Lady Gaga is a movie star. She belongs in the Oscar conversation. I loved it" and This movie is sure to be divisive - and not in as simple a way as if you loved the first, youll love this one, if you hated the first, youll hate this one. That said, I absolutely loved it.

Further shedding light on the core content of the film, some comments added: "#JokerFolieADeux is a love story in its truest form. It resonates two harsh truths in the finest artistic way possible. They are: 1) Love makes you vulnerable 2) People tends to love a version of you but not the complete you Joaquin Phoenix and Gaga both deserves Oscars" and "I liked it way more then the first #JokerFolieADeux has way way more replay value Ill definitely see it a bunch of times saw the first only twice definitely will see this 5-10 times ending was shocking but a great time 5/5 imo".

Spoiler alert: Joker 2 may just have a heavy hand of courtroom drama as a crucial plot point. It is worth mentioning that some X threads have pressed on how this facet also tends to overtake the fact that the film was marketed as a twisted musical. For instance, a comment read: Its more courtroom drama than what I thought would be Joker and Harley wreaking havoc on the city together. That said, Lady Gaga delivers as does Joaquin. I loved the musical numbers (shocker!). Another comment reflected how the film actually balanced out both these facets, presenting something rather unique for the audience: #JokerFolieADeux continues its audacity from its predecessor and absolutely rips apart every stereotype in the comic book movie genre. A psychotic breakdown blending both the court room drama & musical genres together like never before. Joaquin Phoenix & Lady Gaga are just .

Are you excited to catch Joker: Folie a Deux in theatres?
There are famously no snakes in Ireland, so the discovery of a red-belly at a worksite was frightening for many of the group.

A group of Irish tradies called for help after a red-bellied black snake began sunning itself on their worksite. Source: Urban Reptile Removal

Work at an Aussie construction site was halted for hours on Tuesday morning after workers made a discovery that had them shaking with fear. Having flown over from Ireland, the small group of tradies had been enjoying the warm weather when they noticed their work site had been occupied by a snake wanting to sun itself.

Some of the labourers who were from overseas were a bit more taken aback by the snake, construction manager Matt Goodwin told Yahoo News Australia.

His crew from RARE Environmental had been clearing a walkway along Manly Dam on Sydneys northern beaches when they spotted the red-bellied blacksnake and called for help.

Photos taken by expert snake catcher Chris Williams show the group, dressed in hi-vis work gear nervously watching on as the 1.2 metre reptile was gently picked up off the path. Others can be seen snapping photos to send back to family at home.

When I got there it was still pretty active, and it seemed quite relaxed around people. Its a high traffic area, so Im sure its used to us. A lot of snakes I try and catch try to get away but this one showed no interest in doing that, Williams told Yahoo.

Related: Tradies dismantle wharf after massive find in water underneath

Work understandably was halted at the site until the snake could be removed. Source: Urban Snake Removal

Snake removal highlights importance of common issue

As legend has it, there have been no snakes in Ireland since St Patrick stood atop an Irish hillside and banished them. Because generations of Irish have no experience with the reptiles, you wouldn't have judged the newly arrived tradies too harshly if they'd taken the wrong course of action and tried to chase it away, attacked it, or even tried to pick it up. But that's not what happened.

They stayed back and got an expert on the phone. Because the snake was unafraid, Williams was able to quickly contain the snake and relocate it in nearby bushland. The encounter highlights the importance of calling for professional help when wildlife is disturbed at a building site.

There have been a series of unfortunate encounters further north on the Gold Coast, where native animals have been killed and injured when workers take matters into their own hands. Last year, a large python abandoned her eggs after tradies decided theyd illegally move them. And last month two kangaroos died after they were dug out of a muddy pit with machinery and then splashed with freezing cold water.

Can you spot the red-bellied black snake on the path at Manly Dam? Source: Urban Snake Removal

RARE Environmental confirmed it had workers trained by wildlife rescue group WIRES on site to ensure the risk of harming animals is minimised.

We definitely train our staff in what to do. Obviously they're not out there handling snakes, but they know how to keep it safely until an expert can arrive and assess the situation, Goodwin said.

Red-bellied blacksnake callouts spike

Williams company Urban Reptile Removal has attended to a spate of red-bellied blacksnake call outs today.

I would have had eight calls from people wanting me to head out. Its a nice day and the sun is out. Where there is less cloud and more UV you see more snakes, he said.

Theyre well and truly out and about.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Inclusivity is the buzzword in todays world, and the fashion industry is also slowly but steadily breaking social conventions around age. At the recent Milan Fashion Week, Italian clothing label Sunnei chose elderly models to walk down the runway to showcase their 10th-year collection. Elder models in India(Photos: Instagram)

One of the older models from Sunneis recent collection showcase at Milan Fashion Week (Photo: Instagram)

Age is just a number for many elderly models. The late American businesswoman and fashion designer, Iris Apfel, proved it in an iconic way when she signed a modelling contract with global agency IMG at the age of 97 in 2019. Back home, many older models like Daljit Sean Singh, Dinesh Mohan, Dr Gita Prakash, Mukta Singh, and Sapnaa Datta are making noise after midlife.

Daljit Sean Singh(Photo: Instagram)

After trying modelling in his early twenties, which didnt work out, Singh, who is now 55 years old, shares, I decided to come back to it when I was 44 and everything fell into place. It was something I had always wanted to do.

Dr Gita Prakash(Photo: Instagram)

As for Dr Prakash, her modelling career started on a note that sounds straight out of a movie. The 69-year-old narrates, In 2012, an Italian photographer visited the hospital where I was working and said to me, I love the look of your face. Next time I shoot, Im going to take you. Back then, a 57-year-old, I laughed it off but a few months later, he contacted me and that led to a Tarun Tahiliani shoot.

Mukta Singh(Photo: Instagram)

Being older has helped in their journey as models, feel some. For example, 62-year-old Mukta Singh credits her career to early greying. After getting tired of colouring her hair from her teens, she embraced her silver head at the age of 58 and that turned in her favour. She adds, Sometimes, I work with young models who are groomed by modelling agencies. So, they have an edge over me. But then, at shoots, people have a slightly more relaxed attitude towards us.

Actor Ratna Pathak Shah walked the runway at the March 2024 edition of Lakme Fashion Week (Photo: Instagram)

Dr Parakash agrees: With age, Ive learned to let my hair down and lose inhibitions. There are fewer responsibilities and modelling allows me to do things which I love, like travelling. Also, Im always surrounded by vibrant energy because theyre all young, hot and happening, so I enjoy it.

A designers father opened the show at LFW (Photo: Instagram)

Alls not easy, there are also some bumpy challenges in this field. Dr Prakash says, As a doctor, I have to constantly juggle between seeing my patients and travelling for shoots. But since Im at an age where Im doing this because I want to and not because I have to, I enjoy the process. For Mukta, the challenge is the stereotype that we are sometimes boxed into, especially with film ads. She explains, With some brands, we are celebrated as a woman of substance but with others, we are often placed in the typical mother or grandmother roles. Its time the Indian industry also celebrates individuality. Having said that, we have come a far way as an industry.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist is set to come out of jail once again following the Election Commission of India's approval of his parole request on Monday. In 2017, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted and sentenced to 20 years for raping two of his female followers.

This marks his third temporary release in the past nine months and brings his total to 15 since his conviction four years ago.

The impending release of Singh, who holds considerable sway in Haryana and Punjab, is scheduled just days before the Haryana assembly elections on October 5.

His previous furloughs and paroles have consistently taken place alongside various elections, whether for municipal bodies or state assemblies, India Today reported.

During his parole, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief will face restrictions, including a ban on entering Haryana and participation in any election-related activities, whether in person or through social media.

With the Election Commission's approval granted, the Haryana government is expected to issue his release order soon.

How many times has Ram Rahim come out of jail?

After a 21-day furlough granted on August 13, Gurmeet Ram Rahim returned to Sunaria jail on September 2. Since 2020, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief has been temporarily released 14 times, amounting to a total of 259 days through furloughs and paroles.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim's parole on January 19 came just before the Lok Sabha elections, maintaining a trend of releases that often take place alongside electoral events.

He previously received a 21-day furlough during the 2022 Punjab assembly elections and another release on June 17, 2022, shortly before the Haryana municipal elections.

In 2017, Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh was convicted and sentenced to 20 years for raping two of his female followers. However, he and four others were acquitted by the high court in May regarding the 2002 murder of the sect's former manager, Ranjit Singh.
Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde on Tuesday reached out to actor-turned-politician Govinda, who accidentally shot himself in his leg with his revolver, to inquire about his health and wished him a speedy recovery. The chief minister spoke to the Shiv Sena leader on the phone. Govinda is currently hospitalised in Mumbai.

I contacted Govinda and inquired about his health. I wished him a speedy and complete recovery and a healthy life on behalf of the state government and the public. Govinda and his family have been assured of all necessary help during this difficult time. Our best wishes and prayers are with them and their loved ones, a statement by the chief minister's office read.

The CMO's statement also said Govindaa popular and respected personality in Indian cinemahas made millions happy with his acting.

Eknath Shinde further instructed hospital authorities to ensure that Govinda receives the best possible care during his recovery.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Krishna Hegde asserted that Govinda is fine and urged his fans not to worry.

Actor and former MP Govinda has sent an audio clip. He is fine now. He thanked Dr Aggarwal, who operated on and removed the bullet from his leg. Fans of Govinda should not worry. We from the Shiv Sena and all his fans and people of the country wish him a speedy recovery, he told PTI.

Govinda was admitted to CritiCare Asia in Mumbai after sustaining an accidental bullet injury at his home on Tuesday morning. The accident took place at 4.45 am when he was getting ready for a trip to Kolkata.

According to the actor's manager, while he was getting ready, the revolver fell from his hand, and a bullet was accidentally fired.

Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata. He kept his licensed revolver in the cupboard when it fell from his hand, and a bullet got fired, which hit his leg. The doctor has removed the bullet, and his condition is fine. He is in the hospital right now, the manager told ANI.

Govinda's nephew shares health update

Govinda's nephew, Vinay Anand, told the media that the 60-year-old actor's condition is stable, and the bullet has been removed from his leg.

Operation has been done. All the fans of Govinda should pray that he recovers well. He is conscious, and I am going to meet him. Don't know much about what happened... the revolver fell from his hands. I will get to know more when I go to meet him, he said.

Meanwhile, actress Kashmera Shah, who is married to Govinda's nephew Krushna, also visited the actor at the hospital to offer her support.

Govinda issues statement after accident

Hours after the incident, Govinda shared an audio message and assured his fans about his health status.

"Hello, this is Govinda. With the blessings of my fans, my parents and God, I am doing better now. I was hit by a bullet, which has now been removed. I thank the doctor here, Dr Agarwal ji. I thank all of you for your prayers., he said.
Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda on Tuesday sustained an accidental bullet injury in his home in Mumbai. He was rushed to a hospital and is out of danger. Actor Govinda in Thane ( Praful Gangurde /HT Photo )

The accident took place at 4.45 am when he was getting ready for a trip to Kolkata.

He has sustained a bullet injury to his knee.

The 60-year-old was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

Govinda's manager, Shashi Sinha, said the actor was getting ready to leave for Kolkata. His revolver fell from his hand and a bullet was accidentally fired.

"Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata. He kept his licensed revolver in the cupboard when it fell from his hand and a bullet got fired which hit his leg. The doctor has removed the bullet and his condition is fine. He is in the hospital right now," the manager told ANI.

Govinda, 60, was taken for treatment to the Criticare hospital.

"It is due to God's grace that Govinda ji sustained only a leg injury and it was nothing serious, the manager added.

Govinda'a acting career

Govind Arun Ahuja, better known by his stage name Govinda, is a popular actor, comedian, dancer and singer who has appeared in more than 165 Hindi-language films.

Govinda is one of the most popular actors in Bollywood who made his acting debut in the late 1980s. He began his career in action and drama films but made his mark in comedy in the 1990s.

He has acted in 165 Hindi-language movies.

Govinda is best known for his smooth dialogue delivery, superb comic timing and dance moves.

In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he acted in many hit films, including, Ilzaam, Marte Dam Tak, Khudgarz, Dariya Dil, Jaisi Karni Waisi, Bharni, Swarg and Hum.

Later, he appeared in several superhit comedy movies, including Shola Aur Shabnam, Aankhen and Raja Babu.

In the late 1990s, he established himself as a mega comedy star with hits like Coolie No.1, Saajan Chale Sasural, Hero No. 1, Deewana Mastana, Dulhe Raja, Bade Miyan Chote Miyan, Anari No.1, Haseena Maan Jayegi and Jodi No. 1.

He won the national elections in 2004 and was a Congress MP for five years. In March, a month before the Lok Sabha elections, Govinda joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena.
The Indian embassy in Israel on Tuesday issued an advisory to all the Indian citizens in wake of the conflict in the Middle East.



In an X post, the Indian embassy asked all the Indian citizens to remain vigilant and adhere to safety protocols issued by the local authorities.



Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country and stay close to safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and remains in regular touch with the Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals, the embassy said.



Iran Israel attack LIVE updates



The embassy has also issued helpline numbers for the Indian nationals staying in the conflict-hit country. Iran's Revolutionary Guards said a missile attack under way against Israel on October 1 was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as that of the Hamas leader. (AFP)

There are about 18,000 Indian citizens in Israel, primarily caregivers employed by Israeli elders to take care of them, diamond traders, I.T. professionals and students, the embassy website stated.



On Monday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had spoken to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu on the prevailing crisis in the Middle East.



Stating that terrorism has no place in the world, Modi had said,"It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability."

Iran fires missiles at Israel

The Middle East conflict intensified after Iran fired several ballistic missiles at Israel, days after the Israeli military eliminated several Hezbollah commanders including its chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Beirut.



Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous".



Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari warned Iran of consequences over the missile attack.



ALSO READ: Joe Biden orders US military to help Israel shoot down Iranian missiles



We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide, Hagari said in a television statement.



(With agency inputs)
The Andhra Pradesh government on Tuesday issued orders notifying the new liquor policy for the next two years, withdrawing the retail liquor business from the government and entrusting it with private dealers. The previous YSR Congress party government in Andhra had taken over the retail liquor sale from the private dealers and operated the business through AP State Beverages Corporation in the last five years. (Representational image)

The previous YSR Congress party government led by Y S Jagan Mohan Reddy had taken over the retail liquor sale from the private dealers and operated the business through AP State Beverages Corporation in the last five years. This policy came to an end on September 30.

In the government order, principal secretary (excise) Mukesh Kumar Meena said the new excise policy will come into effect from October 12 and till then, the government would continue to run the retail liquor business.

The policy will have a tenure of two years, promoting stability and predictability in the regulatory environment, which is likely to encourage greater participation from retailers, Meena said in the order.

Under the new policy, the state government has fixed the total number of shops for the licensing period 2024-26 at 3,736, of which 3,396 shops will be in the open category, while 340 shops have been reserved for the toddy tapper community.

A separate notification and guidelines will be issued for disposal of the 340 shops earmarked for the toddy tapper community and premium stores, Meena said.

Starting Tuesday, the government invited applications from private parties for operating 3,736 retail wine shops by paying a non-refundable application fee of 2 lakh each. The applications can be submitted through online or off-line or hybrid models.

The selection of dealers will be done at the district level through a draw of an online lottery, if there are more applications for one retail shop, on October 11. The selected dealers would be given licences on payment of retail excise tax ranging from 50 lakh to 85 lakh, depending on the area and the population therein. The tax could be paid in 12 instalments during the two-year licence period.

The shop owners would get a profit of 20% on their sales and the government would grant licences to 12 premium shops with a tenure of five years with licence fees of 1 crore. The government is expected to generate revenue of 5,500 crore per annum through retail excise tax, besides other taxes, an excise department official familiar with the development said.

The government order also announced introduction of a new category of low-priced liquor, costing 99 or less, to provide affordable options while maintaining quality standards and curb demand for illicit liquor. National suppliers shall be encouraged to introduce reputed national brands at this rate, the order said.

The government has also decided to allow the private retail wine shop dealers to upgrade their outlets into model shops across the state on payment of an additional retail excise tax of 5 lakh in addition to the annual tax they would pay. Model stores will be permitted to stock and sell all liquor related accessories like ice buckets, ice tongs, wine corks screws, trays, glasses, goblets in the licensed premises, Meena said.
SILCHAR: A 50-year-old man allegedly raped his 12-year-old niece when she went for a bath near her house in Assams Cachar district on Sunday evening, police said on Tuesday after the accused was arrested. According to her family, she had gone to the washroom a short distance from the house for a bath when she was intercepted by her uncle and dragged to the paddy fields (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

According to her family, she had gone to the washroom a short distance from the house for a bath when the crime took place.

I went to call her because she had taken too much time but she was not there. We started searching for her and suddenly we saw her running from the paddy field. Her clothes were torn and she was crying, her mother told reporters.

She said her daughter was traumatised, unable to speak and even collapsed. Her family initially took her to a local chemist but the shopkeeper refused to treat her, saying that they should call the police.

Her father - his sisters husband is the accused - told reporters that her uncle, who stayed in the same area, dragged her from the washroom to the paddy field.

The washroom is located a bit far from home and the accused took advantage of the dark to grab her. After that, he absconded and we informed the police about it on Monday morning, he said, adding that his sister, who has two young daughters, is shocked at her husbands crime.

Superintendent of Police (SP) Numal Mahatta said a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act was registered. The victim has gone through the mandatory medical examinations and her statement will be recorded subsequently, he said.
The Bombay high court on Tuesday denied pre-arrest bail to the chairman and secretary of the school in Maharashtra's Badlapur where two minor girls were allegedly sexually assaulted by now deceased male attendant Akshay Shinde.



According to a PTI report, a single bench of Justice RN Laddha said there is prima facie material to show that the two accused were aware of the incident before August 16 but failed to take any steps to report the same to the police or local authority.



ALSO READ: What happened in Badlapur? Sexual abuse case, protest explained



The victims are minors. The trauma that they have endured can profoundly affect their adolescent years leaving them with lasting psychological scars. It is undisputed that applicants are persons responsible for managing the school, the court stated. The Bombay High Court (HT_PRINT)

"There is prima facie material indicating that the victims parents' had voiced their grievances to the class teacher and other staff members. The applicants were aware of the incident before August 16. Despite having knowledge, they did not report the incident to police," the high court added.





Delay in lodging case primarily because of negligence': Bombay HC

During the hearing, the bench said delay in lodging of the sexual assault case was "primarily because of applicants' negligence for reasons known only to them."

There is a legal obligation on persons to report the offence if they are aware or made aware of it, it added.

The court further said the CCTV footage of the school premises from the day of the incident is missing.

Two girls - aged four and five - were sexually assaulted inside the washroom of a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district by a male attendant.

The accused, Akshay Shinde, was subsequently arrested. He was killed by police in a shoot-out on September 23.



ALSO READ: Badlapur case accused Akshay Shinde buried amid protests in Ulhasnagar

Bombay HC raps SIT for failure to nab accused trustees

In another development, the Bombay high court pulled up the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Badlapur school sexual assault case for its inability to nab the two accused school trustees.



ALSO READ: Maharashtra makes it mandatory for schools to install CCTV cameras

According to a PTI report, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan questioned as to how the police, that usually go to any extent to nab an accused, are unable to arrest them in this case. The court in August took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the case.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the bench that the two accused are still absconding and have not been apprehended.

"The police goes to any extent to nab an accused. How come they have not been able to apprehend these two? Are they waiting for them to get anticipatory bail?" the court said.

Saraf said the police were taking all steps to apprehend the duo.

The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 23.
A 42-year-old area manager of Bajaj Finance in Uttar Pradesh's Jhansi died by suicide on Sunday alleging repeated "humiliation" by his seniors for not meeting targets, news agency PTI reported. Tarun Saxena, was found dead by his house help on Monday morning. Tarun is survived by his parents, wife and two children.(@atulmodani (X))

The deceased, identified as Tarun Saxena, was found dead by his house help on Monday morning. He is survived by his parents, wife and two children, reports claimed.

Police recovered a suicide note, purportedly written to his wife, from his house on Monday in which Tarun levelled charges of exploitation and mental torture by his seniors.

"I have not slept for 45 days. I have hardly eaten. I am under a lot of stress. Senior managers are pressuring me to meet targets at any cost or quit," NDTV quoted from Tarun's suicide note.

In his five-page letter, Saxena said he was worried about losing his job as he was falling short of EMI collection targets. "I am very tense about the future. I have lost my ability to think. I am going," the letter read.

He (Saxena) alleged that he was given higher target by seniors, and pressure was continuously being mounted on him to achieve the said target, said superintendent of police (City) Gyanendra Kumar Singh. The official said Saxena body has been sent for postmortem and promised action after receiving a complaint from the deceased's family members.

Saxena's brother Gaurav Saxena said his brother was humiliated during a virtual meeting which caused frustration, leading him to commit suicide. "In the morning, he was mentally tortured by his regional manager Prabhakar Mishra and national manager Vaibhav Saxena. Abuses were also hurled at him during a conference, which was held virtually. He was quite frustrated since that (Saturday) night, following which he took the extreme step (on Sunday)," PTI quoted him as saying in Jhansi.

Gaurav also alleged that the firm exerted extreme pressure and insisted on 100% recovery of loans and threatened to deduct from his brother's pocket in case of failure to meet EMI collection targets. He was assigned areas like Moth and Talbehat for collection, which are rural areas, he added.

In his parting message, Tarun said he had paid his children's school fee for the current academic year and apologised to his family members for his fatal decision. "You all take care of Megha, Yatharth and Pihu. Mummy, Papa, I have never asked for anything, but am doing so now. Please get the second floor built so that my family can stay comfortably," he said.

(With inputs from PTI)

Discussing suicides can be triggering for some. However, suicides are preventable. A few major suicide prevention helpline numbers in India are 011-23389090 from Sumaitri (Delhi-based) and 044-24640050 from Sneha Foundation (Chennai-based).
Robert Vadra, husband of Congress general secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, on Tuesday accused the Bharatiya Janata Party of backing the release of Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Aam Aadmi Party leader Arvind Kejriwal from jail to influence the Haryana assembly elections. Robert Vadra alleges BJP's strategy involves Ram Rahim and Kejriwal's timed releases ahead of polls.(HT FILE)

Vadra alleged that the BJP allowed Ram Rahim, convicted of murder and rape, to be released on parole ahead of the polls to campaign, and claimed Kejriwals recent release on regular bail was also part of the BJP's plan to hurt Congress' chances in Haryana.

ALSO READ- Cong wants to crush patriotism through casteism: PM Modi at Haryana rally

"When they release Baba Ram Rahim for 20 days before the elections who has charges of murder, rape, and you (BJP) release him to campaign... I would say having Kejriwal ji come out of the prison just in time so that he can campaign in Haryana, I think these are premeditated thoughts of the BJP," Vadra told PTI.

Ram Rahim set for another parole

According to an India Today report, Gurmeet Ram Rahim is set to be released from jail after the Election Commission approved his parole request.

ALSO READ- 15th parole in 4 years, Ram Rahim set for release ahead of Haryana assembly polls on October 5

Kejriwal, recently out on bail in the excise policy case, has been actively campaigning in Haryana.

I could have given employment in Haryana but: Vadra

Vadra, a businessman, also alleged that the BJP had created hurdles for his business, making it harder to generate jobs in Haryana.

"I could have given employment in Haryana but this (BJP) government made sure that all my associates were intimidated that they moved away, it was difficult for me to work, financially they tried to destroy me," he said.

ALSO READ- Haryana poll campaign: Accidental Hindu raised in Roman culture cant accept Ram Mandir, says Yogi

Vadra expressed confidence that Congress will win a strong majority in the upcoming Haryana polls, set for October 5, with results on October 8.

(Inputs from PTI)
Plus there's further scrutiny on e-scooters after a teenager died in a collision with a 4WD on a major highway.

Police are offering up to $25,000 to help find the person who started this fire in Coles.

Yahoo's live news blog for Tuesday, October 1 has concluded. Police are appealing for witnesses after a Coles store was set on fire, causing $100,000 in damage.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has made a $30 million commitment to getting to the bottom of the alleged Coles and Woolworths pricing tactic that the ACCC says has misled shoppers.

The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had begun a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, with fears growing for the Australians who remain in the country. Read more below.

Virgin Australia could soon be part-owned by Qatar Airways, which the airline says will give Australians more choice and value.

A 15-year-old girl has died while riding an e-scooter on a major highway.

See more of the day's updates below.

LIVE COVERAGE IS OVER 19 updates Thousands feel shaking as earthquake hits NZ capital Thousands in New Zealand have reported shaking after a 4.9 magnitude earthquake struck in between North and South Island. Shaking was felt right across capital Wellington with a New Zealand Herald reporter saying it lasted for about seven seconds. A M4.9 earthquake occurred in the Cook Strait 5:49PM this evening. Moderate shaking was felt across the Wellington and Marlborough regions and we have received 10,000+ felt reports. For more detail, see https://t.co/fPsb7Yjwsu pic.twitter.com/7SjgRSOjPK  GeoNet (@geonet) October 1, 2024

Appeal after Coles store set alight Police are offering up to $25,000 to help identify a person responsible for starting a fire in a Perth Coles store. WA Police say the incident on Saturday cost the supermarket $100,000 due to the damage to stock, including all perishable items, with the sprinkler system deployed. Police say a person set alight toilet paper before the fire spread to other aisles, emitting thick smoke throughout the store. Thankfully staff and shoppers were unharmed. Police are appealing for anyone who knows anything about the incident or witnessed suspicious activity in the High Wycombe store to come forward. The fire caused significant damage inside the Coles store. Source: WA Police

TV anchor killed after reporting on bombings A well known Syrian television anchor, Safaa Ahmed, and two other individuals were killed overnight after an Israeli airstrike on Damascus, according to Syrian news organisation SANA. Syria defence ministry said the IDF launched an attack using drones and planes around 2am (local time). The General Authority for Radio and Television announces the death of the anchor Safaa Ahmed as a martyr following the treacherous Israeli aggression on the capital, Damascus, SANA reported. Israel killed Syrian journalist Safaa Ahmed in Damascus tonight, just after she finished her live broadcast reporting on Israeli bombings in Syria and Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/3UdtUgy7DB  sarah (@sahouraxo) October 1, 2024

Boris Johnson's cancer claim Queen Elizabeth died after suffering bone cancer, former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims. The ex-Conservative leader, 60, met the monarch, who died aged 96 in September 2022 at Balmoral Castle in Scotland  two days after she met Boris at her beloved home there. He says in his upcoming memoir Unleashed about his final meeting with the Queen: I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline. Before his final meeting with Her Majesty, Boris said the Queens private secretary Edward Young warned him her health had gone down quite a bit over the summer. He added in his book, which is being serialised by the Daily Mail: She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections. But her mind  as Edward had also said  was completely unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our conversation she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty. Read more here.

Trump calls out detail in Kamala Harris photo Donald Trump has taken aim at Kamala Harris, accusing the vice president of staging a photo she shared online. Harris shared a photo of herself taking notes on board an aircraft as she promised "constant contact" with communities impacted by Hurricane Helene. In the photo Harris is wearing headphones with the cable disappearing below the table. For Trump, this indicated the photo was staged with a mobile phone sat on top of the desk. "Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!" he wrote in response on X. There was plenty of praise from his followers, however many pointed out Harris likely had a second device out of shot. Take a look for yourself below. Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work! Biden and Harris abandoned Americans in Afghanistan. They sacrificed Americans to an Open Border, and now, they have left Americans to drown in https://t.co/HzDpJO6XOa  Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 30, 2024

Crumbl cookie resellers defend controversial pop-up Organisers of a pop-up where they sold cookies from cult US brand Crumbl have responded to critics saying they didn't intend to make money from their venture. The cookies were flown to Australia after they were purchased from a Crumbl store in Hawaii, with the organisers detailing the costs the operation involved after facing intense backlash online. Their Bondi pop-up prompted huge queues over the weekend despite cookies costing $17.50 each. The organisers say they bought each cookie for $8 but spent an additional $7,000 on flights, duties, taxes, customs brokering and staff. "This event was never about profit. We aimed to bring the cookies to Crumbl fans," organisers explained. Crumbl responded to the pop-up online suggesting they were not associated with the operation. Read more here from Yahoo Finance.

Online bookmaker fined $33k for ignoring customer's request An online bookmaker has been slapped with a $33,000 fine after it was found to have taken 75 further bets from a punter despite them requesting to close their account. It's the first time such laws have been used by Liquor & Gaming NSW since they were introduced five years ago. By engaging in this behaviour TexBet has broken a law that was put in place to protect vulnerable people who are trying to exclude themselves from gambling, Executive Director Regulatory Operations Jane Lin said. The bookmaker, also known as OShea Bookmaking Pty Ltd, had also sent four gambling ads despite the customer requesting not to receive such material.

Aussie fashion company to shut down more than 200 stores Australian fashion retailer Mosaic Brands is closing more than 200 stores as it says goodbye to five household names. The business has announced it will wind down Rockmans, Autograph, Crossroads, W Lane and BeMe in a bid to focus on its other entities. Mosaic Brands CEO Erica Berchtold said its decision to throw all resources at Katies, Millers, Noni B, Rivers and Mosaic marketplace will hopefully allow the business to "retain existing customers and attract new ones".

Pamela Anderson glows as she continues minimal look The word unrecognisable gets bandied about a lot in the entertainment world, but Pamela Anderson is truly a different look these days as she continues to embrace her fifties. The former Baywatch star, 57, made a conscious effort to reduce the amount of makeup she wears last year, previously stating "it's fun getting old" and the decision was "freeing" and left her feeling relieved. I started to feel like I was dressing for other people, whether that was husbands or just for the rest of the world and how they perceived me, she told Bazaar UK recently. Over the weekend she appeared at the San Sebastian International Film Festival in a classy pink gown and it's fair to say her look was a big hit with fans. Pamela Anderson over the weekend. Source: Getty

$1 million lottery prize forfeited The mystery winner of a $1 million lottery prize now may struggle to claim their winnings after the time allotted to redeem the prize expired. Tickets bought in South Australia have a one-year expiration date meaning the person who bought their winning Monday & Wednesday X Lotto ticket more than a year ago at a BP garage in Mawson Lakes have missed the opportunity to claim the prize. The money has now been forfeited to the Lotteries Commission of South Australia. The player will only have a chance of getting their cash if they still have the ticket and submit a prize claim form and an ex-gratia statutory declaration. This also serves as an important reminder to register your tickets. If this ticket had been registered, we would have already united the winner with their $1 million prize," The Lott spokesperson Khat McIntyre said earlier this month.

Man charged after pipe bombs allegedly found inside his car A man has been charged after police in NSW allegedly found two pipe bombs in his car during a random breath test. The alleged discovery was made on the Sturt Highway near Hay on Monday afternoon, prompting police to close the highway and set up an exclusion zone. A 33-year-old man was later charged with two counts of possessing explosives in a public place, two counts of possessing prohibited drugs and custody of a knife in a public place. He is due to front court today.

AFP looking into arrests over Hezbollah flags Australian Federal Police (AFP) deputy commissioner Krissy Barrett says arrests will be considered after the national police force said yesterday simply displaying a Hezbollah flag did not necessarily warrant charges. Flags of the terrorist organisation appeared at an anti-Israel protest in Melbourne over the weekend. And while the AFP has reiterated its laws, Barrett has acknowledged that displaying the symbol is likely to offend, insult, humiliate or intimidate, therefore meeting the threshold for an arrest to be made. The AFP is expecting at least six referrals from Victoria Police relating to the display of terrorist iconography by Tuesday. "We will arrest and prosecute where we identify alleged offenders," Barrett told ABC Radio. - With AAP A Hezbollah flag at a Pro-Palestine rally.

$5.8k Taylor Swift guitar smashed up Swifties look away now. A guitar signed by Taylor Swift and sold at auction for $4,000 (A$5,800) was immediately smashed to pieces with a hammer. The move came at a fundraiser in Texas, where one attendee said the move, which prompted cheers, was "unexpected but not surprising". Texas remains a solid Republican state for US presidential nominee Donald Trump and Taylor Swift riled his supporters when she endorsed Kamala Harris following her first debate with Trump. Watch the moment the guitar was smashed up below.

UK waves goodbye to coal power While Australia has a long way to go before it says goodbye to coal, the UK has officially ended coal power after 142 years. The major milestone came when the UK's last coal power station near Nottingham finished operations on Monday (local time) after running since 1967. It's a significant step in its journey to reduce its carbon footprint amid warming global temperatures, especially as the UK was the first to roll out coal power. Gas continues to make up a sizeable chunk of the country's electrical output however the use of wind, solar hydro and wave energy has soared. Read more here.

Plea to Albo as Israel ramps up attacks on Lebanon Lebanese-Australian community leaders are urging the government to step in and bring home Australians who cannot get out of Lebanon. Israel has ramped up attacks on the Middle Eastern nation and the Labor government has for days now urged Australians to flee the country while they can. However Lebanese Muslim Association secretary Gamel Kheir says it's not as simple as that. "There are thousands who cant get out. They want to get out," he said, The Australian reported. Theres only limited commercial capacity in and out of Beirut airport, and no safe border  Its easy to tell them to get out but you have an obligation to ensure there is a plan of getting them it. It comes as the UK government has chartered a commercial flight out of Lebanon for Brits wanting to leave amid escalating violence. The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had begun a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, opening a new front in its war against the Lebanese militant group. The killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli airstrikes has prompted fears a full-scale regional war is about to unfold. Shadow Immigration Minister Dan Tehan said Australians in Lebanon had their opportunity to leave the country safely. Tehan told Sky News there had been warnings for many months for them to leave. I think a majority of Australians will be thinking, well, you had your chance, you had your opportunity," he said. Read the latest about the conflict here.

Oasis fans in Australia left waiting Oasis fans in Australia have been made to wait a little longer to find out if Sydney and Melbourne will be included in the band's reunion tour. NME previously revealed the two cities were set to be part of the expanded tour after dates for the UK and Ireland were initially announced. And while many around the world eagerly awaited an announcement from the band last night (AEST), only North American locations were confirmed.

Virgin Australia's major announcement to give Aussies 'better value' Virgin Australia could soon be part-owned by Qatar Airways, adding a major Australia-to-the-Middle East route to the roster by mid-2025. Qatar Airways intends to take a 25 per cent stake in Virgin Australia, which will be subject to approval from the Foreign Investment Review Board. The deal would allow flights from Australias four largest cities to Doha, under a plane and crew lease agreement. In a statement, Virgin says the proposed minority ownership stake would create more choice and better value for Australians. Read more here. Virgin Australia could soon be part-owned by Qatar Airways. Source: Getty

Albo's $30m commitment to Coles and Woolworths legal action Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says his government is "cracking down" on Coles and Woolworths and has made a $30 million commitment to get to the bottom of the alleged pricing tactics that the ACCC says have misled shoppers. We dont want to see ordinary Australians, families and pensioners being taken for a ride by the supermarkets, and were taking steps to make sure they get a fair go at the checkout," Albanese said. The new funding is aimed at bolstering the ACCCs ability to proactively search for misconduct and investigate supermarkets reasonings for pushing up prices. The ACCC alleged last week both major supermarkets pushed prices up by at least 15 per cent before slapping them with promotional discount stickers often at prices higher than before the hike. - With NCA NewsWire

Girl, 15, dies riding e-scooter A 15-year-old girl has died on a busy Queensland highway after her e-scooter was involved in a crash with a 4WD. Police believe the the two vehicles collided on the Bruce Highway at about 5.15pm on Monday before a motorbike then made contact, leaving the rider with serious injuries. The female driver of the 4WD, 36, was not injured. Police investigations are ongoing with authorities asking anyone with information or dashcam vision to come forward.

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Poll strategist-turned-activist Prashant Kishor said on Tuesday that the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) would suffer the same fate for backing Nitish Kumar that the Congress faced for backing Lalu Yadav. He claimed Bihar chief minister Nitish Kumar isn't mentally or physically fit to run the state. Jan Suraaj founder Prashant Kishore addressing a press conference at party office in Patna, Bihar, India, on September 29 (Photo by Santosh Kumar/ Hindustan Times)

His sharp attack came a day before the launch of his political party, Jan Suraaj.

Prashant Kishor said in an interview that the people of Bihar will sideline the two main alliances and hand over his new political party an absolute majority in the assembly.

Prashant Kishor said Nitish Kumar isn't in the right physical, mental and political state to run Bihar.

He said the people of Bihar will punish the BJP for backing Nitish Kumar.

"The Congress helped Lalu Prasad run a 'jungle raj' for 15 years. The people of Bihar completely uprooted the Congress. The BJP will suffer the same fate," he said.

He said backing Nitish Kumar is the BJP's political compulsion.

"It knows that its alliance will lose if he remains at the helm, but it is the political compulsion of the BJP," he added.

He said Nitish Kumar had been absent from public life.

"A big section in Bihar is wondering if Nitish Kumar is mentally and physically fit to provide leadership to Bihar," he told PTI in the interview.

Prashant Kishor claimed that the JD(U) leader's career is coming to an end. He said the people of Bihar passed a message to Nitish Kumar in the 2020 assembly elections when JD(U) managed to win only 42 seats while the BJP won 74. Lalu Yadav's RJD emerged as the single-largest party with 75 seats.

Taking a swipe at the BJP, he said it breaks up other parties across the country by hook or by crook but has chosen to "impose" Kumar on Bihar despite having many more seats in the assembly. He said the BJP needs JD(U)'s MPs to run a government at the Centre.

With inputs from PTI
BRS MLC K Kavitha was admitted to a private hospital in Hyderabad on Tuesday morning, where she will undergo medical tests, reported news agency ANI. She was admitted recently, with the tests expected to be completed on Tuesday. BRS leader K Kavitha admitted to private hospital in Hyderabad

Unnamed sources told news agency PTI reported doctors will decide whether she needs further hospitalisation or not based on the test results.

During her time in Tihar jail related to the alleged Delhi excise policy case, Kavitha, the daughter of BRS supremo K Chandrashekar Rao, suffered from several health issues, including gynaecological problems and high fever, they added.

Also read: Senior BRS leaders under house arrest

Kavitha, who was arrested by the ED in March this year and subsequently by the CBI in April, was released from Tihar prison in August after the Supreme Court granted her bail in cases linked to the alleged Delhi excise policy scam.

What was K Kavitha accused of?

The ED and CBI have accused K Kavitha of being part of the so-called South Group, a group of businessmen and politicians who allegedly paid the Aam Aadmi Party kickbacks worth 100 crore in return for favouring them in formulating and implementing the policy.

According to officials, the CBI inquiry was recommended based on the findings of the Delhi chief secretary's report filed in July showing prima facie violations of the GNCTD Act 1991, Transaction of Business Rules (ToBR)-1993, Delhi Excise Act 2009, and Delhi Excise Rules 2010.

The ED also filed a supplementary prosecution complaint (chargesheet) in the excise policy case against Kavitha and the other accused, Chanpreet Singh, Damodar, Prince Singh, and Arvind Kumar.

In July, the Delhi high court had dismissed Kavitha's bail pleas, saying she was prima facie one of the main conspirators in the criminal conspiracy. However, on August 12, the Supreme Court asked the probe agencies to file their responses to her plea challenging the Delhi court's order.

Kavitha was granted bail in both the cases - ED and CBI - on August 27.

(With inputs from ANI, PTI)
Imphal: The Centre and Manipur government are closely working together to ensure the safe release of two of the three Meitei youths who were allegedly abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district three days ago, chief minister N Biren Singh said on Monday. The video of the two hostages surfaced on Sunday.

Singh, who was addressing reporters on the sidelines of the 128th birth anniversary of legendary leader and social reformer Jana Neta Hijam Irabot in Imphal West district, said the states director general of police (DGP) Rajiv Singh has been asked to secure the release of the two abducted youths.

It is a very unfortunate incident. Of the three youths, one was released while the two others are still in the hands of militants. The Centre and the state government are in touch to ensure the safe release of the two youths. We are engaging in talks now, the chief minister said.

N Johnson Singh, along with his two companions  all three Meiteis from Thoubal district  had gone for the SSC GD recruitment test for central forces in Imphal West district on Friday. They, however, took a wrong turn and ended up in Kuki-dominated Kangpokpi, where they were allegedly abducted by armed militants, a police officer said.

While Johnson Singh was rescued by the Assam Rifles the same day, efforts are being made to rescue the other two  identified as Oinam Thoithoi and Thokchom Thoithoiba.

The DGP himself has gone to the place to have talks (with abductors). We believe that there will be a positive outcome. They have made some demands...But the government is trying to release the two youths unconditionally, the CM said.

A police officer, requesting anonymity, said the government is in talks with representatives of the Committee on Tribal Unity (COTU), a Kuki group, for the release of the two hostages.

On Sunday, Biren Singh had called an emergency meeting of all legislators to discuss the list of demands the abductors have made to the government, the officer said.

The militants have demanded that all Kuki inmates, lodged in Sajiwa Central Jail in Imphal East, be transferred to Churachandpur in exchange for the hostages, the officer added.

Meanwhile, a large crowd gathered near the Thoubal Mela Ground on Monday evening and blocked Trans Asian Highway-1 (NH-102), demanding that the government ensure the safe rescue of the two hostages from the militants.

Former chief minister and senior Congress leader Okram Ibobi Singh said the three youths were on the same two-wheeler when they were taken hostage. While one was rescued by the Assam Rifles, how come the other two are still under the custody of militants, he asked while talking to reporters.

Both can be rescued easily if the central government intervene in the matter, he added.

AFSPA extended

Meanwhile, the Manipur government on Monday extended the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) by another six months in the ethnic strife-torn state. However, areas under the jurisdiction of 19 police stations falling under the Imphal valley and a region that shares its boundary with Assam were excluded from the extension.

The extension will come into effect from October 1, the states home department said in a notification.

The state government is of the opinion after analysing the prevailing law and order situation in the state that it is not expedient to have a detailed assessment on the ground as security agencies are preoccupied with maintenance of law and order, it added.

The AFSPA extends sweeping powers to the armed forces operating in disturbed areas to search, arrest and open fire if they deem it necessary.
The Centre is set to incentivise states and Union territories to promote efficient reuse of water under an initiative, Jal hi Amrit, under the AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation) 2.0 mission of the Union ministry of housing and urban affairs, officials familiar with the matter said on Tuesday. Most cities across India get water supply on an average for 68 hours, and women and children in urban slums walk for about 44 minutes on average to collect water, according to a 2020 study. (Representational image)

It has been introduced as part of the 100-day agenda of Modi 3.0 government and is expected to serve as a platform for competition among the cities to ensure treated water meets environmental standards on a sustained basis and enable peer learning. A total of 140 sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a combined capacity of 5,000 MLD (million liters per day) have already been onboarded.

The rewards will be based on the performance of STPs under a clean water credit system framework which would be valid for six months. The quantum of money will vary based on the performance and the size of these STPs. The highest reward of 8 crore will be given for STPs of 100 and above MLD achieving a five-star rating while the lowest reward of 0.25 crore will be given for an STP with a capacity of less than 5 MLD and achieving a star rating of 3.

Officials said urban local bodies or parastatals such as Delhi Jal Board (DJB) will fill in details via an online module which will be followed by a third-party verification as done for Swachh Survekshan awards. Further the ministry would also carry out a detailed gap analysis and conduct targeted training programmes based on the assessments.

Shortage of water especially in summers is common occurrence in Indian cities and experts advocate that efficient reusing of water can address these shortages.

A study by think tank Council of Energy, Environment and Water (CEEW) released in March found that more than half of 503 cities in ten states scored between 0.75 and 1.5 out of 5 when assessed on their used water management practices. The same month, the Union government through MoHUA announced Peyjal Survekshan (PJS), comprising 129 individual awards, where cities will be judged on various aspects of urban water management. However, the programme was shelved without any clarification.

The multiple indicator survey (NSS round 78) in 2020-21 said 61.4% of urban households had piped drinking water supply. Most cities across India get water supply on an average for 68 hours, and women and children in urban slums walk for about 44 minutes on average to collect water, according to a 2020 study by researchers at the Madras School of Economics.
RAIPUR: The Chhattisgarh high court on Monday rejected bail petitions filed by a senior suspended state government official Arunapati Tripathi and businessman Trilok Dhillon in the 2,200 crore liquor case, citing the gravity of the charges levelled against them by the Economic Offence Wing (EOW). The two key accused were arrested in May this year by EOW. (Chhattisgarh high court website)

Justice Arvind Kumar Verma ruled that releasing the two accused on bail would not be appropriate given the seriousness of the allegations against them.

In separate petitions, the two accused also questioned the first information report filed by EOW. The high court had reserved its verdict on September 17 after completion of the arguments.

Arunapati Tripathi, who was special secretary of the excise department and former managing director of Chhattisgarh State Marketing Corporation Limited (CSMCL), was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate last year in connection with the liquor case.

EOW also initiated a probe into the case and the use of counterfeit holograms. Tripathi and Dhillon were arrested by EOW in May 2024.

The accused then approached the high court, challenging their arrests. And the second FIR filed by EOW.

The court acknowledged that the applicant has been in custody since May 8, 2024, and several witnesses are yet to be examined by the EOW, with the trial not yet commenced. However, substantial evidence indicates a strong connection between the applicant and other accused persons in the crime, including numerous cash transactions and illegal wealth accumulation, the high court said.

The order added that considering the facts, the nature of the charges, the severity of the punishment, and the Supreme Courts decisions in previous cases, the court emphasized that corruption is a violation of human rights, especially regarding life, liberty, equality, and non-discrimination.

It obstructs the realization of all human rights. Given the serious accusations and the evidence against the applicant, the court concluded that it would not be appropriate to release the applicant on regular bail, it added.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday alleged that the Congress wants to crush the patriotism of the country through casteism and religion.



Addressing an election rally in Haryana's Palwal, Modi said,"Congress kept every issue important for the country entangled. The Congress did not allow Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Congress did not allow the Constitution to be fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir."



ALSO READ: Everyone in Congress wants to be Haryana CM, says PM Modi



They deprived our sisters of reservation in Parliament and Assembly. Congress kept our Muslim sisters entangled in the problem of triple talaq. Congress did not solve the problems of the country and its citizens but instead used all its energy to establish its own family, ANI quoted the prime minister as saying.



ALSO READ: Congress will destroy Haryana if voted to power: PM Modi at Gohana



"I ask the entire country today. Congress has committed so many sins till today, and it still dreams of forming the government. The BJP supporters are patriots. They devise plans to mislead the patriotic people. Congress wants to crush patriotism from this country by propagating casteism, confronting one community against another," he said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi addresses a public meeting ahead of Haryana Assembly elections, in Palwal, Haryana.(PTI)

'MP ne Cong ko din me taara dikha diya: Modi

During the rally, Prime Minister Modi recalled the BJP's landslide victory in the Madhya Pradesh assembly elections last December.



Congress's formula is neither work nor let others work. Congress's politics is limited to false promises, while BJP's politics is focused on hard work and showing results. Congress never works hard, Modi said.



"Congress thought that 10 years had passed, and the people of Haryana would serve them power on a platter. Congress had the same misconception in Madhya Pradesh...par Madhya Pradesh ke logo ne Congress ko din mai tara dikha diya," he added.



The people here are also seeing the conflict that is going on within the Congress in Haryana. The angriest with Congress are from the Dalit, backwards and deprived community. The Dalit community has also decided that they will not become a pawn to enhance the politics of the father and son, he said.



Haryana will vote in a single phased assembly election on October 5. The counting of votes will take place on October 8.

(With ANI inputs)
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has burnished its credentials as a party that fulfils promises made to the people, unlike the Congress that has a track record of putting a halt on development wherever it comes to power, defence minister Rajnath Singh said on Monday. Defence minister Rajnath Singh. (PTI)

Addressing a rally in Raipur Rani in poll-bound Haryana, Singh said the October 5 elections is a battle between vikas (development) that the BJP represents and vinash (destruction) that the Congress stands for.

The ruling BJP in Haryana is hoping to win a third consecutive term in the next months polls while the Congress is hoping to ride on its momentum from the Lok Sabha elections to a rare assembly win.

The young people in Haryana have contributed in making Indias borders safe. Haryana is where Kurukshetra is, and it was here that Lord Krishna gave the Bhagavad Gita to the world. This battle is between vikas and vinash, Singh told the crowd.

The BJP is in politics not only to form the government but for nation building. In the last 10 years, who can deny the fact that Indias heft has increased across international platforms. When India speaks today, the people listen, he added.

The Union minister said India has made rapid strides in the economic sector and the day is not far when the country, by 2027, will become the largest economy after the United States and China.

Accusing the Congress of halting development, Singh said: The Congress has a way of daydreaming. But whenever they come to power, they put a full stop on all development. (In Haryana) they are fighting among themselves on who will be the chief ministerial face everyone wants to be the groom; the rest are angry uncles

The BJP has been targeting the Congress over alleged infighting in its Haryana unit and even claimed that the opposition partys Dalit face in the state and Lok Sabha MP Kumari Selja is unhappy with her party over ticket distribution and has decided to stay away from the poll campaign. Former Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar had also invited Selja to join the BJP. Selja, however, dismissed talk of discord within the Congress ranks and a possible switch to the BJP, and asserted that the party will form the next government in the state.

Alleging that the Congress always failed to keep its promises made to the people, Singh cited the case of Himachal Pradesh where the party assured financial aid to women but is allegedly yet to disburse any money.

They have still not met that promise of paying 1,500 per month to the women. The BJP, on the other hand, has done what it promised take for example our promise to abrogate Article 370 (in Jammu & Kashmir), he said referring to the Centres 2019 decision to scrap the provision that provided special status to the region.

Singh also said that in the last 10 years, no one could make a single accusation of irregularities against the BJP-led governments at the Centre and in the state. There are no accusations against any ministers of the BJP. During Congress rule, even serving ministers have had to serve time, he said.

His remarks came at a time Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah is facing a probe in the Mysuru Urban Development Authority scam.
A consumer court in Delhi on Monday ordered the freezing of Yes Securities (India) Ltds (YSIL) bank accounts for failing to comply with its earlier judgment that directed the company to refund a consumers subscription money along with compensation for mental agony and harassment. In its January judgment, the court found YSIL guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice and ordered the company to refund the full subscription amount with interest and compensation. (REUTERS)

The Delhi district consumer disputes redressal commission (north district), led by commission president Divya Jyoti Jaipuriar, took serious note of the non-compliance of the order in execution by the full-service stockbroking firm.

According to the commission, despite being granted sufficient time, YSIL did not execute its January 18 order requiring the wholly owned subsidiary of Yes Bank Ltd to refund 59,000 ( 50,000 plus GST) along with 9% annual interest. The firm was also ordered to pay an additional 50,000 as compensation to the complainant, who accused YSIL of not delivering the services promised under a subscription plan. The judgment, passed nearly nine months ago, has remained unenforced, noted the commission, prompting it to take strict action.

During the hearing on Monday, the commission, also comprising Harpreet Kaur Charya and Ashwani Kumar Mehta as members, expressed its dissatisfaction with YSILs repeated delays and lack of compliance. The companys legal representative informed the court that YSIL intended to challenge the original order, but this was dismissed as an unjustifiable reason for further delay. The commission emphasised that the limitation period for challenging the judgment had long passed, noting that YSIL had more than ample time to contest the ruling.

In its order, the commission stated: Sufficient time has already been elapsed and the JD (judgment debtor) has not complied with order in execution. The limitation period for challenging the order has also elapsed. The averment that the JD is intending to challenge the order in execution after more than nine months since the order in execution was passed, is not a justifiable reason for not complying with the order. It further stated that on the previous hearing date, the court had made it clear that no further opportunities would be granted to YSIL to comply with the ruling.

As a result of the continued non-compliance, the commission directed the freezing of the companys two bank accounts  a Yes Bank account in Mumbai and an HDFC bank account in Mumbai, to enforce the judgment.

The commisison directed the branch managers of Yes Bank and HDFC Bank to immediately freeze any debit transactions on the listed accounts. The banks are required to submit a compliance report to the court within one week, with the matter next listed on October 8.

The case originates from a complaint filed under Section 35 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, in which a senior citizen accused YSIL of failing to provide promised services after subscribing to their Premium Research Service (PRS) Silver plan. The complainant had paid 59,000, expecting assistance in converting physical shares to a Demat account and receiving market research and investment suggestions. However, the services were not rendered, leading to the legal dispute.

In its January judgment, the court found YSIL guilty of deficiency in service and unfair trade practice and ordered the company to refund the full subscription amount with interest and compensation. While YSIL did refund 50,000 to the complainant in February 2023, it failed to refund the remaining 9,000, which led to the continued legal proceedings.
Sonam Wangchuk detained news updates: Delhi chief minister Atishi on Tuesday alleged that she was not allowed to meet climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who was detained on Monday night from Singhu border while trying to enter the national capital with his supporters, at the Bawana Police Station on Tuesday. Delhi chief minister Atishi speaks with the media.(PTI file)

I came here to meet Sonam Wangchuk. He is an environmentalist and educationist. Everybody knows him. He was coming to Delhi from Ladakh with 150 people to raise their voice. However, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government arrested him from the Delhi border. The people of Ladakh want democratic rights. They dont want L-G leadership Although I am was allowed to enter the police station, I was not allowed to meet him," Atishi told reporters.

Earlier, reports claimed that Atishi was stopped outside the Bawana Police Station. Atishi reached the police station around 1pm but was stopped by police officers, the Aam Aadmi Party said in a statement.

Today the central government of the Bharatiya Janata Party leaves no stone unturned in killing democracy, snatching the right to vote. Why were they arrested? Why am I being stopped from meeting them? Because the Bharatiya Janata Party is afraid of democracy and today I am saying with confidence that if such dictatorship of the Bharatiya Janata Party continues, the LG rule will end in Ladakh, the LG rule will end in Delhi and the rule of the Bharatiya Janata Party will end in the central government here as well, she added.

A heavy deployment has been put in place around the Bawana Police Station, situated on the Delhi-Haryana border.

Sonam Wangchuk's supporters who were also detained have been kept at several other police stations at Delhi borders.

Around 120 people from Ladakh, including Sonam Wangchuk, were marching towards Delhi demanding sixth schedule status for the Union Territory when they were detained.

Sonam Wangchuk is leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' which began from Leh a month ago.

Huge protest in Ladakh

Meanwhile, a large number of people gathered in Ladakh to protest against the detention of people. People took to the streets in Leh to demand the release of Sonam Wangchuk and chanted slogans of "Delhi Police Shame Shame".

Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa on Tuesday arrived at the Singhu border. Speaking to news agency ANI, Hanifa said everyone is aware of how Ladakh has been having talks with the government for protecting the environmental and constitutional rights.

"We are all aware of for the last three years, we had been fighting for our rights peacefully. We even had talks with the government for the same but they stopped after the elections and the formation of the new government. We set out on foot from Leh under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body to present our views to the government. After Wangchuk was detained by the police, we marched to discuss our issues with the government. However, Wangchuk and the members, including several women, were detained at different areas," Hanifa said.

(With inputs from agencies)
After Supreme Court's stern remarks on the matter of air pollution in Delhi, the Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) deployed flying squads across the national capital to prevent farmers in Haryana and Punjab from burning stubble and improperly disposing agricultural waste, reported NDTV.



HT cannot independently verify this information. CAQM deployed flying squads to prevent air pollution in Delhi (HT Photo)

The CAQM, a central body set up to monitor air pollution and quality in Delhi, said in a statement that the flying squads will collaborate with state anti-pollution bodies to cover 10 districts in Haryana and 16 in Punjab to take preventative measures for air pollution in Delhi.

This comes after Supreme Court Justices Abhay S Oka and AG Masih on Friday questioned the authorities on the deteriorating air quality index of Delhi, which has become an annual winter occurrence in the national capital due to stubble burning, vehicular pollution and construction dust.

The apex court was unimpressed when told that the CAQM only meets once every three months, and slammed the anti-pollution body for complete non-compliance with the law.

Have committees been constituted? Please show us a single step taken, which directions have you used... Just see the affidavit. Show us a single direction issued under S 12 and others, the Supreme Court bench said on Friday.

As per the CAQM statement, the flying squads will visit the hotspot districts in Punjab and Haryana between October 1 to November 30. They will coordinate with state administration and local officials regarding stubble burning and pollution issues.

The squads will report to the Commission and CPCB on a daily basis, including steps taken to prevent further incidents of paddy stubble burning in the allocated district, the statement said.

Last week, the air quality index in Delhi fell to 235, landing in the poor category, for the first time in four months. The CAQM said that the primary reason for deteriorating air quality in the capital is vehicular pollution. Notably, the air quality in Delhi during the November-December period at times falls to 500++, leading to respiratory illnesses and disrupting daily life for citizens.
Juan Pablo Kosec couldn't hide his excitement after making a 'beautiful' discovery on Tamborine Mountain in Queensland.

Juan Pablo Kosec's spent six hours digging at Thunderbird Park on Tamborine Mountain but didn't discover a thunder egg until he was about to leave. Source: Supplied

A man has made a very rare find just off a path on an Aussie mountain after spending six hours scouring the dirt hardly knowing what he was doing, or looking for.

A curious and determined Juan Pablo Kosec made the beautiful discovery last month during his first-ever mining trip at Queenslands popular tourist destination, Thunderbird Park. The attraction, which is also a caravan and campsite, stretches over 112 hectares on Tamborine Mountain, which is famous for its crystals and gemstones.

After spending most of the day digging with a pick, Kosec told Yahoo News he was just about to give up when he spotted a hidden treasure from the corner of his eye.

At the end [I had] sore hands and [was] pretty tired, and my girlfriend told me that it was time to leave, the 33-year-old from Uruguay, who has lived in Australia for five years, said.

As the couple walked along the path to make their way out of the parks mine, Kosec said he was scanning the floor when he saw something that appeared to be a thunder egg.

It was pretty much on the surface, he explained.

Thunder eggs are spherical objects that form in volcanic rocks and open to reveal a mineral formation inside. Source: Supplied

Thunder egg opened to reveal incredible pattern

Thunder eggs are spherical objects that form in volcanic rocks and open to reveal an interesting mineral formation inside. They can be found in certain areas around the country with some deposits dating back 120 million years ago.

I didnt know at that time it was going to be like that inside, he told Yahoo. So after finding it we headed back to the Thunderbird Park workers and asked them to cut it because we were really excited to see how it looked inside  then boom. Surprise.

After splitting the 800g rock in half, the group discovered both sides lined with black druzy quartz and a second yellow quartz growing in the middle. The shocked staff said it was a great find, the 33-year-old recalled.

Excited about his score, Kosec joined several rock fossicking groups on Facebook to learn more about it.

Kosec also found a little blue crystal, but doesn't know yet if it's a sapphire or glass. Source: Supplied

Aussie fossickers praise 'very rare' find

The pictures attracted a lot of attention online, with one mineral hunter describing the thunder egg as a very rare specimen to get at Thunderbird Park.

Very few finds have hollow inclusions like that and to have a different colour nodule of chalcedony in the centre is super rare, he added.

Never saw one like that before. Well done, said another person who had worked at the tourist park and grew up in the area.

While thunder eggs may not be worth a lot, Kosec said his treasure now holds a sentimental value and has opened a new world for me.

Now I want to go fossicking every time I can, he added.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with dozens of activists from Ladakh, was detained at the Delhi border on late Monday night as he attempted to march into the capital. This prompted the ruling Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to attack BJP, and alleging that chief minister Atishi was prevented from meeting Wangchuk on Tuesday. Ladakh educationist Sonam Wangchuk (Ravi Kumar/HT)(Ravi Kumar/Hindustan Times )

Wangchuk was leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', which began from Leh a month ago. He and around 120 others from Ladakh were detained on Monday night, reported PTI.

Police officials told PTI that Wangchuk and others in the protest march were detained for violating prohibitory orders and were taken to different police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area and Alipur. The police reportedly urged them to return from the border since Section 163 of BNS is imposed in the national capital.

Why is Sonam Wangchuk leading a protest march to Delhi?

Sonam Wangchuk, a celebrated innovator and educator, highlighted in recent years the issues related to the autonomy of the administration of Ladakh. In 2019, Wangchuk wrote a letter to the Ministry of Tribal Affairs to grant Scheduled Area status to Ladakh under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution of India.

The same year, students in Ladakh protested for the same demand. The protests were supported by former MP Thupstan Chhewang, who then created the Leh Apex Body (ABL). The protests were also backed by the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The ABL and KDA have been spearheading an agitation for the past four years to demand statehood for Ladakh, seek its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Wangchuk has asserted that the protections under the Sixth Schedule for Ladakh were a poll promise of the BJP in the 2019 general elections, and the government should keep its word.

Earlier this year, talks between ABL-KDA and the Union Home Ministry regarding the issue reached an impasse, following which Wangchuk and other activists began a fast in Leh for 21 days.

Wangchuk's detention sparks political outrage

Wangchuk and the other members of the group had sought official permission and even emailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah but that information was used to detain the protesters, claimed a representative. They also said that the activist was not allowed to meet his lawyer.

Delhi chief minister Atishi said that she went to Bawana police station to meet the innovator but was not allowed to do so. Extending her government's support for Sonam Wangchuk, Atishi said that his detention shows the dictatorship of BJP. We strongly condemn it. Ladakh should get the status of a full state and Delhi should also get the status of a full state, she said.

Congress general secretary KC Venugopal said that several leaders from the party have also been detained along with Wangchuk, and questioned how they can remain detained for more than 24 hours.

I don't understand the manner in which the government is going. Sonam Wangchuk is a very respectable personality of Ladakh. People respect him all over India. They have planned a peaceful march from Ladakh to Rajghat. They hav been walking from Ladakh but not a single incident happened. Many Congress leaders have also been detained with them, Venugopal said.
The government on Monday opposed the petition filed by the Union Bank of India requesting the transfer of the investigation into the alleged multi-crore Valmiki corporation irregularities case to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). The case was presented before the Karnataka high court, where the state argued against the central agencys involvement. The case was presented before the Karnataka high court, where the state argued against the central agencys involvement. (File photo)

Senior advocate BV Acharya, representing the state, informed justice M Nagaprasanna that allowing the CBI to take over the investigation would effectively undermine the states federal authority. The CBI has no inherent power to entertain or investigate any case. The states powers cannot be interfered with by the Central government. The polices power is a statutory one and consistent with the Constitutional provisions. The CBI means the Union government, the legal website Bar and Bench quoted the lawyer.

The advocate further noted that the central government was effectively involved in the case through the CBI and Union Bank, even though it was not an official party to the proceedings.

The alleged case, which involves the misappropriation of funds from the Karnataka Maharshi Valmiki Scheduled Tribes Development Corporation, came to public attention in May following the suicide of the corporations accounts superintendent. He left behind a note accusing officials of mishandling welfare funds.

In response to these allegations, the Karnataka government established a Special Investigation Team, while the Enforcement Directorate (ED) initiated its own inquiry. The EDs investigation revealed that approximately 90 crore had been unlawfully transferred from the Valmiki Corporations Union Bank account to unauthorized accounts.

In opposition to the banks petition during the hearing at the high court, senior advocate Professor Ravivarma Kumar, representing the Valmiki corporation, described the petition as a proxy petition.

Attorney General of India R Venkatramani, appearing on behalf of the Union Bank, countered the argument about the CBIs affiliation with the central government. He stated, I am not getting into the argument whether the CBI is the alter ego of the central government or not because that is not relevant to the case. What the RBI says is that the CBI is the only investigating authority in such cases. 35A is an overarching set of provisions, and any systemic risk to the banking functions will all fall under 35A.

Justice Nagaprasanna has reserved his orders on the matter and will evaluate two key points regarding the maintainability of the petition. The first involves determining whether the case should be referred to the Supreme Court under Article 131, which grants original jurisdiction over disputes between states and the Union government. The second point concerns the applicability of the Reserve Bank of Indias master circular under Section 35A of the Banking Regulation Act, which stipulates that banking frauds above a certain amount must be investigated by the CBI.
A city civil court on Monday adjourned the hearing of a bail plea filed by Kannada actor Darshan Thoogudeepa, Pavithra Gowda, and others in connection with the Renukaswamy murder case. The case, which has drawn significant public attention, involves the murder of 33-year-old Renukaswamy, allegedly orchestrated by Darshan and his associates. Following over 100 days of imprisonment, Darshans legal team submitted a fresh bail application to the court on September 4, but the case has seen several adjournments since (ANI)

At the hearing held at the 57th additional city civil and sessions court, advocate Sunil Kumar, representing Darshan, requested additional time to present his arguments. He cited objections raised by the special public prosecutor and informed the court that a senior advocate on Darshans legal team was unavailable due to personal reasons. In response, justice Jaishankar granted the request and postponed the hearing until October 4. The court also adjourned the bail pleas of the other accused to the same date.

This development follows the release of three associates of Darshan on bail. On September 23, Keshavamurthy, one of the accused, was granted bail by the Karnataka high court under an order issued by justice Vishwajit Shetty. Earlier on the same day, Nikhil Naik and Karthik, two other accused in the case, were granted bail by a sessions court.

The murder case of Renukaswamy attracted widespread attention due to Darshans alleged involvement. Police investigations revealed that Darshan, along with Pavithra Gowda and 15 others, were accused of orchestrating the murder.

The incident reportedly stemmed from obscene messages sent by a fan of the actor to Pavithra Gowda, which allegedly enraged Darshan. According to the police, Renukaswamy was lured to a farmhouse under the guise of meeting the actor. It was there that he was tortured and murdered, with Darshan allegedly playing a key role in the crime.The Kamakshipalya police, who are leading the investigation, filed a comprehensive 3,991-page charge sheet against Darshan and the other accused earlier this month. Darshan, Pavithra, and others have been in custody since June. Following over 100 days of imprisonment, Darshans legal team submitted a fresh bail application to the court on September 4, but the case has seen several adjournments since.

The case gained further notoriety in August when Darshan was transferred from Bengalurus Parappana Agrahara Central Jail to Ballari Prison. The transfer came after a video, purportedly showing the actor smoking within jail premises, went viral on social media, raising concerns about his behaviour while in custody.
Senior Indian and Canadian diplomats have met at least twice in recent months to discuss activities of pro-Khalistan elements in the North American country, with the Indian side raising its concerns about threats held out against its diplomats in Canada, people familiar with the matter said. FILE - Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, left, walks past India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi as they take part in a wreath-laying ceremony at Raj Ghat, Mahatma Gandhi's cremation site, during the G20 Summit in New Delhi (AP FILE)

The meetings between the diplomats were a follow-up to meetings between senior Indian and Canadian security officials since the beginning of the year that were first reported by HT. While the killing Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year was part of these talks, the dialogue focused on taking forward bilateral ties, including the revival of working group meetings, the people from both sides added on condition of anonymity.

Addressing irritant in ties.

Weldon Epp, the assistant deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada handling the Indo-Pacific region, met secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry, Jaideep Mazumdar, on the margins of Asean-related meetings in the Laos capital of Vientiane in the first week of June, the people said. Both diplomats were in Laos for a meeting of senior officials of the Asean Regional Forum (ARF).

Epp subsequently travelled to New Delhi for another meeting with Mazumdar, the people said. The secretary (East) is responsible for overseeing relations with Canada.

The Indian side raised its concerns about activities of pro-Khalistan elements in Canada, especially threats against Indian diplomats and diplomatic premises, the people said. These concerns were raised in the context of numerous Khalistani activists and groups having been banned under Indias anti-terrorism laws.

During the discussions, the Canadian side informed New Delhi that Ottawa doesnt approve of anti-India protests by pro-Khalistan elements, which are lawful but awful, the people said. That formulation or an iteration of it has been used in other discussions, including those between Canadas foreign minister Melanie Joly and her Indian counterpart S Jaishankar, they said.

There was no official word from the Indian side on the meetings.

Both sides felt there was a need to have a conversation away from the public glare so that important issues could be discussed and ways found to take the relationship forward, one of the people cited above said.

The talks have mainly been constructive, a second person said. Canada is better sensitised, this person said, referring to Indias concerns. The outcome has been the sense that functional joint committees should take place, the person added.

India has been particularly irked by a series of posters targeting the most senior Indian diplomats in Canada, including high commissioner Sanjay Verma. Newer versions have featured the Indian Prime Minister and Cabinet members, including Jaishankar. India has also complained, including through notes verbale or unsigned diplomatic correspondence, to Canadas foreign ministry about floats depicting the assassination of late prime minister Indira Gandhi.

Meanwhile, the next hearing in the case against the four men  Karan Brar, 22, Kamalpreet Singh, 22, Karanpreet Singh, 28, and Amandeep Singh, 22  accused of involvement in the killing of Nijjar is scheduled for October 1, the people said. Canadian prosecutors are expected to present evidence running into thousands of pages at the hearing, they added.

This is expected to result in a continuance of several weeks to allow the defence to study the evidence, the people said.

Nijjar, shot dead in Surrey on June 18 last year, was declared a terrorist by India in 2020. New Delhi dismissed as absurd Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus allegations in September 2023 of a potential link between Indian government agents and the killing of the Khalistani activist.

The meetings between the diplomats of the two sides followed two unannounced visits to India by former Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS) director David Vigneault in February and March. Vigneault subsequently met a senior Indian intelligence official in a third country twice after the Lok Sabha elections, as first reported by HT. The Indian envoy met Canadas National Security and Intelligence Advisor (NSIA) Nathalie G Drouin four times this year.

While testifying before the Canadian House of Commons standing committee on foreign affairs in February 2024, Epp said the two countries had long-standing exchanges on (Khalistani separatism), and in some cases weve been able to advance those exchanges through structures.
NEW DELHI: Indias plans to acquire Rafale Marine combat jets and additional Scorpene submarines as well as the Ukraine conflict figured in National Security Adviser Ajit Dovals talks with top French officials in Paris. National Security Adviser Ajit Doval also called on French President Emmanuel Macron and conveyed PM Modis greetings. (X/IndiaembFrance)

Doval is in France for the bilateral strategic dialogue with Emmanuel Bonne, the French presidents diplomatic advisor. He also met French armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and President Emmanuel Macron.

The Indian embassy in Paris said in a post on X that the dialogue between Doval and Lecornu aimed at deepening bilateral defence cooperation and advancing space collaboration but did not give details. They also shared insights on the evolving international geopolitical landscape, the embassy said.

In a separate post, Lecornu said that he and Doval discussed our bilateral defence cooperation: Rafale Marine, Scorpene submarines, space. He added they also discussed the international situation, especially in Ukraine.

The Indian side is currently engaged in negotiations with the French government for acquiring 26 Rafale Marine jets for the Indian Navy. Some of these jets, the naval variant of the Rafale jet already in service with the Indian Air Force, will be deployed on an aircraft carrier. The two sides have been engaged in commercial discussions on the jet deal for more than a year.

India is also eyeing an order for three additional Kalvari-class submarines, a variant of the French Scorpene submarine. The Indian Navy has already acquired six submarines of this class.

The main objective of Dovals visit was the bilateral strategic dialogue, the first major engagement between the two countries since Macron visited India in January to participate in the Republic Day celebrations.

Doval and Bonne led the strategic dialogue, which anchors the India-France strategic partnership of great trust and comfort, and high ambitions and responsibilities in the Indo-Pacific and beyond, and from cyber to space, the Indian embassy said in a post on X without giving details.

Doval subsequently met Macron and reiterated Indias commitment to implement the Horizon 2047 roadmap with France. This is a framework for close cooperation in a range of strategic areas up to the year 2047.

Doval also conveyed Prime Minister Narendra Modis greetings to the French leader. Macron stressed the value of India-France efforts to advance peace and address global challenges and appreciated PM Modis initiatives in this regard, the Indian embassy said.

France is among Indias closest strategic partners in the West and has been a key supplier of sophisticated military hardware. The two sides have also stepped up their cooperation in the Indo-Pacific.
Gujarat police have arrested two for trying to sabotage a passenger train by placing an iron slab on the tracks in Botad district. Officials said that the accused planned to rob the passengers after bringing the train derailed or came to a halt. The accused plan to rob the passengers after derailing the train.(Representative image)

The incident occurred on September 25 at around 3 am near Kundli village. A potential disaster was averted as the train did not derail after hitting the piece of iron.

"The Okha-Bhavnagar passenger train (19210) passing through Ranpur police station limits in Botad district hit a four feet-long piece of old rail placed on the track next to cement sleepers around 3 am," Superintendent of Police, Botad, Kishor Baloliya, said.

"The train hit the piece of iron rail placed in a standing position in the middle of the track, following which it was halted there for several hours," he added.

Sabotage Investigation

Investigations revealed that two accused, Ramesh and Jayesh, conspired to loot passengers' belongings after the train's potential derailment. Both have been arrested.

"As it is a very serious offence Botad district police, Railway Protection Force, ATS, and various agencies of the Center carried out the investigation. Two accused in this incident, Ramesh and Jayesh have been arrested. They had conspired to loot money and other belongings of the passengers after the train would have derailed in the nearby fields," Kishor Baloliya said.

Also read: Unions cry foul after Railways dismisses Gonda train accident whistleblower

This incident follows Monday's arrest of three railway employees in Surat for alleged track tampering and fabricating a sabotage threat to gain recognition.

They had informed the railway authorities about some "miscreants" removing elastic clips and two fishplates from one set of tracks and placing them on another to derail a train.

They indulged in the act to ensure they would be felicitated and be deployed on night duty further, which would give them time to spend with the family during the day, officials said.
An international warrant was issued against a Norwegian-Indian man Rinson Jose for his alleged involvement in the Hezbollah pager blasts that resulted in the death of 39, the Norwegian security forces confirmed, reported AFP. The man, who is reportedly from Kerala, is believed to be behind the sale of the communication devices used by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah. Kerala-born Norwegian businessman Rinson Jose has been accused of selling pagers linked to the Lebanon blasts (Credit: Onmanorama)(Onmanorama)

The devices, allegedly sold by Jose to Hezbollah operators, detonated across Lebanon last month. At least 39 people lost their lives while nearly 3,000 were wounded in an attack widely blamed on Israel, the news agency reported.

The man has been reported missing since the blasts, which led authorities to issue an international arrest warrant against him, Norwegian police said on Thursday.

International Warrant Against Rinson Jose

Norway's National Criminal Investigation Service (Kripos) confirmed to 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.

When a person is missing abroad, Kripos would normally issue a global alert, or so-called "yellow notice", but could also contact its foreign counterparts directly depending on circumstances, its spokesperson told Reuters.

How Is The Indian-Origin Man Linked To Hezbollah Pager Blasts

According to Reuters, Bulgarian authorities launched a probe after it was reported by a Hungarian website Telex that Norta Global -- a company registered in Bulgaria by a Norwegian -- had imported the devices and then delivered them to Hezbollah.

This company was reportedly founded by Rinson Jose in April 2022.

Jose, 39, disappeared while on a work trip to the US during the time the blasts occurred and has been reported missing ever since.

When approached by the news agency Reuters on phone, Jose declined to comment on the pagers and hung up when asked about the Bulgarian business.

Meanwhile, Bulgaria's National Security Agency (SANS) said that the Norwegian company had nothing to do with the sales or delivery of the exploding devices.
Rinson Jose, an Indian-origin man, who has been linked to the Hezbollah pager blasts in Lebanon, has been reported missing since the detonations. An international arrest warrant was also issued by the Norwegian authorities against him. Kerala-born Norwegian businessman Rinson Jose has been accused of selling pagers linked to the Lebanon blasts (Credit: Onmanorama)(Onmanorama)

Jose, who is reportedly from Kerala's Wayanad, was purportedly behind the sale of the communication devices used by the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

The man has been reported missing since the blasts that killed over 30 people in Lebanon prompting security forces to issue an international arrest warrant against him, Norwegian police said on Thursday.

Here are key points on Indian-origin man involved in Hezbollah pager blasts:

1- As per media reports, Rinson Jose was born in Kerala's Wayanad and went to Norway for higher studies a few years ago. He briefly worked in London before he went back to Oslo, where he was settled with his wife before disappearing.

2- Jose's relatives, who are confident that he has no involvement with these blasts, told news agency IANS that he lives in Oslo with his wife. "We speak daily over the phone. However, for the last three days, we have had no contact with Jose. He is a straightforward person and we trust him fully," one of the relatives said.

3- According to his LinkedIn profile, Jose also worked as digital customer support for Norwegian press group DN Media for almost five years, a fact confirmed by news agency AFP. DN Media, however, told a local news outlet that they have not been able to contact him.

4- In 2022, Jose founded Sofia-based company Norta Global Ltd, Bulgaria's corporate registry shows. His company declared revenue of 650,000 euros ($725,000) for consulting activities outside the European Union, AFP reported.

5- Jose also spoke to Reuters recently on the phone but declined to comment on the pagers and hung up when asked about the Bulgarian business. He has been unreachable ever since. Meanwhile, Bulgaria has probed the Jose's company's role in the supply of booby-trapped pagers, but has found no evidence that they were made or exported from the country.

Hezbollah pager blasts

For the unversed, last month, thousands of pagers, as well as walkie-talkies, used by Hezbollah operatives, detonated in Lebanon, killing at least 39 people and wounding thousands.

The attacks were widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement.
Israel launching a ground assault inside Lebanon to 'destroy' terror group Hezbollah has sent shockwaves around the world, with several countries scrambling to evacuate their citizens. India also recently advised its citizens against travelling to Lebanon in light of the ongoing Israel strikes. But according to official data, there are over 4,000 Indians in Lebanon and the Centre has urged all of them to leave at the earliest. Israeli armored personnel carriers and tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border.(AP)

"There are nearly 4000 Indian nationals in Lebanon, with a majority of them employed as workers in companies, construction sector, agricultural farms, etc," says a page on the site of the Indian consulate in Beirut.

The embassy also highlights that they have survived a major civil war in the country, and share good ties with the nation there.

"The fact that India kept its Embassy in Beirut open and functioning throughout the civil war from 1975 to 1990 in contrast to the Embassies of a large number of other countries, is greatly appreciated by the Lebanese, together with India's traditionally strong linkages with the Arab world and our steadfast support for the Palestine cause," the embassy says.

Israeli ground forces today crossed into southern Lebanon, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah terrorists and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries.

Flames rise after an Israeli airstrike in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon.(AP)

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006.

Advisory To Indians In Lebanon

The Indian embassy has urged all citizens not to travel to the region while the conflict is on. The government has also urged all Indian nationals in Lebanon to leave at the earliest.

"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 an advisory.

But no clear plan has yet been announced on whether or not an operation will be launched to evacuate the Indians living in Lebanon's conflict-hit regions.

Watch: Israel- Hezbollah Attack Live| Israeli Tanks Begins Ground Operation In South Lebanon

PM Modi Dials Netanyahu

Prime Minister Narendra Modi also spoke to Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu hours before the ground assault began. The two leaders talked about how terrorism needs to be eliminated so that peace can be restored.

"Spoke to Prime Minister Netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability," PM Modi said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) after the call.

Israel-Hezbollah War

Israel has vowed to step up pressure on Hezbollah until it halts its attacks that have displaced tens of thousands of Israelis from communities near the Lebanese border. The recent fighting has also displaced more than 200,000 Lebanese in the past week, according to the United Nations.

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel has vowed to keep up the strikes and declared a military zone in parts of its border with Lebanon.
A 'rarely ever seen' thresher shark has washed ashore at Seven Mile Beach in the NSW Shoalhaven region. Source: Facebook/Trapman Australia

Following the recent discovery of a rare deep-sea shark that washed ashore along Australia's east coast, a marine biologist has revealed the sad reason why these elusive creatures are hardly ever seen.

This week, a 'magnificent' thresher shark was spotted along the shoreline of Seven Mile Beach, in the Shoalhaven region of the NSW South Coast. Though already deceased and missing some teeth when it was found, photos show the huge fish's incredible length  about three metres according to witnesses.

"Seems like it just washed in with the tide. Some heavy bites to the snout but the worst damage seemed underneath as it was bleeding heavily," a NSW man wrote online of the discovery.

Speaking to Yahoo News Australia, Lawrence Chlebeck, Marine Biologist and Campaigner at the Humane Society International (HSI), said the animal was most likely a common thresher, but could also be a pelagic thresher.

"All three species are globally listed as vulnerable due to catch in commercial fisheries," Chlebeck told Yahoo. "Much of this is bycatch in longline fisheries, or to supply the shark fin trade. Threshers are also popular target species in sport fishing."

All three species of thresher sharks are globally listed as vulnerable due to them being bycatch in commercial fisheries. Source: Facebook/Trapman Australia

Marine biologist's sad revelation

Chlebeck said tragically, the impressive sharks are "pretty rare these days". "And definitely not likely to be found washed ashore," he said.

"They are generally a pelagic (open-ocean) species, but its always possible for them to cruise nearer to the shore. Of course with the changing climate, ocean currents are changing as well, often bringing unexpected species into new areas."

These animals are hardly ever seen in shallow waters, let alone washed up on beaches. Facebook/Trapman Australia

Because of this, we can "expect to see more and more instance of rarely seen creatures" closer to shore in the coming future, Chlebeck added.

Online, Aussies reacted with both excitement and disappointment over the discovery. "Sad end for a magnificent animal, definitely one of my favourite sharks," a man said. "Thats a cool looking tail," said another. "Impressive," another said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

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The Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) on Monday called for the dismissal of M Chandrashekhar, additional director general of police (ADGP) and head of the Lokayukta special investigation team (SIT), accusing him of criminal involvement and misconduct. The controversy erupted after a letter from Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, which alleged Chandrashekhar of allegedly using offensive language (ANI)

A delegation of party members, led by floor leader CB Suresh Babu, submitted a formal complaint to Karnataka chief secretary Shalini Rajneesh on Monday. The leaders asked the state to send a recommendation to the Union home ministry for Chandrashekhars suspension.

ADGP Chandrashekhar must be suspended immediately, and action should be initiated against him for his misconduct, Suresh Babu, pointing to accusations of corruption, extortion, and misbehaviour, said.

His remarks follows the controversy that erupted after a letter from Union minister HD Kumaraswamy, which alleged Chandrashekhar of allegedly using offensive language. Chandrashekhar responded with inappropriate remarks, including telling Kumaraswamy that fighting with pigs would result in getting dirty, Suresh Babu added.

Former Karnataka chief minister Kumaraswamy has intensified his attack on ADGP Chandrashekhar accusing him of corruption and extortion. Kumaraswamy called for Chandrashekhars suspension, accusing the Congress government of misusing government machinery for political purposes.

The allegations came after the Lokayukta police on Friday questioned Kumaraswamy for close to an hour-and-a-half in connection with a 2007 land denotification case. The case is related to 1.11 acres of land at Gangenahalli in northern Bengaluru, that was acquired by the BDA for a layout.

In response to these serious accusations, ADGP Chandrashekhar, in a letter to his colleagues in Lokayukta, dismissed the claims as false and malicious and aimed at obstructing the work of the Lokayukta SIT.

Chandrashekhar concluded his letter by quoting Irish writer George Bernard Shaw: Never wrestle with a pig because youll both get dirty, and the pig likes it. He added, If we engage in a fight with pigs, we end up dirty because pigs thrive in filth. So, we should not wrestle with pigs. Satyameva Jayate.

The JD(S) delegation in their letter raised questions about Chandrashekhars transfer to Karnataka from the Himachal Pradesh cadre. He manipulated records, claiming his wifes illness and weather issues, to secure a transfer to Karnataka, Suresh Babu said.

They further said that Chandrashekhar built ties with people from various sectors, including real estate and business, during his time in Karnataka. Suresh Babu said that these relationships, along with links to anti-social elements, have facilitated Chandrashekhars involvement in serious crimes.

The complaint also highlighted a submission made to the states home ministry earlier in the year, accusing Chandrashekhar and businessman Vijay Tata of blackmail, false case registrations, and extortion. According to the complaint, over 500 cases have been filed against Tata, with Chandrashekhar allegedly intervening to prevent legal action.

Home minister G Parameshwara addressed the ongoing controversy, stating that the SIT, established by law, has a clear mandate to investigate. The police officers will have a mandate of investigation and SIT has been formed lawfully. They will carry out their duties. If the police work is obstructed, they will have their own procedures to deal with it and they will initiate those steps. I wont make any further comments, he said.
The Kerala high court on Monday directed that the mortal remains of veteran Communist leader MM Lawrence be kept in the mortuary at the Ernakulam Government Medical College Hospital (GMCH) as the issue over its donation for research requires to be dealt with in detail. MM Lawrence (Agency)

The HC bench of Justice VG Arun was hearing a petition filed by Lawrences daughter Asha challenging the decision of the advisory committee of the GMCH to accept the remains for advanced research as per the statements of the leaders eldest son and two others.

ML Sajeevan, Lawrences son, told the committee that his father desired to donate his body for medical research. His sister, Sujatha Boban, withdrew her consent given earlier for the body to be donated. Asha also told the committee that there was no written record of her father agreeing to the same and demanded that the remains be handed to her so that they could be buried as per Christian rituals.

Asha told the HC on Monday that there were irregularities in the meeting of the hospitals advisory committee and pointed to her sisters withdrawal of consent for the remains to be donated.

This court is of the opinion that the matter requires to be dealt with in detail. In the meanwhile, the state attorney shall get instructions as to when an authority superior to the officer who passed the impugned order can be directed to decide the issue, the court said, posting the next hearing in the case to Thursday.

Lawrence, a one-time CPM MP and long-time member of the partys central committee, succumbed to age-related illnesses at the age of 95 on September 21. He was an accused in the infamous attack on the Edappally police station in 1950 at a time when the Communist party was banned. He also functioned as the convenor of the LDF for nearly 11 years.
Kolkata doctor rape-murder case: Junior doctors in West Bengal on Tuesday resumed total cease work to press the Mamata Banerjee government on various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments, news agency PTI reported. Junior doctors take out a torch rally as they stage a protest against the alleged sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor of the RG Kar Hospital, in Kolkata on Sunday. (ANI Photo)

The decision was taken after a eight-hour long meeting of the junior doctors. They have placed a set of 10 demands related to strengthening hospital security, improving health infrastructure and putting an end to threat culture and politics in hospitals.

We are compelled to return to a full ceasework starting from today. Unless we receive clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front said in a statement.

The junior doctors had on September 21 rejoined their duties partially at government hospitals after a 42-day protest. They were on a cease work agitation to protest against the rape-murder of an on-duty woman doctor at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata on August 9.

"We do not see any positive approach from the state government to fulfil our demands for safety and security. Today is the 52nd day (of the protest) and we are still being attacked and there is no attempt to keep the other promises made during the meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. In the given situation, we are left with no option other than opting for full cease work, starting today," Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating junior doctors, told PTI.

"Unless we see clear action from the state government on these demands, this complete cease work will continue," he added.

The announcement comes a day after the Calcutta high court on Monday allowed a rally to be held in the metropolis by the Joint Platform of Doctors (JPD) on Tuesday to protest the rape-murder of the trainee medic.

Disposing of a petition by the JPD, Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj directed that a peaceful rally be held between 5pm and 8pm from College Square in north Kolkata to Rabindra Sadan in the south, via Central Avenue and Esplanade.

Although the Kolkata Police had requested a reduction in both the number of participants and the length of the rally route, the court did not impose any such restrictions. Instead, it instructed the authorities, under the supervision of the Joint Commissioner of Police (headquarters) of Kolkata Police, to ensure adequate security measures with sufficient personnel to allow the rally to proceed peacefully.

Justice Bharadwaj also directed the rally organisers to provide enough volunteers to manage their supporters and ensure that the event remains peaceful.

The medics' platform, representing the Association of Health Service Doctors, West Bengal, had approached the Kolkata Police commissioner, seeking permission for a protest rally from College Square to Rabindra Sadan between 5pm and 8pm, expecting around 50,000 participants.

However, the joint commissioner of police (headquarters) informed the organisers that the rally could proceed with only 1,000 participants and sufficient volunteers, but the route would be from College Square to Rani Rashmoni Avenue at Esplanade.

In response, the JPD challenged these restrictions in the high court, arguing that since the public was voluntarily joining the protest, limiting the number of participants was not enforceable.

The body of the postgraduate trainee, found with severe injuries, was discovered in the seminar hall of RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.

(With inputs from PTI)
The Congress in Maharashtra launched an election campaign based on Kiran Rao directed movie Laapataa Ladies to highlight alleged failure of chief minister Eknath Shinde government over women's safety in the state, NDTV reported. New posters put up by the Congress in Maharashtra.(@hayatabbas110)

"64,000 women missing in a year" claim posters put up by the Congress in Marathi. The posters also feature silhouettes of Eknath Shinde, deputy chief ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.

The number of women claimed to be missing by the Congress is based on a statement made by Devendra Fadnavis in the state assembly in August. "Women's safety is a cause of concern for the country. In Maharashtra, around 64,000 girls and women go missing every year and during Covid in 2019 and 2020 the number was the same. In 2021, 61,000 cases were registered. 87% of them have returned home, while in 2022, 86% of the missing girls and women have returned. We have been taking steps to bring this percentage down," Fadnavis had said.

The posters also feature silhouettes of Shinde, deputy chief ministers Ajit Pawar and Devendra Fadnavis.(@hayatabbas110)

Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana

Ahead of upcoming Maharashtra assembly election, the Bharatiya Janata Party-led state government has been reaching out to women voters across the state. The parties' part of the alliance - Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde), Ajit Pawar's NCP and the BJP -have been highlighting the Majhi Ladki Bahin Yojana during their election rallies.

Under the income support scheme, eligible women between 21 to 65 years of age, with family annual income less than 2.5 lakh, will receive up to 1,500 per month. The Women Empowerment Mission, launched in October last year by the Shinde government, aims to bring all schemes of the state and Union governments relating to socio-economic development of women onto one platform. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will also participate in an event connected to the scheme on October 5 in Thane.

(With inputs from PTI)
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday said that the situation along the contested Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh stable, but not normal, amid the dragging military standoff with China. He also said that trust has become the biggest casualty amid the standoff. (Hindustan Times)

The situation is sensitive, he said at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue 2024, an event organised by the Indian Army in collaboration with the think tank Centre for Land Warfare Studies.

He also said that trust has become the biggest casualty amid the standoff.

Positive signalling is coming from the diplomatic side, but execution of the ground is dependent on military commanders of both sides, he said.

What we must understand is that the diplomatic side gives you options and possibilities. But when it comes to execution on the ground, it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take those decisions. So, what is the situation today  it is stable but not normal, and sensitive.

Also Read: Army chief generals visit to Manipur shows Centre keen to restore peace: CM

The military standoff between India and China in eastern Ladakh is now in its fifth year, with no indication of an immediate resolution to the outstanding problems along LAC even as India is hoping that ongoing negotiations with the neighbour will help restore the status quo ante of April 2020.

What are we wanting? We are wanting is that the situation what was there pre-April 2020 be restored, whether it is the ground occupation situation, buffer zones or patrolling. Till the time that situation is not restored, as far as we are concerned, we are fully operationally ready for any kind of contingency, he said.

India and China have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks to cool tensions along LAC.

And we have come a long way. The low hanging fruit has already been resolved...Everything is on the (negotiating) table along the northern front, including Depsang and Demchok, the army chief said.

The talks have thus far resulted in four rounds of disengagement from Galwan Valley, Pangong Tso, Gogra (PP-17A) and Hot Springs (PP-15), but problems at Depsang and Demchok are still unresolved.

Both armies still have tens of thousands of troops each and advanced weaponry deployed in the Ladakh theatre.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated Indias opposition to terrorism and simultaneously urged his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent regional escalation, saying New Delhi will support for early restoration of peace in West Asia. A Palestinian rescue worker in Gaza. (AFP)

Modi made the remarks during a conversation with Netanyahu that focused on the latest developments in West Asia. The interaction came days after an Israeli air strike in Lebanon killed senior Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, triggering fears about an escalation of the conflict in Gaza.

Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world, Modi said in a post on X.

It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability, he added, referring to scores of Israelis who continue to be held by Hamas after being abducted during the terror attacks of October 7, 2023.

The development came hours after the Israel army on Monday said its forces eliminated Hamass leader in Lebanon. Overnight ... the IAF (air force) struck and eliminated the terrorist Fatah Sharif, head of the Lebanon branch in the Hamas terrorist organisation, the military said in a statement.

Sharif was responsible for coordinating Hamas terror activities in Lebanon with Hezbollah operatives. He was also responsible for Hamas efforts in Lebanon to recruit operatives and acquire weapons, the statement said. Hamas said that Sharif was killed in an air strike on his home in the Al-Bass camp in southern Lebanon. The group said he was killed with his wife, son and daughter in a terrorist and criminal assassination.

Separately, an airstrike on Monday hit an apartment building in central Beirut  the first to hit in the heart of the Lebanese capital in nearly a year of conflict  and killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist Palestinian faction.

Modis call for restrain is significant in the context of remarks by several Israeli officials about a possible incursion by ground forces into Lebanon. Israel has also mounted air strikes on Iran-aligned groups in Syria and Yemen. Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khameneis has pledged to avenge the killing of Nasrallah, and experts believe any attack by Tehran could intensify the conflict in West Asia.

India initially expressed solidarity with Israel after the October 7 terror attacks but subsequently adopted a more nuanced position in view of its growing strategic ties with several Arab states, including Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Indian side has pushed for an immediate end to hostilities, release of hostages, resumption of humanitarian aid for Gaza, and the resumption of diplomacy and dialogue that leads to a two-State solution.

Modis conversation with Netanyahu came a little more than a week after his meeting with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on the sidelines of the Summit of the Future in New York on September 22. During that meeting, Modi expressed deep concern at the humanitarian crisis in Gaza and the deteriorating security situation in the region and reiterated Indias support to the people of Palestine, including humanitarian assistance.

He reiterated Indias time-tested principled position on the Israel-Palestine issue and called for a ceasefire and return to the path of dialogue. He also stressed that only a two-state solution will deliver enduring peace and stability in the region.

Meanwhile, Netanyahu told Iranians in a brief video message on Monday that nowhere in the Middle East was beyond Israels reach. Speaking in English, he blamed the Iranian government for plunging the region deeper into war at the cost of its own people. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country, he said.

He accused the Iranian government of bringing its people closer to the abyss, and said the two sides will be at peace when Iran is finally free. He also referred to Nasrallah, killed on Saturday in Beirut, as a puppet of the Iranian regime.

Irans foreign ministry said the country wont deploy forces to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel. There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, said foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani, adding Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression.

However, Kanani said Israel will not remain without reprimand and punishment for the crimes it has committed against the Iranian people, military personnel and the resistance forces.
The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) on Tuesday decided to take back the 14 plots of land allocated to Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiahs wife Paravathi, following a request made by her on Monday. Karnataka chief minister Siddaramaiah. (PTI)

The process will begin now. I will write to the sub-registrar to initiate the cancellation (of the land deed) and discuss the next steps. Once the title deeds in Parvathis name are cancelled, all 14 sites of various dimensions in Vijayanagar Third and Fourth Stages will revert to MUDA ownership, said MUDA commissioner A N Raghunandan.

We will take back the sites if anyone wants to surrender it. We cant refuse, if they want to give back the MUDA plot, he added.

On Tuesday, Parvathis son and member of legislative council (MLC), Yathindra Siddaramaiah, personally submitted a letter to the MUDA office on her behalf, officially confirming her decision to give up the sites.

Raghunandan confirmed receipt of the letter, saying, I have received the letter from CM Siddaramaiahs wife regarding the return of the 14 sites. Yathindra Siddaramaiah came to our office and submitted the letter. They have voluntarily requested us to take back the sites.

The controversy revolves around a land parcel measuring three acres and 16 guntas in the Devanur 3rd Stage layout in Mysuru. Siddaramaiah claims that the land was gifted to his wife by her brother Mallikarjuna in 1998. However, activist Snehamayi Krishna has alleged that the land was actually acquired illegally by Mallikarjuna in 2004, using forged documents with the help of government officials. Krishna further claims that Parvathi sought compensation for the land in 2014, during Siddaramaiahs term as chief minister.

In response to these claims, MUDA allocated 38,284 square feet of residential sites in the Vijayanagar 3rd and 4th Stage layouts to Parvathi under the 50:50 scheme. This scheme, designed to compensate land losers, provides 50% of developed land in return for the land lost. The allocation raised questions because the market value of the residential plots in Vijayanagar is significantly higher than that of the original land.

Raghunandan said that MUDA would proceed after consulting legal experts before taking further action, given that the investigation is still underway. Since the case is under investigation, we will take legal advice before making any decision. The Lokayukta police have asked for some documents, which we will provide. No documents have been asked from the ED, and we will fully cooperate in the investigation, he said.

Asked about the legality of reclaiming the sites amidst the ongoing inquiry, Raghunandan said, We will act on the procedure for taking back possession of the sites after obtaining a legal opinion, while also mentioning that there is no fixed timeline for addressing Parvathis request.

Meanwhile, Lokayukta police, who had earlier registered a first information report (FIR) against Siddaramaiah, Parvathi, and others, conducted a spot inspection of the original land in Kesare on Tuesday. Petitioner Snehamayi Krishna accompanied the investigation team during the inspection, which took place at the site where Parvathis land had been used for a layout.

Krishna said that the inspection was carried out following a phone call from the Lokayukta police requesting additional information about the land in question. I have submitted the documents while filing the complaint. My complaint is not personal against Siddaramaiah. I insist on a comprehensive investigation into all irregularities that have occurred in MUDA over the years, he said.

Commenting on Parvathis decision to surrender the sites, Krishna said, I do not make false accusations. I have evidence. I have won all the previous cases, and I am confident of winning this one as well. The move to return the sites is a first step towards my victory in my fight.

The investigation team, along with officials from MUDAs Town Planning Department and the Revenue and Survey Department, measured the land and reviewed the area under investigation. Krishna explained that while he hadnt received any notice requesting further documents, he was prepared to provide whatever was needed.

On Monday, Parvathi made public her decision to return the sites, just days after an FIR was filed and after the Enforcement Directorate (ED) began its probe into the matter. She clarified that the move was based on her own initiative, stating, No house, plot, or wealth is more important than my husbands honour, dignity, and peace of mind. She also mentioned that she did not consult either her husband or son in making this decision, emphasising, I am not aware of my husbands opinion on this matter, nor do I concern myself with what my son thinks.

Parvathi asked political parties and the media not to involve the women of political families in these types of controversies for political gains.
Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud on Tuesday expressed his dissatisfaction with different advocates repeatedly mentioning the same cases saying, Whatever little discretion I have as the CJI will never be exercised in your favour. CJI DY Chandrachud at an event. (PTI file)

His comments came after the bench, which included Justices JB Pardiwala and Manoj Misra, started the day's hearings and a lawyer raised a matter about the lapse of a mining lease.

CJI Chandrachud said the matter had been mentioned before the bench the day before and stressed the need to discourage the practice of bringing up the same case multiple times to get a favourable order.

Stop this practice of repeated mentioning by different counsels. All of you are just trying to take a chance. Whatever little discretion I have as the CJI will never be exercised in your favour, because there is an attempt to take this court for a ride. Get three different counsels and see you know - the judge blinks and get an order- that's what is happening in this Court and I will not do it. Because my personal credibility is at stake, that I do not follow consistency in listing, Live Law quoted CJI as saying in its report.

On Monday, Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud admonished a lawyer for repeatedly using the term yeah during arguments in the Supreme Court.

In a strongly worded rebuke, the CJI told the lawyer that he was allergic to the term yeah. He also told the lawyer that he was in a court of law, not a coffee shop. He said the lawyer should say 'yes', instead of yeah.

Also read: CJI Chandrachud offers prayers at Tirumala Temple amid Tirupati Laddu row

Don't say 'yeah yeah yeah.' Say 'Yes.' This is not a coffee shop. This is a court. I am a little allergic to people saying 'yeah.' This cannot be allowed, said CJI Chandrachud.

The lawyer was arguing before the court about what he called wrongful dismissal of a plea by the former Chief Justice of India, Ranjan Gogoi. He demanded a probe against the former judge, who is currently a Rajya Sabha MP.
BHUBANESWAR: A month-old baby boy who was allegedly sold by his tribal parents for 7,000 to meet the familys expenses, was rescued by police in Jajpur district following a complaint by the infants mother, police said on Tuesday. Officials said the baby was sold by a tribal couple to a childless man for  7,000 four days ago (Getty Images/iStockphoto)

Officials said the baby was sold by a tribal couple Bikram Munda and Janga Munda to a childless man, four days ago.

On Monday, the mother had a change of heart and filed a police complaint against Mohan Jena, a relative who mediated the deal, and the childless man, Jalia Jena after they refused to restore the child.

District child protection officer of Jajpur, Niranjan Kar said Jena had given the child to a childless man Jalia Jena and passed on 7,000 to the babys parents. However, the babys mother asked for the boy.

The babys mother then lodged an FIR with police and with the help of Childline NGO, we rescued him. The person who had kept the baby has been detained and is being interrogated, Kar added.

Odisha State Commission for Protection of Child Rights chairperson Mandakini Kar said she has directed the police to establish the circumstances leading to the sale of child within next 15 days.

In July this year, a tribal woman allegedly sold her newborn baby boy to a man in Andhra Pradesh for 1 lakh in Paradip area of Jagatsinghpur district.
A Madhya Pradesh BJP leader stirred up a row by urging Garba event organisers to make people sip 'gaumutra' (cow urine) before they enter the pandal. He said that this would ensure that only Hindus enter garba pandals during Navratri. Performers dance Garba during the Navaratri in Ahmedabad.(AFP)

"We have requested (Garba) organisers to ensure everyone does 'aachaman' with cow urine before allowing them to enter garba pandals," BJP's Indore president Chintu Verma told reporters.

"Aadhaar card can be edited. However, if a person is a Hindu, he will enter the Garba pandal only after aachaman of cow urine and there is no question of refusing it," he added when asked about the rationale behind his demand.

According to Hindu customs, 'aachaman' means taking a sip of water while reciting mantras for purification before starting religious rituals.

The Congress questioned the BJP leader's call, terming it a new tactic of polarisation by the party just ahead of assembly elections in Haryana, Jammu and Kashmir. Maharashtra is also set to elect a new assembly later this year.

Congress spokesperson Neelabh Shukla alleged that BJP leaders are silent on the plight of cow shelters and are only interested in politicising this issue.

"Raising the cow urine aachman demand is the BJP's new trick of playing polarisation politics,," he said and demanded BJP leaders sip cow urine before entering pandals and post videos on social media.

Garba Entry Controversy

The BJP leader's 'gaumutra' remarks seem to be hinting at a 2022 incident where several Muslim men were arrested for entering and causing a disturbance at a garba pandal in Madhya Pradesh.

In September 2022, seven Muslim men were caught by Bajrang Dal members while they were taking pictures at a Garba venue in Pandrinath. They were handed over police at Pandrinath police station. Police arrested them under section 151 and later released them on bail.

This incident was followed by garba organisers in the state checking Aadhaar cards of the guests to ensure that non-Hindus don't attend the event.
The young sub-Antarctic fur seal was just beginning its life and hadn't yet learned to avoid humans.

Scattered along the golden sands of a picturesque Aussie tourist destination, investigators have documented three disturbing clues they believe could be linked to a shocking crime. A stick, dog paw marks, and human footprints.

Its believed they could be associated with a violent incident involving a small fur seal at Lake Bunga Beach. The ordinarily quiet stretch of coastline is located at the beginning of Lakes Entrance in eastern Victoria.

The young animal was originally spotted by a walker on September 17, resting at the edge of a dune and reportedly in good health. After a call was made to Zoos Victoria about the discovery, the group's Marine Response Unit committed to monitor the seals presence and condition over the next 24 hours.

But unfortunately the animals circumstances soon dramatically changed for the worse.

Related: Warning to locals after giant seal climbs out of Aussie river

Human footprints were one of the three clues found around the injured seal. Source: Crime Stoppers Victoria

Walker spots three sinister clues around injured seal

When the walker returned at 6pm to take another look at the seal, they discovered it had been badly injured. Thats when they noticed the footprints around the animal and a large stick that hadnt been there before.

An image supplied to Yahoo News by Crime Stoppers Victoria shows a large gash under the animal's lip. The agency described the seals circumstances as suspicious and has urged anyone with information to come forward.

The seal was discovered with a gash under its chin and a broken spine. Source: Crime Stoppers Victoria

Thats because the seals injuries were worse than it originally appeared. Sadly, an X-ray by medical staff later revealed its back had been fractured  an unrecoverable injury that meant it had to be euthanised.

Walking within 30 metres of a seal on land can result in a maximum penalty of $3,951, and people who intentionally harm them face fines of up to $49,397 or 12 months in prison. If you have information about wildlife crime you can report it anonymously to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

Love Australia's weird and wonderful environment? Get our new newsletter showcasing the weeks best stories.
Two people allegedly from Pakistan have been arrested by the Bengaluru police for committing forgery, police said on Monday. The accused had fled Pakistan over religious disputes and initially settled in Dhaka, Bangladesh (File photo)

Anekal deputy superintendent of police (DSP) BS Mohan Kumar said that the police conducted a raid on an apartment in Jigani, Anekal taluk, on the basis of an intelligence report about two people allegedly from Pakistan living illegally. The arrested were identified as Rasheed Siddiqui, also known as Shankar Sharma (48), and his wife Ayusha Anif, alias Asha Sharma (38). Besides, Ayushas parents, Mohammad Hanif (73) and Rubina (61), who were living with the couple, have been placed under surveillance due to their ill health, he said.

He further said: The authorities had reported that Rasheed Siddiqui had fled Pakistan over religious disputes and initially settled in Dhaka, Bangladesh. In 2014, he and his wife moved illegally to Delhi, where they obtained an Aadhaar card, driving license, and passport through local assistance. By 2018, the family had relocated to Jigani.

The police conducted a raid on an apartment on Sunday night based on intelligence information, leading to Siddiquis arrest. We booked the four accused under IPC sections 420 (cheating), 468 (forgery for the purpose of cheating), and 471 (using as genuine a forged document or electronic record), along with provisions of the Passport Act. We have produced the accused before the ACMM court, which remanded him to police custody for five days, he said.

The officer said that the police also seized laptops, televisions, and mobile phones from Siddiquis residence. The seized materials are currently being analyzed to further investigate the case. Authorities also found multiple documents under the name Shankar Sharma, including an Indian passport, Aadhaar card, and driving license, he said.

He said that during investigation it was found that Siddiqui was involved with the Mehdi Foundation, an organisation focused on promoting Sufism. He later fled to Nepal. He reportedly ran an online food delivery service specialising in biryani after moving to Bengaluru, where he met people named Wasim and Altaf, who assisted him in settling down, Kumar said adding that the CID had been monitoring Siddiquis activities, which led to the late night raid.

In response to the arrests, home minister G Parameshwar said, We received an information that a Pakistani citizen had been in India for 10 years and came to Bengaluru a year ago. Did the central government not know that he has been here for 10 years? Our police are gathering all the necessary information about this.

He further said: The detainee possesses an Aadhaar card and a passport. Action is being taken against illegal Bangladeshi immigrants. We are identifying and sending them back daily. Immigrants are entering illegally due to lax border security, and security at the Bangladesh border must be further tightened.

HT tried to get response from the BJP on the matter but could not get any reaction.
Angered by the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, hundreds of people in Leh took to the streets on Tuesday, their voices rising in unison as they chanted Delhi Police, shame shame in protest against the action. Security personnel stand guard outside Bawana police station, where climate activist Sonam Wangchuk is being held after he was detained by Delhi Police during his 'Dilli Chalo Padyatra', in New Delhi.(PTI)

Wangchuk, along with 125 fellow protesters from Ladakh, was held by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday. The action came under the shadow of prohibitory orders cast over the capital, stretching until October 6.

As Wangchuk's Delhi Chalo Padyatra approached the national capital's border with supporters from Leh, police officials moved in, leading to his detention.

The march, which aimed to conclude at Rajghat on October 2, was planned to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

Beginning on September 1, the march was launched to push the Centre into resuming discussions with Ladakhs leadership. At the heart of their demands is a four-point agenda, calling for statehood, inclusion under the Constitutions Sixth Schedule, a dedicated public service commission with an accelerated recruitment process and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil.

In Leh, miles away from the national capital, hundreds gatheredmen, women, and studentsupset and united in support of Sonam Wangchuk.

Their protests echoed through the streets, demanding his release and urging that he be allowed to continue his march toward the national capital.

Reacting to the Delhi Police action, Rahul Gandhi on X (formally Twitter) said, Modi ji, like with the farmers, this Chakravyuh will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakhs voice.

Questioning the detention of elderly citizens, Rahul Gandhi added that the move was unacceptable.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable. Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future? the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

An engineer and education reformer from Ladakh, Sonam Wangchuk is known for his innovative strategies in education and sustainable development.

On March 6, he held a protest at a challenging altitude of 3,500 meters in freezing temperatures, calling for increased autonomy for Ladakh.
The Supreme Court on Monday granted protection from arrest to Malayalam film actor Siddique in an alleged rape case filed against him by an actress after a judicial committee examining instances of violence and discrimination against women in Malayalam film industry made explosive revelations based on statements by women artists against leading actors and directors in the field. Malayalam actorSiddique. (PTI)

A bench headed by justice Bela M Trivedi observed, I am sure this is not the only industry where this is taking place, as the court questioned the victims eight-year long wait in filing her complaint. The victim, then 19, was looking for a chance to work in films and was invited by Siddique for a preview screening at a hotel on January 28, 2016. However, the complaint was lodged recently after the justice Hema commission report was made public in August this year.

Observing this delay in filing complaint, the bench, also comprising justice Satish Chandra Sharma, said, What prevented you to come forward for eight years, as it was inclined to grant interim protection to the cine star and issuing notice on his petition seeking anticipatory bail.

The court order said, In the meantime, in the event of arrest of the petitioner, he shall not be arrested. The relief given by the court was subject to the condition that Siddique will cooperate with the investigation and will abide by the conditions, if any, to be laid down by the trial court.

The state government, which formed the justice Hema panel in 2019, vehemently opposed any relief to the popular actor. Additional solicitor general (ASG) Aishwarya Bhati appearing for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led Kerala government said that the state had constituted a special investigation team (SIT) to probe the cases lodged pursuant to the revelations in the report. She said that the statement of the accused is to be recorded even as he remains untraced.

The victim appearing through advocate Vrinda Grover told the court that being new into the profession at the time of the incident, her version was never accepted. It was in 2014, when Siddique expressed interest in the victim seeing her Facebook posts. At that time, Siddique was a famed star in the Malayalam film industry. Grover said, I have given detailed description of the incident that occurred in the hotel room in 2016.

Even the state had supported her version claiming that the hotel records matched the victims statement. Grover said that the justice Hema commission has elaborated the reasons that prevented women like her to openly lodge complaints.

Siddique was the secretary of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists (AMMA), a prominent actors body in Kerala, till he resigned following the registration of rape complaint against him.

The actor was represented in court by senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi who questioned the silence of the victim from 2016. He said, I am now 67 years and have acted in over 380 movies. In the last 40 years of my career, nothing of the sort alleged against me has taken place. Further, he informed the court that the victim had come to the hotel with her parents and doubted her version in the complaint.

ASG Bhati said, Some pockets exist in our society where there is no sunlight. This is one such area. He is a superstar in Malayalam cinema and no newcomer would dare file complaint against him. She pointed out that the justice Hema commission report has detailed 29 such cases where women were abused in the name of getting offers in films. She said that the investigation in the 29 cases are on while the statement of the victim in the present case has been recorded.

Actors and directors facing similar allegations were granted anticipatory bail by the high court, while Siddique faced the prospect of arrest following the HC judgment denying him pre-arrest bail on September 24.

The charges against him are under rape (IPC Section 376) and criminal intimidation (IPC Section 506) registered at Museum police station in Thiruvananthapuram soon after the victim dared to come forward following the report which discussed her case.

The HC order noted the gravity and seriousness of the accusations levelled against the actor along with the material on record that strongly hinted towards his involvement in the crime. The state had issued a look out notice against him as he remained underground and failed to come forward for custodial interrogation.
The Supreme Court on Monday issued contempt notice to the Assam government for razing houses of 48 residents in Kamrup district, who the government said were encroaching on tribal land, without prior notice and ordered status quo on further demolition action. A view of Supreme Court in New Delhi (HT FILE PHOTO)

The order was passed by a bench headed by justice Bhushan R Gavai on a petition by the residents belonging to the Mouza-Sonapur are falling in Kamrup Metro district. The residents alleged that the state was required to get permission of the top court before demolishing their houses after the top court on September 17 noted that it was considering pan-India guidelines against bulldozer justice. In doing so, the court clarified that no protection will be granted to properties which are unauthorised or encroaching public space or roads.

Also Read: 2 killed, 35 injured in police firing, clashes during eviction drive in Assam

On being told that some houses have been destroyed while action against others is ongoing, the bench, also comprising justice KV Viswanathan, issued notice on the contempt petition to the state and its officials.

The court posted the matter after three weeks even as the main matter relating to guidelines against bulldozer justice is expected to be heard by a bench comprising justice Gavai on Tuesday.

Senior advocate Huzefa Ahmadi appeared for the residents and said, There has been egregious breach of this courts order. He pointed out that the courts order of September 17 was categoric that no demolition action should take place without its prior nod. The petitioners before the court had also been fighting a legal battle before the Gauhati high court defending their rights over the land as power of attorney holders for several decades.

During the hearing in the high court on September 20, the state advocate general said no action will be taken till the representations in this regard are decided. In February 2020, with regard to the same occupants, the top court directed the authorities that in the event any order is passed adverse to the occupants, reasonable time should be granted by the deputy commissioner for allowing them to pursue alternate remedies. The state was even alleged to have violated this order.

The petitioners, who are residents of Kachutoli Pathar and adjoining areas, stated in their contempt plea, that they do not have original papers of ownership of land but have been living on the land by way of power of attorney agreements passed on to them by their predecessors who settled in 1950s. It was on the strength of their land documents, identity documents were issued to them.

According to them, they are not encroachers and dispute the 1987 notification cited by the state government declaring their land as part of tribal land. They claimed that the land was not purchased from tribals and alleged that there is no proper demarcation of tribal belt as several tribals have been settled outside the areas demarcated for them.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probe into adulteration of Tirupati Laddus has been temporarily stalled as the case is under Supreme Court's purview, PTI quoted Andhra Pradesh DGP as saying on Tuesday.



"First they (SIT) have to understand the process, study it and take all the information, but in the meantime, an order has come from the Supreme Court and in line with that, we have stopped it (probe), Andhra top cop Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said in a statement according to PTI.



On Monday, the SIT inspected the flour mill in Tirumala where the ghee is stored and tested in the lab before being used to prepare Laddus. The Tirupati laddu is made by the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam which manages the Tirumala Venkateswara temple.(X)

Keep gods out of politics: Supreme Court on Laddus row

On Monday, the Supreme Court while observing that gods should be kept away from politics, questioned Andhra chief minister Chandrababu Naidu's public statement alleging that animal fat was used in making Laddus under previous Jagan Mohan Reddy government.



"It is very clear from the report that this is not the Ghee which has been used. Unless you are sure, how did you go to public with that?" a bench of Justices B R Gavai and K V Viswanathan said.

"It is not clear at all and it is prima facie indicating that these were rejected Ghee which were subjected to test. If you yourself have ordered investigation, where is the need to go to the press?" the bench told senior advocate Mukul Rohatgi, who was appearing for Andhra Pradesh.



ALSO READ: Jagan Reddy cancels Tirupati visit amid row over non-Hindu faith rules, Naidu responds

Not just about prasad issue: Andhra deputy CM

Andhra Pradesh deputy chief minister Pawan Kalyan said,"I think they said in such a way, they never said it was not adulterated. Whatever information they have on their hands, I think they commented on that."



Supreme Court judges didn't say that it was unadulterated, they said there was confusion regarding the date which will be cleared...But our government will take it forward - what kind of violations happened in last 5 years? It is not just about prasad issue, he added.



(With agency inputs)
Uncertainty prevails over the fate of public sector steel giant Rashtriya Ispat Nigam Limited (RINL), better known as Visakhapatnam steel plant, as the trade unions have called for a three-day protest starting Tuesday demanding that the Centre comes to the rescue of the steel plant by ensuring adequate supply of raw material. Trade unions have called for a three-day protest starting Tuesday. (ANI)

Starting October 1, there will be indefinite hunger strikes by the steel plant workers seeking clarity from the Centre on further steps to bring the steel plants out from the brink of losses. We shall opposed any move to go ahead with its privatisation plan, J Ayodhya Ramu, Centre for Indian Trade Unions (CITU) president of Visakhapatnam steel plant, said.

Simultaneously, North Andhra Peoples Organisation gave a call for a big rally in Visakhapatnam on October 2, coinciding with the Gandhi Jayanti, with the slogan of Visakha Ukku-Andhrula Hakku (Visakha Steel is right of Andhra people).

We shall convert the agitation of Visakhapatnam steel plant into a peoples agitation, as the steel plant symbolises the self-respect of north Andhra people, its convenor V V Ramanamurthy said.

According to a steel ministry document, the RINL is in serious financial trouble with overall debts mounting to 35,000 crore and it is at the risk of being classified as a non-performing asset by banks.

In January 2021, the cabinet committee on economic affairs (CCEA) gave its in-principle approval for 100% disinvestment of government stake in RINL, along with RINLs stake in its subsidiaries/joint ventures through strategic disinvestment by way of privatisation.

However, there has been no further movement with regard to the privatisation plan, even as the workers and employees have been on warpath since the decision to privatise the steel plant was announced.

Trade union leaders said for the last three months, the plant has been running at minimal capacity  with only one blast furnace with a production of 2.5 million tonnes per year being in operation, while the other two furnaces are shut down due to lack of raw material  mainly iron ore and coking coal.

As against 21,000 tonnes of steel produced every day, only 5,000 tonnes of steel is being produced at present. If the government takes steps to supply adequate raw material, we can bounce back, Ramu said.

What triggered the latest uproar among the trade unions was the way the RINL management denied entry to around 4,000 contract workers into the steel plant on Saturday by denying them gate pass, leading to suspicion that they were being laid off.

A tense situation prevailed as the workers staged a protest at the plants entrance, joined by the trade unions. As the situation appeared to be turning violent, the police intervened and made the steel plant management to allow them in.

People in the RINL management, who refused to be named, said that it was part of the downsizing of the staff, in the wake of a proposal mooted by the Centre to merge the Vizag steel plant with the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL), another public sector steel giant.

However, trade unions have called for an official statement from the Union minister of steel to clarify any merger plans. So far, there is no official proposal from the Centre. Even Union minister of state for steel and mines Bhupatiraju Srinivasa Varma said on Sunday that there are certain technical issues in the merge. We wont believe the reports unless we get the official document, Ramu said.

Meanwhile, chairman and managing director of Manganese Ore India Limited (MOIL), a PSU under ministry of steel, Ajit Kumar Saxena on Monday took additional charge of CMD of RINL.

His appointment as in-charge of RINL comes in the wake of earlier CMD Atul Bhatt going on personal leave from September 9 till November 30, which is also the date of his superannuation.
NEW DELHI: The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice on the government-run construction firm NBCC plea seeking permission to complete the distressed residential projects of real estate major Supertech but left it to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) to take a call on various proposals, including that of NBCC, for completion of the 17 incomplete projects. A view of the Supreme Court (HT FILE PHOTO)

A bench of justices Sanjiv Khanna and Sanjay Kumar also indicated that NBCC would be at liberty to approach the top court if it faces any procedural problem or impediment which requires the exercise of extraordinary powers under Article 142 of the Constitution that allows the Supreme Court to do complete justice in any case.

The top courts order comes ahead of a crucial hearing before the NCLAT on October 21.

Also Read: NBCC moves SC to complete stalled projects of realty major Supertech Ltd

NBCC has filed terms of reference before NCLAT for considering its proposal to construct the 17 projects involving more than 50,000 flats. At the same time, the Supertech promoters are also keen to get the projects going and have moved separate proposals in this regard before the tribunal.

The bench observed, We are issuing notice on the NBCC application. The parties will be at liberty to approach the top court for passing orders in the event of any procedural impediment. The court realised that the NCLAT will have its own limitations in taking up the NBCC proposal within the corners of the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code.

Senior advocate Gopal Jain, who appeared for NBCC, informed the court that the firm was on the verge of completing the distressed housing projects of Amrapali under the top courts monitoring.

Also Read: NCLAT allows homebuyers to object to NBCC takeover of Supertech projects

Insolvency proceedings against Supertech were initiated by Union Bank of India over unpaid loans in 2022. A May 2023 order by the Supreme Court segregated one of the projects  Eco Village 2 from other Supertech projects as the court ruled that in case of Supertech projects, other than Eco Village 2, reverse corporate insolvency resolution process can take place, which allows the corporate debtor, in this case Supertech, is allowed to be a part of the resolution process by infusing funds.

Attorney General R Venkataramani appearing for the Union Bank of India, said: Let the NBCC application be tested. In the Amrapali projects, the NBCC was able to take a broad look on many issues and generate funds.

Venkataramani is also the court-appointed Receiver in the Amrapali matter tasked with generating funds to complete nearly 46,000 housing units.

The bench said, We can leapfrog and fast-track the whole thing but we cannot overlook the committee of creditors.

Concerns over funding were raised as Supertech represented by senior advocate Krishnan Venugopal said, There is no money that NBCC is bringing to the table. Another set of Supertech homebuyers led by senior advocate Vibha Datta Makhija told the court that it has filed objections before the NCLAT regarding safety issues among other concerns concerning NBCC projects. She said that all these factors will have to be considered by the NCLAT.

The bench observed, Nobody is going to bring in a penny until they see money in it. Each project will have its own challenges. It is not going to be easy.

The bench made it clear that it was not interfering with the resolution process being undertaken by NCLAT and left this issue to be determined by the tribunal on the next date of hearing. Venugopal requested the court to observe in its order asking NCLAT to consider Supertechs proposal. The bench refused to pass any specific direction in this regard leaving it to the discretion of the tribunal.

In a statement issued later in the day, Supertech chairman RK Arora said, We welcome the Supreme Court order. The NCLAT will now compare NBCC proposal with those of the promoter and other agencies to complete construction. Whichever proposal will be best for homebuyers, chosen by NCLAT, we will support that proposal.

Advocate ML Lahoty, who represented Homebuyers of the Eco Village 2 project, informed the court that the May 11, 2023 order of the top court segregating Eco Village 2 needs modification. He pointed out that nearly 7,000 homebuyers of this project are keen on NBCC taking over the project but were bound by the top courts order which does not permit reverse CIRP to be initiated in their case. He further stated that a transactional audit report of Supertech released in June 2023 (a month after the top courts order) referred to an amount of 619 crore belonging to Eco Village 2 being diverted by the promoters to other projects.

The bench observed that NBCC being a government agency will enjoy more public trust as against the promoter accused of diverting funds. It observed that once the NCLAT decides on the future course, the Eco Village 2 project may also be considered at par with the other projects.

Supertechs 17 projects are spread across the country. NBCC in its application before NCLAT proposed to complete seven projects in Noida and Greater Noida under first phase, five projects in Noida, Greater Noida and Meerut in second phase, and remaining five projects in Gurugram, Rudrapur, Bengaluru and Dehradun in the third phase. The plan was subject to a set of terms and conditions being approved by the tribunal.

NBCC said it will require 12 to 36 months for completion of various projects subject to various conditions which includes acceptance of terms of reference, completion of due-diligence or audit of such project, obtaining requisite permits/approvals from statutory bodies, award of work(s) to contractors, handover of peaceful and vacant possession of project sites to NBCC being capable of commencement of work, and availability of funds earmarked for each project.

For completion of the projects, NBCC demanded a fee calculated at the rate of 8% on the Actual Cost of Work for rendering the project management consultancy services and a marketing fee at the rate of 1% on the sale value of the project.
NEW DELHI: Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin on Tuesday took over as the director general of the Armed Forces Medical Services (DGAFMS), the first woman doctor to hold the position. Surgeon Vice Admiral Arti Sarin will head the Armed Forces Medical Services for two years.

She has had 45 predecessors, all men.

She has been at the forefront of motivating young women to join the armed forces and is a shining icon for the Nari Shakti initiative of the government, the defence ministry said.

Sarin is 60 and will head AFMS for two years.

DGAFMS functions directly under the defence ministry and is responsible for medical policy matters related to the military. Before being appointed to the top position, Sarin was heading the navys medical services directorate. She has previously also served as DG Medical Services (Air) and director and commandant of the Pune-based Armed Forces Medical College (AFMC).

The development comes two months after Lieutenant General Sadhna Saxena Nair took over as the Director General Medical Services (Army), the first woman officer to be appointed to the position.

Sarin was commissioned into service in December 1985 after she graduated from AFMC. She is an MD in radiodiagnosis from AFMC, Diplomate National Board in radiation oncology from Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai, and has trained in Gamma Knife surgery (noninvasive radiation therapy) from the University of Pittsburgh in the US.

In a career spanning 38 years, the Flag Officer has held prestigious academic and administrative appointments including professor and head, radiation oncology, Army Hospital (Research & Referral) and Command Hospital (Southern Command)/AFMC Pune, commanding officer, INHS Asvini, and command medical officer in the Indian Navys southern and western naval commands, the defence ministry said in a statement.

She has the rare distinction of serving in all three branches of the armed forces --- lieutenant to captain in the army, surgeon vice admiral in the navy and as an air marshal in the Indian Air Force. To be sure, military doctors can be posted from one service to another.

Sarin was recently appointed as a member of the national task force constituted on the Supreme Courts directions to formulate safe working conditions and protocols for medical professionals.

The 10-member task force was constituted in August after the apex court took suo motu cognisance of the alleged rape and murder of a female resident doctor at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, an incident that triggered nationwide protests with resident doctors in most government-run hospitals then going on strike.

According to the terms of reference, the task force will prepare an action plan categorised under two heads: a) prevention of violence against medical professionals and providing safe working conditions; b) providing an enforceable national protocol for dignified and safe working conditions for interns, residents, senior residents, doctors, nurses, and all medical professionals.
As Jammu and Kashmir enters the third phase of voting in the assembly polls, Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge appealed to voters on Tuesday to send a message to those who stripped them of their statehood. Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge addresses a public meeting amid ongoing in J&Ks Jasrota. (PTI)

He said a single vote is crucial for ensuring better employment opportunities for the youth, combating corruption and safeguarding land rights.

As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers. This is the final chance to teach a lesson to those who snatched statehood from the people of Jammu and Kashmir, Kharge wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter).

With over 39 lakh registered voters for the final phase, Jammu and Kashmir is voting today in the third and last phase of polling across 40 assembly seats24 in the Jammu region and 16 in Kashmir.

The final phase of polling began at 7 am and will conclude by 7 pm, determining the future of 415 candidates.

Remember, that a single vote can change your destiny and usher in a brighter future, which secures your Constitutional rights. A single vote is valuable enough to ensure better employment opportunities for the young, take on the corrupt, safeguard your land rights and ensure progress and prosperity, the Congress chief added.

Kharge welcomed first-time voters, urging their participation to shape the future of Jammu and Kashmir, and encouraged them to join the voting queue.

We welcome the first time voters, for the future course for Jammu and Kashmir shall be decided by their participation. Once again, I request you to join the voting queue, he said.

The election will see West Pakistani refugees, the Valmiki Samaj, and the Gorkha community exercising their franchise for the first time, having gained voting rights in the assembly polls following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370.

They previously participated in the Block Development Council elections in 2019 and the District Development Council polls in 2020.
At least 38 children were hospitalised due to severe food poisoning after consuming the mid-day meal at a private school near Maharashtra's Thane, officials told PTI. The children, who were rushed to the hospital after falling ill, are now in a stable condition. 38 children hospitalised in Thane after eating mid-day meal (Praful Gangurde/ HT photos)

The children, aged between 8 and 11 years, were admitted to the civic hospital in Kalwa town after they complained of giddiness, nausea, headache and pain in the abdomen after lunch, according to medical officials at the hospital.

The incident took place at Kalwa Sahyadri School on Tuesday, said officials.

Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) Additional Commissioner Sandeep Malvi told PTI that all the children brought to the hospital are out of danger now and are responding to the treatment.

He confirmed that the children had eaten a mid-day meal at the private school. Another medical official said the students were served rice and moth bean (matki) curry as the meal.

"Samples of food served to students have been collected by FDA officials. It was immediately not known if matki was stale," officials said.

Initially, five children showed signs of sickness after eating the mid-day meal but the numbers swelled gradually. Ambulances were summoned by the school administration and the children were taken to the hospital. The parents of all the children were duly informed and reached the hospital.

The food samples from the time of the incident were collected from the school, and investigation is on the determine the cause of food poisoning in children.

Former corporator Milind Patil claimed that this is not the first time that the mid-day meal at the school has been the cause of concern.

Patil told Lokmat Times that there have been complaints regarding the hygiene of food in the past, including reports of insects in the mid-day meal. He also said that the school principal doesn't check the quality of the food before it served to the students.

(With inputs from PTI)
The TikToker divided opinion with the outfit she wore to her corporate Sydney job. What do you think?

They say comfort is key  just maybe not in the workplace.

Casual attire is increasingly accepted in many Australian workplaces as norms adapt to modern sensibilities, particularly after a majority of office workers were forced to work from home during the pandemic.

The comfy clothes we wore while working from our couch seem to be having an influence on what's acceptable workwear in the office nowadays. But is there a limit?

One Aussie woman has been called out for a recent outfit she wore to her corporate job, sparking debate online as thousands of Aussies can't seem to decide whether the criticism is valid or not.

TikToker Chloe Baradinsky works in Sydney's CBD and last month a comment from her colleagues stopped her in her tracks. According to her, they criticised her silk outfit, teasing her that it was perhaps inappropriate for the office.

"A male team member was like, 'Oh, I didn't realise we were wearing our pyjamas into work nowadays'," she said, explaining he continued by asking her how much the silk set cost her, and insinuated it had been cheap.

"How dare you, this isn't polyester. This is silk... $100 my ass," she jested, before showing off her outfit.

Thousands of Aussies divided over 'pyjama' outfit

Baradinsky's video has since been viewed by millions and many have shared their opinion, with some defending her choice.

"Don't listen to these haters... darling I love this outfit, only the real ones understand this fashion, they dont look like PJs at all," one person said. Another complimented her outfit and joked it's just an added benefit she won't need to "change at bedtime".

Unsurprisingly though, many others were not convinced. One person said her clothes were "totally pyjamas" while another agreed her outfit was "giving bedtime" vibes.

In response to the pushback, Baradinksy feigned disappointment. "Damn it, I thought I found the comfiest work outfit" ever, she said.

Do you have a story tip? Email: newsroomau@yahoonews.com.

You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Twitter and YouTube.
At a recent event celebrating the memory of Maharaja Jayachamaraja (JC) Wadiyar on the occasion of his 50th death anniversary, his son-in-law, Rajachandra Urs, a meticulous archivist of his remarkable life, talked about a young couple who had rendered a rather special service to the Maharaja in the late forties  they had piloted his private plane, the Mysore Dakota VT-AXX, between 1946 and 1951. In 1951, tasked with purchasing the trendy de Havilland Dove for the government of Madras, the couple travelled to England by ship and then flew the Dove from London to Bombay in 27 hours, setting a record flight-time for piston-engine aircraft that is yet to be surpassed. (Hindustan Times)

How the Maharaja came to own a Dakota is a fascinating tale, part of the genesis story of aviation in Bangalore, in which JC played a very significant role. It includes the story of why Hindustan Aeronautics Limited (HAL) came to be set up in the city in 1940, the part it played in the establishment of the Aeronautics Engineering department at the Indian Institute of Science in 1942, and the natural fallout of these two events  during WWII, with HAL being handed over to the US Army Air Force for the duration of the war, Bangalore became one of the most reputed aircraft tinkering shops in the east. In 1945, the Americans returned home, leaving behind several war-surplus Dakotas. It was one of those Dakotas, newly refurbished and converted into a shiny 21-seater passenger aircraft, that JC snapped up for himself in 1946.

Now that there was a plane, a pilot had naturally to be found. The one JC handpicked, Capt V Sundaram, was something of a rockstar. In 1935, when he was only 19, he had become a licensed pilot. In 1937, he became the first Indian to get a commercial pilots licence. Over the next few years, he flew extensively across the country, served as instructor at the venerable Madras Flying Club (estd 1929), trained British and American pilots, and, according to an unconfirmed report, took the first aerial photograph of the Taj Mahal. In 1945, he joined Tata Airlines (estd 1932, later Air India), an airmail carrier set up by JRD Tata that had grown into a full-fledged passenger airline. In 1946, he moved to Bangalore to become JCs personal pilot.

Somewhere along the way, Capt Sundaram also found a wife, the lovely Usha Krishnamurthy, who was only 17 when they were married in 1941. Two years after the couple had moved to Bangalore, JC, now fascinated by aviation, bought up 200 acres of land to the north of the city for an aerodrome. He handed it over to the government of the new, democratic Mysore state soon after, on the condition that it only be used to set up a flying school; in December 1948, the Government Flying Training School came up at the Jakkur Aerodrome. The first graduate of that school, who was also independent Indias first woman pilot, was Usha Sundaram.

The late forties were frenetic years in India, as the new government, especially Deputy PM Sardar Patel, toiled to integrate all 565 princely states into the Indian Union. There was a lot of flying around the country to be done, and JC generously donated his Mysore Dakota to the cause. Through 1948 and 1949, the Sundarams  with Usha first playing hostess and later co-pilot  flew the Iron Man of India some 100,000 miles, standing by as he masterfully stitched the country together. In 1950, once the Herculean task had been accomplished, Usha Sundaram became PM Nehrus personal pilot, and remained so until she retired from professional flying in 1952 to raise her three children.

Theres one last flying story to be told about the Sundarams  in 1951, tasked with purchasing the trendy de Havilland Dove for the government of Madras, they travelled to England by ship and then flew the Dove from London to Bombay in 27 hours, setting a record flight-time for piston-engine aircraft that is yet to be surpassed.

(Roopa Pai is a writer who has carried on a longtime love affair with her hometown Bengaluru)
Rahul Gandhi of the Congress hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi after the Delhi Police detained around 120 people from Ladakh, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who had marched to the national capital demanding sixth schedule status for the Union Territory. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk addresses a press conference.(PTI file)

A police officer told news agency PTI that Sonam Wangchuk and others wanted to spend the night at Singhu border. They were initially requested to go back as prohibitory orders were imposed in Delhi but when they did not stop, the policemen who were already deployed at the border, detained about 120 men, including Wangchuk.

Reacting to the Delhi Police action, Rahul Gandhi on X (formally Twitter) said, Modi ji, like with the farmers, this Chakravyuh will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakhs voice.

Questioning the detention of elderly citizens, Rahul Gandhi added that the move was unacceptable.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable. Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future? the Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha said.

PTI, citing Delhi Police sources, reported that the detained people, including Sonam Wangchuk, have taken to Alipur and other police stations along the city border.

They have been kept at Alipur Police Station and other nearby police stations at the Delhi-Haryana border, the officer said, adding that they would be released after some time.

Why were they detained?

Women participating in the march were not detained, the source said, adding that the detentions were done in view of prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more persons in north and central Delhi.

Sonam Wangchuk, in a post on Instagram shortly before being detained, shared visuals from the Delhi border, where amid huge police presence their buses were stopped.

The climate activist could be seen interacting with police officials in the video.

In his post, Wangchuk said several vehicles of Delhi Police and Haryana Police were accompanying their buses and while they initially thought they were being escorted, as they approached the national capital, it was clear they were going to be detained.

"As we are approaching Delhi, it appears we are not being escorted, we are being detained," Wangchuk said.

He said around 1,000 police personnel have been deployed at the Delhi border and they have been informed that heavy deployment of security forces has been done at the Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi, and in areas where students from Ladakh reside.

The Delhi Police on Monday banned the gathering of five or more persons, people carrying banners, placards arms and or protests in the central part and bordering areas for the next six days in the national capital, citing law and order issues, including calls of protests given by several organisations.

According to an order issued from the Delhi Police headquarters, police commissioner Sanjay Arora has directed to impose the section 163 (which was earlier section 144 of CrPC) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the districts of New Delhi, North and Central and all police stations jurisdiction sharing the borders with other states.

Why Delhi Chalo Padyatra?

The Delhi Chalo Padyatra was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are jointly spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of statehood, extension of the Constitution's sixth schedule, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

The prohibitory order will remain effective till October 5.
A family in Uttar Pradesh's Mainpuri has accused a nurse of causing the death of their newborn by refusing to hand over the baby until a payment of 5,100 was made, which they claim led to a critical delay in care. Investigation launched after nurse allegedly demanded money and delayed care.

Chief Medical Officer (CMO) Dr RC Gupta said the familys claim that the nurse refused to release the baby, despite their repeated pleas, resulted in the childs death.

"The family members claimed they repeatedly pleaded with the nurse to give them the baby, but she refused, resulting in the infant's death," the official said.

ALSO READ- SIT probe into Tirupati Laddus adulteration temporarily stalled: Andhra DGP

Nurse placed baby on table over payment dispute: Family

Sujit Kumar, from Anoha Patara in Karhal, filed a complaint with local officials and the state government, stating his wife, Sanjali, was admitted to the CHC hospital in Karhal on September 18. Sujit alleged that nurse Jyoti mishandled the situation after his wife gave birth to a healthy boy on September 19.

ALSO READ- 2 arrested in Gujarat for attempt to derail train, then loot passengers

According to Sujit, the nurse demanded 5,100 after the birth. When the family couldn't immediately pay, the nurse allegedly placed the baby on a table and refused to give it to the family. After a delay of 40 minutes, Sujit managed to pay, but by then the babys condition had worsened.

Sujit alerted the staff, and the baby was sent to Saifai Medical College for emergency care but died soon after arrival. Doctors at the hospital cited a lack of proper care during labour as the cause of death.

ALSO READ- Lucknow: Man orders iPhone on Cash-on-Delivery, kills delivery executive

Complaint lodged, nurse transferred

A formal complaint has been lodged, and the CMO has formed a three-member committee to investigate the incident, with findings expected within three days. Nurse Jyoti has been transferred to ensure an impartial inquiry.
Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw visited Japan last month to sort out issues delaying the ambitious Japanese-backed 508-km Mumbai-Ahmedabad High-Speed Rail Corridor, popularly known as the bullet train project, that has among other issues faced escalating costs, two people aware of the matter said. Railways minister Ashwini Vaishnaw . (X)

One of the people said two officials accompanied Vaishnaw on the three-day trip ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modis visit to Tokyo later this year. A second person said the matter is sensitive as it may also impact the bilateral relations between Japan and India. He added the project cost has already gone up and is expected to rise further. It is one of the major concerns, the second person said. He added a major part of the spending has been on infrastructure building.

The Japan International Cooperation Agency is funding the construction of the high-speed rail line. HT last month reported the first Shinkansen E5 bullet train meant to ply at speeds up to 320 km per hour will take at least two years to arrive from Japan. Indian Railways was in talks with its Japanese counterparts to finalise the schedule for supplying the trains to India. Orders for the Shinkansen E5 trains were expected to be placed by the end of the year.

Modi announced the bullet train project years before the construction work began in 2020. The project spanning Maharashtra (155.76 km), Gujarat (384.04 km), and Dadra and Nagar Haveli (4.3 km) was scheduled to be completed by 2023. Protests against land acquisition delayed it.

In March, the National High-Speed Rail Corporation Limited (NHSRCL) overseeing the project said all civil contracts have been awarded in Gujarat and Maharashtra. The laying of the first reinforced concrete track bed for the MAHSR corridor track system as used in Japanese Shinkansen bullet trains started in Surat and Anand. This was the first time the J-slab ballastless track system was being used in India.

NHSRCL said it achieved a remarkable milestone with the completion of the first 350-metre-long and 12.6-wide mountain tunnel in Gujarats Valsad district in just 10 months.

The first steel bridge spanning 70 metres and weighing 673 MT has been built across National Highway 53 in Gujarats Surat. NHSRCL said in March the work for Indias first seven-kilometre undersea rail tunnel, which is part of a 21 km-long tunnel between BKC and Shilphata in Maharashtra, has commenced.

Vaishnaw in February announced that a 50km stretch between Surat to Bilimoria is expected to open in August 2026.
Historic moment resonates as members of the Valmiki community, West Pakistani refugees and Gorkhas settled in various parts of Jammu region exercised their franchise for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly election 2024, having long been denied the right to vote. Women wait in a queue to cast their votes at a polling booth during the third and final phase of Jammu & Kashmir Assembly elections in Jammu.(PTI)

Spanning various areas of Jammu, Samba, and Kathua districts, members of these three communities, comprising over 1.5 lakh people, are participating in the electoral process to elect MLAs.

Historically, West Pakistani refugeespredominantly Hindus and Sikhs who migrated from Pakistan in 1947were restricted to voting only in Lok Sabha elections.

However, recent changes in their status, following the 2019 abrogation of Article 370 have paved the way for greater participation in the democratic process.

The Valmikis were initially brought to Jammu and Kashmir in 1957 from Punjab's Gurdaspur district for sanitation work under a state government initiative.

I am a first-time voter at the age of 45. We are thrilled and filled with enthusiasm to participate in the assembly elections for the first time. It is like a big festival for us, said Gharu Bhati, who voted at a polling station in Jammu.

Bhati, who has spearheaded efforts for over 15 years to secure citizenship rights for his community, remarked that the occasion is a festival for the entire Valmiki community.

He said the presence of voters ranging from 18 to 80 years old and reflected on the fact that two generations before them were denied this right.

In 2020, Valmikis along with West Pakistan refugees and Gurkha communities participated in the District Development Council (DDC) elections for the first time.

The revocation of Article 370 has also enabled the communities to buy land, apply for jobs and participate in elections in Jammu and Kashmir. This change also allows the Valmiki community to explore alternative livelihoods.

Today, we are voting. Tomorrow we will represent our people. This marks the beginning of a new era in our lives. We will bring our issues to the assembly. Imagine, a member of our community, who once only saw scavenging as their fate can now aspire to be an MLA or even a minister, Bhati said.

The Gorkha community in Gorkha Nagar of Jammu is also brimming with excitement as they exercise their franchise in the assembly elections for the first time.

Their ancestors migrated from Nepal decades ago to serve with the former Dogra Army and many families still have war veterans among them.

Over 2,000 Gorkha community members reside in this tightly-knit colony, characterized by closely spaced houses and narrow lanes.

Karuna Chhetri, president of the All J&K Gorkha Sabha said, We thank Prime Minister Narendra Modi and home minister Amit Shah for transforming our fortunes here. Thanks to their bold decision to revoke Article 370. We are now citizens of Jammu and Kashmir and have been granted all rights.

With PTI inputs
The Supreme Court, in a landmark decision, emphasized that public safety takes precedence over religious structures encroaching on roads, water bodies, or rail tracks. The court reaffirmed India's secular status, underscoring that its directives on bulldozer action and anti-encroachment drives will apply uniformly to all citizens, regardless of their faith. Supreme Court of India. (ANI File Photo)

The remarks were made by a two-judge bench, comprising of Justice BR Gavai and Justice KV Viswanathan, while hearing petitions challenging bulldozer action against criminals. "Whether it be temple, dargah, it has to go...public safety is paramount," Justice Gavai said during the hearing.

The trend has become popular in several states who have now started demolishing structures linked to people accused of a crime. The practice has raised concerns about targeted demolitions against a particular community or religion.

Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, clarified that being accused in a criminal case does not justify bulldozer action, even for severe crimes like rape or terrorism. Mehta emphasized the importance of prior notice, suggesting that it should be issued via registered post to ensure fairness.

While hearing a batch of pleas against bulldozer actions in various states, the Supreme Court on September 17 passed an interim order that no demolition of properties should take place in the country without its permission.

Also read: When the Supreme Court takes on the bulldozer

The apex court had then said that the order is not applicable to encroachments on public roads, footpaths, railway lines, or other public spaces.

Court On Bulldozer Justice

The court had ordered states to stop bulldozer demolition across India until October 1 without its permission, and unless the demolitions are on public roads, water bodies, railway lines.

The apex court said it would formulate directives on when and how properties can be demolished under the municipal laws of the land.

Two revenue officers were beaten up in a UP village on Monday by villagers unhappy over some of the demolitions being carried out.

The incident took place in Ukhra village, where a team of district administration on Saturday razed several structures built on government land using bulldozers.
Judges of the Madras high court wondered why does Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev, founder of Isha Foundation, encourage women to tonsure their heads and live like hermits when he ensured that his daughter is married and well-settled in life, NDTV reported. Jaggi Vasudev, founder of the Isha Yoga Foundation, who is also known Sadhguru.(Amal KS/Hindustan Times)

The observation by a bench of SM Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam came while hearing a habeas corpus petition of a retired professor, who alleged that his well-educated daughters, aged 42 and 39, respectively, have been brainwashed by Jaggi Vasudev to live at Isha Yoga Centre in Tamil Nadu's Coimbatore permanently.

Justices raise doubts

The two daughters, however, appeared before the court and claimed to be residing at the centre out of their own choice.

The foundation argued that the court could not expand the scope of the case, but the court decided to probe the case as judges raised certain doubts regarding the case.

We want to know why a person who had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life is encouraging the daughters of others to tonsure their heads and live the life of a hermitess, wondered Justice Sivagnanam.

The foundation argued that it could not understand the court's concern when two independent adults are free to choose their own path in life. You will not understand because you are appearing for a particular party. But this court is neither for nor against anybody. We only want to do justice to the litigants, replied Justice Subramaniam as per The Hindu report.

In his petition, the professor alleged that some kind of food and medicine is being administered at the centre to his daughters, which made them lose their cognitive abilities.

He also explained that his elder daughter is an M.Tech graduate from a university in the UK and was employed by the same institution for a salary of around 1 lakh in 2004. She began attending yoga classes at the foundation after her divorce in 2008. Soon, the woman's younger sister also joined her to reside at the centre.
Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi on Tuesday described the situation at the Line of Actual Control  the de facto India-China border  as sensitive and not normal. Army chief General Upendra Dwivedi. (Arvind Yadav/ Hindustan Times)

Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, the Army chief said the situation at the de facto border is "stable" but the Indian side wants it to be restored to what it was before April 2020.

In April 2020, China attempted to transgress the Indian side of the de facto border. The attempt was thwarted by the Indian forces. However, tension prevails in eastern Ladakh bordering China.

China's subversive activities have also damaged its diplomatic ties with India. Last week, external affairs minister S Jaishankar described India's diplomatic ties with China as very significantly disturbed.

General Dwivedi said the trust between Indian and Chinese forces at the LAC has become the "biggest casualty"

"As far as China is concerned, it has been intriguing our minds for quite some time. With China, you have to compete, cooperate, coexist, confront, and contest... So what's the situation today? It's stable, but it's not normal and it's sensitive. We want the situation to be restored to what it was before April 2020, whether in terms of the ground occupation situation or the buffer zones which have been created or patrolling which have been kind of planned as of now. So until that situation is restored, as far as we are concerned, the situation will remain sensitive and we are fully operationally prepared to face any kind of contingency... Trust has become the biggest casualty," he said.

India and China held two rounds of diplomatic talks in July and August to find an early resolution of outstanding issues on the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

"The positive signaling is coming from the diplomatic side, but what we need to understand (is that) the diplomatic side gives options and possibilities," he said, according to PTI.

"But when it comes to the execution on the ground, when it relates to ground per se; it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take those decisions," the Army chief added.

Since 2020, India and China have engaged in several rounds of military-level and diplomatic-level dialogues, leading to disengagement at a host of friction points. However, the full resolution of the border row has not been achieved.

Last month, national security advisor Ajit Doval met China's foreign minister Wang Yi on the sidelines of the BRICS conclave. The two sides agreed to work with "urgency" and "redouble" efforts to achieve complete disengagement at the remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

General Dwivedi also spoke about China constructing villages along the LAC.

"They are carrying out this artificial immigration, settlement. No problem, it's their country, they can do whatever they want. But what we see in the South China Sea. When we talk about the grey zone, initially we find fishermen and those kinds of people who are at the forefront. And to save them, then you find the military moving in... As far as the Indian Army is concerned, we have already been having this kind of model village... But more importantly, now the state governments have been empowered to put in those resources and this is the time when the army, state governments and supervision by the central government are all coming together. So the model villages that are being built now will be even better," he said, according to ANI.
A 30-year-old woman jumped off the 18th floor of her apartment with her 3-year-old daughter resulting in their deaths on the outskirts of Hyderabad on Monday, the police said. The incident happened at My Home Avatar, a popular gated community at Narsingi under Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits. (Agency)

The incident happened at My Home Avatar, a popular gated community at Narsingi under Cyberabad Police Commissionerate limits around 12.30 am. The womans husband, a software employee in Hitech City, was not at home at the time of the incident.

Security personnel and residents of the adjacent apartment heard a loud thud and rushed to the spot only to find the woman and daughter in a pool of blood.

On receiving the information, the Narsingi police rushed to the spot and shifted the bodies to Osmania General Hospital mortuary for post-mortem.

Narsingi police inspector G Hari Krishna Reddy told reporters that the couple hailed from Bhimavaram in West Godavari district of neighbouring Andhra Pradesh state and had been living in the apartment for the last two years.

Prima facie, it appears that she has died by suicide by jumping from her flat due to her health problems. But we have booked a case of suspicious death and are investigating the case from all angles, including probable disputes with her husband, Reddy said.
Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur and Sobhita Dhulipala stepped out in Mumbai last night to celebrate their series The Night Manager's nomination for the International Emmy Awards. While Anil and Aditya chose uber-cool, laidback outfits for the occasion, Sobhita accompanied them in an elegant midi dress. Anil Kapoor, Sobhita Dhulipala, and Aditya Roy Kapur with director Sandeep Modi.

Anil, Aditya and Sobhita's get-together

The paparazzi clicked Anil Kapoor, Aditya Roy Kapur, and Sobhita Dhulipala outside a restaurant in Mumbai on Monday night. The three actors enjoyed a dinner date to celebrate the Emmy nomination. Anil, Aditya, and Sobhita were seen posing for the media outside the eatery joint with The Night Manager's director, Sandeep Modi.

Decoding Anil, Aditya and Sobhita Dhulipala's outfits

Looking dapper as always, the evergreen Anil Kapoor graced the celebration in a grey-black-toned ensemble. He wore a crew neck T-shirt, which he tucked inside the black denim pants featuring a skinny fit and a mid-rise waist. He layered the all-black look with a grey bomber jacket featuring a notch lapel collar, a tailored fitting, and full-length sleeves. Matching black Chelsea boots, silver chain, and a watch rounded off the styling.

Aditya Roy Kapur embraced the same colour pattern for his laidback look for the outing. He wore a relaxed-fit grey T-shirt featuring a Scorpio print on the front, half-length sleeves, and a round neckline. Faded black denim jeans, sneakers, a metal bracelet watch, his rugged beard, and a messy hairdo gave a finishing touch to Aditya's look for the dinner outing.

Lastly, Sobhita complemented her co-stars in an elegant midi dress. It features a burst of colourful patterns done on a cream base. The one-shoulder neckline, gathered design, figure-hugging silhouette, an asymmetric hem, and a cinched waist add the oomph to her look. She chose a no-makeup makeup look, side-parted loose curly tresses, and a blush-tinted gloss to round off the glam.
The name Marc-Antoine Barrois might mean nothing to you or me, but his visit to Mumbai earlier this month generated a hum of excitement in the fragrance addicts community. With polarising perfumes such as B683, named after the planet in the cult classic novel The Little Prince, and Ganymede, whose main notes include imortelle and incense, the couturier and fragrance brand entrepreneur is a rising star in the niche perfume industry. Niche perfumes, characterised by exclusivity and complexity are gaining popularity in India.

Barrois, who co-founded his eponymous young brand along with perfumer Quentin Bisch, was in Mumbai to launch Tilia, an indescribably alluring tango of floral and spicy notes, and a highly uncommon fragrance. Which is, of course, the whole point of niche perfumes  you are wearing a fragrance no one else is. (Also read: Best perfumes for men and women in 2024: Smell fantastic with top 10 picks )

The growing appeal of niche fragrances

Once customers enter this world, they rarely go back. Its like driving a Honda for years and then moving up to a Mercedes, says Shishir Mehta. Mehta set up Scentido, which primarily distributes and retails niche perfumes such as Tilia across the country, in 2017 in Mumbai. Since then, in tandem with the burgeoning interest in niche perfumes globally, he has seen his business grow. The global perfume market is set to touch $70 billion by 2036, and niche fragrance is among the fastest growing categories in the industry.

A stroll around the perfume sections of duty-free stores at any of the worlds major airports is a particularly instructive experience, even if you only have a casual interest in perfumes. At Heathrow, for example, besides designer brands such as Tom Ford and Jo Malone, one is also tempted by the likes of Memo Paris, Maison Francis Kurkdijan, and Tiziana Terenzi. Besides an online presence, Scentido now has stores at the Phoenix Palladium and T2 airport, in Mumbai, at Khan Market, in Delhi, and at luxury malls in Ahmedabad, Chandigarh, and Kolkata. Attired in a well-fitted light yellow linen shirt, denims, and off-white sneakers,Mehta typifies the demographic that seeks out niche perfumes.

These are priced between 10,000 and well over 2.5 lakh for eau de parfum and extrait de parfum (the most concentrated form of fragrance), with bottle sizes usually ranging between 50ml and 100ml. The south Mumbai resident and bon vivant ran a successful metallurgy testing business for years before selling it off and immersing himself in a lifelong passion. His stores stock both heritage brands such as the 260-year-old Creed, to new age houses such as Electimuss, some of whose perfumes evoke the scent of a tender night in the mountains.

A lot of our customers are wealthy businesspersons, but we also have a fair number of well-paid executives who dont mind spending a certain amount of money on perfumes every three months, says Mehta. Like with independent watchmakers and small batch spirits producers, niche perfumers are largely founder-owned and focus on hard-to- acquire natural materials that are believed to give perfumes greater depth. They also have higher concentrations of fragrance oils, over 40% in some cases, says Mehta, and are less ubiquitous than designer perfumes, which are easier to access.

Allure of exclusive ingredients in niche perfumes

Niche perfumes are also considered to be a lot more complex and nuanced, and some brands use as many as 200 ingredients in their perfumes. But their calling card is always their exclusivity, which sees them use pricey ingredients such as orris, the root of the iris flower, which costs over $30,000 (about 25 lakh) a kilo, tuberose, ambergris  essentially, sperm whale vomit  which increases the longevity of a fragrance, and the old favourite, oud. At his store at the Palladium Mall, in Mumbai, Mehta holds up a bottle of the gold-flecked Roja Haute Luxe, which has a magisterial fragrance.

Gold is the least expensive ingredient here, he says. Apex, another perfume designed by the eponymous British perfumier, lists earthy black caviar among its base notes. Yet others such as New York brand DS & Durga offer pistachio notes, while French brand Kilian evokes the refreshing feeling of chilled vodka with Vodka on the Rocks.

With notes of peach, cardamom, dark chocolate and coffee, 1969 from Histoires de Parfums is another best-seller and reportedly among actor Angelina Jolies favourites. Niche perfumes can be largely classified into the old nose and new nose. The former is all about heritage, you know, Chanel No.5, all those chypre or fresh fragrances. With the new nose, you have complex perfumes. Youll have chocolate, tonka beans, caramel, coffeeit takes a bit of time figuring out what is what.

While Mehta leans towards heritage perfumes, he is especially taken in by Matiere Premiere. Founded in 2019 by master perfumer Aurelien Guichard, the farm to fragrance brand, now owned by French luxury group Kering, creates perfumes such as Vanilla Powder that combines notes of vanilla and musk, along with hints of coconut. When Mehta started out, he retailed about 17 brands; by the end of this year, he expects that number to be around 40. Its very simple: a certain set of customers now want the best and the very rare. Whenever Im travelling Business and someone asks me about the perfume Im wearing, I know Im on the right track.
Gandhi Jayanti 2024: The annual Gandhi Jayanti on October 2 marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the father of the nation. On this day, we commemorate Gandhi's message of non-violence and upholding the truth. This year, India celebrates the 155th birth anniversary of Bapu. In India, October 2 is recognised as a national holiday, and across the world, it is celebrated as the International Day of Non-Violence. Gandhi Jayanti marks the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi (Getty Images)

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: history and significance

Mahatma Gandhi was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar, Gujarat. He played a crucial role in the country's independence struggle and helped India achieve its freedom by leading non-violent protests against British rule. India achieved its independence in 1947 due to his efforts and those of countless other freedom fighters. His philosophy, which inspired many around the globe, was known as Satyagraha (truth and non-violence).

Mahatma Gandhi and Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru during the All India Conference Committee Session, 1942. (Bettmann Archive)

In 1948, after Mahatma Gandhi's death, Gandhi Jayanti became a national holiday. The day is observed not only to honour his life but also to promote the ideas of peace and harmony.

The Gandhi Jayanti holds much significance for Indians. It's a day to honour the teachings of Bapu, implement them in our lives, and protect and uphold the nation that Gandhi and other freedom fighters struggled to get independence for. Moreover, Gandhi's teachings remind us of the power of peaceful resistance and standing up for justice at every turn without violent methods. A learning that holds importance more than ever.

How do we observe Gandhi Jayanti?

Gandhi Jayanti celebrations include cultural programmes and remembrance ceremonies. On October 2, the Prime Minister, President and other dignitaries visit Raj Ghant in New Delhi to offer their tributes. Many schools and educational institutions conduct cultural programmes where students sing Bapu's favourite bhajan - Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram. Debates, film screenings, and fancy dress competitions also take place.

Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: facts about Mahatma Gandhi

Gandhi's principle of non-violence was not limited to physical acts. It also included thoughts and words.

Gandhi led a simple life, often making his own clothes, cleaning his surroundings, and urging others to adopt the same lifestyle.

Mahatma Gandhi was nominated for the Nobel Peace Prize five times but never received the award.

The United Nations declared Gandhi's birthday, October 2, the International Day of Non-violence in 2007.

Time Magazine named Mahatma Gandhi Person of the Year in 1930.
Mahalaya Amavasya, also known as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya or Pitra Moksha Amavasya is a highly auspicious day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honouring and remembering one's ancestors. This sacred day marks the end of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period during which Hindus perform rituals to pay homage to their forefathers. Mahalaya Amavasya honours ancestors and marks the end of Pitru Paksha.(Freepik)

This annual observance holds deep religious importance, as Mahalaya Amavasya provides the final opportunity to offer prayers and food to ancestors, symbolising gratitude and reverence. Beyond its spiritual significance, the day also signals the onset of the festive season, particularly heralding the arrival of Durga Puja, one of the most celebrated festivals in Hindu culture. From date to timing, scroll down to know more. (Also read: October festivals: Dussehra and Diwali date to Karwa Chauth, check complete list )

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Date and Time

The year the Hindu festival of Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on Wednesday, October 2. According to Drik Panchang, the auspicious timings to observe the occasion are as follows:

Amavasya Tithi Begins - 09:39 PM, October 1, 2024

Amavasya Tithi Ends - 12:18 AM, October 3, 2024

Qutup Muhurta - From 11:12 AM To 12:00 PM, October 2, 2024

Rauhin Muhurta - From 12:00 PM To 12:47 PM, October 2, 2024

Madhyahna Time - From 12:47 PM To 03:11 PM, October 2, 2024

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Significance

Mahalaya Amavasya, one of the most revered days in the Hindu calendar, holds deep religious and spiritual significance as it falls during Pitru Paksha. This important Amavasya occurs in the month of Ashwina and is also known as Sarva Pitri Amavasya. According to Hindu scriptures, it is the day when deceased family members, now Pitru, return to their realm, Pitru Loka. It is believed that by worshipping them with devotion on this day, ancestors bless their descendants with happiness and well-being before departing back to Pitru Loka.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Puja Rituals

On Mahalaya Amavasya, rituals begin with an early bath and cleaning the house. Male family members invite Brahmins home while women prepare sattvik dishes. Tarpan is performed by the men, and the Brahmins are served food, symbolising feeding the ancestors. After the meal, Brahmins are given clothes, shoes, dakshina and family members take their blessings. Leftover food is offered to cows, dogs and crows before the family eats. The day is also ideal for charity, and many women worship the Peepal tree by offering a water mixture and lighting a diya for blessings.
Every woman embraces their journey of pregnancy and childbirth despite of the changes that her body goes through, though discomforts during pregnancy are considered normal but the truth is they are not, if you have discomforts during pregnancy that is neck pain, back pain, pelvic pain, hand pain, heal pain or any other musculoskeletal pain, understand that they can be cured by physiotherapy. Not only antenatal discomforts but physiotherapy and a qualified physiotherapist can help new mothers in their road to recovery after childbirth in their postpartum phase. Back pain to loose abs: Here's how new moms can bounce back with physiotherapy during postpartum (File Photo)

Wonder what exactly do we mean when we say a new mother needs recovery? In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Priyanka Khanna, Womens Health Physiotherapist and Lactation Consultant at Cloudnine Group of Hospitals in New Delhi, explained that a mothers body goes through some major changes during pregnancy and these are 

Changes in the hormonal secretions

Overall increase in body fluid

Laxity of joints and ligaments due to relaxing hormone

Changes in the curvature of the lumbar spine

Stretching of the abdominal muscles to accommodate the growing foetus.

Changes in the skin

Weight gain

Priyanka Khanna added, Soon after childbirth these changes tends to reverse and the body starts to regain its pre-pregnancy state back. But the bounce back phenomena depends on many factors such as the type of pregnancy a woman had, the risks and complications involved, mode of delivery and so accordingly a new mother needs care, attention and mainly time to recover.

Postpartum fitness: Here's how to return to exercise after childbirth (File Photo)

How a physiotherapist can help a new mother recover?

Most common concerns that are highlighted by every new mother can be addressed by a physiotherapist. According to Priyanka Khanna, the major concerns are

Pain around the sutures Back pain Difficulty in resuming daily activities like bed mobility- especially after a caesarean section The loose abdomen Poor posture while breastfeeding causing neck and hand pain Confusions and questions regarding returning back to exercises

Losing belly fat and whipping up in shape once cleared for exercise following childbirth, is on the bucket list of all new mommies while they handle the big and tedious task of taking care of a newborn baby (Pixabay)

How can we address these above concerns?

Pain around sutures can be effectively reduced not only by the analgesics but via electrotherapy modalities that are used to manage pain. The most effective and safe modality that can be used to reduce the pain intensity around suture is TENS. Effective dosage of TENS machine can be beneficial for healing purpose. The adhesions around the surgery scar can be reduced which helps with improving mobility which is called scare mobilization technique where are physiotherapist applies various kinds of pressure that not only aids in mobilizing the scar but also helps with sensation around the scare area. Back pain in new mothers is mainly due to the weak abdominals, tight back musculature, poor posture and lack of enough mobility soon after giving birth. Exercises that are lower in grade to strengthen the appropriate muscles, posture correction can help mothers with backache initially. Difficulty moving in bed is accompanied by pain around the sutures  learning correct technique like correct way of pillow placements, rolling, pushing through the upper body, sitting & getting in and out of the bed helps the body distribute pressure uniformly and avoids pressure at the suture site which causes pain and difficulty moving. These techniques can be learnt by a new mother during the hospital stay itself. The loose abdomen is the group of muscles that has reduced its tone, elasticity, strength also the stretching of the abdominal muscles during pregnancy causes the separation of the rectus abdominal muscle which may sometimes catch your attention as it gives you a bulge and most of women are often concerned about it. If this separation of the muscle is more than more than 2 cm it needs specific (diastasis recti friendly) exercises. There are 4 types of Diastasis recti and they are - Open Diastasis, Open Below Naval, Open Above Naval, Completely Open. Some exercises can be started soon after childbirth to engage the muscles and start the healing process which are - abdominal muscles contraction or activation exercise, deep breathing exercises. A Physiotherapist can prescribe you an exercise plan that can be continued in order to start the recovery process and suggest follow up. Poor posture practices can harm your joints and your muscles in various ways, learning correct postures to sit and breastfeed, lift the child, while changing the diaper can prevent muscle stiffness and malalignment of the joints. Along with correct posture practices, certain exercises like, neck stretching, shoulder mobility exercises, forearm stretches allowing the nerves to calm and prevent arm numbness or tingling in lactating mothers. Confusion to return to exercise routine after childbirth, here is a guideline that can help you understand

Allow your body to heal for about 4-6 weeks.

Start basic mobility and muscle activation exercises soon after childbirth.

Intensity of the exercises can be increased and mild to moderate intensity exercises for upper body, back and abdomen can be started after 6 weeks.

Moderate strength training can be started to strengthen upper and lower body with weights of up to 3-3.5 kg for beginners along with core activation exercises. Avoid lifting heavy weights during daily chores or as a part of exercise, weight training is an important part of the exercise routine but the weights must be increased in gradual manner to avoid any injury.

Mild to moderate Cardio exercises like walking and brisk walking can be started after 6 weeks. Avoid HITT (high intensity interval training).

It is always recommended to consult your OBGYN (health care provider) and a physiotherapist for a detailed assessment of diastasis recti before you start any exercise routine to make sure that healing is complete and to prevent any kind of insult to your musculosketal health.

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.
As of today, the number of individuals aged 60 and above in India is estimated to be around 150 million, representing slightly over 10 percent of the country's total population. Projections indicate that this figure will escalate to 230 million within the next 1012 years. Want to add years to your parents' life? Check these approaches to manage health and well-being of elder population (File Photo)

By 2050, the UN Population Fund forecasts that elderly individuals will constitute 20.8% of Indias population, signalling a significant shift from a historically youthful demographic to an older one and even surpassing the population of children aged 015 by 2046. This demographic transformation highlights the critical need for comprehensive strategies to effectively manage the health and well-being of the ageing population.

Managing the health and well-being of our parents or of the elder population requires a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that addresses the complex and interconnected physical, cognitive and psychosocial needs of older adults. As individuals age, they often face multiple chronic conditions, functional limitations and increased vulnerability to various health issues therefore, effective management strategies must be tailored to the unique challenges and requirements of this demographic.

Proven Ways to Boost Elder Well-being (File Photo)

Unlock the key to longevity

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Rakesh Gupta, Senior Consultant - Internal Medicine at Indraprastha Apollo Hospitals, said, A cornerstone of elder care is the implementation of regular, comprehensive geriatric assessments. These evaluations should encompass physical health, cognitive function, mental health, functional status and social support systems. By identifying potential issues early, healthcare providers can develop proactive interventions and personalised care plans. He elaborated -

Chronic disease management is crucial for maintaining quality of life in older adults. This involves coordinating care across multiple specialties, optimising medication regimens to minimize polypharmacy and adverse drug interactions and promoting self-management strategies. Conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, osteoarthritis and cardiovascular diseases require vigilant monitoring and adjustment of treatment plans as needed.

Preventive care plays a vital role in preserving health and independence. This includes maintaining up-to-date immunizations, regular screenings for cancer and other age-related conditions and promoting lifestyle modifications. Encouraging physical activity, balanced nutrition and smoking cessation can significantly impact overall health outcomes.

Cognitive health is a critical component of elder well-being. Implementing cognitive stimulation programs, early detection of dementia and providing support for both patients and caregivers are essential. Additionally, addressing mental health concerns such as depression and anxiety through appropriate counseling and pharmacological interventions when necessary is crucial.

Falls prevention is another key area of focus, given the high risk and potentially severe consequences of falls in older adults. This involves environmental modifications, balance and strength training and reviewing medications that may increase fall risk.

Social engagement and support are fundamental to emotional well-being and cognitive health. Encouraging participation in community activities, facilitating access to social services and supporting family caregivers can help combat social isolation and enhance quality of life.

As the elder population often faces complex care needs, care coordination becomes paramount. Implementing integrated care models that facilitate communication between various healthcare providers, social services, and community resources can lead to more efficient and effective care delivery.

Lastly, advance care planning is an essential component of elder care. Engaging in discussions about end-of-life preferences, designating healthcare proxies, and documenting wishes through advance directives ensures that care aligns with the individual's values and preferences.

Bringing her expertise to the same, Sama Beg, Chief Product Officer at Emoha, shared, From a clinical standpoint, the emphasis must be on developing age-appropriate healthcare services that cater specifically to the elderly. This involves not only expanding geriatric care but also integrating chronic disease management into primary healthcare systems. Conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and arthritis require continuous care, which can be managed through regular screenings and personalised treatment plans. Furthermore, training healthcare professionals in geriatric care ensures that the elderly receive care that is both empathetic and effective.

Yoga for seniors or older adults prevents joint tension, osteoarthritis and other discomfort (Photo by Vlada Karpovich on Pexels)

Must-try approaches for elderly health and wellness

Citing the United Nations Population Fund's India Ageing Report 2023 that highlights the critical need for more affordable and accessible healthcare solutions, Sama Beg suggested -

This can be achieved through the incorporation of technology and innovation. Telemedicine, for instance, can play a pivotal role in delivering healthcare to seniors, especially in remote areas. Moreover, leveraging mobile health applications and wearable devices can promote self-monitoring among the elderly, empowering them to manage their health proactively

Elder care facilities need to evolve beyond basic health services to become supportive communities that encourage active and engaged lifestyles. Facilities designed with the safety and mobility of the elderly in mind, coupled with programs that encourage social interaction and mental stimulation, are essential. Offer a holistic model that combines technology, community and expert care to empower the elderly to live more independently and joyfully.

Caregiving is an integral part of elder care, often provided by family members who might lack formal training. Offering training and resources to caregivers is crucial in ensuring that they can provide the best care while also managing their own well-being. Additionally, professional caregivers equipped with skills in elderly care techniques and emotional support can greatly enhance the quality of life for the elderly.

Encouraging positive interactions between the elderly and younger generations can lead to mutual benefits. Programs that facilitate mentoring, shared learning, and cultural exchange can enhance understanding and respect between generations, enriching the social fabric of the community.

Sama Beg summed up, By embracing a holistic approach that spans clinical, healthcare, elder care and caregiving perspectives, India can truly honour the golden years of its ageing population. As we advance, it becomes crucial for every segment of societyfrom government bodies to the private sector and grassroots organisationsto join hands in crafting an environment that enhances the dignity, health and joy of our elderly. This collaborative effort will not only address the challenges but will celebrate the wisdom and life experiences of our seniors, fostering a more inclusive and loving society that values every stage of life.

By adopting a holistic, patient-centered approach that addresses these various aspects of health and well-being, healthcare providers can significantly improve outcomes and quality of life for the elder population.
Birla Estates Private Limited on October 1 said that the company has sold its inventory in the Bengaluru project, Birla Trimaya Phase II  The Park, achieving an approximate booking value of about 600 crore. Birla Estates sells 95% of Bengaluru project in 24 hours clocking  600 crore in booking value (Representational photo)(Aniruddha Chowdhury/Mint)

"Birla Trimaya Phase II  The Park, has sold almost 95 per cent of its inventory within 24 hours of its launch achieving an approximate booking value of about 600 crore," it said.

This follows the performance of Phase I of Birla Trimaya, which secured approximately 500 crore in bookings within 36 hours of its launch, the company said in a statement.

Overall, the cumulative booking value achieved till date is approximately 1,100 crore and the project is anticipated to generate a total revenue potential of around 3,000 crore, it added.

Also Read: Puravankara Limited buys 1.25-lakh square feet land parcel in Bengaluru for 134.71 crore

Located on Shettigere Road in Devanahalli of North Bengaluru, the project is spread across 52 acres, comprising apartments, row houses and duplex homes.

Our focus on design differentiation and deep understanding of the market has created this new benchmark. Bengaluru remains a key focus market in our growth plans, said K T Jithendran, MD and CEO of Birla Estates.

Also Read: Birla Estates buys 24.5 acres land from Hindalco for 537 crore in Kalwa near Mumbai

Company's commercial portfolio comprises two grade-A commercial buildings located in Worli

Headquartered in Mumbai, Birla Estates Private Limited is a wholly owned subsidiary of Aditya Birla Real Estate Limited, primarily focused on developing premium residential housing in key markets.

It develops land parcels both through outright purchases as well as asset light joint ventures apart from developing its own land parcels.

Also Read: Birla Estates formally acquires Hindalcos Kalwa factory plot

The company has a project pipeline worth 45,000 crore in gross development value, Jithendran had said in November 2023.

The company has regional offices in NCR, Bengaluru and Pune. Its commercial portfolio comprises two grade-A commercial buildings located in Worli, Mumbai with around 6 lakh square feet of leasable area.

Earlier, a Birla Estates subsidiary had bought Hindalco Industries Kalwas factory, spread over 24.5 acres, for 537.42 crore. In July 2023, Hindalco Industries had announced that its board of directors had given the go-ahead for sale of the land parcel to Birla Estates arm, Ekamaya Properties.
The Delhi Police is known to frequently use puns and memes to share messages of public safety with the national capital's residents. In their recent post, they evoked a meme icon who has been hugely popular on social media over the last couple of years: Ganji Chudail. "Sabko helmet pehnate hain Delhi Police wale," the post read, which translates to "Delhi Police makes everyone wear helmets".(X/Delhipolice)

The post, which shared a road safety message, shows the meme character wearing a helmet. "Mujhse nahi, chot se daro! Helmet pehno! (Don't be afraid of me, be scared of getting hurt. Wear a helmet)," read the caption accompanying the post.

"Sabko helmet pehnate hain Delhi Police wale," the post read, which translates to "Delhi Police makes everyone wear helmets".

Take a look at the viral post here:

From witch to meme: Ganji chudail

A wacky cartoon character, based on an evil, bald witch, has somehow become the most popular internet meme in the country.

Ganji Chudail, was created by YouTube channel Majedar Kahani as an animated character for their stories for children. The channel shared animated versions of classic children's stories like Panchatantra and tales of Akbar and Birbal on the internet. Soon, they developed their own characters for new stories and Ganji Chudail became one of the most popular ones.

The evil witch's quirky and sometimes weird antics somehow became relatable to audiences on social media, even reaching brands like Netflix, Swiggy and Nykaa, who used the character for their ad campaigns. Recently, the makers of horror-comedy 'Stree 2' used Ganji Chudail videos to promote their movie.

Some Instagram users even dressed up as the bald green character wearing a saree for Halloween parties. (Also read: Pookiest Meme Police: 5 times Delhi polices social media broke the internet!)

How internet reacted

Instagram users were delighted by the police's attempt at being relatable while sharing a public service announcement. Several users commented on the post complimenting the creativity of the message.

"Ganji chudail is not so ganji (bald) anymore," remarked one user.

Another user said the Delhi Police should call themselves the "meme police" for posting such "epic" memes.

"Delhi police dil ki police," said a third user.

"Delhi police is on a roll," read another comment.
A picture showing an Indian man wearing socks with holes as he sat at inside a luxury hotel in New Delhi was shared social media by a user. Now, the man, an IIT Bombay professor, has responded to the image and explained the reason behind his peculiar wardrobe choice. Chetan Singh Solanki is on a mission to raise awareness about environmental degradation over the past few decades, travelling over 43,000 km across 20 states to promote solar energy.(LinkedIn/ChetanSinghSolanki)

Chetan Singh Solanki, who has taught at the prestigious institute for over 20 years and is known as the Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi, said that the photo was clicked when he was delivering a talk at a leadership summit.

Solanki is on a mission to raise awareness about environmental degradation over the past few decades, travelling over 43,000 km across 20 states to promote solar energy.

"Someone snapped this photo of me at the Hyatt in Delhi, during a quiet moment before delivering my talk at the The Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit on 25th Sept," he wrote.

Take a look at the post here:

Chetan Solanki said his aim to reduce the waste he creates.

"Yes, my torn socks were exposed! I need to replace them, I will and sure, I can afford to  but nature cannot. In nature, everything is finite," the professor said, adding that while he can afford to replace his socks, nature cannot afford more waste.

Solanki said he has been making conscious efforts to make efficient use of anything he buys.

"I may use the best gadgets to enhance my productivity, but I strive to use the least amount of material to reduce my carbon footprint," he wrote in the post.

Solanki said that just as businessmen want to increase their profit on every investment, he as a "social worker" wants to maximise the "impact of his time"

He ended the post by mentioning sustainability, leadership, climate correction and minimalism in hashtags. (Also read: IIT Bombay masters student on life at top college: 'Classes just 2 days a week')

How internet reacted

The IIT professor's words resonated with social media users who lauded his attempt to "prioritize nature's well-being", while others took a light-hearted approach to the post.

"Thanks Chetan Singh Solanki , your example has given me the courage to come out of the closet as a fellow torn socks wearer! This is really reducing carbon footprint!," one user said.

However, many users pointed to the Solanki's efforts for India's sustainability over the years. (Also read: This IITian gave up TCS job to become an IAS officer. His first salary was)
Fans often go to great lengths to express their admiration and devotion for their beloved celebrities. A video of one such fan has taken social media by storm. Veerender Singh, whose profile says he is a die-hard fan of Kareena Kapoor, shared a clip capturing the pictures he has taken with her for over nine years. One of the photos also shows him with a tattoo of the actors nickname. Two pictures clicked by a die-hard fan of Kareena Kapoor, one in 2014 and another in 2023. (Instagram/@iamveeruking)

My journey with Kareena Kapoor - 08/08/14 To 08/11/2023. My photos, videos and selfies, Singh wrote alongside his video. His clip, a montage of various photos, shows him posing with the actor in various instances. In one of the pictures, Saif Ali Khan also makes an appearance.

Take a look at the viral video here:

The video has gone viral with over 7.3 million views - and the numbers are only increasing. The share has further prompted people to post various comments, including a reaction from Orry.

What did Orry say?

Reacting to the video, Orry wrote, It's so nice to see your growth and progress over the years. He concluded his comment with a heart emoticon.

How did others react?

You tattooed her name on your arms asked an individual, adding several question marks to their remark. Another commented, Such a real fan.

A third posted, You have met her so many times. I am still waiting for my first chance. Lucky you. A fourth wrote, This is so cute.

Kareena Kapoor was last seen in the film The Buckingham Murders. In this one-and-a-half-hour Hansal Mehta film, she plays a detective grappling with personal tragedy. The murder mystery earned 1.15 crore on day 1, which dipped to 23 lakh by day 7.

What are your thoughts on this video of Kareena Kapoors die-hard fan?
A heartfelt interaction between police and a luxury car owner is the happy video you didnt know you needed to watch. Shared on Instagram, the clip captures what happens when cops stop a Lamborghini owner during a routine inspection. The image shows a Lamborghini car whose owner was stopped by the police. The screengrab is from a viral video. (Instagram/@saboonishant)

Police stopped my Lamborghini, but after confirming everything was clear, no challan, they asked permission to take photos with the Lambo. Its great to see that even those in uniform have a passion for supercars, Instagram user Nishant Saboo wrote. He is the founder and director of Ceramic Pro, which deals with ceramic nanotechnology protective coating systems for automobiles.

In the video, Saboo asks a policeman to sit comfortably inside his car for a photo. The cop, with a smile on his face, shyly says he is finding it difficult to get inside.

Watch the entire video here:

From joking about his not getting a challan to commenting on the happiness expressed by the cop, people were all over the videos comments section to share their reactions.

What did Instagram users say?

No challan? Wow! joked an Instagram user. We need such happy police everywhere, added another. You are the first person in a supercar to spread happiness, a third joined. A fourth wrote, You have proved that happiness increases by sharing it.

Many chose to show their reactions through emotions, not just comments. While some posted fire emojis, others shared heart emoticons.

Nishant Saboo is also the founder of SuperCarscommunity_India, which, according to its Instagram page, showcases various luxury cars in India.

What are your thoughts on this heartwarming video of an interaction between a Lamborghini owner and a policeman? Did it leave you with a smile?
A man in US's Florida claimed that scammers used Artificial Intelligence (AI) to recreate his voice and tried to dupe his parents of $30,000 (over 25 lakh). Jay Shooster, who is running for Florida State House, said that cyber criminals told his parents that he was injured in a car accident and needed the money to bail himself out of jail. Jay Shooster said that cyber criminals told his parents that he was injured in a car accident and needed money to bail himself out of jail.(Pixabay)

"Today, my dad got a phone call no parent ever wants to get. He heard me tell him I was in a serious car accident, injured, and under arrest for a DUI and I needed $30,000 to be bailed out of jail. But it wasn't me. There was no accident. It was an AI scam," he wrote in a series of posts on X. (Also read: Fake 'Brad Pitt' promises romantic relationship, scams two women of 3 crore)

Read the viral post here:

Shooster said that the call came just days after he appeared on local TV for his election campaign. "Fifteen seconds of me talking. More than enough to make a decent AI clone," he said.

Shooster said that he never thought a scam like this could happen to someone he knew since he has warned people about similar incidents in the past. "I've literally given presentations about this exact sort of scam, posted online about it, and I've talked to my family about it, but they still almost fell for it. That's how effective these scams are. Please spread the word to your friends and family," he advised.

"Will have to prove identity"

Shooster said it's time that better AI regulations are brought forwards so such scammers can be stopped. "A very sad side-effect of this voice-cloning tech is that now people in *real* emergencies will have to prove their identities to their loved ones with passwords etc," he wrote.

He painted a picture of a dystopian future when knowing if the person on the phone is actually your loved one or not would become impossible. "Can you imagine your parent doubting whether they're actually talking to you when you really need help?," he said.

X user flooded the post's comments, saying such scams are becoming alarmingly common and very hard to spot. "Probably not a coincidence. And, it is nonetheless identity theft," one user said. (Also read: Bengaluru man orders iPhone 15, fake Flipkart delivery boy shows up. This happened next)
Retired IAS officer Rohit Kumar Singh took to social media yesterday to share a picture of his first offer letter for a TCS job paying 1,300 per month. Singh, an Indian Administrative Service officer of the 1989 batch, Rajasthan cadre, said that 1,300 was a princely salary when he joined the workforce 40 years ago. IAS officer Rohit Kumar Singh shared a picture of his first offer letter from TCS(X/@rohitksingh)

His offer letter, dated 26th June, 1984, shows that Singh was hired as a trainee at TCS Mumbai. In his post on the social media platform X, the former Secretary to the Government of India revealed that Tata Consultancy Services was his first job, and he got it through campus placements at IIT-BHU.

A little more than 40 years ago, I got my first job at TCS Mumbai through campus recruitment at IIT BHU, wrote the retired IAS officer, adding: With a princely salary of 13IIT00 Rupees, the ocean view from the 11th Floor of Air India Building at Nariman Point was regal indeed!

Take a look at his post below:

Rohit Kumar Singh currently serves as a member of the National Consumer Disputes Redressal Commission (NCDRC). According to the NCDRC website, he graduated with a degree in Electrical Engineering from Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Banaras Hindu University (BHU).

After joining TCS, Singh left India to pursue a Masters in Computer Engineering from Clarkson University, New York. He appeared for the UPSC civil services examination after receiving his Masters degree and qualified to become an IAS officer. He has since held several positions over the course of an illustrious career spanning more than three decades.

In the comments section of his post, a user asked Singh: How much was your starting salary as a probationer in the IAS?

The retired officer revealed that he received a salary of 2,200 per month when he joined the Indian Administrative Service in 1989.

From TCS to Civil Service! Indeed a Great Journey! another user said.

I did the math so that no one else has to, as per some online calculator website a salary of 1300 INR in 1984 would translate to 21000 INR in 2024 which means that TCS has a history of 30+ yrs of not paying well, X user Vansh quipped.
Four people were killed and at least nine others injured in shooting incident in Jaffa, central Israel, on Tuesday evening, local media reported. Israeli police suspected the incident a "terror" attack. Israeli soldiers sleep on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)(AP)

Shortly after, a barrage of missile attacks from Iran targeted Israel, escalating tensions and pushing the Middle East towards a broader conflict.

Follow- Lebanon war live updates

Israel-Iran crisis top updates

 The Israeli military said Tuesday that Iran fired about 100 missiles at Israel. Air raid sirens went off across the country, and people were told to stay near bomb shelters.

 A US official warned of "severe consequences" to Iran launching ballistic missiles at Israel. US ships and aircraft are on standby in the region to assist Israel in case of an attack. Israel threatened to retaliate against Iran.

ALSO READ- Pentagon's consequences warning to Iran as Israel, US agree on dismantling Hezbollah infra along Lebanon border

 Israeli army radio said that take-offs and landings at Ben Gurion International Airport near Tel Aviv have stopped.

 Meanwhile, Israel advised Lebanese citizens to evacuate border areas to avoid harm from limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

 On Tuesday, Israeli police reported a suspected "terror" shooting in Tel Aviv near the border with Jaffa, resulting in several casualties. Local media said at least four people were seriously injured.

 On the other hand, two vessels were damaged by Hamas missiles and a sea drone off Yemen's Red Sea port of Hodeidah, but the crews were reported safe.

ALSO READ- Indian Navy ships reach Iranian port for training amid West Asia tensions

 UN secretary-general Antonio Guterres called for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, stressing the need to respect the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity.

 Hezbollah claimed responsibility for targeting an air base in Tel Aviv in retaliation for attacks on Lebanese civilians, marking the second operation linked to its slain leader.

 The US embassy in Israel advised its staff and their families to shelter in place due to warnings of missile attack from Iran.

 The US imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, a group of extremist settlers in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, and targeted two Israeli settlers for their involvement in violence against Palestinians.
SYDNEY, - Australia's central bank has barred Canada's global investment bank from confidential briefings after one of its clients leaked details from a closed door briefing, two sources aware of the decision said on Tuesday. Australia's central bank bars Canadian investment bank from private briefings after leak - sources

This is the second instance of a leak after the Reserve Bank of Australia was criticised last year when then Governor Philip Lowe briefed traders at a private meeting hosted by Barrenjoey Capital Partners, after the central bank surprised markets with a hawkish outlook on rates.

Assistant Governor Christopher Kent met with economists and trading clients of RBC Capital Markets, the investment banking arm of Royal Bank of Canada, in February after the RBA held the cash rate steady at 4.35%, two sources told Reuters. The sources did not want to be identified as the discussions were private.

Following the meeting, RBC Capital Markets' trading client shared what Kent said at the briefing with an external associate, the sources said.

When RBC discovered this leak it proactively revealed the information to the RBA, and the central bank put a 12-month ban on RBC for the breach, one of the source said.

RBC Capital Markets and the RBA declined to comment on the matter.

The story was first reported by the Australian Financial Review on Tuesday.

Michele Bullock took over from Lowe as RBA governor in September last year. Lowe joined the board of Barrenjoey last month.

When asked about the issue, Australia's Treasurer Jim Chalmers said it was not for the government to manage or police agreements between the Reserve Bank and the commercial banks.

"But I do share the concern .... that some elements of confidentiality may have been breached, and Im sure that our colleagues at the bank are working through what that means for the way that they conduct those briefings and whos involved," Chalmers told reporters in a news briefing in Canberra.

Royal Bank of Canada

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Catarina Demony Britain committed to Israel's security, PM Starmer tells Netanyahu

LONDON -Britain's Keir Starmer assured Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of his country's "steadfast commitment" to Israeli security and protection of civilians after Iran's missile attack.

A spokesperson for Starmer's office said the prime minister spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, and the leaders discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

Starmer condemned Iran's attack on Israel, which began during the leaders' conversation, in the "strongest terms", the spokesperson added.

"It cannot be tolerated," Starmer told reporters later on Tuesday. "We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defense in the face of this aggression. Iran must stop these attacks."

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, and Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

Asked whether Britain was prepared to use its military to help Israel defend itself, Starmer said Israel has the right to self defence and "any relevant updates will be provided in due course".

In Washington, President Joe Biden said the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself.

Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, and Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Reuters journalists saw missiles intercepted in the airspace of neighbouring Jordan.

Starmer spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah, and they underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, Starmer's office said.

Starmer said he also held calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to "try to find the space for a political solution".

A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders acknowledged "the serious risk of regional escalation" and agreed all sides should show restraint.

On X, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he "warned Iran against taking action that could push the region further towards the brink. A cycle of escalation is in no one's interest."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Britain's Keir Starmer assured Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on Tuesday of his country's "steadfast commitment" to Israeli security and protection of civilians after Iran's missile attack. Britain's Prime Minister Keir Starmer makes a statement on the evolving situation in the Middle East, inside 10 Downing Street, in central London, on October 1, 2024. Benjamin Cremel/Pool via REUTERS(via REUTERS)

A spokesperson for Starmer's office said the prime minister spoke with Netanyahu on Tuesday afternoon, and the leaders discussed the escalating situation across the Middle East.

Starmer condemned Iran's attack on Israel, which began during the leaders' conversation, in the "strongest terms", the spokesperson added.

"It cannot be tolerated," Starmer told reporters later on Tuesday. "We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self defense in the face of this aggression. Iran must stop these attacks."

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, and Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

Asked whether Britain was prepared to use its military to help Israel defend itself, Starmer said Israel has the right to self defence and "any relevant updates will be provided in due course".

In Washington, President Joe Biden said the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself.

Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley, and Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Reuters journalists saw missiles intercepted in the airspace of neighbouring Jordan.

Starmer spoke with Jordan's King Abdullah, and they underscored the urgent need for a ceasefire in both Lebanon and Gaza, Starmer's office said.

Starmer said he also held calls with French President Emmanuel Macron and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz to "try to find the space for a political solution".

A Downing Street spokesperson said the leaders acknowledged "the serious risk of regional escalation" and agreed all sides should show restraint.

On X, British Foreign Minister David Lammy said he "warned Iran against taking action that could push the region further towards the brink. A cycle of escalation is in no one's interest."

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
PARIS  A giant empty cage greeted Chanels guests at its return to the Grand Palais on Tuesday. Though perhaps not intentionally symbolic, the decor seemed to capture the current state of the house itself: a majestic structure empty of creative direction. With Virginie Viards recent departure, Chanel finds itself at a crossroads, as the fashion world eagerly awaits the appointment of a new creative leader. Chanel show wrestles with designer void as actor Lupita Nyong'o talks diversity in fashion

Meanwhile, in a powerful step toward embracing diversity, Chanel announced Lupita Nyongo as its newest ambassador. The appointment of the Oscar-winning actor, who is Kenyan Mexican, comes at a pivotal moment for the French fashion house that had faced criticism in the past for its lack of inclusivity. This move follows the widely-lauded appointment of British-Indian Leena Nair as Chanels global chief executive in 2022, making her the only woman of color at the helm of a major luxury brand.

Here are some highlights of spring-summer ready-to-wear shows: Chanel: seeking a vision beyond the emp ty cage

The spring collection delivered many familiar elements from Chanels vast repertoire  chiffon capes, slit skirts, embroidered transparent shirt dresses, trench coats adorned with multicolored feather prints, aviator jackets with Peter Pan collars, total pink or blue tweed looks, and the iconic little black dress that Chanel herself introduced to the world. Tweed, jersey, faille, transparent embroidery, sequins, fringe, pastel knits, and sparkling platform shoes all made an appearance, forming a showcase of the houses signatures.

Yet despite the breadth and richness of the offering, something was amiss. There was little cohesion, and at times, the collection lacked the unmistakable soul that once characterized Chanels shows. A series of foulard-printed gowns seemed out of place  as if borrowed clumsily from another narrative altogether.

With a snip of scissors, Gabrielle Coco Chanel freed women from their corsets. Today, Chanel itself needs liberation. The applause at the end of the show, which featured designs that often felt uninspired, was distinctly muted, with critics visibly shifting in their seats.

Star appearances by Elvis Presleys granddaughter Riley Keough, who capped the show with a funky vocal performance of a Prince hit from inside the gilded cage, as well the starry presence of Nyongo, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Vanessa Paradis, Margaret Qualley and Naomi Campbell, seemed like an effort to divert attention from the elephant  or the empty cage  in the room.

Chanel is unquestionably a fashion juggernaut, and it will weather this moment of transition. However, there is no overstating the importance of the decision the house now faces. Chanel must find a designer who can reshape and redefine its vision for the future. The industry is rife with speculation. Potential successors include Daniel Roseberry, known for his dramatic work at Schiaparelli, Marc Jacobs, a seasoned classicist with Paris experience, and Nadege Vanhee, the skilled designer from Hermes.

Viard, ousted this summer, succeeded Karl Lagerfeld upon his death in 2019 and was his closest collaborator for decades. She had overseen record sales for Chanel, reaching a reported $19.7 billion last year. Ready-to-wear sales reportedly increased 23% during her tenure. Viard was only the third creative director in Chanels over 100-year history, following Lagerfeld and legendary founder Chanel herself. Lupita Nyongo named Chanel ambassador

Nyongo shared her excitement and the deep sense of responsibility accompanying the new role. Its a great honor, she said. Chanel is a legacy brand with a long history. And to be the newest face of it feels monumental. I feel very, very proud and excited to take this new journey with a brand that I think is dynamic and always feminine and regal.

Nyongos appointment comes as a breath of fresh air in an industry criticized for lack of diversity and reluctance to change. The number of Black designers leading heritage houses remains alarmingly low  currently only Balmains Olivier Rousteing and Louis Vuitton mens designer Pharrell Williams hold such positions in Parisian legacy brands.

For Nyongo, joining Chanel is about more than wearing beautiful clothes  its about contributing to a narrative shift in fashion. The message that I bring naturally and deliberately to the role is that things have changed. And we dont want them to go back to what they once were, she said.

Nyongo drew inspiration from watching a recent documentary about Bethann Hardison, the iconic model and activist who was at the forefront of pushing for diversity in fashion during the 1960s and 1970s. Hardison, who rose to prominence after her appearance at the historic 1973 Battle of Versailles  a groundbreaking fashion show that brought American designers into the spotlight  became one of the first high-profile Black models and an outspoken advocate for change.

In that documentary, I was really alarmed to see how much work had been done to diversify the fashion industry, but then how much it reverted to monoculture in the following years, Nyongo said.

Hardisons tireless efforts led to significant gains for Black models in the past, but the subsequent regression underscored how fragile those victories could be. Her fight for inclusivity in fashion serves as both a cautionary tale and a source of inspiration for Nyongo, who now finds herself continuing Hardisons legacy.

It took a step back, so for me that was testament to the fact that it takes consciousness. Its a conscious effort that has to be made on a daily basis and in present time. You dont fix it once and then hope it stays that way, Nyongo added. She sees Chanels decision to name her as an ambassador as part of a broader, deliberate declaration: I feel like these movements that Chanel is making are part of declaring a desire to represent a more realistic world. And Im proud to be one of those faces that is sending that message.

The importance of visibility in reshaping perceptions cannot be understated.

When I was growing up, I didnt see myself in ads for brands like this. It resulted in me going through quite the identity crisis and feeling undervalued by the world, Nyongo said candidly. She recounted those early days  staring at glossy magazine pages, searching for a face that mirrored her own, only to find none.

Now, she imagines a little girl somewhere, watching her in a Chanel campaign, seeing someone who looks like her  someone who is elegant, celebrated, and valued.

I would hope that there is a message for little girls, she continued. My work as an actor and as an author, as a podcast maker, and now as a brand ambassador, is to change that by just occupying the space. It is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of representation; when someone finally occupies a space that was once empty, it changes the way people see themselves and the world around them.

The luxury sector has frequently been accused of tokenism and superficial diversity efforts  making short-term gestures without genuine long-term change. Nyongo is determined to make her role count, embodying the idea that representation must come with influence and purpose. Louis Vuitton blends opulence and chaos in a dazzling collection

French fashion once again showcased its formidable strength at Nicolas Ghesquieres spring collection for Louis Vuitton, blending savoir-faire with cultural resonance. French fashion is a formidable soft power, radiating a tradition of savoir-faire, an art de vivre  a cultural singularity, the house said, and the designer delivered a spectacle that seemed like yet another a grand culmination of the house's journey across time, space, and style.

A sheeny striped coat with a curved silhouette opened the show, its adornments and accessories teeming with a kind of futuristic couturea theme Ghesquiere has mastered over his tenure. The coat set the stage for a collection that often intentionally deceived and dazzled the eye, echoing Ghesquieres penchant for colliding references and reimagining the old as new. Giant petal-like fabrics encircled the necks of models, conjuring both South American flair and a nod to punkthe very hybrid aesthetic that makes Ghesquieres work so unmistakable.

The show leaned into religious undertones, featuring a priest-like robe with fluid proportions, accessorized with an almost comically oversized black chain adorned with a sort of crucifix.

Yet, despite the individual flair of many pieces, the sheer divergence of styles sometimes felt overwhelming. One particular black-and-white floral split dress seemed to confuse the eye, its busy patterns making it difficult for spectators to discern where the dress ended and the underdress began. This tendency to merge multiple aesthetic elements occasionally crossed into visual overload. Miu Miu examines youth, uses A-listers as models

If anyone can redefine fashion by dipping into the nursery wardrobe, its Miuccia Prada. This season, Miu Miu, Pradas irreverent and intellectual baby sister, examined early youth  and with it, the liberating simplicity and honesty it brings to thinking and dressing.

The brand is notorious for blurring the lines between sophistication and play, and its no surprise that a babys cotton chemisette took center stage and transformed, under Pradas artful manipulation, into something altogether more complex.

Opening with a crisp white cotton dress, this deceptively intricate collection borrowed directly from childhood is the fruit of a collaboration with Petit Bateau. Chemisette dresses, sweaters, and twisted shirts became subversive statements  folded, wrapped, and twisted in all the wrong ways to create something utterly fresh. The result? A glamour that Prada herself called dishonest  a term almost mischievously fitting for Miu Mius rebellious ethos. Its the spirit of a girl who refuses to conform, wearing her tights over her dress, her sweaters in unconventional ways, just because she can.

The sense of playful contrastan innocent wardrobe rendered provocativecaptured one of Miu Mius long-standing narratives: youth is a state of being under construction, where rules are fluid, and experimentation is freedom. Its a continuation of Pradas love for subversion and polarity, whether its mixing raw imperfection with poise or twisting utilitarian comfort into a silhouette that exudes audacity.

Prada called in a remarkable cast, including Alexa Chung, Willem Dafoe, Cara Delevingne, and Hilary Swank  household names from every corner of the artistic universe, as comfortable in front of the camera as they were here, treading the Miu Miu boards.

Where Miuccia Prada excels is her ability to inject humor  a knowing wink  into serious fashion. And just as Prada herself once said, sometimes we must choose whether to be a child or a lady near death. This collection chose the former.

This article was corrected to show that Erykah Badu did not attend the Chanel fashion show.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Israel and Hamas have been waging war since gunmen from the Palestinian militant group in the Gaza Strip stormed into southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and capturing 253 hostages, by Israeli tallies. A woman looks around as she salvages items at the damaged UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees building complex in western Gaza City's Al-Sinaa.(AFP)

Israel responded with a military offensive in Gaza in which more than 41,500 Palestinians have been killed, according to Gaza health authorities. Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million people in the enclave have been displaced from their homes and much of the territory has been laid to waste.

The Gaza war is the bloodiest episode yet in a protracted conflict between Israelis and Palestinians that has rumbled for seven decades and destabilised the Middle East.

Recent weeks have also seen a dramatic escalation in a related conflict across Israel's border with Lebanon, where the Iran-backed armed movement Hezbollah says it is fighting in solidarity with the Palestinians.

Origins of Israel-Palestine conflict

The conflict pits Israeli demands for a secure homeland in what it has long regarded as a hostile Middle East against Palestinians' unrealised aspirations for a state of their own.

In 1947, while Palestine was under British mandate rule, the United Nations General Assembly agreed a plan to partition it into Arab and Jewish states and for international rule over Jerusalem. Jewish leaders accepted the plan, which gave them 56% of the land. The Arab League rejected the proposal.

Israel's founding father, David Ben-Gurion, proclaimed the modern state of Israel on May 14, 1948, a day before the scheduled end of British rule, establishing a safe haven for Jews fleeing persecution and seeking a national home on land to which they cite ties dating to antiquity.

In the late 1940s, violence had been intensifying between Arabs, who comprised about two thirds of the population, and Jews. A day after Israel was created, troops from five Arab states attacked.

In the war that followed, some 700,000 Palestinians fled or were driven from their homes, ending up in Jordan, Lebanon and Syria, and in Gaza, the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Palestinians lament this as the "Nakba", or catastrophe. Israel contests the assertion that it forced out Palestinians.

Armistice agreements halted the fighting in 1949 but there was no formal peace. Descendants of Palestinians who stayed put in the war make up about 20% of Israel's population now.

What wars have been fought since then?

In 1967, Israel made a pre-emptive strike on Egypt and Syria, launching the Six-Day War. Israel captured the West Bank and Arab East Jerusalem from Jordan, the Golan Heights from Syria and the Sinai Peninsula and Gaza Strip from Egypt.

A 1967 Israeli census put Gaza's population at 394,000, at least 60% of them Palestinian refugees and their descendants.

In 1973, Egypt and Syria attacked Israeli positions along the Suez Canal and Golan Heights, starting the Yom Kippur War. Israel pushed both armies back within three weeks.

Israel invaded Lebanon in 1982 and thousands of Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) guerrillas under Yasser Arafat were evacuated by sea after a 10-week siege. Israeli troops pulled out of Lebanon in 2000.

In 2005, Israel withdrew settlers and soldiers from Gaza. Hamas won parliamentary elections in 2006 and seized full control of Gaza in 2007. Major fighting flared between Israel and Palestinian militants in Gaza in 2006, 2008, 2012, 2014 and 2021.

In 2006, Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah militants captured two Israeli soldiers in the border region and Israel launched military action, triggering a six-week war.

There have also been two Palestinian intifadas, or uprisings, from 1987 to 1993 and 2000 to 2005. In the second, Hamas and other Palestinian militant groups carried out suicide bombings in Israel, and Israel conducted tank assaults and airstrikes on Palestinian cities.

Since then, there have been several rounds of hostilities between Israel and Hamas, which refuses to recognise Israel and is regarded as a terrorist organisation by Israel, the European Union, United States and other countries. Hamas says its armed activities are resistance against Israeli occupation.

What attempts have been there to make peace?

In 1979, Egypt became the first Arab state to sign a peace treaty with Israel, under which the Sinai Peninsula was returned to Egyptian rule.

In 1993, Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin and PLO leader Arafat shook hands on the Oslo Accords establishing limited Palestinian autonomy in the West Bank and Gaza. In 1994, Israel signed a peace treaty with Jordan. But a summit six years later attended by Arafat, Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Barak and U.S. President Bill Clinton at Camp David failed to secure a final peace deal.

In 2002, a proposed Arab League plan offered Israel normal relations with all Arab countries in return for a full withdrawal from the lands it took in the 1967 Middle East war, the creation of a Palestinian state and a "just solution" for Palestinian refugees. The presentation of the plan was overshadowed by Hamas, which blew up an Israeli hotel full of Holocaust survivors during a Passover seder meal.

Further Palestinian-Israeli peacemaking efforts have been stalled since 2014.

Under U.S. President Donald Trump in 2020, Israel reached deals known as the Abraham Accords to normalise ties with several Arab states, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain and Morocco.

Palestinians stopped dealing with the U.S. administration after Trump broke with U.S. policy by recognising Jerusalem as Israel's capital. The Palestinians seek East Jerusalem as the capital of their future state.

Qatar and Egypt have acted as mediators in the latest war, securing a truce late last year that lasted seven days, during which some hostages held by Hamas were exchanged for prisoners held by Israel, and more humanitarian aid flowed into Gaza.

Where do Israel-Palestine peace efforts stand now?

Months of on-off talks on a further Gaza truce have so far proven fruitless, circling the same issues.

Above all, Hamas says it will free its remaining hostages only as part of a peace deal that ends the war. Israel says it will not end the war until Hamas is destroyed.

Other issues holding up a deal have included control over the border between Gaza and Egypt, the sequencing of reciprocal steps in any agreement, the number and identity of Palestinian prisoners to be released alongside Israeli hostages and free movement for Palestinians inside Gaza.

U.S. President Joe Biden's administration has sought a "grand bargain" in the Middle East that would include normalisation of relations between Israel and Saudi Arabia. Riyadh says this would require progress towards creating an independent Palestinian state, which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has ruled out.

Main issues in Israel-Palestine conflict

A two-state solution, Israeli settlements on occupied land, the status of Jerusalem, agreed borders, and the fate of Palestinian refugees.

Two-state solution: An agreement that would create a state for Palestinians in the West Bank and Gaza alongside Israel. Netanyahu says Israel must have security control over all land west of the Jordan River, which would preclude a sovereign Palestinian state.

Settlements: Most countries deem Jewish settlements built on land Israel captured in 1967 to be illegal. Israel disputes this and cites historical and biblical ties to the land. Continued settlement expansion is among the most contentious issues between Israel, the Palestinians and the international community.

Jerusalem: Palestinians want East Jerusalem, which includes the walled Old City's sites sacred to Muslims, Jews and Christians alike, to be the capital of their state. Israel says Jerusalem should remain its "indivisible and eternal" capital.

Israel's claim to Jerusalem's eastern part is not recognised internationally. Trump recognised Jerusalem as Israel's capital, without specifying the extent of its jurisdiction in the disputed city, and moved the U.S. Embassy there in 2018.

Refugees: Today about 5.6 million Palestinian refugees - mainly descendants of those who fled in 1948 - live in Jordan, Lebanon, Syria, the Israeli-occupied West Bank and in Gaza. About half of registered refugees remain stateless, according to the Palestinian foreign ministry, many living in crowded camps.

Palestinians have long demanded that refugees and their millions of descendants be allowed to return. Israel says any resettlement of Palestinian refugees must occur outside its borders.
GUATEMALA CITY, - Guatemalan security agents arrested 25 mostly active police officers implicated in a human trafficking network that operated along a route used by mostly U.S.-bound migrants, Interior Minister Francisco Jimenez said on Tuesday. Guatemala arrests police officers implicated in migrant smuggling ring

Guatemala has been a major transit country for decades for migrants from Latin America and beyond as they travel north to Mexico's border with the United States.

The minister said two of the detained police officers were retired, and an additional 11 civilians were also arrested on charges including money laundering on behalf of an organization known as "Los Rs."

Guatemalan authorities have said the group has operated for several years while accumulating millions of quetzals, the local currency.

"This organization made use of police agents, corrupting them in order to guarantee the trajectory of the people who they were trafficking across the country," Jimenez said in a video message.

The interior ministry noted that a prior arrest of two people who were illegally transporting 10 migrants from Uzbekistan through Guatemala had led to the operation that ultimately dismantled the network.

Four vehicles, a firearm and cash were seized, the ministry added in a statement. It did not disclose where the migrants who were being smuggled came from, or where they would be sent.

The U.S. embassy in Guatemala and the U.S. Department of Homeland Security collaborated in the investigation, Jimenez added.

The U.S. embassy said on X the human-trafficking network had exploited nearly 10,000 migrants.

In August, Panama launched U.S.-funded migrant deportation flights as Washington seeks to stem the flow of people traveling to its southern border, many seeking better economic conditions and security.

The same month, Guatemalan and U.S. authorities announced the joint dismantling of another human-smuggling network with ties to the 2022 deaths of 53 migrants trapped in a sweltering truck in Texas.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
By Steven Scheer Gunmen kill at least 6 in Tel Aviv shortly before air raid sirens sound

JERUSALEM, - At least six people were killed and nine wounded on Tuesday when two gunmen got off a tram in Tel Aviv and opened fire on passers-by, before themselves being shot dead by security forces and an armed civilian, Israeli police said.

Police labelled the incident a terrorist attack but there was no immediate claim of responsibility from armed Palestinian factions or other militant groups. Shortly after the attacks, air raid sirens sounded as Iran launched missiles toward Israel.

Israel has been on high alert for months as the war in Gaza approaches its first anniversary and the escalating conflict in Lebanon appeared set to draw in Iran.

Footage broadcast by Israeli television channels showed the two gunmen getting off the train and opening fire on people on the platform. As well as the six dead, at least nine people were wounded with varying degrees of injuries, police said.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, the MDA ambulance service said.

Only minutes after the attack, warning sirens sent Israelis rushing to air raid shelters as Iran fired a barrage of missiles to avenge the killing by Israel of some prominent leaders of its so-called Axis of Resistance alliance.

Israel's hardline Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich, who has responsibility for significant policy areas concerning the occupied West Bank, said the attackers came from the West Bank city of Hebron.

In a statement on the social media platform X, he said he would demand in cabinet that members of the suspects' families be deported to Gaza and their homes destroyed.

The war in Gaza began almost a year ago when Hamas-led gunmen attacked Israel, killing some 1,200 people and taking more than 250 hostage according to Israeli tallies. Israel's campaign has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, according to Palestinian health authorities, and also laid waste to the enclave.

Israel is also fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon to stop rocket attacks into Israel's north, in the process killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week in an airstrike in Beirut.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Read the full story on Backfire News

Minivan Mother Runs From Police And Pays The Ultimate Price

Mothers are supposed to protect their children, not take them on a police chase, but a mother in Utah reportedly did just that in her minivan. Sadly, during the pursuit she lost control of the vehicle and crashed hard, injuring her child and dying in the wreck.

Man carjacks his grandmother, then writes an apology note.

Footage of the collision aftermath shown by local news outlet KSL features a badly mangled and charred Dodge Grand Caravan with side curtain and front airbags deployed. The entire minivan sustained heavy damage, with each body panel mangled in images of the aftermath.

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The child, a three-year-old boy, was reportedly in critical condition after the crash on Sunday, September 29. The mother, 25-year-old Amma Gordhamer of Holladay, was ejected from the minivan during the collision, the same as her son, and was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash.

Her son was airlifted to a hospital.

What we know about the inception of the chase is that Utah Highway Patrol disclosed that police were searching for it after a Salt Lake City officer spotted it driving recklessly. But when officers found the vehicle later, Gordhamer took off and fled on Interstate 15.

At one point Gordhamer tried taking an exit onto Antelope Drive in Layton but was going too fast. Minivans dont handle great at lower speeds, but at high speeds theyre dangerous. The Dodge rolled, were guessing multiple times. It was traveling at 115 mph right before the crash.

Police did confirm the son wasnt strapped in. Likely the mother wasnt either, since thats about the only way people are ejected in crashes. We cant believe people dont wear seatbelts, but some apparently believe theyre not all that important.

Exactly why the mother was fleeing police or was driving recklessly to begin with isnt apparent. Whatever the reason, her decisions ultimately cost her life and could end up doing the same for her son.

Image via KSL News/YouTube
Toronto: An Indo-Canadian newsperson who was attacked by two unidentified persons in Calgary has said he believes the assailants were pro-Khalistan elements upset over a report in his outlet. Rishi Nagar, the news director of Red FM Calgary, the victim of the attack in Calgary, Canada. (Supplied photo)

Rishi Nagar, news director of the radio channel Red FM Calgary, was assaulted on Sunday in Calgary in the province of Alberta.

Nagar told the Hindustan Times, The pro-Khalistan people attacked me.

He said the attack followed a report about an incident at the Gurdwara Dashmesh Cultural Centre in Calgary, which led to two Indo-Canadians being arrested on firearms-related charges.

A spokesperson for Calgary Police told Red FM that the arrested pair had been identified as Gursewak Singh and Sukhpreet Singh. The former was charged pointing a firearm, unauthorised possession of a firearm, possession of a prohibited or restricted firearm, possession of a weapon dangerous to the public, contravention of the Firearms Act, threats to cause death or bodily harm, while the latter also face the same counts except pointing a firearm.

The attack on Nagar occurred on Sunday after he was leaving an election-related event in the North East quadrant of the city. When I came out of the event and was moving towards my car, they attacked unprovoked. My left eye is damaged, right leg is injured, he said.

He said that earlier an associate of the attackers contacted him for the appointment for a meeting on Thursday.

The outlet CBC News cited Calgary Police as stating it is investigating the attack and looking for two suspects. The attack was captured on CCTV camera.

Staff Sergeant John Guigon told the outlet police was throwing resources at the investigation while describing the assault as particularly troubling to us when a member of the media gets attacked in a democracy.

There have been unconfirmed allegations of an attempt by pro-Khalistan elements to extort funds from the Calgary gurdwara, though the Hindustan Times could not substantiate them.
Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel today, as retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Hundreds of missiles were seen flying over Israeli cities are residents scrambled to bomb shelters. According to local media, Iran has fired over 200 ballistic missiles at Israel. Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel.(REUTERS)

But the Israeli military appeared confident that their air defence system, meticulously developed since the 1991 Gulf War, could intercept the attack and prevent any major damage.

"Iran's attack is continuing. You are requested to remain in a protected space until further notice. The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles," the Israeli defence forces (IDF) said in a statement.

"The Aerial Defense Array is currently identifying and intercepting launches," it added.

Here are details of the multi-layered air defences Israel possess, and that are currently engaged in intercepting Iranian missiles.

Arrow

The Arrow missile defence system, comprising Arrow-2 and Arrow-3, is designed to intercept ballistic missiles beyond the earth's atmosphere. The long-range system was developed with the Iran missile threat in mind. It employs a detachable warhead that collides with its target, neutralising potential threats before they can reach populated areas. Developed in collaboration with Boeing, Arrow has recently gained international traction; on September 28, Germany signed a letter of commitment to purchase the Arrow-3 system for nearly $4.2 billion.

Watch: LIVE | Iran Missile Attack On Israel Starts: US Alerts IDF Amid Lebanon Invasion | Hezbollah

David's Sling

For mid-range threats, Israel relies on David's Sling, capable of intercepting missiles at ranges of 100 to 200 kilometers. Jointly developed by Rafael Advanced Defense Systems and Raytheon, this system also targets aircraft, drones, and cruise missiles, enhancing Israel's versatility in aerial defence.

Iron Dome

The Iron Dome system provides critical protection against short-range threats, such as the rockets frequently launched by Hamas from Gaza.

The system determines whether a rocket is on course to hit a populated area; if not, the rocket is ignored and allowed to land harmlessly.

Iron Dome was originally billed as providing city-sized coverage against rockets with ranges of between 4 and 70 km, but experts say this has since been expanded.

Laser-based system

In addition to these established systems, Israel is advancing a laser-based interception technology, projected to cost approximately $2 per interception. This development could revolutionize aerial defense by significantly lowering costs while maintaining effectiveness against enemy rockets and drones.
Israel's ground invasion in Lebanon:: Israel announced on Monday night (local time) that it had begun targeted ground raids in southern Lebanon, as a further incursion in the country seemed imminent, despite international appeals for restraint. Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday. (AP Photo)

Israel Defence Forces said, in a statement posted on X, the raids were carried out based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon".

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it said.

Pentagon chief says US, Israel agree on 'dismantling attack infrastructure; on Lebanon border

US defence secretary Lloyd Austin offered support to Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant for dismantling attack infrastructure along the border with Lebanon.

Austin also issued a warning to Iran of serious consequences should it directly attack Israel in response, he said on social network X.

The raid is likely to further expand the campaign against the Iran-backed group following Israels killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday. It comes even as the US, the European Union and Arab powers called for a cease-fire. Israel has shifted its focus to Lebanon with its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip at a standstill.

The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months. The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area, the IDF statement further said.

The military added that the operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation 'Northern Arrows' will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas, the IDF said.

Watch: Israeli tanks begins ground operation in south Lebanon

10 updates on Israel-Hezbollah war:

US President Joe Biden had called for a ceasefire in Lebanon on Monday, hours before the Israel invasion. The US has expected Israel to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon but said it has cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government against a larger and longer-term operation that risks a direct confrontation with Iran, Bloomberg reported quoting a US official. Earlier on Monday, Israeli defence minister Yoav Gallant had told local council heads in northern Israel that the next phase of the war along Lebanon's southern border would begin soon. Yoav Gallant added that the new operation would support the aim of bringing home Israelis who have fled Hezbollah rockets during nearly a year of border warfare. Hassan Nasrallah - the chief of Iran-backed Hezbollah - was killed by Israel on Friday, dealing one of the heaviest blows in decades to both the militant group and its backer, Iran. It followed two weeks of intensive airstrikes that have eliminated several Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government. At least 95 people were killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the past 24 hours, Lebanon's health ministry said on Tuesday. The IDFalso declared three areas in northern Israel  Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi  as closed military zones", another sign of a potential operation. Meanwhile, Lebanons state news agency NNA reported Israeli artillery shelling across the border. Nasrallahs deputy, Naim Qassem, said on Monday that the group remains ready to fight on the ground. The Pentagon said the US is deploying a few thousand more troops to the Middle East to bolster its defence of Israel and deter an Iranian response, .

(With inputs from agencies)
Iran Israel attack LIVE updates: The Dome of the Rock on the Al-Aqsa compound, also known to Jews as the Temple Mount is seen as projectiles fly through the sky, after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel, as seen from Jerusalem October 1, 2024. REUTERS/Jamal Awad

Iran Israel Attack LIVE Updates: Iran launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in response to Israel's operations against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, prompting strong promises of retaliation from both Israel and the United States. Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps declared that the attack was a response to recent Israeli killings of militant leaders and acts of aggression in Lebanon and Gaza. For the first time, Iranian forces employed hypersonic Fattah missiles, claiming that 90% of their missiles successfully struck targets in Israel, according to the Revolutionary Guards....Read More

Here are the latest updates

- Israel reported that over 180 missiles were fired into its territory from Iran, prompting the activation of Israeli air defences to intercept them. According to the Pentagon, U.S. Navy warships launched approximately a dozen interceptors against the missiles targeting Israel.

- Palestinian health officials stated that Israeli airstrikes in the occupied West Bank resulted in the deaths of six individuals, including the son of a notable imprisoned militant. Israel claimed that all the deceased were militants involved in previous attacks.

- Israeli officials vowed to respond to the aggression. Major General Herzi Halevi stated, "We will choose when to collect the price and prove our precise and surprising attack capabilities in accordance with the guidance of the political leadership."

- The United States expressed its backing for its long-time ally. Spokesman Jake Sullivan stated, "We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case," during a White House briefing.

- While Sullivan did not elaborate on what those consequences might entail, he refrained from urging Israel to exercise restraint, contrasting with the U.S. stance in April when Iran launched a drone and missile attack on Israel.

Iran's statement

- Iran stated that if Israel retaliates, Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous." According to Iran's state news agency, the attack targeted three Israeli military bases.

- In a social media post, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned, "This is just part of our capability. Do not engage in a confrontation with Iran."

- A senior Iranian official informed Reuters that the order to launch missiles at Israel was issued by the country's Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The official added that Khamenei remains in a secure location.

(With Reuters inputs)
Israel on Tuesday said that Iran had fired missiles on it, further escalating the Middle East conflict.



Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis rushed to bomb shelters. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts, Reuters reported.



ALSO READ: Videos show hundreds of missiles over Israel cities as Iran sounds war bugle



A short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. You are asked to remain vigilant and follow the Home Front Command's instructions precisely, Israel Defence Forces spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement. People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel October 1.(Reuters)

In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent messages to mobile phones in certain areas with life-saving instructions, directing people to enter protected spaces. You must reach the safest protected space in your vicinity. Upon hearing a siren, immediately enter a protected space and remain there until further instructions are given, the spokesperson added.



Iran-Israel conflict LIVE updates



Hagari said that the country's air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary.



However, the defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential to follow the Home Front Command's instructions. You may hear explosions, which could be the result of interceptions or impacts, the IDF spokesperson added.

US warned Israel of Iranian attack

According to an AP report, a senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel.



U.S. ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran, the official added.



In April this year, Iran carried out a direct attack on Israel but few of its projectiles had hit the targets. Several of them were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.



On Monday, Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu in a warning to Iran, had said,"There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach."



The firing of missiles came after Israel said its troops had launched ground raids into Lebanon, though it described the forays as limited.



(With agency inputs)
Tensions have been growing between arch-rivals Israel and Iran since the start of the war in Gaza, following the unprecedented attack on Israel launched by Hamas on October 7, 2023. Israel-Iran tensions: key dates since October 7 attack

Here is a roundup of key dates leading up to Iran's barrage of missiles against Israel on Tuesday.

On October 8, 2023, a day after militants from Palestinian Islamist group Hamas attack Israel, late Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi says Iran supports the Palestinians' "legitimate defence".

He accuses Israel of "endangering the security of nations in the region".

In central Tehran, banners are raised showing solidarity with the Palestinians.

On October 28, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu affirms that 90 percent of Hamas's military budget comes from Iran.

"It funds, it organises, it directs it."

On December 25, Iran blames Israel for an attack in Syria that kills Razi Moussavi, a senior officer in the Quds Force, the foreign operations arm of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

Weeks later in January 2024, a strike in Damascus blamed on Israel kills five Revolutionary Guards members.

Iranian media later report that the victims included the group's intelligence chief for Syria and his deputy.

Raisi threatens to retaliate.

On April 1, an air strike blamed on Israel against Iran's diplomatic mission in Damascus levels the embassy's consular annex.

It kills seven Revolutionary Guards, two of them generals.

Iran and Syria accuse Israel, which neither confirms nor denies it.

The Israeli army then states that the casualties of the strike were "terrorists" fighting Israel.

Nearly two weeks later on April 13, Iran sends a wave of missiles and drones at Israel.

The attack is Tehran's first-ever direct assault on Israeli territory since the establishment of its Islamic Republic in 1979.

Israel and other nations including the US intercept most of the projectiles. Israel vows to retaliate.

On April 19, explosions are reported in central Iran, as US media quote officials saying Israel has carried out revenge strikes against its arch-rival. Iran plays down the impact of the blasts and does not directly accuse Israel, which does not claim responsibility.

On July 31, Hamas says its political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in an overnight strike in Iran.

Iranian media say he was killed by "an air-launched missile".

He was attending the swearing-in of the new President Masoud Pezeshkian. Hamas, which with Iran and Hezbollah blames Israel, vows the act "will not go unanswered".

Israel declines to comment on the strike, which came after it struck a Hezbollah stronghold in south Beirut, killing a senior commander of the Lebanese militant group, Fuad Shukr.

On August 3, Iran's Revolutionary Guards say that Israel killed Haniyeh using a "short-range projectile" launched from outside of his accommodation in Tehran.

Amid a mounting series of bombardments against Hezbollah, on September 27 an Israeli strike on its south Beirut stronghold kills the group's leader Hassan Nasrallah alongside an Iranian general in the Revolutionary Guards.

Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei vows that Nasrallah's death "will not be in vain".

On October 1, Iran launches a barrage of missiles at Israel in what the Revolutionary Guards say is a response to the killings of Nasrallah and Haniyeh.

The attack comes the day after Israel announced limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari says the Iranian attack "will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide."

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US president Joe Biden directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council said. NSC spokesperson Sean Savett said in a post on X (formerly Twitter) that Joe Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the White House situation room and receiving regular updates. In response to Iranian threats, US President Biden tasked the US military with defending Israel. The National Security Council announced that Biden and Harris are actively tracking the situation from the White House.(AFP)

"President Biden directed the US military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel," the White House said in a statement. Moreover, the White House informed that a call that Joe Biden had scheduled with rabbis ahead of the Jewish high holiday season had been postponed to another day.

The United States had also stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April this year which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.
U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that Iran was a "dangerous" and "destabilizing" force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israel's security. Democratic presidential nominee and U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris delivers remarks in support of Israel, during a visit to Josephine Butler Park Center in Washington, U.S., October 1, 2024. (REUTERS)

The comments from Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 U.S. election, came hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, drawing vows of a sharp response from Israel and the U.S.

No injuries were reported in Israel and Washington called Iran's attack ineffective.

"I'm clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris said. "I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias."

"I fully support President (Joe) Biden's order for the U.S. military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel," Harris said. "Initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack."

Harris added that Washington will work with its allies to disrupt what she called Iran's aggressive behavior.

Israel has escalated its military campaign in Lebanon in recent days, killing hundreds and displacing more than a million due to operations that Israel says are targeting Lebanese Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Israel's military campaign in Lebanon is in addition to its war in Gaza that followed a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants. Israeli's military assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands according to Palestinian health authorities, displaced nearly everyone there, caused a hunger crisis and prompted genocide allegations that Israel denies.
Israel's ground invasion in Lebanon: Hours after Israel launched targeted ground raids on Hezbollah, US defence secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday offered support to Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant for dismantling attack infrastructure along the border with Lebanon. Mourners in the Nahr al-Bared camp for Palestinian refugees gather for the funeral of commanders of the Popular Front For the Liberation of Palestine group who were killed by an overnight Israeli air strike in Beirut, at the camp near Lebanon's northern city of Tripoli on September 30, 2024. (AFP)

Lloyd Austin also warned Iran of serious consequences should it directly attack Israel in response to their attacks on the Tehran-backed militant group.

We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities, Lloyd Austin said in a statement posted to social network X after speaking with Gallant.

Gallant had warned earlier that Israel's military action in Lebanon was not over despite an Israeli strike killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a devastating blow to the militant group.

Also Read | Israel begins 'targeted ground raids' on Hezbollah in Lebanon amid ceasefire calls: 10 updates

Austin reiterated the position shared by the White House that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure civilian safety on both sides of the border.

I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, Austin said.

"The United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict."

Israel begins ground offensive against Hezbollah

Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah militants and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006.

The Israeli military said in a brief statement that it began limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah says it targeted Israeli troops in Metula with artillery fire

Hezbollah said in a statement on Tuesday it had targeted Israeli troops across the border in Metula with artillery fire but made no mention of Israel's announcement that it had begun a ground incursion into Lebanon.

Israel announced overnight that it had begun "limited" raids in the border area of southern Lebanon.

(With inputs from agencies)
A royal expert has pointed out that Prince Harrys team has undergone a noticeable shift in how it operates. GB News Royal Correspondent Cameron Walker, while speaking on the Peoples Channel, said that the Duke of Sussex could be testing the waters for a reconciliation with the royal family. Prince Harry's noticeable shift revealed by expert (REUTERS/Hannah McKay)(REUTERS)

However, Walker noted that if this is indeed the case, Harry faces a challenge, particularly in light of his strained relationship with Prince William. When I have spoken to sources close to the Duke of Sussex in recent months, I have seen a noticeable shift in them not talking about family members, Walker said on GB News.

In fact, when I specifically asked if he will be seeing his brother or father when he was here for his uncles funeral, they said we dont discuss family matters, Walker continued. Its very similar to what Buckingham Palace or Kensington Palace would say as well.

He added, It suggests to me there could be some testing the waters, perhaps Harry wanting to try and mend relationships. But of course, the trust was so badly damaged with his memoir, Spare, and the Netflix series. I think particularly for Prince William, its going to take a lot to reconcile with his brother.

Will Prince Harry meet members of the royal family in London?

During his recent trip to the UK, Harry is expected to celebrate the determination and achievements of seriously ill youngsters and their families. While reports claim it is unlikely that he will meet William or King Charles, Walker noted that even if the Duke did speak to them, we might not hear about it.

Unfortunately for Prince Harry, all the speculation and all the questions will be about whether he is meeting his father or the Prince of Wales while he is here, Walker said. Back in August, when he was here for his uncles funeral, he did not speak to the Prince of Wales.

Harry stepped out to attend the 2024 WellChild Awards ceremony in London this week. However, sources told People Magazine that he has no plans to see his brother or father while in the UK.
Tesla CEO Elon Musk Business Insider/Samantha Lee

Tesla's third-quarter vehicle deliveries are expected to exceed Wall Street estimates.

Analysts cite strong demand in China and stable pricing as key factors for the positive outlook.

The delivery report could boost its stock ahead of its robo-taxi day on October 10, Barclays said.

Tesla's upcoming third-quarter vehicle-deliveries report should impress investors, according to Wall Street experts.

Analysts from Goldman Sachs, Barclays, and Wedbush all expect Tesla to deliver a beat when it reports deliveries, which are expected to be announced Wednesday morning.

Tesla stock has been on a wild ride this year. At its lowest point in the first four months of 2024, it declined 43%, but it has since surged 82% and is up 4% year to date.

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Investors will be laser-focused on Tesla's two upcoming catalysts: its third-quarter delivery report later this week and its robo-taxi event on October 10.

Barclays: 'Concerns on fundamentals have dissipated'

Dan Levy, a Barclays analyst, expects Tesla to report solid vehicle deliveries later this week, according to a recent note.

Levy said that thanks to expected strength in Tesla's China business, the company would announce third-quarter vehicle deliveries of 470,000, ahead of Wall Street estimates.

"Given the positive data points reported thus far in the quarter, particularly in China, we believe Tesla's sales trajectory is well understood and investors are expecting a stronger result," Levy said.

All in, the delivery report should be a boost for Tesla stock, Levy said, as he expects the stock to rise heading into its robo-taxi day.

"We believe that a beat could drive further strength of the stock into Robotaxi Day, serving as a reminder that at least for now concerns on fundamentals have dissipated," Levy said.

Levy rated Tesla at "equal weight," with a $220 price target.

Goldman Sachs: 3rd-party data shows mixed trends

In a recent note, Mark Delaney, a Goldman Sachs analyst, lowered his third-quarter delivery target to 460,000 vehicles.

Story continues

Delaney noted his estimate was slightly ahead of Visible Alpha consensus data of 457,000 vehicles.

He had previously expected Tesla to deliver 475,000 vehicles in the quarter but lowered that because of mixed trends from various regions, citing registration, insurance, and third-party data.

"Regionally we believe that sales have been strong in China, flattish in the US, and weak in Europe on a you basis," Delaney said.

Delaney rated Tesla at "neutral," with a $230 price target.

Wedbush: 'a major step in the right direction'

Dan Ives, a Wedbush analyst, said in a recent note that the "mojo is back at Tesla" as the company showed signs of rebounding from a slowdown in vehicle sales earlier this year.

Ives saw positive signs in demand from China and a lack of price cuts in recent weeks.

"We believe 3Q will provide a solid rebound looking to 2H for the company as China continues to heat up and price/demand stabilization has continuously been seen throughout the quarter. We believe this quarter is a major step in the right direction for the Tesla story," Ives said.

He expects Tesla to beat consensus estimates of 462,000 vehicles delivered in the quarter and said "whisper numbers" were between 465,000 and 470,00 vehicles.

For the full year, Ives expressed confidence that Tesla could hit 1.8 million deliveries, which would match last year's numbers.

Ives rated Tesla at "outperform," with a $300 price target.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Somalia on Tuesday imposed a long-delayed ban on single-use plastic bags to help tackle pollution, the latest African country to try to stem the tide of non-biodegradable waste. Somalia bans plastic bags in pollution fight

The new law, first announced in February, prohibits the importation, production, sale and use of plastic bags, which usually end up dumped as litter or buried in landfills.

Environmental campaigners and residents of the capital Mogadishu welcomed the ban, saying it was long overdue.

"This is timely and a very good decision by the government," said Mohamed Gure, who lives near the capital's main Bakara market.

Environmental activist Osman Yusuf said the country was hugely dependent on the plastics bags, saying the industry was worth more than $50 million.

"There is no justification left for people to continue using this deadly material," Yusuf said.

But others worried about a lack of environmentally friendly alternatives.

"We have no problem banning them, but we need time and replacement," said Lul Mohamed, a shopkeeper.

Somalia joins other African countries, including neighbouring Kenya and Tanzania, that have banned single-use plastic bags.

Kenya introduced one of the world's toughest bans on plastic bags in 2017, mandating a fine or even prison terms for using one.

The United Nations Environment Programme estimates that the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks of plastic is dumped into the seas, rivers and lakes every day.

Each year 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste leaks into the world's water ecosystems, UNEP says.

Somalia's ban comes into effect as negotiators concluded a meeting in Nairobi on Monday hoping to reach the world's first treaty on plastic pollution.

The treaty aims to marshal an international response to the plastic trash threatening the environment, from oceans and rivers to mountains and sea ice, and moving up food webs as it is ingested by animals.

Countries are under pressure to find common ground before final negotiations are held in December in South Korea.

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As many as 25 students were killed after a bus carrying 44 children caught on fire in Thailand, news agency AFP reported. More students are feared to be dead, and cause of fire remains unknown so far. Firefighters work to extinguish a burning bus that was carrying teachers and students from Wat Khao Phraya school, reportedly killing almost a dozen, on the outskirts of Bangkok, Thailand, October 1, 2024.(REUTERS)

The accident happened on Phahon Yothin Road near Zeer Rangsit shopping mall in Thailand's Khu Khot around 12.30 pm local time.

Six teachers were also part of the educational trip organised from from the province of Uthai Thani, about 250 km (155 miles) north of the capital Bangkok. Their destination remains unknown so far.

Police could not immediately confirm the number of deceased or injuries. Sixteen students and three teachers have been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

Transport minister Suriya Juangroongruangkit said the causes of the incident were still be investigated.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said there were fatalities and offered condolences to the victims' families.

(This is a developing story. Come back for updates)
Desperate residents of the storm-battered mountains of western North Carolina lined up for water and food, hunted for cellphone signals and slogged buckets from creeks to flush toilets days after Hurricane Helenes remnants deluged the region. Emergency workers toiled around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach people stranded by the storm, which has a death toll of more than 150 people across the Southeast. The Latest: Residents line up for food and water in storm-battered North Carolina mountains

President Joe Biden is set to survey the devastation Wednesday.

Follow s coverage of tropical weather at /hub/weather.

Heres the latest: UNC-Asheville won't restart classes until the end of the month

The University of North Carolina at Asheville will remain closed until Oct. 14 and will not restart classes until Oct. 28 at the earliest in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the school's chancellor said in a social media post Tuesday.

While the public university in western North Carolinas largest city received minimal structural damage from the historic flooding and winds, its lacked electricity, running water and internet service since last Friday, Chancellor Kimberly van Noorts post said.

The liberal arts and sciences school has about 3,000 students. About 1,300 students were on campus when the storm hit. All of them were relocated within 72 hours, the post said.

Classes at two other UNC campuses in the region struck by the storm  Appalachian State University in Boone and Western Carolina University  are canceled through Friday. Biden will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday

There, hell visit the emergency operations center. Also on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Augusta, Georgia, and then head to North Carolina in the coming days, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also said close to 6,000 Army Corps of Engineers staffers have been deployed. He estimated the recovery would be a multibillion dollar undertaking. He said FEMA had already approved $1.7 million in individual assistance. Gov. Cooper says active-duty military units may be needed in the long-term

Active-duty U.S. military units may be needed in the long-term post-Helene recovery in western North Carolina, particularly as local water systems remain offline, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said.

Cooper said Tuesday at a media briefing that during a meeting with President Joe Biden on Monday the president gave the green light to use U.S. military assets in the near future.

More than two dozen water plants remained closed as of Tuesday and not producing water. That includes Asheville, where city officials have said restoring full-system service could potentially take weeks as repairs needed for treatment facilities and pipes are extensive.

We know that this crisis will likely be a sustained crisis because of water system issues, Cooper said. So we know that this is going to have to be a continuing operation. So I want to make sure we get every single resource that we possibly can into North Carolina for what may be a long haul to make sure that were continuing to get water and supplies all across western North Carolina.

The North Carolina National Guard already has a large presence in the region in the storms aftermath, with 800 members activated. More than 20 guard aircraft have been used to ferry supplies and perform other duties. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas discussed cellphone problems during a White House briefing

In fact, communication has been difficult in a number of areas if not impossible, Mayorkas said Tuesday while talking about the federal response to Hurricane Helene.

He said a great deal of infrastructure as been demolished and the government is working with private communications companies and the FCC to rebuild communications towers. He said they have deployed 50 Starlink satellite systems to help rebuild infrastructure. Hurricane Helenes death toll passes the 150 mark

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday that the remnants of Hurricane Helene killed 36 people in the state, which pushes the storms overall death toll to 152.

McMaster announced three more deaths during a news conference in West Columbia, South Carolina.

The storm carved a path of death and destruction through the Southeast after coming ashore Thursday in Florida. Nearly half of the deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia.

More than 587,000 customers remained without power Tuesday afternoon in South Carolina, the most of any state, according to poweroutage.us. That was down from more than 720,000 homes and businesses on Monday afternoon.

Officials said parts of the power grid have to be rebuilt due to the toppling of dozens of transmission lines and the snapping of thousands of power poles.

We cant remove trees and debris off the power lines until we get the power lines turned off, McMaster said. Thats the thing that is hindering, but we are working hard to work through that. Florida's governor has deployed emergency resources to North Carolina and Tennessee

With rescue efforts completed in the state of Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Gov. Ron DeSantis has deployed emergency resources to North Carolina and Tennessee, where officials are still searching for victims amid the mud and debris.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, DeSantis said members of the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard and teams from the states departments of transportation and emergency management are either on site in hard-hit mountain communities or enroute there.

Just yesterday, a joint Florida State Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission team rescued a mother and her 1-year-old infant, DeSantis said.

In the past 24 hours, DeSantis said the state National Guard has delivered more than 20,000 pounds of food into areas of critical need in North Carolina and bridge building teams are on their way. Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee flew to East Tennessee with top lawmakers to survey storm damage

At one of the stops Tuesday in Hampton, Tennessee, Gov. Lee pulled into a residential neighborhood overlooking the demolished high school.

Several residents in the area greeted the cars, saying Lee and others were the first help they had seen since the storm first hit the area. A handful of folks got heated, asking Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby where has everyone been? We have been here alone. At times Woodby got emotional as she attempted to respond to each complaint, saying she had been trying to get everywhere but communications were still down and still unable to be everywhere at once.

Lee and other lawmakers stopped by destroyed homes, stepping inside to see owners removing wet and ruined flooring. Many hugged and thanked the governor and others for visiting. Orange tape marked many of the homes to note that everyone had been accounted for and not among the many missing.

The paved roads in the neighborhood were in shambles as mud seemed to cake just about everything from cars, clothing and faces. Yet the sounds of Bobcats and other heavy equipment were present as cleanup efforts continued. Gov. Cooper says if you need help, we are working around the clock to reach you

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other government officials told residents displaced by Hurricane Helene and those worried about loved ones that a massive effort continued Tuesday to bring stability to the mountains  and to their lives.

No matter where you are in western North Carolina, if you need help, we are working around the clock to reach you, Cooper said at a media briefing in Raleigh.

The state Division of Emergency Management confirmed 38 storm-related deaths in North Carolina from Helene, with the number expected to rise.

The devastation brought by Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map, Cooper said. He planned to return the damaged areas later Tuesday.

More than 1,100 people were staying in close to 30 shelters in the region, with over 400 roads still closed and hundreds of rescues completed, officials said. First responders and others were working to locate people whose loved ones or friends had not heard from or needed welfare checks.

The National Guard ferried close to 200,000 pounds of food and other necessities out of the Asheville Regional Airport on Monday, North Carolina guard Major General Todd Hunt said. Residents told to register for assistance with FEMA

Officials called on people affected by Hurricane Helene to register for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as they cautioned that it would be a long, recovery from the storm.

A representative from FEMA, Frank Matranga, said more than 150,000 households had already registered for assistance with the agency and they expect these numbers to rapidly increase over the coming days.

Matranga listed some of the federal help thats deployed including 1,250 urban search and rescue personnel; 1.9 million ready-to-eat meals; more than a million liters of water; 95,000 tarps; and 150 ambulances. He said those supplies will increase in the coming days as affected states continue to tell the agency what they need.

This is, without a doubt, a widespread and extraordinarily devastating disaster, said Matranga. Were here to support the response across all of the affected states and do that with empathy and sensitivity. Were committed to being there every step of the way, and its going to be a long way. In Augusta, Georgia, people are waiting in line for water

In Augusta, Georgia, a line wrapped around a massive shopping center, past the shuttered Waffle House and at least a half mile down the road to get water Tuesday.

At 11 a.m. it still hadnt moved. Kristie Nelson arrived with her daughter three hours earlier. It was a muggy morning for October but they had their windows down and the car turned off because gas is a precious commodity too.

Its been rough, said Nelson, who still hasnt gotten a firm date from the power company for her electricity to be restored. Im just dying for a hot shower.

Augusta and Richmond County have five centers for water set up for its more than 200,000 people. The city hasnt provided specifics on the durations of outages for both water and power.

All around the city, trees are snapped in half and power poles are leaning. Traffic lights are out  and some are just gone from the winds that hit in the dark early Friday morning from Hurricane Helene.

Some 1.4 million people across the three states remain without electricity around noon Tuesday, according to power outage.us.

Its miserable here, said David Reese who was probably looking at spending his entire day in a line for water, then for gas. But Im still feeling blessed. Ive heard its a lot worse other places. Buncombe County manager says they've checked on the welfare of roughly 150 residents with high needs

Weve been going door to door, making sure that we can put eyes on people and see if theyre safe, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said.

Pinder said she couldnt specify a number of county residents who remain unaccounted for since the storm.

We know that there are places that are still hard to access, Pinder said. Theres still trees down or power lines down or water is still moving rather rapidly. So were being strategic in trying to get out to those neighbors now. We have helicopter support, and weve been trying to fly into areas that we cannot go by foot or by boat or by car. Helene and other storms dumped a whopping 40 trillion gallons of rain on the South

More than 40 trillion gallons of rain drenched the Southeast United States in the last week from Hurricane Helene and a run-of-the-mill rainstorm that sloshed in ahead of it  an unheard of amount of water that has stunned experts.

Thats enough to fill the Dallas Cowboys stadium 51,000 times, or Lake Tahoe just once. If it was concentrated just on the state of North Carolina that much water would be 3.5 feet deep . Its enough to fill more than 60 million Olympic-size swimming pools.

Thats an astronomical amount of precipitation, said Ed Clark, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I have not seen something in my 25 years of working at the weather service that is this geographically large of an extent and the sheer volume of water that fell from the sky.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
OTTAWA, - Trudeau survives second confidence motion in Canada parliament

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau survived a second parliamentary confidence motion in less than a week on Tuesday after opposition parties vowed to keep his minority Liberal government alive for now.

Legislators in the House of Commons voted 207-121 to defeat a bid by the official opposition Conservative Party to topple Trudeau, who faces increasing voter fatigue after almost nine years in power.

Last Thursday he easily brushed off an initial Conservative motion to bring him down.

The Conservatives, who have a big lead in the polls ahead of an election that must be held by end-October 2025, say Canadians cannot afford a planned increase in the federal carbon tax and accuse Trudeau of presiding over high prices and rising crime.

To trigger an election they need the backing of every single opposition legislator.

But the separatist Bloc Quebecois, which wants independence for the province of Quebec, backed Trudeau. The party said last week it would back Trudeau until at least the end of this month in return for boosting seniors' pensions.

Even if the Bloc does turn against Trudeau, he could still be saved by the left-leaning New Democratic Party .

A Nanos poll released on Sept 27 showed the Conservatives on 42% public support, far ahead of the NDP on 22% and the Liberals on 21%. Given this would result in a huge Conservative victory if replicated in an election, the NDP could be tempted to keep Trudeau in power, in the hope its own fortunes might recover.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
CHICAGO  A 15-year-old has been arrested in Iowa and charged with murder in the shooting death of a mail carrier in Chicago over the summer, police said Tuesday. 15-year-old is charged with murder in July shooting death of Chicago mail carrier

Octavia Redmond, 48, was shot on her route on Chicagos South Side on July 19. A juvenile got out of a stolen SUV, approached her and shot her multiple times at close range before fleeing in the vehicle, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Redmond died at a hospital.

The Chicago Police Department said in a news release that its officers, along with U.S. marshals, arrested the teenager Monday in Cedar Rapids on a murder warrant. He was extradited to Chicago, where he has been charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder.

The teenager appeared in juvenile court Tuesday and was ordered held in custody, the Cook County States Attorney Office said in an email. His next court date is Nov. 1.

Police said in a post on X that investigators used footage from police and private cameras to identify the teen and trace his movements before and after the shooting. The department said that investigators also received an anonymous tip identifying him and that they are searching for additional offenders."

Police and the state's attorney's office did not answer questions about whether the teen has a lawyer who could speak on his behalf.

The Postal Service is offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspects.

When members of our postal family are targeted, postal inspectors will not rest until justice is delivered on behalf of the victims, their families, and our postal community, Ruth Mendonca, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Service's Chicago division, said in a news release Tuesday. This arrest is the first step in securing justice for Mrs. Redmond. We hope this brings the Redmond family some semblance of relief. As our investigation continues, we maintain our call to the public to come forward with any information that may continue to bring those responsible to justice.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
As Barron Trump has been at the center of public attention since joining New York University, Saturday Night Live dubbed Donald and Melania Trump's only son's college choice as brat. This week on SNL Yang delivered a brat or nat list in a segment in which he dressed like the British pop sensation. Hunter Biden's laptop controversy and Barron Trump going to NYU were termed as brat, (SNL/AP)

The 50th season premiere of Saturday Night Live, which was aired on Saturday, with host actress Jean Smart called the New York University nat.

For those who don't know, the term 'Brat' is a positive phrase as it alludes to Charlie XCX's June 7 album. Since then, it has evolved into a cultural phenomenon, with Kamala Harris being referred to as a brat by pop sensation and summer 2024 being named brat summer. Of course, the irony is that Barron's father, Trump, is facing the Democratic presidential nominee Harris as his opponent in this White House race.

SNL's Bowen Yang delivers list of brat and nat

On the September 29 episode, the Bridesmaids and Loot actor, Maya Rudolph, is well-known for her roles as Beyonce and Kamala Harris on Saturday Night Live. Bowen Yang, who entered SNL as a newcomer in 2018, imitated Trump's Vice Presidential candidate JD Vance and Charli XCX in different roles.

This week on SNL Yang delivered a brat or nat list in a segment in which he dressed like the British pop sensation.

While Hunter Biden's laptop controversy and Barron Trump going to NYU were termed as brat, Eric Adam indictment and Mark Robinson's search history were listed in the category of nat.

Charlie XCX defines meaning of brat

Charlie XCX previously described the brat girl in a statement, stating: That girl who is a bit messy, loves to party and maybe says dumb things sometimes. Shes honest, blunt, and a little bit volatile.

She also mentioned the brat summer meme, essentially stating that you can make it into anything you want it to be.

In a radio interview with Nick Grimshaw, the pop artist quipped: (Brat summer) can be luxury but it can also be trashy. Just like a pack of cigs and a Bic lighter and a strappy white tank with no bra.

Also Read: Barron Trump compelled to decline 'requests' at NYU due to tight security: 'He's been quiet in class so far'

Though it's unclear why the popular nightly program didn't believe NYU was brat-worthy. Earlier, the university's dean publicly denounced Trump as a threat to the United States.

JP Eggers, the school's acting dean, wrote a letter against Barron's father with fourteen other administrators. More than a thousand business schools in the United States signed the letter, including esteemed establishments like Harvard, Yale, Cornell, and Columbia. According to The Daily Beast, Harvard University professor Deepak Malhotra was the primary author of this letter.

Here you can watch Bowen Yang portraying Charli XCX during the "Charli XCX Talk Show" sketch
Barron Trump's best friend Bo Loudon has declared that world needs more of Elon Musk after the Tesla CEO blasted Democratic California Governor Gavin Newsom for signing legislation prohibiting local governments from requiring voters to show identification at the polling stations in order to cast a ballot. The billionaire dubbed Newsom The Joker. Barron Trump's friend Bo Loudon also reacted to the X owner's post that has garnered over 30 million views so far. He asserted that the world needs less of Newsom and more of Musk. (AP/X)

Wow, it is now illegal to require voter ID in California! They just made PREVENTING voter fraud against the law. The Joker is in charge, Tesla CEO Musk, who has endorsed Donald Trump in the White House race, wrote on X.

Responding to Musk's now-viral post, one X user wrote: The only reason. The only reason that you would ban voter ID is because you want to cheat. Period.

The mask is coming off, another commented.

They're legalizing the mechanisms they use to cheat, so no one can call them out, a third user chimed in.

Meanwhile, Bo Loudon also reacted to the X owner's post that has garnered over 30 million views so far. He asserted that the world needs less of Newsom and more of Musk. Who else agrees? he asked.

All you need to know about California's new law

Earlier this year, Democrat state senator David Min presented the bill. Following this, it was passed by the California Assembly in August. On Thursday, Newsom signed the bill into legislation.

The voter ID amendment, Measure A, was passed by the majority of voters in the beach city of Huntington Beach in March. With its approval, the city was able to mandate voter identification, expand the number of in-person voting locations, and keep an eye on ballot drop boxes during local elections. Counties' election data indicates that the initiative received 53.4% of the vote in March.

Also Read: Who is Bo Loudon? Barron Trump's best friend makes major claim about rightful Donald Trump ahead of US election

Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber, however, opposed the voter ID proposal in Huntington Beach, which sought to change the city charter to permit voter ID requirements by 2026.

Bonta and Weber contended in their lawsuit that the voter ID statute enacted by the city unlawfully conflicts and is preempted by state law.

The National Conference of State Legislatures lists California as one of the 14 states that does not demand voter identification while casting a ballot.

In a statement released earlier this year, Bonta stated, "The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beach's voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle."

According to him, there are currently strong voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud in state elections. He said that low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities will be disproportionately affected by the new requirements.
President Joe Biden announced on Monday, September 30, that he will make his rounds in North Carolina on Wednesday in light of catastrophic Hurricane Helene turning the southeastern US state upside down. US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his administration's continued response efforts to Hurricane Helene in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 30, 2024. (AFP)

The announcement came after critics, including former President Donald Trump, bashed him for sleeping through the disaster and turning his back on the ruthless ravages caused by the post-tropical cyclone in late September. Meanwhile, the Republican presidential hopeful has roped in the aftermath of the furious tempest into his campaign arguments despite emphasising that he is not politicising the disaster.

Donald Trump accuses Joe Biden of sleeping and not taking charge of disaster relief

After landing in Valdosta, the Republican nominee falsely declared that Biden was sleeping and unresponsive amid Georgia Governor Brian Kemps calls for help. Trumps comments particularly made headlines because the White House had already announced, President Biden has spoken with North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper, Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, South Carolina Governor Henry McMaster, and Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer, along with other state and local officials in the impacted areas to offer further assistance as needed.

Also read | Hurricane Helene: Man hikes 11 miles to find parents in NC, How many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross'

The official briefing room statement release also underlined on Sunday, This afternoon, the President was briefed by Governor Cooper and FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell from the field following surveys of Helenes impacts across the State. Vice President Harris also received an in-person briefing at FEMA today and has been in touch with Governor Cooper, Governor Kemp, Greenville Mayor Knox White, and Savannah Mayor Van Johnson.

Trump wasnt the only one to question Biden. Towards the end of the press conference on Monday, the president took the defensive route as he faced backlash for spending the weekend at his beach home in Delaware. I was commanding it, Biden retorted. I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well. I command it. It's called a telephone and all my security people.

The Republican nominee also took aim at Vice President Kamala Harris on X, formerly Twitter.

Trump's claims proved false

Moreover, Trumps remarks targetted Biden after Gov Kemp, a Trump-endorsing Republican, had said earlier in the day that he had been in touch with the president on the phone and the commander-in-chief was ready to provide Georgia with the necessary aid.

The president just called me yesterday afternoon and I missed him and called him right back and he just said Hey, what do you need? And I told him, you know, weve got what we need, well work through the federal process, Kemp said, per the Associated Press report. He offered if there are other things we need just to call him directly, which I appreciate that, he added.

Hes lying, and the governor told him he was lying, Biden responded to Trumps criticism of him on Monday.

Also read | Veteran Indian American exec Ravi Ahuja to take on Sony Pictures' CEO post

Without sound evidence in hand, Trump said on Monday that the Biden administration and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (a Democratic) were going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas. Similarly, Trump advisor Stephen Miller launched his diatribe against Biden as well and said the president had failed to evacuate or rescue the countrys citizens, just like you failed in Afghanistan.

Rescue projects ongoing

On the contrary, the official White House press release disproved these claims. More than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts across the impacted states.

The statement continued, Search and rescue efforts by state, local and Federal partners are ongoing, and hundreds of additional personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days. Over 1,250 Urban Search and Rescue personnel are deployed across Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Together with local and state responders, teams have rescued or supported more than 1,900 people, including nearly 900 in North Carolina.

The briefing also revealed that Biden had already approved major disaster declarations for South Carolina, Florida and North Carolina.

On the other hand, a Trump-authorised GoFundMe campaign is also underway. (Read more here)

FEMA faces backlash for equity plan

Meanwhile, the Biden-Harris administrations disaster relief agency is also under fire since the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) listed its three goals in emergency management. The number one agenda is instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. The second one is to Lead Whole of Community in Climate Resilience. And the third goal is to "Promote & Sustain a Ready FEMA & Prepared Nation.

Above all, the plan layout determines that Diversity, equity, and inclusion cannot be optional.

This requires that FEMAs leadership and workforce demonstrate an increased commitment to integrating diversity, equity, and inclusion in delivering the agencys mission. FEMA must draw upon its staffs diversity and range of experiences to consistently inform programming, policy, and decision-making, the plan continued. Through investment in diversity and inclusion efforts  including Employee Resource Groups and multicultural training  FEMA can increase its employees involvement and participation in cultivating a culture of inclusion.

The equity plan ruffled the Internets feathers. Robert Starbuck, introduced as the activist pushing US companies to ditch their DEI vows, unloaded on social media about FEMA prioritising being woke. The conservative and anti-woke activist said in a post on X/Twitter, Im sure people whove lost loved ones, lost their homes and now see their town underwater feel really great knowing that FEMAs #1 goal is to be woke. Everything about their terrible response makes sense now. What an embarrassment.

Also read | Florida bomb scare: Hard Rock Casino evacuated after 2 explosive devices found hidden

Author and scientist Robert Malone, MD, also ripped the plan, Our government is broken I heartily disagree  the first priority of FEMA should be emergency response management.

Far-left content influencer page, Libs of TikTok, also said in a post, In case youre wondering why the response to Hurricane Helene has been a disaster Femas goal 1 is to instill equity as a foundation of emergency management. This is real.

FEMA denies its strategic diversity plan has interfered with hurricane disaster relief

In response to the growing opposition, FEMAs director of public affairs, Jaclyn Rothenberg, refuted accusations of the agency prioritising equity over disaster relief.

That is a lie. We help all people regardless of background as fast as possible before, during and after disasters. That is our mission and that is our focus, Rothenberg told Fox News Digital. We care about people, all people. We take our responsibility very seriously to help all communities regardless of background, so that we understand where people are coming from and what their need is so we can provide life-saving and life-sustaining support.
By Jeff Mason Biden will visit storm-ravaged North Carolina on Wednesday

WASHINGTON, Sept 30 - U.S. President Joe Biden said he plans to travel to storm-ravaged North Carolina on Wednesday to view the toll from Hurricane Helene.

Western North Carolina residents faced a "post-apocalyptic" landscape on Monday in the wake of Helene, with hundreds of people still missing and residents struggling amid flooded roads and a lack of basic services.

Biden told reporters he planned to go to North Carolina after a briefing with the state's governor, Roy Cooper, and Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell.

Biden will participate in a local briefing and an aerial tour of Asheville, he later said on social media platform "X." He said he also plans to travel to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible.

Biden accused Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump of "lying" on Monday for saying that Georgia Governor Brian Kemp, a Republican, had trouble reaching the White House in the aftermath of the storm.

"Thats simply not true, and its irresponsible, Biden told reporters.

Kemp and Biden confirmed that the two spoke on Sunday.

A Trump spokesperson did not immediately respond to requests for comment.

Officials reported more than 100 deaths across a half-dozen states due to Helene, which was a major hurricane when it slammed into Florida's Big Bend region late on Thursday before cutting a destructive path through Georgia and into the Carolinas.

Officials said the death toll was likely to rise even as they clung to hope that emergency responders would find most of those unaccounted for as they reached more locations and as emergency mobile telecommunications services came online.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Ahead of the November 5 presidential election, Barack Obama's half-brother Abon'go Malik Obama blasted the former President and US Vice President Kamala Harris, claiming that he would have a big role to play in her presidency if she wins the White House battle. When Malik Obama was asked if Kamala Harris and Barack Obama were still in contact after Joe Biden's removal from the 2024 race, he said, I'm sure that they are talking almost every day.(Reuters Photo)

Malik, who is now a staunch critic of Obama, was the best man at the 44th former president's wedding with Michelle but has since parted ways with him.

Speaking to NY POST, Malik stated Obama made everything flip in July when he replaced Biden with Harris as the Democratic nominee without a single primary vote being cast. He hinted that his relative undoubtedly played a role in it.

Definitely he had something to do with it.  Hes still running the Democratic Party, and hes still running the country behind closed doors, Malik stated.

He further added that Obama will become extremely influential and have a significant impact on everything that happens if they win.

When Malik was asked if Harris and Obama were still in contact after Biden's removal, he said, I'm sure that they are talking almost every day.

In a Zoom interview from his rural Kenyan village of Kogelo, the naturalized US citizen, who was born in Kenya, discussed his thoughts on the big disappointment when Obama was the president.

Malik stated of Barack, I had a lot of expectations that he didn't live up to, explaining how his two terms in office had altered his perception of his family and the Democratic Party, which had been moving ever-leftward on social issues since 2008.

Commenting on Obamas' subsequent rise in wealth to as high as $135 million, he said, Hes just becoming rich, thats all.

Calling the ex-President extremely arrogant, he continued, Hes not like the person he used to be.  Even here in Kenya, we dont feel him.  Hes fake as a snake.

Also Read: Who is Malik Obama, Barack Obama's half-brother and latest to endorse Donald Trump?

Malik Obama weighs in on Trump's Haitian immigrants controversy

Malik, who has supported Trump in every election since 2016, stated he is registered as a Republican to vote for the 45th president in Maryland on November 5th.

According to him, he endorsed Trump because the GOP presidential candidate is also a businessman, so he can run the country, and I think he will turn it around. He went on to question Harris' record in the White House and her election manifesto, asking that why didnt she do all those things when she has been in office for four good years?

On being asked about Trump's controversial dog and cat eating remarks against Haitian migrants in Ohio, Malik remarked that the Republican leader is raising concerns for Ohio residents.

You know, some people even eat other people.  Theyre cannibals. They eat other people. Others eat cats, others eat dogs, others eat monkeys, others eat steak, he stated.
Gif: @AndySlater / Twitter

From the reckless drivers and dangerous sideshows to the overpass strikes and bus hijackings, it would be easy to assume that every road is only one bad driver away from becoming the Wild West. While I have a laid-back I get there where I get there mentality when I drive, others seemingly have short tempers and hair triggers when they get behind the wheel.



We want to know whats your wildest road rage story? Did someone believe they had the divine right to be ahead of you on a highway? Did another driver get frustrated because you didnt turn right on red quickly enough? How heated did the resulting argument get? We know that furious people will hop out of their vehicle, threaten to kill you and throw stuff at you like a toddler throwing a tantrum.

When I think of road rage stories, my mind immediately jumps to a January 2022 incident when a driver pulled out a handgun and opened fire on I-95 in Miami. Eric Popper, the shooter, cut off another driver on the highway. The aggrieved driver tossed a water bottle at Poppers car. Claiming that he believed he was being shot at Popper raised his weapon, waited for the other driver to pass him and then started shooting through his own passenger-side window.

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The Miami-Dade State Attorneys Office dropped charges against Popper in March 2023 after his lawyer successfully argued that the shooting was a reasonable self-defense under Floridas Stand Your Ground Law. Dont hesitate to share your wildest road rage stories in the comment section below.

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California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed a bill into law barring local governments from enacting laws that require residents to provide a valid form of identification to vote. This law happens to be a direct response to a ballot initiative that voters in the coastal California city of Huntington Beach approved. Gavin Newsom signs law that bars local govts from asking voters for ID at polls (REUTERS/Marco Bello/File Photo)(REUTERS)

Elon Musk took to X to share the news, blasting the measure. Wow, it is now illegal to require voter ID in California! They just made PREVENTING voter fraud against the law. The Joker is in charge, he wrote.

The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy

Back in March, 53.4% of residents voted to adopt a ballot measure that says all residents seeking to cast a ballot in municipal elections will have to show a valid ID. However, after the measure passed, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and Secretary of State Shirley Weber went on to sue the city to bar officials from enforcing it.

The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beachs voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle, Bonta said in a statement when the lawsuit was filed. State election law already contains robust voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud, while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without hardship. Imposing unnecessary obstacles to voter participation disproportionately burdens low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities.

The lawsuit then went through courts. Meanwhile, the California Assembly passed a bill to ban local governments, such as Huntington Beach, from imposing voter identification requirements in municipal elections. The bill had been introduced by state Sen. David Min.

We cannot have 100 different charter cities making up 100 different sets of voting rules, based on fringe conspiracy theories, Min previously said, according to the Los Angeles Times. I have repeatedly told the Huntington Beach City Council members pushing this issue that if they were to produce any evidence of widespread voter fraud, I would lead efforts to change Californias voter eligibility rules.

Californias new law is currently in effect. However, Huntington Beach has still not responded to the lawsuit Weber and Bonta had filed.
Prisons in Georgia are plagued by assaults, murder and sexual violence and officials in the southern US state are "deliberately indifferent" to the horrible conditions, the Justice Department said Tuesday. Georgia prison conditions 'horrific and inhumane': US Justice Dept

"Time in prison should not be a sentence to death, torture or rape," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said at a press conference releasing the findings of an investigation into Georgia's prisons.

Prisoners are confined in "horrific and inhumane conditions," Clarke said. "People are assaulted, stabbed, raped and killed or left to languish inside facilities that are woefully understaffed."

The Justice Department report said "the State is deliberately indifferent to these unsafe conditions" and while it has known about them for years it has "failed to take reasonable measures to address them."

Georgia has the fourth-largest incarcerated population in the United States with nearly 50,000 people behind bars in 34 state-operated prisons and four private prisons.

Georgia's prison population has more than doubled since 1990. Fifty-nine percent of the inmates in state prisons are Black while Blacks make up 31 percent of the state's population.

The report detailed a number of harrowing incidents including two brutal cases in April 2023 within days of each other at Smith State Prison.

In one incident, an inmate was found dead in his cell, possibly strangled by his roommate, the report said.

"The local coroner noted the body was badly decomposed, and the man likely had been dead for over two days," it said.

Four days earlier, an inmate was assaulted by multiple other prisoners and a video of the assault was uploaded on social media, where the victim's family saw it, the report said.

In the video, the man is seen sitting on the floor with his hands tied behind his back while a group of men punch, kick and stab him.

The Georgia Department of Corrections reported a total of 142 homicides in its facilities between 2018 and 2023.

The Justice Department probe exposed "long-standing, systemic violations stemming from complete indifference and disregard for the safety and security of people Georgia holds in its prisons," Clarke said.

Peter Leary, US Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, said he hopes the report serves as a "wake-up call" and the department can "work collaboratively with the State of Georgia to improve these deadly conditions."

cl/st

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah reportedly died in a shocking manner during an Israeli airstrike on September 27. According to Israeli news outlet Channel 12, Nasrallah may have suffocated from toxic gases inside his secret bunker after it was demolished by 80 tons of bunker-busting bombs. How Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah died in an Israeli Airstrike, gruesome details emerge(AFP)

Also Read: How did IDF got Hassan Nasrallah killed

How did Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah die

When his body was discovered by officials he had no visible wounds, suggesting he may have been buried under rubble while gas from explosions filled the space around him. This dramatic revelation indicates that the cause of death might not have been the initial blast, but rather asphyxiation as the room filled with fumes. He may have died in agony, the report further added.

Medical and security personnel who recovered Nasrallahs body from the wreckage in southern Beirut told Reuters, that he was most likely killed by blunt trauma due to the explosions. He was preparing for a meeting with Hezbollah leadership when the bombs struck. His body was transported to a nearby hospital.

The fatal airstrike was delivered by the IDF with 80 tons of bunker-busting bombs that were powerful enough to penetrate Nasrallahs underground hideout. It took Israeli intelligence to nail down the Hezbollah's underground command center in Beirut.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who was in New York during the strike, described the operation as necessary and a potential historic turning point in the region.

U.S. President Biden also called it a measure of justice for those affected by Hezbollahs actions.

In response, acting Hezbollah leader Naim Kassem has vowed to retaliate for the airstrike and ongoing hostilities in southern Lebanon.

Who was Hassan Nasrallah?

64-year-old Hassan Nasrallah was the leader of terror organisation Hezbollah, based out of Lebanon.

Nasrallah has played a central role in various 2006 Lebanon War against Israel, which solidified his status as a resistance leader in the Arab world. He was also involved in regional politics, supporting the Assad regime in Syria during the Syrian Civil War.

Under his leadership, Hezbollah transformed from a guerrilla group focused on resisting Israeli occupation into a significant political player in Lebanon, holding seats in the Lebanese Parliament and participating in government coalitions.
As North Carolina struggles to get back on its feet in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, a man has revealed that hehiked 11 miles to his parents' home in the mountains over the weekend after not hearing from them for 48 hours. Sam Perkins initially got in his vehicle and began to drive toward his parents home, which is situated on a mountain between Spruce Pine and Little Switzerland. Hurricane Helene: Man hikes 11 miles to find parents in NC (Sam Perkins/Facebook)

In a Facebook post, Perkins said he was drowning in worry when he had not heard from his parents for 48 hours. Even though he initially tried to drive to the house, his attempt failed.

I've never seen anything like it

Little did I know that up there, Helene has demolished roads, homes and utility networks. **This area is completely cut off from resources in every direction.** I tried multiple routes to drive up but had to settle on parking in Marion at the base of a closed road (Hwys 221/226) and hiking 11 miles and 2,200 feet to find my parents thankfully ok but surrounded by devastation. I have never been so relieved to see anyone ok, Perkins wrote.

Crews weren't even close yesterday. I can't tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross, how many fallen trees I had to take off my backpack for and navigate through. While hiking up 226A, I met multiple people trapped by devastation in both directions of the highway, he added.

Perkins described how the water raged to tear up roads, earth and homes. He wrote, I'm still processing it all. I've never seen anything like it. Power is a couple weeks out. I cannot fathom how long it will take DOT to repair the curvy roads that hug steep mountainsides with the most amazing views. Most of all, I want my parents to have the same basic needs they always provided me -- food, water, shelter (house is mostly ok) and the ability to explore! But they can't even leave their home right now. The steep part of their gravel road has braided channels only 18" wide but up to 5' deep from rushing water.

Perkins clarified that his parents are fine, but completely trapped. He added that he understands what people who have family in the mountains must be going through now.

Perkins later told CNN of his parents, They have food. They are pretty much out of water, but they have enough propane to boil once they start needing to.

Perkins found his parents, but eventually decided to head back down because he didnt want to use their supplies.

In a separate post, Perkins thanked people for their support. My parents are amazing and have done so much for me, so in some ways, the trek was easy to do for them (mentally at least). I know (to a fault) it's easy to feel helpless so far away, but the rallying community is how we recover as swiftly and effectively as possible while minimizing the hardships people are having to endure, he wrote, adding that he is in touch with his father.

More than 120 people were killed as a result of the storm and its aftermath, NBC News reported. One of the places that is severely affected is North Carolina, with entire communities under several feet of water due to flooding.
With just five weeks until Election Day, the stakes are high for both Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Tuesday's showdown between JD Vance and Tim Walz is one of the most consequential vice presidential debates in US history, and it could either make or break their respective parties' cases. As the 90-minute debate, hosted by CBS News, is set to begin tonight at 9 pm ET, here's what to watch for: This combination of photos shows Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, left, on Aug. 6, 2024, in Philadelphia, and Democratic vice presidential candidate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, Aug. 9, 2024, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo)(AP)

Will the hot mics be an issue?

In a striking contrast to the two presidential debates- Harris vs Trump and Biden vs Trump, the mics will not be muted during Tuesday's matchup between Vance and Walz. CBS News reserves the right to turn off candidate microphones, the debate rules state. Analysts have previously claimed that the Harris campaign was adamant about keeping mics turned out throughout the course of the debate to snag a viral moment of Trump losing his cool, reported multiple media outlets.

The battle over male voters and masculinity

Both campaigns have sought out a particular group of voters- young men. As Vance might be on his way to becoming the youngest VP in modern US history, his familiarity with the mindset of young men may be at play. Walz, on the other hand, offers a different version of masculinity, combining traditional beliefs with his support for LGBTQ and reproductive rights. However, 55% of men think the Democratic Party has moved too far to the left, according to a survey by Blueprint, a Democratic polling firm.

Can Walz make Harris' case to voters?

Despite believing in the vice president's vision for the country, Walz is reportedly worried about letting Harris down. According to a recent CNN report, the Minnesota governor is afraid he may not be able to make her case to the voters. Several sources revealed to the outlet that he confided to his close aides that he doesnt want Donald Trump to win. He doesnt want Harris to think she made the wrong choice.

A mention of either or both candidates' military service

As both VP candidates come from a military background, there is a possibility of a discussion on their service. While Walz was in the National Guard for 24 years, Vance spent four years in the Marines. Back in 2018, the governor made headlines after calling for stricter gun laws, claiming that the firearms used in the Florida mass shooting were similar to the weapons he carried in war. His remark was deemed misleading as he was never deployed for combat, per USA Today.

Could Vance's performance change Trump's mind?

Following his ABC debate with Harris, Trump swore that he wouldn't agree to any more debates. While Harris agreed to a CNN debate on October 23, Trump dismissed it, saying it would be too late as early voting is already underway. But could it be possible that Vance's performance may persuade the former president to change his mind about accepting the debate invitation? Should his running mate perform well, Trump may like another shot at the spotlight with a second debate against Harris. Or, if Vance fails to make his case, he would be forced to face Harris again to persuade voters.
Recent changes suggest that Jimmy Fallons role as The Tonight Show's host could be in jeopardy. Jimmy Fallon attends the Clooney Foundation for Justice's The Albies at New York Public Library on September 26, 2024 in New York City. Dia Dipasupil/Getty Images/AFP (Photo by Dia Dipasupil / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

NBCs decision to reduce The Tonight Show Starring Fallon from five nights a week to just four has raised several eyebrows. So it could disappear altogether? Maybe note yet, as the Late Night hosts contract with NBC runs through 2028

In 2009, Fallon first made his mark in the competitive world of late-night television, stepping into Conan OBriens shoes as host of Late Night.

ALSO READ| Prince Harry screams and runs through zombie-filled room in a haunted maze with Jimmy Fallon: Watch

Jimmy Fallon's anxiety grows as late-night comedy scene changes

The former Saturday Night Live star, known for his charm and playful style, quickly carved out his own niche. Fallons approach was a refreshing contrast to the older, more traditional hosts, and his show thrived. When Jay Leno finally vacated The Tonight Show in 2014, Fallon was given the crown jewel of late-night TV, a position many hosts could only dream of.

However, ten years later, the late-night comedy scene has changed dramatically, and Fallons position is no longer as secure as it once was. According to industry insiders, Fallon is facing growing pressure as ratings decline, advertisers pull back, and production costs rise. These challenges have affected the entire late-night industry, but Fallon, in particular, has reportedly become anxious about the future of his show.

Jimmy Fallon's magic can save the Tonight Show?

Radar Online reports that Fallons stress may be tied to these larger industry shifts. One insider explained, When Jimmy took the Tonight Show job 10 years ago, he insisted on five tapings a week and promised the decision would pay for itself, and it did for the first few years. But today, the number of advertisers willing to pay tens of thousands of dollars for commercials has definitely shrunk, and even Jimmy admits that.

ALSO READ| Old Maggie Smith has a fitting response to Emmy host Jimmy Kimmels joke

Jimmy does have a knack for getting big guests, the insider shared. Jimmy also uses his personal connections to music stars to help increase ratings.

To Jimmys credit, The Tonight Show has become Billie Eilishs go-to venue to debut new music, and Jimmy still has a lot of favors he can call in from across the music business, the source added.
POTUS Joe Biden is reportedly expressing frustration behind closed doors over Vice President Kamala Harris not mentioning him or his Bidenomics policies in her recent campaign speeches. Kamala Harris says my intention is to earn and win,' praises Joe Biden's selfless and patriotic act after he drops out and endorses her (AP Photo/Evan Vucci)(AP)

NBC News reported that Biden has privately complained to his allies that both Harris and the Democratic Party seem to have moved on from him since he exited the 2024 race in July. He has been concerned that his accomplishments are being overlooked as Election Day approaches.

White House spokesperson Andrew Bates told NBC News that the report was the polar opposite of the truth, refuting claims that Biden was frustrated with the campaigns current state.

ALSO READ| Kamala Harris blasted for staging Hurricane Helene briefing photo: Your earphones arent even plugged in

Biden felt sidelined as Harris gearing up for Nov

So what is happening here? The 81-year-old president was especially upset after Harris's September 10 debate against former President Donald Trump; Harris stated, Clearly, I am not Joe Biden, after Trump accused her of aligning with Biden's economic policies. Harris continued, And I am certainly not Donald Trump. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.

An insider familiar with Bidens mindset told NBC News that the president has been anguishing over his imprints vanishing from the national stage, with some suggesting that he feels his legacy is now tied to whether Harris can defeat Trump in the upcoming election.

However, another insider stated, He understands completely the general lack of mentioning Bidenomics and Joe Biden. Politically he gets that. Despite this, the report suggests that Biden is still grappling with feelings of being left behind as the campaign shifts its focus away from his administrations achievements.

ALSO READ| Jon Stewart tears into 'Donald Aloysius Trump' for nonsensical ramblings on policy plans, tells Harris you have left

An official from Harris campaign defended the VP, saying, We have to tell people who [Harris] is and what she would do, and There wasnt a real interest in hearing about [Bidens] accomplishments when he was running .
Kamala Harris has been accused of staging a photo of being briefed on the impacts of Hurricane Helene. Among many who blasted the veep is Donald Trump, who, like others, pointed out that her earbuds appear to not be plugged into her cellphone. Kamala Harris blasted for staging Hurricane Helene briefing photo (Photo by RONDA CHURCHILL / AFP)(AFP)

The photo, shared by Harris on X, shows her appearing to write notes while taking a call aboard Air Force Two. I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery. I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina, Kamala Harris captioned the photo.

She added, Our Administration will continue to stay in constant contact with state and local officials to ensure communities have the support and resources they need. Doug and my thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones and those whose homes, businesses, and communities were damaged or destroyed during this disaster.

Sharing Harris post, Trump wrote, Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work! Biden and Harris abandoned Americans in Afghanistan. They sacrificed Americans to an Open Border, and now, they have left Americans to drown in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and elsewhere in the South. Under this Administration, Americans always come last, because we have leaders who have no idea how to lead!

Your earphones arent even plugged in

Many others commented on Harris photo, pointing out that herearbuds do not appear to be connected to the device. The sheet of paper in front of her also seems to be blank.

Blank paper and headphones arent even plugged in, one user commented on Harris post. This photo is staged AF just like your entire campaign, one user wrote, while another said, Shes got corded earphones that arent even plugged in.

One user said, Everything about you is fake. Phone unplugged. Blank paper. On a flight to your next fundraiser. All a metaphor for your candidacy. Just a hollow shell of staged photo ops. You couldve at least pretended to write something on that blank paper before you tweeted about pretending to care, one user mocked, while another said, Ear buds in but unplugged from her phone. Blank paper in front of her. Empty brain. The Harris campaign in a snapshot. Your earphones arent even plugged in, one wrote.
New complaints have been emerging about Meghan Markles behaviour since a former staff member called her a dictator." Recently, a source told The Sunday Times that she allegedly yelled at a florist for 30 minutes straight, who later refused to ever work with her again. Meghan Markle faces new complaints about her behaviour, including alleged mistreatment of staff and a florist. (Photo by Raul ARBOLEDA / AFP)(AFP)

Also Read: After Diddy documentary announcement, Quiet on Set network confirms Chris Brown domestic violence title

Meghan Markle yells at a florist

An insider revealed to the news outlet, If you were working for her, you were often treated like a tradesman who could be treated like s***. They vowed never to work with her again, despite the prestige of having her as a client." This is not the first a worker for Markle has reported her mistreatment, as many have come forward and shared their alleged worse experiences with her.

In an earlier report, several staff members who worked for Markle and Prince Harry said the formers behaviour was frightening. In an expose by The Hollywood Reporter, a source claimed, Everyones terrified of Meghan. She belittles people, she doesnt take advice. The source added, Theyre both poor decision-makers, they change their minds frequently. Harry is a very, very charming person  no airs at all  but he's very much an enabler. And she's just terrible..

Another source said, She belittles people, she doesn't take advice. She marches around like a dictator in high heels, fuming and barking orders. I've watched her reduce grown men to tears.

Also Read: Sean Diddy Combs allegedly faces taunts and poor living conditions in jail as he awaits trial: Hes sleeping on'

Precedents of Markles alleged behaviour

In 2018, Markle was accused of misbehaviour with staff when Buckingham Palace investigated her because she was rude to royal staff aides. To make matters worse, The Duke and Duchess of Sussexs chief of staff, Josh Kettler, recently left his position. Cameron Walker from GB News described him as the guy who's meant to guide Prince Harry in particular through what has been described as the next phase of his life.

However, Markles team defended her, saying, Lets just call this what it is  a calculated smear campaign based on misleading and harmful misinformation. We are disappointed to see this defamatory portrayal of the Duchess of Sussex given credibility by a media outlet. A spokesperson added, Its no coincidence that distorted several-year-old accusations aimed at undermining the duchess are being briefed to the British media shortly before she and the duke are due to speak openly and honestly about their experience of recent years, as reported by OK! Magazine.
Meghan Markle has outlined a few non-negotiable terms before considering to mend fences with Prince William and Kate Middleton. Meghan Markle might be preventing Harry from proposing a olive branch to the Prince and Princess of Wales, despite Kate's cancer diagnosis, according to Royal author Tom Quinn.(AFP)

The relationship between the Sussexes and the Royal Family is still fragile in spite of William and Kate's best efforts to patch things up with Prince Harry and Markle following their highly publicised departure from royal duties.

According to royal analyst Tom Quinn, Markle isn't prepared to bury the past behind unless her demands are fulfilled.

In an interview with the Mirror, Quinn said: Harry would like a reconciliation, but supports his wife completely and until she feels that the Royal family have been sufficiently nice to her - and grovelingly apologized for the past - it's not going to happen.

The Daily Record states that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex have made a number of shocking statements against the monarchy since leaving their positions as royalty, both in public interviews and on their candid Netflix series, Harry and Meghan. Harry even made some bombshell claims against the Royal family members in his memoir Spare.

Know what's preventing Meghan to extend olive branch to William, Kate

Quinn further said that he believes Meghan might be preventing Harry from proposing a olive branch to the Prince and Princess of Wales, despite Kate's cancer diagnosis.

However, the royal expert admitted that there has been a shift since Kate's illness as Harry and Meghan feel they should resolve difference, but the Duchess' sense of grievance is still preventing anything really meaningful happening.

Illness often brings warring family members together, and there have been hopes at Kensington Palace that Kate's illness might do it, he stated.

Also Read: Prince Harry and Meghan Markle rubbing their hands in glee as Royal Family dragged into Sean Diddy Combs scandal

The royal author claimed that William and Kate have attempted to mend fences with the Sussexes and have invited Meghan and Harry to visit the UK with Archie and Lilibet, but Meghan has declined.

In his biography Spare, Prince Harry also leveled a number of accusations against his brother and sister-in-law, claiming that Prince William had called Meghan difficult, rude, and abrasive after a heated dispute.

Harry said that William grabbed him by the collar and "knocked" him to the floor during the argument.
PAHRUMP, Nev.Electra Rayne, an adult performer and licensed courtesan at Sheris Ranch, published her latest blog post, "A Courtesan By Any Other Name," where she explores the differences between legal brothel work in Nevada and other types of sex work, addressing some of the most common misunderstandings.

Rayne is using her platform to educate the public about the realities of legal sex work.

Rayne explained the significance of the term "courtesan," a legal title for licensed workers in Nevadas brothels, and how language can shape the way people view her profession. She emphasizes that the words used to describe sex work often carry stigma, which she is determined to help change.

Rayne wrote in the post, "Arguably the most ubiquitous term for ladies in our profession in America is the p-word: the infamous 'prostitute.' For me specifically, the word 'prostitute,' like 'escort,' is another term that simply feels inaccurate in reference to my work. Im not a prostitute, because in the USA it is illegal to be a prostitute, and I have gone out of my way to ensure that all my work is legal. Im not offended by the term or bothered when folks use it, but it also doesnt feel particularly accurate."

Through her popular TikTok account, which has amassed over 125,000 followers, Rayne shared insights on safe sex practices, legal information, and what its like to work at Sheri's Ranch. Her goal is to challenge the false belief that sex work is illegal nationwide and to offer a clear look at the realities of the industry.

Rayne continued, "As a courtesan with the privilege of a public-facing platform, Im all about offering more than just sex, or even companionship. Im thankful for the opportunity to educate so many people on what we do and why our workand the language we use to describe itmatters. After all, the language we use can impact how we think, feel, and make laws."

Raynes mission is to foster a more informed, open conversation about sex work, reducing the stigma and misconceptions that surround it.

For more information or to read Raynes full blog post, visit blog.sherisranch.com/sex-work/courtesan.

To learn more about Rayne, visit electrarayne.net and follow her on X @ElectraRayne.

To learn more about Sheris Ranch, visit the official website SherisRanch.com, and follow Sheris Ranch on X @SherisBrothel.
Hurricane Helene's landfall in the southeastern US last week dragged in catastrophic ravages for states like Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee. In its aftermath, as these US states hold themselves stead and deal with the disastrous results, another storm is surging on social media, hoping to push the blame of the natural disaster in exchange for a bare sense of a coping mechanism. At the moment, the Biden administration is facing that wrath left and right, with Donald Trump levelling some false accusations against the commander-in-chief on one side and netizens raising hell against the president on the other. US President Joe Biden delivers remarks on his administration's continued response efforts to Hurricane Helene in the Roosevelt Room of the White House in Washington, DC, on September 30, 2024. (AFP)

Viral post launches hate train against Biden administration

A post, shared by conservative account @EndWokeness, particularly launched a poisonous rocket targetting the POTUS with the tweet: "$2.4 billion aid to Ukraine" vs "No more aid for Hurricane Helene" - 3 days apart.

The post featured two videos: one of Biden announcing Ukraine aid and the other of him saying that the federal government could not be given more resources. The latter response came about in talks with ABC News, as he pointed out: We have pre-planned a significant amount, even though they didn't ask for it yethadn't asked for it yet.

Also read | Biden blasts Trump's lying claims amid backlash over sleeping through Hurricane Helene damage; FEMA also responds

Several other posts fuelled by the same vitriol insinuated that North Carolina victims of the monster storm, i.e. citizens of the USA, were an afterthought for President Joe Biden. Daily Wires Matt Walsh wrote on X/Twitter, "Unfortunately the North Carolina flood victims are citizens of the USA, not Ukraine, so the Biden Administration sees no reason to help them.

The divisive narrative incited online doubles down on suggesting that theres been no funding in sight for those impacted by Helenes fury while the Biden administration continues to unload billions to support Ukraine.

What do official White House announcements cement?

The misleading claims are easily countered by the White Houses days-old official announcements and press releases.

On Saturday, September 28, Biden approved the Florida disaster declaration and ordered Federal aid to supplement State, tribal, and local recovery efforts in the areas affected by Hurricane Helene beginning on September 23, 2024, and continuing. The mentioned assistance extended to offering grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property losses, and other programs to help individuals and business owners recover from the effects of the disaster.

Additionally, Federal funding was also made accessible on a cost-sharing basis:

For hazard mitigation measures statewide and

To State, tribal, and eligible local governments and certain private nonprofit organisations for emergency work in the counties of Charlotte, Citrus, Dixie, Franklin, Hernando, Hillsborough, Jefferson, Lafayette, Lee, Levy, Madison, Manatee, Pasco, Pinellas, Sarasota, Taylor, and Wakulla.

Moreover, before the hurricane struck Florida, thereby impacting other states, the White House confirmed that emergency declaration requests from the Governors of Alabama, Florida, Georgia, NC, and SC had been approved, as reported by Newsweek. The Biden administration also authorised The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to provide assistance for emergency measures to save lives, protect property, public health and safety, and fund other emergency response measures.

Also read | Joe Biden reportedly unhappy with how Kamala Harris handling the election campaign

Biden administration's continued response

Another follow-up statement from the briefing room, released as a Fact Sheet on September 30, affirmed that the Biden-Harris administration continued its Federal response to assist the communities impacted in the path of Hurricane Helene. In addition to the president and VP receiving regular briefings from their teams, Biden spoke with the Governors of NC, Georgia, SC and Asheville mayor, along with other state and local officials.

In hopes of accelerating the delivery of support to victims, especially those in isolated communities, POTUS directed FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell to determine the best possible solutions to mediate the task at hand effectively.

The briefing noticeably highlighted, more than 3,500 personnel from across the federal workforce are deployed and supporting Hurricane Helene response efforts across the impacted states.

Moreover, Search and rescue efforts by state, local and Federal partners are ongoing, and hundreds of additional personnel are arriving in the region in the coming days. Over 1,250 Urban Search and Rescue personnel are deployed across Florida, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. Together with local and state responders, teams have rescued or supported more than 1,900 people, including nearly 900 in North Carolina.

Extending assistance for search and rescue operations, the Department of Defence has 30 on-ground high-water trucks to help rescuers and 18 helicopters ready with lift capabilities if and when needed to transport supplies and equipment, among other operations.

Other interagency support efforts led by the Federal government included sending out additional generators, 150 ambulances, trailers full of meals and water and 215 additional Search and Rescue personnel to North Carolina. Meanwhile, food and water supplies have been shipped to impacted states, with FEMA sending out over 1.9 million meals, more than 1 million litres of water, 30 generators and over 95,000 tarps, among other means of assistance being deployed.

Also read | Navigating US presidential politics, Zelenskyy met Trump and Harris. Now comes a harder part

Support for Ukraine vs disaster relief aid after Hurricane Helene

As for US support for Ukraine, Biden announced $8 billion in military assistance on Thursday, potentially the last aid package he will approve before his term concludes. Economic research organisation Kiel Institutes estimations suggest that the US contributions to Ukraines fight against Russia from January 24, 2022, to June 30, 2024, have amounted to more than $80 billion. Nevertheless, the funding allocation supporting Ukraine and the FEMA aid are different entities.

As of March 27, 2023, the Department of Defence Office of Inspector General said the  U.S. Congress has appropriated more than $113 billion for the U.S. Governments response to Russias invasion of Ukraine since February 2022. However, the Kiel Institute states that a large portion of the billions worth of aid will not flow directly to Ukraine but is instead allocated towards a broad variety of spending purposes.

Examples include spending for preemptive natural disaster funds, research on military or nuclear purposes, the prevention of terrorism and cybercrime, national infrastructure investments, large-scale purchases of military goods intended to remain in the US...or funds devoted to host Ukrainian refugees in the US.

Biden might call for a special session and ask Congress to pass special aid for Helene damage despite stop-gap funding approval

Last Wednesday, Congress approved a short-term spending bill to avert a government shutdown ahead of the November elections. However, Biden eventually said this Monday that he might call Congress for a special session for supplemental funding to counter the impact of the history-making storm.

Biden, expected to make his rounds in North Carolina on Wednesday, rebutted Trumps criticism on September 30 when the former president falsely claimed that Georgia Gov Brian Kemp couldnt contact Biden in light of the storms aftermath. The Republican nominee also bashed the president for spending the weekend in Delaware, but Biden said on Monday that he was commanding the scene and was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday and the day before as well.
President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is back home leading Ukraines fight against Russia after a U.S. trip that brought him face to face with the American leaders who will help decide his countrys future. FILE - Vice President Kamala Harris meets with Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, in the vice president's ceremonial office inside the Eisenhower Executive Office Building on the White House complex in Washington. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin,File)(AP)

The Biden administration pledged more than $8 billion in continued support to Ukraine, guaranteeing military aid until a new U.S. administration takes power.

But Zelenskyy found himself briefly mired in domestic politics before meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York.

And the Ukrainians leaders longer-term strategic aim  convincing his allies to adopt a victory plan that he is promoting  remains elusive and out of his control, analysts and officials said. So does the aim of using far-reaching Western weapons against Russia, the most immediate element of Zelenskyy's plan.

Zelenskyy navigated partisan politics

Zelenskyys visit to an ammunition plant in the swing state of Pennsylvania upset Republicans, and House Speaker Mike Johnson fired off an open letter saying the visit was part of a partisan campaign to support Democrats. He demanded that Zelenskyy fire his ambassador to the U.S., which hasn't happened.

There was talk of a meeting with Trump being called off but the two men met in New York on Friday. Zelenskyy also irritated some Republicans when he told The New Yorker that Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, is too radical.

Still, Zelenskyy presented his vision for victory to both Trump, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, and walked away with more assistance, which will guarantee that Ukraine will be able to count on American aid until the new administration comes to power.

The outcome of these two meetings was that Ukraine publicly showed it is engaging equally with both candidates. Ukraine has no favorites and is ready for open, normal relations with any future administration, said Oleksandr Kraiev, an analyst from the Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism.

Long-range weapons are still a red line

But the Biden administrations red line remains long-range Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia, even though Ukraine has long been lobbying for the U.S. to drop that limit.

The U.S. fears escalation, but Zelenskyy thinks providing Ukraine with such capabilities would be a step toward ending the war, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said.

The lifting of these informal restrictions will undoubtedly serve as a key indicator that decisive steps toward ending the war have been taken, Podolyak said. Of course, this wont lead to an immediate end to everything. But we want to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we want to understand how and when this war will be resolved.

Ukraines leadership is waiting for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany  defense leaders from the 50-plus partner nations who regularly gather to coordinate weapons aid for the war. There, Ukraine will see how the group has digested a victory plan that Zelenskyy has been presenting.

Zelenskyy hasn't publicly presented that plan, but U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the U.S. said on Sept. 17 that she had seen parts of it and that "it lays out a strategy and plan that can work.

Ukraine looks for bipartisan support

Podolyak said that Ukraine succeeded in delivering the message with respect to the resources required to sustain its defenses in the current, and potentially decisive, stage of the war."

No public pledges of support were made for Ukraines vision during the meetings, but Podolyak says Kyiv anticipated that a response to the victory plan would likely come during the Ramstein meeting on Oct. 12.

We just need to wait a little, as our partner countries are now holding internal discussions," he said. "We will see the results soon enough.

Ukrainian lawmakers have been trying to win over Trump-allied officials for months, two of them said. One lawmaker said that attempts to solicit Republicans sympathetic to Ukraines cause havent yielded breakthroughs. He spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely about sensitive matters.

Zelenskyy and his nation still have elusive goals

Zelenskyy said that everything necessary for Ukraine to win the war with Russia is on the partners table  an indication Kyiv has no option but to wait for their decision.

He made this statement while addressing the nation at the end of his trip to the U.S.

The victory plan has been presented to America, and we have explained every point, he said.

But analysts and lawmakers said Ukraine sees both presidential candidates as potentially problematic.

Many are concerned by Trump's claims that the war could be resolved quickly, fearing that could mean negotiating on Russias terms, potentially involving territorial concessions and giving up on security guarantees from Western allies.

Meanwhile, others said they believe Harris would continue Bidens foreign policy, which many Ukrainians and outside observers say is driven primarily by fear of wider war rather than than a well thought-out strategy for beating Russia.

Allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles would be one crucial signal that the US is committed to bolstering Kyivs hand in the long and difficult war.
Congratulations are in order with Princess Beatrice, 36, and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi. The royal couple is expecting their second child, Buckingham Palace confirmed on Tuesday. The eldest daughter of Prince Andrew and Sarah Ferguson first became a mother in 2021 when she and the 40-year-old British executive welcomed their daughter Sienna. An undated handout photo shows Princess Beatrice and her husband Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi, who have announced that they are expecting their second child together, in this picture released on October 1, 2024. Debbie Hare/Buckingham Palace/Handout via REUTERS THIS IMAGE HAS BEEN SUPPLIED BY A THIRD PARTY. MANDATORY CREDIT. NO RESALES. NO ARCHIVES. THESE PICTURES SHALL NOT BE USED AFTER 31ST OCTOBER 2024.(via REUTERS)

Princess Beatrice and Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are expecting baby No. 2

Her Royal Highness Princess Beatrice and Mr Edoardo Mapelli Mozzi are very pleased to announce that they are expecting their second child together early in the new year; a sibling for Wolfie and Sienna, reads Buckingham Palace's statement. His Majesty The King has been informed and both families are delighted with the news.

Princess Beatrice is also a stepmother to Edoardo's eight-year-old son, Christopher Wolfie Woolf, from a past relationship. He was engaged to American architect Dara Huang until 2018 before meeting the princess the same year. Speculations about their relationship soon began as a source told People at the time, Edoardo is a friend of Beatrice's family.

ALSO READ: California Gov. Gavin Newsom signs first US law banning harmful food dyes in schools

Their engagement was announced in September 2019 following Edo's proposal in Italy. They were initially set to be wed at the Chapel Royal of St James's Palace on 29 May 2020. However, their wedding was postponed due to the Covid-19 pandemic. They finally exchanged vows on 17 July 2020 during a private ceremony at the Royal Chapel of All Saints in Windsor Great Park.

It was very private, intimate and romantic, an insider said of Princess Beatrice and Edo's marriage, according to the outlet. It was planned for some time, and everyone had to be extremely cautious leading up to the big day because the Queen was in attendance. They had to make sure everyone who was attending was in perfect health, the source added.
WASHINGTON  Republicans are pointing to newly released immigration enforcement data to bolster their argument that the Biden administration is letting migrants who have committed serious crimes go free in the U.S. But the numbers have been misconstrued without key context. Trump is pointing to new numbers on migrants with criminal pasts. Here's what they show

Immigration and Customs Enforcement released data to Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales in response to a request he made for information about people under ICE supervision either convicted of crimes or facing criminal charges. Gonzales' Texas district includes an 800-mile stretch bordering Mexico.

Gonzales posted the numbers online and they immediately became a flashpoint in the presidential campaign between former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to carry out mass deportations, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Immigration  and the Biden administration's record on border security  has become a key issue in the election.

Here's a look at the data and what it does or doesn't show: What are the numbers?

As of July 21, ICE said 662,556 people under its supervision were either convicted of crimes or face criminal charges. Nearly 15,000 were in its custody, but the vast majority  647,572  were not.

Included in the figures of people not detained by ICE were people found guilty of very serious crimes: 13,099 for homicide, 15,811 for sexual assault, 13,423 for weapons offenses and 2,663 for stolen vehicles. The single biggest category was for traffic-related offenses at 77,074, followed by assault at 62,231 and dangerous drugs at 56,533.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, later clarified that the numbers span decades  including the Trump administration and other presidencies  and that those not in its custody may be detained by a state or local agency. It's a distinction ICE didnt make in its report to Gonzales.

When we speak of somebody who is not detained, we mean not detained in ICE custody. The individual could be in Folsom State Prison, for example, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday.

Millions of people are on ICE's non-detained docket, or people under the agency's supervision who aren't in its custody. Many are awaiting outcomes of their cases in immigration court, including some wearing monitoring devices. Others have been released after completing their prison sentences because their countries wont take them back. What do both sides say about the numbers?

Republicans pointed to the data as proof that the Biden administration is letting immigrants with criminal records into the country and isn't doing enough to kick out those who commit crimes while they're here.

The truth is clear  illegal immigrants with a criminal record are coming into our country. The data released by ICE is beyond disturbing, and it should be a wake-up call for the Biden-Harris administration and cities across the country that hide behind sanctuary policies, Gonzales said in a news release, referring to pledges by local officials to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Trump, who has repeatedly portrayed immigrants as bringing lawlessness and crime to America, tweeted multiple screenshots of the data with the words: 13,000 CROSSED THE BORDER WITH MURDER CONVICTIONS.

He also asserted that the numbers correspond to Biden and Harris' time in office.

The data was being misinterpreted, Homeland Security said in a statement Sunday.

The data goes back decades; it includes individuals who entered the country over the past 40 years or more, the vast majority of whose custody determination was made long before this Administration, the agency said. "It also includes many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state or local law enforcement partners.

Mayorkas said it was unfortunate the information didn't come with proper explanation, saying that lends itself to misinterpretation, either deliberate or otherwise.

The department also stressed what it has done to deport those without the right to stay in America, saying it had removed or returned more than 700,000 people in the past year, which it said was the highest number since 2010. Homeland Security said it had removed 180,000 people with criminal convictions since President Joe Biden took office. What's behind the figures?

The data isnt only listing people who entered the country during the Biden administration but includes people going back decades who came during previous administrations, said Doris Meissner, former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was the predecessor to ICE.

Theyre accused or convicted of committing crimes in America as opposed to committing crimes in other countries and then entering the U.S., said Meissner, who is now director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute.

This is not something that is a function of what the Biden administration did, she said. Certainly, this includes the Biden years, but this is an accumulation of many years, and certainly going back to at least 2010, 2011, 2012.

A 2017 report by Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General says that as of August 2016, ICE had about 368,574 people on its non-detained docket who were convicted criminals. By June 2021, shortly after Trump left office, that number was up to 405,786. Can't ICE just deport criminals?

ICE has limited resources. The number of people it supervises has skyrocketed, while its staffing has not. As the agency noted in a 2023 end-of-year report, it often has to send staff to help at the border, taking them away from their normal duties.

The number of people ICE supervises but who aren't in its custody has grown from 3.3 million a little before Biden took office to a little over 7 million last spring.

"The simple answer is that as a system, we havent devoted enough resources to the parts of the government that deal with monitoring and ultimately removing people who are deportable," Meissner said.

ICE also has logistical and legal limits on who they can hold. Its budget allows the agency to hold 41,500 people at a time. John Sandweg, who was acting ICE director from 2013 to 2014 under then-President Barack Obama, said holding people accused or convicted of the most serious crimes is always the top priority.

But once someone has a final order of removal  meaning a court has found that they don't have the right to stay in the country  they cannot be held in detention forever while ICE works out how to get them home. A 2001 Supreme Court ruling essentially prevented ICE from holding those people for more than six months if there is no reasonable chance to expect they can be sent back.

Not every country is willing to take back their citizens, Sandweg said.

He said he suspects that a large number of those convicted of homicide but not held by ICE are people who were ordered deported but the agency can't remove them because their home country won't take them back.

Its a very common scenario. Even amongst the countries that take people back, they can be very selective about who they take back, he said.

The U.S. also could run into problems deporting people to countries with which it has tepid relations.

Homeland Security did not respond to questions about how many countries won't take back their citizens. The 2017 watchdog report put the number at 23 countries, plus an additional 62 that were cooperative but where there were delays getting things like passports or travel documents.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
A Donald Trump-authorised GoFundMe for Americans who were affected by Hurricane Helene raised more than a whopping $900,000 in just over an hour. At the time of writing this article, $1,250,523 had been raised of the $1,000,000 goal. Large donations were made by former US Senator Kelly Loeffler ($500,000) and others, the page shows. Trump-authorised GoFundMe for Hurricane Helene victims surges past $900,000 in just over an hour (Photo by Michael M. Santiago / GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA / Getty Images via AFP)(Getty Images via AFP)

The GoFundMe reads, President Donald J. Trump has launched this GoFundMe campaign as an official response for MAGA supporters to offer their financial assistance to their fellow Americans impacted by Hurricane Helene. With so many across the Southeastern U.S. facing challenges after the storm, President Trump is on the ground in communities to see the aftermath firsthand. All donations will be directed to help those most affected by Hurricane Helene. Any level of generosity will go a long way for your fellow Americans who are suffering.

More than 120 people were killed as a result of the storm and its aftermath, NBC News reported. North Carolina is severely affected, with entire communities under several feet of water due to flooding.

Donald Trump drags Hurricane Helene into 2024 campaign

Trump, meanwhile, dragged Hurricane Helene into the 2024 campaign. During an Erie, Pennsylvania rally over the weekend, the former president accused Joe Biden of sleeping at his beach house in Delaware and slammed Kamala Harris for holding fundraising events in California when big parts of our country have been devastated by that massive hurricane.

Harris opened her Sunday night campaign rally in Las Vegas acknowledging the tragedy. I know that everyone here sends their thoughts and prayers for the folks who have been so devastated by that hurricane and the ensuing events, in Florida, in Georgia, the Carolinas, and other impacted states, she reportedly said.

Meanwhile, White House said in a statement, The Biden-Harris Administration continues to lead a robust Federal response to help impacted communities in the wake of Hurricane Helene. The Administration is working around the clock and mobilizing every resource available to support life-saving response efforts in North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Georgia, and Florida.
BAGHDAD - Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, two Iraqi military officials told Reuters early on Tuesday, but a U.S. official disputed reports that U.S. military forces were targeted in the incident. US forces accounted for after reported rocket attack in Baghdad, official says

"All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported," the U.S. defense official told Reuters, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The incident was a reminder of the soaring tensions in the Middle East, as speculation swirled about whether Iran and Iran-backed groups would make good on threats to retaliate after a series of Israeli major blows against Lebanon's Iran-backed Hezbollah.

Two Iraqi security sources said an initial investigation showed three rockets were fired, including one that landed near buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces, causing damages and fire to some vehicles but no casualties.

The sources had previously said at least two Katyusha rockets were also fired at a military base hosting U.S. forces and that air defenses intercepted the rockets.

But the U.S. official said Washington was aware of reports of an attack instead on the Baghdad Diplomatic Support Complex, which is a Department of State facility.

"For details about the incident we refer you to the State Department," the official said.

The U.S. State Department did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Iraq, a rare regional partner of both the United States and Iran, hosts 2,500 U.S. troops and also has Iran-backed armed factions linked to its security forces.

Iran-aligned armed groups in Iraq have repeatedly attacked U.S. troops in the Middle East since the Gaza war began.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
U.S. military bases will soon be reinforced with attack drones as part of the Pentagons strategy to counter threats posed by Iran-linked groups in the Middle East, The Telegraph reported. Soliders from the US Army operate a TS-M800 drone during the 'Saber Junction 24' US military and North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) training exercise at the US Army's Hohenfels training Area in Hohenfels, Germany(Bloomberg)

On Monday, US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin announced the expansion of the Replicator program, which was initially aimed at developing drones for potential operations against China.

Why is US reinstalling attack drones on its bases

This new phase of the program will prioritize the deployment of defensive drones at US installations both at home and abroad.

The announcement follows a series of drone attacks on U.S. bases in the Middle East, including a January incident in Jordan that resulted in the deaths of three American troops. The most recent strike occurred at a base in Deir Ezzor, eastern Syria, though no group has claimed responsibility for that attack yet.

US currently utilizes a variety of defences against the so-called suicide drones, which are designed to carry explosives into military compounds. It includes electronic jamming devices and anti-aircraft machine guns. Now attack drones will be a part of this artillery and indicates that the Pentagon expects drone warfare to become increasingly common around its bases in the near future.

In his memo, Austin emphasized that the next stage of Replicator will tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat posed by small uncrewed aerial systems to our most critical installations and force concentrations.

These drones have been validated as as joint capability gaps that Replicator 2 can close, Austin stated. The agencies' approach to countering the small drones that fly at about 180-feet altitude with speeds about 250 miles per hour has been layered  electronic warfare and kinetic effects.

Protecting U.S. troops in the Middle East has become a top priority, particularly following the escalation of conflicts after Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7. Various Iran-linked groups have targeted U.S. forces in Syria, Iraq, and Jordan, viewing the current geopolitical tensions as an opportunity to push Western military presence out of the region.
Oct 1 - The U.S. Commerce Department on Tuesday announced anti-subsidy countervailing duties on solar cells imported by companies in Vietnam, Cambodia, Malaysia and Thailand, a move that could make it more expensive both to produce and buy solar panels in the United States. US sets preliminary new duties on solar imports from Southeast Asia

The announcement is the first of two preliminary decisions expected by the Commerce Department this year in a trade case brought by Korea's Hanwha Qcells, Arizona-based First Solar and several smaller companies seeking to protect billions of dollars in investments in U.S. solar manufacturing.

The group, calling itself the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, accused Chinese companies with factories in the four countries of flooding the U.S. market with panels priced below their cost of production and of receiving unfair subsidies that make American products uncompetitive.

Others in the solar industry say those low-priced imports are critical for both clean-energy project developers competing with fossil fuels and for domestic solar factories that use overseas-made cells in panels assembled on U.S. soil.

According to a fact sheet posted on the Commerce Department's website, the agency calculated general subsidy rates of 9.13% for imports from Malaysia, 8.25% for imports from Cambodia, 23.06% for imports from Thailand and 2.85% for imports from Vietnam.

Large manufacturers have their own separate duty rates. For instance, Commerce calculated a duty rate of just 0.14% for products made by China's Trina Solar in Thailand.

Commerce calculated a duty rate of 14.72% for products produced in Malaysia by one of the companies behind the petition, Hanwha Qcells.

Representatives for Trina and Hanwha were not immediately available for comment.

An attorney for the American Alliance for Solar Manufacturing Trade Committee, Tim Brightbill, said the department's findings were in line with expectations and that the final decision could yield higher duties.

"Some of the margins definitely do not yet reflect the full extent of government subsidies that are occurring in the industry," Brightbill said on a call with reporters.

A final order will be made in April next year.

This article was generated from an automated news agency feed without modifications to text.
Iran is preparing an imminent ballistic missile attack against Israel, the United States said on Tuesday, warning that any such assault would have "severe" consequences for Tehran. An Israeli Apache helicopter fires a missile towards southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)(AP)

The warning came as Israel said it had launched a ground offensive in Lebanon to target the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, whose leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike last week.

"The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," a senior White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack."

ALSO READ| Indo-Canadian mediaperson, attacked by two persons, blames pro-Khalistan elements

US defends Israel against Iranian attack

The United States and other western allies stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

The US official added: "A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran."

Iran has said that Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction," though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy soldiers to confront Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile issued a stark warning to Iran on Monday, saying there was "nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach."

Netanyahu also said that a future "when Iran is finally free" would "come a lot sooner than people think".

An attack on Israel by Iran would gravely compound fears of a wider regional conflict that the United States and other world powers have said they want to avoid in the Middle East.

The United States has cautiously backed Israel's move to dismantle Hezbollah's ability to attack northern Israel, even as President Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire.

ALSO READ| US gets battle ready for drone warfare, fortifies its military bases as threat from Iran-Linked groups escalate

US bolsters middle east military presence

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken said that Washington was "tracking events in the Middle East very closely."

"The United States is committed to Israel's defense," Blinken said Tuesday morning while meeting his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita at the State Department.

Washington said Monday that it was boosting its forces in the Middle East by a "few thousand" troops, by bringing in new units while extending others that are already there.

It was also deploying more fighter jets, the Pentagon said.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Monday offered support to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant for "dismantling attack infrastructure" belonging to Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon.

Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas, which is also backed by Iran, staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Cross-border fire from Israel and Hezbollah continued throughout Israel's war in Gaza.
Iran fired missiles at Israel- an attack which followed warnings from the United States to Tel Aviv that Tehran was preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on its regional foe. Projectiles fly through the sky in central Israel as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran towards Israel.(AP)

Responding to the attack, the White House said that US president Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the situation from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team.

Joe Biden also directed the US military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel.

What UK and Germany said on Iran's attack on Israel

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has spoken to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Jordan's King Abdullah, Sky News reported while Germany demanded that Iran end its missile attack on Israel, expressing fears over escalation of the conflict. German foreign minister Annalena Baerbock posted on X (formerly Twitter), "I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms. Iran must stop the attack immediately as it is leading the region further towards the abyss".

France reacts to Iran's missile barrage on Tel Aviv

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier said that he was concerned about an "escalation" in the Middle East. He said in the parliament that the situation is extremely serious" and is worsening in the Near and Middle East, with an escalation and an attack, and a direct conflict that seems to be underway between Iran and Israel.

Jordan's Public Security Directorate said that its air defences intercepted missiles and drones as Iran attacked Israel, adding, The Royal Jordanian Air Force and air defence systems responded to a number of missiles and drones that entered Jordanian airspace.
Credit: All the Smoke Podcast

Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson scored one of the biggest interviews of the year on All the Smoke this week when Vice President Kamala Harris joined them five weeks ahead of the 2024 election.

Afterward, Barnes revealed he and Jackson cleared topics with the Harris campaign before the interview.

We gave her a skeleton and an outline of the direction the conversation wanted to go, Barnes said Tuesday on The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz. And then literally, we were making up questions right up until we left in the car to go see her. I gave her my pitch on how we wanted to do it, have a good time. We wanted the country to get a chance to just know her a little bit better as a person.

Barnes acknowledged he and Jackson went back and forth over whether to enter the political realm and conduct the interview on Harris terms until the day we left to record the episode at her home.

The hosts understood how it could rub their audience the wrong way or make them appear as biased, but in the end, they believed that the opportunity for their show and their audience was worth it.

This wasnt a clear-cut of Hey, this is a tremendous opportunity, lets go jump on it,' Barnes said. A lot of thinking went into this because we know who we are, what we are, and what we stand for. Sometimes, people dont want to see those mix although I dont mind them mixing. Its not about me, its about our fans.

Earlier this year, the Joe Biden campaign was harshly criticized for conducting an interview with Black-owned radio stations in Pennsylvania and Wisconsin in which his campaign fed the hosts questions. A Philadelphia-based host for WURD resigned over the incident.

Of course, online content creators play by different rules. They are not journalists and often are proud of it. The same can be said of Donald Trump joining content creators like Adin Ross, Theo Von, and the Paul brothers for interviews this year.

Barnes and Jackson made their choice and hosted what was a fairly harmless interview with Harris. They also stopped short of sending along full questions to her campaign and were clear that they wanted the interview to be more about Harris the person than Harris the politician.

[The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz on YouTube]
Iran in a televised statement on Tuesday said it fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel. The attack comes days after the Israeli military eliminated several top commanders of the Tehran-backed Lebanese group Hezbollah in airstrikes.



According to an AP report, Iran referred to Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard's General Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut.



Middle East crisis LIVE updates Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei (AFP)

It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July. It warned this attack represented only a first wave, without elaborating.



After a period of restraint, Iran has targeted the heart of the occupied territories with tens of missiles following the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh ... the intensification of the Zionist regime's attacks on Lebanon and Gaza, the martyrdom of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and (of) Guards Commander Abbas Nilforoushan, the Iran Revolutionary Guards said in the statement.



A senior Iranian official told Reuters the missile attacks were ordered by Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who has remained in a secure location since Israeli airstrikes on Beirut killed Nasrallah last week.

Israel warns Iran of consequences

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari,"We are on heightened alert on defense and offensive, we will protect the citizens of Israel. This [missile] fire will have consequences. We have plans, and we will act in the time and place that we choose."



ALSO READ: Iran's missiles vs arrows: How Israel's air defence is intercepting attack



On Monday, Israel prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu had warned Iran amid the IDF carrying out precise strikes on Hezbollah targets in Beirut. There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach," he had said.



According to an AP report, a series of explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem. It was not immediately known if they were interceptions or incoming missiles landing. The explosions near Jerusalem were so loud that windows shook.
Families of hostages with British links held by Hamas in Gaza on Monday warned that Israel's escalation of hostilities with Hezbollah could distract from their loved ones being freed.

Sharone Lifschitz, whose parents were taken hostage during Hamas's attack on Israel last year, warned that an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon would "take away" the focus from the remaining hostages.

Her mother, Yocheved, was released, but father Oded, 84, remains in captivity.

Next week marks one year since Hamas's attack resulted in 1,205 deaths and 251 people taken hostage, with 97 still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,615 people, most of them civilians, according to the health ministry in Hamas-run Gaza.

Israel has now turned its attention to Lebanon, launching deadly air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds across the country.

However, for Steve Brisley, whose brother-in-law Eli Sharabi is still being held captive in Gaza, that "takes focus away from what is the most important thing, which is the release of the hostages."

He said there had been an "abject failure of international diplomacy" in securing a hostage return deal and felt as though the hostages had "been forgotten".

Brisley called for the UK government, which has called for a ceasefire and the release of the remaining hostages, to find a "new and innovative" approach to end the crisis.

Lifschitz said there was a lack "of will from both sides", referring to Israel and Hamas.

Meeting UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Foreign Secretary David Lammy earlier in the day, the family members pushed for the government to prioritise bringing their relatives back home.

"I hold the prime minister responsible for the life of these hostages", said Lifschitz, adding she was feeling "encouraged" by the meeting.

Starmer told the families that "we need to see the hostages returned immediately and unconditionally".

The relatives also received a message from Britain's head of state King Charles III and his wife Queen Camilla, who said they "continue to keep them and all hostage families in our special thoughts".
China decries U.S. military assistance approved to Taiwan region

Xinhua) 09:28, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- U.S. military assistance to the Taiwan region, regardless of the amount, will not sway in the slightest China's resolve to oppose "Taiwan independence" and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Chinese spokesman said on Monday.

A statement published on the White House website has announced the U.S. decision to provide military assistance to the Taiwan region worth around 567 million dollars.

In response to a related question at a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that by providing arms to the Taiwan region, the United States once again seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique.

The move, in fact, is aimed at emboldening Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their obstinate pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and challenge the one-China principle, Lin said.

This has proved once again that the secessionist activities by the "Taiwan independence" forces supported by the U.S.-led external forces pose the biggest threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and cause the biggest damage to the status quo of the Strait, said Lin.

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the U.S. insistence on using military force to support the "Taiwan independence" will only backfire, he said.

"We urged the U.S. to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and cease arming the Taiwan region with weapons in any form," Lin said.

In the August 17 Communique released in 1982, the United States "reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China's internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'."

In the communique, Washington also states that it "intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan."

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
By Sergey Sukhankin

The recent negotiations between Kassym-Jomart Tokayev and Olaf Scholz in Astana have underscored the increasing interest of Western economies in Kazakhstans abundant natural resources. The country is richly endowed with strategic minerals, which could provide a substantial counterbalance to the dominance of China and Russia in the global supply chain, a situation that presents various economic and geopolitical challenges for Western nations. Nonetheless, in spite of its wealth in natural resources, Kazakhstans significant dependency on China and Russia complicates its potential role in meeting the Wests growing demand for strategic minerals. It is imperative that Western countries develop a concrete strategy that delineates specific steps to assist Kazakhstan in its transition from an overwhelming reliance on hydrocarbons to a more diversified export profile that includes strategic minerals. Absent such initiatives, it will be exceedingly difficult for Kazakhstan to position itself as a viable alternative to both China and Russia.

BACKGROUND: Leading Western economies, including the U.S., France, Germany, and the United Kingdom, have expressed a pronounced interest in collaborating with Central Asian nations to explore their extensive yet underdeveloped reserves of strategic natural resources. Of particular significance are rare earth elements (REEs) and rare metals (RMs) such as uranium, lithium, tantalum, niobium, indium, scandium, vanadium, thallium, and gallium. This burgeoning interest is driven by two primary factors. First, the objective of achieving net zero emissions necessitates a substantial increase in the utilization of critical metals. As projected by the International Energy Agency, the rising adoption of clean energy technologies is expected to quadruple the demand for REEs and RMs by 2040. Second, the recent policies enacted by Russia and China to restrict exports of critical metals have compelled Western nations to seek alternative sources for these essential materials. Given the geopolitical challenges in Sub-Saharan Africa  another significant producer of critical metals  Central Asia emerges as the only viable alternative, with Kazakhstan playing a pivotal role. In addition to its vast resource base, the Kazakhstani government has demonstrated a strong commitment to developing its considerable potential in the strategic minerals sector. President Tokayev has asserted that these minerals could serve as the new oil for the nation and its economy. Kazakhstan has not only entered into multiple international agreements to facilitate the entry of Western companies into its strategic minerals sector but also plans to declassify information regarding its REE and RM deposits, a move that underscores its dedication to becoming a global leader in this industry. Furthermore, the country intends to collaborate with neighboring Tajikistan in the search for and extraction of critical metals.

IMPLICATIONS: If Kazakhstan successfully attracts foreign financial capital and expertise in its strategic minerals sector, the country has the potential to emerge as one of the worlds leading players in this industry. Furthermore, partnerships and collaborative initiatives between Kazakhstan and other regionally resource-rich countries, such as Tajikistan and potentially Uzbekistan, could positively influence the global critical metals industry while simultaneously reducing the Wests strategic and precarious dependence on China and Russia. Engaging in partnerships with Kazakhstan to fulfill its demand for strategic minerals presents a mutually beneficial opportunity for Western nations; unlike other suppliers, Kazakhstan is not facing comparable political destabilization (as seen in Sub-Saharan Africa), nor is it encumbered by geopolitical ambitions (like China) or neo-imperialist aspirations (like Russia), both of which could threaten regional stability and deter potential investors. However, Western efforts to leverage Kazakhstans extensive resource base may be impeded by three external factors. The first issue pertains to economic sustainability. If Kazakhstan, along with other Central Asian nations, successfully attracts foreign direct investment (FDI) in its critical metals sector, the commencement of large-scale production may lead to a significant decline in global prices for these commodities. Under such circumstances, the exploration and extraction of critical metals  processes that are hazardous, costly, and ecologically unsustainable  could become less economically viable for the country, while also posing potential harm to its ecosystem. Despite President Tokayevs assertions, from a purely economic perspective, critical metals do not currently appear capable of serving as the new oil for the Kazakhstani economy. This situation could be exacerbated in the event of a surplus of critical metals in the global market. The second issue is the China factor. Currently, China dominates the global critical metals industry, possessing 35 percent of proven resources, 68.5 percent of extraction and mining capacity, and 80 percent of output. With the European Unions dependency on Chinese REEs and RMs approaching 98 percent, coupled with Chinas growing interest in Central Asian natural resources  driven by the rapid development of its domestic microchip and green energy sectors  Central Asia emerges as a region of strategic significance for China. Given Chinas substantial influence in the macro-region, reinforced through soft power, investments, trade relationships, and the indebtedness of local actors, it poses a significant challenge for the EU and the U.S. to compete effectively with Beijing. Additionally, the Chinese approach to business, which emphasizes non-interference in domestic affairs and eschews democracy promotion, is likely to align more closely with the cultural values and traditions of many Central Asian countries, which are not fully democratic. The third issue concerns the Russia factor. Russias interest in Kazakhstans critical metals sector is motivated by factors distinct from those of China. Strategically, Russia aims to maintain its significant role in Kazakhstans uranium sector, as Kazakhstan produces over 40 percent of the worlds uranium and serves as a key supplier for Russia. Russia not only partially owns uranium mines in Kazakhstan but also plays a crucial role in the countrys export framework, with the port of Saint Petersburg serving as a vital transportation hub for these exports. From a logistical perspective, identifying alternative routes to Russia  such as the Middle Corridor  would necessitate legislative changes related to uranium transportation and require additional investments to enhance the capacity of these routes. Even if these conditions are met, the possibility of Russia adopting a more assertive stance should not be overlooked. Historically, disputes have arisen between Russia and Kazakhstan over oil-related matters in the resource-rich Caspian Sea. Following Russias aggression against Ukraine in 2022, Kazakhstan has sought to position itself as an alternative supplier of hydrocarbons to the EU, which was marked by a mysterious explosion that resulted in the deaths of two workers at Tengiz, Kazakhstans largest oil field. The increasing anti-Kazakhstan rhetoric in Russian propaganda channels  reminiscent of narratives used against Ukraine prior to 2022  often focuses on uranium-related issues. Therefore, one should not discount the possibility of provocations from Russia should circumstances develop in a manner deemed unacceptable to it. These three factors pose significant obstacles for Kazakhstans potential to play a significant role in the West's shift away from reliance on China (and, to a lesser extent, Russia) for critical metals. Importantly, neither China nor Russia is likely to relinquish their dominant positions as suppliers of REEs and RMs without resistance, in the face of Kazakhstans emerging presence in the market.

CONCLUSIONS: Kazakhstan, with its abundant natural resources and commitment to a peaceful foreign policy, presents an ideal trade partner for Western countries seeking to meet their demand for REEs and RMs while diversifying their supply chains away from China and Russia. However, achieving this goal poses significant challenges due to Kazakhstan's vulnerabilities in relation to both countries. Without a concrete strategy from the West  a detailed plan that extends beyond simple import-export arrangements, resource exploitation, and vague commitments  Kazakhstan will struggle to fulfill Western demands on its own. Geopolitically insecure and lacking sufficient funding, technology, and expertise, Kazakhstan risks remaining a land of unfulfilled opportunities without comprehensive Western assistance. To avert this scenario, the U.S. should collaborate with the European Union to help Kazakhstan reshape its economic model, transitioning from an economy primarily reliant on oil exports to one that focuses on the export of strategic metals. This transition will likely require coordinated efforts to adjust infrastructure for specific objectives, significant investments, and innovative strategies to navigate the complex geopolitical landscape of the macro-region, which also includes influential regional players such as Turkey and Iran.

AUTHOR'S BIO: Dr. Sergey Sukhankin is a Senior Fellow at the Jamestown Foundation (Washington DC) and a Fellow at the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (Canada).


Accor, a world-leading hospitality group, is pleased to announce the signing of a groundbreaking new partnership with The Summary Executive Properties, for the world's first standalone Swissotel branded residences.

Located on Dubai Islands, Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands is expected to debut in 2027, offering 105 private homes alongside a mix of apartments and a penthouse.

Meeting Dubai's growing demand for stand-alone branded residences, Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands will occupy a prime location in Nakheel's upcoming master planned development. Dubai Islands offers views over the Downtown Skyline and Port Rashid, located 25 minutes from Downtown Dubai. Construction will soon commence on the residence's component of the project, which enjoys an enviable position near the marina which will serve as the main link between the islands and the mainland, making it an easily accessible destination.

Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands will offer a range of layouts including one- to four-bedroom apartments, a four-bedroom penthouse, and three-to four-bedroom townhouses - all featuring unparalleled skyline views. Residents will enjoy an enviable array of facilities including a fitness center and spa, outdoor swimming pool and rooftop infinity swimming pool, alongside a stylish residents' lounge, events room, kids club, games room, a cinema and wine room. The project will also include 445 square meters of retail space including a restaurant that will be open to residents and public alike, creating a thriving, buzzworthy community.

The project is being developed in partnership with The Summary Executive Properties, founded by entrepreneur and developer Dmitry Anatolyevich Kryuchkov. Known for its world-class residential and commercial projects and commitment to excellence, the Dubai-based real estate developer will capitalise on the project's stunning marina-facing location to create a welcoming and lively space for residents.

Other projects announced by Nakheel for Dubai Islands include the development of a Rixos Hotel and Residences, private residential and commercial plots.

Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands is the latest in Accor's growing portfolio of branded residences, with the world leading hospitality group forecasting continued growth for developments in the premium market alongside its luxury, and lifestyle offerings.

The Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands project is supported by Accor One Living, Accor's industry-first 360 platform focused on the development, design, and operation of mixed-use projects and branded homeowner communities. Accor One Living provides a turnkey set of solutions tailored to each market: bringing each brand to life through architecture and design, facilities and amenities, experiences and global recognition.

Looking more broadly at Accor's residential offerings in the market, Swissotel Waterfront Residences at Dubai Islands joins Ennismore's SLS Dubai Residences and SO/ Uptown Dubai Residences. Over the next four years, Accor plans to open ten more branded residential projects, with six of them expected to be standalone residential communities.

Accor operates 282 hotels, resorts and residences across its unparalleled spectrum of brands in the Middle East, with 112 more in the pipeline, highlighting its commitment to growth and development. In the UAE alone, Accor manages 85 properties spanning 22 brands.

Hotel website
Accor is pleased to announce the signing of Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, the latest addition to its portfolio of premium hotels in partnership with Gulf Hotels Group. The signing ceremony was held during the Future Hospitality Summit on 1st October in Dubai.

This agreement marks the rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay as the Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown, a strategic move to strengthen the hotel's competitive position in Dubai's dynamic hospitality market. Gulf Hotels Group stands as one of the most respected and pioneering hospitality companies in the Middle East and Africa. With a history spanning over five decades, Gulf Hotels Group is synonymous with luxury, innovation, and service excellence. The rebranding of Gulf Court Hotel Business Bay is another step in Gulf Hotels Group's mission to uphold its legacy while adapting to market demands and opportunities.

Gulf Hotels Group has been managing the property for several years, and with this rebranding, the Group will continue to manage and oversee the hotel's operations, ensuring the same level of excellence for which it has become renowned. The hotel will now benefit from Accor's global reach, loyalty, sales and distribution platforms, and brand recognition, further enhancing its appeal to both leisure and business travelers.

Set to open in 2025, the hotel brings Grand Mercure's modern flair and passion for local culture to the city's vibrant Downtown and Business Bay areas - strategically positioned near Dubai International Airport, financial and business districts, as well as key leisure hubs and tourist attractions.

Featuring a prime location with views over the iconic Burj Khalifa and Dubai Canal, Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown will offer 270 keys comprising 239 rooms and 31 suites ranging from standard, deluxe, superior and grand deluxe.

The hotel provides views of the Dubai Canal and Downtown skyline, with an outdoor swimming pool, a dedicated kid's pool with a deck, a spa and a gym - delighting holidaymakers, families and business travellers alike. Alongside, the diverse culinary offerings featuring multiple restaurants, bars and coffee lounges are set to foster a sense of community and appeal to co-workers and external visitors. Grand Mercure Dubai Downtown also offers a 197 square metre banqueting space, pre-function area, four meeting rooms and a business centre.

As part of this rebranding, the hotel will undergo a refurbishment in 2025 to align with Grand Mercure's brand standards, elevating the guest experience and positioning the hotel as a top destination for visitors to Dubai.

Grand Mercure Hotels & Resorts appeals to a traveller's insatiable quest for discovery, offering an immersive experience that celebrates national culture and stimulates the senses. Each hotel is unique and authentically reflects its destination by embracing the local way of life, infusing age-old traditions with modern flair. Guests are invited to connect with the destination's national heritage through locally inspired dishes, beverage ceremonies, wellbeing traditions, and thoughtful design. The brand encompasses over 70 hotels and resorts in 14 countries, offering unique cultural sanctuaries that transcend the ordinary.

Accor currently operates over 280 properties across all brands in the region, as well as 110+ properties in the pipeline, including branded residences and immersive resorts.

Hotel website
Leading European hotel management company Cycas Hospitality today announced its appointment to manage YOTEL London Shoreditch. The vibrant and contemporary hotel, located in the heart of East London, brings the organisations portfolio to nine hotels and over 1,000 rooms within the UK capital, and over 55 properties under management across Europe.

The BREEAM Excellent design hotel was built in 2018 and acquired in a JV with Tite Street Capital and Crestline Investors in 2021. The 161-room hotel enjoys an enviable central location, with transport links and easy walking distance to the popular cultural, dining, and nightlife destinations of Londons trendiest neighbourhoods. Guests benefit from excellent transport links thanks to nearby Old Street and Liverpool Street train stations, whilst the hotels location on Cambridge Heath Road affords easy walkable routes to both the City and Londons green spaces, including Victoria Park.

Designed to appeal to modern travellers, the hotels services are firmly technology-driven with self-check-in kiosks, smart rooms offering adaptable layouts, expresso coffee machines, and Lumie body clocks.

We are thrilled to add another addition to our growing portfolio of managed hotels across Europe and expand our London footprint. Shoreditch is a dynamic and thriving area, and we look forward to enhancing the guest experience while maintaining the hotels distinctive offering. Craig Patterson, Chief Development Officer at Cycas Hospitality

We are excited to partner with Cycas Hospitality, a company that shares our vision for innovative and forward-thinking hospitality. This hotel is uniquely positioned in one of Londons most vibrant neighbourhoods, and were confident that Cycass expertise will help elevate the guest experience and ensure the hotel remains a standout destination in the area. Guido Lang at Tite Street Capital

This strategic partnership marks another exciting milestone in Cycas Hospitalitys ongoing expansion across Europe, following recent hotel openings in France  the Hyatt Place Rouen and Moxy Paris Clamart hotels.

About Tite Street Capital

Tite Street Capital is an independent investment advisor, operating partner, and asset manager focused on opportunistic real estate and asset backed investments. Our investment philosophy is defined by an emphasis on preserving capital, while providing attractive risk adjusted returns for our investors and partners. Tite Street Capital is backed by a team with strong investment capability and execution experience, across a variety of European markets. For more information, please visit www.titestreetcapital.com.

About Crestline Investors, Inc.

Crestline Investors, Inc., founded in 1997 and based in Fort Worth, Texas, is a global institutional investment management firm with approximately US$17 billion of assets under management. Crestline Europe LLP specializes in direct private capital investments in resilient industry sectors which are either asset backed or demonstrate defensive cash flow profile in developed markets of Europe. Headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, Crestline Investors, Inc. maintains affiliate offices in London, New York City, Toronto and Tokyo. For more information, please visit www.crestlineinvestors.com.

Emma Ross

Marketing Manager

Cycas Hospitality BV
Tokyo, Japan - IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) today proudly celebrates the 60th diamond anniversary of its entry into Japan  and reveals its commitment to further growth.

The companys great tradition in the country dates back to 1964 when its InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand was introduced to the market. Six decades on and its honouring a story of strategic expansion through powerful local partnerships, which have delivered outstanding experiences to domestic and international guests in an expanding range of destinations.

Now, as IHG takes the opportunity to recognise its many achievements of the past 60 years, its focus is very much on the future.

We are incredibly humbled and honoured to celebrate our 60th anniversary in Japan, where we have been proud to deliver great experiences to guests since 1964. There have been many milestones along the way, which we have passed thanks to outstanding collaborations with our growing number of owners and other local partners. One of the landmark moments was our joint venture with ANA, Japans largest airline, in 2006 which combined the might of two industry powerhouses. Since then, were delighted to have seen our relationship develop, as together weve leveraged the power of local expertise, global enterprise and combined loyalty to grow brand awareness both within Japan and globally. As we look back on everything we have achieved, well use our learnings to power many more years of success in this wonderful country. As proud custodians of the ANA hospitality legacy, we honour the world-renowned Japanese Omotenashi, ensuring every guest experience is nothing short of extraordinary. Today were the second largest international hotel company in Japan, with close to 50 open hotels and 15 in the pipeline  and have big growth ambitions. Were confident well double our size over the next few years as we grow alongside the countrys travel and tourism industry. With a return of domestic travel and record international visitors to the market, were poised to support the governments tourism growth ambition by using our local expertise and global scale to introduce new customers to new destinations, including those off the beaten path. With visitors looking for the perfect experiences to suit their reasons for travelling, weve been expanding our brand portfolio in the right locations with the right brands. Since 2020 weve introduced five brands including, this year, Six Senses. Before we close 2024, well debut our midscale conversion brand Garner in Osaka with three hotels, closely followed by Vignette Collection, and were preparing to debut Regent in the next three years. Theres so much more to come for IHG in Japan in 2025 and beyond. Our experienced in-market experts, supported by our regional and global teams, are writing a third chapter of our growth story in which well work hand-in-hand with owners, partners and hotel teams to deliver IHG's world-famous True Hospitality for Good to guests across the country. Abhijay Sandilya, CEO, IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, and Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia

A 60-Year Success Story: IHG in Japan



Chapter 1 (1964 -): The start of a very special relationship

The history of IHG Hotels & Resorts (formerly known as InterContinental Hotels Group) in Japan dates back to 1964  the year Tokyo hosted the Olympic Games for the first time. On 1 June, Hotel Okura (The Okura Tokyo), a revered, uber stylish, 550-room icon of Japanese hospitality in the exclusive Toranomon district, established a business alliance with InterContinental. This entry of an international hotel group into the country  which had taken a great step forward as a developed nation after a successful rebirth from post-war reconstruction  was a landmark event indicating a very bright future.

During 1972, when Sapporo hosted the Winter Olympics, the Keio Plaza InterContinental Tokyo opened, the highest hotel in Asia at the time. Fast forward to 1991, and with the Yokohama International Peace Conference Centre (Pacifico Yokohama) completed, InterContinental Yokohama Grand opened its doors to guests attracted by its iconic sail design evoking the movement of water. It remains a prominent symbol of the Yokohama skyline today.

Chapter 2 (2006-): Landmark joint venture with ANA

In 2006, IHG established a landmark joint venture with ANA, Japan's largest airline, as IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan. This expanded its business while maximising the scale of IHG One Rewards  one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, which has now reached 130 million members  and the ANA Mileage Club.

The following year, in 2007, IHG opened the domestic flagship property ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo as its first co-brand with ANA. IHG and ANA have subsequently rebranded the former ANA hotels, resulting in more than 30 co-branded properties across the nation from Kushiro, Kanazawa, Tokyo, Osaka, Kyoto, Matsuyama to Ishigaki under brands such as ANA InterContinental, ANA Crown Plaza, ANA Holiday Inn and ANA Holiday Inn Resort.

With 47 open hotels (more than 14,000 rooms) and 15 properties (over 2,500 rooms) in its pipeline in Japan, IHG has accelerated its growth in recent years, with five new brands (Hotel Indigo, Kimpton, Holiday Inn Express, voco and Six Senses) and 15 hotels opened since 2020. A further three new brands (Vignette Collection, Garner and Regent) will be launched in the next few years.

Other valued collaborations  including those with Osaka Tourism Board, Rakuten and JTB  have further strengthened IHGs bonds with cities across Japan, ensuring that, today, the company enjoys a reputation thats growing as fast as its estate.

Earlier this year, five of its Luxury & Lifestyle hotels received a coveted Key in the first ever MICHELIN Key Hotels Japan guide. Congratulations to Six Senses Kyoto, ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort, InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8 and InterContinental Osaka.

Chapter 3: Building on 60 years of trust and experience, IHG enters a new stage

IHGs 60-year success story in Japan is a result of its commitment to growth, collaboration and innovation, supported by the ability to maximise opportunities and navigate challenges. It is proud to have played such a prominent part in Japans transformation as an international tourism destination.

IHG is committed to writing new chapters of its history in Japan over the next 60 years as it works with its many valued local partners and guests to achieve even more growth and success.

To celebrate its 60th anniversary in Japan, IHG is offering a variety of accommodation and restaurant promotions at its hotels across the country.

For more information, please visit its official website which is scheduled to go live on 1 October 2024: https://www.ihg.com/content/jp/ja/japan.

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Lisa Sakaguchi

Senior Manager, Corporate Affairs Japan & Micronesia

IHG
Egypt - IHG Hotels & Resorts, one of the worlds leading hotel companies, has signed a management agreement with Maxim Hotels and Resorts Management to bring the Vignette Collection brand to Egypt with a signing in Port Said. Scheduled to open its doors in December 2027, Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will seamlessly blend heritage and contemporary hospitality, offering guests a luxurious yet authentic experience.

The 140-key hotel will feature two distinct sections, each featuring 70 rooms. The first section restored from a heritage building that once housed the Suez Canal Authorities, will provide guests with beautiful views of the canal. The second section will be a newly constructed beachfront property, providing easy access to the shore.

Vignette Collection is a family of one-of-a-kind, exclusive hotels curated for guests seeking rich and varied stay experiences in some of the most sought-after urban and resort locations and enriches IHGs fast-growing Luxury & Lifestyle offer for both leisure and business travellers. The brand also gives owners of world-class independent hotels the opportunity to retain their distinctive identity, while benefitting from IHGs global scale and luxury and lifestyle expertise.

We are excited to partner with Maxim Hotels and Resorts to debut the Vignette Collection brand in Egypt. With its conversion friendly proposition and a promise to offer unique stays to guests in high-quality luxury and lifestyle hotels, Vignetter Collection brand has seen phenomenal success worldwide. Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will be situated in one of Egypts most historical landmarks, known for its association to the Suez Canal, and therefore will attract visitors for its strategic location steeped in rich history. Egypts resilient hospitality sector continues to soar, with an aim to create 400,000 hotel rooms by 2028 in response to the countrys strong tourism performance. Well-positioned to contribute to this target, IHG is setting the stage in Egypt for further expansion of hotels from our portfolio of luxury and lifestyle brands, in line with our ambitious growth plans in the wider-region. Haitham Mattar, Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa (IMEA) at IHG Hotels & Resorts

We are thrilled to partner with IHG Hotels & Resort, a global hospitality leader, to introduce the Vignette Collection to Egypt. I am confident that the hotel, underpinned by IHGs global scale, a powerful enterprise, best in class loyalty programme, and local market expertise, will be a great success and become the choice of discerning travelers looking for exceptional hospitality experiences. Port Saids strategic location at the entrance of the Suez Canal adds allure to this hotel, making it a compelling destination for guests who seek a unique blend of history, luxury, and local immersion. Through personalized service and curated experiences, Vignette Collection Hotel Royal Maxim Port Said will create unforgettable memories for our guests. Dr. Mohamed Karrar, Managing Director at Maxim Hotels and Resorts Management

Vignette Collection, IHGs first collection brand, is a family of one-of-a-kind properties in sought-after urban and resort locations where the next generation of Luxury & Lifestyle travellers can indulge in stays that weave responsibility, community and locality together, backed by the reassurance of the companys trusted reputation and leading loyalty offer.

IHG currently has 7 hotels operating across 4 brands in Egypt, including InterContinental, Crowne Plaza, Holiday Inn, Staybridge Suites and has a strong pipeline of 21 hotels due to open in the next 3 - 5 years. The new-build Vignette Collection Hotel in Egypt will join existing Vignette properties worldwide across Portugal, Austria, Thailand and Australia.

About IHG

IHG Hotels & Resorts [LON:IHG, NYSE:IHG (ADRs)] is a global hospitality company, with a purpose to provide True Hospitality for Good.

With a family of 17 hotel brands and IHG Rewards, one of the world's largest hotel loyalty programmes, IHG has over 6,000 open hotels in more than 100 countries, and a further 1,800 in the development pipeline.

InterContinental Hotels Group PLC is the Group's holding company and is incorporated and registered in England and Wales. Approximately 350,000 people work across IHG's hotels and corporate offices globally.

Visit us online for more about our hotels and reservations and IHG Rewards. For our latest news, visit our Newsroom and follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook and Twitter.

Ankita Chopra

+971 4 213 6043

IHG
Accor, a global leader in hospitality, has entered into an industry-pioneering three-year partnership with World Monuments Fund (WMF) to protect cultural heritage and strengthen local communities. Through this partnership, Accor will work with WMF to share their expertise, resources, and global presence on projects that enhance destinations, connect with communities, and support long-term resilience.

The travel and tourism industry plays a critical role in the global economy, accounting for up to 10% of global GDP  and as much as 70% in certain countries  while supporting 10% of global employment. At the same time, the consequences of climate change and the impact of over-tourism can also affect some cultural and historical sites and treasures that make up the richness of the territories and local communities. Both Accor and WMF are dedicated to developing and promoting innovative travel solutions that address challenges and contribute to sustainable progress, rather than exacerbating existing issues. In partnering with WMF, Accor aims to make its full contribution to the preservation of local heritage and to the environmental and social development of these destinations.

Over the next three years, Accor and WMF will harness their complementary expertise, resources, and global reach to deliver projects that enhance destinations, offer meaningful connections with communities, and build long-term resilience. WMFs preservation projects  included in their signature program the World Monuments Watch, often include training local communities and working with authorities to develop sustainable tourism that lessens the harmful effects of mass tourism. As part of this partnership, Accor will actively participate in redefining these tourism schemes, ensuring that sites are preserved and continue to attract visitors, sustaining the local economy and developing skills of the local community, without compromising cultural heritage. Additionally, Accor and WMF aim to distribute tourism flows, showcasing monuments and heritage places beyond traditional tourist hotspots, and helping new destinations emerge through thoughtful, sustainable development.

Accor and WMFs collaboration will continue to unfold over the next three years, with the first initiatives by the beginning of 2025 as well as Earth Day on April 22, 2025. Together, these two leading organizations are setting new standards in sustainable tourism, ensuring that the worlds most treasured places will be preserved for generations to come.

Through this meaningful partnership, Accor is deepening its commitment to safeguarding the cultural heritage while preserving the worlds most cherished destinations. This collaboration also aims to foster new initiatives for a sustainable and responsible development of the travel sector. We continue our purpose to pioneer the art of responsible hospitality, connecting cultures with passion and generosity. Sebastien Bazin, Chairman & CEO Accor

At WMF, we believe that sustainable tourism is crucial for the protection of cultural heritage. When tourism is managed responsibly, it not only preserves sites but also strengthens local communities by fostering socioeconomic growth. One of our key priorities is to ensure that tourism helps communities build the capacity to manage their sites effectively, providing long-term benefits that protect heritage while promoting sustainable development. This collaboration with Accor enables us to further our mission of preserving the worlds cultural treasures, while also advancing sustainable tourism. With Accors support, we will continue to protect heritage sites and empower local communities to thrive. Benedicte de Montlaur, CEO of the World Monuments Fund

About World Monuments Fund

World Monuments Fund (WMF) is the leading independent organization devoted to safeguarding the worlds most treasured places to enrich peoples lives and build mutual understanding across cultures and communities. The organization is headquartered in New York City with offices and affiliates in Cambodia, France, India, Peru, Portugal, Spain and the UK. Since 1965, our global team of experts has preserved the world's diverse cultural heritage using the highest international standards at more than 700 sites in 112 countries. Partnering with local communities, funders, and governments, WMF draws on heritage to address some of todays most pressing challenges: climate adaptation, inclusive heritage, balanced tourism, and post-crisis recovery. With a commitment to the people who bring places to life, WMF embraces the potential of the past to create a more resilient and inclusive society. wmf.org

About Accor, a world-leading hospitality group

Accor is a world leading hospitality group offering experiences across more than 110 countries in 5,700 properties, 10,000 food & beverage venues, wellness facilities or flexible workspaces. The Group has one of the industry's most diverse hospitality ecosystems, encompassing more than 45 hotel brands from luxury to economy, as well as Lifestyle with Ennismore. Accor is committed to taking positive action in terms of business ethics & integrity, responsible tourism, sustainable development, community outreach, and diversity & inclusion. Founded in 1967, Accor SA is headquartered in France and publicly listed on the Euronext Paris Stock Exchange (ISIN code: FR0000120404) and on the OTC Market (Ticker: ACCYY) in the United States. For more information visit group.accor.com or follow us on X, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram and TikTok.

Line Crieloue

Group external communications - Executive Director - Corporate

+33 1 45 38 18 11

Accor
As an academic, I am constantly looking out to match real-life applications with concepts. My recent trip to the worlds northernmost town of Longyearbyen has provided yet another academic cum practical learning.

Longyearbyen offers unique charm. Its wildlife may simply appear right before your eyes. There was a morning when my fellow pedestrian on the quiet streets was a graceful reindeer.

 Lee Keng Ng

My stay at the Radisson SAS Polar Hotel was a reminder of the peak-end rule that has been expounded by psychologists. According to this rule, when we recall or judge an experience, we actually do not take the entire duration into account, minute-by-minute. Instead, we assess it using two categories of key moments: the best or the worst (known as the peak), and the ending.

When this is applied to a hotel stay or any service encounter, it could imply that instead of trying to make every touchpoint a winner, businesses may choose to focus on just a few notable highlights.

For me, there were a couple of peaks at the Radisson SAS Polar Hotel. Both are related to polar bears that are reportedly more in quantity than the local human population.

First of all, there is the display of a huge, taxidermied polar bear. I was certainly not the only guest who read the description and took a photo of the animal that was so associated with this geographical area.

Next is another polar bear  at the bar. Though it is only a stuffed toy, it adds an adorable and delightful touch to a restaurant that already offers a scenic view.

 Lee Keng Ng

There was another probable peak, at least in the eyes of this foreigner who found many aspects of life at Longyearbyen to be different and interesting. One evening, when heading back to my room in a separate wing, I saw a dog parking spot.

There was a good-looking husky that had properly settled in and appearing comfortable in the cold arctic environment (78 degrees north of the equator). It was a rare sight for someone who hails from the tropics (about only 2 degrees north of the equator).

 Source: Lee Keng Ng

If hotels can see the local alluring pointers through the lens of first-time visitors, there may be more potential peaks that can be capitalised upon. The questions to ask are: What could present positive sensory appeal? What might be a pleasant surprise that deviates from the script of the usual customer journey?

As a guest, I am happy that it was more than just a standard stay at Longyearbyen. It was a memory made up of positive peaks at the northernmost hotel.
Microcredentials are emerging as a game-changer in higher and continuing education. These bite-sized qualifications are reshaping how learners acquire skills and knowledge, offering a flexible and targeted approach to upskilling in an ever-evolving job market.

As traditional degrees face scrutiny for their relevance and cost, microcredentials are gaining traction as a practical alternative to meet the demands of both students and employers.

What Are Microcredentials?

Microcredentials are short, accessible, competency-based recognitions that allow individuals to demonstrate mastery in a particular area. Generally more than a single course but less than a full degree, they are designed to provide learners with specific skills, knowledge, or competencies that complement their existing qualifications and enhance their career prospects.

Key Features

Microcredentials possess several distinctive characteristics that set them apart from traditional educational offerings:

Stackable : They can be applied toward certificates, degrees, or advanced degrees, allowing learners to build upon their achievements.

: They can be applied toward certificates, degrees, or advanced degrees, allowing learners to build upon their achievements. Portable : They can be recorded on transcripts or in digital badges, providing verified proof of accomplishment that can be shared with employers or hiring managers.

: They can be recorded on transcripts or in digital badges, providing verified proof of accomplishment that can be shared with employers or hiring managers. High-quality : Academic rigor is maintained through robust approval processes, similar to those used for new degree and certificate programs.

: Academic rigor is maintained through robust approval processes, similar to those used for new degree and certificate programs. In-demand : They are aligned with relevant industry and professional standards, often incorporating recognized certifications.

: They are aligned with relevant industry and professional standards, often incorporating recognized certifications. Flexible: Learners can earn microcredentials in various formats, including on-campus, online, or hybrid, depending on the provider and the skills being taught.

Types of Microcredentials

The landscape of microcredentials is diverse, with various types catering to different needs and learning objectives. Some common types include:

On-demand micro-learning badges : Short, self-directed modules that can be completed in under 10 minutes, covering specific topics relevant to a particular industry.

: Short, self-directed modules that can be completed in under 10 minutes, covering specific topics relevant to a particular industry. Gap-based, competency-driven learning : Personalized programs that assess learners' existing skills and develop tailored study plans to fill competency gaps.

: Personalized programs that assess learners' existing skills and develop tailored study plans to fill competency gaps. Social and non-profit microcredentials : Short online courses offered by non-profit organizations, typically lasting 610 weeks and requiring 68 hours of study.

: Short online courses offered by non-profit organizations, typically lasting 610 weeks and requiring 68 hours of study. Industry-driven microcredentials : Partnerships between post-secondary institutions and industry associations or professional bodies to offer credentials with competencies and assessment methods driven by industry needs.

: Partnerships between post-secondary institutions and industry associations or professional bodies to offer credentials with competencies and assessment methods driven by industry needs. Faculty-driven microcredentials : Courses developed by university faculty members to showcase their expertise, which can sometimes count towards undergraduate degrees.

: Courses developed by university faculty members to showcase their expertise, which can sometimes count towards undergraduate degrees. Assessment-only microcredentials : Programs that allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through assessments without requiring coursework.

: Programs that allow learners to demonstrate their knowledge and skills through assessments without requiring coursework. Short courses: Condensed versions of existing programs of study, delivered either in-class, online, or through hybrid learning.

The Rise of Microcredentials in Higher Education

The popularity of microcredentials has seen a remarkable surge in recent years. According to Class Central, which has been tracking MOOC (Massive Open Online Course)-based microcredentials since 2013, the number of available microcredentials has grown exponentially. By the end of 2021, there were more than 1,500 microcredentials available. This number increased to 2,500 by the end of 2022, and as of 2023, there are over 2,900 microcredentials offered across various platforms.

The rapid growth in microcredentials can be attributed to the numerous advantages they offer students, such as:

The ability to meet changing workforce needs : Rapid technological advancements and evolving industry requirements have created a need for more agile and responsive education options. Microcredentials offer a solution, allowing learners to quickly acquire in-demand skills.

: Rapid technological advancements and evolving industry requirements have created a need for more agile and responsive education options. Microcredentials offer a solution, allowing learners to quickly acquire in-demand skills. Flexibility and versatility: Microcredentials can be completed in a short time frame, ranging from days to weeks, and are often delivered online, eliminating geographical barriers and making them accessible to a wider range of learners. This online format also allows for a more personalized learning experience, catering to individual needs and learning styles. Whats more, learners can engage with these programs before, during, or after completing a traditional degree program, or even entirely outside the realm of formal education. This versatility makes microcredentials an attractive option for various types of learners, including those seeking new skills, aiming for career advantages, or simply pursuing personal interests.

Microcredentials can be completed in a short time frame, ranging from days to weeks, and are often delivered online, eliminating geographical barriers and making them accessible to a wider range of learners. This online format also allows for a more personalized learning experience, catering to individual needs and learning styles. Whats more, learners can engage with these programs before, during, or after completing a traditional degree program, or even entirely outside the realm of formal education. This versatility makes microcredentials an attractive option for various types of learners, including those seeking new skills, aiming for career advantages, or simply pursuing personal interests. Cost-effectiveness : Microcredentials are generally more affordable than traditional degrees. Their shorter duration reduces the resources needed for completion, while online delivery significantly lowers tuition costs. Additionally, they focus on specific skills or knowledge areas, eliminating the need for extensive coursework and further reducing associated expenses. This makes microcredentials accessible to a broader range of learners, and opens up educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be constrained by financial limitations.

: Microcredentials are generally more affordable than traditional degrees. Their shorter duration reduces the resources needed for completion, while online delivery significantly lowers tuition costs. Additionally, they focus on specific skills or knowledge areas, eliminating the need for extensive coursework and further reducing associated expenses. This makes microcredentials accessible to a broader range of learners, and opens up educational opportunities for those who might otherwise be constrained by financial limitations. Career advancement potential : In a competitive job market, microcredentials provide a way for candidates to demonstrate expertise in specific areas without committing to a full degree program. This targeted approach enables learners to quickly and effectively fill skill gaps, helping them stand out in job applications and career progression opportunities. Many microcredential programs are leadership-oriented, offering a practical way to develop administrative or management skills without the time and expense of graduate studies. Others emphasize technical proficiency, allowing learners to overcome obstacles to advancement in technical fields.

: In a competitive job market, microcredentials provide a way for candidates to demonstrate expertise in specific areas without committing to a full degree program. This targeted approach enables learners to quickly and effectively fill skill gaps, helping them stand out in job applications and career progression opportunities. Many microcredential programs are leadership-oriented, offering a practical way to develop administrative or management skills without the time and expense of graduate studies. Others emphasize technical proficiency, allowing learners to overcome obstacles to advancement in technical fields. Industry alignment : Many microcredential programs are designed with input from industry experts, ensuring that the skills taught are directly aligned with the needs of employers.

: Many microcredential programs are designed with input from industry experts, ensuring that the skills taught are directly aligned with the needs of employers. Stackability: Many institutions allow microcredential credits to count towards other degree programs, enabling students to build more extensive qualifications over time.

Advantages for Educational Institutions

Within a challenging educational environment, microcredentials can also bring important benefits for educational institutions.

Increased Enrollment

Educational institutions have found microcredentials to be a valuable tool in addressing declining enrollment numbers. They have become particularly attractive to nontraditional students, who often have limited time for education due to full-time work or family responsibilities. The flexibility and shorter duration of microcredentials allow these students to quickly turn their learnings into earnings, making education more accessible and appealing.

Revenue Generation

Microcredentials have emerged as a promising avenue for educational institutions to generate new revenue streams. A survey revealed that 93% of higher education leaders agree that offering nondegree credentials, including microcredentials, can help their schools open up new and diverse sources of income. This potential for revenue generation is particularly crucial for colleges trying to survive in a tight enrollment market.

However, it's important to note that microcredentials typically generate less revenue per enrollment compared to traditional degree programs due to their shorter duration. So to achieve meaningful increases in revenue, institutions need to focus on enrollment at scale. A key strategy to achieve this scale is partnering with relevant employers in the region.

Industry Partnerships

Collaborations with industry partners have become increasingly vital for educational institutions offering microcredentials. These partnerships provide numerous benefits:

Customized Programs: 73% of surveyed colleges reported creating customized programs tailored to specific organizations. While this may seem costly initially, repurposing the material can extend its value beyond individual relationships.

73% of surveyed colleges reported creating customized programs tailored to specific organizations. While this may seem costly initially, repurposing the material can extend its value beyond individual relationships. Workforce Alignment: Partnerships allow institutions to better understand and meet workforce demands. For example, EHLs pioneering collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) blends classroom theory with on-the-job experience in several hotel chains, helping to bridge a skills gap in the Indian hospitality industry and create a pool of talented professionals.

Partnerships allow institutions to better understand and meet workforce demands. For example, EHLs pioneering collaboration with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) blends classroom theory with on-the-job experience in several hotel chains, helping to bridge a skills gap in the Indian hospitality industry and create a pool of talented professionals. Experiential Learning: Partnerships provide access to experiential learning, internships, and mentorship opportunities for students. These experiences contribute significantly to students' preparedness upon graduation.

Partnerships provide access to experiential learning, internships, and mentorship opportunities for students. These experiences contribute significantly to students' preparedness upon graduation. Curriculum Development: Industry partners can be involved in the curriculum process, providing experts who meet with faculty to share new trends or applications in the field. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum remains current and relevant.

Industry partners can be involved in the curriculum process, providing experts who meet with faculty to share new trends or applications in the field. This collaboration ensures that the curriculum remains current and relevant. Economic Impact: Strong partnerships contribute to community economic development by producing graduates with skills that meet the needs of local businesses and industries.

To maximize the benefits of these partnerships, institutions must invest time in understanding connection points and developing initiatives that truly make an impact. Some institutions, like Florida International University (FIU), have started implementing standardized MOU (Memorandum of Understanding) processes for partnerships, establishing a baseline for understanding goals and determining accountability.

By leveraging these advantages, educational institutions can use microcredentials to adapt to changing educational landscapes, meet diverse student needs, and strengthen their connections with industry partners.

Challenges in Implementing Microcredential Programs

Quality Assurance

One of the primary challenges in implementing microcredential programs is ensuring their quality. Quality assurance is crucial for both macro and microcredential programs, encompassing course content, pedagogy, delivery methods, and the accreditation of course providers. The concept of 'fit for purpose' needs to be addressed for microcredentials, which can be achieved through the development and implementation of National Qualifications Frameworks (NQFs).

Integrating microcredentials into NQFs is essential for their incorporation into the national learning ecosystem, helping to prevent learning fragmentation. The alignment of microcredential programs with NQFs and relevant national subject-specific quality standards could be made mandatory or voluntary, with accredited programs being included in national quality registers for public information and transparency.

The accreditation of microcredential program providers can add significant value to these programs. Accreditation criteria should include physical and academic infrastructure, the quality of teaching personnel, and internal quality regulations.

Recognition and Accreditation

Recognition of microcredentials for further study or employment by government authorities, higher education institutions, and employers is a critical issue. Without proper recognition, microcredentials cannot be effectively integrated into national and international learning ecosystems.

The varied definitions of microcredentials and the absence of accreditation frameworks pose significant challenges to their implementation. Approximately 23% of articles reviewed expressed concerns related to the assessment of credit transfer, value defining, and accreditation of external qualifications.

To address these challenges, National Information Centers (NICs) on academic recognition can expand their provision to cover recognized or accredited microcredential programs on their national portals. Countries are being encouraged to set up national quality registers to facilitate the academic recognition of microcredential programs between nations.

Integration with Existing Systems

Integrating microcredentials into existing professional learning systems can be challenging for educators if they are not involved in the development and decision-making process. Administrators have learned that to effectively embed microcredentials, they need to build awareness and encourage educator buy-in.

Building awareness involves sharing information about microcredentials with staff, including their purpose and value. Encouraging educator buy-in requires offering incentives, such as financial rewards, official endorsements, or intangible benefits like peer respect and acknowledgment of expertise.

Redesigning professional learning systems to integrate microcredentials is another challenge. This involves identifying and developing microcredentials tied to defined outcomes and offering endorsements that provide external and authentic validation for earning microcredentials.

Addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach that involves collaboration between educational institutions, quality assurance agencies, and policymakers. By focusing on quality assurance, recognition and accreditation, and integration with existing systems, stakeholders can work towards creating a robust framework for implementing microcredential programs that meet the needs of learners, educators, and employers alike.

Best Practices for Developing Microcredentials

By following these best practices, institutions can develop microcredentials that effectively meet the needs of both learners and employers in an ever-evolving job market:

Industry Alignment

To develop effective microcredentials, it's crucial to align them with current industry trends and workforce needs. This alignment ensures that the skills taught remain relevant and valuable in the job market. For instance, about 80% of businesses across various industries are embracing business process automation, creating a demand for skilled workers to design, deploy, and maintain these systems.

Similarly, the rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has led to an increased demand for specialized skills. Approximately 56% of organizations are using AI to improve business operations, while 51% are leveraging it for cybersecurity and fraud management. This trend has created a sudden need for data scientists with AI expertise.

To identify industry-relevant microcredential opportunities, institutions should:

Conduct market research and use surveys to gather actionable information. Consult industry leaders and experts directly. Solicit employee feedback and conduct skills gap analysis.

Stackability

Stackable credentials are designed to sequentially build upon prior learning, complementing each other to reflect an accumulated set of knowledge and skills. This approach allows learners to improve their employability over time. To implement stackability effectively:

Provide "credential maps" to help students navigate academic pathways. Ensure portability, allowing students to move among institutions and programs that accept credits for prior learning. Focus on fields where stacking credentials can yield significant career benefits, such as healthcare, IT, or hospitality management.

Assessment Methods

Assessments are a critical component of microcredentials, serving to validate the learner's mastery of specific skills or competencies. To ensure effective assessment:

Align assessments with stated learning objectives or competencies. Use authentic assessments that reflect real-world workplace scenarios. Implement both formative and summative assessments.

Authentic assessments are particularly important, as they ask learners to demonstrate the practical application of skills in specific workplace contexts. This approach enhances the credibility and value of the microcredential for both learners and employers.

Formative assessments throughout the microcredential can offer learners opportunities to practice and gage their progress. These can include automated feedback through online quizzes or direct feedback from instructors.

Summative assessments are crucial and should always align with the learning objectives or competencies. Some design teams may choose to provide multiple opportunities for learners to complete the summative assessment until they reach a specific benchmark.

When designing assessments:

Use backward design, focusing on the "big picture" and what learners should be able to do upon completion. Ensure assessments measure and assess the specific skills targeted by the microcredential. Provide rubrics to help learners understand expectations and criteria for success.

The Future is Micro

Microcredentials are causing a revolution in the education landscape, offering a flexible, targeted and industry-aligned approach to skill acquisition. Their rise has an impact on traditional degrees, prompting institutions to adapt to changing learner needs and market demands. The integration of microcredentials with existing systems, while challenging, presents opportunities to enhance the relevance and accessibility of education.

Looking ahead, the future of microcredentials seems bright, with growing global adoption and emerging trends such as blockchain integration. As the landscape evolves, it's crucial to address issues related to quality assurance and recognition to ensure the continued value of these credentials. With proper implementation and industry alignment, microcredentials are poised to play a key role in shaping the future of education and workforce development.

EHL Hospitality Business School

Communications Department

+41 21 785 1354

EHL

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AutoCamp Joshua Tree - Image Credit Hilton



Emerging Trends  from the Go Getaway and HurkleDurkling to the Rise of Frolleagues and MeMooners  Spotlight How Travelers Will Work to Have It All in the Coming Year

2024 was the Year of the Great Recharge, where sleep retreats made headlines, mindful drinking rose in popularity and wellness-themed guest rooms took off. Today, as the post-pandemic leisure travel boom normalizes, travelers surveyed in Hiltons annual Trends Report are looking to pair their desire to relax and recharge with high-impact adventures and experiences to maximize their time and financial investment.

"Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years  the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers don't just want to choose their own adventure  they want to maximize every moment of their time away." Chris Nassetta - President and Chief Executive Officer, Hilton



Our 2025 Trends Report uncovers what has been simmering for years  the intersection of work and play; of relaxation and adventure; of being alone but together. Travelers dont just want to choose their own adventure  they want to maximize every moment of their time away, said Chris Nassetta, president and chief executive officer, Hilton. This new data reveals a fascinating dichotomy and growing focus on experiences that will keep us on our toes, constantly evolving to meet the needs of tomorrows traveler.

Report findings were uncovered after extensive global research, involving 13,000 travelers across 13 countries, including Brazil, feedback from over 4,100 Hilton team members and in-depth interviews with dozens of Hilton travel experts. Trend highlights include:

Adventure-Seeking Go Getaways Take on Restorative Sleep Retreats and Hurkle-Durkling Go Getaways: Nearly 7 in 10 global travelers enjoy being active when they travel, with 1 in 5 leisure travelers planning outdoor adventures in 2025. Brazilian leisure travelers list one-of-a kind experiences among the top three reasons to travel. Sleep Retreats & Hurkle-Durkling: 1 in 5 global travelers indulge in Hurkle-Durkling, the Scottish phrase for lounging in bed all day while on vacation, and more than a quarter of travelers will book a spa or wellness treatment to enhance their sleep.



Time Travel and Slow Travel Accelerate Time Travel: 58% of global travelers who travel with their kids revisit destinations from their own childhood, embracing nostalgia, and 52% of Brazilian travelers visit the same destination year after year. Slow Travel: 1 in 4 leisure travelers are planning to explore the world and different cultures in 2025, leaning into the Slow Travel trend: the act of traveling and immersing yourself into a destination for an extended time as a local to fully experience the culture.

High-Tech Travel Meets Digital Detox High-Tech Travel: 63% of travelers place importance on having the option of a digital room key, allowing them to go straight to their room without stopping at the front desk. Digital Detox : 24% of global travelers admit to disconnecting from social media more than they used to during vacations.



Fido and Frolleagues Take the Stage Pet-Friendly: 25% of MeMooners, or solo travelers, often travel for leisure with their pets  more often than the average leisure traveler (19%). From the surveyed markets, Brazilians leisure travelers are among the ones most likely to plan to travel with a pet in 2025. Frolleagues: Today, nearly 30% of global leisure travelers often travel with Frolleagues, friends who are also colleagues, on their leisure adventures.

Gen Alpha and MeMooner Travelers Surge The Gen Alpha Effect: 70% of global respondents with children choose vacation destinations based on their kids preferences and 2 in 3 Brazilian travelers often seek out authentic and local experiences to enjoy with their children. MeMooners Rising: 64% of solo travelers consider a good book their favorite travel partner.



Foodie Exploration and Tempo Drinking Will Travel for Food: Nearly1 in 5 global leisure travelers plan to seek out new restaurants or culinary experiences in their travels, and 50% of all global travelers book their restaurant reservations before their flights. Sober Curiosity Evolution: In just the past year, 1 in 4 global travelers* has either reduced or stopped their consumption of alcohol, reflecting the growing Tempo Drinking trend, or the mindful practice of moderating the pace and volume of drinking alcohol.

From Inner Discovery to Outward Cheering Soft Travel: More than 1 in 5 leisure travelers plan to getaway for self-discovery or mental health when traveling for leisure, leaning into Soft Travel, or travel that encourages simplicity or spontaneity. Surge in Sports: From 2019 to 2024, Hilton Worldwide Sport Sales revenue tripled in volume - 80% of which is driven by youth or amateur sports.



Read the full 2025 report at Hilton

*This question was not asked in Saudi Arabia or UAE

Methodology

These are the findings of an Ipsos poll conducted between June 5  26, 2024. For this survey, a sample of 13,001 adults age 18+ who plan to travel in the next 12 months from Australia, Brazil, mainland China, Germany, India, Japan, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, United Kingdom and the United States were interviewed online in Simplified Chinese, German, Japanese, Traditional Chinese, Arabic, Spanish, and English.

The sample was randomly drawn from non-probability panels. Post-hoc weights were made to the population characteristics on gender, age, race/ethnicity, region, and education. The precision of Ipsos online polls is measured using a credibility interval. In this case, the poll has a credibility interval of plus or minus 1.1 percentage points for all respondents. Ipsos calculates a design effect (DEFF) for each study based on the variation of the weights, following the formula of Kish (1965). This study had a credibility interval adjusted for design effect of the following (n=13,001, DEFF=1.5, adjusted Confidence Interval=+/-1.1 percentage points). Where figures do not sum to 100, this is due to the effects of rounding.
Rotana Hotels Unveils Ambitious Expansion Plans at Future Hospitality Summit 2024 - Image Credit Rotana Hotels

Rotana announced its ambitious expansion plans for the region and beyond at the Future Hospitality Summit World (FHS) yesterday.

Driving Rotanas aggressive pipeline is the development of 43 new properties in 26 cities in the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and Turkiye by 2026. Once complete, the new properties will add 9,049 rooms to Rotanas inventory, taking its total keys to 30,225. These will bolster the groups presence in key markets and complement its most recent openings, which include Beach Bay Hotel  Mirfa, the first Edge by Rotana property in Abu Dhabi, UAE, and Nova M Hotel Olaya Riyadh, the first Edge by Rotana in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (KSA). Launched as a new brand in 2022, the latest openings put the number of operational Edge by Rotana properties at seven, with another six hotels in the pipeline across the MENAT region.

Looking ahead, the group plans on opening several more properties in the region, targeting the burgeoning tourism industry in the UAE and KSA, specifically. Planned openings include Bloom Arjaan by Rotana on Abu Dhabis Saadiyat Island and Yasmina Rayhaan by Rotana in Riyadh in 2025, reconfirming the groups ambitious goal to triple the number of rooms it currently runs in the Kingdom to 6,000 over the next three years.

In Africa, Rotana looks forward to the expected openings of the 150-key Arjaan Hotel Apartments by Rotana branded property in Dakar, Senegal, in 2026 and the launch of Azure Rotana Thalasso & Spa in the port city of Oran, Algeria. The group is also gearing up for several much-anticipated luxury hotel and resort projects in Cairo and Luxor.

Other expansion highlights include Rotanas debut in Pakistan, where the group will develop a new five-star property in Islamabad as part of a franchise agreement with Signature Complex LLP. Slated for opening in 2027, the property will add a total of 522 new keys to Rotanas portfolio once completed.



In addition, the hospitality group is excited about the opening of the five-star Pontus Rotana Resort & Spa, Gonio, in 2026, which will add another 600 keys to Rotanas diverse portfolio.

Commenting on Rotanas robust expansion plans, Philip Barnes, CEO of Rotana, said: Rotanas ambitious development plans showcase our commitment to the region and our belief in the future of tourism - one shared by the organisers and participants of the Future Hospitality Summit, which is why we are proud to participate in the event. Building on Rotanas rich heritage as a homegrown brand, we are excited to introduce more travellers to Rotanas unique blend of world-class standards, genuine hospitality, and treasured times.

Underscoring Rotanas leadership role in the industry, the company will participate in several FHS panels on Tuesday, 1 October. CEO Philip Barnes will discuss innovative and sustainable leadership approaches during Leading with Purpose: Commitment to People, Planet and Profit, while COO Eddy Tannous will participate in a panel discussion on the importance of company culture when it comes to building successful businesses in Company Culture and Relationships as a Competitive Advantage. Shaikha Al Nowais, Corporate Vice President - Owner Relationship Management at Rotana, will participate in the panel discussion Global Expertise, Local Talent: Hospitality's Balancing Act, sharing insights into the sectors unique employment challenges and opportunities.



Rotana currently operates 82 hotels across the Middle East, Africa, Eastern Europe, and Turkiye, with a robust pipeline of new projects in Turkey and international markets.
Cendyn Acquires Knowland and Announces Private Equity Partner Haveli Investments - Image Credit Cendyn



Integrated hospitality solutions leader dives deeper into group sales, meetings, and events in its latest acquisition supported by its investors, including Haveli Investments

Cendyn, a global hospitality cloud-based technology company, has acquired Knowland, the US-based leader in data-as-a-service intelligence on meetings and events for hospitality. The strategic acquisition presents an opportunity to enhance sales prospecting by yielding greater bookings in the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences, and events) space.

Knowland's platform includes extensive market intelligence data on meetings and events gathered from over 7,500 hotels across the USA and a select handful of international markets. Knowland's products connect hoteliers with market insights to drive more revenue, accelerate the sales cycle, and optimize processes to achieve group sales goals.

Alongside Cendyn's current investors, earlier this year Cendyn welcomed Austin-based Haveli Investments to its private equity portfolio. With their focus on high-quality technology companies, the backing by Haveli Investments along with Accel-KKR puts Cendyn on a strong path to deliver innovation for the hospitality industry. The pairing of Knowland's meeting and event data with Cendyn's Sales CRM, Proposals, and Grouprev platforms highlights the opportunity this acquisition brings to their customers, empowering them to find and drive group bookings with a complete and single solution.

"To effectively sell group business, hoteliers need immediate access to data, and Knowland's event intelligence platform is undoubtedly the market leader in this area. Its sales intelligence complements our Sales CRM, helping hoteliers find their target audience. Then, using our Proposals and Grouprev platforms, hoteliers can complete the booking process. It's the perfect fit with our commitment to helping hoteliers 'Find, Book, and Grow' their business. With Haveli Investments' dedication and expertise in technology joining our expansion, we're poised to deliver a bright future for Cendyn's customers," said Jack Blaha, CEO at Cendyn.

"Salespeople thrive on information, and over the past 20 years, Knowland has provided them with essential data to help target new business efforts and hone in on genuine leads," said Jeff Bzdawka, CEO at Knowland. "This exciting new era furthers our commitment to improving the working lives of hotel sales teams and helps shift the needle towards a proactive sales approach to group business."

According to the US Travel Association, after a slow recovery, business travel is expected to regain 95% of its 2019 peak in 2024. The acquisition provides Cendyn with the opportunity to equip its customers with a combined event intelligence and B2B prospecting solution, simplifying and automating the sales process to ease the management and success of sales outreach.

"We are excited to partner with Cendyn, its leadership team, and all of its shareholders, including Accel-KKR to capitalize on the growth opportunities that lie ahead," said Ian Loring, Senior Managing Director and Executive Chair at Haveli Investments. "We believe Cendyn's broad portfolio of hospitality solutions uniquely positions it to help continue capturing market share, expanding into new markets, and driving value for its customers."

Discover more about Cendyn's range of products and services at cendyn.com

About Cendyn

Cendyn is a global hospitality cloud-based technology company that enables hotels to drive revenue, maximize profitability, and create deeper connections with guests through its integrated solutions.

Serving hoteliers for nearly 30 years, Cendyn drives commercial success for hotels through its Find, Book, Grow promise: find the right guests; drive them to book direct, and grow loyalty and revenue across the spectrum of digital guest interactions.

Cendyn has over 32,000 customers worldwide in more than 150 countries. The company supports its growing customer base from locations across the globe, including the United States, France, the United Kingdom, Singapore, Bangkok, and India.

To find out more, visit cendyn.com

About Knowland

Celebrating its 20th year in 2024, Knowland is the world's leading provider of data-as-a-service insights on meetings and events for hospitality. With the industry's largest historical database of actualized events, thousands of customers trust Knowland to sell group smarter and maximize their revenue. Knowland operates globally and is headquartered just outside Washington, DC.

To find out more, visit www.knowland.com

About Haveli

Haveli Investments is an Austin-based private equity firm that seeks to invest in the highest quality companies in the technology sector through control, minority or structured equity and debt investments with a focus on software, data, gaming, and adjacent industries. The firm seeks to partner with innovative companies, entrepreneurs, and management teams throughout a company's life cycle. Haveli's experienced team of investors and diverse industry experts will provide operational and strategic support, enabling portfolio companies to focus on driving innovation and increasing growth, scale, and operating margins. Underscoring Haveli's investments is an unwavering focus on DEI and sustainability. For more information, please visit www.haveliinvestments.com, or follow Haveli on LinkedIn, @Haveli Investments.
Music Consent Decrees and Compulsory Licenses: The Right to Say No

The debate over consent decrees and compulsory licenses is heating up, raising questions about creators rights to control their own music

Consent Decrees and Compulsory Licenses: The Right to Say No

by Chris Castle via Music Tech Solutions [This post first appeared on Artist Rights Institutes Artist Rights Watch blog]

I remember you, youre the one who made my dreams come true

written by Johnny Mercer

Careful What You Wish For

Remember the sales pitch for how wonderful the Music Modernization Act was going to be? An even broader compulsory mechanical license for songwriters combined with yet another safe harbor for music users (with new and improved retroactivity) was going to solve all our problems. A solution for unlicensed songs, black box, unpaid royalties, a stop for inefficient litigation. The new musical works database would succeed where all other efforts had failed, not to worry and now back to sleep. Good thing it didnt make the already complex music licensing regime even more convoluted.

There is, of course, a very simple way to clean up at least some complexities in the music licensing system. Digital services dont use a track if they dont clear the publishing. Radio stations certainly can block tracks when they blacklist a particular song. That would, of course, require not just accepting responsibility for licensing but also for doing an effective job of licensing so the platform did not get sued. The whole point of the civil law system is to encourage honest behavior and to empower individuals to unleash hell. Dont mistake holding up a license for standing up and fighting back. Those noisy smallfolk may get in the way but that doesnt mean theyre wrong.

Who Made Them Special?

It doesnt seem like its working out quite as advertised. We were told before the MMA that you just cant ask the digital services to actually confirm they have the rights to sell their products. Why do we ask it of other commercial actors in complex rights situations but not digital services? We ask grocers, car dealers, doctors, bankers or even lawyers to know who they are dealing with and make sure they are doing so lawfully. As Justice Thomas wrote in a recent Supreme Court case, [i]n the platforms world, they are fully responsible for their websites when it results in constitutional protections, but the moment that responsibility could lead to liability, they can disclaim any obligations and enjoy greater protections from suit than nearly any other industry.

If a car dealer sold a hot Ford or Ferrari, could the dealer tell the prosecutors that compliance was just too hard? If a pharmacy sold counterfeit insulin could they ask for a safe harbor? If a vaccine manufacturer .no wait.

But no, we were told that digital services were special and that we needed to give them an even broader compulsory license and an even broader safe harbor than Section 230, DMCA and the natural safe harbor from being the richest companies in commercial history. (And theres a connection between safe harbors and them being rich while we get a royalty that starts 3 or 5 decimal places to the right.).

After the Spotify bundling debacle, all of a sudden a broader and deeper compulsory license doesnt look so hot. Plus it now appears that Spotify is to be singled out in the coming Phonorecords V proceeding which will be starting in a matter of months. That may not be a dog whistle to the lawyers, but it sure sounds like the meter going down. This may be a test of the antitrust exemption for what sure seems to me to be a concerted refusal to deal, but then Im just a country lawyer and Im not as smart as the city fellers. (All the more reason for songwriters and labels to make another separate peace on physical like Phonorecords IV and do it quickly.)

Abandoning The Right to Say No

In other words, it looks like its going to be making something extremely complicated with side issues galore when it really comes down to a simple issue: The right to say no. Unfortunately, the compulsory license and the ASCAP and BMI antitrust consent decrees exist for a single reason which is to take away that right to say no. But that was what they wanted and now theyve got it.

How does the other side perceive their cherished ability to hide behind the governments boot on our throats? A friend of the court brief in the current appeal of the BMI v. NACPA rate court case under the BMI antitrust consent decree gives us some insight. These briefs (also called amicus briefs) are sometimes filed in court cases, especially appellate cases, by entities who are not parties to the litigation but who may be affected by the outcome and who are trying to influence the courts decision. The briefs are often filed by trade associations, giving the members of those associations plausible deniability as to their own intentions.

The friends or amici often want to point out to the members of the court potential unintended consequences or broader effects of a pending judicial decision resolving the particular controversy. It is common for groups of amici to band together, thus giving the court the benefit of the thinking of companies with (or representing) an interest in how the court rules. These briefs also give some insight into what the other side is thinking.

The joint amicus brief that caught my eye in the BMI v. NACPA BMI rate court case was a brief filed by a number of amici including the National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) and the Digital Media Association (DiMA). That alliance caught my eye. Three guesses why.

The Satanic Cult known as the MIC Coalition

The core logical flaw of the argument by these amici is that they omit the solution of saying no. They want the court to believe that using music is all too complicated. For example:

The [BMI rate courts] decision here is wrong. It set a rate for BMI using as benchmarks rates obtained by two very different performing rights organizations, SESAC and GMR, in very different economic circumstances than pertain to the marketplace governing BMI and ASCAP licensing.

Whats the principal difference between rates paid to BMI (and ASCAP) and rates paid to SESAC and GMR? The biggest difference identified by the trade association friends representing companies that together have market capitalizations in the $3 trillion range is that songwriters represented by SESAC and GMR are free to negotiate. And we cant have that, now, can we? Heres the explanation from the friends:

BMI and ASCAP, which together control over 90% of all public performance rights in musical worksare subject to consent decrees intended to protect entities like amici from the anticompetitive abuses that come with the aggregation of vast numbers of copyrights in the hands of a single licensing entity.As amici have experienced firsthand [oh, my, first hand? Poor babies!], SESAC and GMR are not subject to the same constraints on anticompetitive conduct as BMI and ASCAP, and amici enjoy none of the consent decrees protections when they negotiateas they mustwith SESAC and GMR.



Although SESAC and GMR have smaller repertories than BMI and ASCAP do (partially because they are invitation-only organizations, unlike BMI and ASCAP), each nonetheless controls the rights to multiple thousands of musical compositions, including works of writers as iconic as those who populate the ranks of BMI and ASCAP (such as Adele and Bob Dylan who are licensed by SESAC, and Bruce Springsteen and John Lennon who are licensed by GMR).

Friends Dont Let Friends Change One-Way Streets

So what the friends argue is that the BMI rate court should not have taken into account the rates negotiated by SESAC and GMR at arms length when setting the consent decree rate for BMI. In other words, when setting what is effectively a government-mandated rate, the BMI rate court should not have considered a willing buyer/willing seller negotiated rate because that was mixing apples and rotten apples. Which those poor babies know first handthey, too, have been bullied by those iconic writers who fancy themselves worth more to music users than the other 90%. Oh, the arrogance!

And here is the fallacious conclusion of the false choice:

Industry reality thus makes it a necessity for amici to obtain blanket licenses from SESAC and GMR as well as BMI and ASCAP. This is particularly the case because music rights are often fragmented, with multiple PROs controlling interests in a single song. Adding to the problem, composition ownership information is opaque and inaccurate. Amici thus face, on the one hand, the threat of crippling copyright infringement liability if they do not obtain SESAC and GMR licenses and, on the other, supra-competitive prices that SESAC and GMR invariably charge when they do. As a result, they find themselves wedged between a rock and a hard place.

This is the essence of the false choice that keeps coming up in these relationships. The underlying fallacy is that in order to use the music, the richest companies in commercial history must negotiate with SESAC and GMR (especially GMR if you ask me) and those pesky, albeit iconic, songwriters who allow these PROs to represent them. SESAC and GMR are not compelled by the government to bend the knee. If songwriters are allowed to keep going down that road outside the governments boot, God knows where that might end up. They might get it in their heads that theyre actually worth something. We cant have that, now can we?

And worse yet, if the governments rate courts start using these freely negotiated terms to set compulsory rates, the one way street might change direction. And we cant have that, either. But isnt the essence of a compulsory license that the government is supposed to approximate what a willing buyer would pay a willing seller for the licensed rights? So arent the SESAC and GMR rates for the same use exactly the kind of benchmark the government should use when setting rates for everyone else?

Saying the Quiet Part Out Loud

This drives them wild, of course. They actually say the quiet part out loud:

[T]he impact of [SESAC and GMRs] supra-competitive [free market] licensing practices on licensees has been cabined before the decision below, in large part because (a) the actual prices, while inflated, are not so high as to be ruinous to licensees given the comparatively smaller repertories involved; and (b) no rate court until now had relied on SESAC or GMR rates in setting rates for the much larger BMI and ASCAP repertories. In relying on SESAC and GMRs rates, the district court turned a long-standing consent decree designed to protect music users on its head. The BMI consent decree was designed to stop BMI, a music-rights aggregator with monopoly power, from abusing that power. But [BMI Rate Court] Judge Stantons decision effectively endorsed those abuses by setting a rate that BMI could never get in a competitive marketplace, even though that is the governing standard for BMI (and ASCAP) rate-setting cases.

And theres the false choice again. If you cant afford Le Bernadin, no one is forcing you to dine there. All these music users can just say no. They dont want to. What they want is to get the music on the cheap. And, frankly, take a lazy approach to licensing. Yet the amici acknowledge that the court is bound to use a rate from a competitive marketplace as the governing standard in setting consent decree rates.

Heres the rub. Until SESAC and especially GMR came along there effectively had never been a competitive performance royalty rate so the governing standard was essentially iterative and therefore meaningless. All these companies represented by amici got the government discount in rate court because of their lobbying power. As Senator John Kennedy told Mark Zuckerberg, tech companies are like countries and they get whatever they want in Washingtonthe primary reason artists have never been paid for broadcast radio performances of their recordings. And a recession is when Google lays off 25 Members of Congress.

While these music users are supposed to negotiate before going to rate court, those negotiations are just inconveniences so they could get to rate court and start running up legal fees. And shockerwhen they have to negotiate with GMR and cannot go to rate court, they end up paying more. Just FYI, theres also gambling in Ricks American Bar.

The False Choices

So false choice number 1: The users dont have to use music they cant afford. False choice number 2: When songwriters cannot step away from the table and refuse to license, its the government that imposes a lower rate particularly when staying in rate court costs a fortune.

The government doesnt protect the user from anticompetitive behavior, it protects the user from a competitive marketplace. That insulated rate is brought about through lobbying the executive branch and ultimately the Department of Justice. My bet is that this is the only reasonthe only reasonthat the ASCAP and BMI consent decrees are the longest running consent decrees in US history and probably world history.

Remember when the DOJ was reviewing all antitrust consent decrees in 2018 and terminated over 1000? But not for those dangerous anti-competitive songwriters. Yes, sir, as soon as that writer room door closes they get right down to colluding because that is the essence of songwriting.

For some reasonI wonder whythe DOJ decided that songwriters needed to be right up there with Otis Elevator and Microsoft and continued the bloodsucking consent decree cottage industry that has sent generations of children through prep school, college and law school. So here we are again arguing over the false choices. Hopefully, we may be entering a new era of enlightened thinking where publishers are willing to stand up and be counted to get the governments boot off their throats.

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Music Tectonics Programming Lineup Revealed For 2024 Conference

The Music Tectonics programming lineup has been announced for the 2024 conference featuring industry-leading speakers and cutting-edge sessions. Discover whats in store and why its set to be a must-attend event for music professionals.

by Staff Writer via Celebrity Access

Music Tectonics, the beachside conference that focuses on the nexus of music and technology, announced its programming lineup for 2024.

Highlights of this years panels include:

 License to Generate with Bill Colitre, Andrew Batey, and Billboards Kristen Robinson  the panel will explore the development of new revenue streams for the music industry in the era of artificial intelligence.

 How to Scale your Startup with Tracy Maddux, Sun Jen Yung, and Darryl Ballantyne: exploring the challenges of getting a music tech venture off the ground, with insights from veterans on how to make companies profitable and pitfalls to avoid.

 The Current State of Music Tech Investment with Phil Quist of CAA/Connect Ventures, Bruce Hamilton of Everybody Ventures, and Amy LaMeyer of WXR Fund: A conference favorite, this panel examines the current music tech investment climate.

 Bifurcation: the Presidential Debate with Mark Mulligan and Tatiana Cirisano of MIDiA Research: Music Tectonics will host its own music industry presidential debate. On one side, the traditional, streaming-focused music business, on the other, the emerging fandom and creator-centered sector.

 Music & Media Tech Investor Chat with Joe Tou of Sony Ventures and Bob Moczydlowsky, former MD of Techstars Music: Two seasoned investors discuss how to navigate the new terrain and offer projections for the future.

Additionally, organizers for the Music Tectonics conference announced the debut of the Creator Fair, offering attendees a range of opportunities, including:

 Hands-on with new instruments from Roland, AlphaTheta, Artiphon (makers of Orba, Chorda), BlipBlox (makers of MyTracks), and Eternal Research (makers of Demon Box);

 Learn from leading creators (SEIDS) and creator tool innovators (BandLab, Music.AI, Feeture);

 Explore how the new music creator economy is unfolding with keynotes and workshops.

The music industry is being impacted by a new wave of young people who dont play by traditional rules. Their approach to music is forming an alternative industry thats running in parallel with a robust commercial industry and that incorporates gaming, short-form video, remixing everything! notes Dmitri Vietze, managing director and founder of Music Tectonics. As Mark Mulligan and Tatiana Cirisano will debate presidential style at the conference, this bifurcation promises to completely transform the music business, which is why were including creators and creative tools this year.

The 2024 Music Tectonics Conference will take place at the historic Annenberg Community Beach House in Santa Monica, California, from October 22-24, 2024.

Full program available on the Music Tectonics website.

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Clark Art Airs Production of 'Les Contes d'Hoffman'

WILLIAMSTOWN, Mass.  The Metropolitan Opera's broadcast of "Les Contes d'Hoffman" airs at the Clark Art Institute on Saturday, Oct. 5 at 1 pm in the first installment of the 202425 season of The Met: Live in HD.

This award-winning series of live, high-definition cinema simulcasts features the full live performance along with backstage interviews and commentary. The Clark broadcasts the opera in its auditorium, located in the Manton Research Center.

According to a press release:

Offenbach's fantastical opera stars French tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tormented poet. Joining Bernheim is American soprano Erin Morley as Olympia, South African soprano Pretty Yende as Antonia, and French mezzo-soprano Clementine Margaine as Giulietta to complete Hoffmann's trio of lovers. Marco Armiliato conducts Bartlett Sher's evocative production, which also features American bass-baritone Christian Van Horn as the Four Villains and Russian mezzo-soprano Vasilisa Berzhanskaya in her company debut as Nicklausse.

Tickets $25 ($22 members, $18 students, $5 children 15 and under). Advance registration encouraged; capacity is limited. To purchase tickets, visit clarkart.edu/events or call the box office at 413 458 0524. No refunds.

The next Met: Live in HD performance is Grounded on Saturday, Oct. 19 at 1 pm in the Clark's auditorium.
Pittsfield To Host Public Meeting on the Bel Air Dam

PITTSFIELD, Mass.  The City of Pittsfield, AECOM, the engineering firm working with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR), and the Office of Dam Safety (ODS) will be hosting a public meeting to share updates on the project design for the Bel Air Dam on Wednesday, Oct. 23 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Polish Falcon Club located at 32 Bel Air Avenue in Pittsfield.

At this meeting, participants will receive updates on the project design including dam removal, sediment removal and habitat and stream restoration. In addition, community impacts anticipated during construction and mitigation measures such as traffic changes, air quality monitoring and plans for contaminated materials will be discussed.

Participants will also have the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback. To learn more about the Bel Air Dam project including links to previous meetings, frequently asked questions and upcoming events, please visit https://belairdamremoval.com/

For more information, please contact Jim McGrath at (413) 499-9344.
Southside Sales owner Bruce Gaspardi poses with the Abbot Memorial pupils whose drawings he selected to advertise his business. Abbot Memorial students got to try out tractors at Southside on Monday. Lisa Puppolo's class of kindergartners and first-graders were excited to take part. PreviousNext

Junior Marketers: Southside Sales & Service



Southside Sales & Service has been selling and servicing a wide range of equipment and recreational vehicles for more than 60 years. FLORIDA, Mass.  Abbott Memorial Elementary School kindergarteners and first-graders in Lisa Puppolo's class were excited to participate in our newest series: Junior Marketers Create an Ad.

We put a call out to Berkshire County teachers asking their students help in creating an ad for our sponsors and the community delivered. For the next 12 months, we will showcase ads made by our creative next generation.

Kicking off the series is the family-owned small business Southside Sales & Service, located at 546 Curran Highway in North Adams.

For more than six decades, Southside has become known for selling and servicing a wide range of equipment, including tractors, lawnmowers, snowmobiles, all-terrain and utility task vehicles, and more.

It stocks a range of brands, including Bobcat, Mahindra Tractors, Polaris, Diamond Mowers and more.

"My father started a business in 1969, and we have been doing it ever since, with lawn equipment and now bumped where we sell a lot of much bigger equipment than just lawn mowers like my father did," owner Bruce Gaspardi said.

Gaspardi took over the business in 1984, and since then, it has grown. Shortly after taking over, Southside Sales & Service was moved to its current location and more recently expanded into the entire building.

"I learned a lot from [my father] back then that I still use today, with servicing product and taking care of people," he said.

"I have a lot of really good employees that take care of a lot of people, and the mission is to help people and get people what they what when they come in."

Puppolo's class brought one of Gaspardi's products to life in their drawings. Students were provided a few tractor pictures and asked to draw an ad of the vehicle doing its job.

They had tractors with loaders, trailers, and other attachments. Some drew the vehicle digging a hole, driving, turning soil, transporting potatoes and more.

Gaspardi said first-grader Adelin St. Jacques' photo was selected as one of the best because of her attention to detail.

Her black tractor had a bucket on the back and was digging dirt under a purple sky.

"Drawing trackers is not something I do all the time, but when I did it, it helped me learn how to draw tractors well and work on my detail a lot," she said.

Jhelana Therrien drew her tractor at night at a campground where it was being filled with gas. Kylie Spooner's tractor was picking up apples in an orchard.

The students were so excited when Puppolo told them about this assignment.

"They wanted to start right away without any directions," said Puppolo. "It's a great way to include them in the community, to let them be creative, [and] to just open their eyes to what's around them.

This opportunity allowed them to create something for a business that they have been to or are driven by. One of the students' parents works there, Puppolo said.

"It was just an amazing experience. They were excited. They were happy," she said.

Puppolo said when she presented the assignment to her students, they exclaimed, "we get to be adults."

Tasks like this that are out of their regular routine gets everybody excited, especially kids, Gaspardi said.

"A task like that gets them excited, just as they were when they were standing here. You can tell they're just kind of excited about what they did," he said.

"I think they were made to become very important. They felt like they were adults. I think that they will pay more attention to small businesses around the county," Puppolo said.

"They're so isolated up here, I think, that they probably said to their parents, 'can we drive by there.' I just think they were excited. That's the best word that I can use."
Board President Mark Gold, left, Sheriff Thomas Bowler, intern Tiffany Brouillette and Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell at Monday's ribbon cutting. The ribbon is cut Monday on 2nd Street's newly expanded space. PreviousNext

2nd Street Second Chances Debuts Revamped Space



The space includes offices and meeting areas.

PITTSFIELD, Mass. Second Street Second Chances has expanded its program space to meet the demand for post-incarceration services.



The ribbon was cut Monday on a larger and revitalized space at the former Berkshire County Jail and House of Correction. Established in 2022, "2nd Street" has assisted more than 1,000 individuals with medical and mental health, housing, job training, legal services, and more.



"This milestone is not just a reflection of the crucial services and the need for these services in our community but also a testament to the compassionate, non-judgmental care that our staff here delivers to each and every one of the people that walk through our doors," Executive Director Lindsay Cornwell said.



The nonprofit's space has expanded from 1,500 square feet to 4,600 square feet, with two community navigator offices in the "rotunda" or main area, an office for private meetings, a large room used for workshops and meetings, and common spaces.



Sheriff Thomas Bowler said the numbers speak for themselves, comparing the program's 11 percent recidivism rate to the county's 36 percent. He emphasized the importance of having supports in place immediately upon release from jail.



"The first 72 hours are the most critical to reentry success. This is the time when a plan is established and important appointments and meetings occur, or when it could potentially fall apart," he said.



"Whatever the need, our navigators work with a vast collaboration of resources that has been built to find a solution. It may be as simple as a ride to an interview or as difficult as finding affordable housing in today's economy. Our navigators go above and beyond to do whatever is needed."



The Berkshire County Sheriff's Office provides the space for free, including utilities and maintenance. Bowler announced that at the beginning in 2025, the office will take on the majority of 2nd Street's operational expenses.



In 2022, the program was awarded $240,000 in funding from the Baker-Polito administration's Community Empowerment and Reinvestment Grant Program. Soon after, the city provided a $700,000 in American Rescue Plan Act funds to be spent over three years.



"I will continue to fight for state funding to allow this program to succeed and expand as necessary," Bowler said.



"Our mission has always been to return individuals to the community better equipped to succeed, and when they came to us in our partnership with Second Street chances is doing just that."



President Mark Gold explained that less than three years ago, a group gathered in the former jail to discuss how they could improve opportunities for formerly incarcerated individuals to successfully reintegrate into their communities. It included six founding partner organizations, representatives of the Sheriff's Office, community members, and formerly incarcerated individuals.


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Daniel Day-Lewis has confirmed he is returning to acting in a new film directed by his son, the painter and filmmaker Ronan Day-Lewis.

Rumors spread earlier today after the 67-year-old three-time Oscar winner was photographed on a film set in Manchester, England, seven years after announcing his retirement.

In a statement to The Independent, Focus Features and Plan B announced they are partnering on Ronan Day-Lewiss debut film Anemone, from a script by Daniel Day-Lewis and Ronan Day-Lewis.

Along with Daniel Day-Lewis in his first role since 2017s Phantom Thread, the film will also star Sean Bean, Samantha Morton, Samuel Bottomley and Safia Oakley-Green.

According to the statement, Anemone explores the intricate relationships between fathers, sons and brothers, and the dynamics of familial bonds.

Focus Features chairman Peter Kujawski added: We could not be more excited to partner with a brilliant visual artist in Ronan Day-Lewis on his first feature film alongside Daniel Day-Lewis as his creative collaborator.

open image in gallery Daniel Day-Lewis and Sean Bean ( Getty )

They have written a truly exceptional script, and we look forward to bringing their shared vision to audiences alongside the team at Plan B.

Day-Lewis, one of the most widely respected actors of his generation, announced his retirement in 2017.

Daniel Day-Lewis will no longer be working as an actor, his representative Leslee Dart said in a short statement at the time. He is immensely grateful to all of his collaborators and audiences over the many years. This is a private decision and neither he nor his representatives will make any further comment on this subject.

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It was not the first time Day-Lewis expressed a desire to step away from acting.

After starring in 1997s The Boxer, he disappeared from the big screen for five years until Martin Scorsese convinced him to return for Gangs of New York. During that time, he reportedly took up shoemaking in Italy, explaining to the Guardian: I didnt really want to be involved with films. I just wanted some time away from it all. I need that quite often.

The announcement of his retirement came as a surprise and sent shockwaves through Hollywood, with Day-Lewis being revered as perhaps the finest actor of his time.

Day-Lewis has long been an exceptionally deliberate performer who often spends years preparing for a role, crafting his characters with an uncommon, methodical completeness.

I dont dismember a character into its component parts and then kind of bolt it all together, and off you go, Day-Lewis said in 2012, discussing Steven Spielbergs Lincoln. I tend to try and allow things to happen slowly, over a long period of time. As I feel Im growing into a sense of that life, if Im lucky, I begin to hear a voice.

His method approach has perhaps been overstated and simplified however, with the actor joking about his reputation for extreme preparation during a BAFTA acceptance speech in 2013 that he had stayed in character as myself for the past 55 years.

A five-time Academy Award nominee, Day-Lewis is the only man to ever win Best Actor three times, earning Oscars for My Left Foot, Lincoln and There Will Be Blood.

Frances McDormand won Best Actress three times, for 1996s Fargo, 2017s Three Billboards Outside Ebbing, Missouri, and 2020s Nomadland.

Married to writer-director Rebecca Miller with three children, Day-Lewis broke through with 1985s My Beautiful Laundrette by Stephen Frears. His films also include The Last of the Mohicans, The Age of Innocence and In the Name of the Father.
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Ken Page, the Broadway star and voice actor who played the character Oogie Boogie in The Nightmare Before Christmas, has died at the age of 70.

Page was a prolific actor who also lent his voice to All Dogs Go To Heaven and appeared opposite Beyonce in Dreamgirls.

On stage, he was known for originating the role of Ken in the Broadway production of Aint Misbehavin and playing Old Deuteronomy in a production of Cats that was filmed for television.

TMZ reports that Page died very peacefully at his St. Louis home on September 30.

The publication quotes his representative Lance Kirkland as saying: He was a beautiful, talented man who was larger than life. Ken was loved and adored by so many and will be missed so much.

Kenneth Page was born in St. Louis on January 20, 1954. He attended St. Bridget of Erin and St. Nicholas elementary schools, and while attending the latter was inspired to pursue a career in theater. He majored in the subject at Fontbonne College in Clayton, Missouri.

open image in gallery Ken Page attending the premiere of The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D in Hollywood in 2006 ( Getty Images )

Page made his Broadway debut in The Wiz, playing the Cowardly Lion. He then went on to play Nicely-Nicely Johnson in Guys and Dolls and was featured in the original cast of the Fats Waller musical Ain't Misbehavin'. He won the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Actor in a Musical for his performance, and reprised the role for a 1982 television broadcast.

That same year, Page played Old Deuteronomy in Cats, and he later returned to the part for the 1998 video release.

In 1993, Page landed arguably his best-known role as Oogie Boogie, Halloween Towns villainous bogeyman in Tim Burtons The Nightmare Before Christmas.

In an interview with DirectConversations, Page recalled that he was initially hired just to sing Oogie Boogies Song but subsequently drew on several characters hed played before to voice the dialogue as well.

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At first, the filmmakers were looking for someone to just sing Oogie Boogies Song, and they wanted something like a Cab Calloway-esque, Fats Waller-esque kind of vocalist. Somebody who could characterize the vocal, said Page.

So my lawyer said to Danny Elfman, I know the person for you  theres nobody else that fits that description other than Ken Page. Hes done these things and embodied many critters.'

Composer Elfman and director Henry Selick then asked Page how he would do Ooogie Boogies speaking voice.

I said, My take on him would be somewhere between [Cowardly Lion actor] Bert Lahr and the voice of the demon in The Exorcist, Mercedes McCambridge, Page remembered, laughing.

Danny and Henry kind of looked at me and went, Wow  thats wild. So, that was the take I gave them, and said, If I go too far in either direction, you can stop me. So, along with the Cab Calloway and Fats Waller stuff for the singing, thats how we came up with Oogie Boogie.

In his later years, Page developed and performed a cabaret show, Page by Page.
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Daniel Radcliffe has written a heartfelt tribute to his late Harry Potter co-star Dame Maggie Smith, who has died at the age of 89.

Radcliffe played the boy wizard in eight movies from 2001 to 2011, with Smith appearing in all but one of the films as Professor Minerva McGonagall, the head of Gryffindor House and the deputy headmistress at Hogwarts under Albus Dumbledore.

In a statement seen by The Independent, Radcliffe said: The first time I met Maggie Smith I was 9 years old and we were reading through scenes for David Copperfield, which was my first job. I knew virtually nothing about her other than that my parents were awestruck at the fact that I would be working with her.

The other thing I knew about her was that she was a Dame, so the first thing I asked her when we met was would you like me to call you Dame? at which she laughed and said something to the effect of dont be ridiculous!

I remember feeling nervous to meet her and then her putting me immediately at ease. She was incredibly kind to me on that shoot, and then I was lucky enough to go on working with her for another 10 years on the Harry Potter films.

She was a fierce intellect, a gloriously sharp tongue, could intimidate and charm in the same instant and was, as everyone will tell you, extremely funny.

open image in gallery Maggie Smith and Daniel Radcliffe in 2007s Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix ( Warner Bros )

I will always consider myself amazingly lucky to have been able to work with her, and to spend time around her on set. The word legend is overused but if it applies to anyone in our industry then it applies to her.

Thank you Maggie.

open image in gallery Daniel Radcliffe and Dame Maggie Smith ( Getty )

Bonnie Wright, who played Ginny Weasley in the film franchise, also paid tribute to the revered head of Gryffindor house.

Our dearly loved and revered head of Gryffindor house you will be so missed by the Harry Potter community, wrote Wright on Instagram.

My favourite scene with Maggie was when we were all learning to dance for the Yule Ball. She embodied that perfect balance of sass and loving care that McGonagall has. She kept Gryffindors on their toes. My deepest condolences to Maggies family at this time.

Many others have shared tributes and memories of Smith, including King Charles III, the Prime Minister Keir Starmer and her Sister Act co-star Whoopi Goldberg.
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Martin Lee, who won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest as a member of the pop group Brotherhood of Man, has died aged 77.

The group triumphed at that years contest, which was held in The Hague, Netherlands, with the now-famous song Save Your Kisses For Me, topping the points table with 164.

The song was already a hit in its own right in the UK having topped the singles chart two weeks before Eurovision.

It also became a number one in several other countries around the globe including Denmark, France, Ireland, Israel and Spain.

A statement from the band said: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of our great friend and colleague Brotherhood Of Mans Martin Lee, who slipped peacefully away on the evening of Sunday, September 29, 2024, from heart failure after a short illness. Martin was 77.

Tony Hiller, the groups manager, put the songs success down to their TV appearances across France, Belgium, Germany and Switzerland the year before the contest  and the record sold six million copies.

Lee was brought into the group as their main vocalist and guitarist in 1972  along with Lee Sheriden, Sandra Stevens and Nicky Stevens  by Hiller after their initial line-up disbanded.

His groups Eurovision win came after they had their first European number one with Kiss Me Kiss Your Baby, which led the groups songwriters to begin composing a song to enter the competition.

open image in gallery Lee with the rest of Brotherhood Of Man (Myung Jung Kim/PA) ( PA Archive )

Prior to joining Brotherhood Of Man, Lee had already released a solo single called Cry Jose and had also played in the Johnny Howard Band.

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Lee was born Martin Barnes, on November 26, 1946, in Purley, London, but had spent five years of his youth living in Australia.

He was married to Brotherhood Of Man bandmate Stevens for 45 years and also had a daughter from his first marriage, who was born in 1973.

Alongside Sheriden, Lee also wrote most of the groups hits including their three number one singles Angelo, Figaro and Save Your Kisses For Me.

The group had eight UK top 75 singles with their second line-up and also had a UK top 10 album in the 1978 compilation Twenty Greatest.

With Lee they amassed 26 platinum, gold and silver discs along with three Ivor Novello Awards and an ASCAP Shield for writing a top 10 hit in the US.

In 2020, the band retired from performing having kept the same line-up which won Eurovision more than 40 years previously.

open image in gallery Brotherhood Of Man returning to Heathrow Airport having just won the 1976 Eurovision Song Contest (PA) ( PA Archive )

In the bands statement about Lee, they added: He will be sadly missed by his fellow band members Nicky Stevens, Lee Sheriden and especially Sandra Stevens to whom he had been married for 45 happy years.

Over the past 50 years the four of us have toured the world together in harmony and have so many happy memories, but now we are in total shock and cannot imagine a world without Martin Lee RIP.

Additional reporting by PA.
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Tributes have been paid to the American Horror Story star and Tony-award-winning actor Gavin Creel, who has died aged 48.

The actor was diagnosed with metastatic melanotic peripheral nerve sheath sarcoma, a rare and aggressive form of cancer in July that is often found in arms and legs and forms in connective tissues such as bones, muscle, fat, nerves and blood vessels.

According to his partner, Alex Temple Ward, Creel had begun receiving treatment for the cancer at New Yorks Memorial Sloan Kettering before later being transferred to hospice care at his home.

Creels untimely passing has prompted an outpouring of love and tributes to the star from the theatre community.

His Hello Dolly! co-star, Bette Midler wrote on X/Twitter: Beloved by the Broadway community, the radiant actor Gavin Creel has died from a rare form of cancer. He played Cornelius Hackl to my Dolly in Hello Dolly and I looked forward to working with him every single night. He was fantastic. I cant believe hes gone. What a loss.

Sutton Foster, who played opposite Creel in Thoroughly Modern Millie, shared a picture of herself with Creel on Instagram, writing in the caption: My sweet friend. I will love you forever.

Ted Lasso star Hannah Waddingham wrote: Ive just had to sit down. I keep rereading his name thinking everyones got it wrong. Not this man, not this beautiful, smiley, talented man.The absolute real deal, talent pouring out of every pore. Im heartbroken youve gone, Gavin. I hope to see you again my friend. God, Im shaken to my core.

Hamilton creator Lin-Manuel Miranda shared pictures of Creel performing and said that he was shattered, adding:  Gavin Creel was our first King when all we had was 11 songs and he wrapped the audience around his finger with nothing but a Burger King crown and his mind-blowing charisma and talent. He is so loved and it is unimaginable that hes no longer with us. My heart goes out to all the friends and family and collaborators lucky enough to be in his orbit. We love you and well always love you Gavin.

Frozen actor Idina Menzel, said on Instagram: Sweet sweet Gavin Creel. An angel among the angels. I love you so much.

Another star of Frozen, Josh Gad wrote: Sometimes, I dont have the right words to describe my sadness. Today is one of those days.

He continued, We have lost someone far too young, far too early still in his journey and far too impactful to our creative community. My heart breaks for his family and his closest friends. This is just not fair. We will never forget you @realgavincreel.

open image in gallery Gavin Creel at the opening night of Mother Play on Broadway in April 2024 ( Manny Carabel/Getty Images )

Creel was born in Findlay, Ohio on April 18, 1976. He graduated from Findlay High School in 1994 and received a Bachelor of Fine Arts in musical theatre from the University of Michigan School of Music, Theatre & Dance in 1998.

He began his career in regional theatre, and in 1998 he played Nick Piazza in a production of Fame that toured the United States and Canada.

Creel made his Broadway debut in 2002, originating the role of Jimmy Smith in Thoroughly Modern Millie. His performance was a breakout success, and he was nominated for the Tony for Best Performance by a Leading Actor in a Musical.

In 2009, Creel played Claude in the Broadway revival of Hair, a performance that earned him his second Tony Award nomination for Best Actor in a Musical. He remained in the cast when the production transferred to London in 2010.

Creel starred in the hit musical The Book of Mormon from 2012 to 2015, winning the award for Best Actor in a Musical at the 2014 Laurence Olivier Awards.

The following year he won a Tony for his performance as Cornelius Hackl in Hello, Dolly!, where he starred opposite Bette Midler.

In 2021, he appeared in two episodes of Ryan Murphys American Horror Stories. He played Troy Winslow, the husband of Matt Bomers Michael Winslow. I love being able to play a gay man, Creel told Theatrely.

I want to tell more gay stories. Ryan Murphy is the hero of putting especially the gay community and stories on screen. Im so excited to have been an interesting, weird, and complex gay character, and its not just the standard stereotypical ones.
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Bridgertons new season four star has described the emotional moment she was told shed been cast in the hit Netflix show.

Yerin Ha, 29, who is best known for playing Kwan Ha in Halo and will appear in the forthcoming Dune: Prophecy series, will take on the role of Sophie Baek for the regency dramas latest season about the love life of the second-oldest Bridgerton brother, played by Luke Thompson.

Ha, a Korean actress from Australia, said she was out for breakfast with her mother in Seoul, South Korea, when she received the news in a shock phone call.

In a YouTube interview with Shondaland, Ha was asked how her family and friends reacted when she told them she would be starring in Bridgerton season four.

So, when I got the role, I was having breakfast with my mom at a cafe in Korea, she replied.

I stepped outside and it was so funny cause she kind of knew immediately when I was jumping on the streets of Gangnam that I got the role.

Has mother was so excited by the news that she quickly needed to leave the restaurant they had been eating in.

open image in gallery Yerin Ha and Luke Thompson on Bridgerton season 4 ( GAVIN BOND/NETFLIX )

She came out crying, and then after the phone call, she was like, We gotta go home. I think I have indigestion, and so we left, Ha said.

It was really beautiful to kind of, I guess, share that moment with her.

Ha was announced as part of the Bridgerton cast on social media in September. The actor told Tudum at the time that Benedicts love interest was called Sophie Beckett in Julia Quinns Bridgerton book series but the character was given a Korean surname out of respect for her culture.

A name is the first bit of identity that you share with the world, and thats why changing a name can be so powerful, she said. To make Sophies name fit someone who looks like me is really empowering. All credit to Jess Brownell, our showrunner.

open image in gallery Ha was announced as Benedicts love interest in September ( Netflix )

Its a really nice way for me to feel like the role is fit for me, rather than me having to fit a certain mold. Its amazing what it can do just in a psychological sense. So it means a lot that Jess did that for me.

Of her initial interest in the role, Ha added: What drew me to Sophie was that she immediately has obstacles -- something that she constantly has to overcome. Whether its this battle around social status or trying to hide her feelings from Benedict."

Netflix is yet to confirm a release date for Bridgerton season four.
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A British version of the hit American sitcom Cheers is in development, over 30 years after the original concluded.

The classic 11-season series, about a neighborhood bar in Boston run by a retired Boston Red Sox relief pitcher, starred Ted Danson, Woody Harrelson, John Ratzenberger, Rhea Perlman, George Wendt and, in later seasons, Kirstie Alley. It aired on NBC from 1982 to 1993.

The remake is currently being pitched by Big Talk Studios, the producer behind BBC One and Amazon Prime Videos drama series The Outlaws, according to Deadline.

Should the series be greenlit, British screenwriter Simon Nye, known for his work on Men Behaving Badly and The Durrells, has been tapped as the showrunner.

Whereas the original show was set in a Boston bar, the reboot will take place in a British pub.

Speaking to Deadline about the reason for the remake, Big Talks Chief Executive Kenton Allen said: The British pub is an endangered species, so theres an answer for the Why now? about it.

The attitudes of Cheers in the 80s are very different to the attitudes of today, so theres a massive amount of work to be done around taking inspiration from the original characters but creating something fresh.

open image in gallery A British Cheers remake is currently in development ( AP1988 )

Joking that the task of rebooting the iconic sitcom might be insane, Allen said it was a huge honor to be entrusted with the comedy.

While he acknowledged comedies are more prone to failure than any other genre, he explained that the remake is a part of Big Talks efforts to branch out amid a rocky time for British scripted shows.

Cheers followed the lives of Sam Malone (Danson), a former MLB relief pitcher who owns and runs a bar, and the regulars who meet there to drink, relax and socialize.

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The series also starred Shelley Long as Diane Chambers, an intelligent and somewhat snobby woman forced to work as a waitress at the bar after being abandoned by her fiance. Although they constantly bicker, Sam and Diane eventually fall in love.

Its series finale, titled One For The Road, amassed 80.4 million viewers, making it the second-highest-watched TV ending in history, behind only M*A*S*Hs 1983 finale, which was viewed by 106 million people.

Cheers joins a long list of American shows that have crossed the pond  and vice versa  including The Golden Girls, Married... with Children, That 70s Show, The Office and The Inbetweeners.
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Hoda Kotbs surprise decision to leave her role on NBCs Today show after 26 years was reportedly partly a result of being asked to take a pay cut by the network.

The broadcast journalist, who turned 60 last month, is thought to have been receiving a salary of more than $20m a year.

Puck News reported that NBC executives made clear to her agents that such stratospheric contracts were no longer justifiable given the industrys inexorable decline.

The Independent has contacted representatives for Kotb and NBC for comment.

Ratings have been falling for morning news shows across the board for several years. For context, a decade ago Today was able to bring in upwards of 4.6 million daily viewers. This month, the show averaged a little over 2.5 million.

Last Thursday, Kotb announced her departure during an episode of the long-running morning show.

I realized that it was time for me to turn the page at 60, and to try something new, she said. I remembered standing outside looking at these beautiful bunch of people with these gorgeous signs, and I thought, This is what the top of the wave feels like for me. And I thought it cant get better, and I decided that this is the right time for me to kind of move on.

open image in gallery Hoda Kotb attending a Louis Vuitton event in Paris in July 2024 ( Getty Images for LVMH x Vogue x )

She added that spending more time with her young daughters, Haley, seven, and Hope, five, was also an important part of her decision.

Obviously I had my kiddos late in life, and I was thinking that they deserve a bigger piece of my time pie that I have, she said. 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, Kotb said.

She clarified that she will continue hosting the Today show alongside co-anchor Savannah Guthrie through January 1, 2025.

Its kind of a big deal for me, Kotb said. Ive been practicing so I wouldnt cry, but anyway, I did.

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Kotb has been an integral part of NBC News for nearly three decades, having first joined the network in 1998 as a correspondent on its weekly nighttime show Dateline.

In 2008, she moved on to co-host the fourth hour of the Today show with Kathie Lee Gifford and then Jenna Bush Hager in 2019.

After NBC fired Today show host Matt Lauer in 2017 following accusations of sexual misconduct, Kotb stepped in alongside Guthrie as a temporary replacement. Weeks later, her role became permanent, as viewers responded well to her and Guthrie.

Speaking to the New York Times, Guthrie commended Kotbs decision, saying: It takes such guts to leave a place where youre so comfortable, so beloved. Theres nothing rash about this.

She added that she was super proud and super heartbroken about the news.
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Laura Whitmore has spoken out after the BBC unveiled the results of its investigation into former Strictly Come Dancing star Giovanni Pernices behaviour.

The probe led to an apology for actor Amanda Abbington, competition early, after her complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld. The Sherlock star was paired with Pernice during the shows 2023 season but dropped out of the competition early and later raised concerns about how she was treated behind the scenes.

The lengthy investigation also found that 34-year-old Pernice, who left Strictly earlier this year, was not physically aggressive towards his partner.

Former Love Island presenter Whitmore was paired with Pernice on Strictly back in 2016, and was later among those asked to speak to the BBC during the investigation.

I hope this helps people realise they should not be subjected to abusive behaviour in the workplace, the 39-year-old wrote on an Instagram story.

Things can be twisted online and theres so much more to this but in black and white there were complaints upheld and an apology made. And the perpetrator no longer works for the channel.

open image in gallery Laura Whitmore was among those asked to contribute to the BBC investigation ( BBC )

The BBC said in a statement that the corporation had upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made, adding: Strictly Come Dancing is a family show and we rightly expect very high standards. While competition can be tough, rigorous and demanding, we want the show to ultimately be a joyous and transformative experience.

It is a great shame if this hasnt been the case for everyone who has appeared on the show. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.

After the results of the investigation were released yesterday (30 September), a spokesperson for Pernice said the dancer was pleased that the report has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by him, noting that he is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations out to the BBC have not been upheld.

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Abbington, meanwhile, said that the BBCs apology meant a lot to her, describing it as a vindication of my complaint and for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences.

open image in gallery Amanda Abbington quit Strictly just five weeks into the 2023 series ( BBC )

I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed, she added.

Ranvir Singh, who danced with Pernice during the 2020 series, also shared her thoughts on the verdict, telling her Good Morning Britain colleague Susanna Reid that she was pleased to see that it ended with an apology to Amanda.

I was pleased yesterday to see that the BBC investigation had concluded  it had been going on for some time  and that it ended with an apology to Amanda. I was pleased to see that, the presenter said. I think that it can only be a good thing that these extra welfare measures have now been put in place on the back of this investigation because ultimately, Strictly is a show that everyone should be having a good time on.

Earlier this year, Whitmore claimed that she had initially raised concerns during her time on Strictly in 2016.

I thought my experience was specific to me but Ive since learned I was wrong, she wrote in a statement shared on Instagram.

I am not looking for anything, just an acceptance that what happened to me in the rehearsal rooms during my time on BBC Strictly was wrong and that it wont happen to anyone else again, she wrote.

Whitmore first spoke out publicly about her time on the show back in 2018, when she revealed: I was placed with a dance partner I was extremely uncomfortable with  and in the end I felt broken. I cried every day. And I really was broken, both mentally and physically, by the end.
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Another month, another busy month for Netflix.

With October comes a bursting list of titles set to be added to (and removed from) the streaming service over the next 31 days  from exciting new films (Anna Kendricks Woman of the Hour), anime gems (Blue Box) and new episodes of hit shows Heartstopper and Outer Banks, which pulled viewers back in with a wild ending to its latest run.

But its the release of the long-awaited sequel The Platform 2 that will most excite fans. The Platform proved a word-of-mouth success upon its initial release in 2019 and this follow-up, directed once again by Galder Gaztelu-Urrutia, will arrive in time for spooky season.

Elsewhere, capitalising on the success  and controversy  of Ryan Murphys Monster season two, there will be a documentary telling the real-life story of the Menendez brothers, while film fans will be delighted to learn that October will mark the streaming debut of Studio Ghiblis latest film The Boy and the Heron.

Find the full list of every movie and TV series being added in October below.

NB: The Independent compiles this list with help from Whats on Netflix.

ORIGINAL

Movies

3 October

The Bad Guys: Haunted Heist

Trouble

4 October

CTRL

Its Whats Inside

open image in gallery Its Whats Inside is coming to Netflix this month ( Netflix )

9 October

The Secret of the River

11 October

In Her Place

Lonely Planet

Uprising

16 October

Justice

17 October

Outside

The Shadow Strays

18 October

The Man Who Loved UFOs

Woman of the Hour

open image in gallery Anna Kendrick stars in her directorial debut Woman of the Hour ( Netflix )

23 October

Family Pack

25 October

Dont Move

Hijack 93

30 October

Time Cut

Television

1 October

Making it in Marbella season one

2 October

Chefs Table: Noodles volume one

Love is Blind season seven

Unsolved Mysteries volume five

3 October

Blue Box season one

Heartstopper season three

Ninjago: Dragons Rising season two  part two

open image in gallery Joe Locke and Kit Connor as teens in love in Heartstopper ( Teddy Cavendish/Netflix )

5 October

Ranma  season one

6 October

The Seven Deadly Sins: Four Knights of the Apocalypse season two

8 October

Dinner Time Live with David Chang season two  LIVE

9 October

Deceitful Love season one

10 October

Outer Banks season four  part four

The Life and Movies of Ersan Kuneri season two

Tomb Raider: The Legend of Lara Croft season one

12 October

A Virtuous Business season one

14 October

Mighty Monsterwheelies season one

open image in gallery Outer Banks is returning to Netflix ( Netflix )

17 October

Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance season one

Jurassic World: Chaos Theory season two

The Lincoln Lawyer season three

18 October

Happiness Is season one

23 October

Car Masters: Rust to Riches season six

This is the Zodiac Speaking season one

24 October

Beauty in Black season one  part one

Territory season one

25 October

Hellbound season two

The Last Night at Tremore Beach season one

30 October

Go Ahead, Brother season one

The Law According to Lida Poet season two

31 October

Murder Mindfully season one

The Diplomat season two

open image in gallery Keri Russell returns in season two of The Diplomat ( COURTESY OF NETFLIX )

Documentary

7 October

The Menendez Brothers

9 October

Starting 5 season one

16 October

Ancient Apocalypse: The Americas

I Am a Killer season five

Sweet Bobby: My Catfish Nightmare

18 October

The Turnaround

Yintah

open image in gallery The Menendez brothers will be the subject of a new Netflix documentary ( AFP via Getty Images )

23 October

The Comeback: 2004 Boston Red Sox season one

25 October

The Remarkable Life of Ibelin

Simone Biles Rising season two

30 October

The Manhattan Alien Abduction season one

Martha

Comedy

1 October

Tim Dillon: This Is Your Country

8 October

Ali Wong: Single Lady

15 October

Comedy Revenge season one

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special

22 October

Hasan Minhaj: Off With His Head

29 October

Tom Papa: Home Free

open image in gallery Hasan Minhajs new stand-up set will come to Netflix this month ( Getty Images )

Games

29 October

Monument Valley 2 (iOS and Android)

Netflix Stories: Outer Banks (iOS and Android)

LICENCED

Movies

1 October

As Above, So Below  US

Being Julia  US

The Birds  US

Boyz n the Hood  US

Bridesmaids  US

Bruno  US

Cinderella Man  US

Couples Retreat  US

8 Mile  US

Elysium  US

Escape Plan  US

First Daughter  US

Get Him to the Greek  US

The Girl Next Door  US

Halloween (2018)  US

Inu-Oh  US

IT: Chapter Two  US

Jarhead  US

Judy  US

The Karate Kid (1984)  US

The Karate Kid Part II  US

The Karate Kid Part III  US

Kung Fu Panda  US

Kung Fu Panda 3  US

open image in gallery Kung Fu Panda 3 ( Universal Pictures )

Legion  US

Marnie  US

The Mechanic  US

The Missing  US

Miss Peregrines Home for Peculiar Children  US

Point Break (2015)  US

Psycho (1960)  US

Psycho II  US

Red Dragon  US

Robin Hood (2018)  US

Salt  US

Scarface (1983)  US

open image in gallery Al Pacino in Scarface ( Universal )

The Sentinel  US

Till Death  US

21 Jump Street  US

22 Jump Street  US

Two Weeks Notice  US

Unfriended  US

Youre Next  US

Win a Date With Tad Hamilton  US

2 October

Saripodhaa Sanivaaram  US

3 October

#OOTD: Outfit of the Designer  US

6 October

See For Me  US

Violent Night  UK

Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance with Somebody  UK

7 October

The Boy and the Heron  UK

8 October

Her Blue Sky  US

11 October

Pixels  US

Scream (2022)  US

12 October

Clifford The Big Red Dog  US

A Quiet Place: Part II  US

13 October

A Man Called Otto  UK

14 October

Margaux  UK

A Sacrifice  US

Unhinged  US

15 October

Abandoned  US

16 October

Selma  US

Snake Eyes: G.I. Joe Origins  US

open image in gallery Russell Crowe in Unhinged ( Solstice Studios )

18 October

Babylon  UK

20 October

The Estate  US

21 October

Book Club  US

Kung Fu Panda 4  US

24 October

Fantastic Beasts: The Secrets of Dumbledore  UK

Tyler Perrys Beauty in Black  UK

25 October

Do Patti  UK

Television

1 October

Hajime no Ippo: The Fighting!  US

Wipeout volume four  US

Yellowjackets season one  US

3 October

Dan Da Dan season one  US

4 October

The Amazing Digital Circus season one, episodes one-three  US

Good Luck!! season one  US

SWAT season seven  US

open image in gallery Yellowjackets is being added to Netflix  in the US ( Showtime )

5 October

Orb: On the Movements of the Earth season one (new episode every Saturday)  US

8 October

The Long Run  UK

15 October

All American: Homecoming season three US

Detroiters season one and two US

17 October

Gundam: Requiem for Vengeance  US

18 October

Ghost Hunters season 10 and 11  US

19 October

American Ninja Warrior season 14  US

American Ninja Warrior: Ninja vs Ninja season three  US

22 October

Escape at Dannemora  US

29 October

Botched  US

open image in gallery Tim Robinson and Sam Richardson in sitcom Detroiters ( Comedy Central )

Documentary

3 October

The Mole Agent  US

4 October

Harta Tahta Raisa  US

16 October

Untapped: Closing Americas Opportunity Gap  US

18 October

Join or Die  US

21 October

Save the Children: A Concert for the Ages  US

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At least three people were killed and 15 others injured in a knife attack on Monday in a Walmart supermarket in Shanghai, China.

A 37-year-old man surnamed Lin was arrested at the scene as police responded to reports of a knife attack, the local Songjiang police branch said in a statement on Tuesday.

The attack happened on the eve of the week-long National Day holidays in a shopping mall in a suburban district southwest of Shanghai, Chinas largest city and a major financial hub.

The suspect had come to Shanghai to vent his anger due to a personal economic dispute, police said.

At least 18 people were taken to hospital with injuries, out of which three later died.

The remaining injured people did not sustain life-threatening wounds and are not believed to be in danger, officials said.

Videos on Chinese social media showed a child was one of the victims of the stabbing spree along with several passers-by inside the supermarket. However, the videos and pictures appear to have been censored by the authorities on social media after the attack sparked an outpouring of anger.

It was the latest stabbing attack in China where firearms are banned. The country has seen a series of such rampages in recent months with several foreign nationals also injured or killed.

Last month, a 10-year-old Japanese student died after being stabbed near his school in the southern Chinese city of Shenzhen. This followed another knife attack at a school bus stop for a Japanese school in which a Chinese national who tried to save the child was killed.

In June, four US university instructors were attacked with a knife in a public park in the northeast city of Jilin.

In May, at least two people were killed and 21 injured after a stabbing attack at a hospital in south-west China.

The attack comes as China is marking the 75th year of Communist Party rule amid major economic challenges with no festivities announced for the occasion on Tuesday.

The worlds second largest economy is sluggish, missing its rather modest 5 per cent growth target. In July 2024, Chinese government data revealed GDP growth has declined below the governments target.
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North Korea appears to have ruled out the possibility of returning to leader-to-leader diplomacy with the president of the US regardless of who comes to power after elections in November.

The Kim Jong-un regime will never bargain over its national prestige, Pyongyangs envoy to the UN, Song Kim, said at the UN General Assembly in New York on Monday.

The North Korean ambassador reaffirmed the countrys adherence to its nuclear weapons programme in defiance of warnings over growing security threats in the Korean Peninsula.

The remarks further diminished the chances of restarting meaningful nuclear negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang, which have been on hold since the failed summit in Hanoi in February 2019 during the Trump administration.

It comes after a senior North Korean diplomat who defected to South Korea said that Pyongyang could reopen nuclear talks with the US if Donald Trump is re-elected and is working to devise a new negotiating strategy.

"Whoever takes office in the US, we will only deal with the state entity called the US, not the mere administration," Mr Song said in his address at the UNGA.

"Likewise, any US administration will have to face the DPRK, which is different from what the US used to think," he said, referring to North Korea by its official name, without elaborating.

The envoy appeared to hint to the incoming US administration to accept North Korea as a nuclear weapons state and renounce its efforts to denuclearise the country. Pyongyang has continued to double down on its nuclear and ballistic missile programmes under the Joe Biden administration.

Mr Trump, the Republican presidential candidate seeking a second term in the Oval Office, has previously hailed the relationship with Mr Kim as a key achievement of his presidency. Mr Trump even said the two fell in love through their letter exchanges. He also told a rally that Mr Kim would like to see him back in office: I think he misses me, if you want to know the truth.

However, the Kim regime has continued to deny that the change of leadership would have any impact on the relationship as Pyongyang has continued to ignore calls from president Bidens administration for it to re-engage in talks.

Mr Song hit out at the US for inflaming tensions in the Korean Peninsula and claimed that nuclear weapons were "just made and exist to defend ourselves.

"When it comes to the right to self-defence, a legitimate right of a sovereign state, we will never go back to the point in the far-off past," Mr Song said.

"When it comes to national prestige, we will never bargain over it with anyone for it was gained through the bloody struggle of the entire Korean people."

Ri Il Gyu, a North Korean diplomat who made headlines globally by defecting from Cuba to South Korea, told Reuters that Pyongyangs diplomats were mapping out a strategy should Americans elect Mr Trump over vice president Kamala Harris.

The efforts would be to seek lifting of sanctions on its weapon programmes, eliciting economic aid and removing its designation as a state sponsor of terrorism.
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A South Korean court has sentenced the former chief of a local police station to three years in prison for his failure to prevent the 2022 Halloween crowd crush in Itaewon that killed 159 people.

Lee Im-jae is the first senior police official of Seouls local Yongsan police station, which oversees safety in Itaewon, to be convicted for the tragedy, which the Seoul Western District Court deemed a man-made disaster.

Two other former police officials received lesser sentences. The court gave one officer a two-year prison sentence and handed a third a suspended two-year term. The three officers were found guilty of professional negligence leading to death.

Lee had failed to prepare for a mass Halloween gathering whose dangers he should have foreseen, thus creating the conditions for the Itaewon tragedy, the court said in a statement.

Outside the court, family members of the victims were seen crying after the sentencing.

The court said: As the Yongsan Police Station was in charge of security for Yongsan District and therefore responsible on the day of the incident both for maintaining order on Halloween Day and preparing for large-scale demonstrations and assemblies that were scheduled to occur under their jurisdiction, they appear to have faced some limitations in terms of effectively operating their forces.

The court also concluded that Lee had failed to properly attend to his radio or was otherwise negligent.

The victims, primarily in their twenties and thirties, were attending Halloween celebrations when a massive 100,000-plus crowd of revellers flocked to Itaewon, a metropolis known for its nightlife.

By 10.20pm local time, crowds had surged to unsafe numbers and the situation turned dire when people on a slope fell over, leading to a crush that trapped hundreds. Witnesses said the crowd surge caused a hell-like chaos as people fell on each other like dominos.

Following the tragedy, families demanded accountability from senior officials, including interior minister Lee Sang-min, though a parliamentary vote to impeach him was blocked by the constitutional court.

open image in gallery Bereaved family members of the victims of the Halloween crush in 2022 react at the Seoul Western District Court in Seoul, South Korea, Monday, 30 September 2024 ( AP )

The crowd crush, one of South Koreas largest peacetime disasters, triggered widespread national grief.

Lees lawyer told Yonhap news agency before the ruling that it was excessively harsh to expect his client to have prepared for an unforeseeable event.

The police officers and prosecutors have the option to appeal the decision.

While Lee was held accountable for failing to foresee and prepare for the gathering, other district officials, including Park Hee-young, who was the head of the Yongsan ward office, were acquitted. The court also acquitted three other ward officials besides Mr Park, saying that a ward office lacked the legal authority to control or disperse a crowd.

open image in gallery A man mourns at the memorial altar for victims of the Itaewon Halloween crowd crush that killed over 150 people in the party district of Itaewon, in Seoul, South Korea ( Reuters )

Prosecutors had sought seven-year prison sentences for both Mr Park and Lee.

The acquittal of Mr Park and the ward officials was met with criticism from bereaved family members. Does this make sense? We cant really accept this, Lee Jeong-min, a representative of the families was quoted as saying by the Associated Press.

In a statement issued after the court sentencing, the group comprising family members of the Halloween crush victims, called 10.29 Itaewon Disaster Bereaved Families, insisted that the large-scale tragedy would not have occurred if [the district office] had requested police security to control congestion, or if officials with the office had at least taken action to control crowds, including passage at intersections within the side streets.

The statement added: The courts conclusion that there was nothing the Yongsan District Office could have done is a case of succumbing to formal legal logic and using it as a basis for exonerating the defendants for their incompetence.

Lee Jeong-min, whose daughter Lee Ju-yeong was among those who lost their lives, told The Hankyoreh Shinmun: Where is the judicial system in this country?

Last year, the Seoul metropolitan government introduced a range of new measures to ensure a safe Halloween, including the implementation of a new CCTV system to monitor crowd sizes.

In January this year, Seouls police chief, Kim Kwang-ho, was also charged with negligence related to the crowd crush.
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South Korea has revealed its most powerful missile and other weapons targeting North Korea during a massive Armed Forces Day ceremony, as the president warned the North's regime would collapse if it attempts to use nuclear weapons.

South Koreas weapons displays and warning against North Korea came after its northern rival recently rose regional animosities by disclosing its uranium-enrichment facility and tested missiles ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the (South Korea)-U.S. alliance, President Yoon Suk Yeol told thousands of troops gathered at a military airport near Seoul. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime.

The North Korean regime must abandon the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect them, Yoon said.

During the ceremony, the South Korean military displayed about 340 military equipment and weapons systems. Among them was its most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, which observers say is capable of carrying about 8 tons of a conventional warhead that can penetrate deep into the earth and destroy underground bunkers in North Korea. It was the first time for South Korea to disclose that missile.

open image in gallery South Korean mechanized unit personnel parade with their armored vehicles during the media day for the 76th anniversary ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The U.S. flew a long-range B-1B bomber during the ceremony in an apparent demonstration of its security commitment to its Asian ally. South Korea also flew some of its most advanced fighter jets.

Since taking office in 2002, Yoon, a conservative, has put a stronger military alliance with the U.S. and an improved trilateral Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation at the center of his security polices to cope with North Koreas advancing nuclear program. In recent years, North Korea has performed a provocative of missile tests and threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively in potential conflicts with South Korea and the United States.

Last month, concerns about North Koreas bomb program further grew after it published photos of a secretive facility to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. It was North Koreas first unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at the countrys main Yongbyon nuclear complex to visiting American scholars in 2010.

open image in gallery South Korean special army soldiers parachute down during the media day for the 76th anniversary of Armed Forces Da ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

South Korean officials say North Korea will likely try to further dial up tensions with provocative weapons tests ahead of the U.S. election to increase its leverage in future diplomacy with a new U.S. government. Experts say North Korea likely thinks an expanded nuclear arsenal would help it win bigger U.S. concessions like extensive sanctions relief.

Earlier Tuesday, North Koreas vice defense minister, Kim Kang Il, slammed the U.S. for its temporary deployments of powerful military assets to South Korea and vowed strong responses. He cited the recent visit of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine and Tuesday's B-1B flyover.

Kim threatened to bolster North Korea's powerful war deterrent, an apparent reference to its nuclear capability, and take unspecified steps to stoke security concerns to the security of the U.S. mainland. Observers say his comments may imply North Korea may consider test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.
Health care providers from the hospital's clinic will check children during the free screenings for bone, muscle or joint problems to see if they would benefit from seeing a pediatric orthopedic specialist at the Shriners Children's Twin Cities in Woodbury, Minnesota. It is part of the Shriners Hospitals for Children network, providing comprehensive medical, surgical and rehabilitative care for children under the age of 18 with orthopedic conditions regardless of insurance or the family's ability to pay.
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Typhoon Krathon slammed into southwestern Taiwan on Thursday, cutting power to tens of thousands of homes, flooding streets, and killing two people in the east.

The storm, initially a Category 4 typhoon, significantly weakened before making landfall near Kaohsiung, Taiwans major port city, causing widespread damage and bringing the entire island to a standstill for two days.

Krathon was labelled a weird storm by the local media as it lingered near Taiwans coast for a long time, moving unusually slowly and making landfall on the populated western coast of the island, generally considered safe from typhoons.

Schools, offices and shops were shut and flights were cancelled for the second day on Thursday as the typhoon began landfall around noon local time (4am GMT). This was the second time this year a storm shut down Taiwans stock exchange for two days.

All domestic flights were cancelled for a second day as well as 242 international ones. The north-south high-speed rail line suspended services between central and southern regions until at least early evening.

open image in gallery A security guard inspects a guard house after Typhoon Krathon makes landfall ( Anadolu via Getty Images )

On Thursday morning, Kaohsiung residents woke up to emergency alerts to take shelter as the eye of the typhoon entered the region bringing gusts of over 160 kmph. Heavy rainfall, which continued to lash the region since this week, intensified.

At least two people were killed in the islands east amid the extreme weather caused by the typhoon. One victim fell while trimming a tree and the other died when a vehicle was hit by a rock. Earlier this week, the storm killed two people in the Philippines and left thousands displaced.

No major casualties were reported in Kaohsiung, where the last major storm was Typhoon Thelma almost three decades ago.

Fortunately people were well prepared this time, Chou Yi-tang, a government official in Siaogang district, home to Kaohsiungs airport, told Reuters news agency.

Its been a long time since such a big storm made landfall here, he said.

open image in gallery Taiwan Asia Typhoon ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Ahead of the storms landfall, the government distributed thousands of sandbags, water pumps were deployed and around 38,000 troops from the Taiwanese military were put on standby to assist with disaster relief efforts.

Approximately 10,000 people were evacuated from vulnerable areas, particularly from Kaohsiung and other high-risk regions such as Pingtung and Taitung.

This is one of the most powerful storms weve seen hit the west coast in recent memory. We urge all residents to stay sheltered and be prepared for extensive rainfall, Kaohsiung mayor Chen Chi-mai said on Tuesday.

Despite the preparations, the storm left many areas inundated in knee-deep water. On Thursday, at least 51,000 households remained without power primarily in Kaohsiung and Pingtung County, down from over 170,000 earlier.

Some eastern regions received more than 1.6m (5.2ft) of rain, washing cascades of rocks and mud on to roads.

The Southern Taiwan Science Park, site of one of the main factories of chipmaker TSMC, said operations were normal.

Amid the extreme weather, a fire at a hospital in southern Taiwan killed at least nine people in Pingtung county, which has been hit hard by Typhoon Krathon.

Reports said 176 patients were rushed to the front entrance and transferred to ambulances in the pouring rain. They were moved to shelters nearby.

open image in gallery Map showed Typhoon Krathons projected path and wind intensities ( Joint Typhoon Warning Centre )

Taiwans Central Weather Agency (CWA) said some eastern and southern parts of Taiwan are still set to see more extremely heavy rain, with up to 40cm (1.3ft) falling over the next 24 hours. It issued alerts for more rainfall which was expected to last until Friday morning.

Although the storm was expected to dissipate, the system is forecast to slowly work its way up Taiwans flat western plain and reach the capital Taipei, which could experience residual effects.

The slow movement of storms is becoming a troubling trend in recent years as it leads to longer periods of rainfall and more destruction. Scientists have earlier linked this kind of pattern to the climate crisis.

Rising global temperatures are heating ocean surfaces, providing more energy to the atmosphere and supercharging storms. These intensified storms carry more moisture and, combined with weakened atmospheric steering currents like jet streams, they are moving more slowly.

This stalling effect leads to extended periods of heavy rainfall and destructive winds, as seen with Krathon again.
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A 30-year-old man was killed while delivering the latest Apple iPhone to two people who were supposed to pay for it in cash in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh, police said.

Bharat Sahu, the delivery agent for online e-commerce portal Flipkart, was reported missing by his family two days after he failed to return home.

Shashank Singh, a senior police official said that the accused, a resident of Chinhat in Lucknow, had placed an order for an Apple iPhone valued at approximately Rs 150,000 (1,350) from Flipkart, choosing the cash-on-delivery (COD) payment option.

The accused was identified as Gajanan by the local police. When Sahu arrived to deliver the phone to the accuseds home, Gajanan and his accomplice strangled him, put his body in a sack, and disposed of it in a canal, police said.

On 23 September delivery boy, Bharat Sahu of Nishatganj, went to deliver the phone at his place where he was killed by Gajanan and his accomplice, Mr Singh told the media.

After strangulating Sahu, they put his body in a sack and disposed of it in the Indira Canal. The search for Sahus body is still ongoing.

While reviewing Sahus call records and attempting to track his location, the police discovered Gajanans phone number, which led them to his associate, identified by his first name Akash, according to news agency Press Trust of India.

During interrogation, Akash confessed to the crime, Mr Singh said, without specifying the motive behind the murder.

Apple opened its first flagship stores in India in Mumbai and Delhi in 2023. The companys annual sales in India surged by 33 per cent to nearly $8bn, despite iPhones, like the iPhone 15, being priced at nearly three times the countrys median monthly wage.

India still represents just two per cent of Apples global sales, and Android dominates over 80 per cent of the market.

Earlier in September when iPhone 16 was launched, devoted Indian Apple fans were already gathered outside the stores, with some having camped out overnight.

Ujjwal Shah, a passionate Apple fan, was among the first in line in Mumbai, waiting over 21 hours to be the stores first customer. The energy in Mumbai for this phone is unbelievable, Mr Shah was quoted as saying by ANI.
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Indian actor Govinda was rushed to a hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday after he suffered an accidental gunshot injury to his leg, fired from his own revolver.

The incident happened early at 4.45am on Tuesday at the actors residence in Juhu in Mumbai, the capital of the western state of Maharashtra, while he was checking his licensed revolver. The actor was preparing to leave for Kolkata, in the eastern state of West Bengal, when the gun fell from his hands and misfired, resulting in an injury to his leg.

Govinda was immediately rushed to the Criti Care Hospital.

His manager Shashi Sinha spoke to local news media to clarify that the bullet in Govindas leg had been removed, and he was recovering.

We had a 6am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened, Sinha said, according to Indian news daily Times of India.

open image in gallery Govinda at the wedding reception of billionaire Mukesh Ambanis son Anant Ambani and Radhika Merchant ( AFP via Getty Images )

He was keeping his licensed revolver in the case when it fell from his hand and a bullet got fired which hit his leg. The doctor has removed the bullet and his condition is fine. He is in the hospital right now, he said.

Police said no complaint has been registered.

Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde said he had spoken to Govinda, and assured him he would have support during his recovery.

I have personally reached out to Govinda to convey my deep concern about his health condition. On behalf of the government and people of our state, I wish him a speedy and complete recovery. I have assured Govinda that he and his family will receive all necessary support during this challenging time, Shinde said.

Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his loved ones. Govinda has been an iconic figure in Indian cinema and has brought joy to millions through his performances. We stand united in hoping for his quick return to good health, he said.

Mumbai police said they had started investigating what happened and had taken into possession Govindas firearm. They added that they will record Govindas statement once he is better, and speak to the people present at his residence when the incident occurred.

open image in gallery Govinda is known for his distinctive dance style and comedic timing ( AFP via Getty Images )

Govinda released a statement, saying: Namaste, pranam. I am Govinda. Thanks to your and my parents blessings and the grace of my guru, even though I was shot, the bullet has been removed. I thank the doctors here, especially Dr Garwal. Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Govindas daughter Tina Ahuja said: Im currently with papa (father) in the ICU. I cant talk much right now but I want to assure that papas health is much better now. After the bullet injury, papa underwent surgery, and it was successful. All tests have been conducted by doctors, and the reports are good.

Papa will remain in the ICU for at least 24 hours. After 24 hours, doctors will decide whether to keep papa in the ICU or not. Doctors are continuously monitoring papas condition; theres no need to worry, she told Indian news daily The Indian Express.

Govind Arun Ahuja, who goes by his stage name Govinda, debuted in 1986 in the film Love 86, but really found his footing in the 1990s. He became known for his distinctive dance style and comedic timing, and has been in more than 165 Hindi-language films.

In 1999, Govinda placed tenth in BBCs News Online poll to find the greatest star of stage or screen.

In 2004, Govinda joined the Congress party and was elected to the Lok Sabha from Mumbai, but joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena party shortly before the elections this year.
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A poet and author from an Indigenous community in India has refused a US-backed arts award in solidarity with Palestinians.

Jacinta Kerketta, 41, has refused the 2024 Room to Read Young Author Award, jointly awarded by USAID and Room to Read India Trust for her childrens poetry collection, Jirhul.

Room to Read India is an international nonprofit working in the areas of early-grade literacy, gender equality, and girls education.

As a poet, I want to show my solidarity with the children, women and victims of Palestine, she told The Independent.

I saw that Room to Read India Trust is also associated with Boeing for childrens education, she said.

In August last year, the then Indian minister of women and child development and minority affairs, Smriti Irani, announced the launch of two initiatives in Amethi, Uttar Pradesh, in partnership with Boeing. According to a Boeing India statement, the group was funding Room to Reads literacy programme, which was to be implemented in 60 primary schools over four years to nurture independent readers.

Boeing is said to be a key supplier of weapons to the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) and has a longstanding partnership with Israel.

Ms Kerketta said: When children were being killed in Palestine, Room to Read India Trust in India was collaborating with Boeing for better education of children. And Boeings relationship with Israel is linked to arms business.

How can the arms business and care for children continue simultaneously when the world of children is being destroyed by the same weapons? Because of these concerns, I have declined to accept this USAID-supported award, she said.

Ms Kerketta has written to both USAID and the Room to Read India Trust, declining the award and explaining her reasons for doing so.

More than 16,000 children have been killed in Gaza since Israel launched an all-out assault on the besieged territory on 7 October last year, triggered by Hamas-led attacks in southern Israel.

The outrageous death of children is almost historically unique. This is an extremely dark place in history, Bragi Gudbrandsson, vice chairperson of a UN committee said last month. I dont think we have seen before a violation that is so massive as weve seen in Gaza. These are extremely grave violations that we do not often see, he said.

open image in gallery Jacinta Kerketta from the Oraon Adivasi community in Jharkhand refused the US-backed award due to Room to Read India's ties with Boeing, a company linked to Israel ( Jacinta Kerketta / Instagram )

Ms Kerketta is a member of Jharkhands Oraon Adivasi community. She has authored seven other books, including Ishwar aur Bazar, Jacinta ki Diary, and Land of the Roots.

This is not the first time the Adivasi (Indigenous) writer has rejected an award for ethical reasons, having previously turned down an honour in solidarity with Adivasi struggles in the northeastern state of Manipur. This is coming at a time when the respect for the life of the tribals of Manipur is ending, she told Newslaundry at the time.

The respect for the life of the tribals in central India is disappearing as well, and people from other communities are also being attacked continuously in the global society. My mind remains distressed and I am not feeling any thrill or happiness with this acknowledgement.

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.

The book Ishwar aur Bazar is dedicated to the Dalit and Adivasi communities of Niyamgiri in Odisha, who have spent over a decade resisting bauxite mining in their region.

I see many people in India remain silent about the genocide in Palestine. Just as there is hatred for minorities within the country, similarly there is no sympathy for the people of Palestine. As a poet and writer, this also troubles me, Ms Kerketta told The Independent.

Her poetry collection, Jirhul, aims to raise socio-political awareness among children, drawing from Adivasi culture. It was published earlier this year by Jugnu Prakashan, the publishing arm of Iktara Trust, based in Bhopal, Madhya Pradesh.

The Independent has reached out to USAID, Boeing, and Room to Read India for comment.

According to the International Work Group for Indigenous Affairs (IWGIA), approximately 705 ethnic groups are classified as Scheduled Tribes in India. In central India, these groups are commonly referred to as Adivasis, a term that means original inhabitants or Indigenous Peoples.

With an estimated population of 104 million, Adivasis make up about 8.6 per cent of the total population.
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Protesting junior doctors in India have resumed their indefinite strike demanding better security for healthcare professionals following the rape and killing of a resident doctor at a prominent state-run hospital.

The protests erupted after a trainee doctor, 31, was found dead on 9 August at the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, the capital of the eastern state of West Bengal, during her 32-hour work shift. An autopsy confirmed sexual assault.

Thousands of people have staged protests every day in Kolkata since the murder demanding justice and better safety for healthcare workers. Doctors across the country joined the walkout, while smaller protests erupted in parts of India and other cities across the world.

open image in gallery Doctors stage protest in India ( Getty Images )

The West Bengal Junior Doctors Association on Tuesday placed a 10-fold demand in the front of the state government, calling for justice for the victim and better safety for doctors, as they announced resumption of their strike.

The junior doctors had rejoined their duties at government hospitals in September after 42 days of cease-work protests.

"We do not see any positive approach from the state government to fulfill our demands for safety and security. Today is the 52nd day of the protest and we are still being attacked," Aniket Mahato, one of the agitating junior doctors, told PTI news agency.

The announcement was made just days after doctors and nurses at another state-run hospital were assaulted by relatives of a patient after she died during treatment. At least six on-duty doctors and nurses were assaulted by a mob of around two dozen people following the 30-year-old patients death, the doctors alleged.

"Unless we see clear action from the state government on these demands, the 'cease work' will continue," Mr Mahato added.

open image in gallery Doctors carry placards and shout slogans as they participate in a protest against the rape and murder of a doctor inside a hospital in Kolkata ( Getty Images )

Other demands included appointing a new health secretary, creating task forces in medical colleges, deploying more women police in hospitals and investigating corruption in medical councils and recruitment boards.

The strike disrupted hospitals across the state, forcing patients to return from the emergency wards. The state health department said the senior doctors have been pressed into the inpatient and outpatient departments to compensate for the striking juniors.

The junior doctors also expressed their dissatisfaction over the Central Bureau of Investigation's (CBI) slow" probe into the rape and murder. The case was handed over to the federal investigative agency for transparency after the Kolkata police arrested a civic volunteer associated with the city police.

We have seen many times before that the CBI has been unable to reach any conclusions, allowing the real culprits of such incidents to go free due to delays in filing charges, the junior doctors forum said.

The medicos have called for a massive protest rally in Kolkata on Wednesday that coincided with the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi and the beginning of the 10-day-long Hindu festival of Durga Puja.
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An award-winning journalist known for his investigative reports on human trafficking has been arrested in Cambodia in a further blow to its press freedoms.

Mech Dara was travelling with his family from the coastal city of Sihanoukville to the capital Phnom Penh when authorities stopped his car and arrested him, the independent Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association (CamboJA) said in a statement.

Mr Dara was handed the Hero Award in 2023 by US secretary of state Antony Blinken for his investigations into massive scam compounds staffed mostly by trafficked workers in Cambodia.

He was arrested after sharing posts on social media about a rock quarry. Local officials claimed on Monday his work was an attempt to foment dissent in the country.

Mr Dara managed to send an SMS to Cambodian human rights group Licadho saying he was being arrested by military police before his phone was seized, spokesperson Am Sam Ath said.

We knew that he was arrested but we dont know where he was taken or the reason for his arrest, Am Sam Ath told AFP, adding that the military police had confirmed Dara's arrest without revealing the charges.

open image in gallery Cambodian freelance journalist Mech Dara in Siem Reap in 2021 ( Supplied )

A family member whom CamboJA did not name said Mr Daras car was stopped at a toll booth at the entrance to the expressway to the capital when police arrived in a military vehicle and five other cars.

The relative said the authorities cited an arrest warrant but did not show the document and asked the family members to stay inside the car while they seized Mr Daras phone.

A day before his arrest, the journalist had posted two images of an alleged quarry operation at a revered mountain Ba Phnom, which has a Buddhist pagoda, in the southeastern province of Prey Veng.

Prey Veng authorities called the now-deleted images fake news and accused him of wanting to cause social disorder or confusion, while calling for punishment.

Mr Dara previously worked as a journalist for the Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post, two formerly thriving English language newspapers forced to shut down under government pressure, and the Voice of Democracy radio station and website, which was closed by the government last year.

Every newsroom I work in gets silenced, he told the BBC after then Cambodian leader Hun Sen ordered the closure of Voice of Democracy last year.

Mr Dara is best known for his reports in the past few years about human trafficking connected to online scam operations.

The activity involves tricking people into signing up for what they believe are legitimate jobs in Cambodia, only for them then to be kept in virtual slavery in compounds often housing casinos as well, where they go online to target people around the world.

The US State Department was aware of reports of Mr Daras arrest, a spokesperson said, adding: We are following developments closely with great concern.

Cambodia has been the location of cyberscams that include pig butchering, a term that refers to gaining victims trust through dating apps or other sites and steering them toward bogus investments.

The Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders in its latest report ranked Cambodia 151st out of 180 in its international press freedom index.

Ten activists from prominent youth-led environmental group, Mother Nature, were sentenced to between six and eight years in jail on charges of plotting against the government.
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The impact a cancer diagnosis will have on your family is often one of peoples biggest worries.

Research by Macmillan Cancer Support found more than a third of people with cancer (35%) say the possibility of not being there for their family is one of their greatest fears, and around one in four (26%) are afraid of telling their children.

To mark Octobers Breast Cancer Awareness Month, Sally Kum, associate director of nursing and health information at Breast Cancer Now, says: For many people, telling their children they have breast cancer can be the conversation they worry about most, as it can be hard to know how to tell them.

Everyone will have their own way of approaching these conversations. Deciding how much to tell your children will vary according to your childs age, their understanding of cancer, and the background or culture of a family, she adds.

Even if children dont fully understand what youre telling them, evidence suggests theyre less frightened when theyre informed. Children need to feel they can trust their parents, and being honest with them helps them do that.

Sian Robinson-Brown, cancer information and support service knowledge specialist at Macmillan Cancer Support, says: Trying to protect children from difficult news is natural. People may have concerns that stop them from doing so.

See the first conversation as a starting point  its the beginning of an ongoing process of gradually giving your children small, relevant pieces of information and reassurance.

Here, the experts share more advice

1. Tell them yourself

Children usually cope better with difficult news if its given by someone they love and trust, and in a place where they feel comfortable, says Kum. However, asking someone you and your children both know well to be there when you break the news can be a vital source of support.

2. Plan what youre going to say

Its helpful to think in advance about what, and how, youre going to tell your children. Kum says: For some, it can be really helpful to discuss this beforehand with someone else, perhaps a partner or a friend.

3. Let their questions steer the conversation

Allow the conversation to be directed by your childrens reactions and the questions they ask, suggests Robinson-Brown: Have all the information you think you need and make sure you understand it. But its OK to say, I dont know the answer to that, but I can find out.

4. Listen and keep the conversation open

Ask questions that encourage children to express what theyre thinking, rather than one-word replies.

Find out what they know and explain anything theyve misunderstood, says Robinson-Brown. An example is that sometimes young children think you can catch cancer, like a cold. But be prepared for them to react in their own way, and ask them if theres anything else they want to know.

5. Be careful with language

Use simple, clear language and short sentences. Robinson-Brown says: Keep information relevant to the current situation, rather than things that may happen in the future. Youll need to use words your children will understand, but these will vary depending on their ages.

6. Remind them of the positives and practicalities

Kum says: Throughout any conversations, your children need to know everyones doing all they can to make you better, that you still love and care for them, and that there are things they can do to help.

Robinson-Brown adds: Explain how their lives may be affected, and that the diagnosis isnt their fault, nor did they cause it, and its important to reassure them theyre loved.

7. Talking to very young children

How you talk about cancer depends on your childs age, and Kum points out that children under six are unlikely to have much knowledge about it.

She says: Its best not to frighten them or overload them with information. For example, you may decide to tell them you have a bad lump in your breast (or whatever word you use for it) and that youre going to hospital to have it removed.As well as talking, you may want to show them whats happening using teddies or by drawing pictures. Books can also help to explain things and prompt questions.8. Talking to children aged over six years

If you have children at this age or above, try to find out what they know about cancer so you can correct any misunderstandings, advises Kum  for example, if they think everyone who has cancer will die.

Even if you dont like using the word cancer, its likely your children will know the word from other people or from the TV or internet, she says. They may understand more about it than you realise. A good place to start is to tell them whats happened and what you and the doctors are going to do about it. You can ask them what they want to know about your diagnosis or treatment and when they want to talk.

9. Talking to teenagers

Kum points out that teenagers may want more details about cancer and your treatment, although they may prefer to find out on their own. If so, guide them towards reliable sources of information, such as Breast Cancer Nows health information booklets or Macmillans cancer information pages.

They may feel torn between wanting to be there for you and dealing with their own lives or problems, adds Kum.

10. Tell teachers and other parents

It may be helpful to talk to your childrens teachers, so theyre aware of the situation. Kum adds: Your children may prefer to talk things over with their friends rather than with you, especially if theyre older. So, it can be helpful to talk with friends parents first.

Breast Cancer Now helpline: 0808 800 6000Macmillan Cancer Support line: 0808 808 0000
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An effort to expand Arkansas' medical marijuana program fell short of the required signatures and won't qualify for the November ballot, Secretary of State John Thurston said Monday.

Arkansans for Patient Access, the group behind the measure, said it planned to take legal action to appeal Thurston's decision.

Thurston said in a letter to the measure's sponsor that his office determined that only 88,040 of the signatures submitted by the group were valid, falling short of the 90,704 needed from registered voters to qualify for the ballot.

The medical marijuana proposal was aimed at expanding a measure that the states voters approved in 2016. It would have broadened the definition of medical professionals who can certify patients for medical cannabis, expanded qualifying conditions and made medical cannabis cards valid for three years.

Arkansans for Patient Access submitted more than 150,000 signatures in favor of the proposed amendment. The state told the group in July it had fallen short of the required number, but had qualified for an additional 30 days to circulate petitions.

The group said rejecting 20,000 of its signatures was due to an arbitrary, last-minute rule change.

The overwhelming support shown through the petition process proves that Arkansans want the opportunity to vote on expanded medical marijuana access, the group said in a statement. Arkansans for Patient Access will continue to fight for their right to make that decision at the ballot box this November.

The proposals rejection comes weeks after the state Supreme Court blocked a ballot measure that would have scaled back the states abortion ban.

The Family Council Action Committee, an opponent of the marijuana measure, praised Thurston for rejecting the signatures but said it expected the final decision would come from the state Supreme Court.

A measure this bad simply has no business being on the ballot, Family Council Executive Director Jerry Cox said in a statement.

About half of U.S. states allow recreational marijuana and a dozen more have legalized medical marijuana. Those numbers could grow after the November election. Voters in Florida, North Dakota and South Dakota will decide whether to legalize recreational marijuana for adults, and two medical marijuana proposals will be on Nebraska's ballot.
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Two students in Munich, sipping beers on their dormitory couch in 2022, chatted about a recent lecture describing the use of banana fibers in Colombia to make sustainable building materials.

Wouldn't it be great, the Technical University of Munich students joked, to do something similar with a local product here in Bavaria  perhaps with the waste from the region's famous hops?

The next day, they began researching. Within months, they'd launched a startup called HopfON  a play on Hopfen, the German word for hops  that's now scaling up from its lab models and pilot project to real-world products.

While HopfON's goal is to reduce waste created by the construction and beer industries by making products that use the leaves, spines and vines left over from the hops harvest, the Society of Hop Research in the heart of Bavaria is breeding new varieties that reduce the plant's excess from the beginning.

The figures surrounding waste are staggering. More than one-third of all waste generated in the European Union comes from the construction and demolition industry, according to an EU report published in January.

And when hops are harvested each fall in Germany's Hallertau region  the worlds largest hops-growing area that's about an hour north of Oktoberfest  for every 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of material inside the cones that can be used to brew beer, there are 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lbs.) of wasted biomass from the rest of the plant. That's a ratio that's roughly 20% usable product to 80% waste.

Some of the hops waste can be used for fertilizers, and a portion can be sold to biogas plants to produce energy. But the majority is unusable for farmers, who may be forced to rent additional farmland to dump piles of the waste away from their crops. The piles can ferment and emit greenhouse gases  and sometimes catch fire.

We saw a huge potential in sourcing locally and also using a waste stream that was neglected by basically most people," HopfON entrepreneur Mauricio Fleischer Acuna told The Associated Press.

HopfON seeks to reduce the construction industry's waste, and its planet-warming emissions, by limiting the need for finite resources through hops-made products. The startup has also launched a circular model where customers can return their products to be remade into new materials.

During the fall harvest, the team takes the fresh material from farms and dries it immediately, Fleischer Acuna said, then removes any impurities and recyclable metals. It's chopped up and separated out for a patent-pending process that uses binding agents already in the plant to turn the biomass into products like acoustic panels, thermal insulation and building boards.

A coworking space in the southwestern German city of Mannheim was the startup's first customer for the acoustic panels. A future plan is to make drywall alternatives.

Fleischer Acuna and his partners  Marlene Stechl and Thomas Rojas Sonderegger, the two students in the university dorm  also plan to widen their business to use other organic materials and will eventually change their name from HopfON to onmatter.

The trio is not the only group in Bavaria seeking to solve this problem. At the Society of Hop Research in Hull, researchers have developed new varieties of hops that are more sustainable and produce less waste. Managing Director Walter Konig says the new varieties mean that for every 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of cones, there are just 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms (2.6 to 3.1 lbs.) of waste.

Perhaps most importantly, Konig said the research did not sacrifice the hops' quality  meaning they ultimately retained the traditional taste that brewers, and beer lovers, want.

Its a very sophisticated thing to bring them all together for a new variety that smells good and that fits to the beers that we need, he added.

__

Pietro De Cristofaro contributed to this report.

__

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
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Voting in the final phase of the election to choose a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir began Tuesday in the first such vote since Prime Minister Narendra Modis government stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago.

Over 3.9 million residents are eligible to cast their votes to choose 40 lawmakers out of 415 candidates in the regions seven districts during the third  and last  phase of the election.

Its the first such vote in a decade and the first since Modis Hindu nationalist government scrapped the Muslim-majority regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

The unprecedented move downgraded and divided the former state into two centrally governed union territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir. Both are ruled directly by New Delhi through its appointed administrators along unelected bureaucrats and security setup. The move  which largely resonated in India and among Modi supporters  was mostly opposed in Kashmir as an assault on its identity and autonomy.

The region has since been on edge with civil liberties curbed and media gagged.

India and Pakistan each administer part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. The two nuclear-rivals have fought two of their three wars over the territory since they gained independence from the British colonial rule in 1947.

On Tuesday, thousands of armed government forces patrolled the voting districts and guarded over 5,000 polling stations.

In Jammu areas, tens of thousands of Pakistani Hindu refugees are voting for the first time in any regional election since their migration in 1947. The refugees, officially called as West Pakistan Refugees, have long been recognized as Indian citizens with voting rights in national elections. However, before 2019 changes, Kashmirs special status allowed only descendants from residents of the territory in 1934 to vote and own property.

Voting began Sept. 18 with about 61% turnout. In the second phase on last Wednesday, overall turnout was about 55%. There were no incidents reported from either phase.

Votes will be counted on Oct. 8, with results expected that day.

The multistage election will allow Kashmir to have its own truncated government and a local legislature, called an assembly, rather than being directly under New Delhis rule. However, there will be a limited transition of power from New Delhi to the 90-seat assembly as Kashmir will remain a Union Territory  directly controlled by the federal government  with Indias Parliament as its main legislator. Kashmirs statehood must be restored for the new government to have powers similar to other states of India.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
A group seeking to develop Bismarck's riverfront along the Missouri River has secured $3.9 million in federal funding to support tourism and economic growth, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced Monday.

The Economic Development Administration (EDA), an agency within the Department of Commerce, announced the grant -- adding the investment will be matched with $1.1 million in local funds to support improvements along the riverfront. The money was awarded to the Northern Plains Heritage Foundation.

The foundation is a nonprofit that operates the Northern Plains National Heritage Area, which encompasses five counties along an 80-mile stretch of the Missouri River in central North Dakota. Bismarck and Burleigh County's riverfront is included within this Congress-designated heritage area.

The federal grant will support infrastructure improvements aimed at attracting tourism and "diversifying the region's economy in an area affected by the declining use of coal," according to the EDA. The project is funded through the Assistance to Coal Communities initiative, which provides grants to help communities impacted by a decline in coal usage.

The agency estimates the project will create 211 jobs and generate $80 million in private investments.

The U.S. Economic Development Administration works closely with local communities to support place-based economic development, Acting Assistant Secretary of Commerce for Economic Development Cristina Killingsworth said in a statement. This project will support Bismarck in developing the Riverfront Park and Festival Grounds to grow tourism, create jobs and spur private investment.

Local project planners initially proposed a festival ground at Keelboat Park, which would be renamed "Bismarck Riverfront Park" -- along with an amphitheater immediately southwest of the MDU Resources Community Bowl, and a hotel between the Bismarck-Mandan Rail Bridge and Steamboat Park.

Project planners are now in the permitting process for the Bismarck Riverfront Park, with construction expected to begin next year, according to Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation Executive Director Aaron Barth. Other concepts, such as the amphitheater and hotel, are not being pursued by any developer at this time.

The festival grounds could feature a pedestrian bridge, public beach, boardwalk, removable bandshell, natural playground, dining hall, splashpad, restrooms, public art and an open lawn that could host community events. The boat ramp at Keelboat Park would be removed.

"The Riverfront Park is 110% publicly spirited -- and so that is what we focused on first, because it is the most publicly spirited component of the project," Barth said.

The project has an estimated cost of $10 million. Around $9.1 million in state and federal grants has been secured for the Bismarck Riverfront Park project so far. The rest will be covered by local donations and partnerships, according to AGL Architect Jake Axtman.

The state awarded the project a $4 million grant as part of a broader $25 million effort to boost tourism in North Dakota last November. Prior to this grant, the project received a $500,000 donation from the Bismarck-Mandan Convention and Visitors Bureau, and a $750,000 Sovereign Lands Water Recreation Grant through the states Parks and Recreation Department.

The idea for the riverfront development project has been in the works for over two years, but momentum grew last fall after the Bismarck City Commission voted to donate 4.4 acres of Keelboat Park land to the Fort Abraham Lincoln Foundation, a nonprofit that seeks to increase education and economic activity around the Missouri River. The land's value is around $2 million. The city and AGL Landscape Architects are also involved in planning.

"(The park will) be a visible, family centric park -- and not just for visitors, but for residents, for really anybody who wants to come visit the Missouri River and get up close as they possibly can," Barth said. "And it touches all the checkboxes too: it's tourism, it's livability in Bismarck. It's all the above." More details on the project can be found at www.bismarckriverfront.com.
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The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, a group of extremist settlers in the Israeli -occupied West Bank who attack Palestinians and their property.

In addition, the State Department placed diplomatic sanctions on two menIsraeli settler Eitan Yardeni, for his connection to violence targeting West Bank civilians and Avichai Suissa, the leader of Hashomer Yosh, a sanctioned group that brings young volunteers to settler farms across the territory, including small farming outposts that rights groups say are the primary drivers of settler violence across the territory.

The sanctions, which expose people to asset freezes and travel and visa bans, come as violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has exploded since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, following the deadly terrorist attacks of October 7th.

Palestinians report verbal and physical harassment, restriction of movement, and face intimidation by settlers circling their properties on motorbikes, cars or horses and spying via drones.

The Treasury Department said Hilltop Youth has carried out killings and mass arson, while rights groups and Palestinians say the group is behind price tag attacks  attacks on Palestinian villages in retaliation for perceived efforts to hamper settlement construction.

The group may prove difficult to effectively sanction, as it is loosely organized and decentralized. In addition, Israels finance minister has previously vowed to intervene on sanctioned settlers behalf.

In the past, sanctioned settlers have told the AP that the measures have had little impact on their finances.

Hilltop Youth has already faced sanctions from the EU and UK.

The Biden administration has been criticized for imposing relatively few sanctions on Israeli extremists. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, 27 extremists and entities have been sanctioned by the U.S. under President Joe Biden s February 2024 Executive Order related to maintaining West Bank stability.

The Treasury's Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said that the U.S. will continue to hold accountable the individuals, groups, and organizations that facilitate these hateful and destabilizing acts.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the actions of these individuals have contributed to creating an environment where violence and instability thrive. Their actions, collectively and individually, undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.

___

Associated Press writers Julia Frankel and Jack Jeffrey contributed to this report from Jerusalem.
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An armed rebel group in Congo generates around $300,000 a month in revenue through its control of a mining area in the east of the country, the U.N. Security Council heard.

In April, the M23  a rebel group with alleged links to Rwanda  seized the Rubaya mining area in eastern Congo, which holds deposits of a key mineral used in the production of smartphones and computers. Over 15% of the world's supply of tantalum, a rare metal extracted from coltan, comes from Rubaya, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security Council.

Unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer, Keita said.

Tantalum is among the minerals that was identified earlier this year in a letter from Congos government questioning Apple about the tech companys knowledge of blood minerals being smuggled in its supply chain.

The decadeslong conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for power, land and valuable mineral resources while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations. The violence has displaced some 6 million people in the country's east.

M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military group mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis that broke away from the Congolese army just over a decade ago. They staged a large offensive in 2012 and took over the provincial capital of Goma near the border with Rwanda, the same city they are threatening again.

Congo alleges that Rwanda has been involved in war crimes in the east and U.S. and U.N. experts accuse it of giving military backing to M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

In July, U.N. experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in eastern Congo alongside M23, which has been making major advances.

Last week, a regional court in East Africa opened proceedings in a case filed by Congo against Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congos sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to help rebels in the countrys east.
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Falling trees and raging floods from Hurricane Helene killed more than 150 people when it struck Florida late last week and then plowed through the Southeast as one of the deadliest storms in U.S. history.

People died in six states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia.

Among them were first responders who perished in wind-ravaged and rain-soaked communities, often while trying to help others. Not all were human: An eastern Tennessee police department lost a K-9 named Scotty to the rapidly rising floodwaters.

Here are some of the stories of the victims:

Two South Carolina firefighters killed by fallen tree

A veteran South Carolina fire chief and a young firefighter who was just starting his career died when their engine was struck by a falling tree, officials said.

A convoy on Tuesday led the bodies of Chad Satcher, 53, a 35-year-veteran, and Landon Bodie, 18, from a hospital to a funeral home in Saluda, a town of around 3,100 located about 80 miles (130 kilometers) southeast of Greenville.

We lost two dedicated members who loved their communities and neighbors enough to make the ultimate sacrifice, Saluda County Fire Services in a Facebook post.

Satcher and Bodie were responding to a building fire when the tree fell hit their truck.

Florida deputy who ran jail caught in floodwaters

Sheriffs Capt. Michelle Quintero, who ran Madison County jail, died while driving to work Sunday when a dam broke and she was caught in the floodwaters.

Quintero, 48, knew when she took the oath of office that she might one day have to give it all, said Sheriffs Deputy Chief Coy Phillips, her brother.

From the juveniles we house to the most hardcore inmate we had, everybody loved her. She was one of those people who treated everybody right. She treated everybody fair, Phillips said. It didnt matter who or what you were, she took care of everybody.

Phillips said he was left heartbroken: She was my everything.

North Carolina deputy swept away while on lunch break

A North Carolina deputy's truck was carried off by an overflowing river while he was on lunch break from his job as a courthouse security officer, according the Macon County Sheriffs Office.

The office received a call shortly before noon Friday about a truck sinking in the river with someone trapped inside, officials said.

Around the same time, officials realized that Deputy Jim Lau had not returned from lunch, and his truck matched description of the one in the river.

Rescue workers began searching that afternoon on foot and with drones, and several swift-water teams were called in. The search was suspended at sunset, but Laus body was found shortly after it resumed Saturday morning.

Jim was very liked and respected within our department, the sheriff's office said in a statement. He was known to be a hard worker, dependable, and he jumped in wherever help was needed.

The county is located about 140 miles east of Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Assistant fire chief in southern Georgia killed by tree that fell on truck

Vernon Leon Davis, a veteran firefighter of 30 years, died in Blackshear when a tree fell on his vehicle, officials said. He was 69.

Chief Davis is a hero who devoted his life to serving his fellow Georgians, state Attorney General Chris Carr said on social media.

Davis worked for years at the Ware State Prison before retiring as chief in charge of the facility's inmate firefighting team. He then was hired as assistant chief for the department in Blackshear, about 80 miles (130 kilometers) northwest of Jacksonville, Florida.

Leon loved helping his community any way he could and never let a chance to help someone slip past him, the funeral home where he was taken said on its website.

Great-grandfather and great-grandson die in a home in Georgia

Besides first responders, Helene also took the lives of members of the same family, as in the case of Stephen Donehoo, 72, and and Izaac Donehoo, his 10-year-old great-grandson. They were pronounced dead after a tree fell on a home in Augusta, according to Richmond County Coroner Mark Bowen.

Our family lost two wonderful souls to the storm, Michelle Donehoo, Stephens daughter and Izaacs grandmother, posted on Facebook. She posted a link to a GoFundMe to help with funeral expenses.

Sam Carlton said via Facebook that she lost her little nephew and Pops." She said Izaac would have been 11 in November and he grew up with her son.

Aaron grew up with his cousin Izaac ... and those of you who knew Steve knew how amazing his soul was, Carlton said.

___

Claudia Lauer in Philadelphia; Mike Schneider in Orlando, Florida; and Stephanie Matat in West Palm Beach, Florida, contributed to this report.
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Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers in southern Greece battled for a third day on Tuesday a large wildfire that has killed two people and devastated a large forested area.

The fire service said more than 400 firefighters, assisted by 20 waterbombing aircraft, were engaged against the blaze in the mountains of Corinthia in the Peloponnese region.

The authorities were optimistic that progress has been made as the main front of the blaze was out, leaving a large number of scattered fires. However, it remained unclear whether that success could be expanded on before winds whipped up and spread the blaze again.

Officials ordered that another village be evacuated as a precaution Tuesday, a day after half a dozen similar orders were issued. A major highway that was closed overnight as flames swept close was reopened on Tuesday.

The blaze destroyed a historic church in the mountains and reportedly damaged buildings outside the threatened villages, but the fire service was not immediately able to provide further details.

The two victims were identified as local residents who got trapped late Sunday by the fast-advancing blaze.

Greece, like other southern European countries, is plagued every summer by destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming. Over the past few months, the fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires.

This year's had been flagged as the most dangerous fire season in two decades after the countryside was left parched by a protracted drought and early summer heatwaves.

Still, Greece's big investments in extra water-bombing aircraft, warning drones and other equipment have led to most blazes being extinguished shortly after they broke out.
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Native Americans living on a remote Montana reservation filed a lawsuit against state and county officials Monday saying they dont have enough places to vote in person  the latest chapter in a decades-long struggle by tribes in the United States over equal voting opportunities.

The six members of the Fort Peck Reservation want satellite voting offices in their communities for late registration and to vote before Election Day without making long drives to a county courthouse.

The legal challenge, filed in state court, comes five weeks before the presidential election in a state with a a pivotal U.S. Senate race where the Republican candidate has made derogatory comments about Native Americans.

Native Americans were granted U.S. citizenship a century ago. Advocates say the right still doesn't always bring equal access to the ballot.

Many tribal members in rural western states live in far-flung communities with limited resources and transportation. That can make it hard to reach election offices, which in some cases are located off-reservation.

The plaintiffs in the Montana lawsuit reside in two small communities near the Canada border on the Fort Peck Reservation, home to the Assiniboine and Sioux tribes. Plaintiffs' attorney Cher Old Elk grew up in one of those communities, Frazer, Montana, where more than a third of people live below the poverty line and the per capita income is about $12,000, according to census data.

It's a 60-mile round trip from Frazer to the election office at the courthouse in Glasgow. Old Elk says that can force prospective voters into difficult choices.

It's not just the gas money; it's actually having a vehicle that runs, she said. "Is it food on my table, or is it the gas money to find a vehicle, to find a ride, to go to Glasgow to vote?"

The lawsuit asks a state judge for an order forcing Valley and Roosevelt counties and Secretary of State Christi Jacobson to create satellite election offices in Frazer and Poplar, Montana. They would be open during the same hours and on the same days as the county courthouses.

The plaintiffs requested satellite election offices from the counties earlier this year, the lawsuit says. Roosevelt County officials refused, while Valley County officials said budget constraints limited them to opening a satellite voting center for just one day.

Valley County Attorney Dylan Jensen said there were only two full-time employees in the Clerk and Recorder's Office that oversees elections, so staffing a satellite office would be problematic.

To do that for an extended period of time and still keep regular business going, it would be difficult, he said.

Roosevelt County Clerk and Recorder Tracy Miranda and a spokesperson for Jacobson did not immediately respond to messages seeking comment.

Prior efforts to secure Native American voting rights helped drive changes in recent years that expanded electoral access for tribal members in South Dakota and Nevada.

A 2012 federal lawsuit in Montana sought to establish satellite election offices on the Crow, Northern Cheyenne and Fort Belknap reservations. It was rejected by a judge, but the ruling was later set aside by an appeals court. In 2014, tribal members in the case reached a settlement with officials in several counties.

Monday's lawsuit said inequities continue on the Fort Peck Reservation, and that tribal members have never fully achieved equal voting since Montana was first organized as a territory in 1864 and Native Americans were excluded from its elections. Native voters in subsequent years continued to face barriers to registering and were sometimes stricken from voter rolls.

It's unfortunate we had to take a very aggressive step, to take this to court, but the counties aren't doing it. I don't know any other way," Old Elk said.
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Chinese scientists claimed a breakthrough reversal of a patients type 1 diabetes in a world-first procedure where she was injected with stem cells harvested from her own body.

In type 1 diabetes, some peoples own immune system starts attacking their pancreas, as early as from their childhood, damaging the islet cells responsible for making insulin.

Until now, any long-term cure for the condition has been via transplantation of a pancreas, and in the short term most type-1 diabetes patients rely on insulin injections to control blood sugar.

Emerging studies over the last decade have pointed to a potential cure using stem cells, which have the special ability to grow and differentiate into different types of cells.

Scientists previously developed a breakthrough procedure in which a type of stem cell, which can be nurtured and grown into any tissue, is used to replace tissues in the body.

Pancreatic islet with insulin-producing beta cells (in red) and beta cells showing signs of failure (in yellow and green) ( Lo Lab )

The new medical trial, described in the journal Cell last week, involved first extracting cells from a 25-year-old female patient from Tianjin, China, and reverting them to their unspecialised state.

These cells could then be programmed to grow into islet cells of the womans pancreas and injected into her abdomen.

In the latest attempt, researchers modified the standard procedure by exposing the stem cells to a group of molecules called transcription factors to facilitate their differentiation into islets.

They then injected 1.5 million of the islet cells they had grown into the patients abdomen.

Procedure outlined in study ( Shusen Wang et al., Cell (2024) )

About two and a half months later, clinicians found that the patient was producing enough of her own insulin.

The patient achieved sustained insulin independence starting 75 days post-transplantation, researchers wrote in the study.

Over a year, the procedure restored glycemic control in the patient, functionally reversing her type-1 diabetes, they said, adding that there was no indication of transplant-related abnormalities.

Understanding Diabetes Reversal: Can Diabetes Be Reversed? Will It Return?

Eric Topol, molecular medicine professor and director of the Scripps Research Translational Institute, called the medical trial an exciting advance in Type 1 diabetes.

First person to receive her own stem cells, reprogrammed with transcription factors, to reverse it! Dr Topol, who was not involved in the research, said in a post on X.

Procedure outcome outlined in study ( Shusen Wang et al., Cell (2024) )

However, researchers also cautioned that the patient had to be monitored for a longer duration to better validate the effectiveness of the method.

They say the patient was already receiving drugs to suppress her immunity due to a prior liver transplant.

It remains to be seen if the 25-year-olds immune system might attack her new islet cells again as it did to cause her type 1 diabetes in the first place.

Scientists called for further clinical studies assessing the benefits of stem cell transplantation in reversing type 1 diabetes.
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Watch again as Conservative leadership candidates Robert Jenrick and James Cleverly addressed the Tory party conference on Tuesday (1 October).

The address came as Mr Jenrick faced criticism from his own colleagues for doubling down on a claim that UK special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists.

The frontrunner to replace Rishi Sunak defended his assertion that the military is taking lethal action because of fears that European laws would free any detained assailants as absolutely correct.

Fellow contender Cleverly urged Jenrick to justify his statement.

The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, he said.

We have, I was about to say some of the most no, we have the most professional military in the world. Our military do not murder people.
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A police WhatsApp chat was filled with messages characterised by routine misogyny and casual racism as well as bullying remarks about colleagues and members of the public, a misconduct hearing was told.

Eight West Yorkshire Police officers based in Pudsey used the channel to exchange messages which included derogatory, offensive and discriminatory language.

They also shared photographs of death scenes, car crashes, missing people and detainees, a misconduct panel sitting in Bradford was told.

Setting out the case against the five officers and three former officers, barrister Olivia Checa-Dover told a hearing on Tuesday that they do not deny their involvement in the WhatsApp group.

She said that they will argue that what went on was an expression of dark humour, a vehicle through which they would process traumatic experiences, a forum in which to express themselves freely, seek support from their colleagues and provide support to others.

Ms Checa-Dover said: The validity of that excuse - or context, as they would say - is the central question.

She compared the behaviour of the officers to that routinely suffered by less popular school children but added this is usually ironed out in adulthood.

Serving officers Sgt Mark Otter, Pc Dominique Hawkins, Pc Javaid Habeeb, Pc Luke Riddett, and an officer referred to only as Pc X, all deny gross misconduct between July 2020 and September 2021.

Three other ex-constables - Tom Harrison, Matthew Harrison and Lee Hillyard - also deny gross misconduct but have resigned from the force.

Five serving West Yorkshire Police officers and three former officers deny gross gross misconduct over the WhatsApp messages ( PA Wire )

In one example, Ms Checa-Dover said that when discussing a member of the public referred to as Miss A, Pc X posted: Miss A on a bridge .... jump, jump, jump.

On another occasion, Ms Checa-Dover said that Pc Riddett posted a photo of an Asian detainee with a beard captioned: If you had to draw a terrorist. Replying to the post, PC Tom Harrison said: Racist.

When Pc Riddett said no its regional, Pc Tom Harrison posted two laughing face emojis.

The barrister said to the panel: Was this dark humour or outright racism?

She told the panel that in one conversation about going to a strip club Pc Tom Harrison mentioned a female officer, saying: You gonna strip too?

Cruel messages were also exchanged about photographs posted of an officer, referred to as Pc A, and his sister, the hearing heard.

Ms Checa-Dover said: The group variously joked that Pc A could not be blamed for his genetics and Pc Hillyard changed the group icon to a picture of PC A and his sister, and forwarded a mock-up of the film The Hills Have Eyes to include images of the two.

The barrister said to the panel: Was this a safe place for colleagues to seek support from their peers and provide support, or was it was a platform used to communicate mean-spirited bullying remarks about colleagues deemed not part of the group?

In one exchange, sexual comments were made about a female officer, the hearing was told. In response, Pc Riddett joked: Its not harassment if they say yes. Remember lads, 50 nos and 1 yes is still a yes.

Offensive and derogatory language was par-for-the-course in the WhatsApp group, a misconduct hearing was told ( PA Archive )

Ms Checa-Dover told the panel the eight officers engaged in conversations, via the exchange of messages, which were characterised by routine misogyny, casual racism, the proliferation of derogatory, offensive and discriminatory language, and mean-spirited and bullying remarks about colleagues and members of the public.

She said: The communications identified demonstrate that offensive and derogatory language was essentially par-for-the-course - not out of necessity to support each other but as part of a culture which saw resort to bullying and ostracization of those perceived as non-conforming or outside the group as acceptable.

She said officers also failed to challenge plainly offensive and discriminatory language and sentiments, which were often misogynistic, racist and, in cases, transphobic.

Such conduct risks undermining trust between the public and West Yorkshire Police, and the police more generally.

The misconduct hearing is expected to last two weeks.
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A 14-year-old schoolgirl suffered potentially life-changing injuries and two others were hurt in a suspected acid attack.

Police have launched a manhunt after the people, including a teacher, were wounded in the attack outside Westminster Academy in central London at 4.45pm on Monday.

Two police officers, who were among the first to the scene, were also taken to hospital after saying they felt unwell.

Police patrol outside the academy ( Supplied )

A 27-year-old woman, believed to be a teacher who helped the victim, has since been discharged, while a schoolboy, 16, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing remains in hospital.

Police are hunting a suspect described as a tall, slim, Black male, wearing dark clothing with his face obscured, possibly by a mask or balaclava. He fled the scene on an e-scooter.

The academy was shut on Tuesday morning with police patrolling outside. Staff were seen through the windows conducting meetings inside.

A pharmacist who works nearby said: We saw police rushing to the scene. Then lots of people running away from where it happened. They were all gathering by the school entrance after. It is so sad. We thought it was a stabbing then we heard it was an acid attack.

You need to put cold water on as soon as possible when that happens. It is horrific.

Westminster Academy is closed today after the attack ( The Independent )

Another parent living in a home overlooking the scene said: I saw so many ambulances, fire brigade, everything. I go to church and pray for my kids every day even when they go to school.

DCI Dean Purvis, who is leading the investigation, said: Officers were on routine patrol when they were flagged down to this terrible incident.

From our enquiries so far we believe the two young victims were on Alfred Road when they were approached by a lone suspect who threw a substance at them before fleeing down Harrow Road.

A member of staff bravely and selflessly rushed to provide first aid to the two victims, sustaining injuries herself in the process. Fortunately she has now left hospital.

The two teenage victims  a girl and a boy - remain in hospital. For the 14-year-old girl, we might not know for some time how severe her injuries are but at this time they are being treated as life-changing.

I know how incredibly concerning this incident is to parents and pupils and the wider Westminster community. We are in close contact with the school and local authority, and I can assure people that a thorough investigation is well underway, and that my officers will not stop until the suspect is found and arrested.

If you have information that can help us, it is imperative that you tell us immediately.

The area at the time was busy with people and cars. I am particularly interested in hearing from anyone who might have captured dash cam footage that can help us establish what happened.

DCI Purvis added: I would like to acknowledge the incredible bravery of all the emergency services who responded, including our London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade colleagues.

Two officers were taken to hospital as a precaution after they reported feeling unwell.

I am happy to update that they are both well and have left hospital, and we will continue to look after their welfare.

Local Jamal Elmi likened the scene to a warzone ( The Independent )

Jamal Elmi said he was walking past the scene earlier in the day.

He said: I had walked past before, earlier when the kids were coming out as usual and it was peaceful.

I came back an hour later and it was like a warzone.

There were police and ambulances, fire engines - everything was all sealed off.

Then I realised it was an acid attack and a teacher was involved.

Its actually lucky that more people werent hurt if it was an hour earlier it was so busy.

A Met police spokesperson said: Police on patrol were flagged down at 16:42hrs on Monday, 30 September by staff at a school in Alfred Road W2 after a substance was allegedly thrown at pupils and a staff member.

Officers responded with paramedics and the London Fire Brigade and found three people injured.

A 16-year-old boy, whose injuries are not life-threatening or life-changing. He remains in hospital.

A 27-year-old woman  whose condition is not life-threatening or life-changing has been discharged from hospital. A 14-year-old girl, whose injuries may potentially be life-changing. She remains in hospital.

Scotland Yard said tests of the substance are ongoing, adding: At this stage officers believe it to be acidic. Urgent enquiries are underway to identify and arrest those responsible.

Headteacher Numera Anwar said: One pupil, a teacher and a member of the public have been injured in an incident outside the school building on the main road involving an acid-like corrosive substance.

This was a distressing incident which took place after school hours when students and staff were leaving the school site. We are offering support to families and relatives of all involved.

This is a difficult time for our community and I took the decision to close the school today to allow for a thorough investigation and to ensure the school can resume normally from tomorrow with all safety measures in place, such as additional patrols from local police officers.

She said that she plans to reopen the school tomorrow.

Leader of Westminster City Council, Cllr Adam Hug, described the attack as truly shocking.

The council has been in touch with Westminster Academy and we will provide educational psychologists and any other support to help children through what is a traumatic ordeal, he said.

Our thoughts are with all those who have been affected.

Clearly this attack will be unsettling for the whole Academy and the wider community, and we will be working with police to provide reassurance and whatever support we can. We would urge anyone with information about what has happened to contact the police.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information that could help police, should call 101 ref CAD 4987/30 Sept.

To remain 100% anonymous contact the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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British universities have urged the government to reintroduce EU student exchanges which were halted after Brexit, such as the Erasmus programme.

A new report from Universities UK, an organisation which advocates for 141 universities across the country, said Sir Keir Starmers government should strongly consider the case to rejoin the scheme, cancelled under Boris Johnson.

The Erasmus+ programme provided British university students with funding from the government for education, training and sport in a host EU country, in an exchange scheme with a student from a European university.

More than 10,000 UK university students participated in the scheme in 2018. The government spent around 120m funding the programme that year.

Under Mr Johnsons premiership, Erasmus+ was cancelled as it wasnt considered value for money. It was replaced by the Turing Scheme, a mobility programme that encompasses the entire world  although it does not generally include money for inbound students, making exchanges more difficult.

Vivienne Stern, chief executive of Universities UK, said the organisation really regrets the recent loss of flow of European students into the UK. However, the organisation also said it is determined not to provoke a return to the toxic Brexit row over migration.

Under Boris Johnsons premiership, Erasmus+ was cancelled as it wasnt considered value for money ( Reuters )

Its not in our interest for the government to end up caught in a kind of toxic debate about immigration domestically, because in the end that is going to hurt us badly if it drives the government to be clamping down on immigration in other ways, Ms Stern told The Guardian.

The report also found while the Turing Scheme has made good progress in widening access for disadvantaged students, it has failed to replicate important components that are key to the success of Erasmus+.

It is important that the UK develops the global awareness, understanding and competencies that allow it to play a full and proper role globally, the report added.

This is not just nice to have. In an increasingly polarised and unstable world, the UK should be investing in its capacity to engage with other countries at every level. International experience might also be deployed strategically to create the conditions for stronger future export potential among UK companies.

It comes as Sir Keir prepares for his first bilateral meeting with the European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, on Wednesday.

The Independent understands the prime minister is still open to agreeing a deal on free movement for young people  but does not want to give away his negotiating hand too early  as he prepares a three pillar blueprint to reset the relationship with the EU in painstaking talks.

Sir Keir will meet European Commission president Ursula von der Leyen for his first bilateral meeting on Wednesday ( Reuters )

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, a visa allowing young people to live and work in the UK, has become a symbolic issue for those who claim that Sir Keir is not being ambitious enough with his EU relationship reset.

While the prime minister has told The Independent that he is very serious about the reset, pro-EU activists in groups such as the European Movement and sources in Brussels have questioned whether the government wants to achieve much change.

The Department for Education has confirmed the Turing Scheme will continue for a fourth year. The department said it is engaging with schools, colleges and universities to deliver new opportunities for students across the UK.
Six medical professionals from North Dakota deployed to North Carolina on Tuesday to help people and communities recover in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, state officials announced.

Five nurses and one paramedic with the North Dakota Medical Reserve Corps were sent after North Carolina requested help through the Emergency Management Assistance Compact (EMAC), a nationwide mutual aid system that allows the sharing of resources across state lines during emergencies or disasters, the state's Department of Emergency Services said in a statement.

"North Dakota stands with those impacted by the devastating forces of Hurricane Helene, just as other states have helped our state during past floods and other crises," Gov. Doug Burgum, who approved the EMAC request, said in the statement.

"Our hearts go out to the families who have lost loved ones, and we pray for the safety of the individuals who are still missing and those struggling to recover from this deadly storm," he said. "We are deeply grateful to those deploying to help these storm victims in their time of need."

The team, four of whom are deploying from Bismarck, will provide health and medical assistance to North Carolina residents who are in shelters, according to Juli Sickler, director of emergency preparedness and response for the state's Department of Health and Human Services.

"Their assistance allows us to send top health care professionals to a state so desperately in need," Sickler said.

The damage

Nearly 150 people across six states have been confirmed dead in the hurricane -- thought to be one of the deadliest in U.S. history -- ravaging through the southeastern part of the country. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane in Florida's Big Bend area on Thursday night, before traveling north through Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina and then toward Tennessee and Virginia.

A White House official said Monday that as many as 600 people were not accounted for, adding that some could be dead.

North Carolina was one of the hardest-hit areas, with nearly half of the reported deaths across six states from the storm recorded in the state. It is unknown what the damages from the multistate storm could total but estimates are in the billions.

President Joe Biden is set to visit the devastation in the area on Wednesday.

(The Associated Press contributed to this story.)
 Close Prince Harry laughs as young boy pulls his beard at WellChild awards in London

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King Charles is set to temporarily pause his cancer treatment while taking part in a high-profile overseas visit after getting the go-ahead from doctors, according to reports.

The monarch, 75, who will make the nine-day visit with Queen Camilla, was first diagnosed with an undisclosed form of cancer earlier this year after a routine procedure to treat an enlarged prostate.

It is understood that the monarch will continue his treatment upon his return from Australia and Samoa, following 11 days of travelling, The Mirror reports.

Planned engagements for the trip include a visit to the Australian War Memorial and a fleet review of the Royal Australian Navy at Sydney Harbour.

Meanwhile, the Duchess of Sussex, 43, has debuted a new look during a surprise appearance at a childrens hospital in Los Angeles over the weekend.

Meghan, 43, stepped out at the Childrens Hospital Los Angeles 2024 Gala on Saturday (3 October) in a red dress she previously wore to the New York Salute to Freedom Gala in 2021.

She paired the dress with a never-before-seen beach waves hairstyle  typically achieved by letting hair dry into its natural curls.

The Independent has reached out to Buckingham Palace for comment.
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The police have dropped a probe into a leading academic who referred to former GB News presenter Calvin Robinson as a house N***o, The Independent has learned.

West Midlands Police officers visited Professor Kehinde Andrews at his Birmingham home on 4 September and then invited him to a voluntary interview, under threat of arrest.

The investigation followed a string of cases where Black and Asian people have faced prosecution for hate crimes after using specific language to criticise other people from ethnic minority communities for alleged compliance with oppressive agendas.

In a video posted online in June, the academic argued that terms such as house N***o, Uncle Tom, coconut and c**n are vital expressions of Black political thought that should be celebrated and not policed.

However, the academics description of Mr Robinson prompted the right-wing commentator to complain to West Midlands Police, as first reported by The Independent last month.

The day after Prof Andrews interview with the police, officers decided that no further action would be taken.

The decision has been made to NFA [no further action] Mr Kehinde Andrews, said police correspondence, seen by The Independent.

Speaking to The Independent, Prof Andrews described the probe as a circus and said he is far from jubilant about this outcome.

The police finally seeing sense in my case is no cause for celebration, he said.

Being threatened with arrest, and having to explain my intellectual work in a police station was punishment enough.

I know people who are now more wary of speaking out because of the way that I have been treated, which has always been one of the reasons for this policing of Black political thought.

As I was sitting in the station with three police officers and a solicitor I couldn't help think of the spectacular waste of public money the whole circus was. My case being taken no further also does not mean that others won't be persecuted in the future so it is important to mobilise when the next cases arise.

A prepared statement by the academic, who is Europes first and only professor of Black Studies, was read out during the police interview in which he declared that everyone involved in this process should be embarrassed.

Months before being thrust into this West Midlands Police probe, the professor was approached by the Metropolitan Police as a qualified expert for advice in the highly contested case of Marieha Hussain, a British Asian woman charged with a hate crime over a satirical coconuts placard which, the academic says, reflects his credentials in the area of anti-racism.

It is frankly astounding that the very same expertise is now subject to criminal investigation by West Midlands Police, the statement reads.

I should stress that my mainstream credentials are not the primary reason that this interview is ridiculous.

Whether I was a professor or unemployed, the notion that the concept of House N***o can be equated with a racial slur punishable as a criminal offence is utterly ludicrous.

The police and the courts are already the brutal face of racism, with continued disproportionate arrests and incarceration, Prof Andrews added.

If, and this is a big if, the criminal justice system is serious about being an anti-racist institution then a small step in the right direction would be to discontinue the dangerous practice of criminalising our political expression.

West Midlands Police did not respond to The Independents numerous requests for comment.

Calvin Robinson declined to comment when approached.

This comes as Marieha Hussain was cleared of racially aggravated public order offence after holding a placard at a pro-Palestine protest depicting Rishi Sunak and Suella Braverman as coconuts.

She has since made complaints to the Crown Prosecution Service and police watchdog, with lawyers arguing that the Metropolitan Police and CPS failed inexcusably in their respective responsibilities, seriously undermined the exercise of free speech and exposed Ms Hussain to irreparable harm.
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New rules have today come into force stopping bosses and businesses from withholding tips from their staff.

Firms including restaurants, pubs, hairdressers and taxi operators are set to be impacted by the new law requiring 100% of tips to be shared between employees from Tuesday.

However, hospitality industry bosses have cautioned that the move could hit under-pressure businesses with an additional cost.

The law means that tips must be passed to employees by the end of the following month from when they were received.

It has said that distribution of these tips must be fair, in line with a government code of practice published earlier this year.

Agency workers will also be entitled to the tips as part of the rules.

From Tuesday, if an employer breaks the law and retains tips, a worker will be able to bring a claim to an employment tribunal.

It comes eight years after a Government report first suggested the policy could be introduced following a review.

This came after a raft of companies, particularly casual dining restaurants, came under criticism over their tips policies.

Pizza Express and Giraffe were accused of abusing a voluntary code of conduct, while Wahaca was criticised for deductions on certain employees tips, although these have all since changed their policies.

A woman passes a branch of Pizza Express in London ( PA Archive )

The Department for Business and Trade predicted that the new law will mean a further 200 million will be received by workers rather than their employers.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of industry body UKHospitality, said: The people working in hospitality are the lifeblood of our sector and these changes rightly ensure tips hard-earned through excellent service will end up entirely in their pockets.

We completely support the changes coming into effect today, which will formalise what is already commonplace in the sector as businesses have been preparing for this legislation for a number of years.

New rules naturally come with an administrative burden and businesses will see some additional cost as they work through them in practice.

Its another example of costs being placed on a sector that can least afford it, and we continue to urge the Chancellor to bring down hospitalitys cost burden at the Budget, primarily through taking action to avoid the billion-pound business rates bombshell set to hit the sector next year when relief ends.

Justin Madders, minister for employment rights, said: This is just the first step of many in protecting workers and placing them at the heart of our economy.

We will be introducing further measures on tipping to ensure workers get their fair share of tips.

Andrew Tighe, director of strategy and policy at the British Beer and Pub Association (BBPA) said: This new framework will introduce a level playing field for all businesses, ensuring that those who were not already passing on all tips to their staff will now be required to.

A greater degree of consistency and transparency when dispersing tips will benefit both existing and new staff alike.

Unite general secretary Sharon Graham said: The new legislation gives workers the tools to fight bad bosses who would unfairly deduct their tips.
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WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has spoken in public for the first time since being released from prison after he struck a deal with the United States.

He travelled from Australia to Strasbourg to address a human rights committee (Pace) of the Council of Europe, which has said in a report that he was a political prisoner.

He described his cell in Belmarsh Prison, where he was held for several years as he fought extradition to the US, as a dungeon.

He apologised for his faltering address, saying he is still trying to adjust after years of isolation had taken its toll.

Legal action against Mr Assange started in 2010 after hundreds of thousands of leaked documents about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were published.

Mr Assange, accompanied by his wife Stella and WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnssson, said: Justice for me is now precluded as the US government insisted in writing into its plea agreement that I cannot file a case at the European Court of Human Rights or even a Freedom of Information Act request over what it did to me as a result of its extradition request.

I want to be totally clear: I am not free today because the system worked.

I am free today (after) years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.

I pled guilty to seeking information from a source.

I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source, and I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was.

I did not plead guilty to anything else.

Journalism is not a crime Julian Assange

I hope my testimony today can serve to highlight the weakness, the weaknesses of the existing safeguards, and to help those whose cases are less visible, but who are equally vulnerable.

Mr Assange said he is still adjusting to being freed and having to cope with things like the spooky sound of electric cars.

He said freedom of expression is at a dark crossroads.

The criminalisation of news-gathering activities is a threat to investigative journalism everywhere. I was formally convicted by a foreign power for asking for, and receiving and publishing, truthful information about that power while I was in Europe.

The fundamental issue is simple  journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime.

Mr Assange told the committee he was a political prisoner, saying: The political basis for the US governments retributive acts against me was in relation to publishing the truth about what the US government had done. Then, in a formal legal sense, once the US proceeded with its legal retribution, it used the Espionage Act, a classic political offence.

I would just like to thank all the people who have fought for my liberation and who have understood, importantly, that my liberation was coupled to their own liberation Julian Assange

In a question and answer session with members of the committee, Mr Assange said the extradition treaty between the UK and UK was one-sided, adding: Nine times as many people are extradited to the US from the UK than the other way around.

Protection for US citizens being extradited to the UK is stronger.

Mr Assange was given a standing ovation by committee members at the end of the 90-minute session.

He closed his remarks by saying: In 2010 I was living in Paris. I went to the United Kingdom and never came back  until now. Its good to be back.

Its good to be amongst people who, as we say its good to be amongst friends.

I would just like to thank all the people who have fought for my liberation and who have understood, importantly, that my liberation was coupled to their own liberation, and that when one of us falls through the cracks, soon enough, those cracks will widen and take the rest of us down.

Keep up the fight.
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Albanian opposition lawmakers violently disrupted a Parliament session Monday to protest the imprisonment of a fellow legislator for alleged slander.

The conservative Democratic Party of Albania has long accused the ruling Socialist Party of usurping all the powers, including the judiciary, and staged violent protests against the government since 2013.

Democrats shoved microphones off tables, hurled objects at the seats of the Parliament's speaker and government ministers and burned chairs, saying Ervin Salianji's prison sentence was politically motivated. They have also called for protests they say will block the capital, Tirana, starting next week.

In 2018, Salianji demanded the resignation of the Socialist Partys then-governing interior minister Fatmir Xhafaj after a video circulated where two men claimed his brother was involved in illegal activities. The files and recordings they offered turned out to be fabricated and they have since fled the country.

Salianji was accused of slander and last week the appeals court confirmed his sentence of a year in prison. He has to petition the supreme court to appeal the verdict while in jail.

Parliament Speaker Elisa Spiropali of the left-wing ruling party said the burning of chairs was a sign of "disrespect of the citizens, the law and the institutions of the democratic state.

Democrats' leader Sali Berisha, who is under house arrest on corruption charges, said the protest was the start of the oppositions battle to reclaim power ahead of next years parliamentary election.

Technical Cabinet. Free elections. Rotation. Opposition's victory, Berisha said, citing his party's demands while speaking from his apartment's window in downtown Tirana where a small group of supporters gather every night.

The opposition has been harshly divided after Berisha and his family members were barred from entering the United States in 2021 and the United Kingdom in 2022 because of alleged involvement in corruption. The opposition lawmaker has denied the accusations repeatedly, saying Prime Minister Edi Rama was behind them, without providing evidence.

The Socialists have 73 lawmakers in the 140-member chamber and easily pass almost all draft laws.

Post-communist Albania has struggled to fight corruption, which has impeded the countrys democratic, economic and social development.

Albania has launched full membership negotiations with the European Union in 2020.

___

Follow Llazar Semini at https://twitter.com/lsemini
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One of Boris Johnsons most outspoken Conservative critics has called on the party to ban those who put personal ambition above public duty from becoming Tory MPs.

Ex-Tory minister Jesse Norman warns the party risks an even bigger defeat at the next election unless it takes "drastic remedial action".

Among his proposals designed to win back voters trust is a refusal to allow anyone to stand as a Tory at the next election without a proven track record of "meaningful public service.

Jesse Norman said the Tories should not stand candidates without a track record of public service ( PA Media )

Hereford MP Mr Norman has issued a rallying cry for the Tory Party to get back to "real conservative values, and show it is serious and competent" and devoted to the public good.

He opposes the "creeping presidential" style of prime ministers, says there should be no more referendums and is critical of "bogus claims to represent the will of the people.

Mr Norman was among the senior Conservatives who called for Mr Johnson to resign as prime minister in 2022.

In a public letter to Mr Johnson at the time, Mr Norman accused him of trying to import a presidential system into No 10" and "casual law-breaking" over the Downing Street Partygate scandal.

The letter contains distinct echoes of his new manifesto for a Tory revival.

Mr Norman was also a fierce critic of the decision to hold the 2016 EU referendum, when ex-journalist Mr Johnson claimed his successful Brexit campaign with its take back control" slogan was the will of the people".

In an article for the Conservative-supporting Onward think tank Mr Norman states that "far from bouncing back", the Conservatives could be "wiped out altogether" in the next election.

To avoid this, it must introduce "intellectual and practical" changes to restore its "core values, authenticity and legitimacy.

Jesse Norman railed against politicians claiming to represent the will of the people ( Reuters )

It must "earn a measure of trust and belief, to show it is serious, competent and oriented towards the public good.

Mr Norman, 62, who does not refer to Mr Johnson or any other current Tory figure by name, questions how during the Brexit debate some Conservative leaders" claimed to have represented the will of the people".

Such a claim taken literally, is invariably bogus," he says.

It was part of a "dangerous attempt to win by emotion what may not be winnable by calm discussion.

According to Mr Norman, being a "real Conservative" means avoiding slogans and seeking to dial down public emotions, not inflame them.

Mr Norman, who supported Mr Johnson when he became prime minister and was a Treasury minister in his government, calls for two specific tests" for parliamentary candidates.

They must prove they have already "made a meaningful commitment to public service. The Independent understands this could include those who have been local councillors, done voluntary work or served in the Armed Forces. If candidates failed either test they should not be allowed to stand at the next election.

Mr Norman also urges Tory supporters to re-examine some of their traditional attitudes, adding: "Conservatives will naturally and rightly rejoice at the achievements of great heroes from Elizabeth I to Winston Churchill."

But they could not "ignore the many histories of British discrimination, domination and injustice to others.

Mr Normans letter calling for Johnson to resign as PM in 2022 said: "I have always been deeply committed to public service. You have presided over a culture of casual law-breaking at 10 Downing Street in relation to Covid.

"You are the leader of the Conservative and Unionist party, yet you are putting the Union gravely at risk. Sensible planning has been replaced by empty rhetoric.

"Worse still: you are trying to import elements of a presidential system entirely foreign to our constitution.

"All these things are at odds with a decent, proper conservatism, integrity and the public good. For you to prolong this charade by remaining in office insults the electorate."
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Kemi Badenoch has sparked backlash after joking 50,000 civil servants were so bad at their jobs they should be jailed, claiming they undermine ministers and leak official secrets.

Speaking on the fringes of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham, Ms Badenoch drew laughter from the audience as she said five to 10 per cent of government department staff should be in prison.

In a stinging attack on the workforce, she described some as very, very bad.

With more than 500,000 people employed full time in the civil service as of March 2024, five to 10 per cent would amount to between 25,000 to 50,000 staff members.

In response, a spokesperson for the Public and Commercial Services (PCS) union - the largest trade union representing civil servants in the UK - accused the Tory leadership contender of continuing a personal feud after she was accused of bullying members of staff earlier this year, claims she dismissed.

( REUTERS )

At the event hosted by The Spectator magazine, Ms Badenoch said: I think that civil servants are like everybody else. They come in to do a job and I would say about 10 per cent of them are absolutely magnificent.

The trick to being a good minister is to find the good ones quickly, bring them close and try and get the bad ones out of your department as quickly as possible.

There is about 5 per cent to 10 per cent of them who are very, very bad. You know, should be in prison bad, she added.

Leaking official secrets, undermining their ministers  agitating. I had some of it in my department, usually union-led, but most of them actually want to do a good job. And the good ones are very frustrated by the bad ones.

Responding to her remarks, the PCS spokesperson said: Kemi Badenoch just cant let it lie, can she? When she was in power she was accused of bullying civil servants.

Now shes out of power shes continuing her personal feud against them, many of whom are our members.

This is a below the belt attack on hard-working civil servants who cant answer back.

We wont stand for our members being used as vote fodder for the Tory Party leadership election.

Maybe Badenoch should reflect on her words, the way she treats civil servants and why the Tories lost the General Election.

In July, the former Cabinet minister was alleged to have created an intimidating atmosphere at the Department of Business and Trade in a report by the Guardian newspaper.

Sources claimed Ms Badenoch was responsible for behaviour that traumatised staff, leading at least three of them to leave their jobs in the department.

But she dismissed the accusations as smears, claiming they originated from former staff who I sacked after they were accused of bullying behaviour, lying about other colleagues to cover up their own failures and general gross incompetence.
 Close Sue Gray quits: Defence secretary says Labour cabinet is most unified hes ever served in

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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.

British sovereignty on the Falkland Islands, Gibraltar and the sovereign base areas, is not up for negotiation. The situations are not comparable.

He added: This is a historic moment, a victory for diplomacy. We saved the base. We secured Britains national interest for the long term.

It comes as 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 and minimise suffering on the ground, as he urged Israel to renew efforts for a ceasefire and called for more relief for civilians.
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A new survey commissioned by a right-wing think tank has suggested that 53 per cent of Conservative Party members would support a merger with Reform UK.

A huge 70 per cent said they would want a closer relationship with Nigel Farages party, the survey showed.

The poll, conducted between 23-27 September, surveyed 470 Tory members. It was carried out by the right-wing Popular Conservatism (PopCon) organisation, which was founded by Liz Truss, the shortest-serving prime minister in British history.

Annunziata Rees-Mogg, PopCons head of communications and a former Brexit Party MEP, said: Every Conservative activist and canvasser knows people who had been Tories, but voted Reform UK in July.

Nigel Farages party won five seats and 4 million votes at the last election ( AFP/Getty )

It is no surprise our panellists understand that the next leader of the party needs to take action to bring many like-minded voters back to the Tories.

Almost three-quarters want a relationship with Reform in order to unite the right.

Ms Rees-Moggs brother Sir Jacob, a former Conservative cabinet minister who lost his seat to Labour at the last election, has called for the Tories to strike an electoral pact with the smaller party.

Like Mr Farage, Sir Jacob is a presenter on GB News and has been close to the Reform leader for many years. He was part of an effort to woo Mr Farage at last years Tory conference.

Speaking on the fringes of the Conservative Party Conference in Birmingham on Monday, he suggested the Tories should stand aside in nearly 100 seats where Reform came second to Labour at the last election.

Reform UK won five seats and 4 million votes at the last general election.

Sir Jacob called for his party to make a big and generous offer in a bid to unite the right.

Speaking about his partys defeat at the last general election, the former MP said: What if we were to say at the next election, as we did to the liberal unionists, we will not oppose Reform in those 98 seats?

I think it would help us, it will help them. And we will not win if we do not reunite.

The Tory party, which is in the throes of a leadership contest, won 244 fewer seats at the last general election than in 2019.

Pollster Sir John Curtice said the party must think of strategies that enable them to deal with smaller parties.

The Conservatives cannot now afford to ignore the smaller parties. For the time being, it looks like were much closer to multi-party politics, he said at an event on the fringes of the conference on Sunday.
Most things in life are only as good as their foundation. Houses, ice cream sundaes, sand castles  marketing teams.

Its true. A good marketing team structure is what helps you weather the storm when youre facing the pressure to grow marketing revenue  all while keeping headcount to a minimum.

Not to toot our own horn, but HubSpots marketing team is pretty dang good.

Since weve cracked the code, Im here to help you pick a team structure thats built for growth and give you the tools to make the most out of your first (or next) marketing hire.

Table of Contents

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What is a marketing team? A marketing team is a group of professionals within a company who work together to create visibility around a brand. Multiple teams typically exist within marketing, specializing in areas such as content marketing, social media, product marketing, marketing operations, and growth marketing.

But what do we do, exactly? Ah yes, the age-old question we as marketers try to answer any time someone asks what we do for a living.

What does a marketing department do? The marketing department is responsible for generating brand awareness, promoting products and services, and driving growth for the business. Common tasks include brand and campaign management, producing marketing collateral and materials, creating written and multimedia content, conducting customer and market research, and collaborating with the sales department to bring leads into the business.

At HubSpot, were essentially a bunch of marketers who market marketing software to other marketers. Its a little bigger than that, but you get it.

What size should my marketing team be?

The size of your marketing team will depend on the size of your business.

When I worked for a small consulting firm of about 100 people, our marketing team consisted of about eight of us.

Now that I work at HubSpot with 7,000+ employees, you can probably imagine the proportion of marketers we have spread across functions.

As a general reference point:

Less than 25 employees = one kick-ass marketer

= one kick-ass marketer 25 to 49 employees = about three marketers

= about three marketers 50249 employees = about eight marketers

= about eight marketers 250+ employees = about 30 to 100+ marketers

But your marketing team size will also be informed by your goals and your budget.

If I had a cupcake business (big sweet treat fan over here) and I wanted to increase leads from TikTok, Id focus on hiring more social media specialists.

And as a consumer packaged goods company, Id aim to spend about 25% of my revenue on marketing based on the average marketing budgets by industry.

Then, Id have to break that down further to determine where hiring fits into my overall marketing spend.

The bottom line: Ill always argue quality over quantity. The quantity will come as you scale, but youll need to establish a high-quality structure from the start to support it.

How to Structure a Marketing Department

So, I cant tell you exactly how to structure your marketing department. There are way too many factors to consider.

But what I can do is outline three of the most common types of structures: by function, by discipline, and by product.

1. Marketing Department Structure by Function

Best for: SMBs (5 to 100 employees) with a marketing team of one who wears many hats and small teams that have limited headcount, resources, budget, and bandwidth.

The functional department structure is similar to that of a bare-bones agency and includes the pillars of taking a campaign from ideation to completion.

A team like this may be made up of a few full-time folks, part-time people, or it could be staffed completely by contractors.

Common teams within marketing departments that are structured by function include:

Operations

Creative

Project management

2. Marketing Department Structure by Discipline

Best for: Midsized companies (100 to 1,000 employees) where marketing owns a revenue number and is responsible for driving leads and contributing to the pipeline of the business.

Marketing departments that are structured by discipline are the most common.

These teams will collaborate to execute campaigns frequently throughout the year in order to hit the company's revenue goals.

Common teams within marketing departments that are structured by discipline include:

Social media

Content marketing

Product

Search engine optimization (SEO)

Website

3. Marketing Department Structure by Product

Best for: Enterprise businesses (1,000+ employees) with predictable revenue patterns that don't need to run frequent, stand-alone marketing campaigns to generate business.

This marketing department structure organizes marketing teams by product.

If you have a proven marketing system in place to generate demand for the business, you can leverage a product-style marketing structure to grow in new, innovative ways.

Global teams may also appreciate this structure because it reduces role redundancy across regions and gives hiring managers an opportunity to recruit talent globally.

Common teams within marketing departments that are structured by product include:

Brand

Growth

Acquisition

Media

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Types of Marketing Teams

I mentioned the marketing department structure by discipline is the most common structure, so Ill break down some of the most common teams in that category.

Social Media

Your social media team will create and execute social media marketing efforts.

This team will need to have knowledge of how to make engaging content to drive brand awareness, generate leads, and connect with audiences.

Potential roles: Head Account Manager, Social Media Specialist, Content Creator, Social Media Analyst

Skills needed: Content creation, graphic design, social media management, project management, data analytics, and storytelling

General responsibilities:

Create, schedule, and measure the performance of social content

Develop social media images and videos using tools like Canva or Adobe

Using social media management tools to track success

Responding to customers who engage through social media tags or posts.

Making the most of your social media team structure:

SMBs: Your dedicated marketing team member should have a general comfortability with basic marketing practices and social media experience to build an online presence.

Your dedicated marketing team member should have a general comfortability with basic marketing practices and social media experience to build an online presence. Midsized businesses: If you can afford multiple marketing roles, start specializing in marketing functions like social media manager, which can be its own role.

If you can afford multiple marketing roles, start specializing in marketing functions like social media manager, which can be its own role. Enterprise businesses: Consider structuring your social media team by having specialists and managers to lead and oversee social media strategy, as well as roles for day-to-day social media activities.

Pro tip: To help small teams, social media management software provides marketers with the tools they need to execute an entire social media strategy, such as the tools within HubSpot's Marketing Hub.

Content Marketing

Your content creators (read: me) will be the ones making sure your brand has enough content to tell a cohesive, compelling story. The content they produce will be useful in every facet of your marketing functions, from video to blog posts.

Potential roles: Head of Content, Video Producer, Staff Writer, Content Creator, Jr. Content Creator

Skills needed: Writing, editing, organization, graphic design, project management, SEO, HTML, and storytelling

General responsibilities:

Create and edit content like blog posts, social media, and ebooks

Product high-quality multimedia assets like podcasts, videos, and webinars

Collaborate with creative teams and ensure messaging consistency across materials

Making the most of your content team structure:

SMBs: Your content creation team might also be your social media and product team, so make sure they have good organization and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment.

Your content creation team might also be your social media and product team, so make sure they have good organization and time-management skills in a fast-paced environment. Midsized businesses: Take the time to hire a content creator who understands the story of your brand and brand voice.

Take the time to hire a content creator who understands the story of your brand and brand voice. Enterprise businesses: Larger companies hiring for a content creation team can hire by skill or by the needs of other teams. For example, social media agencies need content creators for every client or group of clients.

Product

The product team communicates the features and benefits of your product to the customer. They'll organize and drive the messages of a product and how it connects to your brand and your target audience.

Potential roles: Brand Specialist, Product Marketing Specialist

Skills needed: Research, analysis, strategic planning, cross-functionality, writing, customer service, a creative problem-solving mindset, technical knowledge, pricing strategy, and solving for the customer

General responsibilities:

Identify target audiences to communicate with through product pages and ad copy

Plan campaigns for new and existing products or services

Build product pages and strategize product promotion

Research, analyze metrics, use that knowledge to plan future campaigns

Demonstrate a deep understanding of overall marketing functions

Making the most of your product team structure:

SMBs: The product marketer you hire as a small business owner is likely your only marketer, so hire someone with a background or demonstrated knowledge in writing, presenting marketing, and business.

The product marketer you hire as a small business owner is likely your only marketer, so hire someone with a background or demonstrated knowledge in writing, presenting marketing, and business. Midsized and enterprise businesses: Consider hiring product marketers by product stack (e.g., phones for a tech company) or by speciality (e.g., a role based solely on developing copy or producing strategy).

Search Engine Optimization

The SEO team will mainly be driving traffic to your webpages by optimizing content and ensuring your brand is ranking on the SERPs for topics related to your product or service.

To accomplish these goals, you need people with strong technical, programming, and writing skills.

Potential roles: SEO Strategist, Senior SEO Strategist, Historical Optimization Writer

Skills needed: Writing, editing, problem-solving, experience with programming and technical thinking, analytics, spreadsheets, drive, and the ability to adapt

General responsibilities:

Write, edit, and proofread content

Optimize content for search engines and key audiences

Conduct keyword research and identity ranking opportunities

Analyze content performance to inform future keyword strategies

Making the most of your SEO team structure:

SMBs: Make sure your SEO functions are being carried out by someone who has an understanding of analytics, optimizing content for search engines, and keyword research.

Make sure your SEO functions are being carried out by someone who has an understanding of analytics, optimizing content for search engines, and keyword research. Midsized businesses: Consider hiring for different specialties within SEO like historical optimization, link-building management, and raising webpage traffic.

Consider hiring for different specialties within SEO like historical optimization, link-building management, and raising webpage traffic. Enterprise businesses: Consider hiring managers who are SEO experts that can offer seasoned advice to other team members and manage multiple SEO projects at once.

Website

Of course, any business needs a website. And as your company grows, you may find the need to hire someone full-time to maintain your website.

This team will be responsible for all things dot com, so you should hire a creative proficient in web design, web strategy, and optimization.

Potential roles: Web Developer, Senior Web Developer, UX/UI Designer, Front-end Web Developer, Web Designer, Visual UX Developer, Graphic Design Specialist

Skills needed: Programming, Creative Suite programs, interpersonal communication, website and email design, UX orientation, content management software, understanding of web standards and best practices, and SEO

General responsibilities:

Demonstrate a mastery of programming and web design

Develop new web pages and refresh existing content

Build new web experiences and refine customer touchpoints

Improve user experience across the website

Serve as the point of contact for web-related issues

Making the most of your website team structure:

Businesses of all sizes: Id recommend structuring your web design by need. If you can afford to build out an entire team, you can start hiring Senior Web Developers to bring your site up to current standards and maintain it.

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Other Types of Marketing Teams

Heres a quick and dirty rundown of the other types of teams I called out in the function and product structure categories.

Operations

Your operations team is responsible for managing the technical aspects of your marketing efforts. They'll maintain the tech stack, handle marketing automation, manage email marketing workflows, and schedule and produce webinars.

Skills needed: Workflows, automation, written and verbal communication skills, problem-solving, team-building

Creative

The creative team is in charge of what your clients or customers see when they come across your brand. This team will take on graphic design, copywriting, video production, and some web design.

Skills needed: Graphic design, written communication, video production, photography, copywriting, front-end web design

Project Management

To keep everything on schedule, within budget, and within scope, the project management team will step in. The individuals in this role will typically coordinate with both operations and creative in order to keep things moving.

Skills needed: Organization, project management, agile framework, budgeting, time management, written and verbal communication

Brand

Your brand team knows everything about your business and distills it in such a way that potential, new, and existing customers can relate to it and external entities can appreciate it.

Skills needed: Strategic thinking, written and verbal communication, creativity, copywriting, social media management, customer journey mapping, and buyer journey mapping

Growth

Your growth marketing team is responsible for generating demand and leads for the business either in existing or new markets.

Skills needed: Content marketing, content strategy, SEO, copywriting, web design, UI/UX design, and HTML

Acquisition

Your acquisition team will be made up of people who live and breathe methods for delighting the customer through every step of their buyers journey. Youll look to your acquisition-ers to secure leads and fill the pipeline for sales.

Skills needed: Conversion rate optimization, UI / UX design, HTML, content development, content design, and data analysis

Media

Your media team should encompass many of the functions listed above, but it does so with an emphasis on the audience experience. Your media team understands that media products are best built when your brand has a strong foothold in the market.

Skills needed: Video production, video editing, public speaking, creative writing, research, data analysis, and journalism

Common Marketing Team Roles

Any successful marketing department structure needs a leadership and individual contributor hierarchy.

How deep or wide you choose to organize your team is up to you, but here are the primary roles you can expect to see in any marketing team.

Marketing People Leader Roles

Chief Marketing Officer (CMO): Decision maker, owns the vision and champions the team culture. Reports to the CEO.

Decision maker, owns the vision and champions the team culture. Reports to the CEO. Vice President (V P) of Marketing : Sets the strategy for the marketing department at a high level. Reports to the CMO.

Sets the strategy for the marketing department at a high level. Reports to the CMO. Director of Marketing: Sometimes referred to as the Head of Marketing. Puts the strategy from the VP into an actionable plan that managers can rally their teams around.

Sometimes referred to as the Head of Marketing. Puts the strategy from the VP into an actionable plan that managers can rally their teams around. Marketing Manager: People leaders on the front lines who manage individual contributors and are responsible for guiding their team toward meeting the goals of the larger strategy.

Marketing Individual Contributor Roles

Marketing Consultant: Typically an expert in a specific discipline like SEO or content creation. They are hired as a freelancer, contractor, or even on a part-time basis to help marketing teams reach their goals.

Typically an expert in a specific discipline like SEO or content creation. They are hired as a freelancer, contractor, or even on a part-time basis to help marketing teams reach their goals. Principal Marketer : Highest-level full-time roles an individual contributor can attain in their career. Masters of their discipline rather than a jack of all trades.

Highest-level full-time roles an individual contributor can attain in their career. Masters of their discipline rather than a jack of all trades. Senior Marketer: Actively honing their skills in a specific discipline, but may take on projects with a wider scope to build other soft and hard skills.

Actively honing their skills in a specific discipline, but may take on projects with a wider scope to build other soft and hard skills. Marketing Specialist : Plays more of a generalist role on the team. Encouraged to explore marketing disciplines to gain an understanding of how tactics work together to achieve the strategy.

Plays more of a generalist role on the team. Encouraged to explore marketing disciplines to gain an understanding of how tactics work together to achieve the strategy. Marketing Coordinator or Associate : Entry level position for recent graduates or new marketing professionals who want to change careers. They'll take on ad-hoc assignments in various marketing departments and begin to build relationships with more senior team members.

Entry level position for recent graduates or new marketing professionals who want to change careers. They'll take on ad-hoc assignments in various marketing departments and begin to build relationships with more senior team members. Marketing Intern: Temporary employee that is completing a degree of some kind, usually in an area of marketing or communications. May be offered a full-time position as a marketing associate or coordinator upon graduation.

How to Build a Marketing Team

Now that weve covered marketing team sizes, department structures, and common roles, its time to dive into what youve all been waiting for  the how.

1. Create a hiring strategy.

Start here: Before you can hire anyone, you need to put a strategy in place for building your marketing team. To do this, youll need a clear understanding of your organizations hierarchy.

Youll also need to consider the needs of the business.

Are there specific areas where you need additional support? Maybe you have a social media specialist thats great at the day-to-day, but you need someone at the manager level to really drive your strategy.

Are there any gaps in your marketing department? If youre focused on bringing in leads but dont have a dedicated acquisition expert, this is your opportunity to bring one on.

More often than not, hiring without a strategy leads to redundancy and role confusion.

2. Write the job descriptions.

Once you nail down your strategy, its time to write the job descriptions and begin recruiting.

Luckily, we have an entire post dedicated to job description best practices.

However, I believe the most important way to write a good job description is to make sure you have a clear understanding of your target candidate.

Ive written several marketing job descriptions in the past, and this understanding always mapped back to the needs our team identified in step one.

Once you know who youre looking to hire, this will make it easier to create a job description thats concise, realistic, and free of any bias.

3. Source candidates.

Before you begin recruiting candidates from external sources, try looking for interest internally first.

Internal candidates give you an opportunity to help an employee progress their career. Plus, it saves you time and resources that you'd otherwise spend looking for external talent.

If you've exhausted your internal talent pool or you need a more specialized skill set, there are several resources available to make this happen.

You can look to recruiters, headhunters, and candidate sources to help with the search. You can also browse candidate collectives or private membership groups like Black Marketers Association of America to list your job posting.

LinkedIn is also a great place for sourcing and vetting candidates. Why not work with your mutual connections to find your next great hire?

Im sure youve seen the #OpenToWork and #Hiring photo frames by now. Read here to see if they actually work.

4. Extend an offer.

There's a lot of discourse about how to interview for top marketing talent. How many interviews are too many? How do you know which candidate is the right fit? How long should the process take?

We know that can be a challenge for small and large companies alike, so use this free resource to understand what you need to ask to evaluate your candidates objectively.

Once you're ready to extend an offer, consider all the variables: their experience, their interview performance, their formal marketing training (courses, degrees, certifications), and any special skills that will help round out your team.

Use this information to craft a fair offer that aligns what they bring to the table with what the market demands.

Be prepared for negotiations and questions about commonly overlooked benefits like insurance, on-call responsibilities, and professional development allowances.

5. Onboard your new hires.

After youve done the hiring, you arent done building a great team. The work continues long after the offer letter is signed.

Create or refine your onboarding process so it helps your new employees understand the business, the team culture, and their role. Both parties (you and the new hire) should feel like they made the right decision by joining the company.

Plus, research shows that organizations with strong onboarding processes increase new hire retention by 82% and improve productivity by 70%. Win.

One Step Closer to Your Marketing Dream Team

Hiring the best talent will require knowing the best skills for each role. Even if you only have the capacity to hire for one or two marketing roles right now, it's a good idea to invest in people with the potential to grow into new roles in the future.

When you start with the right structure for your business type, put the right steps in place for hiring, and get the team aligned on a common vision, you'll have a marketing team that will make even the Fortune 100 companies jealous.

Editor's note: This post was originally published in November 2014 and has been updated for comprehensiveness.
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The four candidates for Tory leadership have abandoned the centre ground as they embark on a right-wing arms race to win over the party faithful.

On the second day of the Conservative Party conference in Birmingham, Robert Jenrick ramped up his anti-migration rhetoric, Tom Tugendhat said he doesnt accept the term climate emergency, Kemi Badenoch re-emphasised her support for family values following a row over maternity pay, while James Cleverly waded in on trans issues.

The four candidates are parading themselves in front of party members at their annual conference  attending leadership hustings, Q&A sessions, fringe events, and drinks receptions  in what has been described as a beauty contest to shore up support.

The rightward turn came despite a warning from former prime minister Theresa May that the party must not try to be like Nigel Farage and to remember it lost more seats to the Liberal Democrats. She urged the candidates to try to win back the centre ground but her appeal appears to have fallen on deaf ears.

The four candidates are parading themselves in front of party members in order to shore up support in the leadership race ( Getty/PA )

At a rally on the fringes of the conference on Monday, Mr Jenrick told supporters the party must decide to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR) or die, warning that remaining in the convention means subjecting our people to dangerous criminals on our streets.

Our party doesnt have a future if it fails to fix this problem, Mr Jenrick warned.

Ms Badenoch continued to wade through the fallout from her claim that maternity pay in the UK is excessive after backtracking on the remarks on Sunday, saying of course she does believe in maternity pay.

On Monday, she went further, warning that people in Britain are scared to have families.

Throwing her weight behind the family unit, the former women and equalities minister said: We should find a way to make life easier for those who are starting families and not act like families are an inconvenience.

Speaking at a Conservative Womens Organisation event, she said people need to talk about families like  the amazing thing that they are, that having a family is probably the most meaningful thing that any of us are ever going to do.

Mr Tugendhat, meanwhile, said he doesnt accept the term climate emergency, dubbing Ed Milibands plan to establish a publicly owned clean energy company as completely insane.

Tom Tugendhat took questions on the Conservative Party conference main stage ( PA Wire )

Speaking on the main conference stage, the leadership contender said Mr Milibands policies are going to destroy Britain, adding: Every single project hes got is designed to make electricity and power more expensive, harder to get and to make us more vulnerable to foreign dictators.

The former security minister has been seen as the flag bearer for the One Nation group on the left of the Tories but has used his campaign to pivot heavily to the right suggesting that he would leave the ECHR like Jenrick.

Addressing Mr Milibands energy reforms, he told Tory members: His project on GB energy is utter rubbish. Hes creating a public sector energy to compete against the private sector and therefore make bills more expensive. Its completely insane.

Asked if he accepts the term climate emergency, Mr Tugendhat said: I dont accept that term. What I think is that we need to make sure that we are getting energy independence and energy sovereignty back.

James Cleverly was asked his opinion on teenagers socially transitioning without their parents knowledge ( Getty )

Meanwhile, Mr Cleverly warned that children should not be allowed to dictate their gender identity to adults, instead saying adults were meant to teach children about the world, as their brains are not yet fully developed.

The former minister compared the slow biological development of humans brains with deer, which he said are pretty much ready to rock and roll within hours of birth.

Asked his opinion on teenagers socially transitioning without their parents knowledge at an event on the fringes of the conference, he said childhood, adolescence and puberty is really confusing, hard and difficult for most people.

The Braintree MP added: I clearly missed the memo when we collectively decided that children dictate to adults and adults dont teach children, because that strikes me as a bit of a recipe for disaster.

We know, and this is not a criticism, it is just a statement of biological fact, human children are born with not fully developed brains.

It is how we get an animal with a very large skull through the pelvic bone of a woman.
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A porridge brand has been taken off shelves in South Africa after the deaths of three children.

Namib Mills, a Namibian food company, said it was investigating after the deaths of the children in Eastern Cape in South Africa, all of whom had reportedly eaten its Top Score Instant Porridge.

Police spokesperson Lt Col Siphokazi Mawisa told the South African newspaper The Daily Maverick that the three children, aged between 18 months and four years, complained of stomach ache after consuming the Top Score Instant Porridge before they died on Friday.

However, the exact cause of death is not yet known.

Authorities visited the supermarket that reportedly sold the instant porridge, temporarily shutting it down and seizing all batches of the product. Samples will be forwarded to the National Health Laboratory Services (NHLS) for microbiological and chemical testing.

Marne Bouwer, a senior brand manager at Namib Mills, expressed sorrow over the incident and extended condolences to the families affected. First and foremost, the loss of life, especially of young children, is a tragedy, and our deepest condolences go out to the families and communities affected.

She also added that while there is currently no evidence linking our product to this unfortunate event, we are taking the matter very seriously.

The company also said that it was initiating an internal investigation to ensure complete transparency.

Ms Bouwer said: This is a proactive measure, reflecting our commitment to consumer safety. We are cooperating fully with all relevant authorities and have also initiated our own internal investigation to ensure complete transparency.

The Citizen newspaper reported that the children died from suspected food poisoning after consuming the instant porridge. The report added that a fourth child, aged 7, was discharged in stable condition, with additional tests planned for further assessment.

The products were bought from a branch of Spar, an international supermarket chain, in the Eastern Cape. Spar also confirmed that they have removed the item from sale and are cooperating with the police investigation.

A statement from Spar says that all stock of the product at Spars distribution centres in South Africa has been identified and put on hold pending the investigations results.
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A Catholic hospital in Northern California is facing a lawsuit by the states attorney general after it reportedly refused to perform an abortion on a woman whose pregnancy was not viable and whose life was in danger.

Anna Nusslock was already in severe crisis when she and her husband Daniel arrived last February at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, according to the suit, which AG Rob Bonta filed Monday in Humboldt County Superior Court. A doctor examined Nusslock, who was 15 weeks pregnant with twins, and told her they would not survive, the suit explains.

Without a dilation and evacuation procedure, or, what is commonly known as an abortion, Nusslock was also at risk of death, the complaint contends.

However, it goes on, Providence refused to allow Annas doctors to treat her, as the hospitals policies prohibited them from terminating a pregnancy so long as they could detect fetal heart tones. The only exception was if the mothers life was at immediate risk, a high threshold that Anna apparently did not yet reach. Only at some poorly defined point in the future, when Anna was close enough to death, would Providence permit her doctors to intervene. Until then, Anna and her physicians could do nothing but wait, worry, and hope.

Anna Nusslock was already in severe crisis when she and her husband Daniel arrived last February at Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, California. But, doctors refused to provide an abortion, a lawsuit contends. The abortion debate has been raging across the country since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade ( AFP via Getty Images )

Painted into a corner, the Nusslocks were forced to drive to a nearby facility that was not bound by religious restriction  but not before a nurse at Providence handed them a bucket and some towels in case something happens in the car.

Twenty minutes later, Nusslock was rushed into surgery at Mad River Community Hospital, where doctors saved her life.

Bereft of the twins Nusslock and her husband had been hoping for, she is now mired in grief, according to the complaint.

In a statement issued Monday to coincide with the filing of the lawsuit, Bonta said California is the beacon of hope for many trying to access abortion care following the Supreme Courts repeal of Roe v. Wade, which guaranteed a womans right to terminate a pregnancy. Yet, Bonta said, It is damning that here in California, where abortion care is a constitutional right, we have a hospital implementing a policy thats reminiscent of heartbeat laws in extremist red states At the California Department of Justice, we will use the full force of this office to hold accountable those who, like Providence, are breaking the law.

A Providence spokesperson said in an email on Monday evening to The Independent that it is deeply committed to the health and wellness of women and pregnant patients and provides emergency services to all who walk through our doors in accordance with state and federal law.

We are heartbroken over Dr. Nusslocks experience earlier this year, the statement said. This morning was the first Providence had heard of the California attorney generals lawsuit, and we are currently reviewing the filings to understand what is being alleged. Because this case is in active litigation and due to patient confidentiality, we cannot comment on the matter. As part of our pledge to delivering safe, high-quality care, we review every event that may not have met our patient needs or expectations to understand what happened and take appropriate steps to meet those needs and expectations for every patient we encounter.

California provides a vital backstop for women unable to access abortion care in their home states, AG Rob Bonta said ( Copyright 2022 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Providence violated Californias Emergency Services Law, the Unruh Civil Rights Act, and the Unfair Competition Law, according to Mondays lawsuit. It says the three combine to create a crucial backstop ensuring continued abortion-related healthcare services are available to women while the federal rules surrounding access to the procedure remain uncertain.

Bonta on Monday moved for a preliminary injunction that would prevent hospitals from denying women prompt abortion care. His office called this especially critical because Mad River Community Hospital next month will be shuttering its labor and delivery unit, leaving Providence as the only provider offering these services in the entire county.

As Bontas statement says, The next person in Annas situation will face an agonizing choice of risking a multi-hour drive to another hospital or waiting until they are close enough to death for Providence to intervene.
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Former President Jimmy Carter turned 100 years old on Tuesday, making him the longest living person to hold the nations highest office.

At the time of his birth in Plains, Georgia in 1924, Calvin Coolidge was in office as the US was grappling with the effects of prohibition. The Great Depression hadnt happened yet.

Carters life would coincide with several other significant moments in the countrys history. The completion of the Empire State Building, World War II, the Korean War and the first hydrogen bomb test all happened within his storied lifetime.

Carter has also lived at the same time as an astonishing 17 presidents, which we have listed below.

US President Ronald Reagan, behind podium, shakes hands with former President Richard Nixon as former presidents Gerald Ford, left, and Jimmy Carter, right, look on at the White House in Washington DC in 1981 ( Associated Press )

William Howard Taft (term, 1909 to 1913): Though not president at the time of Carters birth, Taft served as chief justice of the US Supreme Court from 1921 to 1930, becoming the only Commander In Chief to hold that seat.

Calvin Coolidge (term, 1923 to 1929): Coolidge had been in office for a year at the time of Carters birth.

Herbert Hoover (term, 1929 to 1933): Hoover was elected president when Carter was four. He died in 1964 at the age of 90, 13 years before Carter would enter office.

Franklin D Roosevelt (term, 1933 to 1945): Roosevelt served a historic four terms as president. He died in office in 1945.

Harry S Truman (term, 1945 to 1953): As vice president under Roosevelt, Truman continued the late presidents fourth term following his death. He would have been the first president to hear of Carter, who had recently started his political career.

Dwight D Eisenhower (term, 1953 to 1961): The only president to be awarded a five-star military rank while alive. Prior to becoming president, Eisenhower served as a US Army general, leading the landings at Normandy during World War II.

John F Kennedy (term, 1961 to 1963): Despite the two never meeting, Carter paid tribute to Kennedy while opening the library which bares his name in 1979. He said: Kennedy was very much a man of his own time...he embodied the ideals of a generation as few public figures have ever done in the history of the Earth. He summoned our Nation out of complacency, and he set it on a path of excitement and hope.

Lyndon B Johnson (term, 1963 to 1969): Johnson, who served as vice president under Kennedy, carried out the remainder of the late presidents term after his assassination. Johnson was the last president to not see Carter elected, dying in 1973.

Five presidents attend former President Richard Nixons funeral in Yorba Linda, California in 1994 ( AFP via Getty Images )
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A former Dallas police officer who was convicted of killing a Black man after she mistook his apartment for her own six years ago is now eligible for parole.

Amber Guyger was still in uniform when she walked up to Botham Jeans apartment  which was on the fourth floor, directly above hers on the third  and found the door unlocked.

Jean, an accountant from the Caribbean island nation of St. Lucia, had been eating a bowl of ice cream when Guyger entered his home and fatally shot him. He was unarmed.

Guyger was found guilty in 2019 and sentenced to 10 years in prison.

On Sunday, on what would have been Jeans 33rd birthday, Guyger qualified for parole having served five years of her sentence, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Amber Guyger is serving a 10-year sentence for murder ( The Dallas Morning News )

Bothams mother, Allison Jean, believes Guyger should serve her entire prison sentence.

Shes caused my family tremendous, tremendous hurt, tremendous pain. She ought to remain where she is, Jean said.

She needs to serve her entire 10-year term, which is well below a sentence that one receives for murder. Murder of an innocent man in the comfort of his home, doing nothing wrong.

The September 2018 shooting sparked protests around the city.

At the time, Guyger told authorities she confused Bothams apartment for her own. Even though she had a body camera on at the time, it was not recording, because she was off duty.

In 2019, Guyger was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison. She appealed the conviction but lost her appeal two years ago.

Botham Jean was shot in his own home in September 2018 ( Facebook )

Former parole officer and University of Texas Arlington professor Zerita Hall explained to CBS News what happens when she goes before the parole board.

Theres a panel of people, theyll ask her questions about how she has changed and what she thinks about all these things, Hall said, adding that theres a chance that Guyger may not appear in person.

Hall said letters from Bothams family would be considered during the hearing.

This man was murdered, Hall said. He was killed in his own home. So I would imagine letters of support for her staying in prison would probably be pouring in.
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Sean Diddy Combs has made yet another bid for freedom ahead of his sex trafficking and racketeering trial.

On Monday, the rappers lawyers submitted a notice of appeal to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals asking the court to overturn Judge Andrew Carters decision to keep him locked up in the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, while he awaits trial.

In the filing, Anthony Ricco and Alexandra Shapiro  Mr Combss latest additions to his legal team  said the music mogul had promised to ban women from entering his home, undergo weekly drug tests, and to not meet anyone considered a witness or co-conspirator if his release on bail is granted.

No women other than Mr Combss mother and the mothers of his children would be allowed at his home, the bail appeal says.

The fresh appeal comes off the back of two failed bids to be released ahead of his trial.

Mr Combss legal team previously put together a $50m bail package, which included the surrender of his passport and putting him under 24-hour surveillance.

However, the judge denied it, siding with the prosecution that the 54-year-old is a flight risk and a danger to the community.

For nearly a year, Mr Combs has faced a series of civil lawsuits accusing him of sexual abuse, rape and misconduct.

Diddys legal team has appealed the decision to keep him locked up before trial ( AP )

In March, federal agents raided two of the rappers homes in Los Angeles and Miami.

Then, last month, he was charged with sex trafficking, racketeering and transportation to engage in prostitution after a federal grand jury in New York returned an indictment against him.

In the indictment unsealed on September 17, federal prosecutors allege Mr Combs and his associates threatened, abused and coerced women and others around him to fulfil his sexual desires.

That allegedly includes forcing victims into engaging in recorded sexual activity referred to as freak offs.

Mr Combs has pleaded not guilty to the charges.

During his first hearing, his attorney called him an innocent man with nothing to hide, claiming he had been cooperating with federal authorities and voluntarily relocated to New York in anticipation of his arrest.

As the hip-hop musician awaits trial from prison, his lawyer, Marc Agnifilo, has been interviewed for TMZs documentary The Downfall of Diddy: The Indictment, in which he spoke about his clients state of mind.

The Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, where the musician is being held ( Getty )

His state of mind is actually remarkable positive, he said. I spend several hours with him every day... His resolve is strong. Hes engaged.

He continued: Hes focused on his defence... he [has] come to terms with the fact that this is where he is for now.

Mr Agnifilo added that Mr Combs is very eager to testify at his upcoming criminal trial. I dont know that I could keep him off the stand, the attorney said. I think hes very eager to tell his story.

I think he will tell every part of his story, including what you see on the video, Mr Agnifilo added, referring to the shocking surveillance footage that emerged in May showing Diddy physically assaulting his ex-girlfriend Cassie Ventura in 2016.

The rappers next hearing is scheduled for 9 October.
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The mother of slain five-year-old Harmony Montgomery has launched a new search for the childs remains at a New Hampshire park nearly five years after she was killed.

Crystal Sorey and a group of volunteers gathered Monday at Mary OMalley Park in Chelsea, Massachusetts  an area where the girls father Adam Montgomery reportedly dumped her body after killing her, according to prosecutors.

In May, Montgomery was sentenced to 56 years in prison after he was convicted of murdering his daughter and moving her corpse around for months before disposing of it in March 2020.

Police believe Harmony was killed by Montgomery nearly two years before she was reported missing in 2021. Her remains have never been found ( Nicole Sorey/Facebook )

Police believe Harmony was killed by Montgomery nearly two years before she was reported missing in 2021. Her remains have never been found.

A 1,500-square-mile area from Manchester to Boston has been identified by investigators as a place where Adam Montgomery might have disposed of his daughters remains.

Several searches for the girl have taken place, but this is the first time this spot at the park has been searched.

Now, Sorey is asking more people to help as she vows to never give up the search for her daughter.

If you love her or if shes left an impact in your life in any way, youre close enough and youre not doing anything, come on down. Look for her, Sorey said. Im never gonna give up.

Another search is planned for October.

The last time Crystal Sorey saw Harmony was during a video call in April 2019 ( AP )

But Sorey told WCVB that she just wishes Montgomery would just tell her where Harmony is.

He still has that one ounce of control left over Harmony, and I feel like to induce more pain on me, because he hates me so much, that he would tell me where she is, she said.

The last time Sorey saw Harmony was during a video call in April 2019, she said.

She later went to police, who announced they were looking for the missing child on New Years Eve 2021.

At Adam Montgomerys trial, Harmonys stepmother Kayla Montgomery testified that her family, including her two young sons with Adam, had been evicted right before Thanksgiving in 2019 and were living in a car.

Montgomery was sentenced to 56 years in prison after he was convicted of murdering his daughter and moving her corpse around for months before disposing of it in March 2020 ( AP )

She said that on December 7, Adam Montgomery punched Harmony at several stop lights as they drove from a methadone clinic to a fast food restaurant because he was angry that she was having bathroom accidents in the car.

The couple later discovered the girl was dead after the car broke down, Kayla Montgomery testified. She said her husband put the body in a duffel bag. She described various places where the girls body was hidden, including the trunk of a car, a cooler, a homeless center ceiling vent and the walk-in freezer at her husbands workplace.

Last month, Sorey filed a negligence lawsuit claiming that New Hampshires Division for Children, Youth and Families ignored a litany of warning signs that Harmony was being physically abused by her father before her death.

The agency also received concerning reports about the household from neighbors and other people, according to the lawsuit, but failed to take appropriate action.

As a result of the negligence by the agency, the lawsuit says, Harmony was the subject of multiple separate single incidents of serious physical and emotional abuse and neglect, including, but not limited to, corporal punishment, verbal and mental abuse, beatings that caused serious injury, and death.

The lawsuit seeks a jury trial and unspecified monetary damages.

Michael Garrity, a spokesperson for the states Attorney General, said it would review the complaint and respond as appropriate.
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An Idaho man who killed a vagrant after taking him to IHOP for breakfast has been sentenced to life in prison.

Justin Friesner and his best friend Cameron Russell were both homeless and huddled at a bus stop in Boise when they were approached by stranger Dallas Brower offering help, according to Ada County Deputy Prosecutor Katelyn Farley.

Hours later, Friesner was dead and his body later found near the Boise Airport, the Idaho Statesman reports.

Cameron and Justin, who had been homeless for a few months at that point, were cold and hungry and accepted what they thought was a kind gesture, the prosecutor said in court.

Farley said that after Brower, 27 at the time, took the men to eat they went to his car and he offered them marijuana. She claimed the joint was laced with fentanyl which caused the men to fall asleep.

Justin Friesner was killed in 2023 after a man treated him to breakfast at IHOP ( Flahiff Funeral Chapels & Crematory - Caldwell )

Cameron indicated after only having taken a few hits, his memory goes black before waking up to his best friend being stabbed by the defendant while still in the back seat of the defendants vehicle, Farley said.

Russell, who survived the attack, was traumatized by the ordeal, according to Farley. He still remembers the baby-blue latex gloves and devilish smile Brower wore as he stabbed his 24 year-old friend.

Justin was the sweetest person I knew, Russell said. It traumatized me. I could not sleep at night. I watched my own best friend die for no reason. The fact that he has no remorse or anything  its sad.

Police arrived on the scene to find both men unconscious and Brower on the phone acting very calm and covered in blood.

Brower told police the men had tried to carjack him but evidence proves otherwise. Police said they found a buried knife and a note stating his desire to kill.

Friesner had been stabbed 16 times, according to the Ada County coroners report which listed his cause of death as sharp force injuries of the neck and chest.

Browers defense attorneys said their client had experienced hallucinations for years and noticed himself becoming more violent about four years ago after his use of drugs, including methamphetamine, ramped up.

Brower was sitting with the men at IHOP when he began to believe that Friesner and Russell should die, his defense told the court.

Theyre eating when he starts having these hallucinations with voices of thought that these are bad guys who had done bad things, and I need to do something about this, Public defender Jonathan Loschi said. It was almost an out-of-body experience. He was not in his right mind.

Dallas Brower pleaded guilty in May to first-degree murder in the death of Justin Friesner ( Ada County Sheriffs Office )

In May, Brower pleaded guilty to first-degree murder in the death of Friesner and to the aggravated assault of Russell with a deadly weapon.

Judge Derrick ONeill handed down the prison sentence, with 25 years fixed, during a hearing on Thursday after the victims families spoke out.

Not a day goes by without me wishing I was there to protect him in those final moments, one last time, Deslie Friesner, the victims sister, tearfully said in court. ...I cant imagine the way he fell in his final moments. The only piece we have is that he fought to the end because thats just who he was.

You are not a man, she told Brower. Youre a weak and sorry excuse. Justin never gave up. And here you are now, right where you belong.

Before Brower was jailed, he apologized to the victims families.

I would just like to apologize to everyone thats been affected by my actions, and know Im here today willing and ready to accept whatever the consequences, he said.

I sincerely hope you have mental health issues, ONeill told Brower as he passed sentence. I would hate to think that your soul is so vacant that this was entirely, unconditionally premeditated and deliberate and remorseless.
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A Michigan man is accused of attacking a Black postal worker with a knife because he was furious about receiving political mail adverts for Kamala Harris.

Prosecutors in Farmington Hills, a suburb of Detroit, charged 61-year-old Russell Frank Valleau on Friday with assault and ethnic intimidation, the latter of which carries a maximum penalty of two years in prison.

Valleau was reportedly arrested the previous evening after hurling racial abuse at a US Postal Service mail carrier and "lunging" at her with a blade, forcing her to fend him off with her service-issued pepper spray.

A statement from Oakland County prosecutor Karen McDonald alleged that this was not merely a case of a citizen tired of election season and the flood of flyers that comes with it.

"The defendant was allegedly upset that he had received mail regarding presidential candidate Kamala Harris, and allegedly said that he did not want that 'black b**ch' in his mailbox," McDonald said.

"He then called the mail carrier a 'black b**ch', and threatened the carrier. The mail carrier used pepper spray to stop the defendant. When police arrived, the defendant was found nearby."

According to a police statement seen by Law & Crime, the mail carrier called for help at around 5pm saying that the man was angry about receiving Harris campaign ads and seemed to be drunk.

Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris boards Air Force Two in Las Vegas, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, en route to Washington. ( (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster) )

After getting a face full of pepper spray, Valleau reportedly ran away and was later discovered and arrested in a neighbor's yard.

Public records seen by The Independent describe Valleau, a registered voter, as a white man with brown hair and blue eyes, 5ft 10in tall and weighing 155lbs.

They also show a decades-long history of criminal arrests and convictions, ranging from aggravated stalking through domestic violence to firearm possession by a felon.

In this highly charged political moment, everyone has a right to their political opinion and vote," said McDonald on Friday.

"Whatever our political beliefs, no one should be assaulted or threatened because of their race, or for doing their job. Hate crimes impact all of us, and we will vigorously pursue all such cases."
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A man has been charged with killing his ex-wife and her boyfriend in a crime of rage while the womans four children hid inside the home.

David Phillip Turner, 33, of Miami, Florida, was arrested on Saturday on a beach in Fort Lauderdale and charged with two counts of first-degree murder over the August killings of Crimea Malita Baker, 33, and Sean Antoine Lange, 34.

The couple were found dead from multiple gunshot wounds inside the bedroom of their home in New Market, Maryland, on August 25.

Frederick County Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said in a press conference on Monday that Turner is believed to have crept inside the home through the back door at around 1am and found the couple in their bed.

The suspect then allegedly fired more than 42 rounds at the victims at close range.

Frederick County Sheriffs Office deputies responded to the home at around 7am and found the two victims.

The four children  all aged 13 and under  were found unharmed inside the home, the sheriffs office said.

Turner is Bakers ex-husband and the father of three of the children, with Lange being the father of the fourth, authorities said.

Police said they had no reason to believe there was any contact between the suspect and his ex-wife before the attack.

Jenkins described the incident as a heinous violent crime  a targeted double murder  and a crime of rage and anger that shook the local community.

Their (The childrens) lives will never be the same, he added.

Crimea Malita Baker, 33, and Sean Antoine Lange, 34, were shot dead in their home in New Market (street where murders took place) ( Google Maps )

An arrest warrant was filed a month ago, before Turner was arrested on a south Florida beach on Saturday in a joint operation between Fort Lauderdale Police, the FBI, and the Frederick County Sheriffs Office.

He was charged with two counts of first-degree murder, home invasion, and two counts of use of a firearm in a crime of violence or felony.

Turner is being held at the Broward County Sheriffs Office Jail in Florida while awaiting extradition to Maryland.

In a press release, Sheriff Chuck Jenkins said: This investigation has been a priority of this office since the morning of the shootings.

In anxiously waiting for closure and the arrest of the person responsible, the public has been extremely patient and can now be completely confident that this was a targeted domestic-related murder. I extend my thanks to the Lake Linganore Community for their assistance in the investigation and their patience while we worked to apprehend the murderer.
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Availability of international learning materials for learning.

Earlier in time, the proportion of quality pedagogy and educational resources was unavailable to many individuals due to geographical barriers. But todays technology has eliminated these barriers; students from different parts of the globe can access online libraries, educators, and classes. People can get an education from any faculty and university of their choice without even needing to step outside their homes.

Improved Interaction with Virtual and Augmented Reality

Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) are one of the ways through which students perception. And engagement in learning have been transformed. These technologies offer wholistic ways to increase knowledge concerning complicated issues conveying abstract information in more comprehensible ways. For instance, students learning biology can use VR headsets to have a fuller learning of a three-dimensional human body.

Remote Learning and Flexibility

The necessity of remote work in schools and universities, which is seen during COVID-19, showed that remote learning is possible. As a result of improved and enhanced communication technology, virtual campus, and learning management system (LMS), students can now attend online classes, access learning materials. And even interact with students fellow, and instructors from different parts of the globe.

Gamification of Learning

Thanks to the advancements in technology, one can be able to develop interactive games that also have a component of learning. Sorting and analyzing information becomes much easier if one starts applying the learning process in the form of a game with students.

Applications such as Kahoot and Quizizz are already very well-known among teachers for making it engaging and enjoyable. This approach can be especially valuable in the concepts that are difficult for children; it brings the playful aspect into studying.

Collaboration through Digital Tools

New technologies have brought into society various tools through which students can work together irrespective of their areas of residence. In order programs like Google Workspace, Microsoft Teams, and Zoom enable group project cooperation, document and resource sharing, and immediate communication between students. Such a setting nurtures real-life professional commitment allowing students to practice teamwork in their future working environment.

Automated Evaluation and Feedback

Its also noteworthy that assessment has never been as effective as it is now thanks to technology. Such systems as the automated grading systems the ones incorporated in LMS platforms aid students in understanding mistakes made and help them learn from them. This real-time feedback loop is very important in enhancing the learning and performance of a task.

In addition, AI-powered analytics can help educators monitor the childrens achievements and find out if the child requires more help. Other services offered by the service Dubai and UAE, for instance, essay writing service UAE can also use such intelligent means to offer feedback on writings done by students to help them improve their writing skills.

Conclusion

Modern technology to a great extent is revolutionizing education in ways that people would not have imagined. Personalization of learning, access to resources and information, interactivity. And increased variety of learning environments are becoming possible due to technological advancements. It encourages participation, offers opportunities for teamwork, and provides assistance based on the requirements of a given person. The future of education is not just the reading of the material. But the active engagement with such material based on new technologies that will assist students to succeed.
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A 13-year-old girl has been accused of stabbing her seven-year-old sister to death following an argument believed to have started over flushing the toilet.

The incident unfolded at a home in Taylor, Michigan, on Saturday when the teen was babysitting her younger sister, Taylor Detective Zachary Digiacomo told FOX2Detroit.

Police said that a note had been placed in the bathroom about flushing the toilet and a verbal argument broke out between the siblings.

During the argument, the 13-year-old allegedly stabbed her sister in the abdomen, head, and neck with a butchers knife and a hunting knife. Police said the teen then called 911.

Authorities responded to the scene at around 1pm to find the victim in the bathroom, suffering from over 10 stab wounds.

She was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead, Wayne County prosecutors office said in a press release.

The teen now faces charges of first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and first-degree child abuse.

She was very calm and just showed no emotion, Digiacomo said of the teen.

The identities of both the victim and suspect have not been released due to their ages.

The siblings parents told police they had only left their older daughter to babysit her younger sister for two hours when the alleged attack unfolded. They insisted that the siblings had only ever had normal sibling arguments before, reported FOX2Detroit.

The incident unfolded at a home in Taylor, Michigan, (pictured the street) on Saturday when the teen was babysitting her younger sister ( Google Maps )

One of the familys neighbors spoke out of their shock at what had happened.

Just last night I was talking to her and now shes gone... she used to walk up and down the street everyday riding her bike, walking up and down the street stopping and talking to neighbors. She was just the sweetest little girl, they told CBS News.

Prosecuter Kym Worthy said that the teen will not be tried as an adult  but will be kept in the juvenile system.

Given her young age, the state would have seven years to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate her until her mandatory release at age 21, Worthy said.

Hopefully then she would not be a danger to others. While this is a difficult decision given these facts, it is the right thing to do in this case.

Worthy added: There is absolutely no doubt that the facts in this case are horrific. It is beyond disturbing that the alleged person responsible for the stabbing death of her seven-year-old sister is thirteen years old
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Heartbreaking video footage shown to a Texas jury during a murder trial reveals the moment a four-year-old boy begged his father for bread just days before he starved to death.

Benjamin Cervera could be heard in one of the videos asking for bread, water or milk, crying and pleading, Dad, dad, I want some bread. The little boy died on August 17, 2021 from starvation.

More than 30 videos were shown in court this week as the prosecution argued why the boys father, 31-year-old Brandon Cervera, should be held responsible, KSAT reports.

Benjamin Cervera could be heard in one of the videos pleading, Dad, dad, I want some bread ( KSAT )

Cervera is accused of starving the child to death and has been charged with injury to a child causing serious bodily injury. He faces life in prison if convicted.

Video clips from June 2021 were also shown to the court of the boy searching the kitchen and the fridge in the middle of the night.

In one video, he is seen grabbing a random assortment of snacks, but the footage later reveals that locks had been installed to the cabinets and fridge.

Text messages between Cervera and his ex-wife show how at one point, Benjamin was given bread, and Cervera stated, He doesnt need to eat dinner, Detective Lawrence Saiz of the San Antonio Police Department testified during the trial.

Video clips from June 2021 were also shown to the court of the boy searching the kitchen and the fridge in the middle of the night ( KSAT )

Officer Omar Perez, who visited the home for a welfare check, told the court that Benjamin had visible injuries.

He had bruises on his eyes and torso and he was skinny...able to see his bones, he said.

Bexar County Chief Medical Examiner Kimberly Molina backed up Perezs claims.

He died of starvation, his death was ruled a homicide, Molina testified, according to KSAT.

Cervera faces life in prison if convicted of his sons death ( KSAT )

However, Cervera previously told police that the boy had behavioral issues and had injured himself.

This kid was not starved or dehydrated, and it will be in scientific evidence, Defense attorney Jodi Soyars argued during opening statements.

The trial resumes this week with the defenses case.
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A teenager was found shot dead in his car on a busy freeway in Texas, after he set off to pick up his girlfriend from work.

Cody Johnson, 19, was killed on Friday night while driving along the Katy Freeway, near Highway 99, in Katy, Texas, the Harris County Sheriffs Office confirmed to The Independent.

Officers were called to reports that a 2011 Black Camaro with gold rims was seen rolling down the busy road.

Arriving on the scene at around 8pm, officers found Johnson unresponsive from apparent gunshot wounds, the sheriffs office said.

The teenager was airlifted to Memorial Hermann Hospital Medical Center where he was pronounced dead.

Harris County Sheriff Ed Gonzalez said the teens death is being investigated as a possible road rage attack. No suspects have been identified.

Family members told Fox26 Houston that Johnson had been on his way to see his girlfriend that night.

They appealed for help in finding out what happened to him.

Cody Johnson, 19, was shot dead in Katy, Texas on Friday night ( Harris County Sheriffs Office )

Johnsons father Mike Johnson told ABC13: If youre strong enough to pull the trigger, youre strong enough to stand up and say, you know what, I made a mistake. Nobody values life.

It happened, people saw it, its I-10. Its busy, and here we are with nothing, and he had to roll there. He was 200 yards away from the Memorial Hermann Helicopter pad in Katy and nobody stopped until police found him.

Teenager Cody Johnson (pictured) had set off to pick up his girlfriend, family said ( Harris County Sheriffs Office )

Johnsons mother Amy Juneau told the outlet: I beg you as a mom, just, if this was your baby, you would want answers. If this was any family friend, we just want answers  we just want justice for Cody.

Johnson had a passion for motorcycles and cars, she said, adding that he had only just recovered from a serious motorcycle crash in the summer and was beginning to get his life on track.

Incident unfolded along Katy Freeway (pictured) ( Google Maps )

The teenager, who lived in Missouri City, graduated from Ridge Point High School in the spring and was days away from starting a new job, Johnsons family told Click2Houston.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Harris County Sheriffs Office.

The Independent has contacted Harris County Sheriffs Office for comment.
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Police in Arizona have arrested a man for allegedly getting under womens cars in an effort to touch their feet.

Jesse Michael Johnson, 28, was taken into custody last month on three counts of voyeurism and three counts of disorderly conduct after climbing under womens SUVs while they vacuumed at a Super Star Car Wash in Gilbert.

One of the women asked to review the car washs cameras following the incident, telling an employee that she was sure someone had been under her car while she was vacuuming.

Sure enough, going through the video footage, I watched that happen, Keith Baker, the employee, told Fox 10 Phoenix. She was already in the process of calling the cops.

Any time we looked at him under the vehicle. He was just lying there watching them, the employee continued. I dont have any words, to be honest. I dont know what to say about it. Its crazy to me.

In the footage, Johnson is seen walking back and forth watching a woman. As an employee is speaking to her, Johnson slips underneath her front tire, remaining there for five to six minutes before slipping out and going to his back passenger tire.

Jesse Michael Johnson, 28, has been arrested after allegedly hiding under womens cars in August in an attempt to touch their feet ( MSCO )

He proceeds to fiddle with his tire, acting like he had been there the whole time. All of the women had flips flops and shorts on, one of the women told AZ Family.

Employees were able to read the mans license plate from the footage and kept an eye out in case he returned.

In the court documents, investigors say Johnson has been arrested numerous times for similar offences over the span of several years, according to Fox10.

In 2016, Johnson was cited by police at a grocery store in Nebraska after hiding under a womans car so he could touch her feet.

It had been the fourth in a year year Johnson was hit with the charge. I just have this weird addiction and odd behavoir. I dont know why, Fox32 reported him saying at the time.

After investigating, officials with the Gilbert Police Department said: In these three incidents, defendant pulled into a parking spot next to the victim. While each victim was vacuuming her vehicle, defendant hid under her SUV and spent several minutes under her vehicle. The defendant climbed out from under the vehicle when each victim was finishing her vacuuming and left the area.

Johnsons bond has been set at $10,000. If released, he will be forced to wear an ankle monitor. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 3.
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Former President Donald Trump criticized the Biden administrations response to the widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, even as his supporters call for cuts to federal agencies that warn of weather disasters and deliver relief to hard-hit communities.

As president, Trump delayed disaster aid for hurricane-devastated Puerto Rico and diverted money from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in order to finance an effort to return undocumented migrants to Mexico. And Project 2025, backed by Trump supporters, would restructure FEMA to limit aid to states and says that the National Weather Service, which provides crucial data on hurricanes and other storms, should be broken up and downsized.

Trump claimed without evidence Monday that the Biden administration and North Carolina's Democratic governor were going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas.

Biden has approved major disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, allowing survivors to access funds and resources to jumpstart their recovery immediately. FEMA and other federal agencies, along with private businesses and nonprofit and faith-based organizations, are responding to the disaster in at least seven states: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama and Virginia.

Each of these states are at different stages of their response and recovery efforts. However, all states are addressing the impacts including impassable roads, communications and water systems disruptions and power outages,'' FEMA said in a statement.

Trump also suggested Monday that Georgias Republican Gov. Brian Kemp had been unable to get in touch with Biden regarding relief. But Kemp told reporters that he spoke with Biden the day before and that the president said to call him directly if the state has additional needs. I appreciate that, said Kemp.

The death toll from the storm surpassed 100 people, with some of the worst damage caused by inland flooding in western North Carolina. Buncombe County, where the city of Asheville is located, reported 35 deaths from the storm as of Monday.

In addition to being humanitarian crises, natural disasters can create political tests for elected officials. North Carolina and Georgia, two of the states hit by the storm, are key battlegrounds in Novembers presidential election between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Harris said in a statement that she and Biden are working with local leaders in the Southeast to provide support as they face the impacts of Hurricane Helene and begin to recover. More than 1,500 federal personnel have been deployed, including power restoration and search and rescue teams, she said.

Listen to local officials and stay safe,'' Harris said. We are with you every step of the way.''

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell called flooding in North Carolina historic and said the storm caused significant infrastructure damage to water systems, communication, roads, and critical transportation routes in multiple states, complicating recovery efforts.

I dont know that anybody could be fully prepared for the amount of flooding and landslides they are having right now, Criswell said Sunday on CBS's "Face the Nation.'' She visited several areas in Georgia on Sunday and was in North Carolina on Monday.

Officials have sent in bottled water to the affected states, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is assessing ways to get water systems back online quickly, Criswell said. Officials also are setting up satellite communications to help cope with downed cell towers and lack of phone service.

During Trumps term as president, he visited numerous disaster zones, including the aftermaths of hurricanes, tornados and shootings. But the trips sometimes elicited controversy such as when he tossed paper towels to cheering residents in Puerto Rico in 2017 in the wake of Hurricane Maria.

It also wasn't until years later, just weeks before the 2020 presidential election, that Trumps administration released $13 billion in assistance for the territory. A federal government watchdog found that officials hampered an investigation into delays in aid delivery.

Democrats in Congress also criticized Trump for transferring $155 million from FEMAs operating budget to fund operations to return migrants to Mexico. FEMA officials said at the time that the transfer would not impact disaster relief, but organizations representing emergency planners criticized the move.

Trump also insisted that Alabama, along with the Carolinas and Georgia, would be hit "harder than anticipated by Hurricane Dorian in 2019. Trump displayed a National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration map that was altered with a black Sharpie marker to extend the hurricanes projected path to include Alabama.

FEMA uses its disaster relief fund to coordinate the federal response to major disasters. It pays for debris removal, repair of public infrastructure and financial assistance for survivors, among other things. The temporary spending bill passed and signed into law last week pumped about $20 billion into the fund and gave FEMA the ability to spend that money more quickly.

That should help the agency respond to the most immediate needs, but lawmakers from both parties recognize that additional money will be needed in the coming months. Lawmakers are expected to return to Washington shortly after the November election and negotiate a full-year spending bill when many lawmakers will seek billions of dollars more for the disaster relief fund.

___

Associated Press writers Stephen Groves and Kevin Freking in Washington and Jill Colvin in New York contributed to this story.
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Residents downstream of two North Carolina dams were evacuated after reports of a catastrophic failure due to flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Officials in Cocke County, Tennessee said on Friday afternoon that the Waterville Dam, just over the state line in North Carolina, had failed and ordered everyone in downtown Newport to get out.

State officials and the National Weather Service (NWS) later said this was a false alarm, citing the energy company that operates the dam, but the evacuation orders remained in force.

Elsewhere, officials in Rutherford County, North Carolina told residents downstream of the Lake Lure Dam to flee to higher ground due to floodwater overflowing the top of the 124-ft-high barrier and pouring uncontrolled around the edges.

Water is cresting the dam and flowing around the side walls. Structural supports have been compromised, but the dam wall is currently holding, said the county emergency management department.

The Lake Lure Dam in calmer times, near Asheville in North Carolina. Residents were told to evacuate after the dam was compromised by heavy rain from Tropical Storm Helene on Friday ( Town of Lake Lure )

Evacuations have occurred from the dam to Island Creek Road. Evacuation sirens are sounding downstream of the dam.

At least 130 people were dead across multiple states on Monday evening after Hurricane Helene crashed into Florida as a 140mph, Category 4 storm late Thursday, pounding the west coast with unsurvivable conditions.

While Helene was downgraded as it moved inland and the winds dropped, it continued to dump vast amounts of water across Georgia, the Carolinas and then up into Tennessee and Kentucky as it moved north heading into the weekend.

The result was chaos and confusion across a wide area, with both Rutherford County in North Carolina and Cocke County in Tennessee initially claiming that the dams had burst or were about to burst.

EMERGENCY UPDATE: THE WATERVILLE DAM HAS SUFFERED A CATASTROPHIC FAILURE. EVACUATION ALL OF DOWNTOWN NEWPORT IMMEDIATELY, Cocke County Mayor Rob Mathis wrote on Facebook.

But the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) said: "We have been informed the dam has not failed, per Duke Energy. Evacuations are still occurring in the area."

Duke Energy announced that it had opened all floodgates at the Waterville Dam and that the structure was performing as expected. However, a spokesperson declined to say whether or not the dam was damaged.

A spokesperson for the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality likewise confirmed to The Independent that the Lake Lure Dam appeared to be of sound structure at around 3pm.

Due to the rainfall, the dam is said to be overtopping across its entire length of the dam. The structure was intact as of the last reports we have, said spokesperson Josh Kastrinsky. Theres been some erosion noted on the left abutment of the structure, and some water is flowing around that abutment.

A later update said the flow over the top of the dam had reduced from 2ft deep to 1ft or less, but that water was still flowing uncontrolled around both right and left abutments.

By Monday afternoon, all roads in downtown Newport had reopened, according to Mathis. He also said he had been in contact with the White House and was assured by Joe Biden that federal resources would be available to assist in the citys recovery efforts, WBIR reports.

Cocke County Sheriff C.J. Ball confirmed on Monday that two people had died due to storm-related incidents.

On Facebook, wedding and portrait photographer Helen Pace, who lives on the other side of Lake Lure from the dam, posted pictures of her badly damaged house and a road carved apart by floodwaters.

Flooding and a badly-damaged road near Bat Cave around Lake Lure, North Carolina on Friday following impacts from storm Helene ( Helen Pace )

We are physically OK, she said. The water has started to recede and I think we dodged the predicted winds... We are not able to get out now, we have no power, no water, and cell service seems to be restricted. Sending my love to you all.

The Rutherford County evacuation orders named a total of 45 streets in two separate Facebook posts. Officials said that storm shelters had been opened at Lake Lure Town Hall and Rutherfordtown Presbyterian Church.

It wasnt immediately clear on Friday how many people are affected by the evacuations, but Newport has an estimated population of about 7,000 and Lake Lure has about 1,600.

The Lure Dam was built in 1927 on the Broad River, about one hours drive east of Asheville and two hours west of Charlotte.

Lake Lure itself is best known nationally as a filming site for the 1987 film Dirty Dancing, which used it to stand in for upstate New Yorks Catskill Mountains.

Kastrinsky said that the Lake Lure Dam is classified as high hazard due to the large number of people and roads downstream of it, but was last assessed to be in fair condition, the second highest of four available ratings.

The Waterville Dam is at the confluence of the Pigeon River and Big Creek, and is also known as the Walters Dam. Both dams are located in North Carolinas Great Smoky Mountains.

Editors Note: This story was updated at 18:46 Eastern Time on Friday 27 September, 2024. to reflect new statements from emergency officials about the Waterville Dam.
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A standup comic known for her Kamala Harris impressions met a man on Hinge who almost immediately professed his eternal devotion then tried to murder her in a jealous rage, according to a $20 million lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

The attack was so vicious, Sienna Hubert-Ross, 25, says she lost out on a part in a major network television show after being forced to audition while covered in bruises and suffering from the mental trauma of the event, which negatively impacted her performance and she was not offered the role.

Since then, Hubert-Ross  who, coincidentally, is starring in an upcoming indie film about a dating app that turns deadly  has suffered from suicidal ideation, depression, severe insomnia, and acute stress disorder, and has lost interest in men and relationships altogether, her lawsuit contends.

In an emailed statement, attorney Brett Gallaway, who is representing Hubert-Ross, said: We are proud of Ms Hubert-Ross for having the courage to come forward as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and even more so, as an advocate for herself.

The allegations against Mr Lane are very serious as it was a brutal attack leaving both physical and emotional scars that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Mr Lane will now be forced to answer for his crimes, and we look forward to ensuring he pays for his cowardly actions.

Hubert-Ross claims her live-in boyfriend tried to kill her ( New York State Supreme Court )

Hinge did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Lane, who does not have an attorney listed in court records, was unable to be reached.

Hubert-Ross and Oliver Lane went on their first date on May 14, 2024, according to her complaint.

It was apparent that Lane was very interested in Hubert-Ross public persona as he gushed, almost to the point of obsession, over Hubert-Ross social media presence and comedy skits, the complaint states. Within approximately a week-and-a-half of dating, Lane told Hubert-Ross that he loved her, and the two soon began functionally co-habitating together.

To demonstrate their commitment, Hubert-Ross agreed to end things with two other men she had been casually seeing, and Lane said he would cut off communication with an ex-girlfriend he still talked to regularly, according to the complaint.

But things quickly became rocky. Lane, whose father is the chairman of Morgan Stanleys European real estate division, wanted his friend Will to live with them, a third-wheel arrangement Hubert-Ross was not keen on, the complaint goes on.

Perhaps of the greatest concern with Lanes proposed living arrangement was that Hubert-Ross believed Will had a homosexual love interest in Lane and if they lived together, Will and Lane would engage in a romantic affair, it says.

In late July, while Hubert-Ross and Lane were out at a bar together, the complaint claims Lane became enraged while discussing their living situation and got physical with Hubert-Ross before screaming at her, Im going to f*****g kill you!

The next day, when Hubert-Ross continued to voice her concern over the idea of Lanes friend moving in with them, Lane began shoving Hubert-Ross while shouting about how much she stressed him out, according to the complaint.

At this point, Hubert-Ross became so concerned about Lanes violent outbursts and assaults that she ultimately conceded and agreed for her and Lane to live with Will, the complaint states.

In early August, Hubert-Ross and Lane met up with several friends at a bar, one of whom Hubert-Ross had had a romantic encounter with several years prior, according to the complaint. A furious Lane became fixated on this, berating Hubert-Ross about it to the point of verbal abuse, the complaint alleges.

Thats when Lane accidentally disclosed that he had remained in contact with his ex, telling her in texts Hubert-Ross saw that she was the only one for him, and that Lane often woke up thinking about her, when he was in bed with Hubert-Ross, the complaint states.

Caught red-handed, Lane yelled at Hubert-Ross, calling her an immature little b***h and a little c**t while throwing her around the kitchen, according to the complaint.

Before Hubert-Ross could review any further, Lane snatched his phone back from her and violently threw her into the stove, the complaint says. Hubert-Ross stayed on the ground, stunned and shocked by what had just occurred. Unfortunately for Hubert-Ross, this was just the beginning of Lanes violent assault and attempted murder.

As Hubert-Ross laid terrified on the kitchen floor, Lane, who is several inches taller and at least 50 pounds heavier than Hubert-Ross, grabbed her by the arms, dragged her into the bathroom, and threw her into the bathtub, the complaint continues. Unable to defend herself from the assault, Hubert-Ross pleaded with Lane to simply break up with her and stop hurting her, it says.

Lane responded by shouting in her face: You ruin fucking everything you little c**t, according to the complaint.

Lane then dragged Hubert-Ross out of the bathtub and into the living room, pinned her to the floor, and told her he hated her and wanted her to die, the complaint alleges. Hubert-Ross fully expected to die at Lanes hands, and when he briefly left the room, she was able to grab her phone, text her friend Sarah, and frantically call her mom, the complaint states.

Hubert-Rosss mother conferenced in Sarah, and the two could only helplessly listen to the horrific events that continued to unfold, according to the complaint. They heard Lane pick Hubert-Ross up and slam her onto his bed, after which he threw her to the floor, causing her to hit her head against the bedframe and briefly lose consciousness, the complaint contends.

When she came to, Lane continued to throw Hubert-Ross around the room then sat on top of Hubert-Ross on the bed, propped her up and violently slapped her across the face at full strength multiple times, the complaint says, adding, Lane also bit her on the arm.

During this part of the assault, Lane called Hubert-Ross a little child and told her he wanted to kill her, the complaint alleges. Hubert-Ross mother and Sarah heard everything. Lane then put his right hand around Hubert-Rosss neck and began to choke her. Sensing that Lane was now trying to kill her, Hubert-Ross kicked him in a last ditch attempt to save herself.

However, this incensed Lane, who continued the brutal assault as Hubert-Ross begged him to stop. Yet, the complaint says, rather than relent to her pleas, [Lane] dialed up the attack and took a pillow, put it over Hubert-Rosss head and mouth and began to suffocate her.

Hubert-Ross somehow managed to escape this attempted murder and run out of the room, but Lane quickly followed and grabbed her by the arm to drag her back to the bedroom, it asserts.

There, Lane took a swing at Hubert-Ross but missed, shattering a glass door, instead, according to the complaint. Before Lane could then finish the job and kill Hubert-Ross, he stepped on the broken glass which temporarily disabled him in time for the police  called by Sarah  to arrive at the scene, the complaint states.

The officers immediately arrested Lane and took a beaten and terrified Hubert-Ross for treatment, according to the complaint, which says she applied for, and received, an order of protection against Lane.

At his August 8 arraignment, Lane pleaded not guilty to one felony count of strangulation in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of assault in the third degree, and one misdemeanor count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He is scheduled to appear back in court on November 20.

Hubert-Ross has since needed intensive psychological treatment, and her emotional distress has resulted in a strong and ongoing dissociative interest in men and relationships and will likely result in years of ongoing expensive therapy and professional consulting, the complaint states.

She has also since disengaged from her personal and professional life, canceling numerous jobs because of her battered appearance and/or the mental and emotional impact from Lanes attack, and missing out on others, such as the coveted role on a very well-known broadcast network television show.

Hubert-Ross is demanding $20 million on four causes of action: $5 million for assault, $5 million for battery, $5 million for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and $5 million for false imprisonment.

Although dating apps are today one of the most common ways for people to meet, a 2022 research study found an outsize number of sexual predators using the apps as hunting grounds for vulnerable victims.
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New York Magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi has accused her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza of orchestrating a blackmail campaign against her, following revelations that she had a personal relationship with Robert F Kennedy Jr.

In a court filing in mid-August, Nuzzi claimed that Lizza had explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputationa threat he has since carried out.

The accusations were made by Nuzzi in a filing this week and before a judge in Washington DCs Superior Court. Lizza has reportedly denied the allegations.

It comes after New York Magazine The publication announced last week that Nuzzi, 31, had been placed on leave after disclosing a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the election. The subject was later revealed that to be 70-year-old RFK Jr, who is married to the actor Cheryl Hines.

After filing the lawsuit, Nuzzi was granted a temporary no contact order agains Lizza on Tuesday, CNN reported. She was also granted a request to have police escort her when she attempts to get her possessions back from Lizza.

Nuzzi and Lizza at the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner After Party ( Getty Images for CBS News )

According to the lawsuit, citing the court documents, Nuzzi said she believes Lizza began the alleged harassment at the beginning of July, as a way to blackmail her back into a relationship with RFK Jr  was not named directly in the suit.

By the next month, Lizza allegedly stole a personal electronic device from her, was hacking her devices, then anonymously sending personal information  some of which may have been doctored  about her to the media.

She claimed Lizza impersonated an anonymous campaign operative to give a political campaign information that would hurt her further, according to the court records.

In her court filing, Nuzzi said Lizza also threatened her with violence to assume his share of financial responsibility for a joint book contract they had, CNN reported.

Lizza was reportedly not present for the proceedings on Tuesday, but later released a statement to the outlet.

I am saddened that my ex-fiancee would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings. I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully, he said.

Last week Nuzzi admotted to having a personal relationship with former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr ( Getty Images )

The couple became engaged in 2022 but broke up since Nuzzis relationship with RFK Jr was made public. She had been writing a piece on the attorney and vaccine conspiracy theorist at the time.

After New York Magazines announcement that she was being placed on leave, Nuzzi released a statement denying the relationship with RFK Jr 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 Kennedy spokesperson told The New York Times that he had met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.
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A Maryland federal court on Tuesday sided with students that challenged the University of Marylands decision to cancel their planned Gaza vigil set for October 7, the one-year anniversay of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a ruling, Judge Peter J. Messitte said it didnt matter that some might take issue with the universitys chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine or their views. The school couldnt stop them from demonstrating on the basis of their ideas alone.

This is a matter of law, not of wounded feelings, he wrote. Free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment may be the most important law this country has.

Civil rights advocates celebrated the decision.

This is a win for all of our right to speak out about matters that concern us, the ACLU said in the statement.

Decision comes after university announced in September it wouldnt allow student expressive events on October 7 anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The University of Maryland said it would comply with the ruling.

The University of Maryland recognizes, and will abide by, the courts decision, and will work with all registered student organizers of events requested for October 7, it said in a statement. Event organizers, campus officials and UMPD will implement a plan that allows all events to proceed in accordance with the courts ruling. Notwithstanding todays court ruling, the safety concerns that were raised remain a source of ongoing attention and focus for us.

As The Independent reported, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter sued the school in September, after the university canceled the groups planned interfaith vigil with a Jewish group, then banned all student-led expressive events in the Maryland university system for October 7.

In announcing the shutdown, Maryland officials said theyd received numerous calls to cancel the event, but acknowledged there was no immediate or active threat to campus surrounding the event.

Abel Amene, a member of Marylands Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, toldThe Independent at the time that the worst part of the original decision to cancel the event was the inherent discrimination that it represents.

The mere presence of the groups name on the events calendar, with little more than the date and time of their planned event, was enough to be treated like a terror threat, he said.

This assumption comes from this age-old trope of treating people from Arab backgrounds, which most of our members are, even I though myself am African, but this assumption that we are all terrorists, that we all support terrorism and that we are dangerous and that theres something inherently dangerous about our mere existence, our mere holding of an event, he said. In reality, the few things that we have released about what the event was intended to be have always been describing it as a vigil.

During a hearing in the case on Monday, school officials testified about violent threats to administrators ahead of planned October 7 events, including racist threats to University of Maryland president Darryll Pines, who is Black, and a caller who told the universitys general cousel they were locked and loaded and planning to bring a gun on campus for self-defense.

Tuesdays decision granted the student groups request for a preliminary injunction, and only applies to the universitys expressive events ban on the central College Park campus for October 7.

Students for Justice in Palestine will be required to forfeit a $2,500 security bond ahead of the event.

As The Independent has reported, universities across North America are on elevated security alert ahead of the October 7 anniversay, but pro-Palestinian student activists say new security measures taken after a year of protests are hampering their ability to express their views on campus.
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More than 100 years later, the federal government is opening an investigation into a white mobs destruction of a bustling Black neighborhood and the massacre of dozens of people in Tulsa, Oklahoma.

The Department of Justice is reviewing the attack under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which empowers the federal government to reopen civil rights-related cold cases, named after the Black teenager who was abducted and lynched by two white men in Mississippi in 1955.

The probe comes roughly four months after Oklahomas highest court rejected a decades-in-the-making lawsuit filed by the racist massacres two remaining survivors who have demanded justice in its ongoing aftermath. No one was ever charged with a crime for the two-day attack within the decades that followed.

We acknowledge descendants of the survivors, and the victims continue to bear the trauma of this act of racial terrorism, Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said on Monday.

Federal investigators do not expect to criminally prosecute any living perpetrators, but the Justice Department will be examining available documents, witness accounts, scholarly and historical research and other information on the massacre for a report analyzing the massacre in light of both modern and then-existing civil rights law, according to Clark.

That report is expected by the end of the year.

Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke, who leads the Department of Justice Civil Rights Division, announced a federal investigation into the Tulsa race massacre on September 30 ( AP )

On May 31, 1921, in Tulsas thriving Black Wall Street of Greenwood, an armed white mob deputized by law enforcement fired indiscriminately on Black Americans in the street.

According to witness accounts and limited news coverage of the attack, planes dropped flaming turpentine-soaked rags and dynamite, and the bodies of Black victims were thrown into the Arkansas River or into mass graves. Survivors were rounded up at gunpoint and detained in internment camps.

The mob torched and looted homes and businesses, including restaurants, hotels, theaters and a newspapers office. A truck mounted with a machine gun fired on Mount Zion Baptist Church before it was burned to the ground.

A lawsuit from Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, and Viola Ford Fletcher, 110  who were small children during the attack  continued even after the death of Fletchers brother, Hughes Van Ellis, who was also a plaintiff before dying at age 102 last year.

It only took 103 years, but this is a joyous occasion, a momentous day, an amazing opportunity for us to make sure that what happened here in Tulsa is understood for what it was: the largest crime scene in the history of this country, attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons said from Tulsa on Monday.

The dead cannot cry out for justice, added Tiffany Crutcher, a descendant of massacre survivors. It is our duty, as the living, to do so for them.
The Chinese capital of Beijing on Monday announced to ease restrictions on homebuying rules to boost the city's property market, including lowering the threshold on non-locals to buy real estate in the downtown area.

According to a circular jointly issued by six municipal departments on Monday night, non-Beijing residents will be allowed to purchase homes inside the city's fifth ring road if they have a record of paying social insurance or individual income tax in the city for at least three years -- down from five years as was previously required.

The new policies to take effect on Tuesday will also lift the housing purchase restrictions in Tongzhou District, where the Beijing Municipal Administrative Center is located, to allow the district's homebuying rules to comply with the city's unified property market policy.

Under the new rules, homebuyers will face less financial pressure, as the minimum down payment ratio for individual commercial mortgages are reduced from 20 percent to 15 percent for first-home purchases, and from 30 percent to 20 percent for second homes.

For families with more than two children in Beijing, the amount of housing provident fund loan limit will be raised by 400,000 yuan (about 57,083 U.S. dollars), the circular said.
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President Joe Biden on Tuesday said the US remains fully supportive of Israeli defense efforts following a ballistic missile attack by Iran earlier in the day.

Speaking just before he was set to receive a briefing on ongoing relief efforts in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Biden said US forces had actively supported the defense of Israel against Tehrans offensive.

Based on what we know now, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, and this is testament to Israeli military capability and the US military, he said. Its also a testament to intensive planning between the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against the brazen attack we expected.

He added that the US is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel and told reporters hed spent his morning and part of his afternoon meeting with my whole national security team and consulting with the Israelis.

Biden also told reporters that his team is in constant contact with the Israeli government and said he would continue to be updated throughout the day.

Asked about Israels potential response to the attack, Biden said the matter was in active discussion between US and Israel officials and added that it remains to be seen what the consequences for Tehran will be.

He also said he would be talking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at some point, with the message he would deliver to the longtime Israeli leader depending on what we finally conclude is needed.

The presidents comments came just hours after White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that the US will work closely with Israeli officials to determine what the response would be to nearly 200 missile attacks aimed at Israel on Tuesday, while declaring that there would be severe consequences for the strike.

At a White House press briefing that took place minutes after the last blasts ended in Tel Aviv, Sullivan said that Irans latest strike marked a serious escalation of the conflict which Hamas touched off with the October 7 terror attacks  one that has expanded into Lebanon and is now threatening to engulf much of the Middle East.

Sullivan added that there have been conversations between the White House and Israeli prime ministers office in the immediate wake of the attacks, though he did not read out any plans for a call between President Joe Biden and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

This is a fluid situation. We will consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of the response and how to deal with what Iran has just done, and we will continue to monitor for further threats and attacks from Iran and its proxies, he said. We are particularly focused on protecting US service members in the region.

He credited the professionalism of the IDF and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack for initial reports indicating that no deaths had resulted from the attack.

Sullivan also revealed that American Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyers which President Biden had ordered to the region assisted in the missile defense effort. The US-built ships are equipped with the Aegis Combat System, which uses advanced radar to direct interceptors that are used to target ballistic missiles and other incoming fire.

Obviously, this is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel, Sullivan said.

Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, briefs reporters on the Iranian strikes targeting Tel Aviv on Tuesday ( Getty Images )

US officials had been bracing for an Iranian response to the killing of a Hamas commander in Iran as well as the killing of Hezbollahs Hassan Nasrallah in the days leading up to Tuesdays attack. The Iranian ballistic missile strikes also followed an Israeli ground invasion into southern Lebanon, part of the IDFs efforts to eliminate Hezbollah.

The United States has not had diplomatic relations with Iran since April 1980, though the governments of Switzerland and Pakistan officially serve as protecting powers through which some official communications are possible.

Asked whether Iran had provided US officials with any advance notice of the attacks it intended to carry out on Israel, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not offer a direct answer.

She instead declined to read out what she described as private diplomatic conversations and pivoted to a promise that the US would continue standing with the Israeli government going forward.

We are going to continue to be there for Israel to defend Israel. They have the right to defend themselves, she said.

But a Pentagon spokesman, Major General Pat Ryder, cast doubt on that idea, telling reporters, "I'm not aware of any pre-warning by Iran about their potential attack.

Jean-Pierre added that there will be consequences arising out of Tehrans actions going forward.

This is an ongoing, developing situation, and so you will hear more from us, she said.
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President Joe Biden angrily hit back at Donald Trumps false accusations after the former president and Republican presidential nominee leveled a baseless claim about the federal response to Hurricane Helene on his social media platform.

Earlier on Monday, Trump suggested that Biden and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper were ignoring the devastation wrought by the storm, which has killed over 100 people and left hundreds missing and unaccounted for in the Tar Heel state.

In a Truth Social post, Trump wrote that he [didnt] like the reports he was allegedly getting about the federal and state governments going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas hit by the hurricane.

Asked to respond as he addressed reporters after receiving a briefing from Cooper and Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell in the Oval Office, Biden interjected, cutting off the question from The Independent to denounce Trumps false statements.

He's lying, and the governor told him he was lying. The governor told me he was lying. I've spoken to the governor, I spent time with him, and he told me he's lying. I don't know why he does this, he said.

Biden added that he doesnt care what Trump says about him, but he stressed that what he cares about is what he communicates to people that are in need when he implies that we're not doing everything possible.

We are, he said. I assume you heard the Republican governor of Georgia talk about that. He was on the phone with me more than once. So that's simply not true, and it's irresponsible.

Biden also told reporters he would visit North Carolina to survey damage on Wednesday. He previously said he was holding off on making the trip to the storm-ravaged state until he could be sure traveling there would not divert resources needed for the response and recovery efforts.

On Monday, government officials and aid groups worked to get supplies to stranded residents in hard-hit areas. While many areas are only accessible by air, some mountainous communities would be receiving food, water, and diapers from dozens of mules.

Speaking from FEMA headquarters in the nations capital on Monday afternoon, Vice President Kamala Harris said 3,300 federal personnel had been deployed to respond to devastated areas.

The Democratic presidential nominee said she would travel to the region when they could do so without disrupting any emergency response operations.

While Trump told a crowd in Georgia that he had spoken with SpaceX founder and billionaire Elon Musk earlier about getting Starlink high-speed internet set up in North Carolina, the White House pointed out FEMA was shipping an additional 140 satellites to assist with communications and infrastructure restoration. There are currently 40 systems available to help with responder communications.

More than 1.7 million customers remained without power late Monday in South Carolina Georgia, North Carolina, Virginia, and Florida. Utility Duke Energy, which services 8.4 million customers, said some could see it restored by Friday. For others, in places with infrastructure that has been destroyed, the process would be more arduous.
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A judge in Georgia has once again blocked the state from enforcing a ban on abortion at roughly six weeks of pregnancy, concluding that state law criminalizing care is unconstitutional.

The 26-page opinion, from Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, ordered that abortion access must be regulated as it was before Georgia lawmakers passed the states anti-abortion law in 2019.

That ban under the states LIFE Act was effectively blocked by Roe v Wade, which the Supreme Court struck down three years later in 2022.

Mondays ruling will allow Georgia abortion patients to seek care past six weeks of pregnancy  for now  potentially turning the state into a crucial refuge for access in the South, where every state has outlawed most forms of abortion care at any point in a pregnancy. Providers told reporters after the ruling that they anticipate expanding care access immediately.

Judge McBurneys stunning order notes that most women are completely unaware or at best unsure whether they are pregnant at six weeks, or roughly two weeks after a missed period. He compares the states anti-abortion law to the violent misogynist regime in Margaret Atwoods best-selling novel, The Handmaids Tale.

Abortion rights demonstators rally outside Georgias state capitol in Atlanta in May ( AP )

Women are not some piece of collectively owned community property the disposition of which is decided by majority vote, he wrote. Forcing a woman to carry an unwanted, not-yet-viable fetus to term violates her constitutional rights to liberty and privacy, even taking into consideration whatever bundle of rights the not-yet-viable fetus may have.

Judge McBurney wrote that it is not for a legislator, a judge, or a Commander from The Handmaids Tale to tell these women what to do with their bodies during this period when the fetus cannot survive outside the womb any more so than society could  or should  force them to serve as a human tissue bank or to give up a kidney for the benefit of another.

The case is now likely headed to the Georga Supreme Court, which had previously upheld the states ban.

A footnote in the ruling oberves that there is an uncomfortable and usually unspoken subtext of involuntary servitude swirling about this debate, symbolically illustrated by the composition of the legal teams in this case.

It is generally men who promote and defend laws like the LIFE Act, the effect of which is to require only women  and, given the socio-economic and demographic evidence presented at trial, primarily poor women, which means in Georgia primarily black and brown women  to engage in compulsory labor, i.e., the carrying of a pregnancy to term at the governments behest, the judge added.

The ruling comes just two weeks after an investigation by ProPublica chronicled the deaths of two Georgia women who were not able to access abortion care in the state after the Supreme Court overturned Roe.

These cases have revived scrutiny of Georgias abortion ban and similar anti-abortion laws across the US in the wake of Roes end, and the wave of litigation from abortion patients, providers and civil rights groups that has followed.

The judges ruling stems from a lawsuit filed by SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective and others against the state shortly after Governor Brian Kemp signed the measure into law in 2019.

Judge McBurney had previously ruled that the law was unconstitutional in 2022, but that decision was reversed by the Georgia Supreme Court.

Abortion is banned at all stages of pregnancy, with only limited exceptions, in more than a dozen Republican-controlled states.

Abortion also is outlawed past six weeks in Florida and South Carolina, while others have imposed other restrictions and barriers to care in a constantly evolving and legally confusing map for abortion access.

We are encouraged that a Georgia court has ruled for bodily autonomy, SisterSong executive director Monica Simpson said in a statement.

At the same time, we cant forget that every day the ban has been in place has been a day too long  and we have felt the dire consequences with the devastating and preventable deaths of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller, she added. For years, Black women have sounded the alarm that abortion bans are deadly. While true justice would mean Amber and Candi were still with us today, we will continue to demand accountability to ensure that their lives  and the lives of others who we have yet to learn of  were not lost in vain.
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Kamala Harriss presidential campaign is going after Donald Trumps conceptual healthcare plan in a new ad blitz that uses the former presidents own words against him.

The ad, titled Concepts of a Plan, uses Trumps answer during the second presidential debate to attack the former presidents lacking health care plan and his administrations attempt to get rid of the Affordable Care Act  otherwise known as Obamacare.

I have concepts of a plan, Trump said in the debate clip used in the ad.

Harris responded, You have no plan before explaining the positive impact of the ACA.

[Donald Trump] tried to get rid of the Affordable Care Act and what the Affordable Care Act has done is eliminate the ability of insurance companies to deny people with pre-existing conditions, Harris said.

She also highlighted the policies the Biden administration has passed to make health care more affordable. Including, capping the cost of insulin at $35 a month and prescription medication for seniors at $2,000 per year.

When I am president we will do that for all people understanding that access to health care should be a right and not just a privilege of those who can afford it, Harris said.

The Concept of a Plan ad is part of the $370 million digital and television advertising investment the Harris campaign is rolling out ahead of Election Day.

It will air on broadcast and cable programming nationally, trying to target voters who watch shows like Chicago Med, Greys Anatomy, Brilliant Minds, 9-1-1, Untold Stories of the ER and more.

Being president is about who you fight for, Michael Tyler, communications director for HarrisWalz campaign said in a statement.

Every time Donald Trump opens his mouth and says health care, he makes clear that hes only out there for himself and his wealthy friends  not the tens of millions of seniors, Medicaid recipients, and Americans with preexisting health conditions that know the Affordable Care Act is a lifeline, Tyler said.

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris sparred over healthcare policies during the second presidential debate in September ( AFP via Getty Images )

He compared that to Harris who will fight for all Americans by lowering healthcare costs and protecting access to healthcare for all.

The ad arrives just as the Harris campaign releases a report detailing the potential Trump healthcare plan that they believe will rip away coverage for people with preexisting conditions and reproductive healthcare services.

It is unclear what plan for healthcare, if any, Trump has. The former president has long criticized the ACA.

During his administration, he tried to replace the ACA with the American Health Care Act of 2017 but was unsuccessful.

Karoline Leavitt, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, said in a statement that Trump will release more details but his overall position on healthcare is to bring costs down and increase the quality of care by improving competition in the market place.
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Donald Trump's former military guru has pooh-poohed the former president's campaign trail refrain that he could broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia "in one day".

I dont really buy it, said HR McMaster, who was appointed as a national security adviser by Trump in 2017 and was forced out in 2018, in an interview with CBS News anchor Robert Costa on Face the Nation on Sunday.

"I think it's a real myth, a real misunderstanding of war, to assume that you can get a favourable political outcome without a favourable military outcome. That's never really happened in war.

"And so I think the right course of action, if you want to accelerate progress toward a settlement, is to convince Putin that he's losing the war. I think that's the only way you get a favourable settlement.

"How do you do that? You demonstrate our resolve to continue to support the Ukrainians as they defend themselves against this continued onslaught by the Russians."

President Donald Trump, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at the beginning of a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. ( AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais )

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he could broker a peace between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky before he is even inaugurated as president.

Meanwhile, Republican politicians have frequently tried to curtail US aid to Ukraine, sometimes calling for Ukraine to cede territory to its bellicose eastern neighbour to end the war of aggression.

McMaster, who is currently promoting a new book entitled At War With Ourselves about his time in the Trump White House, is a retired general and prolific military strategist who made his name with a widely-read critique of America's war aims in Vietnam.

Barely a year after his appointment to the White House, reports surfaced that Trump was planning to fire him, causing McMaster to voluntarily step one week later.
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The White House says there has been no change in Americas support of Israel in response to the start of what has been described as a limited ground offensive in Lebanon despite President Joe Bidens call for the Israeli government to consider stopping the operations and his suggestion that a ceasefire deal be implemented now.

Biden commented on the plans when he was questioned by reporters following remarks on Monday he delivered on the federal response to Hurricane Helene.

Asked whether he was aware of or comfortable with the Israeli plans, Biden replied: I'm more aware than you might know, and I'm comfortable with them stopping.

We should have a ceasefire now, he added.

Last week, the American and French governments announced that a deal had been reached for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, on September 30, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon. ( AFP via Getty Images )

In a joint statement, Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said it was time for a deal that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes rather than increase hostilities that could spark a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians.

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, they added.

The Israeli government later disavowed the agreement and instead launched a series of airstrikes that have taken out the leadership ranks of Hezbollah, the militant group that has a significant presence along Lebanons southern border with Israel.

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30, 2024. ( Getty Images )

Later on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared to walk back Bidens remarks to reporters during her daily press briefing.

She said she would not speak to any private diplomatic conversations between Washington and the Israeli government  but said the US understands that the strategic purpose of Israels current operations in Lebanon is to make sure that Hezbollah cannot maintain the capacity to attack Israeli communities from the immediate opposite border.

Pressed further on whether the administration supports the Israeli offensive, Jean-Pierre replied that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hezbollah and against Iran backed groups.

But she later added that the US does want to see a ceasefire that would give us the space, as we have been saying, of diplomacy, and enable citizens right to go back to their homes on both sides, and ultimately, a diplomatic resolution.

We're going to certainly continue to have those conversations with Israelis and others on how to make that happen, she said.
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Democrats have trolled JD Vance by projecting his past comments about Donald Trump directly onto Trump Tower ahead of the vice presidential debate on Tuesday evening.

The Democratic National Committee dug up historic remarks the Ohio senator has made about his running mate, including him branding the then-president an idiot.

The messages were beamed directly next to the entrance of Trumps New York skyscraper on Monday in order to irk Republicans and remind citizens that he wont agree to debate again, a DNC spokesperson said.

Vance on Trump: What an idiot, one projection read, with another reading: My god what an idiot.

A third illuminated Trump Tower with Project 2025 HQ, making reference to the Heritage Foundations 900-page manifesto for a prospective Republican administration. Trump denies any affiliation with the far-right think tank.

Trump is a chicken, read a fourth message, referencing the former presidents refusal to take part in a second debate against Vice President Kamala Harris.

As Vance takes the debate stage to attempt to make up for Trumps own lackluster debate performance, these projections on Trump Tower NYC are a reminder that Trump and Vance are out for themselves while Trump remains afraid to go back on that debate stage and be held accountable by Vice President Harris for his failed record and his dangerous agenda, DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman told CBS News about the stunt.

The Democratic National Committee dug up historic remarks and projected them on the side of Trump Tower ( Getty Images for DNC )

Project 2025 HQ was projected on the side of Trump Tower in Manhattan on Monday ( Getty Images for DNC )

The DNCs latest stunt occurred just hours after Vance arrived in New York City on Monday before he goes head-to-head against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz on Tuesday evening, for their first  and likely only  vice presidential debate.

The pair will exchange barbs in a 90-minute contest starting 9pm ET at the CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan, which will be broadcast live across the television network.

CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell and Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan will moderate the debate, which will maintain the same rules as Harris and Trumps debate last month with one exception: microphones will be left on.

Vance, speaking at a campaign event in Charlotte last week, will face off with Tim Walz in Tuesdays VP debate ( AP )

Polling from Prolific for The Independent has shone a light on the importance of the debate, with two-thirds of Democrats believing the vice presidential candidate has a significant impact on the success of the overall presidential ticket.

The DNCs latest antics come after it beamed anti-Trump and anti-Vance slogans onto the former presidents 98-story skyscraper in Chicago in mid-August ahead of the Democratic National Convention.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago was the hub of a GOP counter-planning event at the time.

Back then, Project 2025 HQ, Trump-Vance Weird as Hell, Trump-Vance out for themselves and Harris Walz joy and hope were plastered across the building.
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In their first and likely only debate, Donald Trumps running mate JD Vance will be performing against his Democratic rival Tim Walz for an audience of one: Trump himself.

Thats according to Vances one-time opponent Tim Ryan, the former Democratic congressman who lost a critical 2022 Senate race in Ohio against the Republican venture capitalist.

Ryan, among the only elected officials with experience on a debate stage with Vance, told NPR that Vance will likely turn very aggressive at trying to frame the Harris-Walz ticket as super extreme, super out of touch.

Theyll be blamed for everything and the worlds going to end if they get elected, Ryan said. Hell be hitting that hard because he has an audience of one, and thats Donald Trump.

Walz is also expected to hit back at Trump  a dedicated television viewer  and remind viewers of Vances well-documented and colorful past criticism of the former president, who Vance once labeled an idiot who is unfit for office and compared to Adolf Hitler.

In one of Vances 2022 debates with Ryan, the former congressman struck at his rivals past comments about Trump, characterizing his nascent cheerleading as a demeaning about-face: I dont know anybody I grew up with, I dont know anybody I went to high school with, that would allow somebody to take their dignity like that.

A van with an anti-Trump message drives near the CBS Broadcast Center in New York City ahead of the vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz on October 1 ( AFP via Getty Images )

The Minnesota governor is also expected to juggle real-time fact checks of Vances statements, including his baseless racist rumors targeting legal Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, as well as his misogynistic statements about childless women.

Unlike the presidential debate hosted by ABC News last month, CBS moderators at the vice presidential debate are leaving that up to the candidates themselves, after Trumps avalanche of false claims in his first (and potentially final) debate with Kamala Harris was met with a handful of live corrections from debate moderators.

Theres a real uncomfortableness to Vance, according to Ryan, and hes also very thin-skinned and so he can fly off the handle a little bit if you hit him in the right spot.

But Vance will be prepared. He survived a gauntlet of primary and general election debates during his Senate campaign, is a frequent talking head on political talk shows, and he has reportedly been preparing for his matchup against Walz with murder board sessions where his top advisers pound him with potential questions and lines of attack.

House Republican Tom Emmer has been playing the role of Walz in those mock debates.

Hes going to do a great job, Emmer told ABC News on Sunday. Once he understands that Tim Walz is just going to try and deflect and go into this folksy whatever, hell hold him accountable.
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As America celebrates its longest-lived former president Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday, his grandson warned that he is very limited in what he can do.

The 39th president turned 100 years old on Tuesday. While he remains excited to vote for fellow Democrat Kamala Harris for president, he has trouble completing some daily tasks, like talking on the phone, his eldest grandson Jason Carter told CBS News.

Hes very limited in what he can do, Jason told the network. He cant talk on the phone.

He is, however, following the news.

When his family asked him whether Carter was excited for his milestone birthday, Jason recalled his grandfather saying: Im excited about that but Im really excited to vote for Kamala Harris.

Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at the Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 2015. He turns 100 on Tuesday, and his grandson warned that he is very limited in his day-to-day activities ( Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

Early voting in his home state of Georgia begins in just two weeks on October 15.

The peanut farmer-turned-president has previously expressed his enthusiasm for Harris.

In August, Carter reportedly told his son Chip: Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris.

The latest health update comes months after Jason shared in June that his grandfather is no longer awake every day. Carter has been in hospice care since February 2023.

Jason added that the former president is experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process after losing his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023. She died at the age of 96.

A sign wishing former President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday sits on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 1 ( AP )

In a touching early birthday message, President Joe Biden remarked on how this will be the first birthday without his wife of 77 years by his side: Its bittersweet, but we also know shes always with you. Shes in your heart; shell never go away.

The president also praised Carter as always being a moral force for our nation and the world. Biden noted Carters commitment to resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease, and so much more. He called Carter a beloved friend.

Put simply, Mr President, I admire you so darn much, Biden wrote.

There will be a concert in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on Tuesday evening to celebrate Carters remarkable life.
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On Tuesday, Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will square off in New York for the only vice presidential debate of the election. Polling from Prolific exclusive to The Independent shows the debate has a chance to tip the scales.

But in truth, whoever wins the White House will not be able to do much if they do not control the Senate, which not only passes bills, but also ratifies treaties and most importantly confirms cabinet and judicial nominees.

That is why both Democrats and Republicans are pouring in money to determine Montanas Senate race results. Senator Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent who first won the seat in 2006, is running against Tim Sheehy, a retired Navy SEAL. Polling shows Democrats lead in Senate races with incumbents in Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Nevada, as well as in open Senate races in Michigan and Arizona.

But Democrats faced a major blow when Senator Joe Manchin  the former Democrat-turned-independent Senator from West Virginia, a state where every county voted for Donald Trump  announced last year that he would not seek re-election, almost guaranteeing the seat would fall into Republican hands. That left Democrats with only 50 Senate seats, and few opportunities to flip seats save for longshot attempts in Florida and Texas, and turned the spotlight on Montanas race.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill on June 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. Congressional lawmakers return to work on Capitol Hill. ( Andrew Harnik/Getty Images )

On Monday evening, Tester and Sheehy traded barbs in a debate at the University of Montana at Missoula on everything from abortion to immigration to health care.

The debate focused heavily on reproductive rights given that Montanans will vote on a constitutional amendment that would codify abortion rights, which Tester said he would support.

I believe women should be, should be able to make their own health care decision, Tester. It shouldn't be the federal government. It shouldn't be a bureaucrat. It shouldn't be a judge. Women should be able to make their own health care decisions. That's what Montanans like.

Tester sought to criticize Sheehy for previously opposing the amendment being on the ballot. But Sheehy tried to pivot by saying that he supported exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother and trotted out a known lie, claiming that Tester and Democrats are extremists wanting abortion up until the moment of birth.

When a baby is born alive, they refuse to enshrine protection for that life, he said, a common talking point that former president Donald Trump has also made, which is not true and Tester called total bunk.

It's a lie. It doesn't happen, he said. Those lives are already protected. Tim, you know it, you're saying it to try to politicize this issue more than it already is.

Republicans think they have a decent shot at winning the Montana race. Senator Steve Daines, Montanas junior senator, serves as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and played a major role in clearing the field for Sheehy to avoid a bruising primary. In addition, the Cook Political Report recently changed the rating in Montanas Senate race from Toss-up to Lean Republican.

Tim Sheehy speaking during the second day of the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. ( AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite )

Sheehy attacked Tester on immigration, which has become a top-of-mind issue for many voters, saying it contributed to the increasing cost of housing and sought to tie Tester to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Tester in turn tried to hit Sheehy for opposing a bill that would have tightened restrictions at the US-Mexico border, though Sheehy noted he was not a senator at the time.

They'll point to a bill that maybe would have done something that didn't pass, and have yet another messaging opportunity to distract from the issue that they selectively and intentionally opened the border, stood by and let it stay wide open for years, Sheehy said.

Montana voted for Trump by double digits in 2016 and 2020. And Trump has frequently criticized Tester  who as the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committeee, sank Trumps nominee to lead the department in 2018. In August, Trump traveled to Montana to hold a rally for Sheehy.

During his closing remarks, Sheehy pointed to Testers opposition to Trump.

He also voted to impeach Donald Trump twice. [He] said on CNN, we should punch him in the face Sheehy said.

Mondays debate was likely the final direct match up between Tester and Sheehy. But while all eyes will be on the debate in New York, Big Sky Country might determine the fate of either Trump or Harriss agenda.
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A business owner in Springfield, Ohio and his family have received graphic death threats after defending his Haitian employees from Donald Trump's racist smears.

Jamie McGregor, 48, who employs about 30 legal Haitian immigrants at his vehicle parts factory, had spoken out in September after Trump and his allies began spreading false claims that Haitians in Ohio were eating people's pets.

They come to work every day. They dont cause drama. Theyre on time, McGregor told The New York Times, saying that the migrants had taken up crucial positions that hed been struggling to fill after expanding his business.

Now the Times reports that strangers have been threatening McGregor and his family in the most lurid terms, as well as putting up posters near the factory that declared him a traitor.

"Why are you importing Third World savages who eat animals and giving them jobs over United States citizens?" one voicemail asked.

A mural that reads Greetings from Springfield Ohio is seen painted on an alley wall Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Springfield, Ohio. ( AP )

Another message declared that it would be "100 per cent justified" if McGregor took "a bullet to the skull", while yet another offered a graphic fantasy of McGregor being crushed to death by a pile of Haitian bodies.

Many of the messages came from neo-Nazis and white supremacists, the Times reported.

The deluge prompted McGregor to take his family to safety training and shooting classes, and to buy a firearm to keep in his house  despite his long discomfort with such weapons.

"I cant imagine living my whole life like this," said McGregor's wife Cameron. "You know, its got to end. Its got to stop  hopefully after the election."

Numerous schools and colleges were forced to close due to bomb threats and other safety risks earlier this month after the Trump campaign decided to make a target out of Springfield's most recently-arrived immigrant group.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of Haitians who were granted a temporary right to remain in the US due to the bloody civil war on their country have moved to Springfield, responding to a campaign by local leaders to attract new workers to the once-struggling town.

Then, based on shaky or zero evidence, Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and other conservatives alleged a plague of pet-eating in the mid-size midwestern city.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets, Trump declared during the September presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

McGregor, reportedly, a lifelong Republican who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, now says that he would not do so again.
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Ted Cruzs chances of winning reelection to the Senate are narrowing, with a pair of recent polls showing that his Democratic challenger Colin Allred holds a chance of defeating the Republican incumbent in a tighter-than-expected race.

A recent survey of Texas voters, from Public Policy Polling/Clean and Prosperous America, shows Allred leading with 47 percent to Cruzs 46 percent, after an August poll showed Cruz leading Allred by two points.

Those results have a margin of error of 3.5 percent, putting the candidates in a virtual tie.

Another recent poll from Emerson College/The Hill shows that 49 percent of voters support the GOP candidate, with 45 percent backing Allred. Six percent remain undecided. The results fall within the polls margin of error.

The latest results follow a Morning Consult poll that showed Allred ahead of Cruz by one percentage point - up 45 percent to 44 percent  for the first time.

No Democrat has won election to statewide office in Texas in 30 years, but the tight race is now drawing multi-million dollar spending from Democratic fundraising arms to send Allred to the Senate. Its a shakeup that could reshape Texas politics and the upper chamber of Congress as Democrats fight to hold onto their majority in November.

Ted Cruz, seen at the RNC in July, is polling at a statistical tie against his Democratic rival Colin Allred in the race for his Texas Senate seat. ( AP )

The Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee (DSCC) is boosting its advertising in the state by $79m.

Senate Democrats are expanding the map and going on offense, group chair Senator Gary Peters said in a statement announcing investments in Texas and Florida, where Democrats also hope to oust Republican Senator Rick Scott.

All cycle long the DSCC has been preparing to take advantage of Sens. Cruz and Scotts damaged standings in their states  and now our efforts in Texas and Florida are accelerating, Peters said.

Allred and his joint fundraising committee had raised more than $41m at the end of June with another $10m in cash on hand. Third-quarter figures, due at the end of September, are likely to reflect a surge in fundraising.

Colin Allred has earned broad support from Texans, and our campaign has clear momentum, Allred campaign manager Paige Hutchinson said in a statement. Ted Cruz is weaker and more vulnerable than ever because of his failure to secure the border, his extreme abortion ban that has put women in danger, his efforts to cut Social Security and Medicare and his record of only looking out for himself. 

US Rep. Colin Allred is polling at a statistical tie against Republican Senator Ted Cruz as the GOP candidate fights for his re-election in Texas. ( AP )

Cruz also appears to be taking the fight seriously, with campaign messages urging financial support as Democrats outspend him. The race is already shaping up to be among the most expensive in state history, with Cruzs campaign on track to spend $100m-$150m.

Were being outspent badly, which is why the polls are showing this is a one or a two or three point race, Cruz recently told Fox News radio host Guy Benson. This race in Texas is a real race. It is a serious fight.

Another recent poll from the Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation shows Cruz leading Allred by only three percentage points, 48 percent to 45 percent, nearly within the 2.83 percent margin of error.

Among Texas Hispanics, Allred has a commanding lead  50 percent to Cruzs 39.

President Joe Bidens departure from the White House race and the ascent of Kamala Harris to the top of the Democratic ticket has clearly shaped the contours of the race across the country  even in red states like Texas, according to Texas Hispanic Policy Foundation board member Regina Montoya.

The dynamism of the Harris campaign has had an obvious down ballot impact in the Allred vs. Cruz race, where Colin is now effectively tied with Cruz going into the final days of the campaign.

Cruz and Allred have agreed to their first and only debate on October 15, less than three weeks before Election Day.
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Tim Walz has been attacked from all angles by Republicans since being unveiled as Kamala Harriss running mate to take on Donald Trump and JD Vance in November.

The mild-mannered Minnesota governor, 24-year veteran of the Army National Guard, and former high school teacher, has been called everything from a radical leftist to Tampon Tim as the opposition scrambles to define him in the eyes of voters.

So far, little has stuck, prompting Trumps allies to turn to Walzs ties to China as an avenue of attack.

This is a ticket that wants this country to go communist immediately if not sooner, Trump told Fox and Friends in a phone interview in August.

On the campaign trail, Vance also accused Walz of wanting to ship more manufacturing jobs to China.

On social media, Richard Grenell, Trumps former ambassador to Germany, posted in response to Walz joining the Democratic ticket: Communist China is very happy with Tim Walz as Kamalas VP pick. No one is more pro-China than Marxist Walz.

In China, local internet users have speculated that Walz was an undercover CIA agent responsible for stirring up the Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, according to The Times. The outlandish claim appears to be premised solely on the fact that Walz happened to be in China at the time.

So what is the truth behind Walzs links with China?

Kamala Harris and Tim Walz arrive at Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport in Romulus, Michigan, on August 7 2024. After he was announced as Harriss running mate, Trumps allies are turning to Walzs ties to China as a fresh avenue of attack ( Elizabeth Frantz/Reuters )

Its true that Walz, aged 25 and a novice teacher, taught English and American history and culture in Foshan in southeastern Guangdong province between 1989 and 1990 as part of the WorldTeach program.

There is no evidence that he engaged in any political activity during his time there.

Yet, the trip clearly made an impression on him. The young educator told The Star Herald newspaper in 1990 that his stay was one of the best things he had ever done. If they had the proper leadership, there are no limits on what they could accomplish, Walz said of the Chinese people.

In a later interview with The Hill in 2007, he recalled: China was coming, and thats the reason that I went.

Years after that first trip, Walz and wife Gwen set up a business called Educational Travel Adventures to organize summer trips to China for American high school students. They even chose the country for their honeymoon in 1994. The couple continued to run an exchange program there until 2003.

After being elected to Congress in 2007, Walz served on the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, focusing on human rights issues and frequently taking positions much more likely to anger the authoritarian government in Beijing than curry favor.

In 2010, Walz co-sponsored a House motion condemning the arrest of activist and Nobel Peace Prize recipient Liu Xiaobo and fellow activist Huang Qi.

Walz also met with the Dalai Lama in 2016 and called for greater religious freedoms for Tibet; attacked Chinese aggression in the South China Sea; and criticized China for allying itself with Russia after it invaded Ukraine in February 2022.

However, unlike former president Donald Trump, who started a punishing trade war with China during his presidency by raising import tariffs on Chinese goods, Walz has advocated for less adversarial relations with Beijing and greater cooperation.

I think Walz is going to put a lot of people who care a lot about American foreign policy in this part of the world at ease, knowing that there is someone on the ticket who is informed, has spent time in the region, and is not starting from square one when it comes to learning about American foreign policy in East Asia, Lev Nachman, political scientist at National Taiwan University, told Voice of America.

The Chinese government has not commented specifically on Walzs ascent to the Democratic ticket other than to say that it hopes for better relations with Washington after the election  whichever side wins.
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Republican organizers in battleground states are worried that the Trump campaign isnt doing enough to drive GOP turnout, as Kamala Harris maintains a roughly three per cent lead in national polls and similar margins in battleground states.

GOP operatives told Politico that the Trump campaigns tactics to reach voters, relying heavily on super PACs and an army of Trump Force 47 volunteers to knock on doors and get out the vote, hasnt made as much of a dent as they wouldve wished in key toss-up states like Michigan and Nevada.

Theres really no organization, a Republican operative in Nevada told the outlet. He comes out, they scramble to do a rally  but after that, theres just really nothing else.

Republican presidential nominee former U.S. President Donald Trump attends a campaign rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, U.S., September 29, 2024. ( REUTERS )

They are out-matching us in money, in enthusiasm and in the ground game, Michigan-based strategist added in the article.

The Trump campaign has insisted its running the most robust and modern ground game ever, claiming to have more offices open in battleground states than Harris, and to have tens of thousands of trained area captain volunteers.

Earlier this year, the Federal Election Commission decided that campaigns can formally coordinate on turnout efforts with outside groups like super PACs.

The decision meant that campaigns now had get out the vote partners who could raise more money with less scrutiny, but working with such groups has its downsides, too.

Trump campaign has relied on volunteers and super PACs in wake of FEC ruling on get out the vote efforts ( Getty Images )

Outside groups are going to do more and more of this, Chris Carr, who oversaw Trumps field operations in 2020, toldThe New York Times last month. But the cautionary tale for donors and for everybody else is: Are they actually doing what they said theyd do?

The Trump campaign seems to think so, partnering heavily with groups like Elon Musks America PAC, Turnout for America, America First Works, Turning Point Action, and Pennsylvania Chase on their turnout efforts.

This summer, as Trump was reeling in the aftermath of his May hush money verdict, his campaign unveiled Trump Force 47, an effort to recruit and train volunteers to drive turnout.

Democratic presidential candidate US Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to a supporter's daughter on a cellphone as she visits a volunteer appreciation event at The Grey restaurant in Savannah, Georgia, August 29, 2024, during the second day of a campaign bus tour. ( AFP via Getty Images )

The move marked the latest tactical shift within the Republican party as Trump has gained ever more influence over its machinery.

In March, Trump allies took control of the Republican National Committee, with Trumps daughter-in-law Lara Trump occupying the role of co-chair.

Since taking charge, they have scrapped previous RNC turnout plans and made staffing changes.

The Harris campaign has a considerable fundraising advantange over Trump as well, with over $100m more cash on hand than the Republican as of figures reported last month.
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Donald Trump is claiming that he could only campaign in a 750-seat theatre because Vice President Kamala Harris and Joe Biden are using Secret Service assets to protect the President of Iran, who he claims is doing everything possible to kill me.

In a Truth Social post Trump made on Monday, he claimed that Harris and Biden were going out of their way to make it difficult for me to Campaign.

We had one of the biggest crowds Ive ever seen on Saturday, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, where a terrible migrant crime was recently committed, and we ended up having to use a 750 seat theater, having to send away more than 50,000 people, he wrote.

He said the reason they had to use such a small venue was due to a lack of Secret Service protection.

They were unable to give us Secret Service protection commensurate with the crowd, because they had to protect the President of Iran, who is doing everything possible to kill me, at the United Nations event, he said.

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, on September 28, 2024 ( AFP via Getty Images )

Last week Trumps campaign said that US intelligence officials briefed him on real and specific threats from Iran to assassinate him in an effort to destabilize and sow chaos in the United States.

The campaign did not elaborate on the claims, and it is unclear if the threats are new or are referencing past incidents. The Iranian government has not commented on the claims, but has previously denied any claims that it was attempting to interfere in US affairs.

The Secret Service did confirm that its assets were pushed to their limit securing the annual meeting of the United Nations General Assembly in New York, according to CBS News. There is no indication that any of their agents were intentionally denied to Trump at the behest of Harris or Biden.

A Secret Service official, who spoke anonymously to CBS News, said the agency was responsible for the safety and security of over 140 world leaders amid a challenged global threat level.

Trump said in his Truth Social post that we complained like hell, but there was nothing we could do.

The campaign rally was originally scheduled to take place outdoors at an airport on Saturday, but was ultimately moved to the smaller, indoor venue.

Make sense of the US election with The Independents experts in our exclusive virtual event Harris vs. Trump: who will make history? Reserve your space here.
 Close As I was saying...: Trump references assassination attempt on return to Butler, Pennsylvania, on Saturday evening

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Vice President Kamala Harris is continuing her media blitz this week, after touring storm-hit Georgia and North Carolina, and making an appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, during which she attacked Trumps running mate JD Vance over his notorious childless cat ladies comment.

The Democratic Party nominee will appear on 60 Minutes on Monday night, as well as ABCs The View, Howard Sterns radio show, and The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. Her running mate Tim Walz also visits Trump nemesis Jimmy Kimmel on Monday.

There are increasing concerns about Donald Trumps age and ability to serve a four-year term given his increasingly rambling and angry speeches. The 78-year-old former presidents gaffes and misstatements now occur at such a degree that they no longer appears to garner much attention.

At the weekend, Trump campaigned in Juneau, Wisconsin, and told his crowd again that he plans to be a dictator for one day if he regains the presidency and warned that the country is finished if he doesnt.

He also told his audience of working people that he hated to pay overtime as an employer, spread paranoia about exploding eco-friendly cars, while continuing to push the lie that the Biden administration is not helping victims of Hurricane Helene.
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Donald Trump is already teeing up an excuse for why JD Vance might lose the vice presidential debate against Tim Walz.

Appearing on Fox Nation on Monday, the Republican presidential candidate baselessly claimed to his former 2016 campaign manager Kellyanne Conway that the showdown is already rigged against his running mate  claiming that he would also love to have two or three more debates against Kamala Harris but wont for this reason.

I would love to have two or three more debates, I like it, I enjoyed it, Trump told Conway, also his former adviser.

But theyre so rigged and so stacked. Youll see it tomorrow with JD, itll be stacked.

It is a line Trump has been spouting ever since his presidential debate against Harris on September 10  and Trump now appears to be laying the foundations for Vance to use the same grievance if Walz comes out on top.

Without elaborating or explaining his reasoning for the claims, Trump then resorted to personal attacks on the Minnesota governor.

Hes going up against a moron, a total moron, he said. How she picked him is unbelievable. I think its a big factor. Theres something wrong with that guy. Hes sick.

Trump told Fox Nation tonights debate will be stacked against Vance ( Fox Nation )

Critics, allies and viewers all agreed Trump gave a poor performance against Harris in their debate.

Longtime GOP pollster Frank Luntz said at the time it came very close to the worst debate performance he had ever seen.

It was a pretty negative performance  pretty pessimistic, cynical, contemptuous, Luntz said on Piers Morgan Uncensored. And I think that this will cost him.

That night, Trump made the unusual move to appear on the spin room floor as soon as it wrapped to complain to reporters it was rigged against him.

Trump has since blamed ABC moderators for fact-checking him and has lambasted the network.

After trading blows on the campaign trail, tonight will mark the first time Walz and Vance come face to face in this presidential election. While vice presidential debates have generally not been considered consequential in elections, tonights could be different.

Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance will go head to head tonight for the VP debate ( AP )

About 75 percent of Americans are planning to watch the debate, according to polling from Prolific for The Independent, while two-thirds of Democrats believe the vice presidential candidate has a significant impact on the overall presidential ticket.

Six former vice presidents have gone on to become president, while 19 have run for the top spot, meaning that tonights debate could well showcase a future presidential candidate.

The most recent VP-to-president pipeline success story is President Joe Biden, who enjoyed a close public relationship with Barack Obama during the two terms he spent as his right-hand man.

Viewers can watch the debate tonight at 9pm ET on CBS News, its affiliate stations, the networks app, CBSNews.com, Paramount+, and YouTube.
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A nude statue of Donald Trump erected next to a Las Vegas highway didnt stay up for long.

The 43-foot-tall installation resembling the former president in a birthday suit had towered over Interstate 15 north of Las Vegas since September 28. But now, it has disappeared, according to the New York Post.

The eye-catching work, dubbed Crooked and Obscene, was part of a tour that was going to travel the country, according to The Wrap. The dates and stops on the tour had not yet been announced.

Its not immediately clear whether it was taken down to go on tour or for other reasons.

The Independent has reached to Las Vegas Metro police for more information.

A 43-foot-tall naked statue resembling former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is displayed in a fenced-in lot near Interstate 15 north of Las Vegas. The statue mysterioulsy vanished days after it was erected ( AFP via Getty Images )

The statue depicted a frowning Trump with outstretched arms attached to strings, allowing them to be moved around like a puppet. It is made of foam-covered metal rebar and weighs about 6,000 pounds, according to The Wrap.

The piece is a bold statement on transparency, vulnerability, and the public personas of political figures, the creators, who have not been identified, told the outlet.

This isnt the first time that Americans have been graced with nude statues of the Republican presidential nominee. In 2016, five unclothed Trump statues popped up in New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Cleveland and Seattle.

The project was called The Emperor Has No Balls and created by Indecline, a group that describes itself as an activist art collective.

The latest work cropped up just a month ahead of the hotly contested election. It also appeared days ahead of the first, and likely only, vice presidential debate in which Tim Walz and JD Vance will go head-to-head.
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Democratic insiders are said to be privately voicing concerns that Tim Walz could blow crucial vice presidential debate against JD Vance because of his tendency to be overly abrupt and defensive about his record in office and his occasionally manic speaking style.

Walz is due to square up to the Ohio GOP senator on stage at the CBS News debate in New York City on Tuesday night and  with no further debates in the pipeline  the contest could mark the final face-off between the Kamala Harris and Donald Trump campaigns before Novembers election.

But allies of the Democratic vice presidential candidate have warned Politico that there are fears that Walzs abrupt manner of shutting down conversations and runaway manner of speaking  which one anonymous insider described as a bit manic  could ultimately count against him.

He can be very: Thats it Im done, a second insider said of Walzs habit of gruffly moving on from topics under discussion.

Meanwhile, a third person recalled him declaring during get-togethers: Alright, Ive done all the answering Im going to do. Meetings over.

Others pointed to the former high school teachers inexperience on the national debate stage, while another voiced fears that Harriss own impressive performance against Trump in last months presidential debate has set such a high bar.

She did so strong. Shes actually made it very difficult for Walz, because I dont see any way that he could match her level of intensity and humor, the insider said.

Tim Walz (speaking to supporters last month) is set to go head-to-head with JD Vance in the VP debate ( AP )

Walz has been deep in preparation for the showdown with the help of Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who has been acting as Vance in practice sessions over the last week.

Walz was chosen to join Harris on the Democratic ticket in August after his attacks on Trump and Vance as weird struck a chord with voters.

But the Midwesterner could face a stiff test when he finally comes face to face with the latter this evening. Vance has already launched a spurious stolen valor attack on Walz over the timing of his retirement from the National Guard and is expected to raise the Black Lives Matter protests in Minneapolis in 2020 following the murder of George Floyd, as well as Walzs handling of federal bailouts during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Walz, in turn, is tipped to hit back by questioning Vances presentation of himself as a hillbilly when, in fact, he is a Yale Law School graduate with a background in Silicon Valley venture capitalism and over his false claims about Haitian immigrants stealing and eating pet dogs and cats in Springfield, Ohio.

Republicans like Minnesota congressman Tom Emmers have meanwhile been busily insisting that Vance will wipe the floor with Walz.

Trump, by contrast, appears to be getting his excuses in early on why his running mate might lose the debate to the Minnesota governor.

Speaking to Kellyanne Conway on Fox Nation on Monday, Trump baselessly said the debate will be rigged against Vance, a familiar complaint from the candidate.
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In the days since Israel intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the strike that killed the militant group's leader Hassan Nasrallah, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been quick to show they are an important player in the complex conflicts convulsing the Middle East.

In a brazen attack on Saturday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back from New York, where he had addressed the United Nations. On Monday, they threatened escalating military operations to target Israel after apparently shooting down a U.S. military drone flying over Yemen.

And on Tuesday, an explosive-loaded drone crashed into one ship in the Red Sea as a missile exploded against another, the British military and private security officials said, the latest in the Houthis' assaults on commercial shipping in the key waterway.

The salvo of Houthi attacks has again drawn attention to the Yemeni rebels and raised questions about their goals and strategies.

Who are the Houthis and why are they in this fight?

The rebels, armed by Iran, seized most of Yemens north and its capital, Sanaa, a decade ago, pushing the country's internationally recognized government into exile.

A Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government entered the war in 2015 and the Houthis have since been fighting what has become a long-running but now largely stalemated civil war in Yemen.

However, when the Israel-Hamas war erupted in the Gaza Strip a year ago, the Houthis began targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor  part of a campaign they say aims at pressuring Israel and the West over the war.

Analysts and observers say a widening conflict could boost the Houthis militarily and expand their already outsized role across the region  despite retaliatory strikes by Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the Crisis Group, says that before the war in Gaza, the Houthis were seen as an often-forgotten and less-prominent faction in an axis that includes Iran, Syria's government forces, Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Palestinian Hamas and other groups in the region.

That changed when the Houthis began hitting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden making their way to the Suez Canal, suddenly posing a much wider threat.

Over the past year, the Houthis have taken center stage, Nagi said.

What is the Houthis' link to the Palestinians?

After Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, Israel responded with a blistering offensive on the Gaza Strip, a coastal enclave run by the Palestinian militant group.

Israels retaliatory invasion of Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 95,000, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its count but says that over half of those killed are women and children.

The toll the war has taken and the extent of Gaza's destruction have shocked the world.

Meanwhile, the Houthis see the Yemenis prevailing solidarity with Palestinians as a useful tool for recruiting new fighters and swelling their ranks, Nagi said

In June, the Houthis unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile in their arsenal that resembles aspects of one earlier one displayed by Iran, which Tehran described as flying at hypersonic speed.

The rebels fired their new Palestine missile  complete with a warhead painted like a Palestinian keffiyeh checkered scarf  at the southern port of Eilat in Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no damage or injuries.

What comes next?

The extent of the Houthis' actions was a surprise to some, mainly because of their limited resources and Yemen's own costly civil war.

Nagi described their strategy as one of gradual escalation towards Israel. As their prominence grows, the Houthis  who have for years relied on portable missile launchers and hit-and-run tactics  will likely be eager to get their hands on more advanced weapons, he added.

The Houthis initially targeted vessels claimed to be linked to Israel and later expanded their campaign to include all commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They used small boats, short-range missiles and drones to carry out those attacks.

Their campaign prompted a response by an international coalition, led by the U.S. and U.K., which in February launched strikes on sites associated with the Houthis deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems and radars, U.S. defense officials said.

In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and wounding 10. Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida.

The Houthis have since warned they could expand their campaign beyond Mideast waters, to target ships using the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, or those in the Mediterranean Sea heading to Israel.

According to Faozi al-Goidi, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, the rebels are not likely to be deterred anytime soon and could also target vessels further out in the Indian Ocean.

They may also seek to "partner with other militias to build an alliance that would threaten security in the region, al-Goidi said.

The New York-based Soufan Center, a think tank, said in a September report that the Houthis were increasing operational autonomy and diversifying their alliances away from Iran by cooperating with Russia, pointing to alleged plans for Russian weapons shipments to the Houthis that fell through.

What kind of support do the Houthis have in Yemen?

The Houthis remain in control of most of Yemen's north where they enjoy popular support despite a dire economic situation and a brutal crackdown on dissent that has included humanitarian workers.

Their fight against Israel is likely to play into that. Thousands of Houthi supporters come out to Sanaa streets to rally every Friday, demanding justice for Palestinians and denouncing Israel and the U.S.

Yemenis of all political backgrounds and ideologies support Palestinians and have a deep connection with them, said Yemeni political analyst Abdel-Bari Taher. That will help grow support for the Houthis, despite the rebels' "oppressive policies against Yemenis.

The Houthis may also seek to exploit their new-found stature following strikes against Israel in any potential negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a resolution to Yemen's civil war.

The have raised "their ceiling for negotiations, said al-Goido. No one will ignore them anymore.
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The new Nato chief Mark Rutte has vowed to strengthen Western support for war-ravaged Ukraine as he takes charge of the alliance.

The former Dutch prime minister officially replaced Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday as Nato secretary general after his predecessor spent a decade in the job.

Mr Ruttes appointment comes at an important time for Nato, with the US election just weeks away, he will soon be working with a new president.

The secretary general said during a press conference on Tuesday that he could work with either Donald Trump or Kamala Harris and appreciates that Ukraine will be his top priority.

Mr Rutte, 57, was prime minister of the Netherlands until he stepped down earlier this year following the collapse of his coalition government in 2023. In June he was appointed to the Nato role.

Follow updates here

We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation, Mr Rutte said at Natos headquarters in Brussels, Belgium.

The cost of supporting Ukraine is far, far lower than the cost we would face if we allow Putin to get his way, Mr Rutte said, a few hours after Mr Stoltenberg handed the reins to him, along with a Viking gavel with which to chair future meetings.

Rutte, left, replaces Stoltenberg as Nato secretary general on Tuesday ( EPA )

Speaking about the prospect of Mr Trumps re-election, Mr Rutte added: Im not worried. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more on defence and he achieved this.

Because indeed, at the moment, we are now at a much higher spending level than we were when he took office.

Speaking about the presidential race in general, Mr Rutte said: I know both candidates very well. He also praised Mr Trump for pushing Nato allies to toughen their approach towards China. He then hailed the fantastic record of vice-president Harris and described her as a highly respected leader.

I will be able to work with both. Whatever is the outcome of the election, Mr Rutte said. When pressed about Mr Trumps commitment to the other allies, he deflected, saying only that both candidates understand that, in the end, the trans-Atlantic relationship is crucial, not just for Europe.

One of Mr Ruttes key tasks will be to persuade Nato members to come up with extra troops, weapons and spending to ensure the goal of improving the alliances collective defence is met, say analysts.

Volodymyr Zelensky and Donald Trump in New York last week ( AP )

We need to do more in terms of our collective defence and deterrence. We have to invest more and close the capability gaps and try to achieve all the targets Nato has set here, Mr Rutte said.

He has also urged Europeans to stop whining about Mr Trump and get on with boosting the continents defences.

The United States is Natos predominant power, but the alliance takes decisions by consensus so a big part of the secretary generals job is forging compromises among the allies.

Mr Stoltenberg, former prime minister of Norway, stepped down as boss of the 32-member alliance after a turbulent decade marked above all by Russias 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Rutte says Europeans should stop whining about Trump and spend more on defence ( Reuters )

Sweden and Finland abandoned long traditions of non-alignment to join Natos ranks after Russia invaded Ukraine. The war also prompted Nato to boost its eastern flank with more troops and to radically revamp its defence plans to take the possibility of an attack from Moscow more seriously than at any point since the end of the Cold War.

While Western leaders stress Nato is a defensive alliance, Moscow has long portrayed it as a threat to Russias security.
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Western nations are updating plans for evacuations from Lebanon after a sharp escalation in border warfare between Israel and the Lebanese armed movement Hezbollah.

The Israeli military warned several southern Lebanese communities near the border to leave their homes Tuesday, shortly after starting what it called a limited operation against Hezbollah targets.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas. There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach, Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Cyprus, the closest European Union member state to the Middle East, is a likely hub, having processed around 60,000 people fleeing the Hezbollah-Israel war in 2006.

Neighbouring Turkey has offered facilities as well.

No country has activated a large-scale military evacuation, though some are chartering aircraft to assist in their nationals leaving as Beirut airport remains open. There have also been plans to evacuate by sea to Cyprus, enabling the movement of larger groups of people at a time.

An armed Israeli Apache helicopter is seen from northern Israel, near the Israeli-Lebanon border ( AP )

Here are details on contingency planning:

AUSTRALIA

Authorities have made contingency plans that could include evacuation by sea, though it has urged an estimated 15,000 of its citizens in Lebanon to leave while Beirut airport remains open.

CANADA

News reports from Canada suggest it will cooperate with Australia in evacuating nationals by sea. The plan involves contracting a commercial vessel to transport 1,000 people out each day, The Toronto Star reported.

FRANCE

France, which has been urging citizens not to travel to Lebanon, has had evacuation plans in place for several months but has not issued an evacuation order. Present contingency plans centre around Cyprus and Beirut airport, while it is also discussing evacuations via Turkey. France has a warship in the region, while a French helicopter carrier will arrive in the eastern Mediterranean in the coming days and take up position in case a decision is taken to evacuate foreign nationals from Lebanon, a French army spokesperson said on Tuesday.

GERMANY

Germany has evacuated non-essential staff, families of embassy workers and German nationals who are medically vulnerable out of Lebanon and will support others trying to leave, a joint statement by the foreign and defence ministries said on Monday. Germans in the region can leave the country on commercial flights via airports that are still open, a spokesperson for the German foreign ministry said on Monday.

GREECE

The Greek foreign ministry has urged its citizens to leave Lebanon and avoid any travel to the country. A frigate is on standby in case assistance is needed.

UNITED KINGDOM

Britain has called for its nationals to leave immediately. It has moved around 700 troops to Cyprus, bolstering its presence in the area where it already has military assets, including two Royal Navy ships. It also has two military bases on the island. The British government has chartered a flight to help meet any additional demand from Britons wishing to leave on Wednesday, and will fly directly back to London.

ITALY

Italy has reduced unnecessary diplomatic staff and beefed up security personnel at its embassy in Beirut, a source told Reuters. Foreign Minister Antonio Tajani has repeatedly urged nationals to leave the country and sought assurances from Israel over the safety of Italian soldiers operating in peacekeeping operations in the area.

UNITED STATES

The U.S. has ordered the deployment of dozens of troops to Cyprus to help prepare for scenarios, including an evacuation of Americans from Lebanon.

PORTUGAL

Prime Minister Luis Montenegro has advised against travel to Lebanon. The country assisted in the evacuation of a small number of Portuguese citizens living there.

An Israeli attack helicopter fires towards Lebanon, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from northern Israel, October 1, 2024 ( Reuters )

What are airlines doing?

Concerns over a wider conflict in the Middle East have prompted international airlines to suspend flights to the region or to avoid affected air space.

Below are some of the airlines that have adjusted services to and from the region:

AEGEAN AIRLINES The Greek airline cancelled flights to and from Beirut until Oct. 31 and to and from Tel Aviv until Oct. 6.

AIR ALGERIE The Algerian airline suspended flights to and from Lebanon until further notice.

AIRBALTIC Latvias airBaltic cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until Oct. 31.

AIR EUROPA The Spanish airline cancelled flights to Tel Aviv until Oct. 2.

AIR FRANCE-KLM Air France on Sept. 30 suspended Paris-Tel Aviv and Paris-Beirut flights until Oct. 8.

KLM has cancelled all flights to and from Tel Aviv until Oct. 26.

The Franco-Dutch groups low-cost unit Transavia cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until March 31, 2025, and flights to Amman and Beirut until Nov. 3.

AIR INDIA The Indian flag carrier suspended flights to and from Tel Aviv until further notice.

BULGARIA AIR The Bulgarian carrier cancelled flights to and from Israel until Oct. 15.

CATHAY PACIFIC Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific cancelled all flights to Tel Aviv until March 27, 2025.

DELTA AIR LINES The U.S. carrier paused flights between New York and Tel Aviv through Dec. 31.

EASYJET The UK budget airline stopped flying to and from Tel Aviv in April and will resume flights on March 30, 2025, a spokesperson said.

EMIRATES UAEs state-owned airline cancelled flights between Dubai and Beirut until Oct. 8.

FLYDUBAI The Emirati airline on Sept. 30 cancelled Dubai-Beirut flights until Oct. 7.

IAG IAG-owned British Airways cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv through Oct. 7, the airline said in an e-mailed comment.

Spanish low-cost carrier Vueling cancelled operations to Tel Aviv until Jan. 12, 2025, while flights to Amman were cancelled until further notice.

IRAN AIR The Iranian airline cancelled all flights to Beirut until further notice, a company spokesman told local media including the Tasnim news agency on Sept. 28.

IRAQI AIRWAYS The Iraqi national carrier suspended flights to and from Beirut until further notice, Iraqs transportation ministry said on Sept. 27.

ITA AIRWAYS Italys ITA Airways extended the suspension of Tel Aviv flights through Oct. 31.

LOT The Polish flag carrier suspended flights to Lebanon until further notice, it said in an emailed comment on Sept. 20.

LUFTHANSA GROUP The German airline group suspended all connections to Tel Aviv and Tehran until Oct. 14. After this period, Lufthansa Airlines will keep flights to Tehran suspended until Oct. 26, in addition to the previously announced suspension of Beirut flights until the same date.

SunExpress, a joint venture between Lufthansa and Turkish Airlines, suspended flights to Beirut through Dec. 17.

PEGASUS The Turkish airline cancelled flights to Beirut until Oct. 7, a company spokesperson said.

RYANAIR Europes biggest budget airline cancelled flights to and from Tel Aviv until Oct. 26, citing operational restrictions.

QATAR AIRWAYS The Qatari airline temporarily suspended flights to and from Beirut until further notice.

SUNDAIR The German airline cancelled Berlin-Beirut and Bremen-Beirut flights until Oct. 31.

UNITED AIRLINES The Chicago-based airline suspended flights to Tel Aviv for the foreseeable future due to security reasons.

LEBANESE AIRSPACE ALERTS Britain advised UK airlines not to enter Lebanese airspace from Aug. 8 until Nov. 4 citing potential risk to aviation from military activity.
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Israeli forces have launched a ground offensive in Lebanon as fears of an all-out war with Hezbollah continue to grow. A spokesperson for Israel said limited raids are being carried out in the south after months of conflict.

The raids come after, the Israeli military launching fresh strikes on Lebanon in late September, in the the deadliest day for the country since at least 2006.

The rapid escalation has taken place following a series of exploding device attacks in September, in which pagers and walkie talkies blew up around Lebanon. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack. Israel has not commented.

Over 1,000 people have been killed according to Lebanons health ministry, including more than 100 women and children in the past two weeks.

The Independent takes a look at the recent timeline of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and an ally of Hamas in Gaza.

8 October: Strikes begin

After the act of terror by Hamas inside Israel which killed around 1,200 people  and saw another 250 taken hostage into Gaza  on 7 October, Hezbollah fired rockets into the Shebaa Farms region, an area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the Lebanese-Syrian border. Hezbollah say they will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, with health officials in the strip saying more than 41,000 people have been killed there in the Israeli air and ground assault that has followed the Hamas attack.

Strikes intensified over the next few days across the Lebanon-Israel border.

Since October, more than 100,000 Lebanese citizens and 60,000 Israelis have been forced from their homes near the border.

More than 1,000 people from Lebanon have been killed by Israeli strikes since 8 October, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

13 October: Israeli strike kills Reuters journalist

As a group of Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera journalists transmitted a video feed of a northern-Israel mil outpost, they were hit in a strike.

Reuters photojournalist Issam Abdallah was killed, while six other journalists were injured.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon concluded in February 2024 that there had been no exchange of fire between Lebanon and Israel in the 40 minutes before an Israeli tank fired. Amnesty and Human Rights Watch (HRW) said investigations showed the journalists were probably fired on deliberately by an Israeli tank crew. Israel denies targeting the reporters.

October to November: Conflict intensifies

Shells and rockets continued to be fired across the Blue Line - the line of withdrawal between Israel and Lebanon.

A boy inspects damage following Israeli airstrike in southern village of Akbieh ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Hezbollah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had previously said that "when time comes for any action, we will carry it out.

On 24 October the Israeli military targeted Syria for the first time, when it hit two military positions in the southwest of the country.

Late November: Temporary ceasefire

As Hamas and Israel called what would turn into a week-long truce in the fighting to release hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jail, Hezbollah said it would also respect the ceasefire.

Both Hezbollah and the Israeli military briefly halted military operations and a number of displaced people returned home.

But the de facto ceasefire lasted just a day after Hezbollah fired a rocket at an Israeli drone on 28 October, prompting Israeli shelling in Lebanon.

Israeli protesters are now marching in support of another Gaza ceasefire deal ( Reuters )

January to March 2024: Israel assassinates Hezbollah and Hamas commanders

Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy chairman of the Hamas political bureau, was killed by an Israeli strike in Beirut on 2 January, alongside six other members.

Wissam al-Tawil, Ali Hussein Barji, Abbas al-Dabs were three of a number of Hezbollah commanders assassinated over the next months.

Hadi Ali Mustafa, the leader of Hamas forces in Lebanon and Ali Abed Akhsan Naim, the deputy commander of Hezbollahs rocket and missiles unit were both killed in March.

April 2024: Israel strikes Iranian consulate in Syria

On 1 April, Israel struck the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.

The strike killed eight people including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Hezbollah, the IRGC and the Houthis of Yemen  also backed by Tehran  launched a series of strikes into Israel in response. It included hundreds of drones and rockets, the vast majority shot out of the sky by Israel and its allies in the region and the West.

The embassy strike came just days after Israels deadliest strike on Syria for three years, which killed 38 Syrian soldiers, seven Hezbollah fighters and seven others at Aleppo International Airport.

New Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian spoke at the UN summit yesterday ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

September 2024: Pager attack and intense airstrikes

On 17 September 17, thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah members exploded.

At least 12 people including three civilians have been killed as a result of the attack, with around 2,750 wounded.

The next day, at least 25 were killed and hundreds of others injured when walkie-talkies exploded across Lebanon.

This has prompted a major escalation in the conflict.

Since the heaviest round of Israeli strikes in nearly two decades  the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006  began on 23 September, 558 people including 50 children in Lebanon have been killed, with thousands fleeing their homes.

27 September 2024: Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is killed

In late September, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon. Irans supreme leader assassination will not go unavenged, prompting fears of major retaliation.

Nasrallah was not a terrorist, he was the terrorist, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Nasrallahs killing was a necessary step toward achieving the goals we have set, returning residents of the north safely to their homes and changing the balance of power in the region for years to come.

October 2024: Ground invasion begins in Lebanon

In the early hours of 1 October, Israel crossed into southern Lebanon, beginning a ground offensive that much of the international community was hoping would be avoided.

In a brief statement, the Israeli military said it was launching limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah in the region.

It is feared the escalation could see other countries drawn into the conflict. Iranian officials have not yet responded to the ground assault.
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Since Israel activated the Iron Dome in 2011, the cutting-edge rocket-defense system has intercepted thousands of rockets fired from the Gaza Strip, including on Tuesday night when Iran launched a large scale missile attack.

The system has given residents a sense of security, and Israelis can often be seen watching the projectiles flying through the skies and destroying their targets overhead.

But the current war with Hamas, which has led to direct confrontations with Iran, might be its stiffest challenge yet.

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1 ( Reuters )

Over the last year, Hamas has fired thousands of rockets toward Israel, according to the Israeli military. That is more than any of the previous four wars fought between Israel and Hamas since the militant group seized power in Gaza in 2007.

On Oct. 7 alone, the first day of fighting, Hamas launched at least 2,000 rockets, according to data from West Point. Lebanon's Hezbollah has also fired hundreds of rockets along Israel's northern front since the fighting began.

Most of the rockets have been intercepted. But some have managed to get through, killing at least 11 people and hitting buildings as far away as Tel Aviv, according to Israeli officials.

On Tuesday evening, Iran launched around 200 missiles in retaliation for Israels action in Lebanon, which has seen troops crossing the border in their mission to wipe out militant group Hezbollah.

Sirens blared across the country, and Israelis were ordered to stay in protected areas. An Israeli security official said that in cooperation with the United States, the Israeli Air Force intercepted many of the missiles, though there some direct hits damaging buildings and igniting some fires.

Here is a look at the accomplishments  and limitations  of the Iron Dome.

How does the Iron Dome work?

The Iron Dome is a series of batteries that use radars to detect incoming short-range rockets and intercept them.

Each battery has three or four launchers, 20 missiles, and a radar, according to Raytheon, the U.S. defense giant that co-produces the system with Israel's Rafael Defense Systems.

Once the radar detects a rocket, the system determines whether the rocket is headed toward a populated area.

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets launched from Lebanon ( Reuters )

If so, it launches a missile to intercept and destroy the rocket. If the system determines the rocket is headed to an open area or into the sea, it is allowed to land, thus conserving missiles. According to the military, all interceptions occur in Israeli airspace.

The military declined to comment on how many Iron Dome batteries are currently deployed. But as of 2021, Israel had 10 batteries scattered around the country, each able to defend a territory of 60 square miles (155 square kilometers), according to Raytheon.

How accurate is the Iron Dome?

It is roughly 90% effective, according to Rafael.

But it can get overwhelmed if a mass barrage of rockets is fired, allowing some to slip through. While it has performed well so far, the risk could be raised if Hezbollah enters the war. Hezbollah has an estimated 150,000 rockets and missiles.

How expensive is the system?

Each missile costs an estimated $40,000 to $50,000, according to the Institute for National Security Studies, a Tel Aviv think tank.

The US has invested heavily in the system, helping with development costs and replenishing it during times of fighting.

President Joe Biden has said he will ask Congress for $14.3 billion in military aid for Israel. The majority of that would help with air and missile defense systems, according to the White House.

He said on Tuesday that there was an active discussion ongoing over how Israel would respond to an Iranian ballistic missile attack, and that the consequences for Tehran remain to be seen.
 Close Israeli hostages families march to Netanyahus home on October 7 anniversary

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At least 10 firefighters have been killed in an Israeli strike on a municipal building in the town of Bint Jbeil in southern Lebanon, the local health ministry has reported.

Smoke could be seen billowing over parts of southern Lebanon as Israel resumed its airstrikes that it claims are targeting Hezbollah.

The Lebanese health ministry, a separate authority to the Iran-backed group, says 22 people were killed and 111 wounded in Israeli strikes across the south yesterday.

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.
The missiles lit up the sky across Israel, explosions ringing out as they were intercepted or they hit the ground. Civilians across the country were asked to stay in shelters while air raid sirens blared.

It is not the first time Iran has fired on Israel this year, Tehran launched more than 330 drones and missiles against its most bitter adversary in April  retaliating for a strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria. That attack, the first such strike ever, took a number of hours to complete compared to the one on Tuesday night, with the drones taking some time to reach Israel. Alongside help from allies such as the US and the UK, Israel said it had intercepted 99 per cent of the projectiles that day, in what was a highly-telegraphed move by Iran.

In the wake of that barrage, Tehran said it considered the matter "concluded" although it would respond if Israel struck back.

While we are waiting to see the extent of the damage from the latest attack, Israel said that there were few injuries and was bullish about its capability to fend off the attack, again with the help of the US.

The difference this time  other than the speed of the strikes, with high-speed ballistic missiles being a key component of the Iranian launch  is the atmosphere in which it took place. In April, the backdrop was Israel's war in Gaza against the Iran-backed Hamas, plus the near-daily cross-border barrage between another Tehran-supported group, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Israel. Both of those conflicts continue, but the tension has been ratcheted up by Israel starting a ground invasion into Lebanon to target Hezbollah, off the back of two weeks of airstrikes and attacks involving exploding pagers and walkie-talkies.

Missiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv on Tuesday night ( AFP via Getty Images )

Hezbollah has been left reeling, with a number of senior commanders killed  as well as the long-standing leader of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah. In addition to Hamas commanders and members of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Iran referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard General Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut in its rationale for the latest attack. The statement also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

The Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, Israeli media suggested closer to 200. Israel has threatened to retaliate, saying there will be serious consequences, while the Guards added that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous".

So where does that leave the region? Israel responded to the April attack with airstrikes in Iran, but wider escalation was averted. The nature of the latest strikes also leaves the door open for Israel to not respond too heavily and keep the current, if highly-charged, balance. But given the push into Lebanon, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu appears to want to push the boundaries as far they will go.

There are diplomatic levers to pull, such as fresh sanctions on Iran, something that would be unlikely to bring another retaliatory move from Tehran, but would act to put extra pressure on Iran. That would likely be Washington's preferred route, but the US has found out recently that seems to be influencing Netanyahu's actions less successfully.

On the other side is Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, who is said by Iranian officials to have ordered the latest strikes. Given the hits Hezbollah has taken, he will not want to look weak in failing to protect an ally. But Tehran will be wary of a wider conflict, not least given the staunch support the US has given Israel, and particularly given the current state of Hezbollah, its best-armed proxy.

It may purely come down to the egos of the two leaders involved, which will be a scary prospect for nations across the Middle East and the West. There will be intense diplomatic efforts to try and ensure calmer heads prevail, but only time will tell.
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Civilians across Israel took shelter as air raid sirens sounded across the country, as Iran launched a barrage of missiles in a major escalation.

Explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley as Israelis could be seen piling into bomb shleters with reporters on state television laying flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

In a post on social media, the Israel Defence Forces shared a graphic showing the location of projectile targets, with the caption: Approx. 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.

Israeli army radio claimed that 200 missiles had been sent from Iran, with a spokesperson for the IDF saying that they were not aware of any injuries as a result of the attack. Less than an hour later, people were told they could leave the protected spaces.

Follow our live blog here for all the latest updates

Locations of the air raid alerts issued across Israel ( IDF )

Irans Revolutionary Guards said they had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehrans response would be more crushing and ruinous.

An order to launch hundreds of missiles at Israel was made by the supreme leader of Iran, Ali Khamenei, who remains in a safe location, the Reuters news agency has been told.

An official added that Tehran is fully ready for any retaliation.

Earlier, the military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.

The Independent understands that Sir Keir Starmer is making a series of calls to international leaders in the Middle East as well as US president Joe Biden and European allies before issuing a statement.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets ( REUTERS )

He has already spoken to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu and the King of Jordan.

Other calls are ongoing as the US is understood to be leading efforts to help Israel defend itself against the Iranian missile attack. UK assets in Cyprus are also understood to be on standby.

Iran has vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

The firing of missiles came after Israel said its troops had launched ground raids into Lebanon, though it described the forays as limited. The Israeli campaign in Lebanon is the biggest escalation of regional warfare since fighting erupted in Gaza a year ago.

In Washington, U.S. President Joe Biden said the United States was prepared to help Israel defend itself from Iranian missile attacks.

We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region, Biden said on X about a meeting held with Vice President Kamala Harris and the White House national security team earlier in the day.
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Israel has vowed revenge after Iran launched a wave of ballistic missiles across the country in a major escalation of the conflict in the Middle East.

A salvo of around 200 ballistic missiles were fired by Tehran less than 24 hours after the Israeli military launched a ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Millions of people rushed into shelters while outside hundreds of flashes could be seen over the cities of Tel Aviv, Ashdod and Jerusalem as the Iron Dome system intercepted most of the rockets.

The Revolutionary Guards said the attack was in response to the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week. If [Israel] reacts to Iranian operations, they warned, it will face crushing attacks. The group said it used its hypersonic Fattah missiles, the first time they have been used against Israel.

Israels prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had made a big mistake... and will pay for it, with both US president Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer voicing support for the Israel.

US national security adviser Jake Sullivan warned of severe consequences after the significant escalation.

Just before the missile assault on Israel six people were killed in a suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv. Police said two suspects opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighbourhood before being shot dead.

As the Iranian missiles were launched, Mr Netanyahu was rushed into a security meeting in a secure bunker near Jerusalem to plan a response to the massive onslaught, officials said.

In a televised message, Mr Netanyahu later told his nation: Iran made a big mistake tonight  and it will pay for it.

The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies.

Israel Defence Forces spokesperson, Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, said the attack had resulted in a small number of hits, with the majority of missiles intercepted.

People take shelter after air raid sirens sounded in central Israel ( Reuters )

We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel, he said.

The attack left the prospect of a direct war between Israel and Iran, with the two countries having fought a shadow war for years. On Tuesday night, Sir Keir said he was deeply concerned that the Middle East was on the brink.

In a televised statement from Downing Street, the prime minister said Tehran had menaced the Middle East for far too long and called on the country to stop these attacks.

We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression, he said.

Mr Biden told reporters that the Iranian attack had apepared to have been defeated and ineffective.

Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel, Mr Biden said. US officials revealed that US destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean had destroyed several Iranian missiles.

UK forces had also played their part in attempts to prevent further violence, UK defence sectretary John Healey said.

Images that emerged from the attack on Israel showed parents clinging onto their children as they huddled in bomb shelters across Israel. Other images showed civilians crying as they fled from the orange flashes of air defences colliding with the Iranian missiles overhead.

The attack was over relatively quickly, but caused alarm around the world.

Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful, Iranian foreign minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on X early on Wednesday.

Hezbollah had already fired at Tel Aviv earlier on Tuesday as senior White House officials warned that an Iranian attack was imminent. Those attacks caused limited damage but forced Israel to announce new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches, reducing the number of people that can meet to 30 outdoors and 300 indoors.

The Iranian attack came hours after the Israeli military said it carried out targeted raids against dozens of Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon, the area of the country controlled by the group, as part of what it described as the next phase of its war aimed at neutralising the Iran-backed group.

An Israeli airstrike on a village in southern Lebanon on Tuesday ( Reuters )

Israels incursion into Lebanon is the first since the month-long all-out war with Hezbollah in 2006, and the fourth time they have invaded their neighbour since Israels creation more than 75 years ago.

Columns of Israeli tanks and infantry fighting vehicles were seen positioned on its northern border on Tuesday as airstrikes smashed into the hilly landscape of Lebanons southern region and the suburbs of Beirut.

While in other times Hezbollah would have been all around the city offering assistance to the displaced, now every aspect of the party seems to have gone underground.

On Tuesday afternoon, new strikes hit a building in a residential neighbourhood of Beirut.

A man documents the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb ( AP )

More than 1,000 people in Lebanon, from the southwestern city of Tyre, up to the capital of Beirut further north and across the country in the Bekaa Valley, have already been killed during a fortnight of Israeli airstrikes that ultimately presaged their invasion. More than a million citizens have also been displaced as they fled the inbound Israeli troops.

Israeli military spokespeople said the attacks were limited to within only a few miles inside Lebanon and would not involve an assault on Beirut, though at least four additional brigades were mobilised to the north ahead of future cross-border incursions.

They added, in a declassified report, that Israeli special forces had already conducted dozens of raids into Lebanon over the past year to destroy Hezbollah capabilities.

Rear Admiral Hagari, who posted the report on X, formerly Twitter, added that the United Nations Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was now swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets fired from Iran, as seen from Ashkelon ( Reuters )

Among the hundreds of sites the special forces raided, Israeli military officials said they discovered stores of heavy weaponry, including RPGs, anti-tank missiles and assault rifles.

Hezbollah started its military campaign after Israel launched its offensive in Gaza following the 7 October attack by Hamas which killed roughly 1,000 people and led to 251 more being taken hostage, around half of which remain in Gaza.

Israels retaliatory air and ground assault in Gaza has killed at least 41,600 people, according to the latest update from the local Hamas-run health ministry, and led to more than 90 per cent of the enclaves population being displaced. In the latest round of strikes, at least 37 people were killed after the Israeli military said it had been targeting command centres used by Hamas. They included a refugee camp in the centre of the enclave and a school in the northern Gaza City.

Displaced children play at an encampment on a beach in Beirut, where scores of residents have been driven to make shelter after strikes on the city ( Reuters )

More than 60,000 Israeli residents in its northern territories were evacuated in the immediate aftermath of the Hamas attack last year. As Hezbollah vowed to attack Israel until it ceased its operation in Gaza, in what it claims is a solidarity act with its ally Hamas and the Palestinian people, the northern residents have been unable to return.

But last week, while Israeli missiles and rockets rained down on Lebanon, Israel added the return of those citizens to its core war aims. It says its latest invasion is key to achieving that objective.

It had been hoped that US, Qatar and Egypt-led efforts to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas could stave off the possibility of an escalated conflict in Lebanon. Mr Biden and his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron also attempted to broker a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon last week.
Benjamin Netanyahus speech to the UN General Assembly in New York on Friday was a bombastic defence of Israels war in Gaza and the cross-border exchanges of fire with Hezbollah since 7 October.

The starkest message Netanyahu wanted to send was to Iran, Israels bitter enemy and supporter of both Hamas and Hezbollah. The Israeli leader warned that there was nowhere in Iran or across the Middle East at large that Israels military could not reach. It was a message that he would repeat on Monday just hours ahead of his forces crossing Israels northern border  the beginning of the first invasion into Lebanon since the 2006 war with Hezbollah.

But that UN speech would have sent an equally stark message to Washington. Less than 48 hours before his address, US officials were briefing that America, alongside a number of other allies, had thrashed out a proposal for a 21-day ceasefire. Washington felt secure enough to go public with it, with officials suggesting it would be a case of when, not if, both Israel and Hezbollah signed on.

Yet Netanyahus office put out a statement saying that any reports of a ceasefire were incorrect. Landing in New York the Israeli prime minister added: My policy, our policy, is clear: we continue to hit Hezbollah with all our might. We will not stop until we achieve all our goals.

The US is used to Netanyahu seemingly offering assurances in private and then doing the opposite in public. The prime minister has a fragile government coalition to try and keep together, and the far-right elements that make up that coalition have been clear that a ceasefire  over Lebanon or Gaza  would drive them away. But the gap is getting unmanageable.

An Israeli attack helicopter fires towards Lebanon ( Reuters )

Washington was caught by surprise by the massive strike on Lebanon in the wake of Netanyahu's UN address that killed long-standing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. Sensing the gathering momentum with Hezbollah's leadership in disarray, Netanyahu has pushed on.

The US  and allies like the UK  spent the weekend trying to avoid an Israeli ground invasion, seemingly managing to keep Israel to what it has claimed are targeted and localised raids, rather than a full-scale invasion that had apparently been on Netanyahus mind. But the reality is that Washington and Israels other Western allies are beholden to Netanyahus impulses. The US, Israels staunchest ally, has repeatedly called for Israel  and Iran  to hold back, but has needed to move the goalposts every time Netanyahu has decided that he needs to go further.

While many in Washington will see the wisdom in killing Nasrallah when there was a chance, it is based on the risky calculation that Israel will be able to achieve its aims of pushing Hezbollah back from the border and wrecking their ability to strike into Israel without sparking a regional war. Iran is used to the bellicose rhetoric from Netanyahu, goading Tehran about Israels military ability, but there are limits, as Irans salvo of 100 or so ballistic missiles fired at Israel demonstrates.

And it is the extreme uncertainty of how the conflict will unfold that will worry many leaders in the West and the Middle East. It is clear that the US now cannot guide Netanyahu, or even force him, to take the course of action they would like without exerting pressure in a way Washington will find uncomfortable. How much further Israel goes in its invasion will be down to the whims of one man: Netanyahu.
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Israel has fired hundreds of rockets and missiles at targets across the Middle East, hitting military posts run by Iran-backed militias as it steps up its strikes on the Tehran-supported Hezbollah in Lebanon.

In the past fortnight, more than 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based. The most significant of those attacks killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. On Monday, Israel also targeted central Beirut for the first time in 18 years, since the last war with Hezbollah in 2006.

Across the eastern Lebanese border in Syria, Israeli strikes have also struck Hezbollah positions, while smoke was reported rising over the cityscape in Damascus, the Syrian capital.

Late on Sunday, Israel also reported that it had struck targets in the Yemeni port of Hodeidah and Ras Isa.

Iran, which backs the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas in the Gaza Strip and various other militias in Syria and Iraq, as well as the dictatorial regime of Bashar-al-Assad in Syria itself, has vowed that Israels criminal acts will not go unanswered.

Below, The Independent looks at where Israels missiles and rockets have been fired.

Hezbollah

Nearly a year after Hamas, another militant group backed by Tehran attacked inside Israel, killing around 1,200 people and taking a further 251 hostage, the Israeli military is widening its attacks.

It has been exchanging fire with Hezbollah, which says it is fighting Israel in solidarity with Hamas, since 8 October, a day after the Hamas attack, though the assaults have been contained to limited strikes.

After 11 months of Israels ground and aerial assault on the Gaza Strip, one that has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians and displaced more than 90 per cent of the population, Israel says it has destroyed almost all of Hamas military personnel, and it is now upscaling its assault on Hezbollah, based in southern Lebanon.

The Israeli air forces, using fighter jets and bomber planes, have bombarded swathes of southern Lebanon, including Sidon, Tyre and Beirut on the Mediterranean coast, as well as the Bekaa valley on the other side of the country.

It has also killed dozens of senior Hezbollah personnel, including Nasrallah, in strikes on the southern suburbs of Beirut. In a further development, Israel has since struck central Beirut for the first time in 18 years, which was the last time it embarked on a month-long all-out war with Hezbollah.

In his first public speech since Nasrallah was killed over the weekend, deputy Hezbollah chief Naim Qassem said on Monday that the militia was now ready for an Israeli invasion.

Israel attacks Yemen and Syria

A large fire and plume of smoke is visible in the port city of Hodeida, Yemen,

As Israels aerial assault on Lebanon continues, one they say may presage a ground incursion, the air force has also shifted some of its attention to hitting Houthi targets in Yemen.

The militia, part of Irans so-called Axis of Resistance, ostensibly an array of anti-Israeli forces across the Middle East, controls pockets of western Yemen. They were engaged for years in a war with Saudi Arabia, a fierce Sunni state opposed to Irans Shia republic. Since last October, they have been firing at Israel and at ships sailing towards the country through the Red Sea.

Israel announced on Sunday that it had struck the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Isa on Yemens western coast on the Red Sea.

Houthi media reports said the strikes had killed four people and wounded 33. Residents said the strikes caused power cuts in most parts of Hodeidah.

The attacks came days after the Houthis said they launched a ballistic missile attack on Israels main international airport as Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israeli prime minister, was arriving. That attack was intercepted by Israeli air defences.

Further north, residents in Syrias capital, Damascus, have also reported smoke rising above the city on Monday morning in what appears to be further strikes on the area.

Will Tehran be next?

Hezbollah supporters carry pictures of Hezbollah commander Ibrahim Akil and Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei during Akil's funeral procession in Beirut's southern suburb last weekend ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved )

Iran has been clear that it will respond to Israel following the wide-ranging strikes against its partners.

But how that response will happen remains unclear. Some suggest Iran is wary of significantly escalating a conflict with Israel that, up to now, has been fought by its proxies.

The one time since last October that Iran has fired directly at Israel, in response to a strike on the Iranian embassy in Damascus this summer, they fired around 300 rockets and drones, almost all of which were intercepted.

But there is clear concern that Iran fears an Israeli attack; after Nasrallah was killed, Iranian sources said the countrys supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was taken to a secure location.

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.
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British citizens seeking to flee Lebanon have described being in a state of terror as Israel has launched a ground invasion against Hezbollah  with the UK government having chartered flight out of the country for Wednesday.

Israel says it has begun a limited invasion of southern Lebanon, as troops carried out a number of raids this morning following weeks of aerial bombardment which have seen more than 1,000 people killed, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

Victoria Lupton, 37, will leave Lebanon with her young family on Wednesday. Nobody in the country feels safe.

Everybody is living in a state of terror, and its intensifying every day  every day is feeling like a week, Ms Lupton. I think there now is a full-scale war, at least between Lebanon and and Israel.

I mean, Israel just launched a ground invasion, so I dont know how you can get much more full-scale than that, Ms Lupton added.

The foreign secretary, David Lammy, said: "I intend to put on a charter flight using commercial services tomorrow (Wednesday], and I'm seeking more capacity over the coming days so that people can return to our country over the next few days whilst the airport is still open.

"But I have warned and cautioned now for months that we have seen, in previous crises between Israel and Lebanon, the airport close, and we cannot guarantee that we will be able to get people out in speedy fashion.

"And of course, this is now turning into a very, very concerning situation on the ground."

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (Baz Ratner/AP) ( AP )

Some 4,000 to 6,000 British nationals are thought to be in Lebanon and they have been encouraged to register with the UK authorities as efforts are stepped up to provide routes out on flights. British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the UK charter flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

Some British nationals have lamented what they describe as poor communication from the British embassy in Lebanon, leaving them in limbo as they try to leave.

UK military veteran Samuel Evans told The Independent he is being ignored as he tries to secure a short-term visa for his son  who is not a British national.

Mr Evans had tried to book himself and his son onto the chartered flight after he was offered a space by the UK embassy. They were not able to do so, as his son did not yet have a visa number.

Despite being informed that a decision had been made on his sons visa application, Mr Evans says he has not been given the official result. Mr Evans told said he has never come across such a bad Visa process.

Wassim Kabbani, from Manchester, was not contacted by the UK embassy in Lebanon about a potential space on the chartered flight.

Ms Kabbani, who has lived in Lebanon for 16 years, was unaware that she had to re-register as a British citizen in Lebanon having been registered with the embassy for years  and having done so last October.

The Independent has contacted the Home Office for comment.

Smoke rises from an attack in Beirut, Lebanon, after Israel invaded in the early hours of October 1, 2024. (Hussein Malla/AP) ( AP )

Mr Lammy, told broadcasters: We cannot make guarantees in what is a febrile and fragile situation and I suspect more people are coming forward because they recognise that in previous conflicts of this kind it has been quite hard, actually, to get out of harms way.

In a brief announcement released in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the Israeli military said it was targeting Hezbollah in areas close to the Lebanon border between the two nations.

The military added that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support forces on the ground.

A few hours ago, the IDF [Israeli Defence Forces] began limited, localised and targeted ground raids, it said.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

A number of nations, including Canada, Germany and Bulgaria are either already evacuating citizens or have reserved places on commercial flights.

British military assets have been deployed to Cyprus and the eastern Mediterranean in case an evacuation is required, although ministers and officials have stressed that Britons should leave immediately.

On Monday, the prime ministers official spokesperson said Sir Keir Starmer has been very, very clear that British nationals should leave now, particularly whilst commercial flights are still available.

A map of the Middle East ( PA )

It is understood around 15 spaces for British nationals were secured on a flight which arrived on Sunday, and a further 40 on the flight due to leave on Tuesday.

The spokesperson said we are reiterating our calls for those to leave and to register their presence with us and book the first available flights.

Mr Lammy warned all sides to come to the table to avoid a wider war in the Middle East.

"None of us want a return to the years in which Israel found itself bogged down in a quagmire in southern Lebanon and pitched battles between Israeli soldiers and of course the Lebanese side," the foreign secretary said.

He added: "We have been warning for months that we risk a regional war with escalation on all sides and that is why we want to see an immediate ceasefire in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon.

"It is politics, discussion and diplomacy that will solve the problems before us and we urge, with partners, restraint at this time."
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At least six people have been killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv, Israeli police have said.

The force said two terrorists started the killing spree on the Israeli citys light railway and continued on foot before being shot dead by civilians and officers in the neighbourhood of Jaffa on Tuesday.

The news broke in local media reports at around 5.15pm (BST), just moments before air raid sirens began sounding across Israel as Iran launched a barrage of missiles at the country.

Israeli policemen take position after the shooting attack in Jaffa ( AP )

There has been no claim of responsibility for the shooting attack, but Israeli finance minister Bezalel Smotrich alleged they were Palestinians from the West Bank city of Hebron.

TV footage showed the gunmen getting off at the light rail station and opening fire.

Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report of people injured by gunfire.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA said.

Israeli medical services and security personnel on a motorbike at the site of the shooting incident ( EPA )

Mere minutes later, Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, including the killing of the groups leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley after Israelis piled into bomb shelters. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

Israel said more than 180 missiles were launched into Israel from Iran and Israeli air defences were activated to intercept them. US Navy warships helped intercept some projectiles fired by Iran at Israel, a US defence official told Reuters.

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon on Tuesday ( Reuters )

Israel's military later sounded the all-clear and said residents were free to leave their shelters.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said Iran had launched tens of missiles at Israel, and that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous". Tehran targeted three Israeli military bases in its attack, Iran's state news agency said.

Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said the attack would have consequences, as did Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon, with the country vowing a painful response against its enemy.
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Australia will bring in a new code of conduct for the online dating industry to better protect users.

The move comes after research found that three-in-four people suffer some form of sexual violence through the platforms, Australias government said on Tuesday.

Bumble, Grindr and Match Group Inc., a Texas-based company that owns platforms including Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid and Plenty of Fish, have agreed to the code that took effect on Tuesday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

The platforms, which account for 75% of the industry in Australia, have until April 1 to implement the changes before they are strictly enforced, Rowland said.

The code requires the platforms systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm and demands that the accounts of some offenders are terminated.

Complaint and reporting mechanisms are to be made prominent and transparent. A new rating system will show users how well platforms are meeting their obligations under the code.

The government called for a code of conduct last year after the Australian Institute of Criminology research found that three-in-four users of dating apps or websites had experienced some form of sexual violence through these platforms in the five years through 2021.

open image in gallery A new rating system will show users how well platforms are meeting their obligations ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

There needs to be a complaint-handling process. This is a pretty basic feature that Australians would have expected in the first place, Rowland told Australian Broadcasting Corp. on Tuesday.

If there are grounds to ban a particular individual from utilizing one of those platforms, if theyre banned on one platform, theyre blocked on all platforms, she added.

Bumble said it shared the governments hope of eliminating gender-based violence and was grateful for the opportunity to work with the government and industry on what the platform described as a world-first dating code of practice.

We know that domestic and sexual violence is an enormous problem in Australia, and that women, members of LGBTQ+ communities, and First Nations are the most at risk, a Bumble statement said.

Bumble puts womens experiences at the center of our mission to create a world where all relationships are healthy and equitable, and safety has been central to our mission from day one, Bumble added.

The other platforms that signed up to the code did not immediately respond to request for comment on Tuesday. All helped design the code.

Platforms that have not signed up include Happn, Coffee Meets Bagel and Feeld.

The government expects the code will enable Australians to make better informed choices about which dating apps are best equipped to provide a safe dating experience.

The government has also warned the online dating industry that it will legislate if the operators fail to keep Australians safe on their platforms.
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No other food is as synonymous with Mexican cuisine as the humble taco. Consumed by all Mexicans regardless of social status, tacos can be found throughout the country and vary significantly by region. In the countrys capital, taco stands dominate the streetscape, with the smell of fried and roasted pork and grilled beef an integral element of daily life. Whether its eaten in a trio during a lunch break or washed down with an icy beer after a night out, a taco is always a good idea.

Its important to understand that tortillas are to Mexicans what bread is to Europeans. Be it breakfast, lunch or dinner, most Mexican families have a hefty stack of tortillas on the table, kept warm in a tortillero  a tortilla holder  which is accessed regularly and enthusiastically to wrap stews or meat. Much like a sandwich, the fillings in a taco are endless. Even elaborate Mexican dishes like mole sauce  an earthy, richly-layered concoction made with chilli peppers, spices and often chocolate  and cochinita pibil  slow-roasted pork marinated in citrus juice and achiote (annatto seeds)  can be tucked inside a tortilla and considered a taco.

As a Mexico City native who often writes about food, Id been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the Michelin Guide in Mexico. Were a proud people and cant stop talking about our cuisine and the restaurants that regularly appear on the Worlds 50 Best list  mainly Pujol and Quintonil. Last May, the wait ended and the stars were unveiled. Much to everyones surprise, a tiny, relatively unknown taqueria was awarded a star. Although this was the first time the Michelin Guide rated restaurants in Mexico, there are certain expectations associated with dining at a Michelin-starred restaurant, and local foodies werent expecting one to be awarded to a taco stand. Suddenly, the modest, unpretentious taco had become Michelin-worthy  and a Michelin-starred experience was accessible to everyone.

open image in gallery Diners queue for tacos at El Califa de Leon in Mexico City ( NurPhoto via Getty Images )

The taqueria that made headlines after it was crowned with a Michelin star is El Califa de Leon, a 10-foot by 10-foot taco shop tucked behind a row of street stalls selling colourful clothing items in the working-class San Rafael neighbourhood. The worlds only taco stand boasting a star awoke to instant fame and three-hour queues following the announcement on 14 May, as Mexico City natives, tourists and journalists waited eagerly to sample its four types of carne asada (grilled steak) tacos: the only thing on the menu.

Read more: How Mexico Citys foodie scene got a serious upgrade

Whats special about El Califa de Leon is the quality of the meat. The taqueria, opened in 1968 by Juan Hernandez, is now managed by his son, Mario Hernandez, who co-owns and has led the establishment for the past 36 years. We have been in the market for 56 years, he tells me. I learned the trade from my father, who worked with meat his entire life. He was an artist in this field, mastering a very special cut, which we still use today. The special cut Hernandez is referring to is the gaonera, a thinly-sliced tenderloin taco thats the star of this no-frills taco stand. The second ingredient that sets El Califa de Leons tacos apart from the competition is its homemade tortillas, made on the spot as the meat cooks on the sizzling grill.

With prices ranging from 2.50 to 4, the tacos are expensive by Mexican standards, but according to a devout clientele, entirely worth it. I was there recently and the price hasn't increased since it got the star; it's still below 100 pesos (3.85), unlike posher taquerias that are no match to them, says Luis Eduardo Maya, a lawyer and journalist specialising in bullfighting whos been a regular for decades. It remains an affordable taco, no matter what anyone says.

open image in gallery Mario Hernandez, co-owner of the Michelin-star winning El Califa de Leon in Mexico City ( Getty Images )

In addition to El Califa de Leon, eleven other taquerias made it into the Michelin Guide, albeit without a star. While visitors and Mexico City natives alike are only just discovering some of them, others have been around for decades, having been passed down from one generation to the next.

Famed for its tacos al pastor, spit-grilled slices of marinated pork with Lebanese origins that have become a Mexico City staple, El Vilsito has been around for almost four decades. El Vilsito opened as an accessory to the auto repair shop next door, explains Juan Carlos Blanco, one of the founders. I used to maintain cars and decided to open a small place to sell tacos al pastor while people waited for their cars. I was only 28-years-old, a young man with many dreams and a desire to start a business. This taqueria in the Narvarte neighbourhood is known for the quality and flavour of our pastor, says Blanco. This simple pastor taco costs 23 pesos [88p].

Read more: The best Mexico holiday destinations  and when to travel to each one

open image in gallery A taco at El Vilsito in Mexico City ( Jennifer Fernandez Solano )

Opened in 1968 by Don Gus with just a handful of stews, Tacos Hola El Guero is a taqueria in the beloved Condesa neighbourhood that now offers more than 27 variations, all made fresh daily. Over the years, two of the owners sons joined the business and began adding vegetarian dishes. Our specialty is liver and onions, which got us featured on Netflix [the documentary series Taco Chronicles], but the truth is all our tacos are great, and customers have their favourites, explains Cristian M, one of the sons who took over as manager when his father retired. What sets us apart is our diverse menu, which allows large groups to dine together and enjoy different dishes. I've seen friends come in where some are vegan and others are meat lovers, and both can eat without having to compromise, he adds. At 28 pesos [1.07], prices are the same for all tacos.

Also serving some 20 to 25 different tacos de guisado is Taqueria El Jarocho, opened in 1944 by Manuel Aquino, known as El Jarocho, in the now-gentrified Roma Norte neighbourhood. Our best-selling item is definitely the campechano, our star taco, says Natalia Aquino, current manager and the founders granddaughter. It's a mix of steak and pressed pork cracklings which we fry to perfection until very crunchy. It sells for 60 pesos [2.30], is generously portioned, and comes with a double tortilla.

Read more: How to spend a day in Condesa, Mexico Citys on-trend neighbourhood

While traditional taquerias abound, newcomers made their way into the Michelin Guide too. One example is Barbacoa Gonzalitos, whose founders started making small batches of barbacoa (slow-cooked beef) hailing from northern Mexico to sell among friends and acquaintances via an Instagram account. We started in 2020, during the pandemic when jobs disappeared, and we needed a way to survive, so we began making barbacoa in one of our apartments, explains Andres Lerma Rubio, one of the founders. They set up in their current Roma Norte location in August 2023 and their prices vary only by the type of tortilla: flour tortillas, which are a special raw tortilla from Monterrey cooked on the comal [flat griddle], are 42 pesos [1.60], while corn tortillas are 40 pesos [1.54], he adds.

open image in gallery Tacos at Barbacoa Gonzalitos ( Jennifer Fernandez Solano )

Since becoming a food and travel writer some seven years ago, Ive witnessed how Mexico Citys popularity has grown among travellers. The city's affordable and diverse food scene is undoubtedly one of its biggest draws. El Califa de Leons tacos are a testament to the excellent street food in Mexico City  as are all the taquerias mentioned here. Each one contributes to the rich tapestry of culinary experiences in the capital.

But one point to note: whether it's a simple pastor or an elaborate guisado, tacos are always meant to be enjoyed with salsa  even if the Michelin Guide suggests theyre good enough to go without.

Read more: All aboard the new train route exploring Mexicos Mayan heartlands
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More than 40 foreign operators of Boeing 737 planes may be using vehicles with an issue that could pose safety risks, an American agency has warned.

The U.S. National Transportation Safety Board said on Monday that operators may be using planes with rudder components that could cause the issue.

The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations about the potential for a jammed rudder control system on some 737s.

It comes after a February incident involving a United Airlines flight.

The NTSB also disclosed on Monday that it had learned two foreign operators suffered similar incidents in 2019 involving rollout guidance actuators.

We are concerned of the possibility that other airlines are unaware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 airplanes, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a letter to Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Mike Whitaker.

The issue is the latest setback to Boeing, which has faced a series of safety questions after a mid-air emergency in January involving a new Alaska Airlines 737 MAX 9 missing four key bolts.

The NTSB is investigating an incident in February in which the rudder pedals on a United 737 MAX 8 were stuck in the neutral position during a landing at Newark. There were no injuries to the 161 passengers and crew.

open image in gallery A United Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 airplane takes off from Los Angeles International Airport ( AFP via Getty Images )

Boeing shares fell 2.7% on Monday.

A spokesperson for Japans All Nippon Airways, which operates 39 Boeing 737-NG planes, said on Tuesday as a precaution, we are in the preparatory stages of removing the parts that the NTSB pointed out, adding it had no impact on its operations. It is assessing how many of its planes are impacted, the person said.

Japan Airlines, which operates 62 Boeing 737-800 planes, said none of its 737 planes use the impacted parts, according to a spokesperson.

The NTSB said on Thursday there were no longer any 737s flying with U.S. airlines with the affected actuators, which were installed in some 737 MAX and prior-generation 737 NG planes that included an optional landing system.

The NTSB said 271 impacted parts may be installed on aircraft in service operated by at least 40 foreign air carriers and 16 may still be installed on U.S.-registered aircraft and up to 75 may have been used in aftermarket installation.

The NTSB and FAA did not identify which carriers may be using the parts.

Homendy, who spoke to Whitaker about the problem last week, said she was concerned the FAA did not take this issue more seriously until we issued our urgent safety recommendation report.

open image in gallery Boeing 737 Max aircrafts are seen behind fences as Boeing employees work the picket line while strikin ( Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. )

The FAA said it was taking the NTSB recommendations seriously and it was scheduled to do additional simulator testing in October.

An FAA corrective action review board met Friday and the agency said it was moving quickly to convene a call with affected civil aviation authorities to make sure they have the information they need, including any recommended actions.

United said last week the rudder control parts at issue were in use in only nine of its 737 aircraft originally built for other airlines and the components were all removed earlier this year.

The NTSB on Monday criticized Boeing for failing to inform United the 737s it received were equipped with actuators mechanically connected to the rudder control system and expressed concerns other airlines were unaware of their presence.

Flight crews may not know what to expect if the rollout guidance actuator fails at low altitude or during landing, the NTSB said, calling the failure unacceptable.

Boeing, which declined to comment on Monday, said last week it had informed affected 737 operators of a potential condition with the rudder rollout guidance actuator in August.
Ryanair is seeking injunction preventing travel firm from accessing its website

Internet travel giant Booking.com only sold between 13,489 and 33,205 Ryanair fights per year to US consumers over a four-year period, the airline has noted in a court filing in Delaware where it is trying to secure a permanent injunction to prevent the company selling its flights after winning a legal battle there during the summer.

Following a jury trial, Ryanair won its case against Booking.com, having accused the group of screen-scraping its fares.

The jury awarded Ryanair just $5,000 (4,490) in damages.

Ryanair group chief executive Michael OLeary conceded following the airlines annual general meeting in September that Booking.com isnt currently selling the carriers flights on its website.

However, the airline has insisted on attempting to secure the permanent injunction in the US to prevent Booking.com from doing so in the future without an agreement between the pair.

But in court documents filed to back up its request, Ryanair has revealed the number of flights Booking.com sold to US customers in the past four years.

The airline carried 184 million passengers in its last financial year. So the number of seats Booking.com sold every year to customers in the US amounted to just a miniscule percentage of the overall passenger numbers handled by the airline every year.

Ryanair said the amount of seats sold by Booking.com to customers in the US were valued at between 555,000 and just under 1.4m a year.

Ryanairs proposed injunction seeks to enjoin Booking.com from directing, encouraging, and inducing other parties to access the protected portion of the Ryanair website, lawyers for the airline have said in court filings.

The carrier claims it was irreparably harmed by Booking.com accessing its website.

The harm is not simply Booking.coms unauthorised access but Ryanairs loss of control over who accesses its website, including who sells its flights, its customers booking experience, its brand reputation, and the distribution model of its own flights.

Its lawyers have added: A $5,000 monetary award is plainly not adequate to remedy the harms that Ryanair suffered from Booking.com selling one million Ryanair flights without authorisation, with the intent to defraud, and inducing third parties to access the myRyanair website likely millions of times.

Booking.com has strongly rejected Ryanairs efforts to have the injunction granted.
Planning permission has been given for the seven-storey tourist hostel in Dublins docklands. Photo: Getty

Dublin City Council has granted planning permission to convert a permitted seven-storey office development in Dublins docklands into a 496-bed tourist hostel.

The planning authority has given the green light to Patrick Creans Marlet Group for the scheme at Martins Terrace, Dublin 2, and adjoining lands at the corner of Macken Street and the newly-realigned Hanover Street East, despite local concerns that the scheme would result in an over-concentration of tourist accommodation in the area.

The decision now paves the way for one of Europes largest tourist hostel operators, the Berlin-headquartered a&o, to establish its first tourist hostel in the Irish market.

A planning report lodged on behalf of applicants and Marlet subsidiary, Prime GP4 Ltd by planning consultant Kevin Hughes, of Hughes Planning and Development Consultants, confirmed that the a&o chain is to operate the tourist hostel.

The chain last year accommodated 6.1 million tourist bed nights in the most successful year yet for the business.

Mr Hughes contended that from a practical perspective, the tourist hostel will contribute much more to the vitality of the area throughout the day compared to an office building while also ensuring increased activity within the immediate area at night.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 1st October 2024

He said that the proposed hostel will assist in alleviating pressure on the hospitality sector following the easing of Covid-19 restrictions.

Mr Hughes says that while there are 24 tourist accommodation and seven student accommodation facilities within 1km of the subject site, the proposed tourist hostel will not result in an over-concentration or proliferation of tourist accommodation in the immediate area.

The a&o chain was founded in Berlin in 2000 and operates 41 properties, including three pipeline properties in European city centres. The 41 properties comprise 8,200 rooms and 28,000 beds.

The firm has hostels in gateway cities such as Berlin, Munich, Amsterdam and Edinburgh.

The council has granted permission despite Dublin Bay South TD, Chris Andrews saying that the last thing the inner-city community needs is another hostel or hotel.

In a joint objection with Sinn Fein councillor Kourtney Kenny, Mr Andrews argued that the proposed tourist hostel will result in an over-concentration or proliferation of tourist accommodation in the immediate area.
US pharmaceutical giant Pfizer is poised to axe up to 200 jobs across its Irish operation.

The proposed job losses  a total for which have not been specified by the company  follows a major review of its manufacturing operations in Ireland over the past year.

Pfizer employs over 5,000 people in Ireland in manufacturing, sales, administration, logistics and research & development.

It is understood up to 200 jobs are involved in the cutbacks and will be spread across all three of its major manufacturing sites in Ireland.

The job losses are being sought as part of a global cost-cutting programme.

Pfizer boasts three major operations centres in Ireland at Grange Castle in Dublin, Ringaskiddy in Cork and Newbridge in Kildare.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 1st October 2024

Its Ringaskiddy operation - which dates back to 1969 - was one of the firm's largest manufacturing centres outside of its US base.

The original decision by Pfizer to locate in the Cork harbour town helped it emerge as one of the leading pharmaceutical manufacturing centres in the world.

Sildenafil, the key ingredient in Viagra, was manufactured at the Pfizer facility in Ringaskiddy.

Trade unions are now to seek clarification on the precise plans involved.

All the job losses are expected to be achieved on a voluntary basis.

Negotiations will now take place over the packages to be offered to the workers involved.

Business leaders and politicians in Dublin, Cork and Kildare expressed concern at the announcement with Pfizer ranked as one of Ireland's 'blue chip' employers.

In a statement, the company said that it was proposing a reduction in manufacturing personnel following the detailed operational review but was trying to minimise the number of jobs involved.

"Pfizer recently launched a multi-year, multi-phased programme designed to assess the efficiency of our manufacturing focused on finding operational efficiencies to increase productivity within the network," a spokesperson said.

"As part of this process, we have conducted a series of evaluations and have proposed a reduction in the number of people supporting our overall manufacturing operations in Ireland."

"These proposals impact colleagues across the Grange Castle, Ringaskiddy and Newbridge sites during the last quarter of 2024 and into 2025."

"Reducing jobs is always the very last resort and we have been doing all we can to reduce costs elsewhere and minimize the impact on our people."

"We are actively engaging with colleagues and their representatives, and all job-related decisions will be made with transparency, respect, and in compliance with all applicable laws."

"For over 55 years, our sites in Ireland have played a key role in the global network, manufacturing many of our leading and newest medicines."

"We have invested $9 billion since operations began in 1969 and continue to expand with construction underway for our $1.3 billion investment into Grange Castle, projected to create a substantial number of new roles at the site by 2027."
A new tax credit is being introduced for unscripted TV productions, which include reality shows, chat shows and other light-entertainment programmes that are often filmed before a live studio audience.

In his budget speech, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said the credit will be available at a rate of 20pc on qualifying expenditure up to 15m, but projects will be required to pass a cultural test. The scheme is subject to European Commission approval.

According to an analysis included in the Tax Strategy Group papers earlier this year, spending on unscripted TV productions could increase from about 90m a year to 300m if a tax credit was introduced. There are only two other such schemes in Europe, operated by Malta and Cyprus.

While the details will be spelt out in the Finance Bill, there is likely to be a spending threshold on the scheme, as there is with the film tax credit, where the minimum amount that must be spent on a production is 250,000.

Mr Chambers also extended that Section 481 scheme for film, which he said was in response to challenges being faced by smaller feature film projects. There will be an 8pc increase in the credit, with a maximum qualifying expenditure of 20m.

Commenting on the announcement, Desiree Finnegan, chief executive of Screen Ireland, welcomed the incentive uplift. In an intensely competitive global industry the fiscal incentive, together with Screen Ireland investment, is vital in supporting Irish filmmaking and storytelling on screen, led by Irish creative talent, she said.

Noting the introduction of the 20pc tax levy for unscripted productions, she said this offered further opportunities for growth across the screen industry.

Finnegan said several milestones had been achieved this year, with Kneecap being the first ever Irish language film to be selected for the Sundance Film Festival; Small Things Like These becoming the first ever Irish film to open the Berlin International Film Festival; and five Irish films premiering at Cannes.

Audiovisual Ireland, the representative body for the screen industry within Ibec, also welcomed the boost to the Section 481 film tax credit.

Todays Budget announcement is very positive for the Irish screen sector and is most welcome in light of increased competition from the UK due to enhancements made to their incentives earlier this year, said Torlach Denihan, the bodys director.

Mr Chambers said he was conscious of the importance of the visual effects (VFX) sector within the audio-visual industry, and he had asked officials in the Department of Finance to monitor international trends in the sector over the coming year with a view to providing options on a measure to help that sector in next years budget.

Mr Denihan added: These measures will help the screen sector to capitalise on its remarkable achievements over the last decade and to secure a vibrant future for the industry, which creates some 12,000 jobs, is estimated to be worth over 692m to Ireland and which won a host of international awards, including 31 Academy Award nominations since 2010.
Follow-up to pop-sociology hit The Tipping Point is easily readable but it feels like the author hasnt moved with the times

Back in the 2000, Malcolm Gladwells debut, The Tipping Point, became a self-fulfilling literary event: a book about how trends and ideas catch on, which itself became a phenomenon. It sold in its millions, appeared on best of decade lists, earned praise from Bill Clinton and launched its author on to the lucrative lecture circuit.

In the decades since, it has come to define a certain kind of pop-sociology title, aimed at readers who want to explain it all in several hundred pages, with a hypnotically simple theory of how society works. The Tipping Point was this very thing, the book that launched a thousand TED talks.

Now Gladwell returns with Revenge of the Tipping Point, an updated look at epidemics and the thresholds that, he argues, they must cross in order to endure. He has an eye for an interesting case study; chapters on a spate of bank robberies in Los Angeles and on how a businessmans move to Miami triggered his turn to Medicare fraud are engaging and snappy. He makes a convincing case that a 1978 drama starring Meryl Streep changed how we talk about the Holocaust, and theres a fascinating section on the Lawrence Tract, a cul-de-sac in 1950s Palo Alto where residents put into action a bold and utopian vision for desegregated housing, fighting white flight by placing Black, Asian and white families side by side. Until, that is, their ideals hit an obstacle, when they had to deny a Black family a home to preserve their community's egalitarian standards.

Other sections, however, expose a certain clumsiness in Gladwells approach. One is about Poplar Grove, a pseudonymous American town where a number of teenagers suddenly killed themselves. He weaves this dark subject matter into another story, about the spread of diseases among cheetahs in captivity. Paragraphs jump between inbred big cats and bereaved parents, assembling an argument about cultural homogeneity that feels tactless  a case of extreme sociology brain, where Gladwell, distracted by the overstory he has unearthed, misses the fundamental strangeness of his arguments.

A section on the opioid crisis studies the triplicate program brought into certain US states, which meant that doctors had to send copies of prescriptions for Schedule II drugs to chemists, as well as to a state monitoring agency. This programme did lay the foundations for OxyContin use to spread, or to be limited, in different locales, but its one piece of a vast cultural puzzle, as books such as Patrick Radden Keefes Empire of Pain have shown. Again theres something oddly tactless about Gladwell shouting Eureka! in the face of an ongoing disaster, one that has only accelerated, and killed more people, in recent years.

This speaks to a problem that countless readers have found in Gladwells work; his critics long ago crossed a tipping point of their own, even as the authors profile grew. His arguments are reductive by design. This, coupled with his fast-moving narration, is what makes his books so satisfying to his fans, but prevents others from taking him seriously. Gladwell spins order from chaos, deriving simple, communicable lessons from fluctuations in the zeitgeist, which, he claims, can help improve humanitys future. But its clear at this point that his ideas only work smoothly in hindsight, and are far harder to apply to the present, or the future.

Gladwell, distracted by the overstory he has unearthed, misses the fundamental strangeness of his arguments.

It might seem too much to expect from an author, even one of Gladwells standing, to come up with ways to fix societys problems. I wouldnt ask, except that he really does give the impression of having all the answers, and relishes pointing out, over and over, exactly where others have gone wrong.

In the past, he has been praised and damned in the same sentence for his irritating, unrelenting readability (this was from Maureen Tkacik, writing in The Nation in 2009). His prose retains that same, compulsive quality today, but it follows a formula: Gladwell lays out the big problem, shows people flailing around trying to fix it, and ends the section with ... but they were wrong. (This occurs with an almost distressing frequency; Gladwell tells us that his subjects are wrong about as often as Adam Curtis tells us it was all a dream). Then he locates a tipping point, deriving from it a simple explanation. Bam! Then Gladwell moves on.

After one or two uses of this technique, it starts to feel patronising. After five, or 10, or 20, it loses credibility. Gladwells version of events likely isnt harmful, but it is pedantic and repetitive and smug. Even if his ideas chime with present-day values  arguing that Will and Grace helped legalise gay marriage, as one example, or that Purdue Pharma created a public health crisis in order to sell oxycodone  this book feels outdated, perhaps even anti-modern, in its mission to generalise about groups of people. Lately, pop-science, pop-economics and pop-sociology books more often tend towards specificity; studies of mycology, ultra-processed foods and the inner lives of cuttlefish have all been bestsellers in recent years. Were moving away from all-encompassing theories of everything, and theres something refreshing about authors, often highly trained in their fields, leaving it to the reader to derive universal lessons from their work. These books hint at a broader profundity, instead of hitting us over the head with it.

Revisiting the tipping point concept was a chance for Gladwell to challenge his own ideas, to dismantle them, even, or to take stock in an age of sweeping new technologies and creeping extremism (coming from, it should be noted, very small but vocal groups  Gladwells Law of the Few easily applies here). What he gives us instead makes for occasionally interesting reading that appears, on its surface, to be qualified and thorough, but that leaves us very little to chew on.

Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell

Revenge of the Tipping Point: Overstories, Superspreaders and the Rise of Social Engineering by Malcolm Gladwell

Abacus, 368 pages, trade paperback 24.65, e-book 12.99
Former Strictly Come Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice is relieved that he has been cleared of claims that he was physically aggressive towards his former partner Amanda Abbington, as the BBC apologised to her, saying it had upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.

Sherlock actress Abbington, who pulled out of the BBC One show last year citing personal reasons, later claimed she was subjected to a toxic environment and inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.

A spokeswoman for Pernice welcomed the review, saying they are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.

Giovanni is relieved that the overwhelming majority of allegations put to the BBC have not been upheld and looks forward to continuing his work on Dancing with the Stars in Italy this season, she added.

There were no findings relating to physical aggression, but complaints of verbal bullying and harassment were upheld.

The review into Abbingtons complaints about Pernice was launched earlier this year.

Pernice, who is not part of this years Strictly professional dancing line-up and has since joined an Italian dance show, Ballando con le Stelle, always rejected the allegations.

The BBC said yesterday: We have assessed the complaints and we have upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made. We want to apologise to Amanda Abbington and to thank her for coming forward and taking part. We know this would not have been an easy thing to do.

At the time, although the production team took steps to address the issues as they understood them, ultimately these were not enough.

This is why the measures we have taken to further strengthen our existing protocols are so important.

A written statement from Abbington said it was not an easy thing to do to come forward, and she has been accused of being a liar, a troublemaker and of being mad and unstable, and that she and her children had been threatened.

Despite this vile abuse, Ive never regretted coming forward, and todays apology from the BBC is a vindication of my complaint, said Abbington.

Its not just a vindication for me, its a vindication for the other people who have contacted me since I made my complaint to express concerns about their own experiences on Strictly Come Dancing. I hope those who have felt unable to speak out now will be more confident that they will be listened to and believed.

TV presenter and former Love Island host Laura Whitmore previously said she spoke to the Strictly review team, and said she was subjected to inappropriate behaviour. She was partnered with Pernice in 2016, and was eliminated seventh that year.
Irelands application to retain its Nitrates Derogation will be submitted in the next four weeks jointly by the Departments of Housing, Local Government and Heritage and the Department of Agriculture.

Speaking at a Tirlan open day for suppliers, its Head of Agri Sustainability Thomas Ryan said the campaign to retain the Derogation is live.

Mr Ryan said the decision on whether Ireland gets to keep the Derogation would be made by the European Commission on a combination of politics, economics and science. But its going to be science is going to trump the decision overall.

Maybe to give a point of comfort here, we are now at a point where we have stable water quality.

The most recent EPA water quality report, he said, which looked at water quality up to the end of December 2023, said we have reached terra firma and Ireland has stable water quality.

Its a different place to where we were for the last Derogation, where water quality was in decline, he said.

Im confident we are taking the right actions to back ourselves to have a viable and long-term future in dairying and retaining the Derogation.

For farmers worried about the Derogation, Mr Ryan said its about going back to doing brilliant basics.

Because it is a concern. Retaining the Nitrates Derogation is a concern at the kitchen table.

Many Tirlan suppliers, he said, have indicated that the Derogation is part of their plans into the future, with farmers very engaged on keeping the Derogation and taking the necessary actions on farm.

A delegation from the European Commission visited a Tirlan dairy farm last week as part of a visit to Ireland.

According to Mr Ryan one of the delegation officials could not believe the farm was in Derogation.

They couldnt believe our outdoor grass-based model of food production, the key actions farm families are taking and how thats compatible with farming in Derogation.

Brian Hanafin, Head of Milkpool Development at Tirlan, said the Nitrates Derogation overhang is affecting sentiment and lessening peoples appetite to invest.

He also said the requirement for leased land is a factor of derogation.

Youre seeing land rental (prices) reaching historical highs, he said, due to the demand for land, with the cost of renting land working out around 3c/L.

So from our 3bn litre milk pool, there was about 90m a year transferring from active farmers to land owners. That is a cost that has increased significantly in the past three or four years.

While milk volumes have increased by 93pc (to 3bn litres) into Tirlan since 2010, as the average volume per supplier also increased by 93pc. Cow numbers in that time frame have increased by 72pc to 576,000, while the area being farmed by Tirlan suppliers has increased by 25pc, and 250 new entrants joined Tirlan since 2020.

Further expansion by existing suppliers, Mr Hanafin said, has been challenged by the weather over the past two years, while looking forward he said the main challenge would be funding and the cost of borrowing, as well as the cost of infrastructure.

The cost of cement, steel and the availability of labour, he said are also challenges for Tirlan suppliers.
The first court order concerning the initial proceedings involving Joseph Scales and PJ Madigan was first made in June 2002. Since then, a further 11 court orders have been made.

The recent High Court ruling against a farmer has drawn sharp criticism, with both political and farming representatives backing up the Law Societys concerns over the growing imbalance between Revenues powers and individual taxpayers rights.

As reported by the Farming Independent last week, the case centred on Kilkenny farmer Dermot Tobin, who transferred his farm business to a company, and was audited by Revenue over a Single Payment Scheme (SPS) subsidy, which he had not included in his personal tax return but instead declared as company income. Although initially cleared by the Tax Appeals Commission, Revenue challenged the decision in the High Court and won, with the court allowing a tax assessment outside the standard four-year limit.

In the Dail last week, Fianna Fail TD John McGuinness expressed strong criticism over the treatment of Mr Tobin, highlighting the financial strain placed on his family as they were forced to defend themselves in court.

This farmer and his family were dragged through the courts to defend a position that Revenue, in essence, wanted to test, McGuinness said.

He contrasted Tobins experience with how large corporations like Apple are treated by Revenue, stating, Its unfair that individuals like Tobin, who complied in good faith, are left at the mercy of Revenues power to revisit past years without clear-cut protections.

McGuinness further argued that Tobin deserved more recognition for enduring the legal battle caused by Revenues actions.

ICMSA president Denis Drennan expressed similar concerns, and argued that the ruling could leave farmers vulnerable to never-ending audits.

Most taxpayers, including farmers, would reasonably expect that once Revenue accepts a payment, the matter should be closed after a defined period, he said.

He questioned the practicality of requiring farmers to retain financial records for over a decade, calling the approach unworkable and deeply unfair.

Drennan emphasised that four years is ample time for Revenue to detect errors, adding: If they cant do their work in that period, the taxpayer should not be punished.

The Law Society raised broader concerns about the fairness of Irelands tax system.

In its pre-Budget submission, it argued that the High Court ruling undermines safeguards meant to protect taxpayers from indefinite scrutiny. It warned that the current approach grants Revenue excessive latitude, even in cases where no fraud or negligence is involved. The ruling blurs the line between honest mistakes and deliberate wrongdoing, subjecting ordinary taxpayers to potentially massive surprise assessments years after the fact, the society said.
At least 25pc of farmers direct payments are now allocated to Eco Schemes. Photo: Stock Image

The EUs independent external auditor, the European Court of Auditors (ECA), has criticised Ireland for what it describes as a lost opportunity to make livestock farming more climate-friendly.

A new report examining member states climate and environment ambitions under the CAP 2021-2027 assessed whether their strategic plans provide a sound basis for meeting the policy objective of a greener CAP.

Overall, the report concluded the plans are greener than in the previous CAP period, but do not match the EUs ambitions for climate and the environment, and key elements for assessing green performance are missing.

The report looked at four countries, including Ireland, where it found our Eco Schemes were mostly a continuation of existing green farming practices.

Under the current CAP, some 25pc of all farmers direct payments have been reallocated to the new Eco Schemes payment. In Ireland, for Eco Schemes, we saw that these were not targeted, so much in the sense that 91pc of farmers in Ireland were already eligible from the start, the ECAs Kristian Sniter told a press briefing.

So the farmers will receive a payment without changing the practice and without being more ambitious. That was a weakness we also found in France where 99pc of farmers were already eligible without changing practices.

We also saw in the livestock sectors, there were difficulties to implement measures. The Commission asked when it reviewed the Irish plan to have more measures for livestock and the dairy sector  the reply from Ireland was that it had its own national plans, which we cannot audit and neither the Commission.

Thats a lost opportunity. They had the chance to use CAP funds to support the sectors transition to a more climate-friendly approach, but this was not used.

The audit team highlights the Commission took the view that the actions in Irelands plan to cope with the dairy sectors pressure on the environment and the climate might not be sufficient.

Ireland referred to several complementary national initiatives to address these issues, such as those included in the Climate Action Plan.

The ECA also criticised Irelands ambitions to restore and protect peatlands.

There are new rules to maintain and protect peatlands, which will be implemented with some delay in Ireland. What we regret is there is no effort to restore peatlands, Sniter said.

Where peatlands had been transformed into agricultural land, to go back and restore them as carbon sinks and to promote biodiversity, there was no effort on this.
A teacher in Dublin has welcomed the extension of free schoolbooks and free hot meals to students in the Budget, but said she is disappointed it did not directly address the needs of teachers.

Leona Clarke, a home-economics and biology teacher at a school in Lucan, west Dublin, said she would like to see pathways funded and opened up to allow people to get into the profession as well as making it easier for someone to change careers into teaching.

Ms Clarke welcomed the incapacitated child tax credit increasing by 300 from a personal point of view as her eldest son, Michael, is autistic and severely intellectually disabled.

She also welcomed the increase to the home support hours and the means testing for the Carers Allowance. However, she said that as they cant get people to do any home support hours, the increase in itself is irrelevant.

The Government is extending the free schoolbooks initiative to all transition year and senior cycle pupils from next September.

The Budget also includes a substantial increase in funding for the school transport scheme. The free hot school meals programme will also be extended to all 3,000-plus primary schools from next year.

Ms Clarke said that anything that eradicates child poverty in school is very welcome.

Budget 2025 also provided for 768 additional special education teachers and 1,600 more special needs assistants.

While welcoming the cost-of-living supports as part of the Budget, Ms Clarke said she would have liked to have seen children who are without a school place prioritised.

I would have loved for someone to come out as part of the Budget and mention school places for all. We have so many kids that are sitting at home with no school places, she said.

There was nothing in the Budget for them. There needs to be strong leadership there. For huge change we need something radical, and it didnt come, she said.

Ms Clarke said money is just being thrown at problems and there is no real foundational underlying change in the practices where the problems lie.

If you were a mother, like I was last year, of a child sitting at home with no school place, there is nothing in there to help me, she said, adding that no child should be left without a school place.

Ms Clarke said there is no incentive for anybody to take up a job in special education, such as allowances.

Teachers are the most important resource in the room. When there are enough of us, the rest doesnt really matter. Education is about teachers and having the right environment and having the right people in the right jobs, she added.

There is no incentive for people to train or to encourage them into these fundamental services. It is the same with gardai and nurses.

There is a huge focus on the money and the economy but our fundamental public services are not being looked after.
Labours Health Spokesperson, Duncan Smith TD, speaking in the Dail had condemned Government's Budget 2025 as a cynical attempt to buy votes, while neglecting critical areas that require urgent attention.



Deputy Smith said: "This budget might seem like its covering all bases, but if youre a child waiting for a place in a class for Autism, it has nothing for you. If youre a child over the age of 8 and will soon lose access to free GP care, its nothing but a disappointment. If youre one of the many children disgracefully left waiting far too long for an Assessment of Need (AON), this budget does nothing to speed up that process. And if youre a child waiting for essential speech and language therapy, youve been completely forgotten.



Mental health services, in particular, remain an area where this Government has failed time and time again. CAMHS (Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services) waiting lists are utterly appalling. The Government can claim theyve made progress, but lets be bluntwhat theyve done simply hasnt worked.





"Now, there are many contributing factors, from staff morale to outdated practices like working with paper records. But at its core, the problem is a chronic lack of funding. We know we need a minimum of 120 million is needed for mental health services in 2025, and yet, this budget hasnt even reached that level.





We in Labour propose a radically different approach. In Labours Alternative Budget we proposed funding to be directed at reducing waiting lists by guaranteeing mental health teams are fully staffed and by developing new beds and care pathways. A key priority for us would be perinatal mental health, including the much-needed opening of an in-patient Mother and Baby unit. We would also prioritise increased supports for the national clinical programmes covering eating disorders, ADHD, early intervention in psychosis, and dual diagnosis. Its about building up teams and creating the right model of care for everyone who needs it.





"We need a public service that will build, care, teach and deliver for our communities. Labour will continue to fight for proper funding and policies that deliver real results for children, families, and those in need of mental health services."
About 6,000 people are currently working in the industry, with that number expected to rise. Photo: Stock image

Almost 400 solar farms are in development across Ireland, a new report on the fast-growing industry says.

If installed, they would double the amount of solar electricity targeted for generation by the end of the decade.

The existing 2030 target is already ambitious, aiming for eight gigawatts (GW) of electricity, which would be enough to power the whole country on a bright day.

The upbeat update is contained in analysis published today by the Irish Solar Energy Association (ISEA) at the annual Solar Ireland Conference in Dublin.

It estimates about 390 solar farm projects are at various stages of development around Ireland.

The greatest concentration of them is in Leinster, where 201 projects are proposed, with Meath the county with the most. A further 151 are planned for Munster, with 27, and 12 planned for Connacht and Ulster respectively.

Solar is now powering Ireland not just with clean, green and Irish energy, but with economic growth

The report by consultants KPMG shows there are currently enough solar panels installed to generate 1.4GW of electricity  the equivalent of the annual power used by 300,000 homes.

It says 6,000 people are working in the industry, but that is expected to rise to 7,100 in the next five to six years.

It is calculated the industry will be worth between 1bn and 1.2bn to the economy this year, rising to 2.7bn annually before 2030. However, it says it could be worth much more if more Irish companies were involved, as a lot of the expenditure is going to equipment suppliers and services provided by overseas firms.

ISEA chief executive Conall Bolger welcomed the findings.

Solar is now powering Ireland not just with clean, green and Irish energy, but with economic growth, he said. This confirms that supporting renewables is the right thing to do.

He said Ireland had made huge progress in solar and urged whatever government takes power after the general election to get behind the industry.
A mead producer from Kinsale, Co. Cork has described the decision to extend excise relief to the world's oldest alcoholic drink as very good news.

Denis Dempseys Kinsale Mead Co is Ireland's first commercial meadery in almost 200 years and offers range of meads and tours for visitors.

In Budget 2023, 50pc relief from Alcohol Products Tax (APT) was introduced for cider and perry produced by small producers.

Mr Dempsey said the extension of the recently introduced excise relief scheme to other fermented beverages, like mead and fruit wines, will ensure future growth and sustainability in the face of challenging market conditions.

Mead is like a wine but made from honey with a similar fermentation and maturation process. The alcohol strength in it is comparable to the one found in certain wines and beers, so between 4pc and 11pc.

Mr Denis Dempsey and his wife Kate, founded their distillery in 2016.

They make mead from a blend of Irish, EU and non-EU honey and various syrups. The process can take between four and 10 weeks until the final product is ready for consumption.

Mr Dempsey said craft producers had lobbied for the excise cuts.

We worked with a couple of our local politicians to put in a ministerial question. It looks like this was called out later in the Budget speech which is very good news for us  this is a 50pc excise rebate on producing.

He said high excise rates had impacted their competitiveness and also stifled the growth potential of craft producers.

Mr Dempsey said that he wants the Government to recognise the sheer number of cost inputs that have gone up and will continue to go up for people in the hospitality sector.

Theres nothing to offset those really. I think thats just going to create more pressure for businesses in the hospitality sector. Based on what we saw today in Budget 2025, it doesnt seem like much is going to change.

The cost associated with labour is going up a lot and its very hard to just let them carry through into what youre going to sell your products for. We need to be cognisant of the fact that compared to our European neighbours, we are very expensive.

Mr Dempsey did note however that other Budget 2025 announcements such as various tax credits will likely positively influence spending.

I guess this is kind of a giveaway budget in the sense that there is money here for everybody. So, that is going to drive spending as people might treat themselves a little bit more especially around Christmas. It is a bit of an expansionist Budget as people are getting more in their pockets. So that is going to drive discretionary spending and a pop in retail sales which is good for us.

He said that the target audience for mead is for higher income people as the average price of a bottle is between 20 and 40.

He said that raising of the Vat registration threshold, applicable to those supplying goods and services was a key item as as a chunk of our business is as a visitor attraction, similar to distillery and brewery tours.

"The one-off 4,000 payment is still welcome as are the energy credits. Ultimately, these are temporary aids for the next year, and dont change the long term picture that our costs for a small business have gone up a lot and will keep us challenged for the future".
A couple spending 2,000 a month on rent and struggling to save for a new home have described housing supports announced in the Budget as a "positive step".

Tanuj Narayan (30) and his wife Nikki Derai (27) are currently spending 2,000 a month renting a small two-bedroom apartment in Tallaght.

They have struggled to put more than 5,000 aside for a deposit as the cost of rent has eaten into their savings.

The couple, originally from India, moved in together after they wed in 2023.

Mr Narayan, who works in accounting, moved to Ireland in 2017 to pursue a masters degree at UCD Smurfit School, graduating in September 2018.

After graduating, he decided to stay in Ireland.

Mr Narayan earns less than 75,000 per year. However, the couples combined income has recently increased to 110,000, after his wife secured a new job as a cybersecurity analyst in the last month.

Mr Narayan described the raising of the rent tax credit to 2,000 for a couple as a "positive step towards helping out the renters".

"I think every bit helps, so it's a good step towards helping out the renters," he told the Irish Independent.

"I won't say it's enough but it's a positive step," he added.

He said of the extension of the Help to Buy scheme to 2029. "I think that's good because it will continue to help a lot of people on their journey of getting on the property ladder.

Mr Narayan was hoping to see a scheme announced in the Budget to help renters save more money. Hed also hoped the Help to Buy scheme would be extended to second-hand homes.

He said: The Help to Buy scheme is to help first-time homeowners. Why should it be only limited to new homes? Even if Im buying it from someone, for me, it is still my first home.

The couple hopes to be in a position to buy by the end of next year, or in early 2026, but face paying between 360,000 for a modest apartment to 420,000 for a two-bedroom house.

Its very difficult paying that kind of rent and then trying to save money for your deposit, Mr Narayan said.

One Budget measures that has improved couple's financial situation are the income tax cuts.

The entry point for the 40pc top rate of tax has increased to 44,000.

Meanwhile, the 4pc USC rate has been cut to 3pc, with the entry point rising to 27,382.

The personal, employee and earned income tax credit has also increased to 125.

Mr Narayan was positive about those changes.

"That's good because it helps us get more money in our hands," he added.
A daughter and son of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were today remanded on bail charged with violently assaulting two men at the four-star luxury Dunraven Arms Hotel, in Adare, Co Limerick.

Alison Chawke (40), of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, allegedly gouged the eyes of one of the alleged victims, and allegedly kicked the other alleged victim in the head a number of times before allegedly biting him on the side of his face, at the hotel, on November 9, 2023.
Star Limerick hurler Kyle Hayes must wait until at least December to find out if he will go to jail
Single mother Ellen Scanlon and son Callum (12). Ms Scanlon, from Portmarnock, Co Dublin, says Budget 2025 should have targeted expensive tech such as tablets, as well as free books for children.

The free school-books scheme will be extended right up to the Leaving Certificate. Almost every child in primary and secondary school was already covered by the scheme.

Other budget measures in the education sector include the extension of the schools hot meals scheme and a schools holiday hunger pilot project to be launched next summer.

Some children will benefit from free public transport for five to eight-year-olds, and there will be increased funding for school transport.

Around 1.3bn will be provided to support school building, including 350 ongoing projects and 200 new ones.

Finance Minister Jack Chambers also announced funding for 768 additional special needs teachers and 1,600 special needs assistants (SNAs), as well as the development of a smartphone-free initiative for schools.

Third-level students will benefit from 1,000 off undergraduate fees and a 1,000 additional contribution to fees for eligible postgraduate students.

There will be a one-off 30pc contribution fee for apprenticeships and higher education. A total of 6m has been announced for over 1,200 student beds and planning permission.

An increase in core funding to Higher Education by 150m a year was also announced.

Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said supports as part of the Keeping Childhood Smartphone Free initiative will be rolled out next year.

However, some parents and teachers have criticised Budget 25 as many are now paying up to 500 for compulsory school tablets, rather than books.

Parents are paying high costs for technology such as tablets and spending up to 1,000 on back-to-school clothing and equipment.

Ellen Scanlon (31), a mother of one from Portmarnock in north Dublin, said she recently bought a 500 tablet for her son, Callum (12), who is in his first year of secondary school.

Smart schools are now using tablets rather than just books and parents have to buy those outright. I couldnt believe the budget only covered free books and not expensive tech, said Ms Scanlon.

So the free school-books scheme doesnt go anywhere near far enough. It defeats the whole idea of free education that you have to buy such expensive tech, with costly uniforms and voluntary payments, which you have to pay as a parent.

Lesley Byrne, principal of Deis school Clogher Road Community College in Crumlin, said: Education should be free for everyone. Im happy to see an extension to the free school books scheme.

But it would have been better to give each school grants to ensure they have the proper resources and not to just line the pockets of school-book publishers in a cycle where students need new books every two years.

The budget lacks courage. Schools will still be out fundraising and looking for voluntary contributions.

The Government needs to provide grants to schools to remove all of that. Parents should not be under pressure to pay voluntary contributions on top of other expenses.

General secretary of teachers union INTO, John Boyle, said the Government had failed to address the urgent needs of primary and special schools in Budget 25.

Chris Clifford, president of the Union of Students in Ireland (USI), welcomed the 1,000 cut to fees, but said more action was needed to urgently address the student housing crisis.

Around 24,000 students require accommodation  this is not even 10pc, said Mr Clifford.

Students are sleeping in cars, commuting long distances. Overall were fairly disappointed with the budget.

However, Mr Clifford said he is hopeful that the Susi grant would be increased in the coming days to take into consideration the cost of living.

Paschal Donohoe yesterday announced that funds, long tied up in the National Training Fund levied on employers, will be released to finance higher education and apprenticeships.

The almost 1.5bn package over six years includes 150m a year for higher education, including medicine and veterinary places, and 78m for craft apprenticeships, including in the construction trades where skills shortages threaten housing supply.

Cathy McLoughlin, head of access service at DCU, said the increase to funding is always welcome in a sector struggling due to underinvestment.

However, she added: I would have liked the cost of student accommodation to have been addressed.

Its great to see longer-term planning, but theres not much to address a current crisis.

The reality is students are travelling long distances and working to fund college, and its those from lower incomes that are most affected.

Currently the highest rate of Susi grant is very similar to what it costs to live on the DCU campus for a year. Student grants go on rent and utilities and theres nothing left over while living costs are rising.
Mr Molloy was last seen on the Howth Road in Raheny at around 3.15pm on Monday afternoon, September 23

Gardai are continuing to seek the public's help in their search for 67-year-old Stephen Molloy, who went missing in Dublin last week.

Stephen was last seen on the Howth Road in Raheny at around 3.15pm on Monday afternoon, September 23.

In recent days, Stephen may have travelled on foot through the Portmarnock, Howth and Killester areas.

Stephen is described as being approximately six feet tall with a slim build and balding, white/grey hair.

Today's News in 90 seconds - 1st October 2024

When last seen, he was wearing a black polo t-shirt, dark grey trousers, and black shoes. He usually tucks his trousers into his socks.

Gardai and Stephen's family are concerned for his welfare.

Anyone with information on Stephen's whereabouts is asked to contact Raheny Garda Station on 01 666 4300, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any garda station.
Joe Bonamassa was in Cork to launch a pair of tribute concerts in memory of late musician

US rock star Joe Bonamassa has appealed to Irish entrepreneurs to help purchase the guitar of legendary musician Rory Gallagher and prevent a national treasure from being lost to Ireland.

This Fender Stratocaster isnt just a musical instrument, he said. It is a symbol for Ireland that music can unite people and, in our darkest moments, offer hope for the future. It would be a tragedy if it was lost to Ireland.

Bonamassa was speaking in Cork to launch a pair of tribute concerts in memory of Gallagher.

Describing how he felt to lead the two dates in the county next summer, he said it was terrifying but a great honour. The performances will feature a replica setlist to the late musicians 1974 Irish tour.

Promoter Peter Aiken said the two nights would be a labour of love for all involved  and a recognition of Gallaghers legacy.

Next year marks the 30th anniversary of the death of Gallagher aged just 47.

The two gigs will form part of the Live at the Marquee series next July.

Joe Bonamassa. Photo: Getty

Bonamassa played three of Gallaghers songs at the launch press conference, including Bullfrog Blues. The New York-born musician is one of just two musicians to have been given permission by the Gallagher family to play Rory Gallaghers 1961 Fender Stratocaster.

The guitar will be sold at auction in London on October 17  and Bonamassa issued a public appeal for Irish millionaires and entrepreneurs to keep it here.

Bonamassa (47) confirmed he will not bid on the Fender, but he has made a donation to the appeal fund to keep it in Ireland.

This guitar does not belong in LA, New York or Nashville  it belongs here in Ireland as a living legacy to Rory Gallagher who was a working-class hero, he said. It should be kept in Ireland to honour Rory and to retain a symbol of all that is good about music.

Mr Aiken said: I think the fact that Joe flew into Ireland just to be here today underlines just how much Rory Gallagher and these shows mean to him.

The promoter added that Gallaghers willingness to perform in Belfast at the height of the Troubles opened Northern Ireland up to other performers.

If Rory was around today he would be so, so chuffed

In 1972, Rory Gallagher agreed to play in Belfast, he said. It was one of the worst years of the Troubles and no international acts were willing to travel to Belfast.

My father, Jim, was involved in music promotions and things were so challenging he was thinking about going back teaching.

But after Rory played Belfast, suddenly other acts agreed to play there including Led Zeppelin, Nazareth and Pink Floyd. If it wasnt for Rory, we might not be here today.

Donal and Daniel Gallagher, Rorys brother and nephew, attended the launch.

This is mind-blowing that Joe wanted to come to Cork and do this for Rory, Donal said.

Rory Gallagher and his famous Fender Stratocaster

I cannot think of a better 30th anniversary for Rory or a better celebration of his life, work and music. I am in awe of Joe.

If Rory was around today he would be so, so chuffed. After Rory passed away, it was [difficult], but then someone brought me Joes album and played me Cradle Rock. I went, Oh my God.

I couldnt believe that an artist could so incredibly reinvent another artists work.

Donal Gallagher also said it was fitting that the launch should take place in the Oliver Plunkett Bar in Cork  built on the site of the former Palm Court Ballroom where Gallagher played with his show band, The Impact, in the 1960s.

The tribute shows will take place on July 1 and 2 and will see Bonamassa lead a band including Jeremy Stacey, Lachlan Doley and Aongus Ralston.
Dairy farmer Vanessa Kiely OConnor on her farm in Upton, near Innishannon, Co Cork. She says she had a 69pc income drop in 2022-2023. Photo: Provision

A farmer and mother of two who owns a dairy farm in Cork has said she is disappointed by the Governments lack of action to address the volatility of the dairy sector in Budget 2025.

Vanessa Kiely OConnor (50) has a dairy farm in Upton, near Innishannon, Co Cork.

I think they have committed to working on it for the Budget 2026, but that is not doing much good to me if I have to spend another year with volatile dairy prices because we get our prices from the global market, she said.

Its disappointing because they had committed to this in the past and were still waiting on it. This really isnt good for someone like me who has seen their income drop 69pc between 2022 and 2023.

Ms Kiely OConnor said that income volatility mitigation measures were not previously enacted by the Government.

Vanessa Kiely OConnor

Its unbearable. One year youll have a high amount of tax to pay out, and when your income is down at rock bottom, youre trying to balance your books, she said.

She said the Governments decision to reduce the Universal Social Charge (USC) will make a difference, but could have been reduced more. The USC has been lowered from 4pc to 3pc, but Ms Kiely OConnor said that as a middle-income family, it was difficult to understand why it is still in use.

She added that raising the threshold of the inheritance tax is a small help for the farming community and the first step in recognising that areas of farming life need to be addressed more widely.

Ms Kiely OConnor said that while she appreciated Finance Minister Jack Chambers comments about the importance of farming in Irish society, she said industry norms needed to be changed instead of renewing new propositions every year.

The General Stock Relief and the Stock Relief for Young farmers will take pressure off some families, but can this not be made a norm rather than being constantly renewed? she said.

I dont feel like we should have to go back and forth every time and plead a case for something so obvious.

She said she felt more included in Budget 2025, as more needs relating to the industry were addressed.

Ms Kiely OConnor expressed her appreciation for the Governments decision to make Hormone Replacement Therapy (HRT) free for women going through menopause.

It will be taking pressure off us. As a woman I appreciate the Government doing this, she said.

The measure is part of a 35m womens healthcare package, which will be introduced next January and will see the State fund the cost of treatment such as patches and other medicines. It could save women up to 840 per year.

As a mother of two college-aged students, she said an initiative like a medical card would have been welcomed, as it is an expense that could have been targeted to take pressure off middle-income families.
Rap trio Kneecap have launched the platform Save our Speech to promote the use of the Irish language following the success of their self titled film and their first album Fine Art.

The platform, launched earlier this month, is a partnership between Tri-Art Film and the Belfast rap trio Kneecap. It allows visitors to adopt an Irish word of their choice and to become a protector of said word.

Select words from the Irish language are dropped onto the website in batches of fifty.

This is done by downloading the word, saving the image and posting it on ones Instagram story and directly tagging the groups official Instagram account @KNEECAP32.

The post will then read: I have adopted a word and committed to being its protector and messenger for the rest of my life. With every language that dies, a universe dies. By adopting a word, I am ensuring that the Irish language has a bright future ahead.

The initiatives manifesto said that Irish, native tongue to the people of Ireland and North of Ireland, is one of the endangered languages that need to be protected.

Theres no better way of bringing life to something through culture, music and word of mouth. Thats what Kneecap is all about. By adopting an Irish word you make sure to be its protector and watchkeep for the rest of your life.

The Irish-language trio has had a watershed year since their film first premiered at the Sundance festival in January 2023.

The film took home the NEXT Audience Award making it the first Irish language film to win at the festival.

The group first made themselves known on the Irish music scene in 2017 with their single C.E.A.R.TA.

They released their debut album Fine Art in June 2024.

The movie Kneecap is set in West Belfast in 2019 and follows the trio's unlikely rise into figureheads of a Civil Rights movement to save their mother tongue, Irish.

In August, the Irish Film & Television Academy (IFTA) announced that Irish language feature Kneecap has been selected to represent Ireland in the Oscar International Feature Film category at the upcoming 97th annual Academy Awards.

In the film, the band plays themselves, with Michael Fassbender appearing in a pivotal supporting role.

The story kicks off when one member of the trio is arrested for drug dealing and refuses to speak English during his interrogation, demanding an Irish interpreter instead.

From there, the drama unfolds, telling the story of how Kneecap began making music together.

The trio also made waves across stages, with their performance at Electric Picnic and Jimmy Fallons Tonight Show making headlines.

The trio has carved out a unique niche, blending grime and acid house, while making bold statements both on and off stage.

Frequently sporting balaclavas in the colours of the Irish flag, theyre outspoken advocates for a free North of Ireland and unapologetic about their drug-laced lyrics.

Kneecaps latest album, Fine Art, has been hailed by music critics worldwide, with praise from major publications like The Guardian, The New York Times, and Die Zeit.

You can adopt a word by following this link: https://www.saveourspeech.se/#words
The first barroom in the Roycroft Inn was in founder Elbert Hubbards library, toward the back of the building, behind the grand Craftsman Lounge. Since then, other rooms throughout the inn have served as the barroom including the basement in the 1970s and most recently, a small closet-like nook in the lounge.

That bar would just get really crammed and it wasnt very functional, said bar manager Isabel Davidson. You couldnt even get a drink because it was just so crowded in that small space.

Now, the bar is back where it started. Under Douglas Jemal's new ownership, the Roycroft Inn converted the former library dining room into the Library Bar. It is more spacious, with seating for at least 10 people at the bar.

Exposed beam ceilings, a stone fireplace and rose-detailed windows make the room a cozy spot, but the decorative star is a green chandelier by artist Dard Hunter. In Hunters signature green hue, the glass chandelier depicts Roycroft artisans at work making architecture, pottery and woodworking. Its a rare piece of art hung on display in the center of the room bathing patrons in warm light with a dose of history.

The Library Bar has been in a soft opening phase throughout September. Its grand opening is Oct. 3, when the new food and drink menu will be unveiled. Expect easily shareable food, such as pizza, fried artichoke hearts and charcuterie, ranging in price from $10 to $20, Davidson said.

The cocktail menu includes signature cocktails, from an Old Fashioned to a martini made with Rochester-based Black Button Distilling vodka or gin, as well as seasonal cocktails, including a pumpkin spice martini and a fall aperol spritz. Each cocktail is $14. Drinks also includes wine and beer from 42 North Brewing Company and Wayland Brewing Company. 42 Norths Craftsman Lager would be a fitting choice, since its name is a tribute to the arts and crafts legacy in East Aurora.

The Craftsman Lounge, where bar patrons used to hang out, is now a dining room, except for on Friday nights when there is live music.

The Ali Baba fire pit, named after the former basement bar, also is available to bar patrons seeking fresh air. They can order drinks at the bar and take them outside through the main entrance.

The Library Bar inside the Roycroft Inn is open from from 4 to 10 p.m. Sunday through Thursday and 4 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday at 40 S. Grove St., East Aurora.

Openings

The Bagel Jar has opened a second, takeout-only location at 9 E. Union St., Hamburg. Owners Morgan and John Popple have come full circle by opening in Hamburg, as they launched their bagel business as a pop-up at the Hamburg Farmers Market. The menu features bagels made fresh daily, bagel sandwiches, Undergrounds coffee and espresso drinks, such as an apple pie latte and a white pumpkin latte. It's open from 7:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Wednesday through Sunday and has limited outdoor seating.

Kaylena Maries Artisan Bakery and Cafe opened its third location at 5999 South Park Ave Suite 400, Hamburg. Kaylena Maries is known for its giant cinnamon rolls and fresh sandwiches, salads and breakfast. Hours are 7:30 to 2:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. It is closed Mondays.

Food events

A weeklong celebration of cider runs from Oct. 5-13 when Cider Week is celebrated throughout New York State. (Read our look at Buffalo's cider region to learn where to find locally produced hard cider and sweet cider.)

You can also celebrate Cider Week by attending the fifth annual Cider Fest at noon on Oct. 13 at The Terrace at Delaware Park (199 Lincoln Parkway) overlooking the fall foliage at Hoyt Lake. Eight cideries from Buffalo to the Finger Lakes will be there, including BlackBird Cider Works and Eves Cidery. The food selection includes grilled sausages from Moriarty Meats and soup from Roux, a soup-centric cafe in the Burchfield Penney Art Center. The event will also feature cocktails, nonalcoholic cider slushies and mulled cider. The family-friendly event will have face painting, pumpkin painting, caramel apple decorating, music and cider doughnuts. Tickets are $30 for adults and include drink tastings; and $15 for children and include activities and cider.

The Fall Tap and Craft Festival is a cant-miss event for fans of craft beverages from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 5 at Niagara Falls Convention Center (101 Old Falls St., Niagara Falls). More than 40 breweries, wineries, cideries and distilleries will be pouring unlimited three-ounce samples of their brews. Attendees will receive a commemorative tasting glass. Sip while surrounded by live music, food and artisan market shopping. Tickets are $35 general admission, $10 for designated drivers and $45 VIP. (VIP tickets include a VIP hour from 3 to 4 p.m. and some extra drink tastings.)

ICYMI:
Weekly social welfare rates will rise by 12A third rate of stamp duty, worth 6pc which will be introduced for properties worth over 1.5mCost of a typical vape will increase by more than 1, with a packet of cigarettes rising by 1The amount of money an employer can give employees as bonus payment will increase to 1,500.There will be an additional 485 beds across hospital and community servicesFree public transport has been extended to children aged 5-8 years oldCollege fees have been reduced by 1,000

The coalition has made its multi-billion-euro pitch to voters ahead of the general election  with an 8.3bn Budget comprising 1.4bn in tax cuts and 6.9bn in new spending.

Included in the raft of measures is an increase in the entry point for the higher rate of tax, a number of hikes in social welfare payments and a series of once-off payments to deal with the cost of living.

Among the notable measures are the cutting of the Motor Insolvency Compensation Fund levy to 0pc, a new mansion tax, hikes of 12 to social welfare payments and an increase in the cost of your typical vape.

Below you will find everything you need to know:

Tax

The entry point for the 40pc top rate of tax is expected to increase by 2,000 to 44,000. This means workers will pay 20pc tax on all earnings up to this point.

The 4pc USC will be reduced to 3pc, with he entry point rising to 27,382.

Personal tax credit increases will include: 125 personal tax credit, 150 home carer tax credit, 150 single person child carer tax credit, 300 incapacitated child tax credit, 300 blind person's tax credit.

There will also be significant changes to inheritance tax, allowing children to inherit up to 400,000 from their parents tax-free. Grandchildren will be able to inherit 40,000 tax-free, and the threshold for siblings will be 20,000.

Stamp duty on the bulk purchase of homes will increase to 15pc as part of a clampdown on vulture funds. The Residential Zoned Land Tax will go ahead as planned next year but farmers will be excluded following Coalition tensions on the issue.

Cigarettes and Vapes

A new tax on vapes and e-cigarettes will also come into effect, raising the price on the products. The tax on a packet of cigarettes will increase by 1. This will bring the price of cigarettes in the most popular price category to 18.05, which will come into effect overnight. The price of a typical vape will go up by 1.23 to 9.23, but this will not kick in until the middle of next year.

Cost of vapes and cigarettes are both up. Photo: Getty

Welfare

There will be increases of 12 in the weekly rates for people in receipt of weekly social protection payments.

A double payment will be made to recipients in both October and December.

The over-70s are to benefit from a new bring a friend expansion of the free travel scheme.

Parents of newborns will receive a special one-off baby boost of 420, while ministers have also agreed a 15 weekly increase in maternity, paternity and parents benefit.

The Carers Allowance means-test disregard for a single person has been doubled to 1,250 for a couple.

Cost-of-living package

Measures are set to include: Two double payments of Child Benefit in November and December; A double payment of all welfare rates in October and December; A 400 lump sum for those in receipt of the working family payment.

Every household will receive two energy credits of 125, worth a total of 250, between end of the year and start of next year.

There will be a bonus payment of 200 for people in receipt of the Living Alone allowance.

The Fuel Allowance will be extended to over-66s and there will also be a 300 lump-sum payment for recipients of the benefit as part of the Budgets 2bn cost-of-living package.

Reduced 9pc VAT rate for gas and electricity for another six months for businesses and households.

Climate

Carbon tax rises by 7.50 per tonne on petrol and diesel from October 9, and on heating fuels from May 1, 2025. It will add around 19.40 to a 900 litre tank of home-heating oil, 89 cent to a 40kg bag of coal and 16.86 to an average annual gas bill. A 60 litre fill of diesel will cost 1.48 more and a fill of petrol will cost 1.28 more.

Vat charged on heat pumps will be lowered from 23pc to 9pc.

Battery electric commercial vehicles can qualify for 200 VRT rate.

The benefit-in-kind tax relief for employees provided with company cars that are electric models remains. It will be extended to the provision of chargers at their home.

90m will be made available to retrofit social homes for 2025.

The total carbon tax revenue for investment is now at 951m, half of which will be spent on energy efficiency in our homes.

An additional 1.7bn for more homes, schools, for improvements in hospitals, and to tackle climate change under the National Development Plan.

Carbon tax rises by 7.50 per tonne on petrol and diesel from October 9. Photo: Getty

Grants

Also included in the welfare package is: a 500 bonus payment of the Disability Support Grant; a 400 bonus payment of the Carers Support Grant; 200 Living Alone Allowance bonus payment; and a 100 Child Support Grant (formerly qualified child) bonus payment.

Housing

Stamp duty on the bulk-buying of homes will be hiked to 15pc in a bid to halt vulture funds squeezing out first-time buyers.

The Government is bringing in a new mansion tax worth 6pc which will be introduced for properties worth over 1.5m. Existing stamp duty of 1pc will continue to apply for properties worth up to and including 1m, while it will be 2pc on properties worth over 1m but less than 1.5m. It kicks in from tonight.

7.8bn to go to Department of Housing in this year's Budget, with a further investment of 3bn to "build more homes and address affordability constraints. Total capital investment next year will be 15bn for infrastructure. 2bn will be available next year for 10,000 new social homes.

1.6bn will continue to support 66,000 social housing tenancies alongside an additional 7,400 social homes next year, as well as 38,000 social housing leases already in place.

It will also bring 10,000 new households under the Housing Assistance Payment and Rental Accommodation Schemes in 2025.

Tenants will benefit from an increase in the renters tax credit, which will increase to 1,000 next year and they will be able to backdate a claim of the same amount for 2024. This will work out at 2,000 for a jointly-assessed couple.

The Help-to-Buy scheme will be extended to 2029 to assist first-time buyers. The First Home shared equity scheme will also remain in place.

Mortgage interest relief will be extended for another year.

There will be an extension of pre-letting expenses for landlords for a further three years.

90m will be made available to retrofit social homes for 2025.

2.1bn will be used to provide accommodation for those fleeing Russia's invasion of Ukraine and to support those seeking international protection.

Education

The free schoolbook measure is set to be extended to Leaving Certificate students. It currently is offered for pupils in junior infants right up to those in junior cycle of secondary school.

School transport fees reduced during the pandemic will remain in place.

Extending hot school meals programme to all remaining primary schools in 2025.

A new fund to pay for mobile phone pouches, which will allow schools lock away devices during classes, is also being established.

Third-level students will get 1,000 off their college fees, reducing the cost from 3,000 to 2,000, and postgraduate students will see their fee-contribution grant increase from 4,000 to 5,000.

A 100m package from Higher Education Minister Patrick O'Donovan will see a once-off reduction of apprentice contribution of 1,000.

There will be funding for more than 1,600 special needs assistants (SNAs) and 768 extra special education teachers in Irish schools.

Almost 1.5bn over six years, to 2030, for capital investment for further and higher education. Funding will support 6,800 apprentice registrations next year.

IVF support will include couples trying for a second child. Photo: Getty

Health

There will be an additional 495 beds across hospital and community services and 600,000 additional home-support hours.

There will also be funding for two new surgical hubs in Galway and Swords in Dublin. An increase in GP training places is also expected.

Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will also be rolled out for women following extensive campaigning. The measure could save women who are prescribed HRT between 360 and 840 a year, based on women paying between 30 and 70 per month.

The Free IVF treatment scheme will be expanded in two areas, to include donor-assisted fertility treatment, and also couples experiencing secondary fertility problems  where they already have a child but are struggling to conceive again.

Cervical Check  there will be exemption from income tax, capital gains tax and capital acquisitions tax on payments made to the women impacted by the failures in the CervicalCheck scandal.

Justice and Defence

Significant funding has been allocated to the Department of Justice this year to expand the prison system and tackle domestic violence.

Funding has been set aside for a new prison on the Defence Forces base at the Curragh in Kildare and 1,100 new places in existing prisons will be introduced over the next five years.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee also received funding to hire up to 1,000 gardai. The Department of Defence received funding to hire 400 more personnel.

Irish Prison Service funding will be up in 2025, with the aim of adding 350 extra staff, while extra funding will be allocated towards facilities and improving rehabilitation of prisoners.

Business and employment

The amount of money an employer can give employees as bonus payment will increase to 1,500.

National minimum wage will increase by 80 cent per hour to 13.50 euro from January 1.

A 4,000 energy grant to cover the cost of electricity paid to the retail and hospitality sector before Christmas.

Sick-leave days will not increase to seven days in January as planned.

Auto-enrolment pensions will be delayed until next September.

Tax changes will allow small businesses keep more of the money they earn, this will include changes to Vat thresholds.

There will be changes to self-employed earned income to allow them keep more money.

A new 20m fund will help businesses upskill staff.

Increase in the first year threshold in the R&D tax credit from 50,000 to 75,000 to provide "further cash-flow support" to companies undertaking smaller R&D projects or engaging with credit for first time.

The minister will introduce a new relief for expenses incurred in connection with a first listing on an Irish or European stock exchange, subject to cap of 1m

Transport

Free public transport will be offered to children aged 5 to 8.

Farming

Over 2bn to the Department of Agriculture next year.

13m for new tillage scheme

10m for animal health measures

22m continuation of sheep welfare scheme

8m to enhance payment rates of national beef welfare scheme

Other measures

1bn to Irish Water

1.25bn to the Land Development Agency

3bn for infrastructure spending

168m in funding will target the regeneration of towns and villages, as well as to deliver necessary infrastructure in these areas

The Motor Insurers Insolvency Compensation Fund levy will be reduced from 1pc to 0pc from January 1.

Barriers for charities that wish to have access to tax benefits under the Charities Donations Tax Scheme will be removed. Charities will no longer have to be established for at least two years to access the scheme.

Extra 4.1bn for Future Ireland Fund in 2024

Funding of 380m for arts and culture for next year for a wide variety of sectors.

226m will be allocated for tourism in 2025.

Apple tax
Gone are the days when budget day is back-to-back surprises. This year was no exception, with most of the significant measures already known and reported on before Ministers Jack Chambers and Paschal Donohoe took to their feet to deliver their speeches in the Dail.

However, there were some surprises in what was unveiled this afternoon. Here are seven things we didnt know were coming.

Mansion tax

The Government will introduce a new mansion tax. It means stamp duty will increase to 6pc for residential properties worth 1.5m and will come into effect from tonight.

The existing stamp duty rate will continue to apply to homes worth up to 1m and 2pc on residential properties with a value of over 1m.

Charlie Weston's take on the Budget 2025

Insurance levy abolished

The Motor Insurers Insolvency Compensation Fund levy will be abolished, reducing from 1pc to 0pc from January 1. The move will benefit 2.2 million policy holders. Last year the rate was reduced from 2pc to 1pc.

Reduced Vat on heat pumps

The Vat rate on the installation of heat pumps has been cut to 9pc from the current standard rate of 23pc.

Mr Chambers said the measure will complement the Governments National Retrofit Plan to transform Irelands housing stock.

125 tax credit

While it was reported there would be a change to tax credits as part of the 1.6bn personal income tax package, personal tax credits will go up by 125.

Workers bonus

The small benefits exemption scheme, which was 1,000, has now risen to 1,500.

It allows employers to give non-cash bonuses to employees up to that value each year. They are usually paid in the form of vouchers.

Tax changes

Other measures in the income-tax package include the reduction of the USC rate by 1pc, bringing the rate to 3pc. The standard rate cut-off point was increased by 2,000 to 44,000.

Tax relief on gym membership up for discussion

Last week, Fianna Fail backbenchers were calling for tax relief on gym memberships in a move to incentivise people to look after their physical health.

While the measure didnt get the sign-off for this budget package, Mr Chambers said it was something officials would look at for future budgets.

I believe there is merit in examining how the tax system can help to achieve greater participation in sport and fitness activities, including through gyms, for example, said Mr Chambers.
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Sean Mag Uidhir, seen here on the right in a blue tie, was a key figure behind the scenes for Sinn Fein in Northern Ireland

Sam McBride Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 03:30

Sinn Feins most senior spin doctor in Northern Ireland did not tell a charity that the man he was recommending for a job was facing paedophile charges, the charity has confirmed.
Single mother of twins and full-time carer says Budget should be about equity'

A single mother of 11-year-old twins has said Budget 2025 has its positives but more could still be done to provide supports for those who need it most.

Catherine Rossiter (50), from Stillorgan in Dublin, is raising her son Eoghan and daughter Aoife, who were born premature at 27 weeks.

She is also a full-time carer for Aoife, who has a disability, but is ineligible for a number of supports like the Carers Allowance as she works full-time.

Ms Rossiter welcomed the 300 increase to the incapacitated child tax credit.

The tax credit is available to parents or guardians of children who are permanently incapacitated physically or mentally, or where there is a reasonable expectation the child will be unable to maintain themselves after they turn 18.

Thats really good and it is a positive measure, because getting that credit is very difficult. Its a small change that hits a small group, a very disadvantaged group of profoundly affected children and families, she said.

While welcoming the increase, she said the tax credit could be changed to allow for a smaller credit to be given to people who wouldnt qualify for the full amount, but have significant disabilities and care needs.

She also welcomed an increase in the Carers Support Grant from 1,850 to 2,000.

That grant is very important for some families. They use it to take a break from their caring role so that is important, she said.

As a full-time worker, Ms Rossiter will also benefit from changes to the USC, including a 1pc cut for earnings between 25,000 and 70,000.

It is something, but with the overall costs, particularly with a child with a disability, its not a huge amount. There was more they could have done with respite and support hours. Its not just money but that is a positive.

Ms Rossiter said the Government should work towards providing more targeted supports for the most vulnerable, rather than introduce the same blanket measures for everybody.

The mother of two said more can still be done to help single parents, particularly in helping them enter or return to the workforce.

She suggested this could be done by incentivising employers to offer single parents more flexible working arrangements, perhaps through a grant or tax credit.

I know so many mothers and fathers who would love to work but the nature of the workforce doesnt allow for it. There has to be ways of looking at the labour force and doing something to incentivise employers or to help those people.

Ms Rossiter who works while providing full-time care for her daughter said said it takes courage to broach the subject with employers about working and caring full-time, and many people providing full-time care need to be better supported to work.

"Theres a huge issue where you do get punished for doing the two [being a carer and full-time worker], thats a real challenge.

A lot of full-time carers might hide the fact theyre full-time because they dont want an employer to think well, you couldnt possibly give me your best if youre doing all that outside work.

There are so many people in caring roles or with children with disabilities who want to work, but there is very little being done to facilitate them.
Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 30th September 2024 Villa Vie ResidencesO Odyssey passengers gather at Belfast HarbourOs cruise ship dock as they wait to board The Villa Vie ResidencesO Odyssey. The Villa Vie ResidencesO Odyssey, which docked in Belfast to be outfitted, was scheduled to depart on 30 May but it was held up for repairs, leaving passengers stranded in Belfast. Picture by Jonathan Porter/PressEye

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Melody Thor and John Hennessee from Florida arriving at the terminal

A cruise ship stranded in Belfast for four months left the city last night  but has already been forced to turn back, according to reports.

Mapping data suggests it has travelled only a few miles overnight, and will make a second attempt to leave Belfast later today. It has reportedly been forced to return to port to complete more paperwork, and will depart again late this evening.

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey arrived in Belfast in May and had been stuck ever since as it needed major repairs.

It was supposed to be undertaking the first part of a three-year cruise, but repairs took much longer than expected.

Many of the 600 passengers were seen celebrating as they boarded the ship, seemingly ready to head to the Caribbean.

Passengers of a cruise ship stranded in Belfast for four months hugged and cheered after they were told they were finally waving bon voyage to the city.

Villa Vie Residences Odyssey residents gathered at Belfast Harbours cruise ship dock from early yesterday afternoon to board.

Many of the 600 passengers were seen celebrating as they boarded the ship, ready to head to the Caribbean.

The Odyssey arrived in Belfast in May and has been stuck ever since as it needed major repairs.

It was supposed to be undertaking the first part of a three-year cruise, but repairs took much longer than expected.

Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, was applauded by waiting passengers after telling them the ship was on the way at around 7pm.

Speaking to reporters at the cruise terminal, he said he was a little stressed as efforts were made to clear a few last-minute things.

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Its administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button at the end of the day. Its been done and were putting the vessel in motion right now.

The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD.

Weve been expecting this outcome for hours.

He said departure was due at 11.59pm last night  a minute before the terminal closes.

The good news is that we have complete clearance and we will be out of here very, very, very soon.

Asked how would he remember Belfast, he said your summer is horrible and you cant cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink.

The cruise costs passengers up to 27,000 per month. The firm acquired the ship previously owned by Braemar Cruise Ltd for $13m and planned to invest $10m to ensure it was operational and kitted out for guests.

It has now spent double that figure after being besieged by problems, ranging from issues with electricity generators to problems with on-board water distillation systems  even one of the vessels four engines was found to have cracked.

The ship is completely residential  to own a cabin with a balcony, youll need to fork out over 220,000, alongside monthly fees.

However, some of the stranded passengers made the most of their time in Northern Ireland.

The passengers find out they are set to sail on Monday evening

Kit Cassingham and her friend Dr Richard Namikas decided to walk 70 miles from Belfast to Derry to see as much of the province as possible.

The people here are so warm and being able to see some of this beautiful countryside outside of Belfast was a real gift, she said

Kit and her husband Randy completely uprooted their life and sold their home in Colorado to live on the ship indefinitely, but are now eager for the next step in their journey.

Ive loved my time here. Its a bit sad to leave, but I did sign up for a world cruise, Kit said.

Other passengers found love during their time in Belfast.

Gian Perroni proposed to Angela Harsanyi after the pair were thrown together during the liners stay.

Luxury cruise ship passengers find love while marooned in Belfast

Andy Garrison (75), who said he will be on board for at least three-and-a-half years, said he arrived in Belfast for what he thought was three days in August and ended up here for six weeks.

He said he wanted something to do so he ordered a model of the Titanic  built close to where the Odyssey has been stuck  which he made over three or four days.

Asked if he was worried it could be seen as a bad omen, he said: No, Im not. As a matter of fact, Im going to put this on the wall of my room.

The Villa Vie Residences Odyssey docked in Belfast

He said the passengers had been resilient in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a really nice group.

I like Belfast a lot, actually. I would stay here and enjoy myself except Im leaving on a ship, he said.

I am so happy to be sailing away, Im ready to go.

We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we will stay for a while.

Cyndi Grzybowski (69) from Appling, Georgia, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.

My better half passed away three years ago, so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do, she told reporters yesterday.

My son has been so supportive of this because when this opportunity came up, I was really humming and hawing because Ive been on the farm for 27 years, and he said, mom, the only thing Ive heard you talk about is going to see the world.

We started out as strangers in Southampton and Belfast and now we truly are family.

We had two amazing parties yesterday with the pedal bikes... and last night at Revolution de Cuba, we had a get-together with fantastic food.

Thank you all so very much, truly, Belfast has been such a wonderful place. I have so enjoyed every minute here.
World leaders at the recent UN General Assembly in New York faced an enormous task. Against a backdrop of escalating conflict in the Middle East, a mounting death toll in Sudan and hunger levels at an all-time high, the urgent need for UN member states to take action is clear. Antonio Gutteres, the UN secretary general, summed it up best when he said in his opening address: The state of our world is unsustainable due to impunity, inequality and uncertainty.
Increasing the state pension has been a key element of pre-Budget discussion. Photo: Getty

It has been argued that the willingness to trust others, even when you know you may be taken advantage of, is the cornerstone of becoming civilised. Some might view such behaviour as signing up to be mugged.

Clearly, Tanaiste Micheal Martin was hedging his bets when asked about speculation ahead of todays 10bn giveaway Budget.

Asked if his Fianna Fail party had rained uncharitably on Fine Gaels plans to give a 15 social welfare increase  instead of 12  he said such a suggestion was spinning out.

Further pressed, he said: Theres a bit of mischief going on from a political point of view, because this only surfaced in the media.

Evidently, even the most remote prospect of a snap election is sufficient to unleash the inner scallywag that lies beneath the surface of government parties.

Competition to claim credit for being the most generous-spirited partners in the Coalition has seldom been so intense

If the past is anything to go by, the propensity for mischief can be linked to a looming election.

There is much to look after in a Budget, with top priorities involving national interests, balancing of books, and guiding the ship of State safely home.

Those objectives will only be trumped by instincts for political survival. Hence the skittishness at Government Buildings.

Competition to claim credit for being the most generous-spirited partners in the Coalition has seldom been so intense.

Green Party leader Roderic OGorman shot out of the blocks to endorse Mr Martins call for across-the-board increases in weekly social welfare rates.

Social Protection Minister Heather Humphreys, meanwhile, was pressing for pensioners and people with disabilities to be prioritised over those on Jobseekers Allowance.

The pressure of an imminent election has made the contest to give away the most extra cut-throat.

The golden rule of politics tells us that when things are going well, you go to the country. When theyre not going well, you go to ground.

Dragging matters out to the last minute, as Taoiseach Simon Harris says he intends to, could mean the feel-good factor from all the Budget-day generosity begins to fade.

Old party hands may wonder about Mr Harriss insistence on holding out until spring. But they wont wonder for too long, because with 10bn to lavish, the main question is: Have we ever had it so good?

Handled with any degree of competence, todays Budget will be viewed by insiders as a golden return ticket for the Coalition.

With a surplus of 25bn, the scope is there to do right by those who need it. Mr Martin says the intention is to ease the pressure on families.

Taking care of the pennies never looked so simple. However, with so much in the pot, and so many promises to be met, big responsibilities remain.

The words of American businessman Warren Buffett are worth bearing in mind: Do not save what is left after spending, but spend what is left after saving.
It is remarkable that many in the West ignore the fact that Hezbollah, an uninvolved party to October 7, attacked Israel in solidarity with Hamas, but spout liberal nonsense when Israel targets its leadership and destroys the cache of rockets and launchers that Hezbollah has hidden within civilian infrastructure.

Where is the same outrage and protests against Russia deliberately targeting hospitals and civilian infrastructure, having killed or severely wounded 200,000 Ukrainians and levelled entire cities?

Where are the protests about the two million Uyghurs in Chinese concentration camps, and thousands of Uyghur women suffering forced sterilisation?

Russia has threatened almost every Western country with nuclear annihilation, while China threatens and harasses Taiwan and all of the countries bordering the South and East China Seas.

It smacks of hypocrisy and cowardice, if not antisemitism.

Lets be clear, Israel does not have the right to slowly colonise the West Bank, but it does have the right to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorist groups who launch attacks from unoccupied territories.

R Healy, Mullagh, Co Cavan

Dyslexic students deserve to fully demonstrate their knowledge in state exams

This Dyslexia Awareness Month, Dyslexia Ireland is asking TDs and senators to publicly pledge support for the urgent introduction of extra time for dyslexic students in Junior Cycle and Leaving Cert exams.

Dyslexic students are in urgent need of this reasonable accommodation. Each year that passes without extra time, dyslexic young people are hugely disadvantaged, running out of time in their exams, leaving them unable to fully demonstrate their knowledge and ability.

The State Examinations Commission (SEC) and the Department of Education are dragging their feet on this issue. Despite a recommendation from their own expert advisory group in 2008 to introduce extra time for students with additional needs, and years of advocacy by Dyslexia Ireland, the SEC has only recently committed to a review.

The introduction of extra time would be hugely impactful for the thousands of dyslexic young people in Ireland who struggle through exams each year.

In other European countries, and internationally, extra time in exams is the norm.

L OMahony, Dyslexia Ireland

Hate-speech legislation plan proved Government is completely out of touch

I welcome the Governments decision to not proceed with the proposed hate-speech legislation contained in the Criminal Justice Bill currently progressing through the Houses of the Oireachtas.

However, I can not understand how it was permitted to be included in the first instance given that it did not have a definition of what constitutes hate.

If this section of the bill had become law, it would have criminalised people for expressing their constitutional right to freedom of speech.

The defeat of this section of the bill came about as a result of the ordinary people of Ireland contacting their elected representatives expressing their concerns, in addition to a small minority of politicians publicly condemning the restrictions on peoples rights contained within the bill.

This is the only reason why it is being shelved, as the vast majority of the members of Dail Eireann initially approved of this proposed legislation.

Justice Minister Helen McEntee is on record stating there was no consensus on the issue within the Government when she communicated to the media that it was to be omitted.

This is yet another example of the Government appeasing a small number of non-government organisations and their woke agenda.

If the Government needed any further confirmation on how out of touch it is with the electorate, it should reflect on the huge defeat of the family and care referendums last March.

Eamonn OHara, Manorcunningham, Co Donegal

Its time for a reality check when it comes to any talk of a giveaway Budget

Among the feverish chat regarding a giveaway Budget today, there hasnt been much mention of Irelands national debt. This stands at around 220bn, the equivalents of about 40,000 per person, so any sanguine attitude to a giveaway should really be kept in check. A reality check, that is.

Peter Declan OHalloran, Belturbet, Co Cavan

Remembering the Dunnes Stores workers who stood on the right side of history

Pat Staceys review of the RTE profile on Ben Dunne (Unsatisfying Ben Dunne profile too Reeling in the Years for a life lived so infamously, Irish Independent, September 30) had a prescient observation towards the end of his column.

Referencing the Dunnes Stores staff strike in 1984 when the shop workers refused to handle South African fruit, Stacey correctly noted and Dunne acknowledged that he was on the wrong side of history.

Three years into that Dunnes strike, Ireland became the first Western country to ban South African imports. Nelson Mandelas release came later.

Today, South Africa leads the world in taking a case to the International Court of Justice against Israels Palestinian genocide.

The Dunnes Stores workers helped that journey. And no, Ireland back then did not hide behind legal advice like it currently is regarding the Occupied Territories Bill.

We know the Government is shoehorned by international pressure not to break from American support for Israel, but Ireland has to make its own decisions, much like that handful of Dunnes Stores workers once did.

In doing so, the workers helped South Africa transition from an international pariah into the modern-day conscience of the ongoing slaughter in the Middle East.

We cannot stand on the wrong side of history now. Recognition of Palestine was a form of words. Standing up for them requires action.

John Cuffe, Co Meath

Farewell to outlaw legend who helped so many of us make it through the night

So sorry to see weve lost one of the great outlaws, with Kris Kristofferson checking out.

Thank you for the good times and all those moments you helped us make it through the night.

M O Brien, Dalkey, Co Dublin
The Burren and Cliffs of Moher have joined Mt Vesuvius, Yosemite Valley and the Dead Sea in being designated as Geological Heritage Sites in a prestigious programme managed by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS).

The Carboniferous evolution of The Burren and Cliffs of Moher was named in the list of the Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites at the 37th International Geological Congress in Busan, Republic of Korea.

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More than 700 experts from 80 nations and 16 international organisations contributed to the selection process which has given official recognition to the worlds best demonstrations of geologic features.

The County Clare geological sites inclusion on the list follows its nomination by Dr. Eamon Doyle, Geologist with the Burren and Cliffs of Moher UNESCO Global Geopark.

Dr. Doyle explained that the Burren and Cliffs of Mohers inclusion in the Second 100 was based on the site being one of the most complete sections with Mississippian limestones in exceptional karst landscapes and Pennsylvanian deltaics in spectacular sea cliffs.

He said: This is a fantastic honour for the Geopark and to all interested in Irish geology considering the Burren and Cliffs of Moher is only the second entry from the island of Ireland included in the two Top 100 lists, with Giants Causeway in County Antrim being named in the First 100 in 2022.

The Burren is a remarkable limestone area. Its geology, flora, caves, archaeology, history and farming traditions set it apart as a place of great mystery and beauty. This new designation will help to create a greater sense of awareness and appreciation of the areas ancient geological history and its evolution through time from its formation through the retreat of the ice sheets some 12,000 years ago to the vibrant region we know of today.

Koen Verbruggen, the Director of GSI, Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, added: The Second 100 IUGS Geological Heritage Sites, as with the First 100, receive IUGS recognition because they are of the highest scientific value.

They are the worlds best demonstrations of geologic features and processes. They are the sites of fabulous discoveries of the Earth and its history and have served to develop the science of geology.

The recognition and visibility received by the inclusion of the Burren and Cliffs of Moher in the Second 100 will lead to the further appreciation of the site, to its use as an educational resource, and, most importantly, to its preservation.
A senior official with Cork County Council confirmed they are committed to a traffic management plan in Fermoy, but said that tough decisions will have to be made to improve the traffic congestion.

Senior Executive Engineer with Cork County Council Brendan OGorman made the comments after a motion was brought before a recent Fermoy Municipal District meeting by Fianna Fail councillor Deirdre OBrien.

Cllr OBrien requested sending a letter to the Minister for Transport Eamon Ryan to investigate the possibility of building a new interchange on the western side of Fermoy to alleviate the traffic congestion in the town.

Cllr OBrien said: For someone who sat in a car morning after morning stuck in traffic in Fermoy in the late 80s and early 90s on the way to Cork, I never thought we would be at this stage. I really think the bypass was the worst thought out bypass when you consider the level of traffic going through the town. It makes no sense to have the N72 coming through the town. Where was the foresight when they were preparing this?

The town is choked up, said Cllr OBrien. I would be asking that we would look at having an interchange at the Moorepark side that would take the traffic coming from that side and divert it down the N72. It has to be done. There are huge issues at the northside of the town. We want to get traffic out of our towns If people are out walking the last thing they want is the fumes from cars. All the traffic needs to be taken out.

Fermoy needs to be really looked at. There is a bigger picture out there that we need to start looking at for the viability of the town and for the people who live here. We need to write to the Minister for Transport to look at this project. We cant continue the way we are going. It is getting worse in Fermoy. The traffic in Fermoy town needs to be looked at, she added.

Her party colleague, Cllr Nelius Cotter fully agreed with the sentiment of the motion, but wondered if the interchange is implemented at the Moorepark side of the town where will the existing traffic be diverted to.

Fine Gael councillor Noel McCarthy said a solution needs to be found. We need to find a solution. Going back years ago the interchange was talked about by the hospital which should have happened then. It didnt. It is now building to a situation where it is getting really concerning. An overall plan needs to be looked at.

Independent councillor Peter ODonoghue bemoaned the existing bypass which is ensuring people are driving through the town. The traffic congestion in the town is extremely bad. We are one of the only towns in County Cork realistically without a bypass. We have a bypass but you get tolled heavily to use the bypass, so people are just driving straight through the town. We have to look at a real bypass for the town of Fermoy. It is not sustainable. Either we get rid of the toll or we put in a real bypass.

Independent councillor William OLeary suggested a feasibility study on traffic needs to be initiated. There has been a change in the levels of traffic in the last couple of years. A feasibility study needs to be looked at. Going back 20 years ago it was definitely worse. A traffic survey needs to be done.

Cllr Deirdre OBrien interjected to remind councillors the current traffic congestion is not going to get any better. We cant stop development in the town. Do we stand still and stop development?

We have to look at all the different options, said Fianna Fail councillor Frank OFlynn: When we got the bypass for Fermoy, Cork County Council gave full planning permission for an on/off near the hospital. It was very much needed. We lost it when An Bord Pleanala looked at it and they deemed it wasnt necessary. That was where the mistake was. I would like to see funding put in place for an overall traffic plan put in place for Fermoy going forward.

Cllr Noel McCarthy said all options must be looked at to alleviate the current traffic congestion in the town. I dont think we will get funding for a new bridge or another relief road. Do we consider making some of the streets one-way? We have to look at all options.

Senior Executive Engineer with Cork County Council Brendan OGorman said the local authority has committed to a traffic management plan for Fermoy. The key inhibitor for the town is the toll. That runs until 2034. It is at that stage that the national government can decide to yay or nay. That is where political pressure will be coming in. It is a long way away but that is where the councillors need to be guided by. We have a traffic management plan committed to in Fermoy.

Mr OGorman continued: There was a small survey done in conjunction with what we were doing in Christchurch. That now is going to encompass the entire town. That will look at what is coming off the M8 that dont need to come through Fermoy but they are avoiding the toll. We need to get that figure rounded up. We have to work within our means.

It will be an element of making streets one-way, but that is pain for the town, businesses and councillors. That is the only thing that will change the circulation and congestion in the town. It will make it easier for certain streets for traffic to get out quicker. These plans will come up on the traffic management plan. To try and improve Fermoy we will have to make tough decisions, he added.
A key priority for the proposed Mallow Relief Road is to ease the chronic traffic congestion that has blighted the town in recent years.

Cork County Council hope to progress to the planning stage for the Mallow Relief Road in the early part of next year subject to funding and approval from Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII).

The update was provided by Niall Healy, Director of Services, Roads and Transportation with Cork County Council to councillors at a recent Northern Committee meeting.

Transport Infrastructure Ireland (TII) announced half a million in extra funding for the design of the Mallow Relief Road for 2024 on Friday, August 9 following a review of budget allocations.

The additional funding was allocated to allow Cork County Council to advance the design of the project at pace until the end of the year, with a view towards proceeding to planning stage at the beginning of 2025.

In February 2024 it was announced that the Mallow Relief Road had been allocated 300,000 by TII.

Cork County Council however stated that the 300,000 received was insufficient to allow the road to progress to the planning stage.

Sean Callery, Senior Engineer, Roads and Transportation with Cork County Council provided councillors with an update progress report on the relief road. During 2022, design and environmental evaluation for this scheme was progressed. Site investigations and topographical surveys along the route corridor were progressed during the summer months of 2022. Activity on this project was largely suspended during 2023 due to limited funding availability.

Mr Callery continued: The February 2024 funding for this scheme was increased from 300,000 to 800,000. This has enabled the ongoing preparation of a planning application and associated Environmental Impact Assessment Reports (EIAR) documentation during the course of 2024. Work on that is progressing well.

Speaking at the Northern Committee meeting, Cork County Councils director of roads, Niall Healy provided positive news on the relief road. The Mallow Relief Road is another positive. We were disappointed with the funding that was allocated initially back in February. That has increased now to 800,000 overall for this year which is sufficient to bring that project to planning stage.

By the end of the year we expect to have a planning path which would mean that in the new year subject to funding by TII and their approval that we would then proceed with the planning process itself. That would take up probably most of next year. That is subject to TIIs approval to do that and subject to funding as well because there is a financial impact to that, he added.

Fianna Fail councillor Pat Hayes hailed the progress on the much anticipated relief road. I was delighted with the extra funding to keep this project onboard. TII and the contractors who are doing the works are working excellently with the local businesses. There is minimum disruption and a lot of work going on in the evening. It is really welcome to see that.

Fianna Fail councillor Gearoid Murphy suggested writing a letter to TII and the Department of Transport over the annual funding allocations for Mallow Relief Road. I greatly welcome the extra funding for the relief road. It is great that we have the money to bring it to planning stage. The new reality for the relief road is that the department now dictates in the funding allocation exactly what TII money will be spent on. We now need to lobby everyone we can every single year over the allocation of funding.
The open evening event will give attendees a flavour of life at the secondary school, which moved into a state of the art campus in January 2016

Colaiste Mhuire Buttevant will host an open evening for current sixth class students and their parents/guardians from 7.30pm on Tuesday, October 1.

The open evening event will give attendees a flavour of life at the secondary school, which moved into a state of the art campus in January 2016.

On the night, sixth class students who are considering attending Colaiste Mhuire, and their parents/guardians, will get to tour the school and learn about the subjects available to study there and the extra-curricular and sporting activities it has to offer.

Attendees will also have the opportunity to speak with students of the school and its teaching staff as they tour the facility.

A spokesperson for Colaiste Mhuire said that it is important that each and every student feels welcome, secure and cared for within the school.

The personal nature with which we carry out our daily business, where every teacher knows every student and where students are given individual attention in small classes is the cornerstone upon which our school community is built, the spokesperson said.

Christian values are part of the everyday atmosphere and environment of the school. We want our students to leave school with self-respect and respect for others.

We have an outstanding reputation for academic excellence, but the development of students intellectual and physical potential is also an integral part of the everyday school curriculum.

Enrolment for prospective first year students who will start at Colaiste Mhuire in August/September of 2025 will commence from October 1 and close on October 22.

Parents or guardians interested in enrolling a student into first year at the school for the 2025/26 year can contact the school office on 022 23733.
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.
Firefighters at the scene of the fire on July 28.

Extensive smoke damage was caused to the front of the three storey building where part of its roof caved in.

A man in his 50s accused of deliberately setting fire to a commercial premises in Longford town that caused over 3m worth of damage has dropped his legal team after he was denied High Court bail.

Guo Zhong Chen (55), of 9 Belvedere Terrace, Mullingar, made the announcement through a Mandarin interpreter at a sitting of Longford District Court on Tuesday

The accused has been in custody since August 9 after being initially refused at a sitting of Longford District Court arising from an incident at Grafton Court during the early hours of July 28.

Chen was later charged with arson after jumping approximately 16ft from a balcony in his underwear when gardai called to his home in Mullingar to arrest him on August 8.

Extensive smoke damage was caused to the front of the three storey building where part of its roof caved in.

The blaze caused over a dozen businesses to temporarily close their doors, impacting 60 staff.

When the charge of arson under Section 2 (4) of the Criminal Damage Act 1991 was put to him by Detective Garda Shane OConnor, Chen replied: They are going to blame all those offences on me.

During a contested bail hearing, CCTV footage showed a black Ford SX-Max car that the accused had told gardai he had driven to Longford from his Mullingar home.

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A compilation of over 100 clips of camera footage taken from various vantage points across the midlands town appeared to show a hooded figure exit the car which had been parked up at Tashinny Lodge and remove a number of items from the vehicles boot.

The same individual was allegedly spotted moments later returning to the car with a trolley, filling it full of rubbish before walking back towards the scene of the incident where flames from the fire could be seen flickering in the background.

A cigarette lighter and glove found in the days following the fire and which matched Chens DNA, the court heard, will provide a vital cog in the States case.

The States evidence, Det OConnor said, will be that the motive for the attack had been made against Chens ex-partner and her brothers new sushi business which the accused allegedly vowed wont last long.

During that hearing, it was revealed Chen was a leaseholder of a restaurant in Mullingar and had a partner and step children whom resided in China.

Firefighters at the scene of the fire on July 28.

The States objections to bail, which the court agreed with, were based on the nature and seriousness of the charge, the strength of evidence spelled out by the State and that Chen was a flight risk.

Bail was ultimately denied by Judge Deirdre Gearty despite submissions from his defence team of Chens willingness to surrender his passport alongside a commitment by the accused to stay outside of Longford.

Chens attempts to seek High Court bail were also refused last month following a hearing before Ms Justice Mary Ellen Ring with the accused being remanded back to a sitting of Longford District Court for the servicing of a book of evidence.

When the case returned before presiding Judge Bernadette Owens, defence solicitor Brid Mimnagh asked Chen in open court if he still wished to be legally represented by her legal practice.

No, I want to change solicitors, Chen said through a Mandarin interpreter while sitting in the custody suite of the court.

That admission saw Dimitry Grinberg BL, take to his feet to reveal that he was seeking to come on record for Chen, having been instructed by Dublin based law firm, John Shanley Solicitors.

Sgt Conor McShane said an investigation file in connection to the case was complete, adding directions from the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) should be available on the next occasion.

Judge Owens consequently remanded Chen in continuing custody to appear back at a sitting of Longford District Court on October 22.
Eight patients have undergone hip replacement surgery as a day case procedure in Sligo University Hospital (SUH) over the past three months.

This surgery is based on the Direct Anterior Muscle Sparing Minimally Invasive approach and SUH is currently the only public hospital in Ireland providing same day hip replacement using this technique.

The Direct Anterior Minimally Invasive Surgical approach for hip replacement surgery was introduced in SUH in June and it carries a multitude of benefits for patients.

Patients experience less pain, have quicker recovery, a shorter hospital stay, less blood loss during surgery and better mobility postoperatively.

When compared with traditional hip replacement surgery this new technique results in significantly shorter rehabilitation time, allowing patients to get back on their feet quickly and return to their normal pain free life.

John Kelly, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon in SUH explains the technique; In a traditional hip replacement approach the surgeon would access the hip joint from the side or the back of the hip and in order to replace the joint, large muscle groups would need to be cut and separated.

With the direct anterior approach we are able to access the hip from the front, going in between the muscles without cutting them, thereby helping to minimise pain and soft tissue injury for patients.

There are significant benefits for patients with this surgery; they can arrive in the hospital in the morning, have the procedure and are able to return home the same day with a new hip.

Im delighted that we can now offer this as a surgical option to patients in Sligo University Hospital.

Sligo patient, Gay Devaney describes her experience of Direct Anterior Hip Replacement, I had my surgery eight weeks ago and can tell you it was an extremely positive experience.

From the moment I arrived in Sligo University Hospital until I was discharged later that day I received the best of care and support.

I had a very quick recovery and was back to myself so quickly nobody could believe it! I want to thank Mr Kelly and all the team for taking such good care of me.

Grainne McCann Hospital Manager, SUH added, It is essential that we strive for innovation in healthcare; new technology, techniques and procedures all drive improvements in patient care. Introducing this minimally invasive surgery in SUH is a very progressive step in improving patients experience and quality of life.

I want to congratulate John and the full surgical and anaesthetic teams for being the only public hospital in Ireland to currently offer patients same day hip replacement using this technique.
Historian Diarmuid Ferriter will discuss his book, The Revelation of Ireland, in conversation with columnist Justine McCarthy in the Nenagh Arts Centre on October 10, as part of the Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival

North Tipperary is gearing up to host some of Irelands top writers and authors for this years Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival which runs from Thursday to Sunday, October 10-13.

The festival was founded in 2004 by a small group of literary enthusiasts in Dromineer, by the shores of Lough Derg. Since its beginnings the festival has grown and established itself as an important literary festival in the Irish festivals landscape.

The festival incorporated Nenagh into its name in 2019, signifying that many of the festivals events now take place in the town of Nenagh and without the support of the wider Nenagh community, partner organisations such as Nenagh Arts Centre and local businesses, the festival would not be possible, said a spokesperson.

This years line up includes a stellar line up of Irelands greatest literary talent, including talks by historian Diarmaid Ferriter in conversation with journalist Justine McCarthy, while author Anna Carey will discuss the latest debut novels from three of Irelands finest contemporary writers, among many other events.

The festival opens on Thursday evening, October 10, from 6pm to 7.30pm in Nenagh Tourist Office with poetry and song (10).

Helen Hutchinson spent much of her early life in Cloughjordan and now lives in Nenagh. Her poetry collection From the Dirt Lane Back to the Open Roads, offers an insight into the history and culture of Travellers.

Linda McKennas debut poetry collection, In the Museum of Misremembered Things, was published by Doire Press in 2020. In 2018 she won the Seamus Heaney Award for Poetry and the Red Line Festival Award.

This years Dromineer Nenagh Literary Festival runs from Thursday to Sunday, October 10  13, with a line up of Ireland's top writers and authors

Michael Dooleys poems have appeared in Banshee, the Irish Independent, Poetry Ireland Review and The Stinging Fly, while Brid Kenny writes deeply personal poetic lyrics and aims to present a meditative reflective state in the listener akin to the way she feels while she is creating.

Thursdays events continue at Nenagh Arts Centre from 8pm to 9pm, with a talk on The Revelation of Ireland by Diarmaid Ferriter in conversation with Justine McCarthy (20).

Mr Ferriters new book demonstrates how we live in a very different country now to the one it was in the mid-1990s. Justine McCarthy is a columnist with The Irish Times, an author and public speaker.

Friday sees Nenagh Tourist Office hosting Recent Fiction, a discussion and debate from 6pm to 7.30pm (15). For this event, three brilliant contemporary Irish writers  Sinead Gleeson, Niamh Mulvey, and Fiona McPhillips  will discuss their recent debut novels with journalist and author, Anna Carey.

Nenagh Arts Centre will host a talk called I Loved Him From The Day He Died, on Friday, October 11 at 8pm (20). Author Michael Harding will be in conversation with writer and academic, Dr Sarah Moore FitzGerald, on how his father, who died when Michael was just 22, shaped his life.

Organisers are looking forward to welcoming broadcaster and comedian Hector O hEochagain to the 2024 festival on Saturday, October 12, at Nenagh Castle.

Festival goers can join the fun at the Abbey Court Hotel on Saturday, October, 12, at 6pm. Two well-known chefs, Mark Moriarty and Denis Cotter will discuss food, recipes and their latest books with Peter Ward of Country Choice Nenagh. Tickets include a small tasting plate and a glass of wine.

The full line up of events, and how to book, are available at www.dnlf.ie or by emailing info@dnlf.ie.
The town of Enniscorthy was rocked over the weekend by the sudden passing of popular man and former business owner John Morrissey, who passed away on Friday, September 27.

John was the ninth child out of a large family of 13 children, born in 1959, and although he was born in The Rower, Co Kilkenny, he attended primary school in New Ross, followed by secondary school in Enniscorthy where he later went on to make a name for himself as the owner of the River Restaurant.

The River Restaurant first opened in 1993, a place that became a bustling hub of good food and laughs with John at the helm for 30 years before it closed. His next chapter involved working in the local Day Today shop in Enniscorthy.

Owner Kiernan Walsh described him as a one in a million who will never be replaced.

"We are all heartbroken. He was so kind and caring to everyone and customers. He lit the place up at a time we werent sure where we were going with it and brought a new life to the shop. Not a more trustworthy, caring, honest and professional man would you find. He had a way with customers Ive never seen before or wont see again, be they 5, 22 or 90 years old he had a word for them all was able to make them all feel welcome, he said.

"He was someone you could confide in and discuss anything with from personal to business issues and was often the first person we would go to for advice or to share news with be it personally or work related. He became more like family to us than a friend or work colleague. He wont be hard to replace, he just wont be replaced because you wont find another like John, he added.

At his funeral service on Monday, September 29, in the Church of the Assumption, in The Rower, Co Kilkenny, the priest started off the celebration of his life by describing the legacy John had left behind.

He was a favourite son of the village. The passing happened most unexpectedly and came as a shock to so many people and communities. I was not privileged to have known him, I knew some of his family, so I went online to RIP.ie to look at the condolences which have me a glimpse of what a good man he was, he said.

The condolences described John as a great worker, a loving man, and a true gentleman.

One mourner wrote: A kind, gentle, loving man who positively touched the lives of all the people he met. He will be deeply missed. A top man and simply the best.

Another read: He was the nicest person I ever met, always greeting me with a kind word and a warm smile. His generosity and kindness will never be forgotten.

Another wrote: It was always a pleasure to meet John, when John said how are you? you knew he really cared. He was unique.

John's beloved husband Aidan spoke about the significance of symbols being brought to the altar by Johns family and friends.

Johns brother Tom brought up a family photograph as a symbol of his everlasting love for his family. This was followed by the presentation of a pair of sunglasses and a holiday photo as a symbol of the many holidays the couple shared. A cookery book was brought up to represent his love for cooking, feeding people, and helping those near and far, rich or poor. His sister Ann brought up a candle as a symbol of his strong and unwavering faith.

Johns niece Leona, who said her uncle was like a second dad to her.

Besides being a family member, uncle John was a pillar of strength. His restaurant was not just a place to eat, it was filled with his generosity and love  he would make you feel important. He would give us little jobs to do within the restaurant to give us a little bit of money. He never missed a birthday with an envelope of money and a text with multiple emojis, she said.

"He just loved so much, and he had a special love for cats and would adopt strays. John was a part of all important celebrations; birthdays, graduations, weddings, and Christmases. He worked with mam for 27 years and the support he gave her was indescribable. You were always our rock and we loved you so much. We were lucky to say that we had a second dad, she said.

Johns husband Aidan spoke about their life together.

"We met in Dublin in 1997. It was a very different time and when being gay was not popular. But times have changed and I am so proud to call John my husband. We got married in 2020. John and I walked in the Pride march this year. He was a character, a gentleman, and the kindest man you could every meet, he said.

He spoke about how John previously acted as a carer in Lourdes and was a massive supporter of the disabled community. He would also light a candle in St Aidans Cathedral every Tuesday for his loved ones and anyone who needed it.

He also spoke about his love for Enniscorthy.

"He was a very proud man and especially about where he was from. On holiday he would often tell people he just met Ah you must come to Enniscorthy to visit the place. On Sundays we would plan to go on a two hour walk that would end up being a four hour walk because so many people stopped to talk with him. I think we can all agree that he should be given the title of Lord Mayor of Enniscorthy, he added.

"John was my life partner, I miss you and I love you, he concluded.

John was the loving husband of Aidan, son of the late Jimmy and Lena and brother of Jim, Davy, Larry, Elizabeth, Mary, Catherine, Tom, Helen, Ann, Margaret, Denis and the late Breda. He will be sadly missed by his loving family, nieces, nephews, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, extended family, relatives and friends.
Wicklow TD Jennifer Whitmore joined protesters from across Ireland outside the Dail on Wednesday last week as part of the protest organised by the Fair Seas coalition, calling for urgent progress to be made on the promised Marine Protected Areas Bill.

The bill was designed to provide for the designation and effective management of marine protected areas, and which would commit to effectively protecting 30pc of Irelands seas by 2030.

Deputy Whitmore, an ecologist who previously worked in the field of marine biology, explained the importance of the Marine Protected Areas Bill,

The Marine Protected Areas Bill is hugely important for our coastal areas around Ireland. This is legislation which will legally protect areas of seas and coastline from activities that damage the habitats, wildlife and natural processes that occur there.

In Wicklow we are seeing more and more varied activities happening in our coastal areas and it is vital that we have legislation in place which protects our marine wildlife before it is irreparably impacted by these activities.

Despite multiple promises and guarantees from the Green Party Minister for Heritage and Biodiversity, we have seen little, or no progress being made on the proposed Marine Protected Areas Bill.

Time really is of the essence here and we need the Government to act.

Deputy Whitmore, who is the Social Democrats spokesperson for Climate and Biodiversity, added: I recently met with an International Marine Biologist who has carried out over 48 global studies and has travelled to waters around the world. He told me that he has never seen waters so devoid of nature and biodiversity as the ones surrounding Irish coasts. He described the condition of our coastlines as alarming and he was scathing of our approach to marine protection here.

I want to commend the Fair Seas coalition for their continued work to highlight the urgent need for this legislation to be introduced and I am again calling on the Minister to take action and introduce the Marine Protected Areas Bill before it is too late.
Ukraines president Volodymyr Zelensky said yesterday the situation on the front line of the war against Russia was very, very difficult and Ukraines forces had to do everything they could over the autumn period.

Reports on each of our frontline sectors, our capabilities, our future capabilities and our specific tasks. The situation is very, very difficult, he said in his nightly video address, referring to a meeting with top commanders. Everything that can be done this autumn, everything that we can achieve must be achieved.
Iran fires hundreds of rockets into Israel as Israelis take cover in bomb shelters; six shot dead in Tel Aviv terror attack

Major invasion of Lebanon may soon follow as Netanyahu issues stark warning to IranTanaiste says around 150 Irish citizens in Lebanon have registered with Cairo embassyIrish UNIFIL troops in Lebanon safe, Micheal Martin says

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system operates for interceptions as rockets are launched from Lebanon towards Israel, as seen from Haifa. Photo: Reuters.

Maya Gebeily, Maayan Lubell and Alexander Corwell Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 20:30







Iran launched hundreds of missiles at Israel on Tuesday, in what it said was a retaliation for the assassinations of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran and Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week.
Palestinians gather at the site of an Israeli strike on a residential building in Nuseirat, in the central Gaza Strip. Photo: Reuters

Israeli airstrikes pounded areas across the Gaza Strip yesterday, killing 12 people, including a journalist and her family, medics said, although the intensity of the ground offensive has subsided as Israel steps up its fight with Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Palestinian health officials said Wafa Al-Udaini, who wrote articles about the war in English advocating the Palestinian viewpoint, was killed when a missile struck her house in the central city of Deir Al-Balah, also killing her husband and their two children.
The widening gap between US desires and Israeli behaviour has left Iran in a dangerous place

Israel is in its strongest position in years, and Joe Biden is hamstrung by the US election

A mourner cries over bodies during the collective funeral held for people killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday in the city of Ain Deleb in southern Lebanon. Photo: Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

Michael Birnbaum Washington Post Tue 1 Oct 2024 at 03:30







First Israel ignored a US-led effort to impose a cease-fire in its escalating war against Hezbollah.
Managing CSR Obligations in India: Company Best Practices

Adopting certain best practices help companies not only meet their corporate social responsibility (CSR) obligations but also build a positive reputation, foster goodwill, and contribute to meaningful social and environmental change and ESG goals.

Company best practices for your India CSR strategy

Here are some best practices for companies managing their CSR obligations effectively:

Align CSR with core business strategy

Integrate CSR into business goals: A well-aligned CSR strategy should connect with the companys core business activities, ensuring that CSR efforts complement the companys overall mission and values. For example, a technology company might focus its CSR on digital literacy programs, while a healthcare company could prioritize public health initiatives. When CSR initiatives align with business goals, they not only enhance social impact but also strengthen the companys brand identity and competitive advantage.

Sustainable impact focus: Rather than pursuing one-off initiatives, companies should focus on long-term projects that create lasting change. For instance, investing in education, environmental sustainability, or economic empowerment can produce sustainable results over time, benefiting both the community and the business. Such projects are more likely to yield meaningful outcomes and offer the company the opportunity to be seen as a responsible and forward-thinking entity.

Comprehensive stakeholder engagement

Engage with stakeholders: Effective CSR requires collaboration with key stakeholders, including employees, customers, local communities, government bodies, and investors. Engaging with these groups helps companies better understand societal needs and expectations, thereby creating CSR initiatives that resonate with the community. For instance, involving local leaders in CSR planning can help the company design programs that address community-specific issues, leading to higher engagement and success.

Understand local needs: Tailoring CSR efforts to the specific needs of the community where the company operates is crucial. For example, in a rural area, a focus on clean water initiatives might be more impactful than funding a technology lab. Conducting surveys or consultations with the community can help identify pressing issues, ensuring that CSR investments address real and relevant problems.

Transparent CSR reporting

Regular disclosure: Transparency is essential for building trust with stakeholders. Companies should regularly disclose their CSR activities, including detailed reports on the funds spent, the projects supported, and the outcomes achieved. Transparent reporting not only builds credibility but also helps the company stay compliant with regulatory requirements, such as Indias mandate to file CSR-1, CSR-2, and AOC-4 forms. Regular updates through annual reports, company websites, and press releases can help keep the public informed of CSR initiatives.

Use technology for reporting: Leveraging digital tools and platforms can enhance the accuracy and efficiency of CSR reporting. For instance, using online dashboards or CSR management software can help companies track the progress of their initiatives, ensuring that they are on track to meet their goals and making reporting more streamlined.

Create a dedicated CSR Committee

Form a CSR Committee: A dedicated CSR committee within the company ensures that CSR activities are given the necessary focus and resources. This committee should include senior executives who can provide strategic oversight and align CSR with the companys broader vision. The committee can also ensure that CSR initiatives meet compliance requirements and that funds are being used appropriately.

Board-level oversight: Involving the board of directors in CSR governance is critical to demonstrating the companys commitment to social responsibility. Board oversight ensures that CSR is not just a side activity but an integral part of the companys strategy. A CSR policy approved by the board can lead to better decision-making, resource allocation, and strategic alignment with the companys goals.

READ: A Guide to Corporate Social Responsibility in India

What is the composition of the CSR Committee? The composition of the CSR Committee varies based on the type of company: Listed companies: Three or more directors, with at least one being an independent director.

Three or more directors, with at least one being an independent director. Unlisted public companies: Three or more directors, with at least one being an independent director. If the company is not required to have an independent director, the CSR Committee can consist of two or more directors.

Three or more directors, with at least one being an independent director. If the company is not required to have an independent director, the CSR Committee can consist of two or more directors. Private companies: Two or more directors. Independent directors are not required as per the proviso under Section 135(1).

Two or more directors. Independent directors are not required as per the proviso under Section 135(1). Foreign companies: At least two persons: One as specified under clause (d) of sub-section (1) of Section 380 of the Companies Act, 2013. Another nominated by the foreign company (refer to rule 5(1) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014).

At least two persons: If a company is required to spend INR 5 million or less on CSR, constituting a CSR Committee is optional. In such cases, the Board of Directors discharges the CSR Committees functions. What are the functions of the CSR Committee? The CSR Committee is responsible for the following functions: Formulating and recommending the CSR policy to the Board. Recommending the amount of expenditure for CSR activities. Monitoring the CSR policy of the company regularly. Formulating and recommending an annual action plan to the Board in line with the CSR policy, including items mentioned in rule 5(2) of the Companies (CSR Policy) Rules, 2014. For companies that are not required to have a CSR Committee under Section 135(9) of the Act, these functions are performed by the Board itself. What are the responsibilities of the Board regarding CSR provisions? The Board of Directors is responsible for overseeing CSR activities in CSR-eligible companies. Their key responsibilities include: Approving the CSR policy. Disclosing the policy in the companys report and on its website (if applicable). Ensuring the company undertakes activities specified in the CSR policy. In every financial year, ensuring the company spends at least 2 percent of its average net profits made during the three immediately preceding financial years on CSR. Confirming the proper utilization of CSR funds. If the company fails to spend the required 2 percent, the Board must report the reasons and transfer the unspent amount as per Sections 135(5) and 135(6) of the Act. Source: Ministry of Corporate Affairs

Measure and monitor impact

Set clear KPIs: Clear key performance indicators (KPIs) are essential to track the success of CSR initiatives. KPIs can include metrics such as the number of beneficiaries, environmental improvements, or financial returns on CSR investments. For instance, if a company is investing in education, KPIs might include the number of students reached, improvements in educational outcomes, or the number of scholarships awarded. Setting measurable goals allows companies to evaluate the effectiveness of their programs.

Continuous monitoring: Regularly monitoring the progress of CSR initiatives ensures that they stay on course and achieve the desired impact. This involves tracking both quantitative outcomes (e.g., number of trees planted) and qualitative outcomes (e.g., improved community relations). By reviewing progress regularly, companies can make necessary adjustments to ensure that projects remain effective and relevant.

Focus on compliance and legal adherence

Stay compliant: Staying compliant with CSR regulations is crucial to avoid penalties and maintain the companys reputation. In India, companies must comply with the CSR provisions of the Companies Act, 2013, which mandates that firms meeting certain criteria spend at least 2 percent of their average net profits on CSR activities. Companies must ensure they are fully compliant with the latest regulations, including timely filing of required forms, such as CSR-2. A dedicated legal or compliance team can help track changes in regulations and ensure the company remains on the right side of the law.

Maintain documentation: Proper documentation is key to demonstrating compliance with legal requirements. This includes keeping detailed records of CSR expenditures, project outcomes, and governance decisions. Properly maintained documentation is also essential for audits and ensures that the company can defend its CSR efforts if questioned by regulators.

READ: India Speeds up Deadline for Filing CSR-2 Return for FY2023-24: MCA Notification

Collaborate with external partners

Partner with NGOs and local experts: Collaborating with non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and local experts can significantly enhance the effectiveness of CSR programs. NGOs often have the expertise, infrastructure, and local knowledge needed to implement CSR projects successfully. For instance, a company looking to improve healthcare in rural areas might partner with a healthcare NGO to provide medical camps, distribute essential medicines, or build infrastructure.

Leverage public-private partnerships (PPP): Public-private partnerships can amplify the reach and impact of CSR initiatives. By collaborating with the government or other companies on large-scale projects, companies can pool resources, share knowledge, and achieve greater social impact. For example, in areas like infrastructure development or education, partnering with local governments can provide the necessary support and legitimacy for CSR projects.

Employee engagement in CSR

Encourage employee participation: Employees can be powerful advocates for a companys CSR efforts. By creating opportunities for employee volunteering, companies can enhance employee engagement, boost morale, and increase the impact of CSR initiatives. For example, offering employees paid time off to volunteer for CSR projects can foster a culture of social responsibility within the organization.

CSR as a culture: CSR should be embedded in the companys culture, with employees at all levels encouraged to contribute ideas and participate in CSR activities. By making CSR a part of everyday work life, companies can create a sense of shared purpose and pride among employees, which in turn boosts employee retention and attracts talent who value working for a socially responsible company.

Financial accountability

Ensure proper allocation of CSR funds: Companies need to ensure that CSR funds are allocated effectively to projects that provide the most value. Proper planning, budgeting, and execution are necessary to prevent waste and ensure that funds are used as intended. Regular financial reviews and audits can help track how CSR funds are spent and identify areas for improvement.

Audit CSR spending: Regular audits of CSR spending are crucial to maintain transparency and accountability. Audits can help detect discrepancies between reported CSR activities and actual spending, ensuring that funds are being used for their intended purposes. This also helps prevent mismanagement or misuse of CSR resources.

Innovate for social impact

Leverage technology and innovation: Companies can use innovative solutions and technologies to enhance the social impact of their CSR initiatives. For example, tech companies can develop digital platforms to improve education or healthcare access in remote areas, while energy companies can focus on renewable energy solutions that address environmental challenges.

Adapt CSR in crisis: Flexibility is key when responding to crises such as natural disasters, pandemics, or economic downturns. Companies should be prepared to adapt their CSR programs to meet urgent community needs. For instance, during the COVID-19 pandemic, many companies shifted their CSR focus to providing healthcare support, medical supplies, and financial relief to affected communities.

Summary

In conclusion, companies can maximize the effectiveness of their CSR efforts by embedding social responsibility into their core business strategies, engaging stakeholders, maintaining transparency, and focusing on compliance. By adopting these best practices, businesses can not only meet their legal obligations but also create positive social and environmental change, enhance their reputation, and build lasting value for their stakeholders.
New Delhi: The All India Mobile Retailers Association (AIMRA) has called on the Central government to revoke the licenses of Chinese smartphone brands such as iQoo, Poco, and OnePlus, accusing them of anti-competitive practices that hurt local retailers and result in financial losses to the exchequer, media reports said.

AIMRA has sought the intervention of Commerce and Industry Minister Piyush Goyal and Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman to address the issue, Moneycontrol reported.

According to Kailash Lakhyani, Founder and Chairman of AIMRA, despite persistent follow-ups and findings by the Competition Commission of India (CCI), these companies continue to operate exclusively with e-commerce platforms like Amazon, bypassing traditional retail outlets.

"The unauthorized diversion of products from e-commerce to retail channels disrupts fund rotation and denies the exchequer the benefit of additional GST revenue," Lakhyani said in an interview with Moneycontrol.

In a letter dated September 27, AIMRA also highlighted that many Chinese companies use online platforms to support grey market activities, undermining local businesses and fair trade in India, the report said.

They pointed out that Vivos sub-brand iQoo is primarily sold through online platforms, leaving traditional retailers without access to their products.

The association emphasized the importance of protecting local businesses and creating a level playing field.

They noted that the CCI's recent report accused several Chinese brands and Samsung of collaborating with e-commerce giants like Amazon and Flipkart to launch exclusive product lines, violating competition laws.

AIMRA, in partnership with the Confederation of All India Traders (CAIT), also released a whitepaper suggesting the need for a stronger e-commerce policy framework to close regulatory loopholes, curb tax evasion, and tackle anti-competitive practices.

The paper proposed measures such as eliminating GST input credits for B2C transactions, banning exclusive cashback offers, suspending festival sales to prevent market manipulation, and introducing a luxury tax on high-end products sold online.
Chennai: Ford Motor Co. is in talks to produce electric vehicles at its southern India plant in Tamil Nadu, which marks its potential return to the worlds third-largest car market three years after shutting down its local factories.

Tamil Nadu Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa, in an interview with Bloomberg TV, confirmed that Ford has not yet finalized what it plans to manufacture in India but suggested that electric vehicles are a possibility.

"If you go by trend, the investors that come into Tamil Nadu over the past few years have brought their EV lines," Rajaa was quoted as saying by Bloomberg. "They do know the ecosystem is ripe, and the discussions are also on those lines."

Ford is the latest automaker, joining the ranks of domestic and international companies such as Tata Motors Ltd. and Vietnam's VinFast Auto Ltd., to invest billions in Tamil Nadu for EV manufacturing.

In mid-September, in a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government, Ford expressed its intent to use its Chennai plant for export purposes.

This move aligns with Indias broader efforts to expand electric vehicle manufacturing in the country.

Earlier this year, the federal government reduced import taxes for foreign automakers willing to invest $500 million in India.

Tamil Nadu has positioned itself as a key hub for EV production in the nation.

Ford currently employs 12,000 people in its global business operations in Tamil Nadu, with plans to add as many as 3,000 more jobs over the next three years, according to a company statement released last month.


Photo Courtesy: Wikimedia Commons/2.0 Generic

Indian religious preacher Zakir Naik , who faces charges of money laundering and hate speech in India, arrived in Pakistan on Monday for a month-long visit.

He is scheduled to deliver lectures in major cities of the country including Karachi, Islamabad and Lahore.

Naik, who currently resides in Malaysia, previously visited Pakistan in 1992.

Upon his arrival at Islamabad International Airport, Naik was received by officials from the Ministry of Religious Affairs and PMs aide Rana Mashhood, reported Dawn News.

In addition to public events, he is expected to meet senior government officials and participate in various public engagements, as his visit is scheduled to continue until Oct 28, the Pakistani newspaper reported.

Naik is staying in Malaysia as a runaway fugitive.

He left India in 2016.

He was granted a permanent residency by Malaysia's previous government led by Mahathir Mohamed.
Image by Avishek Mitra/IBNS

Kolkata/IBNS: The West Bengal junior doctors have returned to complete ceasework over their demands related to the RG Kar rape-murder incident, more than a week after resuming their services at only emergency units.

The junior doctors returned to ceasework on Tuesday after their detailed discussion following the Supreme Court's fresh hearing on the case, which is now being probed by the Central Bureau of Investigation.

The protesters had resumed services on September 21 after the government agreed to some of their demands and assured them to fulfill the rest.

However, the doctors had threatened to go on ceasework again if their demands including their proper security, removal of health officials, elimination of threat culture are not fulfilled in entirety.

"The government should not consider our movement meant to just secure some written promises but a real change in the organisation of the hospitals. We want a change in the system of hospitals so that patients get better treatment and doctors can work at an environment free from threats," said a junior doctor.

Though Kolkata Police was quick to arrest civic volunteer Sanjoy Roy in connection with the incident, West Bengal junior doctors suspect there are more than one behind the incident.

The case is currently being probed by the CBI under the monitoring of the Supreme Court.

The CBI has arrested ex-RG Kar principal Sandip Ghosh, who was already in custody for alleged financial irregularities in the hospital, and a cop in connection with the case.

Prior to CBI's investigation, the state administration came under the scanner over its alleged cover-up, delay in filing FIRs, demolition work near the crime scene, posting of Ghosh to the same post at another college after his resignation from RG Kar.

A mega rally demanding justice for the victim will be conducted by the Joint Platform of Doctors on Tuesday. The rally will begin at College Street at 5 pm and will culminate at Rabindra Sadan at 9 pm.

The junior doctors have called a protest march from College Square to Esplanade and invited all sections of the society to join in.
News / Africa

by Stephen Jakes

A former artisanal miner from Zimbabwe, now residing in South Africa, has shared how his life has significantly improved since moving to the neighbouring country.Khanyisani Sibanda (41) left Zimbabwe in 2004, seeking better prospects. Despite facing challenges as an undocumented immigrant, he has found greater stability and opportunities in South Africa.Sibanda previously worked in Zimbabwe's gold mines, often evading police raids. While the work was initially profitable, the economic situation in Zimbabwe eventually forced him to seek opportunities abroad.In South Africa, Sibanda initially faced difficulties due to his immigration status. However, his language skills and ability to build relationships helped him secure employment.Sibanda emphasized the stark contrast between life in South Africa and Zimbabwe. He described the discrimination and violence faced by Zimbabweans in South Africa, but also acknowledged the opportunities available.Sibanda's experience highlights the complex realities faced by many Zimbabweans who migrate to South Africa in search of a better life. While there are challenges, it's clear that for some, the move can lead to improved economic prospects and quality of life.
Photo Courtesy:Unsplash

A 23-year-old nursing student after she suffered heavy blood loss following sex with her boyfriend in a hotel room in Gujarat.

According to reports, the boyfriend continued to search for remedies over the internet when the girl continued to bleed profusely following their intimacy.

Police have arrested the boyfriend.

The woman succumbed to her injuries when she was taken to hospital.

Her postmortem revealed that the bleeding resulted from a serious injury to her genital area during sex, which led to her death, reported India Today.

District Superintendent of Police Sushil Agarwal confirmed to the Indian news channel that the man has been charged under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 238 (causing evidence to disappear) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The case is further being investigated.


Image Credit: Facebook/Siddaramaiah

Bengaluru/IBNS: The Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) has agreed to take back 14 plots of land, which have been at the heart of a massive row owing to an alleged scam, from Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife, media reports said.

Hours after the Enforcement Directorate named Siddaramaiah in a money laundering case related to the MUDA (Mysuru Urban Development Authority) land scam on Monday, his wife BN Parvathi, wrote to the authority offering to return the plots of land.

In a statement, she said she was obeying the call of her conscience. "Along with returning these plots, I also demand a comprehensive investigation into all allegations related to MUDA," she said.

The probe agency registered the case against Siddaramaiha after taking cognizance of a First Information Report filed by the Lokayukta.

In her letter to MUDA, Parvathi offered to return the 14 plots allotted to her in Vijayanagar Phase 3 and 4 "in lieu of compensation for the use of 3.16 acre land in Kesare Village.

"I wish to surrender and return the compensatory plots by cancelling the deeds of 14 plots executed in my favor by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. I am also handing over the possession of the plots back to the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Kindly take necessary steps in this regard as soon as possible," the letter read.

"Some may ask, why make such a decision at this stage? I made this decision on the very day the accusations arose. However, as the accusations regarding the MUDA plot allocation were politically motivated, some well-wishers advised that we should fight against this injustice and not fall prey to their schemes. That's why I initially stepped back from returning the plots," she said in her statement.

"My husband, Siddaramaiah, the Chief Minister of the state, has upheld a strict code of ethics throughout his 40-year political career, remaining entirely free from any kind of blemish... To me, no house, plot, or wealth is more important than my husband's honor, dignity, and peace of mind. After all these years in power, I have never sought any personal gain for myself or my family... I am not aware of my husband's opinion on this matter, nor do I concern myself with what my son or other family members think," the statement read.

"I humbly appeal to the leaders of all political parties and members of the media. Please do not drag the women of political families into controversy for the sake of settling political scores. Do not harm their dignity and honor by involving them in political disputes," her statement read.

The MUDA case involves allegations of illegal allotment of 14 sites to Siddaramaiah's wife by the authority.

It has been alleged that compensatory sites allotted to Siddaramaiah's wife, located in an upmarket area in Mysuru, are far higher than the land acquired from her by MUDA.

Siddaramaiah has denied any wrongdoing and claimed the allegations against him are politically motivated.

He is the latest Opposition Chief Minister to be named as an accused in a corruption case.

Besides Siddaramaiah, his wife BM Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju, from whom Swamy had purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi, and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Lokayukta police on Sept 27.
Image Credit: In image Ram Rahim/IBNS File

Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, convicted in a rape case and is supposed to be serving a 20-year jail sentence, will be granted parole for the 10th time in the past two years days before an Assembly election.

Flagging the issue, the Haryana Pradesh Congress Committee has written to the Chief Election Commissioner over "breaking news (that) parole will be granted".

It has urged the top poll body that his release from jail at this time would constitute a violation of the Model Code of Conduct in place during elections.

His release has also been red-flagged by the son of a journalist who was murdered, for which Rahim and three others were convicted.

The son said freeing Rahim now "violates democratic values and fair elections" as he could "influence voting by sending messages to benefit a particular party.

Ram Rahim Singh was convicted by a special CBI court in Haryana's Panchkula in August 2017 for raping two women.

Rahim is known to have a mass following in Punjab and Uttar Pradesh, as well as Haryana.

Haryana goes to polling on Saturday in an election seen as being a close contest between the Incumbent BJP with the Congress.
Photo courtesy: x.com/BJP4India

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will visit Hazaribag in Jharkhand, for a one-day trip where he will lay the foundation stone, launch, and inaugurate several projects totaling more than Rs 83,300 crore.

This is Modi's second visit to the election-bound state within a month, following his recent trip on September 15, during which he launched six Vande Bharat trains from Jamshedpur.

During the visit, PM Modi will address the BJPs Parivartan Yatra's concluding function and launch the 'Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan'--a scheme with a financial outlay exceeding Rs 79,150 crore.

This initiative will cover approximately 63,000 villages and benefit over 5 crore tribal people across 30 states and UTs.

The scheme aims to bridge gaps in social infrastructure, healthcare, education, and livelihood through 25 key interventions led by 17 Union ministries.

PM Modi will inaugurate 40 Eklavya Model Residential schools and lay the foundation stones for 25 more with an investment of Rs 2,800 crore.

He will also initiate various projects under the PM-JANMAN scheme, including road construction, anganwadi centres, multipurpose centres, and school hostels, with a total cost of Rs 1,360 crore.

Meanwhile, in Nashik, Maharashtra, Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, along with deputy CMs Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar, will lay the foundation for several development projects.

These include student hostels and a women's hospital, with specific hostels for the Maratha and Dhangar communities.

Earlier, PM Modi inaugurated projects worth Rs 11,200 crore in Maharashtra, including the completion of the Pune Metro and the Swargate-Katraj extension.

He will also launch additional projects totaling Rs 22,600 crore, including Pune Metro Phase-1, PARAM Rudra Supercomputers, and initiatives related to energy infrastructure and truck driver amenities.
Photo courtesy:Khalsavox.com

The recent discourse surrounding the Khalistan movement, as aired on the UK-based MATV program Gurdwara MiriPiri, exposes deepening fractures within the proponents of Khalistan in the diaspora.

What was once a rallying cry for a homeland rooted in justice and self-determination has been diluted by internal contradictions, factionalism, and a troubling drift toward opportunism and political expediency.

At the heart of the discussion is the alignmentor perhaps, misalignmentof key figures in the Sikh diaspora with Indian political leaders, most notably Congress leader Rahul Gandhi.

Anchors of the program, including Parminder Singh Bal, pointed to the troubling support for Gandhi from prominent Sikh diaspora figures such as Gurpatwant Singh Pannun of the banned Sikhs for Justice and Amrik Singh Gill, President of the Sikh Federation UK.

The anchors rightfully question how those who champion the cause of Khalistan can align themselves with the son of Rajiv Gandhi, the man whose administration oversaw some of the darkest chapters in Sikh history, including the 1984 anti-Sikh pogroms.

This unsettling endorsement by Khalistani elements raises crucial questions about authenticity and commitment. Are these figures truly dedicated to the interests of Sikhs in the diaspora, or are they merely opportunists willing to make alliances with those whose historical ties to Sikh repression are undeniable? As the anchors pointed out, calling these individuals duplicate Khalistanis may be harsh, but it is not without merit.

The program also addressed a critical point about the blacklist of Sikhs in Canada and the United States. This list has long been a thorn in the side of the Sikh diaspora. Yet, as the anchors noted, the silence of Sikh organizations on this issue is perplexing. If these organizations are truly committed to the cause of Sikh sovereignty, why have they not mounted a stronger defense for those caught in the web of international blacklists? Parminder Singh Bals personal account of being deported from Canada and the plight of 135 members of the International Sikh Youth Federation in Canada, who could not even afford the fees to appeal their status, highlights the stark realities of these bureaucratic mechanisms.

Perhaps the most damning critique in the discussion was aimed at the fractured vision of the Khalistan movement itself. Modern pro-Khalistan elements seem to have completely omitted Lahore from their dream of a Sikh state. It is not just a geographical oversightit is an erasure of the very roots of Sikh political power. This disconnect raises fundamental questions: What is the endgame for these groups? Is it a truly sovereign Sikh state, or a nebulous entity cobbled together for convenience, and backed by Pakistan?

Further complicating the narrative is the in-fighting among Khalistan proponents. Self-styled President of Khalistan Sewa Singh Lalli lambasted the Sikh Federation UK and other organizations for undermining the movement from within, accusing UK-based groups of playing host to questionable figures like Rashtriya Sikh Sangat leader Rulda Singh. Singhs assassination in Patiala by pro-Khalistan elements is a tragic reminder of the lethal consequences of internal strife. The fact that certain Khalistan supporters hosted Rulda Singh, a figure associated with the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, demonstrates the blurred lines between ideology and pragmatism. This internal friction risks derailing the movements objectives.

The idea of Khalistan, once a potent symbol of Sikh autonomy and resilience, is devolving into a hollow slogan, manipulated by leaders whose priorities are less about Sikh sovereignty and more about personal gain and political positioning. And this is why there are no takers for Khalistan, be it in Indian Punjab, or in the diaspora. It is only a handful few who continue to manipulate the youth, especially in the diaspora.

The anchors critiques underscore a critical truth: the Khalistan movement is doomed to fragment further.

(Photo Caption and Courtesy;Khalsavox.com)
Photo Courtesy: IBNS File

Popular Bollywood actor and politician Govinda was rushed to a hospital on Tuesday after he accidentally shot himself with a licenced revolver at his residence in Mumbai.

The actor, who is also a Shiv Sena politician, is said to be out of danger.

The injury was caused around 4.45 am due to a misfire from his licensed revolver, reported NDTV.

The incident reportedly happened before Govinda was scheduled to leave for Kolkata.

"We had a 6 am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened," the actor's manager told NDTV.

According to reports, the former Congress MP was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.

Starting out as an action and dancing hero in the 1980s, Govinda's first film was 1986's Love 86, which turned out to be a hit.

He then appeared in subsequent hits including Ilzaam (1986), Marte Dam Tak (1987), Khudgarz (1987), Dariya Dil (1988), Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni (1989), Swarg (1990) and Hum (1991).

Govinda had lead roles in several commercially successful comedy films, like Raja Babu (1994), Coolie No. 1 (1995), Saajan Chale Sasural (1996), Hero No. 1 (1997), Deewana Mastana (1997), Dulhe Raja (1998), Bade Miyan Chote Miyan (1998), Anari No.1 (1999), Haseena Maan Jayegi (1999) and Jodi No. 1 (2001), Ek Aur Ek Gyarah (2003).

He is best remembered for his onscreen chemistry with Karisma Kapoor and Raveena Tandon.
Photo courtesy: Govinda Facebook page

Mumbai/IBNS: Bollywood actor-politician Govinda, who was injured by a bullet due to misfire, has released an audio message from the hospital where he was rushed to after the accident, media reports said.

In an audio message, Govinda thanked his doctors and informed his fans that the bullet, which hit his leg, has been extracted.

"I was hit by a bullet which has now been extracted. I thank the doctors and people who are praying for me," the actor said.

Govinda, who was about to catch a flight to Kolkata for an event, suffered the injury below his knee due to misfiring from a licensed gun.

The incident occurred at around 4:45 am when the actor was getting ready for the flight. He was alone when the firing took place.

"We had a 6 am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened," the actor's manager told NDTV.

The Shiv Sena leader was admitted to the Intensive Care Unit of the hospital.
Photo Courtesy: Rajinikanth Instagram page

Southern superstar Rajinikanth has been admitted to a hospital in Chennai for an elective procedure scheduled for Tuesday, media reports said.

There has been no official confirmation on the matter from the actor or the private hospital.

Hospital sources told The Indian Express that the 73-year-old veteran actor was stable.

Elective surgery or elective procedure is surgery that is scheduled in advance because it does not involve a medical emergency.

Known professionally as Rajinikanth, the superstar is an Indian actor who predominantly works in Tamil cinema.

In a career spanning over five decades, he has done 170 films[c] that includes films in Tamil, Hindi, Telugu, Kannada, Bengali, and Malayalam.

He is widely regarded to be one of the most successful and popular actors in the history of Indian cinema.

The actor is currently busy shooting for director Lokesh Kanagarajs Coolie.

Several teaser posters of the film were revealed recently.
People gather around a bombed building in a southern suburb of Beirut. Photo Courtesy: UNICEF/Dar Al Mussawir

The Israel Defense Forces has launched limited raids in south Lebanon against Hezbollah and its infrastructure that are located close to the northern border.

The IDF made the move hours after the country's Cabinet reportedly approved plans for the new phase of the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

"In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," IDF posted on X.

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 30, 2024

"The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months,"the Army said.

The IDF said the Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

IDF said Operation 'Northern Arrows' will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

"The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes," the Army said.

Ahead of the IDFs announcement, an Israeli official told the Times of Israel that their US counterparts had been informed that the goal of the limited operation was to remove Hezbollah positions along Israels northern border, thus creating the conditions for a diplomatic agreement under which the terror groups forces would be pushed back beyond the Litani River, in line with UN Security Council resolution.

More than one million people across Lebanon have been uprooted by ongoing and deadly Israeli airstrikes across the country, including one reported early Monday morning in a residential area of central Beirut, adding to fears of a full-scale invasion.

In a situation update published on Monday the World Health Organization (WHO) reported that 11 health workers had been killed and 10 injured between 17 and 28 September.

Some 37 health centres have been forced to close due to the fighting out of 317 in total, and three hospitals treating patients have been evacuated.

Many healthcare workers have been displaced especially in the south, Bekaa and South Beirut, WHO reported.

WHO is continued to support Lebanons public health emergency response with staffing, financial and technical support, helping coordinate referrals and boosting trauma surgery capacity.

The UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres continues to be deeply concerned over the humanitarian repercussions of the continued bombing by Israel and rocket fire from Hezbollah, his Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Monday.

Briefing correspondents in New York, Dujarric reiterated the UN chiefs call for de-escalation, a ceasefire and the full implementation of Security Council resolution 1701.

The Secretary-General and his senior staff are in contact with our representatives on the ground, who continue to engage with all actors and all parties to appeal for diplomatic avenues to be given space.

The UN peacekeeping mission, UNIFIL, which patrols the line of separation between southern Lebanon and northern Israel remains in place but the intensity of military action is preventing "Blue Helmets" from carrying out their tasks or moving around their area of responsibility, Dujarric continued.

A Flash Appeal will be launched on Tuesday to meet the growing needs of around one million people impacted by the growing crisis.
Videograb of Iran's missile attack on Israel | courtesy: X/IDF

In a sharp escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a massive missile attack firing as many as 100 projectiles on Israel Tuesday to retaliate the killing of Hezbollah chief in Beirut, media reports said.

The attack came amid Israeli strikes on Lebanon to target Hezbollah, which saw the execution of the militant outfit's commander Hassan Nasrallah, and a top official from Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

According to the Israeli foreign ministry, the missiles were fired around 10 PM IST.

An hour later, around 11.10 pm, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) said there was no more threat from Iran "for now".

The civilians were allowed to leave bomb shelters, adding that there were a few "hits" during the barrage.

Confirming the attack, Iran's Revolutionary Guards said it was in response to the killing of Nasrallah, Hamas political chief Ismail Haniyeh, and its senior commander Abbas Nilforoushan, said reports.

The Revolutionary Guards also threatened to carry out "crushing attacks" against Israel if it retaliated.

"If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement carried by the Iranian news agency Fars, according to news agency AFP.

Iran-backed Iraqi armed forces said US bases in Iraq and the region would be targeted if the United States helped Israel in retaliation or if Israel used Iraqi airspace against Tehran, news agency Reuters reported.

Despite warnings, Israel has vowed to retaliate, with IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari saying the country would respond at the time and place of its choosing.

"This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide," he said.

RAW FOOTAGE: Watch as Iranian missiles rain over the Old City in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews.



This is the target of the Iranian regime: everyone. pic.twitter.com/rIqUZWN3zy  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile, amidst the attack, US President Joe Biden ordered the country's military to "aid Israel's defence" and shoot down Iranian missiles targeting its ally.

A White House statement said Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, were both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room. The agency said some missiles had also been intercepted by neighbouring Jordan.

.@POTUS and @VP convened two meetings with their national security team in the WH Situation Room today and are receiving regular updates. The President directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel. They also  Karine Jean-Pierre (@PressSec) October 1, 2024

Videos showed debris from missiles intercepted by Israel's famed Iron Dome and Arrow defence systems raining down on Tel Aviv. The Israeli Defence Forces also confirmed that blasts had been heard in "Jerusalem and elsewhere".

Air traffic was halted at Israel's Ben Gurion airport and the country closed its airspace and diverted flights, a spokesman from the airport authority was quoted as saying in media reports,

The aviation authorities in Jordan and Iraq also announced the suspension of air traffic.
The ongoing trade-in program for home appliances has led to a surge in sales revenues which topped 33.5 billion yuan (4.78 billion U.S. dollars) since August, the latest data from the Ministry of Commerce (MOC) showed.

Since the ministry beefed up support for the program in August, around 5.11 million consumers have benefited from the program for which the central government has provided more than 6.4 billion yuan in subsidies for consumers, the MOC said on Monday.

MOC data showed that green and smart home appliances are favored by consumers, with products labeled with top-level energy efficiency accounting for 92.53 percent of the sales revenues during the period.

Chinese regions such as Hubei Province as well as Shanghai and Chongqing municipalities have expanded the categories of home appliances eligible for subsidies according to local conditions, incorporating green and intelligent products such as water purifiers, dishwashers and sweeping robots, the ministry said.

Meanwhile, online and offline market sales are both booming, with sales of eight major categories of home appliances in the online and offline markets surging 44.9 percent and 47 percent year on year, respectively, the ministry said, citing data from third-party data companies.

In the next step, the ministry will continue to encourage various regions to speed up the implementation of subsidy policies and guide home appliance manufacturers as well as distribution companies to seize the consumption boom periods such as the National Day holiday and "Double Eleven" so as to make a greater impact on consumption growth under the trade-in program, it said.

China's week-long National Day holiday, which begins on Oct. 1, will be marked by a surge in travels and growth in retail sales. Meanwhile, the "Double-Eleven" festival, also known as the "Singles' Day" shopping festival, is a Chinese version of Black Friday when discounts and sales promotions are usually offered for consumers in the month of November.
News / National

by Stephen Jakes

MTHWAKAZI REPUBLIC PARTY has corrected South African President Cyril Ramaphosa for thanking Zanu PF and Zimbabwe for helping South Africa during the liberation war indicating that it was not Zanu PF and Zimbabwe but, SA liberation fighters were helped by people of Mthwakazi, Zipra and Zapu.Ramaphosa thanked Zimbabwe and Zanu PF for helping his country during the apathird war during the repatriation of late former Umkhonto Wesizwe liberation war fighters who died and got buried in Zimbabwe during the war.MRP president Mqondisi Moyo said he was compelled to congratulate the people of South Africa and their government for repatriating the bodies of the heroes and heroines of South Africa's independence."The war of South Africa' liberation was tense and intricate to be restricted within South Africa, and to be fought by South Africans on their own. This is why some of the fighters had to die outside their country, hence the repatriation. Well done South Africa for remembering the people who brought you the independence you are swimming in today. Please, don't disappoint the departed by deviating from the ideals of the liberation struggle," Moyo said."Second, I am equally bound to set the record straight for the world, South Africa, and especially president Cyril Ramaphosa and the ANC to know. Mr Ramaphosa has been quoted on several occasions thanking Zimbabwe and Zanu PF for helping South Africa on its path to independence. This is totally wrong for the president to do and say."He said Ramaphosa and the ANC should not bundle people with different origins, different ideologies and interests and history together."They should make the necessary distinctions for the sake of historical purity and truth. They should learn to render to Caesar what belongs to Caesar and to God what belongs to God. In other words, Ramaphosa and the ANC should give to ZANU PF and Zimbabwe the honour that is due to Zimbabwe, if there is any, and to Mthwakazi/Matabeleland and ZAPU/ZPRA what is due to Mthwakazi," he said.Moyo said Ramaphosa must avoid crediting Zimbabwe and Zanu for the things they didn't do. He said he must stop taking what belongs to Matabeleland and ZAPU/ZPRA and give it to Zimbabwe and Zanu."Yes, he and his colleagues in ANC must shun the devil-driven mistake of taking the children's food and give it to the dogs, as the Bible would put it. Let it dawn on the people of South Africa and the world that Ramaphosa is distorting the history of South Africa's liberation in broad daylight. It was not Zimbabwe who helped liberate South Africa. Its was not ZANU who collaborated with the ANC to defeat apartheid in South Africa. No, no," he said."The African National Congress and its military wing Umkhonto Wesizwe worked with ZAPU and its military wing ZPRA. These organisations, although they seem to bear the seal of Zimbabwe, were not Zimbabwean at all. The Zanu PF government and the people of Zimbabwe themselves proved it in many ways that ZAPU and its supporters, who were mainly the people of Matabeleland and Midlands, was not Zimbabwean. They have proved it beyond an iota of doubt that Matabeleland/Mthwakazi people are not Zimbabwean. It follows that, even ZAPU and ZPRA were not Zimbabwean. To say that Zimbabwe helped South Africa towards her independence is not true."Moyo said South Africa and the world should know that aid for South Africa liberation came not from Zimbabwe and Zanu, but from Mthwakazi and ZAPU/ZPRA.He said the ANC never worked with Zanu, but with ZAPU. Umkhonto WeSizwe never worked with ZANLA, but with ZPRA. ( For Reference sake ask people like Jacob Gedleyihlekisa Zuma who was in trenches with ZPRA cadres not selling out to White Apartheid government)."The early battles including that of Wankie were fought jointly by ZPRA and UMKHONTO WESIZWE (MK)against the Rhodesians. MK cadres who had been trained in Zambia were accompanied to South Africa by ZPRA cadres. It was easy for them to fit in with ZPRA and Matabeleland communities due to a common language and culture," Moyo said."Part of the reason Matabeleland people suffered the 1983 to 1987 genocide was that Matabeleland, through ZPRA/ZAPU had harboured the ANC/MK cadres. Destruction of ZAPU would mean that the ANC/MK would no longer have support in Matabeleland. That would destroy the MK base. In other words, the almost 40 000 people of Matabeleland died at the hands of Zimbabwean government in order to advance the liberation of South Africa.""One of the pronounced reasons, for example, that the Genocide (Gukurahundi) was unleashed was that caches of arms had been discovered in ZAPU properties in Matabeleland and Midlands. Those arms belonged to the MK. They were in the hands of ZPRA but meant to liberate South Africa. They were in transit to South Africa to dismantle apartheid. By associating with the ANC, ZAPU risked the lives of Mthwakazi nation."Moyo said the Zanu that Ramaphosa is glorifying like a god was working with the Apartheid regime to retard the independence of South Africa. There was good blood between the oppressive government of South Africa and Zanu."It was ZANU, working with apartheid government who assassinated Joe Gqabi in July 1981 in Zimbabwe. I wonder how Gqabi's family feels when the current ANC speaks well about the murderer of their relative. The spirit of Gqabi himself must surely be troubled in the grave because of careless, intentional lies being uttered by the current leadership of the ANC who have lost direction. May Gqabi' soul, those of his comrades, those of ZPRA cadres who died with him, and of the people of Mthwakazi who perished during the1983 to 1987 genocide rest in eternal peace," he said."Hatred of Zanu for the ANC was further demonstrated at Zimbabwe's independence in 1980. The ANC was denied asylum in Zimbabwe by the very government and party that the ANC today is appreciating, depicting as a saviour. Zanu preferred to work with the PAC instead, and the PAC was just an extension of apartheid political organisation. Even if Robert Mugabe and Zanu sounded to be condemning apartheid during the day, behind the scenes they were comrades who shared a common goal of aborting the ANC's dream of liberating South Africa. Since the ANC was an ally of ZAPU, destruction of ANC would require that ZAPU be destroyed too. Destruction of ZAPU, however, could by no means leave the people of Matabeleland unaffected."Moyo said the people of Mthwakazi suffered from the hands of Zimbabwe, the Apartheid government of South Africa, Britain, the USA, Tanzania and other Western powers that were opposed to true freedom and that of South Africa.He said both ANC with it's military wing UMkhonto WeSizwe and Zapu with its military wing ZPRA suffered for the support millitary support they got from the then Soviet Union ( USSR) now Russia, yet Zanu got its support from China and the West."History will judge you harshly Mr Cyril Ramaphosa. Let the spirits of true fallen liberators like Chris Hani, Olive Tambo, John Langalibalele Dube, Albert Luthuli, Winnie Madikizela Mandela never give you peace. You are a disgrace to the black majority of South Africa. Being a conduit to the white monopoly against your own black people for the love of money," Moyo said."Let South Africans know that they got nothing from Zanu. Their help came from ZAPU and Matabeleland people. Let them know that the people whom they are insulting as "Makwerekwere" are the very people who shielded them from the enemy' blazing guns, and brought them to independence. If only this fact dawned on South Africa, our people, the people of Mthwakazi would be treated differently in South Africa because, it is because of them that South Africa is what it is today: an independent republic."
Photo Courtesy: Pixabay

At least three people died and 15 others were injured in a knife attack incident at a supermarket in China's Shanghai city, media reports said.

The incident happened at a time when China was gearing up to celebrate its National Day holiday week.

The victims were rushed to hospital where they succumbed to their injuries.

The remaining injured are not in life-threatening condition, according to a statement from Shanghai police on Tuesday morning as quoted by The South China Morning Post.

The attacker was identified as 37-year-old Lin.

He was arrested and an investigation into the incident has been initiated.

This is the latest stabbing incident reported from the country.

A 10-year-old Japanese student was stabbed in Shenzhen last month.
Photo Courtesy:Wallpaper Cave

At least 20 labourers were abducted by armed men in the Musakhel region of Pakistan.

As per the police, gunmen opened fire on the camp of the labourers working for a gas company, set ablaze eight bulldozers and took away over 20 labourers with them, reported The News International.

The incident came to light just hours after seven labourers were shot dead by unidentified gunmen in Panjgur district of the country.

Both the Musakhel and Panjgur incidents reflect the security challenges faced by the province which has witnessed the brunt of terrorist attacks, along with Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, amid the increase in terrorist incidents faced by the country in recent months, The News International reported.

Recently, in another incident, 23 passengers were killed after being offloaded from buses and trucks in the Rarasham area of Muskhel district.
RED FM radio journalist stabbed in Calgary for speaking against Khalistani extremism

In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, RED FM Radio journalist Rishi Nagar was recently stabbed in Calgary.

The attack is allegedly linked to Khalistani extremistsindividuals pushing for a separate Sikh statewho targeted Nagar for exposing their violent tactics and extortion within religious spaces.

This brutal assault marks yet another episode in the rising tide of extremism that has increasingly taken root in Canada.

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government has done little to address this growing threat. Instead, it appears to be walking a perilous path of appeasement, driven by political expediency.

In a shocking and deeply disturbing incident, RED FM Radio journalist Rishi Nagar was recently stabbed in Calgary.

The attack is allegedly linked to Khalistani extremistsindividuals pushing for a separate Sikh statewho targeted Nagar for exposing their violent tactics and extortion within religious spaces.

This brutal assault marks yet another episode in the rising tide of extremism that has increasingly taken root in Canada.

The tragedy is compounded by the fact that Prime Minister Justin Trudeaus government has done little to address this growing threat. Instead, it appears to be walking a perilous path of appeasement, driven by political expediency.

(Photo and text courtesy: Khalsavox.com)


This brazen display of disrespect goes beyond just a physical attack on a statue. It is an affront to the values of diversity, peaceful coexistence, and mutual respect that form the core of any civilized society.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Ji is not just a historical figure; he is an icon of Sikh pride, valor, and unity. His reign as the ruler of the Sikh Empire, stretching from the Khyber Pass to the Sutlej River, and from Kashmir to the Thar Desert, was marked by an inclusive spirit. Under his leadership, religious tolerance flourished, and his rule was characterized by an ethos of pluralism and respect for different faiths. In a modern multicultural society like Canada, his legacy should serve as a beacon of unity, not an object of destruction.

The defacement of Maharaja Ranjit Singhs statue is not an isolated incident; it symbolizes a broader threat of rising intolerance and hatred. It is an alarming signal that elements within society, motivated by radical ideologies, are intent on dismantling the very fabric of diversity that has been carefully woven into Canadian society. The lack of respect shown towards this monumental figure is an affront to the Sikh community and to the ideals of respect and inclusivity that Canada prides itself on.

But what is equally troubling, and frankly disheartening, is the deafening silence from certain quarters of the Sikh diaspora, particularly those who claim to advocate for Sikh rights. The Khalistan groups, who vociferously campaign in the name of Sikh pride and sovereignty, have been conspicuously quiet. This silence mirrors their inaction when Maharaja Ranjit Singh Jis statue was similarly defaced in Pakistan. For groups that claim to represent the Sikh cause, their lack of outrage when a symbol of Sikh unity and valor is attacked, not once but twice, calls into question their commitment to the broader Sikh legacy. Is their silence driven by political convenience? And if so, what does that say about their agenda?

The silence of Khalistan extremists in response to the vandalism of Maharaja Ranjit Singhs statue is deeply telling and can be traced to their financial and ideological ties with Pakistan and Islamic radicals. These groups, despite claiming to champion Sikh rights, are heavily influenced by the very forces that seek to undermine Sikh heritage. Pakistan, with its history of supporting Khalistani separatism, has long provided funding and backing to these extremists, who now find themselves in a position where they cannot condemn acts perpetrated by Islamic radicals without jeopardizing their financial and political support. This unholy alliance explains their conspicuous silence when a symbol of Sikh unity is attacked, revealing that their agenda is driven more by foreign influence than genuine commitment to the Sikh cause.

This is a moment that demands decisive action. Canadian authorities must take swift and firm steps to bring those responsible for this hateful act to justice. Vandalism of this kind should not be dismissed as mere protest or symbolic resistance. It is a clear-cut act of hatred, intended to divide communities and stoke tensions. It is crucial for the government to send a message that such divisive actions will not be tolerated in a country that prides itself on its multiculturalism and respect for all heritages.

At a time when religious intolerance and identity politics are causing rifts worldwide, Canada has the opportunity to stand as a beacon of unity and peaceful coexistence. But that can only happen if the government takes a firm stance against those who seek to spread hate and destroy symbols of heritage. The act of vandalizing Maharaja Ranjit Singhs statue was not just an insult to the Sikh community; it was an attack on the values that unite people from all walks of life in Canada.

Now is the time for all communities to come together and defend these principles of mutual respect and dignity. We must collectively reject the forces that seek to divide us, whether they arise from extremism, intolerance, or political opportunism. And for those claiming to advocate for Sikh rights, this is a moment of reckoning. True leadership means standing up for Sikh heritage and pride, not just when it is politically expedient but when it is being attacked, no matter the circumstances.

Maharaja Ranjit Singh Jis legacy stands for unity, strength, and inclusion. We must honor that legacy by ensuring that those who deface his memory are held accountable and that such acts of hatred have no place in our world.

(Photo and Text courtesy:Khalsavox.com)
Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special has set its OTT release date. The stage show, which is going off-broadway and is landing on your screens, is going to keep you entertained. There will be no exploration of the pandemic in Rachel Bloom's new show, which is full of 'raunchy' and escapist content. Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special will be released on Netflix on 15th October 2024.

#Netflix #NewOnNetflix

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special

10/15/2024

Rachel Bloom, David Hull



Comedian and actor Rachel Bloom muses on birth, death, cosmic uncertainty and pungent trees in this whimsical and reflective musical comedy special. pic.twitter.com/5IdmjcP22A  NetflixSchedule (@NetflixSchedule) September 27, 2024





Plot

According to the official synopsis, the show is clearly not about the specter of death. The concept of Rachel Bloom's new show is raucous and frivolous, and it will in no way address the pandemic or the turbulent events that followed in her personal life. According to the streamer, NOTHING will stop Rachel from partying like its 2019.

Cast and crew

Rachel Bloom: Death, Let Me Do My Special has been directed by Seth Barrish. Along with other American cities, the production has had off-Broadway performances in New York, London, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Early in May, she also brought the show to the Netflix Is a Joke Festival in Los Angeles. As per Deadline, Bloom is represented by WME, Sugar23, and Ginsburg Daniels Kallis.

Blooms other projects

With plans to tour it in 2020, Bloom wrote the show as a musical stand-up in 2019. The tour was postponed due to the pandemic. Among other projects, Bloom has previously appeared in Max's Julia, Hulu's Reboot, and the Paramount+ version of Frasier.

The musical comedy Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, which aired on the CW for four seasons from 2015 to 2019, is the work for which Bloom is most recognized.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


As reports of 1990s superstar Govinda shooting himself surface, here are some past controversies in the actor's life that made headlines. Govinda has been the beloved actor of Bollywood for his comic timing and unique dance. After giving so many years to the Hindi film industry, he has found himself in the limelight for various reasons, be it his anger issues in public or career decisions. Have a look at some of his most talked-about controversies over the years:

VIDEO | Visuals from outside the Criti Care Hospital where actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was hospitalised after his revolver accidentally went off at his Mumbai residence.



Govindas manager Shashi Sinha said that as Govinda was about to leave his home at 4.45 am for the pic.twitter.com/EenOVjpmJa  Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) October 1, 2024





Govinda's controversies that made headlines in the past

1. Slapping Santosh Rai

Govinda back in 2008 slapped a struggling actor named Santosh Rai while shooting for Money Hai Toh Honey Hai in Mumbai. The incident led to Rai filing a complaint against the superstar that eventually reached India's apex court, the Supreme Court of India, after lower courts were unable to find any evidence against Govinda.

Later in 2015, the Supreme Court asked Govinda to apologise to Rai for slapping him and settle the whole matter out of court immediately.

2. Rejecting Avatar

Govinda has stated many times that he was offered Sam Worthington's role in the 2009 film Avatar. The Bollywood star said that he only suggested the title of the film to the makers, and he rejected the role as he did not want to paint his body blue for the role. These claims have been widely trolled on social media platforms, as none of the Avatar franchise has ever confirmed these claims to be true. In fact, former CBFC chief and film producer Pahlaj Nihalani subsequently denied Govinda's allegations.

Also Read: Internet once labeled Govinda 'delusional' for arrogantly claiming to have rejected James Cameron's Avatar

Pahlaj, in an interview, said that the actor actually mistook Avatar with his unfinished Hindi film of the same title.

3. Rift with comedian nephew Krushna Abhishek

Rift between the mama and bhatija started back in 2016 when Krushna made a remark on his show that didnt go down well with Govinda. Krushna said, Maine Govinda ko apna mama rakha hai.

After this, time and again, Krushan has been talking about his relations with Govinda, but things never came back to what they were before, but Govinda did attend Krushna's sister Arti's wedding recently. The act by Govinda hinted things are much better between them, but guess not that normal.

4. Govinda left a film because of Salman Khan?

Govinda once claimed that he stopped working on a film because of Salman Khan. As per Govinda's claims, Salman Khan requested that he stop filming for the Judwaa movie. This interview by Govinda even started debate among the fans of both superstars on social media platforms like X (former Twitter) and Reddit.

There are also reports that the actors had a terrible fallout after Salman launched Shatrughan Sinhas daughter Sonakshi Sinha instead of Govindas daughter Tina Ahuja in Dabangg.

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


In a shocking and wild news that no one saw coming, actor Govinda reportedly shot himself accidentally with his revolver this morning and injured himself. While he has been rushed to the hospital, this piece of news is in shock, disbelief, and a little bit of "wait, what just happened?". People who can't help but spot comedy in every situation, even the serious ones, like this one have been cracking jokes on social media. It's raining memes!

Memes flood internet after Govinda accidentally shoots himself

Now I get why they only gave him a lathi in this pic.twitter.com/hsoPbdgjae  the saffron mask guy (@teaaddictaby) October 1, 2024

"Yeh kaunsa nasha hai ji (What kind of intoxication is this?)," one of the users wrote on X (formerly called Twitter). "It looks like a cover up," said another user. "I know hasna nahi chaiye but hassi aa rahi hai (I know I shouldn't laugh, but I can't stop laughing," said a third user.

Sunita bhabhi will say, it is done by Krishna and Kashmira . Take care Sir Ji   Make India Proud  (@ankushmahajann) October 1, 2024

"Revolver se pair khuja re the to goli chal gayi (Was scratching his leg with a revolver and the gun went off)," said an X user. "Subah 4 baje baith k koun apni revolver saaf karta hai? (Who sits cleaning their revolver at 4 in the morning?)" another user asked. "Apni pair pe kulhadi toh suna tha... (Ive heard of shooting yourself in the foot, but...)" joked another one.

He wont be able to do this step anymore  pic.twitter.com/AERHPLCjUS  Badass Dad   (@Badass_Superdad) October 1, 2024

How did Govinda shoot himself?

The incident reportedly took place at 4:45 am. His manager Shashi Sinha confirmed the same to ANI and said that he was leaving for Kolkata when his licensed revolver which was kept at the back of cupboard slipped from his hand and hitting him in the leg.

Akiyo sai Goli mare got real pic.twitter.com/sb8EbUDIYh  Sarthak Das (@leosarthak1705) October 1, 2024

How is Govinda now?

He was imminently rushed to the hospital and is reportedly recovering now. The manager also confirmed that the doctors have pulled out the bullet. His condition is stable but he is still in the hospital, she said.

#Govinda sahab after shot himself by his own gun pic.twitter.com/XqztWNCQIC  Qasim Husain  (@qasim_says_) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile, jokes are flooded on the internet. "Tu kya neta banega re (what a politician you would become!," one of the users. "Why do U issue Lisences to jokers who cannot handle their own weapons! @DGPMaharashtra @CPMumbaiPolice @Dev_Fadnavis @CMOMaharashtra," asked another user.

We wish Govinda a speedy recovery. Hope he is enjoying these memes and jokes, which may help brighten his spirits during this time, as humor can often provide a much-needed distraction and uplift one's spirits. We hope to see him back in action soon!

Also Read: Govinda accidentally shoots himself with own revolver, rushed to hospital

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.


In a shocking turn of events, actor Govinda has accidentally shot himself in the leg with his own revolver. As per news agency ANI, Govinda has been taken to the nearest hospital. The agency also mentioned that it happened this morning and he did it by mistake. The tweet shared by ANI reads, Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda has been taken to the nearest hospital after he was accidentally shot in the leg by his own revolver this morning, says a senior Mumbai Police official.

Govinda accidentally shoots himself with own revolver

The incident occurred while the 60-year-old actor and Shiv Sena leader, was alone at his Juhu residence. According to the police, he has not filed any complaints as per NDTV. According to the media outlet, Govinda's manager has said that they were supposed to be on a flight soon and while he was waiting at the airport, he got to knwo about the unfortunate incident.

#UPDATE | Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata. He was keeping his licensed revolver in the cupboard when it fell from his hand and a bullet got fired which hit his leg. The doctor has removed the bullet and his condition is fine. He is in the https://t.co/iBtEcngdoA  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

The manager was quoted saying, "We had a 6 am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened." He went on to add, that there is nothig serious since the revolver misfired and shot his leg. "The revolver fell while being kept in the cupboard and misfired. It is due to God's grace that Govinda ji sustained only a leg injury and it was nothing serious," the manager added.

Check the tweet here:

Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda has been taken to the nearest hospital after he was accidentally shot in the leg by his own revolver this morning, says a senior Mumbai Police official



More details awaited.



(file pic) pic.twitter.com/SBqnMcDgoA  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024





Fans express concern

As soon as the news agency shared the tweet, many started showing concern. One wrote, Wishing him speedy recovery.

Another one went on to add, Oh God hope he is safe. A third added, So sad to hear this, hope he recovers.
Remember when Govinda had claimed that he was offered a major role in the 2009 American science-fiction film Avatar? He also said that he was the one who gave the title to James Cameron, a filmmaker also known for Titanic; and told him that it would take seven years to make this film and that it would be a superhit.

Govinda claims he rejected James Cameron's Avatar?

In an episode of Aap Ki Aadalat, he said, "Maine keh diya tha uss (Cameron) se ki ye picture bohot chalne waali hai. Maine bola tumhari film 7 saal nahin ban payegi toh wo bohot gussa ho gaya mujhse. Wo bola aisa kaise keh sakte ho tum? Main jiss type ka aadmi hun, tum 410 din mujhe colour karoge body mein. Maine kaha mujhse nahin hoga sorry.

("I had told him (Cameron) that this movie is going to be a big hit. I said that your film wouldn't be made for seven years, and he got really angry with me. He said, 'How can you say that?' I told him, 'The kind of person I am, you will take 410 days to color my body.' I said, 'I can't do it, sorry.')"

Do you believe Govinda? He was called delusional after this interview!

Comment

byu/lastgreatdynasty24 from discussion

inBollyBlindsNGossip

Most people refused to believe Govinda. After his interview went viral on social media, he was labelled "delusional" by fans. "Delusional. His lack of success in films after a certain stage seems to have affected him very badly," said one of the users. "Average Fufaji at family get-together," joked another one. "He did it before Urvashi Rautela," said a third user. "He needs medical attention," said another user.

Govinda shot himself with his own revolver

Meanwhile, the actor is making headlines for accidentally shooting himself in his leg at 4:45 am on October 1. The actor was leaving for Kolkata when he was taking something out of his wardrobe. The licensed revolver slipped out of his hand and he ended up accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The bullet has been taken out by the doctors. He is stable and still in the hospital.

Also Read: Ankhiyon Se Goli Mare! Memes flood internet after Govinda accidentally shoots himself with his revolver

For more news and updates from the world of OTT, celebrities from Bollywood and Hollywood, keep reading Indiatimes Entertainment.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Fifteen Citizens Coalition for Change (CCC) activists, arrested in Budiriro for allegedly participating in an unsanctioned gathering, have been acquitted. The activists were part of a group of 25, which included former MPs Amos Chibaya and Costa Machingauta.Represented by lawyers Chris Mhike and Kudzai Kadzere, the group faced charges related to breaching public peace.In her ruling, Harare magistrate Sharon Rakafa stated that none of the State witnesses successfully linked the 15 activists to the alleged offense. Rakafa highlighted that some were arrested while attending to personal errands unrelated to the gathering. She also noted that none of the accused were seen wearing CCC T-shirts or chanting party slogans, key elements needed to prove the charges.The magistrate ruled that, without concrete evidence, the accused were entitled to be discharged. "The State failed to demonstrate that the accused acted together with others to disturb public peace," she stated.However, Chibaya was fined US$50 for missing a previous court date, after the State requested the revocation of his bail. Rakafa pointed out inconsistencies in the State's case, noting that affidavits tendered were dated July 5, while Chibaya had defaulted from July 18.The defense argued that even if some of the accused had chanted slogans, such actions do not constitute a crime under Zimbabwean law. The case will return to court on October 18 for the continuation of the trial for the remaining accused.
Navratri is synonymous with delicious food and vibrant outfits! As we gear up the welcome the festive season in style, we can't help but reminded of the gorgeous lehengas, ghagra cholis, dramatic makeup and statement silver jewellery. Even on the silver screen, Navratri is showcased with a magical touch. But the best Navratri look that we all can agree on is Deepika Padukone's from Sanjay Leela Bhansali's Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela.

Even a decade later, Deepika's Gujarati look from the movie remains undefeated when it comes to festive fashion. If you too are still fangirling over the stylish actress all these years later, we've got you! Here is an easy makeup tutorial that you can follow to achieve Deepika's glam and steal the spotlight this Navratri!

How to get Deepika's Ramleela look to slay this Navratri

Here's a step-by-step guide to achieving Deepika Padukone-inspired makeup look in no time!

Before you start with any makeup, keep in mind to prep your skin. Cleanse and moisturize your face to get that even finish and apply a primer. This extra step will ensure a flawless foundation which will last through the night.





Step 1: Prep your base

The perfect Navratri makeup is all about the dramatic eyes, so make sure to start with a minimal base. Rather than using a full coverage foundation, use a sheer one that offers medium coverage or go with a kin tint. Blend your foundation to perfection and add a little bit of concealer to conceal hyper-pigmented areas and blemishes. Set the foundation and concealer using a loose powder.

Step 2: Smokey eyes with Kajal

It's time to get the star of the show ready! Whether you want a subtle smokey eye like that of Deepika or want to go all out with drama, the process remains the same! Get your kajal or liner ready and apply it like an eyeliner on your lid, you don't have to be too careful with the application. Now take a small brush and blend that liner. Take a nude brown eyeshadow dab it on the upper crease and blend it with the liner. Use the same brush and blend along your lower lash line. And voila! you've got the perfect smokey eye.

Round it off with a super thin black line with a gel kajal or eyeliner on both of your waterlines as well as your eyelid.

Step 3: Add that glow

Apply a subtle blush on the apples of your cheeks. You can even go with a nude-hued lip and cheek tint to match your lips or a simple rouge. Once you are done with blush, it's time to get than shine. Take a beaming highlighter and apply it on the high points of your face like the tip of your nose, cheekbones, brow bones and cupid's now.

Step 4: Perfect your pout

To balance your look with the dramatic eyes, refrain from choosing a bold lip and rather go with a nude tone. Use a pink, brown or mauve-hued lip colour or go with a lip and cheek tint. Add a clear gloss to complete your look.

Step 5: Finishing touches

Once you are done with your makeup, it's time for another Navratri staple - the bindi. You can either go with a simple round one or get creative and use your eyeliner to create a custom dramatic one for you!

Lastly, spritz some makeup setting spray on your face to seal your makeup and ensure that it does not move as you partake in some dance action!

Pro tip: Accessorize your garba/dandiya night attire with statement silver jewellery to elevate your look and add that extra oomph factor! From heavy jhumkas to rows of bangles, there are endless ways you can add sparkle to your look with the right kind of accessories!

Get ready in your ghagra choli and silver jewellery with this makeup look and twirl the night away, full Hindi film heroine style!

Also Read: The Archies star Khushi Kapoor's ultimate skincare routine to get glowing glass skin

For more on celeb lifestyle and fashion from around the world please visit Indiatimes Lifestyle.
In a recent interview, Tollywood superstar Jr NTR shed light on the casting of Bollywoods Janhvi Kapoor in Koratala Sivas Devara: Part 1, revealing that she truly manifested this.

Janhvi Kapoor manifested working wit Jr NTR

According to him, Karan Johar even called to recommend her, emphasising her talent. Jr NTR noted, Honestly, while writing the script, we hadnt zeroed in on anybody to play the female lead. Karan Johar called me and said Janhvi is a bright actor, and we should have her in the movie. Even then, the intention wasnt there to cast her, but she manifested this so much that by the end of the writing process, we couldnt not cast her in Devara.

Credit: YouTube/T-series

What is manifesting?

So, what exactly is manifestation, and how can you harness its power like Janhvi? At its core, manifestation is about bringing your desires into reality through positive thinking and focused intent. Its about believing that what you want is already yours.





Janhvi's top manifestation tips

Here are some of Janhvi's top manifestation tricks that you can try!

1) Stay Positive: This is the cornerstone of manifestation. Surround yourself with positivity, whether its through uplifting music, inspiring quotes, or simply spending time with people who lift you up. Your mindset plays a huge role in attracting good things into your life.

2) What Hasnt Worked Out for You Has Also Worked Out for You: This mindset shift is powerful! Instead of dwelling on disappointments, reframe them as opportunities for growth. Maybe that audition didnt go as planned, but it led you to discover a new passion or skill. Trust that everything happens for a reason.

3) Work Hard and Show Up: Manifestation isnt just about wishing for things; it requires action! Put in the effort, whether its honing your craft, networking, or simply being present in your life. The universe rewards those who are willing to show up and hustle.

Check out her video below:





By embracing these tricks, you can manifest your dreams just like Janhvi. Remember, its all about the energy you put out into the worldso make it positive, focused, and full of hard work!
The new month of October is upon us. Bollywood actor Shilpa Shetty is one of the few celebrities in Mumbai who loves celebrating every single festival and important occasions of her life. Whether it's Ganesh Chaturthi, teaching the importance of Rakhi to her children, doing Kanya Punjab with her daughter, birthdays and anniversary, Shilpa is always at forefront, making sure her family is learning the values and traditions she grew up in.

Apart form that, Shilpa, who has a positive aura around her, enjoys the regular Sunday binge eating and holidaying once in while with her family and friends.

Shilpa is seen embracing the new month October with a great energy and spirit. Sharing photos of her holiday on her social media, Shilpa Shetty wrote, "Just a little sunshine and a whole lot of love to welcome October! Hope youre all shining bright this month!"

In the latest photographs, the actor can be seen seen soaking up the sun, surrounded by nature and butterflies. Her pictures are a reminder to us to slow down and enjoy the little things and simple pleasures of life.

Credit: Shilpa Shetty/Instagram

Shilpa's positive vibes, outlook towards life and infectious smile is definitely a mid week inspiration to all her fans. We hope that looking at Shilpa Shetty's post, we feel blessed, have gratitude and celebrate this month and every month.

Here's to October and the good times.

For more such stories on celebs, follow us on Indiatimes Lifestyle.




More than 56 years after they were killed in an air crash, the loved ones of four Indian soldiers will now get a chance to say a final goodbye to them. The Indian Army has recovered the mortal remains of four soldiers from the wreckage of an AN-12 aircraft that crashed in the Lahaul Valley of Himachal Pradesh in 1968.

CREDIT: BCCL

Crash of IAF AN-12

The Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-12 aircraft, carrying 102 Army personnel on board, was on a routine flight from Chandigarh to Leh when it met with a tragic accident over the Rohtang Pass on 7th February 1968.

While there were no survivors in one of the worst air crashes in the IAF's history, for decades, the Army had failed to recover the ill-fated aircraft's wreckage.

CREDIT: BCCL

Only nine bodies recovered so far

It was only in 2003 when mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering discovered the wreckage. Since then, the Indian Army's Dogra Scouts have undertaken multiple expeditions in search of the mortal remains, in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019.

By 2019, a total of five bodies were recovered, including one that was discovered in 2018 at the Dhaka Glacier base camp, located at an altitude of 6,200 metres.

CREDIT: BCCL

Now, in a significant development, a total of four more bodies have been recovered.

According to Mayank Chaudhary, Superintendent of Police of the Lahaul-Spiti district, the Army expedition team that was conducting a mountaineering expedition in the remote and challenging region of CB-13 (Chandrabhaga-13 Peak), near Batal in Lahaul-Spiti, located the mortal remains of the four men.

Three bodies identified

Out of the four bodies, three have been identified as Malkhan Singh, Sepoy Narayan Singh, and Craftsman Thomas Cherian.

Indian Army says, "In an extraordinary development, the ongoing search and rescue mission to recover the remains of personnel from the ill-fated Indian Air Force (IAF) AN-12 aircraft, which crashed on Rohtang Pass in 1968, has achieved significant breakthroughs. The joint team  ANI (@ANI) September 30, 2024

Extraordinary development: IAF

"In an extraordinary development, the ongoing search and rescue mission to recover the remains of personnel from the AN-12 aircraft, which crashed on Rohtang Pass in 1968, has achieved significant breakthroughs," said an official.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
In a shocking incident, an e-commerce delivery boy was allegedly killed by two men in an attempt to steal an iPhone. Bharat was killed on 23rd September in Lucknow's Chinhat area, where he had gone to deliver an iPhone.According to the police, Gajanan, a resident of Chinhat, had ordered an iPhone worth about Rs 1.5 lakh from Flipkart through COD (Cash on Delivery).

CREDIT: AP

Delivery boy killed for iPhone

But when Bharat reached the customer to deliver his order, Gajanan and his friend Akash allegedly killed the delivery boy and stole the iPhone. The duo then allegedly stuffed his body in a gunny sack and dumped it into the Indira Canal.

The crime came to light after the 30-year-old's family registered a missing persons complaint on 25th September at the Chinhat police station.

CREDIT: BCCL

Body yet to be recovered

During the investigation, the police looked into Bharat's call details and found Gajanan's number. They also managed to zero in on his friend Akash, who, during interrogation, confessed to the crime.

While they have admitted to killing Bharat, his body is yet to be recovered, and a team from the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been called to find it.

How did he by iPhone on COD?

It is unclear how Gajanan ordered an iPhone via COD, as most e-commerce platforms, including Flipkart and Amazon, do not provide this payment option for such high-value items.

CREDIT: BCCL

Fake delivery boy shows up with iPhone order

In a related incident, a woman from Bengaluru who ordered an iPhone 15 from Flipkart during the Big Billion Days Sale alleged that a 'fake' delivery executive showed up on her doorstep with a parcel.

According to a Reddit post by the woman's brother, the fake delivery agent showed up with a large parcel and refused Open Box Delivery (OBD). After he recorded the entire incident and threatened to expose him, the 'real' delivery boy reached the location within two minutes and handed over the package after opening the box and confirming that it was a genuine product.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) on Monday launched a ground operation in South Lebanon, a stronghold of the Shia militia, Hezbollah, days after taking out its top leadership. The Israeli military said in a statement that it had begun limited, localised and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

This is not a war against Hizbullah. This is a war against Lebanon and the Lebanese people + Syrian and Palestinian refugees living amongst them.



Video shows tonights bombing by Israel. Eight residential buildings leveled to the ground in Beirut pic.twitter.com/PfSJpEtob7  Dima Khatib (@Dima_Khatib) September 30, 2024

Fatah leader targeted

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it said.

According to reports, Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, is among those targeted by Israel.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, and Maqdah's fate was unknown.

They did this in JUST 7 days in Lebanon  pic.twitter.com/d99NYTsPRG  Ryan Rozbiani (@RyanRozbiani) September 30, 2024

Syrian journalist killed

Meanwhile, Syrian state media said on Tuesday that three civilians, including one of its presenters, were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Syrian capital Damascus.

Israel killed Syrian journalist Safaa Ahmed in Damascus tonight, just after she finished her live broadcast reporting on Israeli bombings in Syria and Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/3UdtUgy7DB  sarah (@sahouraxo) October 1, 2024

'Next phase of war against Hezbollah'

Earlier, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had warned of the next phase in Israel's offensive against Hezbollah.

"The next phase of the war against Hezbollah will start soon and bring a significant change in the security situation," Gallant said.

According to Gallant, Israel would "use all the means that may be required... from the air, from the sea, and on land."

Israel vs Hamas, Hezbollah

Israel has been at war with the Iran-backed Hamas and Hezbollah since the October 7 invasion that killed over a thousand Israelis. The war resulted in mid-September when Israel blew up pagers and walkie-talkies of Hezbollah militants in a coordinated attack.

On September 27, Israel also assassinated Hassan Nasrallah, the chief of Hezbollah, inside his hideout in a bunker. Several top Hezbollah leaders, including possible successors of Nasrallah, have also been killed by Israel.

For more news and current affairs from around the world, please visit Indiatimes News.
IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki was recently spotted at a luxury hotel in New Delhi, wearing torn socks. It raises an obvious question: Why would an esteemed professor, who surely earns a comfortable living, not buy a new pair? Solanki's answer is striking: "I can afford it, but nature cannot!" The professor, known for his strong stance on sustainability, chooses to lead by exampleeven in the smallest details of his life.

IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki recently took to LinkedIn to address a viral moment that happened at the Hyatt in New Delhi.

While preparing for his talk at the Economic Times Energy Leadership Summit, someone snapped a photo of him wearing torn socks, which quickly gained attention.

But instead of brushing it off, Solanki used the moment to spread a powerful message about sustainability.

"Yes, my torn socks were exposed! I need to replace them, I will and sure, I can afford to  but#nature cannot. In nature, everything is finite," he wrote.

He emphasised that this choice isnt borne out of an inability to buy but rather it is about avoiding what is avoidable. "I will stitch it and use it again," he writes.

"I may use the best gadgets to enhance my productivity, but I strive to use the least amount of material to reduce my carbon footprint," he adds.

Who is IIT-Bombay professor Chetan Singh Solanki?

Chetan Singh Solanki, a professor at IIT-Bombay and widely known as the Solar Man of India or Solar Gandhi, has been on a dedicated mission to raise awareness about environmental degradation.

Over the past few decades, he has traveled more than 43,000 km across 20 states to promote solar energy.

However, his recent viral momentwearing torn socks at a luxury hotelhas sparked a range of reactions online.

Some questioned his reasoning. One person remarked, "By that logic, should you be wearing torn clothes too? This seems like a cover-up for negligence."

Another added, "In promoting sustainability, dont forget etiquette. Even the best efforts can be wasted if not presented with discipline."

Yet another said, "In the Hyatt with AC, talking about climate change... the world is so funny!"

But as Solanki emphasises, "I have a choice to go to Himalaya, do meditation and not talk about it or I will go to people, speak to them and bring awareness among masses. I choose the second one."

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
On October 1, as Air India Express and AIX Connect (formerly AirAsia India) completed their merger, a heartwarming video of an Air India Express pilot making an emotional in-flight announcement surfaced on social media, capturing the sentiment of this historic event.

Check out the video here:

"As you may be aware, our airline - AIX Connect - formerly known as AirAsia India, is merging into Air India Express and this flight is the last flight - from tomorrow onwards, we will all be Air India Express."

He added, "We will strive harder and with your love as well as perseverance, we should be able to give you more destinations and better connectivity."

He gave an advise to aviation enthusiasts: "You would want to retain your boarding cards, it would be a big part of a piece of this small history."

As one passenger poignantly commented, "A small history, but a big part of many people's memories."

The AIX Connect-Air India Express merger

Vikram Dev Dutt, Director General of DGCA, said on Tuesday: "The successful integration of AIX Connect with Air India Express is commendable and serves as a benchmark for airline mergers."

The integration creates a larger low-cost carrier under the Air India Express brand, using the unified airline code IX. This merger is part of a broader strategy, with plans to merge Vistara into Air India by November 12.

The DGCA also emphasised the importance of ensuring the merged airline's workforce was properly trained and distributed to meet the demands of the expanded fleet, crucial for maintaining safety and operational efficiency.

To stay updated on the stories that are going viral, follow Indiatimes Trending.
Gaurav Taneja, popularly known as Flying Beast, is not just a well-known YouTuber with over 9.2 million subscribers on YouTube but also a former pilot, fitness enthusiast, and social media sensation. His personal life and success have drawn attention from millions of fans across the globe. From his wealth and career to his family life, here's a detailed look into Gaurav Taneja's lifestyle, income, and more.



Gaurav Tanejas Net Worth and Income

Gaurav Taneja's net worth is estimated to be around $5 million (approximately Rs 41 crores), according to the website Filmi Beat. His primary sources of income are his YouTube channels, brand endorsements, and collaborations. He has carved a niche for himself in the digital world with engaging content ranging from fitness to daily vlogs, and gaming.

Gaurav Taneja's Education and Career

Gaurav Taneja's career has been nothing short of impressive. He completed his electrical engineering degree from IIT Kharagpur in 2008, which laid the foundation for his professional journey. However, his love for aviation led him to become a commercial pilot. Alongside, he is also a certified nutritionist and professional bodybuilder. His legal battle with AirAsia prompted him to pursue law at Delhi University, but he had to discontinue due to attendance issues.

His career took a drastic turn in 2020 when he was fired from AirAsia after he exposed safety violations within the airline. This incident gained him massive popularity on social media, where his followers, under the Flying Beast brand, supported him. Today, Gaurav Taneja is one of the highest-earning content creators in India, managing three successful YouTube channels: Flying Beast, FitMuscle TV with over 2 million subscribers, and Rasbhari Ke Papa with 1.25 million subscribers.

When it comes to earnings, Gaurav Taneja's income is reported to be around Rs 20-25 lakhs per month, reported to DNA India. His substantial revenue comes from YouTube AdSense, sponsorships, and various partnerships. Over the years, his financial success has enabled him to live a life of luxury and comfort.

Gaurav Taneja's Lavish House, Luxury Cars and Bikes

Gaurav Tanejas lifestyle reflects his success. He owns multiple high-end properties and lives in a luxurious house that boasts modern amenities and spacious living areas. His impressive collection of vehicles includes the Volvo V90, BMW, and a Toyota Fortuner. His passion for luxury cars and real estate highlights his affluent lifestyle, which he has earned through hard work and dedication. He also owns a luxurious bike, a Harley Davidson Street Bobber worth Rs. 16 Lakh, according to website autobizz.in.

Gaurav Taneja's Rise to Fame: YouTube and Beyond

Gaurav Taneja's journey from a commercial pilot to one of India's most popular YouTubers is inspiring. His first YouTube channel, FitMuscle TV, launched in 2016, focused on fitness tips and bodybuilding advice. The channel quickly gained traction, leading him to start his vlogging channel, Flying Beast, where he shares his daily life, family moments, and travel experiences.

Today, with millions of subscribers across his channels, Gaurav Taneja is not just a YouTube star but also a successful entrepreneur. He has ventured into multiple business avenues, making him one of the most influential digital creators in India.

Gaurav Taneja's Controversy with AirAsia

One of the pivotal moments in Gaurav Taneja's career was his fallout with AirAsia, where he worked as a pilot. In 2020, Taneja took to social media to highlight the airlines safety lapses, which resulted in his suspension and eventual termination. He accused AirAsia of prioritising fuel efficiency over passenger safety by using Flap 3 for landings in most cases, which he believed was unsafe.

Taneja also raised concerns about the company discouraging pilots from taking sick leave, which he argued could compromise the safety of hundreds of passengers. His bold move to speak out against such issues earned him huge media attention and support from his fans.

Gaurav Tanejas Personal Life

Gaurav Taneja is married to Ritu Rathee, who is also a pilot. The couple has been a significant presence on social media, sharing their personal and professional lives with their fans. They are proud parents of two daughters, Kiara and Pihu, who often feature in their family vlogs on the Flying Beast channel. Despite recent rumours about their marriage, both Gaurav and Ritu have requested privacy while continuing to focus on their careers and family life.

Gaurav Taneja's Personal Life and Recent Headlines

Gaurav Taneja's personal life has recently been under scrutiny due to rumours surrounding his marriage with Ritu Rathee, also a pilot and social media figure. There have been speculations about their separation, with some alleging an extra-marital affair. Ritu, however, has addressed the public, urging people not to jump to conclusions and respect their privacy. A Reddit user shared their thoughts on the reason for their divorce, claiming that infidelity is at the heart of the issue. Gaurav was reportedly booking hotel rooms, and Ritu caught him in the act. Additionally, its said that Ritu had a problem with Gauravs friendship with Honey Singh, believing he was a bad influence on her husband. Despite these personal issues, Gaurav Taneja continues to focus on his flourishing career and family, which includes his two daughters, Kiara and Pihu.

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A recent survey by Opinion Poll confirms New Democracys (ND) dominant position in Greek politics, while Pasok solidifies its standing as the second-largest party.

Meanwhile, Syrizass support has dropped further, registering in single digits.

According

to the poll, which was presented on Action24's main news broadcast,with 27.1% of valid voter intentions, followed by Pasok with 14%. Syriza has fallen to fifth place, with just 7.1% support

In third and fourth places are the Communist Party of Greece (KKE) with 8.1% and Greek Solution at 7.2%.

Other parties polling above the threshold include Voice of Reason with 3.5%, Course of Freedom with 3.3%, and Victory (Niki) at 3.1%. MeRA25 stands at 2.2%, while New Left trails behind with 1.9%. An additional 3.3% of respondents favored other parties, while undecided voters, abstentions, and blank or invalid votes comprise a significant 22.4% of responses.

The poll, conducted between September 24 and 28 with a sample of 1,502 households, took place during key political events: Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis address at the United Nations, the Pasok leadership candidates debate, and the official candidacies for Syrizas leadership, announced by Sokratis Famellos and Pavlos Polakis.

As Pasoks leadership race approaches its conclusion, the poll shows the following popularity ratings: Pavlos Geroulanos leads with 46.8%, followed by Nikos Androulakis with 45.5%, Anna Diamantopoulou at 44%, and Charis Doukas at 42.1%. Nina Giannakopoulou (32.2%) and Michalis Katrinis (28.5%) are also in the running.

   iefimerida.gr
News / National

by Staff reporter

At least three million out of 4.9 million pupils across Zimbabwe have been severely impacted by the El Nino-induced drought, with the government facing significant challenges in consolidating its school-feeding program, according to educators and reports.Early last month, the government announced the resumption of the school-feeding program in response to the drought, which has left millions of households food insecure. However, Tawanda Zimhunga, chief director for social development at the Public Service, Labour and Social Welfare Ministry, indicated that the initiative would primarily focus on primary schools due to limited resources.A recent report by the Zimbabwe Livelihoods Assessment Committee revealed that only 7.5% of children nationally received a hot meal at school, with Matabeleland North province reporting the highest rate at 29.8%. Many schools have struggled to secure funds for transporting grain from the Grain Marketing Board (GMB) and processing the grain into meals.Progressive Teachers Union of Zimbabwe (PTUZ) president Takavafira Zhou emphasized that logistical problems and a lack of resources have hampered the feeding program. "Three million of the 4.9 million learners in rural, peri-urban, and high-density areas need feeding programs," Zhou stated. He added that many schools in desperate need, particularly in rural areas, have yet to receive any support.Zhou criticized the government for providing inadequate provisions that only lasted a few days and highlighted the importance of proper nutrition for students' health, attendance, and academic performance. "The government's responsibility is to ensure adequate provisions for all three million students in need," he stressed.Amalgamated Rural Teachers Union of Zimbabwe president Obert Masaraure noted that the drought has become a national crisis, particularly affecting the education sector. He pointed out that agricultural regions such as Matabeleland North and South, Masvingo, Midlands, and parts of Manicaland and Mashonaland East are among the hardest hit, impacting approximately 3.5 million learners.Masaraure criticized the government's inadequate response and the confusion surrounding grain distribution, claiming that some politicians are exploiting the situation for personal gain while corruption persists at distribution depots.Zimbabwe Union of School Heads secretary-general Munyaradzi Majoni confirmed that while the school-feeding program is underway, more support is needed, particularly for former Group A schools, which have been overlooked despite also struggling.Zimbabwe Teachers Association secretary-general Goodwill Taderera acknowledged the government's efforts to address hunger, stating that some schools have received mealie-meal and are working to provide students with meals like porridge or sadza, though this also requires additional ingredients like cooking oil and vegetables.Taungana Ndoro, spokesperson for the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, expressed confidence in the feeding program, stating, "Nobody and no pupil will go hungry." He emphasized that schools are providing at least one hot meal each day, with some innovative institutions offering breakfast and lunch.The government is aware of the drought's impacts and is managing the situation within schools, according to Ndoro. He noted that the assurance of a hot meal has motivated many children to attend school.The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs reported in May that the ongoing El Nino event threatens nearly 1.8 million learners across Zimbabwe's 72 education districts, with severe impacts expected for over 1.24 million learners in the 30 most drought-affected areas.
The United Nations has confirmed that an informal trilateral meeting on the Cyprus issue will take place in New York this October.

Stephane Dujarric, spokesperson for the UN Secretary-General, confirmed the meeting during a response to a question from the Athens-Macedonian News Agency (AMNA).

Mr.

said that the gathering will include the leaders of the Greek Cypriot and Turkish Cypriot communities, along with the UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres.

"The date of the informal meeting will be announced soon," he added.

During recent bilateral meetings held in New York, Mr. Guterres extended the invitation to Nikos Christodoulides, the leader of the Greek Cypriot community, and Ersin Tatar, the leader of the Turkish Cypriot community, to engage in an informal discussion about the future of the Cyprus issue.

Both leaders have accepted the invitation, and the date will be confirmed in due course, Dujarric noted.

The meeting represents a continued effort by the United Nations to foster dialogue and explore pathways towards resolving the long-standing division of Cyprus.

   iefimerida.gr
The presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party in the 2023 election, Atiku Abubakar, has lamented over the state of election process in the country.

The former vice president decried that despite gaining Independence after 64 years, Nigeria cant still organize a successful free and fair election.

Atiku, in a statement released to the public on Tuesday, accused the ruling All Progressives Congress, of manipulating opposition parties to make them impotent.

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He said: Our nation has traversed numerous tumultuous phases, yet the tenacity of patriotic citizens, bolstered by the solidarity of our international allies, has fortified our resolve as a resilient entity.

On this day, as we mark 64 years of nationhood, we take pride in the enduring establishment of democracy in Nigeria, highlighted by the longest period of democratic governance in our history.

READ MORE: October 1st: Were On Brink Of One-Party Dictatorship  Atiku Tells Nigerians To Get Back Their Country

While democracy has anchored our institutions in the principles of the rule of law, we have yet to achieve satisfactory progress in fostering political inclusivity and ensuring elections that are genuinely free and fair.

I call on the political elite to unite in the noble mission of safeguarding our democracy from the brink of authoritarianism.

Our founding fathers united under a common cause, championing our independence through peaceful, political activism.

What we celebrate today is the fruition of their collective endeavors and those of subsequent generations.

It is deeply regrettable that our current landscape reflects a troubling decline in electoral credibility, increasingly manipulated by those in power.
The House of Representatives, has threatened to arrest social media activist, Martins Otse, also known as VeryDarkMan over his refusal to speak amid legal battle with crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, a.k.a, Bobrisky.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the threat was issued by Ginja Onwusibe, the chairman of the House committee, investigating the bribery allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission and the Nigerian Correctional Service.

Recall that VeryDarkMan appeared before the lawmakers, on Monday, as summoned but vowed not to say anything due to the absence of Bobrisky and the EFCC chairman.

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The social media critic vowed not to speak until the crossdresser appears with him, before the house.

READ MORE: Bobrisky: If I Say Anything, Let Me Die  VeryDarkMan Tells Reps Panel

Reacting to VDMs claim on Monday, the lawmakers insisted that the activist cant dictate to them how to do their own jobs.

The house said: You are not expected to dictate to us whether Bobrisky come here or not, it is left to us to decide, we can also compel him to come before us, we can invoke our powers to arrest him.

In the case where Verydarkman refuses to honour this sitting we can invoke our powers.

The allegation you made has caused this Committee to invite top government officials to come here so you the witness must speak otherwise we will exercise our powers. You must speak to the allegations you made.

You are here already to testify, I will advise you to go ahead, dont let anyone deceive you. To the lawyer please advise your client.
A civil society organisation, identified as the Centre for Social and Economic Rights, has petitioned the Inspector General of Police, Olukayode Egbetokun, to arrest former Kogi State Governor Yahaya Bello.

Recall that on April 18, 2024, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, declared Bello wanted over alleged money laundering, breach of trust, and misappropriation to the tune of N80.2 billion.

Meanwhile, in a press release issued by the executive director of CSER, Nelson Ekujumi, to the public on Tuesday, the group also reminded the IGP that hes a member of the board of the EFCC and that by virtue of his membership, hes expected by law,

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According to Nelson, failure of the police boss to comply with the request for the arrest of Bello within 14 days and hand him over to either the court or the EFCC, they will be forced to apply for an Order of Mandamus to compel the IGP to perform his statutory obligations.

The group said: Sir, we deem it fit and most appropriate at this point in time to request that you deploy the resources and the expertise of your office to arrest and bring before a competent law court the immediate past governor of Kogi state, his excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, or upon his arrest, to hand him over to the EFCC for investigation and subsequent arraignment in the court of law.

READ MORE: EFCC Attempting To Forcefully Arrest Yahaya Bello  Media Team Alerts

That we are aware and it is well known to the public that all attempts by the EFCC and the court to make H. E. Yahaya Bello face justice and answer the allegations against him are being repeatedly frustrated by your men (policemen), who continue to provide security for the former governor, thereby preventing his arrest.

Sir, it is more embarrassing to us that your good self being the Inspector General of Police and the director-general of the Department of State Security Service (DSS), by law, actually sit on the board of the EFCC.

Your men have been seen in the full glare of the public not only providing security cover for H.E Yahaya Bello, but also actually preventing the EFCC from arresting him.
Bilikisu Bala, a prosecutor with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has defended the dismissal of money laundering charges against Idris Okuneye, also known as Bobrisky.

According to Bala, the decision was lawful and in line with the Administration of Criminal Justice Act.

Bala, who led the prosecution team that handled Okuneyes trial on Monday, stated that the charges were dropped due to the Special Control Units disclosure that Okunenyes firm, Bob Express, was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business, or Profession and could not be prosecuted for violating provisions of the Money Laundering Prevention & Prohibition Act, 2022.

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According to the EFCCs Head of Media and Publicity, Dele Oyewale, Bala testified this on Monday at the Joint Committee of the House of Representatives examining corruption charges against several commission officers and the Nigeria Correctional Service.

A viral video purportedly showed Okuneye, an ex-convict, offering a bribe of N15 million to some unidentified EFCC officers in exchange for the dropping of money laundering charges against him.

READ MORE: It Was Social Media Report, I Wasnt Served Suspension Letter  NCoS Deputy Controller

But addressing the committee, Bala said, We initially raised six count charges bordering on naira abuse and money laundering against Okuneye based on his confessional statement that his firm, Bob Express, was not registered with SCUML and was not rendering returns to it.

Counts 1-4 were on Naira Abuse while counts five and six were on money laundering. Okuneyes confession that he didnt register his firm, Bob Express with SCUML and did not render returns to it informed the money laundering charges initially included in the six-count. However, when we wrote to SCUML on the status of the firm, the Unit responded that it was not a Designated Non-Financial Institution, Business or Profession.

We cannot lawfully sustain the charges in all sincerity. We, therefore dropped them and relied on the four counts on Naira mutilation to which Okuneye had pleaded guilty.

The prosecutor dismissed claims of financial inducement in dropping charges maintaining that no such thing happened. There is simply no basis for that.

She said, The Administration of Criminal Justice Act, ACJA, allows amendment of charges. It is a professional practice. It is laughable for anyone to attribute our decision to monetary issues. Why did we write to SCUML if we didnt want to include the charges? We wrote to be lawfully guided and when the Unit responded that the firm had not breached any law, on what basis should we have retained the money laundering charges?.
The former governor of Kaduna State, Nasir El-Rufai, has dismissed allegations of financial misappropriation by his administration, vowing to swear by the Quran to prove his innocence.

INFORMATION NIGERIA learnt that El-Rufai made this declaration on Tuesday during a Hausa program aired on Freedom Radio, Kaduna.

Recall that the Kaduna State House of Assembly had earlier indicted El-Rufais administration for the misappropriation of over N423 billion during his eight-year tenure.

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Reacting to the development on Tuesday, the former governor explained that his sojourn into politics was driven by desire to serve the people and not to loot wealth or embezzle public funds.

He said: I did not join politics to steal money or enrich myself. I was satisfied with what I had before becoming governor.

READ MORE: Alleged Corruption: Too Much Of Envy Among Nigerias Politicians  El Rufai

I have always prayed for guidance in all I do, and I strive not to betray the trust of the people.

Whenever the former governors of Kaduna State and other leaders are ready to swear with the Quran that they never misappropriated public funds, I will join them. I have no fear because I know I never took money that belonged to the people.

I have left everything to Gods judgment. I have prayed and will remain silent on the issue. I have instructed my lawyers to take legal action against those tarnishing my name, but for now, Im focused on my activities like reading and writing.
The 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/Sector 3, Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), has captured ten suspects in Taraba State, including eight Boko Haram militants and two high-profile female kidnappers informants.

According to a press statement sent to journalists in Jalingo on Tuesday, by Brigade Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Captain Oni Olubodunde, the achievement was made possible by troops acting on reliable intelligence.

The operation led to the arrest of Abdul-Kareem and seven other suspects who had travelled from various states to join the terror cell.

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It took place on September 29, 2024, when troops raided the home of Tukura Abdul-Kareem, one of the terrorists leaders, in Sunkani Ward of the states Ardo-Kola local government council.

Investigation revealed that the 8 Boko Haram Terrorists were planning to establish a sleeper cell within Taraba State, with the intention of launching Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on innocent individuals and critical facilities within the state, he said.

READ MORE: N15m Bribery: VeryDarkMan Reveals Source Of Bobriskys Audio

Abdul-Kareem was also alleged to have admitted to joining Boko Haram with his brother, Adamu Abdul-Kareem, for an extended period of time.

The suspects were found with nine mobile phones, identity cards, and wraps of restricted substances presumed to be marijuana and other hard drugs.

In a separate operation, troops from the states 6th Brigade stationed at Chachanji hamlet in Takum local government council reported the arrest of two female informants related to high-profile abduction syndicates.

These individuals are known to have provided vital information to kidnappers and a wanted notorious criminal known as Anyogo and his gang on the activities of troops within the area and also responsible for identifying businessmen with money to be robbed or kidnapped for ransom, he added.

He named the suspects as Patience Avadoo Tersoo and Joy Nguemu Emmanuel, whom the army believed to be Anyogos wife and sister.
Some coordinators of the #EndBadGovernance demonstrators across the 19 northern states, have pulled out of the planned October 1st protest.

It was gathered that the decision was made after the national organizers failed to address concerns about safeguarding protesters and preventing hoodlums from hijacking the process.

Comrade Abdullahi Daura and Malam Mohammed Musa Biu, Chairman and Secretary of the Northern Coordinators, in a statement on Monday, expressed concerns about a repeat of the violence that occurred in Kano, Kaduna, and other Northern states.

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The statement reads: We have asked questions and wrote several requests for security cover at the convergence points in the north where people will join the protest action. But we are yet to get a clear answer and measures taken to avoid violence and looting of property.

READ MORE: #FearlessOctober: Protest Will Hold At Eagle Square  Organisers To Police

Against this background, we are urging all our members in all the nineteen states to obey the directives from the coordinators and pull out until we get clearance from security agencies.

INFORMATION NIGERIA reports that the last nationwide protest in the country, especially the northern part, resulted in casualties and arrests.

The #EndBadGovernance protests began on August 1, 2024, in response to Nigerias economic hardship and hunger crisis.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has pledged his administration will not interfere in the functions of the judiciary to maintain its constitutional independence.

Tinubu said this on Monday, during the swearing-in ceremony of Kudirat Kekere-Ekun as the substantive Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN).

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This took place at the council chambers of the Aso Rock villa following the confirmation of her nomination by the Senate last week.

His words: The judiciary is an important pillar constituting the tripod that holds our constitutional democracy. Indeed, the Nigerian judiciary, at various times in history, has proven to be the moderating force ensuring everyone remains in check.

Your role as the last hope of the common man serves to sustain our peoples confidence in democracy, knowing well that there is an important arbiter that can always give them redress if they are wronged.

READ ALSO: Tinubu To Address Nigerians On 64th Independence

For this function, it is important that our judiciary remains truly independent. It is my administrations total commitment to preserve the sanctity of the judiciary.

While we may have reasons to interface as complementing components of the same government, under my watch, the government will also be mindful of the clear line demarcating the two of us.

We will never interfere or abuse the relationship between us as separate organs of government in our democracy. This is important for sustaining our constitutional democracy.

He further urged the CJN to uphold the principles of ethical leadership, fearlessness, and honesty that have defined her career.

The Nigerian judiciary needs a leader with these qualities at this time, and I have no doubt that you will set the pace for others to follow.

This day has also cemented the judiciary as a self-evolving and progressive institution. I specifically congratulate the Nigerian women. Any girl child can dream big and have her dreams come true. It is worth celebrating, he added.


President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, on Tuesday, disclosed that the Federal Government has cleared over N30 trillion in ways and means advances.

Tinubu spoke on Tuesday while addressing the nation to commemorate the countrys 64th Independence Day.

Ways and means is a loan facility through which the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) provides short-term financing to cover the federal governments budget shortfalls.

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The Senate, had in May 2023, approved the securitisation of the N22.7 trillion loan request made by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

The National Assembly also approved Tinubus request for the securitisation of outstanding N7.3 trillion ways and means debt balance in December 2923

In the first quarter (Q1) of 2024, the countrys public debt increased to N121.67 trillion.

READ ALSO: We Attracted Over $30bn Foreign Investments In 2023  Tinubu

According to the Debt Management Office, the rise in Nigerias public debt stock is partly due to new borrowing, as well as ways and means securitisation.

Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, had also said the Federal Government is not relying on ways and means to fund external debt service or other liabilities.

Also, while giving his speech, Tinubu said there has been a gradual reduction in the debt service ratio by about 29 percent.

We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent, the president said.

According to Tinubu, his administration has also been able to pay bills, clear the foreign exchange (FX) backlog of $7 billion his government inherited and raise Nigerias foreign reserves to $37 billion, despite inheriting over $33 billion foreign reserves 16 months ago.

He said the country is gradually leaving the fiscal imbalances such as huge debt-to-gross domestic product ratio.
News / National

by Staff reporter

A 56-year-old woman, employed as an immigration officer at the Beitbridge Port of Entry in Musina, Limpopo, has been arrested for allegedly taking bribes from foreign nationals coming into the country illegally.Six illegal foreigners were also arrested in the police operation.Limpopo police provincial spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba said the woman was nabbed during a sting, in the morning of September 29, by members of Operation Vala Umgodi.Mashaba said the men and women in blue conducted a sting operation, at 6.30am, using surveillance to root out corruption within its ranks."During surveillance, a complainant observed an individual approaching the Immigration Officer, leading to an exchange of money."Mashaba said the police started an investigation, and later found the officer in possession of R3,100, which she could not account for.He said she was also found in possession of six passports, which belonged to foreign nationals."The owners of these passports were traced and located on buses arriving from Malawi, awaiting processing at the Port of Entry."Mashaba said the foreigners, aged between 27 and 43, were interviewed by the police and failed to provide satisfactory explanations concerning their passports and the cash found in the officer's possession."The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted, and both the money and passports were seized and registered as evidence," he said.He said the woman, together six foreigners were scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrate's Court on September 30.Meanwhile, Major General Samuel Manala, the acting provincial commissioner of police, welcomed the arrests and commended the police's ongoing efforts to eradicate corruption within the ranks of law enforcement.Mashaba said police investigations are ongoing.
An officer with the Yobe State Police Command has been arrested on suspicion of homicide.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, the Commands Public Relations Officer, DSP Dungus Abdulkarim, stated that the Commissioner of Police, Garba Ahmed, has ordered an immediate investigation into the homicide of Inspector Mohammed Bulama of the Police Mobile Force, PMF, 41 Division, Damaturu.

Parts of the statement read, On 29th September, 2024, at about 1820hrs, Inspector Mohammed Bulama, 38, was involved in a bitter argument with Abdulmalik Dauda (aka Baksha), 39, of Pompomari Ward, Damaturu, over an uncleared transaction at Zango Area.

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The dispute escalated into a fight, resulting in Bulama stabbing Dauda in the chest. Bulama also sustained head injuries.

Bulama was promptly arrested at the C Divisional Police Headquarters, where he had sought refuge.

The State Criminal Investigation Department (CID) has commenced investigation, and Bulama is currently in custody pending internal disciplinary action and prosecution.

READ MORE: Akwa Ibom: Village Head, 12 Others Detained For Alleged Involvement In Kidnapping, Murder

Garba Ahmed, the Commissioner of Police, sent his sympathies to Daudas family in the statement and denounced Bulamas actions.

He promised the people a thorough and expedited investigation, assuring them that justice will be served.

The Nigeria Police Force will not tolerate any misconduct from its personnel. We will ensure that justice is served and the perpetrator is held accountable, the CP added.
The conductor of my choir famously tells us singers, I only want everything all the time. Well, as a developer, my mantra for code editors and IDEs (integrated development environments) is exactly that: I only want everything all the time. Whats everything in this context in 2024? It has to be fast enough not to get in my way. It has to be able to support my software development life cycle in all the programming languages that I write, with, at a minimum, syntax highlighting, and preferably some in-line auto-completion and syntax checking. And it has to be able to act as my pair programmer at a useful level.

The four alternatives to Visual Studio Code well examine belowZed, Eclipse Theia IDE, Lite XL, and Cursorare all available for Linux, macOS, and Windows, with the slight exception of Zed, which is currently available for Linux and macOS only. The Zed project says a Windows version is coming soon. All four products are free, except Cursor, which is available in a limited free version, a pro version that costs $20 per month, and a business version that costs $40 per month (see pricing).

All four products can be extended to support AI-assisted coding, but Zed and Cursor also have native AI integrations that set them apart.
Members of the International Longshoremens Association strike at Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in South Philadelphia on Tuesday. Read more

Thousands of dockworkers across the East and Gulf Coasts went on strike Tuesday, disrupting commerce at some of the countrys busiest ports and injecting new uncertainty into the U.S. economy just weeks before the presidential election.

Workers in Philadelphia and elsewhere hit the picket line around midnight when their contract with ocean carriers and port operators expired, marking the International Longshoremens Associations first strike since 1977. Workers picketed outside multiple terminals in Philadelphia and Camden, effectively shutting down operations at a major gateway for the trade of perishable products like fruit.

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A few dozen workers outside the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal in South Philadelphia on Tuesday morning held signs that said Fight Automation, Save Jobs and ILA Workers Over Machines. Across the street, a truck with a digital billboard blasted corporate greed and declared machines dont feed families.

Nothings going to move without us  nothing, Harold J. Daggett, the president of the union, said in an address to members early Tuesday morning at a port in North Jersey. Were going to win this  thing  and were going to get what we deserve.

The shipping industry has been preparing for a potential work stoppage for months, and supply-chain experts say cargoes are being diverted to other available ports. Analysts say consumers could see higher prices and shortages of some retail goods if the strike is not resolved quickly.

The 36 ports that employ ILA labor accounted for almost 60% of U.S. container cargo volume last year, valued at $3.2 billion worth of economic activity each day, according to John D. McCown, a shipping expert.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance, which represents the port employers, said Monday evening that both sides had moved off of their previous wage offers. Yet no deal was reached, leading to workers walking off the job.

What the union wants

The union had been seeking a 77% pay increase over six years and rejected a last-minute offer to increase wages 50%, according to a statement from the Maritime Alliance. The workers also had concerns about the use of new technology to automate some work at the ports.

The union has pledged to continue to handle military cargo during the strike, and passenger cruise ships will be unaffected.

We understand that many families plan and pay for cruises vacations on passenger ships more than a year out, and we dont want them to be disappointed or inconvenienced in any way, Daggett said in a statement.

President Joe Biden has indicated he wont use his legal authority to halt the strike. The pro-labor Democrat said Tuesday that he has urged the Maritime Alliance to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers.

Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic, Biden said in a statement, noting that executives and shareholders have benefited from that growth. Its only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.

How a strike affects the Port of Philadelphia

On Tuesday, ILA members were picketing outside all three facilities where they work in Philadelphia  the Packer Avenue Marine Terminal and Pier 80 in South Philadelphia, as well as the Tioga Marine Terminal near the Betsy Ross Bridge, according to a spokesperson for the Philadelphia Regional Port Authority (PhilaPort), the state agency that owns the properties. PhilaPort leases the facilities to private operators.

Workers on the picket line declined to be interviewed, saying they were not authorized to speak with the news media. Boise Butler, president of ILA Local 1291, told the Associated Press that workers want a fair contract that does not allow automation of their jobs.

Shipping companies made billions during the pandemic by charging high prices, he said. Now we want them to pay back. Theyre going to pay back, Butler said.

He said that the union would strike for as long as it needs to get a fair deal, and that it has leverage over the companies.

This is not something that you start and you stop, he said. Were not weak, he added, pointing to the unions importance to the nations economy.

The AP reported that top-scale port workers earn about $81,000 a year in base pay, though some can make more than $200,000 with overtime and benefits. Their pay lags their West Coast counterparts, who are represented by a different union.

Ryan Mulvey, a spokesperson for PhilaPort, said the Packer Avenue terminal  which handles cargoes such as fruit, frozen meat, steel products, and paper  will not work or deliver containers until the strike is resolved. Tioga will also be shut down, he said, though that facility isnt expecting any new ships until at least through the end of the week.

As of 12:01 a.m. Tuesday, a couple of container ships had anchored outside Packer Avenue, waiting to see the situation before heading to the berth, Mulvey said, and another ship carrying automobiles is expected to dock there Wednesday.

A ship hauling paper is due at Pier 80 on Friday, Mulvey said. Some workers at that facility are represented by the Teamsters union. In general, he said, ILA workers unload the ships and handle the work inside the warehouse, while the Teamsters staff the adjacent buildings at Pier 74 South, 78 Annex, and Pier 82.

ILA members were also picketing Tuesday at the Balzano and Broadway terminals in Camden. Those facilities are owned and operated by the South Jersey Port Corp., a state-created entity. The port corporation does not directly employ ILA workers, but they service vessels at our ports on behalf of our stevedore, said Jonathan Atwood, SJPCs chief of staff. We are effectively shut down. We cannot discharge any vessels without the ILA acting as stevedores.

There wont be a total shutdown of port activity in the Philadelphia area, however, as some facilities are operated by companies that employ workers represented by different unions.

Higher freight rates

Some analysts are anticipating a protracted labor stoppage, as each side has reasons to keep it going. McCown, the shipping expert, said in a recent analysis that ocean carriers higher costs will likely be outpaced by gains from higher freight rates, meaning the employers could make more money as a result of the strike.

Will Brucher, a port labor expert in the Rutgers School of Management and Labor Relations, said its reasonable for ILA members to fight for wages that are comparable to their West Coast counterparts and to address years of inflation that has devalued their incomes.

ILA members are also calling for job security as their employers seek further automation, mirroring the concerns of workers in many industries, Brucher said.

The strike is estimated to reduce U.S. gross domestic product by $981 million for every month the stoppage continues, according to an analysis by Bjorn Markeson, an economist at economic modeling firm IMPLAN.

Anecdotally, supply-chain disruptions might lead to increased costs for goods, which could contribute to inflationary pressures, Markeson said. If the strike prolongs, it could exacerbate existing supply shortages and drive prices higher.

This article includes information from the Associated Press.
Drexel University enrolled 500 fewer first-year students this fall than it did last year, a 15% decline that equates to a loss of $22 million, university officials said Monday.

That drop is among a series of financial pressures that have led the private university in West Philadelphia to announce plans for reductions in employee benefits and personnel, largely through a voluntary retirement program and the elimination of vacant positions.

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Staff and administrative layoffs  not including faculty  also are under consideration for later this year to help resolve what university officials said is about a 10% structural imbalance in its $1.5 billion budget.

With ongoing revenues falling short of ongoing expenses, Drexel is facing a total operating loss of $63 million in fiscal year 2024. The university is still expected to end the year in the black  though the audit is not yet final  due to its merger with Salus University and strong endowment returns, said Helen Bowman, executive vice president, treasurer, and chief operating officer.

 READ MORE: Drexel University is consolidating schools and asking several deans to step down

Through a combination of expense reductions and increased revenues, the university is aiming to come up with an extra $150 million annually over the next three years  $105 million of which university officials say they have already identified.

Our financial challenges are considerable, university leaders said in a message to the campus community on Monday. New and recurring revenues have not kept pace with recurring expenses.

The $22 million loss due to the first-year enrollment decline has added to our current operating budget deficit, which we must close as soon as possible, the message said.

Drexels first-year enrollment for the 2024-25 year is 2,350, though that could change some when official census is taken in a few weeks, officials said. Overall, Drexels total enrollment increased by about 2% to 22,100, largely due to its Salus merger, which brought in 1,100 students. Another factor was an increase of 110 transfer students, 75 of them from the now closed University of the Arts.

The announcement came on John A. Frys last official day as Drexels president and as Denis P. OBrien officially prepares to assume the role as interim president Tuesday. Fry, who led Drexel for 14 years, begins as president of Temple University on Nov. 1.

 READ MORE: As Drexel undergoes a presidential transition, its leaders outline plans and problems to overcome

OBrien in an interview Monday afternoon said Drexel is facing some of the same serious challenges as other colleges, including unfavorable demographics, rising costs, public skepticism [about higher education] and governmental scrutiny.

Our revenues and our cost structure are not in the right place, he said. So were going to have to make some changes and do some things to get ourselves in a more resilient and sustainable place financially.

Bowman and OBrien each blamed the decline in first-year students on ongoing problems nationally with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A third of Drexels students are eligible for Pell grants geared toward low-income families, and at least half apply for federal financial aid.

However, some colleges in the region  Temple, Rowan, and La Salle  saw double-digit percentage increases in first-year students this year, despite the FAFSA challenges.

Were a large first-time, first gen population [university] and large need-based aid, and so therefore FAFSA impacts institutions like Drexel more than it would other institutions that dont have that makeup, Bowman said.

First-year tuition and fees at Drexel run about $62,400.

Drexel has increased student aid, Bowman said, noting that of 21 peer institutions, Drexel is now the 17th most expensive, down from third most costly 13 years ago. Mental health and advising services and cybersecurity costs also have risen, she said.

The university has experienced a drop in net tuition revenue. In 2023, net tuition revenue stood at $610 million  $17 million less than it was in 2015.

Malpractice settlements have also contributed to some of the financial crunch, Bowman and Fry have both said. The cost was $22 million this year.

This year should be the last year of those large hits, she said.

The university also is paying $35 million annually for its health sciences building lease, a crucial investment that hasnt yet begun to pay for itself, given a drop in nursing enrollment post-pandemic, she said.

We just need to get nursing enrollment back and well more than be able to afford that, she said.

 READ MORE: Drexel was one of the first to subsidize SEPTA passes for employees. Now it says the benefit is too expensive.

Drexel already has identified $80 million in cost reductions, including space consolidations and cuts in benefits, such as the schools decision last month to withdraw from the SEPTA Key Advantage program that gave faculty and staff large discounts on all-access transportation passes. Drexel said the service was too costly.

Earlier this month, Drexel asked several deans to step down as part of a consolidation of two colleges and one of its schools into a new entity, part of a larger academic restructuring that also includes moving from a quarter system to a semester system over the next three years. While the restructuring isnt driven by the budget crunch, its likely also to lead to some savings, Bowman said.

The university also will continue to refrain from nonessential hiring and travel and is looking to end some leases, she said. A voluntary retirement incentive plan announced in June is also expected to yield savings, Bowman said.

As is the case for any organization, personnel costs for salaries and benefits make up the largest share of Drexels operating expenses, the university message said. Therefore, we must make the more difficult decision to reduce our workforce and adjust our employee benefit program.

Program cuts also are possible if they are not drawing enough students, she said.

On the revenue side, the university has identified $25 million in additional revenues to go after, including attracting more graduate students. It also is looking at selling or leasing property, possibly at its Center City or Queen Lane sites, and new or expanded partnerships such as the Salus merger.

OBrien said Drexel will weather the financial difficulty and noted that the school earlier this month improved 12 spots in U.S. News and World Report rankings to number 86 of national universities.

We have a great team here  and we will succeed, OBrien said.
Becky Frazier, of Conshohocken, and her dog Jack, 6, protest at the Montgomery County SPCA in Conshohocken last week. Read more

The longtime executive director of the Montgomery County Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals retired Tuesday, two weeks after an Inquirer investigation revealed that the deep-pocketed animal shelter was dangerously run-down and plagued by mismanagement.

Montgomery County SPCA board president April Lownes-Hostler told staff that Carmen Ronio, 79, would be stepping down effective immediately. In a statement, Lownes-Hostler said the board has also formed a new management committee that will provide greater day-to-day support and supervision of the leadership team at the shelter.

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We know this has been a difficult time for MCSPCA employees and other critical stakeholders, but were confident were going to emerge stronger and more committed to our mission than ever before, the statement read.

The board has not yet named a replacement for Ronio. Lownes-Hostler referred staff to shelter operations manager Ed Davies for questions about their day-to-day job duties.

Ronios departure marks the nonprofits first major shake-up since The Inquirer published a report on Sept. 19 documenting widespread mismanagement, troubling euthanasia practices, and squalid conditions at the suburban SPCA  the wealthiest animal shelter in the state.

While half of animal shelters in Pennsylvania have $4.5 million or less in assets, the Montco SPCA reported over $67 million at the end of 2023, and yet spent only about $3 million a year on operations. Despite its wealth, the save rate for animals at Montcos main Conshohocken branch is the lowest among 11 shelters in the Philadelphia region, The Inquirer found.

 READ MORE: Euthanasia, understaffing, and broken kennels are rampant at Montcos ultra-wealthy SPCA

In the wake of the Inquirer report, volunteers and animal welfare advocates launched a campaign to reform the shelter. More than 2,800 people signed an online petition seeking to oust top managers, and dozens protested outside the shelters main branch last week, holding signs with messages like Ronio must go and How many animals need to die?

Like many shelters, the SPCA relies on contributions from donors and wealthy benefactors who leave part of their estates for the shelters mission of saving at-risk animals. Outraged by the recent revelations about conditions at the shelter, several donors threatened to withhold financial support from the shelter until changes were made. One benefactor e-mailed shelter leaders as well as The Inquirer last week to announce she had removed the Montco SPCA as a beneficiary in her will.

Ronio did not immediately respond to requests for comment. He began working at the century-old suburban shelter 52 years ago and rose through the ranks. He was named executive director around 2000, and has long held a top position on the shelters board, overseeing operations at the SPCAs three branches in Conshohocken, Abington, and Perkiomenville. His $250,000 salary accounted for nearly 10% of shelters operational costs in recent years.

Staff, volunteers, and animal welfare leaders in the region told The Inquirer that, under Ronios leadership, the SPCA was stuck in the past.

 READ MORE: 7 things to know about our investigation into the wealthy, yet rundown, Montco SPCA

Unlike most modern animal rescues, the Montco SPCA does not have foster programs, hold adoption events, or work with other rescues to place hard-to-home dogs and cats. Managers were allegedly trigger-happy to put animals down for any reason, current and former staffers said, and occasionally mistreated animals in the shelter. (The shelters sole full-time veterinarian, contacted for comment, resigned days before The Inquirer published its story.)

Meanwhile, poor conditions have persisted at the Conshohocken shelter for years, while tens of millions of dollars sat in investment accounts.

The Inquirer obtained photos and videos of animals whose faces had been gashed on frayed wire in the kennels. Dogs often escaped through perennially broken kennel gates, staffers said. This summer, whistle-blowers documented evidence of black mold in a feline isolation room and lodged a complaint with the federal Occupational Safety and Health Administration, along with photos of other supposed dangerous conditions.

Ronio declined to talk to a reporter for The Inquirers investigation, and has not spoken publicly about its findings since. Lownes-Hostler said the board took the complaints very seriously and said improvements to the shelter facilities were underway. She said the board hired a firm to investigate the shelters practices, conducting interviews with staff, and make recommendations.
The site of an Israeli airstrike in Lebanon on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Read more

JERUSALEM  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

The orange glow of missiles streaked across Israels night sky as air raid sirens sounded and residents scrambled into bomb shelters. Israel vowed retaliation for Irans barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries.

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Before Irans attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the Iran-backed militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe -- citing Irans repeated calls for Israels destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon.

A high-ranking Iranian commander warned Iran would hit Israels entire infrastructure if the Jewish state takes any action against its territory. Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri said the Revolutionary Guard was prepared defensively and offensively to repeat Tuesdays attack with multiplied intensity.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.
Tim Boyce, the former emergency services director, in his office at the Delaware County Emergency Services Center in January 2022. Read more

The alleged inappropriate behavior by a former director of the Delaware County emergency services department was an open secret, but county officials didnt act to protect female staffers, according to a lawsuit filed in federal court in Philadelphia.

Tim Boyce was fired in May following an Equal Employment Opportunity Commission complaint from a woman who alleged he attempted to forcibly kiss her. Boyce is facing criminal charges for allegedly groping her and another female staffer.

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 READ MORE: Delcos former director of emergency services charged with indecent assault

Jacqueline Kahler, who filed the EEOC complaint, is suing the county and multiple officials, alleging that they didnt do enough to protect female workers like her from Boyce. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania on Monday, lists multiple instances in which Boyce allegedly engaged in overtly sexual and inappropriate behavior toward female staffers.

If these officials had done their job, Mr. Boyce wouldnt have been there to assault my client, said Mark Schwartz, the attorney who represents Kahler.

The lawsuit lists as defendants the county council members, human resources and solicitor office executives, and officials from the Department of Emergency Services.

A spokesperson for Delaware County reiterated that Boyce was terminated because of his behavior.

While we generally do not comment on pending litigation, we can confirm that the safety, security, and well-being of every county employee remain a top priority, the spokesperson said. Harassment, discrimination, and retaliation are not tolerated at the county, and county council is committed to maintaining a safe work environment for all employees.

In a preliminary hearing last month, Boyces attorney, Andrew Edelberg, argued that the investigation into his client was insufficient, and called into question the credibility of the victims.

They are attacking a mans 40-year reputation, that he should be a Megans Law sex offender, because they allege there was indecent contact. Its incumbent on them to prove there was actual contact, Edelberg said in court.

Edelberg said Tuesday that he had not received a copy of the civil complaint, which does not name Boyce, but he was not surprised that flowery allegations were made against his client.

Those allegations are for monetary purposes, for monetary gain, the attorney said. They are uncorroborated allegations.

Vulnerable piece of meat

Kahler began working at the department of emergency services part time in December, according to the lawsuit. About a month later, she was promoted to a full-time position as Boyces executive assistant.

On Jan. 30, Boyce summoned her to his office and attempted to kiss her, according to the lawsuit, but Kahler turned her head away, resulting in him kissing the side of her head. He then allegedly said you have a really nice ass. Let me feel it, and groped her as she walked away.

 READ MORE: Woman allegedly groped by former Delco official said he made her feel like a piece of meat

Roughly a week after the alleged assault, Kahler and Boyce had a text message conversation in which she confronted him about his actions.

You took advantage of me and made me feel like a vulnerable piece of meat, Kahler wrote, according to the lawsuit.

The suit said Boyce responded, I am sorry and not making excuses.

A pattern, ignored

Boyce had a years-long history of inappropriate behavior that should have been addressed, according to the lawsuit.

Boyce allegedly called female staffers his girlfriends, and the bathroom across from his office was known as where nasty things happen, the lawsuit states.

In 2022, Boyce allegedly instructed the female employee in charge of uniforms to order tank tops for the women who worked at the department. When the tank tops arrived, Boyce asked her to try them on, which she did under her cardigan, the suit says. When she commented that the tank tops would expose the breasts of female employees if they were to bend down, the lawsuit says that Boyce replied, Oh really! Let me see. Bend over.

Boyce was charged by the Pennsylvania Attorney Generals Office in May, days after he was fired, with indecent assault for allegedly groping Kahler. In August, prosecutors brought a second set of charges over similar behavior toward a second employee.

The actions involved in a second case date back to 2018, when Boyce allegedly showed the staffer photos of his genitalia on his phone. The employee reported the incident to her boss at the department of emergency services, but no action was taken against Boyce, according to the lawsuit.

That employee testified at last months preliminary hearing that Boyce lifted her dress in November, groped her in January, and later discussed sexual positions he would have liked to engage in with her, the lawsuit states.

Delaware County had a legal obligation to prevent these incidents from happening, said Schwartz, Kahlers lawyer.

Dont tell me you didnt know about it when its clear others knew about it, and some complained to their supervisors, he said.
More than 30 students from Girard College on an Outward Bound trip in North Carolina last week became temporarily stranded due to damaged roads caused by flooding from the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the colleges president said Monday.

Thirty-one of our ninth grade students, together with a teacher and two resident advisors, are temporarily unable to return from their week-long Outward Bound enrichment program due to damaged roads caused by Hurricane Helene, David Hardy, president of Girard College, said in a statement.

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All students and adults are safe and are being cared for while Outward Bound works with local and state officials to clear the roads that provide access to the camp, which is located in Asheville, Hardy said.

Hurricane Helene, which peaked at Category 4 with 140 mph winds, made landfall late Thursday in Floridas Big Bend region. The remnants of the hurricane then swept through Georgia and the Carolinas with catastrophic rainfall.

We are in constant communication with the program, and we have been assured that our children will be transported back to Philadelphia as soon as road and weather conditions permit safe travel, Hardy said.

The Outward Bound program provides wilderness experiences to teach life lessons and skills for students from schools across the country, including many Philadelphia-area private schools, Hardy said.

A spokesperson for Outward Bound could not be reached for comment Monday night.
President Jimmy Carter acknowledges the applause of about 1,100 people gathered in the Elk City High School gym for a town meeting in Elk City, Okla., in March 1979. Carter turned 100 on Tuesday. Read more

On Tuesday, Jimmy Carter turned 100. For those who celebrate smaller birthdays, it might be good to consider how this man from faraway Plains, Ga., made it all the way to the White House.

I can tell you part of the answer. In the spring of 1974, a letter arrived at my familys address in Northeast Philadelphia. It showed up just after my defeat in a primary race for U.S. Congress.

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The letter encouraged me to stay actively involved in Democratic politics. I should not give up. I would appreciate any information or advice you might have that would help our efforts in Pennsylvania or other states. Please feel free to contact me personally or Hamilton Jordan. It was signed Jimmy Carter.

How did the candidate, soon to be laughed at as Jimmy Who? recruit people to his 1976 campaign?

This way.

How about sleeping on a volunteers sofa? Instead of staying in high-priced hotels and traveling with an entourage, Carter asked volunteers to put him up for the night. A speechwriter for President John F. Kennedy said it best: How can you vote against someone who slept on your couch?

He did so with a powerful message of humility.

Carter also said he wouldnt lie to the American people. But at the time, this simple claim had an impact. Years later, he told me that after the tumultuous decade that preceded his presidential run, the nation was in need of healing.

The country was in a quandary, he said. We had lost Bobby Kennedy. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated. We had been through Watergate. All those things had happened just before I ran. I was a fresh face: a peanut farmer from a little town like Plains, Ga. And, you know, they were looking for something different.

Carter was authentic, and he was new. People saw those TV ads of him working in the fields. They saw a peanut farmer from rural Georgia out there asking for their votes. And thats why he won caucuses and primaries from Iowa to New Hampshire to Florida and Pennsylvania.

My friend Jerry Rafshoon, the man who made those ads, told me he didnt have to fake any of it. His candidate was already out working in the field. He was a peanut farmer. Lets get going, he recalls Carter barking while he shot a commercial. Ive got a delivery to make.

Rafshoon, now a pal of mine, is 90 himself. He once told me about the night Carter bragged about his advantages politically: Not a lawyer, Southerner, farmer, 300 days a year to campaign  he was a lame-duck governor  ethics, not part of the Washington scene, religious. For better or worse, they were the qualities of Jimmy Carter.

In January 1977, Carter began his presidency by thanking his predecessor Gerald Ford for all he has done to heal our land.

It was a clean election, Carter reminded me. We never said a negative word about each other. I never did bring up the fact that he had pardoned [Richard] Nixon, which couldve helped.

Carter then broke precedent by walking down Pennsylvania Avenue in the inaugural parade. Its an idea hed picked up, he said, from Wisconsin Sen. William Proxmire, a physical fitness buff.

I was a fresh face: a peanut farmer from a little town like Plains, Ga. Jimmy Carter

I told the Secret Service what I was gonna do. But I just informed them. I didnt ask for their permission.

It was simply a way he wanted to break the ice for a new presidency.

The first thing Carter did when he got into office was to pardon the people who wouldnt fight in Vietnam but had gone to Canada. I just thought it was time to get that bad episode in Americas history out of the way and not to have to fight it about it anymore. He wanted to end the American debate over Vietnam.

He did the same with Israel and Egypt. At Camp David in 1978, Egyptian President Anwar Sadat and Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin forged a treaty that has met the test of time. Even amid the horror and death of Israels fight with Hamas in Gaza, Egypt has kept its peace with the Jewish state.

Winning Senate backing for the Panama Canal Treaty, Carter once told me, was even harder than getting elected president. That, too, has lasted and kept us from another war in Central America.

But in 1979, Carter faced the challenge that would end his chances for a second term. It was the taking of American diplomats by Iranian students. I was in the White House as a presidential speechwriter the Sunday evening right before the 1980 election. Thats when Carter told the country that the 50 U.S. hostages would not be freed under his watch. I wish I could predict when the hostages will return, he said. I cannot.

Carter believed, rightly or wrongly, that he could not go to war with Iran over that countrys blatant violation of diplomatic rights. Other presidents, obviously, would have. It might have given Carter a second term.

We worship the prince of peace, not war, Carter told me once. I think its a basic human right, living in peace.

The voters thought him wrong. Someday, well see how history views him.

Chris Matthews anchored MSNBCs Hardball for a quarter century. Before joining the network, he served as a speechwriter for President Jimmy Carter.
The race for state treasurer features two women with strong convictions. Only one of them, however, is focused on fighting for the issues that matter to ordinary Pennsylvanians. That candidate, challenger Erin McClelland, has earned the Editorial Boards endorsement.

Instead of being focused on the states pensions or ensuring a healthy general fund, incumbent Stacy Garrity only seems interested in whats good for Donald Trump. Despite being elected to office on the same 2020 ballot, Garrity was a leading election denier, following the former presidents lead.

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At a Jan. 5, 2021, Harrisburg rally to decertify Pennsylvanias vote count, Garrity was the most senior Republican in the state to speak. Attendees gorged themselves on grievances, helping to set the stage for the violence at the U.S. Capitol a day later. Garrity helped stoke the fires that made Pennsylvania a top state of origin among those arrested after the Jan. 6 riot.

State Sen. Doug Mastriano, who also spoke at the Harrisburg rally, used campaign funds to transport many of these Pennsylvanians to Washington, D.C., on a chartered bus. He attended the Jan. 6 rally, coming close to entering the Capitol himself. Two years later, Garrity tried to make Mastriano Pennsylvanias governor.

Garrity declined to meet with this board to answer questions.

Regardless, the incumbents undermining of the states free and fair elections disqualifies her from holding public office. The treasurer  the fiscal watchdog and caretaker of more than $150 billion in state funds  must deal in hard facts and numbers, and Pennsylvanians simply cannot afford to have someone in that position who does not accept reality. Voters should reject giving Garrity another term.

Democrat McClelland readily accepts the election results  and displays a temperament that should appeal across party lines. She has a nuanced understanding of conservative voters, given her long history in Western Pennsylvania, where many working-class and traditionally Democratic towns and regions have shifted toward the Republican Party.

Unlike Garrity, McClelland, a small-business owner who has worked as a substance abuse and mental health counselor, has demonstrated independence from her party. She challenged and defeated the anointed challenger in the Democratic primary. She also cites Paul ONeill as a mentor, the former president and CEO of Pittsburgh-based Alcoa who served as U.S. Secretary of the Treasury under George W. Bush, but whose outspoken nature and criticism of administration policy led to an early departure.

During an interview with the Editorial Board, McClelland said shes not disappointed by her level of party support, citing Pennsylvania Democratic Party Chairman Sharif Street as particularly helpful. Still, McClelland also said she has yet to talk to Gov. Josh Shapiro. If the states treasury is to function as effectively as possible, that needs to change.

On issues under the treasurys purview, McClelland understands what is in Pennsylvanias best financial interest.

Like Garrity and the last Democratic treasurer, Joe Torsella, McClelland pledged to support using index funds, rather than high-priced Wall Street firms, for the states pensions. Additionally, she has substantive criticism of the Keystone Saves retirement savings program, which was part of what prompted her to run.

Unlike past state treasurers, whose ambition for higher office sometimes led to an overly cozy relationship with financial institutions, McClelland has a healthy skepticism of big banks and big money. Shell need it.

While some Pennsylvania treasurers  like U.S. Sen. Bob Casey  have used the position as a springboard to higher office, others like Rob McCord, Budd Dwyer, and Barbara Hafer offer cautionary tales for how the offices independence can enable misconduct and corruption.

When it comes to whom voters should trust to watch over the commonwealths money, the answer is clear: Erin McClelland is the best choice.
News / National

by Staff reporter

Potato Farms in Banket Area of Zimbabwe have been invaded by hungry Peasants as hunger takes its toll!! The Economy will liberate Zimbabwe. The people will know what to do by themselves!! Lies and telling them to pray wont work pic.twitter.com/FMfzYhlYKs  African (@ali_naka) September 30, 2024

A video circulating on social media has ignited allegations of potato theft at Strathmore Farm in Banket, leading to widespread speculation within the community. However, the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) has dismissed these claims, clarifying the circumstances surrounding the incident.According to the ZRP, reports suggesting that community members invaded the farm to steal potatoes are unfounded. The farm, owned by Retired High Court Judge Vernanda Cecil Ziyambi, is currently leased to Jonathan Timothy Mackwade for potato farming.Police investigations reveal that potato harvesting at Strathmore Farm began two weeks prior and was completed on September 23, 2024. On September 24, the farm manager permitted local residents and farm workers to collect damaged potatoes left in the field after harvesting.In light of the misinformation circulating on social media, the ZRP has urged the public to refrain from spreading falsehoods that could exacerbate tensions within the community.The police emphasized the importance of verifying information before sharing it, particularly in cases that could incite unrest or misunderstandings among local residents.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance (R., Ohio) will face off Tuesday night in New York City in the only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election.

The debate, which is being broadcast by CBS News, comes three weeks after Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump squared off in Philadelphia in their first and possibly only debate. ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis were widely praised for their live fact checks, but CBS moderators Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan will take a more passive approach tonight, allowing Walz and Vance to correct each other.

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Instead, CBS will display a QR code on the screen viewers can scan with their phones, directing them to real-time fact checks by reporters on the CBS News website. But that code will appear only on CBS telecast and not every other broadcast or cable news network also broadcasting tonights debate.

The decision to back away from real-time fact checks comes as Trump continues to spread lies about Haitian migrants in towns in Ohio and Pennsylvania, which have disrupted lives and led to bomb threats. During his debate with Harris, Trump falsely claimed these migrants were eating the pets of residents in Springfield, Ohio, a lie first spread by Vance online.

During an appearance on CNN last month, Vance acknowledged that he had no direct evidence to support the claims, and made the stunning admission that he was willing to create stories so that the American media actually pays attention to the suffering of the American people.

Both candidates have been preparing for the debate. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has played the role of Vance in mock debates against Walz, according to the New York Times, while Vance has turned to Rep. Tom Emmer (R., Minn.) as a stand-in for Walz.

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I spent the last month just going back, all of his old stuff, to get his phrases down, his mannerisms, that sort of thing, Emmer said on ABCs This Week Sunday. My job was to be able to play Tim Walz so JD Vance knows what hes going to see.

The debate, which is scheduled to last 90 minutes, will have two four-minute breaks and no audience. Both candidates will be standing behind lecterns, making this the first vice presidential debate since 2008 where the candidates arent seated at a table. And unlike during the presidential debates, CBS will leave the microphones on and not mute candidates when it isnt their turn to speak.

While it likely wont affect the election much, tonights debate is expected deliver a massive audience upward of 50 million people. The debate between Harris and then-Vice President Mike Pence, who has refused to endorse Trump over his failed attempt to overturn the 2020 election results, drew more than 57 million viewers.

Heres what you need to know ahead of the debate:

What time does the vice presidential debate start and end?

The vice presidential debate between Walz and Vance is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. Eastern and last an hour and a half.

The debate is hosted by CBS News but will be shown live on all major broadcast channels (ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, PBS) and cable news networks (C-Span, CNN, MSNBC, Fox Business, Fox News, NewsNation). It will also be available to stream on a host of so-called skinny cable bundles, such as YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, AT&T Now, and FuboTV.

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You can also stream the debate right here, courtesy of PBS:

Who are the moderators of the vice presidential debate?

Vice presidential debate moderators Norah O'Donnell (left) and Margaret Brennan. Read more AP photos

Following the trend of previous 2024 debates, tonights event will have two moderators.

The first is Norah ODonnell, who has anchored the CBS Evening News since 2019 and has spent decades in Washington as a political reporter and White House correspondent. After the election, ODonnell will shift roles to become a senior correspondent, moving away from the nightly grind to focus more of her time on 60 Minutes, big interviews, and prime-time specials.

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Joining her on the debate stage will be Margaret Brennan, who succeeded John Dickerson as the moderator of Face the Nation in 2018. Brennan was also a White House correspondent, and like ODonnell has a long tenure covering politics. Brennan has interviewed Vance on Face the Nation five times since 2023, most recently last month, when he defended his false claims about Haitian migrants. Walz has never appeared on Face the Nation.

Will there be another debate between Harris and Trump?

Former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris at their Sept. 10 debate in Philadelphia. Read more

Not as of now.

Harris has accepted CNNs invitation for a second presidential debate on Oct. 23. But Trump has rejected the idea, claiming it wasnt necessary because he felt he won the first contest and the second debate would happen too close to Election Day.

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The problem with another debate is that its just too late, voting has already started, Trump said at a rally in North Carolina on Sept. 21. Now she wants to do a debate right before the election with CNN because shes losing badly.

Harris continues to press Trump to agree to a second debate, most recently telling a crowd of supporters Sunday at a rally in Las Vegas the vice presidential debate shouldnt be the last word ahead of the election

Im trying to debate Donald Trump again. I think he should debate again. The American people have a right to hear us discuss the issues, Harris said. Im all in, even if my opponent is ready to fold.

Recent stories and columns about the 2024 election

Here are some recent stories about the 2024 election from The Inquirer:
The wife of prominent City Hall lobbyist Mustafa Rashed, who until recently was Mayor Cherelle L. Parkers campaign spokesperson, has withdrawn her request for a protection-from-abuse order against him three months after accusing him of physically assaulting her.

In late June, Rasheds wife said he struck her in the face and swung me across the room, injuring her back, during an incident in the couples Brewerytown home, according to a temporary protective order, more commonly known as a restraining order, granted by a judge days after the alleged incident. Rashed has denied the allegations.

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At a hearing in Philadelphias Family Court on Monday, scheduled to determine whether a permanent order was needed, Rasheds wife said she was withdrawing her request. She agreed to let the case be vacated with prejudice, meaning she cannot ask for a protective order in the future based on the same incident.

She did not elaborate in court and declined to comment after the hearing. The Inquirer is withholding her name due to the nature of the allegations. The couple is in divorce proceedings.

 READ MORE: Mayor Parker has suspended her campaign spokesperson over domestic violence allegations

Rasheds attorney Nick Liermann said the decision is final and is not subject to further inquiry.

Rashed is incredibly thankful for all the people who know him, know the truth, and stood by him. Now that this private ordeal is over, he looks forward to continuing to raise his boys and getting back to work, Liermann said in a statement.

A criminal investigation into the matter remains open, and no arrests have been made. Philadelphia police declined to discuss specifics of the investigation. Its unclear how the withdrawal of the PFA could affect the case.

Our understanding is that there is no active investigation, and my client has never been interviewed, Liermann said.

Parker in late August said through a spokesperson that she was dismayed to learn about these allegations. Parker then said that neither Rashed nor his firm, Bellevue Strategies, would work with her campaign while this matter is pending within our judicial system.

The Parker campaign did not respond to requests for comment.
The 1100 block of Ruby Street, one of the blocks with the highest increase in property tax assessments in the city. Read more

The Office of Property Assessment has extended the deadline to file a first level review appeal to Philadelphias semiannual property assessments. Originally Oct. 7, city spokesperson Joe Grace said the deadline was moved to Nov. 18 as a result of a City Council resolution introduced last month by several council members.

The deadline for appeals filed with the Board of Revision of Taxes is still Oct. 7.

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The Office of Property Assessment is spreading the word about its new November deadline at community meetings, Grace said.

The new deadline comes after legal advocates worried about the short period between when assessment notices were mailed on Aug. 7 and the former Oct. 7 deadline, representing an about eight-week turnaround.

Now, homeowners have an additional six weeks to dispute the citys assessed value of their home. Coverage by The Inquirer was cited as a reason for the extension in the council resolution. Council made a similar request after the last set of reassessments were conducted in 2022.

According to an Inquirer analysis, home values have appreciated by 23% on average citywide under the assessments, which were released in August for the first time since 2022.

Assessed value influences the amount of taxes owed on a property by the March 2025 filing deadline. The amount owed is calculated by multiplying the 1.3998% tax rate by a homes value. The city estimates property taxes will increase by $330 to $614 on average, depending on whether homeowners are using one of the citys property tax relief programs.

The Office of Property Assessment (OPA) published its assessments months after the March deadline mandated by law, leaving just about eight weeks between when homeowners could learn the newly assessed value of their home and when they must appeal that value.

Heres what you need to know about how to file a property assessment appeal in Philadelphia.

What is a property assessment appeal?

The Office of Property Assessment published its fresh round of property assessments on Aug. 7 and began mailing notices the same day. Using a computer system, the office estimated the price that properties would sell on the market based on characteristics including size, condition, and the sales prices of comparable properties.

The appeals process lets people who think their properties were incorrectly valued file a dispute with the city.

According to the city, successful appeals have to prove at least one of the following:

The estimated value of a property is too high or too low. The estimated value is not similar to surrounding properties. The characteristics of a property that increase or decrease its value are wrong.

Who can file an appeal?

Anyone who owns a property, and any tenant who pays the real estate or use and occupancy taxes in part or in whole, can appeal.

If a filer is represented by an attorney or another person allowed to file on the owners behalf, that person can lodge the appeal but must first submit a Power of Attorney or Agent Authorization form.

What do I need to submit the appeal?

According to the Board of Revision of Taxes, you need:

Your nine-digit OPA number. You can find it on the citys property website, using your home address. Evidence proving at least one of the criteria listed above. You can attach photos showing the condition of the property, market value estimates and sales data of similar properties from online real estate marketplaces like Zillow or Trulia, evidence the city office has incorrect information about your house, or an appraisal report if you purchased your home in the last year.

How to appeal with the Office of Property Assessment

There are two types of appeals. A first-level review is filed with the OPA using so-titled forms mailed to property owners with their assessment notice.

Its the easiest way to file. And according to appeal data, its also been the most popular way to file. Simply fill out the form, attach evidence that proves your property was inaccurately valued, and mail it in. It can take several months to receive a decision back by mail, according to homeowners who have appealed.

After assessments conducted in 2022 for the 2023 tax period, the city received more than 30,000 appeals. About 20,000 of those were submitted to OPA.

How to appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes

In 2023, about 10,000 appeals were filed with the BRT.

This process is also relatively simple, said Monty Wilson, an attorney at Community Legal Services who works with homeowners.

You must complete a form, found on the Board of Revision of Taxes website, and attach any relevant evidence. You can return the form in person, mail the form, or email it to appealinquiry@phila.gov. But with a BRT appeal, theres a hearing before the board. Applicants will be notified 45 to 90 days before the hearing date.

At the hearing, applicants present their evidence and provide full and complete details about the market value of the property. During the oral hearing, board members may ask questions of the applicant, or the applicants attorney or authorized filer.

The wait for a decision on an appeal or for a hearing date can be long. Kingsessing resident Diane Settles, who successfully appealed her 2022 assessment, said it was months before she heard back.

It really was because theyre backlogged, Settles said.

Nine months after the 2022 reassessments, according to WHYY, the city was still working its way through thousands of appeals applications.

This story has been updated to clarify that the deadline to file an appeal with the Board of Revision of Taxes is Oct. 7.
Adam Shefer, 9, looks at this watch standing in his Merion neighborhood as a rainbow fills the sky after rain fall on Sept. 7. The 0.35 inches that fell that day made it the rainiest day of a very dry month. Read more

Despite 10 consecutive, dispiritingly gloomy days in which the sun over Philly was barely a rumor, last month finished as one of the driest Septembers in 153 years of official recordkeeping, according to the National Weather Service.

But the regions weather prospects have become considerably brighter with the dawn of October, and it appears that good fortune  at least the atmospheric version  will shine on the Phillies when they host the opening of the divisional round of the MLB playoffs this weekend.

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Officially, only 0.77 inches of rain were measured at Philadelphia International Airport in September  the eighth-driest September on record  as the entire region now is classified as being either abnormally dry or in moderate drought by the interagency U.S. Drought Monitor.

Last month didnt challenge the non-raining September champ  1884, which weighed in with a mere 0.2 inches  but the 2024 figure was only 18% of normal.

Given the catastrophic winds and flooding rains from Helene in the South, the complaints may seem comparatively trivial, but, yes, it would be perfectly normal to come down with a nasty case of seasonal blues, said Norman Rosenthal, the psychiatrist crediting with minting the term seasonal affective disorder.

The timing of the cloud-fest happened to coincide with the ever-earlier sunsets and later sunrises. With each passing day, were rapidly losing daylight, said Ray Martin, a lead meteorologist at the National Weather Service office in Mount Holly. Philly loses more than two hours of daylight between Sept. 1 and Oct. 31.

In tandem with the clouds, that constitutes a double whammy, said Rosenthal, now a clinical professor of psychiatry at the Georgetown University Medical Center who maintains a private practice in Maryland, which has shared Philadelphias gloom.

 READ MORE: Will the dryness speed up the foliage season?

Just how cloudy has it been in Philly, and why so little rain?

The sun made cameos over parts of the region Monday and Tuesday, but of the 12 days logged as officially cloudy in Philly in September, nine occurred in the last 10 days of the month.

For all that gray, Weve just had these little spitty rains, said Martin, a lot of clouds and not a whole lot to show for it.

Helenes rains stayed well to the south, and rather than storms around here, the clouds have been manufactured predominantly by east and northeast winds ferrying moisture from the Atlantic, said Martins colleague Lee Robertson.

Dave Dombek, senior meteorologist with AccuWeather Inc., likened the weather to that experienced in the Pacific Northwest, where, he said, Itll be cloudy and damp. It looks like its going to rain at anytime. It does rain, but you tally it all up, and it doesnt amount to a lot.

The lack of light affects some peoples moods

The clouds arent doing much for rain deficits in Philly and other parts of the Mid-Atlantic region, but they are dampening moods, said Rosenthal, including his own.

Its not just the length of the day, its the quality of light, said Rosenthal.

This time it hit me like I dont think its ever hit me before, he said. Rosenthal, formerly with the National Institutes of Health, identified seasonal affective disorder and its more-common variant, winter blues, after he experienced his first autumn in New York following a move from his native Johannesburg, South Africa.

Last week, he said, he decided to take a dose of his own medicine and spent the first hour of a morning in front of his light-therapy lamps.

I felt my spirits were lifting, he said.

The silver linings

The region should be getting some more natural light therapy later this week, with generous doses of sunlight starting Wednesday and continuing at least through the weekend.

And the timing of the dry spell isnt all bad, said Dombek. With the suns power waning, moisture isnt evaporating as quickly, plus the foliage has benefited from decent harvests of overnight dew.

With no significant rains in the forecast, right now it appears that the weather should be splendid for the opening of the postseason this weekend at Citizens Bank Park.
News / National

by Staff reporter

In a significant letter addressing the legal framework surrounding traditional leadership in Zimbabwe, Mambo Munhumutapa has formally requested a cessation of the Minister of Local Government and Public Works' authority to appoint and enthrone chiefs. He emphasizes the crucial role judges play in implementing laws through their judgments.Munhumutapa's correspondence seeks the processing of a writ from the High Court of Zimbabwe demanding a payment of USD 69,600.00 from the Minister. This payment was granted by Mrs. Justice Munangati Manongwa on September 30, 2022, under case number HC3981/22. He also requests assistance in ensuring the payment of outstanding wages owed to him, as outlined in a Letter of Demand dated August 19, 2024.The letter underscores the validity of a High Court Order issued on September 28, 2024, which remains in effect due to a bar established by the High Court on September 26, 2024. Munhumutapa asserts that this bar should continue until the defendant complies with court directives. He argues that, as a result, any decisions made by the Parliamentary Traditional Council (PTC) are null and void.Furthermore, Munhumutapa expresses his willingness to assist President Dr. Emmerson Mnangagwa with matters related to the appointment and enthronement of chiefs. He formally notifies the Parliament of Zimbabwe, through Hon. Advocate Jacob Mudenda, urging all senators and chiefs to refrain from exercising their duties related to traditional leadership until the outlined issues are resolved.The letter concludes by stating that it must be treated as both an interdict and a letter of execution, urging prompt action from the relevant authorities. Attached to the letter are the writ, bar, and High Court Order for further guidance, with Munhumutapa hoping for immediate implementation of his requests to uphold judicial decisions regarding traditional leadership in Zimbabwe.
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One of the key changes is the introduction of a new definition of what constitutes NDIS-funded supports, aimed at providing clearer guidelines on approved and non-approved purchases. The new rules are currently being finalized, with ongoing consultations to ensure that participants understand the changes before they are enforced.
Theres such diversity of thought at NTI, she said in her acceptance speech. You can be in a meeting room with a diesel mechanic, someone who knows how to clean up an oil spill, someone who knows how to get milk out of a drain, a data scientist, an actuary, a relationship expert  and its the alchemy of that diversity that fuels our business and their passion.
Kudale further noted that 2023 has been a year of growth for Cowbell, marked by the closing of its Series C funding round, a year of operations in the UK, and the expansion of its US offering to businesses with up to $1 billion in annual revenues.
Access to affordable health coverage is the cornerstone of human dignity and the chance to live a healthy life, said OHA Director Dr Sejal Hathi (pictured). Through all of Oregons extraordinary efforts, health care for all is on the path to becoming a reality, making it possible for everyone in our communities to reach their full potential and wellbeing.
Insurance risks are becoming more complex and interconnected than ever before, according to Denise Perlman (pictured above), president of national business insurance at Marsh McLennan Agency. One of the most prominent trends is artificial intelligence (AI), with clients increasingly asking about its implications. AI adoption in insurance has grown by 25% in the past year, and by 2025, it is estimated that 95% of customer interactions in the insurance industry will be facilitated by AI.
This post is part of a series sponsored by AgentSync.

Adjuster licensing is famously terrible. Ask anyone who has ever been an adjuster. Or handled adjuster compliance. Or even regulated adjusters for their state department of insurance.

There are a number of things that make adjuster licensing so fraught. One of them is that theres not a single agreed-upon standard for adjusters the way there is for producers. Truly, if youve done adjuster licensing, you find yourself nerdily weeping over the perfection of the Producer Licensing Model Act.

Many states, however, dont issue licenses for anyone other than a public adjuster. Or perhaps they issue public adjusters and independent adjusters. Some states, though, license public adjusters, independent adjusters, and staff adjusters. And theres also specialty adjusters and apprentice adjusters. Plus, nearly everyone requires a special license or protocol for emergency adjusters in the wake of a disaster. At the root of this complicated mess of state-by-state differences is a key question: Where is an adjusters designated home state?

Are you ready to elevate your adjuster licensing process to a business differentiator? Download our guide here.

Whats a DHS?

A designated home state (DHS) license is when your adjuster needs a license to be able to get recognized for reciprocal adjuster licenses, but their resident state doesnt offer the license they need. Instead of having to get a totally brand-new license in every state they adjust claims in and have to abide by multiple states stipulations for exams and continuing education, an adjuster can get a license in a state that they dont live in and then use that to get reciprocal licenses in (other) nonresident states. Whatever state your adjuster gets their DHS in, theyll also have to meet that states requirements for exams and continuing education to get and maintain that license.

What makes Florida attractive for DHS licenses?

Florida has a well-established reputation for issuing DHS licenses to out-of-state adjusters who need a license to transact business in multiple states with varied adjuster regulations. So, if we audited the entire U.S., the proportion of Florida adjusters is likely to be somewhat lopsided.

For one thing, a Florida adjuster license is reciprocal with many, many states. In fact, its the only state Puerto Rico considers reciprocal for adjuster licensing  Florida-licensed adjusters dont have to re-sit for the Puerto Rico exam. For another thing, Florida is one of the 16 states that have mutual reciprocity agreements for staff adjusters.

However, just because Florida can offer a convenient path forward for licensing doesnt mean its always the best choice for adjusters who want to work across the U.S. Here are three good reasons not to use Florida as your adjusters DHS.

No.1: Your adjusters resident state offers the license they need

This may seem obvious. But if we had a nickel for how often we hear people lamenting that they got a Florida DHS only to learn their resident state offers the staff or independent adjuster license they need well, wed have a noisy pocketful.

Because the standard advice for many large agencies and carriers is get a Florida DHS, some adjusters unquestioningly zone in and get that Florida DHS in complete ignorance of their own states offerings. Many states then reject these DHS licenses because they flag the adjusters address as being in a state that has the staff or independent license they need.

So, before you default to pushing your adjusters to a Florida DHS license, make sure you understand what resident adjuster licenses are available in various states.

No. 2: Your adjusters resident state offers a generic license

Sometimes a teeny text change in adjuster regulation throws hundreds of adjusters licenses into flux, like the notorious Georgia adjuster change. Essentially, Georgia removed language that had previously limited the states license to public adjusters, and other states took notice. Several states issued warnings that, after that point, any Georgia residents who had a staff adjuster DHS license from another state wouldnt be able to renew or obtain a nonresident adjuster license in those states. Instead, Georgia residents had to relinquish their DHS licenses and sit for the Georgia adjuster exam.

This variation isnt one thats super apparent  the change caused quite the headache a few years ago, and if you werent working in adjuster licensing at that time, you may be forgiven for not understanding this nuance. However, its still critical to know whether one of your adjusters might reside in a state where they could sit for the adjuster exam even if its not precisely the kind of adjuster license theyre trying to obtain.

No. 3: Your adjuster will be working in California, Hawaii, or New York

There are three states that require every adjuster wholl work in the state to sit for their state-specific exam, period, regardless of that adjusters resident state. California, Hawaii, and New York require everyone to dance to their tune, so, if you have an adjuster wholl mostly be working in one of those states, you may be best served by digging deep into those state nuances.

One reason to tiptoe carefully: Some states may delay or reject nonresident license applications if you have a California, Hawaii, or New York license since its not a license those states consider reciprocal.

Making adjuster licensing easier no matter where your adjusters are licensed

Until states make a concerted push to standardize adjuster licensing, were all stuck with the Wild West of adjuster regulation. But it doesnt have to be the pain point and liability that many carriers and agencies feel it is right now.

AgentSync Manage surfaces data directly from the National Insurance Producer Registry (NIPR), and gives you a single interface from which to manage your adjuster force. Our secret sauce bakes adjuster data like line of authority restrictions and state reciprocity into the system, so you have more confidence over the nonresident licenses and renewals you request, in addition to having always-up-to-date data on where your adjusters are licensed.

To see how AgentSync Manage can transform your adjuster licensing management, schedule a demo today.

If you want more insight into transforming your adjuster licensing into a value proposition instead of a liability, download our guide.

Topics Florida
A jury has ruled in favor of three women who alleged they were sexually abused while patients at a Virginia childrens hospital, awarding them a total of $300 million in damages.

The jury in Richmond Circuit Court on Friday awarded each woman $60 million in compensatory damages and $40 million in punitive damages, WTVR-TV reported.

A total of 46 former patients sued the Cumberland Hospital for Children and Adolescents in New Kent, which treats vulnerable children, and Dr. Daniel Davidow, the hospitals longtime medical director. In this first trial, the three former patients alleged that Davidow inappropriately touched them during femoral pulse exams.

To have a group of people  a group of strangers  to look at them, to listen to them, to tell them that they believe them, that they believe in them, it broke them down, it broke them down in tears immediately, said Kevin Biniazan, the womens lawyer. It brook us all down in tears.

Davidows attorney, Bob Donnelly, told the jury during opening statements that Davidow unequivocally denies the sexual assault allegations. Donnelly said the femoral pulse exam conducted by Davidow dates back to the 1960s and 1970s and is a standard examination.

Davidow was acquitted of felony sex abuse charges against two other former patients after a criminal trial in April.

The next civil trial is scheduled in March.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Virginia
Connecticut workers compensation insurers are recommending an overall 6.1% reduction in loss costs in the voluntary market and a 6.2% overall reduction in the assigned risk market for next year.

If the recommendation is approved, it would mark the eleventh straight year loss costs have gone down in the state. The rate filing submitted to the Connecticut Insurance Department by the insurers National Council on Compensation Insurance (NCCI) anticipates an effective date of January 1, 2025.

The NCCI recommendations for 2025 are based on premium and loss experience as of year-end 2023 from policy years 2021 and 2022 and shows improved experience relative to the organizations 2024 rate filing, which also recommended decreases.

According to NCCIs filing, Connecticuts lost-time claims saw a moderate decrease in the latest year, continuing what NCCI says has been a long-term trend. Despite a small increase for the medical loss ratio in the most recent policy year, NCCI said it expects the long-term pattern of decline in the medical loss ratios, as well as the indemnity loss ratios, to continue in 2025.

The proposed change to the assigned risk rates for 2025 reflects a decrease to assigned risk expenses and an increase to the assigned risk differential, NCCI said.

The 2025 loss cost filing continues the downward trend of recent years.

For 2024 for Connecticut, NCCI recommended and the insurance department approved an overall 9.8% reduction in loss costs in the voluntary market and a 10.5% overall reduction in the assigned risk market.

For 2023, the state allowed NCCIs proposed overall average change of -3.0% to the voluntary loss costs and no change to the 2023 assigned risk rate level.

Workers compensation costs also fell in 2022. Voluntary loss costs went down 14.1%, while assigned risk rates fell 8.2%, upon NCCIs recommendation.

Each workers compensation insurer must add other costs including commissions and taxes to the approved loss costs to compute the final workers compensation rates it intends to charge.

Employers unable to obtain coverage in the voluntary market can apply for coverage in the assigned risk market.

Countrywide, NCCI reports that the calendar year 2023 combined ratio for workers compensation was 86%, a sign of underwriting profitability, where the net written premium increased by 1%. Frequency has continued its long-term decline, while claim severity changes were moderate for 2023.

Topics Workers' Compensation Talent Connecticut
News / National

by Staff reporter

Controversial businessman Wicknell Chivayo has made headlines once again, this time by gifting Daisy Mtukudzi, widow of the late music legend Oliver Mtukudzi, a brand-new 2024 Toyota Fortuner. The gesture comes in the midst of an ongoing family feud over the late icon's estate, which has divided the Mtukudzi family.The gift from Chivayo, known for his flashy lifestyle and high-profile business dealings, has sparked a mixture of reactions. Many see it as an act of generosity, while others question the timing of the gift amid the unresolved tensions between Mtukudzi's widow and other family members.Daisy Mtukudzi has been at the center of the family dispute, with some relatives claiming they have been left out of discussions concerning the late musician's estate, including control of Tuku Music and other assets. Oliver Mtukudzi, who passed away in 2019, was one of Zimbabwe's most celebrated musicians, leaving behind a legacy not only in the music industry but also a substantial estate.Chivayo, who is often embroiled in controversy, downplayed the significance of his gesture, describing it as a "small token of appreciation" for the role Daisy played in managing Mtukudzi's legacy. He reportedly handed over the luxury vehicle during a private meeting, expressing his admiration for the late musician's contribution to Zimbabwean culture.The feud within the Mtukudzi family has been ongoing since Oliver's death, with claims that some family members feel sidelined in key decisions regarding the estate. Daisy has consistently defended her position, stating that she is acting in the best interest of preserving her late husband's legacy.While the family squabbles continue, Chivayo's gift has added a new dimension to the public narrative. Whether seen as a supportive gesture or an attempt to gain favor, the spotlight remains on the Mtukudzi family's ongoing legal and personal battles over the legacy of one of Zimbabwe's most beloved icons.
A Pennsylvania jury has awarded a $23.87 million verdict to James Spangler, a 58-year-old Harley Davidson mechanic from Manchester who suffered catastrophic injuries following a botched spinal surgery.

The verdict represents the largest published medical malpractice award in York Countys history, according to Spanglers attorney, Iddo Harel, a partner at Philadelphia-based law firm Ross Feller Casey.

In October 2019, Spangler underwent surgery at WellSpan York Hospital to relieve spinal issues. During the procedure, neurosurgeon Dr. Joseph Krzeminski mistakenly inserted a screw into Spanglers spinal cord. Court testimony indicated that during the surgery Krzeminski failed to heed monitoring alerts indicating potential neurological compromise.

Immediately after the surgery, Spangler was paralyzed and exhibited signs of neurological and spinal cord damage. However, the medical team failed to order spine imaging to gauge the extent of any injury and also waited 12 hours before undertaking follow-up surgery that could have mitigated his injuries. By that time, the damage had been done, Spanglers lawyers said.

As a result of the surgery, Spangler was left paralyzed in all four limbs with little to no voluntary movement or sensation in his lower body. He requires 24/7 care and assistance with all daily activities.

Spangler sought damages for past and future medical expenses, and lost earnings and earning capacity, as well as compensation for pain and suffering. Prior to his injuries, Spangler had worked as a mechanic for Harley Davidson for 26 years.

Defendants in the case included WellSpan York Hospital and Krzeminski, who retired soon after this incident. Spanglers complaint alleged negligence and liability  which the defendants denied. Krzeminski and the hospital claimed that the care they provided met the applicable standard of care. They also denied that Spanglers injuries were caused by their actions.

An eight-day trial was held before Judge Matthew Menges in York County Court of Common Pleas.

Topics Pennsylvania
The Pioneer tanker, sanctioned by the United States over its links to Russia-sourced liquefied natural gas (LNG), has passed through the Suez Canal with an LNG cargo, LSEG data showed on Monday.

The source of the LNG and Palau-flagged Pioneers destination were not immediately clear. The tanker is registered to Zara Shipholding Co, which has offices in Dubai and Indias Mumbai.

Shippers have largely shunned the Suez route since late last year to avoid attacks by Iran-aligned Houthis in the Red Sea.

The canal is a key trade link between Europe and Asia, channeling nearly 12% of global cargo. The current crisis is forcing shipping companies to use longer routes, disrupting their schedules and adding to their costs.

Global fuel producers, including Russia, have been forced to change the way they deliver to Asia and go around Africa.

Last month, the United States imposed sanctions on two companies and two vessels, including Pioneer, which are linked to Russias Arctic LNG 2 project, in one of Washingtons latest move to penalize Moscow for its invasion of Ukraine.

According to U.S. the State Department, Pioneer was involved in a ship-to-ship transfer of gas from Arctic LNG 2 on Aug. 25.

(Reporting by Reuters)

Topics Lawsuits Trucking
This edition of International People Moves details appointments at Liberty Specialty Markets, the MGA Pen Underwriting, and Lloyds syndicate, AEGIS London.

A summary of these new hires follows here.

Liberty Specialty Markets Promotes Nelson to CUO, UK & MENA Regions, Succeeding ONeill

Liberty Specialty Markets (LSM), part of Liberty Mutual Insurance Group, announced the appointment of Henry Nelson as chief underwriting officer (CUO) for the UK & MENA region, effective Jan. 1, 2025.

Nelson will begin transitioning into his new role over the coming weeks, working alongside current CUO Mel ONeill, who is set to retire at the end of this year.

Reporting directly to Luis Prato, president of UK & MENA, and Ronald Bolanos, CUO for LSM, Nelson will oversee underwriting strategies in the region, with a focus on delivering profitable growth, fostering a high-performance culture, and ensuring the regions operations are well-positioned to meet future industry challenges.

Nelson has been with Liberty for over 11 years and has significant cross-functional experience, holding several key roles across the business. Since 2022, Nelson has served as chief of staff. Prior to this, he was head of Portfolio Management for London and Global Products. His experience spans various classes of business, including Marine and War & Terrorism. Nelson joined Liberty from Aons Crisis Management team in 2016.

Henrys in-depth understanding of our business strategy, combined with his cross-functional experience and strong relationships across the business will be essential as we continue to grow and future-proof our operations in the UK & MENA region, commented Luis Prato, president of UK & MENA. His perspectives will strengthen our ability to deliver value for our clients, brokers and our Liberty teams.

Prato went on to thank ONeill for her 21 years of exceptional service at Liberty and leadership, which has laid the robust foundations upon which Henry will build, ensuring we maintain our focus on delivering exceptional service in the UK & MENA region.

Liberty Specialty Markets offers specialty and commercial insurance and reinsurance products across key UK, European, Middle East, US, Bermuda, Asia Pacific & Latin America markets.

***

Pens Trafalgar Marine Trades Taps Geos Colbourn as Senior UK Underwriter

Pen Underwritings marine business specialist, Trafalgar Marine Trades (TMT), is continuing its investment in broker service capabilities with the appointment of Emma Colbourn. Colbourn will join as UK senior marine trades underwriter on Tuesday, Oct. 8.

Bringing more than 25 years marine insurance experience and specialist knowledge, Colbourn joins from Geo Underwriting Services where she has been marine trade underwriting manager for the past four years. Prior to this, she carried out a similar role at KGM Underwriting Services. Colbourn will focus on the UK marine trades market, as part of a highly experienced underwriting team that looks after the risk and insurance requirements of marine businesses around the world.

Working closely with Pens dedicated business development team and broker clients, Colbourn will build out the book by providing flexible and bespoke solutions that meet the needs of marine trades be they boat builders, repairers, suppliers, equipment manufacturers, clubs or marinas. Her remit will also cover ongoing product development and systems development to further enhance the speed and efficiency of the customer journey.

When it comes to detailed knowledge of the diverse risks and specialist insurance needs of UK marine businesses, Emma is one of the most skilled and experienced underwriters that brokers could turn to, commented Paul Hartley, co-managing director of Marine at Pen.

From boat builders to repair yards, marinas to sailing clubs, and marine equipment manufacturers to chandlers, she really understands the breadth of property and liability exposures that these businesses face and the risks they need to mitigate and manage, Hartley added.

Having Emma join the leadership team at TMT to focus on the significant growth potential in the UK market will also enable fellow senior underwriters James King and Stephen Loader to dedicate their expertise to growing our marine trades business across Europe and the rest of world respectively, he added.

Under a single policy, with a single renewal date, Trafalgar Marine Trades  a trading name of Pen Underwriting Ltd.  can provide a wide range of cover to indemnify the activities being undertaken including material damage, property away from premises, goods in transit, exhibitions, marine equipment, builders risk, business interruption, money, employers liability, public, products liability and contractors all risk.

London-based Pen Underwriting is a multi-class, multi-territory managing general agent (MGA) that operates as a virtual insurer, meaning it can fulfil all the typical functions of an insurance company  from underwriting, sales & distribution, pricing & analytics, product innovation, risk & governance through to claims handling  other than the provision of insurance capital.

Topics Excess Surplus
Miller, the London-based specialist re/insurance broker, announce it has completed the acquisition of Madrid-based commercial insurance broker Bruzon Correduria de Seguros y Reaseguros.

The transaction, which first was announced in May, closed on Sept. 30 following the receipt of all necessary regulatory approvals. Financial details of the deal were not disclosed.

Established in 1990, Bruzon is one of Spains leading insurance brokers, focused on the structuring and placement of direct and reinsurance risks. The transaction marks Millers third Continental European acquisition in the past two years, and underscores Millers commitment to expanding across the UK, Europe and Asia and building out its reinsurance offering.

The company will trade under the Bruzon Miller brand to acknowledge a longstanding partnership between the two companies, with Miller having been a minority shareholder of Bruzon prior to 2015. Bruzons 32 staff will continue to be led by its founder and CEO John Bruzon.

Our ambition is for Miller to be the scale international partner of choice across our leading specialty offering, and the completion of this acquisition marks another stage in that journey, commented James Hands, CEO, Miller, in a statement. I am delighted to be expanding our already strong relationship with Bruzon and bringing our expert capabilities to a greater number of clients.

It is a pleasure to be working with Miller and to be joining them on their international growth trajectory. Together we can bring specialist solutions to clients in both the Spanish market and globally, as we continue to prioritise providing excellent solutions and services, according to Bruzon. Miller has a special culture, shares the passion we have for our clients and celebrates the same entrepreneurial approach we do. We cant wait to partner with our new colleagues.

The completion follows the announcement of Millers acquisition of reinsurance capital advisory business 4809 Brokers in June, and forms part of Millers continued international expansion.

Source: Miller

Topics Mergers & Acquisitions Agencies Excess Surplus Reinsurance
An explosive-laden drone boat slammed into an oil tanker as it sailed past the coast of Yemen, a sign Israeli airstrikes havent deterred the countrys Houthi militants from attacking commercial shipping.

The 900-foot ship was hit by an uncrewed surface vessel 64 nautical miles northwest of the rebel-held port city of Hodeidah, the UKs naval liaison in the region said on Twitter. The incident punctured a tank that holds water to keep the freighter stable when it doesnt have cargo.

UKMTO WARNING  INCIDENT 124  ATTACK UPDATE 003https://t.co/ZgjRM6rsdX#MaritimeSecurity #MarSec pic.twitter.com/KU5ifcuoKJ

 United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) (@UK_MTO) October 1, 2024

While UK authorities didnt identify the vessel, a security expert with knowledge of the matter said it was the oil tanker Cordelia Moon. That would be consistent with the ships digital tracks. The vessel was sailing back toward the Mediterranean, having recently delivered Russian oil to India.

The international maritime database Equasis shows that the manager of the of the Cordelia Moon is an Indian company called Margao Marine Solutions. An email to the firm, the only listed means of contacting it, wasnt responded to. Its insurer isnt known, according to a database maintained by S&P Global.

The master reported the crew is safe and the vessel is proceeding to its next port of call, the UK Maritime Trade Operations, which communicates with merchant shipping in the area.

Second Attack

The UKMTO also reported a second attack, this time 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, on another ship.

The vessel has sustained damage. All crew are reported safe. Authorities are investigating, it said.

The suspected attacks by Yemens Houthi rebels would mark their first on commercial ships in weeks. Israeli fighter jets bombed a seaport and several power stations in Yemen, its military said Sunday.

The Houthis, one of a network of Islamist militant organizations backed by Iran, began targeting shipping in the Red Sea in late 2023 in response to Israels war against Hamas in Gaza.

The rebels persisted with their attacks even after the US and allies launched airstrikes to deter them. Swaths of shipping firms have opted to send vessels on longer routes to avoid the area. Insurance costs have risen sharply.

The Houthis have said they are targeting Israeli- and Western-linked vessels in solidarity with Palestinians as the war in Gaza nears one-year and is feared to be expanding into a regional conflict.

The attacks come as Israeli ground forces enter Lebanon and sent soldiers into southern Lebanon, alongside airstrikes in Beiruts southern suburbs, raising the risks of a wider regional conflict. The escalation follows days of Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials.

On Monday, the Houthis threatened escalating military operations targeting Israel.

Photograph: A protestor lifts a mock drone with flags of Yemen and Palestine under a billboard depicting a ship targeted by Houthi forces in the Red Sea, during a demonstration in Hudaydah on July 26, 2024. Photo credit: Mohammed Hamoud/Getty Images

Copyright 2024 Bloomberg.

Topics Energy Oil Gas
HOWELL, Mich. (AP)  A 12-year-old boy died after he was struck by a tree that fell at a southeastern Michigan nature center where he and classmates were on a field trip, authorities said.

Declan Carter was at the Howell Nature Center when the tree fell and struck him in the head Thursday afternoon, the Livingston County Sheriffs Office said. The boy was airlifted to a hospital, where he later died.

The boy was a student at Our Lady of Victory Catholic School in Northville, and he was taking part in an overnight camping field trip at the nature center, located about 55 miles (89 kilometers) northwest of Detroit.

Sheriff Michael Murphy said chaperones were teaching the students how to make a fire when they heard a loud cracking, prompting members of the group to take off running before the 20-foot (6.1-meter) tall tree with a rotted trunk fell onto the boy, hitting him on the head.

I have no words other than its a tragic accident that just makes absolutely no sense, Murphy told WXYZ-TV.

Declan was the son of Northville City Council member John Carter, Mayor Brian Turnbull said.

Howell Nature Center CEO Tina Bruce said the center was gathering all the facts and working closely with the authorities and our staff to understand what happened today. She said the nature center would be closed Friday so staff can come together and process todays events.

Our thoughts and prayers are with the child and their family during this difficult time, Bruce added in a statement.

Topics Michigan
Boars Head, the deli meat company at the center of a deadly listeria food poisoning outbreak, is being scrutinized by law enforcement officials, the U.S. Agriculture Department disclosed in response to government records requests.

Officials with USDAs Food Safety and Inspection Service refused to share documents regarding the agencys inspections and enforcement at the Boars Head plant in Jarratt, Virginia, plus inspection reports from eight other company factories across the U.S.

The records  which FSIS acknowledged include dozens of pages of documentation  were withheld because they were compiled for a law enforcement purpose, which includes both civil and criminal statutes, according to a letter sent Friday in response to Freedom of Information Act requests submitted by The Associated Press. Releasing the records could interfere with and hinder the governments investigation, the letter said.

The AP asked for records regarding the listeria outbreak that, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, has killed 10 people and sickened at least 50 in 19 states since May. Listeria bacteria were initially detected in samples of Boars Head liverwurst and later traced to illnesses in people.

Previously released records revealed problems including mold, insects, dripping water and meat and fat residue on walls, floors and equipment dating back at least two years. Boars Head earlier recalled more than 7 million pounds of deli meat distributed to stores across the country. This month, the Sarasota, Florida-based company said it has closed the Virginia plant and permanently stopped making liverwurst.

Boars Head is facing several lawsuits filed by victims and their families.

FSIS officials did not respond to APs emails seeking additional comment about the records. Justice Department officials declined to comment on potential legal actions against Boars Head.

This week, Sen. Richard Blumenthal and Rep. Rosa DeLauro called on the Agriculture and Justice departments to work closely to determine whether to bring criminal charges against Boars Head in connection with the crisis. In response, USDAs own internal investigators are reviewing the agencys work and will decide by the end of the year whether to open an inquiry, according to Blumenthals office.

Past food poisoning outbreaks have resulted in criminal and civil penalties.

In 2020, Chipotle agreed to pay a record $25 million to resolve criminal charges over tainted food that sickened more than 1,100 people in outbreaks between 2015 and 2018. In 2015, former Peanut Corporation of America executive Stewart Parnell was sentenced to 28 years in prison after an outbreak of salmonella in his companys peanut butter killed nine people and sickened more than 700.

The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institutes Science and Educational Media Group. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
A federal judge dismissed a U.S. Department of Justice lawsuit accusing eBay of violating environmental laws by allowing the sale of hundreds of thousands of harmful products on its platform, including pesticides and devices to evade motor vehicle pollution controls.

U.S. District Judge Orelia Merchant in Brooklyn ruled on Monday that Section 230 of the federal Communications Decency Act, which protects online platforms from liability over user content, shielded eBay from liability in the civil lawsuit.

The judge said eBays administrative and technical support to sellers does not materially contribute to the products alleged unlawfulness and does not make the San Jose, California, company a publisher or speaker on sellers behalf.

Merchant also said eBay was not a seller of some of the challenged products, because it did not physically possess them or hold title. She rejected the governments argument that eBay was a seller because it exchanged the products for money.

The Justice Department declined to comment.

EBay said maintaining a safe and trusted marketplace was fundamental to its business, and said it would continue to invest significant resources to prevent prohibited items from being sold on its platform.

In its Sept. 2023 complaint, the Justice Department accused eBay of illegally allowing the sale of more than 343,000 aftermarket defeat devices that help vehicles generate more power and get better fuel economy by evading emissions controls.

The company also was accused of allowing sales of 23,000 unregistered, misbranded or restricted-use pesticides.

EBay also allegedly distributed more than 5,600 paint and coating removal products that contained methylene chloride, a chemical linked to brain and liver cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

The government said eBays conduct violated the Clean Air Act; the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; and the Toxic Substances Control Act.

The case is U.S. v eBay Inc, U.S. District Court, Eastern District of New York, No. 23-07173.

(Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Chris Reese, Jonathan Oatis and Bill Berkrot)

Topics Legislation
Global insurance broker WTW has agreed to sell its direct-to-consumer insurance distribution business, Tranzact, to the private equity firm GTCR and Recognize, a technology services investment platform, for $632.4 million.

With the sale of Tranzact, we are exiting this direct-to-consumer market and accelerating our progress toward our long-term free cash flow margin goals, said Carl Hess, WTW chief executive officer, in announcing the sale.

Hess said the transaction sharpens WTWs strategic focus on its core business-to-business and business-to-business-to-consumer offerings and simplifies its portfolio.

WTW bought Tranzact in July 2019 for $1.3 billion from investment firm Clayton, Dubilier & Rice.

Andy Nelson, president of Tranzact, and the existing management team will continue to lead the business and partner with GTCR and Recognize.

Headquartered in Fort Lee, New Jersey, Tranzact provides direct-to-consumer marketing, sales, servicing, and technology capabilities for Medicare health and life insurance plans. The company says its platform is used by several large insurance carrier partners and it has sold more than one million Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement and Life & Supplemental insurance policies.

London-based WTW said it anticipates the transaction will result in non-cash pre-tax losses and related impairment charges estimated to be between $1.6 billion and $2.1 billion, which will be recorded in the third quarter of 2024 and will be updated until the closing date of the transaction.

Nelson has been a senior executive with Tranzact since 2003 and president since 2016. GTCR said it has a longstanding relationship with Nelson. The Recognize leadership team was part of a group that had previously invested in Tranzact before it was sold to WTW in 2019 and worked with Nelson closely during that time.

The sale is expected to close by the end of 2024, subject to regulatory approvals and customary closing conditions.

Topics Willis Towers Watson
Minden Seafood, LLC, a seafood restaurant in Minden, Louisiana, violated federal law when it failed to stop a male worker from repeatedly sexually harassing a female employee and refused to rehire her after she quit, the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) charged in a lawsuit filed today.

According to the lawsuit, the female employee was a cashier at the restaurant. A coworker repeatedly and persistently subjected her to unwelcome sexual advances, including making unwanted and inappropriate comments about her body, sexually propositioning her, and following her into a bathroom and exposing himself to her. The female employee complained to the restaurant owner, who allowed the harasser to continue working with the female employee. Finding conditions intolerable, the female employee felt compelled to resign. She asked to return to work, but her request was denied.

Such alleged conduct violated Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1965, which prohibits sex discrimination, including sex-based harassment, constructive discharge and retaliation. The EEOC filed suit (EEOC v. Minden Seafood, LLC, Case No. 24-2360) in U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Louisiana after first attempting to reach a pre-litigation settlement through its administrative conciliation process.

Topics Lawsuits Louisiana
News / National

by Staff reporter

Jailed fraud suspects Mike Chimombe and Moses Mpofu claim their constitutional rights have been violated, adding they will raise the complaint with the court as trial starts this Wednesday.The business partners are accused of embezzling US$7 million state funds under a botched goats supply tender issued by government."Our clients' constitutional rights  have been violated left, right and centre," lawyer Lovemore Madhuku told journalists after court adjournment Tuesday.Madhuku said under the circumstances, his clients will not be afforded fair trial.He added, "When rights are given, they ought to be enjoyed."Madhuku is taking instructions from Ashiel Mugiya who is representing Chimombe.In court, Madhuku said he needed some time to acquaint himself with the case as he got instructed only recently.Tapson Dzvetero, representing Mpofu, also said his client will raise complaints over alleged constitutional violations.He told court that prosecutors have failed to furnish the defence with sufficient particulars they required to prepare for the trial."We are not ready to proceed. On September 20, we wrote and asked the state to furnish us with further particulars."The state wrote back and furnished us with some of the particulars but not all."We have had an engagement with my colleagues and agree that we have to sit down and identify documents they can give us and which ones they cannot. After that, we can commence the trial," he said.Witness Mabhaudhi, representing the State, consented to trial postponement.Prosecutors say the fraud charges emanate from tender documents submitted by the two suspects through a company called Blackdeck Private Limited in September 2021 when the Lands and Agriculture ministry invited bids for the supply of 632,001 goats under a scheme worth US$87,757,168 to distribute goats nationally, whose beneficiaries would pass on the animals to the next needy household after kidding.They say after winning the tender, it was Blackdeck Livestock and Poultry Farming, an unregistered company, which signed documents with the ministry.Mpofu represented the company and Chimombe acted as a witness.On further review of Blackdeck Private Limited's documents, it is alleged that the company had no valid tax clearance certificate from the Zimbabwe Revenue Authority for 2021, and that a QR code attached to the National Social Security compliance certificate belonged to a different company called Skywalk Investments.Both documents were required for one to be eligible to bid for the tender.Acting on the misrepresentations, prosecutors say the ministry went on to pay 30 percent of the contract in the local currency, an amount of ZWL1.6 billion which was allegedly equivalent to US$7,712,197 in two instalments on April 21, 2022, and June 29, 2022.Following delays in delivering the goats, the ministry engaged Blackdeck and was informed that the company had mobilised 32,500 goats across the provinces which were ready to be distributed to the beneficiaries.A verification process by the ministry at various sites, it is alleged, however showed that the company only had 3,713 goats."After the ministry of lands realised that they were being deceived by the accused persons, they then cancelled the contract on August 29, 2022," charges the National Prosecuting Authority (NPA).To date, the prosecution says 4,208 goats worth US$331,445.25 have been delivered and the ministry was prejudiced of US$7,380,751.85.The two deny the allegations.
Just as Florida property insurers face another round of storm claims, CBS News has raised questions about alleged insurer fraud stemming from claims incurred in the last major storm  Hurricane Ian, which hit much of southwest Florida two years ago.

CBS 60 Minutes, known as the longest-running investigative news show, aired a segment Sunday night that reiterated claims made by several independent claims adjusters. The adjusters have maintained that multiple insurance companies altered their repair estimates on homes damaged in Ian, in a way that lowballs and misleads insureds.

I handled 46 of them; 44 of them were changed, said adjuster Jordan Lee, one of the whistleblowers featured in the TV report. Some estimates were reduced by 98%, the show stated.

Another adjuster, Ben Mandell, said damage estimates on 18 out of 20 claims from Ian were altered. Altogether, adjusters found that six carriers had followed similar actions. They all got the memo to flatly refuse to pay for any roof replacements after the storm and to cover only repairs, he said.

The adjusters, all of whom are independent and work on a freelance basis for carriers, have turned over evidence to state authorities and have repeatedly asked that insurance company officials be prosecuted. More than two years later, no arrests have been made by investigators with the Florida Department of Financial Services.

The adjusters allegations were initially reported by Insurance Journal in late 2022, after they spoke up at a Florida House of Representatives committee hearing. Since then, NBC News and The Washington Post have produced reports on the alleged deceptive practices, but adjusters said theyve heard little about the state investigation.

A DFS spokesman told Insurance Journal that that the departments probe has not been forgotten about.

From day one, DFS has taken these allegations very seriously, and the Departments Criminal Investigations Division (CID) currently has an active and ongoing criminal fraud investigation related to this case, said DFS Communications Director Devin Galetta. Although the case is still open, I can tell you that our investigators have conducted dozens of witness interviews and collected thousands of documents of evidence.

One claim spotlighted by the 60 Minutes report came from Jeffrey Rapkin, an adoption attorney in Northport, south of Sarasota. His familys home had about half of its metal roof ripped off, with part of the plywood decking torn out near the ridge, according to the report. A neighbor filmed the destruction as it happened, showing the roof coming apart.

Rapkin held a homeowners policy Heritage Property & Casualty Insurance Co.

Lee, the adjuster hired by a claims handling firm hired by Heritage, said his inspection report estimated damage to be about $231,400. The inside of the house was soaked, he said.

But without consulting with Lee, a Heritage desk adjuster reduced the damage to about $15,000 and sent the report to the homeowners, keeping Lees name and license number on the revised estimate.

Rapkin said he was confused and angry because Lee had verbally told him that the damage was extensive. Its not unusual for carriers and claims firms to collaborate with field adjusters to revise their reports. But the adjusters in this case have said they were not consulted and revisions went far beyond standard practices.

Heritage officials said the 60 Minutes report is in error.

The accusation by adjusters  that we used altered damaged reports to deceive customers is flat wrong, Heritage CEO Ernie Garateix said in a statement. Third-party field adjusters, like Jordan Lee, always have to collaborate with those higher up in their company on their estimates and the company Lee worked for during Hurricane Ian is no longer in business.

In the 60 Minutes report, the carrier said in a statement that 42% of its adjusters estimates from Hurricane Ian had been revised downward, but 26% had been raised to a greater amount after review by a desk adjuster. Heritage also blamed its previous software for not including the names of desk adjusters on revised reports.

It is important to point out that when we did our own review of Hurricane Ian claims following 60 Minutes outreach  using a random sample of 10,000 claims  we found that 4,162 of those were revised downward, 2,583 of them were revised upward and about 3,311 of them had no change from what the adjuster reviewed, Garateix noted. This is further evidence that we work to pay every eligible claim.

The TV report appears to have had an impact. It received more than 610,000 views on YouTube and more than 3,200 comments. The share price of Heritage stock dropped sharply Monday, as soon as exchanges opened. The price had been holding steady at around $16 a share in recent weeks but dropped to about $12 by the closing bell on Monday.

Mandell said the 60 Minutes report did a good job of telling the story of how some insurers have made a habit of arbitrarily slashing adjusters estimates without looking at the property.

Others in the Florida insurance business declined to comment on the report. But some in the industry have said privately that Florida insurers, beset with a flood of unnecessary claims litigation in recent years  so much that the litigation costs led to several carrier insolvencies  have had to fight for survival by trimming claims costs any way they can, and that adjusters can go overboard in calling for replacement-level work.

To be sure, one of Mandells Florida inspection reports, examined by an Insurance Journal editor who is not a trained adjuster but is experienced in roof and construction work, showed that seemingly minor roof shingle damage should result in a full roof replacement. Florida lawmakers in 2022, before Hurricane Ian hit, encouraged repairs when they changed the states insurance law to allow more roofs to be repaired  not replaced  when storm damage affects only part of a roof.

Mandell has said that even minor shingle damage can result in leaks within six months.

Heritages CEO stressed that there are often legitimate reasons to repair a roof versus replacing a roof.

Garateix also said that some of Jordan Lees estimates had erroneously included swimming pool screen enclosures, which was not covered by the homeowners policies.

Additionally, third-party adjusters are also paid based on a percentage of the claims they write, Garateix said in the email.

He and the DFS spokesman also noted that the Florida Legislature in 2023 approved Senate Bill 7052, which now requires insurance carriers to provide more reporting, more transparency and more consumer protections during the claims process.

The 60 Minutes report also ignored the fact, even though we sent them the links and documents, that we signed an order with the Florida Department of Insurance Regulation following their investigation back in March of this year, Garateix said. This signed report also included a fine paid by Heritage where we acknowledged failures after Hurricane Ian and improvements we were committed to make.

The adjusters have said that since the early round of news reports about the doctored estimates, most insurers have backed off making wholesale changes to estimates. Instead, at least a few insurers now prefer inexperienced adjusters who may not notice problem areas, or they will demand that adjusters heavily revise their reports themselves. Some will; some wont, the adjusters said. At other times, insurers might send multiple adjusters to look at a site, until one arrives at a lower cost.

Mandell and other adjusters have said that even if practices have been changed, prosecutions are needed to send a message that deceptively revising inspection reports is illegal  and policyholders deserve better. The Rapkin home featured in the 60 Minutes segment was obviously heavily damaged, Mandell said. A large section of the roof was missing in the video and the resulting leak appeared to cause mold on part of a ceiling, plus extensive water damage to contents and appliances.

Anyone can see that it would cost a lot more than $15,000 to restore that house, Mandell said Monday.

Replacing just the half of the standing-seam metal roof that was torn off could cost more than $18,000, according to some roofing estimate calculators, available online.

The 60 Minutes report, produced by longtime CBS investigative reporter Oriana Zill de Granados, may not have been as thorough or as balanced as it could have been. The show did not hire additional adjusters or contractors to examine the damage and provide their own repair cost estimates. And it did not include much input from others in the Florida insurance industry, nor did it mention the runaway claims litigation and fraudulent and exaggerated roof claims in recent years.

For now, Mandell, Lee and the other adjuster whistleblowers said they will continue to push state authorities to prosecute insurance carriers for what they say is fraud. But they also believe little will be done.

We know why its taking so long, Mandell said. They dont want to do it.

Rapkin, the North Port homeowner, and his wife are continuing to pay premiums to Heritage while pursuing litigation against the company. An attorney for the whistleblower adjusters said on 60 Minutes that he has compiled evidence showing that carriers in five other states have wrongfully manipulated reports, claiming the estimates are the work product of the field adjusters.

Photo: Jordan Lee, interviewed by 60 Minutes Sharyn Alfonsi. (photo of the broadcast).

Topics Florida
CONYERS, Ga. (AP)  Some residents east of Atlanta were evacuated while others were told to shelter in place Sunday to avoid contaminants from a chemical plant fire that sent a massive plume of dark smoke high into the sky that could be seen from miles away.

Interstate 20 was shut down in both directions in the area, the Georgia Department of Transportation said in a post on X. Reports said traffic was snarled as vehicles backed up in the area after the closure.

The fire ignited when a sprinkler head malfunctioned around 5 a.m. Sunday at the BioLab plant in Conyers, Rockdale County Fire Chief Marian McDaniel told reporters. The malfunction caused water to mix with a water-reactive chemical, producing a plume of chemicals.

McDaniel said there were employees inside the plant but no injuries have been reported at this time, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported.

The newspaper said the billowing cloud of smoke was visible Sunday afternoon as far as 30 miles (50 kilometers) away at Atlantas international airport south of the city. It added no injuries were immediately reported.

Once we can get that chemical out of the building and allow it to burn off well be in a much better shape, McDaniel said.

McDaniel said she wasnt sure what chemicals may have been contained in the plume.

BioLabs website says it is the swimming pool and spa water care division of Lawrenceville, Georgia-based KIK Consumer Products. An automated message at the phone number on the parent companys website said to call back during business hours.

We are actively responding to an occurrence at our facility in Conyers, Georgia, a BioLab representative said in a statement provided to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Our employees are accounted for with no injuries reported. Our team is on the scene, working with first responders and local authorities to assess and contain the situation.

A small fire on the plants roof was initially contained, but reignited Sunday afternoon, Sheriff Eric Levett said in a video posted on Facebook as gray smoke spewed into the sky behind him. He said authorities were trying to get the fire under control and urged people to stay away from the area.

People in the northern part of Rockdale County, north of Interstate 20, were ordered to evacuate and others were told to shelter in place with windows and doors closed. Sheriffs office spokesperson Christine Nesbitt did not know the number of people evacuated although it covered a large portion of the community of Conyers.

Sunday evening the Newton County School District announced that classes would be canceled on Monday. Out of an abundance of caution for the safety, health, and well being of all students and staff, we have determined that the best course of action is to close all schools tomorrow, it said in a statement.

The federal Environmental Protection Agency and the Georgia Environmental Protection Division were both on site, county Emergency Management Director Sharon Webb said. The agencies are monitoring the air to give us more of an idea of what the plume consists of.

McDaniel said crews were working on removing the chemical from the building, away from the water source. Once the product is contained, the situation will be assessed and officials will let residents know whether it is safe to return to their homes, she said.

Photo: The fire at the BioLab facility in Conyers, on Sunday. (Ben Gray/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP)

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Chemicals
Insurance agents in the mountain city of Asheville, North Carolina, said they and their policyholders have been stunned by the catastrophic damage brought so far inland by Hurricane Helene, which dumped 14 inches of rain on the picturesque community and flooded hundreds of homes and businesses.

I didnt know it was possible for a place like Asheville to get something like this, said Chad McKinney, co-owner and principal agent at McKinney Insurance Services just south of downtown Asheville. I was born and raised here and have been here for 42 years. Ive never seen anything like this.

Several roads around the city were still closed Tuesday, and supplies were being airlifted to the region three days after the storm hit. McKinney said he was forced to evacuate to Charlotte before the worst of the flooding, and has been shuttling food and water to areas around Asheville for the last two days.

He had calls to his office routed to his cell phone, but with cell service out in much of the area, reception has been spotty and few policyholders had gotten through by Monday.

He noted that only a few homeowners and businesses near the swollen French Broad River carried flood insurance. Most people dont have it, McKinney said.

Its not just flooding that hit the area. At the Juengel Agency, closer to downtown Asheville, producer Brian Spieles said the agency had heard from many insureds who planned to file claims from trees falling on their homes.

One of the biggest things were seeing is the huge trees that are down everywhere. Its crazy, Spieles said Tuesday.

He noted that many parts of the city have suffered heavy damage, but most people cant get in or out while roads and bridges remain washed out. Interstate 40, one of the main arteries, is expected to be closed until some time next year.

Claims adjusters also have reported that they cant get into the Asheville area to inspect properties for claims already filed with carriers.

Its going to be a long road to recovery, Spieles said.

Government leaders agreed and called for an unprecedented response to aid people. Whole communities have been wiped out, officials said.

There are a lot of people hurting. When you dont have power, when you dont have cell phone service, when you dont have water, this is a catastrophic situation for you, North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told MSNBC on Monday night, Reuters news service reported.

At least 35 people in Buncombe County, surrounding Asheville, have died from the storm.

Large commercial, industrial and health care centers in the area also suffered heavy damage from the flooding and may be closed for weeks. Bloomberg news service reported that Baxter International Inc. has closed its biggest manufacturing facility, in Marion, North Carolina, after floodwaters moved in.

The plant is the largest manufacturer of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions in the country.

Its too early to tell whether the shutdown will affect medical procedures in the U.S., Wells Fargo analysts said in a research note, Bloomberg reported. Other makers of products that compete with Baxters, including ICU Medical Inc., Fresenius Kabi AG and B Braun SE, should be able to offset the lost Baxter supply, the note said.

In eastern Tennessee, Unicoi County Hospital, in Erwin, was flooded by the nearby river. Dozens of patients and staff had to be rescued from the roof of the hospital, Beckers Hospital Review reported. Patients were transferred to Johnson City Medical Center.

Top photo: Asheville residents wait in line for water at Mountain Valley Water, after the storm reportedly damaged the citys water treatment facility. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Collins)

Topics Agencies
Hawaiis Supreme Court will consider questions about issues that threaten to thwart a $4 billion settlement in last years devastating Maui wildfires.

A Maui judge last month agreed to ask the state high court questions about how insurance companies can go about recouping money paid to policyholders.

The Supreme Court issued an order last week accepting the questions and asking attorneys on all sides to submit briefs within 40 days.

Related: Hawaii Probe Finds No Single Factor Led to Maui Wildfire Losses

It was expected that the battle over whether the settlement can move forward would reach the state Supreme Court.

Its still a big step even though it was expected, Jake Lowenthal, one of the attorneys representing individual plaintiffs, said Thursday. He added that the fate of the settlement is riding on how the court answers the questions.

Insurance companies that have paid out more than $2 billion in claims want to bring independent legal action against the defendants blamed for causing the deadly tragedy. It is a common process in the insurance industry known as subrogation.

Related: Judge Agrees to Ask State Supreme Court About Barriers to $4B Hawaii Wildfire Settlement

We look forward to making our case before the Hawaii Supreme Court about the importance of maintaining insurers independent lawful rights to subrogation, which is the industry standard nationally and protects the interests of all policyholders, Vincent Raboteau, an attorney for the insurance companies, said in a statement.

Judge Peter Cahill on Maui ruled previously insurers can seek reimbursement only from the settlement amount defendants have agreed to pay, meaning they cant bring their own legal actions against them. The settlement was reached on Aug. 2, days before the one-year anniversary of the fires, amid fears that Hawaiian Electric, the power company that some blame for sparking the blaze, could be on the brink of bankruptcy. Other defendants include Maui County and large landowners.

Preventing insurers from going after the defendants is a key settlement term.

Related: Hawaiian Electric Pegs Loss at $1.7 Billion From Maui Fire

If they rule that the insurance companies do have an independent right to pursue their own suits against the same defendants then the settlement agreement is null and void, basically, Lowenthal said.

If the Supreme Court says that insurance companies cant do that, then the claims process can begin to get money to fire victims, he said.

One of the questions before the justices is whether state statutes controlling health care insurance reimbursement also apply to casualty and property insurance companies in limiting their ability to pursue independent legal action against those who are held liable.

Lawyers representing the insurance companies have said they want to hold the defendants accountable and arent trying to get in the way of fire victims getting settlement money.

Individual plaintiffs attorneys are concerned allowing insurers to pursue reimbursement separately will subvert the deal, drain what is available to pay fire victims and lead to prolonged litigation.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Wildfire Hawaii
California Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a landmark bill aimed at establishing first-in-the-nation safety measures for large artificial intelligence models.

The decision is a major blow to efforts attempting to rein in the homegrown industry that is rapidly evolving with little oversight. The bill would have established some of the first regulations on large-scale AI models in the nation and paved the way for AI safety regulations across the country, supporters said.

Earlier this month, the Democratic governor told an audience at Dreamforce, an annual conference hosted by software giant Salesforce, that California must lead in regulating AI in the face of federal inaction but that the proposal can have a chilling effect on the industry.

The proposal, which drew fierce opposition from startups, tech giants and several Democratic House members, could have hurt the homegrown industry by establishing rigid requirements, Newsom said.

While well-intentioned, SB 1047 does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data, Newsom said in a statement. Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions  so long as a large system deploys it. I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology.

Newsom on Sunday instead announced that the state will partner with several industry experts, including AI pioneer Fei-Fei Li, to develop guardrails around powerful AI models. Li opposed the AI safety proposal.

The measure, aimed at reducing potential risks created by AI, would have required companies to test their models and publicly disclose their safety protocols to prevent the models from being manipulated to, for example, wipe out the states electric grid or help build chemical weapons. Experts say those scenarios could be possible in the future as the industry continues to rapidly advance. It also would have provided whistleblower protections to workers.

The bills author, Democratic state Sen. Scott Weiner, called the veto a setback for everyone who believes in oversight of massive corporations that are making critical decisions that affect the safety and the welfare of the public and the future of the planet.

The companies developing advanced AI systems acknowledge that the risks these models present to the public are real and rapidly increasing. While the large AI labs have made admirable commitments to monitor and mitigate these risks, the truth is that voluntary commitments from industry are not enforceable and rarely work out well for the public, Wiener said in a statement Sunday afternoon.

Wiener said the debate around the bill has dramatically advanced the issue of AI safety, and that he would continue pressing that point.

The legislation is among a host of bills passed by the Legislature this year to regulate AI, fight deepfakes and protect workers. State lawmakers said California must take actions this year, citing hard lessons they learned from failing to rein in social media companies when they might have had a chance.

Proponents of the measure, including Elon Musk and Anthropic, said the proposal could have injected some levels of transparency and accountability around large-scale AI models, as developers and experts say they still dont have a full understanding of how AI models behave and why.

The bill targeted systems that require a high level of computing power and more than $100 million to build. No current AI models have hit that threshold, but some experts said that could change within the next year.

This is because of the massive investment scale-up within the industry, said Daniel Kokotajlo, a former OpenAI researcher who resigned in April over what he saw as the companys disregard for AI risks. This is a crazy amount of power to have any private company control unaccountably, and its also incredibly risky.

The United States is already behind Europe in regulating AI to limit risks. The California proposal wasnt as comprehensive as regulations in Europe, but it would have been a good first step to set guardrails around the rapidly growing technology that is raising concerns about job loss, misinformation, invasions of privacy and automation bias, supporters said.

A number of leading AI companies last year voluntarily agreed to follow safeguards set by the White House, such as testing and sharing information about their models. The California bill would have mandated AI developers to follow requirements similar to those commitments, said the measures supporters.

But critics, including former U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, argued that the bill would kill California tech and stifle innovation. It would have discouraged AI developers from investing in large models or sharing open-source software, they said.

Newsoms decision to veto the bill marks another win in California for big tech companies and AI developers, many of whom spent the past year lobbying alongside the California Chamber of Commerce to sway the governor and lawmakers from advancing AI regulations.

Two other sweeping AI proposals, which also faced mounting opposition from the tech industry and others, died ahead of a legislative deadline last month. The bills would have required AI developers to label AI-generated content and ban discrimination from AI tools used to make employment decisions.

The governor said earlier this summer he wanted to protect Californias status as a global leader in AI, noting that 32 of the worlds top 50 AI companies are located in the state.

He has promoted California as an early adopter as the state could soon deploy generative AI tools to address highway congestion, provide tax guidance and streamline homelessness programs. The state also announced last month a voluntary partnership with AI giant Nvidia to help train students, college faculty, developers and data scientists. California is also considering new rules against AI discrimination in hiring practices.

Earlier this month, Newsom signed some of the toughest laws in the country to crack down on election deepfakes and measures to protect Hollywood workers from unauthorized AI use.

But even with Newsoms veto, the California safety proposal is inspiring lawmakers in other states to take up similar measures, said Tatiana Rice, deputy director of the Future of Privacy Forum, a nonprofit that works with lawmakers on technology and privacy proposals.

They are going to potentially either copy it or do something similar next legislative session, Rice said. So its not going away.

The Associated Press and OpenAI have a licensing and technology agreement that allows OpenAI access to part of APs text archives.

Copyright 2024 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Topics California InsurTech Data Driven Artificial Intelligence
A black market is a transaction platform, whether physical or virtual, where goods or services are exchanged illegally. What makes the market black can be the illegal nature of the goods and services themselves, the illegal nature of the transaction, or both.

For example, while neither buying nor selling food is illegal, the transaction enters the black market when the good sold is illegal. And while its perfectly legal to sell hamburgers, when an all-cash restaurant does not remit to the state government the mandatory sales taxes on its transactions, it too has entered the black market.

Key Takeaways A black market is where illegal goods and services are exchanged or where transactions bypass legal requirements like taxes.

These markets exist due to restrictions like licensing laws, taxation, or prohibitions, driving some to operate outside the legal system.

Black markets deal with both illegal items like drugs, and legal goods traded without reporting income or paying taxes.

While they can provide goods during shortages, they also contribute to crime, violence, and tax evasion.

Why Black Markets Exist

Black markets, also called shadow markets, come about when people want to exchange goods or services that are prohibited by governments. Black markets skew economic data, as transactions are unrecorded.

Black markets also arise when people dont want to pay taxes on the transaction for legal or illegal goods or services. Some black markets exist simply because people dont realize there are laws they arent following, such as bartering and not reporting the taxable value of the transaction, or hiring a regular housekeeper or babysitter but failing to pay employment taxes.

Licensure-Driven Black Market Conditions

The licensing restrictions that governments impose on numerous occupations cause some workers to enter the black market because they dont want or cant afford to invest the time and money to obtain the required licenses.

For example, in New York City, one must purchase a license called a medallion in order to legally operate a taxi business. These medallions cost hundreds of thousands of dollars, making them prohibitively expensive for most entrepreneurs. As a result, some people may choose to operate black-market taxis without a licenseat least, until they are caught. Ride-sharing services like Uber or Lyft have further splintered the market for these types of businesses.

Trade-Driven Black Market Conditions

Sometimes participants in black markets dont want to act illegally, but because they lack the ability to work legally and need to make money, they dont report their jobs or income to the government. Such situations arise when illegal immigrants obtain jobs, when students traveling abroad obtain employment without acquiring a work visa, or when children work in violation of minimum age requirements.

Regulations-Driven Black Market Conditions

Black markets can also appear when government-imposed price ceilings create shortages. For example, if the government caps the price at which a grocery store may sell bottled water after a natural disaster, the store will quickly run out of water. Vendors will then likely appear selling water at the higher prices people are actually willing to pay. This secondary market is a black market.

Governments can also cause black markets through overregulation. An extreme example can be found in Cuba, where the rationing and ineffective central planning of communism made it difficult to purchase the desired quantities of even basic products such as cooking oil. Black markets are rampant because citizens want to buy things that are difficult to come by through legal channels. Theyre also common because its so hard to find a job.

Economy-Driven Black Market Conditions

High unemployment can give rise to black markets. When workers cant find jobs in the above-ground economy, they may turn to jobs in the underground economy. These jobs could be as innocuous as fixing a neighbors toilet (but being paid in cash and not reporting the income to the tax authorities) or as serious as selling cocaine (where not only the sale of the product itself but also the non-reporting of taxable income is illegal).

Note Many black markets now exist on the web, known as the Dark Web, where illegal items can be bought and sold.

What Can You Buy on the Black Market?

Consumers can buy and sell numerous types of goods and services on the black market. Anything that is subject to the conditions described in the previous sections can show up in the underground economy. In the United States, we tend to think of illegal drugs, prostitution, designer knockoffs, and ticket scalping when we think of black markets.

More serious and lesser-known black markets operating worldwide include those in human organs, endangered species, babies, weapons, and slave labor (human trafficking).

Black markets also exist where people might never expect to find them. Online, its possible to buy an eBay account (to falsely obtain a favorable seller rating) and to buy Instagram followers (to inflate ones perceived popularity).

The Case for Black Markets

Some people are in favor of black markets. These markets can supply goods that, while illegal (such as marijuana), arguably improve quality of life (for example, when used to alleviate pain for patients who havent found relief from legal pharmaceuticals).

Black markets can provide legal necessities that are in short supply, as in the case of everyday Cuba or a city hit by a hurricane. Also, the shadow economy makes it possible for people to earn a living who would otherwise be destitute or seek welfarepeople who would be perfectly employable under less government regulation or in an economy with a higher employment rate.

Overall, the case for black markets is highly subjective and depends on ones moral and ethical beliefs. If you think that drug use is a victimless crime, you might not have a problem with the black market for illegal drugs. If you think tax rates are too high, you might be happy to hire workers under the table.

The Case Against Black Markets

Black markets have a number of downsides, some of which are subjective, but many of which almost everyone would agree are serious problems.

Some black market goods are stolen from legitimate markets, taking business away from law-abiding entrepreneurs. While some consumers might not mind buying a stolen designer handbag at a discount because they think the retailers price is too high, others would be appalled if they knew that while they thought they were simply getting a bargain, they were really supporting an organized crime ring.

There is often a dark side to organized crime that goes beyond theft and the resale of stolen goods. This and other black-market activities are sometimes used to fund terrorism since the profits cant easily be traced.

Violence is another problem inherent in black markets. Because these markets are unregulated, participants cant rely on legitimate police protection in the event of theft or other crimes. If a drug dealers stash of cocaine is stolen by a rival dealer, he cant ask the police to help him get his merchandise back.

The dealer might send one of his employees to shoot the thief and reclaim the stolen goods, further compounding the effects of the original crime.

Another argument against black markets is that because their participants dont pay taxes, a heavier tax burden falls on law-abiding citizens.

What Is the Difference Between Gray Markets and Black Markets? The difference between gray markets and black markets centers around the legality of the products and transactions. In black markets, both the goods or services and the transactions are illegal. Examples include the sale of drugs, weapons, or human trafficking, as well as legal goods sold without reporting taxes or adhering to regulations. On the other hand, gray markets involve the sale of legal goods through unauthorized or unofficial channels, such as selling imported products without permission from the official distributor or before they are officially released. While black markets operate entirely outside the law, gray markets exist in a legal gray area where the goods are legal, but the manner in which they are sold is not fully legally compliant.

What Causes Black Markets to Exist? When certain goods or services are highly regulated or illegal, making them difficult to obtain, black markets can arise around them. They also exist when people want to avoid paying taxes or abiding by other legal processes. Some examples that may cause black markets to exist include high taxes, government-imposed price controls, and restrictions on licenses.

What Types of Goods Are Sold on Black Markets? There is a wide breadth of goods and services sold on black markets. Drugs, weapons, and counterfeit goods are common items sold on black markets. There are also black markets for human organs and endangered species. There can also be black markets for normal, everyday goods that are bought and sold to avoid paying taxes.

The Bottom Line

Black markets will continue to exist as long as there are regulations and taxes. Laws that prevent people from buying and selling desired goods and services, along with taxes that inhibit individuals from keeping what they believe is their fair share of income, create an environment where some people feel compelled to conceal their activities. This leads them to operate outside the bounds of the law.
October 1, 2024 (Investorideas.com Newswire) After moving to its Fibonacci-extension-based target, gold price declined - so far, just modestly so.

Gold's Rising Wedge Breaks: A Bearish Indicator

"So far" is the most important part of the above sentence. Perhaps writing "yet" would be even better. The yellow metal moved lower after touching its upside price target, which means that the decline we see right now is likely more than just regular profit-taking action.

As a reminder, in yesterday's analysis (entitled Gold Price Forecast for October 2024), I wrote the following:

The tops were connected to the Fibonacci tool very precisely and it turns out that gold not only reached its upside target, but it even moved slightly above it, and then moved back down in a clear manner.

Gold even formed a weekly shooting star candlestick, which is a reversal sign. We saw this candlestick previously and it was able to generate just a small move lower then, but this time IS different, precisely because of the target that was reached.

On a short-term basis, we see that gold invalidated its move above the upper border of the rising wedge pattern.

That's a sell sign, but a move below the lower border (currently close to $2,600) will serve as an even more important confirmation. And yes, we are likely to see it - especially given the very tense situation on the USD Index chart.

The USD Index is moving back and forth, below and back above the previous lows. It breaks below them and then quickly invalidates the breakdown. The bulls are simply too powerful here to allow for a breakdown.

And you know what? It seems this is about to end, and a rally will likely follow.

One of the reasons is the USD Index's tendency to reverse its course close to the turn of the month (or right at it). I marked those turnarounds with vertical, dashed lines. And, well, the turn of the month is upon us.

Undoubtedly, the most recent move in the USD Index was to the downside, so the above tendency is likely to have bullish implications.

Another thing is that a move higher from here would likely lead to a breakout above the USD's declining resistance line. This is particularly important because of the "three line break" technique.

The latter means that it is the third breakout - above the third resistance line that really matters. As you can see on the above chart - THIS is the third line. So, yes, the implications are likely to be profound.

At the moment of writing these words, the USD Index moved slightly above the third resistance line - perhaps we are witnessing the breakout right now.

Since the precious metals market tends to move in the opposite direction to the direction in which the USD Index is moving, the above is likely to add fuel to the bearish fire in gold, silver, and - perhaps most importantly - mining stocks.

GDXJ Confirms Sell Signal

And speaking of mining stocks - they just provided us with a particularly meaningful sell signal.

The GDXJ just declined, which is nothing special on its own (no wonder gold declined as well), but it is very important in terms of what kind of price move was just invalidated.

I previously wrote that the breakout above the 2022 top was invalidated - this was the critical sell signal. Yesterday, however, we saw another confirmation of this signal. Namely, the GDXJ invalidated its move above its July top.

With both breakouts being invalidated, the next move will likely be to the downside. This, of course, perfectly fits what we see on gold and USD Index charts.

Silver declined as well, shortly after its "fake out". The next step for the white metal is most likely an invalidation of the move above $30 - all previous attempts to move above $30 (in the recent years) were invalidated, and this one is not likely to be any different.

Yes, this creates a superb trading opportunity. Yes, it's very difficult to be positioned against the overwhelming bullishness. And yes, what's particularly difficult in trading and investing, is quite often the right thing to do. Of course, I can't guarantee any kind of performance on any trade, but it does seem to me that this move lower is THE one that you nobody wants to miss.

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Following the news that Lennoxs chipper will close its doors for good this weekend, there has been an outpouring of love and sadness from fans of the institution.

Irish Examiner readers have reflected on their cherished memories from the chip shop, recalling their go-to orders, memorable visits, and rapport with staff and the Lennox family.

Given its close proximity to the campus, Jackie Lennoxs was a central part of many UCC students college experience.

In the late 90s, l was a nursing student living in the Lough," says Marie Hennessy. We loved going to Lennox's for a burger or a battered sausage and the way they always threw in a few chips as well.

Sean Byrne says Lennoxs kept him well-fed when he was a student.

Lennox used to feed my friends and I during our time at UCC. We used to leave the pub at 11.30pm so we could get Jackie Delux and chips before bed, Sean says.

Even if all you had was 1.60, you knew you could get a battered sausage and chips from Lennox's to tide you over until you went home for the weekend.

My college life and great experience in UCC would not have been the same without Lennox's.

I was fortunate to meet Brian the night after my graduation in Annie Mac's pub. He was an absolute gent and I want to wish him and his family the best of luck in his future.

As well as college years, many Corkonians associate Lennoxs with their childhood. We used to go there as kids. I'm absolutely devastated to hear the sad news, says Rhona OSullivan from Cobh.

"My father always brought us to Lennoxs if we were up for a concert or a match and it was always the highlight of any trip," says Michael Walsh. "Going back to when Johnny Cash and Kris Kristofferson played in the Neptune stadium or when U2 played in the Pairc in 1993, we would always round it off with the craic in the queue for fish and chips."

Among the menu favourites was the Jackie Delux.

I can only recall the pure panic of not knowing what to order as you were summonsed the second you walked through the door, says James G. That panic led me to a Jackie Delux, chips, cheese and curry, and a bottle of Tanora that became my staple order for many years.

Lennoxs is a Cork institution and Brian a gift to this City. Thank you.

Last year Irish Examiner readers named Lennox's as the number one chipper in Cork, describing it as having the best food in Cork.

They certainly have the best food in Cork. Everything is cooked to perfection always and lots of it. The staff are very friendly and most helpful, Breda Murphy said at the time, with others describing how far they travel for a taste.

We come from Cobh a lot to go there, the food is outstanding, the staff are friendly. No chipper comes close to it, said Alan Moriarty.

For Billy Enright, Lennox's has been a constant in his life. Im 65 now and have been a loyal customer of Jackie's since I was in nappies. I'm especially partial to the traditional chips (salt and vinegar, yes please) and a potato pie.

Famous patrons of the chip shop also include Hollywood stars Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello, who shared a bag of chips in Fitzgerald's Park during a visit to Cork in 2021.
Working as a midwife and expecting her first baby, Ballincollig-based Aimee Tebay was convinced she would be a natural at breastfeeding.

I had so much knowledge, so many skills. I thought 'Im really good at helping mothers with breastfeeding so Im going to be really good myself'. I thought itd come naturally to me.

But within 24 hours of Peters birth, Aimee was experiencing pain that would over the next few weeks become excruciating. She had very damaged, cracked nipples and no matter what position she fed Peter she could not get comfortable.

I was in so much pain I was reluctant to put him on the breast. The public health nurse said he was growing a little slower than theyd like. I was probably missing his early feeding cues in those first weeks. I found myself dreading breastfeeding and feeling guilty because I wasnt enjoying my baby.

I couldnt believe I was facing a real struggle with this. I remember saying to my partner, Mark What if I cant breastfeed my son? I mightnt be able to. This, after looking forward to it so much.

Peter is now nine, and, looking back, Aimee believes her breastfeeding struggles started on the first day she put her baby to the breast. I let him latch on any old way, so the nipple damage was caused on day one and it all went downhill from there.

Aimee Tebay pictured with her children, Peter 9 and Ellen, 3, both of whom were breastfed. Picture Chani Anderson

That she ended up breastfeeding her firstborn for three years, and that by the time he was nine weeks old she was finding breastfeeding a joy is down to her perseverance  and to the support of a great midwife. I had all this knowledge and experience helping other women breastfeed and I forgot it all when I became a mother.

My midwife, Mary, explained I needed to bring my baby quicker to my breast. She recommended holding him between his shoulders rather than his head, and said I needed to hold my breasts a certain way too.

She was the medical person responsible for my care, telling me I was doing a great job. I just trusted her that itd be OK.

The mum-of-two also felt hugely supported by Mark. Hes my biggest breastfeeding champion. So many times, I wanted to stop, but he was my cheerleader  making sure I was fed and watered, that I didnt have to worry about a thing. Wed sit on the couch, Id breastfeed Peter, then Id hand him to Mark and hed do the burping. He changed all the nappies. He did all the baths  hed get into the water with Peter as a way of bonding.

The nipple healing happened slowly, but after nine weeks, Aimee was pain-free. I could actually relax and enjoy Peter and my maternity leave. I saw the real positives of breastfeeding, the convenience  Id put him in a sling and feed him while cleaning the house. I could leave the house with nothing but a nappy.

Her breastfeeding challenges inspired Aimee to train as a lactation consultant so she could help women with similar struggles. She now works as an infant feeding coordinator at CUMH. My role is to give bedside one-to-one breastfeeding support to new mothers. We also do outpatient clinics with mothers who have ongoing problems with breastfeeding after discharge.

Newborns are very clever  and so is your body

Carrigaline mum-of-three Aideen ODonovan is a midwife who also works as an infant-feeding coordinator at CUMH. Like Aimee, she started having sore nipples when her firstborn son, Lachlan, now eight, was three days old. The second night is notorious for babies wanting to feed a lot. Theyre very clever and so is your body, and its to help stimulate your supply.

Despite the soreness, Aideen worked on ensuring Lachlan was feeding well every time, but tiredness kicked in. I felt I wasnt being as mindful about him getting a deep enough latch. I tried different positions, I kept practising until he learned to open his mouth wide enough, get enough of the breast to feed right and not have it so painful.

With guidance from the public health nurse, Aideen realised after a few weeks that she had an over-supply of milk. That may have been why he was clamping down a bit, to slow the flow. I adjusted to a laid-back breastfeeding position  I reclined back and with gravity the milk flow was slowed.

Aideen O'Donovan, breastfeeding son Lachlan

Again like Aimee, Aideen found time helped  eight weeks in, things spontaneously improved and she breastfed Lachlan for 14 months.

Both mums have since breastfed their other babies. With son Finley, now four, Aideen felt more comfortable and competent with the latch, though she needed to adjust her expectations of how often he should feed and trust instead the level of frequency he looked for. Breastfeeding now two-year-old Cameron, she describes as a dream.

Meanwhile, Aimees daughter, Ellen, has just turned three. And while she did suffer nipple pain during Ellens first eight weeks, Aimee did things a little differently this time around. I pumped to give my nipples a break, and it eventually got better. There was no magic fix, just my team around me  Mark and Mary.

Returning to work when Ellen was one, Aimees priority was to continue breastfeeding. My biggest concern was how shed cope without me  and how Id find time to pump, given how busy work would be. The thought was worse than the reality  Ellen was established on solids and on a sippy cup, so I didnt have to pump volumes. I pumped during the day to relieve engorgement and to have a supply for her.

Were lucky in CUMH to have a gorgeous expressing room with comfortable chairs and the use of hospital-grade pumps. I stopped pumping at work when she was 15 months. It was my choice. Id feed her in the morning before I left and at the end of the day Id look forward to cuddling up on the couch  'milky cuddles' we called it.

Non-judgmental support at each of the 215 breastfeeding groups around the country

Breastfeeding mums need every support they can get. Illustrating this is the almost 22,000 queries the HSE online breastfeeding support service has answered since 2016  common questions include Is baby getting enough? How to treat sore nipples? and How best to express and store milk?

The statistic was highlighted in the HSEs Breastfeeding Action Plan Progress Report, 2016-2023, published ahead of National Breastfeeding Week, which starts today and runs until October 7. The report also highlights other improvements: an almost fourfold increase in the number of dedicated infant-feeding specialists available to support mothers (from 15 to 59 since 2017), a new National Infant-Feeding Education programme underway for HSE staff, and an 18% plus rise in babies breastfed at their three-month developmental check-up since 2015.

The theme for National Breastfeeding Week is Supporting you from Bump to Baby and Beyond. West Cork-based infant-feeding specialist Sheila Lucey encourages mums-to-be to consider preparing for feeding while pregnant. Our support groups are safe spaces for mothers at all stages, whether someones pregnant and thinking about breastfeeding, new to breastfeeding and has questions, or is having problems with breastfeeding. We provide non-judgmental support at each of the 215 breastfeeding groups around the country. Support people are also welcome  dad, partner, granny, grandad or trusted friend.

Meanwhile, in Ballincollig, Aimee is very slowly and gradually weaning Ellen. I believe in natural weaning: I dont offer but I dont refuse. Someone recommended a beautiful rhyming storybook, Booby Moon by Yvette Reid, for gentle weaning of a toddler  about saying goodbye on your birthday to booby milk. Maybe Ellen will finish up on her birthday  if she doesnt, thats fine too.

When Aideen went away for three nights in January, she was full sure Cameron would not want to breastfeed when she got back. We had a lovely breastfeed before I left. I remember looking into his eyes, making peace that this might be my last ever breastfeed because hes my last baby.

When I got back he wasnt that eager but after an hour or two he came up and started nuzzling in. So were still going. It could be once a day or every three days. Im in no rush to stop  the global average age of weaning is four years. Its so handy for settling him  Im happy to go with what he wants.

Join HSE online parenting and breastfeeding community: follow the HSE mychild.ie Facebook page and hse_mychild on Instagram #hsemychild #breastfeeding #breastfeedingweek
One of our most profound desires as parents is to ensure our children feel loved, secure, and supported. For years, attachment theory has been discussed as offering invaluable insights into how early interactions shape our children's emotional development and their relationships throughout life.

However, the concept of attachment theory can be misunderstood. It is unhelpful to think of attachment styles as good or bad, disordered or ordered. We all develop attachment styles over our lives  they are ways of being rather than pathological disorders.

British psychiatrist John Bowlby pioneered attachment theory in the mid-20th century, based on the belief that the bond a child forms with their primary caregiver (often the parent) lays the groundwork for how they perceive relationships later in life. This bond, or attachment, is an emotional connection that ensures the childs safety, encourages exploration, and teaches the child how to regulate emotions.

Bowlby believed infants are biologically programmed to seek proximity to their caregivers when distressed or scared. This response forms the core of attachment and, over time, teaches the child whether the world is a safe and nurturing place.

Psychologist Mary Ainsworth later expanded on Bowlbys work and identified four primary attachment styles that reflect how children respond to their caregivers.

The first and most desirable style is called secure attachment. Children with a secure attachment feel confident that their caregiver will meet their needs. This relationship does not translate into the parent being at the beck and call of the child or never leaving the childs side; on the contrary, a secure base is characterised by a child who is comfortable independently exploring their environment but knowing that they have a safe base to return to when necessary. This secure base is evident when, in the temporary absence of a parent, the child may become upset but is easily soothed upon their return.

To best provide a secure base, parents should respond sensitively and consistently to the child's needs, showing affection, patience, and emotional and physical presence. However, the child must also be allowed to individuate and explore the world, safe in the knowledge that you are there if they need you.

The second style is anxious-ambivalent attachment. We see this when a child displays clingy and uncertain behaviours. The child might become disproportionately distressed when the caregiver leaves and not easily comforted upon their return.

It is suggested that this attachment style arises when parents provide responses that the child considers inconsistent, in that they are sometimes attentive, sometimes not, which makes the child feel unsure of the parent's reliability. The difficulty with attachment anxiety is that it shapes the lens through which the child experiences events  such as a baby sibling not being disciplined for making a mess. So, they can misinterpret parental actions to confirm their preconceived notions of parental favouritism.

The third type of style is avoidant attachment. In these instances, the child tends to avoid or ignore the caregiver, showing little emotion when they leave or return. These children learn early on that expressing needs may not be met, so they distance themselves emotionally. This belief system arises from frequently dismissive or unresponsive parenting approaches. These children tend to focus on self-reliance and independence to survive, suppressing their emotional needs.

The fourth style is disorganised attachment. It's deemed the most concerning form of attachment as these children show confused or contradictory behaviours. They might seek the proximity of a parent but get angry with them and push them away when they are close by. This style can be the result of trauma or situations where the caregiver is perceived to be both a source of comfort and fear. Children are not good at interpreting nuance or decoding confusing messages and prefer clear and concrete experiences.

Why are attachment styles important to understand?

The attachment style a child forms with their caregiver significantly influences how they approach relationships as adults. Securely attached children tend to become adults comfortable with intimacy and trusting others easily. Conversely, those with insecure attachments (anxious, avoidant, or disorganised) may struggle with trust, emotional regulation, or forming healthy, close relationships.

For instance, adults with an anxious attachment style might become overly dependent on their partners and constantly seek reassurance, fearing abandonment. By contrast, those with an avoidant attachment style may have difficulty connecting emotionally and keeping partners at a distance.

Bowlbys work on attachment existed at a different time, and it is reasonable to assume parents are far more informed and in tune now about creating secure relationships with their children. However, my clinical experience would suggest that attachment issues are still an issue in children. Modern-day culture presents different challenges when shaping our childrens attachment styles. With increased technology use, changing family dynamics, and social pressures, some of these influences may be more subtle than those described by Bowlby and others in previous generations. Still, they can absorb parents attention at the cost of the young child.

One of the most common contemporary issues parents describe is their child's difficulty managing intense emotions. While there are many reasons for this behaviour, we should not neglect to consider that attachment issues may contribute to a childs struggle to regulate emotions. Whether its anxiety, anger, or sadness, it is not uncommon for children with attachment anxiety to experience frequent emotional outbursts, have difficulty calming down after minor frustrations or disappointments, or shift from one emotional state to another without any apparent cause.

Dr Colman Noctor: "Children with a secure attachment feel confident that their caregiver will meet their needs. This relationship does not translate into the parent being at the beck and call of the child or never leaving the childs side; on the contrary, a secure base is characterised by a child who is comfortable independently exploring their environment but knowing that they have a safe base to return to when necessary." Photograph: Patrick Browne

Separation anxiety

I have seen many cases of children who worry excessively about separation from their parents and have other difficulties with non-familial relationships. Attachment issues can make it hard for children to form healthy relationships with peers, teachers, or family members. They can exhibit clinginess and become overly dependent on a parent or caregiver, resulting in them needing constant reassurance and approval, which can become more pronounced when starting school or in social situations.

Other children who have attachment issues can withdraw from social interactions altogether and avoid friendships or group activities because they don't know how to connect with others. It is a mistake to associate attachment difficulties with only timid, shy, or nervous children. Sometimes, attachment issues can lead to aggression, bullying, or an inability to resolve disagreements in a calm, healthy manner.

Children with insecure attachment styles may exhibit an intense fear of rejection or abandonment, which can come across as an oversensitivity to criticism or an overreaction to being corrected. Some attachment anxieties manifest as hypervigilance, where the child is constantly scanning their environment for signs of rejection.

Attachment difficulties may be misinterpreted as defiance or acting out when expressing profound emotional struggles. Children with attachment anxiety can sometimes refuse to follow the rules from authority figures because they feel out of control emotionally. Disruptive actions or acting out in ways designed to draw attention are often because the child doesnt feel secure in getting attention appropriately.

When struggling with attachment issues, children may find it difficult to self-soothe when upset or distressed. They tend to look for external comfort rather than develop internal coping mechanisms. The most obvious observable behaviour is a childs difficulty separating from their caregivers, which can lead to challenges with attending school, going to sleepovers, or participating in activities that don't involve a parent.

Some children with attachment issues can be harder to identify because their behaviour is not objectively problematic. For example, a child might be overly obedient and eager to please adults at the expense of their own needs because they fear rejection or seek approval.

More recently, children with attachment difficulties may turn to digital platforms  such as social media or video games  to fill emotional voids, creating an attachment to technology in place of real-world relationships. This can lead to excessive time online or in virtual worlds to avoid confronting real-life relationships or emotions, leading to difficulty interacting face-to-face with peers due to a preference for digital communication.

Children with attachment issues can struggle with transitions or disrupting their routines. Whether its a move, a change in caregiver, or even shifting from one activity to another, they may become highly anxious or upset when faced with a change, even if it's a different seating arrangement at school. They can also resist trying new experiences, preferring the safety of the known and familiar.

So, what can we do to help a child with attachment issues?

The advice here is straightforward but not easy to execute. Parental understanding of the origin of the childs behaviour is the key to responding effectively to it. If you can identify that the child is acting from a place of anxiety, you can effectively support them to feel safer in the world. Early recognition of attachment issues can help parents and caregivers take proactive steps to address underlying emotional needs. By fostering a secure attachment through consistent care, emotional attunement, and supportive relationships, you can help your child build resilience, develop healthier social skills, and feel more secure in themselves and their environment.

While I have discussed attachment styles in their more extreme forms, it is important to realise we all have varying degrees of attachment anxieties which impact our lives. Secure and insecure attachment patterns can influence our choices of career, living location and intimate partner.

Dr Colman Noctor is a child psychotherapist
News / National

by Staff reporter

Police in Highlands, Harare, have launched a manhunt for two male suspects in connection with the death of a 21-year-old man, Wayne Kudakwashe Gamble, whose body was found floating in a swimming pool. The tragic incident occurred following a party Gamble had attended with former schoolmates on Sunday.In a statement shared on X (formerly Twitter), police confirmed that the body of the deceased was retrieved and transported to Parirenyatwa Hospital mortuary for a post-mortem to determine the cause of death.In a separate incident, police in Epworth are investigating a murder case that took place on Sunday near Epworth High School. According to authorities, suspects Evidence Shirichena and Elvis Shirishena allegedly stabbed their cousin, Justice Magombeze (30), during an argument over US$3.Magombeze was rushed to Chitungwiza Central Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries while receiving treatment. Police have since launched a manhunt for the two suspects, who are currently on the run.Authorities have urged anyone with information on the whereabouts of the suspects in either case to come forward and assist with investigations.
The last morning James and I spent together was Wednesday, November 29, 2023  he was about to fly to Tanzania to climb Mount Kilimanjaro.

That morning he made a special breakfast for me and the three children. We had a lovely morning. We left just before him  I was bringing the kids to school, heading to work myself. James and his friend, Alan, were going to Dublin Airport together. We were joking and laughing going out the door.

On the Friday, we video-called him at 6.30am before he started climbing  hed have no signal on the mountain. Thats when I realised: "This is massive, what hes going to do!" The kids were shouting: "Keep going Dad, dont give up." We were all so excited. So that was it  our last call.

He was planning to be at the summit at sunrise on his 40th birthday. We were all missing him, but I said: "The longer we dont hear from Dad, the better  it means hes climbing." We had no worries about him. He was super-fit, super-healthy. The doctor said James had an athletes heart  he bragged about that!

Grace O'Connor with her husband James, their daughter Lilly, sons Chris (in black) and James at the front.

So Tuesday, December 5: It was Chriss 16th birthday. I brought my youngest, eight-year-old James to school. He had a parent-teacher meeting and he got a lovely review  I couldnt wait to tell his dad so I texted, though I knew he wouldnt see it til he came off the mountain.

At about 2pm I was with Lilly, then 12, at the counter at Next. A WhatsApp call came, a number I didnt know. It was Alan. He said: "I dont know how to say this Grace." I thought: "Theyve made the summit." And Alan said: "I dont know how to say it, but Jimmy had a heart-attack and he died." I said: "What?" I hung up. Lilly saw me sitting on the floor near the till in Next. Loads of people were gathering around, I just couldnt breathe, I couldnt breathe.

The woman in Next brought us upstairs. I told her: "My husband had a heart attack, he died." Lilly said: "No, you said he just had a heart attack." And then I thought maybe I heard Alan wrong, so I rang back and I said: "Where is he? Is he definitely gone?" And Alan said: "Im so sorry, hes gone, Ive seen him." I couldnt believe it. My mind went blank.

My poor daughter  Ill be forever guilty. I couldnt phone anyone, couldnt say the words. So Lilly phoned my sister and told her. I phoned a mum from school to pick up my youngest. I phoned Jamess brother, told him  I heard him repeating the words "James is dead", and his wife in the background screaming, and I thought this is real, this is happening.

James was so close to his family. None of us told him "dont go". If any of us had, he wouldnt have gone. I didnt think hed break a nail  he was coming back to us.

Chris was waiting at home. It was just horrendous. I thought Im never going to be able to tell small James, crush him. Chris said: "Mammy, Ill do it." I couldnt allow that... hes my baby too... I asked Lynn, the mom from school, to bring James home.

James and Grace O'Connor with their children, Chris, Lilly, and small James.

The saddest thing for me... he came in the door, so happy, saying it was nice, going to Charlies house. And I thought Im going to take this from him, his innocence, happiness, this pure, pure child. I sat him down He just wailed, screamed "no". An hour later he was playing on the Xbox, laughing. I thought am I going to have to tell him again. Afterwards I learned this is a shock response.

Weve a beautiful video of James from the night before he died, saying "Im doing this for ye guys, love ye", blowing kisses at the phone. He was so perfect, so healthy. I watch that video, think how was he gone a couple of hours later?

Alan wasnt with him when he died. James had turned around to go back down  he knew at that stage it was too much. The guide who was with him told us James wanted to rest a minute and he lay on a rock. The sun was coming up. James said: "Thats so beautiful, Ill take a picture... no, Im just going to enjoy it." He was watching the sunrise when he took his last breath.

James did not have a heart attack  he died from altitude sickness.

My heartbreak for James  the pains very real. But watching my kids, who just want to go out and kick a ball with their dad, something so simple they cant have. I just think: "Come back, go play with the kids."

And not having him to talk about things, to parent with me, is very hard. Without him, I question everything. People have said: "Youre young, beautiful, youll find someone else." As if you could replace someone. He was so unique and kind and supportive.

Hed always want us to go away on a break, just the two of us. Id say no. Id want to bring the kids. Id say. "Were young  well have years to do our nights away together." To have no inkling  and no-one to tell him not to go.

Grace OConnor participates in the Cook Medical Mini-Marathon, Limerick, Sunday, October 6, running 5K, along with her children.
Throughout the country today, many conversations will have revolved around the Budget 2025.

However, as Jack Chambers presented his first, and this Government's last budget, there were an abundance of non-budget related stories making headlines across the nation.

Here's a round-up of today's non-budget news.

Middle East

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that Iran has fired missiles at Israel, as air raid sirens sounded across the country.

Residents were ordered to shelter in place and remain close to bomb shelters.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences if Iran attacks.

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari released a video statement on Tuesday saying the air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.

On Tuesday morning, the Irish Defence Forces said that Irish troops serving their peacekeeping missions in Lebanon are "accounted for and safe".

Intense fighting has since erupted between the Israeli military and Hezbollah after Israel launched a ground invasion on Monday night.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy added while "the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility".

Jackie Lennox

The State must work harder to ease the burden on small business, the Tanaiste has said as his native city mourned the loss of a famous family-run chipper.

Micheal Martin was reacting to the shock news the much-loved Jackie Lennoxs fish and chip shop on Corks Bandon Road, which has been serving the city for 73 years, will serve its last orders on Sunday, with the loss of 30 jobs.

Its owners, brother and sister Brian and Frances Lennox, whose father, Jackie, founded the business in 1951, said they were, to an extent, victims of their own success as Brian blamed difficulties finding staff and the sheer burden of running a small business in Ireland today as among the reasons for the closure.

Mr Martin, who paid tribute to the Lennox family for their service over the decades, said the Government needed to reflect on Brian's comments.

Pfizer job cuts

Pharmaceutical giant Pfizer will cut more jobs across its Irish operations as the company continues to struggle with a decline in post-pandemic sales.

It is understood that 210 jobs will be impacted by the move, with these plans set to impact staff across Ringaskiddy in Cork, Grange Castle in west Dublin and Newbridge in Kildare.

Some of the redundancies will happen by the end of 2024, with all jobs to be cut by the end of 2025.

Belfast cruise ship

A luxury cruise ship which was stranded in Northern Ireland for four months remains in Belfast Lough hours after it left the citys harbour.

Chief executive of Villa Vie Residences Mike Petterson said the liner still had to complete administrative paperwork before it could finally depart to undertake a three-year round-the-world cruise.

Villa Vie Odyssey had been scheduled to leave the city in May but was delayed as it needed repairs.

Passengers cheered, applauded and hugged the liners chief when he confirmed on Monday night that they were ready for departure from Belfast port.

However, the cruise ship remained in Belfast Lough on Tuesday evening. Information on the Belfast Harbour website indicated that it was due to depart at 11pm.

XL Bully ban

From Tuesday, it is illegal to import, breed, sell and rehome XL bully dogs  the first time a specific dog breed will be banned in Ireland. A full ownership ban comes into effect on February 1.

An animal rescue shelter in Limerick has seen a surge in the number of dogs being surrendered in advance of the countrywide ban.

The restrictions come after a number of fatal and life-altering attacks involving the XL bully breed, including the death of Nicole Morey, 23, who was fatally attacked by her own dogs in her home in Limerick.

Hurricane Helene

Desperate residents of the storm-battered mountains of western North Carolina lined up for water and food, hunted for mobile phone signals, and took buckets from creeks to flush toilets days after Hurricane Helenes remnants deluged the region.

Exhausted emergency workers toiled around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach people stranded by the storm, which killed at least 133 people across the southeast, a toll expected to rise.

71-year-old Aidan Bowles, originally from Glanmire, was among those who lost their lives in the devastation.

Mr Bowles was named after he was tragically killed when Category 4-level Hurricane Helene ripped through the US.

Court

There were a number of high-profile cases before the courts on Tuesday. They included:
The Irish Examiner took to the streets to shed light on how Irish people will be impacted by the 1 hike on cigarettes coming into effect from midnight as part of Budget 2025 measures.
A daughter and son of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were remanded on bail on Tuesday charged with violently assaulting two men at the four-star Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare, Co Limerick.

Alison Chawke (40) of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, is accused of gouging the eyes of one of the alleged victims, and kicking another in the head a number of times before biting him on the side of his face at the hotel on November 9, 2023.

It is also claimed Ms Chawke threw a pint glass at the men and a number of other patrons who had been trying to intervene.

Bill Chawke, 30, of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, was charged with two counts of assault causing harm, in which he allegedly threw punches at both men, and hit the head of one of the men off a bar counter.

Garda testimony

On Tuesday afternoon, Garda Ronan Hayes of Adare Garda Station gave evidence before Newcastle West Court of arresting and charging both accused, who are each being represented by solicitor Michael Finucane. Garda Hayes told the court that neither accused made any reply when charged.

Inspector Barry Manton told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that they be dealt with by summary disposal, which means the district court judge hears a summary of the alleged facts before deciding if they will allow the case to proceed in the district court.

Bill Chawke (right) leaving Newcastle West court on Tuesday. He is charged with two counts of assault causing harm, in which he allegedly threw punches at both men, and hit the head of one of the men off a bar counter. Photo: Liam Burke/Press 22

Outlining the prosecutions case, Inspector Manton alleged that, at around 12.30am on the date in question, Alison and Bill Chawke were sitting in the hotel bar.

Initially, the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims, before they put themselves in the personal space of the staff and the two men and it is alleged the (two) accused began a violent altercation, Inspector Manton said.

A number of other customers at the bar tried to break it up, however the altercation continued out of the bar and ended in a hallway at the hotel, according to Inspector Manton.

It was all captured on CCTV, he said.

Inspector Manton told judge Carol Anne Coolican: It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number one, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.

The Garda Inspector said it is also alleged that Mr Chawke threw a number of punches against both injured parties.

Insp. Manton alleged that Alison Chawke gouged the eyes of injured party number one, went behind the bar and picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including other patrons that were trying to break it up.

Alison Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek, alleged Insp. Manton.

Jurisdiction

After viewing all available footage, the judge said: Im refusing jurisdiction and so the matter will go back before the DPP.

He granted an application for an eight-week adjournment to allow the State prepare a Book of Evidence and she said the accused are entitled to their presumption of innocence.

The judge remanded the two on bail, on their own bonds of 100 to appear before Newcastle West District Court for service of a Book of Evidence on December 3 this year.
A former member of the Defence Forces who sexually assaulted two army colleagues at an overseas military base three years ago has been given suspended six-month sentences by a military court.

However, former sergeant, Richard Muldarry, aged 44, from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was sentenced to five days detention in the Curragh Camp for disorderly behaviour as a result of being drunk contrary to Section 142 of the Defence Act 1954 on the same occasion.

Military judge, Colonel Michael Campion, also fined the defendant a total of 5,100 and issued him with three severe reprimands and three reprimands after being convicted of 10 different offences including three charges of sexual assault involving two victims  one male and one female.

Col Campion observed that he would have been demoted to the rank of private and been discharged from the Defence Forces as punishment if he was still a serving member.

The former NCO, who was a leading figure in the LGBTI support network within the Defence Forces, Defend with Pride, during his military career, was found guilty of seven charges at a limited court martial last April following a two-week trial after earlier pleading guilty to three other offences.

They included exposing his genitalia after pulling down his underpants in front of his female victim, simulating a sexual act in front of another soldier, and presenting his buttock in the direction of another colleague.

'Episode of disorderly conduct'

Col Campion described the events of the night as an episode of disorderly conduct fuelled by excessive alcohol lasting over three hours".

All the offences took place between 2am and 5.30am on November 13, 2021, at an overseas military base at a time when the defendant had been the victim of an alleged assault following a drunken row with a close friend.

The location of the military base cannot be published as a result of extensive reporting restrictions imposed by Col Campion on foot of an application by the Director of Military Prosecutions.

The defendant was found guilty of sexually assaulting a female colleague who had come to his assistance by placing his hands on her leg, without her consent, and moving them up her thigh.

A short time later, he sexually assaulted the same victim again when he placed his hand on the inside of her leg and moved it towards her groin.

The former soldier also sexually assaulted a male colleague when he placed his arms around him in a hugging gesture which caused the victim to apprehend that the accused was attempting to kiss him.

Sexual reference from 'American Pie'

The court martial heard Mulderry had sounded like a broken record as he repeatedly remarked to several colleagues including both sexual assault victims: Just one time at band camp  a sexual reference from a line in the movie, American Pie.

Kathleen Leader, defending, had argued he was entitled to a special verdict of guilty by reason of insanity as it was likely he had suffered concussion from blows to his face during the row and was not responsible for his actions.

At a sentencing hearing at McKee Barracks on Tuesday, Col Campion said aggravating factors in the case included the fact that the defendant was an experienced NCO with 22 years of military service and the fact that his conduct involved 14 members of his unit on the night.

Impacts on victims

The judge noted the accuseds female victim had told the court that was shocked, angry, and disappointed at Mulderry.

In a victim impact statement, she outlined how she suffered anxiety, stress and panic attacks over what had happened and how she had also felt let down by both her unit and the Defence Forces.

The other sexual assault victim claimed the offence had impacted him negatively in terms of sleep pattern and general wellbeing as well as going on further overseas trips.

Col Campion acknowledged that the defendant was previously of good character and had been provided with references about his caring, empathetic nature and reliability. He also noted Muldarry had shown remorse and apologised for his conduct.

Muldarry has seven previous disciplinary findings against him while serving in the Defence Forces including two for being absent without leave, one for being disobedient to a superior officer, and one for being intoxicated.

The defendant, who is a part-time carer for his elderly parents, resigned from the Defence Forces in 2022 while he also resigned from a civilian job following his conviction by the court martial earlier this year.

Sentencing

Sentencing Muldarry to six months detention on each of the three sexual assault charges, Col Campion suspended the sentences for a period of 12 months but ordered him to be detained for five days for being drunk.

He also imposed fines for all 10 offences ranging from 200 to 1,250 and totalling 5,100 which he ordered should be paid by October 31.

The judge directed that no post-release supervision order was warranted.

Col Campion said the range of effective punishments had been restricted by the fact that the defendant was no longer in the Defence Forces.

The judge observed that alcohol was at the core of the offences which he observed was a common feature of cases that came before courts martial.

He also granted an application by counsel for the Director of Military Prosecutions, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Coffey, to lift a restriction on publishing the name of the defendant.
Businesses in Cork City centre will be paid a small grant if they agree to leave their lights on at night as part of a new campaign to help create safer and cleaner city streets.

The Cork Business Association will pay a 250 subsidy to participating businesses in its Leave A Light On initiative which will run until January.

It said more gardai are needed but that, in the meantime, it plans to work with all stakeholders on positive steps towards creating a safer and cleaner city.

The night light initiative, a Cork Nighttime Economy initiative supported by the CBA, is just one part of a much wider association campaign that will see it continuing to advocate for more gardai, for a better street-cleaning regime, and for more greening initiatives  details of which will be unveiled at an association breakfast event on Tuesday.

The campaign is one of the outcomes of its five-year strategic plan launched earlier this year which is structured around five working groups, or "pillars", one of which is a "safe and clean" city.

The association's "safe and clean working group" will be launched on Tuesday, chaired by Total Planning Solutions' Clara ONeill, and supported by other business leaders  including Kate Neville of Nevilles Jewellers, Kevin Cotrell from the Old Oak, and Lisa McCarthy.

The Cork Business Association president, Aaron Mansworth, said they will work with the city council and gardai to ensure high standards of safety and cleanliness in the city centre, and will manage several new initiatives to foster a further sense of safety and community pride.

Starting in October and running through January, we are encouraging businesses to leave at least one light on in the evening, creating a safer, more inviting atmosphere in our city, Mr Mansworth said.

This initiative is about safety, but also about fostering community spirit. With the use of energy-efficient LED lights, it is both sustainable and cost-effective

"[The association] will provide a subsidy of 250 to each participating business to offset any extra costs.

He said there is a greater garda presence in the city since the summer, with a 50% reduction in begging reported.

Additional resources

While retail theft has risen, he said this is due to improved data collection which is helping gardai secure additional resources.

The association hopes for a decision soon on its application for Department of Justice funding for community safety wardens in the hope of deploying them in the first quarter of next year.

"This will give us critical resources in the city at key times. This is not to replace gardai, but to provide additional resources, Mr Mansworth said.

He said the association is in regular talks with the council about securing more funding for more street cleansing and power washing.

A new Cork Cleaning and Greening initiative focusing on deep cleansing, planting, painting and revitalising streetscapes, encouraging civic pride street-by-street, is due to start soon, the association said.

It will launch its Christmas window display competition soon, and it is working with Lets Play Cork to attract families into the city during the festive season.

It also hopes to launch a Coffee House Lates initiative in November to encourage coffee shops to stay open late to demonstrate how they can be transformed into vibrant social hubs and offer an alternative evening out.
The heartbroken son of a Cork man who was killed in a hurricane in Florida this week has said: The world has lost a legend.

71-year-old Aidan Bowles, who was originally from Glanmire, moved to the US over three decades ago. His son Sam said his father had planned to visit Cork again in the near future.

He had been employed as an attorney and publican during his lengthy career, but prided himself on being Irish and returned home regularly.

Mr Bowles was named after he was tragically killed when Category 4-level Hurricane Helene ripped through the US. The death toll from the hurricane has now reached at least 130. Hundreds more people are still unaccounted for across several states, and US President Joe Biden is to travel to North Carolina to monitor rescue efforts as the White House's response has become a bitter topic in the election.

It tore into the Indian Rocks Beach in Pinellas County, Florida, where residents were told to evacuate.

Sam posted an image of his late father on Facebook, saying: The world lost a legend to Hurricane Helene in Florida on Thursday night.

Rest in peace Aidan Bowles."

He continued in a second post: I dont even know what to say. Today I not only lost my dad, I lost my Superman.

This guy was the strongest and smartest person Ive ever met in my life. He truly made an impact in his life on not just me but everyone he came into contact with.

Im truly lost without him, we were not only father and son but best friends, business partners, and my hero

Unfortunately, my father didnt make it through Hurricane Helene last night and passed away in his home early this morning.

I will be arranging a celebration of life for him when I have a chance. I have an immense amount of things to deal with right now, so please be patient," he added.

In an emotional tribute, Sam told of how his father, who adopted him when he was a year old, had emigrated to the United States at the age of 20 with just $800 in his pocket and went on to have a very successful career as an attorney in New York.

He was a superhero. He adopted me when I was a one-year-old. He has done so much for me and for everyone he has come into contact with. He was so funny. He knew how to say it and when to say it.

The remains of Mr Bowles were discovered in his one-storey cottage on Indian Rocks Beach a day after the storm by his neighbour John Comer.

It is understood that Mr Comer discovered Mr Bowles body trapped under a dresser. Pinellas County Sheriff's Office said Mr Bowles appeared to have drowned from rising water that entered the residence.

Speaking to RTE News from his home in Kentucky, Sam recalled the last conversation he had with his dad was the night before he died.

"I called him around 10pm last Thursday night, and he told me there was nothing to worry about, that everything was fine, and the storm had already passed him," he said.

But the storm surge is what caused the issue

"The next morning around 9.30am, I got a call from the police to say my father was deceased in his home and there was about eight to 10 feet of water surrounding it."
The State must work harder to ease the burden on small business, the Tanaiste has said as his native city mourned the loss of a famous family-run chipper.

Micheal Martin was reacting to the shock news the much-loved Jackie Lennoxs fish and chip shop on Corks Bandon Road, which has been serving the city for 73 years, will serve its last orders on Sunday, with the loss of 30 jobs.

Its owners, brother and sister Brian and Frances Lennox, whose father, Jackie, founded the business in 1951, said they were, to an extent, victims of their own success as Brian blamed difficulties finding staff and the sheer burden of running a small business in Ireland today as among the reasons for the closure.

Mr Martin, who paid tribute to the Lennox family for their service over the decades, said the Government needed to reflect on Brian's comments.

There is no doubt that the regulatory framework around small businesses has become more burdensome, he said.

American actor Joseph Manganiello enjoying Jackie Lennox's chipper food in Cork City.

Those regulations come from a range of sources, and in and of themselves, they are individually there for what is probably a good reason.

But I think we need to look at the cumulative impact they have, and the burden they place on small businesses. And I think we as Government need to work harder to ease that burden on small businesses.

News of the Lennox closure emerged on Monday night after Brian told staff first.

He told the Irish Examiner later he had hoped the business would make it to 75 years but that was just "a step too far".

The decision to cease trading had been very difficult but was not taken for the lack of business, he said.

From a business perspective, we are at our busiest, the queues are unreal, but the stress of trying to run a business on our own, it's difficult. And finding staff has been a huge issue too, he said.

"Paperwork has become a burden. Every year, there seems to be more paperwork to fill in. The powers that be need to embrace small family businesses.

Its just become tough, very tough to run a small family business.

Former city councillor and senator Dino Cregan, who runs the Dinos chain of chippers, paid tribute to the Lennox family and said Government seemed disconnected from the reality facing small business owners.

The Fry Chipper in Ballincollig also paid tribute to the Lennox family, and acknowledged the impact it has had on the industry, particularly in Cork.

Duncan Lennox, co-owner, at Jackie Lennox's on Bandon Road, Cork. Picture: Denis Minihane

Joanne Sheahan, whose parents, Tim and Rita Murphy, founded their business almost 40 years ago, said: You've always set a high standard, and your contribution will be sorely missed. At almost 38 years in Ballincollig between myself and my parents Tim and Rita Murphy before me, along with my sisters, Olivia and Linda, we can only aspire to see 35 more. Congratulations on an amazing run.

Former Lord Mayor, Mick Finn, described Lennoxs as an institution.

It was a family business that grew from a small acorn into an oak  recognised all over Ireland and beyond, he said.

Its closure will leave a huge void on Bandon Road and so many people are upset over it.

The shop was also a great source of employment for locals and staff were well looked after.

He said his thoughts were with Frances, Brian, Duncan and the Lennox family for their commitment to the area for so long.

I would hope that perhaps a buyer could be found and it could be kept open as one of Corks most loved chip shops, he said.

The chipper opens on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, with last orders on Sunday.
You could nearly write a play about the Taoiseachs current dilemma. One act, maybe. Suitable for the Amateur Dramatics Festival. Id call it Channelling Charlie, and it might go like this.

The Scene: Government Buildings. The Taoiseachs office. Simon Harris is at his desk. It is late in the evening but hes still working. Theres a knock on the door and Micheal Martin comes in. They sit in armchairs in front of the fireplace.

Simon Harris (SH): Thanks for coming over Micheal. I know its late and weve had a long week. But we have to try and settle this once and for all. The worst thing we could do is fall out over it.

Micheal Martin (MM): Taoiseach, you know my view. Look, Ive always said, publicly and privately, constitutionally this is your call. God knows there are few enough things a Taoiseach can do off the bat, but dissolving the Dail is one of them. And pretty soon is the time to do it.

SH: I know youve always said that, Micheal. But Im very far out on a limb here. Ive said several times were going to run our course. And actually, its what I want to do.

MM: Yes, I know, Simon. But all my lads tell me youd be mad to wait. Were about to have the best budget in years, and then were going to wait until everyone has forgotten it before we go to the country. Were never going to have a better chance than right now. And look at the polls  sure, theyre better for you than for me, but well both do ok 

SH: But Ill be branded a liar if I change my mind.

MM: Look, thats the sort of thing the Taoiseach has to say. Its like devaluing the currency. I wasnt a Cabinet minister back then in the early 90s but I remember full well we denied it till we were blue in the face  right up to the moment we did it. It was Bertie and Spring had to carry the can for that, but they both survived.

SH: Still, Ive made up my mind Micheal. Im not going to go into the House and sit there while a budget is being presented and have the entire place thinking Im a chancer. Therell be no early dissolution. And you mentioned Bertie  whatever else about him, one of the things hes remembered for is running full Dail terms.

MM: No disrespect Simon, but I think youre crazy. Everyone is ready now. Even your own backbenchers, the few that arent packing it in, are mad for the hustings now.

The budget is set to be a good day for families and pensioners in particular.

SH: Thats another problem, dont you see? I have to replace a lot of them and its going to take time. If were off and running in a fortnight Ill be offering a load of strangers to the electorate. Ive got to have a couple of months to get them properly ready. So what I need you to do is to help me figure out how we keep the vibe of a good budget going till the spring.

MM: Not easy, Simon, even though weve constructed what will hopefully be the best budget ever seen. And well still have a massive surplus at the end of it! Maybe, just maybe, it can be done. If you decide to channel Bertie.

SH: Are you crazy? Channel Bertie? What do you want me to do  put my savings in a sock drawer?

MM (laughs): Ah no, nothing that drastic. Actually, it might be more accurate to suggest channelling Charlie.

SH: Charlie? Now I know youve gone mad. Haughey will never again play any role in our politics.

MM: I didnt mean Haughey. God knows Ive spent most of the last 10 years getting him out of my system. I meant McCreevy.

SH: What has he to do with anything?

Charlie McCreevy: When finance minister in 2001, he announced an increase in child benefit on budget day which didn't kick in until just before the general election the following May.

MM: You dont remember, do you? Bertie had the same dilemma as you back in 2001, and Charlie solved it for him brilliantly. He was Berties finance minister until Bertie decided he had to become a socialist. Bertie wanted to complete a full five-year term, and that meant he had to go at the latest in May 2002. The economy was going gang-busters at the time, but the annual budget was in December 2001. Same dilemma as you, Taoiseach  a huge gap between the budget and the election.

SH: I wasnt around then Micheal, youre going to have to refresh my memory. So what did McCreevy do?

MM: Well first of all, and it was pure genius, he announced on budget day that he was increasing child benefit by a huge amount at the time  I think it was 25 for every child.

SH: But were going to be doing something similar.

MM: But thats where the genius comes in. He said that for administrative reasons he wouldnt be able to pay it until May but it would be backdated for a month. Every mother in Ireland ended up getting a massive payment at the start of May  and the general election was a week or so later!

SH: We could do something like that. A big pension or child benefit increase  or both maybe  to become due in January, but paid in February, with a months back money, just in time for a Valentines Day election. But how do we organise it?

MM: Listen, were the people who organised the bicycle shed. I think people would believe us if we said there needed to be computer work done over Christmas, and we werent going to be able to implement the increases in January.

SH: It might work all right, but is it enough?

MM: Youve forgotten the other thing McCreevy did before that election. He didnt do it on budget day, but when he published his Finance Bill a month or so later, he unveiled the famous SSIAs. And it was glorious. For every four euros you save, well give you one more. And when you cash it in in five years, well make it really tax efficient. From the moment he announced them the newspapers were full of nothing else until the election. The opposition  including your lot  was completely flummoxed by them. They hated them but couldnt oppose them. And by the way, by the time of the following election people were cashing them in goodo.

SH: Micheal I think youre on to something. All those young people trying to get on the housing ladder  we could announce a special savings scheme. Every euro they save well double it. That sort of thing.

MM: Now youre talking Taoiseach. With a bit of imagination, we could do this  make the budget last three months and keep our promises at the same time. Why dont we get that young Jack Chambers in here tomorrow and show him how things used to be done in the good old days?

The Taoiseach goes to the drinks cabinet in the corner and returns with a couple of beers. After a quick toast, they both leave and the office is plunged into darkness.
It had been expected for months  the party had been leading the polls since 2022. Nor was it exactly a crushing victory: far from an absolute majority, and just two points more than its previous highest score. It may not even end up in government.

But the first place finish in Austrias parliamentary elections by the far-right, anti-immigration, Russia-friendly Eurosceptic Freedom party (FPO) nonetheless marks another significant step in the radical rights onward march across Europe.

The FPO, founded by former Nazis, has been in power before, as the junior partner in short-lived coalition governments with the centre-right Austrian Peoples party (OVP) in 2000 and 2017, but it has never before finished first in a national election.

Its performance on Sunday, with a score of 29%, represents a remarkable comeback after it looked close to collapse barely five years ago, when the cash-for-influence Ibiza scandal forced its then leader to resign and brought down the government.

It rounds off 12 months of elections in which illiberal parties have won the most seats in parliaments across Europe. This time last year, populist, autocratic, Brussels-baiting Robert Fico topped the ballot in Slovakia and formed a government soon after.

Less than two months later, the Freedom party (PVV) of the anti-Islam firebrand Geert Wilders finished first in Dutch elections, eventually assembling a cabinet that has promised the countrys toughest-ever policies on immigration and law and order.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen.

In May, Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally (RN) achieved its best ever result in European parliament elections in France, inflicting a humiliating defeat on President Emmanuel Macrons centrist forces and prompting him to dissolve parliament.

In the ensuing vote, the RN went on to record its highest ever score in the first round. In the second it took an even higher share of the vote and, despite unprecedented tactical voting against it, wound up as the largest single party in the assembly.

This month in Germany, Alternative fur Deutschland (AfD) secured a historic victory in regional elections in Thuringia, the first time the far-right party had topped a state ballot, and finished a close second in two more, Saxony and Brandenburg.

Looking ahead, the nation-first, populist ANO party of the former prime minister Andrej Babis could sweep parliamentary elections due in the Czech Republic by October after topping the EU ballot and, this month, dominating regional and senate votes.

Next September, the AfD  now polling ahead of all three parties in Chancellor Olaf Scholzs fractured and ailing coalition, and trailing only the opposition centre-right Christian Democrats  will have high hopes for federal elections due in Germany.

And if, as seems distinctly possible, the right-leaning government cobbled together in France this month fails to survive for long, fresh elections could in principle be held anytime after next July  and a bet against the RN finishing first would be a brave one

The FPO is not certain to be part of Austrias next government. As kingmaker, the OVP may seek an alliance with the third-placed, centre-left SPO and the liberals. It has repeatedly said it will not rule with the FPOs inflammatory leader, Herbert Kickl.

But if Kickl can be persuaded to abandon his prime ministerial ambitions for a less controversial FPO figure, and the OVP can overcome its concerns about a third  likely tempestuous  alliance with the far-right party, an FPO-OVP coalition is possible.

For the EU, that holds the unappetising prospect of Austria becoming part of a putative Moscow-friendly, anti-Brussels, autocratic bloc that, by this time next year, could include Viktor Orbans Hungary, Ficos Slovakia and Babiss Czech Republic.

That could have significant consequences, for example for EU policies towards  and support for  Ukraine. Far-right parties already in government or pushing at the gates are already resulting in dramatically tougher policies on immigration across the bloc.

Parties classed as far right or national conservative are in ruling coalitions in seven EU states: Croatia, the Czech Republic, Finland, Hungary, Italy, the Netherlands and Slovakia. In Sweden, a far-right party is propping up a minority government.

In France, Le Pens RN holds the fate of the new government in its hands, its survival dependent on whether and when her far-right party decides to back any future vote of no confidence tabled by the leftwing New Popular Front (NPF) bloc.

Alarmingly, the FPOs success on Sunday suggests that  similarly to the AfD and Wilders PVV, but unlike the RN and Brothers of Italy  Europes far-right parties may now no longer feel a pressing need to sanitise their image.

Austrias far-right party is regularly accused of using antisemitic and fascist tropes, which it denies. Kickl, who has spread covid and climate conspiracy theories, says he wants to be Volkskanzler, or peoples chancellor  a term used by Adolf Hitler.

Almost 25 years ago, when the FPO under its then leader, Jorg Haider, won just under 27% of the vote and entered government, it caused such a profound shock around the EU that diplomatic visits were cancelled and punitive measures imposed.

Todays Europe is very different.

The Guardian
The fund holds real estate trust deed positions, offering 14%-15% target yield for institutional investors.

Chintai is a blockchain focused on real-world assets (RWAs), regulated and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore for dealing in capital markets products.

Asset manager Kin Capital is launching a $100 million tokenized real estate debt fund on the real world asset-centric network Chintai, the parties told CoinDesk exclusively.

The fund holds first performing real estate trust deeds, which are agreements between borrower and lender to have the property held in a neutral, independent third-party trust until the loan is paid off.

The initial offering is a $5 million tranche, with additional offerings planned through 2024 and early 2025. The fund is accessible to accredited investors with a minimum investment limit of $50,000. The projected return of the fund is 14%-15% annually with quarterly distributions to investors.

Fund tokenization is one of the frontiers of bringing traditional investment vehicles, also referred to as real-world assets (RWA), to blockchain rails in pursuit of greater efficiency, lower costs and instant, around-the-clock settlements. Reports by Boston Consulting Group and 21Shares forecast over $10 trillion of tokenized assets by the end of the decade in their optimistic scenarios, while McKinsey has predicted $2 trillion by then in its base case with broad-scale adoption still being far.

Chintai is a layer-1 blockchain for tokenized real-world assets, with its native token CHEX powering the network. Chintai Network Services Pte Ltd, the network's ecosystem development firm, is regulated and licensed by the Monetary Authority of Singapore (MAS) to act as a Capital Markets Services provider and a Recognized Market Operator for primary issuance and secondary market trading in digital securities, according to the project's white paper . The network's other business unit, Chintai Nexus, is based on the British Virgin Islands and deals in issuing non-security tokens. Kin Capital operates a blockchain-based marketplace for real-estate focused investment funds.

"This collaboration not only bridges the gap between traditional finance and blockchain innovation but also provides accredited investors with unique opportunities to achieve stable and attractive returns in a rapidly evolving digital landscape," said David Packham, CEO of Chintai.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has spoken in public for the first time since being released from prison after he struck a deal with the United States.

He travelled from Australia to Strasbourg to address a human rights committee (Pace) of the European Council, which has said in a report that he was a political prisoner.

He described his cell in Belmarsh prison, where he was held for several years as he fought extradition to the US as a dungeon.

He apologised for his faltering address, saying he was still trying to adjust after years of isolation had taken its toll.

Legal action against Mr Assange started in 2010 after hundreds of thousands of leaked documents about the Afghanistan and Iraq wars were published.

Julian Assange was held in HMP Belmarsh, south-east London (Yui Mok/PA)

Mr Assange, accompanied by his wife Stella and WikiLeaks editor Kristinn Hrafnssson, said: Justice for me is now precluded, as the US government insisted, in writing into its plea agreement that I cannot file a case at the European court of human rights or even a Freedom of Information Act request over what it did to me as a result of its expedition request.

I want to be totally clear: I am not free today because the system worked.

I am free today (after) years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.

I pled guilty to seeking information from a source.

I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source, and I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was.

I did not plead guilty to anything else.

I hope my testimony today can serve to highlight the weakness, the weaknesses of the existing safeguards, and to help those whose cases are less visible, but who are equally vulnerable.

Mr Assange said he was still adjusting to being freed and having to cope with the things like the spooky sound of electric cars.
At least six people were killed and nine wounded in a suspected shooting and stabbing terror attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said.

They said two "terrorists" started a killing spree on the Tel Aviv light rail and continued on foot before being killed by civilians and inspectors using personal pistols. There has been no claim of responsibility but Israeli Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich said they were Palestinians from the West Bank city of Hebron.

The hardline Smotrich said he will demand of the cabinet that members of the suspects' families be deported to Gaza and their homes destroyed.

The attack took place minutes before Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel.

TV footage showed gunmen getting off at a light rail station and opening fire.

Israel's MDA ambulance service said it received a report at 7.01pm of people injured by gunfire.

Medics and paramedics provided on-site treatment to a number of wounded people with varying degrees of injuries, including some who were unconscious, MDA said.

Elsewhere, the Israeli military said on Tuesday that Iran has fired missiles at Israel, and air raid sirens sounded across the country as residents were ordered to remain close to bomb shelters.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences if Iran attacks.

A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defences, or both.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran, which backs the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari released a video statement on Tuesday saying the air defence system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.

Soon after, a series of explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem.

It was not immediately known if they were interceptions or incoming missiles landing. The explosions near Jerusalem were so loud that windows shook.

The orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television.

TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon, and as Israel said it had begun limited ground operations in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages where people were ordered to evacuate, and Hezbollah militants responded by firing a barrage of rockets into Israel.

There was no immediate word on casualties as fighting intensified and concerns of a wider regional war grew.

A senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel.

US ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran.

The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari also warned of consequences if Iran fired missiles into Israel.

He urged the public to stay close to sheltered areas.

The Iranian strike could be widespread. Following Home Front Command guidelines can save lives, he said.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets.

Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East.

Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The military statements indicated Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.
Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel, according to a senior US administration official, who warned of severe consequences should it take place.

The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the US was actively supporting Israeli defensive preparations.

This comes after the Israeli military warned people on Tuesday to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing what it said were limited ground operations against Hezbollah.

White House officials did not immediately offer any evidence backing its intelligence finding. The official added that the administration was confident in the determination.

Irans state media has not suggested any attack is imminent. Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran previously launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of the Iranian projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed while in flight. Even those that reached Israel appeared to miss their marks, experts suggested.

Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement on Tuesday that Israel was facing large challenges as it fought an Iranian axis.

Israeli armoured personnel carriers and tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (Baz Ratner/AP)

In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.

Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, but hours later the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year. Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

US ships and aircraft are already positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran.

There are three US navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region. All have the abilities to shoot down incoming missiles.

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires a missile towards southern Lebanon (Leo Correa/AP)

Israel advised people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, the statement posted by the Israeli military on the platform X said. The warning applied to communities south of the Litani.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon as it presses ahead with a rapidly escalating campaign against Hezbollah.

Anticipating more rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches in northern and central Israel. The military also said it was calling up thousands more reserve soldiers to serve on the northern border.

Hezbollah denied that Israeli troops had entered Lebanon but said its fighters were ready if they did.

In its first statement since Israel announced the start of ground operations, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion.

Israeli shelling directed at an area of southern Lebanon (Leo Correa/AP)

He said Hezbollah was ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armoured trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, US officials said on Monday that Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a UN peacekeeping force known as Unifil, which patrol southern Lebanon, have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. Unifil said any such cross-border operation would be a dangerous development and a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, the Israeli militarys top spokesperson, said troops were conducting localised ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

In a briefing later in the day, he said Israel had carried out dozens of small ground operations inside Lebanon going all the way back to October 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel following the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb (Hassan Ammar/AP)

He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and arsenals.

He showed photographs purporting to show Israeli soldiers inside homes in southern Lebanon. It was not immediately possible to confirm these claims.

An Israeli military official said the troops were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of metres from Israel.

The official said there had been no clashes yet with Hezbollah fighters on the ground.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying that ground troops had entered Gaza.

The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

A damaged building at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut (Hassan Ammar/AP)

Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon through the night and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

The official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man aged in his 50s.

Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile, called the Fadi 4, at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Later on Tuesday the military announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches over Hezbollah rocket fire.

The announcement on Tuesday limits public gatherings to 30 people and includes Jerusalem. It also comes a day before the Jewish New Year, Rosh Hashanah, when large crowds typically gather to pray at the Western Wall.

Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon in recent weeks (Hassan Ammar/AP)

The changes are in effect until October 5. Their extension could affect memorial events planned to honour victims of Hamass October 7 attack.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamass October 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza.

Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated.

In recent weeks, Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon, killing Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and several of his top commanders, as well as many civilians.

Rear Admiral Hagari said a UN Security Council resolution that ended the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006 had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution had called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to patrol the region.

Israeli soldiers sleep on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border (Baz Ratner/AP)

Israel says these and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Lebanons prime minister Najib Mikati said on Monday that his country was willing to deploy the army in support of the resolution if there was a ceasefire.

Lebanons armed forces would not be able to impose an agreement on the far more powerful Hezbollah.

The military statements indicated that Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has done in Gaza against the Palestinian Hamas.

The military official said marching to Beirut, as Israeli forces did during their 1982 invasion of Lebanon, was not on the table.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation over the past year has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

1,000 The number of people killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader Mr Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group.

The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a month-long war in 2006.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months.

A ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon.

Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in Israeli strikes over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands of people have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles.

The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

5,000 The estimated number of British citizens in Lebanon

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed on Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement on Monday that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation.

He said commanders killed in recent weeks had already been replaced.

European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

A British government-chartered flight is due to leave Beirut on Wednesday to evacuate UK nationals.

The UK has also sent 700 troops to a base in the nearby island nation of Cyprus to prepare for a potential evacuation of the estimated 5,000 British citizens in Lebanon.
Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers in southern Greece battled a wildfire for a third day that has killed two people and devastated a large forested area, prompting pledges of assistance from other European Union countries.

Three waterbombing aircraft from Italy and Croatia were due to arrive later on Tuesday after Greece requested help through the 27-country blocs emergency civil protection mechanism.

The Greek fire service said more than 400 firefighters, assisted by 20 aircraft, were engaged against the blaze in the mountains of Corinthia in the Peloponnese region.

Greece is hit every summer with destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

The authorities were optimistic that progress had been made as the main front of the blaze was out, leaving a large number of scattered fires.

But it remained unclear whether that success could be expanded on before winds whipped up and spread the blaze again.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said firefighters had been hampered in their initial response by the difficult terrain and poor road network.

During the first, crucial stage of the fire, firetrucks had great difficulty approaching (the blaze) because of the narrow roads, he said.

The fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires over the past few months (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

The many ravines and the gale-force winds blowing that day greatly impeded the firefighting effort, Mr Marinakis added.

Officials ordered that another village be evacuated as a precaution on Tuesday, a day after half-a-dozen similar orders were issued.

A major road that was closed overnight as flames swept close by was reopened on Tuesday.

The blaze destroyed a historic church in the mountains and reportedly damaged buildings outside the threatened villages, but the fire service was not immediately able to provide further details.

The two victims were identified as local residents who got trapped late on Sunday by the fast-advancing blaze.

This years fire season had been flagged as the most dangerous in two decades (Petros Giannakouris/AP)

Greece, like other southern European countries, is hit every summer with destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming.

Over the past few months, the fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires.

This years had been flagged as the most dangerous fire season in two decades after the countryside was left parched by a protracted drought and early summer heatwaves.

But Greeces big investments in extra water-bombing aircraft, warning drones and other equipment have led to most blazes being extinguished shortly after they broke out.
Huang Youyi, former vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), sits down for an interview on Sept. 26, 2024, in Beijing. [Photo/China.org.cn]

Veteran translator Huang Youyi has devoted most of his life to conveying China's voice through translation. Over the past five decades, he has worked on books such as "Mao Zedong Poems" and "Xi Jinping: The Governance of China," bringing some of China's most important official texts and cultural offerings to readers around the world.

From 1993 to 2013, Huang was vice president of China International Communications Group (CICG), once known as China International Publishing Group (CIPG), one of China's earliest and largest international communication organizations. Here, he was able to witness profound changes in the country's translation scene, as well as how the organization has transformed from focusing on translating words to interpreting language and culture.

Huang joined CICG right after graduating from Beijing Foreign Studies University in 1975. His first task was to help proofread an English edition of "Poems of Mao Zedong," matching the printed words to the poems being read aloud by veteran translators sitting at his side.

"It was truly a pleasure listening to those senior translators read the poems with passion," he said. "At the time, I thought this task was nothing special, but now when I looked back, it turned out to be an artistic and linguistic enjoyment, as well as a wonderful introduction to my translation career."

Huang soon began to undertake a variety of other tasks, which required knowing much more than just the words. "It could be an essay on industry in the morning, and another article on archaeology in the afternoon. And then the next day something on tourism," he recalled. "We have to get our feet wet before getting down to an assignment."

Huang's five-decade long career grew along with CICG and the Chinese translation community, which saw many significant transformations.

One major change was the birth of joint publishing. Chinese publishers had a much smaller distribution network overseas in the 1980s compared to today, and the international community had little access to works from China.

In 1987, Huang had the chance to visit the U.K., helping CICG to sign a deal with the prestigious Penguin Books to publish the English edition of the Chinese classic text, "Classic of Mountains and Seas."

A more significant venture came in the 1990s, when CICG organized a large cooperative publishing project with the U.S. Through this program, Chinese and American authors co-wrote the groundbreaking books series "The Culture & Civilization of China."

"It was a real in-depth cooperative effort, as it was not simply joint publishing, but involved authors from both countries who discussed the very details of the books, from assigning authors to how to write each chapter," Huang recalled.

A total of 10 books were later published, all of which made their way into major libraries and museums in the U.S. and other parts of the world in different language editions.

This China-U.S. cooperation project has been the largest in history and hailed as an unparalleled success, Huang said.

In addition to joint publishing, winning the bid to host the 18th International Federation of Translators (FIT) World Congress in Shanghai was a signature event in China's translation field. It was the first time the congress was held in Asia.

Huang Youyi, then vice president and secretary-general of the Translators Association of China (TAC), presents the application for hosting the 18th World Translation Conference on behalf of TAC in Tampere, Finland, on Aug. 3, 2005. [Photo/Guangming Daily]

In 2005, the Translators Association of China (TAC), with the support of CICG, bid to host the 18th FIT World Congress. Huang, then vice chairman and secretary-general of TAC, participated in the application process. Previously, the congress was typically held in European countries, according to Huang.

Through the 2008 congress in Shanghai, China increased its presence and expanded its network in the global translation field, meanwhile giving a huge boost to China's translation industry, Huang said. He himself was reelected FIT vice president, a first for TAC since it joined FIT in 1987.

In recent years, as China has strengthened its global influence, CICG's mission has increasingly focused on translating Chinese works for international audiences. "Indeed, I believe CICG's most important contribution to the translation field lies in its active participation in and promotion of translating China's stories to the world," Huang said.

Today, CICG publishes some 3,000 books and periodicals in over 40 languages each year. Its publications are distributed in more than 180 countries and regions. The group has received multiple domestic and international awards for its published books. The awards include the Chinese Government Award for Publishing, the highest award in the domestic news and publishing industry, as well as international awards including the Red Dot Design Award, Best Book Award of the Association of American University Presses, and the Hawkins Award of the Association of American Publishers.

As CICG strives for excellence in translation, moving on from simply books to increasingly multi-media works such as short videos and TV documentaries, Huang said he believes the most difficult  and rewarding  part is in cultivating more experienced translators. They need to have great proficiency in two languages, and have two ways of thinking, fully understanding the Chinese original and the reading habit of international audience, according to Huang.

And when it comes to that, China is still in urgent need of experienced translators, he noted. Despite being a major country on the global stage, the Chinese language is still less widely spoken and used by foreigners.

"Anyone eager to make China's voice heard should be well aware of his or her historic mission and continue to tell China's story to the world with their translation," Huang said.
California Governor Vetoes AI Regulation Bill, Calls for More Targeted Approach

In a decision that has reignited debates over artificial intelligence (AI) regulation, California Governor Gavin Newsom on Sunday vetoed Senate Bill 1047, the proposed legislation aimed at safeguarding against the misuse of the technology. The bill, which had passed both houses of the state legislature with overwhelming support, was intended to be one of the first of its kind in the U.S., setting mandatory safety protocols for AI developers. Newsom's veto has drawn sharp reactions from various stakeholders in the tech industry, academia, and political circles.

In his veto message, Newsom expressed concerns over the bill's overly broad approach.

"While well-intentioned, SB 1047 does not take into account whether an AI system is deployed in high-risk environments, involves critical decision-making or the use of sensitive data," Newsom wrote. "Instead, the bill applies stringent standards to even the most basic functions  so long as a large system deploys it. I do not believe this is the best approach to protecting the public from real threats posed by the technology."

Newsom called for a more targeted approach to AI regulation that also supports the potential benefits it could bring.

In defending his decision, Newsom also highlighted his ongoing collaboration with AI experts, such as Stanford professor Fei-Fei Li, who is often referred to as the "godmother of AI," to create more science-based, empirical guidelines for regulating AI systems. Newsom stressed the need for a deeper understanding of "frontier models"  the most advanced AI systems  and their potential risks before enacting sweeping legislation.

The Debate Over AI Regulation

The veto has brought a range of reactions, underscoring the divisive nature of AI regulation. On one side, companies like Google and OpenAI welcomed Newsom's decision. In a statement, Google praised the governor for ensuring that California remains at the forefront of developing "responsible AI tools," adding that the tech giant looks forward to working with Newsom's administration and the federal government to create appropriate safeguards. OpenAI applauded Newsom's recognition of California's leadership role in AI innovation and his efforts to engage state lawmakers on issues such as deepfakes, child safety, and AI literacy.

SB 1047 also faced sharp criticism from some organizations over its potential impact on the open source community. The Mozilla Foundation, the nonprofit behind the Mozilla Firefox browser, had previously called on Gov. Gavin Newsom to veto the bill.

"We see parallels between the early internet and today's AI ecosystem, which is becoming increasingly closed and controlled by a few large tech companies," the foundation wrote in an earlier blog post. "We are concerned that SB 1047 would accelerate this trend, harming the open source community and making AI less safe, not more."

The veto has disappointed legislators and activists who saw the bill as a necessary first step toward reigning in unchecked AI development. State Senator Scott Wiener, who authored the bill, described the veto as a "missed opportunity" for California to lead on tech regulation, as it had done with data privacy and net neutrality. Wiener stressed that without stringent safeguards, the public remains vulnerable to the potential harms posed by rapidly advancing AI systems.

"This veto is a setback for everyone who believes in oversight of massive corporations that are making critical decisions that affect the safety and welfare of the public and the future of the planet," Weiner wrote in a statement. "The companies developing advanced AI systems acknowledge that the risks these models present to the public are real and rapidly increasing. While the large AI labs have made admirable commitments to monitor and mitigate these risks, the truth is that voluntary commitments from industry are not enforceable and rarely work out well for the public. This veto leaves us with the troubling reality that companies aiming to create an extremely powerful technology face no binding restrictions from U.S. policymakers, particularly given Congress's continuing paralysis around regulating the tech industry in any meaningful way."
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Up to $300,000 in state money was made available last fiscal year and again this year for groups wanting to start recovery schools, where students who have substance use or mental health disorders strive to be sober.

But despite the persistent opioid epidemic and students reporting high rates of mental health challenges, the state Department of Public Instruction hasnt launched a process to award the planning grants and no parties have applied for the money.

The states only recovery school, Horizon High School in Madison, got $200,000 last fiscal year and expects to get $200,000 this year through a law enacted in December that allocates $500,000 a year to boost recovery schools.

Were hoping to find at least one group interested somewhere in the state, to start another school, said John Fournelle, board president of Horizon, which opened in 2005 and has a dozen students so far this school year.

Fournelle said the resource-intensive schools are challenging to run, in part because of fluctuating enrollment. Also, theres still a stigma to this and many parents dont think their kids would ever use drugs, he said.

State Sen. Jessie James, R-Altoona, the main sponsor of the bill providing the $500,000 a year, said in testimony last year that many high school students report feeling sad or hopeless, engaging in self-harm or considering suicide, with some turning to substances to cope.

Its clear our Wisconsin teens are suffering right now, James said. Thankfully, we have an underutilized tool at our disposal that can help, he said, referring to recovery schools.

James said Monday it is concerning that DPI hasnt started a process to award the planning grants. DPI spokesperson Chris Bucher said the Legislatures Joint Finance Committee didnt release the money until May, making it difficult to set up the planning grant process in the last fiscal year, which ended in June.

Additional information on the process is still forthcoming and will be provided as it becomes available, Bucher said.

Nationwide, there are 43 recovery schools, including six in Minnesota, according to the Association of Recovery Schools.

At one point, Wisconsin had three such schools.

Community Recovery Education and Service, or CRES, Academy, opened in 2008 as a charter in the Janesville School District. In 2011, after grant money ended and the district didnt want to take on the cost, the school closed, its administrator said.

Project Change, which opened in 2002 as a charter in the Waukesha School District, closed in 2013 because it was costly and no Waukesha students were attending, according to the district.

In 2017, a different state law authorized a $50,000 start-up grant to start a recovery school chartered by the Universities of Wisconsin, but no proposals were submitted.

Horizon, located near Whitney Way and University Avenue, has an annual budget of more than $700,000, much of which is obtained through fundraising, Fournelle said.

Since 2014, Horizon has had some financial stability through a contract with the Madison School District, which pays to send up to 15 students to Horizon per year. The districts per-pupil payment, $10,000, is less than Horizons $13,000 tuition and its estimated cost of $40,000 per student, Fournelle said.

Wisconsin had a record 1,464 opioid overdose deaths in 2022. The preliminary tally for last year is 1,413, but that number could increase.

Some 59% of Wisconsin high school students experienced at least one mental health challenge over the past 12 months, with more than half reporting anxiety, one in three experiencing depression almost every day for two weeks in a row or more, and one in five reporting non-suicidal self-harm, DPI said in July.
The toll from a catastrophic storm that struck the southeastern United States has risen to at least 130, igniting a fervent discussion in an already contentious election season, with the White House vehemently denying allegations of a slow response.

As hundreds remain unaccounted for across multiple states, President Joe Biden declared his intention to visit North Carolina tomorrow to oversee rescue operations.

President Biden accused former president Donald Trump of disseminating falsehoods, following Trumps unsubstantiated claims that the federal government was neglecting the crisis caused by Hurricane Helene and withholding aid from his supporters.

Hes lying, President Biden stated to reporters at the White House, adding that he had contacted North Carolina Governor Ray Cooper and expressed, I told him hes lying. I dont know why he does it  thats simply not true, and its irresponsible.

During a CNN appearance, Governor Cooper, a Democrat, responded to Trumps allegations of Republican victims being overlooked, saying: It doesnt matter who you are. If you need assistance, we will provide it.

If theres ever a moment that we all need to unite and set aside politics, it is now.

The storm and its resulting flooding claimed at least 130 lives57 in North Carolina, 29 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee, and one in Virginiaaccording to local authorities and media sources.

Rescue personnel continued searching for hundreds of missing individuals across the impacted states, where heavy rains caused widespread devastation.

They also focused on restoring water and power to affected areas, reestablishing mobile phone service, clearing fallen trees, delivering supplies, and enrolling people in disaster aid programs.

Leo Grindstaff, 12, assists his brother Gabe, 4, as they walk to their grandparents home to help salvage belongings following Hurricane Helene in Old Fort, North Carolina.

As President Biden prepares for his trip to North Carolina, Mr. Trump visited Georgia yesterday, another region suffering extensive damage.

Both states are critical swing locations where the upcoming presidential election will be determined in just five weeks.

In Valdosta, Mr. Trump pledged to bring a significant amount of relief items, including fuel, equipment, water, and other essentials to those affected.

The federal government is not responsive, he told reporters. The vice president, shes out somewhere, campaigning, fundraising, he added, referring to his electoral opponent, Kamala Harris.

Were not discussing politics right now, he later stated, sporting a bright red Make America Great Again hat amid the wreckage of a furniture store.

Ms. Harris canceled campaign engagements to return to Washington for a briefing on the national response.

Workers, community members, and business owners clear debris in Marshall, North Carolina.

In recent days, our nation has faced some of the most severe destruction and devastation weve encountered in quite some time, she remarked afterward.

We have reacted with our best, with the most capable individuals on the ground engaging in the essential work of addressing a crisis.

In response to Mr. Trumps assertions that he was asleep while dealing with the storm aftermath, President Biden defended his decision to spend the weekend at his Delaware home, stating he was working the whole time.

Volunteers assist in organizing donated items at Art Post Supplies and Studios for individuals affected by the devastation in Durham, North Carolina.

When a significant natural disaster strikes the United States, the federal government acts at the request of the states. Typically, a presidents role is to supervise and coordinate assistance, including financial support.

Experts indicate that climate change likely contributes to the rapid intensification of hurricanes, due to warmer oceans providing more energy for these storms, a point emphasized by Mr. Biden.

Absolutely, positively, unequivocally, yes, yes, yes, yes, he affirmed to reporters in the Oval Office when asked if climate change was responsible for the destruction caused by the storm.

A view of the damage in Asheville, North Carolina.

The sheriffs office in Pinellas County, Florida released information about the nine fatalities there, nearly all of whom were discovered in their residences.

According to reports, most had drowned, while others were buried under debris.

In Georgia, residents experienced power outages, supply shortages, blocked roads, and disrupted communication lines in often rugged terrain, with Governor Brian Kemp describing the storm as a 250-mile wide tornado.

Governor Cooper of North Carolina stated that countless roads were destroyed, and many communities had been erased from the map.

This is an unprecedented storm, he remarked to reporters. The emotional and physical toll here is beyond words.

Read more: Son pays tribute to Cork man who died in Hurricane Helene
Biden: US Shows Full Support for Israel Following Iranian Attack

US President Joe Biden has stated that the United States is fully supportive of Israel following Irans ballistic missile assaults, deeming Irans attack as defeated and ineffective.

Mr. Biden mentioned that he would discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on the appropriate response to Iran, although the nature of that response remains to be determined.

The attack seems to have been defeated and ineffective, which speaks volumes about both Israeli and US military capabilities, Mr. Biden told reporters at the White House.

Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel.

Alarms rang out across Israel, and explosions echoed in Jerusalem and the Jordan River valley as Israelis hurried into bomb shelters.

Reporters on state television were seen lying flat on the ground during live coverage.

Reuters journalists reported witnessing missiles being intercepted in the airspace of Jordan.

A person lies prone to take cover behind a vehicle under a bridge along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv

Israel reported that over 180 missiles were launched from Iran, prompting Israeli air defenses to activate in an effort to intercept them.

The Pentagon confirmed that US Navy warships fired about a dozen interceptors targeting Iranian missiles directed towards Israel.

Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed that the assault was retaliation for recent Israeli strikes that killed militant leaders and for aggression in Lebanon and Gaza.

The Revolutionary Guards stated that hypersonic Fattah missiles were used for the first time, achieving a 90% success rate in hitting their targets in Israel.

No injuries were reported in Israel, although one man was reported dead in the occupied West Bank, according to local authorities.

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Earlier, the Israeli military had warned that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was likely to be extensive, urging the public to seek shelter in safe rooms if an attack occurred.

Iran had pledged to retaliate following strikes that eliminated the senior leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

The missile firings followed Israeli ground operations into Lebanon, marking the largest escalation of regional conflict since hostilities in Gaza began a year ago.

Israeli elite units conducted limited ground incursions into Lebanon recently as Hezbollah targeted Tel Aviv with missiles.

The reciprocal escalation came after weeks of intense Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon, raising fears of a wider Middle Eastern conflict involving both Iran and the US.

Israeli army vehicles deploy at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel

Israel executed an attack that targeted a high-rise building in the Jnah area of Beirut and struck the southern suburbs of the capital, briefly blocking the route to Beirut airport, according to two Lebanese security sources.

The Israeli military stated that it had conducted a precise strike.

An Israeli security official indicated that troops had begun limited raids into southern Lebanon overnight, with no direct clashes reported with Hezbollah fighters.

Live updates: Israel says missiles launched from Iran into Israel

Israeli forces have been conducting operations in southern Lebanon for months, uncovering Hezbollah tunnels, weapon caches hidden beneath homes, and invasion plans by the group, said Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

The operations revealed Hezbollahs intentions to infiltrate Israel and execute an operation similar to the one carried out by Hamas in southern Israel on October 7 last year, which initiated the ongoing conflicts.

Hezbollah has not responded to these allegations.

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Escalation in Lebanon continues

Iran had promised retaliation after Israeli airstrikes killed top Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon, including the groups leader Hassan Nasrallah, a significant figure in Irans network of militant support across the region.

Hamas, the Iran-aligned militant group in Gaza, commended the Iranian missile assaults as vengeance for Israeli killings of three militant leaders, including Mr. Nasrallah.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, entrenched in nearly a year of warfare, rejoiced as they witnessed multiple rockets heading towards Israel.

Some of these rockets fell within the Palestinian territory, having been intercepted by Israel, but no fatalities were reported, according to witnesses.

In Beirut, Israeli strikes killed the commander of the Imam Hussein division, which is linked to Hezbollah, according to Israels military.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a neighborhood in Beiruts southern suburb

Israel announced that its troops had launched limited ground incursions into Lebanon, though these were characterized as restricted operations.

Nearly 1,900 individuals have died and over 9,000 have been injured in Lebanon over almost a year of cross-border conflicts, with the majority of casualties occurring in the last two weeks, according to Tuesdays statistics from the Lebanese government.

However, a ground campaign into Lebanon for the first time in 18 years, involving Israeli soldiers against Hezbollah, would signify a major regional escalation.

Israeli army video displays strikes on what is alleged to be Hezbollah missile launchers, near Beiruts airport

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Israel reported that fierce clashes broke out with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon after its paratroopers, commandos, and armored units initiated raids to commence a ground incursion.

This operation follows a series of intensive airstrikes that have severely impacted the groups leadership, culminating in the assassination of its head, Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut last week.

The Israeli military indicated that the operations in Lebanon began last night, involving the elite 98th division, which had been moved to the northern front from Gaza, where they had been engaged in combat against Hamas for several months.

It stated that its air force and artillery supported ground troops conducting limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah in southern Lebanese villages that represented an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Hezbollah has transformed Lebanese villages adjacent to Israeli villages into military strongholds prepared for an assault on Israel, asserted military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Local sources informed Reuters that residents in southern Lebanon evacuated yesterday and today as Israeli bombardments closed in.

In line with directives from the political leadership, the IDF commenced limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah militant targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are situated in villages

 Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 30, 2024

During a meeting with UN organizations and ambassadors of donor nations, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati remarked that Lebanon is encountering one of the most perilous phases in its history, as they collectively appealed for over $400 million (360 million) in assistance to manage rising hostilities.

Two Lebanese security sources told Reuters that Israeli forces had crossed into Lebanon overnight for reconnaissance and probing missions. Additionally, Lebanese troops reportedly withdrew from certain positions along the border, according to the sources.

Live updates: Humanitarian crisis unfolding in Lebanon  Red Cross

Today, Hezbollah announced it had launched rocket and artillery assaults against Israeli forces positioned within Israel.

The head of its media office, Mohammad Afif, stated that no Israeli troops had entered Lebanese territory, emphasizing that the groups strikes on Tel Aviv hours earlier were merely the beginning.

In a written statement to Reuters, Afif mentioned that Hezbollah had not engaged in direct ground confrontations with Israeli troops but is ready to do so.

According to Israels ambulance service, one individual was injured by shrapnel from the missile bombardment that struck central Israel.

Israeli security forces are assessing the impact site of a reported rocket fired from Lebanon in central Israel.

The Israeli military cautioned citizens against traveling in vehicles from the area north of the Litani River in Lebanon to its south. The military has expressed intentions to clear Hezbollah from the southern side of the river.

Despite achieving significant successes against Hezbollah in recent decades, Israel has indicated that it is prepared for a comprehensive invasion of Lebanon, aiming to allow thousands of its citizens, who fled from Hezbollah rockets, to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

Israels military actions have displaced one million Lebanese from their residences and claimed the lives of over 1,100 people, according to Lebanese authorities. The imminent ground offensive has instigated fear and outrage in Lebanon.

Not just Hezbollah, the entire Lebanon will fight this time. All of Lebanon is resolute in fighting Israel for the massacres committed in Gaza and Lebanon, declared Abu Alaa, a resident of the southern port city of Sidon.

Lebanese army withdraws

Irans allies, spanning from Hezbollah to Yemens Houthis and armed factions in Iraq, have initiated attacks in the region in solidarity with Hamas amid the Gaza war, heightening concerns that the conflict may spread across the Middle East, potentially involving the United States and Tehran.

The Houthi movement in Yemen targeted Israeli military positions in Tel Aviv and Eilat with drones on Tuesday, as announced by the groups military spokesperson Yahya Saree during a televised address.

A view from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, captures the aftermath of Israeli bombardments in the southern Lebanon region.

The Lebanese Army issued a statement indicating that its withdrawal was part of a routine repositioning of some monitoring points in southern Lebanon.

Historically, the Lebanese army has remained neutral during major conflicts with Israel, and in the last year of hostilities, it refrained from engaging the Israeli military.

In the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab, local residents reported significant shelling and the sounds of helicopters and drones overhead. Flares were repeatedly launched over the Lebanese border town of Rmeish, illuminating the night sky.

Israeli military footage showcases strikes on what are claimed to be Hezbollah missile launchers, located near Beiruts airport.

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An early morning Israeli strike in Lebanon reportedly targeted Mounir Maqdah, the commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movements military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

His status remains unknown.

The strike hit a building within the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, marking the first attack on Lebanons largest Palestinian camp since hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel reignited nearly a year ago.

Israel has not provided comments on the strike.

In Syria, an Israeli airstrike on the capital, Damascus, reportedly resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injured nine others, as reported by Syrian state media citing a military source. Israels military typically refrains from commenting on foreign media accounts.

For years, Israel has conducted strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria but has escalated its operations since the Palestinian militant group Hamas launched an attack on Israels southern territory on October 7, 2023.

According to Israeli figures, Hamass assault claimed 1,200 lives and resulted in around 250 hostages being taken.

In retaliation, Israel initiated a large-scale assault on Hamas in Gaza, which has reduced most of the Palestinian territory to ruins, displacing the majority of its 2.3 million inhabitants and resulting in over 41,300 Palestinian fatalities, as reported by the Gaza health ministry.

Smoke billows from the area hit by an Israeli airstrike targeting a neighborhood in Beiruts southern suburb.

Israels operations in Lebanon are a continuation of its lethal strikes against booby-trapped Hezbollah devices, two weeks of aerial bombardments, and the killing of Nasrallah on Friday.

The extensive airstrikes have decimated several Hezbollah commanders while also killing about 1,000 civilians and forcing one million people to flee their residences, as per the Lebanese government.

In the hours preceding, a series of strikes targeted Beiruts southern suburbs after the Israeli military warned residents to vacate areas near structures it claimed housed Hezbollah infrastructure south of the capital.

Over the past 24 hours, at least 95 individuals have lost their lives, and 172 have been wounded in Israeli strikes on southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut, stated Lebanons health ministry early this morning.

The White House and the US State Department did not promptly respond to requests for comments regarding Israels ground actions in Lebanon, although yesterday, US President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire.
Nepal Closes Schools Following Death of 148 in Monsoon Floods

Nepal has closed schools for a period of three days following landslides and flooding that resulted from two days of heavy rainfall across the Himalayan country, claiming the lives of at least 148 individuals, with 56 others reported missing, according to officials.

The floods caused traffic disruptions and brought daily activities to a halt in the Kathmandu valley, where 37 fatalities were recorded in a region populated by 4 million residents, including the capital.

Authorities indicated that both students and their families encountered challenges as numerous school and university facilities affected by the rains required repairs.

We have requested the relevant authorities to suspend classes in the impacted areas for three days, stated Lakshmi Bhattarai, a spokesperson for the education ministry, in an interview with Reuters.

Residents are seen clearing mud from outside their homes in a flood-affected area of Kathmandu.

However, there were indications of improvement, with rain diminishing in various regions, as reported by Govinda Jha, a meteorologist in the capital.

There may be some isolated showers, but heavy rainfall is not anticipated, he added.

Television footage captured police rescuers in knee-deep boots using shovels and picks to clear mud and recover 16 bodies of passengers from two buses that were engulfed by a massive landslide on a critical route leading into Kathmandu.

Residents navigated through chest-deep water to reach safer ground, with nearly 3,300 individuals rescued by relief teams; over 3,000 security personnel were dispatched to aid in rescue operations using helicopters and motorboats.

Rescue teams search for survivors after vehicles and passengers were buried in a landslide.

Landslides have obstructed several highways connecting the capital to other parts of the country, stranding hundreds of travelers.

Weather officials in the capital attributed the rainstorms to a low-pressure system in the Bay of Bengal that extends into parts of neighboring India near Nepal.

Climate scientists at the International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development (ICIMOD) noted that haphazard development has intensified climate change risks in Nepal.

I have never witnessed flooding of this magnitude in Kathmandu, remarked Arun Bhakta Shrestha, an environmental risk official at the organization.

In their statement, they urged the government and city planners to swiftly enhance investments and strategies for infrastructure, including underground stormwater and sewage systems.

The adverse effects of the rains were exacerbated by inadequate drainage systems resulting from unplanned development and urbanization, construction on floodplains, insufficient water retention areas, and encroachment along the Bagmati River, the statement added.

Nonetheless, Ram Chandra Tiwari, the regions leading bureaucrat, mentioned that the water level in the Koshi River in southeastern Nepal has begun to recede.

This river, which often brings devastating floods to Indias eastern Bihar state nearly every year, had been flowing at nearly three times the normal level, above the danger mark, he noted.

The summer monsoon accounts for 70-80% of South Asias annual rainfall.

Monsoon rains from June to September result in widespread tragedy each year across South Asia, with a noticeable rise in fatal floods and landslides in recent years.

Experts indicate that climate change has exacerbated both the frequency and severity of these events.

A landslide in July that impacted a road in Chitwan district caused two buses carrying 59 passengers to plunge into a river.

While three individuals managed to escape, authorities could recover only 20 bodies from the tragedy, with raging floodwaters hampering efforts to search for others.

This year, over 260 people have lost their lives in Nepal due to rain-related disasters.
Over 100 Fatalities Reported as Storm Helene Strikes the US

According to officials, at least 100 individuals have lost their lives due to catastrophic floods that swept through the southeastern United States. The emergency response efforts are rapidly becoming a topic of political contention in a region that could influence the upcoming presidential election.

Rescue teams are working to locate survivors and distribute supplies throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee, where severe rainfall brought by Storm Helene wreaked havoc.

Residents are experiencing power outages, supply shortages, road blockages, and disrupted communication lines, particularly in the often rugged terrain.

High winds and heavy rain battered towns and cities in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, and Tennessee.

Republican candidate Donald Trump is scheduled to visit Valdosta in Georgia, a central area of the flooding destruction and a crucial state in the closely contested election occurring in just five weeks.

President Biden, who has authorized federal assistance for several states affected by the disaster, plans to travel to the hardest-hit areas this week, as soon as it will not disrupt emergency response activities, the White House announced yesterday. Vice President Harris will also visit the affected regions.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper mentioned that numerous roads have been destroyed and many communities have been wiped off the map.

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This is an unprecedented storm, he stated at a press conference. We are working to send in supplies. The emotional and physical toll here is beyond words.

Rivers are still on the rise, so the threat is not yet over.

He added that long-term rebuilding strategies would need to consider the reality of increasingly extreme weather, but for now, our focus is on saving lives and delivering supplies to those in urgent need.

Experts have indicated that climate change likely contributes to the rapid intensification of hurricanes, as warmer oceans provide them with more energy to draw upon.

The death toll has reached at least 100 individuals  39 in North Carolina, 25 in South Carolina, 17 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee, and one in Virginia, as reported by local authorities compiled by AFP. This number is expected to rise.

Read more: Son pays tribute to Cork man who died in Hurricane Helene in Florida

Nearly two million households and businesses are currently without power, according to tracker poweroutage.us.

Helene made landfall on Floridas northern Gulf shore as a powerful Category Four hurricane late Thursday night, with winds reaching 225 km/h.

Even as it weakened, it left a path of devastation stretching more than 800 km inland.

Bridges have been washed away.

North Carolina experienced some of the worst flooding, with Governor Roy Cooper noting that rescuers have had to airlift supplies in certain areas due to damaged or submerged roads.

People wait in line for gasoline in the aftermath of Storm Helene.

Hundreds of roads in the region remain closed, and several bridges have been swept away by floodwaters.

Four major interstate highways were closed in North Carolina and Tennessee, with multiple bridges still out of service, according to Kristin White from the US Department of Transportation.Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina each reported more than 100 road closures, she added.
The Tanaiste has confirmed that Irish troops stationed in Lebanon are currently safe, although he expressed his very concerned feelings regarding the commencement of ground raids by Israeli forces in villages located in southern Lebanon, stating that international humanitarian law is not being upheld.

Mr. Martin highlighted the extraordinary impact a ground incursion could have on the local population, potentially displacing over a million individuals, which he deemed unacceptable.

This statement follows the announcement from Israel that fierce fighting has erupted with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, as Israeli paratroopers, commandos, and armored units initiated raids at the onset of a ground incursion.

The Tanaiste noted that the vast majority of Irish citizens currently in Lebanon have registered with the Department of Foreign Affairs in recent weeks.

We have consistently and emphatically advised our citizens in Lebanon to leave whenever there is a chance.

Commercial flights are still operating from Beirut Airport, and we urge people to do everything possible to leave via the airport while they still can, he stated.

We understand that in some cases, staying put might be safer than relocating due to the ongoing intermittent fighting and bombings that have taken place.

The Defence Forces have reported that despite the tense situation in Lebanon, all Irish personnel stationed there remain safe and accounted for.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy reassured the families of deployed personnel by stating: After the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure families that the safety of our troops is our foremost priority, and we are grateful for the support from their families during this challenging time.

We are maintaining constant communication with them and actively monitoring the situation on the ground, Lt Gen Clancy continued.

Although the current circumstances present challenges, our personnel are dedicated to their peacekeeping mission and are well-prepared to manage any escalation in volatility.

The Tanaiste also clarified that the Israeli incursion is not occurring in the area where Irish troops are stationed as part of the United Nations force.

I spoke with our Chief of Staff last night as news of the limited incursion began to emerge. It is happening in a different region than where our troops are located.

Clearly, the escalation raises concerns, but they are secure; they are professional soldiers.

UNIFIL is doing everything in its power at the command level to ensure that peacekeepers are protected amid the ongoing escalation.

Mr. Martin reiterated his call for all parties to deescalate the situation and emphasized the obligation for all actors to cease firing rockets.

Additional reporting by Press Association
Chicago (Special to Informed Comment; Feature)  American women reject Trump. From his criminalizing of abortion to the ridiculing of unmarried women, from his predatory sexual harassment to racist attacks on immigrants, Trump has been very successful at repulsing female voters.

Women favor Kamala Harris 58-37 in a recent NBC poll, while men prefer Trump 52-40. The gender conflict spans across swing states and racial groups. And the gender disparity is overwhelmingly pronounced among young women, who favor Harris by 38 points, and young men, who favor the MAGA candidate by 13 points, a 51-point gap.

If you are a woman in America, Trump wants you to be a mother whether you want to or not. As the misogynist-in-chief, Trump personifies the radical rightwing movement to outlaw abortion nationwide, restrict contraception, and severely limit the scope of reproductive health care. Trump wants women to birth more babies even if it means risking their health or endangering their lives, as women die from Trumps abortion ban in states such as Georgia.

Women know that the feminist struggle to dismantle sexism and male power and ensure that women have opportunities in life will not be achieved until all women have control over their sexual reproductive lives, writes Elizabeth Dias and Lisa Lerer in their book The Fall of Roe. Its a fundamental human right to control ones own body and that its crucial to the ability of women to exercise their other social, economic, and political human rights. Until they can fully decide when and if to become pregnant, women cannot be truly equal with men.

Along with his misogyny, the litany of Trumps liabilities is well known to the American electorate: his corruption, narcissism, malevolence, racism, nepotism, mendacity, depravity, duplicity, hypocrisy, and venality are seared on the psyches of American voters. A convicted felon and insurrectionist, he has unmistakably signaled that a second term would bring about a blatant assault on the justice system, a ruthless prosecution of political enemies, a violent expulsion of immigrants, a reckless abandonment of the nations allies, an emboldening of tyrants worldwide, and a deepening of the nations racial and cultural rifts.

For these reasons, apparently, a majority of American men  MAGA Men  support him. Loathed by most women, Trumps hope of winning the election depends on getting enough people  enough men  to join him in the curtailment of womens rights and its fascistic merger with the termination of immigrants rights.

He appointed hardline anti-abortion activists to help lead the Department of Health and Human Services, in his disastrous first term, and encouraged evangelical VP Mike Pence to engineer a governmental anti-abortion machine. And, of course, Trump nominated the three Catholic justices who voted  with three other Catholic members of the Supreme Court  to overturn Roe v. Wade in the Dobbs decision and end the constitutional right to an abortion. Incidentally, their decision was released on June 24, 2022  the Catholic Feast of the Sacred Heart.

All of this is deeply unpopular, and Trump knows it. This is why he tried the laughably transparent contradiction of exulting in his appointments to the court but distancing himself from the consequences, both practical and political, of his draconian anti-abortion accomplishments. During his monumentally stupid debate with Harris, he also tried to tar Democrats as extreme with the deranged claim that they want to take the life of a child in the ninth month, and even after birth  baby executions.

Trump has spent a lifetime evading responsibility for his actions, whether thats defrauding customers or instigating an effort to overturn constitutional government in the United States. While he can try to run away from Dobbs, he cant escape the anti-abortion zealots that helped him secure the presidency in 2016 and support him now. He disingenuously suggested he might vote for a Florida amendment to protect abortion rights. Unable to withstand the torrent of criticism from anti-abortion extremists and fearful of demobilizing anti-abortion voters, Trump caved and voted with the anti-abortionists.

A second Trump presidency would be catastrophic for reproductive rights. Starting with radical Catholic VP J.D. Vance and Project 2025, abortion opponents will be integral to the entire ecosystem of his administration  their priorities woven into its very fabric, whether or not their cause is a priority for Trump. Part of the purpose of Project 2025 was to ensure a deep bench of MAGA apparatchiks ready to staff a second Trump administration and educated to use the levers of the federal government to further constrict womens sovereignty over their bodies.

In a desperate and duplicitous attempt to woo female voters, Trump  during that humiliating debate with Harris  grandly proclaimed, I have been a leader on fertilization, which is IVF. Trump is not a leader on fertilization, unless by fertilization he means the kind of stuff that people use to kill weeds on lawns. To say he was a leader on IVF, or in vitro fertilization, it follows that he would have rallied Republicans to support it.

Instead  a mere week after Trumps comments on IVF, Senate Republicans blocked, for the second time, a bill that would have provided a nationwide right to the fertility treatment. Sen. Vance wasnt present for this vote, but had voted against the bill in June. Trump, the self-proclaimed leader on IVF, couldnt even lead his own running mate to vote yes.

A man of zero convictions, Trump has no plans to protect IVF rights; rather, he subserviently does the bidding of ultraconservatives intent on systemically dismantling womens rights. The reality is that Trump is the reason that IVF is at risk in the first place, said Sen. Tammy Duckworth on the Senate floor after the vote. The Dobbs decision is what led us to todays nightmare, taking the power to decide how and when to start families from us women, and handing it to politicians in statehouses across the country.

Blocking IVF protections creates an insidious pathway for Republicans to enshrine into law the biggest threat to IVF which is fetal personhood  the idea that a fetus or embryo should have the same rights as a child. If an embryo is a person, clinics could not dispose of unused embryos, something that is a common, necessary part of the IVF process. Fetal personhood would also ban abortion nationwide by granting full rights to fetuses. Vance, anti-abortion leaders, and Trumps Project 2025 agenda have admitted that is their goal.



American Women v. Trump, Digital, Dream / Dreamland v3 / Clip2Comic, 2024

Despite his obvious anti-woman agenda, Trump is surprised that women dont like him. Stuck in a 1950s Playboy version of womanizing masculinity, sad old Trump has recently taken to promising women that he will be their steadfast guardian  the national patriarch and womens patron saint. At a recent rally in Pennsylvania, he told women that You will be protected, and I will be your protector. Like a malevolent horror movie villain come to life, Trumps delivery alone made my skin crawl. I can only imagine its nauseating effect on women.

This was a follow-up to his bleat on Untruth Social that, if he wins, Women will be happy, healthy, confident and free! He went on, speaking directly to women, You will no longer be in danger. You will no longer be thinking about abortion. So says the man who famously stated, when youre a star, they let you do it, who was found liable for sexual abuse, and who has been credibly accused of sexual assault by dozens of women. Most women recognize that when the predator offers protection, safety comes at the cost of freedom and submission so its time to fight.

Trumps paternalism apparently extends only toward married women with children as his running mate Vance  along with the Republican party  disparage women who resist marriage and motherhood as childless cat ladies, who must be miserable. A recent convert to Catholicism and Trumpism, Vance ordains that adults without children should pay higher taxes and receive fewer votes. As heir apparent to the post-Trump MAGA party, the dogmatic Vance thinks he should decree other peoples sexual and reproductive choices.

Like Trump, he admires Hungarys far-right Prime Minister, Viktor Orban and has spoken admiringly of Orbans efforts to boost his nations marriage and birth rates, including a policy that offers subsidized loans to couples who wed before the brides forty-first birthday. Why cant we do that here? Vance asked in a speech. Why cant we actually promote family formation?

Vance appeals to evangelicals with the message that we find happiness by fulfilling traditional gender roles, which is a cornerstone of white evangelical Christianity, said Vanderbilt assistant professor Sophie Bjork-James, who has written extensively on evangelicals and populist politics. He also speaks to a misogynist trend emerging out of the tech world among people who would prefer not to talk about any kind of diversity at all. Vance represents a new articulation of rightwing politics that is bridging the Christian right and a tech-influenced, hyper-masculine conservatism.

Twitter/X owner and painfully unfunny edgelord Elon Musk encouraged Trump to pick Vance as his running mate. He joins them in their disparagement of childless women singling out Taylor Swift after she endorsed Kamala Harris for president. (Trump later wrote, I hate Taylor Swift.) Musk posted the creepiest response possible. Replying to Swifts identification of herself as a childless cat lady, he offered or perhaps threatened to impregnate her, saying I will give you a child, suggesting that Swift has no choice in the matter. What Musk proposed was another way of saying rape, said Hillary Clinton.

Musk also joined Trump and Vance and other Republicans in terrorizing Springfield, Ohio, by baselessly asserting that Haitian immigrants there are cannibalizing pets. Through xenophobic, sexist online memes, the Trump campaign has been aggressively courting what might be called the bro vote, the frat-boy flank  a slice of low propensity, low information 18-to-29-year-old males that has long been regarded as unreliable and unreachable.

Trump reposted a meme accusing Harris of being engaged in one of Puff Daddies freak offs  the horrifically abusive sexual parties that form the basis of the recent federal indictment against the rapper. Vile and entirely predictable, the post included a faked, photo-shopped picture of Harris standing with Diddy and suggesting she was an accomplice.

Along with the sexism, the bigoted former president also shares flagrantly racist memes about Middle Easterners invading America and falsely edited videos showing Harris urging migrants to cross the border. This is part of Trumps hateful campaign strategy of scare-mongering on immigrants.

Trumps toxic campaign merges xenophobia, an anti-abortionist agenda, and systematic misogyny into a fascist strategy aimed at further eroding womens reproductive and sexual rights. Attacks on abortion rights in the Global North is part of a larger misogynist and white supremacist project of the far right, writes Sian Norris in her book Bodies Under Siege. This fascist ideology is focused on a racist and misogynistic conspiracy theory that a white majority is being deliberately and malignly replaced by migration from the Global South.

When Trump blathered to millions of Americans, during the debate, that our elections are bad, and a lot of these illegal immigrants coming in, theyre trying to get them to vote, he was not just repeating an egregious fabrication intended to undermine the results of the 2024 election. He was also echoing the latest iteration of a once-fringe racist conspiracy theory  the great replacement. It claims that nonwhite immigrants into the United States and other Western countries are replacing white voters to achieve a white genocide.

The far right believes reproductive control and immigration control must be the solution to its white supremacist anxiety about the so-called white genocide that, they imagine, eradicates racial purity and destabilizes white majority nations. This fictitious replacement  echoed in the Trump-Vance-Musk attacks on childless women  is enabled, they fantasize, by feminists suppressing the white birth rate with abortion and contraception. Musk  who has fathered at least 12 children with three women  is obsessed with low birth rates, which has led to accusations of his spreading the great replacement theory.

While this concocted, delusionary belief in a white genocide may have started as an extremist idea, it has now become mainstream politics, supported by a network of deep-pocketed funders on the radical right such as Elon Musk, anti-democratic billionaire Peter Thiel, and Catholic supremacist Leonard Leo. President of the Federalist Society, Leo picked the six Supreme Court Justices who ended Roe. An abortion abolitionist, he also helped orchestrate the Trump administrations anti-abortion machine  the strategic, top-down takeover at every level of American political and legal life, according to Dias and Lerer, in The Fall of Roe.

The story of the fall of Roe revealed that Leos brand of ultra-conservative Christianity built enormous power where it mattered most. They did not have to be the majority to be the ones now crushing liberal America  all they had to be was a powerful, well-positioned minority, writes Dias and Lerer. They had ended a ruling as deeply entrenched in American life as it was opposed in Catholic doctrine.

For them, the fall of Roe was a beginning, not an end. As these Christian nationalists see it, the entire Roe era created rights that were untethered from the countrys traditions and Constitution: from legalized contraception to same-sex marriage, from affirmative action to immigration access  these were rights they must nullify.

Abortion rights has enabled Kamala Harris to emerge from the shadow that loomed over her during the first half of the Biden administration during which she had been relegated to the worst jobs, including the border. Over the two years since the Dobbs ruling, she traveled extensively across the country and emerged as the administrations strongest, most compelling voice in the fight to restore abortion rights and access.

Harris reframed abortion as a fundamental freedom  the buzzword of her current campaign, which she and others on the abortion front lines have championed for years. Harriss approach to the fight was rooted in the women-of-color-led reproductive-justice movement, writes Rebecca Traister in New York magazine. She has linked abortion rights to other inequities, including the countrys high maternal-mortality rates and lack of affordable housing, paid family leave, and child-care provisions. Together with ensuring free, safe and legal abortion, these policies promote egalitarian, voluntary families that reject the oppressive, unequal, patriarchal structures of gender and family.

Stopping Trump will not extinguish the radical religious movement that bolsters MAGA. Its diseased ecosystem permeates deeply into American life. However, American women realize that defeating Trump will at least prevent these Christian crusaders from seizing control of the governments most powerful lever while offering a pathway to reverse the far-right direction of the Supreme Court, enact a humane immigration policy, prevent a nationwide abortion ban, and reclaim sovereignty over their bodies. In this election, American men must listen to American women.
( The National )  The assassination of Hezbollah secretary general Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut will not diminish the group he once led. The killing demonstrates the counterintuitive notion that eliminating the head of an organisation does not always destroy it. Hezbollah has a bureaucratic set-up, with a robust ideology and communal support. Any armed organisation that benefits from all three tends to survive the death of its leader.

The October 7 attacks led by Hamas proved to be a conundrum for Hezbollah. Before that, the group had been challenged by Lebanese protesters, including by members of the Shiite community, since 2019, for controlling a corrupt Parliament and allowing Iran to violate Lebanons sovereignty.

The war in Gaza allowed Hezbollah to deflect attention from its domestic woes, by launching rockets against Israel, in solidarity with Hamas, but not doing enough to risk immediate Israeli retaliation. It forced Israel to keep some military forces in the north and the evacuation of civilians from there.

Nasrallahs death will most likely lead to a significant proportion of the Lebanese public rallying behind Hezbollah. The protests in 2019 were a domestic matter. With the assassination having been carried out by a foreign state, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu may end up uniting the Lebanese people in a way that has been elusive since the end of the nations civil war in 1991.

In 1992, the year after the civil war ended, Israeli helicopters killed Hezbollahs then secretary general, Abbas Al Musawi, as well as his wife and six-year-old son in a motorcade. In Ronen Bergmans book, Rise and Kill First: The Secret History of Israels Targeted Assassinations, he documents how some Israeli military figures had opposed the killing as Hezbollah was not a one-man show, and [Al] Musawi was not the most extreme man in its leadership. Indeed, they warned, he would be replaced, perhaps by someone more radical.

Al Musawi was succeeded by Nasrallah, who proved to be more charismatic and eloquent. At the time, Hezbollah was a small militia, employing suicide bombs as its most powerful weapon. When Nasrallah emerged, he put a military commander, Fouad Shukr, who was killed in July in a similar strike, in charge of stepping up sophisticated guerrilla attacks on Israeli forces in the south of Lebanon. These attacks, as well as rocket launches, compelled them to withdraw in 2000, marking a rare and significant Israeli loss to an Arab military force.

In this respect, history is a study of irony, of unintended consequences, as Israels assassination scored a vendetta, only to witness a replacement who proved to be a more adept leader  a possibility that exists with Nasrallahs successor.

The group has a top-down, military-style bureaucracy, while at the same time maintaining a diffuse and decentralised military command structure to operate if higher-level commanders are killed during battle. Its bureaucracy, with clear chains of command, will enable it to select a new leader. It has routinised its leadership succession, whereby the secretary general is appointed by a council, so that the legitimacy of the successor derives from the position and not the individual.

As a tactic, Israeli assassinations do not address the underlying problems of conflict in the region. Strategically they backfire, as assassinations might lead to unpredictable outcomes, like in 1992

Hezbollah adheres to the Axis of Resistance ideology, along with Iran, the Houthis of Yemen and Hamas in Palestine, based on resistance to Israel and the US. However, the group also blends Lebanese nationalism, as well as a southern Lebanese identity, invoking how the region has suffered from Israeli actions since its first invasion in 1978. The ideology does not depend on a leader for its articulation or propagation. As a set of ideas, it existed before Nasrallah became the leader in 1992.

Hezbollah earned credit for driving Israeli troops out of Lebanon as 2000. One of the factors behind this success was the willingness of the groups members and followers to sacrifice their lives for their cause. Their propaganda focuses on seeking inspiration from the success of Irans revolution in 1979.

This dynamic contributes to the third factor Hezbollah enjoyed: popular support within certain communities. The groups presence in the south of Lebanon is enabled by a network of sympathetic Arab villages, that goes beyond just its Shiite Muslim base, including some members of the Christian community.

There is an argument to be made that, instead of waging war against Hezbollah, Israel could have declared a ceasefire in Gaza as the one-year anniversary of the conflict approaches. This would have done far more damage to Hezbollah by depriving it of the rhetorical oxygen it has often used to justify its rocket attacks, which the group said it would have ceased once the fighting in Gaza ended.

As a tactic, Israeli assassinations do not address the underlying problems of conflict in the region. Strategically they backfire, as assassinations might lead to unpredictable outcomes, like in 1992.

In the long term, Israels tactical military strikes are no panacea for political violence compared to multilateral peace and development strategies. Both the US and France, permanent members of the UN Security Council, had pushed for implementing the 2006 Security Council Resolution 1701, which calls for the Lebanese army and UN peacekeepers to monitor the area south of Lebanon on the border with Israel, creating a buffer zone.

A cessation of hostilities in Gaza and Lebanon would have been the best long-term solution, achieving a more sustainable security than continued conflict that only creates a new generation of Lebanese and Palestinians seeking atonement from Israel. As the one-year anniversary of the war in Gaza is upon us, it appears that Mr Netanyahu is seeking another year of conflict to maintain his hold on power.

Reprinted from The National with the authors permission.



Bonus video added by Informed Comment:

Al Jazeera English: Hezbollah prepared for Israels ground incursion: Hezbollah deputy chief
Committee on Academic Freedom | Middle East Studies Association | 

Dear Interim President Kotlikoff, Provost Bala, Dr. Lombardi and Ms. Liang:

We write on behalf of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) and its Committee on Academic Freedom to express our extreme concern about your decision to temporarily suspend Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal, without proper due process, on the grounds of his alleged disruptive participation in a pro-Palestine campus protest. We are particularly concerned that, as a result of this callous and arbitrary decision, Mr. Taal, an international student attending Cornell on an F-1 visa, is facing immediate deportation, without adequate opportunity to defend himself against these allegations.

MESA was founded in 1966 to promote scholarship and teaching on the Middle East and North Africa. The preeminent organization in the field, the Association publishes the prestigious International Journal of Middle East Studies and has nearly 2,800 members worldwide. MESA is committed to ensuring academic freedom and freedom of expression, both within the region and in connection with the study of the region in North America and outside of North America.

Mr. Taal, who is an instructor at Cornell University as well as a graduate student, has been a vocal advocate for Palestinian rights. On 18 September 2024, along with approximately 100 other students, he participated in, and gave a short speech at, a demonstration outside of a career fair held at the universitys Statler Hotel. The demonstrators were protesting the presence on campus of defense contractors Boeing and L3Harris, whom they regarded as complicit in Israeli war crimes against the Palestinian population of Gaza. Video evidence from the protest shows that some students pushed through a police line to enter the job fair site, with others following. However, the footage also appears to show that Mr. Taal did not come into direct contact with the police line and entered the grounds only after access had been achieved by other students. Once inside, the students conducted a nonviolent demonstration which disrupted the job fair through chants and drumming, resulting in the fair being shut down. It is important to note that, according to his account, Mr. Taal was present in the hotel lobby for only a few minutes and left the protest early; we understand that he does not appear in any of the video footage documenting the protest inside the hotel.

On 23 September 2024 Interim President Michael I. Kotlikoff issued a statement condemning the student protestors for what he described as highly disruptive and intentionally menacing behavior. He claimed that demonstrators had violated university rules by pushing aside Cornell Police officers, forcibly entering the career fair site, creating excessive noise and disrupting display tables. He warned that the students involved would face immediate suspension or employment sanctions. However, of all the students who participated in the demonstration, Mr. Taal was reportedly the only one to receive a message directing him to report to Cornells Office of Student Conduct and Community Standards. On the same day that the Interim President made his statement, Mr. Taal was informed of his temporary suspension, given a physical copy of a no-trespass order barring him from campus, and notified that his F-1 visa would be terminated. It is our understanding that he was not fully informed of the specific allegations against him or given a reasonable opportunity to respond to them.

Mr. Taal appealed his suspension on 25 September 2024. One day later that appeal was rejected by Dr. Ryan Lombardi, Vice President of Student and Campus Life. We are deeply concerned about the apparent lack of a properly conducted formal investigation into the allegations against Mr. Taal, the denial of an adequate opportunity for him to respond to the allegations against him, Cornells failure to hold a disciplinary hearing before a full review panel and violations of Mr. Taals procedural rights under Cornells own policies. On 27 September 2024 Mr. Taal submitted a second, and as we understand it final, appeal to the Provosts Office and is currently awaiting a response. We note that this is not the first time Mr. Taal has been specifically targeted for his pro-Palestinian activities: in April 2024 he was one of just four students threatened with suspension over involvement in a pro-Palestine encampment that involved hundreds of participants.

We believe that there is good reason to conclude that Cornell University, by ignoring due process and arbitrarily suspending Mr. Taal, has violated its own Student Code of Conduct Procedures . Moreover, the university administration must have been aware that his suspension would result in the termination of his F-1 visa, subjecting him to deportation. We believe that the use of suspension resulting in deportation sets an extremely dangerous precedent and threatens the free speech rights and the academic freedom of Cornells students, faculty and staff. We also note that, as a member of Cornell Graduate Students United-UE, Mr. Taal is entitled to union representation in disciplinary matters, as outlined in the unions Memorandum of Agreement with the university. Given that the union has asserted its right to bargain over the disciplining of Mr. Taal, your administrations unilateral actions appear to violate this agreement.

Mr. Taal is a promising graduate student with an outstanding academic record. As a Black Muslim international student, he is among the most vulnerable members of Cornells student body and deserves, at a minimum, the same level of procedural protection and consideration that Cornells policies are supposed to afford to all its students. The universitys actions are an affront to its stated commitment to diversity and inclusion and to its Core Values , which emphasize free and open inquiry and expressiontenets that underlie academic freedomeven of ideas some may consider wrong or offensive. Moreover, by taking discriminatory disciplinary action against a marginalized student, without due process, the universitys actions are also likely to have a chilling effect on other members of the campus community  especially other racialized and international students  thereby undermining their ability to exercise their First Amendment rights to free speech and assembly and their academic freedom. In this context we call your attention to the statement issued by MESAs board of directors and its Committee on Academic Freedom on 6 May 2024 which denounced actions by university leaders that delegitimize and repress campus advocacy opposing Israels war in Gaza.

We look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Asl U. Bali

MESA President

Professor, Yale Law School

Laurie Brand

Chair, Committee on Academic Freedom

Professor Emerita, University of Southern California
North Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Lion One Metals Limited (TSXV: LIO) (OTCQX: LOMLF) ("Lion One" or the "Company") is pleased to report significant new high-grade gold results from near-mine exploration and infill drilling at the West Zone target west of to the Tuvatu Gold Mine in Fiji. The company is also pleased to report record preliminary Q1 FY2025 gold production at Tuvatu.

Highlights of West Zone exploration and infill drilling:

105.20 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 248.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-636, from 67.8 m depth)

(including 248.35 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-636, from 67.8 m depth) 70.07 g/t Au over 2.1 m (including 73.43 g/t Au over 1.2 m) (TUDDH-647, from 144.5 m depth)

(including 73.43 g/t Au over 1.2 m) (TUDDH-647, from 144.5 m depth) 102.38 g/t Au over 1.2 m (TUDDH-645, from 97.7 m depth)

(TUDDH-645, from 97.7 m depth) 19.82 g/t Au over 5.1 m (including 68.88 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TUDDH-636, from 34.5 m depth)

(including 68.88 g/t Au over 0.9 m) (TUDDH-636, from 34.5 m depth) 146.61 g/t Au over 0.6 m (including 289.85 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 164.3 m depth)

(including 289.85 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 164.3 m depth) 24.16 g/t Au over 3.3 m (including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-652, from 173.5 m depth)

(including 96.78 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-652, from 173.5 m depth) 49.72 g/t Au over 0.8 m (including 78.61 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TUDDH-755, from 52.94 m depth)

(including 78.61 g/t Au over 0.4 m) (TUDDH-755, from 52.94 m depth) 42.44 g/t Au over 1.8 m (including 61.66 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-636, from 60.6 m depth)

(including 61.66 g/t Au over 0.6 m) (TUDDH-636, from 60.6 m depth) 7.68 g/t Au over 4.2 m (including 28.63 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 142.4 m depth)

(including 28.63 g/t Au over 0.3 m) (TUDDH-645, from 142.4 m depth) 14.86 g/t Au over 2.0 m (TUDDH-636, from 228.8 m depth)

*All drill intersects are downhole lengths, 3.0 g/t cutoff. See Table 1 for additional data

Highlights of quarterly gold production (preliminary results):

3,680 oz of gold recovered from July-September 2024

31,390 tonnes milled from July-September 2024

Record quarterly gold production (previous record set in the prior quarter, April-June 2024)

July production impacted by scheduled 9-day mill maintenance shutdown

August production impacted by mining equipment breakdown

Quarterly Production Results

Lion One Metals will produce approximately 3,680 oz of gold during the three-month period ending September 30th, 2024. This is a new quarterly production record, beating the previous production record of 3,551 oz of gold produced in the prior three-month period ending June 30th, 2024. Production during the period was impacted by a scheduled 9-day mill maintenance shutdown in July, as well as by mining equipment breakdowns in August. The total tonnes processed during the three-month period ending September 30th was 31,390 tonnes, which is comparable to the prior three-month period of 32,100 tonnes processed.

The mill shutdown in July was conducted to maintain and upgrade the Tuvatu processing plant facilities, and will have a significant impact on processing efficiency and cost savings moving forward. Major upgrades completed during the shutdown include re-lining the primary ball mill with rubber liners, replacing the bowl/mantle for the cone crusher, replacing the #1 conveyor belt, replacing the grinding and gravity circuit piping with flexible slurry hoses, and installing new detox feed pumps and feed splitter box for the detox circuit.

Re-lining the ball mill with rubber liners is a significant upgrade as the lighter weight rubber liners will reduce power draw by the primary ball mill and will enable a higher ball charge and finer primary grind, thereby improving mill recovery and efficiency. Wear life on the rubber liners is also expected to double from 6 months to 1 year thereby reducing long-term maintenance costs. The grinding and gravity circuit piping replacements will improve mill availability and will further reduce maintenance costs as the use of flexible slurry hoses will result in significantly less downtime for pipe repairs than with the previous steel piping. Overall, the upgrades completed during the July mill shutdown have helped to increase mill availability from 89% in the three-month period ending June 30th, to 93% in the three-month period ending September 30th. The upgrades have also helped to increase average daily mill throughput per operating day (excluding the planned mill shutdown) from 353 TPD in the three-month period ending June 30th to 371 TPD in the three-month period ending September 30th. In addition to the processing plant improvements, operational costs from the filtered tailings haulage have also been reduced by bringing the haulage operation in-house with three new trucks acquired during the quarter, which will lead to significant cost savings from operations.

Gold production during the quarter was also impacted by mine equipment availability in August. Two underground loaders were down for repairs simultaneously. Having both loaders down for repairs significantly impacted mining operations as production material could not be extracted from the mine. Stockpiled low-grade development material was therefore fed through the mill during the interim period while the loaders were repaired, resulting in decreased production in August. A new underground loader from Australia was purchased and arrived on site in September resulting in improved equipment availability and enhanced redundancy.

Figure 1. Tuvatu Monthly Gold Production. Gold recovery and production has increased steadily at Tuvatu as mining and processing activities have ramped up during the pilot plant phase of operations. Production was reduced in July due to a scheduled 9-day mill maintenance shut down and was hampered in August due to mining equipment breakdown.

West Zone Drilling

The West Zone drilling consists of two separate programs: a deep exploratory drill program targeting a feeder zone at depth below the West Zone, and a shallow infill drill program targeting near-surface mineralization for inclusion in the Tuvatu mine plan (Figure 2). The deep exploration drill holes are the first holes ever designed to test the depth extension of mineralization beneath the West Zone. This program consisted of five holes and all five holes intersected high grade gold, indicating strong continuation of mineralization at depth in the West Zone and warranting further exploration. The shallow West Zone infill drill program is ongoing. The results from the first two drill holes of the program are reported here, both of which intersected visible gold near surface.

Figure 2. Location of the West Zone drilling. Left image: Plan view image showing the West Zone target area in relation to Tuvatu, with underground developments shown in red and mineralized lodes in grey. Right image: view of the West Zone lodes and drilling looking east, with underground developments at Tuvatu shown in pale red in the background.

Table 1. Highlights of composited drill results in the West Zone area. Composites are calculated using a 3 g/t Au cutoff with maximum internal dilution intervals of 1 m at <3 g/t Au. For full results see Table 3 in the appendix.

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) TUDDH-636 67.8 69.9 2.1 105.20 including 67.8 68.4 0.6 72.55 and 68.4 68.7 0.3 126.37 and 68.7 69.0 0.3 248.35 and 69.0 69.6 0.6 73.82 and 69.6 69.9 0.3 68.96 TUDDH-647 144.5 146.6 2.1 70.07 including 144.5 145.7 1.2 73.43 and 145.7 146.6 0.9 65.58 TUDDH-645 97.7 98.9 1.2 102.38 TUDDH-636 34.5 39.6 5.1 19.82 including 37.8 39.6 1.8 39.86 which includes 38.7 39.6 0.9 68.88 TUDDH-645 164.3 164.9 0.6 146.61 including 164.6 164.9 0.3 289.85 TUDDH-652 173.5 176.8 3.3 24.16 including 173.5 175.3 1.8 37.08 which includes 173.8 174.1 0.3 96.78 and also including 176.2 176.5 0.3 33.37 TUDDH-636 60.6 62.4 1.8 42.44 including 60.6 61.8 1.2 55.81 which includes 60.6 61.2 0.6 61.66 and 61.2 61.8 0.6 49.96 TUDDH-755 52.9 53.7 0.8 49.72 including 52.9 53.3 0.4 78.61 TUDDH-645 142.4 146.6 4.2 7.68 including 142.4 143.0 0.6 13.02 and 144.2 144.8 0.6 19.76 TUDDH-636 228.8 230.8 2.0 14.86 TUDDH-642 179.1 182.1 3.0 8.23 TUDDH-642 172.5 175.5 3.0 6.44 including 174.6 175.5 0.9 15.55 TUDDH-647 137.6 140.9 3.3 5.49 including 140.0 140.9 0.9 12.89 TUDDH-753 57.6 58.3 0.7 25.22 including 57.6 57.9 0.4 43.58

*All drill intersects are downhole lengths

The West Zone is located approximately 300 m to the west of the main Tuvatu deposit. It is modelled as a series of mainly east-west oriented lodes dipping steeply to the south. High grade gold has been sampled at surface in the West Zone and the area is coincident with a steeply dipping CSAMT gradient, indicative of a potential deep feeder structure in the area. Given the steeply dipping nature of the mineralized lodes both at Tuvatu and at the West Zone, and given the horizontal distance between the two systems, it is unlikely that they are fed by the same feeder zone. It is therefore hypothesized that there is a second feeder zone located at depth below the West Zone, which would be separate and distinct from the very high-grade Zone 500 feeder zone at Tuvatu.

The deep drillholes reported in this news release are the first drillholes ever designed to test for feeder structures beneath the West Zone. Five drillholes were completed as part of this drill program (TUDDH-636, TUDDH-642, TUDDH-645, TUDDH-647, and TUDDH-652) and all five of these drillholes intersected high grade gold, including the headline intersections of 105.20 g/t Au over 2.1 m, 70.07 g/t Au over 2.1 m and 102.38 g/t Au over 1.2 m. These results indicate a strong potential for high-grade mineralization to continue further at depth below the West Zone and warrants additional exploration at depth. The deepest high-grade gold intersection returned in these first five drill holes was at almost 500 m depth downhole, with TUDDH-636 returning gold grades of 5.68 g/t and 7.00 g/t over 30 cm at 487.1 m and 482.0 m depth downhole respectively.

Structural analysis of oriented core and mapping of surface trenches in the West Zone has revealed the potential for north-south oriented mineralized structures as well as east-west oriented structures in the area. Historical drilling in the West Zone, however, has typically been oriented north-south to specifically target east-west oriented structures. This historical drilling is therefore likely to have missed any north-south oriented lodes as they would be oriented parallel to the drill direction. The infill drill program currently ongoing at the West Zone has been designed to intersect both the east-west and north-south oriented structures in this area by drilling in an oblique, northwest-southeast orientation. The first two holes of this drill program (TUDDH-753 and TUDDH-755) are reported in this news release. Both holes returned visible gold near surface (Figure 4).

Figure 3. West Zone drilling with high-grade intersects highlighted, 3.0 g/t gold cutoff. View is to the East. High to very high-grade gold is intersected near surface in the West Zone.

Figure 4. Visible gold from West Zone near surface drilling. Visible gold observed within narrow chalcedonic quartz roscoelite vein (TUDDH-755, from 52.9 m to 53.3 m). Left and right images are close-up views of visible gold seen in the center image.

The West Zone is not included in the current Tuvatu mine plan. However, given the high-grade mineralization present at surface in the West Zone as well as the close proximity of the West Zone to the Tuvatu processing plant, the West Zone is an ideal target for near-mine expansion. The West Zone is located just south of the mine office building at Tuvatu (Figure 5). To bring the West Zone into the current mine plan a second portal could be opened to provide direct access to the area, or an underground access drive could be developed from Tuvatu. The ongoing West Zone infill drill program is designed to help inform this decision as well as to increase confidence in the near-surface mineralization present in the West Zone.

Figure 5. Approximate location of the West Zone target area in relation to the Tuvatu processing plant and infrastructure.

Competent Persons Statement

The information in this report that relates to mineral exploration at the Tuvatu Gold Project is based on information compiled by the Lion One team and reviewed by Melvyn Levrel, who is the company's Senior Geologist. Mr Levrel is a Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has sufficient experience that is relevant to the style of mineralisation and type of deposit under consideration, and to the activity being undertaken, to qualify as a Competent Person as defined in the 2012 edition of the 'Australasian Code for Reporting of Exploration Results, Mineral Resources and Ore Reserves' (JORC code). Mr Levrel consents to the inclusion in this report of the matters based on the information in the form and context in which it appears.

Lion One Laboratories / QAQC

Lion One adheres to rigorous QAQC procedures above and beyond basic regulatory guidelines in conducting its drilling, sampling, testing, and analyses. The Company operates its own geochemical assay laboratory and its own fleet of diamond drill rigs using PQ, HQ and NQ sized drill rods.

Diamond drill core samples are logged and split by Lion One personnel on site and delivered to the Lion One Laboratory for preparation and analysis. All samples are pulverized at the Lion One lab to 85% passing through 75 microns and gold analysis is carried out using fire assay with an AA finish. Samples that return grades greater than 10.00 g/t Au are re-analyzed by gravimetric method, which is considered more accurate for very high-grade samples.

Duplicates of 5% of samples with grades above 0.5 g/t Au are delivered to ALS Global Laboratories in Australia for check assay determinations using the same methods (Au-AA26 and Au-GRA22 where applicable). ALS also analyses 33 pathfinder elements by HF-HNO3-HClO4 acid digestion, HCl leach and ICP-AES (method ME-ICP61). The Lion One lab can test a range of up to 71 elements through Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES), but currently focuses on a suite of 23 important pathfinder elements with an aqua regia digest and ICP-OES finish.

About Lion One Metals Limited

Lion One Metals is an emerging Canadian gold producer headquartered in North Vancouver BC, with new operations established in late 2023 at its 100% owned Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Project in Fiji. The Tuvatu project comprises the high-grade Tuvatu Alkaline Gold Deposit, the Underground Gold Mine, the Pilot Plant, and the Assay Lab. The Company also has an extensive exploration license covering the entire Navilawa Caldera, which is host to multiple mineralized zones and highly prospective exploration targets.

Neither the TSX-V nor its Regulation Service Provider accepts responsibility or the adequacy or accuracy of this release

This press release may contain statements that may be deemed to be "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein are forward-looking information. Generally, forward-looking information may be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "proposed", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases, or by the use of words or phrases which state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, or might occur or be achieved. This forward-looking information reflects Lion One Metals Limited's current beliefs and is based on information currently available to Lion One Metals Limited and on assumptions Lion One Metals Limited believes are reasonable. These assumptions include, but are not limited to, the actual results of exploration projects being equivalent to or better than estimated results in technical reports, assessment reports, and other geological reports or prior exploration results. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance, or achievements of Lion One Metals Limited or its subsidiaries to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors may include, but are not limited to: the stage development of Lion One Metals Limited, general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; the actual results of current research and development or operational activities; competition; uncertainty as to patent applications and intellectual property rights; product liability and lack of insurance; delay or failure to receive board or regulatory approvals; changes in legislation, including environmental legislation, affecting mining, timing and availability of external financing on acceptable terms; not realizing on the potential benefits of technology; conclusions of economic evaluations; and lack of qualified, skilled labor or loss of key individuals. Although Lion One Metals Limited has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Lion One Metals Limited does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

Appendix 1: Full Drill Results and Collar Information

Table 2. Collar coordinates for drillholes reported in this release. Coordinates are in Fiji map grid.

Hole ID Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth TUDDH-636 1875867 3920760 175 160.0 -56.8 515.8 TUDDH-642 1875885 3920756 175 186.4 -76.4 417.0 TUDDH-645 1875917 3920685 203 325.9 -59.5 311.9 TUDDH-647 1875917 3920685 203 326.0 -72.2 458.3 TUDDH-652 1875918 3920685 203 325.0 -79.1 783.0 TUDDH-753 1875838 3920802 141 125.8 -19.6 184.9 TUDDH-755 1875838 3920802 141 131.8 -33.4 220.4

Table 3. Composite results from drillholes reported in this news release (composite grade >3.0 g/t Au)

Hole ID From (m) To (m) Width (m) Au (g/t) TUDDH-636 26.7 27.3 0.6 6.28 TUDDH-636 34.5 39.6 5.1 19.82 including 34.5 35.1 0.6 3.657 and 35.1 35.7 0.6 15.96 and 35.7 36.3 0.6 18.29 and 36.3 36.9 0.6 10.99 and 36.9 37.8 0.9 0.01 and 37.8 38.7 0.9 10.84 and 38.7 39.6 0.9 68.88 TUDDH-636 43.8 44.7 0.9 11.22 including 43.8 44.4 0.6 13.59 and 44.4 44.7 0.3 6.47 TUDDH-636 47.1 47.7 0.6 12.23 TUDDH-636 60.6 62.4 1.8 42.44 including 60.6 61.2 0.6 61.66 and 61.2 61.8 0.6 49.96 and 61.8 62.4 0.6 15.69 TUDDH-636 67.8 69.9 2.1 105.20 including 67.8 68.4 0.6 72.55 and 68.4 68.7 0.3 126.37 and 68.7 69.0 0.3 248.35 and 69.0 69.6 0.6 73.82 and 69.6 69.9 0.3 68.96 TUDDH-636 228.8 230.8 2.0 14.86 TUDDH-636 334.2 335.1 0.9 4.86 TUDDH-636 429.8 430.1 0.3 3.06 TUDDH-636 472.1 473.0 0.9 3.55 TUDDH-636 482.0 482.3 0.3 7.00 TUDDH-636 487.1 487.4 0.3 5.68 TUDDH-642 117.6 117.9 0.3 8.10 TUDDH-642 123.0 124.5 1.5 10.23 including 123.0 123.6 0.6 11.96 and 123.6 124.5 0.9 9.08 TUDDH-642 149.4 150.0 0.6 5.28 TUDDH-642 172.5 175.5 3.0 6.44 including 172.5 172.8 0.3 5.39 and 172.8 173.7 0.9 4.00 and 173.7 174.6 0.9 0.12 and 174.6 175.5 0.9 15.55 TUDDH-642 179.1 182.1 3.0 8.23 including 179.1 180.0 0.9 8.68 and 180.0 180.3 0.3 12.64 and 180.3 180.6 0.3 10.99 and 180.6 181.2 0.6 8.91 and 181.2 182.1 0.9 4.95 TUDDH-642 229.2 229.5 0.3 4.21 TUDDH-642 234.9 235.5 0.6 5.82 including 234.9 235.2 0.3 7.02 and 235.2 235.5 0.3 4.62 TUDDH-642 241.8 243.9 2.1 8.10 including 241.8 242.4 0.6 11.23 and 242.4 243.3 0.9 0.93 and 243.3 243.6 0.3 10.55 and 243.6 243.9 0.3 20.86 TUDDH-642 296.3 297.2 0.9 3.52 TUDDH-642 323.0 323.6 0.6 7.35 TUDDH-645 86.0 86.3 0.3 4.91 TUDDH-645 97.7 98.9 1.2 102.38 TUDDH-645 142.4 146.6 4.2 7.68 including 142.4 143.0 0.6 13.02 and 143.0 143.3 0.3 9.81 and 143.3 143.6 0.3 5.80 and 143.6 143.9 0.3 -0.01 and 143.9 144.2 0.3 8.14 and 144.2 144.5 0.3 10.88 and 144.5 144.8 0.3 28.63 and 144.8 145.4 0.6 1.30 and 145.4 146.0 0.6 3.97 and 146.0 146.6 0.6 3.85 TUDDH-645 152.9 154.1 1.2 4.77 including 152.9 153.2 0.3 8.38 and 153.2 153.5 0.3 1.51 and 153.5 154.1 0.6 4.60 TUDDH-645 155.9 156.5 0.6 7.88 TUDDH-645 161.6 162.2 0.6 9.46 TUDDH-645 164.3 164.9 0.6 146.61 including 164.3 164.6 0.3 3.36 and 164.6 164.9 0.3 289.85 TUDDH-647 137.6 140.9 3.3 5.49 including 137.6 138.2 0.6 5.39 and 138.2 139.1 0.9 <0.01 and 139.1 140.0 0.9 3.66 and 140.0 140.9 0.9 12.89 TUDDH-647 144.5 146.6 2.1 70.07 including 144.5 145.7 1.2 73.43 and 145.7 146.6 0.9 65.58 TUDDH-647 196.7 197.6 0.9 5.13 including 196.7 197.0 0.3 6.46 and 197.0 197.3 0.3 4.85 and 197.3 197.6 0.3 4.07 TUDDH-652 17.6 17.9 0.3 4.96 TUDDH-652 173.5 176.8 3.3 24.16 including 173.5 173.8 0.3 29.86 and 173.8 174.1 0.3 96.78 and 174.1 174.4 0.3 20.89 and 174.4 174.7 0.3 38.19 and 174.7 175.0 0.3 15.99 and 175.0 175.3 0.3 20.75 and 175.3 175.6 0.3 0.40 and 175.6 175.9 0.3 1.80 and 175.9 176.2 0.3 2.28 and 176.2 176.5 0.3 33.37 and 176.5 176.8 0.3 5.41 TUDDH-652 184.3 184.9 0.6 15.26 TUDDH-652 193.3 193.9 0.6 7.71 TUDDH-652 195.7 196.3 0.6 5.29 including 195.7 196.0 0.3 5.03 and 196.0 196.3 0.3 5.55 TUDDH-652 205.0 205.6 0.6 12.65 including 205.0 205.3 0.3 9.33 and 205.3 205.6 0.3 15.96 TUDDH-652 215.2 217.0 1.8 6.32 including 215.2 215.5 0.3 5.45 and 215.5 215.8 0.3 1.34 and 215.8 216.1 0.3 4.56 and 216.1 216.4 0.3 7.43 and 216.4 216.7 0.3 3.30 and 216.7 217.0 0.3 15.82 TUDDH-652 220.3 220.6 0.3 26.72 TUDDH-652 223.3 223.6 0.3 3.56 TUDDH-652 224.5 224.8 0.3 4.13 TUDDH-652 430.2 431.4 1.2 3.90 including 430.2 430.8 0.6 3.99 and 430.8 431.4 0.6 3.80 TUDDH-753 57.6 58.3 0.7 25.22 including 57.6 57.9 0.4 43.58 and 57.9 58.3 0.4 6.86 TUDDH-753 60.5 60.9 0.5 7.94 TUDDH-753 64.4 65.2 0.8 4.40 including 64.4 64.7 0.3 5.58 and 64.7 65.2 0.5 3.69 TUDDH-755 52.9 53.7 0.8 49.72 including 52.9 53.3 0.4 78.61 and 53.3 53.7 0.4 21.56 TUDDH-755 64.7 65.0 0.3 6.20 TUDDH-755 68.2 68.5 0.3 2.00 TUDDH-755 153.6 153.9 0.3 2.19

*All drill intersects are downhole lengths
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Velocity Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: VLC) (OTCQB: VLCJF) ("Velocity" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a binding letter agreement (the "Letter Agreement") with Turkerler Insaat Turizm Madencilik Enerji Uretim Ticaret ve Sanayi A.S. ("Turkerler"), a diversified company based in Ankara, Turkey, whereby Turkerler has agreed to purchase 100% of the Rozino gold project, together with certain licences, licence applications and associated tenures and rights (the "Rozino Project") and the interest of Velocity in certain other Bulgarian mineral property assets, licences, licence applications and associated tenures and rights (collectively, the "Non-Rozino Assets"; together with the Rozino Project, the "Subject Assets") in consideration for USD $59.0 million cash (the "Transaction").

"We are delighted to have secured a USD $59 million deal for our Bulgarian assets so soon after announcing our intention to do so. We look forward to closing this Transaction in due course," stated Keith Henderson, the Company's President & CEO. "Turkerler is a diversified company with total investment of more than USD $6 billion in active projects, with a focus on renewable energy projects. They are very well positioned to take assets like the Rozino Project to the next stages of development, with the support of Velocity's Bulgarian team." Mr. Henderson continued, "This investment in the Rozino Project will be particularly welcome news for the residents of the Ivaylovgrad region as resource-sector investments tend to bring far-reaching economic benefits for local residents and local businesses. The neighbouring Ada Tepe mine is expected to close in 2026, so development of the Rozino Project mine will be necessary to secure employment in this part of Bulgaria. "

"We have added value to the Rozino Project with focused exploration and mineral resource expansion ultimately leading to a positive Prefeasibility Study. Projects like this bring added value to society, bringing employment, training, and programs to build local community capacity. We are especially proud that exploration at the Rozino Project was completed by a Bulgarian team of geologists and scientists who defined the project as economically viable," Mr. Henderson noted, "Moving forward, Velocity is looking at potential acquisition opportunities throughout Europe to identify projects where we can again add significant value to underappreciated assets. We look forward to updating shareholders in due course."

Commercial Terms

Under the terms of the Letter Agreement and subject to acceptance by the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), it is currently expected that the Transaction will be effected by way of a share purchase and sale transaction, pursuant to which Turkerler will purchase all of the issued and outstanding shares of certain Bulgarian subsidiaries of Velocity. The purchase price for the Subject Assets will be USD $59.0 million (the "Purchase Price"), payable in two tranches, as follows: (i) an initial non-refundable payment in the amount of USD $15.0 million payable at the closing of the Transaction ("Closing"); and (ii) an additional payment in the amount of USD $44.0 million (the "Second Tranche Payment") on or before the 18 month anniversary of the date of Closing, provided that if the Second Tranche Payment is paid by Turkerler on or before the 12 month anniversary of the date of Closing, then the amount of the Second Tranche Payment will be reduced by USD $1.5 million to USD $42.5 million. Gorubso-Kardzhali AD, which holds a 30% interest in the Rozino Project, will be entitled to 30% of the Purchase Price attributed to the Rozino Project. USD $55.0 million of the Purchase Price is attributable to the Rozino Project.

Closing is currently scheduled for on or before January 31, 2025, and will be subject to customary conditions precedent, including, without limitation, satisfactory completion of due diligence by Turkerler, receipt of all necessary shareholder, board and regulatory (including TSXV) consents and approvals. The Transaction requires the favourable vote of 66 2/3% of the votes cast by Velocity shareholders and Velocity expects to set a shareholder meeting date to approve the Transaction in December 2024.

Turkerler and Velocity will each, subject to certain terms and conditions in the Letter Agreement, be responsible for payment of a break or non-completion fee to the other party equal to 5% of the Purchase Price in certain circumstances if the Transaction does not proceed. Turkerler is an arm's length party to the Company, and finder's fees in the amount of 4% will be payable in connection with the Transaction.

About Velocity

Velocity is a precious metals and copper explorer focused on Eastern Europe. In Bulgaria, Velocity has a 70% interest in the Tintyava property, which includes the prefeasibility-stage Rozino deposit. Velocity also has a 70% interest in the Momchil property (which includes the Obichnik project), a 70% interest in the Nadezhda property (which includes the Makedontsi project), a 70% interest in the Dangovo property (which is contiguous with the Makedontsi project), and a 100% interest in the Iglika copper-gold exploration property.

About Turkerler

Turkerler was founded more than 50 years ago in Ankara, Turkiye, and has grown to become a diversified group of companies with over 24,000 staff, and which is active in real estate development, renewable energy (wind, solar, geothermal), electrical generation & distribution, public-private partnerships, the textile sector, as well as mining. Turkerler's experience includes major construction projects, such as hydro-electric dams, tunnels, highways, subways and hospitals, which experience will be critical in its ongoing expansion into the mining sector. As at the end of the last financial year, Turkerler has total investments of $6 billion dollars in active projects.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

"Keith Henderson"

President & CEO

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

This news release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information (collectively, "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and U.S. securities legislation. All statements, other than statements of historical fact, included herein including, without limitation, statements regarding the completion of the Transaction, the completion of the conditions precedent to the Transaction, the holding of a shareholder meeting to approve the Transaction, and the anticipated business plans and timing of future activities of the Company, are forward-looking statements. Although the Company believes that such statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. Often, but not always, forward-looking information can be identified by words such as "pro forma", "plans", "expects", "may", "will", "should", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates", "believes", "potential" or variations of such words including negative variations thereof, and phrases that refer to certain actions, events or results that may, could, would, might or will occur or be taken or achieved. In making the forward-looking statements in this news release, the Company has applied several material assumptions, including without limitation, that market fundamentals will result in sustained precious metals demand and prices, the receipt of any necessary permits, licenses and regulatory approvals in connection with the Transaction in a timely manner, the availability of financing on suitable terms for the continued operation of the Company's business, and the Company's ability to comply with environmental, health and safety laws.

Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such risks and other factors include, among others, operating and technical difficulties in connection with mineral exploration and development and mine development activities at the Company's properties, estimation or realization of mineral reserves and mineral resources, requirements for additional capital, future prices of precious metals and copper, changes in general economic conditions, changes in the financial markets and in the demand and market price for commodities, possible variations in ore grade or recovery rates, possible failures of plants, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated, accidents, labour disputes and other risks of the mining industry, delays or the inability of the Company to obtain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required, including TSX Venture Exchange acceptance of the Transaction, financing or other planned activities, changes in laws, regulations and policies affecting mining operations, currency fluctuations, title disputes or claims limitations on insurance coverage and the timing and possible outcome of pending litigation, environmental issues and liabilities, risks relating to epidemics or pandemics such as COVID-19, including the impact of COVID-19 on the Company's business, risks related to joint venture operations, and risks related to the integration of acquisitions, as well as those factors discussed under the heading "Risk Factors" in the Company's latest Management Discussion and Analysis and other filings of the Company with the Canadian Securities Authorities, copies of which can be found under the Company's profile on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Except as otherwise required by law, the Company undertakes no obligation to update any of the forward-looking information in this news release or incorporated by reference herein.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Equity Metals Corporation (TSXV: EQTY) ("Equity") reports today that drilling continues to intersect high-grade mineralization at the Camp Deposit and the newly identified Camp North target, and continues to delineate veins at the George Lake target on its 100% owned Silver Queen Au-Ag project, British Columbia.

Assays were returned from three target areas on the property, including additional high-grade intercepts from the Camp Deposit which returned:

A 0.7 metre (Est. TT) interval grading 2.7g/t Au, 388g/t Ag, 2.5%Pb and 11.3% Zn (18.4g/t AuEq or 1,372g/t AgEq) within a broader 7.5 metre (est. TT) interval averaging 0.5g/t Au, 63g/t Ag, 0.1% Cu, 0.5% Pb and 2.3% Zn (3.4g/t AuEq or 255g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-125.

Drilling confirms lateral continuity over a 90m strike length in a new hangingwall vein segment of the Camp Deposit, which was initially discovered in 2023 drilling but not included in the 2022 Mineral Resource update of the property. The mineralization is shallow, less than 50m below surface, and is open both laterally and at depth. Assays are pending from four drill holes that tested the Camp vein in the Summer '24 program. Only partial assays have been received from three of those holes and additional assays are anticipated over the coming weeks.

Strongly precious metal-enriched mineralization was also identified in a new discovery located 300m to the north of the Camp Deposit. Drilling at the Camp North Target returned:

A 1.8 metre (downhole thickness) interval averaging 0.4g/t Au, 210g/t Ag, 3.2%Pb and 7.4% Zn (10.2g/t AuEq or 761g/t AgEq) within a broader 8.6 metre (downhole thickness) interval averaging 0.2g/t Au, 67g/t Ag, 1.0% Pb and 4.2% Zn (4.7g/t AuEq or 352g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-128.

This is the first reported intercept from this new discovery. Mineralization is open both vertically and laterally for future targeting. Two holes tested the target as part of the 2024 drill program and further assays are pending from both holes.

Additional assays were also returned from the George Lake target which include:

A 0.3 metre (est. TT) interval grading 1.8g/t Au, 197g/t Ag, 5.4% Pb and 9.7% Zn (14.8g/t AuEq or 1,102g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-116 ; and

A 0.3 metre (est. TT) interval grading 0.8g/t Au, 90g/t Ag, 2.6% Pb and 11.8% Zn (12.5g/t AuEq or 928g/t AgEq) within a thicker 1.0 metre (est TT) interval averaging 0.3g/t Au, 24g/t Ag, 0.7%Pb and 5.0% Zn (4.8g/t AuEq or 356g/t AgEq) in drillhole SQ24-119.

Modelled vein intercepts in the George Lake zone form clusters of relatively narrow gold and silver-enriched, northwest-trending polymetallic veins. Thicker vein intercepts occur in the north-west segment of the zone in the area of the historic Bulkley Cross-cut workings. Two prominent veins sets have been identified in the 3D modelling. Further assay results are anticipated, which will be used to assist drill targeting in the Fall'24 drilling on the property.

VP Exploration Rob Macdonald commented, "These new assays continue to highlight the exploration potential of the area of Camp Deposit. We are encouraged by the thickness of the mineralized intervals in both the Camp and Camp North drilling and both targets remain open for resource expansion. Drilling has re-commenced with a focus on the brand-new No.3 Vein North area for the Fall '24 program. With further assays pending from the Summer '24 drilling, shareholders can look forward to continuous news flow into 2025."

New Drilling  No. 3 Vein North

The Company also reports that drilling has recommenced as part of its 2024 exploration program on the Silver Queen property. Up to 5,000m of new drilling is planned on the No. 3 Vein North target during the Fall '24 program. This is a new target area for the Company, which extends to the northwest from the No. 3 Vein deposit. The No. 3 Vein Deposit and its southeast extension into the NG-3 deposit are the largest deposits identified on the property and contain up to 66% of the current mineral resources on a AgEq basis.

No. 3 Vein North area has seen historical drilling and limited underground development, but little historical mining. Initial drilling will test the immediate northwest extension of the No. 3 Vein, confirm the width and tenor of historical drill intercepts in the area, and test for expansion of mineralization in the immediate area of the historical workings (see Figure 2).

Twenty-four core holes totalling 10,543 metres were completed as part of Equity's Summer '24 exploration program, which includes 18 drill holes totalling 7,541 metres at the George Lake target, four drillholes totalling 2,687 metres at the Camp target, and two holes totalling 975 metres at the Camp North target. Complete assay results have been reported for 15 holes and partial results returned for four additional holes with the balance of assays yet to come.

Figure 1: Plan of Silver Queen project area

Figure 2: Longitudinal Section of the No. 3 Vein North target, looking northeast, showing proposed drill targeting for the upcoming Fall '24 drill program on the Silver Queen property

About Silver Queen Project

The Silver Queen Project is a premier gold-silver property with over 100 years of historic exploration and development and is located adjacent to power, roads and rail with significant mining infrastructure that was developed under previous operators Bradina JV (Bralorne Mines) and Houston Metals Corp. (a Hunt Brothers company). The property contains an historic decline into the No. 3 Vein and the George Lake Vein, camp infrastructure, and a maintained Tailings Facility.

The Silver Queen Property consists of 46 mineral claims, 17 crown grants, and two surface crown grants totalling 18,871ha with no underlying royalties. Mineralization is hosted by a series of epithermal veins distributed over a 6 sq km area. An updated NI43-101 Mineral Resource Estimate with effective date December 1st, 2022 was detailed in a News Release issued on Jan 16, 2023, which can be found by clicking here and the full Technical Report can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca/) and the Company's website.

More than 20 different veins have been identified on the property, forming an extensive network of zoned Cretaceous- to Tertiary-age epithermal veins. The property remains largely under-explored.

Table 1: Select Currently Reported Composites from 2024 Drilling on the George Lake Target

Hole # From

(m) To

(m) Interval

(m) ETT

(m) Au

(g/t) Ag

(g/t) Cu

(%) Pb

(%) Zn

(%) AuEq

(g/t) AgEq

(g/t) Comments Camp Deposit SQ24-125 58.0 66.5 8.5 7.5 0.5 63 0.1 0.5 2.3 3.4 255 inc. 61.7 63.6 1.9 1.7 1.5 217 0.4 1.4 7.5 11.2 835 inc. 61.7 62.5 0.8 0.7 2.7 388 0.6 2.5 11.3 18.4 1372 ASSAYS PENDING Camp North Target SQ24-128 282.0 290.6 8.6 UNK 0.2 67 0.0 1.0 4.2 4.7 352 inc. 282.0 283.7 1.6 UNK 0.4 68 0.0 0.9 8.3 7.9 591 and inc. 287.6 289.4 1.8 UNK 0.4 210 0.0 3.2 7.4 10.2 761 ASSAYS PENDING George Lake Target SQ24-114 204.7 207.2 2.5 1.6 0.1 3 0.0 0.1 1.9 1.7 124 56% Dilution inc. 206.5 207.2 0.7 0.5 0.3 6 0.0 0.1 5.0 4.2 312 SQ24-114 321.9 322.7 0.8 0.5 0.1 18 0.0 0.6 3.3 3.1 230 inc. 322.3 322.7 0.4 0.3 0.2 30 0.0 0.8 5.3 4.9 366 SQ24-114 503.7 504.2 0.5 0.3 1.5 213 0.9 0.9 1.9 7.7 572 SQ24-115 274.0 274.4 0.4 0.3 1.3 263 0.5 1.8 3.4 9.0 667 SQ24-115 290.4 290.9 0.6 0.4 0.9 30 0.0 0.3 8.2 7.6 567 SQ24-115 429.1 430.8 1.8 1.3 0.7 32 0.0 0.2 2.8 3.4 253 inc. 429.1 429.5 0.4 0.3 1.3 57 0.1 0.4 6.6 7.4 548 SQ24-115 449.5 449.9 0.4 0.3 2.5 32 0.1 1.5 3.4 6.4 473 SQ24-116 29.1 29.5 0.4 0.3 1.8 197 0.4 5.4 9.7 14.8 1102 SQ24-117 268.4 269.5 1.1 0.7 3.4 18 0.0 0.3 6.8 8.9 663 SQ24-117 338.2 341.8 3.6 2.3 0.7 37 0.1 0.4 1.0 2.2 166 37.5% Dilution inc. 338.2 339.7 1.4 0.9 1.5 48 0.2 0.3 1.1 3.5 260 SQ24-118 83.1 83.9 0.9 0.5 1.4 21 0.0 0.3 4.5 5.2 384 SQ24-118 345.3 346.2 0.9 0.5 0.3 44 0.1 0.1 1.6 2.4 179 SQ24-119 89.7 91.2 1.5 1.0 0.3 24 0.1 0.7 5.0 4.8 356 inc. 90.8 91.2 0.4 0.3 0.8 90 0.3 2.6 11.8 12.5 928 SQ24-119 133.8 135.4 1.6 1.1 0.8 106 0.1 0.3 0.9 3.1 234 inc. 133.8 134.3 0.5 0.4 0.5 270 0.1 0.5 2.1 6.0 449 SQ24-119 178.2 179.8 1.6 1.1 1.3 12 0.0 0.4 1.2 2.5 189

Notes: drill core samples were analyzed by FA/AAS for gold and 48 element ICP-MS by MS Analytical, Langley, BC. Silver (>100ppm), copper, lead and zinc (>1%) overlimits assayed by ore grade ICP-ES analysis, High silver overlimits (>1000g/t Ag) and gold overlimits (>10g/t Au) re-assayed with FA-Grav. Silver >10,000g/t re-assayed by concentrate analysis, where a FA-Grav analysis is performed in triplicate and a weighed average reported. Downhole composites calculated using a 80g/t AgEq (1g/t AuEq) cut-off and <20% internal dilution, except where noted. Accuracy of results is tested through the systematic inclusion of QA/QC standards, blanks and duplicates into the sample stream. AuEq and AgEq were calculated using prices of $1,800/oz Au, $22/oz Ag, $3.50/lb Cu, $0.95/lb Pb and $1.30/lb Zn. AuEq and AgEq calculations utilized relative metallurgical recoveries of Au 70%, Ag 80%, Cu 80%, Pb 81% and Zn 90%.

About Equity Metals Corporation

Equity Metals Corporation is a member of the Malaspina-Manex Group. The Company owns 100% interest, with no underlying royalty, in the Silver Queen project, located along the Skeena Arch in the Omineca Mining Division, British Columbia. The property hosts high-grade, precious- and base-metal veins related to a buried porphyry system, which has been only partially delineated. The Company also has a controlling JV interest (57.49%) in the Monument Diamond project, NWT, strategically located in the Lac De Gras district within 40 km of both the Ekati and Diavik diamond mines.

Robert Macdonald, MSc. P.Geo, is VP Exploration of Equity Metals Corporation and a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101. He is responsible for the supervision of the exploration on the Silver Queen project and for the preparation of the technical information in this disclosure.

On behalf of the Board of Directors

"Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr."

Joseph Anthony Kizis, Jr., P.Geo

President, Director, Equity Metals Corporation

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release may contain forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include the timing and receipt of government and regulatory approvals, and continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. Equity Metals Corporation does not assume any obligation to update or revise its forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Dynasty Gold Corp. (TSXV: DYG) (FSE: D5G1) (OTC Pink: DGDCF) ("Dynasty" or the "Company") is pleased to announce phase two of the Company's 2024 exploration program has started and its crew arrived at its Thundercloud property in the Archean Manitou-Stormy Lakes Greenstone belt, 47 kilometers southeast of Dryden in northwestern Ontario.

"Drill results released on September 23, confirming grades up to 24.53 g/t gold within a broad zone of mineralization at Pelham, demonstrate the continuity of high-grade gold discovered in 2022 and 2023. These high-grade assay results have significantly expanded the resource (NI 43-101 Resource Estimate Report, dated September 27, 2021) in tonnage and grade," said Ivy Chong, president and CEO of Dynasty Gold Corp. "With additional drilling this fall and into next year, and gold trading above $2,600 an ounce, we anticipate the resource could expand considerably when the NI 43-101 Resource Estimate Report is updated."

Chong continues: "Drilling on the property in the last two years are shallow holes of less than 250 meters (m). Mineralization is open at depth and along strike and 90% of the property has not been systematically explored, providing excellent potential for resource expansion."

Pelham Zone Drilling Results

Drilling over the last three years at the Pelham Zone, in the central portion of the property, has delineated a zone of mineralization over a strike length of 450m and vertical extent of 150m to 200m, with typical intercepts from 50m to 160m averaging between 1 and 8.4 g/t gold with narrower, higher-grade intervals of 3m to 12m between 10 to 65 g/t.

*See Table 1 for selected sample results with intervals between 3m to 12m assaying above 10 g/t gold.

Table 1. Selected Results with Assays above 10 g/t Gold between 2022 to 2024 (This list is not exclusive. It does not include many 1.5m assays above 10 g/t in the data sets.)

Hole Number From (m) To (m) Interval (m) Au (g/t) DP22-02 190.5 193.5 3.0 65.2 DP22-03 115.5 125.0 9.5 50.3 DP23-01 162.0 165.0 3.0 19.3 And 184.5 187.5 3.0 18.3 DP23-03 147.0 153.0 6.0 10.4 DP23-04 109.5 121.5 12.0 11.1 DP23-10 52.5 55.5 3.0 11.2 And 69.0 72.0 3.0 18.1 TC24-02 111.0 114.0 3.0 11.0

Fall Drilling Plans Prioritized

Based on recent reprocessing of magnetic and IP data, the Pelham Zone mineralization is shown to coincide with magnetic and chargeability highs, which are believed to be associated with disseminated and veinlet pyrite and associated biotite-magnetite alteration. Several similar trending coincident magnetic and chargeability highs have been recognized in the West Contact Zone approximately 500 meters to 2,000 meters south of Pelham. In a follow-up to July's drilling, the remaining 4,000-meter drill program (announced on June 18, 2024) will drill test three to four targets in the West Contact Zone. Plans include prioritizing those targets that are known to be associated with chargeability high and anomalous rock chip samples from previous trenching and historic workings.

A reinterpretation of the structural controls for mineralization intersected in the first phase drilling in the Pelham Zone is currently underway. It is anticipated that following this review, an additional phase of drilling will be conducted in late 2024 or early 2025 to test for down-dip extensions to the mineralization, particularly in the Eastern Pelham Zone where Dynasty defined the high-grade core to the mineralization with its 2022 and 2023 drill programs.

The technical content of this release has been reviewed and approved by E. Max Baker Ph.D. (F.AusIMM), Technical Director of the Company and a "Qualified Person" ("QP") as defined in National Instrument 43- 101 - Standards of Disclosure for Mineral Projects.

About Dynasty Gold Corp.

Dynasty Gold Corp. is a Canadian mineral exploration company currently focused on gold exploration in North America with projects located in the Manitou-Stormy Lake greenstone belt in Ontario and in the Midas gold camp in Nevada. The Company is currently advancing its Thundercloud gold resource in northwest Ontario. A NI 43-101 Independent Technical Report, dated Sept. 27, 2021, can be found on the Company's and SEDAR websites. The 100% owned Golden Repeat gold project in the Midas gold camp in Elko County, Nevada, is surrounded by a number of large-scale operating mines. For more information, please visit the Company's website www.dynastygoldcorp.com.

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" that involve a number of 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. The TSX Venture Exchange has not reviewed and does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - AJN Resources Inc. (CSE: AJN) (FSE: 5AT) (AJN or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has signed an agreement (Agreement) with Lord Purus Trading Limited (LPT), a company registered in Kenya, for the acquisition of up to a 70% interest in the Dabel Gold Project, which is located approximately 50 km south-east of Moyale, in northern Kenya, within the Marsabit County. The Dabel project lies within the Adola Gold Belt which hosts the ~4.5 Moz Lega Dembi gold mine, roughly 250km to the north in Ethiopia in a similar geological setting and adjacent to the continental margin Mutito shear zone as shown in Figure 1.

Figure 1: Location of Dabel Gold Project along the regional Mutito shear zone which separates Archaean-Mesoproterozoic rocks of the Azania block (east) from Neoproterozoic rocks of the South Ethiopian shield (west).

The project area represents a recent discovery and has been worked extensively by foreign artisanal miners in an area covering circa 25km x 10km along 2 main trends as shown in Figure 2. Data collected from artisanal miners gave a cumulative estimate of gold production of 3,500kg for a period of two years from 2021 to early 2023. Only one area at the Hillo mining site (Figure 2) was visited during a limited site visit where alluvial and hard rock workings were identified over a distance of circa 5km. Hard rock workings identified to the east at Hillo covered a strike length of 330m and a width of 50m and are open to the north and south as shown in Figure 4. A series of alluvial gravel fans, which shed off the hills to the south as shown in Figure 4, had been extensively worked by artisanal miners. It is highly likely that given the extent of these gold bearing gravels that these were potentially sourced from a major mineralised structure further up the hill slopes which would potentially cover a strike length of more than 6km.

Primary mineralisation is hosted by intensely sheared, strongly silicified schists with quartz vein stringers and lenses, which had been mined throughout, suggesting mineralisation can be expected over decent widths of more than 50 metres. A high-grade wide quartz vein with free gold was also mined in the area although this was not the main exploitation target. The hard rock workings were stopped by the government after 3 months of activity suggesting that the mineralised structure has only been mined over a minimal strike length of 330m. The true strike extent will be realised from future geochemistry and drilling work.

Six channel and grab samples were collected and submitted to SGS, Mwanza, an accredited laboratory, for sample preparation and assaying.

Figure 2: Overview of the license area and the prospective Hillo mining site and known gold occurrences throughout the license area. Gold occurrences are based off georeferenced maps from the Rotor Report*.

*Report provided by LPT: Gold Mineralisation in Dabel-Moyale in Marsabit County by Vicopat Geological Consultants, 2023.

CEO and President Klaus Eckhof commented: "We are extremely excited about the acquisition of the Dabel Gold Project, which has been subjected to extensive artisanal mining and which has highlighted the potential of the area. The Company now has a great opportunity to uncover the true potential through systematic exploration of the area, which lies on trend, within the same host rocks and only 250km from the Lega Dembi 4.5Moz Gold Mine in neighbouring Ethiopia to the north. It is the Ethiopians who first identified the potential in the area before being removed by the Government of Kenya. AJN is committed to working with the local communities and has the full support of the stakeholders in the project area. We look forward to fast tracking a drilling programme in coming months to unleash the true potential of the area."

Figure 3: Main workings at the Hillo artisanal mining site.

Figure 4: Map showing extensive alluvial gravels that have been mined for gold by artisanal workers (orange). Initial interpretations are that the source of the gold occurs along the ridge of the mountain range as shown by the black stipple lines which extend for over 6km.

The Company will now mobilise its exploration teams to commence detailed channel sampling and mapping programmes of the workings in preparation for a drilling programme as a priority for a better understanding of the true widths and grades mined by artisanal miners. In conjunction with this work, the Company will conduct soil geochemical programmes over the two main priority areas shown in Figure 2 and will conduct a detailed mapping and sampling programme over the 6km ridge to identify the source of the extensive alluvial gravels.

Deal Structure

AJN can acquire up to a 70% interest in the Dabel Gold Project on the following terms:

Issue 5,000,000 shares in the share capital of AJN to LPT or its nominee within 10 days of signing the Agreement.

AJN will conduct a 90-day due diligence, which includes drilling of a minimum of 1,000m.

On completion of the due diligence and should AJN wish to continue, within 10 days of transfer of 60% of the Dabel Gold Project or 60% of LPT's shares to AJN ( Commencement Date ), AJN will issue 19.9% of its share capital to LPT or its nominee.

), AJN will issue 19.9% of its share capital to LPT or its nominee. AJN will make a payment of US$50,000 on signing the Agreement, a further US$50,000 on completion of a fundraise of a minimum of US$1,000,000, and US$250,000 after 6 months from signing the Agreement. AJN will also pay an additional US$500,000 on the anniversary of the $250,000 payment for the duration of the exploration phase.

AJN will sole fund all exploration and ensure all permits are maintained in good standing to completion of a Bankable Feasibility Study ( BFS ) to be completed within 5 years of the Commencement Date.

) to be completed within 5 years of the Commencement Date. AJN can acquire an additional 10% interest in the Dabel Gold Project by paying US$10,000,000 to LPT or its nominee within 2 years from the Commencement Date OR paying US$15,000,000 within 3 years from the Commencement Date.

All parties will contribute to project development post BFS or dilute according to a standard industry formula.

QP Statement

Mr Dylan le Roux is a consultant of AJN Resources Inc. and a qualified geologist. Mr le Roux is a registered Professional Natural Scientist (Geological Science) with the South African Council for Natural Scientific Professions (SACNASP Reg. No. 155814). Mr le Roux is a qualified person (QP) under NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the scientific and technical information contained in this news release.

MEK Amendment Agreement

The Company further announces that it has entered into an amendment agreement to binding term sheet dated effective August 29, 2024 (the "PR 15623 Amendment Agreement") with Mining Entreprise Katanga SARLU ("MEK") providing for the amendment of certain terms of its binding term sheet with MEK dated effective the 15th day of October, 2023 with respect to exploration permit PR 15623 located in the Manono territory in the Tanganyika Province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (the "PR 15623 Term Sheet") including the extension of certain deadlines and the replacement of the final US$80,000 cash consideration payable under the PR 15623 Term Sheet with the issuance of 2,000,000 common shares in the capital of the Company. Pursuant to the PR 15623 Amendment Agreement, the Company has issued the 2,000,000 common shares in its capital to a nominee of MEK, at a deemed price of $0.09 per share. The shares are restricted from trading until January 14, 2025.

About AJN Resources Inc.

AJN is a junior exploration company. AJN's management and directors possess over 75 years of collective industry experience and have been very successful in the areas of exploration, financing and developing major mines throughout the world, with a focus on Africa, especially the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

The information in this news release may include certain information and statements about management's view of future events, expectations, plans and prospects that may constitute forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are based upon assumptions that are subject to significant risks and uncertainties. Because of these risks and uncertainties and as a result of a variety of factors, the actual results, expectations, achievements or performance may differ materially from those anticipated and indicated by these forward-looking statements. Although AJN Resources Inc. believes that the expectations reflected in forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurances that the expectations of any forward-looking statements will prove to be correct. Except as required by law, AJN Resources Inc. disclaims any intention and assumes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, whether as a result of new information, future events, changes in assumptions, changes in factors affecting such forward-looking statements or otherwise.

Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Not for distribution to United States newswire services or for dissemination in the United States.
VANCOUVER, B.C., Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Vizsla Silver Corp. (TSX-V: VZLA) (NYSE: VZLA) (Frankfurt: 0G3) ("Vizsla" or the "Company") is pleased to report results from 11 new drill holes targeting the Copala resource area at its 100%-owned, flagship Panuco silver-gold project ("Panuco" or the "Project") located in Mexico. The reported drill results are from the recently completed infill program, designed to upgrade and expand Mineral Resources within areas designated for initial production at Copala.

Highlights

CS-24-393 returned 4,573 grams per tonne (g/t) silver equivalent (AgEq) over 5.65 metres true width (mTW) (3,007 g/t silver and 26.06 g/t gold) Including 16,666 g/t AgEq over 1.48 mTW (10,869 g/t silver and 96.11 g/t gold)

(3,007 g/t silver and 26.06 g/t gold) CS-24-390 returned 3,368 g/t AgEq over 5.80 mTW (2,551 g/t silver and 14.85 g/t gold) Including 30,305 g/t AgEq over 0.46 mTW (21,953 g/t silver and 146.50 g/t gold)

(2,551 g/t silver and 14.85 g/t gold) CS-24-389 returned 5,224 g/t AgEq over 2.30 mTW (2,851 g/t silver and 37.30 g/t gold) Including 10,077 g/t AgEq over 1.05 mTW (5,410 g/t silver and 73.10 g/t gold)

(2,851 g/t silver and 37.30 g/t gold)

"This latest round of infill drill results continues to support improved mineral continuity along the Copala structure," commented Michael Konnert, President & CEO. "It is very rare for an infill program to add such a significant amount of new mineralization, particularly at higher-than-average grades. This speaks to the exceptional quality of the Copala structure which remains open in all directions. Additionally, the discovery of a historic mine adit at Copala combined with new 3D interpretations based on updated drill data, highlights the potential for additional near surface resources outboard of both the current PEA mine plan and MRE boundary. With the infill program now complete, we are looking forward to mobilizing our drill rigs to the eastern portion of the district to begin discovery-based drilling on several high-priority targets."

The precious metals dominant Copala structure, located in the western portion of the Panuco district, is situated ~800 m to the east of the Napoleon Vein. Copala currently hosts Indicated Resources of 83.3 Moz AgEq at 573 g/t AgEq and Inferred Resources of 48.3 Moz AgEq at 476 g/t AgEq within a broad envelope of vein-breccia interlayered with host rock, up to 82 metres thick (please refer to our Technical Report on Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico, by Allan Armitage, Ben Eggers and Peter Mehrfert, dated February 12, 2024 and Vizsla's press release dated January 8, 2024). Observations by Vizsla geologists indicate Copala has an average dip of ~46 to the east (~35 in its northern sector and steepening to ~65 in the southern sector).

Exploration and resource focused drilling at Copala has traced mineralization along ~1,770 metres of strike length and ~400 metres down dip. Recent mapping, supported with LiDAR, led to the discovery of a historic mine adit on surface located at Copala Central. The location of the historic adit (see figure 2) combined with new 3D interpretations of drilling data highlight the potential for resource expansion up dip from the previously reported CS-24-356 hole containing visible gold (see press release dated June 26, 2024). This area is currently outboard of both the PEA mine plan and MRE boundary, representing an excellent target to expand high-grade mineralization closer to surface.

The 11 holes reported herein are from the recently completed ~5,000 metre drill program designed to infill and expand mineral resources at intermediate elevation and near surface in the central portion of the main Copala structure. Both primary target areas are situated outside the proposed first two years of mine production at Copala. Three infill holes continue to confirm high-grade continuity immediately adjacent to the areas designated for the first two years mining, whereas four holes drilled close to surface, have confirmed that high-grade mineralization extends up-dip by approximately 100 meters towards the recently discovered, historic Copala adit. Previous interpretations suggested that the up-dip projection of Copala was truncated by the Cristiano Vein. New interpretations based on recent mapping, new drill data and 3D modelling indicate Copala extends to the surface therefore creating potential for additional high-grade shoots extending up-dip above the intersection with the Cristiano Vein (red dash line in figure 2). Additionally, our updated 3D model has highlighted two vein intercepts in holes CS-22-156 and CS-22-182 that were previously reported for Cristiano, are now re-interpreted to be on Copala (see figures 1 and 2). Vizsla's geologists are now preparing drill-hole proposals to explore other zones along-strike Copala where mineralization could extend near to surface.

Drillhole From To Downhole Length Estimated True width Ag Au AgEq Vein (m) (m) (m) (m) (g/t) (g/t) (g/t) CS-22-156* 75.80 79.20 3.40 2.88 92 0.45 115 Copala CS-22-182* 42.70 44.55 1.85 1.46 1,935 15.47 2,851 Copala CS-24-389 198.45 199.05 0.60 0.55 437 6.26 839 Copala 3 CS-24-389 216.40 218.80 2.40 2.30 2,851 37.30 5,224 Copala Includes 216.40 217.50 1.10 1.05 5,410 73.10 10,077 CS-24-389 227.95 229.75 1.80 1.70 238 1.35 312 Copala CS-24-390 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-390 354.00 361.00 7.00 5.80 2,551 14.85 3,368 Copala Includes 356.75 357.30 0.55 0.46 21,953 146.50 30,305 CS-24-391 192.00 194.45 2.45 2.30 79 0.98 141 Copala 3 CS-24-391 215.40 219.65 4.25 4.15 732 3.29 898 Copala Includes 216.25 217.65 1.40 1.37 1,634 7.56 2,020 CS-24-392 150.00 150.45 0.45 0.40 732 4.54 986 Copala 3 CS-24-392 No Significant Values Copala CS-24-393 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-393 364.50 365.90 5.90 5.65 3,007 26.06 4,573 Copala Includes 362.95 364.50 1.55 1.48 10,869 96.11 16,666 CS-24-394 84.15 84.80 0.65 0.65 384 1.99 489 Copala 3 CS-24-394 97.50 98.50 8.55 7.50 222 1.23 289 Copala Includes 96.00 97.50 1.50 1.32 591 3.45 782 CS-24-395 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-395 79.10 84.45 5.35 4.90 145 1.06 207 Copala CS-24-395 88.30 89.35 1.05 1.00 874 5.39 1,175 Copala CS-24-396 362.10 363.15 1.05 0.90 1,830 12.05 2,515 Copala 3 CS-24-396 374.10 374.45 4.35 3.55 781 3.00 923 Copala Includes 371.00 371.90 0.90 0.73 2,990 12.45 3,599 CS-24-397 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-397 No Significant Values Copala CS-24-398 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-398 No Significant Values Copala CS-24-399 No Significant Values Copala 3 CS-24-399 No Significant Values Copala

Note: AgEq = Ag g/t x Ag rec. + (Au g/t x Au Rec x Au price/gram)/Ag price/gram. Metal price assumptions are $24.00/oz silver and $1,800/oz gold and metallurgical recoveries assumed are 91% for silver and 94% for gold. Gold and silver metallurgical recoveries used in this release are from metallurgical test results of the Copala vein (see press release dated August 16, 2023)

Table 1: Downhole drill intersections from the holes reported for Copala and Copala 3 veins. Holes with "*" were reported previously for Cristiano vein.

Drillhole Easting Northing Elevation Azimuth Dip Depth CS-22-156* 404,675 2,586,751 561 269.0 -35.0 364.5 CS-22-182* 404,639 2,586,711 559 259.0 -54.0 291.0 CS-24-389 404,778 2,586,756 631 258.0 -53.2 247.5 CS-24-390 404,844 2,586,892 653 231.4 -60.9 370.5 CS-24-391 404,778 2,586,756 631 259.3 -47.1 237.0 CS-24-392 404,752 2,586,682 617 266.8 -56.1 223.5 CS-24-393 404,844 2,586,892 653 236.1 -63.3 385.5 CS-24-394 404,675 2,586,751 561 244.3 -50.5 117.0 CS-24-395 404,675 2,586,751 561 249.1 -34.5 109.5 CS-24-396 404,912 2,586,771 680 267.5 -59.0 405.0 CS-24-397 404,708 2,586,642 616 286.8 -35.5 186.0 CS-24-398 404,708 2,586,642 616 250.9 -30.9 151.5 CS-24-399 404,752 2,586,682 617 264.1 -40.5 199.5

Table 2: Drillhole details for the reported drillholes. Coordinates in WGS84, Zone 13. Holes with "*" were reported previously for Cristiano vein.

About the Panuco Project

The newly consolidated Panuco silver-gold project is an emerging high-grade discovery located in southern Sinaloa, Mexico, near the city of Mazatlan. The 17,856.5-hectare, past producing district benefits from over 86 kilometres of total vein extent, 35 kilometres of underground mines, roads, power, and permits.

The district contains intermediate to low sulfidation epithermal silver and gold deposits related to siliceous volcanism and crustal extension in the Oligocene and Miocene. Host rocks are mainly continental volcanic rocks correlated to the Tarahumara Formation.

On January 8, 2024, the Company announced an updated mineral resource estimate for Panuco which includes an estimated in-situ indicated mineral resource of 155.8 Moz AgEq and an in-situ inferred resource of 169.6 Moz AgEq (please refer to our Technical Report on Updated Mineral Resource Estimate for the Panuco Ag-Au-Pb-Zn Project, Sinaloa State, Mexico, by Allan Armitage, Ben Eggers and Peter Mehrfert, dated February 12, 2024 and to our Companys press release dated January 8, 2024).

About Vizsla Silver

Vizsla Silver is a Canadian mineral exploration and development company headquartered in Vancouver, BC, focused on advancing its flagship, 100%-owned Panuco silver-gold project located in Sinaloa, Mexico. To date, Vizsla Silver has completed over 380,000 metres of drilling at Panuco leading to the discovery of several new high-grade veins. For 2024, Vizsla Silver has budgeted +45,000 metres of resource/discovery-based drilling designed to upgrade and expand the mineral resource, as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Quality Assurance / Quality Control

Drill core samples were shipped to ALS Limited in Zacatecas, Zacatecas, Mexico and in North Vancouver, Canada for sample preparation and for analysis at the ALS laboratory in North Vancouver and rock samples were shipped to SGS Lab in Durango Mexico for sample preparation and analysis. The ALS Zacatecas, North Vancouver facilities and SGS lab are ISO 9001 and ISO/IEC 17025 certified. Silver and base metals were analyzed using a four-acid digestion with an ICP finish and gold was assayed by 30-gram fire assay with atomic absorption ("AA") spectroscopy finish. Over limit analyses for silver, lead and zinc were re-assayed using an ore-grade four-acid digestion with AA finish.

Control samples comprising certified reference samples, duplicates and blank samples were systematically inserted into the sample stream and analyzed as part of the Company's quality assurance / quality control protocol.

Qualified Person

In accordance with NI 43-101, Jesus Velador, Ph.D. MMSA QP, Vice President of Exploration, is the Qualified Person for the Company and has reviewed and approved the technical and scientific content of this news release.

Information Concerning Estimates of Mineral Resources

The scientific and technical information in this news release was prepared in accordance with NI 43-101 which differs significantly from the requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"). The terms "measured mineral resource", "indicated mineral resource" and "inferred mineral resource" used herein are in reference to the mining terms defined in the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum Standards (the "CIM Definition Standards"), which definitions have been adopted by NI 43-101. Accordingly, information contained herein providing descriptions of our mineral deposits in accordance with NI 43-101 may not be comparable to similar information made public by other U.S. companies subject to the United States federal securities laws and the rules and regulations thereunder.

You are cautioned not to assume that any part or all of mineral resources will ever be converted into reserves. Pursuant to CIM Definition Standards, "inferred mineral resources" are that part of a mineral resource for which quantity and grade or quality are estimated on the basis of limited geological evidence and sampling. Such geological evidence is sufficient to imply but not verify geological and grade or quality continuity. An inferred mineral resource has a lower level of confidence than that applying to an indicated mineral resource and must not be converted to a mineral reserve. However, it is reasonably expected that the majority of inferred mineral resources could be upgraded to indicated mineral resources with continued exploration. Under Canadian rules, estimates of inferred mineral resources may not form the basis of feasibility or pre-feasibility studies, except in rare cases. Investors are cautioned not to assume that all or any part of an inferred mineral resource is economically or legally mineable. Disclosure of "contained ounces" in a resource is permitted disclosure under Canadian regulations; however, the SEC normally only permits issuers to report mineralization that does not constitute "reserves" by SEC standards as in place tonnage and grade without reference to unit measures.

Canadian standards, including the CIM Definition Standards and NI 43-101, differ significantly from standards in the SEC Industry Guide 7. Effective February 25, 2019, the SEC adopted new mining disclosure rules under subpart 1300 of Regulation S-K of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "SEC Modernization Rules"), with compliance required for the first fiscal year beginning on or after January 1, 2021. The SEC Modernization Rules replace the historical property disclosure requirements included in SEC Industry Guide 7. As a result of the adoption of the SEC Modernization Rules, the SEC now recognizes estimates of "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources". Information regarding mineral resources contained or referenced herein may not be comparable to similar information made public by companies that report according to U.S. standards. While the SEC Modernization Rules are purported to be "substantially similar" to the CIM Definition Standards, readers are cautioned that there are differences between the SEC Modernization Rules and the CIM Definitions Standards. Accordingly, there is no assurance any mineral resources that the Company may report as "measured mineral resources", "indicated mineral resources" and "inferred mineral resources" under NI 43-101 would be the same had the Company prepared the resource estimates under the standards adopted under the SEC Modernization Rules.

Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SPECIAL NOTE REGARDING FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS

This news release includes certain "ForwardLooking Statements" within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and "forwardlooking information" under applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forwardlooking statements or information. These forwardlooking statements or information relate to, among other things: the exploration, development, and production at Panuco, including plans for resource/discovery-based drilling, designed to upgrade, and expand the maiden resource as well as test other high priority targets across the district.

Forwardlooking statements and forwardlooking information relating to any future mineral production, liquidity, enhanced value and capital markets profile of Vizsla Silver, future growth potential for Vizsla Silver and its business, and future exploration plans are based on management's reasonable assumptions, estimates, expectations, analyses and opinions, which are based on management's experience and perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, and other factors that management believes are relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, but which may prove to be incorrect. Assumptions have been made regarding, among other things, the price of silver, gold, and other metals; no escalation in the severity of the COVID-19 pandemic; costs of exploration and development; the estimated costs of development of exploration projects; Vizsla Silver's ability to operate in a safe and effective manner and its ability to obtain financing on reasonable terms.

These statements reflect Vizsla Silver's respective current views with respect to future events and are necessarily based upon a number of other assumptions and estimates that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to significant business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties and contingencies. Many factors, both known and unknown, could cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from the results, performance or achievements that are or may be expressed or implied by such forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information and Vizsla Silver has made assumptions and estimates based on or related to many of these factors. Such factors include, without limitation: the Company's dependence on one mineral project; precious metals price volatility; risks associated with the conduct of the Company's mining activities in Mexico; regulatory, consent or permitting delays; risks relating to reliance on the Company's management team and outside contractors; risks regarding mineral resources and reserves; the Company's inability to obtain insurance to cover all risks, on a commercially reasonable basis or at all; currency fluctuations; risks regarding the failure to generate sufficient cash flow from operations; risks relating to project financing and equity issuances; risks and unknowns inherent in all mining projects, including the inaccuracy of reserves and resources, metallurgical recoveries and capital and operating costs of such projects; contests over title to properties, particularly title to undeveloped properties; laws and regulations governing the environment, health and safety; the ability of the communities in which the Company operates to manage and cope with the implications of COVID-19; the economic and financial implications of COVID-19 to the Company; operating or technical difficulties in connection with mining or development activities; employee relations, labour unrest or unavailability; the Company's interactions with surrounding communities and artisanal miners; the Company's ability to successfully integrate acquired assets; the speculative nature of exploration and development, including the risks of diminishing quantities or grades of reserves; stock market volatility; conflicts of interest among certain directors and officers; lack of liquidity for shareholders of the Company; litigation risk; and the factors identified under the caption "Risk Factors" in Vizsla Silver's management discussion and analysis. Readers are cautioned against attributing undue certainty to forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information. Although Vizsla Silver has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially, there may be other factors that cause results not to be anticipated, estimated or intended. Vizsla Silver does not intend, and does not assume any obligation, to update these forwardlooking statements or forward-looking information to reflect changes in assumptions or changes in circumstances or any other events affecting such statements or information, other than as required by applicable law.
The drill ready Ranger-Page Project is located in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District that ranks among the world's top producers of silver, lead and zinc

Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Silver Dollar Resources Inc. (CSE: SLV) (OTCQX: SLVDF) (FSE: 4YW) ("Silver Dollar" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it is in receipt of all necessary permits from state and local agencies regulating exploration activities at its recently acquired Ranger-Page Project in Idaho's Silver Valley.

Figure 1: Location of the Ranger-Page Project in the Coeur d'Alene Mining District.

"Silver Dollar's notice of exploration drilling has been approved by the Idaho Department of Lands and the Idaho Department of Environmental Quality has given the green light to our drill site reclamation plans," said Mike Romanik, President of Silver Dollar. "With all necessary permits and approvals in place, we are now set to finalize drilling contractor selection and commence mobilization to the property."

Figure 2: Looking NW from the Ranger-Page Project with Interstate 90 and the town of Smelterville on the right.

About the Ranger-Page Project

Ranger-Page is a drill-ready project in a world-class silver district. The land package covers six historic mines and is ideally situated near Interstate 90 with year-round access to power, water, local infrastructure and a workforce in the Silver Valley skilled in exploration and mining. The primary target areas are up- and down-plunge from historic underground mining, along strike where ground induced polarization (IP) surveys identify anomalies, and where surface trenching identified near surface mineralization. Additional exploration targets have also been identified away from historic mine infrastructure, using soil geochemical data, geological mapping, and ground IP survey data.

Figure 3: Coloured areas depict anomalous IP targets dipping along faults toward the south.

Dale Moore, P.Geo., an independent Qualified Person (QP) as defined in NI 43-101, has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this news release on behalf of the Company.

About Silver Dollar Resources Inc.

Silver Dollar is a mineral exploration company that is fully funded to execute its near-term exploration plans having closed its last financing with lead orders from billionaire mining investor Eric Sprott and NYSE-listed First Majestic Silver. The Company's primary projects lie within Idaho's prolific Silver Valley and the Durango-Zacatecas silver-gold belt and include the advanced exploration stage Ranger-Page and La Joya projects and the early exploration stage Nora project. Management has an aggressive growth strategy and is actively reviewing potential acquisitions with a focus on drill-ready projects in mining-friendly jurisdictions.

For additional information, you can download our latest presentation here and follow us on X here.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Signed "Michael Romanik"

Forward-Looking Statements:

This news release may contain "forward-looking statements." Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and other factors that 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. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date of this news release and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or results or otherwise.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (operated by CNSX Markets Inc.) has neither approved nor disapproved of the contents of this news release.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Yukon Metals Corp. (CSE: YMC, FSE: E770, OTC: YMMCF  the Company or Yukon Metals), is pleased to provide an update from ongoing reconnaissance fieldwork on its 715-hectare Star River Project, located 50 kilometres (km) due south of Ross River, Yukon, with all-season road access.

The second batch of results of the prospecting program include assays for an additional 100 samples of 175 samples taken to date (Figures 6-7). Samples in this release were taken near historic F2, F3, Saddle, FLT, Canyon and Gem showings. Significant gold and silver values were returned, including 3 ounces per ton Au (oz/ton) or 101 grams per tonne Au (g/t) from F2 (Table 1), multiple samples ranging from 1.62 up to 9.35 g/t Au at Saddle (Table 2), and 9.74 g/t Au near FLT (Table 4). Elevated silver was found in several samples at F2 and F3, including 1,935-1,940 g/t Ag at F2 and 1,790 g/t Ag at F3. In addition, an overlimit assay of sample K140057, described in the news release dated September 10, 2024, contains 10,936 g/t Ag (319 oz/ton Ag) from a new mineralization occurrence on the property.

Rory Quinn, President & CEO stated, Yukon Metals has now sampled bonanza grade silver and bonanza grade gold on the same property, at Star River! Not only have we sampled 319 ounces per ton silver (~4oz/ton gold equivalent), we have now sampled 3 oz/ton gold! As shown in Figures 6-7, high grade silver and gold have been sampled from multiple areas across this 715-hectare property, in most cases, areas that are many hundreds of meters apart. These ongoing results are a culmination of the fantastic work done by our technical team this field season, and there is more to come!

The field portion of the exploration program has now been completed, including mapping, prospecting, and ground geophysics, including TDEM and gravity surveys. Data processing and map compilation is ongoing with further rock samples from the prospecting survey still pending analysis. Upcoming samples are expected in several areas on the northern portion of the claim block.

Vision Quest, a Yukon First Nations-owned exploration contractor working closely with Yukon Metals, has successfully commissioned and now closed and moved out the temporary 10-person camp on the claims as permitted under a Class 1 Notification.

F2 and Canyon Showings

The F2 and Canyon showings are located near a closed adit that was drifted in the late 1960s. Mineralization taken from nearby outcrop is hosted within a variably oxidized quartzite unit approximately 12m wide and consists of silver and gold hosted in galena-sphalerite bearing veins and quartz-arsenopyrite veins. Elevated gold mineralization was found 200m south of the F2 showing including samples assaying 101 g/t Au and 1.69 g/t Au in highly oxidised arsenopyrite-scorodite float.

Table 1- Highlighted samples taken near the historic F2 and Canyon showings.

Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K137062 0.02 1,940 179 26 >200,000 1,935 12 Outcrop K137063 0.14 1,935 177 23 >200,000 1,845 32 Float K137066 101.00 52 >10,000 219 842 314 26 Float K137067 1.69 8 >10,000 78 739 66 43 Float K140003 0.10 1,450 101 403 >200,000 2,090 21 Float K140010 0.05 287 52 43 >200,000 307 2 Float K140014 3.26 538 9,020 307 >200,000 1,980 915 Float K140016 1.06 578 1,270 266 >200,000 8,000 5 Outcrop K140042 0.75 627 2,710 343 >200,000 >10,000 83 Outcrop K140043 0.08 1,285 421 45 >200,000 1,490 24 Outcrop K140044 0.29 379 1,880 38 171,500 2,940 58 Outcrop K140048 0.96 18 3,870 48 3,940 267 41 Outcrop K140050 0.97 3 1,935 9 349 95 22 Outcrop K140104 1.70 5 3,900 14 780 67 22 Outcrop K137095 0.43 7 921 15 2,050 48 135 Outcrop K137097 0.41 6 4,900 400 576 107 64 Outcrop K137098 0.83 449 6,300 135 >200,000 2,700 50 Vein K137099 0.94 11 8,000 130 3,470 479 71 Outcrop K137100 2.28 35 9,400 205 13,050 633 50 Outcrop

Figure 1- Samples taken near historic F2 showings, Au g/t.

Saddle Showing

The Saddle showing was first prospected in 1986. Three holes were subsequently drilled and intersected mineralization hosted in oxidized veins. In 1987 manto style mineralization was exposed over a surface area of 34 by 4 meters. Samples taken by Yukon metals of oxidized vein material in the area assayed up to 9.35 g/t Au with associated elevated As, Pb, Sb, Zn. Chip samples across a highly oxidized exposure in the southern part of the Saddle area showed consistent gold mineralization over the 20m sampling length.

Table 2- Highlighted samples taken near the historic Saddle showing.

Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140107 3.03 103 >10,000 3,470 1,540 1,425 1,770 Float K140109 2.52 22 6,610 146 7,640 354 18 Subcrop K140110 0.95 9 3,320 33 3,070 93 33 Subcrop K140111 0.65 21 2,970 60 8,800 114 29 Subcrop K140112 1.62 7 3,610 128 1,625 103 38 Subcrop K140114 1.86 18 3,930 220 2,480 283 95 Subcrop K140115 2.03 29 3,880 363 1,765 435 47 Subcrop K140117 6.82 368 >10,000 1,565 98,000 4,860 132 Subcrop K140118 1.44 31 4,150 1,475 5,310 1,250 148 Subcrop K140119 5.08 19 10,001 101 7,710 216 35 Subcrop K140021 9.35 11 10,001 277 1,695 1,270 4,090 Float K140022 2.05 13 10,001 240 316 210 103 Float

Figure 2- Samples taken near historic Saddle showing, Au g/t.

Gem Showing

The Gem showing was first prospected for silver in the mid-1950s in an area 300m northeast of the Canyon and F2 showings. Galena-quartz-siderite-pyrite veins within quartzite exposures were found within a highly faulted area. Historic work in the Gem area focused on silver and lead mineralization. Samples taken by Yukon Metals discovered elevated gold values up to 2.01 g/t Au in both galena-siderite and quartz-arsenopyrite veining.

Table 3- Highlighted samples taken near historic Gem showing.

Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K137075 1.05 266 2,990 161 100,500 410 32 Subcrop K137077 2.01 5 >10,000 23 206 26 28 Subcrop K137083 0.21 195 1,075 27 83,100 219 15 Outcrop K137086 0.45 70 120 72 32,700 129 6 Outcrop

Figure 3- Samples taken near historic Gem showing, Au g/t.

FLT Showing

Float samples were taken in outcrop to the east of the historic FLT showing as well as downslope on a float train. One sample in float assayed 9.74 g/t Au in a highly oxidized rock containing pyrite, sphalerite and other fine-grained sulphides.

Table 4- Highlighted samples taken near the historic FLT showing.

Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140029 9.74 4 >10,000 4 84 892 1,900 Float

Figure 4- Samples taken near historic FLT showing, Au g/t.

F3 Showing

Outcrop near the F3 showing consists of a small oxidized manto located stratigraphically above a black shale unit in a creek. The exposed manto is approximately 2m wide and 20m long before its exposure disappears under surficial sediments. To the south, a NS trending subvertical fault that is ~5m thick hosts galena-siderite mineralization. Silver mineralization up to 1,790 g/t Ag was found in oxidised galena veins in the outcrop of this fault.

Table 5- Highlighted samples taken near the historic F3 showing.

Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type K140123 0.20 1,790 1,290 8,690 >200,000 5,660 1,365 Outcrop K140124 0.31 851 2,990 2,010 188,500 3,940 606 Outcrop K140125 0.42 19 378 51 1,540 209 375 Outcrop

Figure 5- Samples taken near historic F3 showing, Au g/t.

Figure 6- Locations of 2024 rock samples received to date with Au g/t values.

Figure 7- Locations of 2024 rock samples received to date with Ag g/t values.

Table 6- Highlights of significant results from 2024 prospecting to date at Star River.

Area Sample Au g/t Ag g/t As ppm Cu ppm Pb ppm Sb ppm Zn ppm Type New MX K140057 0.72 10,936 165 7,310 >200,000 >10,000 2,060 Float K140058 0.26 4,210 45 3,990 >200,000 4,620 8,940 Float K140059 0.06 1,290 33 2,370 >200,000 1,745 25,900 Float Saddle Zone K140021 9.35 11 10,001 277 1,695 1,270 4,090 Float K140022 2.05 13 10,001 240 316 210 103 Float K140107 3.03 103 >10,000 3,470 1,540 1,425 1,770 Float K140109 2.52 22 6,610 146 7,640 354 18 Subcrop K140110 0.95 9 3,320 33 3,070 93 33 Subcrop K140111 0.65 21 2,970 60 8,800 114 29 Subcrop K140112 1.62 7 3,610 128 1,625 103 38 Subcrop K140114 1.86 18 3,930 220 2,480 283 95 Subcrop K140115 2.03 29 3,880 363 1,765 435 47 Subcrop K140117 6.82 368 >10,000 1,565 98,000 4,860 132 Subcrop K140118 1.44 31 4,150 1,475 5,310 1,250 148 Subcrop K140119 5.08 19 10,001 101 7,710 216 35 Subcrop F2 K137062 0.02 1,940 179 26 >200,000 1,935 12 Outcrop K137063 0.14 1,935 177 23 >200,000 1,845 32 Float K137066 101.00 52 >10,000 219 842 314 26 Float K137067 1.69 8 >10,000 78 739 66 43 Float K140003 0.10 1,450 101 403 >200,000 2,090 21 Float K140010 0.05 287 52 43 >200,000 307 2 Float K140014 3.26 538 9,020 307 >200,000 1,980 915 Float K140016 1.06 578 1,270 266 >200,000 8,000 5 Outcrop K140042 0.75 627 2,710 343 >200,000 >10,000 83 Outcrop K140043 0.08 1,285 421 45 >200,000 1,490 24 Outcrop K140077 0.92 310 1,210 328 172,000 >10,000 7 Float K140078 0.75 129 3,030 228 68,000 844 60 Float K140079 0.46 1,410 1,150 342 210,000 1,425 130 Float K140086 0.17 1,665 854 6,710 >200,000 5,940 2,040 Outcrop K140087 6.93 35 >10,000 263 6,410 278 306 Float K140104 1.70 5 3,900 14 780 67 22 Outcrop K140123 0.20 1,790 1,290 8,690 >200,000 5,660 1,365 Outcrop K140124 0.31 851 2,990 2,010 188,500 3,940 606 Outcrop K654505 1.32 2 2,070 35 67 21 13 Outcrop K654552 4.02 6 >10,000 169 1,885 223 32 Float Canyon K137098 0.83 449 6,300 135 >200,000 2,700 50 Subcrop K137099 0.94 11 8,000 130 3,470 479 71 Chip K137100 2.28 35 9,400 205 13,050 633 50 Chip Gem K137075 1.05 266 2,990 161 100,500 410 32 Subcrop K137077 2.01 5 >10,000 23 206 26 28 Subcrop FLT K140029 9.74 4 10,001 4 84 892 1,900 Float Key 35 K140055 1.61 7 2,790 7 690 41 6 Subcrop Lap 10 K140067 1.04 1,165 1,485 917 >200,000 967 695 Outcrop K140068 0.23 113 958 407 47,400 140 617 Outcrop K140069 0.14 101 1,375 407 34,400 111 1,540 Outcrop K140070 0.08 175 1,015 848 46,400 252 4,020 Outcrop K140071 0.06 603 244 878 >200,000 536 2,330 Outcrop K140072 0.43 1,095 1,240 437 >200,000 1,180 765 Outcrop K140073 0.05 405 159 568 170,000 288 603 Outcrop F3 K140123 0.20 1,790 1,290 8,690 >200,000 5,660 1,365 Outcrop K140124 0.31 851 2,990 2,010 188,500 3,940 606 Outcrop K140086 0.17 1,665 854 6,710 >200,000 5,940 2,040 Outcrop K140087 6.93 35 >10,000 263 6,410 278 306 Float

About the Star River Project

Yukon Metals owns 100% of the Star River base and precious metals project accessible by all-season road from the Robert Campbell Highway and adjacent to the former Ketza Mine haul road. The project is host to multiple showings of polymetallic carbonate replacement mineralization and quartz-sulphide veins first discovered in the 1950s (Figures 6-7). Remnants of underground and surface workings using historical exploration techniques are visible around much of the property and tied together with previously established access roads and trails branching from the Ketza Mine road.

Sample Methodology

Rock samples were sent to ALS Minerals for analysis with sample preparation in Whitehorse, Yukon and analysis in North Vancouver, British Columbia.

Samples were prepared by crush to 70 % passing 2mm, 250g split pulverised better than 85% passing 75 microns (Prep-31A). Pulp samples were analysed for 34 elements by four acid digestion and ICP-AES (ME-ICP61). All samples were analyzed for gold by fire assay and AAS with a 50g nominal sample weight (Au-AA24). Samples over 10 g/t Au were assayed with 50g sample fire assay with gravimetric finish (Au-GRA22). Samples over 1500 g/t Ag were assayed by 50g sample fire assay with gravimetric finish (Ag-GRA21). Samples over 10,000 g/t Ag were analysed with Ag-CON01.

Rock samples taken while prospecting referenced in this release are selective in nature and collected to determine the presence or absence of mineralization and may not be representative of the mineralization hosted on the project.

Figure 8- Star River Project Location Map

Qualified Person

The technical content of this news release has been reviewed and approved by Helena Kuikka, P.Geo., VP Exploration for Yukon Metals and a Qualified Person (as defined by National Instrument 43-101).

About Yukon Metals Corp.

Yukon Metals is well financed and represents a property portfolio built on over 30 years of prospecting by the Berdahl family, the prospecting team behind Snowline Golds portfolio of primary gold assets. The Yukon Metals portfolio consists primarily of copper-gold and silver-lead-zinc assets, with a substantial gold and silver component. The Company is led by an experienced Board of Directors and Management Team across technical and finance disciplines.

Yukon Metals is focused on fostering sustainable growth and prosperity within Yukon's local communities, while simultaneously enhancing stakeholder value. Our strategy centers around inclusivity and shared prosperity, offering both community members and investors the chance to contribute to, and benefit from, our ventures.

The Yukon

The Yukon ranks 10th most prospective for mineral potential across global jurisdictions according to the Fraser Institutes 2023 Survey of Mining Companies, and is host to a highly experienced and conscientious local workforce, fostered by a long culture of exploration coupled with deep respect for the land. Recent major discoveries with local roots such as Snowline Golds Rogue Project - Valley Discovery, demonstrate the Yukons potential to generate fresh district-scale mining opportunities.

YUKON METALS CORP.

Rory Quinn

Rory Quinn, President & CEO

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CAUTIONARY NOTE REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

This news release contains certain forward-looking information, including information about the incremental release from escrow of the Consideration Shares, the resumption of trading of the Common Shares and the Companys future plans and intentions. Wherever possible, words such as may, will, should, could, expect, plan, intend, anticipate, believe, estimate, predict or potential or the negative or other variations of these words, or similar words or phrases, have been used to identify the forward-looking information. These statements reflect managements current beliefs and are based on information currently available to management as at the date hereof.
Highlights:

Exploration at high-grade Amizmiz gold property in Morocco planned to begin in October

Financing increased from C$7.5M to C$15M due to strong investor demand

Directors and officers investing C$2.2M in financing; Aya to invest C$1M

Aya will own 44% of Mx2 following completion of financing and acquisition

Strong leadership and board comprised of key personnel from Aya, Red Back, Orca and Montage

TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mx2 Mining Inc. (Mx2 or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has launched a brokered private placement comprised of 3.12 million common shares of the Company (the Common Shares) and 26.88 million subscription receipts (the Subscription Receipts, and together with the Common Shares, the Offered Securities) at an issue price of C$0.50 per Offered Security for aggregate gross proceeds of approximately C$15 million (the Offering). Each Subscription Receipt will entitle the holder to receive one Common Share upon the satisfaction of the Escrow Release Conditions (as defined below). Due to significant investor demand, the Offering has been increased from C$7.5 million as previously announced by Aya Gold & Silver Inc. (Aya) on September 12, 2024.

Adam Spencer, President and CEO of Mx2, commented: We are thrilled by the overwhelming interest in the initial financing for Mx2, which led us to double its size from C$7.5 million to C$15 million. The strong support from investors, many of whom were early backers of Red Back Mining, Orca Gold, Montage Gold, and Aya, speaks to the strength of our team and the exciting potential for Mx2.

Im pleased to be working closely again with Rick Clark, whose proven track record in Mauritania and deep relationships across North Africa will be invaluable as we advance Mx2s strategy. Together with the expertise of Benoit La Salle and the Aya team, who have achieved outstanding results in Morocco, Im confident that Mx2 is well-positioned to deliver significant value to our shareholders as we grow into a leading diversified gold company.

Rick Clark, Executive Chairman of Mx2, commented: I am excited to embark on this compelling new venture with Aya and its impressive team. The quality of this partnership combined with the North African assets has brought back together the management and operations teams from Red Back Mining, Orca Gold, and Montage Gold to collaborate with Aya in developing a new gold-focused initiative in North Africa. With our track record of geological success and strong historic support from financial markets, we are confident in delivering early rewards for our shareholders in this robust precious metals market.

FORMATION OF Mx2 MINING AND TRANSACTIONS WITH AYA GOLD & SILVER

As previously announced by Aya on September 12, 2024, the Company has signed a series of non-binding term sheets in relation to the acquisition of the Amizmiz Gold Project (Amizmiz) in the Kingdom of Morocco and an option to acquire the Tijirit Gold Project (Tijirit) in the Islamic Republic of Mauritania (the Transactions).

Upon closing of the Transactions, Mx2 will issue to Aya 20 million Common Shares and Aya has agreed to invest C$1 million in the Offering for an additional 2 million Common Shares upon conversion of the Subscription Receipts. Upon Completion of the Transactions and Offering, Aya will own 44% of Mx2 and will have the right to nominate two members to the board of directors of Mx2. The Transactions are expected to close in Q4 2024, at which time the net proceeds from the Subscription Receipt portion of the Offering will be released from escrow and each Subscription Receipt will be automatically converted into one Common Share. The resulting capital structure of Mx2 will consist of 50 million Common Shares, each issued at C$0.50 per Common Share.

Upon completion of the Transaction, Mx2 will be the 100% owner of the Amizmiz Gold Project and hold an exclusive option to acquire Ayas 75% interest in the Tijirit Gold Project. The term of the option to acquire Tijirit is three years during which Mx2 will cover annual expenditures.

Mx2 BOARD OF DIRECTORS

It is expected that the board of directors of Mx2 will be seven individuals, five of whom have been recently appointed, including: Richard P. Clark as Executive Chairman, Adam Spencer, Hugh Stuart, David Field and Anu Dhir. Upon completion of the Transactions, Benoit La Salle and Ugo Landry-Tolzszcuk will be appointed to the board of directors as the nominees of Aya.

About Richard P. Clark: Executive Chairman

Mr. Clark has a long and highly successful track record in the mining industry including Red Back Mining Inc. where while President and CEO he led Red Back to become an intermediate gold producer. Mr. Clark successfully guided Red Back through all facets of growth including discovery, feasibility, financing and production coupled with successful corporate acquisitions culminating in the sale of Red Back to Kinross Gold Corporation in late 2010 for US$7.1 billion. In addition to his success at Red Back, Mr. Clark was instrumental in the discovery and feasibility of the Block 14 Gold Project in Sudan through Orca Gold, which was acquired by Perseus Mining in 2022 and the discovery and feasibility of the Kone Gold Project in Cote dIvoire through Montage Gold. Mr. Clark has a geological background, was formerly a lawyer and is a CGIC / ICSA Accredited Director.

About Benoit La Salle: Incoming Director

Benoit La Salle was appointed President & CEO of Aya Gold & Silver in April 2020, bringing with him over 25 years of experience in developing and operating responsible mining companies in West Africa based on community empowerment. In 1995, Benoit founded Canadian-based SEMAFO Inc. It grew from a junior explorer to a 250,000-plus ounce-per-year gold producer in West Africa, establishing SEMAFO Foundation in 2008 to support local communities. Since 2010, he has held board positions at six public companies in addition to founding three West African-focused exploration companies and one privately held power producer. An active contributor to the non-profit sector, Mr. La Salle is a former board director and Chair of Plan International Canada and has been Chairman of the Board of The Canadian Council on Africa since 2013.

A fellow Chartered Accountant, Mr. La Salle is also a member of the Ordre des comptables professionels agrees du Quebec. He holds a Bachelor of Commerce degree from McGill University and a Master of Business Administration degree from IMEDE, Switzerland.

About Hugh Stuart: Director

Mr. Stuart is a professional geologist with over 35 years of international experience in mineral exploration. During his career, Mr. Stuart has been instrumental in the discovery of over 38 million ounces of gold in Africa, through the grassroots discovery of three gold deposits and the significant growth of two pre-existing gold deposits in Africa. From 1994 to 2001, Mr. Stuart worked for Ashanti Goldfields Inc. and led the team responsible for the discovery of the multi-million ounce Geita gold deposit in Tanzania. The Geita gold deposit entered production in 2000 and is currently owned by Anglogold Ashanti and is one of its flagship mines today. In 2003, Mr. Stuart joined Red Back Mining and for 7 years he led the exploration teams responsible for significant growth in Mineral Resources at the Chirano gold deposit in Ghana and the Tasiast gold deposit in Mauritania, both of which are significant multi-million ounce gold deposits that are currently in production. While with Orca Gold, Mr. Stuart was responsible for the grassroots discovery of the multi-million ounce Block 14 Gold Project located in Sudan and the multi-million ounce Kone deposit at the Kone Gold Project in Cote dIvoire.

About Adam Spencer: President, CEO and Director

Adam Spencer has 20 years of experience in the mining industry, with a strong background in both mining capital markets and executive leadership. Early in his career, Adam worked as an investment banker, providing strategic advice, raising capital, and executing M&A transactions totaling several billion dollars for small and mid-sized mining companies. Following his banking career, he held a senior role in corporate development at Sandstorm Gold Royalties, where he led the deployment of over half a billion dollars in investments and gained extensive expertise in project finance, royalty and streaming acquisitions, and debt structuring.

In 2019, Adam joined Montage Gold during its formation, serving as Executive Vice President and successfully executing corporate finance and investor relations activities until his departure in May 2024. During his tenure at Montage, the company grew the Kone Gold Project from an initial inferred resource of approximately 1Moz to over 5Moz, completed several equity financings, advanced to definitive feasibility, and achieved significant regional consolidation, positioning Montage as one of the premier development-stage companies in West Africa today.

About David Field: Director

David Field, BEc (H) / BSc ANU Australia, has had 25 years participation in the capital markets and a wealth of experience in evaluating, investing and financing mining projects globally. Mr. Field spent 10 years at Australias largest retail fund manager, Bankers Trust Financial Group, as head of their Global Basic Materials Group before joining Carmignac Gestion, the largest boutique fund manager in continental Europe. While at Carmignac Gestion, Mr. Field ran a US$ 2 billion mining fund and invested more than US$ 10 billion of the firms funds under management in the commodities sector globally before his departure in late 2014.

About Anu Dhir: Director

Anu Dhir has over 22 years experience in the resources sector, most recently, as a co-founder and executive of ZinQ Mining, a private base and precious metals company which focuses on the Latin American Region. Prior to ZinQ Mining, Anu was Vice President, Corporate Development and Corporate Secretary at Katanga Mining Limited. Anu currently serves as a non-executive director on the Board of TSX-listed Montage Gold Corp., TSX/NYSE-listed Taseko Mines Limited and LSE-listed Capital Limited. Anu is a graduate of the General Management Program (GMP) at Harvard Business School and has a law degree (Juris Doctor) from Quinnipiac University and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) from the University of Toronto.

About Ugo Landry-Tolzszcuk: Incoming Director

Ugo is a mining executive with more than 15 years of progressively senior finance and operations expertise in the mining, energy and tech industries.

Currently, Ugo is Chief Financial Officer of Aya Gold & Silver. The former President and Chief Operating Officer of TSXV-listed SRG Mining, Mr. Landry-Tolzszcuk also served as director of operations for Windiga Energy, which develops, owns, and operates renewable energy power plants in Africa. He also brings experience from the technology industry, having previously worked at Research in Motion (today Blackberry), ATI Technologies (today AMD) and Distech Controls (today Acuity Brands).

A CFA charter holder, Ugo holds a bachelors degree of applied science in computer engineering, management science option, from the University of Waterloo.

BROKERED PRIVATE PLACEMENT OFFERING

The Company has entered into an agreement with Eight Capital, as lead agent and sole bookrunner (the Lead Agent), on behalf of a syndicate of agents including Beacon Securities Limited and Raymond James Ltd. (collectively, the Agents), to act as its placement agents in connection with the Offering.

The net proceeds of the Offering will be used for exploration activities on the Amizmiz and Tijirit properties, for working capital and for general corporate purposes.

The gross proceeds of the sale of Subscription Receipts, net of the reasonable costs and expenses of the Agents (the Net Escrowed Funds), shall be deposited in escrow on the closing of the Offering. The Net Escrowed Funds will be released from escrow to the Company upon the completion or the satisfaction of all material conditions precedent to the Transactions, including for certainty the receipt of all required regulatory approvals, as well as certain other standard conditions (the Escrow Release Conditions).

In the event that the Escrow Release Conditions are not satisfied on or before the date that is 180 days following the closing of the Offering, the Net Escrowed Funds together with accrued interest earned thereon will be returned to the subscribers of the Subscription Receipts and the Subscription Receipts will be cancelled. To the extent that the Net Escrowed Funds are insufficient to refund 100% of the purchase price of the Subscription Receipts to the subscribers, the Company shall be responsible for any shortfall. Proceeds from the sale of the Common Shares will not be subject to any escrow. The Subscription Receipts and the Common Shares will be subject to an indefinite hold period pursuant to Canadian securities laws.

The Offered Securities have not been and will not be 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 requirement. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

DESCRIPTION OF MINERAL PROPERTIES

Amizmiz Gold Project

Amizmiz is a gold-bearing exploration property located in the Western High Atlas Mountains of Morocco, 55 kilometers south-southwest of Marrakech. Covering 17 km, the property is held within a mining permit valid until 2029.

Between 1999 and 2011, exploration work was conducted by previous owners on the Amizmiz property, including mapping, trenching, and channel sampling, which identified 57 mineralized showings. In 2009, magnetic and IP/resistivity geophysical surveys were carried out, leading to the selection of drill targets. Subsequently, a 6,000-meter core drilling program was completed on these identified zones. This exploration resulted in an historical inferred mineral resource estimate in 2010, of 819,769 tonnes grading 12.94 g/t Au for 342,094 ounces, which does not comply with current NI 43-101 standards. See Technical Disclosure below and please note that a qualified person (as defined under NI 43-101) has not done sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve, and Mx2 is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

Aya and Mx2 will be executing a joint exploration campaign at Amizmiz, beginning in October 2024, which represents the first significant work program since 2010, and will include 2,800m of core drilling designed to test extension potential of multiple known zones as well as new targets identified by mapping and grab sampling. The objective of the program is to test for the potential of multiple mineralized zones that together can provide for a +1M ounce resource grading +10 g/t. Further details of the program will be provided in a future exploration update.

Tijirit Gold Project

The Tijirit Gold Project, located in northwestern Mauritania, is an orogenic gold camp situated 25 kilometers southeast of Kinross' Tasiast Gold Mine. The project spans a 150 square-kilometer area and holds a 26-year mining permit. It consists of multiple gold deposits within several pits, with exploration potential and untested structural targets. The project is primarily owned by Aya Gold & Silver (75%), with the Government of Mauritania holding 15% and Wafa Mining owning the remaining 10%. Historic Measured and Indicated Mineral Resources total 4.1 million tonnes grading 2.19 g/t gold for 292,600 ounces. Inferred mineral resources amount to 10.2 million tonnes at 1.63 g/t for 533,200 ounces. See Technical Disclosure below and please note that a qualified person (as defined under NI 43-101) has not done sufficient work to classify this historical estimate as a current mineral resource or mineral reserve, and Mx2 is not treating the historical estimate as current mineral resources or mineral reserves.

Tijirits location provides strategic advantages, sitting 275 kilometers north of Mauritanias capital, Nouakchott, and benefiting from year-round access via a combination of paved and dirt roads. The project area includes four key prospectsEleonore, Eleonore East, Sophie, and Lilywhere most of the historic mineral resources are hosted.

ABOUT Mx2 MINING

Mx2 Mining is a gold exploration company focused on the North Africa and Gulf regions. The leadership group at Mx2 includes key personnel responsible for the success of several African precious metals companies, including Red Back Mining, Aya Gold & Silver, Orca Gold and Montage Gold. Mx2s assets will include the high-grade Amizmiz Gold Project in the Kingdom of Morocco, containing a Historic Inferred Mineral Resource of 819,769 tonnes grading 12.94 g/t for 342,094 ounces and an option to acquire a 75% interest in the Tijirit Gold Project in Mauritania. At Amizmiz, exploration is being conducted for the first time since 2010, with the objective of the program to test for the potential of multiple mineralized zones that together can provide for a +1Moz resource grading +10 g/t gold.

TECHNICAL DISCLOSURE

Amizmiz Gold Project

Scientific and technical information, and in particular the historical resource estimate, contained in this press release related to the Amizmiz property is based on the technical report entitled Technical Report and Recommendations The Au Amizmiz Property, Marrakech Province, Kingdom of Morocco dated December 21, 2010 prepared by Mr. Luc Lamarche (BSc., P.Geo.) a non-independent consultant for Aya Gold and Silver Inc. and Dr. Michel Boily (PhD., P. Geo) and independent qualified person Aya Gold and Silver Inc. (the Amizmiz Technical Report), which is available on the SEDAR+ profile Aya Gold and Silver Inc. at www.sedarplus.ca.

Amizmiz Historic Inferred Resource Estimate Zone Tonnes Au

(g/t) Au

(oz) Au Before Dilution

(g/t) Az5 410,944 9.06 119,702 21.78 AzSB 11,625 7.97 2,979 10.66 AzS 51,300 10.66 17,582 8.24 TRNA 232,500 22.25 166,320 24.2 TRNC 113,400 9.74 35,511 9.74 TOTAL 819,769 12.94 342,094

Refer to the Amizmiz Technical Report for the key assumptions underlying the Amizmiz historical mineral resource estimate. Data Verification: Neither Mx2 nor any qualified person of Mx2 has verified the data herein. Mx2 is still completing its due diligence on the property. The steps taken by the qualified person that prepared these mineral resource estimates are set out in the Amizmiz Technical Report. See below regarding the treatment of the mineral resource estimates as historical estimates and the work that Mx2 will be required to complete in order to treat them as current resource estimates.

The mineral resources estimate for the Amizmiz project in this press release is considered to be an historical estimate as defined under NI 43-101. This historical estimate is reported using the categories of mineral resources as defined by the 2005 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, and is derived from the Amizmiz Technical Report. This historical estimate is based on the assumptions, methods and parameters set out below and in the Amizmiz Technical Report but is not considered by Mx2 to be current. The reliability of the historical estimate is considered reasonable, but a qualified person has not done sufficient work for Mx2 to classify the historical estimate as a current mineral resource, and Mx2 is not treating the historical estimate as a current mineral resource. However, the Company believes that the historical estimate is relevant and reliable, as it was prepared by a qualified person with significant experience with the Amizmiz project, using methods that were standard in the industry at the time. The historical information provides an indication of the potential of the properties but may not be representative of expected results. A thorough review of all the resource information and drill data by a qualified person, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work and results from the currently planned drill program, would be required in order to verify the Amizmiz property historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

Tijirit Gold Project

Scientific and technical information, and in particular the historical resource estimates, contained in this press release related to the Tijirit property is based on information prepared by SGS Canada Inc. Geological Services with an effective date of May 12, 2021 and set out in a press release issued by Aya on June 11, 2021 and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

Tijirit Historic Resource Estimate Zone Classification Au

(g/t) Tonnes Ounces

(Au) Eleonore Measured 4.53 292,000 42,600 Indicated 4.14 1,293,000 172,200 Measured + Indicated 4.21 1,585,000 214,700 Inferred 3.21 2,718,000 280,500 Sophie/Lily Measured 0.98 376,000 11,900 Indicated 0.94 2,193,000 66,000 Measured + Indicated 0.94 2,569,000 77,900 Inferred 1.06 7,443,000 252,700 Combined Total Measured 2.53 668,000 54,500 Indicated 2.13 3,485,000 238,100 Measured + Indicated 2.19 4,154,000 292,600 Inferred 1.63 10,160,000 533,200

Resources were estimated as at May 12, 2021 The mineral resources are presented at a 0.4 g/t Au cut-off grade in pits and 1.7 g/t Au cut-off grade under the pits, except for Eleonore, where a global cut-off of 1.5 g/t Au was applied. The resources are presented without dilution. Whittle pits have been utilized based on a gold value of US$1,500/oz. Mineral resources that are not mineral reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. This disclosure does not include economic analysis of the mineral resources. Totals may not add up due to rounding. This Resource estimate has been prepared in accordance with 2014 CIM definition standards. Density used is between 2.0 and 3.0 depending on rock type and alteration based on measurements. Capping varies from 3.5 g/t Au (Lily) to 45 g/t Au (Eleonore) depending on extreme local grade. Data Verification: Neither Mx2 nor any qualified person of Mx2 has verified the data herein. Mx2 is still completing its due diligence on the property. The steps taken by the qualified person that prepared these mineral resource estimates are set out in the Tijirit press release. See below regarding the treatment of the mineral resource estimates as historical estimates and the work that Mx2 will be required to complete in order to treat them as current resource estimates.

The mineral resource estimates for the Tijirit project in this press release are considered to be historical estimates as defined under NI 43-101. These historical estimates are reported using the categories of mineral resources as defined by the 2014 CIM Definition Standards on Mineral Resources and Mineral Reserves, and are derived from information prepared by prepared by SGS Canada Inc. Geological Services. These historical estimates are based on the assumptions, methods and parameters set out above and in a press release issued by Aya on June 11, 2021 and available at www.sedarplus.ca, but are not considered by Mx2 to be current. The reliability of the historical estimates is considered reasonable, but a qualified person has not done sufficient work for Mx2 to classify the historical estimates as current mineral resources, and Mx2 is not treating the historical estimates as current mineral resources. However, the Company believes that the historical estimate is relevant and reliable, as it was prepared by a qualified person (as defined in NI 43-101) with significant experience with the Tijirit project, using methods that were standard in the industry at the time. The historical information provides an indication of the potential of the properties but may not be representative of expected results. A thorough review of all the resource information and drill data by a qualified person, along with the incorporation of subsequent exploration work by Aya and by Mx2, would be required in order to verify the Tijirit property historical estimate as a current mineral resource.

QUALIFIED PERSONS STATEMENT

David Lalonde, B.Sc. P. Geo, Interim Vice-President Exploration, is the Qualified Person for Mx2 that has reviewed and approved the technical information included in this press release in accordance with National Instrument 43-101.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Adam Spencer

President & CEO

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FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This press release contains forward-looking information (also referred to herein as forward-looking statements) under the provisions of applicable Canadian securities legislation regarding the potential future operations and assets of forward-looking statements can typically be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects, is expected, budget, scheduled, estimates, forecasts, intends, anticipates, believes or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will, occur or be achieved or the negative connotation thereof.

Forward-looking statements herein include, but are not limited to, those in respect of: the closing of the Offering and the size thereof; the use of proceeds from the Offering; the successful acquisition of the Amizmiz property and the Tijirit option and the terms thereof; the current and planned initiatives and objectives in respect of the Amizmiz property and the Tijirit property (collectively, the Projects); the resource estimates for the Projects; the capitalization of Mx2; the valuation of Mx2; capital resources and expenditures; business development strategies and outlook; planned work programs, drilling programs and other initiatives in respect of the Projects; and economic performance, financial conditions and expectations. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other important factors that may cause the actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements of Mx2 and/or the Projects to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: future global financial conditions being materially worse than current conditions; uncertainties, costs and risks related to carrying on business in foreign countries; filing to obtain necessary additional financing; actual results of current and planned exploration activities at the Projects causing mineral resource estimates relating to the Projects being lower than the historical estimates set out herein; inaccuracies or adverse changes in the analysis of the exploration potential of the Projects; complete work programs, drilling programs or other initiatives at the Projects at costs in excess of budget or later than expected; the costs of complying with environmental laws and policies; title disputes and defects and other matters relating to failing to obtain or revocation of permits and licenses; failure of equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; lower than expected future prices, market, demand, supply and/or uses of precious metals; adverse currency fluctuations; unexpected costs related to and delays in the integration of acquisitions; accidents; labour disputes; failure to retain key personnel; delays in obtaining governmental approvals; and other risks relating to the mining industry.

Forward-looking statements also include, but are not limited to, factors and assumptions in respect of: additional exploration and related work will confirm the historical estimates for the Projects; normal operating conditions in the countries in which the Projects are located; foreign political stability; the net proceeds of the Offering being sufficient to fund planned exploration initiatives in respect of the Projects; the future price, market, demand, supply and/or uses of precious metals being as expected. Although Mx2 has attempted to identify important factors, risks and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking statements, there may be others that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such forward-looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Forward-looking statements are provided for the purpose of providing information about management's current expectations and plans. Mx2 does not intend or undertake to update any forward-looking statements that are included in this press release, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.
VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Schummer as Senior Vice President (SVP) & Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective October 1, 2024, and Stephen McCaughey as Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua.

Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: I am very pleased to welcome David Schummer as SVP & Chief Operating Officer, and Stephen McCaughey as Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua as we continue to strengthen the team while transitioning from a junior gold producer to an Americas focused, multi-asset mid-tier gold producer.

Dave is a proven leader of large-scale mining companies with a focus on safety, optimizing asset performance, cost reduction and sustainability. Having worked with Dave at Newmont, and seeing his capabilities firsthand, coupled with his Canadian, USA and Latin American open pit and underground experience, I am confident that Dave is the right choice to lead our operations and optimize and grow production with a goal of creating significant value for shareholders.

Stephens extensive technical background along with Latin American experience will be invaluable in optimizing our operations in Nicaragua.

I look forward to the contributions of both David and Stephen in their new roles.

David Schummer - Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Schummer has over 35 years of mining industry experience working in the U.S., Canada, Peru, Indonesia, West Africa and the Middle East. David is a proven executive leader of large-scale mining companies focused on building a strong health and safety culture and driving value creation through mining efficiencies. David has seen significantly increasing levels of responsibility throughout his career. Prior to joining Calibre as COO, David was the COO for Perseus Mining, and prior to that he was the President of Maaden Gold & Base Metals (MGBM) and was the Chairman of the Board for both MGBM and Maaden Barrick Copper Company (MBCC). David previously held the role of EVP & COO at New Gold Mining and spent 22 years at Newmont Mining Corporation. While at Newmont, David progressively moved into more senior roles, ultimately becoming the Senior Vice President, Africa. Prior to his time in Africa, David was Newmonts Vice President of North American Operations where he led a group of eight operating mines, including both open pit and underground operations which collectively produced approximately two million ounces of gold annually.

Stephen McCaughey  Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua

Mr. McCaughey is a qualified geologist with a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology from Monash University, and an MBA from the Melbourne Business School. Stephen is a registered Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry including 14 years with BHP. He relocated permanently to Latin America 14 years ago and has been working exclusively in the region since then, with a particular emphasis on Mexico, Central and South America. Stephen has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career including Development & Exploration Manager Peru (Tintaya) for BHP-Billiton, Exploration Manager, Managing Director of ASX listed Callabonna Resources, Technical & Operations Director Loyal King International and Vice President Technical Services  Compania Minera Cerro Negro, Peru. Stephens most recent role prior to joining Calibre was Regional Manager Technical Services for Endeavour Silver Corporation based in Mexico where he played a key role in the operational turn-around from 2020 onwards.

About Calibre



Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Darren Hall

Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Ryan King

SVP Corporate Development & IR

T: 604.628.1012

E: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

W: www.calibremining.com

Calibres head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6.

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The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.
Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - October 1, 2024) - Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) ("Forum" or the "Company") is pleased to announce its 2024 drilling program at the 100% owned Aberdeen Uranium Project has concluded after thirty diamond drill holes were completed between late June and late September for a total of 6,962 metres. The program covered 5 of the more than 20 identified gravity targets on the 95,000-hectare property including the two existing discoveries at Tatiggaq and Qavvik. The Aberdeen Project is located adjacent to Orano's Kiggavik deposit which hosts 133 million pounds of uranium grading at 0.54% U3O8*. Assays are currently being processed at the SRC Geoanalytical Laboratories in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan with results expected mid to late October due to a backlog at the facility. Further to its news release dated August 20, 2024, Forum continues to intersect uranium mineralization and intense alteration within favourable structural and lithological corridors for unconformity-style uranium deposits in an emerging uranium district comparable to the prolific Athabasca Basin (Figure 1).

"Our 2024 program was highly successful. We constructed a 40-person exploration camp to stage our future exploration efforts in the Thelon Basin with the expertise of our exceptional logistics team and were able to begin drilling in late June with a focus on our Tatiggaq deposit." stated Rebecca Hunter, Vice President of Exploration," In concert with that achievement was our ability to drill four additional targets including our second discovery, Qavvik. The 2024 drilling will provide us with great knowledge to develop an even more exciting 2025 program that will include Tatiggaq and Qavvik expansion and further drilling of greenfield gravity low targets, including Loki and Ayra. The 2024 and proposed 2025 drilling at Tatiggaq and Qavvik will provide us significant data to begin the development of a preliminary resource estimate."

Thirty drill holes have been completed on the following targets:

Tatiggaq - Nineteen drill holes were completed on this large gravity anomaly of which eleven drillholes focused on follow-up drilling from the 2023 drill program where 2.25% U3O8 over 11.1 metres, 1.01% over 6.2 metres and 0.40% U3O8 over 12.8 metres were intersected. Eight drill holes tested parallel subsidiary structures within the Tatiggaq gravity anomaly.

Qavvik - Two drill holes were completed to test an interpreted controlling structure of the uranium mineralization intersected by previous Cameco drilling.

Ayra - Four drill holes were completed on this sandstone covered target for uranium mineralization at the basement/sandstone unconformity contact. Previous drilling by Cameco intersected intense alteration and elevated uranium values within the sandstone and basement rocks.

Ned - Four drill holes were completed on this sandstone covered target for uranium mineralization at the basement/sandstone unconformity contact. Two of the holes were abandoned due to drilling conditions and two holes intersected the unconformity at approximately 200 metres.

Loki - One last drill hole was completed on this sandstone covered target for uranium mineralization at the basement/sandstone unconformity contact. Two historical holes were completed in the vicinity that intersected anomalous uranium values in the sandstone and anomalous clay alteration. The unconformity contact is at approximately 130 m and the 2024 drillhole exhibited intense clay and sooty sulphide alteration in the sandstone column but was terminated prematurely due to logistical and weather considerations in late September. Casing has been left to re-enter this drillhole next drilling season and much more of this prospective anomaly requires testing

In addition, over 5,000 gravity stations were completed on the property resulting in near full ground gravity coverage of Forum's 95,519-hectare property. New favourable drill targets have been identified from the preliminary data. This survey is meaningful given that all uranium deposits on the Orano/Denison/UEC Kiggavik property were discovered within gravity low targets.

*Source: Areva Resources Canada Inc., The Kiggavik Project, Project Proposal, November 2008 and Kiggavik Popular Summary, April, 2012 submission to the Nunavut Impact Review Board.

Rebecca Hunter, Ph.D., P.Geo., Forum's Vice President of Exploration and Qualified Person under National Instrument 43-101, has reviewed and approved the contents of this news release.

Figure 1. The Thelon Basin is a geologic analogue to the Athabasca Basin in Saskatchewan. Orano/Denison/UEC's Kiggavik, End and Andrew Lake uranium deposits host 133 million pounds of uranium grading at 0.54% U3O8 in two proposed open pits and one underground mine. Forum owns 95,519 hectares of prospective ground along the same controlling structures as at Kiggavik.

Upcoming Marketing Events

Forum President & CEO, Richard Mazur and Dr. Rebecca Hunter, Vice President of Exploration will be attending Red Cloud's Fall Mining Showcase on October 16th and 17th in Toronto. In addition, CEO Rick Mazur will be presenting at "Commodities Global Expo" in Fort Lauderdale, Florida on October 21st and 22nd. Please see below for the registration link. The team will be presenting an update on Forum's 2024 drilling program on its high-grade uranium discovery in the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

https://topshelf-partners.com/register/

About Forum Energy Metals

Forum Energy Metals Corp. (TSXV: FMC) (OTCQB: FDCFF) is focused on the discovery of high-grade unconformity-related uranium deposits in the Athabasca Basin, Saskatchewan and the Thelon Basin, Nunavut.

For further information: https://www.forumenergymetals.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements address future events and conditions and therefore involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those currently anticipated in such statements. Forward-looking information is subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause Forum's actual results, level of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Such factors include but are not limited to: uncertainties related to the historical data, the work expenditure commitments; the ability to raise sufficient capital to fund future exploration or development programs; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; changes commodity prices, litigation, legislative, environmental and other judicial, regulatory, political and competitive developments; technological or operational difficulties or an inability to obtain permits required in connection with maintaining or advancing its exploration projects.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Richard J. Mazur, P.Geo.

President & CEO

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.
In a sign of deepening divisions among Republicans in Virginias 5th Congressional District, at least four members of the districts 37-member GOP committee, including the vice chair, were ousted over the weekend, and another resigned after refusing to sign renewed loyalty pledges to state Sen. John McGuire, the partys nominee.

The four purged members and the resignee were among 25 Republican officials who in early June signed an open letter urging presidential candidate former President Donald Trump to reconsider his endorsement of McGuire, advocating instead for Trumps support of U.S. Rep. Bob Good, the incumbent.

Jim Herring, who has served as the committees vice chair for two years and the former chair of the Goochland County GOP, told members in an email Sunday that the Republican Party of Virginias decision to demand the renewed pledges was unwarranted, unprecedented and unauthorized.

After consulting with Chris Marston, the state Republican Party's official legal counsel, other attorneys and past Republican officials, his belief was confirmed, Herring wrote in the email, which was obtained by the Virginia Mercury.

In fact, it is very similar to the actions of prosecutors against Donald Trump. They make up allegations, find a politically weaponized judge, and then convict him knowing that all of this will probably be overturned on appeal, Herring wrote.

McGuire has been a source of contention within the party since he announced his bid for Congress just one week after winning his seat in the 10th state Senate District last year  particularly among those backing Good, who went on to lose to McGuire in the June 18 primary election by a mere 366 votes out of more than 62,000 cast.

Even after McGuires narrow victory was confirmed by a recount, which Good requested, and an additional review of the results, some Republican hardliners in the district have refused to accept the former Navy SEAL as their partys nominee, instead turning to social media to launch a write-in campaign on behalf of Good, who has not publicly supported this effort.

At a Sept. 14 meeting of the executive committee of the State Central Committee, the partys 80-member governing body in Virginia, Jeff Ryer, chairman of the 1st Congressional District Committee and the spokesman for the Trump campaign in Virginia, expressed concern that McGuire lacked fulsome support in the 5th District, Republican Party of Virginia Chair Rich Anderson told the Mercury in a phone interview Monday.

Consequently, Ryer made a motion for the committee to require a renewed loyalty pledge from the 25 party officials who had signed the letter to Trump.

Its an affirmation statement, I dont call it a loyalty statement, Anderson said. It just reaffirms that they will support the eventual nominees that would come out of these contests, whether they are a primary or a party-run process. And with all the contention down in the 5th District because of a hotly contested race, a number of our congressional district committee chairs were concerned that perhaps not all were going to support McGuire.

But in his email to committee members, Herring alleged that top party officials decided to dictate to the 5th District Committee members who had signed the Trump letter that they would have to sign a loyalty oath or get kicked out of the Republican Party.

This decision was NOT brought to the (whole) State Central Committee for review or approval, and most were not even aware of this action, Herring wrote, adding that the committee then agreed to send a letter to those affected and set a deadline by which they had to return their signed pledges by 5 p.m. Sept. 27.

The form they sent in their letter was similar to the loyalty oaths they had required before, with the exception of one part  the naming of specific candidates you pledge to support. To my knowledge, this action has not been done before, at least in the over four decades that I have been involved, Herring wrote.

Ryer said Monday that he made the motion to ask for the renewed pledges because, based on several news accounts, it had become apparent that what he believed to be a false narrative was developing that leaders in the party were not fully supportive of our nominees.

Ryer pushed back against allegations that the loyalty pledges had been used to force 5th District Republicans on the record in an effort to get them removed from the party as a punishment for asking Trump to reconsider his endorsement.

It was my hope  and the hope of the executive committee  that all who had signed the June 6 letter would fulfill their previously professed pledge to support all our nominees, as required by the party plan, Ryer said, adding that he had made his motion solely in the capacity of his role as the 1st District chair and a longtime member of the State Central Committee.

But Rick Buchanan, the chairman of the 5th District Republican Committee, in an email to Anderson and State Central Committee leadership sent after the deadline had passed on Friday afternoon, pointed out that members had already signed similar pledges of support earlier this year, as a requirement under the state party plan to attend mass meetings and conventions.

Although he immediately forwarded the request for the renewed affirmations to the entire committee, Buchanan also said that no member of the State Central Committee had reached out to him directly or any of the districts 24 unit chairs to inquire about the necessity of this action as a remedy, suggesting that the distrust between the two factions was based on miscommunication.

Hearsay and assumption lead directly to dysfunction. The truth can only be found by going straight to the source, and the SCC and RPV have yet to reach out to develop an understanding. Mr. Chairman, this is not the way to work together as brothers in our political fight against our common enemies, Buchanan wrote.

Singling out Republican officials from the 5th District for supporting the candidate we felt was the best candidate in a primary is more than an overreach, Buchanan said in the email. This action is pay-back for sending the letter to President Trump. Though some question the veracity of the letter, we firmly stand behind everything the letter says.

Buchanan declined to comment for this story Monday.

In their letter to Trump, the districts top GOP officials had hailed Good, the chairman of the ultra-conservative House Freedom Caucus, as a champion of so-called America First policies by introducing legislation to codify policies defunding chain migration and requiring that immigrants are self-sufficient.

During his time in Congress, Good also offered multiple bills that would build upon Trumps regulatory relief for businesses across the country, the party officials wrote.

We the undersigned leaders of the 5th District Republican Congressional Committee strongly urge President Donald Trump to reconsider his endorsement of Congressman Bob Goods opponent in the Republican Primary, they concluded.

After receiving the request for his renewed loyalty pledge, at least one 5th District Committee member  Glenn Mozingo of Cumberland County  handed in his resignation on Thursday.

I am writing to advise that I will not sign the pledge form that was enclosed with your letter dated September 16, 2024, and I am resigning as a member of the Cumberland County Republican Committee with immediate effect. I understand that my membership on the 5th District Congressional Committee will lapse as well, Mozingo wrote in an email to state party Executive Director Ken Nunnenkamp, which was obtained by the Mercury.

Mozingo wrote that he wasnt aware of any reservations among 5th District Committee members regarding their loyalties to Trump or Hung Cao, the Republican nominee for U.S. Senate who is challenging incumbent Democrat Tim Kaine.

Consequently, it is apparent that this is a transparent attempt to coerce each committee member to publicly go on record in support of John McGuire, which I will not do.

Although he signed the pledge, James Hankins, another 5th District vice chair, also lashed out against state party leadership.

On a personal leave I feel insulted by being asked to sign this, Hankins wrote in an email to Anderson. I am signing this form this one time. If I am ever asked to do this again, I will resign from all posts I hold with the Republican Party and I will never raise another dollar for the 5th.

This story was originally published in the Virginia Mercury.
TORONTO, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Red Pine Exploration Inc. (TSXV: RPX, OTCQB: RDEXF) (Red Pine or the Company) is pleased to announce that it has closed its previously announced bought deal private placement offering (the Offering) for gross proceeds of C$11,000,358, including the exercise in full of the Underwriters Option (as defined in the press release of the Company dated September 5, 2024). The Offering consisted of (i) 33,336,000 common shares (the Non-FT Shares) of the Company at a price of C$0.090 per Non-FT Share, (ii) 28,572,000 tranche 1 flow-through common shares (the Tranche 1 FT Shares) of the Company at a price of C$0.105 per Tranche 1 FT Share, and (iii) 39,683,000 tranche 2 flow-through common shares (the Tranche 2 FT Shares and together with the Non-FT Shares and Tranche 1 FT Shares, the Offered Shares) of the Company at a price of C$0.126 per Tranche 2 FT Share.

The Offering was conducted on a bought deal basis by a syndicate of underwriters led by Haywood Securities Inc. (Haywood) as co-lead underwriter and sole bookrunner, and including Research Capital Corporation, as co-lead underwriter (together with Haywood, the Underwriters).

The gross proceeds from the sale of Tranche 1 FT Shares and Tranche 2 FT Shares will be used by the Company to incur eligible Canadian exploration expenses that will qualify as flow-through mining expenditures as such terms are defined in the Income Tax Act (Canada) and eligible Ontario exploration expenditures as defined in the Taxation Act, 2007 (Ontario) (collectively, the Qualifying Expenditures) related to the Companys projects in Ontario. All Qualifying Expenditures will be renounced in favour of the subscribers of the Tranche 1 FT Shares and Tranche 2 FT Shares effective December 31, 2024. The net proceeds from the sale of Non-FT Shares will be used by the Company for general working capital and corporate purposes, and for exploration at the Wawa Gold Project in Ontario.

In consideration for their services, the Underwriters received a cash commission equal to 6.0% of the gross proceeds from the Offering and that number of non-transferable compensation options (the Compensation Options) as is equal to 6.0% of the aggregate number of Offered Shares sold under the Offering. Each Compensation Option is exercisable to acquire one common share of the Company at a price equal to C$0.090 for a period of 24 months from the closing date of the Offering.

The Offering was made by way of private placement in Canada. The securities issued under the Offering are subject to a hold period in Canada expiring four months and one day from the closing date of the Offering. The Offering is subject to final acceptance of the TSX Venture Exchange.

Pursuant to the Investor Rights Agreement between the Company and Alamos Gold Inc. (Alamos) dated December 20, 2019, Alamos has exercised its right to maintain its pro rata ownership interest of the Companys common shares on a partially diluted basis, purchasing 13,763,530 Non-FT Shares at a price of C$0.09 per share for a total purchase price of C$1,238,717.70 (the Alamos Transaction). Prior to the closing of the Alamos Transaction, Alamos held 25,837,536 common shares and no other securities of Red Pine, representing a securityholding percentage of approximately 13.55%, on an undiluted basis. Following the closing of the Alamos Transaction, Alamos has beneficial ownership of, or control and direction over, 39,601,066 common shares of Red Pine, representing a securityholding percentage of approximately 13.55%, on an undiluted basis. Alamos acquired the Non-FT Shares for investment purposes, which investment will be evaluated and may be increased or decreased from time to time at Alamos discretion. A copy of Alamos early warning report will be available on Red Pines SEDAR+ profile available at www.sedarplus.ca or can be requested by contacting Scott K. Parsons, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development and Investor Relations, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , 416-368-9932 (ext. 5439) or by mail at Brookfield Place, 181 Bay Street, Suite 3910, Toronto, Ontario M5J 2T3. Please see the news release of the Company dated December 31, 2019 for further information in respect of the Investor Rights Agreement.

The purchase of securities by certain insiders of the Company constitutes a related party transaction within the meaning of TSX Venture Exchange Policy 5.9 and Multilateral Instrument 61-101  Protection of Minority Security Holders in Special Transactions (MI 61-101). The Company has relied on the exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in sections 5.5(a) and 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101 in respect of such insider participation. The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the closing of the Offering because the details of the insider participation were not finalized until closer to the closing and the Company wished to close the Offering as soon as practicable for sound business reasons.

The Offered Shares have not been registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption from the registration requirements. This press release shall not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy nor shall there be any sale of the securities in any State in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful.

About Red Pine Exploration Inc.

Red Pine Exploration Inc. is a gold exploration company headquartered in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The Companys shares trade on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol RPX and on the OTCQB Markets under the symbol RDEXF.

The Wawa Gold Project is in the Michipicoten Greenstone Belt of Ontario, a region that has seen major investment by several producers in the last five years. Its land package hosts numerous historic gold mines and is over 7000 hectares in size. Red Pine is building a strong position as a mineral exploration and development player in the Michipicoten region.

For more information about the Company, visit www.redpineexp.com

Or contact:

Michael Michaud, President and CEO, at (416) 364-7024 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Or

Carrie Howes, Director Corporate Communications, at (416) 644-7375 or This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains statements which constitute forward-looking information within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements regarding the completion of the Offering. Forward-looking information is often identified by the words may, would, could, should, will, intend, plan, anticipate, believe, estimate, expect or similar expressions. Forward-looking information contained in this news release includes but may not be limited to, the Companys intended use of proceeds of the Offering, including its intent to incur Qualifying Expenditures. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking information is not based on historical facts but instead reflect managements expectations, estimates or projections concerning future results or events based on the opinions, assumptions and estimates of management considered reasonable at the date the statements are made. Such opinions, assumptions and estimates are inherently subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected 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. Among the key factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information are the following: the Company applying the proceeds of the Offering differently than intended, the ability of the Company to obtain all necessary consents and approvals required to complete the Offering including the final approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, and the impact of general business and economic conditions.

This information is qualified in its entirety by cautionary statements and risk factor disclosure contained in filings made by the Company, including the Companys financial statements and related MD&A for the year ended July 31, 2023, and the interim financial reports and related MD&A for the period ended April 30, 2024, filed with the securities regulatory authorities in certain provinces of Canada and available at www.sedarplus.ca.

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.
Toronto, Ontario and Nucla, Colorado, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. (CSE: WUC) (OTCQX: WSTRF) (and together with its affiliates, Western or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company has executed a binding Stock Purchase Agreement (the Agreement) to purchase 100% of the shares of Pinon Ridge Corporation (PRC) and thereby acquire an approximately 900 acre property located in Montrose County, Colorado (the PRC Site). In connection with the Agreement, the former PRC shareholders will be paid approximately USD830,000 for their PRC equity and shareholder loan repayments.

The acquisition is the second property package Western has acquired in addition to the Maverick Mineral Processing Plant site in Utah (the Utah Site) and is part of Westerns plans for developing and licensing one or more uranium and vanadium processing facilities (the Sites) to process production from its resource properties in Colorado and Utah. Western is utilizing a multiple site approach in order to optimize transportation and processing costs; notably, the Utah Site is located approximately four miles from Western's San Rafael project, while the Colorado Site is about 25 miles from Western's flagship Sunday Mine Complex. Significant accretion is sought through mine to mill proximity and the corresponding reduction to transportation and related costs. Purchasing the PRC Site has additional benefits having been previously licensed for a uranium mill in terms of offering a unique opportunity to leverage historical licenses, data and resources.

The preliminary engineering design, developed by Precision Systems Engineering (PSE), may be utilized at both the proposed Utah Site and the PRC Site. Additionally, the Sites are being designed to process mined material from third party miners. This next generation conventional mill design will include a kinetic separation circuit to separate the mineralized rock from the waste rock in a pre-milling process. The Company plans to evaluate alternate financing approaches to best optimize value to Westerns shareholders; scenarios will be considered that involve third parties owning or co-owning the Sites.

George Glasier, the President, CEO and a director of Western, and his wife Kathleen own 50% of the shares of PRC, and Andrew Wilder, a director of Western, indirectly owns 3% of the shares of PRC. Therefore, this transaction constitutes 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 is relying on exemptions from the valuation and minority shareholder approval requirements of MI 61-101 contained in section 5.7(1)(a) of MI 61-101, as the fair market value of the transaction does not exceed 25% of the market capitalization of the Company. The Companys Board of Directors has established an independent committee of the Board, comprised of directors who are not considered to have an interest in the transaction. The independent committee of the Board has overseen the negotiation and approved the entering into the Agreement on behalf of the Corporation.

The Company did not file a material change report more than 21 days before the expected closing date of the Agreement because the details of the transaction were not settled until shortly prior to entering into the Agreement and the Company wishes to close the transaction on an expedited basis for sound business reasons. Western will file in due course a material change report under its profile on SEDAR+.

About Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp.

Western Uranium & Vanadium Corp. is ramping-up high-grade uranium and vanadium production at its Sunday Mine Complex. In addition to the flagship property located in the prolific Uravan Mineral Belt, the production pipeline also includes conventional projects in Colorado and Utah. The Maverick Minerals Processing Plant and Pinon Ridge Corporation processing plants will be licensed to include the kinetic separation process.



FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:
Lithuania said on Monday it had asked the International Criminal Court to probe Belarus for alleged crimes against humanity in a crackdown on opposition following a disputed presidential election.

The Baltic nation has become a refuge for tens of thousands of Belarusians who left their homeland after the authorities in Minsk violently suppressed 2020 protests against President Alexander Lukashenko accused of rigging the election.

Lithuania "can no longer sit idly by whilst crimes against humanity continue to be committed on a vast scale in Belarus, the neighbouring country", Justice Minister Ewelina Dobrowolska said in a statement.

Although Belarus is not under the ICC's jurisdiction, Lithuania said Minsk's repressions were also "committed on the territory of Lithuania, bringing such crimes... within the jurisdiction of the Court".

ICC prosecutor Karim Khan confirmed in a statement he had received the request to investigate.

He said his office would carry out a preliminary examination to look into Lithuania's request but added the referral did not automatically lead to the opening of an investigation.

However, Lithuania's Justice Minister said she expected the ICC to issue a warrant for Belarus's strongman president.

"We do expect arrest warrant for Lukashenko," Dobrowolska said.

Opposition leader Svetlana Tikhanovskaya -- who claimed victory over Lukashenko in the 2020 vote -- was among the many to flee Belarus in the election's aftermath.
The US envoy to Sudan on Monday said there had been a marked improvement of aid deliveries into the war-torn African country suffering a devastating humanitarian crisis.

Fighting erupted in April 2023 between the regular army and the paramilitary Rapid Support Forces (RSF) after a plan to integrate them into the military failed.

Both sides have been accused of war crimes, including deliberately targeting civilians and blocking humanitarian aid.

"We are pleased by the significant but incremental improvements on humanitarian access," US envoy on Sudan, Tom Perriello, told reporters in Nairobi.

"We have had a couple (of) hundred trucks get through areas that were previously blocked."

More than 25 million people -- more than half of Sudan's population -- face acute hunger, according to UN agencies, with famine declared in a displacement camp in the western Darfur region, which borders Chad.

The war has already killed tens of thousands of people, with the World Health Organization declaring a toll of at least 20,000 people dead, but some estimates are up to 150,000.

"The situation is extremely dire and those who are in the best position to stop it seem eager instead to accelerate" it, Perriello said.

Several rounds of peace negotiations have failed to end the fighting.

Multiple truces brokered by the United States and Saudi Arabia in the early stages of the war were systematically violated and the process faltered.

"One track of these efforts overall is a sense of trying to restore the basic norm that even if the war continues, certain issues of humanitarian access and civilian protection should be respected," Perriello said, blaming "a lack of sufficient will" from the warring sides.

The latest round of US-brokered talks opened in Switzerland last month.

While an RSF delegation showed up, the Sudanese armed forces were unhappy with the format and did not attend, though they were in telephone contact with the mediators.

The talks were co-hosted by Saudi Arabia and Switzerland, with the African Union, Egypt, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and the United Nations completing the so-called Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan Group (ALPS).

The army objected to the UAE's involvement in the talks, accusing the oil-rich Gulf state of arming the RSF. The UAE has repeatedly denied the allegations.

The Sudanese army on Monday rejected an accusation by the UAE that it had attacked the home of its ambassador in Khartoum.
A former doctor goes on trial on Tuesday accused of genocide in Rwanda, three decades after the massacre of the African country's Tutsi population by the Hutu majority.

Eugene Rwamucyo, 65, is accused of aiding his country's authorities in disseminating anti-Tutsi propaganda and of participating in mass murder in an attempt to destroy evidence of genocide.

The former doctor, who practised medicine in France and Belgium after leaving his country, has been charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity, complicity in crimes against humanity and conspiring to prepare those crimes.

If found guilty he could face life in prison.

Rwamucyo's trial is the eighth in France relating to the genocide in 1994, when an estimated 800,000 people -- mostly ethnic Tutsis -- were slaughtered.

Rwamucyo, who grew up in a Hutu family, was approached by anti-Tutsi militants in the late 1980s after his return from studying in Russia, according to prosecutors, who accuse him of then spreading anti-Tutsi propaganda.

While teaching at university, he also participated in the execution of wounded patients and helped bury them in mass graves "in a final effort to destroy evidence of genocide", the prosecution said, quoting witness statements.

His lawyer, Philippe Meilhac, said Rwamucyo denies any wrongdoing and argues the accusation is based on his opposition to the current Rwandan government.

His participation in the burial of bodies in mass graves was motivated by the wish to avoid a "health crisis" that would have occurred if they had been left out in the open, the lawyer said.

Following an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda, Rwamucyo was detained in May 2010 by French police following a tip-off by his colleagues in the Maubeuge hospital where he was working at the time.

"He was openly anti-Tutsi and publicly expressed his support for the genocidal government," said Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for LDH and FIDH, two human rights organisations who are among the plaintiffs.

Around 60 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial, which is scheduled to run until October 29.

In December 2023, a French court sentenced another former doctor, Sosthene Munyemana, to 24 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide.
At the end of September 2024, two days were devoted to the testimony of Bol Maker Juol Kor. He is the 16th witness to climb the wide steps leading to the second floor of the Stockholm courthouse and to courtroom 34, where the longest trial in Swedish history has been taking place for a year now and will continue for another year and a half. There are as many more witnesses to come after him before the beginning of December. This is not counting the recorded testimonies of three witnesses to be heard at the beginning of October -- voices from beyond the grave of three plaintiffs who have died since this exceptional case began.

Among the other plaintiff witnesses who preceded him, there were former Swedish employees of Lundin Oil who were assigned to communications and told how helicopters from the Sudanese national army came to refuel at the Lundin Oil base. They include Liah Diu Gatkuoth, a former child soldier recruited to protect the oil installations, who told the Stockholm court how Lundin envoys tried to buy his silence, which triggered the opening last June of an investigation adjoining the current trial.

South Sudanese citizen Bol Maker Juol Kor, wearing a charcoal grey suit, arrived specially from Africa for the trial. A teenager at the time of the incident, he lived in a village not far from the road built by the Swedish oil company to access Block 5A, the extraction area. The witness remained seated in front of the presiding judge, Tomas Zander, flanked on the left by his lawyer and on the right by two Nuer-Swedish interpreters, repeating the same pattern of appearances since the plaintiffs began to appear at the end of May. The court president spoke a welcome, and pointed out that the witness was expected to give an account of what he had seen and experienced, not of what had been reported to him. Then followed questions from the prosecutor, which took up the first day, then rare questions from his lawyer, and finally the cross-examination of defence counsel for Lundin Oil chairman Ian Lundin, in the dock alongside former director Alexandre Schneiter. The two senior executives, who are pleading not guilty, are appearing as accessories to war crimes committed in southern Sudan between 1997 and 2003.

Witness after witness was subject to cross-examination, which pointed to differences between their accounts given in court in 2024 and the accounts of interrogations carried out by Swedish police officers who came to question them in Africa during the investigation. But with each witness, the voices of South Sudanese victims were heard in the Swedish courtroom as a counterpoint to a defence strategy that has focused on two areas: demolishing the credibility of NGO reports that warned of the situation in Block 5A where Lundin Oil was looking for oil, provoking attacks on villagers living in the area; and asserting that if there was fighting, it was the result of long-standing conflicts between clans and tribes over banal issues of stolen cattle, which existed before Lundin Oil and continued after it left South Sudan.

I can see very well that Lundins lawyers are trying to make people believe that the deaths, injuries and burnt villages are the result of tribal conflicts over stolen cattle that have nothing to do with the presence of oil, said Bol Maker Juol Kor, a South Sudanese plaintiff in the Lundin trial, after testifying in Sweden. Photo:  Olivier Truc

The other side of the sunset

According to the defence, Lundin Oil tried to build a better world for the local people, for example by building a road and a school. Bol Maker Juol Kor talked about this road. But first he described the attacks on the villagers. In Duar, in 1998 when an Antonov aircraft dropped barrels of oil that exploded on the ground, they come during the day, when the sun is at its highest. Seventeen people were left dead. The Antonov came from the sun. There is a lot of talk about the sun in the testimonies. So when, a few days earlier, another witness, Tomas Malual Kap, spoke through an interpreter about an area controlled by the rebels, on the other side of the sunset, the annoyed court president explained to him that in Sweden, we speak of east and west.

After each attack, Bol Maker Juol Kor recounts his frantic flight towards the forest bordering the village. What was it like that year in Kuach? asks prosecutor Eva-Marie Haggkvist. Peaceful, calm? No, replies Bol Maker Juol Kor, neither peaceful nor calm. It was because the Arabs were fighting us. We were targets, he continues. The reason was that where we lived, there was oil, and they wanted to seize it, build the road through our territory to access the oil, and they didnt want us to stay. It was the building of this road that destroyed us.

Could you use the road? he was asked. No, we couldnt. Why not? We were afraid because they had killed people using it. Who? Those Arabs.

His father and mother shot to death

He tells of the arrival of the gunships, low-flying helicopters that strafed. Then came ground troops and cattle rustlers. The same modus operandi was reported by other witnesses. Bol Maker Juol Kor recounts the three times he was abducted to become a soldier, when he was 16 or 17, and the three times he managed to escape. He recounts the attack in 2002, soldiers who left their lorries -- some on foot, others on horseback -- and the shooting. That day, his father and mother were shot. His father, who was shot in the back, and his mother, shot in the legs, died of wounds shortly afterwards. He fled into the forest.

When you fled in 2002, did you use the road? asked the prosecutor. No, not the road, we took refuge in the forest. Why not take the road? We were scared, the military used the road. These questions were repeated in all shapes and forms, the prosecutor trying to cement the facts with precision so that the prosecutions case holds up, knowing that the defence will try to cast doubt by relying on details. How far was it from the village to the forest? It depended. If we fled, we might spend two or three days there. The translation sometimes seems to leave something to be desired. We were talking about distance, says the court president, somewhat annoyed. How long did it take to get home from the forest? Nobody had a watch. But its not that far, we live near the forest.

Who wrote this report? Where does he live?

When Ian Lundins lawyer began his cross-examination, he was faithful to the technique he had been using since the end of May: looking for a loophole to discredit the entire testimony. He tried to find out how many people lived in Kuach. I cant say, we didnt count the people. But is it 100, 500, 1,000? An estimate? Maybe you can guess? Its difficult for me to estimate, I was a young boy at the time.

Above all, the lawyer confronted Bol Maker Juol Kor with the reports written by employees of the security companies who worked for Lundin. They described the situation on the ground and the benefits the road brought to local commerce. Extract after extract was chosen to show that Bol Maker Juol Kors testimony was not in line with the reality described in the reports, but the plaintiff caught the lawyer in his own trap.

At one point, a report mentions the road that runs through a village that the lawyer describes as that of Bol Maker Juol Kor. This text doesnt mention Kuach, the South Sudanese said calmly. Its the road that runs through your village, the lawyer retorted angrily. Id like to ask who wrote this report, the plaintiff replied. Where does he live? In Kuach, in Bentiu? Youll have to be more specific. The lawyer continued to project extracts from the Lundin Oil reports onto the four wall screens. Bol Maker Juol Kor did not give up. Its not right. Who wrote this report? I was there myself, nobody was using that road. Is there a video of people using this road in my village?

During a break on the second day, Bol Maker Juol Kor told Justice Info how he felt. All these reports written by company employees, how can they believe them? he asked. I can see what Lundins lawyers are trying to do -- to make people believe that the deaths, injuries and burnt villages are the result of tribal conflicts over stolen cattle that have nothing to do with the presence of oil.






Monday, September 30, 2024 - Palestinian militant group, Hamas has announced that its leader in Lebanon has been killed by Israeli air strikes as hundreds of IDF tanks line up along the border.

Hamas said its leader in Lebanon, Fateh Sherif Abu el-Amin was killed, along with his wife, son, and daughter, in a strike that targeted their house in a Palestinian refugee camp in the southern city of Tyre in the early hours of Monday.

This is coming days after Hezbollah's long-standing chief Hassan Nasrallah was killed in Beirut.

The group said al-Amine was killed with his wife, son, and daughter in what it called a 'terrorist and criminal assassination'.

That statement came hours after the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine (PFLP), a secular left-wing group, said three of its members were killed in a strike in Beirut's Kola district early today.

Most of Israel's attacks against Hezbollah have so far been carried out in the south of Lebanon or Beirut's southern suburbs.

But this morning's attack in the Kola district was the first within Beirut's city limits - another escalation that observers fear could trigger a wider war, dragging in Iran and the United States.

Meanwhile, the US and other members of the international community this weekend issued an 11th-hour appeal for restraint.

President Joe Biden warned Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that an all-out war in the Middle East must be avoided, even as the US military ramps up its presence in the region.

More than 1,030 people - including 156 women and 87 children - have been killed in less than two weeks, according to Lebanon's Health Ministry, since Israel stepped up its attacks on Hezbollah.

The airstrike in the Kola district hit a multistory residential building and caused massive damage.

Israel has repeatedly targeted both Hezbollah and Hamas officials in Lebanon since the Gaza war erupted almost a year ago.

Israel has vowed to keep up the assault and says it wants to make its northern areas secure again for residents who have been forced to flee Hezbollah rocket attacks.






Monday, September 30, 2024 - Manchester City defender, Kyle Walker's wife Annie Kilner will reportedly give their troubled marriage another shot if he pays her a staggering 15million.

The 32-year-old is believed to be demanding around half of the Manchester City and England star's 27milllion fortune after he secretly fathered two children with influencer, Lauryn Goodman.

Annie and Walker share four children and have spent the past year battling to save their shattered relationship.

The mother-of-four is said to have obtained preliminary legal advice ahead of a split which could see her bag half of the 150,000-a-week star's fortune.

A source has told The Sun: 'It's a s***show at the moment. Kyle and Annie are arguing about pretty much everything.

'She's told him she will only consider giving it another go if he gives her half of his money first.

'She's been told she's entitled to half of his wealth if they split  and doesn't want another penny of her share going to Lauryn.'

The insider revealed that the married couple have spoken to solicitors about making a financial arrangement.

Walker, who started for Man City in their 1-1 draw with Newcastle on Saturday, is apparently happy for Annie to have the money so she and the children can have financial security.

The source added that it has been a challenging period for Annie, who is considering filing for divorce amid fears that the marriage can no longer be saved.

Walker was booted out of the marital home in January after Lauryn rang her just after Christmas to tell her that Kyle was the father of her second child, Kinara, as well as the older boy Kairo.

Annie, pregnant at the time, was distressed after she received the news.

Walker was present for the birth of Rezon, their fourth son, but they spent the summer living apart, as he moved to an apartment in Manchester.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has promised to help President William Ruto raise funds to restart stalled road projects across the country.

Speaking during a meeting yesterday, Mbadi acknowledged that most road projects had stalled owing to a lack of funds.

He added that the government was also yet to pay contractors close to Ksh161 billion for various infrastructure projects being undertaken across the country.

As a consequence, Mbadi revealed that contractors had left the construction sites awaiting the payments.

Therefore, he assured that he was working on ways of raising funding for the projects, indicating that the resumption of construction would be witnessed across the country.

"Contracts are awarded but there is no funding. As the CS for National Treasury my job is to help the President get money to do development and complete projects which have stalled," he promised.

"When you move across the country, all road projects have stalled. I am going to ensure that I help the President to get resources to restart all the roads across the country."

Notably, the CS did not detail his plan for raising the resources and the timelines of his plan.

In recent months, Kenyans have lamented over the number of projects that have stalled.

In response, Ruto and government officials have explained that the stalling of projects were occasioned by pending bills and a lack of resources.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024  Lands CS Alice Wahome has requested an additional Ksh35 billion to help her weed out all the cartels in the Lands Ministry through digitization.

Speaking to journalists in Nairobi at a meeting with stakeholders, CS Wahome reported the ministry has already facilitated the digitization of land records in Nairobi and Muranga Counties.

She revealed that her ministry will launch similar projects in Marsabit and Isiolo counties as the government looks to digitise land records across the whole country with the process expected to be concluded in five years time.

This is in a bid to contain fraudulent buying and selling of land with numerous Kenyans reporting having lost their hard-earned money to fraudulent dealers who take advantage of land deals.

Many times the cartels start by influencing a few of our officers and taking away the files.

"When the records of the land that you own disappear then it is easy to manipulate or come up with other records and verification therefore, becomes very hard, she stated.

In a presser, she explained cons interfere with land records and manipulate gullible Kenyans into losing their land or losing money buying land with false information.

Normally they target the deed files and the ordinary files. Once that happens, it is easy to interfere with your land, she elaborated noting that rogue officers in her Ministry had been sucked into this type of crime.

The cabinet secretary noted that digitization of land information will play a crucial role in ensuring transparency in the Lands Ministry. With digitization, (interference of land details) is going to be a thing of the past, she observed.

CS Wahome vowed to continue digitizing land data to combat land grabbing by cartels who collude with officers in the Ministry of Lands.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has stated that MPs will fail in their attempt to impeach him, arguing that they have not conducted public participation as required by the Constitution.

In an interview with Mt Kenya East radio stations on Sunday, Gachagua said kicking him out of the Kenya Kwanza administration would not be a walk in the park like lawmakers want it to appear.

Mr. Gachagua said from the meetings he had held over the past week, the people in the Mt Kenya region are not interested in seeing him out of the government.

He said public participation is enshrined in the Constitution before such a matter as impeachment is decided, adding that it not done just like that. We must follow the law and the Constitution is clear where the Parliament cannot be left alone to handle such a serious matter

I am waiting to see how they will conduct the public participation after the motion is tabled because that is a requirement.

"Let the MPs go to the people and ask them whether impeaching Gachagua is the right thing to do when we have a lot of work to do, the DP said.

I have toured the Mt Kenya region and my people on the ground have told me I should not get shaken, and assured me that when their MPs come to ask them whether they should impeach me, they will tell them off.

"The job I hold was given to me by the people of Kenya and just 200 people cannot overturn the will of the people, he added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024- Embattled Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has accused President William Rutos close allies like Oscar Sudi of disrespecting him.

During an interview with Kalenjin radio stations on Monday night, Gachagua claimed that some of President Rutos close allies send him abusive text messages at night, calling him stupid.

The second in command said he had raised the issue with his boss President William Ruto and even shown him the abusive messages.

I wont allow some of the President's close allies to disrespect me. If they want to send me home for calling them out, then I am ready, Gachagua said.

He narrated an incident that happened on Saturday night when one of President Rutos key allies visited his official Karen residence and when he was kept waiting at the gate as part of the protocol, he confronted the security.

Gachagua had given him an appointment but he came 1 hour earlier.

At the time of his arrival, Gachagua was being attended to by his barber.

He bragged that he doesnt follow protocol even at State House after he was kept waiting at the gate and insulted the Deputy President, before reversing his car.

Gachagua made it clear that he is the Deputy President of the Republic Of Kenya and that he wont allow Rutos allies to disrespect him.

Watch the video.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.








Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has finally softened his stand and said he is ready to go home if he is impeached by Members of Parliament.

The motion to impeach Rigathi Gachagua was tabled in the National Assembly on Tuesday afternoon by Kibwezi West Member of Parliament, Mwengi Mutuse.

Mutuse has accused Gachagua of gross misconduct, fanning tribalism and ethnicity, corruption, and disrespecting his boss, William Ruto among other charges.

Speaking on Monday evening, Gachagua stated that he would accept his fate and go home if MPs and Senators succeed in impeaching him.

"If its said I should continue working, I am ready; if its said I should go home, I am also ready," he said.

The Deputy President further urged the Mt. Kenya region to remain united, explaining that disunity could lead to significant challenges.

"My plea to the people of Mt. Kenya is to remain united. I dont need to lead you; any leader can guide you.

"However, to thrive and maintain a presence in government for years to come, you must unite," Gachagua said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - Israeli military forces are reportedly gearing up for a limited ground invasion of Lebanon, with operations potentially beginning as soon as today, according to senior U.S. officials.

This move comes amidst heightened tensions and discussions between Israeli and U.S. leadership over the weekend.

The forthcoming Israeli operation is anticipated to be smaller in scale than the 2006 war with Hezbollah, focusing on ensuring security for communities along Israels northern border. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant announced that the "next stage of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon," aimed at facilitating the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north.

On Monday, Israeli troops initiated targeted operations in southern Lebanon, concentrating on Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons sites and command centers. The Israeli military has declared parts of its northern border, including Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi, as closed military zones, prohibiting entry into these areas.

The State Department has acknowledged ongoing communication with Israel regarding these operations, emphasizing that they are currently framed as "limited" and focused on specific Hezbollah targets near the border.

In parallel, evacuation efforts for foreign nationals, including Bulgarians, have intensified as countries mobilize to bring their citizens home ahead of the anticipated ground invasion. Meanwhile, Israeli reservists are gathering at assembly points along the northern border, and logistical trucks have been observed moving northward in preparation for potential military actions.

Further complicating the situation, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have declared an escalation of military operations against Israel following Israeli airstrikes on Yemeni infrastructure, which reportedly resulted in casualties.

U.S. President Joe Biden has expressed concerns over the necessity of the impending Israeli incursion into Lebanon, suggesting that the recent death of Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah, has weakened the group significantly. In remarks to the media, Biden called for an immediate ceasefire, indicating a desire for diplomatic resolution rather than further military escalation.

Despite these calls for restraint, Israel appears poised to advance its operations, with U.S. officials warning that such actions could spark a wider conflict in the Middle East and result in substantial casualties. The situation remains fluid as both military and diplomatic efforts unfold in the region.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - A section of Members of Parliament from the Luo community have said they will support the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

The motion to impeach Gachagua was tabled by Kibwezi West MP Mwengi Mutuse.

The four Luo MPs Led by Nyatike MP Tom Odege, claim it is time to show Gachagua the door for allegedly advancing tribalism.

Odege claimed that since he was elected, the DP has focused his energy on the Mount Kenya region, sidelining other parts of the country.

"Gachagua laid traps for us and bragged about it, but he's now trapped in his own trap. We won't let him escape. I will proudly vote for Gachagua's impeachment without doubt," Odege said.

Other MPs who have declared their support for Gachaguas impeachment include Suna Wests Peter Masara and his Suna East counterpart Junet Mohammed

We don't have any right to defend Kenya Kwanza leaders. If they want to send home one of their own, we will help them send him parking without a second thought.

"In case the motion is tabled, I'll vote yes," Masara said

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Controversial lawyer and barrister, Miguna Miguna, has poured scorn on the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, asserting that the first person who should be impeached is President William Ruto.

In a comment on his X platform on Monday, Miguna said it is ironic that one of the grounds for impeaching Gachagua is acquiring 5 hotels in two years yet Ruto has accumulated billions in wealth and properties, including allegedly stealing land for Weston Hotel.

Miguna said Ruto has recently constructed the Dolphin Hotel - the largest hotel (by size and room numbers) in Africa - just a walking distance from the Mombasa Serena.

Miguna further claimed that Ruto owns Amacco Insurance and is behind both the Adani Group's takeover of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and the establishment of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF).

Ruto stole the public land on which the Weston Hotel in Nairobi sits.

"He recently constructed the Dolphin Hotel - the largest hotel (by size and room numbers) in Africa - just a walking distance from the Mombasa Serena.

"Amacco Insurance, which Ruto owns, has been illegally given preferential contracts with government ministries and institutions.

"The same way his hotels receive preferential treatment. Ruto is the man stealing the JKIA, SHIF, etc.

"Yet, the worst looter since Mobutu Seseseko has listed hotel ownership as a ground for impeaching Gachagua. Meanwhile, Ruto continues to abduct, torture, and murder innocent civilians, Miguna wrote on the X platform.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Gatundu North MP Elijah "Kururia" Njoroge has received fierce backlash after he publicly praised the police for arresting activist Kebaso Morara on Monday and saving the government of President William Ruto from further embarrassment.

Speaking in an interview earlier today, Njoroge expressed his desire for Morara to be held at a police station within his constituency, suggesting that police should no longer move him around to evade outraged citizens.

I have police who are moving Morara to various police stations. I would like him to be brought to one in Gatundu, which has street children in it, he stated.

Those officers who arrested him, God bless you so much. I pray they keep moving him so that Morara now knows this country has laws, he added.

However, Kenyans expressed their anger at Njoroge's comments against Morara who has been exposing corruption and President William Rutos ghost projects across the country.

I have said it and I'll repeat if we are to change how this country is run, we need to start recalling such MPs, Zachary Oguda, brother to Gabriel Oguda, responded to Njoroges comments,

A video shared online by Joshua Okayo, a student leader from the Kenya School of Law, revealed alarming allegations of police brutality against activists, claiming that some had been beaten, with one admitted to Kenyatta National Hospital due to injuries sustained during their detention.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua has reminded Rift Valley Members of Parliament that Mt Kenya MPs stood by William Ruto, who was then deputy President, when he was being persecuted by former President Uhuru Kenyatta.

Speaking to Kalenjin community journalists on Monday, Gachagua reminded Rift Valley MPs that the majority of Mt Kenya MPs stood by Ruto when he was being humiliated by Uhuru between 2018 and 2022.

Gachagua further said he will not resign as he faces impeachment where over 300 Members of Parliament have approved the impeachment motion.

"I saw others saying that since 300 MPs have issued signatures supporting my impeachment motion, I should just resign. Why would I resign if I didn't give myself this job?" Gachagua said.

"If they'll resort to chasing me away, let them do it. People from Mt. Kenya are waiting for Rift Valley MPs to send me away," Gachagua added.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - US Presidential candidate, Donald Trump has suggested that allowing the police to be extraordinarily rough for an hour would end crime in the country.

The Republican presidential candidate claimed that one real, nasty day would put an immediate stop to criminality, in comments that drew comparisons to infamous horror film The Purge.

Trump told a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania on Sunday: We have to let the police do their job. And if they have to be, extraordinarily rough.

And you know, the funny thing with all of that stuff, look at the department stores... you see these guys walking out with air conditioners, with refrigerators on their back. The craziest thing.

And the police arent allowed to do their job. Theyre told if you do anything, youre gonna lose your pension, youre gonna lose your family, your house, your car.

Trump continued: You know, if you had one day, like one real rough, nasty day... One rough hour, and I mean real rough, the word will get out and it will end immediately. End immediately. You know, itll end immediately.

A campaign official said afterwards that the former president was clearly just floating it in jest.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Former Kiambu Governor Ferdinand Waititu spent the night in a cell after being arrested for allegedly making inflammatory remarks during an event in Ruiru on Sunday night.

Waititu was reportedly ambushed and arrested by DCI officers on Monday while conducting personal business along the Eastern Bypass.

His arrest stems from remarks he allegedly made during a concert featuring a popular Kikuyu musician on Sunday.

Waititu insulted President William Ruto and accused him of betraying Kikuyus while praising Gen Zs for teaching him a lesson.

A photo of Waititu in a cell at Pangani police station has surfaced on social media.

Below is a video that landed him in trouble.

Hakuna mwanaume mama ya yule mwingine,na Ruto asifikirie ni mama yetu- former Kiambu governor, Ferdinand Waititu pic.twitter.com/YQ1Dry6I2l  Bill (@PJ36_) September 30, 2024

The Kenyan DAILY POST.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Former Prime Minister Raila Odingas spokesman, Prof. Makau Mutua, has called on the Judiciary to stay out of the ongoing impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua's impeachment motion is already at the National Assembly and some of Gachagua's allies are already in courts trying to stop his impeachment.

In his warning to the Judiciary on Monday, Prof. Makau Mutua reminded them that the impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua is a political process, not a legal process for the judges to be involved.

The courts have no role whatsoever  NONE  in the impending IMPEACHMENT of Deputy President @rigathi.

"This is a political question for the political branches to settle. The judiciary must keep off, and not meddle! Makau wrote on the X platform.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - Chicago rapper Lil Reese is in police custody following an arrest nearly two weeks after a warrant was issued accusing him of punching and strangling a former girlfriend. The rapper, born Tavares Taylor, was arrested early Monday morning for aggravated assault of a family or household member and was denied bond.

Eyewitnesses tell TMZ that Lil Reese was apprehended at The Address nightclub in Houston, Texas, on Sunday evening. Police were already stationed at the club when they became aware of his presence and moved in to arrest him. Photos from the scene show the rapper being escorted to a police car, his hands cuffed behind his back.





This arrest follows an alleged incident at The Pink House nightclub in Houston, where Lil Reese reportedly attacked his ex-girlfriend after she rejected his advances. According to a police report, the woman claimed Reese punched her in the cheek and attempted to strangle her, leaving her "gasping for air" and fearing for her life. A friend of the woman reportedly witnessed the altercation and called security.





Lil Reeses attorney, Carl Moore, told TMZ, "Mr. Taylor vehemently denies these false accusations. We look forward to his day in court."

The rapper, known for his role in Chicagos drill music scene, now awaits further legal proceedings.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Billionaire businessman David Langat's empire has been thrown into unfamiliar territory after auctioneers put up his tea estate in Nandi for a forced sale.

This is aimed at raising an unknown amount of money owed to a local bank.



The move is seen as a blow given Langat is a close confidant of President William Ruto.



He heavily funded him during the 2013, 2017, and 2022 presidential polls.



Even though Ruto did not run in 2013 and 2017, Langat funded him.



His friends are wondering why the president has refused to bail him out.



Ruto should be the first person to help him now. We wonder why he is not interested in this issue, said an official aware of the issue.



Langat refused to comment on the latest developments. His close allies said he is shocked and stressed.

He is worried because over 2000 people will lose their jobs, said an insider.



Popularly known as DL, the tycoon made his fortune running his empire from Mombasa and has vast interests in real estate, agribusiness, hospitality, and the energy sectors among others.



Langat is among the businessmen from North Rift who backed Ruto's 2022 presidential bid in particular.



When Ruto visited Kapsabet in March 2023 for prayers, he was among the leaders who accompanied the Head of State but he has since kept a low profile.



He joins many other businessmen from the region to fall into such a situation. Others include Zedekiah Buzeki and Mishra Kiprop.



Pundits believe the latest move on Langat is politically motivated.



They are targeting his estate for purchase at an auction which will be like a throw-away price. Those doing this are his alleged friends, said an insider aware of the developments.



The insider said those close to the president are eyeing the estate and want to buy it at an auction.



He was recently named by the President to the National Investment Council and has invested in agribusiness, real estate, energy, and hospitality among others.



He had also accompanied Ruto on a trip to the USA.

An insider added Langats troubles seemed to have come out in January 2024 when his company won a Sh60 billion tender to supply machinery at the Kenya Ports Authority but someone powerful cut the deal short.

Insiders say a call was made to KPA to force the management to award the tender to politician Edwin Yinda.



And when an Indian firm won a tender to print KRA stamps, Langat who was the local agent was locked out.

The Indian firm was instructed to remove Langat from the whole deal and work independently or with others. This shows he was targeted, said the insider.



The Koisagat Tea group of companies based in Nandi Hills comprises land measuring about 1,342 acres, plants, and machinery.



The auction notice stated that the land is developed with an exclusive tea zone for export-oriented commercial tea cultivation.



The estate also has 2.47 million tea bushes occupying 958.75 acres, 100,942 eucalyptus trees, and 2,223 cypress trees.



"Other portions of the tea estate are under residential use (managerial houses and labour camps). Woodlots are periodically harvested to provide wood fuel to the tea processing," the notice stated.



The tea estate also has two schools Francis Kibet Memorial School and Koisagat Primary School - a factory section, a factory building, a storey administration building, estates and partnerships offices, a fuel station, a main store, factory workshop, a carpentry workshop, and weighbridge office.



There is also a chemicals store, factory washrooms, labour camps with shops, a social hall, managerial houses, guest houses, a swimming pool and a chairman's residence.



His troubles with auctioneers became public on Monday, drawing public attention to a man who has largely kept off the limelight.



A source at the auctioneer said they hope to sell the expansive tea estate at Sh1.9 billion in the forced sale.

The auction notice stated that the land is developed with an exclusive tea zone for export-oriented commercial tea cultivation.



All intending purchasers are requested to view the property and verify the details as these are not warranted by the auctioneers. A deposit of 10% for each property should be paid in cash or banker's cheque at the fall of the hammer.



The balance will thereafter be payable within ninety (90) days for each property to the chargee's advocates. A bidding deposit of Kshs 10 million for Each property by way of banker's cheque(s) will be mandatory.

"Please note that failure to pay the balance by the confirmed purchaser will result in forfeiture of all deposits paid, the notice says.



All the aforementioned property details of encumbrances including names addresses e.t.c. together with user and any other restrictions plus rates/rents payable will be made available on request at our offices.

"Sale of the above property will be subject to reserve prices and land board consent if applicable, the notice published in a local daily read.





Via Cyprian Nyakundi.

The Kenya DAILY POST.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - President William Ruto is a political genius going by how he is trying to ensure he is re-elected in 2027.

Ruto won the 2022 presidential election after he received immense support from the Mt Kenya region.

In fact, almost half of the votes that propelled him to the House on the Hill came from the vote-rich region that voted for him to the last man.

But going by the latest political developments, Ruto is slowly losing the Mt Kenya vote due to the impeachment of his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

Gachagua has in the past said he is ready to work with Kalonzo Musyoka in 2027 if Ruto is not interested in the Mt Kenya vote.

Since the alliance between Gachagua and Kalonzo will give Ruto a run for his money, he has decided to rock the boat by roping in Kibwezi West Member of Parliament, Mwengi Mutuse in the DPs impeachment.

Mutuse, a Kamba, tabling the impeachment motion could foster enmity between the Kamba and Kikuyu communities, jeopardizing any potential alliance between Gachagua and Kalonzo for the 2027 elections.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024  President William Rutos promise to give free gas cylinders to low-income households is coming up nicely.

This was revealed by the National Oil Corporation of Kenya (NOCK) which is set to distribute 8.5 million Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) cylinders to low-income households across the country.

Speaking during the launch of the Makueni Energy Plan 2023-2032 in Wote, NOCK CEO Gideon Leparan Ole Morintat said the state corporation is teaming up with the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC), the Department of Petroleum and Saudi Aramco to run the initiative under the Oil Sustainability Programme.

Leparan said the collaboration between the four corporations would support the production, packaging, and distribution of LPG within the country.

We will ensure 8.5 million cylinders are distributed to low-income households in the country. We are running a programme to provide subsidized LPG cylinders to Kenyans at a price of Ksh2,000.

"I will work with officers from the Energy Department at the ward level, along with energy champions, to identify beneficiaries in the county, said Morintat.

Furthermore, Morintat disclosed that NOCK is collaborating with the National Construction Authority (NCA) to enhance the LPG reticulation process.

He noted that the partnership would guarantee safe, efficient, and swift installation of LPG appliances in residential settings.

The new construction code of conduct was launched last month.

"It will assist municipalities and counties in approving building plans to ensure that LPG reticulation is safe, efficient, and facilitates faster installation of LPG appliances in homes, he said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST




Tuesday, October 1, 2024  President William Ruto is not about to let go of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) despite Kenya's strained financial relationship with the international lender.

The Treasury has signaled that negotiations for a fresh deal are still on the table, with a decision on the next program expected when the current arrangement expires in April 2025.

Amid mounting pressure, Treasury Principal Secretary Chris Kiptoo revealed that Kenya would determine its path with the IMF after the expiry of the current $3.6 billion loan.

In an interview with Bloomberg, Kiptoo stated Kenya had not reached such a decision yet and will make a pronouncement on the nature of the next programme with IMF after the end of the current programme in April.

Kenya's continued engagement with the IMF matters because it directly impacts the country's economic stability and public welfare.

The IMF's stringent loan conditions, which prioritise fiscal discipline and debt repayment, often clash with the government's ability to address urgent social and economic needs, such as job creation and poverty alleviation.

With a growing budget deficit, rising public protests, and increasing foreign debt, the government's negotiations with the IMF will determine not only its ability to secure crucial funding but also its capacity to implement policies that benefit everyday Kenyans.

The loan, signed in 2021, has come with a heavy burden of strict conditions that have sparked public uproar.

Critics argue that the IMF prioritises Kenya's debt obligations over the well-being of its citizens, despite its claims to support economic and social reforms.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - A South African farmer who mowed down a six-year-old boy for stealing an orange, breaking both of his legs in front of his horrified mother, has been arrested.

Christoffel Johannes Stoman, 70, first appeared in the Vredendal Magistrate's Court on Monday, September 30, on two charges of attempted murder and a charge of reckless and negligent driving.

Stoman was arrested by Lutzville police after 6-year-old Kwezi Beukes was hit by his vehicle that had a trailer attached while he was walking with his mother, Magdalene Jantijies, on September 20.





The farmer accused Khwezi of stealing an orange from his farm and allegedly mowed down the little boy - causing him horrific injuries including two broken legs.

Following the brutal incident, Stoman reportedly showed no remorse and told police he 'would do it again'.

Khwezi and his mother were rushed to the local Vredendal Hospital before being transferred to Paarl Hospital, where the young boy is undergoing treatment to save his legs.

He is due to have surgery on Wednesday, according to his heartbroken mother.





Magdalene said she and her son had been walking past the accused farmer's smallholding when making their way to town to do some food shopping, EWN reported.

The little boy then stopped to pick up an orange that was on the ground before attempting to reach through a fence and grab another one that was also on the ground.

Recalling the tragic incident, the distraught mother said she heard Stoman yell before ramming into her and her son, pinning them against a fence.





Magdalene told eCNA: 'He came from around the corner and he was driving at a speed.

'He shouted 'Stand there, stand there,' I thought he was going to stop. He aimed directly at us in a corner, and I screamed Help! Help!

'He said, 'I'm going to kill you by driving into you'.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - In a significant breakthrough, two suspects, Mohammed Muhamud Abdi and Bashir Gabow, believed to be the owners of Mobilix Cargo and Supplies Ltd, have been arrested and charged in connection with a large-scale fraud case.

The two allegedly defrauded over USD 250,000 from a group of business people in Nairobis Eastleigh back in 2018. The two had promised to assist the investors in importing clothing from China, but after receiving payment, they failed to honor their part of the bargain.

On August 13, 2018, the suspects acknowledged receiving a substantial sum from the group, but shortly after, they went silent.

Despite multiple attempts by the victims to recover their funds, including written agreements on a refund process, the suspects made no effort to fulfill their end.

For years, the victims were left without their hard-earned money, facing immense frustration.

After enduring years of back-and-forth, one brave member of the group, who had invested USD 100,000, reached out to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) for help, sending a detailed letter on August 20, 2024, that described her ordeal.

This move marked a turning point in the case.

Detectives from the DCI Nairobi Region Headquarters acted swiftly and within a few days, the investigative team tracked down and arrested the two suspects on 27th August 2024. The suspects were arraigned at Milimani Court and charged with obtaining money by false pretense thus bringing hope for justice to the defrauded investors.

Out of the eight victims involved, only one investor dared to come forward and report the fraud. We commend her bravery and courage as we remain committed to ensuring justice is served for all.

The Kenyan DAILY POST.






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - Two-thirds of buildings in the Gaza Strip have been damaged or destroyed since the onset of the Gaza war in October 2023, according to a report released by the United Nations on Monday, September 30.

The UN Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) updated its assessment, based on high-resolution satellite imagery collected in early September, revealing a significant escalation in destruction.

UNOSAT reported that approximately 66% of all structures in the Gaza Striptotalling 163,778 buildingshave sustained damage. The breakdown of the damage includes 52,564 destroyed buildings, 18,913 severely damaged structures, and an additional 35,591 possibly damaged, while 56,710 have been moderately affected.

Gaza City has seen particularly severe destruction, with 36,611 buildings completely wiped out. The UNs analysis also found that around 68% of permanent crop fields in the territory experienced a sharp decline in health and density as of September, exacerbating the humanitarian crisis.

The war was triggered by Hamas's attack on Israel on October 7, which claimed the lives of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to Israeli official figures. Israel's retaliatory strikes on Gaza have resulted in the deaths of at least 41,615 people, the majority of whom were civilians, according to the Hamas-run health ministry. The UN has described these casualty figures as reliable.

The UNOSAT team has been instrumental in providing critical insights into the conflicts impact on Gazas buildings and infrastructure, assisting humanitarian agencies in shaping emergency relief efforts. "Over the past year, UNOSATs team has worked tirelessly to provide the world with precise and timely insights into the impact of the conflict on buildings and infrastructure in Gaza, said UNITAR's Executive Director, Nikhil Seth.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula is in deep trouble for taking sides over the looming impeachment of Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua instead of being a neutral arbiter.

This is after Starehe MP Amos Mwango wrote to Parliament demanding Wetangula's resignation for siding with President William Ruto and his allies and demanding Gachaguas impeachment.

He noted that Wetangula must resign for gross violation of the Constitution by appearing to side with the executive.

In coming out to publicly endorse the misguided, nonsensical and misinformed purported motion against Deputy President by the marionette deluded Members of National Assembly, Speaker Wetangula has shown his last straw of partisan and small-minded moderation, the MP noted.

According to the legislator, Wetangula has routinely allowed passage of legislation that flouts the Constitution, all with a view of blindly praising the President.

The MP claimed inside the National Assembly, he allows a few friendly pre-selected and pre-screened MPs on the Kenya Kwanza side to contribute to debates.

The MP further added that Wetangula has a penchant for breaching the Constitution noting that the National Assembly has passed countless statutes and amendments that are blatantly unconstitutional and declared so by the courts with abundance.

The legislator claimed Wetangula is a hired gun in the hands of those who seek to undermine the sovereignty of the people and the constitutional authority of the National Assembly.

In his letter, MP Mwango argues that the government is not in Parliament and therefore the two arms should exist autonomously.

He argued the new Constitution moved us from the mongrel mixed system of presidential and parliamentary to a pure presidential system with a separation of powers and functions.

The Kenyan DAILY POST






Tuesday, October 01, 2024 - A Zimbabwean woman, Stacey Mkandla, has been sentenced to 10 years in prison for fatally stabbing her husbands lover after discovering the two in a compromising position in her marital bed earlier this year.

The 34-year-old was alerted by neighbors while attending an all-night church service and rushed home around 4 a.m., where she found her husband, Tafadzwa Emmanuel Munyoro, in bed with his lover, Brightness Phiri.

According to Midlands provincial police spokesperson Inspector Emmanuel Mahoko, Mkandla had left her home the previous evening to participate in a prayer session, leaving her husband alone. Upon discovering the affair, a chaotic confrontation ensued, with Phiri attempting to flee naked before succumbing to injuries inflicted by Mkandla.

After the violent encounter, Mkandla voluntarily surrendered to authorities at Nehanda Police Station, offering no resistance or attempts to evade capture.

During court proceedings, Public Prosecutor Clemence Chimbari detailed how Mkandla had used a sharp object to stab Phiri, with the wounds concentrated on vulnerable areas such as her eyes and chest, indicating an intent to cause fatal harm.

Mkandlas lawyer, Esau Mandipa, argued for a lenient sentence, citing "extreme provocation" and claiming Mkandla acted in a moment of heightened emotional distress after Phiri attempted to fight back. Despite these arguments, the court sentenced Mkandla to a decade behind bars for the fatal attack.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Tuesday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China's national flag and the HKSAR flag were hoisted, and the national anthem was played at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning. Helicopters carrying the national and HKSAR flags flew over Victoria Harbor in celebration.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, officials of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and prominent figures from various sectors in Hong Kong attended the ceremony.

Lee said at the reception that today marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This is the first National Day since the HKSAR has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility and historic mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. It is also the first National Day following improvements in district governance and reforms to the District Councils.

Lee said, looking back over the past three-quarters of a century, the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. China has long been the world's second-largest economy. It is also the world's largest manufacturer, merchandise trader, and holder of foreign exchange reserves, with international influence that cannot be overlooked.

In the course of national development, Hong Kong has always been a participant, contributor, and beneficiary. The development of Hong Kong cannot be separated from that of the country, and the country will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong, Lee added.

Lee said that the country's development is advancing at an unprecedented pace. On the journey ahead, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world under the principle of "one country, two systems", grasp all opportunities, and fully dedicate itself to boosting the economy, advancing development, and improving people's livelihood in pursuit of happiness.




Tuesday, October 1, 2024 - Kapsaret Member of Parliament, Oscar Sudi, has urged Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to prepare to go home, stating that his goose is cooked.

On Monday, during an interview with KTN, Gachagua warned Rift Valley MPs against supporting his impeachment, reminding them that Mt. Kenya MPs stood by William Ruto when he was being humiliated by former President Uhuru Kenyatta in 2022.

However, in response, Sudi who is one of the Rift Valley Members of Parliament, reminded Gachagua that he has only a few days left in office.

Sudi cautioned Gachagua against claiming to promote unity in Mt Kenya, suggesting that his motives were self-serving.

After all is said and done, there are just seven days to go.

"Theres no greater cause than a united Kenya. Stop the tribalism and dont try to isolate the Agikuyu from the rest of Kenyans for your interests, Sudi said.

The Kenyan DAILY POST
Mityana South Member of Parliament, Richard Lumu, announced Tuesday that the Ministry of Finance approved his request to proceed with amendments to the Administration of Parliament Bill 2024. The Ministry granted him a Certificate of Financial Implication, allowing him to move forward with the proposals.

Lumus primary aim is to amend the bill to allow Members of Parliament to directly elect the Leader of Opposition by all opposition MPs. Currently, this position is typically filled by the leader of the largest opposition party.

I got the certificate of financial implication so it is with me. Today, Im, going to reach my Bill for the first reading because what was lacking was actually the certificate of financial implication, Lumu told KFM.

While the Ministry has approved Lumus proposal to change the election process for the Leader of the Opposition, it has rejected some of his other suggestions. For instance, the Ministry has turned down Lumus proposal to increase the number of members on the Parliamentary Commission, citing the potential financial burden on the consolidated fund.
President Museveni officially inaugurated the six-day Southern and Eastern Africa Chief Justices Forum (SEACJF) conference on Tuesday.

The event, which commenced on Monday and will conclude on October 5, 2024, is themed Enhanced Access to Justice: Underscoring Reform in African Jurisdiction.

Museveni urged African states to connect justice with prosperity and African values.

According to President Museveni, justice can only thrive organically when certain conditions are met. He emphasized that growth and prosperity are essential for delivering timely and inclusive justice, as they provide the financial resources needed for the state to support the judiciary, improve family incomes, enhance livelihoods, promote universal education, and foster peace and security.

He also warned African countries against exporting natural resources to foreign nations, stating that this practice has kept African countries impoverished despite their abundant natural resources.

Justice Mike Chibita, the Chairperson of the SEACJF Organizing Committee, explained that the forum, established in 2003, brings together justices and judges from 16 member states, with Uganda hosting this years event.

The Annual General Meeting (AGM) serves as a platform for exchanging ideas on the latest legal developments, including environmental and cyber laws. Additionally, it provides an opportunity for members to discuss challenges such as case backlogs and explore the use of technology to expedite judicial processes.

Justice Chibita also announced that Ugandas Chief Justice, Alfonse Owiny Dollo, has extended invitations to Chief Justices from non-member states, including South Sudan, Burundi, and Somalia, as well as the President of the East African Court of Justice. These invitees will have the opportunity to observe the forum and potentially join as members.
Today, Uganda joins the global community in celebrating International Day for Older Persons. The event is being held at Liberation Square in Masaka City under the theme, Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Older Persons: Everyones Responsibility because Aging is Not Optional.

President Museveni is expected to be the chief guest at the event.

Earlier, the Minister of State for Elderly Affairs, Dominic Mafwabi Gidudu, emphasized the importance of the day as a platform for raising awareness and addressing the needs and concerns of older persons.

The theme of this years celebration recognizes the need to pay attention to issues of older persons abuse in all forms of manifest, he said.

He noted that the event also provides an opportunity to review progress made in service delivery to older persons, identify challenges, and develop strategies to address them.
A man who threatened to kill the director of Des Kelly Carpets and burn his shops, but claimed under the blue book of the constitution of Ireland, no charge can be brought against me, has been sentenced to nine months in jail.

Derek Holmes (54) of Rheban Cottages, Athy appeared in the district court (24 September) from custody, as he is serving a sentence for something else, and has an expected release date from of 19 July 2025, having began this sentence on 4 June.

Arresting officer Garda Anna Szczepen told the court that when she formally charged him that morning, his reply was: under the constitution I am the landowner.

Sgt Dave Hanrahan said that Mr Holmes had sent threatening notes on Messenger  alleged threats to kill to Greg Kelly, the director of Des Kelly Interiors, on 27 August 2023.

Does he belong to the carpet people? asked Judge Desmond Zaidan.

Yes, judge, confirmed Garda Szczepen.

They knew each other as teenagers and he threatened to kill him, burn down his shops, blow his head off, she said.

He said the shops are on his land and that the injured party owed him 15m because the shops are on his land according to the constitution, she added.

At an earlier hearing on this matter in February, Mr Holmes made certain allegations and at a later hearing in May the court was told how Mr Holmes threatened to knock this mans home with a JCB, and claimed he was a shapeshifter.

At the May hearing it was revealed that Mr Holmes had attended Lakeview voluntarily and had remained on psychiatric medication, but has developed heart problems, according to an attending nurse, who gave evidence then.

This week, solicitor Jackie McManus revealed: Its concern on my face, because he needs surgery this month.

Hopefully it will work out for you, said the judge.

The bipolar medication is affecting his heart, Ms McManus revealed.

The medication is giving me an irregular heartbeat, said the defendant.

Under Section 32 of the constitution, I cant be arrested as a landowner, he claimed.

The threats to kill were just a figure of speech, hes known this man since he was a child, said Ms McManus.

The judge then asked Garda Szczepen: do you honestly believe he will carry out the threat? Listening to the voice message, his voice was shouting, it sounded serious  (but) I dont think so, in the car back to Blanchardstown (Garda Station) he was very co-operative, she said. The judge then sentenced Mr Holmes to nine months concurrent, which will not extend his expected release date next July.
Planning permission has been granted to Irish Friends of the Foyer of Charity to develop a large retreat centre (containing a church, an oratory, lecture facilities and more) on a site at Rathlogan and Glashare, Johnstown, County Kilkenny.

Also planned for the site are kitchen and dining facilities, a library, a sitting room and recreational space for retreatants, en-suite bedroom accommodation, a boiler house, a campanile (bell tower), an access road, car parking, a wastewater treatment system, a sand polishing filter and associated site works.

According to a letter submitted in the planning application from the applicant, The Foyer of Charity is a community of laypersons (referred to as the Foyer family) working together under the leadership of a priest, the Father of the Foyer, at the service of those who come to the Foyer on retreat.

READ NEXT: Hero gardai praised for bravery at awards ceremony in Kilkenny

The letter continues: The first Foyer of Charity was founded in France in 1936, thanks to an inspiration nourished in prayer by a farmwoman, Marthe Robin, and the apostolic work of a diocesan priest, Father George Finet of Lyons.

Currently there are 76 Foyers worldwide, 28 in Africa, 15 in the Americas, 9 in Asia and 24 in Europe of which there are 11 in France and 1 in Ireland. They welcome about 50,000 retreatants each year worldwide. The Foyer of Charity has been present in Ireland since 1985.

The main function carried out in/by a Foyer of Charity is the provision of week-long silent retreats. These retreats are open to all people who might wish to attend. The current Foyer location in Co. Waterford, does not facilitate the provision of retreats due to size and space restrictions

The ideal obviously is to be in a fixed location and to be able to accommodate the retreats there. The Foyer Father and the Foyer family would reside permanently in the retreat centre from where they would welcome retreatants to stay for a retreat and/or visitor that might stop by. This is what has brought the Foyer of Charity to Rathlogan, where they are now in ownership of the 20 acre site. This location is quite central nationally due to road, bus and rail network [sic] that are nearby.

The planning application was lodged in October 2023 and further information was sought by Kilkenny County Council from the applicant on various aspects of the plans in a letter dated in late November 2023.

Following a response from the applicant received by Kilkenny County Council in recent weeks, the local authority decided to grant planning permission (subject to 15 conditions) on September 27, 2024.

Some of the conditions include that: the applicant shall submit and agree a construction management and traffic plan with the planning authority prior to commencement of the development; the bell in the bell tower shall only ring Monday to Sunday at 12.00 and 18.00, with the ringing lasting no longer than one minute each time; the applicant shall put in place a traffic management plan for all special events which will give rise to increased visitors and traffic to the proposed development; and the developer shall engage a suitably qualified archaeologist to monitor (licensed under the National Monuments Acts) all site clearance works, topsoil stripping, groundworks and/or dredging and the implementation of any necessary preservation in-situ measures.

Similar plans to develop the site were lodged by the group back in 2018 and were granted conditional planning permission however that planning permission had lapsed.

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Gardai have appealed for witnesses following a 'serious' road traffic collision in Roscommon on Monday afternoon.

The crash occurred just after 1pm at Ardcarne, Boyle, Co. Roscommon, when gardai were alerted to a collision between a car and jeep on the N4 at Ardcarne.

A man in his 70s was rushed to Sligo University Hospital for treatment of serious injuries sustained during the collision.

A woman is her 40s was also brought to Sligo University Hospital for treatment of injuries believed to be non life-threatening.

No other injuries were reported in the collision.

Gardai appealed in a statement for to anyone who may have witnessed this collision to contact them.

"Any road users or pedestrians who were in the area at the time between 1pm and 1.30pm and have camera footage (including dash-cam) are asked to make this available to investigating Gardai," a garda spokesperson said.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Castlerea Garda Station on (094) 9621630, the Garda Confidential Line on 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station".

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The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF) spearheaded by Philippine telco Globe Telecom has reportedly asked the government to subsidise up to 50GB of data per month to families in rural areas to boost usage of base stations in those areas.

Globe Telecom president and CEO Ernest Cu, representing the CPTF, made the proposal to President Ferdinand Bongbong Marcos Jr while discussing plans to construct new mobile towers in so-called geographically isolated and disadvantaged areas (GIDAs) where internet connectivity has not yet reached, according to the Philippine Star.

Cu told Marcos Jr that a key challenge of deploying towers in rural areas is that theyre generally not profitable unless theyre used enough by customers  which means that its necessary to maximise use of existing towers before setting up new ones, the report said.

The trick is that families in GIDAs cant afford data packages that enable that level of internet usage. Consequently, the CPTF wants the government to subsidize data plans for those families until 2028.

Under the proposal, families living in GIDAs would be provided with SIMs that have an automatic allocation of 50GB per month for a year. The CPTF said that amount would be enough data to serve a household with five members, the report said.

At the meeting with Marcos, the CPTF also asked the government to ease opex costs for telcos by reducing or scrapping spectrum user fees (SUF), which has cost telcos an average of PHP5.39 billion (US$96 million) annually between 2018 and 2022, the report added.

The recently formed CPTF operates under the Private Sector Advisory Council (PSAC), which Marcos Jr established in 2022 to foster public-private sector collaboration. That includes finding ways both sectors can collaborate to build out internet infrastructure in over 7,000 GIDAs in the country to help meet the governments own digitalization goals.

Much of the discussions so far have focused on getting the government to invest more in internet infrastructure to take the financial pressure off telcos capex budgets. In April 2024, the PSAC recommended that the government set aside at least PHP240 billion to help build out 35,000 new tower sites for GIDAs.

The PSAC also recommended that the government allocate at least PHP60 billion for the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) to lease towers, build last-mile facilities, and optimize existing telco infrastructure, saying this was needed to provide internet access to 125,000 public facilities, including schools, hospitals, and health centres, over the next four years.
The media have moved on from Labours Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson saying that the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of 1,000+ Israeli civilians was justified. They ran one story, and abandoned it despite the lack of apology or sanction.

Now lets compare this to a story in 2020 involving Todd Muller. What did Todd Muller do? Did he endorse rape and murder? Did he praise torture and kidnapping as justified? No, he had some US political memorabilia in his office including a Trump MAGA cap (alongside a Hilary Clinton badge).

This resulted In an avalanche of stories, running for several days. The media went out to groups such as the Islamic Womens Council who condemned it. Yes they asked the IWC for their views on someone having a MAGA hat in their office, yet dont approach the Jewish Council over an MP endorsing the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of Jews.

They quoted political expert Dr Siouxsie Wiles on why what Muller did was reprehensible. They also quoted neutral academic Shane te Pou. They wrote columns on it. They did a couple of dozen stories, until finally Muller agreed to hide the hat from view. They followed up with articles on how the hat is a symbol of racism and white supremacy. They got comments from the Race Relations Commissioner.

So consider all that coverage over a hat, and compare that to the lack of coverage of an MP who claims murder, rape, torture and kidnapping was justified  and is an official spokesperson for the party on these issues.

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I blogged yesterday on how Labours Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson, Damien OConnor, retweeted a tweet that Hamas had every right to do what they did on October 7th which is the day they murdered, raped, tortured and kidnapped over 1,000 Israeli civilians.

The media treatment of this has been incredibly light. Dont get me wrong  NZ Herald, Stuff and Radio NZ did run stories on it  but simply reporting that there has been criticism, and that the tweet has been deleted.

There has been no apology, and no statement from the leadership denouncing his views. So we must assume that the official position of the Labour Party is that they agree with OConnor that the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of 1,000 Israeli civilians was justified  but that OConnor shouldnt have stated his belief publicly.

There was no coverage of this by TVNZ. There have been no editorials or op eds condemning what OConnor retweeted. There has been no hunting him down on camera to demand him to clarify his views. There has been no asking other Labour MPs if they agree with him. There has been no questions (that I can see reported) to the leadership asking if they will sack him, whether his views are the views of Labour etc.

Now compare this to a recent incident where an attendee at a Matamata quiz night, where the theme was black and white, turned up in blackface. No one there objected, but someone got offended by a photo on their Facebook page. How it is inadvisable to wear blackface, so a story could be warranted but look carefully at the story:

A Waikato RSA is under fire after a community member turned up to a quiz night at its club rooms in blackface, then the club told people who objected, its humour. Matamata RSA president Dennis Greaves told the Herald there was nothing offensive about the guests costume. It was a fun night and we had lots of people painted in white faces. Is there any disagreement with people turning up in white faces? Greaves said he saw no need to speak to the person who was wearing black paint on their face. To us, were a small community and to us, it was not offensive. It is only people with nothing better to do than to pick on stuff like this which is not really warranting worrying about it, he said. The Matamata RSA do not see it as an issue because it was a fun night and that was all that was intended. There was no racial slur or anything like that. It was a black and white night and it was up to them how they come dressed.

Now the story at this point was fine. It reported some people online were offended by the local RSA stood by the quiz night, But look at the next sentence:

The Herald has also sought comment from the national RSA body.

This is when they go from reporting news to creating it. This is what the media do if they agree with the complainants  they escalate it in the hope of finding a pressure point, and it worked. The next day:

The Matamata RSA has apologised unreservedly for any offence caused afterphotos emerged of a man at a quiz night in a minstrel costume, days after it said there was no harm in wearing the outfit to a fancy dress event.

So in this case the media kept on with the story, until they achieved the desired backdown. But with Damien OConnor supporting murder, rape, torture and kidnapping they drop the story after one day.

Now compare the difference between the two situations.

In one case the person complained about is a local in Matamata who attended a quiz night from the local RSA. In the other it is an elected Member of Parliament who is the official Associate Foreign Affairs Spokesperson for Labour. In one case they wore blackface to a black and white themed quiz night. In the other case they endorsed a tweet which said the murder, rape, torture and kidnapping of over 1,000 civilians was justified.

And again the media wonder why trust keeps declining.

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A London High Court has rejected an appeal by former Unitel director Isabel dos Santos to unfreeze assets worth around US$778 million.

In January 2024, a London High Court granted Angolas Unitel a worldwide freezing order for dos Santos assets. The operator is currently suing dos Santos over allegations that she misappropriated funds while working as a director at the company.

According to reports from Reuters, Unitel has accused Isabel dos Santos of loaning funds totalling US$43 million to Unitel International Holdings (UIH)  a Dutch firm with no connection to Unitel, entirely owned and controlled by dos Santos  between 2012 and 2013, while she was working as a director at Unitel.

De Santos resigned and left Unitel in 2020, but the loans remain unpaid, with the arrears now sitting at nearly US$400 million. She has claimed that Unitel illegally aided the state of Angola in seizing UIHs assets, and that therefore the operator itself must bear responsibility of UIH being unable to pay back its loans.

Dos Santos, the daughter of former Angolan ruler Jose Eduardo dos Santos, has denied all allegations against her - including years-long claims of corruption  claiming that she is the victim of a campaign of oppression by Angola.
Malaysian telco CelcomDigi and South Korean operator SK Telecom signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on Monday to work together on initiatives to commercialise AI for the Malaysian market.

Under the MoU, CelcomDigi and SK Telecom will share information and cooperate on developing AI use cases in Malaysia, commercialising AI services, and exploring new business opportunities for scaling AI services.

The AI use cases will initially be implemented within CelcomDigis own departments before moving to the commercialisation stage.

At the signing ceremony in SK Telecoms headquarters in Seoul, CelcomDigi CEO Idham Nawawi told the official Bernama news agency that CelcomDigi aims to be one of the biggest AI companies in Malaysia in the next few years.

We have the capabilities, we connect more than 20 million users on our network, we have solid infrastructure, we are building the facilities, and this is a good foundation for us to move to the space of AI, he said.

CelcomDigi launched its AI Experience Centre (AiX) in July to showcases AI-powered solutions developed by an ecosystem of 40 global tech companies (including SK Telecom), local partners and solution providers.

CelcomDigi and SK Telecom are also collaborating on use cases for the metaverse via an MoU signed in March 2023.
Corteva, Inc. (NYSE:CTVA  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty analysts that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat Ratings reports. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and thirteen have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokerages that have covered the stock in the last year is $61.94.

A number of research firms recently commented on CTVA. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft reiterated a buy rating and set a $65.00 price target on shares of Corteva in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. OTR Global reissued a negative rating on shares of Corteva in a research report on Friday, June 7th. Argus lowered shares of Corteva from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Wells Fargo & Company cut their target price on shares of Corteva from $67.00 to $65.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Mizuho decreased their price target on shares of Corteva from $61.00 to $60.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, June 18th.

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Corteva Stock Up 0.4 %

Shares of NYSE:CTVA opened at $58.79 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $40.98 billion, a P/E ratio of 74.42, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.68 and a beta of 0.77. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $55.10 and its 200-day moving average price is $54.90. The company has a current ratio of 1.72, a quick ratio of 1.17 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.10. Corteva has a 12-month low of $43.22 and a 12-month high of $59.08.

Corteva (NYSE:CTVA  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.83 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.74 by $0.09. Corteva had a return on equity of 7.30% and a net margin of 5.31%. The business had revenue of $6.11 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.15 billion. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.60 EPS. Cortevas revenue for the quarter was up 1.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Corteva will post 2.69 earnings per share for the current year.

Corteva Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 17th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 3rd were given a dividend of $0.17 per share. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.16%. This is an increase from Cortevas previous quarterly dividend of $0.16. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 3rd. Cortevas dividend payout ratio is 86.08%.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several large investors have recently bought and sold shares of CTVA. &PARTNERS boosted its position in shares of Corteva by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. &PARTNERS now owns 4,829 shares of the companys stock valued at $278,000 after acquiring an additional 200 shares during the last quarter. Herr Investment Group LLC grew its stake in shares of Corteva by 2.8% in the 1st quarter. Herr Investment Group LLC now owns 7,400 shares of the companys stock worth $427,000 after buying an additional 200 shares in the last quarter. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV grew its stake in shares of Corteva by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Azzad Asset Management Inc. ADV now owns 48,200 shares of the companys stock worth $2,600,000 after buying an additional 203 shares in the last quarter. Albion Financial Group UT increased its holdings in shares of Corteva by 77.2% in the 1st quarter. Albion Financial Group UT now owns 505 shares of the companys stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 220 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. raised its position in shares of Corteva by 1.3% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 17,986 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,037,000 after buying an additional 227 shares in the last quarter. 81.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Corteva Company Profile

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Corteva, Inc operates in the agriculture business. It operates through two segments, Seed and Crop Protection. The Seed segment develops and supplies advanced germplasm and traits that produce optimum yield for farms. It offers trait technologies that enhance resistance to weather, disease, insects, and herbicides used to control weeds, as well as food and nutritional characteristics.

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Finsbury Growth & Income (LON:FGT  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Friday, September 20th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be paid a dividend of GBX 10.80 ($0.14) per share by the investment trust on Friday, November 8th. This represents a yield of 1.27%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. This is a positive change from Finsbury Growth & Incomes previous dividend of $8.80. The official announcement can be accessed at this link.

Finsbury Growth & Income Stock Up 0.3 %

Shares of LON FGT opened at GBX 863.50 ($11.55) on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of 1.58 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 1,411.41 and a beta of 0.52. Finsbury Growth & Income has a 1 year low of GBX 788.71 ($10.55) and a 1 year high of GBX 872 ($11.66). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.01, a quick ratio of 0.48 and a current ratio of 5.68. The stocks 50-day simple moving average is GBX 843.64 and its 200-day simple moving average is GBX 842.13.

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Finsbury Growth & Income Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched Frostrow Capital LLP. The fund is co-managed by Lindsell Train Limited. It invests in public equity markets of the United Kingdom. The fund seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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Murray International (LON:MYI  Get Free Report) announced a dividend on Friday, August 9th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be paid a dividend of GBX 2.50 ($0.03) per share on Monday, November 18th. This represents a yield of 1.01%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. The official announcement can be seen at this link.

Murray International Stock Performance

Shares of LON MYI opened at GBX 255.67 ($3.42) on Tuesday. Murray International has a 12 month low of GBX 218.50 ($2.92) and a 12 month high of GBX 263.50 ($3.52). The company has a current ratio of 11.36, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 6.48. The stock has a market cap of 1.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 855.00 and a beta of 0.79. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of GBX 251.90 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of GBX 251.15.

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Murray International Trust PLC is a closed ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Aberdeen Fund Managers Limited. It is co-managed by Aberdeen Asset Managers Limited. The fund invests in public equity markets across the globe. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors.

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At Huawei Connect 2024 held in Shanghai from 19th September, Huaweis Deputy Chairman and Rotating Chairman Eric Xu gave a keynote speech exploring commercial AI adoption across different industries.

AI is becoming the most impactful technology for industries, with Xu stating that from a commercial application standpoint, no other technology has had such a profound impact in such a short amount of time. AI adoption is high across three main functions: product and/or service development, marketing and sales, and service operations. As companies set out on this journey, they hope to quickly harness AI for value creation today while also honing their competitive edge for the future.

Xu stated that advancements in AI are driving intelligent transformation across industries, laying the groundwork for what he termed All Intelligence. To help its customers achieve business success, Huawei has drawn on its own experiences of intelligent transformation  as well as its experiences of helping other industries become more intelligent  to develop a strategy for working towards intelligent enterprises in the age of AI.

Envisioning the future of enterprises in the age of AI

According to Xu, intelligent enterprises will be characterised by six key features, which Huawei has dubbed the six As.

Adaptive User Experience focuses on how future enterprises will serve their customers. Intelligent enterprises must identify and understand user behaviour, getting to know their requirements, interests and tastes, then adapting their offering to provide the services that best meet each user's needs.

Auto-Evolving Products will be innate to the age of AI - products will be able to self-learn, iterate continuously, adapt to changes, self-optimize, and self-evolve.

Autonomous Operations will provide a huge boost to efficiency via closed-loop operations for all business flows, from sensing and planning to decision making and execution.

The Augmented Workforce is the future of employee experience and work methodology. If every employee has an intelligent assistant that understands their needs, it will help them complete tasks more efficiently and to a higher standard.

All-Connected Resources is about connecting every part of an enterprise, from assets and employees to customers, partners, and ecosystems. The quality of information is key - digitalization on a deeper and broader scale will generate much-needed data for enterprise intelligence.

AI-Native Infrastructure is made up of two parts: "ICT for Intelligence" and "Intelligence for ICT". ICT infrastructure needs to be built out systematically to keep up with the needs of intelligent applications. On the flip side, AI technology itself will be vital for managing the O&M of future ICT infrastructure, as well as assuring experience.

Huaweis All Intelligence Strategy addresses seven key initiatives.

Innovative architecture for sustainable computing solutions

Intelligent transformation is a long-term process founded on computing power. Moving forward, sustainable computing power will be the cornerstone of continuous advancements in AI.

Huawei Cloud's upgraded stack for AI: Powering industries with AI

Industries are currently trying to build their own AI computing infrastructure, or even train their own proprietary models - great news for computing solution providers, but not viable in the long term. AI servers, especially AI computing clusters, are different from general-purpose x86 servers in that they need more advanced power supply and cooling systems. As foundation models become larger, demand for AI computing keeps growing, meaning AI servers need to be constantly upgraded. If companies upgrade their own data centers to keep up, they may under-utilize their resources.

Huawei believes companies need to choose the right models for the right scenarios, and use a mix of models to address their pain points and create value.

If a company doesn't have the ability or resources to build their own AI computing infrastructure or train their own foundation model, then cloud services are a more feasible, sustainable option. Huawei Cloud is continuously building up its Ascend Cloud Service to give companies easy access to massive AI computing power. Companies don't need to build or upgrade their own data centers, or operate or maintain AI computing infrastructure.

Harmony Intelligence: Providing an intelligent experience across all scenarios

Huawei has deeply integrated AI technology into HarmonyOS with architecture that maximizes synergy between devices, chips, and cloud. The result is Harmony Intelligence, with AI at its core. It is powered by intelligence at all layers, from the kernel to system apps. It allows for more open ecosystem-wide collaboration, as well as more trustworthy privacy protection and security.

Autonomous Driving Network (ADN): Reshaping network experience and O&M

In the network industry, Huawei was the first to advocate using AI for telecom networks, proposing the concept of an Autonomous Driving Network (ADN) in 2018. Now, Huawei is integrating the Telecom Foundation Model and digital twins into ADN and working with the TM Forum, China Mobile, and other partners to support level-4 high autonomous networks in high-value scenarios.

At the same time, Huawei has started applying ADN to enterprise networks, which will guarantee zero service delays, zero network disruptions, zero-wait service provisioning, and zero security risks.

Autonomous driving solutions: Prioritizing safety and experience, and paving the way for a driverless future

Autonomous driving for vehicles was one of the key focuses of our initial AI investment, because the end goal of autonomous driving is fully unmanned driving  one of the most challenging AI applications out there. Huawei's ADS 3.0 allows for more accurate autonomous driving decisions, more efficient mobility, more human-like driving experience, and greater driving safety.

Jointly building ecosystems and creating a unified developer platform for shared success

Huawei has been developing multiple ecosystems since 2017, including those for Huawei Cloud, Ascend, Kunpeng, and HarmonyOS. The company is committed to investing even more in the next few years into ecosystem development in an effort to guide and drive broader development in the computing and device industries.

Advocating and practising AI for good: Contributing to human, societal, and environmental well-being

Huawei believes that AI should serve people by improving efficiency and quality of life. AI can enable the digital transformation of industries, reshaping production and paving the way towards an intelligent world. AI should be used for good  to create greater value for society. During the design, development, and use of AI technologies, it's crucial to carefully evaluate their potential and long-term impact on society, and take necessary measures to prevent harmful application.

Towards the end of his talk, Xu emphasized, "The age of All Intelligence is here. It is unlocking new opportunities and new challenges for everyone and every enterprise. So let's work together to pave the way for All Intelligence, providing every person with an intelligent personal assistant, helping every company become an intelligent enterprise, and powering every vehicle with autonomous driving."

On Day 1 of the event, Huawei also launched its Amplifying Industrial Digitalization & Intelligence Practice White Paper, 10 major solutions for industrial intelligence crafted alongside partners and 101 case studies from around the world, providing references for industries going through digital and intelligent transformation.

One of the successful cases is Huaweis work with China Southern Power Grid to accelerate the construction of a digital power grid, which will lead to an intelligent energy consumption ecosystem.

For example, CSGs Guangdong Power Grid is implementing intelligent transmission line inspections in areas with poor signal. The solution combines 5G with microwave self-networking technologies. Video devices with a built-in automatic microwave alignment module are installed on the power transmission tower, similar to installing a 360 scanning signal receiver and transmitter on the video device. After a peer video device is detected, the optimal signal position is automatically matched to implement self-networking communication. A self-networking aggregation point is set in the 5G coverage area, and then image information of the entire link is backhauled via 5G. Chain networking enables 16 km long-distance communication transmission for a maximum of eight lines. This solves the problem of no communication on some transmission lines and avoids the communication dependence on the leased public network. The solution safeguards the digital transformation of power grids, enabling real-time backhaul of transmission line channel videos in areas without signals and laying a solid foundation for full video monitoring coverage of transmission lines.

David Wang, Huawei's Executive Director of the Board and Chairman of the ICT Infrastructure Managing Board, concludes: Digital and intelligent transformation is picking up steam in all industries, and this progress is creating huge opportunities for everyone. Together, we will dive deep into industries, bridge the digital chasm, and help more customers quickly go digital and intelligent."
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE:RSG  Get Free Report) announced a quarterly dividend on Wednesday, July 24th, RTT News reports. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be given a dividend of 0.58 per share by the business services provider on Tuesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.32 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.16%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 2nd. This is a boost from Republic Servicess previous quarterly dividend of $0.54.

Republic Services has increased its dividend payment by an average of 7.5% per year over the last three years and has raised its dividend annually for the last 22 consecutive years. Republic Services has a payout ratio of 33.8% meaning its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Republic Services to earn $6.80 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $2.32 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 34.1%.

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Republic Services Trading Up 0.7 %

RSG opened at $200.84 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.25 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.24, a P/E/G ratio of 3.26 and a beta of 0.70. The firms 50 day moving average is $202.03 and its 200-day moving average is $194.58. Republic Services has a 52-week low of $140.23 and a 52-week high of $208.69. The company has a quick ratio of 0.59, a current ratio of 0.59 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.05.

Insider Activity at Republic Services

Republic Services ( NYSE:RSG Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The business services provider reported $1.61 earnings per share for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.53 by $0.08. Republic Services had a net margin of 12.11% and a return on equity of 17.81%. The business had revenue of $4.05 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.03 billion. Analysts expect that Republic Services will post 6.18 EPS for the current fiscal year.

In related news, Director Tomago Collins sold 3,200 shares of Republic Services stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $203.01, for a total transaction of $649,632.00. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 17,486 shares in the company, valued at $3,549,832.86. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.09% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on RSG. Raymond James decreased their price target on shares of Republic Services from $219.00 to $214.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Robert W. Baird lifted their price objective on shares of Republic Services from $208.00 to $210.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, July 25th. Oppenheimer decreased their price objective on shares of Republic Services from $211.00 to $210.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Thursday, July 25th. TD Cowen lifted their price objective on shares of Republic Services from $195.00 to $200.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a report on Monday, August 5th. Finally, Truist Financial raised shares of Republic Services from a hold rating to a buy rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $192.00 to $220.00 in a report on Thursday, July 11th. Ten equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $211.00.

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About Republic Services

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Republic Services, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, offers environmental services in the United States and Canada. It is involved in the collection and processing of recyclable, solid waste, and industrial waste materials; transportation and disposal of non-hazardous and hazardous waste streams; and other environmental solutions.

Further Reading

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Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EQH  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 3,840,000 shares, a drop of 7.0% from the August 31st total of 4,130,000 shares. Approximately 1.2% of the companys shares are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 2,210,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.7 days.

Equitable Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:EQH traded down $0.32 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, reaching $41.71. The company had a trading volume of 1,725,940 shares, compared to its average volume of 2,505,323. Equitable has a one year low of $24.65 and a one year high of $44.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.06. The companys 50-day moving average price is $40.86 and its 200-day moving average price is $39.89. The firm has a market cap of $13.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.91 and a beta of 1.42.

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Equitable (NYSE:EQH  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.43 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.40 by $0.03. Equitable had a return on equity of 87.49% and a net margin of 7.87%. The firm had revenue of $3.51 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.71 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the company posted $1.17 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 47.7% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Equitable will post 6.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Equitable Dividend Announcement

Insiders Place Their Bets

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 6th were paid a $0.24 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 6th. This represents a $0.96 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.30%. Equitables payout ratio is 29.72%.

In other news, COO Jeffrey J. Hurd sold 9,969 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.09, for a total transaction of $429,564.21. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 111,552 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $4,806,775.68. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Equitable news, CEO Mark Pearson sold 30,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $40.78, for a total transaction of $1,223,400.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 668,555 shares in the company, valued at approximately $27,263,672.90. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, COO Jeffrey J. Hurd sold 9,969 shares of Equitable stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.09, for a total transaction of $429,564.21. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 111,552 shares of the companys stock, valued at $4,806,775.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last ninety days, insiders sold 73,469 shares of company stock worth $3,067,434. Company insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Trading of Equitable

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of EQH. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in Equitable by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,012,452 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,265,815,000 after acquiring an additional 446,752 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC grew its position in shares of Equitable by 60.9% in the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 100,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,819,000 after purchasing an additional 38,040 shares in the last quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC raised its stake in shares of Equitable by 265.0% during the 1st quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 69,503 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,642,000 after purchasing an additional 50,460 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky purchased a new stake in Equitable during the 4th quarter worth about $2,892,000. Finally, Friedenthal Financial bought a new position in Equitable in the 2nd quarter worth about $831,000. 92.70% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Several analysts have recently commented on EQH shares. Truist Financial increased their price objective on Equitable from $44.00 to $52.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Barclays initiated coverage on Equitable in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an overweight rating and a $59.00 price target for the company. Morgan Stanley dropped their price objective on Equitable from $48.00 to $46.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Jefferies Financial Group raised their price target on shares of Equitable from $46.00 to $51.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, UBS Group downgraded shares of Equitable from a buy rating to a neutral rating and upped their price objective for the stock from $40.00 to $43.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 18th. Four equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $46.64.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on EQH

Equitable Company Profile

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Equitable Holdings, Inc, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates as a diversified financial services company worldwide. The company operates through six segments: Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Investment Management and Research, Protection Solutions, Wealth Management, and Legacy.

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Shares of The Bank of New York Mellon Co. (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) have earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twelve analysts that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating on the company. The average twelve-month price target among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $69.38.

BK has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Citigroup boosted their target price on Bank of New York Mellon from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. Evercore ISI upped their price objective on Bank of New York Mellon from $61.00 to $66.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Monday, July 15th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft raised Bank of New York Mellon from a hold rating to a buy rating and raised their target price for the company from $66.00 to $80.00 in a report on Monday, September 23rd. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $68.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Finally, Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Bank of New York Mellon from $72.00 to $78.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday.

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Bank of New York Mellon Trading Up 0.2 %

NYSE BK opened at $71.86 on Tuesday. Bank of New York Mellon has a one year low of $39.66 and a one year high of $73.19. The firm has a market cap of $53.74 billion, a PE ratio of 16.63, a P/E/G ratio of 1.24 and a beta of 1.08. The firms fifty day moving average is $66.91 and its two-hundred day moving average is $61.42. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.85, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a current ratio of 0.70.

Bank of New York Mellon (NYSE:BK  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Friday, July 12th. The bank reported $1.51 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.43 by $0.08. Bank of New York Mellon had a return on equity of 11.87% and a net margin of 9.40%. The business had revenue of $4.60 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $4.53 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.38 earnings per share. The companys quarterly revenue was up 2.1% compared to the same quarter last year. Analysts expect that Bank of New York Mellon will post 5.63 earnings per share for the current year.

Bank of New York Mellon Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 2nd. Shareholders of record on Monday, July 22nd were issued a $0.47 dividend. This represents a $1.88 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, July 22nd. This is an increase from Bank of New York Mellons previous quarterly dividend of $0.42. Bank of New York Mellons dividend payout ratio is 43.52%.

Insider Activity

In related news, VP Hanneke Smits sold 15,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 18th. The stock was sold at an average price of $64.11, for a total value of $961,650.00. Following the sale, the vice president now owns 173,930 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $11,150,652.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. Company insiders own 0.14% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in BK. Olistico Wealth LLC acquired a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon in the second quarter valued at approximately $30,000. Clearstead Trust LLC purchased a new stake in Bank of New York Mellon in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $32,000. Kathleen S. Wright Associates Inc. acquired a new position in Bank of New York Mellon in the 1st quarter valued at $32,000. Able Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the 4th quarter worth $32,000. Finally, Family Firm Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Bank of New York Mellon during the second quarter worth $40,000. 85.31% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Bank of New York Mellon Company Profile

(Get Free Report

The Bank of New York Mellon Corporation provides a range of financial products and services in the United States and internationally. The company operates through Securities Services, Market and Wealth Services, Investment and Wealth Management, and other segments. The Securities Services segment offers custody, trust and depositary, accounting, exchange-traded funds, middle-office solutions, transfer agency, services for private equity and real estate funds, foreign exchange, securities lending, liquidity/lending services, and data analytics.

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Actor says, 'I was shocked by how old I looked'

By KTimes

Actor Jang Dong-gun, 52, revealed that he was surprised when he saw himself on the monitor while filming "A Normal Family," thinking, "Do I really look this old?" but soon set aside his concerns and fully embraced the role.

In a recent interview in Samcheong-dong, Seoul, Jang discussed "A Normal Family," a film that follows four individuals, each living by their own beliefs, whose lives begin to unravel after they witness a crime involving children on CCTV.

Jang plays Jae-gyu, a moral and caring pediatrician. Hes committed to saving lives and holds firm values related to his profession. One day, hes confronted with shocking CCTV footage showing his own child involved in a crime.

Known for his roles in "Arthdal Chronicles," "Sword of Aramun," and "Rampant," Jang returns to modern drama with "A Normal Family."

"I've often played special or fantasy characters  killers, zombies, and the like. When I first read the script, I thought, 'Ive never done anything like this before, he said.

Taking on realistic character

He also expressed a desire to take on a more realistic character, saying, I really understood who Jae-gyu is. I felt that I could draw from within myself for this role, rather than pulling a character from outside. That made reading the script exciting.

However, he admitted to having concerns.

I discussed with the director whether this film might depict children too negatively, Jang said. The children in the film are fantasy-like characters born from the parents' worst fears. Although we sometimes hear about these kinds of stories in the news, I dont think these characters represent children as a whole.

He added, I still remember how I felt when my child started kindergarten. I worried, What if something bad happens when theyre on their own? Even though its unlikely, these fears are something parents create in their minds.

Jangs collaboration with the cast enriched the film. He has known Sul Kyung-gu for a long time, and said, I first got to know him through his films, and when we met in person, he turned out to be a kind and gentle man, despite his rough on-screen persona. Ive always wanted to work with him. Jang also praised Sus improvisational skills, saying, I thought, 'You can approach situations like this in such a flexible way.' He has great talent.

Feeling more at ease with natural self

Jang also said that he learns a lot from working with younger actors.

Im not the most confident person. When I work with junior actors, I worry, What if I embarrass myself? I have to do well, I need to set a good example as a senior actor, he said. Sometimes Im amazed by their performances. Theyre really good, and I have much to learn from them. I dont take juniors lightly. Were all colleagues, and we depend on each other. If I face challenges, I also consult with them.

Jang discovered new aspects of himself while filming "A Normal Family." I was a bit surprised when I saw the monitor after the first shoot. I thought, Do I really look this old? In my previous roles, I wore heavy makeup, but this time I appeared as my natural self on screen, he said. But it also made me feel more at ease. I thought, Now I dont need to check the monitor anymore, he added with a laugh.

The film also gave him a chance to reflect on himself. I wondered, Have I ever thought this deeply about myself before? Ive always been good at making decisions in the moment, but Ive never been in a situation like the one in the film. For the first time, I imagined it, and I wasnt confident that Id always make the right choices, Jang said.

His introspection became embedded in the film, contributing to the high-quality production that "A Normal Family" has become. "A Normal Family" will premieres on Nov. 16.

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 Jun Ji-hye

Bank of Korea (BOK) Gov. Rhee Chang-yong said selecting college first-year students based solely on grades is not the fairest approach to college admissions.

No matter where you go in the world, universities select first-year students based on diversity, while in Korea, there is a prevailing belief that selecting students solely based on their grades is the fairest approach, Lee said during his visit to the Ministry of Economy and Finance, Monday.

He made the comments in explaining the controversy over the BOKs earlier suggestion that top universities, such as Seoul National University, should voluntarily allocate admissions quotas based on regional school-age population ratios.

Highlighting the inheritance of socioeconomic status, the central bank said in its report on Aug. 27 that institutions offering private education have been concentrated in certain areas, such as the affluent district of Gangnam in Seoul.

It pointed out that the amount and quality of education that students can receive now depends heavily on the income level of their parents and where they live, and that this disparity has led to differences in the rate of admission to top universities.

This proposal was made as part of measures to address todays astronomical housing prices in Seoul, especially in the Gangnam area, but sparked controversy, being deemed unconstitutional by some critics who accused it of reverse discrimination against students from Gangnam.

Regarding this, Lee clarified that the BOK report should not be misunderstood as stating that living in Gangnam is wrong.

Each university already selects about 20 percent of students based on regional representation. Since this alone doesnt resolve the issue, we need to take a broader perspective, he said.

Parents in Gangnam sacrifice their careers for their childrens education or spend a lot of time commuting with their kids. They should reflect on whether their children are truly happy.

Finance Minister Choi Sang-mok echoed Lees sentiment, expressing his gratitude to the central bank for raising the issue, as Korean society has various challenges that need to be publicized and discussed.

Lees visit to the finance ministry was in response to Chois visit to the BOK in February.

This is the first time the head of the central bank, who has maintained a delicate tension with the government based on the independence of monetary policy, has visited the finance ministry.

Commenting on this, Choi said, If we view the relationship between the BOK and the finance ministry as one characterized by independence and some tension, I believe this visit marks a clear transition to establishing them as independent yet close collaborative partners.
North Korea will never bargain over its "national prestige," Pyongyang's envoy to the U.N. said Monday, reaffirming the recalcitrant regime's adherence to its nuclear weapons program in defiance of criticism against its growing security threats.

Ambassador Kim Song made the remarks during a general debate at the U.N. General Assembly, repeating its accusations of America's "hostility" towards Pyongyang and claiming that its nuclear weapons were "just made and exist to defend ourselves."

"When it comes to the right to self-defense, a legitimate right of a sovereign state, we will never go back to the point in the far-off past," he said. "When it comes to national prestige, we will never bargain over it with anyone for it was gained through the bloody struggle of the entire Korean people."

His remarks further dimmed the prospects for the resumption of serious nuclear talks between Washington and Pyongyang that have been stalled since their no-deal summit in Hanoi in February 2019. The Biden administration has offered to talk with the North "without preconditions," but Pyongyang has not responded to the overtures.

Kim said that whoever wins the White House in the U.S. presidential election in November, North Korea will only deal with "the state entity called the U.S., not the mere administration."

"Likewise, any U.S. administration will have to face the DPRK which is different from what the U.S. used to think," he said, using the acronym of the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea

The ambassador appeared to make an implicit call for a future U.S. administration to accept it as a nuclear weapons state given that it has been doubling down on its nuclear and ballistic missile programs under its leader Kim Jong-un.

Observers said that the North has been carefully watching developments during the U.S. election season as who wins the Oval Office would affect Washington's policy direction.

Should Vice President Kamala Harris be elected, she is expected to focus on strengthening America's network of alliances and partnerships to counter North Korean threats. In the event of former President Donald Trump's return to the White House, he could revive her personal diplomacy with Kim in a resumption of diplomatic engagement between the two countries.

The ambassador justified the North's nuclear program as a defensive measure, criticizing the operation of a key South Korea-U.S. nuclear deterrence body, called the Nuclear Consultative Group, as well as a series of the allies' regular combined military exercises.

"Under such circumstances, it is an indispensable exercise of sovereign rights for the DPRK to maintain powerful strength capable of defending national security interests and guaranteeing peaceful development," he said.

Kim also called the North's military activities the "legitimate exercise of the right to self-defense by a sovereign state which did not do any harm to anybody" while lambasting the U.S. description of its activities as "threats" and "provocations." (Yonhap)
North Korean leader Kim Jong-un reaffirmed Tuesday that relations with China will grow stronger in a message sent to Chinese President Xi Jinping, the North's state media reported.

Kim made the remarks as he congratulated Xi over China's 75th founding anniversary, which falls on Tuesday this year.

"I believe that the friendly and cooperative relations between the two countries will grow stronger in conformity with the requirements of the new era and the aspirations and desire of the peoples of the two countries," Kim said, according to the North's official Korean Central News Agency.

"Over the past 75 years since the founding of the new China, the Chinese people have actively pushed ahead with the building of socialism with Chinese characteristics, overcoming all trials and challenges of history," he said.

"It is the consistent stand of our Party and the government of the Republic to steadily consolidate and develop the traditional DPRK-China friendship," referring to North Korea by its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

Kim has sent messages to Xi every year on the occasion of China's National Day. (Yonhap)
North Korea on Tuesday strongly denounced Israel for its recent attack on Hezbollah militants, accusing it of committing a "large-scale massacre" of civilians, the North's state media reported.

A spokesperson from the North's foreign ministry issued the rebuke amid the Israeli offensive against Hezbollah, which has killed more than 1,000 people in Lebanon.

"Israel is resorting to massacre, terrorism and assassination, talking about the 'right to self-defense' and 'security,'" the unnamed official said in a dispatch carried by the North's official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA).

"We strongly denounce Israel which is expanding its large-scale massacre of innocent civilians to the whole Middle East and the organizational heinous terrorist acts of the U.S. which guards the former, and express invariable support and solidarity to the Arab people."

The official also accused the United States of "manipulating" Israel, calling them "cancer-like entities" of regional peace and stability.

North Korea has been accused of indirectly supporting Hezbollah's activities by helping its efforts to build underground tunnels in Lebanon. (Yonhap)
North Korea on Tuesday warned of taking a "corresponding" measure against the deployment of U.S. strategic assets to the Korean Peninsula ahead of a U.S. heavy bomber's flight over a South Korean air base.

The warning by Kim Kang-il, North Korea's vice defense minister, came hours before the U.S. heavy bomber flew over Seoul Air Base for a ceremony marking South Korea's Armed Forces Day in an apparent show of force.

"Now that the U.S. unannounced deployment of strategic assets has fixed as an incurable bad habit, a measure of unpredictable strategic nature corresponding to it should be an inevitable and legitimate right of a sovereign state," Kim said in a statement carried by the official Korean Central News Agency.

"Fresh methods of adding serious concern to the security of the U.S. mainland should be surely produced," Kim said. "The armed forces of the DPRK will never remain a passive onlooker to the military provocative acts of the hostile forces escalated in three dimensions in the Korean peninsula and its vicinities, but take a thoroughgoing action corresponding to them."

DPRK stands for the North's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea.

North Korea has often reacted angrily against the deployment of key U.S. military assets to the Korean Peninsula.

In June, North Korea said it was open to taking "overwhelming and fresh" deterrence measures after the arrival of the USS Theodore Roosevelt aircraft carrier in South Korea's southeastern port of Busan. (Yonhap)
By Kwak Yeon-soo

South Korea's Vice Unification Minister, Kim Soo-kyung, will visit Germany this week to attend the Day of German Unity celebrations and discuss the country's unification experience with senior German officials.

Hosted by the northern German state of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, the Day of German Unity event will be held on Thursday in the city of Schwerin. The Day of German Unity, which is celebrated annually on Oct. 3, commemorates German reunification, the day when the former German Democratic Republic (East Germany) officially joined the Federal Republic of Germany.

During her five-day visit, Kim will meet with Manuela Schwesig, minister president of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, and Carsten Schneider, minister of state for East Germany and Equivalent Living Conditions, to discuss Berlin's unification experience and the possibility of a unified Korea.

Kim will also meet with Joachim Gauck, former president of Germany, and State Secretary Dorte Dinger from the Office of the Federal President, to share President Yoon Suk Yeol's 8.15 Unification Doctrine and seek Berlin's cooperation and support for Seoul's commitment to achieving a peaceful unification of the two Koreas based on liberal democracy.

"Through Kim's visit, we hope to strengthen cooperation between South Korea and Germany regarding unification and North Korean policies and build consensus on a unified Korea based on freedom, peace and prosperity," the unification ministry said.

The two nations established the unification advisory committee in 2011 to share Germany's unification experience and have conducted annual meetings ever since.

Kim will give a special lecture at the Free University of Berlin and deliver a keynote speech at the "Frankfurt Korea Symposium 2024: Human Rights in North Korea" event hosted by the Northern Europe Municipal Chapter of the Peaceful Unification Advisory Council.
Francis abandoned his studies to become an IT technician to work at the bar-restaurant that his brother opened. Karina did not start pre-university studies in the rural area where she lives because she is four months pregnant. She decided to put her studies on hold, and does not know when she will resume them. For Marianlee, a recent medical graduate, pursuing a specialization in Pediatrics, which she dreamed of, is no longer part of her plan, which is now to leave the country.

The cases of these young women with whom DIARIO DE CUBA spoke jibe with the official data published recently. According to the report presented by the Government of Cuba for the 89th session of the Committee on the Elimination of Discrimination against Women (CEDAW), in the 2022-2023 school year alone 21,738 students dropped out of educational institutions.

The authorities have recognized that the school dropout crisis mainly affects the technical and vocational education levels, and much of it is associated with early pregnancy (almost 19% in 2023 on the island), but there are other causes that prompt young people to drop out of school.

Dr. Ernesto Cordovi, who until recently served as director of the October 10th Gynecological and Obstetric Hospital in Havana, said in a post on his Facebook profile that since 2019 nearly 99,000 professionals in the sector, including 40,000 doctors, have left the National Health System. That number is probably not exaggerated considering data from the state's Office of Statistics and Information (ONEI): in 2022, there were 12,000 fewer doctors in the country.

Cordovi expressed regret that there is no policy to motivate professionals to stay and "young people, for fear of being regulated, do not study the specializations that institutions need the most right now."

"I don't know when I will leave this country, but until that time comes I prefer to be outside the Public Health system. Facing desperate situations on shifts where your hands are tied, and you can't help them, I've even gotten sick. No, between the lack of resources, the ordeal of transportation, the work itself, and the meager salary, it's not worth it," Marianlee said.

She and a friend who also did not continue with her studies, but who did not want to explain why, are working assisting the elderly through a non-state business licensed for this activity. Mileidis says that she is better off economically in family entrepreneurship. Karina, meanwhile, has the support of her mother in Cuba and her father, residing abroad, to deal with her pregnancy and raising her baby.

According to historian Dimas Castellanos, a member of the Academic Freedom Observatory, "early pregnancy is not a cause, but rather a consequence of social deterioration" and "the real causes of school abandonment lie in the totalitarian system, incapable of guaranteeing two basic conditions for the flourishing of education: the economy to sustain it, and the freedoms for its development."

"Ever since the first years of the revolution, a process of cultural and educational monopolization was set in motion: in December 1959, the Comprehensive Education Reform Law declared the State the only body with the legal capacity to create educational institutions. In June of 1961 the Law on the Nationalization of Education was promulgated, unnecessary because education in Cuba was not foreign. In that same month of June Fidel Castro pronounced his Words to the Intellectuals, with which he established the limits on freedom in his Cuba: 'within the Revolution everything; outside the Revolution, nothing.' In January of 1962, with the Law on the Reform of Higher Education, universities came under State control. In 1976 the Constitution defined the Communist Party as the ultimate leading force of society and the State, and established that education was a function reserved for the State. In this totalitarian process, incompatible with freedom, the citizen disappeared, which is a fundamental cause of the school dropout rates and the regression suffered in this social sphere," said Castellanos.

Hundreds of thousands of Cubans decided to emigrate, thousands of students and teachers were driven from their studies, arrested and/or convicted for trying to exercise their freedom of expression, and the economic regression spawned the material and spiritual poverty that spurs students to drop out, he concludes.

"To the above are added other indisputable factors: one, today education is neither free nor of quality. The cost of snacks, shoes, uniforms and school supplies is impossible for most families to cover; two, schools work thanks to the increasingly limited contributions of family members who purchase fans, paint classrooms, and buy disinfectants to clean bathrooms; three, the poverty of even parents who acquired a level as professionals dissuades their children from studying; fourth, students avoid making any commitments to the State that might prevent them from emigrating," Castellanos added.

In the historian's opinion, "the Revolutionary work in education has done and is doing anthropological damage that will be very difficult to reverse without the elimination of totalitarianism; that is, without recovering citizens freedoms."

At the Cuban Observatory of Cultural Rights, Julio Llopiz-Casal stated that the reasons for Cuba's drop-out rates are fundamentally economic, but also of a moral nature.

"Many people underestimate the importance and value of studying, because Cuba is, increasingly, a society in which the benefits of conventional education are dubious. What is learned at a school is not practical for a young Cuban, because his survival, in terms of work, and his intellectual and social concerns, are not addressed by regular education. The quality of this education has decreased and continues to, due to the excessive ideologization imposed by the Communist Party and the growing material shortcomings."

Llopiz-Casal agreed with Castellanos that, for that situation to be turned around, "a change in the political system is essential."

"The widespread crisis that Cuba has been suffering for years is the product of the lack of institutional autonomy, the difficulty of working outside the State's outmoded structures, and the penalizations that since 1959 have accompanied any discrepancy with that stipulated by Castroism," he said.

In the words of the Cuban artist, the educational landscape in Cuba is "doctrinaire, reactionary, destructive and self-destructive. No young man respects or values such a thing, even if he fears it."
President Yoon Suk Yeol said Tuesday that North Korea will face the end of its regime if it attempts to use nuclear weapons, warning a "resolute and overwhelming" response from the South Korea-U.S. alliance.

Yoon made the remark during a speech marking the 76th Armed Forces Day, as North Korea has intensified its nuclear threats with the first public disclosure of its uranium enrichment facility last month.

"Our military will immediately retaliate against North Korea's provocations based on its robust combat capabilities and solid readiness posture," Yoon said during a commemorative ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital.

"If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the South Korea-U.S. alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," he added.

Yoon denounced Pyongyang for threatening South Korea with its nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as other provocations, while ignoring the suffering of its own people.

"After committing despicable types of provocations like sending trash balloons and GPS jamming attacks, they have now gone so far as to claim a 'two hostile states' theory, even denying the possibility of reunification," he said.

He urged the Kim Jong-un regime to abandon "delusions" that nuclear weapons guarantee its security, vowing to build a strong military and strengthen the security posture based on the strong alliance with the U.S., as well as trilateral cooperation involving Japan.

"False peace, based on the enemy's goodwill, is nothing but a mirage," Yoon said. "History has proven that the only way to safeguard peace is by strengthening our power so the enemy cannot dare challenge us."

This year's event highlighted the newly established Strategic Command, which is tasked with serving as an overarching organ with its key weapons systems to deter North Korean nuclear and missile threats.

Yoon said the command will integrate the South Korean military's advanced conventional capabilities with the U.S. extended deterrence, which refers to America's commitment to using the full range of its military capabilities, including nuclear weapons.

"The Strategic Command will become a key unit that steadfastly protects the nation and its people from North Korea's nuclear and weapons of mass destruction threats," he said.

Some 5,000 troops and 340 pieces of military equipment, including Hyunmoo surface-to-surface missiles, K9 self-propelled howitzers and quadruped robots, were mobilized for the ceremony.

Notable among them is the Hyunmoo-5, a centerpiece of the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation (KMPR) known to be able to carry a warhead weighing 8-9 tons and capable of destroying underground bunkers.

A military parade will take place in downtown Seoul later in the day, marking the second consecutive year troops have marched through the capital's center. (Yonhap)
South Korea showcased its most powerful missile for the first time Tuesday as it marked Armed Forces Day in an apparent warning against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

Two mobile missile launchers carrying the Hyunmoo-5, a centerpiece of South Korea's retaliation plan against a major North Korean attack, were among military equipment displayed at a ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital.

The ground-to-ground ballistic missile, dubbed a monster for its size, had been shrouded in secrecy due to its strategic importance. It is known to be able to carry a warhead weighing about 8 tons and capable of destroying underground bunkers.

South Korea has developed a series of Hyunmoo missiles, including ballistic and cruise-type ones. It unveiled the Hyunmoo-4 during last year's Armed Forces Day ceremony. That missile, however, can only deliver a payload of about two tons in comparison.

During this year's ceremony, the 9-axled transporter erector launchers crawled across the tarmac, each of them carrying a canister estimated to be about 20 meters long, apparently housing the "high-power" and "high-precision" missile known to be able to target anywhere in North Korea.

In another show of force, a U.S. B-1B heavy bomber flew over the air base, alongside two F-15K jets, in a display of the U.S. security commitment to South Korea. North Korea earlier warned of taking a "corresponding" measure against the deployment of U.S. strategic assets.

Some 5,000 troops and hundreds of pieces of military equipment were gathered for the ceremony, marking the 76th founding anniversary of the country's armed forces this year.

Special operations troops showed off their infiltration skills as they jumped out of a transport aircraft over the air base, while Apache attack helicopters fired flares and demonstrated evasion maneuvers as Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" blasted in the background.

The military also showed off various air assets, including the KF-21 fighter currently under development and F-35A stealth jets, while the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team performed a series of air maneuvers.

This year's ceremony came as North Korea has ramped up tensions in recent weeks ahead of the upcoming U.S. election, disclosing its uranium enrichment facility, launching ballistic missiles and flying trash-carrying balloons across the border.

The defense ministry said Tuesday's event was organized to show its "overwhelming" capabilities to powerfully retaliate against potential enemy provocations, backed by the country's three-axis deterrence structure.

The three-pronged system refers to the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defense system.

Officials said this year's ceremony also mobilized an expanded lineup of assets that require the teaming of manned and unmanned operations, such as quadruped robots as well as an unmanned submarine and surface vehicle.

A military parade was set to take place in downtown Seoul on Tuesday afternoon, marking the second consecutive year troops have marched through the capital's center.

The country has usually marked its military founding anniversary in time for Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the service of military personnel and falls on Oct. 1. (Yonhap)
Seoul holds military parade for 2nd consecutive year on Armed Forces Day

By Lee Hyo-jin

President Yoon Suk Yeol warned Tuesday that any attempt by North Korea to use nuclear weapons would result in the regime's downfall due to South Korea's overwhelming response.

The warning came about two weeks after the North unveiled its uranium enrichment facility for the first time, with its leader Kim Jong-un publicly ordering an increase in its nuclear arsenal for self-defense.

If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face a resolute and overwhelming response from our military and the South Korea-U.S. alliance. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," Yoon said during his speech at a ceremony commemorating the 76th Armed Forces Day at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, Gyeonggi Province.

The president urged North Koreas leadership to abandon the "delusion" that nuclear weapons could protect them, pledging that his government will continue to strengthen South Koreas military capabilities.

False peace, based on the enemys goodwill, is nothing but a mirage, he added.

During the commemorative event, the Hyunmoo-5 ballistic surface-to-surface missile, the country's largest, was unveiled for the first time. Capable of carrying an 8- to 9-ton warhead used for destroying underground bunkers, it is a crucial part of the country's deterrence structure against North Korea's nuclear threats.



The event also featured a U.S. B-1B Lancer strategic bomber, a four-engine supersonic strategic aircraft with a maximum speed of Mach 1.25 and a flight range of up to 12,000 kilometers. Although the bomber has been previously deployed to the Korean Peninsula for joint exercises with the Republic of Korea Air Force, its flyover in a public event is highly rare.

Later in the day, a large-scale military parade was held in down town Seoul, featuring South Korea's key military equipment including Long-range Surface-to-Air Missiles (L-SAM). The parade route, stretching from Sungnyemun Gate to Gwanghwamun Square, featured 3,000 troops and 80 pieces of military equipment.

The event included marching units of South Korean troops, the U.N. honor guard and the Eighth U.S. Army, which is stationed in South Korea. Members of the public, including high school students, also took part. It also featured a car parade of 1950-53 Korean War veterans and servicemen who were injured during duty.

This is the first time in decades that South Korea has held large-scale military parades in consecutive years, a practice not seen since the Chun Doo-hwan military regime in the 1980s when such events were annual. This year, the government declared Armed Forces Day, which falls on Oct. 1, a temporary national holiday for the first time since 1991.

A presidential decree mandates that military parades be held every five years. Since the 1990s, previous administrations typically held one parade per term. The previous Moon Jae-in administration did not hold any major military parades, reflecting the more amicable atmosphere with Pyongyang at that time.

The two military parades held under the Yoon administration reflect its hawkish stance on Pyongyang, emphasizing "peace through strength."

Seoul's latest display of military strength came amid growing military threats from North Korea, which has been escalating its activities through both conventional and unconventional means.

On Sept. 13, the North revealed a facility for producing highly enriched uranium, a critical component for nuclear weapons, for the first time. Additionally, since late May, Pyongyang has launched over 5,000 trash-filled balloons across the border on 21 different occasions, with some causing fires and disrupting airport operations near Seoul.

In recent months, inter-Korean tensions have escalated to levels not seen in years, with growing speculation that North Korea may conduct a seventh nuclear test, possibly around the time of the U.S. presidential election.

Meanwhile, North Korea denounced the latest U.S. B-1B bomber flyover as a "bluffing military show of force" and threatened retaliatory measures.

In a statement by Vice Defense Minister Kim Kang-il, carried on Tuesday by the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency, the regime warned that it could take unpredictable strategic actions in response to the deployment of U.S. strategic assets.

"Now that the U.S. has made the deployment of strategic assets a bad habit, we will inevitably and rightfully take unpredictable strategic measures. Fresh methods of adding serious concern to the security of the U.S. mainland will surely be produced," Kim was quoted as saying. "We can review and carry out such action plans at any time."
Korean Dream Unification Action March draws 30,000 participants

By Lee Hyo-jin

Around 30,000 people, including North Korean defectors and international experts on Korean Peninsula affairs, participated in the Korean Dream Unification Action March near the Demilitarization Zone (DMZ) separating the two Koreas on Saturday.

The event, aiming to create a new nation that contributes not only to unification but also to global peace, was organized by the civic group Korean Dream 10 Million Campaign's citizen organizing committee, which includes the Committee for 10 Million Separated Families and People Practicing Unification. It was sponsored by the Ministry of Unification, the Paju city government and the Global Peace Foundation (GPF).

According to the organizers, the marching event aimed to highlight the vision of Korean unification as a grassroots movement rather than a political ideology.

As participants marched down the 2-kilometer route around Imjingak Peace Nuri Park, they chanted slogans such as "Unification through the power of citizens" and "Realizing free unification and world peace."

Notable participants included Hyun Jin Preston Moon, founder and chairman of the GPF, Edwin Feulner, chairman of the Asian Studies Center of the Heritage Foundation and Rep. Park Choong-kwon of the ruling People Power Party.

In his congratulatory remarks, Feulner said, "The construction of a free, unified Korean Peninsula based on liberal democracy is an inalienable right granted by our Creator as part of the pursuit of happiness. Let us all move forward together for the unification of the Korean Peninsula."

The American scholar also expressed his support for the citizen-led unification movement under the vision of the Korean Dream, which unites a diverse global community including North Korean defectors, overseas Koreans and foreigners.

In his keynote speech, GPF Chairman Moon said, "Just as my father visited North Korea, I am also ready to visit North Korea. Let's cherish this opportunity and rise together to become the masters who reclaim the destiny of our Korean people and restore our national identity."

Moon is the third son of the late Rev. Moon Sun-myung (1920-2012), the founder of the Holy Spirit Association for the Unification of World Christianity, also known as the Unification Church. The older Moon visited North Korea in 1991.

The chairman further suggested that the unification ministry should be restructured as a non-partisan organization involving representatives from all sectors of society, rather than being merely a government ministry.

Rep. Park, a lawmaker who defected from North Korea, emphasized the significance of the march in light of Pyongyang's rising belligerence.

"The current international situation surrounding the Korean Peninsula is more urgent than ever, and the reckless provocations of North Korea and the oppressive tyranny of the Kim Jong-un regime are reaching their limit," he said.

"At such a critical time, the hosting of the Unification Action March, where all citizens have gathered to wish for the peaceful unification of a free, unified Korean Peninsula, holds significant meaning."

During the event, seven citizens representing different countries, including South Korea, the United States, Japan and India, read the Global Citizen Declaration for Unification in various languages, symbolizing the participation of global citizens in the Korean Dream Unification Movement.

"Korean unification is not solely the responsibility of governments and societies. Historically, monumental events have always been achieved through bottom-up changes driven by the voluntary interest and participation of the citizens themselves," said Shreya Sahey, an Indian national.

Japanese national Keiko Kobayashi said, "A unified Korea under the Korean Dream will resolve the various challenges we face today and build a truly global community. This will mark a great turning point, opening up a new world of international peace and prosperity unlike anything we have experienced before."

The event also included cultural performances such as singing by North Korean defectors, who sang a range of songs and music that both South and North Korean residents could enjoy together, as well as a taekwondo performance.
A North Korean defector was taken into custody early Tuesday for attempting to cross a bridge near the border with North Korea using a stolen bus, police officials said.

The man in his 30s was apprehended by police at about 1:30 a.m. after trying to return to North Korea by crossing the Tongil Bridge in Paju, some 30 kilometers northwest of Seoul, with the bus he stole from a garage in the city, according to the Paju Police Station.

The man rammed into a barricade on the bridge, despite warnings from soldiers guarding the bridge, just south of the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas, before being caught.

He told police that he tried to return to North Korea after experiencing difficulties in South Korea. He defected more than a decade ago and recently had been living in Sillim-dong, southwestern Seoul. His current residence is unknown.

He was found not to have been under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time of the incident.

The police have booked the man for an investigation.

South Korea is home to more than 34,000 North Korean defectors, and the flow of defectors continues amid chronic food shortages and harsh political oppression in North Korea. (Yonhap)
Experts cite complex visa processes, policy inconsistencies as major barriers for foreign residents

By Jung Da-hyun

As the number of foreign residents in Korea continues to rise and local governments promote initiatives to attract foreigners, the Seoul Metropolitan Government hosted a forum on foreign residents and immigration policy, Monday.

Experts and government officials emphasized the need for a more inclusive immigration policy, while some participants pointed to challenges in the current system, citing visa complexities and policy inconsistencies as significant barriers to foreign nationals trying to settle in Korea.

Under the theme of For Enhancing National and Urban Competitiveness in a Multicultural Society, the forum aimed to address the nations transition to a multicultural society and explore practical measures to attract and integrate foreign nationals.

Seoul Mayor Oh Se-hoon called for a shift from Koreas selective immigration system to a more inclusive approach.

Korea currently operates a complex visa system, with 37 categories and over 80 detailed types. While this system allows for efficient management and regulation from the governments perspective, it has become a significant obstacle for foreign nationals seeking long-term residency.

"The city government plans to work with other local and central authorities to expand local government autonomy in creating a more inclusive visa system tailored to the needs of different regions," Oh said.

Experts at the forum stressed the importance of attracting highly skilled foreign workers to ensure the citys future competitiveness.

Considering that OECD countries typically have an average foreign population of 15 percent, Seoul could see 1.5 million foreign residents in the coming years. The discussions centered around the need for a more flexible immigration policy.

'Visa reform is essential for foreigners settling in Korea'

Some voiced concerns over Koreas complex visa system and inconsistent policies, arguing that these hurdles limit the influx of foreign nationals and hinder long-term residency.

Ilya Belyakov, assistant professor of the humanities and social science at the University of Suwon, noted that most of the immigration policies discussed these days tend to focus on foreign workers, who are often excluded from the definition of immigrants because they typically stay only temporarily.

"Policies for immigrants and those for workers entering the labor market should be distinct," Belyakov told The Korea Times following the forum.

He stressed that if immigration policies are designed to counteract the shrinking workforce in an aging society, they should prioritize international students, who can act as temporary immigrants.

One major issue Belyakov pointed out is that international students face significant challenges entering the job market due to restrictive visa policies.

"Its almost impossible to switch from a D visa to an E visa. In my case, with a degree in Korean language and literature, my only option to stay and work was to become a Korean teacher, as other opportunities were not related to my field, he explained.

Belyakov called for more flexible visa options for international students, arguing that this would help Korea attract and retain global experts.

Colin Marshall, an American writer on cities and culture who has lived in Korea for 11 years, shared his personal challenges with the visa process, noting that it was more difficult than he initially expected.

"The visa categories are very specific, and if you're not in Korea for a particular job, the options are limited, and theres not much assistance available," he said.

Marshall also criticized the lack of clear objectives in Koreas efforts to attract foreign residents, cautioning that simply adopting immigration models from other countries may not be effective.

"Given Korea's circumstances, immigration policies must be tailored and reformed to suit the country's specific needs," he said.

He also emphasized the importance of helping immigrants integrate into Korean society, beyond merely filling labor gaps.

"If Korea wants to bring more people in, thats fine, but its crucial to ensure they are individuals who can assimilate into the broader society," Marshall said, adding that language proficiency should be a key factor in the immigration process.

"Language skills should weigh more heavily than professional qualifications when determining who can stay in the country."
Prosecutors demanded Monday a three-year prison term for opposition leader Lee Jae-myung on charges of suborning a former mayoral secretary to make false court testimony in his favor in 2018.

Lee, chair of the main opposition Democratic Party of Korea (DPK), was indicted last year on charges of demanding a secretary of former Seongnam Mayor Kim Byung-ryang to give false testimony in a 2018 election law violation case involving him.

The court will deliver the verdict on Nov. 25.

The case involves Lee's conviction in 2004 for illegally impersonating a prosecutor in collusion with a TV news producer who was gathering information on then Seongnam Mayor Kim in connection with a preferential apartment distribution scandal. Lee was fined 1.5 million won ($1,145) in the case.

During a 2018 TV debate while running for Gyeonggi governor, he claimed the case was based on false accusations. He was later charged with making false statements during the election but was finally acquitted in 2020.

Last year, prosecutors charged Lee with urging a secretary of the former Seongnam mayor through telephone calls to testify in his favor during the ongoing court trial in December 2018 on election falsehood. Prosecutors suspect the secretary's subsequent testimony, aligned with Lee's request, led to his acquittal by the Supreme Court.

The prosecution said Lee deserves a heavy punishment, given the seriousness of the alleged crime that "disrupts the judicial order and causes confusion in society."

"Perjury is a serious crime that hinders the discovery of the truth, disrupts the legal system and creates societal confusion," it said in the closing statement. "By repeatedly lying about crucial issues that significantly shape voters' rational decisions and encouraging perjury to conceal the lies, the core of democracy has been deeply undermined."

The prosecution accused Lee of "meticulously" executing his plan, just like "giving a student the answers for a perfect score."

"This approach is rarely seen in similar cases," it said.

Appearing at the Seoul Central District Court for the trial, Lee accused the prosecution of manipulating charges and evidence against him and of attempting to throttle the opposition party, saying "such violence should never be forgiven."

"Prosecutors wielding court warrants are turning the country into a dictatorship, decades after the military regimes are gone," Lee said, surrounded by senior party officials who came to the court in support of him.

Lee has consistently denied the charges, accusing prosecutors of false indictment, even though the secretary, charged with perjury, largely admitted to having falsely testified at his request.

If Lee receives a finalized jail sentence or a harsher penalty in this case, he would be barred from running for public office while the sentence is in effect.

The case is one of four trials Lee is currently facing in connection with various charges, including bribery and election falsehood related to a high-profile property development corruption scandal.

Earlier this month, prosecutors demanded a two-year prison term for Lee in an election falsehood case, a sentence, if finalized, that would strip him of his parliamentary seat and suspend his rights to run for public office for the next five years.

Sentencing in that case is schedule for Nov. 15. (Yonhap)
By Trudy Rubin

President Joe Bidens farewell speech to the United Nations General Assembly was clearly not the speech he wanted to deliver. He had hoped to announce the beginning of a cease-fire in Gaza in return for the release of Israeli hostages.

That, in turn, could have halted the tit-for-tat fighting between Israel and Irans Lebanese proxy militia, Hezbollah, which claims it is firing across the Lebanese-Israeli border to support Hamas. Instead, negotiations for such a deal are deadlocked, and Israel has newly plunged into a major cyber and air attack on Hezbollah that could draw in Iran and the United States.

At the same time, the other major conflict roiling global stability  Russias aggressive war in Ukraine  has come to a critical juncture.Bidens speechwriters had to shift gears, with the president stressing his trademark optimism about the potential for resolving these conflicts  along with the pressing new threats from climate and world-changing new technologies like artificial intelligence  if nations work together.

But there was no escaping the fact that a negative outcome in Gaza and Ukraine will shred what remains of the U.N.s tattered relevance to resolving conflicts  and will undermine the security of the United States. Let me state up front that Bidens foreign policy flaws pale beside those of Donald Trump on both issues.

Trumps unswerving support for Israel seems less tied to its security than to the evangelical votes it brings him  as well as to the Jewish votes he grossly demands (with antisemitic language) as a matter of gratitude. And were Trump reelected, hed quickly hand Ukraine over to Vladimir Putin.But back to Biden at the United Nations.

There was no point in his repeating forlorn hopes for a cease-fire/hostage deal without changing the U.S. approach toward Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu clearly opposes a deal, and constantly undermined the U.S., Egyptian, and Qatari negotiating teams, leaving Hamas free to reject any bargain.

Now that the Israel-Hezbollah conflict is dangerously expanding, a new approach to the Gaza war is vital but was tellingly missing from Bidens message. A new U.N. approach is vital, as well. The U.N. has failed Israel badly when it comes to Lebanon. Iran has armed proxy militias in the Mideast, including the Hezbollah militia, which now possesses an estimated 150,000 missiles.

Yet, the United Nations Security Council has proven utterly unable to enforce its 2006 Resolution 1701, which demanded Hezbollah pull back from the Israeli border to the Litani River, creating an 18-mile buffer zone to keep northern Israel safe. Hezbollah has refused, and the Lebanese government and army are far too weak to challenge them. U.N. peacekeepers are at the militias mercy.

The result has been a disaster for northern Israel. After Hamas attacked on Oct. 7, Hezbollah joined the fight and drove tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes in northern Israeli cities and towns.

Nearly 70,000 are still living in makeshift housing.Israels military attack on Hezbollah may hold it temporarily at bay, but it wont end its threat for the long term. Only a diplomatic deal  fulfilling Resolution 1701, creating a buffer zone, and backed by Arab nations and Security Council sanctions against Tehran  might force Iran to control its proxies.

However, no such progress is possible without parallel movement on Gaza. The Arab world, including states that have peace treaties with Israel, is aghast at the horrific Palestinian civilian suffering in the Gaza Strip, where most of the population is displaced and living without adequate food, sanitation, or shelter.

Meantime, violent Israeli settlers are attacking West Bank villages, and far-right cabinet ministers call for Israels annexation of the West Bank and Gaza.Down that road lies an endless cycle of violence between Israelis and Palestinians locked into one state, and the death of any prospects for the two-state solution Biden called for at the United Nations.

That path also threatens Israels peace treaties with Jordan and Egypt. There must be another way that combines a humane solution in Gaza with Arab support to rein in Hezbollah and Tehran. More than half the Israeli population, along with military and intelligence officials, want a cease-fire-for-hostages deal.

But that would require Biden to finally exert far more U.S. pressure on Netanyahu, including U.S. support for tough U.N. resolutions against whichever party refuses the Gaza deal  plus U.S. arms cuts for Israel if needed. It would also require strong U.N. and Western pressure on Iran. No sign of such a policy shift was heard from Biden on Tuesday. Netanyahu is trying to outflank him and waiting for a Trump victory. But the president still has three months more in office to change course.

Similarly, a Biden shift is vital to obtaining a just peace for Ukraine. So is a significant U.N. role. The most basic principle of the world body, enshrined in its charter, prohibits the use of force against the territorial integrity or sovereignty of any state.Russia, which sits on the Security Council, has massively defied that principle by invading a peaceful neighbor, trying to annex at least 20 percent of its territory, and committing heinous war crimes.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky  who will meet with Biden on Thursday  rightly insists that any peace talks be based on the principles of the charter, not on Putins claim that Ukraine bows to his imperial right to take Ukrainian land as a basis for peace.Here again, the relevance of the U.N. will be defined by whether it defends the principle on which it was created  the post-World War II effort to prevent dictators from expanding their territory by force. In a just world, the U.N. General Assembly would suspend Russia. And no Security Council reform, as is being discussed this week, will have meaning if Moscow retains a veto.In his speech, Biden asked the right questions: Will we apply and strengthen the core tenets of the international system, including the U.N. charter ... as we seek to ... deter new threats? Or will we allow those universal principles to be trampled? How we answer these questions in this moment will reverberate for generations.

Yet, his foreign policy legacy will be defined by how he defends the principle of no gains through force. The immediate test: whether he gives Zelensky a green light to use U.S. long-range missiles to hit aerodromes and weapons depots inside Russia. This moment is critical for Ukraine. If Biden refuses, he will have permitted a dictator to violate the basic principle required to maintain world order. And his U.N. speech will be recalled as a coda for a president who possessed all the right foreign policy instincts but failed to nail down the outcomes before he stepped down.

Trudy Rubin is a columnist and editorial-board member for the The Philadelphia Inquirer. This article was published by The Philadelphia Inquirer and distributed by Tribune Content Agency.








By Min Seong-jae

I wrote in the previous column that Korea boasts a convenient infrastructure, from an efficient public transportation system to super quick delivery of goods. Maybe its time to write about how inconvenient a place Korea can be, especially if you are a foreign resident or a traveler. More often than not, the convenience of Korea is a closed system, not available or easy to enjoy for non-Koreans and other disadvantaged locals.

Let me start with the smartphone and digital life. Every service and transaction in Korea, commercial or government, requires a smartphone and the infamous verification system. Each time you use the quick and convenient apps and websites available here in Korea, you need to be verified with your phone number and associated name, which should match the registered name on your government ID. The thing is that many foreigners and short-term visitors to Korea do not have their names registered with the Korean government because doing so is a hassle, a slow process and is often unnecessary. If you are not registered, however, then the smartphone you have becomes useless because you are an "unverified" person in Korea. In a society where smartphones are woven into the fabric of daily life, not being able to use one makes you an outsider, a second-class human being, so to speak.

Once, I saw a kid in Korea give up his dream rides in a world-class Korean amusement park because they required a prior reservation through an app that the kid couldn't sign up for as a foreigner. A couple of years ago, during the height of COVID-19, I spent some time in Korea and was unable to enter a building because I didn't have a QR code on my smartphone verifying my vaccination status. Although I had a paper copy of my vaccination status, it was not accepted by security. Quick deliveries, convenient shopping experiences and efficient government services are often out of reach for those who are digitally unverified or belong to marginalized groups that may lack technological proficiency.

Yes, Korea's public transportation system is one of the best in the world  only if you are an abled body person that is. You do not dare ride the crowded buses or use the Seoul Metro if you are in a wheelchair. The physical lack of access for, and people's obliviousness toward people with disabilities, make Seoul an inconvenient, uncomfortable place for them. Many European cities have much more accessible and equitable public transportation systems for the disabled and others who require special care, although theirs may not be as quick and efficient as Seoul's.

Speaking of transportation, navigating Korean streets can be difficult for foreign visitors because Google Maps does not work well in Korea. For what some call security or business interests, the Korean government limits the use of Google Maps or other foreign-owned map services that literally billions of people around the world use daily. Also, if you have dealt with the Korean government, public organizations or universities, you will see that they exclusively use local software and computer file formats, which can be a hassle if you are used to Microsoft Word or Excel, which again is a global business-standard.

It is protectionism to force the use of home-grown software, but this closed system can cause inconveniences to many people. The same is true of online banking. Accessing Korean bank sites is irksome because it requires the installation of a suite of quaint security software and verification systems. For many people  not just foreigners and the disadvantaged  banking online requires patience and plenty of trial and error. It's surprising to see Korea, often considered a leader in information technology, clinging to its own old technological standards, effectively creating a digital "Galapagos" separate from the rest of the world.

Despite Korea's advanced technology and rising cultural powerhouse status, life in Korea can often be difficult because of numerous digital barriers to key services. A more inclusive system that embraces locals, foreigners, tourists and marginalized groups is sorely needed.

Min Seong-jae (smin@pace.edu) is a professor of communication and media studies at Pace University in New York. He was a 202324 Fulbright U.S. Scholar to Korea.
Seoul, Tokyo should work from latest meeting on 'Block 7' development

After nearly four decades, Korea and Japan held the sixth round of working-level talks regarding a significant bilateral agreement aimed at jointly developing a continental shelf believed to contain potential oil and other natural resources.

The latest discussions for the Joint Development Zone (JDZ) agreement took place in Tokyo on Friday, with Seoul saying "broad discussions" were held with Japan. The lengthy delay before this meeting is noteworthy. The fifth round of talks took place in 1985  39 years ago  but progress stalled as Japan raised concerns about economic viability. This extended gap underscores the challenges in effectively implementing the bilateral agreement, which both sides need to address in detail before next year.

Among the sensitive issues surrounding the JDZ agreement is timing. By next June, both countries have the option to either declare its termination or let it run through its 50-year validity. If the pact remains in effect through 2028, it will be automatically renewed.

The Japanese stance to date indicates a possibility that Tokyo may choose to terminate the current agreement and renegotiate a new one. In contrast, the Seoul government's position reportedly favors extending the agreement while assessing its economic viability through further joint exploration. As bilateral ties continue to strengthen recently, and with the new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba in office, both countries should seek a balanced approach that addresses their mutual interests.

Seoul and Tokyo reached the Korea-Japan Continental Shelf Agreement in 1974, and it came into effect four years later. Several geographical surveys have indicated significant energy potential of the continental shelf referred to as the "Block 7." The JDZ covers about 82,557 square meters of area, including the Block 7 and nearby waters south of Jeju Island and west of Japan's Kyushu Island. Seoul's enthusiasm for the pact is evident, as attested by a popular song titled "Block 7."

However, since the signing of the agreement, there have been several explorations but negotiations have stalled. Japan has raised concerns about the agreement's viability and has been lukewarm in its discussions. The prevailing interpretation of Japan's reluctance is largely attributed to changes in international maritime law since the agreement was established. At the time of the agreement, international maritime law was primarily governed by the natural prolongation theory of the continental shelf, which was advantageous for Seoul. However, in 1982, the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea introduced the median line principle, which determines jurisdiction over the continental shelf based on distance. This shift favors Tokyo, as it places most of the JDZ within Japan's exclusive economic zone.

We hope the government is well-prepared to address the anticipated responses from Tokyo. Both Seoul and Tokyo need to pursue a win-win approach by resuming joint exploration to assess the economic viability of the JDZ and subsequently extending the agreement. The continental shelf in question is located in the East China Sea, an area where China asserts that much of the JDZ is within its jurisdiction. In fact, in 2008, as China began producing natural gas offshore from fields near the JDZ, Japan signed a joint development agreement with China. If Japan were to terminate the deal, other contentious issues regarding the JDZ and its implications for the exclusive economic zones of neighboring countries could come to the forefront.

The demand for energy reserves remains a top priority for both nations, and Seoul's stance on extending the agreement seems relevant this time.

Korea and Japan will celebrate 60 years of bilateral ties next year. Under President Yoon Suk Yeol, the relationship has taken a forward-looking approach and extending the bilateral joint development agreement aligns with this perspective. Seoul and Tokyo should negotiate a sustainable solution grounded in general principles and precedents of international law to serve the national interests of both countries.
Workers fear fallout from Chinese firms management

By Park Jae-hyuk

Samsung SDI is facing a backlash from its unionized workers over the battery makers plan to sell its struggling industrial film business to a Chinese company.

Last month, the Korean firm decided to sell its polarizer film production and sales operations in Cheongju, North Chungcheong Province, and Suwon, Gyeonggi Province, to Wuxi Hengxin Optoelectronic Materials for 1.12 trillion won ($849 million).

Following the decision, workers at Samsung SDIs Cheongju factory organized a union and joined the Korean Metal Workers Union (KMWU) under the Korean Confederation of Trade Unions, a militant umbrella union.

The workers have claimed that management made the decision unilaterally without giving prior notice. They also expressed concerns about the leak of core technology for optical film to China.

Additionally, the union pointed out that workers will be forced to leave Cheongju, if they choose to transfer to Samsung SDIs other plants, and that those who opt to stay at the factory will worry about their job security under the Chinese firms management.

When LG Chem sold its polarizer businesses last year to two Chinese companies for 1.1 trillion won, the company redeployed its employees and carried out a voluntary redundancy program.

Under the collective agreement signed between Samsung SDI and the KMWU, the company should inform the union in advance of its plan to sell its business and should start renegotiation when labor conditions change, the KMWU said in a statement.

We asked for a special negotiation with the company regarding the sale.

The KMWU and unionized workers at Samsung SDIs Cheongju factory plan to hold a press conference at Samsungs building in Seoul, Wednesday, to declare their objection to the sale.

Samsung SDI was unavailable for comment on this issue.

Since Chinese firms started supplying low-priced industrial films used for LCDs and other IT products, a growing number of Korean chemical firms have sold their industrial film businesses to cope with worsening profitability.

Decelerating demand for IT products has also prompted Korean firms to cease the production of industrial films.

In 2022, SKC sold its polyester film division to Hahn & Company for 1.6 trillion won.

After the acquisition, the private equity firm changed the names of the companies spun off from SKC to SK Microworks and SK Microworks Solutions.

In August, Kolon Industries spun off its money-losing polyester film business to set up a joint venture between its spun-off company and SK Microworks.
By Park Jae-hyuk

LS Electric celebrated the 50th anniversary of its foundation and unveiled a new brand for its next five decades, Monday, the power devices producer said the following day.

The celebration took place on Monday, amid the recent super-cycle in the global electric power industry, caused by the need to replace outdated power grids and the soaring demand for power supply to electric vehicles and artificial intelligence (AI) data centers.

LS Electric Chairman Koo Ja-kyun noted that AI, digital technology and the global supply chain crisis after the pandemic marked a turning point in the global electric power industry.

He noted that the company has been able to capitalize on shifts in the global market, which has largely been dominated by firms from the United States, Japan and Europe.

We will grow into a global player, he said during the celebration at LS Tower in Anyang, Gyeonggi Province.

While expanding the global electric alliance aggressively, we will lead the energy transition and digital technology revolution to solve the global energy and climate crises.

The chairman also urged employees to pursue sustainability, diversity and social responsibility.

To achieve these goals, LS Electric disclosed a new brand, Beyond X, which embraces the four pillars of its corporate values  eco, efficient, digital and K-electric  for the supply of the worlds best products to international customers.

Beyond X shows our commitment to becoming a global top-tier company beyond expectations, Koo said.

This also shows our intention to become more agile and adventurous, amid the rapidly changing business environment.

LS Electric generates 4.2 trillion won ($3.2 billion) in annual revenue and has 3,500 employees at its 13 subsidiaries and 14 offices worldwide.

The company achieved $700 million in exports last year, a decade after reaching $500 million.

As of the second quarter of this year, the proportion of its overseas revenue surpassed 50 percent.
By Lee Min-hyung

KT will transform into an artificial intelligence (AI)-powered telecommunications service operator as it proactively prepares for the upcoming era of sixth-generation (6G) networks, its chief said Tuesday.

(The) telecommunications network is essential to realize customized services in an era of the AI, so telecom companies should keep taking the lead in developing their network systems compatibility with the 6G, KT CEO Kim Young-shub said on the sidelines of this years M360 APAC mobile phone conference.

The two-day event, hosted by the GSM Association (GSMA)  a non-profit industry organization that represents the interests of mobile network operators worldwide  started with much fanfare in Seoul, with KT participating as a key sponsor. A group of participating firms and organizations, including Samsung Electronics, discussed the role of AI in supporting digital growth in the Asia-Pacific region.

The KT chief underscored the importance of AI for KT as a telecom service provider. Almost all industrial sectors, such as health care, public transportation, manufacturing and logistics, are experiencing a major paradigm shift amid the rapid rise of AI, so the notion of an AI-powered network system is becoming increasingly significant, according to Kim.

KT operates a series of AI-driven services, such as smart image analysis and an intelligent transportation system.

This indicates that the role of telecoms companies is expanding into an operator of AI-driven network services, Kim said. The era of AI has arrived, and such services will be incorporated into our daily lives.

The GSMA also invited a group of renowned speakers from global network powerhouses, such as Huawei and SAP, for the latest event.

Its great to be back in Seoul for the M360 APAC and to see regional innovators using connected technologies in new and exciting ways, GSMA Director General Mats Granryd said.

This year, generative AI is making headlines throughout the world and is unlocking countless possibilities in every sector ... I look forward to discussing at the M360 APAC how the technology is enabling a shift from building digital societies to building digital nations across the APAC.

Science and ICT Minister Yoo Sang-im also said AI technologies are crucial in that they will be able to help resolve diverse social issues.

AI technologies are affecting every corner of industries, humanities, societies and national security, and this has sparked controversies never seen before, Yoo said.

But now, AI emerges as a momentum for economic growth, while at the same time helping overcome structural challenges that society faces.

The M360 APAC has been held in Korea for two consecutive years, with KT serving as a key host sponsor throughout the event.
Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah militants and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006 .

The Israeli military said in a brief statement it had begun limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it said.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months. Israel has said it will continue to strike the group until it is safe for displaced Israelis from border communities to return to their homes.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement, U.S. officials said Israel had launched small ground raids inside Lebanon, and Israel declared three small border communities to be a closed military zone, restricting access only to army personnel.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants. But throughout the evening, Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

Smoke rose from the capitals southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

Israel has been emboldened by its recent battlefield gains against Hezbollah and appears intent on delivering a knockout blow to its archenemy. But a ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon, where hundreds have been killed in recent Israeli strikes and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate.

Both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown. While Hezbollah has built up a formidable arsenal, Israel has invested great sums into training and intelligence gathering.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the group's upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses. The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack last Oct. 7 that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Oct. 8 in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since then, coming close to a full-fledged war on several occasions but stepping back from the brink.

But as Israels war against against Hamas has scaled back in recent weeks, it has turned its focus northward toward Lebanon and stepped up the attacks on Hezbollah.

Israeli leaders say they want to Hezbollah to implement the U.S. resolution that ended the 2006 war, which required the group to withdraw some 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the Israeli border.

Hezbollah has suffered key setbacks in recent weeks. Before Nasrallahs assassination, a series of mysterious explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies blamed on Israel killed or wounded hundreds of people, many of them Hezbollah members. And Israeli airstrikes have killed most of the groups senior commanders.

But Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets and missiles into Israel and is still believed to have thousands of fighters near the Israeli border.

Israeli leaders for years have accused Hezbollah of hiding weapons and fighters inside homes and other civilian structures in border villages. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled southern Lebanon in recent weeks fearing an Israeli military onslaught.

Hezbollah has few air defenses, giving the Israeli air force freedom of action over Lebanons skies. But a ground operation will be much more challenging, with Hezbollah forces embedded and hiding in local communities and familiar with the local terrain.

Still, Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear. Its possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Israel has a long and bloody history in Lebanon. It briefly invaded in 1978 in a strike against Palestinian militants. It invaded again in 1982 in an operation that turned into an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.

The stepped-up action against Hezbollah also could raise the risk of a broader region-wide war as Israel confronts a series of foes backed by archenemy Iran.

Israel this week carried out an airstrike in Yemen against the Houthi militia in response to a series of missile strikes. Netanyahu has also threatened Iran, warning the Tehran government that Israel is capable of striking anywhere in the Middle East.

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest , as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire . French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented. (AP)
Shigeru Ishiba will face five key challenges when he becomes Japan's new prime minister on Tuesday after being voted leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP).

Security threats

Nerves are running high over China's increasingly aggressive moves in the region, following the first confirmed incursion by a Chinese military aircraft into Japanese airspace in August.

Other incidents have soured relations since then, including the fatal stabbing of a Japanese schoolboy in Shenzhen.

Security policy expert Ishiba wants to boost Japan's defence capabilities and proposes an "Asian NATO" to counter threats including North Korean missile tests.

He also wants a more equal alliance with the United States  "but there is no need to hyperventilate about the prospects for dramatic change" in defence policy, said Nicholas Szechenyi of the Center for Strategic and International Studies.

"The rapidly deteriorating security environment in Asia favours more security cooperation with the United States and other partners," he said.

LDP scandals

Outgoing Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had record-low approval ratings, partly due to scandals over party funding and lawmakers' links to the Unification Church.

Ishiba, who intends to call a snap election for Oct. 27, has pledged to make the LDP "a fair and just party" again.

James Brady of consulting firm Teneo said Ishiba's "ability to reflect the popular mood was evident earlier this year in his criticism of his party's response to the political funding scandal".

But a general election could also rehabilitate some disgraced party members, said Naofumi Fujimura, a professor at the Graduate School of Law at Kobe University.

"In Japan, if you win an election, you are considered to be purified," so some MPs "involved in the scandals may return to the public stage", he told AFP.

Lacklustre economy

Sluggish consumption and wage growth have long been a drag on growth in Japan.

Ishiba backs the Bank of Japan's gradual move away from its maverick ultra-loose policies -- a stance that caused the yen to surge after his victory in the LDP vote, which in turn led Japanese stocks to tank on Monday.

His win "implies less pressure... for large-scale debt-funded spending or a return to monetary easing by the Bank of Japan", policies championed over a decade ago by assassinated ex-premier Shinzo Abe, said Teneo's Brady.

To help the government's existing plan to ramp up defence spending to two percent of GDP by 2027, Ishiba has suggested a hike in corporate taxes.

Ageing population

Japan has the world's oldest population after tiny Monaco, and its population aged 100 or older is at a record high of more than 95,000, recent data shows.

Ishiba aims to raise Japan's low birth rate through measures including a review of the country's notoriously long working hours, and expanding support for parents.

He has called the revitalisation of rural regions  where shrinking elderly communities are becoming increasingly isolated  "my life's work" along with security and disaster prevention.

Climate policy

Japan is targeting carbon neutrality by 2050, and Ishiba wants to boost the use of renewables to fuel resource-poor Japan, alongside nuclear power  still a delicate issue after the Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011.

The E3G think tank ranks Japan in last place  by some distance  among G7 nations on efforts to reduce emissions from their power systems, with the highest reliance on fossil fuels.

Economist and former Bank of Japan board member Sayuri Shirai told AFP that Japan needs to focus more on decarbonisation strategies, especially in business.

"If Japanese companies don't do that, they will lose out to global competition" because high-carbon emission goods could be punished with taxes and tariffs, she said. (AFP)
Shigeru Ishiba was confirmed as Japan's next prime minister by parliament on Tuesday, paving the way for him to officially unveil his cabinet as he seeks to heal party divisions and prepare for an Oct. 27 snap election.

The 67-year-old former defense minister won a close-fought contest last week to lead the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). Ishiba is expected to hold a late press conference on Tuesday after the Emperor formally appoints him, and his cabinet, in a ceremony at Tokyo's Imperial Palace.

Now in power, he must quell simmering anger over rising living costs and his scandal-plagued party, and navigate a volatile security environment in East Asia fuelled by an increasingly assertive China and nuclear-armed North Korea.

The veteran lawmaker, seen as somewhat of a party outsider who failed at four previous leadership bids, has already begun picking government and party officials who will contest the upcoming general election with him.

So far those include two rival candidates in the leadership race, Katsunobu Kato as finance minister and Yoshimasa Hayashi to stay on as chief cabinet secretary, a pivotal post that includes the role of top government spokesman, two sources familiar with the appointments told Reuters earlier.

A close Ishiba ally, Takeshi Iwaya, a former defense chief, will take over as foreign minister, while Gen Nakatani will return to the defense ministry, a position he held in 2016, said the sources, who asked not to be identified because they are not authorized to speak publicly, confirming earlier media reports.

Yoji Muto, a former junior minister, will take charge at the economy, trade and industry ministry, a separate source said.

The Ishiba administration's approach to diplomacy with Japan's closest ally, the United States, will be in focus, as he has repeatedly called for a more balanced relationship with Washington.

He has also proposed creating an Asian version of the collective security group NATO to deter China, an idea that could draw ire from Beijing and has already been dismissed by a senior U.S. official as hasty.

In his victory speech on Friday, he spoke about the need to beef up Japan's security after recent territorial incursions by Chinese and Russian military vessels.

Economic policy

Kato's appointment to the finance ministry will be closely watched given he served in key positions in former premier Shinzo Abe's administration, which pursued expansionary fiscal and monetary policies.

The Nikkei stock index fell nearly 5 percent on Monday in reaction to a surging yen following Ishiba's win over Sanae Takaichi, a monetary dove and fiscal expansionist, in Friday's leadership contest. The index recovered ground on Tuesday.

Takaichi, a hard-line conservative he beat by 215 votes to 194 on Friday in the closest leadership election in almost seven decades, appears to not be in the running for a top position after local media reported she declined a senior party post.

That could make it difficult for Ishiba, a perennial favorite in public opinion polls, to manage a fractious ruling group roiled by scandals.

But despite its troubles, the party which has ruled Japan for most of the post-war era remains likely to hold on to power in the upcoming election given Japan's weak opposition.

A third of respondents to a weekend poll by the Mainichi newspaper said they supported the LDP, versus 15 percent for the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan.

More than half of the respondents, including those who supported opposition parties, said they were optimistic about Ishiba's appointment. (Reuters)
The New York Times editorial board on Monday endorsed Kamala Harris, calling the Democrat "the only patriotic choice for president" in the race against Republican Donald Trump.

But the paper did not even mention the vice president's name until the fourth paragraph of its written endorsement  instead focusing attention on Trump's unworthiness for the presidency, calling him morally and temperamentally "unfit."

"This unequivocal, dispiriting truth  Donald Trump is not fit to be president  should be enough for any voter who cares about the health of our country and the stability of our democracy to deny him re-election."

It's an "anyone but Trump" approach that The New Yorker took one day prior, with editors at the magazine saying the Republican represents the "ongoing assault on the stability, the nerves, and the nature of the United States."

In its lengthy endorsement, the Times acknowledged Harris "may not be the perfect candidate for every voter, especially those who are frustrated and angry about our government's failures to fix what's broken."

"Yet we urge Americans to contrast Ms. Harris's record with her opponent's," the paper said. "Ms. Harris is more than a necessary alternative."

The Times editorial board has not thrown its weight behind a Republican for president since 1956, when it backed Dwight Eisenhower.

But the paper emphasized that this election is "about something more foundational" than "competing politics and principles" in a two-party system.

"Unless American voters stand up to him, Mr. Trump will have the power to do profound and lasting harm to our democracy," the paper wrote.

The Times said voters are right to ask more from Harris when it comes to policy specifics: "Given the stakes of this election, Ms. Harris may think that she is running a campaign designed to minimize the risks of an unforced error... under the belief that being the only viable alternative to Mr. Trump may be enough to bring her to victory."

"That strategy may ultimately prove winning, but it's a disservice to the American people and to her own record."

Meanwhile, it called the Republican Party "little more than an instrument" of Trump's "quest to regain power" and claimed a second Trump term "would be much more damaging and divisive than the first."

"Kamala Harris is the only choice," the editorial board said. (Yonhap)
Israel said commando and paratroop units launched raids into Lebanon on Tuesday as part of a "limited" ground incursion, while Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had fired a barrage of missiles into Israel, including at its spy agency near Tel Aviv.

The raids by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon that began overnight were limited and went only a short distance over the border, an Israeli security official said on Tuesday, adding that no direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters were reported.

The escalation caused alarm.

British Foreign Secretary David Lammy said Israel should avoid a repeat of the past and not get "bogged down in a quagmire" in Lebanon.

Spain's Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares said Israel should stop conducting ground raids in southern Lebanon to avoid an escalation of the conflict enveloping the wider region.

Hezbollah has challenged Israel since the group was created in Lebanon by Iran's Revolutionary Guards in 1982.

The Israeli raids follow intense airstrikes that have devastated the Hezbollah's leadership, including assassinating its chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Israel's military said its ground raids are aimed at Hezbollah strongholds along the border that threaten Israel and is not a war against the Lebanese people.

"Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel," military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said.

Residents in southern Lebanon fled on Monday and Tuesday as Israeli strikes drew nearer, local sources told Reuters.

At least 600 people were seeking refuge in a monastery on the southern Lebanon border on Tuesday after their Christian village of Ain Ebl received a warning from the Israeli military, local residents told Reuters.

An Israeli military spokesman warned residents of Ain Ebl and at least 20 other towns to evacuate their homes immediately because the military would attack houses that armed group Hezbollah was using.

The residents fled to the monastery in the town of Rmeish, which did not receive a warning, and were waiting for an army convoy to escort them to Beirut.

New rockets used

A Hezbollah spokesperson told Reuters on Tuesday that the Israeli military had not entered Lebanese territory but that Hezbollah would be ready to fight them in direct clashes if they did.

Two Lebanese security sources told Reuters that Israeli units had crossed into Lebanon overnight for reconnaissance and probing operations.

Hezbollah said in a statement on Tuesday that it had fired the "Fadi 4" at military positions in the suburbs of Israel commercial hub Tel Aviv.

It is the fourth iteration of a series which have progressively bigger payloads and longer ranges that Hezbollah has begun to use in recent weeks.

The group also said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, blamed for assassinations of Hezbollah commanders and leaders, and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Israel's ambulance service said two people had been wounded by shrapnel from the barrage of missiles fired into Tel Aviv and the wider central Israel area. Traffic was also affected by part of a missile that fell onto a highway near the town of Kfar Qasim east of Tel Aviv.

Lebanon is facing one of the most dangerous stages in its history, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Tuesday during a meeting with U.N. organisations and ambassadors of donor countries, in which they made a joint appeal for more than $400 million in aid to cope with surging hostilities.

Despite its biggest successes against Hezbollah in decades, Israel has indicated it is primed for a full-fledged invasion of Lebanon with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

Israel's strikes have displaced one million Lebanese from their homes and killed more than 1,100 people, Lebanese authorities have said. A looming ground offensive has sparked fear and anger in Lebanon.

"Not just Hezbollah, all of Lebanon will fight this time. All of Lebanon is determined to fight Israel for the massacres it committed in Gaza and Lebanon," said Abu Alaa, a resident of the southern port city of Sidon.

Expanding strikes

Iran's allies  from Hezbollah to Yemen's Houthis to armed groups in Iraq  have weighed in with attacks in the region in support of Hamas in the Gaza war, raising fears the conflict will engulf the oil-producing Middle East and suck in the United States and Tehran.

Yemen's Houthi movement launched drone attacks at Israeli military posts in Tel Aviv and Eilat on Tuesday, the group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised speech.

Israel launched an attack on Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials. It marked the first strike on Ain el-Hilweh, Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp, since cross-border hostilities between broke out nearly a year ago.

His fate was unknown and Israel has not commented on the strike.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said, citing a military source. Israel's military said it does not comment on foreign media reports.

Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up raids since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel's southern territory on Oct. 7, 2023.

Hamas killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostage in its assault on Israel, according to Israeli tallies. Israel in response began an assault on Hamas in Gaza, killing more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry. (Reuters)
Angola, IN (46703)

Today

Some clouds this morning will give way to generally sunny skies for the afternoon. High around 65F. Winds NW at 5 to 10 mph..

Tonight

Clear to partly cloudy. Low around 40F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph.
As the workforce evolves, so too do the legal responsibilities of employers. Employment law is essential for managing a successful organization, yet it often presents challenges.

In todays dynamic workplace, understanding and meeting your employment law obligations has never been more crucial.

Join us in this weeks edition of Lets Talk as our experts delve into key legal requirements, share best practices, and discuss the latest updates to help you confidently navigate this complex landscape.

Lets Talk

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Suyin Enriquez, Vice President HR International at Dayforce

Suyin Enriquez, Vice President HR International at Dayforce

Todays employers face a growing list of employee regulatory requirements, including employee rostering, timekeeping, data privacy, national and state labour laws, taxes, employee documentation, DEI initiatives, anti-discrimination regulations, work health and safety and leave policies.

For example, how does a company stay compliant if it has employees working in the office in one region and at home in a different region, with different compliance frameworks? What if an employee wants to work overseas for a few months, what are the payroll tax implications? If you work with a combination of deskless workers and in-office workers, how do you determine which workplace benefits are extended to each, while ensuring employee equity?

Luckily, modern Human Capital Management solutions contain both the breadth and accuracy to help companies handle these concerns, and they are updated constantly to ensure ongoing automated compliance within a shifting global regulatory landscape.

In addition, investments in AI can also be leveraged to manage workers of any classification in any region, ensuring a compliant work environment that increases engagement and boosts productivity.

Finally, businesses must also have a solid foundation of clean, secure, and private data and access to high-quality, diverse and representative datasets to support transparent, timely reporting.

Jennifer Wyborn, Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety Partner at Clayton Utz

Jennifer Wyborn, Workplace Relations, Employment & Safety Partner at Clayton Utz

Australias IR landscape has seen significant change in recent years, with major reforms to the Fair Work Act and other work-related legislation, including increased rights for gig workers and casual employees, a right for employees to disconnect, and a positive duty requiring employers to proactively prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. As laws continue to evolve, its crucial to understand how to navigate your responsibilities and obligations as an employer to stay ahead of the curve and ensure compliance.

Ongoing audits of your current workplace policies and procedures is key. Work with your HR and legal advisers and be sure to communicate any changes with your employees. Its important to audit regularly so youre always staying up to date with the latest law and regulation.

Its important to go further than simply ticking a box for compliance, particularly as many of the new IR laws are yet to be tested in court. Consider the risks, what future reform is coming, and how you can be prepared and compliant early.

IR laws are increasingly complex and more reform is expected, so be sure to speak with your employment lawyer to ensure youre meeting your current and future obligations.

Greg Lever, Senior Vice President & General Manager APAC at Iron Mountain

Greg Lever, Senior Vice President & General Manager APAC at Iron Mountain

Compliance regulations are essential for ensuring businesses operate ethically and within legal boundaries. However, ongoing revisions to employment laws and the Privacy Act are creating administrative headaches for SMEs, who are already running on limited resources.

As a first step, businesses must have a comprehensive understanding of the compliance requirements relevant to their industry. This may involve reaching out to a professional and subscribing to regulatory alerts or attending events. Its important to educate employees in their roles and duties on compliance issues, and ensure this training is up to date, so they can stay on top of the many moving parts.

Fortunately, there are many ways technology can help. Software and automation tools can monitor changes in compliance and ensure employees are adhering to procedures  such as using a Digital Experience Platform, where AI, for example, can automatically send reminders to employees to update their files as needed, ensuring audit-ready compliance.

Dealing with complex compliance can present significant hurdles for businesses in Australia. However, by taking a proactive approach and seeking support, compliant organisations will build trust with stakeholders, safeguard their reputation, and mitigate potential risks.

Shannon Karaka, Country Leader for ANZ at Deel

Shannon Karaka, Country Leader for ANZ at Deel

Ensuring compliance with employment laws and regulations can be a challenge for businesses, particularly as workforces become increasingly distributed and legislation evolves to accommodate an increasingly global market. To keep up with the changing conditions, companies need to have a solid, base knowledge of laws specific to the market theyre operating in and be proactive in conducting regular reviews of policies and practices. In doing so, businesses are better equipped to mitigate compliance risks, stay ahead of changes and avoid costly mistakes.

Given that navigating such laws and regulations can be complex, owing to contract nuances, taxation rights, worker rights, wage regulations and benefits that differ market-to-market, HR professionals are increasingly looking to automated technologies to help streamline and manage these intricacies. Automating routine HR processes not only can improve accuracy but also reduce administrative burden. Technology platforms that integrate seamlessly with changing employment laws can help businesses remain agile and compliant, wherever they operate.

Such solutions can also assist organisations in expansion as they can manage and consolidate local employment contracts, payroll taxes, and provide legal expertise tailored to specific regions. This ensures compliance across borders as companies adjust to new markets, leaving them to focus on scaling operations. By integrating such tools, businesses can navigate the complexities of the modern workplace more efficiently and with confidence, while meeting regulatory standards.

Stephany Dobbelstein, Director, People & Culture at Moore Australia

Stephany Dobbelstein, Director, People & Culture at Moore Australia

Ensuring compliance with employment laws is like building a houseits all about having strong foundations. The foundations of compliance consist of well drafted employment agreements, job descriptions, and workplace policies. Just as a house cant stand strong without a solid base, a business cant operate effectively without these documents in place, as there is a flow on effect into getting the award determination / classifications right for your employees.

Much like maintaining a house, compliance requires ongoing attention. Its not enough to set it and forget it. Regular reviewsideally on an annual basisare essential, particularly in our current environment where we have seen many changes to the Fair Work and Modern Awards. Consulting with your HR advisor during these reviews ensures that your foundations stay strong and aligned whilst enabling you to focus on continuing to grow your business.

Matt Loop, VP and Head of Asia at Rippling

Matt Loop, VP and Head of Asia at Rippling

Compliance with employment laws is a critical concern for businesses of all sizes, particularly in an ever-evolving regulatory landscape. The key to navigating this complexity lies in harnessing the right technology that helps simplify compliance processes.

For Australian businesses, recent changes to industrial relations laws have introduced new obligations around employee entitlements and classifications but traditional, manual processes can leave organisations vulnerable to costly errors and non-compliance. This is where a unified platform can make a significant difference. By automating employee management tasks, businesses can ensure accurate and consistent compliance with local regulations, from tracking employee hours to managing entitlements.

As more Australian companies expand internationally, they face additional complexities in adhering to the legal requirements of different markets. A centralised platform helps businesses to manage compliance across multiple jurisdictions effortlessly, providing a single source of truth for employee data and ensuring compliance is maintained globally.

In todays business environment, compliance is not just about avoiding penalties; it is key to building trust and transparency with employees. By leveraging advanced technology, businesses can turn compliance from a burden into a strategic advantage, fostering a productive and globally competitive workforce.

Ben Thompson, CEO at Employment Hero

Australian employment law is notoriously complex, covering state and federal regulations in employment, health & safety, and payroll. For example, misclassifying an employee as a contractor can lead to fines of up to $469,500 under the Closing Loopholes legislation. My top tip: invest in a comprehensive Australian employment operating system.

1. Use a Digital Employment Operating System  Built for Australia

With the Fair Work Act spanning over 1,000 pages and constant changes to laws and pay rates, manually tracking updates is impractical. Implementing an Australian employment software system reduces compliance burdens and sets you up for success.

Choosing the right provider is crucial. We employ hundreds of Australian employment lawyers, payroll experts, and HR specialists. Employment Heros operating system is built for Australia. For example, our system automatically sends the Casual Employment Information Statement to employees, avoiding penalties of up to $93,900 per breach. Relying on manual processes is too risky.

2. Use One Employment Operating System

Over the past decade, many businesses have opted for different providers for HR, payroll, benefits, and recruitment as their needs evolve. It results in tangled systems. You need a single, accurate record of your employees data to manage and pay them correctly. Using one system with one source of truth eliminates the headache of integrating multiple systems and decreases the risk of non-compliance.

David Price, CEO at Peninsula Australia and Peninsula New Zealand

As an employer, its crucial to understand what laws and regulations cover your employees. Getting it wrong can result in significant penalties, which can be incredibly damaging for a small business.

If your employees are covered by an award, you must give them at least the minimum pay and entitlements outlined in that award for the job they do, the hours they work, and when they work them.

You also need to consider the employees duties, level of experience and qualifications, as these may impact their classification and corresponding rate of pay under the relevant award. Employees classification levels should be reviewed regularly as they progress in their employment to ensure theyre still being paid correctly.

Where theres a registered agreement such as an enterprise agreement, it will usually apply instead of the applicable modern award. If an employee isnt covered by a modern award or registered agreement, they are considered to be award or agreement free. The National Employment Standards (NES) and national minimum wage set out the minimum terms and conditions for award-free employees.

Australian employment legislation can be complex, confusing, and time-consuming to navigate. I advise employers to seek professional advice to help ensure theyre achieving compliance.

Sabrina Scherm, Customer Success Manager at HiBob

Sabrina Scherm, Customer Success Manager at HiBob

Compliance with federal and state employment laws can be challenging, especially for smaller businesses that dont have the same resources as larger organisations. The key lies in being proactive rather than reactive, in order to avoid costly mistakes. Regular training for managers and HR teams is essential, as theyre on the front line and responsible for implementing policies correctly. This training should cover crucial areas such as hiring practices, employee termination, and wage standards.

Maintaining detailed employee records is also essential. Accurate records not only help meet legal obligations but also ensure fairness in compensation, career progression, and performance management  which can go a long way in building trust with employees. Tools like the Fair Work calculator can be invaluable, helping to simplify compliance with wage standards.

Ultimately, compliance is about more than avoiding penalties  its about creating a workplace culture that values fairness, transparency, and respect  a strong foundation for long-term success.

Rose Dimitrious, Special Counsel at Holding Redlich

Rose Dimitrious, Special Counsel at Holding Redlich

The workplace law landscape has significantly transformed in recent years, leaving SMEs in a difficult position as they navigate and ensure compliance with the various changes.

Our top tip for ensuring compliance is to consider how these changes might affect you.

The most recent change is the new right to disconnect laws which came into effect in August for employers with 15 or more employees. The right allows workers to refuse unreasonable contact outside of work hours. For employers with fewer than 15 employees, this legal right will commence on 26 August 2025.

The legal position for determining whether a contractor is really an employee now emphasises the practical realities of the engagement. This impacts how you accurately classify your workers. Finally, if you have casuals, make sure they are treated like casuals in practice.

Practically speaking, you should take advantage of free webinars and seminars run by employment lawyers to stay informed about the new changes. Leverage your LinkedIn network to find upcoming seminars and read articles from employment lawyers to broaden your understanding. For example, this recent article provides guidance on how to mitigate risks associated with employees posting on social media at work.

Aisling MacNamara, Director of Learning, Enablement & Inclusion at LearnUpon

Aisling MacNamara, Director of Learning, Enablement & Inclusion at LearnUpon

As compliance training is required and often legally enforced, it demands a more formal process than other learning and development. Many organisations find it challenging to ensure employees complete their training and to track which courses have been finished and when, leaving them vulnerable to risk.

A learning management system (LMS) allows the delivery of compliance training in an easy-to-access and engaging way for employees. Additionally, with its reporting, it makes the tracking of compulsory training easier. This reduces the complexity involved, bringing a layer of automation to compliance training.

Running compliance training programs without a safety net isnt a good idea, especially considering the repercussions involved. With the right LMS, organisations can build an assessment and certification engine that automatically enrols, tests, and certifies employees so organisations are always audit-ready.

Kay Eriksson, Chief Operating Officer at Whizdom

Kay Eriksson, Chief Operating Officer at Whizdom

To ensure compliance with employment laws, businesses need a solid framework for monitoring, training, and adapting to legal standards. Stay up to date on labour laws, including fair work practices, anti-discrimination, and occupational health and safety. Implement training programs to ensure staff understand their legal responsibilities.

Conducting internal audits, helps with identifying gaps and provides opportunities for correcting compliance issues. External audits offer fresh perspectives and ensure alignment with industry standards. Adopting digital tools streamlines contract management and documentation. Systems such as Cm3 assist in maintaining compliance with health and safety regulations, while feedback systems help monitor ongoing compliance. Certifications, like ISO 9001, promote continuous improvement, ensuring alignment with legal and client expectations.

When compliance is seen as a shared responsibility, recruitment becomes a true partnership. Whizdom has spent years building a strong, reliable business because we believe clients should trust their recruitment partner to uphold high legal and ethical standards, just as candidates deserve transparency and fairness throughout the hiring process. This shared approach fosters lasting relationships based on professionalism and accountability.

Ilona Charles, Co-Founder of Shilo and Author of HR for Impact

Ilona Charles, Co-Founder of Shilo and Author of HR for Impact

To ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations in Australia, start by familiarising yourself with the Fair Work Act and other relevant legislation, including state-specific laws. Regularly review updates from the Fair Work Ombudsman and other regulatory bodies.

Implement comprehensive policies that address hiring practices, wages, workplace safety, and anti-discrimination measures. Training programs for management and employees are essential to promote awareness and adherence to these policies. Keeping up with changes to employment laws can be challenging; consider consulting with legal experts or HR professionals to navigate complex regulations and create a robust compliance framework that adapts to the changing legal environment. In addition, local employer associations and bodies provide access to employee relations specialists and provide comprehensive updates and training for members and non-members. A culture of transparency, openness and clear reporting mechanisms for employees will support the embedding of compliance processes and greater adherence to policy.

Peter Colacino, Contracts Ambassador  ANZ at NEC

Peter Colacino, Contracts Ambassador  ANZ at NEC

With the competition for skills in Australia running hot, Australian businesses need to go beyond the adherence and compliance with employment regulation to offer additional benefits and protection for employees.

In skill-constrained industries, such as construction and major project delivery, businesses must strive to be an employer-of-choice by demonstrating an employee-centric culture. While a safety culture was historically a paramount focus, a deeper view of wellbeing is now critical. This may involve embracing Equality, Diversity and Inclusivity (EDI), incorporating flexible working practices or embracing a culture of collaboration.

Culture change requires more than good intent or industry-scale commitment to change. An enabling organisation culture and a modern commercial environment are critical. The adoption of contemporary contracting approaches, such as the NEC suite, coupled with a supportive organisation culture are the foundations for moving beyond compliance to leadership.

Jennifer McKennariey, CEO at Dynamic Capabilities Consulting

The cost of non-compliance can be detrimental  not just financially, but also to workplace morale.

Begin with providing new employees with Fair Work Information Statements and classifying roles correctly under the appropriate award or enterprise agreement. Issue employment contracts clearly outlining wages, benefits, and conditions. Regularly review job descriptions to maintain alignment with evolving responsibilities and document all classifications and entitlements.

Operational management must prioritise compliance awareness. Ensure all employees understand compliance requirements, including work allocation, entitlements, health/safety regulations, and communications regarding working hours/shift changes. Ensure operating hours and rosters meet business needs while respecting employees rights to disconnect and take breaks.

Implement reliable time and attendance systems, and maintain complete employee records, including contracts, Fair Work statements and communications. Familiarise yourself with ATO guidelines on PAYG withholding. Maintain a reliable payroll system and document all system configuration changes.

Conduct (at least) annual risk and compliance audits to identify potential issues. Verify pay rates against minimum entitlements, ensuring superannuation contributions are accurately calculated and paid promptly.

There are nuanced workforce compliance complexities across different industries and business models. Dynamic Capabilities Consulting offers customisable workforce compliance self-assessment tools designed to help organisations achieve cost-effective compliance and promote positive workplace culture.

Tracy Ford, Founder & HR Consultant at Concept HR Services

Tracy Ford, Founder & HR Consultant at Concept HR Services

Ensuring compliance with employment laws requires careful attention to the entire employment lifecyclefrom hiring, onboarding, and managing staff, to offboarding, pay and benefits, and health and safety. In Australia, various federal and state laws are governed by bodies such as Fair Work, Safe Work, and the Australian Human Rights Commission, to name a few. As an HR professional, I stay informed through updates, case law, membership of professional associations and engaging with a network of HR and employment experts.

Regularly reviewing policies, procedures, contracts, and workplace practices is crucial to ensure they align with current legal standards. Compliance audits, accurate recordkeeping, and the use of software for tasks such as payroll and leave management help mitigate risks. If you dont have the expertise in-house, consider outsourcing to an HR or employment expert.

Training managers on legal requirements and addressing issues like harassment or discrimination early not only helps prevent costly legal disputes, but it also ensures a fair and positive workplace culture. Utilise audit tools and checklists available from government websites such as Fair Work and Safe Work to ensure that all aspects of your employment practices are compliant and regularly updated as regulations evolve.

Walter Scremin, CEO at Ontime Delivery Solutions

Compliance with employment laws and regulations may extend to organisations and contractors you outsource services to.

Labour hire laws apply to outsourced suppliers, and its important to ensure your suppliers are licensed under your states labour hire laws.

Importantly, it is your responsibility as a business to ensure suppliers are properly licensed.

Mistakes can be costly, and penalties severe. According to the Labour Hire Authority in Victoria: Maximum penalties exceeding $600,000 for a corporation and $150,000 for an individual apply under the Act for providing labour hire services without a licence, or engaging unlicensed labour hire services.

Ensure you check that any suppliers are properly licensed. And seek good legal advice.

Dan Copsey, Group Chief Executive Officer at Agency Stack

Dan Copsey, Group Chief Executive Officer at Agency Stack

Before you can ensure compliance with employment laws and regulations, you need to understand and know what you need to be compliant with. It takes a conscious effort to keep up to date with any business laws. Reading and subscribing to relevant media and newsletters is one way to keep abreast of any updates, changes or fluctuations. Trade media is especially important to read as different industries have different legal requirements. This is something Ive learnt first-hand through my experience across the construction, hospitality, advertising and NFP industries.

Hiring external trusted advisors who can guide you can also be beneficial for ensuring compliance, however if you seek expert support, its important you dont rest on your laurels. As a business owner, you cant be naive to the law. Having time carved out of your diary on a regular basis to inform yourself on the latest employment updates is essential for adherence.

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On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, leaders from various countries have expressed their hopes to deepen friendly cooperation with China and make joint contributions to global sustainable development.

Congratulating China on its remarkable development achievements in the past 75 years, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the Serbian side is sincerely joyful over these achievements, and is confident in China's development prospects.

Faced with a complex international situation, the peoples of Serbia and China have always shared common philosophies and are committed to developing friendly relations, allowing the solid friendship between the two countries to continue to shine, Vucic said.

Pointing out that the practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields has yielded fruitful results, Vucic said he believes more cooperative projects will be implemented in the future for the benefit of the two peoples.

"China is a stabilizing force in international affairs and an important driving force for global economic growth," said Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, adding that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved national independence.

Over the past 75 years, China has continuously promoted technological development and innovation, contributing Chinese wisdom to the improvement of the world's political, economic, and cultural landscape, Zardari said.

China has clear development goals and remarkable achievements in the fields of economy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, which have attracted worldwide attention, said Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Emphasizing the deep friendship between Cyprus and China despite geographical distance, Christodoulides said that the Cypriot side sincerely appreciates China's long-term support on the Cyprus issue and is unwaveringly committed to the one-China policy.

The Cypriot side firmly supports the development of EU-China relations and is ready to work with China to further advance Cyprus-China and EU-China relations, he said.

Maltese President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that since Malta established diplomatic relations with China, the two countries have maintained friendly relations, mutual trust, and strong bilateral development, adding that the Maltese side looks forward to further enhancing cooperation with China for the benefit of the two peoples.

Noting that the Pakistan-China friendship is "unbreakable," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries firmly support each other on issues involving their core interests.

Pakistan is ready to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of energy, agriculture, mining, information technology, and people's livelihoods, promote interaction between businesses of the two countries, support the high-quality development of Pakistan's economy, jointly build an "upgraded version" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and promote the construction of a closer Pakistan-China community of shared future in the new era, Sharif said.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov said that China has embarked on a successful path of modernization, and the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is uniting more and more countries.

Currently, Kyrgyzstan is undergoing large-scale economic reforms to improve the well-being of its people, and China's experience is of great significance for Kyrgyzstan, Japarov said, adding that Kyrgyzstan hopes to further strengthen friendship and cooperation with China, which will create new opportunities for the prosperity and development of both countries.

China's poverty alleviation efforts have provided valuable lessons for "Global South" countries, said Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, praising China's adherence to its own development path and its efforts to promote common development of the world.

Over the 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Bahamas and China, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields, said Davis, adding that the Bahamian side is ready to work hand in hand with China to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and jointly voice the concerns of developing countries on important issues.

President of the National Assembly of Thailand Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that over the 49 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, the two countries' relations and cooperation have continuously deepened.

This year, the two countries signed the visa-free agreement, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations, and it is believed to promote closer exchanges in trade, investment, tourism, and other fields between the two countries, said Matha.

Thailand is willing to cooperate more closely with China, and use the strong bond of Thai-Chinese relations to enhance the well-being of Thailand, as well as regional countries and peoples.

China has achieved a level of development that the world admires, said Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Laszlo Kover.

In recent years, China-Hungary economic and trade cooperation has been continuously deepened, and it is believed that bilateral exchanges and cooperation will continue to flourish, said Kover.

Luis Redondo, president of the National Congress of Honduras, spoke highly of China's achievements in modernization and commended China's contributions to world peace and development.

He reiterated the firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to deepen the relationship between Honduras and China for the benefit of both peoples.

Redondo also expressed willingness to work together with China to promote high-quality BRI cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and contribute to the great practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
Starting from July 1, 2025, parents taking Commonwealth Paid Parental Leave will begin receiving Superannuation Guarantee (SG) contributions on their government payments.

These contributions will be deposited into their nominated super funds the following year and taxed at the current rate of 15%. The estimated payment for 24 weeks of paid parental leave in 2025 will be $2,900, increasing to $3,140 in 2026 as the scheme expands to 26 weeks.

The oppositions attempts to amend the bill were unsuccessful. They proposed allowing parents to choose between a one-off cash payment equivalent to their super entitlement or an extra two weeks of leave. However, critics, including the Super Members Council, argued that this would undermine the primary goal of the legislation: to increase super balances for new mothers and address the gender super gap.

Modeling by AustralianSuper reveals a stark contrast in retirement savings: a 30-year-old man earning an average wage of $1,983 per week is projected to retire with around $882,000 in superannuation, while a woman earning $1,745 per week will likely retire with approximately $737,000a gap of $145,000.

Sabrina Scherm, Customer Success Manager at HiBob said: Women traditionally take more time off to care for children, often at the cost of their superannuation, which is why they retire with 25% less super than men. Introducing 12% super contributions during parental leave is a crucial step in closing that gap, promoting financial security for parents without sacrificing their future  a game-changer for Australian families.

But, its important to acknowledge childcare is a business issue, and modern companies need to support flexible work arrangements that reduce travel and childcare costs. By offering hybrid work models and clear performance benchmarks, businesses can create an environment where parents  particularly women who are disproportionately affected  can manage school drop-offs and pick-ups while thriving both personally and professionally. Businesses should also prioritise implementing inclusive parental leave policies that encourage shared caregiving responsibilities and processes that ensure parents feel confident taking leave and transitioning back to work. This will help to level the playing field by ensuring no parent is unfairly disadvantaged and support greater female participation in the workforce.

Implications for businesses

Although the governments move is a strong step forward, businesses need to take the reins in closing the gender pay gap by voluntarily contributing superannuation payments in addition to the government. HiBobs research shows only 36% of women believe organisations are doing enough to close the gap, highlighting the need for pay audits, leadership accountability, and initiatives that rebuild trust. By taking these steps, businesses can show real commitment to gender equality and create a more inclusive workplace.

Increased Payroll Costs

One of the most immediate impacts of the new legislation is the increased financial burden on businesses. With the superannuation guarantee (SG) rate set to rise to 12% by July 2025, companies must account for additional contributions during parental leave periods. This is especially challenging for small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) with limited financial resources.

Administrative Changes

Implementing the new legislation also necessitates administrative changes for businesses. Payroll systems must be updated to accurately track super contributions, and HR departments may require additional training to ensure compliance. Furthermore, the increased scrutiny from government agencies and auditors can add to the administrative workload.

Employee Benefits and Retention

On the positive side, mandating super contributions during parental leave can enhance employee benefits and improve retention rates. Offering such support can make businesses more attractive to potential employees and foster loyalty among existing staff.

Hiring Practices

In todays competitive job market, companies may need to emphasize parental leave policies and super contributions to attract top talent. This could involve revising recruitment strategies and highlighting these benefits in job postings.

Increased Gender Equity

The new legislation is a significant step towards closing the gender superannuation gap, which has long disadvantaged women. By mandating contributions during parental leave, the government is promoting a more equitable workforce and fostering a positive corporate image.

Long-Term Financial Implications

The long-term implications of the new legislation extend beyond immediate costs. By increasing superannuation accumulation, employees are better prepared for retirement, which benefits the overall economy. Additionally, supported employees are more likely to return to work with increased engagement and productivity.

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The number of international students coming to Vietnam for self-funded education is steadily rising, with the majority from Laos, Cambodia, China, South Korea, and Singapore.

A study conducted earlier this year among 120 universities in Vietnam and over 30 experts, found that international students fall into two main categories: short-term students (for summer courses, exchanges, etc.) and long-term students (for four-year bachelors programs or two-year masters programs). Each year, approximately 1,4003,900 short-term and 4,3005,000 long-term students are admitted.

"The number of international students declined slightly during the Covid-19 pandemic but has been rising again in the past two to three years, particularly in the self-funded category," said Pham Hiep, Director of the Institute for Research on Education and Knowledge Transfer at Thanh Do University in Hanoi.

Over the past five years, the number of long-term international students was 4,831 in 2019, which then dropped over two consecutive years to a low of 4,352, before increasing to 5,021. For short-term students, after a sharp decline in 2020, numbers have continuously risen, reaching 3,927, according to a study conducted by the Ministry of Education and Training and the British Council, presented by Hiep, a member of the research team, at a conference last week.

Nguyen Xuan Vang, former Director of the International Cooperation Department under the Ministry of Education and Training, evaluated these results as encouraging. He noted that, in the past, most foreign students came to Vietnam under government-sponsored scholarship agreements. Today, however, the number of self-funded or partially self-funded international students is steadily increasing.

International students come to Vietnam to study various fields, such as medicine, pharmacy, economics, business, as well as culture and languages. Students from Laos and Cambodia often choose medicine and pharmacy programs due to their high quality, which provides employment opportunities back home. Western students, on the other hand, typically enroll in exchange programs to study culture or Vietnamese studies, Vang added.

According to the study, the top five countries with the most long-term students in Vietnam are Laos, Cambodia, China, South Korea, and Singapore. The top five countries sending the most short-term students are South Korea, China, Singapore, the Philippines, and France.

One reason for this growing trend is that Vietnamese universities have joined international student mobility programs, launched advanced training courses, and increasingly use English as the language of instruction. Additionally, Asia is becoming a more popular destination for international students. Besides earning degrees, students also seek cultural experiences to broaden their employment prospects.

Vang believes that international students contribute to Vietnams economic growth, cultural exchange, increased political influence, and foster greater understanding of Vietnam among international communities.

Tran Thi Ly, a lecturer at Deakin University in Australia, noted that this trend also enhances the internationalization of Vietnamese higher education and improves university rankings. Domestic students benefit from developing their English skills and learning in a multicultural environment. Moreover, it provides opportunities for teachers to innovate and internationalize their curricula.

"International students will become cultural ambassadors, promoting Vietnam abroad. Additionally, their tuition revenue helps support universities," Ly said.

For decades, Vietnam has been the third-largest net exporter of students, with 129,000 Vietnamese studying abroad, far exceeding the number of foreign students studying in Vietnam. Singapore and Malaysia faced a similar situation in the early 2000s but have since moved towards balance and are now net importers, attracting large numbers of students.

To further establish Vietnam as an international education destination, Hiep suggested developing more training programs in English or other languages, improving facilities like dormitories, and offering opportunities for students to engage with associations or connection hubs. Additionally, the government should implement a more targeted strategy for internationalizing education, such as setting goals for international student enrollment, allowing foreign universities to open campuses in Vietnam, and introducing favorable visa policies.
The joint statement reads that during the trip, the Vietnamese leader had talks with Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh, Chairman of the Parliament Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan, and Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene.



The two countries leaders highly valued the traditional friendship between Vietnam and Mongolia, which has been enhanced and expanded strongly over the last 70 years. They also discussed orientations for developing bilateral ties in the time ahead, along with some regional and international issues of shared concern.

The host leaders affirmed that Mongolia always views Vietnam as an important partner in Southeast Asia and wishes to develop mutually beneficial cooperation in all spheres.



Meanwhile, Vietnam underlined that it attaches importance to fostering relations with Mongolia, respects the latters peace-loving, open, independent, and multi-pillar foreign policy as well as the "third neighbor" policy, and hopes to further promote bilateral ties in the coming time.



The leaders of both countries held that the development and intensification of the Vietnam - Mongolia relations match common interests of the two peoples, significantly contributing to regional and global peace, stability, and development. They agreed to elevate bilateral ties to the comprehensive partnership and continue to boost cooperation expansion.

In particular, Vietnam and Mongolia will strengthen political cooperation through such measures as increasing mutual visits, exchanges, and meetings at all levels between their parties, states, governments, and parliaments; bolstering ties between the legislative bodies; and maintaining the effectiveness of the political consultation mechanism at the deputy foreign minister level.



They will expand cooperation in national defense, security, and law enforcement, as well as economic, trade, and investment partnerships.



Result-oriented collaboration will be fostered in such areas as agriculture, science, transportation, culture, sports, tourism, education, labor, environment, and social protection.



Besides, the two countries will also reinforce cooperation in regional and international affairs, including within the framework of international and regional organisations and the response to non-traditional security threats such as climate change, terrorism, and transnational crimes. The leaders also underscored the importance of maintaining peace, security, and stability in the East Sea, along with peacefully resolving disputes on the basis of the United Nations Charter and, especially, the 1982 UN Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

During the visit, the two sides also inked several cooperation documents.



The countries leaders shared the view that the state visit to Mongolia by General Secretary and President Lam significantly helps to orient and open up the prospect for the friendship and cooperation between the two countries, according to the joint statement.
Spink Comhaltas celebrated Culture Night 2024 with a wonderful evening of music in Aylwards Rural Museum in Durrow.

The night was also held in tandem with the groups annual awards evening.

In memory of Cathal Clooney, who sadly passed away in April 2021, a perpetual plate was donated by his parents and brother  Anne Marie, Willie and Liam. This award joins the existing Stella Lynch Award as the two major internal branch awards for outstanding junior members. The Stella Lynch award is intended primarily for senior musicians who demonstrate outstanding leadership over a number of years. This years worthy recipient is Daniel Aylward. Cathal Clooney was awarded this posthumously in 2021.

In donating the plate in memory of Cathal, his parents noted that they intended this to be a stepping stone for younger, junior musicians. It is intended to recognise musicians who have consistently worked hard at developing their music skills, represent the branch with pride, encourage younger musicians, and displays commitment and leadership to help out with all of the community events the branch supports. They hope that this award will encourage younger musicians to take an active part in the branch, and they believe that by doing so they will reflect the values of the branch  values which were important to Cathal, and which he amply demonstrated over his life. The inaugural winners of the Cathal Clooney Memorial Award are Katie and Lucy Doyle. Everyone in Spink Comhaltas would like to congratulate Katie, Lucy and Daniel on being this years recipients of the awards.

Playing to a full house, the evening featured current and past senior musicians of the branch. The event was also a celebration of the formal end of the 2023/24 season before music classes for the new 2024 season commence on 4 October. As part of this celebration, the branch congratulated all the musicians for all of their great achievements during the year. On the competition front, this included Fleadh winners at Laois, Leinster and All Ireland level. Community events included St Patricks Day in Spink and Abbeyleix, supporting Abbeyleix Tidy Towns, Seachtain na Gaeilge, a successful Guinness Book of Records worlds largest ceili band, and many other events with other local groups. Branch outings included a memorable trip to Emerald Part in Co Meath. On the education side, 30 Spink musicians successfully completed the SCT Music Exams, ranging from Elementary to Grade 8  all with excellent results.

The major event of the year, however, was a charity fund-raising concert in memory of a past member, Cathal Clooney, which was held in March. This event featured the Spink Comhaltas Trad Orchestra, which was joined by music teachers and past members of the branch. With tremendous support from across our community, as well as Cathals school mates in Heywood Community School, this event raised 18,500 for 3 charities  Jack & Jill Foundation, Make a Wish Ireland, and Debra Ireland.

To get the next year off to a strong start, a group of 40 Spink musicians are travelling to Liverpool to meet and perform with a number of Comhaltas branches there. We are very much looking forward to this trip and have a packed agenda over 3 days in Liverpool.

This years music class schedule is full. There are a limited number of spaces for intermediate and experienced musicians at age 15 to 18, but we have been overwhelmed with junior applications, so with in excess of 200 students, we regret that we cannot take more applications at this time.

Spink Comhaltas provides traditional Irish music lessons to members from Laois and bordering areas in Kilkenny, Carlow, and Kildare. With a comprehensive instrument bank to support members learning music in a cost-effective way, Spink prepares musicians for Fleadh Cheoil as well as traditional Irish music examinations. Most importantly, the tradition of playing and enjoying Irish music is being handed on to a new generation. More information is available at www.spinkcomhaltas.ie
A YOUNG mother-of-four with lung cancer has appealed to the government to recognise the desperate financial struggles faced by many people with serious illnesses.

Laois woman Samantha Vaughan is helping to spearhead an Irish Cancer Society campaign, urging the government to cut costs and fund a national strategy in Budget 2025.

The 48-year-old, who was diagnosed only by chance last year, worked as an area manager with Fast Foods until a cancer nodule was found in her left lung. Now just a year over her surgery, she will be on cancer treatment for at least three years.

The Borris-in-Ossory resident explained: Going from a full-time wage to nothing in a short space of time is so stressful and a lot of pressure to bear and needless to say it doesnt help with what you are having to deal with when you have a cancer diagnosis or indeed any type of serious or chronic disease.

Its morally wrong for the government not to be helping with the financial costs of becoming seriously or chronically ill.

Im the type of person who always believes others need help before me, but through the encouragement of the medics I realised that I too needed and deserved financial help such as a medical card. I didnt ask or want to become sick. Trying to live off 200 per week is not easy. Ms Vaughans children range in age from 30 to 15 and along with travel costs to Cork University Hospital (CUH), tolls, parking fees, a mortgage and living expenses there is not much left in the kitty as she was the primary breadwinner in the house as her husband also lives with an illness.

As well as calling for sustained, recurrent funding for the National Cancer Strategy, the Irish Cancer Society wants the government to cut the costs in the budget and stop the endless charges on vulnerable cancer patients and their families.

They are calling for funding for hospitals to abolish car parking charges for cancer patients, medical cards for all cancer patients upon diagnosis, until their treatment is finished and automatic entitlement to the Household Benefits Package and Fuel Allowance and Additional Needs Payment.

Other areas they are calling on the government to not be found wanting in are with the introduction of electricity credits for cancer patients in palliative care for the remainder of their life, abolition of prescription charges for all medical card holders, reduction of the Drugs Payment Scheme threshold to at least 72 per month and expansion of the Domiciliary Care Allowance eligibility criteria from 16 to 18 years of age.

Ms Vaughan added that getting a cancer diagnosis and then grappling with the financial implications felt and continues to feel like a huge burden at a time when she should have been resting.

You're constantly trying to think ahead of the cancer. I had to wait three months for a medical card to cover me and that was after a huge battle to get it. I thought I would be back at work after a few months as Im that type of person but to be told it could be three years or longer is a massive blow. I want to give back what I can and help others. Ms Vaughan is determined to highlight this burdening issue, help others who have to deal with an illness which shouldnt become a financial crisis.
A woman poses for pictures amid tourists visiting the Badaling section of the Great Wall on the National Day holiday in Beijing, China, Oct. 1, 2023. Photo by Reuters

Citizens of Cyprus, Denmark, Greece, and Slovenia will be granted visa-free entry to China starting mid-October, increasing the total number of European countries benefiting from this policy to 17.

From Oct. 15, 2024, to Dec. 31, 2025, holders of ordinary passports from these four countries will be eligible for a visa exemption when visiting China for purposes such as business, tourism, visiting relatives, or transiting for up to 15 days, according to China Daily, citing Foreign Ministry spokesman Lin Jian.

Previously, citizens from Austria, Belgium, France, Germany, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Spain, and Switzerland were also permitted short visa-free stays in China, a policy that remains in effect until the end of 2025.

China welcomed an estimated 95 million inbound tourists in the first nine months of this year, representing a 55.4% year-on-year increase, according to the Xinhua News Agency. This figure is equivalent to 93.4% of the inbound tourist numbers for the same period in 2019.

To further accommodate international visitors, the Chinese government has mandated that major tourist attractions accept a range of payment methods, including foreign bank cards, QR codes, and cash.
By Cate McCurry, PA

The Tanaiste has condemned Irans missile attack on Israel as reckless, as senior figures in government called for efforts to be made to avoid a catastrophic second front of war in the Middle East.

Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin expressed sympathy with the Israeli people in the face of this aggression by Iran.

He said officials are in contact with the Irish embassy in Tel Aviv and its representatives in Ramallah and encouraged Irish citizens to follow the advice of authorities.

Earlier on Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

Mr Martin said he was very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

He said there would be an extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion and that potentially leaving more than a million people displaced is unacceptable.

This continuing escalation needs to stop, Mr Martin said.

The consequences of widening regional conflict would be disastrous for all the peoples of the region.

I urge all leaders to think of the immediate and long-term consequences of their actions.

We need to see immediate ceasefires in Gaza and in Lebanon, the release of hostages and a return to diplomatic and political pathways to bring this cycle of violence to an end.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaks to the media at Government Buildings in Dublin (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

Taoiseach Simon Harris said that Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Mr Harris said: The Government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

In a statement, Irelands Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish peacekeepers were safe and are maintaining force protection measures.

Mr Martin said the incursion is in a different area (to) where our troops are located.

Defence Forces Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said on Tuesday: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.

While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well-trained to handle any increased volatility.

Mr Harris paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, he said.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive, and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Trocaire is gravely concerned by the unprecedented escalation of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and the latest incursion into southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/5AR3T2f7OL  Trocaire (@trocaire) October 1, 2024

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
TIMES STAFF WRITER

A North Hollywood man who convinced his young victims he was a space alien recruiting them for a utopian society in a faraway galaxy was sentenced to 20 years in state prison Friday for molesting two 13-year-old girls.

Barry A. Briskman, 59, already is serving a 10-year sentence in Nevada for using the same elaborate ruse to seduce a 12-year-old runaway, prosecutor Steven J. Ipsen said.

The techniques he used were the same used to convince adults to buy swampland in Florida, Ipsen said. The girls, he added, all came from broken homes and were especially vulnerable to Briskmans stories.

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According to court records, from mid-1990 through early 1991, Briskman claimed to be an alien from the planet Cablell, recruiting a team of girls with superior beauty and intelligence for a female-dominated utopian society led by a Queen Hiternia, who was based atop the Tropicana hotel in Las Vegas.

But first, he told the victims, they had to double their IQs and break down their sub-cons, or subconscious intelligence barriers.

It began with strip poker to break down our sub-cons, one victim recalled. Later, she said, they had intercourse so he could inject the Earth girls with IRFs--immunities to ward off space diseases during their travels in his spaceship, parked at Lake Tahoe.

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After each encounter, Briskman convincingly dialed Andy, the Cablellian computer, model Andrak 4000. The computer gave readouts of the girls sub-con and IRF levels. Once they acquired 100 IRFs, they were ready for space travel.

Hes a classic pedophile, said Detective John Vannerson of the Los Angeles Police Departments Sexually Exploited Child Unit. He spins a magical tale of seduction.

I dont feel like I was the smartest of people for going along, conceded one of the victims, a former child actress. He led me to believe many, many things. I wanted to believe them, she told Superior Court Judge Kathryne Ann Stoltz in Van Nuys.

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Its mental rape, she explained. He manipulated us. He brainwashed us. He started out gradually and it just kept going and going. It was the Energizer Bunny. I didnt know I was going to have sex with him when I started. It was a team and we were going to be best friends.

Ipsen and the two 18-year-old victims had urged Stoltz to sentence Briskman to the maximum term--nearly 33 years in state prison. But the judge set sentence at 20 years--to run concurrently with the Nevada sentence--because he had agreed to plead guilty Thursday to 14 counts of sexually molesting minors.

The plea caught Ipsen and the girls by surprise. Although Stoltz had been ready to sentence Briskman on Thursday, one of the victims pleaded with her to wait another day so the other victim could be present.

Balding, gangly and pale with a fringe of white hair and thick glasses, Briskman sat with his back toward his victims while both gave heart-wrenching statements.

One was ready to move on, if not to forgive and forget. The other was not.

One of these days, when you come to grips with what happened, I hope peace comes to you, said the first, as Briskman turned and their eyes locked.

Hes a hairy, gross, perverted old man and he just makes me so sick, said the other, sobbing. I never had a father in my life. I trusted him as a father figure and he betrayed that trust. Now Im afraid of people. Im afraid of men. I dont like to talk about how I feel, and I feel absolutely crazy--mostly because of him. I just dont know anything anymore.

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It was a highly unusual and bizarre case, Stoltz observed Friday, ordering Briskman to pay $10,000 in restitution. The pain and anguish of the victims has reverberated in this courtroom. . . . I think it affected everyone here, including Mr. Briskman.

The judge praised the girls for having the courage to come forward with their story, knowing adults might disbelieve them. Their tales of molestation here led authorities in Nevada to prosecute Briskman. Prosecutors in Van Nuys pressed forward with the charges here because Briskman could be paroled in Nevada as early as December.
On 30 September the United Nations (UN) Security Council (UNSC) renewed its authorisation for the deployment of a Kenyan-led multinational security support mission to Haiti (MSS) for another 12 months.

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On 30 September the 37criminal court of Rio de Janeiro announced that it had convictedfor participating in one of Brazils most high-profile assassinations in recent years, the 2018 killing of Rio city councillor

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Police in Bethlehem Township have tracked down and cleared a man suspected of attempting to abduct a child Thursday.

Our criminal investigations unit was able to identify and interview the person ... and determined that no attempted abduction took place. This incident has now been closed. Thank you all for your assistance, the department posted on Facebook at 3:30 p.m. Tuesday.

The department had asked for the publics help on Tuesday to track down a black Ford Explorer SUV in connection with the abduction claim. Now police say the person driving the car did not attempt to abduct a child.

The investigation concerned a girl in the area of area of 2nd & Washington streets around 2:35 p.m. Thursday.

The child feared she was in danger and ran to safety, according to witnesses.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
A dog was snatched from a Bethlehem apartment Monday as its owner briefly trekked outside the home, city police said.

Bethlehem Police Capt. Nicholas Lechman told lehighvalleylive.com the incident happened around 1:30 p.m. at The Armory Apartments, in the 300 block of Prospect Avenue. The case is being described as a burglary incident, Lechman said.

An adult woman entered the unlocked home once the victim was outside. The suspect then snatched the brown German Shorthaired Pointer breed, he said.

City police are describing the female suspect as wearing an orange or dark yellow hat; white T-shirt; jeans; and white-and-black Nike Jordan brand sneakers at the time of the incident. The suspect was seen fleeing in a dark SUV.

Lechman said investigators currently have a tentative identification and more information about the suspect could be released later Tuesday.

Those with information are asked to call the Bethlehem Police Department at 610-865-7000 or email BethlehemPolice@bethlehem-pa.gov.

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Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com.
After seven months of testimony and arguments, a hearing regarding a drip irrigation field may be nearing its end.

River Pointe Logistics Center has asked the Upper Mount Bethel Township Zoning Hearing Board for a special exception to allow a sewage disposal field to be installed for a proposed 800-acre industrial development.

The plan is to create a wastewater and sewer system for the development that will dispose of treated sewage on a neighboring 90-acre property on Potomac Street.

The hearing began in February and has continued each month with testimony from the developers engineers and experts.

A group of residents also hired a lawyer to object to the proposal and the township board of supervisors hired its own attorney to participate in the hearing to represent the townships interests.

The next meeting is scheduled for 7 p.m. Oct. 3 at the municipal building at 387 Ye Olde Highway.

While some closing arguments by lawyers are still expected, the zoning hearing board solicitor said he hopes the board can begin deliberations at the next meeting. The board will need to vote on whether to grant the special exception.

The township does not have a public sewer system. Residents and businesses mainly rely on on-site wells and septic systems.

The developer has said the wastewater system will fully treat any water released into the drip irrigation field. Objectors said they are concerned about wastewater being disposed near residential properties, especially considering it is unknown what types of industries will eventually populate the development.

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John Best is a freelance contributor to lehighvalleylive.com. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook.
Last year Haiti stood on the brink of total collapse. Gangs raged in the capital; the political leadership crumbled; violence flared, and famine loomed.

Since then, the United States and international partners have come together to help the Haitian people in their time of need.

At an event hosted by the United States on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Secretary of State Antony Blinken spoke of the progress Haiti has made in recent months: the country has a new prime minister, a Transitional Presidential Council and a cabinet; in a key step toward free and fair elections, seven of nine members of the Provisional Electoral Council have been named; and the Kenyan-led Multinational Security Support mission, the MSS, authorized by the Security Council, is providing critical support to the Haitian National Police.

Over 380 Kenyan personnel are on the ground in Haiti. In the past several weeks, the first CARICOM contingents arrived  from Jamaica and Belize. We anticipate more personnel from Jamaica  as well as the Bahamas  deploying soon. Weve seen dramatic increases in the number of vehicles and equipment for both the MSS and the police, said Secretary Blinken. Already, the HNP [Haitian National Police] and MSS are conducting increasingly sophisticated joint operations and patrols. These operations have strict measures in place to uphold human rights and ensure accountability for any transgressions.

Immense challenges remain, said Secretary Blinken. The United States remains committed to help address Haitis immediate needs and invest in its long-term success.

Weve already delivered well over $300 million to support the Multinational Security Support mission  armored vehicles, radios, night-vision goggles, drones. Today, I can announce that were committing an additional $160 million to support the Haitian National Police, invest in the community violence prevention, and lay the groundwork for Haitis recovery and stability.

Secretary Blinken also announced more U.S. sanctions to promote accountability for those who terrorize the Haitian people.

Im here as well to underscore Haitis call for more support for the MSS  to fund more personnel, more armored vehicles, more drones, more radios, more generators. Each of us must step up, and the time to do that is now.

Haitis security, its democracy, its future, said Secretary Blinken, depend on actions we take together.
Laois' stunning Ballyfin Demesne has become one of the first Irish hotels to be awarded a Michelin Key.



Ballyfin received the highest honour of three Michelin Keys at The Michelin Guide Great Britain & Ireland Awards.

This impressive accolade from Michelin recognises hotels that encapsulate the very best service and excellence in hospitality, spotlighting Ballyfin Demesne amongst the very best hotels in the world.

In total, the 2024 MICHELIN Guide hotel selection for Great Britain and Ireland includes 14 Three Key hotels, 37 Two Key hotels and 72 One Key hotels.

General Manager of Ballyfin Demesne, Peter White commented; We are absolutely delighted to be one of the first Irish hotels to receive three Michelin Keys this morning. At Ballyfin Demesne, we strive for excellence in everything we do and to be recognised by Michelin is very special for all the team. With this three Michelin Keys accolade, we will continue to strive to be the very best to ensure our guests enjoy unforgettable experiences every time they visit.

The Michelin Key awards celebrate hotels that set new standards in hospitality, design, and service, similar to the way Michelin recognise excellence in restaurants. Each hotel awarded the Michelin Key is selected based on five criteria: an open door to the destination, architectural excellence, individuality, quality of service, and value for money. This latest distinction marks a significant milestone for luxury hospitality in Ireland, highlighting Ballyfins commitment to creating memorable and authentic guest experiences.

Situated at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains in Co. Laois, Ballyfin Demesne is known for its breathtaking 614-acre estate, historic Regency mansion, and refined Irish hospitality. Since opening in 2011 after an extensive restoration, the hotel has won numerous awards for its unmatched service and luxurious offerings. As a member of Relais & Chateaux and Irelands Blue Book, Ballyfin Demesne provides exceptional hospitality, offering activities such as fishing, horseback riding, clay pigeon shooting, archery, and gourmet dining.
Running prisons in Portlaoise and other parts of the country will cost 525 million in public money under the Budget for 2025, according to the Department of Justice.

The figure was revealed on Budget day as the Minister for Justice, Helen McEntee announced a record 3.61 billion for current expenditure and 310 million for capital investment in the Justice sector.

A statement from her Department said record funding of 525m has been secured to increase prison capacity and tackle overcrowding. It said this is an increase of 79m or 18%.

Figures published on Budget day by the Irish Prison Service show that there were 4,987 locked up on October 1 which is 10% above the capacity of Irish jails. Portlaoise Prison and the Midlands Prison were also operating above capacity. There 938 in the Midlands Prison and 236 in the high-security Portlaoise Prison.

It was also claimed that funding would allow the recruitment of 150 prison officers in addition to the 240 officers recruited in 2024.

The budget also includes an additional 6.2 million to fund 130,000 additional staff hours in prisons run by the Irish Prison Service such as Portlaoise Prison and Midlands Prison.

The Department said a further 53m in capital funding will provide for the completion of 155 new prison spaces by the end of 2024 as part of a programme of works.

Plans exist for a new 100-cell F Wing in the Midlands prison would also have the potential to accommodate up to 180 prisoners. MORE BELOW PICTURE.

Pictured: The Midlands Prison in Portlaoise was 7% over its capacity for inmates on Budget Day.

The Department also says the Probation Service will receive an additional 4 million bringing the total budget to over 60m to expand crime diversion programmes, support step-down facilities, restorative justice, and community-based alternatives to imprisonment.

Minister McEntee spoke about the importance of addressing pressures within the prison system.

"It is essential that we increase overall capacity within the Irish Prison Service and continue to boost the number of staff. The allocation of 53m in capital funding in 2025 will help us deliver over 1,100 new prison spaces in the coming years. The pressures on our prisons are acute and that is why I am delighted that additional funding of 4 million has been secured for the Probation Service who will offer cost-effective alternatives to prison, by also facilitating increased community return, as well as reducing delays and adjournments across the criminal courts, she said.

Gross expenditure budgets for the seven areas that fall under the remit of the Department of Justice total 3.9 billion and are broken down as follows: Gardai 2.48 billion, Prisons 525 million, Courts Vote 196 million, Justice Vote 661 million, Data Protection Commission Vote 29 million and Policing Authority Vote 4.8 million, Fiosru Vote 21.1m.
A full time Laois carer has urged the government to abolish the carers allowance means test in the upcoming budget.

Niamh Ryan lives in Portlaoise with her husband Gerry and sons Liam and Sean. She is a full time carer for Liam, who is 16 and has quadriplegic cerebral palsy, is wheelchair bound and requires full time care and regular treatment.

It is a very unfair system really. There are so many carers who get nothing at all because of the means test, Niamh told the Leinster Express / Laois Live.

She said the current system should take into account the cost of caring and the increased outgoings associated with caring.

Niamh said it was difficult for carers to even get their stories out to the public.

We cant drop what we are doing and march on the Dail, she explained.

She said carers have a range of additional costs associated with their work. In Niamhs case this includes increased heating and electricity costs for essential equipment, costs associated with maintaining that equipment, costs associated with her sons incontinence and having to purchase and maintain a wheelchair friendly vehicle.

Up to 2013 there was a mobility grant that was put on hold and 11 years later theres nothing, she said.

Niamh said many carers are also having to pay for therapies which are supposed to be provided by the State.

She believes the Government know they have carers over a barrel because they know they arent able to stop what they are doing.

They know that people arent going to down tools my son, if you just abandoned him, he cant go anywhere, he cant care for himself, she said.

She said that while she gets a partial carers allowance, there are many more people not so fortunate.

There is 500,000 carers in the country and many of them get absolutely nothing for what they do, she said.

Niamh, who had to leave work to care full time for her son, said it is a full time job without any break. It is the hardest job I have ever done, she said.

When the Government tell you they respect and value carers, we take it with a pinch of salt, she admitted. She said it was time for the Government to now show Irelands carers some of that respect.

Independent TD Cathal Berry, was among the Regional Group of TDs who called for the abolition of the means test during a discussion in the Dail .

We are very much in favour of abolishing the means test... I will acknowledge the small progress that has occurred over recent years as regards the threshold and the quantum of the payment. It is good but it is not good enough and we can go further.

That is the reason we are strongly proposing a roadmap towards abolishing the means test for carer's allowance. This is for three reasons in particular. The first is money, the second is a moral reason and the third relates to gender equality, said Dep Berry who represents Laois and Offaly voters around Portarlington in the Kildare South constituency.

It delivers cash right to the bedside, the point of care. It is not syphoned off by layers of administration, bureaucracy and management as it goes downstream. From a money point of view, it is money very well spent.

Morally, he pointed out that carers were in their position due what he described as the lottery of life, not by choice.

The State should never be seen to take advantage of or exploit that goodness and the love in a family unit, he stated.

In relation to gender, he pointed out that 90 % of carers in Ireland were women.

A female's income should not be predicated on the income of her spouse and that is what is happening now. Instead of getting paid for the work they do, a proportion is syphoned off based on the income of the spouse. We do not think that is right, said Deputy Berry.

We are strongly of the view that there is still time in the lifetime of this Dail and this Government to do right by carers. We would argue very strongly for the abolition of the means test for carer's allowance. If the Minister or the Government were to do so, I have no doubt that they would have the support of the entire House, he added.

Irelands carers are hoping the government will abolish the means test in the budget which takes place today, Tuesday, October 1.

Meanwhile, Laois Offaly Independent TD Carol Nolan called for significant reform of the Carers Allowance income assessment criteria.

Dep Nolan called for an abolition of the means test and said that the issue is being raised with her on a daily basis ahead of Budget 2025.

My engagement with the carer representative organisations has made it absolutely clear to me that systemic reform of the entire carers payment regime is badly overdue. This Budget must be the opportunity in which such reform is brought about, said Deputy Nolan.
National reaction to Budget 2025 has been mixed but many issues raised across the board have significantly overlapped in terms of housing and taxation.

Business

Businesses nationwide have been reacting to Budget 2025 with many calling for reviews of decisions made and urgent action be taken as many believe this budget's outcome puts their industries in volatile positions.

Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, has welcomed the "ambitious scale of investment" outlined in Budget 2025, particularly in terms of infrastructure and human capital.

The confirmation to unlock the National Training Fund (NTF) has been hailed as an important and overdue step towards developing the necessary skills for a modern economy.

According to Ibec, Budget 2025 'reflects the role business has played in creating the surplus underlying todays budget.'

Speaking about Budget 2025, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said: Budget 2025 reflects the incredible contribution businesses have made in creating the surplus that is enabling the Government to be ambitious in the type of investment made today. In the past five years, corporation tax has contributed 110 billion to the Irish exchequer, with an expected 40 billion this year alone.

"We welcome the urgency to unlock the NTF and we will now work with the Government to ensure its effectively used to boost businesses and their employees."

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressed disappointment with the outcome of Budget 2025 saying the decision to not reduce the hospitality VAT rate is "short-sighted and extremely concerning given the stark commercial environment that food service businesses are operating under."

IHF President Michael Magner said: The measures reported would do next to nothing to address the enormous challenges confronting our sector while at the same time imposing further costs on thousands of hospitality businesses.

These half-baked measures fall far short of what is needed to address the enormous challenges facing hospitality businesses.

"They demonstrate how out of touch policymakers in Government are with the commercial reality facing hospitality businesses.

Mr. Magner emphasised that the government's inaction poses an enormous risk to the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

As it stands the hospitality and tourism sectors make up a significant portion of Irelands largest indigenous employers, supporting over 280,000 livelihoods some 70% of which are outside of Dublin.

The IHF are calling for an urgent re-assessment of the Governments policy approach to Irish hospitality and tourism in order to "stave off a growing commercial crisis within the sector before it is too late."

READ MORE: What Budget 2025 means for me? All the measures including tax cuts and cash boosts

CEO of Fuels for Ireland Kevin McPartlan has called for the government to review significant fuel tax hikes as petrol taxes rise by 21.6% and diesel taxes are set to increase by 27.4%, resulting in an additional 12 per full tank for the average driver.

As of today, Ireland has the highest level of fuel taxation in the EU, with 60.3% of the price of diesel and 57.3% of petrol going directly to the Government.

The increase to fuel taxes have made Ireland one of the most expensive countries in Europe for diesel and petrol, which Mr. MacPartlan says disproportionately impacts those who rely on vehicles for everyday life.

Film and Television

Meanwhile, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) welcomed the announcements made by Minister for Finance Jack Chambers regarding Budget 2025.

SPI who represent independent production companies across Ireland expressed their satisfaction that some of their pre-budget requests reflected in Budget 2025.

Among these requests were the introduction of a fiscal incentive for the "unscripted" sector, encompassing TV programmes like Room to Improve, Name that Tune, Dancing with the Stars, and Gogglebox.

Susan Kirby, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland, commented on the unscripted incentive, stating:

"The Minister for Finance's announcement today of a new unscripted fiscal incentive, subject to state aid rules, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Irish unscripted sector.

"We are grateful to Minister Chambers and previous Ministers McGrath and Donohue for their commitment to pursuing this policy idea and turning it into a reality. This incentive, once implemented, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on both domestic and incoming productions."

READ ALSO: All Irish troops in Lebanon 'accounted for and safe' as Israel begins 'ground incursion'

Health

The Menopause Hub and the Women's Council of Ireland have both welcomed the roll-out of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a "huge support for all menopausal Irish women who have struggled in silence with debilitating symptoms for too long."

The Budget measure is part of a 35 million women's healthcare package, will be introduced in January 2025 and will see the State fund the cost of treatment such as patches and other medicines.

The investment could save women up to 840 per year.

CEO Loretta Dignam said that free HRT will relieve the economic burden for women, most of whom have been paying for monthly products since they hit puberty and outlined that another progressive leap on women's health could be taken in the form of free mid-life checks for women between the ages of forty five and sixty four.

She said such checks could diagnose bone and heart problems at an early stage, saving the State millions on treatment for advanced conditions such as osteoporosis.

The Irish Heart Foundation also welcomed this year's Budget announcement of the introduction of the new e-cigarette tax and a 1 increase in the price of a packet of twenty cigarettes as "crucial protections for children and young people from nicotine addiction."

The charitys Director of Advocacy, Chris Macey, said: Tax is a vital deterrent for young people to take up vaping and smoking and these measures will have a significant long-term health benefit.

The new tax specifically targeting e-cigarettes is particularly important given the explosion of youth vaping in Ireland and fears they represent a gateway into smoking for a new generation."

He continued: Given the fact that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, it is unfortunate that the introduction of the tax is not scheduled to take place until mid-2025."

The hike brings the cost of a packet of the most popular brands to 18.05.

Agriculture

Macra President Ms Elaine Houlihan said to say that our members are disappointed is an understatement, with so much money washing around government coffers, we had hoped that for once the right course of action would be followed in relation to young farmers and farming succession, we were foolish to think that.

Speaking on agricultural taxation, Macra said that the renewal of stock relief for young farmers and partnerships up to 2027, the expansion of the accelerated capital allowance to include certain safety equipment and the expansion of stamp duty relief to include young farmers in company structures, were all welcome.

However, Ms. Houlihan said: Macra had called for these measures in our prebudget proposals as taxation remains one of the important policy levers to support young farmers and rural youth and government needs to be ambitious in using it to support young farmers.

"While the above are welcome and all parties in this government state support for family farms, none of the parties have yet been able to define what a family farm is."

Ms. Houlihan went on to say In reality this budget provides sops to our agricultural industry. Our members are tired of the platitudes and a lack of structural change.

"Clearly, no government party sees any future for rural Ireland except as a commuter belt for Dublin, Cork or Limerick.

She concluded: Macra did not look for much, we want to see a future for farming in rural Ireland, we share this modest ambition with the other farming organisations, its a pity that such a sentiment is not present in the halls of Leinster house.

Housing crisis

In relation to todays Budget 2025 announcement, Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland said:

It is extraordinary that so much money could be expended and yet, so little done for those at the sharpest end of the housing crisis."

The Simon Community welcomed the vacant homes tax, though expressed concern that it is insufficient to drive change.

Similarly, the increase in social welfare rate will be welcomed by those receiving them, but the organisation said that it is not a sufficient buffer to work as a protection to low-income households to prevent homelessness.

However, Mr. Stanley continued: "The big picture is that the State needs to be working towards delivering 15,000 social homes a year. The Government has acknowledged that the current targets are insufficient.

"In our pre-budget submission, we had proposed an increase to fund the development of 12,500 social homes to move us closer to the target of 15,000."

The organisation have said that while the Budget delivered a stay the course allocation for the 10,000 social homes in line with Housing for All, it is simply insufficient and an example of yet another budget where the rhetoric of homelessness being a top priority is not in evidence.

Childcare

Early Childhood Ireland has voiced its strong concern following the announcement of Budget 2025.

The organisations CEO, Teresa Heeney, expressed disappointment at the measures representing an increase of just under 300m which the organisation believes will fail to deliver meaningful change for the Early Years and School Age Care system.

Ms. Heeney said: We are very concerned about the lack of proper additional investment in Budget 2025. Giving every child access to high-quality Early Years and School Age Care is transformative.

However, what the government has announced today is utterly insufficient and represents a missed opportunity to properly enhance a system that has the best interests of every child at its core."

Commenting on the Budget announcement, Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, said:

The government had every opportunity to propose a five-year plan with a new investment target for Early Years and School Age Care, which would have provided much-needed certainty for parents, providers and staff.

We are already so far behind other rich countries. The reality is that following the Budget, with a general election pending, children, families, providers and staff will now have to wait until 2026 before new funding is allocated. This is just not acceptable when there is some 23 billion surplus available.
The new Portlaoise Community First Responders Group (PCFR) have launched an initiative to raise funds for the purchasing of AED kits.

An AED is an automated external defibrillator, and costs around 1,200 to buy. This equipment could mean the difference between life or death for many patients.

The group have asked Portlaoise to donate their Re-turn bottles to the volunteers, who can use this money to pay for expensive equipment.

The group must source the funding for their kits and medical equipment themselves, which in total is around 8,000-10,000.

The group cannot operate without this lifesaving equipment, and have asked the public to help where they can.

So far, Allbooks in Portlaoise have been the first business to jump on board.

"We are struggling a bit because its only early days, said Claire Dunne, PCFR Fundraiser Co-ordinator.

"I was bringing my own re-turn bottles back myself and had the brainwave that it would be a good way to raise money for our AEDs. I asked the group what they thought and they all agreed.

"We put out a public appeal for local businesses, schools and workplaces to donate their bottles to us. Allbooks were the first company to reach out and donate their bottles, she said.

Were so grateful to them, every little helps. We have reached out to Re-turn who said that they can provide us with proper bins in the coming weeks, which would be brilliant.

"We plan to go live in November, so we desperately need funds to buy the equipment we need, she said.

Those who wish to donate their Re-turn bottles to PCFR can do so by contacting their social media pages, or emailing portlaoisecfrfundraising@gmail.com. A group member will collect the bottles from you.

Pictured: PCFR undergoing their extensive training in first aid.

The first responders group will work within a 5km radius of Portlaoise, in the hopes of getting to a patient quicker than an ambulance may take. The group was founded following a radio show on Joe Duffy that made locals realise what a necessity the group was to Portlaoise.

There are currently 11 volunteers in the group, who have all been trained, vetted and certified to the high levels required by the National Ambulance Service.

People think that were okay in Portlaoise because we have a hospital with ambulances so close, Ms Dunne said.

I have a heart condition myself, its why I got involved. Recently my family had to ring an ambulance for me and one had to be sent from Limerick.

"I was waiting an hour on the ambulance, and it was another hour in the ambulance to be transported to Dublin. Community first responders are so important, because time is of the essence. We can get there sooner than an ambulance, and we would be the first port of call for the ambulance service.

"We are actively seeking volunteers to join the group, she said.

This is a voluntary role, its a big commitment and its your own time youre putting into this. But it could potentially save someones life.

"Everyone has a person they know need emergency medical attention, they may have needed it themselves. Our volunteers all joined with the best intentions and a genuine passion there to help," Ms Dunne said.

The group will be holding a public event in conjunction with the Irish Heart Foundation, called the 'Restart the Heart Campaign'. This will be held on October 17 at 6:30pm in the parish centre at St. Peters & Pauls church.

"Anyone interested in seeing what the group can do, or who wants to see what the equipment or demonstrations look like, are free to come along and see," Ms Dunne said.

If we operate by sending out volunteers in teams of two, we would hope to have one per pair. The real cost would be for the pads on the AEDs, they cost 160 each and have to be thrown out after each use. Even if the sticky covering peeled off it, we would need to dispose of them, she explained.

Once were up and running, we only need to focus on replenishing the pads. When were on our feet we plan on focusing on installing AEDs around Portlaoise, she said.

You can find out more about Portlaoise Community First Responders here.
Sasta Skin Health launched into the market in April 2022. Michelle McDonald and her cosmetic chemist business partner Dr Brian O Rourke working from a laboratory in the annex of her farmhouse in County Laois developed a microbiome booster serum that nourishes the skins microbiome and supports the skin's immunity from damage wrought by our congested climate and harsh skincare ingredients.

After three and a half years of dedicated effort, they unveiled the groundbreaking Sasta Microbiome Booster Serum.

Sasta Skin Health is an award-winning microbiome supportive skin health range focusing on feeding and supporting the skin microbiome topically as part of any skincare regime. Their hero product, the Microbiome Booster Serum is packed with a blend of prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients to optimise skin health. Since their launch in April 2022, they have expanded the markets they serve to Ireland and the UK. Initially launching on their DTC channel, they increased their distribution to serve B2B customers including skin clinics and dermatology clinics and in leading pharmacies and health stores.

Sasta Skin Health is a proud Guaranteed Irish brand and is the only beauty product in Ireland certified as MyMicrobiome Friendly. MyMicrobiome is an independent control body that rigorously tests products for their impact on the skins microbiome. Sasta Skin Health have been awarded Best Eco Serum by Hi Style, Best Serum for Repairing by Social and Personal, and came Highly Commended in the Irish Made Awards. They have also featured on Ireland AM and RTEs The Today Show. Next steps for Sasta Skin Health include New Product Development continuing their focus on microbiome supportive products along with expanding the team to support their mission of protecting your bodys natural armour.

Michelle connected with the Local Enterprise Office right at the beginning of their brand's research and development phase. She participated in various training programs and secured funding through initiatives such as the Innovation Voucher Programme, Priming Grant, New Frontiers Programme 2 and, Trading Online voucher, Business Expansion Grant, and Mentorship. The assistance and guidance from the Laois Local Enterprise Office have been crucial to our brand's growth and success. The Local Enterprise Office plays a vital role in our community driving job creation. It is a key element for businesses to be part of the local enterprise hub for guidance and mentorship.

T: 057 86 61800 E: localenterprise@laoiscoco.ie
Melissa Hayward, from Newtown Co Kildare and founder of Hair Extension Training Ireland, has been honoured with the prestigious title of Solo Businesswoman of the Year at the Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards, held on Friday at the beautiful Lyrath Estate in Kilkenny.

This remarkable event celebrated the achievements of women in business, attracting a record 460 applications from 17 local branches.

Melissas win underscores her significant contributions to the hair and beauty industry, particularly in hair extensions.

I am incredibly proud to receive this award, Melissa expressed. This recognition is not just for me, but for all the talented women in business across Ireland. Im passionate about empowering others and committed to elevating industry standards through quality education.

Melissas journey began at just 17 when she worked at Bewleys Cafe to afford her own hair extensions. What started as a personal quest for longer, thicker hair quickly turned into a mission to help others achieve their hair goals. After completing an apprenticeship at the renowned Zoo Salon in New York, she returned to Ireland to open her own business, transforming the hairand confidenceof countless clients, including numerous celebrities.

As the driving force behind Hair Extension Training Ireland, Melissa is dedicated to empowering aspiring hair extension professionals. The academy focuses on providing high-quality education and fostering a sense of confidence and empowerment in every student.

In addition to her work with Hair Extension Training Ireland, Melissa serves as a board member of the Irish Hairdressing Council, actively promoting positive change within the industry. Her commitment to education is evident in the academys mission: Building Belief in Your Potential.

The Network Ireland Businesswoman of the Year Awards recognise women who understand business, are passionate about their careers, and demonstrate an unwavering determination to succeed. With this years record number of applications, the spirit of female-led entrepreneurship is stronger than ever across Ireland.
Irelands Tanaiste has said he is very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Micheal Martin said the extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is unacceptable.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

The targets, it said, posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Irish premier Simon Harris said that Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Taoiseach Mr Harris said: The government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

He also paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, Mr Harris added.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

He thanked members of the Defence Forces who are based in Lebanon.

Irish troops have served with such distinction in the Unifil mission for so many years now. Were so proud in this country of the peacekeeping role of the men and women of the Defence Forces, Mr Harris added.

Im really conscious of this particularly challenging, difficult and dangerous time, of the incredible sacrifice and effort they make.

But of course, I want to assure them, their families and people of Ireland that keeping them safe remains absolutely paramount.

Mr Martin warned of the dangers of an escalation of fighting, adding he is very concerned about recent events in the region.

International humanitarian law has to be respected and I dont believe it has been respected, certainly it hasnt been in Gaza and it certainly isnt in Lebanon either, he added.

The extraordinary impact on millions of people is, in my view, unacceptable, potentially a million people in Lebanon displaced.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Mr Martin said he spoke to the Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy on Monday night as news of the incursion began to break, saying he has been assured they are safe.

Its a different area of where our troops are located, he added.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish personnel remain accounted for and safe.

Trocaire is gravely concerned by the unprecedented escalation of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and the latest incursion into southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/5AR3T2f7OL  Trocaire (@trocaire) October 1, 2024

It added: They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures. Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground.

Lt Gen Clancy said: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility.

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
An Garda Siochana (AGS) is seeking witnesses following a public order incident near the Kildare-Dublin border which involved a suspected firearm.

Commenting on the nature of the incident, a spokesperson for AGS said: "Gardai in Clondalkin are seeking witnesses following a public order incident involving a suspected firearm in Rathcoole on Saturday, September 28, 2024.

"At approximately 10pm, Gardai responded to reports of a male armed with a firearm threatening three individuals during a public order incident outside a licensed premises on Main Street in Rathcoole, County Dublin.

"On arrival of Gardai, those involved had left the immediate area and no firearm was recovered.

"It is understood that no shots were fired and there were no reports of injuries."

The spokesperson continued: "Investigations into the circumstances surrounding the incident are ongoing and Gardai are appealing for witnesses to come forward.

"They are also asking anyone with camera footage, including dashcam recordings from Main Street, Rathcoole, between 9:30pm and 10:30pm, on Saturday September 28 last, to contact them."

"Anyone with information is urged to contact Clondalkin Garda Station at 01 666 7600, the Garda Confidential Line at 1800 666 111, or any Garda Station," the spokesperson concluded.
On the occasion of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, leaders from various countries have expressed their hopes to deepen friendly cooperation with China and make joint contributions to global sustainable development.

Congratulating China on its remarkable development achievements in the past 75 years, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic said that the Serbian side is sincerely joyful over these achievements, and is confident in China's development prospects.

Faced with a complex international situation, the peoples of Serbia and China have always shared common philosophies and are committed to developing friendly relations, allowing the solid friendship between the two countries to continue to shine, Vucic said.

Pointing out that the practical cooperation between the two countries in various fields has yielded fruitful results, Vucic said he believes more cooperative projects will be implemented in the future for the benefit of the two peoples.

"China is a stabilizing force in international affairs and an important driving force for global economic growth," said Pakistani President Asif Ali Zardari, adding that under the leadership of the Communist Party of China, the Chinese people have achieved national independence.

Over the past 75 years, China has continuously promoted technological development and innovation, contributing Chinese wisdom to the improvement of the world's political, economic, and cultural landscape, Zardari said.

China has clear development goals and remarkable achievements in the fields of economy, infrastructure, technology, and manufacturing, which have attracted worldwide attention, said Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulides.

Emphasizing the deep friendship between Cyprus and China despite geographical distance, Christodoulides said that the Cypriot side sincerely appreciates China's long-term support on the Cyprus issue and is unwaveringly committed to the one-China policy.

The Cypriot side firmly supports the development of EU-China relations and is ready to work with China to further advance Cyprus-China and EU-China relations, he said.

Maltese President Myriam Spiteri Debono said that since Malta established diplomatic relations with China, the two countries have maintained friendly relations, mutual trust, and strong bilateral development, adding that the Maltese side looks forward to further enhancing cooperation with China for the benefit of the two peoples.

Noting that the Pakistan-China friendship is "unbreakable," Pakistani Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said the two countries firmly support each other on issues involving their core interests.

Pakistan is ready to deepen cooperation with China in the fields of energy, agriculture, mining, information technology, and people's livelihoods, promote interaction between businesses of the two countries, support the high-quality development of Pakistan's economy, jointly build an "upgraded version" of the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor, and promote the construction of a closer Pakistan-China community of shared future in the new era, Sharif said.

Kyrgyz Prime Minister Akylbek Japarov said that China has embarked on a successful path of modernization, and the cooperation under the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) is uniting more and more countries.

Currently, Kyrgyzstan is undergoing large-scale economic reforms to improve the well-being of its people, and China's experience is of great significance for Kyrgyzstan, Japarov said, adding that Kyrgyzstan hopes to further strengthen friendship and cooperation with China, which will create new opportunities for the prosperity and development of both countries.

China's poverty alleviation efforts have provided valuable lessons for "Global South" countries, said Bahamian Prime Minister Philip Edward Davis, praising China's adherence to its own development path and its efforts to promote common development of the world.

Over the 27 years since the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Bahamas and China, bilateral cooperation has yielded fruitful results in various fields, said Davis, adding that the Bahamian side is ready to work hand in hand with China to promote the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and jointly voice the concerns of developing countries on important issues.

President of the National Assembly of Thailand Wan Muhamad Noor Matha said that over the 49 years of diplomatic relations between Thailand and China, the two countries' relations and cooperation have continuously deepened.

This year, the two countries signed the visa-free agreement, marking an important milestone in bilateral relations, and it is believed to promote closer exchanges in trade, investment, tourism, and other fields between the two countries, said Matha.

Thailand is willing to cooperate more closely with China, and use the strong bond of Thai-Chinese relations to enhance the well-being of Thailand, as well as regional countries and peoples.

China has achieved a level of development that the world admires, said Speaker of the Hungarian National Assembly Laszlo Kover.

In recent years, China-Hungary economic and trade cooperation has been continuously deepened, and it is believed that bilateral exchanges and cooperation will continue to flourish, said Kover.

Luis Redondo, president of the National Congress of Honduras, spoke highly of China's achievements in modernization and commended China's contributions to world peace and development.

He reiterated the firm adherence to the one-China principle and expressed willingness to deepen the relationship between Honduras and China for the benefit of both peoples.

Redondo also expressed willingness to work together with China to promote high-quality BRI cooperation, implement the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative, and contribute to the great practice of building a community with a shared future for mankind.
A coalition of Irish aid charities are calling on the people of Kildare to support the one million people fleeing their homes across Lebanon.

Members of the Irish Emergency Alliance and their local partners are doing all they can to help the huge numbers displaced by the intense bombardment in Lebanon in recent days, this will include supporting emergency medical services as well as providing food, mattresses and blankets at some of the schools now being used as shelters.

Julie Mehigan, Head of Middle East for Christian Aid, said: This is a terrifying time for Lebanon. People are in shock at the number of civilians killed. Nobody knows when the next Israeli air strike will happen or where will be hit. Our local partners in Lebanon have told us that after witnessing the failure to stop the huge numbers killed in Gaza that they fear that they will soon face the same fate.

Rachel Challita, Plan International Lebanon, said: Overnight more people have been forced to flee their homes - stuck in their cars overnight with their children whilst they desperately looking for a safer place.

Caoimhe de Barra, CEO of Trocaire, said: "The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced adding to the 1 million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety. The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance. We are asking the people of Kildare to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war."

The Irish Emergency Alliance members - ActionAid, Christian Aid, Plan International, Tearfund Ireland, Trocaire and World Vision  have launched a joint appeal to raise funds to support people impacted by the connected crises in Gaza, West Bank and now Lebanon. Any money raised from Kildare donors will help people in need of shelter and support in Lebanon as well as to continue to act as a lifeline in Gaza by helping to pay for medical equipment and basic necessities such as ingredients and fuel needed to cook hot meals for thousands living in shelters. For nearly a year the people of Gaza have faced continual Israeli military bombardment. More than 41,000 people have been killed, mostly women and children, and nearly 100,000 have been injured. Over a million people  more than half the population of Gaza - are struggling to access enough food to survive and nearly half a million people are on the brink of starvation.
The Neurological Alliance of Ireland (NAI), the national umbrella body for over 30 neurological organisations, met with Kildare Oireachtas members at a pre-Budget event held last week at Buswells Hotel in Dublin.

Members of the group claimed that a postcode lottery exists where access to critical services is dependent on where you live.

Representatives from Kildare that attended the event included Martin Heydon TD.

Specifically, the NAI called attention to the lack of neurology services in regional hospitals; the two community neurorehabilitation teams promised in 2019 that are yet to be delivered; and further serious staffing shortages in two existing community neurorehabilitation teams. The organisation has two key asks for Budget 2025:

The delivery of fully resourced community neurorehabilitation teams for the midlands/northeast and southeast regions, and to tackle the staffing shortages for existing teams in the midwest and northwest. The provision of access to a Consultant Neurologist in five regional hospitals in Bantry, Letterkenny, Wexford, Mayo and Portlaoise.

Speaking at the launch, Magdalen Rogers, Executive Director of the Neurological Alliance of Ireland said, The theme of our pre-Budget submission this year is Right Place, meaning that access to care should not depend on where you live in Ireland. Weve seen very welcome investment in recent years by this Government in neurology services and community neurorehabilitation teams but it is still falling short in meeting the needs of those living with a neurological condition in this country. It is critically important that people in Kildare and other regions are not placed at a disadvantage when it comes to accessing these services.

Eamon McPartlin, a patient representative living with Function Neurological Disorder (FND) and Dystonia from Manorhamilton, Leitrim said, In the northwest we are at a huge disadvantage when it comes to accessing neurological services. The existing community neurorehabilitation team in HSE area CHO 1 is funded currently for less than a quarter of the staffing it should have and is only available to people living in Donegal. This means that the service is not available for most people living in the region. We were hoping to see funding for this team in 2024 and it didnt happen, its now critical that funding is provided in the upcoming Budget so we dont lag behind the rest of the country. Similarly, the neurology service in Sligo University Hospital is completely overstretched trying to provide outreach to Letterkenny University Hospital. A dedicated Neurologist in Letterkenny University Hospital would have a huge impact on the lives of those living with a neurological condition in the region.

The Neurological Alliance is a coalition of neurological charities which advocates for developing and resourcing services across the spectrum of neurological diseases and neuro-disability. For more information visit: https://www.nai.ie/
Irelands deputy premier has said he is very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is unacceptable.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

The targets, it said, posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Irish premier Simon Harris said that Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Taoiseach Mr Harris said: The government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

He also paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, Mr Harris added.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

He thanked members of the Defence Forces who are based in Lebanon.

Irish troops have served with such distinction in the Unifil mission for so many years now. Were so proud in this country of the peacekeeping role of the men and women of the Defence Forces, Mr Harris added.

Im really conscious of this particularly challenging, difficult and dangerous time, of the incredible sacrifice and effort they make.

But of course, I want to assure them, their families and people of Ireland that keeping them safe remains absolutely paramount.

Mr Martin warned of the dangers of an escalation of fighting, adding he is very concerned about recent events in the region.

International humanitarian law has to be respected and I dont believe it has been respected, certainly it hasnt been in Gaza and it certainly isnt in Lebanon either, he added.

The extraordinary impact on millions of people is, in my view, unacceptable, potentially a million people in Lebanon displaced.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Mr Martin said he spoke to the Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy on Monday night as news of the incursion began to break, saying he has been assured they are safe.

Its a different area of where our troops are located, he added.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish personnel remain accounted for and safe.

Trocaire is gravely concerned by the unprecedented escalation of Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon and the latest incursion into southern Lebanon. pic.twitter.com/5AR3T2f7OL  Trocaire (@trocaire) October 1, 2024

It added: They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures. Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground.

Lt Gen Clancy said: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility.

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
The Defence Forces have confirmed that all Irish troops in Lebanon "remain accounted for and safe" following the launch of an Israeli "ground incursion".

The Israeli military has warned nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities to evacuate, hours after launching what it said was a limited ground incursion against the Hezbollah militant group this Tuesday, October 1.

They "advised" people to evacuate north of the Awali River, some 36 miles (60km) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a UN-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered but said it was ready to battle them.

At present, up to 375 Irish troops and personnel are stationed at United Nations Interim Force Lebanon (Unifil) headquarters in Naqoura and Shama in south Lebanon near the border with Israel.

The Defence Forces have formed part of Unifil since 1978 and also play a smaller role in a other missions.

In a statment, the Defence Forces said that its personnel "remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures".

"Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground."

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Speaking on the increased kinetic environment in South Lebanon, Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said that following "the events in Southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time".

"We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground.

"While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility," LtG Clancy continued.

Tanaiste and Minister for Defence Michael Martin said that he was "deeply concerned about the surge of violence in Lebanon and the launch of Israeli ground incursions".

"I wish to reassure everyone, particularly the family members and loved ones of Defence Forces personnel stationed in Lebanon, that all troops remain safe and accounted for, and that the safety and security of our personnel remains the utmost priority for both myself and for Government," the Tanaiste said in a statement released this Tuesday, October 1.

For families of personnel serving in Lebanon, support is available through Personnel Support Service which can be contacted at pss@defenceforces.ie and through Unit Liaison Officers which can be contacted through local Barracks.
Irelands back tax windfall from Apple has the potential to be transformative for the country, Jack Chambers said.

The Finance Minister said it was imperative the 14.1 billion euros was not used on day-to-day spending or tax cuts, with the Government instead committed to investing it in the known challenges of housing, energy, water and transport infrastructure.

Ireland is to receive the back taxes from Apple as a result of a landmark ruling in the European Court of Justice last month.

The judgment restored a 2016 European Commission ruling that found Ireland gave undue tax benefits to Apple, contrary to EU state aid rules.

Mr Chambers said a framework would be developed in regard to how the windfall receipts should be allocated, with a guiding principle that decisions should benefit all citizens by supporting future economic development.

He said it was anticipated that the framework would be brought to the Government for approval in the first quarter of next year.

Our ability to deliver for current and future generations is dependent on careful and prudent management of the states resources, Mr Chambers told the Dail.

The recent judgment from the Court of Justice of the European Union has provided the state with one-off revenue that has the capacity to be transformative.

While specific decisions on allocating the Apple funds are yet to be made, Mr Chambers did use the Budget to announce that three billion euros from the sale of the states AIB (Allied Irish Banks) shares would be spent on housing, water and energy infrastructure projects.

In regard to the Apple back taxes, Public Expenditure Minister Paschal Donohoe said it was vital to make the best use of the funds in the long term.

He said the money would be invested in the four strategic investment pillars of water, electricity, transport and housing.

Investment in these areas will support the needs of our people, assist in growing our economy, and help in meeting our climate and nature goals, Mr Donohoe said.

The minister said officials in his department would work on developing an investment framework that ensured there was co-ordination with investments already planned through the National Development Plan.
The Budget was a chance wasted to prevent the mass exodus of landlords leaving the market, a long-term landlord has said.

Maurice Deverell, who has been a landlord for 28 years, said there should have been more measures to encourage remaining landlords and their properties to stay within the market.

Mr Deverell, who lives in Dun Laoghaire, said there has been a significant decline in the number of landlords in the last two years.

He said the decline is attributed to tax regulations, Residential Tenancies Board (RTB) legislation and Rent Pressure Zones (RPZ), which he claimed have increased rents.

Mr Deverell, who owns property in Dublin and in Great Britain, believes that retaining landlords can be done through tax reliefs on inheritance, as well as a capital gains tax deferral.

He did, however, welcome the Governments decision to increase the rent tax credit to 1,000 euros per year as part of Budget 2025.

Mr Deverell said that if the large number of landlords leaving the market does not open the Governments eyes, nothing will.

I know from letting out places, the amount of calls, the amount of people who are looking for places, is unbelievable. Im in this business nearly 30 years. Ive never seen anything like it. Its actually frightening, he said.

The RPZs are the biggest thing of all which has killed the market, and which has made a lot of (landlords) move away from it, because its very hard to get lending on it.

Theres an awful lot of reasons that the RPZs dont work, and theyre really bad for tenants.

They need to push out the capital gains, and they did this already between 2012 and 2019, and it has been shown to be successful. Whereby, if you stay in the market for another seven years, you dont pay the capital gains on it.

From that point of view, that would encourage the last remaining 100,000 landlords to stay in the market.

I would hope that they would think seriously about the business relief because we dont get business relief on anything, like a sole trader would.

Theres no allowance on the local property tax. You have to pay USC (Universal Social Charge) on furniture. So for instance, if I bought a couch for a renter, and the couch cost 1,000 euros, that couch gets depreciated over eight years.

I theoretically would get 125 euros allowance back per annum. But I dont, I get 125 less the USC, because the USC is charged on everything.

We believe, as well, the capital allowance should be changed from eight years to four years.

Im also a sole trader. I get entrepreneur relief, I get retirement relief up to 750,000 tax free, that I can add into my pension.

Im allowed pension deductions as a sole trader but Im not as a landlord. I can offset losses from other income, I cant as a landlord.

I joined a trade membership organisation and I get full allowances for that, I cant as a landlord, and I also get reliefs for doing an education course but not as a landlord.

There is so much legislation now that is required and all of the legislation is in-depth but I cant get tax relief if I want to do an education course about it.
There are four charging locations in Leitrim, 17 in Sligo, but there are 286 in Dublin, I know Dublin is much bigger but still, there are 52 in Donegal, so that gives you an indication that some areas are quite badly served, said Ms Harkin.

In 2022, Leitrim ranked the worst county in the country for EV charging points, according to a Northern and Western Regional Assembly (NWRA) report.

The number of electric car purchases in the county is on the rise but has slowed with only 30 more vehicles registered this year compared to the same time last year last year, which is inline with a national trend of stagnation in the EV market as it has slowed by 25% this year, according to figures from the Society of the Irish Motor Industry (SIMI).

August represents the sixth consecutive month of falling new car registrations this year, highlighted by the continuing drop in Electric Vehicle (EV) sales  With Budget 2025 fast approaching, it is an opportune time for the Government to intervene to support the Electric Vehicle project, one which is so crucial for reducing emissions in the Transport sector. said Brian Cooke, Director General of SIMI.

Though most new electric cars have batteries that last for hundreds of kilometres, the cost of buying new vehicles and installing personal chargers, along with range anxiety are still factors for those wishing to switch to electric.

Ms Harkin met with members of SIMI last week to discuss the need for more investment in Electrical Vehicle infrastructure in the north-west and the need for the subsidies available to electric vehicle buyers to be raised from 3,500 back to where they were in 2022 which was 5,000.

(The government) need to look at that again, just for that short period of time until we get a critical then you can remove incentives because the market takes over and people are buying second hand cars

Ms Harkin feels that investment in EV infrastructure is something that is badly needed in the north-west to attract people to the area: If you talk to people who have electric vehicles, or Hybrids, they tell you that if they are going on a journey west that you really need to make sure that they are full charged up before they leave Dublin. It's not that there are no EV charging points, but the further west you go the less there are, and if there is a que (at the charger) which it can be, or it is out of order which it can be, then they have to go to the next one which can be a long way away, she said.

She feels that the government needs to incentivise clubs and community groups to install EV chargers by making sure there is specific funding available for this. In rural communities they are a really important way of getting this infrastructure into the communities, into the smaller communities, she said.

The use of EVs has to be one of the ways we bring down our CO2 emissions and it is one of the things we could be ambitious about, she added.

READ MORE: Watch Budget 2025 speeches as full details are revealed in the Dail
Turf cutting has long been a tradition in Ireland, deeply rooted in rural life, and remains a necessity for many households relying on it for heating. However, recent government initiatives aimed at re-wilding and environmental preservation have sparked heated debates. Aidan Wynne from Drumshanbo, Leitrim, is one of the many rural voices speaking out, defending a practice he sees as essential to his way of life.

Wynnes family has been cutting turf for generations, a practice passed down since the time of his great-great-grandfather. For him, turf cutting is not just a means of survival but a way of life that holds his community together. He is particularly critical of government efforts to re-wet peatlands and promote re-wilding, measures designed to restore bogs and curb carbon emissions.

Its the biggest scam youll ever see, part of an EU agenda, Wynne argues. People forget where food comes from. You cant farm on rewilded land thats turned into a swamp.

He also questions the push to phase out turf in favour of alternative energy sources, citing the financial burden on ordinary people. Theyre replacing turf with oil, which is even more expensive. If a world war broke out and oil or gas became scarce, what would we use then?

Wynne is particularly frustrated with the role of Bord na Mona, the semi-state company once responsible for large-scale peat extraction. He blames them, alongside government policies, for the extensive damage done to Irelands bogs. Bord na Mona caused more destruction in one day than all the small turf cutters in Ireland combined. Now theyve shifted from brown to green.

Wynne also feels that external pressures from Europe are driving these restrictions, arguing that EU environmental policies are shaping local decisions in Ireland.

Small turf cutters only skim the surface of the bog. Were not the ones doing the damage. How is it right to import briquettes from Latvia and Lithuania, when we have the resources here? he asks.

His frustrations extend to the governments overall approach to agriculture and the environment. Wynne recalls the devastation caused by ash dieback, a disease introduced in 2013 after the government approved the importation of ash trees. The Minister for Agriculture is responsible for that. If they keep importing peat, theyll bring in some bug or disease thatll destroy our bogs too.

This disconnect between policymakers and rural communities, according to Wynne, poses a significant threat to traditional ways of life. He believes that government ministers, particularly Eamon Ryan, the Minister for the Environment, are out of touch with the struggles faced by farmers. They dont understand how things work in rural Ireland. Farmers feed the country, and that seems to be forgotten.

At the core of his argument is a belief in the right to cut turfa right he sees as divinely ordained. Its a God-given right to cut turf. Who created the bogs? God did, Wynne asserts. For many in rural Ireland, like those in Leitrim, Wynnes sentiments resonate deeply. His words reflect the growing tension between national environmental policies and the cultural traditions that have sustained Irish families for generations. As the debate over turf cutting continues, voices like Wynne's remain deep rooted.
The Kemper Foundation's Read Conmigo Program Awards Dallas-Area Fall 2024 Bilingual Educator Grants





The Kemper Foundation, the philanthropic partner of Kemper Corporation, announced today it has awarded grants to advance bilingual literacy to schoolteachers in the greater Los Angeles, Dallas and Miami areas. This is the fifth round of grants awarded through the Foundation's Read Conmigo program since the program launched in 2022, bringing the program's award total to nearly $750,000.

Read Conmigo grants are focused on strengthening bilingual literacy skills and improving learning opportunities for elementary Latino and Hispanic students. The Kemper Foundation annually awards up to 100 grants of $3,000 each to public and charter schoolteachers of Spanish-English bilingual classrooms. The grants can be used for classroom resources, tools and materials, and professional development.

Recipients were selected by a panel of Kemper Foundation principals and partners, including the Bilingual/ESL Education Association of the Metroplex (Dallas), the Florida Association for Bilingual Education, the California Association for Bilingual Education, and GPSN.

"We are incredibly proud to support this dedicated group of educators who are making a lasting impact on their bilingual students," said Barbara Ciesemier, President of The Kemper Foundation. "By equipping teachers with the resources and professional development they need, we're not only helping them create enriched learning environments but also contributing to meaningful academic growth. It's inspiring to see how the Read Conmigo grants are enhancing students' bilingual abilities and overall classroom engagement."

"I'm really grateful for such an amazing opportunity," said fifth grade teacher, Sandra Manchola, a Read Conmigo grant recipient from John W. Runyon Elementary School in Dallas, Texas. "In bilingual classrooms, the language requirements are doubled and dual cultural elements need to be integrated as well, which is a challenge. The flexibility of the Read Conmigo grant allows me to invest in the classroom, my students, and in myself. With the tools and resources from the grant, I can address my students' individual needs, better engage them in learning, and support them to succeed."

About The Kemper Foundation

The Kemper Foundation is the philanthropic partner of Kemper Corporation and focuses on support for charitable causes and organizations in education, health and community development. Through our owned-programs, key partnerships, financial donations, and Kemper employee volunteerism, we aim to make a meaningful difference in the communities where we live and work.

30 september 2024 at 16:10

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Agilent to Host Analyst and Investor Day on Dec. 17, 2024





Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) will host an Analyst and Investor Day in New York City on Tuesday, Dec. 17, at 10 a.m. ET.

CEO Padraig McDonnell, CFO Bob McMahon, and other senior business leaders will present information regarding Agilent's strategy, businesses, and long-term financial outlook. The event will conclude with a Q&A session.

This in-person event is by invitation only, but a live webcast will be accessible through Agilent's Investor Relations website. A replay of the event will be available for at least 60 days.

About Agilent Technologies

Agilent Technologies Inc. (NYSE: A) is a global leader in analytical and clinical laboratory technologies, delivering insights and innovation that help our customers bring great science to life. Agilent's full range of solutions includes instruments, software, services, and expertise that provide trusted answers to our customers' most challenging questions. The company generated revenue of $6.83 billion in fiscal 2023 and employs approximately 18,000 people worldwide. Information about Agilent is available at www.agilent.com. To receive the latest Agilent news, subscribe to the Agilent Newsroom. Follow Agilent on LinkedIn and Facebook.

30 september 2024 at 17:20

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Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (R) and Mongolian Prime Minister Luvsannamsrain Oyun-Erdene (Photo: VNA)

Both leaders expressed their delight at the elevation of bilateral ties to a comprehensive partnership level during Party General Secretary and State President To Lams visit.

They agreed to further enhance political trust by maintaining the exchange of all-level delegations, step up substantial and mutually beneficial cooperation to create a significant shift in economic, trade, and investment relations, and further uphold the role of the Vietnam-Mongolia Inter-Governmental Committee.

They will actively encourage firms to join trade promotion programmes and business connectivity initiatives in each country, aiming for stable growth in trade cooperation. The leaders stressed the importance of deepening people-to-people exchanges, as well as cultural and educational collaboration, while promoting broader joint work in labour, sci-tech, information and communications.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam affirmed Vietnam's consistent policy of valuing cooperation with Mongolia and expressed his wish to develop bilateral ties in a increasingly substantive, effective and long-term manner, in line with the interest, potential and need of both nations.

He praised the signing of a new cooperation document between the Communist Party of Vietnam (CPV) and the MPP, which laid a foundation to advance party-to-party relations in the future.

On the occasion, Party General Secretary and State President To Lam thanked the Mongolian Government and people for their support of 200,000 USD to help locals of northern Vietnam recover from the damage caused by recent Typhoon Yagi.

PM Oyun-Erdene congratulated Vietnam on its socio-economic achievements and increasingly important position and role in the region and the world. He affirmed that strengthening comprehensive and extensive cooperation with Vietnam is a top priority of Mongolia's foreign policy in the region.

He wished to further expand cooperation with Vietnam in various fields, including politics, national defence-security, economy-trade, education, sci-tech, transportation, logistics, culture, sports, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges, as well as at multilateral forums and mechanisms that match bilateral comprehensive partnership./.
Gold Reserve Announces Completion of Its Continuance Into Bermuda





Gold Reserve Inc. (TSX.V: GRZ) (OTCQX: GDRZF) ("Gold Reserve" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that, further to the Company's press release of September 16, 2024, the continuance of the Company from the Province of Alberta to Bermuda (the "Continuance") was completed on September 30, 2024. In connection with the Continuance, the Company's name has been changed from "Gold Reserve Inc." to "Gold Reserve Ltd.".

The Continuance was effected through a plan of arrangement pursuant to Section 193 of the Business Corporations Act (Alberta) which was approved by shareholders on September 16, 2024 and by the Court of King's Bench of Alberta on September 17, 2024.

The common shares have been assigned a new CUSIP number, G4R86G107, and a new ISIN, BMG4R86G1074. The common shares are expected to begin trading on the TSX Venture Exchange under the new name and CUSIP on or about October 7, 2024.

On Behalf of the Board of Directors

Paul Rivett

Executive Vice-Chairman

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking statements

This release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable U.S. federal securities laws and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws, and are based on the opinions, estimates and assumptions of the Company's management and are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking information or statements. Forward-looking information or statements in this release include matters related to the Continuance, including the timing of the effective date of the new name and CUSIP, and may include other expectations of the Company and are often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "aim", "anticipate", "believe", "budget", "continue", "could", "estimate", "expect", "forecast", "foresee", "intend", "may", "might", "plan", "potential", "predict", "project", "seek", "should", "strive", "targeting", "will" and similar words suggesting future outcomes or statements regarding an outlook.

Such information and statements reflect the current views of the Company's management, as the case may be, with respect to future events, and are based on information currently available to the Company, as the case may be, and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions, including those discussed below. Many factors could cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to differ materially from any future results, performance or achievements that may be expressed or implied by such forward-looking information or statements. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should assumptions underlying the forward-looking information or statements prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from those described herein as intended, planned, anticipated, believed, estimated or expected.

These risks and uncertainties include, potential tax liabilities (which may be significant) associated with the Continuance for the Shareholders and/or the Company, or changes in the rights of Shareholders as a result of the Continuance.

This list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect any of the Company's forward-looking information or statements. For a more detailed discussion of the risk factors affecting the Continuance and the Company's business, see the Company's management information circular dated August 20, 2024, the Company's Management's Discussion & Analysis for the 6-month period ended June 30, 2024, the Annual Information Form on Form 40-F and Management's Discussion & Analysis for the year ended December 31, 2023 and other reports that have been filed on SEDAR+ and are available under the Company's profile at www.sedarplus.ca and which have been filed on EDGAR and are available under the Company's profile at www.sec.gov/edgar.

Investors are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking information or statements. All subsequent written and oral forward-looking statements attributable to Gold Reserve or persons acting on its behalf are expressly qualified in their entirety by this notice. Gold Reserve disclaims any intent or obligation to update publicly or otherwise revise any forward-looking information or statements or the foregoing list of assumptions or factors, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, subject to its disclosure obligations under applicable rules promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission and applicable Canadian provincial and territorial securities laws.

NEITHER THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE NOR ITS REGULATION SERVICES PROVIDER (AS THAT TERM IS DEFINED IN POLICIES OF THE TSX VENTURE EXCHANGE) ACCEPTS RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE ADEQUACY OR ACCURACY OF THIS RELEASE.

30 september 2024 at 18:05

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Refined Metals Corp. Announces Closing of Private Placement Financing





//NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES//



VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 30, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Refined Energy Corp. (CSE: RUU; FRA: CWA0) (the "Company") is pleased to announce the closing of its previously announced non-brokered private placement offering ("Offering") of units of the Company ("Units") with the issuance of 1,750,000 Units at a price of $0.20 per Unit for gross proceeds of $350,000. Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company (a "Common Share") and one Common Share purchase warrant (a "Warrant"), whereby each Warrant entitles the holder to acquire one Common Share at a price of $0.25 for a period of 24 months from the date of issuance.

Proceeds of the Offering will be used to finance exploration activities on the Company's projects and for general corporate purposes. No finder's fees were payable in connection with the Offering.

All securities issued pursuant to the closing of the Offering are subject to a statutory hold period expiring January 31, 2025, being the date that is four months and one day from the date of issuance.

The securities described herein 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 except in compliance with the registration requirements of the U.S. Securities Act and applicable state securities laws or pursuant to available exemptions therefrom. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy of any securities in the United States.

About Refined Energy Corp.

Refined Energy Corp. is a junior mining company dedicated to identifying, evaluating and acquiring interests in mineral properties in North America. In addition to the Dufferin, Basin and Milner projects, Refined is also exploring a lithium property, the Simard Property, located in the Lac Simard region of Quebec. The Company is also party to an option agreement in respect of the Horizon South Property, a prospective, exploration-stage lithium property located in Tonopah Nevada. The Company continues to review other mineral properties in North America for possible acquisition in the future.

For further information, please contact:

Phone: (604) 398-3378

Email: [email protected]

Forward-Looking Statements

Certain statements contained in this press release constitute forward-looking information. These statements relate to future events or future performance. The use of any of the words "could", "intend", "expect", "believe", "will", "projected", "estimated" and similar expressions and statements relating to matters that are not historical facts are intended to identify forward-looking information and are based on the Company's current beliefs or assumptions as to the outcome and timing of such future events.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information relating to, among other things, the Offering, including the expected use of proceeds. Various assumptions or factors are typically applied in drawing conclusions or making the forecasts or projections set out in forward-looking information, including the assumption that the Company will close the Offering on the timeline anticipated, will raise the anticipated amount of gross proceeds from the Offering and will use the proceeds of the Offering as anticipated. Those assumptions and factors are based on information currently available to the Company. Although such statements are based on reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any conclusions or forecasts will prove to be accurate.

Although forward-looking information is based on the reasonable assumptions of the Company's management, there can be no assurance that any forward-looking information will prove to be accurate. Forward looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information. Such factors include, among other things, that the Company does not use the proceeds from the Offering as currently expected. 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. Because of the risks, uncertainties and assumptions contained herein, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. The foregoing statements expressly qualify any forward-looking information contained herein.

The Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE) has not reviewed, approved, or disapproved the contents of this press release.

30 september 2024 at 19:15

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SK-II UNVEILS FIRST GLOBAL TRAVEL RETAIL FLAGSHIP STORE IN HAINAN AS MUST-VISIT DESTINATION





SANYA, China, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Immerse yourself in global prestige skincare brand SK-II's first global travel retail flagship store at the Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex in Haitang Bay, Hainan. SK-II's first-of-its kind global travel retail flagship store is a must-visit destination in and of itself. A multi-sensory prestige skincare experience, it takes inspiration from the heritage, innovation and craftsmanship of its iconic and exclusive PITERAtm.

SK-II's iconic ingredient PITERAtm is a naturally derived skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process exclusive to SK-II, one that cannot be created artificially or synthetically.

The fascinating story behind SK-II began in the 1970s when a team of scientists began a fervent quest to uncover a revolutionary ingredient that would make beautiful skin a reality. After a chance encounter in a sake brewery, they observed that the fermentation process made hands of aged sake brewers feel extraordinarily soft and youthful. It took years of research for scientists to isolate SK-II's iconic ingredient PITERAtm which is now at the heart of all products at SK-II.

Worlds of skincare, art and craftsmanship collide in SK-II's global travel retail flagship store as SK-II reimagines PITERAtm and rituals in the fermentation process that inspired its discovery.

An art exhibit inspired by how SK-II and PITERAtm transformed the skin of millions of women around the world mark the entrance of the store. A reflection of "More Youthful as You Age", this life-like exhibit is a nod to SK-II's first in the world longitudinal study from 1999 to 2011 which uncovered the groundbreaking skincare discoveries behind PITERAtm.

At the centre of the store is a golden sanctuary ? the LXP Experience. Guests are transported into the world of SK-II's most luxurious and crafted skincare series through an interactive art installation developed in partnership with international artist Studio Swine. Featuring 8 falling drops onto a basin shaped like the LXP cream, this symbolizes 8X[1] PITERAtm power from Highest[2] Concentrated PITERAtm in SK-II's LXP series. The drops burst upon skin contact, releasing a mist and continuously regenerate. This multisensory experience also combines a unique scent inspired by Hinoki wood and Sandalwood that pays tribute to SK-II's origins and an evocative soundscape, making it a truly one-of-a-kind theatrical experience.

Every detail in the flagship store has been designed to bring to life different facets of the world of PITERAtm.

The product discovery area celebrates the craftsmanship behind SK-II's PITERAtm innovations. Gradient coloured spheres of natural material form the foundation of the tester bar, a symbolic reflection of the passing of time in fermentation. Guests can also appreciate specially commissioned PITERAtm inspired glass crystal art pieces by international artist Flavie Audi as they browse for SK-II products. Even the store walls are created with a special artisanal plaster technique inspired by SK-II's heritage.

SK-II is also elevating the skincare counseling experience to a ceremonial level. Luxuriate in SK-II's new Skin Ceremony with our SK-II Skin Experts where your skin is pampered with the reverence, mastery and care it deserves.

Guests can also look forward to a unique gifting experience inspired by SK-II's heritage only available at the SK-II global travel retail flagship store.

The launch of SK-II's global travel retail flagship store is also anchored by the launch of the Act of Craftsmanship ? a LXP mega event experience from 30 September to 29 October in Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, Block C, Haitang Bay, Hainan, China.

Explore the intricate parallels between the time-honored art of ceramic restoration and SK-II's new LXP Craftsmanship series, experiencing the artistry first-hand through an interactive showcase that illustrates SK-II's dedication to its ingredients, science, packaging, and sustainability.

Get up close with a skilled craftsman as they restore ceramic with lacquer and gold to achieve unique works of art, each designed to be more beautiful than what came before.

Bathed by the soothing sounds of the craftsmanship process, attendees witness how what was once imperfect can be transformed into beauty beyond compare ? a direct analogy with the SK-II LXP Craftsmanship series, which transforms skin to a skin that is more beautiful than before. Skin that is strongly interconnected, set on a forward, radiant, firm, and plump trajectory. For beauty beyond plateau.

Attendees can also experience the intricately crafted five-step LXP skin ceremony to be the craftsman of their own beauty through personalised consultation with SK-II skin experts.

On 30 September, Act of Craftsmanship launch ceremony was held at the venue featuring friends of SK-II and representatives Lisi Danni, Lin Yun (Jelly Lin), and Deputy General Manager Teresa Bai and other partners from China Duty Free Group.

"The unveiling of our first global travel retail flagship store in Hainan marks a significant milestone in SK-II. More than a retail store, we have crafted it to be a must-visit destination." shared Sue Kyung Lee, President, P&G Skin Care. "Consumers are at the heart of all that we do at SK-II. This is a testament to our continued commitment in raising the bar in crafting irresistibly superior experiences for them, especially in travel retail. We want to provide a sanctuary for travelers to immerse in the world of SK-II, PITERAtm and learn about their skin with our Skin Experts. Marking yet another first for SK-II, we are also thrilled to launch the Act of Craftsmanship Experience in Sanya, Hainan. Another first for SK-II and LXP in this era of new retail skincare experiences for us."

Flagship Address: Sanya International Duty Free Shopping Complex, Block C, Haitang Bay, Hainan, China

Opening Hours: 10am ? 10pm daily.

LXP Act of Craftsmanship Mega-event runs from 30 September to 29 October, 2024

About SK-II

For more than 40 years, SK-II has touched the lives of millions of women around the world through skin and life transformation. The fascinating story behind SK-II began when a team of scientists began a fervent quest to uncover a revolutionary ingredient that would make beautiful skin a reality. After a chance encounter a sake brewery, they observed that the fermentation process made hands of elderly sake brewers extraordinarily soft and youthful-looking hands. It took years of research for scientists to isolate the one single yeast strain out of 350 yeast for SK-II's iconic ingredient PITERAtm, a naturally-derived skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process exclusive to SK-II. Since then, SK-II with PITERAtm has become a special secret shared by celebrities all over the world such as Haruka Ayase, Tangwei, Mei Nagano, Zhang Zi Feng and MINA of global girl group TWICE. For the latest news and in-depth information, please visit http://www.sk-ii.com.

About PITERAtm

Iconic and exclusive to SK-II, PITERAtm is a naturally derived "miracle" skincare ingredient crafted from a proprietary yeast fermentation process that only SK-II owns. Packed with over 50 micro-nutrients ? vitamins, amino acids, minerals and organic acids ? the unique composition of PITERAtm harnesses the vital force of nature and is one that can't be achieved artificially or synthetically. PITERAtm resembles skin's Natural Moisturizing Factors. Skin recognizes and welcomes it, allowing it to be absorbed quickly and deeply[3] into your skin delivering all goodness[4].

[1] Based on average test result of skin measurement on NADPH (refer to Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide Phosphate

Hydrogen in epidermis) in a product use study conducted by P&G internal lab, among 30 females who aged 30-50, in

2012, Japan, use base formula of highest concentrated PITERA essence for 4 weeks. The NADPH level is 8X higher than

base PITERA essence. [2] Within SK-II [3] Within stratum corneum [4] Over 50 micro-nutrients

SOURCE SK-II

1 october 2024 at 01:17

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Techem to Be Acquired for Total Consideration of ?6.7 Billion With Investment From TPG and GIC





TPG Rise Climate, the dedicated climate investing strategy of TPG's global impact investing platform, and GIC, a leading global investor, today signed an agreement to acquire Techem Group. The business will be acquired from its previous majority owner Partners Group, one of the largest firms in the private markets industry, acting on behalf of its clients, and co-investors CDPQ and Ontario Teachers' Pension Plan.

Techem will be acquired for a total consideration of approximately ?6.7 billion. The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025, subject to customary conditions and regulatory approvals. The purchase price will be paid in two instalments, one at close and the remainder in July 2027. TPG Rise Climate, one of the world's largest private equity funds dedicated to investing in global climate solutions, invests in companies that are driving meaningful decarbonisation at scale. Techem represents the largest transaction for the fund to-date. GIC is making a significant minority investment.

Founded in 1952, Techem has built one of the largest digital energy services platforms in the industry. Techem is active in 18 countries and services more than 13 million dwellings, with over 62 million digital measuring devices on its platform. As a reliable long-term partner, Techem supports the property sector and private landlords in improving their energy efficiency, as to reduce energy consumption, costs and CO 2 emissions in a low-investment and non-invasive manner. Techem's services help to advance the long-term decarbonisation of the real estate sector, which still drives approximately 40% of global CO 2 emissions.

"With TPG and GIC, we are gaining strong new partners with the digitisation and platform expertise needed to help us make significant progress in implementing our corporate strategy. Together, we want to further expand and advance our position as a leading platform for digitising and decarbonising the building sector across Europe and beyond," said Matthias Hartmann, CEO of Techem. Reflecting on the development in recent years, he added, "Techem has become a leading provider of a wide range of digital solutions with strong growth and a powerful, agile organizational setup. We are very grateful to Partners Group and its co-investors CDPQ and Ontario Teachers' for the trustful exchange and collaboration on the development of the company over the past years and look forward to building on our success with TPG and GIC."

"Techem's technology, transparent consumption statistics, and streamlined solutions for tenants, managers, and asset owners alike are essential solutions for lowering costs and improving the environmental impact of real estate assets across Europe," said Ed Beckley, a London-based Managing Partner of TPG Rise Climate. "There is a tremendous opportunity to reduce energy consumption in built environments by enhancing efficiency and better-managing overall demand. We're looking forward to supporting the Techem team in leading and accelerating real estate emissions reductions at scale."

Ang Eng Seng, Chief Investment Officer, Infrastructure at GIC, said: "Techem is a well-established energy service provider with a proven track record. Sub-metering is becoming increasingly prevalent in Continental Europe as consumers and regulators focus on energy efficiency. We look forward to supporting the company's continued growth, alongside TPG and management."

Further expanding Techem's strong digital platform

As a result of the strong development over the past years, Techem has exceeded the one-billion-euro revenue mark ? with new digital services and broader decarbonisation services presenting future growth opportunities.

Techem will build on this foundation with its new partners TPG and GIC and further expand its "One Digital Platform," leveraging the power of digitisation to unlock significant energy efficiency potential in the building sector, optimize operational processes, and increase the living comfort of residents.

Techem will also benefit from TPG's expertise in effective decarbonisation in achieving its own ambitious sustainability targets, building on the successful efforts of the previous year. As recently as August, Techem received an outstanding rating of 9.6 ? "Negligible Risk" ? as part of an ESG risk rating by global ESG data, research and ratings provider Morningstar Sustainalytics. This puts Techem in the top 3% of over 16,000 international companies assessed.

About Techem

Techem is a leading service provider for smart and sustainable buildings. The company's services cover the topics of energy management and resource conservation, healthy living and process efficiency in properties. Founded in 1952, Techem is now active in 18 countries with over 4,000 employees and services more than 13 million dwellings. Techem offers efficiency improvements along the entire value chain of heat and water in real estate and regenerative supply concepts and solutions. As a market leader in remote radio detection of energy consumption in homes, Techem continues to drive networking and digital processes in real estate. Modern multi sensor devices, radio smoke detectors with remote inspection, metering point operation, charging infrastructure for electromobility and services related to improving drinking water quality in properties complement the solution portfolio for the housing as well as the commercial real estate industry. Further information can be found at www.techem.com

About TPG Rise Climate

TPG Rise Climate is the dedicated climate investing strategy of TPG's $19 billion global impact investing platform. TPG Rise Climate pursues climate-related investments that benefit from the diverse skills of TPG's investing professionals, the strategic relationships developed across TPG's existing portfolio of climate-focused companies, and a global network of executives and advisors. The fund takes a broad-based sector approach to investment types, from growth equity to value-added infrastructure, and focuses on climate solutions in the following thematic areas: clean electrons, clean molecules and materials, and negative emissions.

For more information, please visit www.therisefund.com/tpgriseclimate.

About GIC

GIC is a leading global investment firm established in 1981 to secure Singapore's financial future. As the manager of Singapore's foreign reserves, we take a long-term, disciplined approach to investing, and are uniquely positioned across a wide range of asset classes and active strategies globally. These include equities, fixed income, real estate, private equity, venture capital, and infrastructure. Our long-term approach, multi-asset capabilities, and global connectivity enable us to be an investor of choice. We seek to add meaningful value to our investments. Headquartered in Singapore, we have a global talent force of over 2,300 people in 11 key financial cities and have investments in over 40 countries.

For more information, please visit gic.com.sg or follow us on LinkedIn.

About Partners Group

Partners Group is one of the largest firms in the global private markets industry, with around 1'800 professionals and approximately USD 150 billion in assets under management. The firm has investment programs and custom mandates spanning private equity, private credit, infrastructure, real estate, and royalties. With its heritage in Switzerland and its primary presence in the Americas in Colorado, Partners Group is built differently from the rest of the industry. The firm leverages its differentiated culture and its operationally oriented approach to identify attractive investment themes and to transform businesses and assets into market leaders. For more information, please visit www.partnersgroup.com or follow us on LinkedIn.

1 october 2024 at 02:05

News published onand distributed by:
Volt Lithium to Participate in Upcoming Industry and Investor Conferences





CALGARY, Alberta, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Volt Lithium Corp. (TSXV: VLT | OTCQB: VLTLF I FSE: I2D) ("Volt" or the "Company") announces that the Company will be participating in the following upcoming industry and investor conferences:



Event: The Benchmark World Tour 2024 - Calgary

Date: October 3, 2024

Location: BMO Centre on Stampede Park

In-person registration: link

Details: Greg Foofat, Vice President, Investor Relations will be presenting at 10:15am MT.

Event: The Benchmark World Tour 2024 - New York City

Date: October 9, 2024

Location: 120 Park Ave, New York 10017

In-person registration: link

Details: Alex Wylie, President & CEO will be presenting at 12:10pm ET.

Event: Schachter Catch the Energy Conference - Calgary

Date: October 19, 2024

Location: Mount Royal University

In-person registration: link

Details: Alex Wylie, President & CEO will be presenting and the Company will have a booth to meet with interested parties.

About Volt

Volt is a lithium development and technology company aiming to be one of North America's first commercial producers of lithium hydroxide and lithium carbonates from oilfield brine. Our strategy is to generate value for shareholders by leveraging management's hydrocarbon experience and existing infrastructure to extract lithium deposits from existing wells, thereby reducing capital costs, lowering risks and supporting the world's clean energy transition. With four differentiating pillars, and a proprietary Direct Lithium Extraction ("DLE") technology and process, Volt's innovative approach to development is focused on allowing the highest lithium recoveries with lowest costs, positioning us well for future commercialization. We are committed to operating efficiently and with transparency across all areas of the business staying sharply focused on creating long-term, sustainable shareholder value. Investors and/or other interested parties may sign up for updates about the Company's continued progress on its website: https://voltlithium.com/.

Contact Information

For Investor Relations inquiries or further information, please contact:

Alex Wylie, President & CEO

T: +1.403.830.5811

E: [email protected]

Or

Greg Foofat, Vice President, Investor Relations

T: +1.587.888.5213

E: [email protected]

Forward Looking Statements

This news release includes certain "forward-looking statements" and "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities laws. When used in this news release, the words "anticipate", "believe", "estimate", "expect", "target", "plan", "forecast", "may", "will", "would", "could", "schedule" and similar words or expressions, identify forward-looking statements or information. Statements, other than statements of historical fact, may constitute forward-looking information and include, without limitation, information with respect to the terms of the operational milestone, Volume Scale-up. Extraction Time Improvements and Continuous Processing vs Batch Processing, the deployment of the Field Unit in the Permian Basin, the production of battery grade lithium by the Field Unit, and the commercial production of lithium from oilfield brine. With respect to the forward-looking information contained in this press release, the Company has made numerous assumptions. While the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable, these assumptions are inherently subject to significant uncertainties and contingencies and may prove to be incorrect. Additionally, there are known and unknown risk factors which could cause the Company's actual results, performance or achievements to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking information contained herein including those known risk factors outlined in the Company's annual information form dated February 29, 2024 and (final) short form base shelf prospectus dated July 20, 2023. All forward-looking information herein is qualified in its entirety by this cautionary statement, and the Company disclaims any obligation to revise or update any such forward-looking information or to publicly announce the result of any revisions to any of the forward-looking information contained herein to reflect future results, events or developments, except as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

1 october 2024 at 03:05

News published onand distributed by:
TreeFrog Publishes Results of First Successful Bioproduction of a Parkinson's Disease Cell Therapy in Scalable Bioreactor in Neurotherapeutics Journal





TreeFrog Therapeutics, a regenerative medicine biotech focused on using its proprietary GMP compliant technology platform, C-Stemtm, to develop life-saving cell therapies, today published an article in Neurotherapeutics, demonstrating the first successful bioproduction of a Parkinson's Disease cell therapy in a scalable bioreactor, leading to full behavioral recovery 16 weeks after transplantation using a cryopreserved 3D microtissue format.

The potential of cell therapy for Parkinson's Disease is well documented ? dating back to pioneering studies in the 1980s using fetal cell transplants ? and scientific progress over the last decades provides great hope for the future. The emergence of induced pluripotent cells (iPSCs) opened new pathways and solved one of the first major challenges, cell sourcing. However, multiple hurdles remain, particularly around industrialization and no cell therapy for Parkinson's Disease has advanced beyond clinical stage to date.

"Today's publication demonstrates how TreeFrog Therapeutics has overcome the most complex challenges of developing a successful treatment for Parkinson's disease using our C-Stemtm platform technology and producing a therapy containing mature dopaminergic neurons with a unique 3D format that promotes cell survival post-graft with proven pre-clinical results. We are excited to present the paper to the scientific community and look forward to many discussions on our scientific and bioproduction progress. I am proud of all the work done by Nicolas Prudon, lead author, alongside colleagues at TreeFrog". Jens Schroeder, Chief Medical Officer, TreeFrog Therapeutics.

The paper published online today reinforces the potential of TreeFrog's cell therapy to overcome several complex challenges, one of which being the limitation of the format. Most other existing investigational cell therapies use single-cell suspensions which have an elevated risk of inducing cell death through anoikis affecting survival and/or potency of the product post-transplantation1. The results achieved with the unique 3D format of TreeFrog's cell therapy product demonstrate the potential to circumvent this limitation, providing protection to the more mature, sensitive cells that are neurons.

Another challenge facing companies is the bioproduction strategy. While currently only scale-out methods have been employed, which increase the potential of variability due to the manually intensive methods required, C-Stemtm production use a scale-up strategy with a stirred-tank bioreactor enhancing productivity and reducing costs. The system is commercial scale ready for the Parkinson's disease cell therapy, with doses for hundreds of patients in one 10L bioreactor.

Finally, as in downstream processing, cryopreservation has proven to be a major challenge in the cell therapy space with fresh product performing better, while cryopreserved product resulted in a delayed time-to-effect.2 The results published today, demonstrate the same efficacy with the cryopreserved product, as the fresh product, with no time-to-effect delay.

Detailed analyses and discussion of the bioproduction process, product characterization and pre-clinical efficacy results can be found in the full paper, available here.

-Ends-

About Parkinson's Disease

Parkinson's Disease is a progressive neurological disease affecting more than 10 million people worldwide3 with prevalence doubling in the last 25 years.4 The complex disease is the result of the degeneration of specific dopamine-producing neurons in the brain. There is a huge unmet need as current treatments provide symptomatic relief only and medication fails to control symptoms for nearly 75% of people.5 Regenerative medicine and in particular, cell therapy, holds great potential as it can replace these lost neurons, ultimately restoring function.

About C-Stem

The proprietary biomimetic C-Stemtm technology platform is based on a decade of research bringing together stem cell biology, biophysics and bioproduction. It is the world's first GMP compliant cell encapsulation device capable of generating over 1,000 capsules per second, enabling the seeding of bioreactors up to 10 liters and delivering 15 billion iPSC cells in a single batch.

Blending microfluidics and stem cell biology, the C-Stemtm technology generates alginate capsules seeded with induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) at very high speed. Engineered to mimic the in vivo stem cell niche, the capsules allow iPSCs to grow exponentially in 3D, and to differentiate into ready-to-transplant functional microtissues. The alginate is both porous and highly resistant, allowing the encapsulated iPSCs to expand and differentiate in large-scale bioreactors without suffering from impeller-induced shear stress. The breakthrough technology addresses critical challenges in the industry of scale and quality, in addition to the efficacy and safety of future cell therapy products.

About TreeFrog Therapeutics

TreeFrog Therapeutics is a French-based biotech company set to unlock access to cell therapies for millions of patients. TreeFrog is unique in its approach to cell therapy development bringing together biophysicists, cell biologists and bioproduction engineers to address the challenges of the industry ? producing and differentiating cells of quality at unprecedented scale, cost-effectively. To realize their mission of Cell Therapy for all, TreeFrog operates a business model that includes its own therapeutic programs and partnerships with leading biotech and industry players in other areas. In the last 3 years, the company has raised $82 million to advance a pipeline of stem cell-based therapies in regenerative medicine. In 2022, the company opened technological hubs in Boston, USA, and Kobe, Japan, to drive the adoption of the C-StemTM platform and establish strategic alliances with leading academic, biotech and industry players.

www.treefrog.fr

1 Gilmore A.P., Anoikis, Cell Death Differ, 12 (2005), pp. 1473-1477

2 Hiramatsu S., Morizane A., Kikuchi T., Doi D., Yoshida K., Takahashi J., Cryopreservation of induced pluripotent stem cell-derived dopaminergic neurospheres for clinical application, J Park Dis., 12 (2022), pp. 871-884

3 Statistics | Parkinson's Foundation

4 Parkinson disease (who.int)

5 www.parkinsons.org.uk

1 october 2024 at 04:50

News published onand distributed by:
ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) granted Priority Review in the US for patients with HER2-low or HER2-ultralow metastatic breast cancer who have received at least one line of endocrine therapy





AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo's supplemental Biologics License Application (sBLA) for ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) has been accepted and granted Priority Review in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) or HER2 ultralow (IHC 0 with membrane staining) breast cancer who have received at least one endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting based on positive results from the DESTINY-Breast06 Phase III trial which compared ENHERTU to chemotherapy.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) grants Priority Review to applications for medicines that, if approved, would offer significant improvements over available options by demonstrating safety or efficacy improvements, preventing serious conditions or enhancing patient compliance. The Prescription Drug User Fee Act date, the FDA action date for their regulatory decision, is anticipated during the first quarter of 2025.

ENHERTU was also recently granted Breakthrough Therapy Designation (BTD) by the FDA in this setting. BTD accelerates the development and regulatory review of potential new medicines intended to treat a serious condition and address a significant unmet medical need.

HR-positive, HER2-negative is the most common breast cancer subtype, accounting for approximately 70% of all breast cancers.1 Despite being classified as HER2-negative, many of these tumors still carry some level of HER2 expression.2 It is estimated that up to 85-90% of tumors historically classified as HR-positive, HER2-negative may be HER2-low or HER2-ultralow.3,4

Susan Galbraith, Executive Vice President, Oncology R&D, AstraZeneca, said: "While endocrine therapies are widely used in the initial treatment of HR-positive metastatic breast cancer, most patients see limited benefit with additional lines of treatment, and subsequent chemotherapy is often associated with poor response rates and outcomes. The results from DESTINY-Breast06 show that ENHERTU has the potential to evolve the current HR-positive treatment landscape and become the first targeted treatment for patients with HER2-low or HER2-ultralow expression following endocrine therapy."

Ken Takeshita, Global Head, R&D, Daiichi Sankyo, said: "This Priority Review highlights the potential to expand the existing indication of ENHERTU in HER2-low metastatic breast cancer to include use in an earlier disease setting as well as in a broader patient population that includes HER2-ultralow. We look forward to working closely with the FDA with the goal of bringing ENHERTU to more patients as quickly as possible."

The sBLA is based on data from the DESTINY-Breast06 Phase III trial presented at the 2024 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting and recently published in The New England Journal of Medicine.

In the trial, ENHERTU reduced the risk of disease progression or death by 37% by blinded independent central review (BICR) versus chemotherapy (hazard ratio [HR] 0.63; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.53-0.75; p< 0.0001) in the overall trial population. Median PFS was 13.2 months with ENHERTU compared to 8.1 months with chemotherapy.

Results were consistent between patients with HER2-low expression and HER2-ultralow expression. In the primary endpoint analysis of patients with HER2-low expression, ENHERTU showed a median PFS of 13.2 months compared to 8.1 months for chemotherapy (HR 0.62; 95% CI 0.51-0.74; p<0.0001). In a prespecified exploratory analysis of patients with HER2-ultralow expression, ENHERTU showed a median PFS of 13.2 months versus 8.3 months, respectively (HR 0.78; 95% CI 0.50-1.21).

The safety profile of ENHERTU in DESTINY-Breast06 was consistent with previous clinical trials of ENHERTU in breast cancer with no new safety concerns identified.

ENHERTU is a specifically engineered HER2-directed DXd antibody drug conjugate (ADC) discovered by Daiichi Sankyo and being jointly developed and commercialized by AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo.

ENHERTU is already approved in more than 65 countries, including the US, for patients with HER2-low metastatic breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

Indications

ENHERTU is a HER2-directed antibody and topoisomerase inhibitor conjugate indicated for the treatment of adult patients with:

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or ISH positive) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen either: In the metastatic setting, or In the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer, as determined by an FDA-approved test, who have received a prior chemotherapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within 6 months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy

Unresectable or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by an FDA-approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy



This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial. Locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or IHC 2+/ISH positive) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen

Unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options



This indication is approved under accelerated approval based on objective response rate and duration of response. Continued approval for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

Contraindications

None.

Warnings and Precautions

Interstitial Lung Disease / Pneumonitis

Severe, life-threatening, or fatal interstitial lung disease (ILD), including pneumonitis, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Advise patients to immediately report cough, dyspnea, fever, and/or any new or worsening respiratory symptoms. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of ILD. Promptly investigate evidence of ILD. Evaluate patients with suspected ILD by radiographic imaging. Consider consultation with a pulmonologist. For asymptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 1), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 0, then if resolved in ?28 days from date of onset, maintain dose. If resolved in >28 days from date of onset, reduce dose one level. Consider corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ?0.5 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent). For symptomatic ILD/pneumonitis (Grade 2 or greater), permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Promptly initiate systemic corticosteroid treatment as soon as ILD/pneumonitis is suspected (e.g., ?1 mg/kg/day prednisolone or equivalent) and continue for at least 14 days followed by gradual taper for at least 4 weeks.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 12% of patients. Median time to first onset was 5.5 months (range: 0.9 to 31.5). Fatal outcomes due to ILD and/or pneumonitis occurred in 1.0% of patients treated with ENHERTU.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, ILD occurred in 10% of patients. Median time to first onset was 2.8 months (range: 1.2 to 21).

Neutropenia

Severe neutropenia, including febrile neutropenia, can occur in patients treated with ENHERTU. Monitor complete blood counts prior to initiation of ENHERTU and prior to each dose, and as clinically indicated. For Grade 3 neutropenia (Absolute Neutrophil Count [ANC] <1.0 to 0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 neutropenia (ANC <0.5 x 109/L), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 2 or less, then reduce dose by one level. For febrile neutropenia (ANC <1.0 x 109/L and temperature >38.3 C or a sustained temperature of ?38 C for more than 1 hour), interrupt ENHERTU until resolved, then reduce dose by one level.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 63% of patients. Seventeen percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 22 days (range: 2 to 939). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 1% of patients.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, a decrease in neutrophil count was reported in 72% of patients. Fifty-one percent had Grade 3 or 4 decreased neutrophil count. Median time to first onset of decreased neutrophil count was 16 days (range: 4 to 187). Febrile neutropenia was reported in 4.8% of patients.

Left Ventricular Dysfunction

Patients treated with ENHERTU may be at increased risk of developing left ventricular dysfunction. Left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) decrease has been observed with anti-HER2 therapies, including ENHERTU. Assess LVEF prior to initiation of ENHERTU and at regular intervals during treatment as clinically indicated. Manage LVEF decrease through treatment interruption. When LVEF is >45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, continue treatment with ENHERTU. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is <10%, continue treatment with ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. When LVEF is 40-45% and absolute decrease from baseline is 10-20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF has not recovered to within 10% from baseline, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. If LVEF recovers to within 10% from baseline, resume treatment with ENHERTU at the same dose. When LVEF is <40% or absolute decrease from baseline is >20%, interrupt ENHERTU and repeat LVEF assessment within 3 weeks. If LVEF of <40% or absolute decrease from baseline of >20% is confirmed, permanently discontinue ENHERTU. Permanently discontinue ENHERTU in patients with symptomatic congestive heart failure. Treatment with ENHERTU has not been studied in patients with a history of clinically significant cardiac disease or LVEF <50% prior to initiation of treatment.

HER2-Positive or HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

In patients with metastatic breast cancer, HER2-mutant NSCLC, and other solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, LVEF decrease was reported in 3.8% of patients, of which 0.6% were Grade 3.

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

In patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg, no clinical adverse events of heart failure were reported; however, on echocardiography, 8% were found to have asymptomatic Grade 2 decrease in LVEF.

Embryo-Fetal Toxicity

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to the initiation of ENHERTU. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment and for 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

Additional Dose Modifications

Thrombocytopenia

For Grade 3 thrombocytopenia (platelets <50 to 25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then maintain dose. For Grade 4 thrombocytopenia (platelets <25 x 109/L) interrupt ENHERTU until resolved to Grade 1 or less, then reduce dose by one level.

Adverse Reactions

HER2-Positive and HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer, HER2-Mutant NSCLC, and Solid Tumors (Including IHC 3+) (5.4 mg/kg)

The pooled safety population reflects exposure to ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks in 1799 patients in Study DS8201-A-J101 (NCT02564900), DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-Breast02, DESTINY-Breast03, DESTINY-Breast04, DESTINY-Lung01, DESTINY-Lung02, DESTINY-CRC02, and DESTINY-PanTumor02. Among these patients, 65% were exposed for >6 months and 38% were exposed for >1 year. In this pooled safety population, the most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (73%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (66%), decreased neutrophil count (63%), decreased lymphocyte count (58%), fatigue (56%), decreased platelet count (48%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (47%), increased alanine aminotransferase (43%), vomiting (40%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (38%), alopecia (34%), constipation (33%), decreased appetite (32%), decreased blood potassium (31%), diarrhea (29%), musculoskeletal pain (24%), and abdominal pain (20%).

HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast03

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 257 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who received at least one dose of ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every three weeks in DESTINY-Breast03. The median duration of treatment was 14 months (range: 0.7 to 30).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 19% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were vomiting, interstitial lung disease, pneumonia, pyrexia, and urinary tract infection. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 0.8% of patients including COVID-19 and sudden death (one patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 14% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, leukopenia, anemia, thrombocytopenia, pneumonia, nausea, fatigue, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 21% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were nausea, neutropenia, and fatigue.

The most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (70%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (67%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), increased alanine aminotransferase (53%), decreased platelet count (52%), fatigue (49%), vomiting (49%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (49%), alopecia (37%), decreased blood potassium (35%), constipation (34%), musculoskeletal pain (31%), diarrhea (29%), decreased appetite (29%), headache (22%), respiratory infection (22%), abdominal pain (21%), increased blood bilirubin (20%), and stomatitis (20%).

HER2-Low Metastatic Breast Cancer

DESTINY-Breast04

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 371 patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ISH-) breast cancer who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast04. The median duration of treatment was 8 months (range: 0.2 to 33) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 28% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, pneumonia, dyspnea, musculoskeletal pain, sepsis, anemia, febrile neutropenia, hypercalcemia, nausea, pyrexia, and vomiting. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 4% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (3 patients); sepsis (2 patients); and ischemic colitis, disseminated intravascular coagulation, dyspnea, febrile neutropenia, general physical health deterioration, pleural effusion, and respiratory failure (1 patient each).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 16% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 8%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 39% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, leukopenia, COVID-19, ILD/pneumonitis, increased transaminases, and hyperbilirubinemia. Dose reductions occurred in 23% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, thrombocytopenia, and neutropenia.

The most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (76%), decreased white blood cell count (70%), decreased hemoglobin (64%), decreased neutrophil count (64%), decreased lymphocyte count (55%), fatigue (54%), decreased platelet count (44%), alopecia (40%), vomiting (40%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (38%), increased alanine aminotransferase (36%), constipation (34%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (34%), decreased appetite (32%), musculoskeletal pain (32%), diarrhea (27%), and decreased blood potassium (25%).

HER2-Mutant Unresectable or Metastatic NSCLC (5.4 mg/kg)

DESTINY-Lung02 evaluated two dose levels (5.4 mg/kg [n=101] and 6.4 mg/kg [n=50]); however, only the results for the recommended dose of 5.4 mg/kg intravenously every 3 weeks are described below due to increased toxicity observed with the higher dose in patients with NSCLC, including ILD/pneumonitis.

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every three weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity in DESTINY?Lung02. Nineteen percent of patients were exposed for >6 months.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 30% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, thrombocytopenia, dyspnea, nausea, pleural effusion, and increased troponin I. Fatality occurred in 1 patient with suspected ILD/pneumonitis (1%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 8% of patients. Adverse reactions which resulted in permanent discontinuation of ENHERTU were ILD/pneumonitis, diarrhea, decreased blood potassium, hypomagnesemia, myocarditis, and vomiting. Dose interruptions of ENHERTU due to adverse reactions occurred in 23% of patients. Adverse reactions which required dose interruption (>2%) included neutropenia and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions due to an adverse reaction occurred in 11% of patients.

The most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were nausea (61%), decreased white blood cell count (60%), decreased hemoglobin (58%), decreased neutrophil count (52%), decreased lymphocyte count (43%), decreased platelet count (40%), decreased albumin (39%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (35%), increased alanine aminotransferase (34%), fatigue (32%), constipation (31%), decreased appetite (30%), vomiting (26%), increased alkaline phosphatase (22%), and alopecia (21%).

HER2-Positive Locally Advanced or Metastatic Gastric Cancer (6.4 mg/kg)

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 187 patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma in DESTINY-Gastric01. Patients intravenously received at least one dose of either ENHERTU (N=125) 6.4 mg/kg every 3 weeks or either irinotecan (N=55) 150 mg/m2 biweekly or paclitaxel (N=7) 80 mg/m2 weekly for 3 weeks. The median duration of treatment was 4.6 months (range: 0.7 to 22.3) for patients who received ENHERTU.

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 44% of patients receiving ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg. Serious adverse reactions in >2% of patients who received ENHERTU were decreased appetite, ILD, anemia, dehydration, pneumonia, cholestatic jaundice, pyrexia, and tumor hemorrhage. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 2.4% of patients: disseminated intravascular coagulation, large intestine perforation, and pneumonia occurred in one patient each (0.8%).

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD accounted for 6%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 62% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were neutropenia, anemia, decreased appetite, leukopenia, fatigue, thrombocytopenia, ILD, pneumonia, lymphopenia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, and decreased blood potassium. Dose reductions occurred in 32% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were neutropenia, decreased appetite, fatigue, nausea, and febrile neutropenia.

The most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin (75%), decreased white blood cell count (74%), decreased neutrophil count (72%), decreased lymphocyte count (70%), decreased platelet count (68%), nausea (63%), decreased appetite (60%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (58%), fatigue (55%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (54%), increased alanine aminotransferase (47%), diarrhea (32%), decreased blood potassium (30%), vomiting (26%), constipation (24%), increased blood bilirubin (24%), pyrexia (24%), and alopecia (22%).

HER2-Positive (IHC3+) Unresectable or Metastatic Solid Tumors

The safety of ENHERTU was evaluated in 347 adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC3+) solid tumors who received ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg intravenously once every 3 weeks in DESTINY-Breast01, DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, and DESTINY-CRC02. The median duration of treatment was 8.3 months (range 0.7 to 30.2).

Serious adverse reactions occurred in 34% of patients receiving ENHERTU. Serious adverse reactions in >1% of patients who received ENHERTU were sepsis, pneumonia, vomiting, urinary tract infection, abdominal pain, nausea, pneumonitis, pleural effusion, hemorrhage, COVID-19, fatigue, acute kidney injury, anemia, cellulitis, and dyspnea. Fatalities due to adverse reactions occurred in 6.3% of patients including ILD/pneumonitis (2.3%), cardiac arrest (0.6%), COVID-19 (0.6%), and sepsis (0.6%). The following events occurred in one patient each (0.3%): acute kidney injury, cerebrovascular accident, general physical health deterioration, pneumonia, and hemorrhagic shock.

ENHERTU was permanently discontinued in 15% of patients, of which ILD/pneumonitis accounted for 10%. Dose interruptions due to adverse reactions occurred in 48% of patients. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose interruption were decreased neutrophil count, anemia, COVID-19, fatigue, decreased white blood cell count, and ILD/pneumonitis. Dose reductions occurred in 27% of patients treated with ENHERTU. The most frequent adverse reactions (>2%) associated with dose reduction were fatigue, nausea, decreased neutrophil count, ILD/pneumonitis, and diarrhea.

The most common (?20%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased white blood cell count (75%), nausea (69%), decreased hemoglobin (67%), decreased neutrophil count (66%), fatigue (59%), decreased lymphocyte count (58%), decreased platelet count (51%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (45%), increased alanine aminotransferase (44%), increased blood alkaline phosphatase (36%), vomiting (35%), decreased appetite (34%), alopecia (34%), diarrhea (31%), decreased blood potassium (29%), constipation (28%), decreased sodium (22%), stomatitis (20%), and upper respiratory tract infection (20%).

Use in Specific Populations

Pregnancy: ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU.

ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise patients of the potential risks to a fetus. There are clinical considerations if ENHERTU is used in pregnant women, or if a patient becomes pregnant within 7 months after the last dose of ENHERTU. Lactation: There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose.

There are no data regarding the presence of ENHERTU in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in a breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Females and Males of Reproductive Potential: Pregnancy testing : Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. Contraception : Females : ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. Males : Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. Infertility : ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility.

: Verify pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiation of ENHERTU. : : ENHERTU can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 7 months after the last dose. : Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with ENHERTU and for 4 months after the last dose. : ENHERTU may impair male reproductive function and fertility. Pediatric Use: Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients.

Safety and effectiveness of ENHERTU have not been established in pediatric patients. Geriatric Use: Of the 1287 patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were ?65 years and 3.8% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ?65 years (59%) as compared to younger patients (49%). Of the 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were ?65 years and 8% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ?65 years and 14% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 192 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) unresectable or metastatic solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, or DESTINY-CRC02, 39% were 65 years or older and 9% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients.

Of the 1287 patients with HER2-positive or HER2-low breast cancer treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 22% were ?65 years and 3.8% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy within clinical studies were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. There was a higher incidence of Grade 3-4 adverse reactions observed in patients aged ?65 years (59%) as compared to younger patients (49%). Of the 101 patients with HER2-mutant unresectable or metastatic NSCLC treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg, 40% were ?65 years and 8% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 125 patients with HER2-positive locally advanced or metastatic gastric or GEJ adenocarcinoma treated with ENHERTU 6.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-Gastric01, 56% were ?65 years and 14% were ?75 years. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. Of the 192 patients with HER2-positive (IHC 3+) unresectable or metastatic solid tumors treated with ENHERTU 5.4 mg/kg in DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01, or DESTINY-CRC02, 39% were 65 years or older and 9% were 75 years or older. No overall differences in efficacy or safety were observed between patients ?65 years of age compared to younger patients. Renal Impairment: A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min).

A higher incidence of Grade 1 and 2 ILD/pneumonitis has been observed in patients with moderate renal impairment. Monitor patients with moderate renal impairment more frequently. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe renal impairment (CLcr <30 mL/min). Hepatic Impairment: In patients with moderate hepatic impairment, due to potentially increased exposure, closely monitor for increased toxicities related to the topoisomerase inhibitor, DXd. The recommended dosage of ENHERTU has not been established for patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin >3 times ULN and any AST).

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Daiichi Sankyo, Inc. at 1-877-437-7763 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or fda.gov/medwatch.

Please see accompanying full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNINGS, and Medication Guide.

Notes

Breast cancer and HER2 expression

Breast cancer is the second most common cancer and one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide.5 More than two million breast cancer cases were diagnosed in 2022 with more than 665,000 deaths globally.5 While survival rates are high for those diagnosed with early breast cancer, only approximately 30% of patients who are diagnosed with or who progress to metastatic disease are expected to live five years after their diagnosis.1

HER2 is a tyrosine kinase receptor growth-promoting protein expressed on the surface of many types of tumors, including breast cancer.6 Patients with high levels of HER2 expression (IHC 3+ or 2+/ISH+) are classified as HER2-positive and treated with HER2-directed therapies, representing approximately 15-20% of all breast cancers.7 Historically, tumors that were not classified as HER2-positive were classified as HER2-negative.2

HR-positive, HER2-negative is the most common breast cancer subtype, accounting for approximately 70% of all breast cancers.1 Despite being classified as HER2-negative, many of these tumors still carry some level of HER2 expression.2 It is estimated that 60-65% of HR-positive, HER2-negative breast cancers are HER2-low and an additional 25% may be HER2-ultralow.3,4

Endocrine therapies are widely used in the early lines of treatment for HR-positive metastatic breast cancer; however, after two lines of treatment, further efficacy from endocrine therapy is often limited.8 The current standard of care following endocrine therapy is chemotherapy, which is associated with poor response rates and outcomes.8-11

Prior to the approval of ENHERTU in HER2-low metastatic breast cancer post chemotherapy based on the DESTINY-Breast04 trial, there were no targeted therapies approved specifically for patients with HER2-low expression. There are no targeted therapies specifically approved for patients with HER2-low expression prior to chemotherapy or for patients with HER2-ultralow expression.12

DESTINY-Breast06

DESTINY-Breast06 is a global, randomized, open-label, Phase III trial evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU (5.4 mg/kg) versus investigator's choice of chemotherapy (capecitabine, paclitaxel or nab-paclitaxel) in patients with HR-positive, HER2-low (IHC 1+ or 2+/ISH-) or HER2-ultralow (defined as IHC 0 with membrane staining) advanced or metastatic breast cancer. Patients in the trial had no prior chemotherapy for advanced or metastatic disease and received at least two lines of prior endocrine therapy in the metastatic setting. Patients were also eligible if they had received one prior line of endocrine therapy combined with a CDK4/6 inhibitor in the metastatic setting and experienced disease progression within six months of starting 1st-line treatment or received endocrine therapy as an adjuvant treatment and experienced disease recurrence within 24 months.

HER2 status in the trial was confirmed by central laboratory and was performed on an archival tumor sample obtained at the time of initial metastatic diagnosis or later. If archival tissue was not available, a fresh tissue sample was required.

The primary endpoint is PFS in the HR-positive, HER2-low patient population as measured by BICR. Key secondary endpoints include PFS by BICR in the overall trial population (HER2-low and HER2-ultralow), OS in the HER2-low patient population and OS in the overall trial population. Other secondary endpoints include ORR, DOR, time to first subsequent treatment or death, time to second subsequent treatment or death and safety.

DESTINY-Breast06 enrolled 866 patients (n=713 for HER2-low and n=153 for HER2-ultralow) randomized at multiple sites in Asia, Europe, Australia, North America and South America. For more information about the trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov.

ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki)

ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki) is a HER2-directed ADC. Designed using Daiichi Sankyo's proprietary DXd ADC Technology, ENHERTU is the lead ADC in the oncology portfolio of Daiichi Sankyo and the most advanced program in AstraZeneca's ADC scientific platform. ENHERTU consists of a HER2 monoclonal antibody attached to a number of topoisomerase I inhibitor payloads (an exatecan derivative, DXd) via tetrapeptide-based cleavable linkers.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 65 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (immunohistochemistry [IHC] 3+ or in-situ hybridization [ISH]+) breast cancer who have received a prior anti-HER2-based regimen, either in the metastatic setting or in the neoadjuvant or adjuvant setting, and have developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast03 trial.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 65 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-low (IHC 1+ or IHC 2+/ ISH-) breast cancer who have received a prior systemic therapy in the metastatic setting or developed disease recurrence during or within six months of completing adjuvant chemotherapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Breast04 trial.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic NSCLC whose tumors have activating HER2 (ERBB2) mutations, as detected by a locally or regionally approved test, and who have received a prior systemic therapy based on the results from the DESTINY-Lung02 and/or DESTINY-Lung05 trials. Continued approval in the US for this indication may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ENHERTU (6.4mg/kg) is approved in more than 45 countries worldwide for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+ or 2+/ISH+) gastric or gastroesophageal junction (GEJ) adenocarcinoma who have received a prior trastuzumab-based regimen based on the results from the DESTINY-Gastric01, DESTINY-Gastric02 and/or DESTINY-Gastric06 trials. Full approval in China for this indication will depend on whether a randomized controlled confirmatory clinical trial can demonstrate clinical benefit in this population.

ENHERTU (5.4mg/kg) is approved in the US for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable or metastatic HER2-positive (IHC 3+) solid tumors who have received prior systemic treatment and have no satisfactory alternative treatment options based on efficacy results from the DESTINY-PanTumor02, DESTINY-Lung01 and DESTINY-CRC02 trials. Continued approval for this indication in the US may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.

ENHERTU development program

A comprehensive global clinical development program is underway evaluating the efficacy and safety of ENHERTU monotherapy across multiple HER2-targetable cancers. Trials in combination with other anti-cancer treatments, such as immunotherapy, also are underway.

Daiichi Sankyo collaboration

AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo entered into a global collaboration to jointly develop and commercialize ENHERTU in March 2019 and datopotamab deruxtecan in July 2020, except in Japan where Daiichi Sankyo maintains exclusive rights for each ADC. Daiichi Sankyo is responsible for the manufacturing and supply of ENHERTU and datopotamab deruxtecan.

AstraZeneca in breast cancer

Driven by a growing understanding of breast cancer biology, AstraZeneca is starting to challenge, and redefine, the current clinical paradigm for how breast cancer is classified and treated to deliver even more effective treatments to patients in need ? with the bold ambition to one day eliminate breast cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca has a comprehensive portfolio of approved and promising compounds in development that leverage different mechanisms of action to address the biologically diverse breast cancer tumor environment.

With ENHERTU (fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki), a HER2-directed antibody drug conjugate (ADC), AstraZeneca and Daiichi Sankyo are aiming to improve outcomes in previously treated HER2-positive and HER2-low metastatic breast cancer and are exploring its potential in earlier lines of treatment and in new breast cancer settings.

In HR-positive breast cancer, AstraZeneca continues to improve outcomes with foundational medicines goserelin and aims to reshape the HR-positive space with first-in-class AKT inhibitor, capivasertib, and next-generation SERD and potential new medicine camizestrant. AstraZeneca is also collaborating with Daiichi Sankyo to explore the potential of TROP2-directed ADC, datopotamab deruxtecan, in this setting.

PARP inhibitor olaparib is a targeted treatment option that has been studied in early and metastatic breast cancer patients with an inherited BRCA mutation. AstraZeneca with MSD (Merck & Co., Inc. in the US and Canada) continue to research olaparib in these settings and to explore its potential in earlier disease.

To bring much-needed treatment options to patients with triple-negative breast cancer, an aggressive form of breast cancer, AstraZeneca is evaluating the potential of datopotamab deruxtecan alone and in combination with immunotherapy durvalumab, capivasertib in combination with chemotherapy, and durvalumab in combination with other oncology medicines, including olaparib and ENHERTU.

AstraZeneca in oncology

AstraZeneca is leading a revolution in oncology with the ambition to provide cures for cancer in every form, following the science to understand cancer and all its complexities to discover, develop and deliver life-changing medicines to patients.

The Company's focus is on some of the most challenging cancers. It is through persistent innovation that AstraZeneca has built one of the most diverse portfolios and pipelines in the industry, with the potential to catalyze changes in the practice of medicine and transform the patient experience.

AstraZeneca has the vision to redefine cancer care and, one day, eliminate cancer as a cause of death.

AstraZeneca

AstraZeneca is a global, science-led biopharmaceutical company that focuses on the discovery, development and commercialization of prescription medicines in Oncology, Rare Diseases and BioPharmaceuticals, including Cardiovascular, Renal & Metabolism, and Respiratory & Immunology. Based in Cambridge, UK, AstraZeneca operates in over 125 countries, and its innovative medicines are used by millions of patients worldwide. For more information, please visit www.astrazeneca-us.com and follow us on social media @AstraZeneca.

References

National Cancer Institute. Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results Program. Available at: https://seer.cancer.gov/statfacts/html/breast-subtypes.html. Accessed September 2024. Sajjadi E, et al. Improving HER2 testing reproducibility in HER2-low breast cancer. Cancer Drug Resist. 2022;5(4):882-888. Denkert C, et al. Clinical and molecular characteristics of HER2-low-positive breast cancer: pooled analysis of individual patient data from four prospective, neoadjuvant clinical trials. Lancet Oncol. 2021 Aug;22(8):1151-1161. Chen Z, et al. Is HER2 ultra-low breast cancer different from HER2 null or HER2 low breast cancer? A study of 1363 patients. Breast Cancer Res Treat. 2023 Nov;202(2):313-323. Bray F, et al. Global cancer statistics 2022: GLOBOCAN estimates of incidence and mortality worldwide for 36 cancers in 185 countries. CA Cancer J Clin. 2024 Apr 4. doi: 10.3322/caac.21834. Iqbal N, et al. Human Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor 2 (HER2) in Cancers: Overexpression and Therapeutic Implications. Mol Biol Int. 2014;852748. Ahn S, et al. HER2 status in breast cancer: changes in guidelines and complicating factors for interpretation. J Pathol Transl Med. 2020;54(1):34-44. Manohar P, et al. Updates in endocrine therapy for metastatic breast cancer. Cancer Biol Med. 2022 Feb 15; 19(2):202?212. Cortes J, et al. Eribulin monotherapy versus treatment of physician's choice in patients with metastatic breast cancer (EMBRACE): a phase 3 open-label randomised study. Lancet. 2011;377:914-923. Yuan P, et al. Eribulin mesilate versus vinorelbine in women with locally recurrent or metastatic breast cancer: A randomised clinical trial. Eur J Cancer. 2019;112:57?65. Jerusalem G, et al. Everolimus Plus Exemestane vs Everolimus or Capecitabine Monotherapy for Estrogen Receptor?Positive, HER2-Negative Advanced Breast Cancer. JAMA Oncol. 2018;4(10):1367?1374. Modi S, et al. Trastuzumab Deruxtecan in Previously Treated HER2-Low Advanced Breast Cancer. N Engl J Med. 2022;387:9-20.

US- 93544 | Last Updated 9/2024

1 october 2024 at 07:05

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Bausch + Lomb Launches Opaltm Digital Marketplace in the United States





Bausch + Lomb Corporation (NYSE/TSX: BLCO), a leading global eye health company dedicated to helping people see better to live better, today announced the U.S. launch of Opal, a digital e-commerce marketplace. Designed to help maximize efficiencies for eye care practices while enhancing the patient experience, Opal provides a streamlined ordering process for Bausch + Lomb contact lenses, with select Bausch + Lomb over-the-counter products to be added in the coming months.

"Opal is an all-in-one digital platform that offers faster, more convenient ordering of Bausch + Lomb products, helping to save staff time, boost patient loyalty and reduce the administrative burden for participating eye care practices," said Yang Yang, president, Global Vision Care, Bausch + Lomb. "This platform is the latest example of our continued focus on meeting the evolving needs of eye care professionals and their patients."

The Opal platform, a complimentary offering to eye care professionals that is accessible to their patients, features order tracking and history, appointment reminders and automated prescription reminders. All orders made through Opal are delivered with free shipping directly to patients' homes or eye care practices, and each patient purchase earns points toward the Bausch + Lomb Horizon Rewards loyalty program.

"Opal simplifies administrative tasks such as order processing, inventory management and cost comparisons, to help free up resources and valuable staff time," said Jason Tu, OD, Vision Boutique, San Diego, past president, California Optometric Association, and an Opal beta tester. "With such a user-friendly interface, Opal allows my patients to order their Bausch + Lomb products directly from my practice, whether they're in the office or elsewhere. This not only enhances convenience for my patients but also supports the growth of my business. As a private practice owner, creating efficiencies in my back-office processes is crucial, and Opal significantly contributes to that."

Products are available through a customizable catalog on Opal, including Bausch + Lomb contact lens brands such as Bausch + Lomb INFUSE, Bausch + Lomb ULTRA and Biotrue ONEday. Over-the-counter products will include LUMIFY redness reliever eye drops and Blink eye drops.

About Bausch + Lomb

Bausch + Lomb is dedicated to protecting and enhancing the gift of sight for millions of people around the world ? from birth through every phase of life. Its comprehensive portfolio of approximately 400 products includes contact lenses, lens care products, eye care products, ophthalmic pharmaceuticals, over-the-counter products and ophthalmic surgical devices and instruments. Founded in 1853, Bausch + Lomb has a significant global research and development, manufacturing and commercial footprint with approximately 13,000 employees and a presence in nearly 100 countries. Bausch + Lomb is headquartered in Vaughan, Ontario, with corporate offices in Bridgewater, New Jersey. For more information, visit www.bausch.com and connect with us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram.

Forward-looking Statements

This news release may contain forward-looking statements, which may generally be identified by the use of the words "anticipates," "hopes," "expects," "intends," "plans," "should," "could," "would," "will," "may," "believes," "estimates," "potential," "target," or "continue" and variations or similar expressions. These statements are based upon the current expectations and beliefs of management and are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risks and uncertainties discussed in Bausch + Lomb's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Canadian Securities Administrators, which factors are incorporated herein by reference. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of these forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date hereof. Bausch + Lomb undertakes no obligation to update any of these forward-looking statements to reflect events or circumstances after the date of this news release or to reflect actual outcomes, unless required by law.

 2024 Bausch + Lomb.

BLNP.0203.USA.24

1 october 2024 at 07:05

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Ranpak Honored with Triple Win at Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards





Ranpak Holdings Corp. ("Ranpak") (NYSE: PACK), a global leader in environmentally conscious, paper-based packaging solutions, announced today its recent wins at the 2024 Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards, one of the largest, most widely recognized programs throughout the industry. Ranpak received honors in three categories: Innovation, Product Launches and Environmental, highlighting the company's tandem commitment to advancing packaging technology and environmental stewardship.

"It's with tremendous excitement that we proudly receive three awards at this year's Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards," said Omar Asali, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ranpak. "At Ranpak, we are deeply invested in providing customers with the highest quality sustainable protective packaging and automation solutions, and these awards are concrete evidence that our strides to meet this goal have not gone unnoticed. Our work at Ranpak is a testament to the fact that the future of packaging is not incompatible with our collective desire to make greener choices."

Powered by the business intelligence of GlobalData, the Packaging Gateway Excellence Awards is an independent recognition program informed by over 1 billion datasets analyzed annually to recognize, endorse and rank top-tier companies and their achievements spanning over 200 counties.

Ranpak secured its wins due, in part, to its innovative products, including:

The Cut'it!tm EVO Multi-Lid system won in the Innovation ? Packaging Machinery category. The solution revolutionizes end-of-line packaging by reducing package void and offering customizable, branded lids for various brands on a single line. The Cut'it!tm EVO Multi-Lid system also supports enhanced packaging efficiency and quality while aligning with forthcoming regulations like the European Packaging Directive, requiring a 50% void cap in packaging by 2030.

The naturemailertm padded mailer system was awarded in the Product Launches ? Paper Packaging category. A fully curbside recyclable mailer launched on Earth Day in recognition of the "Planet vs. Plastics" theme, the unique honeycomb paper insulation offers a greener alternative to the standard plastic mailer and promotes greater circularity in packaging.

Ranpak's climaliner plustm cold chain liner solution ? a 100% paper-based recyclable liner replacement for EPS foam and other less sustainable cold chain options ? won in the Environmental category for Sustainable Packaging.

Ranpak is also shortlisted as a finalist for the 2024 Sustainable Packaging Awards under the e- commerce category for its FillPak Trident Minitm, a paper packaging alternative to plastic airbags and cushions that can fill voids while using up to 20% less paper than comparable solutions. Winners will be announced at the Sustainable Packaging Summit in Amsterdam this November.

These recognitions reflect Ranpak's unyielding effort to develop cutting-edge packaging technology and automation solutions that allow companies and consumers alike to prioritize sustainability and circularity without sacrificing quality packaging protection.

About Ranpak

Founded in 1972, Ranpak's goal was to create the first environmentally responsible system to protect products during shipment. Ranpak's mission is to deliver sustainable packaging solutions that help improve supply chain performance and costs, reduce environmental impact, and support a variety of growing business needs globally. The development and improvement of materials, systems and total solution concepts have earned Ranpak a reputation as an innovative leader in e-commerce and industrial supply chain solutions. Ranpak is headquartered in Concord Township, Ohio and has approximately 830 employees. Additional information about Ranpak can be found on its website: https://www.ranpak.com/.

1 october 2024 at 07:35

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SUBARU HELPS THOUSANDS OF SHELTER PETS NATIONWIDE THROUGH $3 MILLION SUBARU LOVES PETS INITIATIVE





Automaker and its retailers work with the ASPCA to support local shelters through pet adoption events and more

CAMDEN, N.J., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Subaru of America, Inc. today announced updates to the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, an effort dedicated to improving the lives of as many shelter pets as possible. This October, Subaru and its participating retailers will provide over $3 million in direct financial assistance to local animal shelters nationwide through grants* administered by the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) to help cover costs associated with preparing animals for adoption, veterinary expenses, and more.

The Subaru community has a true passion for animal welfare, genuinely and enthusiastically matched by our retailers.

Subaru retailers will also host adoption, microchipping, or other types of pet-focused events to help ensure they can find loving homes in their communities. This year, Subaru will also donate $20 to the ASPCA with the purchase of select items from Subaru Parts Online in October, up to $10,000. This features products such as the Genuine Subaru Pet-Friendly Accessories.**

According to the ASPCA, approximately 6.5 million animals entered shelters in the U.S. in 2023. Many of these animals live day after day without the love of a family or a home. Subaru believes that all pets deserve loving homes, which is why they are the largest corporate donor to the ASPCA.

Alan Bethke, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Subaru of America, Inc.: "The Subaru community has a true passion for animal welfare, which is genuinely and enthusiastically matched by our retailers with their support of local organizations through adoption events and fundraising initiatives. Working with dedicated partners like the ASPCA, we take great pride in helping dogs, cats, and other pets find loving homes and seeing the difference they can make in people's lives."

To drive additional awareness and support for pets everywhere, Subaru will celebrate the sixth annual National Make a Dog's Day on October 22nd. On this special holiday, created by Subaru, the automaker invites dog enthusiasts everywhere to do something extra special for their canine companions and share these moments on social media using the #MakeADogsDay hashtag. For those who haven't yet adopted a pet, Subaru encourages considering the adoption of a shelter pet or a cherished "Underdog," an older or disabled shelter dog.

Matt Bershadker, President and CEO, ASPCA: "The ASPCA is proud to be the national charity partner for the Subaru Loves Pets initiative, helping to support Subaru, its retailers, and hundreds of animal welfare organizations across the country as they assist tens of thousands of shelter animals in need. Subaru and its retailers are dedicated animal welfare advocates who are truly committed to making the world a better place for pets."

Subaru is proud of its history of supporting pets in need, and the Subaru Loves Pets initiative has played an important role. Since 2008, Subaru has contributed over $60 million to national and local animal welfare organizations, facilitating the rescue, transportation, and adoption of over 504,000 pets.

To learn more about the Subaru Love Pets initiative, visit www.subaru.com/pets and follow #SubaruLovesPets and #MakeADogsDay.

*Disclaimer: The ASPCA will administer funding to the partner through a grant on behalf of the retailer prior to October, so the shelter can use the funding throughout the month of October in honor of Subaru Loves Pets.

**Disclaimer: Maximum donation of $10,000. Donations apply to orders placed from 12:01 AM EDT Tuesday, October 1, 2024, through 11:59 PM EDT Thursday, October 31, 2024, through participating retailers' Subaru Parts Online websites.

About Subaru of America, Inc.

Subaru of America, Inc. (SOA) is an indirect wholly owned subsidiary of Subaru Corporation of Japan. Headquartered in Camden, N.J., the company markets and distributes Subaru vehicles, parts, and accessories through a network of about 640 retailers across the United States. All Subaru products are manufactured in zero-landfill plants, including Subaru of Indiana Automotive, Inc., the only U.S. automobile manufacturing plant designated a backyard wildlife habitat by the National Wildlife Federation. SOA is guided by the Subaru Love Promise, which is the company's vision to show love and respect to everyone and to support its communities and customers nationwide. Over the past 20 years, SOA and the SOA Foundation have donated more than $320 million to causes the Subaru family cares about, and its employees have logged over 100,000 volunteer hours. Subaru is dedicated to being More Than a Car Company and to making the world a better place. For additional information, visit media.subaru.com. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, TikTok, and YouTube.

Diane Anton

Corporate Communications Manager

(856) 488-5093

[email protected]

Adam Leiter

Subaru of America, Inc.

(856) 488-8668

[email protected]

SOURCE Subaru of America, Inc.

1 october 2024 at 08:57

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Party General Secretary and State President To Lam (L) and Mongolian President Ukhnaagiin Khurelsukh (Photo: VNA)

Khurelsukh said that Mongolia treasures its relationship with Vietnam and considers it one of its key strategic partners in the region. He praised Vietnams flexible and balanced foreign policy of multilateralism and diversification of ties, and highlighted Party General Secretary and State President To Lams historic visit as a significant contribution to bilateral ties.

Khurelsukh expressed gratitude to the State and people of Vietnam for their support of 500,000 USD to help Mongolia recover from recent natural disasters. He noted that the Inter-Governmental Commission will meet in Hanoi this November to discuss ways to realise the Vietnam-Mongolia joint statement on establishing the comprehensive partnership.

Both leaders reached a consensus on major directions and specific measures to realise high-level agreements, with national defence-security cooperation identified as a key pillar, thus contributing to elevating bilateral ties to a level that matches the new partnership framework, and reflects the global and regional context.

They agreed to facilitate the exchange of delegations at all levels, effectively carry out existing cooperation and dialogue mechanisms, and further bolster collaboration in diplomacy, national defence-security, and judicial affairs. Additionally, they vowed to increase coordination in combating trans-national crime and engaging in the United Nations peacekeeping operations, while continuing to support the development of cavalry, a symbol of the Vietnam-Mongolia relationship.

The leaders promised to boost substantive and effective economic cooperation that aligns with the need of each side, maintain bilateral economic cooperation mechanisms, and enhance trade promotion measures to connect businesses, thereby contributing to lifting two-way trade volume. They committed to supporting information, mechanisms, and policies to promote the export-import of goods and services, ensuring that each country can easily access the other's market, especially for key products.

A commitment to fostering hi-tech research and development, digital technology, innovation, artificial intelligence, information and communication technology, climate change adaptation, mining and animal farming was also made. They will work together to identify solutions to overcome challenges in logistics transport and share experience to effectively implement existing cooperation agreements in the fields of road, rail, maritime and air transport.

Both sides vowed to continue building mechanisms for the exchange of experts, lecturers and students, share experience regarding education mechanisms and policies, and digital application in education.

They will increase the implementation of culture-art-tourism promotion programmes, facilitate locality-to-locality and people-to-people exchanges, and work closely together to protect citizens from each country who are living, studying and working in the other country.

On global and regional issues, they concurred to continue to enhance close cooepration and regularly discuss political and security issues of shared concern, offer mutual support at global and regional frameworks and forums of which they are members, such as the United Nations, the Asia-Europe Meeting (ASEM), the World Trade Organisation (WTO), and the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF).

They underscored the importance of ensuring peace, security, safety and freedom of navigation and overflight in the East Sea, maintaining an environment of peace and stability, upholding the rule of law and settling disputes at sea through peaceful means, ensuring the legitimate rights and interests of nations in accordance with international law, including the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS).

Concluding the talks, host and guest issued a joint statement on establishing the Vietnam-Mongolia comprehensive partnership to guide the deep, reliable cooperation between the two countries across all areas, ensuring that their collaboration is substantive, effective and comprehensive.

They also witnessed the signing of seven cooperation documents between various ministries, agencies and localities of both countries.

Party General Secretary and State President To Lam also extended his invitation to President Khurelsukh to visit Vietnam, and the host accepted it with pleasure./.
Cybersecurity Pioneer Kevin Mandia Joins Expel's Board of Directors





Expel, the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider, today announced cybersecurity industry luminary, Kevin Mandia, has joined its board of directors. The Mandiant founder brings over three decades of security leadership and venture capital expertise to help shepherd Expel into its next phase of growth.

"I believe you need an experienced founder that truly knows security to run a great security company. I met Dave nearly 30 years ago when we were computer crime investigators in the United States Air Force, and we have been committed to cybersecurity ever since. Dave was our first pick at Mandiant to lead our software business, our managed defense business, and much of our go-to-market teams. I witnessed Dave build and scale our business from the ground up with relentless focus on the outcomes for our customers," said Mandia, speaking about Dave Merkel, co-founder and CEO of Expel. "I believe in Expel's leadership, products, and services, along with its commitment to solving critical security challenges for its customers, and that is what excites me as I join this remarkable team."

Mandia's board appointment comes as Expel continues its upward trajectory. Last year, Expel strengthened strategic partnerships with major global players in and around the security space, including Wiz, Visa, and, most recently, modePUSH, a leading incident response firm, to improve joint capabilities that meet a broader range of customer security needs. Expel's momentum includes 50% year-over-year revenue growth (FY23-FY24) and surpassing $100 million in annual recurring revenue, achieving "centaur status," as of FY24.

"I've been lucky to call Kevin [Mandia] a mentor and a friend for much of my professional life, and I'm honored to have his guidance again?in this official capacity?as we tackle this next chapter," said Dave Merkel. "The opportunity in MDR is massive, and Expel is uniquely qualified to lead the market. That Kevin is willing to come along for the ride as a board member tells me we're on the right path."

As rapidly advancing AI-powered technologies reshape the threat landscape for attackers and defenders alike, Expel remains confident and committed to accelerating its unique approach to cybersecurity. The company's customer base has grown by 67% since early 2023, and Expel holds an industry-leading Net Promoter Score (NPS) of 75?a notoriously unforgiving scale. Expel's relentless focus on delivering measurable customer outcomes reflects in its impressive metrics:

A 20-minute mean-time-to-remediate (MTTR)

An 87% reduction in customers' MTTR with auto-remediation

125+ tech integrations

99% of customers say Expel is a brand they trust

These metrics provide Expel customers with the time and peace-of-mind they need to focus on the business priorities that matter most. With comprehensive coverage across cloud, on-prem, identity, network environments, and more, Expel combines skilled analysts with its purpose-built SecOps platform, Expel Workbenchtm, to augment teams or help develop new ones?meeting customers' exact needs.

Mandia's appointment to the board reunites him with Merkel, combining their deep expertise and shared roots in the defense community. This career intersection once again reflects Mandia's strong belief in Expel's leadership?including Merkel's co-founders, Yanek Korff and Justin Bajko, both fellow Mandiant alums and current Expel executives?and its ability to protect organizations against evolving threats.

For exclusive insights directly from Mandia and Merkel on the future of cyber defense, register here for an upcoming webinar on Thursday, October 17 at 11am ET. To learn more about Expel MDR or get in touch with any questions, reach out anytime at expel.com/contact.

Here's what Expel customers have to say:

"Working with Expel is like putting on noise canceling headphones?granting us the freedom to focus on AstraZeneca's most pressing business priorities, not reams of alerts, as a true extension of our security team. Having long worked with members of Expel's leadership team, as both a colleague and a customer, I can confidently say I never have to question whether the Expel team is prioritizing our security needs. And knowing Kevin [Mandia] from my years at Mandiant, I know he sees what I do in Expel: an MDR that's fiercely committed to bettering the lives of its customers through unmatched protection and superior outcomes."

- Kristina Sisk, Cyber Security Defense Operations Director, AstraZeneca

"Dragos has had a long and successful relationship with Expel, one that's critical to our ability to achieve our mission to protect the industrial infrastructure that we depend on every day. We see how the threat landscape is evolving, and Dragos and Expel have always been in lock-step in our approach to improving the security postures of our customers. Welcoming Kevin onto Expel's board adds to the company's already formidable leadership and advisory team, and further reinforces the crucially important role that MDR plays in modern cybersecurity programs."

- Robert M. Lee, co-founder and CEO, Dragos

About Expel

Expel is the leading managed detection and response (MDR) provider trusted by some of the world's most recognizable brands to expel their adversaries, minimize risk, and build security resilience. Expel's 24/7/365 coverage spans the widest breadth of attack surfaces, including cloud, with 100% transparency. We combine world-class security practitioners and our AI-driven platform, Expel Workbenchtm, to ingest billions of events monthly and still achieve a 20-minute critical alert MTTR. Expel augments existing programs to help customers maximize their security investments and focus on building trust?with their customers, partners, and employees. For more information, visit our website, check out our blog, or follow us on LinkedIn.

1 october 2024 at 09:10

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American Express and Boost Payment Solutions Bring Optimized Virtual Card Payments to Suppliers





As part of its ongoing investment in its B2B (business-to-business) network and in enhancing buyer and supplier capabilities, American Express (NYSE: AXP) today announced a new offering by Boost Payment Solutions, a global leader in B2B payments, to provide commercial virtual Card processing services to U.S. merchants who accept American Express. Qualified American Express merchants will now have access to Boost Intercept, Boost's patented Straight-Through Processing (STP) solution, at no additional cost. This collaboration will enable suppliers to streamline acceptance of American Express virtual Cards and minimize the challenges associated with manual processing of virtual Cards.

While virtual cards offer a dynamic payment option that replaces a physical card number with a tokenized, one-time-use digital version, in B2B payments, some suppliers are still processing virtual card payments manually, including the opening of each email and copying the tokenized card number in their Point-of-Sale (POS) terminal. The increasing volume of virtual card transactions is making automation even more essential for suppliers, as 52% of U.S. commercial card spend is estimated to be on virtual cards by 2025.*

Now, with Boost Intercept for qualified American Express merchants, the end-to-end process is entirely automated, eliminating the manual work previously associated with processing virtual Card payments via e-mail. The automated process can shorten the time between when a payment is authorized and when funds settle, potentially leading to better cash-flow management. By automating each step -- receiving, parsing and processing ? suppliers don't just save time, they also help their business run more efficiently and safely: as virtual Cards are generated with unique details for a specific transaction, merchants do not have to worry about handling sensitive payment and Card data from buyers.

Provided at no additional cost to qualified American Express merchants , Boost Intercept brings the positive impact of end-to-end automation to businesses of all sizes, and helps suppliers enjoy similar benefits that buyers do when it comes to virtual Cards: faster, more efficient payments.

From delayed payments to timely payments . Automating virtual Card payments with Boost Intercept can help reduce payment cycles and improve cash flow management, helping suppliers receive the funds more quickly.

. Automating virtual Card payments with Boost Intercept can help reduce payment cycles and improve cash flow management, helping suppliers receive the funds more quickly. From data entry errors to reliable information. Boost Intercept automates and therefore simplifies reconciliation efforts, with detailed transaction data accompanying each payment, making it easier for suppliers to match payments with invoices.

And from a supplier staffing perspective, data shows that automating digital payments can save precious time compared to manual processes: According to the Amex Trendex B2B Edition**, of the U.S. businesses who said that payments automation is saving their finance team's time (36%), the average reportedly saved was 9.9 hours per week, or more than 500 hours per year.

This new collaboration with Boost aims to empower American Express suppliers with enhanced efficiency, accelerated payment processing, and an improved customer experience.

American Express On-the-Record:

"American Express is always working to increase support for our network of merchants, as backing businesses has been core to our strategy for decades. We invest in proprietary supplier capabilities, as well as partnerships to improve supplier experiences," said Colleen Taylor, President, Merchant Services ? U.S., at American Express. "That's why we're excited to partner with Boost to extend the benefits of straight-through processing, as virtual card transactions are on the rise. This collaboration benefits businesses on both sides of a B2B transaction because the process needs to work seamlessly for everyone involved."

Boost Payment Solutions On-the-Record:

"This collaboration underscores our commitment to empowering suppliers with payment tools that can help them thrive in today's fast-paced business environment," said Dean M. Leavitt, Founder and CEO of Boost Payment Solutions. "We admire American Express' commitment to providing innovative and comprehensive payment solutions for their clients and are thrilled to team up with them to provide a simpler, smarter and safer option for accepting American Express B2B virtual Cards."

Learn More

American Express has both proprietary and partner virtual Card solutions to meet all of its customers' needs, and American Express' collaboration with Boost Payment Solutions is the most recent example of how the company is bringing automated accounts payable (AP) and accounts receivable (AR) solutions to its network. American Express One AP, American Express' proprietary accounts payable solution, which allows businesses to pay their suppliers via multiple different payment rails, including virtual Cards, which can bring enhanced security to payments processes.

For more information on the American Express and Boost Payment Solutions partnership visit www.boostb2b.com/americanexpress.

*Mercator Advisory Group, February 2023.

**Amex Trendex: B2B Edition, 2023.

About American Express

American Express is a globally integrated payments company, providing customers with access to products, insights and experiences that enrich lives and build business success. Learn more at americanexpress.com and connect with us on facebook.com/americanexpress, instagram.com/americanexpress, linkedin.com/company/american-express, X.com/americanexpress, and youtube.com/americanexpress.

Key links to products, services and corporate sustainability information: personal cards, business cards and services, travel services, gift cards, prepaid cards, merchant services, Business Blueprint, Resy, corporate card, business travel, diversity and inclusion, corporate sustainability and Environmental, Social, and Governance reports.

About Boost Payment Solutions

Boost Payment Solutions is the global leader in B2B payments with a technology platform that seamlessly serves the needs of today's commercial trading partners. Our patented technology solutions bridge the needs of buyers and suppliers around the world, eliminating friction and delivering process efficiency, payment security, data insights, and revenue optimization. Boost was founded in 2009 and operates in 180+ countries.

Please visit us at http://www.boostb2b.com

Location: U.S.

1 october 2024 at 09:25

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Statement by the Prime Minister welcoming the new Prime Minister of Japan





OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - The Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, today issued the following statement to welcome the new Prime Minister of Japan, Ishiba Shigeru:

"On behalf of the Government of Canada, I congratulate Ishiba Shigeru on becoming Prime Minister of Japan.

"Canada and Japan's relationship is rooted in shared values and deep economic and cultural ties. As strong allies on the world stage, we work together as part of the G7, the G20, the United Nations, and as dialogue partners of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

"As friends and partners, we are moving forward on shared priorities under the Canada-Japan Action Plan, including by supporting humanitarian efforts, promoting free trade, defending peace and security, and fighting climate change. Canada remains committed to building on this partnership through our Indo-Pacific Strategy, which benefits people on both sides of the Pacific with greater progress, prosperity, and opportunity.

"I look forward to working with Prime Minister Ishiba as our countries deepen our friendship. Together, Canada and Japan will defend democracy around the world, grow our economies, and make life better for Canadians and Japanese people alike.

"I thank former Prime Minister Kishida Fumio for his partnership and friendship over the past years. We got a lot done together and the relationship between Canada and Japan is stronger because of it. I wish him all the best in his future endeavours."

This document is also available at https://pm.gc.ca

SOURCE Prime Minister's Office

1 october 2024 at 09:28

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CELEBRATING SONGKET IN THE UNITED STATES





WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Songket, Malaysia's prized traditional textile, will take center stage at the Malaysia Day celebrations at the Embassy in Washington, D.C.

In an effort to showcase the beauty of the handwoven Songket to a global audience, the Embassy has organized an exciting program for an event called Songket Malaysia Day. This event will feature an exhibition, a fashion show, and demonstrations of Songket weaving.

The Ambassador of Malaysia to the United States, His Excellency Dato' Seri Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, stated that he specifically chose to promote Songket to mark the 61st Malaysia Day so that guests would have the opportunity to appreciate the artistry of this luxurious handicraft.

This initiative is undoubtedly inspired by UNESCO's recognition of Malaysian Songket. In 2021, UNESCO included Songket in its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity List to be safeguarded.

"Besides honoring our heritage, I also wish to promote cultural exchange and understanding between Malaysia and the United States," said Nazri Aziz. "My hope is that it will attract global interest in our traditional textiles and facilitate their entry into a wider market."

The two-week celebration will commence with The Magnificent Golden Threads of Songket Fashion Show and the official launch of Songket Malaysia Day Exhibition on October 10th, followed by a reception for invited guests at the Malaysian Embassy. His Royal Highness Tengku Muhammad Fakry Petra ibni Almarhum Sultan Muhammad Petra, the Crown Prince of Kelantan, Malaysia, will also be present to officiate and support Songket Malaysia in Washington, D.C.

The fashion show will feature creations by renowned Malaysian designer Sharifah Kirana and emerging young designer Zachrin Jaafars. The collections will embody the exquisite patterns and rich hues of Songket. Their designs celebrate traditional craftsmanship while emanating a regal sophistication, offering a distinguished and elegant reinterpretation of this timeless textile.

Songket textiles from Malaysia's National Textiles Museum will also be on display. Several artists and artisans will be flown to Washington for the launch. Among them is Adiguru Hajah Kelthom Hussein, the proprietor of Che Minah Songket, who will demonstrate the art of Songket weaving. The exhibition will be open to the public from October 11 to 25, 2024.

Furthermore, art enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience a live demonstration of mural painting by artist Dani Omar, who works with mixed media. His Songket-inspired paintings, including hyper realistic works that bring Songket to life, and Sharifah Kirana's sustainable masterpieces using remnants from her collections will also be on exhibit.

"My heart brims with pride at the sight of the Malaysian Songket being displayed for the world to see. I encourage everyone to visit the exhibition and experience the rich tapestry of our traditional fabric," said Nazri Aziz.

Prior to the exhibition, a one-hour hybrid lecture and presentation on Songket will be held on October 3, 2024, at George Washington University (GWU). The Embassy will open its doors to the public for the exhibition at 3516 International Court, N.W., Washington, D.C., from October 11 to 25, 2024, from 2:00 to 4:00 PM.

SOURCE Embassy of Malaysia, Washington, D.C.

1 october 2024 at 10:00

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Canada and Yukon partner to support workers through Territorial Nominee Program





OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - The federal government is committed to supporting critical sectors in regional economies while providing skilled workers with clear pathways to permanent residence.

Today, the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced that the federal government has reached an agreement with the Government of Yukon to help temporary workers crucial to economic development in the territory eventually become permanent residents.

This temporary measure will give new work permits to up to 215 temporary workers identified and supported by the Government of Yukon to continue working while they process their permanent residence applications under the Yukon Nominee Program. Eligible individuals have to demonstrate that they meet the criteria and are expected to transition to permanent residence in 2025 and 2026. These skilled workers are filling key job vacancies in Yukon and are actively contributing to Canada's economy and social diversity.

To date, IRCC has worked with Alberta, Manitoba and Yukon to implement this measure in those jurisdictions. IRCC remains open to exploring options with all provinces and territories to transition a greater portion of current temporary residents to permanent residence while addressing their labour market needs.

IRCC will continue to collaborate with provinces and territories to achieve our shared economic immigration objectives.

Quotes:

"By giving new work permits for skilled workers in Yukon, we are not only supporting local labour market needs in critical sectors, but also giving more temporary residents a clear pathway to permanent residence. This agreement is a key step in our ongoing collaboration with provinces and territories to spread the benefits of immigration across the country, and strengthen the social and economic fabric of our communities. This option remains on the table for other provinces and territories who need to retain their skilled workers."

? The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

"This agreement is a critical development that will allow foreign nationals to remain in the Yukon and continue to provide valuable contributions to our labour market until they are able to apply to the Yukon Nominee Program. I want to thank the Government of Canada for its support in implementing this collaborative approach to immigration in the territory. This temporary measure will help provide greater certainty for foreign nationals who call the Yukon home as we work to support their transition to permanent residency."

? The Honourable Ranj Pillai, Yukon Premier, Minister of the Executive Council Office, Minister of Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Yukon Housing Corporation

"By giving new work permits for skilled workers in the Yukon, we are helping local employers retain their valuable staff. This initiative is also a positive boost for the economy and supports the growth of our population. I have personally advocated strongly to make this happen, ensuring that our community benefits from these changes. This agreement underscores the federal government's commitment to supporting and strengthening the social and economic fabric of our communities and the North."

? Brendan Hanley, Member of Parliament, Yukon

Related product:

Quick facts:

In 2023, about 23% of all permanent resident admissions came through the Provincial and Territorial Nominee Program, directly supporting provinces and territories in meeting their labour market needs.

In 2023, the Provincial Nominee Program represented nearly 40% of planned economic admissions, making it the largest economic immigration program identified under the Immigration Levels Plan.

In 2023, nearly 157,000 people transitioned from worker status to permanent residence nationally.

Associated links:

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SOURCE Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada

1 october 2024 at 11:05

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HCA Healthcare to Donate $1 Million Towards Hurricane Helene Disaster Relief Efforts in North Carolina





HCA Healthcare, Inc. (NYSE: HCA), one of the nation's leading healthcare providers, today announced that it will contribute $1 million through community organizations to aid in Hurricane Helene relief efforts in North Carolina.

On Thursday, September 26, Hurricane Helene made landfall as a powerful category 4 hurricane, leaving more than four million people without power and causing major damage as it traveled throughout the Southeast. When the storm hit Asheville, North Carolina, it brought heavy rainfall, strong winds and widespread flooding that resulted in loss of life, significant damage and power outages. HCA Healthcare operates seven hospitals and has thousands of colleagues in western North Carolina, many of whom were affected by the storm and its aftermath.

In response, HCA Healthcare will contribute $250,000 to the United Way of Asheville and Buncombe County to help with immediate natural disaster response and long-term support for flood victims. It will also give $250,000 to the American Red Cross of North Carolina to help support its shelter locations. An additional $500,000 will be donated to other community partners that provide direct support for hurricane-related issues.

"Caring for those in their time of need is our greatest calling at HCA Healthcare, and I am deeply moved by the resilience and compassion of our colleagues," said Sam Hazen, chief executive officer of HCA Healthcare. "It is our honor to support organizations like United Way and the American Red Cross to help our western North Carolina communities through Hurricane Helene and its aftermath."

Leading up to the storm, HCA Healthcare activated its Nashville-based Enterprise Emergency Operations Center (EEOC), comprised of nearly 200 multi-disciplinary leaders, including risk management, clinical experts, supply chain, patient logistics, air and ground transport and community liaison representatives. The EEOC is working alongside hospital leadership to distribute key resources to care teams in the Southeastern U.S. before, during and after the catastrophic storm. HCA Healthcare colleagues from across the country, including more than 100 nurses, as well as physicians and HCA Healthcare's incident support team, are continuing to arrive to provide support to local caregivers.

HCA Healthcare is also a longstanding national partner of the American Red Cross, through its Annual Disaster Partner Giving Program (ADGP), which includes an annual contribution of $500,000, that helps the organization have the infrastructure, resources and technology in place to provide care and comfort to those in need. Over the last eight years, HCA Healthcare has provided nearly $8 million in financial support to the Red Cross for disaster relief efforts, including Hurricane Harvey in 2017, Hurricanes Florence and Michael in 2018, and the Texas winter storms and Kentucky tornadoes in 2021. The company also supported relief efforts following Hurricane Ian and historic flooding in Kentucky in 2022 and tornado relief efforts in Middle Tennessee in 2023.

"Though the level of destruction is immense, I am proud of the dedication of our colleagues, who have continued to support our patients, our community and one another," said Greg Lowe, president and CEO of Mission Health. "We remain dedicated to helping our colleagues through this time, just as they have selflessly served their community and supported patients without hesitation."

HCA Healthcare established the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund to support colleagues in disasters such as this. The HCA Healthcare Hope Fund is an employee-run, employee-supported 501(c)(3) charity that provides financial aid and resources to employees after an extended illness, injury, disaster or other special situation. Since its inception, the HCA Healthcare Hope Fund has given more than $110 million in grants helping more than 56,000 colleagues and families.

About HCA Healthcare

Nashville-based HCA Healthcare is one of the nation's leading providers of healthcare services comprising 188 hospitals and approximately 2,400 ambulatory sites of care, including surgery centers, freestanding ERs, urgent care centers, and physician clinics, in 20 states and the United Kingdom. With its founding in 1968, HCA Healthcare created a new model for hospital care in the United States, using combined resources to strengthen hospitals, deliver patient-focused care and improve the practice of medicine. HCA Healthcare has conducted a number of clinical studies, including one that demonstrated that full-term delivery is healthier than early elective delivery of babies and another that identified a clinical protocol that can reduce bloodstream infections in ICU patients by 44%. HCA Healthcare is a learning health system that uses its more than 43 million annual patient encounters to advance science, improve patient care and save lives.

All references to "Company," "HCA" and "HCA Healthcare" as used throughout this document refer to HCA Healthcare, Inc. and its affiliates.

1 october 2024 at 14:10

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Investing in public transportation in the Annapolis Valley





BRIDGETOWN, NS, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Residents in Annapolis and western Kings counties will have increased access to a bookable transportation service after an investment of more than $270,000 from the federal and provincial governments.

The Trans County Transportation Society is using the investment to add three accessible vehicles to their fleet.

Quotes

"Access to public transit is as important in rural communities as it is in big cities. I'm happy to see our Government invest in rural transit options that will matter for residents across the Annapolis Valley."

Kody Blois, Member of Parliament for Kings?Hants, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"Many Nova Scotians rely on public and community transportation to get them where they need to go. There are often less transportation options in our rural communities and that's why supporting our community transit operators is so important. I'm proud to support the Trans County Transportation Society to grow their fleet, help more Nova Scotians, and provide accessible transportation to the Annapolis Valley."

The Honourable Kim Masland, Nova Scotian Minister of Public Works

"We sincerely thank the federal and provincial governments for their generous capital investment in Trans County Transportation Society. This support allows us to expand our fleet of accessible vehicles, improving transportation options and enhancing the independence and well-being of residents in Annapolis and western Kings counties."

Nicole Hackenschmidt, Executive Director, Trans County Transportation Society

Quick Facts

The federal government is investing $222,010 in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is contributing up to $55,503 .

in this project through the Rural Transit Solutions Fund (RTSF), and the provincial government is contributing up to . The RTSF helps Canadians living in rural and remote areas get around their communities more easily. It supports the development of rural transit solutions, including new transit service models that could be replicated or scaled up.

The RTSF's Capital Projects stream helps cover capital costs like the purchase of vehicles or digital platforms, as well as support for the purchase of zero-emission vehicles. Eligible applicants were able to seek contributions of up to $3 million to help cover the capital costs of a new or expanded transit solution (e.g., purchase of vehicles or digital platforms), and up to $5 million to support zero-emission transit solutions (e.g., for the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle(s)). This stream closed on February 28, 2024 .

to help cover the capital costs of a new or expanded transit solution (e.g., purchase of vehicles or digital platforms), and up to to support zero-emission transit solutions (e.g., for the purchase of a zero-emission vehicle(s)). This stream closed on . The RTSF's Planning and Design Projects continuous intake remains open. Through this stream, eligible applicants can receive a grant up to $50,000 in support of a communities' projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their communities. Some examples of eligible Planning and Design Projects activities are assessment of routes and modes of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement and surveys.

in support of a communities' projects to plan and design a new or expanded transit solution for their communities. Some examples of eligible Planning and Design Projects activities are assessment of routes and modes of travel, feasibility studies, public and stakeholder engagement and surveys. A minimum of 10% of RTSF's funding is allocated to projects that benefit Indigenous populations and communities.

One in five Canadians live in rural communities. Rural communities in Canada account for nearly 30% of the nation's gross domestic product.

account for nearly 30% of the nation's gross domestic product. The RTSF complements Canada's strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation available in every community.

strengthened climate plan: A Healthy Environment and a Healthy Economy. Through the plan the federal government has committed to providing federal funding for public transit in support of making clean and affordable transportation available in every community. The new Canada Public Transit Fund (CPTF) will provide an average of $3 billion a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities.

a year of permanent funding to respond to local transit needs by enhancing integrated planning, improving access to public transit and active transportation, and supporting the development of more affordable, sustainable, and inclusive communities. The CPTF meets the needs of communities of all sizes, from large metropolitan areas, to mid-size and smaller communities, including rural, remote, northern and Indigenous communities.

Since 2015, the federal government has committed over $30 billion for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country.

for public transit and active transportation projects. These historic investments have resulted in close to 2000 projects across the country. The funding announced today builds on the federal government's work through the Atlantic Growth Strategy to create well-paying jobs and strengthen local economies.

Associated Links

Rural Transit Solutions Fund

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/rural-trans-rural/index-eng.html

Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/climate-plan/climate-plan-overview.html

Federal infrastructure investments in Nova Scotia

https://housing-infrastructure.canada.ca/plan/prog-proj-ns-eng.html

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

SOURCE Department of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

1 october 2024 at 15:00

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CN Publishes Winter Plan for 2024-2025





MONTREAL, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CN (TSX: CNR) (NYSE: CNI) has published its 2024-2025 Winter Plan.



"At CN, we know all too well that the winter brings unique operational challenges. Our Winter Plan reflects learnings and feedback from our railroaders, customers, supply chain partners and stakeholders. This collaborative approach allows us to put in place proactive solutions across the network as we make the operational shift for winter operations. Having this work done in advance ensures our continued ability to deliver safe and reliable service for our customers, supply chains and the North American economy."

? Tracy Robinson, President and Chief Executive Officer, CN



Highlights of the 2024-2025 Winter Plan:

Leveraging technology: This year, CN is deploying its 4 th generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) which uses ground penetrating radar to provide detailed assessments of ballast and subgrade conditions, allowing for prompt repairs.

This year, CN is deploying its 4 generation Autonomous Track Inspection Program (ATIP) which uses ground penetrating radar to provide detailed assessments of ballast and subgrade conditions, allowing for prompt repairs. Enhancing network reliability: In 2024, CN invested over $1 million to overhaul 20 of its air cars, replacing air compressors and other major components to ensure reliability. CN has spent $61.6 million on its air car program since 2009, strategically deploying them during the colder months to reduce the need to shorten trains, improving service reliability and protecting capacity.

In 2024, CN invested over $1 million to overhaul 20 of its air cars, replacing air compressors and other major components to ensure reliability. CN has spent $61.6 million on its air car program since 2009, strategically deploying them during the colder months to reduce the need to shorten trains, improving service reliability and protecting capacity. Response Readiness: CN maintains a strategic reserve of locomotives in critical corridors to limit delays caused by weather and deploys backup power generators across the network, allowing operations to continue even during localized or widespread power failures.

CN maintains a strategic reserve of locomotives in critical corridors to limit delays caused by weather and deploys backup power generators across the network, allowing operations to continue even during localized or widespread power failures. People: Between April 2023 and May 2024, the number of available CN operating employees grew by 9%.

For more information on CN's Winter Plan, please download the complete plan here.

About CN

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the Gulf of Mexico, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

Contacts :

Media Investment Community Jonathan Abecassis Stacy Alderson Director, Public Affairs and Assistant Vice-President Media Relations Investor Relations (438) 455-3692

[email protected] (514) 399-0052

[email protected]

1 october 2024 at 16:30

News published onand distributed by:
Canada launches high seas mission to detect and deter illegal fishing in the North Pacific





OTTAWA, ON, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - Illegal, unreported, and unregulated (IUU) fishing poses a significant risk to global fish stocks in the North Pacific Ocean, and is considered to be a potential driver of Pacific salmon declines.

Today at the Port of Yokohama, Japan, Fisheries and Oceans Canada (DFO) announced the second Canadian-led high seas mission to detect and deter IUU fishing in the North Pacific. This is a region integral to Canada's Indo-Pacific Strategy, under which Canada is committed to upholding its international obligations.

The mission, known as Operation North Pacific Guard (Op.NPG), is a multi-national effort to coordinate fisheries enforcement to protect global fish stocks. Led by DFO fishery officers and supported by personnel from the Canadian Coast Guard (CCG), Op.NPG includes high seas patrols, air surveillance, and satellite monitoring. Additional support is being provided by officers from the United States Coast Guard and the United States National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

For two months, fishery officers will patrol over 7,500 kilometres while onboard Canada's CCGS Sir Wilfrid Laurier, a high endurance, multi-purpose vessel that is also a light icebreaker, is newly biofuel capable, and which supports a wide range of programs and services in the Pacific and Western Arctic. The expert crew will conduct high seas boardings and inspection operations under international law to ensure compliance with regulations and to detect IUU fishing. Fishery officers will also collect environmental data and water samples to support Canada's understanding of the high seas environment, including the migration range of species of interest, such as Pacific salmon, and the levels of microplastics in the water.

In addition to monitoring and enforcement by sea, Canada recently conducted aerial surveillance out of Hokkaido, Japan, where daily patrols built on the work of last year's mission to monitor the Northwest Pacific.

This year's Op.NPG mission also marks two firsts for the CCG: this is the first port visit of a CCG vessel to Japan, and the first use of an eco-friendlier blend of biodiesel and renewable diesel with conventional diesel fuel. This is just one of the ways that the CCG is reducing its environmental footprint while supporting the Government of Canada's commitment to reach net-zero emissions by 2050.

Op.NPG is supported by funding from the Pacific Salmon Strategy Initiative, which aims to enhance conservation, protection, and enforcement efforts in high-risk areas for Canada's Pacific salmon stocks.

Quotes

"I have the greatest respect for the work of Canada's fishery officers, who protect fish stocks, carry out important scientific research, and safeguard global marine ecosystems. Canada and its fishery officers will always stand-up for law-abiding harvesters, whose livelihoods are threatened by illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing.

I wish the fishery officers, Canadian Coast Guard personnel, and all our partners a safe and successful journey and thank them for their efforts under Operation North Pacific Guard."

The Honourable Diane Lebouthillier, Minister of Fisheries, Oceans and the Canadian Coast Guard

Quick Facts

IUU fishing is a major contributor to declining fish stocks and the destruction of marine ecosystems globally, and undermines the livelihoods of legitimate fish harvesters around the globe.

Canadian fishery officers have taken part in the annual Operation North Pacific Guard since 2019, an annual international law enforcement operation on the high seas of the North Pacific.

Fishery officers conduct patrols, under international law, to enforce the United Nations ban on high seas driftnets and to ensure compliance with regulations of Regional Fisheries Management Organizations (RFMO) that protect against IUU fishing.

Following each mission, Canada pursues appropriate sanctions for suspected violations of RFMO requirements directly with flag-states of the vessel in question. A flag state is the jurisdiction under whose laws the vessel is registered or licensed, and is deemed the nationality of the vessel.

pursues appropriate sanctions for suspected violations of RFMO requirements directly with flag-states of the vessel in question. A flag state is the jurisdiction under whose laws the vessel is registered or licensed, and is deemed the nationality of the vessel. This year's operation includes a total of 20 fishery officers. The air surveillance operations in Japan include 4 fishery officers who will each complete approximately 3 weeks of air patrols.

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Follow the Canadian Coast Guard on X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Fisheries and Oceans (DFO) Canada

1 october 2024 at 17:00

News published onand distributed by:
Xi Jinping straightens the ribbon on a flower basket during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng on Monday attended the ceremony. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders on Monday attended a ceremony at Tian'anmen Square in central Beijing to present flower baskets to fallen heroes.

The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. This year, the country celebrates the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

At around 10 a.m., Xi and other leaders -- Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng -- arrived at the square. They were joined by representatives from all walks of life.

Among the more than 2,400 flower-bearing attendees were veterans, relatives of martyrs, recipients of national medals and honorary titles, role models, students and children.

As the ceremony started, all attendees sang the national anthem, followed by a moment of silence in tribute to the heroes who sacrificed their lives for the liberation of the Chinese people and the development of the PRC.

Nine large flower baskets, with ribbons that read "Eternal Glory to the People's Heroes," were placed in front of the Monument to the People's Heroes.

Xi and other leaders approached the foot of the monument, where he straightened the ribbons on the baskets before leading other officials in a walk around the monument to pay their respects.

The ceremony was presided over by Yin Li, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and Beijing's Party chief.

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Xie Huanchi)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Li Xueren)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Wang Ye)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Shen Hong)

Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng attend a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

Xi Jinping walks around the Monument to the People's Heroes to pay tribute during a ceremony to present flower baskets to fallen heroes at Tian'anmen Square in Beijing, capital of China, Sept. 30, 2024. Chinese President Xi Jinping and other Party and state leaders including Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Cai Qi, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi and Han Zheng on Monday attended the ceremony. The event was held to mark Martyrs' Day, observed one day prior to National Day. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu)

Editor: ZAD
Minister Ngafuan (seven from right) posed with lawmakers, MFDPs senior staff and development experts from the Africa Development Management Associates and Zubah Belleh Associates at the meeting.
Six residential properties were searched and 30 individuals have been arrested for various offences, including outstanding bench warrants following a series of searches at properties in Newcastle West this morning.

An Garda Siochana from the Limerick County Community Engagement and Crime Functional areas, supported by the Regional Support Unit, Limerick Divisional Roads Policing and Divisional Drug and Detective Units, conducted the searches.

The operation, which involved over 50 Garda personnel, focused on targeting, disrupting and detecting individuals engaged in criminal activities, including the sale and supply of illegal drugs in County Limerick.

Those arrested on warrant are scheduled to appear at todays sitting of Newcastle West District Court. Two of those arrested are currently detained under Section 4 of the Criminal Justice Act 1984 at a Garda Station in County Limerick, in connection with ongoing investigations into recent theft and drug-related incidents.

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In addition, illegal drugs with an estimated street value of 5,000, pending analysis, have been seized, alongside several items of evidential value. A number of vehicles were also seized and one male was arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence.

Superintendent Michael Fleming, in charge of the Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area said:

"Todays operation targeted persons in the Newcastle West area who are involved in criminality and the sale and supply of illegal drugs. The focus was to detect and arrest persons committing crime in the community and to ensure their activities are disrupted. I want to reassure all of those living and working in the Limerick County Community Engagement Functional Area of our commitment to keeping people safe and tackling those who engage in anti-social behaviour and criminal activity.
A SON and daughter of well-known Limerick publican Charlie Chawke were charged before Newcastle West Court this Tuesday with assaulting two men at the Dunraven Arms Hotel in Adare.

Bill Chawke, aged 30, of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, was charged with two counts of assault causing harm, in which he allegedly threw punches at both alleged injured parties, and hit the head of one of the men off a bar counter on November 9, 2023.

Alison Chawke, aged 40, of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, allegedly gouged the eyes of one of the alleged victims, and allegedly kicked the other alleged victim in the head before allegedly biting him on the side of his face.

Ms Chawke is also alleged to have thrown a pint glass at the alleged victims and a number of other patrons who had been trying to intervene in the alleged incident.

Garda Ronan Hayes, Adare garda station, gave evidence of arresting and charging both of the accused. The siblings were represented by Dublin-based solicitor Michael Finucane.

Garda Hayes told the court that neither of the two accused made any reply when charged.

Inspector Barry Manton, prosecuting, told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the two accused be dealt with by summary disposal.

This means that a district court judge hears a summary of the alleged facts before deciding if they will allow the case to proceed in the district court or go to the circuit court.

Insp Manton alleged that at around 12.30am on November 9, 2023, Ms and Mr Chawke were sitting at a bar at a hotel in Adare, along with the two alleged victims, and other hotel guests.

The court heard the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims. Insp Manton alleged the two accused began a violent altercation.

A number of other customers at the bar tried to break it up, however, the altercation continued and ended in a hallway, Insp Manton alleged.

It was all captured on CCTV, said the garda inspector.

Insp Manton told Judge Carol Anne Coolican: It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number one, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.

It was further alleged that Mr Chawke threw a number of punches against both injured parties.

Regarding Ms Chawke, Insp Manton alleged she gouged the eyes of injured party number one, picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including those that were trying to break it up.

Ms Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek,, alleged Insp Manton.

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Defence solicitor, Mr Finucane said he was not in a position to contradict or challenge this version of the facts as disclosure has been withheld up to this point.

He described a medical report in respect of the alleged injured parties as unremarkable but that another medical report had contained language which, in his opinion, is inadmissible and inappropriate.

Judge Coolican said she wished to see all CCTV footage of the alleged incident, as well as any other footage, including mobile phone footage, before she would decide on jurisdiction.

The matter was adjourned to this Tuesday afternoon when Judge Coolican, Insp Manton and Mr Finucane are to view video footage of the alleged incident.
LIMERICK has been shortlisted for a prestigious international award, making it the only Irish nomination.

Limerick City and County Council has been shortlisted for a City Nation Place Award 2024 in the category of Best Communication Strategy - Place Brand.

The Council was shortlisted for its campaign, A Different Kind of Energy. The Limerick Place Brand is the only Irish nomination amongst others, including Costa Rica, Dusseldorf, Scotland, The Netherlands, United Kingdom, Ukraine and Western Cape Province, South Africa.

The City Nation Place Awards celebrate excellence in place branding and marketing, with entries received from over 30 countries across all continents. The jury is composed of international place brand leaders.

This recognition of the Councils A Different Kind of Energy campaign reflects the innovative and effective approach to place branding and communication.

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Mayor of Limerick, John Moran says the shortlisting is worthy recognition: Limerick City and County Councils nomination highlights its commitment to promoting Limerick as a vibrant and dynamic place to live, work, and visit.

The Councils strategic communication efforts have successfully highlighted Limericks community spirit, unique cultural heritage and economic opportunities, contributing to its growing international reputation.

Director general of Limerick Council, Dr Pat Daly, feels Limerick is punching above its weight.

He said: It is particularly noteworthy that Limerick finds itself in the same category as entire countries and much larger metropolitan centres.

This achievement underscores the power of Limericks innovative communication strategy and its ability to compete on a global stage.

Head of marketing and communications at Limerick Council, Donn OSullivan said the nomination is a testament to the creativity and dedication of the Councils Marketing and Communications team.

We are honoured to be shortlisted for this esteemed award, Mr O'Sullivan said.

We [at the Council] work passionately to elevate Limericks profile and look forward to continuing our efforts to showcase the best of what our city and county have to offer.

Limerick Council launched Limericks first-ever place brand, Limerick. Atlantic Edge, European Embrace, in January 2020 to promote Limerick globally.

The winners of the City Nation Place Awards 2024 will be announced at the City Nation Place Global conference in London in November.
ADARE Manor, one of Europes most celebrated luxury resorts, has been awarded three Michelin Keys  a prestigious new recognition reserved for hotels that offer outstanding stays.

This honour places Adare Manor among a select group of the worlds finest accommodations, as chosen by the renowned Michelin Guide.

Adare Manors Michelin Keys acknowledge its excellence in design, architecture, and service, as well as its distinctive character and meaningful connection to its surroundings.

This accolade follows the Michelin Guides recent initiative to highlight not only exceptional dining but also the worlds most remarkable hotels, offering travellers an unparalleled experience.

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The Michelin Key, much like the revered Michelin Star for restaurants, is awarded based on five universal criteria: the quality of architecture and interior design, consistency of service, unique personality, value for money, and contribution to the hotels neighbourhood or environment.

Out of over 5,000 hotels worldwide, Adare Manor has been singled out as an extraordinary destination that excels in all of these categories.

Brendan OConnor, general manager of Adare Manor, expressed the delight of the entire team at receiving this prestigious recognition. We are incredibly honoured to be awarded three Michelin Keys, joining an exclusive list of outstanding hotels worldwide.

This achievement is a testament to the dedication and passion of every member of our team, across all departments, who strive every day to create unforgettable experiences for our guests. We are proud to stand in such exceptional company and to represent the best of Irish hospitality on the global stage.

Michelins Key distinction celebrates hotels that go above and beyond, providing guests with a stay that is both memorable and meaningful.

With its Michelin Keys, Adare Manor continues to set the standard for excellence, ensuring that every stay is as remarkable as its historic setting.

For travellers seeking the best of the best, a stay at Adare Manor now comes with the Michelin Guides endorsement  an honour reserved for only the most extraordinary hotels in the world.
A LIMERICK man has formally been 'introduced' as the grand marshal of the massive St Patrick's Day Parade in New York City next year.

Attracting more than two million spectators, the parade in the Big Apple is the largest in the world.

Leading the way in next year's St Patrick's Day Parade will be Michael Benn, pictured below with his family and friends.

A proud Treaty native, Michael was born in Limerick city in 1948.

At the age of 14, he emigrated to the United States, where he completed his second level education at Cardinal Hayes High School at the Bronx in New York City.

He served as a sargeant in the US Army between 1969 and 1972.

Michael is married to Christina, another Limerick native.

BREAKING: Thirty individuals arrested for various offences in Newcastle West

Happily married for 53 years after meeting in the Bronx, they have six children: Michael, Richard, William, Brendan, Patrick and Tara.

The businessman, who heads up Clenn Construction, which pioneered the building of modular housing locally and internationally, was formally appointed as grand marshal at a meeting in the American Irish Historical Society's headquarters in Fifth Avenue.

A proud union man, Mr Benn has been a member of several operating engineers and carpenters union

Sean Lane, who chairs the parade said: "We were truly delighted that Michael Benn has been chosen unanimously to lead us on March 17, 2025. Like all the hard-working Irish emigrants that came before him, he is a shining example of what hard work and determination can achieve in this great country. We know Michaels selection as grand marshal is a popular one with the community in which he has served proudly since emigrating from Ireland to the United States. He is an outstanding leader in the Irish American community, particularly in the Rockaway area in Queens, and we will be proud to march behind him."
THE SIGNING of the 32m main contract for the Kings Island Flood Relief Scheme with Ward & Burke Construction Ltd will protect over 500 homes.

Limerick City and County Council, in conjunction with the Office of Public Works (OPW), has announced the significant milestone, which marks the commencement of a major project aimed at protecting Kings Island and surrounding areas from future flooding events.

Kings Island, in the heart of Limerick City, is surrounded by the River Shannon and the Abbey River. Both rivers are tidal at this location, making the island susceptible to coastal and fluvial flood risks.

On February 1, 2014, significant flooding occurred, causing extensive damage. The Kings Island Flood Relief Scheme aims to prevent such events by enhancing flood defences, thereby safeguarding the community, social amenities, environment, and landscape character.

Mayor of Limerick, John Moran, expressed his enthusiasm for the project.

After years of planning it is great to see this project get underway for real. By investing in these robust defences, we are not only protecting homes and business but also saving the future of Kings Island. Coupled with the recent THRIVE funding announcement for historic buildings on Nicholas Street and surrounding areas, the flood relief scheme allows us to move forward with other projects like the new community centre and the King Johns Castle Masterplan, said Mayor Moran.

Minister of State for the Office of Public Works, Kieran ODonnell welcomed the progress on the scheme.

As Minister for the Office of Public Works and TD for Limerick City, I am delighted to be here today to announce the contract signing for Kings Island Flood Relief Scheme. This marks a significant milestone for the project that will see major improvements to the flood defences in Limerick City, protecting 506 homes and 22 businesses.

A significant Government investment in Limerick City, the scheme aims to minimise the risk of flooding to the existing community and prevent re-occurrences of similar flood events that the area experienced in 2014. In addition to protecting homes, properties and the community of Kings Island, the scheme will include public realm upgrades and enhancement of the built heritage of this historic part of our great city, said Mr ODonnell.

The minister of state said as with all OPW flood relief projects, this scheme, when constructed, will be adaptable to continue to provide protection against todays flood risk and the growing risk from climate change into the future.

I very much welcome the progress on the scheme to date with construction ready to get underway and wish to acknowledge the ongoing collaboration between the Office of Public Works and Limerick City and County Council."

Director General of Limerick City and County Council, Dr Pat Daly says the collaborative approach to the scheme is reaping rewards.

Todays contract signing is a testament to the dedication and hard work of the Limerick City and County Council staff, the Office of Public Works, and our partners. Their unwavering commitment and collaborative efforts have been instrumental in progressing the Kings Island Flood Relief Scheme to this pivotal stage, said Mr Daly.

He said this project not only represents a significant investment in our communitys safety and resilience but also showcases the power of teamwork in achieving long-term, sustainable solutions for flood risk management.

Our ultimate goal is to provide peace of mind for the local community, ensuring that residents and businesses can feel secure knowing that robust flood defences are in place to protect their homes and livelihoods, said Mr Daly.

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The Kings Island Flood Relief Scheme includes:

2,200 metres of 2.5-metre-high earthen flood embankment with a 3-metre-wide footpath/cycleway and public lighting.

Flood defence upgrades to existing quay walls, including deconstruction of existing quay walls and parapets, lime mortar repointing, lime grouting, and stonework repair.

Construction of flood defence walls: 290 metres with glass panels and 810 metres of stone-clad reinforced concrete walls.

Associated works including 600m of access routes with a new fishermans access.

Road resurfacing, railings, public lighting, topsoiling and landscaping.

An advance works contract was completed in October 2017. Planning for the main contract was submitted to An Bord Pleanala in December 2019, with consent granted in May 2021. Detailed design, site investigation, and archaeological excavations were conducted in 2022 and 2023. The tender process in February 2024 resulted in Ward & Burke Construction Ltd being awarded the contract for 32 million (excluding VAT). Construction is set to begin in October 2024 and is programmed for completion in 24 months.

The Flood Relief Scheme will protect 506 residential and 22 non-residential properties from tidal flooding, offering a standard of protection of 0.5% annual exceedance probability. This will enhance residential amenity, promote business and tourism, and protect culturally and economically significant tourist destinations. Additionally, new footpaths and cycle paths will improve recreation and tourism opportunities around Kings Island.
THE MAYOR'S two-year progress report on the Limerick Development Plan 2022-2028 was presented to local councillors at a meeting of Limerick City and County Council on Monday, September 23.

The development plan places a very strong focus on housing and a total of 3,038 residential units were granted permission across Limerick during the first two years of the plan. Referencing research from other reports, the progress report states that approximately 1,632 dwellings have been completed across Limerick city and county in the first two years since the adoption of the Development Plan

Despite the increase in housing, Cllr Joe Leddin highlighted that they're two years into the plan and there is already a deficit of about three and a half thousand houses not built. That's hugely concerning because if we do a rough estimate on the figure, that means we could fall short of in excess of 4,000 houses over the lifetime of this plan.

Cllr Leddin continued: How in the name of God can we as a city and county house and facilitate or accommodate another 50,000 of an increase in population if we can't even meet the targets that we've set in our own plan and of course that brings into question then the sites that are in the city that remain undeveloped.

He said Limerick has a projected population increase of about 50,000 up to 2028. The Labour Party councillor proposed that the council invite the CEO of the Land Development Agency into the chamber to get an update on the sites the council had to give them.

READ MORE: Limerick city housing prices rise almost 10% since last year, according to report

We should have kept them ourselves and developed them. Cllr Elena Secas seconded his proposal.

Cllr Elisa O'Donovan commented that it was disappointing to hear of the increase in retail vacancy in the city centre.

I think that that is just not going to improve until we see more people living in the city centre.

In the commercial city centre area, the number of vacant ground floor units has increased to 278 in 2024 from 228 units in 2023.

Cllr Daniel Butler questioned why private developers are not developing their property.

I suspect that it's our density requirements in Limerick and probably across the country. The high densities are making it financially unviable for a lot of members.

Senior planner Maria Woods, who presented the plan, stated: In terms of the density in the city centre and the changes that might come out as a result of the NPF, (National Planning Framework) any changes in the NPF in the regional strategy have to be updated and then we'll have to review our plans.

Mayor John Moran said: We need to get funding to get sites even if we have to do the planning permission ourselves so that then people can just buy sites with planning permission.

He emphasised that there's a climate emergency telling them they should be building apartments in the city. Of something like 22 and a half thousand built in this country in the last while, only 1% of them have been done in Limerick.
National reaction to Budget 2025 has been mixed but many issues raised across the board have significantly overlapped in terms of housing and taxation.

Business

Businesses nationwide have been reacting to Budget 2025 with many calling for reviews of decisions made and urgent action be taken as many believe this budget's outcome puts their industries in volatile positions.

Ibec, the group representing Irish businesses, has welcomed the "ambitious scale of investment" outlined in Budget 2025, particularly in terms of infrastructure and human capital.

The confirmation to unlock the National Training Fund (NTF) has been hailed as an important and overdue step towards developing the necessary skills for a modern economy.

According to Ibec, Budget 2025 'reflects the role business has played in creating the surplus underlying todays budget.'

Speaking about Budget 2025, Ibec CEO Danny McCoy said:

Budget 2025 reflects the incredible contribution businesses have made in creating the surplus that is enabling the Government to be ambitious in the type of investment made today. In the past five years, corporation tax has contributed 110 billion to the Irish exchequer, with an expected 40 billion this year alone.

"We welcome the urgency to unlock the NTF and we will now work with the Government to ensure its effectively used to boost businesses and their employees."

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) expressed disappointment with the outcome of Budget 2025 saying the decision to not reduce the hospitality VAT rate is "short-sighted and extremely concerning given the stark commercial environment that food service businesses are operating under."

IHF President Michael Magner said: The measures reported would do next to nothing to address the enormous challenges confronting our sector while at the same time imposing further costs on thousands of hospitality businesses.

These half-baked measures fall far short of what is needed to address the enormous challenges facing hospitality businesses.

"They demonstrate how out of touch policymakers in Government are with the commercial reality facing hospitality businesses.

Mr. Magner emphasised that the government's inaction poses an enormous risk to the wider hospitality and tourism industry.

As it stands the hospitality and tourism sectors make up a significant portion of Irelands largest indigenous employers, supporting over 280,000 livelihoods some 70% of which are outside of Dublin.

The IHF are calling for an urgent re-assessment of the Governments policy approach to Irish hospitality and tourism in order to "stave off a growing commercial crisis within the sector before it is too late."

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CEO of Fuels for Ireland Kevin McPartlan has called for the government to review significant fuel tax hikes as petrol taxes rise by 21.6% and diesel taxes are set to increase by 27.4%, resulting in an additional 12 per full tank for the average driver.

As of today, Ireland has the highest level of fuel taxation in the EU, with 60.3% of the price of diesel and 57.3% of petrol going directly to the Government.

The increase to fuel taxes have made Ireland one of the most expensive countries in Europe for diesel and petrol, which Mr. MacPartlan says disproportionately impacts those who rely on vehicles for everyday life.

Film and Television

Meanwhile, Screen Producers Ireland (SPI) welcomed the announcements made by Minister for Finance Jack Chambers regarding Budget 2025.

SPI who represent independent production companies across Ireland expressed their satisfaction that some of their pre-budget requests reflected in Budget 2025.

Among these requests were the introduction of a fiscal incentive for the "unscripted" sector, encompassing TV programmes like Room to Improve, Name that Tune, Dancing with the Stars, and Gogglebox.

Susan Kirby, CEO of Screen Producers Ireland, commented on the unscripted incentive, stating:

"The Minister for Finance's announcement today of a new unscripted fiscal incentive, subject to state aid rules, has the potential to be a game-changer for the Irish unscripted sector.

"We are grateful to Minister Chambers and previous Ministers McGrath and Donohue for their commitment to pursuing this policy idea and turning it into a reality. This incentive, once implemented, will undoubtedly have a significant impact on both domestic and incoming productions."

READ ALSO: Budget 2025 measures you might have missed including 300 lump sum for thousands

Health

The Menopause Hub and the Women's Council of Ireland have both welcomed the roll-out of free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) as a "huge support for all menopausal Irish women who have struggled in silence with debilitating symptoms for too long."

The Budget measure is part of a 35 million women's healthcare package, will be introduced in January 2025 and will see the State fund the cost of treatment such as patches and other medicines.

The investment could save women up to 840 per year.

CEO Loretta Dignam said that free HRT will relieve the economic burden for women, most of whom have been paying for monthly products since they hit puberty and outlined that another progressive leap on women's health could be taken in the form of free mid-life checks for women between the ages of forty five and sixty four.

She said such checks could diagnose bone and heart problems at an early stage, saving the State millions on treatment for advanced conditions such as osteoporosis.

The Irish Heart Foundation also welcomed this year's Budget announcement of the introduction of the new e-cigarette tax and a 1 increase in the price of a packet of twenty cigarettes as "crucial protections for children and young people from nicotine addiction."

The charitys Director of Advocacy, Chris Macey, said: Tax is a vital deterrent for young people to take up vaping and smoking and these measures will have a significant long-term health benefit.

The new tax specifically targeting e-cigarettes is particularly important given the explosion of youth vaping in Ireland and fears they represent a gateway into smoking for a new generation."

He continued: Given the fact that nicotine is one of the most addictive substances on the planet, it is unfortunate that the introduction of the tax is not scheduled to take place until mid-2025."

The hike brings the cost of a packet of the most popular brands to 18.05.

Agriculture

Macra President Ms Elaine Houlihan said to say that our members are disappointed is an understatement, with so much money washing around government coffers, we had hoped that for once the right course of action would be followed in relation to young farmers and farming succession, we were foolish to think that.

Speaking on agricultural taxation, Macra said that the renewal of stock relief for young farmers and partnerships up to 2027, the expansion of the accelerated capital allowance to include certain safety equipment and the expansion of stamp duty relief to include young farmers in company structures, were all welcome.

However, Ms. Houlihan said: Macra had called for these measures in our prebudget proposals as taxation remains one of the important policy levers to support young farmers and rural youth and government needs to be ambitious in using it to support young farmers.

"While the above are welcome and all parties in this government state support for family farms, none of the parties have yet been able to define what a family farm is."

Ms. Houlihan went on to say In reality this budget provides sops to our agricultural industry. Our members are tired of the platitudes and a lack of structural change.

"Clearly, no government party sees any future for rural Ireland except as a commuter belt for Dublin, Cork or Limerick.

She concluded: Macra did not look for much, we want to see a future for farming in rural Ireland, we share this modest ambition with the other farming organisations, its a pity that such a sentiment is not present in the halls of Leinster house.

Housing crisis

In relation to todays Budget 2025 announcement, Wayne Stanley, Executive Director of the Simon Communities of Ireland said:

It is extraordinary that so much money could be expended and yet, so little done for those at the sharpest end of the housing crisis."

The Simon Community welcomed the vacant homes tax, though expressed concern that it is insufficient to drive change.

Similarly, the increase in social welfare rate will be welcomed by those receiving them, but the organisation said that it is not a sufficient buffer to work as a protection to low-income households to prevent homelessness.

However, Mr. Stanley continued:"The big picture is that the State needs to be working towards delivering 15,000 social homes a year. The Government has acknowledged that the current targets are insufficient.

"In our pre-budget submission, we had proposed an increase to fund the development of 12,500 social homes to move us closer to the target of 15,000."

The organisation have said that while the Budget delivered a stay the course allocation for the 10,000 social homes in line with Housing for All, it is simply insufficient and an example of yet another budget where the rhetoric of homelessness being a top priority is not in evidence.

Childcare

Early Childhood Ireland has voiced its strong concern following the announcement of Budget 2025.

The organisations CEO, Teresa Heeney, expressed disappointment at the measures representing an increase of just under 300m which the organisation believes will fail to deliver meaningful change for the Early Years and School Age Care system.

Ms. Heeney said:We are very concerned about the lack of proper additional investment in Budget 2025. Giving every child access to high-quality Early Years and School Age Care is transformative.

However, what the government has announced today is utterly insufficient and represents a missed opportunity to properly enhance a system that has the best interests of every child at its core."

Commenting on the Budget announcement, Frances Byrne, Director of Policy at Early Childhood Ireland, said:

The government had every opportunity to propose a five-year plan with a new investment target for Early Years and School Age Care, which would have provided much-needed certainty for parents, providers and staff.

We are already so far behind other rich countries. The reality is that following the Budget, with a general election pending, children, families, providers and staff will now have to wait until 2026 before new funding is allocated. This is just not acceptable when there is some 23 billion surplus available.

Coverage of Budget 2025 in association with EY
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Ford Motor Co. is exploring the possibility of producing electric vehicles (EVs) at its plant in Tamil Nadu, southern India, as part of its strategy to re-enter the Indian car market. The automaker is in discussions with the Tamil Nadu state government, three years after announcing the closure of its local manufacturing operations, reported Bloomberg.

While the final decision on what models Ford will manufacture in India is still pending, Tamil Nadus Industries Minister T.R.B. Rajaa hinted in an interview with the wire agency that EV production is likely. Rajaa pointed out that recent investors in the state have focused on electric vehicle lines, noting that "the ecosystem is ripe" for such ventures. The talks between Ford and the state government are reportedly aligned with this trend.

Also Read | Ford Motor delays launch of new EV to let market further develop

Ford's renewed interest comes as India ramps up efforts to bolster its electric vehicle industry. In September, Ford sent a letter of intent to the Tamil Nadu government, outlining plans to use its Chennai facility for export-oriented manufacturing, adds the report. This move positions Ford among several domestic and international automakers, including Tata Motors and Vietnamese firm VinFast, that are investing heavily in Tamil Nadus burgeoning EV manufacturing sector.

Indias federal government has also taken steps to attract foreign investment in the electric vehicle space. Earlier this year, it reduced import duties for automakers willing to invest at least $500 million in the country. Tamil Nadu has emerged as a key player in Indias EV push, with its strategic location and growing industrial base appealing to global manufacturers.

Ford, which currently employs 12,000 workers in global operations across Tamil Nadu, expects to increase its workforce by around 3,000 over the next three years, according to a recent company statement. The potential expansion underscores Fords commitment to leveraging Indias growing automotive market, particularly in the rapidly expanding EV segment.

Also Read | Ford back in India? Tamil Nadu CM MK Stalin meets officials in US
 Flash

Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu (L), South Korean Minister of Environment Kim Wan-sup (C), and Japanese Minister of Environment Shintaro Ito sign a joint communique at the 25th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (TEMM25) in Jeju, South Korea, Sept. 29, 2024. (Xinhua/Yao Qilin)

The 25th Tripartite Environment Ministers Meeting among China, Japan, and the Republic of Korea (TEMM25) took place in Jeju, South Korea on Saturday and Sunday to discuss environmental issues of common concern including climate change, marine and biodiversity protection.



The annual meeting was attended by delegations led respectively by Chinese Minister of Ecology and Environment Huang Runqiu, South Korean Minister of Environment Kim Wan-sup, and Japanese Minister of Environment Shintaro Ito. The three ministers introduced their environmental policies and the latest developments, and exchanged views on regional and global environmental issues.

In his keynote speech at the opening ceremony, Huang noted that this year marks the 25th anniversary of the establishment of China-South Korea-Japan cooperation. At the Ninth Trilateral Summit Meeting held in Seoul in May, a series of consensuses were reached including cooperation on sustainable development and coping with climate change, which has offered direction and injected new impetus for the three countries to further deepen environmental cooperation.

The South Korean side introduced its policies and measures on addressing climate change, circular economy, air pollution control, and natural ecosystem protection, while the Japanese minister elaborated on Japan's progress and measures in addressing climate change, biodiversity protection, circular economy, marine litter control, and air pollution control.

During the conference, the ministers presented the TEMM environment awards to three winners from China, South Korea, and Japan for their outstanding contributions to trilateral environmental cooperation. The three countries also reviewed the implementation of the Tripartite Joint Action Plan on Environment Cooperation 2021-202), adopted new priority areas, and signed a joint communique.

The annual meeting has been held in rotation among China, South Korea and Japan as the highest level environmental cooperation platform in Northeast Asia since its launch in 1999.
Edelweiss Financial Services Limited is preparing to list its step-down subsidiary Edelweiss Alternative Asset Advisors Limited (EAAA), which will be the first initial public offering (IPO) in the Indian private capital segment, three people informed on the matter said, requesting to remain anonymous.

The IPO, which is partly aimed at reducing the parent companys debt, is likely to be predominantly an offer for sale.

Axis Capital is advising on the issue," one of the people said. The company is expected to file its draft papers in a few months."

Edelweiss will table the proposal in its upcoming board meeting in October-end, the second person cited above said. In the US, KKR, Blackstone, Apollo have all been listed, and the company is studying that," the person said.

Earlier, in an investor call on 5 August, Edelweiss group co-founder Rashesh Shah had said that a dual process of either a sale to an investor or an IPO was being considered for EAAA.

EAAA, which manages private investment vehicles across performing credit, structured credit, real estate and infrastructure yield, managed 56,342 crore of assets at the end of June 2024, according to its annual report for FY24.

Axis Capital and Edelweiss did not respond to a request for comment on Monday.

Markets cautious

The company would need to win over investors who may wonder about the erratic nature of revenues in the alternatives business, some veterans said.

Edelweiss can be bold enough to be first in this space, but the question remains if investors have the maturity to understand the value of such a business," said Abizer Diwanji, founder of Mumbai based consultancy firm NeoStrat Advisors LLP Services. While a mutual fund does not have carried interest, investors will need to assess the carried interest of an alternate credit business."

Carried interest is the share in profits that an alternative fund manager receives after returning the principal capital and a nominal interest base to the fund's investors.

Retail investors typically follow quality anchor investors in a public issue," said Arka Mookerjee, partner at J Sagar& Associates, adding that the disclosures around promoter and promoter group will need to be examined after analysing the cap table.

The regulator has been insistent on disclosures around the ultimate beneficial owners, and it needs to be seen if appropriate exemptions need to be sought given the unique asset class," Mookerjee said.

The fine print

The move to list EAAA follows an 18 December 2023 exchange filing when Edelweiss said it had started the process of selling 10-20% stake for 1,500-2,000 crore in its alternatives arm to try and retire debt at the parent level. This would suggest the company is expecting a valuation of at least 15,000 crore (around $1.8 billion).

To be sure, at the end of Q1FY25, Edelweiss Financial Services net debt stood at 12,700 crore, which it said was down 17% on a year-on-year basis. At its peak, the debt was closer to 50,000 crore.

It took some time. Earlier some parts were owned by Edelweiss and we aligned them into one unit so that we can bring in an outside investor," the second person cited above said. Now it's a standalone asset management business. All this got done by June."

In the exchange filing, it had said it received interest and expected to close the process over four to five months in a process that would also establish its valuation.

Thereafter, on 5 August, Shah said in an investor call, We are looking at a minority stake sale either through a private process or even an IPO, and very soon we hope that after evaluating all the feedback and the process we are getting from our bankers and consultants, we will be able to come back to you and highlight what is the best way to sell the stake, whether it's an IPO or it's a private process."

We are currently consulting, and we hope that by 30 September, we will finalize our thinking on the best path forward and come back to all our stakeholders, including all of you, and update you on that. But EAAA is now an important part of our unlock going forward," he said.

Shah added in the call that EAAA has seen growth in its fee-based AUM (assets under management) and reported a profit after tax of 66 crore in the April-June 2024 quarter, compared to 46 crore in the same period last year.

He also said that after the group unlocked value in Nuvama Wealth last year, it still has seven other businesses that will eventually be independent, either listed through a demerger or listed through an IPO".

Edelweiss Financial Services other businesses include mutual fund, asset reconstruction, non-bank subsidiary ECL Finance, Edelweiss Housing Finance, as well as its general and life insurance units.

Last year, Edelweiss sold a majority stake in its wealth management business (Nuvama Wealth) to investor PAG, subsequently de-merging the business from its listed entity as well as paring down its stake. EAAA is the next on the anvil, Shah had said in August.

Edelweiss fully owns the alternatives arm through Edelweiss Securities and Investment Private Limited. The holding entity is Edelweiss Financial Services Limited (EFSL), which is listed. Shares of EFSL have risen nearly 30% over the past one month and closed at 142.18 at the end of trade on Monday, just a shade short of its 52-week high of 145.53 apiece.
The Jalan-Kalrock Consortium (JKC), the successful bidder for bankrupt Jet Airways, told the Supreme Court on Tuesday that lenders led by the State Bank of India are intentionally pushing the company towards liquidation to maximise profits by selling the airline's assets as scrap.

A three-judge bench led by Chief Justice of India D.Y. Chandrachud was addressing the lenders' plea against the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal's March ruling upholding the handover of Jet Airways to JKC.

JKC, represented by senior lawyer Mukul Rohatgi, claimed that the lenders have deliberately not cooperated with JKC's efforts to revive Jet Airways.

"They haven't lifted a finger to help... They want to drive this plan into the ground so that it can be sold as scrap. They feel if they sell the planes as scrap, they will get more," Rohatgi said.

Also Read | Mint Explainer: SC hears Jet Airways ownership dispute. Whats at stake Chief Justice Chandrachud said they had directed JKC to deposit 150 crore in cash in January and emphasised that failing to do so would indicate non-compliance with the resolution plan.

"We didn't give you an option; we direct you to pay 150 crore. If you don't have it, then that means you are not compliant with the resolution," he stated.

The Supreme Court will continue hearing the case on Thursday.

Bank guarantee As per the resolution plan, JKC is allowed to adjust 150 crore as a performance bank guarantee, a provision upheld by the NCLT and NCLAT. Rohatgi contended that not bringing 150 crore in cash was related to SBI's earlier offer to not pursue any case against them if they brought in the first tranche of 350 crore, but non-compliance with this offer does not equate to non-compliance with the resolution plan.

Rohatgi noted that JKC was ready to release properties for the adjustment of a 150 crore performance bank guarantee, but it was the lenders that failed to take actions such as writing to the Reserve Bank of India for the release of Dubai properties meant to be used as security for the bank guarantee.

Jet Airways, founded by Naresh Goyal, went bankrupt in April 2019 and suspended flight operations due to financial troubles. JKC 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 consortium's resolution plan for Jet Airways on June 22, 2021.

Also Read | Jet Airways lenders move SC against NCLAT decision to uphold resolution plan Rohatgi contended that the lenders have not assisted JKC in reviving the airline at every stage of the insolvency process. He claimed that despite JKC's best efforts, including financial contributions and compliance with all conditions outlined in the resolution plan, the lenders hindered their progress by rejecting deadlines and dragging them into litigation.

According to Rohatgi, JKC complied with the resolution plan effective May 20, 2022, but the lenders refused to accept this date as the effective date of compliance, which led to extensions that caused the loss of 48 crucial airport slots and the expiration of the airlines air operator certificate.

"Neither do I have planes nor does the company have an operational crew. How can anyone expect me to secure airport slots without these essentials?" Rohatgi asked.

Rohatgi stressed the importance of reviving Jet Airways for Indias airline industry, pointing out that IndiGo and Air India are currently operating profitably, while SpiceJet is struggling.

Lenders' accusations The lenders alleged that JKC failed to fulfil key obligations in the takeover plan. They claimed JKC had not released the full 350 crore first tranche, breaching a Supreme Court order requiring a 150 crore deposit in cash. They also asserted that only 200 crore of the 4,783 crore promised by JKC had been received while incurring 22 crore in monthly losses maintaining Jets assets.

They said JKC failed to meet conditions such as securing the air operators certificate and paying 272 crore in dues to Jet's workers. Moreover, JKC had not released three Dubai properties offered as security, complicating the ownership transfer.

Also Read | Arun Shourie was probably right on Jet Airways' Naresh Goyal The lenders informed the Supreme Court that JKC has not yet obtained security clearance from the home ministry to operate.

The lenders also said JKC was not cooperating with an investigation to determine the source of the 200 crore payment, as directed by the NCLT, after Fritsch was investigated for fraud and money laundering offences in Europe.

Findings by NCLAT The NCLAT, in its March order, affirmed the NCLT's January 2023 ruling allowing the transfer of ownership and directed the lenders to complete the handover process within 90 days, including transferring Jet Airways' shares to JKC and obtaining the air operator's certificate.

The appellate tribunal instructed the lenders to a create security on the three Dubai-based properties within 30 days and 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, the lenders disagreed with the findings and subsequently challenged the matter in the Supreme Court, leading to the ongoing proceedings.
Mumbai: The National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) on Tuesday issued a notice to ICICI Securities following an appeal by the minority shareholders against the tribunal's order approving the financial broking firm's delisting.

A bench, led by justices Yogesh Khanna and Ajai Das Mehrotra, were hearing petitions filed by Manu Rishi Gupta and Quantum Mutual Fund, the two minority shareholders, against the 21 August order of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT).

The two shareholders own 0.002% and 0.08%, respectively, of ICICI Securities' paid-up equity share capital.

In its August order, the Mumbai bench of the National Company Law Tribunal dismissed applications filed by minority shareholders opposing the delisting of ICICI Securities, while allowing the company to go ahead with the plan.

Arun Kathpalia, senior counsel for ICICI Securities, informed the tribunal that the objections against the delisting scheme were filed by the shareholders before NCLT which rejected it.

He said the appeal was filed against the scheme, and the NCLT 's dismissal of the objections had not been challenged by the shareholders. There is a serious challenge to the maintainability of their petition, he said.

Kathpalia added that under the Companies Act section 230(4), any objection to the compromise or arrangement shall and only be made by people who hold not less than 10% of the shareholding.

If they (minority shareholders) are ineligible they cannot challenge the scheme here (in NCLAT)... A person aggrieved can only be a person whose legal right has been infringed, and legal right can be infringed only if one has the right in the first place, the senior counsel said.

The counsel for the shareholders informed the court that the NCLT order had been challenged in its entirety.

The bench agreed to hear the matter on merits.

In June 2023, ICICI Securities announced its plan to delist and merge with its parent ICICI Bank. The plan was approved by shareholders in March 2024, with 72% of minority shareholders voting in favor of the plan. On 29 June 2023, the board of ICICI Bank approved the plan.

The delisting plan included ICICI Securities becoming a wholly-owned subsidiary of ICICI Bank. As part of the plan, shareholders were to receive 67 shares of ICICI Bank for every 100 shares of ICICI Securities held.

However, shareholders like Manu Rishi Gupta and Quantum Mutual Fund had opposed the proposed delisting of ICICI Securities in two different petitions, claiming that the swap will negatively impact minority shareholders. Guptha and Quantum Mutual Fund, respectively, own 0.002% and 0.08% of ICICI Securities' paid-up equity share capital.

ICICI Securities contested the applications, stating that the applicants had no locus in the matter.

Discussions on the stock's actual value were sparked by the fact that, at the time of the announcement, the price of ICICI Securities' shares was slightly above the 520 initial public offering (IPO) issue price.

As the proposal advanced, the shareholders highlighted concerns regarding the depressed valuation and share-swap ratio of ICICI Securities. They also questioned the fairness of the deal, especially given the stock's low price relative to its potential.

In November, the Reserve Bank of India approved delisting ICICI Securities and making it ICICI Bank's wholly-owned subsidiary, subject to certain conditions.
Its getting too easy to score a pair of limited-edition Jordan sneakers, and that is a big problem for Nike.

A year ago, Nike Chief Executive John Donahoe celebrated growing the sneaker giants Air Force 1, Air Jordan 1 and Dunk into the three largest multibilliondollar footwear franchises in industry history. Sales of the models were strong and paved the way for the sneaker giant to report $51 billion in sales.

View Full Image Graphic: WSJ

But Nike oversold them and diluted their cool in the process. The company is now aggressively reducing supply of those franchises to save its most iconic sneakers. It is still making more of them than it can sell.

Sneakers that just two years ago could easily be flipped for a profit on resale platforms such as StockX and GOAT are no longer selling out in seconds on Nikes SNKRS app. The sneaker giant is selling some of its limited-edition releases at discounted prices on its website. The shoes are also appearing on the shelves of retail stores such as Foot Locker, which in the past didnt sell these limited-edition kicks.

Theyre digging themselves a hole because they put out too much stuff that people dont want," said sneaker reseller Anthony Treviso, who runs the popular sneaker-information service SiteSupply. Theyre not gauging demand correctly, and its causing more releases to sit," Treviso said.

Nike declined to comment. The company on Tuesday is expected to report a 10% decline in sales for the quarter ended Aug. 30, compared with the same period last year.

The sales slump stems in part from a reduction in the number of releases of limited-edition sneakers. Making matters worse: Despite an effort to reduce the number of limited-edition releases, demand for new models remains low, and the launches are still underperforming on Nikes apps and website, executives warned in June.

Nikes limited-run Air Jordan sneakers are some of its most profitable products because they can sell for up to $200. Nike made about $7 billion in sales of Jordan brand products in its last fiscal year; footwear accounted for most of those sales.

Investors said the company Tuesday could further lower its sales forecasts for the year. Nike adjusted its sales outlook for the current fiscal year in June, saying it expected a sales decline of up to 6%.

We have work to do, but were on it," Donahoe said during a call with analysts in June.

View Full Image People of all ages are embracing shoes from Nike competitors including Adidas. Photo: Chris J. Ratcliffe/Bloomberg News

Donahoe is stepping down as CEO on Oct. 14. Nike veteran Elliott Hill will take the helm to lead the turnaround. Hill was part of Nikes leadership team when the company initiated a similar marketplace reduction in 2017, and is expected to lean on that experience to navigate the challenges ahead.

This time, the landscape is different as more brands compete for shoppers in both the running and lifestyle categories. People of all ages are embracing shoes such as the Adidas Samba, the New Balance 990 and the Asics Gel-Kayano. And today, analysts say Nike doesnt have the kind of groundbreaking product innovation that it did in 2017, when the company released its first super shoe, the Vaporfly.

In a video shared with staff recently, Hill asked employees to rally together and move with speed and a sense of urgency."

View Full Image Graphic: WSJ

Reselling woes

Nike dominates the resale market but keeps losing market share to competitors. Sales of Nike and Jordan sneakers on StockX fell 21% in the first half of 2024, compared with the same period last year, the online marketplace reported in August. Trades of rivals Asics and Adidas grew about 600% and 90%, respectively, StockX said.

Donahoe said in an April interview that Nike ramped up production in 2020 to meet demand on its SNKRS app because it was meeting less than 5% of the demand for some of the releases. He said Nikes goal was to meet about 20% of the demand for limited-edition models.

Nike released more than 700 different Jordan brand sneakers in 2022 and 2023, respectivelymore than it had ever released in a single year. This year, the company is paring back the releases by about 35%, according to a Wall Street Journal analysis of GOAT data.

Nike is making a push to accelerate its innovation pipeline, trying to bring newer products to market sooner, executives say. Earlier this year, the company released the newest version of its Air franchise, the Air Max DN.

In recent months, only about 20% of the shoes stock has sold out on Nikes website, according to an analysis from investment bank BMO Capital Markets. Some color variations of the sneaker are sold at a discount, signaling that it hasnt caught on.

Write to Inti Pacheco at inti.pacheco@wsj.com
Youth-focused social-media company Snap grappled internally with how to warn users of its platforms sextortion risks without striking fear in users and their parents, according to an unredacted version of a lawsuit New Mexico filed against the company in September.

The state accused Snap of giving priority to growth over safety and failing to effectively address or disclose design features that make its platform a haven for abuse and sextortion, in which predators solicit explicit photos and then use them to blackmail the sender.

Driven by organized predation and loosening norms about intimate photo sharing among young users, a rough internal analysis in November 2022 found that Snap was receiving 10,000 reports of sextortion each month, according to internal documents cited by New Mexicos suit.

Those reports likely represent a small fraction of this abuse," the internal Snap analysis stated, citing the low likelihood of victims flagging the problem to Snap. A separate internal analysis of 279 known instances of sextortion in 2023 found that 70% of victims never reported the abuse and that for the 30% who did, Snap had failed to take any action.

We designed Snapchat as a place to communicate with a close circle of friends, with built-in safety guardrails, and have made deliberate design choices to make it difficult for strangers to discover minors," a spokeswoman said in response to the suit, adding that the company continues to work on additional safety measures and has broken with major social media peers to support federal child safety legislation. We care deeply about our work here and it pains us when bad actors abuse our service."

Snap was informed that its young user base, combined with the apps emphasis on disappearing messages, could lull users into believing that sexting on the app was safe, according to the New Mexico lawsuit.

The ephemeral nature of Snaps can encourage inappropriate content and behavior by giving young people a false sense of privacy," a Snap consultant said in a 2022 presentation, according to the complaint.

An internal marketing document from that same year said sexting had become regular behavior" for Generation Z. That reality left the company to grapple with how to keep young users safe without striking fear into Snapchatters" or being seen as aiding and abetting the production of (at a minimum) child sexually exploitative material."

We cant tell our audience NOT to send nudes; this approach is likely futile, tone deaf and unrealistic," the company says in the marketing document, according to New Mexicos complaint. That said, we also cant say, If you DO do it: (1) dont have your face in the photo, (2) dont have tattoos, piercings, or other defining physical characteristics in view, etc."

Despite the companys concern about sextortion, Snap told The Wall Street Journal that sexting accounts for a minuscule fraction of the messages exchanged on the platform.

New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torres called the unredacted filing proof of both the scale of Snaps problem and that the company had deceptively marketed an unsafe product.

Snapchats harmful design features create an environment that fosters sextortion, sexual abuse and unwanted contact from adults to minors," he said. It is disheartening to see that Snap employees have raised many red flags that have continued to be ignored by executives."

New Mexico previously sued Meta Platforms, owner of Facebook and Instagram, over child safety failures. In that case, Torres alleged that Metas recommendation systems connected young users to apparent pedophiles and pushed children toward inappropriate content. Meta recently announced new restrictions on teen users and says it works diligently to protect children.

In the case against Snap, tests by New Mexicos investigators and in some instances Snaps own employees found fault with Snaps public statements about safety-enhancing features, according to the states complaint.

According to Snap, the company changed its Quick Add" friend recommendations feature in 2022 to prevent the platform from suggesting teenagers connect with adults outside of their regular social circle. But a fictitious 14-year-old user created by state investigators received connection requests from strangers interested in sexual content and a stream of inappropriate and sexually explicit adult recommendations," New Mexico says in the complaint.

Snap employees themselves reached the same conclusion in 2023, New Mexico said. An internal 2023 effort to pressure test" the feature found that it still exposed minors to introductions to adult strangers."

Real children have been introduced to predators by the feature, New Mexico says, citing the case of a man in the state convicted of raping an 11-year-old to whom he was introduced through Snapchats Quick Add feature."

According to an internal document cited in the complaint, Snap declared that a large-scale effort to address child grooming would create disproportionate admin costs, and should not be its responsibility." In a January 2022 internal chat, also cited in the suit, Snaps safety staff acknowledged that by design, over 90% of account-level reports are ignored today and instead we just prompt the person to block the other person."

Snaps staff sometimes expressed frustration that the company wasnt moving faster to deal with an exploding sextortion problem last year, the suit claims.

Weve twiddled our thumbs and wrung our hands all fing year," one safety staffer wrote last year, declaring the platform to be overrun" with sextortion.

New Mexico has accused Snap of pursuing growth initiatives that pose foreseeable risks to young users. Some featuressuch as allowing users to publicly share the number of days that they had exchanged messages with a particular friend or see when friends were gathered without themfed insecurities.

Others, such as QR codes that made it easy to spread users contacts or store pictures in a My Eyes Only" folder inaccessible to a parent, were bound to facilitate both underage sexting and sextortion, New Mexico alleges.

In total, the state argues, Snapchat features were designed to increase the amount of time young users spend on its platform while inhibiting the ability of those users to self-regulate."

Write to Jeff Horwitz at jeff.horwitz@wsj.com
The Supreme Court continues its hearing Tuesday of a case that will decide the future of Jet Airways, the first airline in the country to face insolvency resolution.

The case is about Jet Airways lenders led by the State Bank of India opposing the Jalan-Kalrock Consortium (JKC), which submitted and received approval for a plan to revive the grounded airline.

The lenders contend that JKC has breached key conditions of the takeover, stalling the process of transferring ownership. Mint looks at the case and examines its importance.

Whats the case about?

At the centre of the dispute is the transfer of ownership of Jet Airways to JKC. The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) approved JKCs resolution plan in 2023.

However, the airlines lenders claim JKC has not met critical conditions for the takeover.

Jet Airways, once one of Indias top airlines, has been grounded since 2019, with outstanding dues exceeding 7,500 crore. JKCs 4,783 crore resolution plan was seen as a potential lifeline for the airlines revival.

Why this case matters

The Supreme Courts decision could determine whether Jet Airways gets revived or heads for liquidation.

Also Read | Arun Shourie was probably right on Jet Airways' Naresh Goyal

If the court nullifies the plan and Jet Airways faces liquidation, it will raise concerns over Indias ability to handle airline insolvencies, particularly since Go First, another airline under insolvency, also failed to revive and filed for liquidation.

Will Jet Airways be the first airline to revive from insolvency?

When the NCLAT approved JKCs resolution plan in March, tribunal chairperson Justice Ashok Bhushan said, We hope and trust that all parties will take steps to implement the resolution plan to make the first Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) of the aviation company in the country successful."

However, with the lenders now contesting the plan, Jet Airways chances of revival remain uncertain. If the airline does not emerge successfully from insolvency, it will fuel doubts about the efficacy of the insolvency regime in addressing airline bankruptcies.

Who is JKC?

JKC is a partnership between Murari Lal Jalan, a UAE-based businessman, and Florian Fritsch, an investor through Kalrock Capital Partners Ltd, based in the Cayman Islands. Their plan is aimed at reviving Jet Airways and its operations.

What is the stand of the lenders?

The lenders, led by SBI, argue that JKC has not:

1. Paid dues: JKC was supposed to deposit 350 crore as the first tranche but has deposited 200 crore so far. The consortium has not transferred the remaining 150 crore as mandated by the Supreme Court.

2. Provided security: JKC has not released three Dubai properties as security, as promised in the resolution plan.

3. Cleared worker obligations: JKC owes 272 crore towards provident fund and gratuity payments of Jet Airways employees.

4. Secured approvals: JKC has not obtained operational approvals, including an air operators certificate from the Directorate General of Civil Aviation.

The lenders claim that without fulfilling these conditions, the resolution plan should be set aside.

What is JKCs position?

JKC asserts it has met its financial commitments and has infused the required funds into Jet Airways. The consortium accuses the lenders of intentionally delaying the ownership transfer and insists it is prepared to revive the airline.

JKC is willing to pay the remaining 150 crore to complete the first tranche of 350 crore, but the lenders demand this amount in cash, rejecting any performance bank guarantee based on the securities provided.

What to expect from the Supreme Court hearing

The Supreme Court, led by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, is hearing arguments from both sides. The hearing could result in a reserved judgment or continue with more dates to hear all sides.
The regulatory regime against businesses pocketing the benefit of reductions in the goods and services tax rates meant for consumers will end in March next year, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) said in an order, marking a shift towards market-determined pricing.

From 1 April 2025, the authority designated to look into complaints of profiteering will not accept new requests to examine whether tax credits availed by a business or rate cuts have resulted in a commensurate reduction in the prices of goods or services sold by an entity, CBIC said.

This will end the anti-profiteering regime that was intended as a transitional arrangement when indirect tax reforms were introduced in July 2017.

The phasing out of the anti-profiteering regime signals that GST rates have more or less stabilised and the oversight of prices is no longer required. The regime was regarded as a weak regulation in a free-market economy as the government was not in a position to control prices and could only mandate that the benefit of tax relief should be passed on to consumers.

Also Read | GST Council gives relief to foreign airlines; ministerial panels to study future of cess, rate cut on insurance Since there is no lock-in period for businesses to maintain any reduced price in the wake of a tax rate cut, businesses were free to raise prices after a while, citing increases in the cost of production.

Real estate developers, multiplexes, fast-food joints and fast-moving consumer goods were among the sectors that faced a large number of complaints related to profiteering, prompting investigation by the authorities.

Simplification of compliance In many cases, businesses were asked to either return the alleged profiteered amount to the consumer or to deposit it with designated consumer welfare funds. Where consumers could be identified, for example in a housing project, the developers concerned were asked to return the profiteered amounts to them.

Businesses had also contested the constitutional validity of the anti-profiteering provision in court and the matter is sub-judice.

CBIC issued another order transferring the mandate of adjudicating complaints of profiteering from the Competition Commission of India to the Principal Bench of the GST Appellate Tribunal from 1 October till the end of March next year. The commission, which has handled these cases since 2022, was given the mandate when the term of the National Anti-Profiteering Authority ended.

Also Read | Mint Quick Edit | Is a GST rate cut for insurance good news? The intent of the deregulation seems to be simplification of GST compliance by narrowing the window for anti-profiteering scrutiny, according to Rajat Mohan, executive director at accounting and advisory firm Moore Singhi. However, it is important to note that ongoing complaints and investigations as of the cutoff date will continue until they reach a final conclusion, he said.

This deadline marks a significant transition phase for businesses, the government and consumers, asfor the first time since the introduction of GSTmarket forces will largely determine prices, free from the oversight of anti-profiteering regulations, said Mohan.

From 1 April 2025, businesses will have the autonomy to set prices for goods and services without the constraints of anti-profiteering regulations. This deregulation will usher in a more dynamic pricing environment, allowing businesses greater flexibility to adjust their pricing strategies in response to market demands, explained Mohan.
Placement teams at Indias top technology schools are chasing potential recruiters early to avoid a repeat of last years struggle to land jobs for their graduates, even as companies are still undecided about their hiring numbers.

While recruiters from information technology and related services, core industries, manufacturing and banking sectors have started registering with the Indian Institutes of Technologies (IITs), the companies havent disclosed their targets for the batch of 2025, according to a placement officer at one of the new IITs. They are yet to get hiring numbers from their HR teams, he said.

Of the 23 IITs, first-generation institutes including Madras, Bombay, Delhi, Kharagpur, Roorkee and Kanpur start the placement season in December. The second- and third-generation IITs, along with the National Institutes of Technology (NITs), begin in August-September to get a headstart.

A significant number of 2024 batch graduates from both old and newer IITs were not picked by May-June, when the placement season ends. While that reflected uncertainty in the global economy, many firms were brimming with graduates from the frenzied hiring during the pandemic. The institutes then reached out to their alumni and startups, and accepted lower-than-usual compensation.

Also read | Exploring the rise of new players in B-School placements

"We have started going after the firms and are not waiting for them to register on our portals," said a member of the placement team of a third-generation IIT. There are 360 students to place and firms are preferring the pre-placement route (PPOs) after internships, rather than directly coming for the final placements."

The IITs of Tirupati, Palakkad, Goa, Mandi, Varanasi, Bhilai and Dhanbad are among the institutes chasing firms to sign up. Some of them have set 6-8 lakh as the minimum compensation.

"We have about 250 students to place and started our campus recruitments in September. We have 100 regular recruiters and hope the same ones hire this year as well," said a placement officer at one of the IITs mentioned above.

Although IT services providers have reached out, students want to join firms that pay more than 8-10 lakh. IT firms, which typically recruit in large numbers, offer a compensation of 4-7 lakh, but recruiters that visit IITs offer a higher salary.

Also read | Placement blues fade at IIMs as recruiters troop in

While the median compensation for the newer IITs can be around 12-13 lakh, it ranges 20-55 lakh for their older peers. Some of the newer ones expect it to increase 3-4% this year.

Early recruiters on IIT campuses include Samsung, Accenture and Larsen & Toubro this year. The companies didnt respond told Mint's queries sent late on Monday. Godrej Properties Ltd is also looking to hire from the technology institutes.

"We pay 33 lakh to the top B-school graduates and 15 lakh for IIT and NIT graduates. This year, we will revise salaries (higher) for engineering graduates," said Megha Goel, chief human resources officer at Godrej Properties.

A senior placement team member at a new IIT said the institute has 140 students to place and was accepting offers of 6 lakh and above. We are targeting companies that are based in southern India since their proximity to our college is closer," said the executive who did not want to be named. The BFSI sector is our good bet."

While the smaller IITs have fewer students, the older ones have a couple of thousand of graduates in every placement batch. Last year, recruiters included Google India, Apple, Microsoft India, Procter and Gamble, Sony Japan, Texas Instruments, Qualcomm, Tata group, Ola and Reliance Industries.

Also read | Mint Primer: What the IIT placements tell us about the campus hiring market

High-end trading firms and software firms offered salaries of 80 lakh to 1.4 crore in 2024, according to placement executives across IITs of Delhi, Bombay, Madras, Kharagpur, and Kanpur.

The high-paying companies included Databricks, Quadeye, Graviton Research Capital, Maverick Derivatives, Da Vinci, Optiver, NK Securities, Cumberland-a DRW Company, Quantbox Research, and Squarepoint, which offered roles in India and, in some cases, the UK, the US, Singapore and Hong Kong.

After last years scramble, the IITs are also banking on quick commerce platforms and startups to select from their campuses.

Meesho is actively recruiting from campuses this year, particularly focusing on the 2025 batch from premier engineering institutes such as IITs, IIITs, and NITs," Ashish Kumar Singh, chief human resources officer said.

The online retailer will hire for multiple critical roles across key functions like analytics, technology, business, finance, product & design, and fulfilment & experience, he said. The company's campus hiring efforts will see a significant increase, with plans to more than double compared to last year".
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday accused the Congress party of trying new experiments to break the unity of patriots. Addressing an election rally in Haryana, PM Modi said the Congress wants to crush patriotism by propagating casteism.

Stating that the Congress still dreams of forming the government despite committing many sins, Modi said, The BJP supporters are patriots, but the Congress devises plans to mislead the patriotic people. The Congress wants to crush patriotism in this country by propagating casteism, pitting one community against another.

Attacking the Congress, Modi said its politics remains limited to false promises, whereas the BJP's politics is to put in hard work and is result-oriented.

Here are the top quotes from PM Modi's rally  There is a BJP wave in every village, everywhere one voice is heard - 'Bharosa dil se, BJP phir se'.

 Haryana has a track record of being with the party which has government at the Centre.

 The whole of Haryana has to take a pledge  all those who love India will remain united; we are one and we will vote unitedly for the country.

 We will unite and vote for the future of our children, for the safety of our daughters, for jobs without any expense slips, for new investments, and for new jobs in Haryana.

 The Congress' politics remains limited to false promises while the BJP's politics is result-oriented.

 The Congress wants to destroy patriotism in this country. They are trying new experiments to break the unity of patriots.

 The Congress has only one agenda - appeasement for votes, maximum appeasement.

 The Congress thinks it's been 10 years, and the people of Haryana will hand them power on a platter. The Congress had this misconception in Madhya Pradesh too.

 Today, the Congress is saying that it will end reservations for Dalits and backward classes. Today, the party is making tall claims over MSP, but it used to give MSP on only 3-4 crops.

Also Read | Congress expels 10 leaders in Haryana for anti-party activities

 The Congress did not allow Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. It did not allow the Constitution to be fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir.

 Can the Congress, which makes Pakistan happy, make Haryana happy?

 The Congress says it will bring back Article 370 but never says it will bring PoK back, says Prime Minister Narendra Modi at Palwal rally.
As many as 415 candidates are in fray from 40 seats that are going to polls in the third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections today, October 1.

Around 3.9 million voters are eligible to cast their franchise at 5,060 polling stations across seven districts in the third phase of polling that began at 7 am and continues till 6 pm, Election Commission of India said.

Of the 40 seats going to polls today, 16 are in the Kashmir region while 24 fall in the Jammu region of the erstwhile state.

Jammu and Kashmiris holding its first assembly elections in a decade to elect a government after over six years of Central rule. This is also the first assembly election being held after abrogation of Article 370 in the erstwhile state in August 2019.

The first phase of elections held on September 18 saw 61 per cent voter turnout. The approximate voter turnout for all 26 seats spread across 6 districts was 57.3 per cent according to Election Commission of India data.

Key Constituencies The 16 assembly seats of Kashmir division voting today include Karnah, Trehgam, Kupwara, Lolab, Handwara, Langate, Sopore, Rafiabad, Uri, Baramulla, Gulmarg, Wagoora-Kreeri, Pattan, Sonawari, Bandipora and Gurez (ST).

The 24 constituencies voting in Jammu division include Udhampur West, Udhampur East, Chenani, Ramnagar (SC), Bani, Billawar, Basohli, Jasrota, Kathua (SC), Hiranagar, Ramgarh (SC), Samba, and Vijaypur, Bishnah (SC), Suchetgarh (SC), RS Pura, Jammu South, Bahu, Jammu East, Nagrota, Jammu West, Jammu North, Marh (SC), Akhnoor (SC) and Chhamb seat.

Over 20,000 polling staff have been mobilised for today's voting that will decide the electoral fate of big names including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig and former ministers Taj Mohiuddin, Raman Bhalla, Basharat Bukhari and Sajad Lone.

Sajad Lone, Afzal Guru's brother in fray People's Conference president, Sajad Lone is contesting against five-time legislator and minister Choudhary Ramzan in Handwara seat. Lone is also contesting from Kupwara seat today.

Langate will be another key constituency in focus in the final phase. Here Lok Sabha MP Engineer Rashid's brother Sheikh Khursheed is a candidate.

The 2011 Parliament attack convict Afzal Gurus elder brother Aijaz Ahmad Guru is also contesting as an independent from the Sopore assembly segment today.

Devender Singh Rana, brother of the Union minister Dr Jitendra Singh Rana, of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is also in the fray from Nagrota assembly constituency in Jammu.
FOR YEARS the Araku Valley, deep in the mountains on Indias east coast, was mired in poverty and rocked by Maoist violence. The government classifies most of its inhabitants as particularly vulnerable tribal groups"; for generations they relied on slash-and-burn farming to scrape by. But now locals grow high-grade coffee that is sold at high prices to posh Europeans. Araku Coffee, the company that processes and markets their berries, runs cafes in fancy bits of Bangalore, Mumbai and Paris. The valleys transformation is an agricultural success story. It is also a glimpse of whatwith the right policiesthe rest of rural India might achieve.

Indian agriculture has come a long way since the ship-to-mouth" days of the 1950s and 1960s, when the country depended on food aid from abroad. It has long since become a net exporter of stuff people eat. Yet big inefficiencies persist. Although India has a third more land under cultivation than China, it harvests only a third as much produce by value, according to analysis by Unupom Kausik of Olam, an agri-business listed in Singapore. Agriculture employs almost half of all Indian workerssome 260m peoplebut contributes only 15% of output and 12% of exports (see chart 1). By contrast, business services such as call centres and IT companies employ less than 1% of workers but produce 7% of GDP and almost a quarter of exports.

View Full Image (The Economist)

Handouts of every kind warp incentives for farmers. These giveaways weigh down production and prop up practices that degrade the land, all without making anyone much richer. Farm incomes have hovered at around one-third of non-farm incomes for decades. A study published in 2018 by the OECD, a club of mostly rich countries, found that despite huge subsidies the net effect of regulations and trade restrictions was to lower gross farm revenues by 6%.

Making even modest progress might produce outsize gains. Yields in India are lower than the global average for almost all produce. Merely raising them to the average would make India a massive power in global commodity markets: Indias excess rice production would be greater than the current global rice trade, reckons Mr Kausik. Should it raise yields to match the worlds best, India would be producing twice as much maize, three times as much cotton and eight times as much rice and pulses as is traded across borders today.

Making farmers more prosperous would also have a big knock-on effect for the rest of Indias economy. Agricultural employment figures mask huge underemployment. Pushing up incomes in the countryside would create demand for new goods and services, which would in turn create better jobs for Indias many millions of surplus farmhands. They would have the chance to earn better wages without having to decamp to the countrys booming but overcrowded cities.

Success in the Araku Valley (pictured) offers hints about how to proceed. In the late 1990s the state government of Andhra Pradesh, hoping to reduce deforestation and boost incomes, supplied farmers there with fast-growing silver oak trees. A few years later they were given coffee seedlings to grow in their shade. Locals such as Kora Venkatrao, who farms three acres, grew the berries as best they could. But they often sold their produce to unscrupulous middlemen at well below the market price.

Mr Venkatraos fortunes changed in 2016, when he joined a co-operative run by Araku Coffee that taught farmers how to grow higher-quality berriesthen bought them for unheard-of prices. His income has since increased ten-fold to over 200,000 rupees ($2,400) a year. His thatched hut has become a concrete home with two bedrooms. He has bought a motorcycle and started building up savings. Manoj Kumar, Araku Coffees boss, says that some 2,000 of his farmers have become rupee millionaires. His secret? Seeing agriculture as a profit-making, revenue-making, export-earning sector."

The problem is that this is not how successive Indian governments have approached agriculture. Policymakers are inclined to view it as a conduit for welfare. They struggle to see it as an engine of growth. During his first term Narendra Modi, the prime minister, pledged to double farmers incomes. Yet many of his policies have ended up working against this goal. Consider, for example, the decision in 2016 to stop recognising high-denomination bank notes that made up 86% of Indias currency by value, for fear that they were enabling corruption and tax evasion. That extraordinary experiment damaged the cash-dependent rural economy.

A sudden lockdown at the start of the pandemic, in 2020, drove millions of workers away from cities and back to farms, reversing efforts to make agriculture more efficient. That same year, Mr Modis Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) produced a set of sensible agricultural reforms but rammed them through parliament without consultation, setting off a year-long farmers protest that eventually forced their repeal.

Lately optimists have dared to wonder if the BJPchastened by its poor performance in recent electionsmight be stumbling towards a cleverer approach. Since his embarrassment at the polls Mr Modi has appointed a new agriculture minister, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, who previously served as chief minister of Madhya Pradesh, a state in central India. Under Mr Chouhan, Madhya Pradesh invested in irrigation, rural roads and warehouses. It sought to nudge farmers towards horticulture and made it easier for them to sell their produce in venues other than state-run agricultural marketplaces. All this bore fruit: the states agricultural GDP grew at an annual average rate of 7% between 2005 and 2023, roughly the period of Mr Chouhans rule, compared with 3.8% nationally.

The question now is whether Mr Chouhan can drive similar progress at the national level. The BJPs previous, bungled attempts at reform have made large swathes of agricultural policy too toxic for the central government to tinker with. Mr Chouhan also cannot do much about the very big problem of small landholdings (the average Indian farm covers only a bit more than one hectare) and the resultant low rate of mechanisation.

But he could prioritise many other things. About half of Indian farmland has no access to water other than from the sky. India has enough cold storage for only about 10% of its perishable produce; the government reckons that up to 6% of cereals, 12% of vegetables and 15% of fruit are lost after harvest. Most of Indias agricultural exports are raw, unbranded commodities. Less than 10% of food produced in the country gets processed, compared with 30% in Thailand and 70% in Brazil. So tackling patchy irrigation and weak infrastructure, and encouraging higher-value processing, would all be profitable moves. Boosting agricultural output would support overall growth, too (see chart 2).

View Full Image (The Economist)

Some problems could be fixed with the stroke of a pen. Each year India splurges about 2trn rupees on food subsidies and nearly as much again on fertiliser subsidies, but spends just 95bn rupees on agricultural research and development. Spending on research as a share of agricultural GDP is less than 0.7%. The coming ravages of climate change all but demand greater investment: farmers will find it impossible to adapt without scientific breakthroughs.

There are also things that the government should simply stop doing. It regularly intervenes when food prices rise, for example by imposing limits on stock accumulation or by suspending futures markets. It banned exports of wheat in 2022 and most kinds of rice in 2023. All this prevents farmers from making money when prices are high and discourages traders from taking risks. It is mostly the better off who benefit: the poorest 800m Indians get free grain from the government, so changes in its price affect them less.

Mr Kumar, Araku Coffees boss, is about to open a second cafe in Paris. His company is expanding into other commodities. Many of its coffee farmers also grow pepper; the firm is encouraging people working in other parts of India to grow kidney beans and millets. But only the government has the power to truly transform Indian agriculture. The way to do that, says Mr Kumar, is not loan waivers, it is not subsidies, it is to see how we can create an ecosystem which is conducive" to growth. In other words, to nurture conditions in which a million Arakus can grow.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Ltd. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
New Delhi: The government is likely to allow sops for research & development and manufacturing under a new productivity-linked incentive policy for drones that is being discussed within the government, two people told Mint.

The original proposal was to provide incentives for testing, R&D and manufacturing. The idea is to reduce the dependence on a certain country for parts that go into drone making. Hence, we are likely to decide on offering incentives for R&D and manufacturing and not on providing any incentive on testing," said an aviation ministry official, who did not want to be identified.

By a certain country" the official meant China. The official added that the new incentive scheme is still work in progress," as it is being discussed at various levels.

The proposal is to have an incentive amount of 3,000 crore but the decision is yet to be taken. Also, the incentive will focus on civil drone industry and not on military," the official said.

Drone testing

Officials said drone testing will continue as before at various centres including at the premier agency National Test House (NTH), which has its main centre in Ghaziabad, and branches at Kolkata, Mumbai, Chennai, Ghaziabad, Jaipur, Guwahati and Varanasi. But the service will not attract an incentive.

Mint first wrote on 19 September that the government is looking at a 3,000 crore scheme to help create a drone ecosystem in the country. The proposed amount is an 18x jump from the previous PLI schemes meagre 165-crore ($20 million) outlay, which the officials cited above said is in line with the on-ground impact and growth of domestic drone firms in the past three years.

Industry stakeholders agree a larger fiscal support is necessary. The previous scheme, announced in September 2021, only focused on domestic manufacturing, with a small outlay based on what was then a nascent industry.

An email sent to the aviation ministry on Monday did not elicit any response till press time.

Drones in defence

The government believes drones will play a major role not just in defence but also in the civil space and that too beyond recreational purposes. Hence, the government is working on a plan to become a leading manufacturer of drones to the world. Currently, China leads this space.

It is estimated that by 2030, the local market is tipped to be worth $35 billion, with $12 billion coming from defence supplies, and $9 billion from commercial deals. Exports, meanwhile, could account for 16% of Indias drone economy by the end of this decade.

As per an EY-Ficci report, from $345 million in 2020 to $9.7 billion by 2025, is likely to see defence contracts contributing $4.5 billion, while exports would make for 5%.one
New Delhi: Union minister of heavy industries H D Kumaraswamy said on Tuesday that vehicle manufacturers flouted rules under the ministry's previous production-linked incentive (PLI) schemes and urged them to follow the rules of the new scheme, especially those around localisation.

Speaking at the launch of the PM E-drive scheme in New Delhi, Kumaraswamy said the new scheme would remedy many issues with previous ones, including compliance with localisation requirements. The new scheme aims to encourage the adoption of electric vehicles and promote infrastructure development.

"This scheme (PM E-drive) along with its phased manufacturing programme will enhance local innovation and create job opportunities across various sectors... I request the manufacturers (to follow the rules) in the FAME-II scheme (there were) some differences between manufacturers and the ministry," he said.

"Two or three manufacturers were not following the guidelines of the (previous) PLI scheme. I don't want to leave any scope for controversy or differences. Whatever guidelines we are implementing, please follow them, and take the benefits of the PLI scheme without any controversy," Kumaraswamy added.

Local sourcing requirements The heavy industries ministry operates two crucial PLI schemes  one for automobiles and automotive components (PLI-Auto), and another for batteries (PLI-ACC). Manufacturers are expected to comply with stringent localisation norms under both schemes. They are expected to produce 50% of their products in India to receive a domestic value addition (DVA) certificate and secure benefits under PLI-Auto.

Localisation rules are also a major part of the government's EV subsidy schemes. Under previous schemes such as the Faster Adoption and Manufacturing of Electric and Hybrid vehicles (FAME) the government mandated that only a certain number of components may be imported, and that these import benefits would gradually be removed through the phased manufacturing programme (PMP).

While implementing FAME in 2023, the ministry of heavy industries took action against 17 manufacturers for violations of the PMP. Earlier this year, media reports said a handful of manufacturers had not received the government's clearance following FAME-II violations.

For instance, the Delhi High Court refused interim relief to electric two-wheeler maker Okinawa Autotech Pvt Ltd from the government's recovery proceedings and 117 crore fine, Mint reported in August. The government had imposed penalties on the company for violating localisation rules.

A fresh start PM E-drive, the government's latest EV subsidy scheme, also has its own localisation norms and PMP, which has not been notified yet. The scheme, cleared by the cabinet in early September, is set to provide electric two-wheelers, three-wheelers, buses, trucks, and ambulances at a subsidised prices to consumers, and replaces previous schemes such as FAME.

PM E-drive does not offer subsidies on electric four-wheelers, with the exception of electric ambulances. Consultations regarding the standards for electric ambulances are set to begin this week, according to ministry officials.

"It is a global trend to stop subsidising electric vehicles when the penetration reaches 10-12%," a government official said on the sidelines of the event on Tuesday. "So we are looking at an about 7-8% electric two-wheeler penetration every month, and it may reach 10% by the end of the PM E-drive scheme," the official added.
PepsiCo will buy Siete Foods parent Garza Food Ventures for $1.2 billion, the Frito-Lay owner said on Tuesday, beefing up its snacking portfolio amid a shift to private-label brands among cost-conscious consumers.

The company, backed by actor Eva Longoria, is known for grain-free tortilla chips and taco shells. It also makes products such as enchilada sauce and Mexican wedding cookies.

Also Read | Beverage industry seeks sugar content-based tax on aerated drinks

Siete's products are distributed across 40,000 retail outlets in the U.S., including at Target and Whole Foods.

The Texas-based company, founded in 2014 by Veronica Garza, is owned and run by seven members of the Garza family. Consumers have turned to more affordable private-label brands for their snacking needs after several quarters of price hikes by packaged food makers to soften the blow from higher input costs.

Meanwhile, deal-making in the packaged food industry has also been robust. Snickers maker Mars bought Pringles maker Kellanova in a nearly $36 billion deal in August.

PepsiCo has been working to diversify its price tiers, and offer new flavors under popular brands such as Lay's, Doritos and Cheetos to help enhance their appeal.

Also Read | India to be a high demand market for many years: PepsiCo CEO

Volumes for its snacking business in North America fell 4% in the most recently reported quarter in July. The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings next week.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Monday that PepsiCo was in advanced talks to buy Siete Foods.
H-1FY25 review: Gold rate today held its ground after losing around one per cent on Monday. In the international market, spot gold price finished at $2,634 per troy ounce on Monday, whereas the MCX gold rate finished at 74,924 per 10 gm mark. As Monday was the last trading day in the first half of the current financial year, MCX gold rate registered around 10.75% rally in H-1FY25 as it ascended from 67,677 to 74,924 per 10 gm mark. The spot gold price surged from $2,233 to $ 2,634 per troy ounce, recording around a 17.50% rise in the first six months of FY25. Comparing the gold return in H-1FY25 with the Nifty 50 return, the yellow metal has outperformed the frontline Indian stock market index by around 2%.

According to commodity market experts, the US Fed rate cut, tension in the Middle East and Southeast Asia, rising US economic concerns, and a surge in gold ETF holdings are critical drivers for the gold price rally in H-1FY25. These factors combined to fuel the yellow metal throughout the financial year 2024-25.

Triggers for gold price rally in H-1FY25 Speaking on the reasons that fueled gold prices in FY25, Sugandha Sachdeva, Founder of SS WealthStreet, said, "The rally in gold price reflects the complex mix of geopolitical risks, monetary policy shifts, and economic concerns that have influenced investor behaviour throughout 2024."

"The key drivers behind the stellar performance of gold is the beginning of a rate cut cycle in the US, followed by strong anticipation for further rate cuts in the upcoming meetings. The geopolitical tensions between Israel and Lebanon are also pushing gold prices up," said Colin Shah, MD at Kama Jewelry.

Highlighting the primary reasons that are instrumental in the gold price rally, Anuj Gupta, Head of Commodity & Currency at HDFC Securities, said, "Recent rise in gold prices can be attributed to the two major reasons: US Fed rate cut and rising tension in Israel-Hamas. After announcing the US Fed rate cut in September, we witnessed a decent rally in gold prices worldwide. Later on, the Israel-Hamas war getting extended for such a longer period triggered uncertainty about global merchandise. This triggered demand for the haven, and gold prices started climbing to a new peak."

"Investor interest in gold exchange-traded funds (ETFs) has rebounded strongly, with significant inflows over the past four months. Global gold ETF holdings grew by $2.1 billion in August, bolstering the metal's rally as ETFs increase physical gold holdings to meet rising demand," said Sugandha Sachdeva, adding, "Central banks, especially in emerging markets, have ramped up gold purchases to reduce their dependence on the U.S. dollar. These large-scale purchases have provided a steady support base for gold, reinforcing its upward momentum throughout the year."

Gold price outlook The demand for gold is expected to be robust with the onset of festive season. A good monsoon year will push rural demand. Gold prices are currently testing the $2700 level; the expectation is it may touch $3000 levels, whereas domestic market prices are expected to cross 78,000 in the mediumtolong term.

"According to the World Gold Council, gold has historically rallied by as much as 10% six months after the first Fed cut. As the metal's starting point is higher than we expected it to be at the start of the Fed's easing cycle, we see increased scope for gains to the year-end target, particularly as the US election is fast approaching (meaning more uncertainty), and ETF demand is picking up momentum. Meanwhile, although the Swiss gold export data signals slowing Chinese demand, we believe this relates more to the exhaustion of the country's quota rather than a weakening of underlying demand by local investors," says CIO Investment Research at UBS.

The UBS CIO report added, "Overall, we recommend gold's hedging qualities as attractive for the long term from a portfolio perspective. We reiterate our recommendation for a diversified USD-denominated portfolio to include a 5% allocation to gold as a broad portfolio hedge. We also like select gold miners (although this remains a more tactical call)," adding, We raise our gold forecasts to $2,750 per troy ounce by end-2024 (from $2,600 per troy ounce), $2,850 per troy ounce by mid-2025 (from $2,700/oz), and $2,900 per troy ounce by end-3Q25 (from $2,750 per troy ounce).
Forge Auto International IPO: The allocation for Forge International's initial public offering (IPO) is likely to be finalised on Tuesday, October 1.

The bidding for Forge Auto International IPO opened on September 26 and closed on September 30. The proposed listing date for Forge Auto International IPO is Friday, October 4. Forge Auto International shares will list on NSE SME.

Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar for the Forge Auto International IPO, while Hem Securities Limited is the book-running lead manager. Hem Finlease is the market maker for the IPO of Forge Auto International.

Also Read | Hyundai Motor India IPO : 10 Key things to know from DRHP

Here are the steps to check allotment status online Since Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd is the registrar to the SME IPO, investors can check the allotment status online on Bigshare Services' website or the NSE website. Here's how:

Step 1- Go to the registrar Bigshare Services Pvt Ltd's website by clicking on this link: https://www.bigshareonline.com/ipo_Allotment.html

Step 2- Select any of the three servers on the Bigshare website to check the allocation status

Step3- Click on Company selection and thereafter from the dropdown select the company name Forge Auto Internationals Ltd (Note: The company name will only appear once the allotment is out)

Step 4 - Select from among any one of the following options it asks for - Application Number, Demat Account or PAN number.

Step 4- Enter the details pertaining to the option selected

Step 5 -Hit the Search button and don't forget to enter the Captcha code

Investors can also use the NSE website to check the status of Forge Auto International's IPO allotment by providing the required information.

Forge Auto International IPO: GMP or Grey Market Premium Forge Auto International IPO GMP declined to 15 at the end of the subscription period. The GMP stood at 36 on day 2 of the IPO and 30 on day 1, according to data from Investorgain.com. This suggests that the shares of Forge Auto International are accessible in the grey market for 15 more than the issue price.

The current GMP shows that investors of Forge Auto International IPO expect the listing of Forge Auto International shares at 123 apiece, a 13.89% premium over the upper end of the issue price.
Stock Market News: On Tuesday, the Nifty 50 and Sensex, the key domestic indices, started the day without significant changes as the market underwent a phase of consolidation following a shift in focus by foreign investors towards other Asian markets such as China and Hong Kong.

The Nifty 50 index saw a slight decrease of 22.40 points or 0.09%, opening at 25,788 points, while the Sensex opened at 84,257, showing a decline of 42 points or 0.05%.

Experts in the market have observed that the redirection of funds from Indian markets to other Asian markets has resulted in a period of consolidation in the Indian stock market.

The unprecedented volatility in stock markets is evident in yesterday's 4.8% collapse in the Nikkei index and the 8% jump in the Shanghai Composite Index, according to Dr. V K Vijayakumar, Chief Investment Strategist at Geojit Financial Services. It is expected that this high volatility will shortly stabilize.

Massive capital inflows into Chinese equities have been sparked by the anticipated revival in the Chinese economy. In the previous five days, this has produced 20% gains in the Shanghai Composite, and in the last month, it has produced 19.45% returns in the Hang Seng. FIIs are drawn to this momentum, but it's unclear how long this tactical trade will endure.

Also Read | Stock market changes from today: 4 key changes for investors effective October 1

Market Review and Outlook - Ruchit Jain, Lead Research Analyst at 5paisa Nifty 50 started the week on a negative note as the correction in some of the Asian bourses had a rub off effect on our markets. The index traded with a negative bias throughout the day and ended just above 25,800 with a loss of about 370 points.

The large cap stocks witnessed profit booking which led to a sharp correction in the benchmark indices at the start of the week. The FIIs had long heavy positions in the index futures segment with over 80 percent positions on the long side and the RSI readings on the charts were in overbought zone post the recent run up. Such a combination usually leads to a contra trend move and thus, we witnessed the same on Monday. The immediate support for Nifty 50 is placed in the range of 25,750-25,700 which will be important to watch, if this gets breached then we could see the retracement towards 25,520 and 25,340. In case of a pullback move, resistance will be seen around 26,000-26,100.

Also Read | Indian stock market: 10 key things that changed for market overnight

Shares to buy or sell today - Ruchit Jain On shares to buy or sell on Tuesday, Ruchit Jain recommends Amara Raja Energy & Mobility Ltd, and Aurobindo Pharma Futures.

Amara Raja Energy & Mobility (Buy)

The stock has recently gone through a corrective phase and prices are now hovering around the 100 EMA support. The stock has formed a bullish engulfing pattern on the daily chart during end of last week. The RSI on the daily chart has given a positive crossover and hence, we expect a pullback move in the near term.

Hence, short term traders can look to buy the stock in the range of 1,425-1,415 for potential near term target around 1,530-1,550. The stop loss on long positions should be placed below 1,350.

Aurobindo Pharma Futures (Sell) The stock has formed a lower top lower bottom on the daily chart and is thus in a short term corrective phase. The RSI oscillator is negative while short build was seen in the futures segment.

The stock has closed below the 1,500 mark where high open interest was placed which could lead to unwinding of positions of put writers.

Hence, short term traders can look to short the October Futures in the range of 1,480-1,490 for potential target around 1,390. The stoploss on short positions should be placed above 1,550.
Stock Market Today- Smallcap Alphageo (India) share price was locked in the 5% upper circuit in the morning trade on Tuesday, October 1.

Alphageo (India) share price gained after the company announced receiving an order worth 131.63 crore from Oil India Ltd.

Shares of Alphageo (India) Ltd opened at 436.80 on the NSE on Tuesday, 5% higher than their previous closing price of 416. Alphageo (India) share price thereafter was locked in the 5% upper price band.

The company in an exchange filing on Monday informed about the award of a contract from Oil India Limited, Duliajan, Assam.

The order is for 20 seismic data acquisition in the Ganga-Punjab Basin for a contract value of Rs. 131.63 crore (inclusive of taxes), as per the release.

The time period of the contract awarded by Oil India to Alphageo (India) is till June, 2026.

Also Read | BNP Paribas has this suggestion for investors in falling Indian stock market

Leading the industry in seismic surveys, Alphageo (India) is a private sector onshore integrated seismic service provider. Incorporated in 1987, Alphageo (India) Ltd's headquarters are located in Hyderabad, India.

Alphageo (India) share price has given multibagger returns to investors, having risen almost three-fold from its October 2020 lows and almost two-fold since March 2023 lows.

During the quarter ended June 2024, Alphageo (India) reported a five-fold increase in revenue from operations to 25.26 crore compared with 5.14 crore in the June 2023 quarter.

Alphageo (India) Ltd's profit stood at 4.02 crore during the April-June 2024 quarter compared to a loss in the same period last year.
Stock market changes: Effective October 1, the Indian financial markets will see significant changes. The National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) have introduced new transaction fees for brokers across various segments. Additionally, the government has implemented a new tax regime for share buybacks, taxing them as dividends. Furthermore, the securities transaction tax (STT) on Futures & Options (F&O) trading has been increased. Finally, SEBI has streamlined the process of bonus share trading by introducing a T+2 framework.

Uniform transaction fees for brokers Both the National Stock Exchange (NSE) and Bombay Stock Exchange (BSE) announced new transaction fee structures for the cash and derivatives segments, effective October 1. For trades in the cash market, NSE will charge a fee of 2.97 per lakh of traded value on each side. In equity futures, the fee will be 1.73 per lakh on each side, and for equity options, it will be 35.03 per lakh of premium value.

On the BSE, the transaction fees for Sensex and Bankex options contracts will rise to 3,250 per crore of premium turnover value. These revisions stem from a Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) circular issued in July 2024 outlining new fee structures for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs).

Changes in share buyback taxation Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced that income from share buybacks will now be taxed as dividends starting October 1. This shifts the tax burden from companies to shareholders, who will be taxed according to their personal income tax brackets.

Previously, share buybacks were considered a tax-efficient way for companies to return money to investors.

Increased STT on derivatives trading As announced by the Finance Minister earlier this year, the securities transaction tax (STT) on Futures and options (F&O) trading will increase beginning October 1. The STT on futures trading will rise from 0.0125% to 0.02%, while the STT on options trading will increase to 0.1%.

This hike in STT is aimed at curbing retail participation in derivatives trading, which has surged in recent times.
Stock Market Today: Profit booking in index heavyweights such as Reliance Industries and banking counters, coupled with a fall in Japan's Nikkei index, weighed on the Indian stock market on Monday, September 30. The benchmark Nifty 50 index and the S&P BSE Sensex slipped to 25,810.85 and 84,299.78, respectively, down 1.5%. Only the metals pack shone after Chinas stimulus news and better-than-expected manufacturing data. Most indices ended in the red, including Bank Nifty, which closed at 52,978.10, with a 1.5% loss.

Trade setup for Tuesday Nifty tumbled on Monday and formed a long bearish candle. It showed no signs of significant intraday recovery. Nifty has shown signs of trend reversal and could fall soon, said Deepak Jasani, Head of Retail Research at HDFC Securities. Nifty could face resistance from the 25,956-26,011 band while 25,446 could offer support in the near term, said Jasani.

Bank Nifty has eroded some gains from the peak zone of 54,467 levels in the last two sessions, and has near-term support in the 52,300 zone, said Vaishali Parekh, Vice President - Technical Research, Prabhudas Lilladher. A further breach below this level shall weaken the overall bias, with the next major support positioned near 51,300 levels, said Parekh.

Global Markets Outlook Asian markets had a wild start to the week, with Tokyo's Nikkei 225 index sinking nearly 5 per cent while Chinese markets soared on news of fresh stimulus for the faltering economy. European stock markets retreated Monday, the last day of September, as investors digested a series of local economic releases as well as the differing performances of the major Asian indices.

In the near term, Siddhartha Khemka, Head - Research, Wealth Management, Motilal Oswal Financial Services expects the market to consolidate after witnessing one side move in the last few weeks. Sector-wise the focus could shift towards IT & banking as companies would be releasing their pre-quarterly updates starting this week, Khemka added.

Stocks to buy today Sumeet Bagadia, Executive Director at Choice Broking has recommended two stock picks for Tuesday. Also, Ganesh Dongre, Senior Manager - Technical Research at Anand Rathi has given another three stock picks for today.

Sumeet Bagadia's stocks to buy today Jyothy Labs Ltd- Sumeet Bagadia recommends buying Jyothy Labs at  558 with a stop loss of  541 and a target price of  592. Jyothy Labs is currently trading at 558. It has formed a strong bullish candle on the daily chart, indicating a potential reversal from key support levels. The stock has witnessed a bounce from its support zone, signalling a reversal, backed by an increase in trading volumes, which reflects a bullish outlook. If JYyothy Labs sustains above the critical level of 575, it could likely continue its upward momentum towards the target price of 592.

2. Whirlpool of India Ltd - Sumeet Bagadia recommends buying Whirlpool of India at 2,289.6, keeping a stop loss at 2,220 with a target price of 2,427.

Whirlpool is trading at 2,289.60 and touched its all-time high of 2,340.80 on Monday. The stock is witnessing a breakout after a consolidation period and reflects a strong uptrend. It has been forming higher highs and higher lows, indicating a bullish trend. If the stock closes above the key resistance level of 2,340, it could see a short-term target of 2,427.

Ganesh Dongre's stocks to buy today 3. HDFC Life Insurance Company Ltd- Dongre recommends buying HDFC Life Insurance Company at 718 with a stop loss of 695 and for a target price of 745.

A notable bullish reversal pattern has emerged in the recent short-term trend analysis of the HDFC Life Insurance Company's stock. This technical pattern suggests the possibility of a temporary retracement in the stock price, potentially reaching around 745. At present, the stock is maintaining a crucial support level at 695. Given the current market price of 718, a buying opportunity is emerging. Investors might consider purchasing the stock at its current price, anticipating a rise towards the identified target of 735.

4. Reliance Industries Ltd - Dongre recommends buying Reliance Industries at 2,960, keeping a stop loss of 2,900 for a target price of 3,040.

On the daily chart of this stock, support at 2,900 level has been observed, signalling a potential upward trend. Complementing this breakout, the Relative Strength Index (RSI) is still turning up, indicating increasing buying momentum. Given these technical indicators, traders can consider buying on dips, and entering the stock at a lower price point. To manage risk, a stop loss of 2,900 is recommended. The target price for this strategy is 3,040 in the upcoming weeks, suggesting a potential gain as the stock continues its upward trajectory.

5. Larsen & Toubro Ltd - Dongre recommends buying Larsen & Toubro at 3,680 with a stop loss of 3,600, for a target price of 3,950.

On the short-term chart, this stock is forming a bullish engulfing pattern, which is inherently bullish. Currently, priced at 3,680, this formation signals a potential upward trend. To effectively manage risk, a stop loss of 3,600 is recommended. The target price for this strategy is 3,950 in the upcoming weeks. This suggests a potential gain as the stock continues its upward trajectory, backed by the bullish technical signals.

Disclaimer: The views and recommendations provided in this analysis are those of individual analysts or broking companies, not Mint. We strongly advise investors to consult with certified experts before making any investment decisions, as market conditions can change rapidly and individual circumstances may vary.
Shares of Sudarshan Pharma Industries surged nearly 2% in early morning trade on Tuesday, October 1, reaching 419 per share on BSE and approaching their all-time high of 434. This increase follows the approval of a stock split by the companys board of directors in the ratio of 1:10.

"Sub-division/split of the company's 1 (one) equity share having a face value of Rs. 10/- (Rupees Ten only), each fully paid-up, into 10 (ten) equity shares of the company having a face value of Rs. 1/- (Rupee One only), each fully paid-up, subject to the approval of shareholders and such other approvals as may be required. Consequent to the sub-division of the face value of the equity shares of the company, the alteration of the capital clause of the Memorandum of Association of the company is subject to the approval of shareholders of the company," the company said in its regulatory filing.

In August, the company established a subsidiary, Sudarshan Maven Pharma, focusing on the development and manufacturing of a wide range of pharmaceuticals, active pharmaceutical ingredients, and intermediates. The company also acquired a 100% stake in Ratna Lifesciences Pvt Ltd, which will facilitate Sudarshan Pharmas entry into the oncology business.

Additionally, the company is in the process of acquiring adjacent land in the Maharashtra Industrial Development Corporation (MIDC) area to expand its overall plant capacity. This land acquisition is expected to significantly boost Ratna Lifesciences' annual turnover, increasing it by approximately ten times from its current capacity.

Stellar performance The companys shares have experienced a significant upward trend over the past four months, rising from 64.25 to the current level of 419, which translates to an impressive gain of 552%. Notably, in September alone, the shares surged by 123%, building on a 20% increase in August and a 90% rise in July.

Sudarshan Pharma Industries operates in the pharmaceutical and specialty chemicals sectors, establishing a strong presence in both domestic and international markets. Its products are exported to various countries, including the UK, Australia, Uzbekistan, Syria, Oman, Taiwan, and the MENA region.

In addition to these core businesses, the company is engaged in contract manufacturing and the outsourcing of generic pharmaceutical formulations and medicines to healthcare institutions, government bodies, NGOs, and hospitals. SPIL has developed its own distribution network and salesforce dedicated to the ethical marketing of pharmaceutical formulations and products in both domestic and international markets, as per the company's website.
Vijay Kedia's name is not unknown to investors in the Indian stock markets. His rise in the market is a tale of smart and strategic choices.

At 19, he left Kolkata for Mumbai to chase his market dreams.

He lost big on Hindustan Motors shares early on, but in 1988, he struck gold with Punjab Tractor, his first big win. Later, a smart bet on ACC shares let him buy his first Mumbai home.

Over 30 years, Kedia shaped his unique "SMILE" strategy. He picks stocks that are Small in size, Medium in experience, Large in hopes, and Extra-large in market scope. This plan zeros in on small and mid-cap firms set to grow big.

It's helped Kedia pick stocks that grow faster and bigger than its contemporaries.

According to Screener.in, Kedia currently holds about 10 stocks in his portfolio, with a net worth of almost 950 crore.

Today, we dive into his latest investment, which had the market spectators and commentators alike divided

The VIP Industries bet

Vijay Kedia recently made the news when he bought VIP Industries.

According to an article on CNBC-TV18, Kedia Securities acquired 7.25 lakh shares or 0.5% stake in the company at 545.97 apiece. He bought the stock on 23 September 2024.

This movement did influence the market sentiment towards VIP as on the 24th September the price jumped by 5% to 580.

It was, however, a temporary jump as prices fell to 567 on 25 September and to 548 on the following day.

As of 27 September, the price was 555, which means the 5% gain was lost in just two days.

The noteworthy thing here was that the trade came with a warning.

On 24 September, an account on social media platform X (formerly Twitter) highlighted for his followers that Kedia has made this big purchase.

Surprisingly, Kedia responded to the tweet with what sounded like a warning for investors who wanted to ride the share alongside him.

He hinted that the stock was trading at a price higher than it should be, which left many investors, who were looking to coattail him, in a lurch.

Lets have a look at VIP to understand better where the company stands.

VIP Industries: Asia's largest luggage manufacturer

VIP is a leading luggage and travel accessories company in India. With a strong brand presence and a wide range of products, the company has been a prominent player in the domestic market for several decades.

The company is a leader in Asia and secures the second position globally in manufacturing and retailing luggage, backpacks, and handbags. In India's luggage market, characterized by a small number of dominant players, VIP has commanded a leadership position.

Also Read: How VIP is trying to shed its baggage

An estimated market share of about 38% underscores VIP Industries' dominant role and its ability to thrive in a competitive yet consolidated industry landscape.

The company has a diverse product range, catering to both hard and soft luggage segments. Their portfolio holds everything from school bags and trolleys to suitcases, executive cases, and handbags, marketed under well-known brands like VIP, Skybags, Carlton, Aristocrat, and Caprese.

In FY24, VIP expanded with 51 new offerings in the premium and mass premium categories, 26 additions to their value segment, and an impressive 174 new products in the backpack line.

The company operates through 10 owned manufacturing facilities in India and Bangladesh.

For more such in-depth analyses, read Profit Pulse.

Beaten at its own game

With a market cap of 7,884 crore, VIP has a current book value of about 48 per share.

Its only competition or peer in the market is Safari Industries and it makes sense to compare the two for better understanding of the vertical. Especially since Safari has been a standout performer in recent years.

Here is a table to get a top view of how the competition is panning out.

Mind you, this is not a representation of which one of the two is better, neither is this a recommendation.

Its a simple comparison of numbers to have a more objective insight into the industry.

View Full Image ...

When you look at these numbers, it starts making sense why Kedia responded to the tweet on X with his input.

VIP's current valuation will have any investor filled with doubts.

The stock is currently trading at a P/E of a gigantic 13,363x A number one may have never heard of. Having said that it needs to be put into context that this number is more a result of a recent collapse in earnings as shown in the chart above.

The below chart showing a stock price comparison between Safari Industries and VIP Industries, shows it clearly that VIP was beaten at its own game:

View Full Image Source: Tradingview

In the same period after the pandemic, while Safari was able to push through and get a lead, VIP failed to gear up and was left far behind.

A look at VIPs financials will drive this point home.

Analyzing VIP Industries' financials

To take a look at other financials of VIP Industries, the Ebitda (earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization) has shown a mixed pattern for the last 10 years. Take a look:

View Full Image Tradingview

The Ebitda grew at a CAGR of 9.2% in the last 10 years. But in the last five years, it showed a decline of -2.74%,

The profit after tax (PAT) for the year ended March 2019 was 145 crore and for the year ended March 2024 was 54 crore, which again implies a sharp decline in the last five years.

The travel and leisure industries, along with the school bag section of the business took a huge hit in the pandemic as countries shut their borders and most people working from home across the globe.

Rise, roar, reclaim!

Since the end of the pandemic, VIP has been on a rebound, which it would appear that VIP is yet to capitalise upon.

Atleast when one looks at it from the point of view of the financials. The stock price has however moved up quite a bit. And theres a reason for that.

Lets look at the historical stock prices to understand the companys market standing.

View Full Image Source: tradingview.com

In the companys annual report 2023-2024, they have revealed what they call Roadmap to Rise. Roar. Reclaim".

The company has identified three strategic priorities for reviving growth.

Product transformation, brand premiumisation and process transformation.

VIP also made changes to its leadership team, starting with the big one: It appointed Neetu Kashiramka as managing director designate in August 2023 and subsequently CEO in November 2023.

The same report also outlines the next goals VIP has set to revive things and get the edge back.

 Increase market share to grow faster than the industry.

 Market share gain from H1 FY2024-25

 Tapping new price points with the help of a premium portfolio

 Improved EBITDA ambitions from H2 FY25 onwards

 Optimised inventory with reduced debt and interest cost

These are big goals, and it remains to be seen whether the company delivers on them.

Kedia's Investment: A strategic move or a gamble?

Kedia's investment in VIP can be looked at from multiple angles.

It could be a strategic move, given VIP's turnaround plans. This, backed by a strong market position, the company's brand recognition and extensive distribution network. Something that could provide a solid foundation for future turnaround.

Moreover, the growing Indian middle class, with increasing disposable income and a renewed vigour for travel post the pandemic, could continue to drive demand for luggage and travel accessories.

Or it could be a case of too high an expectation, especially after Kedia's tweet about the stock's high valuations.

Conclusion

Vijay Kedia's investment in VIP has both, potential upside and downside risks. While the company's strong brand and market position, and its plans for turnaround are appealing, the stock's valuation and potential risks must be carefully considered before taking the jump. Investors should conduct thorough due diligence, analyze the company's financials, and compare its valuation to industry benchmarks before making an investment decision.

Ultimately, the success of Kedia's investment will depend on whether VIP Rise. Roar. Reclaim" follows through and the company is able to get its edge back.

Note: We have relied on data from www.screener.in and www.trendlyne.com throughout this article. Only in cases where the data was not available, have we used an alternate, but widely used and accepted source of information.

The purpose of this article is only to share interesting charts, data points and thought-provoking opinions. It is NOT a recommendation. If you wish to consider an investment, you are strongly advised to consult your advisor. This article is strictly for educative purposes only.

Suhel Khan has been a passionate follower of the markets for over a decade. During this period, He was an integral part of a leading Equity Research organisation based in Mumbai as the Head of Sales & Marketing. Presently, he is spending most of his time dissecting the investments and strategies of the Super Investors of India.

Disclosure: The writer and his dependents do not hold the stocks/commodities/cryptos/any other asset discussed in this article.
Shares of Vipul Organics, a prominent player in the specialty chemicals sector focusing on pigments and dyes, surged 13.13% to their fresh all-time high of 295 in early trade on Tuesday.

The stock rose after the company on September 30 announced a rights issue, offering one new share for every three shares held at a price of 54 per share. The company indicated that the record date for the rights issue will be announced later.

The company today announced their rights issue, after the meeting of the Rights Issue Committee. Vipul Organics will offer 1 share for every 3 shares held on the record date at a premium of 44 for the share of face value 10 (total price 54). The rights issue will not exceed the size of 25 crore, the company said in its regulatory filing.

Also Read | Smallcap Alphageo hits 5% upper circuit after receiving order from Oil India

The company has undertaken substantial capacity expansion and has decided to do a rights issue to mobilise funds. With a view to rewarding our shareholders and including them in the growth of the company, the issue price is at a substantial discount to the current market price," said Vipul P Shah, Managing Director, Vipul Organics Limited

Vipul Organics is investing significantly in the expansion of its capacity. It just concluded capacity expansion at its Ambernath facility. Meanwhile, construction is on full steam at its greenfield facility at Sayakha. The funds raised will be utilised to ensure the development of the Sayakha facility, and production will begin in a phased manner from the first quarter of 2025-2026.

The Sayakha facility will focus on the production of pigments, pigment intermediates, and high-performance colours.

"With the establishment of this new facility, Vipul Organics is poised to become a global leader in pigment and colorant manufacturing, rivaling even the largest capacities outside of China. Over the past few years, we have diligently focused on cost optimisation and enhancing our product portfolio. The Sayakha Plant marks a crucial milestone in our journey toward achieving these goals," the company said in its FY24 annual report.

Leveraging market growth As a leading player in the specialty chemicals sector, the company is well-positioned to capitalize on the growing demand for dyes and pigments. According to the recent estimates, the Indian dyes and pigments market, which constitutes nearly 25% of the global market, is projected to grow at a CAGR of 11% from 2024 to 2032. Organic pigments dominate production in India, making up 58% of total output.

Demand for naphthols is rising due to their extensive applications across industries, with leading Indian manufacturers meeting the needs of both domestic and international markets. This demand surge is driven by the expanding textile industry, which requires high-quality dyes, along with increased use of pigments in paints, inks, and plastics, and the chemical and pharmaceutical sectors, which rely on reliable intermediates.

Although the Indian dyes and pigments market faced challenges in FY24 due to a decline in demand from the textile industry, the future prospects look promising. Increased consumer purchasing power and changing preferences for innovative and high-quality products are expected to boost demand across all end-user segments. Furthermore, urbanisation has intensified competition among major players, leading to a more diverse range of available products.
A weekly showcase of the far-reaching use-cases for AI today, plus new regulations from the US and EU

Sound technology Amsterdam-based startup Lapsi Health is launching its AI-based stethoscope, named the Keikku, this week. While stethoscopes are an integral part of any medical practice, they remain technologically primitive  Lapsi wants to change that by

harnessing sound with AI. The human body has more than 45 auscultatory points and more than 11 major types of pathologic sounds. It is an intrinsic language that delivers insights of health and disease, crucial for decision-making. We use stethoscopes to listen to these sounds, the company explains on its website. The Keikku, an AI-embedded digital stethoscope, which recently got an USFDA approval, will make the sounds of the human body more accessible as a diagnostic tool, the company claims, transforming the conventional usage of auscultatory sounds in medicine into digital biomarkers.

Robots that zero in on objects that matter

The team from MIT that has developed the technology

MIT engineers have developed a new methodthat enables robots to quickly map a scene and identify the items they need to complete a given set of tasks, and makeintuitive, task-relevant decisions. The team's new approach, named Clio, enables a robot to identify the parts of a scene that matter given the tasks at hand  say, clearing a kitchen table by putting away utensils, tools, cooking ingredients. With Clio, a robot takes in a list of tasks described in natural language and, based on those tasks, determines the level of granularity required to interpret its surroundings and "remember" only the parts of a scene that are relevant. In real experiments ranging from a cluttered cubicle to a five-story building on MIT's campus, the team used Clio, embedded in a quadruped robot, to automatically segment a scene using natural-language prompts such as "move rack of magazines" and "get first aid kit," Science Daily reported. "Search and rescue is the motivating application for this work, but Clio can also power domestic robots and robots working on a factory floor alongside humans," said Luca Carlone, associate professor in MIT's Department of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AeroAstro).
I opened a savings bank account for my son when he was a minor. When he became an adult, the account was converted to a joint account with me as a second joint holder. This account is still in operation and has a balance of less than ten thousand rupees at any given time. My son left for Australia in December 2023 to take up employment there. Before leaving, he tried to close his PPF A/c but was told that it would have to run for a minimum of 15 years. His PPF account will complete 15 years in the next financial year, with a maturity amount of approximately 7 lakh. I have been told that it cannot be extended as he is an NRI now. Can the maturity proceeds of his PPF account be remitted to him abroad? Now that he is an NRI, does the savings bank account also need to be converted into an NRO, even though I am the second joint holder and a resident? Is the interest in a NRO account taxable even though it is far below the taxable limit, and at what rate?

Tax and account conversion considerations for NRI son's PPF maturity and joint savings account A person becomes a non-resident under FEMA as soon as he leaves India to take up employment outside India, start a business or vocation outside India, or leave the country with an intention to stay outside India indefinitely. So, your son became a non-resident under FEMA when his aircraft took off.

An NRI cannot continue his resident savings account. Upon becoming a non-resident under FEMA, he must get such an account into NRO. The savings account needs to be redesignated as an NRO account. You may remain the second joint holder in such an account even though you are a resident. The interest on all NRO accounts is taxable, and the bank will deduct tax at source (TDS) on the interest credited on all his NRO accounts, including the savings bank account. Your son can claim a deduction under section 80TTA up to 10,000 for interest earned on his NOR savings account.

If your sons taxable Indian income, including the NRO interest, is less than the basic exemption limit of 2.50 lakh, he need not file an ITR. However, TDS will continue to apply, and the only way to get this refunded is by filing an ITR. In other words, though filing an ITR is not mandatory, it must be filed in case he desires the tax deducted to be refunded.

Lastly, you have been advised that the PPF account is correct. Once a person becomes a non-resident under FEMA, he can continue to contribute to his PPF account until it matures but is not allowed to extend it beyond its original or extended maturity period.

Also Read | How is remittance in NRO accounts taxed?

The maturity proceeds of the PPF account may be credited to his NRO account. A non-resident can remit up to 10 lakh USD annually outside India. For this purpose, the bank will require an undertaking from your son and a certificate from a chartered accountant certifying that taxes, if any, due on the amount to be remitted have been paid. CBDT has prescribed formats for both the undertaking and the certificate; the bank should be able to provide you with the same.

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Balwant Jain is a tax and investment expert and can be reached at jainbalwant@gmail.com and @jainbalwant on his X handle.
The income tax department's online tax return filing and processing system has proved to be a vast improvement over the old manual system. However, more than a decade after the online system was launched, taxpayers continue to face difficulties, best exemplified by a recent Supreme Court order.

In this case, the taxpayer received a demand of 2.01 crore from the Centralized Processing Centre due to an incorrect calculation of the surcharge on income tax at 37%. He challenged this incorrect demand in the Delhi high court, which dismissed the writ petition, saying the taxpayer had an alternative remedy of filing an appeal against the order. The taxpayer filed a special leave petition in the Supreme Court against the order.

The top court noted that the taxpayer had faced a similar demand of 1.33 crore for the previous year. In a writ petition to the high court that year, the tax department agreed to cancel the incorrect demand. Again, before the apex court, the tax department submitted that it had rectified the incorrect computation for the year in question.

However, the Supreme Court observed that the story did not end there. While the matter was pending before the top court, a demand of 63 lakh was raised for the following year, again due to an incorrect computation of the surcharge at 37%. The tax department explained that this error occurred because the Centralized Processing Centre had not adopted the mechanism of deleting excess calculation, as it was programmed to calculate and raise demand.

The apex court stated that the technological impediment could not be a reason for harassing a taxpayer year after year and that the income tax department must take immediate steps to update the software or take other steps to ensure that such a mistake does not occur in the future. Directing the cancellation of this new demand within six weeks, the court directed the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) also to take necessary steps to rectify the software.

A perennial problem

In this case, the demanded amounts were large enough for the taxpayer to take up the matter in court and pursue it up to the Supreme Court. There are thousands of cases of taxpayers with smaller demands, where their applications for rectifying the system's mistakes go unheeded. They are, therefore, left with no choice but to file appeals against such incorrect demands. This results in unnecessary waste of money and time for taxpayers. Not only that, appeals remain undecided for years on end, leaving the threat of outstanding demand hanging as a sword over the taxpayers. Often, notices are received to make payment for such demands or to adjust them against subsequent years' refunds, which have to be responded to promptly.

These are, in most cases, blatant mistakes in processing the tax returns, such as not giving credit for tax deducted at source (TDS) that appears in Form 26AS or incorrectly calculating some deduction or interest. At least if the software cannot be correctly designedfor which there can be no reason other than the lack of sufficient understanding, care, or testing before the launchthe process of rectifying mistakes should be simple, smooth and efficient. The process should not lead to taxpayers scratching their heads trying to figure out how they can ensure they are charged only the rightful tax due by them. Should this not be the least taxpayers deserve?

The software problems highlight another underlying problemthe complex tax computation provisions, with frequent annual changes to tax laws through the budget. There are so many permutations and computationse.g. the old tax regime and the new tax regime, with differing conditionsthat even Indias best software companies cannot figure out ways to correctly compute taxes. Should we have 100-plus amendments every year in the budget, necessitating frequent updates to the software? Can we not have a stable, unchanged tax system for at least five years so that we have a robust tax return processing system?

Gautam Nayak is a partner at CNK & Associates Llp. Views are personal.
BUFFALO, N.Y. (AP)  Buffalo's longest-serving mayor, Byron Brown, said Monday he will leave City Hall in a few weeks to lead an offtrack betting agency.

After nearly two decades as mayor, I have loved serving the people of Buffalo as mayor. But Michelle and I think the time is right to transition to a new role, he said at a news conference, referencing his wife.

Brown, 66, a Democrat, will be paid an annual salary of $295,000 to become president and chief executive of Western Regional Off-Track Betting Corp. He will oversee operations at the agency's betting sites in several counties in New York and Batavia Downs, which offers live harness horse racing and a video game casino. As mayor, he is paid $178,500 a year. His term was set to end Dec. 31, 2025.

Western Regional Off-Track Betting board members unanimously approved a contract with Brown last week. Board President Dennis Bassett said the mayor, a former state senator and chairman of the New York Democratic Party, would raise the agency's profile in Albany.

"We think the relationship that Mayor Brown has developed over the years and his time as a legislator and his relationships in Albany and in the governors office will help us to move forward with some of the things that we would like to do, Bassett told reporters after the vote.

Brown became the city's first Black mayor when he was elected in 2005. He was reelected to a fifth term in 2021, thanks to a successful write-in campaign launched after he was knocked off the ballot in a shocking loss in the Democratic primary.

In announcing his early departure, Brown said he was proud of the city's progress under his leadership, citing the Rust Belt city's first population increase after decades of decline. The city on Lake Erie had a population of 278,000 in 2020, according to the U.S. Census  up 7% from 2010.

Our city is safer, smarter and more sustainable and Im proud to say weve hired the most diverse workforce in the history of the City of Buffalo," Brown said.

Common Council President Christopher Scanlon will become acting mayor through the end of Brown's term, according to the city charter. Scanlon, also a Democrat, has served on the council since 2012 and became president in January.
(Bloomberg) -- The US Maritime Alliance says it has offered to boost wages for dockworkers by nearly 50% in an effort to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremens Union and avoid a potentially crippling strike at East Coast and Gulf ports.

USMX, as the group representing terminal operators and ocean carriers is known, said in a statement it has traded counteroffers with the dockworkers union related to wages over the last 24 hours.

The USMX increased our offer and has also requested an extension of the current Master Contract, the statement said.

A spokesperson for the dockworkers union said he was not aware of any such offer. The ILA has been threatening that its workers would walk out of container ports up and down the US East and Gulf coasts if no deal is reached before their current contract expires at 12:01 a.m. in New York.

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard met with USMX officials Monday, urging them to resolve the impasse fairly and quickly, according to an official familiar with the matter.

Negotiations have been at an impasse since the union called off talks in June, and the two sides have remained far apart on wages and disputes over automation.

Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, the group said in its statement. The offer also increases employer contributions to employee retirement plans and would strengthen health care options.

One of the biggest issues in the negotiations has been around automated equipment at container terminals.

USMX said the current offer includes the same language on automation as the current contract and previous offer extended this summer. The union has said they want language that is more restrictive of such technology.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove.

(Updates with comment from White House official in fifth paragraph.)

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
(Bloomberg) -- The unprecedented flooding caused by Hurricane Helene as it barreled into western North Carolina, washing away homes, roads and entire towns, is already disrupting voting there and injecting new uncertainty into the states high-stakes elections.

Helenes death toll has now topped 130, and almost a third of those killed were in North Carolinas Buncombe County, home to the city of Asheville. With the status of polling places in the region unclear and thousands of residents displaced, it is going to take a proactive and strong response from the State Board of Elections and General Assembly to ensure access to voting, said Hilary Harris Klein, senior counsel for voting rights at the Southern Coalition for Social Justice, a nonprofit based in Durham, North Carolina.

Election officials dont yet know how many early voting sites and precinct locations were damaged or destroyed in the western part of the state. They also dont know how many of the people who signed up to work at the polls have had to relocate or were otherwise so affected by the storm that they may not show up.

There may be polling places affected by mudslides. There may be polling places inaccessible because of damaged roads. There may be polling places with trees that have fallen on them, said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, in a call with reporters on Tuesday. She said a fuller assessment will be possible by the middle or end of the week.

At an emergency meeting of the election board on Monday, Bell said the board will strive to do everything possible to ensure every eligible North Carolina voter can cast their ballot.

A lot is at stake in the states elections this year. North Carolina exerts outsized influence over who will end up in the White House. Nowhere is more of a toss-up: The latest polling shows Democrat Kamala Harris and Republican Donald Trump are effectively tied. State residents are also set to elect a new governor, in the nations only Democratic-held governorship up for election this year. A recent bombshell report by CNN, which details offensive comments allegedly made by the Republican candidate for governor, Mark Robinson, has thrown that race into chaos.

Complicating matters further, the states highest court last month ordered election officials to remove former presidential contender Robert F. Kennedy Jr. from the ballot, delaying the printing and disruption of ballots by weeks.

The timing of the storms strike only compounded the delay. Some 250,000 absentee ballot requests have been made across the state, with roughly 10,000 just in the Asheville region, according to Bob Phillips, executive director of the nonpartisan nonprofit Common Cause North Carolina. Some of those ballots had only just been delivered or were in the mail when Helene rammed through.

You just dont know how many of those ballots literally had been in the mailbox of a house on Thursday or Friday when the storm hit, Phillips said.

Helene has disrupted mail service in parts of the state. The United States Postal Service on Sunday announced it was suspending operations in multiple Zip codes in the Asheville region, and more than 30 post offices in western North Carolina have been closed.

People tend to think of elections as occurring on a single day, but thats not the case, said Nathaniel Stinnett, founder and executive director of the nonprofit Environmental Voter Project, which works to boost voter turnout among environmentalists. Voting actually begins weeks to months in advance of Election Day itself, meaning this storm didnt hit before the election, but right in the middle, he said.

Election officials know they are on the clock. But they dont have a lot of time to figure things out. North Carolinas voter registration deadline is Oct. 11, early voting begins on Oct. 17 and lasts until Nov. 2 and absentee ballots are due on Nov. 5, Election Day.

Steps taken by North Carolinas Republican-led legislature to restrict voting may hamper disaster victims, Klein noted. For example, whereas absentee ballots postmarked by Election Day in 2020 had a three-day grace period to be received and counted, state politicians have since gotten rid of that grace period.

When disaster strikes, it can cause voters to participate in elections at a lower rate, said Kevin Morris, a senior research fellow and voting policy scholar at New York Universitys Brennan Center for Justice. But past disasters show election officials can get creative to help ensure this doesnt happen.

After Hurricane Dorian hit North Carolina in 2019, state emergency managers and the National Guard helped stand up temporary polling sites. Harris County, Texas, set up drive-through voting in 2020, the first year of the pandemic. New Jersey and New York opened mobile polling stations in the wake of Hurricane Sandy in 2012.

The question is whether state election officials and the legislature embrace this type of flexibility. If they dont, Republicans may have more to lose, Phillips noted: 23 of the 25 counties hit hardest by the storm and designated to get federal disaster assistance are overwhelmingly Republican and voted for Trump in 2020.

The state election boards general counsel, Paul Cox, said Tuesday that residents displaced by the storm can request that an absentee ballot be delivered to their location, even if thats in a different county from where theyre registered.

Bell, the election board director, said the timing could have been worse. Unlike some of our colleagues who had to administer elections through Hurricane Sandy, which was just a week before an election, she said, weve got a little more runway to be able to assist people and to recognize that weve got multiple communities facing different challenges.

--With assistance from Matthew Griffin.

More stories like this are available on bloomberg.com
Israel-Hezbollah conflict: Lebanon's armed group Hezbollah said that it launched artillery fire at Israeli military personnel stationed in the northern town of Metula, Reuters has reported. The attack comes after the Israeli military announced that it carried out targeted strikes on Hezbollah's weapons manufacturing facilities and related infrastructure in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut on Monday.

On Tuesday, October 1, Israel said its troops had launched raids inside Lebanon, starting its widely expected ground operations after two weeks of devastating airstrikes against Hezbollah's command structure and weapons sites.

In a post, IDF wrote, The IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.

On Sunday, September 29, the Israeli military said that it killed another high-ranking Hezbollah official, bringing the total number of high-ranking commanders killed to seven, after launching one of the biggest-ever airstrikes against the Lebanon-based, Iran-backed militant group. The attack also killed civilians, including women and children. Among those killed are the groups leaders Hassan Nasrallah, Nabil Kaouk, Ahmad Wehbe, Mohammad Surour, Ibrahim Kobeissi, and Ibrahim Akil.

Also Read | Protests erupt in J-Ks Budgam over killing of Hezbollah Chief by Israel

The intensive air strikes have not only killed Hezbollah commanders but also killed about 1,000 civilians and forced one million to flee their homes, according to the Lebanese government.

The White House and the US State Department did not respond to inquiries regarding Israel's military actions in Lebanon; however, President Joe Biden expressed concerns on Monday, advocating for a ceasefire. "I'm more worried than you might realize, and I support halting the operations," he stated to reporters when questioned about Israel's potential ground incursions. "We need to establish a ceasefire immediately."
Gold remains one of the most popular items among fashion and lifestyle for female shoppers in the country. However, it also holds immense significance among women when it comes to raising funds in emergencies. As more Indian women are looking to start their businesses, the yellow metal has emerged as one of the most common forms of collateral to raise funds, revealed a new survey, Women and Finance.

Also Read | RBI flags deficiencies in gold loans, asks lenders to take remedial action

The survey conducted by CRISIL and DBS Bank India found that gold and property are the most preferred collateral options when women entrepreneurs opt for a loan. The trend is highest in Chennai, followed by Mumbai and Delhi.

The option of keeping gold to raise funds for business is least preferred in Kolkata, where only 11 per cent of self-employed women use gold as collateral.

21% of women entrepreneurs prefer bank loans to boost business The report also revealed that 21 per cent of women entrepreneurs prefer a bank loan to fund their business. The low percentage indicates the need to improve women's access to finance options in India.

Also Read | Gold Loan Market in India: Finding New Opportunities Through Search Trends

In metro cities, nearly 65 per cent of self-employed women have not taken any business loan, and 39 per cent of them rely on their personal savings to fund enterprises.

Chennai ranks top in use of gold as collateral to raise funds In Chennai, nearly 52 per cent of self-employed women prefer gold as collateral for taking business loans. Meanwhile, only 22-25 per cent of women entrepreneurs in Mumbai and Delhi prefer this option. The trend was most dominant among female millennials, as 23 per cent of self-employed women aged 36-45 years used gold as collateral. The percentage was lower in women of other age categories.

UPI is the most preferred method for transaction Highlighting the success of programmes like Digital India, the report revealed the massive popularity of the use of digital payment methods for transactions among women entrepreneurs. According to the survey, 73 per cent of self-employed women preferred receiving payments from customers digitally, and 87 per cent used digital methods to pay their business expenses.
Badlapur sexual assault case: Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused pre-arrest bail to the chairman and secretary of the Badlapur school where two minor girls were sexually assaulted by a male attendant.

A single bench of Justice R N Laddha said the two accused were aware of the alleged incident but failed to report the same to police or local authority.

Justice Laddha further said the offence is serious and the court has to consider the plight of the minor victims.

Also Read | Badlapur Sexual assault accused Akshay Shinde buried in Ulhasnagar amid protests

"The victims are minors. The trauma that they have endured can profoundly affect their adolescent years leaving them with lasting psychological scars," the court said.

It is undisputed that applicants are persons responsible for managing the school, the court held.

"There is prima facie material indicating that the parents of the victims had voiced their grievances to the class teacher and other staff members. The applicants were aware of the incident before August 16. Despite having knowledge, they did not report the incident to police," the HC said.

The bench said the delay in lodging of the case was "primarily because of applicants' negligence for reasons known only to them."

There is a legal obligation on persons to report the offence if they are aware or made aware of it, it added.

The court further said the CCTV footage of the school premises from the day of incident is missing.

The HC referred to provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and also judgments passed by the Supreme Court, which cast a duty and obligation on a person to promptly report to police any sexual assault offence once they are made aware of the same.

"This duty is not merely a procedure that can be overlooked. The repercussion or failure to report such offences are serious," the HC said.

It said courts must exercise caution while dealing with matters where schools or educational institutions have failed to report sexual offences against minors.

What did the accused say in the pre-arrest bail plea? After the sessions court rejected their pre-arrest bail plea, the chairman and secretary of the Badlapur school had moved the HC for the same.

They claimed that they were unaware of the alleged offence and hence cannot be held liable for it.

The duo further claimed there had been an unexplained delay in lodging of the FIR.

They also raised suspicion on whether the incident took place, claiming the two victims had attended the flag-hoisting ceremony in the school on August 15 and no complaint was raised then.

The two accused have been booked under various provisions of the POCSO Act for not reporting the incident to police immediately and negligence.

What happened in Badlapur? Two girls - aged four and five - were allegedly sexually abused inside the toilet of the school by a male attendant in August, as per police.

The case was being probed by the Badlapur police. But after a public outcry over serious lapses in the police investigation, the Maharashtra government set up a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to conduct a probe into the case.

The male attendant, Akshay Shinde, was subsequently arrested, but was killed in a shoot-out by police on September 23.
Delhi Police detained Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at Singhu border on Monday night. The climate activist-led Delhi Chalo March from Ladakh was about to enter the national capital, however Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Delhi borders, reported ANI. The action received strong criticism from Congress leader Rahul Gandhi who called Wangchuk's detention as unacceptable.

Wangchuk and others were willing to spend the night at the border, and they turned down the police request to go back, a police officer told ANI, adding that prohibitory orders were imposed in Delhi. As Wangchuk and his supporters didn't agree to return, the police detained about 120 men, reported ANI.

We are on a peaceful march to Bapu's Samadhi: Wangchuk Sharing the news about his detention on X, Wangchuk mentioned that the detainees include elderly men and women in their eighties and a few dozen Army veterans.

I AM BEING DETAINED... along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans... Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapu's Samadhi... in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy... Hai Ram! the climate activist posted on X.

In his video, Sonam Wangchuk also mentioned how police in Punjab and Haryana escorted the participants of Delhi Chalo Padyatra, but it appeared more like a detention as we reached closer to Delhi.

Also Read | Prakash Raj celebrates birthday with hunger strike in solidarity with Wangchuk

He also claimed heavy barricading around Ladakh Bhawan, the residence of Ladakhi leaders and said that they are in a house arrest like situation. Heavy police have been deployed near Delhi areas resided by most Ladakhi students, he added in the video.

Rahul Gandhi calls Sonam Wangchum's detention unacceptable The Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, opposed Wangchuk's detention on X and wrote, The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis who were peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.

Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi's border for standing up for Ladakh's future? Modi ji, as with the farmers, this 'Chakravyuh' will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh's voice, he added.

Sonam Wangchuk's detention at Delhi's Singhu border Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters have been kept at Alipur Police station and the nearby police stations at the Delhi-Haryana border, reported ANI citing a police officer, who also mentioned that they will be released after some time. According to the news agency, the police didn't detain the women participating in the march.

Delhi Chalo Padyatra The 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra' was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), are jointly spearheading an agitation over the past four years in support of statehood, extension of the Constitution's sixth schedule, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Delhi Police on Monday banned the gathering of five or more persons, people carrying banners, placards arms and or protests in the central part and bordering areas for the next six days in the national capital, citing law and order issues, including calls of protests given by several organisations.

According to an order issued from the Delhi Police Headquarters, Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora has directed to impose the section 163 (which was earlier section 144 of CrPC) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the districts of New Delhi, North and Central and all police stations jurisdiction sharing the borders with other states.
Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh is set to come out of jail on parole for the 15th time in the last four years.

The Election Commission of India approved Gurmeet Ram Rahims parole request on Monday.

Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said the Haryana government may consider Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh's parole subject to the correctness of facts mentioned in his parole plea and satisfying other conditions with respect to the Model Code of Conduct for elections.

Also Read | Dera Sacha Sauda chief walks out of Rohtak jail after being granted 40-day parole

"As MCC is in place for the elections, that is why it (parole plea) came to us for our view... We wrote back to the state government, saying they may consider the parole subject to the correctness of facts as mentioned in the letter (plea), he said. "Besides, other conditions in view of the polls should be satisfied (if parole is granted by govt)."

With the EC approval, the Haryana government is expected to issue his release order soon.

The Dera chief's impending release is scheduled ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections on October 5. He holds considerable sway in Haryana and Punjab.

Also Read | Dera Sacha Sauda chief Ram Rahim gets Z-plus security upon release on furlough

Gurmeet Ram Rahim had sought a 20-day parole. He had sought to stay in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, during the parole period.

With the model code of conduct in place, his parole application was sent to the election department which has asked the jail departments to specify the "emergent and compelling" reasons behind the request that justify the release of convicts on parole during elections, said a report by news agency PTI citing sources.

The Dera chiefs previous furloughs and paroles had taken place alongside various elections, whether for municipal bodies or state assemblies.

In February 2022, he was granted three weeks' furlough ahead of the Punjab Assembly polls.

Also Read | Dera Sacha Saudas Gurmeet Ram Rahim gets life imprisonment in 2002 murder case

During the parole period, Gurmeet Ram Rahim will face restrictions, including a ban on entering Haryana and participation in any poll-related activities, in person or through social media. Gurmeet Ram Rahim, convicted in 2017, is serving a 20-year jail term for raping two of his disciples.
Mahalaya, an auspicious occasion in the Hindu calendar, falls on Wednesday, October 2, 2024. This significant day marks the transition into Debi Paksha (the era of the Goddess) and coincides with the last day of Pitru Paksha. It is a time when devotees eagerly await the arrival of Goddess Durga, heralding the upcoming Durga Puja celebrations.

The Significance of Mahalaya Mahalaya is a day filled with devotion, especially celebrated in regions like Bengal, Odisha, Assam, Tripura, and Bihar. It is observed with great fervor as devotees prepare to welcome Maa Durga into their homes and hearts.

One can tune into FM 107.0 MHz to listen to the deep baritone voice of Birendra Krishna Bhadra narrating the Mahishashur Mardini at 4am on October 2.

Traditional Rituals on Mahalaya According to Bengali traditions, the day begins early, with devotees rising at 4 am to listen to Mahishashur Mardini, a poetic narration by the late radio broadcaster Birendra Krishna Bhadra. This evocative broadcast recounts the journey of Maa Durga as she triumphs over the buffalo demon, Mahishashura.

Additionally, families perform the ritual of Tarpan, paying homage to their ancestors by offering water to their souls at the banks of the Ganga. Sculptors also prepare for the celebrations by crafting the eyes of Goddess Durga, symbolizing her arrival.

Whatsapp, Facebook Wishes and Images for Shubho Mahalaya  As you celebrate Mahalaya with your loved ones, here are some heartfelt messages, greetings, and images you can share on Facebook, WhatsApp, and other social media platforms to welcome Maa Durga:

 Shubho Mahalaya to you and your loved ones! May Maa Durga bestow upon you all her blessings.

Durga Puja 2024: An artisan works on an idol of the Hindu goddess Durga at a workshop ahead of the 'Durga Puja' festival, in Dhaka on October 1, 2024.

 Wishing that Maa Durga's blessings and love shine upon you and your family. May all your wishes come true. Shubho Mahalaya!

 As we welcome Maa Durga into our hearts and homes, may her divine presence bring harmony and positivity into every aspect of your life. Shubho Mahalaya!

 May Maa Durga bless you with peace, prosperity, and happiness on this auspicious day. Shubho Mahalaya!

Durga Puja 2024: n artisan works on a clay idol of Hindu goddess Durga, ahead of the Durga Puja festival at Kumartoli in Kolkata. Every year in India's megacity Kolkata, the world's oldest trade gets fleeting respect from an ancient custom -- when soil outside brothels is considered sacred and collected for Hindu rituals.

 The streets are adorned with festive decorations, and joy fills the air. Enjoy the puja this year! Shubho Mahalaya!

 With the blessings of Maa Durga, may you and your loved ones find success, happiness, love, and prosperity. Shubho Mahalaya!

Durga Puja 2024: Artists perform 'Mahishasur Mardini' act ahead of Durga Puja festival, in Nadia district of West Bengal, Saturday, Sept 28, 2024.

 As Mahalaya heralds the arrival of Devi Durga, may her divine energy protect you from all evils and guide you towards righteousness. Shubho Mahalaya!

 On this sacred day, may the divine presence of Maa Durga fill your life with love, strength, and blessings. Shubho Mahalaya!

Durga Puja 2024: An artisan works on a clay idol of Hindu goddess Durga, ahead of the Durga Puja festival at Kumartoli in Kolkata. Every year in India's megacity Kolkata, the world's oldest trade gets fleeting respect from an ancient custom -- when soil outside brothels is considered sacred and collected for Hindu rituals.

 May the light of wisdom and knowledge shine upon you, illuminating your path on this day. Shubho Mahalaya!

 Maa Durga is here, bringing festive vibes, love, and happiness. May all the light brighten your way to success. Shubho Mahalaya!

Durga Puja 2024: Leaf artist Subham Saha shows his creation on a leaf, called colocasia esculenta (alocasia) or taro, locally known as 'Kochu Pata', ahead of Durga Puja festival in Agartala, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024.

 Shubho Mahalaya to you and your loved ones! May Maa Durga bestow upon you all her blessings.
Bollywood actor Govinda, who suffered a leg injury after his revolver accidentally went off on Tuesday morning, informed his fans that the bullet has been removed, and he is doing better.

Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also contacted the actor to inquire about his health and wished him a speedy and complete recovery.

What actually happened? Govinda was scheduled to leave his Mumbai residence on Tuesday morning to catch a flight to Kolkata for a show. Before leaving home, around 4.45 am, the actor was inspecting his licensed revolver when its trigger was accidentally pressed, and the gun went off. The bullet hit his leg.

Later, the actor, who is also a member of Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena, was rushed to Criti Care Hospital near his Juhu home for treatment.

Govinda's daughter Tina Ahuja, actress Kashmera Shah and nephew Vinay Anand visited the actor in the hospital.

Also Read | Govinda shot in leg, Shiv Sena leader admitted to Mumbai hospital

Bullet Removed In an audio statement, the 60-year-old actor informed his fans that he was doing better.

With the blessings of my fans, my parents and god, I am doing better now. I was hit by a bullet, which has now been removed, PTI quoted the actor as saying.

He also thanked the doctor. I thank all of you for your prayers, the Hero No 1 actor said.

Also Read | Govinda forgets name of Shiv Sena candidate he went to campaign for

What Doctor Said Speaking to media, doctor Agarwal from CritiCare Asia said that the bullet has been taken out and the actor is fine. He is now fully comfortable, and it will take another one to two days before we discharge him from here.

Probe Underway Mumbai Police said no one had lodged a complaint in this matter, and an investigation had begun.

Eknath Shinde Wishes Speedy Recovery Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde instructed hospital authorities to ensure that Govinda received the best possible care during his recovery and called the actor to inquire about his health.

Govinda and his family have been assured of all necessary help during this difficult time. Our best wishes and prayers are with them and their loved ones. Govinda is a popular and respected personality in Indian cinema. He has made millions happy with his acting. We wish him a speedy recovery, read the CMO statement.

Govinda's Entry Into Politics Nearly two decades after his abrupt exit from active politics, Govind Arun Ahuja, better known by his stage name Govinda, re-entered politics and joined the Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena ahead of Lok Sabha elections in 2024.
Actor-turned-politician Govinda accidentally shot himself in the leg with his revolver on Tuesday morning. The Shiv Sena leader was rushed to a hospital and is undergoing treatment, reported ANI citing a Mumbai Police official.

The mishap occurred when Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata. His licensed revolver fell from his hand and a bullet got fired, causing injury in his leg. He was rushed to the hospital after the accident, where the bullet was removed from his leg, Govinda's manager Shashi Sinha told ANI.

Also Read | Govinda shares post on Gurugram clashes, deactivates account after being trolled

The actor hasnt lodged any complaint so far, reported PTI. Govinda, 60, was taken for treatment to a nearby Criticare hospital hospital and has returned to his residence, the official said.

We had a 6 am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govinda ji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened, the actors manager said.

The revolver apparently fell down while being kept in the cupboard and misfire. It is due to gods grace that Govinda ji sustained only leg injury and it was nothing serious, he said.

Govinda joined Shiv Sena in March this year Bollywood actor Govinda rose to fame with movies like Raja Babu, Coolie No.1, Hero No.1, etc. He joined Shiv Sena led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde in March this year, which marked his return to politics nearly after 14 years. He was active in politics with Congress from 2004 to 2009.
A Flipkart delivery agent was allegedly murdered while delivering an iPhone in Lucknow's Chinhat station area, police said on Tuesday. The victim, Bharat Kumar, was allegedly killed by a customer who had ordered the phone using the cash-on-delivery (COD) option, officials said.

Police have arrested one suspect in connection with the crime, while efforts are ongoing to recover the delivery agent's body, which was reportedly stuffed in a gunny sack and dumped in a canal in Indira Nagar.

DCP East Shashank Singh said on Tuesday that the deceased was identified as 30-year-old Bharat Kumar. He was the son of Ram Milan, a resident of Mahanagar, under Nishatganj police station area.

The DCP said the accused, identified as Gajanan from Chinhat, ordered the iPhone worth 1.5 lakh with the COD payment option. Bharat Kumar went to deliver the phone on September 23 but was allegedly strangled by Gajana and his friend, Akash.

When Bharat Kumar did not return home, his brother lodged an FIR at Chinhat police station regarding his disappearance. After taking cognisance of the incident, the CCTV footage and surveillance data were investigated," police were quoted by news agency ANI.

After getting the evidence, the police detained a person named Akash in connection with the incident, the DCP said.

After the murder, they reportedly stuffed the delivery agent's body in a sack and threw it in the river. The State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) has been engaged to assist in the search to recover the body.

"Bharat Kumar's family has also been informed about the incident," police were quoted by ANI as saying. The police are currently investigating the case.

What happened exactly? Bharat Kumar had been working as a delivery agent for the past eight years. His brother, Prem Kumar, claimed that Bharat left home on September 23 at 10:00 am to pick up goods for delivery.

On September 23, delivery boy, Bharat Sahu of Nishatganj, went to deliver the phone at his place where he was killed by Gajanan and his accomplice. After strangulating Sahu, they put his body in a sack and disposed of it in the Indira Canal, police told PTI.

When Sahu did not return home for two days, his family registered a missing person complaint on September 25 at the Chinhat police station.

While scanning Sahu's call details and trying to trace his location, police found Gajanan's number and managed to reach his friend Akash.

During interrogation, Akash confessed to the crime, the DCP said. The arrested accused confessed that he and his friend Gajanan had murdered delivery boy Bharat Kumar and then dumped his body in the canal, ANI reported.

Bharat's brother Prem Kumar has sought justice for his death and demanded that strict punishment should be meted out to the accused.

My only demand is that the police should give such a punishment that serves as a lesson to them, he said.
Madhya Pradesh news: Deputy Chief Minister Rajendra Shukla announced Sunday that the state government will hire 30,000 health professionals, including 3,000 doctors, to improve healthcare services across the state.

Rajendra Shukla, who also serves as the head of the health department, said the initiative will strengthen the medical facilities in district hospitals and health centres at both community and primary levels. Speaking at a press conference in Rewa, Shukla stated that the recruitment will help address the shortage of medical staff.

Once a sufficient number of doctors and paramedical staff are available, the arrangements in the district hospitals as well as community and primary health centres will improve, said Shukla at a press interaction in Rewa, reported The Hindu.

MP has 7 surgeons against 332 posts India's healthcare system has been short-staffed for years, with doctors often working 36-hour shifts. According to a report by the Union Health Ministry released in September, a large number of sanctioned posts of specialist doctors in rural health centres remain vacant.

According to the report, there is a nearly 70 per cent shortage of specialist doctors in rural health centres. The shortage is as high as 73 per cent in the case of surgeons. In Madhya Pradesh, only seven surgeons are serving against 332 sanctioned posts, according to the report.

MP's focus on industries In addition to announcements in healthcare, Shukla also spoke about the states focus on industrial growth. He said the Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav will organise the Regional Industry Conclave in Rewa on October 23. This event is expected to bring in substantial investments, promoting industrial development not only in Rewa but in the broader Vindhya region, reported PTI.

Also Read | Woman raped on busy Madhya Pradesh road, bystanders film attack and share online
Many social media user were left divided after the Madras High Court asked why Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev is "encouraging the daughters of others to tonsure their heads and live the life of a hermit". While many slammed the Madras High Court for running a "systematic campaign against Sadhguru", a few others said, Madras High Court asking Jaggi the right questions.

"Dear @AmitShah & @narendramodi: seems like a systematic campaign against Sadhguru," a social media user posted on X while sharing the Madras High Court's recent comments against Sadhguru.

A user claimed that Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev never "encouraged being a hermit or socialite". He posted on X on Tuesday, Ive been following Sadhguru for 7 years, visited his ashram, and done his programs. Never has he encouraged being a hermit or socialite its a personal choice. Even marriage rituals happen at his ashram. HC judges shouldn't make ignorant statements.

Meanwhile, a woman supporting Sadhguru explained what "living the life of a hermit" means. She said, People think that living the life of a hermit in these times is like picking an item of your choice off the shelf in a super market."

A little more research would have told that Sadhguru encourages people to live life fully and respect the human body. Initiation into sanyasa happens only after a long process where people get several opportunities to decide whether they actually want to tread that path, or if it was a momentary fancy, she added.

"Men and women who take sanyasa are adults, and so is Sadhguru's daughter, who chose the life that she thought was the best for her," the woman commented.

Another user slammed the high court's decision saying, Not a Sadhguru follower. However feel this is over-reach. The quest for becoming a Sanyasi or a hermit is a personal one. Comparing his daughter who chose marriage vis-a-vis people who have chosen a different path is not a correct equivalence.

"He doesnt promote hermit lifestyle, its the wish of the people who join sanyas and its extremely difficult to follow this path under Sadhguru. I have seen and worked with numerous Sanyasis at his Ashram so I know it firsthand," said another X user.

Also Read | Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev discharged from hospital after undergoing brain surgery

What did Madras High Court say? On Monday, the Madras High Court directed the Tamil Nadu government to submit details of all criminal cases registered against spiritual guru Jaggi Vasudevs Isha Foundation.

The high court also expressed doubts about why the spiritual guru had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life but was encouraging other women to renounce their material life.
A BJP leader and member of the Delhi Gurdwara Committee, Raman Jot Singh, has received a threatening note from gangster Gogi Mann. The note read, "... koi security kaam nahi aayegi teri (no security will save you), Last Warning. Gogi Maan Group."

Police said that Singh, 30, was informed by the sewadar of the gurdwara located in JJ Colony, Pankha Road, in Dwarka's Bindapur area, about the threat note found on his SUV parked nearby.

Police also noted that Singh had previously been assigned personal security; however, the protection was lifted following a recent security assessment, news agency PTI reported.

The police added that investigators are currently reviewing the CCTV footage around the gurdwara to gather more information about the incident.

Though the BJP leader claimed that bullets were also fired, the police did not find any evidence of firing, NDTV reported. The report also noted that the victim had previously complained to the police about receiving a threatening phone call from an international number, which was allegedly associated with individuals identifying as Khalistanis.

Singh joined the party in April this year with 1500 other Sikhs ahead of Lok Sabha polls.

US Court summons NSA Ajit Doval After Gurpatwant Singh Pannun, a Khalistani separatist, filed a civil lawsuit in US court alleging the Indian government of hatching a conspiracy to assassinate him, the District Court for the Southern District of New York issued a summons to the Indian government, NDTV reported. The summons demands a response from the Indian government within 21 days.

Also Read | Bomb threat: Taj West End Hotel in Bengaluru gets bomb threat email

Apart from the Indian government, the lawsuit names India's foreign intelligence agency personnel and others, including National Security Advisor Ajit Doval, former Research and Analysis Wing (R&AW) chief Samant Goel, R&AW agent Vikram Yadav, and Indian businessman Nikhil Gupta.

Vandalism of BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento In a recent incident, the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento was vandalised by unknown miscreants. This incident came just days after a similar incident at the BAPS Mandir in New York. Graffiti with anti-Hindu messages such as Hindus go back alarmed the local Hindu community. In response, the community vowed to stand united against hate. The BAPS Public Affairs team stated on X, We stand united against hate with prayers for peace.

India strongly deplored the vandalism of the BAPS Shri Swaminarayan temple. The Consulate General of India in San Francisco wrote in a post on X, The Consulate General of India, San Francisco strongly deplores the act of vandalism which took place on September 24th night at @BAPS Shri Swaminarayan Mandir in Sacramento, California. @cgisfo has taken up the matter with local authorities to take immediate action against those responsible.
Top news today: On 1 October, a series of events are set to take place right from politics to business.

Jammu & Kashmir Assembly Polls: West Pakistani refugees vote for the first time as final phase sees brisk voting

Voters queued up early on Tuesday at polling stations in 40 seats across seven districts of Jammu and Kashmir as polling for the third and final phase of the assembly elections got underway, officials said. More than 3.9 million eligible voters will decide the fate of 415 candidates, including two former deputy chief ministers, Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig. Read more

Tirupati laddu animal fat row: SIT probe temporarily stopped; Andhra DGP says, in adherence to Supreme Court order A day after the Supreme Court stated that there is currently no evidence to suggest animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP regime, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) constituted by the Andhra Pradesh government halted its probe on Tuesday as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court. Read more

Rajinikanth Health Update: Actor is stable, should be home in two days; hospital says had swelling in main blood The health of superstar Rajinikanth, who has been admitted to a corporate hospital, is stable, and he should be home in two days, said the hospital on Tuesday. Rajinikanth, 73, was admitted to the Apollo Hospitals in Chennai on September 30, after experiencing severe stomach pain. Read more

Bihar: Seven children injured after explosion near garbage dump in Bhagalpur, SIT formed Bihar police on Tuesday said at least 7 children were injured in an explosion that took place near a garbage dump at Khilafat Nagar area of Bhagalpur district. All the injured were rushed to hospital and SIT has been constituted to further investigate the matter. Read more

Govinda health update: Doctors remove bullet from leg, actor says with the blessings of my fans  What we know Bollywood actor Govinda, who suffered a leg injury after his revolver accidentally went off on Tuesday morning, informed his fans that the bullet has been removed, and he is doing better. Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde also contacted the actor to inquire about his health and wished him a speedy and complete recovery. Read more

Rahul Gandhi raises drugs issue; targets PM Modi, Adani and Ambani in Haryana poll rallies Congress leader Rahul Gandhi on Tuesday took a swipe at Prime Minister Narendra Modi while addressing election rallies in Haryana, and raked-up names of Adani and Ambani, accusing the BJP-led Centre of working for a handful of billionaires in the country. Gandhi made the remarks while addressing rallies in Haryana's Bahadurgarh and Sonipat. Read more

Thailand: School bus catches fire outside Bangkok, over 20 feared dead | Watch video In a tragic incident, a school bus carrying students of elementary and junior high school with their teachers caught fire in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday. According to Thai authorities, more than 20 of total 44 passengers on board are feared dead. Read more
Mahatma Gandhi, revered as the Father of the Nation, was born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar. This year marks his 155th birth anniversary. Gandhi Jayanti is observed annually across India. On this day, the nation honors his significant contributions to the struggle for independence and his philosophies on life.

Gandhi dedicated himself to Indias fight for freedom, promoting the principles of Satyagraha (truth) and Ahimsa (non-violence). He was a political ethicist, nationalist and lawyer. Mahatma Gandhi is honoured not only in India but around the world.

The title 'Mahatma' was conferred upon him by the renowned Bengali poet Rabindranath Tagore. It is also important to note that Mahatma Gandhi shares his birthday with Lal Bahadur Shastri, who was born in 1904. In 2007, the United Nations General Assembly declared October 2 as the International Day of Non-Violence in honor of Gandhis principles.

Here are some of his top 10 quotes on life, forgiveness, freedom -To believe in something, and not to live it, is dishonest

-Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.

-The weak can never forgive. Forgiveness is the attribute of the strong.

-Democracy necessarily means a conflict of will and ideas, involving sometimes a war of the knife between different ideas.

-The best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the service of others.

-Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from an indomitable will.

-Non-cooperation with evil is as much a duty as is cooperation with good.

-Happiness is when what you think, what you say, and what you do are in harmony.

-Freedom is not worth having if it does not include the freedom to make mistakes
Prince Harry, the Duke of Sussex, is visiting London but reportedly will not meet his father, King Charles, or brother, Prince William. The Duke of Sussex currently lives in California and is visiting the U.K. to attend an awards ceremony for children.

This is not the first time Prince Harry has remained away from meeting his Royal family members. King Charles and Prince William did not see Prince Harry during the latter's visit in May for an anniversary service commemorating ten years of Invictus Games, reported PEOPLE, a British magazine. However, Harry had extended invitations to his father and brother before the May event.

Also Read | Prince Harry upstaged at event by wife Meghan Markle

Harry's calls were ignored Prince Harry's relationship with his father continues to be strained. Traces of the family rift that began in 2020 still loom today, after four years.

Sources within the Royal family had previously mentioned that Prince Harry's calls and letters to his father go unanswered. Prince William also shares similar terms, as all of his younger brother's texts, calls, and messages are ignored, stated the PEOPLE report.

In 2020, Prince Harry and his wife, Meghan Markle, had given up their Royal titles. For Harry, no single issue is a greater sticking point than that of security, multiple well-placed insiders in his circle told PEOPLE in August.

Full schedules and Wholly incorrect notions Meanwhile, the Duke of Sussex's spokesperson has attributed Harry's lack of interaction with his father in May to the monarch's full schedule. In an interesting turn of events, however, sources close to the Duke have pointed to a deeper issue.
Amid police enquiry and flak from Madras High Court, screenshots from the website of Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev's Isha Foundation have gone viral. They show that pictures of his feet were being sold for 3,200. This has attracted sharp reactions from netizens who said that they have "lost all respect" for him.

Sadhguru's Isha Foundation was earlier today subjected to an enquiry on allegations that women are being "brainwashed" to reside there. Around 150 police personnel were reportedly present at the foundation during the enquiry.

Earlier, the Madras High Court issued a directive to file a status report listing out the cases related to the foundation at Velliangiri foothills.

Also Read | Madras HC asks why Sadhguru encourages women to live like hermits

The court was hearing a petition filed by a retired professor from Coimbatore S Kamaraj who alleged that his two daughters were "brainwashed" to live at the foundation's Coimbatore centre and were not allowed to maintain any contact with the families.

Isha Foundation, however, denied the allegations and said that the individuals have the "freedom and wisdom" to "choose their path".

"They have clearly stated that they are staying in Isha Yoga Center on their own volition," it said.

As this happened, a user shared a screenshot of the foundation's website showing that a picture of Sadhguru's feet was being sold for 3,200. The item was titled "Sadhguru Padam Photo".

The product's description read, A Gurus feet are revered because they are the pathway to access the Gurus energy. The very act of bowing down to a Gurus feet enhances ones proximity and builds a deeper connection with the Guru.

"Bring Grace home with this beautiful 17.5" x 12.5" wood framed photo of Sadhguru Padam, a powerful medium to strengthen your connection with Sadhguru," it added.

On the social media platform X, a user said, "I lost all respect towards him and ISHA at this point."

Another wrote, economy so bad even Sadhguru selling feet pics.
Sean Diddy Combs is challenging a federal judge's decision to keep him incarcerated while awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

On September 30, his legal team filed a notice in Manhattan federal court indicating their intention to appeal Judge Andrew L. Carters ruling, which determined that Combs poses a potential danger if released.

Once a dominant figure in the music industry, the 54-year-old, also known as Puff Daddy and P. Diddy, has been held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn since pleading not guilty on September 17.

What are the charges against Sean Diddy Combs The charges against Combs allege that he exploited his power and prestige to coerce female victims into participating in drug-fueled sexual performances with male sex workers, referred to as Freak Offs.



For decades, Sean Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and those around him to satisfy his sexual desires, protect his reputation, and hide his actions, prosecutors stated in the indictment. He utilized the employees, resources, and influence of the extensive business empire he led and controlled.

Judge Carter dismissed a defense proposal to allow Combs to serve house arrest at his Florida mansion, equipped with GPS monitoring and visitor restrictions. He deemed the plan, which included a $50 million bail offer, insufficient to ensure community safety or the integrity of the case, stating that no condition or set of conditions could prevent Combs from potentially threatening or harming witnesses.

In court documents, Agnifilo described the MDC as horrific and unfit for pre-trial detention. Following the bail hearing, he referred to the jail as having inhumane housing conditions.



Combs' attorney, Marc Agnifilo, had also considered transferring him from the notoriously violent Brooklyn facility to a jail in Essex County, New Jersey, but ultimately decided against that option.
A 43-foot-tall naked statue resembling former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump was taken down less than 48-hours after it appeared near Interstate 15, just north of Las Vegas in Nevada.

Made of foam over rebar, the statue weighed over 2,700 kilos and was titled Crooked and Obscene. It also managed to attract a small crowd of curious onlookers, who stopped to take pictures of the 78-year-old leader's statue located near the busy Loves Travel Stop.

The statue wasnt visible from the highway, and therefore, fewer people were able to see it as they drove by.

Also Read | Harris leads Trump by small margin in race to become next US president: Forecast

Although the statue generated interest, it did not draw the same large crowds as Trump's political rallies. Democratic vice president Kamala Harris has also mocked Trump over his crowd sizes during her own rallies.

According to a New York Post report, a 32-year-old gas worker who saw the naked statue thought it was a funny gesture leading up to the upcoming election.

It just gives a sign of laughter to the world, seeing a big, huge statue of Donald Trump naked, the gas worker was quoted as saying by the NYC report.

Also Read | Morgan Stanley Warns of 70,000 US Monthly Jobs Hit From Trump Tariffs

Real estate professional Clem Zeroli, 25, and his girlfriend Tommi Alexander, 24, posed together for a selfie at the site. However, this couple did not have an entirely positive view of the artwork.

Its not very respectful, Clem told NYC, but I think its kind of funny. Any publicity is good publicity.

While Tommi, who works for her familys Sin City swimming-pool business, said that while she felt compelled to see the piece in person, it wont change her support for Trump this fall.

As a daughter of business owners, theres many reasons for us to want him as our president, but we were doing much better under Trump, she shared with NYC. We support a lot of employees, and our business has been doing very badly the past two years, adding theyve likely been the worst in the firms 30-year history.

Watch video:

The naked statue appeared weeks before the US presidential election, set for November 5. This also came just a day before the vice-presidential candidates from both parties -- Republican and Democratic -- face off in a debate hosted by CBS News on October 1.

Here's what netizens say: What the hell is this??! This is an actual statue that is being displayed in Las Vegas of Trump. Could you imagine for even a second what would be said if that was a naked statue of Kamala?? Disgusting! a user said.

Liberals sit around, and instead of thinking of ways to make America great again, they plan this demented crap, another commented.
A top California health plan is set to offer one of the worlds biggest-selling drugs for free in a bid to show the medicine can reach Americans affordably without going through the middlemen that typically control its flow.

Blue Shield of California struck an unusual deal to buy a lower-cost version of Humira directly from a manufacturer, bypassing the giant pharmacy benefit managers that normally determine which makers drug will go to tens of millions Americans.

AbbVie Inc.s Humira has been a poster child for how drug prices can stay high even after drugmakers lose patent protection. At one point the worlds top-selling drug, Humira sales were $14 billion last year even after low-cost versions hit the market.

Pharmacy benefit managers, known as PBMs, typically agree to pay drugmakers higher prices up front in exchange for payments known as rebates. The US Federal Trade Commission recently alleged in a lawsuit that rebates illegally drive up patients costs. In the case of Humira, drug plans initially favored the brand name drug and higher-priced copycats that came with higher rebates. The three largest PBMs say theyre now removing the brand version of Humira from their lists of preferred drugs in favor of cheaper versions.

Blue Shields trying to call out the dysfunction in the existing system. We dont want rebates. We dont want middlemen. We dont want people dipping their hands in, said Matt Gibbs, vice president of pharmacy transformation at Blue Shield of California. We want to be able to present the price to our membership so that they can make the choice.

Theres also a profit motive: Blue Shield of California currently spends more than $100 million a year on Humira, Gibbs said, more than any other drug. The new lower prices and lack of fees for middlemen should result in a savings of $20 million over three years, executives said, adding that might be a low estimate.

Beginning next year, Blue Shield will pay for $525 a month for the drug. Thats about a quarter of what the company currently pays for Humira after rebates, according to a person familiar with the pricing who asked not to be named discussing private information.

Blue Shield provides pharmacy benefits for about 2.5 million people and sees about 40,000 prescriptions a year for Humira, which treats inflammatory diseases like rheumatoid arthritis, Crohns disease and psoriasis.

Broken Market

The $525 a month price is notable because its lower than the best prices available from the USs largest pharmacy benefit managers, units of CVS Health Corp., Cigna Group and UnitedHealth Group Inc. Those companies have faced intensifying pressure in Washington over how they purchase prescription drugs and whether they favor medicines with higher upfront prices that raise patients costs.

The FTC sued the three largest PBMs last month, alleging they used rebates to steer patients to higher-priced insulins and profited at patients expense. An FTC official not authorized to speak publicly said the agency is witnessing similar patterns in the market for Humira and cheaper copycat versions known as biosimilars.

PBMs have disputed the FTCs characterization and said they intend to fight the lawsuit. The companies maintain they pass most of the rebates they get from drugmakers back to their clients  employers, unions and health insurance companies  who then use them to lower the prices people pay for drugs or to offset other medical expenses.

Rebates arent the only PBM practice under scrutiny in Washington. Lawmakers have recently started calling out PBMs, including CVS and Cigna, for forming divisions outside of the US that are partnering with drugmakers to sell their own biosimilar versions of Humira.

Senator Mike Braun, an Indiana Republican, and Senator Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, wrote to the FTC in August urging the agency to investigate this.

By preferring private labeled biosimilars, the senators wrote in a letter viewed by Bloomberg News, PBMs are protecting their own profits even as the drugs price has fallen dramatically.

Democratic Senators Ron Wyden and Sherrod Brown released a separate letter to the FTC Tuesday calling the deals a veiled attempt by PBMs to control additional parts of the supply chain, leading to fewer choices and higher costs for consumers.

Higher Prices

The prices the PBMs currently charge health plans for their brands of biosimilar Humira are well above the $525 a month that Blue Shield is now getting.

CVSs Ireland-based unit Cordavis offers its version for about $1,315 a month. Cignas says biosimilars will be available through its Cayman Islands-based subsidiary Quallent Pharmaceuticals with a list price of about $1,038. And UnitedHealths Optum Rxs lowest price for its Humira copycat is about $1,177 a month.

The companies cite different reasons for the higher prices, but pointed to rebates that get prices furhter down for clients. All three said many patients can get the drug for no out-of-pocket costs.

A CVS spokesperson also said its price isnt lower because it sought a combination of low cost, stable supply and a formulation it says is closer to Humira than some competitors.

A Cigna spokesperson said with rebates, its PBM offers Humira biosimilars for less than $1,000 a month to its clients, with no cost to most patients.

Blue Shield isnt the only company working to show how rebates are contributing to higher drug costs. The Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company sells a version of Humira for $584 for people paying cash as part of a broader effort the celebrity businessman has underway to expose how drug prices can be inflated by middlemen. Another smaller player, GoodRx, offers a Humira biosimilar for $550 for people paying cash, undercutting the prices that the largest PBMs charge their clients.

A UnitedHealth spokesperson said comparing manufacturers list prices to cash prices for consumers is not a fair comparison.

For its new Humira pipeline, Blue Shield struck the deal through a company called Evio Pharmacy Solutions, which is owned by them and other Blue-branded health plans. Unlike a PBM, Blue Shield of California pays Evio a flat fee to negotiate with drug manufacturers rather than a fee based on the drugs price. A division of German manufacturer Fresenius SE is making the drug for the insurer.

Blue Shield sent the stock prices of major pharmacy benefit managers sinking last year when it unveiled a plan to break with the conventional PBM model. Instead of outsourcing drug benefits to one firm, it would split up the business among many vendors, including CVS, Amazon Pharmacy and Mark Cuban Cost Plus Drug Company.

At the time, the insurer said it would save as much as $500 million a year by gaining more control over its drug purchasing. The companys Chief Executive Officer Paul Markovich said Blue Shield of California is on track to save more than $100 million in the first year.

How quickly we get to the rest of it depends on how quickly we can do more deals like this one where we are directly contracting for the lower-cost alternative, he said.

With assistance from Ike Swetlitz.
Sept 30 -

The U.S. broker-dealer unit of Toronto Dominion Bank has agreed to pay over $20 million under a deal with U.S. authorities to settle charges that it manipulated the U.S. Treasuries market.

TD Securities USA, part of Canada's second-largest bank, admitted to spoofing the U.S. Treasuries market as part of a deal with the U.S. Justice Department that will end a long-running probe into manipulation, according to a court filing on Monday. TD Securities also settled related civil charges from the Securities and Exchange Commission, the SEC said separately.

In addition to the manipulation charges, the bank was charged with failing to supervise the then-head of its U.S. Treasuries trading desk, authorities said.

Between April 2018 and May 2019, the then-employee sought out better trades in the U.S. Treasury cash securities market by entering orders he did not intend to execute in a tactic known as "spoofing," authorities said.

U.S. authorities have aggressively gone after the practice, which is designed to create a false appearance of demand.

Under the terms of TD's agreement, prosecutors will hold off prosecuting the firm so long as it complies with the three-year deal and overhauls compliance. Based on the company's remediation of the issues, the DOJ decided against installing a third-party monitor to police compliance.

The bank will pay a $12.5 million criminal penalty to resolve civil investigations by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission and the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.

That comes on top of an approximately $9.5 million criminal penalty related to the agreement. The bank has also agreed to pay $4.7 million in victim compensation and $1.4 million in forfeiture.

The settlement comes as the Canadian lender nears a deal to plead guilty to separate government charges that TD's U.S. retail bank possibly failed to curb money laundering tied to Chinese crime groups and illicit fentanyl sales, according to a Wall Street Journal report last week.
Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah, aged 64, died after toxic fumes filled his secret bunker following an Israeli airstrike on 27 September in Beirut. It is suggested that the Hezbollah chief may have suffocated after being trapped under rubble as gas from the explosions seeped into the confined space.

Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Lebanon-based group Hezbollah, was killed during a recent Israeli airstrike on September 27.

How Hassan Nasrallah was killed? Netanyahu greenlit strike from New York? According to Israeli media, the strike targeted Hezbollahs central headquarters in Beirut, utilizing 80 tons of bunker-busting bombs designed to penetrate fortified structures.

These airstrikes were aimed at the groups operations in the Dahieh district, where the headquarters is believed to be located underground beneath a residential building.

The attack used a series of timed, chained explosions to penetrate the subterranean bunker, a senior Israeli military official said. We had real-time intelligence that Nasrallah was gathering with many senior terrorists," Wall Street Journal quoted Israeli military spokesman Nadav Shoshani.

When it was over, a pillar of orange smoke rose above Beirut. And Hassan Nasrallah, the fierce and charismatic Islamist who had led Hezbollah for more than three decades, was dead.

According to Wall Street Journal, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was in New York for the United Nations General Assembly, where he had given a defiant speech to a largely empty chamber, after many delegates walked out. We will not accept a terror army perched on our northern border able to perpetrate another Oct 7-style massacre," he said.

An hour after the attack, his office released a photo of him on the phone in New York, giving the greenlight for the strike that killed Hassan Nasrallah.

Condition of the Hassan Nasrallah's Body When security personnel discovered Nasrallahs body, there were no visible wounds, raising suspicions that he did not die from immediate blast injuries.

Instead, it appears that asphyxiation could have been the primary cause of death, stemming from the toxic environment created by the explosions.

Possible Trauma to Hassan Nasrallah While asphyxiation seems to be the likely cause, some reports indicate that blunt force trauma from the blasts might also have contributed to his death.

At the time of the airstrike, Nasrallah was reportedly preparing for a meeting with Hezbollah leadership, highlighting the sudden and unforeseen nature of the attack.

Lack of Official Confirmation from Hezbollah As of now, Hezbollah has not issued any statements regarding the circumstances of Nasrallahs death, leaving many questions unanswered about the implications of this significant loss for the militant group and the region.

Also Read | Hassan Nasrallahs death will reshape Lebanon and the Middle East

Isreael begins ground offensive in Lebanon Late Monday, Israel's military began what it called "limited, localised and targeted raids" against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon's border areas.

Its ground forces are backed by fighter jets and artillery fire.

The military formally announced the start of the ground offensive hours after the United States said Israeli forces were conducting limited operations in Lebanon.
Iran on Tuesday fired ballistic missiles at Israel amid escalating Israel-Hezbollah conflict in Lebanon and said that if retaliated, Tehran's response would be 'more crushing and ruinous'.

The development comes a day after Israel said it started limited ground operations in southern Lebanon and warned Iran of consequences if it attacks. However, Iran fired missiles as it vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of Hezbollah, including Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel sounded alert through mobile phones and national television, ordering residents to remain close to bomb shelters. TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

Just a few days ago, Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had issued a warning to Iran, saying There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.

The United States has also warned that a direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.

'Attack will have consequences' Israel's military spokesman said that Iran's missile attack was serious and will have consequences. However, he declined to specify how and when Israel would respond.

Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said he was not aware of any casualties from the missile volley. He said there were a few hits in the centre of the country and in the south, reported Reuters.

Air traffic halted As blasts rocked the country, Israel closed its airspace and diverted flights.

"Israel's airspace is closed. Flights are diverted to alternative fields outside of Israel," the spokesman said in a statement.

'Attack in response to killing of Nasrallah' A missile attack against Israel was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as that of the Hamas leader, said AFP quoting Iran's Revolutionary Guards' statement as reported by Fars news agency.

"In response to the martyrdom of (Hamas leader) Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and (Guards commander) Nilforoshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories (Israel)," the Guards said in a statement.

White House responds White House said that President Joe Biden directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel.

In a post on X, White House National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said that Biden and US Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the White House situation room and receiving regular updates.

Jordan suspends air traffic, Iraq closes airspace Jordan's civil aviation authority said air traffic was suspended. The aviation body announced "the temporary closure of Jordanian airspace", with all arrivals and departures halted.

Iraq's transportation ministry ordered the closure of its airspace for safety reasons on Tuesday after Iran launched missiles at Israel, AFP quoted official Iraqi News Agency as saying.

Attack on Israel legal, says Iran's UN mission Iran's attack on Israel is a "legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts," Iran's mission to the United Nations in New York posted on X on Tuesday.

"Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime," the mission wrote.
Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel, reported international news agencies quoting a senior White House official on Tuesday.

The official said that the United States is actively supporting preparations to defend Israel against this.

"A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said.

The development comes a day after Iran's foreign ministry said that it will not deploy forces to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel amid Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) launching ground offensive in Lebanon to target the Iran-backed Hezbollah, whose leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike last week.

After Nasrallah's killing, Iran had said that it would bring about Israel's destruction.

Earlier, Iran's foreign ministry spokesman Nasser Kanani said that there is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran.

Lebanon and fighters in the Palestinian territories have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression, AFP quoted Kanani as saying.

"We have not received any request in this regard from any side, on the contrary, we are informed and are sure that they do not need the help of our forces," Kanani told reporters in Tehran.

Meanwhile, Israeli military has said that its ground troops had carried out raids against Hezbollah in south Lebanon and mobilised more forces, despite calls for de-escalation after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds.

Last week, addressing from the podium of United Nations, Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu termed Iran as curse, and said that the war can come to an end now, but for all that has to happen is for Hamas to surrender, lay down its arms and release all the hostages.
Israel closed off areas along its border with Lebanon in preparation for what appears to be an imminent ground attack against Hezbollah, defying a growing international chorus calling for restraint.

The expected strikes would further expand the campaign against the Iran-backed group following Israels killing of its leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, even as the US, the European Union and Arab powers call for a cease-fire. Israel has shifted its focus to Lebanon with its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip at a standstill.

Washington expects Israel to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon but said it has cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government against a larger and longer-term operation that risks a direct confrontation with Tehran, according to a US official with knowledge of the situation, who asked not to be identified discussing strategy.

Israel over the past week has pounded Lebanon with massive airstrikes. On Monday, after hitting the center of Beirut, Israel signaled its ready to send more ground forces into southern Lebanon, including tank units, following small-scale commando operations over the border in recent months.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told tank crews deployed along the border Monday that the killing of Nasrallah wasnt the final step in the fight against Hezbollah and that we will employ all the capabilities at our disposal.

The Israel Defense Forces also declared three areas in northern Israel  Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi  as closed military zones, another sign of a potential operation. Meanwhile, Lebanons state news agency NNA reported Israeli artillery shelling across the border.

Netanyahu has said the goal of crushing Hezbollah is to end rocket attacks by the Iran-backed group that forced tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes in northern Israel. A similar exodus has been seen in southern Lebanon amid Israels retaliation.

While most of Hezbollahs senior leadership has been killed and much of its arsenal destroyed, Israeli officials say it retains substantial capability to inflict losses on Israeli forces and fire missiles across the border.

Nasrallahs deputy, Naim Qassem, said on Monday that the group remains ready to fight on the ground.

Moshe Davidovich, a representative of Israeli communities on the western end of the border region with Lebanon, said he had attended a meeting where Gallant vowed to remove any threat from Hezbollah six miles miles from the border.

We received a promise that the IDF would do everything required in order to clean out all of the terrorist nests that threaten the State of Israels northern border, our evacuated communities, Davidovich told Channel 12.

The US official, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations, said the Biden administration is worried the Israeli military may overreach.

Asked Monday morning whether the White House was aware of a possible Israeli incursion, President Joe Biden called again for a halt to the fighting.

Im more aware than you might know and Im comfortable with them stopping, Biden said. We should have a cease-fire now.

The Biden administration has failed several times to limit and shape Israels military response since Oct. 7, when Hamas in Gaza killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped more than 200 in southern Israel. Hezbollah began its rocket attacks the next day and has vowed to continue until Israel ends the campaign in Gaza, which has left more than 40,000 people dead according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

Both Hezbollah and Hamas are backed by Iran, which Netanyahu has said is Israels biggest threat.

US officials had earlier warned Israel against a full-scale invasion in Gaza and at one point in the war withheld a shipment of 2,000-pound bombs over concerns about their use on civilians. Israels military also later seized the Rafah border crossing with Egypt and eventually stationed troops all along the Egypt-Gaza border, moves that complicated the cease-fire that the administration has been seeking.

We do not want to see civilian infrastructure targeted in Lebanon, US State Department spokesman Matt Miller said Monday in Washington, adding that Hezbollah targets or the groups infrastructure are legitimate.

Meanwhile, the US is deploying a few thousand more troops to the Middle East to bolster its defence of Israel and deter an Iranian response, the Pentagon said.

The additional forces are mostly made up of fighter-jet squadrons and units in the region that will stay longer than originally planned, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman Sabrina Singh told reporters. On Sunday, the Pentagon announced defensive air-support in the region would be reinforced in the coming days.

With assistance from Josh Wingrove, Iain Marlow, Galit Altstein and Sherif Tarek.
Days after Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that they will continue degrading Hezbollah until all their objectives are met, the Israeli soldiers have started targeted ground raids along with airstrikes in Lebanon.

However, amid increasing Middle East conflict, Hezbollah has vowed to fight on following the death of its long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Daniel Hagari, a spokesperson of Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) on Tuesday released a video statement and said that troops were operating against Hezbollah to ensure that Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

Israeli army has also announced it had carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

The IDF continues to fight and act to achieve the goals of the war, and does everything necessary to protect the citizens of the State of Israel and return the residents of the north to their homes safely, added Hagari in a post on X.

Hezbollah denies ground incursion The militant group denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon. According to AP, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion.

Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon, said Afif in its a statement.

Also Read | Hezbollah launches artillery attack on Israeli troops in Metula

Israel warns to evacuate Meanwhile, Israeli military has warned nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities to evacuate. You must immediately head north of the Awali River to save yourselves, and leave your houses immediately, said the statement posted by the Israeli military on the platform X.

AP reported that Israel has advised people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone that was intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

Israel will be stopped 'sooner or later': Turkey Condemning Israel's ground operation in Lebanon, Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has urged the United Nations and other international organisations to stop Israel without "wasting any more time".

"Whatever it does, Israel will be stopped sooner or later," Erdogan told the Turkish parliament at the opening of the legislative year.

All state and international organisations, especially the UN, must stop Israel without wasting any more time. The terror and genocide Israel has carried out in Gaza has reached Lebanon and warned if not stopped, the Israeli leadership would set its sights on Turkey, AFP quoted Erdogan as saying.

Also Read | Israeli airstrikes kill Hamas leader in Lebanon, Palestinian leaders in Beirut

Israel must withdraw troops from Lebanon: Russia Urging immediate withdrawal of troops from southern Lebanon and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict.

"We express our solidarity with the leadership and people of friendly Lebanon, which has been subjected to armed aggression," Russian foreign ministry said in a statement.

UN warns against ground invasion Warning Israel against large-scale ground invasion, the United Nations said that it would only result in greater suffering.

"With armed violence between Israel and Hezbollah boiling over, the consequences for civilians have already been terrible," AFP quoted Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, as saying.

Lufthansa extends suspension of Beirut flights With the conflict escalating and taking in view the current situation, Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv.
In a tragic incident, a school bus carrying students of elementary and junior high school with their teachers caught fire in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday.

According to Thai authorities, more than 20 of total 44 passengers on board are feared dead.

Thai Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit said the bus was carrying 44 passengers from central Uthai Thani province for a school trip in Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces.

"Initial reports said there are 44 on board, 38 students and six teachers. As far as we know now, three teachers and 16 students got out," Suriya said.

"For those still missing, we are not clear yet," he added.

The bus was carrying children of Wat Khao Phraya Sangkharam school in the northern province of Uthai Thani.

Video footage from the scene showed the entire bus got engulfed in fire with huge plumes of black smoke pouring out as it stood on the road.

The actual number of fatalities could not be confirmed because the officials had not finished investigating the scene, said Thai Interior Minister Anutin Charnvirakul.

The driver survived but have fled the scene and could not yet be found, he added.

The victims have not been identified yet.

According to media reports, the bus was heading to Nonthaburi when the fire broke out around noon in Pathum Thani province, a northern suburb of Bangkok. The fire supposedly started at the front of the bus.

In a post on social media platform X, Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra offered her condolences, saying the government would take care of medical expenses and compensate the victims' families.

Also Read | Planning a trip to Thailand? You may have to shell out more in tax

"Some of the bodies we rescued were very, very small. They must have been very young in age," Piyalak Thinkaew, who is leading the search, told reporters at the scene.
When the Supreme Court of India intervened in 1998 to address the growing problem of vehicular air pollution in Delhiwhich subsequently expanded to other citiesby ensuring access to CNG as a fuel, it provided much needed relief to urban India.

However, this relief was short-lived as the causal factors of air pollution are many and complex. In November 2016, Delhi witnessed what is now referred to as the Great Delhi Smog with speculative comparisons to Londons Great Smog of 1952 and interpretations of possible spikes in death rates.

In response to this unprecedented smog event, and its implications for human health and mortality, the government introduced GRAPits Graded Response Action Planin January 2017, outlining various response measures to mitigate air pollution, depending on its severity.

While this mitigative response itself has evolved over time to enable a more pro-active and pollutant- inclusive approach to pollution management, it is undeniable that average pollution levels have not shown any significant improvement.

Also read: India plans stricter quality standards to tackle air pollution

The Supreme Court was right when, on 28 September 2024, it pulled up the institutional mechanism established by the government to deal with the challengethe Commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM)on its efficiency and effectiveness.

The Air Quality Index (AQI) in November 2023 was 373, as compared to an AQI of 372 in November 2016. Undoubtedly, there were a few marginally better years in between, but those were largely due to divine interventionsthe weather gods being kind.

The apex court is also right in highlighting the fact that the directions and actions taken to address the problem of air pollution only have a temporary impact on violators. GRAP is a prime example of such band-aid responses to increasing levels of air pollution.

The CAQM would do well to focus on well-designed regulatory as well as incentive systems that would bring about lasting changes in the sources of air pollution. There is a lot of research as well as global experience with such instruments.

The CAQM could consider extended producer responsibility (applied in India for single-use plastics), taxing externalities at levels that would result in change, and establishing compensatory mechanisms for inter-state pollution, to name a few that can be applied appropriately to get desired long-term effects and supplement the band-aid fixes.

A compilation of data from government sources by the Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air (CREA) for the first six months of 2024 reveals that Faridabad, Delhi and Gurugram had average PM2.5 levels (of particles under 2.5 micrometres in diameter or less, i.e.) that were 20 times higher than the World Health Organization (WHO) standard of 5 micrograms per cubic metre. The Indian National Ambient Air Quality Standard (NAAQS) of India is 40 micrograms per cubic metre, by comparison.

This highlights two things: One, the focus on the National Capital Region is justified at one level; and two, air pollution is not just a winter crisis but a round-the-year problem.

Of the 182 days covered in this period, these three cities had approximately 160 days when daily air quality standards were not met. It is rather unfortunate, however, that the rest of India does not get similar attention for their air pollution problem.

In fact, cities with a pollution severity rank between No. 4 and No. 12 were not even covered under the National Clean Air Programme (NCAP), a 2019-launched initiative of the ministry of environment, forests and climate change. Gurugram, for instance, was left out.

The CREA report also points out that among Indias 256 cities that have PM2.5 data available, 163 exceeded the NAAQS, though all 256 exceeded the annual WHO standard mentioned above. In 97 cities under the NCAP, all cities exceeded the WHO standard and 63 cities were above the NAAQS.

As India grapples with its air pollution and related health problems, we also need to pay much greater attention to a number of other looming natural resource-related challenges.

This column has in the past referred to the challenges of Planetary Boundaries (PB), a framework that describes limits to the impact of human activities on the Earth system.

Last week, scientists expressed deep concern that we are now on the verge of crossing the seventh PBocean acidification. Curiously, air pollution still remains in the safe zone, but that is at a global average level. South and West Asia are already marked in dark red, including India of course.

India is deep red, signifying extreme vulnerability, on a few more life-supporting environmental systems; this list includes the increasing variability and instability in our global freshwater systems, nitrogen and phosphorous run-offs (and their impacts on coastal and freshwater systems), transgression of land systems (in particular forest biomes), the extent of human appropriation of net primary production (with implications for biodiversity), and, of course, the impacts of climate change. To address these other challenges, we need to take deep dives now and cannot afford to come up for clean air.

Given our poor track record over the past few decades on addressing urban air pollution, we need immediate strategizing to address these other life- threatening natural resource degradation challenges.

Most importantly, we must recognize that these challenges and their solutions are highly inter-connected, which offers an opportunity for synergistic approaches.

Specialized mechanisms such as the CAQM for each such issue will not serve Indias purpose, though. We urgently need an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) approach to enhance human security in the country.
As global dynamics shift, does foreign direct investment (FDI) need extra supervision? As reported, Indias government is exploring the idea of an FDI regulatory mechanism for post-inflow review and monitoring.

The plan is at a discussion level, so it is too early to tell the shape it will eventually take, should it go ahead, or the details of any rules under consideration. Its broad inspiration seems to be the existence of such oversight in some other countries. Its intent?

To ensure that money flows into India only through legitimate channels and is used strictly for stated purposes. Sure, given New Delhis security concerns, illicit inflows and fund diversion for furtive use cannot be given any space by the state apparatus.

As classis bloc-versus-bloc geopolitics returns to haunt globalization, administrations being wary of sneaky operations in the guise of business is a sign of the times. That said, policymakers must move with caution in taking any step in this direction.

For all the business rules dropped and eased over the decades, India has been unable to brush off a global reputation for its propensity-to-regulate. Fresh regulation could send out signals that harden such perceptions. It is well known that India already has regulators for most sectors.

While they have a wider ambit and must cover all players in a designated field, perhaps their oversight could suffice, together with extant devices meant for financial hygiene. We have extensive laws for regulating financial flows in and out of India.

Tabs are kept not just on FDI-related movements, but other activities too. As for misuse of funds, the audit systems and other preventives in place for any sizeable business apply to foreign-funded operations as well.

Given all this, another body with a specific FDI-risk mandate might only add to regulatory complexity. The compliance burden this may add could turn foreign investors wary, which would hurt our broader policy goal of attracting more foreign investment.

As it is, our recent numbers havent looked all that good. In 2023-24, inward FDI fell 3% to $44 billion-odd, extending the previous years 22% decline. India is yet to regain its peak of almost $60 billion reached in 2020-21 and 2021-22.

Encouragingly, this year has seen an FDI bounce, with flows up 48% to $16.2 billion in the April-June quarter. While inflows are looking up, even a hint of over-regulation could unsettle investors.

Low domestic capital availability has meant weve had to rely on foreign money to keep Indias economy moving fast. While domestic capital constraints have eased, our development needs have also gone up, which implies foreign inflows must keep growing.

Also, its not just capital, but also expertise that often comes with FDI. That sectoral entry gates have been opened wider in recent years is testimony to the value placed on it. Our current opportunity is to attract global businesses looking to reduce reliance on China as a site for low-cost factories.

The ease of doing business here has improved and India is offering production incentives in 14 sectors. Still, a case can be made for further deregulation in various areas to smoothen the path for foreign companies. Any ambiguity over what is allowed and what isnt must be done away with.

Arbitrary moves, even if a national security angle is cited, need to be resisted. Like everywhere else, a clear set of rules goes a long way to strengthen investor confidence. And even if new ones can indeed be justified, they mustnt end up doing more harm than good.
On 23 September, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Sebi) published a study in which it said that 76.3% of loss-making traders continued trading in equity futures and options (F&O) despite incurring losses for two consecutive years.

Out of the 2.44 million investors who faced losses in both 2021-22 and 2022-23, 1.86 million continued trading in 2023-24. However, only 8.3% managed to turn a profit.

Why do loss-making traders continue trading? At an individual traders level, an escalation of commitmentthrowing good money after bad, i.e., in the hope of making up for previous lossesseems to be at work. But theres more to it.

In May 2023, Sebi required stock brokers to prominently display risk disclosures when investors logged into their trading accounts. They had to disclose that nine out of ten individual traders in the equity F&O segment experienced losses and that loss-making traders recorded an average net trading loss of 50,000.

Also read: How F&O trading became Indias favourite game: Lessons from the Soviet Union

But these disclosures didnt seem to have had much of an impact on the F&O mania. According to Sebis study, 91.1% of individuals incurred net losses in F&O trading in 2023-24, compared to 91.5% in 2022-23 and 90.2% in 2021-22. At an aggregate level, individuals incurred losses of about 75,000 crore in 2023-24.

This indicates that Sebis mandate requiring stock brokers to display risk disclosures didnt work. Further, the Sebi study found that the top 3.5% of loss-makers, approximately 400,000 traders, faced an average loss of 28 lakh per person.

So, why didnt Sebis mandate for risk disclosures work? Now, just because there is data out there doesnt mean people will pay attention to it, especially if it appeared each time one logged on to a trading account.

First, most people trade on smartphones, which have small screens. On these compact displays, the caution typically appears at the bottom, making it difficult to read. Second, data appearing recurrently tends to become a blind spot over time.

There was another factor at work. As Morgan Housel writes in Same As Ever: There is too much information in the world for everyone to calmly sift through the data, looking for the most rational, most correct answer."

People want stories, not data. Or as Housel writes: People are busy and emotional, and a good story is always more powerful and persuasive than ice-cold statistics."

Also read: Nine out of 10 individual F&O traders lost money in FY24, Sebi study reveals

As for those investing in F&O, they were led to believe that making money in this market was easy. This story- telling was carried out by financial influencers, those appearing as experts on TV and also by fund managers, stock brokers and many others in the financial services business.

The story of easy money from F&O trades was lapped up by individuals. Or as Amanda Montell writes in The Age of Magical Overthinking, though in a very different context, They wanted a relatable populist who spoke their language, and whom they could access for free on their phones."

Financial influencers and others became these relatable populists who sold stories and not data, encouraging individual traders to trade more, even after losing money.

So, this leaves us with the question of what Sebi can do to control the F&O mania. An essay titled The Life You Save May Be Your Own, written by economist Thomas Schelling, might be of help here. Schelling offers the example of a six-year-old girl needing thousands of dollars for a life-saving operation.

When people come to know of it, they will flood her with donations to save her. However, if you mention that without sales tax, deteriorating hospital facilities could lead to more preventable deaths, then only a few will offer help.

Using this contrast, Schelling explains the concept of an identified life and a statistical life. People who would die because of a hospital not having adequate facilities are statistical lives, while the girl who needs money is an identified life.

The world cares about identified lives and not statistical lives. As Schelling writes in the essay, thousands of unidentified" people die due to missing mosquito nets, vaccines or clean water.

Sebi needs to differentiate between statistical lives and an identified life. Whenever it puts out aggregate data on how individuals are losing money on trading F&O, its talking about statistical lives. But the world cares about identified lives. And this is where Sebi can really do something.

It already has data on investors who have made big losses trading F&O. It needs to approach them and encourage them to talk about their loss experience. Perhaps financial incentives can be offered to get them to talk. These stories then need to be cut into small reels for social media. Longer videos could also be put out.

The regulator could learn from the story of Mukesh Harane. Addicted to gutka, Harane died of oral cancer in October 2009. His story became the centrepiece of an anti-tobacco campaign, with an audio-visual message that was widely broadcast.

The campaigns graphic visuals were far more impactful in highlighting the dangers of gutka consumption than statistics because people pay far closer attention to humans telling stories than just data. Indeed, to issue effective warnings, Sebi needs to find its Mukesh Harane.
The public squares and beaches of Beirut are crammed with people who have been displaced from the south of Lebanon and the citys southern suburbs. The lucky ones have mattresses and blankets to sleep on. Thousands of shocked families have been camped out since the night of September 27th; following the Israeli strike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hizbullah, the Israeli army warned it would launch further attacks on Beirut. The southern suburbs, known as bastions of support for the Shia group, emptied within hours as people headed to seek safety in other parts of the capital and beyond.

In 2019 Martyrs Square in Beirut became the centre of a popular protest movement against Lebanons corrupt political class, which Hizbullah was seen as protecting. Today the square is a shelter for those who have fled Dahiyeh, the Hizbullah stronghold where Mr Nasrallah was killed, and one of the main focuses of Israels current air strikes. As its supporters sleep on the streets, and Lebanon faces what may be the largest displacement crisis in its history, the party is nowhere to be seen. Its supporters are relying on Lebanons chaotic caretaker government and their fellow citizens for help. Hizbullah itself has offered little support to the displaced.

On September 28th, as news spread that the group had confirmed Mr Nasrallahs death, the atmosphere in Martyrs Square was sombre. There were groans and tears. Women in black chadors and bearded men wept for the charismatic cleric. On television, anchors burst into tears on air. In the streets of west Beirut, some fired their guns into the air in despair.

Since Mr Nasrallahs killing Israel has continued to target Hizbullahs leadership. On September 29th the group confirmed the death of Nabil Qaouk, another senior official. Intermittent air strikes on Dahiyeh and across the south continue. Some are audible from the square, prompting flinches and the utterance of prayers. At the site of the strike that killed Mr Nasrallah, rescue workers were burrowing deep under the rubble in search of bodies through the weekend. On September 29th it was reported that Mr Nasrallahs body had been pulled from the blast site, apparently intact.

Israels assassination of the Hizbullah chief has shocked the country, just as the almost overnight devastation of the movements leadership has stunned its own followers. To many, Hizbullahs dominance of the Lebanese state had seemed unalterable. It has drawn fierce criticism from across the political and sectarian spectrum in the past two decades, though such criticism could have deadly consequences. One retired army general, a Christian, said he was raising a glass of Laphroaig in happiness at Nasrallahs death.

But he was an exceptionand certainly he didnt want to express his cheer publicly. Dima Sadek, a TV presenter who has faced death threats in recent years for her public criticism of Mr Nasrallah, was similarly loth to celebrate. I dreamt that we would be victorious against you on the national front in the battle of freedom and the state," she wrote to her 800,000 followers on X. But not like this." We dreamt of the day of victory for freedom, not a moment of victory for the butcher," she added.

Many Lebanese are extremely critical of Hizbullah, but they are even more opposed to Israel, says Karim Bitar, a professor at St Joseph University in Beirut. Dont underestimate the shock of the Lebanese population. An entire generation is waking up to politics, and Israel is planting the seeds of future wars," he adds.

Searching questions are being asked about Hizbullahs strategy over the past year. Even among its devoutly loyal followers, some are wondering why they are now suffering on behalf of other people. My heart is with Gaza, and the Palestinians, but I am Lebanese first," said Fawaz Mohammed, who fled on the night of September 27th. We will be stronger after the martyrdom of the Sayyid [Nasrallah] but I have to ask why me and my family are sleeping on the street," he added.

Assassinations hold a salient position in Lebanons modern history. The killing of Bachir Gemayel, the president-elect, in 1982 left his Maronite community orphaned, and was a critical moment in the countrys 15-year civil war. The killing of Rafik Hariri, the prime minister, in 2005, was similarly devastating for Sunnis, and ultimately led to the end of decades of Syrian occupation. In the weeks and months to come, the country will see whether Mr Nasrallahs killing will now leave the Shia weak and abandoned, or whether Hizbullah can somehow rise from the ashes. Either will have fateful consequences in the proxy battles playing out between Israel and Iran.

Lebanon is now in the throes of three days of national mourning; but the war goes on, and a traumatised country is more fearful than ever about what comes next.

 2024, The Economist Newspaper Limited. All rights reserved. From The Economist, published under licence. The original content can be found on www.economist.com
A BJP leader from Madhya Pradesh's Indore has urged garba organisers to make participants sip gamutra (cow urine) before their entry to pandals, PTI reported. BJP leader Chintu Verma's statement sparked a row and triggered a severe backlash from opposition parties which termed it as a new tactic of polarisation.

Garba is an energetic folk dance of Gujarat that is popular beyond the state, and its pandals are set up in multiple cities of Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Gujarat, among other states, during the Navratri.

Signifying the practice's importance in Sanatan culture, BJP district president Chintu Verma told reporters that he requested garba organisers to ensure that garba participants do aachman with gamutra (cow urine) before entering pandals for the fold dance sessions.



Aachaman is a practice followed by Hindus before the beginning of a sacred ritual. During this process, they take a sip of water while reciting mantras for purification.

"We have requested organisers to ensure devotees do aachaman with cow urine before allowing them to enter garba pandals," PTI quoted Verma as saying.

No question of refusing aachaman: Verma Explaining the rationale behind his demand for the entry of garba participants, Verma said documents like Aadhaar can be edited but there is no question of a Hindu refusing aachaman".

"Aadhaar card can be edited. However, if a person is a Hindu, he will enter the Garba pandal only after aachaman of cow urine and there is no question of refusing it," Verma told PTI.

BJP's new trick of polarisation politics: Congress Criticising the BJP leader for his demand, Congress spokesperson Neelabh Shukla attacked the BJP for staying mum on the true issues related to cow welfare and instead focussing on politicising the issue. Shukla alleged the BJP of staying silent on the plight of cow shelters and said that the party was only interested in polarising the public.
Cosmic lovers are set to experience an exciting celestial event on October 2. The skywatchers will observe the second and final solar eclipse of 2024 on Wednesday, when the moon and sun will produce a dazzling ring of fire in the sky visible in certain regions of the globe. During this solar eclipse, the moon will cover approximately 93% of the sun's disk at the point of greatest eclipse.

Interestingly, the annular solar eclipse, which will be occurring just 15 days after the lunar eclipse, coincides with the sacred day of Sarva Pitru Amavasya, the New Moon Day, observed to honour ancestors in Hinduism.

Also Read | Just looking wow! Watch Solar Eclipse 2024 from space as Moon casts its shadow

Solar eclipse 2024: When and where it will be visible According to Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), the solar eclipse will begin over the southern Pacific Ocean at 3:42 pm and will reach its maximum visibility over Argentina at 6:45 pm. The path of annularity is passing across the Pacific Ocean, southern Chile and southern Argentina.

According to Indian time, the eclipse will start from 9:13 pm on October 2 and conclude on October 3 at 3:17 am. The entire phenomenon will last approximately six hours. The solar eclipse will not be visible in any part of India as it will be taking place during the night in the country.

Solar eclipse 2024:Where it will be visible According to experts, this rare celestial phenomenon will be visible across the Pacific Ocean, parts of South America, parts of Central, and North America, Peru, and Fiji. It is also expected to be partially visible in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, and the US.

Solar eclipse 2024:What is Annular Solar Eclipse A solar eclipse occurs when the Moon passes between Earth and the Sun, thereby obscuring the view of the Sun from a small part of Earth, totally or partially. This alignment occurs approximately every six months.
Google is reportedly planning to launch its Pixel 9a, the newest addition to its Pixel series, which includes the recently unveiled Pixel 9 lineup featuring four models: Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Pro XL, and Pixel 9 Pro Fold. While official details remain scarce, a recent leak has revealed a series of computer-aided design (CAD) renders that provide a glimpse into the phones design.

According to Android Headlines, in collaboration with well-known leaker OnLeaks, the Pixel 9as design showcases a departure from the traditional camera bar that has become synonymous with the Pixel brand. Instead, the upcoming model features cameras that are flush with the rear panel, encased in a sleek pill-shaped module that holds two camera sensors.

The design of the Pixel 9a appears to draw inspiration from the LG V60 ThinQ, sporting uniform side bezels and flat edges that complement the overall aesthetic. Aside from its distinctive appearance, the Pixel 9a is anticipated to run on Android 15 and will benefit from seven years of software updates, following in the footsteps of its predecessor. The new operating system is projected to roll out on October 15.

In terms of performance, the Pixel 9a is expected to be powered by Googles Tensor G4 processor, marking a notable upgrade from the Pixel 8a, which utilized the Tensor G3 chip. Specifications similar to the Pixel 8a are anticipated, including a 6.1-inch display, 8GB of RAM, and 128GB of storage, along with a 4,492mAh battery and support for 18W wired fast charging.

Currently, the Pixel 8a is priced at 52,999 in India for the 128GB variant and was unveiled in early May. The Pixel 9a is expected to make its official debut around the same time next year, marking another milestone in Googles ongoing evolution of its Pixel smartphone lineup.

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Samsung's Galaxy AI suite, introduced alongside the Galaxy S24 series earlier this year, may not remain entirely free beyond 2025. Several media reports indicate that the South Korean tech giant is considering implementing fees for certain AI functionalities starting at the end of next year. This follows similar announcements made when the company launched the Galaxy S24 in January.

According to a report from SamMobile, the potential move was highlighted in footnotes of the press release for the newly launched Galaxy S24 Fan Edition (FE). The company reportedly stated, "Fees may apply to certain AI features at the end of 2025." Although Samsung has not officially confirmed this, we could not independently verify the claim, so the information should be approached with caution.

Currently, Samsung's Galaxy AI features are available at no cost to users, with the company promising free access until the end of 2025. However, availability may vary by region. The company initially mentioned this in January with the debut of the Galaxy S24 and reiterated the same when launching its Z series foldable devices in July.

Samsung's AI suite includes innovative tools such as Note Assist, which allows users to record audio, transcribe it, and generate summaries. Another standout feature is Sketch-to-Image, which lets users transform simple drawings or doodles into detailed images, enhancing creativity across apps like Notes and the Gallery.

In addition to flagship models, Samsung has been expanding the reach of Galaxy AI features to other devices. This includes the Fan Edition (FE) models and some Galaxy tablets, with reports suggesting that several mid-range A-series smartphones might also receive AI upgrades in the future.

As Samsung continues to roll out its AI technology to a broader range of devices, the potential introduction of fees by 2025 raises questions about the accessibility of these features moving forward.

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A man, who was caught driving without car insurance for a sixth time and appeared at Longford District Court has been given a 10 year driving ban and ordered to complete 340 hours community service.

Shanks Kaunda, who is now living in Killeshandra and previously resided in Scotshouse, Co. Monaghan, pleaded guilty to a number of driving offences in Rathcronan, Granard on May 14, 2024.



At a previous hearing in July, Sgt Mark Mahon told the court that on that date, Gardai stopped the man at a checkpoint. Mr Kaunda produced a driving licence, but it was from South Africa and he had no Irish driving licence.

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He was also found to have no car insurance.



The court was told Mr Kaunda had 17 previous convictions, including five for having no car insurance and he had been previously disqualified from driving.

His solicitor, Ms Brid Mimnagh, told the court a probation report compiled on her client was very positive.

Also read: Mystery as gardai investigate 'identical crimes' in multiple locations



Judge Bernadette Owens noted it was favourable but she also said Mr Kaunda had a significant history and she issued a stern warning.



"In the event you come before me again with no insurance or for any traffic-related matter I will have no option but to impose a custodial sentence," she added.

Also read: Drunk driver in Longford was erratically crossing over the white line



Judge Owens handed down the community service sentence in lieu of a four month term of imprisonment and she also fined Mr Kaunda 450 with five months to pay.
A new white paper has been launched by the Irish Pharmacy Union. The white paper is outlining a policy framework to transform pharmacy care in Longford by turning pharmacies into key healthcare hubs and improving access to community care.

According to the IPU, pharmacies, with the right strategy and resources, can play a greater role in improving access to community healthcare.

The launch was held to mark World Pharmacy Day in Dublin last Wednesday, 25 September.

Also Read: Minister for Finance Jack Chambers makes special presentation to Longford Fianna Fail stalwart

Senator Micheal Carrigy and TDs Joe Flaherty and Robert Troy were in attendance.

Tom Murray, President of the IPU spoke at the event.

With 78 million visits per year pharmacies are the most accessed part of our healthcare system. However, the absence of a national pharmaceutical care policy limits their potential.

Also Read: Mystery as gardai investigate 'identical crimes' in multiple locations

To enable the rollout of this vision Murray said Pharmacy care will require the appropriate level of resourcing. Many pharmacies, particularly those in rural areas, are facing financial difficulties due to outdated payment structures and rising costs.

The average pharmacy receives almost two-thirds of its income from the State for providing care through the community drug schemes. The fees provided for this care have been frozen since 2009, and pharmacies like every other business and individual, have experienced soaring operational costs.

In conclusion Mr Murray said, There is so much exciting potential in pharmacy care. It is possible to revolutionise our pharmacy care services within a few short years, but it will require vision and, above all, the proper resourcing of our pharmacies to make this a reality.
Students across Longford are in for a treat as explorer and space enthusiast Dr Niamh Shaw hosts a series of workshops as part of Science Week.

Science Week takes places this November and includes a wide range of activities facilitated by Midlands Science in Longford, Laois, Offaly, and Westmeath.

Activities start in the midlands with a family fun day with everything from astronomy to zoology on November 10th. Over one week, theres a range of events for schools and groups and for adults exploring everything from cold water swimming to cats and all events are free of charge.

Jackie Gorman, CEO of Midlands Science explained ; this year we are delighted as part of our science week programming to bring a range of activities to schools, groups and communities. Its great to welcome back Ice Swimming Guinness World Record Holder Nuala Moore and new speakers such as Gerry Creighton of the tv series The Zoo and Dr Clare Meade of The Cat Hospital.

"Science is important for our economy but its also an important part of our lives. Its in everything from how we understand health and lifestyle decisions to understanding our pets.

Events in Longford this year include a series of workshops with explorer and space enthusiast Dr Niamh Shaw with secondary school students. From Antarctica to NASA, Niamhs boundless enthusiasm for all things scientific make her a powerful advocate for the curiosity which lies at the heart of science.

Dr Niamh Shaw has undertaken a wide range of science outreach activities in the midlands over the past number of years.

Events in Westmeath include a special event with the National Museum of Ireland exploring the world of swifts, those amazing aerial acrobats who have been recorded in high numbers recently in Mullingar. The event will also include prizes for primary school drawings and local community groups who are involved in biodiversity actions which benefits swifts and other wildlife.

A special science map of the midlands is being produced by Midlands Science with Dr Claire OConnell and will include places and people of interest from each county related to science. The map will be available across the region and is free of charge. Pop-up activities such as events exploring optical illusions will also take place in local shopping centres. Events are all free of charge but must be booked in advance and all details are available on www.midlandsscience.ie
Crime

By Chris Boyle Published: October 01 2024

Thomas Massenburg was convicted of killing 21-year-old Rashawn Cummings after a fight at a Massapequa house party.

Nassau County District Attorney Anne T. Donnelly announced that a Brooklyn man was convicted yesterday of the murder of a 21-year-old man during a Massapequa house party on July 4, 2020.

Thomas Massenburg, 23, of Brooklyn, N.Y., was convicted Thursday after a jury trial before Judge Howard Sturim of Murder in the Second Degree (an A-I felony); Attempted Murder in the Second Degree (a B violent felony); Assault in the First Degree (a B violent felony); and two counts of Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree (a C violent felony).

The trial began on September 11, 2024. The jury deliberated for approximately five hours before delivering their verdict. The defendant is due back for sentencing on December 5, 2024, and faces a potential maximum of 50 years to life in prison.

Thomas Massenburg threw a Fourth of July party into complete chaos when he took out a loaded weapon and shot at multiple party goers, killing 21-year-old Rashawn Cummings and injuring another man, said DA Donnelly. Independence Day parties and barbeques are a celebrated tradition for families across Nassau County. Our communities should never have to fear that gunfire could tear through their backyard gatherings and end in tragedy. We thank the jury for their service and for holding this defendant accountable for his violent actions.

DA Donnelly said that, on July 4, 2020, Massenburg and other alleged members of the Mac Baller Bloods from Brooklyn attended a Fourth of July party on West Drive in Massapequa.

Rashawn Cummings, a friend of another defendant, Learyk Jarvis, came to the party later and a physical altercation ensued between the two groups in the basement of the home.

Jarvis allegedly waved a gun in the air and told everyone to leave the house.

During the altercation, at approximately 11:15 p.m., Massenburg obtained a loaded gun from Quran Blue, another Mac Baller Blood from Brooklyn, and a friend of the defendant, and shot Cummings once in the leg and once in the back. Massenburg also shot another man once in the arm and twice in the buttocks. That man survived.

Jarvis then allegedly shot Massenburg in the groin.

Cummings was pronounced deceased at the scene.

After the shooting, Massenburg passed the gun to Blue, who went outside and fired an additional five shots from the weapon.

Massenburg was arrested on June 3, 2021, by members of the Nassau County Police Department.

Jarvis was arrested by members of the NCPD on June 17, 2021.

Jarvis was charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree and was sentenced on April 13, 2023, to 3-1/2 years in prison and five years post release supervision.

Blue was arrested on March 3, 2022, and charged with Criminal Possession of a Weapon in the Second Degree. He was sentenced on June 8, 2023, to 3-1/2 years in prison and five years post release supervision.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: October 01 2024

Events include Gallery of Hope Art Show on Oct 5.

(L to R): Joshua Hanson, Executive Director, The Safe Center; Shannell Parrish-Brown, Board President, The Safe Center; Debbie Lyons, Assistant Executive Director, The Safe Center. Photo taken at the 2023 Safe Center Gala. Credit: The Safe Center

The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, will recognize October as Domestic Violence Awareness Month, with a series of special events aimed at raising awareness and providing support for victims and survivors of domestic violence.

Kicking off the month is the Gallery of Hope Art Exhibit, held on October 5, 2024 at the Hicksville Public Library, located at 169 Jerusalem Ave, Hicksville, NY 11801. The exhibit will feature powerful artwork created by survivors, using art to amplify voices and stories that too often go unheard. This thought-provoking exhibit provides a platform for survivors to express their journeys of healing and empowerment. The event is free and open to the public. For additional information, contact galleryofhopetsc@gmail.com or 516-450-5429.

The Safe Center will host its Annual Gala on October 24, 2024 at the Nassau County Museum of Art, located at One Museum Drive in Roslyn, NY. The event will gather supporters, advocates, and community leaders to reflect on the progress made and to continue championing the fight against domestic violence. The event will feature a keynote by Alicia Santandreu, one of the first domestic abuse survivors served by The Safe Center after its creation in 2014. The evening will support The Safe Centers mission to provide resources, education, and services to those affected by abuse. Tickets are available here.

Rounding out the months activities, The Safe Center will offer community and school trainings throughout the month. Groups or individuals interested in attending or organizing a training can contact education@tscli.org.

This is a month to recognize and celebrate the remarkable efforts of community champions who stand by survivors. Their dedication and compassion inspire positive transformations, fostering a safer and more supportive community for all, said Joshua Hanson Executive Director of The Safe Center. This year, as we mark The Safe Centers 10th Anniversary, we pay tribute to our expert staff, dedicated volunteers, community partners, and visionary leaders. Thank you to everyoneboth newcomers and long-time supporterswho have supported us over the past decade as we tirelessly serve our community.

In the past year, The Safe Center has responded to 6,195 hotline calls and assisted 3,819 survivors impacted by Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault, Human Trafficking and Child Sexual & Severe Physical Abuse. More than 27-thousand people have attended educational trainings raising awareness on how to recognize, respond to and prevent future incidents of abuse.

About The Safe Center

The Safe Center, a 501 (c)(3) nonprofit, is the leading victim service organization in Nassau County, providing comprehensive and trauma-informed services for victims of interpersonal violence including domestic violence, child sexual and severe physical abuse, rape and sexual assault, human trafficking, and elder abuse. In 2014, The Safe Center was created by the merger of the Nassau County Coalition Against Domestic Violence (founded in 1978) and the Coalition Against Child Abuse & Neglect (founded in 1979). This merger created a highly integrated service model to empower victims of interpersonal violence to recover from their abuse. The Safe Center operates a 24-hour Hotline (516-542-0404) providing crisis intervention, access to services, and information and support. Visit https://www.tscli.org for more information.
Local News

By Chris Boyle Published: October 01 2024

Hundreds of Union Construction Workers Watch Final Beam of Structural Steel Lifted into Place at New $4.2 Billion Terminal that will Anchor the Airports North Side when First Phase Opens in 2026.

Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, the consortium building a new Terminal 6, today celebrated a key milestone in the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport, where members of organized labor hoisted into position the final piece of structural steel for the first phase of the 1.2 million square-foot terminal. The state-of-the-art terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, inspiring public art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience, making it a critical piece of the Port Authoritys $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class global gateway.

A tradition in major infrastructure works, the topping-out ceremony commemorated the tremendous efforts of construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor to maintain safe and on-time construction. Terminal 6 is scheduled to open in phases, beginning with the completion of the arrivals and departures hall and the first five gates in 2026. The second phase, including five additional gates, will open in 2028, completing the terminal. Terminal 6 construction is creating 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union jobs in construction.

"Today marks a major milestone in the transformation of JFK International that will set a new standard for travel in New York," Governor Hochul said. "This state-of-the-art development would not have been possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to continuing our work with them to build a more efficient, interconnected New York."

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford, JMP Board Chair George Casey, JMP CEO Steve Thody, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty, as well as U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Executive Board for the New York Building Trades, joined the governor today to sign the beam before it was raised.

The final beam is adorned with an American flag and an evergreen tree, symbolizing good luck and continued safe construction and operations. It bears the signature of hundreds of partners, employees, and stakeholders who are contributing to the development of the new Terminal 6.

Port Authority Chairman Kevin OToole said, "Throughout history, our region has been the nation's front door to the world. Finally, with the transformation of JFK International, it will become the airport that it was always destined to be -- a state-of-the-art global gateway that tells visitors they've arrived in the greatest region of the nation. At JFK, at LaGuardia Airport and at Newark Liberty International, we are making historic investments in the future of our region."

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, Todays topping-off ceremony comes as we near the mid-point of this historic $19 billion project to transform JFK into what will soon be one of the worlds great airports. Just seven years ago when we unveiled our JFK Vision Plan, few people believed we could build a new world-class airport while maintaining full flight operations and managing record passenger volumes. But seeing is believing. And in just a couple of years, travelers will experience a beautiful and efficient new airport with a uniquely New York sense of place.

Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford said, Watching this final steel beam lifted into place at Terminal 6 shows just how far we have come toward completing our vision of transforming JFK International into one of the finest airports in the world. We are one step closer to creating the global gateway New York deserves, where we will provide a world-class and inclusive customer experience for all travelers, regardless of their needs.

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, The final steel beam being lifted at Terminal 6 signifies another tangible step towards our vision of a major redevelopment project that benefits all communities. By investing in JFK International Airports transformation into a premier global gateway to the world, we have catalyzed more economic growth in the Queens community. Terminal 6 will create thousands of new jobs and life-changing opportunities for local, diverse small businesses. Through this public-private partnership, we will deliver a world-class, seamless experience for travelers and their families worthy of the great state of New York. As the JFK Redevelopment Council Co-Chair, I look forward to working with our partners to continue translating this investment into real economic and educational benefits for our community.

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "No longer just a proposal, the $19 billion redevelopment of Kennedy Airport is taking shape right before our eyes. From creating thousands of good-paying jobs to countless concession opportunities for Queens-based businesses to historic MWBE participation, Terminal 6's transformation is a microcosm of the immense economic opportunity the airport's redevelopment presents our borough, city and state. It's an honor to help move this project forward in my role as co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, and I applaud everyone who made this day possible  including our brothers and sisters in union labor working to build this beautiful new terminal."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said, The topping out of JFKs brand new and fully modernized Terminal 6 represents a milestone of yet another key development project that not only created thousands of family-sustaining union careers for hardworking New Yorkers, but also acted as a catalyst for further economic growth. We congratulate Governor Hochul for seeing yet another one of these major projects through to its completion and applaud our dedicated and skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who played such a major role in getting this across the finish line, while having the opportunity to pursue the middle class. This new terminal will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers, along with our visitors, through its state-of-the-art offerings and the economic stimulus it generates.

Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners said, Were thrilled to celebrate todays steel-topping out milestone at JFK Terminal 6, an exciting and important achievement on our journey towards opening in 2026. Im grateful to our extraordinary JMP team and our 900-strong Terminal 6 workforce, who are committed to building a safe, state-of-the-art new home for our airline partners and their passengers  both here in New York and around the globe.

George Casey, Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners, and Chair and CEO, Vantage Group, said, Todays milestone reflects the hard work, tremendous talent, and enduring commitment of hundreds of people to create a new JFK T6, from the early days of planning and engagement, through financial close, ground-breaking, and construction, to todays steel topping-off. Few developments can match the transformation of JFK International Airport in scale, scope, and complexity. Together with our partners, were honored to be delivering an extraordinary Terminal 6  one that will provide significant benefits to the local community, transform the guest experience, and help bring to life Governor Hochuls vision of a whole new JFK.

Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue said, On behalf of the more than 23,000 crewmembers at JetBlue, New Yorks Hometown Airline, were thrilled to celebrate this important milestone for the new Terminal 6 in the same spot where JetBlue launched our first flights nearly 25 years ago. With a seamless connection between Terminal 6 and JetBlues Terminal 5, customers in both terminals will have access to the best shopping and dining New York has to offer as they travel through JFK. Congratulations to our partners on the Terminal 6 team and to Governor Hochul on another major step in achieving her vision for a new JFK.

David J. Cibrian, Managing Partner of American Triple I (ATI) said, ATI is proud of this latest milestone at Terminal 6 and the continued collaboration with our consortium partners. We are also appreciative of our ongoing partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Queens community as we work together to enhance opportunities for local, MWBE, and veteran owned businesses across all phases and aspects of this marquee project.

Jason Koop, COO and EVO AECOM Hunt said, For 80 years, AECOM Hunt has led some of the most important and iconic projects across the United States, and the topping out of Terminal 6 is the latest step in that history as we move closer to completing this five-year, $4.2 billion project. The transformation of JFK Airport represents the very best of what New York and New Yorkers have to offer  a deep desire for excellence, a relentless drive to set new standards and an unwavering commitment to welcoming people of all cultures, backgrounds and countries. We are proud to play a role in constructing this new global gateway - and significantly improve the way we live, the way we work and the way we travel. Thank you to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFK Millenium Partners and all of our construction teams for making this major milestone a reality.

Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, "Today's milestone in the transformation of JFK International Airport marks another significant step in creating a world-class travel experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike. As we witness the progress of Terminal 6, it's not just about infrastructureit's about the thousands of jobs created the commitment to minority- and women-owned businesses, and the opportunities this development brings to local communities, including those in Southeast Queens. I applaud Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and all the workers whose efforts are shaping the future of our city, ensuring that JFK remains a beacon of innovation and progress."

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, We are excited for the new world-class Terminal 6 construction and development. We are especially thrilled about the 4,000 Jobs, including 1,800 Union Jobs and opportunities for minority and local small businesses. 

Speaker Adrienne Adams said, JFK International Airport is a critical gateway for the New York City metropolitan region and a key economic engine in the surrounding neighborhoods in Southeast Queens. The steel topping-off ceremony of the new Terminal 6 represents an important milestone in the $19 billion redevelopment project, especially for the union workers whose contributions made it possible to achieve this progress. As Terminal 6 moves towards completion, it remains crucial for the economic opportunities and investments that derive from this project to benefit our small businesses and neighbors in Southeast Queens. Working with all stakeholders, we will continue to prioritize support for our local communities throughout the transformation of JFK International Airport."

New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Power said, "The construction of Terminal 6 represents not only a major investment in our citys infrastructure but also in the local communities that surround this vital hub. With more than 4,000 jobs being created, including 1,800 union jobs, and a commitment to MWBE participation, this project exemplifies the economic and social impact that comes when we invest in the future of New York Citys transportation systems and our local communities. I look forward to continuing to work with all key stakeholders as we look transform JFK into a world-class gateway that benefits Southeast Queens and all of New York."

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams said, "This new, world-class terminal will not only reshape the travel experience but will also serve as a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth, especially for local businesses and workers. With a commitment to 30 percent MWBE participation and thousands of union jobs, this project represents the best of what we can achieve when we prioritize equity, opportunity, and community investment. JFK's redevelopment is a testament to our city's resilience and vision, and I look forward to seeing Terminal 6 anchor the future of aviation right here in Southeast Queens."

Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce said, "The redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport is not just a win for the aviation community, but a milestone for Queens and all of New York, as well as surrounding areas that use the airport to move people and products worldwide. This project showcases our commitment to building world-class infrastructure while ensuring economic opportunities for local businesses and communities. The inclusion of MWBE and local enterprises in this multi-billion dollar renovation reflects the forward-thinking vision we need to foster long-term growth and prosperity for all. For travelers, this new terminal will deliver an experience with cutting-edge technology, enhanced amenities, and an overall smoother journey through one of the worlds busiest airports. We extend our sincerest congratulations to Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and JFK Millennium Partners on this historic moment marking the tremendous efforts of the construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor who helped make this plan a reality."

Justin Rodgers, President & CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation said, The progress of JFKs redevelopment is remarkable as project milestones seem to occur daily. The achievement of 30 percent MWBE contracts and financing is especially meaningful. Congratulations to everyone for honoring this commitment and hopefully it will be exceeded.

Terminal 6 is being delivered via a public-private partnership between the Port Authority and JMP  a consortium composed of Vantage Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue Airways, with AECOM Hunt as its design-build joint venture partner. Spanning 1.2 million square feet, it will cccupy the site of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7 when completed. The new Terminal 6 will feature 10 gates, 10,000 square feet of world-class amenities, custom artwork and architecture, state-of-the-art digital technology, and sustainable operations  all delivered with the expertise of many minority, women-owned (MWBE), service-disabled, veteran-owned (SDVOB), and local business enterprises (LBEs).

The new Terminal 6 is a key part of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, which also includes a New Terminal One anchoring the south side of the airport; the modernization and expansion of terminals 4 and 8; and an entirely new, simplified airport roadway network. The entire airport redevelopment includes $15 billion in private investment for terminals and $3.9 billion in Port Authority funding for roadway and infrastructure improvements.

Across JFK, the Port Authority is working with its private partners, including JMP, and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council to ensure that this historic investment generates economic and educational opportunities for the communities surrounding the airport.

The council, led by U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., has prioritized participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the overall JFK redevelopment project. To date, that effort has set a New York State record of $2.3 billion in contract awards to MWBE firms.

This construction milestone follows the recent announcement of the first group of businesses to be featured in the vibrant concessions program at the new Terminal 6. Among those featured are 12 local and diverse businesses hailing from southeast Queens, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Together, the concessions program is expected to achieve more than 35 percent participation from companies certified as airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprises (ACDBE) under federal guidelines.

Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community

In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. Co-chaired by Meeks and Richards, it is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of southeast Queens, southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.

Since its inception, the council has been working with the Port Authority and its private partners to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students and jobseekers. This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the redevelopment of JFK, including terminal projects, which will be built by union labor under project-labor agreements.

Other community development initiatives prioritized by the council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for residents in southeast Queens, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students. Specifically, the Council for Airport Opportunity Rockaway Career Center is a job recruiting and referral program to match qualified job seekers with jobs in construction and airport operations focused on the Far Rockaway community. The Office of Second Chance Employment helps connect formerly incarcerated individuals and others with past involvement in the criminal justice system to jobs associated with both airport construction and airport operations. The Institute of Concessions is a specialized training program offering extensive training and mentoring to small, local, and diverse businesses intended to increase the number of local and diverse airport concessionaires. The Aviation and Aeronautics Academy provides an aviation-focused weekend and summer education and enrichment program in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for up to 700 students from grades 1 through 12 annually. In partnership with York College/City University of New York, it introduces students from communities surrounding JFK to career opportunities in aviation, airport management and aerospace technology.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airports north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authoritys capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.

About JFK Millennium Partners

Terminal 6 is an award-winning public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners  a consortium that includes Vantage Group, an industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-winning global airport transformations, including LaGuardia Airports Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways, New Yorks hometown airline. When complete, Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on JFK International Airports north side. For more information, visit anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/

About the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agencys network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country  transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agencys historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the regions three major airports  LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK  as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authoritys annual budget of $9.3 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.
When we take our iPhones out of our pocket to make a call, send a text, or check our email, we expect them to work. When they dont, it can be a frustrating experience, especially when you cant get online. If youre away from Wi-Fi, youre dependent on a cellular connection, and when that isnt available, youll be alerted with an SOS icon in the status bar. Heres what it means and how you can fix it.

What is SOS mode?

SOS mode doesnt mean your iPhone is in distress. Rather, it means your device isnt connected to a cellular network and can only make emergency calls via satellites. This feature is available in Australia, Canada, the United States, the U.K., Japan, and parts of Europe. In other regions, it will say No Service or Searching. It requires an iPhone 14, 15, or 16 running iOS 18.2 or later.

Why is my iPhone is SOS mode?

There are several reasons why your iPhone may be in SOS mode:

Dead spots: The most common reason for seeing SOS on your iPhone is if you travel into a dead spot. Even the most expansive networks have areas without coverage, and if you walk or drive into one of them, youll lose the ability to make calls for as long as youre

Carrier outage: Occasionally, carriers will have outages that affect customers across the country. When that happens the carrier will communicate with customers to let them know when service will be restored. To find out if your carrier is having problems where you are try Down Detector (U.S,) or DownDetector (U.K.).

Cellular data is off: In Settings or Control Center, there is an option to toggle off Cellular just like Wi-Fi. If its grayed out instead of green, tap it to turn it on.

What can I do when my iPhone is in SOS mode?

SOS means your iPhone can only call out to emergency services, including 911 in the U.S. If you have an iPhone 14 or later, you can also use Emergency SOS via Satellite to text emergency services when youre off the grid with no cellular and Wi-Fi coverage. With iOS 18, you also send iMessages or SMS messages via satellite when you lose cellular coverage.

How can I fix SOS mode on my iPhone?

The first thing to do if your iPhone is in SOS mode is to check your surroundings. If youre in an unfamiliar place, try traveling a bit to see if your phone connects. Dead spots can be avoided just by walking a bit or driving to a different area. If youre somewhere where you usually have coverage, try toggling the Cellular button on your phone to force it to reconnect.

Finally, a restart can sometimes fix connection issues. Hold down the power and volume up buttons until the shutdown slider appears. Slide it to power off, wait 15 seconds or so, and hold down the power button until the Apple logo appears.
At a glance Expert's Rating Pros Antivirus protections.

Lots of tools are available, including Cloud Backup and Password Manager.

Email tracking quarantine is an eye-opener. Cons Slower than rival VPNs.

Inflexible payment options. Our Verdict Norton Ultra VPN is a solid offering from a company dedicated to securing your tech, but its pricing structure, lack of browser integration and slower speeds make it hard to recommend over others. Price When Reviewed This value will show the geolocated pricing text for product undefined Best Pricing Today

Norton is likely a brand that needs no introduction, with decades of experience protecting devices from cyber threats (read our review of Norton 360). That means theres plenty of cache in the name, and the companys VPN service wisely leans on that pedigree.

Nortons VPN plans are, outside of the basic tier, tied into its security software to help offer real-time protection from bad actors. It comes with a password manager, dark web monitor, and cloud storage, but the VPN side of things is a little lacking.

Perhaps its from testing so many of the best VPN services that weve grown used to a certain set of non-negotiables. Chief among them is browser extension options to allow for quick switching, but at the time of writing, theres no such offering from Norton.

Then theres the option to pay monthly, but Norton demands an annual fee. While its a smaller amount than many charge, theres a caveat that while Norton Secure VPN (one device) is $39.99/19.99 for the first year, it then renews at $79.99/39.99, and other plans only get more egregious  the Norton Ultra VPN (five devices) $49.99/24.99 plan rises to $109.99/79.99 for a second year, while the $59.99/29.99 Norton Ultra VPN Plus family plan (ten devices) jumps to $129.99/94.99.

With better, and, crucially, faster options, available, its hard to escape the feeling Nortons VPN offering needs some retooling. Still, if youre looking for real-time protection it remains a good security-focused option, but with geoblocking being inconsistent in our testing, you might want to look elsewhere for your international Netflix fix.

Take a look at our round-up of the Best VPNs for Mac.

Features & Apps

Norton monitors your app activity. Norton monitors your app activity. Foundry Norton monitors your app activity. Foundry Foundry

As mentioned above, Nortons VPN does include plenty of accouterments that other VPNs either dont have or charge extra for.

You can install the app on your iPhone, iPad, and Mac, and all three platforms have apps that work well and run nicely in the background.

Despite the lack of a browser extension or plugin, Nortons solution is a menu for Browser Protection, which scans sites as you browse. That means its not as easy to switch one browser to one region (perhaps for site testing), but does mean you get the benefit of real-time detection alerts if a site might be unsafe.

The same goes for downloads, with Norton scanning files before they land on your device. It worked well in my testing, and barely added any additional time to the length of downloads.

Nortons VPN can track for a whole host of information types on the Dark Web. Nortons VPN can track for a whole host of information types on the Dark Web. Foundry Nortons VPN can track for a whole host of information types on the Dark Web. Foundry Foundry

One thing that was interesting was how it monitors trackers on emails. As a journalist, I receive a lot of press releases and pitches, and while Ive always assumed many of them use some kind of tracking to see when theyre opened, Norton offered to quarantine so many that I was quite taken aback.

Whether its a little over-enthusiastic or well within its rights will depend on how much you value your inboxs privacy, but it did well to work with third-party apps like Outlook and Spark.

Theres also a password manager if youre not already using Apples new Passwords app, but most of these features are tied to the middle subscription tier and above.

The basic tier, simply dubbed Norton Secure VPN, will only protect one device, block ads and offers VPN functionality, but its a little more barebones. Considering that second-year price hike, thats something to consider despite the low price right now.

Performance

Norton does a great job of offering real-time threat reporting and download scanning. Norton does a great job of offering real-time threat reporting and download scanning. Foundry Norton does a great job of offering real-time threat reporting and download scanning. Foundry Foundry

VPNs naturally decrease your internet speeds as your signal is fired across the globe, and Norton has servers in 32 countries  a steep drop from the 111 in NordVPNs portfolio  but it does offer four protocols to choose from.

IKEv2, OpenVPN and WireGuard are pretty commonly found across the board of rivals, but Norton has its own Mimic protocol which is intended to be ideal for unblocking international streaming services.

Sadly, testing on a 70 Mbps connection saw a consistent speed drop-off. For context, NordVPN and ExpressVPN dropped 12 and 13 percent of speeds when using them in our tests, while Nortons offering dropped closer to 25% lower in download speeds.

Thats not ideal, but not lagging behind some rivals. It just underlines how far ahead some VPNs are, and its worth considering when youre locked in for a year, or plotting an expensive renewal.

As for Mimic, Nortons own VPN protocol, I was disappointed to find some international streaming services simply werent able to be unblocked with it. With that said, I did have more luck with more standardized protocols, and Im pleased to see Norton at least give the option to shift between them.

Privacy & Security

VPNs worth their salt should always focus on privacy as their primary concern, and in this instance, Norton does a good job.

While it remains a curious thing to prove a company has a no logs policy (where users and their session data arent logged), Norton underwent an audit from VerSprite, a security firm, just a few months ago.

The 2024 audit passed Nortons VPN, although, unlike some companies, its not necessarily easy to find the audits conclusions online (although that could be an indictment on the current state of Google search at the time of writing).

Still, the companys privacy policy has a dedicated VPN section that confirms what kind of data is included.

Should you buy Norton Ultra VPN?

Heres the rub with Nortons VPN offering. If the price was static year-on-year, I think Id be inclined to recommend it more wholeheartedly.

Its not a bad VPN, and if youre looking for an option that packs a whole host of cyber-security tools into one easy-to-use package, the $49.99/24.99 a year deal is an easy sell.

That hefty second-year price jump is always coming around the bend, though, and for that reason, Id consider signing up for a year and potentially canceling to see if theres a new customer deal after twelve months.

As impressive as the security-minded tech behind Nortons VPN is, whether its worth the trade-off of inflexible payment options and a decrease in speed will be down to you as the end user.
MANCHESTER  The first ever Southern Vermont Writers Conference is coming to Manchester in the Spring of 2025, and early bird special pricing is now available online.

The event, co-founded by the creative vision of local novelist Caren McVicker and local freelance writer Kim Place-Gateau, will be hosted by Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning (GMALL) and held at the Equinox Resort and Spa during the week of March 30 to April 4 of 2025.

Gloria Palmer, executive director of GMALL, expressed excitement regarding GMALL participation in the development of the event, and stressed that the conference would be a natural fit for the organization.

This conference takes things to a new level for GMALL  and the community," Palmer said. "When Caren [McVicker] and Kim [Place-Gateau] proposed this idea to me, I immediately recognized the growth potential, and I am hopeful this first year will be the start of something beneficial to all involved."

The impetus for the conference, however, emerged out of the backstories of all three women.

For McVicker, it was the journey that it took to bring her debut novel Henderson House to fruition.

This was a story that I first thought of in high school, and it was a story inspired by the life of my great-aunt and my grandmother, and it took me a very very long time to start writing. I started the novel and got about seven chapters in before I realized  even though I had studied writing in college and had always written for work  I had no idea how to get organized around finishing a novel, said McVicker.

Looking for guidance and support, she went online and began searching for a writers conference in Vermont.

In 2019, McVicker found the Green Mountain Writers Conference and attended  but that conference ceased to exist after its founder Yvonne Daley passed in 2022. McVicker added, sadly, the conference sort of died with her. Although the group is still in touch, no one picked up the baton to continue to host a writers conference in Southern Vermont.

Describing her attendance of the 2019 Green Mountain Writers Conference experience as just incredible, McVickers added, It gave me the friendships, the support, the confidence, the tools, and the inspiration to finish the novel. It was a whole week up there  having time to write, having time to myself, hearing other people read their work  it was just a warm and supportive environment. And, I came away from there, and had a draft of a novel less than a year later.

For Place-Gateau, the journey was also about an exploration of what it meant to be creative and feel connected  and about how a new friendship renewed her interest and skill in writing.

It was in 2019 that I found my writing cohort, explained Place-Gateau, who had also begun a writing project many many years before that had never come to fruition. At an Omega Arts Week filled with music and circus, fireworks, and bunches of workshops, Place Gateau said she was at a cafe when she met Chris Wells, who turned out to be a pivotal part of my life going forward.

The two connected and, with Place-Gateau residing in Washington DC at the time, decided that she might look at attending a workshop of his in New York City.

I started going to some of his weekend workshops, recalled Place-Gateau. I got to two of those and started seeing real progress on my work  I felt that synergy of working with a cohort and working with a gifted teacher.

Then, the pandemic hit. With lockdowns limiting contact, Wells decided to initiate an online writing group as a way for us to continue to be connected, and for us to continue to be engaged in our work.

For Place-Gateau, the camaraderie and community built with that writing cohort during the time of the pandemic forged bonds that will last a lifetime. The group became incredibly close friends. Theyve had playwrights put on shows, television pilots get made, and novels and short stories get published. The group continues to stay connected  in person and online.

Meanwhile, McVicker was knee deep in book-signing events, readings, and talks in promotion of her novel.

At one, hosted by the Manchester Community Library, McVicker recalled thinking: You know, there might be writers out there who want to go deeper  that want to talk about technique, tools, real process-oriented things. So, we decided wed do a little workshop at the [Manchester Community Library] called Novel Ideas.

For that initial workshop, McVicker remembered wondering how many people might show up  but, she neednt have worried. The offering was supported by over 20 individuals. It was a really good turnout. From that nights August 2023 collaboration, a writers group was formed that continues to meet weekly at the library on Tuesday evenings.

Coincidentally, a member of Place-Gateaus writing cohort connected Place-Gateau with her current local writing cohort  the same local writing cohort initiated by McVickers Novel Ideas.

Its a drop-in writers group, laughed McVicker. We call it, Shut Up and Write because we come in, we set an intention for the session, and then everybody writes together in  you know, silence  with headphones. We are people just working on a variety of different projects  and we are building this writers community, which is great.

And, it was at one of these workshops that McVicker and Place-Gateaus paths collided  and the idea to form their own Southern Vermont-based writers conference was born.

One night, we were walking up the steps to the library and Kim [Place-Gateau] said to me, Theres such a vibrant cultural life here  how come theres no writers conference in Southern Vermont? And, I said, McVicker laughed, Lets have coffee.

It was one of those partnerships where Kim [Place-Gateau] had the drive and the energy  and I had lived here long enough and been involved in enough nonprofits and volunteer work where i had the relationship that I might have the connections, and I said, I think we could do this. Im 100% in for creating a Southern Vermont Writers Conference, continued McVicker, adding that she knew all along what the next step would be.

Enter Palmer who, as the executive director for the Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning, understood that access to lifelong educational resources and opportunities were essential to an individual's and a communitys wellbeing.

And, I was thrilled, said Palmer. They presented their whole concept of this  and, it just was very exciting to me. It made sense for Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning to be the organizational support behind this project. This just takes us to a new level. Im thrilled. Im absolutely thrilled to be a part of this project.

For the Spring 2025 Southern Vermont Writers Conference, the group has already booked 3 main intensive workshop leaders  Chris Wells, teaching Creating Juicy Stories and Characters; Sari Botton, teaching Writing Compelling Personal Essays; and Justen Ahren, teaching Cultivating a Devotion to Writing.

These are appropriate for all genres, and thats for any fiction writer or even a memoirist to be thinking about, added McVicker. Then, during the week, we have some other events.

The "other events" include a bookseller afternoon with recommendations at the Northshire Bookstore and a featured author talk at the Manchester Community Library with journalist, essayist, and critic Megan Mayhew Bergman titled: In Service of the Story: Researching and Writing the International Sweethearts of Rhythm.

For full attendees of the conference, the program also includes a reception and a beautiful dinner and kickoff event on a Sunday night, five mornings of these workshops, afternoon lunch, quiet time for writing, and then afternoon craft talks and evening salons where people will be able to read their work  and then the special events, detailed McVicker. Its a real full week.

The afternoon craft talks, Place-Gateau said, are already planned. Basically, its an opportunity for these three instructors  plus one guest instructor  to do a deep-dive on a particular aspect of craft.

Examples that Place-Gateau gave involved a master class on writing that first page, a poetry workshop, and how to write about real people in your novels  a book is born and a family trembles  always a tricky subject, as much of the creative process is inspired by lived experiences and real subjects. The group is hoping that they will be able to open up afternoon lunch and craft talks to the public, as well.

Right now, were very focused just on a successful first year, said McVicker, adding that the groups main concern was simply about outreach. Were working very hard to get the word out that this is an intimate conference. Thats one of our goals. We want writers to come, build that cohort of writer friends, build that personal relationship with their instructor.

To foster that intimate community culture, workshop leaders advised Palmer, McVicker, and Place-Gateau to cap each workshop at a maximum of 15 attendees. Therefore, the entire conference attendance for the inaugural event will cap out at 45 people.

Attendees from Vermont, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Connecticut, and New York have just begun to sign up, and McVicker sees it as a lively group.

At the end of March, early April, well be kind of snuggling up in the Equinox together, she said, with Place Gateau adding that there was an early bird special for conference pricing, but only until November 30. And, we would be happy to fill the conference with that early bird pricing.

You just never know whos looking for it, said McVicker, adding that spreading the word was important. For me, and my passion for doing this, its that I know what attending a writers conference did for me  and if we could create something where we could do that for someone else  thats what its all about.

To view the bios of the workshop leaders, or learn more about the conference offerings, visit the Southern Vermont Writers Conference information page at Green Mountain Academy for Lifelong Learning  greenmtnacademy.org/pages/southern-vermont-writers-conference.
The Topsfield Fair returns Friday, Oct. 4 offering dozens of food options, from fried vegetables and funnel cake to gyros and whoopie pies.

The Topsfield Fair runs until Oct. 14. Its at 207 Boston St. in Topsfield on the North Shore. The hours vary, so check the fairs website for a daily schedule.

Below you can find a list of the more than 70 spots to get food at the fair.

Burgers, sandwiches and dogs

Annies (736 Grange Road): Crispy chicken sandwiches, chicken nuggets, french fries, blooming onion.

Bees & Thank You (444 Cattle Road): Honey grilled cheese sandwiches with options like bacon, ham and tomato or peanut butter, banana and Nutella.

Blue Ribbon (482 Oval): Turkey Gobbler Sandwich, soup, chowder, pumpkin pie, pecan pie and drinks.

Bobs Burger Joint (311 Coolidge Square): Sausages, hamburgers and hot dogs.

Bruisers BBQ (254 Center Road): Pulled pork sandwiches, beef brisket, pulled pork nachos, baked beans, coleslaw, mac and cheese.

Buchinos Footlong (302 Oval): Foot-Long hot dogs, sausage with peppers and onions, steak and cheese, corn dogs, chicken and french fries basket.

Gene Dean (492 Oval): Roast beef sandwiches, chicken sandwiches, chicken fingers, steak fries, onion rings, corn dogs and drinks.

Grandstand Roast Beef (210 Oval): Roast beef, chicken, sausage, shaved steak, hot dogs, corndogs.

Grandstand Sausage (212 Oval): Sausage, cheesesteak, hot dogs and drinks.

Marleys (466 Picnic Pathway): Smash Burger, deep-fried Monte Cristo, fried pickles, french fries, truffle fries, mozzarella sticks.

M-G-R Amusements (495 Oval): Sausage with peppers and onions, Philly cheesesteak, cheese burgers, corn dogs, hot dogs, shoe string fries and drinks.

Riverfront Restaurant (400 Oval): Hot dogs, sausages, burgers, turkey/meatloaf dinners, chicken dinners, fries, chicken fingers, mozzarella sticks.

Steak Out (301 Oval): Steak tips, sausages, hot dogs, corn dogs, hamburgers, meatball subs and drinks.

Pizzas and slices

Bertuccis (226 Center Road): Brick oven Pizza, chicken wings and drinks.

Pie Sons (146 River Road): Cheese pizza, pepperoni pizza, margarita pizza, buffalo chicken bacon pizza, rustic pizza, eggplant ricotta cheese pizza, chicken broccoli alfredo pizza and gluten free pizza.

Valenti Pizza (484 Oval): Pizza and drinks.

Potatoes and pasta

Grandstand Mac and Cheese (248 Oval): Mac and cheese with pulled pork, among other options.

Spuds (316 Coolidge Square): Buffalo mac and cheese, sweet potato fries, french fries, steak sub, blooming onion, chili, chowder, burgers and dogs.

Billies Baked Potatoes & Lemonade (263 Oval): Baked potatoes and drinks.

International flavors

BNai BRith (798 Oval): Jewish food and drinks.

JMB Concessions (223 Oval): Gyros, french fries, Greek salads and drinks.

Pablos Tacos and Burritos (214 Oval): Tacos, burritos, quesadillas, nachos, taco salad and churros.

Texas Grill (258 Center Road): Chicken and beef fajitas, chili bread bowl, nachos, blooming onion, loaded fries, salads and drinks.

Snacks and handhelds

Animated Concessions (106 Country Way): Turkey legs, ribbon chips and french fries.

Boston Nut Roasters (419 Bee Road): Roasted nuts.

Boston Poppers (145 Grange Road): Kettle corn and water.

Crispellis (787 Oval): Rice balls (arancini) and drinks.

Deanos (215 Oval): French fries, onion rings, chicken tenders, mozzarella sticks, corn dogs, cheese fries, cheese and bacon fries and drinks.

Gene Dean Tempura (612 Oval): Fried veggies with sauce and drinks.

The Hidden Pig (421 Bee Road): Bone-in and boneless chicken Wings

Elliott Bros. & Sons (477 Oval): Onion rings, cheese sticks, shoestring french fries, chicken tenders, fried clams, corn dogs and drinks.

Hearts Catering Concessions (234 Oval): Egg rolls

Heidi Jos Jerky (583 Fair Trade Center): Beef jerky.

Hot Delicious Corn Dogs (418 4-H Road): Corn dogs, pretzels, popcorn and drinks.

Kettle Corn (310 Coolidge Square): Kettle corn, root beer and other drinks.

ONN Specialties Beef Jerky (738 Grange): Jerky available in various options like teriyaki, mild, spicy, extra spicy, jalapeno, pepper, lemon pepper, mild lemon, sriracha and mango habanero.

Topsfield American Legion Post 255 (486 Oval): Corn on the cob, grilled cheese and drinks.

Sweets, treats and desserts

Annas Fried Dough (211 Oval, 480 Oval, 494 Oval): Fried dough, fried dough bites an drinks.

Barnyard Donuts (122 River Road): Apple cider and doughnuts.

Chocolate Moonshine (737 Grange): Fudge, truffle bars, turtles, chocolate covered pretzels and drinks.

Funnel Cake & Fried Oreos (474 Bee Road & Picnic Pathway): Chocolate-dipped bananas and cheesecake, fried PBJ, fried cheesecake, fried Twinkie, fried Oreo, fried coffeecake, funnel cake (with or without ice cream) and slush.

Jerrys Pastries (716 Grange Road, 233 Center Rd & Oval): Eclairs, cannolis, cookies, whoopie pies, lemonade, coffee, cappuccino, frozen drinks, hot chocolate, coffee, cappuccino (hot or iced), soda, lemonade, frozen drinks.

Fried Sweets (303 Coolidge Square): Fried ice cream, fried Reeses, fried Oreos, fried chocolate bars and drinks.

Goodness Shakes (610 Arena Road): Ice cream, hot or iced coffee, frozen coffee, frappes, floats, slush, hot chocolate.

Gene Dean Candy Apple (613 Oval): Candy apples, cotton candy, caramel apples, popcorn, slush and drinks.

Gene Dean Fried Dough (150 River Road, 611 Oval): Fried dough and drinks.

Marys Kitchen (485 Oval): Apple crisp, strawberry shortcake with whipped cream, blueberry crisp and drinks.

Supinos Restaurant (621 Arena Road): Cake, brownies, cookies, Rice Krispie treats and glazed doughnuts.

The Cookie Monstah (479 Oval): Cookie ice cream sandwiches.

Topsfield Fair Apple Pie (607 Cattle Road): Apple pie, apple crisp, blueberry pie, blueberry crisp.

Whoopie Wagon (201 Oval): Specialty whoopie pies.

Ye Olde Pepper Companie (786 4-H Road, 216 Oval): Fudge, taffy, lollipops, caramel corn and peanut brittle.

Beverages

Cafe Valverde (412 4-H Road): Hot and iced coffee, espresso, lattes, nitro cold brew, baked goods, bananas and bags of organic coffee.

Rudys Bubble Tea and More (237 Oval): Bubble tea, iced tea.

Supinos Restaurant (621 Arena Road): Hot or iced coffee, hot chocolate, apple cider, slush.

Valenti Ice Cold Lemonade (202 Oval): Lemonade.

Other concessions
An Everett man and a Lynn teenager were charged in connection with a shooting near Walnut Park in Roxbury on Sept. 4, Suffolk District Attorney Kevin Hayden announced.

Romanni Nettles, 23, was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying ammunition without a license, carrying a loaded firearm and discharging a firearm within 500 feet of a dwelling, Haydens office said in a statement.

Princess Garcia, 18, was charged with carrying a firearm without a license, carrying ammunition without a license, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a loaded firearm, carrying a firearm with a defaced serial number, leaving the scene after causing property damage, reckless operation of a vehicle, failing to stop for police and accessory after the fact.

In Roxbury BMC, Judge Steven Kim ordered Nettles held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

Judge Lisa Grant set Garcias bail at $750 and ordered her to follow a 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. curfew, and to stay out of Roxbury. She is expected to go back to court on Oct. 25 for a probable cause hearing.

Im grateful that no one was injured or worse in this incident, either by bullets or this drivers reckless operation on a busy city street, Hayden said in the statement. This is yet another example of detectives diligently tracking down video evidence to build the strongest case possible. Anyone thinking they can send bullets flying on Boston streets without consequences should think again.

At around 10 p.m. on Sept. 4, Boston police were notified of a shooting at 41 Walnut Park, Haydens office said. One casing was found near 37 Walnut Park, one found near 51 Walnut Park and six near 60 Walnut Park.

Then officers saw a gray Nissan Altima driving past the speed limit and tried to pull the car over, the statement read. While the car stopped briefly, it drove off again. The Nissan had a New York license plate, police saw, and officers were able to get a partial plate number.

Police stopped the car again on Columbia Road and arrested three people. Garcia was in the driver and carried a .380-caliber gun in her waistband, the statement continued. The gun did not have a serial number and carried six live rounds in the magazine.

Nettles was in the backseat with a third person in the front passenger seat, Haydens office said. All three were taken to the police station, where gunshot residue was found on Nettles pants.

Surveillance footage showed a person in a gray car with their arm outside it, appearing to be firing a gun, Haydens office said. The person was hanging out of the back drivers side rear window, with something in their hands. This person was in the area where the shell casings were found.

More footage showed the car run the red light on Walnut Avenue at Townsend Street, before police followed the car, the statement read.

The third person was not charged.
 Flash

U.S. military assistance to the Taiwan region, regardless of the amount, will not sway in the slightest China's resolve to oppose "Taiwan independence" and safeguard national sovereignty and territorial integrity, a Chinese spokesman said on Monday.

A statement published on the White House website has announced the U.S. decision to provide military assistance to the Taiwan region worth around 567 million dollars.

In response to a related question at a press briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Lin Jian said that by providing arms to the Taiwan region, the United States once again seriously violated the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, particularly the August 17 Communique.

The move, in fact, is aimed at emboldening Lai Ching-te, leader of the Taiwan region, and the Democratic Progressive Party authorities in their obstinate pursuit of "Taiwan independence" and challenge the one-China principle, Lin said.

This has proved once again that the secessionist activities by the "Taiwan independence" forces supported by the U.S.-led external forces pose the biggest threat to the peace and stability across the Taiwan Strait and cause the biggest damage to the status quo of the Strait, said Lin.

"Taiwan independence" is a dead end, and the U.S. insistence on using military force to support the "Taiwan independence" will only backfire, he said.

"We urged the U.S. to earnestly abide by the one-China principle and the three China-U.S. joint communiques, and cease arming the Taiwan region with weapons in any form," Lin said.

In the August 17 Communique released in 1982, the United States "reiterates that it has no intention of infringing on Chinese sovereignty and territorial integrity, or interfering in China's internal affairs, or pursuing a policy of 'two Chinas' or 'one China, one Taiwan'."

In the communique, Washington also states that it "intends gradually to reduce its sale of arms to Taiwan."
Four young men are suspected of assaulting a man in Boston in September, leaving him with serious injuries, Boston police said.

Police are asking for the publics help to identify the four suspects.
Editors note: This story was co-published with Puente News Collaborative in partnership with palabra, by the National Association of Hispanic Journalists. Puente News Collaborative is a bilingual nonprofit newsroom, convener and funder dedicated to high quality, fact-based news and information from the U.S.-Mexico border.

By Eduardo Garcia, Sandra Dibble, Alfredo Corchado | Edited by Dudley Althaus and Wendy Selene Perez.

EL PASO, Texas  Because of gang violence, Victor Gonzalez fears for his safety every time he drives to meet potential clients outside his central Mexico city of Aguascalientes.

If I go to Guadalajara, Im scared to death, he said in an interview. Its very complicated to leave Aguascalientes. There are flights between Aguascalientes and Zacatecas, a laughable 20-minute flight, just to avoid the roads. Its extremely dangerous.

Despite his love for Mexico, where he built a $4.4 million annual revenue automation and precision machine-making company called Solinda, Gonzalez is relocating with his family to El Paso, Texas.

If things go well, Gonzalez might later move some of his manufacturing north of the border. He was one of more than 60 Mexican investors from central Mexico who gathered in El Paso last June to explore such relocation.

At least four Mexican businessestwo from Aguascalientes and two from Chihuahuaalready have formally begun opening operations in El Paso, according to Sugey Hernandez, a consultant with the Economic & International Development Office of El Paso. Others, she added, are looking at locations throughout Texas and beyond.

Proponents in Texas and elsewhere hope to capitalize on those business worries, compounded by newly-passed constitutional judicial reforms.

Recently, the Texas Public Policy Foundation, a non-profit, non-partisan research institute, let Mexicans know that Texas offers refuge.

Texas is ready to welcome investment dollars that may be looking for a new home as result of uncertainty surrounding Mexicos radical judicial reform, the foundation said in a widely disseminated ad.

Gonzalezs decision to relocate underscores the challenges incoming president Claudia Sheinbaum faces with the business community, both Mexican and foreign.

The first woman to be elected president in Mexico, Sheinbaum, 62, will be sworn in on Tuesday, Oct. 1. Her center-left Morena party, after the June 2 elections, will control the national Congress and most of the countrys 32 state governments, providing Sheinbaum enormous political capital.

Sheinbaum and other Mexican officials are counting on a wave of companies relocating to Mexico from China and elsewhere to boost the economy and help millions improve their living conditions.

Our goal is to lift millions of Mexicans out of poverty, so that they have access to basic rights, such as health, education and a dignified life, said Sheinbaum earlier this year during the campaign trail, setting a lofty goal of taking 7.5 million Mexicans out of extreme poverty.

Mexicos proximity to the U.S. market, its raft of free-trade agreements and its low wage labor have made it a magnet for companies seeking to avoid geopolitical tensions between China and the U.S. The countrys attractions only grew with the Asia supply chain disruptions exposed by the COVID-19 pandemic.

To successfully entice factories from Asia, a process called near-shoring, Sheinbaum must tackle insecurity. Skittish manufacturing executives already eye U.S. cities such as Dallas and Austin as alternatives.

If we talk about Tijuana, the issue of public security is critical, said Carlos Jaramillo, an industrial park developer and business leader in the Mexican border city, across from San Diego. Were seeing organized crime gain ground.

Mexico became the U.S.s largest trading partner in 2022, surpassing both China and Canada. Deepening U.S.-Mexico trade ties have been driven by the North American free trade pact, re-negotiated under the Trump administration. That agreement is up for trilateral review in 2026.

The United States and Canada together take nearly 90% of Mexicos exports. Shipments from Mexico comprise more than 15% of the U.S. imports, while goods bought from the United States total nearly half of Mexicos annual imports.

Once dependent on oil revenues, Mexicos manufacturing heavy economy is now the worlds 15th largest.

To take on organized crime Sheinbaum has turned to Omar Garcia Harfuch. He proved largely successful as Sheinbaums public security chief during her previous tenure as Mexico Citys governor. Most of the citys crime indicators, such as home-robbery, car-theft, business break-ins or bank assaults, have declined over the past six years, according to consultant security firm Lantia Intelligence.

Many security experts hope that Garcia Harfuch can adapt his strategy to a national scale. Criminal gangs are estimated to control as much as a third of Mexico, besieging communities and extorting an increasing number of companies, including large corporations.

Security is not the only issue worrying investors these days. The recent overhaul of Mexicos judicial branch, putting most judges and magistrates to popular vote, has many concerned.

Critics believe the judicial reforms  adopted this (THIS MONTH FOR NEWSPAPERs, IN September FOR PALABRA) taking effect beginning next year  could further erode Mexicos already fragile legal institutions.

FILE - Ernestina Godoy, legal advisor, from left, Alicia Barcena, secretary of environment and natural resources, Juan Ramon de la Fuente, foreign affairs secretary, incoming President Claudia Sheinbaum, Marcelo Ebrard, economy secretary and Rosaura Ruiz, appointed to a new ministry overseeing science, humanities, technology and innovation, leave a press conference where Sheinbaum presented six members of her Cabinet, in Mexico City, June 20, 2024. (AP Photo/Marco Ugarte, File)AP

Despite embedded corruption and political pressures, an independent judiciary has provided investors some refuge against government interference.

Critics see the judicial reforms as part of a strategy to solidify the hegemony of Morena, which was founded only a dozen years ago by departing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador. A similar political machine ruled Mexico for most of the past century, until the opposition won the presidency in 2000.

The critics fear that Morenas unfettered grip on power could threaten market-friendly reforms and free-trade agreements that began transforming Mexicos economy in the mid-1980s. The peso has even dropped 13.5% since the election results gave the ruling power a two-thirds majority control over Mexicos Congress.

Consolidation of power augurs the erosion of what we call democracy broadly, said Tony Garza, the U.S. Ambassador to Mexico under George W. Bush.

Mexicos ability to continue playing a starring role as a strategic partner in economic security initiatives and nearshoring could evaporate, wrote Ryan C. Berg, senior fellow at the Americas Program of the Center for Strategic and International Studies, in a recent report.

Should they violate trade agreements, the judicial changes could make Costa Rica, the Dominican Republic and Panama as viable alternatives for nearshoring, Berg and other critics contend.

In the worst-case scenario, it could prompt a reconsideration of Mexicos role in the North American bloc, Berg said.

Sheinbaum dismisses such warnings as exaggerated, insisting that both Mexican and foreign investors have nothing to fear.

Rather, she and her allies say, the judicial reform aims to eradicate corruption in Mexicos courts. Legal experts and political observers remain unconvinced.

Still, many remain hopeful that her proposals will differ  if but slightly  from those of Lopez Obrador, a charismatic nationalist who favors firm state control of the economy.

Under Lopez Obrador private energy investments have been curtailed in favor of bolstering the two state-owned energy companies  Comision Federal de Electricidad, or CFE, and Petroleos Mexicanos, called Pemex.

Sheinbaum has long championed renewable energy. And hopeful bets are being laid that shell loosen private investment in the electricity generation.

Her promotion of solar energy as Mexico Citys governor can Sheinbaum to foment an attractive strategy for generating electricity from renewable sources, said Antonio Ocaranza, head of consulting firm OCA Reputacion.

Some already read other positive signals.

They argue that Sheinbaums administration may prove more professional and technically proficient than the current one, which is often seen as whimsical.

Among other capable moderates, Sheinbaum has named Marcelo Ebrard as Economy Minister, Juan Ramon de la Fuente as Foreign Minister, Rogelio Ramirez de la O as Finance Minister, and Emilia Calleja as CFE chief.

There have been key appointments that suggest she will follow more technical guidelines, said Jaramillo, the industrial park developer in Tijuana. But for now, he said, obviously, we see that certain investment decisions are on hold.



Eduardo Garcia established Bloombergs Mexico bureau in 1992 and served as its leader until 2001, overseeing the agencys award-winning coverage in the country. In 2001, he embarked on a new venture by founding his own news organization, Sentido Comun. For nearly 18 years, he guided Sentido Comun to become one of Mexicos most esteemed financial websites. Later, he merged his company with the local financial news agency Infosel, assuming roles as editor-in-chief and subsequently Chief Content Officer. @egarciascmx

Alfredo Corchado is the executive editor for Puente News Collaborative and the former Mexico/Border Correspondent for The Dallas Morning News. Hes the author of Midnight in Mexico and Homelands. @ajcorchado

Sandra Dibble has reported on the U.S.-Mexico border since 1994, and for more than two decades was the Tijuana-based correspondent for the San Diego Union-Tribune. She is currently working as a freelancer, and writes a monthly newsletter on the San Diego-Tijuana border for the nonprofit news website Voice of San Diego. @sandradibble

Dudley Althaus has reported on Mexico, Latin America and beyond for more than three decades as a staff newspaper correspondent. Beginning his career at a small newspaper on the Texas-Mexico border, Althaus had an award-winning 22-year stint as Mexico City bureau chief of the Houston Chronicle. After a four-year run as a Mexico correspondent for The Wall Street Journal, Althaus covered immigration and border issues as a freelancer based in San Antonio for Hearst Newspapers. He has covered every Mexican presidential election since 1988, when Mexicos troubled transition to democracy began. @dqalthaus
With the race for the White House headed into its final weeks, Vice President Kamala Harriss support among Latino voters has slipped to its lowest level in the past, four presidential cycles.

Still, Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee, continues to hold a 14-point lead (54%-40%) over former President Donald Trump, the Republican, in the national NBC News/Telemundo/CNBC poll released Sunday.

Harriss advantage was an improvement over President Joe Bidens standing among Latino voters when he led the Democratic ticket, the poll found.

But its still lower than past Democratic leads of 39 points in 2012, 50 points in 2016, and 36 points in 2020, NBC News reported, citing its merged polling data from those presidential cycles

By the time the votes were counted on Election Day, Democratic presidential candidates ended up winning Latino voters by 44 points in 2012, 38 points in 2016, and 33 points in 2020, NBC News reported, citing its exit polling in those cycles.

And with control of the U.S. House on the line, Democrats hold a 54%-42% advantage over Republicans, which is still a narrower gap than past campaigns, pollsters said.

Latino voters are incredibly diverse. It cant be overstressed, Democratic pollster Aileen Cardona-Arroyo of Hart Research Associates, who conducted the poll with Republican pollster Micah Roberts, told NBC News. We are looking at Latino voters rather than a consolidated Latino community.

The survey of 1,000 Latino voters nationwide had a margin of error of 3.1%.
File this one under Only in Massachusetts.

Running out of time and behind in the polls, Republican John Deaton was on the State House steps on Tuesday, where he appeared to be trying to get to the left of Democratic U.S. Sen. Elizabeth Warren on abortion rights.

There was even less room there for the GOP hopeful looking to unseat Warren than for the throng of reporters and onlookers who gathered on the sidewalk on Beacon Street.

Thus did Deaton declare: So let me make it clear: I am the pro-choice candidate in this election.

Then the Swansea attorney and ex-Marine went one better: I will work to codify Roe v. Wade into federal law, he continued, slamming Warren and her fellow Democrats for what he said was a missed opportunity to do that before the U.S. Supreme Court toppled the 50-year-old precedent in 2022.

I may not be the only candidate who is pro-choice, but if youre looking for a United States senator who can broaden the abortion rights coalition and try to convince not just elected leaders but voters, to support pro-choice initiatives, then Im asking for your vote, he concluded.

If youre wondering why this happened. Heres a bit of context.

The occasion for Deatons seemingly counterintuitive remarks, just five weeks before Election Day, was the ongoing sparring between the incumbent and her challenger over an issue that Warren and her fellow Democrats are wielding like a cudgel this campaign season.

Thats particularly the case in the handful of battleground states that will decide the race for the White House.

Tuesdays news conference came the day after a Georgia judge, in a sternly worded decision, overturned the Peach States draconian 6-week abortion ban.

The issue remains a liability for Republicans. Polling shows that two-thirds of Americans (63%) believe the procedure should be legal in all or most cases.

Deaton has said he supports existing Massachusetts state law on abortion, which generally restricts access to the procedure at 24 weeks, according to the Center for Reproductive Rights.

State law also generally requires consent from a parent, guardian, or judge if the person seeking an abortion is younger than 16 years old.

In addition, the states Supreme Judicial Court has recognized the right to abortion under the Bay States constitution.

And in 2021, lawmakers passed, and former Republican Gov. Charlie Baker later signed, comprehensive abortion rights legislation, according to the advocacy group.

Asked previously about situations where his position on abortion access might change, Deaton told MassLive that he does not favor late-term abortions, unless there are fetal anomalies or the health of the mother is at stake.

Warren, who has said she supports making Roe v. Wade the law of the land, has tried to cast Deaton as a reliably Republican vote, even as shes sounded the alarm about a GOP-backed nationwide abortion ban.

The only question is how big and how bad  but it will be there, Warren told MassLive earlier this year."

In an email, a spokesperson for Warrens reelection campaign told MassLive that who runs the Senate will determine which bills and judicial nominees get votes and which dont, and Republican control is a risk that Massachusetts cannot afford to take.

Voters in nearly a dozen states are expected to vote in abortion ballot measures this year, and Republicans in those states appear poised to vote in favor of protecting access, The Washington Post reported, citing recent polling.

With that shift in opinion, GOP candidates have scrambled to get ahead of the issue.

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance has said the GOPs nominee, former President Donald Trump, would veto a federal abortion ban if Congress were to pass one, NBC News reported in August.

Trump, who has bragged about installing the conservative U.S. Supreme Court majority that sent Roe back to the states two years ago, has attracted scrutiny from the left and the right for his shifting stance on reproductive rights.

Hes angered conservatives, while progressives remain wary that Trump, who said in 1999 that he supported abortion rights, wont once again pivot if he regains the White House.

On Tuesday, Deaton tried to cast himself as a bulwark against a nationwide ban, saying he would single-handedly prevent one from reaching the Senate floor, adding he was prepared to switch parties if he were forced to do so.

Whether the message will land is another matter entirely.

A WBUR/CommonWealth Beacon poll released last month showed Warren with a 56%-35% advantage over Deaton, with just 7% undecided.

And at least one veteran observer also is skeptical that voters will buy Deatons messaging on abortion.

Its completely beyond reality and comprehension that Deaton could think he can claim the pro-choice candidate mantle over Warren, veteran political consultant Tony Cignoli said.

Warren won her seat largely because she definitively established herself as a champion of choice and womens issues against then-Sen. Scott Brown, Cignoli continued. Her established credentials as a champion of choice are nationally recognized.

The Democratic incumbent and her Republican challenger are scheduled to meet in a pair of debates, one in Boston and another in Springfield, later this month.

Deaton has pressed for more debates, grumbling Tuesday that Warrens refusal has denied voters across the state the chance to hear more fully from them on a host of key issues, including reproductive rights and economic inequality.

Warrens campaign said the Cambridge Democrat looks forward to debating her Republican opponent ... two weeks from today.
A quarter-century ago, Jack Koutoujian left Beirut for a new life in the United States.

The road brought him to Boston, where the father of three worked as an electrical engineer.

Now 81, retired, and divorced, hes spent the last year living in a room in a residence thats maintained by Pine Street Inn, the regions largest service organization for the unhoused.

Slight and soft-spoken, with a lilting accent, hes a registered Democrat. And hes looking forward to voting in November. He wants his teeth fixed. And hes searching for candidates committed to bringing down the cost of health care.

I want them to get it done for seniors, he said. I worked all my life. How can I afford it?

Koutoujian is part of a key cohort that voting rights advocates are hoping to harness and turn out at the ballot box in November.

Theyre unhoused and recently rehoused Americans who have every right to vote; but thanks to misinformation, or a lack of knowledge, often wrongly believe that they cannot.

When youre homeless, you have so many things on your mind, and were trying to get them to think about the future, Lyndia Downie, Pine Street Inns president and executive director, told MassLive on Monday.

Downies organization staged a voter registration drive in Bostons Back Bay on Monday. MassVOTE, a Roxbury-based voting rights nonprofit, and the state branch of the League of Women Voters co-sponsored the event.

Residents helped themselves to lunch and filled out registration paperwork. The deadline to register is Oct. 26.

Officials from the Boston Public Library also were on hand to connect them with library cards.

No one who is in shelter will be there very long, Downie continued. Were trying to get people to have a voice in the policies that matter to them.

In Massachusetts, unhoused people can register to vote by using the address of the shelter where theyre staying, Downie said.

Theres also no prohibition against registration and voting in the Bay State for formerly incarcerated people  though many incorrectly believe theyve lost that right despite serving their time.

Its a problem. Nationwide, voter turnout among unhoused people is low. Despite being eligible, only about 1 in 10 homeless people vote, according to data compiled by the National Health Care for the Homeless Council, a Nashville-based advocacy group.

That means education is key.

And thats true not just when it comes to registration but also in letting people know all the different ways they can vote  from early in-person voting and mail-in balloting to showing up at the polls, on Nov. 5.

Other states might be trying to ensure that theyre suppressing voters, [but] not here in Massachusetts, we want everybody to have a chance to cast their ballot, Lt. Gov. Kim Driscoll, a former Salem mayor who keynoted Mondays event, said.

Izar Fair had immigration reform on her mind as she filled out a registration card. She said shed already registered through the states Registry of Motor Vehicles. But she decided to fill out a new card just to be on the safe side.

She was registering Republican and plans to vote for former President Donald Trump.

His policies are just really strong, and I think he can get the country back where we need to be, she said.

The way state Rep. John Moran sees it, expanding the ranks of whos registered to vote and whos participating in elections means policies and legislation that look more like the people theyre meant to serve.

Moran, a first-term Boston Democrat whose 9th Suffolk District includes the citys South End, Dorchester and Roxbury neighborhoods, pointed to his own experiences on the campaign trail to make his case.

While I made every effort in the campaign to speak to every single solitary group I could, I learned from these seasoned campaign experts that, sadly, the way to win is to focus on these frequent voters who vote all the time, he said. It really deeply saddened me.

While everyone in my district is a constituent, the people who live on very low incomes dont turn out to vote in big numbers, he continued. And we all know that the folks who are experiencing homelessness, there are a lot of challenges, theres lots of barriers to try to vote.

That means we need to get everyone regularly voting so that politicians go to more doors and ... at all income levels. And then every single election, we hear from voters, all voters across the spectrum, what they are most concerned about, he said.

A few feet away from Izar Fair, Julia Hernandez, 43, filled out her registration card. She hadnt made up her mind about which party, if any, she was going to join.

But she knew one thing. And if Downie, Moran or Driscoll were around to hear her, they might have nodded at a mission accomplished.

I just want to make a difference, Hernandez said.
BOSTON  A year ago at this time, Red Sox team chairman Tom Werner vowed that the team would take a full throttle approach to the offseason.

The fan base took that as a sign that the Red Sox, coming off two straight last-place finishes, would make the necessary financial commitments to improve the roster.
Come this winter, Western Massachusetts residents will find their regions best-known weather personality on a new platform.

Dave Hayes  the Weather Nut to all who read his forecasts  plans to launch a mobile app around early December.
SPRINGFIELD  A forum on the future of the health care workforce will be held Wednesday in the city.

The Pioneer Valley Healthcare Career Pathways Forum to Support Healthcare Workforce Development of Future Workers will be hosted by the Healthcare Workforce Partnership of Western Massachusetts at Western New England University.
At the 6G Conference held in Istanbul, on September 24, 2024, Dr. Wen Tong, Huawei Wireless CTO, delivered a keynote speech on 6G standardization and innovation. With the release of the ITU-R 6G vision framework, the 3GPP will start 6G standardization in 2025.

 6G is a new generation of mobile technology, not a simple upgrade of 5G, it should bring new value to users,  said Dr. Tong,  6G is a true intergenerational technological disruption. 6G standard, key technologies, and network architecture should be re-defined based on application scenarios and requirements from 2030 to 2040. 6G should not be another way to implement 5G. Instead, 6G should embrace the AI revolution with a quantum leap and generate new values for the consumers. In this way, 3GPP standards can truly realize the 6G vision and create greater value for the entire industry. 

Centered  6G Standardization Direction  and  6G Innovation Driving Force , Dr. Tong shared important views on the future architecture, terminal development, and key technologies of 6G.

In terms of architecture design, 6G should go beyond Service-Based Architecture and move towards Application-Driven Network.

5G has already achieved market success and continues to evolve towards 5G-Advanced. 6G will not simply reuse 5G network architecture, without generational and fundamental innovations, which will limit the mobile industrys aspiration and imagination to dive the innovation in the 6G era. 6G must have obvious cross-generational characteristics and technical breakpoint.

On the core side, reusing the 5G core network will hinder the innovation in AI. We should use Agentic-AI based technology to re-architect 6G Core that goes beyond 5G Service-Based Architecture and support the foundational capabilities of AI, Sensing and NTN , and thus evolve towards the Application Driven Network .

In terms of terminal evolution, 6G user device calls for a breakthrough to lead the success of the entire industry chain.

It is the law of the mobile industry to drive the evolution of the market with the pioneering technology. The 6G networks and 6G terminals must meet the requirements of consumers and vertical industries in the 6G market phase from 2030 to 2040.

Currently, smartphones are evolving to AI terminals to usher in the mobile AI era. In post-MBB era, breakthroughs in terminal technologies will be the key to the evolution of the mobile industry. Therefore, 6G user device calls for a breakthrough towards  Full-AI , thus to drive 6G network upgrade and the success of the entire industry ecosystem.

In terms of technology development, AI will become a key enabler for 6G with network paradigm shifting.

Twenty years ago, the Internet was the enabler of the technology innovations. Mobile communications embraced the Internet and achieved great business success. Today, AI maybe the disruptive enabler of the latest technology innovations.

6G should embrace the AI revolution with a quantum leap. However, 6G networks should not be limited to generative AI, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) and Embodiment-AI are the main directions of future AI development. Therefore, AGI should run through the whole process of sensing, reasoning, decision, and action of terminals, wireless networks, and core networks of 6G, to welcome the arrival of a new network paradigm.

At the end, Dr. Tong Wen emphasized the relationship between 5G and 6G:
Africa Collective and the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat are happy to announce African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank or the Bank) as their Host Partner at Davos 2025, on the margins of the World Economic Forum.

The strategic partnership between Afreximbank, Africa Collective and the AfCFTA Secretariat was borne out of a mutual vision to showcase public and private sector trade and investment opportunities present in Africa on a global platform. It also underpins the importance of mutually beneficial global collaborations towards realising Africas development.

Africa Collective is a platform for pan-African and international stakeholders that was established to facilitate exchange of information and ideas on the opportunities in Africa as well as encourage collaboration among its stakeholders.

The 2025 Davos edition of Africa Collectives gathering will take place at the Hard Rock Hotel Davos and will be made up of a series of events, including thematic roundtables and networking receptions. Various African institutions are expected to be in attendance.

While commenting on the partnership announcement, Prof. Benedict Oramah, President and Chairman of the Board of Directors at Afreximbank said:

 The Bank is pleased to join Africa Collective and the AfCFTA Secretariat as a Host Partner at Davos 2025. We trust the partnership will increase the visibility of the continent and facilitate high-quality engagements with development partners on the sidelines of the event. The World Economic Forum is a critical platform for discussing key global and regional challenges and now, more than ever, it is important for Africa to be at the table, when those discussions are ongoing. We welcome collaborations such as this one, as it will help us drive our collective continental Agenda as well as better shape the African narrative.

 As Africa Collectives Patronage Partner, we are excited to have Afreximbank join as a Host Partner. Given the Banks impressive history and wide African and diaspora footprint, we are confident of this partnerships impact in bringing African topics into sharper focus at Davos and beyond,  highlighted H.E. Wamkele Mene, Secretary General, AfCFTA Secretariat.

After a successful series of five events organised in Davos in 2024, Africa Collective, Afreximbank and the AfCFTA Secretariat look forward to amplifying their pan-African-led activities at Davos 2025.
The Irish Pharmacy Union has launched a new White Paper, outlining a policy framework to transform pharmacy care in Mayo.

Plans include turning pharmacies into key healthcare hubs and improving access to community care. The IPU set out that with the right strategy and resources, pharmacies can play a greater role in improving access to community healthcare.

Both Minister of State Dara Calleary and Michael Ring TD attended the event held to mark World Pharmacist Day in Dublin this week.

IPU President Tom Murray with Michael Ring TD and Clare Fitzell of IPU (Photo: Chris Bellew)

Speaking at the launch, Tom Murray, President of the IPU, commented: With 78 million visits per year, pharmacies are the most accessed part of our healthcare system. However, the absence of a national pharmaceutical care policy limits their potential.

To enable the rollout of this vision, Mr Murray explained: Pharmacy care will require the appropriate level of resourcing. Many pharmacies, particularly those in rural areas, are facing financial difficulties due to outdated payment structures and rising costs.

He continued: The average pharmacy receives almost two-thirds of its income from the State for providing care through the community drug schemes. The fees provided for this care have been frozen since 2009, and pharmacies, like every other business and individual, have experienced soaring operational costs.

Mr Murray concluded: It is possible to revolutionise our pharmacy care services within a few short years, but it will require vision and, above all, the proper resourcing of our pharmacies to make this a reality.
Irish Rail has warned that there is "ongoing disruption" to commuters travelling to and from Hueston Station after train services were suspended between Newbridge and Kildare town.

A social media update from the official Irish Rail account said that "'significant disruption to travel from Heuston is expected" this Monday evening, September 30, following an incident on the line.

Rail lines between Kildare and Newbridge are closed with "significant disruption on all Heuston Commuter and Heuston Intercity routes", however they are expected to reopen this evening.

Update:

The line between Sallins and Kildare will reopen shortly.

Ongoing significant disruption to travel is expected this evening.

Services to begin departing Heuston soon.

Update to follow.

-CL https://t.co/GQ1EImFLOf  Iarnrod Eireann (@IrishRail) September 30, 2024

The 16.25 service from Cork city to Heuston was cancelled, and all trains from Heuston have been held at the station, the national rail provider said in a previous update.

It's understood that Irish Rail staff are trying to organise bus transfers where possible.

Read Also: Move to Phoenix Park ruled out after 'thuggery' and threats to family home, Taoiseach tells Tubridy

The delays are "due to a tragic incident" in Newbridge earlier this Monday afternoon.

Emergency services are attending the scene, Irish Rail said.
by Wayne Friedman , September 30, 2024

Now combining the two major U.S. pay TV satellite providers, DirecTV says its merger with Dish Media will incentivize programmers to allow it to sell smaller TV network packages at lower prices.

The deal will give DirecTV/Dish greater scale -- amassing an industry-leading 20 million among traditional/legacy pay TV operators (cable, satellite, telco, and virtual).

DirecTV recently struck a deal with Walt Disney that it says will allow it to offer smaller TV network packages to consumers at lower prices.

Monday's announcement says DirecTV will buy Dish/Sling from its parent Echostar for $1.00 plus the assumption of $9.75 billion in Dish Media debt. At the same time, the 30% minority DirecTV owner -- the TPG Group -- will buy out AT&T majority $70 stake for $7.6 billion, according to reports.

In a release, DirecTV notes that the pressures on the pay TV business are highly competitive -- with streaming services owned by large technology and programming companies with subscription numbers that far exceed those of pay TV distributors.

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DirecTV/Dish says it has lost a collective 63% of their satellite customers over the past eight years -- with traditional pay TV subscribers of U.S. households under 50%.

The company will continue to be led by Bill Morrow, chief executive officer of DirecTV, and Ray Carpenter, its chief financial officer.

DirecTV says the deal will allow Echostar to continue to strengthen its positions in the wireless business -- through its Boost Mobile brand -- which it now says is the fourth largest U.S. carrier.
by Sarah Mahoney @mahoney_sarah, October 1, 2024

While consumers are increasingly happy to use connected devices throughout the home, Samsung wants to bring them all together.

The company is teaming up with Ashley Furniture, turning the retailers flagship store in Brentwood, Tennessee into a connected home shopping experience. Sixteen vignettes throughout the store connect more than 200 devices from Samsung and SmartThings -- compatible brands like Philips Hue, Eve and Aqara.

The goal is to show people that a smart home can mean much more than a TV or lighting, but the ultimate in personalization. Allison Stransky, CMO of Samsung Electronics America, tells Marketing Daily what the two companies hope to learn.

The interview has been edited for length and clarity.

Marketing Daily: What was the big idea behind this brand partnership?

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Allison Stransky: Ashley and Samsung have many values in common  were leaders and innovators in the home space and in perfectly complementary ways. Ashley is the No. 1 furniture retailer in North America. And were No. 1 in TVs. Whats a TV without a sofa, or a couch without a TV?

On the Samsung side, what was important to us was that it was not just about the TVs or the product itself. Our vision is to help consumers see the power of connected living powered by SmartThings.

That is the thing that's going to take your home to the next level. The connectivity and benefits that come from it will make you love your home and space in a whole new way. Thats what were hoping to show our mutual customers.

Marketing Daily: Explain what some of these vignettes include.

Stransky: One of my favorites starts with the kitchen table. Its where the family gathers and is such an essential part of the home. This includes several TVs, a sound bar, a music frame with artwork, and a kiosk with a tablet that allows you to control the smart home experience.

Weve set this one up in two modes. Theres a preparation mode: the lights are high, youre cooking dinner, and the kids are at the table doing homework. Then you switch to dinnertime mode, and the curtains close, lights dim, and music sets the tone for what you and your family want to experience during the meal.

Its customizable. Connectivity is the end goal, making each space right for you. The kitchen is about family and bonding. The bedroom is about health, having the proper lighting in the morning when you wake up, and being in the right mood at night when you're going to sleep.





Marketing Daily: Unless were building a house from scratch or moving, most people dont buy home furnishings all at once. We buy things a few at a time when something breaks or we want to freshen up a look. Does that make connecting many things at once harder to sell?

Stransky: SmartThings is an open ecosystem. It works with many of the products you already have in your house. So weve set these vignettes up to inspire you to connect things you already have. Most people are not going to buy all new, all at once. We're hoping that when people see pieces that inspire them -- like the kitchen table -- theyll upgrade.

And we think people will start building one fully connected room, then work their way to a fully connected house. Once you get a bit of an appetite for it, the whole house follows.

Marketing Daily:Many people are comfortable with connected TVs and speakers or camera doorbells. But how far have people come in connecting larger appliances? The first time I saw a connected Samsung refrigerator, I thought, 'Well, thats stupid. Now I cant wait to get one.

Stransky: People have come a long way in terms of connected homes. A lot of the narrative still is about security. People think of smart locks and camera systems. Were trying to open that narrative, bringing better health solutions, more efficiency in working from home, better home workouts, or giving you back time to do more things that matter.

For example, people often say how much they love seeing when their laundry is done on their TV: I can change that washer to the dryer and get to bed much earlier.

Everyone finds their little hook in why connectivity makes sense for them. Thats part of our marketing strategy -- showcasing that connectivity is not just security. Whatever matters most to you at home, we can address with connectivity.

We're at a tipping point, moving along in the adoption curve. Early adopters said, This is great, and I can install all these things -- like a Ring doorbell -- myself. However, as connectivity becomes more mainstream, the typical consumer is not such a gadget guy. And Ashley will help us reach that audience.

Marketing Daily:Is there a plan to move this beyond the Brentwood store if it goes well?

Stransky: For now, we're focused on this location. We want to see engagement with the vignettes and gather feedback from Ashley about what people are saying and doing. We are constantly measuring usage, adoption rates and what people do with their apps.

Were also launching a Samsung SmartThings connected home experience on samsung.com, a scaled approach to what we offer in the store.
Unilever has completed its global media review, divvying up assignments across the six major holding companies.

In what was seen by many as a must win for WPP, given a number of recent losses, the UK holding company did retain its assignments in the US, UK and China, three of Unilevers largest markets. In the U.S. the company won an integrated shopper marketing brief previously held by Publicis.

Publicis Media won five markets in Southeast Asia including Singapore, Thailand, Philippines and Vietnam, which were previously handled by WPP.

Unilever is one of the largest advertisers in the world. The companys total brand and marketing investment last year was around $9.5 billion, according to its 2023 annual report. About $5.2 billion of that was earmarked for measured media according to agency research firm COMvergence.

The review began in January and followed the appointment of the companys new marketing chief, Esi Eggleston Bracey in October of 2023.

Bracey issued a statement:Thank you to everyone who took part in this process as we prepare for the next generation of marketing. Its fantastic to accelerate this journey with both new and long-time partners. Together, we have an exciting opportunity to further optimize our media and content to better reflect people and culture as we continue to build our brands and drive to commerce.

The company confirmed the new media agency roster:

Mindshare (WPP)

Australia and New Zealand

Central Eastern Europe

China (excluding Hong Kong and Taiwan)

Indonesia

Italy

Netherlands and Belgium

Nordics

North America

South Asia including Bangladesh, India, Pakistan and Sri Lanka

Sub Saharan Africa

UK and Ireland

OMG (Omnicom Group)

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates

Germany, Austria and Switzerland

China: Hong Kong and Taiwan

Turkey

Initiative (Interpublic Group)

Canada

Greece

Latin America including Argentina, Brazil and Mexico

North Africa

Ukraine

Havas Media (Havas)

France

Spain

Publicis Media (Publicis Groupe)

Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam

Dentsu

Japan
by Steve McClellan @mp_mcclellan, October 1, 2024

Peets Coffee is out with a new batch of ads designed to underscore the companys obsession with one thing and one thing onlymaking great-tasting coffee.

This means, according to the latest ads, that the firms coffee taster doesnt particularly care that floral prints and stripes dont go well together (per the above image) and that its roast master doesnt care that his car predates modern day safety standards. Nor does the design team care that it isnt likely anytime soon to win any prizes for innovation.

advertisement advertisement The new ads were created by Petes ad agency Mischief @ No Fixed Address and are the latest installment of spots created for the recently developed brand platform positioning Peets as Coffee For Coffee People.

The new ads launched today. Sample them here and here.

Jessica Buttimer, the coffee roaster's senior vice president/brand & DTC, declared "the coffee industry has started to veer more toward style than substance and the result can be overwhelming menus and long waits. Our new ads remind coffee people that at Peets, we pour all our attention into the one thing coffee people truly want, really great coffee.
by Barbara Lippert , Columnist, October 1, 2024

It was done very stealthily, with teasers aplenty.

Still, it was only a matter of time before Beyonce blew the doors off the joint, super-starring in a Levis ad campaign.

After all, her song, Leviis Jeans, a sticky track (with an extra i in the name, along with all the songs on her Cowboy Carter album) is already a hit.

So is the ambitious, acclaimed CC album, which in the big picture redefines the American West and the role of people of color in it, and in the smaller one reintroduces Cowboy Core as an American fashion aesthetic.

And speaking of double iis, the work is part of Levis Reiimagine campaign, giving a second, or double, life to its most remarkable ads from the 80s and 90s.

Truly, Queen Beys commercial is every bit as shocking, charming and provocative as Launderette, the 1985 British original that the redo turns on its head.

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Thats saying something, because at the time, Launderette rocked both the pop cultural world and Levis then-shrinking retail business, elevating jeans sales for the year by 800%. (Not a typo.)

Even before this campaign -- created in partnership with TBWA\Chiat\Day LA and produced by de la revoluion/PRETTYBIRD -- broke, the superstar had already worked her magic for the 170-year-old brand. Last March, the single release of Leviis Jeans drove an almost 20% surge in Levis store visits compared to prior years, according to Pass By, a retail report.

If you recall, the original was set some time in the 1950s or early 1960s, with a devastatingly cool James Dean type (Nick Kamen) entering a launderette. The place is filled with bored and weary people waiting for their washing cycles to finish.

To the toe-tapping music of I Heard it Through the Grapevine, (which put the song back on the charts) the model enters the place without carrying the unglamorous weight of a laundry bag. He heads for a machine, doffing his T-shirt. And as the camera pans around his face, ripped torso, and bottom, he slips off his belt, unbuttons his 501s, and strips down to white boxers and socks.

He puts the clothes in after the soap, nuggets of which tumble into the drum of the washer like rocks.

Then, as the object of sighs from women and stares from men, he slinks off to a chair to wait. The payoff? A close-up of the label of his red tab indigo jeans. Hes doing as told: the jeans are shrink-to-fit. (A popular style at the time, before the word shrinkage came into the lexicon.)

This sort of blatant male objectification in ads had started in the early 80s with Calvin Klein underwear campaigns, some on giant billboards.

They focused frontally on the bodies of muscley male models, shot by Bruce Weber.

They mainstreamed, and made commonplace, imagery previously considered homoerotic. Suddenly, for the male or female viewer, it was OK to read into it what you wanted, as equal opportunity enjoyment.

By then, many women were sick of being sexually objectified in ads and were happy for the switch.

As a feminist, (she once put the word on stage in bright lights as she shimmied in front of it in a bustier) Bey brings a more layered, complicated, sexually seeking approach to the word.





As she says in the press release, I am honored to work with Levis to create quintessential American iconography. Denim on denim has often been seen through a male lens, so this reimagining campaign, which celebrates the iconic female perspective, is important to me. I look forward to exploring innovative ways for our visions to align in empowering women and honoring their strength.

Of course, her 30-second commercial, seductively directed by her longtime collaborator, filmmaker Melina Matsoukas,and cinematographer Marcell Revset, is set to the track of Leviis Jeans. In it, she sings:

"You call me pretty little thing

And I love to turn him on

Boy, I'll let you be my Levi's jeans

So you can hug that ass all day long.

The video opens on a beautifully framed bootie -- way superior to the bums of mere mortals -- really selling the hell out of the tight-fitting Levis 90 Womens 501 Jeans.

This is also known as Beyonce entering an old-timey American laundromat.

Shes carrying a little silver bucket while also sporting a cropped white Levis T-shirt and a denim cowboy hat. She opens a washing machine, throws in some diamonds (huh?) from the bucket, before unbuttoning her 501s, stripping down to a complete set of Levis undies, and throwing her jeans into the machine.

She takes a plastic seat and waits, reading a newspaper.

In a much cleverer ending, we get a closeup of the papers front page. It reads, Pool Shark Hustles Town. So thats it -- shes LAUNDERING diamonds from her winnings!

Bey also has a relationship with diamonds, having starred in past Tiffanys ads. All in all, campaign shows the stars involvement in every bit of the business.

This spot is just the start of the Beyonce-Levis collab, and I cant wait to see the next.

In the meantime, though, maybe Beyonce can have a word with the denim retailer. It's calling the clothing line for females Womens Jeans, while the mens are merely Levis.
by Ed DeNicola , Op-Ed Contributor, October 1, 2024

There was a time when I was knee-deep in the direct broadcast satellite (DBS) business. I was a young business development person working at the Nielsen Company back in 2002 when DBS was challenging the cable TV business.

In fact, much like streaming today, people were forecasting the death of cable. It seems that with any change, someone or something must always die.

At the time, I was introduced to a guy by the name of Chris Monteferrante. Chris was working for Sony and they had a deal with DirecTV to sell its TV ad time. Chris knew that if he had Nielsen TV ratings for DirecTV, he could sell more ads.

Together, Chris and I developed a Nielsen service specifically for DBS clients. DirecTV and Dish both signed up, and to my knowledge are still Nielsen clients.

If youve never investigated it, you might not realize the technological sophistication that goes into the DBS business. These companies put satellites into space via rockets.

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Dish used to have models of the rockets displayed in the lobby of its headquarters in Colorado. They would have launch parties to go watch them take off. Its an amazing business.

Fast-forward a couple of decades and I was working for infamous political consultancy Cambridge Analytica (CA). At CA, there was saleswoman who I worked with on a lot of sales pitches. Her sister worked for the Ergen family, the family of Dishs founder Charlie Ergen, and I was introduced to two of his kids -- one of them on a trip to Mexico to pitch Dish Mexico on a TV set-top-box project.

The woman who introduced us turned out to be the famous whistleblower  Brittany Kaiser. She was a talented salesperson.

Yesterday when I heard about the Dish/DirecTV merger, I was excited. The two companies have been trying to merge for a long time.

In the past, the deal had been nixed by the Federal Communications Commission and the Department of Justice as it was considered anti-competitive for the only two U.S. DBS companies to merge into one.

This morning, CNBC came out with a very negative story about the deal. The fact that Dish was sold for $1 and $9.75 billion in associated debt makes it look like it was a fail.

My question is: Was it really a failure or did they sell Dish for $9.75 billion and structure the deal as a debt transfer to avoid having to pay taxes on the capital gain?

Moreover, was the debt related to Dish, or was it the result of Echostars multi-billion-dollar spectrum investment expense for its wireless phone business?

In essence, Dish is trading its DBS business for another business that it believes to have more potential: Boost Mobile.

Others might argue that even if it is a $9.75 billion-dollar sale, the company was valued at $28 billion back in 2014, which is a huge reduction in value.

Well, hindsight is 20-20. Dish was hoping Sling would gain traction and enable the company to transition to streaming.

As with so many legacy TV companies, theyre all struggling with the same challenge. Look at whats going on at Paramount and all the write-downs related to the lost value of its TV businesses. It's no different.

The DirecTV and Dish combination makes a lot of sense. According to the National Cable & Telecommunications Association, only 85% of homes have high-speed, cable and internet access available.

The millions of rural homes that dont have access to cable probably never will. Its just too inefficient to wire them.

Those households will always be great prospects for DBS and provide a beachhead for the DBS business.

Moreover, the combined Dish Sling and DirecTV Now streaming services will be that much more competitive in the larger portion of homes that do have access to cable TV and high-speed internet.

Down the road there will likely be more consolidation. Wouldnt it be great if you could bundle DirecTV and satellite radio? I would be interested.

Dish Founder Charlie Ergen is an amazing entrepreneur who created a truly great company that started as a little tiny business that offered big satellite dishes to people in places that had poor TV reception. He ran it for decades and sold it for billions of dollars.

Its a phenomenal achievement, whether Ergen got $28 billion or $9.75 billion.

What a great run, not to mention that Ergens Echostar still owns the rights to all that spectrum for its Boost Mobile business, which will be in better financial shape because of the Dish sale.

If anyone sees the Dish sale to DirecTV in a negative light, I suggest they look a little deeper.

If thats what failure looks like, sign me up.
by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, October 1, 2024

TikTok on Tuesday asked a federal appellate court to reconsider its recent decision that Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act didn't protect the company from liability for allegedly serving blackout challenge videos to a 10-year-old girl.

That ruling, issued last month, undercuts a central building block of the modern internet and threatens chaos across the industry, TikTok says in papers filed with the 3rd Circuit Court of Appeals.

The company, now represented by former U.S. Solicitor General Paul Clement, is asking the 3rd Circuit to reconsider its decision to revive a lawsuit brought by Tawainna Anderson, mother of Nylah Anderson who died in December 2021 after attempting the blackout challenge. That challenge, which was then circulating on TikTok, showed people strangling themselves.

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Tawainna Anderson raised several claims in a 2022 complaint against TikTok, including that its service is dangerously defective due to its algorithm.

U.S. District Court Judge Paul Diamond in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania dismissed the suit, ruling that TikTok was protected by Section 230 -- a 1996 law that immunizes web platforms from liability for publishing content created by users.

Diamond wrote that Anderson's claims about TikTok were inextricably linked to its role as a publisher of content created by users.

Anderson then appealed to the 3rd Circuit, which revived the case in an opinion written by Circuit Judge Patty Shwartz and joined by Peter Phipps. Circuit Judge Paul Matey partially concurred in a separate opinion.

The majority held that TikTok's algorithmic curation of users' speech is TikTok's own expressive activity, and therefore not protected by Section 230.

Some industry observers and legal experts said at the time that the ruling eviscerates Section 230 -- at least in the 3rd Circuit.

The majority says that if the First Amendment protects algorithms -- which it does -- and a service uses algorithms to 'curate' third-party content -- which it must -- then the service qualifies for First Amendment protection but not Section 230 protection because there is no longer any 'third-party content.' Ergo, Section 230 never will work in the Third Circuit. Santa Clara University law professor Eric Goldman wrote about the opinion.

TikTok argues in its request for a new hearing that the panel's September decision is inconsistent with rulings by other appellate courts.

For the better part of three decades, every federal court of appeals to consider the issue held that Section 230 bars lawsuits that seek to hold websites liable for their decisions about which third-party content to display to their users, including decisions about how to organize that content and which materials to prioritize or recommend, the company writes.

That universal understanding of Section 230 has been pivotal to the development of the modern internet, TikTok adds.

TikTok gave several examples of contradictory rulings, including one issued several years ago by the 2nd Circuit Court of Appeals, which held that web companies don't lose Section 230 immunity by algorithmically promoting content. The appellate court said in that matter that Facebook was immune from liability for allegedly using algorithms to recommend content that facilitated terror networks.
The International Safety Awards are now open for applications for 2025

The British Safety Councils International Safety Awards 2025 are now open for applications.

The International Safety Awards are an internationally-recognised accolade for health, safety and wellbeing excellence and this year will be the 67th year they have taken place.

The awards recognise an organisations commitment to excellent standards of health, safety and wellbeing management.

Launching the 2025 International Safety Awards, Chief Executive of British Safety Council, Mike Robinson said: British Safety Councils International Safety Awards are rightly seen by companies, teams, and individuals as a pinnacle of achievement and recognition in protecting and enhancing the health, safety and wellbeing of workers.

We are delighted to introduce four new awards this year, acknowledging the strides that organisations are making around health and safety in a time of climate crisis, as well as highlighting our desire to recognise leading women in the health, safety and wellbeing profession.

I would encourage all organisations and leaders around the world who are proud of their track record to put themselves forward for an award.

Last year, 1124 organisations of all sizes, types and sectors won an International Safety Award. Winners included businesses from the UK, Africa, Asia, India, Europe and the Middle East.

Businesses applying can be recognised as best in class across four categories:

 Sector Awards recognise overall best in class submissions to the International Safety Awards, by industry sector category

 Best in Country Awards recognise the highest scoring and best overall application from individual countries (where there are sufficient applications from the given country)

 Best in Company Award for organisations with 50 or more participating sites and recognises the site(s) with the most outstanding applications

 Chief Adjudicators Award recognises the most outstanding applications from this years entrants. Previous winners have been exemplars in their respective areas and evidenced this through their application responses.

Eleven of the awards are completely free-to-enter whether or not applicants have applied for an International Safety Award.:

 NEW Environmental Award: recognises an organisation that has used climate change risk assessment and vulnerability modelling to identify and plan for future adaptation strategies to a changing climate.

 NEW Rising Female Star Award in collaboration with SOWSHE-A: recognises women that are breaking through and shaping future leadership in the health, safety, wellbeing or the environmental management world.

 NEW David Parr medal: recognises a public venue that developed a stand-out 2024 initiative with a significant impact on health, safety or wellbeing at the venue. It is named after British Safety Councils late Technical Director, David Parr, who first became involved in the industry due to his own personal experiences at the Hillsborough disaster in 1989.

 NEW Lifetime Achievement award: voted for by the Trustees of British Safety Council, is for people who have made an outstanding contribution to workplace health, safety and wellbeing throughout their career.

 Seize the Opportunity Award: recognises organisations that have gone the extra mile to seize health, safety or wellbeing opportunities resulting from a crisis.

 CEO Award: recognises the leadership and strategic vision of CEOs who have made a vital contribution to the health, safety and wellbeing of their business and wider society during 2024.

 Health and Safety Transformation Award  sponsored by Croner-i: for organisations that have significantly changed or transformed any aspect of health, safety or wellbeing to a significant extent through the use of information.

 Health, Safety and Wellbeing Ambassador of the Year Award: recognises an employee who, in the opinion of the organisation or person nominating them, has played a significant role in ensuring the health, safety and wellbeing of colleagues and others.

 Team of the Year Award: recognises outstanding achievements resulting in a significant improvement to health, safety or wellbeing, from a collaboration of stakeholders, which may include members of the organisation, suppliers, subcontractors and/or the wider community.

 The James Tye Award: recognises an organisation or a team of individuals who have developed and run a campaign in 2024 which has made a significant impact on health, safety or wellbeing in the workplace. It is named after British Safety Councils campaigning founder, James Tye.

 Wellbeing Initiative Award  powered by Being Well Together: recognises and rewards organisations demonstrating a proactive and effective approach to improving employee wellbeing.

The closing date for applications is 3 February 2025 and the results will be announced on 14 March 2025.
Parcelhero says the strike has had an immediate and significant impact on the flow of goods

International delivery expert Parcelhero says the dockworkers strike in key US ports such as New York, Houston and Savannah is already causing disruption to US-UK trade and is calling for a rapid resolution to the dispute.

US dockworkers are striking at 36 ports on the US East Coast and the Gulf of Mexico, including the key ports of New York/New Jersey, Baltimore, Houston and Savannah.

The UK-US delivery specialist Parcelhero says the strike has had an immediate and significant impact on the flow of goods, from cars to electronics and whisky, between the USA and the UK.

David Jinks, Parcelheros Head of Consumer Research says: "The strike by US dockworkers has already disrupted the US-UK flow of a wide range of UK exports to the US, and American goods destined for UK importers.

"Some businesses have been forced to switch to services between US West Coast ports such as Long Beach and Los Angeles and the UK. That means shipments are taking longer and costing more.

"Container ship operators using East Coast ports are reportedly considering introducing a surcharge ranging from $1,500 to $3,780 a container if the strike drags on.

"While the strike will mainly impact larger shipments that are typically moved by container, smaller items such as parcels could be affected if there is a sudden, dramatic increase in demand for airfreight space.

"Some businesses may try to switch modes to ensure goods reach their destination on time, particularly those transporting perishable goods."

Products from vehicles and electronics to toys, clothing and whisky are being caught up in the industrial action.

The Distilled Spirits Council of the United States says three-quarters of imported alcohol typically flows through the affected ports, including scotch whisky from the UK, along with more than 40% of the American spirits sold overseas, including bourbon.

The West Coast port of Long Beach has already had its busiest-ever month as shipping companies and exporters hurriedly diverted sailings

The strike is being staged by the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA), a union which represents port workers across the East and Gulf Coasts.

Its the first such strike since 1977 and could cost the US economy up to $5bn a day, according to the news agency Reuters and finance experts JPMorgan.

It will also have a significant financial impact on UK manufacturers and exporters shipping to the US, which is Britains largest single overseas market.

The strike is between the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), whose members include shipping giants Maersk and Hapag-Lloyd.

The ILA is demanding sizable wage increases for its members as well as protection from loss of jobs through automation.

The strike is affecting ports from Maine to Texas and believed to involve up to 45,000 workers. Around 60% of all US shipping container traffic could be caught up in the strike.

President Bidens administration could technically intervene by imposing an 80-day cooling-off period under the Taft-Hartley Act, aimed at stopping threats to national security or safety.

This would force strikers back to work. However, the President is unwilling to use this legislation. Over the weekend he stated: "It's collective bargaining. I don't believe in Taft-Hartley.

The US Transportation Secretary, Pete Buttigieg, was reportedly involved in negotiations last week which do not seem to have been successful.

Eleventh hour negotiations between the ILA and USMX also appeared to move the two sides a little closer on Monday, but did not succeed in averting the strike.

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.

Mr Jinks explained: "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.

"Smaller items, such as parcels, are unlikely to be caught up in the strike directly. Its only once a shipment weighs more than around 100-500kg that shipping by sea becomes potentially a cheaper option than airfreight.

"The concern is that demand for airfreight space could escalate rapidly, causing delays to parcel shipments and other airfreight users.

"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."
A vast majority of Americans know little or nothing at all about the Air Force's special warfare jobs, an issue highlighted in a new think tank study as the service has struggled to recruit for those tough jobs.

The Rand Corp., a federally funded think tank focused on military issues, released a study last week detailing the issues the Air Force has faced in getting recruits to join Special Warfare careers, known as AFSPECWAR, such as combat control, pararescue, special reconnaissance and the Tactical Air Control Party fields.

And while other service branches have widespread public and cultural recognition for their special operators -- such as Navy SEALs, Army Green Berets and Marine Raiders -- data from the report shows many are unfamiliar with those similar Air Force jobs.

Read Next: Marine Recruiter Who Wrote 'Memoir' About Teenage Recruit Sentenced to Prison

A study detailed in the report indicated that "82% of the American public has limited to no familiarity with AFSPECWAR," with 58% of those people being completely unaware and 24% familiar only with the name.

"These results stand in stark contrast when compared with Navy SEALs and the Army SF. Only 4% of the American population report never hearing about the Navy SEALs, and only 8% have never heard about the Army SF," the report detailed. "These results confirm Air Force beliefs that there is limited awareness of AFSPECWAR."

Part of that lack of public recognition comes from the job itself, according to retired Chief Master Sgt. Eric Benken, who served as the Air Force's top enlisted leader from 1996 to 1999.

Benken told Military.com that Air Force special operators often refer to themselves as the "quiet professionals," and that he's not surprised there hasn't been as much attention put on those jobs.

"I think a lot of that just has to do with the roles that they have, as far as you know, media coverage," Benken said. "It's extremely difficult to be in special operations ... physically demanding, psychologically demanding."

Some trainees told Rand researchers that the lack of recognition was actually a plus for them.

"What drew me in is just how quiet the [combat control team] community was," one special operations trainee told researchers. "I mean, the SEALs, the Green Berets, and everybody knows what those are, but I like a job where ... the outside world does not really know, but yet, you're crucial to those units as well, and that got me more on board with this program."

While that quiet professionalism may appeal to some trainees once they join the career field, it makes recruiting for the jobs difficult.

The Rand report found that "the AFSPECWAR brand is relatively unknown among the general public," according to the think tank's summary of their findings.

But even those who do find out about the career field, mostly through word of mouth, making sure they're qualified to serve in the job is another hurdle.

Researchers found that the "highly demanding process historically resulted in less than 30% of candidates completing initial skills training," which is well below other Department of the Air Force careers.

The Air Force struggled with recruiting in fiscal 2023 and missed its recruiting goals by nearly 10% -- the first time that target had been missed since 1999. Those effects were felt in the special warfare careers.

"In addition to canceling an entire class in fiscal year (FY) 2023 due to lack of recruits, AFSPECWAR has consistently been unable to reach recruiting targets and has had trouble building a sizable pool of recruits in the delayed entry program who are preparing to meet initial fitness requirements," the Rand report said.

The Air Force turned the tide on its recruiting slump in fiscal 2024, scraping by with 27,139 of the 27,100 required, Military.com reported last month. Air Force officials hope to increase that enlisted active-duty goal to 32,500 in fiscal 2025.

In order to do that, Brig. Gen. Christopher Amrhein, commander of the Air Force Recruiting Service, told Military.com in an interview last month that they're hiring up to 370 more personnel to meet those goals with "about 55 Special Warfare recruiters" being a part of that number.

The Rand report recommended that the Air Force's 330th Recruiting Squadron "should assume responsibility for leading the AFSPECWAR recruiting enterprise," should grow efforts to recruit new special operators from within the Air Force, and should locate more offices in areas with more 18- to 24-year-olds, veterans and overall healthier communities to find new recruits.

Related: Ask Stew: What You Should Know About Air Force Special Warfare
A Louisiana man is the latest former U.S. Army reservist to plead guilty in a fraud scheme that scammed the Army out of more than $100,000, federal prosecutors said.

He is one of seven defendants charged in January 2021 in connection with lying about performing honors ceremonies at military funerals, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office for the Eastern District of Louisiana.

The man sought reimbursement for purported military honors ceremonies that he never performed between November 2013 and August 2016  and stole $11,378.27, court documents show. At the time, he was stationed as a corporal at the Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base New Orleans.

A staff sergeant, who is a co-defendant in the case and worked at the base as an Army pay technician, submitted fraudulent payment requests for the man, according to court documents.

Now, the man has pleaded guilty to conspiracy to commit theft of government funds, the U.S. Attorneys Office said in a Sept. 29 news release.

Hes agreed to repay the Army the same amount prosecutors said he stole as part of his plea agreement. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 13, 2025, according to prosecutors.

The mans defense attorney didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News request for comment Sept. 30.

For active-duty soldiers, retired service members and veterans who have died, families can request military funeral honors, such as the folding of the U.S. flag, to be performed during services, prosecutors said.

The staff sergeant who submitted the mans fraudulent requests for reimbursement also submitted payment requests for himself and five other former Army reservists for military funeral honors that never happened, according to the indictment.

He was accused of stealing $18,825.83 for himself, the indictment shows.

He pleaded guilty to count one of the indictment  conspiracy to commit theft of government funds  in October 2023 and is scheduled to be sentenced on Dec. 5, according to court records.

Four other defendants pleaded guilty to the same charge and have been sentenced to terms of probation, court records show. They were also ordered to pay restitution as part of their sentences.

Two of these defendants worked for the New Orleans Police Department when they were indicted, according to prosecutors.

A jury trial is set for Feb. 24 for a seventh former Army reservist who previously pleaded not guilty to all counts against him, according to court records.

Hes accused of stealing $13,585.92 from the Army, the indictment says.

The man and his defense attorney, Rachel I. Conner, declined McClatchy News request for comment Sept. 30.

Attorneys representing the other defendants didnt immediately respond to McClatchy News requests for comment Sept. 30.

2024 The Charlotte Observer. Visit charlotteobserver.com. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
More than 90 people who lost loved ones in the Lewiston mass shooting last October are trying to obtain the gunman's medical and military records through his estate. A Sagadahoc County probate judge may determine whether to release those records during a hearing scheduled for Tuesday afternoon.

On Oct. 25, 2023, Robert Card, of Bowdoin, shot and killed 18 people, injuring 13 others, at a bowling alley and a bar in Lewiston. His body was found two days later in Lisbon. Although he left a note at his home with information about how to access his accounts, according to court filings, he had no will.

The 40-year-old Army reservist's mental health had deteriorated in the months leading up to the shooting, the deadliest in Maine's history. He had been hospitalized in New York last summer and his family had asked police to check on him, though they never made contact.

The shortcomings of various agencies, including the Sagadahoc County Sheriff's Office and the U.S. Army, have been the focus of reports and investigations in the last year. But these agencies have refused to share Card's medical records with the public.

Cynthia Young, who lost her husband Bill, 44, and her son Aaron, 14, in the shooting at Just-In-Time Recreation filed a petition to become a special administrator of Card's estate for the limited purpose of seeing and releasing those records.

The petition is notably unopposed by Card's only son. He signed a form on June 11, stating he doesn't object to Young's request.

If approved, Young would be able to see and release Card's military records, personnel records, medical records, mental health records, substance abuse records and phone records.

Young declined to speak with a reporter Monday. Her attorney, Barbara Carlin, did not respond to messages asking about the filings.

"These records are important to help those who have been affected by this tragedy to evaluate potential legal claims, including claims against the United States Government," Young's petition states. "This information also may help those family members understand why the mass shooting occurred and what steps could have been taken to prevent it."

Her petition references four law firms representing approximately 90 family members and survivors. Two of those lawyers, Travis Brennan and Ben Gideon, have said they want accountability from the military, which allowed Card to return to civilian life two months before the shooting, despite clear warning signs.

___

(c)2024 the Portland Press Herald (Portland, Maine)

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JERUSALEM  Iran launched dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday, sharply escalating a conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas that began nearly a year ago and threatening to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

The orange glow of missiles streaked across Israel's night sky as air raid sirens sounded across the country and millions of residents scrambled into bomb shelters. The attack raised the strong likelihood of an Israeli reprisal.

Before Iran's attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against Hezbollah's leadership in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel vowed retaliation for Iran's missile barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the country's air defenses intercepted many of the incoming missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel.

"This strike will have consequences," he said. He said the attack had caused only "very few" injuries, but did not elaborate.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe -- citing Iran's repeated calls for Israel's destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

The United States had warned there would be severe consequences for Iran in the event of an attack on Israel. President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris monitored the attack on Israel from the White House Situation Room.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Iran said it fired the missiles into Israel as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but "they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion."

Hagari said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israel's aims for its ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. "We're not going to Beirut," he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israel's statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollah's top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the group's upper echelons.

The group's acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.
Editor's note: This article contains references to sexual assault.

Nearly a year after then-Gunnery Sgt. Christopher Champagne self-published a memoir about his inappropriate relationship with a teenage recruit, the Marine Corps sentenced him to a year in prison, a reduction in rank to private and a dishonorable discharge on Friday, officials told Military.com.

The sentencing was part of a pre-trial agreement where Champagne, 37, pleaded guilty to nine total Uniform Code of Military Justice violations during a court-martial at Marine Corps Air Station Miramar, California, which began on Thursday. They include two specifications of abusing his position as a military recruiter and seven violations of a lawful order.

Champagne will spend his confinement at Naval Consolidated Brig Miramar, California, officials said. The discharge portion of the sentencing will trigger an automatic appeal, two military law experts told Military.com on Monday.

Read Next: Fort Eisenhower Shuts Down, Evacuates Troops in Wake of Helene's Damage in Southeast

The family of the victim, as well as Champagne's ex-wife, previously told Military.com that his behavior went far beyond what he outlined in the memoir, including allegations of sexual assault, stalking and sextortion, among other abuses.

Last October, Champagne self-published the memoir that outlined his pursuit of the 17-year-old recruit. The victim's family also said that Champagne took advantage of the recruit by plying her with alcohol, inviting her into his personal home and vehicle, and then, when the recruit wanted to break off communication, they said he stalked and harassed her.

The teenager previously told Military.com that Champagne sexually assaulted her, which would have been a violation of Article 120 of the UCMJ. But that was not one of the charges he was sentenced on, according to a list of violations the service provided to Military.com.

While she had mixed feelings about the outcome of the sentencing given the previous allegations against Champagne, Kathlyn, the teenager's mother, told Military.com that she appreciated how "careful" the proceedings were, especially from the prosecution.

Military.com is withholding the name of Kathlyn's daughter -- as well as the family's last name -- given her age when the alleged abuse started and the publication's policy not to print the names of alleged sexual assault victims.

"I have mixed feelings. I learned a lot through this process," Kathlyn said. "Of course, as her parent -- both of us as her parents -- he should have gone away for years and years and years and years after what he did to her. ... But there are limits to the law and there are limits to the plea deal, and I can say that her prosecuting team was exceptional."

Kathlyn and her daughter both attended the hearing Thursday to give victim impact statements. It was the first time that the teenager came face to face with Champagne in more than a year. The proceeding took hours, Kathlyn said, and as part of his plea agreement, the former gunnery sergeant had to admit to the violations he was formally charged with.

"She was brave, she got up there, she did a statement," Kathlyn said of her daughter. "I think that it gave her the closure to be able to say, 'I'm done now, and now I'm moving on, and I don't have to deal with Chris Champagne ever again.'"

Military.com attempted to contact Champagne through the Navy brig's public affairs arm, but was referred to the Marine Corps. A reporter attempted to call Champagne, but it appeared the number had been disconnected.

Over the last year and beyond, both the teenage victim and Champagne's ex-wife said they reported his behavior to both military and civilian entities, but that their concerns fell on deaf ears. For its part, the Marine Corps said the Naval Criminal Investigative Service, or NCIS, conducted a "comprehensive" investigation into the allegations of misconduct.

"From the beginning, the Marine Corps has taken these allegations of misconduct very seriously, and as we move forward, we will continue to take actions to revisit and properly enforce existent policies and standards," Steve Posy, a spokesperson for the service, said via emailed statement.

"Ultimately, we remain steadfast in our commitment to ensure that the men and women who desire to earn the title 'Marine' will be treated respectfully during the recruiting and recruit training processes and be ready to provide America with an elite crisis-response force that will continue to fight, win our nation's battles, and return quality citizens back to society," he added.

The former recruit's family filed a $5 million complaint against the service earlier this year, alleging that the Marine Corps knew about Champagne's behavior, but allowed him to be placed in a special position of trust working with young people looking to join the military. Kathlyn said that she is unsure of what will come next or if the family will pursue other civil litigation.

"She should have never been put in the position of working with him in the first place, and he should have never been working with recruits," Kathlyn said. She said that NCIS did not communicate effectively with her or her family and that they "lived in a black hole for over a year."

One military legal expert told Military.com that the apparent and alleged pattern of misconduct stretching back years was of particular concern.

"My concern is when I read his [ex-]wife's statement or her allegations, it sounded like there was a history there, and she was alleging that the command was doing nothing about it," retired Marine Lt. Col. Gary Barthel, an attorney with the Military Law Center, told Military.com. He said commands typically take such allegations seriously, but "sometimes, somebody drops the ball in the course of getting the allegations investigated."

"Oftentimes, you see where somebody will call the command making a complaint, and then the command will sit on it" or push it to military law enforcement such as NCIS, "and then that agency sits on it."

In recent years, lawmakers have put pressure on the military to take military cases -- especially ones concerning sexual assault -- out of the hands of military commanders, given their general lack of legal expertise and competing or conflicting priorities.

"That's what kind of adds to the problem," Barthel said. "You've got commanding officers who are not attorneys or prosecutors, who are trying to make decisions on cases like this," unlike the civilian sector with authorities such as a district attorney.

Military.com requested Champagne's charge sheets from his command several times, but was denied. Those documents would have likely shown a narrative summation of the misconduct he was sentenced for.

Barthel said that it was unusual for commands to withhold charge sheets. The service recommended that the publication submit a Freedom of Information Act request for them, citing the need to redact personal information.

Another military legal expert told Military.com that the service does not have to post charges until 45 days after the certification of the record of trial is complete. Without that narrative, it is difficult for experts to assess the government's position during the legal proceedings and obscures their ability to determine whether the sentencing was appropriate, or if there were other mitigating factors that led to Champagne's punishment.

"Looking at just the crimes for which he was convicted, this sentence isn't egregiously low when considering that he pled guilty and had a deal with the government," Eric Carpenter, a former military lawyer who is now a law professor at Florida International University, told Military.com via email. "He wasn't convicted of more serious offenses like sexual assault or stalking. If he had been, the sentence would have been much higher."

Carpenter said that the potential punishment for one specification of abusing one's position as a recruiter can be five years. For violating orders, that can range from three months to two years, depending on the specification. Altogether, Champagne may have been looking at a decade-plus in confinement without a plea deal, but it is impossible to know without more information on the charges.

Barthel said that it was "somewhat more aggravating" that the recruit was not yet a Marine, and that UCMJ laws like Article 93 -- misconduct with a recruit, which Champagne was charged under -- are meant to protect what is arguably the service's most vulnerable population.

"It goes to the fact that this is with regard to an allegation involving a poolee, and the 93 is supposed to impose strict prohibitions against these inappropriate relationships, because it really does have a negative impact on the public's trust and confidence in the military," he said.

For Kathlyn and her family, that trust is gone.

"They treated us really well last week. It was as positive an experience -- given the circumstances -- as possible," Kathlyn said. "However, I still believe the military was wrong initially, because he should have never been allowed to be in his position, to even have access to her or any woman or any recruit ... This is their wrong. Ultimately, the military needs to be held accountable for this, because they knew about him."

While Kathlyn said the hearing provided a sense of closure for her daughter and that she is working to move forward with her life, she is particularly relieved about one thing.

"I'm so thankful she's not in," Kathlyn said. "I'm thankful that the one good thing is that she's not going to be a Marine, and that makes me happy."

Related: A Marine Recruiter's 'Grooming' of a Teenage Recruit Led to an Investigation. The Family Says He's Still Terrorizing Them.
Two U.S. Navy destroyers helped defend Israel against a ballistic missile attack by Iran on Tuesday that threatened to plunge the region into a wider conflict, U.S. officials confirmed.

The USS Bulkeley and USS Cole fired "approximately a dozen interceptors against the incoming Iranian missiles," which were captured on video streaking across the night sky above Israel, according to Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, who publicly briefed reporters.

The two ships were part of the effort to thwart an attack that officials described as nearly twice the size of Iran's earlier missile barrage on Israel in April. White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said the result was that the latest attack was effectively defeated, describing it as "ineffective" at a briefing Tuesday.

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Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered several thousand more U.S. troops to the Middle East amid growing turmoil. The additional forces include F-16, F-15E, A-10, F-22 fighter aircraft and their associated personnel.

The missile barrage was the latest in the escalating violence, which began last October with a brutal surprise attack by Hamas against Israeli civilians. That led Israel to launch a full-scale military operation to root out Hamas and rescue hostages in Gaza that has grinded on for months.

On Monday, Israel launched a ground operation into neighboring Lebanon after a series of recent strikes against Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy in the region, which killed its top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. Those military operations appeared to have sparked the Iranian missile attack.

The Iranian UN mission said that the barrage of around 200 ballistic missiles on Tuesday was "Iran's legal, rational and legitimate response to the terrorist acts ... which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran."

There was no immediate reports of casualties from the attack on Tuesday, according to The Associated Press.

"You don't launch that many missiles at a target without the intent of doing something so, absolutely, just like the last time, their intent is to cause destruction," Ryder said.

Ryder stressed that no American personnel were harmed in the attack, but he wasn't able to offer many more details about the scale of the U.S. participation, including whether any of the 12 interceptors actually struck any incoming missiles.

"We're still assessing ... outcomes of that so ... I just don't have more information," he said.

Ryder also refused to get into details about what kind of missiles the pair of destroyers fired.

As tensions in the region continue to escalate, both Ryder and Sullivan wouldn't say whether there was planning for the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit currently deployed with the USS Wasp Amphibious Readiness Group to evacuate U.S. citizens either from Lebanon or Israel.

"Right now, there has been no order to evacuate," Ryder said before adding that "of course, we plan for all contingencies."

In addition to a trio of destroyers and the USS Wasp group in the eastern Mediterranean, the U.S. Navy has some ships in the Red Sea, and the USS Abraham Lincoln and a destroyer in the Gulf of Oman.

Related: Thousands More US Troops, Attack Aircraft Heading to Middle East as Israel Targets Hezbollah in Lebanon
The top health official at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs on Monday visited the embattled Buffalo VA Medical Center, the subject of a scathing report released days earlier that found administrative lapses at the hospital led to months-long delays for veterans in need of care.

While Dr. Shereef Elnahal, the VAs undersecretary for health, did not speak to the media, he did meet with Reps. Tim Kennedy, a Buffalo Democrat and member of the House Veterans Affairs Committee, and Nick Langworthy, a Republican who represents Buffalo suburbs and the Southern Tier and was the first to publicly call attention to the problems at the local VA hospital in August.

In a joint statement, Kennedy and Langworthy said they have full confidence in Elnahals commitment to restoring trust in the Buffalo VA and preventing future failures in patient care referrals.

Were already seeing meaningful improvements, and through continued congressional oversight, well guarantee these changes are fully implemented and that veterans always come first, the statement read. Throughout this process, the hardworking medical staff at the Buffalo VA and their community partners have continued to show their dedication to our veterans  they deserve a new state-of-the-art facility and strong leadership that can help them fulfill our promise of world-class care for our veterans.

The VA already has made leadership changes in Buffalo. A month before the report was issued, the VA transferred Michael J. Swartz, executive director of the VA Western New York Healthcare System, and Dr. Philippe Jaoude, the systems chief of staff, to positions where they no longer deal with patients. Shawn De Fries, associate director of VA Finger Lakes Healthcare System, is the interim medical center director in Buffalo.

Over 54 pages, the report paints a picture of a VA Western New York Healthcare System where local system administrators failed to address lengthy scheduling delays for patients with serious health conditions, even when staff repeatedly tried to alert leadership of how the lapses were affecting veterans.

The report from the Department of Veterans Affairs Inspector General examined 42 cases in which patient care was delayed. Investigators found that in nine of those cases, the delays in referring patients to doctors outside the Buffalo VA Medical Center affected the patients clinical status or condition.

It took community care staff anywhere from 21 days to 285 days to schedule each of the 42 outside appointments, even though those appointments are supposed to be scheduled within seven days once a referral is approved.

The inspector general determined that VA Western New York Healthcare System administrators and leaders in the community care department failed to address these scheduling delays, even when staff repeatedly tried to notify leadership of the issue and how it was affecting patients.

In an interview with the inspector general, the hospitals community care manager acknowledged receiving alerts from community care nurses about consults that had been delayed, particularly during late 2022 and early 2023 during what the manager called the consult backlog chaos. The manager also acknowledged delays in responding to patient advocate complaints, noting that the notifications were getting lost while the manager juggled multiple things.

Its not that I didnt handle them, the manager said. I just didnt do them timely.

Longtime veterans advocate Patrick Welch, a U.S. Marine Corps retiree, took issue with that comment from the manager.

It is my opinion that this comment reflects the tip of the iceberg. And that below the water line, there exists a much deeper issue in regard to morale and accountability, said Welch, who has been a patient of the Buffalo VA since 1966. No health care system is perfect, but I find it very disturbing that 58 years after I entered the VA health care system, veterans are still fighting for proper care.

Left waiting

The report closely examined four cases  including one in which a veteran died waiting for radiation therapy  without disclosing patient identities. Veterans labeled Patients A, B and C in the report were examples of patients whose clinical status or condition were affected by the referral delays, while Patient Ds delayed referral affected the providers management of the veterans condition.

Patient A, for example, had Stage 4 esophageal cancer, but was never scheduled for radiation therapy, which would have decreased pain in the patients final months in 2023.

Patient B, meanwhile, was diagnosed in late 2022 with Stage 1 lung cancer. The oncology chief recommended radiation therapy and placed a request for a community care consult. The request was received the next day by the community care staff, and the oncology chief approved the consult that same day.

Still, community care staff did not schedule the consult appointment until more than 10 weeks later.

The most extreme delay cited among the four patients was in the case of Patient C, a patient in their mid-20s who experienced ongoing seizures while waiting nearly 10 months for an appointment.

Scrutiny of Buffalo VA unlikely to end with inspector general report on patient care

Friday's devastating report about delays in care at the Buffalo VA Medical Center  which, in one case, amplified the suffering of a terminally ill cancer patient  will probably not be the last such report.

With Patient C having persistent seizures, a neurologist in late 2022 placed a community care consult for long-term electroencephalogram monitoring (LTM), a prerequisite for neurosurgical evaluation that was needed before the patient could be considered for possible epilepsy surgery.

But the community care medical director mistakenly discontinued the consult request about 120 days after it was first requested. The referring neurologist ordered the referral for the LTM again after the doctor sent an email to community care staff. The doctors email said the delay was not acceptable and was affecting patient care.

About 300 days after the consult was first requested, the appointment was finally scheduled, and the patient had the needed monitoring done in fall 2023.

Patient D waited almost as long as Patient C.

After Patient D reported a loss of vision in the left eye, a primary care provider placed an order with community care to schedule a computer tomography angiography, a CT scan done in combination with an injection of special dye to assess potential blockages in the arteries.

But it wasnt until 18 days after the scan was ordered that the chief of radiology approved the consult, and that was only after two community care registered nurses alerted the radiology chief to the requests urgency.

Seven weeks after the scan was requested, the primary care doctor noticed that the scan still had not been scheduled.

I understand and appreciate the enormous workload that your department has but I am dismayed that the CTA ... has been sitting there this long despite the request to expedite, the primary care doctor wrote to the community care staff in an email.

More than 280 days after the doctor ordered the scan, the appointment was scheduled. Patient D had the scan done in summer 2023, and the imaging revealed progression of a blockage in an artery that supplies blood to the brain and face.

News Washington Bureau Chief Jerry Zremski contributed to this story.

___

(c)2024 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.)

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CAIRO  In the days since Israel intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the strike that killed the militant group's leader Hassan Nasrallah, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been quick to show they are an important player in the complex conflicts convulsing the Middle East.

In a brazen attack on Saturday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back from New York, where he had addressed the United Nations. On Monday, they threatened escalating military operations to target Israel after apparently shooting down a U.S. military drone flying over Yemen.

And on Tuesday, an explosive-loaded drone crashed into one ship in the Red Sea as a missile exploded against another, the British military and private security officials said, the latest in the Houthis' assaults on commercial shipping in the key waterway.

The salvo of Houthi attacks has again drawn attention to the Yemeni rebels and raised questions about their goals and strategies.

Who are the Houthis and why are they in this fight?

The rebels, armed by Iran, seized most of Yemens north and its capital, Sanaa, a decade ago, pushing the country's internationally recognized government into exile.

A Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government entered the war in 2015 and the Houthis have since been fighting what has become a long-running but now largely stalemated civil war in Yemen.

However, when the Israel-Hamas war erupted in the Gaza Strip a year ago, the Houthis began targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor  part of a campaign they say aims at pressuring Israel and the West over the war.

Analysts and observers say a widening conflict could boost the Houthis militarily and expand their already outsized role across the region  despite retaliatory strikes by Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the Crisis Group, says that before the war in Gaza, the Houthis were seen as an often-forgotten and less-prominent faction in an axis that includes Iran, Syria's government forces, Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Palestinian Hamas and other groups in the region.

That changed when the Houthis began hitting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden making their way to the Suez Canal, suddenly posing a much wider threat.

Over the past year, the Houthis have taken center stage, Nagi said.

What is the Houthis' link to the Palestinians?

After Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, Israel responded with a blistering offensive on the Gaza Strip, a coastal enclave run by the Palestinian militant group.

Israels retaliatory invasion of Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 95,000, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its count but says that over half of those killed are women and children.

The toll the war has taken and the extent of Gaza's destruction have shocked the world.

Meanwhile, the Houthis see the Yemenis prevailing solidarity with Palestinians as a useful tool for recruiting new fighters and swelling their ranks, Nagi said

In June, the Houthis unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile in their arsenal that resembles aspects of one earlier one displayed by Iran, which Tehran described as flying at hypersonic speed.

The rebels fired their new Palestine missile  complete with a warhead painted like a Palestinian keffiyeh checkered scarf  at the southern port of Eilat in Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no damage or injuries.

What comes next?

The extent of the Houthis' actions was a surprise to some, mainly because of their limited resources and Yemen's own costly civil war.

Nagi described their strategy as one of gradual escalation towards Israel. As their prominence grows, the Houthis  who have for years relied on portable missile launchers and hit-and-run tactics  will likely be eager to get their hands on more advanced weapons, he added.

The Houthis initially targeted vessels claimed to be linked to Israel and later expanded their campaign to include all commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They used small boats, short-range missiles and drones to carry out those attacks.

Their campaign prompted a response by an international coalition, led by the U.S. and U.K., which in February launched strikes on sites associated with the Houthis deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems and radars, U.S. defense officials said.

In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and wounding 10. Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida.

The Houthis have since warned they could expand their campaign beyond Mideast waters, to target ships using the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, or those in the Mediterranean Sea heading to Israel.

According to Faozi al-Goidi, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, the rebels are not likely to be deterred anytime soon and could also target vessels further out in the Indian Ocean.

They may also seek to "partner with other militias to build an alliance that would threaten security in the region, al-Goidi said.

The New York-based Soufan Center, a think tank, said in a September report that the Houthis were increasing operational autonomy and diversifying their alliances away from Iran by cooperating with Russia, pointing to alleged plans for Russian weapons shipments to the Houthis that fell through.

What kind of support do the Houthis have in Yemen?

The Houthis remain in control of most of Yemen's north where they enjoy popular support despite a dire economic situation and a brutal crackdown on dissent that has included humanitarian workers.

Their fight against Israel is likely to play into that. Thousands of Houthi supporters come out to Sanaa streets to rally every Friday, demanding justice for Palestinians and denouncing Israel and the U.S.

Yemenis of all political backgrounds and ideologies support Palestinians and have a deep connection with them, said Yemeni political analyst Abdel-Bari Taher. That will help grow support for the Houthis, despite the rebels' "oppressive policies against Yemenis.

The Houthis may also seek to exploit their new-found stature following strikes against Israel in any potential negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a resolution to Yemen's civil war.

They have raised "their ceiling for negotiations, said al-Goido. No one will ignore them anymore.
Title: The Hidden Power of Tidal Energy: Exploring the for a Greener Future







(The Rising Tide: What is the Future of Tidal Energy?)

As we explore the world around us, one thing that stands out is the increasing demand for clean energy sources. In recent years, there has been significant growth in the use of tidal energy, with many companies investing heavily in research and development to develop new technologies and improve existing ones.

Tidal energy is an unconventional source of renewable energy that harnesses the power of tides to generate electricity. This type of energy does not require the burning of fossil fuels like coal or oil, which can have negative impacts on the environment. Instead, it uses the gravitational force of tides to drive turbines and generate electricity through water movement.

However, there are several challenges to the widespread adoption of tidal energy. One of the biggest hurdles is the cost of infrastructure. Developing new wind farms and tidal projects can be expensive, especially when they involve large-scale and complex operations. Additionally, the scalability of tidal energy systems can be limited by the amount of energy available to them.

Despite these challenges, there is growing interest in using tidal energy as a potential solution for the energy crisis. Companies such as Google and Tesla have already expressed their intention to deploy tidal turbines on some of their networks, which could provide significant amounts of renewable energy.

Furthermore, the potential for tidal energy has the potential to revolutionize the transportation industry. By harnessing the power of tides, we could potentially reduce our dependence on fossil fuels and improve air quality.

One key area where tidal energy has the potential to make a real difference is in areas that are currently highly dependent on fossil fuels. For example, coastal areas such as Australia and the United States are known for their high levels of oil and gas production, which contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change.

In order to fully realize the potential of tidal energy, we need to invest in infrastructure and technology that can support its implementation. Governments and private sector organizations must also work together to ensure that the transition to tidal energy is sustainable and equitable.







(The Rising Tide: What is the Future of Tidal Energy?)

Overall, the future of tidal energy is bright, and there is reason to believe that it will play an increasingly important role in driving the transition to a more sustainable energy system. However, we need to continue to address the challenges facing tidal energy, and work together to ensure that it can fully realize its potential for a greener future.

Inquiry us

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ROYAL OAK, MI - The Detroit Zoo is saying goodbye to a young member of its Pride.

The first lion cub born at the Detroit Zoo since 1980, Binti will soon head to another zoo as part of the Species Survival Plan.

The Zoo says the SSP recommends moves like this to promote the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of lion populations in zoos.

Were hopeful that one day Binti will contribute to the conservation of her species by becoming a mother herself, Zoo staff wrote on Facebook. Saying goodbye is always bittersweet  especially for an animal that has such a special bond with our animal care staff.

Binti was born on September 10, 2020 to Simba and Asha. Simba was transferred to a zoo in South Dakota earlier this year via the SSP.

With the departure of Binti, the Detroit Zoo will soon welcome a new male Lion. Details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The new lion coming to the Detroit Zoo will join Asha and Amirah. The lionesses came to the Zoo in 2019 in the hopes of breeding cubs. And, of course, it was a success with the birth of Binti.
BRETHREN, MI - This pristine Up North river offers peace and nature in a quick, two-hour float.

A popular trip down the Big Manistee River, visitors are likely to see fish swimming under their watercraft, hawks soaring above and turtles sunbathing on downed trees - all against the backdrops of crystal clear water and a national forest.

It starts at Tippy Dam Recreation Area and ends at High Bridge Access Site, both between Wellston and Brethren in Manistee County.

If you seek a quiet respite, look no further. This float is popular in the summer months and more serene in the fall.

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Getting there

This is a point-to-point river float. That means the set-up is a bit complicated. The trip begins at Tippy Dam Recreation Area and ends at High Bridge Access Site.

Getting this done requires two vehicles, $5 in cash, a Michigan Recreation Passport and at least two adults (each with a drivers license).

RELATED: Historic car ferry transforms into 5 decks of fright in Northern Michigan

Start by dropping off one vehicle (whichever isnt hauling your watercrafts) at High Bridge. This boat launch is maintained by U.S. Forest Services Huron-Manistee National Forests. Daily parking is $5. You will need either $5 in cash or a check to pay for parking  there is no online option.

The access site has vault toilets, trash receptacles and an information kiosk.

Leave anything you might want immediately after the float in this vehicle, such as a cooler of snacks, towels and a change of clothes.

A view of the Tippy Dam at Tippy Dam Recreation Area in Manistee County, Mich.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

When the first vehicle is parked and permitted, take the second vehicle  with all the people, watercrafts and anything youll want during the float  to Tippy Dam Recreation Area. (Type the entire name into your GPS; using Tippy Dam will land you on the south side of the river, which is not part of the state park  no vehicle or foot traffic is permitted across the dam.)

Drop watercrafts near the boat launch before parking.

RELATED: 45-mile Dragon trail fully open after 6 years of construction

The boat launch area has vault toilets, a path along the riverfront to view the dam, an accessible fishing pier, picnic tables and charcoal grills, a fish-cleaning station and informational signage.

This is where your journey begins.

Michael Lofton and Arya Lofton, both of Ludington, float down the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Tippy Dam to High Bridge

During the summer months, this is a popular float with large parties traveling together down the river, making frequent stops to wade in the water, socialize and make the trip last all day. In the fall, this stretch is popular among anglers casting lines from the shallows and boats.

Be sure to check out Tippy Dam before climbing aboard your watercraft; its not visible from the boat launch. There are stairs across from the parking lot that lead down to the riverfront and give a view of the dam.

The recreation area also provides access to Tippy Dam Pond from a separate boat launch.

RELATED: Lake Michigan overlook perches at end of accessible trail through dune backwoods

At the boat launch the water is fast-flowing and the surface is gravel  water shoes are a good idea. Set your vessel up in shallow water and either scoot or ask for a push toward the middle of the river. Keep your paddle in hand and watch for shallow spots.

A view of anglers fishing from a small boat on a log in the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

The river flows steadily, making the use of paddles necessary only for steering. While the water is crystal clear, its difficult to spot underwater hazards  keep a look out and advise other members of your group.

Look down into the water. Watch flowing seaweed, spot salmon swimming upstream, see the rocky bottom and underwater logs. During the fall, salmon are often seen jumping out of the river.

Look up. Hawks and cranes frequent this area. Keep quiet. You may hear their calls.

A view of waterfowl on a log in the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Look around. Turtles can be seen sunbathing on downed trees. The river is lined with public land  you wont see one house during this float.

The river winds back and forth, mostly flowing west. Sunglasses are advisable for an afternoon float.

Lean back, relax, breathe the fresh air. Enjoy the peaceful sounds and sights of nature.

Michael Lofton, of Ludington, floats down the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Manistee River

From Tippy Dam to U.S. 31, the Big Manistee is a recreational river and a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River.

There are several developed river access sites along the corridor. The USFS maintains sites at High Bridge, Bear Creek, Rainbow Bend and Blacksmith Bayou. The DNR operates a boat launch at Tippy Dam Recreation Area. Private recreation sites include Big Manistee Riverview Campground and Coho Bend Campground.

The Manistee River supports a superior steelhead, chinook, and coho salmon fishery.

A view of the boat launch at High Bridge Access Site, a unit of the Huron-Manistee National Forests, in Manistee County, Mich. The launch provides access to the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Below, view more photos of the Big Manistee River between Tippy Dam and High Bridge.

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Michael Lofton and Arya Lofton, both of Ludington, float down the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Michael Lofton and Arya Lofton, both of Ludington, float down the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

Michael Lofton and Arya Lofton, both of Ludington, float down the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of waterfowl on a log in the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of kayakers resting on the bank of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of the Big Manistee River, a nationally designated Wild and Scenic River, between Tippy Dam Recreation Area and High Bridge Access Site.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com

A view of High Bridge over the Big Manistee River in Manistee County, Mich.Justine Lofton | jlofton@mlive.com
DETROIT  Downtown Detroit being electric when the Lions play at Ford Field is nothing new. Fans from all over the state can be seen decked out in their Honolulu blue and silver gear  faces painted, Lions logo chains dangling  showcasing their team spirit.

But Mondays Week 4 matchup against the Seahawks had a different vibe. While the usual fanfare was present, fans were also sporting the Lions new black and blue uniforms, making their debut on a night when Lions legend Calvin Johnson was set to be honored at halftime.
BAY CITY, MI - In her first conversation with a detective, Britany A. Letourneau initially claimed she did not know Heidi E. Dowd, found shot to death and set on fire behind a former Bay County schoolhouse. She quickly shifted to describing Dowd as an acquaintance, telling the detective she refused to believe she was dead.

In a second interview, initiated at Letourneaus request, she gave a tearful account of how she witnessed Dowds execution and was forced by her killer to help dispose of her body, all to maintain an alleged drug connection to a notorious gang.

He said he had to do it because she was about to rat on the MS-13 connection, Letourneau tells the detectives through her sobs. I didnt know he was gonna kill her.

MS-13, or Mara Salvatrucha, is an international criminal organization originating in Los Angeles.

The gang is well-organized and is heavily involved in lucrative illegal enterprises, being notorious for its use of violence to achieve its objectives, states the U.S. Department of Justice.

Jurors in Letourneaus trial heard audio recordings of both interviews, presented by prosecutors who maintain Letourneau was the actual triggerwoman who ended Dowds life in August 2020. The 44-year-old Letourneau  also known by the surnames Lewis, Johnson, Tigner, and Raymo and aliases Marciea A. Fordyce, Marcia Ann Moses and Marciea Reyes  is charged with open murder, removing, mutilating, or disinterring a dead body, and two counts of felony firearm in connection with the death of the 36-year-old Dowd.

Retired Bay County Sheriffs Detective Jeffrey R. Wolpert returned to the witness stand the morning of Tuesday, Oct. 1, saying he first spoke with Letourneau at the Otsego County Jail on Aug. 20. Gaylord police arrested Letourneau the previous night during a traffic stop on a black Ford Expedition in which she rode as a passenger. The Ford was driven by Aaron M. Wyse and contained another woman who alleged Letourneau had pistol-whipped her.

Dowds charred body, a bullet hole behind her left ear, was found the afternoon of Aug. 17 behind an abandoned schoolhouse on West Neuman Road in Mount Forest Township. Police investigating drug trafficking had executed a search warrant on Dowds West Branch house the previous morning, seizing narcotics but not arresting Dowd.

In the recordings, Letourneau agrees to speak with Wolpert after being read her Miranda rights. She claims not to know why she was jailed, speaking in a slurred and mumbled manner.

Heidi E. Dowd, found slain in Bay County's Mount Forest Township on Aug. 17, 2020.

Obviously, Im here to talk to you about Heidi, Wolpert says.

Whos that? Letourneau asks.

You dont know Heidi Dowd?

OK. What about her?

Letourneau tells the detective she drove to Dowds house on Aug. 16 to check on her as Dowds husband was in jail. They and Dowds son left in Letourneaus burgundy Nissan Maxima, she says.

After dropping off Dowds son in Sterling, Dowd asked Letourneau to drive her to Saginaw so she could meet with an elusive figure named Cowboy. Letourneau tells Wolpert she dropped Dowd off near a Saginaw hospital and never saw her again.

Would it shock you if I told you Heidis dead? Wolpert asks.

What do you mean? How? Where? Letourneau replies.

Thats what were trying to figure out.

Letourneau repeatedly states she does not believe Dowd is dead. Wolpert tells her shes the last person to have seen Dowd alive.

We werent friends; we were associates. I was only stopping to check on her because of (Dowds husband), she says.

19 1 / 19 Outlaws, drugs, guns: Trial begins for Michigan woman accused of executing, torching woman in 2020

Wolpert asks Letourneau about a comment made by the pistol-whipped woman she was arrested with in Gaylord, who claimed Letourneau told her she had killed someone. Letourneau denies uttering such a statement, saying she did not know the woman.

Wolpert also asks about items found in the Expedition  three handguns, two shotguns, brass knuckles, a baseball bat, battle axe, large knives, and Dowds identification.

Just because youre riding in a vehicle doesnt mean you know whats in the vehicle, Letourneau replies.

Letourneau went on to say her Maxima is missing, telling Wolpert it bears a No Lives Matter bumper sticker.

Weeks later, Wolpert was contacted by attorney Robert J. Dunn, who said Letourneau wanted to give a statement. Wolpert and Detective Sgt. Matthew Pett visited Dunns office on Sept. 15 for a second interview with Letourneau, who this time gave vastly different accounts.

In the recording, Letourneau says Dowd wanted heroin after she picked her up from West Branch. At Dowds suggestion, the women met up with Wyse in his Ford Expedition. Wyse provided heroin to Dowd, which she injected while riding in the backseat of the Expedition, Letourneau says.

While nodding out, Dowd began talking about police raiding her house and how she had to choose someone to turn in, Letourneau tells the detectives. Wyses eyes widened at this and he began making phone calls and sending text messages, Letourneau says.

Wyse had Letourneau take over driving while he climbed into the backseat with Dowd. Moments later, Letourneau heard a boom as Wyse shot Dowd, she tells Wolpert and Pett.

Wyse threatened to burn down Letourneaus home if she spoke a word of the killing, she says.

I didnt get out of the vehicle after that, Letourneau says. I just rode with him. I didnt know what to do.

For about five hours, they drove around with Dowds body in the Expedition, going as far south as Detroit before turning back toward northern Bay County. When they arrived at the Mount Forest Township property, Wyse dragged Dowds body out of his Expedition and set it on fire, Letourneau says, bawling as she speaks.

I will never forget, and I wish it wouldve been me, she says.

During his investigation, Wolpert obtained video footage recorded by a surveillance camera at a Bridgeport Township gas station about 5 p.m. on Aug. 16. The footage showed the black Expedition pull up to a pump with a bearded Wyse exiting from the drivers seat, wearing a baseball cap, denim overalls with one strap hanging loose off his shoulder, and no shirt.

Wyse walks to the counter and buys a small red gasoline can, then pumps fuel into it and the vehicle. He then reenters the Expedition and drives away, without anyone else exiting it.

Wolpert also obtained video footage from a McDonalds in Pinconning showing Wyse arrive there in his Expedition the early afternoon of Aug. 17. The footage showed Letourneau pull beside his vehicle in her Maxima, then get into the Expedition.

Defense attorney Alan A. Crawford argued in his opening statement on Sept. 25 that Wyse is the person who killed Dowd to prevent her from becoming a police informant against the Outlaws Motorcycle Clubs drug activity. An armed Wyse kept a meth-addicted Letourneau captive as he drove around with Letourneaus body, Crawford said.

Wyse, 47, is himself charged with removing, mutilating, or disinterring a dead body and testified for the prosecution against Dowd in a September 2023 preliminary examination. He is currently imprisoned on drug and weapons convictions.

Testimony in the trial resumed Tuesday afternoon.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline.

The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity.

President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces Ilham Aliyev and first lady Mehriban Aliyeva have met with the servicemen wounded during the Armenian military provocation that launched on September 27 and treated at the Central Military Clinical Hospital of the Defense Ministry.

Minister of Defense Colonel General Zakir Hasanov reported to President, Commander-in-Chief Ilham Aliyev.

The head of state made a speech at the meeting.

Speech of President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev

- May Allah grant you healing. Dear guys, you received various injuries, you were wounded in the battles for the Motherland. The doctors are taking good care of you. I am sure that the doctors will do their best for you to recover as soon as possible and return to normal life.

According to the information provided to me, all our wounded soldiers and officers live with the desire to recover soon and go back to the zone of military action, to continue the just war for the Motherland. Ours is the cause of justice, we are fighting on our own lands, we are fighting for the Motherland. We are fighting for a fair cause, and I am sure that in this conflict we will achieve what we want. Justice will be done and Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. Our compatriots who have been living as IDPs for many years will also return to their native lands.

As you know, special attention is being paid to the families of martyrs in our country, and all necessary work is being done by the state. I can say that Azerbaijan can be considered an exemplary country in the world for the attention being paid to the families of martyrs. You know that on my instructions, all the families of martyrs are provided with apartments and houses by the state. This year alone, 1,500 families of martyrs will be provided with housing by the state. In the next two to three years, the families of our heroic sons who died in the first Karabakh war will be fully provided with houses and apartments. We still have martyrs today. We have had martyrs in the battles for the Motherland. May Allah rest their souls in peace, may Allah give patience to their families and relatives. Their blood does not and will not remain unavenged. The enemy is receiving a fitting rebuff.

At the same time, the state provides the necessary support to the veterans of Karabakh. Their day-to-day problems are being solved. You can also be sure that the state will be by your side, the doctors are doing and will do everything possible for you to recover here as soon as possible and return to normal life.

Azerbaijan is fighting on its own lands and you have been wounded on the path to justice. Our soldiers are saviors, while Armenian soldiers are occupiers. That is the difference. We are fighting on our own lands, while an Armenian soldier dies on the land of another state  Azerbaijan. I want to address the Armenian people and urge them not to become hostages of the ugly deeds of their leadership. Let them hold their government accountable today. They should not send their children to Azerbaijan. What is the Armenian soldier doing in Azerbaijan? We are fighting on our own lands. Our soldiers and officers are dying on their own lands, are getting wounded on their own lands, and we are liberating our own lands. During the fighting that has been ongoing for four days now, the Azerbaijani Army successfully conducted an operation and liberated strategic heights and several settlements. We are returning to these lands after a long break. We have hoisted our flag on these lands and no-one can take us out of these lands. We must restore our territorial integrity. This is why the Armenian people must understand this, the head of state said: "The Armenian people must understand that it is a crime to occupy the land of another state for 30 years, destroy all buildings and historical sites, expel more than 1 million people from their homeland and commit genocide against the Azerbaijani people. We are restoring historical justice, historical justice! Karabakh is our native, ancient and historical land. Suffice it to look at the history of the Karabakh khanate to see that the people of Azerbaijan have lived, built and created on these lands for centuries. Our sacred city of Shusha was built by the Azerbaijanis. The lands under occupation today are our historical lands. Our cause is the cause of justice. We want to restore our territorial integrity, we have the right to do so, we are doing it and we will do it.

If the Armenian people want to live in peace, they should hold their government accountable. Because the misfortune of the Armenian people lies in the fact that for many years they were governed by a bandit criminal regime, the regime that committed genocide against the Azerbaijanis only in its own personal interests and keeps our lands under occupation. I am sure that the Armenian people will understand my words correctly. We have nothing against the Armenian people. Azerbaijan is a multinational state, many nations live here in peace and tranquility, including the Armenian people. Thousands of Armenians live on the territory of Azerbaijan. No-one says anything to them, they are our citizens. Therefore, our struggle is a struggle for a just cause. We are right from the point of view of history, from the point of view of international law, from the point of view of justice. Azerbaijani soldiers and officers are fighting for their native land. Fierce battles are under way in Fizuli, Jabrayil and other occupied territories today, we are suffering losses, our veterans and servicemen are getting wounded. But this fight is a fight for a just cause. Therefore, I want to say again that our cause is just, historical truth, international law and justice are on our side by 100 percent.

On 27 September, the Armenian armed forces committed another military provocation against us. I warned them. I spoke to them from the UN rostrum. I told the entire international community that Armenia is preparing for a new war and that Armenia must be stopped. Unfortunately, the international community and the parties involved in this issue were unable to influence the Armenian government at the required level. If they cannot stop the occupier, then the Azerbaijani soldier will stop them. The Azerbaijani soldier will remove them from our lands and restore justice. I said that if the military provocations committed against us in July and August are repeated, then Armenia will regret it, and I stand my ground. The advantage gained on the battlefield, our liberated settlements and strategic heights once again show that Azerbaijani soldiers, Azerbaijani officers are fulfilling their civic duty with dignity.

Armenia must end its policy of occupation. Instead, the prime minister of Armenia puts forward conditions. He put forward seven conditions to us. I said some time ago that we reject these conditions. We have one condition  they must leave our lands unconditionally, completely and immediately. This condition is still in force, and if the Armenian government fulfills it, the fighting will stop, blood will not be shed, there will be peace. Peace will come to our region. We want peace, we want a solution to the issue. Otherwise, we would not have cherished hopes for negotiations for 30 years. The only reason we remained committed to the negotiation was that there was hope. We were encouraged, they sent us signals that we should bear with them a little and the issue would be resolved. But I said that the Azerbaijani people will never accept this occupation. I said that if the issue is not resolved through negotiations, then Azerbaijan has every right to resolve this issue by military means. The Azerbaijani people gave us this right, the norms of international law gave us this right. The charter of the highest international body of the world, the United Nations, states that every state has the right to self-defense, and we are exercising it to defend ourselves. Having launched a counteroffensive, we are inflicting crushing blows on the enemy.

It is not too late. I want to say again: Armenia must vacate our lands immediately. You know that the leaders of various international organizations and different countries are calling me, enquire about this issue, express their views. My word is the same  both internationally and domestically. We are on the right path, the battles are going on in Azerbaijan, Azerbaijan is restoring its territorial integrity, and we have every right to do so. Because no country in the world recognizes the so-called "Nagorno-Karabakh republic. This is our historical land. From the point of view of international law as well, this is our land.

I am confident that Azerbaijan will restore its territorial integrity. There is high morale in the army. You know that too. There is high morale in society. I have been receiving many letters every day for the last three to four days, both from citizens of the country and from other countries. Most letters from abroad come from brotherly Turkey. In those letters, our Turkish brothers express their desire to fight with us for this just cause. I express my appreciation to them. But I want to say again that there is no need for that. The Azerbaijani Army is quite strong and well-equipped. We must resolve this issue so that historical justice is restored. At the same time, on behalf of all of us and all the people of Azerbaijan, I express my deep gratitude to brotherly Turkey, its President, my brother Recep Tayyip Erdogan, for his resolute and brotherly position. Because my dear brother's very open and harsh statements show again that Azerbaijan is not alone. Turkey is with Azerbaijan and Azerbaijan is always with Turkey!

I have already said this but I want to say again that these bloody battles are the moment of truth for us, for the entire Azerbaijani people. We see who is who. We see that sometimes those who say nice words and make good statements do not keep their word. One thing is said and a different is done. But Turkey, Pakistan and Afghanistan have unequivocally supported Azerbaijan. You know, there is an international format for negotiations. Unfortunately, this format has not achieved any results. Therefore, in the current situation, calls for dialogue from any side are not relevant. This is done by international organizations, the UN is doing it. We naturally accept that. The OSCE is doing this and we accept it because the OSCE has the mandate. But when someone says to us, let's start such a dialogue, we will also help, there is no need for that. Now is the moment of truth. Which side are you on? Truth or lie? On the side of a friend or an enemy? This is the moment of truth for me, for our people, for all of us.

Of course, we will never forget the countries, organizations and people who support us these days. You know that Azerbaijan has strong positions in the world. In recent years, we have carried out quite effective activities in international organizations and have been able to prove our case. We had to prove our case. We can already say that all major international organizations support our position. The UN, the Organization of Islamic Cooperation, the Non-Aligned Movement, the European Parliament, the OSCE  all these organizations have issued statements in support of our position. We are grateful for that. This is the legal side of the issue. As for the historical side, the historical truth is on our side. Anyone can go online and read. There are materials related to the history of the Karabakh Khanate. There is information about the inclusion of the Karabakh Khanate into the Russian Empire. There is information about the Kurekchay peace treaty. On the one hand, the Kurekchay peace treaty was signed by Ibrahim Khalil Khan of Shusha and Karabakh. This is the way he is referred to in the agreement  Ibrahim Khalil Khan of Shusha and Karabakh. On the other hand, it was signed by a general of Tsarist Russia. There is not a word about the Armenian people in the Kurekchay peace treaty. What does this mean? This means that there was no Armenian population there at that time, they were resettled there after that. When they were settled there, they put forward territorial claims against us. Therefore, we are absolutely right. Our fight is a fight for justice. We will not deviate from our principled position. I have repeatedly spoken about this from all international platforms and I say today that we are on the path of justice. We must restore our territorial integrity and we will restore it.

The information I receive shows that the events of the last three to four days do not become a lesson for the Armenian leadership. They are preparing new provocations, they want to bombard our settlements again and continue to do this. Our civilian casualties are growing every day. According to information as of yesterday morning, 10 of our civilians were killed. According to information provided to me this morning, the number of civilians killed has reached 13. What does this mean? This demonstrates the ugly face of Armenian fascism. We have never fought against civilians. As soon as the counter-offensive operation began, I instructed all our commanders and the Ministry of Defense that no action should be taken against the civilian population. Our goal is the positions, equipment and manpower of Armenias armed formations. But they bombard our villages and cities, 13 civilians were killed, more than 40 civilians were wounded, 168 houses were destroyed. This is the face of Armenian fascism. They cannot resist us on the battlefield, therefore they strike at our villages and towns. But all our compatriots living there are there and everyone says Long live the Motherland. They have not retreated a centimeter and, I am sure, will not do that. They are confident that the Azerbaijani army will protect them. They are looking forward to the moment when the Azerbaijani flag is raised in the occupied territories and the occupation ends.

I want to congratulate you. At a young age, you showed true heroism and courage, fought for your Motherland with dignity and inscribed your names in the history of Azerbaijan. At the same time, it is very difficult for me, for all of us to see you in this state. But you can rest assured that we will do everything necessary for your health. Everyone who is undergoing treatment in all our hospitals, in our military hospitals now deserves special care, and all our doctors, in fact, not only doctors, but also our entire people should support you. You can be sure that the state will be by your side. We dream of one thing  for you to get well as soon as possible, return to normal life and continue your glorious mission. You should be an example for the young people. The people of Azerbaijan are a heroic people, because they raised sons like you.

I want to take this opportunity to pay a tribute of respect to your parents and the parents of our other wounded and martyred servicemen. I want to thank them on my own behalf and on behalf of all the people of Azerbaijan. They have raised heroic children. I am sure that both them and all the people of Azerbaijan are proud of you. We will win, Karabakh is ours, Karabakh is Azerbaijan!

Major Etibar Jamalov: Mr. Commander-in-Chief, Mr. President, thank you very much! Indeed, the Azerbaijani soldier stopped the enemy and gave them a fitting rebuff. Today, everyone is ready to return to the front line. We are proud of your great words. We are always ready to burn like a candle for our land, for our state. Many thanks to the medical staff, they are looking after us very well. We are ready to return to the front line with all our fighting friends in the near future. Thank you very much!
Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,060,000 shares, a growth of 22.6% from the August 31st total of 1,680,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 655,200 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 3.1 days.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Donald C. Wood sold 30,292 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.17, for a total transaction of $3,519,021.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 6,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at $771,020.29. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. In other news, CEO Donald C. Wood sold 30,292 shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.17, for a total transaction of $3,519,021.64. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 6,637 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $771,020.29. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CEO Donald C. Wood sold 5,937 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Monday, September 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.47, for a total value of $691,482.39. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Federal Realty Investment Trust

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. PFG Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 2.0% in the second quarter. PFG Investments LLC now owns 6,185 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $625,000 after purchasing an additional 124 shares during the period. GAMMA Investing LLC lifted its position in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 7.6% during the 1st quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,837 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $188,000 after buying an additional 130 shares during the last quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC boosted its stake in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 2.8% in the 2nd quarter. Vanguard Personalized Indexing Management LLC now owns 5,301 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $535,000 after purchasing an additional 143 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers grew its stake in shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust by 1.1% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 21,952 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $2,216,000 after buying an additional 241 shares during the last quarter. Finally, State of Alaska Department of Revenue increased its holdings in Federal Realty Investment Trust by 0.5% in the 1st quarter. State of Alaska Department of Revenue now owns 46,497 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $4,747,000 after purchasing an additional 244 shares in the last quarter. 93.86% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have commented on the stock. Mizuho lifted their price objective on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $104.00 to $116.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 19th. Scotiabank upped their price target on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $112.00 to $120.00 and gave the stock a sector outperform rating in a research report on Monday, August 26th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $120.00 to $123.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Citigroup upgraded Federal Realty Investment Trust from a neutral rating to a buy rating and lifted their target price for the stock from $120.00 to $135.00 in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Finally, Piper Sandler lifted their price objective on shares of Federal Realty Investment Trust from $122.00 to $135.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $122.85.

Read Our Latest Analysis on Federal Realty Investment Trust

Federal Realty Investment Trust Stock Up 0.5 %

NYSE FRT traded up $0.57 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $114.95. 719,728 shares of the companys stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 628,689. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.57, a quick ratio of 1.74 and a current ratio of 1.74. Federal Realty Investment Trust has a one year low of $85.59 and a one year high of $118.34. The companys 50-day moving average is $113.61 and its two-hundred day moving average is $105.67. The company has a market capitalization of $9.54 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 40.91, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.16 and a beta of 1.24.

Federal Realty Investment Trust (NYSE:FRT  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $1.32 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.68 by ($0.36). Federal Realty Investment Trust had a return on equity of 10.07% and a net margin of 24.69%. The firm had revenue of $295.80 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $293.61 million. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.67 earnings per share. The firms quarterly revenue was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Federal Realty Investment Trust will post 6.81 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Federal Realty Investment Trust Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be issued a dividend of $1.10 per share. This represents a $4.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.83%. This is an increase from Federal Realty Investment Trusts previous quarterly dividend of $1.09. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. Federal Realty Investment Trusts payout ratio is presently 156.58%.

Federal Realty Investment Trust Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Federal Realty is a recognized leader in the ownership, operation and redevelopment of high-quality retail-based properties located primarily in major coastal markets from Washington, DC to Boston as well as San Francisco and Los Angeles. Founded in 1962, Federal Realty's mission is to deliver long-term, sustainable growth through investing in communities where retail demand exceeds supply.

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Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southeastern Lebanon, on Sept. 30, 2024. A total of 95 people were killed and 172 others injured over the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry Monday night. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

A total of 95 people were killed and 172 others injured over the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry Monday night.



The ministry reported that 16 people were killed and 48 injured in the Baalbek-Hermel district, while another 16 were killed and 55 wounded in the Nabatieh governorate.

Additionally, four deaths and four injuries were reported in Beirut, along with 52 fatalities and 43 injuries in the southern governorate. The Bekaa region saw seven people killed and 22 injured.

Since last week, the Israeli army has been conducting extensive airstrikes on Lebanon, marking a significant escalation with Hezbollah.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020, in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline.

The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with the liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation and the restoration of territorial integrity.

On September 30, President of the European Council Charles Michel made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

European Council President Charles Michel expressed his concern over the outbreak of military operations on the line of contact, underlining the need for a peaceful settlement of the conflict.

Highlighting the situation over the ongoing military provocation committed by Armenia against Azerbaijan on September 27, President Ilham Aliyev noted that 14 Azerbaijani civilians as well as servicemen were killed as a result of heavy artillery fire opened by the Armenian side on the positions of the Azerbaijani armed forces and residential settlements along the line of contact. President Ilham Aliyev said that the Azerbaijani Army was conducting a counter-offensive in response. "The Armenian leadership is deliberately violating the negotiation process," the Azerbaijani President noted. "The Armenian prime ministers statement "Nagorno-Karabakh is Armenia" deals a serious blow to the negotiation process, while his statement "Azerbaijan should negotiate with Nagorno-Karabakh" is an attempt to change the format of the negotiations, which is also unacceptable, as stated by the leadership of the Minsk Group as well."

The head of state emphasized that Armenia was conducting a policy of illegal settlement of foreign citizens in the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, which is a gross violation of international law, and a war crime under the Geneva Convention. President Ilham Aliyev mentioned that the Armenian Prime Minister had decided to set up military units consisting of tens of thousands of volunteers even before the military clashes broke out on September 27, which meant that Armenia was preparing for another aggression.

The head of state noted that the political and military leadership of Armenia bore responsibility for further development of events in the wake of the military provocation of Armenia.
A.G. BARR p.l.c. (LON:BAG  Get Free Report) declared a dividend on Tuesday, September 24th, Upcoming.Co.Uk reports. Investors of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be given a dividend of GBX 3.10 ($0.04) per share on Friday, November 1st. This represents a yield of 0.47%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 3rd. The official announcement can be viewed at this link.

A.G. BARR Stock Up 0.3 %

LON BAG opened at GBX 626 ($8.37) on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day moving average price of GBX 640.68 and a 200 day moving average price of GBX 605.44. A.G. BARR has a one year low of GBX 472.50 ($6.32) and a one year high of GBX 686 ($9.18). The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.67, a quick ratio of 1.99 and a current ratio of 2.09. The company has a market cap of 694.73 million, a P/E ratio of 1,835.29, a P/E/G ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 0.38.

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Insider Activity

In related news, insider Julie A. Barr acquired 34 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 6th. The stock was acquired at an average price of GBX 1,486 ($19.88) per share, for a total transaction of 505.24 ($675.82). In the last quarter, insiders purchased 83 shares of company stock worth $80,533. 32.90% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts recently commented on BAG shares. Shore Capital reissued a house stock rating on shares of A.G. BARR in a research note on Tuesday, September 24th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a buy rating and set a GBX 685 ($9.16) target price on shares of A.G. BARR in a report on Thursday, July 4th.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on BAG

A.G. BARR Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

A.G. BARR p.l.c., together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, distributes, and sells soft drinks and cocktail solutions in the United Kingdom and internationally. It operates in three segments: Soft drinks, Cocktail solutions, and Other. The company provides carbonated and flavored soft drinks, brewed drinks, pre-mixed cocktails, mixers, syrups, various fruit purees, boost drinks, energy stimulation drinks, sport drinks, iced coffee, oat drinks, spring and sparkling water, fruit juices, and other non-alcoholic beverages.

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Shares of Duke Energy Co. (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) have been assigned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the thirteen analysts that are currently covering the firm, MarketBeat reports. Six equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and seven have assigned a buy recommendation to the company. The average 12-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $117.07.

A number of equities analysts have recently issued reports on DUK shares. Barclays increased their target price on Duke Energy from $99.00 to $102.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Scotiabank raised their target price on Duke Energy from $104.00 to $113.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a report on Tuesday, August 20th. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and set a $135.00 price target on shares of Duke Energy in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Bank of America raised their price objective on shares of Duke Energy from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, August 29th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group started coverage on shares of Duke Energy in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. They set a buy rating and a $138.00 target price on the stock.

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Duke Energy Stock Performance

Shares of DUK stock opened at $115.30 on Tuesday. Duke Energy has a 52 week low of $83.06 and a 52 week high of $118.31. The stock has a market capitalization of $88.98 billion, a PE ratio of 28.97, a P/E/G ratio of 3.22 and a beta of 0.47. The company has a quick ratio of 0.53, a current ratio of 0.81 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.56. The firm has a 50 day moving average of $113.65 and a two-hundred day moving average of $104.85.

Duke Energy (NYSE:DUK  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The utilities provider reported $1.18 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.02 by $0.16. The company had revenue of $7.17 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $6.84 billion. Duke Energy had a net margin of 14.29% and a return on equity of 9.71%. The firms revenue was up 9.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the firm posted $0.91 earnings per share. On average, research analysts predict that Duke Energy will post 5.97 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Duke Energy Increases Dividend

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 16th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 16th were issued a $1.045 dividend. This represents a $4.18 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 3.63%. This is a positive change from Duke Energys previous quarterly dividend of $1.03. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. Duke Energys dividend payout ratio is 105.03%.

Insider Transactions at Duke Energy

In related news, EVP Louis E. Renjel sold 540 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.64, for a total transaction of $61,365.60. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 19,884 shares of the companys stock, valued at $2,259,617.76. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Insiders own 0.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Northwest Investment Counselors LLC acquired a new position in Duke Energy during the first quarter worth approximately $25,000. Fortitude Family Office LLC increased its holdings in shares of Duke Energy by 69.6% during the 2nd quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 290 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $29,000 after buying an additional 119 shares during the last quarter. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new position in Duke Energy in the first quarter valued at $30,000. Olistico Wealth LLC purchased a new stake in Duke Energy during the second quarter valued at about $30,000. Finally, Cedar Wealth Management LLC increased its stake in Duke Energy by 101.2% during the first quarter. Cedar Wealth Management LLC now owns 336 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $32,000 after acquiring an additional 169 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 65.31% of the companys stock.

Duke Energy Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Duke Energy Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an energy company in the United States. It operates through two segments: Electric Utilities and Infrastructure (EU&I), and Gas Utilities and Infrastructure (GU&I). The EU&I segment generates, transmits, distributes, and sells electricity in the Carolinas, Florida, and the Midwest.

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Ashtead Group plc (OTCMKTS:ASHTF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 559,700 shares, a growth of 9.9% from the August 31st total of 509,200 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 4,700 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 119.1 days.

Ashtead Group Stock Up 1.3 %

Shares of OTCMKTS:ASHTF opened at $78.99 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $70.04 and a 200 day simple moving average of $70.57. Ashtead Group has a 12-month low of $56.01 and a 12-month high of $78.99.

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Ashtead Group Company Profile

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Ashtead Group plc, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the construction, industrial, and general equipment rental business in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. It provides pumps, power generation, heating, cooling, scaffolding, traffic management, temporary flooring, trench shoring, and lifting services.

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Borregaard ASA (OTCMKTS:BRRDF  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 23,200 shares, a growth of 10.0% from the August 31st total of 21,100 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 0 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently  days.

Borregaard ASA Stock Performance

Shares of BRRDF opened at $17.40 on Tuesday. The company has a 50 day moving average of $17.39 and a two-hundred day moving average of $17.19. Borregaard ASA has a twelve month low of $17.40 and a twelve month high of $17.40.

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Borregaard ASA Company Profile

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Borregaard ASA engages in the development, production, and marketing of specialized biomaterials and biochemicals in Norway, rest of Europe, the United States, Asia, and internationally. It operates in three segments: BioSolutions, BioMaterials, and Fine Chemicals. The BioSolutions segment develops, produces, and sells biopolymers for various applications, such as agrochemicals, batteries, industrial binders, and construction; and biovanillin for flavor and fragrance companies, as well as for food and beverage industry.

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Shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE:CFR  Get Free Report) have been given an average recommendation of Hold by the fourteen brokerages that are currently covering the stock, MarketBeat.com reports. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell recommendation, eight have given a hold recommendation and three have issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average 12-month target price among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $120.07.

CFR has been the topic of several research reports. Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $121.00 to $117.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a research report on Monday. Truist Financial dropped their target price on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $126.00 to $123.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, September 20th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $140.00 to $130.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Thursday, June 27th. DA Davidson raised their price objective on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $127.00 to $134.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, July 26th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their price objective on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $109.00 to $100.00 and set an underperform rating on the stock in a research note on Tuesday, June 25th.

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Read Our Latest Report on Cullen/Frost Bankers

Cullen/Frost Bankers Trading Up 0.7 %

Cullen/Frost Bankers stock opened at $111.96 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $7.19 billion, a PE ratio of 13.23, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.00. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a current ratio of 0.64 and a quick ratio of 0.64. The businesss fifty day moving average is $110.73 and its 200 day moving average is $107.03. Cullen/Frost Bankers has a one year low of $82.25 and a one year high of $123.17.

Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE:CFR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The bank reported $2.21 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.14. The business had revenue of $528.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $506.83 million. Cullen/Frost Bankers had a return on equity of 17.43% and a net margin of 19.51%. During the same period last year, the firm posted $2.47 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Cullen/Frost Bankers will post 8.62 EPS for the current year.

Cullen/Frost Bankers Increases Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Investors of record on Friday, August 30th were paid a dividend of $0.95 per share. This represents a $3.80 annualized dividend and a yield of 3.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 30th. This is an increase from Cullen/Frost Bankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.92. Cullen/Frost Bankerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 44.92%.

Insider Activity at Cullen/Frost Bankers

In related news, EVP Candace K. Wolfshohl sold 5,000 shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total transaction of $598,250.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 18,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,243,796.45. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Cullen/Frost Bankers news, EVP Candace K. Wolfshohl sold 5,000 shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total value of $598,250.00. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 18,753 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,243,796.45. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Howard L. Kasanoff sold 3,000 shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.20, for a total value of $357,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $190,481.60. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.89% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Trading of Cullen/Frost Bankers

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in CFR. Norges Bank bought a new stake in Cullen/Frost Bankers in the 4th quarter worth approximately $72,627,000. Champlain Investment Partners LLC increased its stake in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 18.4% in the 1st quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 3,192,486 shares of the banks stock worth $359,378,000 after acquiring an additional 495,215 shares during the last quarter. Deprince Race & Zollo Inc. purchased a new position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $37,813,000. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC boosted its holdings in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 7,109.7% in the 2nd quarter. Strategic Financial Concepts LLC now owns 250,896 shares of the banks stock worth $255,000 after purchasing an additional 247,416 shares during the period. Finally, Goldman Sachs Group Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers by 44.1% in the 4th quarter. Goldman Sachs Group Inc. now owns 798,403 shares of the banks stock worth $86,619,000 after purchasing an additional 244,197 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 86.90% of the companys stock.

Cullen/Frost Bankers Company Profile

(Get Free Report

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; and treasury management services, as well as originates commercial leasing services.

Further Reading

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Douglas Emmett, Inc. (NYSE:DEI  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Hold from the eight analysts that are covering the company, MarketBeat reports. Seven research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and one has issued a buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among brokerages that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $15.88.

Several research firms recently weighed in on DEI. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on Douglas Emmett from $15.00 to $17.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $15.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Monday, September 9th. Piper Sandler upped their price target on shares of Douglas Emmett from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 12th. Evercore ISI lifted their price objective on shares of Douglas Emmett from $15.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, Citigroup increased their target price on shares of Douglas Emmett from $14.00 to $16.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 12th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On Douglas Emmett

Douglas Emmett Price Performance

A number of institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of DEI. Wolverine Asset Management LLC bought a new position in Douglas Emmett in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $32,000. Quarry LP bought a new position in shares of Douglas Emmett in the 4th quarter valued at $57,000. Aspire Private Capital LLC lifted its stake in shares of Douglas Emmett by 20.0% in the 2nd quarter. Aspire Private Capital LLC now owns 9,537 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $127,000 after acquiring an additional 1,592 shares during the last quarter. Xponance Inc. acquired a new stake in shares of Douglas Emmett during the 2nd quarter valued at $137,000. Finally, Choreo LLC bought a new stake in Douglas Emmett during the 2nd quarter worth $147,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 97.37% of the companys stock.

NYSE:DEI opened at $17.58 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $2.94 billion, a P/E ratio of -56.69 and a beta of 1.10. The firms fifty day moving average price is $15.84 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $14.40. Douglas Emmett has a one year low of $10.76 and a one year high of $17.75. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 5.11 and a quick ratio of 5.11.

Douglas Emmett (NYSE:DEI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.06 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.43 by ($0.37). The company had revenue of $245.80 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $246.62 million. Douglas Emmett had a negative net margin of 3.55% and a negative return on equity of 0.88%. The firms quarterly revenue was down 3.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $0.48 EPS. Equities analysts expect that Douglas Emmett will post 1.67 earnings per share for the current year.

Douglas Emmett Announces Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, October 16th. Investors of record on Monday, September 30th will be given a dividend of $0.19 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $0.76 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.32%. Douglas Emmetts dividend payout ratio is -245.16%.

About Douglas Emmett

(Get Free Report

Douglas Emmett, Inc (DEI) is a fully integrated, self-administered and self-managed real estate investment trust (REIT), and one of the largest owners and operators of high-quality office and multifamily properties located in the premier coastal submarkets of Los Angeles and Honolulu. Douglas Emmett focuses on owning and acquiring a substantial share of top-tier office properties and premier multifamily communities in neighborhoods that possess significant supply constraints, high-end executive housing and key lifestyle amenities.

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PHINIA (NYSE:PHIN  Get Free Report) and American Axle & Manufacturing (NYSE:AXL  Get Free Report) are both auto/tires/trucks companies, but which is the superior stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their valuation, institutional ownership, risk, dividends, earnings, profitability and analyst recommendations.

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations for PHINIA and American Axle & Manufacturing, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score PHINIA 0 1 1 0 2.50 American Axle & Manufacturing 1 5 0 0 1.83

PHINIA presently has a consensus price target of $52.50, indicating a potential upside of 14.06%. American Axle & Manufacturing has a consensus price target of $7.10, indicating a potential upside of 14.89%. Given American Axle & Manufacturings higher possible upside, analysts clearly believe American Axle & Manufacturing is more favorable than PHINIA.

Valuation & Earnings

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio PHINIA $3.50 billion 0.57 $102.00 million N/A N/A American Axle & Manufacturing $6.25 billion 0.12 -$33.60 million ($0.07) -88.29

This table compares PHINIA and American Axle & Manufacturings revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

PHINIA has higher earnings, but lower revenue than American Axle & Manufacturing.

Risk & Volatility

PHINIA has a beta of 0.86, suggesting that its stock price is 14% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, American Axle & Manufacturing has a beta of 1.95, suggesting that its stock price is 95% more volatile than the S&P 500.

Profitability

This table compares PHINIA and American Axle & Manufacturings net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets PHINIA 2.48% 8.04% 3.69% American Axle & Manufacturing 0.04% 3.47% 0.39%

Insider and Institutional Ownership

90.9% of PHINIA shares are owned by institutional investors. Comparatively, 91.4% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by institutional investors. 1.5% of PHINIA shares are owned by company insiders. Comparatively, 2.1% of American Axle & Manufacturing shares are owned by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a company will outperform the market over the long term.

Summary

PHINIA beats American Axle & Manufacturing on 8 of the 13 factors compared between the two stocks.

About PHINIA

(Get Free Report)

PHINIA Inc. engages in the development, design, and manufacture of integrated components and systems that optimize performance, increase efficiency, and reduce emissions in combustion and hybrid propulsion for commercial and light vehicles, and industrial applications. The company operates through Fuel Systems and Aftermarket segments. The Fuel Systems segment provides advanced fuel injection systems, including pumps, injectors, fuel rail assemblies, and engine control modules; fuel delivery modules; canisters; sensors; and electronic control modules. The segment also offers complete systems comprising associated software and calibration services, that reduce emissions and improve fuel economy for traditional and hybrid applications. The Aftermarket segment is involved in the sale of starters, alternators, and other new and remanufactured products, as well as maintenance, test equipment, and vehicle diagnostics solutions. It servs original equipment manufacturers of passenger cars, trucks, vans, sport-utility vehicles, medium-duty and heavy-duty trucks, and buses, as well as other off-highway construction, marine, and agricultural and industrial applications. PHINIA Inc. was incorporated in 2023 and is based in Auburn Hills, Michigan.

About American Axle & Manufacturing

(Get Free Report)

American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., together with its subsidiaries, designs, engineers, and manufactures driveline and metal forming technologies that supports electric, hybrid, and internal combustion vehicles. It operates through two segments, Driveline and Metal Forming segments. The Driveline segment offers front and rear axles, driveshafts, differential assemblies, clutch modules, balance shaft systems, disconnecting driveline technology, and electric and hybrid driveline products and systems for light trucks, sport utility vehicles, crossover vehicles, passenger cars, and commercial vehicles. The Metal Forming segment provides range of products, such as engine, transmission, driveline, and safety-critical components for traditional internal combustion engine and electric vehicle architectures, including light vehicles, commercial vehicles, and off-highway vehicles, as well as products for industrial markets. It operates in North America, Asia, Europe, and South America. American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc. was founded in 1994 and is headquartered in Detroit, Michigan.

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StockNews.com upgraded shares of Sandstorm Gold (NYSE:SAND  Free Report) from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note published on Friday.

Several other equities analysts have also issued reports on the stock. CIBC lifted their target price on shares of Sandstorm Gold from $9.00 to $9.50 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, July 10th. Royal Bank of Canada lowered their price objective on Sandstorm Gold from $6.50 to $6.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th. Finally, HC Wainwright increased their target price on Sandstorm Gold from $11.00 to $11.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $8.25.

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Sandstorm Gold Stock Down 1.4 %

Shares of NYSE:SAND opened at $6.01 on Friday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.27, a quick ratio of 1.99 and a current ratio of 1.99. Sandstorm Gold has a 52-week low of $3.96 and a 52-week high of $6.38. The firm has a market capitalization of $1.79 billion, a P/E ratio of 75.06 and a beta of 1.14. The stock has a 50 day moving average price of $5.69 and a 200-day moving average price of $5.57.

Sandstorm Gold (NYSE:SAND  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.03 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.02 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $41.37 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $40.50 million. Sandstorm Gold had a return on equity of 2.06% and a net margin of 17.55%. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.01 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts anticipate that Sandstorm Gold will post 0.09 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Sandstorm Gold Increases Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 25th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 15th will be issued a $0.015 dividend. This is a positive change from Sandstorm Golds previous quarterly dividend of $0.01. This represents a $0.06 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.00%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Tuesday, October 15th. Sandstorm Golds payout ratio is presently 62.50%.

Institutional Trading of Sandstorm Gold

Several institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Mad River Investors boosted its position in shares of Sandstorm Gold by 1.6% during the second quarter. Mad River Investors now owns 192,069 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,045,000 after buying an additional 3,016 shares during the last quarter. Raymond James & Associates boosted its holdings in shares of Sandstorm Gold by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Raymond James & Associates now owns 302,128 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,644,000 after acquiring an additional 3,319 shares during the last quarter. Pullen Investment Management LLC grew its stake in shares of Sandstorm Gold by 3.2% in the second quarter. Pullen Investment Management LLC now owns 109,976 shares of the companys stock worth $598,000 after acquiring an additional 3,442 shares during the period. Oxbow Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Sandstorm Gold by 34.3% during the second quarter. Oxbow Advisors LLC now owns 20,556 shares of the companys stock valued at $112,000 after purchasing an additional 5,254 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Perritt Capital Management Inc. bought a new position in Sandstorm Gold during the first quarter valued at approximately $31,000. 51.97% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Sandstorm Gold Company Profile

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Sandstorm Gold Ltd. operates as a gold royalty company. The company focuses on acquiring royalties and gold and other metals purchase agreements from companies that have advanced stage operating mines. It offers upfront payments for companies to acquire a stream and receives the right to purchase a percentage of a mine's production for the life of the mine.

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Funding Circle Holdings plc (OTCMKTS:FDCHF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decline in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,200 shares, a decline of 7.7% from the August 31st total of 1,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 12.0 days.

Funding Circle Price Performance

Funding Circle stock opened at $1.61 on Tuesday. Funding Circle has a 52 week low of $1.53 and a 52 week high of $1.61. The companys 50 day moving average price is $1.18 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $0.91.

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See Also

Funding Circle Holdings plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides online lending platforms in the United Kingdom, the United States, and internationally. The company offers small business loans, recovery loan schemes, and business finance solutions to small enterprises. It also provides flexipay and flexipay card solutions.

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The Progressive Co. (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the nineteen analysts that are currently covering the stock, Marketbeat reports. Six investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twelve have assigned a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average 12 month price objective among brokerages that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $257.18.

A number of analysts have recently commented on the stock. Morgan Stanley boosted their target price on shares of Progressive from $260.00 to $300.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Barclays initiated coverage on Progressive in a report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an equal weight rating and a $367.00 target price for the company. Roth Mkm lifted their price target on Progressive from $270.00 to $290.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Evercore ISI increased their price objective on Progressive from $243.00 to $246.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group lifted their target price on shares of Progressive from $256.00 to $257.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th.

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Insider Buying and Selling

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Progressive

In other Progressive news, Director Philip Bleser sold 2,129 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $219.08, for a total value of $466,421.32. Following the transaction, the director now owns 974 shares of the companys stock, valued at $213,383.92. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link . In other Progressive news, CEO Susan Patricia Griffith sold 43,371 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 22nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $214.01, for a total value of $9,281,827.71. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 517,105 shares of the companys stock, valued at $110,665,641.05. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website . Also, Director Philip Bleser sold 2,129 shares of Progressive stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $219.08, for a total value of $466,421.32. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 974 shares of the companys stock, valued at $213,383.92. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . In the last ninety days, insiders sold 146,512 shares of company stock valued at $33,912,874. 0.34% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. WR Wealth Planners LLC lifted its position in shares of Progressive by 119.6% during the second quarter. WR Wealth Planners LLC now owns 123 shares of the insurance providers stock worth $26,000 after purchasing an additional 67 shares in the last quarter. Indiana Trust & Investment Management CO acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 1st quarter worth approximately $32,000. Northwest Bank & Trust Co acquired a new stake in Progressive during the 4th quarter worth approximately $25,000. Hilltop National Bank boosted its position in Progressive by 126.0% in the 2nd quarter. Hilltop National Bank now owns 165 shares of the insurance providers stock valued at $34,000 after buying an additional 92 shares during the period. Finally, Register Financial Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Progressive during the first quarter worth $35,000. 85.34% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

Progressive Stock Performance

NYSE PGR opened at $253.76 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $148.63 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 25.97, a PEG ratio of 0.72 and a beta of 0.35. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $238.56 and a 200 day moving average of $219.77. The company has a current ratio of 0.31, a quick ratio of 0.31 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.30. Progressive has a twelve month low of $137.59 and a twelve month high of $260.46.

Progressive (NYSE:PGR  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Tuesday, July 16th. The insurance provider reported $2.65 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.04 by $0.61. The firm had revenue of $17.90 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $17.54 billion. Progressive had a return on equity of 33.01% and a net margin of 10.17%. The businesss revenue was up 21.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.57 EPS. Sell-side analysts anticipate that Progressive will post 12.9 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Progressive Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 11th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 3rd will be paid a $0.10 dividend. This represents a $0.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.16%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 3rd. Progressives dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 4.09%.

About Progressive

(Get Free Report

The Progressive Corporation, an insurance holding company, provides personal and commercial auto, personal residential and commercial property, business related general liability, and other specialty property-casualty insurance products and related services in the United States. It operates in three segments: Personal Lines, Commercial Lines, and Property.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called 'Iron Fist' in response to Armenian armed forces on September 27, 2020, Trend reports.

The 44-day second Karabakh war brought an end to 30-year occupation of Azerbaijani lands and the restoration of country's territorial integrity.

Trend presents chronicle of Azerbaijan's second Karabakh war for September 30, 2020:

- President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva met with wounded soldiers.

- President of the European Council Charles Michel made a phone call to President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

- The Armenian armed forces used the Tochka-U high-precision tactical ballistic missile system. However, due to the unsuitability and poor quality of the Armenian troops' military equipment, three of the fired missiles didn't explode.

- The Azerbaijani Army disabled one S-300 anti-aircraft missile system of the Armenian armed forces during the fighting in the Shushakand village of the Khojaly district.

- The Armenian armed positions of the 1st Battalion of the 5th Motorized Rifle Regiment Tartar district's Hasangaya settlement and the 1st Battalion of the 6th Motorized Rifle Regiment stationed in the Talish direction were destroyed. The enemy's military equipment in the Jabrayil direction of the front was destroyed. The Azerbaijani Army units subjected the 4th battalion of the Armenian armed forces in the Fuzuli direction, to heavy artillery fire. The command post of the 41st separate regiment of the 18th motorized rifle division was also fired upon. The troop control was completely broken.

- The personnel of the 2nd Battalion of the seventh Mountain Rifle Regiment of the 10th Mountain Rifle Division of the 1st Combined Arms Army of Armenia in Tonashen, suffered big losses and left their defensive positions without permission. A blow was struck at the headquarters of the 5th Mountain Rifle Regiment in the Aghdere settlement of the division.

- The Azerbaijani Army conducted operations to destroy Armenian manpower and military equipment, surrounded in the Aghdere and Tartar directions, as well as continued the cleansing of the territory. Suffering significant losses in manpower and military equipment, the enemy couldn't cope with the evacuation of the dead and wounded.

- Some 46 civilians have been injured, and 14 have been killed as a consequence of heavy artillery shelling of Azerbaijani densely populated areas.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Azerbaijani Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met with a delegation of the Supreme Court of Turkiye headed by Prosecutor General Muhsin Senturk, Trend reports via the Prosecutor General's Office.

Meetings are held with delegations of international organizations and foreign states participating in the 29th annual conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in Baku.

During the meeting with the Turkish delegation, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev stressed that Azerbaijani-Turkish friendship and brotherhood is an example for the countries of the world, drawing strength from common national, and moral values and traditions of our peoples, Azerbaijani-Turkish relations have risen to the level of strategic cooperation as a result of efforts of the heads of state and their far-sighted foreign policy.

Aliyev highlighted that the fight against crime is crucial for strengthening legality and the rule of law. He remarked that the Council of Prosecutors General from member states of the Turkic States Organization is creating new opportunities for mutually beneficial cooperation and is effectively addressing modern challenges through systematic approaches.

He also underscored the historical significance of the upcoming 29th session of the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Baku, presenting the guests with invitations to participate in a high-level plenary session titled "Mobilization of law enforcement bodies to strengthen the fight against climate change", scheduled for November 15 as part of COP29 by the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan jointly with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime - UNODC.

Aliyev noted the strong connections established with Turkiye's prosecutorial authorities and discussed the importance of experience exchange and bilateral visits among prosecutors.

The Prosecutor General of the Supreme Court of Turkiye expressed gratitude for the warm reception and confidence that friendly relations between the parties will continue to develop successfully in all directions, highly valued the existing ties between the prosecutor's offices of the two brotherly countries.

The Turkish Ambassador to Azerbaijan, Jahit Bagci, also participated in the meeting.

The delegation's working visit to Azerbaijan is ongoing, according to the Prosecutor General's Office.
Meghna Mittal Deputy News Editor at Moneycontrol. Meghna has experience across television, print, online and wire media. She has been covering the Indian economy, monetary and fiscal policies, Finance and Trade ministries. She tweets at @Meghnamittal23 Contact: meghna.mittal@nw18.com
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Abhishek Sahu covers HR and Education (Careers) at Moneycontrol. He can be reached at Abhishek.Sahu@nw18.com and @Abhishek44sahu.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan expressed its condolences regarding the natural disaster in Nepal, the Ministry's publication on its X account said, Trend reports.

"The news about the floods and landslides in Nepal, which have claimed hundreds of lives, has saddened us.

We express our deepest condolences to the families of the deceased and wish a speedy recovery to the injured.

We stand in solidarity with Nepal in these difficult days," the publication reads.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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Iran Israel war Highlights: Israel assessed that Iran was likely to attack three Israeli air bases and an intelligence base located just north of Tel Aviv.

UN chief condemns 'broadening' conflict after Iran attacks Israel.

Top European airlines Lufthansa, KLM and Swiss on Tuesday announced that they were extending their suspension of flights to the Middle East, as tensions spiral throughout the region.

The moves come as Israel launched strikes on Beirut and a senior White House official warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack "imminently" against Israel.

Iraq's transportation ministry ordered the closure of its airspace for safety reasons on Tuesday after Iran launched missiles at Israel, the official Iraqi News Agency said.

The report said the closure was "to maintain the safety of aerial navigation", with the ministry also ordering a "temporary halt to air traffic at all Iraqi airports".
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called 'Iron Fist', in response to Armenian armed forces on September 27, 2020, Trend reports.

The 44-day second Karabakh war ended with liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation.

Trend presents chronicle of Azerbaijan's second Karabakh war for October 1, 2020:

- President of the Republic of Belarus Alexander Lukashenko made a phone call to President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev.

- The Armenian armed forces units subjected Azerbaijan's Tartar city to artillery fire once again. As a result of Armenia's large-scale provocations, 19 Azerbaijani civilians were killed, a teacher suffered shrapnel wounds, and 11 schools were destroyed.

- Nearly 200 tanks, 228 artillery installations, 30 air defense systems of the Armenian armed forces were disabled.

- The list of the Armenian armed forces' military losses was unveiled. The enemy's military columns moving in different directions of the frontline were destroyed.

- Following the battles in the Fuzuli direction, the Armenian military equipment was captured.
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My wife is victim of hate politics, says Siddaramaiah after she decides to return 14 sites
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The investigation into the criminal case related to the arrested Armenian separatists has been completed, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev told journalists in Baku, Trend reports.

He noted that the investigative actions in the case have been completed.

"The stage of familiarization with the materials of the criminal case has already begun. However, this stage takes quite a long time. Because there are quite a lot of victims, and at the same time the rights of the accused are ensured in accordance with international conventions and the requirements of national legislation. Each of them has several lawyers, they have the right to get acquainted with the materials, because the charges are quite serious, charges related to separatism, charges related to the destruction of our historical and cultural monuments", he said.

The Prosecutor General noted that the case will be transferred to court after all these processes are completed.
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The procedure for executing the verdict in connection with the attack on the Azerbaijani Embassy in Iran continues, Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, continued communication with the Iranian side is being maintained in this regard.

This is only about procedural issues. The verdict of the court of first instance must be confirmed by the Supreme Court of Iran. The procedural rule is that after this procedure is completed, the verdict will be executed, he added.

An armed attack took place at the Embassy of Azerbaijan in Iran on January 27, 2023, at about 8:30 (GMT+4). The gunman turned out to be a man in his 50s who drove up to the administrative building, armed with a Kalashnikov automatic rifle.

Earlier reports from the Chief of Tehran Police said there were two children in the car with the gunman, the security camera footage released later proved the man was alone. He entered the building after briefly waving his hand to the Iranian security guard outside. No attempts were made to detain the gunman, as he freely entered the embassy. The man managed to kill the head of the security service and wound two embassy guards. The shooter was eventually detained. The incident is currently being investigated.

Following the deadly assault, Azerbaijan evacuated its officials from the embassy, including those who suffered as a result of the attack, and completely suspended the work of the embassy in Tehran.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Azerbaijan has condemned the attack on the residence of the UAE ambassador in Sudan, Trend reports.

"We strongly condemn the attack on the residence of the United Arab Emirates' Ambassador in Khartoum, Sudan.

The attack on diplomatic premises is a blatant violation of the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations, that is unacceptable. It is of utmost importance to uphold the inviolability of diplomatic premises based on international law," the ministry wrote on its page on X.

The UAE Ministry of Foreign Affairs previously reported that a Sudanese military aircraft had struck the residence of the UAE ambassador in Khartoum, causing "significant damage" to the building.
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'There is nowhere in the Middle East..': Netanyahu issues fresh warning to Iranians amid flurry of strikes
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US, Israel agree on 'dismantling attack infrastructure' on Lebanon border: Austin
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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. An international conference focused on France's neo-colonial policy will be held under the organization of the Baku Initiative Group on October 3, Trend reports.

Representatives from Senegal, Burkina Faso, Cameroon, Guinea-Bissau, Congo, Mauritania, Zimbabwe, Niger, France, and Mayotte are set to participate in the event.

The Baku Initiative Group, established within the framework of Azerbaijan's chairmanship of the Non-Aligned Movement, has been waging a sustained and systematic struggle against colonialism, supporting the struggle of peoples under the oppression of colonialism and fighting for independence.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 28. President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev has signed a decree in order to improve the processes of extraction, refining, and supply of Naftalan oil, expand the use of Naftalan oil and drugs made from it, as well as popularize the city of Naftalan in the world as a city of health tourism, Trend reports.

According to the decree, the Cabinet of Ministers has been tasked to submit proposals on conducting new medical research and expanding the use of Naftalan oil-based products for medical purposes to the President of Azerbaijan within six months, aimed at ensuring the international promotion of the therapeutic effects of Naftalan oil and products made from it.

Additionally, the Cabinet of Ministers must approve the regulations for the "Naftalan" Resort within two months, in accordance with Article 3.4 of the Law of the Republic of Azerbaijan On Natural Healing Resources, Health Resorts, and Resorts, and inform the President of Azerbaijan.

The Cabinet was also tasked with addressing other issues arising from this decree.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The series of meetings with delegations of international organizations and foreign states participating in the 29th annual conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in Baku is underway, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's General Prosecutor's Office.

According to information, Prosecutor General of the Republic of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev met today with the delegation of the Kingdom of Bahrain headed by Prosecutor General Ali bin Fadhl Al-Buainain.

Noting that within the framework of the Non-Aligned Movement organization, cooperation with the Kingdom of Bahrain has reached a high level, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev stressed the existence of strong political and trade ties between the two countries.

Underscoring the historical significance of holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Azerbaijan, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev presented the invitation letter to the Prosecutor General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the high-level plenary session entitled Mobilization of law enforcement agencies to strengthen the fight against climate change organized within COP29 by the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly with the UN Office.

Mentioning that strong ties have been established between the Prosecutor's Offices of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the Kingdom of Bahrain, Kamran Aliyev talked of the exchange of experience and the importance of bilateral visits of the Prosecutor's Office staff.

Expressing gratitude for the warm reception, the Prosecutor General of the Kingdom of Bahrain congratulated Kamran Aliyev on the professional holiday of prosecutors of the Republic of Azerbaijan on October 1 and the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the prosecution bodies, highly appreciating the reforms carried out in the prosecution bodies and existing ties between the prosecution bodies of the two countries.

The sides exchanged views on the prospects of expanding legal and institutional cooperation between the prosecutor's offices of the two countries within the framework of bilateral and international platforms. The necessity of cooperation was emphasized, including the fight against crime, protection of citizens' rights, mutual professional visits, and exchange of experience.

Afterwards, a memorandum of understanding on the development of cooperation was signed in order to strengthen legal cooperation between the two countries and further intensify the existing ties.

The working visit of the delegation to Azerbaijan continues.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The representatives of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) once again visited persons of Armenian origin under arrest in Baku in September, Spokesperson of the ICRC Office in Azerbaijan Ilaha Huseynova told Trend.

She said that personal meetings were held with the detainees, and conditions were created for them to communicate with their families.

Under its mandate, the ICRC assesses the treatment and conditions of detention of these persons. The ICRC also creates conditions for these persons to re-establish or continue contact with their families. According to ICRC procedures, observations and recommendations for visits are transmitted and discussed only with the detaining party, Huseynova emphasized.

To note, in August, ICRC members visited persons of Armenian origin reported by the Azerbaijani side. Personal meetings were held with the detainees, and conditions were created for them to communicate with their families.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. The Azerbaijani Army launched a counter-offensive operation, later called the "Iron Fist", on September 27, 2020 in response to the large-scale provocation of the Armenian armed forces along the frontline, Trend reports.

The erupted 44-day Second Karabakh War ended with liberation of Azerbaijans territories from nearly 30-year Armenian occupation.

Trend presents the chronicle of the war.

- On October 2, Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev gave an interview to Al Jazeera. The president once again defended the rightful position of Azerbaijan in the international media and informed the international community about the reasons of the Second Karabakh War and the latest situation in the region.

- On the night and in the morning of October 2, combat operations continued in different directions of the front. In the direction of Aghdara, Azerbaijani troops liberated the important heights around Madagiz settlement (now renamed into Sugovushan) and took control of it. From 00:00 to 07:00 (GMT +4), five Armenian armored vehicles, three military infrastructure facilities and a large number of personnel were destroyed. Armenian volunteers brought from Armenia to Azerbaijani then-occupied territories refused to fight under various pretexts, fearing the intensity of the fighting and the heavy losses.

- Armenia shelled Azerbaijani settlements. The villages of Khindiristan, Alibayli, Ahmadaghaly and Safarli in the Aghdam district came under heavy artillery fire.

- The Azerbaijani Defense Ministry has released new footages of the battles. The Armenian manpower and equipment were destroyed.

- Armenian servicemen inflicted strikes on a kindergarten in Shikharkh settlement near Tartar city.

- Armenian armed forces fired on journalists who were reporting from the frontline. The journalists who were operating in the residential areas fired by Armenian forces came under sudden shooting. Armenians shelled the area where the journalists were.

- Shootout between Armenian soldiers. A shootout took place between the soldiers of the 6th Motorized Rifle Regiment of the Armenian Armed Forces in Madagiz (now Sugovushan), who withdrew during the night fighting.

- Armenian military supplies and combat means were destroyed

- Armenia launched nearly 10 Tochka-U tactical missiles to the Sabirkand settlement of Shamkir district.

- The Azerbaijani Army seized the battle flag of the Air Discount Command Union of the Armenian Armed Forces 193rd airborne assault battalion, as well as a large number of weapons and ammunition of the Armenian forces who fled the battlefield, helpless in the face of the strength of Azerbaijani Army. The Armenian field control point, as well as several other Armenian manpower and equipment were destroyed.
Harare, Zimbabwe  Zanu-PFs ongoing cell restructuring exercise, intended to strengthen party organisation, has instead exposed deep-seated factionalism and a fierce power struggle amongst loyalists of President Emmerson Mnangagwa and his deputy, Constantino Chiwenga, Newsday has reported.

The exercise, which began on June 17th, has highlighted the simmering tensions surrounding the succession debate, particularly given President Mnangagwas stated intention to step down in 2028.

The partys cell verification process, involving the deployment of senior party members across all ten provinces, has been marred by reports of significant chaos. Provincial executives submitted their cell reports to the national office last week, and sources within the commissariat department paint a picture of widespread manipulation.

Depending on who controls a district between the two leaders, cells were manipulated in that respect, a source revealed.

This suggests that the fight for control of party structures is not merely a matter of internal organisation but a strategic manoeuvre in the upcoming succession battle.

The source further explained the strategic implications of this manipulation: The fight is on the control of districts and ultimately the provinces so that whoever wants to succeed Mnangagwa has a [solid] base.

This statement underscores the deeply political nature of the cell restructuring, with factions vying for control of key positions within the party hierarchy. The focus on district co-ordinating committees points to a concerted effort to secure influence at the grassroots level, laying the groundwork for a future power play. The source predicts a real fight as the party heads towards 2028, a year that will be crucial in determining the partys future leadership.

Despite President Mnangagwas repeated pronouncements that he will not seek a third term, a significant faction within Zanu-PF, rallying under the ED2030 slogan, is actively pushing for a constitutional amendment to allow him to remain in power beyond 2028.

This push for an extended term highlights the deep divisions within the party and the lengths to which some factions are willing to go to secure their preferred outcome.

The reduced number of delegates at the upcoming annual peoples conference in October further suggests the depth of the factional wars. Observers interpret this reduction as a direct consequence of the ongoing power struggles within the party.

Branch executive committees, tasked with the physical restructuring of cells and villages, have been operating under the guidance of district and provincial leaders, a structure that has seemingly been exploited to consolidate power within specific factions.

President Mnangagwa himself addressed the issue of party unity during a recent Politburo meeting.

All moves to damage the interests of the people of our great motherland tamper with our unity, social harmony, development interest, sovereignty, security and overall national stability should be decisively dealt with, he stated.

This strong warning indicates his awareness of the damaging effects of the factional fighting on the partys image and stability.

However, attempts to obtain further comment from senior Zanu-PF officials proved unsuccessful. Zanu-PF national spokesperson Christopher Mutsvangwa was unavailable for comment, being out of the country.

Zanu-PF information director Farai Marapira referred inquiries to political commissar Munyaradzi Machacha, who could not be reached. Lovemore Matuke, the national secretary for security, also directed inquiries to Machacha, highlighting the apparent reluctance within the party to publicly address the issue.

However, Matuke added, The spokesperson of the party is Chris Mutsvangwa, he is the only person who can comment on that. He will explain that issue so that you have a correct narrative. Machacha can also comment on that, we only deal with cases that we need to investigate, so the issue of structures is not my department. But have not heard of any reports of chaos.

The partys political commissar, Machacha, previously stated that defeated candidates were contributing to the unrest by refusing to accept the results of the internal party elections. This suggests that the conflict is not solely about the succession debate but also encompasses unresolved grievances from previous internal contests.

Zanu-PFs history is punctuated by internal conflicts and power struggles. The current situation, however, appears to be particularly intense, with the cell restructuring exercise serving as a battleground for the competing factions vying for control of the partys future.

The upcoming conference is likely to be a crucial moment in determining the outcome of this ongoing power struggle.

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Musina, South Africa  A 56-year-old immigration officer at the Beitbridge Port of Entry has been arrested for allegedly accepting bribes from foreign nationals attempting illegal entry into South Africa.

The arrest, part of a wider crackdown on corruption and cross-border crime, resulted in the simultaneous detention of six individuals from Malawi.

The operation, conducted by members of Operation Vala Umgodi at 6:30 am on Sunday, September 29th, involved meticulous surveillance.

During surveillance, a complainant observed an individual approaching the immigration officer, leading to an exchange of money, explained Limpopo police provincial spokesperson Brigadier Hlulani Mashaba. This observation triggered an investigation which led to the officers apprehension.

The investigation revealed that the immigration officer was in possession of R3,100, which she was unable to account for. Furthermore, six passports belonging to foreign nationals were also found in her possession.

The owners of these passports were traced and located on buses arriving from Malawi, awaiting processing at the Port of Entry, Brigadier Mashaba stated.

The six individuals, aged between 27 and 43, were subsequently interviewed by police. They were unable to provide satisfactory explanations for their presence at the border and the connection to the money found with the immigration officer.

The Limpopo Provincial Anti-Corruption Unit was alerted, and both the money and passports were seized and registered as evidence, Brigadier Mashaba confirmed.

All those arrested  the immigration officer and the six foreign nationals  were scheduled to appear in the Musina Magistrates Court on September 30th to face charges related to bribery and illegal entry.

The arrest highlights the ongoing battle against corruption within South Africas law enforcement agencies and the challenges posed by illegal immigration at the countrys borders.

Major General Samuel Manala, the acting provincial commissioner of police, expressed his satisfaction with the arrests. He commended the efforts of Operation Vala Umgodi in tackling corruption within the police force and other related crimes.

The arrests demonstrate our commitment to upholding the law and ensuring the integrity of our border control processes, he implicitly stated through Brigadier Mashabas statement.

The operation underscores the ongoing commitment to rooting out corruption and maintaining the security of South Africas borders.

Brigadier Mashaba confirmed that police investigations are ongoing, suggesting that further arrests and developments are possible. The case underscores the significant challenges faced by law enforcement in combating corruption and illegal immigration at busy border crossings like Beitbridge. The high volume of traffic and the potential for illicit activities create a complex environment for authorities to manage.

This recent arrest follows a separate operation two weeks prior, in mid-September, where police destroyed an illegal bridge near the South Africa-Zimbabwe border. This bridge, located less than 1km east of the Beitbridge Port of Entry, was reportedly used for smuggling people and goods.

Police spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Amanda van Wyk stated that the man-made bridge was discovered by border policing members during a routine patrol. The destruction of this illegal crossing demonstrates a proactive approach to tackling cross-border crime.

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HARARE, Zimbabwe  Oswald Tutai, the finance manager of the Insurance Council of Zimbabwe (ICZ), appeared before the Harare Magistrates Courts on Tuesday facing charges of stealing US$371,000 from the organisation.

Tutai, represented by lawyer Steven Chikotora, appeared before Magistrate Marehwanazvo Gofa. The state alleges that Tutai systematically siphoned funds from the ICZs Stanbic bank account over a period of 17 months, between January 2022 and May 31, 2024.

The prosecution, led by Lancelot Mutsokoti, detailed how Tutai allegedly withdrew a total of US$371,610 and converted it for his personal use.

To conceal his alleged illicit activities, Tutai is accused of fabricating vouchers. These fake documents purportedly showed payments made to various individuals and companies for services rendered, creating a false paper trail to mask the missing funds.

The alleged fraud came to light through internal investigations within the ICZ, leading to Tutais arrest and subsequent court appearance.

During the court proceedings, Magistrate Gofa granted Tutai bail set at US$300. The case has been remanded to October 25, 2024, for further proceedings.

The ICZ has yet to release an official statement regarding the matter, and attempts to reach their representatives for comment have been unsuccessful.

This case underscores the vulnerability of organisations to internal fraud, regardless of their size or sector. The alleged actions of Tutai, if proven true, represent a significant breach of trust and raise questions about internal controls and oversight within the ICZ, an organisation that stands for and protects the interests of short-term insurers in Zimbabwe.

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All tactics and no strategy is the noise before the defeat

-Sun Tsu

Israel is now in the process of increasing its escalatory moves against Hezbollah in the hope among other things of putting an end to Hezbollah shelling of the northern Israel border area, which depending on who is counting, has displaced between 60,000 and 100,000 settlers. The latest is Israels announcement, widely covered in the Western and Middle East press, that it is conducting a limited ground operation in southern Lebanon. Needless to say, an invasion is an invasion. Recall that Hezbollah launched its campaign on this territory on October 8 in solidarity with Hamas and said it would end the strikes if Israel entered into a durable ceasefire with Hamas.

This is not only an overly dynamic situation, as Lambert likes to say, but commentators are also hobbled by the skewed media coverage and the blackout on war-related incidents in much of Israel. For instance, many commentators who see themselves as anti-globalist and therefore not Israel-friendly are still treating the pager explosions as hobbling Hezbollahs military communications. Alastair Crooke, who has often visited Hezbollah facilities (including rocket/missile silos) continues to maintain that the Hezbollah militia operations moved over to a its own fiber optic network in or even before 2006 and that that had controls that would detect any penetration. The pagers were used by members of the civilian units and never for military operations. He believes they remain secure even after the successful assassination of Nasrallah. He discussed in an interview with Judge Napolitano that the attack was the result of a humint breach (he saw the fact that Netanyahu approved it from the US the opportunity presenting itself through new intel) and stressed that its hard to get senior people to do things like never use cell phones (Note that an Iranian Republican Guard members were also killed in the same meeting; its possible the breach came from the Iran side).

So to lean against the widespread pro-Israel triumphalism in the Western press, yes, Hezbollah has lost a big swathe of its senior leadership and has been shown to also have suffered severe security breaches, which likely means at a minimum that internal discipline was uneven. However, its network is allegedly intact and secure (whether it was used as exclusively as it should have been is another matter) and Hezbollah has reportedly also replaced all of the slain leaders (Nearly all of those killed were over 60, so having more energetic, younger men assume top roles may not turn out to be a negative and could well be a plus if they adapt quickly). However, the degree to which Israel was able to identify where key people were when is extremely troubling and Hezbollah needs to very quickly understand how that happened to prevent its recurrence.

There is also a widespread, tacit assumption that the decapitation of nearly all Hezbollah leadership would impair their operations. So far, that does not seem to have happened:

NEW:  The Israeli army has been unable to enter Lebanon because Hezbollah fighters are constantly bombing their positions  Al Manar pic.twitter.com/IswKmgfgbW  Megatron (@Megatron_ron) October 1, 2024

Hezbollah says it launched a salvo of Fadi-4 rockets at the headquarters of the Israeli military Intelligence  Unit 8200 and the Mossad headquarters, both located in Tel Aviv.  LIVE updates: https://t.co/TFMVNuSxKG pic.twitter.com/CkQWpGaDvH  Al Jazeera English (@AJEnglish) October 1, 2024

Mind you, that does not mean that Hezbollah will soon counter-escalate, say by extending the range of its strikes into Israel. The increase after the pager attacks, of about 50 km, reportedly increases the population in the shelling range to 2 million. That is not to say that Hezbollah is targeting civilians, but that even with attacking military assets, civilians are likely to be in the area too, plus air defense and intercepted rockets and missiles fall where they fall. The result of the increased firing area, however, is that more civilians will need to go into safe rooms or shelters when Hezbollah attacks. That cant be good for nerves or the economy.

However, driving Hezbollah out of the border area is only one Israel objective. Another is to get the US more deeply committed, ideally by sending in more air support and troops (shame about that busted oiler; wonder how much of an impediment that will prove to be). An ideal scenario would be to get Iran to Do Something that can be presented as enough of an attack on Israel so as to get the US to go full bore after Iran.

Indeed, there has been a lot of criticism in the Arab world for Iran not having stepped up to Do Something. One reason not to do so directly and instead to support allies is that per above, a direct attack on Israel is exactly what Israel wants. Second is the recently elected president Masoud Pezeshkian was opposed and had been led (as in strung along) by the West to believe that if he played nice, Iran would get sanctions relief. Pezeshkian is now making Putin-esque noises about having really been duped and admitting he made a mistake.

But its not clear Iran would have had more degrees of freedom up till about now to have dealt more harshly with the assassination of Hamas political leader and negotiator Ismail Haniyeh even absent Pezeshkian having argued for holding fire. In the second half of this Danny Haiphong show, he speaks with Professor Mohammed Mirandi (who was also about 1000 meters from the massive blasts that killed Nasrallah). Mirandi points out that as long as ceasefire talks were supposedly on, Iran was checked in making any kind of serious response. Even if everyone in the Resistance with an operating brain cell knew the negotiations were a big headfake, Iran would not want to be in a position to be depicted by the US and Israel as having sabotaged a possible resolution of the Gaza conflict.

More assets do seem to be moving into the area, even if the numbers are not large:

 Last night, the UK sent a huge A400M military transport plane from its base on Cyprus to Tel Aviv. The A400 can carry 116 soldiers and a 81,600 lb payload. pic.twitter.com/hrttcCQROU  Declassified UK (@declassifiedUK) October 1, 2024

Before one contends that this short overview is not giving Israel credit for its great success, its worth remembering that shock and awe campaigns dont have a great track record. Indeed, the start of both the 1982 and 2006 Israel invasions into Lebanon were ballyhooed at the outset as striking decisive blows, when in the end, Israel lost both wars.

And if you want an even more jaundiced view, John Mearsheimer had a talk in the last day with a reporter from the Spectator, who clearly expected Mearsheimer to affirm the reporters enthusiastic reading of Israels successive blows against Hezbollah. Mearsheimer exhibits impressive sang froid in calmly debunking the Spectators assumptions. This is such a great interview that I dont want to act as spoiler by showcasing some of Mearsheimers key points. Arguably his overarching one is that it does not look at all as if Hezbollah has been defeated, and if that is correct, Israel faces a very long slog when it is not at all prepared to wage a protracted war.

This interview would also be useful to circulate to friends and colleagues who might be opent to a very credible analysis that contradicts media Israel cheerleading.
Yves here. With the prospects for groaf uncertain, even before getting to the question of planetary degradation, Gen Z members not being sufficiently deferential in workplaces may not be surprising. But their openness is. We do live in a society where for most, selling your labor is a condition for survival. Has Covid and boomers retiring sufficiently thinned the workforce that they have the leverage to reset the terms of their employment on a widespread basis, as happened after the Black Plague? Now having said that, the on-call norm that started with spread of cell phones and the Internet is unreasonable and unhealthy. If wide spread Gen Z distaste for an extreme competition/workplace focus game roll only that back, it would amount to a big and salutary change.

By Sonali Kolhatkar, an award-winning multimedia journalist. She is the founder, host, and executive producer of Rising Up With Sonali, a weekly television and radio show that airs on Free Speech TV and Pacifica stations. Her most recent book is Rising Up: The Power of Narrative in Pursuing Racial Justice (City Lights Books, 2023). She is a writing fellow for the Economy for All project at the Independent Media Institute and the racial justice and civil liberties editor at Yes! Magazine. She serves as the co-director of the nonprofit solidarity organization the Afghan Womens Mission and is a co-author of Bleeding Afghanistan. She also sits on the board of directors of Justice Action Center, an immigrant rights organization. Produced by Economy for All, a project of the Independent Media Institute

My oldest born is a high school junior, taking his first steps into the hypercompetitive and bewildering world of undergraduate college applications and future careers. So, I was drawn to a recent headline in Fortune proclaiming, Bosses Are Firing Gen Z Grads Just Months After Hiring ThemHeres What They Say Needs to Change. The story covers a new study about hiring trends among employers and rather than examine what employers need to do to attract and retain new graduatesgenerous salaries, good benefits, work-life balance, creativity, and job securityit was a diatribe against new graduates.

Not only do employers accuse young people of a lack of motivation or initiative, they complain that they are late to work and meetings often, not wearing office-appropriate clothing, and using language appropriate for the workspace.

Nowhere in the story is it mentioned that the class of 2024 entered as freshmen the year the world shut down. The COVID-19 pandemic and its resultant lockdowns impacted young people disproportionately. At a time in their lives when social interaction was just as important as academic work, if not more, they were forced to isolate, albeit for good reason. But their mental health suffered and we as a society made no systemic effort to address it. Instead, they were left to their own devices, to care for their mental health, and to sort out their attitudes toward work and careers.

Also, nowhere in the story is there an acknowledgment of the fact that young peoples futures have been sacrificed on the altar of corporate oil profits. As the world burns and floods and faces storms and as catastrophic climate forecasts erase Gen Zs future, society demands they sport good attitudes and behave as though nothing is wrong and no mass intervention is needed to rectify the situation. Instead, Gen Z has to face climate devastation as individuals.

What the Fortune story covering the study of newly graduated employees does mention is how schools are trying to prepare kids for the corporate grind, citing one high school in London that is trialing a 12-hour school day to prepare pupils for adult life. This is shared with no sense of irony about the fact that workdays in a civilized society ought to be no more than 8 hours long.

Employers are apparently looking for workers who have a positive attitude and more initiative. If that sounds out of touch, theres more. A career adviser told Fortune that young hires would do well to [b]uild a reputation for dependability by maintaining a positive attitude, meeting deadlines, and volunteering for projects, even those outside your immediate responsibilities. In other words, if you want to keep your job, take on more work than you were hired to do.

Long hours and extra work are part of the ethos of a dying corporate culture where workers sacrificed their lives and well-being for their bosses, anda few decades agomight have been rewarded with enough to live on. That capitalist contract is defunct. A separate September 2024 study of Gen Z salary satisfaction showed that 87 percent of those surveyed felt they were underpaid. A Pew study from May 2020 concluded that todays youth are on track to be the most well-educated generation yet. This naturally leads to high expectations of employers. But nearly half of those surveyed in September earn only between $30,000 and $60,000 a year, which in todays economy is not enough to live on. If young workers lack a positive attitude, they have good reason.

Pew also found that Members of Gen Z are more racially and ethnically diverse than any previous generation. In the past year especially, young Americans have watched an unfolding genocide in Gaza aimed at people who look a lot like them. That genocide, funded by their parents tax dollars and their college endowments, has played out in horrifying detail on their Instagram and TikTok accounts, inuring them from the political punditry downplaying Israels culpability. Their college campus protests and encampments havent worked to stop U.S. funding to Israel.

Its no wonder that Gen Z is breaking from older generations by being disproportionately and unapologetically pro-Palestinian. Its also no wonder that they are jaded about their own future in a nation whose government actively cheers on the extermination of their Palestinian peers.

Gen Z is left to deal with massive systemic failuresclimate change, pandemics, and genocideas individuals. Why are we shocked then that they are prioritizing their own physical and mental health? No one else is doing so.

A February 2024 Stanford Report article on Gen Z workers interrogated the employment values and expectations of young people and concluded that they question everything and everyonefrom their peers, parents, or people at work, and [t]hey are also not afraid to challenge why things are done the way they are. They prefer collaboration and consensus over hierarchy and, most importantly, they value mental health and work-life balance.

Gen Z workers grew up seeing their parents bring work home, work after hours, work overtime without compensation, and make themselves available to answer phone calls and emails at all hours. In return, they watched older generations suffer mass layoffs, failed union drives, and stagnating salaries. If they reject the idea of ones work life ruling ones home life, it seems that young workers have a lot to teach their older peers and employers rather than the other way around.

In spite of myself, I often urge my 17-year-old to focus on getting good grades so that he can get into a good college and land a good job that pays well enough to live on. But such logic assumes we live in a merit-based economy where hard work pays off. Those of us who are 40 and older know firsthand how much of a lie this is. I can tell my snarky teen barely humors me when I urge him to prioritize his grades. And I can imagine him doing the same to a future boss who might urge him to have a positive attitude at work.

Rutgers University public relations professor Mark Beal, author of Decoding Gen Z, told Fortune, Gen Xers, boomers, even older millennials, they live to work. Work is driving them. Its energizing them. Meanwhile, Gen Z works to live. They prioritize their mental health over Wall Streets financial health.

Are they on to something? Instead of excoriating young people for prioritizing their well-being overwork, we would do well to learn from them. Gen Z is shifting our collective ethos to normalize asking what bosses owe workers instead of the other way around.
Twenty-nine leaders representing the early childhood education sector, state and local government, and business and philanthropic communities are uniting to form The Nashville Early Education Coalition. The goal: to alleviate Nashvilles child care crisis.

Though the issue is not unique to Nashville, insufficient access to child care has reverberating effects on early childhood development, graduation rates, the local workforce and the economy. According to the Tennessee Commission on Children and Youths annual The State of the Child in Tennessee report, there are eight child care centers per 1,000 children in Davidson County. Not only do many families have trouble securing pre-K child care amid limited seats and sometimes years-long wait lists, but a 2022 report from Tennesseans for Quality Early Education states that 60 percent of working parents in Davidson County have experienced employment disruptions due to inadequate child care, citing affordability, quality and access as major challenges. The report also notes that the child care issue led to $275.4 million in economic losses in Davidson County in 2022.

+4 Nashvilles Child Care Crisis Looking at scarcity, cost burden and workforce issues  and how the state will try to dig out of it

The [Nashville Early Education Coalition] will be that entity dedicated to aligning resources, information and actions that help us move from a really fragmented marketplace to a healthy, integrated child care ecosystem, said Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee CEO Hal Cato during the coalitions Sept. 26 announcement.

Seated alongside Cato were other coalition members including United Way of Greater Nashville executive vice president and chief community impact officer Erica Mitchell, executive director of Youth Encouragement Services Viva Price and NEEC executive director Melanie Shinbaum. A complete list of the coalitions 29 members can be found on its website, nasheec.org.

Shinbaum outlined the NEECs primary goals, including advocating for systemic change, bolstering the early childhood workforce through better wages, increasing accessibility through affordability and promoting awareness about the importance of early childhood education. This includes advocating for state and local policy changes, engaging the community in related conversations and creating a directors catalyst cohort to support leaders in the sector.

Price spoke about her experience dealing with the challenges of the local early education system as both a parent and a professional. She told attendees that she nearly missed the opportunity to relocate to and work in Nashville because she couldnt find an open pre-K child care spot  though she was ultimately able to secure one. Price has also been working with Monique Hodison  executive director of Schrader Lane Childcare and Learning Academy  to establish Little Builders, a preschool that will host 12 children with an emphasis on serving families of color, New Americans and low- to moderate-income families. Though Hodison has decades of experience in the early education space and already has a location secured at one of the Youth Encouragement Services buildings, she says going through the regulatory steps needed to open the preschool has been a difficult two-year process with lots of red tape.

Though the 70-year-old host building is already used to facilitate afterschool and summer programming, regulations change based on the number of hours adolescents would be in the building each week. As such, theyve had to retrofit the space to meet code standards, which includes sorting through complicated city manuals, rezoning the building, applying for building permits and more.

Theres not a streamlined checklist that says, Do these things and then come to us and then well come inspect you, says Price. And you cant even get to the point where an inspection takes place until after youve gone through Planning, Zoning and Metro Fire.

While keeping little ones safe is extremely important, the difficult regulatory processes set up to protect them serve as a barrier for some who would be willing to open early education centers. The barriers also lead others to start unlicensed centers, which  with less oversight  present other dangers for young children. Multiple infants have died in unlicensed centers in Nashville over the past few years, for example. Hodison says she would like to create a guide to help others go through the process of opening an early childhood education center. The new coalition will be able to provide additional resources for them as well.

Its all connected, says Price. Early childhood education is going to be connected to graduation rates, which is connected to the health of our city as a whole. So whether or not youre a parent right now, its going to impact your entire community.
In the quiet morning hours before class on Thursday, Sept. 19, more than 100 University School of Nashville faculty and staff members cast anonymous ballots in the Payne Library, a sunny multipurpose space on the schools second floor. Joel Bezaire, a longtime middle school math teacher, stood in the doorway to greet colleagues.

What was necessary to support transparency, inclusion, fairness, and neutrality in this vote was an announcement email on our @usn.org accounts from a party that has not expressed a public opinion on this matter, has a strong reputation in the school community, and is far enough removed from the events in question to have some semblance of impartiality, Bezaire wrote later that day in an email to USN's board of trustees. I was asked to play this role. I dont believe I was the first administrator asked to play this role, but I was the first who agreed.

Faculty Members Say USN Mishandled Sexual Misconduct Investigation 20 teachers co-sign letter contesting administrations response to a former student who said a teacher groomed her

Then Bezaire let the results speak for themselves. With 15 abstentions and five in support, ballots returned 95 votes of "no confidence" in Amani Reed, the embattled USN director seen by some as the most culpable in the schools mishandling of a sexual misconduct investigation into former teacher Dean Masullo. Quinton Walker, Reeds No. 2 administrator and the previous head of the high school, lost his vote of confidence 78 to 12, with 22 abstentions. Bezaire then informed the board that its chair  Eric Kopstain, a USN parent and vice chancellor at Vanderbilt  was underwater 78 to 6, with 28 abstentions.

The USN board of trustees, led by a four-person executive committee, continues to stand behind Reed and Walker. Kopstain has continued in his role leading the 28-person body, which met Monday for its annual retreat and also includes Vanderbilt surgeon Alex Jahangir and Scene contributor Chris Chamberlain. (The full list of trustees can be found at this link.) Kopstain, restaurateur Benjamin Goldberg, banker Jim Rienets and Kristin Wilson, chief of operations and performance in the mayors office, are officers of the board. Wealthy Nashville families have traditionally favored the private school as a more relaxed, left-leaning alternative to Montgomery Bell Academy, Harpeth Hall or Ensworth High School.

In August, a 2024 alumna of USN shared with the board her thorough, disturbing narrative enduring sexual advances from former English teacher Dean Masullo, setting off a sequence of events that has fractured USN. The extensive account detailed years of behavior from Masullo that gradually wore down professional boundaries between student and teacher and moved quickly toward sexual contact once the student turned 18. Connor Daryani originally reported on the account for the Nashville Banner.

USN Plans Damage Control After Teacher Investigation Administrator shares firsthand account of sexual misconduct investigation, students circulate petition, and prep school convenes task force

Since then, the situation has intensified as parents, faculty and students call for new school leadership. Faculty say they are embarrassed and disturbed by how Reed, Walker and Kopstain seem to have scrambled to protect the schools reputation and legal liability rather than explain the situation to the school community. After initial meetings with Reed and Walker, the affected student was cut out of the investigation into Masullo, which USN considers an employment matter rather than an investigation into sexual misconduct, according to multiple accounts.

On Tuesday, Sept. 24, selected board members  including Kopstain  met with the students family. The Scene reviewed a summary of the meeting written by the students father, John Bass. He criticizes the members for refusing to describe the situation as "sexual misconduct" and denying that board members, as well as Reed and Walker, knew the extent of Masullos behavior before firing him.

Other parents have co-signed multiple letters criticizing Reed, Walker and Kopstain and petitioning the school for information. Currently, parents are adding signatures to a letter protesting the schools latest plan to investigate Masullos tenure at USN. On Friday, Sept. 20, USN announced a new entity  the Ad Hoc Committee for School Safety  and a new Community Support Task Force in an email titled We are truly sorry.

Parents have protested the continued involvement of Reed, who will be consulted throughout new investigations, and Kopstain, who serves on the new school safety committee.

We are especially concerned about any involvement by the Board Executive Committee and Head of School Amani Reed in the new investigation, reads the latest statement from parents. Because they were involved in the previous investigation, this looks very much like a conflict of interest. It is likely that all members of the current Board of Trustees will be subjects of the new investigation, to some extent. Because of this, the only way to promote confidence in the full independence of the new investigation is through an oversight committee entirely independent of the Board and the current administration.

University School of Nashville Facing Calls for New Leadership More than 250 students, alumni and parents sign letter agreeing to withhold monetary donations to the school

Last week, more than 200 parents sent another letter to the board expressing no confidence in Reed and Walker. The mother of one 11th-grade student describes the current atmosphere at the school, which commands an annual tuition close to $30,000, as a "civil war."

One current high school student, speaking with the Scene on the condition of anonymity, says USN is barely still functioning as a school; assignment deadlines have been extended indefinitely, faculty are pulled into meetings, and teachers have been seen crying at school. Current students, organizing under a school-sanctioned USN student union, wear handmade buttons that read Listen Protect Act and JUSTICE NOW in support of their former classmates public stance: they believe USN can only survive the current crisis of mistrust after the resignations  or removal  of Reed, Walker and Kopstain. Students jokingly trade the hashtag #WheresAmani to highlight the top administrators scarce public appearances.

Hired just two years ago, Reed looked like the ideal successor to longtime director Vince Durnan. Reed had led several peer schools, including Seattles Lakeside Academy and The School at Columbia University. For the first time, USN hired a person of color to lead the predominantly white prep school. Reed serves on the board of the National Association of Independent Schools, a body that has extensive guidelines for how to properly handle sexual misconduct investigations.

Update, Oct. 1: After publication, the school shared a statement with the Scene that reads, in part:

The USN Board of Trustees deeply regrets that the schools handling of the investigation into the behavior of former teacher Dean Masullo has caused extensive pain within our community. USN is pursuing a new investigation to achieve a comprehensive and transparent assessment of what we did well, what we did poorly, and what we failed to do in our response to this crisis. This investigation is led by an independent law firm with a broad mandate to fully review the previous investigation findings including the actions of leadership at both the school and Board level. The scope of the engagement has been shared on USNs website.

Disclosure: Motycka is a 2013 graduate of the University School of Nashville.
Big Pharma paid off public health official to push useless TPOXX drug for monkeypox that DOESNT WORK

Former New York City "Covid czar" Dr. Jay Varma did a whole lot more bad things than just engage in wild, drug-addled sex parties during the Wuhan coronavirus (Covid-19) "pandemic," the world has recently learned.

The latest news to drop from Steven Crowder, who broke the story via his "Mug Club," is that Dr. Varma took cash payments from a drug company called SigaTech in exchange for pushing that company's monkeypox drug "TPOXX" that does not even work.

In the video below, watch as Dr. Varma explains how the corporate media had a role to play in creating the "spin" surrounding TPOXX that SigaTech hoped would stop investors from "dumping" the company's "worthless" stock.

Even though monkeypox, also known as mpox, is a gay disease that spreads through perversion, Dr. Varma's job was to help scare the general public into begging for TPOXX.

"We want the Food and Drug Administration, the FDA, to approve our drug specifically for Monkeypox and right now it's only considered experimental and they won't approve it based on this study," Dr. Varma says in the video.

"We also need to keep up the people's belief that the [TPOXX] drug works. So, that's why spinning it in the media is helpful."

BREAKING: NYCs Covid Orgy Kingpin Reveals He Was Hired by Pharmaceutical Company @SigaTech to Help Sell Monkeypox Drug TPOXX; Details Media Spin Scheme To Ensure Investors Dont Dump Companys Worthless Stock; Says Disease Primarily Impacting Gay Community is Not a pic.twitter.com/TJpzVHAlRn  Steven Crowder (@scrowder) September 25, 2024

(Related: After telling New Yorkers to avoid human contact for their own "safety," Dr. Varma participated in a drug-fueled orgy  because politicians are above the law.)

SigaTech's biggest client is Washington

Perhaps unsurprising is the fact that SigaTech's number-one customer is none other than the federal government, which purchases drugs from the company primarily for smallpox.

"They have secured hundreds of millions of dollars [sic] worth of contracts over the years," Crowder tweeted.

As of Aug. 21, 2024, SigaTech has successfully secured not one, not two, but three separate procurement contracts for TPOXX, all of which were forged in the past three years. The Department of Defense (DOD) is paying $9 million to SigaTech as part of the deal.

"Now it appears, SIGA wants to use TPOXX to cash in on the Monkeypox hype  and according to Varma, needs the FDA to approve its Emergency use to do so even though the studies didn't turn out the way they wanted," Crowder warns.

Since SigaTech is a publicly traded company, investors are already responding by selling the company's stock, which plunged by nearly 20 percent over the past five days since these revelations started gaining traction.

Perhaps the worst thing about all this is the fact that TPOXX does not even work as claimed. It failed in trials to help patients overcome the illness, especially those with other preexisting illnesses.

"One thing we do know is that the antiviral utterly failed in people with untreated HIV and very low CD4 cells, indicating severe immunosuppression," tweeted Benjamin Ryan, a mainstream media health and science reporter who says SigaTech had trouble recruiting participants.

"Many of these people died agonizing deaths from mpox infection despite multiple TPOXX rounds and an infection that ran for months before killing them, according to a paper in The Lancet last year."

? VarmaGate Part 2: Monkeypox Media Spin | Alex Jones Infowars to be Liquidated https://t.co/iKBH8Y2Lbw  Steven Crowder (@scrowder) September 25, 2024

Much like Covid, Dr. Jay Varma and others like him are a plague on this country  the question is: is there a cure? Find out more at Plague.info.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com

X.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Multinational command and staff exercise Eternity-2024 with participation of servicemen of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Georgia has been completed in Georgia, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Agency for Protection of Strategic Objects.

The main focus of the exercise was on strengthening mutual cooperation and ensuring coordination between the Armed Forces of Azerbaijan, Turkiye and Georgia. Servicemen of the three countries and representatives of relevant state structures performed tasks on the organization and protection of strategically important regional economic projects in the training center of Vaziani.

Within the framework of the exercise, a bilateral meeting was held between Colonel Isfandiyar Mehbaliyev, Deputy Head of the State Agency for Protection of Strategic Objects, and Colonel Zurab Chabashvili, Director of the Department for Protection of Strategic Pipelines of the Ministry of Internal Affairs of Georgia.
Israel: A terror state through time

The modern state of Israel is a relatively new phenomenon that would not exist were it not for a generation of terror unleashed on the former inhabitants of the land.

Before May 31, 1948, the land now known as Israel was called Palestine. It was taken over at the leadership of David Ben Gurion, a Polish man who transformed the former Zionist terror groups known as Haganah, Stern Irgun, and Palmach into what is now known as Israel Defense Forces, or the IDF.

Israel as it currently exists is a settler-colonial state, meaning it was captured by force and turned into what it is today: a major point of contention in the Middle East. The Palestinians, as they are now called, remain at odds with the Israeli settlers who took their land.

Because Israel has not yet achieved its final endgame for the region, the fighting continues as the IDF wages war in both Gaza and the West Bank. Israel is also trying to push Lebanon and its Hezbollah forces further north, not to mention Israel's ongoing problems with Iran.

There is much animosity between the two sides as the Palestinians feel as though Israel has stolen their land while Israel feels as though God gave them the land to take. As a result, there has been much bloodshed over the years as the two sides duke it out for the spoils.

(Related: Did you know that Israel plays recordings of children crying to trick Palestinian parents into making themselves visible so they can be shot to death by IDF snipers?)

Who are the real terrorists?

As ugly as the events of Oct. 7, 2023, were, it remains a fact that Israel let down its guard that day, allowing Hamas fighters easy access. This appears to have been intentional to allow Israel to manufacture tales about babies baked in ovens and women raped as a pretext for a full-scale invasion of Gaza.

The methods that the IDF has been using to fight Hamas are nothing short of terrorism, at least as the United Nations (UN) General Assembly defines the term as "causing death or serious bodily harm to civilians for the purpose of intimidating a population."

"Entire residential buildings are reduced to rubble in the name of 'assassinating' resistance fighters, whether in Gaza, the West Bank, or even Beirut," writes Khalil Harb for The Cradle.

"The Israeli government has normalized bloody attacks on hospitals, churches, and mosques and weaponized communications technology to annihilate people in homes, offices, and streets en masse  to strike fear into civilians and force them into submission."

From the very beginning, Israel has acted defiantly with regard to international law and even basic moral principles. One can tell from looking at the way Israel behaves that its leaders and some of its people feel as though they are superior to the rest of the world, and should thus be afforded special privileges as "God's chosen."

"Terrorism is the most powerful weapon for Israel, the 'gang state' that is now nicknamed 'Netanyahu's gang,' and its security and military apparatuses," Harb further writes. "This gang mentality has long been part of the Zionist ideology, which cloaks its goals in lofty religious rhetoric while simultaneously unleashing depraved acts of violence and domination."

"Almost a century later, Israel still struggles to attain legitimate standing, its existence perpetually marred by its violent birth and sustained oppression of the Palestinians."

Ben Gurion, it should also be noted, was engaged in campaigns of ethnic cleansing and displacement, as was Ukrainian Zionist Ze'ev Jabotinsky who was the first to call for the militarization of Zionism to confront the indigenous populations of what is now considered to be the land of Israel.

The latest news about the situation in the Middle East can be found at WWIII.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

NaturalNews.com
INHUMANE: Israel delivers truck loaded with 88 DECOMPOSING BODIES to Gaza

Israel sent a truck with 88 decomposing bodies to Gaza on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

The Gaza Health Ministry said in a statement that it refused to accept the recent arrivals after the Israeli military delivered them without providing "their names, ages, genders, or the areas in which they were killed and kidnapped."

Health Ministry spokesperson Iyad Qadeeh said this was the fifth time that authorities have received a truckload of unidentified and decomposing corpses from Israel. The spokesperson added in an interview with the Middle East Eye that from this moment on, health officials will be refusing to accept any more bodies if they do not come with identifying information. (Related: Palestinian health ministry shares names of nearly 1,000 health workers killed by IDF in Gaza.)

"The Health Ministry halted the procedures to receive the container  until the completion of the full data and information about those bodies so their relatives can identify them," the ministry said in a statement.

The Gaza Media Office also reportedly told the driver of the truck to bring the bodies back to Israel.

"They must act according to the international humanitarian law and in a way that preserves the dignity of the martyrs and their families," said Media Office Director Ismail Al-Thawabta.

The last time Israel sent unidentified corpses to Gaza was on Aug. 2. Only two families were able to identify the bodies of their children at the time because most of the remains were returned as "bones and decomposed in an inhumane manner." The bodies were reportedly so decomposed that the remains of five people were put in a single coffin.

Thousands of Gazans still looking for missing remains of family members

Under international humanitarian law, those who have died during an armed conflict must be treated with dignity and be properly handled to guarantee that their remains do not go missing and unidentified.

"Whenever we hear about batches of bodies being delivered, we come to inspect them. Perhaps we will find them," said Gazan resident Sonia Aburjeila, who was among a group of people who gathered near the Nasser Hospital in Khan Younis after Israel returned scores of unidentified and badly decomposed bodies to the bombed-out facility.

Aburjeila has yet to find the remains of her son and father, who went missing sometime during the past year.

Salwa Kurraz, who lost her son Marwan while they were fleeing Deir al-Balah to Gaza City, noted that she goes through the agonizing process of trying to identify him among the remains every time Israel returns bodies.

"We ask about him and try to find anything about him, but to no avail. We find nothing," Kurraz said. "His father always inspects the bodies that arrive unidentified. He was wearing brown pants, an indigo blue shirt, beige shoes and a black jacket, and he had his bicycle."

Follow IsraelCollapse.com for more news about the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas.

Watch the video below about the IDF caught disposing of bodies during a West Bank raid.

This video is from the The Prisoner channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

IDF murders at least 22 CIVILIANS in recent bombing of school sheltering displaced Palestinians in southern Gaza.

Aid groups: Israel blocks 83% of food aid to Gaza, triggering severe humanitarian crisis.

Palestinians mutilated, tossed off rooftop by Israeli forces in West Bank's Qabatiya.

Latest Israeli attack on Gazas al-Mawasi humanitarian zone left people torn into pieces: most of them women and children.

Sources include:

MiddleEastEye.net

NBCNews.com

Brighteon.com
Israel mobilizes reserve forces amid escalating conflict with Hezbollah and impending invasion of Lebanon

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has reportedly finalized the activation of two reserve infantry and tank brigades for operational missions in northern Israel amid indications that the IDF is preparing for an invasion of southern Lebanon.

This is according to Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDF's top Arabic spokesperson, on Sept. 27. The announcement aligns with other preparations for the invasion and it comes as the Israeli Air Force continues its extensive bombardment of Lebanon that has so far resulted in over 700 deaths and the displacement of at least 70,000 people.

Adraee confirmed activating reservist elements of the Israeli Ground Forces' Etzioni Brigade and the Nahal Brigade and deploying them to northern Israel.

Media reports have confirmed military mobilization in northern Israel, noting how convoys of military vehicles have been spotted traveling north on mostly empty roads, and large trucks have been seen transporting tanks and other military equipment.

"It's a different type of war," said 20-year-old soldier Lior Papismadov, who previously fought in Gaza and is now being trained to fight in southern Lebanon's challenging terrain.

"We are prepared for it," he added, emphasizing the IDF's readiness for a potential ground invasion. (Related: Lebanon warns of doomsday response for West, Asia and Europe if Israel expands war.)

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant stated that Israel has long awaited an opportunity to confront Hezbollah, claiming the group is suffering from fear and internal issues. However, analysts express skepticism regarding an imminent invasion. Ori Goldberg, an Israeli political analyst, indicated that two brigades are insufficient for an invasion, especially given the larger forces deployed in Gaza against a weaker adversary.

Despite Israel's intense bombing campaign, Hezbollah appears to be maintaining its strength. Military affairs correspondent Yossi Yehoshua cautioned that Hezbollah has not yet utilized a significant portion of its capabilities, urging restraint amid rising optimism among some Israeli officials.

All signs point to impending Israeli invasion of Lebanon

IDF Chief of the General Staff Herzl Halevi stated that recent Israeli airstrikes on Lebanon are intended to prepare for possible ground operations and to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities.

In retaliation to recent airstrikes, Hezbollah has launched numerous projectiles into Israel, including a missile targeting Tel Aviv. The missile activation triggered air-raid sirens across central Israel, but no casualties were reported. Israel responded by striking the launch site in southern Lebanon.

Hezbollah claimed it targeted the headquarters of Israel's intelligence agency Mossad with a Qader 1 ballistic missile, alleging that it was in retaliation for the recent targeted killings of many of its top commanders. This marked the first time a projectile from Lebanon has reached central Israel.

The ongoing conflict has disrupted life for over a million residents in northern Israel, leading to school closures and restrictions on gatherings. Many businesses in coastal cities like Haifa have shut down, and some residents who previously evacuated are facing renewed rocket fire.

Israel has transferred thousands of troops from Gaza to the northern border, with estimates suggesting Hezbollah has around 150,000 rockets capable of striking anywhere in Israel. Since last October, Hezbollah has reportedly fired approximately 9,000 rockets and drones.

The Lebanese health minister reported that ongoing Israeli airstrikes resulted in over 50 deaths, raising the total to 615 in just three days, with more than 2,000 injured. This week has been the deadliest in Lebanon since the 2006 war with Hezbollah.

In response to escalating tensions, the Israeli military announced the activation of reserve troops. By Wednesday, Israeli air operations had targeted around 280 Hezbollah sites, including missile launchers threatening northern Israeli cities.

As families flee to Beirut and Sidon, seeking shelter in makeshift accommodations, the United Nations reports over 90,000 displaced due to the violence. Since Hezbollah began its rocket attacks nearly a year ago, the total number of displaced people in Lebanon has reached 200,000.

Israel has committed to ensuring the safety of its citizens, while Hezbollah maintains its stance on continuing rocket attacks until a ceasefire is established in Gaza  a resolution that seems increasingly distant.

Watch this video of Lebanese teenager Celine Yassine reporting on how Israeli airstrikes have affected her city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon.

This video is from the channel AllTheWorldsAStage on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Lebanon bans all pagers and walkie talkies on flights following deadly Israeli terror operation.

Hezbollah warns people in Lebanon against scanning QR codes from Israeli leaflets.

At least 492 killed, 1,645 injured by Israeli airstrikes targeting residential towns in southern and eastern Lebanon.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

EuroNews.com

Brighteon.com
Joe Rogan warns Elon Musk and other tech leaders that ONLINE CENSORSHIP will intensify if Harris-Walz ticket wins

Podcaster and political commentator Joe Rogan has warned billionaire Elon Musk and other tech leaders that online censorship will intensify if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the election

In a recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience," Rogan brought up a 2019 statement by Harris during an address in front of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). At the time, Harris was the junior senator for California and running for the Democratic Party's nomination for president in the 2020 election.

In her address, Harris vowed to hold social media platforms accountable for not fighting against misinformation and hate. "We will hold social media platforms accountable for the hate infiltrating their platforms because they have a responsibility to help fight against this threat to our democracy," Harris said.

Moreover, Rogan cited a 2022 appearance of her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, on MSNBC's "The Reid Out," wherein the Democratic vice-presidential candidate claimed that the First Amendment does not apply to misinformation or hate speech. "I think we need to push back on this. There's no guarantee to free speech on misinformation or hate speech, and especially around our democracy," Walz said at the time.

During his podcast, Rogan argued that the core purpose of free speech is to allow different viewpoints, even if some may be incorrect so that others can challenge and correct them.

"There's so many wild things that they're saying. Tim Walz said that the First Amendment doesn't apply to misinformation or hate speech. Okay, well it certainly does. It does. People will say things wrong. The goal of the First Amendment is 'You say something wrong and this guy who is the expert says the right thing,' and then you correct them," he said.

Rogan warned that platforms such as X and Rumble could be at risk if the Harris-Walz ticket wins the upcoming election.

"I don't think it [censorship] turns around if Kamala Harris gets into office," Rogan said. "I think they clamp down more. I think the same stuff they were trying to do with Twitter they'll try to do with other things. They've already openly discussed it. She's openly discussed the same rules have to apply to Facebook [and] have to apply to Twitter. And that Elon Musk could lose his privileges." (Related: Kamala Harris calls for X to be SHUT DOWN in interview.)

Musk agrees with Rogan's claims about the Harris-Walz ticket

Tesla CEO Elon Musk has agreed with Rogan's claims.

On Sept. 28, Musk reposted a tweet from X user named "KanekoaTheGreat," who posted a clip from the recent episode of "The Joe Rogan Experience" where Rogan made his claims. In the repost, Musk added his own comment in support of Rogan, stating: "Joe Rogan is absolutely right."

These claims from Rogan and Musk have been supported by a recent interview of Harris with journalist Jake Tapper, wherein Harris stated that Musk "has lost his privileges" and the social media platform he owns "should be taken down" due to its unchecked influence and the lack of regulatory oversight. In turn, she stressed that there should be stricter control over social media platforms.

The video immediately went viral online when famous personalities, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., shared it. However, the Harris presidential campaign team denied the accusations.

Follow KamalaHarris.news for more stories about the presidential campaign of Kamala Harris.

Watch Chris Kenny of "The Kenny Report" on Sky News commenting on the mainstream media's blind adoration of Kamala Harris below.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Kamala Harris blames Georgia abortion laws for death of two pregnant women who took abortion pills.

Kamala Harris strategist FAILS to explain her economic policy during live interview, accuses host of being "disrespectful" to women.

Kamala Harris no "moderate" on climate issues: She is a CLIMATE EXTREMIST.

Kamala Harris doubles down on climate crisis narrative, says Americans need to accept net-zero and other economy-destroying carbon policies.

Kamala Harris releases three pro-abortion ads targeting Trump while advocating a free-for-all of nationwide baby murder.

Sources include:

Modernity.news

MSN.com 1

MSN.com 2

YourNews.com

Brighteon.com
New Zealand court rules that even lower-level 0.7 mg/L fluoride in drinking water presents unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment

A federal court judge in New Zealand has ruled that water fluoridation at a decreased level of 0.7 milligrams per liter (mg/L) of water is still toxic to people and the environment, creating an "unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment."

Following a long, drawn-out legal battle, plaintiffs in a case against water fluoridation successfully argued that it simply does not make sense to continue lacing public water supplies with fluoride chemicals.

"Plaintiffs have proven, by a preponderance of the evidence, that water fluoridation at the level of 0.7 mg/L  the prescribed optimal level of fluoridation in the United States  presents an 'unreasonable risk of injury to health or the environment,'" the judge ruled in the case.

Across New Zealand, most fluoridated water supplies fluoridate at a level of 0.85 mg/L, with some councils fluoridating even higher at the top-end amount of one part per million (1 ppm) of fluoride.

(Related: Did you know that fluoride does absolutely nothing to protect teeth from cavities, despite what public health authorities claim?)

Drinking fluoridated water lowers one's IQ

Drawing from a pool benchmark dose analysis carried out by renowned toxicologist Prof. Philipe Grandjean, who is famous for his work on mercury neurotoxicity, the judge highlighted the fact that drinking fluoridated water causes a child's IQ to drop.

"The pooled benchmark dose analysis concluded that a 1-point drop in IQ of a child is to be expected for each 0.28 mg/L of fluoride in a pregnant mothers urine," the judge explained. "This is highly concerning, because maternal urinary fluoride levels for pregnant mothers in the United States range from 0.8 mg/L at the median and 1.89 mg/L depending upon the degree of exposure."

"Not only is there an insufficient margin between the hazard level and these exposure levels, for many, the exposure levels exceed the hazard level of 0.28 mg/L."

Other research confirmed that people who drink fluoridated water show noteworthy levels of fluoride in their urine. In New Zealand's Palmerston North, which is fully fluoridated, test subjects showed levels of fluoride in their urine at 0/82 mg/L.

Mothers who drink fluoridated water while pregnant were shown to give birth to children with sustained central nervous system damage that likewise results in lowered IQ and symptoms of ADHD, anxiety, and / or depression.

Dr. Diana Sarfati, New Zealand's Director-General of Health, now has the option to completely call off all water fluoridation efforts across the country in order to protect the nation's citizens, and especially its children. The question remains: will she do it?

Fluoride Free New Zealand has created a petition that it is urging people to sign calling for an end to all water fluoridation in New Zealand. Be sure to check it out and sign!

"It's a good sign, but it needs to go to the top supreme court to be valid and implemented," tweeted someone on social media in response to the news.

Others here in the United States shared Fluoride Free NZ's tweet about the court ruling with their own politicians  one this writer saw shared it with Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis for his consideration  so perhaps they, too, will take similar action.

"They're still poisoning us with the death shots, so they're not going to stop poisoning our water," tweeted another with a more skeptical take on the situation.

"All those of us that stood against fluoridation were called all kinds of nasty crap," added Counterspin Media NZ to the conversation. "It may have been because those that targeted us, were themselves affected by lower IQ?"

More related news about the dangers of fluoride consumption and exposure can be found at Fluoride.news.

Sources for this article include:

X.com

NaturalNews.com

FluorideFree.org.nz
Since its illegal 2003 invasion, the U.S. has maintained full control of Iraqi oil revenues: WHY?

The Middle Eastern nation of Iraq appears to be a money-laundering proxy state for the West ever since the United States invaded the country illegally back in 2003 under the leadership of President George W. Bush.

Bush signed Executive Order 13303 on May 22, 2003, stipulating that all revenues from oil sales in Iraq are to be funneled into an account at the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Every president since Bush, including Joe Biden, has renewed EO13303 annually to make sure it stays in place.

Entitled "Protection of the Development Fund for Iraq and Other Property in Which Iraq Has an Interest," EO13303 gives control over oil, Iraq's financial lifeline, to the private Federal Reserve and whichever U.S. president is currently occupying the White House. What the world wants to know is why is this the case?

It turns out that Iraq's financial dependence on the U.S. dates back to 1990 when Iraq invaded Kuwait. United Nations (UN) Security Council Resolution 661 was imposed to punish Iraq by sanctioning it from international trade which, coupled with then-President Saddam Hussein's refusal to comply with the West's withdrawal demands, crippled Iraq's economy.

In 1991, UN Security Council Resolution 687 was passed to extend these sanctions via the controversial "Food for Oil" program. That program allowed Iraq to sell oil in exchange for humanitarian goods like food and medicine. Fast-forward to 2003 when UN Security Council Resolution 1483 was passed to create a U.S.-led Coalition Provisional Authority (CPA) that would oversee the Development Fund for Iraq (DFI) to manage Iraqi oil revenues.

UNSC Resolution 1483 does not mention the Federal Reserve as being the depository for Iraqi funds, and in fact mentions the Central Bank of Iraq as the banking operation that was supposed to oversee Iraq's oil revenues. Somehow, the Federal Reserve ended up becoming the recipient of all that cash.

"This decision allowed the U.S. government to maintain tight control over Iraq's oil revenues," explains Hussein Askary, writing for The Cradle. "From that point until today, the Iraqi Ministry of Finance has had to submit requests for funds to the U.S. Treasury, which then approves or denies these requests based on its own criteria."

"This monthly transfer of U.S. dollars  which are literally flown into Baghdad in pallets of hard cash  determines Iraq's and its 40-million-population's ability to pay for basic needs like salaries, food, and medicine."

(Related: Back in June, the 50-year petrodollar partnership between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia expired, possibly pointing to a soon end for U.S. dollar dominance.)

Iraq: an easy U.S. blackmailing target

Because the U.S. controls Iraq's money system, Washington can blackmail and punish the country anytime it wishes. Whenever Iraq falls out of compliance with the regional goals of the U.S. in the Middle East, Washington can simply delay or deny fund transfers from the Federal Reserve.

If the U.S. were not involved in controlling Iraq's oil revenues, Iraq would be sitting on around $120 billion worth of oil revenues. Instead, all that cash is tied up under the control of the Federal Reserve, and Iraq is suffering under a growing debt burden.

"The countrys inability to control its own funds has prevented long-term reconstruction and development, forcing it to rely on international loans," Askary further writes. "Ironically, Iraq has also become one of the largest holders of U.S. Treasury bills, with investments totaling $41 billion in 2023."

Even though the UN has since shuttered the DFI program, Iraq's finances are still under the full control of Washington and the Federal Reserve. Will that ever change, or will Iraq continue to be enslaved by its Western masters?

More related news about how the U.S. controls the world via the corrupt financial system can be found at Corruption.news.

Sources for this article include:

TheCradle.co

NaturalNews.com
Taiwan to recognize same-sex marriages between Taiwanese and Chinese couples, sparking national security concerns

The Mainland Affairs Council (MAC) of Taiwan announced on Sept. 19 that same-sex Taiwanese and Mainland Chinese couples can legally register their marriages in Taiwan

Taiwan has long been at the forefront of the burgeoning LGBTQ+ rights movement in Asia, becoming the first in the continent to legalize gay marriage in 2019 following a years-long legal battle.

Taiwan MAC spokesman Liang Wen-chieh announced that the move will allow Taiwanese-Chinese same-sex couples to be subject to the same regulations governing heterosexual couples in Taiwan.

These same-sex couples would first have to be legally married in one of the countries that recognize same-sex marriages. Once this is done, they must file their marriage certificates and other relevant documents to the MAC, and relevant agencies will then make contact with the couples and conduct interviews.

"Only after passing the interview on the border [at the airport and ports] can they enter the country to register their marriages," said Liang. "This is our current principle for cross-strait marriages. The government upholds the principle of treating same-sex marriage and heterosexual marriage equally."

The move comes over a year after Taiwan announced it was lifting restrictions on recognizing transnational same-sex marriages, or marriages between one Taiwanese citizen and a foreigner of the same sex.

The decision was made by the Taiwanese Ministry of the Interior's Department of Household Registration Affairs, which stated that two people of the same sex may not be denied the right to "establish a permanent union with intimacy and exclusiveness for the purpose of living together" in Taiwan.

Before this development, Taiwan only legally recognized same-sex marriages where both members of the partnership were from countries that also legalized same-sex marriage.

National security concerns raised with Chinese citizens potentially obtaining Taiwanese IDs through gay marriage

There are an estimated 360,000 Chinese spouses of Taiwanese citizens living in Taiwan, the vast majority of whom are in heterosexual marriages. All of these spouses have to wait six years before they can apply for citizenship in Taiwan. Concerns have been raised that many more homosexuals from China will try to obtain Taiwanese IDs through gay marriage.

Same-sex marriage is currently not recognized in China. (Related: Taiwan asserts its right to defend itself and to COUNTER-ATTACK if China invades.)

"Our current regulation is that if we recognize your marriage, you can apply for residency [in Taiwan], and after completing the process, you can apply for permanent residency," Liang stated.

But the Taiwanese spokesman said the final stage of the procedure to acquire Taiwanese IDs, homosexual Chinese spouses must cancel their household registration in China.

Liang highlighted how the longer wait times have long been in place "to prevent cross-border fake marriages and avoid problems of national security and social order."

Follow GayMafia.news for more stories about gay marriage.

Watch this video of Pastor Julie Green discussing why Christians must stand up for biblical marriage.

This video is from the Thrivetime Show channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Gallup poll: The number of American adults identifying as LGBTQ+ has more than doubled in the last 12 years.

Catholic archbishops lament Western LGBT indoctrination making its way into Africa.

Georgian MP introduces bill that seeks to ban LGBT propaganda and indoctrination efforts (most of which target youth).

Ugandan President Museveni signs anti-LGBT legislation that stipulates DEATH PENALTY for aggravated homosexuality.

Pope Francis allows priests to bless same-sex couples  as long as it doesnt resemble an actual marriage ceremony.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com

UCANews.com

TaiwanNews.com.tw

ChannelNewsAsia.com

Brighteon.com
Taxpayer money being used to fund clandestine campaign to SMEAR chemical pesticide activists

American taxpayers have been unknowingly financing a clandestine campaign to smear chemical pesticide activists

This is according to a year-long investigation by Lighthouse Reports, an investigative journalism outlet that was able to infiltrate an influential public relations (PR) company that operates to suppress opposition to the $78 billion global pesticide manufacturing industry.

The United States-based PR firm in question, v-Fluence, reportedly created hundreds of profiles on scientists, pesticide campaigners and authors to smear them as part of an anti-science "protest industry" with support from U.S. taxpayer funding.

These profiles are disseminated on a private social media network known as "Bonus Eventus," which provides privileged entry to people associated with the agrochemical industry and allows government agencies and some of the world's largest pesticide corporations to recognize the people to avoid.

There are reportedly profiles on people from over 3,000 organizations, including around 500 people who are vocally opposed to pesticides and genetically modified organisms. The profiles come from all over the world and include scientists, human rights experts from the United Nations, environmentalists and journalists.

Most of the profiles reveal personal information about the subjects, like their home addresses and telephone numbers, and spotlight subjects that can be used to discredit their work.

Members of the private social network include more than 30 current government officials, most of them belonging to the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Bonus Eventus is the creation of v-Fluence and its head Jay Byrne, a former communications executive with agrochemical giant Monsanto.

Government has been funding v-Fluence for over a decade to promote GMOs

The Lighthouse Reports investigation also highlighted that the U.S. government financed v-Fluence as part of its program to promote GMOs in Africa and Asia.

Around 2013 and 2019, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) funneled over $400,000 to v-Fluence for services along with "enhanced monitoring" of critics of "modern agriculture approaches" and to set up Bonus Eventus. (Related: Common pesticides CANNOT be washed off your fruit  these chemicals penetrate through the skin and into the pulp.)

"We received a tip that the U.S. government had been involved in an attempt to sabotage a scientific conference in Nairobi, Kenya, that showcased sustainable solutions to pesticides. FOIA requests revealed extensive correspondence between U.S. civil servants, a Kenyan NGO, a pesticide executive and a company, v-Fluence, about how to subvert the event. How was everyone on this email chain connected? We dug into the rather obscure v-Fluence to learn more," the Lighthouse Reports stated.

Emerging from a money-trails analysis and public spending record searches were USAID contracts presented to v-Fluence to build a private social network.

Open-source research, documents obtained from Freedom of Information Act requests and interviews with many people acquainted with v-Fluence's work also showed the amount of profiling done by the company's private social network and a membership list, which comprised U.S. government employees, agrichemical executives and regulators from various parts of the world.

Additional emails, received through FOIA requests, disclosed how the company worked with American government officials to weaken anti-pesticide movements.

Follow Pesticides.news for more stories about dangerous pesticides.

Watch the video below about the U.S. government's toxic pesticide program appearing to be deliberate.

This video is from the What is happening channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Sermon 15: Mike Adams discusses how the use of toxic pesticides DEFILES the land God has given to humanity.

Living near pesticide-spraying farms is equally carcinogenic as SMOKING.

EPA proposing increased use of pesticide that's BANNED in the EU and is 10x MORE TOXIC than other pesticides.

Consumer Reports reveals certain food items carry high risk of PESTICIDE contamination.

Pesticide linked to reproductive issues found in popular oat-based breakfast cereals.

Sources include:

LighthouseReports.com

TheNewLede.org

Brighteon.com
Trump meets Zelensky, vows to negotiate peace deal thats good for both sides

Former President Donald Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky met at Trump Tower in New York City on Sept. 27. Following the meeting, the Republican presidential nominee immediately declared that he would find a way to end Kyiv's conflict with Russia with a deal that is "good for both sides."

"We're going to work very much with both parties to try and get this settled and get it worked out," said Trump during a small press conference with Zelensky ahead of a short closed-door meeting with the Ukrainian president. "It has to end. At some point, it has to end. He's [Zelensky's] gone through hell. His country has gone through hell."

Trump claimed he has a "very good relationship" with Zelensky, telling reporters that he also has good relations with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Zelensky hoped his cordial relationship with Trump would be maintained.

"It takes two to tango, and we will," Trump said. (Related: If elected, Trump promises to end Russia-Ukraine war BEFORE taking office.)

Trump also took the opportunity to reference the 2019 impeachment attempt against him as a consequence of him allegedly calling Zelensky to ask him to open an investigation into President Joe Biden and his son Hunter. The Democratic Party claimed that Trump held up aid to Ukraine until Kyiv agreed to his demands.

"It was a hoax, just a Democrat hoax, which we won," said Trump. He added Zelensky agreed that he did nothing wrong during their phone call, saying that Zelensky "said it loud and clear and the impeachment hoax died right there," afterward praising Zelensky for being "like a piece of steel."

Zelensky briefly followed this up by telling reporters that he is certain he and Trump have a common view that Ukraine needs to win the fight against Russia, acknowledging how important the upcoming election is for Kyiv.

"We understand that after November  we hope that the strength of the United States will be very strong," said Zelensky.

Zelensky says Trump wants Ukraine to win

After the short meeting, Trump and Zelensky spoke with Fox News, with the former president saying he "learned a lot" from the conversation with the Ukrainian president.

"We both want to see this [war] end, and we both want to see a fair deal made," said Trump. "It should stop and the president [Zelensky] wants it to stop, and I'm sure President Putin wants it to stop and that's a good combination."

Trump added that the conflict is a "complicated puzzle," and while he hopes to help hammer out a fair peace deal, it is "too early to say" any specific details this deal will include.

"Putin killed so many people and of course, we need to do everything to pressure him to stop this war. He's on our territory," said Zelensky right before inviting Trump to visit Ukraine, which the former president accepted.

Zelensky's office later published a statement claiming that he and Trump had a "very meaningful meeting."

"We have a common view that the war in Ukraine must be stopped. Putin cannot win. Ukrainians must win," said Zelensky.

Meanwhile, Trump said on his social media platform Truth Social that if he is not elected president, the conflict between Russia and Ukraine "will never end" and will instead escalate and "phase into World War III."

Watch this report discussing Trump's short meeting with Zelensky in New York.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Trump says he'll end the Ukraine-Russia conflict before even taking office if he wins the election.

Suspected Trump shooter Ryan Routh masterminded scheme to traffic Afghan refugees into Ukraine to fight for Zelensky using forged Pakistani passports.

Second would-be Trump assassin Ryan Routh was earlier praised by media for volunteering to fight for Zelensky in Ukraine.

Putin endorses Kamala over Trump: "She laughs so expressively and infectiously that it means that everything is fine with her."

Sources include:

InfoWars.com

NBCNews.com

BBC.com

Brighteon.com
Hitler and the Nazis called Jews PARASITES and VERMIN just like Whoopi and Biden refer to Trump as an INSECT they laugh about people trying to kill him

Hitler was a disgusting racist and a disgrace to his own country. In his manifesto, Mein Kampf , Hitler described his number one scapegoat for all of Germanys problems, the Jews, as being like a harmful bacillus, bloodsuckers, vermin, vampires and parasites. Make no mistake, the Nazi government that ruled under Adolf Hitler from 1933 to 1945 was a fascist government, and many of the mouthpieces for Hitler spoke of the Jews in the same disgusting way that Hitler propagandized.

Today, the U.S. Government is run by Democrat fascists who try to pin this label on their adversaries. In his first interview (if you can call appearing on an extreme Leftist talk show that) since he was dethroned by his traitorous cabal of mentors, Joe Dementia Biden and Whoopi Big Whoop Goldberg referred to Donald J. Trump, the real President, as an insect while laughing about exterminating him. This comes after Leftist violent rhetoric has already incited two would-be-assassins to attempt to kill Trump.

Whoopi and Biden pretend Donald Trump is an insect and kill him on talk show to convince Americans hes worthless and should be exterminated like Jews by the Nazis

Biden and the Hollywood fascists just dont know when to quit. They already talked about putting Trump in a bullseye, chopping off his head, and telling America about 1,000 times that hes an existential threat to democracy and the nation. Now theyve resorted to calling him an insect, an annoying bug, and Biden pretended on The View to smash him with his hand, thus inciting more violence to try to kill Trump, like hes as worthless as a mosquito or cockroach. Who are the fascists again?

Whoopi called Trump a bug that just wont go away. Hitler referred to the Jews as parasites, which are bugs that are very resilient and hard to exterminate. This is similar to Hillary Clinton referring repeatedly to all Trump supporters as a basket of deplorables, meaning they are all wretched and deserving of censure.

The goal, of course, of referring to Trump and all his supporters as parasites is to evoke the moral emotion of disgust. This is another reason the Left recently scripted all news networks and their shilling pundits to refer to Trump and his VP pick Vance as just weird. According to social psychologists, invoking feeling of disgust about ones enemies or adversaries fosters the social-cognitive dehumanization of outgroup members.

Hitler was an expert with hate propaganda and promoted an anti-Jewish genocidal mentality not just in Germany, but across most of Europe. His ultimate goal was to wipe out the Jews, plus all handicapped humans, Blacks, the elderly, autistic children and anyone else who was a financial burden on the German economy and society. In other words, exterminating insects is not an ideology or evil, its just a matter of cleanliness, because the Jews, by his definition, were just dirty parasites.

This is the goal of the Left, to convince their base that killing Trump, Vance, Republicans, Conservatives, Independents and anyone who opposes or exposes the scams and lies of the Left, deserve to die like annoying insects.

Do you deny the hoax of global warming? According to Leftist freaks suffering from TDS, you are a domestic terrorist who should be executed in town square for all to celebrate.

Are you against getting vaccinated with deadly mRNA Covid clot shots, that cause heart attacks, turbo cancer, spontaneous miscarriage and dementia? According to Liberal extremists, you are an existential threat to democracy and should be exterminated like a parasitic worm.

Do you oppose third term abortions and killing a baby on its day of birth as a means of depopulating earth for the "greater good?" Then you are an insect that needs to be exterminated, according to the Left.

Are you a MAGA fan? According to KASA extremists (Keep America Suffering Again), you should be smashed like an annoying mosquito by the fake President Joe Hair Sniffing Biden and his cackling cohort Kamala Kommie Harris.

Tune your apocalypse dial to Preparedness.news for updates on real news about surviving the Democrat-led government aggression, lies, fascism and propaganda that comes at us every day now. #DemocratNazis

Sources for this article include:

Censored.news

TheGatewayPundit.com

NaturalNews.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The 29th annual conference of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) in Baku is hosting a number of meetings with delegations from foreign states and international organizations, Trend reports, citing the Prosecutor General's Office of Azerbaijan.

Today, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev met with a delegation led by Saudi Arabia's Attorney General Sheikh Saud Bin Abdullah Al-Mujib.

During the meeting, Aliyev emphasized the rich history and expanding bilateral relations between the two nations, attributing significant achievements to the leadership of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, and King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud.

Aliyev discussed major reforms in Azerbaijan's prosecutorial bodies and the vital role of the prosecution in the fight against crime in the modern era, highlighting the importance of international cooperation and experience exchange between countries, as well as bilateral visits of the prosecutor's office staff.

He noted that the upcoming COP29 will be crucial in establishing new formats for intergovernmental collaboration.

Expressing satisfaction with Saudi Arabia's participation in the 29th Annual Conference and General Meeting of the International Prosecutors Association (IPA), Aliyev said this will make a great contribution to the development of our relations.

Underlining the historical significance of holding the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change in Azerbaijan, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev presented an invitation letter to the Prosecutor General of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to participate in the high-level plenary session entitled Mobilization of Law Enforcement Agencies to Strengthen the Fight against Climate Change organized within COP29 by the Prosecutor General's Office of the Republic of Azerbaijan jointly with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime.

Expressing his gratitude for the sincere reception, Sheikh Saud bin Abdullah Al Mujib reaffirmed his commitment to developing relations with Azerbaijan, emphasizing the strong economic, political, social, and cultural ties between the two countries.

The meeting concluded with the signing of a memorandum aimed at enhancing legal cooperation and intensifying existing relations. The delegation's working visit to Azerbaijan is ongoing.

The working visit of the delegation to Azerbaijan continues.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
CAIR calls for Blinken to step down for lying to Congress so that the government can keep funding Israels genocide in Gaza

The largest Muslim civil rights advocacy group in the U.S., the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR), is calling for U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken to resign for lying to Congress so that the Biden-Harris administration can keep funding Israel's genocidal operations in Gaza.

The call came after ProPublica published a report detailing how Blinken contradicted the findings of his own department's experts to maintain the flow of American weaponry to Israel, which has repeatedly used the arms to commit war crimes in the Gaza Strip.

According to the report, the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) and the State Department's Refugees Bureau provided the secretary of state with an assessment that U.S. law requires the government to cut off weapons shipments to countries that prevent the delivery of U.S.-backed humanitarian aid.

However, Blinken and President Joe Biden's administration ignored the finding. On May 10, Blinken told Congress, "We do not currently assess that the Israeli government is prohibiting or otherwise restricting the transport or delivery of U.S. humanitarian assistance." (Related: Blinken buried reports indicating Israel blocked aid to Gaza so U.S. would keep sending them weapons.)

Moreover, in a detailed 17-page memo, USAID described instances of Israeli interference with aid efforts, including killing aid workers, razing agricultural structures, bombing ambulances and hospitals, sitting on supply depots and routinely turning away trucks full of food and medicine.

CAIR National Executive Director Nihad Awad slammed Blinken for his actions and said: "When a senior American official lies to Congress in the middle of genocide so that the government can keep funding that genocide, he is deliberately flouting the law and prolonging the suffering of millions of innocent people who desperately need our government to stop funding their slaughter."

He then called for his resignation.

"He must resign and the Biden administration must be held accountable for its violation of the law and its complicity in the Israeli genocide in Gaza," he argued, adding that the American people deserve honest and upright leaders to represent their values and protect their interests.

Some are already echoing CAIR's call for Blinken's resignation. British-American journalist Mehdi Hasan posted on X, saying: "Blinken should be impeached."

Sam Perlo-Freeman, an academic who has worked as a researcher for the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) and the Campaign Against Arms Trade, also said he "should resign or be impeached," as he further pointed out: "most of Congress was very happy to be lied to and would have denounced Blinken for the truth."

Meanwhile, Congressional Republicans are currently pushing to hold Blinken in contempt, but for a matter entirely unrelated to U.S. support for Israel's war on Gaza.

Blinken previously backtracked sanctions on an Israeli military unit

Last month, CAIR already appealed that Blinken step down from his post after reports that he had ended the investigation into the Israel military's Netzah Yehuda battalion for war crimes and human rights violations in the occupied West Bank.

As per reports, Blinken told Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the U.S. will not impose sanctions on the unit that killed the 80-year-old Palestinian American Omar Assad back in January 2022.

A senior U.S. official said that while Blinken determined the battalion committed gross human rights violations, the information provided by Israel over the last three months showed the IDF remediated the behavior of the battalion and addressed U.S. concerns.

According to Axios, the IDF provided the U.S. evidence that the two soldiers who were involved in the incident investigated were discharged from combat missions and would not be called for reserve service and that the criminal investigation against them didn't materialize because Palestinian witnesses refused to testify. IDF also reportedly reasoned out that the incidents occurred before the Oct. 7 Hamas attack on Israel and all took place in the occupied West Bank.

The U.S. official added that the IDF showed the U.S. it has taken additional steps regarding the unit to avoid such incidents, including changing the vetting process for soldiers who want to join the unit and holding a two-week seminar about human rights violations specifically for this unit.

But this should not be enough, according to CAIR.

"Secretary Blinken is knowingly violating U.S. law by backtracking on his plan to sanction an Israeli military unit that has clearly committed gross human rights violations using U.S. weapons," CAIR Deputy Director Edward Ahmed Mitchell said back then. "Secretary Blinken's cowardly, morally reprehensible and blatantly illegal decision confirms what numerous State Department whistleblowers have said: he is disregarding the conclusions of career diplomats, as well as experts on federal and international law. Secretary Blinken is now as much of a war criminal as the war criminal he will continue to arm, Israeli defense minister Gallant and he should resign his office in disgrace."

He also noted that earlier this year, CAIR condemned Blinken's apparent backtracking on sanctioning the unit for human rights abuses.

In the end, the department still deemed that it would continue to support the controversial Israeli unit.

"The Department has for the past several months continued to review an additional unit to evaluate new information provided by the Government of Israel. After thoroughly reviewing that information, we have determined that violations by this unit have also been effectively remediated. Consistent with the Leahy process, this unit can continue receiving security assistance from the United States of America," State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said.

Head over to IsraelCollapse.com to read updates on the current wars Israel is waging on Middle Eastern nations.

Sources for this article include:

CommonDreams.org

ProPublica.org

Axios.com
Diddys former bodyguard claims the rap mogul has COMPROMISING FOOTAGE of politicians

A former bodyguard for Sean "Diddy" Combs claims the rap mogul has compromising footage of politicians

Gene Deal disclosed this during a recent appearance on "The Art of Dialogue" podcast, claiming that compromising videos of politicians were filmed during Combs' "freak-offs." Such "freak-offs" involved victims being forced to engage in sex acts while the rap mogul himself recorded and masturbated to them.

Deal suggested that Combs' arrest ties in with the federal corruption probe against New York City Mayor Eric Adams and other politicians. According to NBC New York, the cases against Adams and Combs are overseen by U.S. Attorney Damian Williams of the Southern District of New York (SDNY).

"You know who else they were doing an investigation on during that whole time period? It was the mayor and the politicians in New York City," said the former bodyguard. "They turned around, gave [Combs] the key to the city. All the mayor's people that he brought in here in NYC are resigning. They all resigned."

"People are not going to tie this together, but if you look at it, you have to say, because of Mayor Adams and his relationship with Diddy, it brought on the SDNY to start investigating Diddy on civil lawsuits that were filed against him because the feds are going after all these politicians in NYC," he added. (Related: NYC Mayor Eric Adams' cell phones and iPad CONFISCATED by the FBI as part of federal corruption probe.)

Deal remarked in response to the question of whether any celebrities were captured on the rumored "freak-off" tapes: "[Combs] hosted celebrity parties, so what do you think? I think they're not telling the whole truth."

Lil Rod's suit against Diddy backs up Deal's claims

This was not the first time Deal made this claim, as he previously mentioned this during an earlier appearance on the same podcast in April. Deal's appearance on the podcast followed a March 25 raid by agents of Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) into Combs' residences in Florida and California. Federal law enforcement seized computers, cameras and other electronic devices from the properties.

"I don't think it's only celebrities [that are going to] be shook," Deal said at the time. "He had politicians in there, he had princes in there, he also had a couple of preachers in there. Can you imagine? He had every room bugged."

The former bodyguard was also asked why the rap mogul's media department had stayed silent on the allegations against him. "Either they took part in some of the stuff that happened, or they're scared that it may mess up their brand," he answered.

A lawsuit filed last November by musician and producer Rodney "Lil Rod" Jones supported Deal's claims. Aside from alleging that Combs sexually abused him, Jones also disclosed that the founder of Bad Boy Records "had a habit of recording his guests."

"According to Jones' complaint, Diddy allegedly would hide cameras around his properties and was capturing the rich and famous engaging in private trysts, or perhaps illegal behavior, during his alleged 'freak-off' parties," the Hollywood Reporter reported.

"Jones now claims to have his own recordings from his capacity as videographer of Diddy and his team 'engaging in serious illegal activity.' This allegedly includes footage that 'Combs provided laced alcoholic beverages to minors and sex workers at his homes,' the suit claims."

Meanwhile, Combs was remanded to the Metropolitan Detention Center Brooklyn after pleading not guilty to charges of sex trafficking and racketeering. His bail petition was twice denied, and he was placed on suicide watch owing to being "in shock" after his arrest.

Head over to Twisted.news for similar stories.

Watch this news clip about HSI raiding Combs' properties in California and Florida in March.

This video is from the Children Are Not Sex Toys channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Rap mogul Sean "Diddy" Combs ARRESTED by federal agents.

Diddy indictment claims rap mogul used his power to build "empire of sex crime."

Sean "Diddy" Combs has BLACKMAIL VIDEOS of influential people, former bodyguard says.

Documentary reveals HSI agents removed 250 CAMERAS from Diddy's LA and Miami homes.

Why are Barack and Michelle Obama so closely tied to P. Diddy and many other elite rapists, sex offenders?

Sources include:

Modernity.news 1

NBCNewYork.com

Modernity.news 2

HollywoodReporter.com

Brighteon.com
John Kerry says the quiet part out loud: First Amendment stands as major block to govern

First Amendment frequently obstructs

held its 'Sustainable Development Impact Meetings' during last week's United Nations General Assembly in New York City. Speaking at the meeting, far-left elitist and former presidential climate envoy, stating that thetheir agenda.

(Article by Tyler Durden republished from ZeroHedge.com)

" Our First Amendment stands as a major block to the ability to be able to hammer [disinformation] out of existence. What we need is to win...the right to govern by hopefully winning enough votes that you're free to be able to implement change," Kerry said.

Kerry noted, "It's very hard to govern today."

"Our First Amendment stands as a major block to the ability to be able to hammer [disinformation] out of existence. What we need is to win...the right to govern by hopefully winning enough votes that youre free to be able to implement change." No thanks.pic.twitter.com/SLGHOLVjCr  Colin Wright (@SwipeWright) September 29, 2024

We'll translate "govern" for readers as it essentially means narration control (or official government-approved propaganda)that is, through the censorship blob at federal government agencies in Washington, DC, the intel community, Silicon Valley's big tech, fact-checkers, think tanks and legacy corporate media.

Kerry's choice of words and tone shows that far-left radicals in the Obama-Biden-Harris team are frightened that their own misinformation and disinformation propaganda jammed through far-left corporate media outlets is no longer sticking as the citizens gravitate to the 'free speech' X platform run by Elon Musk for their news in the pursuit of truth after being lied to for decades by their corrupt government and corporate overlords.

Here's the Conservative Treehouse's Sundance take on Kerry:

Within the recent WEF discussion, Secretary Kerry outlines how freedom of speech is a 'threat to the global democracy 'because the governing officials have a difficult time controlling information. Kerry goes on to posit how the next administration, presumably in his hope Kamala Harris, will forcefully structure all the tools of government to stop Americans from using the first amendment to freely speak about issues. Governing is too challenging, according to Kerry, when the government cannot stop people from seeking and discovering information that is against their interests. Effective governing required compliant adherence to a singular ideology. Against the backdrop of COVID-19 and a host of similarly related government narratives, if people are free to find alternative information and think for themselves, they become increasingly more difficult to control. Yes, this is said quite openly. This is the mindset of those in power.

At a separate WEF meeting earlier this year, Emma Tucker, WSJ Chief Editor, said the days of corporate media "owning the news" and "being the gatekeepers of the facts" are over as she complained people are going to 'other sources' and questioning the official government-approved narrative.

This is why the fake news media is attacking Elon and the X platform. They have lost control of the narrative they once had. We owned the news. We were the gatekeepers, and we very much owned the facts as well. ?  Emma Tucker, WSJ Chief Editor pic.twitter.com/O7v7KIgUeb  Wall Street Silver (@WallStreetSilv) January 20, 2024

The masters of deception, that being the globalists, who are hellbent on dividing and conquering, have seen their power and control begin to wither away, because how dare the people actually be informed with truth and pick their own news sources!

Hence why, these globalists are waging war against Musk's X on a global stage.

Here's what others are saying about far-left Kerry:

That pesky 1st Amendment always gets in their way. They hate the 2nd even more.  Courage Is A Habit (@CourageHabit) September 29, 2024

John Kerry says Its very hard to govern today. Govern = Control Theyre frightened of losing control of truth being exposed.  Patrick Bet-David (@patrickbetdavid) September 29, 2024

The vision of democracy held by John Kerry involves a small cabal of haughty people designating truths and falsehoods, and suppressing disfavored speech. Whether the truths are true or the falsehoods false does not matter as long as the high get to decide which is which. https://t.co/h5oX5joGcd  Jay Bhattacharya (@DrJBhattacharya) September 29, 2024

The quiet part is being said out loud: Globalists want to rip up the Constitution.

Thomas Jefferson said "In questions of power, let no more be heard of confidence in man, but bind him down from mischief by the chains of the constitution. Of course, power hungry politicians don't like the chains that bind them. But those chains are there to protect the people.  Peter Schiff (@PeterSchiff) September 29, 2024

Correct.

??The fact that they are willing to say this in the open shows just how bad things are behind the scenes. Its not just some isolated comment. The censorship enterprise is massive and wants to silence YOU. https://t.co/hmpwqcXfZM  America First Legal (@America1stLegal) September 29, 2024

Read more at: ZeroHedge.com
Rocket barrage targets major city in northern Israel moments before Nasrallahs death

Moments before Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed by an Israeli airstrike on Sept. 27, Hezbollah launched a series of rocket attacks targeting Israeli settlements in northern Israel.

In an official announcement, Hezbollah articulated its motivations for the attacks, framing them as a response to Israeli aggression against Lebanon and as support for the Palestinian people in Gaza. (Related: Hezbollah fires BALLISTIC MISSILE targeting Mossad headquarters in Tel Aviv.)

The group declared: "In support of our steadfast Palestinian people in the Gaza Strip and in support of their valiant and honorable resistance, in defense of Lebanon and its people, and in response to the barbaric Israeli attacks on our cities, villages, and civilians, the Mujahideen of the Islamic Resistance bombed the Ilania settlement with a salvo of Fadi 1 missiles."

This marked their fourth military operation of the day. Earlier, Hezbollah targeted the city of Tiberias for the second time with missile salvos and began its operations with a strike on Kiryat Ata near the major coastal city of Haifa. Fadi 1 missiles reportedly damaged the settlement.

Eyewitness accounts and social media footage revealed rockets striking various locations across the Galilee and Haifa area, sending residents into panic. Sirens echoed in communities such as Dafna and Shaar Yashuf, signaling the grave nature of the situation as civilians scrambled for safety.

The ongoing Israeli air campaign has resulted in staggering casualties. Reports indicate that over 700 individuals have been killed and more than 2,000 injured across Lebanon since the escalation began earlier in the week. On Friday alone, the airstrikes have claimed the lives of at least 25 people.

Israel claims Hezbollah yet to unleash its full firepower

Israeli sources suggest that while Hezbollah has broadened its operational range, launching attacks deeper into northern areas, including Haifa, it has yet to unleash its full firepower.

One Israeli general who spoke anonymously with media outlets remarked that Hezbollah had not utilized even 10 percent of its military capabilities. An Israeli journalist, author and military affairs expert echoed this sentiment, cautioning that the situation between Israel and Hezbollah remains volatile and complex.

The situation in northern Israel is extremely dangerous as many communities very close to the border with Lebanon have been evacuated, and cities like Tiberias have seen their population swell with internally displaced people. Tiberias has seen its population increase by 20 percent due to the evacuations and has become a focal point in the escalating tensions.

As the exchanges of fire continue, the Israel Defense Forces reaffirmed its commitment to striking Hezbollah targets across Lebanon, with an emphasis on dismantling the groups military capabilities.

The military stated that they were targeting missile launchers, weapon storage facilities, and other infrastructure linked to Hezbollah's operations.

Reports from Lebanese state media indicated that Israeli airstrikes resulted in civilian casualties, including four fatalities and numerous injuries in the town of Tayr Debba.

As violence spread, images from Beirut showcased the devastation wrought by airstrikes, with smoke rising ominously above the skyline.

The capital has not been spared, suffering multiple airstrikes in recent days, including the one that resulted in the death of Nasrallah, a loss that has only further fueled Hezbollah's resolve to retaliate against Israel.

Watch this clip from Fox News reporting on Hassan Nasrallah's assassination.

This video is from the TrendingNews channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Hezbollah warns people in Lebanon against scanning QR codes from Israeli leaflets.

Israels recent attacks on Hezbollah communications devices signal possible ground invasion of Lebanon.

Netanyahu says bombings in Lebanon will continue until Israel completes mission: Our war is not with you; our war is with Hezbollah.

Sources include:

TheCradle.co

CNN.com

Brighteon.com
More than 747,000 ineligible voters removed from electoral rolls

The county boards of elections in North Carolina removed more than 747,000 ineligible registration records from the state's voter rolls from the start of 2023 through August 2024.

According to a news release from the state Board of Elections, an average of more than 1,200 voter records were removed from the voter list every day during those 20 months. The county boards follow careful policies to ensure only ineligible records are removed, not those of eligible voters. However, newly eligible voters are constantly being added to the registration rolls. At the moment, North Carolina has nearly 7.7 million registered voters.

One can be removed from the list if they moved away from the state, spent two federal general elections in inactive status and did not respond to mailings from their county board of elections attempting to confirm their eligibility, died, were convicted of a felony and are serving a sentence including probation, post-release supervision or parole, had a duplicate registration, requested to be removed, the subject of a successful voter challenge and if they are not a U.S. citizen. (Related: DOJ releases new guidelines for election officials dictating who can and can't be removed from voter rolls.)

"List maintenance is one of the primary responsibilities of election officials across North Carolina, and we take this responsibility seriously," said the state board Executive Director Karen Brinson Bell. "Unfortunately, there is a lot of false information out there about our voter rolls and the efforts we undertake to keep them up to date. As we conduct these processes, we also must comply with state and federal laws and be careful not to remove any eligible voters."

The "purging" follows a recent lawsuit filed by the Republican Party of North Carolina, which alleged the presence of ineligible voters on the voter rolls. The lawsuit also claimed that voter registration forms in Wake County do not require mandatory information such as driver's license or Social Security numbers.

Biden-Harris administration "activates" young leaders for "increased voter engagement"

Vice President Kamala Harris has declared that the United States government will compensate college students for registering voters and working as "nonpartisan" poll workers. The funding for this initiative will come from the federal work-study program.

"We have been doing work to promote voter participation for students," Harris said during the announcement. "For example, we have under the federal work-study program now allows students to get paid through federal work-study, to register people, and to be nonpartisan poll workers."

The Department of Education, which manages the federal work-study scheme, has confirmed the program's funds are aimed at supporting students with their everyday college expenses. However, these benefits are to be earned through a work-study job.

Critics view this action as another one at a crucial time, with much suspicion because of the intended effects it will have on the 2024 presidential election results.

Meanwhile, the National Pulse reported earlier this year that a federal investigation found numerous noncitizens registered to vote in the state, with many of them being accused of having illegally cast ballots in prior elections.

Noncitizen voters have become a top concern among Republican lawmakers and election watchdog groups. Recent data shows a statistically significant number of noncitizens are participating in federal elections, undermining the integrity of the outcome.

Concerned voters add that North Carolina is a potential swing state in the 2024 presidential election thus the significance of the maintenance and accuracy of its voter rolls should be without question.

Visit VoteFraud.news for similar stories.

Watch as Oklahoma State officials announced that they have removed 450,000 ineligible names from the voter rolls.

This video is from BulgarianInsider on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Texas PURGES one million ineligible voters from voter rolls, including non-citizens and dead people.

CLEANING HOUSE: Ohio removes nearly 155,000 names from voter rolls due to inactive or expired registrations.

Illegal immigrant pleads guilty to stealing identity of a U.S. citizen, fraudulently obtaining a passport and voting in multiple elections.

Report: Nearly 900K deceased individuals still registered as active voters in Puerto Rico.

Experts: Over 2M illegal aliens could vote in 2024 elections.

Sources are

TheNationalpulse.com

Transylvaniatimes.com

Brighteon.com
New York State Supreme Court blocks Mayor Eric Adams attempt to stop Texas from busing illegal migrants to NYC

The New York Supreme Court has denied Mayor Eric Adams's request for a preliminary injunction against Texas busing illegal immigrants to New York City

Adams filed the lawsuit against 17 charter bus companies in January in a bid to stop the bus companies from busing migrants, many of whom are undocumented, from communities in Texas to New York. Adams also cited Social Services Law 149, which stipulates that anyone "who knowingly brings, or causes to be brought, a needy person from out of state into this state for the purpose of making him a public charge" has an obligation "to convey such person out of state or support him at his own expense."

However, in her nine-page July 29 ruling, Judge Mary V. Rosado ruled that the lawsuit was "unconstitutional." Rosado said the issue was similar to a 1941 Supreme Court case, Edwards v. California, wherein the Supreme Court found that an "essentially identical" law in California was unconstitutional for violating the Interstate Commerce Clause.

Citing the ruling, Rosado said the Court "finds that it cannot grant the request for injunctive relief as the merits of [the] claim are dubious at best given myriad constitutional concerns."

The New York Supreme Court's ruling is a setback for the Adams administration, whose legal moves had only succeeded in getting one bus company, Roadrunner Charters Inc., to agree to stop transporting illegal migrants to the city until the court finalizes its decision.

In a post on X, Texas Gov. Greg Abbott said the ruling can be considered a win. "Until the Biden-Harris Administration secures the border, Texas will continue to send migrants to sanctuary cities," he added. (Related: New study predicts WHITES will become MINORITY in the United States by 2050.)

Thousands of migrants are straining NY social services and shelter space

Adams is worried that busing thousands of migrants to New York will continue to strain social services and the amount of available shelter space past the limit, costing more than $700 million.

Aside from pursuing the busing lawsuit, Adams has tried to enforce a 60-day limit on shelter space for asylum seekers in the city.

In the past two years alone, reports have revealed that at least 205,000 migrants have arrived in New York, straining the city's social services and forcing the Adams administration to set up more than 200 emergency shelter sites.

Meanwhile, the New York Civil Liberties Union (NYCLU), which filed an amicus brief in the case, insisted that people have a right to come to New York regardless of their immigration status or whether they are self-sufficient and that the injunction Adams sought was unconstitutional.

In a statement, Beth Haroules, a senior staff attorney at the NYCLU, said the New York Supreme Court has "rightly rejected the city's cruel attempt to limit newly arrived immigrants from traveling to and making a home here in New York City." Haroules added that everyone has "the right to travel and reside anywhere within the United States  including Texas and New York."

Visit Migrants.news for more stories about the influx of immigrants in New York and other cities in the United States.

Watch this clip about how New York kicked students out of school to accommodate homeless immigrants.

This video is from the High Hopes channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

New York City is "out of room" for migrants, warns Mayor Eric Adams while incentivizing them with more handouts.

Mayor Eric Adams calls for modifications to sanctuary city policy as NYC struggles to accommodate nearly 200,000 new migrants that are overrunning the city.

Congressional report reveals 99 illegals on TERROR WATCHLIST were released into the U.S. by Biden-Harris government.

Kamala Harris hired an illegal immigrant WHO ATTACKED A WOMAN to be part of jobs program while serving as San Francisco's DA.

Sources include:

TheEpochTimes.com

NYCLU.org

Brighteon.com
Major retaliation expected after Israel kills Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah plus Iranian senior Revolutionary Guard commander

Things are escalating further in the Middle East after Israel successfully ended the life of Hassan Nasrallah, the top dog in charge of Hezbollah, in an air strike in Beirut over the weekend.

Hezbollah says it will keep fighting Israel even though its leader has "joined his fellow martyrs."

"The leadership of Hezbollah pledges ... to continue its jihad in confronting the enemy, supporting Gaza and Palestine, and defending Lebanon and its steadfast and honorable people," Hezbollah further said in a statement.

Iran is joining the chorus of rage by pledging to respond to the attack with "all regional resistance forces" delivering a "strong" response to the "rabid dog" of Israel, which is forging on in trying to complete its mission in the Middle East.

The possibility of all-out war is now closer than ever after Israeli fighter jets dropped about 10 "bunker-busting bombs" on various residential buildings in the southern suburbs of Lebanon's capitol city, an area colloquially known as Dahiyeh.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) immediately confirmed responsibility for the strikes, including the one on Nasrallah.

"Hassan Nasrallah will no longer be able to terrorise the world," the Israeli army tweeted over the weekend.

(Related: Iran is promising to unleash an "obliterating war" if Israel attacks Lebanon with a ground invasion, which appears to be happening as you read this.)

Who will succeed Nasrallah?

A few other commanders were also killed in the strikes, confirmed Avichay Adraee, the Arabic spokesman of the IDF.

"The message is clear: we will reach everyone who threatens the citizens of Israel in the north, in the south, and on more distant fronts," Adraee said.

In honor of Nasrallah, Hezbollah issued a eulogy type of statement reflecting the Muslim beliefs held by the commander and his army.

"His eminence, the master of resistance, the righteous servant, has passed away to be with his lord who is pleased with him as a great martyr," the statement reads.

"The leadership of Hezbollah pledges ... to continue its jihad in confronting the enemy [Israel], supporting Gaza and Palestine and defending Lebanon and its steadfast and honourable people."

It is unclear at this point in time who Nasrallah's successor will be. The world is also waiting to see how Lebanon and Iran respond to the Israeli attack since there have been many "red lines" crossed over the past several weeks.

Analysts speculated that perhaps Nasrallah's heir, Hashem Safieddine, who survived the attack, will assume the post of his now-deceased uncle. Safieddine currently oversees Hezbollah's political affairs unit and sits on the group's Jihad Council.

Back in 2017, the U.S. State Department designated Safieddine a terrorist. This past June, Safieddine beat his chest about how there will soon be a big escalation, this after another Hezbollah commander died at the hands of Israel.

Ali Khamenei, Iran's supreme leader, is urging all Muslims around the world to stand with the people of Lebanon and assist Hezbollah in confronting Israel's "wicked regime."

Without mentioning Nasrallah by name, Khamenei in a statement posted to his website condemned the killing of "the defenceless people of Lebanon," adding that "it proved the short-sightedness and foolish policies of the leaders" of Israel.

"[Israeli] criminals must know that they are far too small to cause any significant damage on the strongholds of Hezbollah in Lebanon," Khamenei further said. "All the resistance forces in the region support and stand alongside Hezbollah."

Khamenei wants all Muslims everywhere to support his country in "confronting the usurping and oppressive regime" of Israel.

"The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront," he declared.

The latest news about the dire situation in the Middle East can be found at Chaos.news.

Sources for this article include:

DailyMail.co.uk

MiddleEastEye.net

NaturalNews.com
Scientists uncover Pfizer Hot Lots that injured specific population groups at higher rates

A new peer-reviewed study by scientists from Childrens Health Defense , in cooperation with researchers from Denmark and the Czech Republic, has revealed significant disparities in adverse event rates associated with specific batches of the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine. Published in Science, Public Health Policy and the Law , the research highlights serious concerns about vaccine manufacturing practices, including the lack of inspection for finished vials and the absence of quality control checks for product preservation and storage. Scientists from CHD, including Brian Hooker, Ph.D., chief scientific officer, and Karl Jablonowski, Ph.D., senior research scientist, led the research.

Analysis of 156 vaccine lots finds higher rate of vaccine injury among certain lots

The study analyzed 156 different vaccine lots distributed from December 2020 to April 2022. The researchers tracked where the vaccine was manufactured and where it was distributed, and traced the lots to vaccine injuries reported to the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System (VAERS).

The data was not readily available and had to be obtained via Freedom of Information Act request, which was acquired by the Informed Consent Action Network. The analysis uncovered that early batches, particularly those sent to hospitals and government agencies, had higher rates of serious adverse events (SAEs).

Of the 977,542 adverse events reported to the Vaccine Adverse Event Reporting System (VAERS), 455,820 (46.7%) were linked to the Pfizer vaccine. While only 29% of these reports included lot numbers, researchers were able to match 290,835 serious events to specific batches.

The analysis categorized the adverse events in three categories: non-serious, serious, and those that involved death. A non-serious adverse event includes mild allergic reactions (e.g., rash, itching), temporary discomfort or pain at the injection site, mild fever or headache, and fatigue or malaise. A non-serious adverse event indicates that unnecessary harm has been done to the individuals body, but the issue resolved or wasnt life threatening. In the analysis, a total of 78% of the SAEs were non-serious.

A serious adverse event includes hospitalization, life-threatening situations, or disabilities. These typically include conditions like anaphylaxis, thrombosis, Guillain-Barre Syndrome, severe respiratory distress, seizures, stroke and myocarditis, to name a few. In the analysis, 20% of all adverse events were serious, and 2% involved the death of the recipient.

Researchers condemn the manufacturing process and lack of quality control for mRNA vaccines

The researchers condemned the manufacturing process for the mRNA vaccines, saying it should have never been approved in the first place. The researchers warned that there was extremely high variability among vaccine lots, suggesting that there were inadequate manufacturing controls and oversight. The results of the study were corroborated by similar studies from Denmark and the Czech Republic, which also reported higher adverse event rates associated with certain batches, particularly early in the vaccination rollout.

The study notes that the Vaccine Adverse Events Reporting System is not comprehensive, and typically captures less than 1% of adverse events. This means that magnitudes of vaccine injury data were never even recorded. This could be the result of propaganda dominating the medical system and the politicization surrounding the administration of the COVID-19 vaccine. Doctors were told that vaccine injuries are extremely rare and are the result of antivaxxers spreading vaccine misinformation. Individuals were often pressured not to report a vaccine injury by their doctor. Many patients were shamed into believing that the vaccine injury was caused by something else. In these cases of medical gaslighting, the data goes unreported, as people suffer.

Contrary to statistical expectations, states with larger populations did not show higher rates of severe injuries. Instead, states like South Dakota, Tennessee and Kentucky reported disproportionately higher rates. Were certain states politically targeted and provided with a greater quantity of "hot lots" and dirty vaccine batches? What kind of contaminants were concentrated in these particular hot lots? Was Pfizer intentionally conducting several smaller experiments with various vaccine batches within the the grander experiment of COVID-19 vaccination? Many questions remain unanswered.

Sources include:

ChildrensHealthDefense.org

PublicHealthPolicyJournal.com

ICanDecide.org

Wiley.com

Wiley.com

NaturalNews.com

NaturalNews.com
21 States threaten top medical group with legal action for pushing genital mutilations for children

A coalition of 20 state attorneys general and one state legislature has warned the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) that it could face legal action if it continues to advocate for medical and surgical treatments for minors experiencing gender dysphoria.

AAP, the largest pediatric organization in the United States, published an article in December last year claiming that laws prohibiting transgender procedures for children with gender dysphoria constitute "state-sanctioned medical neglect and emotional abuse."

The article, written by Emily George, Emily C.B. Brown and Rachel Silliman Cohen, claimed that withholding so-called gender-affirming care, including surgeries and hormone treatments, is tantamount to child maltreatment. (Related: Puberty blockers are QUACK medicine backed by nothing chemical child abuse is now demanded by LGBT pushers conspiring with evil doctors.)

However, the coalition of attorneys general argued that the guidelines put forward by the AAP are only based on "evidence-free standards," particularly about the safety and reversibility of puberty blockers.

The attorneys general of Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah, Virginia and West Virginia, as well as the Arizona Legislature, addressed outgoing AAP President Benjamin Hoffman and incoming president Susan Kressley. They warned the AAP of the potential risks of puberty blockers when followed by cross-sex hormone treatments.

"When used to suppress hormones below normal ranges during or before puberty, puberty blockers: (1) may interfere with neurocognitive development; (2) compromise bone density and may negatively affect metabolic health and weight; and (3) block normal pubertal experience and experimentation," the coalition wrote. "And when puberty blocker use is followed directly by cross-sex hormone use, which is often the case, infertility and sterility is a known consequence, at least for those who began puberty blockers in early puberty."

"Telling parents and children that puberty blockers are 'reversible' at the very least conveys assurance that no permanent harm or change will occur," continued the letter. "But that claim cannot be made in the face of the unstudied and 'novel' use of puberty blockers."

The AAP has been given until Oct. 18 to respond to the information requests regarding its decision-making process on gender-affirming treatments.

Another expert debunks AAP claims that gender-affirming care "does not cause harm"

Kathleen McDeavitt, an assistant professor at Baylor College of Medicines Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, also debunked the claims of AAP.

In January, McDeavitt published an article pointing out that assertions suggesting gender-affirming care "does not cause harm" and "decreases many negative health outcomes, including rates of depression," are not backed by "relevant citations."

"Although youth GAC has the support of the professional medical community in the United States, that does not mean there is no risk of harm," McDeavitt wrote in response to the AAP claims. "Systematic reviews have found the quality of evidence in this field is low, meaning the literature does not actually show, with any reasonable degree of certainty, that youth GAC decreases rates of negative mental health outcomes."

McDeavitt cited research where hormonal treatments in transgender youth did not significantly improve depression outcomes, adding that depression worsened post-treatment in some cases. She also highlighted cases in which participants in gender-affirming care research tragically took their own lives before studies concluded.

Head over to GenderConfused.com for more stories about gender-related medical interventions.

Watch a detransitioned molecular biologist warn against puberty blockers in an interview below.

This video is from the NewsClips channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

EXPOSED: Bidens FDA pushed dangerous puberty blockers on minors even though drugs increased risk of depression and suicidality.

U.K. High Court upholds emergency legislation puberty blockers ban.

U.K. High Court of Justice upholds Downing Streets ban on PUBERTY BLOCKERS.

Former chief pediatrician at Texas Childrens Hospital who endorsed puberty blockers for minors now serves in the Biden administration.

U.K. report: Halting puberty blockers DOES NOT increase suicide ideation in gender-confused youth.

Sources include:

LifeSiteNews.com 1

Truthout.org

LifeSiteNews.com 2

Brighteon.com
Multiple sources now confirm Infowars reports of surface-to-air missiles inside US to target Trump Force One

(Article by Sundance republished from InfoWars.com)

Adams explained after two confirmed attempts on Trumps life intel sources reached out and revealed some of the kill teams on U.S. soil with intentions to take out the GOP nominee, as recently reported by GOP Florida Rep. Matt Gaetz, have access to the weapons.

They could take out, potentially, Trumps airplane, Adams alerted listeners.

Then, on Thursday, investigative journalist Lara Logan posted an almost identical warning on X.

URGENT: Acc to an informant in New Mexico  Trumps plane is the next target for assassination. Nine heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles have been smuggled into the US for this purpose. And there are three kill teams already inside the country. Trump has been informed, so have the US intel agencies & other authorities. Money has been transferred to a cartel to push this over the border. These people are cornered & vicious. They will stop at nothing. More to come.

URGENT: Acc to an informant in New Mexico - Trumps plane is the next target for assassination. Nine heat-seeking surface-to-air missiles have been smuggled into the US for this purpose. And there are three kill teams already inside the country. Trump has been informed, so have  Lara Logan (@laralogan) September 26, 2024

In Logans post was a link to a Thursday interview with former Green Beret Lt. Col. Dr. Pete Chambers and actor Bazzel Baz on Tommys Podcast where viewers were told the surface-to-air missiles were brought into America through the southern border.

A Mexican drug cartel was reportedly paid to help smuggle the weapons into the U.S., where theyd ultimately be used to target Trump.

Chambers made it clear the proper authorities already had all this information before he went public.

Back in January, many media outlets reported on footage of an illegal immigrant who had just entered America ominously telling a journalist, You find out who I am very soon.

A migrant who illegally crossed into the United States threatened me, saying "You find out who I am very soon," simply because I asked him where he was from. These are the people @AliMayorkas@POTUS@DHSgov and @CBP are letting in. pic.twitter.com/iblMnNndpa  IRT Media (@IRT_Media) January 21, 2024

Trump recently told the public that military and intelligence officials briefed him on Iranian plots to take him out, but as Infowars has repeatedly warned this could be laying the groundwork for a false flag.

The Deep State could either do the job itself and frame an Iranian hit squad, or assist a real Iranian group and place all the blame on them in the aftermath.

Of course, even if a REAL Iranian assassination group entered the U.S. via the Southern Border to take out Trump, that too would be a result of the current administration allowing them to come into the country in the first place.

Just last week, the Kamala Harris campaign was caught colluding with Iran after the nation reportedly hacked the Trump campaign and turned over information to the Democrats campaign.

? WATCH: Iranian Election Interference Eclipses Leftist Claims Of Russian Interference Amid Iran's Trump Campaign Hack For Kamala Harris Campaign pic.twitter.com/3KCRIQvjJO  Alex Jones (@RealAlexJones) September 19, 2024

After the story gained traction online Thursday, Adams pointed out on X, For everybody just now hearing about the surface-to-air missile threat against Trump, as kill teams are trying to shoot down his airplane, I just wanted to mention that if you had watched the Alex Jones Show last Friday, I mentioned this threat during that broadcast in an effort to warn Trumps security team. InfoWars is tomorrows news today!

For everybody just now hearing about the surface-to-air missile threat against Trump, as "kill teams" are trying to shoot down his airplane, I just wanted to mention that if you had watched the Alex Jones Show last Friday, I mentioned this threat during that broadcast in an  HealthRanger (@HealthRanger) September 26, 2024

The reality is the globalists want Donald Trump out of the equation, and sparking WWIII after pinning his murder on Iran would be the perfect distraction for them to remain in power and enter the final phases of the New World Orders Great Reset dystopia.

Read more at: InfoWars.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The Azerbaijan National Agency for Mine Action (ANAMA) has released its weekly report on humanitarian demining operations in the territories liberated from occupation, Trend reports.

According to the agency, a total of 113 anti-personnel and 217 anti-tank mines, as well as 450 unexploded ordnances, were found and defused in Tartar, Aghdam, Aghdara, Lachin, Fuzuli, Shusha, Khojaly, Khankendi, Kalbajar, Khojavand, Jabrayil, Gubadli, and Zangilan between September 23 and 29.

Additionally, 1128.1 hectares of land were swept clean of mines over the past week.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
U.S. to provide another $8 billion in military aid to Ukraine following Zelenskys visit to Washington

The administration of President Joe Biden has prepared a new $8 billion military aid package for Ukraine following Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky's visit to Washington on Sept. 26.

According to reports, the Biden administration will draw $5.6 billion from current United States Armed Forces stockpiles, and an additional $2.4 billion will be allocated to Kyiv through the Department of Defense's Ukraine Security Assistance Initiative funding program before Sept. 30. This initiative permits the Biden administration to purchase military equipment for Ukraine directly from defense manufacturers. The package is expected to include munitions, drone combat weapons and other materials that would bolster munitions production in Ukraine.

Some of the confirmed items in the new aid package include patrol boats for the heavily diminished Ukrainian Navy, additional ammunition for Western-supplied High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems (HIMARS), 155mm and 105mm artillery ammunition and spare parts to maintain other Western-supplied vehicles and weapons systems. This and other items in the aid package are meant to enhance Ukraine's ability to protect itself from Russian missile attacks. (Related: Ukraine aid scam: Only 30% of weapons shipped to besieged country have made it to the front lines.)

Moreover, the Pentagon is set to expand training programs for Ukrainian pilots, including the training of 18 more F-16 fighter pilots next year.

"I am proud to welcome President Zelensky 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," Biden said when Zelensky visited on Sept. 26.

U.S. has been allocating funds for Ukraine while Americans struggle with everyday living

Aside from the $8 billion military aid, the U.S. also recently announced an additional $375 million allocation under the Presidential Drawdown Authority (PDA) on Sept. 25.

This military aid package included the first-ever delivery of precision-guided bombs called the Joint Standoff Weapon (JSOW), a medium-range missile with an operating limit of up to 81 miles which the Pentagon claims will provide Ukrainian forces with a substantial upgrade to strike Russian targets at greater distances with higher accuracy.

While the exact number is unclear, it is believed that since the beginning of Russia's special military operation in Ukraine in late February 2022, Congress has approved the provision of nearly $175 billion in military aid and other forms of financial assistance for Ukraine and allied nations with just five foreign aid bills, the most recent of which was passed in April.

Out of the $175 billion, $106 billion is earmarked directly for the government of Ukraine, while the remaining funds were allocated directly to various U.S. activities associated with the conflict, including defense manufacturing and support for other affected countries in Eastern Europe.

A significant portion of the aid is military-related, with the U.S. providing weapons systems, training and intelligence to bolster Ukraine's defense against the powerful military of Russia. Meanwhile, the remaining funds benefit a range of sectors in Ukraine, from humanitarian aid to law enforcement and at the same time fueling defense manufacturing in over 70 U.S. cities.

Visit UkraineWitness.com for similar stories regarding the conflict in Ukraine.

Watch Mike Benz explaining that the "Ukraine aid" defense funding is a lie in the clip below.

This video is from the GalacticStorm channel on Brighteon.com.

More related stories:

Defense Department discovers $2B worth of ACCOUNTING ERRORS for Ukraine aid.

Ohio Sen. Vance warns of an IMPEACHMENT TIME BOMB clause against Trump buried in Ukraine aid bill.

Congress abandons Ukraine aid in temporary funding bill to avert government shutdown.

Presidential candidates clash over Ukraine aid during first 2024 GOP primary debate.

Pentagon admits to $3B accounting error in Ukraine aid, which means more goodies for Zelensky.

Sources include:

YourNews.com

Reuters.com 1

TheHill.com

Reuters.com 2

CFR.org

Brighteon.com
In the complaint, the group, which called itself the Coalition for a Level Playing Field, accused Microsoft of pushing OneDrive wherever users deal with file storage and Teams is a default part of Windows 11. This makes it nearly impossible to compete with their SaaS services. In the wider context, you see that over the last years, Microsoft, Google, and Amazon have grown their market share to 66% of the total European market, with local providers contracting from 26% to 16%. Behavior like this is at the core of this growth of the tech giants and has to be stopped.

The complaint went on to say, the European Commissions Directorate-General for Competition exists precisely for the purpose of preventing this kind of abusive behavior and keeping the market competitive and fair for all players.

Another complaint, initially filed in 2019 and then revised in 2022, resulted in Microsoft reportedly agreeing to change its cloud computing practices in order to avoid an antitrust probe from the European Commission, the EUs antitrust authority.

That filing was related to complaints made by European cloud companies, including Aruba, OVHcloud, Danish Cloud Community, and the Association of Cloud Infrastructure Service Providers (CISPE), about changes Microsoft had made to the terms of its outsourcing license agreement.

The cloud vendors had raised concerns after their customers were asked to pay more to run Microsoft software in non-Microsoft cloud environments, under what they saw as restrictive cloud licensing policies.

Microsoft reached agreements with both French cloud provider OVHcloud and CISPE in July.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. Nar continues to support individuals with disabilities and, in partnership with the "Support for the Deaf" Public Association, organized a meeting with students from Special Boarding School No. 3 as part of International Sign Language Week. During the event, the electronic sign language dictionary, jestdili.az, which was developed with Nars support and aims to promote inclusivity, was introduced.

The event provided students with speech and hearing impairments, as well as their classmates, with detailed information on the general functionality of the website and its user-friendly search system, designed to facilitate communication using the jestdili.az dictionary. The session, held in a discussion format, also included a Q&A segment where students' queries were addressed.

As the countrys first electronic sign language dictionary, jestdili.az enables individuals with speech and hearing impairments and their families to learn Azerbaijani sign language online, anytime, anywhere, free of charge. Constantly evolving, the electronic dictionary currently offers video explanations for over 4,000 words and more than 500 phrases commonly used in daily life. It is noteworthy that in 2023, Nars jestdili.az project was awarded first place in the "Best Corporate Responsibility" category by the International Public Relations Association (IPRA).

Nar currently provides quality communication services to 2.2 million subscribers and has been the country's leading mobile operator in terms of net promoter score for the past 5 years. The mobile operator has a customer-centric strategy and offers excellent service at an affordable price.
KALBAJAR, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Istisu mineral water plant has resumed offering consumers water sourced from the esteemed thermal springs of Kalbajar, recognized for their superior quality and health advantages, following a 30-year hiatus, Trend reports.

Work on the plant, the foundation of which was laid by President of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev on June 26, 2022, was fully completed in 2024.

The Istisu plant features advanced automated water bottling lines and robotic systems for tank management. The German company Krones supplied and installed the production lines. The implementation of advanced technologies enables the plant to produce high-quality mineral water while maintaining its natural properties. The plant has an annual production capacity that surpasses 100 million glass bottles.

The production process at the Istisu plant is entirely automated. Initially, empty bottles are conveyed to the filling apparatus. The system promptly identifies any defects in the glass, including stains, chips, or foreign objects, and subsequently removes the bottle from the production line. Bottles are conveyed from the filling equipment to the labeling machine, followed by the packaging equipment.

On September 2, the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev and First Lady Mehriban Aliyeva attended the opening ceremony of the Istisu mineral water plant in the Kalbajar district.

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Turning Pages Digitally: The Rise of Digital Books Among the 40+ Generation

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iscover how digital books are shaping the reading habits of individuals aged 40 and above. This comprehensive guide explores trends, preferences, and the transformative power of e-books in modern literature.

The reading landscape is evolving, especially for individuals aged 40 and older. With the rise of digital books, often referred to as e-books, reading habits are changing dramatically.

In this article, we will explore the benefits of e-books, current trends, popular genres, and how technology is enhancing the reading experience for the 40+ demographic.

The Shift to Digital Reading

With the advancement of technology, many readers have transitioned from traditional printed books to digital versions. This shift is driven by several factors, including:

Accessibility: E-readers and apps allow users to adjust font sizes, backgrounds, and lighting for a comfortable reading experience.

Portability: Carrying an entire library in a single device is more convenient than lugging around physical books.

Cost-Effectiveness: E-books are often cheaper than their physical counterparts, and many classic books are available for free online.

E-Books vs. Traditional Books: A Comparison

Many readers still cherish traditional printed books, but heres a quick comparison:

Aspect E-Books Printed Books Portability High - multiple titles on one device Low - physical copies are bulky Environmental Impact Lower (no paper required) Higher (deforestation for paper) Reading Experience Customizable settings available Tactile and nostalgic Cost Often cheaper, many free options Generally more expensive

Popular Genres Among 40+ Readers

The 40+ demographic tends to gravitate towards specific genres that resonate with their life experiences, including:

Non-Fiction: Inspirational, educational, and self-help books are popular in this age group.

Thriller & Mystery: Engaging plots keep readers on the edge of their seats.

Romance: A genre that continues to charm readers across all age groups.

Biographies: Life stories of influential figures captivate readers.

The Audiobook Boom

As e-books gain popularity, audiobooks have also surged in demand. According to the Audio Publishers Association, 20% of U.S. consumers listened to an audiobook in the past year. Many readers over 40 find audiobooks to be an excellent option for multitasking.

Here are some compelling reasons for the audiobook trend:

Listeners can enjoy books while commuting, exercising, or doing household chores.

Voice narration brings stories to life, offering an engaging experience.

Accessibility features cater to individuals with visual impairments or reading difficulties.

The Role of Technology in E-Books

Technology plays a pivotal role in enhancing the reading experience for older adults. Features such as:

Customizable Reading Options: Users can adjust text size, background colors, and lighting based on preference.

Dictionary and Translation Tools: Instant lookup features help users understand complex words or phrases.

Bookmarks and Highlights: Readers can easily mark important passages for later reference.

E-Book Trends to Watch in 2024

As we move forward, several trends are poised to shape the e-book industry, especially among readers aged 40 and older:

Personalized Content: Reading recommendations tailored to individual preferences are on the rise.

Community Engagement: Online book clubs and forums for readers to discuss their favorite titles.

Subscription Services: Platforms like Kindle Unlimited offer access to vast libraries for a monthly fee, appealing to avid readers.

Quotes from Readers

"E-books have changed the way I read. I can take my entire library wherever I go!" - Jane D.

"Audiobooks allow me to enjoy stories even when Im busy. I would recommend them to anyone!" - John S.

Conclusion

Digital books are more than just a trend; they are a revolution in the reading landscape, especially for individuals aged 40 and above. With increasing accessibility, a plethora of genres, and the convenience of audiobooks, more readers are embracing the digital format. As technology continues to evolve, the reading experience will only improve, making literature more engaging and accessible for all.

In conclusion, the shift toward digital books presents a compelling opportunity for those aged 40 and older to explore literature in innovative ways. Whether through e-books or audiobooks, the future of reading looks bright!

 Turning Pages Digitally: The Rise of Digital Books Among the 40+ Generation

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FM Sitharaman urges 7 regional rural banks of NE to raise credit under GoI flagship schemes

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nion Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Monday urged the seven Regional Rural Banks (RRBs) of the northeastern region to increase credit disbursement under various government of India flagship schemes such as MUDRA, PM Vishwakarma.

The Union Finance Minister while chairing a meeting in Itanagar to review the performance of seven RRBs of the northeastern region said that the focus should be on credit for agriculture, horticulture and allied activities like piggery, goatery, sericulture, fisheries etc.

She also directed NABARD to promote FPOs (Farmer Producer Organisations) in the NE region.

Out of the 43 RRBs across the country, there are seven RRBs in the northeast region covering the states of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland and Tripura.

Given the crucial role of RRBs in supporting the rural economy, Sitharaman urged RRBs - with the active support of their sponsor banks - to increase credit disbursement under various Central government flagship schemes such as MUDRA, PM Vishwakarma, etc.

During the review meeting, the Union Finance Minister was apprised of the improvement in the financial performance of the RRBs of the northeast region and their technology upgradation ever since the regular review was initiated in 2022.

The Consolidated Capital to Risk (Weighted) Assets Ratio (CRAR) of 15 per cent in Financial Year 2024 is at healthy levels and profitability has improved from losses of Rs 11 crore in FY 2023 to net profit of Rs 205 crore in FY 2024.

The Gross Non-Performing Assets (GNPA) have also improved from 15.6 per cent in FY 2022 to 7.3 per cent in FY 2024, an official statement said.

Sitharaman also urged stakeholders to hold special State Level Bankers' Committees (SLBCs) meetings involving RRBs to explore the possibility of tapping the potential of horticulture, floriculture, sericulture and animal husbandry in the northeastern states, resolve the issue of availability of land records for extending Agri credit and increasing credit for agri-processing units.

The statement said that states were urged to ensure the provision of mobile veterinary units in each district.

During the meeting, the central minister emphasised that every eligible person in the northeast region should get covered under the Pradhan Mantri Jan Dhan Yojana (PMJDY).

The Union Finance Minister directed the Department of Financial Services (DFS) to conduct a meeting with the Ministry of DoNER and North Eastern Council to explore the possibilities for extending credit to ODOP vendors of the states.

She also advised that all RRBs must devise suitable MSME products that align with MSME activities and leverage their personal and local connections to increase penetration.

RRBs, with necessary support from sponsor banks and NABARD, were also directed to open new banking touch points in non-covered areas, especially in the states of Nagaland and Arunachal Pradesh.

M. Nagaraju, Secretary, DFS, Chairpersons of seven RRBs and sponsor banks -- Chairman, SBI and Managing Director, PNB, representatives of RBI, NABARD and SIDBI and senior officers of the Finance Ministry and seven northeastern states were also present during the meeting.

 FM Sitharaman urges 7 regional rural banks of NE to raise credit under GoI flagship schemes

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EAM Jaishankar meets US Commerce Secretary Raimondo, discusses Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

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xternal Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar met with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Washington D.C. and discussed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework alongside high technology cooperation between the two countries. The talks between the two Ministers also covered resilient supply chains, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, high technology cooperation, semiconductors and business promotion as EAM Jaishankar arrived in the US capital on Sunday.

In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar on Tuesday wrote, "Great to see Commerce Secretary @SecRaimondo today in Washington DC. We discussed semiconductors, iCET, critical minerals, trusted partnerships and supply chain resiliency. Value the strides we are making in our tech collaboration and economic partnership."

This marks the first visit of EAM Jaishankar to the US capital since the Modi government was re-elected for a third consecutive term.

This meeting comes a day before EAM Jaishankar meets his US counterpart Secretary Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

Both EAM Jaishankar and US Commerce Secretary Raimondo also discussed the US-India CEO Forum and US-India Commercial Dialogue, two Department of Commerce and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry-led initiatives that aim to strengthen the US-India trade and investment relationship, said a press statement released by the US Department of Commerce.

Both the Ministers also commended the progress made till now under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and reiterated their shared commitment to continuing to advance the work to operationalise the IPEF agreements, the statement added.

The External Affairs Minister concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York on Saturday (September 28). EAM Jaishankar was in New York from September 18 to 24.

IPEF, a group of 13 countries, is a multilateral economic framework. Since its launch in May 2022, IPEF countries have engaged in intensive discussions to scope out each pillar of the Framework.

The IPEF was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo.

During his stay, in addition to his meeting with Blinken on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar will also engage with other high-ranking officials from the US administration, as well as members of the Cabinet.

His itinerary includes an interaction with the think-tank community, notably a session hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), where he will discuss the future of US-India relations.

The CEIP, a globally recognised non-partisan think-tank with a focus on international affairs, operates across various regions, including Europe, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and the US.

EAM Jaishankar will join CEIP President Mariano Florentino Cuellar in a conversation focused on the evolving strategic partnership between the US and India.

The think-tank underscored India's increasing global strategic importance, particularly in shaping US foreign policy.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US in 2023 and his more recent bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden, CEIP highlighted how these interactions demonstrate the growing significance of US-India ties.

On September 30, President Biden hosted Prime Minister Modi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, where both leaders discussed an array of regional and global issues.

PM Modi described the talks as "extremely fruitful" in a social media post. Similarly, President Biden expressed his admiration for PM Modi's ability to identify new avenues for cooperation during each of their meetings.

In its announcement of the upcoming session, CEIP remarked, "Amid fast-paced global developments, India's bilateral ties with the US have grown more extensive. The two countries have deepened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, as well as on defence innovation and critical and emerging technologies."

The event will also address pressing questions about India's role in global leadership and how the two nations can strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, democracy, security, and trade.

 EAM Jaishankar meets US Commerce Secretary Raimondo, discusses Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

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Lloyd Austin reaffirms US support to Israel, warns Iran of 'serious consequences'

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S Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reiterated America's strong support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and prevent attacks similar to those on October 7.

In a phone conversation with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to protect civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

In a post on X, Austin stated, "I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself," adding that both sides agreed on the importance of "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities."

The US Defence Secretary also stressed that a diplomatic resolution is necessary to ensure the safe return of civilians to their homes.

Further warning Iran of "serious consequences," Austin said that he "made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict."

"I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," he added, reinforcing the US's commitment to support Israel in case of any expansion of the conflict.

Earlier on Monday, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters that Israel had informed the US it was carrying out "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border".

The Washington Post, citing US security officials, reported that Israel had informed the White House of plans for an imminent, limited ground campaign in Lebanon.

Additionally, US President Joe Biden also said on Sunday that he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions in the Middle East increase following Israel's assassination of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.

He added, "We really have to avoid" all-out war in the Middle East, saying, "We've already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave, but we're not there yet. But we're working like hell with the French and many others."

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.

This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.

 Lloyd Austin reaffirms US support to Israel, warns Iran of 'serious consequences'

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Actor-politician Govinda suffers injury after his pistol misfires; rushed to Mumbai hospital

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n a shocker, Bollywood actor and ruling Shiv Sena member Govinda Ahuja was injured after his licensed pistol reportedly misfired when he was cleaning it at his Juhu home here on Tuesday morning, police officials said.

As per preliminary information, the incident occurred when the actor was purportedly sprucing up the weapon while getting ready to leave home for some assignments, at around 5.15 a.m.

At that time, the weapon reportedly misfired a bullet injuring his leg, and a bleeding Govinda was immediately rushed to the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu for treatment where his condition is reported to be stable.

Shiv Sena National Spokesperson Krishna Hegde said the unfortunate incident happened in the actor's home, and more details are awaited.

"We have learnt that he was cleaning the pistol when it misfired and injured him. We are very concerned for his health and hope that he recovers soon," a worried Hegde told IANS.

The Juhu Police Station is making preliminary inquiries into the matter though the actor's family has not officially commented on the incident, which sent ripples in political circles.

A former Congress MP from Mumbai North, Govinda, raised heads when he abruptly decided to join the ruling ally Shiv Sena headed by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, in March.

However, he had made it clear that he was not keen on electoral politics but would contribute in many other ways including as a star campaigner, and had canvassed for many party nominees during the 2024 Lok Sabha elections.

Incidentally, 60-year-old Govinda is also expected to be the Shiv Sena's much-coveted, crowd-puller, charismatic speaker even for the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections due in November.

 Actor-politician Govinda suffers injury after his pistol misfires; rushed to Mumbai hospital

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Armenia doesn't provide information about the remains of missing Azerbaijanis, Prosecutor General of Azerbaijan Kamran Aliyev told reporters, Trend reports.

According to him, international proceedings on claims brought by Azerbaijan regarding the demand for compensation from Armenia in relation to citizens killed in the First Karabakh War are also carried out.

He pointed out that both within the country and on the international level, Azerbaijan is more concerned with the fate of missing citizens than with compensation.

"Joint actions are being taken in this direction with the State Security Service and the State Commission on Prisoners of War and Missing Citizens. After some time, the remains of missing persons are found, handed over to their relatives, and buried according to customs.

Unfortunately, the Armenian side does not provide information about these mass graves. As a result, this process is proceeding with difficulty. Nevertheless, significant progress has been achieved on this issue," the official added.

To note, a total of 3,961 people have been registered as missing as of August 1 due to Armenia's military aggression against Azerbaijan, of whom 3,953 went missing during the First Karabakh War.

By August 30, 2024, the remains of 185 Azerbaijanis who were killed during the First Karabakh War and were buried in unmarked graves had been exhumed from 21 cemeteries across 13 cities and districts of Azerbaijan.

To note, according to the Supreme Court of the Republic of Azerbaijan, more than twenty thousand Azerbaijanis were killed by Armenians during the First Karabakh War.

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Vietnam's cashew nut exports face trade deficit risk

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ietnam's cashew nut exports face the risk of a trade deficit due to higher raw material prices, local media reported on Tuesday, citing experts.

The export turnover of Vietnam's cashew nuts has maintained growth, but the gap between export value and import turnover of raw materials has gradually narrowed, reports Xinhua, quoting Vietnam News.

According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam exported more than 486,000 tons of cashew nuts in the first eight months of this year, earning nearly $2.8 billion, but the country spent more than $2.3 billion importing raw cashew nuts.

As the world's leading country in processing cashew nuts, Vietnam has a large number of factories, but the domestic raw material area is reducing, only meeting about 10 to 12 per cent of the demand for raw cashew nuts for those factories. Most of the raw materials have to be imported from Africa and Cambodia.

 Vietnam's cashew nut exports face trade deficit risk

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Sri Lankan President allocates $16.6 million for parliamentary election

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ri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has allocated $16.6 million to fund the parliamentary election scheduled for November 14, said a spokesperson on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing following the first cabinet meeting chaired by Dissanayake, cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath noted that a total of $36.6 million was required to conduct the parliamentary election, Xinhua news agency reported.

Herath said that the 2024 budget only allocated funds for the presidential election held on September 21, leaving no provisions for the upcoming parliamentary election.

However, under presidential authority, Dissanayake has allocated 5 billion rupees to cover part of the election expenses, with the remaining 6 billion rupees to be settled in 2025 through a vote on account, which will be submitted to parliament as part of the 2025 budget.

The cabinet of ministers has approved this plan to secure funding for the election, according to Herath.

After being elected as the country's President, Dissanayake dissolved the parliament through an extraordinary gazette notification last week.

The gazette has fixed the parliamentary election for November 14 and the new parliament will meet for the first time on November 21.

 Sri Lankan President allocates $16.6 million for parliamentary election

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Rising cases of women's suicides: A growing concern in Uttar Pradesh

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he increasing number of suicides, especially among women, is becoming a significant social issue. Modern life, with its relentless pressure, is driving more individuals to the brink, with causes ranging from family discord to business stress and work pressure.

Recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh highlight the gravity of this trend. On September 22, a woman consumed poison in Prayagraj. She was admitted to a private hospital but could not survive. Her daughter and son had also taken their lives a few days ago.

Earlier on August 12, a married woman ended her life by hanging herself in Aligarh. The family alleged that she was not allowed to make reels for Instagram and she was also harassed for dowry.

Similarly, on September 4, three women in separate incidents died by suicide for three different reasons in Meerut.

In Lucknow, a senior HDFC Bank officer died on September 24 under mysterious circumstances, sparking further concern.

Besides Uttar Pradesh, in a recent incident in Pune, the death of a 26-year-old employee of Ernst & Young (EY), allegedly due to work pressure, caught nation's attention sparking outrage.

Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveal a stark increase in suicides. In 2022, there were 2,244 more suicides than in 2021, representing a 37.8 per cent increase. The total number of cases rose from 5,932 in 2021 to 8,176 in 2022, with a significant rise in female suicides.

Experts emphasize that this alarming trend is deeply rooted in societal and psychological issues.

Professor Archana Shukla from Lucknow University believes that a lack of real emotional connections is contributing to the rise in suicides. She suggests that the pressure to maintain a 'Facebook life', along with a growing inability to differentiate between online persona and real-life struggles, is pushing individuals towards despair.

"People today are constantly in a rush. While the ways we communicate have multiplied, human connections have suffered. Facebook and social media don't reflect real life, and it's important to recognize this. Tragically, people have even lost their lives over something as trivial as a selfie," she said.

She said the pressure of life, pressure from parents, of business, of work, is taking a heavy toll on human life.

"It's time to prioritize relationships. Take time for yourself, read good books, and remember that nothing in life is permanent, not even your problems. Women, in particular, are often more emotional and tend to rely on men for financial stability. It's crucial for women to start valuing themselves more," she said.

Clinical psychologist Dr Ashutosh Srivastava explains that societal focus on success, and an inability to cope with failure, is a major factor that drives young ones to commit suicide. Women tend to attempt suicide more frequently, but men often resort to more lethal methods.

Dr Srivastava stresses the importance of mental health awareness, particularly regarding the workplace pressures and stress that can lead to burnout, which is often a precursor to suicidal behaviour.

KGMU professor Dr Adarsh Tripathi says that there is a limit to bear stress.

"Most of us spend the majority of our time at work. Work is not just about earning money; it defines our identity and self-worth. Long working hours, lack of sleep, and a shrinking social circle take a toll. People start believing they can't do anything outside of their job, which leads to burnout. In extreme cases, the emotional burden can push them toward drastic decisions," said Tripathi.

 Rising cases of women's suicides: A growing concern in Uttar Pradesh

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The work on attracting children affected by the war in Ukraine to Azerbaijan for rehabilitation services continues, Trend reports.

Another 30 Ukrainian children have been brought to Azerbaijan for rehabilitation services organized by the State Agency for Medical and Social Expertise and Rehabilitation under the Ministry of Labor and Social Protection of the Population of Azerbaijan.

The children will be provided with medical as well as social-psychological rehabilitation services within the 10-day rehabilitation program at the Gabala Children Rehabilitation Center of the Agency.

Individual consultations of professional psychologists, group therapy, as well as yoga and dance therapy classes, will be organized for the children.

The rehabilitation program is aimed at supporting the stabilization of their emotional state and ensuring their integration into society.

Excursions to historical sites and museums in the cities of Shaki and Gabala will be organized to familiarize the children with Azerbaijani culture and national-cultural and historical heritage.

To note, together with the previous 5 groups, up to 180 Ukrainian children were brought to Azerbaijan and provided with social-psychological rehabilitation services.
Members of SEIU Local 73, the union that represents building- and food-service workers at the University of Illinois, walk a picket line near the Illini Union on Monday in Urbana. The union began a strike around 7 a.m. after rejecting recent contract proposals from the UI primarily over wages.
Elevated serum magnesium levels are strongly linked to higher mortality in sepsis, suggesting a critical role for magnesium in assessing sepsis risk and guiding treatment strategies.

Study: High serum magnesium level is associated with increased mortality in patients with sepsis: an international, multicenter retrospective study. Image Credit: sfam_photo / Shutterstock.com

Sepsis refers to life-threatening organ dysfunction that develops following a dysregulated host response to infection. In 2017 alone, about 49 million cases of sepsis were reported worldwide, with about 19.7% of all mortality rates attributed to sepsis. Thus, an urgent need remains to quickly identify sepsis to initiate supportive and antibiotic management.

A recent report published in MedComm investigates the association between magnesium levels and mortality.

The importance of magnesium

Magnesium is the second most abundant intracellular cation. This element is key to multiple enzymatic reactions involved in the synthesis of essential biomolecules like nucleic acids and proteins and energy metabolism.

Low magnesium levels correlate with a poor prognosis among patients with cardiometabolic disease and depression. In fact, previous studies have reported an association between hypomagnesemia and increased severity of illness and mortality rates among intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Hypermagnesemia is also associated with higher death rates among severely ill children, those diagnosed with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and hospitalized patients.

The dose-response relationship between magnesium and sepsis

The current study included 9,099 patients from the Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care (MIMIC-IV) cohort in the United States and 1,727 patients from a Chinese cohort. All patients were classified into quintiles by increasing serum magnesium levels as Q1-Q5 and G1-G5, respectively.

The median serum magnesium concentrations in the American and Chinese cohorts were 0.86 and 0.87 mmol/L, respectively. Both groups exhibited increasing disease severity and worse laboratory readings with rising magnesium levels.

The MIMIC-IV cohort had higher complication rates. Comparatively, the severity of illness was greater in the Chinese cohort, accompanied by a higher sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score and poorer vital sign recordings.

In the MIMIC-IV cohort, 22.1% of patients died within 28 days, with Q5 associated with the highest mortality at 28% of the quintile. In the Chinese cohort, 16% of patients died in the same period, with the highest mortality rate of 20% observed in Q5.

In the Chinese group, G4 and G5 had the lowest survival rates, whereas G1 and G2 had the highest.

High magnesium and mortality risk

In both cohorts, the risk of all-cause death within 28 days doubled with elevated magnesium levels. After compensating for confounding factors, the highest quintiles in each cohort were significantly associated with a 47% increase in 28-day mortality risk. In Q4 and Q5, the risk was 19% and 27% higher, respectively, compared to Q2.

In the Chinese cohort, the 28-day mortality risk increased by 93% for every unit increase in serum magnesium levels, with G4 and G5 associated with a 38% and 52% increased risk, respectively. In the American cohort, the risk of 28-day mortality increased by 7.4-fold for every unit increase in serum magnesium levels.

Secondary outcome analysis indicated that, in the MIMIC-IV cohort, patients with higher magnesium levels had longer ICU stay durations, longer hospitalizations, and higher 90-day mortality rates, both overall and among hospitalized or ICU patients.

In the Chinese cohort, higher 90-day, ICU, and hospitalized patient mortality rates occurred in the highest quintiles as compared to G2, who were more likely to have more extended hospital and ICU stay durations.

In the MIMIC-IV cohort, males were at an increased risk of 28-day mortality by 172% compared to 47% for females. People 65 years and older in the Chinese cohort had a nearly five-fold increased risk, compared to a decline in risk by 36% among those younger than 65.

Mechanically ventilated patients in the American cohort were less likely to die at 46% as compared to the eight-fold increased risk of mortality observed among non-ventilated patients. In the MIMIC-IV cohort, ICU patients not on vasopressor therapy were at a three-fold increased risk of mortality as compared to 17% of those prescribed this treatment.

Early sepsis is more likely to correlate with high magnesium levels. Although the mechanisms responsible for this association remain unclear, unstable hemodynamics due to magnesium's vasodilator effects, as well as closure of myocardial potassium channels triggering malignant arrhythmias and heart failure, may be involved.

Impaired nerve transmission that causes respiratory muscle and diaphragmatic paralysis with respiratory failure and immunosuppression coupled with a dysregulated inflammatory response can also contribute to the relationship between magnesium levels and sepsis risk.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that serum magnesium at the onset of sepsis could be a practical parameter for risk stratification and potentially act as an independent risk factor for septic patients.

Although these observations corroborate previous reports, the current study is the first to report the temporal relationship between hypermagnesemia at the onset of sepsis and increased patient risk. Both study cohorts yielded similar results, thereby providing validity to the observations and making these findings generalizable to Asian and North American populations.
The World Health Organization (WHO) congratulates Brazil for having eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem.

Eliminating a disease is a momentous accomplishment that takes unwavering commitment. I congratulate Brazil for its efforts to free its people of the scourge of this painful, disfiguring, disabling and stigmatizing disease. This is another example of the incredible progress we have made against neglected tropical diseases and gives hope to many other nations still fighting against lymphatic filariasis that they too can eliminate this disease." Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General

Lymphatic filariasis, commonly known as elephantiasis, is a debilitating parasitic disease spread by mosquitoes. For centuries, this disease has afflicted millions worldwide, causing pain, chronic, severe swelling, serious disability, and social stigmatization.

Effective country-level investments

Over the past few decades, Brazil has implemented integrated actions to eliminate lymphatic filariasis, including the development of a national plan to fight this disease in 1997, the mass distribution of antiparasitic drugs, vector control activities, and strong surveillance, particularly in the most affected areas. With these efforts, the country achieved the end of disease transmission in 2017.

The elimination of lymphatic filariasis was also one of the goals of the Brasil Saudavel program, a multisectoral initiative aimed at ending socially determined diseases with a whole-of-government approach and civil society participation, including the involvement of affected people in the implementation of disease control efforts. The programme was launched in February 2024 by President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva in a ceremony with the participation of Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General and Dr Jarbas Barbosa, Director of the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and WHO Regional Director for the Americas. In the post-elimination phase, Brazil, PAHO, and WHO will continue to closely monitor for possible resurgence of infections.

"This milestone is the result of years of dedication, hard work, and collaboration among health workers, researchers, and authorities in Brazil", said Dr Jarbas Barbosa, PAHO Director and WHO Regional Director for the Americas. "Brazil's extensive and unified health system, coupled with solid specialized laboratory expertise and robust surveillance were essential to interrupt the chain of transmission, inspiring other countries to advance towards the elimination of lymphatic filariasis and other neglected tropical diseases".

Global progress

Globally, Brazil joins 19 other countries and territories that have been validated by WHO for having eliminated lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem. These are Malawi and Togo in the African Region; Egypt and Yemen in the Eastern Mediterranean Region; Bangladesh, Maldives, Sri Lanka and Thailand in the South-East Asia Region; and Cambodia, Cook Islands, Kiribati, Lao People's Democratic Republic, Marshall Islands, Niue, Palau, Tonga, Vanuatu, Viet Nam and Wallis and Futuna in the Western Pacific Region.

In the Americas, three endemic countries (Dominican Republic, Guyana, and Haiti) still require mass drug administration to stop transmission and are working to achieve the elimination target.

In addition to being the 20th country to be validated for elimination of lymphatic filariasis as a public health problem, Brazil has also become the 53rd country to have eliminated at least one neglected tropical disease, globally.
The presence of microplastics in prostate tumors points to potential health risks, and researchers are calling for urgent studies to explore how take-out food may be driving this exposure.

Study: Identification and analysis of microplastics in para-tumor and tumor of human prostate. Image Credit: Kateryna Kon / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal eBioMedicine, researchers attempted to identify, characterize, and quantify microplastics (including their abundances and types) found in human prostate tissue. They used scanning electron microscopy, laser direct infrared spectroscopy, and pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. They found the presence of three types of microplastics in both para-tumor and tumor tissue: polyamide, polyvinyl chloride, and polyethylene terephthalate. Additionally, polystyrene was detected in tumor- but not para-tumor tissue. Abundance measures revealed between 181.0 g/g and 290.3 g/g of microplastics per unit tissue, with sizes ranging from 20 to 100 m. However, the study noted that microplastic particle sizes in tumor tissues tended to be larger (between 50 and 100 m) compared to para-tumor samples, which predominantly had particles between 20 and 30 m.

The study highlights the strong positive correlation between take-out food consumption and polystyrene abundance, emphasizing the need for safer food packaging alternatives. Furthermore, the presence of microplastics in prostate tissue raises questions about the potential role of environmental factors in the onset or progression of prostate cancer. However, more research is needed to establish causality.

Background

Microplastics (MPs) are minute plastic fragments (<5 mm) that arise from the (usually environmental) degradation of plastic commodities. They are ubiquitous in nature and are easily ingested and assimilated into the tissues of humans and other animals, given their small particle sizes. A growing body of evidence underscores microplastics' negative public health potential, associating these particles with diseases of the placenta, lungs, blood, intestines, and gonads. Microplastics are also observed to be bioaccumulated across food chains, resulting in higher concentrations and physiological damage to higher trophic levels.

Particle shape and size: The microplastics varied in shape, with irregular forms being predominant, and most particle sizes ranged between 20 and 100 m. Tumor tissues had a higher concentration of larger particles (50-100 m).

Alarmingly, the global prevalence of plastics (and, by extension, microplastics) continues to rise. The rapid industrial development, population growth, and consumeristic trends of the 21st century have promoted this pattern, resulting in a 230-fold increase in plastic production (2019, 460 metric tons) compared to just 70 years prior (1950, 2 metric tons).

Alongside their particulate (physical) effects, microplastics are known to have a strong affinity for toxic plasticizers, including dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and bisphenol A (BPA), with known hormone-altering, often carcinogenic properties. While the impacts of microplastics on a handful of cancers (e.g., blood and lung) have been extensively characterized, their associations with prostate cancers remain unknown. Given the growing prevalence of prostate-cancer-associated morbidity and mortality worldwide (one of the most common male cancers), elucidating the risk factors in prostate cancer genesis is imperative.

About the study

The present study aims to elucidate the properties, abundance, and main types of MPs in prostate tissue (specifically, para-tumor and tumor). Study data was obtained from Peking University First Hospital patients who underwent robot-assisted radical prostatectomy (RARP) between Jan 2023 and July 2024. However, due to the small sample size (22 patients), the results of this exploratory study may not be generalizable to all prostate cancer populations. Larger, more diverse samples are needed to validate these findings. Exclusion criteria included: 1. Patients who underwent neoadjuvant endocrine therapy, 2. Patients with preexisting prostate cancer at baseline, and 3. Lack of expert supervision during RARP procedures.

Data collection included patient's demographic data and medical histories. Sample collection comprised paired para-tumor and tumor tissue excisions (n = 22 each). To identify and characterize microplastics, two paired samples were used for laser direct infrared (LDIR) imaging and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. For abundance estimations, the remaining 20 pairs were used for pyrolysisgas chromatography-mass spectrometry (PyGC/MS) analysis. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) mass spectrometry database was referenced for microplastic characteristics.

"The 11 target polymers were polystyrene (PS), polyethylene (PE), polypropylene (PP), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyamide 6 (PA6), polyamide 66 (PA66), polylactic acid (PLA), and polybutylene terephthalate (PBAT)."

The patient populations median age was 66.8 years, with 50% identified as smokers and 36.4% reporting regular alcohol consumption. Nearly 86.4% of participants consumed bottled water frequently, while 77.3% reported consuming take-out food. These lifestyle factors may contribute to microplastic exposure routes. Participants' demographic variables were evaluated via descriptive statistics  means and frequencies were used to describe continuous and categorical variables. Inter-group comparisons were carried out using Paired t-tests. Correlation coefficients were computed using Pearson correlation analysis.

Study findings

The patient population's median age was 66.8 years, with mean body mass index (BMI) and prostate volume elucidated as 25.4 kg/cm2 and 45.9 mL, respectively. Notably, 50% (n = 11) of patients were smokers, and 36.4% (n = 8) regularly consumed alcohol. Alarmingly, almost all patients were found to frequently consume packaged bottled water (86.4%) and take-out food (77.3%).

LDIR and SEM imaging revealed the presence of four main MPs (PS, PE, PP, and PVC) across both tissue types analyzed. Surprisingly, PS could only be detected from tumor tissue but not para-tumor tissue. All MPs detected ranged in size from 20 to 100 m, but the majority measured 20 to 50 m.

Patient correlations: The study found a positive correlation between polystyrene levels in tumor tissues and the frequency of take-out food consumption, further linking lifestyle choices to microplastic exposure.

PyGC/MS analysis revealed that the mean abundance of MPs in para-tumor tissue was 181.0 g/g. In comparison, mean MP abundance in tumor tissue was observed to be significantly higher (290.3 g/g), suggesting differential MP adsorption/uptake across these tissue types.

Despite the paper's aim to unravel the risk associations between MPs and prostate cancer, the small sample size and limitations of the methodology prevent any strong conclusions regarding causality. The findings, while valuable, serve as a stepping stone for further research, particularly in understanding whether microplastics contribute to cancer development or act as biomarkers for exposure. Additional research on the causal relationship between MPs and cancer is required before action plans against the former can be devised.

Conclusions

The present study explores the health associations between MP and the prostate organ. Study findings reveal that at least four microplastic types (PS, PE, PP, and PVC) are assimilated into prostate tissue following consumption. Assimilation efficiency was found to vary between prostate tissue types, with the para-tumor tissue depicting significantly lower MP abundance (181.0 g/g) compared with tumor tissue (290.3 g/g). Furthermore, PS could only be detected from the tumor tissue and was absent from para-tumor tissue.

Notably, participant behavioral investigations revealed frequent utilization of packaged drinking water and take-out food, suggesting potential MP exposure routes and highlighting the safer food packing alternatives.

"our study provides valuable insights into the presence of MPs in the human prostate and sheds light on the potential implications of MPs on prostate health. Future longitudinal studies should be conducted to enhance the understanding of the dynamic interplay and potential causal connections between MPs and prostate health over time."
Health care is more than doctor visits; it's a team effort. But most artificial intelligence-driven technologies built on patient data use only the information provided by physicians, omitting crucial input from nurses and rehabilitation therapists.

An innovative, interdisciplinary project co-led by the University of Illinois Chicago will use artificial intelligence to unify data from a broader range of health professions and create novel, holistic datasets that could transform health care, driving discoveries that positively impact patient outcomes and care.

The collaboration with University of Iowa, University of Missouri and Loyola University and technical partners Microsoft and Tackle AI received up to $10 million from the federal Advanced Research Projects Agency for Health, or ARPA-H. The award is the first ARPA-H funding received by UIC, which will serve as the contracting institution.

Researchers will create new ways to combine structured data and free-text notes from nurses, physical and occupational therapists, speech and language pathologists and physicians for more effective use in electronic health records. These notes often provide additional, valuable information about a patient's progress, particularly as their care moves outside a hospital or clinic.

The project will focus on two complex patient populations: patients who have experienced injuries related to a fall and infants transitioning from the neonatal intensive care unit to home. Both populations rely on the care provided by a variety of health professionals.

Health care is an interdisciplinary process, but existing data tools and infrastructure ignore most of the team. Other professions see patients more frequently and provide very high-fidelity data that gets closer to the reality of the patient, instead of just the brief snapshots in time that you get from data documented by physicians." Andrew Boyd, one of the project's principal investigators and professor of biomedical and health information sciences at UIC

Researchers will use advanced computational methods on the novel data sets to create all-team care summaries and powerful new AI applications. They will also use the data to make new scientific discoveries that will improve care and treatment for patients.

"Falls and NICU patients require all-team care while in the hospital and via outpatient clinics. But fragmented, siloed documentation impedes communication," said Catherine K. Craven, a principal investigator and biomedical informatician at the University of Missouri School of Medicine. "By unifying this data, we can improve communication between health care providers, the patient and their care partners and generate novel scientific insights that improve patient outcomes."

These advances could also be applied to other care domains in addition to falls and NICU transitions, said Karen Dunn Lopez, a principal investigator and professor of nursing at the University of Iowa.

"When you address complex difficult problems, the insights you gain and solutions you develop will likely be applicable to less complex problems," Lopez said. "Our team's work will help us understand how to guide patient-centered decision making about the synergy of care provided by a multidisciplinary team."

Deeper data for complex cases

Much of AI's promise for health care is its potential to automatically extract insights from electronic health record data. An algorithm may suggest a diagnosis based on symptoms or lab results, or match patients with the specific treatment that will be most effective for their case.

More data can lead to better AI guidance. Research has shown that including observations from nurses in patient data can lead to more accurate predictions on measures such as the risk of dying in a hospital than physician notes and lab results alone.

The value of multidisciplinary data is particularly clear for managing adult fall injuries, a surprisingly complex area of health care. Falls are difficult to prevent and can lead to multiple negative health outcomes in older adults.

The top predictor of fall risk is the number of previous falls, but patients may not tell their physicians about all their falls. Reports on falls from emergency-room visits or outpatient therapy sessions may be overlooked in the flood of information in a patient's health record.

Physical and occupational therapists also collect detailed information relevant to fall risk, such as strength and balance assessments. Because these reports are often subjective and text-based, they are hard to combine with physician notes or numerical data such as test results.

"Data is gold, but until it can be used, it is meaningless," said Tanvi Bhatt, professor of physical therapy and rehabilitation sciences at UIC and co-investigator on the project. "The text-based notes that we have are more narrative and descriptive, compared to lab measures. But if that text is lost, there is no continuum of care."

Unifying this data with other sources could help clinicians identify the cause of a patient's falls and link them with the most appropriate interventions to prevent future injuries. It could also help researchers design and test new prediction models of fall risk and share those insights with patients in clear language, Bhatt said.

Incorporating this data will also help involve the patient in health care decisions, said Mary Khetani, professor of occupational therapy and rehabilitation sciences at UIC and a co-investigator on the grant. The narrative notes taken by physical and occupational therapists often come directly from interviews with a patient and their family. Organizing the data to share with patients and their caregivers can help them feel more informed and engaged as they navigate multiple health care services outside of the hospital.

"We know that best practice is centering the expertise of the patient and family in decision making to drive the best outcomes and get their buy-in and adherence," Khetani said. "But we can't do that if we overload them with information."

AI as a health care interpreter

Computer scientists on the project will use and develop advanced text-mining and language-processing tools to overcome the linguistic and technical hurdles that prevent the integration of data from other disciplines. The research will test whether large language models can be trained to help understand and connect text data across professions.

"Medical data is unique in many ways, one being that it tends to include jargon and other terms that don't appear commonly in more popular online sources," said Natalie Parde, associate professor of computer science at UIC and a project co-investigator. "Language processing tools tend not to work as well when applied to health care data. A central technical challenge in this grant is getting these tools and technologies to the point where we can use them reliably in a health care setting."

Once integrated, the data from nurses, rehabilitation therapists and other health professionals can help train more detailed models to predict health risks or treatment effectiveness. AI tools can also generate concise summaries of large amounts of text and data.

For example, a primary care provider may get a synopsis based on their patient's weekly physical and speech therapy visits. Or the parents of a premature infant could receive a summary of the nursing and rehabilitative therapies delivered in the NICU, to help them transition to follow-up care in a clinic or a natural environment like their home.

"It's not just a question of translating into lay language, it's really a question of understanding what's important to present to the patient or their provider," said Barbara Di Eugenio, the Warren S. McCulloch Collegiate Professor of Computer Science at UIC and a project co-investigator.

Through hackathons and other activities using deidentified data, the team will also invite data scientists and software developers to create additional clinical and research applications. All tools developed by the project will be open source and built with input and feedback from health-domain experts.

The partnership highlights the strengths of UIC: seven health sciences colleges representing a broad range of health care disciplines and a computer science department with deep research expertise in machine learning, natural language processing and data science.

Other UIC team members on the project include Samantha Bond of the College of Applied Health Sciences, Miiri Kotche from the College of Engineering and David Chestek of the College of Medicine.

"UIC is a great place where we have this diversity of skills and everyone knows each other and works together," Boyd said. "So when these wonderful opportunities come up, we can pull everyone together, including our collaborating institutions, and try to transform the way we look at health care data."
China issues regulations on network data security management

Xinhua) 11:37, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a decree of the State Council, unveiling regulations on network data security management.

The regulations, which will take effect on Jan. 1, 2025, aim to regulate network data processing activities, protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests.

They put forward general requirements and provisions for network data security, further specify rules concerning personal information protection, and fine-tune mechanisms for the management of important data.

The country will improve the rules and regulations on the cross-border security of network data, and clarify the conditions under which network data processors can provide personal information to overseas parties, according to the document.

In addition, the regulations also stipulate the obligations for internet platform service providers, specifying data protection requirements for entities such as third-party service and product providers.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The painting "Kharibulbul" by young Azerbaijani artist Selim Abbaszade will be officially showcased in the permanent exhibition hall of the International Museum of Children's Art in Oslo, alongside works from children in 185 countries, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Committee for Work with Diaspora.

The young talents other piece, "Tyg-Tyg Khanum," will also be archived in the museum.

Abbaszade is the first young Azerbaijani artist to have his work displayed in the museum.

The museum's director Angela Goldin stated that the vibrant depiction of nature in Abbaszade's paintings brings warmth, peace, beauty, and unity to the "cold North."

She highlighted the museum's three main functions: to present children's art from all continents, preserve it, and pass it on to future generations.

The museum plans to collaborate with Selim Abbaszade in the future as well.

Notably, the International Museum of Children's Art in Oslo hosted its first exhibition of Abbaszade's works dedicated to Karabakh in 2023, which was organized by Azerbaijan's youth organization NAYO and the Nizami Ganjavi Sunday School for Azerbaijani language studies in Norway.

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A new study shows the potential power of imaging paired with radiation to shape treatment for glioblastoma patients in real time.

The study, led by researchers at Sylvester Comprehensive Cancer Center, part of the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, is the first to quantify tumor changes in glioblastoma patients receiving MRI-guided radiation therapy. This novel technique, also known as MRI-linear accelerator or MRI-linac, pairs daily imaging with radiation. Sylvester was the first to use this technology for patients with glioblastoma and remains one of the few cancer centers to offer it for the disease.

The Sylvester researchers found that this daily imaging can serve as an important monitoring system to signal tumor growth during treatment earlier than standard imaging, providing evidence that the method could one day be used to guide rapid treatment adaptation during radiation therapy.

The study was published Sept. 30 in the International Journal of Radiation Oncology  Biology  Physics and simultaneously presented at the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO) meeting by the study's first author, Kaylie Cullison, Ph.D., an M.D./Ph.D. student in the Miller School's Medical Scientist Training Program.

Our study shows that these daily scans can serve as an early warning sign for potential tumor growth." Kaylie Cullison, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine

In the study, which was led by Eric A. Mellon, M.D., Ph.D., a radiation oncologist and co-leader of Sylvester's Neurologic Cancer Site Disease Group, the researchers followed 36 glioblastoma patients over a six-week course of daily radiation and MRI scans using MRI-linac. They then compared the data from these daily scans to standard-of-care imaging to measure tumor size, namely, a single MRI image with contrast performed one week before radiation treatment and another a month after the radiation course is completed. Although MRI-linac could be paired with a contrast agent, some patients are concerned about frequent use of these heavy metals, so the study was conducted without contrast for the daily scans.

Typically, brain radiation is guided by X-ray or CT scan to position the patient correctly under the radiation beam. But these kinds of imaging only reveal the position of the skull.

"Any machine that does not include MRI, which is 99% of radiation-delivery equipment out there, cannot see what's going on inside of the brain," Mellon said. "MRI-linac allows you to see what's going on in the brain, for the first time."

The researchers found that for 74% of the trial participants, their MRI-linac imaging matched the information found in the typical, contrast MRI performed before and after treatment. That is, both modalities agreed on whether the patients' tumors grew, shrank, or remained the same size during the course of radiation therapy. For the other 26% of patients, the MRI-linac imaging predicted tumor growth while the pre- and post-treatment imaging showed that the tumor shrank.

Although the daily MRI did not agree with the contrast imaging 100% of the time, the fact that it did not miss any cases of true tumor growth suggests that it could be used to signal possible tumor growth during radiation therapy, the researchers said. That signal could then be confirmed with contrast imaging and, ultimately, could be used to adapt the patient's treatment to more quickly address the tumor growth.

The daily imaging could also be useful in other cases besides tumor growth. If a tumor is shrinking, the radiation field could be narrowed to ensure only cancerous tissue is targeted. Additionally, most glioblastoma patients undergo surgery before radiation therapy, and the site where the tumor was removed, the surgical resection cavity, often shrinks as the brain heals. Following that shrinkage over time and changing the radiation therapy accordingly could be critical to spare healthy tissue from irradiation. In their current study, the Sylvester researchers traced changes in both the tumor size and surgical cavity size.

Mellon and his team plan to conduct future studies to test MRI-linac's ability to guide treatment decisions for glioblastoma patients during the course of radiation therapy as well as to test the method in other types of brain cancer. Because so few clinics use the technology to treat brain cancers, it was not realized prior to Mellon's studies that glioblastomas change significantly during radiation. The research team hopes to use that knowledge to improve outcomes for patients with this all-too-often deadly form of cancer.
Scientists discover that exposure to microplastics, especially PTFE, is associated with lower sperm quality, raising alarms about the impact of environmental pollutants on male fertility.

Study: Association of mixed exposure to microplastics with sperm dysfunction: a multi-site study in China. Image Credit: WHITE MARKERS / Shutterstock

In a recent study published in the journal eBioMedicine, a group of researchers assessed the presence of multiple microplastics in human semen and urine and their association with sperm quality in a multi-site study across China.

Background

Microplastics, defined as particles smaller than 5 mm, originate from plastic degradation and are found in various consumer products. These pollutants are widespread in ecosystems and have been detected in multiple human tissues, including the liver, lung, placenta, and semen. Microplastics enter the human body through ingestion, inhalation, or skin absorption. Research indicates daily consumption of microplastics amounts to an average of 5186  3751 particles per kilogram of body weight per year for children and 1482  1072 particles for adults. Studies raise concerns about their effects on human health, especially male reproductive health. The need for further research to better understand the long-term impacts of mixed microplastic exposure on male fertility and to uncover the underlying biological mechanisms is urgent and of paramount importance.

About the study

To explore microplastic exposure in different regions, male partners attending reproductive medicine centers in three locations were recruited: Henan People's Hospital in Zhengzhou (Henan province) (site 1), Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Shandong in Jinan (Shandong province) (site 2), Maternal and Child Health Care Hospital of Xiaogan (Hubei province) (site 3). The study took place between November 2023 and March 2024. Inclusion criteria required participants to be over 18, in a relationship for more than a year without achieving pregnancy, and abstinent for 2-7 days before providing samples. Exclusion criteria included testicular injuries, urogenital inflammation, history of epididymitis, varicocele, and other urological conditions. Among 281 eligible individuals, 113 men aged 24-58 were recruited, with a response rate of 40.2%.

Unexpected microplastic types: In addition to PTFE, microplastics like polyethylene terephthalate (PET) and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS) were also found, although in smaller percentages, highlighting the variety of microplastic exposure sources.

Participants provided consent, completed questionnaires, and submitted semen and urine samples. Demographic, environmental, and lifestyle factors were collected through one-on-one surveys, and height and weight were measured. The samples were processed in glass containers treated to eliminate potential plastic contamination. Semen analysis followed the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, and computer-assisted sperm analysis (CASA) technology was used to measure sperm parameters, including concentration, total count, motility, and morphology.

The study employed Raman micro-spectroscopy to detect microplastic particles in the samples, ensuring rigorous quality control to avoid contamination during collection, transportation, and analysis.

Study results

A total of 113 male volunteers participated in the study, with an average age of 32.72  5.89 years and an average body mass index (BMI) of 25.49  4.19. The participants were from three regions: 45 from site 1, 49 from site 2, and 19 from site 3. No significant differences were observed in age, BMI, smoking habits, or alcohol consumption among the sites. However, education levels were higher in sites 2 and 3 compared to site 1. Additionally, differences in sperm concentration and non-progressive motility were noted among the sites.

Microplastics were detected in both the semen and urine samples of the volunteers. The types of microplastics identified included polystyrene (PS), polyvinyl chloride (PVC), polypropylene (PP), polyethylene (PE), polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polycarbonate (PC), and acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). PS was detected in 100% of the participants, while other microplastics varied in distribution. The participants were exposed to between two and seven types of microplastics, with more than 80% having three to five types detected. Notably, PTFE was detected in 55% of the participants and was found to be significantly associated with reductions in sperm quality.

Impact on sperm quality

Analysis of the relationship between microplastic exposure and semen parameters showed that exposure to PTFE was associated with a reduction in total sperm count (188.90  163.71 million vs. 207.67  132.36 million, p = 0.091) and progressive motility (40.29%  19.06 vs. 34.11%  17.02, p = 0.083). A dose-response relationship was observed, where an increase in the number of microplastic types led to a significant decrease in total sperm count, progressive motility, and sperm concentration. Participants exposed to six kinds of microplastics had lower total sperm count and progressive motility compared to those exposed to fewer types.

Potential impact of cookware: PTFE, found in non-stick cookware, emerged as the most harmful type of microplastic for male reproductive health, raising concerns about everyday exposure through common household items.

Further analysis using multi-linear regression revealed that PTFE exposure was significantly associated with reductions in total sperm number and sperm concentration after adjusting for confounding factors such as age, BMI, smoking, alcohol consumption, and regional site. The reduction in total sperm count was  = 15.4 (95% CI: 25.6, 5.2), and for sperm concentration,  = 7.2 (95% CI: 12.4, 2.0). Additionally, each increase in microplastic types was linked to further reductions in sperm parameters. PTFE exposure increased the risk of poor semen quality by 4.32-fold in terms of sperm concentration (p = 0.046).

Biological mechanisms

The underlying biological mechanisms are still being investigated, but oxidative stress and the activation of stress-related pathways such as JNK and p38 MAPK are believed to play critical roles in decreasing sperm metabolism-related enzyme activity. Additionally, microplastics are thought to interfere with the synthesis and secretion of testicular steroid hormones, which can impair spermatogenesis. Increased expression of pro-inflammatory molecules, such as NF-B and interleukins IL-1 and IL-6, has been linked to higher rates of sperm deformity. Furthermore, microplastics may serve as carriers for endocrine-disrupting chemicals, further aggravating reproductive damage.

Cluster analysis grouped participants based on semen quality, showing that those with higher microplastic exposure, particularly to PTFE, had poorer semen quality. A latent category analysis revealed that exposure to more microplastic types was strongly associated with reduced non-progressive motility (p = 0.007).

Conclusions

To summarize, eight types of microplastics, including PS, PP, PVC, and PTFE, were identified, with most participants exposed to 3-5 types. PTFE exposure was significantly associated with reduced sperm count and motility, showing a dose-response relationship. Participants exposed to 6 microplastic types showed a significant decrease in total sperm number and progressive motility compared to those exposed to fewer types (p = 0.045). Cluster and latent analyses further linked higher microplastic exposure to poorer semen quality. This study highlights the reproductive risks of microplastic contamination and provides critical epidemiological evidence linking exposure to sperm dysfunction.
Suspending or expelling a student is one of the most severe punishments a school can impose on a student  and it can have lifelong, devastating consequences. In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a trauma-informed approach to supporting students and reducing the need for exclusionary discipline.

The policy statement, "School Suspension and Expulsion," published online Oct. 1 during the AAP 2024 National Conference & Exhibition, marks the first update to AAP guidance since March 2013. The policy statement, written by the Council on School Health, will be published in the October 2024 Pediatrics.

Policy statements created by AAP are written by medical experts, reflect the latest evidence in the field, and go through several rounds of peer review before being approved by the AAP Board of Directors and published in Pediatrics.

According to the policy, exclusionary practices were first used for more severe behavior like bringing weapons to school. These practices ramped up following zero-tolerance policies put in place in the wake of the federal "War on Drugs" campaign and other federal policing policies.

Data examined while formulating the policy statement showed that from 1973 to 2006, the percentage of students disciplined with suspension or expulsion increased from 3.7% to 6.9% of total student enrollment.

"There is little evidence that zero-tolerance school exclusion policies make schools safer or deter misbehavior, but they do create significant harms for the individual child's mental and physical health," said policy author Susanna K. Jain, MD, FAAP.

Schools are responsible for providing a safe learning environment for all students but it's difficult for students to learn if they aren't in the classroom." Susanna K. Jain, FAAP

Twenty years of research has shown that suspensions and expulsions don't necessarily lead to altered behavior, considering 28% of students suspended in the 2020-2021 school year were suspended more than once.

In that same school year, there were about 12 times more school shootings with casualties than in the 2000-2001 school year.

A related AAP policy statement, "Early childhood expulsion: Policy guides pediatricians to assist teachers, programs in discouraging harmful practice," published in Oct. 2023 extends the concern to early childhood education and other childcare environments, saying expulsions from these kinds of settings can lead to higher dropout rates, poor academic performance and higher incarceration rates.

Students who are part of marginalized communities, including students with disabilities and LGBTQ+ students, are shown to be disproportionately impacted by exclusionary school discipline policies.

"We know from research that Black children and adolescents are among those students most severely affected by expulsion and suspension," Dr. Jain said. "When students are not in school, they are more likely to use recreational drugs, engage in fights, and carry a weapon, with potential for increased contact with the juvenile justice system. The school-to-prison pipeline places these children at increased risk of a cycle of incarceration."

The AAP recommends an examination of these disparities as part of collaborative efforts among students, families, pediatric health care providers, educators and those involved in juvenile criminal justice reform to create alternatives to exclusionary discipline practices.

The AAP recommends:

Pediatricians advocate for increased access to mental health services for all students and support legislation aimed at ensuring children who are suspended or expelled receive education through remote learning or other means

School-aged children get screened for chronic absenteeism and developmental delays that can make school more difficult

Schools collect and analyze internal data on exclusionary discipline practices to identify areas of improvement

Pediatricians and school administration should continue to inform themselves on disparities in school exclusionary practices, particularly for students in the Black and Native communities.

"A multidisciplinary and trauma-informed approach is crucial when working to keep children both safe and educated," said co-author Nathaniel Beers, MD, FAAP. "School administration should take steps to examine what policies are in place and adapt them to better serve students who have experienced trauma."
Ever since the Mahindra Thar Roxx or 5-doors has arrived in the Indian market, it has created a buzz across the social media platforms. The company is set to start the official bookings on October 3. Amid this, the car has reportedly witnessed a long waiting period of 3 three months.

Waiting Period in Different Cities

This comes at a time when the advance booking has even not started yet. It has been reported that the model is witnessing a waiting period of two months in Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru, while a three-month waiting period has been reported from Chennai, Jaipur and Ahmedabad, among other major cities and states.

Booking to Begin on October 3

Those who are interested in purchasing the vehicle can reserve the model by visiting any authorised dealership nationwide. The same also can be done online via the official website by paying a fully refundable token amount of Rs 21,000. The deliveries are scheduled to kickstart on October 12.

Design and Style

Thar Roxx shares the same style statement as its younger siblings three-door version. However, the enhanced size impacted its overall space inside the cabin. It became more practical than ever, featuring spacious seating arrangements with a decent usable space.

It gets a signature-style grill at the front, featuring a fully LED headlight setup, paired with integrated round-shaped DRLs. The LED indicators have been placed on the bonnet, which makes it look more aesthetic in its segment. The company has included dark-finished decent-sized cladding on the sides that makes it more aggressive from the outside.

Powertrain Options

Under the hood, it is powered by 2-litre turbo petrol and a 2.2-litre diesel. The former generates a maximum power of 159 bhp in MT and 174 bhp in AT. The latter churns out a maximum output of 149 bhp in MT and 172 in automatic.

Price Range

As far as the price details are concerned, Thar Roxx can purchased at the starting price of Rs 12.99 lakh, while the top model 44 goes up to Rs 22.49 lakh (all ex-showroom). The off-roader directly competes gainst Force Gurkha 5-door.
California has banned the legacy admission to private universities and colleges in the state. Governor Gavin Newson signed a law to put a stop to legacy preferences at private universities where the children of alumni and donors were given preference in the admission process. According to The Guardian report, the new law aims to address the growing concerns about equity in college admissions. The legislation which is set to be effective in September 2025 will impact some of the USAs renowned institutions including Stanford University and the University of Southern California.

With the new legislation, California has become the fifth state to end legacy admissions following Colorado, Illinois, and Virginia and Maryland. The law draws attention to the fact that connections with alumni of colleges and universities and wealth influence the admissions decisions at elite schools.

The law banning the preference admission after the Supreme Courts verdict barring both private and public universities from considering race as a factor in college admissions. The legal battles surrounding racially-based affirmative action have highlighted the various advantages white students receive from non-racially-coded admissions practices, especially legacy admissions, which have been labelled as affirmative action for the wealthy by the media.

Democratic state assembly member Phil Ting asserted that student should earn their spot in the institute based on their grades and academic background and not their wealth and influence of family at the schools, reported The Guardian. Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class  not the size of the check your family can write or who youre related to, said Ting, who authored the legislation.

The law will ban admissions offices from favouring applicants whose family members are graduates of or are significant donors to the school, which Tings office called an unfair practice often results in a wealthier, less racially diverse student body, reported The Guardian.

The practice of prioritizing applicants with family connections and wealthy backgrounds has been heavily criticised across the US and the admission process is being scrutinized on several fronts. Last year, the U.S. Department of Education announced an investigation into claims that Harvards admissions process discriminates based on race by utilizing donor and legacy preferences in its undergraduate admissions.
Every year on October 2, people celebrate Gandhi Jayanti, a holiday honouring the birth date of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of the Nation. It is a national holiday. Mahatma Gandhi, born in 1869, rose to prominence as a leader of the Indian independence struggle against British rule. He believed that the best way to bring about political and social change was through nonviolent civil disobedience.

Millions of people worldwide have been inspired by his ideas and teachings, making him a crucial figure in Indias fight for independence. The day also highlights the significance of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan, or Clean India Campaign, which reflects Gandhis belief that sanitation and hygiene are essential components of both individual and collective well-being.

To honour the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi, various celebrations and events are held across the country on Gandhi Jayanti. Schools, colleges, government agencies, and other institutions organise special programmes to commemorate his life and teachings. Additionally, many students participate in speech and debate competitions to honour and promote Gandhijis moral values and nonviolent principles.

Gandhi Jayanti 2024: Speech ideas for students

10-Line Speech on Mahatma Gandhi

Good morning, esteemed principal, teachers, and dear friends. Today, we commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi, the Father of our Nation. On October 2, 1869, Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi was born in a village near Porbandar, Gujarat. His mothers name was Putlibai Gandhi, and his father was Karamchand Gandhi. Kasturba Gandhi was the wife of Gandhiji. Bapu is regarded as a global hero for his unwavering integrity and nonviolence. He was a brilliant leader, philosopher, social reformer, and one of Indias greatest freedom fighters. Gandhiji employed nonviolent tactics such as civil disobedience and Satyagraha to lead India to Independence. He inspired millions of Indians to adopt nonviolence as a weapon in their struggle for rights and freedoms. On January 30, 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated. Let us commit to practising ahimsabeing truthful and kind to everyoneon the anniversary of his birth.

Short Speech on Gandhi Jayanti (200 words)

Good morning, esteemed principal, respected teachers, and dear friends.

On this momentous occasion of Gandhi Jayanti, we gather to honour Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. Gandhiji, the Father of the Nation, was born on October 2. He was a remarkable man who harnessed the power of truth and nonviolence to alter the course of history.

Gandhi Jayanti is a day for reflection as well as celebration. It serves as a reminder of the values that Gandhiji upheld, including nonviolence, compassion, peace, and the unwavering pursuit of truth. His life exemplifies how nonviolence can effect meaningful change, even in the face of oppression and injustice.

As we celebrate this day, let us remember his sacrifices and the hardships he endured to secure Indias freedom. Gandhijis steadfast commitment to truth and nonviolence has inspired civil rights and liberation movements worldwide. His legacy endures as a testament to the power of nonviolent resistance in effecting significant change in our complex and volatile world.

Let us pledge to uphold the principles that Gandhi cherished and strive for a society where justice, equality, and non-violence prevail on this Gandhi Jayanti. Happy Gandhi Jayanti to all!

Satyameva Jayate!

Long Speech on Gandhi Jayanti (300-350 words)

Good morning to our respected principal, teachers, and dear friends.

Weve gathered to commemorate Mahatma Gandhis birth anniversary. Born in 1869 in Porbandar, Gujarat, today marks the 155th birthday of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi, recognised as the Father of the Nation for his contributions to Indias freedom struggle. We affectionately refer to him as Bapu. He dedicated his life to Indias freedom, employing the powerful tool of Nonviolence.

In 1888, he graduated from law school in the United Kingdom and then moved to South Africa to begin practising law. Upon returning to India, he launched the Satyagraha, or civil disobedience movement. In his quest to liberate India from British oppression, he practised ahimsa, or non-violence.

To promote Indian culture, Gandhiji wore a khadi dhoti. His message was to fight for ones rights and to believe in oneself. Initiating the Non-Cooperation Movement, he urged Indians to strive for independence rather than collaborate with the British. Gandhiji devoted a significant part of his life to the Indian liberation movement alongside Gopala Krishna Gokhale.

Gandhiji was imprisoned multiple times during this struggle. Among the significant movements he led were the Non-Cooperation, Civil Disobedience, and Quit India movements. To challenge the British salt monopoly, he initiated the 400-kilometre Dandi March, also known as the Salt Satyagraha, in 1930. The Quit India movement called for the withdrawal of British forces from India.

Gandhiji achieved a great deal during his lifetime, and his accomplishments continue to inspire people today. He devoted his life to promoting Swaraj and fighting against untouchability, advocating for womens rights and farmers financial security. His commitment and perseverance ultimately led to Indias independence after 200 years of British colonial rule.

Every year at Delhis Raj Ghat, we commemorate Gandhi Jayanti. Our President and Prime Minister gather at his samadhi to present flowers as a sign of respect. In his honour, his favourite song, Raghupati Raghav Raja Ram, is sung. On this day, all government offices, private offices, colleges and schools are closed.
Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi will soon conclude the application process for IIT JAM 2025. Interested and eligible candidates who are yet to apply for Joint Admission for Masters (JAM) exam do so by visiting the official website of IIT JAM- jam2025.iitd.ac.in. Candidates can also apply through the direct link given below. Aspirants must note that the last date to apply for IIT JAM is October 11, 2024. Candidates will change the preferred examination cities, test papers, category or gender till November 18, 2024.

Candidates can choose from seven papers  Biotechnology, Chemistry, Economics, Geology, Mathematics, Mathematical Statistics, and Physics- to apply for IIT JAM 2025. A candidate can appear in either one or two Test Papers. However, a candidate can appear in two Test Papers only if the exams for two are not scheduled to be conducted in the same session.

IIT JAM 2025 Eligibility Criteria

Candidates applying for IIT JAM 2025 must have a bachelors degree in the essential subject along with the minimum duration of the course for their preferred test paper. Candidates who are in the final year of the undergraduate programme are also eligible to apply for the IIT JAM exam 2025.

IIT JAM 2025 Application Fee

Candidates are required to pay the IIT JAM 2025 application fee of Rs 1800 for one paper and Rs 2500 for two papers. For the SC, ST, PwD and female candidates, the application fee for one paper is 900 and for two papers it is Rs 1250.

IIT JAM 2025: Steps To Apply

Step 1: Visit the official website of IIT JAM- jam2025.iitd.ac.in.

Step 2: On the homepage, click on IIT JAM 2025 registration link

Step 3: Click on the Register Here tab and enter the required details to complete the IIT JAM 2025 registration process

Step 4: Now login with the enrollment ID and password

Step 5: Fill out the application form and upload the necessary documents.

Step 6: Pay the application fee and submit the application form

Step 7: Download the IIT JAM 2025 application form and take a printout for future reference

IIT JAM 2025 Exam Date

IIT JAM 2025 exam will be held on February 2, 2025, in two sessions. Exams for Chemistry (CY) Geology (GG) and Mathematics (MA) papers will be held in the first forenoon session while exams for Biotechnology (BT), Economics (EN), Mathematical Statistics (MS) and Physics (PH) will be held in the afternoon session. IIT JAM Admit Cards 2025 will be available in January 2025.
The Undergraduate Common Entrance Exam for Design (UCEED) 2025 application process has begun today, October 1. Interested and eligible candidate who wants to apply for UCEED 2024 can do so by visiting the official website at uceed.iitb.ac.in. The Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay will conduct the UCEED on January 19, 2025, for three hours between 9 am and noon.

Those who clear UCEED will be eligible to get admission to the bachelors courses in design. The last date to apply is October 31, 2024. The registration fee for the exam is Rs 4000 and it is Rs 2000 for women candidates and those belonging to SC, ST, and PwD categories. Candidates can also apply till November 8 but with a late fee of Rs 500. The admit cards for the exam will be available for download from January 3, 2025, 1 pm onwards.

UCEED 2025: Eligibility Criteria

Candidates must have cleared class 12 or equivalent in 2024 or must be appearing for the qualifying examination for the first time in 2025. Students from all streams including science, commerce, arts, and humanities are eligible to apply for the exam.

UCEED 2025: How to Apply?

Step 1- Visit the official website of UCEED.

Step 2  On the homepage, click on the registration link. Register yourself.

Step 3  Fill the form with the required credentials. Upload the documents.

Step 4  Pay the application fee.

Step 5  Download the acknowledgment form for further use.

The question paper will consist of two parts: A and B. It is compulsory to attempt questions from both parts. Part A will be administered through a computer-based test. It consists of three sections  NAT (Numerical Answer Type), MSQ (Multiple Select Question), and MCQ (Multiple Choice Question). Part B consists of two questions to test the candidates drawing skills and design aptitude. This part will be manually evaluated by expert examiners.

As per the official notice, candidates will be able to download the UCEED 2025 scorecard between March 10 and June 11, 2025. All shortlisted candidates will get a common merit rank (All India Rank).
Ahead of polling in Haryana, at least 12,000 voters who were either above the age of 85 years or were disabled opted for the home voting facility that was completed on Monday in the state.

The facility of home voting is given to voters who are senior citizens above 85 years of age and persons with disabilities (PwDs) with 40% benchmark disability. Any eligible citizen can avail of the provision of home voting through postal ballot in these elections.

The state has 1.49 lakh PwD voters and 2.46 lakh voters above the age of 85 years.

Voters aged above 85 years and Persons with Disabilities (PwD) had submitted applications to the concerned Returning Officer. Upon approval by the Returning Officers, home voting facilities are being provided to 9,596 voters over the age of 85 years and 2,600 PwD voters, a statement from Haryana chief electoral officer Pankaj Agarwal reads. The process, as per the statement, was completed on Monday.

The home voting facility is optional. A polling team including two polling officials along with a videographer and security will go to the electors house who demanded home voting with a voting compartment and get the elector to vote on the postal ballot maintaining complete secrecy of the vote.

To ensure transparency, the list of all these voters opting for home voting is shared with the contesting candidates of recognised political parties and they were also provided with the schedule of voting and the route chart of the polling parties so that they can send their representatives to witness the polling procedure.

After the voting, the ballots are stored securely with the RO. Counting of these votes is done with other votes.

Haryana is going for polls on Saturday, October 5. At least 20,632 polling stations have been set up for the assembly elections in which 27,866 EVMs will be used.

 including the reserved units, a total of 27,866 Electronic Voting Machines (ballot units) will be used in these elections. Along with this, 24,719 control units and 26,774 VVPAT machines will be used during the election process. Voters can verify their vote on the VVPAT machine after casting it, the CEO said.

For security, 225 companies of Central Armed Police Forces have already been deployed for the elections. Apart from this, 500 flying squad teams and 461 state surveillance teams are also on duty.

At least 1,031 candidates are contesting the elections for the 90 assembly seats in the state. The polls in the state will be held in a single phase across all the seats. The counting of votes will take place on October 8 along with Jammu and Kashmir where two of the three phases of polling have been completed so far. The third and the last phase will be held on Tuesday.

The term of the Haryana assembly was to end on November 3. The state has 2.01 crore voters, including 1.06 crore males and 0.95 crore females.
Actor Mouni Roy recently took to her social media to share pictures from her birthday that she celebrated in Maldives with her husband and friends. The pictures have gone viral on Instagram and fans cannot stop gushing about how beautiful the actor looks in all of the pictures.

Taking to her social media, Mouni Roy shared a series of pictures from her 39th birthday which she celebrated in the Maldives. The first two pictures show the actor soaking up the sun as she sat in a pink bikini top which she had paired with a white long skirt. Another picture shows her surrounded by her friends as they enjoy a bonfire on the beach. She also shared pictures from her birthday dinner and a picture of her birthday cake. She also shared a picture with her husband, Suraj Nambiar, before they dived in the ocean to swim under the water.

Roy captioned the pictures, Take me back already!!!!!! Take a look at the pictures here.

View this post on Instagram A post shared by mon (@imouniroy)

Fans took to the comments to mention how spellbound they were by the picturesque photos. Recently, Disha Patani took to her social media to wish Roy on her birthday. Sharing a picture from their beach holiday, she wrote, I found you forever happiest bday to my brightest star monzu, thank you for bringing so much happiness to my life grateful to have you, my sister from another mister :p love you. The actors have been frequently spotted outside restaurants and on trips. They became friends during the The Entertainers Tour in 2023.

On the work front, Roy was last seen in Vikrant Masseys Blackout. She was also seen in John Abraham and Sharvari Waghs Vedaa where she appeared in a song. Earlier this year, she was also seen in Dibakar Banerjees Love Sex Aur Dhokha 2 in a cameo role. She also appeared alongside Emraan Hashmi in the web series, Showtime.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. A plenary session was held to commemorate the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan and to celebrate the professional holiday of its employees, Trend reports.

The event took place at the Baku Congress Center and was attended by chief prosecutors and delegations from member countries of the International Association of Prosecutors visiting Baku.

The session featured a video that showcased the evolution of the prosecutor's office.

During the event, Azerbaijan's Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev announced that the Azerbaijan Democratic Republic observes the anniversary of the Prosecutor's Office's establishment on October 1.

"Over more than a century, significant reforms have been implemented within the Prosecutor's Office, especially after the Soviet period and in the mid-1990s under the leadership of national leader Heydar Aliyev, who aligned the country's legal system with international standards," Aliyev said.

The Chief Prosecutor added that a new phase of reforms began under the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev in 2020, aimed at addressing emerging issues and integrating advanced modern practices.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Gurucharan Singh, known for his stint as Roshan Singh Sodhi in the popular sitcom Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, recently ditched the city traffic and travelled in Mumbai Metro for the first time. Sharing his experience, the actor recorded a video inside the metro and posted it on his official Instagram handle. The video gave viewers a glimpse of one of the metro stations near Inorbit Mall as he exited the train.

After stepping out of the metro, the actor can be heard saying in the video, Dosto, aaj metro mei pehli baar safar kiya hai Mumbai mei. Maza aaya, wow kya baat hai (Friends, today I travelled in metro for the first time in Mumbai. It was so much fun). Yaha Inorbit mall bhi hai peeche. Maza aagaya. Delhi mei toh bahut safar kiya tha, aaj Mumbai metro mei. Love you all (I can see Inorbit Mall behind me. I have travelled in the Delhi metro many times, but this is my first time in the Mumbai metro), he added.

In Taarak Mehta Ka Ooltah Chashmah, Gurcharan Singh played the role of a fun-loving man, Roshan Singh Sodhi, who was always in party mode and never hesitated to express his love for his wife. He was a founding cast member and one of the popular characters on the show. However, he left the show in 2013, only to come back the next year due to audience demand. After leaving the show in 2020, Gurcharan was replaced by actor Balwinder Singh Suri.

In April this year, Singh went missing, but came back home after 26 days. Upon his return, Delhi Police officials interrogated the actor, following which it was discovered that he had left home to be on a spiritual journey. Police officials revealed that Gurucharan visited Gurudwaras in Ludhiana and Amritsar ever since he was reported missing, but later he realised that he should return home.

Gurucharan Singh opened up about his disappearance and revealed that he had no plans to come back. I have always been spiritual because of my parents, and at this point in life, when I was feeling low, I turned towards God. I went on a spiritual journey and had no plans of coming back. But God gave me a sign, and that made me return home, Singh told the Bombay Times.

Many people think I planned my disappearance for publicity, but thats not true. If I wanted publicity, I could have given interviews to talk about the pending dues for my work in TMKOC. I could have used social media to do that, but I didnt. Even after coming back home, I didnt give any interviews, but now I am speaking up because I want to clarify certain things that people are saying about me, the actor added.
Punjab chief minister Bhagwant Mann has been diagnosed with a bacterial disease called Leptospirosis. The 50-year-old Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader has been admitted to Fortis Hospital in Mohali for a routine check-up following tropical fever and subsequent blood tests confirmed infection.

The hospital health bulletin said Mann has been given antibiotics, and his vitals are completely stable.

So, what is this bacterial disease that is often seen during the monsoon and affects animals and human beings?

What is leptospirosis?

The zoonotic disease is caused by Leptospira  a type of bacteria  and can infect both animals and human beings. It is caused mainly through exposure to the urine of an infected animal. In humans, this can happen due to contact with the urine or contaminated soil or water.

The bacteria enter the body via the skin and mucous membrane, reach the gut, and spread into the bloodstream, leading to an infection. It is also known as Weils disease, a complicated Leptospirosis form.

There are two types of Leptospirosis  icteric leptospira (the patient has jaundice) and anicteric leptospira (a milder form of the disease where the patient will not have jaundice).

It is rare for Leptospirosis to spread between humans. However, it can occur during pregnancy via the placenta, according to Healthline. This poses a risk of miscarriage.

What are the Symptoms of Leptospira?

Mild symptoms include fever, coughing, headache, muscle pain (especially the calves and lower back), rash without itching (primarily on the shins), which can lead to rhabdomyolysis, diarrhea, vomiting, chills, red eyes and stomach pain.

Severe symptoms include jaundice (yellow skin and eyes), kidney failure, liver failure, hemorrhage, respiratory issues, heart arrhythmia, aseptic meningitis and myocarditis.

Typically, the symptoms take 1-2 weeks to show, but it could up to a month as well.

Dr Vikrant Shah, consulting physician, intensivist and infectious disease specialist at Zen Multispeciality Hospital, said, as quoted by Hindustan Times, Sometimes, pulmonary haemorrhage is also seen, which is acute bleeding from the lung and the respiratory tract, where the patient can cough out blood. One can also go into respiratory and renal failure, which could be life-threatening too.

Can Humans Get Leptospirosis from Animals?

Leptospirosis is widespread among animals, including farm, wild, and domesticated animals. Its common in dogs but rare in cats. An animal with leptospirosis might have no symptoms. They may also release the bacteria into the environment for several months or years, as per Healthline.

Humans can get infected with Leptospirosis through animals. This can happen through contact with urine from an infected animal. Its rarely transferred through animal bites.

The bacteria can be found in pigs, cows, horses, raccoons, porcupines, dogs and rodents.

Leptospirosis is likely to affect those who live in tropical or temperate climate, work with animals, work outdoors, swim or kayak in contaminated water bodies, camp outside, participate in outdoor sports, live in areas with flooding or handle contaminated soil.

How is Leptospirosis Treated?

Leptospirosis is primarily treated with antibiotics such as doxycycline, azithromycin, amoxicillin or penicillin, which are most effective when administered early in the illness. Early treatment can help prevent severe complications and shorten the duration of sickness.

In mild cases, simple remedies include drinking plenty of water, getting rest and taking over-the-counter pain relievers.

In more severe cases, hospitalisation may be necessary to provide supportive care, which could include intravenous fluids, oxygen therapy, or dialysis if the kidneys are affected.

Signs that you should contact a doctor include: persistent fever, unexplained stomach or muscle pain, unexplained diarrhea or vomiting, coughing, red eyes, chills, jaundice, neck stiffness and headache.

How to Prevent Leptospirosis?

People should avoid swimming in freshwater like rivers or streams that might contain animal urine, avoid swimming in water bodies after heavy rainfall or flooding, stay away from rats and mice, wear protective clothes or shoes when handling contaminated water or soil, drink safe water.

Additionally, people should steer clear of animals that appear sick or are known carriers of Leptospirosis. Vaccinating pets against the disease is also crucial, particularly for those frequently exposed to water or wildlife.
The Indian consulate in New York has issued a statement, assuring the Indian American community of no new changes being introduced by them as has been reported by some media. The consulate clarified that news reports are spreading false information about restrictions being placed on Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders in recent past.

We have come across news reports spreading false information that restrictions have been placed on OCI cardholders in the recent past. Friends in the Indian American community are hereby informed that no new change has been introduced for OCI cardholders. Provisions of the Gazette Notification dated March 4, 2021, regarding the rights of OCI cardholders, continue to remain in force, the consulate clarified.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) also responded to the controversy, stating that the Indian government is merely implementing rules that were notified in March 2021, with no new changes introduced, CNBC-TV18 reported.

Why Consulate General of India Issued the Statement

Some reports claimed that the Indian government recently reclassified OCI cardholders as foreign nationals, effectively stripping them of several privileges they previously enjoyed.

The alleged changes would require OCI cardholders to obtain permits to visit certain regions, complicating access to India for the global Indian diaspora. This frayed nerves of NRIs who expressed concerns over the sudden increase in bureaucratic hurdles affecting travel, business and religious activities.

Critics say such restrictions would hamper the relationship between India and its overseas citizens. OCI cardholders are significant contributors to Indias Foreign Direct Investment (FDI), and the alleged changes could undermine the trust and deter future investments.

What is an OCI Card?

The Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) scheme was introduced in August 2005 by amending the Citizenship Act, 1955. The scheme provides for registration as OCIs of all Persons of Indian Origin (PIOs) who were citizens of India on January 26, 1950 or thereafter or were eligible to become citizens of India on January 26, 1950 except who is or had been a citizen of Pakistan, Bangladesh or such other country.

OCI cannot be misconstrued as dual citizenship, and does not confer any political rights.

An OCI card holder  essentially a foreign passport holder  gets a multiple entry, multi-purpose life-long visa for visiting India, and is exempt from registration with local police authority for any length of stay in the country.

As per government records, there were more than 45 lakh registered OCI card holders in 2023, from 129 countries. The US topped the list with over 16.8 lakh OCI card holders, followed by the UK (9.34 lakh), Australia (4.94 lakh) and Canada (4.18 lakh).

Who Cannot Be An OCI?

An applicant is not eligible to get an OCI card if his/her parents or grandparents have ever been a citizen of Pakistan or Bangladesh. However, the spouse of foreign origin of a citizen of India or spouse of foreign origin of an OCI, whose marriage has been registered and subsisted for not less than two years, can apply for an OCI card. Foreign military personnel either in service or retired are also not entitled for grant of OCI.

The OCI card holder is not entitled to vote; to be a member of a Legislative Assembly or of a Legislative Council or of Parliament; to hold Indian constitutional posts such as that of the President, Vice President, Judge of the Supreme Court or High Court. He or she cannot normally hold employment in the government.

What are the New Rules Regarding OCIs?

As per the gazette issued on March 4, 2021, the rules require OCI card holders to seek permission or a permit to visit protected areas in India. The same restrictions apply to foreign nationals visiting Jammu and Kashmir and Arunachal Pradesh.

An OCI cardholder will be required to obtain a special permission from the competent authority or the Foreigners Regional Registration Officer or the Indian Mission concerned in order to undertake research, any Missionary or Tabligh or mountaineering or journalistic activities, internship or employment in any foreign diplomatic missions.

Lastly, the notification put OCIs at par with foreign nationals in respect of all other economic, financial and educational fields for the purposes of the Foreign Exchange Management Act, 2003 although past circulars by the Reserve Bank of India under FEMA continued to hold ground. This reversed the position wherein OCIs were equated to NRIs for the purposes of their economic, financial and educational rights, as reported by The Indian Express.

What Have Been the Amendments Made to OCI Rules?

In April 2005, OCIs were allowed multiple entry lifelong visa for visiting India for any purpose, exemption from FRRO registration for any length of stay, and parity with NRIs with respect to all facilities economic, educational and financial fields, except agricultural and plantation properties.

As per amendments in January 2007, an OCI is treated at par with NRIs in the matter of inter-country adoption of Indian children, tariffs in domestic airfares, and allowed the same entry fee as domestic visitors to wildlife sanctuaries and parks.

As per amendments in January 2009, OCIs are in parity with NRIs with respect to entry fee at monuments and historical places, museums, parity with NRIs with respect to professions such as doctors, CAs, advocates and architects; and can appear for the All India Pre-Medical Test or other such tests.

How Many OCI Cards Were Revoked?

India has revoked 105 OCI cards in the past three years, under section 7D of the Citizenship Act 1955, junior foreign minister Kirti Vardhan Singh told the Lok Sabha in August.

Section 7D of the Citizenship Act allows the government to cancel OCI cards for reasons including registration of the card by fraudulent means, shown disaffection with the Constitution of India, assisting an enemy at war, being sentenced to imprisonment for two years or more, and if the marriage of the OCI card holder has been dissolved by law.
In its 87-year history, Europes automobile giant Volkswagen (VW) is considering shutting down some factories in Germany followed by ending a decades-old agreement that protected workers from layoffs.

The move comes amidst the mounting pressure that European carmakers are facing from Asian automobile manufacturers, especially Chinese Electric Vehicles (EV) makers.

Analysts have in the past named VW sites in Osnabrueck, in Lower Saxony and Dresden, in Saxony, as potential targets for closure. The state of Lower Saxony is Volkswagens second-largest shareholder, as per a Reuters report.

Volkswagen, which employs around 680,000 staff, said that it also felt forced to end its job security programme, which has been in place since 1994 and prevents job cuts until 2029, adding all measures would be discussed with its works council.

VW, which drives most of Volkswagens unit sales, is the first of its brands to undergo a cost-cutting drive targeting 10 billion euros ($11 billion) in savings by 2026 as it attempts to streamline spending to survive the transition to electric cars.

What is Volkswagen Proposing?

The companys core brand that carries the companys name needs to achieve 10 billion Euros in cost savings by 2026.

Chief Financial Officer Arno Antlitz explained that Volkswagens car market in Europe has shrunk since Covid-19 pandemic, as a result Europeans are buying around 2 million cars per year fewer than they did in 2019.

Since Volkswagen has roughly a quarter of the European market, that means we are short of 500,000 cars, the equivalent of around two plants, Antlitz told the workers.

Volkswagen, whose brands also include Audi, SEAT and Skoda, said it was considering closing factories in Germany and ending job guarantees at six of its plants.

What are the Challenges Being Faced by VW?

Volkswagens passenger car division recorded a 68% drop in earnings in the second quarter, and its profit margin was a bare 0.9%, down from 4% in the first quarter, as per Voice of America.

Industry experts say that Volkswagen is facing massive competition from other brands, mainly from the Chinese markets. The lackluster performance in China is Volkswagens leading examples of a major international fallout, as per CNN.

Carsten Brzeski, global head of macro at ING Research, said the decision highlighted the consequences of years of economic stagnation and structural change without growth.

With the European Union emission limits that take effect starting next year, Volkswagen must sell more electric cars to meet the deadline. However, the company is facing lower margins due to high battery costs and weaker demand for EVs in Europe due to the withdrawal of consumer subsidies and the slow rollout of public charging stations.

Why Factory Closure is a Big Deal in Germany

Volkswagen has 10 assembly and parts plants in Germany, where 120,000 of its 684,000 workers worldwide are based. As Europes largest carmaker, the company is a symbol of the countrys consumer prosperity and economic growth after World War II, as per Voice of America.

The company has never closed a German factory before. VW last closed a plant in 1988 in Westmoreland, Pennsylvania; its Audi division is in discussions about closing an underutilised plant in Belgium.

What are Workers Saying?

Volkswagens works council head Daniela Cavallo, a member of the powerful IG Metall union, said in an interview on Volkswagens intranet that its management had made many wrong decisions in recent years, including not investing in hybrids or being faster at developing affordable battery-electric cars, as reported by Reuters.

Instead of plant closures, the board should be reducing complexity and taking advantage of synergies across the Volkswagen groups plans, said Cavallo as quoted by Reuters.

There are many other areas where the company is responsible We have to have competitive products; we dont have the entry-level models in electric cars, Cavallo said, quoted by Voice of America.

IG Metall has vowed to fight against the job cuts. A good shepherd looks after his sheep and keeps them together. Volkswagens shepherd is threatening to rip the skin off their bodies and then throw them out in a hurricane, Thorsten Groeger, IG Metalls chief negotiator with VW, told workers recently.

Employee representatives have a lot of influence at Volkswagen. They hold half the seats on the board of directors. The state government, which is a part-owner of the company, also has two board seats  together with the employee representatives a majority  and 20% of the voting rights at the company. Lower Saxony Gov. Stephan Weil has said the company needs to address its costs but should avoid plant closings.

What is The German Chancellor Saying?

Olaf Scholz, whose party faced a major drubbing in regional elections, has spoken with Volkswagens management and works council and is clear on the significance of the company.

Labour Minister Hubertus Heil promised support, saying Germany must remain a strong car country. He gave no details but Scholzs cabinet agreed tax cuts to boost demand for EVs, which has lagged expectations. His Social Democrats may also lobby the government for support on energy prices.

Late last year, the three-way coalition prematurely ended a subsidy scheme to boost demand for EVs. IG Metall has called for more stimulus measures from Berlin.
The Rajiv Gandhi University of Law (RGUL) has become a battleground for protesting students and administration, with the former demanding resignation of Vice-Chancellor Jai Shankar Singh over grave violation of privacy at their hostel. Singh has denied the charge.

Students on Monday took out a silent protest march and raised slogans briefly outside the VC office. They termed university decision to open classes without addressing their concerns as unjust.

On September 26, the Punjab Women Commission (PWC) chairperson wrote to Prime Minister Office (PMO) and the President, demanding the VCs removal while calling his actions highly inappropriate.

What are the Allegations against the Vice-Chancellor?

Students claimed that Singh conducted a surprise check at the girls hostel and questioned their dress sense.

He questioned our protests by saying that he went to the rooms of only first year students. We have proof that he went to rooms of third year students as well. He is lying to the media. Hence, it makes no sense that he continues to occupy such a high post, a student told India Today TV.

The students also alleged that when the Vice-Chancellor entered the womens hostel, he was not accompanied by the hostel warden or any female guard.

Some students even claimed that the VCs office has been calling their parents, putting pressure on them to pull their wards out of the protest, as mentioned in a report by ThePrint.

On the fifth day of the protest on September 26, some women students holding posters shouted that the V-C commented on the choice of their courses when they approached him to finalise their dissertation subject.

This is the fifth day of our protest. Since the Chairperson of the State Womens Commission came here yesterday, we are hopeful that the situation will get better but we are waiting for a formal acceptance of our demand so that we can go ahead We do not have facilities It was very hot yesterday and students had to face physical consequences due to heat and deficiency of water. A few students and their parents were contacted by the person in question yesterday that they are here to study and not to protest and that they should call off the protest and study otherwise they will have to face consequences like expulsion or suspension, said a protester as quoted by ANI.

On September 5, when a group of students put up a dance performance with their professors in the Seminar Hall to commemorate Teachers Day, the V-C chose to walk out abruptly, ThePrint report said.

What Did the V-C Say?

Singh has denied the charges, saying he never commented on students dressing and claimed he inspected the hostel only after receiving complaints from some first-year students about space issues in the hostel rooms. Student have denied making such claims.

Singh said he has submitted a report on the issue to the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court who is the Chancellor of the law university.

Singh addressed students on Sunday and said all girls were like his granddaughters and that he went to the girls hostel following complaints from some students consumed alcohol during the night.

What Did the University Say?

The university has assured the students that the issue will be resolved soon and politicians should abstain from commenting on it as it is not an election issue.

Punjab Women Commission Chairperson Raj Lali Gill said she met the students, V-C and faculty members. She further said she has told the students must form a committee and that their studies must not be affected.

Amid the ongoing protests, the university authorities have eased the time for students to leave the campus. Earlier, students were allowed entry and exit only between 4 pm and 8 pm, but now they are permitted to leave the campus between 6 am and 8 pm, as per new orders.

The relaxation in timings is seen as an attempt to pacify the protesting students who are staying put for removal of the V-C.

Political Reactions on the Controversy

Congress General Secretary Priyanka Gandhi Vadra called the incident extremely shameful and urged the National Commission for Women to take cognisance of the matter.

In a show of support, Patiala Member of Parliament (MP) Dharamvira Gandhi joined the protesters on Sunday. The MP urged the Chief Justice of Punjab and Haryana High Court, who serves as the chancellor of the university, to initiate an inquiry into the matter. He further suggested that the V-C should step aside during the investigation.

Punjab Education Minister Harjot Singh Bains has said a report has been sought from the registrar of the university regarding the students protest.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday confirmed the death penalty imposed by a Kolhapur court on a man for killing his mother in 2017 and allegedly eating some of the body parts, noting this was a case of cannibalism.

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said it was confirming the death penalty on the convict  Sunil Kuchkoravi  and added there was no chance of his reformation.

The bench said this was a case of cannibalism and it falls under the rarest of rare category.

The case falls under the rarest of rare category. The convict not only murdered his mother but he also removed her body parts  brain, heart, liver, kidney, intestine and was cooking them on a pan, the HC said.

He had cooked her ribs and was about to cook her heart. This is a case of cannibalism, it said.

There is no chance of reformation of the convict as there are tendencies of cannibalism, the high court observed.

If given life imprisonment, he may commit a similar crime in jail, the bench said.

Kuchkoravi was informed of the decision via video conference.

According to the prosecution, Sunil Kuchkoravi gruesomely murdered his 63-year-old mother Yallama Rama Kuchkoravi on August 28, 2017 at their residence in Kolhapur city.

He later chopped the body and ate some organs after frying them in a pan.

The prosecution claimed the deceased had refused to give money to the accused to buy liquor.

Sunil Kuchkoravi was sentenced to death by a Kolhapur court in 2021. He is lodged at the Yerwada prison (Pune).

The sessions court had at the time said the case falls under the rarest of rare category and that the gruesome murder shook the social conscience of the society.

The convict filed an appeal challenging his conviction and death penalty.
The Delhi Police on Monday night detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at the Singhu border, citing the imposition of Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) at Delhi borders.

Wangchuk and other volunteers were embarking on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakhs leadership regarding their demands.

One of their key demands is to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.

Wangchuk took to X, confirming his detention by the Delhi Police. He wrote, I AM BEING DETAINED along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy Hai Ram!

I AM BEING DETAINEDalong with 150 padyatrisat Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s some say 1,000.Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veteransOur fate is unknown.We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi in the largest democracy pic.twitter.com/iPZOJE5uuM Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 30, 2024

The march that was stopped from entering the national capital began on September 1. On reaching Himachal Pradesh on September 14, Wangchuk said, We are on a mission to remind the government of the promise it made to us five years ago.

Reportedly, Wangchuk has launched a hunger strike after being detained at the Delhi border. This is not the first time that Wangchuk entered a hunger strike as earlier this year the climate activist went on a Climate Fast for 21 days (extendable till death). Ending the hunger strike on March 26 that commenced on March 6, Wangchuk had said it was not the end of the protest.

Unacceptable: Rahul Gandhi

Congress MP and Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi, on Tuesday criticised the Delhi Polices detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters at the Singhu border, terming it as unacceptable.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis who were peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable, Rahul Gandhi said in a post on X.

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future? Modi ji, like with the farmers, this  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 30, 2024

AAP leader and former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also criticised the detention of the climate activist, calling it completely wrong to stop people from entering the national capital. Sometimes they stop farmers from coming to Delhi, sometimes they stop people from Ladakh. Is Delhi the property of one person? Delhi is the countrys capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is completely wrong. Why are they afraid of unarmed peaceful people? said Kejriwal in a post on X.

Sec 163 Of BNSS In Delhi

The Delhi Police on Monday banned protests and the gathering of five or more persons in the central and bordering areas of the city for the next six days till October 5, citing law and order issues.

The march led by Wangchuk was initially urged to not enter the Delhi border in the wake of the prohibitory orders but when they didnt stop, the policemen deployed at the border detained about 120 people, including Wangchuk.

Women participating in the march were not detained, the police sources said, adding that detentions were done given prohibitory orders banning gatherings of five or more persons in north and central Delhi.

The detained people, including Sonam Wangchuk, were taken to Alipur and other police stations, claimed news agency PTI citing Delhi Police sources, adding that they would be released after some time.

Police Commissioner Sanjay Arora directed section 163 (which was earlier section 144 of CrPC) of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita in the districts of New Delhi, North and Central and all police station jurisdictions sharing the borders with other states, according to an order issued from the Delhi Police Headquarters.

KDA Calls For Ladakh Bandh

In protest of the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body called for a Ladakh Bandh. The Bar Association Kargil also unanimously resolved to support the strike call.

Hajan Fathima Bano, leader of Apex Body, Leh (ABL) said, I got to know that they (Sonam Wangchuk and others) have been detained. They have not gone there to fight, they want Ladakhs inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution but they are detained. This should not happen.

Adding that she was present in the march for some time but could not travel to Delhi due to health problems, she said, I am 87 years old, we will give our lives for this. I have been advocating Ladakhs inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution for a long time.

The strike aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for Ladakhi autonomy and the preservation of its unique cultural identity. Activists are urging the government to listen to their demands and prioritize the rights of the people of Ladakh.
To facilitate late-night travel for those enjoying Navratri festivities, the Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) has announced introduce 12 additional Metro trips daily from October 7 to October 11. The decision, initiated by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Chairman of the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA), aims to accommodate the increased travel demand during the festive season.

These extra services will provide metro trains every 15 minutes, easing the pressure on the Metro system and ensuring that passengers conveniently travel during late-night hours.

Dr Sanjay Mukherjee, IAS, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, emphasised that enhancing public transport during this period is crucial to ensure safe and efficient travel for commuters attending the celebrations.

Mukherjee said, Navratri is a time of joy and celebration for millions, and we are committed to ensuring that the metro system supports our citizens during this period. Extending the metro service hours will provide commuters with a comfortable and affordable option for travel, allowing them to participate fully in the festivities without worrying about transportation.

Rubal Aggarwal, Managing Director of MMMOCL, said, The additional services during Navratri reflect our commitment to meeting the needs of Mumbais residents. We are focused on ensuring that all our passengers have a smooth and convenient travel experience, particularly during the festival season.

The extended timetable will cover extra trips beyond 11 pm, with the last Metro departing at 12.30 am from Andheri West and Gundavali. This extension is part of the total 294 trips that will operate daily during the five days of Navratri.
The government has launched a blood-group testing drive across India, spanning from health centres in rural areas to blood banks in urban locations, to raise awareness about blood donation.

As India celebrates National Voluntary Blood Donation Day on Tuesday, the Union health ministry has asked states and Union Territories to encourage youngsters to donate blood.

While World Blood Donor Day is a global celebration held annually on June 14, National Voluntary Blood Donation Day is a national celebration held annually on October 1. The objective of both days is similar  to express gratitude to blood donors for their selfless act of saving lives through voluntary blood donation

According to the letter, written by health secretary Apurva Chandra to all states and Union Territories, the objective of this day is to promote the registration of blood donors and create awareness. The ministry has decided to facilitate blood-group testing at all primary health centres, community health centres, sub-district and district hospitals and all other blood centres to help people know their blood group.

This will help the citizens know their blood group, which will be useful in emergencies for blood donation.

Chandra explained that this day seeks to inspire more individuals to contribute regularly, by emphasising the importance of voluntary, non-remunerated blood donation. This act of giving not only saves lives but also ensures a continuous and safe supply of blood for those in need. The day also serves as a powerful reminder of the ongoing need for blood donations and the profound impact that each donation can have on the health and well-being of others.

The health ministry has decided the campaign slogan for this year  Celebrating 20 years of giving: Thank you, blood donors!

The letter is sent to all ministries, government departments, health secretaries of all states and Union Territories and other senior officials.

Why blood donation is crucial

According to government data, the demand for blood transfusions in India occurs every two seconds and one in three people will need a blood transfusion at some point in their lives. On average, 1.46 crore units of blood are needed annually but the shortfall is way more than manageable.

The government data on the e-Raktkosh website shows there are just 57.64 lakh registered blood donors in India. It shows that in more than two years and nine months, just 56.77 lakh units of blood have been collected which is not even half of a single years requirement  which stands at 1.46 crore.

The reason is lack of awareness and myths around blood donation. Allaying the common myths  such as blood donation causes weakness  the central and state governments have been conducting several drives.

A healthy body has five to six litres of blood and can donate every 90 days. An average human body makes blood quickly  plasma volume within 24 to 48 hours, red blood cells in about three weeks, and platelets and white blood cells in minutes. Hence, there is no resulting weakness. However, as per protocol, donors must wait three months between donations.

Dr Sadhana Mangwana, senior consultant and Head, Transfusion Medicine & Immunohematology,

Sri Balaji Action Medical Institute, New Delhi, told News18: Despite advancements in science and technology, there is still no substitute for human blood. Therefore, donating blood is truly a gift of life. A single car accident victim may need up to 70-80 units of blood, highlighting how donations can save millions each year. The process of donating blood is safe and takes only about 10-12 minutes. So, what can you do for humanity? Donate blood.

What this years campaign aims to fulfil

According to the ministry, the campaign will be focused on thanking the millions of voluntary blood donors who have contributed to the health and well-being of millions of people around the world.

It will also showcase the national blood programmes achievements and challenges and share best practices and lessons learned along with highlighting the continuous need for regular, unpaid blood donation to achieve universal access to safe blood transfusion.

Most importantly, the day aims to promote a culture of regular blood donation among the youth and the general public and to increase the diversity and sustainability of the blood donor pool.

How will the day be celebrated across India?

The Union health secretary, in his letter, suggested an action plan for the events across the country which instructs states and UTs to aim to maximise the registration of willing blood donors along with optimal blood collection.

They have also been asked to spread awareness among rural masses, and conduct activities of felicitation of blood donors and pledge-taking ceremonies at the Gram Panchayat level.

Such activities will be organised at the district levels where the office of the district collector or district magistrate may supervise.
Fifty-six years after an Indian Air Force (IAF) aircraft carrying 102 people on board crashed in Himachal Pradeshs Rohtang Pass, an Indian Army expedition recovered four more bodies from the accident site, marking a significant development in Indias longest-running search and recovery operations.

The four-engine turboprop Antonov-12 military transport aircraft of the Air Force which took off from Chandigarh on February 7, 1968, crashed after encountering severe weather. The wreckage and remains of the victims were lost in the snow-clad terrain.

The mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering first discovered the wreckage in 2003, leading to multiple expeditions by the Army, especially the Dogra Scouts, who remained at the forefront of the search missions in 2005, 2006, 2013, and 2019.

Despite a decade-long search and recovery operations in the unforgiving terrain, only five bodies were recovered from the accident site till 2019.

After a long wait, the Indian Armys Chandra Bhaga Mountain Expedition recovered four more bodies, taking the total number of recoveries to nine. According to the Army officials, only three bodies have been identified out of the four recoveries.

How The Bodies Were Identified?

The Indian Army said that with the help of documents found in their bodies, the three bodies have been identified as Sepoys Narayan Singh (Army Medical Corps), Malkhan Singh (Pioneer Corps) and Thomas Charan (Corps of Electronics and Mechanical Engineers).

While Narayan Singhs body was identified by his paybook found on his person, Malkhan Singhs body was identified by a voucher found in his pocket. Similarly, Craftsman Thomas Charan was also identified with further confirmation through his paybook.

The Army said that they found details of the fourth victim who remains to be identified and informed his family of the development. The expedition will continue till October 10, they added.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The 29th annual conference and general meeting of the International Association of Prosecutors (IAP) is being held in Baku from September 29 through October 2, Trend reports.

About 500 people from 95 countries took part in the 3rd day of the event held in the Baku Congress Center.

Bilateral and multilateral meetings between representatives of prosecutors' offices of different countries were held within the framework of the event. In addition, various plenary sessions and networking meetings were held.

Furthermore, a special session was held on October 1, which was dedicated to the Day of Prosecutors of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the 106th anniversary of the establishment of prosecution bodies.

Addressing the session, Prosecutor General Kamran Aliyev noted that today Azerbaijan celebrates the professional holiday of prosecutors and the 106th anniversary of the establishment of the national prosecution bodies. Founded by the decision of October 1, 1918 within the Baku District Court, the bodies of the National Prosecutor's Office have passed a difficult but at the same time glorious way of development during its more than century-long history.

President of the International Association of Prosecutors Juan Bautista Mahiques, in his speech, noted successful reforms carried out in the Prosecutor's Office of Azerbaijan and wished success in the implementation of responsible tasks.
The Manipur conflict has become a battle of narratives over time and though the situation in the war-torn state may be stable, it remains tense, Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday as he listed the efforts being taken to restore peace in the north-eastern state.

Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, 2024  the second edition of the flagship event held by the Indian Army in collaboration with the Centre for Land Warfare Studies  General Dwivedi also addressed the threat of spill-over violence from Myanmar.

In a lighter vein, [I would describe the issue as] ek ke saath ek free. Because Manipur was a problem and now you have the Myanmar issue too, he said.

The army chief, while tracing the origins of the Manipur conflict, said violence began in May 2023 with a rumour that an Anglo-Kuki centenary gate was being burnt. I have gone on ground and confirmed that it was not burnt. That rumour mongering led to major violence, which is now finding its stabilisation phase. Over a period of time, it has become a battle of narratives. Polarisation exists between communities. The situation may be stable today but it is tense.

ALSO READ | Opinion | The Black Triangles Grip: How Drug Money Fuels Manipurs Conflict and Threatens South Asia

General Dwivedi said several issues plagued the state. The number of Internally Displaced People reached 60,000 but has come down to below 40,000 now with our efforts. Society got weaponised as weapons were looted. Women-led organisations have come up for defense. We need a whole of nation approach [to resolve the conflict].

Listing the steps taken to restore normalcy, he said: As far as Army and Assam Rifles are concerned, we have deployed 126 columns. We are trying to restore trust. It will take its own time as social fracturing takes time to heal.

He added that several weapons had been recovered and the army was working closely with the central administration as well as ex-servicemen to ensure peace returns to the state.

Commenting on the possibility of a foreign hand in instigating violence in Manipur, the army chief said we should not allow wrong narratives to be built up. Bomb drones and infiltration by 900 militants are prime examples of this. Infiltration is happening because of turmoil in Myanmar. However, they are unarmed.

Days after claiming that 900 Kuki militants were planning to attack peripheral villages of Imphal valley districts around September 28, the Manipur government had retracted its statement, asserting that the likelihood of any such misadventures by armed groups is minimal and unsubstantiated.

ALSO READ | Manipur Drone, Missile Attacks: How Did Militants Get Arms, Expert Training? Exclusive From Intel Sources

The sources in Intelligence and Indian Army had told CNN-News18 that 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.
The Mysore Urban Development Authority on Tuesday officially took over 14 sites surrendered by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife, Parvathi. The sale deed of these sites were cancelled, and these will not be allotted till the investigation is on, the commissioner said.

According to Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA), the investigating agencies will be informed that the sites have been taken back. We have cancelled the sale deed of the 14 sites that were in Parvathi Siddaramaiahs name. We will inform the investigating agencies about this, and these will not be allotted to anyone till the investigation is concluded, said commissioner Raghunandan.

In a post on X, Siddaramaiah said his wife has returned the 14 compensatory sites given to her in the Mysuru upmarket area. The MUDA said it will accept these plots.

Earlier in the day, the Mysuru Lokayukta launched a probe into the alleged land allotment scam linked to Siddaramaiah. Ten officials along with a team of surveyors and MUDA officials visited Kesare, where 3.2 acres of land was acquired by the chief ministers brother-in-law and gifted to his wife Parvathi.

At the heart of the scam is the 3.2-acre parcel of land. Following the acquisition of the land by MUDA, Parvathi sought compensation and was subsequently allocated 14 plots. These plots are said to be substantially more valuable than the original piece of land, reports claimed.

The Lokayuktas action came after an FIR was registered on September 27, against Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the scam. It stated that the CM, his wife, brother-in-law and others are accused in the case, and that MUDA illegally allotted 14 sites to Parvathi in prime locations of Mysuru.

The Lokayukta sent its first notice to social activist Snehamayi Krishna, who is one of the complainants in the MUDA scam. He, too, filed a petition before the Karnataka High Court seeking the transfer of the case from the Lokayukta to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).

No notice regarding any documents has been received. I am ready to provide the documents that I have, if at all any documentation is required Technical evidence is not available; only documentary evidence can be asked for. I have given all the documents while making the complaint earlier; I will give what is asked during the inquiry, he said.

He added: I am insisting and calling for a comprehensive investigation into the scams of the 50:50 ratio of illegal plots given and received in private and Lokayukta complaints. I am confident that I will win in these cases too.

The FIR was registered by the Lokayukta after a special court in Bengaluru passed an order directing an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegations of illegal allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi.

Amid these allegations, the BJP has launched a blistering attack on the ruling Congress and accused it of supporting corrupt leaders. The party demanded Siddaramaiahs resignation, but the CM has remained firm on not giving into their demands.

Victim of hate politics, says Siddaramaiah

Siddaramaiah alleged that his family was dragged into the controversy by members of the Opposition parties. It came hours after the Chief Ministers wife, in a letter to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner, had expressed her willingness to return the 14 sites, following allegations of illegalities in their allotment.

My wife Parvati has returned the lands that were given in the form of compensation for the land that was seized without carrying out Muda land acquisition in Mysore. The people of the state also know that the Opposition parties created a false complaint and dragged my family into the controversy to create political hatred against me, a rough translation of Siddaramaiahs X post in English suggested.

(With PTI inputs)
Amid the hostage crisis in Manipur, the authorities are hopeful that mutual discussions could open the gates for the release of the two boys abducted by militants in Kangpokpi district three days ago, said intelligence sources.

They have been wrongfully detained against the release of one inmate booked in a National Investigation Agency (NIA) case. No operation has been planned by forces as it could risk lives. Things are moving and we are positive, they said.

The detentions happened on September 27 when they were coming from Thoubal district to Keithelmanbi district where recruitments were to happen on September 28.

There are two Keithelmanbis in Manipur and these boys entered the wrong Keithelmanbi which is Kuki-dominated. One of them, N Johnson Singh, was released, but the other two  Th Thoithoiba Singh and O Thoithoi  were taken into detention. We are in touch with village heads for the release. The release of any prisoner is not possible as this involves judicial scrutiny, sources said.

This is a community matter and secret movement of forces is not possible, they added. This has happened in the past, too, when people from both sides entered by mistake and were killed. But such killings have stopped now. Although there has been no breakthrough in talks, we are positive things will work out soon, they said.

Kukis are demanding the release of Mark Thangmang Haokip, accused of waging war against India to establish an independent Government of Peoples Democratic Republic of Kukiland. Haokip is currently in the custody of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said the director general of police has been asked to secure the release of the two youths.

It is a very unfortunate incident. Of the three youths, one was released while the two others are still in the hands of militants. The Centre and the state government are in touch to ensure the safe release of the two youths. We are engaging in talks now, Singh said.

The DGP has gone to the place to have talks (with abductors). We believe that there will be a positive outcome. They have made some demands The government is trying to release the two youths unconditionally, Singh said.

On Sunday, a video surfaced featuring the two missing youths appealing to the CM for their release.

With PTI Inputs
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, leader of Dera Sacha Sauda and a convicted rapist, has been granted 20 days of parole ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls, marking this his third temporary release in nine months and the fifteenth in four years.

While on parole, Singh will face specific restrictions, including a ban on entering Haryana and a prohibition on participating in any election-related activities, whether in person or on social media, as per India Today report.

Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini on Tuesday cleared Singhs parole application and forwarded it to the Prisons Department, which then sent it to the Divisional Commissioner of Rohtak.

He will be released soon after receiving the necessary clearance from the local administration in Baghpat, Uttar Pradesh, where he will stay during his parole.

Singh had requested parole, citing the death anniversary of his father, Maghar Singh, which is observed as Parmarthi Diwas on October 5.

Notably, some of his previous paroles and furloughs have coincided with elections in Punjab, Haryana, and neighbouring states. He was granted three weeks furlough from February 7, 2022, just two weeks before the Punjab Assembly polls.

In response to Ram Rahims parole, Haryana Congress Spokesperson Kewal Dhingra said, Our Legal Cell wrote a letter that there is an issue of date and time of the parole to Ram Rahim. He is being granted bail simultaneously with the election. This seems to be influencing voters.

#WATCH | Chandigarh: On parole application by Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, Haryana Congress Spokesperson Kewal Dhingra says, Our Legal Cell wrote a letter that there is an issue of date and time of the parole to Ram Rahim. He is being granted bail pic.twitter.com/HVLkcYYfnB ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

Dhingra further added: Election Commission has perhaps taken cognisnace of the matterThe letter has been written to get assurance that there is no influencing of voters.

Meanwhile, Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadras husband, Robert Vadra, alleged that the BJP is behind the release of both Ram Rahim and AAP convenor Arvind Kejriwal to campaign in the Haryana polls, with an aim of denting the Congress chances.

When they release Baba Ram Rahim for 20 days before the elections who has charges of murder, rape, and you (BJP) release him to campaign I would say having Kejriwal ji come out of the prison just in time so that he can campaign in Haryana, I think these are premeditated thoughts of the BJP, Vadra told PTI.

Who is Ram Rahim?

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the self-styled godman, was sentenced to 20 years in prison in August 2017 for raping two women disciples at his ashram in Haryanas Sirsa.

In 2019, a special CBI court in Panchkula sentenced him and three others to life imprisonment for the murder of journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati in 2002. His conviction on August, 2017, triggered violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, resulting in 41 deaths and over 260 injuries.

Ram Rahim is currently held at the high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak, 250 km from the state capital, Chandigarh. Previously, the high court rejected his plea for parole to attend the wedding of his foster daughters.

(With inputs from agencies)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah on Tuesday alleged his family was being targeted and that a false case was filed against him and his family, in connection with the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) case. The Chief Ministers statement came hours after he, in an X post, announced that his wife, Parvathi, has returned the 14 compensatory sites that were given to her in the Mysuru upmarket area.

My family is being targeted, Siddaramaiah told reporters today.

Let the investigations in the case continue. On what grounds has the Enforcement Directorate (ED) filed a case of money laundering, he asked, adding, A false case was filed against me and my family.

Siddaramaiah also said he was hurt by the allegations, even as his wife has returned the land to MUDA.

Addressing questions on his resignation, the Chief Minister said, Why should I resign when the Opposition does not have proof against me.

SIDDARAMAIAHs WIFE RETURNS PLOTS

Earlier today, Siddaramaiah said his wife Parvathi has returned the 14 compensatory sites that were given to her in the Mysuru upmarket area. Siddaramaiah also alleged that his family was dragged into the controversy by members of the Opposition parties. Later, MUDA said it would accept the plots.

My wife Parvati has returned the lands that were given in the form of compensation for the land that was seized without carrying out Muda land acquisition in Mysore. The people of the state also know that the Opposition parties created a false complaint and dragged my family into the controversy to create political hatred against me, a rough translation of Siddaramaiahs X post in English suggested.

My stand was to fight without bowing down to this injustice. But my wife, who is upset with the political conspiracy going on against me, has taken a decision to return these plots, which has surprised me too, he wrote.

My wife, who never intervened in my four decades-long politics and was confined to her family, is a victim of the politics of hate against me and is suffering psychological torture. I am sorry. However, I respect my wifes decision to return the plots, Siddaramaiah tweeted.

On Monday, the Chief Ministers wife, in a letter to MUDA Commissioner Raghunandan, had expressed her willingness to return the 14 sites, following allegations of illegalities in their allotment.

MUDA SAYS WILL TAKE BACK SITES

Hours after Siddaramaiahs social media post, MUDA said it will take back the sites being returned.

In a statement, the MUDA Commissioner said, We wont decline if someone returns MUDA property, we have already discussed this.

ACTION IN MUDA CASE

A First Information Report (FIR) was registered against Siddaramaiah by the Karnataka Lokayukta police in connection with the case, on the directions of a special court.

The FIR was registered under various Sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 120B (criminal conspiracy), 166 (public servant disobeying law, with intent to cause injury to any person), 406 (criminal breach of trust), 420 (cheating and dishonestly inducing delivery of property), 426 (mischief), 465 (forgery), 468 (forgery for purpose of cheating), 340 (wrongful confinement) and 351 (assault).

On Monday, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) booked the Chief Minister, his wife Parvathi, and some others in a money laundering case linked to the land allotment case, taking cognisance of the FIR by the Lokayukta.

PARVATHIs LETTER TO MUDA

In her letter to the MUDA Commissioner, Siddaramaiahs wife mentioned she was allotted the 14 alternative sites in the third and fourth phase of Vijayanagar in Mysuru against the usage of her three acres and 16 Guntas of land in Kesare village under Kasaba Hobli in Mysuru.

I am willing to return the 14 sites by way of cancelling the sale deed. I want MUDA to acquire these sites. I request you to take the step in this direction at the earliest, Parvathis letter mentioned.

It is alleged that the compensatory sites were given to Siddaramaiahs wife in an upmarket area in Mysuru, which had higher property value as compared to the location of her land that was acquired by MUDA, news agency PTI reported.

BJP SLAMS SIDDARAMAIAH

On Monday, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) termed Siddaramaiahs wife Parvathis letter as an admission of guilt and demanded the Karnataka Chief Ministers resignation.

This letter is an admission of guilt. Instead of sending his (Siddaramaiah) resignation letter, a redemption letter is being written, BJP national spokesperson Shehzad Poonawalla said.

He also alleged that Siddaramaiahs wife had written to the MUDA commissioner expressing her willingness to return the 14 sites she had been allotted to evade investigation in the case.

If no wrong was committed, why are you returning (the sites)? That too when the orders of the High Court and special court came, an FIR was registered and ED case also started, Poonawalla asked.

A letter of guilt has come. Corruption happened ( in MUDA site allocation). Now the letter of redemption wont work. Its time for Siddaramaiah to resign. He doesnt have any moral right to continue as the chief minister, the BJP spokesperson said.
The Special Investigation Team (SIT), appointed by the Andhra Pradesh government to probe into the Tirupati Laddu adulteration episode, has been instructed to pause the investigation till the next hearing on the matter in the Supreme Court, scheduled for October 3.

Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police (DGP), Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said the SIT was formed to probe the Tirupati Laddoo case and the suspension is a precautionary measure to ensure the investigations integrity.

The probe panel, appointed amid a row over the presence of animal fats in Tirupati laddus, was led by Guntur Range Inspector General of Police, Sarvashresth Tripathi. However, it will remain suspended until further orders in the wake of the ongoing hearing on the matter in the apex court.

Tirupati Laddoo Row: SC Hearing

The Supreme Court on Monday, September 30, criticised Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations about the use of adulterated ghee in the preparation of laddoos offered as prasadam at Tirumala Tirupati Temple.

The bench, comprising justices Bhushan R Gavai and KV Viswanathan, noted that there was no substantial ground to prove that the ghee was adulterated, and rebuked the state government for making a premature statement at a stage when it was not needed to support the claim that animal fat was used.

In a blow to the state government in the hot-button issue, the bench said, When you hold a constitutional office, it is expected that you exercise restraintWe expect Gods to be kept away from politicsPrima facie, there is no concrete proof at this stage to show that adulterated ghee was used in the laddus. It fixed October 3 as the next date of the hearing.

Naidus Big Claim

The Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu stoked a massive controversy after claiming that substandard ingredients, including animal fat, were discovered in the laddus served as prasad at Tirupati temple during the previous Jagan Mohan Reddys government.

Flagging a private lab report from Gujarat, Naidu alleged the presence of beef tallow, lard (relating to pig fat) and fish oil in the ghee used for Tirupati laddoos. Meanwhile, Reddy vehemently denied the allegations and accused Naidu of doing politics in the name of god.
In a shocking incident, a 23-year-old woman died of profuse blood loss after having sexual intercourse with her 26-year-old boyfriend in a hotel in Gujarats Navsari, police said on Tuesday.

According to the police as reported by The Times Of India, the woman, a nursing student, got intimate with her boyfriend and during the intercourse, she suffered vaginal bleeding. Her boyfriend, instead of seeking medical assistance, surfed the internet for remedies while her partner was suffering.

The man instead of rushing her to a hospital or seeking medical help, surfed the internet on his phone and searched for what to do to cease bleeding during intercourse, the police said as reported by the national daily.

The man further attempted intercourse while the girl was bleeding. He even tried using a cloth to stop the bleeding, but it did not help and the woman fainted after some time. Petrified, the man called one of his friends and took the woman to a private hospital, from where they were referred to the Civil Hospital.

He has been arrested under Section 105 (culpable homicide not amounting to murder) and 238 (causing evidence to disappear) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).

The forensic report stated she died due to excessive bleeding. Instead of calling 108 or medical assistance, he contacted his friends and transferred her in a private vehicle after waiting for them. Had she received emergency medical aid with IV fluids, blood and medicines, she would have survived, Navsari SP Sushil Agrawal told the TOI.

Her postmortem revealed that the woman succumbed to grave injuries in her private parts and consequent heavy blood loss, resulting in haemorrhagic shock.

The woman, a first-year nursing student, had met the man three years ago, though they had reportedly not been in contact for over two years. They reconnected about seven months ago via social media.

After being in a relationship for seven months, they decided to spend some private time on September 23, and checked into the hotel. Even after realising she was bleeding, the accused attempted to have intercourse with her. When the situation worsened, he spent 60 to 90 minutes in the hotel. She was pronounced dead at 2:15pm at a hospital. Before leaving the hotel, he cleaned up the bloodstains to destroy evidence, the cop said.
International Coffee Day, observed on October 1, provides an opportunity for coffee enthusiasts to express their love for their favourite beverage. This day also highlights the importance of the farmers who cultivate it. The day focuses on the cultural, economic, and historical significance of coffee, encouraging collaboration among consumers, businesses and growers to promote sustainability within the industry. Additionally, it raises awareness about the challenges faced by coffee producers worldwide.

As we celebrate, lets share heartfelt wishes, uplifting messages, and inspiring quotes that reflect our love for coffee. Explore the history, interesting facts, and beautiful sentiments that make this day special!

International Coffee Day 2024: Quotes

No matter what historians claim, BC really stands for Before Coffee.'  Cherise Sinclair

Even bad coffee is better than no coffee at all.  David Lynch

Coffee: the favourite drink of the civilized world.  Thomas Jefferson

Adventure in life is good; consistency in coffee is even better.  Justina Chen

Coffee is a language in itself.  Jackie Chan

I never laugh until Ive had my coffee.  Clark Gable

Coffee first. Schemes later.  Leanna Renee Hieber

To me, the smell of fresh-made coffee is one of the greatest inventions.  Hugh Jackman

Coffee is the common mans gold, bringing a sense of luxury and nobility.  Sheik-Abd-al-Kadir

I orchestrate my mornings to the tune of coffee.  Terri Guillemets

Happy Coffee Day 2024: Wishes

Wishing you a day as rich and satisfying as your favourite cup of coffee. Happy International Coffee Day!

Cheers to the beverage that fuels our conversations and sparks our creativity. Happy Coffee Day!

On this special day, may your coffee be strong, and your day be brighter. Happy International Coffee Day!

Heres to the drink that turns I cant into I can! Enjoy every sip on International Coffee Day!

Drink, savour, and celebrate International Coffee Day! May your cup always be full and your coffee wonderful.

Cheers to the miraculous elixir that powers our days and warms our hearts. Happy International Coffee Day.

A world without coffee would be a latte-less, boring planet. Celebrate International Coffee Day with a cup of your favourite beverage!

From espresso to cappuccino, may your International Coffee Day be filled with endless coffee delights!

Raise your mugs aloft and toast to the worlds love affair with coffee. Happy International Coffee Day to all coffee lovers!

To the comforting aroma and soothing taste, may your International Coffee Day be as delightful as your first-morning cup!

Happy International Coffee Day 2024: Messages

May your International Coffee Day be filled with the aroma of freshly brewed happiness and the warmth of shared moments.

From coffee fields to cafes, coffee unites us all. Let us honour everyone who contributed to the creation of our favourite drink.

International Coffee Day is a reminder that behind every cup, theres a story of hard work, dedication, and love.

Today, lets not only enjoy our coffee but also think about where it comes from and how we can support fair trade and sustainability.

A perfect coffee strikes a balance between flavour, aroma and care. Lets take a moment to enjoy the artistry behind each brew.

On this day, lets celebrate coffee, not just for its taste, but for the community and culture it brings with every sip.

Coffee has a tale about producers, civilisations, and sustainability. Let us enjoy that on International Coffee Day.

Take a moment to appreciate your coffee and think about the hands who made it possible. Happy International Coffee Day.

This International Coffee Day, lets commit to supporting sustainable and fair trade coffee.

Whether you love it strong, sweet, or blacktoday we celebrate coffee in all its forms!

To all the coffee lovers and the farmers who make it possiblecheers to International Coffee Day!

Lets make each cup count by selecting responsibly sourced coffee. Happy International Coffee Day!

International Coffee Day 2024: Key Facts

Coffee is believed to have originated in Ethiopia around 800 A.D., discovered by goat herders who noticed their goats behaving energetically after consuming the plant. Although often referred to as a bean, coffee is actually the seed of a fruit known as a coffee cherry. Brazil is the worlds largest coffee producer, followed by Vietnam and Colombia. Finland has the highest coffee consumption per capita globally. In 1932, the Brazilian government did not have enough money to send their athletes to the Olympics, so they sold coffee to pay for the trip.

International Coffee Day 2024: Coffee-based Sweets

Tiramisu CakeThis exquisite dessert brings together the classic flavours of tiramisu, layering a rich coffee-soaked sponge with creamy mascarpone. Topped with coffee-infused whipped cream, its a delightful treat that coffee lovers will cherish. Coffee MeringuesLight and airy, coffee meringues are the perfect bite-sized snack to enjoy with your favourite brew. These gluten-free delights can be made ahead of time, allowing their flavours to deepen while maintaining a crisp texture. Coffee Ice CreamA no-churn coffee ice cream thats simple to makejust combine ingredients and freeze in a loaf pan for at least six hours. The result is a creamy, rich treat perfect for warm days. Coffee JellyThis unique dessert combines the bold flavours of black coffee with gelatin and sugar, resulting in a refreshing treat. Serve it chilled with a dollop of whipped cream on top for a delightful finish. Coffee Walnut CakeThis moist and flavorful cake is infused with robust coffee or espresso, both in the batter and frosting. Topped with crunchy walnuts, its a dreamy confection for those who cant get enough coffee in their desserts.

International Coffee Day 2024: 5 Must-Try Coffee Drinks

Mocha

A rich and creamy beverage, mocha is essentially a latte with an indulgent twist of chocolate, typically in the form of syrup or cocoa powder. For an added flavour boost, consider mixing in peppermint or caramel.

Cuban Coffee

Known for its sweetness, Cuban coffee is crafted by mixing sugar with concentrated espresso, creating a creamy layer on top. This bold, sweet espresso is perfect for those who enjoy a flavorful pick-me-up beverage.

Flat White

This coffee drink features a velvety microfoam layer atop a shot of espresso, offering a stronger coffee flavour compared to a latte. Its creamy texture highlights the rich bitterness of the espresso, making it a favourite for those who appreciate a well-balanced brew.

Cold Brew

A smooth, refreshing alternative to traditional coffee, cold brew is made by steeping coffee grounds in cool or room temperature water for an extended period, resulting in a less bitter, highly aromatic beverage.

Affogato

An indulgent Italian dessert-drink hybrid, affogato combines a scoop of vanilla ice cream with a shot of hot, freshly brewed espresso poured over it. This delightful treat takes just minutes to prepare and is perfect for coffee lovers seeking a sweet finish.

International Coffee Day 2024: History

In March 2014, the International Coffee Organization (ICO) member states decided to establish October 1 as International Coffee Day, creating a dedicated day for coffee lovers worldwide. It was in 2015 when ICO commenced the first International Coffee Day in Milan.

The main aim of this day is to raise awareness about the challenges coffee farmers face, including climate change, price volatility, and economic hardships in coffee-producing countries. This initiative highlights the need for sustainable practices within the coffee industry.
In todays fast-paced world, finding a peaceful escape from the constant hustle can be challenging. These spiritual destinations in India are the perfect getaways this festive season whether for a moment of quiet reflection or a desire to experience divine energy. Cleartrip has the most popular spiritual destinations to help you unwind, offering the perfect escape.

Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh

Varanasi, also known as Kashi, is one of the oldest cities in the world and is considered the spiritual capital of India. The city is situated on the banks of the Ganges River, making it a sacred destination for many. Visitors can witness the mesmerising Ganga Aarti at Dashashwamedh Ghat, where the river is worshipped with elaborate rituals.

Kashi Vishwanath Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, is one of the most revered temples in India. Another peaceful spot is Assi Ghat, where pilgrims take holy dips in the Ganges. Nearby Sarnath, where Buddha gave his first sermon after attaining enlightenment, offers a perfect addition to a spiritual journey. Varanasis blend of spirituality and tranquillity, along with boat rides on the Ganges and temple visits, will help you disconnect from the fast-paced life.

Puri and Bhubaneswar, Odisha

Puri, home to the famous Jagannath Temple, is one of the four major pilgrimage sites in India. The annual Rath Yatra, where the deities are taken out in a grand procession, draws millions of devotees. Bhubaneswar, the capital of Odisha, is known as the City of Temples, housing over 700 temples.

Jagannath Temple in Puri is a UNESCO World Heritage site, and Bhubaneswars Lingaraj Temple, dedicated to Lord Shiva, showcases stunning Kalinga architecture. After visiting the temples, the pristine beaches of Puri offer a peaceful retreat, while Bhubaneswars serene temple landscapes provide a calming, meditative atmosphere.

Amritsar, Punjab

The Golden Temple in Amritsar is not only a sacred place for Sikhs but also a symbol of equality and community service. The shimmering temple, surrounded by the holy Amrit Sarovar (pool of nectar), is a sight to behold, especially at night when the temple is beautifully lit.

The Golden Temples peaceful ambience, combined with the tradition of Langar, where free meals are served to all, creates a strong sense of unity and calm. The Akal Takht, located within the Golden Temple complex, holds significance as a seat of authority in Sikhism. The sense of selfless service (Seva) and community at the temple makes for a rejuvenating spiritual experience.

Guruvayur Temple, Kerala

Known as the Dwarka of the South, Guruvayur Temple is one of the most important pilgrimage centres in South India, dedicated to Lord Krishna. The temples simple yet divine architecture attracts devotees from across the country.

Guruvayur Temples main deity, Lord Krishna, is depicted as Bala Krishna (child Krishna), symbolising joy and devotion. Nearby, the Punnathur Kotta elephant sanctuary houses temple elephants, adding a unique experience to your visit. The serene environment of the temple, along with Keralas lush greenery, makes it an ideal place to slow down, meditate, and reflect.

Vaishno Devi, Jammu & Kashmir

Perched in the Trikuta Mountains, the Vaishno Devi shrine is one of the most visited pilgrimage destinations in India. It is believed that Goddess Vaishno Devi fulfils the wishes of all who visit her shrine.

The journey to the Vaishno Devi shrine involves a scenic trek, where the breathtaking mountain views and the spiritual ambience make it a deeply moving experience. The temples cave-like structure adds to its allure, offering a profound sense of peace and connection with nature, allowing for both physical and spiritual rejuvenation.

Dwarka and Somnath, Gujarat

Dwarka, located on the western coast of Gujarat, is one of the four sacred Char Dham pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and is believed to be the kingdom of Lord Krishna. Somnath Temple, also in Gujarat, is one of the twelve Jyotirlingas of Lord Shiva, with immense historical and spiritual significance.

The Dwarkadhish Temple in Dwarka is dedicated to Lord Krishna, while Somnath Temple, located by the Arabian Sea, is known for its grandeur and significance. The spiritual aura of both temples, combined with the scenic coastal views, makes these destinations ideal for introspection and relaxation, offering a perfect balance between spirituality and nature.

Tirupati, Andhra Pradesh

Tirupati is home to the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, one of the most famous and wealthiest temples in India. The temple is dedicated to Lord Venkateswara, an incarnation of Vishnu, and sees millions of devotees annually.

Visiting Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, with its elaborate rituals and traditions, is considered auspicious by many. The temple complex is surrounded by serene hills, and the journey up to the temple offers a peaceful retreat from the noise of everyday life. With breathtaking landscapes and a deeply spiritual atmosphere, Tirupati provides a refreshing and uplifting experience for visitors.

These spiritual destinations in India are more than just places of worshipthey are sanctuaries that offer the perfect escape from the daily grind. Whether youre seeking divine connection or simply a peaceful getaway, these places will help you recharge, and return with a renewed sense of purpose.
What started as a fun, low-key romance seems to have evolved into something more serious for Brad Pitt and Ines De Ramon. The actor, known for his larger-than-life roles, is now reportedly hoping for a future with the 34-year-old jewellery designer. As they have quietly moved in together, their relationship has gone from casual outings to something truly serious. According to a source close to the couple, things have been smooth sailing as they focus on making future plans together  something neither seems to shy away from anymore.

A source familiar with the actor, 60, told People that the couple are serious about their relationship and are making future plans. After moving in together, they realised they have something special, noting that they began living together around February.

Work has also been fulfilling for Pitt, who has been busy shooting the Formula 1 movie, F1, this year. Hes thankful that Ines enjoys traveling too and can accompany him on work trips, the source added, mentioning that being away from his children remains very tough for him.

At the end of August, Pitt and De Ramon, 34, went to Venice, Italy, for the world premiere of Wolfs, which was also their first red-carpet appearance as a couple. The film, which co-stars Pitts long-time friend, George Clooney, is on Apple TV.

Shes an amazing person. Shes easygoing, low maintenance, and doesnt bring drama, the source shares about De Ramon, who is a jewellery designer at Anita Ko Jewelry.

In recent weeks, Pitt and De Ramon have reportedly been spotted together on date nights in New York City and Los Angeles. The couple, who started dating in late 2022, were last seen at the EBMRFs Rock4EB charity event in Malibu, California, on September 21. The event aimed to raise money for research into epidermolysis bullosa, a rare skin condition.

Its more than just dating at this point, the source added, saying that Brad loves many things about her. Shes perfect for him.

The couple was first seen together at a Bono concert in 2022, and at the time, a source close to De Ramon said they had been dating for a few months after being introduced by a mutual friend.
In an exclusive interview with Trend News Agency, a leading outlet covering news from Central Asia, AIIB President Jin Liqun discusses the bank's crucial role in promoting sustainable development and climate resilience across the region.

SAMARKAND, Uzbekistan, September 30. Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) remains committed to improving infrastructure and connectivity across Central Asia, while integrating climate resilience into its investments, AIIB President Jin Liqun told Trend in an exclusive interview.

Speaking on the sidelines of the AIIB Annual Meeting in Samarkand, President Jin Liqun highlighted the banks ongoing efforts to finance renewable energy projects, strengthen regional connectivity, and address climate challenges.

"Connectivity, particularly cross-border connectivity, is one of the most important areas of our financing. But we must remember that connectivity projects and climate financing are interconnected. By financing road, railway, or metro projects, we can make transportation more efficient and reduce emissions," he said.

"Central Asian countries, from the very beginning, have shown a strong interest in participating in the development of the AIIB," President Jin continued. "Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, and Kyrgyzstan have all been active in shaping this important financial institution. Their involvement is key as we work to promote sustained development, transition to net zero, and improve the livelihood of people across the region".

AIIB President emphasized Uzbekistans leading role in the banks operations, noting the countrys significant portfolio within the AIIB. "In January of this year, President Shavkat Mirziyoyev visited AIIB headquarters in Beijing to discuss further cooperation. Uzbekistan is one of our most active members in Central Asia. We have already approved 15 projects totaling $3.1 billion, with a substantial pipeline ahead," he said.

Additionally, President Jin underscored AIIBs focus on infrastructure and connectivity projects in Uzbekistan, particularly in Bukhara. "Here in Uzbekistan, we financed the road project in Bukhara, and I believe in the future we are also looking at investing in connectivity projects within the country and connecting to neighboring countries," he remarked.

He also touched on the importance of climate action in the region, especially in light of the upcoming COP29 conference. "We are focused on promoting green, renewable energy projects. For instance, the board of members and management visited a solar power plant that occupies 440 hectares of land. The project will provide green, renewable electricity to 265,000 households. We will help reduce carbon dioxide emissions by 270,000 tons every year. It is an excellent project, and we plan to do more in this regard".

Looking ahead to COP29 in Azerbaijan, President Jin underscored the global importance of collaboration in tackling climate change.

"We were involved in COP27, COP28 and we will also participate in COP29. The idea is to exchange ideas with other MDBs, partners, and various sovereign government delegations. It is very important to remember that climate change is a global challenge, clearly a danger facing humanity. Only by working together can we hope to limit global warming to within 1.5 degrees Celsius. We attach great importance to COP27, COP28, and the upcoming COP29, and we have developed very close cooperation with all stakeholders in this area. Some delegations will be coming from AIIB to Azerbaijan for this purpose," he concluded.
The much-awaited Coldplay concert in Mumbai, set for January 2025, has been overshadowed by allegations of ticketing scams. As millions of fans rushed to secure tickets for the limited shows, complaints of black marketing and unauthorised resale surfaced. Mumbai Polices Economic Offences Wing (EOW) has launched an investigation, summoning key officials from BookMyShow, the official ticketing partner for the event.

BookMyShow COO Questioned

Anil Makhija, Chief Operating Officer (COO) of BookMyShow, recorded his statement with the EOW on Monday, September 30, 2024. This followed a complaint by an advocate alleging black marketing of Coldplay tickets. The police had earlier summoned BookMyShows CEO, Ashish Hemrajani, who did not appear.

The investigation is focusing on the possibility that unauthorised platforms are reselling tickets at inflated prices, depriving genuine fans of access.

BookMyShow Denies Involvement

BookMyShow, in an official statement, denied any connection to unauthorised resale platforms. The company disclosed that 13 million fans were logged in to buy tickets when sales opened on September 22. Despite capping purchases at four tickets per user and adding a third show due to unprecedented demand, tickets quickly sold out, leaving many frustrated.

The company stated, It came to our notice that unauthorised platforms are listing tickets for resale, which we vehemently oppose. We have no association with platforms like Viagogo and Gigsberg.

Scalping and black marketing of tickets is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India and BookMyShow vehemently opposes this practice. We have not only filed a complaint with the police authorities but are also proactively working with them to provide complete support in the investigation of this matter in any manner that may be required. To our consumers, we would like to reiterate that any tickets bought from unauthorised sources will be at their own risk and may likely be invalid or fake tickets.

Action Against Black Marketing

BookMyShow has filed a formal complaint with the police and is working closely with authorities to investigate the matter. The company warned consumers about the risks of purchasing tickets from unauthorised sources, which may be invalid or fake.

Coldplay Concert Dates

Coldplays Music Of The Spheres World Tour 2025 will take place at DY Patil Sports Stadium in Navi Mumbai on January 18, 19 and 21, 2025. Fans are eagerly awaiting the performances despite the ticketing controversy.
If you thought youd seen the last of Tommy Shelby, think again. The notorious leader of the Peaky Blinders is sharpening his razor-edged cap once more, and this time, its for the big screen. Fans of the sharply dressed gangster from Birmingham have a reason to get excited, as Netflix has given us a sneak peek of Cillian Murphy back in action. With cameras rolling, the long-awaited Peaky Blinders movie is officially in production, and it seems like the Shelby legacy is far from over. Netflix dropped the first look of Murphy fully immersed as the iconic crime boss on Monday, announcing that filming had begun.

Fans were also treated to a behind-the-scenes snapshot of Murphy on set, standing shoulder to shoulder with the series creator, Steven Knight.

By order of the Peaky Blinders Tommy Shelby is back. Cillian Murphy and Steven Knight are reunited on set as production officially starts on the upcoming Netflix film. pic.twitter.com/qWsQuntzCe  Netflix (@netflix) September 30, 2024

The upcoming Peaky Blinders film will be helmed by Tom Harper, a name familiar to die-hard fans as he directed several episodes of the original series. The show itself, which first graced our screens in 2013 on BBC Two, quickly became a global phenomenon after Netflix scooped up the rights to stream it in the US. After six thrilling seasons, Peaky Blinders aired its final episode in 2022.

It seems like Tommy Shelby wasnt finished with meIt is very gratifying to be recollaborating with Steven Knight and Tom Harper on the film version of Peaky Blinders. This is one for the fans, Murphy said in a statement earlier this year, teasing the return of the beloved character, informs Variety.

Knight, who penned the films script, is also co-producing the project alongside Murphy, Caryn Mandabach and Guy Heeley. The executive production team is just as star-studded, with Tom Harper, David Kosse, Jamie Glazebrook, Andrew Warren and David Mason all contributing to bringing the story to life on the big screen.

While the rest of the movies cast has been kept tightly under wraps, one exciting piece of news emerged last month: Irish actor Barry Keoghan has secured a role in the film. His part remains a mystery for now, but given the world of Peaky Blinders, its safe to assume his character will have a significant impact, reports Variety.

Murphys return to the Peaky Blinders universe is particularly thrilling, as it follows his monumental Oscar win last year for his portrayal of J. Robert Oppenheimer, the father of the atomic bomb, in Christopher Nolans Oppenheimer. The performance not only earned Murphy critical acclaim but also cemented his status as one of the most talented actors of his generation. Now, with his hat tipped once again as Tommy Shelby, Murphy is ready to take us all back to the gritty streets of post-WWI Birmingham.
Bhuvan Bams highly anticipated Taaza Khabar sequel, a Hotstar Specials series, premiered last month. The show sees Bhuvan reprising his role as Vasant, a sanitation worker with the unique ability to foresee the future. As the series continues to captivate audiences, Bhuvan sat down for an interview, where he expressed his desire to venture into Bollywood, signalling his aspirations to make a bigger mark on the big screen while his fanbase grows with this series.

Speaking with Hindustan Times, Bhuvan Bam expressed his hope that the show will prove digital creators ability, making it easier for them to transition into Bollywood. He said, I hope it helps me transition more smoothly into Bollywood, proving that digital creators can also thrive in mainstream cinema.

Calling his recently released series an audition tape for Bollywood, Bhuvan added, In Taaza Khabar 2, Ive pushed myself beyond the boundaries and tested my acting range, especially with scenes that demand a lot of vulnerability and strength. Its not just about making people laugh or feel emotional  its about showing that I can be versatile and hold my own in different genres. I see it as a way to prove myself to both the audiences and the industry.

During the same conversation, Bhuvan Bam credited actors Jaaved Jaaferi, Shriya Pilgaonkar and Mahesh Manjrekar for the success of their project. Heaping praises on the talented trio for what they bring to the table, he added, Working with such an incredible cast was inspiring and intimidating. There were moments when their performance would ignite something new in my own approach to a scene. I learned a lot just by observing their craft.

Apart from headlining Taaza Khabar 2, Bhuvan Bam has also donned the hat of the co-producer for the series. Available for streaming on Disney+ Hotstar, the shows storyline picks up from where it ended in the first season. FYI, the first season of the show premiered in January 2023.

Following the warm response received by the first season of Bhuvan Bams show, fans had been waiting for the new installment. As for the storyline, the second season explores Vasants (played by Bhuvan) journey as he navigates new challenges. Joining him to add stardust to the show are Shriya Pilgaonkar, Prathamesh Parab, Deven Bhojani, and Shilpa Shukla who play significant roles in the show.
Sana Raees Khan, known for her stint in the Salman Khan-hosted controversial reality show Bigg Boss Season 17, recently celebrated her 29th birthday with her close friends and family members in the city of dreams. Lawyer by profession, Sana took to Instagram and offered a glimpse into her intimate birthday celebration. Memories from my birthday night, she wrote in the caption.

The pictures perfectly captured the party mood, indicating how much everyone enjoyed the celebration. In the first few snapshots, Sana posed for the camera lens in a black shimmery gown. She kept her short blonde hair open in curls and accessorised her outfit with diamond earrings.

In the last pic, the ex-Bigg Boss contestant was cutting her birthday cake with her family members and actress Raveena Tandon standing in the background. The guest list also included choreographer Melvin Louis and Indrani Mukerjea.

As soon as she shared the pictures online, her fans and admirers swamped down the comment section and shared their reactions. An Instagram user wrote, Damn gorgeous and sizzling. Another user commented, Happy Birthday Beautiful. One of them wished her calling her the beauty with brain. Another comment read, This last is really an inspiration to all of us.

Sana rose to fame after she appeared on Bigg Boss 17. During her time inside the BB house, she gelled along with actress Ankita Lokhande, her husband Vicky Jain and Mannara Chopra.

After Bigg Boss 17 came to an end, she returned to her profession as a lawyer and has been handling high-profile cases.

Earlier this year, Sana received award for her contribution to her field. Sharing her happiness, she told TOI, I was presented the Excellence in Legal Advocacy Award as the founder of my firm at the House of Commons. Receiving an award in such a prestigious venue is something that I will remember for the rest of my life. It acknowledges my hard work and years of service. I extend my heartfelt thanks to everyone who has supported me along this journeythe clients who have entrusted me with their experiences and the institutions that have provided the foundation for our advocacy.

Sana is an avid social media user, with around 1.9 million followers on Instagram. She often treats her Instafam with her glamorous pics and videos.
Writer-director Guy Guido, known for his docu-drama Madonna and The Breakfast Club, is developing a feature film based on the personal life of Hollywood legend James Dean. He has secured the rights to the 2006 memoir Surviving James Dean by late author William Bast and plans to adapt it into a film. According to a report by The Hollywood Reporter, Guido has already written the script and is in search of producers and the right cast for it.

In a statement to the media outlet, the director, a longtime fan of Dean, said he felt passionate about telling this more personal side of the actors life. I have been a fan and historian of James Dean since I was 18 years old, so I knew about his friend Willie, even when information about their relationship was straight-washed by the Hollywood machine. As a filmmaker, I love telling the story of a celebritys life in their coming-of-age period. As a gay man, I was particularly drawn to Basts unique story, said Guido. He continued, I am obsessed with getting the look right when it comes to casting and directing a film about a famous person. I want people to feel as if they are watching the real James Dean on the screen.

William Bast met James Dean at UCLAs theatre programme when they were both 19. In his memoir, the late author describes how their friendship blossomed into a romantic relationship. The two went from being close roommates to eventually secret lovers, keeping their relationship hidden to protect Deans budding acting career. While the actor was romantically linked to his female co-stars, Bast remained hopeful that, eventually, they would start living together.

However, their wish never came true. Just five years after meeting, Dean tragically passed away in a car crash in 1955 at the age of 24. At the time, the actors career was taking off with two of his iconic films, Rebel Without a Cause and Giant, which were then released posthumously. As per the same report, Guidos film will focus on Bast and Deans evolving relationship, beginning from their first meeting until the actors untimely death on Sept. 30, 1955. Whereas Bast passed away in 2015 at the age of 84. The movie will be set against the backdrop of 1950s America, highlighting Basts struggle to accept his sexuality in an era when being gay was far from accepted.

As Guy Guido concluded his statement, he shared that he remains hopeful of finding the right team who will understand the significance of telling this story. I want to find just the right team to partner with. Producers that understand the gravity and importance of a story like this, especially in todays divided social climate, added the director.
Hansal Mehtas The Buckingham Murders, starring Kareena Kapoor Khan, was released in September this year. Interestingly, the films release coincided with the actress marking 25 years in Indian cinema. Although Kapoor has portrayed several diverse characters in her career, Jasmeet Bhamra from The Buckingham Murders was quickly lauded as her career-best performance by viewers and critics alike. Hansal Mehta feels this is just the beginning.

In an exclusive conversation with News18 Showsha, Hansal Mehta said, Ive always felt that Kareena is a vastly underutilised actor. Shes a big star, but as an actor, I feel theres a lot more. Theres a huge reservoir that the world is yet to see. I feel this is the beginning and yes, when people say its a career-best performance  without sounding too vain  I also believe so.

How did Kareena Kapoor land the role of Jasmeet? According to Mehta, the actress had already decided to do the film. I signed the film in 2019 but had heard the story in 2018 when I was shooting Chhalaang. Aseem Arrora, the co-writer of Chhalaang, narrated the idea to me and then to Ekta Kapoor. Ekta then signed me for it. In 2020, during the pandemic, Ekta organized a Zoom call between Kareena and me. Kareena had read a 10-15 page treatment of the film and had already decided to do it, Mehta shared.

Even before the film was released, the trailer was subjected to comparisons with Kate Winslets Mare of Easttown. The show follows Winslets character investigating the murder of a child, which is also the key plot of Mehtas film. However, Mehta dismissed these comparisons at the time and urged viewers to watch the film before making judgments.

With Bollywood projects increasingly being compared to Hollywood ventures, does Mehta believe true originality can exist in a medium like cinema? He opined, Firstly, originality is overrated and misunderstood. Secondly, this comparison with something else is a sign of the mediocrity of the person who is comparing it. Its reductive.

The director elaborated, If theres a story with a grieving mother, and you immediately say, Oh, this is like Mare of Easttown, that is reductive and lazy. This film was written much before we ever saw Mare of Easttown or it ever came out. This film is its own beast, its a story by itself. People think theyre scoring brownie points, but theyre showing their mediocrity.

The tides turned in Mehtas favor after the film was released. It opened to massively positive reviews from critics. But one sentiment echoed in theaters: This did not feel like an Indian film. Several viewers also shared this opinion on social media. An Indian film, made by Indian storytellers with an Indian lead actor, did not feel Indian. Mehta thinks this is a good thing.

The filmmaker said, I think its a good thing. Gajraj Rao sent me a lovely message saying, You know, I felt I was watching an international film by somebody like Mira Nair. He said it felt like an international film because of the way the international actors have been directed. Yeah, because of the way the settings have been used. Theyve not been used for beauty as much as theyve been used for telling the story.

Usually, what happens is the opposite. We go to these places and look at them with a certain amount of fascination. That is also fine  with a certain amount of glamour-tinted eyes. So here, the gaze is more internal. It feels like its been made by somebody familiar with the place. I take it as a compliment, Mehta added.

For a lot of my work, people have often said it feels like that because of the economy of expression or how I leave a lot of things unspoken. I believe that a lot of the truths in the film come through what is unspoken, not what is spoken. This is why a lot of people feel that my storytelling style is a little more European. But I take it as a compliment because some of my favorite filmmakers are from Britain, particularly Ken Loach and Michael Winterbottom. They have been the cornerstone of my love for films, Mehta concluded.
Veteran actor Govinda was rushed to Criti Care Hospital in Mumbai early Tuesday morning after accidentally shooting himself in the leg. The incident occurred when Govindas revolver misfired as he was placing it back in the cupboard. Fortunately, the injury was not severe, and the actor is expected to make a full recovery soon.

Krushna Abhishek Updates Fans on Govindas Health

Shortly after the accident, Govindas nephew, Krushna Abhishek, took to Instagram to reassure fans. He posted, Mama is feeling better now. Thank you all for your prayers and love. Wishing him a speedy recovery. God is kind. Pls let your prayers keep pouring in.

Krushnas message brought relief to fans who were anxious about Govindas condition. His heartfelt post also included red heart emojis.

Family Visits Amid Hospital Stay

While Govinda remains in the hospital, Krushnas wife Kashmera Shah was spotted arriving to visit him. When approached by the paparazzi outside the hospital, Kashmera, despite the ongoing family feud, kept her comments brief, simply saying, Kuch nahi (Nothing).

Medical Update on Govindas Condition

Dr. Agarwal, who treated Govinda, provided more details about the actors injury. He received around 8-10 stitches, the doctor confirmed. He added, I think maximum, in a couple of days, he should be discharged. According to Dr. Agarwal, Govindas injury was two inches below his knee, but the actor is expected to make a quick recovery.

Industry Reactions to the Accident

The shocking news of the accident has reverberated through the film industry. Actors Arshad Warsi and Arbaaz Khan, while attending the trailer launch of Bandaa Singh Chaudhary, expressed their dismay over the incident. Arshad said, Its very unfortunate. This shouldnt have happened, while Arbaaz added, Its an unfortunate incident, and we wish him a speedy recovery.

Additionally, filmmaker David Dhawan and actor-politician Shatrughan Sinha paid visits to the hospital to check on Govinda. Sinha later updated the media, confirming that the actor is doing well and will likely return home soon. The doctor said everything is fine. Hell go home safely in a day or two, Sinha assured reporters.

Govinda Thanks Fans

Hours after the incident, Govinda shared an audio message with his fans, thanking them for their prayers. With the blessings of my fans, my parents, and God, I am doing better now, he said. He also thanked Dr. Agarwal for successfully treating him and removing the bullet.

What Happened to Govinda?

According to Mumbai Police, the mishap occurred around 4:45 am on Tuesday. Govindas manager, Shashi Sinha, explained, Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata and was putting his licensed revolver back in the cupboard when it slipped, causing the gun to discharge and hit his leg.

Govinda remains in stable condition, and fans can expect further updates as he recovers from the accident.
Parineeti Chopras impressive performance in Amar Singh Chamkila garnered her critical acclaim and applause from the audience as well. Directed by Imtiaz Ali and co-starring Diljit Dosanjh, the film featured the actors in the role of Amarjot Kaur. Months after the films release, Parineeti became nostalgic, asking the director and co-actor whether they could shoot the film again on social media.

Parineeti Chopra, on Monday, added a video on Instagram stories. Featuring real-life Amar Singh Chamkila and Amarjot Kaur, performing their song Pehle Lalkare live, the clip was accompanied by a cute request from the actress. Writing Ufff, followed by pink heart emojis, she tagged both Diljit Dosanjh and Imtiaz Ali to ask them, Can we shoot the film again?

Later, Imtiaz Ali re-shared Parineeti Chopras post adding a bunch of laughing emojis.

FYI, Amar Singh Chamkila premiered on Netflix on April 12. Ahead of the films release, the actress posted a touching note on Instagram, expressing gratitude to the cast and crew of the film. She wrote, Im immensely thankful for Chamkila. Imtiaz Ali official sir, your direction was unparalleled; you truly led the ship with finesse. Your vision and passion set a new standard. Diljit dosanjh, you were the perfect co-star, making every moment on set enjoyable and effortless. A R Rahman sir, being musically directed by you  a thing of dreams.

And the entire team who made this film. Shooting this film has topped any other film experience because I got to sing and act  2 things Im the most passionate about, so thank you, added Parineeti Chopra in her post.

In terms of personal life, Parineeti Chopra jetted off to the Maldives to celebrate her first wedding anniversary with her husband Raghav Chadha on September 24. Offering a glimpse of their intimate celebration, the actress showcased how they spent their time on the beach. Sharing a series of photos and videos, she wrote, Ragaii  I dont know what I did in my past life and this one, to deserve you. I have married the perfect gentleman, my goofy friend, sensitive partner, my mature husband (thank god because.me!), a straight-up honest human being, the best son, brother in law & son in law.

In the photos, both Parineeti Chopra and Raghav Chadha look all lost in each other, enjoying a relaxing time on the beach.
Megastar Rajinikanth has successfully undergone an elective procedure at a private hospital, during which a stent was placed near his lower abdominal area. The procedure was carried out by a team of three specialty doctors in a cath lab. Currently, he is stable and is being kept under observation. He will be recuperating at the hospital for the next 2-3 days before being discharged.

Rajinikanths recent hospitalisation has raised concerns among his fans, but his wife, Latha Rajinikanth, offered reassurance with a message to CNN-News18 on Monday. The actor was admitted to Apollo Hospital in Chennai on Monday night after experiencing stomach pain. When CNN-News18 reached out for an update on his health, Latha stated that everything is well. All is well, she said.

Rajinikanth, one of the biggest stars in Indian cinema, is beloved for his iconic roles and charismatic screen presence. Known affectionately as Thalaivar, he has mesmerised audiences for decades with blockbuster films like Baasha (1995), Sivaji (2007), and more recently, Jailer (2023), which was well-received both critically and commercially. His recent hospitalisation at Apollo Hospital in Chennai raised concerns among his dedicated fanbase, who quickly rallied online, sending messages of support and wishing for his speedy recovery.

Rajinikanth To Be Discharged From Chennai Hospital In 2-3 Days; Stent Placed In Lower Abdominal Area

Tamil Nadus Chief Minister MK Stalin and fans expressed their best wishes, reflecting the deep affection Rajinikanth commands. Fortunately, reports indicate that he underwent a successful elective procedure and is currently stable.

Before his hospitalisation, Rajinikanth wowed fans at the audio launch of his highly anticipated film Vettaiyan. His appearance stole the show, especially when he broke into his iconic dance moves, leaving the crowd in awe. Directed by TJ Gnanavel, Vettaiyan is set for release on October 10 and has been creating a strong buzz ever since its official preview dropped.

This marks Rajinikanths 170th film, produced by Lyca Productions with a massive budget of Rs 160 crore. The movie has been shot across picturesque locations in Chennai, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, and Hyderabad, further heightening the anticipation for its release.
Here come the brides! Comedian and actress Rebel Wilson got married to her longtime fiance Ramona Agruma in a dreamy destination wedding on the Italian island of Sardinia on September 28. Following their intimate wedding ceremony, the couple finally shared pictures of their Italian wedding, looking head over heels in love as they held onto each other with matching flower bouquets in their hands.

Announcing the marriage, the two brides shared a collab post. Married. Sardinia 28.9.24, the caption read.

According to the New York Post, both the brides wore Pronovia gowns, radiating grace and beauty. While Wilson went for a simple design, leaving her tresses open, Ramona Agruma had beaded details on her gown. She wore her hair in an elegant updo. Before the Instagram post, pictures from their wedding surfaced on the internet, leaving fans elated.

Their relationship dates back to June 2022, when the Pitch Perfect star announced her relationship with a woman. In the post uploaded during LGBTQ Pride Month, she wrote, I thought I was searching for a Disney Prince but maybe what I really needed all this time was a Disney Princess. A few months later, Wilson also announced the birth of her first child, a baby girl born via surrogacy.

Back in 2023, the actress got engaged to Agruma, as announced by the couple on Instagram. In pictures, they were seen in front of Sleeping Beauty Castle at Disneyland, dressed in matching sweaters. We said YES! Thank you @tiffanyandco for the stunning ring and to Bob Iger and the incredible team at Disneyland @disneyweddings for pulling off this magical surprise! the caption read.

Ramona Agruma is reportedly an entrepreneur, running her own clothing brand in Los Angeles.

Speaking to People in 2022, Rebel Wilson revealed that she met Agruma through a friend and spoke to her on the phone for weeks before meeting. That was a really good way to get to know each other. It was a bit old-school in that sensevery romantic. Its great to have someone who feels like an equal partner and is in a healthy relationship. There were timesIm not saying with all my exes, theyre greatbut there were some times that I was probably putting up with that I shouldnt have. So it feels different to be in a really healthy relationship, she said.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 30. Turkmenistan and Portugal discussed prospects for cooperation in the water resource management, Trend reports via the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The discussions took place during a meeting between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and his Portuguese counterpart Paulo Rangel on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The parties emphasized the importance of this area for their respective countries and expressed their readiness to develop joint projects in this field.

They also noted interest in collaboration in areas such as digitalization, science, culture, and education.

Concluding the meeting, the ministers discussed the possibility of participating in events held in Turkmenistan and Portugal, which would strengthen bilateral ties and expand cooperation prospects.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
In 2018, the #MeToo movement shook up the Hindi film industry when Tanushree Dutta accusing Nana Patekar  for the second time  of sexual misconduct on the sets of their film, Horn Ok Pleassss, opened a floodgate. The movement has been making headlines since August this year when a 235-page report was released by the Justice K Hema Committee on the sexual harassment of women in the Malayalam film industry. One would imagine #MeToo to have a trickle-down positive impact on the workings of show business but has it really?

It has been six years since the movement but Tanushree hasnt had the opportunity to be on a set. The price of speaking up was also borne by Malayalam actors and founding members of Women in Cinema Collective  Parvathy Thiruvothu and Rima Kallingal  as work opportunities dried up. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Tanushree reveals that she was approached by two #MeToo accused to work on their films but she let go of them as she didnt want to set a wrong precedent.

Whats needed is for every single actor willing to make a little sacrifice for a cause. In December 2018, I got offered a movie by a very big producer. She has made some of the biggest films. But her director was a #MeToo accused and I promptly refused the opportunity. Whos losing in this bargain? Me. I havent done film work in a long, long time, she tells us.

Tanushree adds, I do appearances and brand events only. I want to do lead roles in films about women empowerment. But since his name came up during #MeToo, I didnt want to take that offer up. Such an episode happened again after a couple of years. In between, I had signed some decent projects but I was targeted very badly and my projects were sabotaged.

In another incident, last year, she was offered a film by a director from Kolkata that was supposed to help her make a comeback. But she turned that down too on a similar pretext. I liked the story and the role was fantastic. I thought its a great opportunity for me to resume my acting career with a Bengali film. A week later, I came to know that his name too had come up during #MeToo. The narration had happened and I had also put forth some conditions, which he had agreed upon. I was happy that someone was working diligently on the script to make my character more prominent, she recalls.

According to Tanushree, it was an opportunity for the filmmaker to whitewash his image following allegations of sexual misconduct. Why did he come to me? He thought that #MeToo ko kaafi time ho gaya hai and that if he casts me in his film, it will give the impression that Im siding with him. He wanted to change his image through me. Maybe, he also thought that since no one is working with him in Bengal, he would work with a Bollywood actress and create a bigger profile for himself, she states.

She continues, There was no case against him but the whole industry had believed the woman. Since Bengal is an open-minded society, its understandable why they believed her and supported her. And if I did that film, it would look like the leader of #MeToo is now supporting an accused. I politely refused. There was an agency involved. I told them that I want to let the film go. I even consulted my dad to get his opinion on the matter and he told me that it wouldnt be ethically right to take up a film with someone who is an accused.

But giving up work opportunities seems like a small price to pay as the Aashiq Banaya Aapne and Bhagam Bhag remarks, I couldnt bring myself to do that film. I made that sacrifice when I needed work the most. Movies is my passion and I had built a career for myself through so much of hard work but all of it was taken away from me. If I can display such integrity and honour and make these small sacrifices, others should also do it to bring about some change.
CTRL, a cyber-thriller, themed on the erasure of digital footprints through AI marks Vikramaditya Motwanes first ever collaboration with Ananya Panday. The announcement of this partnership surprised many as they couldnt have imagined two starkly different schools of cinema coming together. In an exclusive chat with News18 Showsha, Vikramaditya reiterates that Ananya is the right fit for the part of a social media influencer in the film but agrees that the audience has a certain image of her solely because of her being a nepo kid.

Sharing his thoughts on how nepotism is widely misconstrued, he tells us, Theres a slight prejudice that happens against nepo kids. People feel that theyve got it very easy. But at the end of the day, it doesnt matter who you are. If you arent good at your work, not talented, dont work hard and not show your potential onscreen, nothing will matter because these are the only things that can make one succeed."

Vikramaditya feels that a lot of nepo actors arent taken too seriously because of the perception thats built around them. Lauding the likes of Ananya and Sonam Kapoor Ahuja, he says, Ananya has been doing that on the back of her own strength. People make a lot of generalisations about actors. Ananya is a reader. In fact, one of the biggest readers in the industry is Sonam Kapoor."

The Udaan and Jubilee maker further adds, A lot of people may be surprised with this bit of information because the impression that one has of her is that shes just a fashionista. Weve to look beyond pre-conceived notions. On a lighter note, a lot of people also have this perception about me that Im not fun (laughs)."

Producer of CTRL, Nikhil Dwivedi, also strongly feels that the nepotism debate is irrelevant. He elucidates, It doesnt even apply. Ill take this occasion to give you one of the biggest examples of nepotism and thats Kishore Kumar! He wouldnt have been a part of the film industry if his elder brother (Ashok Kumar) wasnt already in it. He forced him to become an actor when all he wanted to do was sing. Somebody like Kundan Lal Saigal saw him singing and gave him a break and the rest is history."

He further points out that there are far too many instances where actors belonging to film families havent been able to make the cut despite their well-placed connections and its those whore truly talented that have made it. There are so many of them whove relatives, parents and friends in the industry but they arent able to find a foothold here. Those who do are only doing so because of theyre doing some good work and are working hard at it. People need to see through that and actually start to appreciate it. Theres a pre-conceived notion about everybody and more so with actors," Nikhil opines.

CTRL is all set to premiere on Netflix on October 4.
Back in Mumbai after her exhilarating performance at IIFA 2024, Kriti Sanon was spotted last night in the city. In a glamorous avatar as she stepped out to promote her next film Do Patti, the actress was indeed a sight to behold and we cant take our eyes off. Walking towards her vanity at the venue, the actress was dripping every bit class during her latest paparazzi appearance.

A paparazzo page posted a video on Instagram, featuring Kriti Sanon as she arrived for her work commitment. It shows the actress making her way towards what appears to be a set, exuding confidence that is worth noting. For the promotional event, she was dressed in a subtle dark beige co-ord set comprising a top with an asymmetrical hemline and matching flowy pants for a feminine allure. Her neatly tied bun and golden accessories perfectly sealed her look, compelling us to sit, watch and adore her beauty.

Coming back to Kriti Sanons Do Patti, the upcoming film co-starring Kajol finally has a release date! It will be out on October 25, premiering on Netflix. In the most anticipated crime thriller, Kajol will take on the role of a cop for the first time, as shown in a promotional video released as part of the official date announcement. In the video, she is seen interrogating Kriti Sanon  only to learn in the end that she is dealing with twins.

Not just on screen, Kriti Sanon also has dual roles to play off-screen, both as an actor and producer of the film. Apart from the talented actresses, the film also stars Shaheer Sheikh who will be making his film debut. He will essay Dhruv Sood, the love interest of Kriti, dealing with his secrets and demons in the name of romance.

Earlier last year, announcing Do Patti on Instagram, Kriti Sanon shared a picture featuring Kajol, Kanika Dhillon and Ruchika Kapoor and wrote, Thrilled to announce DO PATTI! Alongside 3 very strong-headed, inspiring and immensely talented women Monica, we couldnt have found a better platform than Netflix to tell this story! Netflix, Superrr duperr excited to reunite with Kajol maam after 8 years! Kanika  Ive always loved your writing & Im so happy to be co-producing my first with you! Ufff.. this is a special one!

The film is jointly produced by Kanika Dhillons Kathha Pictures alongside Kriti Sanons Blue Butterfly Films. Debutante Shashanka Chaturvedi came on board to direct Do Patti, written by Kanika Dhillon.
West Asia is on the boil. The arc of conflict that was hitherto limited to Hamas and Israel has now expanded, sending tremors across global markets, security establishments, and deep-state actors.

Israel and its Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seem determined to take on their rivals in full-blown conflict. The multi-pronged war strategy of Israel Defence Forces (IDF) has flummoxed Shia and Sunni organisations across Iran, Lebanon, Yemen and other territories.

The Axis of Resistance, the brainchild of Iran, suffered a serious setback after Hezbollah supreme commander and General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah and half a dozen top commanders of this private militia were assassinated by Israel last week. Irans retaliatory missile strike on Israel seemingly failed to do much damage.

Its not just top leadership and the Shura Council that got wiped out. Weapon depots and related infrastructure were pulled down, thereby dealing a body blow to Hezbollah. Simultaneous psychological warfare launched by Israel was unprecedented after Hezbollah, Houthi militants, and other lesser-known groups supported Hamas terrorists in their fight against the IDF.

After the Islamic Resistance Movement popularly known as Hamas, a largely Sunni terrorist organisation, attacked Israel on October 7 last year, other militias in West Asia have joined forces to take on Israel.

This is the fifth such bloody, violence-ridden conflict since 2008 between Hamas and Israeli forces after the Yom Kippur War in 1973. Single-handedly, Israel has taken on both Sunni and Shia militant groups on all three fronts: air, water and land conflicts.

Most security analysts averred that it was a proxy war between Hamas and Israel while the big boys were lending huge support to both sides. China has sided with Hamas. Russia too has lent support to Hamas against Israel. Though Moscow condemned the terror act of Hamas, President Vladimir Vladimirovich Putin has refused to designate Hamas as a terrorist organisation.

If we go by the Chatham House analysis, the Chinese approach has been distinctly different. It went a step ahead and attempted to broker a peace deal between competing Palestinian groups, Fatah and Hamas. And, recognition of Hamas gave a big impetus to this militant organisation in the Gaza Strip and West Bank.

On the contrary, both the United States and major European powers have solidly backed Israel in its conflict with Hamas and its allies. The US under either Democrats or Republicans over the years has been with Israel since the 1960s after having recognised it as a sovereign state. In the expanding conflict, as per reports, the US has provided support to Israel on multiple fronts.

In parallel, the US launched its own campaign against Islamic State (ISIS) to keep its terrorists at bay and prevent them from joining ranks with Hamas, Hezbollah, and Houthis. Major European powers have backed the Jews in their fight against Muslim militants and terror groups.

In the melee, Bharat has taken a very nuanced, strategically independent, balanced position. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has rejected all shades and forms of terror irrespective of the region or religion that they profess. Bharat was among the first few countries to condemn Hamas mindless invasion of Israel last October.

Also, Bharat-Israeli relations are strategic and multi-faceted across areas, especially in arms, ammunition, and technology transfers apart from non-strategic areas like agriculture, trade, investment and public digital infrastructure.

Bharat has not designated Hamas as a terrorist organisation. But, New Delhi has not supported its inhuman, violent, barbaric and faith-driven tactics that escalated after its initial hit on Israel in October 2023.

Bharat mooted peace and stability in West Asia and rejected terror in all forms, hues, and shades. Bharat has been one of the few top countries that provided succour with food and medicines to conflict-ravaged Palestinians. Prime Minister Modi has emerged as a peacenik and plans to mediate between parties and secure a lasting solution to the vexed conflict. Condemning terror, New Delhi has demanded the release of all Israeli hostages held by Hamas as bargaining chips.

Bharat has big stakes in West Asia which accounts for over 70 per cent of its crude oil imports which is easily worth US $100 billion per annum. The escalation of the conflict would only disrupt crude supplies, leading to fluctuations in prices of both spot and deferred supplies. Oil imports are a big factor in Bharats economic policy-making while imported crude fuels her huge economic expansion.

Second, Iran has been a big Bharat ally in the region with trade and investment relations going beyond the normal. Bharat has been a partner in Tehrans development of the Chabahar port, which would open up fresh opportunities in central Asian republics.

Third, with over 210 million Muslims, Bharat has a big balancing act to play out as she has been home to both Shias and Sunnis. Also, given the socioeconomic progression of Muslim minorities, it would like both sides to have structured discussions to ensure lasting peace.

Fourth, millions from the Indian diaspora have made West Asia their home for decades. Ensuring their security, and wellbeing, and protecting their businesses and jobs apart from Indian investments would take primacy.

Fifth, Bharat has earned its stars by keeping away from lobbies and coteries in this conflict. It has all the wherewithal to play a significant role in the region along with other key stakeholders.

Sixth, Prime Minister Modi has had meetings with both Israels Netanyahu and Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas in the last fortnight on the sidelines of Quad meetings in the US. His relationships with these two leaders along with world powers should positively be leveraged to bring about peace in West Asia.

The author is Director & Chief Executive of non-partisan think tank, Centre for Integrated and Holistic Studies. Views expressed in the above piece are personal and solely those of the author. They do not necessarily reflect News18s views.
September 13, 2024, 06:25 PM IST | Episode 141

Donald Trump and Kamala Harris faced each other on the debate stage for the first  and possibly the last  time. Harris controlled the conversation at times while Trump grew more annoyed as the night went on. And it all came to a Taylor-made ending after the two candidates left the stage.
Union minister Amit Shah on Tuesday asked BJP leaders and workers in Maharashtra to resolve internal differences ahead of the assembly elections in the state.

In his third visit to Maharashtra in a fortnight, Shah held a meeting with Bharatiya Janata Party MLAs and a select group of party workers in Mumbai.

Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, state BJP president Chandrashekhar Bawankule and the partys Mumbai unit head Ashish Shelar were present at the meeting in Dadar where Shah addressed the gathering.

He asked party workers to iron out internal differences before the elections that are expected to be held in November, BJP sources said.

There are differences of opinion even in a family. If there is disappointment about an MLA or Member of Parliament, an amicable solution should be found so that voters remain with the party, Shah was quoted as saying.

He asked local leaders to appoint ten workers for every polling booth. These workers should remain active within the booth jurisdiction from Dussehra until the last day of the campaign, Shah said.

An organisation where workers function in different directions never succeeds. We need to address these differences before the elections, Shah stressed.

The state BJP unit will draw up a plan ahead of the polls. Party workers should reach out up to the ward level and it will ensure our victory, he said.

The senior BJP leader also asked workers to refrain from seeking votes when enrolling new party members. Do not ask new members to vote for the BJP when registering. Once they become members, they will realise the importance of voting. Party workers should aspire to add 20 new voters in every booth, he said.

There are certain types of tasks which no one wants to undertake. However, a loyal party worker is one who takes up such critical tasks and completes them. Disagreement takes place when people start working together. We should be able to overcome our such disagreements, Shah was further quoted as saying.

The BJP is part of the ruling Mahayuti alliance in the state that also includes the Shiv Sena and NCP.

Last month Shah visited the Vidarbha region where he engaged with party workers and local legislators, and also North Maharashtra, Marathwada and Western Maharashtra.

In 2019, the BJP had won 105 out of the 164 assembly seats it contested in Maharashtra. It had a pre-poll alliance with the undivided Shiv Sena then. Of 36 assembly seats in Mumbai, the saffron party had won 16.

But in the 2024 general elections, it fared badly, winning only nine of the 28 Lok Sabha seats it contested in the state.
JP Nadda is upset. Behind his benign smile, the BJP chief hides his frustration at the partys failure to meet its internal target of hitting the one-crore membership mark on September 25  the birth anniversary of Jan Sangh leader Deen Dayal Upadhyaya.

Sources in the BJP told News18 on the condition of anonymity that despite a centralised effort by the partys senior leadership down to the Mandal level, the BJP could only enrol 83 lakh members on the said day  17 lakh short of its internal target. Coincidentally, September 25 was the last day of the membership drives first leg.

STATES PULLED UP

There are at least two National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-ruled states that feature on the list of states that have performed poorly, say BJP sources. One of them is Rajasthan, where the BJP won 115 seats in December last year, ousting the Congress. The state could only enrol 26 lakh members by the end of the first leg against the set target of over 55 lakh.

The other state is Bihar where the BJP is in power in alliance with Nitish Kumars JD(U). The state BJP, which saw Dilip Jaiswal take over reins from Samrat Chowdhury this July, could only enrol close to 32 lakh members versus the target of 65 lakh.

Other states like Telangana, where the BJPs organisational strength is weak, have been able to enrol just 10 lakh members. Following the poor show, Nadda pulled up the state unit, including MPs and MLAs from the state, and asked them to target a membership of over 77 lakh. In the worst-case scenario, he has set a 50-lakh membership target after he recently attended the BJPs membership registration programme at Harita Plaza. He is also believed to have told the leaders that membership figures will determine party posts. He also held a closed-door meeting in Patna where he is believed to have pulled up not just the Bihar BJP president and the deputy chief minister but also party MLAs and MLCs.

In a closed-door meeting in Rajasthan, BJPs General Secretary (Organisation) BL Santhosh expressed his frustration at Rajasthans dismal performance and sounded the alarm bells not just for the states top leadership but every BJP MP and MLA, slamming their indifferent attitude.

YOGIs UP, HIMANTAs ASSAM SHOW THE WAY

While Bihar, Telangana, and Rajasthan are lagging behind in the membership drive, states like Yogi Adityanaths Uttar Pradesh and Himanta Biswa Sarmas Assam have shown how the job is to be done. In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modis home turf Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh and Assam together form the bulk of the membership so far  3 crore.

UP is leading the chart with 1.5 crore memberships alone, setting a benchmark for other states. However, BJP sources say despite leading, Uttar Pradesh couldnt reach the target of two crore that was set for them in a review meeting.

Uttar Pradesh is a big state and the partys national leadership has trust in the organisation and the leadership of Yogi-ji. Thats why such an ambitious target was set for us. In the second leg, we are confident of reaching the two-crore mark, said a BJP functionary.

Both MP and Gujarat are sitting pretty at the second and third spots with hardly any difference. Both the states have been able to achieve 75 per cent of their target. To put things in context, UP, despite being No. 1, could achieve close to 65 per cent of the target.

BJPs popular face in the Northeast, Sarma, ensured the enrolment of 50 lakh members compared to the target of 65 lakh.

Among smaller states, Tripura, Arunachal Pradesh, and Himachal Pradesh exceeded expectations. Of these, Himachal is the only Congress-ruled state which is exhibiting early signs of an anti-establishment mood amid the Grand Old Partys decision to boycott the Ram Mandir inauguration ceremony in Ayodhya.
A sweet video of a Pakistani boy confidently reporting the theft of his chicken to a police officer has captured the attention of the internet. In the clip, the young boy, wearing his school uniform, approaches a police officer to share his concern about his missing chicken. Interestingly, the police officer attentively listens and tells him to file a First Information Report (FIR) against the thief.

After the officer tells him to file a complaint, the boy gets concerned and asks how much it will cost, to which the officer replies that its completely free. Their conversation has captured the hearts of many, as people are praising the boys bravery and innocence, inspiring countless people online.

As per the user, who shared the original video on YouTube, a young boy reported that someone had stolen his chicken. He told the police officer that his chicken was fluffy, white and the best in the world. The officer listened carefully and asked for more details about his pet and the person who took her.

The boy explained that he didnt see the thiefs face but noticed they were wearing a black hoodie and ran away quickly. He mentioned that he last saw his chicken in the backyard while he was feeding her and when he went inside the house, she disappeared.

The officer assured him they would do everything to find the chicken and asked if he had any suspects in mind. The boy suggested that a neighbours son, who often chases his chicken, might be involved. The officer thanked him for sharing this information and promised to investigate the situation.

The X user wrote, A Pakistani Punjabi Kid Talking To A Policeman Telling About How He Wants Them To Arrest Sadiq Naais Son For Stealing A Chicken. He Looks Like A Born Leader.

A Pakistani Punjabi Kid Talking To A Policeman Telling About How He Wants Them To Arrest Sadiq Naai's Son For Stealing A Chicken.He Looks Like A Born Leader. pic.twitter.com/bQncmZPkXw    (@Rajput131313) September 27, 2024

Reacting to the post, a user wrote, His style.

 His style  Richa Vriksh (@richa_vriksh) September 28, 2024

Another shared, He is 7 going on 47, what a little boss.

He is 7 going on 47what a little boss Be like water (@Psga4) September 27, 2024

OMG hes so funny and cute, a comment read.

Omg hes so funny and cute.  Kalamity (@KalamityKill) September 27, 2024

Another wrote, He asked the corrupt policeman. How much money? Even kids know that these people wont move without money.

He asked the corrupt police man .how much money? .. even kids know that these people wont move without money..  Kanwar Singh (@KanwarS84976079) September 27, 2024

An individual shared, Hes going to grow into a leader surely, with such confidence.

he's going to grow into a leader surely  such confidence:) HarMan (@HPSNatt) September 29, 2024

One more added, Did he say that the badaa officer is his yaar? OMG this is so cute and terrifying.

Did he say that the badaa officer is his yaar?! OMG this is so cute. And terrifying! Shomona Khanna (@alterlaw) September 28, 2024

Since the video was shared on X, it has garnered over 43,000 views.
Elon Musk-led Tesla has reportedly taken drastic measures to combat rising absenteeism, with the company visiting the homes of up to 30 German employees who had called in sick. This aggressive crackdown on employees started a chatter on social media, where people began sharing their own horror stories of bosses reacting poorly to sick leaves. One Reddit user took to the platform to ask Indians about how their managers reacted to them calling in sick and the responses are equal parts sad and hilarious.

Did you have managers who actually check if youre really sick when you take sick leaves? asked Reddit user pranagrapher on the platforms Indiasocial community.

The user added, Managers are so used to breaching boundaries and breathing down the necks of the employees. Everyone complained about Indian work culture and called it Toxic. But what Tesla is up to is just the next level of toxicity.

The question that was shared a few hours ago on Reddit has accumulated over 1,000 upvotes and a flurry of comments.

One individual recounted how their boss visited the hospital to verify whether they really met with an accident.

I once had an accident and my kneecap got dislocated. Mind you, this happened on my way to the office. When I informed my manager, she instructed me to get to the office for a half day, claimed Reddit user Abhinav Patel.

To this, the original poster replied, Not surprised, they get some gratification by speaking like a manager. My manager once gave me a video call to check if I was really on my way to the hospital to see my relative who was hospitalised.

A woman shared how her boss once tried to gauge whether her period pain was real. I had one mentor once who tried to check if I had menstrual pain, wrote the woman.

The original poster chimed in again, recalling a similar situation: My colleague was asked by her manager if she could postpone taking her menstrual leave on another day if it isnt too painful as they had a lot of work pending and couldnt afford to approve her leave.

Another Reddit user, Madhurima, shared a frustrating experience, My manager once accused me of faking the reading on my thermometer (102 fever).

I once needed to undergo an endoscopy and my former team lead wanted me to work during the procedure without even realising how the procedure is done, joined yet another.
Poverty is a major problem in India. A shocking case of poverty emerged from Sagar in Madhya Pradesh. There is a family whose annual income is just Rs 2. The income certificate issued by the Tehsildar of the area has gone viral. This created a massive stir among the netizens. After the letter surfaced, people were left surprised. Many of them questioned how this family lives with an annual income of just Rs 2. Let us know about this shocking story in this article.

The income certificate belongs to Balram Chadhar from Ghoghra village in Banda Tehsil. It was issued in January 2024. Reporters from Local 18 reached the village to investigate the matter. While talking to one of the family members named Tizzu Chadhar, he said that there are five people in the family. Due to financial issues, the entire family works as labourers. Balram Chadhar is the youngest son of the family and is in the 12th grade. He had this certificate made to apply for a scholarship in order to continue his studies. When the scholarship was not issued he spoke about it to his teachers. Upon checking, he found out that the income amount was wrongly mentioned in the certificate.

While talking to the media personnel, Balram explained that he was issued the certificate by Common Service Centres where he reported an income of Rs 40,000 annually. Instead, Rs 2 were mentioned on the certificate. Shockingly, neither the person who handed over the certificate nor the Tehsildar, who signed it noticed the discrepancy.

According to reports, the officials who issued the certificate were transferred to another block. When he was asked about it, he mentioned that the certificate which mentioned Rs 2 as annual income was cancelled and another certificate with the current amount was issued.

According to an earlier report shared by Niti Aayog, the multidimensional poverty in India dipped from 29.17 percent in 2013-14 to 11.28 percent in 2022-23. Around 24.82 crore reportedly moved out of poverty during this period.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 30. Turkmenistan and the Philippines discussed the creation of a new format of interaction between the countries of Central Asia and ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations), Trend reports via the Turkmen Foreign Ministry.

The initiative was presented to the Turkmen side during a meeting between Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov and his Philippine counterpart Enrico Manalo within the framework of discussing issues of bilateral and multilateral cooperation on the sidelines of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly.

The parties expressed mutual interest in intensifying political dialogue and holding regular political consultations.

The possibility of strengthening partnerships in the economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres was also considered.

Concluding the meeting, the ministers confirmed the importance of continuing cooperation and expansion in the trade, economic, cultural and humanitarian spheres between the countries of Central Asia and ASEAN.

To note, ASEAN is a regional intergovernmental organization comprising 10 Southeast Asian countries: Brunei, Vietnam, Indonesia, Cambodia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, and the Philippines. Founded in 1967, the organization aims to promote economic growth, cultural exchange, political stability, and peaceful cooperation among the countries in the region.

ASEAN's economic activities span a wide range of sectors, including trade, investment, infrastructure development, and industrial projects.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
A British journalist who reportedly lost his legs in 2004 while reporting on the Middle East was recently forced to crawl across the cabin floor of a LOT Polish Airlines flight. The incident occurred due to the airlines lack of onboard wheelchair facilities. Frank Gardner, a seasoned BBC correspondent, was returning from Warsaw when he found himself in what he described as a shocking situation. In a post on X, Gardner explained that he needed to use the toilet during the flight, only to be told by the crew that the airline does not provide onboard wheelchairs. As a result, he had no other option but to crawl.

Wow. Its 2024 and Ive just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as we dont have onboard wheelchairs. Its airline policy. If youre disabled and you cant walk this is just discriminatory, Gardner wrote in his post.

Wow. Its 2024 and Ive just had to crawl along the floor of this LOT Polish airline to get to the toilet during a flight back from Warsaw as we dont have onboard wheelchairs. Its airline policy. If youre disabled and you cant walk this is just discriminatory. pic.twitter.com/aFuxo89DR5 Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) September 30, 2024

Despite the frustration, Gardner acknowledged the efforts of the cabin crew.

In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, its the airline. Wont be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century, he continued.

In fairness to the cabin crew, they were as helpful and apologetic as they could be. Not their fault, its the airline. Wont be flying LOT again until they join the 21st century. Frank Gardner (@FrankRGardner) September 30, 2024

His social media post sparked widespread empathy, with users expressing disbelief. One person commented, Shocking  so sorry to hear this, isnt it time airlines are obliged to provide onboard wheelchairs to be able to hold licences to fly into international airports?

Shocking  so sorry to hear this, isnt it time airlines are obliged to provide on board wheelchairs to be able to hold licences to fly into international airports Hazel McIntyre (@HazelMcI1) September 30, 2024

Would it be so hard to make a wheelchair that runs along the same gunnels that the trolleys do, and can lock in place if necessary so that wheelchair users can get to and from their seats? Pretty sure they would only need one per aircraft, wrote another person.

Would it be so hard to make a wheelchair that runs along the same gunnels that the trolleys do, and can lock in place if necessary so that wheelchair users can get to and from their seats? Pretty sure they would only need one per aircraft. Jules 16th  (@Jules16th) September 30, 2024

An individual added, Sorry, Frank. This is pretty tough on anyone and degrading. Thank you for your many years of great Middle East commentary and analysis. I have always appreciated your work and admire your stoicism.

Sorry, Frank. This is pretty tough on anyone and degrading.Thank you for your many years of great Middle East commentary and analysis. I have always appreciated your work and admire your stoicism.  Dr Bharat Pankhania (@doctorshaib) September 30, 2024

Gardners journalism career has taken him to some of the worlds most dangerous places. In 2004, while covering a story in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, he was shot by Al-Qaeda gunmen, leaving him partially paralysed, The Guardian informed. LOT Polish Airlines is yet to make an official statement on the matter.
Iran launched a major missile strike that targeted sites across Israel, an escalation that risks a wider war in West Asia. Israelis headed for bomb shelters, air-raid sirens blared, and explosions could be heard above Tel Aviv.

The missile attack comes after Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and sent troops into Lebanon, saying it sought to drive the Shia Islamist militant group back from the border.

Biden tells US troops to shoot down missiles aimed at Israel

US President Biden directed his countrys military to shoot down the missiles targeting Israel, the White House told reporters.

Currently, there are no reports of injuries from the fire towards Israel, except for two light injuries from shrapnel in the Tel Aviv area and some minor injuries nationwide while moving to safe spaces, a statement from Israeli emergency services said.

Air traffic was halted at Israels Ben Gurion airport and the country closed its airspace and diverted flights, a spokesman from the airport authority said. The aviation authorities in Jordan and Iraq also announced the suspension of air traffic.

Iran threatens crushing response if Israel hits back

Iran promised a crushing response if Israel retaliates or commits further acts of malevolence. Analysts said Iran was likely seeking to look tough but not provoke a broad retaliation.

Observers say Iran could ask the Houthis and other groups to step up their attacks on both Israel and US bases in the region. But whatever response it chooses, it will likely calibrate it to be just short of triggering a regional war that would draw in the US and which it could not win.

Israelis were told it was safe to leave shelters. Paramedics were searching sites where there were reports of rocket strikes.

At least six Israelis were killed in a shooting near the light rail in Jaffa shortly before the missile attack began. Two gunmen were neutralised, police said.

White House warning of Irans comeback to Nasrallah killing

Earlier, White House and US Defense Department officials said Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack at Israel after its invasion of southern Lebanon.

Israel earlier began its invasion of southern Lebanon, launching what it calls a limited, localised and targeted ground operation aimed at pushing Hezbollah forces farther away from the border.

It follows weeks of escalating conflict with the Iran-backed militant group, which is reeling from the killing of its powerful leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Intense Israeli strikes have killed more than 1,000 people and displaced as many as 1 million in recent weeks, Lebanese officials say.

PM Modi urged Netanyahu to prevent regional escalation

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday reiterated Indias opposition to terrorism and simultaneously urged his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu to prevent regional escalation, saying New Delhi will support an early restoration of peace in West Asia.

Modi made the remarks during a phone conversation with Netanyahu that focused on the latest developments in West Asia.

Who is saying what

Irans mission to the United Nations issued a warning shortly after the attack on Israel began Tuesday.

Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue, the mission said in a post on social media site X.

After Irans attack, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres condemned the broadening conflict in the Middle East.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has told his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant that Washington had increased force readiness in the region in anticipation of the Iranian attack.

The call appeared to have taken place before Iran launched hundreds of missiles towards Israel.

The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the severe consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, the Pentagon statement said.

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari held a televised address. In it, he said the Israeli military is fully prepared to defend and retaliate to the Iranian attack, stressing that it would be in a timely manner.

Israels action against Hezbollah

Israel has inflicted huge damage on Hezbollah in recent weeks, killing more than a dozen top commanders and apparently destroying thousands of weapons in air strikes. It was also blamed for the exploding pager and walkie-talkie attacks that left thousands of Hezbollah members maimed, blinded or killed. Analysts say the killing of Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on Beiruts southern suburbs on Friday is the biggest blow of all.

Despite the earlier US attempts to rein in the Israeli leader and coax Hezbollah to a truce, Benjamin Netanyahu has signalled strongly that he will act as he sees fit, whatever the pressure from Washington.

(With inputs from agencies)
US president Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered the US military to aid Israel and shoot down Iranian missiles, the White House said.

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for a ceasefire amid heightened tensions between Israel and Iran.

I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation.This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.  Antonio Guterres (@antonioguterres) October 1, 2024

Israel was under missile attack from Iran on Tuesday, the Israeli military and Iranian state media said, the latest escalation after Israeli raids against Iran-backed militants in Lebanon.

A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel, the military said in a statement. Sirens sounded across Israel, with AFP journalists reporting hearing explosions over Jerusalem.

Irans official news agency IRNA said it had launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv, Israels commercial hub.

Its Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attack was in response to Israels killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran bombing widely blamed on Israel.

Israeli airspace was closed with all flights diverted, a spokesman for the airport authority said.

Iraq and Jordan, while lie between between Iran and Israel, closed their airspace too.

As the missiles made their way to Israel from the east, blasts were heard over the Jordanian capital Amman, as Israels allies moved to intercept them, an AFP correspondent said.

Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had earlier discussed the Iran threat with Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin, a statement from his office said.

While Iran-backed groups across the region had already been drawn into the Gaza war, sparked by Palestinian group Hamass October 7 attack on Israel, Tehran had largely refrained from direct attacks on its regional foe.

Early Tuesday, the Israeli military said troops had started targeted ground raids in south Lebanon, across Israels northern border, though officials have provided few details of the scale of the operation or its timeframe.

The Israeli ground offensive came despite growing calls for de-escalation after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds in Lebanon, including Hassan Nasrallah, the powerful leader of Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah.

Iran has said Nasrallahs killing would bring about Israels destruction, though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any troops to confront Israel.

The Pentagon said the United States was boosting its forces in the Middle East by a few thousand troops.

(With inputs from AFP)
Hamas praised on Tuesday what it called Irans heroic missile attacks avenging the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Iranian Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan.

We congratulate the heroic rocket launch carried out by the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps in Iran, on large areas of our occupied territories, in response to the occupations continuing crimes against the peoples of the region, and in retaliation for the blood of our nations heroic martyrs, the group said.

Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for Israels campaign against Tehrans Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, and Israel vowed a painful response against its enemy.

Iran had vowed to retaliate following Israeli strikes that killed the top leadership of its ally Hezbollah in Lebanon, including that groups leader Hassan Nasrallah, a towering figure in Irans network of fighters across the region.

In a statement, Irans Revolutionary Guards said the attack was also in response to Israels assassination in July of former Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Palestinians in the Gaza Strip, locked in nearly a year of war with Israel, celebrated as they watched dozens of rockets en route to Israel. Some of those rockets fell in the Palestinian enclave after being intercepted by Israels iron dome, but caused no human losses, witnesses said.

Israeli forces operating in central Gaza opened fire at a gathering of Palestinians, killing at least three people and wounding others, medics said.

Some Palestinian residents said some people tried to approach the road connecting north and south Gaza in an apparent attempt to return to homes from where the Israeli army evicted them, taking advantage of the Iranian attacks.

The Israeli military said it opened fire against a group of Palestinian suspects who posed a threat to forces operating in central Gaza and identified that some of them were hit.

There were no casualties among the forces and the incident is under control, the military statement said.

In Nuseirat, one of Gazas eight historic refugee camps, an Israeli strike hit a school sheltering displaced Palestinian families and killed three people, medics said. Palestinian health officials said Israeli strikes across the Gaza Strip killed at least 43 people on Tuesday.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel almost a year ago, in support of its ally Hamas in the war in Gaza, which began after the militant group staged the deadliest assault in Israels history on Oct. 7.

The assault, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, triggered the war that has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its 2.3 million population and killing more than 41,600 people, according to Gaza health authorities.
Hassan Nasrallah, the chief Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, was suffocated to death after toxic fumes leaked into his secret bunker following Israel launched a massive airstrike on the militant groups headquarters in Beirut on September 27, reported an Israeli media outlet.

According to Israels Channel 12, 64-year-old Nasrallah died after toxic gases entered his secret bunker after it was demolished by 80 tons of bunker-busting bombs launched by the Israeli military.

Hassan Nasrallah, who has led Hezbollah for 32 years, was killed in the targeted IDF air strikes on the Iranian-backed outfits central headquarters in Beirut. The strike was carried out by Israeli Air Force (IAF) fighter jets at the groups Central Headquarters, reportedly located underground beneath a residential building in the Dahieh area.

How Did Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah Die

It has been learnt that when Nasrallahs body was discovered by officials he had no visible wounds, which suggested he may have been buried under rubble while gas from explosions filled his bunker.

The report suggested that the death Hezbollah chief might not have been the initial blast, but rather an asphyxiation.

The security personnel who recovered Nasrallahs body said that he was most likely killed by blunt trauma due to the explosions. He was preparing for a meeting with Hezbollah leadership when the bombs struck.

However, the Lebanese militant group has not yet commented on what actually happened during the airstrike in Beirut in which its chief was killed.
Days after reports claimed an Iranian informant provided Israel with crucial intelligence that led to the assassination of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has revealed the head of Israels national intelligence agency Mossad, operational in Iran to counter Israeli espionage, was himself an Israeli national.

In an interview with CNN-Turk, Ahmadinejad also said Irans secret services had created a special unit to combat Mossad operating in Iran, and that 20 other agents were also involved.

The alleged double agents were providing Israel with sensitive information on the Iranian nuclear program, according to his comments in the interview.

The boss of the Iranian anti-Mossad intelligence agency was a Mossad agent, he said.

Irans secret services had created a special unit to combat Mossad operating in Iran. It turns out the head of this unit was himself a Mossad agent, along with 20 other agents, who were responsible for multiple operations in Iran, including stealing nuclear documents and assassinating several Iranian nuclear scientists before fleeing to Israel, CNN-Turk tweeted quoting Ahmadinejad.

 The boss of the Iranian anti Mossad intelligence agency was a MOSSAD AGENT!Irans secret services had created a special unit to combat Mossad operating in Iran. It turns out the head of this unit was himself a Mossad agent, along with 20 other agents, who were pic.twitter.com/cZcGl1ldIq  Lord Bebo (@MyLordBebo) September 30, 2024

The revelation comes following Ahmadinejads rejection of his candidacy for Irans June 2024 presidential elections.

According to the previous report, the informant had tipped off Israeli forces about Nasrallahs location just hours before the attack, which took place at his highly secure underground headquarters in Dahieh, a southern suburb of Beirut.

The attack involved dropping six two-ton bombs, creating a massive 30-meter-deep crater and destroying two neighbouring buildings.

The explosion was reportedly heard as far away as downtown Beirut. This strike is considered one of the largest against Hezbollah since 2006 and marks a significant blow to the organization following Nasrallahs death.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since October 8, the day after Hamas sent fighters into Israel and sparked the war in Gaza. It has been almost a year since some 250 people were abducted from Israel.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military began what it called a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border. The targets, it said, pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas.

There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach, Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Hezbollahs acting leader, Naim Kassem, promised the group would fight following the death Friday of its long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Israel has also assassinated several of the groups top commanders in recent days.
The Israeli military on Tuesday said that intense fighting with Hezbollah was taking place in southern Lebanon as hundreds of troops have reportedly entered the villages at the border. The military issued a warning to citizens not to move in their vehicles from the northern area to the southern area of the Litani River.

Confirming the militarys targeted raids, IDF spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari said, Hezbollah had prepared to use those villages  as staging grounds for an October 7-style invasioninto Israeli homes. Hezbollah planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities, and massacre innocent men women and children.

Earlier in the day, it was reported that the Israeli troops have started targeted ground raids in villages of southern Lebanon. The attacks backed by airstrikes and artillery targeted the militant group Hezbollah in villages close to the border with Israel, a military statement said.

The IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, Israels military said in a statement.

IDF will be carrying out a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months, the Jerusalem Post informed.

The recent attacks came two days after it killed the groups chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut on Friday. A Lebanese security official said Israel had also conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut after Israels army ordered residents in the Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate, reported AFP.

Israel, Hezbollah Defiant In Not Ending Clash

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel vowed to keep fighting against Hezbollah. Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned that the battle was not over even after the massive strike on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, giving a massive setback to the group.

Meanwhile, Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Qassem, in his first televised speech since Nasrallahs death, said they are ready to fight the battle against Israel. The group has said in a statement they targeted Israeli troops in orchards near the Lebanese border.

World Leaders Call For De-escalation

US President Joe Biden earlier on Monday indicated he opposed an Israeli ground operation and said, We should have a ceasefire now. The US has supported Israels right to defend itself.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin on Tuesday informed that he spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant and discussed security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israels right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities.

I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict. I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, he added.

In fact, Prime Minister Narendra Modi also on Monday told Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu that India condemns terrorism in all forms and reiterated the need to ensure the safe release of all hostages held in the Gaza Strip.

World leaders have urged de-escalation, with United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterress spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying, We do not want any sort of ground invasion.

(With agency inputs)
Iran on Tuesday launched hundreds of missiles at Israel, just hours after a US official warned that Tehran was preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack. Iran said the attack was in response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian Brigadier General Abbas Nilforushan last week in an Israeli airstrike, as well as the death of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a bombing in Tehran in July.

At this moment, we understand it was approximately 180 projectiles, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson told CNN. But this is not final, and (is) an initial estimate.

Several reports also said between 150 and 200 missiles were fired by Iran in the attack. This was Irans second strike on Israel, following a missile and drone attack in April in response to a deadly Israeli airstrike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

However, according to the Tehran Times, Iran launched 400 ballistic missiles at Israel. The missiles were fired from Iranian cities including Isfahan, Tabriz, Khoramabad, Karaj, and Arak.

ALSO READ: What Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallahs Death Means For Iran And Middle East | Explained

World Leaders Call For Restraint After Iran Attacks Israel

After Iran launched missiles at Israel, several World leaders have urged the countries to call for a ceasefire. US President Joe Biden said the Iranian missile attack on Israel appears to have been defeated and ineffective.

At my direction, the United States military actively supported the defence of Israel. We are still assessing the impact but, based on what we know, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective and this is a testament to Israeli military capability (It is) also a testament to intensive planning (between) the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against a brazen attack, Bide added.

US Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris on Tuesday promised her unwavering commitment to the security of Israel.

Japans new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba also on Wednesday said that missile attacks by Iran on Israel were unacceptable. Irans attack is unacceptable. We will condemn this strongly. But at the same time, we would like to cooperate (with the United States) to defuse the situation and prevent it from escalating into a full-on war, Ishiba added.

Large number of Iran missiles intercepted: IDF

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari confirmed that the military intercepted a large number of missiles fired by Iran, but noted that there were a few hits in the central region and other areas in the south of the country.

We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country, Hagari stated.

Biden Orders US Military To Intercept

US President Joe Biden on Tuesday ordered the US military to aid Israels defence and shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel.

In a statement, the White House said Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next months US presidential election, are both monitoring Irans attack on Israel.

On social media platform X, Biden expressed his support for Israel, stating that the United States is prepared to help.

This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel.We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region.  President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2024

This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel. We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region, Bidens post said.

Stay close to safety shelters: Govt Advisory To Indian Citizens

Following the US warning, the Indian Embassy in Israel issued an advisory on Tuesday evening, urging all Indian nationals in the country to remain vigilant and stay close to safety shelters following reports that Iran is preparing an imminent missile attack on Israel.

The embassy shared this advisory on social media X and provided a Google Doc link for the registration of Indian nationals in Israel.

*IMPORTANT ADVISORY FOR INDIAN NATIONALS IN ISRAEL*Link : https://t.co/OEsz3oUtBJ pic.twitter.com/llt83IwIZ0  India in Israel (@indemtel) October 1, 2024

Additionally, the embassy reassured citizens that it is closely monitoring the situation and maintaining regular contact with Israeli authorities.

Take ShelterUS Advises Citizens in Israel, West Bank & Gaza

The US Department of StateBureau of Consular Affairsalso issued a social media post on X, stating that due to the current security situation, it has directed all American government employees and their family members in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to shelter in place until further notice.

Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza: As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice. The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued pic.twitter.com/6XOzN0C1wU Travel  State Dept (@TravelGov) October 1, 2024

The U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem reminds U.S. citizens of the continued need for caution and increased personal security awareness as security incidents, including mortar and rocket fire and unmanned aircraft system (UAS) intrusions, often take place without warning, the statement read.

ALSO READ: Ismail Haniyeh, Hamas Political Wing Chief, Assassinated At His Tehran Residence: Iran

Intense fighting in southern Lebanon

Furthermore, Israel on Tuesday said that its troops were engaged in intense fighting in southern Lebanon after announcing it had launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah, just days after an airstrike in Beirut killed its chief, Hassan Nasrallah.

Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon, Israeli army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram. For your personal safety, we ask you not to travel by vehicles from the north to the south of the Litani River.

Hezbollah, however, has denied that Israeli troops have entered Lebanon, stating that its fighters are prepared for a direct confrontation if they do cross the border.

Russia Urges Israel To Withdraw Troops From Lebanon

Russia on Tuesday called on Israel to withdraw its troops from Lebanon, warning that the attack would lead to further escalation of violence in the Middle East.

Russia strongly condemns the attack on Lebanon and calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities, withdraw their troops from Lebanese territory and engage in a real search for peaceful ways to resolve the Middle East conflict, the Russian foreign ministry stated.

It is obvious that such a step taken by the Israeli military and political leadership following the assassination of a number of Hezbollah leaders will lead to a further escalation of violence in the Middle East region.

Ready to have direct confrontation: Hezbollah

In its first response since Israel announced its ground operation, Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afifi called reports of Israeli forces entering Lebanon false claims.

All the Zionist claims that (Israeli) occupation forces have entered Lebanon are false claims, Afifi said, Afifi stated, adding that there has not yet been any direct ground clash between Hezbollah fighters and Israeli forces.

He further noted that Hezbollah fighters are ready to have direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon to inflict casualties among them.

When did the ground offensive start?

On late Monday, Israels military began what it described as limited, localised, and targeted raids against Hezbollah in the border areas of southern Lebanon. Its ground forces are supported by fighter jets and artillery fire.

The military officially announced the start of the ground offensive just hours after the United States (US) said that Israeli forces were conducting limited operations in Lebanon.

While the military did not disclose the number of soldiers involved in the incursion, it confirmed that its 98th divisioncomprising paratroopers and commando unitswas participating. This division had previously been deployed in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to engage with Palestinian militants led by Hamas.

The military also designated three areas along the northern border with Lebanon as a closed military zone, marking the first indication of a potential ground offensive.

(With inputs from agencies)
The Israel Defense Force (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari on Tuesday claimed that the militant group Hezbollah was planning to use villages near the Lebanon border for staging grounds for an October 7-style invasion into Israeli homes.

The allegation came after the Israeli military said on Tuesday that intense fighting with Hezbollah was taking place in southern Lebanon, which the IDF termed as targeted operations in Lebanon to dismantle Hezbollahs capabilities and restore security to Israels north.

The military issued a warning to citizens not to move their vehicles from the northern area to the southern area of the Litani River. This warning is in effect until further notice, the IDF said in a statement posted on X.

Hezbollah Planned October 7-Style Invasion

Issuing a recorded video statement, Hagari claimed that the Lebanese terror group had planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities and massacre innocent men, women and children. They called this plan, Conquer the Galilee.

We will not let the 7th of October happen again on any one of our borders, he vowed, almost a year after some 3,000 Hamas-led terrorists infiltrated across the border into Israel by land, air and sea, killing some 1,200 people and seized 251 hostages, mostly civilians, amid acts of brutality and sexual assault, sparking the ongoing war in Gaza.

Hezbollah had prepared to use those villages  as staging grounds for an October 7-style invasioninto Israeli homes. Hezbollah planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities, and massacre innocent men women and children.Watch the full statement by IDF Spox. RAdm. pic.twitter.com/gHnKWSPGDv  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

Israel Begins Ground Assault

Earlier in the day, Israeli troops reportedly launched targeted ground raids in villages of southern Lebanon. The attacks backed by airstrikes and artillery targeted the militant group Hezbollah in villages close to the border with Israel, a military statement said.

The IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, Israels military said in a statement.

IDF will be carrying out a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months, the Jerusalem Post informed.

The recent attacks came two days after it killed the groups chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Beirut on Friday night. A Lebanese security official said Israel had also conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut after Israels army ordered residents in the Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate, reported AFP.

Battle Not Over: Israel

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel vowed to keep fighting against Hezbollah. Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant had warned earlier that Israels military action in Lebanon was not over even after an Israeli strike killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a devastating blow to the militant group.

Indicating that warfare was far from over, Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Qassem, in his first televised speech since Nasrallahs death, also vowed to continue their fight against Israel. The group has said in a statement they targeted Israeli troops in orchards near the Lebanese border.
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has issued a strong warning to Iran, declaring that it made a big mistake with its missile attack on Israel. Speaking at the opening of the security cabinet meeting in Jerusalem, Netanyahu stated that the Iranian missile strike, which occurred on Tuesday, had failed due to Israels advanced air defence system. He expressed gratitude to the United States for its support in thwarting the attack.

The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and retaliate against our enemies, Netanyahu said, adding that the leaders of Hamas, Hezbollah and Iran have underestimated Israels resolve. He said that whoever attacks us  we will attack them, reaffirming Israels stance against threats from its adversaries in the region, including Gaza, Lebanon, Yemen, Syria and Iran.

         . pic.twitter.com/B2yppgGqcE Benjamin Netanyahu    (@netanyahu) October 1, 2024

Netanyahu also called for global unity against Iran, urging the forces of light in the world to stand by Israel. He framed the conflict as a clear choice between tyranny and freedom and vowed to continue Israels efforts to ensure its security, return hostages and secure the nations future.

Meanwhile, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian responded via his official X account, justifying the missile strikes as a defence against Israeli aggression. He warned Netanyahu against escalating the conflict, stating, Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power. Do not enter into a conflict with Iran.

Earlier in the day, the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) confirmed that Iran had launched hundreds of missiles across Israel, prompting widespread Red Alerts. Over 10 million Israelis were at risk, and civilians were urged to take shelter in bomb shelters as the missile barrage targeted central and southern regions of the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The World Bank (WB) and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have invested $42 billion in climate financing last year, the head of the IFC representative office in Azerbaijan, Aliya Azimova, said at an international conference as part of the Baku Climate Action Week, Trend reports.

"Funding is essential to stimulate green development. Last year, the World Bank and the International Finance Corporation (IFC), which I represent, contributed a remarkable amount of $42 billion in climate financing. IFC accounted for more than half of the mobilization of private investments in low- and middle-income countries," Azimova stated.

She also pointed out the rapid pace of urbanization, noting that by the middle of the century, over 2.5 billion people are expected to live in cities by 2050. Currently, cities produce 70 percent of global greenhouse gas emissions, utilize 75 percent of natural resources, and generate 50 percent of the world's waste.

To note, Baku hosts Action Week ((BCAW 2024)) for the first time. The event will conclude on October 4, 2024.

The event forms the basis of the climate agenda ahead of COP29 in Baku in November. It brings together key stakeholders from a range of fields such as politics, finance, trade, investment, science, arts, culture, civil society, and media.

The main themes of the event are energy transition," cities and urbanized environments," water security," food and agriculture," "SMEs, and green skills.

The first half of the week (from September 30 through October 2) will focus on climate solutions involving government agencies, academia, and the private sector. The second half (October 3-4) will focus on science, education, arts, culture, and other sectors.
US Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that Iran was a dangerous and destabilising force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israels security.

WHY ITS IMPORTANT

The comments from Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the November 5 US election, came hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israels military campaign in Lebanon, drawing vows of a sharp response from Israel and the US.

No injuries were reported in Israel and Washington called Irans attack ineffective.

KEY QUOTES

Im clear-eyed Iran is a destabilising, dangerous force in the Middle East, Harris said. I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias.

I fully support President (Joe) Bidens order for the US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, Harris said. Initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack.

Harris added that Washington will work with its allies to disrupt what she called Irans aggressive behavior.

CONTEXT

Israel has escalated its military campaign in Lebanon in recent days, killing hundreds and displacing more than a million due to operations that Israel says are targeting Lebanese Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Israels military campaign in Lebanon is in addition to its war in Gaza that followed a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants. Israelis military assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands according to Palestinian health authorities, displaced nearly everyone there, caused a hunger crisis and prompted genocide allegations that Israel denies.
At least eight people were shot dead and several others wounded, along with a dog, in a suspected terror attack at Tel Avivs Jaffa in central Israel late on Tuesday. Two assailants had been neutralised by security forces, police said.

According to Israels Magen David Adom (MDA) emergency services, eight people were critically wounded and they later succumbed. The authorities said more casualties are feared after the shooting incident near a traffic crossing at a railway station.

Update to the terror attack in Jaffa:MDA EMTs and Paramedics are treating 7 casualties in varying conditions. 2 unconscious in critical condition, 2 in serious condition, 2 moderate and 1 mild. Updates to follow  Magen David Adom (@Mdais) October 1, 2024

Two men with weapons, seen exiting the train in videos that have gone viral now, were shot dead by the security forces.
In the wake of Irans missile attack on Israel, US officials have responded with strong condemnation, dubbing the attack totally unacceptable. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken called for the global denunciation of the attack, stating, it is totally unacceptable and added that the entire world should condemn it.

Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack, he added. Blinken made these remarks during a press briefing at the State Department.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan termed the missile barrage as a significant escalation by Iran. He noted that the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) managed the situation effectively, resulting in no casualties. Sullivan said, This is a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel.

He reiterated that the US would hold Iran accountable for its actions, stating, We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case. The Biden administration is currently monitoring developments and consulting with Israeli officials regarding potential responses to the attack.

Earlier in the day, the IDF reported that Iran had launched over 100 missiles targeting various regions across Israel, prompting widespread Red Alerts. Civilians in central and southern Israel were urged to seek shelter, with over 10 million people potentially affected by the missile barrage.

The attack follows a warning from Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, who stated that the missile strikes were a response to what he termed the aggression of the Zionist regime. Let Benjamin Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat. This is only a corner of our power, Pezeshkian warned.
The United States on Tuesday warned Iran of serious consequences should it launch a direct military attack on Israel in response to their attacks on the Tehran-backed militant group Hezbollah. US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin further extended support to Israels right to defend itself.

Speaking to Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant, the Pentagon chief also offered support for dismantling attack infrastructure along the border with Lebanon, after Israel launched targeted ground raids on Hezbollah.

Austin reaffirmed the position shared by the White House that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure civilian safety on both sides of the border. I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, he said in a statement posted to social network X after speaking with Gallant.

We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, Austin added.

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israels right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024

The United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict, he added.

Battle Not Over: Israel

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel vowed to keep fighting against Hezbollah. Gallant had warned earlier that Israels military action in Lebanon was not over even after an Israeli strike killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a devastating blow to the militant group.

Indicating that warfare was far from over, Hezbollahs deputy leader Naim Qassem, in his first televised speech since Nasrallahs death, also vowed to continue their fight against Israel. The group has said in a statement they targeted Israeli troops in orchards near the Lebanese border.

Israel Begins Ground Raids

The Israeli military on Tuesday said that its troops have started targeted ground raids in villages of southern Lebanon. The attacks backed by airstrikes and artillery began a few hours ago and are targeting militant group Hezbollah in villages close to the border with Israel, a military statement said.

The IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, Israels military said in a statement.

IDF will be carrying out a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command, which soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months, the Jerusalem Post informed.

Israel Eliminates Nasrallah

The recent escalation between both countries comes after the Israeli military eliminated Iran-backed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike in Lebonons Beirut on Friday night.

A Lebanese security official said Israel had also conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut after Israels army ordered residents in the Hezbollah stronghold to evacuate, reported AFP.

Lebanons health ministry said 95 people had been killed and 172 injured in fresh Israeli strikes across the country on Monday. The government added that one million people  a fifth of the population  have fled their homes.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan. October 1. Turkmenistan is prepared to increase its supply of natural gas and electricity to member countries of the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov said at the annual meeting of ECO foreign ministers, chaired by Iran's Foreign Minister, Trend reports.

Cooperation in the energy sector is a key focus. In this regard, Turkmenistan is ready to enhance the supply of natural gas and electricity to ECO countries, the minister emphasized.

Notably, Turkmenistan continues to actively support projects that are all about lighting the way for sustainable energy in the region. The country is gearing up to roll out the fifth session of the ECO renewable energy group in 2024, marking a significant leap forward in bolstering collaboration in the realms of ecology and energy.

We are counting on the support of ECO member states to promote this initiative, which is crucial for enhancing our regional cooperation in the long term, Meredov stated.

To note, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was founded in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. The ECO is an intergovernmental organization aiming to strengthen economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among member countries.

In 1992, the organization underwent further expansion with the accession of seven new members: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Azerbaijan has great potential as a green powerhouse in the region, Deputy Head of Mission at the UK Embassy Edward Evans said during a seminar titled "Introduction to voluntary carbon markets in Azerbaijan" in Baku today, Trend reports.

"Carbon pricing plays a very important role in this, which is a truly important issue, while the UK is a leader and partner of Azerbaijan in this regard," he emphasized.

Evans noted that the UK is all in when it comes to carbon markets, backing them both at home and on the global stage.

This is why, according to him, the UK is pleased to work with Azerbaijan to assist these markets in reaching their maximum potential.

"In 2005, we introduced our own carbon pricing, and since then, we have reduced emissions by more than 40 percent while simultaneously growing our economy. Therefore, I believe the UK has proven that it's possible not only to reduce emissions but also to use this as a way to stimulate economic growth. Global carbon markets help attract much-needed funding for developing countries," he added.

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With showtime rapidly approaching, the Democratic and Republican nominees for vice president have their work set out for them. Ohio Sen. JD Vance could be under more pressure, after Donald Trump was widely perceived as losing his debate earlier this month against Vice President Kamala Harris. But Wisconsin Gov. Tim Walz has agreed with analysts in raising expectations for Vance, given that Trump's running mate is a "Yale Law guy." Here's a look at what Vance and Walz could try to accomplish:
Holtec International's Palisades nuclear plant shuttered for good in 2022, after a half-century in servicebut "for good" apparently means "just a few years," as the Michigan facility is now closer to becoming the first reboot for a nuclear reactor after all of its fuel has been cleared out, per CNBC . On Monday, the Department of Energy closed on the $1.5 billion federal loan that will allow this initiative in Covert to happen, although it still needs to get a final OK from the Nuclear Regulatory Commission.

"All necessary funding has now been secured," says Holtec spokesperson Nick Culp. That cash will be used for testing and inspections, as well as to rebuild and acquire new equipment for the plant, per the Energy Department. The project is expected to bring 600 jobs to the Covert area and generate enough energy to power 800,000 homes, says a department rep. Holtec hopes the plant will be up and running by the final quarter of 2025, though the Biden administration said it could take up to two years, per Reuters.

"Nuclear power is America's largest source of carbon-free ... electricity, supporting hundreds of thousands of direct and indirect jobs across the country, and will play a critical role in tackling the climate crisis and protecting public health and the environment from its impacts," Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm says in a statement, per the Hill. That outlet notes that although nuclear power "fell out of favor" during the Cold War, largely due to fears over nuclear disasters, it's now reemerging as a viable emissions-free power source. "Palisades is a climate comeback story," says White House climate adviser Ali Zaidi, per Reuters, which notes that "restarting shut nuclear plants is a complicated and expensive process never before accomplished in the country." (More nuclear plants stories.)
There are the expected repercussions of climate change, and then there are the more surprising oneslike two nations having to redraw their shared border due to ice melt. That's what's currently happening in Europe, where Switzerland and Italy are remapping in the Alps, because "large sections" of the border between them are "determined by glacier ridgelines or areas of perpetual snow," per the BBC . Thanks to glaciers melting, the Swiss-Italian border has now shifted, and Switzerland on Friday officially signed off on the changes, already hammered out between the two countries last year.

Italy has yet to give its final approval. The exact border changes will be made public once that sign-off goes through, but they're to affect areas near the Matterhorn, one of the continent's most famous mountains, and popular ski resorts such as Zermatt. Data shows that Switzerland's glaciers lost 4% of their volume in 2023, on the tail of losing 6% the previous year. Swiss scientists have estimated a loss of about 1,000 small glaciers in total, though other countries have had it even worse, per the Washington Post: Venezuela, for instance, said goodbye to its final glacier earlier this year.

Both outlets cite climate change as a contributing factor to the issue, and researchers don't expect a drastic turnaround in the Swiss-Italy region in the near future. "In 2024, glaciers continued to lose ice at a high speed despite much snow in winter that was expected to bring some relief," Matthias Huss, a glaciologist who heads up the GLAMOS glacier monitoring network for Switzerland, tells CNN. "Some glaciers are literally falling apart." Huss adds that although the border change is simply "one small side effect" of glacial melt, it gives more stark visibility to the issue when it "directly affects our world map." (More Switzerland stories.)
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Last year, Multilateral Development Banks (MDBs) allocated a record $125 billion in climate finance worldwide, Director of Resilience & Climate Action Department from the Islamic Development Bank Syed Husain Quadri said at the international conference as part of the Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2024), Trend reports.

"Out of this amount, $25 billion accounted for climate change adaptation," he noted.

According to him, when financing, the MDBs focus on projects aimed at more efficient water resource management, with an emphasis on initiatives promoting the rational use of water in arid regions.

"The second direction is supporting sustainable agriculture, including projects that contribute to the development of resilient crop varieties. And finally, the third priority is strengthening early warning systems to reduce the risks of natural disasters," he emphasized.

To note, Baku is hosting the Action Week for the first time from September 30 to October 4, 2024.

The event will form the basis of the climate agenda ahead of COP29 in Baku in November.

The BCAW 2024 will bring together key stakeholders from a range of fields such as politics, finance, trade, investment, science, arts, culture, civil society, and media.

The main themes of the event are energy transition," cities and urbanized environments," water security," food and agriculture," "SMEs, and green skills.

The first half of the week (from September 30 through October 2) will focus on climate solutions involving government agencies, academia, and the private sector. The second half (October 3-4) will focus on science, education, arts, culture, and other sectors.

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Hurricane Helene has thoroughly messed with North Carolina's efforts to prepare for election day. Around 190,000 ballots were sent out in the battleground state in the week before the storm hit. Though officials have received no reports of ballot or voting equipment losses, per WVEC , it's possible some ballots have been destroyed in flooding, which is also causing delays in mail deliveries in the western part of the state, NBC News reports. Voters who don't receive a mail ballot, including those displaced by the storm, can request another be sent to a temporary address, but that requires contacting a local election office, and 14 of 22 county election offices were closed as of Monday, per Axios .

State residents can instead vote in person during early voting (Oct. 17 to Nov. 2) or on Election Day (Nov. 5). But whether voting by mail or in person, residents need to show photo ID and may now be unable to do so. For voters in the 25 counties under a disaster declaration, there's a workaround: They can fill out a Photo ID Exception Form, citing the "natural disaster" exception, per WVEC. Local election offices also hand out free voter photo ID cards for those without a driver's license or other acceptable photo ID, but again, many offices are closed and are likely to stay that way for "several more days," Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections, said Monday.

Still, officials are "preparing themselves to serve all eligible voters," Brinson Bell said, noting election offices in counties without internet service would be provided with kits to allow workers to continue to register voters and process absentee ballot requests. "While we do not know exactly what is ahead, our guiding force between now and Election Day will be to do everything possible to ensure every eligible North Carolina voter can cast their ballot," she said. A website, ncsbe.gov/Helene, has been set up for residents who are searching for more information on how to vote. Election officials will also work to share printed materials in areas without cell service or internet access. (More North Carolina stories.)
Jimmy Carter reached his 100th birthday Tuesday, reports the AP , the first time an American president has lived a full century and the latest milestone in a life that took the son of a Depression-era farmer to the White House and across the world as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian and advocate for democracy. Living the last 19 months in home hospice care in Plains, Georgia, the 39th president has continued to defy expectations, just as he did through a remarkable rise from his family peanut farm to the world stage. He served one presidential term from 1977 to 1981 and then worked more than four decades leading the Carter Center, which he and wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to "wage peace, fight disease, and build hope."

"Not everybody gets 100 years on this earth, and when somebody does, and when they use that time to do so much good for so many people, it's worth celebrating," said Jason Carter, the former president's grandson and chair of the Carter Center governing board. James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924 in Plains, where he has lived more than 80 of his 100 years. He is expected to mark his birthday in the same one-story home he and Rosalynn built in the early 1960. President Biden, the first sitting senator to endorse Carter's 1976 campaign, praised his longtime friend in a tribute video filmed in front of Carter's portrait at the White House for an "unwavering belief in the power of human goodness." Carter has asked Biden to eulogize him at his state funeral when the time comes.

Jason Carter said the 100th birthday was not something the family expected to see once his grandmother died. "We frankly didn't think he was going to go on much longer," Jason Carter said. "But it's a faith journey for him, and he's really given himself over to what he feels is God's plan. He knows he's not in charge. But in these last few months, especially, he has gotten a lot more engaged in world events, a lot more engaged in politics, a lot more, just engaged, emotionally, with all of us." Jason Carter said the centenarian president is eager to cast his 2024 presidential ballot. "When we started asking him about his 100th birthday, he said he was excited to vote for Kamala Harris." Early voting in Georgia begins Oct. 15, two weeks into Carter's 101st year. More on the birthday here.

(More Jimmy Carter stories.)
France's TotalEnergies and US-based APA Corp say they will spend $10 billion in order to extract oil off the coast of Suriname; it marks the country's largest-ever foreign investment. TotalEnergies CEO Patrick Pouyanne stated production is expected by mid-2028, with a projection of 220,000 barrels per day. The GranMorgu project is zeroing in on an area that's thought to hold 700 million barrels of oil and is adjacent to a successful ExxonMobil venture in Guyana.

"Today is a historic day for Suriname," declared President Chan Santokhi, highlighting the deal's transformative potential for the nation. TotalEnergies will collaborate with APA Corp and Staatsolie, the national oil company. Staatsolie, which will have a 20% stake, plans to raise funds through bonds issuing in 2025 and has secured an initial $175 million payment.

President Santokhi said the expected revenue boost would enhance living standards in a nation where 18% live in poverty. Suriname holds $3.5 billion in debt and is currently under a $688 million IMF restructuring program. Staatsolie's CEO Annand Jagesar remarked, "Suriname will never be the same," but cautioned against potential mismanagement, drawing parallels with Venezuela's experience. TotalEnergies says it will employ advanced technologies to minimize emissions. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Three young children were attacked in Zurich while on their way to a daycare center, Swiss police reported on Tuesday. The incident, which occurred in the Oerlikon district just after midday, saw a 23-year-old Chinese national assault the children with a knife, per police. The children were accompanied by a daycare employee when the attack occurred.

The daycare worker, with assistance from a bystander, managed to subdue the assailant until law enforcement arrived. Police confirmed the arrest of the suspect shortly after the attack. The victims, all 5-year-old boys, were swiftly taken to nearby hospitals. One child sustained serious injuries, while the other two were reported to have medium severity injuries. Authorities have yet to disclose any potential motive behind the attack. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)
Israeli police say seven people were killed and at least eight injured in a shooting and stabbing attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening. Police say two Palestinian men from the West Bank, one armed with a rifle and the other with a knife, attacked civilians on the city's light rail system and continued the attack on a street in the Jaffa neighborhood, reports the Times of Israel . Police say the suspects were "neutralized" by members of the public, the BBC reports. The Times describes it as "one of the deadliest terror attacks in recent years." The attack came moments before a massive barrage of rockets was fired from Iran towards Israel, sending people towards bomb shelters across the country, including in Tel Aviv, the AP reports.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said most missiles were intercepted but there were "a few hits," reports the Washington Post. Hagari said the military is not aware of any casualties. Iran said it fired dozens of missiles into Israel, a sharp escalation of the monthslong conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas. A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defenses, or both. Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran.

In a statement read aloud on state television, Iran referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July. It warned this attack represented only a "first wave," without elaborating. The barrage came a day after Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. This story has been updated with new developments. (More Israel stories.)
Iran fired around 180 missiles in an attack on Israel on Tuesdaybut most of them were intercepted and President Biden says US support helped make the barrage "defeated and ineffective." Officials say two US naval destroyers based in the eastern Mediterranean helped shoot down many of the incoming missiles, the New York Times reports. There were no immediate reports of fatalities in Israel caused by the missiles, but the Israeli military said two people were treated for shrapnel injuries, NBC News reports.

"Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel," Biden said, per the Times. Secretary of State Anthony Blinken said Israel "effectively defeated" the attack with assistance from the US and other countries. John Healey, the UK's defense secretary, said British forces "played their part" in what he called "attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East," the BBC reports. Officials including national security adviser Jake Sullivan declined to say whether the US would take part in any counterattack from Israel, though Biden said an "active discussion" is underway.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran "made a big mistake" with the attack "and it will pay for it," the Times of Israel reports. Hardliners including Naftali Bennett, a former prime minister, said Israel should move to destroy Iran's nuclear program. Amir Saeid Iravan, Iran's ambassador to the UN, said the attacks were carried in "self-defense" as a response to "aggressive actions" including the recent assassination of Hezbollah's leader in Lebanon, the AP reports. He said the response to any attack on Iran "will be swift, decisive, and stronger than before." (More Israel stories.)
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 1. Kazakhstan is set to begin construction on three new regional airports next year as part of its tourism development program, said Transport Minister Marat Karabayev, Trend reports via the ministry.

"The head of state has directed the construction of air terminal complexes and airports, along with high-quality road infrastructure, in the resort areas. As part of this initiative, we are visiting the regions to inspect the designated sites for the new airports. Construction on all three airports is set to begin in 2025," said the minister.

According to the information, the airports are set to pop up in prime resort spots, with locations already picked in Katon-Karagai and Zaisan, both nestled in the eastern part of the country. These airports are set to open new doors and put the region on the map for tourism.

Katon-Karagais new airport will be built between the villages of Katon-Karagai and Ulken Naryn, near Soldatovo. Meanwhile, Zaisans new airport will be located on the former Satpayev military airfield, replacing the existing airport, which has been deemed unsuitable for modernization.

Initially, the airports will feature runways 2,200 meters in length, designed to accommodate regional aircraft such as the De Havilland Dash 8-400 (Q400), ATR 42/72, and Bombardier CRJ200. These planes will connect the resort areas with major cities like Astana and Almaty.

The Ministry of Transport has also noted the possibility of future runway extensions to allow for larger jets, including the Airbus A320 and Boeing 737.

The Kazakh government views this infrastructure expansion as a golden opportunity to open doors to its picturesque eastern regions, give tourism a leg up, and lend a hand to the countrys wider economic ambitions.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The project of Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway has won first place in the world in the nomination Innovative Construction Methodology, Trend reports via Azerbaijan's State Road Agency.

Thus, the International Road Federation (BYF Global) selected the Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha highway project as the winner in the category of "Innovative Construction Methodology" for the European and Central Asian Regional Awards 2024.

An independent international jury, judges, and BYF Qlobal volunteers, each of whom is an expert in the field of roads and transportation, evaluated candidates to choose the winner of this prestigious award.

The State Roads Agency of Azerbaijan now joins an elite group of organizations whose exceptional projects have won awards for excellence, innovation, and positive social impact.

Emin Mammadzade, Head of the External Investments Division of the Agency's Main Investment Department, attended the award ceremony on behalf of the State Road Agency of Azerbaijan on September 26 in Plovdiv (Bulgaria).

Emin Mammadzade discussed Azerbaijan's accomplishments in road infrastructure and the ongoing implementation of significant road projects in his speech. It was noted that the renovation of road infrastructure in our country is one of the main issues under the control of President Ilham Aliyev.

Azerbaijan will host the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change this year, and the State Road Agency of Azerbaijan is actively preparing for COP29, along with all other relevant structures.

The event also mentioned that during the 44-day second Karabakh war in 2020, the Azerbaijani army liberated more than 300 towns, villages, and native lands from an occupation that lasted for almost 30 years. The event noted the construction of 45 road projects in the territory of Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions, under the framework of the "I State Program on Great Return to the Territories of the Republic of Azerbaijan Liberated from Occupation," and on the orders of the head of state. The total length of the highways is 3,094 km.

The program has successfully implemented and completed seven road projects totaling 254.2 km.

Moreover, it was noted that 45 road tunnels with a total length of 69.1 km and more than 463 bridges, viaducts, and overpasses with a total length of about 13.4 km are being constructed in the road infrastructure projects being implemented today in the territory of Karabakh and East Zangezur economic regions.

A total of 11 bridges, 7 tunnels, and 9 viaducts have also been constructed on the 81.7 km long Ahmadbayli-Fuzuli-Shusha I technical level road, which is one of the most important road infrastructure projects and was selected as the winner in the nomination Innovative Construction Methodology." The construction of the viaducts involved the use of the horizontal slip formwork method for concrete work.

The projects you are implementing are very valuable, and I am sure that there are enough good works in the field of road infrastructure in your country that I will be able to see, Secretary General of the CEDR (Conference of European Directors of Roads) Steve Phillips said.

I must point out that an important aspect of the project presented to us here is that it was completed on time and to a high standard. This project, executed to the Western standards we know, will serve as a road hub at the junction of Europe and Asia, said Christoph Demuth, Chief Project Management Officer at Kapsch.

This is a huge success. We congratulate you on your country's achievements in the field of road infrastructure, especially in connection with the ongoing road safety activities, emphasized Esteban Salinas, Director of International Business Development at Ekoposte.

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QUEBEC CITY, Sept. 30, 2024 /CNW/ - iA Financial Corporation Inc. (TSX: IAG) (the "Company") is pleased to announce that Mr. Nicolas Darveau-Garneau will now act as strategic advisor in the field of artificial intelligence applied to improving the client experience.

As a result, Mr. Darveau-Garneau will step down as a member of the Company's Board of Directors on October 1, 2024, to devote himself to this mandate and to other professional projects. He will also cease to be a director on the boards of Canadian insurers belonging to iA Financial Group.

Mr. Darveau-Garneau had been a director with iA Financial Group and a member of the Human Resources and Compensation Committee since May 2018. He has over 30 years of experience in the information technology field, especially in digital innovation in businesses. He holds an MBA with honours from Harvard Business School and a bachelor's degree in mathematics from the University of Waterloo.

Mr. Jacques Martin, Chair of the Board, and the other members of the Board of Directors sincerely thank Nicolas Darveau-Garneau for his considerable contribution to its activities.

As of October 1, 2024, the Board of Directors of iA Financial Corporation will comprise 14 directors, including seven women and seven men.

About iA Financial Group

iA Financial Group is one of the largest insurance and wealth management groups in Canada, with operations in the United States. Founded in 1892, it is an important Canadian public company and is listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol IAG (common shares).



iA Financial Group is a business name and trademark of iA Financial Corporation Inc. and Industrial Alliance Insurance and Financial Services Inc.

SOURCE iA Financial Group

Information: Investor Relations, Marie-Annick Bonneau, Phone: 418-684-5000, ext. 104287, Email: [email protected]; Public Relations, Pierre Picard, Phone: 418-684-5000, ext. 101660, Email: [email protected]
Backed by 60% of Canadians who prefer a triangle cut sandwich, WONDER is swapping its brand's iconic bubbles to triangles to mark the conclusion of the decades-long debate.

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /CNW/ - For years, there's been debate on social media, in the news, and in kitchens around the world over the best way to cut sandwiches  is it vertically or horizontally, creating rectangles? Or diagonally, creating triangles?

WONDER, the leading sandwich authority1 thanks to its position in culture and kitchens in Canada for nearly 100 years, has declared triangle cut sandwiches to be the best.

WONDER, The Official Bread of Triangle Sandwiches (CNW Group/Wonderbrands)

And to mark the conclusion of this long debate, WONDER has deemed itself 'The Official Bread of Triangle Sandwiches', and is asking Canadians to join them in committing to triangle sandwiches.

______________________________ 1 Wonderbrands Canada Brand Equity Tracker Wave 1. mindsight dive. (2024, August 14).

WONDER'S declaration is backed by the popular opinion of Canadians. A 2024 Angus Reid study found that 60% of English-speaking Canadians prefer a triangle cut sandwich to a rectangle cut sandwich.

Triangle Sandwiches: Wondering Why?

It's clear that Canadians are passionate about the cut of their sandwiches.

Among the 60% of Canadians who insist on a triangle cut, 54% do so for appearance, 31% for nostalgia, 17% for maximizing bites, and 14% for taste.

According to BBC Science Focus, studies confirm that "triangles give you more sandwich filling per bite. A triangular sandwich has two 45 degree corners that allow you to bite much further towards the middle on your first two bites, where there is more filling."2

Even architects, specialists in engineering and structure are pro-triangle. Architect Kevin Harris states that "the diagonal cut exposes more of the interior of the sandwich, and by exposing the interior, it engages more of your senses before you take the first bite."3

Chef Sandor of Ontario's popular grilled cheese sandwich truck Fo'Cheezy, which proudly uses WONDER Bread for each and every sandwich it serves, is firmly pro-triangle. "A triangle cut sandwich creates a more enticing first to last bite, which helps to create a more delicious flavour experience. A mouthwatering WONDER triangle cut sandwich is what my customers have come to expect."

______________________________ 2 Why Do Triangular Sandwiches Taste Better Than Rectangular Ones? BBC Science Focus. https://www.sciencefocus.com/the-human-body/why-do-triangular-sandwiches-taste-better-than-rectangular-ones 3 Rectangles Vs. Triangles: The Great Sandwich Debate. (2009, November 28). npr. https://www.npr.org/2009/11/28/120914097/rectangles-vs-triangles-the-great-sandwich-debate

WONDER: The Official Bread of Triangle Sandwiches

To reaffirm its pro-triangle stance, WONDER is changing up its iconic, instantly recognizable, primary coloured bubbles for triangles.

"As a Canadian household favourite for almost 100 years, WONDER knows a thing or two about sliced bread, and has the authority to declare the best way to cut a sandwich," says Angela McInenly, Head of Marketing and Brand Development at Wonderbrands. "By settling this age-old debate, we wanted to remind Canadians that WONDER Bread can provide an inspiring canvas for many culinary creations  and sometimes all it takes is cutting your sandwich into triangles."

Learn more about why triangles are the preferred choice of WONDER, discover new WONDER triangle sandwich recipes, and make your commitment to triangle sandwiches today at wonderbread.ca/triangles . Canadians who make the commitment will receive a coupon for 45 off their next loaf of WONDER. Canadians can also catch the new Wonder Bread commercial online and on social. And be sure to join the conversation on social media with #WonderForTriangles and #ItStartsWithWonder.

About Wonderbrands Canada

Wonderbrands is home to beloved brands such as WONDER, Country Harvest, D'Italiano, Gadoua and Casa Mendosa. As a key player in the fresh Canadian bakery market and part of the FGF Group, we are dedicated to delivering fresh, high-quality bread and bakery products to thousands of Canadian households each day.

We take pride in earning the trust of Canadians and are committed to modernizing the industry and enhancing our processes through continuous innovation, efficiency, and sustainability. By blending cutting-edge technology with traditional baking techniques, we strive to serve our customers better everyday.

Discover more about our journey at www.wonderbrands.com .

SOURCE Wonderbrands

For media inquiries, please contact: Tara Lush-Benson; [email protected]
The IDF (Israeli Defense forces) have reportedly crossed into Lebanon in limited operations. They are taking out tunnels, minefields and some border villages and towns.

Official IDF statement.

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) September 30, 2024

Arabiya reported tanks crossing the border around Rmeish, north of Mount Meron.

There have been reports of air and artillery bombardment to clear out areas before IDF troops are advancing.

There is strict censorship of media.

Israeli media is under strict censorship but here's what we know: Al-Arabiya reported tanks crossing the border around Rmeish, north of Mount Meron. But now they've deleted the tweet. IDF instituted a closed military zone (in black) in 3 towns on the border in a salient pic.twitter.com/LHv8B4vTti  Theti Mapping (@ThetiMapping) September 30, 2024

The US has deployed more troops to the Middle East. The US now has about 50,000 troops in the area and several air craft carrier fleets.

The U.S. deploys additional troops to the Middle East, bringing the total to nearly 50,000. Americans are told to leave Lebanon immediately. pic.twitter.com/vqZWNGJTr3  Jane Adams (@iLoveJaneAdams) September 29, 2024
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, October 1. The 58th plenary meeting of the Parliament of Uzbekistan has considered and approved the law On the creative economy," Trend reports via the parliament.

According to the parliament, the law is aimed at developing the rapidly growing creative economy in Uzbekistan, covering 15 areas and establishing a clear mechanism for implementing state policy in this field.

The document provides for the creation of infrastructure to support creative industries - specifically, creative industry parks, art residences, and innovation centers, as well as the implementation of digital technologies and programs.

Additionally, an important point is the establishment of funds to support the creative economy, which will finance the creation and promotion of projects in both domestic and international markets.

The law also emphasizes the importance of considering national and universal values, as well as preserving cultural heritage. It establishes mechanisms for assessing the contribution of creative industries to the country's economy through statistical indicators.

The MPs expressed the opinion that this law will improve Uzbekistan's position in the Global Innovation Index and promote the development of innovative projects and ideas. Furthermore, it will create favorable conditions for stimulating international and domestic tourism.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov has met with a delegation headed by Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers of Commerce Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy, Trend reports.

Meanwhile, it was noted at the meeting that economic ties between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia are successfully developing. Favorable environment for investors in our country; importance of the project implemented by Saudi company ACWA Power in Azerbaijan in the field of alternative and renewable energy was noted.

Furthermore, it was emphasized that the Azerbaijan-Saudi Joint Business Council is an effective mechanism in terms of realization of opportunities in the directions of expansion of investment cooperation and increase of bilateral trade turnover. The importance of strengthening joint activities for diversifying the economy and ensuring sustainable development in both countries was emphasized.

The sides discussed opportunities to promote bilateral investments and trade relations, the establishment of joint ventures, and the and the participation of Saudi Arabian investors as residents in Azerbaijan's industrial parks.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. A series of initiatives have been introduced in Azerbaijan to enhance the skills of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), Deputy Minister of Digital Development and Transport of Azerbaijan Samir Mammadov said at a presentation of a platform that helps small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) digitize, Trend reports.

"There are several initiatives to improve the qualification of SMEs, including the "CTO-as-a-Service Voucher" program, which offers consulting services for the development of IT strategies and the implementation of new solutions. The legislative initiatives in the field of digitalization have created favorable conditions for rapid transformations. In particular, the introduction of the "mygov" system allows individuals to present personal documents and data digitally, simplifying access to government services and reducing paperwork.

Additionally, the "Online Azerbaijan" project, launched by the Ministry of Digital Development and Transport, aims to provide broadband internet access to 2.9 million households across the country. By the end of 2024, all homes and businesses are expected to be connected to high-speed networks," he said.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Police arrested a North Jersey man for last month setting two Bergen County-owned pickup trucks on fire while they were parked outside of a local high school, authorities said Tuesday.

Prosecutors allege Patrick A. Fearson, 26, shattered one of the trucks windows before using a flammable material to ignite a fire on Sept. 19. Both trucks were parked outside of Bergen County Academies, a technical high school in Hackensack.

Fearson faces second and third-degree arson charges, as well as charges of criminal mischief, burglary and failing to report a dangerous fire, Bergen County Prosecutor Mark Musella said.

Bergen County Academies administration did not immediately return a request by NJ Advance Media for comment. Attorney information for Fearson was not immediately available.

Firefighters called to the scene around 12:30 a.m. found both pickup trucks on fire in the schools parking lot. Investigators determined the fire started in one of the two trucks and spread to the other.

Bergen County officials Tuesday both trucks were equipped with snow plows and were being used for school-related maintenance.

Fearson was arrested in Teaneck on Friday and brought to the county jail, where authorities said he will remain ahead of a first court appearance.

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Eric Conklin may be reached at econklin@njadvancemedia.com.
A proposal to install 5G cell towers in another Jersey Shore town is facing a backlash.

Verizon Wireless wants to install six cell towers in Spring Lake, a small borough along the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. But, the company faced opposition during a recent public meeting.

The towers, which resemble large street lights, are proposed to be installed along Ocean Avenue, a county road near the beach. The cell towers heights would be a maximum of either 35 feet or 110% of heights of structures in the surrounding streetscapes, according to the companys application.

About 150 residents attended a public information session on the plan held during a borough council meeting last week. All who spoke were against the proposal, according to TAPinto Gold Coast, a local news outlet covering Spring Lake and neighboring municipalities.

Verizon submitted a request to the borough in January seeking approval for a waiver to install the towers, the outlet reported. The borough shares jurisdiction over the road with Monmouth County, but the cell tower proposal is not permitted under the municipalitys ordinances, the outlet reported.

Residents in opposition cited health concerns, declining property values and government overreach, according to TAPinto Gold Coast. They also feared the proposal will set a precedent to build similar towers in other municipalities in the state.

If you dont stop it now, I fear for what will happen to this town and a lot of towns like it, one resident said at the meeting, TAPinto Gold Coast reported.

Local residents also created a website dedicated to opposing the project in Spring Lake.

A Verizon 5G cell tower installed in front of homes in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania.

In a statement, Verizon officials said the company installed similar cell sites in neighboring communities with no negative impact for residents or wildlife.

Verizons network improvements provide crucial connectivity for customers and emergency service providers in the community, the company said. With consumers and businesses using increasing amounts of data each year, we continually enhance our network to meet the needs of homeowners, first responders and vacationers in beach communities.

Spring Lake Mayor Jennifer Noughton did not respond to a request for comment.

Similar cell tower poles have been installed in Sea Girt, Lavallette, Seaside Park, Ortley Beach, Asbury Park and Long Branch, according to a Verizon spokesperson.

The company is also seeking to install the cell towers in Belmar, but is facing significant opposition. A group of residents  including those who live within several hundred feet of the proposed tower locations  joined Monmouth County in a lawsuit to prevent the company from installing the poles along Ocean Avenue.

A Change.org petition asking Verizon to abandon its plans has more than 4,000 signatures.

NJ Advance Media staff writer Jackie Roman has contributed to this report.

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Brianna Kudisch may be reached at bkudisch@njadvancemedia.com.
As an immigration attorney for a community nonprofit, I have represented a number of domestic violence survivors. Recently, the U.S. House voted on a bill introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C, that, at first, seems most of us would support, called the Violence Against Women by Illegal Aliens Act.

The bill passed the House, 266-158, but 156 Democrats voted against it. Why? Because they were concerned for immigrant victims of domestic violence.

Some domestic violence survivors are arrested by the police due to false accusations by the men who abuse them; some are arrested because they fight back; others who speak another language call 911 but get no help because they get an officer who only speaks English. I know this is the case because I have represented such women.

Some of our clients at Casa de Esperanza, where I work, have been threatened with the removal of their children. Immigrant victims have been threatened with deportation by their U.S. citizen or permanent-resident abusers. Currently without Maces bill  non-citizen abusers in many cases are are already deported following court hearings, as they should be. This includes those who have green cards  not just those called illegal.

Although the House-passed bill sounds good on its face, we must be careful not to cut too broad a swath and end up punishing victims as well as their abusers.

Joyce Antila Phipps, attorney, Casa de Esperanza, Bound Brook

Looking at, but not listening to, Harris

While watching Oprah Winfrey interview Kamala Harris during a mid-September campaign rally, one could ask if her supporters can recognize what they are actually listening to.

The heavy dose of sophomoric platitudes functions like a glass of mineral oil to lubricate the minds of the audience as they swallow what may often be a bitter pill or an obvious lie in response to a question. Note the bobbing head of the vice president, as she answers in a way that forces pre-determined public agreement to her platitudes.

As a matter of fact, if Harris gives any response at all, it must be obfuscated to such extent that the listener may not even be able to recall what the original question was. The candidates loud cackling and exaggerated smiley face are meant to further enhance her strained warmth and likability. This effort is directed at listeners who dont pay as much attention to what is being said as to the body language clues designed to shove them into a predetermined agreement with her.

Andrew Previtali, Park Ridge

The Adams family values

Recently indicted New York City Mayor Eric Adams seemingly became a target of the Biden administrations Justice Department around the time he started complaining about the overwhelming number of undocumented immigrants arriving in New York City.

Now indicted along with staff members on multiple federal charges, Adams trial is more than than a year away. Hes already suggested that the charges are a result of his criticism of Bidens immigration policies.

If Kamala Harris wins the presidential election, its not likely she would pardon Adams. But, if Trump wins, there is a chance he could pardon Adams if convicted, or commute any sentence he might receive. Adams has hedged his bets and has not criticized Donald Trump recently, but he would need to give Trump a reason to pardon him.

If Adams has any emails, letters or recorded conversations with Biden or Harris or their top staff members where the influx of unauthorized immigrants is directly acknowledged as a new voter importation scheme help to Harris win, then the mayor has a bargaining chip.

If he has any such information, look for Adams to get it to Trump. If Adams comes out publicly anytime in the next few weeks boldly criticizing Biden and Harris for an alleged potential voter fraud scheme, then look for Adams to become Trumps October surprise.

Ed Buttimore, Cedar Grove

Ukraine still needs the Wests help

The quote History doesnt repeat itself, but it often rhymes, is frequently attributed to Mark Twain.

I thought about this quote in relation to the ongoing discussion both in America and all of NATO concerning ongoing aid to Ukraine in its life-and-death struggle with Russia.

Twice in the 20th century, America and the great democracies in Europe failed to come to aid of smaller democracies that were faced with aggression, one from within and one from outside. Spain was attacked from within by Francisco Franco in what became the Spanish Civil War (1936-1939). While Franco received massive support from the fascist governments of Germany and Italy, the western democracies did nothing and Spains elected government fell.

In Czechoslovakia, the western powers again stood by 1938 as Hitler annexed a huge swath of the country called the Sudetenland.

The result in both cases was great loss of life and destruction of democracy with repercussions that reverberate even to the present day. We now stand at the same decision point in the 21st century as our predecessors did in the 1930s. It is imperative that the western democracies not only continue, but increase, support to Ukraine. History has taught us that if we do not stand up to aggression the consequences will prove to be catastrophic.

Frank R. Carlin, Bordentown

An art disappointment, quest-ce que cest?

I do not know anything about the deal that Jersey City officials are trying to negotiate to bring a branch of Frances Centre Pompidou Museum to the Hudson County city. What I do know urges a cautious approach.

I assume that, if the project goes forward, what people expect is a museum with art of the caliber of the original Centre Pompidou in Paris.

A few years ago, I visited the Hermitage Museum in Amsterdam. This was a local offshoot of the famed Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia. But, rather than showcase great art, the branch contained only a mediocre collection and no great art.

Is this what we can expect from the Jersey City Pompidou?

Rosalind Mytelka, Chatham

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By Alessandra Hirsch

Amber Thurman didnt have to die. She was one of two women in Georgia whose deaths recently made national news for being preventable had it not been for Georgias restrictive abortion ban.

Amber died because her doctors were unable to treat her abortion complication until she was so sick that it was too late. Although their specialties were not published, these doctors were most likely obstetrician/gynecologists, the specialists responsible for performing the majority of abortions in the United States, and the physicians at the forefront of the pro-choice movement.

Candi Millers death tells a slightly different story. She, like Amber, had a complication of medication abortion. But Candi Miller had lupus, an autoimmune condition that affects the joints and blood vessels. Pregnant women with lupus are 20 times more likely to die than those without. Candis rheumatologist would have known this, and probably warned her against future pregnancies.

The right to become pregnant and unpregnant is vital to the practice of medicine. Yet, for too long, abortion has been relegated to the personal choice section of medical training, where physicians may opt in or out of receiving abortion education, and those who do not actually perform the abortions themselves are encouraged to avoid the topic all together.

But as Candi Millers rheumatologist saw, abortion doesnt just affect gynecologists. It affects all doctors.

Take, for example, the nine months that followed Texas heartbeat ban. This was the most restrictive abortion ban in the country until Dobbs v Jackson Womens Health, the Supreme Court case that overturned Roe v Wade, was passed in 2022. A study from Johns Hopkins University found that the infant death rate in Texas rose by 13% after the law took effect, in large part due to a rise in congenital anomalies: medical problems with the fetus, which sometimes mean it cannot support life outside the womb.

The death of an infant is an unspeakable tragedy. It is not, however, managed by obstetricians. I do not envy the pediatricians and neonatologists who must now face more dire outcomes for newborns and infants. Nor do I envy the palliative care specialists who assist parents in end-of-life care for their very young children.

As medical advances allow the sick to lead healthier lives, we see more complex pregnancies every day. This is a double-edged sword. Cardiologists may know this best of all; cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the postpartum period. There are certain heart conditions that are so dangerous that the recommended treatment during pregnancy is abortion. A patient with, for example, severe narrowing of her heart valves and an accidental pregnancy should be told by her cardiologist to terminate her pregnancy in order to save her life.

The list goes on: Patients with sickle cell are more likely to have pain crises, to have sick newborns, to have strokes, and to die when they are pregnant. Who should tell them about the risks of continuing a pregnancy? Their hematologists. Psychiatrists handle, on a granular level, the consequences of being denied an abortion: women who are less likely to leave abusive partners, less likely to plan for the future, less likely to think well of themselves. Weve known about these consequences for years.

Whats more, we are losing talent because of abortion laws.

In 2023, the American Association of Medical Colleges found that in the 14 states where abortion was banned, there was a 4.2% decrease in applications across all specialties. The largest reduction in applications came not from future ob/gyns but rather from emergency medicine doctors, who are often the first in line to deal with miscarriages and abortions.

Most doctors-in-training are of reproductive age, so its no surprise that these bright young people would hesitate before committing to live in a place that they themselves could not receive full-scope medical care. These young doctors want to learn evidence-based healthcare, not politics-based medicine.

Reproductive rights activists like me have spent decades trying to convince the public that abortion affects us all: Statistically, everyone loves someone who has had an abortion. We are taught in medical school that politics and professionalism are at odds.

But being pro-choice is no longer a political opinion. Its a medical one. Physicians who do not stand up for their patients right to choose are abdicating their oath to do no harm. As we have seen in Georgia, patients are literally dying.

Whatever your specialty, you owe this oath to your patients.

Physicians have power in society. They can vote. They can create and join societies. They can run for office. They can even write an essay. Its time to ask all of our physicians to take a stand for abortion rights, and in doing so, to help save some lives.

Dr. Alessandra Hirsch, MS MBD, is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Columbia University Irving Medical Center and New York-Presbyterian Allen Hospital.

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Mosaic is NJ.coms news site dedicated to serving New Jerseys diverse and underrepresented communities. Heres a round up of the most recent stories.

Its Hispanic Heritage Month through Oct. 15, and were excited to share an amazing event celebrating Latin culture along with a few stories found inside Mosaic this week. We also have a few stories celebrating New Jerseys diversity that published on NJ.com. Take a look:

Essential Reading from Mosaic

The New Jersey Hispanic Film Festival starts this Friday, Oct. 4 at the Count Basie Center for the Arts in Red Bank. The arts center is featuring over 15 films that highlight the life of Latinos through various lenses  some of them are gratis! They will also present panel discussions with filmmakers, traditional music concerts, themed parties and cultural workshops. Read the story here.

Newarks gente celebrate citys Hispanic heritage

Ed Murray| For NJ Advance Media

In the states largest city, Latinos make up 36% of the overall population and 58% of public school students. Pictured above: Alberto Diaz Cruz of the band Cimarrones dances during the Hispanic Heritage Month celebration at the Newark Museum of Art in Newark. Read the story here.

This N.J. Cuban eatery thrives during Hispanic Heritage Month

Karim Shamsi-Basha

A hidden gem, La Cocina is an eatery where the lunch buffet, ($14) comprises several hot trays with meats and veggies made with Cuban magic. Pictured above: Owners (From left) Josh Miller, his sister Aly Miller, and partner Manny Beobides are proud of their little Cuban eatery with the big taste. They are photographed on Sept. 24 in Newark, New Jersey. Read the story here.



Youth suicide is on the rise. Heres what clinicians in N.J. are doing about it.

Ande Richards

Since 2017, youth suicide rates have become the second leading cause of death for children aged 10 to 19. Pictured above: Artwork by Jasmine Samson, who was interviewed for the story. Read the story here.

More teens are using Wegovy and other weight-loss drugs, but many cant afford them

AP

The drugs often cost $1,700 to $1,900 a month, a price that lower-income families struggle to afford, doctors said. Pictured above: A woman holds up a dosage of Wegovy, a drug used for weight loss. Read the story here.

In case you missed it on NJ.com

Keep up with New Jerseys diverse communities with th Mosaic newsletter, which provides the most popular stories from Mosaic of the past week. Click HERE to sign up.

Welcome to Mosaic. Follow us on Instagram at @MosaicNJcom and on Facebook at MosaicNJcom and on YouTube at @MosaicNJcom.
Can one candidate sweep all seven swing states? A new forecast prediction says it is likely.

Forecaster Nate Silvers latest model shows that Vice President Harris is more likely to win all seven swing states than former President Trump. His forecast model found that there are 128 possible combinations of who will win the seven swing states of Arizona, Nevada, Wisconsin, Michigan, Pennsylvania, North Carolina and Georgia.

The most likely combination  Harris winning all seven swing states  came up 15,273 times in the 70,000 simulations that Silver ran in his model on Sunday morning. The second most likely scenario  Trump winning all seven swing states  came up 13,912 times.

He said that theres about a 40 percent chance that either Harris or Trump will win all seven swing states.

Silver said that as of Sunday morning, Harris had a 56 percent chance of winning the Electoral College while Trump had a 44 percent chance of winning.

Ill grant you that a 56/44 forecast is in kind of a weird, uncomfortable zone. To be clear, the forecast is that Harris will win the Electoral College 56 percent of the time  not that shell beat Trump by 12 points  in other words that the race is basically a toss-up. There is a strong likelihood that this will be a close election right up through Election Day, Silver wrote in Sundays blog post.

In Mondays blog post, Silvers forecast showed Harris with a 55.1 percent chance of winning the Electoral College while Trump had a 44.7 percent chance.

Recent presidential polls still show a tight race between Harris and Trump about one month before the election. RealClearPolitics national polling average shows Harris with nearly a 2-point lead over the former president.

A recent Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll found Harris narrowly leading Trump in the swing states of Arizona, Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and North Carolina. She is tied with Trump in the battleground state of Georgia, according to the poll.
Could the deep-red state of Florida turn to blue? A new poll breaks down who likely voters in this key voting group are backing.

The new Telemundo Station Group poll found that former President Trump has the edge over Vice President Harris among Latino voters in the state of Florida. The poll found that Trump has 48 percent of support among likely Latino voters while Harris has just 41 percent.

However, there is still a gender gap in favor of Harris. She clinched 53 percent of the vote among Hispanic women registered likely voters while Trump secured 37 percent, according to the poll. Among Latino men, Trump had 60 percent of support while Harris had 28 percent of support.

The poll also found 50 percent of likely Latino voters would support the legalization of marijuana for adults 21 and older. It also found that 55 percent of Latino voters in the state would support the Right to Abortion Initiative that would protect access to abortion until fetal viability.

The poll was conducted by Mason-Dixon Polling & Strategy from Sept. 23-25 among 625 registered likely voters. The margin of error is no more than plus or minus 4 percentage points.

Florida Latinos represent a key voting bloc in the state. An analysis from the Latino Policy and Politics Institute at UCLA found that Latino voters in 2020 supported Trump by a 2 to 1 margin in the Miami-Dade region of the state, while Latinos in the rest of the state supported Biden with a 2 to 1 margin.

Overall, about 14.7% of eligible voters, or 36.2 million people, are Latino, according to the Pew Research Center.

In Florida, 18% of registered voters are Hispanic, or 2.4 million people, according to an October 2023 analysis by the nonpartisan Latino advocacy organization NALEO Educational Fund.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.
A 41-year-old New Jersey father who shot at another motorist during a road rage incident in Somerset County last year has been found guilty of weapons offenses and other crimes, authorities said.

The altercation unfolded on May 5, 2023, when Gerald Chapman and the other driver were in heavy traffic on Easton Avenue in Franklin Township near the Interstate 287 ramp, the Somerset County Prosecutors Office said. Chapman had his two young children  ages 4 and 18 months  in his car.

Chapman first pulled alongside the other vehicle and smacked the passenger side mirror. He then maneuvered his car to the drivers side of the other vehicle, pulled out a 9mm gun and fired two shots in the direction of the other man, who was out of his car attempting to repair his damaged mirror, officials said.

The shots hit the drivers side window and the rear drivers side door of the other car.

Chapman, of Highland Park, then fled in his car, later tossing out the gun, prosecutors said. He was tracked down, in part, because he left fingerprints on the passenger side mirror of the other vehicle.

Chapman was found guilty of two weapons offenses, two counts of endangering the welfare of children and hindering apprehension. He faces up to 10 years of prison at his sentencing, scheduled for Nov. 15.

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Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Black Sea Trade and Development Bank (BSTDB) has secured a facility of up to $150 million from the Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC), boosting its capacity to support vital development projects in the Black Sea region, Trend reports via the BSTDB.

The facility, which is earmarked to provide financial aid to Ukraine and other impacted BSTDB member states, will play a crucial role in Ukraine's recovery. The funds are aimed at rebuilding essential economic and social infrastructure in the country, which continues to face significant challenges. Key sectors such as agriculture, food production, transport and logistics, digital infrastructure, and pharmaceuticals will receive support, helping to strengthen Ukraine's economic resilience.

In addition to direct aid, up to $75 million of the facility will be directed toward green initiatives across the Black Sea region, promoting environmental sustainability. This two-pronged approach balances urgent needs with long-term sustainability goals.

The initiative not only provides immediate assistance to Ukraine but also drives sustainable development, fostering a more resilient and prosperous future for the region.

Follow the author on X: @Lyaman_Zeyn
A man who boasted in an Instagram post about sending money to the Hamas terrorist group and said in a live video that he would shoot pro-Israel protestors received a federal sentence on Monday.

Jonathan Xie, 25, of Basking Ridge, was sentenced to time served, five years and four months, the U.S. Attorneys Office District of New Jersey said in a news release. He previously pleaded guilty to concealing attempts to provide material support to a designated foreign terrorist organization.

Xie was 19 years old in December 2018 when he sent $100 via Moneygram to a person in Gaza who said he was a member of the Al-Qassam Brigades faction of Hamas, federal prosecutors said. A post on his Instagram account from around that same time read: Just donated $100 to Hamas. Pretty sure it was illegal but I dont give a damn, authorities said.

About four months later, he appeared in an Instagram live video wearing a ski mask and showing off a Hamas flag and handgun, officials said. In the livestream, he told viewers that he would join Hamas and that he wanted to go to a pro-Israel march to either shoot demonstrators or hit them with a vehicle, prosecutors said.

Authorities said that Xie could be heard in the video saying: I do not care if security forces come after me. They will have to put a bullet in my head to stop me.

Jonathan Xie not only admitted sending money that he hoped would be used by the terrorist organization Hamas to fund violent acts against civilians in Israel, he professed his desire to travel to Gaza to join them, U.S. Attorney Philip R. Sellinger said in a statement.

Brandishing a gun and holding a Hamas flag, he also posted that he was going to shoot everybody at a pro-Israel march and ruminated how one could go on a rampage by ramming pro-Israel demonstrators with a car. This supporter of Hamas learned the true cost of supporting terrorists.

Xie was caught in April 2019 when he sent information about Hamas to an undercover FBI agent and gave the agent instructions on how to anonymously donate to the terrorist group using cryptocurrency.

In an online conversation with the agent, Xie sent a link to the Al-Qassam Brigades website in addition to screenshots that demonstrated how to send payments to the organization using Bitcoin, federal prosecutors said.

As part of his sentence, Xie is also subject to six months of home detention with location monitoring and 20 years of supervised release.

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Nicolas Fernandes may be reached atnfernandes@njadvancemedia.com.
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A section of Audubon Park in Uptown New Orleans was closed off Monday as crews worked to inspect damage after a giant live oak tree split.

The tree appeared to have cracked down the middle, leaving one side of its towering branches collapsed on the ground.

The park's beautiful live oaks are beloved by many of the city's residents. The trees can live to be hundreds of years old.

Audubon live oak splits Audubon tree splits Audubon oak splits
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Alexandroupolis LNG, a new liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal with an annual capacity of 5.5 bcm of gas, started commercial operations at the Greek port of Alexandroupolis on Tuesday, Trend reports.

At the Alexandroupolis LNG commissioning ceremony, Maria Rita Galli, General Director of Greek natural gas transportation system operator DESFA, stated that, thanks to this facility, Greece's export capacity will reach 8.5 bcm of gas per year by the beginning of 2025.

The terminal operator, Gastrade, stated that the project "contributes to energy security and the diversification of energy sources and supply routes in Southeastern and Central Europe, strongly enhancing Greece's role and importance on the modern European energy map, as it will become an energy gateway for more than nine countries."

The Alexandroupolis LNG terminal consists of a floating storage and regasification unit (FSRU), a subsea and onshore pipeline that connects the floating unit to the Greek national natural gas transportation system and further beyond Greece.

"The start of commercial operation of the project marks the expansion of the Vertical Corridor gas initiative, significantly strengthening its momentum to create a natural gas trading center in Central and Southeastern Europe," Gastrade states.

Note that the European Commission contributed 157 million euros to the construction of this terminal.

Bulgaria, Romania, Northern Macedonia, Serbia, Moldova, and Ukraine in the east, and Hungary and Slovakia in the west, will all receive the gas from Alexandroupolis LNG.

The second phase of this terminal with a capacity of 5 bcm per year may be commissioned in 11.5 years.

Gastrade's shareholders are DESFA, GasLog, BulgarTransGaz, and Copelouzou.
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In a bold move from the corporate world to the landscapes of North Devon, a husband and wife duo have embarked on a new adventure with Harta Retreat in East Down.

Aaron Cousins and his wife Miranda are the faces behind the new venture.

ABOVE: Husband and wife duo, Aaron and Miranda have taken on the venture

Aaron, who grew up in Sutton, Surrey, transitioned from a successful career in Quality Management and Regulatory Affairs in the Med Tech industry to pursue personal fulfilment in nature.

Miranda's interest in the hospitality sector complements Aarons passion for exceeding customer expectations and creating unique experiences.

Their journey to Harta Retreat began when they discovered Cleave Farm, a site nestled in a secluded valley near the North Devon coastline. We spent nearly two years looking for the right location, Aaron explained.

After living in Plymouth for a few years in my 20s, I knew I always wanted to come back to Devon at some point. We initially looked at properties and land on the south coast, but we decided it was too busy in the summer. When we began exploring North Devon instead, we realised it was perfect; beautiful, spacious, popular with tourists, and relatively undeveloped. The road infrastructure is excellent, and everything, beaches, countryside, and towns, are easily accessible throughout the year.

Although the location was perfect, Cleave Farm required significant renovations.

The farmhouse and converted barn hadnt been updated for many years, and we were unprepared for the extent of the work needed. There were times when we questioned our decision, but the natural beauty and tranquility here make it all worthwhile, Aaron shared.

Over the past two years, Aaron and Miranda have transformed the retreat into a collection of boutique glamping tipis and a luxury barn conversion.

The tipis blend the comforts of luxury with the beauty of nature. After experiencing various accommodations during our travels, we wanted to create something unique that combines five-star amenities with an outdoor experience, Aaron said.

This summer, they completed The Lounge, a 240-square-metre tipi designed to serve multiple purposes: a bar, restaurant, yoga space, wedding venue, and live music venue.

We needed a great space for guests to socialise in the evenings that aligned with our vision for Harta Retreat, Aaron noted.

The Lounge is constructed with wooden poles and canvas, making it low-impact on the environment while still offering a luxurious experience. We hope it will become an asset to the local community, providing a space for locals to gather, listen to music, and enjoy great food.

The recent open day marked a significant milestone for Aaron and Miranda as they welcomed the community to see their vision come to life.

We were excited to share what weve created. There have been challenges along the way, but we look forward to showcasing Harta Retreat to everyone, Aaron expressed.

Their journey began just weeks before the COVID-19 lockdown in 2020.

Despite the difficulties of renovating during the pandemic, including staff illness and material shortages, Aaron and Miranda managed to stay on track.

Running a major renovation during lockdown wasnt straightforward, but we found a great team to help us. When renovating an old building, its wise to budget and then double it! Aaron advised.

As the couple settles into their new venture, they are eager to continue sharing their journey and love for the community.

We hope the local area is as excited as we are about The Lounge. In addition to providing a unique wedding venue, we have plans for some great events including live music, movie nights, curry nights and wellness experiences.

This venture is centred around our passions, and we want to bring joy to everyone who visits, Aaron concluded.
With Bonfire Night, Diwali, and Halloween fast approaching, Dogs Trust Ilfracombe is calling on dog owners to take action now to protect their pets from the stress caused by fireworks. Research shows that fireworks affect nearly half of the UKs dogs, with 45 per cent of owners reporting that their dogs struggle to stay calm when fireworks are set off.

Dr Jenna Kiddie, Head of Canine Behaviour at Dogs Trust, explains the importance of early preparation: "Firework season can be particularly stressful for dogs, as the loud bangs and flashes can cause fear and anxiety. These reactions are common in dogs of all ages and can develop even in individuals who previously havent shown signs of distress.

We often hear 'Remember, Remember the 5th of November,' but when it comes to our dogs, waiting until then is too late. With Diwali, Halloween, and Bonfire Night fast approaching, now is the time to start preparing. A calm environment, helping your dog to remain relaxed when hearing loud noises, and advance planning can make a big difference in helping your dog feel safe and supported during this high-stress season."

Top Tips to Prepare Your Dog for Fireworks:

Start early : Begin preparing your dog as early as October to help reduce the impact of fireworks.

: Begin preparing your dog as early as October to help reduce the impact of fireworks. Use sound training : Play firework soundtracks, like Sounds Scary, to help your dog get used to loud noises in a controlled way.

: Play firework soundtracks, like Sounds Scary, to help your dog get used to loud noises in a controlled way. Adjust your routine : Walk your dog earlier in the day and adjust feeding schedules to avoid being outside during firework displays.

: Walk your dog earlier in the day and adjust feeding schedules to avoid being outside during firework displays. Create a safe space : Introduce a safe, comfortable space where your dog can retreat during fireworks. Some dogs may prefer attention and comfort, while others will benefit from a quiet space to relax.

: Introduce a safe, comfortable space where your dog can retreat during fireworks. Some dogs may prefer attention and comfort, while others will benefit from a quiet space to relax. Recognise your dogs needs : Dogs react differently to fireworkssome show subtle signs of anxiety like panting or hiding, while others may pace, bark, or toilet indoors. If you notice any changes in behaviour, consult your vet.

: Dogs react differently to fireworkssome show subtle signs of anxiety like panting or hiding, while others may pace, bark, or toilet indoors. If you notice any changes in behaviour, consult your vet. Plan ahead : Find out when local firework displays are scheduled and make sure you, or someone your dog knows, will be at home with them. Speak with neighbours to understand their plans for fireworks.

: Find out when local firework displays are scheduled and make sure you, or someone your dog knows, will be at home with them. Speak with neighbours to understand their plans for fireworks. Consult your vet: If your dog is especially anxious, your vet may be able to offer advice or medication to help them cope.

By taking these steps, dog owners can help prevent firework season from becoming a source of stress and anxiety for their pets. For more detailed advice, visit www.dogstrust.org.uk/fireworks.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The stability of Azerbaijan's financial sector has significantly strengthened in the first half of the year, Director General of the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA) Shahin Mahmudzade said at a presentation of the financial stability report for the first half of 2024, Trend reports.

"In the first half of this year, the stability of Azerbaijan's financial sector has been further reinforced. The banking sector sustained its significant role during the reporting period, representing a considerable share of the overall financial sector," he noted.

Mahmudzade noted that the majority of business loans during the first half of 2024 were allocated to companies in the trade, industry, and information sectors.

"In the first six months of this year, the business portfolio increased by 1.26 billion manat ($741 million), which is 10 percent. The main drivers of growth were trade, industry, and information and communication," he explained.

The General Director also addressed the recent exit of some insurance companies from the mandatory auto liability insurance market, stating that the CBA is unconcerned by these developments.

"CBA is unconcerned by which insurance company leaves the OSAGO market. What matters is that those providing mandatory auto insurance can also offer CASCO. Insurers should not rely solely on OSAGO for their financial stability and should actively develop voluntary insurance options. Leaving the insurance company is its commercial solution. If the company considers that this type of insurance is unprofitable, it will leave the market," he noted.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Azerbaijani Economy Minister Mikayil Jabbarov held a meeting with a delegation headed by Chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers Hassan Moejeb Alhwaizy, Trend reports.

The meeting noted the successful development of economic relations between Azerbaijan and Saudi Arabia. It was emphasized that there is a favorable environment for investors in Azerbaijan and noted the importance of the project implemented in Azerbaijan by the Saudi company ACWA Power in the field of alternative and renewable energy.

Furthermore, it was mentioned that the Azerbaijan-Saudi Arabia Joint Business Council is an effective mechanism for realization of opportunities for expansion of investment cooperation and increase of bilateral trade turnover.

The importance of deepening joint activities to diversify the economy and ensure sustainable development in our countries was emphasized.

The sides also discussed promotion of bilateral investments and trade relations, establishment of joint ventures, and possibility of participation of Saudi Arabian investors as residents in Azerbaijan's industrial parks.
The $15 million Viking Medical Center is coming to an unfinished office building on Valparaiso's north side.

Local construction firm Hasse Construction, which is based in Calumet City and Munster, plans to transform at long-vacant building at 1425 Glendale Blvd. into a state-of-the-art medical center. The Viking Medical Center is expected to create 60 new jobs at an average salary of $90,000.

The 43,500-square-foot medical facility will stand two stories tall and house a variety of medical tenants. The medical center has high-end finishes, three elevators, covered parking and a sunny atrium. There are several medical facilities in the immediate vicinity, including a Northwest Health Emergency Room and the New Beginnings Health Center.

Finishing out this project is not an easy task and were so pleased that a local hero has taken it on, Valparaiso Mayor Jon Costas said.

The Valparaiso City Council approved a tax abatement for the project to cut the property taxes as a reward for the job creation and investment.

Another developer broke ground on the medical building across from ValPlayso in 2018 but ended up abandoning the project after filing for bankruptcy. It originally was intended to offer renal care.

The building was about 40% finished before the previous developer abandoned it. Hasse Construction will remediate the building, which was exposed to the elements over the years. It will turn it into a speculative medical facility or one without any tenants lined up in advance.

Different physicians and other healthcare providers will be able to lease space there to offer different services. They will be able to finish their own spaces to meet their own particular needs. Hasse Construction expects the total investment in the building will reach $15 million by the time the project is complete early next year.

Hasse Construction has been active in Northwest Indiana for more than 104 years. It has built a wide variety of commercial, industrial, institutional, healthcare and municipal buildings over the past century.

Major recent projects include the Kankakee Welcome Center on southbound I-65, Bulldog Park in Crown Point and Porter Business Park and St. Mary Medical Center in Valparaiso,.

For more information about the property, visit VikingMedicalCenter.com, call (219) 688-1902 or email VMCValpo@gmail.com.
WHEATFIELD  Other than a couple parked squad cars, there was no obvious police activity late Tuesday morning in a rural residential neighborhood that is part of an ongoing investigation involving the Jasper County Coroner's Office.

Yellow police tape surrounded the property in the 4200 block of Old Orchard Lane.

The investigation, which reportedly began Monday, also involves the Jasper County Sheriff's Department and Indiana State Police, according to Coroner Andrew Boersma.

No further details were available as of Tuesday morning.

Boersma said an update in the investigation was expected later in the day.
LAPORTE  A fatal shooting nearly two years ago, which resulted in the recent arrests of three people, began with a family dispute, according to a court document.

Michigan City police said surveillance video footage from Dec. 3, 2022 of the scene in the 700 block of E. 10th Street revealed that well more than 15 shots were fired.

A black SUV is seen in the footage pulling up and then there is the sight of light flashing that police said was muzzle flashes from a gun.

Police said when officers arrived on the scene, they found Randy Edwards lying on the ground with life-threatening injuries and a female who had also been shot.

"Officers began life saving measures and both subjects were immediately transported to Franciscan Health by LaPorte County EMS where Mr. Edwards was later pronounced deceased," according to police.

Portage teen climbed into home, kidnapped his child, police say As emergency medical officials were called to check on the condition of the child, police said the accused admitted, "I ain't gon' lie, I went through the window."

Police have continued to investigate and announced the recent arrest of Lakeith Winters, 36, of Michigan City, on charges of murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness, according to police.

Joe Winters, 42, of Chicago, is reportedly charged with aiding, inducing or causing murder; aiding, inducing or causing attempted murder; and aiding, inducing or causing aggravated battery.

Shannon Winters, 40, who is awaiting extradition from Chicago, faces charges of criminal recklessness and unlawful carrying of a handgun, police said.

Anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact detective Sgt. Melissa Sopher at 219-874-3221, extension 1049 or by email at msopher@emichigancity.com.

Gallery: Recent arrests booked into LaPorte County Jail Jeremy Boykin Bonnie Larson Ronald Prichard Jeremy Loggins Donell Davis Lakeith Winters Hunter Combs Joe Winters Nathan East David Oropeza-Martinez Lee Schofield Phillip Jones David McKee Dario Solano Darrain Tiggs
JASPER COUNTY  The attorney representing Rhyker Earl's family responded online to police body camera footage that showed officers restraining Earl in his DeMotte home, calling his death "preventable."

The 26-year-old Valparaiso native died two days after police held him to the floor for more than 20 minutes following several seizures in the early morning hours of Sept. 9.

Earl's family retained Ben Crump, a nationally known attorney who has represented the families of several victims in high-profile wrongful death cases, including the families of George Floyd, Michael Brown, Breonna Taylor, Ahmaud Arbery and others.

In a series of posts to the social media platforms Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, Crump shared his thoughts on several moments of the footage, which was released by the Jasper County Sheriff's Department on Friday.

Crump shared the opening minutes of the footage, which show Earl walking to a bedroom to put on clothes so he could be taken to the hospital. While there, Earl appears to swat at the air with his right arm, possibly making contact with one of the medics.

The first sheriff's deputy on the scene runs into the bedroom and appears to grab Earl and take him to the floor in the kitchen.

"Hey! Don't (expletive) touch the medic, you're going to the hospital," the deputy yells. "Don't (expletive) hit him. You understand?"

"Guys, please!" Earl exclaims. "I'm going to die!"

"Responders can be seen taking and pinning Rhyker down to the ground as he PLEADED for HELP!" Crump wrote in the post. "Why were his pleas so callously IGNORED?! His death was PREVENTABLE!"

Crump shared a 13-second clip from the body camera video where Earl yells "help" nine times as several officers and EMTs restrain him. "We are your help," one of them says.

"There is NO DOUBT that this is NOT the help this Indiana man  who needed medical assistance following a seizure  was searching for!" Crump wrote.

In his posts, Crump did not address the moments where Earl appeared to make contact with a medic while he was in the bedroom putting clothes on. It remains unclear if Earl was trying to pull the pull-chain on the light fixture in the room when he swatted at the air and appeared to make contact with the medic.

Crump's law firm did not respond to a request for comment on that particular moment from the footage.

"The responsibility of the deputies was to prevent Mr. Earl from harming himself or the EMT personnel while they provided medical aid," the Jasper County Sheriff's Department said in a statement Friday.

Earl's family held a press conference Monday.

Earl's autopsy results are pending. His family has not taken legal action.
WHEATFIELD  Officials dug up bone fragments in the yard of a Wheatfield home Monday that will be tested to determine if they belong to two children.

Jasper County Sheriff Patrick Williamson and Jasper County coroner Andy Boersma shared the news in a joint statement Tuesday. Yellow police tape surrounded the property in the 4200 block of Old Orchard Lane Tuesday morning.

On Sept. 20, the Jasper County Sheriff's Office received a report that a person had allegedly confessed to friends about killing two undocumented children and burning their bodies in a fire pit at their Wheatfield home, according to the statement.

Later that day, Jasper County detectives found the suspect at a Newton County hotel, police said. In a series of interviews, the suspect denied any involvement, but police seized the person's cell phone as evidence and found more information.

With new evidence, detectives tracked down the suspect again. The suspect continued to deny all accusations, police said. The Indiana Department of Child Services took the suspect's undocumented child into protective custody.

On Monday morning, state, county and local officials searched the property where the suspect allegedly buried the two bodies. Two cadaver dogs assisted with the search and alerted to three separate locations on the property. When officials searched further, they found partial bone fragments.

On Tuesday, the fragments were transported to Indianapolis where a specialist is analyzing them to determine if they are the bones of human infants or of an animal.

According to the statement, the results of the analysis will determine if the Wheatfield property will be investigated further.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office is asking anyone with information relevant to this investigation to contact the office and ask to speak with a detective.
MICHIGAN CITY  By this time next year, the hope is to have a playground for all children, no matter what their abilities, at Michigan Citys lakefront.

Plans for the all-inclusive playground at Washington Park were unveiled Monday with help from U.S. Rep. Frank Mrvan, D-Highland, who helped secure $1 million in federal funding toward the projected $5 million price tag.

He described his effort to compete for the funds as one of those that is worth fighting for.

Another $2 million has been approved by the City Council and Redevelopment Commission.

Park Department Superintendent Shannon Eason said grant applications with the Health Foundation of LaPorte and the Indianapolis-based Lilly Endowment, if approved, will provide another $1.75 million toward the playground she described as life changing for some future users.

Securing those grants would leave $25,000 to raise.

Mayor Angie Nelson Deuitch said her goal is to begin construction early next year and have the playground open in the fall.

I know its a very short timeline but I know that we can do it, Deuitch said.

The safe surface playground would be on a half-acre near the Guy Foreman Amphitheatre on the east side of the park.

Among the features would be a play tower, adaptive swings, slides, sensory panel and music, fox den hangout, tree top climbers and a double zip line with a handicapped accessible seat.

Plans also call for a "pier" with small boats, fitness equipment, a fish play structure along with handicapped accessible bathrooms, an entry plaza and various sculptures.

Eason said there should be something for all children, including those with a wide range of challenges, whether physical, mental, audio or visual.

Our playground was thoughtfully designed with one core principle in mind. Everyone, regardless of ability, should have the opportunity to play, Eason said.

A walking trail with a soft surface is also planned for use by children and adults.

Were sending a message that every individual deserves to be seen, heard, valued and included, she said.

Mrvan said the potential of the playground to have a positive impact is enhanced by the lakefront.

He compared it to what happened years ago when Wicker Memorial Park in Highland added a 2.5 mile walking trail.

That walking trail was an anchor because seniors and people came to it every single day to utilize it and enjoy the beauty, he said.

Eason said such facilities also become sources for children no matter what their differences to interact and connect with others.

They teach our children the values of empathy, respect and understanding, she said.

Deuitch said the playground, included in the 2021 park department master plan, should make the lakefront even more of a destination because not every community has such a large all-inclusive facility.

She said a fund has been established with the Unity Foundation of LaPorte County for people wanting to contribute toward future construction and maintenance of the park.

This is a labor of love from us to make sure that this happens, she said.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Three men are in custody following a nearly two-year investigation into a Michigan City shooting that left one man dead and one woman injured.

Randy Edwards, 43, was pronounced dead at a LaPorte County hospital on Dec. 3, 2022. A female shooting victim who was also hospitalized survived.

Three suspects in the shooting were all arrested on Friday. Lakeith Winters, 36, the suspected gunman, was apprehended by Michigan City police at his Tremont Street residence. He faces murder, attempted murder, aggravated battery, unlawful possession of a firearm and criminal recklessness charges. Winters' bond was set at $100,000.

Joe Winters, 42, was arrested during a traffic stop in Michigan City. He is charged with aiding, inducing or causing murder, aiding inducing or causing attempted murder, and aiding inducing or causing aggravated battery. His bond was also set at $100,000.

Shannon Winters, 40, was arrested by Chicago police. LaPorte County prosecutors are seeking his extradition to Indiana, where he faces criminal recklessness and unlawful carrying of a handgun charges. His bond was set at $15,000.
The throwback rap legends Rakim, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick will kick it old school at Hard Rock Casino in Gary.

Rakim, Doug E. Fresh and Slick Rick will bring their Rock the Mic tour to Hard Rock Casino Northern Indianas Hard Rock Live venue at 5400 W. 29th Ave. in Gary on Nov. 29. Doors open at 7 p.m. at the $300 million casino of the Burr Street interchange of the Borman Expressway in Gary's Black Oak neighborhood.

New York native Rakim was one half of the Eric B and Rakim duo that's been ranked as one of the best hip hop duos of all time and was also known as the The God MC, Kid Wizard, The R, The 18th Letter and Rakim Allah after emerging on the scene during the 1980s. He's been credited with investing flow by peers like the rapper Kool Moe Dee.

"Rakim is considered a transformative figure in hip hop for raising the bar for MC technique higher than it had ever been. Rakim helped to pioneer the use of internal rhymes and multisyllabic rhymes, and he was among the first to demonstrate the possibilities of sitting down to write intricately crafted lyrics packed with clever word choices and metaphors rather than the more improvisational styles and simpler rhyme patterns that predominated before him," Hard Rock Casino said in a press release. "Rakim is also credited with creating the overall shift from the more simplistic old school flows to more complex flows.."

Manhattan native Doug E. Fresh also came up during hip hop's early days in the 1980s. He had hits like "The Show" and earned nicknames like Worlds Greatest Entertainer and the Original Human Beatbox.

"During his nearly 40-year career, he has etched himself into the annals of music history with his creation of the human beatbox art form, whereby he vocally simulates the sounds of drums and other musical instruments with stunning accuracy. His unrivaled skill and myriad talents have resulted in an enduring legacy that continues to break new ground," Hard Rock Casino said in a news release. "As a pioneering hip-hop artist, Fresh possesses the unrivaled ability to captivate audiences with or without a musical backing track and has performed at the request of U.S. presidents, foreign dignitaries, and saints."

He went on to become a television personality who appeared on shows like American Idol, Bad Boys of Comedy, Showtime at the Apollo" and Soul Train Awards.

They will be joined by Slick Rick, who was the third rapper to sign to the legendary label Def Jam and whose work has been sampled more than 1,000 times by artists like MF Doom, The Beastie Boys, The Notorious B.I.G., Snoop Dogg, Nas, Eminem, Beyonce and Mariah Carey.

"Slick Rick has become one of the most-sampled hip-hop artists of all time," Hard Rock Casino said in a press release. "Many of these songs based on Slick Rick samples went on to become hit singles. He was one of the first hip-hop artists to be covered, when Snoop Dogg (then Snoop Doggy Dogg) rapped Rick's lyrics from his record "La Di Da Di" almost in their entirety on the track "Lodi Dodi" on his debut album Doggystyle in 1993. At the time, it was uncommon for rappers to record covers of each other's material."

Tickets start at $59 and go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday for the 21+ show.

For more information, call 219-228-2383.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, September 30. The international conference within the Climate Action Week (BCAW 2024) to Combat Climate Change framework has been held in Baku, Trend reports.

Addressing the participants of the event, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources of Azerbaijan, President of COP29 Mukhtar Babayev stated that this event will pave the way for progress on key issues that will be front and center at the upcoming COP29.

"Among the main topics are climate financing, the provision of biennial transparency reports (BTR) by the end of the year, and the preparation and submission of national climate plans (NDC) by February of the following year," he noted.

UN high-level climate leader at COP29 Nigar Arpadarai added that the climate crisis is looming as a no longer distant threat. "We need fresh ideas, a wealth of know-how, and a steadfast dedication from everyone involved  from the business world and community groups to urban centers and educational institutions. Baku Climate Week is a wake-up call, a melting pot where talk turns into tangible plans, and those plans spark lasting transformation," she highlighted.

Azerbaijans Minister of Economy Mikayil Jabbarov pointed out that the Climate Finance Action Fund can be a game changer in bridging the gaps. "We aim to engage all stakeholders in this process and achieve inclusive discussions. To do this, it is necessary to involve countries, international organizations, financial institutions, and major energy companies in COP29, and to organize discussions on incentives to attract private investment in low-carbon business solutions," he said.

Executive Secretary of the UN Framework Convention Simon Stiell added that the importance of the upcoming COP29 cannot be underestimated. "I want to congratulate the government of Azerbaijan on hosting COP29. Under the presidency aimed at enhancing ambition and supporting action, key themes of the conference, such as the energy transition, urban resilience, sustainable financing, water resources, and food and agriculture, place Azerbaijan at the center of the international climate agenda this year," he said.

UN Resident Coordinator in Azerbaijan Vladanka Andreeva noted in her address that Baku Climate Action Week is a crucial event ahead of COP29. "Azerbaijan's announcement as the host of the COP29 conference followed with the active mobilization of representatives from various sectors to combat climate change. In this process, Azerbaijan is working closely with the UN, the COP29 Presidency Team, the government, civil society, development partners, the scientific community, and youth".

As Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov addressed the participants of the event, he highlighted Azerbaijan's commitment to a clean environment and green growth. "The concepts of "clean environment" and "green growth" have been established as key development priorities for Azerbaijan through the year 2030. Azerbaijan is implementing a transition to green energy at national, regional, and global levels, accompanied by targeted reforms".

Chief Executive Officer of COP29 and Azerbaijan's Deputy Minister of Energy Elnur Soltanov noted in his speech that approximately 70 percent of emissions in Azerbaijan come from energy sector. "In general, greenhouse gas emissions contributing to surface temperature increases are primarily caused by the energy sector, accounting for 70 percent globally. About 20 percent of emissions come from agriculture, roughly 5 percent from industry, and around 3 to 4 percent from waste. About 70 percent of emissions in Azerbaijan are also related to the energy sector".

Meanwhile, on the sidelines of the event, the State Committee on Urban Planning and Architecture of the Republic of Azerbaijan and the International Finance Corporation (IFC) have signed a memorandum of understanding focusing on green construction in Azerbaijan.

Baku is hosting Climate Action Week for the first time from September 30 to October 4, 2024. The event will form the basis of the climate agenda ahead of COP29 in Baku in November.

The Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2024) will bring together key stakeholders from a range of fields such as politics, finance, trade, investment, science, arts, culture, civil society, and media.

The main themes of the event are energy transition," cities and urbanized environments," water security," food and agriculture," "SMEs, and green skills.

The first half of the week (from September 30 through October 2) will focus on climate solutions involving government agencies, academia, and the private sector. The second half (October 3-4) will focus on science, education, arts, culture, and other sectors. The city will host numerous events as part of Baku Climate Action Week (BCAW 2024).

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 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. COP takes place annually, unless the parties decide otherwise. The first COP event was held in March 1995 in Germany's Berlin with its secretariat in Bonn.

The conference will continue its work tomorrow.
South Shore Line passengers using the Hammond Station will shift from the current location to the new Gateway Station this month, according to a construction schedule discussed Monday at a meeting of the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District Board of Trustees.

The new station is just west of the current one, across Sheffield Avenue and south of Gostlin Street.

The Gateway Station and parking lot are complete, but the two sets of South Shore tracks need to be rerouted to pass through it. The rerouting will also straighten a bow in the tracks between Sheffield Avenue and the state line.

Construction work rerouting the tracks, one set at a time, is set to begin Friday and last through the month. Once the first set is complete, the Gateway station will go into operation.

"It's going to be a little bumpy, from a construction standpoint, because we'll be down to one track," South Shore President Michael Noland told the board.

The area's infrastructure upgrades have included significant work on Sheffield and Gostlin, including installation of roundabouts, in anticipation of development in the station area.

Gateway will be the joining point of the current South Shore and the West Lake Corridor. The West Lake  to be known as the Monon Corridor  will come in elevated after passing over the Grand Calumet River and freight railroad tracks.

The Hammond station transition was delayed this summer as the railroad worked with contractors to establish a new computer-based dispatching system, which was necessary before the work could begin.

That's among "a lot of activity going on right now on the West Lake Corridor critical to the success of the project," Noland said.

Work is progressing with the goal of opening the line for revenue service in May, he said.

One issue that continues to be a sticking point is reaching agreement with the CSX freight railroad on construction of an underpass that would take Main Street under the commuter and freight lines to the parking lot for the Munster/Dyer Station parking lot.

Noland said that would not delay the start of operations on the railroad.

NICTD and contractors are wrapping up final tasks on the Double Track project, which entered service in May, Noland said.

The start of that service led to a precipitous drop in on-time performance, which reached its nadir in July before rebounding with a new train schedule implemented in August and analysis of "every segment on every train," Noland said.

"It's a good start, but we need to do more," he said.

The railroad is also seeing an upward trend in ridership officials hope to see continue. It recently began surpassing 7,000 riders per weekday, still off the pre-pandemic total of about 10,000, but showing steady growth, particularly with the end of busing passengers along a segment of the line during Double Track.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Steel Dynamics, the largest steelmaker headquartered in Indiana, signed a 10-year deal with Wabash.

The Fort Wayne-based steelmaker signed a pact to supply steel components to Lafayette-based Wabash for its van trailers, tank trailers, platform trailers and truck bodies. Steel Dynamics will provide hot-rolled, galvanized and painted steel coils, as well as steel crossmembers, to help Wabash manufacture products for the transportation, logistics and distribution sectors.

We are excited to formalize our long-standing relationship with Steel Dynamics, said Richard Mansilla, vice president, global supply chain at Wabash. This agreement fortifies our supply chain with high-priority capacity during critical demand periods, ensuring our ability to meet customer needs without the constraints often faced by other manufacturers.

Steel Dynamics has supplied Wabash for 14 years, supporting all its product lines even as it has increased its equipment offerings. The new agreement will prioritize Wabash's orders at Steel Dynamics' mills to ensure it can provide uninterrupted service to its customers even during heightened demand.

It has inked similar deals with Rockland Flooring, Ryerson, J.B. Hunt and Hydro to strengthen its supply chains and ensure reliability.

Having collaborated for many years, we are pleased to extend our partnership with Wabash through this long-term agreement, said Barry Schneider, president and chief operating officer of Steel Dynamics. We strive to be our customers preferred partner, through providing high-quality steel products and innovative solutions that meet and exceed expectations. This agreement aligns both of our companies to better serve the future demands of the commercial transportation industry, providing stability to our mutual customers.

Steel Dynamics is one of the largest steel producers in the country. It makes liquid pig iron, processes both ferrous and nonferrous scrap and produces an array of steel products like hot rolled coils, cold rolled coils, coated sheet steel, structural steel beams, steel joists and deck, rail, engineered special-bar-quality steel, cold finished steel, merchant bar products and specialty steel sections.
HAYS, MONTANA  Inside a double tipi lodge on the Fort Belknap Reservation one September morning, four children huddled together, each with a lollipop in hand.

Youre going to learn about dehydration in science class when youre in my grade, 13-year-old LeCass Camel told the others.

Jeremiah Camel, LeCass 12-year-old cousin, recited the numbers of pi.

Youll learn that in math, he proudly told the younger kids, who were more focused on their candy.

Just feet away from Jeremiah and LeCass sat three small caskets containing the remains of children not much older than themselves  a stark reminder that life for the Aaniiih people didnt always look this way.

While LeCass and Jeremiah live with their family members and attend school in their community, the children in the caskets were sent thousands of miles from home to Carlisle Indian Industrial School.

Located in Pennsylvania, Carlisle opened in 1879 and was the first government-run boarding school for Native Americans. The explicit mission of the campus  which later served as a model for others  was cultural genocide. Native American children who attended were forbidden from speaking their languages or practicing culture. They were emotionally, physically and sexually abused. The historical trauma created there persists in tribal communities.

Some children died at these schools. Some are still unaccounted for. Many never came home  until now.

For the last seven years, Native American tribes have worked with the U.S. Army War College (which now occupies the original Carlisle site) to exhume and return ancestral remains. While the process is painful, tribal leaders say it is an important step toward healing.

Recovering from centuries of harmful U.S. policy, the Fort Belknap Aaniiih and Nakoda Tribes  like hundreds of tribes nationwide  are charting a new path forward, one that acknowledges the tragedies of the past while celebrating the opportunity for a better future.

George Horse Capture, Jr., a cultural leader, put it simply: Were trying to learn to be Aaniiih and Nakoda again, he said.

A lethal system

Bishop L. Shield, John Bull and Almeda Heavy Hair each arrived and died at Carlisle in the 1890s.

Around that time, the U.S. government was acquiring tribal land, legally and illegally. Settlers and U.S. soldiers killed millions of bison to devastate tribal communities. Tribal populations began to plummet, as people faced malnutrition, infertility and disease. Responding to these conditions, some tribal leaders believed off-reservation schools, like Carlisle, would provide opportunity for children, according to Blackfeet historian Rosalyn LaPier.

She said the federal government also used coercion to ensure Indigenous people would comply with federal policy. Indian agents, for example, could withhold rations from parents who did not send their children to schools like Carlisle.

Because school records are limited, inconsistent and poorly translated, not much is known about the three Aaniiih children who died at Carlisle. Shield (whose Indian name was Sleeps High) died of pneumonia at 17, just three months after arriving at the school in 1890. Bull (The Dwarf) died at 15 in 1891 of consumption, a term often used to describe tuberculosis or some kind of lung infection. And Heavy Hair (Heavy Hair on Side of Head) died at 16 in 1894, also of consumption.

Preston McBride, assistant professor of history at Pomona College in Claremont, California, said diseases like tuberculosis, typhoid fever and pneumonia thrived at Indian boarding schools.

School leaders, he said, often didnt enforce vaccination requirements. And the schools, which received funding based on student population, were overcrowded. It wasnt uncommon for students to share beds, clothing, toothbrushes and towels.

McBride has studied the spread of disease in four major Indian boarding schools  Carlisle in Pennsylvania, Chemawa in Oregon, Haskell in Kansas and Sherman in California.

From 1810 to 1920, he said students in these four schools were up to 20 times more likely to die than their white counterparts in the U.S. Because school officials failed to keep records on many sick or dying students, McBride said, the full extent of the systems lethality is unknown.

Indian student deaths in federal custody were considered acceptable collateral damage for the governments larger push to eradicate Native American cultures and life ways, he said.

A heavy sense of sadness visiting Carlisle

At the urging of tribal members nationwide, the U.S. Army War College has exhumed and returned the remains of dozens of children who died at Carlisle. Shield, Bull and Heavy Hair were exhumed in the colleges seventh disinterment operation since 2017.

About a dozen Fort Belknap cultural leaders, council members, elders and youth traveled to Pennsylvania to receive the remains and bring them home.

On campus, Emma Filesteel, the deputy tribal historic preservation officer for the Fort Belknap Aaniiih and Nakoda Tribes, couldnt bring herself to enter the schools old infirmary.

I felt a heavy sense of sadness when I was there, she said.

William Granados, 19, noticed former school buildings had been turned into hotels.

Its like if they turned a concentration camp in Germany into a hotel, he said, shaking his head.

Blackfeet cultural leaders who visited Carlisle last fall said the school was eerie. William Gladstone, who works for the Blackfeet Tribal Historic Preservation Office, said he noticed childlike doodles on the walls of what looked to be jail cells. When remains of a Blackfeet child were exhumed last fall, Gladstone said there were pig, cow and deer bones inside the childs casket. He learned the childrens cemetery was also used as a dump for animal scraps they used in the kitchen.

They were careless, he told Lee Montana last fall.

That negligence also meant that a fourth Nakoda child buried in an unmarked grave at Carlisle was left behind because it was too difficult to exhume his remains.

It was one of the worst feelings having to leave him behind, Filesteel said. We need to come up with a solution to get him home.

Enduring consequences

Past boarding school-era policies have long-term, present-day consequences in tribal communities.

Ekoo Beck (LaPiers child), works for the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition, an organization gathering first-person survivor narratives for an oral history collection. Beck said there arent a lot of elders from the boarding school period who are still alive. Those who are say their classmates died young.

People died at an early age of addiction, Beck said. Alcohol abuse has roots in boarding schools. Traumatic deaths and the low life expectancy rate in Montana can be attributed to the trauma of boarding schools.

Samuel Torres, deputy chief executive officer of NABS, said boarding school survivors werent able to learn traditional ways of parenting. Having grown up in an institutional and abusive environment, some survivors say they dont trust themselves to discipline their children.

Now, we have new generations of Native youth who are subject to conditions provoked by the boarding school era, even if those children never went to boarding schools themselves, Torres said. This pattern of intergenerational trauma continues as a living legacy.

Indigenous languages also suffered. When Filesteels grandfather was a student at St. Pauls Mission School near Hays, he was beaten for speaking Aaniiih.

He didnt speak Aaniiih after that, she said. We never heard him speak it.

Today, there are 30 fluent Aaniiih speakers, according to a 2023 Native Language Community Coordination report.

This is what we do

Atop a hill on the Fort Belknap Reservation, community members placed Heavy Hairs casket in a grave at the Lame Bull Cemetery, where her relatives are buried.

This is difficult, said Randall Werk, one of Heavy Hairs relatives. But this is what we do. This is who we are. She is our relative, and we are going to put her back in this Earth today. Its a beautiful day.

LeCass and his cousin Jeremiah beat their drums as cultural leaders sang in Aaniiih. Community members tossed handfuls of dirt into Heavy Hairs grave, as children gave each other piggyback rides in the cemetery.

Back at the high school, community members grabbed plates of food and embraced each other in comfort.

As people sat down to eat, LeCass, Jeremiah and their younger cousins chased each other through the empty school hallways.

You cant catch me! one of the children yelled as he ran around a lunch table. The others screamed with joy as they chased him, their long braids bouncing up and down with each stride.

Pinned to a bulletin board, a flyer swayed as the children ran past. It advertised an Aaniiih language class.
U.S. Sen. Mike Braun admitted Monday he manipulated images of his Democratic rival for Indiana governor in a new television ad to falsely show former state schools chief Jennifer McCormick posing with other politicians and espousing positions she has not taken.

The 30-second commercial, personally approved by the Republican gubernatorial nominee, inaccurately depicts McCormick standing alongside 2016 Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton, and alters a newspaper photo of a 2023 McCormick rally in South Bend by replacing her campaign signs with signs reading, "No gas stoves."

Indiana law requires campaign ads that employ a digitally altered or artificially generated image to include a noticeable disclosure that the ad contains fabricated media.

Braun's commercial initially lacked the required disclosure and aired at least several times Monday without it. The Braun campaign subsequently added the disclosure and claimed credit for being first in the state to comply with the fabricated media statute.

Under House Enrolled Act 1133 (2024), championed by state Rep. Julie Olthoff, R-Crown Point, a candidate depicted using altered or artificially generated media that lacks the required disclosure can seek financial damages against any person who knowingly paid for, sponsored or disseminated the content without the mandatory notice.

It's not clear whether the McCormick campaign plans to sue. For now, it's condemning Braun for resorting to "deep fakes and dishonesty" to try to continue the 20-year Republican hold on the Indiana governor's office.

"Mike Braun has repeatedly shown he's willing to game the system, and now he may have again broken election laws. Hoosiers deserve better than a governor who plays fast and loose with the law. Voters deserve leaders who stand for honesty and accountability  traits Braun lacks," said Kelly Wittman, McCormick's campaign manager.

Braun's attack ad against McCormick, who last ran statewide in 2016 as a Republican, comes after an election forecaster last week shifted its prediction of the outcome of the Indiana governor's race to "Likely Republican" from "Solid Republican" following several public opinion polls showing the race between Braun and McCormick is close.

Gallery: Get to know these new Indiana laws that took effect July 1 Beekeeping Biomarker testing Bobcat hunting Boundary marker Contraceptives Digital currency Dog sales Drink server Driver safety Drones Food and beverage tax Foreigner land acquisition Gary gun lawsuit Green alert Guardian ad litem Happy hour Intellectual diversity Lake Michigan Mixed beverages Penal facilities Phones in schools Psilocybin Public access counselor Reading Regional planning Religious instruction Sanctuary cities State superintendent Thirteenth check Virtual revenge porn Website age verification Wetlands Xylazine
Gov. Eric Holcomb is sending members of the Indiana National Guard to North Carolina to assist with hurricane relief efforts.

About a dozen airmen from the 181st Intelligence Wing, based in Terre Haute, will join other Hoosier personnel engaged in search and rescue amid the destruction caused by Hurricane Helene.

"As a force for local and global good, the women and men of the Indiana National Guard are prepared to answer the call, and our prayers are with them and the people of North Carolina," Holcomb said.

The Hoosier Guardsmen will be based at Hickory, North Carolina, for approximately two weeks.

They'll work in tandem with emergency responders from North Carolina and federal agencies, along with other Hoosier aid teams collaborating with the Indiana Department of Homeland Security.

That includes Indiana Task Force One, which initially deployed to Florida for search and rescue operations and has since relocated to North Carolina; a swift water rescue team comprised of personnel from from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, South Bend Fire Department, Goshen Fire Department, and Mishawaka Fire Department; and an Indiana incident management team that's assisting Haywood County Emergency Management in North Carolina.

"Hoosiers stand with our friends in North Carolina as they navigate the devastation caused by this natural disaster," Holcomb said.

Photos: Hurricane Helene
Jerry Davich Metro columnist Follow Jerry Davich 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

Its 1:32 a.m. on Monday morning and Im writing this column in my kitchen while devouring the last remnants of a Dutch apple pie, a few bites of a chocolate brownie, and a macadamia nut cookie.

Im washing it all down with a few chugs of milk, as Ive done every night for the past 50 or so years. Since childhood, around midnight or shortly after, Ive sneaked into the kitchen, searched the cabinets for anything sweet, devoured it in a sleepy haze, then returned to bed.

Its a shameful act of sugar addiction that Ive battled for decades. I cant rightfully call it an eating disorder but, trust me, its a disorder and it has caused me stress, anxiety, shame and thousands of dollars through the years.

Ive gobbled down countless packages of cupcakes, cookies, pies, pastries, candy bars, ice cream and anything else that tastes sweet. Ive made pancakes or French toast in the middle of the night  half asleep  just so I can douse it with waves of maple syrup. Ive squeezed frosting out of a tube directly into my mouth  whip cream too  to satisfy my insatiable sweets addiction.

Anytime between midnight and 2 a.m. is my prime hunting time. Im like a heat-seeking missile for anything sweet. Milk has always been my lone accomplice, quietly watching me from a cup or glass or container.

Unlike people, milk never judges me. It doesnt mock me. And it doesnt marvel at my late-night habit that is so much a part of my lifestyle that I make sure to secure my next fix during the day. I struggle to resist buying sweets at gas stations, convenience stores and farmers markets.

Im the only man I know who leaves a Menards with cookies, not power tools or lawn equipment or home renovation items. If I cant enjoy them with milk, alone in the middle of the night, I have no use for them.

I once caught myself dunking a TV remote control in a cup of milk, thinking it was an Oreo cookie. My 39-year-old daughter reminded me of this just last week. Its been a running joke since she was a young girl, when I did it. Im known for stockpiling packaged desserts in kitchen cabinets, bedroom closets and refrigerator drawers.

My family knows all about my middle of the night cravings. Its comical for two reasons. First, Ive been afflicted by it since I was a young boy. I clearly remember walking on top of the kitchen counters in my childhood home, searching for anything sweet to eat, then climbing down and returning to my bedroom. I felt like a pint-sized paratrooper in enemy territory, escaping in the dead of night with my mission accomplished. Every night. Without fail.

The other reason my nightly habit is bewildering to others is that Im not fat or obese, like I was as a kid and teenager. I currently weigh 170 pounds, the lightest Ive ever been as an adult, but I continue to have the chubby self-image of my younger years.

I still have vivid memories of being fat, or obese, though that word wasnt used much when I was a child. Fat was just fat. When I look at old photos of myself as a kid, I tell the same joke about my age on any given year: I was FAT years old.

I routinely got teased by kids at school. It was textbook fat shaming but, again, we never used that term back then. Fat was just fat. And I was fat. Even worse, I felt fat.

My dictionary defines fat shaming as, criticizing and harassing people who have excess weight about their weight or eating habits to make them feel ashamed of themselves.

Yep, check and check. Its been decades since Ive been publicly criticized or harassed for a weight problem, and yet I still feel defensive about it. I know all the telltale signs of someone whos overweight or fat or obese. And how they constantly attempt to hide it. Dark clothing. Unneeded jackets. Loose shirts. And they consistently, though unknowingly, adjust their upper apparel to conceal their belly rolls. Sound familiar?

Thankfully, autumn has again returned with cooler temps, excuses to overeat, and a seasonal rationalization to wear more concealing clothes. Look familiar?

As winter looms on the darkened horizon, they quietly worry about how much weight they will gain and how tightly their clothes will fit. Feel familiar?

Its a silent, shameful fraternity that Im a member of, even though youd never know it by looking at me. Ive ran and bicycled hundreds of miles, lifted weights at home while watching food shows, and worked out to countless exercise routines. Everything from Billy Blanks Tae Bo to The Firm to my first VHS workout video with Franco Columbu, a former bodybuilder. I can still hear his voice and thick accent encouraging me to do one more rep, one more set, one more lunge, squat and bicep curl.

He helped me change my life when I was in my 30s. I lost weight, got into better shape, started jogging, and pretty much transformed my daily lifestyle with regular activity. To this day, if I dont do something every day involving physical activity, I feel guilty about it. And I feel fat.

Feeling fat still motivates me, haunts me and taunts me.

Youd think at my age, and my weight, Id be over such things.

Youd think wrong. And I bet that other people know exactly what Im talking about. We may not know each other but we know about each other. Right?

Now please excuse me, and not judge me, while I finish off the last bite of this brownie before I return to bed.

GALLERY: The Times Photos of the Week
Kekst CNC is handling media in the aftermath of the Sept. 29 fire at a chemical plant in Conyers, GA that led to the evacuation of 17,000 people, shelter-in-place orders for 90K people, and several road closures, including I-20.

The plant is part of Biolab, the swimming pool and spa water unit of Lawrenceville, GA-based KIK Consumer Products.

The fire at the plant, which is 25 miles from downtown Atlanta, was under control after burning for a couple of hours.

The Atlanta Journal Constitution reported the shelter-in-place order was lifted on Sept. 30, but smoke from a chemical reaction at the plant will remain visible for several days. The Environmental Protection Agency deemed the air safe, through it has a odor of chlorine.

Kekst CNC, which is listed as KIKs media contact, is distributing statements from the company,.

Our top priority remains ensuring the communitys safety, said KIK's Sept. 30 statement. We are grateful to the partnership with first responders and local and federal authorities as we together work non-stop to remediate the ongoing situation at our Conyers, Georgia facility."

The company noted that air emissions are being actively monitored at the site and in the community by state, local and federal authorities and it is supporting the efforts of local authorities as part of the unified command response to the incident.


MI State Wants to Tout Economic Impact Thu., Oct. 3, 2024 Michigan State University wants bids from PR and communications firms to promote its University Research Corridor alliance with the University of Michigan and Wayne State University.
Healthcare workers need the budget health spend to be backed up with investment for housing, a nurse has said.

Varghese Joy broadly welcomed the key announcements from the budget around the bumper cost-of-living and social welfare packages.

However, he added: From a migrant healthcare worker perspective, housing is a major, major issue.

It is impossible to buy for a migrant healthcare worker in Dublin or other big cities  and because they cant buy, they are still renting at phenomenal prices.

So I dont think theres enough in this budget to solve the major issue that is housing.

The budgets healthcare package includes funding for the provision of hundreds of additional hospital and community beds, extra capacity in the workforce and the opening of additional surgical hubs.

Mr Joy, who is the national director of Migrant Nurses Ireland, said the measures are welcome in the context of a short-staffed working environment across the sector.

However, he cautioned: Opening beds is always helpful to resolve the crisis of a shortage of beds but also the creation of jobs.

But, to action it and to implement it in a timely fashion  there should be a concrete plan and timeframe.

I havent seen that in the past, so Im not fully confident.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Green hydrogen can be used as a marine fuel in the Caspian Sea in the medium term, Director-General of the Baku International Sea Trade Port (BISTP) Taleh Ziyadov told reporters on the sidelines of the Baku Climate Action Week, Trend reports.

Ziyadov noted that Kazakhstan is seriously considering the possibility of using hydrogen as 'green' fuel.

"In 5-10 years, hydrogen will become more accessible for general use. This issue is also being discussed in Azerbaijan," he said.

The port's head also called on all participants of the Middle Corridor to accelerate the 'green' transition, taking into account that the European Union intends to introduce a carbon emissions tax in 2026 and will set requirements for containers and cargo in line with 'green' standards and the availability of 'green' certificates.

Stay up-to-date with more news at Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
An Offaly-based weather forecaster has debunked reports of a hurricane heading to Ireland over the next few days.

Cathal Nolan from Ireland's Weather Channel was responding to media reports suggesting the remnants of Hurricane Kirk, currently over the Atlantic, could hit Ireland.

One report suggested the tropical storm was "coming for Ireland" but Cathal has poured some cold water on the dramatic headlines.

Responding on social media, he said: "And so it begins. Just to make it very clear, Tropical Storm Kirk is expected to become a Major Hurricane between now and the weekend before it takes a turn to the Northeast where it will be picked up by the jet stream and head towards Europe. That much we are sure of.

"However, there is virtually no certainty that this Hurricane, which by then will be an extra-tropical storm will impact Ireland and we certainly cant predict what areas this storm would impact as claimed in the headline above. Theres simply too much uncertainty to have any certainty just yet.

READ NEXT: Met Eireann in brief weather surprise before 'more low pressure' in brutal twist

"This in fact is emphasised by this morning's ECMWF and GFS model runs which now show the system being negatively impacted by a developing northeasterly airflow, losing its momentum and never reaching Ireland or Europe as it just spins itself out in the Atlantic. Is this model run true? It could be.

"Again, whats certain is that we cant be certain. Over the next week the models will continue to oscillate and change between various scenarios, with multiple outcomes all likely at various points. We can only keep up to date with this events and comment on them for what they are and try to establish patterns or trends.

"Ill have more updates on Hurricane Kirk throughout the next week. But my take home message would be to please dont be worried about this storm, which may never even reach our neck of the woods," he concluded.

In an earlier post on Monday, Cathal described the weather system as "one we need to watch."

"Evening GFS models continue to show what is currently Tropical Depression Number 12, which will become a Major Hurricane (Cat 3 or above) before weakening, in our vicinity in little over a weeks time.

"This is light years away in terms of providing a meteorological forecast for such tropical storms, but its certainly a storm we need to pay very close attention to on this side of the Atlantic."

Meanwhile, Met Eireann is predicting some settled weather for Ireland before another low pressure u-turn brings more unsettled weather from the Atlantic at the weekend.

The national forecaster's latest update predicts the week to be "mostly dry and settled at first" before "turning more unsettled for the weekend."

They say Tuesday will be "largely dry with plenty of sunshine and just a few isolated light showers. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in moderate northerly winds.

"It will be dry with mostly clear skies on Tuesday night. Lowest temperatures of 4 to 8 generally but a little milder on the east coast with moderate northeast breezes."

The forecast continues decent for the rest of the week before the weekend's big change.

"Another bright and mostly dry day on Wednesday with lots of sunshine and just scattered cloud. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in moderate easterly winds. Dry and mostly clear on Wednesday night. Lowest temperatures generally ranging from 6 to 9 degrees with light easterly breezes," Met Eireann predicts.

"Thursday is expected to be a generally dry day with a mix of cloud and sunny spells. However, there is the chance of a few showers developing in the southwest later in the day. Highest temperatures of 13 to 16 degrees in moderate southeast winds. Cloudy and rather breezy on Thursday night with the chance of a few light showers in the south and west but it will be dry elsewhere. Lowest temperatures of 9 to 12 degrees in freshening southerly winds.

"Breezy on Friday with plenty of cloud and rain is likely to develop in the south and west by evening time. Maximum temperatures of 14 to 17 degrees in fresh and gusty southerly winds.

"It looks set to be a rather unsettled weekend with low pressure in the Atlantic feeding in bands of rain and showers at times." This follows last weekend's brutal stormy conditions that led to huge rainfall and flooding, mostly in the south of the country.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The Ministry of Energy of Azerbaijan is working on two main directions for the development of the country's Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic as a green energy zone, Deputy Minister of Energy Orkhan Zeynalov told Trend.

"First, the concept of a 'green zone' in Nakhchivan is being developed, and second, the potential for exporting 'green' energy from the autonomous region will be thoroughly examined. In the near future, a contract will be signed with one of the world's leading companies to prepare a feasibility study (FS) on the planned export of green energy from Nakhchivan to Turkiye, with the prospect of reaching the EU in the second phase," Zeynalov said.

According to him, it's planned to launch 1.5 GW of wind and solar energy capacities in Nakhchivan by 2030.

"As for the export of electricity from the region, we are talking about one GW, but all the details regarding the export will be reflected in the FS," Zeynalov emphasized.

Arab and European companies are ready to participate in the creation of renewable energy sources in Nakhchivan, and negotiations are ongoing with them as part of the 'green zone' concept of the republic.

The deputy minister of energy also said that another project related to the export of electricity from Azerbaijan to Turkiye - AZURE (Azerbaijan Scaling-Up Renewable Energy Project) - is under discussion.

"Together with the World Bank and other potential investors, the project for transporting green energy to Turkiye - AZURE - is being discussed," Zeynalov explained.

The World Bank (WB), through its structure - the International Bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD) - announced the possibility of allocating $250 million for AZURE, and the outlook for the project's implementation will be clarified by the end of October.

According to Zeynalov, one of the current priorities for the Ministry of Energy is ensuring the safe integration of expected new green energy capacities, with a total generation of two GW, into Azerbaijan's internal power grid by 2027.

"We have recently completed a study on integrating new 'green' energy capacities into the internal grid of two GW by 2027. We are addressing the issue of safely and stably integrating these capacities," the official said.

He mentioned that the Ministry of Energy is studying international renewable energy projects with a total capacity of 28 GW.

"By 2027, the share of renewables in Azerbaijan's energy balance will be 32.6 percent, and by 2030  35 percent. We also see significant technical potential in the Caspian for creating wind power plants (WPPs). The WB has estimated this potential at 157 GW (the second-largest wind energy potential in the world after the North Sea). We have a solid foundation for its use, a good legal framework, and incentive mechanisms for investors.

It's the future WPPs on Azerbaijan's Caspian shelf that can provide the green energy planned for export through Georgia and the Black Sea to Europe (the Caspian Sea-Black Sea Energy project). We are talking about the Caspian Sea-Georgia-Black Sea-EU green corridor and the export of four GW of green energy and hydrogen. Recently, a joint venture has been established in Bucharest to implement this project, and the preliminary FS will be presented this November in Baku," added the deputy minister.

In the EU, Romania and Hungary are participants in this project, and Bulgaria's inclusion is being prepared.
BAKU, Azerbaijan. October 1. A recent meeting of the working group (WG) on coordination and monitoring the implementation of green technologies and energy efficiency in Azerbaijan's liberated territories took place at the nation's Ministry of Energy, Trend reports via the ministry.

Chairing the working group, Azerbaijani Energy Minister Parviz Shahbazov, emphasized that under the guidance of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev, significant progress towards establishing a green energy zone in the liberated territories has been made. The minister also noted the strategic objectives set for this initiative.

The agenda featured presentations on renewable energy use in Karabakh and Eastern Zangazur and a report on the working group's 6th meeting's decisions. The report was provided on the results of monitoring the application of green technologies and energy efficiency in the liberated territories.

Also, information was shared regarding approaches to implementing heating systems, whether individual or central, in multi-apartment buildings in these areas.

Plans for putting solar panels on rooftops, along with the setup of metering devices and electric vehicle charging stations in the bustling cities, districts, settlements, and villages on the mend, were also on the table.

In conclusion, the group agreed to review reports on the discussed matters, address shortcomings identified during monitoring promptly, and ensure that future monitoring aligns with the implementation schedule, involving representatives from relevant institutions.

Attendees included representatives from state structures within the working group, as well as officials from the special representative offices of the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan, legal entities of the public law "Service of restoration, construction, and management" of the liberated territories, the Shusha city State Reserve Administration, Azrigaz, Azristiliktchizat OJSC, and the Azerbaijan's Social Development Fund for IDPs.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Azerbaijan has submitted a number of green energy projects for consideration by the World Climate Foundation (WCF), Trend reports via the Azerbaijani Energy Ministry.

WCF President Jens Nielson and the Foundation's representative Ulviya Jalilzade discussed Azerbaijan's green energy projects during a meeting with Deputy Energy Minister Orkhan Zeynalov. The Azerbaijani side reported interest in cooperation with the World Climate Fund in this field, the report says without specifying other details.

Meanwhile, representatives of the Foundation are taking part in Baku Climate Action Week, which started on September 30 and will last until the end of this week.

The World Climate Foundation belongs to one of the UN structures and is among the organizers of the 29th session of the Conference of Parties (COP) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (as well as other COPs).

COP29 will be held in Baku on November 11-22, and climate finance is among the main issues of this session.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The seventh meeting of the Organizing Committee of the 29th session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change was held on October 1, Trend reports.

Samir Nuriyev, Head of the Presidential Administration of the Republic of Azerbaijan and Chairman of the Organizing Committee, reviewed the progress on the COP29 Action Plan since the last meeting, based on instructions from President Ilham Aliyev.

Noting that President of the Republic of Azerbaijan Ilham Aliyev pays constant attention to the process of preparation for COP29, the Chairman of the Organizing Committee informed that the head of state, familiarizing with the work related to the preparation for COP29 at the Baku Olympic Stadium on September 10, gave relevant instructions.

Samir Nuriyev mentioned that during the "Summit of the Future" held on September 22-23 in New York, and in the general debates of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, several heads of state and government referenced COP29, adding that Azerbaijan will be in spotlight of the entire world in November.

The Head of the Presidential Administration underlined that various important events were organized by the COP29 Presidency in Baku in September, including the 3rd meeting of Fund for Responding to Loss and Damage. The Chairman of the Organizing Committee expressed his confidence that the results achieved during the ongoing Baku Climate Week will be continuous. He emphasized the importance of the Pre-COP event scheduled to be held on October 10-11.

Samir Nuriyev noted that the President Ilham Aliyev`s instructions related to the participation of small developing island states in COP29 was welcomed by both these countries and the international community as it ensures inclusion.

Chairman of the Organizing Committee said that government agencies, together with international partners, will hold numerous events within the framework of COP29.

Samir Nuriyev added that Azerbaijani NGOs actively participated in the Summit of the Future" with 44 NGO representatives from 22 countries making a statement supporting Azerbaijan's inclusion-related steps as the COP29 host.

Then, he spoke about the work done at the Baku Olympic Stadium, the organization of transportation, security, obtaining the COP29 visa, issues related to information security, and gave appropriate instructions for their resolution.

Then, Mukhtar Babayev, Minister of Ecology and Natural Resources, President-Designate of COP29, provided an update on the overall progress of COP29, and the meetings held during the New York Climate Week.

Anar Alakbarov, Assistant to the President of the Republic of Azerbaijan reported on ongoing work at the Baku Olympic Stadium and other logistical preparations.

Azerbaijan`s Foreign Minister Jeyhun Bayramov shed light on the outcomes of meetings held during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, along with other substantive issues related to COP29.

Samir Sharifov, Azerbaijan`s Finance Minister provided an update on the climate finance and the cooperation with the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in this context.

Azerbaijan`s Minister of Science and Education Emin Amrullayev reported on how educational institutions will operate during COP29.

Ali Naghiyev, Chief of Azerbaijan`s State Security Service highlighted the issues of ensuring security during COP29.

Azerbaijan`s Deputy Minister of Culture Saadat Yusifova reported on the work done by the Ministry related to COP29, including the "Culture for Climate" initiative.

Ilhama Gadimova, Deputy Minister of Agriculture shared details on preparations by the Ministry of Agriculture and introduced the "Harmony" initiative..

The meeting concluded with directives for the implementation of the COP29 Action Plan and other related tasks.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 1. Germany made a request to increase oil supplies from Kazakhstan to 2.5 million tons, Kazakhstan's Energy Minister Almasadam Satqaliev told media representatives, Trend reports.

He noted that to increase the supplies, it would be necessary to secure agreement from the Russian side regarding the transit of this volume, as well as to ensure the readiness of oil and gas companies, including independent producers, to supply in this direction. They had only just begun these consultations.

According to him, the country aimed to export 1.2 million tons of oil to Germany by the end of the year.

The minister highlighted that Kazakhstan had initiated discussions with Russia on options for boosting oil supplies to Germany.

Currently, Kazakh oil is transported to Germany via the Druzhba pipeline, which crosses Russian territory.

In addition, Satqaliev reported that during the first eight months of 2024, the transit of Russian gas through Kazakhstan reached 3.47 billion cubic meters, compared to 1.28 billion cubic meters for the entire year of 2023.
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 1. Kazakhstan and International Monetary Fund (IMF) discussed cooperation plans for the near and medium term, Trend reports.

The matter was reviewed during a meeting between Kazakhstan's Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov with the head of the IMF mission in Kazakhstan Nicolas Blanchet.

Within the framework of the regular visit to Kazakhstan, the IMF mission held a number of meetings with key government bodies, including the Parliament, the National Bank, the Ministry of National Economy, the Ministry of Finance and other stakeholders.

The parties discussed the current economic situation, ongoing reforms and measures taken by Kazakhstan to ensure sustainable economic growth. The IMF gave recommendations on the priority directions of the economic policy development.

Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister noted the continued growth of the economy and its acceleration up to 3.7 percent from January through August 2024. He also noted the countrys work to improve the effectiveness of budget policy, improve tax legislation, enhance investment attractiveness and development of entrepreneurship. At the same time, the representatives of the IMF noted the need to continue structural reforms in the economy to reach a sustainable 6 percent growth.

Earlier, Kazakhstan's Prime Minister Olzhas Bektenov and IMF's Deputy Managing Director Bo Li have discussed financial and economic cooperation.

During the meeting, the strategic nature of Kazakhstan's relationship with the IMF was highlighted. The sides noted the positive outcomes of their collaboration, which has supported structural reforms, tax and budget policy development, and the growth of Kazakhstans financial markets.
As mystery continues over the disappearance of Kerala-born Norwegian citizen Rinson Jose following the Lebanon pager blasts, Norta Global Limited owned by him received Norwegian krone (NOK) 18 million (Rs 14.31 crore) from a bank in Israel, reported Norway-based news outlet Verdens Gang (VG).

According to the VG report, the payment was received for services offered by Norta Global to a company in Hong Kong. However, VG accessed documents which showed that the money was credited to Norta Global's account from an account in an Israeli bank.

Onmanorama spoke to Hakon Fostervold Hoydal, an investigative journalist with VG who has accessed and verified the documents, and he said that the money was received for multiple invoices generated over a period of two years. The trail of money was also linked to Hungarian company named BAC Consulting. The money that came into the Norwegian company then went directly to another company in Hungary, BAC Consulting, VG reported.

BAC Consulting has been linked to the explosion of pagers in Lebanon and Cristiana Barsony Arcidiacono is the CEO of Budapest-based BAC Consulting. The company came under probe after Taiwanese firm Gold Apollo said it had authorized the use of trademark on pagers which exploded in Lebanon but the devices were manufactured by BAC Consulting, according to CBS news.

According to Hungarian news website Telex, Arcidiacono during an interview with the intelligence sleuths said that Norta Global Limited placed the orders for the beepers and the devices were delivered to the customer directly from Hong Kong. Arcidiacono had told NBC News that she did not make the pagers and said she was just the intermediate.

Rinson Jose. Photo: Special arrangement

"From our investigation we have scrutinized documents to prove that money was transacted between Israeli bank and Norta Global which was then transferred to Hungarian company. We have also verified this information from documents with our sources," Hakon told Onmanorama. He said that they are awaiting a confirmation from the Israeli bank. It is also not clear who owned the account in the Israeli bank from which money was transferred to Norta Global. Onmanorama couldn't verify the documents independently. He also said that the nature of documents accessed by him can't be disclosed owing to the sensitive nature of the matter. "Documents we have indicate that the money was paid to Norta Global for services done for the Hong Kong company and it came from an Israeli bank account. We are still working hard to uncover the nature of the HK company, its owners and connections to the Israeli bank account. This is an ongoing story," said Hakon.

Meanwhile, after Oslo police district issued a missing notice for Rinson Jose, the Norwegian police security service has also opened an investigation in Norway related to the case.

Documents showed that Norta Global was incorporated in 2022 in Bulgaria and it had the signature of Rinson as the sole proprietor. BBC Verify also reported based on scrutiny of BAC's company records that this company was also incorporated in 2022. According to VG, Rinson is believed to have left the US.
I, of course, was familiar with Garrison Keillor from Minnesota Public Radio (MPR) and from his years of The Prairie Home Companion shows, a few of which my wife and I attended over the years. I was aware of his books, and besides that, he was from Minnesota and had attended the University of Minnesota at about the same time that I did. In fact, after our return to Minnesota after years of sojourn in New York City and a small town in Michigan, it was his description on MPR of a class of the poet, James Wright, at the University of Minnesota, that was so vivid that I was sure I sat in that very class. It also engaged us to become members of MPR.

That was many years ago, and we are still in Minnesota and still members of MPR even after their less than stellar treatment of Garrison Keillor over the last several years.

Now, I find myself suddenly rediscovering Garrison Keillor's books-- a revelation, perhaps arriving at just the right time in my life. As I read more, I began to realize how many parallels existed in our lives. Although I never met him, he was very much a contemporary of mine. He graduated from high school a year after I did. Like me, he attended the University of Minnesota and graduated with an English degree. He moved to New York City to pursue writing, as I did, though I became sidetracked by other aspects of life, starting a family and finding a job that provided a military deferment; i.e., teaching. Only during the last decade or so have I returned to writing, though still in relative obscurity. He had wives and children; I have had only one wife and two sons. He traveled extensively, I have lived on the East and West Coast, as well as the Midwest, and traveled some in Canada, Mexico and Europe.

He went through periods of rejection and betrayal, as I have. And like him, I recovered.

Something about his life deeply resonates with me.

He had experience in Stearns County but much of his early life was in Anoka where he went to high school, somewhat closer to Minneapolis than Stearns County. I grew up and went to high school in a small-town cheek-to-jowl with his mythical town of Lake Wobegon somewhere in Stearns County. The Lake Wobegon Trail meanders through my childhood stomping grounds, and the stories mention many of the towns of my childhood such as St. Cloud, Avon, New Munich and other small towns in the area, including a reference to Charlie's Cafe' in Freeport. (My older sister knew Charlie when she was a student at the University of Minnesota.) Incidentally Charlie's Cafe' appears in a poem I wrote about my father's death, which I have included at the end of this article.

Lake Wobegon was full of Lutherans and Norwegians. In my small town there were only a handful of Lutherans, the town itself being nearly all German and Roman Catholic. In fact, there were two Catholic churches in that small town as well as two Catholic elementary schools. This meant that to have a public elementary school they had to combine two grades to have enough students. The school was made up of the few protestants in the area and perhaps a few of the Catholic families who were out of favor with the church. (Incidentally, one Christmas season the school put on a play about the origins of the German Christmas carol, "Silent Night", written by a Catholic priest in Germany. It is quite ironic that, in a town filled with mostly German-speaking Catholics, somehow, I, a Finnish American Protestant who didn't speak German, was chosen to play the part of the Catholic priest and recite the song in German.)

However, like many other readers, I feel like I grew up with many people like those in Lake Wobegon and I certainly knew the atmosphere of small-town Minnesota and probably small-town America.

I had read some of his books early on and wasn't particularly impressed at the time. Recently, however, I discovered several of his works on Audible.com. The difference? He was the narrator, and that changed everything. As many of us know, his narrative style is almost hypnotic. I fell in love with his writing, which transformed into storytelling through his own voice.

And what a gift he gave us with his storytelling, with his identification of the elemental simplicity and the basic humanity of ordinary people. His humor is mild, but insightful. He is gently Christian. He is accepting. He is even mildly iconoclastic and his interweaving of literature, bits of poetry and songs is endearing. He tells of the inner lives of his characters, their unexpressed dreams, their foibles and eccentricities, all of which were accepted within the community. In many ways his writing is somewhat similar to that of Wendell Berry, another of my favorites.

He also reflects on his own life, chronicling his growth and evolution, including his challenges, regrets, and successes, as he became the person he is today.

Most importantly to me personally, his books gave me an opportunity to reflect on my own life-- my experiences, growth, and development as I've evolved into who I am now.

Of course, he achieved far more fame and celebrity than I ever could. He reached a much larger audience than I could dream of, but throughout his journey, his focus remained on his writing, just as mine has. His writing is a reflection of who he is, and his storytelling became a way for him to communicate with the world. I understand that deeply and appreciate it.

If you're curious to explore Garrison Keillor's work, I highly recommend Audible.com or another platform where you can hear his voice narrating his own stories.

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King David Hotel after being targeted in the terrorist attack by the Zionist organization Irgun, 1946

(Image by Public Domain) Details DMCA



Mixed Pizzash on Palestine

starring Karl "Turd Blossom" Rove as Gunner Reality

.

Do not attempt to adjust that dial.

It might go BOOM.

Like a raisin in the sun:

fermented sugar over: f*ck no!

Even to the edge of doom.

.



Apparently, Yahoo didn't learn the lesson of opening two fronts.

Then what's the point of Never Again idiomatic expressions?

October 7 already has its doubters.

Like 9/11 and Pearl Harbor, linked by Bibi.

Let's call them Conspiracy Theorists.

Let's call them Conspiracy Fearists.

And next time Yoohoodoodlidoo visits Congress

where Israelites pour money into poli coffers,

let's instead throw shoes.

.



"People in the reality-based community believe that solutions emerge from your judicious study of discernible reality"

.



The Ralph Nader Radio Hour.

The long teeth of Truth.

"It is a genocide of children."

He quotes Trita Parsi.

(When are these atrocities not aimed at children?)

Ralph adds,

...In the last week, over 4000 Lebanese, most of them civilians, were injured by booby traps, pagers, two way radios, solar panels, etc., all coming from the Israeli regime...

Ralph is Mr. Green.

Ralph ruined the Lesser of Two Evils campaign of 2000,

stupid detractors say, stupid 'liberals' from the buffer zone.

Ralph put out a cookbook that I reviewed.

Ralph is of Lebanese descent.

Listening to Ralph on the radio is like sitting around at his table

full of mediterranean dishes,

pleasant progressive talk with smiles and no smirks,

Talking about how the world could be a better place

as you make your way through kibbeh in laban with mint,

simple.

.



"That's not the way the world really works anymore"

.



You try to make sense of it all.

Maybe you rewatch The Promise.

Balfour. Strike Three, You're out.

Or you rewatch Shoah

and feel really sickly guilty again

at being part of a species capable of that.

But then you realize bio is cannibalistic,

and you can't hide behind vegetarianism,

which counterintuitively puts a new spin on Jesus wafers and wine,

and introjection.

.



"We're an empire now, and when we act, we create our own reality"

.



Abraham's threefold minions have been duking it out for millennia.

Funny kind of biological activity.

You wonder, what's the point?

Jewish humor?

Bebop laffs?

Hasn't anyone told them yet that God is dead?

They scourge and purge in fantasy.

Dark Matter.

Dark Energy.

Little ol life all alone in all the darkness.

Earth.

.



"And while you're studying that reality -- judiciously, as you will -- we'll act again, creating other new realities, which you can study too, and that's how things will sort out"

.



And then you remember the sinister.

The Gatekeepers. The Dome of the Rock conspiracy

by Zionists intent on blowing up the site

to "usher in" Armageddon,

wide smiles and thumbs up to the camera.

Muscle toughs.

Smashed glass world.

.



"We're history's actors ... and you, all of you, will be left to just study what we do"

.



Eschatological Thoughts.

Ol' Noam worried about the demise of humankind:

The threat of Nuclear War.

Climate Change.

The end of Democracy everywhere.

Any one of them, he said, could do us in.

We have all three on the boil and ready to serve up.

Monsters afoot.

Dinosaur's revenge.
This article originally appeared at TomDispatch.com. To receive TomDispatch in your inbox three times a week, click here.

Can you even imagine a world where the response of President George W. Bush to al-Qaeda's acts of horror in September 2001 wasn't the launching of "the Global War on Terror" which, from Afghanistan and Iraq across the Middle East and deep into Africa, became a global set of disastrous conflicts that might, in truth, have been al-Qaeda's dream? Well, dream on.

And while you're at it, keep in mind that, according to the remarkable Costs of War Project, this country ended up spending at least $8 trillion on those wars. (Imagine how that money might have been used to help rather than hurt people globally!) According to that project, an estimated 940,000 people died directly thanks to America's war on terror (almost half of them civilians) and 3.6 to 3.8 million indirectly in its war zones, bringing the total to nearly five million dead. Meanwhile, that group has estimated that 38 million other human beings were displaced from their homes, lives, and often worlds.

And if that isn't the definition of a nightmare, I'm not sure what is. As it happens, TomDispatch regular Karen Greenberg has followed that "war" (those wars? Those armed disasters?) all too grimly and strikingly for years now, while focusing particularly on the issues of torture and imprisonment. Yes, this country proved all too quick to begin torturing its war on terror prisoners -- though the term the Bush administration preferred to use was "enhanced interrogation techniques" -- while creating a series of strikingly grim offshore sites of imprisonment beyond the rule of American or any other law, particularly -- and on this subject Greenberg has made herself a leading expert -- the prison the Bush administration set up at Guanta'namo Bay, Cuba.

Today, while thinking about all those years in which she covered the horrors of those ongoing wars, Greenberg wonders whether it is indeed finally, in some sense, all over. Let her explain. Tom

Will the Forever Wars Ever End?

The War on Terror 23 Years Later

By Karen J. Greenberg

September marked the 23rd anniversary of al-Qaeda's 2001 attacks on the United States, which left nearly 3,000 people dead. For the two decades since then, I've been writing, often for TomDispatch, about the ways the American response to 9/11, which quickly came to be known as the Global War on Terror, or GWOT, changed this country. As I've explored in several books, in the name of that war, we transformed our institutions, privileged secrecy over transparency and accountability, side-stepped and even violated longstanding laws and constitutional principles, and basically tossed aside many of the norms that had guided us as a nation for two centuries-plus, opening the way for a country now in Trumpian-style difficulty at home.

Even today, more than two decades later, the question remains: Will the war on terror ever end?

Certainly, one might be inclined to answer in the affirmative following the recent unexpected endorsement of presidential candidate Kamala Harris by two leading members of the George W. Bush administration which, in response to those attacks, launched the GWOT. First, Bush's vice president, Dick Cheney, who, after September 11th, sought to take the country down the path to what he called "the dark side" and was a chief instigator of the misguided and fraudulently justified invasion of Iraq in 2003, endorsed Vice President Harris. Then, so did Alberto Gonzales who, while serving as White House counsel to George W. Bush and then as his attorney general, was intricately involved in crafting that administration's grim torture policy. (You remember, of course, those "enhanced interrogation techniques.") He was similarly involved in creating the overreaching surveillance policy designed and implemented during the first years of the war on terror.

Consider those surprising endorsements by former Bush war hawks a possible coda for the war on terror as a major factor in American politics. In fact, for almost a decade and a half now, there have been signs suggesting that the denouement of that war might be at hand (though it never quite was). Those markers included the May 2011 lethal raid on the hideout of al-Qaeda leader Osama bin Laden; President Barack Obama's December 2011 authorization for the "final" withdrawal of American troops from Iraq (though a cadre of 2,500 military personnel are stationed there presently and another 900 are in neighboring Syria). In August 2021, 10 years after the killing of bin Laden, the U.S. did finally exit, however disastrously, from its lost war in Afghanistan. And in 2022, a U.S. drone strike killed bin Laden's successor, Ayman al-Zawahiri.

The counterterrorism measures have had an impact on the American threat environment. As reported in the Department of Homeland Security's 2024 Homeland Threat Assessment, in 2022, "Only one attack in the United States was conducted by an individual inspired by a foreign terrorist organization" such as al-Qaeda or ISIS.

Terrorism Prosecutions

Notably, prosecutions of alleged international terrorists have declined precipitously since the Bush administration years (and some of the convictions then have been reversed or altered). In a 2009 report, the Justice Department stated that, "since September 11, 2001, the Department has charged 512 individuals with terrorism or terrorism-related crimes and convicted or obtained guilty pleas in 319 terrorism-related and anti-terrorism cases." Soon after that, however, the decline began. TRAC, a database that monitors such cases, reported that, in October 2014, "[t]here were no prosecutions recorded that involved international terrorism." By 2022, TRAC was reporting that the number of domestic terrorism prosecutions far outnumbered international terrorism cases, due in large part to the charges leveled against those involved in the January 6th insurrection. And that trend has only continued. This year, as TRAC indicated, "Overall, the data show that convictions of this type are down 28.6 percent from levels reported in 2019."

And when it comes to terrorism prosecutions, something unthinkable not so long ago has now happened. Several judges have recently given early release or simply overturned cases involving individuals convicted and sentenced in jihadi-inspired terrorism cases during the first decade of the war on terror. In July 2024, Eastern District of Virginia Judge Leonie Brinkema threw out three of 10 charges against and overturned a conviction carrying a life sentence for Ali Al-Timimi, a U.S.-born computational biology scholar sentenced in 2004 for soliciting treason by inspiring his followers to commit acts of violence abroad to defend Islam. Judge Brinkema reversed her decision following a 2019 U.S. Supreme Court decision that found the term "crime of violence" to be "unconstitutionally vague." Al-Timimi's fate on the other counts is now on appeal. Having been released to home confinement after the onset of the Covid pandemic, he now no longer faces a life sentence, though, as the Associated Press reports, he could potentially see "decades of prison time beyond the 15 years he already served."

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September 25, 2024, Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], The pinnacle of opulent living in Andheri East is the real estate development Velvetlife by Puri Creators, which is prepared to celebrate Navratri in a way that combines festivity, tradition, and elegance. Radiance Dandiya 2024 will be held at the Jio World Convention Centre, BKC - Mumbai, from October 3rd to October 11th, 2024. It is evidence of Velvetlife's dedication to developing a way 
ASTANA, Kazakhstan, October 1. The World Bank presented new financial instruments and guarantees to Kazakhstan, Trend reports.

This was revealed during a meeting between Kazakhstans Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of National Economy Nurlan Baibazarov, and the Managing Director and Chief Financial Officer of the World Bank Group, Anshula Kant.

During the meeting, the parties discussed Kazakhstan's strategic plans for economic development and investment attraction, exchanged views on mutual cooperation, and discussed the implementation of joint projects in the fields of transport, energy, and digital development, as well as the implementation of social projects.

The deputy prime minister noted the positive dynamics of mutually beneficial cooperation with the World Bank and expressed confidence that the Bank's partnership with the country will continue.

Anshula Kant emphasized that the World Bank's involvement in Kazakhstan will be expanded within the framework of the upcoming Partnership Strategy for 2026-2030, which will define key strategic priorities.

Meanwhile, Kazakhstan and the World Bank will adopt a new partnership strategy for 2025-2030.

According to the Deputy Prime Minister, the new partnership framework strategy for 2025-2030 is currently undergoing approval procedures. The strategy will define the key areas of the WB activities in Kazakhstan, such as supporting public sector reforms, macroeconomic and fiscal sustainability, the financial sector, the transformation of agriculture, and digital development.
JOHANNESBURG - Oct. 1, 2024 - 4th Generation fine jewellery brand CULET & SONG IV, introduces Performa Series79 fine jewellery collection, embodying masterful hand craftsmanship and sculpturally spirited design created for generational longevity. Inspired by the renowned architect Antoni Gaudi's style of Neo-Gothic art and Art Nouveau architecture, Performa Series79 collection features a blend of modern and traditional handcrafted artisanal fine jewellery techniques that seamlessly evoke the undulating fluid forms and 
Australia - Research Proposal Writer, a leading academic support service, is proud to announce its top-tier assistance for research proposals to students and professionals across Australia. As the demand for high-quality, professional research proposals grows, Research Proposal Writer is at the forefront, providing custom-tailored solutions that meet the rigorous standards of Australian universities and research institutions. Limited Time Offer: Get 50% Off On Your First Order! https://www.researchproposalwriter.com/contact What Is Research Proposal Writer? Research Proposal 
For Immediate Release Southlands Arts Centre Hosts LitOct 2024, A Celebration of Literature, Creativity, and Community in Hillingdon, West London. Southlands Arts Centre is proud to announce the return of LitOct 2024, its annual literary celebration taking place throughout October. LitOct offers a diverse program of events for book lovers, aspiring writers, and the local community, blending literary talks, workshops, creative competitions, and community-focused gatherings. This year's festival will launch on 5 October 
When Tom Spanbauer was 19, he kept a journal he called The Truth Book. In it, he recorded observations he felt were too taboo to say out loud. He kept the book taped to the underside of his sock drawer. Eventually, though, his mother discovered it. When he came home that night, his father confronted him about the journal and kicked Spanbauer out of the house. So Spanbauer left home and enrolled at Idaho State University.

The incident didnt stop Spanbauer from continuing to write. He went on to author several novels. He also taught writing workshops in Portland. By the end of his career, his students ran in the thousands and included Chuck Palahniuk, who wrote his famous novel Fight Club while a student in his writing workshop.

Spanbauer died on Sept. 21 at the age of 78. The cause of death was heart failure; Spanbauer had been battling Parkinsons for eight years.

He was born in Pocatello, Idaho, in 1946, the second of four children in a Catholic family. They lived on a farm. Spanbauer was considered the black sheep in the family.

Tom was an outsider, said his partner, Sage Ricci. He was never the cowboy rodeo son his dad wanted him to be. He was very sensitive and literary. He would hide out in haystacks and grain silos and write. Writing to him was always transgressive and truthful.

His fiction dealt with issues of race, class and sexuality. All his books were about creating family and either finding acceptance within that family, or finding peace in the otherness, Ricci said.

Tom SpanbauerSage Ricci

Growing up, Spanbauer labored on the family farm, driving cattle and baling hay, work he did not like. He didnt look back on it fondly. He felt he was an indentured servant to his father. He would look up into the Idaho sky and try and imagine a better life for himself, Ricci said.

After graduating from Idaho State University with a degree in English, Spanbauer joined the Peace Corps and spent two and a half years in Kenya, working with the Maasai and building houses. He learned to speak Swahili and Kikuyu. He loved Africa so much. It impacted his whole life, Ricci said.

Spanbauer returned to Idaho and married his first wife. In 1978, he came out of the closet as a gay man and moved to Vermont for a stretch, followed by a stint in Key West. He decided to devote himself to writing and relocated to New York City to pursue a master of fine arts degree. He enrolled at Columbia University and became a student of the renowned editor Gordon Lish.

His program was notoriously difficult to get into. You had to audition to get into it, Ricci said. Lish was a proponent of a specific kind of minimalism. He taught Tom how to carve his sentences.

Tom SpanbauerThomas Lauderdale

While a student, Spanbauer worked as a waiter and building superintendent to make ends meet. He wrote his first novel, Faraway Places. He followed it with a second, The Man Who Fell in Love with the Moon.

His time in New York City coincided with the AIDS epidemic, which ravaged the gay community. Tom was absolutely devastated by AIDS. He lost everybody. He called it the monster. He felt fear and death stalking him, Ricci said. (Spanbauer would later be diagnosed with HIV himself).

Spanbauer relocated to Portland in search of a fresh start. He taught writing at Portland State University. He didnt like academia, Ricci said. He felt he couldnt be his authentic teacher self. So he started hosting writing workshops at his home. He called his teaching method Dangerous Writing.

Dangerous writing was a way to look at the scary thing, the hidden thing that people spend their lifetime burying, and coaxing that into language, sentence by sentence. Tom felt you had to make your reader laugh while breaking their heart, said one of his students, Suzy Vitello.

Tom SpanbauerFamily archive

Part of Toms dangerous writing ethos was a deep attention to craft, Ricci said. So many of his students went on to become great editors because of the attention paid to language, the craft part. But that wasnt the dangerous writing part to him. The dangerous part was the willingness to expose your heart to make your art.

My entire life wouldve been a nonevent had I not studied with Tom, Chuck Palahniuk said. Just by sitting at the head of the table he physically proved that we could become professional authors. In hindsight, Tom hosted a party that kept his students writing until they had some skill, then he introduced them to agents and editors. Tom launched more successful fiction writers than Iowa.

Students found out about Spanbauers classes through word-of-mouth. They were immensely popular. People were constantly trying to get in his workshops, Ricci said.

Spanbauers novels earned him accolades. He really loved receiving the Literary Arts Lifetime Achievement Award at the Oregon Book Awards. His acceptance speech of that award was a 20-minute love song to Portland, Ricci said.

Tom SpanbauerFamily archive

Spanbauer had high hopes for the impact his fiction would have and was disappointed it did not reach a wider readership. He wished he went to a bigger audience, especially [his novel] In The City of Shy Hunters, Ricci said. He felt America needs to acknowledge whats happened to Native American people, to Black people, to gay people in this country. He thought his book was the way that could happen. His work didnt touch as many people as he wanted it to.

The same thing that made him such a good teacher also made him such a good human being, good husband, good friend. He was soft and tender. He could really listen. He had this amazing gift of getting to the heartache. He was able to hold space in such a gentle way in his workshops that people felt safe baring their souls to the group. He had such a grace about him. He was such a gentle, beautiful heart Ricci said.

Being in his presence was like eating a rich dessert, Vitello said. Thats how his books are, too. Theyre authentic and very much his unique voice. Theres just no one like him.
Milwaukie police officers gave no verbal warning to a motorist they pulled over and then shot early Monday, one witness told The Oregonian/OregonLive.

Brian Buyck, a night shift employee at the Milwaukie Marketplace Sharis, said he watched the incident unfold outside a Taco Bell across the parking lot from his work around 1:10 a.m.

I heard about seven or eight shots happen fast, Buyck said. I didnt hear anybody shout an order to exit the car until after the shots. That seems weird, right? Because usually you would tell them to get out before you shoot.

The unidentified man, who was driving with a suspended license, was in critical condition at a local hospital as of Monday afternoon, a press release from the Clackamas County District Attorneys Office said.

An employee at the shopping center who declined to give a name said that the man had his hands up as he got out of his car after the shooting and was visibly injured. The employee also said that by the time the police had stopped firing, the vehicle was in complete disarray, with most of its windows shot out.

The shooting, at 11000 SE Oak St., prompted a large police presence, Buyck said.

Alexa Watkins, an employee at the Starbucks in the nearby shopping center, said police tape and evidence markers were placed around the shooting location for several hours into the morning.

The Milwaukie Police Departments headquarters are located about 600 yards from the Taco Bell.

The two officers who fired their weapons have not been named and are on paid administrative leave, according to the district attorneys office. The Clackamas Interagency Major Crimes Team is investigating the officers use of force.

Scott Anderson, a spokesperson for the Clackamas County district attorney, declined to respond to Buycks statement that he didnt hear officers give the driver a verbal warning, citing the ongoing investigation.

 Tyler Brown is a breaking news reporter for The Oregonian/OregonLive. You can reach him at tbrown2@oregonian.com or 503-221-8243.
Craig Alexander Lazon Jr. appeared to bow graciously to the jury that found him guilty of murdering his wife, Tiffany Lazon.

The verdict in the three-week Linn County trial came late afternoon Friday, following closing arguments from the prosecution and defense Thursday.

Craig Lazon, 47, was charged with murder in January 2020 shortly after he was named as a person of interest in the disappearance of 37-year-old Tiffany Marie Lazon. Her body has never been found, and its not clear when, where or how she was killed.

However, her DNA was reportedly detected on a battery-powered circular saw Craig Lazon borrowed from friends. He returned it disassembled and missing its blade, saying he had cleaned the tool. Police also found evidence of blood in a U-Haul truck Craig Lazon used to move items from his wifes home.

Tiffany Lazon is not missing, prosecutor Ani Yardumian said to jurors. She was murdered, and she was murdered at the hands of her own husband.

Yardumian contended Craig Lazon hid Tiffany Lazons body. She said that knowing how Tiffany Lazon was killed was not necessary to prove the murder case. Similarly, police neednt have found a crime scene or her body.

The prosecution asserted that the circumstantial evidence was sufficient.

In one of two Albany storage units Craig Lazon said he rented to help his wife move from her 16th Avenue Southeast townhouse, investigators found Tiffany Lazons wallet and identification, including her drivers license and Social Security card, military veteran card and medical insurance information, as well as her keys and cellphone.

The only thing he keeps is really the only thing thats useful to him, which is her bank card, Yardumian said. This isnt a man moving his wife  this is a man disposing of her life, in the same manner that hes disposed of her body. Hes erasing her.

Also found in a storage unit, Tiffany Lazons beloved cat, Victoria, who was apparently abandoned for at least four days with no food or water.

Craig Lazons defense team argued that Tiffany Lazon suffered from untreated mental illness and meth addiction. They also said the estranged couple reconciled, and with Craig Lazon living off his wifes disabled veteran and Social Security benefits, he had no reason to murder her.

The defense said there were other explanations for Tiffany Lazons disappearance. She had stopped mental health care more than six months before she was reported missing and had gone off her medication.

They cited examples of erratic and delusional behavior, including installing padlocks on her attic access because she believed someone was sneaking into her house through the crawlspace.

This is a woman who was struggling at the end of 2019, defense attorney Shelley Aschenbrenner told jurors.

The defense attorneys also said Tiffany Lazon had engaged in serious acts of self-harm and was diagnosed with post-traumatic stress disorder and borderline personality disorder.

Im not going to stand up here and make a straight-faced argument to you that Tiffany Lazon is still alive, Aschenbrenner said. But there is no proof that she died as a result of intentional homicide.

Aschenbrenner noted the prosecution called more than 50 witnesses over the course of the trial, and yet no one could tell the jury anything about how Tiffany Lazon died.

All you have is evidence at best that Mr. Lazon did something with her body after she died, Aschenbrenner said.

And while you can judge him for those decisions, and you can wish that he had acted differently, and you can think that he should have made different choices, thats not the question youre being asked to answer.

The jury was given instructions that included considering convicting Craig Lazon of the lesser offenses of first- and second-degree manslaughter. They ultimately returned a unanimous decision that he was guilty of second-degree murder.

He is slated for sentencing Thursday at the Linn County courthouse.

Cody Mann covers public safety and justice in Linn and Benton counties. He can be contacted at 541-812-6113 or Cody.Mann@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter via @News_Mann_.

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An internal investigation ended with a five-day suspension of the Vancouver police officer who pulled down a shoplifting suspects pants and threatened to jolt his genitals last year.

Officer Andrea Mendoza was suspended for five days for violating the departments use of force policies and required to undergo counseling sessions and training for discourteous conduct, The Columbian reported Monday.
The Portland-area may be one step closer to securing its right to a late-night Double Double with animal-style fries. After two years of back-and-forth on plans to break ground on an In-N-Out in Washington County, the state has made a final decision  and its a go.

In August, the Oregon Land Use Board of Appeals affirmed its approval of the California-based burger chain, which would be located at 10565 S.W. Beaverton-Hillsdale Highway. The move struck down a recent appeal by a Beaverton resident.
The quest for self-discovery and identity is a universal experience for college students. However, for one group in particular, this journey has been especially challenging over the past year.

Amid growing concerns within Portlands Jewish community about rising antisemitism, Jewish students have found new ways to express their pride and identity, all while working to heal their community. With the support of PDX Hillel  an organization dedicated to fostering connections among Jewish undergraduate and graduate students in the greater Portland area  they are navigating this balance of resilience and renewal.

I think when people go to college, its the first time where they get to choose how to live Jewishly, said Hannah Sherman, executive director of PDX HIllel. And so for Hillel to be there as a supportive place for students to explore its just such a meaningful part of the work that we do.

At Douglas Farm on Sauvie Island, over 60 college students came together for a Sunday afternoon apple-picking event organized by PDX Hillel, bringing together students from seven Portland-area campuses. The organization offers outings, cultural and religious social activities throughout the year to promote community.

Its the biggest Jewish student organization in the world, and we are on campus to facilitate Jewish student life, whatever that means to the students at whatever institution, said Andy Friedland, director of Jewish student life at PDX Hillel. We do a little bit of everything, but we really let our students take the lead and tell us what they want Jewish student life to look like on their campus.

One of the organizations primary goals this year was fostering connections among students from different campuses. The apple-picking event was a new engagement this year, Friedland said, to offer more low-barrier opportunities to connect. Apples and honey are traditionally eaten during Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish New Year, to celebrate the sweetness of the new year.

After a year of a lot of antisemitism on our college campuses, being able to start off on a joyful Jewish note and really embody that joyful Judaism that weve been missing out on for the past year, its a great way for us to celebrate that newness and be able to do this in community together, said Sherman.

The event opened with a discussion on the symbolism of apples during Rosh Hashanah followed by a blessing and the blowing of the shofar, a horn used in Jewish religious traditions.

Apples and honey are kind of the two main symbols of the Jewish New Year, said Sarah Friedland, Andys wife. The purpose of the honey is to bring sweetness into the new year. I also read that apples are actually a symbol for what it means to be proud of your identity, whether thats Jewish or not because the apple is one of the only fruits that grows before the leaves come to protect it.

Many students also said PDX Hillel has been a supportive network for them during time away from family, creating a space to celebrate and feel community during the Jewish New Year celebrations.

Its been really good to have a connection, especially with Shabbat dinners and for Rosh Hashanah, said Jayden Steinberg, a student at Lewis & Clark College. Not being around family, I think its kind of hard, at least for me, especially around the High Holidays.

PDX Hillel has also organized opportunities for students to celebrate religious events, such as their upcoming Shabbat celebrating Rosh Hashanah, co-hosted by Reed and Lewis & Clark colleges.

I think its just a nice means of connection to feel not only close to your religion and beliefs, but also close to a community that understands you, said Steinberg.

Many other students in attendance echoed that sentiment.

To me, Judaism is a really integral part of my identity, and it means a lot to me to get to interact with other people who are also Jewish in fun spaces outside of synagogue, said Elliott Negrin, co-president of Lewis & Clark Hillel.

Embracing pride in their Jewish identities has become a central theme at PDX Hillel gatherings.

I think that a lot of Jews are nervous about expressing their Judaism publicly, and so being able to claim that joyful Judaism and be proudly Jewish in public spaces is so important, said Sherman.

Read more about students thoughts on the significance between apples and honey here.

 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
As Rosh Hashanah approaches, Jewish students across Portland are embracing the significance of apples and honey, two symbols deeply embedded in the holidays traditions. To celebrate the Jewish New Year, over 60 undergraduate students from multiple campuses gathered Sunday afternoon for an apple-picking event organized by PDX Hillel, sharing stories, traditions and personal reflections on what these foods mean to them.

For Rosh Hashanah, which is the Jewish new year, we celebrate by eating apples and honey, said Elliott Negrin, co-president of Lewis & Clark Hillel. Whats a better way to celebrate doing that than by going out and picking apples ourselves and having honey.

Apples and honey are at the heart of Rosh Hashanah customs, symbolizing the hope for a sweet year ahead. The new year coincides with apple harvesting season, following the Jewish lunar calendar, which aligns with the agricultural cycle of the land of Israel.

So we eat apples and honey to celebrate the sweetness of the new year, said Negrin.

For many, this sweetness comes with a sense of community and belonging  something Jewish students are especially seeking as they navigate college life. At Reed College, Ezra Rosenfield, outreach chair of the Jewish Student Union, shared how meaningful these traditions are, especially in the context of a school with just under 1,500 students.

Reed is a really small school, said Rosenfield. Which means our Jewish community is really limited. So its nice to be able to go to events with more people, meet other people outside of the really isolated community of Reed having that sort of support network outside of the school has been really helpful.

The sweetness of apple picking also holds another meaning for Rosenfield, who sees the duality of the fruit as representative of the multifaceted aspects of life.

I like to think that apples have that little bit of sour, said Rosenfieldand. Sometimes you bite into a sour apple. So I think its more than just the sweetness. You acknowledge that its sour. And sour, in my opinion, is the best part of the apple.

For Solomon Wolfe, president of PSUs Jewish Student Union, the gathering is more than just a tradition  its a celebration of joy and resilience.

It means so much, Wolfe said about the outing. It means community and joy. Really, everyones just smiling.  Its been a long time coming to get everyone together, and its just kind of a testament to how much energy and joy and community there is for young Jews in Portland.

For many students, Rosh Hashanah is also a time for reflection and connection.

For me personally, its a time for kind of evaluation and introspection, Wolfe said. Because even when Im by myself, reflecting and thinking, I know Im always connected to this community.

As the Jewish New Year begins, students are not only celebrating with apples and honey but also strengthening ties to their heritage and each other. Whether theyre dipping apples in honey at home or coming together for a Rosh Hashanah Seder, these students are finding ways to embrace tradition and find pride in their Jewish identities.

Read more about the PDX Hillel apple picking event here.

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 Chiara Profenna covers religion, faith and cultural connections. Reach her at 503-221-4327; cprofenna@oregonian.com or @chiara_profenna

The Oregonian/OregonLive receives support from the M.J. Murdock Charitable Trust to bring readers stories on religion, faith and cultural connections in Oregon. The Oregonian/OregonLive is solely responsible for all content.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 1. Kyrgyzstan is set to establish a new trade and logistics city named Manas near its capital Bishkek, Trend reports.

The Cabinet of Ministers has approved an amendment to the investment agreement with the Kyrgyz-Chinese Investment Holding concerning the Eurasian Trade and Logistics Complex project. The project has been rebranded as Trade and Logistics City Manas. The original agreement, signed on December 8, 2023, in Bishkek, was updated.

The head of the Alamudun district has been directed to allocate 456 hectares of land for the project, which will be granted for 49 years.

As per the document, a management company will be established with a 51 percent ownership stake, while the remaining 49 percent will be held by the government. As residential complexes are completed, 10 percent of the residential space will be transferred free of charge to state ownership.

The country's National Investment Agency reported earlier that the investment in the project will total $700 million. Manas will feature a trade city, an international exhibition center, a warehouse and logistics hub with bonded zones, marketplaces for large equipment, as well as residential and hotel complexes, according to the Cabinet.
JERUSALEM  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

The orange glow of missiles streaked across Israels night sky as air raid sirens sounded and millions of residents scrambled into bomb shelters. Israel vowed retaliation for Irans missile barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries.

Before Irans attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against the leadership of Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel.

This strike will have consequences, he said. He said the attack had caused only very few injuries, but did not elaborate.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe -- citing Irans repeated calls for Israels destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

In the U.S., White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Iran said it fired the missiles into Israel as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 36 miles from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles on a freeway in Shoresh, Israel Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a U.N. peacekeeping force that patrols southern Lebanon have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. The U.N. force said a cross-border operation would be a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

Hagari claimed troops were conducting localized ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

Were not going to Beirut, he said.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens to return. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

He said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

An Israeli military official said troops participating in the latest incursion were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of meters (yards) from Israel. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said there had been no clashes with Hezbollah fighters.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israeli soldiers work on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)AP

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza. Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated. In recent weeks Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon.

Hagari said the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to patrol the region. Israel says those and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Israeli official says no plans to march on Beirut

The military statements indicated Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

--Aamer Madhani, Julia Frankel and Bassem Mroue/AP
Children living in North and South American countries, including the United States, are the unhealthiest kids in the world.

A new study analyzed data from 33 countries. Specifically, the study examined which country had the highest and lowest proportion of children aged three to five getting enough exercise, sleep, and time away from screens and mobile devices.

The study was published in the journal JAMA Pediatrics.

Specific Findings

The analysis found that children living in the Americas were the unhealthiest, with only one in 10 children getting enough physical activity, rest, and breaks from watching television or using mobile phones.

Children in the Americas---which covers countries in North and South America---had the longest sedentary time. This means they sat still for the longest period and likely spent those hours watching television or using mobile phones. Only 17% of children in the Americas took enough breaks from screen time.

Coming second as the countries with the unhealthiest children were those in Southeast Asia, including Indonesia and Thailand, where only 9.1% of children had enough exercise and sleep. Third on the list were children in Western Pacific countries, including Australia and New Zealand.

In comparison, children in Africa were the healthiest, with 23.9% of children getting their recommended physical activity and screen breaks. Europe came second at 23.5%.

Globally, only 14.3% of children met all three recommendations.

It is important to note that the study did not look at the individual results of each country. However, a separate study from the World Health Organization (WHO) published earlier this year found that children in Britain were lagging the most when it comes to physical activity.

What Are the Recommendations

For screen time, WHO experts recommend only one hour per day for young children aged two to five, ideally with guidance from a parent or a caregiver. Children within this age group should also have between 10 to 13 hours of sleep daily.

When it comes to exercise, kids should have at least three hours of physical activity. This includes one hour of running.
An unmarried, child-free Republican congressional candidate recently posed for a photo with a woman and three children in what is believed to be a family holiday card. However, it was later known that the people he posed with were actually the wife and kids of a friend.

The photo was posted on the National Republican Campaign Committee website as part of an effort to promote the campaign of Derrick Anderson. The photo was also included in a video posted on YouTube. In a separate scene, the candidate was seen sitting around a dining room table with the same woman and children.

It was later revealed that Anderson was unmarried and did not currently have children of his own. The woman and children in the photo were the wife and children of Anderson's longtime friend whose identity was not publicly revealed. It was first reported by The New York Times.

However, he is engaged to a woman named Maggie, per a video he posted on X (formerly Twitter) earlier this month.

Why Anderson Posted With His Friend's Wife and Children

In the article from NYT, the author noted that Republican candidates are now relying on "their wives" to "soften their image." This comes as conservative candidates are struggling to appeal to female voters over their views on reproductive healthcare and rights, which also includes abortion.

In response to NYT's article, Anderson's spokesperson called it a "normal campaign video" that simply showed the candidate posing with "female supporters."

Anderson's Stance on Reproductive Rights

In 2022, Anderson supported the Supreme Court's decision to overturn Roe v. Wade. This ruling allowed individual states to determine their own abortion laws, with many enacting outright bans. Women in some states now have to travel to other states to receive abortion care where the procedure is still legal.

"SCOTUS finally got it right," Anderson wrote on X.

He appeared to skip a question concerning reproductive rights during a candidate forum this month when a reporter asked him where he supported giving women the right to choose. Anderson only said the decision should be up to "each state."
Ive already offered summaries of most of the presentations at Saturdays Interpreter Foundation conference here and here. Ill finish with such summarizing in this post.

The fourth speaker during the afternoon portion of the conference was Professor Stephen D. Ricks, a longtime friend and both a former department colleague of mine and a former missionary companion in German-speaking Switzerland, who is also the principal organizer of the Temple on Mount Zion conferences. He addressed the topic of Premortal Existence in Ancient Jewish Tradition, sharing a number of references to biblical and extra-biblical sources on the subject.

He was followed by Brent Schmidt of BYU-Idaho, who posed the question How Are Faithfulness and Grace Connected to the Right Hand of Fellowship?

Right-hand clasps, Professor Schmidt showed, symbolized covenantal faithfulness in the Greco-Roman world in many temple-related settings. The right-hand symbolized faith (pistis in Greek; fides in Latin) expressed as loyalty through ancient texts, mosaics and coins. His presentation summarized the findings of his important recent work Relational Faith, in which he demonstrates that apostolic faith (pistis) was not an abstract feeling or emotion, as it is conventionally understood in later Christian history. Rather, ancient faith was a token of action in an ongoing, covenantal relationship with God the Father through his Son Jesus Christ. A personal note: I have just about finished re-reading the fourth-century BC Anabasis of Xenophon (once nicely titled, in translation, The March Upcountry) in Rex Warners 1949 Penguin version (The Persian Expedition), and I was struck by several instances in which the act of clasping right hands appeared as part of a treaty or covenant ceremony, not only among the Greeks but among Achaemenid Persians and Thracians: I fought him and made him decide to stop fighting against me; then I gave him and he gave me the right hand of friendship. (I.6, page 41)

This was agreed upon. The oaths were sworn, and Tissaphernes and the Kings brother-in-law offered their right hands to the Greek generals and captains and took theirs in return. (II.3, page 76)

If the King wants to destroy us, I have no idea why he, with all these advantages on his side, should have to take an oath and exchange the right hand of friendship and perjure himself and make his guarantees worthless in the eyes both of Greeks and natives. (II.3, page 78

On this understanding he swore an oath to us in person, he in person gave us his right hand . . . (III.2, page 105)

When the Greeks had heard what he had to say, they shook hands with the Thracians as a sign of friendship and rode back. (VII.3, page 263)

The sixth speaker of Saturday afternoon, and the final speaker of the conference, was Spencer Kraus, who gave an interesting presentation under the title God Hath Shown unto Me a Vision: The Sacred Handclasp and the Resurrection of the Dead. Here is his own summary of what he said:

In Joseph Smiths Nauvoo sermons, the Prophet would refer to a vision he had received of the resurrection, in which the saints took each other by the hand and lifted the dead up to life, glory, and joy. Furthermore, Joseph taught that the order of resurrection by which we could become gods was to be revealed in the most holy place in a temple prepared for that purpose. The sacred handclasp used to raise the saints to become gods is an ancient ritual gesture, and a similar handclasp has been utilized by early Christians to depict Jesus Christ raising others to life. This ritual gesture is found in both the New Testament and early Christian literature, and reflects a wider use of a sacred handclasp in ancient Near Eastern temple practices, allowing the petitioner to be raised to eternal life and enter the presence of God. This ritual action is therefore best understood as a restored practice of ancient temple worship, both in this life and the next.

Videos of the presentations at the 2024 Temple on Mount Zion conference will, I think, eventually go up online. And the ultimate goal is to publish them as an anthology in the form of a book.

A review of Six Days in August has appeared online that was written by my anonymous Mini-Stalker, who has been posting criticisms of me for many years now  especially of things (this is his particular specialty) that hes invented about me. To my completely disoriented surprise, he didnt like the movie. Color me astonished.

Thats fine, of course. There are even people who dislike the music of Johann Sebastian Bach. Leo Tolstoy detested Shakespeare. My Mini-Stalker hates me. De gustibus non disputandum est.

But I do appreciate accuracy.

Among other things, Mini-Stalker comments on a scene in which Joseph Smith explains the principle of eternal marriage to Hyrum Smith and Brigham Young and their wives. By that time, both Hyrum and Brigham were widowers who had married again after the deaths of their first spouses. Hyrum had married Jerusha Barden in 1826, and they had six children together. But Jerusha had died in 1837. Later that year, he married the English-born Mary Fielding. Brigham had married Miriam Angeline Works, but she died of tuberculosis in 1832 at the age of twenty-six. She left two children behind. In 1834, Brigham married Mary Ann Angell.

In the scene to which Mini-Stalker alludes, Hyrum was in the room with Mary and Brigham was there with Mary Ann.

The subject was eternal marriage, not polygamy as such  although, plainly, postmortem plural marriage is entailed by the idea that spouses can be sealed together for eternity and that (as Joseph says in the film) such sealings can be performed vicariously, on the same principle as baptisms for the dead. Hyrum, in particular, is shown as being moved by the idea that he hasnt lost Jerusha forever. (I wont spoil things by describing Brigham and Mary Anns reaction.)

Mini-Stalker accuses me of dishonesty because I represent the two women, Mary and Mary Ann  and, by extension, early Latter-day Saint women more generally  as being happy, ecstatic, excited, and utterly joyful at the idea of polygamy. Two or three of his followers then join in, denouncing me for my dishonesty in misrepresenting those women as being enthusiastic about it. Perhaps, one suggests, I feared excommunication if I didnt depict them as absolutely giddy with delight at the prospect of sharing their husbands with other women.

However, as I say, Mini-Stalker is grossly misrepresenting the scene, where the emphasis is on the continuation of marriage relationships beyond the grave, not on polygamy in this life  which isnt so much as mentioned by either Joseph or Hyrum or Brigham or Mary or Mary Ann.

And he certainly knows that the film doesnt actually suggest that Latter-day Saint women were enthusiastic, happy, excited, joyful, and ecstatic about plural marriage, because he himself cites a scene  in order, of course, to mock and criticize it  in which Emma tearfully expresses her pain and sorrow to Joseph about the agonizing test of her faith that plural marriage poses.

Its always ironic to be accused of dishonesty by (of all people) my Mini-Stalker. Perhaps, in this case, even more so than usual.

Incidentally, theres a second (and last) sneak peek early screening of Six Days in August thats coming up on Monday, 7 October: Six Days in August  Early Access

The photograph immediately above was, Im told by a person whom I have no reason to distrust, taken in Springfield, Ohio. (The two photos directly above it were taken in Germany in the 1930s.) As readers of this blog are aware, I no longer hold public political opinions. But I hope that people who know me, or who have some sense of who I am, will quickly be able to intuit my view of what is shown in the photograph and of those who are fostering such attitudes and actions.

The person who shared the image  a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints whom, following my consistent policy, I will not identify so as not to expose him to targeting by my obsessive critics  wrote the following to accompany it:
The upper room on Mt. Zion in Jerusalem is where the Last Supper took place (Mk 14:15; Lk 22:10-12), and is also the site of the day of Pentecost (Acts 1:12-14; 2:1-4; + 2:44?): where the disciples and the Blessed Virgin Mary were present. It was probably where the risen Jesus appeared to the disciples (Lk 24:33, 36), and showed St. Thomas His wounds (Jn 20:19-29). It may have also been the same place as the house of Mary, the mother of John whose other name was Mark, where many were gathered together and were praying (Acts 12:12; the only mention of this particular Mary in the NT). St. Peter went there after an angel released him from prison.

What we regard as the upper room, or Cenacle today (literally a second floor) actually dates from about the fourteenth century. It has Gothic-era columns. On the first floor is what is reputed to be King Davids tomb. I visited both in 2014, assuming that the existing first floor must have been the original upper room. So what do we know about the original building? Archaeologist, biblical scholar, and Benedictine monk Bargil Pixner (1921-2002) wrote about this topic in his article, Church of the Apostles Found on Mt. Zion (Biblical Archaeological Review, May/June 1990). He writes:

The structure in which the traditional tomb of David is located on Mt. Zion is really a Roman-period synagogue and not the tomb of David. . . . this was not a usual Jewish synagogue, but a Judeo-Christian Synagogue.

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King Davids actual tomb would have been in what is now the City of David, east of Mt. Zion and south of the Temple Mount. Archaeologists determined this after 1838, when Hezekiahs Tunnel was discovered. King Hezekiah ordered its construction in order to bring water into Jerusalem, in the eighth century B.C., before an Assyrian siege (2 Kgs 18:13-19:37; 2 Chr 32). The Bible locates the tomb of David in the City of David: the ancient settlement overlooking the Kidron Valley (1 Kgs 2:10; Neh 3:1416), and identified as such today in the popular archaeological site of the same name.

The original synagogue that currently houses the reputed tomb of King David was probably built in the late first century, after the Romans had destroyed Jerusalem, including (presumably) the original upper room structure. It was likely built by Jewish Christians, remembering that its location was the site of the original upper room. What became of that house? Pixner gives his theory:

In 70 A.D. the Roman general Titus suppressed the First Jewish Revolt (66-70 A.D.) by utterly destroying Jerusalem and burning the Temple. The first-century historian Josephus tells us that the destruction reached the farthest corners of the city and was so complete that someone passing by would not know a city ever stood there. [Jewish War, 7:3-4] This destruction, indeed, included the western hill, Mt. Zion (Zion III). In 1983, during an excavation in the Dormition Abbey, the building on Mt. Zion adjacent to this ancient Judeo-Christian synagogue, I found coins, dating from the second and third years of the First Jewish Revolt (67 and 68 A.D.), on the steps of a ritual bath lying under huge layers of destruction debris, and in the remains of an oven. Thus, it is safe to conclude that the building that stood on the site of the adjacent Judeo-Christian synagogue also fell victim to the Roman onslaught. . . . Why was this ancient Judeo-Christian synagogue on Mt. Zion (Zion III) called the Church of the Apostles? Bishop Epiphanius (315-403 A.D.), a native of the Holy Land, transmitted to us the following information: When the Roman emperor Hadrian visited Jerusalem in 130/131 A.D., there was standing on Mt. Zion a small church of God. It marked the site of the Hypero-on (Upper Room) to which the disciples returned from the Mount of Olives after the Lord had been taken up [see Acts 1:13]. It had been built on that part of Sion. The ancient sanctuary on Mt. Zion known to Epiphanius could only have been a Judeo-Christian synagogue, for the building of Christian churches was made possible only after Constantines Edict of Milan (313 A.D.).

Evidence from a Patriarch of Alexandria, Euthychius (896-940 A.D.), who collected ancient historical sources. suggests that the Church of the Apostles (originally a Jewish Christian synagogue) was built starting in 73 AD  the fourth year of the emperor Vespasian  under the leadership of Simon Bar-Kleopha, second bishop of Jerusalem after James. It may have included stones from the destroyed temple. Pixner recounts the later history of the site:

Above the remaining walls of the Church of the Apostles, the Crusaders built a second floor. The room on this floor, known as the cenacle, commemorated both the Last Supper and the Pentecost event described in Acts 2. This may have been the actual site of the Upper Room, referred to in Acts . . . When the Crusaders were forced to leave Jerusalem after their defeat at the Horns of Hattin near Tiberias in 1187 A.D., they entrusted their church on Mt. Zion to Syrian Christians. The Syrian Christians were forced to abandon the Last Supper room when the entire complex on Mt. Zion was destroyed by order of one of the Ayubic sultans of Damascus a few decades later (1219 A.D.). Christian pilgrims of the 13th and early 14th centuries lament in their journals that the Church of the Apostles and the cenacle were in a state of disrepair. . . . Between 1335 and 1337 A.D. the Franciscan fathers, who had just recently arrived in the Holy Land, purchased the site on Mt. Zion from the Saracens. . . . The Franciscan friars repaired the roof of the cenacle (the Upper Room) in the 14th century, strengthening it with a gothic rib vaulting. . . . By the middle of the 16th century, the Franciscans were violently forced to abandon Mt. Zion completely.

See also:

Can the Cenacle on Mount Zion Really be the Upper Room of Jesuss Last Supper? (David Christian Clausen, 2016?)

This is section 163 of my free online book, The Word Set in Stone: Volume Two: More Evidence of Archaeology, Science, and History Backing Up the Bible.

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First, some pictures:

At Badlands National Park, at sunrise:

Buffalo at sunrise (own work)

and at sunset:

We had some more but these were my two favorites from our road trip with the two key destinations being Custer State Park and Badlands National Park, and yes, the buffalo is scratching his back on the sign.

Im almost embarrassed to admit that it took as long as it did, for the kids to be almost all out of the house, for us  that is, just my husband and I  to take a road trip out west, and even then, the out west was relatively limited. Periodically I would map out long trips in a circle going from Chicago to Mount Rushmore, then to Yellowstone, down to Arches National Park and eventually the Grand Canyon, and back through Denver. But our road trips ended up being road trips through Europe, which is great, but the closest wed come to a big national park trip was a smaller trip, when our oldest wasnt even walking yet, when we flew to Cody and rented a car to spend a week in Yellowstone.

So this iteration was simpler, yet we discovered that even going as far as Mount Rushmore, there really was a lot to see, because Mount Rushmore wasnt just isolated but adjacent to the Black Hills, Custer State Park, and Badlands National Park (plus the Minuteman Missle National Historic Site) was just an hour to the east.

Now, the Badlands which give Badlands National Park its name are viewed via a 29 mile scenic drive, with loads of overlooks for pulling over and a few (but surprisingly few) small hiking paths, and theres another portion of the park which is labelled as wilderness with just a gravel road, so I really figured that, even though we had just watched a National Geographic show on the wildlife in the park, they would all be in the visitor-inaccessible areas, and we would just be enjoying the wacky landscape. But there were buffalo hanging out at the side of the road or even, once, a couple buffalo taking their time crossing the road, which I thought was really fantastic to watch.

But Custer State Park  which is to the south and west of Mount Rushmore (and I gotta admit, you can do Mount Rushmore itself pretty quickly)  is where the real buffalo-viewing is at, specifically at the Wildlife Loop, where there were actual herds of buffalo just hanging out. Honestly, we started on this scenic drive and were unimpressed, coming across some relatively tame burros and thinking it was as good as it was going to get, and then maybe midway through the drive, THERE THEY WERE!

Now, according to the National Geographic show, the buffalo at the Badlands live pretty much everyday buffalo lives, looking for grass to eat, male buffalo fighting to be at the top and mate with the females. But the Custer State Park had a visitor center specifically devoted to the buffalo which described a very careful management process, based on the herd size that the land would support, the rainfall patterns, etc., and if wed come just a week later, we would have stumbled on the annual buffalo roundup, when the herd is culled and, in particular, only a few older males are allowed to stay in the herd. The center also described the rebuilding of a buffalo herd from small beginnings in 1914, starting with 36 animals from early efforts to preserve the animal in the face of extinction. (This isnt from memory but a quick Wikipedia look-up.)

And in that visitor center, on a signboard, was an explanation of the two names, buffalo and bison. Heres a similar statement at the National Parks page for Badlands:

There are many names for the American Bison. Scientifically, the plains bison subspecies found in Badlands National Park are of the genus Bison, of the species bison, and the subspecies bison. If you ask a wildlife biologist, these animals are called Bison bison bison! Although these animals have bison three times in their scientific name, they are often called buffalo. The word buffalo is derived from the French buf, a name given to bison when French fur trappers working in the US in the early 1600s saw the animals. The word buf came from what the French knew as true buffalo, animals living in Africa and Asia. Although this name was a mix-up of two different animals, many people still know bison as buffalo today.

But  admittedly going from memory  the visitor center went a step further and said, either name is perfectly fine. After all, we are speakers of English, not Latin, and we ordinarily use ordinary English names, not scientific names, for animals!

But taking things a step further, the Custer center sign said, the American bison/buffalo is most closely related to the European bison, also called a wisent, so thats why scientists use the name bison, even though the larger family includes other sorts of buffalo. You can look at a few pictures at this link to say, yup, thats what a buffalo looks like!

And why, if there was a European bison, would the French trappers not have used this name? Because (here Im referencing Wikipedia) even though at one point the European bison/wisents range once extended as far west as France, as long ago as 1513 their range was largely reduced to the Biaowieza Forest, in far Eastern Poland, as well as though they continued to live in the wild there with protections until the early 20th century. Sadly, when Germany occupied this part of Poland during World War I, occupying troops shot nearly all the remaining wild bison, so that the only remaining bison were in zoos. Afterwards, at about the same time as American efforts to reintroduce buffalo to the wild, Poles and international supporters engaged in a similar effort, though the numbers are smaller, with a total of 2,269 at the end of 2019. Again referencing Wikipedia, there are far more bison in the United States, with population estimates of 400,000  500,000 in 2010, though only 20,500 are in 62 conservation herds (of which 15,000 are considered truly wild, not primarily confined by fencing), and the remainder are in commercial farmed herds. (Why arent there commercially-farmed bison in Europe? Maybe its just a matter of lacking the massive pasture land/prairie lands not suitable for cropland that we have in the United States.)

So I dont really have a grand point here. But I really enjoyed seeing buffalo in person and its also pretty interesting to read this greater context, and I invite you to share your random buffalo-themed factoids or experiences.
Microsoft is beginning to roll out its next feature update of Windows 11, the Windows 11 2024 Update, beginning today. But Microsoft obviously isnt done yet, and its offering a sneak peek at new Copilot experiences which will debut this fall, including Copilot Voice, Copilot Vision, and Copilot Daily, among others.

On the surface, the new additions to Copilot sound similar to multimodal ChatGPT (or GPT-4o) that OpenAI launched earlier this year, where ChatGPT can now see and an Advanced Voice feature means that you can have conversations with it. But there are some key differences between what Microsoft and OpenAI are offering, and only some of Microsofts Copilot innovations will be available right away.

Its probably safe to say, though, that Copilot Voice will be the most important addition  and Copilot Vision may not be. In fact, some might see Copilot Vision as just another version of Recall, Microsofts controversial search feature that the company has delayed while users test it more thoroughly.

Other breaking Microsoft news you need to know:

Heres whats going on: Microsoft may have been one of the first to market with Bing Chat, later dubbed Copilot. But Google, OpenAI, Meta, Anthropic, and more have debuted their own LLMs and subscriptions to go along with them. Microsoft, of course, has to keep justifying its Copilot Plus subscription and several of these new features  Copilot Vision and Think Deeper  will only be available in Copilot Labs, which in turn will be restricted to Copilot Plus subscribers.

Does Copilot Vision sound similar to the controversial Recall feature? It does indeed and thats why Copilot Vision will be slow to deploy. But other features  Copilot Voice, Copilot Daily, an updated Copilot for Microsoft Edge, and a Personalized Discover feature  will be entirely free and will debut soon.

Youll see these new features as part of new Copilot mobile apps today for iOS and Android, plus an updated Copilot app for Windows and a new look for copilot.microsoft.com, too. Microsoft is also beefing up generative search on Bing, presumably following Googles lead.

However, these new Copilot features will not require a Copilot+ PC. Instead, these Copilot features run in the cloud. Microsoft is bringing new AI features to Windows that do depend on the NPU inside of a Copilot+ PC. And theyre cool, too, including AI upscaling of Photos and generative fill within Paint. Weve covered these as part of a separate story.

Copilot Daily, running on a PC. Copilot Daily, running on a PC. Microsoft Copilot Daily, running on a PC. Microsoft Microsoft

Microsofts new Copilot features explained

Copilot Voice certainly seems like the new feature that will impact you the most. At least in a demonstration, Copilot Voice looked very similar to ChatGPTs voice feature. Microsoft showed it on a smartphone, with a hypothetical exchange where the user confessed that she was at the grocery store and didnt know what to bring a friend to their party. The conversation included interruptions  the feature that helped ChatGPT seem like a real person  explanations (what is a fancy olive oil?) and more. If this is representative of the final product, it could be useful.

Like Copilot Voice, Microsoft showed off the new Copilot experiences running on a smartphone. Presumably, Microsoft wants you to start your day listening to Copilot Daily, an audible news summary of headlines Microsofts AI thinks will be relevant to you. (Presumably youll be able to access these things on a PC, too).

Copilot Daily is just another iteration of Microsoft trying to be helpful. A decade ago, Cortana would try and deliver a snapshot of your day. In 2020, Cortanas Daily Briefing would send you an email outlining your meetings and what you would need to do to prepare. Copilot Dailys short demo did none of that and instead summarized news stories about the Alps, U.S. holiday sales, and surfing dogs.

Copilot Daily is basically Microsofts Start in an audio format with partners such as Reuters and Axel Springer.

This is Copilots Personalized Discover. This is Copilots Personalized Discover. Microsoft This is Copilots Personalized Discover. Microsoft Microsoft

Its hard to say if Personalized Discover will be a more productive replacement. Microsofts quick look at the technology made it look like just a more informed version of a new tab page on Edge, with subjects that will be further personalized over time according to your chat history. Again, this feature looked pretty ephemeral. So does the update to Copilot for Microsoft Edge, which will essentially allow you to address Copilot like a coworker in a chat, by addressing it as @copilot in the address bar.

Interestingly, Copilot Vision, a paid feature, is not like the multimodal AI you may have seen before from Googles Project Astra or competitors. It runs entirely on the PC, and simply interprets what youre already seeing on the screen.

In fact, it was probably one of the most underwhelming demos Ive seen in some time. In one example, a user browsed Rotten Tomatoes while asking Copilot for movie recommendations. The conversation was performed audibly via Copilot Voice, but all the chatbot did was read what the screen was already displaying! Perhaps it made sense that it could summarize the page, but it was a poor example.

In another demonstration, however, a user browsed a recipe a grandmother had authored. Copilot Vision intelligently suggested how long it would take, using knowledge not gleaned from the page. That is hopefully what Copilot Vision will provide.

In this example, the user asked Copilot to tell them more about the movie, Lee. Copilot Vision just read the summary on the screen. In this example, the user asked Copilot to tell them more about the movie, Lee. Copilot Vision just read the summary on the screen. Microsoft In this example, the user asked Copilot to tell them more about the movie, Lee. Copilot Vision just read the summary on the screen. Microsoft Microsoft

Some will see this as just another version of the controversial Recall, which Microsoft has already taken pains to allow users to opt out of or not install at all. Microsoft says that Copilot Vision will be entirely opt-in, and that data collected by Copilot Vision will be ephemeral, in that (at least in the preview) data will not be stored and will be immediately discarded. Microsoft has also put boundaries on the types of websites Copilot Vision can engage with and will whitelist a set of sites. Finally, Copilot Vision wont work on paywalled and sensitive content for this preview. Whether that includes things like financial websites or private browsing hasnt been made clear.

Before we launch broadly, well continue to take feedback from early users in Copilot Labs, refine our safety measures, and keep privacy and responsibility at the center of everything we do, Microsoft said of Copilot Vision.

Its not clear whether Microsoft will call this Think Deeper or Think Deep (as shown here) but it promises a more contemplative Copilot. Its not clear whether Microsoft will call this Think Deeper or Think Deep (as shown here) but it promises a more contemplative Copilot. Microsoft Its not clear whether Microsoft will call this Think Deeper or Think Deep (as shown here) but it promises a more contemplative Copilot. Microsoft Microsoft

Microsoft hasnt said whether or not its upcoming Think Deeper feature is essentially GPT4-o, an AI that can ponder or reason. Think Deeper takes more time before responding. Using the very latest in AI technology, it can help you with anything from solving tough math problems to weighing up the costs of managing home projects, Microsoft says.

Copilot Voice will be available in the U.S., Canada, the U.K., and other regions, presumably today. Copilot Daily and personalization options are available today, too. Ditto for Think Deeper, which will be pushed to Copilot Pro users. But Copilot Vision is coming to Labs in the future, and to a limited number of users.
BISHKEK, Kyrgyzstan, October 1. Turkiye's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan will make an official visit to Kyrgyzstan to participate in the summit of the Organization of Turkic States (OTS) on November 5-6, Kyrgyz Health Minister Alymkadyr Beishenaliev said during his address in parliament, Trend reports.

The OTS summit, scheduled for November 6 in Kyrgyzstans Bishkek, will gather leaders from Turkic-speaking countries to discuss pressing issues of cooperation and development. The summit is expected to serve as a platform for strengthening ties among member states and for discussing strategies for further collaboration across various sectors.

To note, Kyrgyz Foreign Minister Jeenbek Kulubaev participated in an informal meeting of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the OTS during the 79th session of the UN General Assembly in New York on September 25, 2024.

During the meeting, the preparations for the upcoming OTS summit, which will be held on November 6, 2024, in Bishkek, were discussed. Kulubaev emphasized the need to expedite the agreement on all documents for their approval at the summit as well as highlighting the importance of expanding cooperation between the OTS and international organizations, including the UN.
Google invited me to New York to look at the newest Gemini AI tools going into Chromebooks. But I dont want to talk about that, because its boring. Instead I want to talk about the new Chromebook models they showed me after: an updated version of Lenovos mega-popular Chromebook Duet, and a crazy-sleek design from Samsung on the Chromebook Plus platform.

The (New) Lenovo Chromebook Duet

The original Chromebook Duet was launched back in 2020, and it turned some heads. With a 10-inch tablet form factor plus a detachable keyboard and kickstand in the box, it was basically a perfect mix between Microsofts Surface form factor and an iPads ease of access. The fact that it started at under $300 didnt hurt  Google told us this might be the best-selling Chromebook model ever. My colleague at the time called the Duet The Basically Perfect Chrome OS Device.

You can still find that tablet everywhere, especially after a mild refresh in 2022 (the Duet 3, sold alongside the bigger Duet 5) with a new processor and a second USB-C port. But this 2024 model, simply called the Duet again, is a rebuild from the ground up. Its the same general form factor, but the whole thing is considerably more solid, reaching much closer to a Surface Go in terms of fit and finish than the older model.

This variant model for the education market comes with an impact-resistant case fully surrounding the tablet. This variant model for the education market comes with an impact-resistant case fully surrounding the tablet. Michael Crider/Foundry This variant model for the education market comes with an impact-resistant case fully surrounding the tablet. Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

Id say it feels better than the Duet 5, though its lacking that 13-inch tablets OLED screen. The 19201200 display here feels a lot brighter than the original Duet, and the rounded corners make it feel a lot newer, especially when holding it like a standard tablet. That 16:10 aspect ratio makes it a lot more natural for use with Android apps, too.

The standard desktop-style experience is improved thanks to a better keyboard. Its thicker and heavier, making it feel much more solid and natural for a mechanical keyboard nut like me, more akin to Lenovos ThinkPads than the original. The plastic touchpad is about the same, which is to say pretty bad, but you make sacrifices for a budget machine.

Considering that this is a budget machine (it starts at $340 with the pen included), Im happy to see a couple of very deliberate upgrades over the original design. The secondary USB-C port is a bit awkward, sticking out of the top of the machine instead of the side  Im guessing this was done to make more contiguous space inside for the battery. But you can plug in a USB-C flash drive without unplugging from a monitor or charging cable, so its a definite usability upgrade. On the same note, theres a headphone jack, something that was inexplicably missing from the original Duet, and shouldnt be from anything thats aiming for a budget market.

Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

Like almost everything Lenovo makes as of late, theres a physical shutter to cover the front-facing webcam. I bet thatll make some parents happy, as Google tells us that these models are sold in bulk to a lot of education customers. Lenovo is making an education version, as a matter of fact, with a much more durable and impact-resistant case that completely surrounds the tablet (above, and not available at standard retailers, from what I was told). The tablet is compatible with any USI 2.0 stylus, and it comes with new 99.7 percent effective palm rejection tech in the screen.

The new Duet has a slanted kickstand that works in portrait mode, but offers fewer positions in landscape. The new Duet has a slanted kickstand that works in portrait mode, but offers fewer positions in landscape. Michael Crider/Foundry The new Duet has a slanted kickstand that works in portrait mode, but offers fewer positions in landscape. Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

After using the Duet for a few hours, Im not thrilled with the updated rear kickstand cover. The jaunty angle of the hinge lets it work in either landscape or portrait mode, which is nicebut it also means that it only works with one, count em, one angle. That could make the Duet far less flexible for anyone who wants to use it as a laptop in tight spaces.

Im just fine with a low-price machine coming with low specs (a MediaTek Komanio 838 Arm processor, 8MP rear camera, et cetera), but the base model comes with just 64GB of storage and 4GB of RAM. Low storage, fine, thats expected on a Chromebook, even though this one might benefit from a lot more space for Android apps. But I suspect this thing might start to chug on so little memory, especially considering how much of a hog Chrome (and to be fair, most modern websites) is.

And sadly the review unit they lent me has that 8GB/128GB setup, which will run $390 at retail, so I wont be able to check how it performs on the model most budget-conscious buyers will be drawn to. Ill be giving this one a full review on PCWorld, but it should go up for pre-order sometime later this month.

Samsung Galaxy Chromebook Plus

If you want a more conventional laptop and/or your budget will stretch a little higher, youve got to check out Samsungs first entry in the Chromebook Plus arena. This thing is shockingly thin and light, reminding me a lot of LGs Gram series. Google told us its the thinnest and lightest Chromebook available that meets those Chromebook Plus (and extra AI) requirements.

Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

But even though its just 2.58 pounds and 0.46-inches thick, its packing some impressive hardware. The most obvious thing is that 15.6-inch OLED screen, the kind of panel you dont often see on a Chromebook of any size (at least since Google stopped making its own Pixel laptops). The all-aluminum chassis is smooth and feels great, though I have to admit I miss the fire-engine red of Samsungs earlier premium Chromebook designs.

This thing is so thin the HDMI port sticks out of the bottom of the case. This thing is so thin the HDMI port sticks out of the bottom of the case. Michael Crider/Foundry This thing is so thin the HDMI port sticks out of the bottom of the case. Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

Im impressed that even with something so thin and light, Samsung squeezed in two USB-C ports, full-sized USB-A, and a full HDMI port  taking up so much of the Z-height that its actually sticking out of the case at the bottom. (Dont drop it at the wrong angle.) With a Core i3 processor, 8GB of RAM, and 256GB of storage, the specs are pretty midbut that $699.99 price tag is shockingly low for a Samsung laptop with an OLED screen. Youll find cheaper Chromebooks out there, and maybe even cheaper ones that qualify for the Chromebook Plus designation. But they wont be anywhere near this nice.

Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

The one thing Im wondering about is the battery life, something Samsung struggled to deliver on earlier high-end Chromebook models. But well let the review sort that out  Ashley Biancuzzo should have that one for you.

New interface tweaks

As you might have spotted on the Galaxy Chromebook Plus above (but not the Duet, tellingly), the Chromebook keyboard is looking a littledifferent. Since the launch of the platform Google has replaced Caps Lock with a dedicated Search button and omitted an omni key (the Windows button on most keyboards). Now Caps Lock is back, sort of, and theres a dedicated Google G where you might expect a Windows button on most laptops.

New Chromebooks will get some keyboard layout tweaks. New Chromebooks will get some keyboard layout tweaks. Michael Crider/Foundry New Chromebooks will get some keyboard layout tweaks. Michael Crider/Foundry Michael Crider/Foundry

Heres whats changing. The G button is what Google is calling the Launcher key, which will bring up the Windows-style menu that has all the most recent apps and automatically begins the search with any letter or number. Thats pretty standard. The Caps Lock key is not Caps Lock by default (though you can change that just like you could before), now it will be Quick Insert. Its a hard-coded shortcut to Gemini tools.

Google Google Google

The F11 key is also an accessibility shortcut  itll default to a voice dictation tool. For all existing Chromebooks, or new ones that dont have the updated layout, you can launch the Quick Insert tool by using Search/Launcher + F. And at this point I guess I cant put off talking about AI stuff any longer.

Googles presentation focused on the way its Gemini AI tool is improving users access to both information on the web and their own info, synced through using Chromebooks, Chrome on desktops, and Android-powered phones. Presumably youll get more access to this if you have a phone that integrates with Gemini like a Pixel, but using Google services on your iPhone should be able to hook into it, too.

Google Google Google

The big draw according to Googles video is that you can do less so you can do more. This is typified with large language text expansion and contraction tools; weve seen Help Me Write before, now theres a companion service called Help Me Read. This can summarize any web page or document on your Chromebook (even those open in, say, the Office 365 Word app) and give you the tl;dr on its contents.

Perhaps more helpful is that it can answer natural language questions. Say youre studying Moby Dick, you could ask for all the times that Queequeg talks to Ishmael about his homeland. Thats just an example, by the way  I didnt get a chance to try out something that would tax Gemini quite so hard.

But its more than LLM tricks with text. Something that really impressed me was the way Chromebook Plus demos could do live language translations. One speaker in front of us was talking to a coworker in another room. The man in the room with us spoke English, the woman in the other room spoke Spanish. Her speech showed up immediately on the live video in English subtitles. It wasnt perfect, even with my high school level of Spanish language comprehension I spotted a couple of errors. But it was fast and natural enough that you could carry out a real conversation in real time, no need to wait for the tools to catch up with you.

Google Google Google

It reminded me of how Han spoke to Greedo in Star Wars, both speaking their own language, both understanding each other instantly. Is that too dated a reference? Anyway, this capability will also work across services, so its ready to go for Zoom, Teams, and whatever Google is calling its video chat platform this year. Google also says its using on-device AI to improve video and audio.

Google Google Google

Another very cool trick: The recording app could not only give you a text transcript of a recording session, but identify different speakers. The live recording showed these differentiated people as Speaker 1, Speaker 2, et cetera, but you can go back and assign names to the speakers manually and itll fill in the rest of the document. I could see that being extremely handy for students and anyone who needs to transcribe an interview.

Welcome Recap remembers everything youre doing

The other impressive tool on offer was the Welcome Recap. This is kind of a more refined version of your browser remembering your last-used tabs and bringing them back when you reboot your computer. But Chromebook Plus extends this idea to, well, pretty much everything youre doing, on every device. (With the obvious limit that Google has to see what youre doing, of course.)

Upon starting up or logging into your Chromebook, itll give you an option to initiate Welcome Recap, which will not only open your relevant Chrome tabs, but any apps that you were using too. Yes, most Chromebook apps are essentially just web apps, but this should work with Android apps as well, according to the demo we were given. Whats more, itll work across the spaces where you engage with Google services: Chromebook to Chromebook, Chrome on Windows or Mac, Android apps on your phone, presumably even Chrome on iPhones and iPads. If youre doing it in Chrome, your Chromebook will remember, and let you resume. Welcome Recap will work on all Chromebooks, not just Chromebook Plus models, though sadly it doesnt seem to be live on my Duet review unit.

Google Google Google

This recovery system works even if you happen to have multiple monitors connected  Welcome Recap will put them right back where they were. Itll offer up quick links to your most recent web searches. It was impressive as hell to watch, especially when the demo laptop (one of the Galaxy Chromebook Plus units at the event) crashed right in the middle of the demo. That isnt really unusual for a pre-release demonstration like this, but what happened next was.

The unflappable presenter just pressed the power button and kept on with her impromptu script, and the laptop (and its attached display) were back in action after about 25 seconds. Welcome Recap worked exactly as it was intended. Assuming those of us watching hadnt been easy marks  and I seriously doubt it  it was a serendipitous example of how useful Welcome Recap might be for regular users.

That seems to encapsulate Googles approach to Gemini AI as a whole. Google knows Chromebooks are swinging for a budget- and education-focused space that Windows and Mac laptops sometimes overlook, so the company is trying to make a case for Gemini as the AI thats useful for everyone, in every situation.

Gemini and Google One freebies

To wit, theyve included an impressive one year of Google One Premium at the 2TB tier with any Chromebook Plus purchase. That also includes a year of Gemini advanced AI tools. If you buy a regular, non-Plus Chromebook, you get three months instead. Those perks also include YouTube Premium and YouTube Music, three months of access to Photoshop, and the Minecraft Realms game, and a few other goodies. Keep in mind that once your freebies run out, the 2TB + Gemini Advanced tier will run you $20 a month.
StarLife Assurance, your leading life insurance provider, is excited to announce a novel strategic partnership with eGotickets, a leading event ticketing platform. This collaboration is designed to offer a unique life insurance cover specifically for event attendees, safeguarding them against unexpected incidents that may occur immediately before, during and just after events.



Through this innovative partnership, StarLife and eGotickets would introduce a first-of-its-kind insurance option for event attendees. Ticket buyers on the eGotickets platform will have the opportunity to secure life insurance coverage, providing financial protection in the unfortunate event of Total Permanently or Death due to incidents at the event.



This partnership highlights both companies' dedication to enhancing the safety and security of event participants in Ghana.



At the official launch, Kakra Duffuor-Nyarko, CEO of StarLife Assurance, remarked, "At StarLife, we are committed to delivering innovative solutions that address the changing needs of our clients. Our collaboration with eGotickets provides some peace of mind and comfort for event attendees and that of their loved ones, even in the face of unforeseen circumstances."



Chief Executive Officer of eGotickets, George Mensah, stated that, 



At eGotickets, were not just about selling ticketswere about creating a safer, more secure event experience for everyone. This ground-breaking partnership with StarLife Assurance sets a new standard in the event space, offering attendees the peace of mind that comes with knowing theyre protected. Were proud to be the first to bring this innovative insurance solution to event-goers in Ghana, giving them the freedom to enjoy their experience without worrying about the unexpected.



The Head of Supervision at the National Insurance Commission, Mrs Stella Jonah, congratulated StarLife Assurance for introducing a first-of-its-kind product in the insurance and events industry in Ghana. She encouraged StarLife to prioritize timely claims payments in every situation and consistently put the needs of the customer first.



How this Partnership Works



When purchasing tickets on the eGotickets platform, customers will have the option to add insurance coverage for death and total permanent disability. The life insurance coverage is automatically activated upon completing the ticket purchase and remains valid for the entire duration of the event. In the event of a claim, beneficiaries can easily file through StarLife'sseamless and user-friendly claims process.



About StarLife



StarLife Assurance Company Limited is an indigenous life assurance company, the largest in terms of assets and the second largest market share holder with over 18 years experience in the life insurance industry. The Company, a member of the prestigious Ghana Club 100 and the highest ranking life insurer on the list, has established itself as a reliable household name in life insurance, with a consistent record of prompt claims payment and a portfolio of several individual and corporate products.



Today, thousands of Ghanaians in all 16 regions continue to rely on the StarLife brand as one of the preferred life assurance companies in the country. Clients can choose from a diverse range of over 15 innovative products designed to meet both their individual and corporate needs.



About eGotickets



Founded in 2013, eGotickets is a pioneering ticketing operating system and lifestyle discovery platform, dedicated to democratising access to events and tickets across Africa. The company empowers event organisers and attendees by delivering innovative, personalised ticketing and lifestyle experiences for a diverse audience.



As a trailblazer in e-ticketing in Ghana, eGotickets has facilitated major events, including conferences, sports, concerts, festivals, and cultural gatherings, connecting attendees to a wide range of experiences. Their commitment to innovation is showcased through theirintroduction of insured tickets and interactive ticketing, ensuring both security and dynamic engagement for every event-goer.



Operating in Ghana, Nigeria, and expanding to other African countries, eGotickets offers a seamless experience across multiple platforms. Events and tickets can be discovered via Web, Mobile, USSD, WhatsApp, Partner Apps, and Affiliate Websites, making us the only platform with such diverse accessibility.









Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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

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Government is advancing on the construction of 609 new homes specifically designed for public servants in the country.



The announcement was made by the Minister for Works and Housing, Kojo Oppong Nkrumah, during a press briefing in Accra on Monday, September 30, 2024.



These new housing units are part of our broader efforts to address Ghana's housing deficit, which is currently estimated at 1.8 million units, Minister Nkrumah said. Decent housing enriches the lives of our public servants. It provides them with dignity and enables them to perform their duties effectively.



The construction of these homes is being undertaken under the District Housing Programme, which aims to meet the housing needs of public sector employees, including teachers, nurses, police officers, and other essential workers, particularly those assigned to rural and underserved areas.



Our public servants deserve quality housing that fosters a conducive environment for their work and family life, Minister Nkrumah said. The new homes will be constructed in various districts across the country, ensuring accessibility for those in rural areas.



In addition to the new homes, Minister Oppong Nkrumah provided updates on ongoing efforts to resolve stalled housing projects nationwide. He confirmed that the Koforidua Affordable Housing Project, which had been halted, is set to resume construction after being handed over to the State Housing Company Limited.



Regarding the Saglemi Housing Project, initially designed to deliver 5,000 units but facing significant delays, the Minister confirmed that negotiations are currently underway to transfer the project to a private developer. This approach will allow for the completion and sale of the units without further government investment, he explained.



The Minister also emphasized the collaboration with the Ghana Infrastructure Investment Fund (GIIF) to secure sustainable financing for housing projects. The GIIF will play a pivotal role in developing innovative financing models that will support our efforts to address the housing deficit, he stated.

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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

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The United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Insurance and Risk Finance Facility (IRFF) in collaboration with the National Insurance Commission (NIC) and the Insurance Awareness Coordinators Group have launched some extensive micro insurance / inclusive insurance clinics which will engage market traders and artisans in the Greater Accra Metropolitan Area (GAMA).



The clinics will take the form of interactive sessions with these informal sector workers on the risks they face in their business and personal lives. These will take place in strategic locations such as Ada, Sege, Kasoa, Galilea, Prampram etc.



In his keynote address, and ultimately launching these inclusive clinics, the Commissioner of Insurance (ag), Mr Michael Kofi Andoh, emphasized the need for the insurance sector to grow exponentially with focus on the informal sector. He noted that over 70% of the national workforce operates within the informal sector and is mostly underserved with the traditional insurance products.



Mr Andoh stressed the importance of developing insurance products that address the needs of this underserved segment of the population.



He also highlighted the critical role insurance plays in making farmers and other informal workers creditworthy and called on market traders, artisans and other vulnerable groups to embrace insurance as a risk mitigating mechanism.



According to the the Commissioner, micro-insurance provides tailored products designed specifically for low- income earners, giving them access to coverage in case of unforeseen events.

This type of insurance is targeted at groups like market women, artisans, and food vendors, he noted.



The launch which was a two-edged one also had the launch of the Inclusive Insurance Certification Programme by the UNDP IRFF in collaboration with the Ghana Insurance College with the support of the NIC.



These initiatives aim to build the required capacities and promote awareness of inclusive insurance across the country. The clinics are expected to take place within the months of September and

November 2024 for the first cohort.



Dr. Kingsley Kwabason, CEO of the Ghana Insurers Association (GIA) who spoke on behalf of the IACG bemoaned the fact that though it is an established fact that Ghana was the first country in Africa to develop a framework for inclusive insurance, not much progress in its implementation has been realised but expressed confidence in a change soon.





Ms Linet Odera, the Regional Technical Advisor for UNDP's IRFF, commended the NIC's vision of rolling out the inclusive insurance programme, predicting it would increase the supply of insurance in the country whilst the awareness clinics take care of the demand side.



Dr. Abdul Razak Saeed, Head of Environment and Climate Cluster at UNDP - Ghana, added that inclusive insurance could play a crucial role in mitigating the impacts of climate change and climate-related issues.



He urged the NIC to scale up awareness and build adequate capacity to develop programmes tailored to low-income households and small business owners, ensuring they fully understand the benefits of taking up one form of inclusive insurance or the other.



UNDP'sIRFF Coordinator, Dr. Amina Sammo, expressed her satisfaction with the progress of the initiative.



She highlighted the importance of extending insurance coverage to those who have traditionally been excluded, such as market traders and artisans.





Source: Prince Baffour Asamoah/Peace FM Newsroom









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

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The Takoradi Airforce Base Commander, Air Commodore Kwabena Atiemo has said improving security and protecting territorial boundaries is a shared responsibility and not the duty of the government alone.



According to him, accommodation and other infrastructure challenges among personnel is a source of worry to the service and that the citizenry can also support to be able to addressed them.



He disclosed this to newsmen when Cimaf Cement Ghana made cement donations to them and two other institutions.



Although we are a government institution, it is bestowed on us as citizens to support them with logistics to compliment their efforts to be able to work well.



The beneficiary institutions are Airforce Base, Naval Base and Fijai Senior High School all in the Sekondi Takoradi metropolis of the western region.



Head master of Fijai Senior High School, Mr Kenneth Dotse said the donation will go a long way to help the school looking at the challenges the school faces in terms of fencing and other infrastructural challenges



The Deputy General Manager of Cimaf Cement Ghana, Mr Joseph Kobina Aboo noted that improving security and education in Ghana is a shared responsibility hence the company's donation forms part of their Cooperate Social Responsibility

Source: Isaac Kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected]









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

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On Friday, 27th September 2024, the Chartered Institute of Realtors (CIR) and the Chamber of Real Estate (CRE) proudly announced Universal Village which was launched by the Ambassador of Lebanon to Ghana and dean of the diplomatic corps, H.E Maher Kheir, Dr. Mark Nii Akwei Ankrah, social housing and regeneration consultant, among a host of traditional leaders.



This pioneering social housing project aims to provide affordable and sustainable housing solutions for the Ghanaian people. The initiative was unveiled at the CIR Summit 2024, a gathering of industry leaders, experts and partner organizations as a strategic solution to the housing deficit challenges.



Universal Village is a comprehensive project that will deliver a range of housing options, with a focus on studio/single-room houses to shore up the numbers of those living in unauthorized structures (kiosks, containers and wooden structures) in our urban areas, whose activities greatly impact the sanitation of our environment negatively.



The project will also boast of one-bedroom and two-bedroom houses for low-income earners, all at very affordable rental rates. The CIR and CRE envision developing 100,000 homes through this initiative, to be located in various locations across the country.



This social housing scheme will feature modern amenities, green spaces, commercial centers and community facilities i.e. educational and vocational blocks, lorry stations, religious structures, etc.



Over the years, the governments policies on housing in Ghana have predominantly been limited to government workers with less attention on the need to provide sustainable social housing to the populace. Statistics havent been favourable on the social side, with more and more people being affected by the growing housing deficit.



The establishment of the State Housing Company was basically to provide housing, but this has been geared towards employees within the government sector. To a large extent, no recognized institution is set up to provide the same for the public, hence the need to initiate one. Universal Village was launched to help bridge the gap, ensuring that citizens can live in decent homes as a step to bettering their lives.



"We believe that everyone deserves a decent and affordable place to call home," said Dr. Mark Ankrah.



"The launch of Universal Village is a testament to our commitment to social responsibility and our belief in the power of collaboration between the public and private sectors."



The project is possible through a partnership between the CIR, the CRE, individuals and partner organizations. Funding for the initiative will come from advocacy groups, International Development partners, NGOs, private-sector investments, individuals and other innovative financing mechanisms.



"The launch of Universal Village marks a significant milestone in our efforts to address the housing challenges facing Ghana," said the spokesperson of the Chartered Institute of Realtors and the Chamber of Real Estate on the day. "We are confident that this project will set a new standard for social housing development in the country."



Universal Village is expected to positively impact the local economy by creating jobs in the construction sector and related industries. The project will also contribute to sustainable urban development by providing much-needed housing in a growing city.

Source: Alex Ofei Kwayisi/Peacefmonline.com









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

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The Assemblyman of the Baatsona Electoral Area in Spintex, Hon. Jeremiah Borketey Bortey, has donated hand-sewing machines to students at Abrantie College.



In all, Hon. Bortey donated 10 sewing machines as part of his efforts to give back to society.



Video: https://youtu.be/PoGKQYuU_gM?si=lDX8hrSQijMveqt1



His kind gesture seeks to help several students at Abrantie College - Ghana's premier fashion, cosmetology and catering institute - with their vocational training.



Donating at the College recently during Abrantie College's matriculation, Hon. Bortey expressed belief that students in Ghanaian society need the support of everyone to advance their education or training.



Receiving the donated sewing machines on behalf of the school, the Director of Abrantie College, Mr King David Thompson, thanked Hon. Bortey for his benevolence, saying the College which is located within the Baatsona Electoral Area shall continue to provide "the best of education to students that come to the school so the Baatsona Electoral area can improve".



About Abrantie College



Abrantie College is an Accra-based Fashion, Catering, Hair and Beauty Care Training Institute accredited by the Ghana Education Service (G.E.S.) and National Vocational Training Institute (N.V.T.I.).

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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

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The Apostle General of Royalhouse Chapel International, Sam Korankye Ankrah, has called for the release of the arrested Democracy Hub demonstrators.



According to him, even though he condemns the unlawful acts of the demonstrators, the government should grant them bail and process them to court if they have faulted.



We can see the effects of the pollution of our water bodies and the destruction of our forests because of illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey. These are some of the effects. Now, the problems are passed on to us. Now, we have to raise money to go and help these unfortunate children, and most of them are coming from the villages where their water bodies have been polluted. They are drinking this water and using this water to cook.



Sometimes the chemicals and the things they have been using for their mining have even gone into the ground, into the soil, and have affected the plantain, the cassava, and the things they grow.



I want to counsel the government, both the NPP government and the opposition NDC party. We need, as a nation, to come together and decide that all of us will fight against this illegal mining called galamsey for the sustenance of our environment and water bodies and to save our children and our childrens children, he said.



Speaking to his congregation on Sunday, September 29, 2024, he further called for a peaceful environment ahead of the 2024 elections.



He added that keeping such people in cells will aggravate the situation.



We need a non-partisan approach to curb this menace and fight it and get it out of our system. I hear one party say when we come after them, we lose votes. So, what is an election all about? Votes? We are behaving as if democracy has become an albatross on our neck.



Now I want to plead with the Inspector General of Police and the government. The young boys and girls who have been arrested, the Democracy Hub demonstrators. I am pleading with the government, the court, and the IGP that those young boys be released. Let us give them bail and arraign them before court if they have done something wrong. Keeping them in the cells aggravates the situation and the problems. It makes more people angry, and it makes more people want to do evil.



I am not saying they are right, especially the one who allegedly took the police car key and threw it away. So, as one of the fathers of this country, let us forgive them. Throwing them behind bars will not solve any problem, he added.



Many people who demonstrated under the leadership of Democracy Hub, aimed at demanding a crackdown on illegal mining, popularly known as galamsey, find themselves remanded by the court over the unlawful act. However, many stakeholders have called for their release.







Source: ghanaweb.com









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

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Ahead of the December 7, general election, some heads of religious bodies have taken to the streets to preach peace and extend their support for the Electoral Commissioner whose leadership is very crucial.



The group said in a statement that they trust the EC will ensure a free and fair election despite doubts from the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).



We declare publicly our trust in the ECs ability to execute its constitutional mandate without fear or favour. The Electoral Commission is at the forefront of our democracy, bearing the immense responsibility of ensuring people's will is freely expressed and accurately reflected.



We stand firmly behind them in this endeavour, encouraging all citizens and political stakeholders to do the same. A portion of the statement said.



Adding that: We believe that the Electoral Commission will carry out its mandate with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring the continued success of Ghanas democratic journey.





SOLIDARITY AND SUPPORT FOR THE ELECTORAL COMMISSION AND CALL FOR NATIONAL UNITY BY COALITION OF RELIGIOUS CLERGYMEN.We bring you warm greetings in the name of God the Father, Son and the Holy Spirit, Amen.Assalamu alaikum was rahmatullahi wa barakatuh      We, the members of the Coalition of Religious Clergymen, are Christians and Muslims of our beloved country united under a common purpose to show our unwavering support for the Electoral Commission (EC) of Ghana and demonstrate our firm belief in the credibility and integrity of our electoral process. Our collective actions as discerned men of God exemplify our commitment to safeguarding the democratic values that Ghana holds as the star of Africa.We highly value the critical role of the EC in the democratic principles that have made us the shining star since the return to democratic rule as enshrined in the fourth Republican dispensation.We declare publicly our trust in the ECs ability to execute its constitutional mandate without fear or favour. The Electoral Commission is at the forefront of our democracy, bearing the immense responsibility of ensuring the will of the people is freely expressed and accurately reflected. We stand firmly behind them in this endeavour, encouraging all citizens and political stakeholders to do the same.We state clearly and unambiguously that there should be no room for panic or fear from any political party, institution, or stakeholder.We believe that we have a major role to play and that the EC, backed by its long-standing experience and professional competence, can conduct a free, fair, credible and transparent election. Therefore, we call on all political actors, civil society groups, and citizens to provide the Electoral Commission with the necessary support and space to function effectively without undue pressure or interference.We charge the EC to hold its constitutional mandate and its operational instruments under the law as the reference document for a fair and credible process.We also want to remind ourselves that democracy is not the sole responsibility of the Electoral Commission; it is a collective effort involving all stakeholders. From political parties to civil society organisations and the media to every citizen, we must all act in good faith, respecting the principles of fairness, transparency and accountability.We add our voices, actions and engagements to foster peace, stability and national unity. We remain committed to these principles, which are fundamental to our countrys growth and development.We urge the media and other influential voices to adopt a tone of neutrality, objectivity, and support for the democratic process. Let us not become conduits for misinformation or tension but rather champions of truth, balance, and harmony with open arms from the EC according to its mandate.We believe that the Electoral Commission will carry out its mandate with the highest level of professionalism, ensuring the continued success of Ghanas democratic journey.We encourage ourselves, regardless of political affiliation, to stand together in solidarity, promoting peace and national cohesion as we build a brighter future for our beloved country.Yours in His ServiceSigned

Source: King Edward Ambrose Washman/Peacefmonline.com









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The Chairperson for the Electoral Commission of Ghana, Madam Jean Mensa has debunked allegations that the discrepancies in the Provisional Voter Register (PVR) are deliberate attempt by the EC to disenfranchise voters in certain parts of the country.



In an engagement with the various political parties on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, Jean Mensa stated that, the EC has no interest in disenfranchising persons who have attained the age of voting, and have sound mind, as prescribed in the constitution.



It is important to note that the discrepancies initially identified in the PVR cut across all regions. Allegations that the discrepancies in the PVR were aimed at disenfranchising voters in certain parts of the country are without merit. It is not true, Jean Mensa said.



The ECs comments come on the heel of discussions within the public space where the largest opposition party, the National Democratic Congress (NDC) raised alarm over certain anomalies detected in the voters register during the exhibition of the Provisional Voter register.



The NDC complained about some names which where illegally transferred, whiles some names were not captured in the register. This generated concerns across the country with the NDC calling for an independent forensic audit in order to have a robust and credible elections.



The EC chair noted that the need for a forensic audit is rather premature stating, adding that the legal administrative processes have not been exhausted.



The Commission maintains that they are committed to ensuring that all registered voters exercise their Democratic rights of casting their votes in their respective polling stations.





Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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DUSHANBE, Tajikistan, October 1. Tajikistan is actively negotiating grant funding totaling $500 million from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) and $650 million from the World Bank (WB) to finance the Rogun Hydroelectric Plant project, Trend reports via the Tajik Presidents press service.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said this at a meeting with the builders of the Rogun hydropower station.

Negotiations are underway to sign a grant agreement with the World Bank for $650 million and a loan agreement with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank for $500 million, Rahmon said.

The President also emphasized that several loan agreements have already been concluded, including one for $150 million with the Islamic Development Bank and another for $100 million with the Saudi Development Fund.

Additionally, he noted that Tajikistan may receive $100 million in loans from the OPEC Fund for International Development, the Kuwait Fund for Arab Economic Development, the Abu Dhabi Fund, and the Italian Savings Trust Fund.

To note, the government initially allocated $488 million from the budget for the construction work at the Rogun HPP, and another $263 million is planned for 2024.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
Former Energy Minister, Boakye Agyarko, has concluded a three-day tour across the Ahafo Region, engaging communities to rally support for Dr Mahamudu Bawumia and NPP parliamentary candidates ahead of the 2024 general elections.



His tour took him to Aprakukrom, Kukuom, Nkrankrom, and Amanfrom, where he emphasised the NPPs development track record and urged locals to vote for continuity.



In Aprakukrom, Agyarko highlighted key achievements of the NPP government, including increasing cocoa prices to 3,000 Cedis, constructing a 30-bed health facility at Abuom, and rehabilitating roads.



He assured the people that the NPP remained the best choice to manage the countrys recovery despite recent economic challenges.



In Kukuom, he addressed a gathering of elderly citizens, reminding them of the towns importance to Ghanas economy through cocoa, timber, and gold production.



He cautioned against NDC propaganda and emphasised that the NPPs leadership was vital for the future of the towns youth.



The tour continued in Nkrankrom, where Agyarko visited local chiefs and contributed to an ICT project.



He urged voters to support Dr Bawumia and Yaw Broni for continued development. His final stop in Amanfrom saw him reiterate the NPPs commitment to improving living standards, with further promises of infrastructure projects and rural development.



Agyarko concluded by assuring all communities that the NPP was dedicated to their welfare and that their votes were crucial to sustaining progress.











Source: ghanaweb.com









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

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Prof. Jane Naana Opoku Agyemang, the running mate to the National Democratic Congress (NDC) presidential candidate for election 2024, has pledged that an NDC government would focus on teaching those engaged in galamsey [Illegal mining] to do their work in a way that does not pollute waters.



Speaking at an NDC event in Amenfi Central in the Western North Region last Saturday, Prof Opoku Agyemang accused the current government of failing to create employment opportunities for the youth, which, she argues, has left many young people in rural areas with no option but to turn to galamsey.



In Amenfi and other towns like it, galamsey is rampant, causing serious harm to the environment. But what choice do the youth have when there are no jobs? They are forced to turn to illegal mining as their only option for survival, she said.



"We know galamsey is happening here in Amenfi. Where are the galamseyers? She asked as the crowd responded.



"Its not today we discovered gold in Ghana, and galamsey has been around for a long time. But if the government destroys the few jobs in town and doesnt create new ones, what are the youth supposed to do?"



Professor Opoku Agyemang explained that her visit to the community was to bring good news and offer hope through practical solutions.



She emphasised the need for responsible mining practices, adding that where galamsey is practised without polluting water bodies, the NDC plans to step in to train the youth on how to mine sustainably, thereby safeguarding their health, the environment, and their future.

The youth need jobs, and if galamsey is what they will continue to do, then they should be taught how to do it safely and without destroying their communities. We have come here with good intentions, to show a better way, she added.



Meanwhile, Dr Ayew Afriyie, the New Patriotic Party Member of Parliament for Effiduase Asokore and Chairman of Parliaments Health Committee, has stated that the government will not ban galamsey.



He argued that such a ban would be politically risky for the New Patriotic Party (NPP), as many constituents in mining communities depend on the industry for their livelihoods.



We wont ban galamsey today or tomorrow, Dr Afriyie declared. He also blamed the worsening environmental damage on foreign nationals involved in illegal mining, accusing the opposition NDC of importing these individuals to advance their political agenda.



"The NDC saw that we [NPP] were winning the seats in the mining areas, so they decided to go and import foreigners to engage in illegal mining on our water bodies. The whole water bodies have not been a problem until now, it just started one month ago. It is someone behind that to force the NPP government to stop galamsey so that we will lose the seats. We wont stop them [Galamseyers] today or tomorrow."



He also criticised what he described as hypocritical media coverage, stating, Is galamsey done in Accra? They should come to Kumasi to demonstrate against galamsey; like they will see," he said.



Some civil society groups have called on the leaders of the two main political parties to take a clear stance against illegal mining to prove their commitment to tackling the menace should they win power at the polls in December.

Source: myjoyonline.com









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The Chief of Nkwantakese in the Amenfi East constituency of the Western Region, Nana Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea has appealed to Ghanaians to give Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia the chance to lead Ghana.



Speaking at Asankragua in the Amenfi East constituency during a campaign visit by Dr. Bawumia, Nana Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea said the 2024 election is a battle between two Northerners, referring to Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia of the New Patriotic Party and former President John Mahama of the National Democratic Congress but believes Bawumia deserves the crown.



"This election is going to be between two Northerners. We know one of them, the old one already, because he has had his chance...The other Northerner is new, who has only been a mate and is now requesting that we should hand over the steer to him. We have all seen on a few occasions when he got the opportunity to test the car that he can drive smoothly. So should we not give him a chance to also drive the car?", Nana Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea said.



He stressed; "Let us all give him a chance to drive the car because he has proved that he is capable of driving considering the work he has done even as a driver's mate."



Nana Ntori-Bonkyi Akomea however urged Dr. Bawumia to ensure completion of the development projects in his community saying "I am not saying if you win. I believe you have won already by the grace of God, so I am saying when you become President".

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/Peacefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Residents at Amenfi Zongo community in the Western Region could not hide their appreciation to Vice President and NPP presidential candidate, Dr. Mahamudu Bawumia for his kind gesture to them.



Dr. Bawumia was in Manso Amenfi in the Amenfi Central constituency as part of his campaign tour of the Western Region on Sunday and during his engagement with stakeholders, the Zongo community recalled how Dr. Bawumia responded swiftly to their request to renovate their mosque.



According to a Spokesperson for the community, Dr. Bawumia visited them prior to the 2016 elections to seek their support and when the NPP won and he became Vice President, he returned to express gratitude to them in 2018.



It was during this visit, the Spokesman recalled, that the then Zongo Chief made a request on behalf of the Zongo community for Bawumias support to renovate their mosque.



"A few days after he left, he sent someone to get the estimates for the project and just a few weeks after submitting the estimates, he sent us the money to undertake the project and today our mosque has been fully tiled and in a better shape because of your support, the Spokesperson said.



He added; "I stand here on behalf of the Zongo community in Amenfi municipal to express our immense gratitude to the Vice President for his kind gesture.



It was the wish of our late Zongo Chief to meet you again to express our gratitude to you for your kind support but he is no more. That was his wish and since he is no more, we are doing that on his behalf and on our own behalf."



The Zongo community, while expressing their support to Dr. Bawumia, for his Presidential bid, also prayed for God's favours.



The Zongo community was well-represented at the event with community leaders including Chiefs, Imams, elders and women.

Source: Ameyaw Adu Gyamfi/acefmonline.com/Ghana









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

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Flagbearer of the National Democratic Congress (NDC), John Dramani Mahama, has reiterated the need to have a truly inclusive and gender-balanced government.



According to him, nearly 54% of unemployed people in Ghana are women, thus necessitating why women have to be captured below the poverty line in Ghana.



He was speaking at the launch of the partys Womens Manifesto.



Despite womens significant contribution to our nations development, gender inequality remains pervasive, particularly in the informal sector, where 92% of workers are women often without safety nets. This is an important sector that contributes as much as between 30-40% of Ghanas GDP. This situation has exacerbated poverty among women, as highlighted by the 2020 Census: which indicates that of Ghanas 7.3 million poor people, the majority  3.76 million  are women, former President Mahama pointed out.



He therefore called on all well- meaning Ghanaians to rally their support for the NDC as they seek to bring into fruition, the bold visions for women empowerment.



These numbers should not just shock us; they should spur us to act. These statistics tell a painful story. Behind each number is a woman  perhaps a mother, a sister, or a daughter  who works tirelessly every day but still goes to bed hungry, he reiterated.



At the well-attended event, Ex-Prez Mahama expressed his elation at the enthusiasm of all Ghanaian women in welcoming the womens manifesto.



The Womens manifesto is a visionary plan devised by the flagbearer of the NDC to tackle the numerous economic and social challenges that confront women in their day-to-day activities.



The vision basically, places women of Ghana at the center of national development and governance, doing away with the ancient system where women are mostly sidelined in a governance system dominated by men.



Earlier in his address, the former President stated that his next NDC government will ensure a future where women lead at the highest levels of politics, promoting economic power amongst women and creating a system where women would have access to quality education and healthcare delivery.



Women play a most critical role in our society and the NDCs Resetting Ghana Manifesto, launched on 24th August 2024 recognizes this. We have made clear, in both policy and practice, that our Ghanaian women are not just beneficiaries of development  they are the architects of development."



For us the NDC, our mission is simple: Ghanaian women matter. Ghanaian women are partners in development. And our Party has put forward proposals to ensure that women sit at the table of national decision-making, side by side with men.



He therefore pledged to give opportunities to more women in order to have a fair representation of women within the governmental framework.



This is not an empty promise; I have already shown my commitment through the nomination of a female running mate  a symbol of our inclusive and gender-balanced government. I am deeply honoured to have a woman of immense integrity as my running mate and, God willing, the next Vice President of Ghana. Professor Naana Jane Opoku Agyemang will God willing, in January 2025 be Ghanas first female Vice President, Mr. Mahama said.

























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Source: Kobina Darlington/peacefmonline.com









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A video that has surfaced on social media portrays former President and presidential candidate of the National Democratic Congress, John Dramani Mahama, to be less committed to the fight against illegal mining, popularly called galamsey.



The video which has since gone viral shows John Mahama seemingly justifying galamsey operations.



The former President who seeks to come back to power recently called for the release of some protesters called Democracy Hub whose aim for hitting the streets was to call the attention of President Nana Akufo-Addo to the ills of galamsey and end it but ended up with some of them arrested for blatantly disregarding the countrys laws.



The former President found the arrest and prosecution of these protesters harsh, describing it as high-handedness.



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, Mahama posted on Facebook.



He added; 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.



Just when many people thought his call was in solidarity with the youth who but for their misbehavior were on a good cause to clamp down on galamsey, the latest viral video projects a different posture of former President Mahama on the issue of galamsey.



Addressing an audience, Mr. Mahama equated the fight against galamsey to sabotaging Ghanas gold export which he noted is what is currently holding the nation up.



Gold is the one holding Ghana now and because of galamsey, we were 80 tonnes per year but this year, we are at 135 tonnes. Lots of the additional come from galamsey, so we must be prepared to sacrifice in the fight against galamsey that production will come down; it means that export will reduce, he stated emphatically.



Mahama also cautioned that any attempt to end galamsey will jeopardize the livelihood of the youth, stressing it is because of the lack of employment, thats why many of the youth are into galamsey.



He concluded; Therefore, if you fight against galamsey, a lot of the young people who currently are surviving with galamsey will also get unemployed. So, those are two consequences Im putting on the

table before we start the fight.



Watch video below:





@starr1035fm We must be prepared to sacrifice in the fight against galamsey. - John Dramani Mahama (NDC Flagbearer) #StarrFM #StarrNews #EIBNetwork #ElectionHub  original sound - Starr 103.5 FM





Source: Adu Gyamfi Ameyaw









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A former paraprofessional at a Cumberland County school district has been charged with endangering an 8-year-old autistic boy, according to court documents.

Jessica Piper, 36, of Enola, was charged last week in connection to repeated aggressive behavior to the child, who is a student in the East Pennsboro School District, township police said in an affidavit of probable cause.

Throughout the 2023-24 school year, Piper hit the child and held her hand over his mouth to keep him quiet, the affidavit said.

Piper also squeezed the childs cheeks with her fingers, got in his face to yell at him, and on several occasions shoved his head to the ground by the back of his neck, according to the court documents.

Six witnesses reported the behavior to police, in addition to the childs mother, the affidavit said. One witness reportedly told police they were not shocked the boys mom found bruises on him, because, There was no way there couldnt have been bruises.

Court documents said another witness told police she lost sleep over Pipers treatment of the boy.

Piper was charged on Sept. 26 with child endangerment and simple assault. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 23 in front of Magisterial District Judge Michael Sanderson.

Piper was employed by Substitute Teacher Services, Inc., a company that provides substitutes and paraprofessionals for central Pennsylvania school districts.

A school district spokesperson said she was removed from her position at East Pennsboro after the police investigation began.

JR Godwin, vice president of business affairs for Substitute Teacher Services, said Piper was suspended without pay on May 28 when the company was alerted to the police investigation. She was fired on Sept. 26, the day charges were filed. Godwin said Piper did not work between the suspension and firing.
A 19-year-old Lancaster County teenager was sentenced to 15 to 40 years in prison after he pleaded guilty to third-degree murder in the 2023 beating death of a 68-year-old man, according to the Lancaster County District Attorneys Office.

Brian D. Gray, 19, of Lancaster, was charged with homicide, first-degree murder and third-degree murder on Dec. 12, 2023, after police said he and Michael Pfender, 68, got into an argument in a garage along the 1000 block of North Duke Street before Gray, snapped out and beat Pfender to death.

The incident took place when Gray was 18 years old

An autopsy revealed Pfenders torso was struck and stomped on in addition to bruising in his head and signs he was strangled, according to the DAs office.

Gray eventually told a roommate he killed Pfender and asked for help hiding the body, investigators said. After Pfenders death Gray also reached out to his father. Hours after speaking with his father, Gray turned himself into to authorities.

During his court hearings Gray called Pfender a friend and said he has a lot of remorse for causing his death, according to a press release. Gray also said he would change things a thousand times over, if he could.

Judge Jeffrey Conrad said the 19-year-old has the opportunity to return to society and recommended he live life as a model citizen and a good man, the DAs release included. Dont let yourself down. Dont let your family down, Conrad told Gray.

Gray also requested vocational and educational training during his prison time, which the court granted.

I hope for his sake he goes on to be the man he should have been, Conrad said.
A Harrisburg man was speeding on wet roads and passing illegally just before he caused an October 2022 crash that killed one of his passengers, police said in court documents filed this week.

Jose J. Rivera Jr., 34, was charged with vehicular homicide and DUI on Monday in connection to the Oct. 4, 2022, crash in Newberry Township that killed Yahaira Montero, of Harrisburg, court records show.

A witness told police Rivera passed him on Old Trail Road, going about 60 mph in a 35 mph zone, on a double-yellow-lined section of roadway signaling no passing. The witness said he soon came across Riveras Toyota Corolla, which had crashed into a Jeep, according to an affidavit of probable cause.

Police said Rivera was driving the Toyota south through the 700 block of Old Trail Road when he crossed into the northbound lane and hit the Jeep around 9 a.m. Montero, Riveras front-seat passenger, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Montero died of blunt force trauma, and her death was ruled accidental, the York County Coroners Office said.

Three people were also injured in the crash, according to police.

Data obtained from the Toyota showed the car was traveling at a high speed just before the crash, according to the affidavit. Police did not provide a specific speed in court documents.

A blood draw also showed Rivera had marijuana in his system during the crash, the affidavit said.

Online court records show Rivera has not been taken into custody as of Tuesday.
Gone are the days when kids can buy Froot Loops in Californias schools.

New legislation has banned Froot Loops  along with a number of other food products  from being served to young minds as they receive their education, specifically for the coloring dye that goes into them.

Politico reports how state Gov. Gavin Newsom signed the aforementioned legislation on Saturday  the first of its kind seen in the United States  which bars public schools in the Golden State from offering children food containing blue, green, yellow and red additives which some studies have linked to hyperactivity and other behavioral issues such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).

According to USA Today, the foods which use these coloring additives include Froot Loops as well as Trix Cereal, Gatorade, Skittles, and Flamin Hot Cheetos.

Our health is inextricably tied to the food we eat  but fresh, health foods arent always available for families, said Newsom via statement. Today, we are refusing to accept the status quo, and making it possible for everyone, including school kids, to access nutritious, delicious food without harmful, and often addictive additives.

One foodstuff affected by a similar California ban enacted in 2023  Peeps  actually made an effort to change their formula, then-explained the Los Angeles Times.

Similar legislation, too, has been discussed in Pennsylvania previously. Further information regarding this legislation remains pending.
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The World Bank (WB) intends to construct a $5 million agro-logistics center (ALC) in the Sughd free economic zone (FEZ) in Tajikistan, the source at the bank told Trend.

This initiative is part of the World Bank-funded project "Strengthening the Resilience of the Agriculture Sector" (SRASP) in Tajikistan, which has been underway since 2021. The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity in Tajikistan by increasing farm outputs and adding value.

"The SRASP project is fully funded by the WB, and the ALC in Sughd is expected to cost around $5 million. At the same time, the total budget for SRASP, including the additional financing, is $108 million for a six-year period from June 2021 to June 2027," the source said.

Construction of the ALC in Sughd is expected to begin in early 2025 and take approximately 18 months, with the center anticipated to become operational by the end of 2026. The WB project includes the establishment of five agro-logistics centers in various regions across the country.

"These centers, including one in Sughd, will reduce waste and add value by introducing international standards for post-harvest handling of fruits and vegetables. Through sorting, grading, packaging, storage, and handling improvements, the ALCs will help Tajikistan reach its full potential in accessing high-end export markets globally and regionally," the source added.

Furthermore, it was announced that the World Bank Group is currently preparing its next Country Partnership Framework for Tajikistan, which is expected to be approved by the Board in 2025.

"This framework is being developed through a consultative process that engages a diverse range of stakeholders to ensure various perspectives are incorporated into the strategy," the source said.
Theres a place in Pennsylvania thats one of the deadliest cities in the United States  if you consider its horror movie body count, that is.

Some horror aficionados probably already have an idea as to which city it might be, but regardless, heres a hint: Its pretty well-known for its undead.

Giggster  which is described by its About page as a company which connects property hosts with renters looking to film or have an event in their home or space by allow[ing] renters to search for specific film-friendly locations, communicate with hosts, and execute payments quickly and easily in a single place  published a report to its blog covering the spookiest filming locations in the country.

In order to find these locations, the website first established a list of the 100 most populous towns and cites in the country, as according to 2023 Census Bureau information. From there, data was lifted from IMDb to figure out how many films of the horror persuasion were filmed with each, then this data was calculated against the locations population per 100,000 residents.

Articles from websites such as All That is Interesting were also gleaned for the purposes of this study, just to zhuzh it up a bit, as well as Google Keyword Planner data to assess search volume.

Pittsburgh was thus ranked the sixth city with the most horror movies filmed overall, with an impressive 30.67 scary features filmed per 100,000 residents.

Buffalo Bills house  from the award-winning Silence of the Lambs  located in Perryopolis, Fayette County, was also noted as the eighth most searched horror movie location in the country.

From blood-curdling slasher films to bone-chilling psychological terrors, horror movies continue to stand the test of time thanks to their scare factor, unsettling suspense, and unforgettable moments that leave you looking over your shoulders, states the study.
Pennsylvania has a plethora of paranormal phenomena, from the Smurl haunting to the Kecksburg UFO incident to the poor squonk.

So is it any surprise, really, that Pennsylvania has deemed one of the most haunted states in these United States of America?

Airport Parking Reservations  which, according to its About Us page, is the trusted source for airport parking, helping you research, find, and book the parking space that best suits your needs, at best possible price  sent a study out via press release covering the most haunted states in the country, as stated above.

This study assessed all 50 states on five key metrics: Haunted house and ghost conversations online; Haunted house searches per year; Ghost searches per year; Ghost Hunters or Ghost Adventures episodes filmed; and Haunted locations reported by Ghost Quest.

Based on all of this, Airport Parking Reservations deemed Pennsylvania as the second most haunted state in America. The Keystone State was found to have about 85,000 roughly 177,600 haunted house searches per year.

On top of that, Pennsylvania was found to have an estimated 325,200 searches for ghost for year, and a total 40 episodes of Ghost Hunters and Ghost Adventures episodes under its belt. Ghost Quest, too, has over 700 haunted Pennsylvania locations listed on the site.

Alas, Pennsylvanias haunted status was beaten only by California in first place. Rounding out the top three was New York in third.
By BILL BARROW and CHARLOTTE KRAMON, The Associated Press

ATLANTA (AP)  Jimmy Carter reached his 100th birthday Tuesday, the first time an American president has lived a full century and the latest milestone in a life that took the son of a Depression-era farmer to the White House and across the world as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian and advocate for democracy.

Living the last 19 months in home hospice care in Plains, the Georgia Democrat and 39th president has continued to defy expectations, just as he did through a remarkable rise from his family peanut farming and warehouse business to the world stage. He served one presidential term from 1977 to 1981  he visited central Pennsylvania during the time of the Three Mile Island nuclear plant accident in 1979  and then worked more than four decades leading The Carter Center, which he and his wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to wage peace, fight disease and build hope.

Not everybody gets 100 years on this earth, and when somebody does, and when they use that time to do so much good for so many people, its worth celebrating, Jason Carter, the former presidents grandson and chair of The Carter Center governing board, said in an interview.

These last few months, 19 months, now that hes been in hospice, its been a chance for our family to reflect, he continued, and then for the rest of the country and the world to really reflect on him. Thats been a really gratifying time.

The former president was born Oct. 1, 1924, in Plains, where he has lived more than 80 of his 100 years. He is expected to mark his birthday in the same one-story home he and Rosalynn built in the early 1960s  before his first election to the Georgia state Senate. The former first lady, who was also born in Plains, died last November at 96.

FILE - Former President Jimmy Carter greets attendees as he departs the funeral service for his wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Maranatha Baptist Church in Plains, Ga., Nov. 29, 2023. (AP Photo/Alex Brandon, Pool, File)AP

At the White House, the front lawn is being decorated with a display of large lettering declaring Happy Birthday President Carter and the number 100. Carter has asked Biden to eulogize him at his state funeral when the time comes. Biden was a young Delaware senator in 1976 and was the first sitting senator to endorse Carters campaign.

The Carter Center on Sept. 17 hosted a musical gala in Atlanta to celebrate the former president with a range of genres and artists, including some who campaigned with him in 1976. The event raised more than $1.2 million for the centers programs and will be broadcast Tuesday evening on Georgia Public Broadcasting.

In St. Paul, Minnesota, Habitat for Humanity volunteers are honoring Carter with a five-day effort to build 30 houses. The Carters became top ambassadors for the international organization after leaving the White House and hosted annual building projects into their 90s.

Carter survived a cancer diagnosis and treatment in his early 90s, then several falls and a hip replacement in his mid-90s before announcing at 98 that he would enter hospice care.

Townspeople in Plains planned another concert Tuesday evening.

The last time Jimmy Carter was seen publicly was nearly a year ago, using a reclining wheelchair to attend his wifes two funeral services.

Former Presidents Jimmy Carter, left, and Gerald Ford, right, co-host an All-Democracies Conference at Ford's presidential library, bringing together leaders from 44 democracies worldwide in Ann Arbor, Mich., Feb. 9, 1983. (Richard L. Holzhausen | Gerald R. Ford Library, file)Richard L. Holzhausen | Gerald R. Ford Library

Jason Carter said the 100th birthday celebrations were not something the family expected to see once his grandmother died. The former presidents hospital bed had been set up in the same room so he could see his wife of 77 years and talk to her in her final days and hours.

We frankly didnt think he was going to go on much longer, Jason Carter said. But its a faith journey for him, and hes really given himself over to what he feels is Gods plan. He knows hes not in charge. But in these last few months, especially, he has gotten a lot more engaged in world events, a lot more engaged in politics, a lot more, just engaged, emotionally, with all of us.

Jason Carter said the centenarian president, born only four years after women were granted the constitutional right to vote and four decades before Black women won ballot access, is eager to cast his 2024 presidential ballot  for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democrat who could become the first woman, second Black person and first person of south Asian descent to reach the Oval Office.

He, like a lot of us, was incredibly gratified by his friend Joe Bidens courageous choice to pass the torch, the younger Carter said. You know, my grandfather and The Carter Center have observed more than 100 elections in 40 other countries, right? So, he knows how rare it is for somebody whos a sitting president to give up power in any context.

Jason Carter continued, When we started asking him about his 100th birthday, he said he was excited to vote for Kamala Harris.

Early voting in Georgia begins Oct. 15, two weeks into James Earl Carter Jr.s 101st year.
JERUSALEM (AP)  The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had begun a limited, localized operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, opening a new front in its war against the Lebanese militant group.

In a brief announcement, it said it was striking Hezbollah targets in areas close to the Israeli border, and that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support the ground forces. It gave no details on how long the operation would last, but said the army had been training and preparing for months.

A few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized and targeted ground raids, it said. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The incursion came shortly after it was approved by Israeli political leaders and marked a new stage in Israels war against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.

Earlier, U.S. officials said Israel had launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

The sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut and smoke rose from the capitals southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, who last engaged in ground combat on Lebanese soil during a monthlong war in 2006.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, Hezbollah is ready. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Shortly before the Israeli invasion, the army declared three northern communities near the Lebanese border to be closed military zones, indicating that the ground operation was imminent.

The army has heavily beefed up forces along the border in recent days, and commanders have said they are prepared to go into Lebanon if ordered to.

Chris Coyle, a resident of northern Israel, said the army had erected gates and checkpoints throughout the region and positioned scores of tanks along the border in recent days. Theyre certainly getting ready to go in, he said.

In the nearby Golan Heights, an Associated Press reporter heard Israeli artillery fire and explosions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces also fired flares into Lebanon.

An AP reporter in the southern Lebanon town of Marjayoun reported sounds of heavy shelling and explosions and occasional airstrikes coming from areas closer to the border.

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Hezbollahs capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Mondays in central Beirut  outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis  would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

Its possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Mondays strike in Beirut killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year. The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the U.N. estimate is around 200,000.

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000  including many fighters but also many civilians.

___

Melzer reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Sam McNeil in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights; Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Geir Moulson in Berlin; and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, contributed reporting.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)  Widespread devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene came to light Monday across the South, revealing a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers and mud-covered highways in one of the worst storms in U.S. history. The death toll topped 125.

A crisis was unfolding in western North Carolina, where residents stranded by washed-out roads and by a lack of power and cellular service lined up Monday for fresh water and a chance to message loved ones days after the storm that they were alive.

At least 128 deaths in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm  a number that climbed Monday as a clearer picture emerged of the damage it inflicted on an area stretching from Floridas Gulf Coast northward to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

North Carolinas governor, Roy Cooper, predicted the toll would rise as rescuers and other emergency workers reach areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. During a briefing Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people hadnt been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, saying some might be dead.

Government officials and aid groups were working to deliver basic supplies by air, truck and even mule to the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns. At least 40 people died in the county that includes Asheville.

The destruction and desperation were unimaginable. A flattened cargo container sat atop a bridge crossing a river with muddy brown water. Overturned pontoon boats and splintered wooden docks and tree trunks covered the surface of a picturesque lake tucked between the mountains.

A woman cradled her child while people around her gathered on a hillside where they found cellphone service, many sending a simple text: Im OK.

The North Carolina death toll included one horrific story after another of people who were trapped by floodwaters in their homes and vehicles or were killed by falling trees. A courthouse security officer died after being submerged inside his truck. A couple and a 6-year-old boy waiting to be rescued on a rooftop drowned when part of their home collapsed.

Rescuers did manage to save dozens, including an infant and two others stuck on the top of a car in Atlanta. More than 50 hospital patients and staff in Tennessee were plucked by helicopter from the hospital rooftop in a daring rescue operation.

How some of the worst-hit areas are coping

Several main routes into Asheville were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including Interstate 40, and the citys water system was severely damaged, forcing residents to scoop creek water into buckets so they could flush toilets.

People shared food and water and comforted one another in one neighborhood where a wall of water ripped away all of the trees and left behind a muddy mess not far away. Thats the blessing so far in this, Sommerville Johnston said outside her home, which has been without power since Friday.

She planned on treating the neighborhood to venison stew from her powerless freezer before it goes bad. Just bring your bowl and spoon, she said.

Others waited in a line for more than a block at Mountain Valley Water, a water seller, to fill up milk jugs and whatever other containers they could find.

Derek Farmer, who brought three gallon-sized apple juice containers, said he had been prepared for the storm but now was nervous after three days without water. I just didnt know how bad it was going to be, Farmer said.

Officials warned that rebuilding from the widespread loss of homes and property would be lengthy and difficult. The storm upended life throughout the Southeast, where deaths were also reported in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Virginia.

Video showed a mass of debris, including overturned pontoon boats and splintered wooden docks, covering the surface of Lake Lure, a picturesque spot tucked between the mountains outside Asheville.

Helene roared ashore in northern Florida late Thursday as a Category 4 hurricane and quickly moved through Georgia, the Carolinas and Tennessee with torrential rains that flooded waterways.

Federal Emergency Management Agency officials said Monday that hundreds of roads were closed across western North Carolina and that shelters were housing more than 1,000 people.

Cooper implored area residents to avoid travel for their own safety and to keep the roads clear for emergency vehicles. More than 50 search teams spread throughout the region in search of stranded people.

Waiting for help and searching for a signal in North Carolina

Several dozen people gathered on high ground in Asheville, where they found one of the citys hottest commodities  a cell signal.

Is this day three or day four? Colleen Burnet asked. Its all been a blur.

The storm unleashed the worst flooding in a century in North Carolina. Rainfall estimates in some areas topped more than 2 feet (61 centimeters) since Wednesday.

President Joe Biden said Monday that the federal government would be with survivors and others in the nations southeast affected by Helene as long as it takes.

He expected to ask Congress for additional money for disaster assistance and intends to travel to North Carolina later this week when his presence wouldnt divert from live-saving search-and-rescue missions.

Ten federal search and rescue teams were on the ground and another nine were on their way, while trucks and cargo planes were arriving with food and water, the Federal Emergency Management Agency said.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell surveyed damage with North Carolinas governor Monday.

Volunteers were showing up too. Mike Toberer decided to bring a dozen of his mules to deliver food, water and diapers to the hard-to-reach mountainous areas.

Well take our chainsaws, and well push those mules through, he said, noting that each one can carry about 200 pounds (90 kilograms) and travel 2 mph (3.2 kph).

Why western North Carolina was hit so hard

Western North Carolina suffered relatively more devastation because thats where the remnants of Helene encountered the higher elevations and cooler air of the Appalachian Mountains, causing even more rain to fall.

Asheville and many surrounding mountain towns were built in valleys, leaving them especially vulnerable to devastating rain and flooding. Plus, the ground already was saturated before Helene arrived, said Christiaan Patterson, a meteorologist with the National Weather Service.

By the time Helene came into the Carolinas, we already had that rain on top of more rain, Patterson said.

Climate change has exacerbated conditions that allow such storms to thrive, rapidly intensifying in warming waters and turning into powerful cyclones, sometimes within hours.

Destruction from Florida to Virginia

Along Floridas Gulf Coast, several feet of water swamped the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, forcing workers to move two manatees and sea turtles. All of the animals were safe but much of the aquariums vital equipment was damaged or destroyed, said James Powell, the aquariums executive director.

Georgias governor, Brian Kemp, said the storm literally spared no one. Most people in and around Augusta, a city of about 200,000 people near the South Carolina border, were still without power Monday, and Kemp and other officials tried to reassure residents that they felt their misery.

With at least 25 killed in South Carolina, Helene was the deadliest tropical cyclone to hit the state since Hurricane Hugo made landfall north of Charleston in 1989, killing 35 people.

Tropical Storm Kirk forms and could become a powerful hurricane

Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a large and powerful hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm was located about 700 miles (1,125 kilometers) west of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 45 mph (70 kph). There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not a threat to land.
A Manchester man will receive the highest money award ever doled out by a York County jury in a medical malpractice case against Wellspan York Hospital and a retired surgeon.

The jury awarded 58-year-old James Spangler $23.87 million at the end of a week-long trial to help him live in comfort and dignity after a botched surgery paralyzed most of his body in 2019.
Officers arrested a Harrisburg man Monday who was wanted in connection with multiple child sex offenses after police say he gave drugs to a 15-year-old girl before raping her in July.

Alonzo Lindsay Jr., 33, was charged last week with two felony charges of rape, unlawful contact with a minor, corruption of minors, two counts of involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, and a misdemeanor count of furnishing alcohol to a minor. He remained on the loose in connection with the incident July 2 overnight into July 3, until his arrest Monday.

Last week, police arrested and charged a codefendant, Franklin M. Fisher, with over 15 felony charges related to the sexual abuse of minors, accusing him of participating in the same incident. The teenage victim told police Fisher offered her a ride around 10 p.m. July 2 while she was walking in the area of 19th and Derry Streets toward the Market Street Bridge to go to a friends home.

Court records said Fisher took the girl to his home, where he forced her to perform sexual acts on an unidentified man to pay for marijuana. He also told her to smoke crack and snort cocaine before he brought her to his room and began to sexually abuse her, according to an affidavit of probable cause written by police.

Afterwards, he took photos of the abuse and sent them to another minor, asking them to join in, police said.

Fisher introduced the teenager to Lindsay, who raped her, according to police. Lindsay told her if she tried to get up he would hit her, and when she did, he followed through on the threat, police said.

Fisher shared his location with a second minor, who arrived with her mother, according to police. The second minor and her mother brought the 15-year-old back to their New Cumberland home before she was transported to Penn State Holy Spirit Hospital in Camp Hill, the affidavit said.

Lindsay was arraigned Monday morning. Both men are scheduled for a preliminary hearing on Oct. 10, according to online court documents.
Pennsylvania Republican lawmakers honored a DuBois area physician for his speedy action to help the injured in the July assassination attempt on former President Donald Trump.

Dr. James Sweetland, a retired emergency room physician, was recognized at a press conference in the Capitol for his heroic actions in the July 13 incident in Butler.

Sweetland performed CPR in an attempt to save volunteer firefighter Corey Comperatore, who later died of his injures.

We tell our children to look for the heroes, and Dr. Sweetland was a hero in the midst of pure evil, said Rep. Stephanie Borowicz, R-Clinton County. It is my absolute honor to recognize his actions today, and I offer my sincere gratitude to him for his courageous actions during the cowardly attacks on July 13.



Rep. Mike Armanini, R-Clearfield/Elk counties, said Sweetland responded selflessly during a dangerous event.



In a crisis situation, the first inclination for many people is to run away from the scene. That afternoon at the Butler Farm Show Grounds in western Pennsylvania, Dr. Sweetland chose to run toward it, Armanini said. Hes not an emergency responder in the conventional sense but felt called to be one that day and should be applauded for answering that call.



House Republicans have introduced a resolution to form a bipartisan select committee on the assassination attempt to ensure the safety of the public and prominent individuals in similar situations.




My mail contained a postcard soliciting my support for U. S. Rep. Scott Perrys reelection. He is quoted as saying that as a retired general he knows the importance of keeping an oath and that he will never break his oath to fight for us.

No way do I believe his claim!

His actions after the last election as well as after the Jan. 6 attack on the Capitol lead me to conclude just the opposite! Although he is one of the few members of congress who have served in the military, his record regarding legislatively supporting those who serve in the military has been less than stellar.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, September 30. As part of the United Nations World Tourism Day celebrations, a Turkmen delegation visited Georgia for the annual international meeting, Trend reports via the Turkmen Embassy in Georgia.

The delegation was led by the head of the tourism department at the Ministry of Culture.

This year's discussions focused on the theme "Tourism and Peace." The event featured high-ranking guests, tourism ministers, and experts from various countries.

The forum included speeches from the Prime Minister of Georgia, Irakli Kobakhidze, and the Secretary-General of the UN World Tourism Organization, Zurab Pololikashvili.

Participants discussed global trends in the tourism sector and emphasized the importance of peace for the industry's future growth. Experts noted that tourism could serve as a significant catalyst for strengthening peace and understanding among nations and cultures, as well as supporting reconciliation processes.

Stay up-to-date with more news on Trend News Agency's WhatsApp channel
The Bloc Quebecois will be put the squeeze on the Liberals to concede to their demand to increase old-age pension payments for seniors under 75 with a debate in the House of Commons today. Bloc Leader Yves-Francois Blanchet speaks with reporters outside caucus, Wednesday, September 25, 2024 in Ottawa. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld
BAKU, Turkmenistan, October 1. Turkmenistan has proposed the creation of economic corridors to strengthen collaboration within the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO), Trend reports.

Turkmen Foreign Minister Rashid Meredov presented the initiative during the annual meeting of ECO foreign ministers, chaired by the Iranian Foreign Minister.

I suggest placing special emphasis on establishing economic corridors in the ECO region to facilitate the transportation of goods and resources, as well as to implement modern technologies, Meredov said.

As part of this initiative, he proposed the development of an ECO Framework Agreement on Digital Technologies and Electronic Commerce, along with the creation of an information portal.

To boost trade volumes, we must actively engage in cross-border and regional activities, focusing on partnerships between small and medium-sized enterprises across various sectors.

In addition, we propose to create an information portal that will host data, statistics, and prototypes of business projects to expand multilateral cooperation," the minister emphasized.

The Minister also highlighted the need for more coordinated transport diplomacy and collaboration with international organizations.

"Turkmenistan also aims to create interregional transport corridors and multimodal transport links with key ports and logistics hubs in Central Asia," Meredov said.

He reaffirmed the country's commitment to ECO goals and its openness to cooperation with all member states.

To note, the Economic Cooperation Organization (ECO) was founded in 1985 by Iran, Pakistan, and Turkiye. The ECO is an intergovernmental organization aiming to strengthen economic, technical, and cultural cooperation among member countries.

In 1992, the organization underwent further expansion with the accession of seven new members: Afghanistan, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan.

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Dennis Weiss Claims Final Pot Limit Omaha Bracelet at 2024 WSOP Europe

Tim Baker Live Reporter Copy link

Pot Limit Omaha events made up 20% of the 2024 World Series of Poker Europe schedule, and the third and final four-card fiesta has wrapped up inside King's Resort, Rozvadov.

Dennis Weiss claimed the third and final PLO bracelet in Event #6: 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha, and followed in the footsteps of Volodymyr Kokoulin and Vivian Saliba, who triumphed in the 500 and 2,000 buy-in editions.

Germany's Weiss bested a star-studded field of 141 Omaha enthusiasts for his first WSOP bracelet alongside the 159,897 first-place prize from the 629,565 prize pool after defeating his copatriot Amir Mozaffarian in heads-up play. The victory marked Weiss's biggest career score by tenfold and boosts the PLO specialist's lifetime tournament earnings to over $200,000.

Second-place finisher Mozaffarian would have to settle for 103,092 to line his pockets, while Nikola Minkov of Bulgaria, who added 68,791 to his bankroll, took the final podium position.

Event #6: 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Dennis Weiss Germany 159,897 2 Amir Mozaffarian Germany 103,092 3 Nikola Minkov Bulgaria 68,791 4 Victor Dota Romania 47,566 5 Jonas Kronwitter Germany 34,126 6 Krzysztof Magott Poland 25,440 7 Vazha Kometiani Georgia 19,736 8 Vakhtang Javakhishvili Georgia 15,960

"Two Cards Just Aren't Enough"

Weiss said he hadn't quite processed the fact that he had won a bracelet and achieved a goal he had been hoping for.

"I just haven't processed it yet I think. Of course I'm good, I'm great, I'm happy. It was a goal I really wanted to achieve and I am looking forward the next one."

Dennis Weiss

The German said he mostly plays PLO or 5-card Omaha but does try to jump into mixed games when he gets the chance.

"I mostly play PLO, mostly 5-card. I like mixed games, so if I get a chance to play some other mixed games, I always like it at the WSOP, for example. However, I've never been really successful, so it's nice to finally get something."

Weiss spoke about his plans for the rest of his time here at the WSOP Europe. He said, "I don't think there's much more going on. I don't play hold'em like at all, two cards just aren't enough."

Final Day Action

When the 38 survivors from Day 1 returned to the felt this afternoon, they were all within striking distance of the 10,506 min-cash. It took only 90 minutes of play for the field to whittle down to hand-for-hand, with the likes of two-time bracelet winner Maximilian Klostermeier, Gabi Livshitz, Dario Alioto, and Tomas Ribeiro making their way to the rail empty-handed.

Of the 23 players remaining, one more would leave with nothing. Hand-for-hand lasted for 24 hands before the defending champion Wing Po Liu, would ultimately be the one to bust. Liu got it in good with top set, but a heart on the river gave Weiss the nut flush. While it was heartbreak for Liu, it was a relief for the rest of the field, who had officially made it into the money.

Wing Po Liu

With everyone having earned some euros for their hard work, the field quickly began to thin. WSOPE Main Event champion Omar Eljach and notables like Lars Brodin, Markus Lehner, Hokyiu Lee were among the first to vacate the tournament area post-bubble alongside tournament PLO first-timer Sebastian Mortensen.

Andreas Krause had already made a final table this series, but it wasnt meant to be this time. The German, who had been grinding a short stack all day, fell just one place short of his second final table, finishing in tenth at the hands of Kronwitter.

Andreas Krause

The final table began with Weiss as the chip leader, though Jonas Kronwitter was close behind. Weiss extended his lead even further after flopping a straight and extracting three streets of value from Kronwitter.

Within the first orbit of play, Bulgarias Fahredin Mustafov was the first to exit in ninth, running his kings into the aces of Weiss. Not long after, Vakhtang Javakhishvili of Georgia followed in eighth place, unable to crack Minkovs aces when he went all-in preflop.

The other Georgian remaining in the field, Vazha Kometiani busted next when he got his short stack into the middle preflop with kings, but an unfavorable runout saw Mozaffarian send him home in seventh. PolandsKrzysztof Magott managed to ladder up a few pay jumps but ultimately had to settle for sixth.

Jonas Kronwitter

Despite entering the final table second in chips with a healthy stack, Kronwitter was the next to head to the cashier's desk, finishing in fifth. His unfortunate seat position against Weiss kept him handcuffed from the start of the final table. Ultimately, the cards didnt favor Kronwitter either, as his final hand saw him run into the aces of Mozaffarian.

Finishing just shy of a podium finishing was Romania's Victor Dota at the hands of Mozaffarian. Minkov took the bronze after he got it in good with aces, only for Weiss to turn trips and send him out the door in third which meant the start of heads-up play.

Amir Mozaffarian

When heads-up play began, Weiss held a 2:1 chip lead over his countryman and quickly extended it to 8:1 thanks to his relentless aggression. After just twenty minutes, Weiss got his chance to clinch the title as Mozaffarian put the last of his chips into the middle on the flop behind. A clean turn and river for Weiss ensured there would be no miracle comeback for Mozaffarian, and Weiss became the well-deserved owner of a WSOP bracelet.

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Maria Konnikova on Cheating in Poker: Ban Electronics & Sunglasses

Connor Richards Editor & Live Reporter U.S. Copy link

Life Outside Poker is a new podcast for PokerNews hosted by Connor Richards that seeks to pull back the curtain on poker players and allow viewers and listeners to get to know them on a personal level.

In the 18th episode, Connor speaks with author and psychologist Maria Konnikova about her family leaving Russia to come to the US, writing her first story in kindergarten, being mentored by Steven Pinker at Harvard, meeting Erik Seidel for the first time and her 2020 bestseller The Biggest Bluff that explored her poker journey.

Konnikova, a PokerStars ambassador, also talked about her research for an upcoming book into cheating in poker and other games, as well as game integrity rule changes implemented at EPT Barcelona that Konnikova said needed to go even further.

"I think what PokerStars has done is amazing. I think you need to go a step further and not have any electronics anywhere on the table," said Konnikova. "Like, I think phones need to be on the floor, in your bag."

"I would actually also ban sunglasses because ... there's so much technology that (that can enable cheating)."

This interview was filmed in Spain during the 2024 PokerStars EPT Barcelona festival at Casino Barcelona.

Look out for a keyword in this episode as part of a $10,000 Gold Pass giveaway to NAPT Las Vegas!

The Life Outside Poker podcast is available on major streaming platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and iHeartRadio. You can also watch the interview with Maria Konnikova by heading to the PokerNews YouTube channel.

Be sure to follow Maria Konnikova and Connor Richards on X.

Learn More About Life Outside Poker!

Time Stamps

TIME TOPIC 0:00 Intro 1:09 EPT Barcelona 20th anniversary 2:35 Parents leaving Russia 6:25 Writing 10:27 First story 14:36 Mastermind: How to Think Like Sherlock Holmes 18:44 Being mentored by Steven Pinker 25:37 The Biggest Bluff 27:34 First time meeting Erik Seidel 31:55 New cheating methods in poker 36:22 Should sunglasses be banned? 39:46 Upcoming book on cheating in games 40:57 Being a PokerStars ambassador 44:53 Women in poker 47:16 Risky Business podcast w/ Nate Silver 52:07 Book recommendation 52:37 What makes you hopeful? 54:49 Advice for younger self 56:05 Favorite life lesson from poker

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The sixth gold bracelet of the 2024 World Series of Poker Europe at Kings Resort in Rozvadov now has a new owner: Dennis Weiss of Germany. Weiss triumphed over a star-studded field of 141 four-card enthusiasts to win Event #6: 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha, earning his first WSOP bracelet.

Weiss takes home the 159,897 first-place prize from the 629,565 prize pool after defeating fellow German Amir Mozaffarian in a brief heads-up battle that spanned over one level. This marks Weiss's biggest career score by tenfold and boosts the PLO specialist's lifetime tournament earnings to over $200,000.

Second-place finisher Mozaffarian would have to settle for 103,092 to line his pockets while the final position on the podium went to Nikola Minkov of Bulgaria, who added 68,791 to his bankroll.

Event #6: 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha Final Table Results

Place Player Country Prize 1 Dennis Weiss Germany 159,897 2 Amir Mozaffarian Germany 103,092 3 Nikola Minkov Bulgaria 68,791 4 Victor Dota Romania 47,566 5 Jonas Kronwitter Germany 34,126 6 Krzysztof Magott Poland 25,440 7 Vazha Kometiani Georgia 19,736 8 Vakhtang Javakhishvili Georgia 15,960

Winner's Reaction

Weiss said he hadn't quite processed the fact that he had won a bracelet and achieved a goal he had been hoping for.

"I just haven't processed it yet I think. Of course I'm good, I'm great, I'm happy. It was a goal I really wanted to achieve and I am looking forward the next one."

The German said he mostly plays Pot Limit Omaha or 5-card Omaha but does try to jump into mixed games when he gets the chance.

"I mostly play PLO, mostly 5-card. I like mixed games, so If I get a chance to play some other mixed games, I always do like at the WSOP for example. However, I've never been really successful, so it's nice to finally get something."

Weiss spoke about his plans for the rest of his time here at the WSOP Europe, he said, "I don't think there's much more going on. I don't play hold'em like at all, two cards just aren't enough."

Dennis Weiss

Final Days Action

When the 38 survivors from Day 1 returned to the felt this afternoon, they were all within striking distance of the 10,506 min-cash. It took only 90 minutes of play for the field to whittle down to hand-for-hand, with the likes of two-time bracelet winner Maximilian Klostermeier, Gabi Livshitz, Dario Alioto, and Tomas Ribeiro making their way to the rail empty-handed.

Of the 23 players remaining, one more would be leaving with nothing. Hand-for-hand lasted for 24 hands, before the defending champion Wing Po Liu who would ultimately be the one to bust. Liu got it in good with top set, but a heart on the river gave Weiss the nut flush. While it was heartbreak for Liu, it was relief for the rest of the field, who had officially made it into the money.

Wing Po Liu

With everyone having earned some euros for their hard work, the field quickly began to thin. Players like Omar Eljach, Lars Brodin, Markus Lehner, Hokyiu Lee, and tournament PLO first-timer Sebastian Mortensen were among the first to vacate the tournament area post-bubble.

Andreas Krause had already made a final table at the 2024 WSOP Europe, but it wasnt meant to be this time. The German, who had been grinding a short stack all day, fell just one place short of his second final table, finishing in tenth at the hands of Kronwitter.

Andreas Krause

The final table began with Weiss as the chip leader, though Jonas Kronwitter was close behind. Weiss extended his lead even further after flopping a straight and extracting three streets of value from Kronwitter.

Within the first orbit of play, Bulgarias Fahredin Mustafov was the first to exit in ninth, running his kings into the aces of Weiss. Not long after, Vakhtang Javakhishvili of Georgia followed in eighth place, unable to crack Minkovs aces when he went all-in preflop.

The other Georgian remaining in the field, Vazha Kometiani busted next when he got his short stack into the middle preflop with kings, but an unfavorable runout saw Mozaffarian send him home in seventh. Polands Krzysztof Magott managed to ladder up a few pay jumps but ultimately had to settle for sixth.

Jonas Kronwitter

Despite entering the final table second in chips with a healthy stack, Kronwitter was the next to head to the cashier's desk, finishing in fifth. His unfortunate seat position against Weiss kept him handcuffed from the start of the final table. Ultimately, the cards didnt favor Kronwitter either, as his final hand saw him run into the aces of Mozaffarian.

Finishing just shy of a podium finishing was Romania's Victor Dota at the hands of Mozaffarian. Minkov took the bronze position on the podium after he got it in good with aces, only for Weiss to turn trips and send him out the door in third which meant the start of heads-up play.

Amir Mozaffarian

When heads-up play began, Weiss held a 2:1 chip lead over his countryman and quickly extended it to 8:1 thanks to his relentless aggression. After just twenty minutes, Weiss got his chance to clinch the title as Mozaffarian put the last of his chips into the middle on the flop behind. A clean turn and river for Weiss ensured there would be no miracle comeback for Mozaffarian, and Weiss became the well-deserved owner of a WSOP bracelet.

That concludes the PokerNews coverage of Event #6: 5,000 Pot Limit Omaha; stay tuned throughout the 2024 WSOP Europe at King's Resort for continuous up to date coverage.
With 27,900 already sitting in the pot and the board showing 74106, Ran Ilani decided to check to Patrick Baranyai. Seizing the moment, Baranyai fired out a bet of 13,000, but Ilani wasnt going anywherehe went all-in. After asking the dealer to count his stack, which came to 40,900, Baranyai eventually made the call, and it was time to showdown.

Ilani proudly showed his QQ, thinking he had a solid top pair, but Baranyai turned over 43, revealing he had a pair of fours and a gutshot straight draw. He needed a three, four, or five to pull ahead.

As the dealer flipped over the river card, a 5 popped up, giving Baranyai the straight he needed! Ilani was left stunned, realizing he had just been knocked out of the tournament. Shaking his head in disbelief, he walked away from the table, still processing what had just happened.
The 2024 World Series of Poker Europe kicked off its first high roller event at King's Resort, Rozvadov, with top poker professionals and VIPs vying for a piece of the 1 million guaranteed prize pool. Event #8: 25,000 NLH GGMillion saw an elite but compact field of 25 entries from 18 unique players.

After 12 levels of play, Martin Kabrhel leads the pack of the 14 remaining. Following closely behind are Samuel Ju and Jacob Amsellem, who round out the top three chip counts. Other notable contenders still in the mix include Orpen Kisacikoglu, Alex Foxen, and Kristen Foxen, who are eyeing a deep run in the tournament.

Despite the presence of some of pokers best and brightest, the standout story so far is the incredible value available to participants. With only 615,000 collected into the prize pool, an impressive overlay of 385,000 remains. This figure is expected to decrease as late registration remains open until the conclusion of Level 14 on Day 2.

Event #8: 25,000 NLH GGMillion Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Martin Kabrhel Czechia 1,845,000 91 2 Samuel Ju Germany 1,500,000 75 3 Jacob Amsellem France 1,220,000 61 4 Simone Andrian Italy 1,070,000 54 5 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey 1,040,000 52 6 Sirzat Hissou Germany 997,000 50 7 Tom-Aksel Bedell Norway 845,000 42 8 Viktor Blom Sweden 785,000 39 9 Salih Atac Swizterland 775,000 39 10 Konstantyn Holskyi Ukraine 695,000 35 11 Stephen Chidwick United Kingdom 540,000 27 12 Shaun Deeb United States 500,000 25 13 Alex Foxen United States 405,000 20 14 Kristen Foxen United States 305,000 15

Action from Day 1

Originally scheduled to start at 4 p.m. local time, the GGMillion event was delayed, with play commencing around 6 p.m. The tournament began with two tables of three players each before additional participants joined the high-stakes action.

The early stages saw cautious play as competitors navigated the challenges of deep-stacked poker. With a starting stack of 500 big blinds and short-handed tables, most pots remained small. Orpen Kisacikoglu and Konstantyn Holskyi made strong starts, with Holskyi entering the fray midway through the opening level. Krasimir Yankovs entry expanded the field to ten players, soon followed by Hoang Phan, bringing the total to eleven.

Viktor Blom

Online legend Viktor Blom was the first notable exit after running queens into Kisacikoglus pocket kings. However, Blom quickly reentered the tournament. Kisacikoglu's rise continued after he took down a five-bet pot without showdown at the expense of Yankov. Sirzat Hissou faced early struggles, often finding himself on the wrong side of the deck. He was the second player to exit the day after Salih Atacs ace-nine crushed his jacks. Undeterred, Hissou reentered the tournament with renewed determination, successfully bagging and tagging a stack.

The days biggest cooler involved Samuel Ju and Hoang Phan. Ju flopped a set of kings while Phan held a set of tens. The chips piled in on the turn, reducing Phan to crumbs before being finished off by Stephen Chidwick. Simone Andrian and Jacob Amsellem bolstered the entry total, and Phans second bullet injection added much-needed funds to the prize pool. Tom-Aksel Bedell was eliminated by Phan, who opted to fire a second bullet following his elimination.

Salih Atac

Ahead of the final break of the night, Amsellems Big Slick sent out Yankov, and when play got back underway, Atac fell to Kisacikoglu. Chidwick followed the duo out of the door after his overcards failed to best Ju's pocket eights.

WSOP bracelet winners Alex Foxen, Kristen Foxen and Martin Kabrhel also turned up when Day 1 reached its twilight levels. Kabrhel, who has tasted much success in Rozvadov, quickly found himself at the reentry desk after failing to outdraw Ju's set of queens. Atac and Chidwick also bought back in before the first stage wrapped up proceedings.

Kabrhel span up his second bullet to the chip leading stack, taking several pots off Bedell, who he knocked out of the top spot.

Hoang Phan

Phan bowed out for the second time in the final three hands of the night. He put in his last 12 big blinds with seven-deuce suited from the small blind. Hissou looked him up with jack-nine in the big blind. A seven on the turn put Phan ahead, but a jack on the river confirmed him as the penultimate elimination of the night as Thomas Eychenne was ousted the following hand.

All in all, Day 1 concluded with close to two full tables, and those players, along with any late entries, will be back in action at 2 p.m. local time to play down to a winner. Play will resume on level 13 where the blinds are 10,000/20,000/20,000bba.

As always, keep it locked in with PokerNews to keep up with all the action from the WSOPE.
If there's one thing Martin Kabrhel knows, it's how to thrive under pressure at King's Resort in Rozvadov. This is the battleground where Kabrhel has built his legend, winning two World Series of Poker (WSOP) bracelets and amassing five WSOP Circuit rings. But despite his dominance, victory under the WSOP umbrella has eluded him for five long years, his last triumph coming in 2019.

That drought could end today as Kabrhel leads the final 14 players in Event #8: 25,000 NLH GGMillion at the 2024 WSOP Europe.

It wasn't an easy path to the top. Kabrhel made a late appearance on Day 1, only to quickly find himself at the reentry desk after an early setback. But the resilient Czech wasnt deterred. On his second bullet, he turned his 500,000 starting stack into a commanding 1,814,000 by the end of the day, mainly by outmanoeuvring Tom-Aksel Bedell in several key hands. Kabrhel wrestled the chip lead from Bedell as the field bagged their chips for Day 2.

Samuel Ju

But his path to the winners circle is far from guaranteed. The competition remains fierce, led by Samuel Ju (1,500,000), who ironically knocked Kabrhel out not long after the latter took his seat for the first time. Ju closed out Day 1 with the second-largest stack. Jacob Amsellem (1,220,000) follows closely, who surged late after making a rivering a better full house in a confrontation against online legend Viktor Blom.

Also in the chase are Simone Andrian (1,070,000) and Orpen Kisacikoglu (1,040,000), the only other players to breach the million-chip mark. Andrian secured his spot in the seven-figure club by winning a flip against Kisacikoglu, who had dominated much of the opening day.

Alongside the quintet are several of poker's biggest names. The aforementioned Blom (785,000) finds himself in the middle of the pack with American trio Shaun Deeb (500,000), Alex Foxen (405,000) and Kristen Foxen (305,000) propping up the rest of the Day 1 survivors.

Event #8: 25,000 NLH GGMillion Chip Counts

Rank Player Country Chip Count Big Blinds 1 Martin Kabrhel Czechia 1,845,000 91 2 Samuel Ju Germany 1,500,000 75 3 Jacob Amsellem France 1,220,000 61 4 Simone Andrian Italy 1,070,000 54 5 Orpen Kisacikoglu Turkey 1,040,000 52 6 Sirzat Hissou Germany 997,000 50 7 Tom-Aksel Bedell Norway 845,000 42 8 Viktor Blom Sweden 785,000 39 9 Salih Atac Swizterland 775,000 39 10 Konstantyn Holskyi Ukraine 695,000 35 11 Stephen Chidwick United Kingdom 540,000 27 12 Shaun Deeb United States 500,000 25 13 Alex Foxen United States 405,000 20 14 Kristen Foxen United States 305,000 15

Late registration remains open in the GGMillion, and will close after Level 14, the second level of Day 2. The tournament was expected to reach that point last night, but a delayed start meant two levels were shaved off of Day 1.

Additionally, there is potentially some extra value available for the players, with the tournament currently sporting an overlay for more than 300,000. If you're in the vicinity and have 25,000 to spare, why not take a shot at WSOP glory?

Day 2 kicks off at 2 p.m. local time and resumes on Level 13, where the blinds are 10,000/20,000 with a 20,000 big blind ante. Levels are 40-minutes in duration and breaks are scheduled after every three levels of play.

The event will crown its winner today, so as always, be sure to stick with PokerNews to keep up with all the action from the WSOPE.
This is a huge deal in the fight for basic human rights after the overturn of Roe allowed states to inflict cruel and deadly abortion bans on women and girls.

Georgias 2019 six-week abortion ban that was implemented in 2022 was struck down today by a Fulton County judge, so the abortion ban can no longer be enforced in the Peach state. Clinics can now resume essential care.

Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney ordered that abortions be regulated as they were before, which the Atlanta Journal Constitution writes meaning the procedure is again allowed up until about 22 weeks of pregnancy.

More:

A review of our higher courts interpretations of liberty demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her health care choices, McBurney ruled. That power is not, however, unlimited. When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene.

Amnesty International says abortion is a human right and specifically mention liberty, Rights to liberty and security of person: Protection from arbitrary and unjust detention and unjust state interfere with individuals lives, including with regard to decisions around pregnancy and family life. Criminal abortion laws instill fear around seeking an abortion and emergency services for pregnancy-related complications, including those due to miscarriages, due to fear of imprisonment. Criminalization of abortion compels pregnant people to obtain unsafe abortions and violates their rights to security of person and physical integrity.

The abortion ban in Georgia has already been found responsible for the preventable death, and perhaps even murder, of a young mother. ProPublica notes, ProPublica obtained reports that confirm that at least two women have already died after they couldnt access legal abortions and timely medical care in their state.There are almost certainly others.

Abortion bans in Texas and other states have similarly failed to protect the health, liberty and privacy of anyone who can get pregnant.

Abortion care is healthcare. Abortion is a human right. Its a private matter that has nothing to do with the state.

A federal law is necessary to protect pregnant people around this country from the cruelty that comes so often on the heels of self-righteousness, because these people will keep on trying it until they are stopped, even though they are now the murderers that they so callously and ignorantly accuse others of being.
ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan, October 1. Turkmenistan has 40,223 point-of-sale (POS) terminals as of August 2024.

Data obtained by Trend from the Central Bank of Turkmenistan shows that the number of POS terminals slightly decreased with a difference of 3.84 percent compared to the beginning of 2024 (41,830 units).

Dayhanbank State Commercial Bank leads with the highest number of POS terminals at 8,161 units. The Turkmenistan State Commercial Bank follows with 7,668 POS terminals, and Halkbank Joint-Stock Commercial Bank is third with 6,965 POS terminals.

Ashgabat has the most POS terminals with 13,177, followed by Lebap with 6,841, and Mary with 6,433.

The Central Bank of Turkmenistan plays a vital role in the countrys financial system, responsible for currency issuance, monetary policy regulation, and overseeing foreign exchange operations. Established in 1991, the bank actively implements the national financial strategy and ensures the stability of the payment system.
For the first time in nearly 50 years, dockworkers at ports along the East and Gulf coasts have gone on strike.

Members of the International Longshoremen's Association walked off the job at 12:01 a.m. Oct. 1  the minute their six-year labor contracts expired  with three local Charleston union affiliates picketing outside S.C. State Ports Authority terminals for better wages, job security and "respect."

Nearly 20 people stood along Morrison Drive in Charleston, across from the SPA's Columbus Street Terminal, holding high signs that read No work without a fair contract and Automation hurts families: ILA stands for job protection.

Randy Campbell, a union vice president, said that members of his local ILA 1771, and two others, 1422 and 1422A, will remain outside of the Wando Welch, North Charleston and Columbus Street terminals until negotiations are done.

Campbell shared a statement on behalf of the union:

Even though the ILAs members worked tirelessly during the pandemic to ensure that the nations commerce flowed and continue to sacrifice time with their own families so that goods can arrive in the homes of other families throughout the world, still, due to corporate greed, employers refuse to compensate the ILAs members fairly.

The strike affects 36 ports. It is the first by the union since 1977.

If drawn out, the walkout would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for the peak holiday shopping season  potentially delaying deliveries of goods ranging from toys and artificial Christmas trees to cars, coffee and vegetables.

The labor contract between the U.S. Maritime Alliance, known as USMX, and about 45,000 members of the ILA expired late Sept. 30 with no agreement in place. Now, dockworkers at ports from Texas to South Carolina to Maine are waiting to see what the other side brings to the table next.
COLUMBIA  The S.C. Department of Education is asking the state Supreme Court to allow families to use their publicly funded scholarships for private school tuition through the end of the 2024-25 school year, weeks after the court ruled that using such voucher scholarships for private education are unconstitutional.

In a Sept. 26 filing, attorneys for state Superintendent of Education Ellen Weaver argued that stopping the voucher payments mid-year  as initially required by the high court's 3-2 Sept. 11 ruling  would have a "profoundly tragic toll" on the nearly 700 students who used the vouchers to pay private school tuition.

Families have only received a quarter of the scheduled scholarship payments, the department's filing said, so stopping the rest of the payments would leave students "hung out to dry, with tuition bills they cannot pay and enrollment contracts they cannot fulfill."

The court's September ruling struck down the private school vouchers portion of the state's Education Scholarship Trust Fund Act, signed into law in May 2023 after a years-long political battle in the Statehouse. The court upheld a provision of the state constitution bans the direct funding of private schools with public money.

Supporters of the vouchers program have argued that students directly benefit from the program, not their schools. Under the law, families were to be issued $6,000 a year through an education savings account, which could be used to pay private school tuition and other educational costs.
Hurricane Helene has surpassed the death toll of 1989's Hurricane Hugo, making it among the most devastating natural disasters in South Carolina history and a possible harbinger of a new age of climate change-altered storms.

As of Oct. 2, 39 weather-related deaths had been reported, according to county and state officials. While exact death tolls vary based on standards, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported at least 35 people in South Carolina died because of Hugo, which made landfall in Charleston county as a Category 4 storm.

The death toll from Helene in South Carolina could climb higher still, as the storm's impact and devastation persists in South Carolina, officials said.

Helene crashed into Florida's Big Bend region as a Category 4 storm and tore through the southeast with devastating force, leaving behind a trail of decimated communities across the Sunshine State, Georgia, the Carolinas and eastern Tennessee.

Helene was at least the seventh such hurricane in recent decades to crash through South Carolina's back door, according to a Post and Courier analysis of federal data, and the third in the last 13 months to chart a land-based trajectory through Florida and over the Savannah River, as opposed to the more direct route from the Atlantic side.

David Zierden, a researcher at Florida State University's Climate Center and Florida's State Climatologist, said it's common for hurricanes to land in clusters over a period of time.

Daniel Brown, branch chief of the Hurricane Specialist Unit at the National Hurricane Center, said that it's "hard to say" whether the triple-hitter of the last 13 months is actually indicative of a long-term trend forming.

"Each storm that forms really moves with whatever steering currents are established at the time," Brown said. "It's really difficult to know where the next storm is going to form."
The Food & Wine Classic, hosted by Food & Wine magazine as well as Southern Living and Travel + Leisure, held its first festival outside of Aspen, Colo., over the weekend of Sept. 27-29. Charleston was selected as the inaugural off-site location.

The weekend festival featured nationally known chefs and local talent alike, with cooking demonstrations, seminars and dining experiences at local restaurants on the schedule. A Grand Tasting Pavilion, with bites and beverages that highlighted local chefs, joined Explore Charlestons Gather Charleston Pavilion at the Visitor Center.

Ahead of the event, Hunter Lewis, editor in chief of Food & Wine magazine, said that his team aimed to hold the Classic in the heart of downtown, with the goal of attracting both visitors and Charleston residents. He added that Food & Wines goal was to be very, very focused on what makes sense for the people of Charleston."

Mike Lata, the culinary mastermind behind FIG and The Ordinary, was one of the many demonstration leaders on a star-studded guest list. During his seminar, entitled Shore to Table: Celebrating South Carolinas Oysters and Clams, he recalled trying to boil peanuts on the top of Colorados Aspen Mountain for a previous Food & Wine Classic.

The process took twice as long in the high altitude, he said, "and they still weren't done." He recollected an equally as tricky roux, which was painstaking to stir.

On Sept. 28, in the Lowcountry, he was more easily whisking up a roux for a clam dish that would be shared with a captive audience. As they waited to be served in a high-ceiling ballroom at the Gaillard Center, lemony and floral spritz cocktails in hand, he regaled them with his stories of working one of Aspen's premiere festivals.
PAWLEYS ISLAND  The former president and CEO of the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce was arrested near Pawleys Island on a domestic violence charge.

Bob Morgan, who abruptly resigned from the chamber in June, was arrested Sept. 4 and charged with second-degree domestic violence, according to a Georgetown County Sheriff's Office report. He was booked at the county jail and released later that day on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, jail records show.

On the night of Morgan's arrest, deputies responded to a report of domestic violence at a McKissick Drive home in the Pawleys Island area just before 1 a.m. When they arrived, deputies questioned Morgan and he began to slur his words, saying he and a woman inside the house had been in a verbal argument, according to a sheriff's office report.

Deputies found a woman in a second-floor bedroom. When she saw them, she ran to them saying she was scared, the report stated. They noticed a black eye and blood vessels popping on her right eye.

The woman told the deputies she had thrown Morgans phone when she discovered he was cheating on her, according to the report.

Morgan then walked into the bedroom, punching her in the face three times before she broke free, the report stated. He allegedly struck her two more times after this and threw her phone away when she tried to dial 911, according to the report.

A doctor told the woman she may have some permanent loss of vision, the report stated.

Morgans lawyer, William McIntosh, could not immediately be reached for comment.

A conviction on a second-degree domestic violence charge can carry up to three years prison and a fine ranging from $2,500 to $3,000.
3 p.m. Update

Aiken County AT&T wireless customers are having a 911 outage.

"AT&T Wireless customers are currently experiencing a 911 outage until further notice," the Aiken County Sheriff's Office said on Facebook. "AT&T customers will not have the ability to call 911 from mobile devices."

To contact the Aiken County Sheriff's Office, call 803-648-6811.

To contact the Aiken Department of Public Safety, call 803-642-7620.

To contact the North Augusta Department of Public Safety, call 803-279-2121.

2 p.m. Update

Beginning Oct. 1, Outdoor burning will be banned in Aiken County during the cleanup of Tropical Storm Helene debris.

South Carolina State Forester Scott Phillips issued the ban after consulting with Gov. Henry McMaster and other emergency responders according to a news release.

Most wildfire are caused by escaped debris burns, Phillips continued. And there's a need to limit that risk with some roads blocked by trees and downed power lines, Phillips said.

Were issuing the ban not because of elevated fire danger, but rather because so many of our firefighting and emergency personnel and resources are committed to hurricane-related response," South Carolina Forestry Commission Fire Chief Scott Jones said.

1 p.m. Update

Six Aiken County residents died due to Tropical Storm Helene.

Joyce Barfield, 78, died in a Sept. 29 house fire on School Street in Gloverville, Aiken County Coroner Darryl Ables said in a news release.

David Welch, 75, of North Augusta, suffered a medical emergency Sept. 27 at his home on Circlewood Dr.

Jerry and Marcia Savage, of Beech Island, died when a tree fell through their Beech Island home.

Seventy-eight year-old Jerry and 74 year-old Marcia Savage were killed Sept. 27when a tree fell through their Beech Island home.
COLUMBIA  The Congaree River continued receding Oct. 1 after it was sent into major flood levels a day earlier by floodwaters dumped upriver by the remnants of Hurricane Helene.

While still considered a minor flood, the river's level had dropped to around 22.5 feet by 9 a.m. and is forecasted to continue falling after cresting at 30.58 feet at 10:15 a.m. Sept. 30  short of the river's high-water mark during the historic 2015 floods.

Columbia's drinking water system is in "really good shape," according to Assistant City Manager Clint Shealy, adding that the canal did not suffer any damage. There were no storm-related water outages the morning of Oct. 1, he said.

There were some sewage overflows during the flooding, Shealy said, but the city has not been able to quantify the overflow because machinery was underwater. It's working with the state Department of Environmental Services to asses that situation, which will be most feasible after the river returns to its normal level.

"Things are getting better every hour," he said of the city's water system.

Power outages in the area are also improving after Helene's winds uprooted trees across the Midlands and knocked out electricity for upward of a million people in the state.

About 9,300 people in Richland County were without power the morning of Oct. 1  roughly 4 percent of the county's customers, according to PowerOutage.us.

Outages got worse as one moved west, toward harder-hit areas. A total of 20,824 people in Lexington County were without power, along with 15,277 in Saluda County and 11,333 in Newberry County  about 67 percent of customers in Newberry.
COLUMBIA  A Columbia woman was killed Sept. 27 when a tree toppled onto her camper, according to the Richland County Coroner's Office.

Neva A. Rouse, 77, is the first resident of Richland County reported dead from Hurricane Helene. Wind and rain from the storm brought down trees, damaged homes and knocked out power across the Midlands early in the morning Sept. 27.

At least 34 people were killed by the storm's impact on South Carolina, mainly in the Upstate, which was hit the hardest by wind and flooding.

To the west of Columbia, two people in Newberry County were killed in a car crash. Three people died in Saluda County, including volunteer firefighters George Chad Satcher, 53, and Landon Cale Bodie, 18, who were killed when a felled tree crushed their truck.

Tens of thousands of people were still without power across the Midlands as of Oct. 1.
GREENVILLE  President Biden's visit to South Carolina this afternoon to survey damage from Hurricane Helene will include a briefing with Gov. Henry McMaster and members of the state's congressional delegation.

The meeting will focus on South Carolinas recovery efforts, according to a press announcement from U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C.

Biden is scheduled to land at the Greenville-Spartanburg International Airport later this afternoon.

After his South Carolina stop, Biden will to view the storm's aftermath damage in North Carolina by helicopter, focusing on the Ashville area.

Also today, Vice President Kamala Harris will visit Georgia, focusing on the Augusta area, to provide updates on federal actions being taken to support emergency response and recovery efforts in that state.

Biden's trip is the first visit to a South Carolina disaster zone by a sitting president since September 2018 when then-President Donald Trump toured Hurricane Florence damage in the state, including walking around Conway.

Graham earlier this week urged Congress to reconvene to pass a supplemental aid package to fund the Helene recovery efforts and provide missile defense assistance to Israel in the wake of Irans large-scale attack.
The effort to restore power in Aiken County following Tropical Storm Helene appears to be bogging down despite assurances that once work was completed east of Aiken County more workers would be available to restore power. Read moreHelene latest: Aiken Electric, Dominion continue to make progress; free food available
SPARTANBURG  As shoppers sought to restock their refrigerators or pick up more ice and bottled water amid ongoing power outages across the Upstate in the wake of Tropical Storm Helene, they met varied results.

Several stores remained closed Sept. 30, including Ingles on East Main Street. The store posted a sign in the parking lot reading "Store Closed Sorry." Some stores, like the Food Lion in Clinton, had reopened but had no frozen or refrigerated goods as they had spoiled during the nearly three days without power, with barren and blocked-off aisles greeting customers.

Meanwhile, parking lots at Walmart and Publix on Spartanburg's east side were nearly full as shoppers flocked to the open groceries to stock up in Helene's wake.

Facebook group All Things Greenville! (SC) and other Upstate community groups across social media platforms had users posting real-time updates about which stores were open and whether they had cold items or quintessential grocery buys like bread and water.

South Carolina still has more than 600,000 people without power Sept. 30, mostly in the Upstate. Work crews from Duke Energy and other agencies were busy replacing power poles and lines throughout the region, including on Highway 176 late Sept. 30.

During outages, convenience stores served as a lifeline to shoppers, even as a spike in demand and powerless pumps created fears of a gas shortage in the Upstate.

Several Breaker's convenience stores on Howard Street in Spartanburg have remained open by using generators to keep them powered. The Highway 150 store in Goucher in Cherokee County reopened shortly after the storm with power returning to its gas pumps early Sept. 30.
TASHKENT, Uzbekistan, September 30. On September 30, a meeting was held between the Deputy Minister of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan Akram Aliyev and the Deputy Minister of Trade of Turkiye Mustafa Tuzju, Trend reports with reference to the Ministry of Investment, Industry and Trade of Uzbekistan.

According to the information, during the discussions the parties reviewed the current state and prospects of trade and economic cooperation between Uzbekistan and Turkiye.

It is reported that in order to increase the volume of mutual trade to 5 billion dollars, the possibilities of expanding the range of goods, lifting restrictions on products in accordance with the agreement "On preferential trade" signed between the two countries, as well as simplifying trade procedures and developing industrial cooperation were discussed.

As a result of the negotiations, an agreement was reached to create a joint working group of experts from the two countries to develop specific proposals for expanding mutual trade and developing e-commerce between Uzbekistan and Turkiye.
NORTH CHARLESTON  Wispy clouds dotted the pale blue sky as Amy Sutherland walked into the Sheriff Al Cannon Detention Center on a warm late September morning.

As she entered the Charleston County jail, fluorescent bulbs replaced sunlight. The Lowcountry's humidity gave way to icy air conditioning. Vibrant colors blanched.

That is, until an elevator opened onto the third floor of the Alpha Tower. The steely interior of the wing that houses the jail's maximum security units turned into a cozier environment with buttery yellow walls and deep blue carpet connected to a small outdoor space.

Sunlight streamed in through metal grates that divide the space from the outside world, dancing along a mural that displays a sky that matches the one above.

The art was inspired by Sutherland's backyard. A jail deputy painted a bright sky that overlooks rolling hills dotted with sturdy trees and lily pads floating atop a lake. The image is what Sutherland's son, Jamal, would conjure in his head to calm himself while going through a mental health crisis, she said.

The 31-year-old Goose Creek man died in custody on Jan. 5, 2021, after two detention deputies shocked him at least six times and doused him with pepper spray when he refused to attend his bond hearing while in the throes of a mental health episode. He was at the jail after being charged with a misdemeanor for getting into a fight at a psychiatric facility where he was being treated for schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Syndicated and guest columns represent the personal views of the writers, not necessarily those of the editorial staff. The editorial department operates entirely independently of the news department and is not involved in newsroom operations.
BAKU, Azerbaijan. October 1. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian will visit Qatars Doha on October 2 to participate in the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) Forum, Trend reports via Iranian media.

The Iranian president will be bringing along a top-notch political and economic team during his two-day visit.

The Iranian president is expected to meet with other world leaders during his tour, including the Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, and other heads of state.

The Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) is an intergovernmental entity established in 2002 to foster continental cooperation in Asia and to facilitate coordination among various regional organizations, including ASEAN, the Gulf Cooperation Council, the Eurasian Economic Union, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization, and SAARC. It is the inaugural multinational organization to encompass the entirety of Asia. The secretariat is located in Kuwait City.
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DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc., a pioneering company in Artificial Intelligence-driven innovations for early drug discovery and infectious disease research, is pleased to announce its new AI Empowered Drug Discovery Platform, Sutra.The Sutra AI platform has not just confirmed decades of work, but also added new targets for monoclonal antibodies within weeks, receiving independent validation of their potential from collaborators. Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc.'s AI algorithms have identified several promising drug candidates. The company has identified a target in the mitochondrial metabolism that has a role in oncology. The company then adds them to an ever-growing IP portfolio, including patents, trademarks, and trade secrets, enhancing its competitive advantage and potential for future revenue. The success and validation of the Sutra AI platform for AI-discovered drugs are testaments to its capabilities and the future it promises.Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc. is dedicated to pushing the boundaries of drug discovery with its AI Drug Discovery (AIDD) player, Sutra. With its AI-powered structure prediction algorithms, this platform has the potential to revolutionize drug discovery. It can design small molecules, optimize the design of antibodies and other proteins, and even repurpose drug molecules. With a database of 19 viruses, the Sutra AI platform can predict and help prevent future pandemics. With access to a curated library of 8 million molecules, the platform makes possible the discovery of new drugs that precisely target neutralizable epitopes on viruses to enhance the potency and efficacy of existing therapies. The Sutra team's unwavering dedication to leveraging microbiome samples to identify new biomarkers for neurodegenerative diseases instills hope for future medical breakthroughs.Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc. harnesses the power of AI to revolutionize drug repurposing, offering a cost-effective alternative to developing new drugs from the ground up. Drug repurposing involves identifying potential new applications for existing compounds, which can be time-consuming and labor-intensive. However, AI algorithms can analyze existing drug databases and identify potential new applications for these compounds in a fraction of the time, making it a game-changer in the pharmaceutical industry. Adnexus is exploring synergizing AI with suitable linkers between antibodies and drugs to promote multi-drug combinations. This approach will bring new therapeutics to market with more substantial impacts than combination therapies and address unmet medical needs, expediting drug discovery and regulatory approvals.Gaurav Chandra, the CEO of Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc., stated, "Our innovative use of AI reflects a broader trend toward embracing advanced technologies to overcome traditional limitations in the biotech industry. We are very excited about our AI-empowered drug discoveries. Adnexus is proud to introduce and implement the latest Artificial Intelligence innovations in research and development technology-keeping the company at the forefront of early drug discovery and development and other revolutionary discoveries critical to treating infectious diseases." Dr. Chandra continued, "As we advance our HIV therapeutics, we intend to offer our expertise as unique SAAS and DAAS revenue-generating models by next year. This strategic move is part of our commitment to pursuing multiple revenue-generating strategies to broaden our offerings and support academic and biotechnology companies in advancing their scientific endeavors. This commitment underscores our financial stability and growth potential." Adnexus has recently executed a Letter of Intent with 1606 Corp (OTC PINK:CBDW), an AI technology company, for a strategic investment in the company.About Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc.Adnexus is a leading innovator in biotechnology, specializing in AI-driven solutions for early drug discovery, infectious disease, and neurodegenerative disease research. Its proprietary methods focus on developing therapeutic solutions by leveraging human immune-B cells, offering a cutting-edge approach to creating highly effective treatments. For more information, please visit https://www.adnexusbiotech.com Industry InformationThe global market size for artificial intelligence in drug discovery was estimated at USD 1.5 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a CAGR of 29.7% from 2024 to 2030. The demand for AI-powered solutions in drug discovery is increasing due to the need for new drug therapies, expanded manufacturing capacities in the life sciences industry, and technological advancements. AI technologies such as machine learning and deep learning are being used at various stages of drug discovery, including initial compound screening and predicting success rates in clinical trials. Additionally, the growth of startups developing AI-powered solutions and increased investments and funding drive market expansion.Forward-Looking StatementsThis press release includes forward-looking statements under federal securities laws, including projections and expectations regarding business developments, operations, and market conditions. These statements are identified by terms such as "should," "may," "intends," "anticipates," and others. While based on reasonable assumptions, results may differ due to various risks and uncertainties. Please review cautionary statements and disclosures in our filings with the SEC. Adnexus does not undertake any obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.For inquiries, please get in touch with Dr. Gaurav Chandra, CEO, gaurav.chandra@adnexusbiotech.com cbdw.ai Contact InformationGaurav ChandraCEOgaurav.chandra@adnexusbiotech.com SOURCE: Adnexus Biotechnologies Inc.
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Tech Veteran With 20+ Years of Experience to Lead Revenue Expansion EffortsBOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /Alignable, North America's largest AI-powered business networking platform, has announced the appointment of Chris Rohter as its Chief Revenue Officer. In this newly created role, Rohter will guide the company's revenue growth strategy as Alignable evolves from a social network of 9.2 million business owners into a premier SaaS relationship management platform.Chris Rohter, Alignable's Chief Revenue Officer Headshot of Chris Rohter, Alignable's new Chief Revenue OfficerWith more than 20 years of experience in marketing and business leadership, Rohter brings a strong track record of driving growth, building high-performance teams, and implementing innovative go-to-market strategies."We are pleased to welcome Chris as we enter the next phase of our growth," said Alignable CEO & Co-Founder Eric Groves. "His expertise in scaling companies and his strategic vision will be invaluable as we continue to expand our platform, in order to have an even greater impact on the success of business owners across North America." Prior to joining Alignable, Rohter served as Vice President of Marketing at Pliant (now part of IBM), where he led a period of rapid expansion and advised the company towards a successful acquisition.His career includes leadership roles at SevOne (IBM), Akamai Technologies, and AppNeta, where he developed expertise in strategic alliances, product operations, marketing, and business development."While I've had the privilege of contributing to the growth of several companies, I'm especially excited to join Alignable," Rohter said. "Alignable's commitment to empowering entrepreneurial success is unmatched, and I look forward to helping the platform achieve its full potential." As Rohter joins Alignable, the business networking platform is celebrating several impressive milestones:Smart Connect Events: In 2024, Alignable hosted nearly 3,000 Smart Connect events - a 42% increase from 2023. These virtual, one-on-one networking sessions attracted 59,000+ participants, a 33% jump from last year.Educational Programs: Alignable has partnered with organizations such as Constant Contact, Verizon, Zoho Books, Novo, Hoot Host, BOSS Academy, EngagePro and others to host hundreds of educational events, reaching 20,000+ Alignable members. The topics covered include marketing, lending, SEO, and cybersecurity.Community Engagement: So far in 2024, Alignable members have formed over 6 million new connections and posted 1 million recommendations, highlighting the platform's significant impact on small business networking.Looking ahead, Rohter plans to build on Alignable's current tech innovations, focusing on simplifying and enhancing member interactions through AI to create more high-quality networking opportunities for small business owners and Alignable partners.About AlignableAlignable is the largest, AI-powered business networking platform for small business owners in the U.S. and Canada. With 9.2 million members across 35,000+ communities, Alignable is the network where business owners come together. Whether you're connecting locally, meeting peers in your industry, or finding a catalyst who will introduce you to their network, Alignable is where businesses connect and change their business trajectory.Contact InformationChuck CastoHead Of PR, News & Research, Alignablechuck@ alignable.com SOURCE: AlignableView the original press release on newswire.com
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /Banyan Gold Corp. (the "Company" or "Banyan") (TSX-V:BYN)(OTCQB:BYAGF) is pleased to announce it has commenced a helicopter supported Z-axis Tipper Electromagnetic ("ZTEM") geophysical survey on the Company's AurMac and Nitra Projects in the Yukon Territory.The airborne survey is being conducted by Geotech Ltd. over an area of 234 square kilometres ("sq km"), on the AurMac project that hosts the Powerline and Airstrip deposits, together consisting of 7.0 million ounces ("Moz") of gold Inferred Mineral Resources ("MRE"). Furthermore, an additional 382 sq km are being surveyed on Banyan's nearby and highly prospective Nitra project. Nitra project has seen only limited exploration to date, but is adjacent to known Cretaceous intrusions, including those on the Gold Dome property, which are interpreted to extend onto the Nitra property. Within the Nitra property, there are six currently active producing placer gold mines as well as several historic placer gold mines. The ZTEM survey allows for signal penetration through deep or conductive cover to identify potential intrusions up to two (2) km deep and has been shown to be a useful tool to aid in the discovery of deep-seated and structurally controlled mineral deposits, including reduced intrusion gold systems. The results of the ZTEM survey will be used, along with soil geochemical samples collected in 2022-2024, to identify additional drilling targets for the 2025 exploration programs."With the AurMac Resource believed to be hosted in the horfels lithologies adjacent to an interpreted intrusive source, this targeted ZTEM survey will be focused on the identification of intrusive sources and related structural components of the AurMac Gold Deposits, as well as, delineation of areas with the potential to host additional gold mineralization on Banyan's underexplored (over 300 sq km) of prospective area over its AurMac and Nitra Properties. This style of ZTEM survey, conducted on tight line spacing across Banyan's district scale holdings will considerably add to the geologic database of this rapidly advancing Gold Camp," stated Tara Christie, President & CEO. "Geotech's ZTEM surveys have proven to deliver highly useful geological information that, when combined with on the ground geochemistry and mapping, have repeatedly led to the discovery of on and near-surface gold deposits. This will be the first time a comprehensive survey of this District has been undertaken. When this new data is integrated with existing geological and geophysical data, we anticipate the identification and testing of priority drilling targets as part of the fully funded 2025 drill program." Figure 1. Extent of ZTEM Survey for AurMac and Nitra ProjectsFigure 2: Outline of AurMac Gold Resource on surface: with schematic indicating where the horfels are typically located near an intrusionLink to video: https://youtu.be/jnKhiQSRvU8?si=zp4aOROMiaDXKIMu Upcoming EventsYukon Geoscience Forum - November 17 to 20New Orleans Investment Conference - November 20 to 23Corporate Update and Breakfast - November 21, 7:15 AM CSTQualified PersonsPaul D. Gray, P.Geo., is a "Qualified Person" as defined under NI 43-101, and has reviewed and approved the content of this news release. Mr. Gray is a consultant to Banyan and has verified the data disclosed in this news release, including the sampling, analytical and test data underlying the information.About BanyanBanyan's primary asset, the AurMac Project is located in Canada's Yukon Territory. The current inferred Mineral Resource Estimate ("MRE") for the AurMac Project of 7.0 million ounces has an effective date of February 6, 2024.The 173 square kilometres ("sq km") AurMac Project lies 40 km from Mayo, Yukon. The AurMac Project is transected by the main Yukon highway and benefits from a 3-phase powerline, existing power station and cell phone coverage. Banyan has the right to earn up to a 100% interest, in both the Aurex and McQuesten Properties respectively, subject to certain royalties.The inferred MRE for the AurMac Project was prepared on February 6, 2024, and consisted of 7,003,000 ounces of gold (see Table 1) hosted within near surface, road accessible pit constrained Mineral Resources contained in two near/on-surface deposits: the Airstrip and Powerline Deposits.Table 1: Pit-Constrained Inferred Mineral Resources - AurMac Project(1)(2)(3)(4)(5)DepositGold Cut-Offg/tTonnageTonnesAverage Gold Gradeg/tGold Contentoz.InferredAirstrip0.3035,243,0000.75845,000Powerline0.30312,243,0000.616,158,000Combined Inferred0.30347,486,0000.637,003,000Notes to Table 1 :The effective date for the MRE is February 6, 2024, and was prepared by Marc Jutras, P.Eng., M.A.Sc., Principal, Ginto Consulting Inc., an independent Qualified Person in accordance with the requirements of NI 43-101. The technical report supporting the Resource Estimate entitled "AurMac Property, Mayo Mining District, Yukon Territory, Canada" (the "Technical Report") has been filed on SEDAR at www.sedarplus.ca on March 18, 2024.Mineral Resources which are not Mineral Reserves do not have demonstrated economic viability. The estimate of Mineral Resources may be materially affected by environmental, permitting, legal, title, taxation, sociopolitical, marketing, changes in global gold markets or other relevant issues.The CIM Definition Standards were followed for classification of Mineral Resources. The quantity and grade of reported Inferred Mineral Resources in this estimation are uncertain in nature and there has been insufficient exploration to define these Inferred Mineral Resources as an Indicated Mineral Resource and it is uncertain if further exploration will result in upgrading them to an Indicated or Measured Mineral Resource category.Mineral Resources are reported at a cut-off grade of 0.30 g/t gold for all deposits, using a US$/CAN$ exchange rate of 0.75 and constrained within an open pit shell optimized with the Lerchs-Grossman algorithm to constrain the Mineral Resources with the following estimated parameters: gold price of US$1,800/ounce, US$2.50/t mining cost, US$5.50/t processing cost, US$2.00/t G+A, 80% gold recoveries, and 45 pit slopes.The number of tonnes and ounces was rounded to the nearest thousand. Any discrepancies in the totals are due to rounding effects; rounding followed the recommendations as per NI 43-101.Detailed images of the Mineral Resource model, including an interactive 3D model and additional information can b
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Bediako's compelling interpretation of life on Mars won her $2,500 in financial support.AUSTIN, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Imagine what life 50 years in the future looks like. How has American legislation impacted civilization? What cases are lawyers tackling on behalf of civil betterment? Those are the questions Bertolino LLP asks students to answer when applying for the Bertolino Impact In Government Scholarship.This year, Stacy Bediako blew the scholarship selection committee out of the water with her creative interpretation of the scholarship's prompt. Instead of imagining what life on Earth might look like in 50 years, Bediako encourages her listeners to think about outer space.Bediako's scholarship video posits that, 50 years from now, colonial forces on Mars will need new legislation to control the flow of resources and development of land. She builds this future on the back of the 1967 Outer Space Treaty, which prevents all nations from claiming sole sovereignty over galactic bodies.Bediako also suggests that Martian lawyers will have a powerful role in shaping the Red Planet's landscape. New Martians will need legal representatives to argue their cases for land and resource management. Future lawyers may subsequently have to familiarize themselves with intergalactic law to keep up with their clients.Bediako's creativity secured her Bertolino LLP's $2,500 scholarship ahead of her senior year at the University of Pittsburgh. She's currently pursuing a degree in Chemical Engineering. The team with Bertolino LLP hopes that this scholarship will help Bediako achieve her goal of graduating debt-free.The team once again applauds Bediako's creativity and drive, particularly in light of her unconventional college career. The firm hopes Bediako can achieve her goals and carry her imaginative spirit with her into her post-college career.About Bertolino LLPThe attorneys with Bertolino LLP want to make it as easy as possible for Texas professionals to protect their right to practice. Clients can trust our team to take their concerns about professional complaints or accusations of misconduct seriously.Since the firm's founding, we've defended medical professionals, real estate agents, and our fellow attorneys. We're here to protect your license but also your professional reputation and livelihood.Don't let a licensing board move against you. If you're under investigation or need help defending your right to practice, get in touch with Bertolino LLP today.Contact InformationSheri Middlemas Chief Operating Officersmiddlemas@ bertolinolaw.com (512) 476-5757Related FilesScholarship Winner 2024 (1)SOURCE: Bertolino LLPView the original press release on newswire.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) fired dozens of ballistic missiles at important military targets in Israel, Trend reports.

The IRGC issued a statement regarding the attack.

According to the statement, Iran carried out the missile strike after showing restraint over the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran, as well as the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC deputy commander Abbas Nilfourush in Beirut.

The IRGC said the attack was carried out with the approval of Iran's Supreme National Security Council, the General Staff of the Armed Forces, and the Defense Ministry.

"If Israel responds militarily to this operation, which is in accordance with Iran's legitimate rights and international law, Israel will face further destructive attacks," the statement said.
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MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2024 / Erase.com , the leading online reputation management, and content removal service, is proud to announce the appointment of Cenk Uzunkaya as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO). With a distinguished background in finance and strategic leadership, Uzunkaya's expertise is set to drive the company's vision of growth and innovation.David Centner, owner and operator of Erase.com , expressed his confidence in Cenk Uzunkaya's leadership in the following statement:"Cenk brings to us a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success in the past few years, which we believe will be instrumental in our continued growth and innovation. Many of you may know this already, but Cenk was my Chief Financial Officer for many years at my previous company, where we had stunning success together. I'm very confident that this change will serve to accelerate our strategy as we go forward." In response to his appointment, Cenk Uzunkaya shared his enthusiasm for his new role:"I am incredibly honored to take on the role of CEO at Erase.com . This is an exciting time for the company, and I look forward to working closely with our talented team to build on our current momentum. Together, we will continue to deliver exceptional service to our clients, drive innovation in the industry, and explore new opportunities for growth." With his extensive experience and a history of successful leadership, Cenk Uzunkaya is poised to lead Erase.com to even greater heights in the coming years.For more information, please contact: Erase.comVictoria Marshall1 866-923-7273 sales@ erase.comhttps://erase.com/ Erase.com is a premier online reputation management and content removal service, dedicated to helping individuals and businesses maintain their online presence. With a proven track record of success, the company offers customized solutions to remove negative content and enhance online visibility.SOURCE: Erase.com
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ChainFEST LA | SATURDAY, OCT. 5, 2024 | Skylight ROW DTLAFor the first time ever, ChainFEST LA teams up with a leading lactose-free real dairy brand to offer an inclusive experience with a chain favorite dessert reimagined for those with lactose intolerance - say goodbye to lactose discomfort.LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /ChainFEST, the world's largest gourmet chain food festival, returns to Los Angeles on Saturday, Oct. 5, at the Skylight ROW DTLA and has tapped LACTAID, a leading lactose-free milk and dairy dessert brand, to round out its all-star lineup of gourmet collaborators. The LACTAID brand will offer a lactose-free dupe of a chain favorite dessert made with 100% real dairy ice cream and cookie at the LACTAID Ice Cream & Cookie Parlor, a first-of-its-kind at ChainFEST LA. This inclusive experience provides those with lactose intolerance the opportunity to enjoy delicious, real dairy delights - just without the lactose.ChainFEST Los Angeles Lactose intolerance impacts approximately 30 million American adults (Medline Plus, May 2022) causing digestive discomfort from lactose in dairy products such as milk, cheese and ice cream. And with many of the top U.S. chain restaurants serving up dairy-filled treats on their menus, those who are lactose intolerant most often miss out on dairy-based treats.That's why LACTAID, a leading lactose-free real dairy brand that uses a lactase enzyme to break down the lactose found in milk for easier digesting, is popping up with the LACTAID Ice Cream & Cookie Parlor at ChainFEST LA. At this exclusive experience, the LACTAID brand is dropping a limited-time run of a lactose-free real dairy dessert only for ChainFEST LA attendees - which is all part of the brand's mission to help eliminate dairy "foodmo" (the fear of missing out on favorite foods) and stomach discomfort without compromising on enjoying delicious, real dairy."ChainFEST is about celebrating the pop cuisine that brings us all together," said Nicholas Kraft, co-founder of Chain. "It's truly a great moment for us that the LACTAID brand has come on board to bring a first-of-its-kind LTO ice cream and cookie dessert to the festival - a treat that everyone loves. Now, more people can enjoy since it's made with 100% milk and cream, just without the lactose, so lactose intolerant people don't have to compromise their enjoyment of delicious, real dairy." Made with 100% real milk and cream, LACTAID Ice Cream will be offered to ChainFEST attendees as part of an exclusive ice cream and cookie combination.Details about each dessert include:LACTAID Creamy Lactose-Free Chocolate Chip Cookie Delight - LACTAID ultra-creamy Vanilla Ice Cream will top Chain's ooey-gooey, deep-dish chocolate chip cookie.LACTAID Creamy Lactose-Free Cookies & Cream Supreme - Luxuriously rich LACTAID Cookies & Cream Ice Cream will top Chain's delicious oatmeal cookie."I'm especially excited to be able to offer ChainFEST guests more dessert options this year," said Chef Tim Hollingsworth, co-founder of Chain. "The deep-dish cookie topped with ice cream is one of the all-time great chain restaurant desserts." These delicious lactose-free LACTAID ice cream desserts will be available for all attendees only at ChainFEST LA, while supplies last. To dupe your own desserts at home in the meantime, LACTAID Ice Cream is available at most grocery stores, offering eight delicious flavors all made with 100% real milk and cream, just without the lactose, to satisfy your sweet tooth and your sensitive stomach.For more information about LACTAID and its products, follow @lactaid on Instagram and @lactaid_us on TikTok. For ChainFEST ticket details and updates, visit ChainFEST.com and follow @eatatchain on social media.ABOUT CHAIN:Chain, named "one of the hardest tables to get" by The New York Times, began as a culinary celebration of fast-food favorites reimagined by Michelin-starred chef Tim Hollingsworth. Co-founded by actor-writer B.J. Novak and Hollingsworth, Chain has become a hub for nostalgia-driven, immersive dining events that honor multi-generational culinary traditions.Partnership Inquiries: Joe Silberzweig - Joe@ medium-rare.com Nicholas Kraft - Nicholas@ eatatchain.com Media Inquiries: Amanda Brocato - Amanda@ RMG-PR.comLactaid@hunterpr.com Contact InformationAmanda BrocatoEVP, Corporate Strategies & Events, Rosenfield Media Groupamanda@ rmg-pr.com 512.743.3941Related FilesCF-LA@2xSOURCE: ChainFestView the original press release on newswire.com
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THE WOODLANDS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / CMG Home Loans, the retail division of well-capitalized privately held mortgage lender CMG Financial, announced today the hire of Area Sales Manager, Josh Allyn (NMLS# 213245). Allyn, a passionate mortgage expert with nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, will be bringing his commitment to excellence and personalized client solutions to the Houston area.Prior to joining CMG, Allyn spent close to two decades serving Texas home buyers, helping them achieve their homeownership dreams. He began his career as a loan originator in 2006, quickly rising to management roles where he honed his expertise in every aspect of the mortgage process. He made his mark as an Operations Manager at American Southwest Mortgage Corp, managing the branch's entire production pipeline. Following his success in this role, Allyn quickly rose into branch management, working for Supreme Lending, Bank of England Mortgage, and American Financial Network, Inc. At his last position as a Mortgage Sales Manager for Gateway Mortgage, Allyn worked for six years as an industry leader, placing a strong focus on serving the homeowners in and around Houston, one client at a time. His dedication to top-notch service and genuine care for his clients will serve him well at CMG."I'm thrilled to be part of CMG Home Loans, a company that is truly at the forefront of innovation in the mortgage industry," said Allyn. "The technology and programs here are unmatched, and the company's strong growth speaks volumes. While many companies are putting a freeze on hiring, CMG is moving in the opposite direction, which shows their commitment to expanding and serving customers at the highest level. CMG's massive servicing portfolio of approximately $100 billion is a testament to the leadership's ability to make strategic, positive decisions. It's a company that is not only growing but also providing an environment where everyone can thrive. I'm excited to grow alongside CMG and help more families achieve the American dream of homeownership, while making a lasting impact on the communities we serve." "Josh's deep industry knowledge, leadership skills, and proven ability to build strong client relationships will be a tremendous asset as we continue to grow throughout Texas," added Graham Dodson, Regional Sales Manager. "His commitment to delivering exceptional service aligns perfectly with our values, and we look forward to seeing the positive impact he will make." About CMGCMG Mortgage, Inc. (NMLS #1820) is a well-capitalized mortgage lender founded in 1993. Founder and CEO, Christopher M. George, was Chairman of the Mortgage Bankers Association in 2019. CMG makes its products and services available to the market through three distinct origination channels including retail lending, wholesale lending, and correspondent lending. CMG currently operates in all states, including District of Columbia, and holds approvals with FNMA, FHLMC, and GNMA. CMG is widely known through the mortgage lender and housing markets for responsible lending practices, industry and consumer advocacy, product innovation, and operational efficiency.Contact InformationAnnaugh MadsenSenior Copywriteramadsen@ cmgfi.com (667) 260-6360SOURCE: CMG Home LoansView the original press release on newswire.com
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Industry Veterans Chad King and Wendy Gill Join to Accelerate Growth and InnovationSARASOTA, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Dealers United, a leading provider of digital marketing solutions for automotive dealerships, is pleased to announce the appointment of Chad King and Wendy Gill as Regional Sales Vice Presidents. These strategic hires underscore Dealers United's commitment to expanding its market presence and enhancing its service to automotive dealers nationwide.Dealers United to Add Two New Regional Sales Vice Presidents Introducing Dealers United's New Regional Sales Vice Presidents: Wendy Gill & Chad KingChad King brings over 14 years of experience in the automotive industry and a proven track record of building high-performing teams. A four-time President's Club winner, Chad is known for his innovative approach to sales leadership and his focus on customer success. Based in Roanoke, VA, Chad's expertise in creating winning cultures and delivering impactful digital solutions will be instrumental in driving growth for Dealers United and its clients.Wendy Gill joins Dealers United with more than 20 years of sales leadership experience in automotive digital media, floor plan finance, and SaaS. Based in Los Angeles, CA, Wendy is recognized for her ability to forge lucrative relationships, exceed revenue targets, and empower team members to become organizational leaders. Her "team-member first" motto and commitment to leadership development align perfectly with Dealers United's values.Justin Friend, Senior Vice President of Dealers United, commented on the appointments: "We're thrilled to welcome Chad and Wendy to our sales leadership. Their combined expertise and proven track records in the automotive industry will be invaluable as we continue to help dealers across the country dominate their marketing by activating the best digital solutions. At Dealers United, we're dedicated to supporting dealers in what they do best - selling more cars - and Chad and Wendy will play crucial roles in this mission." Dealers United offers a comprehensive suite of digital marketing solutions, including Social Advertising campaigns, Search Engine Optimization, and Search Engine Marketing. The company's clients benefit from best-in-class account support and access to omnichannel analytics, providing full-funnel visibility into campaign performance and return on investment.With these strategic additions to its leadership team, Dealers United is poised to further strengthen its position as a premier partner for automotive dealerships seeking to maximize their digital marketing efforts and drive sales in an increasingly competitive marketplace.For more information about Dealers United and its digital advertising solutions, visit www.dealersunited.com About Dealers United:Dealers United is the premier digital marketing partner for car dealerships looking to accelerate their online presence and drive more sales. Our experts specialize in Social, Search Engine Marketing, Search Engine Optimization, and - above all - building true partnerships with dealers. To learn more, visit www.dealersunited.com Contact InformationBrooke JensenVice President of Marketingbrooke@ dealersunited.com SOURCE: Dealers UnitedView the original press release on newswire.com
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Fellowship Program Empowers Military Spouses with Enhanced Financial Counseling Training and Broader Career OpportunitiesWASHINGTON, DC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / The FINRA Investor Education Foundation (FINRA Foundation) and the Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) are proud to announce the 2024 cohort of the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship program. This year, 30 military spouses will embark on a journey to earn their Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) designation, paving the way for impactful careers in financial empowerment.Over the years, the FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship has not only equipped 709 military spouses with the AFC certification but also fostered a community of financially empowered families across the globe. One such success story is from Darya Morrison (Class of 2020), showcasing the tangible impact of the program on military communities. "As a military spouse, my work is dedicated to improving the financial readiness of both service members and civilians. In my role, I have witnessed firsthand the profound impact that sound financial advice can have on individuals and families. I am invested in the financial well-being of the communities I work with." The 2024 fellowship aligns with the White House's ongoing efforts to advance economic security for military families, as outlined in the 2023 Executive Order on Advancing Economic Security for Military and Veteran Spouses, Military Caregivers, and Survivors. By providing military spouses with the skills needed for portable, fulfilling careers, the fellowship not only supports financial stability but also contributes to mission readiness within military communities."Investing in military spouses is investing in the resilience of our armed forces," said Gerri Walsh, President of the FINRA Foundation. "This year, we're not just enhancing job marketability; we're fortifying the financial foundations of communities across the nation." "We're thrilled to welcome the 2024 class of FINRA Foundation Fellows," said Rachael DeLeon, Executive Director of AFCPE. "These individuals join a dynamic and supportive community that is dedicated to fostering financial well-being among military families. Since the advent of the Fellowship in 2006, FINRA Fellows have served more than 274,000 service members and their families, impacting communities across the United States and around the world." The FINRA Foundation Military Spouse Fellowship is open to qualifying spouses of active-duty or retired Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps, Space Force, Coast Guard, and Army or Air National Guard or reserve component service members, as well as spouses of the Public Health Service Commissioned Corps and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Professionals. For more information and to sign up for program updates, visit afcpe.org/certification/finra-foundation-fellowship About the FINRA Investor Education FoundationThe FINRA Investor Education Foundation supports innovative research and educational projects that empower underserved Americans with the knowledge, skills, and tools to make sound financial decisions throughout life. Since 2006, the Foundation has delivered free, unbiased financial education tools and training to service members, their spouses, and on-base financial educators through a combination of professional development programs and public awareness initiatives. The Foundation holds both a Statement of Support with the Department of Defense in support of DoD's Financial Readiness Network and a USCG Qualified Organization Designation. For more information about FINRA Foundation initiatives, visit finrafoundation.org About AFCPEThe Association for Financial Counseling and Planning Education (AFCPE) is dedicated to certifying, training, and supporting financial professionals to serve as qualified motivators of change for individuals pursuing their life goals, regardless of their financial history. The Accredited Financial Counselor (AFC) credential is accredited by The National Commission for Certifying Agencies (NCCA), and nationally recognized by the Department of Defense and the CFPB. Please visitwww.afcpe.org Contact InformationRachael DeLeonExecutive Directorrdeleon@ afcpe.org 614-368-1046SOURCE: AFCPEView the original press release on newswire.com
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ORLANDO, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / OneEthos ( www.oneethos.com) , the leading Fintech Platform for mission-driven financial institutions, and Montgomery County Green Bank ( www.mcgreenbank.org) , have announced a strategic partnership which will provide affordable solar to homeowners in Montgomery County, Maryland through an exclusive one-year pilot program beginning November 2024.OneEthos Under this program, Montgomery County Green Bank, which serves a population of over 1.1 million people in the County, will offer loan subsidies that provide homeowners with discounted solar loans with rates ranging from 0% for low-income households, to 4.99% for all other residents. The program also allows homeowners to include battery storage and roof replacement in their loan if needed as part of the solar installation. Following a successful one-year pilot phase, the partnership plans to extend to incorporate additional energy efficiency loans.In the first year, the Montgomery County project is estimated to provide $5,000,000 of consumer loans, with roughly 50% of transactions occurring in Equity Emphasis Areas. Anticipated energy savings will total 1,800,000 kWh and 61,437 therms annually, as well as 1,272.6 MT CO2 emissions mitigated per year. The annual dollar savings are expected to amount to $234,000 for Montgomery County residents."This partnership is the foundation and the heart of all that OneEthos stands for in our mission for ethical lending," said Marcio deOliveira, CEO and Founder of OneEthos. "To have the ability to reduce the cost of solar for Montgomery County residents, specifically for those in disadvantaged communities, resulting in more than a 20% savings from their existing energy bill, offers a tremendous opportunity. We look forward to a strong alliance with Montgomery County Green Bank and believe it is just the beginning for the state of Maryland, as well as the impact and change we can create for the rest of the country." Through its proprietary technology, the OneEthos solar lending platform allows local solar installers to offer customers a unique experience with real-time loan decisions provided 24 hours a day, within 30 seconds or less. The loans are facilitated through OneEthos affiliate Climate First Bank ( www.climatefirstbank.com) , their banking partner and a successful client of the company. Moving forward, OneEthos intends to make these loans available for sale to community banks, credit unions, and Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) in the Maryland, Washington, DC and Virginia areas that are interested in growing their green loan portfolio."We are thrilled to launch this new partnership with OneEthos through Climate First Bank," says Stephen Morel, CEO of Montgomery County Green Bank. "The collaboration enables us to continue to deepen equitable access to renewable energy programs for low- and moderate-income homeowners with a very strong partner. It brings us closer to our vision of a prospering, sustainable, and healthy Montgomery County, where everyone can participate in and benefit from clean energy and climate-resilient solutions." Lisa Walsh, Senior Commercial Solar Developer of Solar Energy Services, Inc. (SES), further added, "As a long-time commercial and residential installer of solar systems in the MD/DC metro area, SES is excited to welcome an established solar financing platform via OneEthos and Climate First Bank. SES has partnered with Montgomery County Green Bank and county business owners to solarize several buildings in Montgomery County, so we know first-hand the value of having a trusted, community-first bank whose mission focuses on bringing affordable solar, and energy efficiency upgrades, to residences and businesses who may be looking to make the switch to solar for the very first time." About OneEthos:OneEthos is a Certified B Corp, mission-driven fintech company. The company operates at the intersection of financial technology (fintech) and traditional banking with the objective to accelerate the delivery of sustainable and inclusive financial services to all segments of the population. OneEthos is one of the only fintech companies specializing in climate finance in the United States and regulated by the Federal Reserve Bank. The company's mission is to enable Community Banks, Credit Unions, CDFIs, and Green Banks to grow their loan portfolios profitably and responsibly, providing access to banking products and services that have a positive impact on people, communities and the environment.For more information, please visit: www.oneethos.com About Climate First Bank:Recognized as one of the fastest-growing banks in the country, Climate First Bank is the world's first FDIC-insured, values-based, digital community bank founded to combat the climate crisis. A Certified B Corp, 1% for the Planet member, and operationally net-zerosince it opened its doors in June 2021, the Bank offers a complete, full-service portfolio of simple and easy-to-use traditional banking products powered by technology to meet the expectations of today's consumers. In addition to offering standard banking services, the company places a special emphasis on non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and businesses committed to sustainability. Eco-conscious customers will find dedicated loan options for solar photovoltaic (PV), energy retrofits and infrastructure to help combat the climate crisis. The Bank reports annually on its impact in line with corporate social responsibility goals; read the most recent Impact Report here. Member FDIC.For more information, please visit: www.climatefirstbank.com About Montgomery County Green Bank:The Montgomery County Green Bank is a publicly chartered 501(c)3 nonprofit corporation dedicated to accelerating energy efficiency, renewable energy, and clean energy investment in Montgomery County, MD. We partner with the private sector to provide more affordable and flexible financing options for County residents and businesses for clean energy and climate-resilient projects. These projects save energy, lower greenhouse gas emissions, create healthy living and working environments, foster a more resilient economy and environment, and help the County achieve its environmental goals.For more information, please visit: www.mcgreenbank.org Contact InformationJohn CollinsCollins Strategy Groupjohn@ collinssg.com (917) 496-4587Rachel KentVP, Director of Marketingrachel.kent@climatefirstbank.com (518) 669-3550Related ImagesOneEthosMontgomery County Green BankSOURCE: OneEthosView the original press release on newswire.com
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CHARLOTTE, NC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Flores & Associates, a premier administrator of employer-sponsored reimbursement plans and compliance services, announces the appointment of Jeremy Chwang as Chief Technology Officer (CTO), effective October 1, 2024. Jeremy brings a wealth of experience in the benefits space and a proven record of driving business transformations and technological advancements.Jeremy Chwang Photo of Jeremy ChwangIn his new role, Jeremy is responsible for expanding and enhancing the Flores proprietary technology platform. His leadership will be pivotal in driving growth, increasing efficiency, and delivering superior customer experiences. Jeremy's extensive background in software engineering, IT operations, and product management makes him exceptionally well-suited for this role."Technology and innovation are crucial in the rapidly evolving employee benefits landscape," said Jody Oliver, CEO at Flores & Associates. "Jeremy's expertise and vision will be pivotal in driving our technological advancements, enhancing efficiency, and ultimately delivering superior experiences for employers, employees, brokers and the Flores team." Jeremy joins Flores & Associates from Cecelia Health, where he served as CIO, leading significant technological innovations and operational improvements. Previous roles include positions at Optum Financial, ConnectYourCare, General Dynamics Information Technology and Aon Hewitt. He is a graduate of the Sellinger School of Business and Management at Loyola University Maryland.About Flores & AssociatesFor over 30 years, Flores has delivered frictionless Benefit, Leave and Compliance solutions that make life easier for HR teams and their employees through industry-leading technology, people and processes. Our solutions are highly-rated by employees, preferred by employers and recommended by brokers nationwide.We offer a comprehensive suite of reimbursement and savings accounts, including FSAs, HSAs, HRAs, Lifestyle, Commuter and Loan Repayment options. Our leave administration expertise includes COBRA, FMLA, ADA and USERRA, while our compliance support covers documents and form preparation for POP, WRAP and 5500, along with comprehensive HR legal guidance.Headquartered in Charlotte, NC, Flores is an established leader in the Consumer-Directed Healthcare (CDHP) market. Our success is built on a foundation of innovative technology, dedicated professionals, and an uncompromising commitment to delivering remarkable service experiences.Contact InformationKevin BanksMarketing Directorkevin.banks@flores247.com 800-532-3327SOURCE: Flores & Associates LLCView the original press release on newswire.com
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11th Annual BananaFest Celebrating a Diverse Working Port Themed "Charging Forward to a Zero Emission Future"PORT HUENEME, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Over 10,000 attendees went bananas at the Port's 11th Annual Banana Festival, celebrating a diverse working waterfront this past Saturday. The Festival offered attendees a unique opportunity to experience one of the most efficient and effective working waterfronts on the West Coast.11th Annual Banana Festival with over 10,000 attendees. This year's theme, "Charging Forward to a Zero Emission Future by 2030," highlighted the Port's commitment to a zero-emission future, showcasing its pivotal role in transitioning away from fossil fuels through the implementation of new and innovative equipment and infrastructure.Port of Hueneme Commissioners present the Port's plan to Charge Forward to Zero Emissions by 2030 with the Support of Port Partners and Elected Officials. Attendees learned all about the Port's pathway to green its operations. In the fall of 2021, the Oxnard Harbor District's Board of Commissioners unanimously voted to pass a resolution to decarbonize port operations as part of their commitment to a zero-emission future. The passage of this resolution further propelled the Port's Environmental Management Framework (EMF) to go above and beyond compliance with federal, state and local regulations, as well as implement greater pollution prevention measures. Through strategic grant funding and investment in zero-emission (ZE) equipment and infrastructure, the Port of Hueneme has been able to enhance its operations, improve air quality, and set a benchmark for sustainable port operations nationwide. The "Charging Forward" Festival theme highlights the Port's commitment to the environment and to electrify.Celina Zacarias, president of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners, at the Banana Festival. "We are excited to be Charging Forward to 2030 with the goal of becoming the first U.S. Port to be emission free!" said Celina Zacarias, President of the Oxnard Harbor District Board of Harbor Commissioners. "We are grateful for the incredible support of our community, labor, and business partners who will help make this vision a reality." Live bands performing at the Banana Festival. Festival goers enjoyed a variety of banana-themed treats, live music, and family-friendly activities, and were able to take land and waterside tours of the port complex to learn about its operations and see firsthand how the Port of Hueneme contributes to the local, regional, and global economy. "Charging Forward" attractions included electric car demonstrations by GLOVIS, the top banana sponsor, EV Advocates of Ventura County and VINFAST, as well as visits to solar charging stations and views of electric cranes from the water tours.Banana Festival Electric Vehicle attractions. Port of Hueneme Customers at the Banana Festival giving away free bananas. As attendees explored the festival, they also were treated to free bananas from Chiquita, Del Monte Fresh and Dole, the Port's largest banana importers and major sponsors of the event. Many fun facts were shared throughout the day highlighting that 5 billion bananas move through the Port annually, 400,000 vehicles transit the port of which 25% are electric, and the Port creates 25,000 trade related jobs. The family friendly event offered tours of rail cars, a vintage car show, and a kid zone full of activities.Banana Festival attendees in banana attire. "We were thrilled to see such a fantastic turnout at the 11th Annual Banana Festival," said Kristin Decas, CEO & Port Director of the Port of Hueneme. "This year's theme, Charging Forward to 2030,' reflects our dedication to environmental sustainability and our ongoing efforts to transition to zero-emission technologies. We were excited to share our progress and celebrate with our community." As an essential component of the nation's supply chain and major contributor to the economic health of Ventura County and Southern California, the Port will continue to foster a thriving community and ensure that operations positively contribute to the environment and local economy, building a greener and more sustainable future for generations to come. The Port of Hueneme thanks its festival sponsors, supporters, and all those who attended for making this year's event a resounding success. The Port remains committed to creating a sustainable future and looks forward to continuing its efforts in environmental stewardship alongside its community partners."The Banana Festival is a wonderful celebration of our community and the vital role the Port of Hueneme plays in our local economy. We are proud to host this event and showcase the many ways bananas and other imports contribute to our daily lives. We thank all of those who came to enjoy a day of family fun and learning," said Jess Ramirez, Harbor Commissioner for the Port of Hueneme.Banana Festival Land and Boat tours of the Port. The Banana Festival is free to all its guests thanks to the festival's sponsors:Top Banana Sponsor- HYUNDAI GLOVISAdmiral Sponsors- Chiquita- Del Monte- Dole- Gold Coast Broadcasting- The City of Port HuenemeCaptain & Crew Sponsors- Ports America- E-Rental & Tents Inc.- Dignity Health- Pegasus Transit Inc.- Kaiser Permanente- Ventura Coast Brew Company- Ventura County Coast- Brusco Tug & Barge- Explore Channel Islands Expeditions- Hook's SportFishing- The Alynettework- Townsend Public Affairs- 3WU Print- Ventura County Transportation Commission- Grocery Outlet bargain market- Medallion Protective Services- Ventura County Credit Union- StarLine Tours- Anacapa Fresh Logistic- #setlife- Gold Coast Health PlanFriend of the Port Sponsors- Hatch- Visit Oxnard- Productions KND- Southern California Association of Governments- Selfie Booth 805About the Port of HuenemeThe Port of Hueneme is one of the most productive and efficient commercial trade gateways for niche cargo on the West Coast. Five locally elected Port Commissioners govern the Port. The Port consistently ranks among the top ten U.S. ports for automobiles and fresh produce. Port operations support the community by bringing $2.8 billion in economic activity and creating 24,997 trade-related jobs. Trade through the Port of Hueneme generates more than $236 million in direct and related state and local taxes, which fund vital community services. In 2017, the Port of Hueneme became the first port in California to become Green Marine certified and was voted the Greenest Port in the U.S. at the Green Shipping Summit.www.portofh.org Press Contact Letitia AustinPublic & Government
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Protecting enterprise and military servers with unmatched NVMe RAID performance and the most advanced cybersecurity encryption on the market.SANTA CLARA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / As data demands surge in today's hyper-competitive landscape, organizations are constantly seeking solutions that balance cutting-edge security with uncompromised performance. A new strategic partnership between Graid Technology, creators of SupremeRAID, and KLC Group, innovators behind CipherDriveOne Plus, is set to redefine this balance with a first-of-its-kind solution for high-speed storage and NSA CSfC-certified Data-at-Rest (DAR) Security.Graid Technology Inc. and KLC Group Secure Groundbreaking Partnership to Disrupt High-Speed RAID and Data-at-Rest SecurityAt the core of this collaboration is a novel approach to data security. Combining the National Security Agency's (NSA) Commercial Solutions for Classified (CSfC) Data-at-Rest (DAR) Security guidelines, the joint solution integrates encryption, access controls, and authentication to deliver military-grade data protection. This breakthrough is designed to meet the critical needs of government contractors and organizations that require NSA CSfC-certified protection alongside high-performance RAID storage.While CipherDriveOne Plus provides robust hardware-based full-disk encryption, traditional RAID solutions have presented challenges, including drive-locking mechanisms that limit the performance of CSfC-compliant NVMe SSDs or spinning disks. SupremeRAID by Graid Technology offers a groundbreaking alternative. As a GPU-accelerated software RAID, SupremeRAID eliminates the bottlenecks and limitations of hardware RAID, allowing CSfC-compliant systems like CipherDriveOne Plus to operate without compromising authentication processes or drive performance. This results in superior data protection and seamless NVMe SSD operation.CipherDriveOne Plus, a Hardware Full Disk Encryption - Authorization Acquisition (AA) solution, is designed to meet the U.S. Government's strict Data-at-Rest (DAR) standards. It provides key management, encryption, and authentication over OPAL 2.0 self-encrypting SSDs or HDDs, ensuring immediate data protection that is OS-agnostic and governed by FIPS-140-2 level key encryption with options for single, two-factor, or multi-factor authentication."We are thrilled to embark on this new journey with our esteemed partner, where innovation meets collaboration. Together, we have achieved remarkable milestones and won several government customers in a short time. There is no other solution capable of our joint technology in the market today," said Kurt Lennartsson, CEO of KLC Group."By joining forces with KLC Group, we are redefining the performance and security benchmarks in high-performance computing, AI, and diverse industries reliant on data-intensive operations," stated Leander Yu, President and CEO of Graid Technology. "The collaboration between SupremeRAID and CipherDriveOne Plus not only enhances performance but also ensures comprehensive data protection, scalability, and flexibility." To explore the advanced data protection and storage performance offered by this partnership, download the solution brief.For more information:Graid Technology: https://www.graidtech.com/federal-and-public-sector/ KLC Group: https://klc-group.com/ CipherDriveOne: https://www.cipherdriveone.com About KLC Group and CipherDriveOneKLC Group is a leading provider of cybersecurity solutions, dedicated to safeguarding organizations from evolving cyber threats. With a focus on innovation and excellence, KLC Group has consistently delivered cutting-edge security solutions tailored to meet the unique needs of its clients. Learn more: www.klc-group.com About Graid Technology and SupremeRAID Graid Technology is led by a dedicated team of experts with decades of experience in the SDS, ASIC, and storage industries, and continues to push boundaries in data storage innovation by protecting NVMe-based data from the desktop to the cloud. Cutting-edge SupremeRAID GPU-based RAID removes the traditional RAID bottleneck to deliver maximum SSD performance without consuming CPU cycles or creating throughput bottlenecks, delivering unmatched flexibility, performance, and value. With headquarters in Silicon Valley supported by a robust R&D center in Taiwan, we are globally committed to spearheading advancements in storage solutions. For detailed product information, visit our website, or connect with us on Twitter (X) or LinkedIn.Contact InformationAndrea EakenDirector of Marketing, Americas & EMEA | Graid Technologyandrea.eaken@graidtech.com 949-742-9928John C. MyungPresident, KLC Groupjohn@ klc-group.com 408-614-1414Related FilesSupremeRAID and CipherDriveOne Solution Brief_2024SOURCE: Graid Technology Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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HackerNoon's Startups of the Year recognizes and celebrates the world's most innovative and game-changing ventures, with over 150,000 entities participating in a bid to be crowned the best startup in their respective industry and location.EDWARDS, CO / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / HackerNoon, the independent technology publishing platform, today announced the launch ofStartups of The Year 2024- a global, community-driven award celebrating the most innovative ventures in the startup ecosystem.HackerNoon Startups of the Year 2024 HackerNoon Startups of the Year 2024 bannerSponsored by Bright Data, Wellfound, HubSpot, Notion, and Algolia,Startups of The Year is a community-driven voting platform that recognizes startups that are changing technology and the world for the better. Starting September 30th, 2024, the internet can nominate and vote for the best ventures across 100+ industries, including web3, artificial intelligence, and many more.The voting period will remain open until March 31st, 2025, with winners announced on April 28th, 2025, following an evaluation by the HackerNoon team."I'm excited to discover and showcase the world's best startups. We are building an open, reliable, and editable technology startup database that will enable technologists to make informed decisions about which emerging startups to learn about, invest in, partner with, or even work for," statedDavid Smooke, HackerNoon Founder & CEO."For years, Bright Data has empowered businesses-from startups to enterprises-to leverage public web data to drive smarter decisions and scale efficiently. We are excited to partner with HackerNoon for the 2024 Startups of the Year initiative, which celebrates innovation and growth in the startup ecosystem. This initiative aligns with our mission to support businesses of all sizes by providing real-time data that enables them to grow and compete in an ever-changing market," said Or Lenchner, CEO of Bright Data."Wellfound's mission is all about the connection between startups and job-seekers. We are thrilled to partner with HackerNoon to sponsor their 2024 Startups of The Year initiative. This project not only promotes the growth of emerging startups, but also aligns with our mission of creating connections between great teams and great talent," said Amit Matani, CEO of Wellfound."As the #1 Customer Platform for Scaling Businesses, HubSpot is proud to sponsor the Startups of The Year 2024 Awards by HackerNoon. As a company that is committed to helping businesses of all sizes grow better, we are proud to support and empower the next generation of startups who are ready to drive the tech industry forward," said Nancy Harnett, Head of Affiliate Marketing at HubSpot."Startups are the heartbeat of Notion. We build for them and with them, constantly iterating on tools that empower them to focus on innovation and creativity," said Anastasia Crew, Head of Notion for Startups. "We are proud of this partnership with HackerNoon and excited to support the next generation of groundbreaking companies." "At Algolia, we are passionate about empowering startups to innovate and scale by providing them with the API tools they need to build exceptional AI search solutions. As part of our commitment to fostering the next generation of tech leaders, we are thrilled to partner with HackerNoon for their Startups of the Year initiative," said Nick Vlku, Vice President, Product Growth & R&D Leadership.The previous iteration of Startups of The Year garnered over 623,000 total votes, up from more than 215,000 in 2021. In the last edition, the community nominated over 30,000 startups from 4,000+ cities worldwide. Winners received a free .Tech Domain and an Evergreen Tech Company News Page from HackerNoon.How Does Startups of The Year 2024 Work?HackerNoon has curated an initial list of 150,000+ startups across 100+ industries and 4,200+ cities. These startups have generated between $50,000 to $50 million in yearly expected revenue and/or secured $1 million to $100 million in funding.The community can vote and nominate their favorite startups from the list, or nominate new ones across various industries, including AI, Emerging Tech, and Cybersecurity, as well as from key cities like Sydney, Austin, and Toronto.All nominees receive free interviews relevant to their industry and a version of their Evergreen Tech Company News page which includes business overviews and updates whenever the company is mentioned in HackerNoon stories.As a proponent of the open data movement, HackerNoon releases the unique social data gathered from Startups of The Year on GitHub and Hugging Face for valuable insights.Startups of The Year is powered using HackerNoon's proprietary voting software. If you'd like us to power a digital voting experience on your site, please email partners@ hackernoon.com About HackerNoonHackerNoon is an independent technology publishing platform built for technologists to read, write, and publish. Start blogging about technology today.About Bright DataBright Data is a leading public web data platform trusted by over 20,000 customers, including Fortune 500 companies. Our solutions enable efficient web data retrieval and analysis, helping users make informed decisions.About WellfoundWellfound is the #1 global platform dedicated to connecting the startup ecosystem. Our mission is to empower the startup world to discover what's next, bridging the gap between opportunities and top-tier talent.About HubSpotHubSpot is the smart CRM platform that meets the needs of small businesses, seamlessly connecting data, teams, and customers in an easy-to-use scalable platform.About NotionNotion is the connected workspace that allows teams to easily share documents, take notes, manage projects, and organize knowledge-all in one place. Users can create and customize beautiful documents, roadmaps, knowledge bases, and more, helping them work smarter and faster. Notion is trusted and loved by a global community of individual users, startups, and enterprises, including companies like Pixar, Headspace, Codeacademy, Loom, Vanta, and Clay.About AlgoliaAlgolia is a leading provider of AI search solutions, serving over 17,000 businesses and 500,000 developers globally. Renowned for its user-friendly API-First platform and the fastest AI search technology, Algolia is the largest hosted search engine, trusted by businesses and developers for 1.75 trillion searches per year.Contact InformationSheharyar KhanEditor, Business Technologysheharyar@ hackernoon.com Linh Dao SmookeCOO, HackerNoonlinh@ hackernoon.com SOURCE: HackerNoonView the original pr
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. More than 80% of the missiles fired by the Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) at Israel hit the targets, an informed source in Iran told the Iranian news agency Fars, Trend reports.

He claims that this is only the first wave of strikes and a second wave should be expected.

Today the IRGC announced the launch of dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.
PR-Inside.com: 2024-10-01 08:00:27

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HotelRunner, the leading travel and hospitality technology platform, announces its acquisition of Bookingate, an innovative B2B travel marketplace and technology platform. This strategic acquisition reinforces HotelRunner's mission to extend its industry leadership by strengthening its commitment to completing the travel value chain for supply and demand.LONDON, UK / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / With the inclusion of Bookingate, a platform that enables travel service providers to access and distribute hotel inventory and third-party services, HotelRunner becomes the all-in-one solution for the entire travel industry. This unique proposition positions HotelRunner as a comprehensive platform that solves distribution, direct, and offline sales challenges for travel agencies, DMCs, and tour operators, connecting them seamlessly with various suppliers.Advancing the Travel Industry with HotelRunner ConnectBy bringing Bookingate under its umbrella, HotelRunner amplifies the scope and functionality of HotelRunner Connect, its long-established platform serving global travel companies, including travel agencies, metasearch platforms, and payment systems. This move enhances the current service offering while broadening the role of HotelRunner Connect as an end-to-end solution for the entire travel ecosystem.Arden Agopyan, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner, remarked, "Bookingate is a game-changing addition that aligns perfectly with our vision of creating a bigger travel economy. With this acquisition, we are enhancing our platform's capabilities to deliver the industry's most advanced travel management solution, unlocking unprecedented growth opportunities for our large network of travel industry members." Ali Beklen, Founder and Managing Partner of HotelRunner, added, "We are thrilled to welcome Bookingate into the HotelRunner platform, becoming an all-encompassing travel platform for travel agencies, hotels, buyers, and suppliers. With the acquisition of this promising startup and its innovative technology, we are expanding our platform and creating a new ecosystem by uniting fragmented B2B players in the global travel market." Unleashing Multi-Faceted CapabilitiesThe acquisition of Bookingate strengthens HotelRunner's position as the top player in travel tech, expanding its solution stack for all players in the travel value chain, and unlocking capabilities that empower travel companies in a competitive market:Advanced Hotel Contracting: Travel agencies and 3rd party service providers will directly access and distribute real-time inventory. HotelRunner streamlines the entire distribution process and empowers travel providers to expand their reach. A Robust Connectivity Bridge: Acting as a bridge between hotels, travel agencies, tour operators, airlines, transfer, and car rental services, the enhanced platform enables dynamic packaging, offering a more complete solution for sourcing and distribution. Transforming Static Agencies: Just as HotelRunner set out more than a decade ago with the vision of moving hotels from offline to online, it is now preparing to transform offline travel agencies into online, dynamic, and digital powerhouses.Building an Ecosystem of InnovationMarking its fourth acquisition, HotelRunner remains at the forefront of industry innovation by strategically scouting innovative early-stage companies like Bookingate. HotelRunner's commitment to finding or building forward-thinking products ensures that it remains a trusted partner for travel agencies, hotels, buyers, and suppliers worldwide.Contact Information:Suheyla van TaarlingDirector of Marketing & Growthsuheyla@ hotelrunner.com 00905314010303SOURCE: HotelRunnerView the original press release on newswire.com
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 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: 2024-10-01 23:07:24

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TORONTO, ON / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /Justera Health Ltd. (CSE:VTAL)(OTC PINK:SCRSF) ("Justera"or the"Company") is pleased to announce that further to its news release dated June 13, 2024, it has signed a definitive agreement, dated September 30, 2024 (the "Definitive Agreement") to acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding share capital of Port NorthExtracts Inc. ("Port North"), a solventless cannabis brand (the "Transaction").Port North is known for its specialized solventless extraction techniques and product lineup. This acquisition aligns with Justera's strategic plan to diversify its portfolio and expand its presence in the health and wellness sector, particularly in the burgeoning cannabis market.Transaction Terms:Under the terms of the Definitive Agreement, Justera will acquire 100% of the issued and outstanding shares of Port North, an arm's length party, in exchange for 80,000,000 common shares of Justera, issued pro rata to the shareholders of Port North at a deemed value of $0.02 per share (the "Payment Shares"). Additionally, each Port North warrant held by shareholders at closing will be cancelled and exchanged for a Justera common share purchase warrant, entitling the holder to acquire one common share of Justera at an exercise price of $0.05 per share, during the same term as the original Port North warrant. The Payment Shares will be subject to a hold period until 10 trading days following the date the Company either files (i) a business acquisition report, if required under applicable securities laws that includes audited financial statement in connection with the transaction or (ii) consolidated final statements including Port North are made available. No finder's fees or other commissions have been paid in connection with the Transaction.Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that Joshua Herman, the current CEO of Port North will be joining the Board of Directors of the Company.Young Cho Lee, CEO of Justera Health, commented, "We are thrilled to formalize this agreement and look forward to welcoming the Port North team to the Justera family. This acquisition is an important step in expanding our product offerings and strengthening our position in the cannabis industry." Completion of the transaction is expected in the coming weeks, subject to the satisfaction of all necessary customary closing conditions, including regulatory approval, final due diligence, and Port North having a minimum cash on hand of $150,000. Prior to entering into the Definitive Agreement, Port North completed its previously announced offering of units of Port North, issuing 7,500,000 units, which each unit being comprised of one common share of Port North and one warrant.About Port NorthPort North is a Solventless Cannabis Extract Brand. Operating from its extraction facility in Port Elgin, Ontario, Port North utilizes specialized extraction techniques to provide pure, 100% solventless extracts for the recreational and therapeutic cannabis markets.The below out the unaudited financial results of Port North for the year-ended December 31, 2023:There were no cash flow activities during the years ended December 31, 2023.The shareholder loan described above will remain outstanding upon completion of the Transaction; however, the loan is now an interest free loan, whereby the holder thereof has agreed to not call the loan within three years from the date of closing, and whereby the Company, at its option, my covert the loan into common shares of Justera at a rate of $0.07 per common share at any time while the loan is still outstanding.About Justera HealthEstablished in 2020, Justera is a Canadian company focused on health and wellness. Through its services, innovative products, strategic partnerships, Justera empowers individuals to prioritize their well-being. With four subsidiaries, it offers personalized healthcare services and solutions, such as IV Vitamin Therapy, premium nutritional supplements through its Naturevan Nutrition brand, a full 360-degree wellness and spa experience through Juillet Wellness that provides registered massage therapy, acupuncture, and new retail stores in Vancouver. Justera's mission is to enhance Canadians overall well-being with diverse solutions catering to individual needs.For additional information on Justera Health and other corporate information, please visit the Company's website at https://www.justerahealth.com/ For more information about the Company, please refer to the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.com For further information:Investor Relations & CommunicationsPaul Haber, CFOTel: (416) 318-6501Email: info@ justerahealth.com Forward-Looking Statements:Certain statements contained in this news release may constitute forward-looking information, including statements relating to the future development of Justera's business. Forward-looking information is often, but not always, identified by the use of words such as "anticipate", "plan", "estimate", "expect", "may", "will", "intend", "should", and similar expressions. All statements included herein, other than statements of historical fact, are forward-looking statements, including but not limited to: the terms, timing and completion of the Transaction, if the Transaction is to close at all, the receipt of all necessary regulatory and CSE approvals, authorizations and consents in connection with the Transaction, and the completion or waiver, as applicable, of all conditions precedent required for the completion of the Transaction; the anticipated business plans, management structure, and future activities of the Company and Port North, including the Company's intention to integrate Port North into its business; and the anticipated benefits and synergies to be derived from the Transaction on the business of both Port North and the Company; and the date in which the Payment Shares may become free-trading.Forward-Looking Statements are based on assumptions, estimates, analyses and opinions of management of the Company at the time they were provided or made in light of its experience and its perception of trends, current conditions and expected developments, as well as other factors that management believes to be relevant and reasonable in the circumstances, including: (i) successful completion of the Financing; (ii) successful completion of the Transaction and the integration of the business of Port North in connection therewith; (iii) the ability to manage anticipated and unanticipated costs; (iv) ach
PR-Inside.com: 2024-10-01 15:02:11

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K2 University, the educational division of K2 Partnering Solutions, has announced the expansion of its official SAP instructor-led training programs to the U.S. and Canada in response to increasing demand for cloud-focused SAP skills. This initiative will offer a broader range of flexible learning opportunities, enabling professionals to enhance their expertise in key areas such as cloud, AI, and SAP solutions.MIAMI, FL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /K2 University, the education arm of K2 Partnering Solutions, a leading worldwide provider of consultative technology services, is proud to announce the expansion of its SAP instructor-led training programs to the United States and Canada. In response to the growing demand for future-focused SAP skills, K2 University will now offer a wider range of flexible learning opportunities to help professionals enhance their expertise in cloud-first SAP solutions.K2 University K2 University logoWith businesses increasingly transitioning to the cloud and new technologies reshaping the job market, the need for cloud, AI, and SAP skills has surged. According to a report from the World Economic Forum, these emerging technologies are among the most in-demand skills across industries. To meet this demand, K2 University is bringing its high-quality official SAP learning content, methodologies, and instructor-led courses to a broader North American audience."SAP is a cornerstone in the tech world, and its solutions are vital for businesses worldwide," said Wahridj Gergian, Managing Director of K2 University. "Cultivating SAP skills is essential for growth and success in today's digital landscape. I am thrilled that through our long-standing and successful partnership with SAP, we can expand our offering to our North American audience, empowering companies to innovate and grow. This is a significant step forward in K2 University's commitment to providing valuable, in-demand skills to our customers." This strategic expansion will provide learners access to scheduled, live, instructor-led courses delivered by experienced trainers, helping professionals and organizations maximize the return on their SAP investments. As part of K2 University's mission to break down barriers to education, these training programs are designed to be flexible and accessible, allowing professionals to enhance their knowledge and deepen their SAP expertise."We are confident that our extended partnership with K2 University in North America will continue the positive impact on many people and organizations," commented Andre Bechtold, Senior Vice President and Head of Solution and Innovation Experience at SAP. "It provides future-focused education to a broader audience, empowering them through accessible learning opportunities. We look forward to a future of shared success and growth, solidifying our commitment to creating opportunity through learning and development for all." Visit K2 University for more information about its SAP training programs in North America.Contact InformationDylan Griffiths Senior Vice President Marketingdgriffiths@ k2partnering.com 020 4592 0141SOURCE: K2 UniversityView the original press release on newswire.com
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Hosted by Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Los Angeles Branch (aT Center LA), in collaboration with the University of Arizona's East Asian Studies Department and the Center for East Asian StudiesTUCSON, AZ / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / The Korean Kimchi Recipe Contest, hosted by the Korea Agro-Fisheries & Food Trade Corporation Los Angeles Branch (aT Center LA) in collaboration with the University of Arizona's East Asian Studies Department and the Center for East Asian Studies, was a huge success! Held at the Bear Down Gymnasium on September 26th, the event drew enthusiastic participation from students, faculty, and staff, all showcasing their love and creativity for Korean cuisine.Kimchi Contest Finale Winners, Chefs, Professors, and aT Center LA were posing together after the Kimchi Contest AwardsThis contest allowed participants to compete for scholarships totaling $3,000, with the prestigious Kimchi Scholarship of $1,500 awarded to the top recipe winner. The competition began with an online social media round, followed by a virtual quiz show that determined the eight finalists. These finalists then showcased their culinary skills during the live finale, creating unique and flavorful kimchi dishes that impressed the judges and audience alike.Attendees enjoyed various activities throughout the day, including Korean food product giveaways, a vibrant K-Food photo zone, and product exhibitions. One of the event's highlights was a special Kimchi conference led by experts from the World Institute of Kimchi (WI KIM), offering in-depth knowledge and insights into the art of kimchi making. The audience was also treated to an engaging kimchi-making demonstration, which inspired many to try creating the iconic Korean dish.A standout moment came from Chef Ji Hye Kim, the award-winning chef and owner of Miss Kim in Ann Arbor, MI. Chef Kim, a four-time James Beard Award semifinalist, delivered a captivating presentation about her experiences in modern Korean cuisine, sharing tips and tricks with aspiring chefs and food enthusiasts. Her talk resonated with attendees, especially as she was named one of Food & Wine's Best New Chefs of 2021.Adding to the excitement, the event also featured an exhilarating K-Pop dance performance, which energized the crowd and added a cultural flair to the culinary festivities.The Korean Kimchi Recipe Contest not only highlighted the creativity of its participants but also offered a rich cultural experience, celebrating the best of Korean food and tradition. As this year's contest wraps up, it leaves behind an inspired community eager to explore and appreciate Korean cuisine even further.For more information on future events, please contact: HYFIVE, Inc. (Marketing Agency of aT Center Los Angeles)Email: info@ hyfive.world Contact InformationJennifer JungManagerjennifer@ hyfive.world SOURCE: aT Center LAView the original press release on newswire.com
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Reports Full Year Fiscal 2024 Net Sales of $24.5 million, Net Loss of $399,000 and Adjusted EBITDA of $612,000ATLANTA, GA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Luvu Brands, Inc. (OTCQB:LUVU), a designer, manufacturer, and marketer of a portfolio of consumer lifestyle brands, announced today its financial and operational results for the full year ending June 30, 2024.For the 12 months ended June 30, 2024 overview:Full year net revenue decreased 16% to $24.5 million versus a year ago.Full year gross margin improved to 27% from 25% a year ago.Full year net loss of $399,000, or $0.01 per basic and diluted share.Full year adjusted EBITDA of $612,000 was down 69% from a year ago.Inventory at June 30, 2024 of $3.3 million, representing a decrease of 22% versus a year ago.As of June 30, 2024, the Company had $1.03 million of cash and cash equivalents, which was flat compared to a year ago.Louis Friedman, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, acknowledged the challenges faced during FY2024. He cited declining consumer sentiment due to macroeconomic, extreme weather impacts, and geopolitical instability as a headwind affecting sales. Additionally, the absence of the significant marketing event of the Netflix show, "How to Build a Sex Room," in FY2024 impacted Liberator product sales. To counter this decline, the company increased digital advertising spending and successfully engaged online influencers.Twelve Month Operating ResultsNet revenue in FY 2024 decreased 16% to $24.6 million compared to $29.2 million in FY 2023. The year-over-year decrease is primarily attributable to lower unit sales in our Liberator product line.Gross profit in FY 2024 totaled $6.5 million compared to $7.2 million in FY 2023, while gross margin improved to 27% in FY 2024 versus 25% a year ago. The decrease in gross profit is primarily due to the decrease in units sold, and the improvement in gross margin is mainly due to lower freight and raw material costs versus a year ago.Operating Costs excluding Sales and Marketing in FY 2024 were $3.2 million, or 13% of net revenue, compared to $3.1 million, or 11% of net revenue in FY 2023. The increase was primarily attributable to increases in personnel expenses and professional fees.Sales and Marketing expenses in FY 2024 totaled $2.75 million, or 11% of net revenue, compared to $2.2 million, or 8% of net revenue, in FY 2023, driven by increased digital advertising spend.Net loss in FY 2024 was $399,000 compared to net income of $1.2 million in FY 2023, and the net loss margin in FY 2024 was 1.6% compared to net income margin of 4.1% in FY 2023.Adjusted EBITDA in FY 2024 was $612,000 compared to $1.95 million in FY 2023.Friedman added, "As we focus on reinvigorating our products and brands, we are encouraged by the strong consumer response to our recent influencer success. This makes us confident that our fresh, updated product collections coming to market over the next year will build on that success. We believe the combination of elevated product, good storytelling, and superior customer experience in the coming year will position the business to return to top-line growth in 2025 and enable us to build long-term shareholder value." Friedman emphasized Luvu Brands' commitment to cost control and maximizing sales growth. The company aims to return to growth in the coming year by exploring the following strategies:Diversification of Product Lines: Luvu Brands recognizes the need to diversify its product offerings beyond the Liberator brand. While Liberator has been a cornerstone of our success, we aim to explore new lifestyle categories and create innovative products that resonate with a broader customer base. Our research and development team is actively working on identifying trends and consumer preferences to guide our expansion.International Expansion: The global market presents significant growth opportunities. We plan to expand our presence beyond the United States by strategically entering new markets. This involves understanding cultural nuances, adapting our marketing approach, and establishing strong distribution networks. Our goal is to become a recognized brand worldwide.Digital Transformation: In an increasingly digital world, we're committed to enhancing our online presence. This includes optimizing our e-commerce platform, improving user experience, and leveraging data analytics to personalize customer interactions. We'll also explore partnerships with online marketplaces and influencers to amplify our reach.Strategic Marketing Collaborations: Building on our successful influencer campaigns, we'll continue to collaborate with key influencers and thought leaders. These partnerships allow us to tap into their engaged audiences and create authentic connections. Additionally, we'll explore co-branding opportunities and strategic alliances with complementary brands.Customer-Centric Approach: Our customers are at the heart of everything we do. We'll invest in understanding their needs, preferences, and pain points. Regular feedback loops, surveys, and social listening will guide our product development and marketing efforts. By staying attuned to our audience, we can adapt swiftly to changing market dynamics.Agile Supply Chain Management: To maintain cost efficiency and flexibility, we'll optimize our supply chain. This involves streamlining sourcing, improving inventory management, and minimizing lead times. Our operations team will focus on agility, ensuring we can respond swiftly to market demands and minimize disruptions.Investment in Talent and Culture: Our employees drive our success. We'll invest in talent development, fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning. By attracting top talent and nurturing their growth, we'll position ourselves for long-term success.Louis Friedman, CEO, emphasizes that these strategies are essential for Luvu Brands' resilience and growth. As we navigate challenges, we remain committed to delivering quality products while adapting to an ever-evolving market landscape.Additional Information:Please see www.luvubrands.com for updated events, press and new product releases. Should you wish to speak to us directly please email chris.knauf@luvubrands.com with your preferred day and time.Forward-Looking StatementsCertain matters discussed in this press release may be forward-looking statements. Such matters involve risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially, including the following: changes in economic conditions; general competitive factors; acceptance of the Company's products in the market; the Comp
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BOSTON, MA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / In anticipation ofBoston Fintech Week 2024presented byFintech Sandbox ,Mass Fintech Hubhas announced plans to host five in-person events that will leverage the expertise and learnings of current members of the public-private partnership. These events will help bolster the collaborative's ongoing mission to advance the fintech community in Massachusetts and beyond, and educate, inform and inspire the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders."Mass Fintech Hub's programs during Boston Fintech Week will demonstrate how the sector is reshaping our economy and cultivating the next generation of talent," said Carolyn Kirk, CEO, Massachusetts Technology Collaborative (MassTech) and Mass Fintech Hub Advisory Board member. "The event is a perfect opportunity to spotlight the diverse communities in the ecosystem with a close eye on innovations that are breaking new ground." Mass Fintech Hub's official lineup of event programming will include:The Digital Asset Ecosystem - Securing Financial Stability Through InnovationTuesday, October 15 from 10 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on the fourth floor of the Boston Federal ReserveSpeakers: Mike Norman of Consensys & MITRE, Corinne Vitolo of Accenture Research and Innovation, Spyridon Antonopoulos of Solidus Labs and Jason Ward of Fidelity.Join leaders in fintech for a dialogue about challenges and opportunities in the developing field of digital assets. Registerhere.The Battle of AI InnovatorsTuesday, October 15 from 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Boston Federal ReserveSpeakers: Karan Kashyap of Posh, Ron Shevlin of Cornerstone Advisors, Bill Gold of Citizens Bank, Brooke Ybarra of the American Bankers Association, Christian Lau of Dynamo AI, JD DiThomas of Federal Reserve Bank of Boston and Vasilios Roussos of PoshJoin industry leaders, tech pioneers, and visionaries to explore cutting-edge trends in Artificial Intelligence, reshaping fintech in Massachusetts. Registerhere.The Future of FinTechWednesday, October 16 from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. at 10 Fan Pier, Room 1302Speakers: Mass Fintech Hub Co-Chairs Sears Merritt of MassMutual and Julie Thurlow of Reading Cooperative BankUncover fintech's pivotal role in the future of Massachusetts as seen by Mass Fintech Hub's leadership, with a fireside chat with focuses in banking and insurance. Registerhere.Capital & Career - A Day in the Life of an EntrepreneurFriday, October 18 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Boston Federal ReserveSpeakers: Yixiao "Ethan" Jiang of Western New England University, Ardian Preci of WPI Business School, Tony Cerce of ProsperOn and othersLearn firsthand about the day-to-day life of a startup founder in the Massachusetts fintech ecosystem. Registerhere.Making your 1st, 10th, and 100th Angel Investment: Best Practices for Getting Started & ScalingFriday, October 18 from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. on the fourth floor of the Boston Federal ReserveSpeakers: David Chang of TBD Angels, Kristen Craft of Fidelity Private Shares, Selom Azuma of Staples and Allison Byers of ScroobiousWhether you are interested in becoming an angel Investor or want to understand how they operate so you can perfect your pitch as a startup founder, or whether you want to get a sense of other ways you can support fintech startups in Boston, you won't want to miss this session. Registerhere.For more updates and to register for any of Mass Fintech Hub's programming, please visit our events page: https://massfintechhub.com/discover/events/ As an initiative under Fintech Sandbox, a nonprofit enabling innovation in the financial sector, the Mass Fintech Hub aims to provide comprehensive educational programming for the seventh annual Boston Fintech Week, presented by Fintech Sandbox. The theme of the week will be "Fintech at Full Throttle: The Rapid Advance of Innovation," and the event will explore the accelerating pace of change in the financial industry."We have developed Mass Fintech Hub's programming with the goal of fostering, sustaining and growing the fintech and financial services industries throughout Massachusetts and work to establish our state as a global fintech leader," said Julie Thurlow, Mass Fintech Hub Co-Chair & President & CEO of Reading Cooperative Bank. "This year's Boston Fintech Week programming is another reflection of that commitment and progression." "Our programming at Boston Fintech Week allows us to continue our support of our expansive community of students, entrepreneurs and industry leaders," said Sears Merritt, Mass Fintech Hub Co-Chair & Head of Enterprise Technology & Experience at MassMutual. "We wouldn't be able to be here without our members and our broader community, and we welcome the opportunity to gather as a group to solve for not only today's challenges, but also the future." For more details and to register for the Fintech Sandbox Innovation Forum at Boston Fintech Week 2024, visit BostonFintechWeek.org About the Mass Fintech HubThe Mass Fintech Hub is a public-private partnership focused on cultivating a thriving financial ecosystem in the Bay State through programs that build community, attract investment, develop talent and seed collaboration. Composed of a close-knit and diverse network of tech founders, financial services leaders, investors, academics and public sector leaders, the Mass Fintech Hub is dedicated to ensuring that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts is providing an unparalleled habitat for fintech innovation of all stages. For more information, please visit https://massfintechhub.com/about/ , sign up for our newsletter, or follow us on LinkedIn and X.Contact Information:Caliber Corporate Advisersmassfintechhub@ calibercorporate.com SOURCE: Mass Fintech Hub
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LUXEMBOURG / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Nexa Resources S.A. ("Nexa Resources", "Nexa" or the "Company") (NYSE:NEXA) announces today changes to its Board of Directors and senior leadership team.The Company announces the departure of Mr. Joao Schmidt, who has stepped down from his role as a Board member, effective October 1, 2024.At the same time, Nexa is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. Flavio Aidar to the Board of Directors.Mr. Aidar holds a degree in Business Administration from Fundacao Getulio Vargas and brings over 7 years of experience in the industrial, infrastructure, and mining sectors, along with extensive board experience in various countries and financial markets. He is currently a Managing Director of Votorantim S.A. and previously served as CEO of InterCement, a leading global cement company with a presence in Latin America, Europe, and Africa. His previous board roles include: Director of CCR S.A. (B3: CCRO3), Chairman of Loma Negra (NYSE: LOMA), Chairman of lnterCement Brasil S.A., and Chairman of Brazil's Cement Industry Associations (SNIC and ABCP). Before holding these positions, Mr. Aidar was a Managing Director in the Investment Banking Division of Goldman Sachs and a member of its management committee in Brazil.In addition, Mr. Marcio Godoy, Senior Vice President of Technical Services and Projects at Nexa, decided to step down effective October 15, 2024. His responsibilities will be distributed across other management functions."On behalf of the entire board, I want to express our deepest gratitude to Joao, who was a valued member of the Board of Directors since 2016, providing invaluable insight and guidance to the Company through his work on the board and committees. We warmly welcome Flavio Aidar, whose extensive experience in financial capital markets and corporate sectors will bring a unique and valuable perspective as we continue to explore new avenues for growth and maximize shareholder value. We also extend our thanks to Marcio for his dedication and leadership over the last four years, and we wish him all the best in his future professional endeavors" - said Jaime Ardila, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Nexa Resources.About NexaNexa is a large-scale, low-cost integrated zinc producer with over 65 years of experience developing and operating mining and smelting assets in Latin America. Nexa currently owns and operates four long-life mines, three of which are located in the central Andes region of Peru, and one of which is located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil. Nexa is ramping up Aripuana, its fifth mine, in the state of Mato Grosso in Brazil. Nexa also currently owns and operates three smelters, two of which are located in the state of Minas Gerais in Brazil, and one of which is located in Cajamarquilla in Peru, which is the largest smelter in the Americas.Nexa was among the top five producers of mined zinc globally in 2023 and one of the top five metallic zinc producers worldwide in 2023, according to Wood Mackenzie.Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking StatementsThis news release contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements as defined in applicable securities laws (collectively referred to in this news release as "forward-looking statements"). Forward-looking statements contained in this news release may include, but are not limited to, zinc and other metal prices and exchange rate assumptions, projected operating and capital costs, metal or mineral recoveries, head grades, mine life, production rates, and returns; the Company's potential plans; the estimation of the tonnage, grade and content of deposits and the extent of mineral resource and mineral reserve estimates; timing of commencement of production; exploration potential and results; the timing and receipt of necessary permits for future operations; and the impacts of COVID-19 on our operations.These statements are based on information currently available to the Company and the Company provides no assurance that actual results and future performance and achievements will meet or not differ from the expectations of management or qualified persons. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements. The words "believe," "will," "may," "may have," "would," "estimate," "continues," "anticipates," "intends," "plans," "expects," "budget," "scheduled," "forecasts" and similar words are intended to identify estimates and forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees and 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. Actual results and developments may be substantially different from the expectations described in the forward-looking statements for a number of reasons, many of which are not under our control, among them, the activities of our competition, the future global economic situation, weather conditions, market prices and conditions, exchange rates, and operational and financial risks. The unexpected occurrence of one or more of the abovementioned events may significantly change the results of our operations on which we have based our estimates and forward-looking statements. Our estimates and forward-looking statements may also be influenced by, among others, legal, political, environmental, or other risks that could materially affect the potential development of the Project, including risks related to outbreaks of contagious diseases or health crises impacting overall economic activity regionally or globally, as well as risks relating to ongoing or future investigations by local authorities with respect to our business and operations and the conduct of our customers, including the impact to our financial statements regarding the resolution of any such matters.These forward-looking statements related to future events or future performance and include current estimates, predictions, forecasts, beliefs and statements as to management's expectations with respect to, but not limited to, the business and operations of the Company and mining production, our growth strategy, the impact of applicable laws and regulations, future zinc and other metal prices, smelting sales, capex, expenses related to exploration and project evaluation, estimation of Mineral Reserves and/or Mineral Resources, mine life and our financial liquidity.Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a num
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LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or "the Company") (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI) announces its audited results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. All dollar figures are stated in thousands of US$ unless otherwise noted. The audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended May 31, 2024; the related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"); and Forms 52-109FV1 will be filed today and be available for review on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca . The financial statements and the MD&A are also available on the Company's website at www.orosur.ca A link to the PDF version of the financial statements is available here: http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/3454G_2-2024-9-30.pdf A link to the PDF version of the MD&A is available here: http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/3454G_1-2024-9-30.pdf HIGHLIGHTSIn Colombia, during the earlier part of the financial year, and whilst discussions were continuing on the involvement of Monte Aguila in the Anza Project ("Anza Project"), some limited activities did take place including mapping and surface sampling; advancing the integration of smaller licences and the promotion of relationships with local community groups to strengthen the social licence to operate the Anza Project.Post the financial year end, on September 10, 2024, the Company entered into a sale and purchase agreement ("SPA") to acquire MMA, thereby reassuming 100% of the Company's flagship Anza Project in Colombia. Under the SPA, Orosur's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Waymar Resources Ltd., will purchase all of the issued shares of MMA from wholly owned subsidiaries of Newmont and Agnico resulting in Orosur regaining 100% ownership of the Project (the "Acquisition"). No cash is payable up front, with all consideration deferred and wholly contingent upon commercial production from the Anza Project. The agreed consideration payable to Newmont and Agnico consists of a net smelter royalty of an aggregate amount of 1.5% on all future mineral production, plus a further royalty of an aggregate amount of US$75 per ounce of gold or gold equivalent ounce for the first 200,000 gold equivalent ounces of mineral production. Completion of the Acquisition is subject to customary conditions including the approval of the TSXV.In Argentina, sampling and ground magnetic surveys recommenced after the winter recess in September 2023 with the plan of completing coverage of the highest priority parts of the project before more detailed work could be commenced with a view to defining drill targets.The teams returned early in 2024 and work was completed at the end of April 2024, with results compiled and assessed. Examination of these data have supported the Company's original thesis as to the prospectivity of El Pantano. A regional scale SE-NW trending rift system has been clearly mapped at El Pantano, approximately 20km in strike length and 6km in width; the same style and scale of structural architecture that is known to control the emplacement of major gold/silver deposits elsewhere in the massif. Swarms of quartz veins have been mapped over wide areas providing evidence of a highly active epithermal system. The Company is optimistic that it has identified a major, hitherto unknown low-sulphidation epithermal system, potentially similar in scale to that which produced the giant precious metal deposits at Cerro Negro, Cerro Vanguardia and others.The objective of the next phase of work will be to focus down to areas within this rift system that may be the most attractive structural conduits for fluid flow and mineral deposition. Work programs may include more detailed geochemistry, electrical geophysics (resistivity and IP) and reconnaissance drilling. In the meantime, the Company has completed and submitted all the necessary environmental studies that are required as part of the Santa Cruz Province drilling permit process. Consideration of these reports and drilling approval was expected to take several months and it is thus anticipated the Company will have drilling permits later in calendar 2024.In Nigeria, on October 16, 2023 the Company announced that it had signed a joint venture agreement over 4 licences in the Nigerian lithium belt ("Lithium Project"). The Company via a new 100% owned UK subsidiary, Lithium West Limited ("Lithium West"), may earn up to 70% equity in the Lithium Project in two phases: Phase 1 - Lithium West can earn 51% equity in the Lithium Project by spending a total of US$3million over a maximum of three years. Phase 2 - Lithium West can earn an additional 19% equity in the Lithium Project, up to a total of 70%, by spending an additional US$2million over a maximum of two years. Field work began immediately after signing of the JV with the first results released at the end of November 2023.On November 28th, 2023, the Company announced positive results from an initial mapping and sampling program that was carried out on the Lithium Project. Several hundred samples of various outcrops were taken, with approximately 70 then being analysed by way of XRF and LIBS for lithium content as well as a number of other pathfinder elements. Mapped pegmatite systems were noted over substantial strike lengths of several km's and of varying widths from sub-metre, to over 30m in one massive example. Numerous pegmatite samples returned high levels of lithium, with several over 2% LiO2. Also announced on that day was the acquisition of a further two new exploration licences in Nigeria taking the total area of prospective land under title to 533km2, representing one of the more dominant land positions in Nigeria.In Brazil, on July 5, 2023, the Company announced that given the success of the regional stream sediment program performed across the Company's Ariquemes district, it had decided to move to the next phase which has targeted two prospects at Oriente Novo (in the east of the Company's tenements) and at Paraiso in the west and to the north of the Bom Futuro tin mine. Further exploration work was planned including sampling and assaying. In spite of the progress made in Brazil, as a result of a Company review to prioritise the use of its capital, a decision was taken to no longer pursue activity on its Brazilian project. Accordingly, on May 3rd, 2024, Orosur terminated its JV agreement with Meridian Mining UK Societas on the Ariquemes tin project.Finally,in Uruguay, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Loryser, continues to focus its activities on the final stages of the Creditors Agreement. In line with the Creditors Agreement, Loryser has sold all of its assets. It has paid for the settlements with all of its former employees; it h
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Continued community beautification efforts lead to recognition for a third consecutive yearSPRINGFIELD, OH / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Pathways Financial Credit Union is proud to announce that its Springfield branch has been awarded the prestigious Business of the Year Award by the Clark County Community Beautification Committee (CBC). The annual award recognizes local businesses for their contributions to the visual improvement of community and commercial spaces.Springfield Pathways Branch The recognition marks the third consecutive year the branch has been celebrated for its outstanding beautification efforts, with previous honors including the 2022 Neighborhood Improvement Award and the 2023 CBC Business Award.The CBC is committed to recognizing businesses and organizations that contribute to the aesthetic and overall improvement of the Springfield area, enhancing the quality of life for both residents and visitors. This honor underscores Pathways' ongoing dedication to creating a vibrant and welcoming atmosphere at its Springfield branch, located at 1850 South Limestone Street."We're honored to receive this recognition," said Penny Russell, Branch Manager at the Springfield location. "At Pathways, we believe the care we put into maintaining our branch reflects our deep commitment to the community we serve. We take pride in being part of Springfield's growth." The Business of the Year Award will be officially presented during the 59th Annual Beautification Awards Program, set for 2:00 PM on October 6, 2024, at the Courtyard by Marriott in Springfield, 100 South Fountain Avenue.# # #About Pathways:Pathways Financial Credit Union is a member-owned, not-for-profit full-service financial institution with assets of over $584 million, serving over 49,000 consumer and business members with 12 branch locations throughout Central Ohio, the Dayton / Springfield area, and Southern Ohio.Contact InformationBrent FisherAVP, Marketingbfisher@ pathwayscu.com 614-416-7588 x1463SOURCE: Pathways Financial Credit UnionView the original press release on newswire.com
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. Iran only targeted Israeli military targets during the missile strike, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Republic said, Trend reports.

"The Islamic Republic of Iran launched defensive missile strikes only against military targets. Iran carried out a military operation against Israel, using its right to self-defense. If necessary, Iran is fully prepared to take defensive measures to protect the territorial integrity of the country and protect its legitimate interests from any military aggression and illegal use of force," the statement said.

Earlier, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.
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Victoria-based cloud solutions provider Premier Cloud celebrates its rapid growth and continued success in delivering cloud solutions.VICTORIA, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Premier Cloud is thrilled to announce its ascent to the 105th position on The Globe and Mail's prestigious 2024 Report on Business ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies.Globe and Mail Fastest Growing Company list Premier Cloud Inc. named one of the fastest growing companies in Canada.Premier Cloud earned its spot with a three-year growth of 382%. As the company continues its rapid growth, it has ascended in the rankings of Globe and Mail's Top Growing Companies publication. With a long list of signature clients, Premier Cloud helps leading companies across various industries leverage cloud solutions."Earning a ranking on this list for the third consecutive year is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the entire Premier Cloud team," said Daniel Azad, President and CEO. "This achievement reaffirms the trust our clients place in our team to drive measurable outcomes with their Google Cloud investments." Canada's Top Growing Companies is an editorial ranking that was launched in 2019 to celebrate the achievements of innovative businesses in Canada. To qualify for this program, companies had to complete an in-depth application process and fulfill revenue requirements."Our annual ranking of Canada's Top Growing Companies reflects the sector-spanning ingenuity of this country's entrepreneurs and corporate leaders," says Dawn Calleja, Editor of Report on Business magazine. "And we think it's important to tell their stories, to help inspire the next generation of up-and-comers across the country." "The Globe and Mail congratulates this year's Canada's Top Growing Companies' winners for achieving exceptional growth and resilience in facing business challenges," says Andrew Saunders, CEO of The Globe and Mail.About Premier CloudPremier Cloud is a leading Google Premier Partner dedicated to helping businesses leverage the power of Google Cloud. With a team of seasoned experts, Premier Cloud provides comprehensive solutions that enable organizations to modernize, collaborate, automate, and scale in the cloud.About The Globe and MailThe Globe and Mail is Canada's foremost news media company, leading the national discussion and causing policy change through brave and independent journalism since 1844. With our award-winning coverage of business, politics, and national affairs, The Globe and Mail newspaper reaches 6. 2 million readers every week in our print or digital formats, and Report on Business magazine reaches 2. 9 million readers in print and digital every issue. Our investment in innovative data science means that as the world continues to change, so does The Globe. The Globe and Mail is owned by Woodbridge, the investment arm of the Thomson family.Contact InformationAlex ShahbazfarMarketing Coordinatoralex.s@premiercloud.com 888-866-2230SOURCE: Premier Cloud Inc.View the original press release on newswire.com
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THIS ANNOUNCEMENT AND THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS RESTRICTED AND IS NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN, INTO OR FROM THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN OR SOUTH AFRICA OR TO BE TRANSMITTED, DISTRIBUTED TO, OR SENT BY, ANY NATIONAL OR RESIDENT OR CITIZEN OF ANY SUCH COUNTRIES OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH SUCH RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION MAY CONTRAVENE LOCAL SECURITIES LAWS OR REGULATIONS.This announcement is an advertisement and not an admission document or a prospectus and does not constitute or form part of an offer to sell or issue or a solicitation of an offer to subscribe for or buy any securities nor should it be relied upon in connection with any contract or commitment whatsoever in any jurisdiction. Potential investors should not purchase or subscribe for any transferable securities referred to in this announcement except on the basis of the information in the final form of an admission document (the "Admission Document") which may be published in due course in connection with the proposed admission of its issued and to be issued common shares ("CommonShares") to trading on AIM, a market operated by London Stock Exchange plc ("AIM") ("Admission"). Upon such publication the Admission Document will supersede this announcement and the information contained herein in its entirety and your investment decision, if any, must be made only on the basis of the information contained therein. It should be noted that an investment in any transferable securities referred to in this announcement carries a number of risks and that the value of investments may go down as well as up. Investors should take independent advice from a person experienced in advising on investment in securities such as those referred to in this announcement if they are in doubt.CASCAIS, PORTUGAL / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Pulsar Helium Inc. (TSXV:PLSR)(OTCQB:PSRHF) ("Pulsar" or the "Company"), the helium project development company, is pleased to announce that it has signed a new drill contract with Capstar Drilling for its Topaz Helium Project (Topaz') in the State of Minnesota, USA. The drill contract follows the successful drilling of the Jetstream #1 well and additional drilling activities are scheduled to occur this quarter. Drilling activities will consist of deepening the Jetstream #1 well by a further c.500m to intersect the full anticipated height of the reservoir, with the option to drill an additional two step out wells. All necessary permits to deepen Jetstream #1 have been obtained, and site improvements and preparation are now underway.HIGHLIGHTSA new drill contract has been signed with Capstar Drilling for deepening the Jetstream #1 well by a further c.500m to intersect the full anticipated height of the reservoir, with the option to drill two additional step out wells.Site improvements are underway, all relevant permits for deepening Jetstream #1 have been obtained, and drilling is scheduled to commence this quarter.Thomas Abraham-James, President & CEO of Pulsar, commented: "The signing of the Capstar Drilling contract is a further step forward as we look to commercialise the high-grade Topaz helium project in Minnesota. We anticipate that deepening the Jetstream #1 well will further validate the economics of the Project and confirm the reservoir's district-scale potential, thus underpinning Topaz as North America's leading helium and CO2 resource." "These are exciting times for Pulsar particularly as mineral security and 'safe jurisdiction resource development' increasingly shape investor decision making. We are receiving strong support across the political spectrum in Minnesota who recognise the statewide benefits of bringing Topaz on stream. As the project continues to develop at pace, we look forward to keeping the market regularly informed and delivering our strategy for the benefit of all stakeholders." DRILL CONTRACT DETAILSFollowing the successful drilling and testing of the Jetstream #1 well, the Company intends to maintain momentum and has accordingly signed a new drill contract with Capstar Drilling to undertake further drilling at the Topaz Project in Minnesota. The rig is scheduled to commence drilling services this quarter, consisting of deepening the Jetstream #1 well by c.500m, with the option to drill an additional two step out wells.Capstar Drilling is the rig contractor of choice, having been previously contracted to drill the Jetstream #1 well in February of this year. The rig and experience of the crew with local conditions are highly regarded and the continuity with Capstar Drilling is anticipated to be a benefit to the drill program. Capstar Drilling will provide a 6000 Elenburg Manufacturing trailer-mounted drilling rig and the crew.All necessary permits required from local, State and Federal authorities have been obtained for deepening Jetstream #1 and site preparations are currently underway. Drilling activities will be overseen by Company personnel and TRES Management Inc. During drilling, a gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer will be on location to provide real-time gas composition measurements including helium concentration. On reaching total depth, an open-hole logging suite will be acquired to evaluate the reservoir zone for the next phase of evaluation.About Pulsar Helium Inc.Pulsar Helium Inc. is a publicly traded company listed on the TSX Venture Exchange with the ticker PLSR and on the OTCQB with the ticker PSRHF. Pulsar's portfolio consists of its flagship Topaz helium project in Minnesota, USA, and the Tunu helium project in Greenland. Pulsar is the first mover in both locations with primary helium occurrences not associated with the production of hydrocarbons identified at each. For further information visit https://pulsarhelium.com , follow us on X https://twitter.com/pulsarhelium?lang=en and LinkedIn https://ca.linkedin.com/company/pulsar-helium-inc On behalf Pulsar Helium Inc."Thomas Abraham-James"President, CEO and DirectorFurther Information: Pulsar Helium Inc. connect@ pulsarhelium.com + 1 (604) 599-0310OAK Securities* info@ OAK-securities.com +44 203 973 3678Neither 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.IMPORTANT INFORMATIONThe communication of this announcement is not being made, and has not been approved, by an authorised person for the purposes of section 21 of the UK Financial Services and Markets Act 2000.The contents of this announcement, which has been prepared by and is the sole responsibility of the Company, h
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Highlights:Strong analytical results from the inaugural drilling campaign for Q2 Metals include:CS-24-018: Widest interval of215.6 m at 1.69% Li2O, including 64.6 m at 2.29% Li2O.CS-24-011: Widest interval of 81.8 m at 1.17% Li2O.CS-24-013: Widest interval of 59.5 m at 1.18% Li2O.Core assay results remain to be reported on six (6) additional drill holes completed during the Summer 2024 Drill Campaign.VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /Q2 Metals Corp. (TSXV:QTWO)(OTCQB:QUEXF)(FSE:458) ("Q2" or the "Company") is pleased to report the core assay results on drill holes CS-24-011 to CS-24-016 and CS-24-018 from the Spring 2024 Drill Campaign at the Cisco Lithium Property (the "Property" or the "Cisco Property") located within the greater Nemaska traditional territory of the Eeyou Istchee James Bay region of Quebec, Canada. All drill holes intersected pegmatite with visual indications of spodumene mineralization identified."These assays continue to validate the potential and scale of the Cisco Property as that of a larger mineralized system," stated Neil McCallum, Vice President Exploration of the Company. "One important observation of these results is the higher-grade nature of the larger mineralized system as we test and track the system progressing to the south." "We are extremely pleased with these assay results, which continue to demonstrate the world-class nature of the Cisco Project," said Alicia Milne, President and Chief Executive Officer of Q2 Metals. "It is difficult to ignore the significance of what we've discovered at Cisco and our team is committed to continuing to unlock Cisco's full potential." A total of 6,359.7 metres ("m") was drilled over 17 holes during the Spring and Summer 2024 Drill Campaigns.The analytical results reported herein represent 2,318.4 m of drilling over seven (7) holes during the drill campaigns with core assay results remaining to be reported on six (6) additional drill holes that were completed.Complete highlighted intervals from holes CS-24-011 to 016 and CA-24-018 are summarized in Table 1 and represented in Figure 1, with two cross sections in Figures 2 and 3.Figure 1. Map of Recent Drill Hole Analytical Results at Cisco PropertyDrills holes CS-24-011 to CS-24-015 targeted the extension of the CO1 outcrop area towards the CO3 outcrop area.Drill hole CS-24-011 was the most significant interval near CO1, which returned results of 81.8 m of 1.17% Li2O. The hole was a 70 m westward step out from previously reported drill holes CS-24-009 and 010 which had similar results of 82.1 m of 1.43% Li2O and 120.3 m of 1.72% Li2O, respectively (Figure 1 and Cross Section A- Figure 2).As seen in the Cross Section B (Figure 3), many of the western drill holes (CS-24-012 to 015) had several narrower intervals between three (3) and 30 m wide (see Table 1). Drill hole CS-24-016 tested directly below the CO1 outcrop to understand the continuity of mineralization in that region, with 15.8 m of 1.33% Li2O.Drill hole CS-24-018 is the first hole with analytical results to confirm the large, mineralized zone to the south with results of 215.6 m at 1.69% Li2O, including 64.6 m at 2.29% Li2O. The wide mineralized zone in drill hole CS-24-018 is at a depth of between 130 and 270 m vertically below the surface, with the first significant mineralized interval at a depth of only 35 m vertically below the surface.Figure 2. Cross Section A (looking northeast)Figure 3. Cross Section B (looking northeast)Table 1. Summary of Analytical Results of Spring Drill Holes at Cisco PropertyAll intervals of greater than 2 m of core-length are included in the table. Internal dilution of non-pegmatite material was limited to intervals of less than 5 m. No specific grade cap or lower cut-offs were used during grade and width calculations. All intervals are reported as core widths and mineralized intervals in all the holes drilled thus far are not representative of the true width as the modelled pegmatite zones are being refined with every additional hole. Drill hole collar information has been previously reported for each drill hole reported herein and is also available at: https://www.q2metals.com/property/cisco-lithium-property/ Due to the Quality Assurance/Quality Control (QA/QC) protocols in place by both the Company and the analytical laboratory (SGS Canada), drill hole CS-24-017 was re-submitted for testing. Results will be reported when received and reviewed by the Company.About the Cisco PropertyThe Cisco Property is comprised of 222 mineral claims and is 11,374 hectares in size. It is located less than 10 kilometres ("km") east of the Billy Diamond Highway, and is approximately 150 km north of Matagami, a small town that contains the closest rail link to much of James Bay. The Property lies within the greater Nemaska Community lands of the Eeyou Istchee Territory, James Bay, Quebec.The Property is situated along the Frotet Evans Greenstone Belt, comprised of a volcanic package dominated by mafic to felsic metavolcanic rocks, of the southern James Bay Lithium District, the same belt that hosts the Sirmac and Moblan lithium deposits, located 130 km and 180 km away, respectively.Sampling, Analytical Methods and QA/QC ProtocolsAll drill core samples were shipped to SGS Canada's preparation facility in Val D'Or, Quebec, for standard sample preparation (code PRP92) which includes drying at 105C, crushing to 90% passing 2 mm, riffle split 500 g, and pulverize 85% passing 75 microns. The pulps are then shipped by air to SGS Canada's laboratory in Burnaby, BC, where the samples are homogenized and subsequently analyzed for multi-element (including Li and Ta) using sodium peroxide fusion with ICP-AES/MS finish (code GE_ICM91A50). The reported Li grade was reported by SGS Canada as lithium oxide (Li2O). Drill core was saw-cut with half-core sent for geochemical analysis and half-core remaining in the box for reference. The same side of the core was sampled to maintain representativeness.A Quality Assurance / Quality Control (QA/QC) protocol following industry best practices was incorporated into the sampling program. Measures include the systematic insertion of quartz blanks and certified reference materials (CRMs) into sample batches at a rate of approximately 5% each. Additionally, analysis of pulp-split and reject-split duplicates was completed to assess analytical precision. The QP has verified the QA/QC results of the analytical work.Qualified PersonNeil McCallum, B.Sc., P.Geol, is a registered permit holder with the Ordre des Geologues du Quebec and Qualified Person as defined by NI 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in
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NEW YORK, NY / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Pomerantz LLP is investigating claims on behalf of investors of Winnebago Industries, Inc. ("Winnebago" or the "Company") (NYSE:WGO). Such investors are advised to contact Danielle Peyton at newaction@ pomlaw.com or 646-581-9980, ext. 7980.The investigation concerns whether Winnebago and certain of its officers and/or directors have engaged in securities fraud or other unlawful business practices.[Click here for information about joining the class action]On September 23, 2024, Hunterbrook Media ("Hunterbrook") published a report entitled "'Grand Deception' - Winnebago Muzzles Outcry Over Major Problem That Owners Say Makes RVs Dangerous, Untowable, Worthless". The Hunterbrook report alleged that "Winnebago's best-selling Grand Design RVs (~35% of total revenue according to Hunterbrook's analysis) appear to be experiencing widespread frame failure, potentially affecting thousands of units sold for more than a billion dollars" and that "[t]his defect has led to costly damage and potential safety hazards and rendered some RVs unroadworthy." Following publication of the Hunterbrook report, Winnebago's stock price fell $1.35 per share, or 2.28%, to close at $57.76 per share on September 23, 2024.Pomerantz LLP, with offices in New York, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, and Tel Aviv, is acknowledged as one of the premier firms in the areas of corporate, securities, and antitrust class litigation. Founded by the late Abraham L. Pomerantz, known as the dean of the class action bar, Pomerantz pioneered the field of securities class actions. Today, more than 85 years later, Pomerantz continues in the tradition he established, fighting for the rights of the victims of securities fraud, breaches of fiduciary duty, and corporate misconduct. The Firm has recovered billions of dollars in damages awards on behalf of class members. See www.pomlaw.com Attorney advertising. Prior results do not guarantee similar outcomes.SOURCE: Pomerantz LLP
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Spanning 2,667 acres, Braden will be a walkable 10-minute town pioneering low-impact living with up to 8,000 diverse residences, 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, and 35% open spaceSACRAMENTO, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Sacramento-based full-spectrum real estate developer Somers West has broken ground on Braden, a 10-minute town in Sacramento County that integrates residential, commercial, and open spaces into walkable villages. Planned in partnership with world-renowned planner Peter Calthorpe of HDR/Calthorpe, Braden represents a bold vision for complete community living that pushes the boundaries of innovation in sustainable design, work-life balance, and mobility. The groundbreaking marks the start of phase one, which is anchored by a 163-acre mixed-use Town Center that will serve as the heart of Braden. This phase will include over 900 diverse dwellings and approximately 966,000 square feet of commercial space, with an anticipated completion in July 2026. Upon full buildout, Braden will span 2,667 acres with up to 8,000 residences, 1.3 million square feet of commercial space, 35% dedicated open space, 75 miles of multi-use paths and bike lanes, 48 miles of trails, three anticipated elementary schools and a middle/high school, six central mobility hubs, and more. Located where Sacramento's land begins to rise toward the Sierra, Braden aims to address California's critical housing shortage while serving as a model for more livable, environmentally sound communities.Courtesy of StanTec"Livability challenges come knocking every day, but Braden opens the door to immediate and long-term solutions," said Charles Somers, owner at Somers West. "With Sacramento County on track to welcome more than a quarter of a million new residents by 2060[1], it's time to fundamentally rethink how our communities can be built. The groundbreaking of Braden begins a new journey that prioritizes people and planet, creating a town that truly enhances quality of life without sacrificing the natural environment in the process. Braden isn't just an ambitious response to ease our current concerns - it also lays the foundation for a more promising future to support the generations that will come after us." Phase One, Mixed-Use Town Center. Courtesy of HDRAt its core, Braden is about creating a new way of life rather than merely a new place to live. True to its name - Braden meaning "wide valley" - the town reflects its California Central Valley roots while embracing wide-open possibilities for innovation. Every detail of the town has been designed with intention, from streets lined with trees and less cars to the miles of trails that connect homes, businesses and open spaces. Braden embodies the principles of a 10-minute town, where residents can access everything they need - work, school, shopping and leisure - within a short and sustainable commute."Braden is the largest project I've ever undertaken in California, and it represents a bold reimagining of how communities can thrive in the face of climate and housing challenges," said Calthorpe. "The balance we've struck between urban energy and natural landscapes creates a model for a healthier and more integrated way of life, one that nurtures community, human productivity and environmental stewardship. With its diverse housing options, mixed-use town center, pedestrian orientation and environmental preservation, Braden will offer a landmark model of development for Sacramento and the State. It demonstrates we can solve our housing crisis by building integrated communities while preserving natural landscapes." Courtesy of Lake FlatoHome types at Braden will be fully integrated, bringing together people of all generations, income levels and backgrounds to create a richer and more cohesive sense of community. An extensive array of housing options will be available including single-family homes, cottage homes, green court homes, live-work spaces, townhomes and paired homes, as well as multifamily options like condominiums and apartments. Residents will feel a sense of belonging in the close-knit and inclusive environment. Porches in the front and garages in the back will allow for more moments to socialize. Tree-shaded and pedestrian-friendly streets will enhance the sense of safety in residential areas, and a network of green spaces will flow throughout the neighborhoods to further promote the interconnectedness of life at Braden.Braden's commitment to sustainability is central to its overall design and will be a blueprint for future developments. Prioritizing smart strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the town's all-electric infrastructure, rooftop solar panels, and extensive EV charging network are part of an innovative plan to lower its carbon footprint. Globally, buildings are the largest contributors to carbon emissions, but Braden is being designed to change that narrative with buildings that can achieve zero-carbon status. The town will also feature over 20,000 carbon-reducing trees and a 500-acre nature preserve. Greenways with dense tree canopies will help lower temperatures, mitigate carbon, and provide space for native, drought-tolerant, and pollinator-friendly landscaping.Courtesy of Lake FlatoThe mobility network at Braden is also planned to reflect a low-impact, car-reduced future. The pedestrian-friendly streets are being designed for connection, not congestion, ensuring that Braden's residents can enjoy earth-smart mobility to move effortlessly through the town. Mobility hubs scattered throughout the town will provide secure bike parking, e-bike and scooter charging stations, and maintenance services. EV shuttles will connect offsite parking and the town center with local transit stations, and regional light rail, while miles of multi-use paths and trails prove Braden's transportation systems are designed for people, not cars. As Sacramento increasingly merges into a megaregion' with the Bay Area[2], new communities like Braden are essential in reducing super-commutes and easing the strain on infrastructure.Braden will consist of integrated villages, each designed with its own unique characteristics, yet all connected by the town's open spaces. The Town Center will be at the heart of Braden, featuring a mix of residential, retail and civic spaces, anchored by a 5-acre Village Green and framed by tree-lined streets. Here, residents will be able to work at the Office District, grab dinner or pick up dry cleaning at the Community Hearth, or walk their children to the nearby school - all within minutes of their homes. As work-life balance continues to evolve post-pandemic, Braden will also support all types of work environments, f
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NEW ORLEANS, LA / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 2024 / Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC ("KSF") and KSF partner, former Attorney General of Louisiana, Charles C. Foti, Jr., remind investors that they have untilOctober 15, 2024to file lead plaintiff applications in a securities class action lawsuit against Stellantis N.V. (NYSE:STLA), if they purchased the Company's securities between February 15, 2024 to July 24, 2024, inclusive (the "Class Period"). This action is pending in the United States District Court for the Southern District of New York.What You May DoIf you purchased securities of Stellantis and would like to discuss your legal rights and how this case might affect you and your right to recover for your economic loss, you may, without obligation or cost to you, contact KSF Managing Partner Lewis Kahn toll-free at 1-877-515-1850 or via email ( lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com) , or visit https://www.ksfcounsel.com/cases/nyse-stla/ to learn more. If you wish to serve as a lead plaintiff in this class action, you must petition the Court byOctober 15, 2024 .About the LawsuitStellantis and certain of its executives are charged with failing to disclose material information during the Class Period, violating federal securities laws.On July 25, 2024, the Company announced its first half 2024 financial results, disclosing disappointing news, including "[n]et revenues of 85.0 billion, down 14% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to the decline in volume and mix; net profit of 5.6 billion, down 48% compared to H1 2023, primarily due to lower volume and mix, headwinds from foreign exchange and restructuring costs; adjusted operating income of 8.5 billion, down 5.7 billion compared to H1 2023, primarily due to decreases in North America." On this news, the price of Stellantis' shares fell from a closing price of $19.60 per share on July 24, 2024 to $17.66 per share on July 26, 2024.The case is Long v. Stellantis N.V., et al., No. 24-cv-06196.About Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCKSF, whose partners include former Louisiana Attorney General Charles C. Foti, Jr., is one of the nation's premier boutique securities litigation law firms. KSF serves a variety of clients - including public institutional investors, hedge funds, money managers and retail investors - in seeking recoveries for investment losses emanating from corporate fraud or malfeasance by publicly traded companies. KSF has offices in New York, Delaware, California, Louisiana and New Jersey.To learn more about KSF, you may visit www.ksfcounsel.com Contact:Kahn Swick & Foti, LLCLewis Kahn, Managing Partner lewis.kahn@ksfcounsel.com 1-877-515-18501100 Poydras St., Suite 960New Orleans, LA 70163SOURCE: Kahn Swick & Foti, LLC
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With prefinished, locally sourced, American-made, unfinished cabinets, Surplus Building Materials helps homeowners, contractors and designers define functionality and control costs.DALLAS, TX / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /Surplus Building Materials, a Dallas branch of AAA Distributor, a leading provider of home improvement products for kitchen, bathroom, and flooring, is solving logistics chain challenges and diversifying consumers' choices by offering American-crafted, unfinished cabinets."When it comes to home improvement projects, especially in the kitchen, the choice of cabinetry plays a crucial role in defining the overall look and functionality of a space," said Michael Neal, president of AAA Distributor. "We want to provide our customers with a robust canvas to embrace their creativity while potentially saving on typical labor costs." Neal notes that while unfinished cabinets are more cost-effective - offering between 30-40% in savings compared to prefinished cabinets - they require no compromises on quality. Surplus Building Material's unfinished cabinets feature solid wood construction for both durability and longevity.In addition, Neal said, the lack of pre-finish allows homeowners to apply high-end finishes that may not be available otherwise. By using a specific shade of paint or a custom stain, homeowners can match unfinished cabinets to existing decor or create a truly personalized look."We recognize finishing cabinets requires time, effort, and a fair amount of skill, but it also encourages homeowners to rise to the challenge while supporting our country's longstanding do-it-yourself' culture," Neal said.Surplus Building Materials offers a wide range of unfinished cabinets, along with expert advice and the supplies needed to complete a project successfully. Homeowners who are looking to revamp their kitchen are encouraged to explore Surplus Building Materials' unfinished cabinetry, so they can unlock cost savings and the potential for extensive customization.For more information on Surplus Building Materials, visit www.sbmtx.com About Surplus Building MaterialsSurplus Building Materials is a Dallas branch of AAA Distributor. Surplus Building Materials is a retailer of doors, kitchen, bathroom and flooring home improvement and remodeling products. With a 150,000-square-foot warehouse, the branch stocks thousands of doors and cabinets, as well as operates an on-site cabinet and door shop. AAA Distributor also has locations in Philadelphia, Dallas, and Spokane.Contact InformationBuse KayarMedia and Content Managerbuse.kayar@issuerdirect.com Related ImagesSOURCE: AAA DistributorView the original press release on newswire.com
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VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Trans Canada Gold Corp. (TSX-V:TTG)(OTCQB:TTGXF) ("Trans Canada" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that the Company has now completed its twelve full month of robust steady oil production for the month of September 2024, with trucking and oil sales to Altex. The Company will release the September production numbers in the coming days once finalized. One year ago, In October 2023, the Company successfully drilled and completed all multilateral legs of the Company's first large multilateral well in the Sparky reservoir. Since drilling inception, the Croverro 7HZ Well has now produced over 67,000 barrels of consistent steady oil production.The second Multilateral well was just successfully drilled in September and all legs were successfully drilled and completed in target pay zone, with battery construction having been completed and cleanup operations are ongoing. The company will report production numbers in late October once well production has stabilized.The Company has an 18.75% interest in the well and Area of Mutual Interest (AMI). Croverro Energy Ltd., under the terms of the agreement, is the Operator.Commented, President & CEO Tim Coupland, "We have now hit the one-year milestone of steady oil production and now have exceeded over 67,000 barrels of oil production, showcasing production expertise in both the Sparky and GP reservoir sands in Lloydminster area using new state of the art multilateral well drilling techniques. The Company has now successfully drilled two large multilateral wells in Alberta in 2024 and looks forward to drilling more wells in 2025."ABOUT TRANS CANADA GOLD CORP. - OIL AND GAS PRODUCTION/REVENUE PRODUCING WELLSThe Company is a discovery focused Oil & Gas Resource Development and Mineral Exploration Company that is currently focused on developing and drilling its' production of conventional heavy oil exploration properties, increasing production capabilities, and increasing future oil production revenues through responsible exploration. The Company identifies, acquires and finances with its working interest partners, the ongoing development of oil and gas assets primarily situated in Alberta Canada. The Company has qualified Senior exploration management and Geological teams of professionals, seasoned in exploration production, field exploration and drilling. The Company currently works with Croverro Energy Ltd., who has demonstrated proficiency, expected of an experienced oil and gas technical team that has proven oil production, and revenue success with large multi-lateral wells currently under their supervision. The Company has the necessary manpower in place to develop its natural resource properties and manage its production properties. The Company is committed to minimizing risk through selective property acquisitions, and responsible exploration drilling, and maximizing long term petroleum and natural gas resource assets.FOR FURTHER INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT:Tim Coupland, President and CEOTrans Canada Gold Corp.Tel: (604) 681-3131 astar@ telus.comwww.transcanadagold.com orChristian Timmins, DirectorTrans Canada Gold Corp.Tel: (403) 597-3410Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider, (as the term is defined in the Policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Contact InformationSOURCE: Trans Canada Gold Corp.
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ARCATA, CA / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Celebrating Two Decades of Metaphysical EducationNestled amidst the serene redwood trees of Arcata, California, the University of Metaphysical Sciences (UMS) is marking a significant milestone-20 years of fostering spiritual enlightenment and personal transformation. Over the past two decades, UMS has become a beacon for those seeking to explore the depths of metaphysical and spiritual topics, earning a distinguished reputation in this unique field of education.Founded by Christine Breese, a visionary leader in metaphysics and spiritual sciences, UMS offers its students a comprehensive curriculum that weaves together ancient wisdom and modern insights. The institution is dedicated to providing a robust educational experience that not only nurtures the intellect but also facilitates profound personal growth.A Unique Approach to LearningOne of the key differentiators of University of Metaphysical Sciences is its commitment to bringing professionalism to metaphysical studies. Unlike traditional educational paths, the university offers a distance learning model that allows students to earn their Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctoral degrees from anywhere in the world. This flexibility ensures that learning can be seamlessly integrated into one's lifestyle, whether at home, on the go, or amidst a busy work schedule.The UMS curriculum is expansive and diverse, covering topics such as Chakras and Auras, Divination, Meditation, Lucid Dreaming, Astral Projection and more. With over 70 guided meditations created by Christine Breese herself, students are invited to engage in a deeply transformational process that fosters both personal healing and spiritual awakening. Each course is meticulously crafted by a team of 40+ writers, teachers, and healers, ensuring a rich and well-rounded educational experience.Empowering Future Leaders in MetaphysicsAt its core, the University of Metaphysical Sciences is about empowerment. It offers students the chance to explore their spiritual paths, develop confidence in their unique gifts, and contribute meaningfully to the field of consciousness research. Many graduates of UMS have gone on to become influential spiritual teachers, healers, and guides, impacting lives around the globe.Christine Breese's contribution extends beyond academia through her various initiatives, including the Gaia Sagrada Ayahuasca Retreat Center in Ecuador and Free Retreats 4 All. Her work is a testament to her dedication to personal transformation and spiritual enlightenment, embodying the university's values of inclusivity and accessibility.The Journey ContinuesLooking ahead, the University of Metaphysical Sciences remains committed to its vision of bringing metaphysical education to a wider audience. UMS is working to create more ways for students to connect with each other, including the University of Metaphysical Sciences Reddit Community, (r/MetaphysicsUniversity and r/MetaphysicalScience). UMS is also always updating its courses to reflect changes in knowledge in today's times. Breese and her team are driven by an unwavering commitment to their mission of making the world a better place.For those embarking on their spiritual journeys, UMS provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse array of metaphysical subjects. Whether you're a beginner seeking a structured path or an advanced student looking to deepen your understanding, UMS offers a supportive and enriching environment to explore and grow.About the University of Metaphysical SciencesUMS invites you to join its vibrant community of learners and experience the joy, gratitude, and transformation that come with engaging in metaphysical studies. With a comprehensive program that includes all three degree levels-Bachelor's, Master's, and Doctorate-UMS is dedicated to supporting you in discovering your divine purpose and sharing your gifts with the world.With its rich curriculum, expert curation, and a commitment to personal transformation, the University of Metaphysical Sciences stands as a testament to the power of metaphysical education in fostering spiritual growth and enlightenment. Join us in celebrating 20 years of success and envisioning the future of metaphysical learning.To learn more visit: https://metaphysicsuniversity.com/ CONTACT:Founder, Christine BreeseEmail: ums@ umsonline.org SOURCE: University of Metaphysical Sciences
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LOS ANGELES, CA / ACCESSWIRE / September 30, 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.310-301-3335 info@ schallfirm.comwww.schallfirm.com SOURCE: The Schall Law Firm
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The White House has directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks, Trend reports.

President Joe Biden and VP Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team. President Biden directed the US military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council Spokesperson Sean Savett wrote on his page on X.
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You've Read It. Now Shred-It. At WyHy's Four Free Document Destruction DaysCHEYENNE, WY / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 /WyHy Federal Credit Union is pleased to announce its Fall Shred Events, which are scheduled to take place across various locations in Wyoming. These events, which promote community service and enhance members' financial security, offer individuals and businesses the opportunity to dispose of sensitive documents safely.WyHy Shred Days Join Us for WyHy Shred Days Scheduled Dates and Locations:Oct. 18, 2024 | 9 a.m. to Noon | Rock Springs Branch - 2611 Foothill Blvd., Rock Springs, WY 82901Oct. 18, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Casper Branch - 1521 Centennial Court, Casper, WY 82609Oct. 18, 2024 | 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. | Green River Branch - 131 E. Railroad Ave., Green River, WY 82935Oct. 19, 2024 | 9 a.m. to Noon | Cheyenne Branch - 1715 Stillwater Ave., Cheyenne, WY 82009WyHy Federal Credit Union is hosting these Shred Days events to combat identity theft and promote environmental sustainability. For secure shredding, participants are encouraged to bring any documents containing personal information, such as bank statements, tax documents or medical records. Each member is limited to two boxes of materials.Why Shred With WyHy:Identity Protection: Safeguarding personal information is crucial in today's digital age. Individuals can protect themselves from identity theft and fraud by shredding sensitive documents.Environmental Responsibility: WyHy is committed to environmentally friendly practices. All shredded materials collected during the Shred Days events will be securely recycled, minimizing waste and reducing the carbon footprint.Community Support: WyHy is proud to partner with Food Bank of Wyoming to provide food and necessities to people in need. While there is no cost to participate in Shred Days, attendees are encouraged to contribute to the Food Bank of Wyoming. Financial gifts are incredibly impactful. WyHy is honored to support the Food Bank's mission of uplifting and nourishing communities across the state. WyHy will be matching donations to Food Bank of Wyoming dollar for dollar.Participation in the Shred Days events is open to all WyHy members. Simply gather your documents and visit a designated location during the specified times. WyHy's staff will be on-site to assist with the shredding process and ensure a seamless experience for all participants.About WyHy Federal Credit Union:Established in 1953, WyHy Federal Credit Union is committed to building valued relationships by delivering personalized financial options. WyHy is proud to be a not-for-profit financial cooperative owned and operated by its members for over 60 years. WyHy has branches in Cheyenne, Casper, Lyman, Green River, and Rock Springs, Wyoming. Follow WyHy on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.Contact InformationAmy Davis Director of Marketingadavis@ wyhy.org (307) 638-4290Matt Ballou Chief Retail Officermballou@ wyhy.org (307) 638-4290SOURCE: WyHy Federal Credit UnionView the original press release on newswire.com
Shell has appointed Ronald Adams as the new managing director for its deep-water subsidiary in Nigeria, Shell Nigeria Exploration and Production Company Limited (SNEPCo).

The appointment takes effect from 1 October, a statement by the company said Tuesday.

According to the statement, Mr Adams, formerly Chief Executive Officer of Atlantic LNG, Trinidad and Tobago, takes over from Elohor Aiboni who proceeds on international assignment to Brunei Shell Petroleum (BSP) as Asset Director.

Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor said: Im pleased to welcome Ronald to Nigeria to consolidate and further improve the outstanding performances of SNEPCo in deep-water production and life-changing social investments across Nigeria.

I wish to congratulate Elohor for the outstanding deliveries since she took over in August 2021. The assignment in Brunei is another opportunity for excellent contributions to the Shell Group, Mr Okunbor was quoted in the statement as saying.

Mr Adams is a thirty-two-year veteran of the energy industry, having successfully guided both Shell operated and non-operated ventures through commercial and technical challenges.

He holds a BSc in Chemical Engineering from the University of the West Indies and an MBA with a specialisation in Strategic Planning from Herriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland.

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Outside of work, Mr Adams loves to spend time with his family and frequents the gym.

Im excited at the opportunity to be part of the success story of SNEPCo and look forward to joining the team of talented staff to deliver even more value to stakeholders, Mr Adams said.

Ms Aibonis tenure as SNEPCo Managing Director has witnessed many milestones, numerous to mention, the Statement said.

It has been a great honour to work alongside colleagues and external stakeholders in our modest efforts to build a safe, simpler and cost-disciplined business that continues to lead the way in deep-water operations in Nigeria. Im particularly grateful for the invaluable support and encouragement of our concessionaire and co-venture partners which made the task easier, Ms Aiboni said.

The statement added that SNEPCo pioneered Nigerias deep-water development in 2005 when it began production at Bonga through the 225,000-barrel-per-day-capacity bonga floating, production, storage and offloading vessel, anchored 120 kilometres offshore in the Gulf of Guinea.

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In honour of Nigerias 64th Independence Day, Apple Music, under the aegis of Oshe Naija, released its list of the biggest Nigerian artistes, songs, and albums of all time, featuring stars like Wizkid, Burna Boy, Rema, Davido, and Tems.

Apple Music launched the Oshe Naija initiative in 2020 to celebrate the nations Independence Day. The initiative which means Thank You, Nigeria in Yorubawill feature a month-long tribute.

Apple Music, in its statement, noted, Far from a monolith, the countrys vibrant musical scene is made up of a host of diverse cultural threads, each of which contributes to Nigerias rich tapestry of community, art, and expressionfrom the bustling streets of Lagos to the lush landscapes of Taraba. This year, Oshe Naija celebrates the countrys abundant sonic diversity by exploring its most dynamic soundsand the regions that birthed them.

Top artistes

Apple Musics list of the top 10 most-streamed Nigerian artistes features some of the industrys biggest names, led by Afrobeats star Burna Boy.

Wizkid comes in second, while Davido takes the third spot. Rising star Rema and the genre-blending Asake complete the top five, showcasing their strong influence in Afrobeats.

Tems is the only female artiste on the list. Also on the list are Omah Lay, Fireboy DML, BNXN, and Olamide, all of whom have contributed significantly to Nigerias rising sound.

Top albums

The list of the top 10 most-streamed Nigerian albums on Apple Music is led by Wizkids Made In Lagos (MIL), released in 2020. This album elevated Nigerian music globally, especially with the hit track Essence success featuring Tems, which won the 2022 BET Award for Best Collaboration.

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Burna Boys Love, Damini comes in second, followed by his fourth album, African Giant. Tems For Broken Ears is in fourth place, making her the only one with an EP to make the list.

Other albums in the top 10 include Burna Boys I Told Them and Twice As Tall, Asakes Mr. Money With The Vibe, Davidos Timeless, Asakes Work Of Art, and Omah Lays Boy Alone. These albums have each contributed to the rise of Nigerian music on the world stage.

Top Songs of All Time

The Oshe Naija celebration also features the top 10 most-streamed Nigerian songs ever. Remas Calm Down with Selena Gomez leads the chart, followed by Burna Boys popular track Last Last.

Wizkids Essence featuring Tems remains one of Nigerias most loved songs, while other hits like Free Mind by Tems, Burna Boys Ye, and Daves Location featuring Burna Boy continue to be fan favourites worldwide.

BurnaBoys On The Low and Wizkids Come Closer, featuring Drake and Ayra Starrs hit song, Rush, also make the list.

Other recognition

Apple Music noted that guest playlists by top artistes show how their home regions influenced their music and helped shape Nigerias modern sound, highlighting new movements in Afrobeats, amapiano, street sounds, and more.

The guest playlists celebrated the contributions from the countrys six geopolitical zones, from the vibrant Afrobeats of the South West to the cultural sounds of the North and South East.

The Oshe Naija initiative also featured a Behind the Boards segment, recognising top producers like Don Jazzy, Sarz, Rexxie, P. Prime, Magicsticks, Niphkeys, London, and Young Jonn, all of whom have played a key role in shaping the modern Nigerian sound.

For its Oshe Naija collection, Apple Music rolled out eight exclusively curated playlists from an impressive roster of artistes. These playlists were curated by some of Nigerias top artistes.

The collection also features playlists from Afropop legend 2Baba (Jos), rapper Jeriq (Enugu), and emerging artiste Bloody Civilian (Abuja), showcasing the vast talent pool spread across the country.

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On Monday, 80-year-old Choi Soon-Hwa failed to emerge Miss Universe Korea winner after making headlines for being the oldest contestant to compete in the keenly contested pageant.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the South Korean model made waves as one of the most uncommon finalists in the Miss Universe Korea pageant, breaking the age barriers and inspiring a new wave of inclusivity in pageantry.

She began her modelling career in her 70s, and despite being in her 80s, her confidence and determination not only got her far but also left a significant impact on the audience, proving that age is just a number.

Just a year ago, she would not have been able to compete due to Miss Universes previous age restrictions, which only allowed women between 18 and 28 to participate. However, this year, the competition tried to modernise and embrace diversity by removing the age hat.

Additionally, the Miss Universe Korea organisers made significant changes to the pageants rules, eliminating the swimsuit round and removing education, height, and language skills requirements. These changes allowed more women, including Ms. Choi, to qualify for the pageant, marking a significant step towards inclusivity and diversity in the fashion industry.

During Mondays pageant held at a hotel in Seoul, South Korea, Ms Choi, the 12th contestant, narrowly missed out on the Miss Universe Korea crown as she competed against much younger contestants. However, her journey was met with overwhelming support and admiration from the audience.

According to The Korea Herald, the title was claimed by Han Ariel, a 22-year-old fashion student who will now represent South Korea in the upcoming 73rd Miss Universe competition, set to take place in Mexico City in November.

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Best Dressed Award

Although the Octogenarian did not win the title, she did take home the Best Dressed award despite having 31 younger co-contestants.

As reported by the South China Morning Post, Ms Choi took the stage during the Miss Universe Korea pageant, dressed in a beaded white gown, and participated in the events singing contest.

Ms Choi faced numerous challenges. After divorcing in her 40s, she raised two children and is now a proud grandmother of three. Despite lifes difficulties, she boldly attempted to stun the world by pursuing her dreams and inspiring others with her journey.

After retiring from her previous career, Ms Choi faced financial struggles in her 50s. She took up work as a hospital caregiver. During this time, a patient inspired her to revisit her long-forgotten dream of becoming a modela dream she had previously considered unrealistic.

After starting her modelling career at 72, Ms Choi graced runways at Seoul Fashion Week in 2018 and appeared in high-profile magazines such as Harpers Bazaar and Elle.

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The Nigerian Correctional Service (NCoS) has reaffirmed the suspension of its senior officials allegedly involved in the N15 million bribery allegations surrounding the embattled crossdresser Idris Okuneye, aka Bobrisky.

The reaffirmation comes after Michael Anugwa, the deputy comptroller of corrections (DCC) in charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre (MSCC) in Kirikiri, Lagos State, downplayed his suspension.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Anugwa, one of the suspended officers who appeared before a House of Representatives committee investigating the alleged N15 million bribe on Monday, tagged it a mere social media suspension.

During his appearance before the committee, he denied receiving an official suspension letter and argued that he wouldnt have worn his uniform if he had been suspended. He shocked the lawmakers by saying he had not been officially suspended because he had not received a letter.

To be sure, a committee member, Patrick Umoh, asked again, Are you on suspension? Mr Anugwa responded, I only saw it on the pages of the newspapers.

However, NCoS Public Relations Officer Umar Abubakars statement on the Correctional Services X page on Monday refuted Anugwas claims, adding that it was a gross misconduct designed to mislead the public.

The statement partly reads: The attention of the Nigerian Correctional Service has been drawn to a trending video of one of its senior officers purporting that the Service has not served him a letter of suspension as earlier directed by the Civil Defence, Correctional Fire, and Immigration Services Board (COCFIB).

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The Service views this as gross misconduct aimed at misleading the public on the issue at hand. To avoid doubt, the Nigerian Correctional Service suspended not only the said officer in the video, but three (3) other officers following their alleged roles in various misconducts to allow for further investigation.

Suspension effect date

Additionally, the statement indicated that Mr Anugwas and the other officers suspension took effect on 26 September and was communicated to the respective officers accordingly.

The NCoS urged the public to remain steadfast, emphasising that a thorough investigation would be conducted and that any individuals or groups found guilty would be held accountable under the Public Service Rules and other applicable laws.

The statement noted, The suspended officers are the officer-in-charge of the Maximum Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Sikiru Adekunle; the Officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kirikiri, Lagos, Deputy Controller of Corrections (DCC) Michael Anugwa; the Officer-in-charge of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Kuje, FCT Command, DCC Kevin Ikechukwu lloafonsi; and Assistant Superintendent of Corrections (ASC II) Ogbule Samuel Obinna of the Medium Security Custodial Centre, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State.

Recall that two (2) letters were issued by the Civil Defence, Correctional, Fire, and Immigration Services Board (CDCFIB) with reference Nos: CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/016/VOL.II/16 and CDCFIB/NCOS/DISP/O16/VOL.II/ 17, both dated 26th September 2024, suspending the aforementioned Officers.

Background

This newspaper reported that the controversy began when social media influencer Martins VeryDarkMan Otse shared a leaked audio recording of Bobrisky on his Instagram page.

In the audio, Bobrisky alleged that officials from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) collected N15 million from him in exchange for dropping money laundering charges.

Additionally, he alleged that he spent his six-month jail term in a private apartment after his godfather intervened by contacting the Comptroller General of Prisons in Abuja.

Bobrisky further stated that human rights lawyer Femi Falana and his son, Falz, contacted him to facilitate an application for a presidential pardon on his behalf.

In April, the EFCC arrested Bobrisky and charged him with six counts of money laundering and Naira mutilation.

During his trial at the Federal High Court in Lagos, Judge Abimbola Awogboro dismissed the money laundering charges (counts five and six) but sentenced him to six months in prison for Naira abuse.

Last week, the bribery received widespread attention. It led to the House of Representatives resolving to investigate the matter, mandating its committees on Financial Crimes and Reformatory Institutions to conduct the inquiry.

The joint committee summoned the EFCC, NCoS, VeryDarkMan, and Bobrisky to appear before it.

The hearing commenced on Monday. VeryDarkMan and his lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, and representatives from the EFCC and NCoS were in attendance, while Bobrisky was absent.

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Nigeria is winning the war on terror and has successfully killed over 300 terrorist leaders in the past year, President Bola Tinubu said Tuesday.

Mr Tinubu, speaking in a televised broadcast to mark Nigerias 64th Independence Anniversary, said, Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever.

As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country, he said.

We are winning the war

The president praised his administration for winning the war on terror and banditry. He further noted that his governments target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism.

Between January and early September, over 3,566 terrorists were killed across the country. More than 5,000 others were apprehended, according to Defence Headquarters tally.

Recently, PREMIUM TIMES reported how military operatives, in collaboration with local vigilantes, killed some terror kingpins, including the notorious Halilu Sububu.

In light of the success achieved, the president said his administration has restored peace to hundreds of communities in the north, and thousands of our people have been able to return home.

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The militarys fight against insecurity has intensified in the last couple of months, but PREMIUM TIMES understands that several communities are still under the control of terrorists in states like Zamfara, Katsina and Niger. The terrorists force locals and farmers to enter into a truce so they can stop terrorising them.

In many instances, the terrorists betrayed the trust, killing and abducting the locals. This situation has forced many locals out of their communities. Many of them are now refugees in urban areas.

Apart from the unfavourable government policies causing hardship for Nigerians, insecurity, especially in rural communities, has further worsened the situation, resulting in food insecurity.

The fight is unfinished, Tinubu admits

In his speech, the president acknowledged that the fight against terror is an unfinished business which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms.

We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.

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TEXT OF NATIONAL BROADCAST BY PRESIDENT BOLA AHMED TINUBU ON THE 64TH INDEPENDENCE ANNIVERSARY OF THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA OCTOBER 1, 2024

Fellow Nigerians, as I address you today, I am deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times. Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard.

As your President, I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Exactly 64 years ago, our founding fathers chose democracy as a form of government and launched the dream of a great country that would lead the rest of Africa out of poverty, ignorance, and underdevelopment, a beacon of hope to the rest of Africa and the world.

Over six decades later, we can look back, and Nigerians worldwide can see how well we have succeeded in realising the lofty dreams of our founding fathers.

The world is witnessing and benefiting from the can-do spirit of the Nigerian people, our massive intellectual capacity, and our enterprise and industry in all vocations, from arts to science, technology to infrastructure. The dreams that our founding fathers envisaged are still a work in progress. Every day, we put our hands on the plough, determined to do a better job of it.

While it is tempting to focus on what has been left undone and where we have stumbled as a nation, we must never lose sight of how far we have come in forging and holding our country together.

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Since independence, our nation has survived many crises and upheavals that led to the dissolution and disintegration of many other nations worldwide. Six years after independence, our country descended into a political crisis that led to a bitter and avoidable civil war. Since returning from the brink of that darkest moment, we have learned to embrace our diversity and manage our differences better as we continue to work towards engendering a more perfect union.

Despite the many challenges that buffeted our country, we remain a strong, united, and viable sovereign nation.

Dear compatriots, our independence anniversary gives us another chance to reflect on how far we have gone in our journey to nation-building and to renew our commitment to building a better nation that will serve present and future generations of Nigerians.

While we celebrate the progress we have made as a people in the last sixty-four years, we must also recognise some of our missed opportunities and mistakes of the past. If we are to become one of the greatest nations on earth, as God has destined us to be, our mistakes must not be allowed to follow us into the future.

My administration took over the leadership of our country 16 months ago at a critical juncture. The economy faced many headwinds, and our physical security was highly impaired. We found ourselves at a dizzying crossroads, where we must choose between two paths: reform for progress and prosperity or carry on business-as-usual and collapse. We decided to reform our political economy and defence architecture.

On the security front, I am happy to announce to you, my compatriots, that our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry. Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism. Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever. As of the last count, over 300 Boko Haram and bandit commanders have been eliminated by our gallant troops in the Northeast, Northwest, and some other parts of the country.

We have restored peace to hundreds of communities in the North, and thousands of our people have been able to return home. It is an unfinished business, which our security agencies are committed to ending as quickly as possible. As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the North, our farmers can return to their farms. We expect to see a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs. I promise you, we shall not falter on this.

Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country. After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble. At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.

Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters.

The economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve us better and more sustainably. If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

Fellow compatriots, our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes. This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively. As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.

The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy.

The more disciplined approach adopted by the Central Bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in our foreign exchange market. We inherited a reserve of over $33 billion 16 months ago. Since then, we have paid back the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion. We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent. Despite all these, we have managed to keep our foreign reserve at $37 billion. We continue to meet all our obligations and pay our bills.

We are moving ahead with our fiscal policy reforms. To stimulate our productive capacity and create more jobs and prosperity, the Federal Executive Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly. These transformative bills will make our business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law.

As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments.

The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide.

My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home.

I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme. I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming. We are playing our part by supplying fertilizer and making tractors and other farm equipment available. Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months.

Our energy transition programme is on course. We are expanding the adoption of the Presidential Initiative on Compressed Natural Gas for mass transit with private sector players. The Federal Government is ready to assist the thirty-six States and FCT in acquiring CNG buses for cheaper public transportation.

Fellow Nigerians, while we are working to stabilise the economy and secure the country, we also seek to foster national unity and build social harmony and cohesion. Our economy can only thrive when there is peace.

As we work to overcome the challenges of the day, we remain mindful of the next generation as we seek to galvanize their creative energy towards a better future. We lead today with the future we wish to bequeath to our children in focus, recognizing that we cannot design a future that belongs to them without making them its architects.

Considering this, I am pleased to announce the gathering of a National Youth Conference. This conference will be a platform to address the diverse challenges and opportunities confronting our young people, who constitute more than 60 per cent of our population. It will provoke meaningful dialogue and empower our young people to participate actively in nation-building. By ensuring that their voices are heard in shaping the policies that impact their lives, we are creating a pathway for a brighter tomorrow.

The 30-day Confab will unite young people nationwide to collaboratively develop solutions to issues such as education, employment, innovation, security, and social justice. The modalities of this Confab and selection of delegates will be designed in close consultation with our young people through their representatives. Through this confab, it will be our job as leaders to ensure that their aspirations are at the heart of the conferences deliberations. The government will thoroughly consider and implement the recommendations and outcomes from this forum as we remain resolute in our mission to build a more inclusive, prosperous, and united Nigeria.

Our government is implementing several other youth-centric programmes to give our young people an advantage in the rapidly changing world. We are implementing, amongst others, the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigerias technical talent backbone.

We have also enthusiastically implemented the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND), which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams. In addition, later this month, we shall launch The Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP). It is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment that is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.

As is the tradition, the government will soon announce all the beneficiaries of our national honours for 2024.

The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON). The deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON) .

Fellow Nigerians, better days are ahead of us. The challenges of the moment must always make us believe in ourselves. We are Nigeriansresilient and tenacious. We always prevail and rise above our circumstances.

I urge you to believe in our nations promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.

As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.

Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.

May God continue to bless our nation and keep members of our armed forces safe.

Happy Independence anniversary, my fellow Nigerians!

-President Bola Ahmed Tinubu

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said that his administration is working to ensure significant reduction in cost of living across the country, especially as it concerns food costs.

Mr Tinubu spoke in a televised broadcast in commemoration of this years Independence Day anniversary.

The central concern of our people today is the high cost of living, especially food costs. This concern is shared by many around the globe as prices and the cost of living continue to rise worldwide, the president said.

My fellow Nigerians, be assured that we are implementing many measures to reduce the cost of living here at home.

I commend the Governors particularly, in Kebbi, Niger, Jigawa, Kwara, Nasarawa, and the Southwest Governors that have embraced our agricultural production programme. I urge other states to join the Federal Government in investing in mechanised farming.

The president said the government is playing its part by supplying fertiliser and making tractors and other farm equipment available.

Last week, the Federal Executive Council approved establishing a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment. The plant has a completion time of six months, he said.

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Background

In recent months, the prices of major staple foods including rice, beans, bread and poultry products, among others have skyrocketed significantly in the country,

The rising cost became more profound and biting following the implementation of some of Mr Tinubus administrations economic policies such as the controversial removal of petrol subsidy and the floating of the naira policies.

The continuous food price surge forced many Nigerians to stage a nationwide protest tagged #EndbadgovernanceinNigeria to express their frustration. Organised Labour Unions in the country have on several occasions taken to the streets to vent their frustrations, demanding for an increase in wages to complement lingering inflationary pressure.

To address these concerns, the federal government has rolled out s measures in the past 16 months in an effort to ameliorate the hardship in the country.

However, the impacts of these interventions are still negligible as food prices remains high.

Among these measures are the recent upward review of the minimum wage in the country, subsidised food items and input supply to farmers to boost food production in the country.

Similarly, the Minister of Agriculture and Food Security, Abubakar Kyari, in November last year while meeting with the delegation of John Deere, an American corporation that manufactures agricultural machinery, said the production of 2,000 tractors in-country yearly would enhance food production and create jobs for Nigerian farmers.

Last month, Mr Kyari flagged off the federal government subsidised rice initiative in Abuja, noting that only Nigerians with duly registered National Identification Numbers (NIN) will be allowed to purchase the subsidised rice.

He explained that the rice will be sold at a flat rate of 40,000 per 50kg bag, noting that the move is a crucial intervention aimed at mitigating the effects of high food prices.

The minister added that with the injection of 30,000 metric tonnes of rice into the market, the government expects not only to reduce the price of rice but also to stabilise the prices of other food commodities.

I call on Nigerians to remain patient and steadfast as the administrations efforts to enhance food security will soon begin to yield positive results, the minister said.

On Tuesday, Mr Tinubu disclosed that the Federal Executive Council last week, approved the establishment of a local assembly plant for 2000 John Deere tractors, combine harvesters, disc riders, bottom ploughs and other farm equipment.

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Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba, a Project Manager with the Centre for Journalism Innovation and Development (CJID), has been chosen among thousands of applicants for the prestigious Commonwealth Scholarships alongside 80 others.

The award recognises her significant contribution to her field and her zeal to drive positive social change in Nigeria.

The scholarship will allow Ms Okereke-Adagba, an advocate for social accountability, civic participation, and gender equality, to pursue an M.A. in Media Practice for Development and Social Change at the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom. The institution is regarded as the first in the world to offer development studies.

Ms Okereke-Adagba expressed her excitement about her selection for the scholarship, saying, This is a dream come true for me

For the past four years I have been trying different scholarship opportunities with many rejection emails, but I never gave up.

About Ijeoma Okereke-Adagba

Ms Okereke-Adagba began her journalism career with a First Class in Mass Communication from the University of Jos in 2018 before becoming a campus journalist, while volunteering with local news outlets in Jos, Plateau state.

After emerging as the best-graduating student in her department, she was in search of a place in a competitive media landscape, during which she came in contact with Dapo Olorunyomi  popularly regarded as the father of accountability journalism in Nigeria and his team at the Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), now known as CJID.

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At the CJID, she leads the UDEME project, a platform that holds the government accountable for how funds released for developmental projects are spent. Her work has enabled her to empower student journalists (U-Monitors) to serve as watchdogs in society to hold the government accountable.

In 2022, she was chosen by the Council of Europe to represent Nigeria at the 10th World Forum for Democracy and became the first Youth Delegate Rapporteur at the event.

She also became a member of the African Feminist Macroeconomy Academy (AFMA) by the African Womens Development and Communication Network (FEMNET). In 2023, she joined the Report Women Network through the Female Reporters Leadership Programme (FRLP) of the Wole Soyinka Centre for Investigative Journalism (WSCIJ). She has numerous publications spotlighting issues around gender inequality, but the most recent one is her research on the impact of motherhood on the career development of female journalists in Nigeria.

The research highlights the struggles of female journalists who are mothers in the Nigerian media space, which has not only hindered their career growth but forced many women out of the profession.

It provided recommendations for media owners and practitioners to adopt to enable mothers in the newsroom to effectively carry out their roles. Since then, she has continued to champion gender inclusivity in the workplace through the African Mothers Hub (AMoH). AMoH is an initiative that seeks to create an inclusive environment for working mothers across Africa in their professional careers and numerous research on the challenges faced by female journalists to encourage a gender-friendly workspace in the media space.

While congratulating Ms Okereke-Adagba, the Executive Director of CJID, Akintunde Babatunde, commended her for being an exceptional team player.

Ijeoma has brought exceptional social, team-playing, and leadership skills to the table in a way that gives confidence in her handling of assignments. It is no surprise to see her win one of the most prestigious scholarships.

What we do at the CJID goes far beyond empowering the media to serve democracy. We nurture talent and provide a platform for growth and much more.

About Commonwealth Scholarship

The Commonwealth Scholarships provide opportunities for talented and motivational individuals from lowand middle-income Commonwealth countries to gain the knowledge and skills required for sustainable development. Over 30,000 people have taken part in the Commonwealth Scholarships since they first began in 1960. The majority of Scholarships are funded by the UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) to contribute to the UKs international development aims and wider overseas interests, supporting excellence in UK higher education and sustaining the principles of the Commonwealth.

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The Nigerian Army has arrested eight suspected Boko Haram members in the Ardo-Kola Local Government Area of Taraba State, North-east Nigeria.

The Acting Assistant Director of Army Public Relations, 6 Brigade, Olubodunde Oni, made the disclosure in a statement on Monday evening.

Mr Oni said the suspects were arrested last Sunday after troops of the 6 Brigade Nigerian Army/ Sector 3 Operation Whirl Stroke (OPWS), acting swiftly on reliable intelligence, raided the residence of a suspected terrorist leader, Tukura Abdul-Kareem, in Sunkani Ward of Ardo-Kola LGA.

Mr Oni, an army captain, said the operation led to the arrest of Mr Abdul-Kareem and seven other suspects.

Investigation revealed that the eight Boko Haram Terrorists were planning to establish a sleeper cell within Taraba State, with the intention of launching Improvised Explosive Device (IED) attacks on innocent individuals and critical facilities within the state.

Abdul -Kareem also confessed to have joined the BHT with his brother Adamu Abdul -Kareem for a long period of time who is still hibernating in the bush with the terrorists at an unknown area.

Items recovered from the suspects include nine mobile phones, Identity Cards, wraps of controlled items suspected to be Marijuana and other hard drugs, Mr Oni said.

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Mr Oni also disclosed that, on Monday, the wife and a sister of a suspected kidnapper were arrested in Chachanji village in Takum LGA.

These individuals are known to have provided vital information to kidnappers who have been aiding a wanted notorious criminal known as Anyogo and his gang with information on the activities of troops within the area and also responsible for identifying businessmen with money to be robbed or kidnapped for ransom.

The two suspects, namely Patience Tersoo and Joy Emmanuel, are believed to be Anyogos wife and sister.

Items recovered from the suspects include one Mobile phone, one Super Core Motorcycle and a calabash.

The Commander 6 Brigade, Kingsley Uwa while commenting on the successful operations, commended the troops of 6 Brigade for their exceptional dedication and professionalism in carrying out these successful operations.

He noted that the swift action of troops has disrupted a dangerous terror plot and safeguarded innocent lives.

He said Mr Uwa also thanked the citizens of Taraba State for their vigilance and cooperation.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. US is prepared to respond to Iranian attack on Israel, said US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin, Trend reports.

Today, I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss the threat of an imminent Iranian attack against Israel. I shared that over recent days the United States has increased force readiness and continues to maintain significant military capability in the region. I made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region.

We discussed the severe consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, Austin wrote on his page on X.
The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has commended President Bola Tinubus contributions to the Nigeria economy, particularly the power sector.

In a statement posted on its X account, TCN congratulated Mr Tinubu and the nation on Nigerias 64th Independence Day celebration.

It noted that under Tinubus administration, TCN has made significant strides in expanding its wheeling capacity and increased power supply.

We appreciate Mr. President for his valuable contributions and unwavering dedication to the growth of our economy, especially the power sector, which is pivotal to the progress of any society.

Under your administration, TCN has continued to expand its wheeling capacity and has increased bulk power delivery to distribution load centres nationwide, the statement reads in part.

The TCN is a Nigerian government owned electric utility company in Nigeria established in 2005.

Increase in power supply

On Sunday, the Minister of Power, Adebayo Adelabu said more than 40 per cent of Nigerians now enjoy over 20 hours of electricity daily.

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Mr Adelabu revealed this in a statement reviewing the activities of the power ministry in the last one year.

Mr Adelabu emphasised that these achievements are part of the governments broader efforts to provide stable electricity to households and industries across the country.

Moreover, the major achievement is the fact that today we generate over 5,500 megawatts of power, we transmit and distribute it, and over 40 per cent of customers today enjoy over 20 hours of regular power supply across the nation. You can see that there is a significant improvement between when we came in and now, which we intend to improve further, Mr Adelabu said.

Tinubus speech

Mr Tinubu in his Independence Day broadcast on Tuesday acknowledged the struggles of Nigerians, assuring them of sustainable solutions to alleviate their suffering.

He said: I urge you to believe in our nations promise. The road ahead may be challenging, but we will forge a path toward a brighter future with your support. Together, we will cultivate a Nigeria that reflects the aspirations of all its citizens, a nation that resonates with pride, dignity, and shared success.

As agents of change, we can shape our destiny and build a brighter future by ourselves, for ourselves and for future generations.

Please join our administration in this journey towards a brighter future. Let us work together to build a greater Nigeria where every citizen can access opportunities and every child can grow up with hope and promise.

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Former President Goodluck Jonathan has urged Nigerians to remain optimistic and resilient, and never lose hope in the dream of building a great and prosperous nation, despite the challenges the country currently faces.

Mr Jonathan stated this in his message on Nigerias 64th independence anniversary in which he also made a case for the deepening of the roots of democracy and a culture of credible, free and fair elections in the country.

Today, we mark a significant milestone in our nations history. It is the 64th Anniversary of Nigerias independence when we remember and adore our nationalists who fought and brought an end to colonial rule, the former president said in a statement by his spokesperson, Ikechukwu Eze.

Mr Jonathan recalled that since 1960, Nigeria had come a long way, making measured strides in various sectors and overcoming countless obstacles, in its journey of nationhood. He, however, admitted that the people are facing significant challenges that need to be tackled.

He said, Over time, we have indeed made modest progress in our hopes and shared dreams as citizens of our nation. We have had sustained democracy in this 4th Republic for 25 years, after seeing the end of military rule in 1999. We have recorded perceptible growth in our economy and our gross domestic products (GDP). We have continued to sustain our unity and belief in the social fabric of our nation.

Challenges

On the challenges the nation faces, the former president said: However, we still face significant challenges that test our resolve and resilience as a people. These border on our inability to meet our goals and expectations on security, economic growth, national cohesion and general infrastructure development.

He said further, For us to deepen the roots of our democracy and foster inclusive economic growth, we must strengthen our institutions and develop a good democratic culture that will support peaceful, transparent, free and fair elections. This is the basis for good governance, sustainable democracy, national unity and peaceful coexistence.

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As a nation, we must recommit to the principles of justice, equity and inclusion. We must harness our diversity, tap into our youths potential, and leverage our natural resources for the benefit of all. As we mark this important day, I encourage Nigerians to remain optimistic, resilient, and committed to our nations greatness, despite the odds. With a common purpose, zeal and love for one another, we can overcome our challenges and build a prosperous nation of our collective dreams, where every citizen has equal opportunities to thrive.

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President Bola Tinubu has assured that his administration would implement the financial autonomy of local governments as affirmed by the Supreme Court.

President Tinubu stated this in his broadcast to celebrate Nigerias 64th Independence Anniversary on Tuesday.

In May, the federal government through the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, filed a suit to challenge the authority of governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to local government areas (LGAs) in their states.

The panel of seven justices of the Supreme court led by Garba Lawal gave judgment on 11 July, affirming that it is illegal and unconstitutional for governors to receive and withhold funds allocated to their LGAs.

The court subsequently held that the local governments across the country should, henceforth, receive their allocations directly from the Accountant-General of the Federation.

President Tinubu, in his broadcast, assured that the federal government would implement the judgment of the Supreme Court as part of the measures to promote political economy.

As part of our efforts to re-engineer our political economy, we are resolute in our determination to implement the Supreme Court judgment on the financial autonomy of local governments, Mr Tinubu said .

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Local government autonomy is part of the issues to be addressed by the committee of the 10th Senate reviewing the 1999 constitution.

The Senate Leader, Opeyemi Bamidele, who is a member committee, said the committee received 37 memoranda from various interest groups in the country.

He listed local government autonomy as one of the key issues that would be implemented in the review of the constitution.

Recently, the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio, said the upper chmaber will amend the constitution to ensure the implementation of local government autonomy.

Aside from the local government autonomy, the National Assembly is also making legislation for the Local Government Independent Electoral Commission, the body that will conduct elections at the local government level.

In July, a bill seeking to establish a Local Government Independent Electoral Commission passed the first reading at the Senate.

The bill seeks to establish a National Independent Local Government Electoral Commission (NILGEC) responsible for conducting elections to the office of the Local Government Chairman and Councillors, and any other matters that have to do with local government as a third tier of government.

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The Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NiDCOM), in collaboration with the International Criminal Police Organisation (INTERPOL, Nigeria), have successfully recovered the official vehicle of the Secretary of the Commission, which was stolen in November 2023.

During the handover of the recovered vehicle, the Chairman/CEO of NiDCOM, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, expressed her gratitude to INTERPOL and the staff of the Commission for their tireless efforts in tracking and retrieving the vehicle.

She said, I want to thank INTERPOL in both Nigeria and Ghana, the Nigerian Embassy in Ghana, and our dedicated NiDCOM staff member, Akinsola Akinboye, for their hard work in tracking and recovering the vehicle.

Almost a year ago, this car was stolen, and we are grateful for Dr. Bassis life as well. Through diligent tracking, we were able to recover the car from Ghana. This recovery is truly historic for us, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa said.

INTERPOLs representative in charge of vehicle crimes and investigation, Onyebuchi Matthew, stated the collaborative effort that led to the recovery.

According to him, The report of the stolen vehicle was made nearly a year ago, and we immediately began communication with our counterparts. Initially, the vehicle wasnt in Ghana but was later traced there. Special thanks to NiDCOM staff, particularly Akinsola Akinboye, for his vital contributions.

The collaboration between INTERPOL and NiDCOM was key in making this recovery possible, Mr Matthew stated.

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He further highlighted the importance of prompt reporting of stolen vehicles to INTERPOL, Weve recovered multiple vehicles stolen from Nigeria and abroad. However, many Nigerians fail to report stolen vehicles promptly, which makes recovery more challenging. Its crucial to report stolen vehicles to INTERPOL immediately, so they can be registered in our database.

Mr Matthew also noted that, This will prevent innocent third-party buyers from unknowingly purchasing stolen vehicles and help facilitate their recovery.

Akinsola Akinboye, a NiDCOM staff member who played a pivotal role in the recovery of the vehicle, expressed his gratitude to Mrs Dabiri-Erewa and the security agencies for their trust and support.

It all started like a joke, but I want to thank Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and the security agencies for believing in me and giving me the go-ahead to recover the vehicle, he said.

Sule Bassi, Secretary to NiDCOM, whose vehicle was recovered, also shared his relief and gratitude, The trauma of the armed robbery was difficult to overcome, but escaping it was a miracle.

Adding further, I had just arrived home when gunmen attacked me. Luckily, I managed to run to safety, and my wife was unharmed. Seeing the vehicle brings back many memories. We prayed for two things: the recovery of the car and the exposure of the culprits responsible for the crime.

The successful recovery of the vehicle highlights the effectiveness of cross-border collaboration and reinforces the need for timely reporting of stolen vehicles.

Signed,

Gabriel Odu,

Media, Public Relations and Protocols Unit,

NiDCOM.

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Saviour Enyiekere, deputy chief of staff to the Senate President Godswill Akpabio, has appealed to the election commission to be fair to all the political parties and candidates participating in Saturdays local elections in Akwa Ibom State.

Mr Enyiekere, a member of the All Progressives Congress, also urged the Akwa Ibom State Independent Electoral Commission (AKISIEC) to ensure the outcome of the election is fair and credible.

He made the appeal on Monday at a one-day stakeholders engagement with all the chairmanship candidates in the election.

The event was organised by the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network (CHRAN) in collaboration with AKISIEC.

Speaking on the topic Advancing free, fair and credible elections in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Enyiekere identifies election commissions, media, political parties, security agents, judiciary, and civil society, among others, as stakeholders in the conduct of the election.

If INEC and AKISIEC are the referees, the judiciary functions as the video assistant referee. Their significant role involves reviewing petitions arising from election results and ensuring that established rules are followed, he said.

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has governed Akwa Ibom since the return to democracy in 1999. The party has always secured victory in all the 31 local government areas and all the councillorship positions in previous local elections.

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Mr Enyiekere told AKISIEC that a situation in which one party, the PDP, always wins in all the local government areas in the state does not speak well of the commission.

He expressed disappointment that none of the candidates from political parties participating in Saturdays election attended the event.

Why the event was organised

Earlier in his remarks, the Executive Director of the Centre for Human Rights and Accountability Network, Franklyn Isong, said the groups prayer was that the election be peaceful, fair, and credible so that the state would live up to its billing as one of the most peaceful in the country.

Mr Isong described local government as the fundamental level of government, the basis he said the event was organised to further deepen democracy at the grassroots and build confidence in the electoral process.

The thrust of this event is to bring all stakeholders involved in the 5 October local government election under one roof to chart a course and peacefully commit towards a free, fair and credible 2024 local government election in Akwa Ibom State, he said.

The representatives of the commissioner of police and the director of the State Security Services in Akwa Ibom promised adequate security for the election and appealed to politicians to play by the rules.

Others who spoke at the event, including Dora Ebong, the federal commissioner representing Akwa Ibom State in the Federal Character Commission, and Aniefiok Akpanobong, the paramount ruler of Etinan Local Government Area, urged AKISIEC to be fair to all political parties and candidates in the election.

Assurance from the Election Commission

Responding to the participants concerns, the Chairperson of AKISIEC, Aniedi Ikoiwak, said the election commission would judiciously follow the electoral law to ensure free and fair elections.

Mr Ikoiwak was represented at the event by Eyaekop Umanah, the electoral commissioner in charge of administration and supplies.

Mr Ikoiwak said a voters list has been pasted at all the polling units. He urged the 12 political parties participating in the election to go and campaign, stressing that political campaigns will end on 3 October.

He said the commission was using the voters register provided by INEC.

According to him, sensitive materials for the election were stored in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

On the announcement of results, it will be done at the polling units and then moved to ward level for collection of results and then at the local government, and the chairperson will emerge based on the results of the political parties that participated in the election.

There is nothing that will be done at the AKISIEC (office). It is incumbent on us, the political stakeholders, to respond to that dynamic, he said.

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The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Monday, arraigned a former Governor of Taraba State, Darius Ishaku, on charges of diversion of about N27 billion from the states treasury while he was in office.

He was arraigned alongside a former Permanent Secretary of the states Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Bello Yero, before the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court in Abuja.

According to a statement by the EFCCs spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, on Monday, both Messrs Ishaku and Yero pleaded not guilty to all the alleged 15 counts during their arraignment.

The statement aid the prosecution, led by a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Rotimi Jacobs, requested an expedited trial and urged the court to schedule an early hearing for the case.

However, the defence lawyers  Paul Haris Ogbole, SAN, representing Mr Ishaku, and Oluwadamilola Kayode, representing Mr Yero made oral applications for the bail of their clients.

But Mr Jacobs urged the judge not to accept the defence lawyers oral bail applications, and insisted they must file written applications

The trial judge, S.C Oriji, decided to adjourn the hearing of the defendants bail applications till Thursday. He ordered that the defendants remain in EFCC custody until then.

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PREMIUM TIMES had reported that the two men were charged with misappropriating N27 billion allegedly diverted from the states treasury.

This newspaper reported that the EFCC arrested Mr Ishaku last Wednesday ahead of Mondays arraignment.

EFCC alleged in charges that, at various times, Mr Ishaku, diverted billions of naira from the contingency funds belonging to the states Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs and certain local governments of the states into their private uses. The total amounts allegedly diverted summed up to N27 billion.

The commission alleged that the defendants committed the offences of criminal breach of trust and misappropriation while Mr Ishaku served as governor from 2015 to May 2023. At the time, Mr Yero was also said to be the Permanent Secretary of the states Bureau of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Before becoming governor, Mr Ishaku held several ministerial roles, including overseeing the power and environment ministries. He also ran for the Senate, hoping to represent the Taraba South Senatorial District after completing his tenure as governor. But the hope was dashed as he was defeated in the election, which was held in the twilight of his time as governor.

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President Bola Tinubu has again acknowledged that his policy is causing hardship for Nigerians.

Speaking in a televised Independence Day broadcast Tuesday morning, the president said he is deeply aware of the struggles many of you face in these challenging times.

Our administration knows that many of you struggle with rising living costs and the search for meaningful employment. I want to assure you that your voices are heard, he said.

Nigeria is witnessing its worst cost-of-living crisis in a generation, caused by the removal of petrol subsidies and the devaluation of the naira by the Tinubu administration.

PREMIUM TIMES reported that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) announced the unification of all segments of the forex exchange (FX) market as part of efforts to engender transparency in the markets and boost investors confidence. This led to the devaluation of the naira from less than N1,000 to a dollar to over N1,600 to a dollar.

Although the policy has been widely applauded as well-intentioned and necessary, it put additional pressure on the local currency and manufacturers, with ripple effects on prices.

The two policies have led to increased prices of goods and services with basic food items like rice increasing by over 200 per cent over the past year.

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I assure you that we are committed to finding sustainable solutions to alleviate the suffering of our citizens, the president said on Tuesday. Once again, I plead for your patience as the reforms we are implementing show positive signs, and we are beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Protest against hardship

Young Nigerians staged protests in August against economic hardship and hunger in the country. The protests, which turned deadly in at least six northern states, saw 22 people killed during demonstrations.

Many of the protesters returned to the streets on Tuesday to protest against what they described as bad policies and programmes of the Tinubu administration.

READ ALSO: Oborevwori urges Nigerians to remain optimistic amid economic hardship

In response, the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, ordered a water tight security across the nation.

The Defence Headquarters also said on Monday that troops had been placed on alert to support the police during todays nationwide protest.

Last month, the government commenced the trial of 10 Nigerians who participated in the #EndBadGovernance protest in Abuja. Part of the charges against them was that they collaborated with a 70-year-old Briton, with intent to destabilise Nigeria and that they called on the military to take over the government from President Bola Tinubu. They have all denied the allegations.

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President Bola Tinubu has conferred national honours on five senior government officials.

The Nigerian leader, speaking in a televised Independence Day broadcast, announced the conferment of the titles on the Senate President, Godswill Akpabio and his deputy, Barau Jibrin, House Speaker Abbas Tajudeen and his deputy, Ben Kalu, and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Kudirat Kekere-Ekun.

Mr Tinubu announced that the duo of Senate president and CJN got the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON) while Messrs Tajudeen and Jibrin got the Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR).

Finally, Mr Kalu has been conferred with the Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

The Senate President and the Chief Justice of the Federation have been conferred with the honour of the Grand Commander of the Order of the Niger (GCON), Mr Tinubu said.

The Deputy Senate President and Speaker of the House of Representatives have the honour of Commander of the Order of the Federal Republic (CFR), while the deputy speaker of the House has been awarded Commander of the Order of Niger (CON).

Ms Kekere-Ekun emerged as the 18th CJN and the second female to occupy the position since independence. She was sworn in by the president on Monday after confirmation by the Senate last week.

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Meanwhile, the other officials were elected by their peers into their respective positions on 13 June 2023.

In the case of Mr Akpabio, he initially had the Commander of the Order of the Niger (CON) as a former governor of Akwa-Ibom State.

While national honours are the subject of conventions and practice, they have recently become highly political.

In 2022, the exclusion of former Senate President Bukola Saraki from the list of GCON awardees generated uproar, with many arguing that then-President Muhammadu Buhari disregarded convention due to his political rivalry with the former Kwara State governor.

Similarly, in 2018, ahead of the presidential election, Mr Buhari conferred the Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) on the presumed winner of the June 12, 1993 presidential election. The GCFR is the highest honour, reserved only for presidents.

Many believed at the time that the then-presidents move was an attempt to appeal to South-west voters.

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President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday said that his administration adopted a disciplined approach in the management of Nigerias monetary policy by reducing the debt service ratio significantly.

Mr Tinubu, who spoke in a televised Independence Day broadcast, said the approach adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in the foreign exchange market.

We inherited a reserve of over $33 billion 16 months ago. Since then, we have paid back the inherited forex backlog of $7 billion, he said.

We have cleared the ways and means debt of over N30 trillion. We have reduced the debt service ratio from 97 per cent to 68 per cent. Despite all these, we have managed to keep our foreign reserve at $37 billion. We continue to meet all our obligations and pay our bills.

He noted that the nation is moving ahead with its fiscal policy reforms.

To stimulate our productive capacity and create more jobs and prosperity, the Federal Executive Council approved the Economic Stabilisation Bills, which will now be transmitted to the National Assembly.

These transformative bills will make our business environment more friendly, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden on businesses and workers once they are passed into law, he said.

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The federal government had, in the past, relied heavily on the loan facility to fund the budget.

As of 2023, the facility had surged over 2,900 percent over the past seven years, reaching an unprecedented N23.7 trillion. This sharp rise, which breached legal limits, fuelled inflationary pressures and exacerbated Nigerias debt burden.

Earlier in the year, the Governor of the CBN, Yemi Cardoso, announced that the bank would cease issuing Ways and Means advances to the federal government until outstanding loans were repaid.

Mr Cardoso highlighted this as one of the critical measures the bank has adopted to address the countrys current economic challenges.

In July, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said Nigerias total public debt stock hit N121.67 trillion (91.46 billion dollars) in March 2023.

The DMO said that the securitisation of N4.90 trillion as part of the securitisation of the N7.3 trillion Ways and Means Advances approved by the National Assembly was also partly responsible for the N24.33 trillion increase in the debt stock.

In September, the CBN said it will continue to maintain the constitutional limit on Ways and Means Advances to the federal government, capping the advances at 5 per cent of the previous years actual revenue collection.

This limit is part of the CBNs monetary, credit, foreign trade, and exchange policy guidelines for the fiscal years 2024-2025.

In line with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) framework, the new guidelines also stipulate that the calculation of these advances will now take into account the sub-accounts of Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs), which are linked to the Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

This means that the federal governments consolidated cash position will be more accurately reflected, providing a clearer picture of available resources and enhancing transparency in public financial management.

Forex backlog controversies

In November 2023, the International Air Transport Association (IATA), criticised Nigeria and other African countries for not allowing international airlines to repatriate their profits.

The group said trapped funds in African countries is currently estimated at $1.68 billion, noting that the challenge is impeding the growth and development of air transportation on the continent.

As of August 2022, reports indicated that foreign airlines funds trapped in Nigeria stood at $793 million amidst lingering forex scarcity.

Of this figure, $300 million is said to be legacy debt, which the CBN has taken, but yet to be remitted to IATA on behalf of the airlines.

This prompted some major airlines, particularly Emirates Airline, to suspend flights operations in the country.

Last June, IATA, a top global trade association of airlines, said that 98 per cent of airlines trapped funds in Nigeria have been cleared.

In March, the CBN also announced that the government had cleared all valid foreign exchange backlogs. The move prompted Emirates airlines to announce that it will resume flight services to Nigeria from 1 October.

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The Nigerian government has ordered that integrity tests be carried out on all dams in the country to avert future disasters.

President Bola Tinubu made this known Tuesday in a televised broadcast marking the nations Independence Day anniversary.

Our government has been responding to the recent natural disasters, particularly the flooding in parts of the country, he said.

After Vice President Kashim Shettima visited Maiduguri, I also visited to assure our people that this federal government will always stand with our people in their times of trouble.

At the last meeting of the Federal Executive Council, we approved a Disaster Relief Fund to mobilise private and public sector funds to help us respond faster to emergencies.

Our government has also ordered integrity tests of all our dams in the country to avert future disasters, Mr Tinubu said Tuesday.

Concerns

The move to conduct integrity tests on dams across the country zones comes less than a month after over half of the Maiduguri metropolis got submerged by water following the collapse of Alau dam, a major source of water into the city.

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The recent flood in the northeastern state resulted in the significant displacement of residents and the destruction of farmlands, businesses, and hospitals, among other impacts.

The incident has further triggered a humanitarian crisis in the region that is just recovering from the over-a-decade-long impact of Boko Haram terror.

The Borno state governor, Babagana Zulum, blamed the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for failure to carry out routine maintenance of dams for years.

The Federal Ministry of Water Resources ought to have been carrying out routine maintenance of dams. Honestly speaking, this has not been done for a long time. This is something that we need to put our heads together so that we can do it, the governor told the BBC.

Meanwhile, the deliberate release of water from the Lagdo dam in Cameroon also affected numerous areas in Adamawa state and its neighbouring states due to years of failure of the government to construct buffer dams in the axis.

This year, several communities and cities in at least 13 of Nigerias 36 states so far have been inundated by overflowing water, largely orchestrated by heavy rainfall, dam bursts, regulatory failures and ineffective dissemination of early warning systems across major climate frontline communities in the country.

Major flooding incidents experienced in Nigeria over the past three years have been quite catastrophic. It has killed a significant number of people, crippled businesses, destroyed homes, and cultivated farms, infrastructures, schools and hospitals, among others.

The flood incidents in the country have further worsened the lingering socio-economic crisis amidst perceived inadequate policy implementation and prolonged ineffective oversight functions by relevant authorities in the country.

Aside from proper maintenance of dams, experts have argued that Nigerias perennial flood disaster can be permanently addressed by deploying water harvesting technology, channelling excess waters to recharge the shrinking Lake Chad and dredging major water pathways across the country.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. US President Joe Biden convenes meeting with the national security team, says the White House, Trend reports.

This morning, President Biden convened a meeting with Vice President Harris and their national security team to discuss Iranian plans to imminently launch a significant ballistic missile attack against Israel. They reviewed the status of U.S. preparations to help Israel defend against these attacks and protect U.S. personnel in the region, the publication on X reads.
President Bola Tinubu has said the reforms by his administration have attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year.

In his Independence Day speech on Tuesday, the president said the economy is undergoing the necessary reforms and retooling to serve Nigerians better and more sustainably.

If we do not correct the fiscal misalignments that led to the current economic downturn, our country will face an uncertain future and the peril of unimaginable consequences.

Thanks to the reforms, our country attracted foreign direct investments worth more than $30 billion in the last year, Mr Tinubu said.

Speaking further he said the administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of regulatory processes.

This principle guides the divestment transactions in our upstream petroleum sector, where we are committed to changing the fortune positively.

As such, the ExxonMobil Seplat divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, having been concluded by the regulator, NUPRC, in line with the Petroleum Industry Act, PIA. This was done in the same manner as other qualified divestments approved in the sector.

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The move will create vibrancy and increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy, he said.

Reforms

Mr Tinubu was sworn in on 29 May 2023 in Abuja, taking over power from former President Muhammadu Buhari.

During his inaugural address, shortly after taking the oath of office as Nigerias 16th leader, Mr Tinubu took some far-reaching decisions, including the scrapping of the nations costly fuel subsidies.

Following the announcement, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC Ltd) directed its outlets nationwide to sell fuel between N480 and N570 per litre, an almost 200 per cent increase from the initial price below N200.

The hike immediately triggered an increase in transportation fares and prices of goods and services by various percentages.

Similarly, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) recently announced the unification of all segments of the Nigerian forex market.

The bank collapsed all official windows into the Investors & Exporters (I&E) window. This subsequently led to the close of the spread between the official and unofficial market segments.

Upon announcing the policy, for the first time in fifteen years, at the time, the naira traded at a weaker rate at the official market than in the parallel market.

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Thousands of Nigerians are expected to converge across different Nigerian cities on Tuesday to protest against what they described as bad policies and programmes of President Bola Tinubu-led administration.

It comes on the day (1 October) Nigeria marks its 64th Independence Anniversary, with the protesters tagging it National Day of Survival to reflect the economic hardship millions of Nigerians are grappling with and register their protest against the situation.

President Tinubu had ordered a low key celebration of the Independence Day amidst high cost of living and a struggling economy.

The 1 October protest follows a 10-day #EndBadGovernance protests held in many states in August, calling for an end to bad governance and rising costs of living. The government arrested and detained some of the protesters and charged at least 10 of them with treason.

In a joint statement, a group of about 10 organisations has called on Nigerians to troop out en masse and protest peacefully across the country.

The groups include The Youth Rights Campaign (YRC), Movement for Fundamental Change (MFC), Joint Action Front (JAF), Alliance on Surviving COVID-19 and Beyond (ASCAB), and Yoruba Revolutionary Movement (YOREM).

Others are Coalition for Concerned Nigerian Citizens (CCNC), Initiative for a Better and Brighter Nigeria (IBBN), Movement for African Emancipation (MAE), Pan-African Consciousness Renaissance (PACOR-Nigeria), Committee for the Defense of Human Rights (CDHR).

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The Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, has also ordered a water tight security across the nation.

The Defence Headquarters also said on Monday that troops had been placed on alert to support the police during todays nationwide protest.

The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC), meanwhile, has cautioned the security agencies against violating the rights of citizens to protest.

Executive Secretary of the NHRC, Tony Ojukwu, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria, condemned the widespread arrests, harassment, and killing of protesters during the August #EndBadGovernance protest.

PREMIUM TIMES will bring you live updates of the protests as it happens.

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Faced by increasing unemployment and underemployment rates which have led to mass exodus of young Nigerians abroad, President Bola Tinubu on Tuesday announced that his administration will later in October launch an initiative aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs.

The Nigerian leader spoke in a nationwide address to mark Nigerias 64th independence anniversary.

Mr Tinubu said the initiative, Renewed Hope Labour Employment and Empowerment Programme (LEEP), is conceived as a comprehensive suite of interventions at job creation by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.

The President added that the initiative is aimed at facilitating the creation of 2.5 million jobs, directly and indirectly, on an annual incremental basis whilst simultaneously ensuring the welfare and safety of workers across the country.

Other initiatives

The Nigerian leader also listed other youth-centric programmes by his administration to include the implementation of the students loan scheme which provides cheap loans to our students to pursue their tertiary educational dreams and the 3 million Technical Talents programme (3MTT) of the Ministry of Communications, Innovation and Digital Economy, aimed at building Nigerias technical talent backbone.

Mr Tinubu has also announced the convocation of a 30-day National Youth Conference. He said after due consultation, the composition and schedule of activities would be announced.

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Mozambique, like much of Southern Africa, faces increasing vulnerability to climate change. Frequent climate disasters like floods, the 2023/24 El Nino-induced drought and Tropical Storm Filipo, have severely disrupted agriculture-dependent communities.

In the northern Cabo Delgado province, the resultant crop failures, destruction of infrastructure and displacement of thousands of people combine with a violent insurgency to intensify acute food insecurity. Emergency assistance and humanitarian aid are needed urgently.

Economic factors have contributed to the situation. In Cabo Delgado, the discovery of the worlds largest ruby fields and major natural gas reserves brought hope for economic growth. But it also spurred an armed insurgency by Islamic State Mozambique (IS-M) that has been active in northern Mozambique since 2017.

Besides targeting economic assets, the militants exploit local grievances, unemployment and poverty to gain support for their cause  creating a cycle of conflict and economic struggle. Vulnerable and marginalised groups have become the prime targets for recruitment by the insurgents.

This complex interplay of politics, ideology and economics requires a comprehensive response to both security concerns and socio-economic considerations.

On the security front, the government has been assisted by troops from Rwanda and the Southern African Development Community (SADC) since 2021. These efforts weakened the insurgents, but the threat remains and has been displaced to other parts of northern Mozambique as the terrorists adapt to their changed security environment. Although a strategy to prevent violent extremism and develop Cabo Delgado was initiated in 2022, it was never implemented.

Various international aid organisations have stepped in to provide much-needed humanitarian support. The International Committee of the Red Cross, International Organization for Migration, and United Nations (UN) High Commissioner for Refugees provide emergency relief and livelihood support to displaced and host communities. CARE works with women and girls to address poverty, provide healthcare access, education and support during emergencies.

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The UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs delivers lifesaving assistance, including protection services, shelter, food aid, treatment for acute malnutrition and emergency obstetric care. The United States Agency for International Development addresses the immediate needs of storm-affected communities in central and southern Mozambique, including shelter, water, sanitation and hygiene. The Norwegian Refugee Council delivers humanitarian aid in the form of shelter, education, food security and legal assistance.

These efforts highlight the interconnection between development programmes, humanitarian action and the drive for peace and stability.

Globally, progress in human development has stalled or even reversed with more people living in conflict-affected areas, while crisis-driven humanitarian needs are expanding. Fragility and conflict are the direct drivers of humanitarian crises, and affected countries like Mozambique lag furthest behind in achieving sustainable development. Consequently, there is growing international consensus that humanitarian and development efforts must be anchored on the foundations of peace and human rights.

The 2016 World Humanitarian Summit facilitated support for the humanitarian-development-peace (or triple) nexus, intended to ensure collaboration between humanitarian, development and peacebuilding efforts in complex protracted crises. The triple nexus is a strategy to tackle the severe pressures on the international aid system and promote better integration between development and humanitarian organisations.

Triple nexus approach

The triple nexus approach has been implemented in conflict-affected regions like the Sahel and Yemen. In the Sahel, ongoing instability fuelled by armed groups, ethnic violence, climate change and state fragility has left over 18 million people in need of assistance. Since 2012, international actors have tried to improve the coordination of humanitarian, development and peacebuilding activities to stabilise the region and build long-term resilience.

In Yemen, where civil war has led to millions facing food insecurity, this approach was applied in response to the intertwined political, economic and humanitarian emergencies, particularly after 2015 when the conflict intensified.

Despite its appeal, applying the triple nexus approach in practice has not been easy. A lack of coordination between actors, difficulties in maintaining neutrality while working with military forces, and funding constraints are key problems. In the Sahel, securitisation of aid and fragmented political control make it hard to integrate peacebuilding with humanitarian efforts. In Yemen, aid is often used and controlled by local actors, prolonging the conflict and making aid delivery a challenge.

Still, the triple nexus approach is gaining traction due to the global increase in humanitarian needs, shrinking resources, and the recognition that over 80 per cent of humanitarian assistance is provided in complex conflict settings.

Stability demands that the root causes of crises be addressed. These are usually a combination of social and economic inequalities, poor governance, political marginalisation and environmental stressors. Together they create a cycle of vulnerability, long-term displacement and instability.

This cycle can only be properly dealt with through integrated humanitarian, development and peace efforts. Stakeholders must find new ways to work across sectors to meet the growing demand for more connected and coordinated approaches to long-term crises.

Mozambiques government, along with international donors, the UN community, and governments in the region must prioritise peacebuilding as the core component of a triple nexus strategy. This means allocating more resources to support a root-cause approach.

SADC and international actors should develop a framework for dealing with the interconnected challenges of climate change, conflict and development. This will require improving the capacity of SADCs institutions to coordinate efforts and ensure that climate adaptation measures are fully implemented.

Conflict prevention and peacebuilding must be integrated into climate resilience programmes across the board. Humanitarian and development organisations should adopt conflict-sensitive and community peacebuilding approaches that address underlying grievances such as unemployment and displacement. In this way, stakeholders can reduce the risk of violence and build the conditions necessary for enduring stability.

Isel Ras, Consultant, Institute for Security Studies (ISS) and Dave Husy, Managing Director, Impact Pathways

(This article was first published by ISS Today, a Premium Times syndication partner. We have their permission to republish).

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A protester in the ongoing demonstration in Ikeja, Lagos, lamented on Tuesday that Nigerians are being impoverished by its leaders.

Adeola Samuel, the national coordinator of All Electricity Consumer Protection Forum, criticised

Nigerias excessive cost of governance, citing its stark contrast with the nations widespread poverty.

He said those in government only say Nigeria is progressing when they make policies that favour them and their personal interests.

But for some of us that know, we know we are not progressing. We know we are not moving at allPeople no longer eat good food, people eat what they see. Not what they want to eat, he said.

Mr Samuel joined several protesters in Lagos to call for the reversal of many of the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu. They protesters said the government policies have pushed many Nigerians into multi-dimensional poverty and monumental misery.

The protest is tagged National Survival Day. The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions including Tinubus policies are scam, Reverse fuel subsidy, electricity tariff.

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The protesters, who converged on Ikeja Under Bridge, are now making their way to the Freedom Park, Ojota.

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The police in Imo State have arrested four notorious child traffickers who allegedly abducted and sold children for N1 million in the state.

The police spokesperson in the state, Henry Okoye, disclosed this in a statement on Monday.

Mr Okoye, an assistant superintendent of police, said the suspects  two men and two women  were members of a syndicate involved in the abduction of children from unsuspecting parents.

The police spokesperson said that the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of the victims occurred when the police detectives raided a hideout used by the suspects in the state.

He did not mention when the suspects were arrested and the location of the raided hideout.

Mr Okoye identified the arrested suspects as Ifeoma Anyanwu, 41, Chibuzor Lucky, 42, and Charity Kalu, 24  all indigenes of Abia State which shares boundary with Imo State.

The fourth suspect, Isidore Ozioma, 56, hails from Umuhu, Onicha Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Council Area of Imo State.

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Investigations revealed that the suspects lured the children into their tricycle while they were playing outside, subsequently transported them to a hidden location in Aba where they were sold for N1 millon, the police spokesperson said.

He said three children, allegedly abducted by the suspects for trafficking, were rescued by police detectives from the State Criminal Investigation Department in Owerri.

Mr Okoye said the victims were allegedly abducted by the suspects on 4 July in Ndinwegbu Umuoma, Onicha Community in Ezinihitte Mbaise Local Government Area of the state.

The suspects are currently undergoing a thorough investigation at the State CID as efforts to locate the additional missing children continue, he said.

The rescued children have been safely reunited with their families.

Warning to parents

Mr Okoye said the Commissioner of Police in Imo State, Aboki Danjuma, has warned parents to be vigilant in order to protect children from traffickers.

Mr Danjuma urged families to be careful with strangers around their children and supervise the children appropriately.

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Some hoodlums have razed the residence of a former senator, Frank Ibezim, in Imo State, Nigerias South-east.

PREMIUM TIMES gathered that the incident occurred on Monday night in Nsu, a community in Ehime Mbano Local Government Area of the state.

Mr Ibezim represented Imo North District under the All Progressives Congress (APC) platform between 2021 and 2023.

How it happened

The hoodlums were said to have set Mr Ibezims residence ablaze during the attack at about 9 p.m. Sources said the senator was not inside the house during the attack.

A video clip which showed the house in flames has been circulating on various social media platforms.

In the clip, some residents were heard lamenting the destruction caused by the inferno.

University complex also razed

Apart from Mr Ibezims residence, the hoodlums also attacked a study centre of the National Open University in the Nsu Community the same night.

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Residents said the two separate attacks were carried out by the same assailants. Another video clip showed the university complex in flames.

Police speak

The police in Imo State have confirmed the attacks. In a statement on Tuesday, the police spokesperson in Imo State, Henry Okoye, said the Commissioner of Police in the state, Aboki Danjuma, has condemned the attacks.

Mr Danjuma described the attacks as senseless and unwarranted.

This unfortunate incident reflects a disturbing trend of violence that undermines the safety and security of our communities.

The police Command stands firmly against such acts and will take all necessary measures in synergy with other security agencies to ensure that the perpetrators are brought to justice, he said.

The commissioner said he had ordered the deployment of a tactical unit of the police to track down the hoodlums.

He ordered the deputy commissioner of police in charge of the State Criminal Investigation Department to investigate the attacks.

Connecting the Dots

The latest attacks occurred days after Mr Ibezim was accused of facilitating the establishment of an Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) Camp within the National Open University campus in the Nsu Community for people from northern Nigeria.

The Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and other pro-Biafra groups criticised the alleged plan and vowed to resist it.

IPOB, in a statement earlier on Monday by its spokesperson, Emma Powerful, claimed the Nigerian government was trying to infiltrate the South-east.

IPOB, a group leading the agitation for secession of South-east and some parts of south-south from Nigeria, has been linked to some deadly attacks in the two regions.

But the separatist group has repeatedly denied any involvement in the attacks.

Meanwhile, Mr Ibezim has since denied the allegation.

In a statement issued later on Monday, the former senator said the claim that he brought the federal government into the community to settle IDPs and refugees from Northern Nigeria was entirely false.

He explained that the university had existed since October 2023 and that he only led a delegation of the federal government to assess whether the facilities could be used for skills acquisition.

For emphasis, I must restate that there are no plans to settle IDPs, Refugees or Migrant persons at the National Open University Centre, Nsu, Ehime Mbano LGA. Any such claim is categorically false, he stated.

I will never be part of such a plan. The plan is for skills training for our vulnerable young people from the South-east.

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A female student was killed on Monday in a car accident on the campus of the Institute of Management and Technology (IMT) Enugu when some students were celebrating after their final year examinations.

A student, who did not want his name mentioned in the report, said one of the graduating students, in a celebratory mood, was driving recklessly before the car ploughed into a crowd of students.

He said the car, which appeared to have had a brake failure, hit some students before running over the victim.

Video clip

A video clip recorded after the accident has been circulating on various WhatsApp groups. The clip showed some students lifting up the car while the body of the unidentified victim was seen underneath the car.

IMT reacts

The IMT management has confirmed the incident.

In a circular on Tuesday, the Acting Rector of the IMT, Emeka Ejim, said he had repeatedly warned students of the institution against riotous and excessive celebration.

The girl that died is not an IMT student, but (she is of) Peaceland. She came to sign off one of the injured students, Mr Ejim said.

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Peaceland is a private university located a few miles away from the IMT.

The acting rector said apart from the deceased victim, two other female students from the public administration department were injured in the accident.

He said the injured students were receiving treatment at Posh Hospital in the New Haven Area of Enugu.

Mr Ejim said one of the injured students is an HND I student while the second victim is an HND II  all from the public administration department of the institution.

He said one of the injured students would be transferred to the Orthopaedic Hospital Enugu on Wednesday because X-ray results showed she had a fractured bone in her leg.

Suspension of the examination

Mr Ejim announced the indefinite suspension of the final year examinations in the institution.

The AB and the management will be having an emergency meeting tomorrow, Wednesday, 2 October 2024, at 9 00 a.m. to deliberate further, he said.

The institutions spokesperson, Mark Eze, told PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday that the examination was suspended so that management could investigate the incident.

We want to find out what happened and how it happened.

Despite all our warnings, these students still went ahead to do the type of celebrations that led to this incident, Mr Eze, a lawyer, said.

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Iran has launched several missiles at Israel, the second time in recent months.

Iran said Tuesdays attacks were in response to Israeli killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC) said the attack on Israel was a response to the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah last week, as well as that of the Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh earlier this year, Al Jazeera quotes Irans Fars news agency as saying.

In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah and [IRGC commander Abbas] Nilforoushan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories, the IRGC was quoted as saying in a statement.

Iran said the missile attack targeted three military bases in the Tel Aviv area.

Irans state television said 80 per cent of the missiles launched at Israel hit their targets. The Israel military, however, said a large number of missiles had been intercepted.

Many of the missiles are believed to have been intercepted although the attacks sent Israelis rushing to bomb shelters.

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Alarms sounded across Israel and explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv after Israelis piled into bomb shelters late on Tuesday, Al Jazeera reports.

The latest incident raises fears of an all out war in the Middle East following ongoing Israeli attacks in Palestine and Lebanon.

Tuesdays attack occured about six months after Iran fired dozens of missiles at Israel. The April attack was in response to Israeli attack on an Iranian embassy building in Syria, officials said.

More details will be provided in subsequent reports.

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Governor Siminalayi Fubara of Rivers State says the local election slated for 5 October will produce a new, people-oriented political structure in the state.

Mr Fubaras spokesperson, Nelson Chukwudi, quoted the governor as saying this when he received members of the Simplicity Movement in Government House, Port Harcourt, on Tuesday.

The Simplicity Movement is a pro-Fubara political group in Rivers.

The group was led by Sobomabo Jackrich, a candidate of the National Rescue Movement in the 2023 governorship election.

Responding to the groups public support, the governor promised to continue to defend the integrity of the state in the face of ongoing political challenges.

Governor Fubara and his predecessor, Nyesom Wike, the FCT minister, have been engaged in a protracted fight over controlling the political structure in Rivers.

We must defend the dignity of our state. We must ensure that the commonwealth of this state belongs to everyone, the governor said during the political groups visit.

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We believe that if we put the interest of the state above personal gains, we would have addressed the challenges associated with crime, hunger and unemployment.

He urged the electorate to freely participate in the local election.

The governor also said that the election, when concluded, would help his administration chart the second phase of its struggle.

PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Mr Fubara insisted that the local elections would go on despite a court order against it.

A Federal High Court in Abuja on Monday barred the Independent National Electoral Commission from releasing voters registers to the Rivers State Independent Electoral Commission.

The case was instituted by the All Progressives Congress in Rivers State under the leadership of Tony Okocha, the former chairperson of the party caretaker committee in the state, who was sacked by a court.

Governor Fubaras loyalists are contesting the election under the Action Peoples Party platform after the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under whose platform Mr Fubara became governor, said it would not participate in the exercise.

Mr Wike controls the PDP structure in Rivers.

(NAN)

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 1. The EU condemns in the strongest terms Irans attack against Israel, said Josep Borrell, the European Commission VP, Trend reports.

"The EU condemns in the strongest terms Irans attack against Israel which constitutes a serious threat to regional security. The EU reiterates its commitment to the security of Israel.

Once again, a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliations risks fuelling an uncontrollable regional escalation which is in no ones interest. The EU remains fully committed to lower the tensions and contribute to de-escalation to avoid a dangerous regional conflict.

The EU is and will continue to be in close contact with all actors to this end. We call on all parties to exercise utmost restraint," his statement reads.

Earlier today, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.
C&I Leasing PLC, West Africas largest integrated leasing company, celebrated a significant milestone on 26 September, 2024, as Dr Samuel Maduka Onyishi, the chairman of the company, rang the closing bell at the Nigerian Exchange Group (NGX). The Enugu state-born businessman, who is also the founder of Peace Mass Transit and Chancellor, Maduka University Enugu, joins the illustrious rank of successful, distinguished Nigerian businessmen who have done this in the past.This momentous event came on the heels of the companys impressive half-year financial results for 2024.

C&I Leasing Plc reported a remarkable 81.6% year-on-year increase in Group gross earnings, reaching N18.2 billion as of 30 June, 2024, compared to N10 billion recorded during the same period in 2023. These results, disclosed during the NGXs Facts Behind the Figures presentation, underscore the companys strong financial performance and strategic growth initiatives. During the presentation, Okechukwu Nnake, Chief Financial Officer (CFO), highlighted the companys key financial achievements and future outlook.

He attributed the robust growth to cost optimisation, diversification efforts, and the adoption of advanced technologies, which have propelled profitability and added shareholder value. We are committed to ensuring sustained growth by leveraging market opportunities, Mr Nnake emphasised. In reviewing the companys performance over recent years, Mr Nnake noted a steady upward trajectory. Gross earnings increased by 25%, rising from N17.94 billion in 2022 to N22.41 billion in 2023, driven by strong net lease income growth.

Operating profit also rose by 14%, reaching N5.69 billion in 2023, while profit before tax (PBT) surged by 52%, climbing from N1.02 billion in 2022 to N1.55 billion in 2023. Despite a dip in Profit after Tax (PAT) to N273 million in 2023, compared to N577 million in 2022, Mr Nnake expressed optimism for future profitability, assuring stakeholders that by next year, the dividend will do better.

Lenin Ugoji, the group managing director (GMD), elaborated on the companys three decades of leadership in the Nigerian leasing industry, noting that strategic business planning and leadership transitions have fortified its position amidst market challenges. Our commitment to excellence and business sustainability has enabled us to contribute significantly to the Nigerian economy, Mr Ugoji stated.

Founded in 1991, C&I Leasing Plc has grown from a consumer finance leasing company into a diversified conglomerate, providing essential services to various multinational and indigenous companies across West Africa. Its service offerings now span Fleet Management, Personnel Outsourcing, Marine Services, and Telematics Tracking Services. C&I Leasing Plc continues to stand as a major player in the regions business support services, positioning itself for long-term growth and continued leadership in the leasing industry.

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Notorious terrorism kingpin Bello Turji has said the Governor of Zamfara State, Dauda Lawal, and his predecessor, Bello Matawalle, are politicising the insecurity in the state.

Mr Turji, who is believed to have fled Zamfara after the military intensified their onslaughts against terrorist gangs in the state, gave conditions for peace in the state.

He said peace would return to Zamfara if the security agents and vigilante groups stop attacking and killing the Fulanis in the state and other places.

He stated this in a video released on Monday. In the video, Mr Turji is sitting on a brand-new motorcycle with a gun. Another gun beside him likely belongs to the unidentified accomplice recording the video.

He said the blame game between Governor Lawal and Mr Matawalle, now the Minister of State for Defence, was political, saying both politicians do not have their peoples best interests at heart.

Governor Dauda Lawal and Bello Matawalle labelling each other as terrorists (sponsors) will not help. I want the people of Zamfara to understand that they are just politicians without the interest of the people of Zamfara in their hearts.

When (Mr) Matawalle was the governor who was sponsoring us? Similarly, when Abdulaziz Yari was the governor who was sponsoring us? Nobody is sponsoring us except God, Mr Turji said.

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He said the armed conflict in Zamfara predated both Messrs Dauda and Matawalle and was happening since the time of former governor Ahmed Yerima.

It was during the administration of Yerima that the government sold out the grazing reserve and legalised the killing of the Fulanis. When Muhmud Shinkafi came on board, he tried unsuccessfully to address the problem. Abdulaziz Yari came and empowered the vigilante, but we are still struggling, Mr Turji said.

He said Mr Matawalle administered the state for four years, and Governor Dauda has been in office for just two years, but only God, not the governors, can stop the conflict.

This is why we are calling on all of you to come and collaborate with us for peace to reign and stop the bloodbath in Zamfara. Gun and airstrike will not stop us because we are not afraid of death, Mr Turji said.

The phone contacts of Governor Daudas spokesperson, Muhammad Lawal, and his counterpart of the minister, Ahmad Dan-Wudil, did not connect Tuesday morning to respond to the allegations by the terrorist against their principals.

Halilu Sububus death

Mr Turji, who also confirmed the killing of Halilu Sububu, whom he described in the video as his master, said the killing only emboldened the younger generation among them to carry on with the deadly attacks on the people.

Kachallah Halilu Sububu is not the first person to be killed; several others were killed. The killing of Halilu Sububu will not deter us from doing what we are doing unless you stop killing our brothers in Zamfara, Sokoto, Katsina, and Niger states.

Your only plan is to exterminate the Fulani race while God has been protecting us. Even if you kill us, its God who ordained that to happen, but its not by your power.

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Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of five activists detained by the police authorities in Kano State ahead of Tuesdays National Day of Survival protest.

The rights group gave this call in a series of tweets on its office X handle on Monday, the eve of the protest, which coincides with Nigerias Independence Day Anniversary.

The detained activists are Abdulmajid Yakubu Daudu, Yushau Sani Yankuzo, Amina Bello, Sani NaRogo, Comrade Anas and Comrade Abdullahi.

On Monday, the police in Kano State summoned the five of them for questioning but refused to allow them to return home and confiscated their phones.

The activists, who are of the Nigeria Patriotic Front Movement (NPFM), were arrested for championing the 1 October protest, tagged, National Day of Survival protest, in the state.

Amnesty International said their arrest and detention show that the Nigerian government is intolerant of dissenting views.

The authorities must guarantee their safety and allow them access to lawyers and family, parts of the statement stated.

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The statement also described the arrest as a disturbing pattern of attack on free speech as guaranteed by the Nigerian constitution which guarantees the citizens right to freedom.

It added that, the arrest of the activists is a mark of repression against people exercising their rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and expression.

The international organisation also called for an end to the targeting of activists for exercising their right to freedom of expression.

The Nigerian authorities must allow everyone in the country to freely exercise their human rights as guaranteed by Nigerias constitution and international human rights obligations, it said.

The spokesperson for the police in Kano State, Abdullah Kiyawa, did not speak on the issue when contacted by our reporter on Tuesday. Mr Kiyawa initially answered our reporters call, but ended it as soon as the reporter introduced the subject. He had not answered subsequent calls or replied subsequent text message from our reporter as of press time.

The protest

The National Day of Survival protest follows the 10-day #EndBadGovernance held across many states and Abuja in August.

On Tuesday, many Nigerians took to the streets, particularly in Lagos, to protest against the rising cost of living in Nigeria under the President Tinubu-led administration, the same issues that sparked the Augusts protest.

The protesters said on Tuesday that Mr Tinubu has inflicted unprecedented hardship on millions of Nigerians and pushed many into poverty and hardship.

The protesters also condemned the recent hike in the price of petrol, saying the situation has reached an alarming level, with prices hovering between over N900 and N1,900 per litre, depending on the region.

The group referred to the significant rise in the cost of goods as having rendered many traders and shopkeepers helpless.

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Thugs, on Tuesday, took over the protest ground close to the Federal Secretariat in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to prevent the #EndBadGovernance protest from taking place.

The thugs, wielding canes, said they did not want any protest in the state. They threatened to beat any journalists filming their actions, Channels Television reported.

The protest organisers are using social media to mobilise Nigerians in different cities to protest the hike in petrol and electricity prices and the cost of living crisis.

The Independence Day protest followed the initial 10-day protest held from 1 to 10 August where protesters demanded an end to bad governance, rising food prices and unemployment.

Some people arrested during the August protest are still held behind bars in various Correctional Centres in the country.

Unlike the August protest, the Independence Day protest has not gathered momentum nationwide. Only few people or no one at all turned out for the protest in Nigerias South-south region.

For instance, in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, there was no protest. At the city centre, Ibom Plaza, residents went about their business and social activities. Many were not even aware of the plan for a nationwide protest.

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Which protest, when and where? No, I am not aware. Maybe they are protesting in Abuja, a resident, Emmanuel Edunam, told PREMIUM TIMES.

Nothing will change in this country, Mr Edunam said, sounding pessimistic. Next time, let them vote Tinubu. Let the suffering continue.

No protest will change anything in this country, Sunday Akpan, who sells shoes at the plaza, said. Nigeria is for the rich while the poor continue to suffer. Our leaders have failed us.

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Omoyele Sowore, a former presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, has joined the ongoing protest in Lagos State.

Many protesters gathered on Tuesday at the Ikeja Underbridge in Lagos as Nigeria marks the 2024 Independence Day.

The protest is tagged National Survival Day.

The protesters are calling for the reversal of many of the economic reforms implemented by President Bola Tinubu which they say pushed many Nigerians into multi-dimensional poverty and monumental misery.

Their demands include the reversals of fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes and others.

They are also asking the federal government to reverse anti-people policies, neoliberal policies of privatisation, deregulation and devaluation of Naira.

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Scores of the youth in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, on Tuesday joined their counterparts nationwide to protest against what they described as President Bola Tinubus anti-peoples policies.

The protesters, who condemned the fuel subsidy removal, increased electricity tariffs, high cost of living, and the profligacy of the government, sought the reversal of the policies to improve the peoples living conditions.

The protesters were led by the leadership of Take It Back Movement, a socio-political movement founded by the Presidential Candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the 2023 general elections, Omoyele Sowore.

As early as 9:16 a.m., the protesters had barricaded the popular Mokola roundabout in Ibadan.

They carried larger banners and placards bearing various inscriptions such as: Hunger Dey, We are Hungry, End Bad Governance Now, and Revolution Now.

Participants speak

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES on the protest ground, Solomon Emiola, one of the conveners of the protest in Ibadan, said the unmet demands in the previous protests informed the decision to stage another protest tagged #EndBadGovernance 2.0.

Mr Emiola said the group will not stop protesting until all demands are met.

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He said the anti-people policies implemented by the government at all levels have kept Nigerians from achieving real independence, saying the policymakers at all levels have consistently made life miserable for the citizens.

He said: In reality, we are still dependent because all anti-people policies violate the ethics and laws of humanity. The cost of living is prohibitively expensive, and we no longer receive any educational or petroleum subsidies. This is destroying our future, which is why we protest.

The solutions to all our problems in this country are: The presidency should revive all our refineries, all our privatised assets should be nationalised, and they should cut ties with the IMF and the World Bank.

Responding to the Presidents 64th Independence Day speech, the State Public Relations Officer of Take-It-Back Movement, Ekanem Goodwill, said the promise of youth confab is a distraction from the ongoing protests across the country, citing the Federal Governments history of unfulfilled promises.

We are not falling for their trick because they cannot silence us. It is not today Government has been making promise. It is a known game since 1960. Seeing is believing, Mr Ekanem said.

Security operatives on ground

The protest ground was monitored and guarded by the operatives of Nigerian Police Force, Nigerian Army and Western Nigerian Security Network (Amotekun).

Speaking with PREMIUM TIMES via WhatsApp, Oyo State Police Command Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso, said the constitution recognised deliberate efforts guided by standard practices to be emplaced to prevent sinister-minded individuals or groups from hijacking the process at the various designated locations for the peaceful processions.

Our Area Commanders across the length and breadth of the Command have been directed to personally lead convoy patrols at their respective jurisdictions in a bid to increase the layers of supervision of field operatives under their watch during this period, Mr Osifeso said.

The demands of the demonstrators include: An end to hunger in the country, reversal of the hike in tuition fees, improved funding for education, reversal of fuel subsidy removal, reversal of electricity subsidy removal, and the release of all #EndBadGovernence protesters nationwide, among others.

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BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. Germany condemns Iran's ongoing attack on Israel, said Annalena Baerbock, Federal Minister for Foreign Affairs of Germany, Trend reports.

"Israel is being attacked by Iran with missiles. I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms. We urged Iran against this dangerous escalation. Iran must stop the attack immediately. It is dragging the region further to the abyss," she stated on her page on X.

Earlier today, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report with market evolution powered by AI- The global home textile retail market size is estimated to grow by USD 67.6 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 6.35% during the forecast period. Innovation and portfolio extension leading to premiumization is driving market growth, with a trend towards distribution channel expansion strategy by vendors. However, volatility of raw material prices poses a challenge. Key market players include Amazon.com Inc., Ashley Retail LLC, Bed Bath and Beyond Inc., Industria de Diseno Textil SA, Inter IKEA Holding BV, Kohls Inc, Kroger Co., Lowes Co. Inc., Macys Inc., Ralph Lauren Corp., Restoration Hardware Inc., Springs , Steinhoff International Holdings NV, Home Depot Inc., The Novogratz, The TJX Companies Inc., Trident Ltd., Walmart Inc., Wayfair Inc., and Welspun India Ltd..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled Global home textile retail market 2024-2028

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View the snapshot of this report

Home Textile Retail Market Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 6.35% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 67.6 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 5.87 Regional analysis APAC, North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa, and South America Performing market contribution North America at 30% Key countries US, China, India, Germany, and UK Key companies profiled Amazon.com Inc., Ashley Global Retail LLC, Bed Bath and Beyond Inc., Industria de Diseno Textil SA, Inter IKEA Holding BV, Kohls Inc, Kroger Co., Lowes Co. Inc., Macys Inc., Ralph Lauren Corp., Restoration Hardware Inc., Springs Global, Steinhoff International Holdings NV, Home Depot Inc., The Novogratz, The TJX Companies Inc., Trident Ltd., Walmart Inc., Wayfair Inc., and Welspun India Ltd.

Market Driver

Home textile vendors are expanding their distribution channels to reach a larger customer base. The omnichannel strategy, which involves selling products through both physical retailers and online platforms, is increasingly popular. Notable e-commerce retailers in this sector include Amazon.com, Rakuten Commerce, and Alibaba Group. The global B2C e-commerce industry is projected to expand substantially during the forecast period, with the online and direct marketing market reaching 1.5 trillion in 2021. Other significant players in the home textile market, such as Inter IKEA Systems, Williams-Sonoma, Home Depot Product Authority, and Crate and Barrel, also sell their products online. This multi-channel approach will significantly boost the revenue growth of the global home textile retail market.

The home textile retail market is experiencing significant growth due to trends in the tourism and hospitality industries. Demand for high-quality bed linens, mattress covers, blankets, and pillows in hotels and serviced apartments is driving sales. Home fashion is a key focus for retailers targeting residential spaces, with a shift towards organic bed linen, sustainable products, and natural fibers like cotton. The millennial age group prefers functional and decorative household textiles, while eco-friendly and synthetic fibers cater to various consumer preferences. Household textile sales are also boosted by single person households, DIY activities, and residential construction. Weaving, knitting, crocheting, and knotting techniques are used to create insulation products and bed coverings. The e-commerce sector is a major channel for home furnishing sales, with eco-friendly and blend fibers gaining popularity. Overall, the market is diverse, catering to various consumer needs and trends in the domestic environment.

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Market Challenges

The home textile retail market is currently experiencing challenges due to rising raw material costs. Manufacturers face increased production expenses as a result of higher-priced raw materials like cotton and silk. Consequently, vendors pass these costs onto consumers by selling home textile products at elevated prices. However, these increased prices limit consumer purchases. Furthermore, raw material price fluctuations, caused by unusual weather conditions and other factors, add instability to the market. For instance, leather, used in furniture upholstery for its aesthetic appeal, is subject to these price fluctuations. These factors may negatively impact market growth during the forecast period.

The Home Textile Retail Market faces several challenges in various sectors. In the luxury textile market, consumers seek luxurious textures and classic color palettes, driving up costs for retailers. Vintage aesthetics are popular in the bedroom linen market, making traditional blankets with soft twist yarns and higher twist yarns in wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon-based blends, and thermal blankets a must-have. Transportation hubs like malls, airports, movie theatres, hospitals, and smart homes are significant markets for home textiles. Sustainability is a growing concern, with recycled cotton scraps, lyocell fibers, and recycled materials gaining popularity. Third-party sellers, importers, and exporters add complexity to the market, while organized retail and foreign brands compete with specialty stores. Housing, hospitality, healthcare, and exports are major sectors driving demand for home textiles, including curtains, blinds, shades, soundproof curtains, and blackout curtains.

Discover how AI is revolutionizing market trends- Get your access now!

Segment Overview

This home textile retail market report extensively covers market segmentation by

Distribution Channel

1.1 Offline

1.2 Online

Product

2.1 BBO

2.2 Bed linen

2.3 Carpets and rugs

2.4 Upholstery

2.5 Others

Geography

3.1 APAC

3.2 North America

3.3 Europe

3.4 Middle East and Africa

and 3.5 South America

1.1 Offline- The home textile retail market encompasses various product categories, including bath linen, kitchen linen, kitchen accessories, bed linen and bedspreads, and curtains. These items are primarily sold through offline distribution channels, such as specialty stores, hypermarkets, department stores, convenience stores, supermarkets, and warehouse clubs. Consumers prefer this distribution channel due to its reliability, physical product evidence, and the ability to touch and feel the products before purchasing. Offline retail formats accounted for a substantial portion of the global home textile retail market revenue in 2023 and are expected to maintain their dominance during the forecast period. Personalization trends in home textile products are driving demand, making these retail formats essential for the industry's growth.

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Research Analysis

The Home Textile Industry caters to the modern homeowner's needs for designs that reflect international taste and enhance interior design. Home textiles include bed linens, bath linens, kitchen linens, upholstery, and floor coverings. These essentials are not just functional but also play a significant role in house decoration and housing. The real estate industry recognizes the importance of home textiles in creating a comfortable and inviting living space. Affluent consumers, especially the millennial age group, are increasingly seeking eco-friendly and sustainable home textile products. The Home Textile Industry is evolving with the times, offering a blend of fibers, including synthetic and natural ones, to cater to various preferences. Weaving, knitting, and crocheting techniques are used to create unique textures and patterns. Specialty stores and organized retail outlets stock both foreign brands and locally produced home textiles. The rise of e-commerce platforms has made it easier for consumers to access a wide range of home textiles from the comfort of their homes. The Home Textile Industry continues to innovate, offering a diverse range of products that cater to the ever-changing needs of modern homes.

Market Research Overview

The Home Textile Industry encompasses a wide range of products designed for modern homes, including furnishing fabrics, bed linen, bath linen, kitchen linen, upholstery, and floor coverings. These textiles are essential for interior design and house decoration, catering to the tastes of affluent consumers and the real estate industry. Modern homes often feature timeless patterns, luxurious textures, and classic color palettes, as well as vintage aesthetics and international tastes. Home textiles include a variety of materials such as cotton, wool, acrylic, polyester, nylon-based blends, and recycled materials like cotton scraps and lyocell fibers. The market includes specialty stores, organized retail, importers, exporters, and third-party sellers. Home textiles are used in various sectors like housing, hospitality, healthcare, exports, tourism industry, and hospitality industry. They are also found in transportation, malls, airports, movie theatres, hospitals, smart homes, and tourist destinations. Home textiles include products like bed linen, blankets, mattresses, mattress covers, pillows, duvets, duvet covers, and bed coverings.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Distribution Channel

Offline



Online

Product

BBO



Bed Linen



Carpets And Rugs



Upholstery



Others

Geography

APAC



North America



Europe



Middle East And Africa



South America

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
PHOENIX, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Akadeum Life Sciences is excited to announce its participation in the upcoming Cell and Gene Meeting on the Mesa, a globally recognized conference held at the iconic Arizona Biltmore. This premier event brings together senior executives and key decision-makers from the cell and gene therapy industry to engage in critical discussions, presentations, and partnering sessions aimed at advancing the next generation of therapeutics.

Spotlight on Akadeum's Cell Therapy Impact:

BioRise in chamber version 1

Tuesday, October 8th, 2024, 9:15 am, Frank Lloyd Wright Ballroom G:

Brandon H. McNaughton, PhD, CEO of Akadeum Life Sciences, will present the latest advancements in microbubble cell separation technology. Following a highly successful beta and demo period, Akadeum is moving full steam ahead toward the formal launch of the Alerion Microbubble Cell Separation System. Dr. McNaughton will also share results from reagent and instrument user testing demonstrating best-in-class cell isolation performance of Akadeum's cutting-edge Cell & Gene Therapy (C>) manufacturing product portfolio,

Engage with Akadeum:

October 7th-9th, 2024, FLW Ballroom

Conference attendees are encouraged to visit the Akadeum table, where the team will be showcasing the Alerion system alongside microbubble leukopak technology and BioRise consumables. Cell therapy leaders can see firsthand how Akadeum's innovative microbubble technology can enhance every stage of your cell therapy pipeline, offering advantages such as more viable engineered cells, higher yields, reduced cellular impurities, and significantly faster processing times (with full leukopak separation in as little as 45 minutes).

Partnering Room Access:

For those interested in exploring potential collaborations, Akadeum has a partnering room available for one-on-one meetings. This setting is perfect for like-minded organizations seeking to combine their technologies to drive progress in the cell and gene therapy space. We invite you to schedule a meeting with Brandon McNaughton or other members of the Akadeum team to discuss how we can work together to advance therapeutic innovations. Meetings can be scheduled via Meeting on the Mesa's partneringONE platform.

Join the Conversation:

Follow Akadeum's LinkedIn page to stay connected for real-time updates as we approach the formal launch of the Alerion Microbubble Cell Separation System, a groundbreaking moment in cell and gene therapy.

Akadeum is more committed than ever to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in cell therapy.

About Akadeum Life Sciences, Inc.

Akadeum Life Sciences was formed to solve long-standing sample preparation problems in research, diagnostics, and cell therapy markets with a novel flotation-based target isolation platform technology. Without the critical step of separation (isolating biological targets like DNA, proteins, or cells from biological samples), many diagnostics and therapies would not be possible. More than a solution to a single problem, this elegantly simple platform technology is disrupting the separation marketfrom nucleic acid extraction to cell isolation. Akadeum was the first to commercialize BACS (buoyancy activated cell sorting) Microbubble kits for cell isolation applications. In parallel, Akadeum is also establishing industry partnerships. Akadeum's kits are for research use only.

Inquiries into Akadeum's products, technology, or partnership opportunities can be made at [email protected].

SOURCE Akadeum Life Sciences Inc
NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, IN WHOLE OR IN PART, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, TO ANY PERSON LOCATED OR RESIDENT IN ANY JURISDICTION WHERE TO DO SO WOULD CONSTITUTE A VIOLATION OF THE RELEVANT LAWS OF SUCH JURISDICTION.

THIS ANNOUNCEMENT IS FOR INFORMATION ONLY AND IS NOT AN OFFER TO PURCHASE OR A SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO SELL ANY SECURITIES.

LYSAKER, Norway, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Aker BP ASA (the "Company") announced today the results of its previously announced tender offer for cash of any and all of its outstanding (i) 3.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes"), (ii) 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "January 2026 Notes") and (iii) 2.000% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "July 2026 Notes" and, together with the 2025 Notes and the January 2026 Notes, the "Notes") (each an "Offer" and, together, the "Offers").

The Offers were made upon and are subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the Offer to Purchase dated September 23, 2024 (the "Offer to Purchase"). Capitalized terms used in this announcement but not defined herein have the meanings given to them in the Offer to Purchase.

The Offers expired as of 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2024 (the "Expiration Date"). As of the Expiration Date, (i) $31,905,000 in aggregate principal amount of the 2025 Notes, representing approximately 33.42% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the 2025 Notes, were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn, (ii) $34,199,000 in aggregate principal amount of the January 2026 Notes, representing approximately 26.36% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the January 2026 Notes, were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn and (iii) $602,321,000 in aggregate principal amount of the July 2026 Notes, representing approximately 85.18% of the aggregate principal amount outstanding of the July 2026 Notes, were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn. The Company has accepted for purchase all the Notes that were validly tendered and not validly withdrawn as of the Expiration Date. This amount excludes $250,000 aggregate principal amount of July 2026 Notes, tendered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures described in the Offer to Purchase, which remain subject to the holders' performance of the delivery requirements under such procedures. The Guaranteed Delivery Deadline is 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on October 2, 2024 (the "Guaranteed Delivery Deadline").

In accordance with the terms of the Offers, the withdrawal deadline was 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2024. As a result, tendered Notes may no longer be withdrawn, except in certain limited circumstances where additional withdrawal rights are required by law (as determined by the Company).

As previously announced, registered holders of the Notes ("Holders") who validly tendered and did not validly withdraw their Notes at or prior to the Expiration Date and whose Notes (including Notes delivered by the Guaranteed Delivery Deadline in respect of which a notice of guaranteed delivery was delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date) are accepted for purchase and payment pursuant to the Offers, will receive the Total Consideration (as defined below) with respect to the Notes, plus Accrued Interest (as defined below) on the Settlement Date. The "Settlement Date" is expected to be October 2, 2024 and the "Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date" is expected to be on October 3, 2024, unless extended by the Company.

The "Total Consideration" for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offers (including Notes delivered by the Guaranteed Delivery Deadline in respect of which a notice of guaranteed delivery was delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date) was determined in the manner described in the Offer to Purchase at the Price Determination Time. The "Price Determination Time" for the Notes was 11:00 a.m., New York City time, on September 30, 2024. The table below sets forth the calculation of the Total Consideration for each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes:

Title of Security CUSIP/ISIN Principal

Amount

Outstanding(1) Principal

Amount

Tendered and

Accepted(2) Principal

Amount

Tendered

using

guaranteed

delivery

procedures Principal

Amount

Outstanding

after

acceptance of

the

Notes

validly

tendered(2)(3) Total

Consideration(3)(4) 3.000% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "2025 Notes") Rule 144A 00973RAE3 / US00973RAE36 Regulation S R0139KAA8 / USR0139KAA80 U.S.$95,468,000 $31,905,000 $0 $63,563,000 $995.35 2.875% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "January 2026 Notes") Rule 144A

00973RAG8 / US00973RAG83



Regulation S R0139KAC4/ USR0139KAC47 U.S.$129,733,000 $34,199,000 $0 $95,534,000 $982.44 2.000% Senior Notes due 2026 (the "July 2026 Notes") Rule 144A



55037AAA6 / US55037AAA60



Regulation S N5369RAA7 / USN5369RAA79 U.S.$707,109,000 $602,321,000 $250,000 $104,788,000 $963.21













Notes: (1) As of the commencement date of the Offers. (2) Excluding principal amount of Notes tendered using guaranteed delivery procedures. (3) As at the Expiration Date. (4) For each U.S.$1,000 principal amount of Notes validly tendered and accepted for payment pursuant to the Offers. Does not include Accrued Interest (as defined below).

Holders will also receive with respect to any Notes validly tendered and accepted for purchase in the Offers (including Notes delivered by the Guaranteed Delivery Deadline in respect of which a notice of guaranteed delivery was delivered at or prior to the Expiration Date) accrued and unpaid interest on such Notes from, and including, the last interest payment date applicable to such Notes to, but not including, the Settlement Date ("Accrued Interest"), payable on the Settlement Date or the Guaranteed Delivery Settlement Date, as applicable. For the avoidance of doubt, the Company will not pay Accrued Interest for any periods following the Settlement Date in respect of any Notes accepted in the Offers (including any Notes delivered pursuant to the guaranteed delivery procedures).

DEALER MANAGERS

Barclays Capital, Inc. 745 7th Avenue, 5th Floor

New York, New York 10019

United States of America

Call Collect: +1 (212) 528-7581

Toll Free: +1 (800) 438-3242

Email: [email protected]

Attn: Liability Management Group Citigroup Global Markets Europe AG Reuterweg 16

60323 Frankfurt am Main

Germany

Europe: +44 20 7986 8969

U.S. Toll-Free: +1 (800) 558 3745

U.S.: +1 (212) 723 6106

Email:[email protected]

Attention: Liability Management Group Wells Fargo Securities, LLC 550 South Tryon Street, 5th Floor

Charlotte, North Carolina 28202

United States of America

Attn: Liability Management Group

Telephone (U.S. Toll-Free): +1 (866) 309-6316

Telephone (U.S. Collect): +1 (704) 410-4235

Telephone (Europe): +33 1 85 14 06 62

Email: [email protected]

THE INFORMATION AND TENDER AGENT



D.F. King & Co., Inc. 48 Wall Street, 22nd Floor New York, New York 10005 Banks and brokers call: (212) 269-5550 All others call toll free: (800) 628-8532 Email: [email protected]



The Offer to Purchase and any other relevant notice and documents with respect to the Offers are available at www.dfking.com/akerbp, operated by the Information and Tender Agent for the purpose of the Offers.

OFFER RESTRICTIONS

General

This announcement is not an Offer to Purchase any Notes or a solicitation of an offer to sell any Notes. The Offers are being made solely by means of the Offer to Purchase. Neither the Company, the Dealer Managers nor the Information and Tender Agent makes any recommendation as to whether Holders should tender any or all of their Notes for payment pursuant to the Offers.

The distribution of this announcement and the Offer to Purchase is restricted by law in certain jurisdictions. Persons into whose possession this announcement or the Offer to Purchase comes are required by the Company, the Dealer Managers and the Information and Tender Agent to inform themselves of and to observe any such restrictions.

Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase constitutes, nor may they be used in connection with, an offer to buy Notes or a solicitation to sell Notes by anyone in any jurisdiction in which such an offer or solicitation is not authorized or in which the person making such an offer or solicitation is not qualified to do so or to any person to whom it is unlawful to make an offer or a solicitation. Neither the Company, the Dealer Managers nor the Information and Tender Agent accepts any responsibility for any violation by any person of the restrictions applicable in any jurisdiction.

European Economic Area

The Offers are not being made in any Member State of the European Economic Area ("EEA"), other than to persons who are "qualified investors" as defined in Regulation (EU) No 2017/1129 (as amended, the "Prospectus Regulation"), or in other circumstances falling within Article 1(4) of the Prospectus Regulation. This EEA selling restriction is in addition to any other selling restrictions set out in this Offer to Purchase.

United Kingdom

The communication of this announcement by the Company and the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers is not being made, and such documents and/or materials have not been approved, by an authorized person for the purposes of section 21 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000, as amended (the "FSMA"). Accordingly, such documents and/or materials are not being distributed to, and must not be passed on to, the general public in the United Kingdom. The communication of such documents and/or materials as a financial promotion is only being made to those persons in the United Kingdom falling within the definition of investment professionals (as defined in Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order")), persons who are within Article 43(2) of the Order, persons who are qualified investors of the kind described in Article 49(2)(a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.), persons who otherwise fall within an exemption set forth in the Order such that section 21(1) of the FSMA does not apply or any other persons to whom the Offers may otherwise lawfully be made under the Order and all other applicable securities laws. In the United Kingdom, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or materials relating to the Offers are only available to, and any investment or investment activity to which this Offer to Purchase or such other materials relate will be engaged in only with, relevant persons. Any person in the United Kingdom that is not a relevant person should not act or rely on this Offer to Purchase or any of its contents or any such other materials.

Italy

None of the Offers, the Offer to Purchase or any other document or materials relating to the Offers have been or will be submitted to the clearance procedures of the Commissione Nazionale per le Societa e la Borsa ("CONSOB") pursuant to Italian laws and regulations. The Offers are being carried out in Italy as exempted offers pursuant to article 101-bis, paragraph 3-bis of the Legislative Decree No. 58 of 24 February 1998, as amended (the "Financial Services Act") and article 35-bis, paragraph 4 of CONSOB Regulation No. 11971 of 14 May 1999, as amended. Holders or beneficial owners of the Notes that are located in Italy can tender Notes for purchase in the Offers through authorized persons (such as investment firms, banks or financial intermediaries permitted to conduct such activities in the Republic of Italy in accordance with the Financial Services Act, CONSOB Regulation No. 16190 of 29 October 2007, as amended from time to time, and Legislative Decree No. 385 of 1 September 1993, as amended) and in compliance with applicable laws and regulations or with requirements imposed by CONSOB or any other Italian authority.

Each intermediary must comply with the applicable laws and regulations concerning information duties vis-a-vis its clients in connection with the Notes and/or the Offers.

France

The Offers are not being made, directly or indirectly, to the public in the Republic of France ("France"). Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other document or material relating to the Offers has been or shall be distributed to the public in France and only (i) providers of investment services relating to portfolio management for the account of third parties (personnes fournissant le service d'investissement de gestion de portefeuille pour compte de tiers) and/or (ii) qualified investors (investisseurs qualifies), acting for their own account, with the exception of individuals, within the meaning ascribed to them in, and in accordance with, Articles L.411-1, L.411-2 and D.411-1 of the French Code monetaire et financier, and applicable regulations thereunder, are eligible to participate in the Offers. This announcement, the Offer to Purchase and any other documents or offering materials relating to the Offers have not been and will not be submitted for clearance to nor approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers.

Belgium

Neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers have been submitted to or will be submitted for approval or recognition to the Belgian Financial Services and Markets Authority (Autoriteit voor financiele diensten en markten / Autorite des services et marches financiers) and, accordingly, the Offers may not be made in Belgium by way of a public offering, as defined in Articles 3 and 6 of the Belgian Law of 1 April 2007 on public takeover bids as amended or replaced from time to time. Accordingly, the Offers may not be advertised and the Offers will not be extended, and neither this announcement nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other documents or materials relating to the Offers (including any memorandum, information circular, brochure or any similar documents) have been or shall be distributed or made available, directly or indirectly, to any person in Belgium other than "qualified investors" in the sense of Article 10 of the Belgian Law of 16 June 2006 on the public offer of placement instruments and the admission to trading of placement instruments on regulated markets, acting on their own account. Insofar as Belgium is concerned, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase have been issued only for the personal use of the above qualified investors and exclusively for the purpose of the Offers. Accordingly, the information contained in this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be used for any other purpose or disclosed to any other person in Belgium.

Switzerland

Neither this announcement, the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Notes constitutes an offer or solicitation to purchase or invest in the Notes described herein. The Notes may not be publicly offered, sold or advertised, directly or indirectly, in, into or from Switzerland and will not be listed on the SIX Swiss Exchange or on any other exchange or regulated trading facility in Switzerland. Neither the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Offer to Purchase or this announcement or the Notes constitutes a prospectus or a key information document within the meaning of articles 35 and 58 of the Swiss Financial Services Act ("FinSA"), and neither this announcement, nor the Offer to Purchase nor any other offering or marketing material relating to the Offer to Purchase or the Notes may be publicly distributed or otherwise made publicly available in Switzerland. In particular, none of this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or any other document produced in connection with this announcement, the Offer to Purchase or the Notes have been or will be approved by a Swiss review body (Prospektprufstelle) according to article 52 FinSA, or by the Swiss Financial Market Supervisory Authority FINMA under the Swiss Collective Investment Schemes Act.

Norway

This announcement and the Offer to Purchase has not been and will not be filed with or approved by the Norwegian Financial Supervisory Authority (Nw. Finanstilsynet), the Oslo Stock Exchange (Nw. Oslo brs) or any other regulatory authority in Norway. The Notes have not been offered or sold and may not be offered, sold or delivered, directly or indirectly, in Norway, unless in compliance with Chapter 7 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act of June 29, 2007 No. 75 (Nw. verdipapirhandelloven) and secondary regulations issued pursuant thereto, as amended or replaced from time to time (the "Securities Trading Act"). Accordingly, this announcement and the Offer to Purchase may not be made available nor may the Notes otherwise be marketed and offered for sale in Norway other than in circumstances that are deemed not to be a marketing of an offer to the public in Norway in accordance with the Securities Trading Act.

SOURCE Aker BP ASA
"With the disappearance of traditional pensions and strains on safety nets such as Social Security and Medicare, Americans are expected to self-fund a greater portion of their retirement income compared with prior generations. But many are facing headwinds and are not equipped to take on this added responsibility," said Catherine Collinson, CEO and president of Transamerica Institute and TCRS. "Millions of Americans are at risk of not achieving a financially secure retirement  and they need support from policymakers."

American Voices: Public Policy Priorities for Retirement Security, a collaboration between nonprofit Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies (TCRS) and Transamerica Institute, examines Americans' priorities for the President and Congress that would help people have a financially secure retirement. The report provides infographic snapshots and demographic comparisons by generation, employment status, race and ethnicity, gender, household income, urbanicity, military status, and LGBTQ+ status. It is based on a survey of more than 10,000 U.S. residents aged 18 and older.

Americans' top priority for the President and Congress to help people have a financially secure retirement is addressing Social Security's funding shortfalls (62%), according to the survey's findings. Other priorities include addressing Medicare's funding shortfalls (51%), making out-of-pocket health care expenses and prescription drugs more affordable (49%), ensuring all workers can save for retirement in the workplace (44%), increasing access to affordable housing (40%), innovating more affordable solutions for long-term care (38%), implementing financial literacy curriculum in schools (38%), supporting family caregivers (36%), providing and/or subsidizing additional broadband access (28%), and creating incentives for continuing education (26%).

Most demographic segments analyzed in the report are in agreement on prioritizing Social Security and Medicare as the two most urgent policy concerns. Demographic segments are also generally aligned on the need to make out-of-pocket health care expenses and prescription drugs more affordable, as well as ensuring all workers can save for retirement in the workplace. Notably, older generations (i.e., Silent Generation, Baby Boomers, and Generation X) and retirees typically had higher response rates regarding these specific priorities compared with other segments  possibly because these issues are more relevant to them at their current life stages.

"The President, Congress, and policymakers pave the way for strengthening our retirement system so that all Americans can achieve a financially secure retirement. With a collective effort among stakeholders including industry leaders, employers, and individuals, our nation can innovate and implement solutions that address the needs of current and future generations of retirees," said Collinson.

American Voices: Public Policy Priorities for Retirement Security is based on findings from the 24th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey conducted in late 2023. Additional demographic perspectives on priorities for the President and Congress can be found in Transamerica Institute's recent survey reports on The Retirement Outlook of the American Middle Class, The Multigenerational Workforce: Life, Work, and Retirement, and Workplace Transformations: Employer Business Practices and Benefit Offerings.

To download the report, visit www.transamericainstitute.org. Listen to Transamerica Institute's podcast ClearPath  Your Roadmap for LifeSM. Follow on LinkedIn, Facebook, and X @TI_insights and @TCRStudies.

About Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies

Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies (TCRS) is an operating division of Transamerica Institute, a nonprofit, private foundation. Transamerica Institute is funded by contributions from Transamerica Life Insurance Company and its affiliates. TCRS and its representative cannot give ERISA, tax, investment, or legal advice. This material is provided for informational purposes only and should not be construed as ERISA, tax, investment, or legal advice. Interested parties must consult and rely solely upon their independent advisors regarding their situation and the concepts presented here. For more information about TCRS, please refer to www.transamericainstitute.org.

About the 24th Annual Transamerica Retirement Survey

The analysis contained in American Voices: Public Policy Priorities for Retirement Security was prepared internally by the research team at Transamerica Institute and TCRS. The 25-minute online survey was conducted within the U.S. by The Harris Poll on behalf of Transamerica Institute between September 14 and October 23, 2023, among a nationally representative sample of 10,002 people. Data was weighted where necessary for age by gender, race and ethnicity, region, education, marital status, household size, household income and propensity to be online to being them in line with their actual proportions in the population. Respondents were selected from among those who have agreed to participate in our surveys. The sampling precision of Harris online polls is measured by using a Bayesian credible interval and the worker sample data is accurate to within +1.2 percentage points using a 95% confidence level. This credible interval will be wider among subsets of the surveyed population of interest. Percentages are rounded to the nearest whole percent.

Media Contact: Kyle Moschen

[email protected]

SOURCE Transamerica Center for Retirement Studies
ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameris Bancorp (NYSE: ABCB) (the "Company") announced today that it intends to release its third quarter 2024 financial results in a press release after the market closes on Thursday, October 24, 2024. H. Palmer Proctor, Jr., Chief Executive Officer, Nicole S. Stokes, Chief Financial Officer, and Douglas D. Strange, Chief Credit Officer, will host a teleconference at 9:00 a.m. Eastern time on Friday, October 25, 2024 to discuss the Company's results and answer appropriate questions.

The conference call can be accessed by dialing 1-844-481-2939. The conference call ID is Ameris Bancorp. A replay of the call will be available beginning one hour after the end of the conference call until November 1, 2024. To listen to the replay, dial 1-877-344-7529. The conference replay access code is 1525671. The financial information discussed will be available on the Investor Relations page of the Ameris Bank website at ir.amerisbank.com. Participants also may listen to a live webcast of the presentation by visiting the link on the Investor Relations page of the Ameris Bank website.

About Ameris Bancorp

Ameris Bancorp is the parent of Ameris Bank, a state-chartered bank headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia. Ameris operates 164 financial centers across the Southeast and also serves consumer and business customers nationwide through select lending channels. Ameris manages $26.5 billion in assets as of June 30, 2024, and provides a full range of traditional banking and lending products, treasury and cash management, insurance premium financing, and mortgage and refinancing services. Learn more about Ameris at www.amerisbank.com.

SOURCE Ameris Bancorp
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Athenium LLC, a provider of actionable intelligence to support U.S. Military combat readiness, has delivered condition and damageability assessments for over 2 million linear miles of roads and runways in South Dakota, Montana and select locations overseas.

Atheniums analysis extended to road systems serving military housing in South Dakota.

"Commercial R&D is moving at an undeniably fast rate, but we've successfully leveraged the AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) program to partner with small businesses and bring new technologies into the hands of our warfighters," said Loretta Vega, 28th Mission Support Group Deputy for Installation Support. "We have collaborated with business partners to accelerate innovation through the execution of Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) programs, leading to TACFIs and direct commercialization. These efforts yield solutions for the DoD as well as the civilian sector."

Based in Dover, NH, Athenium deploys patented meteorological and computer-vision technologies to identify surface conditions and degradation risk of critical infrastructure. For its latest project, Athenium utilized artificial intelligence to assess exposures of both civilian and military-use paved surfaces, said Jordan Foley, President of Athenium's Climate Intelligence business.

"To deliver for the Air Force," Foley said, "we extracted insights from 10,000 image tiles, 100,000 aircraft records and also from Athenium's proprietary atmospheric databases."

A meteorologist, Foley added that Athenium created the database over the past dozen years for the U.S. Defense-Intelligence Community, archiving more than seven decades of cleansed, normalized and rationalized weather and climate records globally. The archive covers all the earth's land masses, ocean surfaces and both poles, drawing from more than 200 sources that report weather and soil conditions.

In addition to aiding combat readiness, the results from Athenium's AI collaboration with Ellsworth Air Force Base in South Dakota and Malmstrom Air Force Base in Montana will assist those installations' engineers in inspecting and maintaining paved surfaces.

"Our team has delivered far greater insights than previously available for assessing damage and distresses to roads and runways  not only in the U.S. but around the world," Foley said.

The Air Force sponsored the program using funds allocated by Congress for innovative research and development by small businesses, according to Glenn Ojeda, Athenium's Managing Director of Federal Programs. He thanked the Air Force Research Laboratory and its innovation arm, AFWERX, for the opportunity and noted that the roads-and-runways initiative builds upon solutions that Athenium originally created for inspecting building conditions and damageability of more than 80,000 structures located on U.S. Military installations in the U.S and abroad.

"Our AI tools rapidly analyzed billions of records related to severe climate conditions at every building, road and runway we have examined through aerial imagery," added Ojeda. Learn more about Athenium's infrastructure intelligence here.

Athenium analyzed imagery captured by fixed-wing aircraft, drones and satellites during the projects and now is prepared to deploy the solutions for commercial clients. "We can work with a diverse set of industries that need more insights as to property conditions, values and the potential for costly damages in the future," Foley said. "These decision makers include real estate investors and mortgage originators."

Athenium LLC is a portfolio company of In-Q-Tel, the private venture firm serving the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency and the broader intelligence community. Athenium's climate-intelligence tools and other solutions serve the U.S. Air Force, Homeland Security and one-third of the largest property & casualty insurers in the U.S.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Athenium LLC
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Authentique Marketing Agency is thrilled to announce its strategic partnership to join WHTWRKS Inc., a distinguished culturally forward marketing strategy and creative services firm founded in 2013. This collaboration marks a significant step forward in advancing WHTWRKS's multicultural marketing and reinvesting in brand strategy aimed at targeting Black audiences.

(l-r) Roy Broderick, Jr. Chief Growth Officer Martin Ekechuwku, Co-Founder

WHTWRKS Inc., known for its expertise in creating award-winning impactful content and innovative marketing and media strategies, has established itself as a leader in connecting brands with new and diverse communities. Their impressive portfolio of clients include among the many BET Networks, Meta, LinkedIn, MyCode, Macro, J.P.Morgan Chase, Smirnoff, and Ciroc. Their work is focused on developing targeted strategies and compelling narratives that resonate deeply with audiences to increase engagement and conversion.

"We are thrilled to welcome Authentique Marketing Agency into the WHTWRKS family. This partnership is a testament to our commitment to amplifying diverse voices and crafting narratives that resonate with underserved communities," said Martin Ekechukwu, Co-Founder of WHTWRKS Inc. "Together, we will unlock new possibilities for brands looking to connect authentically with their audiences."

Roy Broderick, Jr. the founder of Authentique Agency, has an illustrious career marked by collaborations with several high-impact and high-profile brands. His extensive experience spans leading names such as Target, Sony Pictures, Wells Fargo Bank,, Columbia Pictures, PUMA, Marvel, Screen Gems, Tyler Perry Studios, Jack Daniel's, PepsiCo, and Victoria's Secret. With a robust background in multicultural marketing, Broderick has successfully navigated the Florida, New York, and Georgia markets, uncovering his passion for creating meaningful connections with diverse audiences.

"We are excited to join forces with WHTWRKS Inc. and leverage the unparalleled expertise and vision of creating meaningful cultural connections between the audience and the brand," said Roy Broderick, Founder and CEO of Authentique Marketing Agency. "This partnership represents a powerful synergy that will enable us to deliver even more impactful and inclusive marketing solutions for our clients."

Broderick's firm serves a broad spectrum of clients across telecommunications, legal, food, home, manufacturing, education, beauty, and media industries. With the addition of his leadership, WHTWRKS Inc. is poised for continued growth, with a strategic focus on expanding into new areas and making a significant impact in Atlanta.

"Working alongside Roy Broderick and the talented team at Authentique allows us to deepen our impact in multicultural marketing", stated Tamara Spinner, President of WHTWRKS Inc. "Our shared vision for creating culturally relevant campaigns will not only enhance our offerings but also drive meaningful engagement for our clients in the ever-evolving marketplace."

As part of this partnership, Roy Broderick, Jr. will take on the role of Chief Growth Officer where he will spearhead initiatives to further integrate and enhance culture and experiences into brand and corporate marketing strategies targeting Black and LGBTQ audiences. This new role underscores his commitment to driving innovation and excellence in connecting brands with diverse consumer segments.

Contact Information:

Ashley Clinkscale

Communications Lead

WHTWRKS, Inc.

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE WHTWRKS
The largest funding commitment since the Beeck Center's founding in 2014

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University today announced that it has received an $8 million gift from Ballmer Group to support and enhance its existing work improving digital benefits and service delivery and providing hands-on technical assistance and capacity building support for all levels of government. The funding also provides the Beeck Center new opportunities to explore and incubate promising, innovative ideas to advance the civic technology field.

The Beeck Center works with all levels of government  state, local, territorial, and federal  to integrate modern digital tools and approaches, such as easy-to-use online forms and privacy-protected data sharing for less burdensome application processes, that help eligible people obtain  and keep  critical benefits and services and provide economic stability and mobility.

"We are deeply grateful for Ballmer Group's generous reinvestment in the Beeck Center, highlighting our impressive growth and impact since Ballmer Group's catalytic investment in 2021," said Lynn Overmann, Executive Director of the Beeck Center. "As the Beeck Center celebrates a decade of impact, this new gift will allow us to advance our efforts in making government services more accessible and equitable for those who need them most, whether it's putting food on the table, accessing critical healthcare, or finding stable housing. The potential impact is enormous  if every individual or family eligible for government support programs could easily access them, we could lift millions of people, including children, out of poverty."

This new, general operating funding will allow the Beeck Center to nimbly and responsively meet the evolving, complex needs of governments and the people they serve, including:

Providing government partners with low-barrier entry points for more effective implementation of digital benefits and service delivery

Responding to state and local government capacity and service needs through targeted, hands-on assistance and the development of new skills

Incubating innovation to respond to gaps, explore promising practices, and advance the civic technology field

The Ballmer Group funding is the single largest funding commitment in the Beeck Center's 10-year history, beyond the Beeck Family's founding gift. This latest investment builds on previous funding from Ballmer Group, which supported the Beeck Center's early work to improve safety net benefits administration by helping governments build digital infrastructure, bringing practitioners together to share ideas and best practices, and providing technical assistance.

"Over the last decade, we've seen how impactful the Beeck Center's work has been, and we're thrilled to make this meaningful gift," said Korey Klein of Ballmer Group. "We believe the Beeck Center at Georgetown University is uniquely positioned to deploy academic rigor with technology, data, and human-centered solutions to address critical gaps across government and ultimately improve economic mobility."

About the Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation

The Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation at Georgetown University seeks to improve people's daily lives by helping governments utilize data, design, technology, and policy to better meet the needs of their residents. An anchor of Georgetown University's Tech and Society Initiative, the Beeck Center works alongside public, private, and non-profit organizations to identify and establish human-centered solutions that help government services work better for everyone, especially the most vulnerable and underserved populations. The Beeck Center's work was recognized on Fast Company's 2023 Next Big Things in Tech list. For more information, please visit beeckcenter.georgetown.edu .

About Ballmer Group

Ballmer Group is committed to improving economic mobility for children and families in the United States, funding leaders and organizations that have demonstrated the ability to reshape opportunity and reduce systemic inequities. We focus on multiple impact areas and systems that can impact economic mobility - such as early learning, K-12 education, college and career pathways, housing, behavioral health, and criminal justice - and we support leaders and organizations that focus on undoing systemic racism and the barriers it has created. Ballmer Group is both a national and regional funder  we have a presence and invest deeply in southeast Michigan, Washington state, and Los Angeles County. Ballmer Group was co-founded by philanthropist Connie Ballmer and her husband Steve Ballmer, former CEO of Microsoft, founder of USAFacts, and chairman of the Los Angeles Clippers. Learn more at ballmergroup.org .

Press Contact:

Elle O'Brien, Original Strategies

[email protected]

Jessica Yabsley, Beeck Center

[email protected]

SOURCE Beeck Center for Social Impact + Innovation
Laura Frampton Promoted to President of Washington's Oldest Business

Cameron Smock Retiring After 36 Years with the Organization

SEATTLE, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, BONNEY WATSON the funeral home and cemetery company that is Washington's oldest continually operating business, announced that Laura Frampton, previously Vice President of Operations, will ascend to the role of President of the 156-year-old firm. BONNEY WATSON also announced that current President and CEO Cameron Smock, who has served in the position for the last 17 years, will transition to the role of President Emeritus to provide support to Frampton.

"We are excited that Laura has accepted the challenge of leading BONNEY WATSON and have the utmost confidence in her ability to write the next chapter in our firm's long history. We are grateful for the 36 years that Cameron devoted our firm and to serving the Seattle community, including his 17-year tenure as President. Cameron's caring approach, passion and dedication will leave a lasting impact on our organization and the families we serve. We are particularly grateful that he mentored Laura to be his successor and has passed her the reins to carry forward his and BONNEY WATSON's legacy," said Greg Welch, Board Chair, BONNEY WATSON.

Frampton's appointment is effective October 1, 2024. Frampton joined BONNEY WATSON in 2018 overseeing its Care Center operations. Shortly after, she was promoted to Director of Operations overseeing all of BONNEY WATSON's funeral homes, crematory and cemetery operations. In recognition of the outstanding service she provided to the company and the community throughout the COVID pandemic, in 2023, Frampton was promoted to Vice President of Operations. Prior to BONNEY WATSON, Laura worked in the funeral and cemetery profession for eight years and as a certified nursing assistant before that. She sits on the board of the Washington Cemetery, Cremation, Funeral Association and End of Life Washington.

"In my new role as president, I am committed to bringing the same unwavering dedication and passion to BONNEY WATSON as the leaders that came before me. I'm deeply honored to be given the opportunity to build upon BONNEY WATSON's rich legacy and eager to lead us forward through these transformative times," said Frampton.

Smock, a licensed funeral director and embalmer, has been with BONNEY WATSON since 1988. He has helped families through some of the most challenging times in our nation's history, from the HIV/AIDS epidemic to most recently the COVID-19 pandemic. Deemed an "essential service," Smock led the organization through the challenges of supporting families with end-of-life rituals and memorials while under COVID-related restrictions. Under Smock's leadership, BONNEY WATSON embraced technology so more family members and friends could participate in a funeral, memorial or committal ceremony even when lockdowns and social distancing were in effect. Cameron also spearheaded the consolidation of BONNEY WATSON's headquarters from its traditional location on Capitol Hill to its cemetery operation in SeaTac.

"It has been an honor and privilege to be part of this legacy company for 36 years and to be entrusted with its leadership for the past 17 years. BONNEY WATSON has an incredible legacy of service to those during one of the worst periods of time in their lives, and it has been a humbling experience to be entrusted with the care of their loved ones. As has been true throughout our 156-year history, it is the talent and dedication of every staff person I have been privileged to work beside that deserves the credit for upholding our unwavering legacy of service," said Smock.

BONNEY WATSON is Washington state's oldest continually operating business, providing meaningful funeral and memorial services. For more information on BONNEY WATSON, its services and history, visit https://bonneywatson.com/

About BONNEY WATSON

Located in the Puget Sound area, BONNEY WATSON is proud to be Washington State's oldest continually operating business, providing meaningful funeral and memorial services to our community since 1868. Our willingness to adapt to the changing needs and preferences of people in our region is the primary reason for our company's success and longevity. Our family-owned company has been honored to serve families in the Tacoma and Seattle area for more than 150 years, and we will continue evolving in order to serve them well into the future. For more information, visit https://bonneywatson.com/

SOURCE BONNEY WATSON
AUDUBON, Pa., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CertaPro Painters, North America's Most Referred Painting Company, is launching its Paint it Pink campaign for the sixth consecutive year in partnership with the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF) and Breast Cancer Canada to help raise money in support of breast cancer research. Since 2019, CertaPro's Paint it Pink has raised $555,000, which equates to approximately 11,000 hours of BCRF research.

Since 2019, CertaPro's annual Paint it Pink campaign has raised $555,000 for breast cancer research. Post this Through its Paint it Pink campaign, CertaPro Painters aims to raise $160,000 for breast cancer research between October and November 2024.

CertaPro Painters franchisees that participate in Paint it Pink will donate a percentage of every painting project completed between Oct. 1 and Nov. 30. Local businesses and CertaPro corporate team members also participate in fundraising events. CertaPro aims to increase its donations every year, with a goal of achieving $160,000 during the months of October and November 2024. All donations will go to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation in the U.S. and Breast Cancer Canada. If CertaPro reaches its 2024 funding goal, its Paint it Pink campaign will support roughly 3,200 hours of research for BCRF or the equivalent of 64 patients' enrollment in a BCRF-supported clinical trial.

"The idea for Paint it Pink originated from a CertaPro franchisee who lost his wife to breast cancer and asked how our company could spread awareness and support the cause," said Mike Stone, president & CEO of CertaPro Painters. "As a company, we strongly believe in helping those in need, supporting our employees and franchisees, and serving the local communities where we live. Our Paint it Pink initiative is incredibly important to us as it gives us the opportunity to live our core values and allows us to help pay it forward by supporting BCRF's mission of achieving prevention and a cure for breast cancer."

CertaPro's Paint it Pink campaign will consist of several initiatives this year, including:

A Paint it Pink social media campaign will go coast to coast this year and have fun "painting" recognizable North American landmarks pink, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Times Square, the CN Tower and more! Follow us @certapro!

Participating franchisees will have a dedicated Paint it Pink page on their local CertaPro website with links to important resources and how to get involved.

Many CertaPro franchisees connect with neighboring businesses to raise awareness by painting them pink during the campaign or partner to host local fundraising events such as a 5K run or picnic.

CertaPro's corporate team gets involved by participating in a step challenge whereby all donations go to Paint it Pink. Team members donate to participate in the step challenge, and if the goal is met, CertaPro will contribute up to $4,500 in addition to stepping efforts.

Anyone can get involved in Paint it Pink by making a donation to support breast cancer research. Whether you're a business, community member, or individual looking to make a difference, your contribution can help bring us one step closer to a cure.

For more information or to donate to Paint it Pink, visit https://certapro.com/paint-it-pink.

About CertaPro Painters

CertaPro Painters was founded in 1992 and specializes in providing commercial and residential services, through 485 franchise territories. Its success is based on exceeding customer expectations by delivering certainty at every juncture of a painting job from start to finish. To join CertaPro Painters or learn more, visit https://certapro.com/.

SOURCE CertaPro Painters
BAKU, Azerbaijan, October 2. Russian Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Maria Zakharova blames Biden administration for Middle East crisis, Trend reports.

"A total failure by the Biden administration in the Middle East. A bloody crisis that continues to escalate. The White House's unclear statements highlight their inability to resolve these conflicts. Blinken's efforts have led to tens of thousands of casualties and a dead-end," Zakharova said in a post on Telegram.

Yesterday, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) announced it had launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.
Blue Island Charging Penalties Under New Mayor

CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- How does an $884 water bill turn into a $142,000 water lien in less than three years? According to two complaints filed a few weeks ago (Buchanan v. City of Blue Island 224 CH 07942; Schoppen ex rel. Nassau Terrace Condominium, Inc. v. City of Blue Island 224 CH 08048), the City of Blue Island has since 2021 adopted an illegal ten percent monthly compounding interest scheme with regard to delinquent water bills. Both complaints have been filed in the Chancery Division of the Circuit Court of Cook County against the City of Blue Island by top Chicago lawyer, Shorge Sato.

Blue Island is a suburban community south of Chicago with approximately 21,000 residents. As a non-rule-home municipality, Blue Island's powers are limited to those specifically provided for by law, according to the plaintiffs. While Illinois law allows for cities to charge residents for the use and benefit of water services, the plaintiffs allege that nothing in Illinois law allows cities such as Blue Island to impose exponential penalties in the form of monthly compounding interest upon delinquent water users.

In the case of plaintiff Michael Buchanan, what began as a delinquent water bill for $884 as of January 1, 2020, ballooned into an over $142,000 water lien against his property as of December 2023, with 93.6% of that arrearage consisting of water penalties. Similarly, in the case of Nassau Terrace Condominium, what began as a $42,000 water bill as of 2021 transformed into a $1.848 million water lien as of February 2024.

"What we are seeing in these two cases is just the tip of the iceberg. Since the election of Mayor Fred Bilotto in 2021, the City of Blue Island has changed its interpretation of the law to grant itself the power to impose ruinous exponential water penalties on delinquent water bills, without interrupting water service, or notifying the property owners," says attorney Sato. "Under the guise of mercy, the city has turned the spigot all the way on when it comes to lining its own pockets." Prior to filing these two lawsuits, attorney Sato sent Mayor Bilotto and his staff a detailed letter on August 8, 2024, informing them of their erroneous interpretation of the law and insisting on reform. Mr. Sato did not receive any response.

SOURCE Engaged Counsel
PHILADELPHIA, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- CODY Systems, a veteran-founded and woman-owned public-safety software company based in the USA, proudly announces the official general release and deployment of its next-generation cloud-based Records Management System (RMS), PathfinderRMS, after a successful limited rollout with key customer partner agencies. With over 44 years of experience in the public safety software sector, this milestone marks a significant advancement in public safety records management, reflecting CODY's commitment to innovation, integrity, and customer-driven software solutions. 'WATCH VIDEO'

WATCH VIDEO

"PathfinderRMS is intuitive and so easy to use. It is truly a game changer for law enforcement,' said Detective Kevin Larkin of Plumstead Township Police Department in Bucks County, PA. Plumstead Twp PD served as one of the limited rollout sites for the software platform. "It's simple to navigate and has such a small learning curve. In under a day, I was able to navigate my way through the system," said Det. Larkin.

"CODY has always set the standard for RMS, and now with Pathfinder, we are setting the standard for what a 21st century, cloud-based RMS should be" said Dave Heffner, CODY's President. "With 44 years of market expertise as its foundation, Pathfinder is the result of our long-standing partnership with law enforcement across the country, and everything we have learned along the way. I could not be prouder of our company for achieving this well-earned milestone. It really is the 'stake in the ground' moment for the market and our future."

"A web-based RMS system is so beneficial to our officers as it allows them to use whatever device they have for faster response times," commented Sara Ferri, Administrative Assistant at Plumstead Twp PD.

PathfinderRMS is designed to adapt to the unique workflows of each agency, providing them with customized solutions that enhance their daily work and help them to work smarter. With the combination of a fresh user-friendly, customizable interface with full reporting and analytics, PathfinderRMS brings all of CODY's RMS know-how to a new generation, streamlining data entry, searchability and pro-active policing in a customizable system that in many ways redefines what an RMS is and provides agencies with device independence to ensure that vital information is always just a click or tap away.

"We are thrilled to see PathfinderRMS in the hands of officers in the field," said Frances Heffner, CEO and CODY Systems Co-Founder. "Our mission has always been to empower law enforcement officers with the tools they need to access, manage, and search their data in an efficient and effective manner."

Key features of PathfinderRMS include:

Device Independence : PathfinderRMS is accessible on any device through any modern web browser, whether a desktop computer, tablet, or phone (iOS, Android, etc.). This flexibility allows agencies to transition seamlessly between devices, ensuring uninterrupted access to vital information.

: PathfinderRMS is accessible on any device through any modern web browser, whether a desktop computer, tablet, or phone (iOS, Android, etc.). This flexibility allows agencies to transition seamlessly between devices, ensuring uninterrupted access to vital information. NIBRS Compliance & CJIS Conformance : Supports seamless data gathering and submission in accordance with National Incident-Based Reporting Standards and adheres to strict Criminal Justice Information Services guidelines.

: Supports seamless data gathering and submission in accordance with National Incident-Based Reporting Standards and adheres to strict Criminal Justice Information Services guidelines. Multi-Agency Information Sharing : Facilitates collaboration among agencies at local, regional, and state levels, ensuring coordinated efforts in public safety.

: Facilitates collaboration among agencies at local, regional, and state levels, ensuring coordinated efforts in public safety. User-Defined Dashboards : Each user can personalize their dashboard with relevant data and statistics, optimizing their workflow from the start of their shift.

: Each user can personalize their dashboard with relevant data and statistics, optimizing their workflow from the start of their shift. Advanced Analytics : Agencies can leverage sophisticated reporting and analytics tools to identify trends and make data-driven decisions.

: Agencies can leverage sophisticated reporting and analytics tools to identify trends and make data-driven decisions. Proactive Policing Features: Includes innovative capabilities like "Follow" and "Subscribe to Search," allowing agencies to anticipate and respond to incidents more effectively.

Founded in 1979 by David and Frances Heffner, CODY Systems has maintained a commitment to innovation, integrity, and exceptional customer service. Now in its second generation of family leadership, the company continues to maintain its steadfast dedication to the "CODY way"  a philosophy centered on honor, integrity, and a 'people-first' approach. This customer-focused service approach combined with state-of-the-art technology has positioned CODY as a leading RMS provider across the nation.

Visit CODY Systems at booth #2710 the upcoming International Association of Chiefs of Police (IACP) Conference in Boston, MA Oct 20-22 to get a demo of PathfinderRMS.

For more information about CODY Systems and PathfinderRMS, please visit www.codysystems.com

Contact:

Maggie Riker

VP, Sales and Marketing

CODY Systems

610.326.7476

[email protected]

SOURCE CODY systems
CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG) today announced that its Board of Directors approved a quarterly dividend payment of $0.35 per share of CAG common stock to be paid on November 27, 2024 to stockholders of record as of the close of business on October 31, 2024. Conagra Brands, Inc. has paid consecutive quarterly dividends since January 1976.

About Conagra Brands

Conagra Brands, Inc. (NYSE: CAG), is one of North America's leading branded food companies. We combine a 100-year history of making quality food with agility and a relentless focus on collaboration and innovation. The company's portfolio is continuously evolving to satisfy consumers' ever-changing food preferences. Conagra's brands include Birds Eye, Duncan Hines, Healthy Choice, Marie Callender's, Reddi-wip, Slim Jim, Angie's BOOMCHICKAPOP, and many more. As a corporate citizen, we aim to do what's right for our business, our employees, our communities and the world. Headquartered in Chicago, Conagra Brands generated fiscal 2024 net sales of more than $12 billion. For more information, visit www.conagrabrands.com.

For more information, please contact:

MEDIA: [email protected]

INVESTORS: [email protected]

SOURCE Conagra Brands, Inc.
ALEXANDRIA, Minn., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Consolidated Equipment Group, LLC ("CEG"), a portfolio company of Dominus Capital, L.P. ("Dominus"), is pleased to announce that it has acquired Granite, Iowa-based Agile Manufacturing Group, LLC, operating as Agile Manufacturing ("Agile", the "Company").

CEG acquires Agile Manufacturing (PRNewsfoto/Dominus Capital, L.P.)

Agile is an innovative manufacturer of agricultural, industrial and construction material handling equipment. The Company designs and manufactures a variety of attachments, including front-end loaders, grapples, buckets and other accessories designed to seamlessly integrate with standard operating tractors and equipment. The Company was formed by Mike and Bonita Feilmeier in 2008 to acquire two prominent brands in the attachment industry: the Miller Loader brand, established in 1971, and the GrabTec brand, launched in 2005 in response to the increased demand for a more complete grapple solution following Hurricane Katrina.

In conjunction with this acquisition, Mike Feilmeier will maintain his leadership role at Agile, serving as Vice President of Agile Products within the CEG platform.

"We are thrilled to welcome Agile into the CEG family," said Tom Flynn, CEO of CEG. "Agile boasts an outstanding reputation for quality and innovation. This acquisition allows us to offer a more comprehensive product suite to our customers while enhancing our capabilities in the agricultural, industrial and construction material handling markets. With the robust resources of the CEG platform supporting Mike and his team, Agile is poised for significant growth and success."

"Finding the right partner for Agile was a priority for us, and we are confident that we've landed in the right hands with CEG and Dominus. Our cultures align closely, emphasizing innovation, best-in-class customer service, and top-quality products. Together, we will elevate the GrabTec and Miller brands, expanding their reach and impact across the country," said Mike Feilmeier. "I am excited to collaborate with Tom and the CEG team as we embark on this new chapter," he added.

Ashish Rughwani, Founding Partner at Dominus Capital, added, "The acquisition of Agile is a part of CEG's continued execution of its buy-and-build strategy, expanding the Company into adjacent markets and enhancing its product offerings. We are excited about the opportunities ahead for both companies working together."

Agile is CEG's third acquisition under Dominus' ownership. CEG continues to identify and assess potential add-on acquisitions to bolster CEG's presence as a national attachments & implements provider serving the landscaping, construction, forestry, agriculture, utility and infrastructure end markets.

About CEG (www.quickattach.com, www.erskineattachments.com, www.pro-dig-usa.com , www.dirtdogmfg.com)

Founded in 1948, Consolidated Equipment Group, LLC was one of the first companies in the world to pioneer and manufacture rotary and hydraulic snow blowers. CEG's products and service are recognized in the industry to be of the highest of quality, value, performance, and affordability. The company provides highly complex, OEM-agnostic attachments for various power units through multiple channels and end markets. CEG's operations are based out of its corporate headquarters in Alexandria, Minnesota with manufacturing facilities in Fosston, Minnesota, Elwood, Kansas and Commerce, Georgia.

About Agile (www.grabtec.com, www.millerloader.com)

Agile is an innovative manufacturer of agricultural, industrial and construction material handling equipment. The Company designs and manufactures a variety of attachments, including front-end loaders, grapples, buckets and other accessories designed to seamlessly integrate with standard operating tractors and equipment. Agile's products are marketed under the GrabTec and Miller Farm Loader brands and are sold directly to dealers across the United States and Canada.

About Dominus Capital, L.P. (www.dominuscap.com)

Based in New York, Dominus Capital is a leading middle-market private equity investment firm that focuses on management-led buyouts and growth capital investments in companies in the business services and light manufacturing sectors. Drawing on the experience, knowledge and network of its founders and a team of Operating Partners, Dominus Capital works hand-in-hand with exceptional management teams to unlock the untapped potential of its portfolio companies. The firm takes a long-term approach to investing and has a consistent and highly successful track record of achieving significant growth at its portfolio companies. The Dominus Capital team members have executed over 100 transactions over the past 20+ years.

SOURCE Dominus Capital, L.P.
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Report on how AI is driving market transformation - The Global Craft Beer Market in Europe size is estimated to grow by USD 15.9 billion from 2024-2028, according to Technavio. The market is estimated to grow at a CAGR of 8.78% during the forecast period. Growing number of microbreweries and craft breweries is driving market growth, with a trend towards increasing number of partnerships, agreements, and M and A activities. However, stringent regulations and heavy taxation for alcoholic beverages poses a challenge - Key market players include Anheuser Busch InBev SA NV, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Brasserie De La Senne, BrewDog Plc, Buxton Brewery Co. Ltd., Carlsberg Breweries AS, Cloudwater Brew Co., Diageo Plc, Duvel Moortgat NV, German Kraft Brewery Ltd, Heineken NV, Lervig AS, Magic Rock Brewing Co. Ltd., Mikkeller APS, Stone Brewing Co. LLC, Swinkels Family Brewers, The Boston Beer Co. Inc., Thornbridge Brewery, VAN PUR S.A., and Wild Beer Co..

Technavio has announced its latest market research report titled craft beer market in Europe 2024-2028

Key insights into market evolution with AI-powered analysis. Explore trends, segmentation, and growth drivers- View the snapshot of this report

Craft Beer Market In Europe Scope Report Coverage Details Base year 2023 Historic period 2018 - 2022 Forecast period 2024-2028 Growth momentum & CAGR Accelerate at a CAGR of 8.78% Market growth 2024-2028 USD 15.9 billion Market structure Fragmented YoY growth 2022-2023 (%) 7.57 Regional analysis Europe Performing market contribution Europe at 100% Key countries Germany, UK, Poland, Russia, and Rest of Europe Key companies profiled Anheuser Busch InBev SA NV, Asahi Group Holdings Ltd., Brasserie De La Senne, BrewDog Plc, Buxton Brewery Co. Ltd., Carlsberg Breweries AS, Cloudwater Brew Co., Diageo Plc, Duvel Moortgat NV, German Kraft Brewery Ltd, Heineken NV, Lervig AS, Magic Rock Brewing Co. Ltd., Mikkeller APS, Stone Brewing Co. LLC, Swinkels Family Brewers, The Boston Beer Co. Inc., Thornbridge Brewery, VAN PUR S.A., and Wild Beer Co.

Market Driver

The European craft beer market is experiencing a significant trend of mergers and acquisitions (M&A) among vendors. This activity is beneficial as it allows vendors to expand their market shares, gain access to new products and technologies, and enhance their product portfolios. The popularity of craft beer has motivated larger players to acquire smaller specialists in this category. Furthermore, partnerships with regional macro breweries and distributors enable key players to enter new markets and offer innovative products. These M&A activities are expected to boost the market by enabling vendors to provide a diverse range of craft beer offerings, thereby driving growth during the forecast period.

The Craft Beer Industry in Europe is thriving, with a focus on Microbreweries and Independent Breweries producing unique, flavorful options. Consumer preferences shift towards Low Alcohol Beverages and No Alcohol Beers, catering to Health Conscious Consumers. Beer styles like Craft Lager, Ale, and Stouts remain popular. Urbanization drives the demand for premium products, including Craft Ale and innovative flavors like CBD infused beers. Millennials and Gen Z favor local events and social media engagement. Beer quality is key, with advanced brewing technologies used for Alcoholic Craft Beverages and Distillation Techniques. Health benefits and Organic Flavors are trending. Off trade channels, such as Convenience Stores, and On trade, like Brewpubs, offer diverse options. Despite the focus on health, Alcohol Tolerance remains a factor, with Light Lager and Premium Products catering to different segments. Retail Shops and E-commerce platforms make it convenient for consumers to access their preferred Alcoholic Beverages.

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Market Challenges

The European craft beer market is subject to rigorous regulations and taxation policies. Vendors must adhere to various sectoral laws and regulations regarding ingredients and labeling, enforced by European Union (EU) and other authorities. For instance, the Food Information to Consumers (FIC) regulation 1169/2011 mandates the mention of allergens on consumer labels, including cereals containing gluten. Additionally, countries like Sweden , Finland , and Lithuania have specific alcohol-related laws and regulations. Breweries in Germany must comply with Reinheitsgebot, a beer purity law specifying approved beer ingredients. Moreover, craft beer is subject to significant taxes, with an EU-mandated excise duty of up to USD2.14 per 100 liters. Finland imposes the highest tax rate at USD0.69 per 330 ml bottle. These stringent regulations and high taxes are expected to impact the profitability and growth of the European craft beer market.

, , and have specific alcohol-related laws and regulations. Breweries in must comply with Reinheitsgebot, a beer purity law specifying approved beer ingredients. Moreover, craft beer is subject to significant taxes, with an EU-mandated excise duty of up to per 100 liters. imposes the highest tax rate at per 330 ml bottle. These stringent regulations and high taxes are expected to impact the profitability and growth of the European craft beer market. The European craft beer market is thriving with an increasing demand for alcoholic craft beverages among young consumers, particularly millennials and Gen Z. Beer , a popular alcoholic beverage, is now offering health benefits through flavorful options like craft ale and innovative flavors such as CBD infused beers. Brewpubs are leading the craft production, utilizing advanced brewing technologies and distillation techniques to create premium products. However, challenges persist. Alcohol consumption and hectic lifestyles raise concerns about alcohol tolerance. Counterfeit products pose a threat in off trade channels like convenience stores and retail shops. To cater to diverse tastes, breweries are experimenting with organic flavors and varied tastes. E-commerce and social gatherings are driving sales in on-trade channels. Large beer companies are responding with bottom fermenting and top fermented yeast to meet consumer demands. Despite these challenges, the European craft beer market continues to grow, offering a rich and varied landscape for alcoholic beverage enthusiasts.

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Segment Overview

This craft beer market in Europe report extensively covers market segmentation by

Distribution Channel

1.1 Off-trade

1.2 On-trade

Product

2.1 IPA-based craft beer

2.2 Seasonal-based craft beer

2.3 Pale ale-based craft beer

2.4 Amber ale-based craft beer

2.5 Others

Geography

3.1 Europe

1.1 Off-trade- The off-trade distribution channels, including individual retailers, supermarkets, hypermarkets, specialty stores, and online platforms, dominate the craft beer market in Europe. These channels offer consumers a wide range of craft beer varieties and convenience, as they have extended hours of operation and do not require the additional cost of seating. Major players in this segment include Tesco Plc (Tesco), Carrefour SA (Carrefour), and Target Brands. The increasing number of grocery stores selling alcoholic beverages and the rising internet penetration in Europe are driving the growth of off-trade distribution. In 2021, the relaxation of COVID-19 restrictions led to a gradual increase in demand for beer from the on-trade segment. The normalization of conditions from the pandemic is expected to further boost the growth of the craft beer market in Europe during the forecast period.

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Research Analysis

The Craft Beer Market in Europe is experiencing a significant in popularity, driven by the rise of Microbreweries and Independent Breweries. Consumers are increasingly seeking out Flavorful options, including Craft Lager, Ale, Stouts, and innovative flavors like CBD infused beers. Health-conscious drinkers are also opting for Low Alcohol Beverages and No Alcohol Beers. Consumer Preferences are shifting towards organic and locally sourced ingredients, reflecting a growing awareness of the health benefits of natural ingredients. The Craft Beer Industry is embracing advanced Beer brewing technologies to meet these demands, offering a diverse range of options for Millennials and Gen Z. The market is segmented into On trade and Off trade channels, with Brewpubs playing a crucial role in the On trade sector. The Large Beer companies continue to dominate the market, but the Craft Beer Industry is gaining ground with its unique offerings and consumer-focused approach. Bottom fermenting and Top fermented yeast continue to be popular brewing methods, with Alcohol tolerance varying widely among consumers. Retail shops and online platforms are key distribution channels for Craft Beers, making them easily accessible to consumers.

Market Research Overview

The European craft beer market is experiencing a popularity, with microbreweries and independent breweries leading the charge. Consumer preferences for flavorful, high-quality alcoholic beverages continue to drive growth in the industry. Low alcohol beers and no alcohol options cater to health-conscious consumers, while innovative flavors such as CBD infused beers and varied tastes keep millennials and Gen Z engaged. Urbanization and social media have made craft beer more accessible than ever before, with brewpubs and craft production at the forefront. Beer quality is paramount, with brewers experimenting with new brewing technologies and distillation techniques. The craft beer consumption trend extends to popular drinks like craft lager, ale, stouts, and even light lager. Off trade channels, including convenience stores and retail shops, as well as on trade, such as bars and restaurants, are important outlets for these premium products. Despite the convenience of e-commerce, social gatherings remain a key part of the craft beer experience. However, the industry faces challenges such as counterfeit products and hectic lifestyles, requiring brewers to adapt and innovate to meet changing consumer demands.

Table of Contents:

1 Executive Summary

2 Market Landscape

3 Market Sizing

4 Historic Market Size

5 Five Forces Analysis

6 Market Segmentation

Distribution Channel

Off-trade



On-trade

Product

IPA-based Craft Beer



Seasonal-based Craft Beer



Pale Ale-based Craft Beer



Amber Ale -based Craft Beer

-based Craft Beer

Others

Geography

Europe

7 Customer Landscape

8 Geographic Landscape

9 Drivers, Challenges, and Trends

10 Company Landscape

11 Company Analysis

12 Appendix

About Technavio

Technavio is a leading global technology research and advisory company. Their research and analysis focuses on emerging market trends and provides actionable insights to help businesses identify market opportunities and develop effective strategies to optimize their market positions.

With over 500 specialized analysts, Technavio's report library consists of more than 17,000 reports and counting, covering 800 technologies, spanning across 50 countries. Their client base consists of enterprises of all sizes, including more than 100 Fortune 500 companies. This growing client base relies on Technavio's comprehensive coverage, extensive research, and actionable market insights to identify opportunities in existing and potential markets and assess their competitive positions within changing market scenarios.

Contacts

Technavio Research

Jesse Maida

Media & Marketing Executive

US: +1 844 364 1100

UK: +44 203 893 3200

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.technavio.com/

SOURCE Technavio
CAMBRIDGE, England, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- DIOSynVax, a pioneering clinical-stage biotechnology company specializing in revolutionary broadly protective vaccines, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Ron Moss MD, as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO), reporting to its board of directors, effective September 1, 2024. Dr. Moss, who brings over 30 years of distinguished experience in biopharma, will be based in the USA. He succeeds the company's founder, Professor Jonathan Heeney of Cambridge University, who will transition to the role of Chief Scientific Officer. DIOSynVax's unique approach develops vaccines to a variety of infectious disease targets to prevent future pandemics and will make the need for frequent vaccinations obsolete.

Dr. Moss's extensive background includes senior executive roles across the biopharma industry, where he has led efforts in multiple Biologics License Applications (BLAs), New Drug Applications (NDAs) as well as funding rounds from both public and private equity. His deep expertise in Clinical Vaccine Development will be instrumental as DIOSynVax advances through clinical Proof of Concept (PoC) of its groundbreaking technology that leverages computational biology to design next-generation vaccines with broad protective capabilities.

"Ron's impressive track record in executive leadership and vaccine development positions him perfectly to drive DIOSynVax's mission forward," said Professor Heeney. "His strategic vision and extensive experience will enhance the value of our disruptive technology, which aims to create vaccines that are innovative and very importantly broadly protective against both current and emerging pandemics. We are confident given Ron's proven track record in successfully completing clinical trials that DIOSynVax is strategically positioned to make significant strides in advancing our vaccines through to clinical application."

Dr. Moss stated, "I am excited to lead the DIOSynVax team through the next stages of clinical approval and application. Our technology has the potential to revolutionize vaccine development by providing a new generation of vaccines for broad protection against the growing number of severe viral diseases. DIOSynVax's technology allows us to stay ahead of future pandemics using its unique computational and preclinical pipeline to select vaccines to provide protection against disease causes, including current threats such as the large number of bird flu strains that imminently threaten human kind. Having vaccines in our arsenal that protect against future threats is our reachable goal. Our approach will also make the need for yearly vaccinations no longer necessary."

The Company will be presenting its new pan-bird flu vaccine data at the upcoming Options XII conference for Advancements in Influenza Control in Brisbane Australia on October 2, 2024. Details to follow.

What if we had vaccines that didn't constantly need updates? Check out our new study demonstrating the breadth of protection our new vaccine technology achieves over time.

https://www.nature.com/articles/s41551-023-01094-2

About H5N1

Bird-flu or H5N1 infections is widespread in birds and cattle. A number of document infections have been found in humans some with and without contact to infected animals (https://www.cdc.gov/bird-flu/situation-summary/index.html).

Most public health experts agree that bird-flu does pose a risk to humans should additional changes in the virus occur The US is entering a riskier season for spread of H5N1 bird flu. Here's why experts are worried (msn.com).

About DIOSynVax

Co-founded by Professor Jonathan Heeney of Cambridge University, UK, Professor Ralf Wagner of University of Regensburg, Germany, and Professor Simon Frost Principal Data Scientist at Microsoft Research, Seattle, USA. DIOSynVax is a clinical-stage biotechnology company dedicated to developing universal vaccines through advanced computational biology technologies. Their mission is to create innovative solutions that provide broad protection against a wide range of infectious diseases, including emerging pandemics.

For media inquiries or more information, please contact: [email protected].

SOURCE DIOSynVax
Etana expands its Prime Services platform by offering full access to the CoinDesk 20 Index.

DENVER, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Etana Custody, a Qualified Custodian, unveiled a unique solution for the execution and custody of all 20 digital assets comprising the CoinDesk 20 Index on a single platform. This new offering adds to Etana's growing list of prime services for Institutional Investors.

Etana is fully committed to supporting institutional portfolio construction and management. Institutional Investors can trade on a per-name or index basis, allowing them to execute strategies across a range of assets and liquidity venues.

Market access is a key component of Etana's prime services, which offers Institutional Investors a connection point to a range of asset classes, including digital, G10 currencies, money market instruments, and U.S. treasury securities. This is all provided through the security of a regulated and compliant Qualified Custodian.

"The marriage of our robust technology stack, reliable banking relationships, multiple trading counterparties, and strict regulatory adherence allows Etana clients the ability to construct and manage portfolio exposures within a single platform," said Kevin Hall, Global Head of Prime Services, Etana. "We are positioned to bridge the traditional financial world and the evolving digital asset landscape."

The CoinDesk20 is a valuable addition to Etana's offerings as it is a benchmark for top digital assets with a capped market capitalization-weighted methodology. CoinDesk 20 captures more than 90% of the liquid digital asset market and is designed for implementation at scale.1

"Institutional Investors are seeking solutions that unlock the potential of digital asset growth," said Alan Campbell, President of CoinDesk Indices. "We are thrilled innovative leaders like Etana are using the CoinDesk 20 to provide a seamless solution for simplified and diversified investing."

For more information on Etana Custody, visit: www.etana.com

To learn more about the CoinDesk 20 Index, visit: coindeskmarkets.com/cd20.

1As of 7/31/2024. The digital asset market is represented by the CoinDesk Market Index (CMI).

About Etana Custody

Etana is a qualified custodian with an industry-leading suite of Prime Services, allowing investors to manage digital assets and global currencies in a secure environment linked to various service providers. We provide trade support, fiat on/off ramp, robust market access, crypto clearing & settlement, treasury services, tokenization support, and reporting. With unrivaled security, we reduce counterparty risk, increase capital efficiency, and mobilize assets across venues for exchanges, institutions, investment professionals, and individuals. This is all accomplished while adhering to best practice compliance standards and investment policy guidelines. Giving you peace of mind.

About CoinDesk Indices

Since 2014, CoinDesk Indices has been at the forefront of the digital asset revolution, empowering investors globally. A portfolio company of the Bullish group, our indices form the foundation of the world's largest digital asset products. Known for their precision and compliance, flagships such as the CoinDesk Bitcoin Price Index (XBX) and the CoinDesk 20 Index set the industry standard for measuring, trading, and investing in digital assets. With tens of billions of dollars in benchmarked assets, CoinDesk Indices is a trusted partner. Discover more at coindeskmarkets.com .

Contacts

For media inquiries, please contact:

Etana Custody:

Kevin Hall, Global Head of Prime Services [email protected]

Mike Ulanskas, Marketing Director: [email protected]

CoinDesk Indices:

Emma Martin, Allison Worldwide: [email protected]

Etana Custody Disclaimer:

This information in this press release is not an endorsement or offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy an interest in any investment of for the provision of any investment management or advisory services. Etana Custody Inc provides custody services and is a Colorado chartered trust company. Etana Custody Inc is not registered with the SEC as an investment advisor and is not a licensed broker or dealer. Etana Custody Inc does not offer legal, tax, investment, or other advice. Please contact your legal, tax, or investment professional for questions about your specific circumstances.

CoinDesk Indices Disclaimer:

CoinDesk is a portfolio company of the Bullish group. CoinDesk Indices, Inc. ("CDI") does not sponsor, endorse, sell, promote or manage any investment offered by any third party that seeks to provide an investment return based on the performance of any index. CDI is neither an investment adviser nor a commodity trading advisor and makes no representation regarding the advisability of making an investment linked to any CDI index. CDI does not act as a fiduciary. A decision to invest in any asset linked to a CDI index should not be made in reliance on any of the statements set forth in this document or elsewhere by CDI. All content contained or used in any CDI index (the "Content") is owned by CDI and/or its third-party data providers and licensors, unless stated otherwise by CDI. CDI does not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, timeliness, adequacy, validity or availability of any of the Content. CDI is not responsible for any errors or omissions, regardless of the cause, in the results obtained from the use of any of the Content. CDI does not assume any obligation to update the Content following publication in any form or format.  2024 CoinDesk Indices, Inc. All rights reserved.

SOURCE Etana Custody Inc.
Date: November 12-13, 2024

Location: Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, 700 Prospect St, La Jolla, CA 92037

Registration Deadline: October 31, 2024

Cost: Free

LA JOLLA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Facilitron is excited to announce the return of Facilitron University 2024, a premier two-day event designed for facility management professionals, school district leaders, and administrators. Taking place November 12-13, 2024, at the iconic Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego, this immersive experience will provide invaluable insights, hands-on learning, and exclusive networking opportunities tailored to elevate facility management expertise.

Event Highlights

Facilitron University is honored to welcome Travis Allen, founder of iSchool Initiative and a pioneer in educational technology, as the keynote speaker. Travis's journey started with a viral YouTube video advocating for mobile technology in classroomswhile he was still a high school student. Now a recognized leader in digital education, Travis has inspired over 300,000 people in 45 states and 11 countries, with features in CNN, Forbes, and Huffington Post. His keynote will explore the intersection of technology, leadership, and educationoffering a fresh perspective on today's facility management challenges.

Attendees will also benefit from expert-led sessions covering key trends in facility management and school district operations, with topics designed to help schools streamline processes, optimize resources, and stay ahead of industry changes. Featured sessions include:

District Fiscal Responsibility : Best practices for optimizing school district budgets and maximizing resources.

: Best practices for optimizing school district budgets and maximizing resources. Updating Board Policy : Trends and compliance strategies to keep your district running smoothly.

: Trends and compliance strategies to keep your district running smoothly. Teacher Recruitment, Retention, and Housing: Addressing critical staffing and housing challenges to attract and retain top talent.

Participants will engage in hands-on breakout sessions that encourage collaboration and problem-solving with peers, providing practical solutions that can be implemented immediately in schools or facilities.

Additional Perks

In addition to educational sessions, attendees will enjoy:

Access to all keynote speeches and expert-led sessions.

Guided breakout discussions with fellow professionals in facility management and school operations.

Complimentary meals, including breakfast, lunch, and light appetizers during cocktail hour.

Private gallery tours of the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego.

This event is free of charge, making it accessible to school district leaders and facility managers at all levels.

Who Should Attend?

Whether you're a school district leader, facility manager, or administrator, Facilitron University 2024 offers an unparalleled opportunity to enhance your skills, stay ahead of industry trends, and connect with like-minded professionals. Don't miss the chance to gain actionable insights and real-world strategies for managing public facilities more effectively.

Register Now

Registration is open until October 31, 2024, but spots are limited. Secure your place at Facilitron University 2024 today to advance your facility management expertise and expand your professional network.

Media contact:

Mercer Brockenbrough

[email protected]

SOURCE Facilitron
Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga

October 25, 2024February 16, 2025

NASHVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Frist Art Museum presents Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga, an exhibition that shows how imagination, playfulness, and the environment have inspired Japan's folklore, design, and technology through the centuries. Organized by London's Victoria and Albert Museum, Journey through Japan will be on view from October 25, 2024, through February 16, 2025, in the Frist's Upper-Level Galleries.

Katsushika Hokusai. Under the Wave off Kanagawa, from the series Thirty-Six Views of Mount Fuji, ca. 1831. Woodblock print; 9 3/4 x 14 1/2 in. V&A: Given by the Misses Alexander, E.4823-1916.  Victoria and Albert Museum, London

Designed with younger audiences in mind, yet fun and fascinating for all ages, this exhibition offers a colorful, atmospheric exploration of Japan's visual culture. Divided into four thematic sectionsSky, Sea, Forest, and Cityit presents more than 150 historic and contemporary objects, ranging from netsuke, origami, and woodblock prints to animated movies, graphic novels, and robots.

"Dynamic and innovative, this exhibition celebrates Japanese art and design of many different time periods," writes Frist Art Museum curator at large Trinita Kennedy. "Ukiyo-e prints by Hiroshige and Hokusai from the 1800s are displayed alongside games and youth street fashion from the 2000s." It demonstrates how works such as Studio Ghibli's iconic animation and Shigeru Mizuki's timeless manga have drawn inspiration from Japan's folktales to create beloved characters in pop culture.

Journey through Japan also spotlights the current generation of Japanese artists and designers such as Mariko Kusumoto, Keita Miyazaki, and Noritaka Tatehana, as well as the creativity of young people. The latter includes a poignant installation of one thousand paper cranesa symbol of remembrance from the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park made by school children.

The exhibition begins with the section titled Sky, which shows how artists through the ages have drawn inspiration from the sun, stars, and moon and the stories that surround them. Objects include a woodblock print by nineteenth-century artist Utagawa Kunisada depicting the legend of the Shinto sun goddess Amaterasu. The tale of the selfless Rabbit in the Moon, famous for busily making mochi rice cakes, is represented, as is the story of the interstellar romance between the Cowherder and the Weaver Princess, told with the modern plushies of Sanrio's much-loved Little Twin Stars.

In the second section, Sea, Utagawa Hiroshige depicts the Seven Gods of Fortune, revered as symbols of happiness, luck, and prosperity, arriving in their treasure ship while a fisherman's festival robe expresses wishes and thanks for bountiful catches. The dangers of the sea are represented in some of Japan's most famous artworks, from Katsushika Hokusai's Under the Wave off Kanagawa to the Studio Ghibli film Ponyo, the story of a goldfish princess who longs to be human.

The third section, Forest, explores mythical stories of shapeshifting creatures and heroes with superhuman qualities that Japan's dense forests inspire. The Tale of the Bamboo Cutter, about a girl found in a bamboo stalk by a friendly woodcutter who raises her as his own, is illustrated with a painted wooden kokeshi doll and in Studio Ghibli's cinematic retelling, The Tale of the Princess Kaguya.

With a focus on urban life, the final section, City, introduces the culture of kawaii (cuteness) and the global phenomena that are anime, gaming, and manga. Objects including Pokemon and Tamagotchi toys, a Hello Kitty rice cooker, and a manga-inspired Comme des Garcons dress are displayed next to Transformers action figures and futuristic robots.

Sparking social interaction, creativity, and movement, the exhibition invites museum guests to play Japanese taiko drums, create origami, illustrate and display their own manga story, read about Japan in a forest-themed book nook, compose a haiku about art, and more.

In Martin ArtQuest, the Frist's award-winning art-making space, new stations will concentrate on character design, storytelling, festivals, folklore, and more. Traditional woodblock printmaking tools as well works by Texan artist Daryl Howard, who trained in Japan under master printmaker Hodaka Yoshida, will be on display.

Programs

Curator's Perspective: Journey through Japan

Presented by Mary Redfern, PhD

Thursday, October 24, 6:30 p.m.

Auditorium

Free; first come, first seated

Learn more about the development of Journey through Japan: Myths to Manga from exhibition curator Mary Redfern. This lecture will explore how landscapes and popular tales have influenced and inspired art, technology, and design in Japan. Redfern will also share how the exhibition was curated for a wide age range and presented at Young V&A.

Dr. Mary Redfern is the curator, Japan, in the Asia Department of the Victoria and Albert Museum. From 2015 to 2023, she was curator of the East Asian Collections at the Chester Beatty, Dublin. Her publications include Edo in Colour: Prints from Japan's Metropolis (2021), Art of Friendship: Japanese Surimono Prints (2017), and Tenno no dainingu horu (The Emperor's Dining Hall, 2017) written with Yamazaki Taisuke and Imaizumi Yoshiko.

Exhibition Credit

Created by the V&A  Touring the World

Supporter Acknowledgment

Supported in part by The Sandra Schatten Foundation and The Anne and Joe Russell Family

Program and Spanish Translation Sponsor: Center for Latin American, Caribbean, and Latinx Studies at Vanderbilt University

The Frist Art Museum is supported in part by The Frist Foundation, Metro Arts, the Tennessee Arts Commission, and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Connect with us @FristArtMuseum #TheFrist

About the Frist Art Museum

Accredited by the American Alliance of Museums, the Frist Art Museum is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit art exhibition center dedicated to presenting and originating high-quality exhibitions with related educational programs and community outreach activities. Located at 919 Broadway in downtown Nashville, Tenn., the Frist Art Museum offers the finest visual art from local, regional, national, and international sources in exhibitions that inspire people through art to look at their world in new ways. Information on accessibility can be found at FristArtMuseum.org/accessibility. Gallery admission is free for visitors ages 18 and younger and for members, and $15 for adults. For current hours and additional information, visit FristArtMuseum.org or call 615.244.3340.

SOURCE Frist Art Museum
Expansion of IBM's utility-scale fleet of quantum computers in Ehningen, Germany is marked with ribbon-cutting by German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and industry leaders.

New IBM quantum data center in Europe will soon include IBM Quantum Heron-based system with reduced error rates, 16 times better performance and a 25-fold increase in speed over 2022 IBM Quantum systems.

European-based enterprises and research institutions including Credit Mutuel, Bosch, E.ON, Volkswagen Group, and Ikerbasque are accessing IBM global quantum fleet in quest to advance quantum algorithm discovery.

EHNINGEN, Germany, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz, senior European government officials and European-based global enterprises, IBM (NYSE: IBM) today unveiled the first IBM Quantum Data Center located outside of the United States. It is the company's second quantum data center in the world and marks a significant expansion of its fleet of advanced, utility-scale quantum systems available to global users via the cloud.

On October 1, 2024, IBM officially opened a global quantum data center in Ehningen, Germany alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other government and industry leaders. It is IBMs second quantum data center deployed in the world, and the companys first outside of the United States. The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe features two new utility-scale, IBM Quantum systems, and will soon bring online an IBM Quantum Heron-based system, IBMs most performant quantum computer yet. (Pictured at the inauguration of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe from left to right: Dr. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator for the Digital Economy and Start-Ups, Federal Economics Ministry; Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism, State of Baden-Wurttemberg; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Dario Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research; Ana Paula De Jesus Assis, General Manager of IBM EMEA.) Credit: IBM On October 1, 2024, IBM officially opened a global quantum data center in Ehningen, Germany alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other government and industry leaders. It is IBMs second quantum data center deployed in the world, and the companys first outside of the United States. The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe features two new utility-scale, IBM Quantum systems, and will soon bring online an IBM Quantum Heron-based system, IBMs most performant quantum computer yet. (Pictured at the inauguration of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe: German Chancellor Olaf Scholz.) Credit: IBM On October 1, 2024, IBM officially opened a global quantum data center in Ehningen, Germany alongside German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and other government and industry leaders. It is IBMs second quantum data center deployed in the world, and the companys first outside of the United States. The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe features two new utility-scale, IBM Quantum systems, and will soon bring online an IBM Quantum Heron-based system, IBMs most performant quantum computer yet. (Pictured at the inauguration of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe from left to right: Dario Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research; Dr. Jay Gambetta, Vice President of Quantum, IBM Fellow; Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism, State of Baden-Wurttemberg; German Chancellor Olaf Scholz; Dr. Florian Toncar, Parliamentary State Secretary in the Federal Ministry of Finance; Dr. Anna Christmann, Federal Government Coordinator for the Digital Economy and Start-Ups, Federal Economics Ministry.) Credit: IBM

Now online in Ehningen, Germany, Europe's first IBM Quantum Data Center includes two new utility-scale, IBM Quantum Eagle-based systems, and will soon feature a new IBM Quantum Heron-based system. These systems are capable of performing computations beyond the brute-force simulation capabilities of classical computers.

First introduced late last year, IBM Heron is the company's most performant quantum chip yet, and advances the company's mission of bringing useful quantum computing to the world by enabling users to increase the complexity of algorithms they are exploring on real quantum hardware.

When the IBM Heron-based system is made available at the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe, it will be the third IBM Heron installed across IBM's fleet of quantum systems that can be accessed by the company's global quantum network of more than 250 enterprises, universities, research institutions, and organizations. IBM Heron offers up to a 16-fold increase in performance and 25-fold increase in speed over previous IBM quantum computers as they were measured two years ago.

When it is deployed alongside the now-available utility-scale systems installed in the new IBM Quantum Data Center, the IBM Heron-based system will expand the more than a dozen quantum computers IBM currently offers through the cloud  the largest fleet of its kind in the world.

The opening of the new quantum data center was celebrated at a ribbon-cutting event attended by senior government officials, including German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and Dr. Nicole Hoffmeister-Kraut, Minister for Economic Affairs, Labour, and Tourism, State of Baden-Wurttemberg. IBM CEO and Chairman Arvind Krishna gave remarks alongside Chancellor Scholz, and the Chancellor also spoke at length with IBM leaders including Dario Gil, IBM Senior Vice President and Director of Research; Ana Paula Assis, General Manager of IBM EMEA; Jay Gambetta, Vice President of IBM Quantum; and IBM Quantum's German-based team about the importance of quantum computing's adoption and growth in the region.

Additionally, the landmark moment was attended by several senior leaders of European-based global enterprises, including Credit Mutuel, Bosch, E.ON, Volkswagen Group, and others, as well as research institutions such as Ikerbasque in Spain and Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft. These organizations are among the more than 80 European-based organizations within the IBM Quantum Network, many of which have the opportunity to access the systems within the IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe to search for the algorithms and applications of quantum computing that could solve some of the most complex challenges across their industries.

"The opening of the IBM Quantum Data Center in Ehningen is good news for Germany. It will serve as a location for innovation and business growth, and is an expression of investors' confidence in the German market. IBM enriches the German quantum computing landscape with this new data center. The German government is providing targeted support for the development of quantum technologies. It is thereby driving forward the development of competencies and capacities in quantum computing in order to promote a robust ecosystem around the development of quantum computers," said Olaf Scholz, Chancellor of the Federal Republic of Germany.

"The opening of our first IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe marks a pivotal moment for the region's technological development, demonstrates our commitment to Europe, and underscores the key role of collaboration with industry, academia and policymakers for a pan-European quantum ecosystem. This state-of-the-art facility will foster innovation around quantum computing, creating new opportunities for talent attraction and ensuring that Europe remains at the forefront of global technological advancements," said Ana Paula Assis, General Manager and Chairman of IBM Europe, Middle East and Africa.

"Our collaboration with IBM for the 'scaling' phase of quantum computing is progressing according to plan. We are working to develop concrete applications that improve the experience of our customer and members, and create value for the Group's businesses," said Frantz Ruble, President of Euro-Information and Deputy Chief Executive Officer of Credit Mutuel Alliance Federale. "The availability of this quantum data center on European soil addresses our constraints in terms of processing proximity and Credit Mutuel's approach to regulatory compliance. And it also means we can look forward to the next stages of the quantum project with confidence at Credit Mutuel, CIC and then at Targobank."

"We believe that enabling our scientists and engineers to tackle demanding problems in materials sciences, high-energy physics, and biosciences through quantum computing, and providing state-of-the-art quantum computing access will be key to make disruptive progress in all those disciplines," said Javier Aizpurua, Ikerbasque professor, Donostia International Physics Center (DIPC) and director of BasQ. "A combined use of quantum computing, AI, and data science, if generalized, will give rise to a scenario of new possibilities not only in fundamental research but also in industrial innovation."

"Bosch aims to drive innovation in the field of material simulation using quantum computing. In partnership with IBM Quantum, our team is creating scalable algorithms that aim to revolutionize product development. This includes the creation of new materials for sustainable, carbon-free mobility and the reduction of rare earth elements," said Dr. Thomas Kropf, President of Corporate Sector Research and Advance Engineering, Robert Bosch GmbH. "The European IBM Quantum Data Center allows us to run quantum calculations in close proximity, supporting Bosch's approach to compliance with European data protection regulations. This accelerates our research and development efforts and bolsters the European quantum ecosystem, paving the way for advancements in mobility, healthcare, and sustainable technologies."

"E.ON is investigating quantum computing to tackle energy transition challenges, including large-scale optimization, complex scenario modeling, and quantum machine learning. IBM's first European Quantum Data Center's location is also helpful for EU/German public funding opportunities, which may be available for local access to quantum computational resources and on-site expertise. This milestone underscores Europe's and Germany's leadership in quantum computing and marks a significant advancement in propelling enterprises into the quantum era," said Chris d'Arcy, Managing Director, E.ON Digital Technology GmbH and Chief Data and AI Officer.

"Quantum computing can be the next big thing to solve problems in material science, traffic optimization, or deep learning, that may change the world. IBM's Quantum Data Center in Europe provides access to their unique quantum infrastructure and thus, represents an indispensable another piece of the bridge between quantum computers and industrial application at scale. We are proud to be part of that journey to utilize quantum computing for the transformation into future sustainable and smart mobility," said Dr. Nikolai Ardey, Executive Director, Volkswagen Group Innovation.

"Algorithmiq is pioneering the integration of quantum computing, artificial intelligence (AI), and network science to solve the world's most complex problems in chemistry, healthcare and life sciences. To accomplish this, we need algorithms and scale. This is why we've partnered with IBM on both counts: our groundbreaking error mitigation algorithm, TEM, available through the Qiskit Functions Catalog, is proven to be optimal in extending the scale and accuracy of quantum simulations. And now, with more IBM quantum systems available in Europe, we're excited to further strengthen our ties in Europe and partner with an even larger ecosystem of industries, organizations, developers, and scientists to demonstrate TEM's utility  and progress toward quantum advantage," said Sabrina Maniscalco, CEO of Algorithmiq.

IBM recently published evidence that Qiskit is the world's leading and most performant quantum software. Together with access to IBM's advanced quantum hardware, IBM's ecosystem of users across Europe and globally can access tools and systems that can help them to more easily advance the discovery of algorithms that could open the doorway to useful quantum computing and reach quantum advantage: the point at which a quantum computer can solve a practical problem better than any classical method.

The IBM Quantum Data Center in Europe can be accessed through the IBM Quantum Platform, continuing IBM's mission to enable the development of quantum computing use cases and to support clients as they press forward with algorithm discovery in the era of quantum utility, and towards quantum advantage.

About IBM

IBM is a leading global hybrid cloud and AI, and business services provider, helping clients in more than 175 countries capitalize on insights from their data, streamline business processes, reduce costs and gain the competitive edge in their industries. Nearly 4,000 government and corporate entities in critical infrastructure areas such as financial services, telecommunications and healthcare rely on IBM's hybrid cloud platform and Red Hat OpenShift to affect their digital transformations quickly, efficiently and securely. IBM's breakthrough innovations in AI, quantum computing, industry-specific cloud solutions and business services deliver open and flexible options to our clients. All of this is backed by IBM's commitment to trust, transparency, responsibility, inclusivity and service. For more information, visit www.ibm.com.

Media Contact:

Erin Angelini

[email protected]

SOURCE IBM
Famous Ukrainian actress, and star of the play "Sweet Darusia" Halyna Barankevych explained in an accessible way why it is necessary to completely eradicate Russian from our society. She emphasized that if we continue to tolerate the language of the enemy, we will never get rid of the inferiority complex.

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The artist shared her position in an exclusive interview with OBOZ.UA. The celebrity noted that by using the Russian language, Ukrainians demonstrate disrespect for themselves.

"There is definitely an inferiority complex. I mean, my people and my friends are being shelled, and killed, and there are portraits of people I knew personally on the hundred-meter marker! Russians rape and abuse me, so I'd rather learn Japanese, but I don't want to know you! That's how much disrespect you have for yourself!" the actress said.

According to Halyna Barankevych, who works as an acting teacher at King Danylo University, it is very difficult to remove Russism from the minds of contemporaries, because it is deeply rooted. She noted that since ancient times, our people have been obsessed with the cultural achievements of the enemy because they positioned them as "great."

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The star gave a simple example of how other nations view themselves, which demonstrates a clear difference with Ukrainians.

"I'm surprised at people who, in today's situation, don't have the pride that Poles have, where they proudly say: I am a Pole! And you can't lie to me!" the artist said.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
First-of-its-Kind Greeting Card Line

CONCORD, Mass., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- FreshCut Paper has announced the innovative pop-up card company's latest gift offerings: The Pop-Up Pups and Pop-Up Cats Collection. This first-of-its-kind product line brings a new level of creativity and whimsy to the world of greeting cards.

FreshCut Paper Unveils Groundbreaking PopUp Pups & Cats Collection

The adorable new collection features twelve dog breeds (Beagle, Black Lab, Boston Terrier, Corgi, Dalmatian, English Bulldog, German Shepherd, Golden Retriever, Gray Pit Bull, Pug, Poodle, and Westie), and five cats (Black Cat, Brown Tabby Cat, Calico Cat, Orange Tabby Cat and Ragdoll Cat) with more on the way.

Pull on the tail to pop-up your new 3D companion and rotate its head for that classic inquisitive look. Comes complete with 14 stylish accessories to mix and match, including a customizable speech bubble and matching note card. Perfect for celebrating birthdays and special occasions, these delightful pop-up pets are sure to bring joy and a smile to everyone who

receives them.

"FreshCut Paper's pop-up pets provide a wonderful way to brighten a pet lover's day and celebrate any occasion," says Peter Hewitt, founder of FreshCut Paper.

Transform any moment into a barkable one with a card from this collection. The FreshCut Paper Pop-Up Pets Collection is for everyone: from devoted pet parents to those who simply admire a clever card. Each card is packaged in a mailing envelope designed to look like realistic fur to match the pet inside.

FreshCut Paper is thrilled to announce our partnership with the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals), an organization that shares our passion for creating a safer, more compassionate world for animals. We at FreshCut Paper believe in fostering a world where all beings, including our beloved pets, can thrive.

FreshCut Paper Pop-Up Pups and Cats are priced at $12 per card and are available online at freshcutpaper.com.

ABOUT THE ASPCA

Founded in 1866, the ASPCA (The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) was the first animal welfare organization to be established in North America and today serves as the nation's leading voice for vulnerable and victimized animals. As a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit corporation with more than two million supporters nationwide, the ASPCA is committed to preventing cruelty to dogs, cats, equines, and farm animals throughout the United States. The ASPCA assists animals in need through on-the-ground disaster and cruelty interventions, behavioral rehabilitation, animal placement, legal and legislative advocacy, and the advancement of the sheltering and veterinary community through research, training, and resources. For more information, visit ASPCA.org, and follow the ASPCA on Facebook, X, Instagram, and TikTok.

ABOUT THE FRESHCUT PAPER

FreshCut Paper was founded by the renowned designer and entrepreneur Peter Hewitt, known for his sophisticated design sensibility. A Rhode Island School of Design graduate, Peter is the visionary behind the global Tea Forte brand and has created products for The Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), among other prestigious clients. At FreshCut Paper, a dedicated team of artists, designers, and craftspeople come together to honor the beauty of flowers and gift-giving through intricate botanical, floral, and animal sculptures. Committed to making a positive impact, FreshCut Paper is proud to support the ASPCA and is a member of 1% for the Planet. Through our partnership with 1% for the Planet, we contribute to various global communities working on environmental solutions and have funded the planting of over 4 million trees.

freshcutpaper.com

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Media contact

Christie Kozak

[email protected]

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SOURCE FreshCut Paper
Georgia Power has restored power to 1 million+ customers over the last four days;

Restoration efforts progressing in hardest hit areas including Valdosta, Savannah and Augusta

ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Georgia Power's response to Hurricane Helene  the most destructive hurricane in the company's history  has now grown to 20,000 personnel and continues its work across the state. As of Tuesday afternoon, the company has restored power to over 1 million customers impacted by Hurricane Helene  approximately 80 percent of all customers impacted by the storm. This rapid response has been possible through the implementation of new "smart grid" technologies and the quick work of pre-positioned teams who were ready to respond as soon as conditions were safe to do so on Friday.

Efforts have intensified to restore power to approximately 278,000 customers who remain without power due to the storm as damage has been cleared and access has improved. Crews continue to converge on and deploy in the hardest hit areas in coastal, eastern and southern Georgia and, as restoration has progressed, crews are working their way through the power system efficiently and effectively to repair extreme damage and restore power to the most customers with every repair made.

Georgia Power's Outage Map illustrates the highest concentration of power outages remain in areas such as Augusta, Valdosta, Savannah, and surrounding communities. In many cases, the damage to infrastructure is so severe that teams are essentially rebuilding parts of the grid and not just repairing specific elements. While crews continue to face hurdles such as impassable roads, cellular and communications issues, and tree damage, progress is being made in the hardest hit areas with thousands of customers being restored in and around Augusta, Savannah, Valdosta and elsewhere. While damage and treacherous conditions remain, teams are working around the clock and will remain in the field until every customer who can accept power is restored.

Updated damage estimates illustrating the extensive destruction of Hurricane Helene include:

8,000+ power poles that must be repaired or replaced

that must be repaired or replaced 21,000+ spans of wire equivalent to approximately 1000 miles

equivalent to approximately 1000 miles 1,500+ transformers

3,200+ trees on power lines that must be removed or addressed to restore power

Restoration Status Being Regularly Updated

Georgia Power appreciates the importance of accurate information for customers as they make plans for their families following this historic storm. As the company anticipated and announced before the arrival of the storm, restoration efforts are taking multiple days in many areas due to the extensive damage from Helene. Georgia Power continues to post updated estimated restoration times (ERTs) for communities on its Outage Map.

The company will continue to post updated information throughout the remainder of the restoration process and will make every effort to return power to customers sooner than expected. However, as new damage in previously inaccessible areas becomes apparent, restoration efforts may take longer than originally estimated. Customers are encouraged to check the Outage Map often for the latest information and not rely on possibly inaccurate details they may see from non-company sources.

Preparation, Industry Support Key to Response

Georgia Power monitored the path of Hurricane Helene for more than a week prior to the storm entering Georgia. As part of its preparations, Georgia Power mobilized additional staff from across the industry to respond to Hurricane Helene. Mobilized crews across the state pre-positioned restoration workers, equipment, and supplies near areas of anticipated impact including extra transformers, poles, cable and other equipment. Hurricane Helene had a statewide impact and Georgia Power matched that with a statewide response, including engagement of every Georgia Power crew at the beginning of the storm and thousands of additional lineworkers from outside of Georgia.

All this is part of advance planning and strategy to allow the company to restore power more quickly and efficiently for its customers as soon as weather conditions allow.

The company continues to utilize additional resources from outside of its system including support from Alabama Power, Mississippi Power and dozens of other companies. The response force currently engaged is larger than the company's response to other major hurricanes including Michael, Irma and Zeta.

Georgia Power is also a member of a nationwide mutual assistance network, which consists of hundreds of utilities from around the country. Georgia Power has proactively mobilized crews from over 35 companies from states as far away as Texas, Oklahoma, Indiana, Pennsylvania and New Jersey. The company continues to acquire additional off-system resources to aid in response.

As always, the company encourages customers to keep safety first following Hurricane Helene:

Watch for Georgia Power crews working across the state. If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in Georgia .

If driving, move over one lane for utility vehicles stopped on the side of the road  it's the law in . Watch for downed wires. Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees.

Downed power lines may be hidden by debris or fallen trees. Never touch any downed wire or attempt to remove tree branches from power lines  it can kill.

Don't step in standing water or saturated ground where downed lines may be present. They could be electrified.

They could be electrified. Avoid chain link fences. They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances.

They may be electrified by a downed line out of sight and conduct electricity over great distances. Never attempt repairs to electric service connections. Customers should also note that if their home, including the meter box or mast/connection point, is severely damaged by the storm repairs may need to be made by an electrician before Georgia Power can reconnect power.

Tools You Can Use to Stay Connected & Informed

Outage Alerts  Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information.

Customers subscribed to our free Georgia Power Outage Alert service will receive personalized notifications and updates via text message. Check that your contact number is up to date to receive the latest information. Outage & Storm Center  Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938.

Available at www.GeorgiaPower.com/Storm, customers can visit this site to check their contact information is updated to receive Outage Alerts, report and check the status of outages, and access useful safety tips and information. Customers can also report and check the status of an outage 24 hours a day by contacting Georgia Power at 888-891-0938. Outage Map  Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times.

 Housed within the Outage & Storm Center, Georgia Power's interactive Outage Map provides near real-time information, allowing users to see where outages are occurring across the state and track estimated restoration times. Georgia Power Mobile App  Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go.

 Download the Georgia Power mobile app for Apple and Android devices to access storm and outage information on the go. @GeorgiaPower on X (Twitter)  Follow @GeorgiaPower on X for storm tips, outage updates, customer service and more.

About Georgia Power

Georgia Power is the largest electric subsidiary of Southern Company (NYSE: SO), America's premier energy company. Value, Reliability, Customer Service and Stewardship are the cornerstones of the company's promise to 2.7 million customers in all but four of Georgia's 159 counties. Committed to delivering clean, safe, reliable and affordable energy, Georgia Power maintains a diverse, innovative generation mix that includes nuclear, coal and natural gas, as well as renewables such as solar, hydroelectric and wind. Georgia Power focuses on delivering world-class service to its customers every day and the company is recognized by J.D. Power as an industry leader in customer satisfaction. For more information, visit www.GeorgiaPower.com and connect with the company on Facebook (Facebook.com/GeorgiaPower), X (X.com/GeorgiaPower) and Instagram (Instagram.com/ga_power).

Media Contact:

Georgia Power Media Relations

(404) 506-7676 or (800) 282-1696

www.georgiapower.com

SOURCE Georgia Power
Hundreds of Union Construction Workers Watch Final Beam of Structural Steel Lifted into Place at New $4.2 Billion Terminal that will Anchor the Airport's North Side when First Phase Opens in 2026

Terminal 6 Development is Creating More Than 4,000 Jobs, Including 1,800 Union Jobs

Includes 30 Percent MWBE Goal for Contracts and Financing Interests; Extensive Opportunities for Local Businesses and Job Seekers Guided by Community Advisory Council

Terminal 6 to Offer World-Class Passenger Amenities, Expanded Taxiway and Gate Capacity, State-of-the-Art Security and Streamlined Roadway Access

Video of the Ceremony Available on YouTube

QUEENS, N.Y., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners, the consortium building a new Terminal 6, today celebrated a key milestone in the transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport, where members of organized labor hoisted into position the final piece of structural steel for the first phase of the 1.2 million square-foot terminal. The state-of-the-art terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, inspiring public art and an array of amenities designed to enhance the customer experience, making it a critical piece of the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a world-class global gateway.

More than 1,000 construction workers, business partners, elected officials, and members of the community celebrated a major construction milestone at John F Kennedy International Airport Terminal 6 with the placement of the final beam of structural steel on the new $4.2 billion terminals first phase of construction.

A tradition in major infrastructure works, the topping-out ceremony commemorated the tremendous efforts of construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor to maintain safe and on-time construction. Terminal 6 is scheduled to open in phases, beginning with the completion of the arrivals and departures hall and the first five gates in 2026. The second phase, including five additional gates, will open in 2028, completing the terminal. Terminal 6 construction is creating 4,000 jobs, including 1,800 union jobs in construction.

"Today marks a major milestone in the transformation of JFK International that will set a new standard for travel in New York," Governor Hochul said. "This state-of-the-art development would not have been possible without our skilled union workers and partners, and I look forward to continuing our work with them to build a more efficient, interconnected New York."

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton, Port Authority Vice Chair Jeffrey Lynford, JMP Board Chair George Casey, JMP CEO Steve Thody, JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty, as well as U.S. Rep. Gregory Meeks, Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., and Gary LaBarbera, the president of the Executive Board for the New York Building Trades, joined the governor today to sign the beam before it was raised.

The final beam is adorned with an American flag and an evergreen tree, symbolizing good luck and continued safe construction and operations. It bears the signature of hundreds of partners, employees, and stakeholders who are contributing to the development of the new Terminal 6.

Port Authority Chairman Kevin O'Toole said, "Throughout history, our region has been the nation's front door to the world. Finally, with the transformation of JFK International, it will become the airport that it was always destined to be -- a state-of-the-art global gateway that tells visitors they've arrived in the greatest region of the nation. At JFK, at LaGuardia Airport and at Newark Liberty International, we are making historic investments in the future of our region."

Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said, "Today's topping-off ceremony comes as we near the mid-point of this historic $19 billion project to transform JFK into what will soon be one of the world's great airports. Just seven years ago when we unveiled our JFK Vision Plan, few people believed we could build a new world-class airport while maintaining full flight operations and managing record passenger volumes. But seeing is believing. And in just a couple of years, travelers will experience a beautiful and efficient new airport with a uniquely New York sense of place."

Port Authority Vice Chairman Jeffrey Lynford said, "Watching this final steel beam lifted into place at Terminal 6 shows just how far we have come toward completing our vision of transforming JFK International into one of the finest airports in the world. We are one step closer to creating the global gateway New York deserves, where we will provide a world-class and inclusive customer experience for all travelers, regardless of their needs."

Congressman Gregory W. Meeks said, "The final steel beam being lifted at Terminal 6 signifies another tangible step towards our vision of a major redevelopment project that benefits all communities. By investing in JFK International Airport's transformation into a premier global gateway to the world, we have catalyzed more economic growth in the Queens community. Terminal 6 will create thousands of new jobs and life-changing opportunities for local, diverse small businesses. Through this public-private partnership, we will deliver a world-class, seamless experience for travelers and their families worthy of the great state of New York. As the JFK Redevelopment Council Co-Chair, I look forward to working with our partners to continue translating this investment into real economic and educational benefits for our community."

Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr. said, "No longer just a proposal, the $19 billion redevelopment of Kennedy Airport is taking shape right before our eyes. From creating thousands of good-paying jobs to countless concession opportunities for Queens-based businesses to historic MWBE participation, Terminal 6's transformation is a microcosm of the immense economic opportunity the airport's redevelopment presents our borough, city and state. It's an honor to help move this project forward in my role as co-chair of the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council, and I applaud everyone who made this day possible  including our brothers and sisters in union labor working to build this beautiful new terminal."

Gary LaBarbera, President of the Building and Construction Trades Council of Greater New York said, "The topping out of JFK's brand new and fully modernized Terminal 6 represents a milestone of yet another key development project that not only created thousands of family-sustaining union careers for hardworking New Yorkers, but also acted as a catalyst for further economic growth. We congratulate Governor Hochul for seeing yet another one of these major projects through to its completion and applaud our dedicated and skilled tradesmen and tradeswomen who played such a major role in getting this across the finish line, while having the opportunity to pursue the middle class. This new terminal will improve the lives of countless New Yorkers, along with our visitors, through its state-of-the-art offerings and the economic stimulus it generates."

George Casey, Board Chair, JFK Millennium Partners, and Chair and CEO, Vantage Group, said, "Today's milestone reflects the hard work, tremendous talent, and enduring commitment of hundreds of people to create a new JFK T6, from the early days of planning and engagement, through financial close, ground-breaking, and construction, to today's steel topping-off. Few developments can match the transformation of JFK International Airport in scale, scope, and complexity. Together with our partners, we're honored to be delivering an extraordinary Terminal 6  one that will provide significant benefits to the local community, transform the guest experience, and help bring to life Governor Hochul's vision of a whole new JFK."

Steve Thody, CEO, JFK Millennium Partners said, "We're thrilled to celebrate today's steel-topping out milestone at JFK Terminal 6, an exciting and important achievement on our journey towards opening in 2026. I'm grateful to our extraordinary JMP team and our 900-strong Terminal 6 workforce, who are committed to building a safe, state-of-the-art new home for our airline partners and their passengers  both here in New York and around the globe."

Joanna Geraghty, CEO of JetBlue said, "On behalf of the more than 23,000 crewmembers at JetBlue, New York's Hometown Airline, we're thrilled to celebrate this important milestone for the new Terminal 6 in the same spot where JetBlue launched our first flights nearly 25 years ago. With a seamless connection between Terminal 6 and JetBlue's Terminal 5, customers in both terminals will have access to the best shopping and dining New York has to offer as they travel through JFK. Congratulations to our partners on the Terminal 6 team and to Governor Hochul on another major step in achieving her vision for a new JFK."

David J. Cibrian, Managing Partner of American Triple I (ATI) said, "ATI is proud of this latest milestone at Terminal 6 and the continued collaboration with our consortium partners. We are also appreciative of our ongoing partnership with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and the Queens community as we work together to enhance opportunities for local, MWBE, and veteran owned businesses across all phases and aspects of this marquee project."

Jason Kopp, COO and EVO AECOM Hunt said, "For 80 years, AECOM Hunt has led some of the most important and iconic projects across the United States, and the topping out of Terminal 6 is the latest step in that history as we move closer to completing this five-year, $4.2 billion project. The transformation of JFK Airport represents the very best of what New York and New Yorkers have to offer  a deep desire for excellence, a relentless drive to set new standards and an unwavering commitment to welcoming people of all cultures, backgrounds and countries. We are proud to play a role in constructing this new global gateway - and significantly improve the way we live, the way we work and the way we travel. Thank you to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, JFK Millenium Partners and all of our construction teams for making this major milestone a reality."

Assemblymember Alicia Hyndman said, "Today's milestone in the transformation of JFK International Airport marks another significant step in creating a world-class travel experience for New Yorkers and visitors alike. As we witness the progress of Terminal 6, it's not just about infrastructureit's about the thousands of jobs created the commitment to minority- and women-owned businesses, and the opportunities this development brings to local communities, including those in Southeast Queens. I applaud Governor Hochul, the Port Authority, and all the workers whose efforts are shaping the future of our city, ensuring that JFK remains a beacon of innovation and progress."

Assemblymember Clyde Vanel said, "We are excited for the new world-class Terminal 6 construction and development. We are especially thrilled about the 4,000 Jobs, including 1,800 Union Jobs and opportunities for minority and local small businesses. "

Speaker Adrienne Adams said, "JFK International Airport is a critical gateway for the New York City metropolitan region and a key economic engine in the surrounding neighborhoods in Southeast Queens. The steel topping-off ceremony of the new Terminal 6 represents an important milestone in the $19 billion redevelopment project, especially for the union workers whose contributions made it possible to achieve this progress. As Terminal 6 moves towards completion, it remains crucial for the economic opportunities and investments that derive from this project to benefit our small businesses and neighbors in Southeast Queens. Working with all stakeholders, we will continue to prioritize support for our local communities throughout the transformation of JFK International Airport."

New York City Council Majority Whip Selvena N. Brooks-Power said, "The construction of Terminal 6 represents not only a major investment in our city's infrastructure but also in the local communities that surround this vital hub. With more than 4,000 jobs being created, including 1,800 union jobs, and a commitment to MWBE participation, this project exemplifies the economic and social impact that comes when we invest in the future of New York City's transportation systems and our local communities. I look forward to continuing to work with all key stakeholders as we look transform JFK into a world-class gateway that benefits Southeast Queens and all of New York."

Council Member Dr. Nantasha Williams said, "This new, world-class terminal will not only reshape the travel experience but will also serve as a powerful engine for job creation and economic growth, especially for local businesses and workers. With a commitment to 30 percent MWBE participation and thousands of union jobs, this project represents the best of what we can achieve when we prioritize equity, opportunity, and community investment. JFK's redevelopment is a testament to our city's resilience and vision, and I look forward to seeing Terminal 6 anchor the future of aviation right here in Southeast Queens."

Tom Grech, President and CEO of the Queens Chamber of Commerce said, "The redevelopment of Terminal 6 at JFK International Airport is not just a win for the aviation community, but a milestone for Queens and all of New York, as well as surrounding areas that use the airport to move people and products worldwide. This project showcases our commitment to building world-class infrastructure while ensuring economic opportunities for local businesses and communities. The inclusion of MWBE and local enterprises in this multi-billion dollar renovation reflects the forward-thinking vision we need to foster long-term growth and prosperity for all. For travelers, this new terminal will deliver an experience with cutting-edge technology, enhanced amenities, and an overall smoother journey through one of the world's busiest airports. We extend our sincerest congratulations to Governor Kathy Hochul, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, and JFK Millennium Partners on this historic moment marking the tremendous efforts of the construction professionals and the men and women of organized labor who helped make this plan a reality."

Justin Rodgers, President & CEO of the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation said, "The progress of JFK's redevelopment is remarkable as project milestones seem to occur daily. The achievement of 30 percent MWBE contracts and financing is especially meaningful. Congratulations to everyone for honoring this commitment and hopefully it will be exceeded."

Terminal 6 is being delivered via a public-private partnership between the Port Authority and JMP  a consortium composed of Vantage Group, ATI, RXR, and JetBlue Airways, with AECOM Hunt as its design-build joint venture partner. Spanning 1.2 million square feet, it will cccupy the site of the former Terminal 6 and the existing Terminal 7 when completed. The new Terminal 6 will feature 10 gates, 10,000 square feet of world-class amenities, custom artwork and architecture, state-of-the-art digital technology, and sustainable operations  all delivered with the expertise of many minority, women-owned (MWBE), service-disabled, veteran-owned (SDVOB), and local business enterprises (LBEs).

The new Terminal 6 is a key part of the $19 billion redevelopment of JFK, which also includes a New Terminal One anchoring the south side of the airport; the modernization and expansion of terminals 4 and 8; and an entirely new, simplified airport roadway network. The entire airport redevelopment includes $15 billion in private investment for terminals and $3.9 billion in Port Authority funding for roadway and infrastructure improvements.

Across JFK, the Port Authority is working with its private partners, including JMP, and the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council to ensure that this historic investment generates economic and educational opportunities for the communities surrounding the airport.

The council, led by U.S. Rep. Gregory W. Meeks and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards Jr., has prioritized participation by minority- and women-owned business enterprises in the overall JFK redevelopment project. To date, that effort has set a New York State record of $2.3 billion in contract awards to MWBE firms.

This construction milestone follows the recent announcement of the first group of businesses to be featured in the vibrant concessions program at the new Terminal 6. Among those featured are 12 local and diverse businesses hailing from southeast Queens, Harlem, Brooklyn, and Long Island. Together, the concessions program is expected to achieve more than 35 percent participation from companies certified as airport concessions disadvantaged business enterprises (ACDBE) under federal guidelines.

Redeveloping JFK Airport in Lockstep with the Local Community

In 2018, the JFK Redevelopment Community Advisory Council was formed. Co-chaired by Meeks and Richards, it is composed of elected officials, community boards, business and nonprofit organizations, civic organizations, and clergy leaders from the targeted local communities of southeast Queens, southwest Queens, the Rockaways, and western portions of Nassau County.

Since its inception, the council has been working with the Port Authority and its private partners to expand community outreach efforts and develop community-focused programs, ensuring that this ambitious project solicits ongoing feedback from local stakeholders and provides meaningful opportunities for local businesses, MWBEs, students and jobseekers. This includes programming to advance the Port Authority's commitment to a 30 percent MWBE contracting goal in all categories of work, and a special focus on opportunities for local businesses across all aspects of the redevelopment of JFK, including terminal projects, which will be built by union labor under project-labor agreements.

Other community development initiatives prioritized by the council focus on job opportunities and workforce development programs for residents in southeast Queens, small business outreach and development, and educational programming for local students. Specifically, the Council for Airport Opportunity Rockaway Career Center is a job recruiting and referral program to match qualified job seekers with jobs in construction and airport operations focused on the Far Rockaway community. The Office of Second Chance Employment helps connect formerly incarcerated individuals and others with past involvement in the criminal justice system to jobs associated with both airport construction and airport operations. The Institute of Concessions is a specialized training program offering extensive training and mentoring to small, local, and diverse businesses intended to increase the number of local and diverse airport concessionaires. The Aviation and Aeronautics Academy provides an aviation-focused weekend and summer education and enrichment program in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) for up to 700 students from grades 1 through 12 annually. In partnership with York College/City University of New York, it introduces students from communities surrounding JFK to career opportunities in aviation, airport management and aerospace technology.

Transforming JFK Into a World-Class Global Gateway

In January 2017, the JFK Vision Plan was announced to transform JFK into the world-class airport that New Yorkers deserve. The vision plan provides a strategic framework for the Port Authority and its partners to completely redevelop, modify and expand existing facilities and infrastructure. The $9.5 billion development of a state-of-the-art New Terminal One that will anchor the airport's south side broke ground in September 2022. A new $4.2 billion Terminal 6, which will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on the airport's north side, broke ground in February 2023. The $1.5 billion expansion of Terminal 4, led by Delta Air Lines and JFK International Air Terminal (JFKIAT), is substantially complete. Additionally, the $400 million expansion of Terminal 8, led by American Airlines, which operates the terminal, was completed in November 2022.

All of the privately financed terminal projects combined with the Port Authority's roadway, parking and infrastructure projects represent a $19 billion transformation of JFK and an extraordinary series of public-private partnerships. The Port Authority's capital investment of $3.9 billion is leveraging private investment at a rate of nearly four to one when taking into account the full private investment of more than $15 billion that has been committed to the four projects comprising the full redevelopment of JFK.

About JFK Millennium Partners

Terminal 6 is an award-winning public-private partnership between the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey and JFK Millennium Partners  a consortium that includes Vantage Group, an industry leading investor, developer and manager of award-winning global airport transformations, including LaGuardia Airport's Terminal B; American Triple I, a certified minority-owned investor, owner, developer and manager of infrastructure assets; RXR, an innovative New York real estate investor and developer; and JetBlue Airways, New York's hometown airline. When complete, Terminal 6 will connect seamlessly with Terminal 5 to create an anchor terminal on JFK International Airport's north side. For more information, visit anewjfk.com/jmp-terminal6/.

About the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey is a bi-state agency that builds, operates, and maintains many of the most important transportation and trade infrastructure assets in the country. For over a century, the agency's network of major airports; critical bridges, tunnels and bus terminals; a commuter rail line; and the busiest seaport on the East Coast has been among the most vital in the country  transporting hundreds of millions of people and moving essential goods into and out of the region. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center campus, which today welcomes tens of thousands of office workers and millions of annual visitors. The agency's historic $37 billion 10-year capital plan includes unprecedented transformation of the region's three major airports  LaGuardia, Newark Liberty and JFK  as well as an array of other new and upgraded assets, including the $2 billion renovation of the 90-year-old George Washington Bridge. The Port Authority's annual budget of $9.3 billion includes no tax revenue from either the states of New York or New Jersey or from the City of New York. The agency raises the necessary funds for the improvement, construction or acquisition of its facilities primarily on its own credit. For more information, visit www.panynj.gov or check out the Now Arriving blog.

SOURCE JFK Millennium Partners
 Oral History Project to Honor Firefighters Across California

 Annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony at State Capitol on October 12

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Fire Foundation (www.cafirefoundation.org) a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting fallen firefighters, their families, and the communities they serve, is proud to announce October as California Firefighter Appreciation Month (FFAM), in partnership with the state legislature.

As California endures another intense fire season, with over 1 million acres burned and major incidents like the Park Fire in Butte County, the Borel Fire in Kern County, the Foundation is providing critical support to those affected. This season alone, the Foundation distributed over $453,000 in aid to fire victims, assisted with San Diego's January flood recovery, and awarded grants to fire departments. Recognizing and honoring firefighters is more important than ever.

Several key initiatives will take center stage during Firefighter Appreciation Month. The Foundation's DISASTER RELIEF program offers $250 cash cards to survivors to meet immediate needs following a disaster. Additionally, the Firefighters on Your Side public safety campaign promotes fire safety and preparedness. A significant component of the month's activities is the annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony in Sacramento, which honors those who have lost their lives in the line of duty. The Memorial Wall, which currently bears the names of over 1,500 fallen heroes, has reached capacity and needs expansion to accommodate future names.

Limited-Edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin

To support the expansion of the Memorial Wall, the Foundation has launched a limited-edition Memorial Expansion Challenge Coin. For a $125 donation, supporters will receive this commemorative coin, which honors the ultimate sacrifices made by firefighters. Funds from this campaign will help expand the Wall to honor future generations. Each coin can be kept as a keepsake or planted at the Memorial Wall in Capitol Park.

Oral History Project: Share Your Stories

The Foundation has launched an Oral History Project to preserve the stories and memories of fallen firefighters. If you have a personal story about a firefighter, you are encouraged to leave a voicemail at 916-883-3580. These stories will serve as a lasting tribute to the lives and sacrifices of California's fire heroes.

California Firefighters Memorial Day  October 12

The annual California Firefighters Memorial Ceremony will be held on Saturday, October 12, at State Capitol Park in Sacramento. This year, 36 fallen firefighters will be honored with their names inscribed on the Memorial Wall. The ceremony will feature a procession of uniformed firefighters, tributes to the fallen, and the presentation of U.S. flags to their families.

Other Ways to Support:

Fundraise: Encourage businesses and individuals to make tax-deductible donations at CAFireFoundation.org.

Encourage businesses and individuals to make tax-deductible donations at CAFireFoundation.org. Thank a Firefighter: Show appreciation for firefighters on social media using hashtags #thankafirefighter, #FFAppreciationMonth, and #CAFireFoundation.

Show appreciation for firefighters on social media using hashtags #thankafirefighter, #FFAppreciationMonth, and #CAFireFoundation. Donate: Make a tax-deductible donation to support disaster relief and honor fallen heroes at CAFireFoundation.org.

Preparing for Wildfires

The Foundation invites residents to prepare for wildfires and natural disasters by visiting FirefightersOnYourSide.org. The site provides multilingual resources, including:

PSAs on creating a "5-Minute Plan" and pre-packing essentials.

Printable checklists.

Guides on preventing and escaping house fires.

For more information and or do donate, visit CAFireFoundation.org and follow the Foundation on social media @CAFireFound on Facebook, X, YouTube, and Instagram.

About the California Fire Foundation

The California Fire Foundation, a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, provides emotional and financial assistance to families of fallen firefighters, firefighters, and the communities they protect. Formed in 1987 by California Professional Firefighters, the California Fire Foundation's mission includes survivor and victim assistance programs and a range of community initiatives.

Media Contact: DeeDee Garcia, CA Fire Foundation; (916) 906-3412; [email protected]

SOURCE California Fire Foundation
$500 Prize Packages Given Away

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- "I Spy"  it's not just for kids anymore. This October, as part of Manufacturing Month, adults can cash in on a $500 prize package from Milwaukee-based Sellars. The company is hosting an "I Spy" challenge to call attention to the importance of the trillion-dollar manufacturing industry in the United States.

To celebrate Manufacturing Month, Sellars is giving away $500 prize packages throughout October. Scan the QR code for more details. Keep an eye out for Sellars TOOLBOX Blue Shop Towels and TOOLBOX White Rags that come in a variety of formats.

"The challenge is a fun way to bring attention to the prevalence of products made in the U.S," said Michelle Gross, vice president of marketing for Sellars. "Manufacturing is the backbone of our country and small and mid-size companies like ours employ millions of Americans and produce essential products that support our work and home lives."

From October 1-31, 2024, visit Sellars' Facebook page for a chance to win a prize package. To enter, snap a picture of a Sellars' product "in the wild," identify where it was taken and share it as a comment on that week's "I Spy" post.

With more than 50 different products, Sellars can be found here, there and everywhere  from auto shops and factory floors to school cafeterias and city zoos. That means photo submissions can come from anyone and from anywhere in the U.S. Simply capture a Sellars' product being used at work or home, on the shelf at a retailer or in any other locale or destination.

Each week during Manufacturing Month, a winner will be drawn and sent a prize package that includes a $200 Visa e-card, collection of high-end items made from recycled materials and a supply of Bravo paper towels.

Prize Package Details

The four "I Spy" winners will each receive a:

$200 Visa e-card

Visa e-card Patagonia Tote Pack  made from 100% recycled nylon

Voited Picnic Blanket  made from 100% recycled plastic bottles

Sunski Sunglasses  made from post-industrial scrap plastic

Handmade Cozy  made from repurposed climbing rope

Moleskine Notebook  made from Forest Stewardship Council-certified paper

Six-pack of Bravo paper towels  made by Sellars from 90% recycled paper and cardboard

Spying Sellars' Products

Many businesses and consumers may be familiar with Sellars' TOOLBOX Blue Shop Towels and TOOLBOX White Rags.

The TOOLBOX blue towels are made with 60% recycled fiber and are found in auto shops, manufacturing facilities, garages and homes. For DIYers, the white rags are great for painting, staining, wallpapering and many other uses indoors and out. Plus, they're made from up to 45% recycled fibers.

Sellars' wiping products for the commercial markets are sold nationally through janitorial/sanitary, industrial, safety and specialty distributors. Its consumer products are available at retailers nationwide, including Home Depot, Lowe's, Menards, Mills Fleet Farm, Blains Farm & Fleet, Tractor Supply, O'Reilly Auto Parts and NAPA.

For more information on Sellars and to see the company's products, visit Sellars.com.

Founded in 1985 and headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Sellars is a leading manufacturer of shop towels, multi-use disposable wipers, towel and tissue and absorbent products. Sellars' products, which are sold under the ToolBox, Clean Task and MAYFAIR brands, are made from recycled and renewable materials, are high performance and good for the environment. Sellars is committed to using sustainable practices in all business areas while serving our people, customers and the planet. Learn more about Sellars' nearly 40 years of innovation at Sellars.com.

SOURCE Sellars
MIAMI, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Idea Financial, the leading provider of small business lines of credit, today announced the successful closing of a new $50 million warehouse facility led by Performance Trust Capital Partners. This strategic move significantly enhances Idea Financials' lending capacity and allows the company to increase its maximum loan limit to $350,000 for well-established small businesses.

The new facility was made possible due to Performance Trust's relationships with community banks and strengthens Idea Financial's position in offering competitive and flexible financial products to Main Street businesses across the United States.

Idea Financial in partnership with Performance Trust Capital Partners has increased its business lending limit to $350K. Post this

"Performance Trust has opened up an entirely new market for Idea Financial through their deep relationships with smaller community banks," said Larry Bassuk, Idea Financial's President and co-founder. "With this additional capital, we will continue our mission to be a premier provider of lines of credit for small businesses."

Justin Leto, Idea Financial's CEO and co-founder, added, "As the economy shows tremendous resilience and continues to grow, Idea Financial, along with Performance Trust, will be well-positioned to fuel that growth."

Prior to this partnership, Idea Financial provided lines of credit up to $250,000. The increase to $350,000 allows the company to better serve the needs of growing small businesses requiring larger capital infusions.

Performance Trust Capital Partners, a full-service investment bank focused on community depository institutions, facilitated this deal by leveraging its relationships with community banks and aggregating the capital necessary to provide this substantial warehouse facility - a task typically requiring significant capital from super-regional or national banks.

This partnership marks a significant milestone in Idea Financial's growth trajectory and reinforces its commitment to supporting small businesses across the nation.

About Idea Financial

Idea Financial is the leading non-bank provider of small business lines of credit in the United States. The company offers financial solutions to high-quality, established businesses needing funds to drive growth. To date, Idea Financial has funded thousands of American small businesses with hundreds of millions of dollars in loans, helping businesses #ChargeForward. For more information, visit ideafinancial.com.

About Performance Trust Capital Partners

Performance Trust Capital Partners is a full-service investment bank focused on community depository institutions. Their innovative approach enables syndication opportunities among community bank partners, allowing for the creation of significant facilities to support small business lenders. For more information, visit performancetrust.com.

For more information, please visit www.ideafinancial.com or contact Alexander Lozano at [email protected]

SOURCE Idea Financial
California vintner continues partnership to help provide another 2.5 million meals this holiday season

ST. HELENA, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Joel Gott Wines, an award-winning and family-owned portfolio of elegant, balanced and affordable wines, celebrates the expansion of its philanthropic commitment through the 'Gott for Good' initiative by helping provide 2.5 million meals1 through the Feeding America network of 200 member food banks nationwide through December 31, 2024. This holiday season marks Joel Gott Wines' sixth consecutive year of partnership with Feeding America, which has resulted in over 10 million meals donated in total since 2019. The ongoing partnership reaffirms the winery's commitment to helping people across the United States facing immense food insecurity2:

Source: Joel Gott Wines

Last year, nearly 47 million individuals lived in food-insecure households

Among children, more than 14 million1 in 5were living in food-insecure households

As a fourth-generation vintner and business owner who's proud to give back, Joel Gott is passionate about continuing to elevate the Gott for Good initiative to help make a difference during the holiday season. "Being able to make an impact with something as important as food security is meaningful for myself and all of us at the winery," said Joel Gott, owner of Joel Gott Wines. "It's gratifying to see the good we're doing with Feeding America, and I'm excited to see more positive outcomes from our sixth year of partnership."

New this year, Joel Gott is proud to offer a scan-to-donate feature for those looking to support a brand that gives back this holiday season, while also benefiting their local community. Beginning October 1st, Joel Gott Wines fans are invited to scan a QR code to prompt an incremental $1 donation to Feeding America for every scan. No purchase is required which further reinforces Joel Gott Wine's commitment in the movement to end hunger. The QR code may be found on Gott for Good in-store displays across the country. Shoppers may make a one-time or monthly donation to help individuals and families facing hunger by visiting https://give.feedingamerica.org/a/donate.

To learn more about Joel Gott Wines' partnership with the Feeding America network of 200 foodbanks nationwide, please visit www.gottwines.com/gott-for-good.

About Joel Gott Wines

Since its founding by Joel and Sarah Gott in 1996 in St. Helena, California, Joel Gott Wines has selected the best fruit from growing regions in California, Oregon and Washington  each blended to create more balanced, clean, complex and elegant wines. More than twenty years later, Joel Gott Wines has maintained a legacy of giving customers expressive and food-friendly wines at great prices by partnering with vintners and vineyards with whom the Gott family has built relationships for generations. The Joel Gott Wines portfolio features five core wines: 815 California Cabernet Sauvignon, California Sauvignon Blanc, California Chardonnay, California Pinot Noir and Oregon Pinot Gris Rose. In addition, Joel Gott Wines produces a wide range of varietals that are produced from fruit from California, the Pacific Northwest and New Zealand. For more information visit www.gottwines.com.

About Feeding America

Feeding America is the largest hunger-relief organization in the United States. Through a network of more than 200 food banks, 21 statewide food bank associations, and over 60,000 partner agencies, food pantries and meal programs, we helped provide 6.6 billion meals to tens of millions of people in need last year. Feeding America also supports programs that prevent food waste and improve food security among the people we serve; brings attention to the social and systemic barriers that contribute to food insecurity in our nation; and advocates for legislation that protects people from going hungry. Visit www.feedingamerica.org, find us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter.

Notes:

1) $1 helps provide at least 10 meals secured by Feeding America on behalf of local partner food banks

2) Sources: USDA, Feeding America

Social Media

Instagram: @JoelGottWines

Facebook: @JoelGottWines

SOURCE Joel Gott Wines
BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - The John Hancock closed-end funds listed below declared their monthly distributions today as follows:

Declaration Date: October 1, 2024 Ex Date: October 11, 2024 Record Date: October 11, 2024 Payment Date: October 31, 2024

Ticker Fund Name Distribution

Per Share Change From Previous

Distribution Market Price as

of 9/30/2024 Annualized Current

Distribution Rate at

Market HPI Preferred Income Fund $0.1235 - $18.95 7.82 % HPF Preferred Income Fund II $0.1235 - $18.65 7.95 % HPS Preferred Income Fund III $0.1100 - $17.24 7.66 % PDT Premium Dividend Fund $0.0825 - $13.22 7.49 % HTD Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund $0.1380 - $23.22 7.13 %

John Hancock Premium Dividend Fund

Premium Dividend Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "PDT Plan"). Under the PDT Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.0825 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice.

Distributions under the PDT Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital.

The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions.

The Board may amend the terms of the PDT Plan or terminate the PDT Plan at any time.

John Hancock Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund

Tax-Advantaged Dividend Income Fund (the "Fund") declared its monthly distribution pursuant to the Fund's managed distribution plan (the "HTD Plan"). Under the HTD Plan, the Fund makes monthly distributions of an amount equal to $0.1380 per share. This amount will be paid monthly until further notice.

Distributions under the HTD Plan may consist of net investment income, net realized long-term capital gains, net realized short-term capital gains and, to the extent necessary, return of capital.

The Fund may also make additional distributions (i) for purposes of not incurring federal income tax on investment company taxable income and net capital gain of the Fund, if any, not included in such regular distributions and (ii) for purposes of not incurring federal excise tax on ordinary income and capital gain net income, if any, not included in such regular monthly distributions.

The Board may amend the terms of the HTD Plan or terminate the HTD Plan at any time.

A portion of a Fund's current distribution may include sources other than net investment income, including a return of capital. Investors should understand that a return of capital is not a distribution from income or gains of a Fund. As required under the Investment Company Act of 1940, a notice with the estimated components of the distribution will be sent to shareholders at the time of payment if it does not consist solely of net investment income. Such notice will also be posted to the Funds' website at www.jhinvestments.com. The notice should not be used to prepare tax returns as the estimates indicated in the notice may differ from the ultimate federal income tax characterization of distributions. After the end of each calendar year, investors will be sent a Form 1099-DIV informing them how to report distributions received during that year for federal income tax purposes.

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
Trailblazing Hands-Free Footwear Brand Teams Up with Marubeni Consumer Brands and Kanner to Accelerate International Growth

SALT LAKE CITY, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Kizik, the leader in hands-free footwear innovation, is excited to announce its expansion into Japan and Canada through strategic partnerships with Marubeni Consumer Brands Inc. and Kanner Corporation. This international growth marks a significant milestone for Kizik as it continues to revolutionize the global footwear market with its innovative, frictionless technologies and designs.

Kizik's partnership with Marubeni Consumer Brands Inc. will introduce the footwear leader to the Japanese market, where its hands-free technology seamlessly integrates into a culture where shoes aren't worn in homes and are removed upon entry.

"We are grateful to be associated with one of the most important and exciting brands in my long-term experience in the footwear industry," said Hideto Takahara, CEO of Marubeni Consumer Brands. "Kizik's innovative and valuable products will seamlessly fit into the Japanese lifestyle, where comfort and convenience are highly prized."

In Canada, Kizik has partnered with Kanner Corporation, a leading North American importer and distributor specializing in premium footwear. With its extensive experience growing globally recognized brands, Kanner is well-positioned to bring Kizik's category-defining products to Canadian consumers.

"In Kizik, we recognize a tremendous opportunity to partner with an industry leader in a rapidly growing, innovative category that represents a thrilling evolution in footwear," said Edward Kanner, CEO of Kanner Corporation. "Kizik's unique blend of comfort, style, and hands-free convenience will resonate strongly with the Canadian market."

Kizik's hands-free technologies have garnered international acclaim for the ability to combine revolutionary design with everyday functionality. By eliminating the need for bending or tying laces, Kizik offers a truly effortless footwear experience for men, women and children. The expansion into Japan and Canada is part of Kizik's broader mission to bring joy into everyday routines.

"We're thrilled to partner with Marubeni Consumer Brands and Kanner Corporation as we continue our international expansion," said Monte Deere, CEO of Kizik. "Both partners bring deep expertise in their respective markets, and we're confident that Kizik will offer something truly valuable to their customers. Our hands-free footwear is designed to make life easier without sacrificing style or performance, and we're excited to introduce this innovation to even more people around the globe."

This expansion follows Kizik's continued success in the U.S. and positions the brand for further growth in 2024 and beyond, with plans to introduce additional retail locations and global partnerships.

About Kizik

Based in Lindon, Utah, Kizik is the industry's leading hands-free footwear brand, recognized for its groundbreaking innovations and stylish designs. Kizik holds more than 200 pending and granted patents, offering a frictionless and convenient footwear experience for men, women, and kids. To learn more, visit kizik.com or follow @wearkizik.

About Marubeni Consumer Brands Inc.

Marubeni Consumer Brands Inc. has been a leading distributor of footwear in Japan for over 30 years. The company specializes in marketing, sales, and licensing of international brands, including Merrell, Saucony, Rockport, Cariuma, Fila and its own brand IFME. For more information, visit marucob.com.

About Kanner Corporation

Kanner Corporation is a leading North American import and distribution company, specializing in the growth and development of premium footwear and accessory brands. With headquarters in Montreal, Quebec, and Thousand Oaks, California, Kanner has been shaping global lifestyle and fashion brands since 1962.

SOURCE Kizik
KANSAS CITY, Mo., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Leverage Lab, experts in first party data monetization for media organizations, is proud to announce the launch of LiveLens, a groundbreaking solution that enables business to business media organizations to track and report on every user engagement across their enterprise. As the first solution of its kind tailored specifically for media companies, LiveLens will enable publishers to provide advertisers and marketing partners with the insights they've been asking for, without any need to look outside their own ecosystem.

"Business to business media organizations are increasingly pressured to prove their solutions are driving value for marketers. Marketers don't want performance metrics, they want hard evidence that their messages are reaching the people and the organizations they want to reach" says AnnMarie Wills, CEO of Leverage Lab. "LiveLens uncovers every engagement possible across the entire enterprise. For the first time, a media operator can answer that pressure with hard evidence."

LiveLens delivers unique engagement insights, surfacing intent signals already present in a publisher's ecosystem. Post this

LiveLens delivers first of its kind engagement insights surfacing intent signals already present in a publishers ecosystem. Media companies can package and offer this granular and actionable insight to their advertising and marketing partners in a variety of ways. One option is an always-on monitoring solution. LiveLens continuously captures audience engagements across a media organization ecosystem, powering account based monitoring. Another option is to provide richer insights into multichannel marketing campaigns through a robust reporting layer.

"This is the Holy Grail for B2B publishers." says John French, former CEO of Penton, Cygnus Media, Investment News, and current CEO of French, LLC. "Every day I speak to executives in this industry who are being hammered for low quality, low value leads, because leads are clear evidence of engagement. This is a better way than bending to that pressure."

Why Media Companies Need LiveLens

In a landscape where media companies are asked to deliver more value to their advertisers, the ability to surface granular, actionable audience insights is no longer a luxury, but a necessity. LiveLens makes it easy for publishers to respond to the demand for personalized, data-driven advertising strategies, and it does so without the complexity typically associated with advanced analytics tools.

About Leverage Lab

Leverage Lab is at the forefront of transforming data into profit in the media industry through innovative audience data infrastructure solutions and revenue enablement services. With a mission to preserve and elevate the media industry's core values, Leverage Lab empowers publishers to unlock the full potential of their first-party data, enhancing advertising and marketing capabilities while driving sustainable business growth and ensuring long-term relevance in an evolving digital landscape.

To learn more about LiveLens and how to apply LiveLens to your business, visit https://leveragelab.com/livelens/

For press inquiries, please contact:

Danelle Porter

Sales & Marketing Communications Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE Leverage Lab
On Monday, September 30, Ukrainian media were flooded with headlines about the dust storm that hit Ukraine. However, no official source of information used the term "dust storm" to describe what was happening in the air.

ADVERTISIMENT

For example, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center wrote in its Facebook post that in the morning of September 30, a dust storm and high air pollution were observed in the Caspian lowland desert. Forecasters noted that "the dust raised in the Caspian Sea in the form of its smallest particles is heading towards Ukraine in the upper atmosphere." This was noted on the Facebook page Po Toi Bik Novyn.

"This fine dust settles in Ukraine in Poltava, Dnipro, Sumy, Kharkiv, Zaporizhzhia, Donetsk, and Luhansk regions. A small amount also falls on the territory of Cherkasy and Kropyvnytskyi regions. The situation is aggravated by the local dryness of the earth's surface, adding local dust and soil particles to the pollination, which is blown by the wind," the statement said.

ADVERTISIMENT

Back in April 2024, the Ukrainian Hydrometeorological Center refuted media warnings about a dust storm, explaining that desert dust is not a dust storm. According to the report, for a dust storm to be a dust storm, the wind speed must be above 12 m/s, and it must last for more than three hours.

However, it is not known for certain whether wind gusts of more than 12 m/s were recorded in Ukraine on September 30. The forecast for the day called for gusts of 7-12 m/s.

ADVERTISIMENT

For his part, the head of the Cherkasy Regional Hydrometeorological Center, Vitaliy Postryhan, mentions the dust storm on Facebook only in the context of the reason for the "haze" that covered the region. He writes that haze is a continuous clouding of the air caused by the presence of suspended particles of dust, industrial, or smoke of other origin.

The reason for this phenomenon, according to Postryhan, is the cross-border transfer of air with dust particles from the Caspian lowland desert and other Asian regions to our region by southeast winds and smoke from fires in ecosystems.

ADVERTISIMENT

"The proximity of the anticyclone centered over Northwest Kazakhstan and the cyclonic depression over the Black Sea caused a significant horizontal baric gradient, which led to an increase in southeast winds. As a result, severe dust storms arose and sand from the Caspian Sea began to spread over large areas, sometimes reducing visibility to 1-2 km," the expert explains.

At the same time, the dust storm was definitely recorded in southern Russia, as evidenced by the footage posted online. If you compare them with footage from Ukrainian cities, you can see a big difference.

Dust storm in the Russian city of Rostov:

ADVERTISIMENT

Deterioration of air quality in Kharkiv:

As reported, residents of Ukraine could see a white "desert" Sun in the sky. The change in the color of the star is related to the perception of light by the human eye and the peculiarities of the atmosphere that the rays overcome.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Premier international automotive event presents preliminary agenda for 2024

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) has released the first look at the expanded AutoMobility LA 2024 (AMLA 2024) agenda.

Taking place Thursday, November 21, AMLA 2024 is the LA Auto Show's global press and industry event that hosts thousands of automotive executives, credentialed journalists and media representatives, government officials, policymakers, technologists, designers, dealers, investors, industry analysts, thought-leaders, content creators and influencers.

AMLA 2024 will feature a compelling program of OEM announcements and debuts; a packed main stage program featuring speakers and panelists from automotive, technology, policy, design, and more; a range of exciting awards for industry leadership and innovation; and a wealth of networking opportunities for attendees.



AutoMobility LA 2024  Preliminary Agenda





Networking Breakfast



Awards Program

North American Car & Truck of the Year



Main Stage Speaker Session

What's NOW for Fleet - Optimizing Fleet Operations  Bradley Northup - NAFA, Fleet Operations Manager, City of Carlsbad, CA  Jill Guenther - Head of Customer Success, Nikola Motor  Stephen Israel, Vice President of Operations, ChargeTronix  Paul-Matthew Zamsky - Vice President, Strategic Growth and Global Partnerships, Rekor.ai



Main Stage Speaker Session

Live Case Study - Viaduct.ai

 David Hallac - Founder & CEO, Viaduct.ai  Additional Speaker TBA





OEM Announcement



Main Stage Speaker Session

Uncompromising - The INEOS Grenadier Story

 Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive





OEM Announcement



Special Event Documentary Screening Main Stage Speaker Session

Developing the Automotive Workforce of Tomorrow  Marques McCammon - President, Karma Automotive  Dr. Mary Jo Madda - Program Manager, Google.org





OEM Announcement





Networking Lunch



Awards Program

LA Auto Show presents THE ZEVASTM 2024



Awards Program

Hispanic Motor Press Guild



Main Stage Speaker Session

Live Case Study - Tekion

 Jay Vijayan - Founder & CEO, Tekion  Additional Speaker TBA



Main Stage Speaker Session

From Concept to Production: The Technology Trends Revolutionizing Automotive Design  Alan Macey - Associate Chair, Transportation Design, ArtCenter  Hussein Al Attar - Director of Design, BMW Designworks  Additional Speaker TBA





OEM Announcement



Awards Program

Plug In America





Networking Happy Hour



Special Event

Overland Overnight Experience





The full AutoMobility LA agenda* will be published in the coming weeks with additional programming and speakers still to be announced.

"AutoMobility LA brings together the leading minds in automotive, technology, design, policy, and so much more," said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. "As the automotive ecosystem evolves at an ever faster pace, we are proud to provide a forum for professionals around the world to learn about industry innovation, engage in healthy debate, and ultimately collaborate to drive our industry forward."

Registration for AMLA 2024 is open and complimentary for accredited and approved media. Industry attendees can take advantage of an "early bird" registration fee of $149 through October 31. From November 1, the full registration fee of $249 will apply to all approved industry registrants. Register now at https://automobilityla-2024.reg.buzz/ .



Following AMLA 2024, the LA Auto Show will be open to the public from November 22, 2024 to December 1, 2024.

Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information, follow the LA Auto Show on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook and X , and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com .

*Subject to change

About the Los Angeles Auto Show & AutoMobility LA

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is recognized as one of the world's most influential automotive events. The show celebrates the enduring love that Angelenos have for their cars and offers a global platform for industry debuts, technology, and innovation.

Doors open to the public November 22  December 1 and the show runs for 10 full days, including Thanksgiving Day. It is a must-attend event for prospective car buyers, industry executives, influencers, car enthusiasts, and for families wanting to enjoy an unforgettable day out during the holiday season. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the city's economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the Center.

On November 21, AutoMobility LA, the show's media and industry day, will include a range of groundbreaking debuts and announcements, and a conference program featuring the leading minds in automotive and technology. These experts will explore the most pressing industry issues in a series of presentations and panel discussions from AutoMobility LA's main stage.

Media Contacts

Kat Kirsch

[email protected]

Tania Weinkle

[email protected]

SOURCE Los Angeles Auto Show and AutoMobility LA
Maropost earns 17 badges across 70 G2 reports, including nine new accolades and eight for mid-market excellence

TORONTO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ - Building on its G2 Summer Reports success, Maropost Marketing Cloud shattered records in G2's Fall 2024 Reports, securing an unprecedented 17 badges across 70 categories. G2, the world's largest software marketplace, awards badges on genuine customer reviews and user feedback.

Maropost's Fall accolades include nine new badges plus eight more specifically for mid-market excellence, solidifying Marketing Cloud's position as a leader in marketing automation and ecommerce solutions for fast-growing businesses. Notably, Maropost earned recognition for "Ease of Doing Business With" in both Mid-Market and SMB categories, underlining its commitment to user-friendly solutions across business sizes.

Recognized by G2 as a "High Performer in Email Marketing," Marketing Cloud helps rapidly scaling brands take control of their email, SMS, and social media programs. Powered by AI, it allows marketers to effortlessly build and segment audiences, customize customer journeys, personalize communications, and automate delivery across multiple channels.

Glowing G2 reviews reinforce why Maropost earned a Fall Reports "Users Love Us" distinction. Customers praise Marketing Cloud's ability to "precisely target our clients' audiences, ensuring messages reach the right people at the right time." Others claim "deliverability is epic" and "support goes above and beyond to help you."

Ross Andrew Paquette, Founder and CEO of Maropost, commented on Marketing Cloud's achievements. "Our latest G2 badges represent the voice of our customers. We built Marketing Cloud to help businesses like theirs connect with customers, scale effortlessly, and accelerate growth. Seeing our actual users rank us so highly across multiple categories proves we're more than delivering on that promise and validates our mission to deliver a truly unified platform that seamlessly connects all aspects of commerce and marketing."

To learn more about how Maropost can help you deliver personalized, automated marketing experiences at scale, book a demo today.

About Maropost

Only Maropost unites the commerce and marketing tools and insights growing brands need to engage customers and scale their business. Built on unified customer data and an enterprise-grade infrastructure, Maropost offers a complete, connected suite of marketing, merchandising and search, customer service, ecommerce, and retail solutions.

Since its founding in 2011, Maropost has made multiple appearances on Deloitte's Technology Fast 500 list and G2's leaderboard. A global company, Maropost proudly serves 5,000+ leading commerce brands across North America, Australia, and Europe, including Victoria Beckham, Sandro Paris, Untuckit, Scott Sports, James Perse, and Fujifilm. Learn more at maropost.com.

SOURCE Maropost Inc.
Masdar's joint ownership of Terra-Gen demonstrates long-term commitment to investing in and supporting U.S. energy transition

Terra-Gen's gross operating portfolio comprises 3.8GW of wind, solar and battery storage projects, including 5.1GWh of energy storage facilities across 30 renewable power sites

Terra-Gen's 12GW+ pipeline includes new windfarm and new solar park to start commercial operations in 2025

ABU DHABI, UAE and NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC  Masdar ("Masdar"), the United Arab Emirates' clean energy powerhouse, today announced the closing of its acquisition of a 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen Power Holdings II, LLC ("Terra-Gen" or "the Company"), one of the largest independent renewable energy producers in the United States, from Energy Capital Partners ("ECP").

Masdar Accelerates U.S. Renewables Expansion, Closes Acquisition of 50% Stake in Terra-Gen

ECP, one of the largest private investors in power and renewable assets in the United States, has fully exited its position in Terra-Gen in connection with the closing of the transaction. Igneo Infrastructure Partners ("Igneo"), a global infrastructure investment manager, retains its existing 50 percent stake in Terra-Gen.

Representing one of Masdar's largest transactions, the deal further cements Masdar's position in the U.S. Masdar first entered the market in 2019 and has a proven history of funding, developing, owning and operating clean energy projects in the country. Before the Terra-Gen acquisition, its U.S. portfolio of utility scale wind, solar and storage assets had a generating capacity of more than 1.4GW. The U.S. market and Terra-Gen's scalable platform will play important roles as Masdar executes its plan to build 100GW of capacity in its global renewable energy portfolio by 2030.

Terra-Gen's gross operating portfolio currently comprises 3.8GW of wind, solar and battery storage projects, including 5.1GWh of energy storage facilities across 30 renewable power sites throughout the U.S., predominantly in California and Texas.

Terra-Gen is currently developing more than 12GW of wind, solar and battery storage projects in the U.S. Its development activities include projects in California, Texas and New York. The project pipeline includes 386MW of Texas wind and California solar, and 512MWh of California energy storage facilities, with commercial operations anticipated in 2025.

HE Dr. Sultan Al Jaber, UAE Minister of Industry and Advanced Technology, COP28 President and Chairman of Masdar, said: "The UAE and U.S. have long been partners in efforts to advance clean energy, a collaboration culminating in the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) agreement. Masdar has a strong track record of supporting U.S. renewable energy projects, and the acquisition of Terra-Gen reaffirms this long-standing commitment. We are now on target to surpass our goal of having 10GW of integrated renewable generation capacity in the U.S. by 2030. This transaction unlocks further economic opportunities from green growth, and aligns with the global ambition to triple renewable energy capacity, in line with the historic UAE Consensus reached at COP28."

Mohamed Jameel Al Ramahi, Chief Executive Officer of Masdar, said, "Terra-Gen's experienced management team and scalable platform make it the ideal partner, as we work to increase our presence and investment in the U.S. as part of Masdar's commitment to a long-term strategy in this important market. We look forward to partnering with Igneo to enhance Terra-Gen's capabilities and position it as a leading developer, owner and operator of reliable and clean renewable energy in the U.S."

Jim Pagano, CEO of Terra-Gen, said, "The finalization of this deal cements a strong relationship between Masdar and Terra-Gen. Masdar is a great partner for Terra-Gen because of our shared focus on developing clean energy projects and our commitment to decarbonization. We look forward to working with them to expand and build on our pipeline of U.S. projects."

Niall Mills, Managing Partner and Global Head of Igneo, said, "Terra-Gen has been a strong platform for Igneo in the U.S. since our investment in 2020. We see tremendous potential to continue driving growth and creating long-term value in the U.S. renewable power sector through the capable and experienced team at Terra-Gen, and we look forward to partnering with Masdar on this exciting next phase of expansion."

Established in 2006, Masdar has a long-standing commitment to advancing renewable energy projects across the globe. The purchase of a 50% share in Terra-Gen represents another significant milestone as the company works to support the target set in the historic UAE Consensus to triple global renewables capacity by the end of this decade.

Masdar's commitment to the U.S. market reflects the UAE's strong ties to the country. In January 2023, UAE and U.S. officials announced that US$20 billion will be allocated to fund 15GW of clean energy projects in the U.S. before 2035, led by Masdar and a consortium of US private investors, under the Partnership for Accelerating Clean Energy (PACE) between the two countries.

Transaction Advisors

Lazard and Guggenheim Securities are serving as financial advisors, and Latham & Watkins LLP is serving as legal advisor to Terra-Gen. BMO Capital Markets and JP Morgan are serving as financial advisors, and White & Case LLP and Covington & Burling LLP are serving as legal advisors to Masdar. Mayer Brown is serving as legal advisor to Igneo Infrastructure Partners.

About Masdar:

Masdar (Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company) is one of the world's fastest-growing renewable energy companies. As a global clean energy pioneer, Masdar is advancing the development and deployment of solar, wind, geothermal, battery storage and green hydrogen technologies to accelerate the energy transition and help the world meet its net-zero ambitions. Established in 2006, Masdar has developed and invested in projects in over 40 countries with a combined capacity of over 20 gigawatts (GW), providing affordable clean energy access to those who need it most and helping to power a more sustainable future. Masdar is jointly owned by TAQA, ADNOC, and Mubadala, and is targeting a renewable energy portfolio capacity of 100GW by 2030 while aiming to be a leading producer of green hydrogen by the same year.

For more information please visit: https://www.masdar.ae and connect: facebook.com/masdar.ae and twitter.com/masdar

About Terra-Gen:

Terra-Gen, LLC is a leading U.S. developer, owner and operator of utility-scale renewable energy projects in North America. Terra-Gen's gross operating portfolio comprises 3.8GW of wind, solar and battery storage projects, including 5.1GWh of energy storage facilities across 30 renewable power sites throughout the U.S., predominantly in California and Texas. Formed in 2007, Terra-Gen is owned by Abu Dhabi Future Energy Company PJSC  Masdar ("Masdar"), the United Arab Emirates' clean energy powerhouse, and Igneo Infrastructure Partners, a leading global investment manager with US$19.5 billion in direct infrastructure assets. For more information, visit www.terra-gen.com.

About Igneo Infrastructure Partners:

Igneo is an autonomous investment team in the First Sentier Investors Group. It invests in high-quality, mature, mid-market infrastructure companies in renewables, digital infrastructure, waste management, water utilities and transportation / logistics sectors in North America, the UK, Europe, Australia and New Zealand. Operating since 1994, the team works closely with portfolio companies to create long-term sustainable value through innovation, a focus on responsible and proactive asset management. As of June 30, 2024, Igneo managed more than US$19.2 billion in assets for 200 investors around the world. For more information visit igneoip.com.

About ECP:

Energy Capital Partners (ECP), founded in 2005, is a leading equity and credit investor across energy transition, electrification and decarbonization infrastructure assets. The ECP team, comprised of 90 people with 800 years of collective industry experience, deep expertise and extensive relationships, has consummated more than 100 equity (representing nearly US$60 billion of enterprise value) and over 20 credit transactions since inception. For more information, visit www.ecpgp.com.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2519833/Masdar.jpg

Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2514011/MASDAR_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Masdar
IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Mazda North American Operations (MNAO) today reported total September sales of 29,841 vehicles, an increase of 6.5 percent compared to September 2023. Year-to-date sales totaled 313,452 vehicles sold; an increase of 15 percent compared to the same time last year. With 23 selling days in September, compared to 26 the year prior, the company posted an increase of 20.3 percent on a Daily Selling Rate (DSR) basis.

CPO sales totaled 5,608 vehicles in September, a decrease of 3 percent compared to September 2023.

September 2024 sales highlights include:

Second Best September sales with 29,841 vehicles sold.

Best-ever sales of CX-70 with 1,560 vehicles sold.

Best September sales of CX-50 with 6,603 vehicles sold.

Best September sales of CX-90 with 4,249 vehicles sold.

Mazda Canada, Inc., (MCI) reported September sales of 6,745 vehicles, an increase of 21.4 percent compared to September last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 55,153 vehicles sold; an increase of 26 percent compared to the same time last year.

Mazda Motor de Mexico (MMdM) reported September sales of 7,760 vehicles, an increase of 14 percent compared to last year. Year-to-date sales totaled 68,980 vehicles sold; an increase of 30 percent compared to the same time last year.

About Mazda North American Operations

Proudly founded in Hiroshima, Japan, Mazda has a history of sophisticated craftsmanship and innovation, and a purpose to enrich life-in-motion for those it serves. By putting humans at the center of everything it does, Mazda aspires to create uplifting experiences with our vehicles and for people. Mazda North American Operations is headquartered in Irvine, California, and oversees the sales, marketing, parts and customer service support of Mazda vehicles in the United States, Canada, Mexico and Colombia through approximately 795 dealers. Operations in Canada are managed by Mazda Canada Inc. in Richmond Hill, Ontario; operations in Mexico are managed by Mazda Motor de Mexico in Mexico City; and operations in Colombia are managed by Mazda de Colombia in Bogota, Colombia. For more information on Mazda vehicles, including photography and B-roll, please visit the online Mazda media center at news.mazdausa.com.

Follow @MazdaUSA on social media: Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, X, YouTube, and Threads.

Month-To-Date Year-To-Date September September YOY % % MTD September September YOY % % MTD 2024 2023 Change DSR 2024 2023 Change DSR Mazda3 2,621 2,632 (0.4) % 12.6 % 28,068 23,364 20.1 % 20.1 % Mazda 3 Sdn 1,440 1,565 (8.0) % 4.0 % 15949 12,794 24.7 % 24.7 % Mazda 3 HB 1,181 1,067 10.7 % 25.1 % 12119 10,570 14.7 % 14.7 % Mazda6 0 0 - - 0 0 - - MX-5 Miata 545 603 (9.6) % 2.2 % 5,780 7,569 (23.6) % (23.6) % MX-5 284 290 (2.1) % 10.7 % 2707 4,017 (32.6) % (32.6) % MXR 261 313 (16.6) % (5.7) % 3073 3,552 (13.5) % (13.5) % CX-3 - 0 - - - 0 - - CX-30 5,739 6,924 (17.1) % (6.3) % 73580 59,302 24.1 % 24.1 % CX-5 8,524 9,742 (12.5) % (1.1) % 104055 115,855 (10.2) % (10.2) % CX-9 - 12 - - 4 17,440 (100.0) % (100.0) % CX-50 6,603 3,417 93.2 % 118.4 % 58515 31,719 84.5 % 84.5 % MX-30 0 0 - - - 100 - - Cx-70 1,560 0 - - 4888 0 - - CX-90 4,249 4,701 (9.6) % 2.2 % 38562 17268 123.3 % 123.3 % CARS 3,166 3,235 (2.1) % 10.6 % 33,848 30,933 9.4 % 9.4 % TRUCKS 26,675 24,796 7.6 % 21.6 % 279,604 241,684 15.7 % 15.7 % TOTAL 29,841 28,031 6.5 % 20.3 % 313,452 272,617 15.0 % 15.0 % *Selling Days 23 26 230 230

SOURCE Mazda North American Operations
NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the revered media brand for the military community, We Are The Mighty , is thrilled to announce its distinguished MIGHTY 25 Class of 2024 .

The MIGHTY 25, sponsored by Navy Federal Credit Union , annually highlights 25 trailblazers who are making a notable impact on the military community. Featuring dedicated service members and veterans, forward-thinking entrepreneurs, fervent advocates, steadfast military spouses, and global thought leaders, this list embodies unmatched dedication and epitomizes community impact.

The Mighty 25 will be celebrated in the vibrant atmosphere of Military Influencer Conference (MIC) 2024 , at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta from September 30 to October 3, 2024. The recipients will be honored at the conference's signature event, the Mighty 25 Awards Gala on October 2nd.

These extraordinary individuals exemplify the spirit of service and dedication that defines the military community. Their diverse contributions span from policy changes and mental health advocacy to entrepreneurship support and family assistance, collectively making a profound impact on the lives of service members, veterans, and their families.

Tessa Robinson, editor-in-chief of We Are The Mighty, expressed, "The MIGHTY 25 Class of 2024 is resilient, innovative, and entirely committed to service in a variety of ways. They represent a vast and diverse range of life experiences and professions, but all share one thing in common: a commitment to empowering and enriching the lives of those serving. Some inspired policy, others led essential initiatives, but each is an inspiration to others and has made an indelible mark on our community. The MIGHTY 25 represents a beacon of hope and progress in an ever-changing landscape, reminding us that individual action changes the world. This is not about recognition; it's about inspiration and a legacy of service that goes far beyond the battlefield."

MEET THE MIGHTY 25 OF 2024

"As a not-for-profit credit union, Navy Federal shares a dedication to service and community with its military members and their families," said Brian K. Parker, vice president of member experience innovation at Navy Federal Credit Union and a speaker at the Mighty 25 Gala. "We're proud to honor the exemplary achievements of these inspiring individuals who do so much for the military and veteran community."

We Are The Mighty invites you to join us in celebrating these remarkable individuals and their outstanding contributions to our military community. For more information about the MIGHTY 25 and the Military Influencer Conference, please visit https://www.wearethemighty.com/category/mighty25/ .

ABOUT MIC

Military Influencer Conference is the leading military-focused event for entrepreneurs, influencers, leaders, and brands who shape and support the military community. Annually, MIC brings together more than 100 global partners and 1500 attendees.

ABOUT WE ARE THE MIGHTY

We Are The Mighty is the premier media brand for the 133 million "mega-niche" community of America's military, veterans, and their families. WATM's veteran creators capture this community's voice with original, multi-platform media, and branded campaigns. WATM is committed to making a positive impact in the community we serve. Our unique insights, guidance, and experience provide distinct value to brands, businesses, and anyone looking to authentically connect with our nation's military-veteran community. WATM and MIC are part of Recurrent , a digital media company with one of the largest suites of Military brands, including Task & Purpose , MilSpouseFest , We Are The Mighty , and The War Zone .

SOURCE We Are The Mighty
VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Global lifestyle brand MINISO opened its new Vancouver flagship store at CF Richmond Centre in Richmond, British Columbia, on September 28, 2024. The launch of another pink-themed store underscores MINISO's growing presence in Canada, as it advances on its mission to bring more joyful shopping experiences to a wider audience across the country through more innovative designs, dreamy atmospheres, and expanded IP product sections.

MINISOs new Vancouver flagship store at CF Richmond Centre The new flagship features MINISOs beloved products including IP collaborations with Disney, Sanrio, BT21, Chiikawa and more Consumers in store

Located in the heart of Richmond with direct access to major transportation routes, the 3500-sqaure-feet MINISO store sits conveniently on the first floor of the CF Richmond Centre, near H&M and Shoppers. The new flagship brings MINISO to a prime location, offering a vibrant shopping environment and joyful experiences in one of the city's busiest retail hubs.

MINISO fans can explore a wide selection of around 3000 SKUs, offering everything they need for daily life, as well as products they love, such as blind boxes, plushies, cosmetics, stationery, and household items. The flagship store features a curated selection of popular products, along with exclusive collaborations with famous IPs such as Disney, Sanrio, and newly launched series like BT21, Chiikawa, and Zanmang Loopy. New beauty launches from beauty brands including Black Rouge, Into You, MilleFee, and Canmake further enrich the store's offering, ensuring the store has something for everyone.

As MINISO's first pink-themed store in B.C., the Vancouver flagship reflects the brand's dedication to creating fun and memorable shopping experiences. The store's soft pink hues and playful neon elements set the stage for a visually captivating environment, drawing customers into a whimsical world that feels fresh, inviting, and effortlessly joyful. With installations such as a pink Ferris wheel, pink blind box station, and an interactive makeup area, the store invites customers to explore and engage in an immersive, dynamic setting. The store's unique design and product variety make it a must-visit destination for Vancouver shoppers.

To celebrate the opening, MINISO organized a series of exciting events and promotions. Visitors were treated to live performances by local dance groups and can participate in a photo booth, face painting, and makeup sessions. Special gifts, including complimentary perfumes and limited-edition Sanrio blind boxes were available. Guests were also encouraged to share their shopping experiences on social media by tagging @Miniso.Canada for a chance to win exclusive products.

This flagship marks a key step in MINISO's strategic expansion across Canada as it brought another well-design store to the community. The recently opened Sherway store, which also marked the debut of the Chiikawa collection and introduced a new pink-themed store design for the first time in Canada, and other new stores such as CF Fairview Mall and CF Lime Ridge Mall in Ontario, exemplify the brand's fresh, innovative design approach, bringing more joy to shopping. With around 10 new stores opened earlier in the year, the brand plans to open up more new stores across the country in 2024, including a new themed store at Eaton Centre and additional locations in major malls across Quebec. With its unique IP collaborations and focus on customer engagement, MINISO continues to distinguish itself as a leader in the global lifestyle retail space.

Looking ahead, MINISO remains dedicated to further growing its footprint both in Canada and globally, bringing engaging, design-led, joyful shopping experiences to even more customers worldwide.

About MINISO

MINISO Group is a global value retailer offering a variety of trendy lifestyle products featuring IP design. The Company serves consumers primarily through its large network of MINISO stores, and promotes a relaxing, treasure-hunting and engaging shopping experience full of delightful surprises that appeals to all demographics. Aesthetically pleasing design, quality and affordability are at the core of every product in MINISO's wide product portfolio, and the Company continually and frequently rolls out products with these qualities. Since the opening of its first store in China in 2013, the Company has built its flagship brand "MINISO" as a globally recognized consuming brand and established a massive store network worldwide.

SOURCE MINISO
TAOYUAN, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corporation (hereinafter referred to as MiTAC; stock symbol: 3706), has announced that the server brand TYAN will be integrated with the MiTAC brand. Starting from October 1, 2024, all products will be branded under MiTAC, with the release of a new logo and updated official website. MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website: http://www.mitaccomputing.com/

The brand integration process is fully completed by October 1, 2024, consolidating all products under the MiTAC brand.Our commitment to delivering superior solutions and service to our customers remains unwavering, said Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing Technology. By unifying our brand, we aim to enhance the value of MiTACs offerings, providing a seamless and consistent customer experience across all customers.

MiTAC entered the server ODM industry in 1999 as one of Taiwan's pioneers in the server market. In 2007, it expanded its presence by acquiring Tyan Computer, building a reputation for designing high-performance motherboards and barebone systems targeting the high-end server market. Following the spinoff of MiTAC's cloud computing business in 2014, MiTAC Computing Technology was established as a subsidiary of Mitac Holdings under the MiTAC-Synnex Group.

With over two decades of experience in server research, development, manufacturing, and sales, MiTAC Computing Technology has consistently pushed the boundaries of innovation by leveraging top talent and operational efficiency. Committed to earning customer trust and fostering mutual success, MiTAC designs and manufactures high-quality server products for OEMs and Cloud Service Providers (CSPs). Through its leading server brand of TYAN, MiTAC has garnered significant industry appreciations for its extensive expertise and success. Additionally, since July 2023, MiTAC Computing Technology has taken on Intel's Datacenter Solutions Group (DSG) server business, further expanding its influence in the server market under the MiTAC brand.

Rick Hwang, President of MiTAC Computing Technology, explained that although MiTAC and TYAN serve distinct market segments, their integration under a single brand will streamline distribution strategies, create brand management synergies, and strengthen MiTAC's overall market presence.

The brand integration process is fully completed by October 1, 2024, consolidating all products under the MiTAC brand. As the demand for generative AI continues to grow, MiTAC Computing Technology is committed to advancing its AI server product line by leveraging its R&D strengths. "Our commitment to delivering superior solutions and service to our customers remains unwavering," said Rick Hwang. "By unifying our brand, we aim to enhance the value of MiTAC's offerings, providing a seamless and consistent customer experience across all customers."

About MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation, a subsidiary of MiTAC Holdings Corp. (TSE:3706), specializes in cloud, AI/HPC and edge computing solutions and has over 30 years of design and manufacturing expertise. With a strong focus on large-scale data centers, MiTAC offers flexible and customized solutions for various systems and applications. Our product lineup includes TYAN servers, ORAN servers, high-performance AI servers, and other data center products.

Originally, MiTAC operated the server channel business under the TYAN brand and began selling Intel DSG server products under the MiTAC brand in July 2023. As of October 2024, we have integrated the TYAN and MiTAC brands to streamline our operations and enhance brand management. MiTAC now serves as the sole brand name for all our products.

MiTAC Computing Technology Corporation website:

http://www.mitaccomputing.com/

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2515283/PR_photo_Rick_Hwang____________President_of_MiTAC_Computing_Technology.jpg
Founder & CEO Dione Barnett Leads Initiative to Provide Practical Work Experience

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- MXC Logistics, a TFC Logistics company, formerly known as MedXpress Connect, is excited to announce the launch of its MXC Logistics Paid Internship Program as part of its ongoing commitment to foster the next generation of logistics and healthcare professionals. This initiative, led by Dione Barnett, Founder & CEO of MXC Logistics, is designed to provide students with hands-on work experience while earning a competitive salary that reflects the responsibilities of the position.

Interns in the program will be compensated with a salary equal to a minimum of 80% of what an entry to mid-level professional earns in the same role. The program offers students a unique opportunity to learn on the job from seasoned professionals in healthcare logistics, 3PL services, and medical courier operations.

Internship positions will be available in various departments, including but not limited to:

IT Support Specialist

Cyber Security Specialist

Accountant

Executive Assistant

Corporate Compliance Counsel

and more.

MXC Logistics is actively seeking to partner with colleges and universities in the Atlanta University Center (AUC), including Morris Brown College, Clark Atlanta University, as well as Georgia Tech, Georgia State University, Kennesaw State University, and Mercer University. The program is open to undergraduate juniors and seniors as well as graduate students.

"We believe in investing in young talent and giving students the chance to gain practical experience that will prepare them for the workforce. Our internship program is designed to provide meaningful, hands-on experience while compensating students fairly for their contributions," said Dione Barnett, Founder & CEO of MXC Logistics.

This announcement comes just one day after MXC Logistics revealed its rebranding and move to new offices in Alpharetta, driven by rapid growth. The internship program underscores the company's commitment to nurturing talent and innovation in healthcare logistics.

How to Apply:

Students interested in the MXC Logistics Paid Internship Program are encouraged to reach out for more information by emailing [email protected] or by calling the company directly.

For more information about MXC Logistics and its services, visit www.tfclogistics.org.

About MXC Logistics

MXC Logistics, formerly MedXpress Connect, is a leader in healthcare logistics and 3PL services. The company specializes in medical courier services, contract procurement, and training through the National Medical Couriers Training Institute. With two decades of experience, MXC Logistics supports healthcare-related organizations (HROs) nationwide.

Media Contact:

Ian Canton, Interim Director of Public Relations

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (877) 359-1361

SOURCE TFC Logistics
250 MW Portage Solar Project located in Portage County, WI

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- National Grid Renewables is pleased to announce the execution of a power purchase agreement (PPA) with Microsoft for its Portage Solar Project, a 250-megawatt (MW) development located in Portage County, Wisconsin.

"It's exciting to see business development and economic growth in our neighboring state of Wisconsin," said Blake Nixon, President of National Grid Renewables. "Through our contract with Microsoft, we are providing Wisconsin residents direct and indirect revenue streams from Portage Solar. The project will not only benefit the local communities through the production of new tax revenue and job creation, but it also contributes a clean, sustainable energy solution for years to come."

Portage Solar is estimated to begin construction in 2025 and reach operation in 2027. The project is anticipated to benefit local and statewide communities through the production of millions of dollars in new tax revenue and landowner income, the creation of new jobs, and local spending. The project community will also benefit from a dedicated charitable fund, which goes above and beyond any tax revenue delivered by the project. These charitable funds are unique to National Grid Renewables and exemplify how they commit to being good neighbors within the communities in which their projects are built. In total, the direct economic impact of Portage Solar is estimated to reach approximately $88 million over the first 25 years of operations.

Additionally, as part of the agreement with Microsoft, National Grid Renewables will donate an additional $20 million over the term of the agreement to a community fund. Sustain Our Future Foundation will receive and distribute these funds to support under-resourced communities and communities disproportionately impacted by pollution.

About National Grid Renewables

National Grid Renewables develops, owns and operates large-scale renewable energy assets across the United States, including solar, wind, and energy storage. As a farmer-founded and community-focused business, National Grid Renewables repowers America's electricity grid by reigniting local economies and reinvesting in a sustainable, clean energy future. National Grid Renewables supports National Grid's vision of being at the heart of a clean, fair, and affordable energy future for all. To learn more about National Grid Renewables, visit www.nationalgridrenewables.com or follow the company on LinkedIn.

Contact: National Grid Renewables

[email protected]

Media Relations: 612.429.7050

SOURCE National Grid Renewables
Adults are enjoying candy and nostalgic moments in greater numbers

PARSIPPANY, N.J., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Ferrero North America, part of the global sweet-packaged food company the Ferrero Group, today released new survey findings revealing that Halloween is increasingly becoming a holiday for adults, not just children.

The survey highlights how Halloween has evolved into a celebration for all ages, with adults increasingly joining in on the festivities. Candy remains an integral part of the tradition  especially for adults!

The nationwide study conducted online among 5,046 adults aged 18 and older, from September 4-16, 2024, examines consumer preferences and their plans to celebrate Halloween in 2024.

Key findings include:

69% of adults say they plan to buy candy this year even if they don't expect trick-or-treaters

of adults say they this year 67% of adults with children in their household say they plan to buy extra candy during Halloween "just in case" they run out, but secretly keep a stash for themselves after the holiday

of adults with children in their household say they plan to during Halloween "just in case" they run out, but secretly keep a stash for themselves after the holiday 40% of adults say Halloween is their favorite holiday , beating out the December holidays and the Fourth of July

of adults say , beating out the December holidays and the 58% of adults say they plan to decorate their house for Halloween

of adults say they plan to for Halloween 60% of adults say they enjoy carving pumpkins for Halloween

of adults say they for Halloween 47% of adults say they dress up in costume for their own enjoyment

of adults say they for their own enjoyment 36% of adults dress their pets up for Halloween

of adults up for Halloween 77% of adults feel nostalgic about trick-or-treating

"Halloween has traditionally been thought of as a children's holiday, but we're seeing a growing trend of adults fully embracing Halloween for themselves," said Neal Finkler, Vice President of Marketing for the Ferrero Mainstream Chocolate portfolio. "It's no longer just about creating a fun experience for kids with candy, costumes and decor  adults are indulging more than ever and using Halloween as an opportunity to celebrate and enjoy their favorite treats. We're making sure our products and marketing help these adults enjoy Halloween too."

Ferrero has several iconic candy brandsincluding Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Baby Ruth and 100 Grandthat adults remember fondly from their childhoods and also innovations such as Kinder Joy Glow In The Dark Eggs, Mother's Eerie Critters Cookies and Tic Tac Trick or Treat are attracting new generations of trick-or-treaters.

Ferrero's Mainstream Chocolate and Kinder portfolio is a growing force during the Halloween season. Last year, the portfolio grew by 14% over the previous year, outpacing the category by almost 10%.

Survey Methodology

These are some findings from a nationwide study conducted on behalf of Ferrero by Golin in partnership with Dynata among 5,046 adults aged 18 and older, surveyed online from September 4-16, 2024, that examines consumer preferences and their plans to celebrate Halloween in 2024. The margin of error (at the 95% confidence level) is +/- 3%.

About Ferrero

Ferrero began in the small town of Alba in Piedmont, Italy, in 1946. Today, it is one of the world's largest sweet-packaged food companies, with over 35 iconic brands sold in more than 170 countries. The Ferrero Group brings joy to people around the world with much-loved treats and snacks including Nutella, Kinder, Tic Tac, and Ferrero Rocher. More than 47,000 employees are passionate about helping people celebrate life's special moments. The Ferrero Group's family culture, now in its third generation, is based on dedication to quality and excellence, heritage and a commitment to the planet and communities in which we operate.

Ferrero entered the North American market in 1969 and has grown to more than 5,400 employees in 15 plants and warehouses, and eight offices in North America across the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean. It has expanded its presence and portfolio with the addition of iconic brands such as Butterfinger, CRUNCH, Keebler, Famous Amos, Mother's Cookies, and other distinctive cookie and chocolate brands. Follow @FerreroNACorp on Twitter and Instagram. www.ferreronorthamerica.com.

CONTACT: Cassi DePasquale, [email protected]

SOURCE Ferrero North America
Mayan ruins have been repeatedly discovered in Mexico and Central America. For centuries, impenetrable dense forests hid the secrets of the ancient civilization in their jungle.

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However, over the past 10 years, space satellites have helped scientists find more ancient Mayan ruins than ever before. All thanks to pulsed laser technique, Space.com writes.

"Archeologists have mapped more Mayan sites, buildings and features in the past 10 years than we had in the past  preceding  150 years," said Brett Houk, a professor of archaeology at Texas Tech University.

Archaeologists are finding these ruins faster thanks to better satellite technology. By using a pulsed laser technique called lidar, or light detection and ranging, satellites can see through the dense cover surrounding Mayan sites, Hauk explained.

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According to historical data, the Maya are indigenous peoples who inhabited the lands of modern-day Mexico, Guatemala, and northern Belize. Until the 16th century, when the Spanish invaded the area, the Maya were the dominant regional group. They created large pyramids and stone structures, practiced agriculture, and had a written language.

Mayan monuments, such as the famous Chichen Itza in Mexico, are recognized by UNESCO and the UN as World Heritage Sites. However, scientists emphasize that there are many other unexcavated structures of the famous civilization.

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Satellites are helping scientists discover more ruins in northeastern Belize. Brett hinted at "new lidar missions" led by Amy Thompson of the University of Texas. However, the names of these projects have not yet been disclosed.

The scientists say that their research covers a region that is about 10 times the size of Manhattan - 650 square kilometers. And this territory is rich in ruins.

The team of experts found 28 sites "in just a couple of days in the lab, staring at the data," says Houk, and plans to continue excavations at some sites.

The professor of archaeology also said that one of the areas of research, which will focus on the study of canals and water management in the region, is scheduled for next summer.

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According to the researchers, Mayan society has changed as a result of climate change. Scientists hope that studying the technology of ancient peoples can help transfer their "lessons learned" to today's climate problems. For example, ancient terraces for growing corn and reservoirs for transporting and storing water in drought conditions are already known.

"People and communities adapted to changing environmental conditions and rainfall, designing what appears to be a resilient mosaic of land use," said Tim Murtha of the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The scientists emphasize that artificial intelligence could play a role in identifying ancient ruins on satellite images, but training and access to the appropriate algorithms is still delaying this process.

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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CLEVELAND, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- NexaMotion Group (NMG) continues its rapid expansion, acquiring 4M Parts Warehouse out of Cleburne, Texas. Founded in 1977, 4M Parts Warehouse provides premium quality auto parts for professional repair shops. Terms were not disclosed.

4M Parts Warehouse has 17 locations in North Texas and more than 120 employees. 4M Parts Warehouse President Lanny Martindale will join NexaMotion Group as VP of sales and operations.

"I'm excited about joining forces with NMG, as their strategic vision aligns perfectly with ours," said Martindale. "This collaboration presents exciting growth opportunities for our team members and will allow us to bring new product lines to our customers in the North Texas market."

Neil Sethi, CEO of NexaMotion Group, said, "This is a significant acquisition in a key strategic market for NMG, and we're just getting started. 4M Parts Warehouse embodies our commitment to innovation and quality of service in supporting automotive repair shops. We're excited for this new partnership and to expand our presence in North Texas."

About NexaMotion Group

NexaMotion Group's mission is to simplify complex vehicle repair to keep the world moving. NexaMotion Group helps automotive professionals shift into high gear with next-level solutions and innovation. Backed by 50 years at the forefront of the aftermarket industry, NexaMotion Group combines the power of strong connections and readily available supplies with over 125+ locations. Learn more at https://www.nexamotiongroup.com/ .

SOURCE NexaMotion Group
SEATTLE, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Seattle-based fashion retailer Nordstrom, Inc . (NYSE: JWN) announced plans to open a new Nordstrom Rack in Hyannis, Massachusetts, in fall 2025.

"We look forward to being a part of the Hyannis community and serving our customers with an amazing offering of great brands at great prices," said Gemma Lionello, president of Nordstrom Rack. "We're excited to grow our footprint in the Boston market and introduce new customers to the Nordstrom experience."

Lionello added that in this location "customers will be able to take advantage of our convenient services such as online order pick up from both Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com, and they can make returns easily."

The 25,000-square-foot store will be located in The Landing at Hyannis, a popular shopping center that includes Whole Foods, Panera Bread, Old Navy and The Paper Store. The Landing at Hyannis is owned and managed by WS Development and is conveniently situated next to Barnstable Municipal Airport, at 790 Iyannough Road in Hyannis.

"We are delighted to welcome Nordstrom Rack to The Landing at Hyannis. Adding to our ever-evolving opening lineup of retail, this best-in-class brand offers a fresh and exciting shopping experience for our guests while underscoring WS's dedication to offering diverse and high-quality options to our community," said Bryan Furze, senior vice president of leasing for WS Development.

Nordstrom Rack is the off-price retail division of Nordstrom, Inc. and plays a critical role in the company's Closer to You strategy, which focuses on delivering customers a more convenient and interconnected experience across its stores and digital platforms. Nordstrom Rack offers customers up to 70 percent off on-trend apparel, accessories, beauty products, home decor and shoes from many of the top brands sold at Nordstrom stores as well as core services like online order pickup for Nordstrom.com and NordstromRack.com , easy returns and alterations at select stores. Nordstrom Rack is the largest source of new customers to Nordstrom.

This new location expands the company's physical footprint and economic impact in Massachusetts. It currently operates four Nordstrom stores and seven Nordstrom Rack stores in Massachusetts, generating more than 900 jobs statewide.

Nordstrom is committed to investing in the diverse communities where it operates. Over the past four years, Nordstrom, with its customers, has donated more than $2 million in support of its long-term partnership with Big Brothers Big Sisters of the United States. These proceeds support the recruitment, training and engagement of adult mentors and mentorship moments between Bigs and Littles, including preparing for an interview, learning to tie a tie and helping with homework.

About Nordstrom

At Nordstrom, Inc. (NYSE: JWN), we exist to help our customers feel good and look their best. Since starting as a shoe store in 1901, how to best serve customers has been at the center of every decision we make. This heritage of service is the foundation we're building on as we provide convenience and true connection for our customers. Our interconnected model enables us to serve customers when, where and how they want to shop  whether that's in-store at more than 350 Nordstrom, Nordstrom Local and Nordstrom Rack locations or digitally through our Nordstrom and Rack apps and websites. Through it all, we remain committed to leaving the world better than we found it.

About WS Development

Massachusetts-based WS Development is a mixed-use developer with a singular mission: creating places people want to be. With an approach that values art, science, innovation and, above all else, people, WS strives to engage each community it serves with best-in-class experiences, designed with our customers, tenants and partners in mind. Established in 1990, WS is one of few vertically-integrated real estate companies that conceptualizes, owns, operates and leases more than 100 properties that range from cutting-edge urban spaces to lifestyle and community centers. With over 22 million square feet of existing space and an additional nine million square feet under development, it is one of the largest privately-owned development firms in the country. For more information, visit www.wsdevelopment.com, call (617) 232-8900 or follow WS Development on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT:

Sepeedeh Hashemian

Nordstrom, Inc.

[email protected]

SOURCE Nordstrom, Inc.
With backing from lead investors Touring Capital and Mitsui, Numa has raised a total of $48M to revolutionize the auto dealership experience with AI, from operations to communications

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Numa , the AI platform transforming auto dealerships, today announced a $32 million Series B funding round. Touring Capital , a growth stage firm focused on AI-powered software, and Mitsui & Co., Ltd ("Mitsui"), a global conglomerate generating $1.2 billion in annual profit from automotive and mobility, led the round. Existing investors Costanoa Ventures , Threshold and Google's AI-focused venture fund, Gradient Ventures , also participated.

Led by a team of serial entrepreneurs, Numa is pioneering the AI-native dealership by putting intelligent AI agents into every facet of dealership operations. From rescuing missed calls and booking service appointments to coordinating inter-departmental tasks and managing customer expectations, Numa's platform transforms how dealerships work. Unlike outdated systems, Numa's AI agents actively help with every customer interaction, reducing response times by up to 100x, increasing customer satisfaction scores and driving bottom line results for dealerships. By streamlining communications, Numa delivers operational improvements that dealerships can see and feel, setting a new standard for efficiency, productivity, and profitability in automotive.

"We are building the AI-native dealershipre-architecting how dealerships run at their core," said Tasso Roumeliotis, CEO and co-founder at Numa. "Our AI agents not only handle repetitive tasks like booking appointments and giving status updates, but also more complex ones like rescuing dissatisfied customers and unlocking trade-ins. Numa activates a total transformation for every dealership, making their operations and communications smarter, faster, and more customer-centric."

The $1.2 trillion U.S. auto dealership market is expected to grow 4% through 2028, yet faces the challenge of outdated systems that burden staff with administrative tasks and customers with frustrating experiences. Numa's AI agents streamline operations and communications, reducing average customer response times from 23 hours to just 13 minutes and increasing repair order dollars per service advisor by over 35%.

"We see tremendous potential in Numa's platform because it is purpose-built for car dealerships, transforming an outdated tech stack with an AI-enabled copilot that drives real ROI," said Priya Saiprasad, co-founder and general partner at Touring Capital. "Numa redefines how dealerships engage with customers to deliver a delightful experience that enhances loyalty while also driving profitability."

"Numa is a game-changer for the auto industry, introducing AI agents that go beyond communications, redefining how dealerships operate and engage customers," said Hiroshi Takeuchi, operating officer of Mobility Business Unit at Mitsui. "As Numa's AI evolves, it empowers dealerships to streamline processes, improve customer interactions, and maximize every business opportunity. Their unique AI-powered platform is setting the new standard for what's possible in automotive service and sales."

Numa will use the new funding to expand its AI engineering team, accelerate product development, and continue its mission to power the AI-native dealership and revolutionize the retail dealership experience. This investment follows Numa's rise to 168 on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing companies and rise to number four in the AI industry category, highlighting a 2,248% three-year revenue growth rate. Additionally, Numa recently strengthened its leadership team with the appointment of Jason Finkelstein as Chief Marketing Officer, bringing his go-to-market experience in customer service software, AI, and high-growth B2B SaaS businesses to drive Numa's next phase of growth.

Numa will showcase its AI-native dealership technology at the Digital Dealer conference from October 8-10 at booth 707. For more information, visit www.numa.com .

About Numa

Numa is building the platform to power AI-native dealerships, rearchitecting automotive service and sales with advanced AI agents that automate customer interactions, streamline operations and reimagine how dealerships work. Founded by the team behind Location Labs, Numa integrates AI into every aspect of dealership functionsfrom rescuing customer calls and voicemails that generate more revenue to reducing customer resolution times that drive overall customer satisfaction (CSI) to improving dealership team productivity and accountability. Numa has raised $48 million and works with over 600 dealerships across the U.S. and Canada.

SOURCE Numa
We are excited that Outlier by Savvas has been honored with a 2024 Tech & Learning Best Tools for Back to School Award. Post this

The annual Best Tools for Back to School award program recognizes outstanding technology that helps schools solve real challenges with solutions offering ease of use, versatility, and value to support effective teaching and learning. Tech & Learning selected Outlier by Savvas as a winner in the secondary education category for outstanding technology that supports educators heading back to school.

Outlier by Savvas provides online, asynchronous dual-enrollment courses that enable students to simultaneously earn high school as well as real transferable college credits from the University of Pittsburgh, a top 50 university. A flexible, digital solution that is easy for educators to implement, Outlier meets the needs of school district leaders across the country who are looking to bring high-quality college courses to their high school environments.

"We are excited that Outlier has been honored with a 2024 Tech & Learning Best Tools for Back to School Award," said Bethlam Forsa, CEO of Savvas Learning Company. "By infusing technology into the dual-enrollment learning experience, Outlier enables high schools to turn any classroom into a college lecture hall, increasing educational access and opportunities for all students and helping to prepare them for the demands of higher education."

Research has long shown that students who participate in dual-enrollment courses are more likely to graduate high school, enroll in a four-year college, and complete a college degree. Taking college courses in high school also helps students "try on" the college experience in a safe and familiar learning environment.

Outlier's award-winning courses offer cinematically produced lectures by top-rated instructors and professors from renowned institutions such as NASA, MIT, Harvard, and Yale. Since Outlier courses are offered asynchronously, students  no matter where they live  can experience the rigor of college-level courses that easily fit their school schedule. With Outlier's mastery-based learning, college credit is driven by the student's overall course grade, not a high-stakes test like an AP exam.

"Our readers count on Tech & Learning to curate the best products out there to support an equitable, effective learning environment," said Tech & Learning Content Director, Christine Weiser. "The winning products met our evaluation criteria to qualify for this prestigious list."

In praising Outlier, Tech & Learning's judges commented that its "courses align with high school teaching methods, offer frequent assessments, and let students explore various fields online, preparing them better for college and careers."

ABOUT SAVVAS LEARNING COMPANY

At Savvas, we believe learning should inspire. By combining new ideas, new ways of thinking, and new ways of interacting, we design engaging, next-generation K-12 learning solutions that give all students the best opportunity to succeed. Our award-winning, high-quality instructional materials span every grade level and discipline, from evidence-based, standards-aligned core curricula and supplemental and intervention programs to state-of-the-art assessment tools and the industry's most well-rounded portfolio of college and career-readiness solutions  all designed to meet the needs of every learner. Savvas products are used by millions of students and educators in more than 90 percent of the 13,000+ public school districts across all 50 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico, as well as globally in more than 125 countries. To learn more, visit Savvas Learning Company . Savvas Learning Company's products are also available for sale in Canada through its subsidiary, Rubicon .

SOURCE Savvas Learning Company
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- More than one dozen academic studies have found guaranteed income programs led to several key benefits, including higher rates of employment, improved financial stability, better housing and food security, and more time spent together as families.

A guaranteed income refers to monthly cash payments made to low-income individuals, with no strings attached. Around 150 cities are or have recently run guaranteed income pilots, and 60 of those are affiliated with Mayors for a Guaranteed Income (MGI) , a network of mayors and city and county officials dedicated to creating best practices for this policy intervention. Several leading research institutions have collaborated with MGI cities and counties to study these guaranteed income pilots, and full results have been released for thirteen cities whose pilots have completed.

Over a dozen studies show guaranteed income led to increased employment, better financial stability, more family time. Post this

Nearly every pilot studied has shown higher rates of employment, in direct contradiction to the most common criticism from opponents. In Stockton, CA recipients found full-time employment at more than twice the rate of non-recipients. Paterson, NJ's year-long guaranteed income program showed a rise in gig work and self-employment, and recipients increased their income significantly. In Saint Paul, MN researchers found an increase in employment that lasted after the program. Cambridge, MA's program for single caregivers showed an increase in the employment rate from 36% at baseline to 40% after 12 months, while employment fell amongst the control group. Birmingham, AL's pilot for single mothers showed that participants experienced significantly fewer issues at work due to childcare challenges44 percent fewer recipients reported having been late for work in the past month due to childcare issues than did working mothers in the control group. Read more about employment outcomes here .

Increased parent-child time is another common finding, and several cities have demonstrated better outcomes for children because of it. In Cambridge, MA, households receiving guaranteed income reported fewer school disciplinary actions and fewer instances of absenteeism and truancy, and more children placed in the Advanced Placement classes among the recipient group, compared to the control group. In Los Angeles, CA, parents receiving guaranteed income were significantly more likely to maintain their children's extracurricular activities and reported more time for parenting. In Richmond, VA, recipients reported being able to make deliberate parenting choices, key for healthy child development. An analysis of four Southern citiesAtlanta, GA, Birmingham, AL, Louisville, KY and Shreveport, LAfound positive impacts in 5 key areas: basic needs, educational outcomes, work-life balance, parent-child relationships, and parents' mental health. Read more about parent-child outcomes here .

Greater financial stability has been found across all studies, and other notable results include greater housing and food security, better mental health, reduced exposure to intimate partner violence, among other important quality of life markers.

The thirteen pilots randomly selected a fixed number of people to receive guaranteed income out of a larger pool of qualified applicants, and most included a control group of people who also met the qualifications. Most pilots were based on income level alone, but some programs were targeted to specific, vulnerable populations. Cambridge's program was for single caregivers making less than 80% of the area median income, and Birmingham's focused on single mothers specifically. Ventura County, California opted to support foster youth with a guaranteed income as they transitioned out of state care. In Denver, Colorado, the Basic Income Project focused on people without housing.

"What makes these guaranteed income pilots especially meaningful is the democratic process that our pilots naturally undergo, as each municipality elects leaders who promise to tackle the issues that the community prioritizes," said Michael D. Tubbs, founder of Mayors for a Guaranteed Income. "Research shows that recipients are able to pull themselves out of poverty and create economic stability for themselves and their families. With polls showing that a majority of American voters - 62% - support a federal guaranteed income, it's time to take this from pilots to national policy."

Ultimately, the collaboration between cities, counties and researchers will produce the largest body of guaranteed income research ever. Read more about pilot-specific results, and find new studies as they are released, at www.guaranteedincomeworks.org/research , and at the Denver Basic Income Project , the Urban Institute (for Austin, TX) and the Arlington Community Foundation (Arlington, VA).

Founded in June of 2020 by former Stockton Mayor Michael Tubbs, Mayors for a Guaranteed Income is a coalition of nearly 170 mayors committed to advancing a federal guaranteed income  direct, recurring cash payments to middle and low-income people. Expanding to include city and county legislators in 2023 with Counties for a Guaranteed Income , the network acts as a research and resource hub for municipal pilots around the countryaround 60 and counting. A new documentary film, It's Basic, which premiered at the Tribeca Film Festival in June 2023, follows recipients and illuminates the life-changing impact of guaranteed income programs on families' economic security and opportunity.

SOURCE Mayors for a Guaranteed Income
$25,000 matching grant supports efforts to rehome pets impacted by Hurricane Helene

TYSONS, Va., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The PenFed Foundation, a national 501(c)3 founded by PenFed Credit Union announced it is providing a $25,000 matching grant to Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to pay pet adoption fees for military families and support pets impacted by Hurricane Helene in North Carolina. Homewards Trails is rescuing pets that urgently need to be adopted or fostered.

Homeward Trails Executive Director Sue Bell learns that the PenFed Foundation is providing a $25,000 matching grant to support military veterans and their families. Pets currently available for adoption through Homeward Trails.

Military families nationwide can apply to adopt pets and approved adoption fees will be waived for approved applicants who will also receive a free welcome package. Homeward Trails Animal Rescue is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization that secures temporary and permanent homes for thousands of dogs and cats annually who are rescued from under-resourced communities and shelters, or whose owners can no longer care for them.

"The PenFed Foundation is proud to partner with Homeward Trails Animal Rescue to provide military families with the gift of a loving companion during a time of urgent need following the devastating flooding in North Carolina," said PenFed Foundation President Andrea McCarren. "Adopting a pet is life changing and improves a family's well-being by providing comfort and alleviates stress and anxiety. Dogs also encourage families to spend more time enjoying the outdoors and engaging in physical activities."

"We know very well the tremendous benefits of human-animal relationships and are thrilled to have the PenFed Foundation's support to make it easier for our area's military families to find their four-legged family member," said Homeward Trails Executive Director Sue Bell. "At this time in animal welfare with so many shelters filled to capacity with adoptable dogs and cats, this partnership will save many lives and bring happiness to so many."

For more information on how to adopt and fosters pets, please visit https://www.homewardtrails.org/. Those interested in supporting the PenFed Foundation are encouraged to visit penfedfoundation.org.

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. PenFed Credit Union covers the salaries and administrative costs of The PenFed Foundation, so more of your donation goes right to our programs. To learn more, please visit www.penfedfoundation.org.

SOURCE PenFed Foundation
The Sub Sandwich Brand Climbs Six Spots on Franchise Times Top 400 List

CINCINNATI, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Penn Station East Coast Subs, a leading fast-casual sandwich franchise brand, known for its fresh grilled subs and hand-cut fries, is honored to celebrate another impressive ranking on the Franchise Times Top 400. Penn Station sits at No. 208 on the newly released list of the best-performing franchise system in the country.

"It is a privilege to secure a position once again on the Franchise Times Top 400 list," said Lance Vaught, President of Penn Station East Coast Subs. "This recognition reflects the unwavering commitment and trust of our corporate team, franchise partners, and valued customers."

The Franchise Times Top 400 ranks franchise-based businesses on systemwide sales for the previous year. Penn Station has more than 320 locations nationwide, and together the system hit $267 million in sales in 2023, a $3 million dollar increase from the previous year.

"A key to our success is understanding the behavior of our customers. We know our customer experience is essential," explains Craig Dunaway, COO of Penn Station. "It is critical for brands to understand how customers order. We listen to our valued guests. Just a few months ago, we launched a loyalty app with enhanced technology, designed to strengthen the one-to-one connection with every customer and make it easier to order their favorite subs in minutes from their phone. Ultimately, the goal is to continue to enhance return on investment for our franchisees."

For nearly 40 years, the brand has been serving quality ingredients in a craveable and unique product that spans both lunch and dinner options. The brand's continued success can be attributed to the quality ingredients used in irresistible, hard to copy sandwiches. The franchise also serves hand-squeezed lemonade, freshly baked bread, fresh-cut fries, and high-quality meatsand does it all right in front of the customer's eyes.

The Franchise Times Top 400 is the most comprehensive ranking of the largest United States franchises. The annual rankings, are the result of a five-month research process to determine each brand's global systemwide sales, based on the previous year's performance. To qualify, a company must be a legal U.S. franchise and franchisees must own at least 10 percent of the company's total units.

The Franchise Top 400 honor is just the latest ranking Penn Station has earned over the last two months. Other recent awards include Penn Station recognition on Franchise Business Review's (FBR) list of Most Profitable Franchises and QSR Magazine's Top QSR Contenders for 2024.

About Penn Station East Coast Subs:

Jeff Osterfeld started the award-winning sandwich chain in 1985 in Dayton, Ohio. Three years later, he sold his first Penn Station franchise. Today, there are more than 320 Penn Station East Coast Subs franchises in the U.S. serving high-quality products grilled and baked to perfection. The privately-owned franchise business serves premium products that have won numerous awards. Learn more about Penn Station East Coast Subs at penn-station.com

Contact:

Nancy Bostrom

[email protected]

(919) 459.8163

SOURCE Penn Station East Coast Subs
SALISBURY, Md., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Recent groundwater tests at the Perdue AgriBusiness facility located in Salisbury, Maryland have revealed elevated levels of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS), also known as "forever chemicals." As part of a state-wide initiative led by the Maryland Department of the Environment (MDE), testing was conducted at multiple sites/companies across the state to assess PFAS levels in wastewater, drinking water, and groundwater.

The source of PFAS at the facility has not yet been determined. However, out of an abundance of caution, Perdue AgriBusiness is committed to conducting a thorough investigation, collaborating closely with local and state authorities to understand the nature and extent of PFAS in the area.

"Perdue has been part of the Maryland community for more than 100 years, and we have always prioritized doing what's right," said Kevin McAdams, CEO of Perdue Farms. "Our commitment to safety and environmental stewardship remains unwavering, and we will continue working with local residents and state officials in full transparency, to ensure that all concerns are addressed. In order to determine the underlying source of PFAS, we've engaged outside experts to help us investigate and determine the source."

In addition to these proactive measures, Perdue AgriBusiness is working with residents within a half-mile radius of the facility, approximately 550 homes, offering free well water testing to homes that use private wells. The company has also set up a dedicated webpage and phone line for residents within the specific area to access resources and request bottled water, if requested, during testing.

"We are working closely with the company and local leaders to support the residents who may be affected by the discovery of PFAS contamination in the groundwater," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "PFAS is an emerging area of concern in Maryland and across the nation. We appreciate Perdue AgriBusiness's cooperation in addressing this matter and helping to protect the health and wellbeing of the community."

MDE and Perdue AgriBusiness will provide updates to the community as new information becomes available.

Public Service Information: If you have health questions about PFAS, please contact the Maryland Department of Health, 410-767-6802. For more information on the presence of PFAS in the environment, please refer to EPA resources on this topic. Perdue AgriBusiness has set up a webpage with resources, which will be updated as additional information becomes available. Please visit https://corporate.perduefarms.com/water-testing-resources/ for more information or call Perdue AgriBusiness Consumer Affairs at 866-866-3703 for assistance.

About Perdue AgriBusiness

Ranked among the largest grain companies in the U.S., Perdue AgriBusiness is a leading merchandiser, processor, and exporter of agricultural products and the largest U.S. manufacturer of specialty, organic, and non-GMO oils sold to the food industry. It also ranks as one of the biggest suppliers of organic feed ingredients in the world. Through Perdue AgriBusiness, the company purchases 200M bushels of grain annually from its 5,800 farmers and partners. With more than 63 million bushels of storage, deep-water port, transload facilities, oilseed crushing operations, edible oil refinery, and protein blend mills, the company serves markets across the United States and around the world. Visit www.perdueagribusiness.com for more information.

SOURCE Perdue AgriBusiness
"We announced our summer exploration program had expanded the Lion Zone by 50% and today we provide the first assays from the program. The results were obtained from targets we now realize were outside the main Lion Zone in what we refer to as the Halo area. Holes 63, 66 and 67 still delivered great value to the project. Five metres of 5.93% CuEq is excellent in hole 63 and 66-67 both showed a very sizeable section of 12 metres of 2.97% CuEq an. d 2.36% CuEq respectively, after this set of holes we retargeted the drills at a lower pitch further west and once again found the main Lion Zone. Assays on these holes are pending" commented Terry Lynch, CEO.

Highlights:

PN-24-063 returned:

5.00 m of 0.48 g/t Au, 24.82 g/t Ag, 4.41 % Cu, 0.21 g/t Pd, 6.15 g/t Pt and 0.47% Ni

Including:

3.00 m of 0.73 g/t Au, 37.90 g/t Ag, 7.10 % Cu, 0.30 g/t Pd, 9.26 g/t Pt and 0.50% Ni

PN-24-066 returned:

12.05 m of 0.09 g/t Au, 4.53 g/t Ag, 0.65 % Cu, 6.39 g/t Pd, 0.30 g/t Pt and 0.06% Ni

Including:

3.00 m of 0.20 g/t Au, 12.50 g/t Ag, 1.95 % Cu, 2.26 g/t Pd, 0.62 g/t Pt and 0.12% Ni

With:

1.00 m of 0.28 g/t Au, 32.4 g/t Ag, 5.08 % Cu, 4.44 g/t Pd, 0.44 g/t Pt and 0.16% Ni

PN-24-067 returned:

12.15 m of 0.12 g/t Au, 8.54 g/t Ag, 1.75 % Cu, 1.99 g/t Pd, 0.36 g/t Pt and 0.14% Ni

Including:

2.65 m of 0.16 g/t Au, 8.47 g/t Ag, 1.27 % Cu, 1.01 g/t Pd, 0.84 g/t Pt and 0.11% Ni

And :

2.35 m of 0.31 g/t Au, 32.77 g/t Ag, 7.41 % Cu, 8.59 g/t Pd, 0.64 g/t Pt and 0.32% Ni

Table 1 below presents the significant results of previously released holes, and the current assays. The complete set of results obtained demonstrates a tremendous success rate, which contributes to a continuously increasing level of confidence about the continuity of the zone.

Assays from the remaining holes are now in at the laboratory and the Company expects to report on those in October.

"As we have previously described, the thickness of the massive chalcopyrite zone within the core is ranging from up to 5-10 m true width but decreases to less than 1 metre laterally. The new results, combined with the ongoing structural interpretation and 3D modeling, suggests an inverse relation between thickness and strain intensity. As illustrated on Figure 1, results obtained at depth below the current zone show a decreasing thickness, suggesting that the Zone could be transposed into a deformation corridor (fault); in such scenario, the possibility that the zone regains in thickness on the other side of the fault is very real. It is in our short-term plan to step out a few hundreds of metres from the discovery zone, and explore for such potential offsets," commented Ken Williamson, VP of Exploration.

Figure 2 and Figure 3 below are cross-sections through the Lion Zone, along the holes reported in this current release, presenting the new assay results in their geological context. Core photos provide a visual support, allowing appreciation of the good correlation between sulphides presence and reported polymetallic grades.

QAQC and Sampling

GeoVector Management Inc ("GeoVector") is the Consulting company retained to perform the actual drilling program, which includes core logging and sampling of the drill core.

All samples were submitted to and analyzed at Activation Laboratories Ltd ("Actlabs"), an independent commercial laboratory for both the sample preparation and assaying. Actlabs is a commercial laboratory independent of Power Nickel with no interest in the Project. Actlabs is an ISO 9001 and 17025 certified and accredited laboratories. Samples submitted through Actlabs are run through standard preparation methods and analysed using RX-1 (Dry, crush (< 7 kg) up to 80% passing 2 mm, riffle split (250 g) and pulverize (mild steel) to 95% passing 105 m) preparation methods, and using 1F2 (ICP-OES) and 1C-OES - 4-Acid near total digestion + Gold-Platinum-Palladium analysis and 8-Peroxide ICP-OES, for regular and over detection limit analysis. Pegmatite samples are analyzed using UT7 - Li up to 5%, Rb up to 2% method. Actlabs also undertake their own internal coarse and pulp duplicate analysis to ensure proper sample preparation and equipment calibration.

GeoVector's QAQC program includes regular insertion of CRM standards, duplicates, and blanks into the sample stream with a stringent review of all results.

The results presented in the current Press Released are complete within the mineralized intervals, but results are still pending for the top portion of both holes reported. QAQC and data validation was performed on these portions of the holes where assays are fully integrated, and no material error were observed.

Qualified Person

Kenneth Williamson, Geo, M.Sc., VP Exploration at Power Nickel, is the qualified person who has reviewed and approved the technical disclosure contained in this news release.

About Power Nickel Inc.

Power Nickel is a Canadian junior exploration company focusing on developing the high-grade Nisk project into Canada's first Carbon Neutral Nickel mine.

The NISK property comprises a significant land position (20 kilometers of strike length) with numerous high-grade intercepts. Power Nickel is focused on expanding the historical high-grade nickel-copper PGE mineralization with a series of drill programs designed to test the initial Nisk discovery zone and to explore the land package for adjacent potential Nickel deposits.

In addition to the Nisk project, Power Nickel owns significant land packages in British Colombia and Chile. The Company is in the process of reorganizing these assets in a related vehicle, through a Plan of Arrangement that will be presented to Power Nickel shareholders of record for their approval.

To obtain Power Nickel's Corporate Presentation, please use the link below:

http://powernickel.com/corporate_presentation.pdf

For further information, readers are encouraged to contact:

Power Nickel Inc.

The Canadian Venture Building

82 Richmond St East, Suite 202

Toronto, ON

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor it's Regulation Services Provider accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements

This message contains certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements" concerning the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, but not always, identified by the words "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "intends," "estimates," "projects," "potential," "indicates," "opportunity," "possible" and similar expressions, or that events or conditions "will," "would," "may," "could" or "should" occur. Although the Company 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, among others, the timing for the Company to close the private placement or the second Nisk option or risk that such transactions do not close at all; raise sufficient capital to fund its obligations under its property agreements going forward; to maintain its mineral tenures and concessions in good standing; to explore and develop its projects; changes in economic conditions or financial markets; the inherent hazards associates with mineral exploration and mining operations; future prices of nickel and other metals; changes in general economic conditions; accuracy of mineral resource and reserve estimates; the potential for new discoveries; the ability of the Company to obtain the necessary permits and consents required to explore, drill and develop the projects and if accepted, to obtain such licenses and approvals in a timely fashion relative to the Company's plans and business objectives for the applicable project; the general ability of the Company to monetize its mineral resources; and changes in environmental and other laws or regulations that could have an impact on the Company's operations, compliance with environmental laws and regulations, dependence on key management personnel and general competition in the mining industry.

SOURCE Power Nickel Inc.

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Prime Pensions, Inc. ("PPI"), a leading provider of retirement plan administration, consulting and compliance services based in Florham Park, NJ, has acquired Piper Pension & Profit Sharing ("Piper"), a third-party administrator of retirement plans based in Los Angeles, CA. Financial terms of the transaction were not disclosed.

This acquisition marks Prime Pensions' continued expansion throughout the West Coast, following its acquisition of Associated Pension Consultants ("APC") in September 2022. APC will be overseeing the ongoing administration of the Piper plans. With the addition of Piper, Prime Pensions now serves over 11,000 retirement plans across eight offices nationwide.

Founded in 1994 by Kurt F. Piper, Piper Pension & Profit Sharing has provided personalized retirement plan compliance and administration services to small and mid-sized businesses from its headquarters in Los Angeles, California. The firm has built a strong reputation for delivering tailored services to its diverse client base.

"We are thrilled to welcome Kurt and the entire Piper team to Prime Pensions," said Scott Feit, Founder & CEO of Prime Pensions. "This strategic acquisition strengthens our presence in California and aligns with our mission to provide high-touch, customized services to retirement plan sponsors across the U.S. We look forward to collaborating with the Piper team as we execute on our many growth initiatives."

Kurt F. Piper, Founder of Piper Pension & Profit Sharing, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership. "We are excited to join the Prime Pensions family and begin the next chapter for Piper. The cultural alignment between our firms, combined with the enhanced capabilities PPI offers, will not only elevate our ability to serve our clients but also foster professional development for our team."

Benesch Friedlander Coplan & Aronoff LLP acted as legal advisor to Prime Pensions, while Chase Law Group represented Piper.

About Associated Pension Consultants

Founded in 1974 with offices in Chico and Sacramento, CA, Associated Pension Consultants joined Prime Pensions in the fall of 2022. Specializing in retirement plan design, installation, administration and consulting, APC services 3,800+ clients nationwide.

About Prime Pensions

Headquartered in Florham Park, NJ, Prime Pensions is an independent provider of retirement plan administration, consulting and compliance services, primarily to small and medium-sized businesses. Prime Pensions is not affiliated with any investment product provider and does not offer investment advice.

Media Contact:

Scott Feit, CEO Prime Pensions, Inc

eMail: [email protected]

Phone: 973-845-7654

SOURCE Prime Pensions, Inc.
The new inexpensive 6th generation Subaru Forester crossover has been officially presented. The car belongs to the segment of popular models and competes with the Toyota RAV4. Details of the model's launch have become known.

ADVERTISIMENT

The manufacturer said that European buyers will receive their new Subaru Forester 2024 in the fall. And in the United States, the model is already on sale. The American price of the Subaru Forester 6 starts at $31,090. The European price will be higher due to the hybrid powertrain already in the basic version.

The premiere of the new 6th generation Subaru Forester took place at the Los Angeles Auto Show. Production of the model will begin in the US state of Indiana at the Lafayette plant. The model will also continue to be produced in Gunma Prefecture in Japan.

The car received a completely new design. The front has a large grille trimmed in glossy black plastic. On the sides are headlights of an unusual shape. The taillights are connected by a thin horizontal strip.

ADVERTISIMENT

In general, the style can be called very geometric, with a lot of straight lines and sharp corners. Also, a large number of elements made of dark unpainted plastic attracts attention.
In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, Princesa by Ariana Vara celebrates a young Texas girl's show stopping entrance into adulthood and surprises three runners-up with exquisite gowns

NEW YORK, Sept. 30, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princesa by Ariana Vara is proud to announce the fulfillment of a young girl's quinceanera dreams, as well as the incredible impact made by their recent Quinceanera Contest. Earlier this year, Princesa by Ariana Vara launched its Quinceanera Contest, offering young girls across the country the opportunity to make their quinceanera dreams a reality.

Princesa by Ariana Vara Quinceanera Contest Winner Breanna, family and fashion designer Evelyn Jia. Contest Winner Breanna and Fashion Designer Evelyn Jia at Mon Cheri Bridals/Princesa by Ariana Vara Showroom

The grand prize winner received an all-expenses-paid 4-day/3-night trip to New York City to select her dream gown at the Mon Cheri Bridals/ Princesa by Ariana Vara showroom, along with a $1,000 allowance for her quinceanera celebration.

The contest's grand prize winner, a young girl from Texas named Breanna, joined us with her family, three-generations of empowered women, honoring quinceanera heritage, at the showroom last Friday 9/27, for a magical day filled with joy, tradition, and family unity, made more special by her exquisite, custom-selected Princesa by Ariana Vara gown. She will be celebrating her milestone birthday in March 2025 in stunning fashion.

The contest generated immense excitement and engagement, and Princesa made the decision to grant three runners-up their own exquisite gowns to amplify the impact of the contest.

"We are dedicated to making young girls feel like true royalty on one of the most important days of their lives," said Perla G. Jio, Senior Sales Development Executive at Mon Cheri Bridals, parent company of Princesa by Ariana Vara. "While only one girl could win the grand prize, we wanted to extend the magic to more deserving participants. By gifting gowns to the three runners-up, we ensured that their quinceanera moments were just as unforgettable."

For Latino families, a quinceanera is not only a rite of passage but also a profound cultural celebration that marks the transition from childhood to womanhood. The perfect gown plays a central role in this experience, embodying the beauty, grace, and individuality of each young girl as she steps into adulthood.

For years Princesa by Ariana Vara has been dedicated to helping families celebrate their quinceanera with unparalleled quality in every thread, fabric, and bead. They are present from the very beginning, as each young girl dreams of her perfect look for this special day, committed to transforming fantasy into a captivating reality with a collection truly fit for a princess.

For more information and to view the different collections, visit: www.arianavara.com

About Princesa by Ariana Vara

Princesa by Ariana Vara is the premier brand that puts the dreams of quinceaneras at the core of all designs, producing exclusive, high-quality, and beautiful gowns. The quinceanera wear company leads the way when it comes to the latest trends in gowns and understanding the value of tradition for Hispanic families. Princesa by Ariana Vara plays an organic role in the theme, tone, and color scheme of every quinceanera because the celebration of this important milestone starts with the gown. Headquartered in New Jersey, for more information on Princesa by Ariana Vara visit www.arianavara.com and follow the brand on Instagram and TikTok at @princesabyarianavara.

SOURCE Princesa by Ariana Vara
NEWTOWN, Pa., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Princeton Radiology is excited to announce the opening of its newest diagnostic imaging center in Newtown, Pennsylvania, marking its first location in the state. Strategically situated in the iconic "clocktower building" at 3 Terry Drive, at the intersection of Washington Avenue and Terry Drive, the new center is designed to provide residents of Newtown and surrounding communities with unparalleled access to high-quality diagnostic imaging services in a convenient outpatient setting.

As part of its mission to deliver exceptional care, Princeton Radiology brings its long-standing tradition of excellence in imaging, compassion, and patient-centered service to Pennsylvania. The Newtown center is equipped with state-of-the-art technology and offers the same world-class diagnostic services that Princeton Radiology is renowned for. With the opening of this center, residents in the area can now access superior diagnostic care closer to home.

Patient Benefits of Princeton Radiology's Newtown Center:

Same-day scheduling for patients not requiring pre-authorization

for patients not requiring pre-authorization Lower cost compared to hospital-based imaging departments

compared to hospital-based imaging departments Fast report turnaround time , typically delivered on the same day

, typically delivered on the same day 98.8% patient satisfaction rating

rating Unique imaging options, including SmartMamm  and Smart Breast MRI, providing more personalized and comprehensive breast health information

and providing more personalized and comprehensive breast health information MRI, CT, Mammogram, Ultrasound, X-ray, and DEXA services will be offered

"At Princeton Radiology, our goal is to build a healthier community by expanding access to Excellence in Imaging. We are proud to bring our expertise and commitment to compassionate care to Newtown and the surrounding areas," said Marc Rothenberg, COO for Princeton Radiology, and longtime resident of Newtown. "We look forward to providing local residents with the same outstanding diagnostic services that have earned us a reputation for excellence."

Princeton Radiology's Newtown Center offers a broad range of diagnostic imaging services, including MRI, CT, ultrasound, and mammography, all performed with the highest standards of care and accuracy.

To learn more about Princeton Radiology or to schedule an appointment at the Newtown location, visit www.PrincetonRadiology.com or call 267.386.2620.

About Princeton Radiology:

For over 65 years, Princeton Radiology has been a regional leader in diagnostic imaging, providing patients and physicians with cutting-edge technology and comprehensive diagnostic services. With multiple locations across New Jersey and now Pennsylvania, Princeton Radiology remains committed to enhancing healthcare through the highest standards of patient care and imaging excellence.

Princeton Radiology

Phone: 267.386.2620

Website: www.PrincetonRadiology.com

Resources & Images: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1i5r_74gpj9HW0dxKAwbEib35zMwuh7fY?usp=sharing

Contact Information

Marketing Works

Cambria Bailey

717-318-2114

[email protected]

SOURCE Princeton Radiology
Residents Can Access On-Site Showers and Tide Loads of Hope Laundry Services at the Walmart in Perry, FL and St. Petersburg, FL

PERRY, Fla. and ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ --

Tide Loads of Hope Logo (PRNewsfoto/Procter & Gamble Co.)

WHO: Families, individuals, and responders in need of personal care items, cleaning products, laundry and shower services in the wake of the devastating Hurricane Helene in Florida.



WHAT: P&G Disaster Relief is activating to support recovery efforts in Perry, FL and St. Petersburg, FL, in collaboration with Walmart and Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization.





A Tide Loads of Hope Mobile Laundry Unit, powered by Matthew 25: Ministries, will provide free, full-service laundry to affected residents and responders. People can bring clothes (up to two loads per household) to be washed, dried, and folded free of charge. All washable clothing types will be accepted, except for heavy bedding.





Shower trailers will be also available to provide residents with hot showers. The shower trailer has five private bathroom/shower units, one of which is ADA-compliant, and a Pampers diaper changing station. Individual personal care products, including shampoo, conditioner and body wash from P&G brands such as Pantene, Head & Shoulders, Olay and Old Spice, and freshly laundered towels will be available for use on-site. All units are thoroughly cleaned and disinfected following each use.





In partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries, P&G will also distribute free personal care kits with everyday essentials and cleaning products to meet basic hygiene and home care needs directly in impacted neighborhoods.*



WHY: Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida late last Thursday before heading into Georgia and affecting several states across the east coast. The death toll from the storm continues to climb and has left a widespread loss of homes and property across the southeastern U.S., largely caused by devastating floods.





P&G, Walmart and Matthew 25: Ministries are working together to continue their commitment to help restore a sense of normalcy to communities most impacted by major disasters. Together, they assist people in need of clean laundry, showers and personal care items in communities recovering from major disasters. These services are free and available to local families and first responders while supplies last.



WHERE: Beginning on Tuesday, October 1, 2024, the team will collect laundry at the below locations and time until daily capacity has been reached. The deployed disaster relief vehicle will also provide shower and bathroom services.





Walmart at 3501 34th St S, St. Petersburg, FL 33711.





Perry, FL: 1900 S Jefferson St, Perry, FL 32348





9am  5pm CDT (or until daily capacity is reached)



Additionally, the team will be distributing personal care kits, home care and cleaning supplies directly to homes in affected areas.



For the most up-to-date information, please visit Tide's social channels:



Tide: X account: @Tide and Instagram: @tidelaundry

*Personal care kits contain products from P&G brands such as Always, Crest, Ivory, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Olay, Old Spice, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, Safeguard, Secret, Tampax, and Venus. Home and cleaning product brands include Bounty, Charmin, Dawn, Febreze, Mr. Clean, Swiffer, Tide and Zevo.

ABOUT P&G: P&G serves consumers around the world with one of the strongest portfolios of trusted, quality, leadership brands, including Always, Ambi Pur, Ariel, Bounty, Charmin, Crest, Dawn, Downy, Fairy, Febreze, Gain, Gillette, Head & Shoulders, Lenor, Olay, Oral-B, Pampers, Pantene, SK-II, Tide, Vicks, and Whisper. The P&G community includes operations in approximately 70 countries worldwide. Please visit https://www.pg.com for the latest news and information about P&G and its brands. For other P&G news, visit us at https://www.pg.com/news

ABOUT TIDE LOADS OF HOPE: For more than 15 years, Tide Loads of Hope has provided free laundry services to families affected by disasters. Created in the wake of Hurricane Katrina in 2005, Tide Loads of Hope is a mobile laundromat that can complete hundreds of loads of laundry per day. In partnership with Matthew 25: Ministries, an international humanitarian aid and disaster relief organization, the program has benefitted over 90,000 people across the U.S. and Canada. For more information, please visit Tide's X account: @Tide and Instagram: @tidelaundry.

As a key component of Tide Ambition 2030, Tide has committed to expand its Loads of Hope program tenfold, providing clean clothes to millions of people in times of need, with a focus on communities most impacted by climate change. Learn more at https://tide.com/en-us/our-commitment/loads-of-hope.

About Philanthropy at Walmart

Walmart.org represents the philanthropic efforts of Walmart and the Walmart Foundation. By focusing where the business has unique strengths, Walmart.org works to tackle key social and environmental issues and collaborate with others to spark long-lasting systemic change. Walmart has stores in 19 countries, employs more than 2 million associates and does business with thousands of suppliers who, in turn, employ millions of people. Walmart.org is helping people live better by supporting programs to accelerate upward job mobility for frontline workers, advance equity, address hunger, build inclusive economic opportunity for people in supply chains, protect and restore nature, reduce waste and emissions, and build strong communities where Walmart operates. To learn more, visit www.walmart.org or connect on X @Walmartorg.

ABOUT MATTHEW 25: MINISTRIES Matthew 25: Ministries rescues and reuses approximately 20,000,000 pounds of products each year and redistributes them to the poorest of the poor and disaster victims. Each year, Matthew 25: Ministries impacts the lives of more than 25,000,000 individuals throughout the United States and around the world. Matthew 25 is included on Forbes' 2023 list of America's Top 100 Charities, is a 4-star nonprofit on Charity Navigator and has earned a Platinum-Level Candid Exchange seal. Matthew 25: Ministries is accredited by the Better Business Bureau through the "Wise Giving Alliance Standards." For more information, contact Michelle Jones [email protected] at Matthew 25: Ministries (513) 793-6256, or visit https://m25m.org/.

Media Inquiries for P&G and Tide: Monica Almeida, [email protected]

Media Inquiries for Walmart.org: Contact media relations

SOURCE Procter & Gamble Company
ATLANTA, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pye-Barker Fire & Safety  the largest fully integrated and full-service fire protection, life safety and security services provider in the United States  has acquired one of the nation's leading security alarm providers, PEAK Alarm Company. The addition of PEAK  SDM's 2023 Dealer of the Year winner, which is currently ranked No. 37 on the SDM 100 list of top security companies  expands Pye-Barker's geographic reach throughout the West and adds more than 100 security professionals to the Pye-Barker team.

"PEAK's story is a lot like Pye-Barker's. I'm honored to work alongside the PEAK team as we welcome them to the family." Post this The Pye-Barker Fire & Safety and PEAK Alarm Company teams meet to celebrate and discuss the future working together to serve PEAK's local communities.

PEAK Alarm Company empowers businesses with security systems, fire alarms, CCTV, access control, environmental hazard monitoring and 24-hour monitoring, so they can remain operational and protected. PEAK has six locations in Utah, Idaho and Colorado, and extends coverage throughout these states and into Wyoming, Oregon and Nevada. Founded in 1969, PEAK has grown to a regional powerhouse, continuing momentum through strategic acquisitions, geographic expansion and commitment to its team.

"Starting with PEAK Alarm Company's founder, Jerry D. Howe, our success has always been about people  the customers we serve and the dedicated, knowledgeable individuals who work here," said Donald Weakley, President at PEAK. "I and our other leaders  COO Clint Beecroft and CFO Fred Johnson  want to ensure all our people are taken care of during this next phase of the business. I'm proud to have PEAK join the Pye-Barker family, which holds the same values."

"PEAK's story is a lot like Pye-Barker's. As a young entrepreneur, Jerry Howe had a dream to protect his community, and through hard work and looking after his people, he created an industry leading organization," said Bart Proctor, CEO at Pye-Barker. "I'm honored to work alongside the talented security and alarm professionals on the PEAK team as we welcome them to the Pye-Barker family."

PEAK's highly skilled team, including leaders Beecroft and Johnson, will continue to serve customers locally.

About Pye-Barker Fire & Safety

The U.S. leader in fully integrated life safety systems, Pye-Barker Fire & Safety provides complete fire protection and security systems nationwide. With over 200 locations and 6,000 team members nationwide, Pye-Barker ranks No. 849 on the Inc. 5000 and No. 8 on the SDM 100.

Pye-Barker continues to explore strategic acquisition opportunities. We welcome the opportunity to share why we're the acquirer of choice. Visit pyebarkerfs.com/acquisitions.

Contact:

Eric Garner

President, Pye-Barker Alarm Division

801.395.8738

[email protected]

Media:

Alycia Volpe

[email protected]

SOURCE Pye-Barker Fire & Safety
SLATER, Iowa, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Farm4Profit Media is proud to announce the appointment of Rachel Zumbach as the company's new Chief Marketing Officer. Zumbach brings a wealth of experience in agricultural marketing, public relations, and strategic brand management, making her the ideal leader to steer Farm4Profit's marketing initiatives as the company continues to expand its footprint in the ag media landscape.

With a background rooted in agriculture and a deep understanding of modern marketing strategies, Zumbach's leadership will be key in driving Farm4Profit's mission of delivering cutting-edge content and resources to the farming community.

"We are thrilled to have Rachel join our executive team," said Tanner Winterhof, CEO of Farm4Profit Media. "Her passion for agriculture and proven track record in marketing will help elevate our brand and further our goal of providing valuable insights to farmers and agribusinesses alike."

Zumbach has previously worked with several prominent agricultural organizations, including Iowa Corn, where she led impactful campaigns and fostered meaningful relationships within the farming community. In her new role, Zumbach will oversee all marketing, branding, and communication strategies for Farm4Profit Media.

"I'm excited to join a company that shares my commitment to supporting farmers and advancing the agricultural industry," said Rachel Zumbach. "Farm4Profit Media has built a trusted platform, and I look forward to helping amplify its voice and connect with even more producers across the country."

Farm4Profit Media continues to position itself as a leader in agricultural education and business, offering podcasts, articles, and digital resources aimed at improving profitability and sustainability for farmers.

About Farm4Profit Media

Farm4Profit Media is a trusted source for information and insights that help farmers and agricultural businesses maximize their profitability. Through innovative content, expert interviews, and real-world solutions, Farm4Profit empowers the farming community with tools to succeed in today's competitive market. Best known for their podcast and captivating social media content, Farm4Profit works to be a leader in the evolution of agriculture business management.

Media Contact: Rachel Zumbach, Chief Marketing Officer, [email protected]

SOURCE Farm4Profit Media
RANDOLPH, Mass. , Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Harvard Medical School affiliate Hebrew SeniorLife, New England's largest nonprofit provider of senior health care and living communities, celebrated its 45-apartment expansion of the Simon C. Fireman Community with a ribbon-cutting ceremony featuring speakers and festivities.

The September event also marked the 40th anniversary of the opening of the original Fireman Community, which offers seniors independent, affordable apartment living with on-site services.

The lunchtime ceremonies included remarks led by Fireman Executive Director Stephanie Small and featured local and state officials and Hebrew SeniorLife representatives.

The 45 new apartments are in addition to Fireman's existing 160 senior apartments and offer coordinated services to residents. The new three-story wing is fully integrated with Fireman's existing residences, sharing the same lobby and creating two courtyards with walking paths, exercise stations, and benches. Other amenities include a multi-purpose room, a fitness center, office space, an art/game room, a deck overlooking the courtyard, a library, and a lounge.

The new addition is built to high sustainability and energy-efficient Passive House standards, receiving Phius Certified Project designation. Created to guide and verify the successful design and construction of passive buildings, Phius project certification combines stringent requirements with detailed review and quality assurance.

Senator Walter F. Timilty shared a citation from the Massachusetts Senate on behalf of himself and Senator Michael Brady. In his remarks, Senator Timilty expressed his belief that "where Hebrew SeniorLife goes, goodness and greatness follow."

Randolph Town Manager Brian Howard, who attended the event with Police Chief Anthony Marag, Fire Chief Ronald Cassford, and other town officials, spoke highly of Fireman, saying, "We know just how important it is to have places like this in the community."

"We all know the Commonwealth is struggling with a housing problem," said Leslie Reid, Chief of Investment Programs, Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation, "so seeing 45 new units helps us move in the right direction."

"I think it's next to impossible to put a monetary value on the quality of life, where the living environment bridges the gap between housing and health care, and that's something that Hebrew SeniorLife does so well," said Alma Balonon-Rosen, Senior Relationship Manager, Massachusetts Housing Partnership.

"First Citizens Bank is proud to support Hebrew SeniorLife's Fireman Expansion project with construction financing and equity capital," said First Citizens Bank Boston Area Executive Jason Nettles. "Hebrew SeniorLife's inclusive, joyful approach to senior affordable housing is an inspiration, and we're pleased to help advance their important efforts in the Commonwealth."

"Hebrew SeniorLife is committed to supporting residents as they age in their community," said Hebrew SeniorLife President and CEO Lou Woolf.

The Fireman Community incorporates a robust offering of services for residents, including the award-winning Right Care, Right Place, Right Time (R3) program, which integrates health care, wellness, and prevention into affordable housing communities.

More than $4.5 million in project contracts went to Minority Business Enterprises (MBEs), and 67% of the project workers were people of color.

Partners and funders of the Fireman expansion include:

The Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Town of Randolph

Massachusetts Housing Partnership

Massachusetts Housing Investment Corporation

First Citizens Bank

Community Economic Development Assistance Corporation

MassHousing.

The development team includes Affirmative Investments, ICON Architecture, Bald Hill Builders, Nixon Peabody LLP, Tierney Development Services, and Linnean Solutions.

Hebrew SeniorLife is committed to helping people age in the neighborhoods where they built families, owned businesses, and created vibrant communities. In addition to the Fireman Community expansion, Hebrew SeniorLife also recently completed Leyland Community in Dorchester's Upham's Corner, construction is nearly finished on a new building at the Center Communities of Brookline, and planning is underway for a new affordable senior housing community in Stoughton.

About Hebrew SeniorLife

Hebrew SeniorLife, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, is a national senior services leader uniquely dedicated to rethinking, researching, and redefining the possibilities of aging. Hebrew SeniorLife cares for more than 4,500 seniors a day across campuses throughout Greater Boston. Locations include: Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-Boston and Hebrew Rehabilitation Center-NewBridge in Dedham; NewBridge on the Charles, Dedham; Orchard Cove, Canton; Simon C. Fireman Community, Randolph; Center Communities of Brookline, Brookline; Jack Satter House, Revere; and Leyland Community, Dorchester . Founded in 1903, Hebrew SeniorLife also conducts influential research into aging at the Hinda and Arthur Marcus Institute for Aging Research, which has a portfolio of more than $98 million, making it one of the largest gerontological research facilities in the U.S. in a clinical setting. It also trains more than 500 geriatric care providers each year. For more information about Hebrew SeniorLife, visit our website or follow us on our blog, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Hebrew SeniorLife, Inc.
BOSTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- RapDev , the award-winning Datadog implementation partner, has been recognized as one of only five companies making up Datadog's new 'Premier' partner tier. This new tier recognizes partners who have a significant impact on customer outcomes, highlighting RapDev's 300+ customer implementations of Datadog, 45 marketplace integrations, and leading US-based team of SREs and DevOps engineers.

Premier is the highest partnership level available within Datadog's new Partner Network tiers.

RapDev continues to be a pillar of the Datadog ecosystem and has been recognized for its innovation and customer outcomes, earning Datadog's Partner of the Year award three years running, along with the Marketplace Partner of the Year title in 2024.

"We are excited to see Datadog continue to invest in the partner ecosystem," said Tameem Hourani, Founder and Principal of RapDev. "Our team loves working with Datadog to drive outcomes for customers because it is a truly best-in-class platform. That means we can engineer automated, scalable solutions that accelerate customers' time to value and progress them toward the observability goals crucial to their business."

As Datadog expands its partner ecosystem , RapDev remains at the forefront, driving initiatives that enable businesses to monitor and optimize their cloud-native, hybrid, or on-prem environments. From launching Managed Datadog , an end-to-end observability service designed to eliminate operational bottlenecks, to rolling out Advanced Security solutions that enable real-time threat detection and compliance monitoring, RapDev is transforming how businesses leverage Datadog to optimize and secure their environments.

"I'm thrilled to welcome RapDev to Datadog Premier Partner status," said Jarrod Buckley, VP of Channels & Alliances at Datadog. "RapDev's ongoing commitment to developing its expertise and growing its knowledge base makes it a great partner for Datadog and a trusted resource for end users."

About RapDev

Founded in 2019, RapDev has become the go-to partner for cloud-native software implementations of ServiceNow and Datadog at Fortune 1000 organizations. With extensive experience accelerating IT operations agendas for leading global corporations, RapDev has proven expertise to guide CIOs and CTOs on their DevOps transformations from beginning to end.

SOURCE RapDev
It's Back! Celebrate reading for six months straight with read-alouds from bestselling authors, a book giveaway sweepstakes, monthly themes, reading activities, and a reading pledge.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Reading Is Fundamental (RIF), the nation's leading children's literacy nonprofit, announced today the launch of the fourth annual Rally to Read 100 (RallytoRead.org)a six-month initiative that runs from October 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025 designed to inspire the joy of reading and motivate children to read, starting with a pledge to read 100 books.

Rally to Read 100

Building on the success of last year's campaign, in which over 800,000 children participated, RIF will once again unite classrooms and communities across the country with a reading initiative anchored on monthly themes and supported with a diverse lineup of author read-alouds. There will also be a book collection sweepstakes, a variety of engaging reading activities for home and school (some of which are in Spanish), plus a virtual event hosted at the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City and live broadcast nationwide to celebrate National Reading Month in March 2025. All of the free read-alouds and literacy activities are available at www.RallytoRead.org.

With 67 percent of fourth graders reading below grade level, according to the most recent National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP) results, RIF is working to reinvigorate reading across our nation's youth. Reading aloud to children sharpens their listening skills, expands their vocabularies, and nurtures a lifelong love of reading. The 2024-2025 Rally to Read 100 program kicks off with a special welcome video from Suzanne Lang, New York Times bestselling author of Grumpy Monkey, and is supported by Inspiration Partners: Barnes & Noble, Macy's, and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation.

Each month during the six-month campaign, a featured read-aloud will be shared from exclusive publishing partner Penguin Random House as well as specially selected Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks from popular authors and illustrators. For elementary school classrooms and libraries, RIF is bringing back the Rally to Read book sweepstakes, giving away 10,000 new books in which elementary school educators have the chance to win 100 high-quality books donated by Barnes & Noble for their school or youth-serving organization.

"Literacy is essential not only for our students' academic growth and achievement, but also for expanding our understanding of both the world and ourselves. With Rally to Read, we're offering exciting ways for children to explore the enriching perspectives that come from enjoying a wide range of stories," said Alicia Levi, President and CEO of Reading Is Fundamental. "We were thrilled with the response to last year's initiative, and with the support of our Inspiration partners Barnes & Noble, Macy's, and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, along with passionate storytellers and advocates, we are proud to carry on this important mission."

"Barnes & Noble is thrilled to support Reading Is Fundamental's Rally to Read campaign for the third year in a row," said Jackie De Leo, Chief Merchandising Officer, Barnes & Noble. "In bringing educational resources to communities where they are most needed, we hope to ignite a love of literature among the youngest readers; we know this fosters a sense of determination carried throughout the rest of their lives. We are proud to share in both the vision and commitment RIF has towards elevating children's literacy and can't wait to see the impact of this year's campaign in classrooms nationwide."

"For more than 20 years, Macy's and Reading Is Fundamental have together created critical access to books for youth in underserved communities, promoting a love of reading for children nationwide," said Sam Di Scipio, Macy's, Inc. Senior Director, Social Impact. "Through our purpose platform, Mission Every One, we are proud to partner on initiatives like Rally to Read as we work to empower our future leaders and create a brighter future for all."

RALLY TO READ 100 PROGRAM ELEMENTS:

Pledge to Read 100 Books: Participants can pledge to read 100 books over six months and receive engaging content and book recommendations to support this goal.

Participants can pledge to read 100 books over six months and receive engaging content and book recommendations to support this goal. Book Sweepstakes : 100 randomly selected eligible educators will each win 100 specially curated books donated by Barnes & Noble to enhance their school's library and classrooms.

: 100 randomly selected eligible educators will each win 100 specially curated books donated by Barnes & Noble to enhance their school's library and classrooms. Monthly-Themed Events : Each month features topics ranging from community and imagination to wellness and nature with activities for fun, engaging time spent exploring the themes and read-aloud books; companion activities; and video-recorded read-alouds by noteworthy authors and illustrators, many who are sharing recently released new books.

: Each month features topics ranging from community and imagination to wellness and nature with activities for fun, engaging time spent exploring the themes and read-aloud books; companion activities; and video-recorded read-alouds by noteworthy authors and illustrators, many who are sharing recently released new books. Featured read-alouds: Books from Penguin Random House and Barnes & Noble Storytime Picks reflecting the month themes include:



October (Community):

Alexandra Garyn and Bryan Reisberg , Authors of Maxine Gets a Job

Minh Le, Author of Built to Last

November (Nature)

Ambreen Tariq, Author of Fatima's Great Outdoors

Emmy Kastner, Author of While You're Asleep

December (Celebration)

Sheetal Sheth, Author of Raashi's Rakhis: A New Celebration of Raksha Bandhan

Hayley and John Rocco , Author and Illustrator of All the Books

January (Wellness)

Camila Alves McConaughey , Author of Just Try One Bite

Anna Llenas, Author of Dr. Color Monster and the Emotions Toolkit

February (Changemakers)

Nathan Bryon, Author of Rocket Says Speak Up

Sy Montgomery, Author of Becoming a Good Creature

March (Imagination)

Matt de la Pena, Author of Milo Imagines the World

Jessie Sima, Author of Cookie Time

Complementary Reading Activities: Classroom and at-home resources are available for educators and families to use for continued reading engagement throughout the program, any time.

NATIONAL READING MONTH CELEBRATION EVENT:

A nationwide, online event will be simulcast from the Union Square Barnes & Noble in New York City in March 2025 marking National Reading Month and the culmination of the initiative with high-profile guests (to be announced) and live streamed to homes and classrooms across the country.

Reading Is Fundamental is proud to recognize the generous support of its partners: Inspiration Partners include Barnes & Noble, Macy's and the Nellie Mae Education Foundation; and Promotional Partners include the American Association of School Libraries, Every Child a Reader, Children's Book Council, Kiwanis International, Little Free Library, National PTA, Nickelodeon, Penguin Random House, Reading Partners, and United Through Reading.

About Reading Is Fundamental

Reading Is Fundamental (RIF) is committed to creating a nation of lifelong readers by inspiring the joy of reading among all children, putting them on the path to becoming skilled readers. We provide free, high-quality content to engage children, educators, families, and literacy advocates in the solution to the U.S. literacy crisisso that every child has the fundamentals for success. As the nation's leading children's literacy nonprofit, RIF has provided nearly 430 million books and reading resources to over 190 million children since 1966, impacting generations of children. Explore our results and learn more about partnering with us at www.RIF.org.

SOURCE Reading Is Fundamental
Blueprint Highlights a New Red Roof Prototype, a Renewed Focus on Growth, Consistency and Innovation, and Key Executive Appointments to Deepen Red Roof's Leadership Team

COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Red Roof, an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, unveiled a blueprint for continued profitable growth at its brand conference for more than 1,000 franchisees, team members and partners. Red Roof President Zack Gharib laid out a concrete path forward to elevate one of America's best-known lodging brands. In his address to the Red Roof franchise community, Gharib told conference attendees, "We are an iconic American brand, and we are living the American dream."

The Red Roof new-build prototype is designed as an 80-room, three- or four-story property with interior corridors that is scalable, with a modern and inviting lobby and a host of new amenities for guests. The new design has a lower cost to develop and will streamline workflow without sacrificing quality and service. Red Roof President and chief executive Zack Gharib unveiled to more than 1,000 franchisees, team members and partners, a blueprint for continued profitable growth at this year's brand conference, laying out a concrete path forward to elevate one of Americas best-known economy lodging brands.

He outlined a comprehensive plan for the company to drive growth and accelerate demand, including:

A new prototype for Red Roof hotels, prioritizing new-build properties and high-demand products across the country and in new locationsdesigned to drive economies and efficiencies for franchisees

New and enhanced partnerships and programs to provide franchisees and the brand access to better data and analytics to improve the guest experience, streamline operations and generate increased revenue

A renewed and specific commitment to a deeper and enriched company culture and an obsession with consistency to drive performance

In his address, Gharib told the audience: "We will elevate this brand, this company and our business. We will do that with a better and more consistent experience for our guests."

New Prototype

Gharib called the new Red Roof prototype "a visible commitment to the elevated guest experience." The new-build prototype is designed as an 80-room, three- or four-story property with interior corridors that is scalable. It has a modern and inviting lobby and a host of new amenities for guests. The new design has a lower cost to develop and will streamline workflow without sacrificing quality and service.

This new prototype joins the recently updated new-build prototype for Red Roof's extended-stay brand, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, and dual-branded Red Roof and HomeTowne Studios hotels, which are rapidly growing in popularity with developers and guests. "The new Red Roof prototype is a smart investment for any franchisee looking to grow their portfolio. It is cost-effective and operationally efficient. And most importantly, it is designed to satisfy our guests," Gharib said.

New Partnerships

Conference attendees learned about a set of new and enhanced programs with partners to improve communication with guests, provide the company with greater insights and use artificial intelligence to analyze data and patterns that will help franchisees deliver a better guest experience.

One of these new partnerships is with Sojern, a top-rated guest experience platform in the hospitality industry. Sojern will provide Red Roof unrivaled traveler insights and the ability to communicate with guests at just the right moments. The partnership will help the company and franchisees improve both growth and profitability.

The company also celebrated the integration of the HotelKey property management system and outlined new applications for HotelKey in other aspects of the business, starting with PaymentKey. PaymentKey streamlines transactions and operations, empowering hotel operators to improve business results.

New Leadership Additions

Gharib introduced a newly appointed chief financial officer, Tara Henderson. She is an experienced leader: a veteran of the United States Navy and an executive with more than 20 years' experience in finance, operations and logistics with large and complex organizations. Henderson's appointment enhances the depth and breadth of the company's executive team.

Gharib also introduced new General Counsel Gerrod Bede. Bede is an attorney proficient in complex franchise and business law. He held a similar role with a company that manages multiple franchise portfolios.

Focus on Culture and Consistency

Gharib emphasized his commitment to further elevating the company's culture, for all stakeholders. "We have cultivated a strong culture that will elevate our brand from the inside out. We are instilling habits rooted in personal growth, accountability, mutual respect and fairness," Gharib said. He added that he wants everyone in the organizationowners, operators, hotel staff and brand team membersto thrive. "If our people are thriving, we will deliver elevated, more consistent experiences for our guests."

In his remarks, Gharib underscored the work Red Roof is doing to build a future-proofed, profitable business for hotel owners and operators. He urged all attendees to implement the plans and learnings from the conference to deepen their investment and broaden engagement to drive brand consistency for continued growth and success.

About Red Roof

Red Roof is an award-winning leader in the lodging industry, recognized for creating the innovative Upscale Economy segment, serving millions of guests each year. Red Roof's portfolio of brands includes Red Roof Inn and Red Roof PLUS+, HomeTowne Studios by Red Roof, The Red Collection, and Red Roof's dual-branded properties. Red Roof has over 60,000 rooms in more than 700 properties in the U.S. and internationally in Japan. For more information, visit redroof.com or download Red Roof's free app for iOS and Android devices. To learn about franchising opportunities, visit redrooffranchising.com .

Red Roof's Vision: To provide the best experience and value in the lodging industry for our guests, owners, team members, partners, and communities.

SOURCE Red Roof
Riyadh leads the GCC's rise as a retail innovation hub, hosting global retail leaders to address market resilience, AI-powered growth, and sustainability

Panda Retail Company joins as a Strategic Partner and Apparel Group as a Headline Partner to support the Forum's focus on 'Rebuilding a Shared Future'

The Forum marks the next phase of the Retail Leaders Circle's decade-long mission to connect and empower leaders within the retail sector

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The RLC Global Forum will hold its inaugural Annual Meeting on February 4-5, 2025, in Riyadh, a landmark event for the global retail sector. As the GCC strengthens its position as a hub of resilience and growth, fueled by Saudi Arabia's Vision 2030, the Forum will bring together the world's leading retailers, policymakers, investors and innovators to discuss the future of the industry, driven by AI, sustainability, and global collaboration.

RLC Global Forum Annual Meeting

Under the theme "Rebuilding a Shared Future," the RLC Global Forum will tackle the most pressing challenges facing global retail today, including technological transformation, cross-border commerce, market resilience, and geopolitical shifts. The Forum will serve as a critical platform for fostering cross-industry partnerships and innovative strategies to drive the sector forward.

"Our evolution into the RLC Global Forum reflects a broader, more inclusive vision for the global retail sector," said Panos Linardos, Chairman of the RLC Global Forum. "This inaugural Annual Meeting will offer unique insights into how we can navigate the complex landscape of retail, from AI advancements to building sustainable and inclusive industry growth."

Panda Retail Company, one of the top retail chain businesses in the Middle East and the lead grocery retailer in Saudi Arabia, joins as a strategic partner. "Our strategic alliance with the RLC Global Forum marks Panda's dedication to innovation and excellence in the grocery sector," said Dr. Bander Hamooh, CEO of Panda Retail Company. "We look forward to leveraging this partnership to pioneer new solutions and advance the retail landscape in Saudi Arabia."

Additionally, the multi-award-winning global fashion and lifestyle retail powerhouse, Apparel Group, joins as a Headline Partner. "At Apparel Group, we are always eager to foster discussions on crucial themes that impact both the global landscape and our industry," stated Sima Ganwani Ved, Founder and Chairwoman of Apparel Group. "Our strategic partnership with the RLC Global Forum highlights our commitment to engage with pivotal topics and drive meaningful dialogue that shapes the future of retail and beyond."

The inaugural 2025 RLC Global Forum promises to be a defining event, setting the stage for retail's next chapter of innovation, collaboration, and growth.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2520817/RLC_Global_Forum.jpg

SOURCE RLC Global Forum
The work on the sequel to the hit series Peaky Blinders has entered an active stage. Netflix, in collaboration with BBC Film, has started shooting a feature film that will tell the further story of Tom Shelby.

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Netflix announced this on social media. And published the first photos from the set. In one of them, actor Cillian Murphy is depicted as his character, the gangster Shelby, and in another, he poses with the film's screenwriter and producer, as well as the creator of the original show, Steven Knight.

"I'm excited that the cameras are rolling for a new chapter in the story of 'Peaky Blinders' set during World War II. The country is at war, and of course, so are our 'Peaky Blinders'," Knight told the Netflix team.

It is currently known that in addition to Murphy, the film's cast will include several other star actors. Rebecca Ferguson (Dune, Mission: Impossible), Barry Keoghan (Saltburn, The Eternals) and Tim Roth (Pulp Fiction, The Hateful Eight) have already been confirmed to star in the film.

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The plot of the feature-length sequel to Peaky Blinders takes place in Birmingham between 1919 and 1934. The story centers on the family of Tom Shelby, who in the series made their way from a street gang to the very top of society.

The film is directed by Tom Harper, who worked on the first season of "Peaky Blinders" in 2013. "...More than 10 years ago, we didn't know what the show would become, but we knew there was something explosive in the alchemy of the cast and the script. 'Peaky Blinders' has always been a story about family - and so it's incredibly exciting to reunite with Steve and Killian to bring the movie to audiences around the world on Netflix," Harper shared. He added that the entire team is grateful to the show's fans who have brought them to this point.

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Details of the plot are currently being kept secret. But the creators promise that the sequel will not disappoint the fans of the series. "It will be an explosive chapter in the story. There are no restrictions. A full-fledged war of the Peaky Blinders," Knight promised. The release date of the movie is currently unknown.

The original series "Peaky Blinders" aired on the channels of the British BBC Corporation from 2013 to 2022 and survived six seasons. Initially, the plot was based on the story of a real gang that operated in Birmingham in the 1920s. In 2018, the show won the BAFTA award for Best Drama Series and has won 24 different awards in total. "Breaking Bad" is ranked 86th in the list of the best TV series of all time according to the IMDb portal.

Subscribe to OBOZ.UA channels in Telegram and Viber to keep up with the latest events.

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$255 million investment will support global sustainment for F135, F117, TF33, F100 and F119 engines

OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Pratt & Whitney, an RTX business (NYSE: RTX), celebrated the opening of its new 845,000-square-foot facility in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, solidifying its position as the business's largest military engines field location. The $255 million investment will enable Pratt & Whitney to meet the growing demands of both U.S. and global defense customers for the F135, F117, TF33, F100 and F119 engines.

"Oklahoma City is the heart of our global sustainment network for Pratt & Whitney's Military Engines business and plays a critical role on every single one of our programs," said Jill Albertelli, president of Military Engines at Pratt & Whitney. "This new facility will serve as a hub for all of our military engine programs and allow us to better support our customers and their missions."

Pratt & Whitney's Oklahoma City site is home to over 500 full-time employees, with an additional 500 contract and partner employees. This investment will create an additional 100 full-time jobs over the next five years.

"Our investment in this state-of-the-art facility underscores our commitment to meeting both today's sustainment needs and preparing for the future," said Greg Treacy, vice president of Pratt & Whitney in Oklahoma City. "This expansion more than doubles our footprint in Oklahoma City, ensuring we have the capacity and agility to support increased workloads as military programs ramp up and new ones come online."

The site features automation and advanced technologies that will streamline processes, improving accuracy, speed and cost-effectiveness. It also incorporates LEED-certified energy-efficient systems and waste reduction processes, reflecting RTX's commitment to sustainability and operational efficiency.

Located alongside Tinker Air Force Base, the largest maintenance, repair, and overhaul facility for the U.S. Department of Defense, the new site will enhance the business' global sustainment network and support the public-private partnership between Pratt & Whitney and the U.S. Air Force. This Oklahoma City facility is strategically positioned to meet current and future sustainment demands, supporting engines for the F-35, F-22, C-17, B-52, E-3, F-15, F-16 and more.

About Pratt & Whitney

Pratt & Whitney is a world leader in the design, manufacture and service of aircraft engines and auxiliary power units. To learn more, visit www.prattwhitney.com.

About RTX

With more than 185,000 global employees, RTX pushes the limits of technology and science to redefine how we connect and protect our world. Through industry-leading businesses  Collins Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, and Raytheon  we are advancing aviation, engineering integrated defense systems, and developing next-generation technology solutions and manufacturing to help global customers address their most critical challenges. The company, with 2023 sales of $69 billion, is headquartered in Arlington, Virginia.

For questions or to schedule an interview, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE RTX
CNT's 2024 Readers' Choice Awards Recognize World's Best Hotels, Cruises, Countries, Cities, Resorts, Trains, Airlines, Airports, Spas, Islands, Luggage, Villas, and Tour Operators

MONTEGO BAY, Jamaica, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Conde Nast Traveler today announced the results of its annual Readers' Choice Awards with S Hotel Montego Bay (previously known as S Hotel Jamaica) recognized as the #1 hotel in Caribbean & Central America market for 2024 and the #37 Hotel worldwide.

More than 575,000 Conde Nast Traveler readers across the United States rated travel experiences across the globe to offer a comprehensive look at the places they eagerly anticipate revisiting. The Readers' Choice Awards, with their unparalleled legacy as the travel industry's longest running and most prestigious accolades, remain the ultimate symbol and acknowledgment of excellence within the travel sector. The full list of winners can be found here.

"We are absolutely thrilled to announce that S Hotel Montego Bay has been celebrated as the top hotel in the Caribbean & Central America market by Conde Nast Traveler's annual Readers' Choice Awards for the second consecutive year" exclaimed Mr. Christopher Issa, CEO of S Hotels Jamaica. This incredible achievement is a testament to our team's true Jamaican warmth and unwavering dedication to crafting exceptional guest experiences for our discerning travelers, showcasing the vibrant charm and culture of Montego Bay.

S Hotel Montego Bay, a luxury adult-only, all-inclusive property overlooking the emerald waters of Doctor's Cave Beach, offers guests a unique blend of modern sophistication and authentic Jamaican charm. From its luxurious accommodations to its world-class dining and spa services, S Hotel Montego Bay provides an idyllic retreat for travelers seeking an unforgettable experience.

The 2024 Readers' Choice Awards are published on Conde Nast Traveler's website at cntraveler.com/rca and celebrated in the November issue.

About S Hotels Jamaica

S Hotels Jamaica is an upscale hotel brand designed to seamlessly fuse Jamaican soul and culture into an urban sophistication. Simultaneously providing an elevated hospitality experience while embodying the essence of Jamaican culture, the brand's portfolio features two of Jamaica's foremost top boutique hotels  the contemporary S Hotel Montego Bay, and vibrant S Hotel Kingston (formerly Spanish Court Hotel.) Both properties are members of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and excel in shaping unique guest experiences within the island's most sought-after destinations.

S Hotels Jamaica has been recognized in the prestigious TripAdvisor's 2024 Travelers' Choice Awards, 2023 and 2024 Conde Nast Traveler Readers' Choice Awards, and USA Today's 10 Best Readers' Choice Awards.

For press inquiries, please contact: [email protected]

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2520954/S_Hotel_Main_Pool_Aerial.jpg
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- SandRidge Energy, Inc. (the "Company" or "SandRidge") (NYSE: SD) today announced changes to the Board and Management that will further position the Company to execute on its strategy.

Vincent ("Vince") Intrieri has been appointed by the Board, by recommendation of the Nominating and Governance Committee, as Chairman effective October 1, 2024.

Mr. Intrieri is the Founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management LLC, a private investment fund founded in 2017. Mr. Intrieri was previously employed by Carl C. Icahn-related entities in various investment-related capacities from 1998 to 2016. From 2008 to 2016, Mr. Intrieri served as Senior Managing Director of Icahn Capital LP, the entity through which Carl C. Icahn manages private investment funds. In addition, from 2004 to 2016, Mr. Intrieri was a Senior Managing Director of Icahn Onshore LP, the general partner of Icahn Partners LP, and Icahn Offshore LP, the general partner of Icahn Partners Master Fund LP, entities through which Mr. Icahn invests in securities. Mr. Intrieri has served as a director of Transocean Ltd. (NYSE: RIG) since 2014 and Hertz Global Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: HTZ) since 2014. Mr. Intrieri previously served as a director of Navistar International Corporation from 2012 until 2021, Energen Corporation from March 2018 until November 2018, Conduent Incorporated from 2017 to 2018, Chesapeake Energy Corporation from 2012 to 2016, CVR Refining, GP, LLC, the general partner of CVR Refining, LP, from 2012 to 2014, Ferrous Resources Limited from 2015 to 2016, Forest Laboratories Inc. from 2013 to 2014, CVR Energy, Inc. from 2012 to 2014, Federal-Mogul Holdings Corporation from 2007 to 2013, Icahn Enterprises L.P. from 2006 to 2012, and was Senior Vice President of Icahn Enterprises L.P. from 2011 to 2012. Mr. Intrieri was also a director of Dynegy Inc. from 2011 to 2012, and Chair and a director of PSC Metals Inc. from 2007 to 2012. He served as a director of Motorola Solutions, Inc. from 2011 to 2012, XO Holdings from 2006 to 2011, National Energy Group, Inc. from 2006 to 2011, American Railcar Industries, Inc. from 2005 to 2011, WestPoint Home LLC from 2005 to 2011, and as Chair and a director of Viskase Companies, Inc. from 2003 to 2011. Ferrous Resources Limited, CVR Refining, CVR Energy, American Railcar Industries, Federal-Mogul, Icahn Enterprises, XO Holdings, National Energy Group, WestPoint Home, Viskase Companies and PSC Metals each are or previously were indirectly controlled by Carl C. Icahn. Mr. Icahn also has or previously had a noncontrolling interest in Dynegy, Hertz, Forest Laboratories, Navistar, Chesapeake Energy, Motorola Solutions and Transocean through the ownership of securities. Mr. Intrieri graduated, with Distinction, from The Pennsylvania State University (Erie Campus) with a B.S. in Accounting in 1984. Mr. Intrieri was a certified public accountant.

Mr. Intrieri said, "I am eager to join SandRidge as Chairman of the Board while the Company enters its next chapter. We plan to keep the organization lean while continuing to pursue capital returns, efficient drilling programs and other disciplined growth opportunities. I want to thank Jonathan for his service over the past six years and look forward to working with him and the team on the next phase of the business."

Jonathan Frates will step down as Chairman of the Board, effective October 1, 2024, to transition to the role of Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, effective October 21, 2024.

Mr. Frates has served most recently as Investment Director of Vision One Management Partners, a Miami-based investment manager from July 2022 through September 2024. Prior to Vision One, Mr. Frates served as Managing Director and Head of Family Office of Daughters Capital Corp., a single-family office from July 2021 through June 2022, and as Managing Director of Icahn Enterprises L.P., a diversified holding company engaged in a variety of businesses, from November 2015 through July 2021. Prior to Icahn Enterprises, Mr. Frates held roles at First Acceptance Corp., Diamond A Ford Corp., and Wachovia Securities LLC. Mr. Frates has served as Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Company since June 2018. Mr. Frates previously served as a director of Herc Holdings, Inc. from August 2019 until May 2022, VIVUS, Inc. from December 2020 until July 2021, Viskase Companies, Inc. from March 2016 until July 2021, American Railcar Industries, Inc. from March 2016 until December 2018, CVR Refining, LP from April 2016 until January 2019, Ferrous Resources Ltd. from December 2016 until July 2019, CVR Partners from April 2016 until July 2021, and CVR Energy, Inc. from March 2016 until July 2021. Mr. Frates received a BBA from Southern Methodist University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Mr. Frates said, "Following the recent Anadarko Basin acquisition I see the opportunity to join the team at SandRidge too compelling to pass up. The Company provides a stable platform and proven team to efficiently grow production and continue creating value for all stakeholders. I look forward to working even more closely with the team and welcome our new Chairman to the Board. I am excited for the future of SandRidge and the opportunity that lies ahead."

Brandon Brown, Sr., will assume the role of Senior Vice President, Chief Accounting Officer. Mr. Brown most recently served as Chief Financial Officer since September 2023 and as the Company's Corporate Controller since June 2020. Grayson Pranin, Chief Executive Officer, said, "We appreciate Brandon's leadership over the last several years, and for his continued efforts in leading the Company's Accounting activities. The further strengthened team, with Brandon's continuity in accounting, Jonathan's experience in finance, M&A and public markets, as well as Vince's own demonstrable leadership and experience in the public and energy sectors, will further position the Company to execute its strategy, while integrating the assets associated with our recent acquisition."

About SandRidge Energy, Inc.

SandRidge Energy, Inc. (NYSE: SD) is an independent oil and gas company engaged in the production, development and acquisition of oil and gas properties. Its primary area of operations is the Mid-Continent and Anadarko regions in Oklahoma, Texas, and Kansas. Further information can be found at www.sandridgeenergy.com.

Contact Information

Investor Relations

SandRidge Energy, Inc.

1 E. Sheridan Ave. Suite 500

Oklahoma City, OK 73104

[email protected]

SOURCE SANDRIDGE ENERGY, INC.
Surety Bond Authority, Inc. is committed to nurturing future business leaders through financial assistance. Post this

This scholarship program will award a deserving student with a $1,500 financial grant to support their academic journey. Ideal candidates will be highly motivated individuals enrolled in a program related to Accounting, Banking, Finance, or another relevant business field.

Cultivating Tomorrow's Business Leaders:

"We strongly believe in nurturing the next generation of business leaders," states Greg Rynerson, CEO of Surety Bond Authority, Inc. and respected business leader. "By providing financial assistance, we aim to alleviate some of the financial burdens associated with education and empower students to excel in their chosen fields."

Eligibility and Application Process:

Open to high school and college undergraduate students, the scholarship program requires applicants to submit the following:

A compelling essay (500-1,000 words) detailing their aspirations for a career in Accounting, Banking, Finance, or a related business field. The essay should explain the student's motivations and future goals.

The essay must be submitted in Word or PDF format only, sent directly to [email protected] .

. The chosen winner will be required to submit a copy of their most recent official school transcript.

Important Dates:

Application deadline: April 6th, 2025

Winner announcement: June 1st, 2025 (via Surety Bond Authority's website, social media accounts, and email)

Transparency and Commitment:

Surety Bond Authority, Inc. emphasizes transparency and ethical practices. There are absolutely no fees associated with this scholarship program. All applicant information will be kept confidential and will not be shared with any third party.

Empowering the Future:

Surety Bond Authority, Inc. is dedicated to fostering a vibrant business landscape. This scholarship program is a testament to that commitment, offering invaluable financial support to deserving students who demonstrate a strong interest in shaping the future of business.

To learn more about Surety Bond Authority, Inc. and their scholarship program, please visit Surety Bond Authority Scholarship Program 2025 .

About the Company:

Surety Bond Authority, Inc.

5850 Canoga Ave. #400 Woodland Hills, CA 91367

+1-800-333-7800

[email protected]

www.suretybondauthority.com

SOURCE Surety Bond Authority Inc
MECHANICSBURG, Pa., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Select Medical Holdings Corporation ("Select Medical") (NYSE: SEM), will release the financial results for its third quarter ended September 30, 2024 on Thursday, October 31, 2024 after the market closes.

Select Medical will host a conference call regarding its third quarter results, as well as its business outlook, on Friday, November 1, 2024, at 9:00am ET. The conference call will be a live webcast and can be accessed at via this Earnings Call Webcast Link or via link at Select Medical Holdings Corporation's website at www.selectmedicalholdings.com. A replay of the webcast will be available shortly after the call through the same link.

For listeners wishing to dial-in via telephone, or participate in the question and answer session, you may pre-register for the call at Select Medical Earnings Call Registration to obtain your dial-in number and unique passcode for the call.

Select Medical is one of the largest operators of critical illness recovery hospitals, rehabilitation hospitals, outpatient rehabilitation clinics, and occupational health centers in the United States based on the number of facilities. Select Medical's reportable segments include the critical illness recovery hospital segment, the rehabilitation hospital segment, the outpatient rehabilitation segment, and the Concentra segment. As of June 30, 2024, Select Medical operated 107 critical illness recovery hospitals in 28 states, 33 rehabilitation hospitals in 12 states, 1,925 outpatient rehabilitation clinics in 39 states and the District of Columbia, 547 occupational health centers in 41 states, and 154 onsite clinics at employer worksites. At June 30, 2024, Select Medical had operations in 46 states and the District of Columbia. Information about Select Medical is available at www.selectmedical.com.

Investor inquiries:

Joel T. Veit

Senior Vice President and Treasurer

717-972-1100

[email protected]

SOURCE Select Medical Holdings Corporation
HOUSTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI) today announced leadership promotions among its executive officers that were made and approved by the SCI Board of Directors (the "Board") in continuation of the Board's focus on succession planning to support SCI's long-term growth.

Steven A. Tidwell, SCI's Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing, informed the Company of his intent to step down from his role as an executive officer and assume a new role as Special Advisor to the CEO, effective October 1, 2024.

"Steve has served SCI with distinction over the last 14 years. He joined SCI in 2010 as Vice President of Operations and was promoted to Senior Vice President of Sales and Marketing in 2018. Steve has been instrumental in shaping our strategy and developing our sales and marketing leadership team, greatly contributing to the company's success. We look forward to his continued contribution in his new role," said Tom Ryan, Chairman and CEO.

Sumner J. Waring, III, who currently serves as Chief Operating Officer, has been promoted to President. In addition to indirectly leading SCI's operations, Mr. Waring will assume Mr. Tidwell's sales and marketing responsibilities. Mr. Waring's successful record of leadership in his numerous operations roles and commitment to the profession as a fifth-generation funeral director make him uniquely qualified to assume the role of President.

John Faulk, who currently serves as Senior Vice President of Revenue and Business Development, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer. With his strategic acumen, institutional knowledge and broad business experience, Mr. Faulk is the ideal leader to support SCI's funeral and cemetery operations.

Eric D. Tanzberger, who currently serves as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, has been promoted to Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, and will oversee business development, including mergers and acquisitions, construction and real estate, as well as pricing and revenue development, in addition to his current responsibilities. His financial expertise and proven leadership will be instrumental in working with these teams to drive SCI's future growth.

Aaron G. Foley, who currently serves as Vice President and Treasurer, has been promoted to Senior Vice President and Treasurer, and will oversee accounting, tax, and risk assurance and advisory services, in addition to his current responsibilities. His 16 years of financial, accounting and management experience with SCI will serve him well in his new role.

In their new roles, Messrs. Waring and Tanzberger will continue to report to Mr. Ryan, Mr. Faulk will report to Mr. Waring and Mr. Foley will continue to report to Mr. Tanzberger.

"These leadership promotions underscore our commitment to robust succession planning and reinforce our focus on driving a long-term growth strategy, I am proud that SCI continues to have an exceptional team of dedicated and experienced professionals at its helm." said Marc Watts, Lead Independent Director of the Board. "We are excited about the future of our company and confident in the exceptional strength and talent of our leadership team."

About Service Corporation International

Service Corporation International (NYSE: SCI), headquartered in Houston, Texas, is North America's leading provider of deathcare products and services. At June 30, 2024, we owned and operated 1,490 funeral homes and 492 cemeteries (of which 306 are combination locations) in 44 states, eight Canadian provinces, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. Through our businesses, we market the Dignity Memorial brand which offers assurance of quality, value, caring service, and exceptional customer satisfaction. For more information about Service Corporation International, please visit our website at www.sci-corp.com. For more information about Dignity Memorial, please visit www.dignitymemorial.com.

For additional information contact:



Investors:

Allie O'Connor  Assistant Vice President / Investor Relations

(713) 525-9156



Trey Bocage  Director / Investor Relations

(713) 525-3454 Media:

Jay Andrew - Director / Corporate Communications

(713) 525-5235

SOURCE Service Corporation International
She will lead and manage all building enclosure consulting divisions on the East Coast and Midwestern United States

WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) announced changes to the firm's senior leadership team. SGH Principal Emily Hopps will serve as the new Building Technology Region Head, East, overseeing the building enclosure consulting divisions in Boston and Waltham, MA; Chicago, IL; New York, NY; and Washington, DC. In this role, she joins SGH's Executive Committee, which is responsible for the firm's management and operations decisions.

SGH is pleased to announce that Emily Hopps will serve as the firm's new Building Technology Region Head, East. Post this Emily R. Hopps, P.E.

"Emily represents the best of SGH, bringing a thoughtful approach, big-picture viewpoint, and team-first focus to her work as a leader, mentor, and client advocate," said SGH Chief Technology Officer Niklas Vigener. "She has committed her entire professional life to improving SGH, and it is especially rewarding to see this next step in her career."

Emily has extensive building enclosure consulting experience overseeing design, investigation, restoration, commissioning, and construction administration of historic and contemporary buildings. She specializes in building enclosure systems, including walls, roofing, waterproofing, and window and curtain walls. A dedicated leader and mentor, she built, and for several years led, SGH's Flooring, Paint, and Coatings practice group and has led many special corporate assignments. Emily is involved with several professional organizations outside of SGH, including being a Founding Director of the Professional Women in Construction Boston Chapter.

"I am honored to take on this role and support the many thought leaders and dedicated professionals across our Building Technology divisions," said Emily. "I love the work that we do and look forward to finding new ways we can improve the built environment for our clients and communities.

Emily replaces SGH Senior Principal Vince Cammalleri as Region Head as he focuses on his role as the firm's Head of Business Administration. SGH Principal Joshua Kivela will take on Emily's former role as Building Technology Division Head, Waltham. Josh specializes in designing high-performance enclosure systems for historic and contemporary buildings that integrate complex glazing, wall, roofing, and waterproofing systems.

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) is a national engineering firm committed to delivering holistic advice for our clients' most complex challenges. We leverage our collective and diverse experience, technical expertise, and industry knowledge of structures and building enclosures, advanced analysis, performance & code consulting, and applied science & research to deliver unrivaled, comprehensive solutions that drive superior performance. With 750 employees in nine office locations throughout the United States, SGH's industry-leading teams constantly seek to advance the meaning of what's possible. For more information, please visit www.sgh.com .

SOURCE Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
McKean Joins Sunwest with Over 25 Years of Banking Experience

SANDY, Utah, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sunwest Bank is pleased to welcome Mike Mckean as its new SVP, Director of Treasury and Payments. In this role, McKean will lead the banks Deposit growth, payments strategy and sales across multiple states and divisions. Under his direction the Treasury and Relationship teams will provide consultative liquidity and working capital diagnostics to streamline payment processing, improve efficiencies and maximize working capital.

"We are thrilled to welcome Mike to the Sunwest Bank team," said Robert Faver, Sunwest Bank EVP, Managing Director of Commercial Banking. "Mike's depth of experience in treasury and payment solutions will provide our clients additional resources unique to Sunwest. Additionally, Mike has worked in industries that we feel complement well our robust product offering."

Prior to joining Sunwest Bank, McKean spent 4 years at Umpqua Bank leading the Treasury sales division and helping to grow sales production from $1MM to over $10MM. He also spent 8 years at USBank leading the Working Capital Consulting Division as well as 12 years in payments at JPMorganChase. He has extensive experience in payments and payments automation including payables and receivables management, commercial card, faster payments and working capital management. McKean started his career at First USA/Paymentech helping to launch the industry's first internet based commercial card reporting solution.

McKean attended Weber State University and University of Phoenix studying Business Administration. He is a member of the Board of Directors for Wespay, an innovative payments association dedicated to guiding members through the ever-changing payments industry with education, information, advisory and advocacy services. Mike also served as an elected official for Plain City Utah as City Councilman. He is a lifetime Utahn and resides in Northern Utah with his wife Tammy and 4 children.

"I am thrilled to be a part of an entrepreneurial business bank that provides excellent service to entrepreneurs and businesses," said Mike McKean, Sunwest Bank SVP, Director of Treasury and Payments. "Sunwest is a leader in Technology and payments integration combined with a seasoned and talented relationship team that knows how to maximize a business's working capital. It is refreshing to be a part of a bank built by entrepreneurs for entrepreneurs."

To learn more about Sunwest Bank, visit https://www.sunwestbank.com/ .

About Sunwest Bank

Founded in 1969, Sunwest Bank is a privately held commercial bank with more than $3.0 Billion in assets. Headquartered in Sandy, UT, with operations in California, Arizona, Idaho, Utah, and Florida; Sunwest is an entrepreneurial business bank with a long tradition of providing excellent service to entrepreneurs, privately held corporations, family offices, small-medium sized business and real estate developers throughout the Western United States. Sunwest Bank is a Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender.

SOURCE Sunwest Bank
MUNICH, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The European leg of Huawei Network Summit 2024 was successfully held in Munich, Germany, attracting more than 1100 industry experts, technology leaders, and partners from over 30 countries, including Germany, France, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, and Turkiye. At this event, Huawei launched all-new Xinghe Intelligent Network products and solutions to Europe, and invited industry pioneers from public services, education, healthcare, and manufacturing sectors to share their best network practices for the intelligent era.

Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communications Product Line, giving the speech

Europe has always been at the forefront of industry digital transformation. Willi Song, President of Huawei's European Enterprise Sales Department, said, "Innovation Never Stops  it not only reflects our firm commitment to the future, but also marks our dedication to accelerating Europe's digital and intelligent transformation. "

The advent of the intelligent era places never-seen-before network requirements. Huawei responds to this by continuing to develop more leading products and solutions. Steven Zhao, Vice President of Huawei's Data Communications Product Line, said, "All industries ramp up intelligent transformation, driving network evolution to the new era of Net5.5G. Against this backdrop, Huawei Xinghe Intelligent Network focuses on intelligent innovation and lays a next-generation foundation featuring optimal application experience assurance, precise traffic scheduling, ultra-high resilience, and high-security ubiquitous protection. "

At this summit, Huawei unveiled more than 10 innovative Xinghe Intelligent Network products and solutions tailored to multiple scenarios, such as campus networks, WANs, data center networks, and network security. Featured offerings include all-scenario Wi-Fi 7 APs, the industry's first 100 Tbps fixed-form Ethernet data center switch, the industry's first 51.2 Tbps liquid-cooled fixed-form data center switch, the industry's highest-port-density router for the cloud era, the all-in-one intelligent converged gateway, and the NetMaster (a telecom foundation model application).

In addition to these, Huawei Data Communication announced more professional and intelligent services for global commercial markets, following the release of eight industry-specific solutions in the first half of 2024. For global distribution business markets, Huawei Data Communication has integrated more AI capabilities into the cloud-based Huawei eKit SME Network platform to provide a range of intelligent services free of charge throughout the lifecycle. In particular, user interfaces (UIs) are upgraded to V2.0 for better ease of use, helping SMEs easily go intelligent.

Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2520445/image1.jpg
CHICAGO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is hosting a virtual program, "Critical Foundations in Healthcare Artificial Intelligence (AI)," on Oct. 29, 2024, at Noon CT. Pre-registration is recommended. For more details and to register, visit here. This program is part of the "Advancing Health Equity" series.

Every major advance in medicine has brought forth important new ethical questions. But too many times, questions of health equity have been brushed aside. In other cases, the right tools and frameworks weren't available. The routine use of AI methods in healthcare may stimulate one of the most substantial changes in our healthcare system and medical practice. We must ensure that critical progress in reducing inequities is not harmed by this change.

We must move beyond speculation in healthcare AI. This program will help provide appropriate background, context, tools, and perspective for leaders to formulate the right questions. We cannot separate the practice of medicine from a broader ethical context and framework, even if we lack detailed technical knowledge of AI.

Our esteemed speakers are:

Fernando De Maio, PhD -Vice President of Health Equity Research and Data Use at the American Medical Association, and a Professor of Sociology at DePaul University, and Fellow and Director on the Board of Governors, Institute of Medicine of Chicago.

Christopher Khoury, MS, MBA - Vice President Strategic Insights, American Medical Association.

By attending this program, you will:

Gain a better understanding of industry dynamics shaping AI in Healthcare

Realize physician perspectives and sentiments

Acknowledge the parameters and stakes in getting ethics and equity right for healthcare AI

This program is sponsored by Washington Square Health Foundation, Midwest Business Group on Health, and Golden Square.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), since 1915, is an independent non-profit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through various interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. With the public's health at its core, IOMC is building programs to better meet the needs of its members, Chicago, its counties, and the State of Illinois. Visit www.iomc.org.

For more information contact:

Institute of Medicine of Chicago

Deborah Hodges

312.709.2685

[email protected]

SOURCE The Institute of Medicine of Chicago
More than 1200 employees of Victor Pinchuk's Interpipe have served in the defense forces. More than one in ten employees has been mobilized.

ADVERTISIMENT

These data are presented by NV in its article dedicated to the Day of Defenders of Ukraine, which analyzes how big business supports employees who have gone to the front.

Each Interpipe employee who decides to defend Ukraine receives a personal manager from the company. As soon as the full-scale invasion began, Interpipe set up a special coordination headquarters to take care of ammunition for each mobilized employee, their constant support, treatment, and rehabilitation if necessary.

"When an employee receives a call, the headquarters coordinators contact him and find out what help he needs. The employee, in turn, knows that he will not be left alone with the war, and that he is still part of the company. Now each coordinator has about 200 employees under her care," said Liudmila Novak, Interpipe's PR director and curator of military assistance.

ADVERTISIMENT

In case of injury, the corporate clinic of Interpipe takes care of the guys. If rehabilitation is necessary, the wounded are sent to the RECOVERY centers of the Victor Pinchuk Foundation for recovery and help with prosthetics.

In addition to working with mobilized soldiers, Interpipe's headquarters takes care of their families. For example, in 2024, 150 children of employees who are currently serving in the army had a free vacation in a camp in the Carpathians. The families of the victims are not left alone with their grief either.

So far, Interpipe has lost 72 employees, 28 employees are missing, and five more are in captivity. The company pays a one-time allowance of UAH 100,000 to the family of each victim. The company stays in touch with relatives: it provides organizational assistance in processing payments, and the children of the fallen heroes always receive gifts and free summer camps on New Year's and birthdays.

ADVERTISIMENT

Interpipe believes that helping "our own" at the front is not a charity, but a duty.
Lieutenant General (retired) Stuart Risch previously led the U.S. Army's Judge Advocate General's Corps (JAG Corps), serving as the most senior uniformed legal officer within the Army appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Shook, Hardy & Bacon is pleased to announce that Lieutenant General (retired) Stuart Risch has joined the firm as partner in the Business Litigation Practice in Washington, D.C. During his tenure as The Judge Advocate General for the U.S. Army, Risch led the activities of the JAG Corps' licensed attorneys and certified paralegals worldwide, in addition to acting as the senior military legal advisor to the civilian Secretary of the Army and the Four-Star Chief of Staff of the Army. Among other duties, he oversaw the defense of the Army's interests in hundreds of lawsuits, operated the Department of Defense's only American Bar Association-accredited law school, and established and implemented both an Office of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Accessibility (DEIA) as well as a holistic wellness program.

"What I enjoyed most about serving in our nation's Army and leading the JAG Corps was our people," said Risch from Washington, D.C. "In Shook, I found the same positive culture focused on the welfare of our people and commitment to clientsdemonstrating that a law firm can, in fact, have it allachieving unbridled success for its clients in and out of the courtroom, while simultaneously caring for its people through compassionate leaders and mentors at every level. Plus, Shook's strong focus on supporting veterans through hiring former military personnel, and its pro bono work on behalf of veterans and many other important causes, was very appealing to me. I'm enthusiastic about supporting and growing the firm's Government Investigations and Defense Industry practice areas and contributing to our national recruiting efforts."

Risch brings his experience leading and managing the JAG Corpscomposed of nearly 10,000 lawyers, paralegals and support staffto Shook's clients in the aerospace, defense, manufacturing, technology and transportation industries, among others. He will also augment the firm's growing Government Investigations and White Collar Practice.

"Stuart leads by example, bringing together the highest levels of service, leadership and legal excellence," said Shook Chair Madeleine McDonough. "Not only will he leverage his understanding of complex legal, regulatory and administrative issues for Shook's clients, but he has a reputation for inspiring and mentoring the next generation of lawyers. We are thrilled to welcome him to the firm."

Risch entered active duty with the JAG Corps in 1988, serving in a succession of leadership roles throughout his military career, including as the Commanding General of the U.S. Army Legal Services Agency, where he oversaw representation of the Army in civil matters before federal, state and foreign courts, and as Chief Judge for the U.S. Army Court of Criminal Appeals. In these roles, he directed the Contract and Fiscal Law, Regulatory and Intellectual Property Law, Litigation, and Environmental Law Divisions as well as the Trial Judiciary, and presided over three panels on the Army's Court of Criminal Appeals. He also served as the Commanding General of The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

Before his appointment as The Judge Advocate General, Risch also served as Deputy Judge Advocate General for four years. Risch's military service encompasses three combat tours of duty in Iraq, Kuwait and Saudi Arabia including Operations Desert Shield/Storm, Iraqi Freedom, New Dawn and Iraqi Freedom II.

Shook service members comprise more than 4% of the firm's 540 attorneys. In 2023, Shook welcomed Frederick Rudesheim , a former civil litigation attorney for the United States Army Legal Services Agency. The firm is committed to fostering an inclusive workplace in support of all lawyers and professional staff. In 2020, the firm launched five Employee Resource Groups (ERGs) to provide a comfortable space where like-minded employees can come together in various groups, including members of veterans' communities.

"The firm is a leader in not only hiring and developing military lawyers but also selecting pro bono projects that impact veterans," said Shook Partner Matt Bernstein, a co-leader of the Veterans ERG and a former JAG who served six years on active duty in the U.S. Army focusing on trial and appellate litigation, and also served under Risch. "Shook's actions show a deep commitment to our military."

Risch received his bachelor's degree in government and law and history from Lafayette College; a Juris Doctor degree from Seton Hall University School of Law; a master's degree in law from The Judge Advocate General's Legal Center and School, U.S. Army; and a master's degree in strategic studies from the U.S. Army War College in 2007.

Risch is admitted to practice before the U.S. Supreme Court, in addition to other state and federal courts. His military awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Legion of Merit with three Oak Leaf Clusters and the Bronze Star Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster.

About Shook, Hardy & Bacon

Founded in 1889, Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. has 19 offices in the United States and London, with attorneys and professional staff serving clients in the health, science and technology sectors in areas ranging from product liability defense and business litigation to intellectual property prosecution and litigation, environmental and toxic tort, privacy and data security and regulatory counseling.

SOURCE Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P.
New apartment community provides 53 units of supportive housing to Wilmington neighborhood

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The Richman Group of California , an innovator in multifamily development, and Richman Property Services , a national leader in multifamily management, in partnership with Brilliant Corners , a leading supportive housing developer and services provider in California, today celebrated the grand opening of Las Palmas Apartments, a new supportive housing community in the Wilmington neighborhood of Los Angeles. The development is financed in part by HHH Challenge funds from the Los Angeles Housing Department and California Department of Housing and Community Development No Place Like Home funding, administered by the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) and the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health.

From left to right: Garrett Gin, Senior Vice President, Global Marketing & Corporate Affairs, Bank of America; Lynn Katano, Director of the Housing Investment and Finance Division for the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA); Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn; Chris Contreras, Chief Operating Officer, Brilliant Corners; Carrie Esparza, Mental Health Program Manager IV for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health; Rick Westberg, Executive Vice President, The Richman Group.

Designed by award-winning architecture firm KFA, Las Palmas Apartments successfully reuses unique architectural features of the original structure  a vacant single-story grocery store  and blends them with a new four-story residential wing. The 54-unit adaptive reuse project will provide 53 units of permanent supportive housing for people who have experienced homelessness, as well as an onsite manager's unit.

The grand opening featured a proclamation from Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn, who represents the Wilmington neighborhood, remarks from Carrie Esparza, Mental Health Program Manager IV for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, and the presentation of a certificate by Lynn Katano, Director of the Housing Investment and Finance Division for the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA). The event also provided an opportunity for attendees to tour the site and write welcome cards for new residents.

"The development of Las Palmas was an intensive, collaborative effort, and we're so proud of the work from our team, our development partners, and municipal leaders to see this essential community to the finish line," said Rick Westberg, Executive Vice President at The Richman Group  co-developer, co-owners and on-site property manager for Las Palmas. "The redevelopment of this site required the cooperation and support of numerous organizations, city departments and offices, but the results speak for themselves and represent an important step toward addressing the local affordable and supportive housing need."

Las Palmas is the first development partnership between The Richman Group and Brilliant Corners.

"The opening of Las Palmas Apartments marks a significant milestone for Brilliant Corners, representing our first multifamily permanent supportive housing development in LA County," said William F. Pickel, Chief Executive Officer at Brilliant Corners. "Through adaptive reuse projects like Las Palmas, we are utilizing the existing built environment to provide much-needed housing and supportive services to our new residents. We are immensely grateful to our partners and everyone who made this project possible."

Located at 1355 N. Avalon Blvd., Las Palmas features fully furnished homes with a mix of 37 studio apartments, 16 one-bedroom homes and a two-bedroom manager's unit. The property includes a central open-air courtyard, community room, bike storage room, laundry facility and resident services rooms. All utilities are included. Residents will receive onsite case management services from Brilliant Corners.

"For dozens of people who have reached the end of their ropes and find themselves living on our streets, this place is going to be that lifeline they so desperately need," said Los Angeles County Fourth District Supervisor, Janice Hahn. "These 53 beautiful apartments and the welcoming environment that I know everyone here will provide is a far cry from where these residents are coming from. Here they'll know they're safe and, most importantly, cared about."

Connectivity is uncompromised at Las Palmas. The location also puts residents in close proximity to LA DASH bus routes and other public transit options for easy access to downtown LA and the metro region.

"The LACDA is honored to be part of the team that contributed to the creation of 53 fully furnished housing units for individuals who have experienced homelessness," said Emilio Salas, LACDA Executive Director. "Once a vacant, single-story grocery store, Las Palmas Apartments now offers beautiful housing with access to transportation to help its residents manage their everyday needs."

"The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health is dedicated to supporting every person's journey of recovery and wellbeing," said Dr. Lisa H. Wong, Director of the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health (LACDMH). "Our investment in Las Palmas demonstrates our commitment to ensuring each individual in our care has a place they can call their own, and a community to call home while they start new chapters of their lives with renewed hope and support."

About The Richman Group

The Richman Group is one of the nation's leading real estate development, investment, and property management firms, specializing in the creation of premier residential communities. With a portfolio spanning luxury apartments, affordable housing, and mixed-use developments, The Richman Group is committed to delivering innovative and sustainable living solutions. Our dedication to quality, resident satisfaction, and community enhancement has made us a trusted name in the industry. From groundbreaking developments to thoughtful property management, we strive to elevate the standard of living for our residents across the United States. For more information, please visit www.TheRichmanGroup.com .

About Brilliant Corners

Brilliant Corners is a supportive housing nonprofit providing innovative housing and housing-related services to individuals transitioning from or at risk of homelessness or institutional involvement. Our supportive housing programs and properties create rapid access to housing resources through landlord engagement, rent subsidy administration, and supportive service integration strategies. We develop, own and managed state-of-the-art licensed residential care homes, as well as multifamily permanent supportive housing. With over 17,000 people housed and served to date, Brilliant Corners offers a variety of innovative supportive housing models that meet the unique needs of each individual we serve. Learn more at brilliantcorners.org.

Media Contact:

Marlena DeFalco

LinnellTaylor Marketing

[email protected]

SOURCE The Richman Group
- Thoma Bravo and USU Software AG invest to accelerate growth and product innovation to support leading pan-European provider for IT management solutions

- Benjamin Strehl to lead USU's Product Business at USU GmbH as CEO together with existing management

- Transaction marks Thoma Bravo's second investment in Germany within one year, reaffirming the firm's commitment to the German enterprise software market

MOGLINGEN, Germany and LONDON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Thoma Bravo, a leading software investment firm, today announced the acquisition of a majority stake in USU Product Business ("USU Product"). Combining Thoma Bravo's extensive experience and global software investment expertise with USU's product portfolio is expected to accelerate the company's growth trajectory and enhance its ability to deliver innovative solutions to customers. USU Product will continue to operate under the leadership of its existing management team. Benjamin Strehl, currently Co-CEO of USU Software AG, will become CEO of USU Product and Bernhard Oberschmidt will join the board of directors.

USU Product provides customers around the world with IT management solutions that enable mastery of disparate IT landscapes and workflows. The company has served as a strategic partner to clients by enabling them to lower cost, increase productivity, and manage growing technological complexity. Thoma Bravo's extensive network and industry experience will support USU in the development of its product portfolio and the expansion of its geographical footprint, with the goal of making USU Product a leading pan-European provider of IT management solutions.

"With its expertise in software, collaborative culture and passion for investing in companies that deliver transformative technologies, Thoma Bravo is the right partner to enhance our market offering and support our growth ambitions. Together, we can create more value for our customers by enhancing our USU platform and solution offering and expanding our partnership program," said Bernhard Oberschmidt, CEO of USU Software AG.

"We are thrilled to invest in USU and intend to help build on USU's storied legacy, unwavering commitment to customers, and product-centricity while helping the team scale further," said David Tse, a Senior Vice President at Thoma Bravo. "We look forward to working with Bernhard and Benjamin, and their team to further grow their business through innovation and M&A."

"Our investment in USU marks the second transaction in the DACH region within one year. We see Germany as a significant growth market with strong technology and are excited to support this ecosystem with another investment," said Irina Hemmers, a Partner at Thoma Bravo. "Thoma Bravo's investment in USU Product aligns with our broader strategy of working with market-leading software companies to drive transformative growth."

Thoma Bravo will invest in USU Product alongside USU Software AG to accelerate the business's growth. USU founder Udo Strehl and the Strehl family remain committed to the product business and will contribute to its future growth path. Going forward, the product business, comprising its leading IT Service Management, IT Asset Management, IT Operations Management and Knowledge Management products, will be an independent entity.

The transaction is part of Thoma Bravo's strategic expansion into the German market and its commitment to investing in the growth of innovative software companies across Europe. The deal is expected to close by the end of the year, pending regulatory approval.

Guggenheim is the exclusive investment bank advising USU on the transaction, Heuking is serving as legal advisor to USU and RSM Ebner Stolz supported USU with a financial fact book. Raymond James is serving as financial advisor and Kirkland & Ellis LLP is serving as legal advisor to Thoma Bravo.

About Thoma Bravo

Thoma Bravo is one of the largest software-focused investors in the world, with approximately US$160 billion in assets under management as of June 30, 2024. Through its private equity, growth equity and credit strategies, the firm invests in growth-oriented, innovative companies operating in the software and technology sectors. Leveraging Thoma Bravo's deep sector knowledge and strategic and operational expertise, the firm collaborates with its portfolio companies to implement operating best practices and drive growth initiatives. Over the past 20+ years, the firm has acquired or invested in more than 490 companies representing approximately US$265 billion in enterprise value (including control and non-control investments). The firm has offices in Chicago, London, Miami, New York and San Francisco. For more information, visit Thoma Bravo's website at thomabravo.com.

About USU Software AG

As a leading provider of software and service solutions for IT and customer-service management, USU enables companies to manage the requirements of today's digital world. Global organizations use our solutions to cut costs, become more agile, and reduce risks  with smarter services, simpler workflows, and better collaboration. With more than 45 years of experience and locations worldwide, the USU team brings customers into the future. The USU Digital Consulting business will remain a wholly owned subsidiary of USU Software AG. For more information, visit https://www.usu.com/en-us/.

SOURCE Thoma Bravo
SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Whataburger is pleased to announce that Todd Huetinck has joined the brand as its new Chief Supply Chain Officer. With nearly two decades of global supply chain leadership, Todd is a dynamic professional with expertise across sourcing, distribution, logistics, food safety, supplier quality management, continuous improvement, and product commercialization.

Todd Huetinck Appointed Chief Supply Chain Officer at Whataburger

Todd joins Whataburger from CKE Restaurants, where he most recently served as Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Management, overseeing operations for 3,000 Carl's Jr. and Hardee's restaurants. Throughout his 18 years at CKE, he took on increasingly responsible roles, making significant contributions in food safety and quality assurance.

"I am thrilled to announce that our exhaustive search for a new Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) has concluded. As we continue to promote from within and attract world-class outside talent to our organization, we seek leaders who not only bring relevant experience and industry expertise but also share our passion for Whataburger and our steadfast commitment to fresh ingredients, bold flavors, and extraordinary hospitality," Alexander Ivannikov, EVP and Chief Administrative Officer said. "Todd embodies these values and will bring his extensive knowledge and experience to support our growth plans as we expand the Whataburger brand to more loyal fans across our growing footprint."

"At Whataburger, we are sticklers for quality, and Todd's extensive background in developing quality systems across vast geographies was particularly valuable to us," Alexander added. "While our growth plans are ambitious, we only expand if we can maintain the same high standards for both product and experience. Todd brings a unique and valuable perspective to the CSCO role to help ensure we uphold these commitments as we grow."

Todd's career with CKE began in 2006 in Quality Assurance, where he managed compliance for both Carl's Jr. and Hardee's. During his tenure, he implemented a SaaS system to improve supplier and product management efficiency. In 2017, CKE promoted Todd to Vice President, Quality Assurance, leading Global Quality Assurance and Food Safety for 3,600 restaurants in 40 countries; and in 2019, he was promoted to Vice President of Purchasing and Quality Assurance.

In 2021, Todd became Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management, a role that managed more than $1 billion in annual purchases and led four key departments: purchasing, distribution, quality assurance/product compliance, and restaurant food safety. His leadership extended to overseeing a distribution network of 15 warehouses and collaborating with culinary innovation teams to commercialize new products.

Todd holds a bachelor's degree in biology from the University of California at Riverside and a Master of Business Administration in Supply Chain Management from California State University, San Bernardino. Outside of work, he volunteers as an EMT and firefighter in the Nashville area. Todd and his wife, Jill, will relocate to San Antonio.

Todd's first day at Whataburger is Tuesday, Oct. 1.

"My first experience at Whataburger was more than 30 years ago during a family vacation in Texas. I'm excited to join the Whataburger family and contribute to the brand's legacy and growth," Todd said. "I was drawn to Whataburger by its rich heritage and legacy, and I look forward to growing the brand while honoring the traditions that shaped it."

Media Contact:

Victor Trevino

[email protected]

SOURCE Whataburger
Youth opioid prevention event emphasized the importance of substance abuse prevention education for young people

WASHINGTON and CHARLESTON, S.C., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Opioid overdoses among young people have risen steadily in recent years. To address this alarming trend, Truth Initiative, the organization behind truththe nationally recognized and proven-effective youth tobacco and opioid prevention campaignsEVERFI from Blackbaud, the leader in social impact education, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General (OAG) hosted a youth opioid prevention event to empower students with the knowledge to make safe and healthy decisions about prescription drugs and increase understanding of the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills.

The event, held at Lower Dauphin High School in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania, on Sept. 30, featured in-depth discussions on opioid misuse, remarks from Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry, as well as engaging activities that highlighted the importance of youth substance abuse prevention education.

One speaker at the event was Rebekkah Maher, a Recovery Advocate featured in Truth Initiative's "The Truth About Opioids" campaign and a powerful example of resilience and recovery. At 14, Maher became addicted to opioids after they were prescribed to her for an injury and later worked with Truth Initiative to share her story of recovery. "While working to get clean, I was fighting every single day, learning how to love myself, and rediscovering the potential of tomorrow. Long-term recovery is the hardest thing I've ever done  and it's something I'll do for the rest of my life," said Maher. She continues to share her story, hoping to prevent others from experiencing the hardships she endured.

The event at Lower Dauphin High School built upon an ongoing partnership between the OAG, Truth Initiative, and EVERFI to provide students with access to Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth, a free, digital curriculum from Truth Initiative and EVERFI that educates students about the dangers associated with misusing prescription medications, including counterfeit drugs containing fentanyl.

"Equipping students with the knowledge and skills to prevent prescription drug misuse is crucial. By providing students with the tools to make safe and healthy decisions about prescription drugs and an understanding of the dangers of fentanyl and counterfeit pills, we are giving them the power to stay safe and protect others in their communities," said Amy Taylor, Chief Development and Engagement Officer.

The youth opioid crisis continues to be a serious problem for communities across the U.S., including in Pennsylvania. A potent synthetic opioid, illegally manufactured fentanyl was involved in 84% of the more than 2,200 cases of reported adolescent drug overdose deaths that occurred from 2019 to 2021. The most recent Youth Risk Behavior Survey found that 12.2% of high school students nationally  and 9% of high school students in Pennsylvania  had misused prescription opioids in their lifetime, with nearly half indicating they had misused them in the past 30 days, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In addition, overdose deaths by counterfeit pills more than doubled from 2019 to 2021, and over half of those who died were age 35 or younger.

"While we may wish it wasn't necessary, the reality is that we have an obligation to ensure our youth are provided with trusted sources of education on topics like prescription drug safety. To make healthy decisions about their own medication use, students need to understand key concepts related to prescription drugs, safe use, refusal skills, and where to find resources," said Ellen Patterson, president and general manager, EVERFI from Blackbaud. "Our data indicates that education on this topic increases students' knowledge and understanding of these concepts, and we are proud to work with Truth Initiative and the Pennsylvania OAG to bring this education to students across the Commonwealth."

Opioid misuse is a complex issue that needs to be addressed from various perspectives, including in the classroom. Prescription Drug Safety: Know the truth uses real-world scenarios and an authentic peer-to-peer voice to help students gain a better understanding of the growing youth fentanyl crisis and how to support others in situations involving prescription drug misuse and overdose. Students at the event engaged with the curriculum prior to the event as part of their health class.

"Prescription opioids are highly addictive and pose a risk of being abused, oftentimes by people who begin taking medications for legitimate reasons and those closest to them," Attorney General Michelle Henry said. "Keeping unused or unneeded drugs out of Pennsylvania communities will always be a top priority of my office. I was honored to have a chance to share this message with the students of Lower Dauphin High School, as we have found young people are vulnerable to becoming addicted to these potent drugs."

About Truth Initiative

Truth Initiative is a national nonprofit public health organization committed to a future free from lifelong addiction, fostering healthier lives and a more resilient nation. Our mission is to prevent youth and young adult nicotine addiction and empower quitting for all. Through our evidence-based, market-leading cessation EX Program and the nationally recognized truth public education campaign, we are leading the fight against youth and young adult tobacco use, which threatens to put a new generation at risk of nicotine addiction. Our rigorous scientific research and policy studies, community and youth engagement programs supporting populations at high risk of using tobacco, and innovation in tobacco dependence treatment continue to contribute to ending one of the most critical public health battles of our time. Based in Washington, D.C., our organization was established and funded through the 1998 Master Settlement Agreement between attorneys general from 46 states, five U.S. territories, and the tobacco industry. To learn more, visit truthinitiative.org.

About EVERFI from Blackbaud

EVERFI from Blackbaud is an international technology company driving social impact through education to address the most challenging issues affecting society ranging from financial wellness to mental health to workplace conduct and other critical topics. Founded in 2008, EVERFI's Impact-as-a-Service solution and digital educational content have reached more than 45 million learners globally. In 2020, the company was recognized as one of the World's Most Innovative Companies by Fast Company and was featured on Fortune Magazine's Impact 20 List. The company was also named to the 2021 GSV EdTech 150, a list of the most transformative growth companies in digital learning. Blackbaud acquired EVERFI in December of 2021. To learn more about EVERFI, please visit everfi.com or follow us on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, or X/Twitter @EVERFI.

Blackbaud Forward-looking Statements

Except for historical information, all of the statements, expectations, and assumptions contained in this news release are forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties, including statements regarding expected benefits of products and product features. Although Blackbaud attempts to be accurate in making these forward-looking statements, it is possible that future circumstances might differ from the assumptions on which such statements are based. In addition, other important factors that could cause results to differ materially include the following: general economic risks; uncertainty regarding increased business and renewals from existing customers; continued success in sales growth; management of integration of acquired companies and other risks associated with acquisitions; risks associated with successful implementation of multiple integrated software products; the ability to attract and retain key personnel; risks associated with management of growth; lengthy sales and implementation cycles, particularly in larger organization; technological changes that make our products and services less competitive; and the other risk factors set forth from time to time in the SEC filings for Blackbaud, copies of which are available free of charge at the SEC's website at www.sec.gov or upon request from Blackbaud's investor relations department. All Blackbaud product names appearing herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Blackbaud, Inc.

SOURCE Truth Initiative
Encouraged to be Shaken, Stirred, or Mixed, Nearest Green Arrives with a More Approachable Proof

SHELBYVILLE, Tenn., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Uncle Nearest, Inc., the makers of Uncle Nearest Premium Whiskey , the most awarded bourbon and American whiskey for six years running, announces the arrival of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey. While Uncle Nearest's current premium whiskeys boast proof points starting at 93, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is bottled at 84 proof. With this lower proof and approachable price point of $29.99, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey was created with inclusivity and versatility in mindan everyday bourbon that bars and restaurants can confidently pour as their first choice for cocktails or when reaching for a bottle to satisfy any call for bourbon.

Uncle Nearest, Inc. launches Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, a new approachable 84 proof whiskey. Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is designed as the perfect companion for bartenders and at-home mixologists alike, whether mixing a classiclike a Manhattan, Whiskey Smash or Hot Toddyor experimenting with a fresh takelike a whiskey spin on a Sidecar.

Crafted by four-time Master Blender of the Year and 5th-generation Green descendant, Victoria Eady Butler, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is designed as the perfect companion for bartenders and at-home mixologists alike. Whether mixing a classiclike a Manhattan, Whiskey Smash or Hot Toddyor experimenting with a fresh takelike a whiskey spin on a Sidecar, Victoria's personal recommendationthis new whiskey delivers. Its standout taller, slimmer bottle ensures an easy pour, while fitting seamlessly into the Uncle Nearest portfolio with the same signature front label shape.

"Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey captures the spirit of my great-great-grandfather, Nearest Green, while still upholding our pillars of excellence and unmatched quality," said Victoria Eady Butler. "With this new brand, we're not just expanding our offeringswe're expanding the Uncle Nearest family, reaching new consumers who may not consider spending more than $50 on a bottle. Our goal is simple: To make Nearest Green a household name, bringing people together to honor our past while embracing the future of Tennessee Whiskey."

Starting today, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey is available for order on the Uncle Nearest website via their e-commerce partner ReserveBar. Beginning Saturday, October 5, it will also be available for purchase at the Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tennesseethe 7th most-visited distillery in the worldwhere Fawn Weaver, Uncle Nearest founder and CEO, and Victoria Eady Butler will celebrate its release with their community. Shortly after, Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will begin rolling out to stores, bars, and restaurants, starting with Uncle Nearest's home state of Tennessee.

As Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey rolls out nationwide this fall, the brand will launch its newest guerilla marketing campaign "Nearest vs. Everybody Part II." Aiming to ignite excitement around the new release, the campaign will host a series of blind taste tests in bars across the country. Starting in Tennessee, Uncle Nearest team members will challenge patrons in bars to taste Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey alongside the bar's well bourbonwithout knowing which is which. This competition draws inspiration from Jack Daniel, Nearest's mentee, who in the late 1800s would walk into bars, place a silver dollar on the counter, and offer it to anyone willing to taste his whiskey against their usual pour, confident that none would surpass liquid made by his master distiller, Nearest Green. There is one caveat to 'Nearest vs. Everybody Part II': Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will not compete against Jack. As it was in their lifetimes, Nearest and Jack won't compete today.

"The 'Nearest vs. Everybody Part II' challenge is our way of inviting people to experience firsthand the legacy and craftsmanship of Nearest Green," said Fawn Weaver. "By going bottle to bottle blindly with the best in the market, we're confident that Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey will shine through, just as Nearest himself did over a century ago. This is a celebration of excellence and an open invitation for everyone to taste history in the making."

The launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey follows the release of Fawn Weaver's best-selling book Love & Whiskey. The book provides a deeper understanding of Nearest Green's impact, recounting the true story of the master distiller and his mentee Jack Daniel, while also delving into the unprecedented rise of Uncle Nearest. Since its release in June, Love & Whiskey has captivated readers, debuting as an instant New York Times best-seller, and remaining on the list for two consecutive months. The book currently holds a 4.8 star rating on Amazon.

To celebrate the launch of Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, Uncle Nearest is offering a special online promotion. Customers who order their bottles can email [email protected] to enter a raffle for a chance to win one of 50 signed copies of Love & Whiskey, along with exclusive swag. Entries must be submitted by 11:59 PM ET on October 30.

For more information about Nearest Green Tennessee Whiskey, or to find it at a store, restaurant or bar near you, visit www.unclenearest.com or follow @unclenearest on Instagram.

About Uncle Nearest

Uncle Nearest pays tribute to the world's first-known African American master distiller, Nearest Green. It was the pioneer spirits brand to bear the name of a Black American. The brand's portfolio boasts the Most Awarded Bourbon and American Whiskey titles for the years 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, amassing over 1,300 awards and accolades since its launch in 2017. This includes an impressive 710 Gold medals or higher, which includes 125 Best in Class honors and an average critic's score of 92.1. Uncle Nearest is currently available in all 50 states and 26 countries, with a presence in more than 45,000 stores, bars, hotels, and restaurants. Uncle Nearest is also available at its 458-acre Nearest Green Distillery in Shelbyville, Tenn., now the seventh most visited distillery in the world. For more information, please visit the website , and follow on Instagram @unclenearest.

SOURCE Uncle Nearest, Inc.
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- The United States Navy Band Commodores jazz ensemble will kick off their 2024 national tour Oct. 17 with a stop in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. The group will travel across Pennsylvania, New York, Massachusetts and New Jersey before their final performance back in Pennsylvania. All performances are free and open to the public, though some concerts may require ticket reservations. For the most up-to-date concert and ticket information, visit the Navy Band's website at www.navyband.navy.mil

Audiences can hear the Commodores:

The US Navy Band Commodores perform at West Forsyth High School during the Commodores 2023 National Tour (U.S. Navy photo by Musician 1st Class Matthew Gagliardo / Released)

Oct. 17 at 7 p.m. at Hollidaysburg High School, 1510 N. Montgomery St., Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania

at 7 p.m. at Hollidaysburg High School, 1510 N. Montgomery St., Oct. 19 at 7:30 p.m. at Montour High School, 223 Clever Rd. McKees Rocks, Pennsylvania

at 7:30 p.m. at Montour High School, 223 Clever Rd. Oct. 20 at 5:30 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 811 State St., Erie, Pennsylvania

at 5:30 p.m. at the Warner Theatre, 811 State St., Oct. 21 at 7:30 p.m. at SUNY Fredonia , 280 Central Ave. (GPS use 480 Varsity Rd.), Fredonia, New York

at 7:30 p.m. at , 280 Central Ave. (GPS use 480 Varsity Rd.), Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut St., Rochester, New York

at 7:30 p.m. at the Theater at Innovation Square, 131 Chestnut St., Oct. 26 at 7 p.m. at Ithaca College , 953 Danby Rd. (JJWCM 4301) Ithaca, New York

at 7 p.m. at , 953 Danby Rd. (JJWCM 4301) Oct. 27 at 3 p.m. at Niskayuna High School, 1626 Balltown Road, Niskayuna, New York

at 3 p.m. at Niskayuna High School, 1626 Balltown Road, Oct. 29 at 7 p.m. at Foxborough High School, 120 South St., Foxborough, Massachusetts

at 7 p.m. at Foxborough High School, 120 South St., Foxborough, Oct. 30 at 7 p.m. at East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St., East Longmeadow, Massachusetts

at 7 p.m. at East Longmeadow High School, 180 Maple St., Nov. 2 at 7 p.m. at Sparta High School, 70 West Mountain Road, Sparta, New Jersey

at 7 p.m. at Sparta High School, 70 West Mountain Road, Nov. 3 at 3 p.m. at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., New Brunswick, New Jersey

at 3 p.m. at the State Theatre, 15 Livingston Ave., Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Mamaroneck High School - McLain Auditorium , 1000 W Boston Post Rd. Mamaroneck, New York

at 7:30 p.m. at Mamaroneck High School - , 1000 W Boston Post Rd. Nov. 5 at 7 p.m. at Phillipsburg High School, 1 Stateliner Blvd., Phillipsburg, New Jersey

at 7 p.m. at Phillipsburg High School, 1 Stateliner Blvd., Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. at Rowan University 201 Mullica Hill Road, Glassboro, New Jersey

at 7:30 p.m. at 201 Mullica Hill Road, Nov. 7 at 7:30 p.m. at Messiah University, One University Ave., Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania

The concerts are a family-friendly events, connecting members of the community to their Navy. The performances will feature the music of Duke Ellington as 2024 marks what would have been his 125th birthday, as well as the centennial anniversary of the birth of legendary jazz vocalist and pianist Sarah Vaughn. Selections will also include originals and familiar arrangements by members of the Commodores.

As the Navy's premier jazz ensemble, the Commodores have been performing the very best of big band jazz for the Navy and the nation for more than 50 years. Formed in 1969, this 18-member group continues the jazz big band legacy with some of the finest musicians in the world. The Commodores' mission includes public concerts, national concert tours, ceremonial support in honoring our veterans, jazz education classes and clinics, and protocol performances for high-level military and civilian government officials.

Quotes

"Touring the nation and performing concerts means connecting with communities and telling the great stories of our Sailors working around the globe to keep us safe and free."

 Cmdr. Robert "Seph" Coats, commanding officer of the U.S. Navy Band.

Quick Facts

The U.S. Navy Band is the flagship musical organization of the Navy and one of 11 Navy bands located around the world.

The U.S. Navy Band is based at the Washington Navy Yard in Washington, D.C.

There are six performing ensembles in the Navy Band: the Concert Band, Ceremonial Band, Sea Chanters chorus, Commodores jazz ensemble, Country Current country/bluegrass ensemble and the Cruisers popular music group.

The Commodores' 2023 national tour includes 13 concerts across five states

Almost all of the Sailors in the Navy Band have undergraduate degrees in music, and most have graduate degrees.

Links

Commodores Press Kit

About the Commodores

U.S. Navy Band

U.S. Navy

Facebook

Instagram

YouTube

Interviews

Contact the Navy Band Public Affairs office to arrange interviews.

Television performances are also available, depending on operational commitments.

SOURCE U.S. Navy Band
The company has opened eight new locations in just six months, with more Allsup's stores expected to be completed by the end of 2024

FORT WORTH, Texas, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesway , one of the nation's fastest-growing convenience store chains, has grown significantly over the past six months, adding eight new Allsup's locations to its portfolio in Texas, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. The company plans to open even more new stores by the end of the year.

In Texas, Yesway has launched three new Allsup's locations:

These new, large-format Allsup's stores, each spanning 6,277 square feet, operate 24 hours daily. They offer a variety of products, including Allsups World Famous Burritos, Yesway and Allsups private-label snacks, fresh Allsups bread, milk, and eggs. Most locations also feature a beer cave, Western Union services, ATMs, and cryptocurrency and digital currency ATMs.

805 W. State Street, Alvord





1202 W. Highway 287 South, Bowie





2600 W. Bardwell Drive, Ennis

Construction is currently underway for new stores at:

2450 Southeast Access Road, Mount Vernon (expected to open in early October)





(expected to open in early October) 9704 Highway 87, Lubbock





100 East US Highway 67, Keene (expected to open in late November)

Customers can visit the newly opened Allsup's in New Mexico at 1810 East Texas Avenue, Eunice. An additional six Allsup's stores are set to open in the state by year's end, located at:

8951 Mountain Vista Parkway, Las Cruces





3075 W Main Street, Farmington





23 I-25 Bypass Road, Belen





6350 Highway 550, Cuba





9501 Gibson Boulevard SW, Albuquerque





2101 Main Street SE, Los Lunas

Yesway is also expanding its presence in Oklahoma, aiming to have at least 10 locations by the end of 2024. Recently opened stores included:

1640 E. Main Street, Davis





416 N. Jefferson Highway, Atoka





101 Meadow Ridge, Elk City





623 S. Garfield Avenue, Kiowa

These complement existing Altus, Frederick, Guymon, Madill, Broken Bow, and Thackerville stores.

Thomas Brown, Chief Real Estate Officer at Yesway, stated, "We are incredibly proud of our teams for driving this accelerated growth. We are excited to bring our unique brand of service and hospitality to more communities and anticipate continued expansion as we look ahead to 2025."

These new, large-format stores, each spanning 6,277 square feet, operate 24 hours daily. They offer a variety of products, including Allsup's World Famous Burritos, Yesway and Allsup's private-label snacks, fresh Allsup's bread, milk, and eggs. Most locations also feature a beer cave, Western Union services, ATMs, and cryptocurrency and digital currency ATMs.

Brown added, "We recently celebrated the Grand Opening of our new Allsup's Market in Cloudcroft, New Mexico, and the community's support has been extraordinary. We look forward to serving our newest customers in Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas."

To find the nearest Yesway or Allsup's store, please visit Yesway Locations or Allsup's Locations .

Editor note: To arrange interviews, Contact Erin Vadala, Warner Communications, at 617.669.1560 or [email protected]. High-resolution images and graphics are available upon request.

About Yesway  Yesway is one of the fastest-growing convenience store operators in the United States. Established in 2015, Yesway is headquartered in Fort Worth, Texas, and operates 434 stores across Texas, New Mexico, South Dakota, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Wyoming, Oklahoma, and Nebraska. Yesway operates primarily under two successful brands, Yesway and Allsup's, which are known for their leading food service offerings, including Allsup's famous deep-fried burrito. Yesway stores offer high-quality grocery items and private-label products, serving as the convenience retail destination of choice in many rural and suburban markets. Yesway has a strong track record of growth through acquisitions and is well-positioned for further expansion. The company has received numerous industry awards for its growth initiatives, management team, loyalty program, and employee contributions to the industry. Visit Yesway for more information.

SOURCE Yesway
The global headquarters for the YouthBuild movement unveils new name to affirm its service to an expansive network of YouthBuild programs around the world

ROXBURY, Mass., Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Roxbury-based nonprofit YouthBuild USA has been renamed YouthBuild Global to affirm its role as headquarters for the global YouthBuild movement.

YouthBuild Global unifies and partners with an expansive network of more than 320 YouthBuild programs around the world, championing opportunity youth as they achieve their ambitions and reach their full potential. In YouthBuild programs, young people who are out of school and out of work reclaim their education, gain job skills and become leaders in their communities through service and civic engagement. From training, technical assistance, capacity building and innovative program enhancements to leadership development, sustainability and advocacy, YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement.

YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement. Post this

"By emphasizing the global presence of the YouthBuild movement, we are able to truly position ourselves as one movement, one mission, one YouthBuild," said John Valverde, president and CEO of YouthBuild Global. "For almost half a century, YouthBuild has stood with opportunity youth as they build brighter futures for themselves and their communities. Now, YouthBuild Global lays the foundation for our next chapter as we continue supporting and strengthening our local programs, unifying our expansive network and catalyzing opportunity for young people around the world."

To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 210,000 young people to dedicate over 52 million hours of service benefitting urban, rural and tribal communities. The first YouthBuild program was founded in East Harlem, New York, in 1978. In 1990, YouthBuild USA was formed as the nonprofit support center for YouthBuild programs across the United States. By 2001, YouthBuild laid the groundwork for its international expansion, starting in South Africa, and eventually growing to several more countries. In 2007, YouthBuild International (YBI) was created to respond to the growing need to champion opportunity youth around the world, and YouthBuild International became a division of YouthBuild USA. Now, the organization's domestic and international work are fully integrated under the sole umbrella of YouthBuild Global.

Globally it is estimated by the International Labour Organization that there are over 269 million young people who are not in employment, education, or training. As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, experts believe the youth disconnection rate may be even higher. Within the opportunity youth population, YouthBuild primarily serves young people who lack a high school diploma and financial resources. These young people are in greatest need of our support, and they are our greatest source of untapped potential to create more equitable economic growth and transform the world. In YouthBuild's environment of love, respect, high expectations, belonging and agency, young people overcome barriers and build long-term professional and personal success.

About YouthBuild

With love and respect, YouthBuild partners with opportunity youth to build the skillsets and mindsets that lead to lifelong learning, livelihood, and leadership. At more than 320 YouthBuild programs around the world, young people who are out of school and out of work reclaim their education, gain job skills, and become leaders in their communities through service and civic engagement. To date, YouthBuild has partnered with more than 210,000 young people to dedicate over 52 million hours of service benefitting urban, rural, and tribal communities. YouthBuild Global  the headquarters for the YouthBuild movement  unifies and partners with this expansive network of YouthBuild programs. From training, technical assistance, capacity building, and innovative program enhancements to leadership development, sustainability, and advocacy, YouthBuild Global serves as a convener, collaborator, and catalyst for the entire YouthBuild movement. YouthBuild strives to create a world where all young people are seen for their potential and power to transform themselves and their communities.

For more information about YouthBuild Global and the YouthBuild movement, visit YouthBuild.org .

Contact: Sarina Tracy

[email protected]

SOURCE YouthBuild Global
US presidential candidate Donald Trump said that he "likes" Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy. The Republican Party representative also reiterated his statement that if he were in charge of America, Vladimir Putin "wouldve never gone into Ukraine" and there would be no war.

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In a new interview published by The Washington Post, Trump boasted that during his time in the White House, the Kremlin dictator "didn't take anything. " Putin allegedly began to think about invading Ukraine after Joe Biden's withdrawal of US troops from Afghanistan in 2021.

According to the politician, Russia has made significant progress in its unprovoked war against Ukraine.

"The problem is, now its a much different situation because [Putin has] lost a lot of men, but hes made a lot of progress. You know, he has taken over large portions of that country," he said.

The Republican emphasized that he still believes that the main problem is that Europe is not investing in NATO on an equal footing with the United States.

"And one of the biggest problems I have is that Europe  as they did with NATO before I came along  Europe skates. Europe should be putting the same money as us. Europe is a similar size. The economy, if you add them all up, its a similar size," the presidential candidate complained.

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Commenting on his meeting with Zelenskyy at Trump Tower in New York, he assured the interviewer that he was treating him well.

The author of the interview (by the way, noticeably complimentary), American writer and journalist Mark Thiessen, said, "Many on the anti-Ukraine right believe Trump shares their hostility toward Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. But Trump told me he likes Zelensky."

"I had a good relationship with Zelensky. I like him. Because during the impeachment hoax  he could have said he didnt know the [conversation] was taped.  But instead of grandstanding and saying, Yes, I felt threatened, he said, He did absolutely nothing wrong," the Republican said of the Ukrainian leader.

The interviewer also mentioned Trump's intentions (voiced publicly last July) to provide Ukraine with much more aid than ever before if Putin does not agree to a peace deal.

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The US presidential candidate praised this idea of his. "I did say that, so I can say it to you. But I did say that and nobody picked it up. They dont because it makes so much sense," Trump said.

As reported, Volodymyr Zelenskyy recently called his meeting with Donald Trump "very productive and important." The American politician told him that "he will be on our side, he will support Ukraine."

Only verified information is available on OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg called on NATO member states to support Ukraine's peace plan to end the war with Russia. According to him, only this plan can lead to long-term peace, not the initiatives put forward by China and Brazil.

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He said this in an interview with Politico on Monday, September 30, the day before he resigned as Secretary General of the North Atlantic Alliance. He was responding to a question about Turkey's participation in the Friends of Peace initiative launched by China and Brazil last week.

"The Ukrainian Peace Initiative is an initiative that ensures that we have a process that can lead to a lasting peace. And, of course, it is the Ukrainians who ultimately have to decide what conditions are acceptable. They have been the victim of a full-scale invasion," Stoltenberg said.

As the newspaper reminded, a group of 17 countries has joined the Sino-Brazilian initiative, and Turkey is the only NATO member in this group. According to Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the Friends of Peace is "not a choice of parties to the conflict, not a confrontation of blocs, and not a replacement of existing platforms." The official said that as part of this initiative, the countries will promote "a political settlement of the war in Ukraine."

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In Ukraine, Beijing's actions were characterized as disappointing and illogical. In May, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy accused China of trying to sabotage the peace summit in Switzerland, which Russia and China boycotted.

Mykhailo Podolyak, an adviser to the Presidential Administration, previously criticized the "peace initiative" promoted by China and Brazil and said it looked more like support for Ukraine's surrender on Russia's terms than a genuine desire for peace.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, the Hungarian government intends to join the Chinese-Brazilian initiative "Friends of Peace" aimed at resolving the Russian-Ukrainian war. Budapest plans to attend the inaugural meeting of this initiative in New York.

Only verified information on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!

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Russian invaders entered Vuhledar from the west and east. Ukrainian forces are currently holding the defense in the city center.

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The enemy's frontal and flank attacks are making it extremely difficult to supply the garrison in Vuhledar and to withdraw Ukrainian forces from the town. Serhii Zhurets, director of Defense Express information and consulting company and editor-in-chief of the portal of the same name, spoke about the situation on Espresso TV channel.

"Currently, the situation in Vuhledar is the most informative and hot area in terms of assessment, analysis, and attempts to forecast. According to the latest information, the enemy has entered the western and eastern parts of Vuhledar, while the Ukrainian side is defending the central part. The enemy launched frontal and flanking attacks that made it difficult to hold our contingent in the city," noted Zhurets.

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He reminded that over the past two years, Vuhledar has been held by the soldiers of the 72nd Brigade. Since the city is located on a hill, the defenders could notice the enemy's advance in advance and destroy the enemy with artillery and drones.

Now the situation for the defenders has become more complicated because the Russians have taken fire control of a road that could be used to withdraw Ukrainian forces if the situation deteriorates further.

"Currently, the map shows that a pocket has been formed where the road from Vuhledar to Bohoyavlenka runs, which is to be used for the withdrawal of our military. The area of this road is within one kilometer. Yesterday our military said that logistics and withdrawal are extremely difficult due to the narrow corridor," emphasized Zhurets.

Currently, fierce fighting is taking place in and around the city to ensure that the defenders of Vuhledar can withdraw to the north and west, where a new defense line will be built.

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The day before, Zhurets said that the fighting in Vuhledar was ongoing, and the Ukrainian 72nd Brigade was holding its ground in extremely difficult circumstances. However, Ukrainian units will likely be forced to retreat from Vuhledar over time due to excessive threats.

Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Do not fall for fakes!
Beirut, Oct 1 : A Lebanese army soldier was killed following injuries sustained in an Israeli drone attack in southern Lebanon, according to Lebanese official and military sources.

The sources told Xinhua news agency on Monday that an Israeli drone fired an air-to-surface missile at a motorcycle carrying two individuals near a Lebanese army checkpoint along the Wazzani-Sarda axis, east of southern Lebanon.

"This resulted in the injury of a Lebanese army soldier stationed at the checkpoint, as well as serious injuries to the two Syrian riders on the motorcycle," the sources said, as reported by Xinhua news agency.

The soldier was identified as Youssef Abdel Aal from the southeastern town of Halta.

A Lebanese Red Cross vehicle transported the three injured individuals to Marjeyoun Governmental Hospital, where the soldier's condition suddenly deteriorated during surgery, and he subsequently died, according to Hospital Director Mo'nes Kalakesh.

In a separate incident, two Syrians were killed when their motorcycle was struck by an air-to-ground missile from an Israeli drone at the intersection of the Khiam-Marjeyoun road, the military sources reported.

Also on Monday, the Lebanese Health Ministry's Public Health Emergency Operations Centre updated that Israel's attacks on Ain Ed Delb, east of southern Lebanon, on Sunday resulted in 45 deaths and 70 injuries, while attacks on Hermel, in eastern Lebanon, on Sunday night killed 12 and injured 20.

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.

This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.
Beirut, Oct 1 : Lebanon Prime Minister Najib Mikati has said that his country is ready to implement UN Resolution 1701 to ease tensions on its southern border with Israel.

Mikati, speaking after meeting Parliament Speaker Nabih Berri, said on Monday that Lebanon was willing to deploy its army south of the Litani river in coordination with UN peacekeepers, Xinhua news agency reported.

The announcement comes in response to international calls for a ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, he added.

Resolution 1701, passed in 2006, ended a 33-day war between Israel and Hezbollah. It called for a cessation of hostilities, Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon, and bolstering the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) to monitor the ceasefire alongside the Lebanese army.

The resolution established a demilitarised zone between the Lebanon-Israel border and the Litani river, permitting only the Lebanese army and UNIFIL forces to bear arms in the area.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of violating the resolution and deploying troops south of the Litani river.

On Monday, Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant suggested the Israeli military was preparing for a ground offensive to remove Hezbollah from the border area.

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.

This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.

A new policy brief released on Monday by several UN agencies highlights the devastating impact of recent Israeli attacks on Lebanon's economy. Poverty rates are projected to soar to 94 per cent in Nabatieh Governorate and 87 per cent in South Governorate, both areas severely affected by the destruction.

The brief emphasises that "ending the conflict and addressing its root causes is crucial for the well-being of the people in the region and the stability of the entire area".
Jerusalem, Oct 1 : Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant has warned of an impending new phase in Israel's offensive against Hezbollah, amid reports of planned ground operations in Lebanon.

"The next phase of the war against Hezbollah will start soon and bring a significant change in the security situation," Gallant told local authorities on Monday near the Israel-Lebanon border, adding it would allow Israel's northern residents to return home.

Israeli media reported military build-up along the border, with Channel 12 suggesting preparations for a ground attack.

Senior officials have previously hinted at plans to establish a "buffer zone" between Lebanon and Hezbollah, Xinhua news agency reported.

Earlier, Gallant told Israeli troops that Israel would "use all the means that may be required... from the air, from the sea, and on land".

US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday that Israel had informed the US it was carrying out "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border".

The Washington Post, citing US security officials, reported that Israel had informed the White House of plans for an imminent, limited ground campaign in Lebanon.

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.

This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.
Berlin, Oct 1 : Germany's Federal Ministry of Defence has said that an Air Force A321 aircraft flew to Beirut to evacuate German citizens from Lebanon amid rising concerns in the region.

The Federal Foreign Office on Monday warned against travel to Lebanon, advising German nationals to leave the country, Xinhua news agency reported.

The German Foreign Ministry raised its crisis level for missions in Beirut, Ramallah and Tel Aviv again at the weekend, though the embassies there remain operational.

According to a government statement, the German Embassy in Beirut will stay open, but family members of staff and non-essential personnel are being flown out.

There are currently 1,800 registered German citizens in Lebanon, a spokesperson for the German Foreign Ministry said on Monday.

Moreover, the German Embassy in Beirut is also coordinating with the remaining German citizens to facilitate their departure via commercial flights and other available means.

Monday's flight will prioritise the evacuation of citizens facing medical risks, the Ministry added.

Israel has hit Lebanon with a two-week wave of attacks, eliminating Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah and several commanders but also killing around 1,000 Lebanese and forcing one million to flee their homes. Hezbollah has pledged to confront any Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon.
Chandigarh, Oct 1 : After visiting the poll-bound Haryana thrice for campaigning till now, Prime Minister Narendra Modi will address an election meeting in Haryana's Faridabad on Tuesday for the Assembly elections scheduled on October 5.

The Prime Minister will seek votes in support of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidates in all nine Assembly constituencies of the district.

In his earlier rally in Sonipat, PM Modi said the promises made by the Congress in its manifesto in Haryana should be first implemented in Karnataka and Telangana, the two states which are currently under Congress rule.

Preparations for the rally are in full swing, and it will be held on the Faridabad-Palwal border in Prithla Assembly constituency.

In the previous elections, the party had benefitted greatly from PM Modi's rally.

In the 2019 Haryana Assembly elections, PM Modi had addressed an election rally in Sector 61. At that time, seven BJP MLAs were elected.

Faridabad Police, meanwhile, have issued a traffic advisory to ensure smooth traffic flow and law and order.

To ensure smooth traffic flow, and maintain law and order, several restrictions will be in place from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

As per the advisory, the entry of all types of heavy and light motor vehicles (LMVs) into the district of Palwal from Faridabad and Delhi will be prohibited.

The restrictions will also be on vehicles travelling on the Agra-Mathura Highway (NH-44).

Vehicles heading to Palwal from Faridabad should use the KMP/KGP (Western Peripheral Expressway), Vadodara Expressway, instead of the NH-44, says the police advisory.

Those travelling towards the Vadodara Expressway should utilise the Kaily to Jajru underpass route.

The police have also urged commuters to use public transport, instead of private vehicles, during the restricted hours to ease traffic congestion.

The 90-member Haryana Assembly is scheduled to go to polls on October 5 and the counting of votes will be taken up on October 8.

While the BJP is aiming for a hat-trick this time, the Congress is aiming to come back to power in Haryana after 2014.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : To review the preparations for the upcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will hold interactive meetings with the BJP functionaries here on Tuesday.

According to the State BJP, the Home Minister will meet the party functionaries from Mumbai's 36 assembly constituencies and later will hold an interactive meeting in Navi Mumbai.

The Home Minister's Mumbai visit is important as the party, which had won 16 seats, is keen to increase its tally by contesting the ensuing Assembly election with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena and Ajit Pawar faction.

Apart from Mumbai, the BJP is quite keen to increase its strike in the adjoining Thane, Navi Mumbai, Kalyan, Dombivali and Palghar which together have 24 seats.

It is the Union Home Minister's third visit since he met the state BJP core committee on September 8 in Mumbai and later he visited the parts of Vidarbha, Marathwada, North Maharashtra and Western Maharashtra on September 24 and 25.

The Home Minister has asked the party functionaries to work hard not only for the victory of the BJP candidates but also of Shiv Sena and NCP with the sole objective of retaining MahaYuti's power after the Assembly election.

He has also exhorted the party workers to counter the Maha Vikas Aghadi's "fake narratives" by stepping up their outreach with the voters taking up the development works of the Centre and the MahaYuti.

He also asked the party workers to improve MahaYuti's performance to wipe out its dismal performance in the general elections.

The Home Minister last week met Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar and reviewed the seat-sharing arrangement that is being finalised soon.

A section of the BJP is pressing for 150 to 160 seats leaving the balance 128 to Shiv Sena and NCP.

A senior BJP functionary, privy to these talks, said that the Home Minister has assured that a respectable seat-sharing arrangement will be finalised soon.

However, Home Minister Amit Shah has indicated that winnability will be the major criteria for nomination and the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP will have to either drop the sitting legislators or give new faces to increase the MahaYuti's tally.

Meanwhile, State BJP President Chandrashekhar Bawankule on Monday dared Shiv Sena UBT Chief Uddhav Thackeray to contest the Assembly election in Maharashtra and later criticise the party leaders including Devendra Fadnavis.

Instead of a member of the State Legislative Council, Chandrashekhar Bawankule said that Thackeray should elect himself directly from the people.

The State BJP President criticised Thackeray for "leaving" Hindutva, which was advocated by his father and the Shiv Sena founder Balasaheb Thackeray, to get power by joining hands with Congress and NCP.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : With the final phase of polling underway in Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections on Tuesday, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has appealed to the people, especially first-time voters as well as women in the Union Territory, to come forward and cast their votes in large numbers.

The Prime Minister said on Tuesday in a post on X: "Today is the third and last round of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections. I request all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make the festival of democracy a success. I am confident that apart from the young friends who are going to vote for the first time, women power will also participate in the voting in large numbers."

Earlier, Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday emphasised that the Union Territory requires a government capable of making decisive actions for the security, peace, and stability of the region.

"Jammu and Kashmir needs a government that is visionary and can take strong decisions for security, peace and stability here. Today, the people voting here in the final phase should use their vote power to form a government that keeps Jammu and Kashmir away from terrorism, separatism, nepotism and corruption and is determined to protect the rights of every section. Cast a historic vote for tourism, education, employment and all-round development in Jammu and Kashmir," Home Minister Shah said in a post on X.

Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge also urged people of Jammu and Kashmir to vote in large numbers and cautioned them that this was their last chance to teach a lesson to the PM Modi-led Union government for snatching the special status accorded to Jammu and Kashmir which was revoked on August 5, 2019.

"As voting for the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir elections commences, I urge the people in these 40 Assembly seats to exercise their Democratic rights in large numbers. This is the final chance to teach a lesson to those who snatched statehood from the people of Jammu and Kashmir," Kharge wrote on X.

He also added: "Remember, that a single vote can change your destiny and usher in a brighter future, which secures your Constitutional rights. A single vote is valuable enough to ensure better employment opportunities for the young, take on the corrupt, safeguard your land rights and ensure progress and prosperity. We welcome the first time voters, for the future course for Jammu and Kashmir shall be decided by their participation. Once again, I request you to join the voting queue. Jai Hind!"

The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections started at 7 a.m. in 40 Assembly constituencies.

Of these constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the remainder in the Kashmir valley.

The Election Commission reports that more than 3.9 million voters across seven districts are eligible to vote in this phase.

Voting will continue until 6 p.m., with robust security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process.

At least 415 candidates, including former Deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are competing in this third phase.

The intense campaign for this final phase concluded on Sunday evening.

This election is significant as it is the first in a decade and the first since the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election sees a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state.

The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders.

The first phase of voting took place on September 18, while the second phase ended on September 25.

According to the Election Commission, the first and second phases recorded voter turnouts of 61 per cent and 57.31 per cent, respectively.

The campaigns featured vigorous debates by major political parties, especially the BJP, Congress, NC, and PDP, on crucial issues including Pakistan, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation.

High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and former J&K Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, campaigned intensively.

The votes will be counted on October 8.
Washington/New Delhi, Oct 1 : External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar met with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Washington D.C. and discussed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework alongside high technology cooperation between the two countries.

The talks between the two Ministers also covered resilient supply chains, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, high technology cooperation, semiconductors and business promotion as EAM Jaishankar arrived in the US capital on Sunday.

In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar on Tuesday wrote, "Great to see Commerce Secretary @SecRaimondo today in Washington DC. We discussed semiconductors, iCET, critical minerals, trusted partnerships and supply chain resiliency. Value the strides we are making in our tech collaboration and economic partnership."

This marks the first visit of EAM Jaishankar to the US capital since the Modi government was re-elected for a third consecutive term.

This meeting comes a day before EAM Jaishankar meets his US counterpart Secretary Antony Blinken on Tuesday.

Both EAM Jaishankar and US Commerce Secretary Raimondo also discussed the US-India CEO Forum and US-India Commercial Dialogue, two Department of Commerce and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry-led initiatives that aim to strengthen the US-India trade and investment relationship, said a press statement released by the US Department of Commerce.

Both the Ministers also commended the progress made till now under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and reiterated their shared commitment to continuing to advance the work to operationalise the IPEF agreements, the statement added.

The External Affairs Minister concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York on Saturday (September 28). EAM Jaishankar was in New York from September 18 to 24.

IPEF, a group of 13 countries, is a multilateral economic framework. Since its launch in May 2022, IPEF countries have engaged in intensive discussions to scope out each pillar of the Framework.

The IPEF was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May 23, 2022, in Tokyo.

During his stay, in addition to his meeting with Blinken on Tuesday, EAM Jaishankar will also engage with other high-ranking officials from the US administration, as well as members of the Cabinet.

His itinerary includes an interaction with the think-tank community, notably a session hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), where he will discuss the future of US-India relations.

The CEIP, a globally recognised non-partisan think-tank with a focus on international affairs, operates across various regions, including Europe, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and the US.

EAM Jaishankar will join CEIP President Mariano Florentino Cuellar in a conversation focused on the evolving strategic partnership between the US and India.

The think-tank underscored India's increasing global strategic importance, particularly in shaping US foreign policy.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US in 2023 and his more recent bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden, CEIP highlighted how these interactions demonstrate the growing significance of US-India ties.

On September 30, President Biden hosted Prime Minister Modi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, where both leaders discussed an array of regional and global issues.

PM Modi described the talks as "extremely fruitful" in a social media post. Similarly, President Biden expressed his admiration for PM Modi's ability to identify new avenues for cooperation during each of their meetings.

In its announcement of the upcoming session, CEIP remarked, "Amid fast-paced global developments, India's bilateral ties with the US have grown more extensive. The two countries have deepened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, as well as on defence innovation and critical and emerging technologies."

The event will also address pressing questions about India's role in global leadership and how the two nations can strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, democracy, security, and trade.
Washington, Oct 1 : US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin reiterated America's strong support for Israel's right to defend itself against Hezbollah and prevent attacks similar to those on October 7.

In a phone conversation with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to protect civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border.

In a post on X, Austin stated, "I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself," adding that both sides agreed on the importance of "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities."

The US Defence Secretary also stressed that a diplomatic resolution is necessary to ensure the safe return of civilians to their homes.

Further warning Iran of "serious consequences," Austin said that he "made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict."

"I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," he added, reinforcing the US's commitment to support Israel in case of any expansion of the conflict.

Earlier on Monday, US State Department Spokesman Matthew Miller told reporters on Monday that Israel had informed the US it was carrying out "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border".

The Washington Post, citing US security officials, reported that Israel had informed the White House of plans for an imminent, limited ground campaign in Lebanon.

Additionally, US President Joe Biden also said on Sunday that he would speak with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as tensions in the Middle East increase following Israel's assassination of Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.

He added, "We really have to avoid" all-out war in the Middle East, saying, "We've already taken precautions relative to our embassies and personnel who want to leave, but we're not there yet. But we're working like hell with the French and many others."

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a significant strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and many of his associates.

This escalation has intensified ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah launched rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, prompting retaliatory Israeli artillery fire and airstrikes in southeastern Lebanon.
China cannot continue to fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine without damaging its own interests and reputation. It is Beijing's support that has become a decisive factor in allowing Moscow to continue its bloody war in the heart of Europe.

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Currently, the Russian-Ukrainian war and its support from countries such as China, North Korea, and Iran are turning into a global threat to the North Atlantic Alliance, and NATO must respond to this threat. This was stated by the newly appointed Secretary General of the Alliance Mark Rutte during the first press conference in Brussels, Ukrinform reports.

"China's support for the Russian military industry has become a decisive factor in allowing Russia to wage war in Ukraine. China cannot continue to fuel this largest conflict in Europe since the end of World War II without damaging its interests and reputation," the official said.

Given that North Korea and Iran, in addition to China, are helping to fuel Russia's aggression against Ukraine, NATO cannot afford to ignore the threats that are becoming global, Rutte said.

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"NATO's focus should be on Euro-Atlantic security, so that our populations are safe. But today's threats are increasingly becoming global. Therefore, I will deepen partnerships with countries that are close in conviction, far and near, and that share our values," the new head of the Alliance emphasized.

Rutte also emphasized the importance of NATO's partnership with the European Union. It allows us to realize the potential of cooperation in many areas, from joint support for Ukraine to countering hybrid threats.

At the same time, the new Secretary General of the Alliance announced his intention to expand the partnership of NATO Allies with the countries of the Middle East, North Africa and the Sahel region in order to maintain stability in the Alliance's southern neighborhood. In addition, such partnerships will yield results in the fight against terrorism, which threatens Europe.

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"At the end of this month, Australia, New Zealand and Japan will participate for the first time in the NATO Defense Ministerial. I look forward to welcoming them and discussing joint approaches to addressing the common challenges we face," Rutte emphasized.

As a reminder, on October 1, 2024, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially became NATO Secretary General. He succeeded Jens Stoltenberg, who led the Alliance for a decade starting in 2014. Prior to his election to the NATO post, Stoltenberg was the head of the Norwegian government.

In his first speech as NATO chief, Rutte, who is a strong supporter of Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression and who has repeatedly expressed his support for military assistance to Ukraine and encouraged European countries to strengthen their defense capabilities, did not ignore our country.

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According to him, Ukraine will be high on the list of his priorities as the new head of the Alliance, because, the politician is convinced, the task of the democratic world is to help our country survive as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation. Another priority, according to Rutte, is to strengthen NATO in the face of current security challenges.

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Kolkata, Oct 1 : West Bengal Junior Doctors' Forum (WBJDF), the umbrella body of junior doctors protesting against the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital rape-murder case, announced the resumption of complete cease-work throughout the state from Tuesday.

In a press statement issued in the morning, WBJDF has made it clear that unless their 10-point demands are fulfilled and they receive clear action from the state government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, they will have no choice but to continue with their full strike.

The development of junior doctors returning to full cease-work comes just a day after a crucial hearing at the Supreme Court on the matter.

In the statement, the WBJDF has also pointed out that they had withdrawn their earlier cease-work agitation on September 19 following assurances from the state government that the security measures in medical colleges and hospitals will be enhanced and the doctors and healthcare workers will be ensured a safe, fear-free workplace.

However, WBJDF added, "It has become increasingly clear to them that they have not yet secured an appropriate fear-free environment for our return to work, especially in light of the incidents like the attack on junior doctors at the School of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital at Kamarhati in North 24 Parganas district on last Friday night."

"In this situation, we are compelled to return to a full cease-work starting today. Unless we receive clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike," the WBJDF statement read.

WBJDF has also announced that their full cease-work agitation will continue unless their 10-point demands are fulfilled.

Their demands included a protracted judicial process to ensure justice for the rape and murder victim, immediate removal of the state health secretary, and introduction of a centralised referral system and digital bed vacancy monitor.

The other demands include task forces based on each college, with elected representation of junior doctors, increased police protection in hospitals, filling up of vacant posts of doctors, nursing staff and health workers and setting up of inquiry committees must be established in every medical college to investigate those involved in threat syndicates and punish them. An inquiry committee must also be formed at the state level.

The last two demands include immediate elections for student councils in every medical college and immediate enquiry into rampant corruption and lawlessness inside the West Bengal Medical Council and West Bengal Health Recruitment Board.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : For the members of the Valmiki community, it is a momentous day to be voting for the first time in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

In the third phase of the ongoing Assembly polls, voting is underway on Tuesday across 40 seats.

Expressing their joy at this historic moment, the community members said they had been granted voting rights after waiting for decades. They also voiced hopes for a brighter future for their community, saying, "We want the government to do more for the upliftment of our society. We believe that after this change, better opportunities will open up for our people."

Laal Chand, an 85-year-old first-time voter of the community, said, "I am very happy, but also concerned about the future of my children, who are educated but still unemployed. I cast my vote with the hope of a better future for them."

Ekta, a young woman from the Valmiki community, expressed her gratitude, "Every government seeks votes, but as we didn't have voting rights, how could we participate? I am thankful to the Modi government for abrogating Article 370, which opened up many opportunities for us. After this change, I was able to enrol in an LLB programme. I urge people to elect a government that understands and works for their future, not one that promotes terrorism and creates hurdles."

Another member of the community, a 45-year-old man, remarked, "I am very happy to have finally cast my vote. Our country is one of the largest democracies, but due to Articles 370 and 35A, we were deprived of our rights. After their abrogation, we not only gained voting rights but also domicile status. I hope the Valmiki community will now receive land allotments, job opportunities, loans, and avenues for businesses."

He further added, "I dream of a healthy and peaceful life for our community. After seven decades, I voted, and I trust that our voice will not go unheard as we have faith in the Modi government, which cares for every section of society."

Granting the right to the Valmiki community to be able to vote in the Assembly elections marks a significant political and social shift in the union territory, and is a step towards empowering communities that have long been marginalised.

Meanwhile, as the final phase of polling is underway, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has called upon the people, especially first-time voters and women in the Union Territory, to come out and vote in large numbers.

Polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 40 constituencies, with 24 in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. Voting will continue until 6 p.m. and the votes will be counted on October 8.
Tashkent, Oct 1 : Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev met with Antonella Bassani, Vice President of the Europe and Central Asia Region at the World Bank, highlighting the priorities for expanding partnership, the President's press service reported.

The report discussed issues regarding the further expansion of strategic cooperation with the World Bank Group and support from the leading international financial institution for the reform program in Uzbekistan, according to Xinhua news agency.

It was noted during the conversation that the current high level and fruitful nature of bilateral cooperation was met with deep satisfaction.

In recent years, Uzbekistan has become one of the bank's largest partners, with the project portfolio increasing several times and exceeding $12 billion, the report said.

According to the report, priorities for further expanding the partnership include poverty reduction, the transformation of state-owned enterprises and banks, decarbonisation, support for WTO accession, and others.

Particular attention was given to programs for urbanisation, comprehensive regional development, modernisation of energy and irrigation infrastructure, and support for the private sector, the press service reported.
Chandigarh, Oct 1 : Controversial Dera Sacha Sauda sect chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, serving a 20-year jail sentence for raping two of his disciples, may be out on parole before October 5, the day for the Assembly polls in Haryana, sources said on Tuesday, adding that the final call, however, will be taken by the state government.

If he is granted parole, this will be Ram Rahim Singh's 11th parole or furlough in the last four years.

Ram Rahim was patronised by political leaders and parties in Punjab and Haryana for nearly two decades due to his ability to influence the votes of his followers.

Now Ram Rahim has sought 20-day parole, citing the death anniversary of his father Maghar Singh on October 5, which is observed as Parmarthi Diwas, as the reason for the grant of parole.

It is learnt the Election Commission on Monday evening approved the parole petition with three conditions: He is prohibited from entering Haryana during this period, he cannot engage in any political activity, and he must refrain from participating in election-related activities even through social media.

After the Election Commission permitted the state government to "consider" Ram Rahim's plea, the state Home Department forwarded the permission to caretaker Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini for approval. Once the Chief Minister approves, the dera chief will be released on parole with certain conditions that if violated, his parole will be revoked.

Objecting to grant of parole, Anshul Chhatrapati, son of slain journalist Ram Chander Chhatrapati, for whose murder Ram Rahim is serving a life sentence, in a communication to the Election Commission said on six occasions, out of 10 paroles and furloughs, Ram Rahim was released just before an election.

"For the first time, he got 21 days of furlough in February 2022 before the Punjab Assembly elections. Then he got 30 days of parole in June 2022 before the Haryana municipal corporation elections. After that, in October 2022, he again got 40 days of parole before the Adampur Assembly by-election in Haryana. He got 30 days of parole in July 2023 before the Haryana panchayat elections. Then he got 29 days of parole in November 2023 before the Rajasthan Assembly elections," said Anshul.

Interestingly, the dera head returned to the prison on September 2 after a 21-day furlough on August 13.

Ram Rahim is currently lodged at the high-security Sunaria jail in Rohtak, 250 km from the state capital Chandigarh.

Earlier, the high court had rejected Ram Rahim's parole plea for attending the wedding ceremony of his foster daughters.

The self-styled godman was sentenced to 20 years in jail in August 2017 for raping two women.

A special CBI court in Panchkula in 2019 also sentenced him and three others to life imprisonment for the murder of a journalist over 16 years ago.

His conviction on August 25, 2017, led to violence in Panchkula and Sirsa, leaving 41 people dead and over 260 injured.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Obstructive sleep apnoea (OSA) is on the rise globally and India is also seeing a surge in the sleep disorder. More than 104 million, working-age Indians suffer from OSA, of whom 47 million have moderate-to-severe OSA, making it a major public health problem in the country.

In sleep apnoea, breathing momentarily stops during sleep, preventing the body from getting enough oxygen. The condition is estimated to impact more than 1 billion people worldwide, and in most cases, goes undiagnosed.

If left untreated, it can have important health consequences over time, including increased risk of blood pressure, type 2 diabetes, and cardiac issues.

Now, aBreathing Disturbancesa is an innovative new Apple Watch metric that uses the accelerometer to detect small movements at the wrist associated with interruptions to normal respiratory patterns during sleep.

According to the tech giant, every 30 days, Apple Watch Series 10 will analyse breathing disturbance data and notify users if it shows consistent signs of moderate to severe sleep apnoea so they can speak to their doctor about next steps, including potential diagnosis and treatment. Users can view their nightly Breathing Disturbances in the Health app on iPhone, where they are classified as elevated or not elevated.

The aBreathing Disturbancesa tool can also be used to assess restfulness of sleep. It can be influenced by alcohol, medications, sleep position, and more.

Those wearing the device can view their nightly Breathing Disturbances in the Health app, where they are classified as elevated or not elevated, and can be viewed over a one-month, six-month, or one-year period.

As a next measure, users can send a PDF to their doctors that shows when sleep apnoea may have occurred, three months of breathing disturbance data, and additional information.

Apple Watch Series 10 is available in both aluminum and titanium, in an array of stunning colors and finishes. Jet black is a new polished aluminum finish that is distinctively reflective and sleek, while new titanium cases a" available in natural, gold, and slate a" have a spectacular jewellery-like shine.

The wearable is nearly 10 per cent thinner than Apple Watch Series 7, Series 8, and Series 9, and offers all-day 18-hour battery life. The larger display offers up to 30 per cent more active screen area.

The company has released watchOS 11, bringing powerful health and fitness insights, along with even more personalisation, intelligence, and ways to stay connected.

Moreover, the Smart Stack and Photos face use intelligence to offer a more individualised experience, and Check In, the Translate app, and new capabilities for the double tap gesture come to Apple Watch for more convenience and ways to stay connected.

It has new S10 chip engineered to achieve a thinner profile, and designed for performance, power efficiency, and intelligence. The S10 SiP and built-in 4-core Neural Engine allow for intelligent features users rely on every day, including the double tap gesture, on-device Siri, dictation, and automatic workout detection.
Bengaluru, Oct 1 : The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has launched an investigation into the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam in which Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is the prime accused.

Sources stated that ED sleuths might issue a notice to CM Siddaramaiah at any time and issue summons to him for questioning. The sleuths are also keenly watching the movements of CM Siddaramaiahas close associates and relatives, including a cabinet minister in connection with the MUDA scam.

Sources further said that there is a possibility of the ED conducting raids across the state on offices and residences of close associates of CM Siddaramaiah. The ED has also gathered information on bank accounts and financial transactions of CM Siddaramaiah and his associates.

The Directorate of Enforcement (ED) on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR), equivalent to an FIR by the police, against CM Siddaramaiah over the alleged irregularities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife Parvathi B.M. by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. The ED registered the case taking cognisance of the FIR registered against the Chief Minister by the Lokayukta police on September 27.

Meanwhile, the Karnataka Lokayukta probing the MUDA case has also expedited the probe. The sleuths led by Mysuru Lokayukta SP T.J. Udesh have visited the controversial land on the outskirts of Mysuru city. The petitioner, Snehamayi Krishna, also accompanied the team.

The move of Chief Minister Siddaramaiahas wife to return 14 sites allotted by the MUDA to her has triggered a debate. BJP MLA from Mysuru T.S. Srivatsa stated on Tuesday that the move of CMas wife is not acceptable. "The two commissioners who colluded in the MUDA scam are roaming freely even today," he said.

"CM Siddaramaiah first claimed that there was no scam at all. Later, he formed a commission and now there is an FIR against him. After committing the mistake, you offer to return the sale deed. The time is up. He will have to tender his resignation and I am sure he wonat be in the position until Dasara festivities," MLA T.S. Srivatsa stated.

T.J. Abraham, one of the petitioners in the MUDA case said, aI had demanded the MUDA commissioner to take back the allotted sites. He had written back saying the process would be initiated. They were waiting for the investigation report."

"CM Siddaramaiah has not approached the division bench or the Supreme Court to challenge the order against him because there is nothing to be challenged. Returning sites is not a big sacrifice. The Chief Minister has lost it," Abraham stated.

--IAN

mka/dpb
New Delhi, Oct 1 : In a remarkable display of civic duty, Keshri Devi, a 102-year-old woman, cast her vote on Tuesday in the Udhampur constituency during the third phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections.

"I am 102 years old, and I cast my vote. I have participated in every election," Keshri Devi told IANS adding that it is her duty to the nation.

Polling is underway in 40 Assembly constituencies as part of this phase. Jammu district has 11 seats, Samba 3, Kathua 6, and Udhampur 4. In addition, 16 constituencies in Baramulla and Kupwara districts are also voting today.

In the first two hours of polling, an overall voter turnout of 11.6 per cent was recorded, with a strong early turnout suggesting a higher participation rate by the end of the day.

Earlier in the day, Prime Minister Narendra Modi encouraged citizens to exercise their democratic rights. "Today is the third and last round of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. I request all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make the festival of democracy a success. I am confident that, apart from young friends voting for the first time, women power will also participate in large numbers," PM Modi posted on social media platform X.

This phase is especially significant for the Valmiki community, who are voting for the first time in the Assembly elections.

Expressing their joy at this historic moment, the community members said they had been granted voting rights after waiting for decades. They also voiced hopes for a brighter future for their community.

Granting them the right to vote marks a historic moment, reflecting a shift towards the political and social empowerment of marginalised communities in the region.

Polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections began at 7 a.m. across 40 constituencies, it will continue until 6 p.m. and the votes will be counted on October 8.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Musician and actress Lisa Mishra will be seen working with veteran star Zeenat Aman in "The Royals" and said it pushed her to be better as an actor and perform better.

Lisa was seen in "Call Me Bae" starring Ananya Panday, which revolves around today's generation, delving into the lives, aspirations, and challenges faced by the youth. "The Royals" explores the opulence, intrigue, and power struggles within a high-class society.

"I've always been passionate about storytelling, whether through music or now, acting. 'Call Me Bae' and 'The Royals' are two vastly different projects that allow me to explore contrasting aspects of my craft. I can't wait for the audience to see these characters and stories come to life," Lisa said.

She added: "I'm now looking forward to The Royals where I had to work in a room full of such incredible actors like Zeenat Ma'am. It pushed me to be better as an actor and perform well amidst such incredible talent in one room."

Born in Odisha and raised in Chicago, Lisa is best known for her reprise version of the song "Tareefan" in the 2018 Indian film "Veere Di Wedding."

She has also worked on numbers such as "The Wakhra Song" from the 2019 film "Judgementall Hai Kya", "Nadaaniyaan" in the film "The Sky Is Pink" and also the party-anthem "Chandigarh Mein" from "Good Newwz."

In 2017, Mishra collaborated with Jamila Woods to create the theme song of the Emmy-nominated web series "Brown Girls".

The musician-actress made her acting debut with Ananya Panday's comedy drama "Call Me Bae" directed by Colin D'Cunha.The cast also includes Vir Das, Gurfateh Pirzada, Varun Sood, Vihaan Samat, Muskkaan Jaferi, Niharika Lyra Dutt, and Mini Mathur.

"The Royals" is a modern-day Indian royalty rom-com series anchored by Bhumi Pednekar, making her series debut, and Ishaan Khatter.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Shigeru Ishiba, 67, leader of Japan's ruling party, was elected as the Prime Minister by the House of Representatives on Tuesday after securing a hard-fought victory in the earlier Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) presidential election.

Ishiba, who was elected President of the Liberal Democratic Party late last week, was endorsed by the ruling coalition-controlled lower house ahead of a similar vote in the House of Councillors.

He is set to replace Fumio Kishida, who decided not to run again in the LDP presidential election in the wake of a slush fund scandal that has deeply affected the ruling party.

Ishiba emerged victorious in his fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a tightly contested runoff last week. Ishiba garnered 215 votes, surpassing Takaichi's 194.

His leadership will be marked by challenges as Ishiba will have to work hard to restore the voter trust in the scandal-hit LDP, as reported by Kyodo News.

Earlier on Monday, Ishiba announced plans to dissolve the lower house of the parliament on October 9, with a general election scheduled for October 27.

His decision to call a snap election also drew a backlash from opposition parties, as they called it "disrespectful" and "unconstitutional" for him to make an announcement even before his election as the Prime Minister.

Upon winning the LDP leadership, Ishiba committed himself to restoring trust and transparency within the party, emphasising the need for humility, fairness, and adherence to rules.

His speech after the vote counting was grounded in the promise to make Japan a safer and more stable country. "I will dedicate myself to making Japan a safer country," he declared, signalling his intent to prioritise national security in his administration.

At a press conference following his victory, Ishiba stressed the importance of gaining the trust of the public and the need for accountability within the government.

Born on February 4, 1957, in Tottori, Ishiba's journey to Japan's highest political office has been marked by a steady rise through the ranks of the LDP and a reputation for independence and policy expertise. After earning a law degree from Keio University in 1979, he began his career at Mitsui Bank before entering politics.

Elected to the House of Representatives for the first time in 1986, the father of two has held several key positions over the years, including Minister of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries, Minister of Defence, and Secretary-General of the LDP.

Ishiba's path to the premiership was not without setbacks. His earlier bids for the LDP presidency, including a notable loss to Shinzo Abe in 2012, were hindered by internal party rivalries.

Known for his willingness to criticise his own party, Ishiba has often clashed with LDP leaders, most notably during his feud with Abe in 2016, when he rejected a Cabinet position while serving as the party's Secretary-General.

This tendency to go against the party line earned him a reputation as a "double-crosser" among some LDP members, a label that stemmed in part from his support of a no-confidence vote against then-Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa in 1993 and his subsequent defection to the Shinshinto (New Frontier Party), before eventually returning to the LDP.

Despite these controversies, Ishiba has built a strong base of support, particularly among rank-and-file LDP members, for his policy acumen. His expertise spans multiple sectors, including defence, agriculture, and regional revitalisation, areas in which he has held ministerial roles.

In 2014, he served as Minister in charge of Overcoming Population Decline and Vitalizing Local Economy and Minister of State for the National Strategic Special Zones.

Despite being a vocal critic of factionalism within the LDP, Ishiba established his own faction, the Suigetsukai, on September 28, 2015, intending to eventually replace Abe. However, the faction only had 19 members, not including Ishiba, which was one member short of the 20 votes required for nomination for LDP leadership.

Ishiba left the cabinet in the August 2016 reshuffle after declining the role of Minister of Agriculture offered to him.

Ishiba challenged former Prime Minister Abe in the 2018 LDP presidential election. Although he lost, he secured significant support, particularly from regional party members, reaffirming his influence within the LDP.

In 2020, after Shinzo Abe's resignation, Ishiba competed for the leadership of the Liberal Democratic Party. Despite placing third overall, he lost to Yoshihide Suga. In the 2021 Liberal Democratic Party leadership election, Ishiba chose not to run and instead gave his endorsement to Taro Kono.

Based on certain media reports, he backed socially progressive policies, such as advocating for married couples to have the option to use separate surnames. This stance was opposed by Takaichi and other more conservative LDP lawmakers.

Additionally, despite being cautious with his remarks concerning China, Ishiba has also called for an Asian version of the NATO security bloc to counter threats from China and North Korea.
Kolkata, Oct 1 : The National Investigation Agency (NIA) is conducting raids since Tuesday morning, at seven locations in West Bengal in connection with funding of Maoists or Left Wing Extremist (LWE) groups operating out of Chhattisgarh.

Sources said that raids are being conducted in Sodepur and Jagaddal in North 24 Parganas district and Asansol in West Burdwan district.

Each team of the raiding NIA officials is escorted by the Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel.

The main focus of the NIA sleuths, sources added, are self-proclaimed social workers Manabesh Chakraborty, Shipra Chakraborty and Sudipta Paul, who, the investigating officials believe, are "Urban Naxalites" involved in arranging funds for the LWE groups.

Also under the scanner of investigating officials is Avigyan Sarkar, a self-proclaimed research scholar and an alumnus of Kolkata's iconic Jadavpur University.

Sources said that the search operations since Tuesday morning are being conducted on the basis of specific clues that all four persons, though operating mainly from West Bengal, have a nexus with pan-India LWE organisations, especially those active in Chhattisgarh.

The investigating officials are trying to pinpoint the exact points-of-contact with the pan-India LWE groups.

Sources said that the NIA has got information that besides arranging funds for the LWE groups, these four individuals are suspected of being involved in brainwashing educated youths to join the Maoist movements.

Recently, Union Home Minister Amit Shah said that the Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led National Democratic Alliance (NDA) government will completely eradicate LWE from the country by March 2026.

He also underlined the necessity to give more impetus to the campaign against LWE and emphasised that there is a need to work with twice the speed and intensity that was there at the beginning of the operations against Naxalism, to completely eradicate the menace from the country.
Ukraine does not need to ask for permission from the United States to attack military targets in the Russian Federation with its own weapons. In addition, the Defense Forces were allowed to use American-made weapons along the border of the aggressor country.

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This was stated by State Department spokesman Matthew Miller in response to journalists' questions. In fact, the official did not give a direct answer about long-range operations with Western weapons.

"First of all, Ukraine does not need our permission to launch retaliatory strikes against Russian targets. They are a sovereign country and can use the weapons they have developed on their own, and they have a lot of them," the US Foreign Service spokesman said. He reminded that Kyiv is developing its own defense industry.

The United States also does not mind the Ukrainian Armed Forces hitting Russian targets near the border, where Russian troops are launching offensives.

That's why Ukraine has a great potential for defense, Miller said evasively, adding that the United States supports and will continue to support Ukrainians.

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As reported by OBOZ.UA:

- German Foreign Minister Annalena Burbock said that the partners should give Kyiv permission to carry out long-range strikes on military targets in Russia with Western weapons. This is necessary for self-defense.

- Earlier, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelensky shared which targets the Armed Forces of Ukraine want to strike deep into Russia. He said that our country continues to engage in dialogue with Washington.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Jalalabad, Oct 1 : At least four people were killed and six others missing after a boat carrying 14 people capsised in a river in eastern Afghanistan's Nangarhar province, a local official confirmed to Xinhua news agency.

The accident occurred on Monday afternoon when the boat sank during a river crossing on the outskirts of the province's Kuz Kunar district, said Quraishi Badloon, head of the provincial information department.

Four people were rescued, while six others remained missing. Women and children were among the passengers, Badloon added.

In June, eight people lost their lives, and five others were missing after a boat carrying 26 people capsised in a river in the province
Hyderabad, Oct 1 : Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K. T. Rama Rao on Tuesday asked the Leader of the Opposition in Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi if the voice of Telangana's public against the "bulldozer politics" of Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has reached him.

Rama Rao invited the Congress leader to come to Hyderabad and meet the people affected by the Musi River project.

"Dear Rahul Gandhi, has the voice of Telangana's public against the bulldozer politics of your CM reached you? You promised to come when a youngster, the people, or even a child calls out. Here's your video from Tukkuguda at the Congress Nyay Patra release," the BRS leader wrote on 'X'.

The former minister posted a video clip from Rahul Gandhi's speech. "Stand by your word and see the reality for yourself and come meet the Musi project-affected people," he said.

KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, continued his visit to areas along the Musi River to meet people whose houses have been marked for demolition for the Musi beautification project.

He visited Tulsi Ram Nagar in the Amberpet constituency and assured people that BRS would stand by them.

Authorities have been surveying houses in the Musi riverbed and buffer zone to demolish them for the river beautification project.

The officials said they would soon begin the removal of 10,000-odd dwellings and commercial structures.

A preliminary survey conducted by the Revenue Department revealed 2,116 structures on the riverbed and another 7,850 in the buffer zone.

Municipal Administration and Urban Development Principal Secretary Dana Kishore, also the Managing Director of Musi River Front Development Corporation, said that the government has prepared an action plan to clear the constructions along the river course.

On Monday, KTR termed the Musi River project the biggest scam in the country. He claimed that the Congress party was trying to use the project as a financial reserve for the upcoming national elections.

"If Rs 40,000 crore were sufficient for over 2,200 km long Ganges, why is Congress spending Rs 1.5 lakh crore on 55 km of the Musi?" he asked.
Budapest, Oct 1 : Both Hungary and Ukraine are interested in strengthening their neighbourhood relations, Hungarian Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Peter Szijjarto said.

Speaking during a joint press conference after a meeting with his recently-appointed Ukrainian counterpart Andrii Sybiha, Szijjarto reiterated Hungary's pro-peace stance on the ongoing conflict in Ukraine, stressing that a diplomatic solution is the only way to end the suffering of millions, Xinhua news agency reported.

"Hungary supports all initiatives aimed at achieving peace as soon as possible," he said, adding that Hungary continues to offer humanitarian assistance, having welcomed over 1.4 million refugees from Ukraine since the conflict began.

Szijjarto also spoke about Hungary's involvement in Ukraine's post-war reconstruction, saying that the country is ready to play a significant role in rebuilding efforts. "We are not just talking; we are already participating in restoring educational, health care, and administrative institutions," he said.

On the energy front, Hungary has supplied over three billion cubic meters of gas to Ukraine and now serves as Ukraine's largest source of electricity imports. "During the summer, 45 per cent of Ukraine's electricity imports came from or through Hungary," the Hungarian minister also said.

While praising cooperation, Szijjarto said that mutual respect and goodwill must underpin the relationship between the two nations. "We respectfully expect Ukraine to restore the rights of the Hungarian national community, especially in terms of access to their mother tongue," he said, confirming that Hungary has presented a detailed proposal to Ukraine on this matter.

Sybiha spoke of the importance of strengthening Ukraine's relations with its Western neighbours, particularly Hungary. He presented Ukraine's focus on securing peace and advancing its goals of joining the European Union (EU) and NATO, noting that discussions with Szijjarto were held in a spirit of mutual respect and focussed on key national interests.

Sybiha also invited Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban to visit Kyiv.

Sybiha expressed gratitude for Hungary's support in maintaining Ukraine's territorial integrity amid the conflict, as well as its humanitarian aid.

He appreciated Hungary's help in training military doctors, demining efforts, and the establishment of a bilingual school aimed at preserving Ukrainian identity in Hungary, which he visited during his trip.

Sybiha also thanked Hungary for its participation in international peace efforts and hoped for its ongoing support, especially during Hungary's EU presidency.
Lima, Oct 1 : A three-vehicle collision left at least nine people dead and 16 others injured on the Costanera Highway in the region of Tacna in Peru.

The crash occurred on Sunday night at kilometre 31, near a curve known as 'El Chasqui' in the La Yarada-Los Palos district, involving a bus from the Vilca transport company, a private car, and a truck carrying Andean products and sheep, Xinhua news agency reported quoting the state news agency Andina.

Several bus passengers and the truck driver were trapped in the wreckage after the crash, while the occupants of the private car reportedly fled the scene.

Witnesses said the private car crossed the wrong lane, triggering the accident. Beer cans found inside the car raised suspicions that the driver may have been intoxicated.

Emergency services responded to the scene, including firefighters and multiple ambulances from the Emergency Medical Service (SAMU) and local health facilities.

Eddy Vicente Choque, director of Hipolito Unanue Regional Hospital, confirmed that 16 injured victims were admitted on Sunday night. By Monday morning, six had been discharged, with 10 were still hospitalised.
Bengaluru, Oct 1 : Karnataka Home Minister G. Parameshwara on Tuesday clarified that Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife did not return the 14 allotted sites to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) out of fear.

Speaking to reporters in Bengaluru on Tuesday, HM Parameshwara made the statement while answering a question on whether Parvathy Siddaramaiah's move of returning the 14 plots was prompted by fear as the Enforcement Directorate (ED) had launched a probe into the MUDA case.

When asked about the BJP's claim that CM Siddaramaiah was now scared, HM Parameshwara stated, "Let the BJP say anything. They have taken a call to return the sites. The sites were surrendered by the CM's wife as she was feeling that her husband was being targeted politically because of her."

"The question of returning the sites out of fear or for any other reason does not arise. The act of returning the plots might have been delayed. However, sometimes though it is late, correct decisions are made," he stated while answering a question.

"All 136 MLAs of the Congress party are standing firmly with CM Siddaramaiah. The Congress party will stand with him in any eventuality. This has been clarified by the high command as well as by us. The AICC President has also stated this," HM Parameshwara stated on Tuesday.

"CM Siddaramaiah had only issued an oral statement regarding compensation of Rs 62 crore for his family's acquired land. However, he did not give it in writing, making a claim for it. CM Siddaramaiah made the statement while giving a speech," he said.

He added, "They have clarified why the plots were returned. The CM's wife has maintained that her husband is being targeted with false charges and that's why she is returning the sites."

When asked whether the investigation by the ED is causing a setback to the Lokayukta's probe, he maintained that the matter would be dealt with by the Lokayukta and they have to give their opinion about it.

"We always stated that the Opposition parties are carrying out politics in the MUDA case. Now it is proved. First, with the help of agencies they want to mentally harass CM Siddaramaiah. Second, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in an election speech spoke about the MUDA case. It shows the issue has become political," he stated.

He added that the BJP and JD(S) together were trying to destabilise the Congress government.

"The FIR has already been filed by the ED and the investigation has begun. The Chief Minister has clarified that he has no objections to an investigation against him. Let them continue the probe," HM Parameshwara stated.

Dwelling on the issue of return of the plots by Parvathy Siddaramaiah, he said, "We have to wait and see the legal developments after she returns the allotted sites to MUDA. Whatever you do is criticised. If the sites are returned it is criticised and even if legal action is taken in this regard, there is an objection."

In a surprising development, Parvathy Siddaramaiah who is named as the second accused in the MUDA case, returned the 14 sites allotted to her, back to the authority on Monday.

She also requested the media and leaders not to drag women from political families who stay away from politics into controversies for the sake of rivalry and hurt their dignity and reputation.
Sydney, Oct 1 : Qatar Airways has reached a deal to buy a minority stake in Australia's second-largest airline, Virgin Australia.

Virgin Australia announced on Tuesday that Qatar Airways will acquire a 25 per cent equity stake in the airline from its owner, Bain Capital, pending approval by the government's Foreign Investment Review Board.

Under the proposed deal, Virgin Australia plans to launch flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Doha, reports Xinhua news agency.

Jayne Hrdlicka, chief executive of Virgin Australia, said that the proposed long-haul services would generate an economic benefit of $2.07 billion to the Australian economy through incremental visitor flows over the next five years.

"This partnership brings the missing piece to Virgin Australia's longer-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation," she said in a statement.

"Importantly, it will further strengthen Virgin Australia's ability to compete over the long term, which will inevitably translate into more choice and even better value airfares for consumers."

Virgin Australia is the country's second-biggest airline and is the only competitor to Qantas, and its budget carrier Jetstar, on major domestic routes.

In April 2020, Virgin Australia became one of the first major airlines in the world to collapse during the Covid pandemic when it entered voluntary administration.

Bain Capital, a US private investment firm, bought the airline for $2.4 billion and it came out of administration in November 2020.

The minority stake acquisition by Qatar Airways came after the federal government in 2023 blocked an application for the airline to operate extra weekly services between Doha and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 : Mary, Thomas and Varghese all aged between 60 to 70 years have mixed feelings over the news that their brother Cherian's body has been found after 56-long years and are awaiting its arrival.

Cherian, who had joined the Indian Army at the age of 22, went missing in an air crash in 1968.

His worried and grieving family never got his remains.

Now, his body has been spotted along with that of three others and is expected to arrive at their hometown in Elanthoor in Pathanamthitta district, shortly.

The family's endless wait for Cherian began when he left home in 1968 after getting selected in the Indian Army.

After finishing his training, he was asked to join his posting at Leh. However, the ill-fated Indian Air Force Antonov-12 aircraft went missing on February 7, 1968, while on a flight from Chandigarh to Leh.

It was carrying 102 personnel, including IAF officers, soldiers, and civilians. After encountering severe weather conditions near Rohtang Pass, the aircraft lost contact and vanished in the harsh, snowbound terrain.

That was the last the family heard of him and then began the long wait for any news or mortal remains of the young man.

Had Cherian been alive today he would have been 78-years-old.

Now, 56 years after the heartbreaking incident, his sister Mary has mixed emotions over the news of his remains being found.

Though unable to express her emotions initially, she now states that she is happy that her brother can now rest in the tomb of their parents at their local parish and is impatiently waiting for its arrival.

Cherian's brother Varghese said, "Our parents, Thomas and Eliyamma, went away from this world grieving their son Cherian, and often used to wish that they had been able to see him one last time. They passed away but we are now waiting to see him one last time."

Shyju Thomas, who is Cherian's nephew told IANS that sadly the family does not have any photographs of his uncle as they were misplaced over the decades and the last one was lost during the demolition of their ancestral home.

He added that now the family would be able to see him one last time.

The remains were discovered by a joint team comprising personnel from the Dogra Scouts of the Indian Army and the Tiranga Mountain Rescue as part of the ongoing Chandrabhaga mountain expedition.

For decades, the wreckage remained hidden until 2003, when mountaineers from the Atal Bihari Vajpayee Institute of Mountaineering stumbled upon parts of the plane, igniting a series of recovery missions.

After several expeditions by 2019, only five bodies had been retrieved and now four more have been recovered and the three siblings here are impatiently waiting for it to arrive and arrangements are being made for a befitting funeral for Cherian.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Actress Sobhita Dhulipala, who is receiving a lot of positive response to her work in the recently released film 'Love, Sitara', has said that her titular character in the film is a blend of strong and sensitive.

In the film, Sobhita embodies the character of Sitara, a strong and independent woman who navigates the complexities of love and relationships as she prepares for her own wedding.

Talking about the same, the actress said, "Sitara to me, is a heady mix of strong and sensitive. A successful career girlie who finds the courage to question and shatter her own behaviour patterns and conditioning. The dignity and rawness of the women that are at the centre of this story is staggering".

She went on to explain her choice to play such a distinct character, expressing how much the recognition means to her.

She added, "To be seen playing a character that is completely different from the ones I've done so far - it was an important choice to make and when that choice is recognised and loved by critics and audiences, it feels deeply motivating and fulfilling. I am inspired! And beaming".

In 'Love, Sitara', Sobhita shares the screen with Sonali Kulkarni and Rajeev Siddhartha. Audiences have appreciated seeing her as a bride and a pregnant woman, embracing the multifaceted journey of Tara with heartfelt authenticity.

Meanwhile, the actress recently got engaged with Telugu star Naga Chaitanya in an intimate ceremony in Hyderabad. The occasion was graced by the couple's families and close friends. While Naga Chaitanya opted for a white kurta-pyjama teamed with a matching dupatta. Sobhita donned a peach coloured traditional look paired with a bun accessorised with flowers.
Gandhinagar, Oct 1 : The Gujarat government has announced a series of grand cultural programmes to celebrate Navratri at the renowned Ambaji and Bahucharaji Shaktipeeths and seven other major temples in the state.

The events will have performances by noted artists on the occasion.

"The state government is committed to preserving and promoting this rich cultural heritage through these organised events, ensuring that devotees can participate in Maa's worship at these sacred Shaktipeeths. Citizens are encouraged to join the grand celebrations at these temples and experience Navratri's spiritual energy and cultural splendour," officials shared.

The nine-day festival from October 3-11 will see elaborate cultural events at these spiritual hubs, symbolising the deep-rooted devotion of Gujarat's people.

Ambaji Shakti Peeth, located in Banaskantha district, will host a week-long celebration.

Bahucharaji Shakti Peeth in Mehsana district will have grand festivities on the occasion. The programmes will not be limited to these two locations; seven other temples, including the revered Shri Harshiddhi Mata Temple in Dwarka, Shri Umia Mata Temple in Unja, and Shri Bhadra Kali Temple in Ahmedabad, will also host one-day cultural events featuring Garba and devotional performances.

As part of the initiative, famous artists such as Faridaben Mir and Arvind Vegda will perform at key events, bringing traditional Garba music to life for devotees and visitors.

This initiative comes in light of Gujarat's growing global recognition for Navratri celebrations. The 'Vibrant Navratri Mahotsav' has earned a special status worldwide, with Garba officially recognised by UNESCO as a "Cultural Heritage."

The Department of Sports, Youth, and Cultural Activities has emphasised that the festivities are open to all.

According to India Meteorological Department (IMD), Gujarat is expected to remain dry for the first three days of Navratri, except in some districts in South Gujarat.

"From October 3 to 5, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely in isolated pockets of South Gujarat, including Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad, as well as the union territories of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. For the rest of Gujarat, dry weather is expected, allowing Garba festivities to proceed uninterrupted," it said.
Sabarkantha, Oct 1 : A robbery near Prantij in Gujarat's Sabarkantha district has triggered a statewide hunt by police after two robbers fled with Rs 1.5 crore.

The theft occurred near Dalani Muvadi village following a car accident on Monday night, prompting local and district police to launch a manhunt across the state. The investigation is still on.

According to reports, the incident unfolded when a car overturned in an accident near the village. After the crash, the driver informed the police that two bags containing Rs 1.5 crore had been stolen. The robbers, who fled the scene on a motorcycle, disappeared with the cash.

The police began a district-wide search to apprehend the robbers. Along with the Prantij police, the Local Crime Branch (LCB) and Special Operations Group (SOG) officers arrived at the scene and established checkpoints across the district.

Authorities are investigating several angles, including the identity of the individuals carrying such a large sum of money, their intended destination, and whether the robbers had been tracking them before the accident. The police are working to gather more information and bring the culprits to justice.

Meanwhile, on September 28, in a daring daylight robbery, thieves in Ahmedabad stole Rs 40 lakh from a contractoras car near Karnavati Club, opposite Shelby Hospital. The robbers, on a motorbike, tricked the contractor into stopping by falsely claiming a puncture. When the contractor stepped out, one thief grabbed the bag of cash and fled. The contractor had collected the money from an Angadia firm earlier that day.

Police have launched an investigation, reviewing CCTV footage, and suspect the contractor was followed.

Senior police officials, including DCP-level officers, are leading the investigation into the Rs 40 lakh robbery. They confirmed that the thieves used a distraction tactic. The police are actively tracking the suspects, reviewing CCTV footage from the area to identify the culprits.
The Ukrainian government has approved the establishment of certified private schools for drone operator training. Such educational institutions will provide high-quality knowledge for future UAV operators.

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There are already dozens of private training centers for UAV pilots in the country, but there is still no unified system for regulating their activities. Minister of Digital Transformation Mykhailo Fedorov said this on Telegram.

According to him, the need for professional drone operators is constantly growing, and the demand for this profession by military units is not decreasing. Fedorov emphasized that dozens of private training centers for UAV pilots have appeared since the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but there is no unified system for regulating their activities.

Now, the government has adopted a resolution that will launch the certification of private UAV schools. The minister explained that the schools will be able to obtain a certificate and officially train operators who, after successfully passing the exams, will be able to take up positions as UAV operators in military units of all components of the Security and Defense Forces.

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In order to obtain a license, an institution must: conduct training in the management or manufacture of drones; have three or more drones for training and certification of pilots; have training programs for training pilots on these devices, and employ at least three certified instructors. Such rules will allow only those institutions to operate that provide real practical knowledge that will help at the front.

As a reminder, Russia organized training for its FPV pilots at ZNPP. The invaders are using the strategic nuclear facility as a shield, knowing that Ukrainians will not strike it.

Earlier it was reported that Russian operators of reconnaissance drones have begun to install rearview cameras on their UAVs. This is how the occupiers are trying to protect themselves from attacks by Ukrainian FPV drones.

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Only verified information is available on our Telegram channel OBOZ.UA and Viber . Don't fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Bollywood star Govinda who accidentally shot himself on Tuesday morning while cleaning his licenced pistol, was doing well hours after the bullet was removed by doctors in Mumbai.

His brother, Kirti Kumar on Tuesday shared an update on the star's health after the surgery in CritiCare Hospital in Juhu.

Kirti Kumar told IANS, "Govinda is feeling better now. The bullet has been successfully removed from his body."

Kirti Kumar also mentioned that doctors were optimistic that Govinda may be able to return home within two to three days.

He expressed gratitude, saying, "By God's grace, nothing like this has ever happened before. We just want to sincerely thank all of Govinda's fans who prayed for his speedy recovery."

Earlier in the day, Govinda accidentally shot himself in the leg while cleaning his pistol at home in Juhu.

After the incident, he was rushed to the hospital for treatment.

Though Govinda is now out of danger, he will remain in the ICU for the next 24 hours as a precaution.

The police have launched an investigation into the incident.

It was reported that the gun went off by mistake, which led to the mishap.

The police are waiting for the ballistic report to confirm more details.

At the time of the accident only Govinda's servant was at home, and he was the one who took the actor to hospital.

Following the incident, one police team visited the hospital while another went to Govinda's house.

According to the Mumbai Police, they were trying to figure out how the pistol went off.

It's clear that the bullet came from Govinda's licenced pistol, but whether it was an accidental misfire from his hand or the gun went off after falling to the ground is still under investigation by the Crime Branch and the police.
Canberra, Oct 1 : Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.

Albanese announced on Monday night that Aftab Malik, a British-Australian who is recognised as a global expert on Muslim affairs by the United Nations Alliance of Civilisations, has been appointed as the government's inaugural Islamophobia envoy.

Malik's appointment came almost three months after Jillian Segal was appointed as the anti-semitism envoy in July, Xinhua news agency reported.

Albanese said in a joint statement with Tony Burke, Minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, that the special envoy will engage with members of the Muslim community, religious discrimination experts and governments on the best ways to combat Islamophobia.

Malik has been appointed on a three-year term starting on October 14 and will report directly to Albanese and Burke.

Malik was born in Britain to Pakistani parents and migrated to Australia in 2012 where he has worked in the state government of New South Wales promoting cohesion and countering hate and extremism.
Tokyo, Oct 1 : Shigeru Ishiba, the leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), has been elected as the country's next Prime Minister in a parliamentary vote on Tuesday. He will succeed Fumio Kishida.

Both the lower and upper houses of the Japanese parliament endorsed Ishiba who won the LDP presidency last week. His confirmation sets the stage for a general election on October 27, despite opposition criticism over the timing of the polls, which caused a last-minute delay in Tuesday's parliamentary vote.

His leadership will be marked by challenges as Ishiba will have to work hard to restore the voter trust in the scandal-hit LDP, local media reported.

Ishiba emerged victorious in his fifth attempt at the LDP leadership, defeating Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi in a tightly contested runoff last week. Ishiba garnered 215 votes, surpassing Takaichi's 194.

Earlier on Monday, Ishiba announced plans to dissolve the lower house of the parliament on October 9, with a General Election scheduled for October 27.

His decision to call a snap election also drew a backlash from opposition parties, as they called it "disrespectful" and "unconstitutional" for him to make an announcement even before his election as the Prime Minister.

Upon winning the LDP leadership, Ishiba committed himself to restoring trust and transparency within the party, emphasising the need for humility, fairness, and adherence to rules.

His speech after the vote counting was grounded in the promise to make Japan a safer and more stable country. "I will dedicate myself to making Japan a safer country," he declared, signalling his intent to prioritise national security in his administration.

At a press conference following his victory, Ishiba stressed the importance of gaining the trust of the public and the need for accountability within the government.

Earlier in the day, Kishida decided on the en masse resignation of his Cabinet.

"Japan is facing a critical moment both at home and abroad. I sincerely hope that under the new Cabinet, important policies that will pave the way for Japan's future will be vigorously implemented. I ask for your continued support for the next Cabinet and the new Prime Minister," the outgoing PM said in a statement.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Govinda's daughter Tina Ahuja has reached the hospital to meet her actor-politician father, who was injured after his licensed pistol reportedly misfired while he was cleaning it at his Juhu home.

Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) Govinda's daughter Tina Ahuja has reached the hospital to meet her actor-politician father, who was injured after his licensed pistol reportedly misfired while he was cleaning it at his Juhu home.

Videos of her daughter Tina, who made her debut in acting in 2015 with the romantic comedy titled "Second Hand Husband" showed that she reached the Criticare hospital, where the Bollywood star was admitted after the incident.

Govinda's nephew Vinay Anand had earlier shared a health update on the actor-politician and said that he is healthy and is "much better".

Vinay was speaking to the media after he met Govinda in the ICU at the hospital and said: "Abhi Govinda Swast hai Bajrangbali ke aashirwad se woh swasth hai"

He added: "He is in the ICU. He is much better."

Govinda too had shared a voice note to give his health update.

In a voice note obtained by IANS, Govinda was speaking in Hindi, where he said: "Namaskar, Pranam. I am Govinda. With the blessings of all of you and the blessings of my parents, and by the grace of my Guru, I was shot, but the bullet has been removed. I thank the doctor here, respected Dr. Garwal, and I thank all of you for your prayers."

The incident took place at his Juhu home here on Tuesday morning, police officials said.

As per preliminary information, the incident occurred when the actor was purportedly sprucing up the weapon while getting ready to leave home for some assignments, at around 5.15 a.m.

At that time, the weapon reportedly misfired a bullet injuring his leg, and a bleeding Govinda was immediately rushed to the CritiCare Hospital in Juhu for treatment where his condition is reported to be stable.
Gandhinagar, Oct 1 : The Gujarat government has decided to allow Garba celebrations during Navratri till early morning, but rules will differ for neighbourhood and public events.

This was announced by Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghvi after a Cabinet meeting on Tuesday.

At the Cabinet meeting several key issues, including the upcoming Navratri festival, crop damage due to heavy rain, procurement of peanuts, and recruitment for police and teaching positions were discussed.

After the meeting, Minister of State for Home Affairs, Harsh Sanghvi, announced that Garba dancers in the state will be permitted to continue playing Garba late into the night during Navratri. "Navratri is not just a festival for Gujarat, but a time when all devotees worship Goddess Amba," he said.

In a major relief to traders, he added that businesses would also be allowed to operate late into the night during the nine-day festival. The state government has made complete arrangements for smooth conduct.

Sanghvi clarified that while organisers initially requested permission to conduct Garba until midnight, the state government has granted permission for celebrations to continue into the early morning. However, the government will ensure that citizens are not inconvenienced. "We will have different rules for neighbourhood Garba and public Garba events," he noted. Organisers have been urged to take necessary precautions to maintain order.

The Minister also touched on another pressing issue -- illegal constructions in Somnath. He revealed that the matter is currently in court, and the government has responded legally after issuing several notices.

During his interaction with the media, Harsh Sanghvi addressed the situation concerning anti-social elements in Ahmedabad's Chanakyapuri area. He made it clear that Gujarat has no room for lawbreakers. "Anyone who breaks the law will face consequences, and no one's dominance will be tolerated under this government," he stated, warning that strict actions would be taken to ensure law and order. "These actions will be remembered for seven generations," he added.

The meeting, held in Gandhinagar, also focused on the impact of recent heavy rain, with discussions about crop loss and support price concerns for farmers. The state government emphasized its commitment to "addressing these pressing matters and ensuring efficient management of the festival season".

Meanwhile, the Southwest Monsoon has officially withdrawn from several parts of Gujarat, including Kutch, North Saurashtra, and Northern Gujarat. Despite an active spell of rainfall last week, the state's focus has shifted to the weather forecast for the upcoming two weeks, especially as Navratri is set to begin on October 3rd.

According to the latest bulletin from the Indian Meteorological Department (IMD), most of Gujarat is expected to remain dry for the first three days of Navratri, except for some districts in South Gujarat. From October 3 to 5, light to moderate rain and thundershowers are likely in isolated pockets of South Gujarat, including Surat, Dang, Tapi, Navsari, and Valsad, as well as the union territories of Daman and Dadra Nagar Haveli. For the rest of Gujarat, dry weather is expected, allowing Garba festivities to proceed uninterrupted.
Bengaluru, Oct 1 : Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah reiterated on Tuesday that he has no role in the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) scam and will not resign.

Addressing media persons at the Ravindra Kalakshetra here, CM Siddaramaiah said: "I am working according to my conscience and there is no need for my resignation."

When asked whether he would resign, Siddaramaiah said: "Opposition parties are masters in lying. Will it be over if I tender my resignation? They are demanding my resignation unnecessarily. I have not committed any mistakes."

"I don't know on what grounds money laundering charges are framed against me," he said.

"Feeling sad over the turn of events, my wife surrendered land to MUDA... How can it be compared to the confession of crime?" said CM Siddaramaiah on opposition claims that he had accepted the illegalities in the MUDA case.

Siddaramaiah said that his wife decided to return the sites to MUDA and he did not have the knowledge of that.

The chief minister claimed he received information about Parvathy's move after she sent the letter.

"Parbathy was the owner of 3.16 acres of land. MUDA had encroached upon the land and distributed sites. Following this, she sought alternative sites or land. They had made allotments in Vijayanagara third and fourth stages. The allotment was not sought to be made in Vijayanagar locality," CM Siddaramaiah stated.

"We had only asked for alternative land and they had made allotments in the Vijayanagara locality. Now, it has become a big controversy. She decided to surrender the sites since her husbandas political image is dented by this development and politics of rivalry and hatred is pursued by opponents," Siddaramaiah claimed.

Hitting out at the BJP for mentioning his 2011 statement as an opposition leader against then CM B. S. Yediyurappa, Siddaramaiah said: "There is a difference between former CM Yediyurappaas case and my case. I have no role in this case. Yediyurappa had denotified the land. Have I de-notified? Have I given any orders? Sent letters? Is there any money laundering? There is nothing. There is no comparison to his case," he maintained.
Guwahati, Oct 1 : Assam Director General of Police (DGP) Gyanendra Pratap Singh on Tuesday said that no accused in the multi-crore online trading scam will be spared and guilty persons will face the wrath of the law.

The top cop was reacting to questions regarding one accused Dipankar Barman, who allegedly collected more than Rs 700 crore, and continued to be on the run.

DGP Singh said, "No accused can evade police arrest as the evidence is completely digital. We have all the information regarding who paid the money and the amount of financial transactions, etc. The investigation team has the specific information of money trail related to the trading fraud and the accused will face proper consequences."

He also asserted that nobody can be successful in evading police arrest for a long time. However, the DGP did not divulge much information on the investigation.

"At this moment, I cannot detail every point of the investigation before the public as the probe is underway," the DGP stated.

Meanwhile, the Guwahati resident, Swapnanil Das who was earlier arrested last month for running an online trading scam, was remanded to four days of police custody on Tuesday. He will be questioned by the Kamrup district police in this case.

To recall, an online trading scam amounting to Rs 2,200 crore was busted in Assam after Bishal Phukan was arrested from his Dibrugarh residence and Swapnanil Das was taken into custody last month.

Assamese actress Sumi Borah came under the scanner of police after Phukan's arrest. Police claimed that Bishal Phukan used Borah's network in the Assamese movie industry to get clients for online trading on the pretext of giving them higher returns.

Police said, "Bishal used to throw lavish parties in Guwahati for people from Assamese movie industries in the luxurious hotels in the city. The attendees of the party were lured through expensive gifts by the fraudster. Sumi Borah helped him in getting clients and Phukan used to reward her with a commission. With the help of the actress, Bishal got a good number of clients who invested money in online trading to get higher returns."

Borah and her husband were on the run following Phukan's arrest and finally, they surrendered before the police in Dibrugarh. Phukan, Sumi Borah and her husband were lodged in Dibrugarh Central Jail.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday issued notice to the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on a plea filed by former West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee seeking bail in connection with the alleged cash-for-school job scam.

Issuing notice, a bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan asked the federal anti-money laundering agency to file its reply within two weeks.

As per the computerised case status, the apex court is likely to hear the matter next on October 17.

In April this year, the Calcutta High Court rejected Chatterjeeas bail plea. After being denied bail in the lower court multiple times, Chatterjee approached the Calcutta High Court.

Chatterjee contended that he had no connection with the huge amount of cash recovered from the residence of his close aide Arpita Mukherjee, and should be granted bail.

The ED had recovered huge quantities of cash and gold from the twin residences of Mukherjee in July 2022, which the latter had claimed were kept there by former Education Minister Chatterjee.

In the course of the investigation, the ED also confiscated some property forms of land plots or residential houses indirectly or jointly held by the Trinamool Congress leader and his close associates and relatives.

Chatterjee was arrested from his residence by the ED in July 2022. Since then, after the initial days of central agency custody, his address had been a cell at Presidency Central Correctional Home in south Kolkata.

Recently, the Calcutta High Court granted bail to Trinamool Congress legislator and the former president of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education Manik Bhattacharya in connection with the cash-for-school job case in state-run schools.

Bhattacharya was the second heavyweight leader of the ruling Trinamool Congress, after the former State Education Minister and party secretary general Partha Chatterjee, to be arrested in the school job case.

--ANS

pds/dpb
Mumbai, Oct 1 : On the eve of Mahatma Gandhi's 155th birth anniversary, PETA India has urged Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde to rename South Mumbai's noted and notorious 'Mutton Street' as 'Ahimsa Marg' in honour of the Father of the Nation.

In a letter to CM Shinde, PETA said that as a global tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, his birth anniversary is celebrated as the 'International Day of Non-Violence' every year.

"The 'Mutton Street' has a colonial past and is associated with the meat trade, which contradicts Gandhiji's value of non-violence and non-vegetarianism," PETA India Manager, Kiran Ahuja pointed out in the letter to the CM.

"Renaming 'Mutton Street' as 'Ahimsa Marg' would be a glowing tribute to Gandhiji's memory and also remind the people living in the heart of Mumbai to respect all animals and carry forward his legacy daily by choosing healthy and delicious plant foods," Ahuja added.

Referring to the notorious side of 'Mutton Street'  which is alternatively known as 'Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market)', PETA India said that a new name symbolising peace could discourage the sale of purported stolen good allegedly flooding the area and attract more vegan food businesses, which in turn would attract more domestic and international tourists.

In its letter PETA India has quoted Gandhiji: "To my mind the life of a lamb is no less precious than that of a human being. I hold that the more helpless a creature, the more entitled it is to protection by man from the cruelty of man."

The letter also dwelt on how killing poultry or bovine animals or fish for meat and food causes massive violence besides afflicting the humans with various types of life-threatening diseases.

"As it came out during the Covid-19 global Pandemic, the use of animals as food is also linked to multiple zoonotic diseases like bird-flu, swine-flu or Coronavirus, while vegan food habits are helpful to combat the worst effects of the climate change catastrophe," the letter stated.

The origins of 'Mutton Street' alias 'Chor Bazaar', said to be a take on the original 'Shor Bazaar (Noisy Market)' can be traced back to around two centuries, when Mumbai barely extended till Mahim isle, as several hamlets with people from different communities living and thriving there.

The 'Mutton Street' finds reference in several old treatises, including the voluminous "Bombay Place-Name and Street-Names" (1917 edition), authored by Samuel T. Sheppard.

'Mutton Street' is among the peripheral areas that become a foodies' paradise during the holy month of fasting Ramadan (upcoming February-March 2025), and has been in existence for around two-and-half centuries as the renowned Mohammed Ali food market.

Pydhonie's Karim Patel, 65, partner of the 55-year-old family enterprise Sony Pathani, specialising in Pathani suits and rainwear, told IANS that the region has a rich history of more than two centuries, and the Ramadan food market is directly linked with the antecedents of the imposing Minara Mosque, now over 250-years old.

Sheppard said in his book, referring to 'Mutton Street' (Page 106)': "Named after the old mutton and fish market, part of the Nulla Bazaar near Erskine and Duncan roads. This and the neighbouring vegetable market were unpaved and consisted merely of a few ranges of low, narrow sheds surrounded by a rough wooden palisade."

"Like the rest of old and quaint Mumbai, now, the entire vicinity is undergoing a change of skyline with scores of dilapidated structures being demolished to make way for swank towers encompassing the familiar old roads, streets neighbourhoods and fond memories," sighed Patel.

(Quaid Najmi can be contacted at: qnajmi@gmail.com)
Hanoi, Oct 1 : Vietnam's cashew nut exports face the risk of a trade deficit due to higher raw material prices, local media reported on Tuesday, citing experts.

The export turnover of Vietnam's cashew nuts has maintained growth, but the gap between export value and import turnover of raw materials has gradually narrowed, reports Xinhua, quoting Vietnam News.

According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam exported more than 486,000 tons of cashew nuts in the first eight months of this year, earning nearly $2.8 billion, but the country spent more than $2.3 billion importing raw cashew nuts.

As the world's leading country in processing cashew nuts, Vietnam has a large number of factories, but the domestic raw material area is reducing, only meeting about 10 to 12 per cent of the demand for raw cashew nuts for those factories. Most of the raw materials have to be imported from Africa and Cambodia.
Former U.S. Special Representative for Ukraine Kurt Volker believes that the main mistake of Western leaders is excessive caution towards Russia. He noted that the fear of what the Kremlin might do wrongly defines the West's strategy, and this is what does not help to contain Russia.

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He said this in an interview with DW. Volker emphasized that authorizing strikes on targets deep in Russia could make a significant difference while delaying allows Moscow to continue its aggression.

"Western leaders are acting out of fear of what Russia might do. This is a mistake! It is not our restraint that is holding Russia back. Russia is trying to defeat Ukraine right now. It is failing to do so, but not because Moscow is 'restraining' itself. Allowing us to hit targets deep in Russia's heartland can make a big difference. Otherwise, Russia will simply continue to do what it is doing now," he said.

Volker also explained that Russia is not deterred by Western fears, but by the real consequences it would face if it used nuclear weapons. He emphasized that Russia is aware of the seriousness of possible retaliatory strikes against its military forces.

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"If they used nuclear weapons, there would be a retaliatory strike against the forces that used them. If they engaged in sabotage and other types of subversive activities in Western countries, Russia would receive a tough response," the expert explained.

In addition, Volker believes that Kremlin dictator Vladimir Putin's statements about changing the nuclear doctrine, which will allow strikes on countries without nuclear weapons, are an attempt to intimidate the West and force it to refuse to help Ukraine.

"Tell me, what will prevent Putin from deciding to use nuclear weapons if he wants to? He will not be bound by the doctrine, it is just a piece of paper for him. It is the potential consequences of the use of nuclear weapons, which he understands will hit Russia very hard, that are holding him back," he said.

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Volker added that if Russia detonates nuclear weapons on its territory, for example, in Nova Zemlia, the West may refrain from a sharp reaction. However, the use of nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine would provoke a powerful response.

"I don't think the West will want to react too sharply to Russia detonating nuclear charges on its territory. But if it comes to the use of nuclear weapons in a war against Ukraine, a very stern warning should be given by the Western allies: this will have direct consequences for the Russian armed forces. They will be destroyed," he summarized.

As a reminder, the US officially explains its hesitation to allow Ukraine to fire its missiles far into Russia as unwillingness to become a party to the conflict.

As reported by OBOZ.UA, US President Joe Biden rejected the threats of Russian dictator Vladimir Putin, who threatened NATO with war if the allies allowed Ukraine to launch long-range strikes on targets in Russia. The American leader said he was not thinking about it.

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At the same time, the media reported that London would allow Storm Shadow to strike targets in Russia, but that it would not be officially announced in the near future to avoid "unnecessary provocations."

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
Patna, Oct 1 : Seven children were injured after a low-intensity bomb exploded in the Khilafatnagar locality under the Habibpur police station in Bihar's Bhagalpur district on Tuesday.

The incident occurred around 12.30 p.m., triggering panic in the locality.

In a swift response from local authorities, the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) of Bhagalpur and other senior officers rushed to the crime spot to investigate the matter.

To ensure a thorough inquiry, the SSP has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by K Ramdas, the City SP of Bhagalpur.

"Three of the children were critically injured and have been admitted to Jawahar Lal Nehru Medical College and Hospital in Bhagalpur for treatment. The remaining four children sustained minor injuries," Ramdas said.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact cause of the incident.

Preliminary investigation revealed that the children were playing inside a house when they discovered a tin box and smashed it on the ground, triggering an explosion.

Ramdas said: "A Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) team has been called in to collect samples from the site and determine the nature of the explosives."

Ramdas emphasised that the investigation is being conducted from all angles to uncover how the bomb was placed there and assured the public that the case will be solved soon.

Residents are equally puzzled by the incident.

Mariyam, the mother of one of the injured children, recounted that her son had gone outside to buy a notebook when the explosion occurred.

"I was inside the house when we heard a loud noise. We immediately rushed to the scene and found several children, including her son, injured," Mariyam said.

The residents remained concerned as authorities worked to determine the origin of the explosive object.
Shanghai, Oct 1 : Three people were killed and 15 others injured in a knife attack at a supermarket on Monday in Shanghai, local police authorities said Tuesday.

The police received a report of the incident at 9:47 p.m. and quickly arrived at the scene. The attacker, a 37-year-old man surnamed Lin, was apprehended on the spot after the police arrived, Xinhua news agency reported.

The attack came on the eve of China's seven-day National Day holiday.

The 18 victims were immediately sent to the hospital for treatment. Among them, three died despite rescue efforts and the others did not sustain life-threatening wounds. An investigation is underway.

Several Chinese cities have reported a massive surge in knife crime offences, lately.

Last month, a 10-year-old Japanese boy was stabbed while on his way to school in China's Shenzhen. He later died from his injuries with the tragic incident sending shockwaves throughout Japan and further denting the already-strained Tokyo-Beijing relationship.

Yoshiko Kijima, Japan's Consul General in Guangzhou, which includes Shenzhen, stated that the boy was stabbed in the abdomen in the presence of his mother. Japanese Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa had condemned the attack as a "despicable" act against a schoolboy. She also called on Beijing to take all necessary steps to guarantee the safety of Japanese citizens.

In a similar incident in June, a knife attack occurred in Suzhou near Shanghai, where a Japanese mother and child were injured, and a Chinese woman lost her life while attempting to stop the assailant.

In the same month, police in northeast China's Jilin Province arrested an individual for attacking four foreigners and one Chinese national with a knife at a park. Among the five victims, four were foreign nationals who were invited scholars from Cornell College in the US State of Iowa and were teaching at Beihua University.

On May 24, this year, eight people were killed and one injured in a knife attack in central China's Hubei Province. The attacker, a 53-year-old man surnamed Lu who reportedly suffered from mental illness, fatally stabbed eight people and injured another in Xiaowu Township in the city of Xiaogan.

On May 21, three people were killed and two others injured after a knife attack that occurred in a park in Chenzhou City of central China's Hunan Province. The male suspect surnamed Huang, 35, was apprehended by the police, reported Xinhua news agency.

Two days before that, two people were killed and 10 others injured after a knife attack at a primary school in Guixi City in east China's Jiangxi Province. The female suspect surnamed Pan, 45, was arrested by the police.
Baghdad, Oct 1 : Two Katyusha rockets hit areas around the Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday, causing no casualties, the Iraqi military said.

The attack occurred at 00:20 a.m. local time on Tuesday local time when two rockets pounded areas close to the airport, with one landing on a base of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, according to a statement by Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command.

Iraqi security forces found a rocket launcher on a truck left in the al-Ameriyah neighbourhood in western Baghdad, and defused several unfired rockets in the launcher, al-Khafaji said, adding that more information will be released later.

Meanwhile, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua news agency that the Iraqi forces cordoned off the neighbourhood and launched a probe into the incident to identify the attackers.

He said that the attack targeted an Iraqi military base housing US military experts near the airport.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iraqi military bases housing US troops and the US embassy in the Green Zone of Baghdad have been frequently under unknown mortar and rocket attacks.
Seongnam, Oct 1 : South Korea showcased its most powerful missile for the first time on Tuesday as it marked Armed Forces Day in an apparent warning against North Korea's nuclear and missile threats.

Two mobile missile launchers carrying the Hyunmoo-5, a centrepiece of South Korea's retaliation plan against a major North Korean attack, were among military equipment displayed at a ceremony at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam, just south of the capital, Yonhap news agency reported.

The ground-to-ground ballistic missile, dubbed a monster for its size, had been shrouded in secrecy due to its strategic importance. It is known to be able to carry a warhead weighing about 8 tons and capable of destroying underground bunkers.

South Korea has developed a series of Hyunmoo missiles, including ballistic and cruise-type ones. It unveiled the Hyunmoo-4 during last year's Armed Forces Day ceremony. That missile, however, can only deliver a payload of about two tons in comparison.

During this year's ceremony, the 9-axled transporter erector launchers crawled across the tarmac, each of them carrying a canister estimated to be about 20 metres long, apparently housing the "high-power" and "high-precision" missile known to be able to target anywhere in North Korea.

In another show of force, a US B-1B heavy bomber flew over the air base, alongside two F-15K jets, in a display of the US security commitment to South Korea. North Korea earlier warned of taking a "corresponding" measure against the deployment of US strategic assets.

Some 5,000 troops and hundreds of pieces of military equipment were gathered for the ceremony, marking the 76th founding anniversary of the country's armed forces this year.

Special operations troops showed off their infiltration skills as they jumped out of a transport aircraft over the air base, while Apache attack helicopters fired flares and demonstrated evasion manoeuvres as Richard Wagner's "Ride of the Valkyries" blasted in the background.

The military also showed off various air assets, including the KF-21 fighter currently under development and F-35A stealth jets, while the Air Force's Black Eagles aerobatic team performed a series of air manoeuvres.

Later in the day, the country held a military parade in downtown Seoul for the second year in a row.

During the parade, K2 tanks, K9 self-propelled howitzers and other military hardware moved in formation from Sungnyemun Gate to Gwanghwamun Square in central Seoul, while various aircraft, including the Apaches and the F-35As, flew over the procession.

Spectators lined the traffic-controlled Sejongno Street running through downtown Seoul to watch the waves of troops and military equipment.

It marked the second parade of its kind under the Yoon Suk Yeol government. The country held one last year in time for Armed Forces Day for the first time since 2013.

This year's ceremony came as North Korea has ramped up tensions in recent weeks ahead of the upcoming US election, disclosing its uranium enrichment facility, launching ballistic missiles and flying trash-carrying balloons across the border.

The defence ministry said Tuesday's event was organised to show its "overwhelming" capabilities to powerfully retaliate against potential enemy provocations, backed by the country's three-axis deterrence structure.

The three-pronged system refers to the Korea Massive Punishment and Retaliation, an operational plan to incapacitate the North Korean leadership in a major conflict; the Kill Chain preemptive strike platform; and the Korea Air and Missile Defence system.

Officials said this year's ceremony also mobilised an expanded lineup of assets that require the teaming of manned and unmanned operations, such as quadruped robots as well as an unmanned submarine and surface vehicle.

The country has usually marked its military founding anniversary in time for Armed Forces Day, which commemorates the service of military personnel and falls on October 1.
Imphal, Oct 1 : Former Manipur Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh said on Tuesday that the two kidnapped Meitei youths can be rescued if the state government approaches the Central government which in turn can ask the Assam Rifles to put pressure on the extremists to release the youth.

"I believe that if the Army or the Assam Rifles put pressure on the militants then they would release the two innocent youths," the former Chief Minister said.

He suggested that the Assam Rifles can tell the militants to refrain from indulging in such violent acts that could escalate the ongoing violence and create a larger rift between the Meitei and Kuki-Zo communities.

Three-term former Chief Minister Singh (2002-2017) said that thousands of the Central paramilitary forces were deployed in the state since the ethnic violence broke out in May last year and among these forces, a huge contingent of the Assam Rifles deployed in tribal areas and other parts of the state, including the 398-km India-Myanmar border along Manipur.

The veteran leader said that he learnt that the three youths were abducted by Kuki militants while they were travelling in the same vehicle.

The former Chief Minister also urged the state government to seek intervention from the Ministry of Home Affairs to resolve the issue at the earliest.

Various Civil Society Organisations, political parties and NGOs have been urging both the state government and the Kuki militants to release the youths.

The three youths -- Ningombam Johnson, 25, Oinam Thoithoi, 27, and Thokchom Thoithoiba, 28 were reportedly kidnapped by Kuki militants while the Army rescued Johnson on the next day.

Manipur Chief Minister N Biren Singh on Monday said that he had asked the Director General of Police (DGP) Rajiv Singh to secure the release of two kidnapped youths.

Both the Central and state security forces continued their efforts to ensure the safe release of the two youths, he said, adding that the DGP himself had gone to the place and talked with the abductors.

"We think that there will be a positive outcome. The abductors have made some demands, but we are trying to release the two youths unconditionally," the Chief Minister had told the media.

A Manipur police statement said: "Police and other security forces are making all-out efforts to rescue the missing/ kidnapped youths as quickly as possible."

The three youths were kidnapped by armed Kuki militants while they were en route to attend an Army recruitment examination at New Keithelmanbi in between Imphal West and Kangpokpi districts on September 27.

The Army rescued one of the captives the next day and the remaining two still are in the captivity of the extremists.

All three youths are residents of Thoubal districts.
Chennai, Oct 1 : Tamil Nadu Police said that it has detained 600 workers of Samsung Electronics and trade union members for organising a street protest.

The demonstration was organised at the home appliances plant of Samsung Electronics as 1,000 workers of the plant in Sriperumbudur, Chennai were on a strike since September 9 demanding higher wages and recognition of the trade union at the factory of the global electronics major.

Police said that the workers of Samsung and the CITU trade union leaders were arrested and detained for causing inconvenience to the general public.

The workers, according to the Tamil Nadu Police officials were detained in four wedding halls.

It may be recalled that CITU, which is spearheading the strike at the Samsung plant has demanded a minimum salary of Rs 36,000 a month for the workers from the present Rs 25,000 a month which the electronics major is paying.

The stir at the Samsung plant is one of the biggest strikes in the country in recent times.

Samsung has already stated that the workers who are involved in the strike would risk losing their jobs.

The company had earlier said that the salary drawn by the employees of the plant at Sriperumbudur, was more than double drawn by workers in the region in other companies.

It may be recalled that Union Labour Minister, Mansukh Mandaviya had written to Tamil Nadu Chief Minister, M.K. Stalin, urging him to bring about a "swift resolution" to the ongoing workers' strike at Samsung Electronics' plant at Sriperumbudur.

The Union Labour Minister also called upon the state government to intervene for an early and amicable resolution for maintaining a positive manufacturing sector ecosystem.

Sources in the Union Labour Ministry told IANS that he had assured full support from the ministry to help the state in resolving the matter efficiently.

IANS

aal/rad
New Delhi, Oct 1 : While India continues to face a deficit in blood donation, making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory may ward off the risk of infections to those requiring regular blood transfusions, said experts here on Tuesday.

National Voluntary Blood Donation is celebrated on October 1 every year to raise awareness about the importance of blood and the need for voluntary blood donation.

India has consistently fallen short of the World Health Organization's recommendation that 1 per cent of the population donate blood. This is despite having a potential donor base of 402 million people.

While the country needs 14.6 million units of blood annually, it faces a deficit of around one million units.

Myths and misconceptions about contracting infections like HIV, and lack of awareness, are the major reasons for the lack of volunteer blood donations in India, said the experts.

"Voluntary blood donation in India has seen growth, yet there remains a significant gap in meeting the national demand majorly due to lack of awareness," RishiRaj Sinha, Transfusion Medicine Specialist, AIIMS Delhi, told IANS.

"People probably do not know that there are so many people out there who need blood regularly. That is why there is no motivation to give blood voluntarily, a reason why there is so much demand-supply gap," added Anubha Taneja Mukherjee, Member Secretary of the Thalassemia Patient Advocacy Group.

Further, safe blood supply to needy patients, such as those who require repeated blood transfusions is also a concern, said the experts. This can be eased by making Nucleic Acid Testing (NAT) mandatory.

"No blood is donated to any patient across India, without proper testing. But, NAT is extremely beneficial as the highly-sensitive method of testing blood can detect even the lowest amount of virus in the blood," Sinha said.

NAT test improves the safety of donor blood for transfusion, V. K. Khanna, Director, Institute of Child Health Preeti Tuli Thalassemia Unit at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, told IANS.

"When compared with routinely performed tests on donor blood, NAT test reduces the chances of transmission of certain infections such as HIV, Hepatitis B, and Hepatitis C by early detection of these infections in donor blood," he added.

The expert explained that the implementation of NAT testing on donor blood would benefit everyone who receives a blood transfusion, especially those patients who receive repeated blood transfusions such as patients of thalassemia, sickle cell disease, haemophilia, aplastic anaemia, cancer, kidney disease, and others conditions.

Mukherjee told IANS that safe blood is a huge challenge, especially for patients with thalassemia who need blood every 15 to 20 days.

"Because we do not have much voluntarily donated blood, if screening is stringent, then probably that will take care of the safety aspect at least," she said, urging the government to make "NAT testing mandatory throughout India, at least in government hospitals".
New Delhi, Oct 1 : In a sharp attack on the Congress party, the BJP has accused several of its leaders, including its National President Mallikarjun Kharge and the Gandhi family, of involvement in dubious land deals.

Former Union Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad, speaking to the media on Tuesday, highlighted what he described as a pattern of land-related scams across states governed by the Congress.

"Why do Congress governments seem to be so entangled in land deal controversies? Land deal case came to light during the Hooda government in Haryana, Siddaramaiah's MUDA deal is already going on in Karnataka and now there are alleged irregularities in land linked to Kharge's family in the Siddharth Vihar Society," Prasad remarked.

He pointed out that even before these incidents, talks about alleged favouritism shown towards Robert Vadra, often referred to as 'Damad Babu' under the Ashok Gehlot government in Rajasthan and Hooda's in Haryana had surfaced.

"Why is the Congress party so obsessed with land deals?" Prasad asked, accusing some Congress leaders of acting like property dealers.

He specifically referred to the alleged irregularities in Karnataka's MUDA under Siddaramaiah. While the matter is currently in court, Prasad demanded transparency and accountability from Kharge and the Congress leadership.

"There are many suspicious things in the land given to Kharge sahib's family. The matter is in court and the court will decide. But Kharge is the National President of the Congress. He is also Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha. So, he and the Congress party will have to answer for this. Kharge and Rahul Gandhi ask a lot of questions to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Of course, it is their right to do so, but they must also respond with honesty and transparency to the allegations related to land allotment," he said.

Prasad added that wherever the Congress holds power, land-grabbing scandals seem to follow.

Prasad also criticised Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha, Rahul Gandhi's silence on issues in West Bengal and Tamil Nadu and called upon the Congress to clarify its position on the government's stance on terrorism, particularly in the context of Manipur.
Jakarta, Oct 1 : A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit Indonesia's Southeast Sulawesi province on Tuesday without generating giant waves, the country's meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency said.

The tremors struck at 4:28 p.m. local time with its epicentre 186 km southwest of Wakatobi regency at a depth of 631 km beneath the seabed, the agency reported.

No tsunami warning was issued as the earthquake was not expected to leave large waves.

No preliminary report of damages or casualties was received after the quake, Abdul Muhari, spokesman of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, told Xinhua news agency.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire and home to 127 active volcanoes, frequently experiences seismic activity due to its position within this earthquake-prone zone and volcanically active region.
Tirupati, Oct 1 : The Andhra Pradesh Police have temporarily stopped a probe by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) into the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddu, in view of the observations made by the Supreme Court, it was announced on Tuesday.

Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao said that the SIT will temporarily stall its probe as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.

"An order has come from the Supreme Court and in line with that, we have stopped the probe by SIT," the police chief told media persons.

The DGP said the SIT probe was halted till October 3 when the case will come up for further hearing in the Supreme Court. He said they would take further action with regard to the SIT probe as per the orders of the apex court.

The Supreme Court had orally asked SIT to "hold its hands" till October 3, the next day of the hearing.

The police chief said a complaint was received from Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) and considering the seriousness of the case, a SIT was constituted to probe it.

"When the case is in the purview of the apex court, it is not proper to further comment on this," he said when reporters asked more questions on the issue.

During the last three days, the SIT probed the procurement of ghee and sampling processes. The DGP said the SIT was trying to understand how it is possible to adulterate the laddus.

"They have to first study the process and gather information," he said.

The DGP said the TTD lodged a complaint with the police after an internal inquiry. He stated that the SIT probe was being conducted in a transparent manner.

The Supreme Court had said on Monday that there is currently nothing to show that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSRCP regime in Andhra Pradesh. It said Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu should have "kept the gods away from politics" before rushing in to make public statements based on unsure facts that lard was used to prepare the laddus in the previous regime.

Headed by the Inspector General of Police, Guntur Range, Sarvashresth Tripathi, the SIT conducted its probe for the last three days. On Monday, it inspected ghee tankers and the lab at the Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD). The SIT spoke to TTD officials concerned about the method they adopt to check the quality of the materials they procure. They enquired about the quality check procedure followed in respect of ghee.
On October 1, Mark Rutte officially took office as NATO Secretary General, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg. Rutte, who stepped down as Prime Minister of the Netherlands this year after a record 14 years at the helm of the government, is a strong supporter of Ukraine and its fight against Russian aggression.

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He has repeatedly expressed his support for military assistance to Ukraine and pushed European countries to strengthen their defense capabilities. OBOZ.UA tells you everything you need to know about the new head of the Alliance and his attitude towards Ukraine.

"On this historic day, we say goodbye to NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg and welcome the new Secretary General Mark Rutte," the NATO page on the social network X said.

It is known that the handover ceremony took place at NATO headquarters in Brussels, where Rutte addressed a meeting of the North Atlantic Council and addressed the Alliance staff. Afterward, he will give his first press conference as the new head of the organization.

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Ahead of his acceptance ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, Rutte said Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the Alliance's new head.

"Ukraine. We have to make sure that Ukraine survives as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," Rutte said.

Other priorities, he said, will be deterrence and defense of the Alliance.

"We have to spend more. We must increase our collective defense," Rutte emphasized.

He also noted that, like Stoltenberg, he would build NATO's alliances with partners around the world.

Mark Rutte's position on the war in Ukraine

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Mr. Rutte has been vocal in his support for Ukraine since the beginning of the Russian invasion. His commitment to supporting Ukraine's sovereignty and independence was reflected in numerous statements during his tenure as prime minister. He called for increased military aid to Ukraine, advocated for expanding sanctions against Russia, and strengthened the defense of NATO countries, especially those on the eastern flank of the Alliance.

One of Rutte's key tasks in his new position will be to continue the work of his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg, in rallying allies around support for Ukraine.

Rutte also urges European countries to focus on strengthening the continent's defense capabilities and not to panic over the possibility of Donald Trump's return to power in the United States. His main goal is for European countries to become more independent in security and defense matters.

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Another task of the new NATO Secretary General will include finding compromises among member states, which is a key element of the Alliance's work, where decisions are made by consensus. As an experienced politician who led coalition governments in the Netherlands for 14 years, Rutte is well suited to this diplomatic role.

Biography of Mark Rutte

Mark Rutte was born on February 14, 1967, in The Hague into a large family. He holds a master's degree in history from Leiden University and has been active in politics since his student days, leading the youth organization of the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy.

After graduation, he worked for Unilever but continued to be active in politics. In 2010, he became the Prime Minister of the Netherlands. His career has been marked not only by achievements in domestic politics but also by active participation in international affairs, in particular in European security and defense.

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Mark Rutte will become NATO's new Secretary General at a key moment when the Alliance is facing new challenges, including the war in Ukraine.

To recap: Rutte was elected as the next NATO Secretary General on June 26. He will officially take office on October 1, 2024.

As previously reported by OBOZ.UA, Mark Rutte has a clear and consistent policy towards Ukraine. The politician has been supporting our country since 2014.

Only verified information is available on the OBOZ.UA Telegram channel and Viber. Do not fall for fakes!
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Amid the heated campaigning ahead of the Haryana Assembly polls, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday lambasted the Congress for its politics of "false promises" and said that the party is day-dreaming of forming the next government in Haryana which will never succeed.

Addressing a poll rally in Haryana's Palwal district, PM Modi also showered praise on the hard work culture of the state.

"Haryana has taught us to work and do it hard. Congress' formula is - neither work nor let others work. Congress' politics is limited only to false promises, whereas BJP's politics is based on hard work and results," PM Modi said.

Making an appeal to Haryana residents to re-elect the BJP with a vast majority, the Prime Minister said: "Haryana has a track record that whichever government is in power at the Centre, the same government is formed in Haryana also."

PM Modi cited the example of Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan and said that Congress tried to woo the electorate with its fake promises in those states but was given a befitting reply by the people. He added the party would meet the same fate in Haryana.

Speaking about infighting within the Congress party, he said that their fracas is being watched by people including the Dalit community.

"The Dalit community has decided that they will not be fooled by father-son and party's dynastic politics and will vote on the basis of merit and for the one who works for their causes," he said, amid loud applause from the public.

PM Modi blamed the Congress party for keeping the citizens bereft of basic amenities despite being in power for about 60-70 years

"Even today, people do not have access to drinking water, pucca houses, sanitation and toilets," the Prime Minister remarked.

"The Congress objected and obstructed the construction of Ram Temple, it did not allow people of Jammu and Kashmir to have full constitutional rights," PM Modi said, and also slammed the party for its audacity and gumption to think of forming the government despite years of misgovernance.
Bhopal, Oct 1 : Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav said on Tuesday that the opposition MLAs will get full cooperation from the state government to develop their constituencies.

CM Yadav said this after a delegation of Congress MLAs led by Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the State Assembly Umang Singhar met him and sought his intervention on various issues.

"Congress MLAs came to meet me today and discussed various issues. In the meeting, the opposition assured to cooperate for the development of the state," CM Yadav said.

Chief Minister further stated that he has assured that his government will always be ready to support the MLAs for the development works.

CM Yadav said he would also welcome the opposition's suggestion for the growth of the state.

"I have asked all the MLAs of Madhya Pradesh Legislative Assembly to prepare a vision document for the development of five years in their respective constituencies and this applies to the Congress MLAs also. They will get full cooperation from the government for the development works," CM Yadav added.

CM Yadav had asked the legislatures of the MP Assembly (cutting across party lines) to prepare a vision document for the respective Assembly earlier in July.

CM Yadav had then suggested to the MLAs that the document should prioritise enhancing the quality of life for citizens by implementing reforms in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, sanitation, infrastructure, and more.

After the meeting concluded, Umang Singhar told media persons that the Congress delegation handed over a letter to CM Yadav mentioning various issues and sought his immediate attention.

"The deteriorating state's law and order situation was discussed prominently during the meeting. We have requested CM to take tough action against the police officials who fail to ensure a peaceful situation in their respective jurisdictions," Singhar said.

He said the Congress delegation raised the issue of growing crime against women, especially the incidents of rape of school girls.

"We have been told that due to back-to-back rape incidents against school girls, parents are in shock," Singhar added.
Thiruvananthapuram, Oct 1 : Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Tuesday expressed concern about the gold smuggling in the Malappuram district, saying that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan's statement is a 'serious issue'.

"The gold smuggling and seizure of Hawala money in the Malappuram district is a serious issue. I would like to know what has been done by the state government in stopping the smuggling in the district," the Governor told media persons.

Congress has also criticised the Chief Minister over the issue.

Notable, Left MLA P.V. Anvar has alleged that a gold smuggling gang has the blessings of Chief Minister's Political Secretary P. Sasi and ADGP (law and order) M.R. Ajith Kumar. "Both of them are very active in the gold smuggling and no action has been taken against both the officials," Anvar said.

Anvar also wrote a letter to CPI-M State Secretary M.V. Govindan highlighting the role of Sasi in indulging in "nefarious" activities.

Earlier, the Chief Minister, during an interview, allegedly said that 150 kg of gold and hawala money worth Rs 123 crore were seized by the police in the last five years from Malappuram district.

"This money is entering Kerala through anti-national activities," said the Chief Minister in the interview.

However, on Tuesday, the Chief Minister's Office also wrote to the news media outlet asking for clarification of the Chief Minister's comments regarding the gold smuggling in the Malappuram district.

The news media outlet in a rejoinder said that there was a PR agency who fixed the appointment with the Chief Minister and there were two people and one of them later had asked them to include this also.
Patna, Oct 1 : Union Minister and Lok Janshakti Party (Ram Vilas) chief Chirag Paswan visited the flood-affected Saharsa district in Bihar on Tuesday to assess the situation firsthand.

Paswan acknowledged that the flood situation in the district is alarming. He emphasised that providing relief to the flood-affected victims should be a top priority for the state government. He also distributed food packets and other relief items to the flood-affected people.

Paswan travelled by road to Saharsa and then took a boat to reach Navhatta block, one of the worst-hit areas.

While speaking to the media, he remarked that while floods are a recurring problem in North Bihar, especially in the Tirhut, Kosi and Seemanchal regions, the scale of devastation this year is unprecedented.

He stressed the need for long-term solutions to address such natural calamities, pointing to river-linking projects and the construction of high dams as potential strategies to mitigate future flood risks.

"I will bring these issues to the attention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Bihar Chief Minister Nitish Kumar, for permanent solutions to the region's persistent flood problems," Paswan said.

He stressed the importance of relief and rehabilitation efforts for the victims.

"Our immediate priority is to help displaced villagers return to their homes as quickly as possible. I have also instructed the local administration to ensure the provision of food through community kitchens and to supply fodder for cattle," he said.

Paswan also acknowledged complaints about irregularities in the distribution of essentials like food, tents, and other daily necessities, urging officials to address these grievances promptly.

He emphasised that both Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar are closely monitoring the flood situation, which has impacted 13 districts under the Champaran, Tirhut, Kosi and Seemanchal divisions.

The flood has been exacerbated by large volumes of water released from the Valmikinagar Gandak Barrage and Kosi Barrage over the past four days, leading to deluge in low-lying areas.

In addition to relief efforts, Paswan underscored the need for coordinated rescue operations, instructing disaster management teams, including the National Disaster Response Force (NDRF) and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF), to prioritise rescue missions.
Raipur, Oct 1 : As the Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM) completes its 10th anniversary on October 2, the transformation in people's lives in Chhattisgarh steered by the 'Swachhata Didis', is stealing the spotlight among many other success stories of the 'Clean India Mission'.

On October 2, 2014, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched the cleanliness drive, envisioning a nationwide movement to create a clean and hygienic India.

To mark the decade of ground-breaking initiative, a medical camp was organised in Chhattisgarh on Tuesday, which saw the participation of students and locals including the Swachhata Didis. All of them shared happiness over the drastic changes in their lives, brought by this campaign.

The event showcased the efforts of Swachhata Didis, women responsible for maintaining community cleanliness and spreading awareness about sanitation.

Krishna Aggarwal, one of the Swachhata Didis, spoke to IANS about people's changing preferences for a cleaner society.

"Now, people use dustbins, separating their waste into dry and wet categories. PM Modi, by personally participating in the campaign, inspired the public to keep their surroundings clean," she said.

Urvashi Vaishnav, another Swachhta Didi, emphasised the shift in behaviour towards cleanliness and sanitation, particularly the end of open defecation.

"Earlier, the lack of toilets forced people, especially women, to relieve themselves on the streets. Now, with toilets available in homes, this issue has been resolved, making our roads and villages cleaner," she added.

Another Swachchta Didi Uttara Todar told IANS, "Every household is now more serious about waste management, and PM Modi has been a driving force in taking this campaign to new heights," she stated.

Doctors participating in the medical camp also lauded the mission's success in reducing the spread of communicable diseases.

Dr Rupali Raut said that a significant drop was recorded in infections like dengue, malaria, and chikungunya due to improved hygiene and government initiatives like distributing mosquito repellents.

"The mobile medical units launched by the Chhattisgarh government have also been providing vital in-home services," she said.

Dr Akanksha Singh echoed these sentiments, adding that diseases like diarrhoea and skin infections have declined considerably since the Swachh Bharat Mission's launch.

"There has been a marked reduction in hygiene-related illnesses," she noted.

Students have also spotlighted the positive impact of the campaign on their lives.

Dhanashree Shahu said, "Students are falling sick less frequently, which means more of us attend school regularly."

Bharatiya Sona said, "Earlier, dirty toilets and menstrual taboos made it difficult for girls to attend school. Now, with clean toilets and access to sanitary pads, more girls are attending school, and overall hygiene has improved."

Pinky Geakwad said, "Earlier, there was a lot of dirt and stagnant water, which led to mosquito breeding and more illnesses. Now, this has stopped to a large extent, and diseases are spreading less."

Notably, the Swachh Bharat Mission has had a lasting impact on communities, not just in Chhattisgarh but across the country, improving the indexes of public health, hygiene and sanitation in the last decade.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Hailing the Union Health Ministry's draft Bill on passive euthanasia, experts on Tuesday called it a "progressive step".

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) Hailing the Union Health Ministry's draft Bill on passive euthanasia, experts on Tuesday called it a "progressive step".

The recent 'Draft Guidelines' call on doctors to take a "considered decision" on withdrawal of life support in terminally-ill patients.

Euthanasia is the practice of intentionally ending life.

It is of two types: Active and passive. Active euthanasia occurs when medical professionals, or another person, deliberately do something that causes the patient to die.

On the other hand, in passive euthanasia, a patient is intentionally left to die by not providing a life support system.

As per the ministry, passive euthanasia can be considered "in a patient's best interests, to stop or discontinue ongoing life support in a terminally-ill disease that is no longer likely to benefit the patient or is likely to harm in terms of causing suffering and loss of dignity".

Dr. Harshal R Salve, Additional Professor, Centre for Community Medicine at AIIMS, New Delhi, told IANS, "This is a very welcome and progressive step by the health ministry."

"This will go a long way in ensuring the welfare of family members, and attendants as well as the peace of the patient. It will also reduce out-of-pocket expenditure and reduce the strain on the already stressed health care set up in India," he added.

The guidelines also lay out conditions such as if the individual has been declared brainstem dead, or if there is a medical prognostication and considered opinion that the patient's disease condition is advanced and not likely to benefit from aggressive therapeutic interventions.

Patient/surrogate-documented informed refusal, following prognostic awareness, continuing life support, and compliance with procedure prescribed by the Supreme Court are also to be considered.

The new draft norms, meanwhile, also include guidelines for patients with severe, devastating traumatic brain injury, who show no recovery post 72 hours or more.

Dr Rajat Agrawal, Director and Head, Critical Care, Fortis Escorts Heart Institute, Okhla said passive euthanasia is needed because the patient's autonomy is paramount.

"It reduces suffering and pain of the patient and the family. Prolongation of life on artificial life support systems reduces the dignity of the individual with increased burden on society and stretched out healthcare systems," Agrawal said.

However, some experts raised concerns about the role of physicians in it.

Passive euthanasia is withholding or withdrawing life-sustaining medical treatments, allowing patients to die naturally.

According to some experts, it can overburden physicians and also put them at risk of litigation by the family later.

Meanwhile, Agrawal noted that the provision "has the potential to be misused for vulnerable patients".

"A section of the medical fraternity may also feel that it goes against the First Principle of Medicine: Do no harm," the doctor said.

However, to make it successful in the Indian context, "it should be well-etched in the framework of the Indian Constitution," the expert suggested.

Clear communication with the patient and family is of vital importance.

He also urged the need to boost the support systems for palliative care.
Colombo, Oct 1 : Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has allocated $16.6 million to fund the parliamentary election scheduled for November 14, said a spokesperson on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing following the first cabinet meeting chaired by Dissanayake, cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath noted that a total of $36.6 million was required to conduct the parliamentary election, Xinhua news agency reported.

Herath said that the 2024 budget only allocated funds for the presidential election held on September 21, leaving no provisions for the upcoming parliamentary election.

However, under presidential authority, Dissanayake has allocated 5 billion rupees to cover part of the election expenses, with the remaining 6 billion rupees to be settled in 2025 through a vote on account, which will be submitted to parliament as part of the 2025 budget.

The cabinet of ministers has approved this plan to secure funding for the election, according to Herath.

After being elected as the country's President, Dissanayake dissolved the parliament through an extraordinary gazette notification last week.

The gazette has fixed the parliamentary election for November 14 and the new parliament will meet for the first time on November 21.
Ulaanbaatar, Oct 1 : The autumn session of Mongolia's State Great Khural, the nation's parliament, commenced in the capital Ulaanbaatar on Tuesday.

It marks the first autumn session for the current 126-seat unicameral parliament, which was established following the regular parliamentary elections held in June, Xinhua news agency reported.

"During the session, our focus will be on ensuring economic stability, improving the legal framework of investment, increasing foreign investment, diversifying the economy away from a reliance on a single sector (mining), supporting domestic entrepreneurs, and implementing legal reforms to reduce government intervention in the economy," parliament speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan said in his opening remarks.

The ruling Mongolian People's Party secured a narrow victory in the parliamentary elections on June 28, winning 68 of the 126 seats. The Democratic Party obtained 42 seats, the Hun Party secured eight seats, and the Civil Will-Green Party and the National Coalition each secured four seats.

In May 2023, the State Great Khural passed amendments to increase the number of legislators from 76 to 126.
Kabul, Oct 1 : Afghan power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, has inked three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with domestic companies to produce 240 megawatts of electricity, the company said in a statement.

The MoUs were signed at a ceremony in the capital Kabul, attended by acting Deputy Prime Minister for Political Affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, government officials, and representatives of private companies, the statement said, Xinhua news agency reported.

Based on the signed MoUs, two companies will produce 100 megawatts of solar energy electricity each and one will produce 40 megawatts of electricity from coal in the capital, it said.

Afghanistan has been facing a power shortage. It imports most of its electricity from neighbouring countries including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran.
Chennai, Oct 1 : Following a Madras High Court order asking the Tamil Nadu government and Coimbatore rural police to conduct an enquiry into various allegations against the Isha Foundation, a police team conducted a probe on Tuesday.

It may be recalled that the Madras High Court had directed the state government and Coimbatore rural police to conduct an inquiry on a plea filed by a retired Professor of Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore, Professor S. Kamaraj.

The court had also directed the Additional Public Prosecutor, E. Raj Thilak, to file a status report by October 4 listing out all the cases related to the Isha foundation.

The order came after Professor S. Kamaraj moved a habeas corpus petition in the Madras High Court stating that his two daughters were being kept forcefully at the Isha foundation and that he wanted the intervention of the court to bring them back home.

He had also prayed before the court that he had received a telephone call from his elder daughter stating that his younger daughter had said that she would fast unto death if their father stops his legal action against Isha Foundation.

The retired professor told the court that he feared for the lives of his daughters and requested the court to intervene in bringing his daughters back home.

Justice S.M. Subramaniam and Justice V. Sivagnanam of the Madras High Court had while hearing the case interacted with the daughters of the petitioner and decided to probe the case further.

Justice Subramaniam said that the court, exercising the writ jurisdiction under Article 226 of the Constitution was expected to do complete justice and that it was necessary to get to the bottom of the case.

The court was responding to the argument by the petitioneras lawyer, M. Purushothaman that there were multiple cases involving Isha Foundation and that a doctor who was serving in the foundation was booked under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses (POCSO) Act.

In response to the courtas order, on Tuesday, a team of sleuths from the Coimbatore police led by District Superintendent of Police K. Karthikeyan conducted an enquiry at the Isha foundation of Sadguru Jaggi Vasudev.

Police sources in Coimbatore told IANS that other than the SP, the team includes the District Social Welfare Officer, R. Ambika and other senior officials.

The investigation is underway at the foundation and its premises.

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Mexico celebrated a historic day on Tuesday, as Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo was officially sworn in as the first female president of Mexico. After 200 years and 65 male leaders, Sheinbaum has become the first woman to take office in the country.

Sheinbaum, 62, won the Mexican elections on June 2, and on Tuesday officially received the presidential sash. Tuesdays ceremony was more than just an inauguration, it was a historic event, held seven decades after women in Mexico won the right to vote and to run for office. In her address, Sheinbaum focused on womens rights, as the crowd cheered presidenta  the feminine form of the word president in Spanish.

Sheinbaum paid tribute to the anonymous women who fought for their dreams and achieved them, and to those who did not achieve them, to those who had to keep quiet and shout alone, to the Indigenous women, the domestic workers who leave their villages to support us all, to the great-grandmothers who did not learn to read and write because that was not for girls, to the mothers who first gave us life and then everything else, the sisters, the aunts, the beautiful daughters. I am not alone, we are all here.

She concluded: I am a mother, grandmother, scientist and woman of faith, and as of today, by the will of the people, the constitutional president of the United Mexican States. I will not let you down.

The ceremony was loaded with symbolism, with women dominating the stage. Ifigenia Martinez, 94,  one of the great icons of the Mexican left and a fierce advocate for womens freedoms and rights  was in charge of placing the presidential sash on Sheinbaum.

The presidents speech was more political than institutional. She began by praising the work of her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, who she described as the best president in contemporary history and compared to General Lazaro Cardenas, one of Mexicos best-loved heroes.

Her next words were for Mexicos Indigenous peoples, with the president reflecting on the greatness of the civilizations that existed before the Spanish invaded. She then reviewed her governments program, from the price of gasoline to the minimum wage, a speech that varied little from her election campaign speeches and the addresses she has given since being elected.

Sheinbaum  who is from the leftist party Morena, founded by Lopez Obrador  promised to continue her predecessors legacy, with some key changes. With advanced degrees in Physics and Environmental Engineering, the president was part of the intergovernmental panel against climate change that won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007.

Sheinbaum  the daughter of Europeans of Jewish origin, who were also scientists and academics  has a lot of experience behind her: she got her start in politics as a member of the student movement of the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM) that opposed the privatization of public education.

With the exception of the conservative National Action Party (PAN) administrations, she is the first person to come to power without ever having had any relationship with the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), which governed Mexico for decades. Quite the opposite, it was against the PRI, which now has nearly no power, that she fought her first political battles.

Representatives from 105 countries and 23 international organizations attended Sheinbaums inauguration. Noticeably absent, however, was Spain, which boycotted the ceremony after Sheinbaum refused to invite Spains King Felipe over his refusal to answer Lopez Obradors 2019 letter requesting an apology for the Spanish conquest of the Americas.

Claudia Sheinbaum receives the presidential sash from Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, accompanied by Ifigenia Martinez. Hector Guerrero

The crowds of supporters were so large that it was difficult for the car carrying Sheinbaum and her husband, Jesus Maria Tarriba, to reach Congress for the ceremony. Lopez Obrador, who left the seat of government, the National Palace, for good on Monday, encountered similar problems as he was driven to Congress to hand over the presidential sash. He received the warmest farewell of a president in decades. Farewell brother, friend, companion, said Sheinbaum, calling the former president the most beloved politician.

In the Zocalo, the central square in Mexico City, there was singing, dancing and women playing mariachi music. Even today, it is not common for women to be mariachis. At the inauguration, Sheinbaum, like Lopez Obrador before her, was welcomed by many of Mexicos Indigenous people. But in this case, they were also many Indigenous women. In some remote mountain villages, the community punishes mayors for poor performances by parading them in womens clothing through the streets. Mexico is a very sexist country, but on October 1, it inaugurated its first female president. And the celebrations lasted for hours.

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New Delhi, Oct 1 : Senior Janata Dal-United leader K.C. Tyagi on Tuesday supported the Centre's move to detain environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters, saying that it would be illegal for any organisation or person to protest or gather at Rajghat ahead of Gandhi Jayanti.

The detention has received criticism from the Congress and AAP.

Wangchuk, along with his supporters was detained at Delhi's Singhu border while marching to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi. The activist and over 100 people from Ladakh were headed to the national capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory.

Talking to IANS, Tyagi said, "Gandhi Jayanti is on October 2. On that day, President Droupadi Murmu, Prime Minister Narendra Modi and politicians from various parties will come to pay tribute to Gandhi. In such a situation, it would be illegal for any organisation or person to protest or gather there."

Tyagi asserted that for the above reason, the Central government has stopped Wangchuk and his supporters.

Meanwhile, several opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge and AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal strongly criticised the BJP government for detaining the environmentalist.

Kharge also described the action against Wangchuk as "cowardly" and "undemocratic".

"The arrogance of the Modi Govt consumed in power has detained a group of citizens from Ladakh peacefully marching to Delhi. This is nothing but a cowardly action and is deeply undemocratic in nature. In Ladakh, there is a growing wave of public support, with widespread calls for safeguarding tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Instead, the Modi Govt wants to exploit the ecologically sensitive Himalayan glaciers of Ladakh to benefit its crony friends. This incident tells us that the fight against Modi Govtas brazen despotism is far from over," Kharge said on X.

Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav also criticised the BJP on X and said that the BJP would not gain anything from it.

"Those who are afraid of peace are scared from within. The BJP government cannot achieve anything by obstructing the peaceful Delhi visit of environmentalist and Ladakh well-wisher Sonam Wangchuk. If the Centre does not listen to the voice of the border, it will be called political deafness," Yadav stated.

Kejriwal shared Wangchuk's video on X saying: "Sometimes they stop farmers from coming to Delhi, sometimes they stop people from Ladakh. Is Delhi the property of one person? Delhi is the country's capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is completely wrong. Why are they afraid of unarmed peaceful people."
Mumbai, Oct 1 : The Bombay High Court upheld the death penalty awarded to a Kolhapur man who brutally killed his mother and then ate her organs, in a diabolic crime that came to light in 2017, here on Tuesday.

Terming it a 'rarest of rare case', a division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan pronounced their ruling before the open court where the convict-appellant Sunil Kuchkoravi was produced in a video conference.

"This is a rarest of rare cases wherein the appellant (Kuchkoravi) not only killed his mother but removed her organs like heart, brain, etc and was about to cook the same on a stove. This is cannibalism. Thus, we have upheld your death sentence, as awarded to you by the Sessions Court," the court said, confirming the verdict of the lower court.

Enraged after being denied money to buy liquor, Kuchkoravi had murdered his 63-year-old mother, Yellama R. Kuchkorav on August 28, 2017, and was planning to indulge in more brutality on her body when a kid from the neighbourhood saw him standing near her bloodied body.

He was covered with bloodstains, and the neighbours immediately informed the Kolhapur Police which came and arrested him, though by then, he had allegedly consumed some of the cooked body parts, even as the case created a huge media sensation at that time.

After the trial, a Sessions Court in July 2021 found Kuchkoravi guilty of the heinous crimes, convicted and sentenced him to death while noting that "the incident has shaken the collective conscience of the society", and the gory case symbolised extreme brutality and shamelessness.

At the time of his arrest, Kuchkoravi had already extracted his mother's heart, brain, liver, kidneys and intestines and was cooking them in a vessel, and he had already cooked her ribs, on which the court observed: "This is a case of cannibalism".

The high court also expressed concerns, that considering his 'cannibalism' tendencies, if the convict was given life imprisonment, he might attempt to commit a similar crime in jail.

Lodged in the Yerwada Central Jail in Pune, Kuchkoravi had challenged the Kolhapur Sessions Court verdict awarding him the death penalty, which was ratified by the Bombay High Court on Tuesday.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : BJP national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi on Tuesday said that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal's proposed 'Janata Ki Adalat' is an eyewash, claiming that it was another attempt by his party to "mislead" and "befool" the people of Delhi.

New Delhi, Oct 1 (IANS) BJP national spokesperson Shazia Ilmi on Tuesday said that former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwalas proposed 'Janata Ki Adalat' is an eyewash, claiming that it was another attempt by his party to "mislead" and "befool" the people of Delhi.

AAP national convenor Arvind Kejriwal recently announced that the 'Janata Ki Adalat' program will be organised at Chhatrasal Stadium on October 6, giving a platform to people to voice their concerns and grievances directly before the city government.

In an exclusive interview with IANS, Ilmi spoke on a range of topics, right from Kejriwal's tweet saying that even the BJP is not safe in Delhi to Peoplesa Democratic Party (PDP) leader Iltija Mufti calling Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah 'martyr.'

Here are excerpts from the interview:

IANS: Arvind Kejriwal will hold the 'Janata Ki Adalat' program once again on October 6 at Chhatrasal Stadium. What do you want to say about this?

Ilmi: The movement led by social activist Anna Hazare in Chhatrasal saw a remarkable gathering of people united for a corruption-free India. Now, however, we witness Kejriwal and other AAP leaders, who are out on bail facing serious corruption charges, returning to Chhatrasal to hold public meetings. Their aim seems to be self-preservation rather than genuine reform. They are aware that while the public votes, the ultimate decision of guilt or innocence rests with the courts. Itas disheartening to see them attempt to mislead the people of Delhi again. What do they truly think of us, are Delhi people 'fools.'

IANS: Arvind Kejriwal posted on 'X' saying that even BJP leaders are not safe in Delhi. I am worried about the deteriorating law and order situation in the capital. How do you view it?

Ilmi: If Arvind Kejriwal was aware that Delhi is a union territory and not a full state, along with the roles of the Lieutenant Governor (L-G) and Chief Minister, then why does he keep bringing these types of issues up? He previously called for Delhi to be granted full state status, but he must have realised that this is constitutionally unfeasible. With the Supreme Court, an embassy, and a diplomatic mission in place, it simply isnat possible. Kejriwal has consistently had issues with the appointments made by the Lieutenant Governor, yet he now blames the L-G for matters that fall under his own responsibility. As the head of the government, he should be accountable. Why Kejriwal is in the government if he is unable to handle the situation then he should resign.

IANS: How do you see that the Delhi government has started the Harit Kalash Yatra from Tuesday to reduce pollution?

Ilmi: The Supreme Court has reprimanded the Delhi government, prompting Kejriwal to put on a show. This is the same Kejriwal who claimed that the Punjab government was under Congress's Captain Amarinder Singh, deflecting blame rather than taking responsibility. The Supreme Court has formally questioned him about his plans to address pollution, which surged to over 174 last week after being below 50 previously. While recent rain may have temporarily eased the situation, the Supreme Court's warning remains clear. Now, Kejriwal seems to be resorting to theatrics, like parading around with green urns. Itas unclear how long this charade will continue before people see through the facade.

IANS: Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti, made a controversial remark by comparing the situation in Kashmir to that of Gaza and Lebanon. She also expressed her sadness at the death of Hassan Nasrallah and praised the Hezbollah chief. Your comments?

Ilmi: Iltija Mufti, daughter of Mehbooba Mufti, has made some very unfortunate remarks by comparing Kashmir to Gaza. This is deeply regrettable. Is she trying to internationalise the Kashmir issue? Who has been attempting to turn Kashmir into Gaza? Itas her own party that has consistently supported stone pelters and contributed to this narrative. This is a sensitive time, especially with elections underway. What are these politicians trying to achieve? Everyone is entitled to their opinion, but making such statements during the final phase of voting, especially when figures like Nasrallah are mentioned, is clearly an attempt at vote bank politics.

IANS: How do you view the developments as the Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife offers to surrender 14 plots amid the money laundering probe?

Ilmi: What kind of offer is being made now? They previously wouldnat even entertain this notion. This government has consistently spoken out against corruption, yet its leader and his entire family are deeply implicated in it. Now that theyare cornered and facing overwhelming evidence, theyare suddenly making these offers. The Chief Ministeras wife claims there was no personal motive, so what was the motive? The corruption case involving MUDA clearly demonstrates that corruption is synonymous with Congress, reinforcing this truth once again.
Lucknow, Oct 1 : The increasing number of suicides, especially among women, is becoming a significant social issue. Modern life, with its relentless pressure, is driving more individuals to the brink, with causes ranging from family discord to business stress and work pressure. Recent incidents in Uttar Pradesh highlight the gravity of this trend.

On September 22, a woman consumed poison in Prayagraj. She was admitted to a private hospital but could not survive. Her daughter and son had also taken their lives a few days ago.

Earlier on August 12, a married woman ended her life by hanging herself in Aligarh. The family alleged that she was not allowed to make reels for Instagram and she was also harassed for dowry.

Similarly, on September 4, three women in separate incidents died by suicide for three different reasons in Meerut.

In Lucknow, a senior HDFC Bank officer died on September 24 under mysterious circumstances, sparking further concern.

Besides Uttar Pradesh, in a recent incident in Pune, the death of a 26-year-old employee of Ernst & Young (EY), allegedly due to work pressure, caught nation's attention sparking outrage.

Statistics from the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) reveal a stark increase in suicides. In 2022, there were 2,244 more suicides than in 2021, representing a 37.8 per cent increase. The total number of cases rose from 5,932 in 2021 to 8,176 in 2022, with a significant rise in female suicides.

Experts emphasize that this alarming trend is deeply rooted in societal and psychological issues.

Professor Archana Shukla from Lucknow University believes that a lack of real emotional connections is contributing to the rise in suicides. She suggests that the pressure to maintain a 'Facebook life', along with a growing inability to differentiate between online persona and real-life struggles, is pushing individuals towards despair.

"People today are constantly in a rush. While the ways we communicate have multiplied, human connections have suffered. Facebook and social media don't reflect real life, and it's important to recognize this. Tragically, people have even lost their lives over something as trivial as a selfie," she said.

She said the pressure of life, pressure from parents, of business, of work, is taking a heavy toll on human life.

"It's time to prioritize relationships. Take time for yourself, read good books, and remember that nothing in life is permanent, not even your problems. Women, in particular, are often more emotional and tend to rely on men for financial stability. It's crucial for women to start valuing themselves more," she said.

Clinical psychologist Dr Ashutosh Srivastava explains that societal focus on success, and an inability to cope with failure, is a major factor that drives young ones to commit suicide. Women tend to attempt suicide more frequently, but men often resort to more lethal methods.

Dr Srivastava stresses the importance of mental health awareness, particularly regarding the workplace pressures and stress that can lead to burnout, which is often a precursor to suicidal behaviour.

KGMU professor Dr Adarsh Tripathi says that there is a limit to bear stress.

"Most of us spend the majority of our time at work. Work is not just about earning money; it defines our identity and self-worth. Long working hours, lack of sleep, and a shrinking social circle take a toll. People start believing they can't do anything outside of their job, which leads to burnout. In extreme cases, the emotional burden can push them toward drastic decisions," said Tripathi.
Islamabad, Oct 1 : Multiple cases of gang rape of teenage girls and boys are being reported from different parts of Pakistan, involving not just miscreants but also police officers who have been found guilty of gang-raping, raping and sexually assaulting minors.

In the latest horrific case, a police officer, along with his friend, gang-raped a teenage student who had gone to the police station to plead early release of her father.

The tragic incident occurred in Punjab province's Kot Momin city, where local police officers had arrested the father of a minor in a fake case. The police officer advised the teenager, studying in Class 10, to come to the Kot Momin police station and prove her father's innocence.

As per details in the First Investigation Report (FIR), the girl said that she was kidnapped in a car by the Assistant Sub-Inspector (ASI) along with his friend while on her way to the police station. She was taken to a house in Nazimabad area of Kot Momin city and gang-raped at gunpoint.

Later, as her medical condition became worse, the girl was dumped in front of her aunt's house at 2 am.

She also alleged that after the entire episode was highlighted by the local media leading to the arrest of the two suspects, the local police is now threatening her father to withdraw it or else face consequences, including the possibility of a fake case registered against the family.

Involvement of police officials in rape and gang rape incidents is not new in Pakistan.

Recently, a police officer of the Islamabad Capital Territory (ICT) Police was arrested for sexually abusing and raping a minor boy, who was in his custody in another fake case.

The shocking incidents, often also involving brutal violence, continue to grab headlines.

Last week, in a gory reminder of horrendous Lahore motorway incident of 2020, a teenage girl was gang-raped in front of her family by roadside robbers near the famous Pakpattan city of Punjab province.

The incident occurred near village Malik Rahmoo in the Pakpattan district - an area more famous for its historic Sufi Islamic shrines.

The incident took place when a resident of Bahawalnagar was returning home along with his wife, a son and a minor daughter, a sister and a 17-year-old niece.

Post midnight, their car was intercepted by four armed suspects who first robbed all passengers and then off-loaded women. The teenage girl was then taken to the roadside maize fields and gang-raped as the family was held hostage.

The entire incident lasted more than 50 minutes, including at least 30 minutes of brutal torture and gang rape.

It reminded many of the 2020 motorway gang rape incident, when a French woman, whose car had run out of petrol near Lahore, was robbed and then gang raped by two men in front of her children.

The tragic and traumatising incidents continue to tarnish the image of Pakistan.

Incidentally, Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif, daughter of former Premier Nawaz Sharif, is often seen advocating women's education and empowerment during her public speeches.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) supremo Mayawati, a political heavyweight and a formidable player in Uttar Pradesh politics till a decade ago, is facing an existential crisis on the back of the party's worst-ever performance in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections and also consistent decline in the Hindi heartland.

Today, the Dalit-centric party faces an uphill task of not just regaining its lost clout and foothold in Uttar Pradesh but also saving itself from the ignominy of losing its national party status.

The party which once commanded 15-20 per cent vote share in Uttar Pradesh saw a drastic drop of about 10 per cent in both 2024 LS polls and 2022 Assembly elections. Today, the party doesnat have a single MP in Lok Sabha and has a lone MLA in the UP Assembly.

As the BSP supremo looks to revive the party's sagging fortunes, the meteoric rise of her nephew Akash Anand, since his political debut in 2017 holds much significance. Barring a few setbacks including his sacking as national coordinator during the 2024 General Elections, he has carved himself a place in the party as Mayawatias asolea political heir.

Besides being the nephew of the BSP chief, the 29-year-old leader is seen by the people and the political watchers as the frontrunner for the partyas Chief Ministerial candidate in the 2027 UP Assembly polls.

Many recent developments show his rising stature in the party and also earning the de-facto successor tag of Mayawati, especially at a time when the party battles against the odds and strives for survival. Akash Anand was sacked in May and reinstated as BSP national coordinator in June this year, with the BSP supremo also urging party leaders to agive him more respect than earliera.

His fiery and vitriolic campaign against the ruling party in 2024 was seen as the reason behind his amomentarya shunting but today, he is back at the helm as the partyas most bankable and vocal leader and star campaigner during elections, after Mayawati. He has been spearheading the partyas campaign, countering the political rivals and also occupying enough media space with his exploits.

Party insiders say that Akash Anandas close coordination with senior leaders including Kanshi Ramas associates as well as young Turks alike, has helped him garner goodwill within the party. He has infused fresh energy into the partyas rank and cadre and his apositive politicsa on issues of Dalits and marginalised classes has only gone to strike the right chord with the masses.

As the BSP faces a tough challenge from the Bhim Army and its chief Chandrashekhar Azad in seizing the Dalit vote bank nationwide, the vigour and vitality of young Akash Anand becomes all the more important. Chandrashekhar Azadas rising clout in Uttar Pradesh, as he won the Nagina Lok Sabha seat in 2024 polls, will only call for greater consolidation of BSPas support base under Akash Anand.

The signals emanating from BSP brass also shed light on Anandas towering stature within the party.

In Uttarakhand Assembly by-polls, Akash Anand was one of the partyas star campaigners. For the upcoming UP by-polls, slated towards the end of the year, the party has expressed its willingness to contest on all 10 seats. This assumes importance in light of the fact that the BSP has, conventionally never given weightage to by-elections, to date.

In the ongoing Haryana Assembly elections, Mayawatias nephew is leading from the front. He has hit the hustings and is holding a series of poll rallies to enthuse the party workers. He is personally meeting and greeting party leaders and workers and seeking to garner a moderate share of votes by striking a deal with the Jannayak Janta Party (JJP), led by former Haryana Deputy CM Dushyant Chautala.

On the ground, he is working to increase the appeal of BSP leaders for better resonance with the voters. Given that he commands the confidence and trust of the BSP supremo, he also has the wherewithal to bring out desired changes in the party.

Besides elections, previous instances at the party organisation level also hinted at his likely bigger role soon.

Having debuted in politics in 2017, Akash Anand has often accompanied Mayawati on most important occasions. He shared the stage with Mayawati in a 2019 joint press conference, which she addressed with bAte noire SP president Akhilesh Yadav to announce their pre-poll alliance for the 2019 LS polls.

He was featured among the partyas star campaigners along with Mayawati and party general secretary Satish Chandra Mishra in that election. In the past few years, his involvement in deliberating the party's strategy has only increased.

Moreover, the exit of the partyas stalwarts including Swamy Prasad Maurya and Naseemuddin Siddiqui in subsequent years only worked to his advantage.

Akash Anand has been shaping the BSPas narrative and discourse even as the party rolls up its sleeves for a better show and numbers in upcoming Assembly elections. In the recently held LS polls, the party registered an incremental vote share of 1 per cent in Madhya Pradesh, which boosted its morale and harmed Congress electoral outcome in the state.

Political watchers donat rule out Anandas elevation and projection as the partyas Chief Ministerial candidate in the next UP Assembly elections. Obviously, this will require a green signal from the party supremo.

BSP leaders see the Chandra Shekhar factor as amomentarya and claim that Mayawati is too big a political figure to get swayed away by this. They believe that the party has a vast base of leaders who could catapult its fortunes again. Akash Akand, emerging as a key afuture leadera is expected to bind the BSP cadres together and give a direct challenge to rivals including the BJP and Samajwadi Party (SP).

Anand may be lacking in stature, oratory skills, political acumen and skills as that of BSP supremo but he is ready to take on the mantle. His sacking and return to the helm of the party in just two months is a testament to his emergence as an indispensable figure in the party.
Tirupati, Oct 1 : Andhra Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday evening began his journey to Tirumala temple on foot. After performing puja at Alipiri Padala Mandapam, he began his journey to the famous hill shrine.

He will end his 11-day 'Praschit Deeksha' (penance) for alleged adulteration of animal fat in Tirupati laddu after darshan at Sri Venkateswara temple, also known as Balaji temple, on Wednesday.

A large number of leaders and workers of Jana Sena and its allies Telugu Desam Party (TDP) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) reached Alipiri to welcome the actor-politician.

The Jana Sena chief began his foot march amid tight security by the police and Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

After darshan, Pawan Kalyan will also visit Anna Prasadam centre, where devotees are offered free meals.

Pawan Kalyan began the 'Deeksha' at the Sri Dasavatara Venkateswara Swamy temple in Nambur, Guntur district on September 22 after performing puja and rituals conducted by the priests.

The actor-politician said after the Deeksha, he would seek the blessings of Lord Sri Venkateswara Swamy in Tirumala to pray to God to give him the strength to cleanse the sins committed by past rulers.

The Deputy Chief Minister said he was personally pained over the use of ghee adulterated with fish oil and animal fat for Laddu Prasdam and hence he undertook the 'Praschit Deekhsha'.

Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu had claimed on September 18 that ghee adulterated with animal fat was used in making laddu prasadam during the YSR Congress party regime.

The state government also constituted a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the allegations.

However, on Tuesday, Director General of Police Dwaraka Tirumala Rao announced that SIT was temporarily suspending its probe following the Supreme Court order.

The Supreme Court had said on Monday that there is currently nothing to show that animal fat was used in the preparation of Tirupati laddus during the previous YSR Congress regime led by (former Chief Minister) Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy.

It verbally asked SIT to "hold its hands" till October 3, the next day of the hearing.

The apex court said Chief Minister Chandrababu Naidu should have 'kept the gods away from politics' before rushing in to make public statements based on unsure facts that lard was used to prepare the laddus in the previous regime.

Headed by Guntur range Inspector General of Police (IG) Sarvashresth Tripathi, the SIT conducted probe for last three days. On Monday, it inspected ghee tankers and the lab at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD).

The SIT spoke to TTD officials concerned about the method they adopt to check the quality of the materials they procure. They enquired about the quality check procedure followed in respect of ghee.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday expressed confidence that the Mahayuti (grand alliance) comprising the BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP will come back to power after the forthcoming Assembly elections in Maharashtra.

However, he gave an ambitious target to the BJP workers to muster a grand victory for the party in the 2029 Assembly elections and form a solo BJP government in Maharashtra.

In his address at the interactive meeting with party functionaries at Dadar in north central Mumbai, HM Shah said, "That the Mahayuti government is retaining power in the state is quite certain. Only governments that do good work win elections. We have formed the third government in a row at the Centre. No party has the strength to stop the Mahayuti from coming back to power again in the state."

HM Shah asked the party functionaries not to think of pre-poll surveys. His message to the party workers was to step up outreach with voters and increase booth-wise voting percentage for the victory of Mahayuti in the state.

"As there is a government, there will be resentment against it. Try to remove the resentment against the Corporators, Legislators and MPs. We need ten workers at each booth. From Dussehra till the end of the campaign, these activists will continue to move in their given booths.

"Get like-minded voters to vote. Make at least 20 people BJP members at each booth. Do not ask for votes while making them party members. After becoming a member, they will automatically understand the importance of voting," said HM Shah.

He asked the BJP workers to implement the election plan that the Maharashtra BJP will come up with.

"Deliver that plan at Mandal and Ward level. Victory will be yours," he claimed.

"For the first time in the history of the last 60 years, Prime Minister Narendra Modi set the record of forming the government for the third time in a row. Maharashtra Assembly election is an election that will change the state and direction of the country and it will be won by the Mahayuti," he said.

He further asked the party workers to increase voting by 10 per cent.

"I rose from an activist to the post of National President. So I am very happy when I interact with workers. Some elections determine the direction of politics in this country. Speaking from my experience, the election of Maharashtra will change the direction and condition of the country's politics. No political party has won three times in a row in the past," said HM Shah.

He said that the BJP was not in power to merely rule but to work on ideology, adding that the party came to power to construct the Ram temple and scrap Article 370.

"After winning the election in Maharashtra, the Uniform Civil Code will be implemented in the country. No one can stop us from bringing the Uniform Civil Code if we come to power in Maharashtra," HM Shah added.

He told party workers that Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis was quite capable of solving the problems in Maharashtra.

"Terrorism and Naxalism were eliminated in the last ten years after the BJP came to power. Due to the leadership of PM Modi, the prestige of Indians in the world has increased," he opined.

"Despite the BJP winning only two seats in the Lok Sabha, not a single worker had left the party. This is our history. The activists of the 1980s knew that they were going to lose the elections but they did not care. We have come to build a great India in politics, not for Prime Minister or any other post. Governments come and go. Parties leave policies and ideas. Our government lasted for ten years. But we have not given up thoughts or policies", claimed HM Shah.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Gobar gas, also referred to as Biogas, has turned out to be the mainstay of local women in Bataspur village of Bodh Gaya in Bihar. The cleaner and greener fuel is benefitting hundreds of women in leading a healthier and happier life.

This initiative is helping villagers save time and reduce costs while promoting healthy living conditions, with many expressing their happiness and gratitude to the government for bringing positive changes to their lives.

The biogas generation from cow dung and organic waste is part of the Centre's GOBARdhan Scheme, an eco-friendly initiative that seeks to transform the daily lives of villagers.

The program is implemented through the Bihar Rural Livelihoods Promotion Society (BRLPS) along with Bihar Rural Livelihoods Project (BRLP), locally known as JEEViKA.

Chanchala Kumari, a JEEViKA Didi, sharing her experience, stated: "I have been involved with JEEViKA for a long time. Through it, we are connected to the GOBARdhan Scheme, where I am actively participating. The program is making a difference, especially for women, by providing them with biogas in exchange for cow dung. Earlier, women endured smoke from traditional stoves, and cow dung was often wasted. Now, with biogas, they cook faster, more comfortably and healthily."

Lalita Devi, another JEEViKA Didi, added: "This scheme started three years ago, and we have been running this campaign for the past two months. Our goal is to expand the number of connections as much as possible. I am thankful to the Government of India for this initiative."

Many other villagers also expressed satisfaction with the scheme.

Anita Devi, a rural woman, said: "I use both GOBARdhan gas and LPG cylinders. The biogas is more cost-effective compared to the regular LPG."

Another villager, Anju Devi, said: "GOBARdhan gas is cheaper than LPG, cooks food faster, and has health benefits. It costs around Rs 700, and I learned about it at a village meeting. It provides a better flame, making it more efficient than ordinary LPG."

Notably, the GOBARdhan scheme is making a defining impact in rural areas including Bihar's Bataspur region and improving not only economic conditions but also promoting healthier and more sustainable ways of living.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Acting swiftly on the recommendations made by the CJI D.Y. Chandrachud-headed Supreme Court Collegium, the Centre on Tuesday cleared the appointment of two judicial officers as judges of the Patna High Court.

A notification by the Union Ministry of Law and Justice said that Shashi Bhushan Prasad Singh and Ashok Kumar Pandey have been appointed as Patna HC judges by the President.

"In exercise of the power conferred by clause (1) of Article 217 of the Constitution of India, the President is pleased to appoint S/Shri (i) Shashi Bhushan Prasad Singh and ii) Ashok Kumar Pandey to be Judges of the Patna High Court, in that order of seniority, with effect from the date they assume charge of their respective offices," the notification said.

Last week, the Supreme Court Collegium, headed by CJI Chandrachud, had recommended the appointment of two judicial officers as Patna High Court judges. The recommendation for the appointment of judicial officers Singh and Pandey as HC judges was made in May this year by the Chief Justice of the Patna High Court in consultation with his two senior-most colleagues.

The SC Collegium said that it has consulted the apex court judges conversant with the affairs of the Patna High Court to ascertain the fitness and suitability of the two candidates.

Singh, who joined the judicial service in May 1996, is presently working as Registrar (Vigilance) in the Patna High Court, said the SC Collegium, adding that "inputs provided by the Department of Justice in the file indicate that he enjoys a good personal and professional image and that nothing adverse has come to notice against his integrity". Pandey, who joined the judicial service in 1995, is currently working as Director of Bihar Judicial Academy.

"Both the consultee-Judges have found the candidate suitable for appointment as a High Court Judge. The inputs provided by the Department of Justice in the file indicate that he enjoys a good personal and professional image; and that nothing adverse has come to notice against his integrity," said the SC Collegium.

It stated that it found the judicial officers suitable for appointment, bearing in mind the views of the consultee-judge, the report of the Judgment Assessment Committee and the assessment made by the Centre in the file. Further, it said that the Chief Minister and the Governor of Bihar concurred with the recommendation.
Iran on Tuesday launched around 200 ballistic missiles at different regions of Israel in what is the worst attack ever carried out by Tehran on the Jewish State. Alarms warning of the danger sounded across Israel, including in the cities of Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, and one person was reported as killed in the attack. There were reports of missiles hitting inhabited areas, including a building north of Tel Aviv, according to local media. The Israeli army has put the number of missiles that were fired at around 180.

This is the first time that the Iranian regime, which has taken responsibility for the attack, codenamed Operation True Promise 2  the first operation was conducted in April  has managed to overcome Israels anti-aircraft defenses and hit the countrys urban centers. The strike took place shortly after the United States warned that Iran was planning to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu released a video statement in which he vowed to retaliate. Iran made a big mistake tonight and will pay for it [...] The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies, he said. The United States assisted Israel in intercepting the projectiles, and the White House on Tuesday called Irans attack a significant escalation of the conflict. Iran has extended the closure of its airspace until Thursday morning, according to the news outlet Mehr News.

Fear of an even greater reaction hangs over the region. Both Israeli and Iranian officials have warned that they will respond to any retaliatory move in this confrontation. We will choose when to exact the price, and prove our precise and surprising attack capabilities, in accordance with the guidance of the political echelon, assured IDF Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi.

The Iranian mission to the United Nations stated, for its part, in a message on X: Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out. Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists supporters are advised to part ways with the regime. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian wrote on his X account later in the day that Iran does not seek war, but it will respond firmly to any threat.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on October 1, 2024. Amir Cohen (REUTERS)

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) first announced that Iran had launched missiles at Israel as sirens went off all over the country. IDF officials said that they would do everything possible to keep the population safe and called on citizens to follow security recommendations, which were shared via social media and text messages.

You are asked to be vigilant and act exactly according to the instructions of the Home Front Command, said IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. When an alarm sounds, you must enter the protected area and wait there until further instructions, he added without specifying possible targets of the attack. Israeli authorities announced early on Tuesday the closure of Israels airspace, which was reopened after the Iranian attack.

Shortly before the attack, a senior U.S. official warned that Iran was preparing to launch ballistic missiles against Israel, adding that there would be serious consequences if that were to happen. This attack represents a qualitative leap in the escalation of the war in the Middle East that began on October 7, 2023.

The U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said Washington was actively supporting Israels defense preparations, a day after Israel began a limited invasion of southern Lebanon with the stated aim of destroying infrastructure that the Iran-backed Hezbollah militia uses to attack northern Israel.

The attack on Tuesday exceeds Irans offensive of April 12-13, when it launched more than 200 drones and cruise missiles at Israel in retaliation for the bombing of a consular compound in Damascus. That unprecedented assault left no casualties and caused limited damage: most of the missiles were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition.

According to Axios, citing a Western source, this time Iran planned to use ballistic missiles capable of reaching Israel in 12 minutes, a goal it apparently met given the speed of the impacts. Six months ago, it used cruise missiles, which are slower and give the country under attack more time to intercept them.

Immediately after Israel announced its invasion of southern Lebanon, U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin confirmed that he had held talks with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant, and that they both agreed on the need to destroy Hezbollahs infrastructure. Austin also confirmed Washingtons commitment to Israels security, and warned Tehran against any direct attack on its ally. Tensions in the region are at their highest point since the war in Gaza began a year ago.

The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, the Pentagon said in a statement.

As a deterrent to a possible attack, the United States announced that several thousand more soldiers would be sent to the Middle East to reinforce the troops already stationed there. The decision brings the number of U.S. soldiers deployed in the region to around 43,000. The Pentagon will also double the number of F-16, F-15 and F-22 fighter planes it has in the Middle East. In addition, the aircraft carrier Harry Truman is on route towards the Mediterranean, while the Abraham Lincoln has extended its mission in the Gulf of Oman by one month.

Israel on high alert

In a videotaped statement posted shortly before Irans attack, Netanyahu said that Israel faces serious challenges in confronting Iran, but made no specific mention of a possible airstrike.

Hagari had also warned that Iranian fire on Israel will bring consequences. Gallant and the head of the IDF, General Halevi, are in any case closely following the developments, according to ministry sources.

Following the escalation, the U.S. Embassy in Israel issued a high-level alert to its employees in Israel and the Palestinian territories, urging them to return home and be prepared to enter a bomb shelter. The order is similar to the one issued in April.

The threat of an even greater Iranian response against Israel is looming over the region. Both Israeli and Iranian officials have warned that they will retaliate against any acts of reprisal in this ongoing conflict, particularly after Israels military invasion of Lebanon.

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Lahore, Oct 1 : Azma Bokhari, the Information Minister of Pakistan Punjab's provincial government, on Tuesday lashed out at Barrister Saif, the Information Advisor of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) province, for making "false claims and accusations" against Punjab Chief Minister Maryam Nawaz Sharif.

Saif had recently claimed that former Pakistan Prime Minister Imran Khan's wife Bushra Bibi - currently serving a sentence at Rawalpindi's Adiala Jail - was being harassed on orders of Punjab CM.

"Under Maryam's orders, Bushra Bibi is being subjected to late-night searches, including invasive body inspections in front of cameras, causing her mental distress. This mistreatment is part of attempts to break Imran Khan, but Bushra Bibi continues to stand firmly by his side," said Barrister Saif.

Speaking to the media in Lahore, Azma Bokhari slammed Saif for creating sensationalism in order to stay in the news.

"This is a ridiculous way to stay in the news. Lying and creating sensational news has been Bushra Bibi's old hobby. Bushra Bibi can eat eggs, chicken, or chicken broth, Maryam Nawaz doesn't care. Maryam Nawaz is not even aware of which cell Bushra Bibi is in at the Adiala Jail. Just like her husband Imran Khan, Bushra Bibi has been given B-Class facilities in jail," remarked Bokhari.

She claimed that Maryam Nawaz faced worse circumstances during Imran Khan's rule.

"Both husband and wife are serving their jail time in VIP style. Bushra Bibi is in jail for stealing gifts from Toshakhana and for her involvement in the misappropriation of 190 million pounds. The privileges both Bushra Bibi and Imran Khan enjoy in jail are unimaginable for an ordinary citizen," said Bokhari.

The minister also lashed out at Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) party for playing the "woman card" and attempting to create a false narrative based on lies.

"Maryam Nawaz endured difficult conditions in Kot Lakhpat jail in Lahore and NAB (National Accountability Bureau) detention facilities, and those hardships were imposed on her at Bushra Bibi's request. Maryam Nawaz faced the jail's harshness but never played the women card," she asserted.
Bhopal, Oct 1 : Madhya Pradesh Congress will start a two-week long campaign-cum protest in the wake of growing crime against women in Madhya Pradesh on October 2, the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

With the slogan aBeti Bachaoa, the Congress has prepared for multiple rounds of protest, which includes candle march and akanya poojana on different days. The protest will be organised at every block in the state and will continue till October 16.

The opposition will try to highlight the incidents of crimes against women in the state. Senior party leaders, including former ministers, MLAs, and MPs will be joining the protest

Madhya Pradesh Congress chief Jitu Patwari said that the BJP returned to power because of massive support from the women (due to Ladli Behna Yojana), but failed to ensure their security.

Highlighting the NCRB's report, Patwari said more than 1.40 lakh cases of crime against women are pending in courts.

"Madhya Pradesh used to be known for harmony and peace. The state is witnessing one rape incident every 17 minutes, which is an alarming situation," he added.

Patwari said that more 2,400 rape incidents (of them 140 gang rape) were registered in the last nine months. He alleged that despite introducing 'commissionerate system' in Bhopal and Indore, police failed to create fear among criminals.

"Being the opposition, it is our responsibility to raise the public issues and the Congress will hit the streets. We will involve people from every section to join the protest," Patwari added.

He added that Congress workers would knock on the doors of people and request them to join the campaign.
Itanagar, Oct 1 : Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday advised the Arunachal Pradesh government to adopt 'cluster development approach' for enhancing productivity and competitiveness as well as capacity building of micro and small enterprises (MSEs) in the state.

Speaking at the credit outreach programme of the Finance Ministry, organised by State Bank of India here, FM Sitharaman requested Chief Minister Pema Khandu to take up cluster development of the 20 GI identified products of the state by December this year so that these can be declared by the MSME Ministry and banks roped in to finance.

FM Sitharaman said that earlier, it was very difficult for entrepreneurs to get a loan as banks wanted a guarantee.

However, after Prime Minister Narendra Modi came to power in 2014, he made it mandatory that every family in the country should have a bank account under the Jan Dhan Yojana.

Today, she said, all schemes launched by PM Modi do not require guarantees and banks will have to pay loans in a hassle-free process.

CM Khandu in his response assured the union minister that the state government would immediately work on it and submit proposals by December this year.

He expressed gratitude to the Finance Minister and Prime Minister for always standing by the state government in the implementation of all welfare schemes, like PM SVANidhi, Stand-Up India, PM Surya Ghar, PMEGP, NRLM-SHG, PM-MUDRA, Kisan Credit Card, etc.

The Chief Minister said that the state government is committed to successfully implementing all the 17 credit-linked schemes of the Central government along with similar flagship programmes initiated by the state government.

He appreciated banks like the SBI, NABARD, SIDBI, PNB and rural banks for extending loans to beneficiaries of all credit-linked schemes without much hassle, which, he said, has helped the rural economy prosper.

Khandu said the state government is focusing much on pushing SHGs to take benefit of these schemes and fortunately, SHGs, especially those run by women, are going good businesses across the state.

As a part of the outreach programme, FM Sitharaman handed over an ambulance and a hearse van to the police headquarters here under the corporate social responsibility activity of SBI and also handed over 50 bicycles to girl students donated by the SBI.

FM Sitharaman also flagged off two demonstration vans for financial literacy donated by NABARD under its CSR activity and also flagged off a mobile medical unit for conducting medical camps in rural areas of the state, donated under the CSR activity of SIDBI.

The Union Minister also handed over sanction letters from banks to beneficiaries under various central government schemes during the event and disbursed loan amounts worth Rs 14.41 crore to 160 beneficiaries under various schemes.

One SBI branch at Tato in Shi Yomi district was remotely inaugurated by the Finance Minister.
Patna, Oct 1 : Prashant Kishor, chief of the Jan Suraaj campaign, is set to launch his political party on October 2, offering a new political option for the people of Bihar.

Sources said that a mega event will be held at the veterinary college ground in Patna, where Kishor will officially announce the partyas name, constitution, and a 25-member leadership team, including the party president.

Kishor has stated that he will not hold any official post within the party and will continue focusing on his ongoing "Padyatra," which is set to conclude in Supaul and move into Araria after October 2.

The leaders of Jan Suraaj expect a large turnout of up to 50 lakh supporters for the party's foundation event. Kishor has been vocal about Bihar's long-standing caste and religion-based politics, dominated by figures like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and the BJP.

A native of Rohtas district and belonging to the Brahmin community, Kishor aims to move beyond the caste-driven politics that has long dominated the state.

Known for his expertise in election management, Kishor has been building a political base to challenge political figures such as Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and the BJP leaders in Bihar for the last two years.

Kishor began his effort two years ago with a aPadyatraa (foot march) from the Bhitirahwa Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran. Initially planning to cover 35,000 km, he extended his goal to 45,000 km and has now walked over 55,000 km.

His journey, primarily focused on North Bihar, has seen him traverse through Champaran, Tirhut, and Kosi divisions, covering districts such as West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Madhubani, Begusarai, Khagaria, and Supaul. After October 2, his journey will continue into Araria.

Through this extensive outreach, Kishor has been engaging with the people directly, positioning his new political movement as a fresh alternative to the established political powers in the state.
Islamabad, Oct 1 : As violence grips several parts of Pakistan, including the restive provinces of Balochistan and Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (KP) bordering Iran and Afghanistan, Speaker Sardar Ayaz Sadiq has summoned the joint session of the National Assembly (lower house) and the Senate of Pakistan (upper house) on Wednesday where the Chief of Army Staff (COAS) General Syed Asim Munir and heads of various intelligence agencies will give an in-camera briefing on various matters of national security.

Reports suggest that separate briefings will also be given by security and intelligence agencies, including Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), Intelligence Bureau (IB) and Military Intelligence (MI) regarding the current security situation in KP and Balochistan.

The progress of recently-launched military operation 'Azm-e-Istehkam Pakistan' will also be presented.

It is believed that the decision to brief the parliamentarians and senators about the security situation has been taken after strong criticism and questions being raised by political parties, including leaders of Jamiat Ulema-i-Islam a" Fazl (JUI-F), on the floor of the house during different parliament sessions.

"The military establishment not only wants to put an end to the public criticism by politicians but will also call on the parliamentarians to refrain from inflicting negative impact on the reputation of the country's armed forces. Going forward, it wants to retain the confidence of parliament and senate on the ongoing anti-terrorism campaign and operations," said political analyst Kamran Yousaf.

Pakistan has been under a severe pressure amid a major surge in terrorist and militant attacks in Balochistan and KP since the Afghan Taliban took control over the bordering Afghanistan in 2021, releasing thousands of militants of its affiliate group Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP) along with other groups including the Baloch Liberation Army (BLA).

Pakistan claims that TTP militants were not only released by the Afghan government from their jails, but were also facilitated, harboured and funded, allowing them to regroup and reorganise themselves to carry out terror activities in Pakistan.

The Pakistani authorities claim that BLA, which has recently joined hands with the TTP, is also enjoying extended hidden support from the Afghan Taliban to spread chaos, bloodshed and unrest in the country.

From targeted attacks on security check posts, security convoys and police camps, the terror activities have extended to ethnic attacks, especially in Balochistan, where multiple incidents of militant attacks have occurred in which people from others parts of Pakistan, especially the Punjab region, are identified and killed by miscreants.

Recently, gunmen attacked a gas company and set ablaze at least eight bulldozers, besides abducting over 20 labourers. Police authorities confirmed that the abducted labourers belonged to the Punjab province.

In a separate incident, at least seven labourers, hailing from the same family, were shot dead by gunmen in Balochistan's Panjgur district. All of the seven killed hailed from Punjab province.

The incidents have put a big question mark over the ability of country's security forces with questions being raised in and outside the Parliament.

This prompted the military establishment to call an in-camera briefing session with the parliamentarians and the senators about the critical security situation in the country and the progress of the armed forces along with the intelligence agencies in their fight against terror outfits spreading unrest in the country.
Ranchi, Oct 1 : Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch the Pradhan Mantri-Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan (PMJUGA) in Jharkhand's Hazaribagh on Wednesday (October 2), to commemorate the birth anniversary of Mahatma Gandhi.

This initiative aims to uplift tribal-dominated villages and will economically empower the tribal population.

Following the launch of the scheme, PM Modi will also address the concluding rally of the BJP's aParivartan Yatraa, a statewide campaign in Jharkhand.

The PM will visit Jharkhand on Wednesday, his second visit to the state in just over two weeks.

On September 15, he inaugurated six Vande Bharat Express trains in Jamshedpur and addressed a BJP rally.

The upcoming visit is significant, as this will be the fourth time when PM Modi will be launching a key national scheme from Jharkhand.

Previous launches include the Ayushman Bharat Yojana (2018), PM Kisan Maandhan Yojana (2019), and the Viksit Bharat Sankalp Yatra in November 2023.

The Pradhan Mantri Janjatiya Unnat Gram Abhiyan, approved by the Union Government on September 18, aims to integrate over 63,000 tribal-dominated villages across 549 districts in 30 states and Union Territories into the mainstream of development.

With a proposed budget of Rs 79,156 crore, the scheme targets over 5 crore people from tribal communities.

Key objectives include constructing 20 lakh houses, 25,000 km of rural roads and bridges, and providing clean drinking water, gas, and electricity connections.

Under the scheme, 100 tribal market centres, schools, mobile health units, and skill development centres will be established.

The initiative also focuses on preserving tribal culture and traditions at the same time encouraging agriculture and horticulture to boost tribal incomes.

Official sources said that after the launch event at Vinoba Bhave University campus in Hazaribagh, PM Modi will also interact with the representatives of 33 tribal groups of the country.

In his second event of the day, the PM will address the BJP's aParivartan Yatraa at Gandhi Maidan, Matwari in Hazaribagh.

The Yatra, which was inaugurated by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in Sahibganj, began on September 20, and has covered 76 of the state's 81 Assembly constituencies.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Commuters travelling in the Maharashtra State Road Transport Corporation's (MSRTC) e-Shivneri buses running on the Mumbai-Pune route will have a new experience as the 'Shivneri Sundari' will now welcome them and serve food and beverages during their travelling.

The decision to appoint 'Shivneri Sundari' in e-Shivneri buses was taken at the 304th board meeting of the MSRTC chaired by the newly appointed chairman and Shiv Sene legislator Bharat Gogawale here on Tuesday.

He added that the 'Shivneri Sundari' will function on the lines of air hostesses who are responsible for passenger safety and comfort during flights.

"The objective of this innovative scheme is to provide better services to the passengers without any surcharge on their tickets," said Gogawale.

He added that the meeting discussed more than 70 topics including the appointment of the 'Shivneri Sundari' in e-Shivneri buses.

Further, it was decided to start 'Anand Arogya Kendra' in the memory of Shiv Sena leader Late Anand Dighe at 343 bus depots across the state.

In these kendras, the passengers and citizens can undergo various health tests and get medicines under one roof. The MSRTC will provide 400 to 500 sq cm of space for the functioning of these kendras. They are supposed to start health-checking clinics, pathology and drug stores.

Gogawale said that the board also gave approval for the establishment of depots at tribal-dominated Mul in Chandrapur district and Dharni in Amravati district. This will lead to an increase in the total number of depots to 253 across the state.

He added that the stalls will be made available to the women's self-help groups at every bus station on a cyclical basis by charging nominal fares to sell their local products.

In addition, the board also cleared the commencement of the tendering process for the purchase of 2,500 new buses and converting 100 diesel buses to electric buses on a pilot basis.

Earlier, the state Cabinet chaired by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde gave approval to MSRTC to give 39 land parcels for commercial development on a build operate and transfer (BOT) basis on the lease for the period of 60 years instead of the previously proposed 30 years.

As per the Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2034 and Unified Development Control and Promotion Regulations 2020, the available floor space index (FSI) will be allowed to be used for commercial development except for .05 FSI which will be used for carrying out the development of its depots and other facilities by the MSRTC.

As per Cabinet decision, 1 FSI can be used for residential and commercial use under the BOT policy.

(Sanjay Jog can be reached at sanjay.j@ians.in)
Guwahati, Oct 1 : After the five-month monsoon break, the Kaziranga National Park and Tiger Reserve (KNPTR) in Assam reopened on Tuesday for tourists, focusing on enhancing visitor experience and safety.

Marking the beginning of the new tourism season, a colourful ceremony in connection with the reopening of KNPTR took place at the Western Range, Bagori, and was attended by distinguished guests, including local MPs and state ministers.

The event commenced with a traditional Puja, blessing the park and marking the start of the much awaited safari season.

On this occasion, Indian Oil Corporation Ltd. presented an animal rescue vehicle to support the national park's ongoing efforts in wildlife rescue and rehabilitation.

A unique wildlife themed 'Eco Shop' with over 50 products and souvenir items was also inaugurated at Bagori Range campus.

The sale proceeds from this unique, and one of its kind, 'Eco Shop', will support the forest staff's welfare society and the eco development committee around Kaziranga.

Additionally, a medicinal plants sale counter was launched at Memorial Park, Kohora, under the Golaghat Social Forestry Division, contributing to a more inclusive identity for forest ecotourism.

Park officials said that wildlife enthusiasts and tourists can now look forward to witnessing the park's iconic wildlife, including the endangered one-horned rhinoceros, tigers, elephants, and a variety of bird species.

New activities such as hiking, trekking, and bird trails will enhance the visitor experience, allowing deeper engagement with the park's natural wonders, the official added.

Adding to the significance of the day, a book titled "A Practitioners Guide to Photographic Monitoring of Asian Elephants for Science and Conservation", authored by Dr. Varun Goswami, Dr. Divya Vasudev and Parvathi K. Prasad was launched, providing valuable insights into the park's rich biodiversity and conservation journey.

Assam Ministers Chandra Mohan Patowary, Atul Bora, Keshab Mahanta, Lok Sabha member from Kaziranga Parliamentary Constituency Kamakhya Prasad Tasa, among others were present in the "reopening programme".

Like previous years, the recent flooding in Assam has claimed the lives of over 200 wild animals, including 10 rhinos at the KNPTR despite the authorities taking multi-pronged measures to save the lives of animals.

According to the KNPTR authorities, flood intensity this year was the highest in the last 10 years in terms of area inundation and depth of the flood water.

KNPTR Director Sonali Ghosh said that Kaziranga has witnessed all-time high floods this year with HFL (Highest Flood Level) recorded at 87.47 metres on July 1 at Nimatighat.

Forest and wildlife officials have also rescued over 150 wild animals.

The wildlife casualties this year include 167 hog deer, 10 rhinos, two swamp deer, and two sambars. Fourteen wild animals, including 10 hog deer, died during treatment.

With the onset of monsoon, the world famous park is closed every year in May at the onset of monsoon.

India's seventh (fourth in natural) UNESCO world heritage site, the KNPTR spread across several districts of Assam, including Golaghat, Nagaon, Sonitpur, Biswanath.

The world famous park is not just a home of more than 2,613 one-horned Indian rhinos, but also Royal Bengal tigers, Asian elephants, wild buffalos and many more animal species while it is also habitat to thousands of birds of over 125 species.
Bhopal, Oct 1 : In a significant development for Madhya Pradesh, Raja Bhoj Airport in Bhopal will now operate flight services 24x7. The commencement of services began from Tuesday onward, Director of Raja Bhoj Airport, Ramji Awasthi said.

Awasthi said the development came as a significant step towards enhancing connectivity, providing a seamless travel experience and supporting the growth of regional as well as national Air traffic.

"This will provide flexibility to Airlines, non-scheduled operators, medical flights and general aviation for efficient planning of aircraft operations. Airlines can also plan bases at Bhopal Airport. This will also enable effective use of Airport Infrastructure and resources," he added.

Bhopal Airport has 220 scheduled flights weekly connecting to nine domestic destinations for Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Ahmedabad, Raipur, Jaipur, Udaipur, and Lucknow.

Additionally, there is a huge demand for flight connectivity to other cities of India like Pune, Goa, Kolkata, Chennai, Cochin, Bhubaneshwar, Varanasi, Jammu, Srinagar, and Guwahati, said Awasthi.

With round-the-clock operations, the weekly scheduled movements in the winter season of 2024 are expected to be around 268 movements for Bhopal Airport.

"Following the latest schedule, Indigo Airlines will also be starting direct flights on the Pune-Bhopal-Pune route from October 27, 2024, and the airline has started bookings for the same," he said.

Extending operational hours will allow more flights to land and take off, thereby improving connectivity, especially for flights of long-haul routes.

Day-night flight operations will attract more airlines and routes, making Bhopal Airport a more prominent hub. "Travelers will have more flexible flight options, making travel easier and more convenient. This will enhance passenger satisfaction and attract more travellers to Bhopal," Awasthi added.

It is expected that with more flights and passengers, local businesses such as hotels, restaurants, and transportation services will likely see increased demand. Round-the-clock operations will make this city more accessible to tourists, especially those from different time zones, contributing to the growth of the tourism sector.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : The Bombay High Court on Tuesday pulled up the Maharashtra Police SIT for its failure to arrest two trustees of the Badlapur school where two minor girls were allegedly raped in August - with the prime accused, Akshay A. Shinde, was shot dead in a police encounter on September 23.

Mumbai, Oct 1 (IANS) The Bombay High Court on Tuesday pulled up the Maharashtra Police SIT for its failure to arrest two trustees of the Badlapur school where two minor girls were allegedly raped in August a" with the prime accused, Akshay A. Shinde, was shot dead in a police encounter on September 23.

A division bench comprising Justice Revati Mohite-Dere and Justice Prithviraj Chavan was hearing a suo-motu PIL on the rape cases of two nursery girls, aged 3 and 5, at a prominent private school that triggered nationwide outrage.

In a related development, a single-judge bench of Justice Rajesh Laddha rejected the anticipatory bail applications of the school trust's Chairman and Secretary who are on the run since the incident and after the Trust was superseded as per the state government orders.

The division bench judges asked the State Advocate General Birendra Saraf whether they were waiting for the accused duo (Trustees) to get anticipatory bail.

They observed that normally the police force goes to all extent in any state across the country to trace any accused, but here it has not succeeded in tracking the two Trustees.

To Saraf's strong objections on this, the court also said that it would not allow anybody use it in their political discourse as they (the judges) were here to provide justice to everyone, whether the victim or the accused.

Thereafter, Saraf assured the court that all possible efforts are being made by the police to trace the absconding Trustees, even as the judges posted the matter for further hearing on Oct. 23.

He also informed that the SIT had filed chargesheet against Shinde (shot dead by police) and against the school principal, and another chargesheet against the two fugitive Trustees.

Rejecting the anticipatory bail pleas of the two Trustees, Justice Laddha said that the POCSO Act is intended to safeguard children from sexual crimes and their interests need to be prioritized over that of the perpetrators (accused).

"Considering that the (2) victims are minors, the trauma they have endured will have profound impact on their adolescent years, leaving long-lasting and irreparable psychological scars. The applicants (Trustees) hold important positions in the schoola there are chances that they may tamper with the evidence and pressurise the witnesses who are employees of the school," said Justice Laddha while junking the anticipatory bail applications.

The judge also refused to accept the arguments that the Trustees learnt of the incidents a" that occurred on August 12 and 13 a" only on August 16, plus the Trustees raising doubting whether the sexual assault on the two minor girls actually took place as both had attended the school the next day (August 14) and other things, and for not reporting the incident to the police immediately.
The Israeli army on Tuesday launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, a move that it had been threatening for weeks. At around 2:00 a.m. local time, following approval by the security cabinet led by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced the start of limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, said the statement.

The invasion is accompanied by air and artillery fire. It is the next phase of the war, as Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant called it hours earlier. The Lebanese Armed Forces pulled back five kilometers from the border, while Israeli fighter planes bombed the southern suburbs of Beirut, after telling civilians to evacuate three areas urgently. The attacks could be heard and seen from all over the city after midnight.

The Israeli army, which had already informed its American counterparts during the day about the imminence of a ground invasion and intensive bombardment of towns such as Wazzani, Jiam and Marjayoun, is acting according to a methodical plan for which the soldiers have been training and preparing for months, it said in a statement.

From now on, Northern Arrows, the code name for the offensive that Israel launched on September 23 (the deadliest day in Lebanon since the end of the civil war in 1990, with more than 550 dead in just a few hours) will continue according to the analysis of the situation and in parallel with the fighting in Gaza and elsewhere, Israeli authorities said. Meanwhile, the United States said it will send thousands more soldiers to the region as a deterrent in defense of its ally.

In an exceptional move, the Israeli army has also declared the towns of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi a closed military zone into which entry is strictly prohibited. For days the army has been massing troops on the border and carrying out small incursions onto Lebanese soil to reconnoiter the terrain. Last-minute diplomatic appeals to prevent the invasion have been in vain.

Israeli authorities have insisted that the strikes are limited and aimed at attacking the infrastructure of the Shia party-militia Hezbollah after two weeks of bombings that have left more than a thousand people dead and hit the center of the capital for the first time on Monday.

Hezbollahs number two leader, Naim Qassem, had alluded to a possible invasion in the morning, in the first speech by a leader of the organization since the assassination of its top leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on Friday. If the enemy decides to enter by land, our forces are ready for battle. We are certain that Israel will not achieve its objectives [] We will win as we won in 2006, he said, in reference to the conflict that elevated Hezbollah to legend status in the Arab world by holding off the vastly superior forces of Israel for 34 days and killing 121 of its soldiers.

Military pressure

Washington is trying to pressure Israel to scale back the operation and prevent it from spiraling out of control or turning into a prolonged occupation of southern Lebanon, like the one that lasted from 1982 to 2000 with the same official goal: to push the enemy, then the Palestine Liberation Organization militias, away from the border, a move that eventually gave birth to Hezbollah. But the U.S. government did not disavow the incursion.

U.S. President Joe Biden reiterated on Monday that a ceasefire would be the best solution to the crisis. Asked by reporters if he was comfortable with the possibility of an invasion, he replied: Im more aware than you might know, and Im comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now.

As tensions continue to rise, the Pentagon has mobilized more forces in anticipation of a possible deployment, its spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said. Their mission will be to reinforce the 40,000 or so U.S. troops deployed in the Middle East at bases in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Jordan. In addition, the U.S. has the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln in the Gulf of Oman, which has extended its mission in the area, while another aircraft carrier, the Harry Truman, left the U.S. naval base in Norfolk a week ago for the Mediterranean on a previously scheduled mission.

Washington is in constant contact with Israeli authorities and other Arab and European allies over this latest crisis, in which it has positioned itself on the side of its Israeli ally even more clearly than during the invasion of Gaza. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Monday during a State Department briefing that Washington will continue to work with its partners in the region and around the world to find a diplomatic solution.

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New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday allowed the withdrawal of a plea seeking contempt proceedings against Delhi Mayor Shelly Oberoi for "arbitrarily postponing" the election of a member of the Standing Committee of the MCD (Municipal Corporation of Delhi).

A bench of Justices Surya Kant and Ujjal Bhuyan observed that no clear case of contempt of the apex courtas orders was made out.

Sensing the disinclination of the apex court to entertain the matter, senior advocate Sonia Mathur, who appeared on behalf of BJP councillor Raja Iqbal Singh, sought liberty to withdraw the petition.

Ultimately, the plea was dismissed as withdrawn with the liberty to approach the appropriate forum. The plea, filed through advocate Shoumendu Mukherji, said that the scheduled election for the sixth member of the Standing Committee was adjourned twice by the Mayor, citing issues with carrying & usage of mobile phones in the voting area.

"The Mayor arbitrarily postponed the election to October 5, 2024, leading to concerns that the democratic process was being deliberately obstructed," it said.

However, Lt Governor V.K. Saxena ordered the MCD Commissioner to ensure the elections take place, issuing strict instructions to conduct the poll without further delay. On the directions of the Lt Governor, the MCD Commissioner decided to hold the polls on September 27, where the Additional Commissioner took over as the Presiding Officer instead of the elected Mayor.

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) said that contrary to legal provisions, the Lt Governor empowered an IAS officer to convene the meeting, rendering the election both unconstitutional and unlawful. One of the members of the Standing Committee, Kamaljeet Sahrawat, resigned after being elected as a Member of Parliament in Lok Sabha polls.

In a judgment delivered in August, the top court upheld the decision of the Delhi Lt Governor to appoint 'aldermen' to the MCD without the aid and advice of the elected government. It ruled that the Delhi Municipal Corporation Act made by Parliament required the Lt Governor to act at his discretion and the power to be exercised is the statutory duty of the Lt Governor and not the executive power of the state.
Kolkata, Oct 1 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee said on Tuesday that people should not forget the flood-affected victims because of the upcoming festivals.

"First the water release by DVC created floods in different districts in South Bengal. Then the water released from the Koshi River in Nepal created havoc in the north. That is a tragedy for our state. People here always suffer because of the water released from elsewhere. That is why I call it a manmade flood," the Chief Minister said at the inauguration of the popular Puja pandal in the northern outskirts of Kolkata on Tuesday evening.

She said that the flood situation in West Bengal this year had taken an exceptional shape and both South Bengal and North Bengal have been equally affected by it.

"We have started the work for relief distribution. We should not forget the flood-affected people because of the festivals. We have to ensure that those who are still at temporary shelters never run short of food," the Chief Minister said.

On Monday, the Chief Minister directed her cabinet colleagues to concentrate more on the relief works rather than being swayed in the festive mood because of the forthcoming festival season starting with Durga Puja.

The West Bengal government's tussle with the DVC and the Union government has reached an extreme stage over the flood situation. While the state government has accused DVC of releasing flood water from their dams in one go without giving prior notice to the state, the Union government and the DVC authorities have denied such charges.

The state government has withdrawn its representation from the Damodar Valley Reservoir Regulation Committee (DVRRC).

The state opposition has, however, described the move as a ploy to divert attention from the continued mass protests over the rape and murder of a woman junior doctor of R.G. Kar Medical College & Hospital in August.
Jerusalem, Oct 1 : The Lufthansa Group announced on Tuesday the postponement of its flights' return to Israel until at least October 31 due to the security situation in the Middle East.

The cancellations include flights from Lufthansa Airline, which operates routes from Munich and Frankfurt to Tel Aviv, as well as those from Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines.

The group's statement emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew "is always a top priority," adding that it continues to monitor the situation closely, Xinhua news agency reported.

The statement also noted that flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut have been postponed until Nov. 30, and flights to the Iranian capital Tehran will remain suspended until Oct. 14, except for the flights of Lufthansa Airline, which have been halted until October 26.

On Sunday, Italy's flagship airline, ITA, announced the postponement of flights to Tel Aviv until at least Oct. 31.

Both the Lufthansa Group and the ITA have aligned with the recommendation issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Friday, which advised against operating within the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at all flight levels until Oct. 31.

Also on Tuesday, the British carrier Virgin Atlantic, which suspended its flights to Israel a year ago since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, announced the postponement of its return to Tel Aviv until March 30, 2025.

The airline said in a statement that the latest postponement was decided "following our continuous security and safety assessment and after careful consideration."
Hyderabad, Oct 1 : Continuing his attacks on the Congress government in Telangana over the Musi Riverfront Development project, Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) working president K.T. Rama Rao alleged that Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy was taking revenge on the people of Hyderabad as they did not vote for Congress in the Assembly elections.

He said the Chief Minister was creating chaos and misery for the people of Hyderabad, especially during the festive seasons of Dussehra and Bathukamma.

Rama Rao said that poor people in the area are living in constant fear of their homes being demolished, uncertain of when the government might take action.

The BRS leader made these remarks while interacting with people in Tulasi Nagar area of Amberpet constituency. It is one of the areas along Musi river where the government plans to demolish houses and other structures for the Musi Riverfront Development project.

KTR, as the BRS leader is popularly known, reminded Revanth Reddy of his pre-election promises, asking whether any of the six guarantees, which were promised to be fulfilled within 100 days, have been implemented. He questioned whether the promises made to farmers, women, and the elderly had seen the light of day, accusing the Congress party of failing to deliver on its commitments.

KTR lashed out at Congress for its plan to spend Rs 1.5 lakh crore to clean 55 km of the Musi river. He expressed disbelief at the figure and asked whether the real agenda was to loot public funds under the guise of development.

The BRS working president urged residents to unite in resistance if bulldozers came to demolish their homes, emphasising that they should question the officials about their own families' safety.

KTR called out the hypocrisy of Congress, who, under the "Indiramma Rajyam" banner, promised to build houses but is now demolishing them.

He strongly stated that the poor people's lands cannot be seized to build malls, and questioned whether Sonia Gandhi ever endorsed such policies. KTR also criticised Union Minister G. Kishan Reddy for his silence on the matter and wondered if Kishan Reddy and Revanth Reddy had colluded to harm the poor.

Rama Rao reminded people that when real leaders see the suffering of the people, they stand by them, urging citizens to observe who supports them in times of need.

He also accused Revanth Reddy of canceling various welfare schemes including Bathukamma saris, Ramadan gifts, Christmas gifts, KCR Kits, and nutrition kits, highlighting his anti-poor agenda.

KTR warned that trusting Revanth Reddy would result in further losses for the poor and labeled him a massive fraud.

Accusing Revanth of pushing forward a plan that would harm the poor, KTR demanded to know how the cost of the Musi project had increased tenfold from the Telangana government's initial estimate of Rs 16,000 crore.

He stressed that if the project were to go ahead, those affected should receive three times the compensation, job offers, and financial support.

KTR remarked that "Musi mein looto, Delhi mein baanto" became the corrupt Congress' new slogan. He assured the public that BRS would not remain silent if such reckless actions continued.
Jerusalem, Oct 1 : Israel's military on Tuesday urged civilians in Lebanon to evacuate about 30 villages and towns, warning of imminent Israeli attacks in the area, after launching a ground operation into southern Lebanon overnight.

"You must evacuate your homes immediately," Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), wrote in a post in Arabic on the social media platform X.

The list included mostly villages and towns near the border with Israel, including Maroun al-Ras, Deir Qanoun, Bint Jbeil, and Aitaroun. However, it also included villages, such as Ibl al-Saqi, located some 60 km from the border, indicating the scope of the ground attack planned by Israel.

"Anyone near Hezbollah members, their facilities, or their military equipment is putting their life at risk. Any house used by Hezbollah for military purposes is likely to be targeted," Adraee warned, Xinhua news agency reported.

He urged civilians to "head immediately north of the Awali River."

"Be aware: moving south is prohibited. Any movement southward could endanger your life," he added.

Earlier, Adraee called on civilians in southern Lebanon to remain north of the Litani River.

Daniel Hagari, the IDF's chief spokesman, said in a press briefing that the military launched overnight "limited and targeted raids along Israel's northern border."

According to Hagari, the goal of the ground campaign is to stop Hezbollah's rocket fire at northern Israel.

Also on Tuesday morning, Hezbollah forces fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other central cities, moderately injuring a 54-year-old bus driver and sparking a fire, Israel's rescue services said.

The rockets triggered sirens across central Israel and several settlements in the northern occupied West Bank. Several other rocket attacks on Tuesday morning targeted bases in the north of Israel.

The Israeli military said in a statement that "a number of projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory, some of which were intercepted."

It added that details of the incident were still under review.

In a statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it fired Fadi-4 missiles at the Glilot Base near Herzliya, targeting the Mossad intelligence agency headquarters.

Overnight between Monday and Tuesday, the Israeli military began a ground operation into southern Lebanon with commando and paratrooper forces raiding the region, while other forces fired artillery and tank shells in addition to air attacks. Beirut's southern suburb also came under heavy Israeli bombardment.

In a video released by the military, the commander of the commando Egoz Unit confirmed Israel has carried out "targeted" commando raids in Lebanon over the past months.

"We started with lower-profile raids, and today we are going to engage in a more significant maneuver to bring the residents of the north back to their homes safely," he said.
Warsaw, Oct 1 : Poland has decided to reduce its embassy staff in Beirut and will assist Polish citizens wishing to leave Lebanon, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

"The situation in Lebanon is very tense," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski during a press conference following a government meeting.

Wronski said that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring developments.

"Given the escalating tension, we've decided to reduce our staff at the embassy in Beirut and facilitate the departure of some Polish citizens from Lebanon, as travel is still possible with charter flights currently operating," he added, Xinhua news agency reported.

When asked about the number of embassy employees being evacuated, Wronski mentioned that around a dozen people might be affected, primarily the family members of diplomats. "We aim to retain those essential for the embassy's operations, while non-essential staff will be reduced," he explained.

The evacuation is expected to occur in the coming days. Wronski also mentioned that Poland is working to organize humanitarian aid for Lebanon.
Kolhapur, Oct 1 : In an important development, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has accorded approval for a social organisation of Yuvraj Chhatrapati Sambhajiraje as a full-fledged political party with a royal touch and allotted a symbol, here on Tuesday.

Yuvraj (Prince) Sambhajiraje, 53, floated the social organisation Swarajya Sangathana on August 9, 2022, which worked with the masses in different areas.

After two years, it has now been registered as a political entity, 'Maharashtra Swarajya Party' (MSP), and allotted a symbol of a 'pen nib with seven rays', and indicated that it is likely to contest the ensuing Assembly polls.

The Yuvraj  who is the son of Kolhapur Congress Lok Sabha MP Chhatrapati Shrimant Shahu Maharaj  made the announcement today vide social media, to his lakhs of followers, days ahead of the upcoming Maharashtra Assembly elections.

The father-son are the 12th and 13th direct descendants of the legendary Maratha warrior king Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj (1630-1680).

"With the support of thousands of farmers and workers, (Swarajya Sanghatana) is now officially registered as a political party and has got a symbol ahead of the Assembly elections," gushed Yuvraj Sambhajiraje.

He exhorted his loyal band of followers that last year they had taken the social organisation door-to-door and now it is their duty to even take the election symbol vigorously to the masses before the polls.

Recently, Yuvraj Sambhajiraje has launched a platform, 'Parivartan Mahashakti' which includes MSP, the Prahar Janshakti Party, Swabhimani Shetkari Sanghatana, with the likelihood of Maratha leader and Shivba Sanghatana leader Manoj Jarange-Patil joining them.

The Parivartan Mahashakti is expected to lock horns with the ruling MahaYuti alliance of Shiv Sena-Bharatiya Janata Party-Nationalist Congress Party and the Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi of Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (SP)-Shiv Sena (UBT).

"It is certain that the love of the people of Maharashtra, the hard work of party organisation workers and well-wishers, and the need for a new and civilized alternative to the politics of the state will help the MSP candidates win with huge votes in the upcoming assembly elections and bring the power of transformation to power," said Yuvraj Sambhajiraje optimistically.
Jaipur, Oct 1 : A day after leading an investors' meet in New Delhi, Rajasthan Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma on Tuesday hosted senior officials of Central government-owned Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) and exhorted them to explore new business opportunities in the state.

The Rajasthan delegation showcased the emerging business scenario and investment opportunities in the state and apprised the senior officials of over 50 central public sector enterprises about the key business-friendly changes being implemented by the state government.

Congratulating the Rajasthan government for the upcoming global investment summit, Rajneesh Narang, Chairman & Managing Director of HPCL, said that his company is one of the beneficiaries of the pro-business reforms being taken by the state and the Barmer refinery being developed by HPCL is an example of it.

"The government went out of its way to provide us critical and prompt support at every stage. We were allotted the land promptly, not only for the current needs of the refinery but also for its future expansion," Narang said on this occasion.

Manoj Jain, Chairman and Managing Director, of Bharat Electronics Limited (BEL), spoke about the emerging opportunities in defence manufacturing in the state.

"Rajasthan is emerging as a huge industrial base for defence manufacturing in the country. Our company has plans to develop a centre of excellence for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Software development in Rajasthan. The Centre is going to be the answer to the customized needs of various industries based out of Rajasthan ranging from defence to electronics," Jain said.

Sanjay Swarup, Chairman and Managing Director, CONCOR spoke about the need to expand sustainable and environment-friendly modes of transport such as LNG and appreciated the role played by the Rajasthan government in promoting ease of doing business in the logistics and transport sector.

"The LNG mobility is severely constrained in northern parts of the country due to the unavailability of LNG allied infrastructure. With the arrival of the LNG project in Rajasthan, this challenge will be effectively addressed," he added.

Thanking the officials of the CPSEs for participating in the conclave, Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma highlighted the key fiscal incentives and steps initiated for the ease of doing business.

"Rajasthan has immense potential across sectors such as renewable energy, defence manufacturing, petrochemicals, and tourism. With abundant land, significant renewable energy potential, mineral reserves, and a skilled workforce, we can ensure shared prosperity for both the state and the CPSEs. Together, we will become strong pillars in realising the goal of 'Viksit Bharat' and 'Viksit Rajasthan'," said the Chief Minister while addressing the gathering.

Addressing the officials of CPSEs, Industry and Commerce Minister Rajyavardhan Rathore said: "The leaders of the CPSEs participating in the conclave today are instrumental in giving a big push to the state government's goal of doubling the size of Rajasthan's economy from USD 180 billion to USD 350 billion in next 5 years."

He added that the government aims to create new employment opportunities for the industrious and talented youth of the state and is looking at the CPSEs with great hope in this endeavour.

Chief Secretary Sudhansh Pant, in his remarks at the conclave, said that the role played by the CPSEs in the growth of the nation is remarkable.

"Personally, we have a unique sense of affection and appreciation for the CPSEs working in the state, for their immense contribution towards the prosperity and growth of the state. 'Rising Rajasthan' Global Investment Summit 2024 lays equal emphasis on attracting investment from the private sector and government-run vibrant Public Sector Enterprises (PSEs)," he added.

Principal Secretary (Industries) Ajitabh Sharma made a presentation on the vast opportunities available in Rajasthan and encouraged the officials of the CPSEs to explore the strategic advantage the state has due to its proximity to Delhi.

The Chief Minister-led delegation will host the ambassadors of different countries and request their cooperation and support to facilitate investment into the state. Ambassadors and diplomats of the Philippines, Denmark, Singapore, Mexico, Oman, Morocco, Kenya, Italy, South Korea, Australia, the UAE, Indonesia, Malaysia, Turkey, Spain, Switzerland, Brazil, Qatar, and South Africa are expected to attend the roundtable.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : The Supreme Court on Tuesday asked a special CBI court to decide, within 10 days, the bail plea of Kuntal Ghosh, a prime accused in the multi-crore cash-for-school-job case in West Bengal.

A bench, headed by Justice Surya Kant, directed the special court to take up the bail matter on a day-to-day basis.

"Special CBI Court, which has been notified as a Special Court under Section 43 of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002, is directed to take up the bail matter of the petitioner on day to day basis, and decide the same within 10 days and send a compliance report," the bench, also comprising Justice Ujjal Bhuyan, ordered.

Suspended Trinamool Congress youth wing leader Kuntal Ghosh came into the limelight last year after he accused Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials of putting pressure on him to name party General Secretary Abhishek Banerjee in the school job case. He had written letters to a local police station and a judge of a special court for the PMLA, accusing the probe agencies on this matter.

The CBI charge sheet mentioned that Ghosh designed a fake website of the West Bengal Board of Primary Education (WBBPE) to arrange fake counselling and used it to upload a list of "target" candidates. He also created a fake email ID through which he used to send "do not reply" emails to such "target" candidates informing them about being shortlisted for the counselling, a CBI official said.

"None of these candidates were actually selected and the accused was just duping them for extracting money for them. So in a way, he opened a two-way corruption channel, arranging jobs against cash and duping candidates," the official added.
Hyderabad, Oct 1 : Telangana Cyber Security Bureau (TGCSB) has arrested 27 cyber fraudsters in Rajasthan involved in hundreds of cases in Telangana and other states.

In the first-ever inter-state special operation, the Cyber Security Bureau raided three different locations in Rajasthan.

TGCSB Director Shikha Goel told mediapersons that the cyber fraudsters were involved in a staggering 2,223 cybercrime cases across India, including 189 cases in Telangana.

She said four teams from TGCSB camped in Rajasthan and carried out this operation during the last fortnight of September as part of 'Zero Tolerance' policy against cybercrimes.

The official said the TGCSB recently formed a Special Operations Wing as part of a strategic approach to conduct centralised and large-scale interstate operations to curb cybercrimes.

"This was the first operation carried out by this special operations wing. The teams were deployed at various locations in Rajasthan (Jaipur, Jodhpur and Nagaur) and conducted operations in surrounding areas," she said.

Real-time technical support team from TGCSB headquarters coordinated 24x7 with the field level teams deployed in Rajasthan.

During the operations, the teams arrested 27 cyber fraudsters who were involved in opening and operating 29 mule accounts which had suspicious transactions to the tune of Rs 11,01,18,882 as per initial estimates.

These accused are involved in 189 cases in Telangana, in which the total amount lost is Rs 9 crore.

They willingly allowed their accounts to be used for conducting cybercrimes. Their crimes were related to business and investment, trading, and digital arrest.

A total of 31 mobile phones, 37 SIM cards, 13 ATM cards, 7 cheque books, two cancelled cheques, two hard discs, and certain other documents were seized from their possession. The arrested accused were brought on transit warrants from Rajasthan and are now lodged in various jails in Telangana.

"Further, 33 more cyber criminals were identified during the operation, and we are working to arrest them in the near future. The complicity of bank officials in opening and operating the said mule accounts is also being examined, and action will be taken against them as per law," Shikha Goel said.

The main purpose of this operation was to break the supply chain of illicit bank accounts for facilitating cybercrimes. The Telangana Cyber Security Bureau shall continue to conduct more such interstate operations targeting cyber criminals across India to ensure a cyber-safe Telangana, she added.

Arrests accused are Kalu Ram (33 years), Lokesh Sharma (28), Pradeep Gehlot (25), Rajesh Barman (25), Kalyan Barman (26), Manish Jakhar (20), Kailash Chand Dara (22), Sachin Bhadana (29), Tushar Jangid (21), Mohith sharma (28), Lakkan Arora (21), Shubham Jatawat (26), Ashish Jangid (26), Deepak Jangid (20), Lucky Kamawat (19), Murali Dhar Gour (37), Rakesh Dudi (27), Vinod Chavariya (21), Rakesh Jat (30), Om Harisharnam (30), Sanjay Morya (24), Rajesh Pancharia (27), Ramvilas Sargra (21), Vishnu Prasad Sargara (20), Sravan Kumar Mali (38), Rashid (26) and Maqsood (28).
In the shadow of the Israeli offensive in Lebanon and the blows landed on Hezbollah, armed groups in the region allied with the Lebanese party-militia and backed by Iran have intensified their attacks on Israel in recent weeks in an apparent attempt to force it to divert some of its attention and resources to other fronts. The increase in their activity, which to a lesser extent has also been directed against U.S. positions in the area, comes after these same groups have deepened their cooperation and coordination in recent months in response to the Israeli offensive in Gaza.

The main groups that make up the so-called Iranian-led Axis of Resistance, which includes Hezbollah, Yemens Houthi rebels and Iraqi factions, already had a joint operations room to coordinate their regional actions, mainly directed against the United States and Israel, before the war in Gaza. But it is in the wake of this conflict that they have strengthened their ties, including during high-level meetings held recently in Tehran and Baghdad.

One area where the greatest effort appears to have been invested is in developing the capabilities of Iraqi fighters in the use of missiles and drones, which are the main means at their disposal to attack Israel. In July, a Houthi commander with drone expertise was killed in a U.S. strike on a base near Baghdad, according to Iranian media. And a month earlier, the Houthis and the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, a coalition of guerrillas backed by Iran, for the first time claimed a joint drone attack against Israel.

The Islamic Resistance in Iraq has increased the number of attacks on Israel more than any other group in recent days, although it sometimes claims responsibility for actions when it is unclear whether or not they have actually taken place. On Monday, in line with its recent pace of activity, it declared that it had hit four targets in Israel with missiles and drones, including two in Haifa. But despite dozens of attacks, the Iraqi militias have not been able to present Israel with a threat similar to that of the Houthis or Hezbollah.

Members of the Islamic Resistance in Iraq have also recently threatened to resume their attacks against U.S. positions in Iraq. Between October 2023 and January, more than 170 attacks were recorded against U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria over Washingtons support for Israel, and in an attempt to force its withdrawal from the area. These actions were largely suspended following an attack on a military base in Jordan that killed three U.S. soldiers, but they resumed in mid-July and now threaten to accelerate. Since the expansion of the Israeli offensive in Lebanon, Iraqi fighters have also declared their willingness to send assistance and troops to Hezbollah.

Some of these Iraqi groups also appear to be behind recent attacks on U.S. positions in Syria, including at least two attributed to them by Syrian media in the second half of September. In parallel, Syrian opposition media on Saturday reported several unclaimed aerial bombings against positions and targets of Iranian-backed guerrillas in the eastern province of Deir Ezzor. And in the past two weeks, Israel, which has been bombing targets in Syria for years, has admitted to carrying out an airstrike near Damascus in which it killed a leading member of an Iraqi militia. The Israeli military has also recently bombed points on the Syrian-Lebanese border under the pretext of wanting to cut off Hezbollah supply lines.

From Yemen, the Houthis claimed three attacks on Israel over the weekend, including one on Tel Aviv and nearby Ben-Gurion International Airport, and a fourth on three U.S. warships in the Red Sea. All were intercepted. On Sunday, Israel bombed Yemen, killing at least four people, according to the local health ministry. A similar exchange of blows in July left one dead in Israel and at least 14 in Yemen.

As part of their declared campaign to pressure Israel and its allies to end the war in Gaza, the Houthis have been attacking merchant vessels and warships in the Red Sea, one of the worlds main trade arteries, since last November. As a result of these actions, maritime traffic on this route had fallen by almost 70% compared to the previous year, according to data from the Portwatch platform, managed by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and Oxford University.

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New Delhi, Oct 1 : Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Tuesday credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the recently reported remarkable surge in manufacturing jobs and wages for workers in FY 23, where they have risen by 7.6 per cent and 5.5 per cent, respectively, saying under his leadership, the sector has "not only rebounded but is now thriving".

As per the government's Annual Survey of Industries 2022-23, nationwide employment in the sector has achieved a laudable rise from 1.6 crore workers in 2018-19 to 1.9 crore in 2022-23, while the concentration of employment in factories has also been rise to rise, with the number of workers per factory going up from 65 in 2018-19 to 71 in 2022-23.

The data shows that wages per worker in the manufacturing sector have jumped by 5.5 per cent, with workers now earning an average of Rs 2.05 lakh per year in 2022-23 from Rs 1.69 lakh in 2018-19.

"More jobs mean more food on the table and more wages mean better quality of life for lakhs of Indian families. Under PM Modi's leadership, the manufacturing sector has emerged as a job-creation powerhouse," Minister Sitharaman said, crediting several key initiatives of the Modi government, including the Production-Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme, Make in India, Aatmanirbhar Bharat, and Labour Law Reforms, for this remarkable turnaround, as per an official document.

Meanwhile, the key economic marker of Gross Value Added (GVA) in manufacturing, has risen by over 21 per cent from 2021-22 to 2022-23 and Sitharaman said that the surge "is a clear indication that India's manufacturing sector is firing on all cylinders," said Sitharaman".

The report also said that BJP-ruled states, like Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh, and Maharashtra, have become the powerhouses of India's manufacturing revolution, driving massive growth in both output and employment.

Gujarat, known for its entrepreneurial spirit, tops the list with 17.7 per cent of the total output, while industrial heartland Maharashtra follows closely with a 14.6 per cent share of total output. Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, contributed 7.1 per cent to the national manufacturing output.

In terms of employment, Maharashtra has performed exceptionally well, with 12.8 per cent of the total people employed in the manufacturing sector. Gujarat follows next with 12.6 per cent, while Uttar Pradesh contributed to 8.1 per cent.

In terms of the number of factories in operation, these three BJP-ruled states have secured top spots with Gujarat contributing 12.2 per cent at the 2nd rank, Maharashtra 10.4 per cent at the 3rd rank and Uttar Pradesh 7.5 per cent ranking 4th. NDA-ruled Andhra Pradesh ranks 5th with 6.5 per cent of factories.

Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh, in combination with Tamil Nadu and Karnataka, have emerged as the backbone of India's manufacturing sector, together accounting for more than 50 per cent of India's total manufacturing jobs, as per the survey.
New Delhi, Oct 1 : Divya Salaskar, the daughter of Vijay Salaskar, the police inspector who was killed by the terrorists in the 26/11 Mumbai attacks, said on Tuesday that India is well protected under Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

"PM Modi's vision of Sewa, Sahas and Sanskriti embodies everything. This is what our honourable Prime Minister envisions for India," said Divya Salaskar, who walked the ramp during the 'Namo Bharat' event organised in Mumbai.

Divya said that she believes that helping each other and being strong as a country will firmly put India on the global stage.

"I believe a lot in PM Modi's vision. I believe that India is very well protected under him. Namo Bharat will go a very long way and it will set a precedent for what we can look for future," Divya told IANS.

On 10 years of the Modi government, she said that before 2014, there used to be news about terrorist attacks every two years in any part of the country, but after 2014, there is no such news anymore.

"We don't hear of any such indents anymore. I think this is a big step. Also, the world is recognising us as a superpower. Now we have a seat at the table. We are not vulnerable and can give a befitting reply to any country. In just five to ten years, the change is phenomenal," she added.

On the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign, she said, "We should instil this vision of Beti Bachao Beti Padhao in each small village and city then only daughters can be saved and can be educated."

The 'Namo Bharat' event also had the Manish Malhotra fashion show, featuring EVARA, an Indian handloom couture collection, to pay a heartfelt tribute to the courage of Mumbai attack survivors.

The event was to highlight the spirit of Bharat and pay homage to its rich textile heritage.
Washington, Oct 1 : Tim Walz and J.D. Vance, Democratic and Republican nominees, respectively, for vice-president, will debate on Tuesday night (US time) to place themselves as worthy contenders to replace the incumbents, if and when the time comes.

CBS News is hosting the debate in New York Norah O'Donnell of the "CBS Evening News" and Margaret Brennan of "Face the Nation" will moderate.

The vice-presidential debate is scheduled to begin at 9 p.m. US eastern time (6.30 a.m. IST) and it will be simulcast by other channels and websites.

The debate will last 90 minutes as the previous two presidential debates but the rule will be slightly different.

The candidates' microphones will remain open even after their turn to speak, but moderators will retain the right to turn them off.

There will be no opening remarks but they will get two minutes each for the closing statement.

Vance won a coin toss to decide the order and he will go second. They will each be given a notepad and pen and they cannot bring notes or any props.

Walz has done many decades running first for US congress and then twice for governor of Minnesota and Vance, the younger and less experienced of the two, participated in some debates in his race for the US senate.

Walz is likely to face questions about his handling of riots in Minnesota following the murder of George Floyd in 2020 and aspects of his military career of 24 years.

Vance, who also served in the military, could be asked about a controversial statement about "childless cat ladies" and his earlier criticism of former President Donald Trump, whom he had called an idiot and compared him to Adolf Hitler.

Vice-presidential debates are considered as consequential as the one between the main nominees and are not known to have any bearing on polling numbers. But given how right the race is between Vice-President Kamala Harris and former President Trump, this debate will be closely watched. However, viewership is not expected to match the 67 million who viewed the September 10 debate between Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.
Agartala, Oct 1 : The Centre has approved the release of Rs 25 crore to the flood-affected Tripura from the National Disaster Response Fund (NDRF), officials said here on Tuesday.

The Tripura government demanded around Rs 15,000 after the unprecedented flood and landslides triggered by record quantities of rainfall in August damaged a huge number of public and private properties, infrastructures and crops.

Tripura Chief Minister Manik Saha on Tuesday expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah for providing financial assistance to the flood-affected state.

Saha also informed that the state has received an additional Rs 25 crore from the NDRF and assured that there would be no lapses in the distribution of aid and restoration efforts.

"The second Inter-Ministerial Central Team (IMCT) visited all the flood-affected areas. They are satisfied with the progress. Earlier, we received Rs 40 crore in advance. I want to thank the Prime Minister and Home Minister for their continued support. The flood damage was extensive, and we have also allocated aid from our state budget," said Saha.

He added that he is personally overseeing the relief efforts to ensure there are no gaps in relief distribution and restoration.

"At least 39 people lost their lives due to the flood, and we have announced financial aid. The Prime Minister has also announced support for the victims. We are doing everything possible to restore Tripura, and we will succeed," he added.

The northeastern state witnessed catastrophic floods for the first time in over three decades, killing at least 39 persons including women and children and affecting 17 lakh people.

A six-member IMCT, which visited the worst-hit Gomati, Sepahijala, Khowai, and South Tripura districts for four days last month and assessed the flood damage and losses, submitted their report to the Central government.

The state government recently announced Rs 564 crore special packages to cope with the disastrous floods from August 19-24 also damaged over 62,200 houses across the state.

The Tripura government has provided free ration at the rate of 10 kg per ration card for two months, as announced under the Chief Ministeras Relief package.
Mumbai, Oct 1 : Ahead of the Maharashtra Assembly elections, the BJP on Tuesday suffered a setback after a former minister, Padmakar Valvi, who hails from the Scheduled Tribe (ST) community, resigned from the party's primary membership objecting to the state government's proposed move to provide reservation to Dhangar community from the ST category.

Valvi said that he would soon announce his future plans.

In the resignation letter, Valvi said: "I am resigning from the primary membership of the BJP."

Although, he has not mentioned any specific reason, he has indicated that he was totally against the stand taken by the state government of providing reservation to Dhangar community from the ST category.

Valvi, who was minister in the Congress-NCP government, had switched to BJP in March this year ahead of the Lok Sabha elections saying "the pace of work by the BJP, and the planning made by the party from state to the Centre reaches people. Its effect can be seen".

His move came on a day when Union Home Minister Amit Shah was in Mumbai on a two-day visit to review the BJP's poll preparations and discuss with MahaYuti partners over the seat sharing for the ensuing assembly election.

The decision to resign from the primary membership of the BJP also came a day after the tribal leaders from the state on Monday staged a dharna demanding protection of their rights.

Incidentally, NCP leader and Maharashtra Legislative Assembly Deputy Speaker Narhari Zirwal and NCP Minister Dharmarao Baba Atram have also strongly opposed providing reservation to the Dhangar community from the ST category.

Zirwal had claimed that the Chief Minister Eknath Shinde should have invited ST leaders before making an announcement of providing quota to Dhangar community from ST category and also to issue a government resolution stating Dhangars and Dhangads as one and the same.

Zirwal further warned that if the state government sticks to its decision then nearly 60 to 65 legislators will resign against it.

Incidentally, the Dhangar community claims that the Dhangad tribe, which has ST status, is identical to the Dhangars and that a "spelling mistake has cost them the ST status".

Out of 288 Assembly seats, Maharashtra has 25 seats reserved for the ST community. As far as Dhangars are concerned, the community is presently a part of the OBC list and holds a presence largely in western Maharashtra with an influence in around 25-30 assembly seats.

Furthermore, Congress legislator Hiraman Khosla on Tuesday threatened to resign if the government issues a notification on Dhangar reservation.

"I will resign as the legislator. Due to this wrong decision of the state government, our children will be on the streets. We are not against Dhangar reservation. However, if you want to include them in the ST category, we will oppose it," he said.

"For example, consider Nashik district in north Maharashtra, there are 60,000 to 70,00 tribal votes in each assembly constituency. It will be very difficult for the government if we take a different decision. If the Dhangar community is protesting on the streets, then we will also take to the streets and protest strongly," he said.
Beed, Oct 1 : Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister and NCP national president Ajit Pawar on Tuesday ruled out the possibility of a single-party government in Maharashtra, saying that after 1985 there has been a coalition government which ruled the state.

Pawar was reacting to the call given by the Union Home Minister Amit Shah to the party functionaries to strive for the BJP to form the government solo in the state after the 2029 Assembly election.

The Home Minister also said that no one can stop MahaYuti from coming back to power after the upcoming Assembly election in 2024.

"A single-party government will come to power in other states but not in Maharashtra. Every party will make an effort for its growth. But a single-party government cannot come in Maharashtra. The political and geographical situation of the state is different. Other states may have a single-party government but the situation is quite different in Maharashtra," said Pawar.

He noted that after 1985, there was never a single-party government that came to power in the state.

Pawar said that the Union Home Minister may have talked about electing BJP's solo government in 2029 to boost the enthusiasm of the party workers.

"He (Home Minister) has the right to talk about the emergence of BJP as the single largest party in the state," he said.

Pawar's statement is important especially when his party the NCP along with Eknath Shinde-led Shiv Sena are BJP's key allies in the MahaYuti and they are currently engaged in a seat-sharing arrangement for the upcoming Assembly election.

The BJP has already indicated that it would continue to play a big brother's role in the MahaYuti and press for 150 to 160 seats leaving the balance 128 to Shiv Sena and NCP.

Pawar has also denied media reports of his party being a part of the third front in Maharashtra. "I am amused to read and hear such news," he said.

He dropped sufficient hints that NCP will fight the Assembly election as the MahaYuti ally.

Meanwhile, the Home Minister also addressed an interactive meeting of the BJP workers in Navi Mumbai and asked them to work hard for MahaYuti's victory.

He also told the party workers who want to quit the party to leave, saying that BJP is continuously growing.

The Home Minister also chaired the meeting with the BJP's core committee in the presence of the party in charge and Union Minister Bhupendra Yadav and co-in-charge and Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnav.
Kohima, Oct 2 : The Isak-Muivah faction of the National Socialist Council of Nagalim (NSCN-IM) on Tuesday took a strong exception against the Supreme Court ruling that dismissed criminal charges against the Indian Army officials in connection with the "killing of 14 Naga civilians" in Nagaland's Mon district on December 4, 2021.

The Joint Council meeting of the NSCN-IM on Tuesday expressed condemnation in the strongest terms, a statement noted.

"It is a blatant violation of human rights and against the spirit of right to life and liberty," the influential Naga body said in a statement.

It said that "certainly, the Supreme Court found itself helpless to go against the 'notorious' Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) that continues to victimize the Nagas, even after the 1997 ceasefire to resolve the Naga political issue".

Ironically, Nagas abhor AFSPA because it is incompatible to the spirit of the government of India seeking Naga political solution, the statement said, adding that Nagas would not surrender tamely but fight for justice.

On September 17, a Supreme Court bench of Justices Vikram Nath and P.B. Varale directed the closure of the FIR and consequent criminal proceedings initiated by the Nagaland government against members of the Indian Army operational team in connection with the killing of 14 civilians in the state's Mon district in December 2021.

The apex court allowed the writ petitions filed by the wives of officers for quashing of suo moto FIR registered against the personnel of 21 Para (Special Force).

The apex court noted that the sanction under Section 6 of the Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958 was rejected by the competent authority in February last year. Section 6 provides that no prosecution, suit or other legal proceedings can be instituted against any person in respect of anything done under the AFSPA except with the previous sanction of the Union government.

The NSCN-IM said that the Joint Council Meeting also passed a resolution against the controversial Register of Indigenous Inhabitants of Nagaland (RIIN) that violates the very meaning of indigenous peoples in the context of God-given Naga nation.

"It dilutes the Naga meaning of indigenous as RIIN comes with divisive venom to divide the Nagas, as instigated by the forces against the Naga nation. Naga as indigenous people have no class and no boundary. Nagas are one and Nagas are indigenous wherever they are in their God-given land, Nagalim," the statement noted.

The Naga body said that therefore, the present form of RIIN classification of indigenous based on artificial state boundaries is not acceptable to the Naga people, adding "come what may, we shall resist!"

The statement said that another resolution adopted in Tuesday's Joint Council meeting is to resist the border fencing along the India-Myanmar international border and the scrapping of the Free Movement Regime (FMR).

"Scrapping of FMR also violates the spirit of Naga political talks to find a peaceful Naga political solution," the statement mentioned.

The NSCN-IM is against the scrapping of FMR and therefore shall not tolerate border fencing and we shall do whatever is deemed fit to stop such aggression against the existence of Naga brotherhood as a nation, it added.

The FMR allows citizens residing close to both sides of the border to move 16 km into each otheras territory without a passport or visa.

Four northeastern states -- Arunachal Pradesh, Manipur, Nagaland, and Mizoram -- share border with Myanmar.
Guwahati, Oct 2 : The Assam government will make public the findings by a committee regarding the "huge corruption and malpractices" that happened in competitive examinations conducted by Assam Public Service Commission (APSC) during the previous Congress regime in the state, Chief Minister Himanta Biswa Sarma said on Tuesday.

The decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting held on Tuesday.

An official release mentioned: "One Man Inquiry Commission headed by Justice (Retd) B.K Sarma was set up to inquire into the allegations and malpractices in the conduct of Combined Competitive Examinations (CCE) 2013 and CCE 2014 by Assam Public Service Commission. The Committees submitted its reports and pointed out glaring anomalies and malpractices resorted to by the beneficiaries and the perpetrators in conduct of CCE-2013 by APSC which was beyond imagination."

"In the larger public interest, the Cabinet has approved making the findings of the report public and to be placed in the Assam Legislative Assembly to inform the people of Assam on the extent of corruption and malpractices that were prevalent in APSC during the previous dispensation," the statement further mentioned.

The Assam Civil Service (ACS) and Assam Police Service (APS) officers who appeared in the Combined Competitive Examination 2013 were among the successful candidates who allegedly engaged in irregular practices in collusion with Rakesh Kumar Paul, the APSC chairman at the time. This led to the revelation of the APSC cash-for-job scam in 2016.

Earlier, the Assam government set up a high-level committee to decide on the action to be taken in view of the irregularities in the 2013 exam.

Paul was lodged in jail for more than six years and he was released on bail March 2023.

Meanwhile, in July this year, a Special Court convicted former chairman of Assam Public Service Commission (APCS) Paul and two ex-members in the 2015 cash-for-jobs scam linked to the recruitment of Agriculture Development Officers (ADOs) in the state.

Notably, Rakesh Kumar Paul was appointed chairman of APSC by the erstwhile Tarun Gogoi-led Congress government in the state.

The BJP, since it came to power in Assam in 2016, targeted the Congress on the issue of alleged large-scale malpractices and corruption under Paulas tenure as chairman of APSC.
Washington, Oct 2 : US President Joe Biden has directed American forces to aid Israel's defence against Iran, which launched missile attacks against the Jewish state.

US National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a post on social media platform X that President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris "are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room & receiving regular updates from their national security team".

President Biden "directed the US military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel", the spokesperson added.

The statement came as Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles.
Lucknow, Oct 2 : The Ayodhya administration has ordered the closure of all poultry and meat shops in the district during the nine-day-long Navratri festival, beginning on October 3.

"In view of the upcoming Navratri festival, goat/chicken/fish/all meat shops will remain closed in Ayodhya district from 03.10.2024 to 11.10.2024," stated an order issued on Tuesday by the Assistant Commissioner, Food Safety and Drug Administration, Ayodhya.

The order further said that if the general public finds any meat product being sold or stored in these shops during this period, they should inform the food safety department on 05278366607.

It also warned that strict legal action will be taken against the concerned businessmen under the Food Safety and Standards Act 2006 in case of failure to comply with the order.

The nine-day-long Shardiya Navratri festival, dedicated to the worship of Goddess Durga and her nine forms, is celebrated across the country with great zeal and enthusiasm.

Apart from worshipping goddess Durga, celebrations also include decorations of pandals, classical and folk dances by devotees, and setting up fairs. Devotees often celebrate Navaratri by fasting.
WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange on Tuesday broke the silence he had maintained since his release in June after spending 12 years deprived of freedom. And he stressed that he can now move around again without fear of being arrested or extradited to the United States not because the system or the safeguards provided to protect freedom of expression worked, but because he gave in to pressure and pleaded guilty to conducting journalism.

I want to be clear: I am not free today because the system worked, he said. If I am free, it is because I pled guilty to seeking information from a source. I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source. And I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was. I pled guilty to nothing else, the Australian activist said during a hearing of the Committee on Legal Affairs and Human Rights of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE), in Strasbourg, France. Assange has asked institutions to act so that what happened to him for publishing classified information does not happen again.

Journalism is not a crime

A journalist should not be persecuted for doing his job, journalism is not a crime, it is a pillar of a free and informed society, he stressed to applause from lawmakers, whom he asked not to let down their guard. If there is a future in Europe today in which the freedom to speak and publish the truth is not the privilege of a few, but the right of all, they must act so that what happened in my case never happens to anyone again. Starting, he said, by reviewing the legal protections for whistleblowers because many exist only on paper.

His presence at the Council of Europe on Tuesday and Wednesday, where his case and the chilling effects on human rights it has had are being discussed, constitutes Assanges first trip outside his native Australia since, following an agreement with the U.S. justice system, he was released at the end of June from the maximum-security British prison where he spent the last five years. It is also the first time that the 53-year-old has broken his silence. And he has done so to reveal that part of the agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice implies the impossibility of him being able to legally challenge the harassment he underwent for more than a decade, the extradition procedure, or requesting access to records of his case through the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and his wife Stella Assange during a hearing before the Legal Affairs and Human Rights Committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg on October 1. Stephane Mahe (REUTERS)

Assange, dressed in a suit and with a well-groomed beard, arrived at the Council of Europe headquarters early in the morning accompanied by his wife, the lawyer Stella Assange. The publisher made no statements to the press before entering the room, where he spoke for an hour before lawmakers from the 46 member states of the Strasbourg-based institution.

His statement was punctuated by fits of coughing and pauses, and Assange said he is still trying to readjust to normal life after more than a decade of being locked up, first for seven years in the Ecuadorian embassy in London, and then in a maximum-security British prison. I have lost 14 years of my life, he has said on several occasions. It was in 2010 when the legal process against him began after he was accused by Swedish prosecutors of sexual harassment.

I have come a long way to be here, literally and figuratively, he said, indicating that the isolation he was subjected to for so many years takes its toll. Speaking here is a challenge, he admitted.

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United Nations, Oct 2 : The UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, including about 900 Indians, are remaining in place despite the "dangerous developments" following Israel's ground invasion of the country and the UN is in close contact with their countries with updates, according to the UN spokesperson.

United Nations, Oct 2 (IANS) The UN peacekeepers in Lebanon, including about 900 Indians, are remaining in place despite the "dangerous developments" following Israel's ground invasion of the country and the UN is in close contact with their countries with updates, according to the UN spokesperson.

The UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) officials "confirm that despite these dangerous developments, UN peacekeepers remain in position and are regularly adjusting their posture and activities in order to fulfil their mandate", Secretary-General Antonio Guterres' Spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said on Tuesday.

"UNIFIL peacekeepers continue to man all the bases and observation posts along the Blue Line that separates Lebanon and Israel," he said.

But in the last few hours on Tuesday they have not been able to do vehicular patrols along the Line, he added

He said Guterres "remains grateful" to the troop-contributing countries (TCC) "for their continued commitment and support to UNIFIL" as well as the Lebanon mission's civilian and military personnel.

Amid the escalation of the conflict, Dujarric said, the peacekeepers are in their bases fulfilling their mandate, but sometimes "if the fighting goes to a certain phase, they do have to go into shelter".

"The Department of Peace Operations (DPO) and UNIFIL are closely engaged with troop-contributing countries to update them on developments and contingency planning", he said.

If the situation worsens, Dujarric said, the peacekeeping operation has contingency plans.

"UNIFIL has been there for quite a long time. They've thought through different scenarios", he said.

Guterres condemned the escalation of the Middle East conflict, without naming Israel which began an invasion of Lebanon after aerial bombings, the Hezbollah that has attacked Israel, and Iran which launched a barrage of missiles against Israel.

"I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation", he said. "This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire".

The Indian peacekeepers include 873 troops, 19 staff officers and 6 women.

The UNIFIL deputy force commander is Major General Chok Bahadur Dhakal of Nepal, which has deployed 858 troops.

(Arul Louis can be contacted at arul.l@ians.in and followed at @arulouis)
Washington, Oct 2 : External Affairs Minister (EAM) S. Jaishankar has said that he and his US counterpart Antony Blinken discussed West Asia and Ukraine and a whole range of issues including the Delaware bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and President Joe Biden and the Quad summit.

Before the start of their meeting, Blinken spoke glowingly of the "incredible vibrancy, strength" in the relationship between the two sides on display in recent weeks.

"We followed up on the Delaware bilateral and Quad meetings," Jaishankar wrote of the meeting on X. "Our discussions also covered deepening bilateral cooperation, situation in West Asia, recent developments in the Indian subcontinent, the Indo-Pacific and Ukraine," he added.

"We've seen, just in recent weeks once again, the incredible vibrancy, strength behind the partnership that joins the United States and India," Blinken said referring to the recent bilateral meeting between Prime Minister Modi and President Biden. "We had Prime Minister Modi here and actually in Wilmington, Delaware for the Quad meeting as well as a bilateral meeting with President Biden."

Biden had hosted Quad leaders for the first time in his hometown and also held a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Modi at his home in Greenville, Delaware.

Blinken said: "The warmth of that meeting, the ambition in the relationship, is at a level we've never seen before. And I think it's a reflection of the value that both countries attach to this partnership a" a partnership in so many different areas, including strategic technology sectors, including space, including semiconductors, including clean energy, where our countries increasingly are working together and creating new opportunities for people in both India and the United States but also more broadly than that around the world. And of course, the critical role that India plays on the global stage, working for peace, working for stability, working for security a" here as well we're doing more and more together."

EAM Jaishankar thanked Blinken for the "great meeting between the Prime Minister and the President in Delaware, for a very, very good Quad meeting". He said: "I think it gave us an opportunity to take stock of the many areas where that mechanism has progressed."

Earlier, the EAM spoke about the role India had been playing in keeping the line of communication open between Russia and Ukraine. "I'm glad you used the word communication because I think at the moment perhaps (it) is the best description for what we are currently in terms of," he said at an event by Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a leading US think tank.

EAM Jaishankar detailed the meetings that have taken place between leaders of India, Russia and Ukraine, including Prime Minister Modi's meeting with President Vladimir Putin and President Volodymyr Zelensky.

The EAM also expressed his concern about a broader war in West Asia. The event took place before Iran's attack on Israel, which, Blinken said before his meeting with the EAM, "effectively defeated" by Israel "with active support" from the US and allies.
Pacific Northwest Booksellers Association members from Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and British Columbia convened in Portland, Ore., September 29October 1. Trade show director Greg Holmes told PW that attendance was the highest its been since 2019, with 240 booksellers representing 86 stores while staying at the Columbia Riverfront Holiday Inn, with its sweeping views of the river and Interstate Bridge.

On the show floor, 124 booths and spaces were staffed by 196 exhibitors, also up from last year and comparable to 2019s numbers. Library participation doubled too, with 14 librarians representing 10 of the regions libraries.

Each of PNBAs education sessions for first-time attendees and new store owners attracted two dozen participants, with several bookstore-curious attendeesincluding mother-and-daughter pair Lisa and Rachel North of Snohomish, Wa., and Greg Baird and Joel McClanahan of Missoula, Mont.making plans to open stores in 2025.

PNBA invited 71 featured authors, slightly fewer than in 2023 because we redesigned our events and had fewer slots to make room for an evening rep picks event, Holmes said. We did get pitches, and several more authors came to sign books and meet booksellers in the exhibit hall.

At PNBAs annual meeting, not all the news was rosy. According to a report from PNBA bookkeeper Larry West, the organization was down $13,000 in 2023, having budgeted a modest $800 profit for the year. There was no single outstanding cause of the loss, West wrote in the report. Our programs all made money, but some just not quite as much as we projected, and some of our expenses were slightly higher than projected.

PNBA executive director Brian Juenemann noted that this years holiday catalog, a significant source of revenue, is short about $2530K going into this season. Its a tough hit but nowhere near a fatal sign, Juenemann said, attributing the lower revenue to client anomalies. Some publishers we regularly counted on had a budget blip this year.

PNBA stores continue to prove the holiday catalog program is essential, Juenemann said, so even if a publisher doesnt participate for a year, I dont expect them to go away for good. PNBA will discuss the timing for the ad campaign, changes to the ad rate structure, and paper choice and printing, Juenemann told PW, but hes reluctant to downsize the 24-page circular.

West noted that PNBA is still in a very strong financial position, with total assets of more than $450K. The organization has budgeted for a break-even year for 2024. Members are in for a modest rate increase in annual dues, said board president Sarah Hutton of Village Books in Bellingham, Wa., while remarking that membership costs have held steady since 2008.

Pre-show gatherings

Some booksellers arrived September 28 for PNBA pre-show events. The American Booksellers Association held its Pacific Northwest launch of The ABA Right to Read Handbook at Powells City of Books, with ABA advocacy associate manager Philomena Polefrone in conversation with Ban This Book author Adam Gratz.

Polefrone told PW that the $18 handbook, available through Ingram distribution, IngramSpark, and Bookshop.org, is meant to move advocates from awareness to direct action. All of the handbooks profits support American Booksellers for Free Expression, and Polefrones interviews with free speech advocates including Drag Story Hour executive director Jonathan Hamilt, Books & Books founder Mitchell Kaplan, and authors Malinda Lo and Maggie Tokuda-Hall introduce practical chapters on combating censorship.

Elsewhere in Portland on the day before the show, indie press Tin House threw a retirement party for W.W. Norton sales representative Dan Christiaens. Christiaens joined Norton in 1996 and moved to the Pacific Northwest in 2004, and regional booksellers turned out to wish him well.

Third places and intentional interdependence

PNBAs gathering officially began on September 29 with a breakfast keynote talk about bookstores as third places, community locations where people find a sense of social belonging outside of home and the workplace. Ethicist Richard Kyte, author of Finding Your Third Place: Building Happier Communities (and Making Great Friends Along the Way) (Fulcrum), gave a short history of social organizations that promote common purpose and dispel loneliness.

In his research and teaching, Kyte has found that third places feel ordinary, promote a playful mood or make people smile, and are conducive to lively conversation. He argued that although technology promises to expedite common tasks, it allows us to be less dependent on others. In most respects, thats a good thing, but we become less interdependent.

Third places, Kyte explained, often include such activities as book clubs and person-to-person gamessuch as that famous Bainbridge Island invention, pickleballand promote intentional interdependence. PNBAs trade show offered many amiable third-place opportunities to meet peers and hold conversations, from an afternoon of rep picks to mealtimes and signings with authors.

PNBA program support staffer Tiffany LaSalle and the PNBA Awards committee unveiled the organizations shortlist of award contenders for 2025 on the show floor; a winner will be selected in January 2025. And in another annual competition, booksellers voted Kristina McMorriss forthcoming novel The Girls of Good Fortune (Sourcebooks Landmark, May 2025) the shows Buzzbooks pick.

A dinner emceed by Spencer Ruchti, events manager at the aptly named Third Place Books in Lake Forest Park, introduced forthcoming work from Jonathan Evison (The Heart of Winter, Dutton, Jan. 2025), Eowyn Ivey (Black Woods, Blue Sky, Random House, Feb. 2025), Nnedi Okorafor (Death of the Author, Morrow, Jan. 2025), Karen Russell (The Antidote, Knopf, Mar. 2025), and Lidia Yuknavitch (Reading the Waves, Riverhead, Feb. 2025).

Ivey, a former bookseller for Fireside Books in Palmer, Alaska, has been running a preorder campaign; $1 from every preorder made through Fireside Books benefits the Palmer Public Library, which has been closed since its roof collapsed under heavy snow in February 2023; her book launch party will be a fundraiser for Palmers library as well. Ivey didnt reference the campaign in her breakfast pitch, but she did thank PNBA members for their support of her earliest fiction: I was in rural Alaska and had no idea how to get the word outand you guys did that.

Oregon author Yuknavitch, whose 2011 The Chronology of Water was a PNBA Book Award winner, delivered advice in the form of a personal story. Thinking about aging made her feel frumpy and ill at ease"get out of my head, patriarchy!" she jokedand her response was to buy a wetsuit and go for a swim in the Salmon River near her home. When a seal bobbed up nearby, she imagined shedding her human limitations in the aquatic environment, and she observed that her narrative around her identity needed to change.

The story can lock up in you, Yuknavitch said, and its important to keep revising. Shapeshifting is how we get unstuck.

PNBAs next fall trade show will be held in Spokane, Wa., September 2830, 2025. PNBA last met in the eastern Washington city in 1999.
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Price: $ 1,500 Seller State of Residence: Arizona Type: Homesite, Lot Property Address: APN # 115 08 188 Zip/Postal Code: 85625 Zoning: Residential City: Pearce State/Province: Arizona Location: 856**, Green Valley, Arizona

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As Israel took the final steps to launch its ground incursion in southern Lebanon, the United States announced it was sending several thousand soldiers and more fighter planes to reinforce its military presence in the Middle East. The objective, according to Pentagon spokesperson Sabrina Singh, is to protect the American forces already deployed in the region and if necessary, to defend Israel.

Washington currently has about 40,000 troops in the Middle East, and after the arrival of the new personnel, that number will rise to about 43,000, according to Pentagon officials. Since the start of the war in Gaza in October last year, the Defense Department has had as many as 50,000 troops in the area, when two aircraft carriers were simultaneously deployed in the regions waters.

On Sunday, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a statement that should Iran, its partners, or its proxies use this moment to target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people.

This is the current distribution of U.S. forces in the Middle East:

 Military personnel: In normal times, the United States maintains about 34,000 troops in the area of responsibility of the Central Command, which is responsible for the Middle East, with bases in Iraq, Syria, Jordan and other points in the region. Since the beginning of the war, it has reinforced this presence to try to deter an expansion of the conflict, protect the forces already deployed there, contribute to the defense of Israel and participate in an evacuation if necessary.

 Warships: The aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln is in the Gulf of Oman. This floating fortress and its escort group were scheduled to return to base in October, but Austin has ordered its mission extended for another month.

A second aircraft carrier, the Harry Truman, is on its way to the eastern Mediterranean after leaving its base in Norfolk, Virginia, a week ago. Since the crisis began a year ago, the United States has had at least one aircraft carrier in the area to increase its deterrence against possible attempts by Iran or its allied militias to launch large-scale attacks against Israel.

The Pentagon has also confirmed that its nuclear-powered submarine Georgia is currently in the Red Sea. Also stationed in the Middle East is the amphibious assault ship WASP, along with two escort ships and three destroyers. The WASP formation is manned by 4,500 sailors and marines and is equipped with around 30 aircraft and helicopters.

 Air Force: Since August, the Pentagon has had four squadrons of F-22 fighters in the Middle East. Previously, it had F-15 Strike Eagles, F-16s and A-10s in the area. Mondays announcement includes the dispatch of additional F-22s, F-15s and F-16s, Singh said. Initially, these planes were intended to replace those already deployed in the area, but the new instructions have ordered the first group to extend its mission, which will double American air power in the area.

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The company has the largest car park in EVs in India, estimated to be around 170,000 units. As a pilot, it has already started work with used online car marketplace Spinny.

IMAGE: An employee cleans a Tata Nexon. All photographs: Danish Siddiqui/Reuters

The country's largest electric car maker Tata Motors has started working with used car marketplaces to facilitate resale and exchange for electric vehicle (EV) owners.

A company spokesperson told Business Standard, We have been working on opportunities for facilitating EV resale / exchange for those owners who are looking to upgrade to a new EV. Our plans are currently at an early stage, and we are piloting at a small scale with used car online marketplaces.

The company has the largest car park in EVs in India, estimated to be around 170,000 units. As a pilot, the company has already started work with used online car marketplace Spinny.

While both Tata Motors and Spinny declined to comment on the matter, used Tata Nexons are on sale on the platform.

A 2021 Nexon EV XZ Plus is available in Mumbai for Rs 11.61 lakh on the platform.

A new Tata Nexon EV is available for Rs 12.49-16.49 lakh.

Dealer sources said that typically EV prices reduce in line with their internal combustion engine (ICE) counterparts.

This is around 25 per cent in the first year, and thereafter, it depends on usage (km travelled and battery life).

A Tata Motors spokesperson said the used EV market is likely to closely mirror the new EV market with a lag of 3-4 years.

The used EV market is likely to closely mirror the new EV market with a lag of 3-4 years, as early adopters upgrade to longer-range and more advanced EVs. Major volumes of EVs are from 2021-22. And so, we will see the initial lot of upgraders in 12-24 months, the spokesperson said.

IMAGE: A Tata Motors showroom in Mumbai.

Two Mumbai-based dealers of Tata Motors confirmed that they have already started seeing customers who wish to exchange a Tiago or a Nexon EV for a new Tata EV.

We are trying to do our best when exchange demands come up. It would be great if the company ties up with used EV buying marketplaces as rate standardisation remains a challenge in this category, said a dealer based in the eastern suburbs of Mumbai.

A used car marketplace executive said the benefit of buying from a marketplace is that there would be a warranty on this used EV.

Several people who are value or cost conscious are now opening up to buying used EVs, as warranties on the batteries are for 8-10 years. These batteries can last for far more than that depending on charging cycles. Up to 2,000-3,000 charging cycles are possible. Even if one charges once a week, it works out to 52 charges a year. Or a 3-4 year old EV would have probably been charged hardly 200 times, said another executive.

The cells can be replaced, if needed, and the EV is good to go. One major challenge for EV adoption is the cost of acquisition. Used EVs can be the answer, the person felt.

A Tata Motors spokesperson told Business Standard that used EVs will continue to have a strong value proposition for those who would prefer to try a lower-cost EV. This will help people understand their use case benefits better before buying a new EV.

Budget-constrained customers with high running use cases will also opt for them for their inherent low-running cost and assurance of the residual powertrain warranty period, he added.

Tata Motors has been working to bring in more pricing parity between its EVs and ICE vehicles.

Earlier in September, Vivek Srivatsa, chief commercial officer, Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, said, Our singular purpose at Tata.ev is to mainstream EVs by breaking barriers and making EVs more accessible to regular car buyers. With these special, limited-period prices, we are breaking the high acquisition cost barrier for EVs. We are bringing their prices closer to similar petrol and/or diesel-powered vehicles.

Srivatsa was talking about festival discounts on Tata cars, including EVs.

As such, FY25 has been tough for EV sales for the company. In Q1 FY25, while overall Tata Motors PV wholesales were down 1.1 per cent, EV volumes (at 16,600 units) fell steeply by 13.9 per cent due to sharp decline in the fleet segment.

Shailesh Chandra, managing director (MD), Tata Motors Passenger Vehicles and Tata Passenger Electric Mobility, had said that the EV sector was affected by the broader industry trend and the impact of significant preponement of fleet sales in Q4 FY24. This is due to the expiry of the FAME II subsidy in March 2024.

Consequently, while the personal segment retails have grown slightly, there was a sharp decline witnessed in the fleet segment, which is expected to recover in the coming quarters, he had said.

The company has also started bundled plans with Tata Power for EVs and solar rooftops that ensure zero running costs for the buyer.

A company spokesperson told Business Standard, As more people start installing solar rooftop panels, owning an EV will become even more beneficial.

As such, other players like Maruti Suzuki, which are planning to bring in EVs, have said they plan to offer a 'holistic' EV ecosystem to the customer.

Partho Banerjee, senior executive officer of marketing & sales at Maruti Suzuki India said last week, We have done some basic research. We are not just going to launch the product. We are going to provide a complete ecosystem to customers who are going to be a part of this EV family. The three big concerns are range anxiety, EV charging infrastructure and residual value of the EV after five years of usage. No one knows today what is going to be the residual value of an EV.

Premium carmakers like Mercedes Benz offer a guaranteed residual value to their EV customers. For example, the newly launched EQS SUV will fetch a 60 per cent residual value after three years, and 45,000 km.

Feature Presentation: Rajesh Alva/Rediff.com
The national real estate market presents an intriguing picture. Lower volumes and flat pricing serve as dampeners.

Sales bookings across the top ten markets have seen 6 per cent growth year-on-year (Y-o-Y) between April and August 2024, but sales volume is down 8 per cent Y-o-Y.

Unsold inventory is up.

However, analysts believe the ongoing financial year (FY25) will be a record year due to strong traction from new launches.

Post-Covid-19, the sector witnessed a strong upswing in all top markets.

Over FY21-24, 11 real estate majors saw an aggregated annual growth of 43 per cent.

Guidance implies aggregate sales booking will grow by 27 per cent (Y-o-Y) to Rs 1.25 trillion in FY25 and these 11 companies have already recorded Rs 27,800 crore in sales booking in Q1FY25.

New launches of gross development value (GDV) of Rs 1.52 trillion are in planning, and the current inventory is Rs 1.47 trillion.

Launches with a GDV of Rs 1.15 trillion are lined up in H2FY25.

In some cases, sales bookings are at over 100 per cent of unsold inventory, indicating that new launches are urgent.

In Bengaluru, a key market, there are challenges in terms of approvals, and companies with large exposure, face risks of delay.

Sobha, for example, has 60 per cent of its incremental launch value exposure to the Bengaluru market, while Brigade (40 per cent exposure), Century (38 per cent), Arvind Smart (28 per cent), and GPL (18 per cent) also have cause for concern.

Although realisations may rise due to premiumisation, price escalations may be moderate.

Large players could achieve 20-25 per cent growth while midcap players could achieve 30 per cent growth in sales bookings.

A cash flow analysis of realty developers in FY24 indicates that cash operating profit margins were sustained at 39 per cent, similar to FY22 and FY23.

Nine developers had negative working capital cycles as compared to six such developers in FY23.

Land-related capex rose to 29 per cent from 25 per cent (FY23) but net debt reduced for nine developers and average interest outgo as a percentage of collections fell to 6 per cent in FY24 from 7 per cent in FY23.

This generated strong operating cash flow (OCF) in FY24.

There was wide variance.

DLF, Oberoi, Signature Global, and Puravankara saw working capital improvement/negative cycles during FY24. Godrej s OCF was in the red in FY24, though the working capital cycle improved.

Working capital requirements increased in FY24 for Prestige Estates, Brigade, Mahindra Lifespaces, and Kolte-Patil.

DLF, followed by Rustomjee and Lodha had the highest cash operating surplus in FY24.

Sobha, Kolte-Patil, and Shriram Properties were at the lowest end in terms of cash profitability.

While DLF and Godrej Properties were able to hold on to their cash operating profit margins in FY24, profitability improved Y-o-Y for Puravankara and Shriram Properties but declined Y-o-Y for Kolte-Patil and Keystone.

Assuming strong housing demand is sustained, developers must focus on business development, meaning higher land capex.

Lower leverage due to good cash flow generation/equity fund raises makes this possible.

Developers may prioritise business development over deleveraging.

Among the listed players, Godrej, Prestige, Signature, and Brigade delivered the strongest growth in FY24.

Real estate companies have diversified.

DLF has moved into Mumbai, Prestige Estates is entering Mumbai & Hyderabad, Brigade expanding in Chennai and Hyderabad, and Oberoi Realty exploring Delhi-NCR.

Tier-I listed developers are also trying to gain market share versus the informal segment.

According to data from Propequity, the top 10 listed developers have gained 8 per cent market share since 2019.

Quick sales of high-quality launches have led to a shortage of such inventory. Tier-I players with strong balance sheets will be favoured in the prevailing environment.

Disclaimer: This article is meant for information purposes only. This article and information do not constitute a distribution, an endorsement, an investment advice, an offer to buy or sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy or sell any securities/schemes or any other financial products/investment products mentioned in this article to influence the opinion or behaviour of the investors/recipients.

Any use of the information/any investment and investment related decisions of the investors/recipients are at their sole discretion and risk. Any advice herein is made on a general basis and does not take into account the specific investment objectives of the specific person or group of persons. Opinions expressed herein are subject to change without notice.
A new reality for the southern border in an election year: the Joe Biden administration has announced that it will maintain the asylum ban established in the summer despite the fact that the number of illegal crossings has fallen and stagnated in recent months, reaching figures similar to those seen at the end of the Donald Trump presidency. The Democratic president is now going further and, as of September 30, making it more difficult for the controversial measure to be lifted. This means that the border closure will remain in place indefinitely during the final months of his tenure in the White House.

The Biden administration announced in June that it would deny asylum applications to immigrants who request it while the border with Mexico was saturated with irregular arrivals. The measure helped federal authorities reduce the number of illegal crossings by 59% and made July and August the months with the fewest encounters (the processing of detainees) since September 2020. The drop caused many observers to wonder if Biden would lift the ban in the middle of the presidential election campaign.

In order for asylum restrictions to be lifted, Biden had initially set a ceiling of 2,500 people processed at the border by the Department of Homeland Security on average per day over seven days. Washington lowered the figure even further on Monday: there will now have to be fewer than 1,500 apprehensions on average per day for 28 consecutive days. This makes it virtually impossible for the restrictions to be scaled back. The U.S. Border Patrol has processed 1,700 people per day on average in recent weeks during a period in which illegal immigration figures have dropped to their lowest level in four years.

The White House says the move has helped deport 70% of adults who have arrived alone or with family members at the border since June. This includes 119,000 individuals from over 140 countries. Washington has tripled the rate of immediate expulsions of noncitizens and has halved the number of people released by the Border Patrol pending deportation proceedings. The Mexican government has also helped stem the flow, making it more difficult for people to continue their journey within its territory to reach its northern border.

The decision has sparked renewed criticism from immigrant rights organizations. President Biden will be remembered for entrenching an asylum ban that has put hundreds of thousands of vulnerable individuals in danger, said the Las Americas Immigrant Advocacy Center. The American Civil Liberties Union said the rule is not only immoral, but illegal. The group has taken the administration to court to try to suspend the asylum ban, which had been one of the fundamental pillars of U.S. immigration policy.

This veto will be one of the legacies that Biden will leave to his successor in the White House, even if his vice president, Kamala Harris, wins the presidential election on November 5. The Democratic candidate indicated last week that she is willing to continue the strict border controls that have been implemented.

I will take further action to keep the border closed between ports of entry. Those who cross our borders unlawfully will be apprehended and removed and barred from re-entering for five years, Harris said at a rally in Arizona, one of seven battleground states heading into this falls elections.

To try to regulate the flow of migrants, the administration has opted for an online application, CBP One, which must be filled out by those who wish to migrate to the United States. The application form must be completed in their countries of origin and before beginning the trip north. Authorities process about 1,450 appointments per day through the application. While we understand that many people are desperate to migrate to the United States, our system must be orderly and secure, Harris added on Friday.

Border under control

U.S. Border Patrol documented 54,000 illegal crossings in September. The figure, still preliminary and reported by CNN, indicates that the situation is practically the same since Biden put his veto on asylum into effect last June. At the end of his administration, the president has managed to control one of the flanks of attack most exploited by Republicans.

The dynamics at the border have changed considerably. December 2023 broke all records with some 250,000 encounters processed by federal authorities. This led Washington to rethink border control measures. The asylum ban has been the most successful tool. Between July and September, crossings have not reached 60,000 per month. August, with 58,000 arrests, represented a slight increase compared to July (56,400), but did not set off alarm bells in the White House. September again confirms the downward trend.

Despite this, immigration remains, along with the economy, one of the main issues heading into the elections. Trump constantly attacks Harris and Biden, claiming that they have allowed some 20 million illegal immigrants to enter the United States, a number that official data rejects. Many of these, says the Republican candidate, have left prisons and mental hospitals in El Salvador and Venezuela, another claim that has been repeatedly denied. Harris accuses Trump, on the other hand, of having quashed bipartisan legislation in the Senate that would have provided more resources for border control. Harris has promised to enact the law if she becomes president.

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Udhayanidhi's 'untimely' elevation as deputy CM may be used against the party, for critics to argue that the DMK's 'first family's is not concerned about anything else but their clan's welfare.

If packaged and delivered properly, some of the sting may stick at election time, predicts N Sathiya Moorthy.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu's new Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin. Photograph: Kind courtesy X

Despite twin celebrations by party cadres, Tamil Nadu's DMK Chief Minister M K Stalin may be risking too much, too early, in the elevation of minister-son Udhayanidhi Stalin as deputy CM and re-induction of jailed former colleague V Senthil Balaji at the earliest opportunity after the Supreme Court had granted him bail in a money-laundering case from his AIADMK past.

The reasons are not far to seek. Udhayanidhi's elevation has already drawn social media criticism over 'family rule' in the DMK, which party men, however, do not seem to have any problem about.

As for Senthil Balaji's re-induction, customary critics of the DMK and Stalin 'caution' that any Supreme Court reversal of his bail for violation of the bail conditions, leave aside his conviction by the trial court in Chennai, can irreparably damage the party's image even more.

Of equal significance is the restoration of sensitive and equally crucial energy and excise portfolios to Senthil Balaji, which again he had held in Jayalalithaa's AIADMK government.

This may have bugged some seniors, yes, but then, party men see it as a reward for his standing by the party and the leader, while in prison for 471 days.

As they point out, elsewhere in the country, politicians of his class had cracked at the very mention of the ED, I-T or CBI -- of course, barring in Delhi's AAP-led government of Arvind Kejriwal.

The immediate question is if these two decisions have the potential to add to the inevitable anti-incumbency against the state government, which can be touched and felt in a score of areas, from law and order to corruption to misgovernance.

If so, will they impact the assembly elections that are due in the summer of 2026 -- how and how far?

DMK veterans point to the BJP's poor performance at the Centre in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls when its ally the AIADMK under chief minister Edappadi K Palaniswami was in power in the state, and later in the 2021 assembly polls when the two had parted company.

In both, the DMK-led combine, including the Congress and the rest, won comfortably.

According to them, there is no reason to believe that the results could be otherwise in the assembly polls, and point to the series of welfare programmes unveiled by the DMK government in the past three years and may be rolling out between now and the assembly elections.

Supporters of the DMK are confident that the AIADMK is unlikely to re-energise and re-unify enough to pose a fresh threat.

They have written off the BJP-NDA, claiming that its brand of Hindutva has not sold in Tamil Nadu, which they too concede is otherwise as 'religious' a state as any other.

IMAGE: Tamil Nadu Governor R N Ravi administers the oath of office to re-appointed state minister V Senthil Balaji, September 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Yet, the claims and confidence sound over-simplified, especially in the light of actor-politician Vijay's newly-launched Tamizhaga Vetri Kazhagam (TVK) entering the electoral fray in 2026.

The TVK's first state-level conference will sound the bugle for the assembly polls, and is expected to attract youth from across existing political parties, possibly barring the BJP but not necessarily its allies from the failed Lok Sabha elections earlier this year.

In context, there are murmurs from within about the wisdom of the chief minister dropping a ministerial colleague, Mano Thangaraj, from the southern-most Kanyakumari district.

As an actor, Vijay has had a huge fan following from that part of the state, and denial of ministerial representation for the district midway, whatever the reason and justification, can be problematic for the party-led alliance -- or, so goes the argument.

Old-timers are also point to the forgotten route that Stalin had to take to reach where he is now, both within the party and outside.

Apart from putting in possibly the longest term as an apprentice for a 'political heir' in his place, Stalin, since associating with the DMK from his students days, had to spend long years in the youth wing until his age became an embarrassment, when alone he was inducted into the parent party, where too he faced competition from elder brother M K Azhagiri, who was a late entrant into politics and party affairs.

So, when the inevitable showdown between the brothers happened, the party was with him, starting with the late general secretary K Anbazhagan to the last member of the 1,200-member general council.

They were the ones who either directly or otherwise prevailed upon M Karunanidhi to elevate Stalin as deputy chief minister, the first one in the state's history.

Udhayanidhi is the third in the list after three-time chief minister O Panneerselvam became deputy to his successor, Edappadi K Palaniswami, 2017-2021.

In Udhayanidhi's case, he entered direct politics only five years back in 2019, became an MLA in 2021, minister a year and a half later, and deputy CM, now.

Through this period, he was also the party's youth wing secretary.

Appearing in casual wear, of jeans and white shirt, he does have an appeal for the youth, who can also relate to his style of chatty platform speeches, against the previous generations' alliteration-filled tongue-twisters, for which grandfather Karunanidhi was the prime example and inspiration for many.

IMAGE: M K Stalin felicitates son Udhayanidhi on being appointed as deputy chief minister. Photograph: ANI Photo

However, DMK functionaries are confident that they would still make it on the strength of their existing alliance, including the Congress in the national-level INDIA combine -- and also for want of a strong and credible alternative (as they concede in private).

In this context, they argue that Udhayanidhi's elevation would be a dampener to Vijay's ambitions, given the fact that both belong to the same age group, have a filmi background, and starting with their informal attire, their body language is relatable for the millennial voters and those a generation earlier.

To the fact that Udhayanidhi lacked the kind of long years of experience that his father had under the tutelage of the late party and family patriarch M Karunanidhi, the argument is that those like the late Vijayakanth earlier, Seeman now and Vijay in the coming months lacked even that much of exposure before launching their respective political parties.

To them, Udhayanidhi has inherited the DMK as a vehicle and he needed only to ride it, but the others had to create theirs in the first place.

Sustainability over the short, medium and long terms was the issue for others, not for Udhayanidhi with the DMK.

Or, that is another of the arguments favouring the new deputy CM.

Therein lies the counter. As is being pointed out, the other three mentioned, or even 'superstar' Rajinikanth who was toying with the idea of entering electoral politics directly, could afford to lose but not Udhayanidhi and the DMK.

Going by the DMK's experience, after charismatic star-politician, the late M G Ramachandran broke away and formed the rival AIADMK, Karunanidhi could return to power only after the former's death in 1987.

The DMK then alternated in power with the AIADMK under MGR's successor and filmi heroine, Jayalalithaa, until the latter stabilised.

The DMK, then in Stalin's control, had to wait for the exit of both Jayalalithaa (2016) and Karunanidhi (2018) in quick succession, to be able to win elections convincingly (2019 and 2021) and in a row.

Truth be acknowledged, after the DMK's successive electoral victories in 1967 and 1971, this was the first time that the party had performed so very convincingly and comfortably.

The anticipation is that the 'untimely' elevation of Udhayanidhi may be used against the party, for critics to argue that the DMK's 'first family's is not concerned about anything else but their clan's welfare.

If packaged and delivered properly, some of the sting may stick in election-time.

Talk of Udhayanidhi's elevation did whip up the revival of the Sanatan Dharma controversy centred on him last year.

It has not reached a crescendo, as earlier.

It remains to be seen if the BJP's MoSha combine will try to re-ignite the issue during the current campaigns for assembly elections in J-K, Haryana and Maharashtra.

If it happened it would be after their whipping up the Kachchatheevu issue that is linked to the larger India-Sri Lanka fishermen's dispute during the Lok Sabha elections, that too after polling in Tamil Nadu had ended.

However, DMK veterans point out how the Sanatan row against Udhayanidhi, or the traditional anti-DMK, anti-Karunanidhi social media attacks by political Hindutva forces did not gel with the Tamil voter, who is as much god-fearing and temple-worshipping as his brethren elsewhere in the country.

IMAGE: Newly appointed Tamil Nadu Deputy Chief Minister Udhayanidhi Stalin pays floral tribute to Dravida Kazhagam founder E V R Ramaswamy Naicker 'Periyar', at Periyar Thidal in Chennai, September 29, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

They, however, seem to forget that more than the controversy kicked up by Udhayanidhi -- whether it was blown up, out of context or not, by critics -- it was the Supreme Court's observations that hurt the DMK's image more.

Hearing his plea for an order for all cases against him in the matter to be heard in the same court, Supreme Court judges remarked how the TN minister should have considered the consequences of his utterances before making them.

It is this that critics now claim could be problematic for Udhayanidhi and the DMK, as and when the Supreme Court holds further hearings in the case.

But then ask his supporters in the DMK: 'Does his elevation make a difference to the status of the case or the way the SC is hearing his case?'

And pat comes the reply: 'When that is not the case, why confuse issues, especially after the TN voter has not entertained such complaints and observations in the past?'

N Sathiya Moorthy, veteran journalist and author, is a Chennai-based policy analyst and political commentator.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
'Ladakh has become a hollow UT.'

'Bureaucrats from Delhi rule Ladakh and there is no attention paid to the grievances of the people.'

IMAGE: Activist Sonam Wangchuk leads a padyatra from Leh to New Delhi. Photograph: ANI Photo

When Prime Minister Narendra D Modi abrogated Article 370 the people of Kashmir were upset as it gave outsiders the right to buy land in the valley but in Ladakh, then a part of Jammu and Kashmir state, the people were overjoyed as they felt that the dominance of Kashmir over Ladakh would now be a thing of the past.

However, after Ladakh was spun off into a separate Union Territory, the euphoria over the abrogation of Article 370 did not last long. Ladakhis soon realised that they were now being ruled from New Delhi and did not have any say in the decision-making process.

They have since been protesting regularly to demand statehood and an end to direct rule by Delhi.

The person leading the protest is Sonam Wangchuk, the celebrated engineer and educator from Ladakh.

On Monday, September 30, 2024, night, Wangchuk, who led a padyatra from Ladakh to New Delhi with 200 people to press their demands, was detained by the police in the national capital.

That public sentiment in Ladakh clearly did not favour the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party was evident in the Lok Sabha elections, when the region elected Independent candidate Haji Hanifa Jan as its MP. The BJP's Tashi Gyalson came third, after the Congress' Tsering Namgyal.

"People should have the right to decide how they want to run their state," Haji Hanifa Jan tells Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com.

Why was Songam Wangchuk detained?

On Monday night we reached the Delhi border (Singur) through our padyatra that began from Ladakh last month. We have been traveling 25 km daily by foot and there are around 150 people with us.

Unfortunately, the Delhi police did not allow us to reach Rajghat where we were going to end our yatra on October 2, the birthday of Mahatma Gandhi.

What is your demand and why have you come to Delhi?

We have a four point agenda.

Firstly, we want full statehood for Ladakh. After Ladakh became a Union Territory post the abrogation of Article 370 there is no democracy in Ladakh. Article 35A within Article 370 used to guard Ladakh's cultural identity and its land from being encroached by outsiders.

Secondly, we are demanding the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution to be brought in for Ladakh and safeguard our interests.

Thirdly, in the last five years there has been no recruitment of local people in jobs which are being generated in Ladakh. Therefore, we want a separate cadre to run the administrative services in Ladakh which must be run by the locals of Ladakh.

The fourth demand is to have environmental safeguards for Ladakh.

But were you not talking to the government about these issues earlier, for which Sonam Wangchuk had gone on hunger strike?

Yes, we were talking to the government, but this was before the general elections. Unfortunately, after elections, those talks have stopped.

Is there opposition to the power project that the government is planning to start in Ladakh which is going to supply electricity to Haryana?

Yes, this is also one of the issues we are protesting.

We want the Autonomous Hill Development Council to get its power back. The central government has snatched away all the powers of the Autonomous Hill Development Council.

This autonomous body had the right to decide on what needs to be done with the land of Ladakh and was run by local people. Now, we cannot do it after Ladakh became a Union Territory.

In the Budget session of Parliament, Ladakh was given additional districts and this move was welcomed by Sonam Wangchuk. What went wrong then?

We are demanding four points for Ladakh.

People should have the right to decide how they want to run their state. In the last five years, there has been no development in Ladakh in terms of hospitals. We have to go to Srinagar or Chandigarh for medical treatment.

Higher education is negligible in Ladakh and students have to go out of Ladakh to study.

When Article 370 was abrogated the people of Ladakh welcomed it stating that the hold of Srinagar would no longer be there. What went wrong?

It is true that 50 percent people of Ladakh demanded Union Territory status for Ladakh and they were happy with the development, but the other 50 percent of the population of Ladakh, which is Kargil area, were against a UT.

And now the situation is such that those who were daydreaming that Union Territory status would bring prosperity to the people of Ladakh have realised the bitter truth that no such thing happened.

Ladakh has become a hollow UT. Bureaucrats from Delhi rule Ladakh and there is no attention paid to the grievances of the common people.

Now, those 50 percent population of Ladakh who were happy to get UT status are also opposing this move.

We want Ladakh's development to happen for the good of the Ladakhi people and not the bureaucrats of Delhi.

What next for you all?

We have been struggling to get statehood for the last three years. We came to Delhi with a lot of expectations that we will get to meet senior leaders of government, but unfortunately nothing of the sort is happening.

Ladakh has got the second most unemployed youth in the country as jobs are not being given to the locals of Ladakh.

These are serious issues which we want to discuss with the government, but unfortunately we are detained by the Delhi police.

Did you request to meet Prime Minister Modi?

We have been requesting that we have to go back to the table and discuss Ladakh's status with the central government. This was going on before the elections, but now that has been stopped. We want the talks with central government to resume.

Ladakh is a border region with a volatile situation with China. Don't you think your protest could send out wrong signals?

We have always protested peacefully and have kept the country's interest in mind. We have been asking for a peaceful solution for Ladakh, but there is no response from the government.

We have always stood by the Indian Army whenever we have been called for the country's territorial issues.

All we are asking is that we be allowed to visit Jantar Mantar and Rajghat.

The least the government can do is talk to Sonam Wangchuk and other leaders who have come to Delhi after this long padyatra.
'If she manages to throw out people, go for surgical operations, clean up her image, she will be victorious.'

IMAGE: A girl dressed as goddess Durga takes part in a protest against the sexual assault and murder of a postgraduate trainee doctor at the R G Kar Hospital in Kolkata. Photograph: ANI Photo

After a distinguished career as a bureaucrat, three years ago Jawhar Sircar stepped into the world of politics.

West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appointed him her party, the Trinamool Congress' member of the Rajya Sabha.

Disenchanted with the murky world of politics, 72-year-old Sircar resigned two years before his term ends.

"I would blame yes men bureaucrats for misguiding her. You see a senior bureaucrat is like a doctor. He has to tell the patient what is good for him. If the patient is a diabetic, he can't say please have sugar," Jawhar Sircar tells Rediff.com Senior Contributor Payal Singh Mohanka.

The final segment of an Exclusive multi-part interview:

You blame bureaucrats, but what about Didi's own common sense and political wisdom?

That takes leave. I would blame yes men bureaucrats for misguiding her. You see a senior bureaucrat is like a doctor. He has to tell the patient what is good for him.

If the patient is a diabetic and enjoys sugar, he can't say please have sugar. He will say stay away from sugar and will advise karela juice.

It's a bureaucrat's sacred duty to come up with the truth and face the consequences.

And show the mirror?

Yes, absolutely. Sadly most of them choose to be in their leader's good books. Most of them do better than I do.

They get perks, houses, lots of good things, they are more agreeable people, more pleasant. But you are not here on a PR drive. Bureaucracy is not a PR drive!

The reaction of younger TMC MPs has been very disappointing.

These MPs were tripping over themselves to defend the indefensible like construction work near the site of the crime within hours of a brutal rape and murder!.

An MP who will stand in Parliament and tell us about the 'loss of her uterus' should feel some empathy for the victim's parents who have lost their whole world, their only child who laboured hard to fulfill her dreams of becoming a doctor!

She did it her way. It was noticed by many and not in a proper light.

Another lady MP from the TMC believes women politicians are being targeted. Isn't this ridiculous?

They were on a defensive mode. Some go defence defence. Some do offence defence. That's all.

IMAGE: All India Agragami Mahila Samiti members enact the hanging of rapists at a protest on the RG Kar medical college and hospital rape-murder case, in Kolkata, September 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

The accused Sanjoy Roy is a 'civic volunteer'. Civic volunteers are essentially TMC cadre.

There are 60,000 at Kolkata's 70 police stations and close to 200,000 at police stations all over the state.

Originally inducted for traffic and crowd management, it is believed they have now taken over law and order.

A former senior police officer says these 'civic volunteers' are now beyond Didi's control.

I have heard. If this is true, it's not good. They replaced the Home Guards of the previous regime.

I am told that many of them are close to the ruling party and much of the swagger of say someone like Sanjoy Roy, who's the prime suspect in the rape case, was due to his proximity with the powers that be. Basically, the rot runs deep.

IMAGE: Junior doctors protest against the R G Kar hospital case. Photograph: ANI Photo

The lane leading to the chief minister's residence in Kalighat in South Kolkata has a formidable barricade, the likes of which has never been seen before.

Have enraged students and events in her neighbourhood rattled her?

For a moment it looked similar, but it wasn't that. There have been attempts in the recent past to reach her house.

Every time something happens, we hear they are moving to her house. This sort of thing you can't even think of doing in Delhi.

The protests here have to be seen in the light of how they would be viewed in other states.

In Lucknow they would last for 15 minutes. Tolerance towards agitation is much more here. Traditionally, Bengal gives space to discontent and its expression.

IMAGE: An artist in Kumartuli gives the final touch to the idol of Goddess Durga ahead of Durga Puja, September 28, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

While the state still seethes with anger, the CM wants us to focus on the 'utsab'.

Now that talks with the agitating doctors have taken place, there should be a change. Durga Puja is the main festival of the state.

This time because of the profound impact of this case many of the pandals would have this as their main theme.

This tradition of topicality will ensure that public anger is retained.

Do you think this is the beginning of the end for Didi?

No, I don't think so. See her base may erode a bit here and there. One week is a long time in politics.

One-and-a-half years is a long, long, time. If she manages to throw out people, go for surgical operations, clean up her image, after all she has learnt a lesson, she will be victorious.

IMAGE: Junior doctors return to duty in Kolkata to provide emergency services after a month-long strike over the R G Kar Hospital rape and murder case. Photograph: ANI Photo

And what are your plans now?

Write and fight.

I believe you have been approached by more than one political party including the one at the Centre.

Not like that. People from all parties keep saying you should be with us. That sort of thing. But that's neither here nor there.

I have got calls from all parties saying you should not leave, if you are leaving, why not be with us.

These are Delhi pleasantries, 'We must meet sometime!' We must meet sometime means nothing!

Photograph: Payal Singh Mohanka for Rediff.com IMAGE: Jawhar Sircar.

You won't give it any thought?

No, no. Main rajneeti chhod raha hoon, neeti nahi chhodunga. I will leave politics, I won't leave my ideology. Politics is not for me, mere bas ka nahin hai.

May your fight continue. The gruesome RG Kar case is affecting the mental health of the state.

We pray that the victim gets justice and the real culprits are nabbed.

The CBI will surely get to the bottom of it. It won't spare anyone.

Feature Presentation: Aslam Hunani/Rediff.com
More than one lakh complaints have highlighted a deliberate 'love jihad' conspiracy wherein Hindu women were being lured into marriage by men using fake identities, Maharashtra deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said.

IMAGE: Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde with State Deputy Chief Ministers Devendra Fadnavis and Ajit Pawar launch the distribution of subsidy to cotton and soyabean farmers for the kharif season of 2023, in Mumbai, September 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Targeting Opposition Maha Vikas Aghadi, Fadnavis claimed "vote jihad" was witnessed in 14 of 48 constituencies in Maharashtra in recent Lok Sabha elections.

Addressing a public event in Kolhapur city on Monday evening, Fadnavis pointed out instances wherein women were tricked into inter-faith marriage and subsequently abandoned after they gave birth to children.

Fadnavis' remarks drew sharp reactions from Congress which accused him of violating the Constitutional oath and demanded an apology.

"A decade ago, we used to think that love jihad talk was a one-off incident. We thought it was not a conspiracy. We have now observed that there have been more than one lakh complaints where Hindu women are lured into marriage by running away with men from different faiths," said Fadnavis, who handles the state home ministry.

Love 'Jihad' is an unofficial term used by Hindu groups to refer to an alleged campaign by Muslim men to convert Hindu girls under the pretext of love and marriage.

Fadnavis clarified that he was not against inter-faith marriages.

"However, in many cases, individuals have used fake identities and provided false information about themselves for marriage. These individuals have also abandoned their spouses after they have had children together," the senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader said.

"This is not an act of love, but it is a deliberate conspiracy, and it is love jihad. It is a way of cheating and spoiling women from our religion," Fadnavis said.

The BJP leader raked up "vote jihad" and referenced the outcome in the Dhule Lok Sabha constituency where the MVA candidate emerged victorious on account of "en masse voting in the Malegaon Central assembly segment against the BJP nominee in the fray".

"Vote jihad was seen in Lok Sabha elections. In the Dhule constituency, the BJP candidate led with 1.90 lakh votes in five assembly seats. However, our candidate trailed by 1.94 lakh votes because of voting in the Malegaon Central assembly segment, losing the election by just 4,000 votes," Fadnavis said.

The poll outcome notwithstanding, the real concern is the growing confidence of some people who think if they can vote in large numbers they can defeat Hindutva forces, even though they are a minority in absolute numbers, he said.

This is the time to awaken, Fadnavis added.

"Out of 48 Lok Sabha constituencies (in Maharashtra), 14 seats witnessed vote jihad. Hindu religion never disrespected other faiths; tolerance is in our blood. I call for the need to awaken Hindutva if someone is voting for electing anti-Hindu leaders to top posts," the former chief minister said.

Fadnavis also expressed concerns over the "secret" conversion of Hindus to other faiths.

"In certain cases, people have Indian names. But after they die, they are buried and a cross is installed. The major threat before us is that the number of certain religions looks smaller on paper, but in reality, more people have been converted secretly. We need to awaken and protect our religion," he said.

Responding to Fadnavis' remarks, Maharashtra Congress president Nana Patole said the BJP leader should know there were Muslim warriors in the army of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj.

"Fadnavis is weak in history. There were Muslim warriors in Shivaji Maharaj's army. He should apologise," Patole said.

Leader of the opposition in the Maharashtra assembly, Vijay Wadettiwar, suggested that Fadnavis' remarks are politically motivated.

"The BJP only talks about jihad, mosque, Hindu-Muslim, and Bharat-Pakistan. If they do not use these four words, their candidates will lose deposits in the election. This is a pattern used by BJP people," he alleged.

Congress leader Sachin Sawant alleged that Fadnavis had insulted the values of the Constitution by using words like vote jihad.

"Fadnavis has violated his Constitutional oath by using such language. The BJP should introspect why Muslims do not vote for them," Sawant said.

Accusing the BJP of double standards, Sawant said the BJP defends leaders like party MLA Nitesh Rane and preacher Ramgiri Maharaj but promises two free LPG cylinders for Muslim festivals in the Jammu and Kashmir elections.

"Instead of defending their vile leaders, BJP should prosecute them for spreading hatred. If you cannot do it, there is no point in crying foul over the issue. Muslims do not vote for BJP as the party is not making honest efforts for the integration of society," he added.
The Bombay high court on Tuesday refused pre-arrest bail to two accused school trustees in the Badlapur sexual assault case, and also came down heavily on police for failing to arrest them so far.

IMAGE: A view of the Bombay high court. Photograph: ANI Photo

A division bench of the high court gave an earful to the special investigation team probing the case for its inability to apprehend the duo, asking whether it was waiting for the accused to obtain pre-arrest bail.

Subsequently, another judge of the high court rejected their anticipatory bail applications.

Justice R N Laddha noted in his order that the offence was serious, and the chairman and secretary of the school -- where the alleged sexual assault of two kindergarten girls took place in August -- were responsible for the management of the school.

"Prima facie there is material to show that the two accused were aware of the alleged incident before August 16, but they failed to take any steps to report the same to the police or local authority," the judge observed.

"The victims are minors. The trauma they have endured can profoundly affect their adolescent years leaving them with lasting psychological scars," the court said.

It was undisputed that the applicants were responsible for managing the school, it added.

"There is prima facie material indicating that the victims' parents had voiced their grievances to the class teacher and other staff members. The applicants were aware of the incident before August 16. Despite having knowledge, they did not report the incident to police," the HC said.

The delay in lodging a police complaint was "primarily because of applicants' negligence for reasons known only to them, the judge said.

Earlier in the day, a division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan while hearing a public interest litigation taken up suo motu (on its own) regarding the case reprimanded the SIT.

The bench was informed by Advocate General Birendra Saraf that the SIT was taking all steps to apprehend the duo.

After going through the case diary, the HC noted that the SIT had only sent notices to the duo through WhatsApp and email.

"The police goes to any extent to nab an accused. How come they have not been able to apprehend these two? Are they waiting for them to get anticipatory bail?" the division bench asked.

Saraf assured that all steps were being taken to nab the two.

The bench then posted the matter for further hearing on October 23, seeking details of the action taken against the errant Badlapur police officials who failed to register a First Information Report promptly and investigate the case properly.

After the crime came to light and caused widespread outrage, a case was registered against the chairman and secretary of the school under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSOA) for not reporting the incident to police immediately.

Justice Laddha, while rejecting the anticipatory bail applications of the duo, noted that there is a legal obligation to report an offence under the POCSO Act if a person is aware of it, or is made aware of it. He also cited Supreme Court rulings on this aspect.

"This duty is not merely a procedure that can be overlooked. The repercussions of failure to report such offences are serious," the HC said.

The court also noted that CCTV footage of the school premises from the day of the incident was missing.

The school's chairman and secretary had moved the high court seeking pre-arrest bail after a sessions court refused them relief.

They claimed that they were unaware of the alleged offence. Their applications also raised suspicion about whether the alleged incidents took place, claiming that the two victim girls had attended the flag-hoisting ceremony on August 15, and no complaint was made then.

Public Prosecutor Hiten Venegaonkar opposed their pleas, noting that they had not taken prompt action after being informed about the incidents.

Two girls, aged four and five years, were allegedly sexually abused by a male attendant inside the toilet of the school at Badlapur in Thane district in August.

Akshay Shinde, the accused, was arrested, but was shot dead by police in an alleged shoot-out on September 23.
US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team.

IMAGE: People take shelter during an air raid siren, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel October 1, 2024. Photograph: Ronen Zvulun/Reuters

According to a White House situation room update, President Biden directed the US. military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel.

On Tuesday, in a major escalation in the raging conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday. In a statement the IDF said, all Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel.

Hezbollah is upset that the IDF exposed their plans to massacre Israelis, so they decided to target innocent civilians by firing a barrage of rockets, the IDF further said.

102 missiles have been launched towards Israel, according to the Jerusalem Post. Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid the attack, the Times of Israel reported.

According to IDF, around 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles. I

Earlier in the day, IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The IDF said it is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the general staff and the northern command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months.

The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

IDF says, these operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon.

Operation "Northern Arrows" will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas, the IDF said.

This comes days after Israel launched a decisive blow to Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, killing its Secretary-General, Hassan Nasrallah in airstrike. Earlier in July, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was killed inside Tehran. Iran had vowed to take revenge on both the occasions.
Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra's husband Robert Vadra on Tuesday alleged that the Bharatiya Janata Party was behind Dera Sacha Sauda chief Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh and Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal being out of jail to campaign in the Haryana polls with an aim of denting the Congress' chances.

IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party national convenor Arvind Kejriwal addresses a public meeting in support of the party candidate from Kalayat assembly seat Anurag Dhanda ahead of the Haryana assembly elections, at Kalayat in Kaithal on Saturday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Vadra also hit out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Bharatiya Janata Party top brass for allegedly 'using' his name in a 'derogatory manner'.

"When they release Baba Ram Rahim for 20 days before the elections who has charges of murder, rape, and you (BJP) release him to campaign... I would say having Kejriwal ji come out of the prison just in time so that he can campaign in Haryana, I think these are premeditated thoughts of the BJP," Vadra told PTI Videos.

The BJP thinks that these people can dent the Congress' chances of winning Haryana, he said.

The Haryana government may consider Dera Sacha Sauda chief Singh's parole subject to the correctness of facts mentioned in his parole plea and satisfying other conditions with respect to the Model Code of Conduct for elections, Chief Electoral Officer Pankaj Agarwal said on Monday.

Singh has sought a 20-day parole ahead of the October 5 Haryana Assembly polls.

Also, Kejriwal, who was released from Tihar Jail following his bail in the excise policy case by the Supreme Court, has been campaigning across Haryana.

Vadra, a businessman by profession, said he felt the company he was dealing with could have provided jobs in Haryana.

"I could have given employment in Haryana but this (BJP) government made sure that all my associates were intimidated that they moved away, it was difficult for me to work, financially they tried to destroy me," he said.

Vadra exuded confidence that people in Haryana will vote for the Congress which would get a 'very large majority' in the polls.

Voting in Haryana will take place on October 5 while the results would be out on October 8.
The third and final phase of Jammu and Kashmir assembly polls on Tuesday saw a voter turnout of 68.72 percent, surpassing the Lok Sabha poll figure in the corresponding seven districts, with the traditional boycott bastions of Sopore and Baramulla recording the highest turnout in an election in the last three decades.

IMAGE: Voters wait in a queue to cast their votes for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections, at a polling station, in Baramulla, Jammu and Kashmir, October 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

According to Election Commission data, the overall polling percentage in the three phases was 63.45 percent.

Officials said the polling went off peacefully in all segments including special polling stations along the International Border and Line of Control (LoC) with no untoward incident reported from anywhere.

\In the recently held parliamentary polls, the turnout in the seven districts that went to polls in the final phase on Tuesday was recorded at 66.78 percent.

The turnout in Phases 1 and 2 was also higher than in the Lok Sabha elections.

While seven districts in Phase 1 recorded 61.38 percent turnout, the figure was 60 percent in the general elections.

Similarly, six districts that went to polls in Phase 2 recorded 57.31 percent polling as compared to 52.17 percent turnout in the Lok Sabha polls, according to available data.

However, as compared to the 2014 Assembly elections, the third phase of polls in 40 assembly segments across seven districts of Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua and Samba in Jammu region and Baramulla, Bandipora and Kupwara in north Kashmir recorded a marked dip in the overall percentage which was attributed mostly to the ongoing farming activities.

The majority of seats in the third phase registered a drop of 1 to 15 percent as compared to 2014 except for Sopore, Baramulla, and Pattan constituencies where the figures have gone up this time.

Sopore, once a terrorist and separatist stronghold, recorded the lowest turnout of 41.44 percent but it was far better than the 2014 polls when the seat recorded 30.79 percent voting, the EC data showed.

Baramulla, a traditional boycott bastion, recorded a 47.95 percent turnout as against 39.73 percent in 2014 while Pattan saw 60.87 percent polling in comparison to 58.72 percent recorded in the last assembly polls.

According to Election Commission data, an estimated 68.72 percent of over 39.18 lakh eligible voters exercised their franchise in the final phase of the elections.

The poll panel, however, termed it an "approximate trend" as it did not include postal ballots while the data from some polling stations was still being compiled.

The polling began at 7 am amid tight security and concluded at 6 pm, sealing the fate of 415 candidates, including two former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand and Muzaffar Baig, and several former ministers and legislators.

The votes will be counted on October 8.

Long queues outside polling stations since early morning marked the enthusiasm among people who voted for the first time in the assembly elections post the abrogation of Article 370 in August 2019.

Samba district recorded the highest turnout of 73.45 percent, followed by Udhampur (72.91 percent), Kathua (70.53 percent), Jammu (66.79 percent), Bandipora (64.85 percent), Kupwara (62.76 percent), and Baramulla (55.73 percent).

Among the constituencies, Chhamb in Jammu district was at the top with 77.35 percent polling recorded in the day-long polling.

In Jammu district's 11 segments, Bishnah (SC) recorded 72.75 percent polling, Suchetgarh (SC) 68.02 percent, R S Pura-Jammu South 61.65 percent, Bahu 57.07 percent, Jammu East 60.21 percent, Nagrota 72.94 percent, Jammu West 56.31 percent, and Jammu North 60.79 percent, Akhnoor (SC) 76.28 percent, Marh (SC) 76.10 percent and Chhamb 77.35 percent.

In the six seats of Kathua district, Bani recorded 71.24 percent voter turnout, Billawar 69.64 percent, Basohli 67.24 percent, Jasrota 71.79 percent, Kathua (SC) 71.49 percent and Hiranagar 71.18 percent.

In Udhampur district's four segments, Udhampur West recorded 73.20 percent, Udhampur East 74.07 percent, Chenani 73.79 percent and Ramnagar (SC) 70.38 percent polling.

In the three seats of Samba district, Ramgarh (SC) recorded 73.10 percent polling, Samba 71.16 percent and Vijaypur 73.05 percent.

In Baramulla district's seven seats, Sopore recorded 41.44 percent, Rafiabad 58.39 percent, Uri 64.81 percent, Baramulla 47.95 percent, Gulmarg 64.19 percent, Wagoora-Kreeri 56.43 percent and Pattan 60.87 percent.

In the six seats of Kupwara district, Karnah registered 66.30 percent, Tregham 62.27 percent, Kupwara 59.68 percent, Lolab 61.22 percent, Handwara 69.06 percent and Langate 59.81 percent.

In the three seats of Bandipora district, Sonawari registered 65.56 percent, Bandipora 62.0 percent and Gurez (ST) 75.89 percent.

Having gained voting rights for the first time following the abrogation of Article 370, enthusiastic West Pakistani refugees, Valmiki Samaj and Gorkha community members thronged polling stations in the early hours to take part in the festival of democracy'.

They had previously participated in the Block Development Council and the District Development Council polls in 2019 and 2020, respectively.

More than 400 companies of security forces, including paramilitary and armed police personnel, have been deployed to ensure smooth voting.

"J&K assembly elections have marked a significant deepening of democracy which will echo in the pages of history and continue to inspire a democratic spirit of the region for years to come," Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar said in a statement.

He dedicated the elections to the people of Jammu and Kashmir acknowledging their determination and belief in the democratic process.

"The peaceful and participative elections are historic, wherein democracy is taking root more profoundly than ever before, driven by the will of people of J&K," he said.

The commission said meticulous planning and constant vigil by the Commission have ensured that the elections this time have been smooth and streamlined, with no repolls recorded so far.

"Despite an increase in the number of Assembly constituencies from 83 in 2014 to 90 in 2024, the elections were completed in three phases this time as against five phases in 2014.

"No major law and order incidents related to the election were reported, a significant improvement from 2014 when over 170 incidents were reported, including 87 on polling days," the commission said.

It said there have been no complaints pertaining to arbitrary preventive detention of political functionaries in these elections which is unprecedented.

The commission had also strictly instructed against clubbing of polling stations just before the poll day, and accordingly, voters voted at their actual polling station location as opposed to 98 polling stations shifted in 2014 at the eleventh hour.

The role of money and muscle power has been curtailed to a significant extent. Vigilance and seizures have been fortified by the coordinated efforts of the enforcement agencies resulting in seizures worth Rs 130 crores, the highest ever in the history of Jammu and Kashmir elections and even surpassing Rs 100.94 crore figure during Lok Sabha Elections 2024.

The bulk of seizures included drugs worth Rs 110.45 crore, the commission said.
Union minister Chirag Paswan has caused a flutter by stating he would choose to give up his ministerial berth instead of a compromise on his principles, in keeping with the precedent set by his late father Ram Vilas Paswan.

IMAGE: Union Minister of Food Processing Industries and Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas president Chirag Paswan addresses the felicitation ceremony organised by the SC-ST cell of the party, at Sri Krishna Singh Memorial Hall in Patna on Monday, September 30, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Paswan, who heads Lok Janshakti Party-Ram Vilas, made the remark at a function of the party's SC/ST cell here on Monday evening, even as he maintained that he 'will be in the National Democratic Alliance till Narendra Modi is my prime minister'.

Responding to questions from journalists about his cryptic remark in his speech, 'I will not hesitate to renounce (laat maar denge) my ministerial berth like my father did', the young leader claimed he was speaking about the Congress-led United Progressive Alliance.

"My father was a minister in the UPA government too. And too many things took place back then which were detrimental to the interests of Dalits. Even pictures of Baba Saheb Ambedkar were not put up at public events. So we parted ways," said Paswan, who is understood to have played an instrumental role in getting his father to agree to a realignment with the BJP-led NDA ahead of the 2014 Lok Sabha polls.

Showering praise on Modi, Paswan said the current regime has been sensitive to his concerns about Dalits, and cited the example of the Centre's stand on creamy layer and lateral entry into bureaucracy to buttress his point.

However, sources in the NDA as well as the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) in Patna were of the view that there was more to Paswan's rhetoric in his speech than the anodyne explanation he offered later.

Sources in both rival coalitions also felt that raking up the resignation of his father was more of an embarrassment to the BJP than the Congress since it was during the Atal Bihari Vajpayee government that Paswan senior famously gave up his cabinet berth in protest against the 2002 riots of Gujarat.

He subsequently joined UPA and enjoyed a ministerial stint for five years.

In 2009, he ended up losing his own Lok Sabha seat and was dropped in the second Manmohan Singh ministry, understandably as retribution for turning his back on the Congress and forming a parallel front with RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, who was similarly denied a cabinet berth.

Sources also felt that Paswan, who has been touring flood-hit areas of Bihar to oversee relief work, was trying to expand his own base and come out of the shadow of the BJP, and Chief Minister Nitish Kumar whom he has grudgingly patched up with after having opened a front against.

Moreover, it is also being speculated that Chirag Paswan has indirectly tried to sound off the BJP leadership that he was not happy with its hobnobbing with his uncle Pashupati Kumar Paras who had split his late father's Lok Janshakti Party and with whom he has a running feud.
China has violated border agreements, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday, noting that continued tension will cast a natural shadow over the rest of this relationship.

IMAGE: External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar meets with United States Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo, in Washington, DC , October 1, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"In terms of our own relationship with China, I think it's a long story. But the short version is that we had agreements on how to keep the border peaceful and tranquil. Those agreements were violated by China, he said in response to a question at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace think-tank.

"Because we have forward deployments of our militaries, those are resulting in tensions. Until those forward deployments are addressed, the tensions will continue. If the tensions continue, it casts a natural shadow over the rest of the relationship. So, our relationship hasn't been great for the last four years, he said.

The minister was asked about tensions with China and at the same time, China surpassing every country in its trade relationship with India.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.

India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas.

The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February.

"When it comes to trade, China accounts for about, globally, about 31-32 percent of global manufacturing. A lot of that has happened because over multiple decades, the international business, which is primarily Western-led, has chosen to collaborate with China for mutual benefits, Jaishankar said.

"Today for any country, if you are into any kind of consumption or even into any kind of manufacturing, sourcing out of China is something which is inevitable. Because if you are consuming, if you are not manufacturing and consuming, that probably means you get a lot of things for the cheapest. Even if you are manufacturing, a lot of your components and your semi-processed materials come out of there, he added.

"So, in a sense, trade with China at one level is almost autonomous of the political or the rest of the relationship. I don't think it's just a question of numbers. You also need to look at what it is you are trading. Because there would be countries that would be more sensitive to their exposure. There would be countries who wouldn't care, Jaishankar said.
On Tuesday, October 1, Americans will be able to tune into the debate between the vice presidential candidates Tim Walz, the Democratic governor of Minnesota, and J.D. Vance, a Republican senator for the state of Ohio. They will do so three weeks after their bosses, Vice President Kamala Harris and former president Donald Trump, faced each other in Philadelphia, in an event that according to the polls was won by the former California attorney and watched by 67 million television viewers.

The candidates will arrive at the event with the firm goal of attracting more voters. Normally, the vice presidential face-off does not arouse much interest among voters because these are hand-picked by the presidential candidates, but this time could be the exception. J.D. Vance, 40, has featured in some of the most controversial moments of the race, such as when he suggested that Harris would not make a good president because she never had children, or the famous hoax about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield (Ohio).

Walz, 60, has been one of the surprises in an atypical Democratic campaign, and despite being unknown to a large part of the electorate, he is doing better in the polls than his opponent. According to EL PAIS predictions, the Harris-Walz and Trump-Vance campaigns are almost tied, with a 55% chance of winning for the former and a 45% chance for the latter, respectively.

Meanwhile, The New York Times reported that the Secretary of Transportation, Pete Buttigieg, has been serving as a stand-in for Vance to help Walz train for the debate, while on the other side, it was representative Tom Emmer of Minnesota who helped J.D. Vance prepare.

The rules

The debate will be produced and broadcast by CBS and, as in previous years, will last 90 minutes with two commercial breaks. The hosts will be Norah ODonnell, anchor of the CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, anchor of Face the Nation.

This time, there will be no audience or opening statements. Advisers from both campaigns will not be allowed to interact with the candidates during the breaks. Walz will be positioned behind the podium on the left side of the stage (they will no longer be seated as previously in this type of debate), while Vance will be on the right side. The candidates will have two minutes to respond to a question and another two for a reply. They will also have an additional minute to continue the debate.

Unlike the Harris-Trump meeting, microphones will not be muted when the opponent is speaking, though CBS News reserves the right to turn them off. Vance won a virtual lottery to be the one to make the final statement, for which both candidates will have two minutes.

The topics to be discussed will not be revealed until the broadcast begins, but Walz will surely seek to connect with voters with his progressive agenda, while Vance will try to sell Republican ideas for the economy and security as the right ones for the future of the country.

Where and when to watch the debate

The debate will take place in New York at the CBS Broadcast Center at 9:00 p.m. (Eastern Standard Time), and can be seen on EL PAIS along with our reporters commentary and analysis in Spanish. Other television networks will replicate the CBS signal, and streaming options will be available on Paramount+, CBSNews.com and YouTube.

In Latin America Argentina 10 p.m. Chile 10 p.m. Colombia 8 p.m. Mexico 7 p.m.

Will there be more debates?

Its unlikely. J.D. Vance has expressed his openness to the possibility of scheduling more than one meeting, but given what happened between Harris and Trump, this could be the last one-on-one of the campaign before the election, hence its importance.

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President Droupadi Murmu on Tuesday said cyberattacks have emerged as a major threat to national security and the civil services and armed forces must join hands to create a secure nationwide system capable of thwarting them.

IMAGE (top and below): President Droupadi Murmu with the faculty and course members of the 64th NDC Course at Rashtrapati Bhavan, New Delhi, October 1, 2024. Photograph: Courtesy, rashtrapatibhvn/X

She said the country's security concerns extend beyond preservation of territorial integrity and encompass other areas of national wellbeing such as economic, environmental, energy security, and cyber security related issues.

"Addressing these concerns requires intensive research, and calls for a holistic approach in dealing with these wide-ranging issues," the President said while addressing the faculty and course members of the 64th National Defence College course, who had called on her at Rashtrapati Bhavan.

Murmu said cyberattacks have emerged as a major threat to national security.

Dealing with and countering cyberattacks requires high-end technological intervention as well as robust digital infrastructure, along with well-trained and specialised human resources, she said.

"It is an issue that affects the entire governance framework of the country across all sectors. This is one of the areas where our civil services and armed forces must join hands to create a secure nationwide system capable of thwarting such attacks," the President said.

She said huge amounts of data and sensitive information are available in the governance systems "which cannot be left unsecured" and urged them to understand the gravity of this issue besides taking concrete measures to address it.

Murmu said the role of the armed forces has expanded far beyond traditional military matters and that the future conflicts will require a multi-State, multi-agency approach.

"One of the major bottlenecks in achieving the goals is that various organisations and departments work in silos. On one hand, achieving the larger goals become difficult while on the other hand, similar jobs are performed by different departments thus creating a resource crunch," the President said.

She said it has also been observed that officers working in the same department also keep performing overlapping tasks due to systemic gaps or lack of clear delineation of jobs.

"This course, therefore, makes an important contribution in preparing the officers for enhancing cooperation to perform efficiently," Murmu told the faculty and course members.

The NDC course is aimed at providing a holistic view of contemporary economic, political and related aspects with particular emphasis on security issues to participants drawn from different disciplines -- including those from Indian Administrative Service (IAS) and Indian Police Service (IPS) officers among others.

Visits to important military stations and frontier posts and some foreign countries form an integral part of the course curriculum.

She said the dynamic global geo-political environment poses numerous challenges.

"The fast pace at which events have unfolded in the recent past, could not have been foreseen perhaps a decade earlier. Thus, all officers, whether from civil services or defence services, must be aware of the challenges and vulnerabilities they face, and the strengths that can help deal with such challenges," the President said.

Addressing the faculty and course members, Murmu said technology is advancing rapidly and it is imperative to keep pace with it.

"Whether it is artificial intelligence, data science, machine language processing or blockchain, you have to be aware of these technologies and should utilise them in your departments for creating a more efficient, transparent and productive work culture," she said.

Murmu said innovation is another factor that will keep the officers future-ready.

"Each nation is guided in its actions by its national interests and objectives. Sometimes, you have to face unforeseen situations and crisis. For you to be always prepared for dealing with such situations, it is necessary to be innovative, resourceful and open to collaborations," the President said.
Military officials released new video on Monday of a close encounter between a Russian fighter jet and a US Air Force F-16 interceptor near Alaska, Associated Press has reported.

IMAGE: A US F-16. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only.



The video shows the Russian plane swooping by the US jet, just feet away, during the incident on September 23. The US pilot was under the direction of the North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD).

The close encounter came amid a series of Russian incursions into the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), just beyond US sovereign airspace.

NORAD's top officer and a US senator condemned the Russian pilot's actions.

"The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all -- not what you'd see in a professional air force," said Gen Gregory Guillot, commander of NORAD and US Northern Command has been quoted as saying by AP. He added that the NORAD aircraft flew "a safe and disciplined" routine to intercept the Russian aircraft.

A message sent to the Russian embassy by AP seeking comment was not immediately returned.

The close pass of the Russian jet occurred weeks after eight Russian military planes and four naval vessels approached Alaska. China and Russia were conducting joint drills at the time.

None of the Russian planes breached US airspace. However, about 130 US soldiers were sent to Shemya Island, southwest of Anchorage, as a precaution.

In July, Russian and Chinese bombers flew together in international airspace off Alaska, a sign of cooperation that US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said raised concerns.

In 2022, a US Coast Guard ship encountered three Chinese and four Russian naval vessels sailing in formation near Alaska's Kiska Island.

US Senator Dan Sullivan, a Republican member of the US Senate Armed Services Committee, said the close pass of the Russian jet underscores the need to increase America's military presence in Alaska and the Arctic.

"The reckless and unprofessional maneuvers of Russian fighter pilots... put the lives of our brave Airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we're witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin," Sullivan said in a statement, AP has reported.
A voter turnout of 69.69 percent was recorded in the third and final phase of voting Tuesday in the assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir, the Election Commission said.

Photograph: Umar Ganie for Rediff.com IMAGE: A woman shows her inked finger after voting in the third and final phase of Jammu-Kashmir assembly elections, in Baramulla, on October 1, 2024.

Overall, after the conclusion of the all three phases, the poll percentage stands at 63.88, which is higher than the turnout of 58.58% recorded in the recently held Lok Sabha elections in the Union Territory, the J&K CEO office said in a statement in Jammu.

However, he said the figures are tentative and likely to go up marginally with the final reports from the polling stations in far-flung areas and addition of postal ballots.

According to EC data, there were more than 39.18 lakh eligible voters in the final phase.

"Poll percentage in first phase (covering 24 constituencies on September 18) was 61.38 percent, in second phase (covering 26 segments on September 25) it was 57.31 percent and in last third phase (covering 40 seats) poll percentage is 69.69 percent (tentative). Overall poll percentage comes to 63.88 percent (tentative)," the statement said.

The statement said the overall poll percentage in the assembly polls is far better than 58.88 percent recorded in the recently concluded Lok Sabha elections and 61.01 percent in 2008 assembly elections.

Highlighting the district-wise voter turnout in the last three elections -- two assembly polls (in 2008 and 2014) and one Lok Sabha elections (2024) -- the statement said the overall the poll percentage in the assembly elections in the Kashmir division remained 55.20 percent against 47.27 percent in Lok Sabha elections this year.

However, the 55.20 percent was less than 2014 assembly poll percentage of 65.84 per cent and 2008 assembly poll percentage of 61.01 percent.

Similarly, the 72.59 percentage of the Jammu division recorded during the three phases of assembly elections is higher than 69.63 percent registered in Lok Sabha elections this year and 71.26 percent registered in 2008 assembly polls but lower compared to 2014 assembly elections when overall 76.67 percent polling was registered.

The statement said Srinagar, Pulwama, Shopian and Baramulla districts have set new records for voting this assembly election which is the best in the past three decades.

Srinagar recorded 30.08 per cent polling this election compared to 24.83 percent in Lok Sabha polls, 27.75 percent in 2014 assembly elections and 21.57 percent in the 2008 assembly polls.

Likewise, Pulwama marked a slight improvement as it touched 46.99 percent (this time) against 46.05 percent in 2008.

In the 2014 assembly elections, it registered 44.08 percent voting while it was 41.59 percent in the Lok Sabha elections.

Shopian also recorded the highest poll percentage of 57.01 percent in assembly elections this year compared to 43.88 percent in Lok Sabha elections (2024), 48.40 percent in the 2014 assembly elections and 50.65 percent in the 2008 assembly elections.

The Baramulla district recorded 59.84 percent polling in the 2024 assembly elections compared to 54.49 percent in Lok Sabha elections earlier this year, 57.29 percent in the 2014 assembly polls and 47.96 percent in the 2008 assembly polls.

In the Jammu region, Kishtwar district recorded the highest poll percentage (80.20 percent) followed by Udhampur (75.87 percent) then Samba (75.22 percent) and Reasi (74.68 percent).

Among the 90 constituencies, the statement said the highest poll percentage has been recorded in Inderwal (82.16 percent) followed by Padder-Nagseni (80.67 percent) and Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra (80.45 percent) in this assembly elections.

The votes will be counted on October 8.
Statues of Sai Baba were removed from multiple temples in Varanasi on Tuesday following a campaign launched by a group called 'Sanatan Rakshak Dal'.

IMAGE: Maharashtra deputy CM and NCP chief Ajit Pawar offers prayers at the Sai Baba Temple in Shirdi, Maharashtra, August 10, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

Of these, the group removed a Sai Baba statue from the Bada Ganesh Temple here and placed it outside the temple's premises.

Rammu Guru, the head priest of the temple, said, "Sai Baba was being worshiped without proper knowledge, which is forbidden according to scriptures."

Similarly, Shankar Puri, the head priest of the Annapurna Temple, said, "There is no mention of the worship of Sai Baba in the scriptures."

Meanwhile, Mahant of Ayodhya's Hanumangarhi temple Raju Das told PTI, "Sai can be a dharm guru (religious preacher), a mahapurush (a great person), a peer or an aulia, but he cannot be a bhagvaan (God). I am thankful to the person in Varanasi who has removed the idol (of Sai Baba). I urge all the Sanatanis in the country to remove the idol of 'Chaand Peer' (Sai Baba) from the temples."

Ajay Sharma, state president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, said, "Only the worship of Lord Shiva, the supreme deity, should take place in Kashi (Varanasi)." Respecting the sentiments of devotees, statues of Sai Baba have already been removed from 10 temples. In the coming days, statues will also be removed from the Agastyakunda and Bhuteshwar temples, he said.

The priest of the Sai Temple located in Sant Raghuvar Das Nagar in the city's Sigra area, Samar Ghosh, said, "Those who claim to be Sanatanis today are the same people who established Sai Baba in the temples, and now they are the ones who have removed him from there. All gods are one. God can be seen in any form. Such acts are not right. They will hurt people's faith and spread discord in society."

Ghosh mentioned that this Sai Temple opens daily from 7 am to 10 pm, and Sai devotees come to worship every day.

"Particularly on Thursdays, around 4,000 to 5,000 devotees visit the temple to pay their respects," he said.

Vivek Srivastava, a Sai Baba devotee, said the removal of Sai Baba's statue is an extremely distressing event.

"This incident has hurt the faith of millions of Sai devotees. All gods are one. Everyone has the right to worship God in whichever form they believe. As for whether Sai Baba was Hindu or Muslim, it is we who have created those divisions. God does not make distinctions among humans," Srivastava said.

Reacting to the developments, Uttar Pradesh Congress spokesperson Manish Hindvi said, "It is unfortunate that the BJP and those supporting it have made religion a wrestling arena (akhara) of politics, which should not be done. Sanatan Dharm is a religion, which incorporates, imbibes and integrates all the good aspects of everyone (including other religions). If in the name of fanaticism (kattartaa), they want to remove the idol (from temples), then it is certainly not in the interest of the country."

Spokesperson of the Samajwadi Party Sunil Singh Sajan, when contacted said, "It seems that the BJP is the number 1 player, when it comes to play with one's 'aasthaa' (faith in Gods). Now, they have even started discriminating and division among Gods. Division and hatred seems to be the core character of the BJP. Sai Baba has crores of followers. When the Constitution does not indulge in discrimination, then who are we to do so?" Sai Baba, revered as a spiritual leader, is known for his teachings of love, forgiveness, and charity, transcending religious boundaries.

On its website, the Shree Saibaba Sansthan Trust, Shirdi, states that Sai Baba is revered as one of the greatest seers ever seen in India, endowed with unprecedented powers, and is worshipped as a God incarnate. (SAI meaning Sakshaat Ishwar) (God the absolute).

"This mysterious Fakir first made his appearance in Shirdi as a youth and remained there throughout his long life. He transformed the lives of those who met him and continuously is doing so even after his Samadhi in 1918 for those whose hearts are touched by his love and who pray and call him at any emergency in life for his blessings," the website states.

The trust also mentions that an outstanding aspect of Sai Baba is that he is "beyond distinctions" of religion, caste or creed. He embodied all religions and preached the Universal religion of Love.

"Devotees of all faiths find their meeting point in the Sai and people from all communities and all walks of life are united by the great love and reverence Baba inspires in them. Baba had great regard for his Hindu devotees and their Gurus and he responded to their needs and permitted worship according to the Hindu and other religious rituals. At the same time his dwelling place was a masjid (mosque) and the name of Allah was ever on his lips...," it added.
India is communicating between Russia and Ukraine to help the two warring nations resolve their differences, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Prime Minister Narendra Modi exchanges greetings with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy on his arrival at Mariinsky Palace, in Kyiv, August 23, 2024. Photograph: ANI Photo

"I'm glad you used the word communication because I think at the moment perhaps (it) is the best description for what we are currently in terms of," he said in response to a question during his appearance at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, a top American think-tank.

The minister was asked about India's role in dealing with Russia and Ukraine.

"Our public position is that we do not believe that differences or disputes between countries can be settled by war. A second public position is we do not believe that we are actually from the battlefield going to get a decisive outcome. Three is if you're not going to get a decisive outcome, at some point, in some form, there has to be a negotiation."

"If there is a negotiation, whenever we get there, then obviously there has to be some preparation or some exploration and some communication between the parties concerned, which is primarily rational," the minister noted.

With these propositions in mind, India started some exploratory discussions he said, adding that it started during Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Italy during G-7, and then during his visit to Moscow.

"Then after that, the trip that we made to Kiev. After which our National Security Advisor went back to Moscow, after which the Prime Minister met Zelenskyy last week in New York, and in between, at different levels, I, or our National Security Advisor, or some other people, we keep talking to both sides as well, he said.

"We are very measured and circumspect about what we are doing. We're not hiding it. Our effort is to have communications, take anything of interest that we have a conversation with, take anything of interest we hear to the other side, (and) communicate that in good faith. If there are reactions or ideas on that side, take it back.

The intent is to be helpful. To some extent, we have to keep other people sort of informed. Where it is necessary, we do that as well, he added.

"Look, we are into a third year of war. There are not many countries today that have still the ability to go to these two capitals, talk to the two leaders, and then go back to the other one. I think in any conflict, if the intention at some point is to end the conflict, such endeavours are useful. I would say they're even laudable," he said.

"But again, please do understand we are not promising anything. We're not suggesting we have some grand bargain or a peace plan. We are simply trying to do something helpful, reflecting the widespread anxiety in the world, Jaishankar said.

Responding to a question on the ongoing conflict in West Asia, the minister reiterated that India regards October 7 as a "terrorist attack" and understands that Israel had a need to respond.

"But, we also believe that any response by any country has to take into account international humanitarian law, that it must be careful about any damage or any implications for civilian populations. Given what has happened in Gaza, it is important to have some kind of international humanitarian effort out there, he said.

We are very much concerned at the possibility of a broadening of the conflict not just what happened in Lebanon but also ..to the Houthis and the Red Sea and you know to some extent anything that happens between Iran and Israel, he said.

If as part of that concern, you can end up doing something about it. Again, don't underestimate the importance of communication in difficult times. If there are things to be said and passed on and passed back, I think those are all contributions that we can make and we do, he said.
The Bombay high court on Tuesday confirmed the death penalty imposed by a Kolhapur court on a man for killing his mother in 2017 and allegedly eating some of the body parts, noting this was a case of cannibalism.

IMAGE: Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan said it was confirming the death penalty on the convict -- Sunil Kuchkoravi -- and added there was no chance of his reformation.

The bench said this was a case of cannibalism and it falls under the rarest of rare category.

"The case falls under the rarest of rare category. The convict not only murdered his mother but he also removed her body parts - brain, heart, liver, kidney, intestine and was cooking them on a pan," the HC said.

"He had cooked her ribs and was about to cook her heart. This is a case of cannibalism," it said.

There is no chance of reformation of the convict as there are tendencies of cannibalism, the high court observed.

"If given life imprisonment, he may commit a similar crime in jail," the bench said.

Kuchkoravi was informed of the decision via video conference.

According to the prosecution, Sunil Kuchkoravi gruesomely murdered his 63-year-old mother Yallama Rama Kuchkoravi on August 28, 2017, at their residence in Kolhapur city.

He later chopped the body and ate some organs after frying them in a pan.

The prosecution claimed the deceased had refused to give money to the accused to buy liquor.

Sunil Kuchkoravi was sentenced to death by a Kolhapur court in 2021. He is lodged at the Yerwada prison (Pune).

The sessions court had at the time said the case falls under the "rarest of rare" category and that the gruesome murder shook the social conscience of the society.

The convict filed an appeal challenging his conviction and death penalty.
OBC activist Laxman Hake was allegedly manhandled and verbally abused by members of the Maratha community in Pune, and a video of the incident surfaced on social media, the police said on Tuesday.

IMAGE: Maratha Kranti Thok Morcha members stage a protest outside Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis's residence over Maratha reservation, Mumbai, August 6, 2024. Kindly note that this image has been posted for representational purposes only. Photograph: ANI Photo

A case has been registered against 25 people for the attack that occurred near Kondhwa on Monday night, an official said.

A video that surfaced on social media showed people from the Maratha community protesting against Hake, claiming that he was drunk and had verbally abused some of them.

"We have registered a case against 25 people under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita for abusing and manhandling OBC activist Laxman Hake, and the matter is being probed," a senior official from Kondhwa police station said.

The official said protestors brought Hake to the police station and demanded that he undergo a medical test, alleging that he was in an inebriated state.

The activist was taken to the Sassoon General Hospital under heavy security late last night, he said.

"Hake was ready to undergo the test, as he wanted to clear the allegations against him. The test results will arrive in two days, and depending on it, we will take necessary action," the official said.

Meanwhile, Hake claimed that there was a conspiracy to kill him and said the police were probing into the allegations levelled against him.

Last week, Hake and his fellow OBC activist Navnath Waghmare suspended the fast they had undertaken in Jalna to safeguard quota for the Other Backward Classes after Maratha quota agitator Manoj Jarange called off his indefinite hunger strike.

Jarange has been seeking reservations for the Maratha community under the OBC category.
A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district has summoned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed against him for his alleged objectionable remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

IMAGE: Congress leader Rahul Gandhi addresses a public meeting ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections, at Naraingarh in Ambala. Photograph: ANI Photo

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nashik, Deepali Parimal Kaduskar, issued a process (summons/notice) to Gandhi on September 27, noting that the 'statement made against a patriotic person prima-facie seems to be defamatory'.

Gandhi will have to appear either personally or through his legal representative on the next date of the case, which is yet to be decided.

The complainant, who is the director of an NGO, claimed he watched a press conference addressed by Gandhi in Hingoli and also a speech made by the Congress leader in November 2022.

He alleged that Gandhi, on the two occasions, by his words and visual representations knowingly harmed the reputation of Veer Savarkar and also tried to defame the latter's image in the society.

"The speech of the accused along with press statements try to ruin the reputation of the complainant's idol Swatantryaveer Savarkar and his contribution to the society along with his noble work in the pre-independence period," he said.

According to the complainant, Gandhi said 'Savarkar is BJP and RSS jin' which was defamatory in nature.

Gandhi further made the allegations that 'with a folding hand Savarkar prayed for release and later on promised to work for the British government', the complainant said.

The court, after considering all the submissions made before it, said, "Considering the record, it appears that the statements made by the accused against a patriotic person prima-facie seem to be defamatory."

There are sufficient grounds to proceed in the case, the magistrate added.

The court then issued the process against Gandhi for offences under Indian Penal Code sections 499 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult).
The situation along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) in eastern Ladakh is stable but sensitive and not normal, Chief of Army Staff General Upendra Dwivedi said on Tuesday on the dragging military standoff between China and India in the region.

IMAGE: Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi visits the Eastern Command Headquarters. Photograph: ANI Photo

Though a 'positive signalling' is coming out from the diplomatic talks between the two sides on resolution of the row, the execution of any plan depends on the military commanders on the ground, Gen Dwivedi said.

He was speaking at a curtain raiser event on the Chanakya Defence Dialogue.

India and China held two rounds of diplomatic talks in July and August with an aim to find early resolution of outstanding issues in their standoff on the LAC in eastern Ladakh.

"The positive signalling is coming from the diplomatic side, but what we need to understand (is that) the diplomatic side gives options and possibilities," he said.

"But when it comes to the execution on ground, when it relates to ground per se; it is dependent on the military commanders on both sides to take those decisions," the Army Chief said, responding to a question.

"The situation is stable, but it is not normal and it's sensitive. If that be the case what are we wanting ? We are wanting that the situation that was there pre April 2020 should be restored," he added.

The military standoff between the two sides began in early May of 2020. Full resolution of the border row has not yet been achieved though the two sides have disengaged from a number of friction points.

"Till the time the situation is not restored, as far as we are concerned, the situation will remain sensitive, and we are fully operationally prepared to face any kind of a contingency," the Army Chief said.

In the complete gamut, the trust has become the 'biggest casualty', he added.

Gen Dwivedi also briefly touched upon the Indian military's overall approach towards China.

"As far as China is concerned, it has been intriguing our minds for quite some time. And I have been saying that with China, you have to compete, you have to cooperate, you have to coexist, you have to confront and contest," he said.

Last month, National Security Advisor Ajit Doval and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks in the Russian city of St Petersburg with a focus on finding an early resolution to the row.

In the talks held on the sidelines of a conclave of BRICS (Brazil-Russia-India-China-South Africa) nations, the two sides agreed to work with 'urgency' and 'redouble' efforts to achieve complete disengagement in remaining friction points in eastern Ladakh.

In the meeting, NSA Doval conveyed to Wang that peace and tranquility in border areas and respect for the LAC are essential for return of normalcy in bilateral ties.

The ties between the two countries nosedived significantly following the fierce clash in the Galwan Valley in June 2020 that marked the most serious military conflict between the two sides in decades.

India has been maintaining that its ties with China cannot be normal unless there is peace in the border areas.

The two sides have so far held 21 rounds of Corps Commander-level talks to resolve the standoff.

India has been pressing the People's Liberation Army (PLA) to disengage from the Depsang and Demchok areas.The two sides held the last round of high-level military talks in February.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and several others who were detained at the Delhi border while marching to the capital to demand Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh on Tuesday launched an indefinite fast at police stations where they have been kept.

IMAGE: Activist Sonam Wangchuk during his foot march from Leh to Delhi demanding Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh, in Kullu on Wednesday. Photograph: ANI Photo

Wangchuk was leading the march, 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra', which began from Leh a month ago.

He and around 120 others from Ladakh were detained on Monday night.

The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB), which along with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), has been spearheading an agitation for the past four years to demand statehood for Ladakh, seek its inclusion under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, early recruitment process along with a public service commission for Ladakh and separate Lok Sabha seats for Leh and Kargil districts.

Wangchuk and those accompanying him were detained at the Delhi border for violating prohibitory orders and were taken to different police stations, including Bawana, Narela Industrial Area and Alipur, according to a police officer.

"We tried to convince them to go back as Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) (which prohibits assembly of five or more people) is imposed in the national capital but they were adamant," the officer said.

They remain under detention, he said.

A representative of the group claimed that Wangchuk was taken to Bawana police station and was not being allowed to meet his lawyers.

The activist and others have launched an indefinite fast at the police stations where they have been kept, the representative said.

Wangchuk and the other members of the group had sought official permission and even emailed Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Home Minister Amit Shah but that information was used to detain the protesters, the representative claimed.

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa told PTI that around 30 women were among those detained and they were kept with the male detainees.

"Several people from Ladakh have been detained. They have been kept at different police stations. I met some of them late last night and early today," Haneefa said.

He said around 60-70 people from Kargil who had come to join the march at the Singhu border on Tuesday morning were also stopped by Delhi Police.

Around 30 women were also detained, Haneefa said.

"They were kept in a place where male detainees were also there," he said.

However, Delhi Police had said on Monday night that women protesters were not detained.
Andhra Pradesh Director General of Police Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Tuesday said that the state government constituted Special Investigation Team (SIT) will temporarily stall its probe into the alleged 'adulteration' of Tirupati laddus with animal fats case as the matter is sub judice in the Supreme Court.

IMAGE: Members of Vishwa Hindu Parishad and Bajrang Dal hold a protest march over the Tirupati laddu case, in Lucknow. Photograph: ANI Photo

Over the last two days, the SIT has probed the procurement and sampling processes, trying to understand how it is possible to adulterate the laddus, said Rao.

"First they (SIT) have to understand the process, study it and take all the information, but in the meantime, an order has come from the Supreme Court and in line with that, we have stopped it (probe)," the DGP said while speaking to reporters.

When the case is being examined under the purview of the apex court, it is not appropriate to talk more, he said, hinting at the next hearing of the case in the Supreme Court on October 3.

The top court was hearing a batch of pleas, including those seeking a court-monitored probe into the alleged use of animal fat in making Tirupati laddus.
Syed Firdaus Ashraf/Rediff.com comes across a Ganesh temple in Kashmir that remains a well kept secret.

IMAGE: A puja being conducted inside the SiddhiVinayak temple in Srinagar. Photographs: Kind courtesy Ratan Chaku

When I was told that there is an ancient SiddhiVinayak temple in Srinagar, I found it hard to believe.

Sanjay Saraf, the Lok Jan Shakti Party candidate from the Habba Kadal constituency and a Kashmiri Pandit, insisted that I must visit the temple to see for myself since I hailed from Mumbai, where Lord Ganesh is revered, and which has a SiddhiVinayak shrine where thousands worship every day.

"Yesterday all of us Kashmiri Pandits had gone to the temple and did visarjan next to the SiddhiVinayak Mandir in Srinagar," says Saraf.

Asked if Lord Ganesh visarjan is practised in Srinagar as in Mumbai, Saraf says, "We do it with much fanfare. We did it this year too and you missed it. You can come next year and join us."

IMAGE: Ratan Chaku with the Ganesh murti.

Intrigued, I decided to visit the SiddhiVinayak Mandir which seemed to be Srinagar's best kept secret.

I headed to the Ganpatyar area of Habba Kadal where this temple is located.

Habba Kadal, I was told, was named after the 16th century Kashmiri poetess, Habba Khatoon.

In the late 1980s film-maker Muzaffar Ali was making a movie, Zooni, on the poetess.

Starring Dimple Kapadia and Vinod Khanna, the film stopped midway due to financial constraints and after militancy struck the Kashmir Valley in 1989.

When I reached Habba Kadal it was not difficult to find Ganpatyar. But there was no way to locate the temple in the bylanes.

Passers-by had no idea about a Lord Ganesh temple and I was wondering if I was in the right place.

Finally I met an old Kashmiri gentleman who told me I had come 50 metres ahead of the temple and that I had passed it by without noticing it.

I was walking slowly and could have not missed a temple, and that too an ancient temple of such significance.

IMAGE: Devotees in the temple on Ganesh Chaturthi.

I retraced my steps, and halted after 50 metres but again I saw no sign of a temple anywhere.

There were no shops or passers-by to ask for fresh directions.

In desperation, I knocked on a door to ask where this ancient temple was.

The gentleman who opened the door told me, "Right next door."

In that small lane I could not see any steps leading to a temple. When I looked up I could not see a temple spire either; the only thing I saw was brick walls which in no way looked like a temple.

The gentleman then told me to knock on a cabin structure as that was the entrance to the temple.

I did so, and a small window popped open with a man eyeing me suspiciously and asking what I wanted.

I explained to him that I was a journalist from Mumbai and wanted to visit the SiddhiVinayak temple.

The door opened and to my surprise I was surrounded by Central Reserve Police Force personnel in that small cubicle.

The CRPF jawan who eyed me from the window took me inside and asked for my Aadhar card or any other ID.

After checking my credentials and frisking me, he allowed me inside, with the words, "Strictly no photographs."

Some 50 steps led to the temple premises.

Once there, I could see the idol of Lord Ganesh in the garb-griha, and as I went around, I heard someone calling out to me from a higher floor.

It was the CRPF commander in charge of the temple.

IMAGE: Visarjan near the Ganesh temple in Srinagar.

It was not advisable for tourists to come to this place at this hour, he told me, and I could see his point. It was nearing dusk, and before leaving he gave me the phone number of the Kashmiri Pandit who was a sevak at the temple, Ratan Chaku.

Chacko couldn't meet me. but spoke to me over the phone about the temple.

According to him, "The SiddhiVinayak murti was found inside the Jhelum river centuries ago. And if you notice, the trunk of Lord Ganesh is bent to the right."

"In spite of the migration of Kashmiri Pandits from the Valley in the '90s, every year without fail we have celebrated Ganesh Chaturthi at the temple."

Asked why tourists are not aware of this temple, he said, "We have started promoting tourism at this place. All are welcome. This was the third year we did Ganesh visarjan. As a tourist in Srinagar, you just need to know that you have to reach at Ganpatyar, Lord Ganesh temple."

Asked why there were no devotees to be seen, he said, "In this area (Habba Kadal) we have not more than 20 Kashmiri Pandit families living. And to expect everyone to come here (daily) is not possible. But yes, on Ganesh Chaturthi we do get between 300 and 500 devotees at this temple."

If you are in Srinagar, do add the SiddhiVinayak temple to your itinerary.
'Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would write a book one day.'

IMAGE: S Dhanuja Kumari while collecting garbage. All photographs: Kind courtesy Dhanuja Kumari

S Dhanuja Kumari's story has all the ingredients you see in a movie. But all the experiences are real.

She grew up in Chengalchoola, a Dalit colony located in the heart of Thiruvananthapuram. Maybe it can be compared to Dharavi of Mumbai, but definitely not of that size. Naturally, her life is shaped by the people she grew up with.

Perhaps, it was by accident that she wrote her autobiography, Chengachoolayile ente Jeevitham (My Life In Chengalchoola). But today, it is the book that defines her identity as a person who showed the world how it was to grw up in Chengalchoola.

Her book has become a landmark not just in her own life but in the lives of all the people who live there.

She has become one of the most about talked persons in Kerala with Kannur University prescribing it as part of the BA curriculum, and Calicut University making it part of its MA curriculum.

That does not mean 49-year-old Dhanuja Kumari has stopped her work as a plastic waste collector as a member of the Haritha Karma Sena.

"I was not aware that my book was part of the curriculum of Kannur and Calicut universities till the editor of my book found out about it," Dhanuja Kumari tells Rediff.com's Shobha Warrier.

IMAGE: S Dhanuja Kumari.

A day in the life of Dhanuja Kumari, the plastic waste collector

Though I work for Haritha Karma Sena which is a government project, we from Kudumbashree are involved in the collection of plastic waste from houses. But we are not government employees.

In a way, it is mutually beneficial as we have a job, and the government is able to collect plastic waste from households.

Our income is what we are paid by each house which is around Rs 25,000 a month.

We have to report at our Haritha Karma Sena office at 8 in the morning, but my day starts at 5 in the morning.

As both my sons are married and live separately, we are only three of us -- my husband, my mother and I -- in our house.

My husband Satheesh is a chenda (a percussion instrument) artist, and my mother is also a Haritha Karma Sena worker, like me.

Before the government started the Haritha Karma Sena initiative, we used to collect food waste from households.

As the place I collect plastic waste is around 20 minutes away, I am out of the house with my mother by 6 am.

At 7.50, we have to sign in and after that, we are out to collect plastic from the designated residential area. Since we get information about the area the previous day itself, we inform the Residents Association WhatsApp group of our visit the next day so that they can keep the waste ready to be collected.

My team has three members, and we are designated to collect plastic from 90 houses which is not possible in one day. It takes 2 to 3 days to cover all the 90 houses most of the time.

As we do not have any vehicle, we walk from morning till afternoon collecting plastic from each house. We keep the waste in one area of the residential colony to be segregated alter.

Once in two days or three days, a vehicle from the corporation comes to collect the segregated plastic waste.

By 3 in the afternoon, we are back home.

These days, my evenings are spent at the library we have at Chengalchoola. Those are the most cherished moments of my life.

IMAGE: Kerala Governor Arif Mohammad Khan felicitates Dhanuja Kumari, here and below.

Starting 'Wings of a Woman', a library in Chengalchoola

During the pandemic when we, the women of Chengalchoola started the library, it was the realisation of a dream I had for many years.

The only luxury I have is read some weekly magazines and newspapers. Not a day passes without me reading the newspaper before getting out of the house to work. That was one habit I can never do away with.

My father who worked as a headload worker, was a member of the CITU (the CPI-M trade union), and he used to bring some weeklies from the party office. Those were the only reading material I had when I was a child. Otherwise, as a child I have not stepped into a library or held a literary work by any renowned author. I would say, I grew up with no contact with books.

That was the kind of childhood I had. And that was the kind of childhood all the children who grow up in Chengalchoola have.

That's why starting a library in our colony was the happiest day of my life.

Writing her thoughts on pieces of newspapers

I used to scribble when something disturbed me, or when something made me very happy.

It was a habit I got from the school I studied. I think I started this habit from when I was in 4th standard.

But there was no discipline in my writing.

We never had a room where we can close the door and write in solitude. I never had any diary. In fact, there was no blank paper at home for me to write anything. So, I used to write on the newspaper pieces which shopkeepers used to wrap provisions.

Though I felt good after writing, after pouring my heart out, I threw them away later.

As a child growing up in Chengalchoola, it was your dream to be a writer, and I never thought I should preserve those pieces of paper which were in fact, a part of me.

Not even in my wildest dreams did I think I would write a book one day.

But it was a dream of mine to start a library in our colony.

Childhood in Chengalchoola

I stopped going to school when I was in 9th standard. And at the age of 15, I got married to the person I fell in love with.

Till around 1990-1991, this was the story of all the girls who grew up in the colony.

There was a reason why we discontinued studies after 7th or 9th. Till 7th standard, all of us went to the school next to our colony where almost all the students were from our colony. So, in a way, as children, we were not exposed to the outside world.

But once we went to other schools as high school students, we realised who we were -- that we were students from the Chengalchoola colony, we were those children with whom nobody wanted to be associated with.

We were those children who were from the lower rungs of society. We were those children who spoke loudly. We were those children who were branded as uncouth and violent. We were those who expressed both happiness and sadness in an exaggerated manner. But then that's us, people of Chengalchoola.

In the new school, we become aware of our skin colour, the way we talk, the language we use, the way we dress... we realise we are different from the rest of the students.

So, in those schools, both the teachers and students looked down on us. We were banished to the last bench even if we were good students.

We were discriminated against as children from the 'colony' with whom the other children should not associate themselves with. We were shunned by both the teachers and students.

I was a good student, and I had this desire to study but the atmosphere in school, the neglect and discrimination I faced there, made me drop out of school when I was in 9th standard.

Today I may feel despondent and angry about what happened to me in school, but when I discontinued my studies, I felt no regrets.

Deciding to live with the person she fell in love with at the age of 15

Most of the youngsters who lived in our colony marry among ourselves. There were not many people who brought someone from outside to our colony after marriage.

I am talking about how it was when I was young. It has changed a lot in the last 35 years.

Like my parents found love, I also found my love in Chengalchoola itself. My mother was just 13 then and she was just 14 when she had me.

Satheesh, my husband, was a dancer in those days. When we got married, I was 15 and he was 20.

At 16, I had my first son and within a year, I had my second son too.

Soon, reality dawned on me that my married life was not what I dreamt about. What affected us was, we got married when both of us were kids and immature, and I became a mother when I was a child myself.

We had two children but no house. My husband used to drink a lot then. I had no clue how to tackle all these problems. I felt the only solution to all my problems was to end my life with my children. I was just 23 then, but I didn't die in my suicide attempt.

The failed attempt made me realise that I had to live and live with dignity.

My life changed after that.

Looking back, I feel I lived because I had to tell people about the life I lead.

If at least one person could change her mind on ending her life after reading my book, I feel blessed.

IMAGE: S Dhanuja Kumari's book.

Discrimination in society made her write her story

Once we decided to make a fresh start, my husband played chenda for 48 hours continuously to enter into the Guinness Book of Records. Though it was unsuccessful, it brought attention on him as a chenda player.

I thought the discrimination I had experienced in school, was a thing of the past. When my sons started studying, I thought the society had changed. I thought people had stopped insulting us using caste names.

But nothing had changed.

Like their father, my children also showed great interest in playing the chenda.

We thought if my eldest son studied at the prestigious Kerala Kalamandalam, and had Kalamandalam as a prefix to his name, his life as an artist would change.

It was not to be. He experienced the worst kind of discrimination and abuse there. His teacher said, as a dalit, he had no right to learn an instrument like the chenda which is mostly played in the temples.

Unable to bear the ill treatment meted out to him by his teacher, my son came back home. When we took him back with a letter from the local MLA, do you know what the teacher said? That even if the prime minister asked him, he would see to it that my son did not study there.

Our dreams were shattered, but it made me angry, really angry.

That was when a journalist who came to study our lives in Chengalchoola encouraged me to write my story.

With the publication of Chengalchoolayile Ente Jeevitham, Dhanuja Kumari becomes an author

Luckily for me, Chintha Publishing House, associated with the Communist party, decided to publish my book.

And I became an author; I who studied only up to 9th standard.

I told the editor of my book not to change my language as it is the language of a person who had not finished school.

I wanted to tell the world that in our colony also, there are people with great talent (pratibha) but outsiders come here in search of only criminals (prathikal). Kerala society only wants prathikal and not pratibha from Chengalchoola.

Today my son has his own music band, and he teaches chenda to children. But I can never forget how society and an institution like Kalamandalam treated a talent like him.

I want this attitude to change. I want society to treat us as human beings.

If I can change the attitude of at least one person towards us through my book, I call myself successful.

Incidentally, I ended my book by saying I dream of having a library in my colony and the dream came true during the pandemic.

IMAGE: At a felicitation.

Chengalchoolayile ente Jeevitham becomes part of the curriculum in two universities.

I was not aware that my book was part of the curriculum of Kannur and Calicut Universities till the editor of my book found out about it.

It is a great honour that my book is part of the university curriculum and students read it and come to know about a colony called Chengalchoola.

We were discriminated against because we came from Chengalchoola. So, it is like a sweet revenge for me now that the professors will have to say the word Chengalchoola when they teach their students and the students will have to write about Chengalchoola in their exam papers!

But my life changed completely after Malayala Manorama wrote about this last month.

My phone has not stopped ringing after that, and I get at least ten congratulatory calls every day.

There has been no end to felicitation meetings.

Still, I felt there were some people who felt uncomfortable sitting with me on the dais.

There are also many residents where I work as a garbage collector who recognise me now and care to have appreciative words with me.

But I am still the same person, and my routine is also the same. I still get up early in the morning, and start collecting plastic waste from houses.

The only difference is, I attend felicitation meetings in the evenings these days!

The happiness I feel when I attend such functions cannot be expressed in words. I feel as if I am being awarded a Padma Shri or a Padma Bhushan.

Many people ask me why I still work as a garbage collector. I am not ashamed of what I do. Moreover, I am only studied up to 9th standard, and there are limitations to the kind of jobs I can do.

I only want one thing from society, that is to treat us as fellow human beings.

Feature Presentation: Ashish Narsale/Rediff.com
Determined not to be arm-twisted into delaying the execution, he decided to hold a late night hearing at his residence.

In the pitch blackness of the night, the original verdict was upheld. The next morning, on 9 October 1992, General Vaidya's assassins were hanged.

A fascinating excerpt from Insiyah Vahanvaty's The Fearless Judge: The Life and Times of Justice A M Ahmadi

IMAGE: Justice Aziz Mushabber Ahmadi speaks at a function in New Delhi. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

A storm of unrest had been brewing in North India for many years, one which would, over the course of several years, become marked by bloodshed and high-profile assassinations.

Eventually, and many years later, these events of the 1980s would finally culminate in a case that was destined for Justice Ahmadi's courtroom in 1992.

It would become the only judgment of his career in which the typically restrained Justice Ahmadi handed out the death sentence.

At the heart of all these events was the growing fervour for Khalistan, an independent Sikh state within the borders of Punjab -- a movement that had been ongoing for several years.

The Golden Temple in Amritsar, a site holier than any other for the Sikh community, was used as an operational hub for these factions, serving as a stronghold for their activities.

Faced with the escalating situation and growing popularity of separatist elements, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi made a fateful choice that would eventually end her own life.

In 1984, she ordered Operation Blue Star, a military operation aimed at regaining control of the temple complex from the militants.

The four-day-long clash between the Indian armed forces and the militants at a time when large numbers of civilians were trapped in the temple resulted in tremendous loss of life.

The world watched in horror as the death toll grew, and Sikhs across the world responded with outrage.

The operation may have been successful in wresting control of the site, but it came at a heavy cost.

The decision to use military force on a sacred site was not a wise one, the ramifications of which would prove to be tragic.

A mere four months after the deeply contentious move, Indira Gandhi was assassinated by her Sikh bodyguards, sparking nationwide riots.

But the Sikh factions, still boiling with rage, were not finished.

Two years later, in 1986, General A S Vaidya was assassinated by two Sikh youth.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi being congratulated by then President Shankar Dayal Sharma after taking the oath as the 26th Chief Justice of India in New Delhi, October 25, 1994. Photograph: Kind courtesy President's Secretariat/Wikimedia Commons

General Vaidya was, at the time of the operation, chief of the army staff and therefore responsible for much of the coordination that went into Operation Blue Star.

On 10 August 1986 in Pune, while the retired general and his wife were in their Maruti car, two motorcycles pulled up beside them.

Before their bodyguard could even turn to look, a black jacketed individual pulled a revolver out of his boot and pumped a whole magazine of bullets into the car before speeding off.

But the first bullet itself was enough -- the general was dead and his wife badly injured.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi with then prime minister P V Narasimha Rao and then President Shankar Dayal Sharma. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

General Vaidya's assassins, Jinda and Sukha, were captured the same day and subsequently tried for murder.

Shockingly, this was not their first assassination.

The two men had previously assassinated Lalit Maken and Geetanjali, son-in-law and daughter of future President of India Shankar Dayal Sharma as well as Congress leader Arjan Dass.

Dass had been murdered for his alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots.

Maken, too, faced a similar fate for the same alleged reason, and his wife Geetanjali, sadly, got caught in the crossfire and became collateral damage.

Upon capture, the two men boldly admitted that they had, indeed, assassinated General Vaidya.

Further, they informed the trial court that they were proud of their act and unafraid of death.

The trial court viewed the case as 'rarest of rare' and awarded both men the highest form of punishment -- the death sentence.

Appealing to the Supreme Court, the case was then brought before a bench which consisted of Justice Ahmadi and Justice K Ramaswamy.

This bench also upheld the sentence of the designated court.

But the fervour around their cause had catapulted Jinda and Sukha into the spotlight -- they had morphed into legends within certain segments of the Sikh community, their act elevating them to a demi-god status.

As the execution loomed, attempts were made to stall its implementation.

In September 1992, the president of the Akali Dal (Mann), Simranjit Singh Mann, filed a petition seeking a stay on the execution orders of Sukha and Jinda.

Mann demanded to be allowed to enter the courtroom with his sword, but he was denied entry by court security.

Justice Ahmadi maintained that if the security arrangements didn't allow it, then the judges would not interfere.

He pointed out that should Mann wish to hear the court proceedings, he must 'abide by the discipline of the court'.

Two days before the scheduled execution, fifteen Sikh leaders and their followers assembled in the Supreme Court, seeking an audience with the Chief Justice, Justice M H Kania.

Their letter to the Supreme Court stated that the accused, 'in the eye of every Sikh, are heroes and living martyrs and it is the bounden duty of all Sikhs all over the world to save their lives.'

This attempt was made despite their plea being turned down just the previous month.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi with Mother Teresa. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

But there was one more petition pending. The petitioner, an undertrial who had spent the past six years in Tihar jail for an attempt on the life of Rajiv Gandhi, had approached the court as the 'next friend' of Jinda and Sukha.

The petition had been filed under Article 32 of the Constitution questioning the legality and validity of their conviction as sentenced by the Designated Court as well as the Supreme Court.

Appearing on behalf of the Union of India was the additional solicitor general.

Viewing this as a diversionary tactic, Justice Ahmadi took a bold and unusual step.

Determined not to be arm-twisted into delaying the execution, he decided to hold a late night hearing at his residence.

Calling upon his brother judge, Justice K Ramaswamy, the bench was constituted, and the proceedings unfolded into the wee hours of the morning.

As the night wore on, security presence swelled around Krishna Menon Marg.

The usually quiet street flanked by ancient gnarly trees was bursting at the seams with police and security personnel.

The bungalow was sealed off, a virtual fortress with barricades positioned at every entrance and every exit.

The street was closed off, and traffic was re-diverted to parallel streets.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi with then prime minister H D Deve Gowda. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

As the clock ticked, the two judges deliberated upon the maintainability of the petition before pronouncing their judgement.

It was found that the petitioner had no locus standi to move the court as he did not do so on behalf of the convicts.

In fact, the convicted had issued oral and written instructions that their friends and family should refrain from seeking mercy for them, making it clear that this petition was not filed at their behest.

Further, the argument that the two convicts were mentally impaired due to their 'obsession' that the person responsible for desecrating the Harminder Sahib should not be allowed to live, thus constituting a legal disability, was also deemed untenable.

The judgment clarified that any disability that permits a third party to initiate legal proceedings must be one that the law recognises.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi with his wife Amena Ahmadi, son Huzefa Ahmadi and daughter Tasneem Ahmadi. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

The judgment stated, 'Such a submission, urged the learned Additional Solicitor General, is fraught with grave consequences and would, we agree, shake the very foundation of the rule of law on which a civilised society is based if the aggrieved person is allowed to take the law in his own hands and later plead disability on the ground that his action emanated from an acute obsession that his victim had by his action forfeited the right to live and deserved to be punished with death. Such a submission cannot be countenanced.'

In the pitch blackness of the night, the original verdict was upheld. The next morning, on 9 October 1992, General Vaidya's assassins were hanged until death.

During this time, a subtler implication began to emerge from the shadows.

One of Justice Ahmadi's most trusted secretaries happened to be a Sikh gentleman.

As the case was placed before Justice Ahmadi in the Supreme Court, and then again in the wake of the late night hearing, whispers of concern were voiced.

There had already been two high profile assassinations at the hands of Sikh individuals, and it was feared that Justice Ahmadi might be the next target in this grim sequence -- chosen for his verdict that upheld the death sentence for Jinda and Sukha.

So, to ensure Justice Ahmadi's safety, it was thought best to eliminate any potential connection that could attract danger.

And so, the chief of security approached Justice Ahmadi with a proposition.

He suggested that Justice Ahmadi dismiss his Sikh secretary, offering to replace him with another, equally capable, gentleman of a different religion.

Bristling at the suggestion that an employee be dismissed based on their religious background, this struck at the very core of his principles. Justice Ahmadi refused outright.

IMAGE: Justice Ahmadi in his youth. Photograph: Kind courtesy Insiyah Vahanvaty

Over the course of the next few weeks, the chief of security continued to apply pressure on Justice Ahmadi, hoping to change his mind. But Justice Ahmadi was unmoved.

A true secularist, Justice Ahmadi was also a member of a minority community himself, and as such, he was no stranger to the experiences that come with bearing a minority identity.

He too belonged to a community that is vilified for the acts of a select few.

He too had been the subject of many a whisper that questioned his motives because of his religion.

He knew all too well the humiliation of being singled out, of being forced to prove one's loyalty to the nation when others are not.

And so, in a resolute stand against any form of prejudice, Justice Ahmadi rejected the proposal outright.

The Sikh secretary remained faithfully and steadfastly at Justice Ahmadi's side until the day he retired and even beyond.

Excerpted from The Fearless Judge : The Life and Times of Justice A M Ahmadi by Insiyah Vahanvaty, with the author's kind permission.
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JAMAICA  Plans to close Jamaica Village School, along with Townshend Elementary, and consolidate into NewBrook Elementary are being met with skepticism.

Estimated cost savings and the additional travel time topped concerns expressed by Jamaica residents at a community forum Thursday at JVS. They questioned how realistic the approximately $1 million anticipated in annual savings is and whether the district could somehow allow Jamaica families to have school choice.

To leave the merged district, Jamaica would need to vote affirmatively as well as the other communities. Residents argued that schools in other districts are closer to their homes and that they would still be on the hook for the school building if the town takes it over.

"Jamaica just gets the raw end of the deal every single time," Karen Ameden of Jamaica said, having been involved in long-term planning efforts in the district as a community member. "I'm a strong supporter of a single campus but I don't feel this is the best we can do. Certainly, it's not the best for Jamaica."

Ameden called the estimate for savings "just guesses" and the West River Education District merger "a big mistake."

"We basically lost all of our control," she said.

Proposal closes Jamaica, Townshend schools, moves them to NewBrook TOWNSHEND  Ahead of budget season and a report coming to the Legislature on education fundi

Windham Central Superintendent Bob Thibault acknowledged NewBrook isn't "centrally located" but had the highest score when Stevens & Associates of Brattleboro used criteria for a study that resulted in the proposal.

"This is the best plan, the board believes, from the study we got," he said.

Thibault said single grade classrooms offer better teaching and learning environments, and allow opportunities for collaboration between teachers. He suggested teachers could have specialization  for instance, in math and science curriculum or humanities.

Board Chairman Al Claussen said the board is exploring the idea of having an "express bus" that would take "a straight shot from Jamaica all the way to NewBrook, no stopping anywhere else."

"We could also adjust start times as necessary," he said.

Rebranding would occur with the consolidation and create a larger school community, Claussen said. He described school as "the people ... not the building."

Thibault said consolidation would allow the district to make longer term plans without reducing any programming, as school maintenance items have been pushed to the side to preserve offerings.

Teacher contract negotiations are beginning within the district. Insurance rates also are expected to go up.

Site work and a rental fee for a new modular building at NewBrook would cost about $655,000 and come out of the first year savings, Thibault said. He noted that reserve funds could be tapped and viewed as a reinvestment into the community and a way to avoid tax increases.

If communities opt for consolidation, the towns of Jamaica and Townshend would be offered the school buildings for $1 each. They would need to keep the buildings for five years or else have to split the proceeds with the district if they're sold before then.

Parents would need to drive their children to NewBrook if they're in pre-k.

On Oct. 4, the School Board will decide whether to move forward with the plan. Claussen expects Jamaica and Townshend would vote on closing the schools in November if the board goes in that direction, then the budget would be built in January.

If the votes fail, board member Peter Broussard said the board would need to reevaluate plans. Longer term planning would continue, Claussen said.

Abby Pelton, chairwoman of the Windham School Board, asked if Jamaica and Windham could change supervisory unions or create a pathway to have school choice. Both elementary schools currently are closed.

"Could it be part of a longer term conversation?" Thibault said. "Yes, it could be. But it has not been at this point."

This school year, JVS temporarily closed due to staffing issues but reopened pre-k. Windham initially closed due to staffing issues then the community voted to offer choice for elementary and close the building. Windham is part of WRED for middle and high school.

School officials also are waiting for the results of a report from the Vermont Commission on the Future of Public Education due to the Legislature in December. Thibault previously said the commission will be looking at the appropriate number of schools, districts and supervisory unions.

"There is a lot that is currently up in the air at the state level," board member Lindsey Bertram said. "We don't know what that looks like yet."

A construction aid program that ran for many years is under consideration again, board member Emily Long said.

"There's a study committee going on," said Long, who serves as a state representative for the Windham-5 district and anticipates funding might become available for merger-related projects.

Board members and community members have voiced support for a single-campus model in Townshend, where Leland & Gray Union Middle and High School and TES are neighbors. However, construction costs deemed the project too expensive to pitch.
Superintendent Bob Thibault, School Board Chairman Al Claussen and board members LeeAnn Jillson, Lindsey Bertram and Emily Long (left to right) discuss consolidation proposal at a community forum at NewBrook Elementary on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 23:01 | All, World, Japan

The following is the latest list of selected news summaries by Kyodo News.

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LDP Ishiba elected Japan's new PM amid economic, security fears

TOKYO - Shigeru Ishiba, leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, was elected Japan's new prime minister by parliament on Tuesday to replace Fumio Kishida, at a time of low public confidence in politics, a shaky economy and mounting security threats.

His endorsement by both houses of parliament sets the stage for a general election on Oct. 27, despite growing criticism from the opposition bloc about the timing of the poll, which delayed Tuesday's parliamentary vote at the last minute.

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Baseball: Dodgers slugger Ohtani wins NL home run, RBI titles

LOS ANGELES - Los Angeles Dodgers slugger Shohei Ohtani officially clinched the National League home run and RBI titles Monday as the regular season wrapped up following a doubleheader between the Atlanta Braves and New York Mets.

In his historic first season with the Dodgers, the Japanese two-way phenom hit 54 homers and drove in 130 runs in addition to stealing 59 bases, the second-most in Major League Baseball behind Cincinnati Reds shortstop Elly De La Cruz's 67.

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Japan big manufacturer sentiment in Sept. flat at 13: BOJ Tankan

TOKYO - The business confidence index for major Japanese manufacturers in September remained unchanged from three months earlier at 13, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed Tuesday, reflecting increased demand for semiconductors, while automakers grappled with weak overseas sales.

The index for large nonmanufacturers, including the service sector, rose to 34 from 33, the first improvement in two quarters, as retailers saw favorable sales of clothing and air conditioners amid unusual summer heat.

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Oppositions slam Japan PM Ishiba for "running away" from Diet debate

TOKYO - Opposition parties turned the heat on Shigeru Ishiba upon his formal election as Japan's prime minister Tuesday, with a general election already slated for later in the month limiting the time they can grill the new government.

"I am deeply disappointed," main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan leader Yoshihiko Noda told reporters, noting that he had thought Ishiba, who doubles as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, "the type of politician who faces up to debate."

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Bridgestone joins Toyota, Panasonic to end top-tier Olympic contract

TOKYO - Japanese tire giant Bridgestone Corp. said Tuesday it will end its top-tier sponsorship agreement with the International Olympic Committee, following in the footsteps of Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Holdings Corp.

This means all three Japanese top-tier sponsors will discontinue their marketing tie-ups with the global sporting event.

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Myanmar's military government holds census amid conflict

YANGON - Myanmar's military government on Tuesday began conducting a national census to prepare for a general election scheduled for next year, amid a conflict with opposition forces across the country that has killed thousands and displaced millions since a 2021 military coup.

The opposition forces, comprising the self-declared, pro-democracy National Unity Government, its armed wing and ethnic armed organizations, have lambasted the planned election as a sham, urging citizens not to participate in the census, which they claim will help the military identify those who resist its rule.

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Japan top currency diplomat vows to step into forex market if needed

TOKYO - Japan's top currency diplomat pledged Tuesday to continue taking necessary measures to stabilize the movements of the yen, underscoring his willingness to intervene in the foreign exchange market if necessary.

As his predecessor, Masato Kanda, oversaw bouts of yen-buying operations to prevent the currency's sharp fall in recent years, Atsushi Mimura said at a seminar in Tokyo that the government's stance on market intervention has "never changed."

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Japan's new first lady a hometown favorite, more popular than husband

TOKYO - Yoshiko Ishiba, Japan's new first lady, is known for her gentle demeanor and enjoys even greater popularity than her husband in his hometown of Tottori in western Japan.

The couple met while studying at Keio University in Tokyo, where Shigeru Ishiba was immediately captivated by her beauty. After a spirited chase by him, they were wed in 1983.

Video: Japanese figure skaters Sakamoto, Kagiyama speak to press
By Yuki Yamaguchi, KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 15:38 | All, Japan

The business confidence index for major Japanese manufacturers in September remained unchanged from three months earlier at 13, the Bank of Japan's Tankan survey showed Tuesday, reflecting increased demand for semiconductors, while automakers grappled with weak overseas sales.

The index for large nonmanufacturers, including the service sector, rose to 34 from 33, the first improvement in two quarters, as retailers saw favorable sales of clothing and air conditioners amid unusual summer heat.

The sentiment index for manufacturers such as carmakers and technology companies matched the average market forecast in a Kyodo News survey, while that of nonmanufacturers beat the estimate of 32.

The Tankan index represents the percentage of companies reporting favorable conditions minus the percentage reporting unfavorable ones.

Confidence among automakers and steel companies deteriorated notably as they struggled with weakening demand overseas, especially in China, the world's biggest auto market, where sales of Japanese cars slumped due to stiff price competition.

In contrast, sentiment among electronics makers improved sharply due to stronger demand for chip-manufacturing equipment and data centers amid the artificial intelligence boom.

Among nonmanufacturers, sentiment in the hotel and restaurant sector rose 3 points to a record-high 52, helped by a surge of inbound tourists.

A growing number of companies in the sector are managing to pass on increased labor costs, boosting their view of the economy, the BOJ said.

"Overall business sentiment was better than expected," said Masahiro Ichikawa, chief market strategist at Sumitomo Mitsui DS Asset Management Co. "The results will encourage the BOJ to move forward with its efforts to normalize policy."

The latest data will be among the materials assessed at the BOJ's policy-setting meeting in late October.

The BOJ is looking to tighten further after ending its negative rate policy in March and raising its policy rate in July to around 0.25 percent from a range of zero to 0.1 percent, saying it saw signs of economic recovery.

On foreign exchange, Japanese companies expect the U.S. dollar to trade at 145.15 yen in fiscal 2024, up from 144.77 yen in the previous survey in June.

While the yen rose sharply after the BOJ's rate decision in July surprised the market, some companies revised their currency forecasts based on the yen's weaker-than-expected level in the first half of the fiscal year.

"The companies' yen estimates are weaker than the current level," said Shunsuke Kobayashi, chief economist at Mizuho Securities Co. "We need to be mindful of the possibility that it could dent their earnings, although the overall economy seems to be growing at a cruising speed."

Looking ahead, manufacturers' sentiment is expected to improve slightly to 14 from 13. In contrast, nonmanufacturers project sentiment will worsen to 28 from 34.

The BOJ surveyed 9,038 companies, of which 99.2 percent responded between Aug. 27 and Monday.

Related coverage:

Japan's jobless rate falls to 2.5% in August

BOJ likely to forgo rate hike amid concerns over borrowing cost rise
Auckland-based Fusion5 has acquired Optimum.consulting, an Australian Microsoft partner specialising in Dynamics 365 and Power Apps.

Formed in 2022, Optimum has expertise in the retail and ecommerce, manufacturing and wholesale sectors.

Fusion5 CEO Sven Martin said the acquisition of Optimum, which became part of the systems integrator from 1 October, presents benefits to both businesses.

We have considerable Microsoft capability and a wide range of transformation, advisory, integration and CIS (cloud, infrastructure and security) skills that will complement Optimums offerings, said Martin.

This acquisition will also help Fusion5 to focus on vertical markets like manufacturing, e-commerce and retail, he said.

Bringing Optimum on board rounds out our Microsoft offerings and strengthens our commerce and retail industry experience, said Martin. It reinforces that we are a local partner who can scale to take on transformation projects of any size.
In the immediate aftermath of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks against the United States, Secretary of State Colin Powell gave assurances that America would deal with the tragedy by bringing those responsible to justice while protecting the world's democracies.

"They will never be allowed to kill the spirit of democracy," Powell said. "They cannot destroy our society. They cannot destroy our belief in the democratic way."

President George W. Bush, who won office in 2000 as a candidate who would be cautious about committing U.S. troops to foreign wars, quickly made fighting global terrorism a top policy, and set about establishing an international "coalition of the willing" to carry out the mission.

The U.S.-led invasion of Afghanistan had the primary goal of punishing the Al-Qaeda terrorist network, which had been given refuge in Afghanistan and carried out the deadly 9/11 attacks. And once on Afghan soil, Washington quickly ousted the Taliban regime accused of sheltering Al-Qaeda from power.

Costly Campaign

But the U.S. experience in Afghanistan ultimately ended in failure, and with the hard-line Taliban group back in power. The nearly 20-year war ended with immense costs in terms of lives lost and money spent. And it made the U.S. public and politicians on both sides of the aisle in Washington reluctant to get involved in "forever wars" that could not be won.

"More than $2 trillion spent in Afghanistan," U.S. President Joe Biden said on August 31, 2021, in announcing the official end of the United States' longest-ever war. "20,744 American servicemen and women injured, and the loss of 2,461 American personnel."

In explaining to the U.S. public that he was "not going to extend this forever war," Biden did not mention the estimated 70,000 deaths among Afghan security forces, more than 46,000 Afghan civilian deaths, and the deaths of more than 4,000 allied troops and U.S. contractors.

The withdrawal under Biden has become a lightning rod for debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election on November 5. Republican nominee and former President Donald Trump has blasted Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, who is running against Trump, for the "humiliation in Afghanistan," with much of the criticism centered on the chaotic last days of the withdrawal, when 13 U.S. soldiers and 170 Afghan civilians died in a bombing by the Islamic State-Khorasan extremist group.

Harris's campaign, meanwhile, has highlighted Trump's role as president in signing the 2020 deal with the Taliban that paved the way for the withdrawal and provided a "virtually impossible" deadline.

But experts who spoke to RFE/RL stressed that multiple U.S. administrations, beginning with Democratic President Barack Obama's from 2009 to 2017 -- had come to the realization that what had begun as a fight against terrorism had become an overly costly and potentially "forever" endeavor.

"It was an extremely expensive war in a place that was probably least important to the United States," said Vali Nasr, a professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University. "It was a war that the United States started to destroy Al-Qaeda, which it did very quickly, then to dislodge the Taliban from Afghanistan, which it did, and then it became something much bigger, like how to establish a democracy and a functioning government in Afghanistan and sustain it."

The question asked by Obama, who initiated an exit strategy by reducing the number of U.S. troops in Afghanistan, and later Trump, was whether there was a compelling reason to stay.

The United States "was becoming committed to a forever war, or a forever presence at the tune of billions of dollars a year and tens of thousands of troops, in a condition that the threat from Afghanistan had declined and the strategic value of the country was declining," Nasr said.

And the economy and civil society established under the protection of the U.S. military, he says, was not something Afghanistan could sustain on its own.

"What the United States created is like a tree that never grew roots," Nasr said. "So, at some point you're going to say, 'I'm going to stop watering it, and I'm going to take my hand off from trying to forcibly keep it upright.'"

No Good Outcome

Rajan Menon, an emeritus professor of international relations at the City College of New York and director of the Grand Strategy Program at Defense Priorities, said that "no matter how long [the United States] had stayed, I don't see what a good ending could have been."

The minimal good outcome, Menon says, would have been "a stable country with a government that may not have been democratic, but which could be counted upon not to serve as a platform for terror and which would have a positive relationship with the United States."

But in attempting to realize that goal, what you are essentially "trying to do is engage in nation-building," Menon said. Even a "very, very powerful military machine" like the United States has difficulties pulling that off, he said, and there "are no pretty exits."

To avoid the chaotic type of withdrawal that took place in Afghanistan, Menon said, "you have to build institutions, political and military and civic in nature." Without that, "once you leave and remove the military protection, the institutions will start crumbling, and that is exactly what happened."

U.S. wars and democracy-building efforts were not isolated to Afghanistan during its nearly 20-year campaign there. There were others -- most notably the costly war in Iraq from 2003 to 2011 -- that former Secretary of State Powell argued was necessitated by an alleged Iraqi program to build weapons of mass destruction that was later determined to be nonexistent.

Prior to his death in 2021 just six weeks after the U.S. withdrawal from Afghanistan, Powell said that his arguments before the UN Security Council "was a great intelligence failure."

Baghdad and the United States, which sent troops back to Iraq in 2014 to help fight the Islamic State (IS) extremist group, are still trying to repair relations. According to the Soufan Center think tank on September 9, the two sides reportedly have reached an agreement to transition from the United States leading the effort against IS to a bilateral partnership.

'Forever' Ending?

So is the U.S. era of "forever wars" over?

Many of the unique circumstances that accompanied the Afghan invasion -- a direct attack on U.S. soil, counterterrorism becoming a focal point of U.S. policy, and the idea that nation-building is an effective solution -- are unlikely to repeat themselves, Nasr says.

And the mood in the United States amid a hotly contested election campaign could indicate that it will at least think twice.

With both Trump and Harris there is "a little bit of a backlash against the so-called forever wars...and I think the American public probably will be much less supportive" of involvement in them in the future," Menon said.

But Madiha Afzal, a fellow in the foreign policy program at Brookings, said in written comments that while "some of the lessons from the Afghanistan war" had started being discussed, particularly in the last couple of years of the conflict, "the disaster of the withdrawal...really focused the conversation in America on Afghanistan to be just about the withdrawal."

The larger discussion about the war, Afzal said, "has been entirely obscured," with much of the conversation becoming intensely partisan.

"I fear that the larger lessons of the 20-year war have been lost along the way," Afzal concluded.
Israel 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
One year ago, Hamas -- the U.S.- and EU-designated Palestinian terrorist group that controls the Gaza Strip -- carried out an unprecedented attack on Israel, the deadliest in the countrys history.

In response, Israel launched an aerial bombardment and ground invasion of the Palestinian enclave to destroy Hamas and rescue the 251 hostages taken by the group.

Israel has expanded its war in recent weeks by invading Lebanon and launching air strikes targeting Hezbollah, the armed group and political party that controls much of southern Lebanon.

RFE/RL spoke to Lior Yohanani, manager of quantitative research at the Israel Democracy Institute, a Jerusalem-based independent research center, which on October 7 released a wide-ranging survey of Israeli public opinion after one year of war.

RFE/RL: Can you explain what your study found as to how Israelis view the past year since Hamas's October 7 attack?



Lior Yohanani: Well, I think Israelis still don't see October 7 as an event that's over. Sure, the actual horrific events of that day ended, but Israelis are still living with the consequences.

There are two main aspects to this. First, since October 7, Israel has been in this multifront war that doesn't seem to have an end in sight. And then, of course, there is the issue of the hostages still being held in Gaza. So, we're seeing a sharp drop in people's sense of personal security. Almost three quarters of the public feel less safe compared to before October 7, and that's despite a year of war and some significant military achievements. On the flip side, we're also seeing that most people say their lives have returned to normal when it comes to things like work, media consumption, and family and social gatherings.

Another thing we're noticing is that the Israeli public is giving pretty low marks to all the political and military leaders for the performance since October 7. For example, almost two-thirds of Israelis are rating Prime Minister [Benjamin] Netanyahu's performance since then as poor or not good.

RFE/RL: How has Israel's involvement in a two-front conflict, in both Gaza and Lebanon, as well as a confrontation with Iran affected public opinion among Israelis?



Yohanani: It's tough to answer that question, because we're at the point where things could go in a few different directions. In the last few weeks, we've seen a major escalation in the conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and just last week, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel, which Israel is expected to respond to. In a survey we just did recently, we asked whether Israeli society and the military could handle fighting on two or more fronts for an extended period of time, and the results were pretty striking. Over 70 percent believe that yes, both Israeli society and the military can handle that kind of prolonged fighting. So, while the situation is complex and evolving, there seems to be a strong sense of resilience and capability among Israelis, even in the face of these multiple threats. But of course, public opinion could shift depending on how events unfold in the coming weeks or months.



RFE/RL: Is there support for Netanyahus response to October 7? Is there debate in Israeli society, as well as political circles, over Netanyahus strategic choices?



Yohanani: First of all, it's important to say that the Israeli public has largely supported significant military operation against Hamas in Gaza. That said, the Israeli discourse around the October 7 events, the ongoing war, and especially toward Prime Minister Netanyahu, is very polarized between right-wing supporters on the one hand and left and center supporters on the other.

People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term."

So, on the left and the center, there is a high level of distrust and suspicion toward Netanyahu and his government. For instance, Netanyahu's apparent reluctance to pursue a deal for returning the hostages in exchange for ending the fighting in Gaza is seen by large parts of the public, even on the right, as resulting from Netanyahu's dependence on far-right, ultranationalist members of his government who refuse any compromise or ceasefire.

Now for a long time, Netanyahu and his ministers argued that only significant military force would lead Hamas to compromise and release the hostages. Now, with military attention and resources shifting to the north, people are asking, where is this massive military force that was supposed to bring the hostages home?

One question we have asked several times since October 7 in our polls is what should be the main goal in Gaza: Dismantling Hamas or bringing back the hostages? And as time goes on, public opinion is increasingly supporting the return of hostages. In our current survey, 62 percent saw bringing the bringing back the hostages as Israel's main goal, while only 29 percent pointed to dismantling Hamas as the primary objective.

RFE/RL: How do ordinary Israelis see the question of the remaining hostages amid the continued protests by the hostages' families?



Yohanani: As I mentioned before, most of the public supports a deal to release the hostages, even if it means ending the war and withdrawing the military forces from Gaza. There's this widespread feeling that we've left the hostages behind, and that's really hitting at our sense of solidarity, which is a deep and fundamental value, I think, in Jewish history in general and in Israel society in particular.

At the same time, the campaign run by the Hostages And Missing Families Forum has become very politicized. Many right-wing supporters see it as weakening Israel. As time goes on, we're seeing more and more harassment of protesters who support bringing the hostages back. There are cases of passersby cursing, even hitting and throwing eggs, at hostages' families. In our latest survey, we asked about the effectiveness of the protests and actions taken by the hostages' families.

Despite most of the public feeling empathetic toward the hostage issue, only less than a third think these actions are actually helping to advance a deal for the hostages' release, while almost 40 percent think they're actually hurting the cause. So, you've got this complex situation where people want the hostages back, but there is disagreement and some backlash about how to make that happen.

RFE/RL: Can you explain the reasons behind the apparent contradiction in views regarding prioritizing a negotiated return of the hostages, or destroying Hamas?

Yohanani: You're right to point out that apparent contradiction. Let me break it down a bit. As I mentioned earlier, a clear majority of the public sees a deal to release the hostages as the main goal. But there is a big gap between political camps on this issue. In the center and left, about 80 percent support the deal for the hostages' release, while the opinions on the right are evenly split. So, for most of the left and center, the fighting in Gaza has run its course. They feel most military objectives have been achieved, and Hamas's military power has been significantly weakened. From their perspective, continuing the fight now only puts the hostages at greater risk.

It's important to know that about half of the right-wing also shares this view of prioritizing the hostages' release, but the other half of those on the far-right thinks dismantling Hamas is more important.

Why? For a couple of reasons.

First, there's a security stance that Hamas must be wiped out and not allowed to recover. There is also a very strong sentiment of revenge, with minimal consideration for the cost, whether it's the lives of the hostages, soldiers, let alone innocent civilians in Gaza. Another significant component openly discussed in religious nationalist circles is the return of Jewish settlement to the Gaza Strip after Israel evacuated Jewish settlements from there in 2005.

RFE/RL: Is there public confidence that Israel will ultimately be able to remove the threat of Hamas and Hezbollah and come out of this conflict with greater prospects for a peaceful and stable near-term future?



Yohanani: Right now, the Israeli public isn't showing a lot of optimism. In our current survey, when we asked people if they're optimistic or pessimistic about Israel's future, we found more pessimists, 48 percent, than optimists, 45 percent.

I also think it's important to note that a peaceful future, as you put it, or peace in general, isn't really a common concept in the current Israeli discourse. I would say the hope of Israelis is that the military actions against Hezbollah and Iran will lead to a situation where Israel's existence isn't in question, and that Israeli military superiority will prevent events like October 7 from happening again. So, it's less about peace in the traditional sense, and more about security and deterrence. People are hoping for a future where Israel can exist without constant threats, rather than expecting a harmonious relationship with its neighbors in the near-term.
Israel's military widened its attacks on Iran-backed militant groups, striking the Yemeni port city of Hodeida that is held by Tehran-allied Huthi rebels, even as it intensified air strikes on Hezbollah strongholds in southern Beirut and elsewhere in Lebanon, raising fears among global leaders of an all-out Middle East war.

"In a large-scale air operation today, dozens of air-force aircraft, including fighter jets, refueling planes, and reconnaissance aircraft, attacked military-use targets of the Huthi terrorist regime in the Ras Issa and Hodeida areas of Yemen," military spokesman Captain David Avraham told AFP on September 29.

The military said the air strikes targeted a Huthi-operated power plant and seaport used to import oil and to allegedly receive Iranian weapons. Israel has previously attacked the port, most recently in July.

Yemen has endured a civil war since 2014, when Huthi rebels seized the capital, Sanaa, prompting Saudi-led forces to intervene in support of the internationally recognized government and leading to a massive humanitarian disaster in the country of some 40 million people on the southern Arabian Peninsula.

The vast majority of humanitarian aid arrives through Hodeida's deep-water port, although much of that has been disrupted since the Huthis seized the facility.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant said on September 29 that Israel would strike at foes no matter the distance.

Yemen's Huthi rebels, Hezbollah in Lebanon, and Hamas in Gaza are considered to be Iranian proxies in the region. The Huthi rebels have been targeting ships in the Persian Gulf and launching missiles toward Israel over the past year, claiming it is in support of Hamas fighters in Gaza.

Hezbollah and Hamas have been designated as terrorist organizations by the United States. The European Union also designates Hamas as a terrorist organization, as it does Hezbollah's armed wing but not its political party.

Israel's continued aerial attacks on Lebanon and now in Yemen come amid mounting calls from the United Nations and major powers  including close ally Washington -- for an easing of hostilities.

France announced that Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot had arrived in Beirut late on September 29 after Barrot spoke by phone with caretaker Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati. Paris also called for "an immediate halt to Israeli strikes in Lebanon."

Mikati said in a televised speech earlier in the day that Lebanon had "no option but the diplomatic option."

U.S. President Joe Biden on September 29 told reporters that he would soon being speaking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, although he didn't give a date.

Asked if an all-out war in the Middle East could still be prevented, he said: "It has to be. We really have to avoid it."

U.S. national-security spokesman John Kirby earlier warned that all-out war would not help Israel safely return people to their homes in the north of the country near the Lebanese border, where many thousands have been evacuated.

"An all-out war with Hezbollah, certainly with Iran, is not the way to do that. If you want to get those folks back home safely and sustainably, we believe that a diplomatic path is the right course," Kirby told CNN.

Kirby also said Washington was talking to Israeli leaders about what the best next measures in Lebanon might be and reiterated that U.S. support for Israels security was "iron-clad."

But he added that "we have made no bones about the fact that we don't necessarily see the tactical execution the same way that they do in terms of protection [of civilians]."

Iran has vowed a response for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a massive Israeli air strike in Beirut on September 27 and has signaled continuing support for groups confronting Israel, but it is also seeking an emergency meeting of the UN Security Council.

Israel's defense forces said on September 29 that they had conducted a "precise strike" on Hezbollah's southern Beirut stronghold.

Mikati has warned that the fighting could be displacing as many as 1 million Lebanese civilians.

Hezbollah confirmed that Israel's attacks killed the seventh of its leaders to die since mid-September, when Nabil Kaouk died on September 28.

Hezbollah also confirmed Israel's earlier assertion that another of its senior commanders, southern forces commander Ali Karaki, had died in the strike that killed Nasrallah.

WATCH: Police in Pakistan's biggest city, Karachi, fired tear gas and warning shots after protesters rallying against the death of Hassan Nasrallah threw stones and tried to cross barriers blocking access to the U.S. Consulate.

In response to the Israeli assault on Lebanon, Hezbollah has intensified its strikes on Israel, firing several hundred missiles a day, causing some injuries and property damage, although most have been intercepted by Israeli defense systems.

Netanyahu described the assassination of Nasrallah as a necessary move toward "changing the balance of power in the region for years to come."

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi was quoted by the official Fars news agency as saying in New York that "Everyone should be aware that the situation is extremely explosive, and that everything is possible...even war." He said that "this horrible crime...will not go unanswered."

But with analysts expressing doubt about Tehran's willingness to risk a direct conflict with Israel or its ally the United States, he also signaled a diplomatic push. "The diplomatic apparatus will also use all its political, diplomatic, legal, and international capacities to pursue the criminals and their supporters," Araqchi said.

UN Security Council permanent members the United States and China urged de-escalation, while Russia warned of "fraught" and "dramatic" consequences for the region.

In his first statement since Israeli forces and Hezbollah confirmed the death of Nasrallah in massive air strikes in Beirut, Netanyahu said "Nasrallah was not a terrorist, he was the terrorist."

AFP and Reuters, both citing sources, reported on September 29 that Nasrallah's body had been recovered in Lebanon but that no date had been set for a funeral.



The Lebanese escalation comes as Israel's war in Gaza nears the one-year mark since U.S.- and EU-designated terrorist group Hamas launched a cross-border attack that killed more than 1,200 people in Israel on October 7, many of them civilians.



There are fears of a rapidly expanding conflict that could include an Israeli ground offensive in Lebanon and eventually draw Iran and the United States directly into the fighting.

Israeli officials have said that a ground invasion of Lebanon is among their potential options.

Iranian media reported that Israel's September 27 attacks in Beirut had also killed a senior commander of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC).



On September 28, Iran's mission to the United Nations reportedly called in a letter for an emergency meeting of the 15-member Security Council.



Iranian Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani is said to have accused Israel of committing "a flagrant act of terrorist aggression against residential areas in Beirut, using U.S.-supplied thousand-pound bunker busters."



On September 29, official media quoted the speaker of Iran's parliament, Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf, as pledging ongoing Iranian support for groups that "resist" Israel.

"We will not hesitate to go to any level in order to help the resistance," Qalibaf said, adding an accusation that the United States was "complicit" and "has to accept the repercussions."



UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said he was "gravely concerned" by the "dramatic escalation" in Lebanon. "This cycle of violence must stop now, and all sides must step back from the brink," Guterres said in a statement. "The people of Lebanon, the people of Israel, as well as the wider region, cannot afford an all-out war."



Security Council member Russia has condemned the killing of Nasrallah as "yet another political assassination" that is "fraught with even greater dramatic consequences for Lebanon and the entire Middle East."



On September 29, China's Foreign Ministry urged all parties, but especially Israel, to act to de-escalate the situation.

Pope Francis appealed to all parties involved in the ongoing violence "to cease fire immediately in Lebanon, in Gaza, in the rest of Palestine, and in Israel."

With reporting by Reuters and dpa
ALMATY, Kazakhstan -- There was a popular joke in the Soviet Union that reflected the government's ability to filter any information that it didn't want the population to see or hear.

It went something like this: If the Soviet newspaper Pravda (Truth) had existed in the time of Napoleon, then nobody would have heard of the French Army's defeat in the battle of Waterloo.

In modern-day Central Asia, the closest thing to Pravda's capacity to willfully ignore bad news is Turkmenistan's state media, which has not mentioned Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine in any meaningful way since the conflict began.

But to various extents, all government-controlled media across the Russia-tied region have managed to keep mentions of the devastating conflict to a bare minimum, despite its knock-on effects being clearly felt by local populations -- including the return of corpses of young soldiers to Central Asia.

For many independent media outlets, by contrast, the war that has raged for more than 2 1/2 years has been a staple of coverage.

But that coverage, while very popular with local audiences, has often risked the wrath of Russia, which explains why most of those state-run outlets that dabbled in references to Ukraine have now stopped doing so.

Bolivia Or Not...

While caution has been the watchword of Central Asian official positions on Ukraine, some of the bolder official statements -- including not recognizing territory acquired by Russia during the war -- have come from Kazakhstan.

Central Asia's largest country is the only one in the region to share a land border with Russia -- one that just happens to be the second-longest border in the world.

More than 200,000 Russian citizens crossed into Kazakhstan to escape Moscow's military mobilization in 2022, while both the war and the sanctions placed on Russia by a broad coalition of countries have bedeviled the Kazakh economy.

But according to state TV reports, you would assume the ongoing conflict had no relevance to Kazakhstan whatsoever.

In recent weeks alone, viewers of the state-run television channel Qazaqstan have seen reports about forest fires in Bolivia -- which is some 14,000 kilometers from Kazakhstan -- power outages in Puerto Rico, and the spread of mpox in Congo.

Yet they would not have seen reports about Ukraine's shock military incursion into Russia's Kursk region in August, or Russia's regular deadly drone and missile attacks on civilian infrastructure in Ukraine, which it invaded.

In fact, Kazakh state media has said very little about the war since the early months of 2023, when some state broadcasters rather surprisingly covered the initiative of Kazakh businessmen to set up yurts in Ukraine as part of a humanitarian-aid drive.

Those yurts -- placed in at least four Ukrainian cities -- appeared to hurt Russia's feelings.

After the Russian Foreign Ministry spokeswoman publicly demanded an explanation, her opposite number in Kazakhstan said he saw "nothing to explain," calling the yurts a "private initiative."

A sharp drop-off in coverage of Ukraine events followed.

When asked by RFE/RL's Kazakh Service if state channels had been asked to cut Ukraine coverage, a representative of the state media outlet Khabar denied the suggestion, arguing instead that "it is difficult to verify the authenticity of reports coming from the conflict zone."

In neighboring Uzbekistan, state television has completely ignored the conflict, with searches for "Ukraine" returning virtually no results on state media websites outside of the first year of the war. Ditto Tajikistan.

Kyrgyz state broadcaster KTRK provides the exception to the rule, airing regular snippets of BBC reporting on the war.

But in terms of the broadcaster's own coverage, "they mostly cover only when there is something related to the war that is too big to ignore, and in those cases the coverage is very sparse, rigid, and neutral," Kyrgyz media expert Adil Turdukulov told RFE/RL.



'Wording Is Very Important To Russia'



Coverage of Ukraine by Central Asia's privately owned media, however, is fairly varied, ranging from the terse coverage of purely geopolitical developments on the part of websites close to national governments, to stories from close to the Ukrainian Army's front lines as part of crowdfunded or donor-backed reporting projects.

Mahinur Niyazova, who was an editor with the private Kyrgyz news agency 24.kg when the full-scale invasion occurred, said the agency's policy was to cite both Russian and Western media as well as official sources in digests that 24.kg initially updated several times a day.

This led to criticism from activists, who were unhappy that the website used Moscow's "special military operation" formula when introducing the digests. But there were also "calls from the Russian Embassy, who complained that our coverage was too pro-Ukrainian," Niyazova said.

24.kg's offices in Bishkek were raided in January and sealed after the outlet came under criminal investigation for "propaganda of war" in relation to an August 2023 interview that the outlet conducted with Almaz Kudabek-uulu, a Kyrgyz national and the commander of the Turkic Turan battalion fighting with the Ukrainian Army.

It is unclear what role Russia had in this case, if any, since it coincided with a broader crackdown on Kyrgyz media critical of President Sadyr Japarov.

But Roskomnadzor, the Russian media regulator, blocked 24.kg in the country shortly after the interview was published, explaining its decision with reference to digests from the war's first year.

After 24.kg came under new ownership and staff -- including Niyazova -- resigned, Kyrgyz prosecutors announced that the case was no longer being investigated.

Roskomnadzor has also blocked the websites of private news outlets based in Kazakhstan and Tajikistan over their refusal to take down war-related coverage.

So far, media in Uzbekistan are not known to have suffered the same fate, despite several major private websites there covering the war, and not from Moscow's position.

"Russia is extremely sensitive about the war and very sensitive about wording -- everyone knows this," said Ruslan Myatiev, editor in chief of the Dutch-based Turkmen.News.

But when it comes to super-authoritarian Turkmenistan's information space, Roskomnadzor's censors can rest easy, Myatiev says.

As a state that positions itself as diplomatically neutral, official Turkmen state media tend to say nothing about any international conflict, including those closer to home, like Ukraine, where several thousand Turkmen students found themselves trapped in the early days of the war.

The only Turkmen-language reports even mentioning the war come from sources outside the country, like Myatiev's Turkmen.News, RFE/RL's Turkmen Service, and the Vienna-based Chronicles of Turkmenistan.

"In many authoritarian countries, [nonstate] media can be somewhat dependent on the state. But in Turkmenistan, that dependence is a total dependence," Myatiev said. "In this respect, Turkmenistan is still very much the Soviet Union."
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy made a recent visit to a munitions factory in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where he thanked his U.S. allies for their ongoing support for Ukraine's war effort. The trip turned out to be a divisive one, as U.S. Republican leaders accused Zelenskiy of siding with the Democratic Party in the upcoming presidential election. Voters in Scranton appeared split along party lines on whether they want Washington to continue a policy of strong military aid for Ukraine.
By Maya Kaneko, KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 12:09 | World, All, Feature

In a desert region of northwestern China, Liu Li spoke proudly of how the once barren sands have been transformed in recent years into rolling vineyards, helping the region become one of the heartlands of the country's domestic wine industry.

"We have turned a yellow sand area into a golden one," said Liu, workshop director and assistant brewer at Lilan Winery in Ningxia, referring to the success of the local wines. "Good grapes and wine are produced, winning many awards at home and abroad."

But although wine production there is being promoted by the government with prominent backing from President Xi Jinping, the home market has become more challenging due to social and economic changes while the increasing recognition that Ningxia wines have won in international competitions has yet to result in robust exports.

Wine drinking in China grew steadily for decades, making it the fifth-largest market before the COVID-19 pandemic started. However, China's wine consumption has been in continual decline in recent years, pushing it down to ninth place in 2023, according to the International Organization of Vine and Wine known as OIV.

Industry watchers attribute weaker demand partly to Xi's anti-corruption campaign that has reduced wine-drinking opportunities among senior government officials, repercussions from the pandemic, and subsequent slower economic growth due to a prolonged property-sector crisis.

Another factor is a trend of younger people turning away from alcohol.

The Chinese government is nevertheless continuing to promote wine production in Ningxia with subsidies and other preferential treatment for winemakers, in part as an effort to help curb desertification and reduce poverty in the area by providing employment opportunities for some 130,000 people a year in the region, which has a large Muslim minority.

One of three major wine-producing areas in China, along with Shandong Province on the east coast and the far-western Xinjiang region, Ningxia vineyards are located at a latitude that puts them in the "golden belt of wine production," also covering Napa Valley in California.

The some 130 wineries in the eastern foothills of the Helan mountain range on the outskirts of the autonomous region's capital Yinchuan account for about half of domestic output.

Rich soil minerals, a dry climate with annual rainfall of about 200 millimeters, sunshine of more than 3,000 hours per year and a large temperature difference between day and night make the region optimal for wine production. Irrigation is provided from the nearby Yellow River.

Xi has repeatedly visited Ningxia, most recently in 2020, to encourage the development of the local wine industry and raise its brand profile under the slogan of "Chinese Wine -- A Marvel to the World."

Many of the region's wines are premium offerings that have won international awards including at the Decanter World Wine Awards, Concours Mondial de Bruxelles and Berliner Wine Trophy.

High-quality Ningxia wines have also been gifted by Xi to French President Emmanuel Macron as well as participants of events at the U.N. headquarters in New York.

Nevertheless, Chinese-produced wines have yet to establish an export foothold.

In 2022, more than 75 percent of exports in terms of value went to Hong Kong and Macao and the second-biggest market, the United States, received only 5.1 percent of exports, which in all accounted for less than 2 percent of the country's overall wine output.

Along with the challenge of adapting to a changing drinking culture in the domestic market, Chinese winemakers, who supplied more than a third of the market in 2022, face the revival of imports from Australia, now free of massive tariffs imposed after a bilateral spat over the origin of the coronavirus.

Ma Jie, head of the state-owned Helan Hong Winery in Ningxia, said that his company is aware of the tough market dynamics and has started offering more affordable wines -- reds and whites priced at 168 yuan ($24) a bottle.

The winery has also been exploring new nonalcoholic products to meet the demand of the younger generations who tend to shun strong alcoholic beverages, he added.

"We are exploring new wine products including alcohol-free, sparkling wine and so on," he said. "Because young consumers will have new ideas, we have to cater to this trend."

Since 2021, Yinchuan has hosted an annual international wine culture and tourism expo to promote the local brand, with representatives from such entities as OIV and the Global Wine Tourism Organization attending the latest round held in August.

At the wine expo, Ma's winery marketed a white wine blended with jasmine tea priced at 98 yuan a bottle as part of efforts to attract younger customers.

This year's wine fair hosted an event showcasing chefs specializing in the eight major types of Chinese cuisine to examine the best matches with Ningxia wines. It was touted by Qu Hao, chief of the event organizing body, as heralding "a new breakthrough" in the fusion of Chinese culinary and Western wine cultures.

A number of Ningxia wineries also promote wine tourism. Chateau Hedong, which used to be a coal mining site, has converted locomotive trains into accommodation, offering stays for some 400 yuan per night including two free bottles of wine.

According to official data, the wineries in the region attract about 1.35 million tourists annually. But a couple from Xian, capital of the neighboring province of Shaanxi, who stayed in August at a Ningxia winery on a hill with their young daughters and extended family members were not completely sold on China's wine industry.

"We came here to escape the summer heat," the wife said, adding she prefers drinking beer to wine, while her husband is a teetotaler.

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Welcome to Wider Europe, RFE/RL's newsletter focusing on the key issues concerning the European Union, NATO, and other institutions and their relationships with the Western Balkans and Europe's Eastern neighborhoods.

I'm RFE/RL Europe Editor Rikard Jozwiak, and this week I'm drilling down on two big issues: the leadership vacuum at the OSCE and what Mark Rutte will have on his plate at NATO.

Briefing #1: Stalemate At The OSCE

What You Need To Know: The Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe (OSCE) is currently leaderless and rudderless. As of September 4, the four top positions in the organization -- the secretary-general, the director of the Office for Democratic Institutions and Human Rights (ODIHR), the high commissioner on national minorities, and the representative on freedom of the media -- have been run by so-called "officers-in-charge" with no executive powers. The mandates for the four roles have expired with no new appointees in place.

This after Malta, the chair of the OSCE for 2024, spent the entire summer trying to find four leaders that the 57 OSCE member countries from Europe, Asia, and North America could agree on. The current stalemate could potentially drag on through the fall, leaving one of the few political organizations in which all European states still meet in complete disarray.

Deep Background: The whole process started in early May, with Malta calling for candidates for the positions. Thirteen candidates were put forward for the four roles by the deadline at the end of that month. Then Valletta founded a "Group of Friends of the OSCE Chairmanship," which consisted of representatives from Austria, Finland, Liechtenstein, North Macedonia, Turkmenistan, and the United Kingdom, to help sift through the candidacies and see if some sort of consensus could be found.

After asking the candidates about issues such as the future role of the OSCE, Russia's continued presence in the organization, and the war in Ukraine, the group presented a package in early August referred to as the "chair's proposal." In this, Igli Hasani, the current Albanian foreign minister, would be the new secretary-general; Dutch diplomat Christophe Kamp would take over the ODIHR; the former Georgian state minister for reconciliation and civic equality, Ketevan Tsikhelashvili, would take over as the new high commissioner on national minorities; and the post of representative on freedom of the media was suggested for Jan Braathu, a Norwegian diplomat and current head of the OSCE mission in Kosovo.

But, so far, it's not been plain sailing. In an internal document authored by Malta and seen by RFE/RL, it was noted in September that, "while the overwhelming majority of participating states expressed their readiness to join consensus, the chair took note at the Preparatory Committee meeting of 22 August 2024 that full agreement had not yet been reached."

The paper outlined that the main issue was a so-called "alternative proposal" pushed jointly by Greece and Turkey. In this possible lineup, Braathu and Tsikhelashvili remain in the same positions, but instead of Hasani and Kamp, the Ankara and Athens duo are proposing former Turkish Foreign Minister Feridun Sinirlioglu as secretary-general and Greek diplomat Maria Telalian for the ODIHR job.

This proposal notes that, "in response to the requests from both [Turkey] and Greece, and in recognition of the political significance of their joint candidacies...the chair is providing the opportunity for participating states to consider the following alternative package." After that, Valletta called for an informal meeting at the ambassadorial level in Vienna, where the organization is based, on September 23 to discuss both packages and get some clarity.

Drilling Down

Clarity is not what they got. While the "chair's proposal" still enjoys "wide support," according to diplomats I have spoken to, the Greek-Turkish proposal also has its supporters.

This proposal is presented as a "unity and compromise" deal, bringing together two historical rivals. Cyprus, which normally votes against anything Turkish, backed down at the September 23 meeting, clearing one potential roadblock.

The EU is split. Normally, EU countries, which represent nearly half of the OSCE's membership, try to maintain a united front, but this time, Malta and Greece are in different corners -- with many member states apparently caught in the middle.

The impasse has also opened another can of worms. Candidates proposed earlier, who didn't get much initial support, are suddenly back on the table, such as Bosnian Dunja Mijatovic, who is eyeing the ODIHR job.

Enter Russia. What surprised some during the process was that there weren't any clear Moscow-backed candidates for any of the four positions -- something of an anomaly, as the Kremlin had previously been rather active in putting names forward.

Russia does, however, reject the idea of having Tsikhelashvili as the high commissioner on national minorities, especially as she worked as a minister to reintegrate Russian-occupied South Ossetia and Abkhazia into Georgia. The problem here is that there are only two other known alternatives for the minorities job. One is Hungarian diplomat Rita Izsak-Ndiaye, whom the Baltic states, Poland, and Ukraine find unpalatable due to Budapest's close links to Moscow. The other candidate, Canadian John MacGregor, is currently the head of the OSCE center in Ashgabat, Turkmenistan.

MacGregor would be a popular choice, but if he were to replace Tsikhelashvili in the "chair's proposal," the four top positions would be all male. Given that gender balance is a priority for the OSCE, this is not a small obstacle.

The upshot is that we're back to square one with no clear timelines. The issue could easily drag on up to the annual OSCE ministerial meeting in Malta on December 5-6. At this meeting, other issues need to be discussed, such as the organization's future chairs. Finland will take over in 2025, but ideally the chairs for 2026 and 2027 should also be settled in December and discussion on that has not even started.

Briefing #2: Mark Rutte's To-Do List At NATO

What You Need To Know: Today, October 1, Mark Rutte takes over from Norway's Jens Stoltenberg as NATO's secretary-general. Rutte, the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history, is very much seen as a "continuation candidate." Like Stoltenberg, who served a decade at the helm of the military alliance, Rutte is known for having a talent for striking difficult political compromises. He enjoys widespread support among key member states, not in the least for his supposedly dry humor that can grease the wheels of diplomacy.

It will be something of a soft start for the Dutchman. On October 17-18, the Brussels headquarters will host the annual fall meeting of NATO's 32 defense ministers. Subsequently, the foreign ministers will descend upon the Belgian capital on December 3-4. However, it is not anticipated that those ministerial meetings will yield much.

At first, Rutte is expected do a fair bit of traveling to key NATO capitals. It's a long while away, but he'll also have to start preparing for the NATO summit on June 24-26, 2025, in his hometown, The Hague. In order to cement his position within the military organization, it's important that the summit is a success. At the top of his agenda, there are three topics he is expected to tackle: NATO's collective defense, support for Ukraine, and a new Russia strategy.

Deep Background: None of these things are new; in fact Stoltenberg spent much of his time grappling with the same things. The Norwegian was, according to diplomats I have spoken to, always pushing for more ambitious language in NATO communiques on Ukraine. He was also reportedly key in securing a Ukraine command center in the German city of Wiesbaden to coordinate security assistance to Kyiv.

In the future, Rutte will be responsible for ensuring that the organization transitions from a somewhat American enterprise to one that includes a greater number of NATO allies. He will also likely be committed to continuing the alliance's support for war-torn Ukraine.

On that, he enjoys close relations with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy and, as Dutch prime minister, he helped get F-16 fighter aircraft sent to Ukraine, secured stronger EU economic sanctions on Moscow despite Dutch dependency on trade, and helped move Ukraine along the path toward EU membership.

One of the things he may have to deal with in the short term is the tricky question of whether Ukraine will get an invitation to join NATO. There is hope in Ukraine that the United States -- partly as a result of outgoing President Joe Biden's foreign policy -- will consent to this soon.

Diplomats I have spoken to at NATO are less sure about this, however. Germany, Hungary, and Slovakia are still not convinced Ukraine belongs in the military alliance, plus there are other European states that also aren't sure. There has been no real movement on this issue from what was agreed at this summer's Washington summit, one diplomat told me, referring to the agreed line that "we will be in a position to extend an invitation to Ukraine to join the alliance when allies agree and conditions are met."

Drilling Down

There is also the bread-and-butter issue of collective defense. There are gaps, notably on the alliance's eastern flank. One thing for the alliance to address is to improve the so-called rotational model, in other words to get more air-defense systems on the vulnerable eastern flank.

In the end, it comes down to one thing: the need for more spending on defense. That 23 out 32 NATO allies spend 2 percent of their gross domestic product on defense is celebrated in Brussels, but as one country's ambassador to the alliance told me: 2 percent spending on defense is not adequate and what's needed is something closer to 3.5. The question is if Rutte, who was known as a prudent spender as prime minister, can cajole others to loosen the purse strings.

And then there is Russia. Revising NATO's Russian policy will be high on the agenda moving toward the summit in The Hague next year. NATO already agreed at the Washington summit that "Russia remains the most significant and direct threat to allies' security." But the question is if NATO will go further, perhaps coming up with some sort of "containment policy," even though many don't like the Cold War-like association of that phrase.

And what of the NATO-Russia Council, which hasn't met since just before the full-scale invasion of Ukraine in February 2022? And what about the 1997 NATO-Russia Founding Act, which established political guidelines between the alliance and the Kremlin?

Given Rutte's penchant for compromise and his leadership of a country that is a member of both the EU and NATO, many expect (or at least, hope) that he can improve NATO-EU cooperation. Not so much, perhaps, from an institutional point of view, but rather informally, member to member. There continues to be deadlock between Cyprus (on the EU side) and Turkey (on the NATO side), which results in the blocking of deeper, formal joint ventures between the two institutions.

It could be that, for this, the stars are aligned. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen; her incoming foreign policy chief, Kaja Kallas; and the new head of the European Council, Antonio Costa, are all ardent trans-Atlanticists. The same is true for Andrius Kubilius, the former Lithuanian prime minister and proposed European commissioner for defense.

Whatever happens, it's not going to be easy for Rutte. There will undoubtedly be issues with Hungary. Budapest was the last NATO member to give its approval for Rutte. Plus, the Dutchman and Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban have clashed before, notably when Rutte pushed for some EU funds meant for Hungary to be frozen.

Rutte is sometimes known as a "Trump-whisperer" for his role in reportedly helping to convince Trump that it was the U.S. president's push that contributed to European allies ramping up defense spending. So if Trump does return to the White House, that relationship would be key.

Rutte will also need to pick his deputy. The two known candidates for the deputy secretary-general position are the former defense minister of North Macedonia, Radmila Sekerinska, and the former foreign minister of Bulgaria, Mariya Gabriel. Sekerinska is the presumed favorite, and there is also a possibility that former Croatian President Kolinda Grabar-Kitarovic could be in the running.

There is a desire within NATO that the top job goes to a woman and someone from the alliance's east. But as one NATO source told me: "We also wanted a woman from Eastern Europe as the UN secretary-general and ended up with a Portuguese man, Antonio Guterres, back in 2017."

Looking Ahead

An interesting case is coming up in the General Court of the European Union on October 2. It concerns a ban, in place since 2022, on EU firms providing legal advice to the Russian government, as well as companies established in the country. Some European bar associations are contesting these sanctions, and the ruling will give an indication of the true strength of the bloc's economic sanctions on Russia.

That's all for this week! Feel free to reach out to me on any of these issues on X @RikardJozwiak, or on e-mail at jozwiakr@rferl.org.

Until next time,

Rikard Jozwiak

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KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 17:33 | All, Japan

Yoshiko Ishiba, Japan's new first lady, is known for her gentle demeanor and enjoys even greater popularity than her husband in his hometown of Tottori in western Japan.

The couple met while studying at Keio University in Tokyo, where Shigeru Ishiba was immediately captivated by her beauty. After a spirited chase by him, they were wed in 1983.

She worked at Japanese trading house Marubeni Corp., which was then embroiled in a bribery scandal involving U.S. aircraft maker Lockheed Corp. and former Japanese Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, a mentor of Shigeru Ishiba.

Tanaka, arrested and indicted over the scandal, humorously remarked at their wedding, "Marubeni is a good company. If not for my situation, it would be even better."

Yoshiko Ishiba, 68, who has long worked to build local support while Ishiba was away, shed tears of joy along with his supporters in a Tottori hotel when he was elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Sept. 27, setting himself on course to become prime minister.

"To build a better Japan, I ask for continued advice, not just praise," she said.

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A juvenile male facing burglary charges was remanded in detention at todays sitting of Roscommon District Court, after he failed to comply with some of his bail conditions.

The teenager, who cannot be named due to his age, was arrested at the weekend as part of an investigation into a spate of burglaries in County Roscommon and several other counties.

On Saturday, the juvenile, who is 17 years old and from the Greater Dublin area, appeared in court with two other accused in relation to the offences. On that date, the court heard that the teenager did not want to take up his bail, despite the state granting it. It also emerged that there was no bed in the Oberstown Children Detention Campus for the accused, a situation which Judge James Faughnan criticised.

Today, the teenager and his mother appeared again at a sitting of the Childrens Court to answer his bail.

Garda Sgt Mark Mahon informed Judge Faughnan that the accused had not provided a mobile phone number he could be contacted on within 24 hours as per his bail conditions.

He needs to comply with his bail conditions, the judge said, saying he would be remanded in detention otherwise.

The accused, who was represented by solicitor Ivan Moran, indicated that he was not willing to give a number.

Judge Faughnan remanded the accused in detention to Oberstown, to appear before him in Loughrea tomorrow in case there was no bed available at the facility He has consent to bail but he wont take it up, said the judge. He again commented on the lack of beds at Oberstown, saying if more space was required, it should be found.

The judge also directed that the juvenile receive any psychological care he required while in detention.
Senator Eugene Murphy and Dr. Martin Daly will be the only two candidates to contest Fianna Fails Roscommon-Galway selection convention on Thursday after a third nominee, Cllr John Keogh, has decided to withdraw from the race.

Senator Murphy and Dr. Daly will be competing for the sole position on the partys General Election ticket in the constituency.

A directive at executive level stipulated that only one candidate will be ratified at Thursday's convention in the Abbey Hotel, but it is uncertain at this stage whether Fianna Fail will add another candidate to the ticket.

It's understood that Cllr Keogh from Taughmaconnell is not putting his name forward because of the party's one candidate strategy and geographical considerations, and will now be endorsing Dr. Daly's nomination.

Cllr Keogh is one of three nominees along with Castlerea councillor Paschal Fitzmaurice and 2019 local election candidate Malachy Hand from Brideswell who have withdrawn their names ahead of the convention in Roscommon Town.

They were among five nominees who were selected by members to contest for a place on the party's Roscommon-Galway ticket.

Voting by Fianna Fail members in the constituency is set to take place first at Thursdays convention between 6 and 8 p.m., before the rest of the proceedings get underway at 8 p.m..

The convention will be chaired by Longford-Westmeath TD, Joe Flaherty.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 12:29 | All, Japan, World

Japan's government expressed "serious concern" Tuesday over Israel's ground incursion against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, urging maximum restraint to prevent a further escalation of the conflict.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi called for an immediate cease-fire, stressing all possible measures must be taken to prevent civilian casualties and requesting the relevant parties to pursue a diplomatic solution.

Hayashi, the top government spokesman, said at a press conference that Tokyo has been making efforts to ensure the safety of the around 50 Japanese nationals in Lebanon.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel's military announced it had begun "limited, localized" ground operations against Hezbollah, marking its first ground invasion of Lebanon since 2006.

The incursion follows deadly pager and walkie-talkie explosions targeting Hezbollah members, large-scale air strikes by Israel on the group's headquarters in the Lebanese capital Beirut and the killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

The latest development represents an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East, sparked by a surprise attack by the Palestinian Islamist group Hamas on southern Israel almost a year ago.

Amid mounting tensions in the Middle East, Japan's Defense Ministry on Friday ordered the Air Self-Defense Force to send two C2 transport planes to Jordan and Greece to prepare for a possible evacuation of Japanese nationals in Lebanon.

Japan, which is highly dependent on the Middle East for crude oil, has traditionally pursued "balanced diplomacy" between Arab nations and Israel, which is backed by the United States, Tokyo's key security ally.
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Gets 20-Day Parole with Conditions Ahead of Haryana Elections 2024

Currently serving a 20-year sentence for the rape of two disciples, Ram Rahim is lodged in Rohtak's Sunaria jail.

Gurmeet Ram Rahim Parole Ahead of Haryana Elections 2024 Latest News: Dera Sacha Sauda chief and rape convict Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh has been granted a 20-day parole by the Election Commission ahead of the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections on October 5, 2024.

Currently serving a 20-year sentence for the rape of two disciples, Ram Rahim is lodged in Rohtak's Sunaria jail.

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The parole comes with strict conditions: Ram Rahim is prohibited from staying in Haryana during the parole period and cannot participate in any political activities or share political messages on social media. Any violation of these conditions will lead to the immediate revocation of his parole.

As part of the terms, Ram Rahim will travel to the Baghpat Ashram in Uttar Pradesh. This marks his 11th release from prison, following a previous 21-day parole granted in August 2024.

(For more news apart from Gurmeet Ram Rahim Parole Ahead of Haryana Elections 2024 Latest News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Punjab News: Atma Singh to contest election by filing nomination papers, DC Gurdaspur orders inquiry

DC has handed over the investigation to the ADC and SDM of Dera Baba Nanak.

Punjab Latest News, Huge Bid for Sarpanch Post in Dera Baba Nanak's Hardowal Kalan Village: After the announcement of Panchayat elections in Punjab, there has been a stir in the villages. Yesterday, a bid of 2 crores was placed for the post of Sarpanch in village Hardowal Kalan of Dera Baba Nanak in Gurdaspur district. But now the person who bid 2 crores for the said Sarpanch post has announced to contest the election.

Today was the last day of bidding, but today was the last day for Atma Singh, who had presented his claim for the post of Sarpanch, to bid more than the bid of 2 crores. This decision was taken after the protest by some people in the village. According to the information received, Atma Singh will soon file his nomination.

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Appropriate action will be taken after the investigation

In the case of BJP leader Atma Singh bidding two crores in village Hardowal of Dera Baba Nanak assembly constituency, Deputy Commissioner Gurdaspur Uma Shankar Gupta has ordered an inquiry into the matter. He said appropriate action will be taken on the matter after the report comes. He has handed over the investigation to the ADC and SDM of Dera Baba Nanak.

(For more news apart from Punjab Latest News, Huge Bid for Sarpanch Post in Dera Baba Nanak's Hardowal Kalan Village, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Favoritism Over Justice? Haryana Govt's Repeated Paroles for Gurmeet Ram Rahim Raise Eyebrows

Ram Rahim's frequent paroles have drawn criticism.

Ram Rahim Parole News: The Haryana government seems unusually lenient towards Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the Dera Sacha Sauda chief currently serving a 20-year sentence for murder and rape. Despite his conviction, Ram Rahim has frequently been granted temporary release from Rohtak's Sunaria Jaileither on parole or furlough. Once again, a request for a 20-day parole has been submitted to the state's Chief Electoral Officer, Pankaj Agarwal.

The Chief Electoral Officer has questioned the rationale behind recommending Ram Rahim's release during the Haryana Assembly election process, particularly when the election code is in force. In a letter to the Additional Chief Secretary (Home), the officer asked for an explanation as to what "extraordinary" circumstances have led the government to advocate for his provisional release, seeking clarification within seven days.

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The timing of the parole requestso close to the October 5 Assembly electionshas raised suspicions that the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) is hoping to sway Dera followers' votes in its favor. This isn't the first time such tactics have been used, directly or indirectly, in the past.

Over the past seven years, Ram Rahim has spent 275 days outside of jail. Most recently, he returned to jail on September 2 after a 21-day parole. Merely three weeks later, he applied for another 20-day parole. Despite the ongoing election code, Haryana Jail Department DGP Muhammad Aqeel quickly endorsed the request.

Normally, the Additional Chief Secretary (Home) would handle such decisions, but with the election code in effect, the application was forwarded to the Chief Electoral Officer for approval. Without the election code as a hurdle, Ram Rahim likely would have already been released to his Barnawa ashram in Uttar Pradesh.

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Ram Rahim's frequent paroles have drawn criticism. Since 2020, he has been granted parole 10 times, often coinciding with election cycles. His first parole, granted on October 24, 2020, was for his mothers illness. Since then, he has been repeatedly releasedcoinciding with various elections, including the 2022 Punjab Assembly elections, Haryana panchayat polls, and parliamentary contestsranging from 21 to 50 days each time.

This latest parole request comes even as a petition challenging his previous parole is pending before the Punjab and Haryana High Court. Typically, parole is sparingly granted to inmates convicted of serious crimes such as murder, with some prisoners waiting 15 years or more for their first parole. Ram Rahims case, however, appears to be an exception.

Even within Sunaria Jail, Ram Rahim is reportedly enjoying special privileges. When his mood sours, the Haryana government appears ready to provide him temporary freedom, raising concerns over fairness and the rule of law. Critics argue that this is not just a violation of the principle of equality but also an example of vote bank politics at its worst.

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(For more news apart from Ram Rahim Parole News, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
Emotional Speech by International Student from Punjab in Canada's Brampton

The protest was part of an ongoing effort to address the challenges faced by international students in Canada.

Emotional Speech by International Student from Punjab in Canada's Brampton: An international student from Punjab, India, delivered a heartfelt and emotional speech during a protest in Brampton, shedding light on the struggles faced by thousands of students like him who come to Canada in search of a better future. His words, filled with raw emotion and personal anecdotes, struck a chord with the crowd, bringing many to tears.

Recalling his five-year journey in Canada, the student shared how he had already "turned permanent" long before the governments Permanent Residency (PR) status was in reach. He described the emotional toll of leaving behind loved ones, enduring sleepless nights, and navigating the hardships that international students often face.

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In his speech, he shared, Someone asked me, You have been here for five years, and you still haven't become permanent? I said, I turned permanent the day I left my crying mother and daughter back in India. I turned permanent when I was studying in college in the morning and working at night. Sometimes, I would sleep in buses and miss my stop, but I still told my parents I was doing well.

His voice wavered as he recounted the exploitation students often face, working long hours with little compensation. I turned permanent when people took advantage of our needs and even denied us our deserving money, he added.

The student further expressed the emotional toll of missing milestones in the lives of his family and friends back home, stating, "I turned permanent when I watched the weddings of my friends and siblings through video calls. I turned permanent when I celebrated my birthday, or any celebration, wearing safety gear while working.

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One of the most poignant moments in his speech was when he spoke about the pain of losing loved ones from afar. "I turned permanent when I watched the last rites of those who taught me to walk and live. I turned permanent far ago. PR is just temporary," he concluded, his words reflecting the deep sacrifices and emotional resilience of international students.

The speech, which encapsulated the trials and tribulations of thousands of international students, drew applause and emotional reactions from the crowd. Many attendees, themselves students or members of the immigrant community, found solace and understanding in his words.

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The protest was part of an ongoing effort to address the challenges faced by international students in Canada, including immigration delays, financial struggles, and the emotional impact of separation from their families.

(For more news apart from Emotional Speech by International Student from Punjab in Canada's Brampton, stay tuned to Rozana Spokesman)
By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 17:22 | Others

Shigeru Ishiba became Japan's prime minister on Tuesday, following his fifth attempt to head the ruling party, but he faces challenges in establishing a lasting government as he has pledged to call a snap election on Oct. 27.

After Friday's leadership election, former economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, a conservative lawmaker who finished second in the runoff, indicated she would not cooperate with Ishiba, complicating his efforts to foster unity within the Liberal Democratic Party.

While Ishiba has emphasized the need to seek a public mandate for his administration as soon as possible, he will have to compete against former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, the head of the main opposition party, who is an eloquent and experienced lawmaker.

The LDP, which has held power almost continuously since 1955, has come under intense scrutiny after some of its factions failed to report portions of income from fundraising events and amassed slush funds.

Moreover, Ishiba was seen as ineffective in formulating economic growth strategies during the leadership race campaign, likely contributing to stock price declines ahead of the House of Representatives election and weakening the LDP's popularity.

"Concerns are already starting to emerge among LDP members that the ruling party might not be able to win the lower house election under president Ishiba," said a lawmaker who backed Takaichi in the leadership race.

Even before the presidential election, Ishiba struggled to gain support from LDP lawmakers, with some criticizing him for lacking enthusiasm in building alliances within the party despite media polls showing he was one of the public's top choices for prime minister.

The 67-year-old former banker and lower house lawmaker, known for his expertise in defense and security affairs, once left the LDP in 1993 after declaring the need for political reform. While he rejoined in 1997, some party members have resented his defection.

The election of Ishiba as the new president "seems to have been the result of passive support," as many lawmakers "appeared to have judged him as being preferable due to his long political career," said Tadashi Masuda, a professor at Takasaki City University of Economics.

Shortly after losing to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe in the runoff of the 2012 leadership race, Ishiba was appointed LDP secretary general. The move apparently helped maintain party unity, paving the way for Abe to become Japan's longest-serving premier.

However, Ishiba has been unable to win over Takaichi, who garnered the most votes in the first round of the presidential race, raising doubts about his ability to unite the party ahead of the upcoming lower house election, political analysts said.

"The base of support for Ishiba within the party is even weaker than that of former Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, whose position had been fragile," Masuda, a political expert, said. "Ishiba is set to have a hard time running the government."

Noda, meanwhile, said after the LDP election, "I look forward to seeing who can push the other out of the ring first by gripping each other by the belts," using a sumo wrestling metaphor to describe his expectations for their debate.

While the predecessor of the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan was in power, Noda served as prime minister for more than one year until December 2012, when the LDP, then led by Abe, scored an overwhelming victory in the lower house election.

In 2022, Noda delivered a memorial speech in parliament for Abe, who was assassinated during an election campaign event in July of that year. Noda's address contained previously unknown interactions between himself and Abe, drawing considerable attention.

As Noda, who was elected CDPJ leader on Sept. 23, is a "stable leader," the conservative LDP "may be thinking he will become a formidable opponent," political commentator Atsuo Ito said. Noda has pushed to shift the opposition party toward the center.

The worst-case scenario for Ishiba is that financial markets will remain volatile before the lower house election. On Monday, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plummeted nearly 5 percent, reflecting disappointment with his economic policies.

"At present, the overall picture of Ishiba's economic policies is not clear," said Yuichi Kodama, chief economist at the Meiji Yasuda Research Institute, adding, "Political factors might continue to cause ups and downs for the time being" in share markets.

All eyes are on whether Ishiba's government will adopt a strict fiscal austerity policy, said Takuji Aida, chief economist at Credit Agricole Securities Tokyo. Japan's fiscal health is the worst among major advanced economies.

If measures to achieve this goal are implemented, the broader economy could contract, as fiscal constraints and tax hikes may suppress consumer spending and business investment, potentially eroding support for the Ishiba administration.

In that case, the LDP "might split, and Ishiba's government would be short-lived," Aida added.

Related coverage:

Ishiba to take office as new Japan PM as parliament gives nod

FOCUS:New Japan ruling LDP chief Ishiba may face make-or-break moment as PM

Japan's new LDP leader Ishiba intends to call election for Oct. 27
October 1, 2024

A roundup of local and international news.

Newsflash

Newsroom, 01.10.2024, 13:55

NATO  A ceremony marking the transition to the new NATO Secretary General is being held in Brussels, in which Jens Soltenberg hands over the mandate to the new chief of the Alliance, Mark Rutte, the former Prime Minister of the Netherlands. With 10 years at the helm of NATO, Jens Stoltenberg is the second longest-serving Secretary-General of the Alliance, since its establishment 75 years ago. His mandate began in the context of the annexation of Crimea by Russia, then went through the withdrawal of allies from Afghanistan, the COVID crisis, and now through the war started by Russia. NATO expanded to 32 members, after the accession of Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden.

VISA WAIVER  Romania formally meets all technical criteria in order to be included in the Visa Waiver program, the Romanian ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru, announced on a social network. The fiscal year in the United States ended on Monday, and the last condition that Romania had to fulfill was satisfied. We are waiting for a confirmation from the American partners in the upcoming period, but our assessment, based on the number of visa applications this year, as well as the strong downward trend in recent years, is that Romania has dropped below the 3% rejection rate, Muraru explained. According to the ambassador, the first Romanians will most likely be able to travel without visas to the United States, in the first part of next year.

LAW  The head of the European Public Prosecutors Office, the Romanian Laura Codruta Kovesi, has called on the European Parliament to change the institutions regulations, to allocate a bigger budget and for a better collaboration with the member states. She says that the number of cases of cross-border financial fraud has doubled year on year, and the information collected about organized crime exceeds the analytical power of the Prosecutors Office and even Europol. Last year, following the investigations of the European Public Prosecutors Office, court sentences were given for the recovery of 1.7 billion euros, and 600 million euros have already been returned to the member states, Kovesi explained. At the moment, over 2,000 cases are under investigation, with damages estimated at 23 billion euros. Romania was involved in 260 cases, with a damage of almost 2 billion euros.

INVESTMENT  The net flow of direct foreign investments in Romania in 2023 was almost 6.75 billion euros, down by 36.3% compared to the record value recorded in the previous year, the National Bank of Romania (BNR) has announced. BNR experts say that this development is part of the current international context, marked by economic risks and geopolitical tensions. The main sectors that attracted foreign money in Romania were industry, financial intermediation, insurance and trade.

PARLIAMENT  Convened in joint session, the Romanian deputies and senators are appointing, today, the members of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Romania. According to political sources, the current governor Mugur Isarescu, who has been holding this position since 1990, is supported for a new mandate at the helm of BNR. Also today, the Parliament submits for approval two requests from President Klaus Iohannis  the participation of the Romanian Army in the NATO Security Assistance and Training Mission for Ukraine and the establishment, on the Romania territory, of a maritime training facility for the Ukrainian personnel. The two Parliament chambers will be informed, on the other hand, about the approval of the transit, through Romania, of equipment and material goods donated by Sweden to Ukraine, but also about the presence on the Romanian territory, for a period of two years, of an American contingent of naval forces for special operations.

ISRAEL  The Israeli military launched a ground operation in a number of villages in southern Lebanon, saying it focused on clearing out militant infrastructure prepared by the elite force of the Hezbollah for the invasion of Israeli territory. The invasion was being supported by the Israeli air force, which targeted the southern suburbs of Beirut, an area considered the stronghold of the Shiite movement. Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant had previously indicated that the army was ready for a ground operation, telling troops near the border with Lebanon that Israel was ready to use air, sea and land forces against Hezbollah targets. In turn, the deputy leader of the Hezbollah said that his militants are prepared for any Israeli operation in Lebanon.
October 1, 2024 UPDATE

A roundup of local and world news

Newsflash

Newsroom, 01.10.2024, 20:05

VISAS Romania formally meets all the technical conditions to be part of the Visa Waiver programme, the countrys ambassador to the United States, Andrei Muraru has announced on a social network. Our assessment, based on the number of visa applications this year as well as the significantly downward trend in recent years, is that Romania went under the 3% ceiling of the rejection rate, the ambassador also said. According to him, the first Romanians will be able to travel without visas in the USA most likely in the first part of the next year. If all conditions and preparations are done successfully, the programme could come into effect in 2025, the US ambassador to Romania, Kathleen Kavalec said on Tuesday. However, according to the US official, there are still major steps to be taken in the next months in order to see whether Romania is eligible for the Visa Waiver programme. In turn, Prime Minister Ciolacu said during his meeting with the US official in Bucharest that the government would remain involved in everything that means the accomplishment of all procedures needed to have Romania included in the Visa Waiver programme.

NATO The former Dutch Prime Minister, Mark Rutte, on Tuesday became the new NATO Secretary General during a ceremony held at the North-Atlantic Alliances headquarters in Brussels. Rutte, who took over from the Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg, thanked the allies for trusting him with the role. Rutte detailed the three priorities of his four-year mandate: support for Ukraine, consolidating the collective allied defence and developing the international partnerships NATO already concluded with third countries. From Bucharest, Prime Minister, Marcel Ciolacu, has conveyed a congratulation message to the newly-appointed NATO Secretary General, in which he has also expressed his gratitude for the activity of the former NATO Chief, Jens Stoltenberg.

ME Israeli raids in southern Lebanon on Tuesday triggered a new wave of international concern. Also on Tuesday, the Israeli army announced it had hit several Hezbollah targets in capital Beirut, although it had earlier announced that its troops would limit their operations only to regions close to the common border. Numerous airline companies have cancelled their flights to the area and Western countries have started to evacuate their citizens from Lebanon. Bucharest has announced that over 11 hundred Romanian citizens and family members have registered at Romanias embassy in Beirut. The Romanian Ministry of Foreign Affairs issued a level 8-9 warning for this country in October last year, which translates as Avoid any trip to Lebanon. The warning is still in place due to the major security risks in the area. The Romanian diplomacy has firmly recommended the Romanian citizens on the Lebanese territory to leave the country by means of the flights still available.

PARLIAMENT Convened in a joint session on Tuesday, the Romanian deputies and senators appointed the members of the Board of Directors of the National Bank of Romania. According to political sources, the current governor Mugur Isarescu, who has been holding this position since 1990, is supported for a new mandate at the helm of BNR. Also on Tuesday, the Parliament submitted for approval two requests from President Klaus Iohannis  the participation of the Romanian Army in the NATO Security Assistance and Training Mission for Ukraine and the establishment, on the Romania territory, of a maritime training facility for the Ukrainian personnel. The two Parliament chambers will be informed, on the other hand, about the approval of the transit, through Romania, of equipment and material goods donated by Sweden to Ukraine, but also about the presence on the Romanian territory, for a period of two years, of an American contingent of naval forces for special operations.

(bill)
NATO, new leadership

After 10 years in office, Jens Stoltenberg (Norway) hands over his post as NATO secretary general to Dutch Mark Rutte.

Mark Rutte and Jens Stoltenberg (photo: NATO)

Stefan Stoica, 01.10.2024, 14:00

As of Tuesday, October 1, the NATO secretary general is the Dutch ex PM Mark Rutte. He takes over the highest political position in the strongest political and military alliance in history from the Norwegian Jens Stoltenberg.

AFP notes that while Stoltenberg refrained from giving any piece of advice to Rutte, he emphasised that the main task for a NATO chief is to keep the Allies together. In such a difficult geopolitical situation, maintaining continuity and a common direction in foreign and security policy is critical, a NATO diplomat was quoted by the French agency as saying.

With a 10-year long tenure as NATO chief, Jens Stoltenberg had perhaps the most complicated term in office, which started in 2014, with Russias annexation of Crimea, and ended with a full-fledged war against Ukraine.

Stoltenberg steered the Alliance towards stronger support for the former Soviet state, a victim of Russias illegal aggression. He suggested and obtained a commitment of at least EUR 40 bln per year for Ukraine from NATO member states and NATOs involvement in the provision of Western military aid.

NATO members should not be deterred from giving more military aid to Ukraine by Vladimir Putins reckless Russian nuclear rhetoric, Jens Stoltenberg said in an interview to Reuters at the end of his term. Every time we have stepped up our support with new types of weapons  battle tanks, long-range fires or F-16s  the Russians have tried to prevent us, but they have not succeeded, the outgoing NATO leader also said.

He added that the biggest risk to NATO would be if Putin wins in Ukraine. I dont think we can change President Putins mind, but I think we can change his calculus by demonstrating that the cost of continuing the war is so high that its better for him to sit down and accept Ukraine as a sovereign independent nation, Stoltenberg believes.

During his term in office, forced to respond to major geopolitical changes, the Alliance strengthened its eastern flank. In Romania, for instance, the number of Allied troops was increased, and NATO created a battle group here for the first time.

Also under Stoltenbergs leadership, NATO acceped new members, reaching a total of 32 Allied nations. The last countries to join were Finland and Sweden, pushed out of their decade-long neutrality by Moscows militarist and neo-imperialist drive. Russia wanted less of NATO and now it has more, Stoltenberg pointed out.

As for the new secretary general, Mark Rutte, analysts expect him to focus on the coordination between NATO and the European Union, at a time when the latter is getting more involved in security matters. Not least, the Allies count on his negotiation skills in case Donald Trump returns to the White House. (AMP)
The manufacturing sector in Taiwan continued to expand in September, albeit at a slower rate, the latest survey from S&P Global revealed on Tuesday with a manufacturing PMI score of 50.8.

That's down from 51.5 in August although it remains above the boom-or-bust line of 50 that separates expansion from contraction.

September's decline in the PMI reflected weaker gains in both output and new orders. For the former, the rate of growth was marginal and the softest in six months. Although sales rose solidly, the latest gain was the weakest since May. There were nonetheless reports of improved market demand, both at home and abroad.

New export , which increased for a fourth month running, was boosted by stronger sales to European and North American markets. Nonetheless, there was some concern amongst the survey panel about the underlying strength of the global economy. Panelists also noted some uncertainty in the outlook, which led to hesitancy in decision-making.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Economic News

What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more.
At the 79th UN General Assembly, the United States announced nearly $2.1 billion in humanitarian assistance to address the unprecedented level of humanitarian needs globally.

This funding supports critical and life-saving humanitarian assistance to those impacted by crises, including displaced persons and the receptive host communities supporting displaced persons in their time of need.

This assistance includes more than $873 million through the Department of State's Bureau of Population, Refugees, and Migration and more than $1.2 billion through the United States Agency for International Development's Bureau for Humanitarian Assistance.

The United States called on other international donors to also make every effort to increase humanitarian funding to respond to the extreme level of need impacting people globally.

The humanitarian assistance includes nearly $424 million for the Sudan regional response; nearly $336 million to support Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank; $535 million for refugees, internally displaced persons, and host communities in Syria and neighboring countries; $199 million for Rohingya refugees and communities hosting them in Bangladesh; and $597 million for migration efforts in the Western Hemisphere.

The United States is the largest single donor of humanitarian assistance globally, providing more than $54 billion since 2021.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Mutares SE & Co. KGaA (MUX.F), Tuesday announced that the company has signed an agreement to sell its portfolio company MobiLitas to Savina, a local entrepreneur, for a purchase price in the single-digit million range.

Notably, MobiLitas, which employs around 500 people, had generated revenues of about 26 million euros in 2023.

The Munich-based company added that it is currently focusing on the core of GoCollective in Denmark, which is also part of the Mutares portfolio as a provider of multimodal public transport.

Currently, Mutares's stock is trading at 21.95 euros, up 4.25 percent on the Frankfurt.

For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com

Business News
Professor Siphokazi Magadla at Vice-Chancellor's Book Award Lecture

By Siviwe Mxuma

On 26 September 2024, Rhodes University hosted the prestigious Vice-Chancellor's Book Award Lecture, which honoured one of the institution's most distinguished scholars, Associate Professor Siphokazi Magadla, from the Department of Political and International Studies.

The event was a celebration of her book Guerrillas and Combative Mothers: Women of the Armed Struggle in South Africa, published by the University of KwaZulu-Natal Press last year. This important work provides a thorough examination of women's roles in South Africa's armed struggles against Apartheid from 1961 to 1994.

The evening was opened by Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, who gave a glowing introduction to Prof Magadla and her contributions. He began by extending a warm welcome to the attendees, saying, "Welcome to you all to Professor Magadla's Book Award Lecture. We extend a very special welcome to Professor Magadla's family, friends, collaborators, and colleagues."

He further emphasised the significance of the Vice-Chancellor's Book Award, which is given annually to a staff member whose work brings recognition and credit to Rhodes University through its scholarly contributions.

The lecture was not only a tribute to Prof Magadlas book but also a reflection of her broader academic and social impact. Prof Mabizela praised her for her academic rigour and the depth of her research.

Prof Magadla, originally from Ludaka in Ngqeleni, has spent years conducting research on gender, militarism, and war, with a specific focus on South Africa. Her work offers a powerful narrative of 40 women who participated in the armed struggle against Apartheid and their lives in the post-Apartheid era. These womens stories shed light on the complexities of South Africas fight for liberation, detailing their involvement in Umkhonto weSizwe (the ANCs military wing) and the Pan Africanist Congresss armed wing, APLA.

After Prof Mabizelas introduction, Prof Magadla took the stage and delivered an insightful lecture. She expressed her appreciation for the critical engagement her book has received, remarking, "The ways in which this book has travelled since its publication in February of 2023, have affirmed my view of intellectual work as village work."

Prof Magadla's reflection on the concept of "village work" was a central theme in her lecture. She cited scholars like bell hooks and Cornel West, explaining how intellectuals are nurtured by their communities and shaped by their socio-political environments. She used this to highlight how her academic journey and book were grounded in the histories, traditions, and struggles of African women. Her lecture illustrated how these women not only engaged in armed resistance but also democratised and transformed liberation movements in South Africa, ultimately laying the foundation for gender equality in the country.

In Guerrillas and Combative Mothers, Prof Magadla meticulously traces the journeys of women who were formally trained in guerrilla warfare with Umkhonto weSizwe, as well as those who participated in the rural and township insurrections led by the PAC. She explores the multiple fronts on which these women fought, not only for national liberation but also for gender equality, emphasising how their contributions have been central to shaping democratic South Africa.

One particularly poignant moment in the lecture came when Prof Magadla shared her personal connection to the topics of militarism and gender. She recounted how her upbringing, with a father who had been part of the newly formed South African National Defence Force, shaped her curiosity and scholarly focus. This personal narrative allowed the audience to understand how her lived experiences informed her academic interests and commitment to highlighting women's roles in South Africas armed struggles.

The lecture also emphasised the books broader significance. Prof Magadla explained that Guerrillas and Combative Mothers is not just about recounting historical facts, but also about connecting the struggles of these women to contemporary issues of social justice. She reminded the audience that the fight for gender equality continues, and that understanding the histories of women in liberation movements is crucial to sustaining the gains made in South Africa's democracy.

Prof Siphokazi Magadlas Guerrillas and Combative Mothers is undoubtedly a significant contribution to the literature on South Africa's liberation struggle, providing a much-needed focus on the women who fought, often in the shadows, for freedom and equality. The recognition she received at the Vice-Chancellor's Book Award Lecture not only celebrates her past achievements but also sets the stage for further scholarly and public engagement with the legacies of these women.
KYODO NEWS - Oct 1, 2024 - 14:02 | All, Japan, Travel/Tourism

Japan's busiest bullet train service connecting its three largest metropolitan areas of Tokyo, Nagoya and Osaka on Tuesday commemorated 60 years since its inauguration, with fans flocking to see the first Tokaido Shinkansen train of the day.

At a ceremony held at JR Tokyo Station, Central Japan Railway Co. President Shunsuke Niwa pledged to continue efforts to make the Tokaido Shinkansen Line "loved by people for the future starting today."

Train enthusiasts watched the day's first Tokaido bullet train depart Tokyo Station, blasting its horn.

"It's amazing that the train has been running safely for 60 years," said Sen Hatanaka, a 10-year-old from Tokyo who was with his 46-year-old father.

A similar ceremony was held at JR Nagoya Station in Aichi Prefecture, central Japan.

"I was very moved," said 12-year-old Akimasa Uno, who attended the event with his mother. "I want to be a train driver in the future."

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line began operations on Oct. 1, 1964, just prior to the Tokyo Olympics, with the service at that time dubbed the "dream super limited express."

It had a maximum speed of 210 kilometers per hour, connecting Tokyo and Osaka in four hours. The current travel time has shortened to two hours and 21 minutes.

The Tokaido Shinkansen Line, which serves as Japan's main transportation artery, has transported some 7 billion passengers in the last 60 years, according to JR Central.

Related coverage:

[Kyodo Visual Story] Shinkansen - The dream super limited express marks 60

[Kyodo Visual Story] Shinkansen - The dream super limited express marks 60 (Part 2)
With futuristic looks, BMW CE-02 electric scooter aims to be the default 2W urban mobility choice for buyers who needs a style statement

With electric scooter industry taking off in India, many OEMs are aiming to make a mass appeal. BMW Motorrad has different intentions with their take on electric scooters. After launching CE-04 electric scooter at Rs 14.9 lakh (Ex-sh), BMW Motorrad has now launched CE-02 in India for Rs 4.5 lakh (Ex-sh). After a very short spin on this electric scooter in Gurgaon as part of a national media ride organized by BMW Motorrad, heres what we think about this scooter.

BMW CE-02 First Ride Review

Designed and developed in collaboration with TVS Motor, this is a locally manufactured product for the world. As of writing this review, BMW has not revealed pricing. But considering it is made in India, pricing could be aggressive. What we have here, is a stylish electric scooter that was primarily designed for a fast-paced urban environment, promising excellent agility and city drivability, while making a bold statement.

BMW Motorrad is stepping up its game in India and is expanding its product portfolio. CE-02 is BMWs third scooter and second electric scooter in India. It comes with a unique and stand-out design language that makes it less of a scooter and more style statement. It is an absolute eye candy and grabbed a lot of eyeballs during our short spin with this scooter. Calling it a scooter is somewhat debatable too, as it looks more like a motorcycle. But BMW says they are calling it a scooter, and not a motorcycle.

The company used the term reduced to essentials to describe CE-02s design. Fitting description, we would say. The hollow fuel tank area, squarish LED headlights with DRLs, chunky USD telescopic front forks finished in a gold shade, fancy handlebar, a flat single-piece seat and a low seat height of 745 mm, lend it a futuristic look. Wheelbase stretches way beyond the seat and gives it a massive road presence.

Overall design looks like CE-02 came straight out of a Cyberpunk era that happened in the future. It is not a conventional scooter. In this sense, it does not have a step-through design and the rider has to swing their leg over the seat. Yes, I only mentioned rider because this scooter doesnt have enough space for a pillion. At least, not when I, a 182 cm tall individual, was on this scooter.

To get into my usual preferred riding position, I had to scoot almost all the way back, leaving only a couple of inches of space to pillion. Also, I placed my feet on the pillion footrest for the feel of rear-set pegs. I felt that it was more suitable to the scooters overall character. For my riding position, rear footpegs also allowed me to stand up on the scooter comfortably, if I had to dodge speed breakers or bad patches.

However, most individuals might prefer to sit ahead and then liberate space for a pillion. There are split grab rails for pillion, if there is one. Seat extends all the way to the front, where a BMW logo proudly sits and falls in the riders peripheral vision, which is a nice touch. Seat design is not exactly comfortable as it is flat and narrow. However, CE-02 is intended for short city bursts in style. For shorter rides, the seat does its job. The area around the front foot pegs was left empty and could have been used for storage or something similar to what Honda did with the Navi scooter.

Features and Componentry

Wheels are of aerodynamic type and stand out from other scooters. Rear gets a single-side suspension, which is covered radiating sleek aesthetics. Single-side swingarm lends a much cleaner profile on the right side. On the left, we can see a mid-mounted motor along with a belt drive system, powering the rear wheel. All body panels along with base black colour and contrast elements lend it an unearthly look, which will appeal to young buyers.

Where features are concerned, BMW CE-02 gets a few. For starters, there is a 3.5-inch micro TFT display that comes with variable brightness. Even under the bright sun and wearing sunglasses, there were no legibility issues we faced with this scooter. This cluster gets connectivity options too, with the BMW Motorrad Connected app. This display can be operated with dedicated buttons on left switchgear.

BMW is also offering a USB Type-C port to charge ones smartphone or other accessory. There is a Reverse mode on offer too, controlled by a button on left switchgear. Lighting is LED all around and headlights are automatic, like in a car. The right switchgear had buttons to change mode, ignition switch, lock button and more. BMW CE-02 comes with a keyless system that works very well.

Ride and Handling

BMW Motorrad has positioned CE-02 as a fast-paced urban environment. Which is exactly where this electric scooter shines. There are 15 horses and 55 Nm torque on tap from a single electric motor, drawing power from two 1.9 kWh battery packs. BMW promises 108 km of range from a single charge, a 95 km/h top speed and a 0-50 km/h sprint in 3 seconds.

Despite weighing 142 kg, BMW CE-02 masks its weight quite beautifully. We didnt feel the scooters weight while moving or when cornering. Acceleration is brisk and wringing the throttle gave an immediate response, like an electric vehicle should. We found acceleration to be addictive and the scooter encourages you to go faster than you are.

Handling characteristic of CE-02 is the main highlight of this product. It is easily flickable and riders will be hunting for gaps to zoom past the traffic. Steering was quick and gave excellent feedback. CE-02 gets 14-inch wheels at both ends wrapped by 120/80 front and 150/70 rear Michelin tyres. CE-02 gets two riding modes as standard  Flow and Surf. BMW Motorrad provided a CE-02 unit that came equipped with an optional Highline package, unlocking a third Flash riding mode with the most power and regen.

It is the most fun and playful scooter I ever tested in a city environment and left me with a wide grin on my face. However, I encountered bad patches of roads around Gurgaon and my grin narrowed considerably as the ride was on the stiffer side. While it does lend a playful character, stiffly set suspension makes road imperfections and speed breakers along with bad patches filter through the chassis and make their presence known.

Where brakes are concerned, BMW CE-02 offers disc brakes at both ends with good initial bite and progression. However, ABS was only for the front wheel. There were a few instances where the rear wheel locked on hard braking. The name CE-02 means that this electric scooter promises performance of a 200cc motorcycle. Most 200cc motorcycles in India get dual-channel ABS at least as an option. We hope BMW considers launching a dual-channel version of CE-02 in the future.

Conclusion

Because we had a very short period with BMW CE-02, we couldnt put CE-02s range to the test. Other than the shortcoming in braking, concluding BMW CE-02 is quite easy. Because CE-02 is not aimed at the masses, any questions of value-for-money fade away and we have to answer a bigger question. Does BMW CE-02 offer the promised fast-paced urban mobility solution? It does, in a big way. This is easily the most fun electric scooter for the city, money can buy in India.

The intended audience for BMW CE-02 are those who are looking for a premium urban 2W mobility solution that sets them apart from the crowd. BMW CE-02 does that quite effortlessly. This electric scooter is also an excellent style statement and reflects ones individual personality. In these regards, BMW CE-02 delivers and sets itself as the most desirable and futuristic urban electric scooter.
Maruti sales in September 2024 were boosted primarily by its UV lineup while mini and van sales too improved marginally

Maruti Suzuki India Limited, the largest automaker in India, has reported improved sales in September 2024. Total sales across all segments which included both domestic sales and exports stood at 1,84,727 units in the past month. This was a 1.87% YoY growth over 1,81,343 units sold in September 2023.

Maruti Sales Sep 2024

In domestic markets, sales fell to 1,44,962 units, down by 3.88% over 1,50,812 units sold in Sept 2023. However, it was a marginal 1.32% improvement over 1,43,075 units sold in August 2024. Exports on the other hand surged significantly by 23.18% from 22,515 units shipped in Sept 2023 to 27,728 units in the past month. Maruti also sells certain cars to Toyota as rebadged models. This too has seen a 56.10% YoY growth to 8,938 units in Sept 2024 from 5,726 units sold in Sept 2023

Category wise breakup of sales in Sept 2024 saw the mini segment, comprising the Alto and S-Presso report a marginal growth to 10,363 units, up from 10,351 units sold in Sept 2023. Its YTD sales however fell to 61,787 units over 72,550 units sold in the FY2023-24 period.

Maruti cars in the compact segment, among which are the Baleno, Celerio, DZire and Ignis along with the Swift and WagonR too, saw lower demand on a YoY and YTD basis. Sales dipped to 60,480 units in Sept 2024 while YTD sales fell to 3,66,421 units. This took total sales in the mini and compact segments down to 70,843 units YoY and 4,28,208 units YTD, a significant decline over 78,902 units and 4,91,479 units sold in corresponding periods of the previous year. The new Swift and DZire, with sportier designs and several other driver and passenger comforts and conveniences could surely boost sales in this segment in the months ahead.

Maruti Ciaz sales too fell considerably but its models in the UV segment witnessed improved demand with 61,549 units sold in the past month. This was over 59,272 units sold in Sept 2023. YTD sales also grew to 3,43,665 units over 3,06,468 units sold in the FY 2023-24 period. The Eeco van also perceived better demand with numbers increasing YoY to 11,908 units and 68,600 units on a YTD basis. In the Light Commercial Vehicle segment, that has the likes of the Super Carry, sales were up to 3,099 units last month from 2,294 units sold in Sept 2024. YTD sales also grew to 16,431 units over 15,496 units sold in the FY 2023-24 period.

Maruti Sales to Other OEMs  YoY and YTD Growth

Maruti Suzuki has seen improved sales to other OEMs. These sales which stood at 5,726 units in Sept 2023 improved to 8,938 units in the past month. YTD sales also improved drastically to 54,097 units whereas the company had sold 28,940 units to other OEMs in the FY 2023-24 period. This took total sales (PV+LCV+OEM) to 1,56,999 units, a decline over 1,58,832 units sold in the Sept 2023 period. YTD sales too suffered a setback to 9,15,142 units in the FY 2024-25 period over 9,17,543 units sold in the corresponding period last year. Maruti however, has observed improved demand in global markets. Its exports grew to 27,728 units in Sept 2024 from 22,511 units shipped in Sept 2023 while YTD exports surged to 1,48,276 units over 1,32,542 units sold in the FY 2023-24 period.

Maruti Sales Q3 2024 Vs Q3 2023

Taking into account the period of July 2024 to Sept 2024, Maruti sales in domestic markets fell by 7.31%. Sales which had stood at 4,59,052 units in the Q3 2023 period dipped by 33,552 units to 4,25,500 units in the corresponding period of the current year. Exports on the other hand improved greatly. The company shipped 77,716 units in Q3 2024, a growth of 12.11% or 8,392 units over 69,324 units shipped in the Q3 2023 period.

Sales to Toyota also improved to 29,849 units in the Q3 2024 period, an 83.55% growth from 16,262 units sold in Q3 2023 while LCV sales were also up 14.40% to 8,485 units over 7,417 units sold in the Q3 2023 period. Due to lower sales in domestic markets, total sales in the Q3 2024 period dipped by 1.90% to 5,41,550 units from 5,52,055 units, relating to a 10,505 unit volume decline. Except for sales in domestic markets, which fell by 3.26% to 8,44,614 units, the companys YTD sales across Exports (1,48,276 units), sales to other OEMs (54,097 units) and LCV sales (16,431 units) each reported significant growth.
NANNING, China, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Young players from China and ASEAN countries competed in the recently concluded ASEAN Esports Tournament in China, deepening their friendships and enhancing mutual understanding through esports.

Held in Nanning, in south China's Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, the tournament attracted 12 teams in total.

"Because of esports tournaments, I was able to go out of the country and had many opportunities to communicate with professional players from all over the world, which made me very happy," said Ryan Na Jie Rong, a player from Malaysia's BSE Club.

Although he speaks fluent Chinese, this was Ryan's first trip to China. Before becoming a professional esports player, he had never traveled outside Malaysia. Now, not only has he seen more of the world, but he's also been able to share his experiences with youth from various countries and regions through esports.

"Being able to compete face-to-face with players from China and ASEAN countries allows us to observe each other's strengths and build friendships during the competitions," he added.

With the rise of mobile devices and the development of network communication technology, esports has become a key avenue for youth communication worldwide. Many young people use esports as an important platform to showcase their skills and exchange ideas. Despite language and cultural differences, esports competitions allow young people to cross borders, share experiences, and connect.

Tang Jialin, a player from China's CNA team, noted that the tournament allowed him to compete against professional players from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand, and other countries. "Many strong teams bring us a greater challenge, and also help us accumulate experience for higher-level international competitions," Tang said, emphasizing the strength of ASEAN players.

"Rivals on the stage, friends off the stage. Everyone is very sincere and friendly," Tang added.

"Esports is not only a test of brainpower, physical strength, and reaction time, but also teamwork," said Tang Zelong, a member of China's DFYG Esports Club. He expressed hope that participating in more international tournaments would improve his team's skills and help them meet other outstanding esports players.

Over the years, the scale of the esports industry has grown rapidly. From the Asian Cup to the Hangzhou Asian Games, esports has become an influential force in the global industry, with its culture becoming part of global popular culture.

According to the Global Esports Industry Development Report 2023, released by the China Esports Industry Research Institute, 70% of netizens in eight countries - including China, Vietnam, the United States, and South Korea - agreed that "esports will enable people from different countries and cultures to understand and respect each other."

The report suggests that with the continued popularization and penetration of esports culture, it has the potential to become a "language" and "bridge" for communication among people from different countries, facilitating international exchanges. 
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BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China is home to 56 ethnic groups, many of which have their own unique language and culture. Today, as we celebrate the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China, have you ever wondered how people from different ethnic backgrounds say "Happy National Day, China?" Meet seven individuals, each representing one of China's various ethnic groups, sharing their wishes in their native tongues.

Coordinators

Wang Qingqin, Meng Chenguang





Reporters

Bei He, Hu Huhu, Xu Chang, Jiang Wenyao, Jigme Dorge, Tenzin Nyida, Jin Haoyuan





Visual designer/Video editor

Li Mangmang





China Signature Studio
Chinese Ambassador to Romania Han Chunlin addresses a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Romania to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Romania, in Bucharest, Romania, on Sept. 30, 2024. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)

BUCHAREST, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese embassy in Romania hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Romania.

Chinese Ambassador to Romania Han Chunlin addressed the reception, expressing a commitment to working with Romania to utilize platforms such as the Belt and Road Initiative and China-Central and Eastern European cooperation, aiming to strengthen bilateral exchanges and cooperation across all sectors for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Petre-Florin Manole, vice-chairman of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, emphasized China's importance as a key partner for Romania. He said Romania is committed to enhancing cooperation based on shared interests and mutual respect.

He also stressed the importance of boosting bilateral trade, diversifying investments, and exploring new opportunities in areas such as culture, education, tourism, and people-to-people exchanges.

The reception was attended by over 600 guests, including individuals from different sectors of Romanian society, diplomats from various countries, and representatives of Chinese companies and the overseas Chinese community. 

People attend a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Romania to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Romania, in Bucharest, Romania, on Sept. 30, 2024. TO GO WITH "Chinese embassy in Romania celebrates National Day" (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)

Petre-Florin Manole, vice-chairman of the Romanian Chamber of Deputies, speaks at a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Romania to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, as well as 75 years of diplomatic relations between China and Romania, in Bucharest, Romania, on Sept. 30, 2024. TO GO WITH "Chinese embassy in Romania celebrates National Day" (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping)
Fossilized remains found in Patagonia, Argentina back in 2009 represent a new genus and species of plant-eating dinosaur that belonged to a group called Rebbachisauridae.

The newly-discovered dinosaur species lived in Patagonia between 99 to 96 million years ago (Late Cretaceous epoch).

Dubbed Campananeyen fragilissimus, the ancient plant-eater was an early member of Rebbachisauridae, a group of diplodocoid sauropods that diversified primarily on the supercontinent Gondwana between the Early and Late Cretaceous.

Rebbachisauridae is recovered as the basal-most group of Diplodocoidea, said Dr. Lucas Lerzo, a paleontologist with the Fundacion Azara  Universidad Maimonides and CONICET, and his colleagues.

Although the inferred origin of diplodocoid sauropods is in the Late Lower to Early Middle Jurassic, it is not until the Lower Cretaceous that rebbachisaurid sauropods appear in the fossil record, with a peak of diversity at the end of the history of the family in the Early Upper Cretaceous.

Rebbachisauridae is characterized by a highly pneumatized skeleton which deeply invades the axial skeleton and the pelvic girdle.

They present novel features in the dorsal vertebrae not reported in any other sauropod.

The postcranial remains of Campananeyen fragilissimus were collected in 2009 from the Candeleros Formation in Barda Atravesada de Las Campanas, Neuquen Province, Argentina.

They were found along with the fossils of small theropod and rebbachisaurid dinosaurs, a turtle and a lizard.

The teams analysis shows that Campananeyen fragilissimus is closely related to Zapalasaurus, Sidersaura and a specimen from the La Amarga Formation.

The new rebbachisaurid is recovered as the sister taxon of Sidersaura due the presence of procoelous posterior caudal vertebrae and dorsoventrally flattened posterior caudal centra, the researchers said.

Campananeyen fragilissimus presents an extreme pneumatization of the sacral region with an autapomorphic dorsal alar arm of the sacral transverse processes.

Finally, the phylogenetic analysis supports a South American origin for Rebbachisauridae and an early diversification to Africa and Europe by the Barremian-Aptian as previously suggested.

The discovery of Campananeyen fragilissimus is reported in a paper in the journal Historical Biology.

_____

Lucas N. Lerzo et al. They all floated in the cretaceous: new rebbachisaurid (Sauropoda, Diplodocoidea) with a highly pneumatized skeleton from the Upper Cretaceous (lower Cenomanian) of Patagonia, Argentina. Historical Biology, published online August 13, 2024; doi: 10.1080/08912963.2024.2383708
GAZA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 12 people were killed and several others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday night, said a Palestinian official.

Mahmoud Basal, spokesperson for the Civil Defense in Gaza, said Israeli warplanes targeted two adjacent houses in the camp, killing 12 Palestinians.

Basal said a team from the Civil Defense and local residents were searching and rescuing victims, while the dead and injured, mostly women and children, were being transported to hospitals.

The Israeli military has not yet commented on the incident.

Israel has been on a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate for a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and 250 more taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,615, said Gaza-based health authorities on Monday. 
TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Eleven people were killed and 14 others injured on Tuesday in a collision between a pickup truck and a semi-trailer in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, the official news agency IRNA reported.

The accident happened early Tuesday on an intercity road in Saravan County, Seyyed Mohammad-Mehdi Sajjadi, director general of the province's Red Crescent Society, was quoted as saying.

He added the pickup truck was carrying 23 foreigners, of whom 11 were killed, and 12 were injured in the accident, noting that two passengers of the semi-trailer were also injured.

Sajjadi did not specify the nationalities of the foreigners.

According to him, the bodies of the victims were handed over to law enforcement forces, while the injured received initial treatment at the scene. 
DAMASCUS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Explosions were heard here as the Syrian air defenses responded to "hostile targets," the country's state media said on Tuesday.

Powerful explosions were heard in the capital, particularly in the city's west, with people awakened by the blasts.

State media said the air defenses were intercepting an attack in the capital's vicinity.

According to eyewitnesses and local media, explosions rocked the capital before daybreak Tuesday in what appeared to be an Israeli aerial attack.

The explosions were heard across the capital just as news was emerging about Israeli forces beginning a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. The sounds were heard in the western Mazzeh neighborhood, but the exact target was still unknown.

People posted footage of a fire in the western Mazzeh Villas neighborhood.

Emerging reports indicate casualties and property damage from the Israeli attack.

Footage shared on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the upscale western Mazzeh Villas neighborhood, where eyewitnesses reported seeing a passenger bus scorched on a road.

Syrian state TV also reported the death of a journalist, who was killed when shrapnel struck her home in the area. 
WARSAW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Poland has decided to reduce its embassy staff in Beirut and will assist Polish citizens wishing to leave Lebanon, the Polish Foreign Ministry announced on Tuesday.

"The situation in Lebanon is very tense," said Foreign Ministry spokesman Pawel Wronski during a press conference following a government meeting.

Wronski said that the Foreign Ministry is closely monitoring developments. "Given the escalating tension, we've decided to reduce our staff at the embassy in Beirut and facilitate the departure of some Polish citizens from Lebanon, as travel is still possible with charter flights currently operating," he added.

When asked about the number of embassy employees being evacuated, Wronski mentioned that around a dozen people might be affected, primarily the family members of diplomats. "We aim to retain those essential for the embassy's operations, while non-essential staff will be reduced," he explained.

The evacuation is expected to occur in the coming days. Wronski also mentioned that Poland is working to organize humanitarian aid for Lebanon. Enditem.
BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Leaders of Kazakhstan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Belarus, Egypt, Saudi Arabia and Syria have recently sent messages or letters of congratulations to Chinese President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, on the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Kazakh President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev said that China has made great contributions to promoting global sustainable development and safeguarding security and stability, adding that Kazakhstan is willing to maintain the good-neighborly friendship with China and promote the permanent comprehensive strategic partnership for the benefit of the two peoples.

Tajik President Emomali Rahmon said that expanding the comprehensive strategic cooperative partnership in the new era between Tajikistan and China is one of the most important directions of Tajikistan's foreign policy. The Tajik side is willing to push the good-neighborly and friendly relations between Tajikistan and China to a higher level.

Turkmen President Serdar Berdimuhamedov and National Leader of the Turkmen People and Chairman of the People's Council of Turkmenistan Gurbanguly Berdimuhamedov, said that Turkmenistan and China share sincerity and mutual trust, and their friendship has stood the test of time. They firmly believe that the good-neighborly friendship between Turkmenistan and China will continue to develop and bring common benefits to the two peoples.

Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev said that China is a friendly neighbor of Uzbekistan and a reliable cooperative partner that has withstood the test of time. Uzbekistan and China have elevated their ties to an all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership for a new era, injecting new impetus into Uzbekistan's development and mutually beneficial regional cooperation.

Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko said that the friendship between Belarus and China is as solid as a rock, and their all-weather comprehensive strategic partnership will continue to deepen.

Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi expressed willingness to promote cooperation in various fields with China and wished the friendly Chinese people continuous progress.

Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud said that Saudi Arabia highly appreciates its good relations with China and is ready to deepen cooperation in various fields.

Noting that China's development benefits the world, Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said that China upholds justice, and is relied upon by countries who have suffered from hegemonism and defend their independence and sovereignty. 
ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopian government and the World Bank signed a 70-million-U.S.-dollar financing agreement Monday to support the East African country's development.

The agreement, in the form of a concessional loan, was signed by Ethiopian Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and the World Bank's Country Director for Ethiopia Maryam Salim, the ministry said in a statement.

The funds will be used for the implementation of Ethiopia's governance modernization project, which aims to enable more efficient service delivery in the country. The project focuses on enhancing the government's capacity to mobilize and manage its financial and human resources, according to the ministry.

The project consists of three main components, seeking to improve capacity building of the public administration, boost domestic revenue mobilization, and advance public financial management.

In July, Ethiopia's House of Peoples' Representatives, the lower chamber of the Ethiopian Federal Parliamentary Assembly, approved financial agreements totaling 1.5 billion U.S. dollars with the World Bank's International Development Association, a fund for the world's least developed countries. The agreements include a 1-billion-U.S.-dollar grant and a 500-million-U.S.-dollar concessional loan to Ethiopia. 
Anticipating the Impact of Scientific Developments on International Peace and Security

Expected Council Action

In October, Switzerland plans to convene a high-level briefing on Anticipating the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security, under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. This is one of the signature events of the Swiss presidency. Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis is expected to chair the meeting.

Background

A New Agenda for Peace, which outlines the Secretary-Generals vision for addressing peace and security challenges and was intended to help inform the deliberations at the Summit of the Future, notes the effects of technology on the peace and security landscape. It states that rapidly advancing and converging technologies have the potential to revolutionize conflict dynamics, adding that developments in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, including those related to weapons systems, are exposing the insufficiency of existing governance frameworks.

On 22 September, the General Assembly adopted resolution A/RES/79/1, endorsing the Pact for the Future and the Global Digital Compact. In Action 27 of the Pact, member states acknowledged that rapid technological advances offer both opportunities and risks to maintaining international peace and security. They committed to leveraging the benefits of new and emerging technologies while addressing the potential risks stemming from their misuse. Member states requested the Secretary-General to keep them informed through his mandated reporting on current developments in science and technology and their potential impact on international security and disarmament efforts.

In recent years, the Security Council has periodically explored the potential of science to promote international peace and security. On 23 May 2022, the US organised a briefing on technology and security. The Council also convened its first formal meeting on artificial intelligence on 18 July 2023, a high-level briefing initiated by the UK titled Artificial intelligence: Opportunities and risks for international peace and security.

In addition, Council members have received briefings about the scientific data linking environmental factors to security concerns in both formal sessions and Arria-formula meetings. In this regard, Valerie Masson-DelmotteCo-Chair of Working Group I at the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which assesses the physical science of climate changebriefed the Council in an Arria-formula meeting on the science of sea-level rise on 18 October 2021. In addition, Chief Scientist of the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) Pavel Kabat briefed the Council on 25 January 2019 in a meeting convened at the initiative of the Dominican Republic on Addressing the impacts of climate-related disasters on international peace and security.

This year, Switzerland organised two informal meetings of Security Council members to explore how science can strengthen the Councils response to global challenges. On 17 May, Switzerland convened an Arria-formula meeting on Unlocking the potential of science for peace and security. Thomas Gurber, State Secretary of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of the Swiss Confederation, delivered opening remarks and chaired the meeting. The briefers included Henrietta Fore, former Executive Director of UNICEF (2018-2022) and a board member of the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator, a foundation co-founded by the Swiss government in 2019 that leverages science and technology to generate inclusive and global solutions for a sustainable future; Dr. Sascha Langenbach, a data scientist at the Center for Security Studies at the ETH Zurich University; and Lieutenant General Mohan Subramanian, the Force Commander of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS). (For more information, see our 16 May Whats in Blue story.)

On 26 August, during the second day of an informal visit of Security Council members to Geneva, three sessions were held focusing on Preventing emerging security risks through innovation, science, and technology. The third session centred on the future implications of scientific advances on global peace and security. Briefers from the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator provided a comprehensive overview of cutting-edge developments in AI, quantum technologies, synthetic biology, and neurotechnology. These fields were identified as crucial to future peace and security opportunities and challenges, with the convergence of these technologies expected to drive significant changes in the coming decades. (For more, see our 3 September Whats in Blue story.)

According to Switzerlands Foreign Policy Strategy for 20242027, science can contribute to diplomatic efforts in the context of good offices, peace promotion and global governance. The strategy identifies anticipatory science diplomacy as seeking to identify the implications of new scientific developments for the global common goods as early as possible and to make them of use to the general public.

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AFRICA

Central African Republic

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council will hold a briefing and consultations on the Secretary-Generals latest report on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA). Special Representative for the Central African Republic (CAR) and Head of MINUSCA Valentine Rugwabiza is expected to brief.

The mandate of MINUSCA expires on 15 November.

Key Recent Developments

On 27 June, Rugwabiza briefed the Council about MINUSCAs efforts to expand its footprint to additional localities in southeastern CAR, paving the way for the extension of state authority in the region. She expressed deep concern over the continuous misinformation and disinformation campaigns against MINUSCA, which she said are further complicating the missions already challenging operating environment.

When renewing MINUSCAs mandate in November 2023, the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to conduct an independent strategic review of the mission through broad consultations with the CAR government and other relevant partners, including UN agencies, member states, regional organisations, civil society, and independent experts. The purpose of the review was to provide detailed recommendations regarding the reconfiguration of MINUSCAs mandate, including a possible transition plan for the missions drawdown when conditions are met.

On 26 February, the Secretary-General appointed Edmond Muleta former UN official who most recently served as the head of the Joint Investigative Mechanism set up under resolution 2235 of 7 August 2015 to investigate the use of chemical weapons in Syriato lead the independent strategic review. Mulet visited the CAR in March and held several meetings with President Faustin Touadera and other relevant stakeholders. The outcome of the strategic review was circulated to Council members on 14 August.

The review provided a contextual analysis of the national, regional, and geopolitical dynamics. It highlighted the proliferation of illegal weapons along the countrys lengthy and porous borders, which has compounded its security challenges and facilitated the exploitation of its natural resources. This situation has created a war economy for many of the armed groups operating in the CAR and the region. The review also noted Russias and Rwandas expanding influence in the CAR and the declining role of traditional partners in the security and development sectors.

Regarding the missions transition and reconfiguration, the review said that there is currently no desire or request from the national authorities for the drawdown of MINUSCA, while acknowledging the host countrys desire to see the missions mandate adapted to support the CAR governments early recovery and development initiatives. It also assessed MINUSCAs mandate as remaining relevant, stressing that its full and effective implementation requires sustained support from the CAR government and the Security Council.

The review recognised that the CAR finds itself at a crossroadswith an encouraging path towards stabilisation, but still facing the risk of a potential relapse. It said that conditions on the ground do not justify a drawdown of MINUSCA in the short- to mid-term. Therefore, the review recommended that the mission and the host country initiate discussions on a potential transition plan in 2026, following the presidential and legislative elections expected to take place in 2025-2026. It added that a detailed technical assessment could be conducted at a later stage to support the transition plan.

Regarding the role of other security personnel (a term used by the UN to refer to the Africa Corps, formerly the Wagner Group, a Russian private security company), the review stressed the need to consider how to promote the accountability of such actors through what it called the Respect, Protect, Remedy framework for business and human rights as well as other existing voluntary international codes of conduct in situations of armed conflict.

The CAR is preparing to hold local elections in October for the first time since 1988. A budget shortfall remains an ongoing challenge despite recent financial commitments by some partners, such as the EU, to support the election. The Secretary-Generals June report on MINUSCA also mentioned the CAR governments formal request to the UN to provide electoral assistance for the countrys 2025-2026 elections. In particular, the CAR government seeks MINUSCAs support in mobilising resources and providing continued technical, operational, logistical, and security support for the local, presidential, and legislative elections.

Sanctions-Related Developments

On 30 July, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2745, lifting the arms embargo on the CAR and renewing until 31 August 2025 the mandate of the Panel of Experts assisting the 2127 CAR Sanctions Committee (which will henceforth be known as the Panel of Experts pursuant to resolution 2745). The resolution also extended until 31 July 2025, and strengthened, all other targeted sanctions measures against armed groups and associated individuals.

While welcoming the lifting of the arms embargo, CARs Minister for Foreign Affairs, Francophonie, and Central Africans Abroad, Sylvie Baipo Temon, expressed readiness to support the panels work in addressing the proliferation of weapons and their illicit trafficking across borders.

Key Issues and Options

In October, Council members will be interested in the outcome of the MINUSCA strategic review and its recommendations. The review is expected to inform the upcoming MINUSCA mandate renewal in November. In this regard, the following issues are likely to draw the attention of Council members:

MINUSCAs possible transition, drawdown and reconfiguration;

restrictions on MINUSCAs freedom of movement and the use of uncrewed aerial vehicles (since December 2023, the CAR government has restricted their use, which some Council members argue undermines the missions ability to enhance its situational awareness, protect civilians, and ensure the safety and security of peacekeepers);

the implementation of the Status of Forces Agreement; and

the role of other security personnel, notably the Africa Corps.

The political and security situation in the CAR continues to be a key issue for Council members. They will be keen to hear about progress in implementing the 2019 Political Agreement for Peace and Reconciliation in the CAR and MINUSCAs support for extending state authority and the disarmament, demobilisation, reintegration and repatriation of former combatants. They might also be interested in developments related to the local elections planned for October and the missions operational and logistical support in line with its mandate.

The dire humanitarian situation in the CAR, exacerbated by conflict, flooding, and disease outbreaks, is another important issue for Council members. According to the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), an outbreak of the infectious viral disease Mpox in the CAR was declared in July with new infections reported in Bangui, the capital, and several other towns.

Human rights remain an ongoing issue. MINUSCAs human rights division prepares an annual report on the human rights situation in the CAR. The last report was released only after the renewal of the MINUSCA mandate in 2023. Council members welcomed the June release of this years report in line with resolution 2709 of 15 November 2023, which requested that the report be made available before the next mandate renewal.

A possible option is for Council members to consider issuing a press statement highlighting the importance of local elections in advancing the countrys peace and political processes and expressing concern about the humanitarian and human rights challenges facing the CAR.

Council Dynamics

Council members appreciate MINUSCAs work and the Special Representatives efforts in maintaining positive relations with host country authorities. Several members continue to raise concerns, however, about restrictions on the missions freedom of movement, particularly on its use of uncrewed aerial vehicles. On the other hand, Russia and the CAR have expressed concerns about armed groups operating drones, which they give as the reason the CAR government suspended all drone flights.

Some Council members, such as France, the US and the UK, have expressed alarm at the increasing disinformation campaigns against MINUSCA. At the Councils June meeting, Temon, the CAR foreign minister, explained the governments continued efforts to counter this trend but noted that it should be seen as an expression of public dissatisfaction with the missions inability to meet peoples expectations.

Regarding MINUSCAs mandate renewal in November, Temon underscored the need to adapt it to new priorities and realities on the ground. China noted positively the strategic reviews recommendations for optimizing and adjusting the mandate and staffing of the Mission, so as to ensure that MINUSCA performs its duties efficiently.

France is the penholder on the CAR, and Ambassador Amar Bendjama (Algeria) chairs the 2745 CAR Sanctions Committee.
AMERICAS

Colombia

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing from Special Representative and Head of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia Carlos Ruiz Massieu on recent developments in Colombia and the Secretary-Generals latest 90-day report on the mission, which was circulated to Council members on 26 September (S/2024/694). A civil society representative is also expected to brief. Switzerland, the Councils president in October, will apparently encourage a focus on issues relating to women, peace and security (WPS) at the meeting.

The Council is also scheduled to renew the verification missions mandate ahead of its 31 October expiry.

Key Recent Developments

The Security Councils latest quarterly briefing on Colombia, held on 11 July, provided a unique opportunity to assess peacebuilding efforts in the country. Colombian President Gustavo Petro Urrego represented his country at a Council meeting for the first time. The Council also heard a briefing from Diego Tovar, an ex-combatant from the former rebel group Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia-Ejercito del Pueblo (FARC-EP) and signatory to the Final Agreement for Ending the Conflict and Building a Stable and Lasting Peace concluded in 2016 between the government of Colombia and the former FARC-EP. This marked the first time that a former FARC-EP member briefed the Council in person.

The period preceding the July meeting witnessed frequent rhetoric from Petro about challenges in implementing the 2016 agreement, including accusations of a lack of cooperation from certain state ministries. These complaints also coincided with discussions about a politically contentious proposal by the president to convene a constituent assembly. (For background, see the brief on Colombia in our July 2024 Monthly Forecast.) Petro did not reference the proposed constituent assembly at the July meeting, and it appears that discussions on the issue have tapered off.

In his remarks at the Council meeting, the President announced his intention to pursue a rapid action response plan, calling it a faster method for enacting laws in Congress that would allow him to accelerate implementation of the peace agreement. He named several key aspects of this plan, including purchase and distribution of land and investment in the development programmes with a territorial focus (PDET). Petro added that the 15-year timeframe envisioned for the implementation of the 2016 accord should be extended by seven years. The Presidents lengthy statement covered many other issues, including the difficult conditions faced by former combatants who laid down their arms. He referred to former territorial area for training and reintegration (TATRs) as concentration camps, noting that its inhabitants are closed off due to threats posed by armed groups that engage in illicit economic activity.

On 3 July, Petro announced that he had appointed Juan Fernando Cristo as Minister of the Interior and tasked him, among other things, with coordinating compliance with the 2016 peace agreement. Cristo had previously served in the same function during the administration of former President Juan Manuel Santos Calderon, playing a key role in negotiating the 2016 accord and in the early stages of its implementation. Several interlocutors, including Council members at the 11 July session, welcomed the appointment as a positive sign of the governments renewed focus on advancing implementation of the agreement. On 24 September, Cristo said that the government will present the rapid action response plan to Congress in the following week.

The past quarter witnessed both progress and challenges in the implementation of the 2016 agreement. In August, Petro led a joint session of the National Commission on Security Guarantees (NCSG) and the High-Level Unit of the Comprehensive Security System for the Exercise of Politics (SISEP) to promote territorial implementation of the public policy to dismantle illegal armed groups and criminal organisations, which the NCSG presented on 7 September 2023.

A session of the Commission for the Follow-up, Promotion and Verification of the Implementation of the Final Agreement (CSIVI)the main forum for dialogue between the parties on the implementation of the accordwas held on 10 September with the participation of government officials such as Cristo, Tovar (who represents signatories to the 2016 agreement at the CSIVI), and international interlocutors. Ruiz Massieu welcomed the session in a post on X (formerly Twitter) and called for the regular operation of this highest instance of the architecture of the Agreement to give a definitive boost to its comprehensive implementationa message also conveyed by Tovar at the 11 July Council meeting.

Persistent insecurity continued to pose the main challenge to the 2016 accords implementation, including to the reintegration of former combatants. In August, 44 ex-combatants and their families were displaced from the Miravalle TATR in the Caqueta department. It was announced in June that the TATR is facing security threats from the dissident group of the former FARC-EP that identifies itself as the Estado Mayor Central Fuerzas Armadas Revolucionarias de Colombia (EMC FARC-EP).

The governments dialogue efforts with armed groups operating in the country, carried out as part of Petros total peace policy, continue to produce mixed results. Nine such dialogues are currently underway. The process with the guerrilla group Ejercito de Liberacion Nacional (ELN)which had been the most advanced to that pointstalled in May following the governments decision to hold a regional dialogue with one of the ELNs regional fronts. On 3 August, the bilateral ceasefire between the government and the ELN, which had been observed for a year, expired, absent agreement from the sides on its extension.

Talks have continued with groups characterised as political by the government, including several factions of the EMC, representing roughly 40 percent of the dissident group, as well as with the armed group Segunda Marquetalia, which consists of former FARC-EP dissidents who signed the 2016 agreement but took up arms again. The government has also established dialogues with groups characterised as criminal that focus on ceasing violence in exchange for judicial benefits. Two new such dialogues started recently with the Autodefensas Conquistadoras de la Sierra Nevada (ACSN) and the Autodefensas Gaitanistas de Colombia (AGC). Some analysts have emphasised that dialogue with the AGCColombias biggest criminal group with presence in 30 percent of the countryis crucial to the success of the total peace policy.

Human Rights-Related Developments In a 4 September press release, the UN Special Rapporteur on extreme poverty and human rights, Olivier De Schutter, warned of Colombias vicious cycle of poverty and conflict, stressing that peace in the country can only be achieved by addressing class divisions and discrimination against the poor. Following his visit to Bogota, Soacha, Ciudad Bolivar, Cali, and Buenaventura, De Schutter noted that poverty is fuelling conflict in Colombia, as limited job opportunities leave the poor vulnerable to recruitment by armed groups, and coca farmers have few alternatives but to cultivate illicit crops. He stated that conflict, in turn, exacerbates poverty by hindering peoples access to education, work, and healthcare. The Special Rapporteur urged the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement to address the illegal drug trade and help coca growers substitute crops. [Farmers] also need improved access to credit and markets, and to obtain a decent price for their produce, he said.

Key Issues and Options

A key priority for the Council in October is to renew the verification missions mandate. Members could choose to adopt a straightforward renewal, without altering the missions tasks.

They may also consider if recent developments require any alteration to the missions mandate, including in light of the expiration of the governments ceasefire with the ELN. Through resolution 2694 of 2 August 2023, the Council tasked the mission with monitoring and verifying the implementation of the bilateral ceasefire, approving 68 additional international observers to that end. The Secretary-Generals report notes that, even after the ceasefires expiry, the missions deployment in the field allowed it to continue to monitor and follow up on developments, to maintain contact with local communities, and to facilitate preventive action when situations of imminent armed contact arose. The report appears to suggest the importance of retaining such capacities, noting that they constitute a key asset, especially considering the current delicate juncture in the peacebuilding process.

An overarching priority for the Council remains supporting the full implementation of the 2016 peace agreement. As Petro reached the half-way point of his term in office, they increasingly emphasised the need to take concrete action to that end. There appears to be lack of clarity on some issues that the president raised at the 11 July meeting, including the details of the rapid action response plan and the extension of the period envisioned for the 2016 agreements implementation. Ahead of Octobers Council session, Council members may choose to interact informally with Cristo or Colombian Minister of Foreign Affairs Luis Gilberto Murillo Urrutia to receive further information on those issues.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their support for the peace process in Colombia and for the verification missions work. Past negotiations on the extension and modification of the missions mandate have generally gone smoothly, although some issues required discussion. For instance, during the negotiations on resolution 2694, China raised concerns about possible budgetary implications that led to the authorisation of 68 additional observers, instead of the 70 initially proposed.

In negotiating resolution 2704 of 30 October 2023, which most recently extended the verification missions mandate, China and Russia opposed the addition of language proposed by some members on issues relating to women, children, and youth. This approach is consistent with other files, as China and Russia often challenge the inclusion of language on WPS and other thematic issues in Council products.

The UK is the penholder on Colombia.

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TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen people have been killed in a flash flood in the southeastern Iranian province of Kerman, the official news agency IRNA reported on Tuesday.

The flood occurred on Monday afternoon as heavy rainfalls caused Halil River in Jiroft County to overflow its banks, the report quoted Jiroft Governor Ahmad Bolandnazar as saying.

The governor added that 16 teams of the provincial Red Crescent Society as well as voluntary forces and local people had been searching for the 15 people missing in the flood since Monday evening, and all the bodies were found by Tuesday.

According to Bolandnazar, all the victims, except one, were Afghan nationals who were swimming in the river when the flood took place.

Afshin Salehinejad, Jiroft's public and revolution prosecutor, said a lawsuit had been filed to take legal action against those potentially culpable, including government organizations such as the province's meteorological organization, the IRNA reported. 
AFRICA

Great Lakes Region (DRC)

Expected Council Action

In October, the Secretary-Generals Special Envoy for the Great Lakes Region, Huang Xia, is expected to provide the biannual briefing to the Council on the implementation of the 2013 Peace, Security, and Cooperation Framework (PSC-F) for the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and the Great Lakes region.

Key Recent Developments

Since the Councils last meeting on the Great Lakes region, the security situation in eastern DRC has remained volatile despite the 30 July signing of a ceasefire between the DRC and Rwanda in Luanda with Angolas facilitation. The agreement calls for the ceasefire, which took effect on 4 August, to be monitored by the Ad-Hoc Verification Mechanism established as part of the Luanda processa regional initiative under the leadership of Angolas President Joao Lourenco to ease tensions between the DRC and Rwanda.

One week after the ceasefire entered into force, Lourenco met Rwandas President Paul Kagame in Kigali on 11 August during the inauguration ceremony following Kagames re-election. He then travelled to Kinshasa on 12 August to meet with DRC President Felix Tshisekedi. During his discussions with the two leaders, Lourenco reportedly followed up on the ceasefires implementation and made further proposals to find a lasting solution to the long-standing conflict in eastern DRC. Subsequently, the foreign ministers of the DRC and Rwanda met twice, first from 20 to 21 August and then on 14 September, to discuss Lourencos proposal. Between these two meetings, senior intelligence officials from DRC, Rwanda and Angola also reportedly met from 29-30 August in Rubavu, Rwanda, to discuss the details of Angolas proposal.

The Security Council welcomed the ceasefire agreement in resolution 2746 of 6 August. The resolution authorised the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to provide operational and logistical support to the Southern African Development Community (SADC) Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), which has operated in the eastern DRC since December 2023. On 17 August, SADC held its ordinary summit in Harare, Zimbabwe, and commended Angola for its role as a mediator.

Nevertheless, clashes between the Congolese Armed Forces (FARDC) and the armed militia Mouvement du 23 Mars (M23) rebel group continue to be reported in North Kivu, the epicentre of the conflict. The FARDC is supported by various armed militias known locally as Wazalendo (patriots) and SAMIDRC. Reports indicate that the M23 has expanded its control of several areas, besieging Goma, the capital of North Kivu.

The East African Community (EAC) has also been engaged in a regional peace initiative (the Nairobi process) to address the situation in the eastern DRC. However, the Nairobi process has been stuck for some time. The EAC foreign ministers held a retreat in Zanzibar, Tanzania, from 6 to 8 July and recommended convening an EAC summit to revitalise the Nairobi process in coordination with the Luanda process. The ministers also reviewed interstate relations within the community, noting the rising tensions among its members and their negative effects on the EAC integration agenda.

During the retreat, the foreign ministers of DRC and Rwanda, which have been in a diplomatic stand-off because of the situation in eastern DRC, agreed to meet within the framework of the Luanda process, as they have now done several times. The foreign ministers of Burundi and Rwanda also agreed to meet on 31 October to address outstanding issues in their bilateral relations. Relations between the two countries have been especially strained since Burundi decided in January to close its border with Rwanda, accusing it of supporting Burundian armed groupsan allegation Rwanda has denied.

The Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes has been working on non-military measures to address the security situation in the eastern DRC, including through the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration (DDR) of former combatants. In this regard, a Contact and Coordination Group (CCG) was established in May 2021 composed of representatives from Burundi, DRC, Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. In August, the Office of the Special Envoy, together with the UN Peace and Development Trust Fund, launched the DDR working group of the CCG to promote regional cooperation on DDR.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members in October is the security and humanitarian situations in eastern DRC, which continues to be a source of tension among countries of the Great Lakes region. They are likely to reiterate their support for the ongoing regional initiatives under the Luanda and Nairobi processes to find a lasting solution to the situation. They may also be keen to hear from Xia on his diplomatic engagement with countries of the region in support of these efforts. A possible option is for Council members to adopt a press statement welcoming the progress in the Luanda process under Angolas auspices and urging the parties to stay engaged in efforts to achieve a comprehensive peace agreement.

The need to ensure coordination among the various regional initiatives in the Great Lakes region has been a major issue for Council members. They could be keen to receive updates on the ongoing efforts under the quadripartite process initiated by the African Union (AU) at a summit in June 2023 and involving the EAC, the Economic Community of Central African States, the International Conference on the Great Lakes Region, and SADC. In its 4 March communique, the AU Peace and Security Council requested the AU Commission to convene a second quadripartite summit to follow up on the implementation of commitments made during the first summit. At the time of writing, there was no indication when the second summit would take place.

Another important issue is the discussion about the revitalisation of the 2013 PSC-F to address the root causes of instability in the DRC and the Great Lakes region. Council members may wish to follow up on the decisions of the 11th meeting of the Regional Oversight Mechanism (ROM) of the PSC-F in Bujumbura in May 2023 and learn more about preparations for the upcoming ROM meeting in Uganda, which is planned for late 2024, although no date has been set.

Support for regional forces deployed in eastern DRC has been an ongoing issue. The Security Council requested the Secretary-General to report on the implementation of resolution 2746 and for SAMIDRC to report on its activities, including coordination with MONUSCO, by 15 November.

Council Dynamics

Council members are broadly supportive of addressing the root causes and drivers of conflict in the Great Lakes region. They believe the principles and commitments enshrined in the PSC-F remain relevant and should be respected by the signatory countries. They also support the goal of reinvigorating the PSC-F. Council members agree that there is no military solution to the situation in the eastern DRC and remain fully supportive of the efforts to find a political solution through the ongoing regional initiatives under the Luanda and Nairobi processes. They may welcome the role being played by Lourenco in facilitating talks involving the DRC and Rwanda to ease the tensions between the two countries.

Council members are concerned about the worsening humanitarian and human rights situation in the Great Lakes region, including the massive displacement of people due to the ongoing fighting and violations such as sexual exploitation and abuse in eastern DRC. Some members continue to call for full adherence to international humanitarian law and international human rights law and to stress the need to ensure accountability and justice for human rights abuses and crimes committed in eastern DRC.

The increasing level of hate speech and incitement to violence against Kinyarwanda communities in eastern DRC has raised significant concerns among some Council members.

Council members also continue to highlight the need to address the illegal exploitation of natural resources, which is fuelling the conflict in eastern DRC. They support the implementation of the UN Strategy for Peace Consolidation, Conflict Prevention, and Conflict Resolution in the Great Lakes Region developed by the Office of the Special Envoy for the Great Lakes. One of the key priorities of the strategy is to promote not only sustainable and transparent management of natural resources but also trade and investment.
AMERICAS

Haiti

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to renew the Haiti sanctions regime, which was established by resolution 2653 of 21 October 2022. Its current mandate expires on 19 October.

Additionally, the Council will hold its 90-day briefing on the situation in Haiti. Special Representative and Head of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH) Maria Isabel Salvador will brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country and the Secretary-Generals latest report on BINUH. A representative of Kenya may also provide an update on the deployment of the Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission, which the Council authorised under Kenyas leadership through resolution 2699 of 2 October 2023 to help Haiti combat gang activity. The Council most recently renewed that authorisation for one year through resolution 2751 of 30 September.

Background and Key Recent Developments

After the assassination of President Jovenel Moise in July 2021, Haiti descended into a multidimensional crisis characterised by political deadlock, extreme violence, and dire humanitarian conditions. Criminal gangs overran an estimated 80 percent of Port-au-Prince, the capital, employing brutal tactics such as kidnapping, sexual violence, and murder to subdue and subjugate the civilian population. The instability caused widespread displacement and acute food insecurity while exacerbating a governance crisis by preventing elections, which have not taken place in the country since 2016.

A new surge in gang violence starting in February prompted the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to facilitate an agreement among Haitian stakeholders on a political transition to stabilise the countrys security situation and restore democratic governance. The agreement established a Transitional Presidential Council (TPC), which was formally installed in April; it comprises seven voting members representing political parties and the private sector and two non-voting observers drawn from civil society and the religious community. The TPC was charged with selecting a new interim prime minister, establishing a provisional electoral council and national security council, and collaborating with the international community to accelerate the deployment of the MSS mission. According to a political agreement signed by TPC members, the transitional period will culminate in the holding of presidential elections by February 2026.

The TPC has made some progress toward these objectives, including appointing former UN official Garry Conille as interim prime minister, selecting a transitional cabinet, and receiving the first MSS contingents from Kenya in June and July. Other aspects of the TPCs work have stalled, however, such as the formation of a provisional electoral council, which has reportedly been delayed because of internal disagreements among the civil society sectors expected to serve on the body. Moreover, the TPC itself has been the subject of controversy, as three of its voting members have been implicated in a high-profile corruption scandal that has complicated its work and challenged its perceived legitimacy.

Meanwhile, Haitis security and humanitarian situations remain dire. According to BINUHs most recent quarterly figures, the mission recorded 1,379 victims of gang-related murders and injuries between 1 April and 30 June. This constitutes a decrease of 45 percent compared to the peak recorded during the previous quarter, although it remains a high figure by historical standards. The violence also continues to have serious humanitarian consequences: the International Organization for Migration (IOM) found that the number of internally displaced persons in the country increased by 22 percent from 578,000 to more than 700,000 between June and September (following an increase of nearly 60 percent between March and June), while the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) designated the country a famine hotspot of highest concern in their latest outlook report covering the period from June to October. In an 18 September press conference, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres described Haiti as one of the most disastrous humanitarian situations in the whole world.

On 30 September, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2751, renewing for one year the MSS missions authorisation under Kenyas leadership. The mission is mandated to provide operational support to the Haitian National Police (HNP) to counter gangs, with the aim of building security conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections. Since Kenya deployed its two first police contingents in June and July, the mission has helped the HNP achieve some success in retaking critical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince that was previously under gang control, but it remains under-resourced, facing funding and equipment shortfalls that limit its ability to scale up its physical presence and take and hold additional territory. (For more information on the MSS mission and resolution 2751, see our 29 September Whats in Blue story.)

Resolution 2653 imposed a sanctions regime on Haiti, comprising targeted assets freeze, travel ban, and arms embargo measures. Resolution 2699 subsequently expanded the arms embargo from targeted measures applying to designated individuals to a territorial embargo covering the country as a whole, after which resolution 2700 of 19 October 2023 renewed the entire sanctions regime for one year.

The regimes designation criteria include engaging in or supporting criminal activities and violence involving armed groups and criminal networks; supporting illicit trafficking and diversion of arms and related materiel; obstructing the delivery of humanitarian assistance to and inside Haiti; and attacking personnel or premises of UN missions and operations or providing support for such attacks. On 27 September, the Security Councils 2653 Sanctions Committee approved the designation of two additional individuals: Elan Luckson, leader of the Gran Grif gang, and Victor Prophane, former member of the Haitian parliament allegedly involved in arms trafficking. While the sanctions committee had previously listed five other gang leaders under the regime, Prophane is the first designated individual from Haitis political class.

The sanctions committee most recently met on 11 September to discuss the final report of its Panel of Experts. The report, which was not yet publicly available at the time of writing, apparently assessed that the arms embargo remains largely ineffective at preventing the flow of illicit arms into Haiti. The UN Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) previously issued reports in October 2023 and January 2024, submitted to the Security Council pursuant to resolution 2692, which described the main smuggling routes for firearms trafficking into Haiti, considered the regional dynamics of the illicit trade, and reviewed the domestic characteristics of the arms trade within Haiti.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 20 September, the UN Designated Expert on Human Rights in Haiti, William ONeill, finished a 12-day visit to the country. In a press conference concluding his trip, he said that all indicators remain extremely worrying, highlighting the countrys security situation as the most concerning among them. He reported that sexual violence, used by the gangs as a weapon to control the population, has drastically increased in recent months, as has the forcible recruitment of children to carry out attacks against public institutions and the police. Additionally, ONeill noted that only 28 percent of the countrys health services are functioning normally, prisons are severely overcrowded, and almost five million people are suffering from acute food insecurity. With regard to UN sanctions, ONeill said that [d]espite an international embargo, arms and ammunition continue to be smuggled into the country, enabling gangs to carry out large-scale attacks and extend their control and influence over new territories.

Key Issues and Options

The key issue for the Security Council in October is to renew the 2653 sanctions regime on Haiti.

In light of the most recent findings by the regimes Panel of Experts and other UN actors concerning the efficacy of the regimes territorial arms embargo, Council members may consider new measures to further strengthen it. One option apparently recommended by the panel is to widen the scope of the embargo, which under resolution 2699 applies to small arms, light weapons, and ammunition. Council members could expand this list to include other kinds of military equipment, as well as technical assistance, training, and financial support related to military activities. In doing so, members could draw on previously agreed language from resolution 2653, which originally established the arms embargothen in the form of targeted measureswith this broader purview.

Additionally, following the adoption of resolution 2751 renewing the MSS missions authorisation, Council members may continue to consider measures to secure more sustainable funding and support for the mission from the international community.

Council Dynamics

Council members are united in their concern about Haitis multidimensional crisis and generally agree on the need for a Haitian-led political solution that addresses both security and socioeconomic challenges. Members are also broadly supportive of UN engagement in Haiti.

This consensus largely extends to the 2653 sanctions regime, which the Council established and renewed unanimously through resolutions 2653 and 2700, respectively. However, the specific provision to expand the arms embargo from a targeted measure to a country-wide restriction was discussed separately during Council negotiations on resolution 2699 and proved more contentious. The provision was proposed by China and faced some opposition from the USwhich is the country of origin for most of the arms illegally smuggled into Haiti, according to UNODCs reportsalthough it was eventually incorporated into the text.

Another point of contention concerns the possible transformation of the MSS mission into a UN peacekeeping operation, which would grant the mission more sustainable funding through the assessed contributions of UN member states. During negotiations on resolution 2751, Ecuador and the USthe Councils penholders on Haitiapparently sought to include language expressing the Councils intention to consider such a transformation, but this was opposed by China and Russia, which referred to the chequered history of past UN peacekeeping operations in Haiti and argued that the countrys political and security conditions were not conducive to a new operation.

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In Hindsight: Does the Security Council Matter?

Parting Reflections of Executive Director Karin Landgren

The six years Ive spent as Security Council Reports (SCR) Executive Director have been eventful. SCR has observed and documented the Councils actions on dramatically changing situations including the COVID-19 pandemic, Ukraine, and Gaza, and on major policy shifts, such as the UN financing of AU peace support operations. Day in and day out, SCR has interacted with Council members, other member states, regional bodies, the UN Secretariat, academia, and civil society in order to produce impartial, nuanced and fact-checked reports on issues before the Security Council. I feel privileged to have held this position, in which I have learned a great deal. Stepping down, I offer some reflections on the Security Councils impact on international peace and security.

The world has suffered gravely from the Security Councils failure to have meaningful impact on the conflicts in Gaza and Ukraineand in Sudan, Myanmar, and Yemen. Also in Afghanistan, where women are written out of public life and denied their human rights, and Haiti, where gangs rule.

These Council failures contribute to international law unravelling, normalising violations and impunity for them, and further weakening the universality of norms. The political cost of atrocity crimes is now shockingly loweven for plausible cases of genocide. The Charter presupposed that the Councils core members would stand up for its core values. Often, they have not.

In negotiations on Security Council products, references to international human rights law, international humanitarian law, the rights of women, and climate security routinely draw objections and may need to be deleted in order to secure agreement. In some of todays conflicts, states are turning to the International Court of Justice and the International Criminal Court in the face of Security Council inaction.

Does the Security Council matter if it cant change behaviours on the ground?

In the past, it was able to do more. When East Timor flared into violence, in 1999, Council members pressed for a lawful and rights-respecting solution. Their action, including a visiting mission by five Council members to Jakarta and Dili, was persuasive.

Between 2009 and 2015, when I headed three UN peace operations, the Council stood unanimously behind the 16 relevant resolutions setting out the functions of those operations. In Nepal with UNMIN, Burundi with BNUB, and Liberia with UNMIL, we could point confidently to a unified Security Council position, interpret the Councils intentions to the government, and meet with a supportive group of Council members represented locally. Years after the peace operations closed, these countries have not gone back to war.

Today, there is far less Security Council agreement signposting the political trajectory out of conflicts. In fact, countries in crisis now quickly attract involvement by states who see ways of leveraging that chaosand those states often include Council members.

But I see areas where change for the better is within reach.

The first concerns the role of the ten elected Security Council members, who have greatly strengthened their collective identity (as the E10). They often lead the way in calling for respect for international law, the protection of human rights, and humanitarian access. They have worked hard to find common positions among sub-groups  such as the three African members (A3, lately joined twice by a member from the Latin American and Caribbean group), and cross-regional alliances, such as Ireland and Niger joining forces on a draft climate change resolution in 2021.

Elected members have found that they can apply pressure for issues to be discussed and drive political momentum. Notably, more elected members have stepped up to draft Council products: in March 2024, resolution 2728 calling for an immediate ceasefire in Gaza was attributed to all ten elected members, a first. With the 2021 Presidency on Women, Peace and Security, elected members pioneered monthly commitments, coordinated across successive presidencies, and drew in some permanent members. Elected members have subsequently initiated other pledges: Malta, Mozambique, Switzerland, and the UAE on climate, peace and security in 2023 that now has the support of 11 members, and just last month, a joint action on conflict prevention in support of A New Agenda for Peace launched by Sierra Leone, Slovenia, and Switzerland.

The burgeoning leadership by elected members is recent and responds to the permanent members disunity as well as their shortcomings as caretakers of the UN Charter. It represents real change. On 23 September, the ten elected and five incoming members met at ministerial level, underlining the space that this cohort now occupiesa meeting cohosted by the governments of Slovenia, Ecuador, and Kuwait and by Security Council Report.

Many elected members prepare extensively for their Council terms, years in advance, and staff up significantly, at times including personnel lent by other countries or regional bodies. SCR has supported the preparation of some fifty incoming elected members since 2012. But there are challenges. Being an active, effective Council member is hard work. Among the most frequently asked questions at the annual Hitting the Ground Running workshopwhich Finland has organised since 2003, in cooperation with SCR since 2020is how to measure success as a Council member. Several member states have told SCR that their countrys Council terms could have had greater impact.

States could consider a careful review of how their region selects, and endorses, the country or countries that will compete for Council elected membership. (Every region does so differently, as explained in SCRs annual research report on the Security Council elections.) They might also look at expanding and regularising the ways partners, whether regional or bilateral, can provide practical support for countries joining the Council.

A second reflection concerns some Council members stiffened resistance to receiving independent, factual briefings and reports.

Nearly a quarter century ago, in the specific context of peace operations, Lakhdar Brahimi called for the UN Secretariat to tell the Council what it needs to know, not what it wants to hear. Doing so has become harder across the board. In 2023 and 2024, the Panels of Experts reporting on Mali and on the DPRK were shut down by Russian vetoes. Council members seeking to discuss particular conflict situations, even behind closed doors, have been intimidated and even seen their diplomatic personnel expelled by the country in question. Civil society representatives have also faced threats after briefing the Security Council. OHCHR, too, has encountered pressure and staff expulsions, such as in Mali. Robust reporting now requires fortitude. The truth is on the back foot.

The belief that good information can empower better decision-making is core to SCRs work. And many issues on the Councils agenda are complex and long-standing. Not all elected members know these situations well. Moreover, every year one-third of the Councils members are newand the group now makes far fewer visits to the field than it did before COVID-19.

SCR has described the Secretariats practice of candid situational briefings to Council members, which started in November 2010. These largely ended in 2013, having become a Sisyphean task: as a senior Secretariat official reported in private, Every time we do horizon-scanning, we get beaten up. Elected members have periodically sought to revive a form of early warning briefings at a less formal level.

The Council should as a minimum seek and receive factual and impartial information on situations of concern to the Secretary-General, and all the situations already on its agenda. The weight is on the UN Secretariat to convey political and operational field realities, to produce sound, impartial analyses and recommendations for action, and to help protect Security Council briefers from harm.

A third reflection is on the possibilities offered by a great hinterland of under-utilised elements in the UN Charter, in the Councils working methods, and in the role of the Secretary-General. SCR has written extensively about this trove of options. They include the Charters Article 99 (invoked explicitly by the Secretary-General in December 2023 to warn the Council of an impending humanitarian catastrophe in Gaza); its Chapter VIII on regional arrangements (in the spirit of which the Council adopted resolution 2719, on UN financing of AU-led peace support operations); and Article 27(3) on abstention from voting, Article 33 on first steps in the peaceful settlement of disputes, and Article 34, on the Councils right to investigate any situation or dispute that might lead to international friction or give rise to a dispute, in particular. In its entire history, the Council has only once used 6 (1), which enables it to request an advisory opinion from the ICJ on any legal question. There is also Article 94(2), allowing the Council to make recommendations or decide how to give effect to an ICJ judgment, if so asked by one of the parties to the dispute.

The General Assembly opting to play a stronger role in matters of international peace and securityfor example, through its 2022 veto initiativefalls within this basket of issues. Arguably, so does the process of appointing the UN Secretary-General, which became significantly more transparent in 2016 after extensive civil society campaigning, and will be more important than ever the next time around, in 2026.

As well, the Councils use of its strongest tools, peacekeeping and sanctions, is in decline; soon these too can fairly be termed under-utilised. 2024 marked ten years since the Council last launched a UN peacekeeping operation, in the Central African Republic (CAR). Its continued pullback from sanctions is also visible. Between 1990 and 2015, the Council created on average one new sanctions regime a year. But since the 2017 Mali sanctions regime (abolished by a Russian veto in 2023), sanctions have been set up only for Haiti, in 2022. And it has been difficult to add new listings, or new criteria, to existing sanctions regimes.

Non-UN-led efforts to keep the peace, such as the Multinational Security Support Mission in Haiti and the Southern African Development Community (SADC)-led mission in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), today face serious difficulties. UN peacekeeping is imperfect, and sometimes the wrong tool. But there are decades of evidence in its support. Security Council members and the Secretariat including the Secretary-Generalwould be well advised to keep UN peacekeeping capabilities well-oiled and forward-looking. Potential peacekeeping missions are being discussed in some quarters for some of the worlds most desperate situations, including Haiti, Sudan, Gaza, and Ukraine. Peacekeeping has been an adaptable and flexible tool, and a ministerial-level meeting in Berlin in May 2025 is expected to explore a wide range of models.

At this time of war, polarisation, and desperation, one commentator after the next cites lines from W.B. Yeats The Second Coming, of 1919:

Things fall apart; the centre cannot hold;

Mere anarchy is loosed upon the world

Invoking this poem at every last crisis of the past does not make it more true. Recently, I found a take I much prefer: that things fall apart if we let them.

Addressing the opening of the General Assembly last week, the Secretary-General named impunity as the greatest driver of global unsustainability. Impunity, he said, is politically indefensible and morally intolerable. But it is not written in the cards that international law will fall apart, and that impunity will reign. Rather, peace and its partsincluding respect for international laware an ongoing project. Keeping the project alive depends on people the world over. Not letting things fall apartvaluable and hard-won things, such as accountability for violations of international lawis up to all of us.
EUROPE

Kosovo

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to hold its second briefing of the year on the situation in Kosovo. Special Representative and head of the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) Caroline Ziadeh will brief on recent developments and the Secretary-Generals latest report.

Key Recent Developments

There has been no meaningful progress in implementing the commitments that Belgrade and Pristina verbally agreed to in Ohrid, North Macedonia, as part of the EU-proposed Agreement on the Path to Normalisation of 27 February 2023 and its Implementation Annex of 18 March 2023. The 11-point agreement stipulated that neither Kosovo nor Serbia can represent the other in the international sphere and that Serbia will not object to Kosovos membership in international organisations. In exchange, Kosovo committed to forming specific arrangements and guaranteesto ensure an appropriate level of self-management for the Serbian community in Kosovo. The annex notably emphasised the need for the parties to implement the agreements 11 points independently of each other. However, diverging views on the sequencing of the implementation have hindered concrete progress.

European Union (EU) High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Josep Borrell Fontelles invited Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Prime Minister of Kosovo Albin Kurti to Brussels on 26 June for a high-level meeting as part of the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue. The trilateral meeting, however, did not take place. In a press conference that day, Borrell explained that Kosovo had set three conditions for its participation: the formalisation of the Ohrid Agreement by having both parties sign it; the withdrawal of a letter from former Serbian Prime Minister Ana Brnabic to the European External Action Service, in which she argued that the Ohrid Agreement is acceptable solely within the context that does not pertain to the de facto and de jure recognition of Kosovo; and that Serbia hand over Milan Radoicic, the former vice president of the predominant political party in Serb-majority northern Kosovo, Serbian List, and his affiliates to Kosovos judicial authorities.

Radoicic and 44 others were indicted by Kosovos Special Prosecutor on 11 September for their alleged involvement in the 24 September 2023 security incident near Banjska/Banjske village in northern Kosovo. This incident, which saw armed clashes between assailants and Kosovo police, resulted in the death of one police officer, injuries to two others, and the deaths of three armed assailants. While Radoicic later admitted his involvement and resigned from his political position, Serbia has ruled out his extradition.

After the 26 June trilateral meeting fell through, Borrell remarked that Serbia was not ready to fully meet Kosovos conditions, citing constitutional constraints. He noted Vucics willingness to explore options regarding Brnabics letter and formalising the Ohrid Agreement in line with past dialogue practices. Borrell also said that, prior to the cancellation of the meeting, the EU presented a new proposal for the Ohrid Agreements implementation. He emphasised, however, that the parties views on how the normalisation process should proceed remain far apart.

On 15 May, the EU announced that Kosovo and Serbia had failed to reach a compromise during a trilateral meeting regarding the Central Bank of Kosovos new regulation mandating the use of the euro as the sole currency for cash transactions in Kosovo starting on 1 February. (For background information, see our 7 February Whats in Blue story.)

Following the failed talks, Kosovo police conducted several operations targeting banking facilities in northern Kosovo. On 20 May, they closed and confiscated six offices of the Serbian Postal Savings Bank in four northern municipalities, alleging in a press release that these institutions had been operating illegally and that the actions were taken to establish law and order. The following day, the EU described the operation as escalatory and said it contradicted the spirit of normalisation. On 31 May, Ziadeh stressed the importance of avoiding unilateral actions that could increase tensions, jeopardize stability and undermine trust among communities.

On 5 August, Kosovo police shut down nine offices of the Serbian national postal service, Posta Srbije, citing suspicions that these offices were operating without proper licensing and registration. The move was criticised by several international interlocutors, including the EU, the UN, and the US. The EU pointed out that, according to the arrangements regarding telecommunications reached in 2013 and the action plan agreed upon in 2015, both parties had committed to addressing postal services at a later stage.

On 30 August, Kosovo police closed several municipal institutions in northern Kosovo that it described as illegal structures. The closures were again met with international criticism. The EU stressed that the operation put the fragile security situation on the ground at risk and noted that the EU Rule of Law Mission in Kosovo (EULEX) was deployed to monitor the conduct of the operation. Similarly, the US expressed disappointment with the uncoordinated actions taken by Kosovo authorities and cautioned that such actions put Kosovan citizens and [Kosovo Force] soldiers at greater risk, unnecessarily escalate regional tensions, and undermine Kosovos reputation as a reliable international partner. Ziadeh highlighted that such actions undermine efforts to consolidate trust between different communities and to maintain security, stability and peace.

Key Issues and Options

The Councils priority is to maintain stability in Kosovo and promote the de-escalation of tensions in the north. It will continue to monitor diplomatic efforts to advance the Belgrade-Pristina dialogue and any efforts towards reaching a final, legally binding agreement on Kosovo. To this end, the Council could consider pursuing a presidential statement calling on all parties to refrain from unilateral actions and to resolve outstanding issues through the EU-facilitated dialogue.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Council members are united in supporting the EU-facilitated dialogue to establish conditions for the normalisation of relations between Belgrade and Pristina. Deep divisions among permanent members, however, continue to characterise the Councils approach to the issue.

Among the five permanent Council members, France, the UK, and the US recognise Kosovos independence and tend to be supportive of its government; China and Russia do not recognise its independence and strongly support Serbias position and its claim to territorial integrity. Six elected members (Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea [ROK], Slovenia, and Switzerland) recognise Kosovos independence while three (Algeria, Ecuador, and Mozambique) do not. Kosovo says that Sierra Leone officially recognised its independence in June 2008. According to media reports, however, Serbia claimed in March 2020 that Sierra Leone had withdrawn its recognition, citing a note verbale on the matter from Sierra Leones Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Kosovo disputes the validity of the withdrawal.

The issue of modifying UNMIKs mandate with a view to its possible drawdown is another point of contention among Council members. The US has been the most vocal advocate for reviewing UNMIKs operations and ultimately phasing out the mission. Several other Council membersincluding Japan, Switzerland, the ROK, and the UKhave expressed support for a strategic review and potential modification of UNMIKs mandate, arguing that the situation on the ground has changed significantly since the mission was established in 1999. Russia has opposed any changes to UNMIKs mandate or budget reduction, maintaining that the mission continues to play a crucial role.

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MIDDLE EAST

Lebanon

Expected Council Action

In October, Security Council members are expected to receive their semi-annual briefing in closed consultations on the Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 1559. Adopted in 2004, the resolution called for the withdrawal of foreign forces from Lebanon, the disarmament of all militias, and the extension of government control over the whole Lebanese territory. Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo is the anticipated briefer.

Council members are also likely to watch developments in Lebanon, Israel, and the region closely and evaluate whether additional Council action is required.

Key Recent Developments

The armed conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has intensified rapidly. On 17 and 18 September, a wave of attacks widely attributed to Israel detonated thousands of Hezbollahs electronic communication devices across Lebanon. The 17 September attacks, which exploded pager devices, killed 12 people, including two children, and injured over 2,323, while the 18 September attacks, which detonated two-way radios, killed 25 people and injured 608, according to figures provided by the Lebanese Ministry of Public Health. Explosions of communication devices were also reported in Syria, where 14 people were injured, according to the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR), a UK-based monitoring group with a presence in the country. On 18 September, Lebanese Minister for Foreign Affairs and Emigrants Abdallah Bou Habib condemned the Israeli attack, adding that it represents a blatant assault on Lebanons sovereignty and its security.

The 17-18 September attacks came against the backdrop of the war in Gaza between Israel and Hamas and near-daily exchanges of fire across the Blue Line between Israel and Hezbollah and other armed groups following the outbreak of the war on 7 October 2023. Hezbollah has been firing rockets into northern Israel in support of Hamas, while Israel has responded with airstrikes and the assassination of Hezbollah commanders in Lebanon, with the exchanges of fire intensifying progressively in recent months. (The Blue Line is a withdrawal line set by the UN in 2000 to confirm the withdrawal of Israeli forces from southern Lebanon. While not representing an international border, the Blue Line acts in practice as a boundary between Lebanon and Israel in the absence of an agreed-upon border between the two states. Any unauthorised crossing of the Blue Line constitutes a violation of resolution 1701, which in 2006 called for a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah. For background on the war in Gaza, see the brief on The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question in our October Monthly Forecast.)

Even before the current escalation, the exchanges of fire had displaced tens of thousands of people both in Israel and Lebanon and resulted in casualties among combatants and civilians on both sides of the Blue Line, with the Associated Press reporting on 19 September that over 500 people had been killed in Lebanon by Israeli strikes since the start of the escalation, most of them combatants but also more than 100 civilians, while at least 23 soldiers and 26 civilians had been killed in northern Israel by strikes from Lebanese territory.

On 18 September, a division of the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) relocated from Gaza to the north of Israel and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant announced that Israel was opening a new phase in the war to secure the return of its citizens to the north of Israel. In a 19 September speech, Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah warned that Israel will face retribution. He said that Israel will not be able to return its displaced residents to their homes through military escalation, adding that the only way to achieve this is to halt the aggression on the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. In an 18 September letter to the Security Council, Iran, whose ambassador to Lebanon was injured in the 17 September explosions, said that it would follow up on the attack by taking the required measures deemed necessary to respond.

Following the 17-18 September attacks, Israel carried out large-scale airstrikes on 23 and 24 September, mainly in areas in southern and eastern Lebanon but also targeting some areas of Beirut, on what it said were some 1,600 Hezbollah targets. For its part, Hezbollah launched hundreds of rockets into Israel. According to figures cited by Lebanese Minister of Public Health Firass Abiad on 24 September, 569 people were killed in Lebanon on 23 and 24 September, including [a]t least 50 children, 94 women and four paramedics. In a 24 September statement, the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) reported that one of its staff members and her son were killed in an Israeli airstrike, while a UNHCR contractor was also confirmed dead.

Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon continued on 25 September, while Hezbollah launched a ballistic missile directed at the headquarters of the Mossad, the Israeli intelligence service, near Tel Aviv. Israel intercepted the missile.

The Security Council discussed the escalation of hostilities in two meetings on 20 and 25 September called respectively by Algeria and France. The 20 September briefing was followed by closed consultations. At the 25 September briefing, France and the US announced that they had worked on a soon-to-be public proposal for a temporary ceasefire to allow for negotiations. In a joint statement issued the following day, Australia, Canada, the EU, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, the UK, and the US called for an immediate ceasefire of 21 days across the Lebanon-Israel border to provide space for diplomacy towards the conclusion of a diplomatic settlement consistent with resolutions 1701 and 2735. (Resolution 2735 welcomed a ceasefire proposal for the war in Gaza announced by the US on 31 May.)

A ceasefire seems unlikely, however. On 26 September, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said that the Israeli military will continue hitting Hezbollah until all of Israels goals are achieved, while Foreign Minister Israel Katz said in a social media post that [t]here will be no ceasefire in the north. On 26 and 27 September, Israeli bombardments in Lebanon continued, with airstrikes also hitting what Israel described as Hezbollah targets in Beirut, including its headquarters. On 28 September, Hezbollah confirmed that Nasrallah had been killed in an Israeli airstrike the previous day. The attack levelled dozens of buildings in southern Beirut marking the most intense Israeli strike since the 2006 war in Lebanon, according to an update by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA). While full figures were not available at the time of writing, the casualty rate of the attack is likely to be high given the scale of destruction. In a 28 September statement, Spokesperson for the Secretary-General Stephane Dujarric called for the cycle of violence to immediately stop and urged all sides to step back from the brink.

On 30 September, Hezbollah deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem reportedly said that Hezbollahs position will not budge an inch on the connection between the front in Lebanon and that in Gaza before adding that Hezbollah is ready and prepared if Israel wants to launch a ground incursion. Israeli airstrikes on Lebanese territory continued on 28, 29 and 30 September, with the Wall Street Journal reporting on 30 September that Israel has carried out intelligence-gathering raids in southern Lebanon both recently and in past months in preparation of a possible ground operation. Hezbollah has continued firing rockets towards Israel. Iran has vowed that it, too, will respond to Nasrallahs assassination, but it has thus far refrained from doing so by force in a likely attempt to avoid being dragged into a direct military confrontation with Israel.

At press time, several media outlets were reporting that an Israeli ground invasion into southern Lebanon was imminent.

On 28 September, Iran, whose general Abbas Nilforushan was killed in the same airstrike that assassinated Nasrallah, called for an emergency Security Council meeting on Lebanon.

According to a 25 September OCHA update, Israeli airstrikes extended to regions previously untouched by the conflict, prompting mass movements of residents toward Beirut and other areas, and severely damaging water infrastructure in areas in eastern and southern Lebanon, cutting off access to clean water for at least 30,000 people. As at 27 September, over 70,000 displaced people were registered in shelters in Lebanon, according to Lebanese authorities. UNHCR said that the displacement is also affecting Syrian refugees in Lebanon, with hundreds of vehicles and large crowds reported at the Syrian border. On 30 September, UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi said in a social media post that the number of people, both Syrian and Lebanese, who crossed into Syria fleeing Israeli airstrikes had reached 100,000.

On 28 August, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2749, extending the mandate of the UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) for another year, until 31 August 2025. Against the backdrop of the escalation, UNIFIL has remained in contact with the parties, supporting humanitarian access and calling for de-escalation. While peacekeepers remain deployed in UNIFILs area of operation, most civilian personnel have been temporarily relocated north of the Litani River. At a 30 September press briefing, Dujarric said that while the peacekeepers remain in position, the intensity of fighting is preventing their movements and ability to undertake their mandated tasks.

The political situation in Lebanon remains unchanged. Lebanon has been without a president for almost two years since Michel Aouns term ended on 31 October 2022, with opposing politico-sectarian blocks unable to agree on a candidate. The presidential vacuum is compounded by the fact that, over two years since the 15 May 2022 legislative elections, Lebanons government remains in caretaker status.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In an 18 September statement addressing the 17-18 September attacks, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Volker Turk said that [s]imultaneous targeting of thousands of individuals, whether civilians or members of armed groups, without knowledge as to who was in possession of the targeted devices, their location and their surroundings at the time of the attack, violates international human rights law and, to the extent applicable, international humanitarian law. Turk appealed to all states with influence to take immediate action to prevent further escalation of the conflict. He also called for an independent investigation into the mass explosions, emphasising that those who ordered the attack must be held accountable.

In a 30 September statement, over 30 UN independent experts warned that the escalating armed conflict risks swallowing up the whole region in a humanitarian and geopolitical catastrophe. The statement condemned Israels use of the same destructive violence that was applied in Gaza to its attacks on Lebanon adding that the airstrikes in densely populated areas in Lebanon fail the tests of distinction, proportionality, precaution and necessity under international humanitarian law and may constitute domicide for mass destruction of homes. The statement also expressed concern about the harm caused by rockets and missiles launched by Hezbollah into Israel since October 2023.

Key Issues and Options

Returning to a cessation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah and averting a full-scale regional conflagration in the Middle East are pivotal issues for the Security Council. All indicators from the ground point to a different direction, however, with IDF Chief of General Staff Herzi Halevi saying on 25 September that the recent Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon were designed to prepare the ground for a possible entry into Lebanese territory, and Hezbollahs leadership remaining steadfast in its position that it will continue to fire at Israel as long as the war in Gaza continues.

More broadly, the non-implementation of resolutions 1559 and 1701 remains a key concern. Council members may consider issuing a resolution urging all relevant parties to immediately cease fire, protect civilians, respect international law, and implement Security Council resolutions 1559 and 1701.

That the root causes of the hostility between Israel and Hezbollah and of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict remain unaddressed is a long-standing issue. At the same time, a ceasefire in Gazahowever remote the possibility continues to appearwould contribute to de-escalating the situation in Lebanon and in the wider region. Council members could renew their efforts towards that end. (For options in this regard, see the brief The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question in our October Monthly Forecast.)

Council Dynamics

Council members ostensibly agree that a full-scale conflict between Israel and Hezbollah must be avoided. However, difficult dynamics are likely to result in ineffective Council action, or inaction, on this file. During the closed consultations that followed the 20 September briefing on Lebanon, Council members discussed issuing press elements that would have condemned the 17-18 September communication devices explosions, called for a de-escalation and a cessation of hostilities, and emphasised the need to protect civilians. It appears, however, that members were eventually unable to agree on press elements due to opposition by the US, Israels key ally on the Security Council.

Sharp differences persist in Security Council members views of Hezbollah. Some members distinguish between Hezbollahs political and military wings and have designated only its military wing as a terrorist organisation; other members, including the UK and the US, have listed Hezbollah in its entirety as a terrorist organisation. On the other hand, Russia sees Hezbollah as a legitimate sociopolitical force in Lebanon.

Council members are broadly supportive of UNIFIL. Nevertheless, the negotiations on resolution 2749 proved difficult. The US sought at first to delete, and later to qualify, draft language directly demanding a restoration of the cessation of hostilities across the Blue Line, a move that some members interpreted as being motivated by wanting to avoid restricting Israels ability to fight against Hezbollah. Proposals from the US to reduce the length of UNIFILs mandate renewal from 12 to six months or, alternatively, linking a one-year renewal to expressing the Councils intention to revisit UNIFILs mandate to help enable the full implementation of any future diplomatic understanding between the parties did not find support and were not included. Among other issues, several members were apparently uncomfortable with the Security Council linking UNIFILs mandate renewal to an agreement that is yet to materialise and the conditions and format to which they were not privy.

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AFRICA

Libya

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL), which expires on 31 October.

Additionally, the Council will hold its bimonthly briefing on the situation in Libya. Deputy Special Representative and Political Officer in Charge of UNSMIL Stephanie Koury will brief the Council on recent political, security, and humanitarian developments in the country. The chair of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki (Japan), is also expected to brief on the committees activities.

Key Recent Developments

The political impasse in Libya continues between the UN-recognised Government of National Unity (GNU), based in Tripoli and led by Prime Minister Abdul Hamid Mohammed Dbeibah with advisory support from the High State Council (HSC), and the eastern-based Government of National Stability (GNS), led by Prime Minister Osama Hamad and backed by the House of Representatives (HoR) and the self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) under the command of General Khalifa Haftar. According to the Secretary-Generals most recent report on UNSMIL, dated 8 August and covering events since 9 April, the parties have not achieved any progress in resolving disagreements about proposed electoral legislation that would allow national elections to be held and reconcile the countrys divided government. The main point of contention concerns the formation of a unified interim government to organise the elections, a move favoured by the GNS and HoR but opposed by the GNU and some segments of the HSC.

The long-running stand-off between the rival governments intensified on 13 August when the HoR voted to end the GNUs term and designate the GNS as the countrys legitimate government until a unified interim government is appointed. The HoR also named its speaker, Aguila Saleh, the commander-in-chief of Libyas armed forces in a move that would supplant the Presidential Council, which was established under the 2015 Libyan Political Agreement to serve as the countrys head of state and as supreme commander of its military. In a 14 August statement, UNSMIL noted that it was following with concern the recent unilateral acts by Libyan political actors, which it said undermine trust and further entrench institutional divisions and discord.

Tensions escalated further on 18 August when Presidential Council leader Mohamed Yunus al-Menfiwho is considered a political ally of Dbeibahissued a decree firing Central Bank of Libya (CBL) Governor Sadiq al-Kabir, who had led the bank since 2011. The CBL is the countrys sole depository for public revenues and is one of the few state institutions servicing both governments. Until recently, al-Kabir was also considered an ally of Dbeibah, but their relationship seems to have soured over the past year as al-Kabir appeared to become more amenable to public spending by eastern authorities, culminating in the HoRs unilateral approval on 10 July of a supplemental $18.3 billion budget for the GNS, which would be drawn from the CBL. The validity of the Presidential Councils firing of al-Kabir was called into question, with eastern authorities as well as some analysts saying that it lacks legal basis.

The Presidential Council appointed one of al-Kabirs former deputy governors, Abdel Fattah Ghaffar, as his successor on an interim basis. While Ghaffar gained control of Libyas domestic currency transfers, the CBL under his leadership reportedly lost access to foreign reserves and balances held in international financial institutions, which were assessing the CBLs legal standing. Additionally, in response to al-Kabirs ouster, the GNS ordered the closure of oil fields and terminals under its control, reportedly causing the countrys oil exportsthe largest source of state revenueto fall by over 80 percent.

UNSMIL facilitated several rounds of talks involving the Presidential Council, HoR, and HSC to resolve the CBL crisis. On 25 September, the mission announced that the parties had reached an agreement on the procedures, criteria, and timelines for appointing new CBL leadership by consensus. According to the dealwhich was signed the following day on UNSMILs premisesthe parties agreed to nominate CBL Director of Banking and Monetary Control Naji Mohamed Issa Belqasem as new interim governor, while CBL Deputy Governor Mari Muftah Rahil Barrasi would be nominated to continue in his position. The HoR and HSC were given one week to approve the nominees, after which Belqasem would be given two weeks to nominate a new board of governors.

Regarding Libyas security situation, the 2020 ceasefire agreement continues to hold, although the heightened political tensions have raised concern about the risk of violent confrontation. Most recently, following al-Kabirs ouster, rival militias in Tripoli mobilised in support of both sides of the dispute, prompting UNSMIL to issue a 22 August press statement expressing grave concern about threats of the use of force to resolve the crisis. The statement called for immediate de-escalation and restraint, emphasising that dialogue is the only solution to all issues.

On the humanitarian front, September marked the one-year anniversary of Storm Daniel, which struck the eastern city of Derna and surrounding areas on 10 September 2023, leading to catastrophic flooding that killed nearly 6,000 people, displaced over 44,000, and left approximately 250,000 in need of humanitarian assistance. Reconstruction efforts have achieved considerable progress in the year since, but a 10 September joint statement by a group of international aid agencies warned that humanitarian needs in the area remain alarmingly high. Additionally, political corruption and competition pertaining to the use of reconstruction funds have reportedly been one factor fuelling the increased tensions between western and eastern authorities.

In a 28 August press statement, Security Council members expressed concern about recent developments in the country. The statement called on Libyan leaders to de-escalate tensions, refrain from the use of force or economic pressure, and reach a consensus-based solution to the CBL crisis, while avoiding actions that could jeopardise the 2020 ceasefire agreement and the countrys fragile stability. The statement also emphasised the need for the Secretary-General to appoint a new Special Representative for Libya as soon as possible, as Special Representative and Head of UNSMIL Abdoulaye Bathily resigned in May.

Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs Rosemary DiCarlo visited Libya from 8 to 11 September. During her trip, DiCarlo met with key Libyan political leaders, including Dbeibah, Menfi, and Saleh, with whom she raised concerns about the countrys deteriorating political and security situation, stressing the need to resolve the CBL crisis, advance a rights-based national reconciliation process, and hold credible and inclusive elections to break the countrys political deadlock.

Through resolution 2240 of 9 October 2015 and subsequent annual renewals, the Council has authorised member states, acting nationally or through regional organisations, to inspect and seize vessels on the high seas off the coast of Libya that they had reasonable grounds to suspect were being used for migrant smuggling or human trafficking from Libya. The Council had initially been expected to renew the authorisation again in September, but it appears that France and Maltathe co-penholders on the authorisationinformed Council members that they had decided not to pursue a further renewal and would allow the authorisation to expire at the end of its current mandate on 29 September.

On 30 September, at Russias request, the Council held an open briefing on the situation of migrants and refugees in the Mediterranean Sea. The Council was briefed by Sivanka Dhanapala, Director of the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) Liaison Office in New York, and Par Liljert, Director of the International Organization for Migration (IOM) Office to the UN in New York.

Human Rights-Related Developments

In a report published on 30 August, UNSMIL and the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) warn that the lack of accountability and years of impunity enjoyed by perpetrators of human rights violations and abuses committed in the Libyan city of Tarhuna between 2013 and 2022 risk fuelling more instability and further division in the country.

The report details how Al-Kaniyat, a militia group that has been affiliated with both eastern and western authorities, came to exercise effective control of Tarhuna, a city of approximately 150,000 people located 90 kilometres southeast of Tripoli. It documents serious violations of international humanitarian law and gross violations and abuses of international human rights law committed by the group, including unlawful killings, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, torture and ill-treatment, forced displacement, and looting. The report emphasises the need for a comprehensive transitional justice and reconciliation process, with meaningful truth-seeking measures and effective reparations for victimsincluding legal aid and mental health support and guarantees of non-repetitiondesigned in consultation with those directly affected.

Women, Peace and Security

As the Councils president for August, Sierra Leone elected to include a focus on women, peace and security (WPS) at the 20 August Council briefing on Libya. Several participants addressed WPS issues during the meeting. In her briefing, Koury noted that women comprise only 30 percent of registered voters in Libyas local elections, which are expected to take place in mid-October across 60 municipalities. She expressed concern that womens participation as candidates may also be low, with obstacles such as intimidation, online violence and verbal attacks discouraging them from running for office. Ecuador, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Slovenia, and Switzerland emphasised the importance of guaranteeing womens participation in political processes in Libya. Guyana, delivering a statement on behalf of the A3 plus one members (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana), condemned threats, attacks and the killing of women who are participating in public life, including women human rights defenders (WHRDs) and urged UNSMIL to prioritise all activities related to the protection and promotion of human rights, including stronger coordination in cases of reprisals against WHRDs. Malta also called for lifting any restrictions against womens freedom of movement and right to work while Switzerland highlighted the dire situation faced by women among Sudanese refugees in southern Libya, citing reports of human trafficking, exploitation and sexual violence.

Key Issues and Options

The key issue for the Council in October is the renewal of UNSMILs mandate. As was the case for the current mandate in resolution 2702 of 30 October 2023, the Council is likely to retain the missions core tasks as set out in resolution 2542 of 15 September 2020 and paragraph 16 of resolution 2570 of 16 April 2021. Council members may consider updating the mandate, however, to reflect the countrys increasingly volatile political and security contexts, drawing on agreed language from their 28 August press statement.

Additionally, while the Council is not expected to make major substantive changes to the missions mandate, one point of uncertainty concerns the length of the renewal. While most members are expected to favour a regular one-year extension, some may call for a shorter technical rollover until the Secretary-General has appointed a new Special Representative to lead the mission.

Council Dynamics

Council members remain united on the need for a Libyan-led, inclusive political process resulting in elections that will help to restore political, security, and economic stability to the country. They also remain broadly supportive of the UNs mediation role towards this end.

The upcoming renewal of UNSMILs mandate in the absence of a Special Representative may rekindle older disagreements, however. When former Special Envoy Jan Kubis resigned in November 2021, it took nearly a year to identify a successor, eventually leading to Bathilys appointment in September 2022. (Resolution 2629 of 29 April 2022 changed UNSMILs leadership position from a Special Envoy to a Special Representative.) During this impasse, between September 2021 and July 2022, the Council renewed UNSMILs mandate five times through short-term extensions, in part because Russia opposed a regular one-year renewal in the absence of appointed mission leadership. Similar dynamics may shape negotiations over this years renewal.

The UK is the penholder on Libya.

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Overview

In October, Switzerland will hold the presidency of the Security Council.

Switzerland plans to organise two signature events. The first is a briefing on anticipating the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item. Head of the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs of Switzerland Ignazio Cassis is expected to chair the meeting.

The second signature event is the annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS), which will be titled: Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment. President of the Swiss Confederation Viola Amherd is expected to chair the meeting. Deputy Secretary-General Amina Mohammed, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and one or more civil society representatives are the anticipated briefers.

In October, the Security Council is scheduled to hold its annual briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, focusing on the African Union (AU). The 18th annual joint consultative meeting between the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) will also be held on 18 October. The annual meeting rotates between New York and Addis Ababa, the home of the AU headquarters. This year, the meeting will be held in New York, and it will be preceded by the ninth informal joint seminar of the Security Council and the AUPSC, which is set to take place in Tarrytown, New York, on 16 and 17 October.

The Security Council is also scheduled to hold its annual private meeting with the President of the International Court of Justice (ICJ), Judge Nawaf Salam.

African issues on the programme of work in October are:

Western Sahara, consultations on the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO) and the mandate renewal of MINURSO;

Great Lakes Region, the biannual briefing and consultations;

Central African Republic (CAR), briefing and consultations on the UN Multidimensional Integrated Stabilization Mission in the Central African Republic (MINUSCA);

Libya, mandate renewal of the UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) and briefing and consultations on UNSMIL and the work of the 1970 Libya Sanctions Committee;

Sudan, briefing on UN efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability pursuant to resolution 2715 of 1 December 2023; and

Somalia, briefing and consultations on the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), mandate renewal of UNSOM, a private meeting to receive updates pursuant to resolution 2748 of 15 August on the overall mission design and financing options for the proposed successor mission to the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS), and briefing by the chair of the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee.

Middle Eastern issues on the programme include:

Regarding European issues, a briefing on the UN Interim Administration Mission in Kosovo (UNMIK) is anticipated, and one or more meetings on Ukraine are likely during the month.

Two issues in the Americas will be discussed in October:

Haiti, renewal of the 2653 Haiti sanctions regime and a briefing, followed by consultations, on developments in the country and the work of the UN Integrated Office in Haiti (BINUH); and

Colombia, quarterly meeting on developments in the country and renewal of the mandate of the UN Verification Mission in Colombia.

Other issues could be raised in October depending on developments.
AFRICA

Somalia

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council will hold a briefing, followed by consultations, to discuss the situation in Somalia. In addition, the Security Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission in Somalia (UNSOM), which expires on 31 October.

In accordance with resolution 2748 of 15 August, which reauthorised the African Union (AU) Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until 31 December, the Secretary-General is expected to provide a comprehensive update by 11 October on the overall mission design and financing options for the proposed successor mission to ATMIS. The Security Council is expected to hold a private meeting to discuss this update with the AU and Somalia, with the participation of the UN Secretariat.

The Chair of the 2713 Al-Shabaab Sanctions Committee, Ambassador Kazuyuki Yamazaki (Japan), is also expected to brief on the work of the committee.

Key Recent Developments

In a letter circulated to Council members on 3 September, the Secretary-General provided an update on the engagements between the UN and the Somali government on the modalities and timeline for UNSOMs transition to the UN Country Team (UNCT), in line with the Councils request in a 16 May letter. A joint technical committee comprising senior officials from Somalias federal government and the UN has been established to outline the planning process for the transition, and has discussed, among other issues, joint programming between UNSOM and the UNCT, possible implications of UNSOMs transition for the financing of UN activities in the country, and the importance of resource mobilisation efforts. (For background, see the brief on Somalia in our June 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

The letter further shared a proposal from Somalia which envisions a two-year phased handover of responsibilities from UNSOM to Somali institutions and the UNCT, commencing in November. The proposal called for restructuring UNSOMs mandate with a limited scope that will include supporting state-building efforts, such as through inclusive constitutional review and electoral processes. It suggested a mid-term review for the mission after one year to make necessary adjustments and for the periodic Security Council briefings on Somalia to be reduced to an annual closed session.

On 15 August, the Security Council unanimously adopted resolution 2748, which requested the Secretary-General, jointly with the Chairperson of the AU Commission (the organisations secretariat) and in consultation with Somalia and international stakeholders, to submit a report on the overall mission design for the proposed successor mission by 15 November. It also requested that the report include an estimate of the required resources and costs for the follow-on mission and articulate a range of options for financing it, including support by international partners, the framework established by resolution 2719 of 21 December 2023 on the financing of AU-led peace support operations (AUPSOs), other suitable alternatives, or some combination of these options. (For background and more information, see the brief on Somalia in our August 2024 Monthly Forecast and 15 August Whats in Blue story.)

Tensions continued between Ethiopia and Somalia, which were sparked by the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) between Ethiopia and Somaliland, a self-proclaimed republic in northern Somalia, on 1 January. The MoU reportedly allows Ethiopia, which is a landlocked country, to obtain access to the Gulf of Aden in exchange for formal recognition of Somaliland. In light of this agreement, several Somali officials have expressed the view that Ethiopia should withdraw its troops deployed in Somalia by the end of December, when ATMIS is set to complete its drawdown and exit. This position has led to disagreements, however, between Somalias federal government and some federal member states, which have opposed this view underscoring the vital role that the Ethiopian forces play in maintaining security within their respective territories.

Turkiye mediated between Somalia and Ethiopia by hosting two rounds of discussions with the foreign ministers of both countries in Ankara. The talks, however, have yet to achieve a breakthrough. The third round of discussions, formerly expected to be held on 17 September, has been postponed indefinitely. (For background, see the brief on Somalia in our August 2024 Monthly Forecast and 28 January and 22 June Whats in Blue stories.)

Amidst these developments, Somalia has sought closer ties with Egypt, which has offered to contribute to the elements of the follow-on mission to ATMIS, as welcomed by the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) in its 1 August communique. On 14 August, both countries signed a defence cooperation agreement, following talks between Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud and Egyptian President Abdel Fattah El-Sisi in Cairo; the details of the agreement have not been made public. In an 11 September interview with Al Jazeera, Somali Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Ali Omar confirmed that Somalia has received supplies of weapons and ammunition from Egypt. He indicated that Egyptian forces could be deployed in Somalia shortly to train Somali national forces.

Relations between Egypt and Ethiopia have been strained over the construction of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD). The project heightened tensions stemming from concerns over its potential impact on the flow of the Nile River, a vital resource for both nations. (For background and more information, see the In Hindsight in our October 2021 Monthly Forecast, titled The GERD and Water Security and 15 September 2021 Whats in Blue story.)

Meanwhile, Somalia and Ethiopia have continued to exchange hostile rhetoric. In a 28 August press statement, Ethiopias foreign ministry described the ATMIS transition as fraught with dangers to the region. The statement accused Somalia of colluding with external actors aiming to destabilize the region and called for the legitimate concerns of the troop-contributing countries to be taken into account while planning the follow-mission to ATMIS. On the other hand, media reports quoted Somali Foreign Minister Ahmed Moalim Fiqi as saying during an interview that Somalia could resort to establishing contacts with armed rebels in Ethiopia who are fighting against the government if Ethiopia attempted to implement the MoU it signed with Somaliland. He added, however, that the situation had not reached that stage, indicating that there is a hope there will be a solution.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 9 August, the independent expert on the situation of human rights in Somalia, Isha Dyfan, strongly condemned the 2 August attack at Lido Beach in Mogadishu carried out by Al-Shabaab, a terrorist group affiliated with Al-Qaida. The attack resulted in the deaths of 37 civilians and injured more than 210 others. Dyfan remarked that, [t]his attack is unacceptable, and more so because the deliberate targeting of civilians is contrary to humanitarian principles and constitutes a serious breach of international law that protects civilians in times of armed conflict. She urged the Somali government to identify those responsible and ensure they are held accountable.

On 4 October, Dyfan is expected to present her report on Somalias human rights situation to the UN Human Rights Council. Dyfan conducted two official visits to the country, the first from 6 to 19 November 2023 and the second from 5 to 11 May.

Key Issues and Options

One of the key issues for Council members in October is the future of UNSOM, whose mandate expires on 31 October. In renewing the mandate, Council members are likely to be guided by the outcome of the joint technical committee and Somalias proposal for UNSOMs transition to UNCT and the phased handover of responsibilities to Somali institutions.

A related issue is how to continue supporting the Somali government in achieving its national priorities, including the constitutional review and electoral processes. Some members might also raise the issue of maintaining regular reporting to the Security Council on the situation in Somalia. Additionally, addressing the increasing tension between the federal government and some federal member states is a matter of concern for several Council members.

The other important issue for members is the escalating tension between Ethiopia and Somalia, which may undermine regional peace and security, including Somalias ongoing offensive operations against Al-Shabaab, and ATMIS transition process. One option for Council members would be to issue a press statement encouraging the parties to exercise restraint and make efforts towards de-escalating tensions and support initiatives in this regard.

Council Dynamics

Council members support the Somali governments priorities and recognise the many challenges the country faces, including the persistent insecurity caused by the terrorist activities of Al-Shabaab. They also support ongoing efforts to fight the group. Some members, however, believe that a security approach will not be sufficient and underscore the need to make progress in governance, justice, and economic reforms. Other Council members emphasise the need for progress in implementing the Somali Transition Plan, including national force generation.

Although Council members seem to agree on continuing security support for Somalia post-ATMIS, views differ on how such efforts should be financed. Somalia, an incoming elected Council member for the 2025-26 term, and several members have suggested financing the follow-on mission in accordance with resolution 2719. However, other Council members, such as the US, are apparently not keen to consider the mission in Somalia under resolution 2719. In its explanation of vote following the adoption of resolution 2748, the US said that resolution 2719 can only be realistically implemented after instituting an interim bridging approach over the course of the next two years, and provided that AU is ready to implement it. During the negotiations, some members argued that such a bridging mechanism could imply additional obligations for financial contributors to ATMIS. The European Union, a major financial contributor to ATMIS, advocates a sustainable financing model based on diversified contributions and a significant element of cost-sharing, including the possible use of the AU Peace Fund and Crisis Reserve Facility. (For background and more information, see the brief on Somalia in the August 2024 Monthly Forecast, and 9 and 15 August Whats in Blue stories, and listen to our 8 July podcast episode.)

Council members remain concerned about the escalating tensions between Somalia and Ethiopia. In its remarks during the 24 June Council meeting, the US stressed the need to ensure that regional tensions [do] not interfere with planning for and the deployment of a post-ATMIS mission. It also alluded to security and financial risks associated with any changes in troop contributors. (For background, see the 22 June and 18 February Whats in Blue stories.)

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Status Update since our September Forecast

Venezuela

On 5 September, Council members discussed Venezuela under any other business. Ecuador requested that members address the situation in the country, where the results of the 28 July presidential election, in which Nicolas Maduro was announced the winner, have been strongly disputed by several national and international actors. Assistant Secretary-General for Europe, Central Asia and the Americas Miroslav Jenca briefed. It seems that the discussion was contentious. While some members argued that it is a domestic issue that should not be within the Councils purview, others said that the situation in the country poses a risk to regional stability and therefore the Council should remain abreast of developments in order to fulfill its conflict prevention role. Ambassador Jose Javier De La Gasca (Ecuador) reiterated the latter argument in a stakeout after the meeting. On 12 September, Panama, an incoming Security Council member, delivered a joint statement on Venezuela on behalf of approximately 50 member states and the EU. Panamanian Foreign Minister Javier Martinez-Acha Vasquez read the remarks, which urged the publication of the election results from all polling stations and the impartial verification of results by independent observers. The statement voiced alarm about the reported human rights violations and abuses following the elections and expressed support for a Venezuelan-led process to re-establish democratic norms in the country.

Afghanistan

On 5 September, Council members issued a press statement condemning a 2 September terrorist attack in Kabul. The attack was claimed by Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant-Khorasan (ISIL-K).

On 18 September, the Council convened for an open briefing on Afghanistan (S/PV.9726). Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA) Roza Otunbayeva, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and a civil society representative briefed. Slovenias Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, Tanja Fajon, chaired the meeting. On 20 September, Council members discussed the modalities used to deliver the civil society briefing under any other business following the briefing on Lebanon. It appears that the meeting was requested by Russia, who took issue with the modalities used for the delivery of the civil society briefing on 18 September. (The voice of the briefer, who was not in the Council chamber, could be heard, but she could not be seen by members.)

UN Peacekeeping

On 9 September, the Security Council held its annual meeting on UN peacekeeping pursuant to resolution 2378 of 20 September 2017 (S/PV.9719). Slovenia convened the meeting in an open debate format under the theme Strengthening Peacekeeping: Reflections for the Future. Under-Secretary-General for Peace Operations Jean-Pierre Lacroix; Comfort Ero, the President and CEO of the International Crisis Group (ICG); and Zeid Raad Al Hussein, the President and CEO of the International Peace Institute (IPI), briefed.

Ukraine

On 10 September, the Security Council held a briefing on the situation in Ukraine (S/PV.9720). Ecuador and France requested the meeting following a barrage of Russian missile and drone attacks that targeted multiple cities across Ukraine in early September. In a letter dated 4 September, Ukraine said that these attacks had caused a significant number of civilian casualties and widespread destruction of civilian infrastructure in cities such as Kyiv, Kharkiv, Sumy, Poltava, Zaporizhzhia, Lviv, and Dnipro, among others. Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya briefed the Council.

On 13 September, at Russias request, the Council held a briefing under the Threats to international peace and security agenda item to discuss Western arms transfers to Ukraine (S/PV.9724). High Representative for Disarmament Affairs Izumi Nakamitsu briefed the Council.

On 24 September, the Council convened for a high-level briefing on Ukraine (S/PV.9731). France, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea, the UK, and the US requested the meeting. Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob chaired the meeting, at which Secretary-General Antonio Guterres briefed. Ukraine, represented by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, participated under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Myanmar

On 19 September, Council members convened for closed consultations on Myanmar. Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific Mohamed Khaled Khiari briefed. The UK, the penholder on the file, requested the meeting.

Leadership for Peace

On 25 September, Slovenia convened a high-level open debate on Leadership for Peace under the Maintenance of international peace and security agenda item (S/PV.9732). Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob chaired the meeting, which was the signature event of his countrys September Council presidency. The briefers were UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres; President of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) Mirjana Spoljaric Egger; and Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, a member of The Elders and former President of Liberia. The open debate focused on strengthening multilateral efforts to promote international peace and security. A presidential statement was adopted at the start of the meeting that reaffirms the Councils commitment to international law, including the UN Charter, and the need for universal adherence to international law, (S/PRST/2024/5).

League of Arab States

On 26 September, the Security Council held an informal interactive dialogue (IID) on cooperation between the UN and the League of Arab States (LAS). Tanja Fajon, Slovenias Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign and European Affairs, chaired the meeting. Khaled Khiari, the Assistant Secretary-General for the Middle East, Asia, and the Pacific, and LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheit briefed Council members. Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Iraq, the members of the Arab Summit Troikaa group of three rotating countries that monitor the implementation of resolutions and commitments adopted by the LASalso participated at ministerial level.

Democratic Republic of the Congo

On 30 September, the Security Council held a briefing and consultations on the situation in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), including the work of the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO). Special Representative of the Secretary-General in the DRC and Head of MONUSCO Bintou Keita, the Chair of the 1533 DRC Sanctions Committee Ambassador Michael Imran Kanu (Sierra Leone) and a Congolese civil society representative briefed. Angola, the DRC, and Rwanda participated in the meeting under rule 37 of the Councils provisional rules of procedure.

Counter-Terrorism

On 20 September, Council members issued a press statement condemning a 17 September terrorist attack in Bamako, Mali. The attack was claimed by an Al Qaida-linked militant group known as Jamaat Nusrat al-Islam wal Muslimin (JNIM).
AFRICA

Sudan

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to receive a briefing on the situation in Sudan. Pursuant to resolution 2715 of 1 December 2023, which terminated the mandate of the UN Integrated Transition Assistance Mission in Sudan (UNITAMS), the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to provide a briefing every 120 days on the UNs efforts to support Sudan on its path towards peace and stability.

In line with resolution 2736 of 13 June, the Secretary-General is also expected to present recommendations for the protection of civilians (PoC) in Sudan, ahead of the briefing in October.

Key Recent Developments

The ongoing conflict between the Sudanese Armed Forces (SAF) and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which began in April 2023, has triggered a catastrophic humanitarian crisis in Sudan, including significant civilian casualties, mass displacement, dire food and water shortages, and the collapse of healthcare and essential services. As at 16 September, more than 23,015 people had been killed since the onset of the conflict, according to the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, a non-governmental organisation that collects conflict-related data. Some estimates suggest, however, that the number of casualties may be significantly higher. The war has displaced approximately 10.5 million people, 2.2 million of whom have sought refuge in Sudans neighbouring countriesthe Central African Republic (CAR), Chad, Egypt, Ethiopia, Libya, South Sudan, and Ugandamaking it the worlds largest displacement crisis. (For background and more information, see the brief on Sudan in our September 2024 Monthly Forecast and listen to our 4 September podcast episode.)

El Fasher, the capital city of North Darfur state and the only capital in the Darfur region outside the RSFs control, has been one of the main areas of strife between the warring parties, marked by inter-communal fighting since early April. According to media reports, the fighting in El Fasher escalated on 12 September as the RSF launched an attack on the city from multiple directions. The mid-term report of the Panel of Experts assisting the 1591 Sudan Sanctions Committee, transmitted to Council members on 7 August, confirmed that both sides possessed and were using heavy weaponry in El Fasher.

On 18 September, the Council held an open briefing to discuss the situation in El Fasher. Briefing on the humanitarian situation, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya reported heavy shelling and aerial bombardment in the city, affecting civilians and civilian infrastructure, including health facilities and camps for internally displaced persons (IDPs). She expressed concern about reports of intense shelling in the central and western parts of the city and the deployment of additional forces. Msuya said that she was horrified by signs that the fighting might intensify as the rainy season draws to a close in the coming months. At the same meeting, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee noted that a dangerous new reality has now emerged in the wake of the El Fasher escalation with grave and unpredictable ramifications. She stressed that the escalation risks widening and entrenching the armed conflict, deepening ethnic polarisation of Sudanese society, and further destabilising the region.

In a 21 September statement, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed alarm about the RSFs full-scale assault on El Fasher and called on its leader, General Mohamed Hamdan Dagalo, to halt the attack immediately. He called it unconscionable that the warring parties had repeatedly ignored calls for a cessation of hostilities, warning that any further escalation could threaten to spread the conflict along intercommunal lines throughout Darfur. He stressed the urgent need to secure a ceasefire in El Fasher and across all other conflict zones in Sudan.

On 21 September, the members of the Aligned for Advancing Lifesaving and Peace in Sudan (ALPS) GroupEgypt, Saudi Arabia, Switzerland, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), the US, the African Union (AU), and the UNconvened virtually. (The group was established at the recent round of talks led by the US in Switzerland from 14 to 23 August.) The members welcomed the opening of the Kassala and Dongola airports for World Food Programme (WFP) humanitarian assistance flights. They also welcomed the reports that humanitarian operations had resumed across conflict lines from Port Sudan through Shendi to Khartoum. They called on the international partners to join efforts to reach immediate humanitarian pauses in the fighting in El Fasher, Sennar, Khartoum, and Al Jazirah states. (For background and more information, see the brief on Sudan in the September 2024 Monthly Forecast and 5 September Whats in Blue story.)

Human Rights Related Developments

On 6 September, the International Fact-Finding Mission for Sudan, established by the Human Rights Council in October 2023, released its first report. The report found that the SAF, the RSF, and their respective allied militias, are responsible for widespread violations, including indiscriminate and direct attacks carried out through airstrikes and shelling against civilians, schools, hospitals, communication networks, and vital water and electricity supplies. The report concluded that there are reasonable grounds to believe that several established violations of international humanitarian law constitute war crimes committed by both warring parties. It further established reasonable grounds to believe that the RSF and allied militias have committed crimes against humanity, including murder, torture, enslavement, rape, sexual slavery, acts of a sexual nature of comparable gravity, persecution on the basis of intersecting ethnic and gender grounds, and forced displacement. The report recommended the deployment of an independent and impartial force with a mandate to protect civilians in Sudan. It further noted that there is a risk that those supplying arms to the warring parties may be complicit in grave violations of human rights and humanitarian law.

In a 10 September statement, UN Deputy High Commissioner for Human Rights Nada Al-Nashif noted that the parties to the conflict have failed to adhere to declarations aimed at protecting civilians, as violations have continued unabated. Between June and August, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) documented over 864 civilian deaths resulting from attacks on residential areas across Sudan. Al-Nashif also expressed alarm over the use of sexual violence as a weapon of war since the conflict began, attributing 81 percent of sexual violence incidents to men in RSF uniforms and allied militias. She also pointed to credible reports of sexual violence attributed to SAF troops and allied armed movements.

Key Issues and Options

The overarching issue for the Security Council is how to halt the ongoing fighting and support efforts to achieve a sustainable ceasefire across Sudan. A related concern is the situation in Darfur and the levels of intercommunal violence and insecurity throughout the country. In light of the continuing violence across the country, the lack of implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, and the failure of mediation initiatives to achieve meaningful breakthroughs, Council members face several questions, including:

how to bring the Sudanese warring parties to a meaningful dialogue,

how to protect civilians and enforce compliance with international humanitarian law,

how to ensure accountability for past and ongoing crimes, and

how to mitigate the regional spillover effect of the conflict.

One option for Council members would be to invite the Secretary-Generals Personal Envoy for Sudan, Ramtane Lamamra, to brief on his engagements with relevant stakeholders and the Secretary-Generals recommendations for protecting civilians in Sudan. Council members may also wish to hold a private meeting with the actors holding influence over the Sudanese warring parties to discuss the search for a mediated solution to the crisis and evaluate the implementation of the PoC recommendations.

Another avenue for further deliberations on the Sudanese crisis could be the annual joint consultative meeting between the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) and the UN Security Council, scheduled for 18 October.

An additional issue for the Security Council is the humanitarian crisis and how to foster the continuous and unimpeded delivery of humanitarian aid while also securing the safety and security of UN officials and other humanitarian actors. The fact that aid at scale is not reaching people in need is a further concern for Council members. The humanitarian situation has been exacerbated by the spread of disease and the collapse of the healthcare system. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), at least 12 of the 18 states in the country are experiencing three or more simultaneous outbreaks of different diseases, while fewer than 25 percent of health facilities in the conflict-affected states are currently functional. Periodic briefings by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) could help keep the Council informed about the humanitarian situation on the ground.

Another option for Council members is to conduct a visiting mission to Sudan to assess the situation on the ground and engage with relevant stakeholders. This mission could also provide an opportunity for Council members to visit the refugee camps in neighbouring countries, particularly Chad.

Council and Wider Dynamics

Most Council members share similar concerns about the dire political, security, and humanitarian situations in Sudan. Members have diverging views, however, on the tools that the Council should use to address these situations.

One of the points of contention during the negotiations on resolution 2750 of 11 September, which renewed the Sudan sanctions regime for one year, related to how to reference the central authorities in Sudan. Countries such as China, Russia, and the members of the A3 plus one grouping (Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana) called for maintaining the term Sudanese government. On the other hand, the US (penholder on Sudan sanctions) and some other members strongly supported the use of term Sudanese authorities. Russia considers Sudans Transitional Sovereign Council, led by General Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, head of the SAF, as Sudans highest legitimate authority. During the negotiations, however, some members argued that the SAF had lost territorial control over parts of the country and that the term Sudanese authorities encompasses the offshoots of the government body. (For background, see the and 10 September Whats in Blue story.)

Russia has maintained the position that Sudanese government forces remain responsible for protecting civilians. In a similar vein, it has argued that any cooperation and coordination on humanitarian assistance should be carried out via channels agreed with the Sudanese government as the sole entity responsible for aid distribution and relief assistance. It has also opposed any references that might imply that the Sudanese government is on par with any other Sudanese entity.

During a joint press conference with US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty stressed the importance of not putting the Sudanese army in the same equation of any other party, and the importance of working on activating the rule of the Sudanese institutions in order for the Sudanese state to maintain the sovereignty of Sudan.

The US considers that some political forcessuch as former regime officials from the National Congress Party, which ruled Sudan under former President Omar al-Bashirhave undermined al-Burhan and efforts to end the war. During the 18 September Council briefing, however, Russia argued that it is crucial to involve all influential political forces and the countrys main ethno-confessional groups, including authoritative regional leaders.

Tensions have mounted between the Sudanese government and the UAE, considering the latters reportedly continued support to the RSF, including through the supply of weapons and equipment. Speaking at the 11 September Council meeting, Sudan accused the UAE of acting with impunity, leveraging its substantial fuel reserves and strategic importance. It called on third countries to exert pressure on the UAE to alter its course, including using possible sanctions. Sudan also called for a review of weapons export policies to the UAE, claiming these weapons are being used by the RSF to besiege Darfur. A 21 September New York Times article alleged that the UAE has misused the Red Crescent symbol, protected under international humanitarian law, as a cover for its secret operation involving drone flights into Sudan and weapons smuggling, citing US officials and satellite imagery. The article claimed that the UAE is using an airport in eastern Chad, which has been expanded into a military-style airfield, to transport advanced military drones for the RSF, which have been detected patrolling over El Fasher. The UAE has denied transferring weapons to the RSF, including in correspondence to The Economist sent by the UAEs Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs for Political Affairs Lana Nusseibeh.

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JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military on Tuesday urged civilians in Lebanon to evacuate about 30 villages and towns, warning of imminent Israeli attacks in the area, after launching a ground operation into southern Lebanon overnight.

"You must evacuate your homes immediately," Avichay Adraee, a spokesman for the Israel Defense Forces (IDF), wrote in a post in Arabic on the social media platform X.

The list included mostly villages and towns near the border with Israel, including Maroun al-Ras, Deir Qanoun, Bint Jbeil, and Aitaroun. However, it also included villages, such as Ibl al-Saqi, located some 60 km from the border, indicating the scope of the ground attack planned by Israel.

"Anyone near Hezbollah members, their facilities, or their military equipment is putting their life at risk. Any house used by Hezbollah for military purposes is likely to be targeted," Adraee warned.

He urged civilians to "head immediately north of the Awali River."

"Be aware: moving south is prohibited. Any movement southward could endanger your life," he added.

Earlier, Adraee called on civilians in southern Lebanon to remain north of the Litani River.

Daniel Hagari, the IDF's chief spokesman, said in a press briefing that the military launched overnight "limited and targeted raids along Israel's northern border."

According to Hagari, the goal of the ground campaign is to stop Hezbollah's rocket fire at northern Israel.

Also on Tuesday morning, Hezbollah forces fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other central cities, moderately injuring a 54-year-old bus driver and sparking a fire, Israel's rescue services said.

The rockets triggered sirens across central Israel and several settlements in the northern occupied West Bank. Several other rocket attacks on Tuesday morning targeted bases in the north of Israel.

The Israeli military said in a statement that "a number of projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory, some of which were intercepted."

It added that details of the incident were still under review.

In a statement, Hezbollah claimed responsibility for the attack, saying it fired Fadi-4 missiles at the Glilot Base near Herzliya, targeting the Mossad intelligence agency headquarters.

Overnight between Monday and Tuesday, the Israeli military began a ground operation into southern Lebanon with commando and paratrooper forces raiding the region, while other forces fired artillery and tank shells in addition to air attacks. Beirut's southern suburb also came under heavy Israeli bombardment.

In a video released by the military, the commander of the commando Egoz Unit confirmed Israel has carried out "targeted" commando raids in Lebanon over the past months.

"We started with lower-profile raids, and today we are going to engage in a more significant maneuver to bring the residents of the north back to their homes safely," he said. 
MIDDLE EAST

Syria

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council will hold a meeting on the political process and the humanitarian situation in Syria.

Key Recent Developments

On 20 September, Special Envoy for Syria Geir O. Pedersen and Head of the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Geneva and Director of the Coordination Division Ramesh Rajasingham briefed the Council on the political and humanitarian tracks in Syria, respectively. Pedersen described the continuing hostilities in the country, including drone strikes by pro-government forces; attacks by the Security Council-listed terrorist group Hayat Tahrir al-Sham in the north-west; sustained attacks by the Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (ISIL/Daesh); and continuing tensions and violence in the north-east and south-west. He stressed the urgent need for de-escalation throughout the country leading to a nationwide ceasefire and a cooperative approach to combat Security Council-listed terrorist groups.

With regard to the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, Pedersen said that efforts have continued in order to secure agreement from both Syrian parties and a host government on an alternative venue to Geneva. (The Constitutional Committee has not met since June 2022 because Russia, a close ally of Syria, opposed Geneva as the venue following Switzerlands imposition of sanctions on Russia in response to its invasion of Ukraine in 2022.) Despite several appeals over time, his call for the Syrian parties to prepare for future discussions has not gained traction.

On 10 September, the Arab ministerial liaison committee that was established following Syrias readmission to the League of Arab States (LAS) on 7 May 2023 to liaise with the Syrian government and seek a solution to the Syrian crisiscomprising Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, and LAS Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul Gheitheld its second meeting with Syrian Foreign Minister Fayssal Mekdad in Cairo. In a post on X, the Jordanian foreign ministry announced that the committee decided to form a team of experts to study the issues on which the committee is engaging with the Syrian government, such as the return of Syrian refugees and drug manufacturing and smuggling. The team of experts is expected to meet in Baghdad, although the date of the meeting had yet to be decided at the time of writing.

In his remarks at the 20 September Council meeting, Rajasingham highlighted the impact of the prolonged conflict on children in Syria, noting that approximately eight million children in the country require humanitarian assistance. Since June, nearly a third of the 105 civilian deaths verified by the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) due to hostilities and explosive remnants of war have been children. He described the recent work undertaken by the UN and partner agencies to deliver humanitarian aid across the country. In early September, the UN conducted a cross-line assessment mission to Al-Kisrah, on the eastern side of the Euphrates River in Deir-ez-Zor governorate, where more than 85 percent of the population needs humanitarian assistance, including more than 22,000 people living in displacement sites. (A cross-line mission goes across domestic conflict lines from Syrian government-held areas into areas outside government control.) Humanitarian teams also conducted several cross-line missions to assess and begin repairs on the Alouk water station, providing water to more than 600,000 people living in Al-Hasakah governorate. He added that challenges persist in carrying out other cross-line missions, including to Idlib, Ras al-Ain, Tel Abiad, and Rukban.

Tensions have continued to intensify across the region against the backdrop of the Israel-Hamas war that erupted on 7 October 2023. The escalation has resulted in increased violence spilling over into Syria, where sites have frequently been the target of attacks. Israel and the US have historically targeted positions associated with Iranian forces and affiliated militants in Syria, and Iran-linked proxy groups have been accused of attacking US forces stationed in the region. On 17 and 18 September, thousands of electronic communication devices, primarily used by Hezbollah members, detonated across Lebanon, resulting in at least 37 deaths and over 3,400 injuries. Similar explosions were also reported in Syria, with some sources indicating 14 injuries, although the details remain uncertain. While Israel has not taken responsibility for the explosions, the attacks have been widely attributed to Israel. (For more information, see the brief on Lebanon in our October Monthly Forecast and 19 September Whats in Blue story.)

On 8 September, Israel reportedly carried out airstrikes and a commando raid near Masyaf in Hama province, targeting multiple Syrian military sites and a weapons production facility. Media reports suggest that this facility is linked to Hezbollah and was staffed by several Iranian military experts involved in weapons production at the time of the attack. According to Syrian state media, 18 people were killed and 37 were injured in this attack. On 20 September, an airstrike that targeted a vehicle near Damascus killed Abu Haidar al-Khafaji, a commander of Kataib Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Iraqi militia. The group, known for its involvement in attacks against US forces in the Middle East, has vowed to fight Israel over the explosions of communication devices in Lebanon.

Human Rights-Related Developments

On 10 September, the UN Commission of Inquiry on Syria (COI) presented its latest report during the 57th session of the Human Rights Council, covering the developments from 1 January to 30 June. The report noted that the COI has reasonable grounds to believe that the Syrian government continued to commit acts of torture and ill-treatment against individuals in state custody, including practices resulting in death in detention, arbitrary imprisonment, sexual violence, and enforced disappearances, thereby confirming persistent patterns of crimes against humanity and war crimes.

The COI urged the parties to the conflict to immediately cease all indiscriminate and direct attacks on civilians, cease torture and ill-treatment in all places of detention, and release all arbitrarily detained individuals. It also recommended that member states enhance support for humanitarian efforts in Syria and review their sanction policies to eliminate negative effects on humanitarian actors and civilians.

Key Issues and Options

An important issue for Council members is the ongoing hostilities in Syria. Continuing violence and the lack of accountability threaten to destabilise the country further. The ISIL/Daesh remains one of the key security threats in Syria. The deteriorating socioeconomic conditions in the country are also of concern.

Determining how the Council can address the spillover effects of the situation in the Occupied Palestinian Territory and de-escalate rising tensions in the region, including in Syria, is also an issue of utmost significance for the Council.

As well, a key issue is how to alleviate the growing humanitarian needs throughout the country. The Syrian refugee crisis is also of paramount importance. Since the start of the civil war in 2011, approximately 6.8 million Syrians have sought refuge in third countries, including Egypt, Iraq, Jordan, Lebanon, and Turkiye. Concerns regarding safety and security within Syria, as well as the lack of livelihoods, continue to be significant obstacles to the return of refugees. In addition, the recent escalation of hostilities in the region has left the Syrian refugees in peril. Since October 2023, 33 Syrian nationals are reported to have been killed and 113 injured by aerial strikes in Lebanon, which hosts approximately 1.5 million Syrian refugees. In light of the recent Israeli strikes in Lebanon, which began on 23 September and had resulted in the deaths of over 500 people at the time of writing, UNHCR reported that thousands of Lebanese and Syrian people are fleeing Lebanon for Syria in desperation, including by foot. (For more information, see the 25 September Whats in Blue story.)

One option would be for the co-chairs of the Informal Expert Group on the Protection of Civilians (Switzerland and the UK) to hold a meeting on the situation in Syria to receive briefings from relevant UN entities about the impact of the conflict on civilians.

The need to break the underlying political impasse in the country and support the Special Envoys work in this regard is another key issue. The Council could consider holding a private meeting with stakeholders to discuss the impediments to the resumption of the Syrian Constitutional Committee, including the issue of venue, and support Pedersens efforts to reinvigorate the political process. (A private meeting is a closed, formal meeting format; unlike closed consultations, non-Council member states are allowed to participate in this format.)

Council and Wider Dynamics

Over the years, Syria has been one of the most divisive files on the Councils agenda. China and Russia are supportive of the Syrian government, emphasising the need to respect the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity and drawing connections between unilateral coercive measures on Syria and the countrys challenging humanitarian and economic situations. In contrast, the P3 (France, the UK, and the US) and other like-minded members criticise the government for violating international humanitarian law and human rights law, arbitrarily detaining people, not engaging meaningfully in political dialogue, and not creating conditions for the safe and voluntary return of refugees. Ensuring accountability for violence against civilians also remains a key issue for these members.

Council members also have diverging views on normalising ties with the Syrian government. While the US and like-minded members continue to oppose engagement with the government, China and Russia have voiced support for the normalisation of ties.

The US maintains that it would not normalise relations with the Assad government, absent authentic progress towards a political solution to the underlying conflict. It has called for any engagement to be focused on human rights and improving the humanitarian conditions and the security situation.

According to media reports, in July, foreign ministers of eight European Union (EU) countriesAustria, Croatia, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Greece, Italy, Slovakia, and Sloveniasent a letter to the EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, which suggested reviewing the EUs approach to Syria. The letter called for a more active, outcome-driven, and operational Syria policy, allowing EU countries to increase their political leverage and the effectiveness of humanitarian assistance. The letter apparently identified ten areas for consideration, including appointment of an EU-Syria envoy, strategic exchange with Arab countries, further development of the EUs early recovery approach, and creating conditions for the return of migrants to Syria. In late July, Italy also announced its decision to appoint an ambassador to Damascus. At present, Damascus hosts six EU embassiesRomania, Bulgaria, Greece, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, and Hungary.

Switzerland is the penholder on the Syria humanitarian file.

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The Middle East, including the Palestinian Question

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council expects to hold its quarterly open debate on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question (MEPQ). Special Coordinator for the Middle East Peace Process Tor Wennesland is expected to brief.

Council members are likely to convene additional meetings during the month and evaluate whether further Council action is required.

Key Recent Developments

Almost one year since the outbreak of the war between Israel and Hamas following the 7 October 2023 attacks and over three months since the adoption of resolution 2735, which welcomed a ceasefire proposal announced by the US, the prospects for a cessation of hostilities in Gaza appear remote.

While the worlds attention turns to developments in Lebanon, Israeli bombardment from the air and land continues to be reported across the Gaza Strip, alongside ground operations, heavy fighting, and rocket fire by Palestinian armed groups.

The Security Councils resolutions on the war in Gaza (resolutions 2712, 2720, and 2728) remain largely unimplemented, as do the provisional measures ordered by the International Court of Justice (ICJ) in the context of South Africas proceedings against Israel concerning possible violations in the Gaza Strip of obligations under the 1948 Convention on the Prevention and Punishment of the Crime of Genocide.

Figures provided by Palestinian officials in Gaza cited by the Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) indicate that, as at 26 September, at least 41,534 Palestinians had been killed during Israels military campaign, while over 10,000 remain under the rubble. A 30 July report by the World Health Organization (WHO) found that about 25 percent of all those injured (or, 22,500 people) are likely to have acute and ongoing rehabilitation needs, including patients with extremity injuries, amputations, head and spinal cord injuries and burns. At least 1.9 million people are estimated to be displaced across the Gaza Strip, with a recent report by Cambridge University and the Centre for Lebanese Studies documenting the severe and long-lasting repercussions of the war on Palestinian childrens learning.

According to figures provided by Israeli authorities cited by OCHA, over 1,546 Israelis and foreign nationals have been killed between 7 October 2023 and 27 September, the vast majority on 7 October 2023. As at 10 September, 101 hostages remained captive in Gaza according to Israeli sources cited by the UN.

Analysts have identified Israels military campaign in Gaza as one of the deadliest and most destructive in recent history. Large areas of Gaza, including critical infrastructure, have been bombed to the ground, with about 63 percent of the total structures in the Gaza Strip estimated to be destroyed, damaged, or possibly damaged. According to the UN Development Programme (UNDP), even if a five-fold increase in construction materials were allowed into Gaza, it would take until 2040 to rebuild completely destroyed housing units. But it could take approximately 80 years if reconstruction were to follow the same pattern as after previous escalations.

The humanitarian situation in Gaza remains abysmal. At a recent press conference, UNICEF Director of Child Nutrition and Development Victor Aguayo estimated that over 50,000 children suffer from acute malnutrition and need immediate treatment, before warning of the ongoing risk of famine.

In July, six environmental samples of variant poliovirus type 2 (polio) were detected in Gaza. In response, the UN launched a two-round vaccination campaign for children under ten years of age across the Gaza Strip during localised humanitarian pauses. The first round was successfully completed on 12 September. A 20 August joint statement by humanitarian organisations and medical professionals noted that the reemergence of polio in Gaza was a direct result of the destruction of water and sanitation infrastructure, and the Government of Israels restrictions on repairs and supplies. These actions, together with overcrowding, displacement, and a crippled healthcare system, created an environment ripe for the virus spread, the statement said.

Humanitarian aid in Gaza continues to face significant constraints, with OCHA reporting that, as at 27 September, 87 percent of such movements between northern and southern Gaza coordinated with the Israeli authorities in September had been either denied or impeded. This follows the month of August, which OCHA had identified as the most challenging month for humanitarian access since January, with 46 percent of all humanitarian movements being either denied or impeded. In a recent statement, the Norwegian Refugee Council said that [w]ith the amount of aid Israel is currently allowing into Gaza, it will take over two years to deliver the kits needed to prepare shelters south of Wadi Gaza for this coming winter.

Other constraints to humanitarian aid delivery often cited by UN officials include ongoing hostilities, the limited number of open crossing points, and the breakdown of law and order in Gaza leading to the looting of supplies. UN officials have noted that, as the occupying power, it is incumbent on Israel to restore public order and safety as far as possible and facilitate safe humanitarian access to Gaza.

Lack of security for humanitarians is another key factor contributing to aid not reaching Palestinians. Addressing the Security Council at a 27 September meeting on the MEPQ, Secretary-General Antonio Guterres referenced two recent incidents in which clearly marked UN vehicles that were part of convoys that had been coordinated with the Israeli authorities were attacked by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) before underscoring that attacks on humanitarians are an unacceptable assault on UN values and must stop.

Following the recovery on 1 September of the bodies of six hostages, who the IDF said had been killed by their captors as Israeli forces neared, Hamas announced that it was operating under a new set of instructions issued after Israels rescue of four hostages in June in an operation that killed many Palestinians. A 31 July report by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) noted that Palestinian armed groups have prevented the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) from visiting the hostages. It added that released Israeli hostages had described being beaten while being taken into Gaza, or seeing other hostages being beaten while in captivity.

The report also observed that thousands of Palestinians have been detained by the IDF, most of them without charges or trial, since early November 2023, and that Israel has suspended the ICRCs access to all Palestinian detainees since 7 October 2023. The report added that released detainees reported being subject to forms of torture or other ill-treatment.

According to the nonprofit organisation the Committee to Protect Journalists, at least 116 journalists and media workers have been killed during the war, including 111 Palestinians, two Israelis, and three Lebanese. Foreign journalists remain barred from accessing the Gaza Strip without Israels approval and an IDF escort. On 22 September, the Israeli authorities ordered the closure of Al Jazeeras Ramallah office for 45 days, a move that Amnesty International has identified as raising press freedom concerns.

On 31 July, Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Irans capital, Tehran. The attack has been widely attributed to Israel, although it has not taken responsibility for it.

In May, South Africa sent a letter to the Security Council containing a dossier relating to Israels intent and incitement to commit genocide against the Palestinians in Gaza.

Resolution 2720 of December 2023, which mandated the appointment of a Senior Humanitarian and Reconstruction Coordinator (SHRC) for Gaza, requested the SHRC to report to the Council every 90 days until 30 September. At the time of writing, Council members were negotiating an extension of the reporting requirement established in resolution 2720.

Regarding the situation in the West Bank, Israel advanced or approved 6,370 housing units during the reporting period (11 June-11 September) of the latest Secretary-Generals report on the implementation of resolution 2334. Demolitions and seizures of Palestinian-owned structures continued. The report says that one Palestinian was killed by Israeli settlers while 160 were killed during Israeli airstrikes, search-and-arrest operations, armed exchanges, demonstrations and other incidents, adding that in August, Israeli airstrikes in the West Bank killed at least one Palestinian every day, on average. The report says that 14 Israelis were killed by Palestinians in shooting, stabbing and ramming attacks and other incidents.

On 19 July, the ICJ rendered its Advisory Opinion on the Legal Consequences arising from the Policies and Practices of Israel in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem. It reaffirmed that Israeli settlements and the regime associated with them, have been established and are being maintained in violation of international law. The ICJ determined that Israels policies and practices, such as its maintenance and expansion of settlements, are designed to create irreversible effects on the ground and, as such, amount to annexation of large parts of the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). The ICJ also found that Israels legislation and measures in the West Bank and East Jerusalem impose and serve to maintain a near-complete separation between settlers and Palestinians and, as such, constitute a breach of Article 3 of the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination, which refers to racial segregation and apartheid.

During the 17-18 September resumed Tenth Emergency Special Session (ESS) on Illegal Israeli actions in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory, the General Assembly voted124 votes in favour, 14 against, and 43 abstentionson a resolution on the Advisory Opinion tabled by the State of Palestine. The resolution demands that Israel, among other things, end its unlawful presence in the OPT in no later than 12 months, and that it immediately ceases all new settlement activity and evacuates all settlers from the OPT. The resolution calls upon UN member states to implement sanctions against those engaged in the maintenance of Israels presence in the OPT and take steps towards ceasing the importation of products from the settlements and the provision or transfer of arms and munitions that may be used in the OPT. Several international NGOs have issued a similar call regarding the transfer of arms in a 17 September joint statement.

Women, Peace and Security

A recent UN Women update estimates that 177,000 women in Gaza face life-threatening health risks, including from non-communicable diseases and hunger and poor nutrition during pregnancy. The update says that women and girls are at heightened risk of exposure to certain diseases due to their role in caring for sick family members in severely overcrowded shelters in the absence of adequate water and sanitation. It also reports that an estimated 155,000 pregnant and breastfeeding women confront obstacles to antenatal and postnatal care.

Key Issues and Options

The Councils failure to effectively expedite an end to the war in Gaza, prevent its regionalisation, and act to protect the viability of the two-state solution are issues of serious concern. That aid at scale is not reaching Palestinians in Gaza and that attacks targeting humanitarian personnel have continued are additional issues of concern.

The Council could consider a resolution that:

Demands an immediate and permanent ceasefire;

Demands the immediate release of the hostages;

Demands the immediate release of Palestinians detained without charge;

Requests the Secretary-General to establish a UN-monitoring mechanism in case of a ceasefire to verify compliance;

Demands that the international community support an end to the violence by stopping the transfer of arms to Israel and Palestinian armed groups while there is a risk that they are used to commit serious violations of international humanitarian law (IHL) and international human rights law (IHRL);

Imposes sanctions on those who impede humanitarian access or attack humanitarian personnel;

Imposes sanctions on Israeli officials responsible for advancing settlement activity;

Imposes sanctions on Israeli and Hamas officials for violations of international law.

Any agreement on such a resolution is unlikely, however, given that the US remains steadfast in its political and military support of Israel.

Council members could invite briefings from some of the UN independent experts who issued a statement in June stressing that transferring weapons and ammunition to Israel may constitute serious violations of human rights and international humanitarian laws risking state complicity in international crimes, possibly including genocide. The briefing could focus on the legal consequences of weapons and ammunition transfer when there is a clear risk that such weapons may be used to commit serious IHL and IHRL violations.

The ESS resolution decided to convene a conference during the current session of the General Assembly to advance the implementation of UN resolutions on the question of Palestine and the two-state solution for a just, lasting and comprehensive peace in the Middle East. Members who have expressed support for such an international conference, like China and Slovenia, could start consultations to this effect.

Council Dynamics

Before 7 October 2023, Council dynamics precluded effective action in response to the non-implementation of Security Council resolutions as well as a shared strategy to restart a political process between Palestinians and Israelis, with the US maintaining that the circumstances were not ripe for the reignition of such a process.

Difficult dynamics have characterised the Councils response to the war, which has been marked by contentious and prolonged negotiations, with multiple failed adoptions. Council negotiations on this file have shown that it is not possible for the Council to adopt an outcome that the US does not largely support. On 12 September, for instance, the US blocked press elements proposed by Algeria that would have condemned the 11 September Israeli airstrike on a school sheltering displaced people that killed at least 18 people, including six employees of the UN Relief and Works Agency for Palestine Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA). The press elements would have also reaffirmed that humanitarian personnel should be protected in accordance with international law.

The position of the US on the war in Gaza has led to accusations of double standards in comparison to its position on the war in Ukraine, further deepening the divide among some Council members.

Recently, several membersincluding China, Guyana, Russia, and Sloveniahave expressed frustration at the lack of implementation of resolution 2735, with some arguing that the Council should move to consider its next steps. At the 27 September meeting, Slovenian Prime Minister Robert Golob said that he had instructed his ambassador to start consultations on a possible new humanitarian resolution on Palestine.

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SECURITY COUNCIL AND WIDER UN STRUCTURE

UN-AU Cooperation

Expected Council Action

In October, the Council is expected to hold a briefing on cooperation between the UN and regional and sub-regional organisations, focusing on the African Union (AU). Special Representative of the Secretary-General to the AU and Head of the UN Office to the AU (UNOAU) Parfait Onanga-Anyanga, Assistant Secretary-General for Africa in the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) Martha Ama Akyaa Pobee, and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Peace and Security Bankole Adeoye are the expected briefers.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-Generals annual report on strengthening the partnership between the UN and the AU on issues of peace and security in Africa, including the work of the UNOAU, serves as the basis for this meeting. The annual debate usually takes place under an African Security Council presidency. However, this years two African presidencies were in May and August, and the annual report was released in late August. Therefore, Switzerland will convene the debate to consider the report during its Security Council presidency in October.

The report describes the partnership between the UN and the AU in conflict prevention and peacemaking, peacekeeping and peace support operations, as well as peacebuilding and the rule of law. It describes the state of peace and security in Africa, including, among other things, the Sudanese crisis that has displaced more than two million people, the political impasse in Libya, the increasing tensions between Ethiopia and Somalia, the deteriorating security and humanitarian situation in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), and the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism in the Sahel.

Additionally, the report provides updates on the implementation of resolution 2719 of 21 December 2023 on financing AU-led peace support operations. The UN and the AU have been consulting on the resolutions implementation through their joint task team. The team is organised along four workstreams: joint planning, decision-making and reporting; mission support; financing and budgeting; and compliance and protection of civilians. The joint task team had in-person meetings in Addis Ababa, the home of the AUs headquarters, in May and in New York in July to elaborate a joint AU-UN roadmap on implementing resolution 2719 and its planning modalities, which will be submitted to the UN Secretary-General and the AU Commission Chairperson for adoption during their next UN-AU annual high-level conference scheduled to take place in October in Addis Ababa.

During the Swiss Presidency in October, the 18th annual joint consultative meeting of the Security Council and the AU Peace and Security Council (AUPSC) will also be held. The annual meeting rotates between New York and Addis Ababa; this years meeting will be held in New York on 18 October. The agenda items include the situation in Sudan; the situation in Somalia and security arrangements after the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) ends; the situation in the Sahel and the Lake Chad basin, including countering the threat of terrorism; and the situations in the Central African Republic, eastern DRC, and the Great Lakes region.

This meeting is expected to be preceded on 16 and 17 October by the ninth informal joint seminar of the Security Council and the AUPSC. The Swiss Presidency has proposed holding this seminar, for the first time, in a retreat format, in Tarrytown, New York. The two Councils aim to exchange views on several thematic issues during the retreat, including the implementation of resolution 2719; Youth, Women, Peace and Security; Children and Armed Conflict; the adverse effects of climate change; and implementing the joint working methods of the two Councils.

Over the last couple of years, the AU Committee of Experts has visited New York before the annual consultations to meet with Security Council counterparts and negotiate the draft outcome document. Last year, for the first time, Security Council experts travelled to Addis Ababa on 3-4 October in preparation for the 17th annual consultations and met with their AUPSC counterparts. This year, AUPSC experts are expected to arrive in New York on 13 October before the 18th annual consultations to meet with their Security Council counterparts and finalise the joint communique to be adopted at the end of the meeting. At the time of writing, Council members had already started negotiating the draft, which they are expected to generate as the meetings host this year.

Key Issues and Options

A key issue for Council members will be how to address the most pressing peace and security situations in Africa. Aside from specific conflicts, several thematic issuesincluding the growing threat of terrorism and violent extremism, the resurgence of coups, the increasing role of mercenaries on the continent, and the worsening humanitarian situation with massive human displacement due to ongoing conflictsmay draw the attention of Council members.

Council members could consider initiating discussions with their AUPSC counterparts on the modalities for joint visiting missions to conflict situations in Africa. The two Councils had agreed in principle to conduct such missions during their joint annual consultations in 2018. The A3 plus one grouping (currently Algeria, Mozambique, Sierra Leone, and Guyana)particularly Mozambique as chair of the Security Council Ad-Hoc Working Group on Conflict Prevention and Resolution in Africacould take the lead in facilitating this discussion between the two Councils.

Another major issue is how to address the long-standing request for the financing of AU-led peace support operations (AUPSOs) from UN-assessed contributions. Council members are keen to receive updates from the UN Secretariat on implementing resolution 2719 before the annual consultations in line with a 23 May presidential statement.

Council Dynamics

Council members are generally supportive of the cooperation and partnership between the UN and the AU on peace and security, and the role of the A3 has been vital in this regard. In recent years, the A3 (and A3+) has enhanced its position in the Council through joint statements and coordination in negotiations on various Council products with a particular focus on Africa. It has also emerged as a cohesive negotiating bloc, significantly enhancing its influence within the Council. It is currently exploring the possibility of ensuring penholding or co-penholding on all African dossiers and dossiers of interest to Africa on the Councils agenda.

Regarding the implementation of resolution 2719, some Council members appear to have reservations about possible cases that could be considered for support under this resolution. Some members have discussed Somalia as an option, although the USthe largest contributor of assessed contributions to UN peacekeeping operationshas expressed reservations. In the context of discussions on the new follow-on mission to replace ATMIS, resolution 2748 of 15 August, which most recently renewed the missions mandate, requested the Secretary-General, in collaboration with the AU Commission Chairperson and in consultation with Somalia and international stakeholders, to submit a report by 15 November outlining the overall mission design for the proposed successor mission and options for financing, including but not limited to resolution 2719.

In its explanation of vote during the adoption of resolution 2748, the US said that resolution 2719 can only be realistically implemented after instituting an interim bridging approach over the course of the next two years, and provided that AU is ready to implement it. The US added that it aims to avoid prematurely authorising resolution 2719 for Somalia without the required budgetary, accountability, and human rights frameworks.

It seems that preliminary discussions have started behind the scenes on a possible mission in Sudan, exploring various options from a lighter-footprint mission with military observers to a full-fledged AUPSO. However, this possibility currently appears remote, given the lack of progress in the ongoing Sudanese mediation process and the need for a ceasefire or a cessation of hostilities agreement as necessary preconditions for the deployment of any mission on the ground.

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AFRICA

Western Sahara

Expected Council Action

In October, the Council is expected to renew the mandate of the UN Mission for the Referendum in Western Sahara (MINURSO), which expires on 31 October. Ahead of the mandate renewal, Council members will receive a briefing in consultations on the Secretary-Generals annual report on the situation concerning Western Sahara, which member states anticipate receiving by 1 October.

Background and Key Recent Developments

On 30 October 2023, the Security Council adopted resolution 2703, renewing MINURSOs mandate until 31 October, with 13 votes in favour and two abstentions (Mozambique and Russia). The resolution introduced new language welcoming Personal Envoy Staffan de Misturas convening of informal consultations with Morocco, the Polisario Front (the entity representing the inhabitants of the Western Sahara region, known as Sahrawis), Algeria, and Mauritania, as well as with members of the Group of Friends of Western SaharaFrance, Russia, Spain, the UK, and the USfrom 27 to 31 March 2023 in New York. These informal bilateral consultations aimed to discuss lessons learned in the political process, deepen the examination of the positions, and continue to seek mutually agreeable formulas to advance the political process. (For background, see the brief on Western Sahara in our April 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

On 24 July, the Secretary-General submitted his report on the Question of Western Sahara, covering developments from 1 July 2023 to 30 June, pursuant to General Assembly resolution A/RES/78/85 of 11 December 2023. During the reporting period, the situation in Western Sahara was characterised by low-intensity hostilities between Morocco and the Polisario Front, creating challenges for MINURSOs operational environment. The report noted that, in late February, the Special Representative for Western Sahara and Head of MINURSO, Alexander Ivanko, and MINURSOs Force Commander, Major General Fakhrul Ahsan, proposed a cessation of hostilities to both parties during Ramadan. Morocco reiterated its commitment to the 1991 ceasefire while underscoring its right to respond to incidents. The Polisario Front argued that a cessation of hostilities was tantamount to ignoring the current realities on the ground without addressing the root causes of the breakdown of the 1991 ceasefire. (In November 2020, the Polisario Front announced that it would no longer respect the ceasefire agreement following a military operation by Morocco in the buffer zone.)

During the reporting period, MINURSO was able to sustain its team sites more regularly and reliably after the Polisario Front committed to provide safe passage, on an exceptional and provisional basis, to the [m]ission to conduct a logistical ground convoy to resupply its team sites east of the berm. (The berm refers to an approximately 1,700-mile-long earthen wall that divides the Moroccan-administered portion of Western Sahara from that held by the Polisario Front.) Between September 2023 and June, MINURSO conducted an average of one ground convoy every month to its team sites east of the berm. (For more information, see the brief on Western Sahara in our April 2024 Monthly Forecast.)

In a 30 July letter to Moroccos King Mohammed VI, French President Emmanuel Macron announced Frances support for resolving the issue of Western Sahara under Moroccos autonomy plan. The letter said that this plan constituted the only basis to achieve a just, lasting, and negotiated political solution, in accordance with UN Security Council resolutions. (The plan, which Morocco submitted to the UN in 2007, calls for integrating the territory into Morocco, with the Sahrawi people managing their internal affairs while being represented externally by Morocco.) Previously, France had described Moroccos plan as a serious and credible basis for discussion but had not formally endorsed it. (Refer to the graphic below for trends in member states positions on Western Sahara.)

During his visit to Rabat in February, French Minister for Europe and Foreign Affairs Stephane Sejourne indicated that France supported Moroccan investments in Western Sahara. On 26 April, French Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire expressed Frances readiness to participate in funding a three-gigawatt power cable linking the city of Casablanca to Moroccan-controlled Dakhla, a city in the Morocco-occupied territory of Western Sahara.

Responding to Frances change in position, the Foreign Minister of the Sahrawi Arab Democratic Republic (SADR) Mohamed Sidati accused France of violating international law while supporting Moroccan expansionism. The Algerian foreign ministry also criticised Frances decision in a 30 July press release as denying the right of self-determination to the Sahrawis, adding that France made the decision without clearly measuring out all its potential repercussions. The ministry announced its decision to withdraw Algerias ambassador to France and reportedly also refused to accept its citizens who had been given deportation orders by French authorities. While some European countries, such as France and Spain, have explicitly supported Moroccos autonomy plan, the European Union (EU) has generally maintained a neutral position. According to media reports, on 11 September several members of the European parliament sent a letter to the EUs High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell Fontelles, denouncing Frances position. The letter reportedly said that the unilateral position of support for one of the parties may open a confrontation in this region, to which the EU is linked in terms of energy supply and the control of emigration.

In another development, Chad opened a consulate in Dakhla on 14 August. Chad had announced its support for Moroccos sovereignty over Western Sahara in 2022. On 17 August, the Dominican Republic also announced its intention to open a consulate in Dakhla and reaffirmed support for Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara.

Key Issues and Options

An immediate issue for the Council is to renew the mandate of MINURSO and consider what changes to the missions mandate, if any, are necessary. A key issue for Council members to consider is how to bring all parties to the negotiating table and reinvigorate the political process.

Significant obstacles remain in the peace process. The November 2020 decision by the Polisario Front to abandon the 1991 ceasefire has led to a rise in hostilities over the last few years. At the same time, Morocco controls more than three-quarters of the Western Sahara territory and has made substantial investments in the region, including a $1.2 billion port project in Dakhla. Moroccan settlers account for nearly two-thirds of the approximately half-million residents of Western Sahara.

Another issue of concern for Council members is the human rights situation. Despite multiple requests by the Office of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) for a visit to Western Sahara and strong encouragement from the Security Council in its resolutions on MINURSO for the parties to cooperate with OHCHR, it has not been granted access to the territory of Western Sahara since 2015. The Secretary-Generals 24 July report noted that OHCHR continued to receive allegations of human rights violations, including intimidation, surveillance and discrimination against Sahrawi individuals. The report also raised concerns about the conditions for detained Sahrawi prisoners and the prevailing humanitarian situation in the refugee camps in Algerias Tindouf province. In November 2023, the Sahrawi Refugee Response Plan was launched for 2024-25, which estimated that approximately 173,000 people living in the Tindouf refugee camps require humanitarian assistance.

Council Dynamics

Council members differ starkly in their national positions on Western Sahara. The US, the penholder on Western Sahara, recognised Moroccos sovereignty over the region in December 2020 during the administration of President Donald Trump and committed to opening a consulate in the disputed territory. President Joe Bidens administration has continued this position. France has recently shifted its position to fully back the Moroccan autonomy plan as the only basis for achieving a political solution. The UK supports a just, lasting, and mutually acceptable political solution, based on compromise, which will provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

The three African members of the Council do not share a common position. Sierra Leone recognises Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and established a consulate in Dakhla in August 2021. Algeria and Mozambique strongly support the right to self-determination for the Sahrawis and maintain diplomatic relations with the SADR. These members are likely to push for more negotiations to determine the status of Western Sahara and for a focus on the human rights situation in the region. Guyana, which is a member of the A3 plus one grouping, withdrew its recognition of the SADR, dating from 1979, in November 2020.

MINURSOs mandate renewal has not been unanimous since 2017. The division among Council members was apparent during the adoption of resolution 2703. In its explanation of vote, Russia said that recent resolutions extending MINURSOs mandate have included amendments that undermine the impartial and non-partisan approach to the problem of Western Sahara. Russia expressed support for direct negotiations between Morocco and the Polisario Front, emphasising that any final settlement of the issue should be based on mutually acceptable outcomes that provide for the self-determination of the people of Western Sahara.

Some members, such as Algeria and Russia, have also opposed the roundtable talksan initiative launched by former Personal Envoy Horst Kohler, which brought together Algeria, Mauritania, Morocco, and the Polisario Front. Algeria perceives this initiative as potentially reframing the situation as a regional conflict instead of one between Morocco and the Polisario Front, with Algeria and Mauritania viewed as concerned neighbours. Algeria insists that it is not a party to the conflict and that it cannot take the place of the Polisario in negotiations but is prepared to step up its role in the political process as a neighbouring state.

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THEMATIC ISSUES

Women, Peace and Security

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council will hold its annual open debate on women, peace and security (WPS), which will be titled: Women Building Peace in a Changing Environment. UN Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, UN Women Executive Director Sima Sami Bahous, and one or more civil society representatives are the anticipated briefers. The open debate will be chaired by the President of the Swiss Confederation, Viola Amherd, and is one of the signature events of Switzerlands presidency.

It appears that Switzerland intends to focus the open debate on womens participation in efforts to build and sustain peaceincluding as mediators and negotiators, and, more broadly, in peace processesas a key part of the implementation of the WPS agenda.

Key Recent Developments

The Secretary-Generals annual report on WPSexpected ahead of the open debatewill provide an update on the implementation of the agenda over the past year. This years report is expected to include a focus on financing for the WPS agenda, which is one of the five goals for the decade set out in the Secretary-Generals 2020 WPS annual report. In this context, it may document notable shortcomings in the provision of adequate and reliable funding for the implementation of the agenda.

The report is also likely to highlight the mounting pushback against womens rights and gender equality in many parts of the world, and the privileging of military action and military spending over inclusive political processes to address conflict. Feminist and womens rights organisations have highlighted similar concerns, with the Womens International League for Peace and Freedom criticising Council members who express rhetorical support for the WPS agenda, human rights and the rule of law while simultaneously contributing to violence and insecurity around the globe, in its analysis of the 2023 WPS open debate.

Similarly, the 2024 NGO Working Group on WPS open letter to UN permanent representatives in advance of this years open debate warns that against a backdrop of record levels of armed conflict and assaults on international human rights and humanitarian law [t]he WPS agendas vision of peace and equality has never been so importantor so under threat. The letter urges the Security Council to undertake a series of actions, including committing to reform itself in order to deliver on the UN Charters promise of peace, and stopping arms transfers in several circumstances, including when weapons may be used to commit or facilitate serious acts of gender-based violence, or when member states have knowledge or should have known that the arms may be used in the commission of genocide, crimes against humanity or war crimes.

Council members retained WPS-related language in several resolutions and were at times able to strengthen it. For instance, resolution 2729, which in April renewed the mandate of the UN Mission in South Sudan (UNMISS), contained a new reference calling upon parties to recognise the need to protect women human rights defenders from threats and reprisals. In June, the Council adopted resolution 2736 which, for the first time since the outbreak of the war in Sudan in April 2023, encouraged engagement by UN and regional actors to advance peace and an inclusive Sudanese-led political process with the full, equal, meaningful and safe participation of women.

At other times, Council members struggled to include effective WPS language in Council outcomes. For instance, during the negotiations on resolution 2748, which renewed the mandate of the AU Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) until 31 December, a proposal supported by several members to include a reference to womens participation and the need for a gender-responsive transition process in ATMIS drawdown was opposed by China and Russia and not included in the final version of the resolution. Similarly, during the negotiations on resolution 2746, which authorised the UN Organization Stabilization Mission in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (MONUSCO) to provide operational and logistical support to the Southern African Development Community Mission in the DRC (SAMIDRC), draft language was deleted at Russias request that would have underlined the need to take into account a gender perspective in the implementation of all aspects of SAMIDRCs strategic concept of operations, including by ensuring that gender analysis and womens participation are integrated into assessments, planning and operations. Instead, language was added indicating that MONUSCOs support to SAMIDRC in terms of technical advice and protection of civilians should include the protection of women and girls and the prevention of conflict-related sexual violence (CRSV).

Although resolution 2720 of December 2023 on the war in Gaza reaffirms the Councils concern at the disproportionate effect that the conflict is having on the lives and well-being of children, women, and other civilians in vulnerable situations, the two following resolutions on the war (resolutions 2728 and 2735 of 2024) did not include any gender-related language except for a reference in resolution 2735 to the release of hostages including women. A further example is resolution 2732, which renewed the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) for a final 19-month period until 31 December 2025. The resolution contained significantly less WPS language than the previous UNAMI mandate renewal in 2023 (resolution 2682), and included only some of the language on WPS proposed during the negotiations.

In recent months, women civil society representatives have briefed Council members on various situations on the Councils agenda, including Afghanistan, Yemen, and Sudan.

Since January, the Informal Experts Group (IEG) on WPS has met six times, with recent meetings focusing on Somalia, Libya, and Myanmar.

Council members Ecuador, France, Guyana, Japan, Malta, the Republic of Korea (ROK), Sierra Leone, Slovenia, Switzerland, the UK, and the US have given continuity to the Shared Commitments on WPS initiative, which was started in 2021 by Ireland, Kenya, and Mexico. It seems that these members held regular strategy meetings to coordinate their positions on key WPS issues. They have also held regular WPS-focused press stakeouts this year, most recently on Afghanistan and Libya. Some of these members have hosted informal briefings with women civil society representatives to draw members attention to key WPS issues.

Engagement on some commitments remained uneven, however. It appears that commitment holders have yet to develop coordinated strategies to implement their pledge to draw attention to, and follow up on, the recommendations and priority issues raised by civil society briefers in Council meetings.

Of the members that have signed on to the Shared Commitments initiative, Malta, the ROK, Sierra Leone, and Slovenia encouraged Council members to focus on WPS issues in a mandated country-specific meeting during their presidencies in 2024; that is, the Great Lakes in March, Sudan in June, Libya in August, and Afghanistan in September, respectively. Augusts briefing on peace operation drawdowns and WPS, organised by Sierra Leone, marked the first time that a Security Council meeting focused specifically on challenges of accelerated drawdowns for the WPS agenda. In April, Malta focused the annual open debate on CRSV on demilitarisation and gender-responsive arms control, the first time that this annual open debate addressed this issue.

In July, Switzerland convened a two-day retreat with representatives of regional and Swiss women mediator networks in preparation for the annual open debate. According to a report summarising the key points raised during the retreat, participants stressed, among other issues, the need for gender-responsive conflict analysis, greater awareness of the risks and potential of digital technologies for peacemaking, and political and financial support for women-led peacebuilding and alliance-building. Participants also stressed the importance of establishing mechanisms linking processes along different tracks in order to counter challenges such as the fragmentation of the mediation space, the persistent hierarchy between different tracks, and the continued marginalisation of women at the track 1 level (that is, formal talks between the key political-military elites at the heart of conflicts).

That peace tables are based on an increasingly narrow, issues-based, and piece-meal approach negotiated between a few men, and often focused exclusively on short-term fixes to ceasefire and security arrangements or humanitarian access was identified as a further challenge and as a factor highlighting the need for political processes designed for inclusivity, based on international norms and principles, and aspiring to achieve transformative peace.

Key Issues and Options

The pivotal issue for the Security Council remains the full implementation of the WPS agenda and its impact on the ground.

A key issue for Council members supportive of the agenda is to preserve and strengthen WPS language in thematic and country-specific outcomes and to follow up on the implementation of these decisions. These members could continue to coordinate ahead of key Council negotiations and meetings and use the information from IEG meetings to address specific issues.

Council members could also ask UN briefers to provide substantive updates to the Council on specific WPS issues, such as womens participation in peace processes.

A recent Secretary-Generals report on Cooperation with the United Nations, its representatives and mechanisms in the field of human rights says that five women civil society representatives reported reprisals in connection with their briefings to the Council in 2023. More recently, following a briefing by the Executive Director of the Israeli NGO BTselem, Yuli Novak, at the 4 September meeting on The situation in the Middle East, including the Palestinian question a member of the Israeli parliament wrote to the Israel Police Commissioner demanding the opening of an investigation, claiming that through her briefing Novak had violated the Israeli Penal Law provision on aiding the enemy during war, which is punishable by the death penalty or life imprisonment.

In line with resolution 2242 on WPS and the 1 December 2021 Statement of Shared Commitments on WPS, members should continue to invite diverse women civil society representatives to brief the Council regularly and follow up on their information and recommendations. It is essential that members and the UN take all possible measures to keep briefers safe, in consultation with the briefer, including carrying out risk assessments, developing protection plans, and responding to any reprisals.

Council Dynamics

Most Council members are generally supportive of the WPS agenda. However, Russia and China often oppose the inclusion of language on WPS in Security Council products. This dynamic was recently highlighted by the negotiations on a press statement on Afghanistan which was critical of the release of The Law on the Promotion of Virtue and the Prevention of Vice on 21 August. The statement was blocked by China and Russia, but later issued as a joint statement by 12 Council members.

The prevalent assessment, including among several Council members and civil society actors, is that the dynamics on this file remain difficult and unconducive to the adoption of new WPS thematic outcomes, challenges exacerbated by the Councils polarisation and ineffectiveness in the context of the wars in Gaza and Ukraine.

The UK is the penholder on WPS and the US is the penholder on CRSV. Sierra Leone and Switzerland are the co-chairs of the IEG on WPS. Malta is the coordinator of the Shared Commitments initiative.

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MIDDLE EAST

Yemen

Expected Council Action

In October, the Security Council is expected to hold its monthly briefing and consultations on Yemen.

The mandate of the UN Mission to Support the Hodeidah Agreement (UNMHA) expires on 14 July 2025. The 2140 Yemen sanctions regime, which comprises assets freeze and travel ban measures, expires on 15 November, while the mandate of the Yemen Panel of Experts expires on 15 December. (The targeted arms embargo established through resolution 2216 of 14 April 2015 is open-ended.)

Key Recent Developments

The political process in Yemen remains frozen amid regional fallout from the Israel-Hamas war. At the Councils latest briefing on Yemen, held on 12 September, UN Special Envoy Hans Grundberg emphasised that the regional escalation continues to complicate his efforts to promote a sustainable resolution of the conflict in the country.

In recent months, the Houthi rebel group has continued carrying out attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea. The Houthis have threatened to continue these assaults until Israel ends its military campaign in Gaza, that followed the 7 October 2023 Hamas-led attacks against Israel. A 21 August Houthi-claimed attack in the Red Sea set ablaze the Greek-flagged crude oil tanker MV Sounion, which was carrying 150,000 tonnes of crude oil, raising concerns about a potential environmental catastrophe. On 16 September, the EU naval mission EUNAVFOR ASPIDES announced that the MV Sounion has been towed to safety without any oil spill.

In a recent sign of the escalation of direct conflict between the Houthis and Israel, the rebel group claimed responsibility for a missile attack targeting central Israel on 15 September. The strike, which did not result in any reported casualties, marked the second time that a Houthi airborne assault reached central Israel, after a 19 July drone attack by the group on the city of Tel Aviv killed one civilian. A Houthi spokesperson claimed that the group used a new hypersonic ballistic missile and threatened more strikes and specific operations against Israel as the anniversary of the 7 October 2023 attacks approaches. Israeli officials told media outlets that the projectile was not a hypersonic missile and American officials reportedly said that the weapon did not represent a new military capability for the Houthis.

Following the attack, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warned that Israel exact[s] a heavy price for any attempt to harm it, while referencing the 20 July retaliatory strikes carried out by Israel in and around the Hodeidah Port in Yemen after the 19 July drone attack. In a 19 September letter to the Security Council, Israel denounced the 15 September attack, called on the Council to condemn the Houthis destabilising activities, and accused Iran of providing the Houthis with weapons in contravention of the arms embargo imposed on the group.

On 27 and 28 September, the Houthis launched two separate ballistic missile attacks against Israel, which were intercepted by Israels air defence systems. These attacks took place against the backdrop of an escalation of hostilities between Israel and Hezbollah, which included the 27 September assassination of Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike. The Houthis threatened that [t]hese operations will not stop until the aggression on Gaza and Lebanon stops. On 29 September, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) announced that they had carried out retaliatory attacks against Houthi targets in Hodeidah and Ras Isa, including power stations and a seaport. The strikes killed at least four people and injured 29 others, according to the Houthis.

Meanwhile, Yemen continues to suffer from overlapping humanitarian crises, including the effects of severe flooding that occurred in August and September, the spread of cholera, and growing food insecurity. A 10 September report prepared by the UN Population Fund (UNFPA) and the Yemeni non-governmental organisation (NGO) Building Foundation for Development argued that the heavy rainfalls that triggered widespread flooding in Yemen are not a seasonal anomaly, but rather a clear indicator of a rapidly worsening climate crisis. It urged international donors to increase funding and capacity-building assistance for climate resilience efforts in the country.

Relief efforts in the country continue to face multiple challenges, including shrinking space for humanitarian action and funding shortfalls. The Houthis continue to detain 13 Yemeni national staff employed by several UN agencies and offices and more than 50 NGO and civil society staff arrested by the rebel group in early June. In an 18 September statement marking 100 days since the arrests, regional directors from six UN agencies and three NGOs called for the immediate and unconditional release of all detained personnel. The statement emphasised that [a]ttacks on humanitarian workers, including detentions and false accusations, violate international law, endanger safety, and severely hinder the support that they provide to the Yemeni people.

At the 12 September Council meeting, Acting Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs Joyce Msuya noted that humanitarian partners reported 572 access incidents across Yemen in the first seven months of 2024. She said that the Houthis new cabinet, which was formed in August, has provided assurances that it would work with the UN and humanitarian partners to address access constraints. Msuya also reported that the UN has undertaken a programme prioritisation exercise with the aim of minimising the exposure of staff to risk in Houthi-controlled areas. As a result, the UN decided to provide a narrower response focused on essential life-saving and life-sustaining activities, deprioritising broader activities such as capacity-building. Msuya expressed hope that the UN could resume its broader programmes once minimum requirements are met for the safety and security of UN personnel and other humanitarian workers.

Women, Peace and Security At the 12 September Council meeting, Linda Al Obahi, Senior Political Affairs and Mediation Advisor representing the Peace Track Initiative (PTI) and the Women Solidarity Network, briefed on the deteriorating situation of womens rights in Yemen. She said that the imposition of a male guardian, dress codes, and restrictions on freedom of expression, especially in Houthi-controlled areas, impede womens ability to work, including in the humanitarian sector; to access healthcare and education, and to participate in public life. Al Obahi stated that Yemeni women human rights defenders and peacebuilders have frequently faced public defamation, online violence, and threats to their safety. Additionally, she expressed concern about the fact that, for the first time in 24 years, there are no women in government positions in Yemen, and that women are completely absent from peace process negotiation committees, including those under UN auspices. Al Obahi stressed the importance of guaranteeing the meaningful participation of women, youth, minorities, people with disabilities, marginalised groups, victims and survivors of rights abuses, human rights defenders and civil society in all negotiation processes. Citing reports from UN experts and Yemeni womens organisations, Al Obahi highlighted cases of arbitrary detention as well as torture, rape, forced confessions, mutilation, and forced abortion endured by women in detention. She also stressed that the recent arbitrary detention and enforced disappearances by the Houthis of UN, international, and national NGOs is unprecedented and appear to be part of a broader strategy to suppress the civic and political space in Houthi-controlled areas, create fear, and threaten humanitarian operations in Yemen. Al Obahi urged the international community to set clear red lines on actions regarding aid distribution and engagement with civil society, consistently demand respect for international human rights and humanitarian law, and hold the Houthis accountable for their actions.

Key Issues and Options

Insulating Yemen from destabilising regional tensions and reinvigorating the stalled intra-Yemeni political process are key priorities for the Council. Members are likely to continue to call on Yemeni parties to exercise restraint and to take confidence-building measures in order to create conditions conducive to the resumption of talks. In this regard, members could encourage implementation of the economic de-escalation agreement reached on 23 July between the Houthis and the Yemeni government. Although the agreement includes a pledge by the sides to hold meetings to discuss economic and humanitarian issues, no meetings have yet taken place.

How to promote compliance with the 2140 Yemen sanctions regime is going to be a likely focus for the Council this month, as it prepares for the renewal of the mandate of the Yemen Panel of Experts in November. The 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee held informal consultations on 19 September to discuss the final report of its Panel of Experts, which is expected to be made public in mid-October. Members are likely to soon discuss the possible implementation of the recommendations for the Council that are contained in the report.

An issue increasingly raised by some Council members is the need to address violations of the arms embargo on the Houthis. In this regard, on 6 September, the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee sent a letter to all member states, in which it encouraged the government of Yemen to establish a national mechanismwith the support of the international community, where appropriatethat would enhance its capacity to enforce the arms embargo, including through collecting evidence and conducting financial investigations. The letter was based on a recommendation contained in the Panels mid-term report, submitted in mid-April.

Council Dynamics

Yemen is an issue on which Council members have maintained general unity in support of UN mediation to achieve a sustainable resolution to the conflict. The Red Sea crisis, however, has produced some notable divisions. The P3 members (France, the UK, and the US) have criticised the Houthis destabilising actions, while Council members such as Algeria, China, and Russia emphasise that ending the conflict in Gaza is critical to resolving the crisis in the Red Sea.

Although Council members have expressed concern about the situation of the UN staff detained by the Houthis, they have been unable to send a unified message on the issue. In June, members failed to agree on a press statement proposed by the UK (the penholder on Yemen) due to concerns raised by China and Russia. Among other things, Russia was apparently uncomfortable with language in the draft statement condemning the arrests and calling for the detainees release, instead preferring to call for access to the arrested staff. Russia has been taking a similar approach in its statements in Council meetings on Yemen. It has also accused Western countries of double standards, arguing that although they call on the Houthis to release the detained staff, they fail to hold Israel accountable for its actions against UN staff in Gaza and the West Bank.

Some members that have convened side events on Yemen during the high-level segment of the 79th session of the UN General Assemblysuch as a 25 September event hosted by the UK and the US about challenges to the provision of humanitarian aid, including the issue of the detained UN staffhave chosen to hold them in a closed format. This might be indicative of the difficulties in agreeing on unified messaging on the file.

The US and Japan have served as co-penholders on the Red Sea crisis. Ambassador Joonkook Hwang (Republic of Korea) chairs the 2140 Yemen Sanctions Committee.

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CANBERRA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Australian Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has appointed a special envoy to combat Islamophobia.

Albanese announced on Monday night that Aftab Malik, a British-Australian who is recognized as a global expert on Muslim affairs by the United Nations Alliance of Civilizations, has been appointed as the government's inaugural Islamophobia envoy.

Malik's appointment came almost three months after Jillian Segal was appointed as the antisemitism envoy in July.

Albanese said in a joint statement with Tony Burke, minister for Home Affairs, Immigration and Multicultural Affairs, that the special envoy will engage with members of the Muslim community, religious discrimination experts and governments on the best ways to combat Islamophobia.

Malik has been appointed on a three-year term starting on Oct. 14 and will report directly to Albanese and Burke.

Malik was born in Britain to Pakistani parents and migrated to Australia in 2012 where he has worked in the state government of New South Wales promoting cohesion and countering hate and extremism. 
Expensive handbag maker Mulberry has rejected an 83m takeover offer from Mike Ashleys Frasers Group saying it failed to recognise the companys substantial future potential value.

Frasers, which already holds a 37% stake in Mulberry, on Monday offered a 130p a share in cash in an angry response to an emergency 10.75m placing of shares in the luxury group late on Friday to support its balance sheet after slumping to a 34m full-year loss.

The board believes that the combination of the recent appointment of Andrea Baldo as CEO alongside the recently announced subscription and retail offer provides the company with a solid platform to execute a turnaround and, ultimately, to deliver best value for all Mulberry shareholders, Mulberry said on Tuesday.

It added that Challice, the company's 56.1% majority shareholder controlled by Singaporean entrepreneur Christina Ong, was supportive of the company's strategy and has no interest in supporting the possible offer.

Frasers claimed it had not been made aware of raising until immediately prior to its announcement and would have been willing to underwrite it on better terms.

It also warned it would not accept another Debenhams situation where a perfectly viable business is run into administration  referring to the 2019 collapse of the department store chain which wiped out Ashleys 150m investment into the business.

The Frasers offer for Mulberry was conditional on the raising being withdrawn and the full support of the Mulberry board.

However, Mulberry said it had no intention of withdrawing the raising, stressing that allowing all shareholders to participate on the same terms, is the fairest and most effective way of accessing additional equity funding.

Recognising that Frasers is a committed and important investor in Mulberry, and has publicly stated that it would have been willing to underwrite the subscription, the board looks forward to engaging further with Frasers regarding a pro rata participation.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Pharma giant Pfizer has offloaded a 2.43bn stake in Haleon , which in turn said it would buy back 230m of the shares.

Haleon, maker of Sensodyne toothpaste, said it had bought the shares at 308p each. The off-market purchase includes 30.1 million shares worth around 114.6m which will be cancelled and represent the remainder of the 500mallocated to share buybacks in 2024.

The rest of the shares will be held as treasury shares for the purposes of satisfying Haleon's obligations under its existing employee share plans in 2025. Haleon said Pfizers stake was expected to fall to 15% from 22.6%.

Haleon was created as a joint venture with GSK before being listed in July 2022 as a consumer healthcare company.

Reporting by Frank Prenesti for Sharecast.com
Green Lithium is a mineral processing company with plans to build and operate a large-scale lithium refinery in Teeside, providing lithium chemicals to the UK and EU markets.

Currently, the battery-metal supply chain is dominated by East Asia, as there is no refining capability in Europe.

Rio Tinto said in a statement that the signed memorandum of understanding with Green Litihium will build is an end-to-end battery metals supply chain in Europe "to safeguard the UK's and EU's automotive and battery manufacturing industries".

Philippe Bourdages, vice president in minerals sales at Rio Tinto called the partnership an "important step", adding: "we are looking to supply the global rollout of green battery technology to feed the significant European market demand."

Commenting on the deal, Sarah Jones, the UK's government minister for industry and decarbonisation, said the deal was "great news [...] and will not only support high-skilled jobs in the North East but boost our critical minerals supply chains as we continue to build a cleaner, greener future for our automotive industry and drive forward our mission to net zero".
WPP jumped on Tuesday after consumer goods giant Unilever concluded its global media review and reappointed the ad agencys media services business, Mindshare, in key markets.

At 1010 BST, the shares were up 2.4% at 781.80p.

According to reports, WPP lost five Southeast Asian markets to Publicis Media. However, Mindshare was reappointed to deal with Unilevers media accounts in the UK, US and China, and the company secured the Sub-Saharan Africa region, including South Africa, from Omnicom Media Group.

Russ Mould, investment director at AJ Bell, said the shares were up on news WPP had secured "a favourable outcome from major client Unilevers latest media review, keeping some duties and adding new ones".

He added: "Losing Unilever as a client would have been a major blow, so it was no surprise to see investors expressing some relief."
MOGADISHU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- African Union Transition Mission in Somalia (ATMIS) said Tuesday that its 25 military and police officers completed a five-day training on civilian protection, human rights and civil-military coordination to guide their combat operations in the country.

The AU mission said the training held in Beledweyne town, central Somalia, enhanced officers' skills for safeguarding civilians during operations against al-Shabab, a terrorist group, as well as improving community relations.

ATMIS Senior Protection and Human Rights Officer and Lead Trainer Gloria Jaase said training ATMIS forces on critical areas affecting civilians is a core mission mandate.

"One of our key tasks as ATMIS is to train and build the capacity of ATMIS Uniformed personnel to the protection of civilians," Jaase said in a statement issued from Beledweyne.

She said the training is one of the initiatives to operationalize the African Union Compliance and Accountability Framework.

The training drew participants from ATMIS Djibouti and Ethiopian National Defense Forces contingents, Individual Police Officers and Ghana Formed Police Unit.

The military and police officers covered a wide range of topics, including the protection of vulnerable groups such as women and children, International Humanitarian Law, International Human Rights Law and prevention of sexual exploitation and abuse.

The training also focused on civil-military coordination concepts, principles and guidelines, the use of armed escorts for humanitarian convoys and civilian casualty tracking, analysis, and response.

ATMIS has stepped up training of its troops deployed in Somalia to degrade the extremist group al-Shabab as the country is set to have a third peace support operation starting in January 2025.

In August, the African Union Peace and Security Council approved a proposal to form the AU Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia, which will take over from ATMIS, which replaced the country's first mission (AMISOM) in April 2022. 
External Affairs Minister (EAM), S. Jaishankar met with US Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo in Washington D.C. and discussed Indo-Pacific Economic Framework alongside high technology cooperation between the two countries.

The talks between the two Ministers also covered resilient supply chains, Indo-Pacific Economic Framework, high technology cooperation, semiconductors and business promotion as EAM Jaishankar arrived in the US capital on Sunday.

In a tweet, EAM Jaishankar on Tuesday wrote, "Great to see Commerce Secretary @SecRaimondo today in Washington DC. We discussed semiconductors, iCET, critical minerals, trusted partnerships and supply chain resiliency. Value the strides we are making in our tech collaboration and economic partnership".

This marks the first visit of EAM Jaishankar to the US capital since the Modi government was re-elected for a third consecutive term.

This meeting comes a day before EAM Jaishankar meets his US counterpart Secretary Antony Blinke.

Both EAM Jaishankar and US Commerce Secretary Raimondo also discussed the US-India CEO Forum and US-India Commercial Dialogue, two Department of Commerce and Indian Ministry of Commerce and Industry-led initiatives that aim to strengthen the US-India trade and investment relationship, said a press statement released by the US Department of Commerce.

Both the Ministers also commended the progress made till now under the Indo-Pacific Economic Framework for Prosperity (IPEF) and reiterated their shared commitment to continuing to advance the work to operationalise the IPEF agreements, the statement added.

The External Affairs Minister concluded the high-level United Nations General Assembly debate in New York on Saturday. EAM Jaishankar was in New York from September 18 to 24.

IPEF, a group of 13 countries, is a multilateral economic framework. Since its launch in May 2022, IPEF countries have engaged in intensive discussions to scope out each pillar of the Framework.

The IPEF was launched jointly by the US and other partner countries of the Indo-Pacific region on May, 2022, in Tokyo.

During his stay, in addition to his meeting with Blinken, EAM Jaishankar will also engage with other high-ranking officials from the US administration, as well as members of the Cabinet.

His itinerary includes an interaction with the think-tank community, notably a session hosted by the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace (CEIP), where he will discuss the future of US-India relations.

The CEIP, a globally recognised non-partisan think-tank with a focus on international affairs, operates across various regions, including Europe, South Asia, East Asia, the Middle East, and the US.

EAM Jaishankar will join CEIP President Mariano Florentino Cuellar in a conversation focused on the evolving strategic partnership between the US and India.

The think-tank underscored India's increasing global strategic importance, particularly in shaping US foreign policy.

Citing Prime Minister Narendra Modi's state visit to the US in 2023 and his more recent bilateral meeting with President Joe Biden, CEIP highlighted how these interactions demonstrate the growing significance of US-India ties.

President Biden hosted Prime Minister Modi at his residence in Greenville, Delaware, where both leaders discussed an array of regional and global issues.

PM Modi described the talks as "extremely fruitful" in a social media post. Similarly, President Biden expressed his admiration for PM Modi's ability to identify new avenues for cooperation during each of their meetings.

In its announcement of the upcoming session, CEIP remarked, "Amid fast-paced global developments, India's bilateral ties with the US have grown more extensive. The two countries have deepened partnerships in the Indo-Pacific, as well as on defence innovation and critical and emerging technologies".

The event will also address pressing questions about India's role in global leadership and how the two nations can strengthen cooperation in areas such as artificial intelligence, biotechnology, democracy, security, and trade.
Under the initiative of Atmanirbhar Bharat, The Indian Army signed the eight procurement contracts through Innovations for Defence Excellence (iDEX).

According to the Ministry of Defence, QuNu Labs had proposed a 200 km single-hop Quantum key distribution in Open Challenge 2.0 under iDEX. It will replace the algorithm-based encryption systems thus enabling greater security and also optimising manpower commitment.

The contract for procurement of 'Generation of Quantum Secure Key (quantum key distribution)' was signed with M/s QuNu Labs. This contract was signed, in the presence of Lieutenant General NC Raja Subramani, Vice Chief of The Army Staff at South Block, New Delhi.

MoD Informed that the iDEX was launched by the Prime Minister in April 2018 during Defence Expo India 2018. The aim of iDEX is to create an eco-system to foster innovations and encourage technological development in Defence and Aerospace by engaging Research and Development (R&D) Institutes, Academia, and Industries including MSMEs, Start-Ups, and individual innovators.

It also provides them with funding and other support to carry out R&D which has great potential for future adoption by the Indian Defence and Aerospace Organisation.

iDEX under the Defence Innovation Organisation has emerged as a front-runner in establishing the right kind of contact with Startups and Innovators and has gained substantial traction in the Defence Startup Community.

At present, there are a total of 74 Projects of IA under iDEX including as part of Acing Devp of Innovation Tech with iDEX (ADITI), Defence India Startup Challenge (DISC) ; Open Challenge schemes. It involves the handholding of 77 Startups for the development of the latest state-of-the-art solutions for the Indian Army. Indian Army is already carrying out field exploitation of the four delivered equipment from various iDEX schemes.

Based on the results of the field exploitation further Spiral Development of the innovative technology will be progressed with the Startups, MoD officials added.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Construction workers are removing the exterior shell of the supposed Amazon Fresh in New Dorp and readying the half-built property for Aldi, which  according to Department of Buildings (DOB) records and an open employment listing  will soon be the strip malls next anchor tenant.

We are excited to share that we are planning to welcome a new Aldi to Staten Island by early next year, Chris Daniels, Aldis South Windsor Division vice president, said in a statement, confirming the companys intentions but not officially disclosing the location. As we get closer to the opening, well be sure to reach back out with more details on the new store.

DOB records indicated that Aldi, which recently opened its first Staten Island store in Greenridge Plaza, filed plans for 430 New Dorp Lane -- in the space formerly occupied by Applebees, Mandee, Justice and New York & Co. -- on Aug. 7. A job listing for a full-time assistant store manager at 430 New Dorp Lane is also currently posted on Aldis website.

The address, which offers 44,448 square feet of retail space at the corner of Hylan Boulevard, has been vacant for at least four years and was earmarked as a supermarket anchor by the shopping centers realtor in 2021.

Work had been ongoing at the site -- a tell-tale green-striped awning and rows of shopping cart bays in place for more than two years -- but Amazon never formally admitted the space was slated for one of its grocery stores. The e-tailer, however, filed for a conditional liquor license at that location and enabled a Wi-Fi hotspot in the parking lot -- both of which were recently removed.

The location -- which would have been NYCs first Fresh -- was listed as one of Amazons zombie stores by the Real Deal, one of seven that had been built and left to languish after the grocery category proved problematic for the corporation. And, according to several reports, Amazon is reportedly facing lawsuits from a number of landlords who were left in the lurch.

No such legal action has been reported at the Staten Island site, and Amazon did not respond to a request for comment about the scrapped project before the time of publication.

Known for its no-frills selling strategy and competitive prices, Aldi operates more than 2,000 locations throughout 36 states, mostly concentrated in the eastern half of the country. Headquartered in Batavia, Illinois, the company employs more than 25,000 people.

The Staten Island location opened on Sept. 12, and hundreds of customers waited in line to mark the event. The store itself is bright and spacious, with aisles wider than those found in a typical grocery store. And the selection is wide too: Shelves are stocked with a mix of meats, produce, quick meals and baked goods -- most products produced by Aldis private label.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) raids last week on Staten Island were part of a multi-state investigation into a massive criminal enterprise where money was laundered from illegal sales of marijuana, according to multiple sources.

Authorities allege that the money trail of illegal weed exchanged for cash winded its way through New York City as it traversed the East Coast to the West Coast and all the way to China.

Several Staten Islanders are among a total of nine defendants accused of playing roles in the multimillion dollar scheme, which was revealed in court documents supporting a federal indictment filed in Baltimore, Md.

The U.S. Attorneys Office in Baltimore is leading the prosecution alleging that bundles of illegal weed and cash traded hands near a storage facility in Travis on our borough and in a building in Manhattan.

Over $3 million in cash and 300 pounds marijuana were confiscated in connection with the investigation, officials said.

The DEA and the New York State Police were among the authorities who searched homes in the vicinity of Katan and Wainwright avenues in Eltingville and Poi Court and Nome Avenue in New Springville on Sept. 24 in connection with the probe.

The indictment was unsealed on Sept. 26 charging the defendants with conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and conspiracy to commit money laundering.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was among agencies raiding a home in the vicinity Poi Court, Merrymount Street and Nome Avenue in New Springville on the morning of Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (Courtesy of Joe Sawler)Courtesy of Joe Sawler

Gun violence sparks probe

An investigation into two separate non-fatal shootings of one man in Baltimore revealed a sprawling network of individuals laundering millions of dollars generated from the illegal distribution of massive quantities of marijuana, according to court documents.

Money launderers and drug traffickers operating in Maryland sent large quantities of cash to New York, New Jersey, Washington and other states to obtain shipments of marijuana and hide the source of their proceeds, according to court documents.

Individuals mostly from New York collected millions of dollars from operatives in Maryland and other states and then transported those proceeds to money launderers and drug traffickers in Washington state and other locations in exchange for copious amounts of marijuana. Some of the money was secreted in the airline luggage of passengers who served as mules and proceeds also were shipped via FedEx, according to the indictment.

In phone communications between the conspirators, drug trafficking proceeds sometimes were referred in coded language, including paper for cash and stuff for marijuana, court documents said.

Alleged conspirators in scheme

Court documents identify the defendants as Michael Micklos Jr., Can Quan Xu, Praveen Morgan, Huayi Zhong, Zebin Liu, Chunbing Qui, Qihai Tao, Peng Huang and Isaac Huynh.

Micklos, the target of the two shootings in Baltimore, was the leader and mastermind of the criminal network operating in Baltimore, Richmond, Va., the New York metropolitan area and Allentown, Pa., according to court documents.

Xu, an alleged leader of the criminal enterprise in New York, is listed in public records as living on Poi Court in New Springville. Also known as Shawn, he was a multi-million dollar marijuana distributor in New York and the leader of a money-laundering operation, according to court documents. Xu and his associates allegedly obtained large amount of marijuana that they dispensed on the East Coast. Xu collected millions of dollars in drug-trafficking proceeds that he disseminated to suppliers or sent through wire transfers to bank accounts in the Peoples Republic of China, authorities say.

Liu lives on the 700 block of Katan Avenue and Zhong was also involved in alleged illegal activities at that address, according to court documents. Zhong, also known as Daniel, teamed with Liu, also known as Ben, on our borough to allegedly receive, package and distribute marijuana to customers. They also allegedly picked up and transported drug money in bulk. Liu has referred to Xu as his boss.

Huynh listed West 10th Street in Manhattan as the return address for packages of drug money that he shipped from a FedEx store in Brooklyn, according to court documents.

Morgan was a member of the Micklos drug trafficking organization and the de facto bookkeeper who received orders for marijuana and kept track of inventory throughout the enterprise, court documents allege.

Qin, also known as President Qin, of Portland, Ore., was a marijuana supplier for the Xu organization who often sent shipments of marijuana to New York and received large amounts of cash in return, according to court documents.

Tao, based in Seattle, Wash., was a marijuana supplier for Xu and other organizations that laundered money and trafficked drugs, court documents allege.

Huang, also known as Rio, was allegedly a member of the Tao drug-trafficking organization based in Seattle.

Huynh was a member of Xus operation and was responsible for obtaining bulk amounts of drug-trafficking proceeds and shipping them, via FedEx, to Xus suppliers, authorities allege. Investigators allege they seized numerous packages totaling over $650,000 shipped by Huynh during the course of this investigation.

Attorneys for the defendants are not yet listed in public records.

This photo allegedly shows Huayi Zhong, who has ties to Staten Island, removing a large bag of money from the rear seat of his vehicle near West 10th Street in Manhattan in June, 2024. He is one of nine suspects accused in an alleged scheme of drug trafficking and money laundering. (Courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)Courtesy of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Staten Island connections detailed

Associates of Xu often were seen taking cash in and out of a location on West 10th Street in Manhattan. Intercepted phone conversations in June between Xu, Zhong and Huynh allegedly captured Xu telling Zhong to take money to West 10th Street and Zhong saying he would be there in twenty minutes to hand off some paper.

A short time later, Zhong left his home carrying a large bag. After driving to West 10th Street, he called Huynh to let him know he was there and Huynh allegedly replied, Okay, alright, I am coming downstairs now. Zhong removed the large bag from the rear seat of his vehicle. Huynh left the stash house to meet Zhong and both men walked to the building on West 10th Street together, authorities say. Moments later, Zhong left without the bag.

Zebin Liu allegedly was captured on surveillance cameras leaving his home carrying a bag of drug money on Katan Avenue near Wainwright Avenue in Eltingville. He allegedly then put the bag in the trunk of his BMW and drove away. (Courtesy of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration)Courtesy of U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration

Authorities intercepted communications indicating that Micklos, Xu and others hatched a plan to exchange 250 pounds of marijuana for money in a parking lot in Travis, court filings allege.

In August, DEA agents did surveillance in the vicinity of Lius home on Katan Avenue where they saw Zhongs black 2023 Chevrolet Suburban parked in the driveway and Lius gray 2023 BMW M235i parked in front of the residence in August.

Less than two hours later, Zhong allegedly drove his Chevrolet with Liu as a passenger to the parking lot of a storage facility on Wild Avenue in Travis. A second vehicle that traveled there from Baltimore parked next to the Chevrolet. The trunks popped open and an estimated 250 pounds of marijuana in bags was transferred from the Chevrolet to the other vehicle, authorities allege. Zhong and Liu allegedly received a black bag filled with drug money.

According to filings, the Chevrolet returned Lius home on Katan Avenue where Zhong was seen carrying the bag filled with money into the home. Liu then left the home with a black bag containing the drug money, put the bag in the trunk of his BMW and drove away, authorities say.

Court documents allege that Zhong and Liu took the 250 pounds of marijuana from Lius home and delivered it on behalf of the New York laundering and trafficking enterprise headed by Xu.
A proposal to install 5G cell towers in another Jersey Shore town is facing a backlash.

Verizon Wireless wants to install six cell towers in Spring Lake, a small borough along the Jersey Shore in Monmouth County. But, the company faced opposition during a recent public meeting.
Gov. Kathy Hochul signed a legislative package this month aimed at supporting the cost of emergency medical services (EMS) and expanding on-site treatment options for New Yorkers who have called for an emergency ambulance.

The two bills in the legislative package will allow Medicaid to cover ambulance services that treat patients on-site or take them to non-hospital facilities, while also allowing ground ambulances to store and administer blood transfusions.

Previously, EMS providers were only paid for hospital transfers, not for transporting patients to other places like urgent care, substance abuse facilities or rehabilitation centers.

By signing the Treatment in Place bill into law, Governor Hochul is empowering EMS providers to provide patients with the care they need at the scene, or transport them to more appropriate locations like mental health clinics, substance abuse facilities, or urgent care, without being financially penalized, NYSAC President Benjamin Boykin II said.

A YouGov poll found that 23% of Americans have chosen not to take an ambulance ride because of the potential costs.

By allowing Medicaid to reimburse ambulance services for on-site care instead of hospital transport, patients can avoid high hospital fees. The legislation package also promotes treatment at home or in nearby facilities, which reduces the need for expensive emergency room visits and lowers out-of-pocket costs for patients.

This legislation ensures essential treatment and transportation, and allows New Yorkers to focus on their well-being during an emergency rather than worrying about the financial cost or availability of critical health care when they need it most, Governor Hochul said.

Aidan OConnor, executive director of the Greenport Rescue Squad, emphasized the urgency of this issue in rural areas like Greene County, where patients must be transported to Columbia or Albany counties due to the lack of local hospitals. In some parts of the Hudson Valley, transporting patients to a hospital can take an hour or more.

And in New York City, as of May 2023, the FDNY increased the cost of a basic life support ambulance ride in New York City to $1,385, up from $900, according to the New York City Fire Department.

That same year, a federal committee suggested closing the gap by capping ambulance ride costs at $100 under the No Surprises Act. Currently, these proposed changes have not been enacted into law.

President of FDNY EMS Local 2507 Oren Barzilay highlighted that the new legislation package can save lives, especially since timely blood administration is critical in emergencies.

These bills will help EMS providers stem financial losses from handling calls where members treat patients in the field or at home without having to transport to a hospital, which may be many miles away in parts of New York, Barzilay said. Giving us the ability to carry whole blood on many of our ambulances and do transfusions in the field has been proven to save lives when seconds count.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  Mayor Eric Adams administration has been in turmoil for the better part of a month, but it would be hard to tell at an emergency demonstration held Tuesday in Sea View.

Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said the drone exercise, meant to demonstrate how the technology would be used in the event of a coastal storm, showed the administration is focused on working for New Yorkers despite Adams federal indictment last week and a host of swirling controversies.

I think this exercise shows that it is business as usual, he said. Our partners have been working together. Weve been working together 24/7/365.

Iscols part of New York City government, the Office of Emergency Management, led the drone exercise in partnership with the NYPD and FDNY.

Emergency Commissioner Zach Iscol addresses the media ahead of an emergency demonstration led by the New York City Office of Emergency Management Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

The brainchild of Jose Rolon, a citywide interagency coordinator for the Office of Emergency Management, the demonstration showed how drones could be used in two scenarios in the event of a coastal storm, like Hurricane Sandy.

Drones have been a focus of Adams administration with the mayor and senior officials repeatedly touting their efficacy, including use during a Manhattan parking garage collapse last year and this summer, along New York City beaches to watch for swimmers in distress.

Tuesdays demonstration showed how they could be used in the aftermath of a coastal storm to search a large building for possible survivors or to help emergency personnel search for people along the citys coastline.

NYPD Deputy Commissioner of Operations Kaz Daughtry said the technology can help reduce risk for emergency responders by giving them advanced information about an unknown situation they may be entering.

Display shows the feed from an aerial drone used in an emergency demonstration led by the New York City Office of Emergency Management Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

What youre going to see is how the drones are implemented in this administration and what theyre doing to save lives, he said. In the event [emergency personnel] have to go in and rescue somebody, they can see whats going on.

Drone personnel from the Office of Emergency Management, FDNY, and NYPD conducted the building portion of the demonstration at an abandoned hospital building at the former Seaview Hospital complex, which is city property.

That location featured a simulated rescue of several people trapped in the building, and a demonstration of a special drone used to breach a glass window installed in the building.

The breach drone uses a spinning spike to break apart windows allowing it to gain access to buildings where people might be trapped.

An NYPD drone breaches a window during an emergency demonstration led by the New York City Office of Emergency Management Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(Staten Island Advance/Paul Liotta)

The beach portion of the demonstration took place off the Fox Beach section of Oakwood Beach and featured rescue personnel pulling people from the water with the help of onsite drones.

Both portions of the demonstration featured artificial distractions, like a distraught civilian or unauthorized drone, that helped personnel better prepare for real-life scenarios.

Fire Commissioner Robert Tucker said training exercises, like the one conducted Tuesday, help FDNY personnel better prepare for the realities they face on the ground.

We are all working for public safety every single day. Drones are a major part of our fire ground operations, where our drone units are responding to fires all the time, he said. Were thinking constantly about other ways we can deploy drones within the fire department.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.  A Mariners Harbor man is facing multiple charges following an attack in which he is accused of attempting to beat his own father to death.

Albert Duka, 33, of Amador Street, pleaded not guilty during an arraignment Friday in state Supreme Court, St. George, on charges of attempted murder, assault and burglary.

According to the criminal complaint, Duka busted down the door of a home on Scott Avenue in South Beach  causing it to crack and splinter  and punched his father, 62, in the face with a closed fist at around 9 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Court documents further allege that Duka knocked the victim down and punched him repeatedly as the mans head hit the ground several times. The victim was rushed to an area hospital with multiple injuries, including a fractured skull, bleeding from the ears and swelling, according to the document.

Court filings do not indicate what precipitated the attack.

If I had to count, I hit him anywhere between eight and 12 times, the complaint alleges Duka told investigators. I broke down the door of the house, but couldnt get through the second door.

Justice John McPadden set Dukas bail at $300,000 cash/$700,000 bond, according to the Richmond County District Attorneys Office.

While we await any discovery the prosecution may have, Mr. Duka and I look forward to presenting a much fuller picture of what occurred last Wednesday evening to the court and district attorneys office, Brendan Tracy, Dukas attorney, said. There is a long history of family issues between my client and his father and we look forward to presenting our side of things to the D.A.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Explosions were heard here as the Syrian air defenses responded to "hostile targets," the country's state media said on Tuesday.

Powerful explosions were heard in the capital, particularly in the city's west, with people awakened by the blasts.

State media said the air defenses were intercepting an attack in the capital's vicinity.

According to eyewitnesses and local media, explosions rocked the capital before daybreak Tuesday in what appeared to be an Israeli aerial attack.

The explosions were heard across the capital just as news was emerging about Israeli forces beginning a ground incursion into southern Lebanon. The sounds were heard in the western Mazzeh neighborhood, but the exact target was still unknown.

People posted footage of a fire in the western Mazzeh Villas neighborhood.

Emerging reports indicate casualties and property damage from the Israeli attack.

Footage shared on social media showed flames engulfing parts of the upscale western Mazzeh Villas neighborhood, where eyewitnesses reported seeing a passenger bus scorched on a road.

According to the Syrian Defense Ministry, Israeli airstrikes have resulted in the deaths of three civilians and injuries to nine others.

The attack, launched at approximately 2:05 a.m. local time (2305 GMT), involved Israeli fighter jets and drones striking multiple targets in the city from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan Heights, the ministry said in a statement.

It said Syrian air defenses managed to intercept and down most of the incoming missiles and drones.

No more details were provided regarding the specific locations hit or the extent of property damage.

Syrian state TV also reported the death of a journalist, who was killed when shrapnel struck her home in the area. The state TV further reported the journalist killed in the attack has been later identified as Safaa Ahmad.

The Syrian Observatory for Human Rights said the attack was an assassination attempt in Mazzeh area with the target still unknown.

The UK-based watchdog group said Syrian air defenses intercepted at least two Israeli missiles.

The attack comes amid heightened tension in the region with Israel launching attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as part of its alleged "self-defense" strategy. 
It could be a radically different encounter on Tuesday night when Democratic Gov. Tim Walz of Minnesota and GOP U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio meet in a debate of vice presidential candidates on CBS.

Unlike what took place when Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump debated earlier this month, the debate moderators will not fact-check the candidates, the New York Post reported.

Any on-air fact-checking will be up to Vance and Walz themselves.

ABC News moderators David Muir and Linsey Davis were slammed for pointing out inaccurate statementsTrump four times during the presidential debate on Sept. 10, the Post and the Associated Press said, with none for Harris.

CBS said that its in-house misinformation unit, CBS News Confirmed, will give real-time fact checks during the veep debate via live blog and on social media.

Fact-checking will also be included as part of CBS post-debate analysis.

Moderators did not do fact checks when Trump and President Joe Biden debated in June.

Bidens widely panned performance in that debate led to calls from Democrats and others for the president to withdraw from the race. Biden eventually dropped out and tabbed Harris as his White House successor.

In another big change from the Trump-Harris faceoff, the Vance and Walz teams agreed that the vice presidential candidates microphones will not be turned off while their opponent is speaking.

That could increase the chances for back-and-forth exchanges between the candidates and could mean that the two men will talk over each other.

CBS says it will shut off a hot mic when necessary, however.

Outgoing CBS Evening News anchor Norah ODonnell and Face the Nation host Margaret Brennan will moderate the 90-minute veep debate, which beings at 9 p.m. on Oct. 1.
Zachary Levi hung up his cape and tights this weekend in favor of a Michigan election campaigning event, revealing hes casting his vote for Former President Donald Trump.

The Shazam! star, 44, joined third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy, Jr., on stage during a Saturday event.

Levi staunchly supported RFK, Jr. during his bid for the White House, but it was unknown who Levi would favor in the aftermath of RFK, Jr.s failed campaign  until now.

According to Deadline, Levi said, And in a perfect world, whatever that would look like, perhaps I would have voted for Bobby. But we dont live in a perfect world. In fact, we live in a very broken one, we live in a country that has been hijacked by a lot of people who want to take this place way off the cliff. And we want to stop that, right?

Zachary Levi arrives at the world premiere of "Shazam! Fury of the Gods" on March 14, 2023, at the Regency Village Theatre in Los Angeles. (Photo by Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP)Richard Shotwell/Invision/AP

Were here to make sure that we are going to take back this country, we are going to make it great again, we are going to make it healthy again. And so, I stand with Bobby, and I stand with Tulsi, and I stand with everyone else who is standing with President Trump. Because I do believe, of the two choices that we have, and we only have two, Donald Trump, Levi explained. President Trump is the man that can get us there. And hes gonna get us there because hes gonna have the backing and the support and the wisdom and the knowledge and the fight that exists in Robert Kennedy Jr. and former representative Tulsi Gabbard.

In his remarks, Levi described his upbringing as Christian conservative, with parents that were Kennedy Democrats that then turned into Reagan Republicans. He also credited his parents for teaching him to have a healthy level of distrust for the government and a healthy level of distrust for industry that runs amok.

Though Levi starred as DC Comics Shazam in the titular 2019 and 2023 films, it is unclear if he will reprise his role or if the character will return to silver screens at all.

For those who arent familiar with Shazam, you might recognize Levis voice from Disneys 2010 film, Tangled. Levi played Flynn Ryder, Rapunzels love interest.
Talk about larger than life.

A 43-foot-tall naked figure of former President Donald Trump appeared over a highway in Las Vegas, Nev., over the weekend.

The nude, anatomically correct figure, dubbed Crooked and Obscene, was erected in a fenced-in lot next to Interstate 15, just north of Las Vegas, on Sept. 28, The Wrap reported.

The arms of the statue were attached to strings, the news outlet said, allowing them to be moved like a puppets.

The statue, made of foam over rebar and weighing nearly 6,000 pounds, will be toured across the United States, The Wrap said.

The statues creators, who have not been identified, said that portraying Trump in the nude is intentional, serving as a bold statement on transparency, vulnerability, and the public personas of political figures.

The creators also said they aim to spark conversation about transparencyor lack thereofin politics, challenging viewers to think critically about political influence, The Wrap said, quoting press materials.

NDTV reported that the statue had later been removed and would be seen again in swing states throughout the election.

The Nevada Republican Party called the statue an offensive marionette.

While families drive through Las Vegas, they are forced to view this offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue, the party said in a statement to NDTV.

Others likened the statue to an effigy, with conservatives telling NDTV that the display could incite violence against Trump.

The former president was wounded by an assassins bullet while speaking at a rally in Pennsylvania in July, and the Secret Service in September stopped another attempt on Trumps life in Florida.

Trump, who served one term in the White House, is battling Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris for the presidency. Nevada is seen as a key swing state in the election.
SANAA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A missile attack hit and damaged a ship in the Red Sea off Yemen's port city of Hodeidah on Tuesday, the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said.

The ship was damaged yet the crew is safe, the UKMTO said in an updated post on social media platform X.

The incident occurred 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, a city on the Red Sea coast under the control of Yemeni Houthi rebels.

Earlier in the day, the UKMTO reported that a sea drone attacked the ship and punctured its "number 6 port ballast tank" which is used for adjusting buoyancy.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been targeting ships they claim are "Israeli-linked" in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, showing solidarity with Palestinians in Gaza amid the ongoing Israel-Hamas conflict.

In response, the U.S.-British coalition stationed in the region has been conducting regular raids and strikes on Houthi targets since January to deter the group. 
It seems hard to believe now, but in 2021, Time named Elon Musk its Person of the Year. True, that designation doesnt necessarily equate to a stamp of approval. But the magazines coverage of Musk at the time was very favourable, almost fawning, highlighting his assertion that my career is Mars and cars.

A lot of people would disagree with that declaration now. Of course, Tesla and SpaceX remain big businesses. But Musk himself is largely defined in many minds by the way he changed X, the site formerly known as Twitter  making more room for right-wing extremists, including a substantial number of pro-Nazi accounts, and his own embrace of antisemitic and racist conspiracy theories.

Donald Trump on the campaign trail with his running mate, vice presidential candidate JD Vance. Credit: AP

Musks right-wing turn isnt universal or even typical: reporting suggests that even with the rightward turn of several boldface names, Silicon Valley remains heavily Democratic. Political contributions from the internet industry, in particular, remain strongly tilted toward Democrats. But right-wing tech bros are exerting a significant and, Id argue, malign influence on the political landscape.

Consider the case of JD Vance, the junior senator from Ohio and Donald Trumps running mate.
Dont be fooled. Peter Duttons no-show at the Business Council of Australias recent annual dinner doesnt mean the opposition leader has forgotten about the big end of town.

With an election looming, Dutton has put out the begging bowl at a series of big-ticket fundraisers in Sydney and Melbourne this week.

Peter Dutton has put out the begging bowl at a series of fundraisers. Credit: Elke Meitzel

Kicking things off was a private lunch with new Cook MP Simon Kennedy in the Sydney CBD on Monday. Tickets started at $4000 a head, but the truest believers could have paid up to $10,000. A former McKinsey man, Kennedys fundraising capabilities helped him win a preselection battle for former prime minister Scott Morrisons old seat.

Dutton is betting big on the suburbs to get him to The Lodge, and on Tuesday he was in Parramatta for a luncheon with the Liberal Partys candidate Katie Mullens. The location was Tingha Palace in Parramatta Leagues Club, the kind of lazy Susan Chinese joint youd expect to see Labor right warriors like Graham Richo Richardson plotting a political coup.
In a spartan room at the NGV, the figure of a lamb stands three metres high, elegant, soft and strong. The lamb is crafted from felted wool, the result of a new process developed by Dutch designer Christien Meindertsma.

The recipient of the 2024 MECCA x NGV Women in Design Commission has created a process that turns waste wool into a versatile new material.

Designer Christien Meindertsma with two of her new artworks at NGV International. Credit: Joe Armao

It shouldnt be called that, says Meindertsma. To her design sensibilities, the word waste is a challenge.

For decades, Meindertsma has been researching and designing with wool as well as other unwanted byproducts like flax and pig products. She has won three Dutch Design Awards, and her work has been displayed in MoMA, New York, and Londons Victoria and Albert Museum.
The Bookshop Detectives: Dead Girl Gone

Gareth Ward & Louise Ward

Penguin, $34.99 Real-life booksellers and former coppers living across the ditch, Louise and Gareth Ward have penned the first in a cosy crime series. It features their alter-egos, bookshop proprietors Garth and Eloise (and their dog Stevie, also drawn from life) who are also, like the authors, former police officers from England who relocated to Aotearoa/New Zealand. The small-town mystery is a missing person cold case sparked by the long arm of a criminal imprisoned across the sea, with a celebrity book launch and a travelling circus adding to the quirk and colour of the tale. Its a well-constructed mystery, with a splash of literary eccentricity, but its the droll rapport between the detective partners, their perspectives narrated in alternating chapters, that makes this an engaging first foray into comic crime. NON-FICTION PICK OF THE WEEK

We Are The Stars

Gina Chick

Summit Books, $29.99 Gina Chick never knew her grandmother, the renowned author Charmian Clift, but she shares her gift as a writer and her deep connection with the natural world. Most people will know of Chick as the winner of the first season of the survivalist series Alone Australia. This memoir is about everything that came before, everything that made her a wild thing in a tame skin, restless between worlds. It tells of a life lived with such intensity, awareness and determination to swallow experience whole  from the unbearable grief of losing her three-year-old daughter to the ecstatic wonder of finding herself inseparable from the cosmos  that it is impossible to do justice to it here. Suffice to say, We Are The Stars is one of those rare books that goes to the quick of existence on almost every page. It is raw, lyrical, passionate and wise and I cannot recommend it highly enough.

Profiles in Hope

John Brogden

Hachette, $34.99 Davina Smith had fled her house, intending to kill herself when a wave of nausea reminded her of the child she was carrying. She called Lifeline and was brought back from the brink. She named her child Hope. Even though he was paralysed by his suicide attempt, Matthew Caruana found the will to live after a blunt conversation with a stranger on a train who gave me a gift I never knew I needed. While the stories told by the suicide survivors in this book are inescapably confronting, they trace a rocky yet upward trajectory from hopelessness to gratitude for being alive, a recurring theme being that the world is not better off without you. Interviewer John Brogden knows that path himself and deftly probes his subjects for their insights into what hitting rock bottom taught them, how they navigated their way back and how they have used the experience to help others. Want

Edited by Gillian Anderson

Bloomsbury, $34.99
American novelist Curtis Sittenfeld recently ran an experiment in The New York Times where she agreed to write a short story  an ideal beach read  in competition with an AI bot given the same brief. Readers gave prompts, including lust, regret, kissing, middle age and flip-flops. Sittenfeld took a few weeks to write her story; the bot took a few seconds.

It was good to see such a light-hearted experiment take place in a world where AI is getting a darker and darker reputation with writers. Witness the kerfuffle over National Novel Writing Month, better known as NaNoWriMo. Since 1999, this nonprofit organisation has challenged participants to write 50,000 words of a novel in November. Hundreds of thousands have taken part and many have gone on to find publication, or at the very least to produce a story they can share with family and friends.

The use of AI is causing controversy in the publishing industry and beyond.

But now NaNoWriMo is reeling from a social-media meltdown. Writers on its board have resigned, a sponsor has backed out and arguments are still raging. All because it put out a statement aiming to be neutral about participants using AI, and saying that condemning the technology would amount to ignoring classist and ableist issues.

Clearly any mention of AI is a red rag to a bull for many authors. One of the first to resign from the board was bestselling YA novelist Maureen Johnson, whod supported NaNoWriMo since its early days. It encouraged community and creativity, she said to The New York Times : What I saw in their statement was the opposite of that.
Most of the line had been laid underwater, thousands of kilometres of wire rolled out from the sterns of huge cable ships. It was the last piece of the puzzle, connecting tropical northern Australia to the colonies down south, that proved to be the most challenging.

The impact on the economy of late 19th-century Australia was profound. No longer did colonial sheep graziers have to wait almost three months to find out what their wool clip would be worth in London. After 1872, the current price was in the Sydney and Melbourne papers the next day. Australia and New Zealand were the last outposts of Empire to be wired up, when a cable that ran through the Mediterranean, Red Sea, India and Singapore was finally lowered onto the seabed between Java and Darwin.

From its experimental beginnings alongside the embryonic British railways of the 1830s, to the laying of the first trans-Pacific cable in 1902, the international telegraph network was arguably the most important technological achievement of the 19th century. Steam powered the new trains and ships that transformed trade and commerce, but electricity and instantaneous communication created the real-time international market.

The story of how it was finally done, overcoming the perils of deluge and desert, endless political infighting and contractual chicanery, is told with flair and contagious enthusiasm by David Dufty in Charles Todds Magnificent Obsession. Duftys choice of title, putting Todd and his relentless determination to get the line built at the core of the tale, is a fair call. Of course, Australia was always going to be connected to the worlds telegraphy network eventually, but it was the London-born astronomer/engineer, with his sheer determination to overcome obstacles both natural and political, who gave Australia its most remarkable piece of infrastructure until the Snowy Mountains hydro project was finished a century later.

Charles Todd (third from left) with some of his engineering team at the Roper River camp in the Northern Territory early in 1872.

In 1855, Todd arrived in Adelaide with his wife Alice (the Alice of Alice Springs, though she was never to visit), tasked with bringing telegraphic and astronomical technology to the new colony of South Australia, which had been established less than 20 years earlier. It was a very different place to the green fields surrounding Greenwich Observatory, where he had done his technical apprenticeship.

Dufty could have told the story of the next 20 years of Todds career differently. He could have stuck to linear biography, colonial political and economic history, or popular science meets exploration. In fact, he has done all of the above, and while some might argue he has neglected some aspects of this remarkable episode of Australias past and overplayed others, I believe he has done a wonderful job of pulling together an intrinsically complex chain of events into an engrossing and dramatic saga.

In essence, Dufty has opted for landscape over portraiture; he has placed the characters of Todd and his contemporaries in the context of the territory they had to deal with to survive, and the seemingly insurmountable challenges it had in store for them. He takes his readers into some truly horrible places, and at times leaves us sitting in mosquito-infested swamps or baking deserts for a page or three, just so we can sweat it out and realise how hard this gig really was.
No one has experienced a renaissance quite like Nicolas Cage. After about a decade of straight-to-DVD failures and Hollywood schlock (Left Behind really should have been left behind), the 60-year-old actor has clawed his way back to A-list status, churning out quality films as though his life depended on it.

Thats not even an exaggeration. During the past two years Cage has been in eight movies, most of which had decent theatrical runs. He has played a serial killer, a vampire, a professor and an assassin-turned-beach-bum. He was even nominated for best actor at this years Golden Globes, nearly repeating his success at the 1996 Golden Globes, when he won for his role in Leaving Las Vegas (for which he also won his first and only Oscar).

Cage fending off killer singing robots? What more could you want? Credit:

During this Cage-aissance Ive fallen down a rabbit hole searching for the ultimate Nic Cage experience. Was it during his action-hero days, when he swapped skin with John Travolta in Face/Off? Or has he peaked more recently, as the cagey (Im sorry), dream-intruding academic in Dream Scenario? These are undeniably great films, top contenders among other stellar Cage movies. But if youre searching for the epitome of his magic  the je ne sais quoi of his acting prowess  you need only look in one place: Willys Wonderland.

This movie flew under the radar. Initially scheduled for a theatrical release in 2020, it was shunted to streaming in 2021 as a result of the pandemic. It follows a nameless man (Cage) who takes on a janitorial job at a run-down family restaurant to pay for his damaged car. Unbeknown to him, the establishments animatronic characters are possessed by the souls of a cannibalistic killer and his seven psychotic followers  and theyre out for blood.
BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Experts and officials around the world have applauded Chinese President Xi Jinping's latest pledge that the Chinese people will score more remarkable achievements and make greater contributions to the peace and development of humanity.

"We must always stand firmly on the right side of history and on the side of human civilization and progress, hold high the banner of peace, development, cooperation and mutual benefit, and strive to promote world peace and tranquility and common progress of mankind," said Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, as he addressed a reception held Monday at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

Xi's speech comprehensively reviewed China's major achievements in national rejuvenation and provided clear strategic guidance for a Chinese modernization drive, Eduardo Regalado, a senior researcher at the International Policy Research Center of Cuba, told Xinhua.

Impressed by the concept of "putting people first" in the speech, Regalado said he believes this demonstrates the humanist character of China's development model in the pursuit of collective well-being.

In the past 75 years, China has achieved "great, steady and significant accomplishments," benefiting not only its own people but also the international community, said Iranian Vice President Shina Ansari in a message to a reception commemorating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the PRC held in Tehran Saturday.

China's achievements over the past 75 years are the result of Chinese modernization. The Chinese government creates policies based on the people's needs, and the mechanism that is Chinese democracy can quickly translate policies into actions and actively respond to various challenges, said Fausto Pinato, president of the Brazil-China Parliamentary Front of the Brazilian National Congress.

China's development has benefited the world, with several Chinese companies sharing the dividends of the country's development overseas. Pinato said China's development concepts and democratic model have inspired other developing countries.

"President Xi's speech is always an inspiration to us," said Yeidckol Polevnsky, former president and general secretary of Mexico's ruling party National Regeneration Movement (Morena). "China should be an example to all governments."

Polevnsky said the speech illustrates how China advocates and supports multilateralism and promotes developing and revitalizing countries in the South.

In his speech, the president repeatedly referred to a crucial idea -- putting the people first, and this shows that at the heart of this philosophy is the belief that all policies must put people at the center and at the foundation, said Polevnsky, noting that no policy is effective if it does not address the needs of the people.

This philosophy is also highly consistent with the Mexican government's governing philosophy: politics only makes sense when it serves the people. Polevnsky added that Latin American countries and people are content with China because the country has always worked alongside the people of Latin America for win-win cooperation.

The China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative and the country's effort to build a community with a shared future for mankind demonstrate that China is not only focused on its own development but is also directly contributing to the successful development of other countries and peoples, Galina Kulikova, first deputy chairperson of the Russia-China Friendship Association, and a recipient of China's Friendship Medal, said Monday at a photo exhibition opened by Xinhua in Moscow to showcase China's historical transformation over the past decades.

The international recognition of China's development model serves as a reassurance of China's positive global role.

Mukerrim Miftah, an assistant professor at the Ethiopian Civil Service University, said China has proposed the Global Development Initiative, the Global Security Initiative and the Global Civilization Initiative and actively promotes building a community with a shared future for mankind.

More and more countries have recognized these ideas. China's successful experience is worth learning from for developing countries like Ethiopia, Miftah said. 
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Eating outFood Iconic Brisbane restaurant brought back from brink for fresh start After facing liquidation, Montrachet reopens tonight with a bunch of new dishes and a Michelin-trained chef in the kitchen. Matt Shea October 1, 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

Clement Chauvins first encounter with Montrachet? When it beat his Canberra eatery, Les Bistronomes, to win Best French Restaurant in the 2023 Restaurant and Catering Awards. Chauvin laughs when recounting the story. Montrachet has reopened on King Street, Bowen Hills. Markus Ravik We went to the awards night in Sydney and actually won Best European Restaurant, which we were very happy with, he says. But at the same awards, Best French Restaurant went to Montrachet. As a French person, you know, you should be happy with Best European, but a little piece of your heart wants to win the French category.

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The exciting Brisbane restaurants and bars still to open in 2024 Chauvin began to follow Montrachet on social media. Thierry Galichet opened the restaurant in Paddington in 2004, and it quickly developed a loyal local following for its elevated takes on classic French dishes. And from 2015, under the ownership of Shannon Kellam, that reputation went national. So it was to the dining publics surprise in July when Kellam placed the business into voluntary administration (despite the earlier collapse of Kellams BCN Events Group, which oversaw several hospitality businesses). Clement Chauvin and Remon Van de Kerkhof. Markus Ravik

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I heard about the liquidation and thought, Ive had a similar restaurant in Canberra for 10 years now, and that runs like a well-oiled machine, Chauvin says. So when I saw it was for sale, I didnt think twice. I made an offer and the offer got accepted. Beef Wellington with red wine jus at Montrachet. Supplied Chauvin relaunched Montrachet this week, welcoming its first guests on Tuesday. There are expectations with customers in the Brisbane community, so you do feel that pressure, Chauvin says. But if you dont thrive on pressure, you shouldnt be in hospitality.

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Confit ocean trout with scallop mousse, sauteed spinach and a champagne veloute. Supplied To look at, this is still the Montrachet that Brisbane diners know and love on King Street (which itself was a facsimile of the Paddington original): red brick walls, red leather banquettes, dark timber, and gilt-framed mirrors, with the room split into the main dining area on one side and the comptoir on the other. But the menu has evolved under Chauvin. Never fear, the Montrachet classics  escargot, bouillabaisse, steak frites and enormously popular double crab souffle  are all present and correct. But new dishes include le duo dagneau de printemps (spring lamb two ways), a roasted pumpkin and mushroom pithivier topped with sage and brown butter crumble, and a hearty beef Wellington with a red wine jus. Hawkesbury smoked duck breast, confit legs and foie gras terrine, with pickled rhubarb and seeded mustard. Markus Ravik

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On the dessert menu, the classic creme brulee has been retained, but Chauvin has added a passionfruit souffle with chilli and coconut sorbet  a signature dish at Les Bistronomes. If the changes spark concern, a look at Chauvins CV should set minds at ease. Before Les Bistronomes, he trained in restaurants such as the three-Michelin-star Pic in Valence, the two-Michelin-star Nicolas Le Bec in Lyon, and the one-Michelin-star Claridges in London. For drinks, Montrachets hefty 400-bottle wine list remains intact, now overseen by general manager Remon Van de Kerkhof (previously Establishment 203, Cru Bar and Oncore by Clare Smyth in Sydney). Open Tue 5.30pm-10pm; Wed-Fri 12-3pm, 5.30pm-10pm; Sat 5.30pm-10pm

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Shop 1/30 King St, Bowen Hills, (07) 3367 0030 Montrachet.com.au

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Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham says its time for the Albanese government to take action and list the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organisation.

Birmingham said Iran was the ringmaster of a whole nest of vicious serpents who have continuously attacked Israel and sought to undermine peace and stability in the Middle East and right throughout the world.

Opposition foreign affairs spokesman Simon Birmingham. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Iran  through the [Islamic] Revolutionary Guard Corps  drives, funds, strategises with, and ultimately helps to empower Hamas, Hezbollah, the Houthi rebels, and now we see it launching its own attacks, Birmingham told ABC Afternoon Briefing.

The foreign affairs spokesman said the corps should 110 per cent be declared a terrorist organisation under Australian law  a move the Coalition has been wanting for years.

It is time for the Albanese government to take action and show leadership by listing the [IRCG as a terrorist organisation], as the US and others have done, Birmingham said.

It is also time for the world community to unite in recognising that Irans role is one as a chief destabiliser  [and it] is causing that suffering to so many.

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The IRGC is a much-feared branch of the Iranian Armed Forces tasked with defending the regime against internal and external threats.

There has been bi-partisan condemnation of Iran today after it launched a salvo of missiles at Israel after Israel killed the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister Patrick Gorman said authorities were doing everything they could to ensure Australians safe passage out of Lebanon.

However, on the availability of commercial flights in and out of Beirut, Gorman said, we do not know what the next few days and beyond hold.

What we do know is what is in our control [is] just to continue to give the best possible advice to those Australian citizens who are continuing to be in contact with the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade Consulate assistance line and the emergency response team, Gorman told Afternoon Briefing.
Physiotherapists, radiographers and wards people at three Sydney hospitals have threatened industrial action unless management abandons proposed job cuts they say will delay patient recovery.

In the latest example of the state governments attempts to rein in health spending, Northern Sydney Local Health District told staff on Tuesday it needed to find $55 million in savings over the next 12 months.

Management has told senior staff that 50 allied health jobs at Royal North Shore Hospital will be cut. Mona Vale Hospital would lose 15 allied health staff, and Hornsby Hospital would see a 6 per cent reduction in staffing levels across its allied health departments.

Occupational therapist Sarah Blakemore addresses more than 100 Health Services Union members outside Royal North Shore Hospital on Tuesday. Credit: Nick Moir

In a meeting on Tuesday, Northern Sydney Local Health District chief executive Anthony Schembri confirmed recruitment for vacant positions was on hold and some temporary contracts had already been terminated, but would not provide details on further job losses.
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This story is part of the October 5 edition of Good Weekend. See all 14 stories .

Returning home periodically while based in New York, photographer Adam Ferguson became evermore aware of the deep disconnect between how the world views our outback and the stark realities he has encountered. Creating a counterpoint to the often romantic notions of the outback that exist in popular culture and the Australian psyche became a prime pursuit in his work. Many visits to some of our most remote communities  and many long conversations with locals  have culminated in his new book, Big Sky (GOST Books, $65).

Daisy Tjuparntarri Ward, elder of Warakurna, Sorry Place near Warakurna, Ngaanyatjarra Lands, WA, 2017 Credit: Adam Ferguson

When a person dies in remote Indigenous communities, family and community members gather to mourn at a sorry place in nearby bush. Daisy asked Ferguson to drive her here to pick up a mattress used in one such gathering.

Broken Hill Correctional Centre, Wilyakali Country, NSW, 2020 Credit: Adam Ferguson

The exercise yard in Broken Hill Correctional Centre, one of the most remote prisons in Australia. The majority of its inmates are Indigenous: incarceration rates for Indigenous Australians continue to grow, despite an overall drop in the number of adult prisoners nationally.

Leon Poggy Kloock, 59, impersonates Ned Kelly on his family farm, Coorabie, Wirangu Country, SA, 2018 Credit: Adam Ferguson

While struggling with the drought in 2018, Poggys farm had been opened to travellers. One night, Poggy surprised campers with an impromptu Ned Kelly performance. The next day, Ferguson asked Poggy if he could take this portrait: I guess was drawn to the tension between the fiction ingrained in popular culture and the reality of living in the bush.
Like an alien spaceship from Planet Porno, the arrival of Sydney breakfast shock jocks Kyle and Jackie O on Melbourne radio this year was an attempt to crash through ingrained media parochialism. Instead, theyve just crashed.

The latest ratings, released on Tuesday, are abysmal. According to ratings agency GfK, the pair, who have ruled Sydney FM breakfast radio for years with a mix of celebrity, sex, scandals and contests, dropped to eighth in the Melbourne breakfast market, sinking to a 5.2 per cent share, down from 6.1 per cent in the previous survey. Meanwhile, their audience dropped from 491,000 daily listeners in July to 420,000 in September.

Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O Henderson are failing to cut through with Melbourne listeners. Credit: Instagram

Yet in Sydney, the pair returned to the top of the ratings with a 13.7 per cent share, raking in the ad dollars and accruing enormous salaries (the duo are reportedly on a combined $200 million 10-year deal).

But the centre cannot hold. The programs national rollout strategy is in jeopardy, while the duos parent company, ARN, is in crisis.
A 65-year-old dual citizen of Australia and Greece was arrested at an airport in Rome by local authorities on Thursday evening, 19 September. A charge and warrant was in place for his arrest. The man remains in custody, and Victoria Police will now work to seek his extradition, the spokeswoman said. Fernando Speziali, chief commissioner of border police at Fiumicino Airport, said that after receiving an Interpol alert on September 18  a day before the arrest  police began monitoring flights. Chief Commissioner Fernando Speziali, head of the police unit at Fiumicino Airport in Rome. We received a report from Interpol, which had received information from our Australian colleagues, indicating the possible arrival of a wanted man coming to Italy from Greece, Speziali told this masthead. The name was provided and, together with Interpol, we started to check and monitor all the flights from Greece, he said.

Speziali said five officers were sent to check passengers as soon as they disembarked from Perrys Athens flight  which landed at 12.30pm on September 19  because it was in the Schengen Area that allows passengers to move freely between countries, including Greece and Italy. We stopped all the individuals who in some way corresponded to the age or the characteristics of the individual sought by the Australians until we spotted a passenger with a Greek identity card, he said. Easey Street double murder suspect Perry Kouroumblis in the late 70s, when he would have been a teenager. He had been identified as Perry by the Australians, and we identified him as Perikles. Then we escorted him to our offices, photographed him, took his fingerprints and discovered that he was the person of interest to the Australians. Speziali said Kouroumblis did not look like a businessman. He told police he was a tourist, but they did not question him further about why he was in the Italian capital.

We have no particular interest in investigating the reason for his visit, unless we are specifically requested to do so by foreign authorities, Speziali said. He said he came for tourism. Speziali said Kouroumblis was passive when approached by officers and did not resist arrest or try to flee. Perry Kouroumblis, the prime suspect in the Easey Street murders, is being held at Regina Coeli, one of Italys most overcrowded and violent prisons. He was neither co-operative nor did he resist, he said. He closed in on himself, he did not share any information. Kouroumblis, a dual Greek and Australian citizen, is now in Regina Coeli prison awaiting extradition to Australia after telling a Rome court he would not contest the request.

He left Australia for Greece in 2017 after being asked by cold-case homicide detectives to take a DNA test for their investigation into the rape and murder of Suzanne Armstrong and the murder of Susan Bartlett in January 1977. No charges have been laid over their deaths and Kouroumblis maintains his innocence. Susan Bartlett (top) and Suzanne Armstrong were killed in their Easey Street, Collingwood, rental in 1977. Credit: Stephen Kiprillis He had been working as a welder and living with his brother in the Greek capital before his arrest. Kouroumblis could not be extradited from Greece because of the countrys statute of limitations, which requires charges to be laid within 20 years of the alleged offence. That provision does not apply in Italy, so police were able to arrest him as soon as he touched down.

Attempts through diplomatic channels to have him returned to Melbourne previously failed, leading him to be put on an international watch list. Loading Serena Tucci, the court-appointed lawyer representing Kouroumblis, said last week he had told her he had come to Italy for professional reasons, work-related reasons. Thats what he told me, she said. Only for a few days and then to return to Greece, and he did not expect this arrest, thats for sure. Tucci said her client had been shocked at his arrest and was finding his detention challenging, particularly because he did not understand Italian, and had no family members in Rome.

He is being held in one of the countrys most notorious prisons. Inmates rioted for the second time in months last week and set fire to mattresses in their cells. Tucci said Kouroumblis was not affected by the riots but was relying on prison volunteers for clothing and towels. Victorian authorities have 45 days from the date of his apprehension to prepare an extradition application. The home in Athens where Perry Kouroumblis was living before his arrest. Credit: Nine News Homicide squad detectives are expected to travel to Rome from Melbourne as part of that process, which could result in Kouroumblis returning to Australia by November. A spokesman for the Italian justice ministry declined to comment on the case on Monday.
A Perth woman has been rushed to hospital after being bitten by a tiger snake in her backyard, with paramedics praising her teenage niece for her life-saving action.

Tracey Alexander was weeding her garden about 6pm on Monday when she looked down and spotted the snake.

She turned to run, but the snake struck out and bit her on the ankle three times before she got away.

My family laid me down very quickly, on my outside table, and my niece she wrapped up the wounds very quickly which saved my life, Alexander said.
Targeted state government grants to help West Australians undertake quick fix upgrades to their home could save residents thousands on their power bills, and reduce peak demand in summer and the need for expensive network upgrades.

Exclusive data from the Climateworks Centre revealed how existing homes in each state and territory could be renovated in line with the federal governments chosen ratings to bring them up to the same standards as a new efficient home, along with the bill savings for each type of renovation.

New research has identified renovation projects that could save home owners big on power bills  and help the government manage skyrocketing power demand. Credit: Brendon Thorne

Researchers examined three different upgrade levels and the average costs, from quick-fix solutions like ceiling insulation, draught sealing, heavy drapes and roller shutters with an average cost of $15,000, to climate-ready upgrades such as floor and wall insulation and double-glazed windows at an average cost of $40,000.

They found quick-fix upgrades could reduce the emissions from powering a home by the equivalent of one tonne of carbon dioxide, while electrified appliances resulted in a reduction of 0.7 tonnes.
Police officers have the power to direct people to remove a banned symbol from public display, but they do not have the power to remove it themselves. Failure to comply with a police direction to remove a symbol has a maximum penalty of more than $6000. Is just flying a flag enough to be prosecuted? The Australian Federal Police has made clear flying a flag alone isnt enough. Other elements need to be proven. First, the person displaying the symbol has to know it represents a terrorist organisation. Second, it has to be displayed in a particular context. That includes situations involving spreading racial hate, intimidation, offence or violence because of race, religion or nationality.

AFP Deputy Commissioner Krissy Barrett confirmed on Tuesday the police were investigating protesters but said the display of the Hezbollah symbol alone was not enough for a successful prosecution. We need to prove that it is a terrorist organisation symbol and then its got to be done in circumstances in which a reasonable person would consider that the conduct either advocates inciting others to use violence or use force [and] could incite others to humiliate, intimidate, based on race or religion, Barrett told ABC Radio National. This masthead does not suggest that any person pictured at the protests will or should be charged, given the context of their presence at the protest is not known. University of Queensland international studies and free speech expert, professor Katharine Gelber, said the AFP was correct that brandishing the Hezbollah flag would not be enough to meet the legal requirements for prosecution. This provision is quite broad because it covers a variety of hate symbols, and its hard to substantiate, she said.

So what well have is the federal government legislating and legislating and legislating and not actually getting any outcomes on paper through the courts. Have the laws been used yet? Two people had been charged under the laws before the weekend protests, but neither case has gone through court. The AFP said those cases were brought by state police in NSW and Queensland. A NSW Police spokesman said on Monday that the force had seized two flags displaying a terrorist organisation symbol during Sundays rally. It is yet to make referrals to the federal police. The AFP is probing at least six incidences after a referral from Victoria Police.

As of September 30, no individual has been charged by the AFP for the public display of Nazi symbols or prohibited terrorist organisation symbols. Will the laws be strengthened? Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has said Prime Minister Anthony Albanese should recall parliament to give the AFP powers to arrest protesters for promoting the Hezbollah symbol if the current rules are insufficient. I believe that there are provisions within the existing law. If theres not, the prime minister should recall parliament and deal with whatever deficiency there is in the law, he told Nines Today program on Tuesday. Loading
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Lufthansa Group announced on Tuesday the postponement of its flights' return to Israel until at least Oct. 31 due to the security situation in the Middle East.

The cancellations include flights from Lufthansa Airline, which operates routes from Munich and Frankfurt to Tel Aviv, as well as those from Austrian Airlines, Swiss, and Brussels Airlines.

The group's statement emphasized that the safety of its passengers and crew "is always a top priority," adding that it continues to monitor the situation closely.

The statement also noted that flights to the Lebanese capital Beirut have been postponed until Nov. 30, and flights to the Iranian capital Tehran will remain suspended until Oct. 14, except for the flights of Lufthansa Airline, which have been halted until Oct. 26.

On Sunday, Italy's flagship airline, ITA, announced the postponement of flights to Tel Aviv until at least Oct. 31.

Both the Lufthansa Group and the ITA have aligned with the recommendation issued by the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on Friday, which advised against operating within the airspaces of Lebanon and Israel at all flight levels until Oct. 31.

Also on Tuesday, the British carrier Virgin Atlantic, which suspended its flights to Israel a year ago since the outbreak of the Palestinian-Israeli conflict, announced the postponement of its return to Tel Aviv until March 30, 2025.

The airline said in a statement that the latest postponement was decided "following our continuous security and safety assessment and after careful consideration." 
But by 2022-23, it had cost the federal government $25.3 billion. What happened between 2019-20 and 2022-23? The biggest lift in house prices since the 1980s. Property owners  including individuals and private trusts  sold up and cashed in through the tax system. The foregone revenue was actually larger than the total value of rental deductions by both positively and negatively geared landlords.

More than 90 per cent of the benefit flowed to people with an above-median income and about 82 per cent went to those with incomes in the top 10 per cent of the nation. Those 10 per cent are going to find themselves in the top marginal tax rate, thus deriving the largest possible tax benefit from the concession on capital gains tax. Loading Thats not surprising. People with assets that attract capital gains tax are more likely to have the income to support the purchase of the assets in the first place. One of the reasons to offer a concessional tax rate on capital gains is to ensure people are simply not taxed on a price increase due to inflation. The original Keating version indexed the value of an asset to inflation. ANU tax expert Bob Breunig says the 50 per cent concession was based on the notion someone would hold an asset for about 10 years, with inflation averaging between 4 and 5 per cent over that decade.

Instead, inflation between 1995 and 2020 was much lower, delivering a tax windfall to asset owners. All of this may be acceptable if all savings were treated the same. But they are not. The Tax and Transfer Policy Institute at the Australian National University, in a paper released during the COVID pandemic, noted the wildly different ways that this country taxes savings. Sink your savings into a home, theres stamp duty on the purchase (a one-off impost) while the GST system treats a new house as a consumption good. After that, youre effectively tax-free. Rental income on an investment property, however, is caught up in the personal income tax system including the rules around negative gearing.

Hold that property for at least a year and then sell it, you qualify for that 50 per cent capital gains tax concession. Superannuation has huge concessions aimed at encouraging us to save for our increasingly long retirements. ANU tax expert Bob Breunig says the capital gains tax system encourages people to maximise their asset - and minimise their tax. Credit: Rhett Wyman But if you have a savings account, such as someone trying to save for a deposit on a home, you get whacked your full marginal tax rate. According to the institute, the marginal tax rate for a high-income earner can range from almost 100 per cent (on a rental property) to minus 40 per cent for superannuation. The marginal tax rate on someone with money in the bank savings is around 80 per cent.

As Breunig notes, people can delay when they sell an asset to later in life when they are wealthy but have next to zero-taxable income. Just another reason why Millennials and Zoomers often think the tax system is fixed against them. Loading Former Treasury economist Steven Hamilton recently noted in this masthead the current tax system distorts investment in favour of property, which was clearly bad. Changes to the capital gains tax concession have been proposed since it became evident that the reforms from 1999 were not working as intended. Labor went to the 2019 election to reduce the concession to 25 per cent as part of the tax agenda the voters rejected. Another option is to adopt a system in place in several countries already. Under a dual income tax system, the progressive tax rates on a persons wages would remain as is.
During the meeting, Pesutto could be heard giving Deeming the option of resigning from the parliamentary Liberal Party to avoid being expelled. Deeming had helped organise the Let Women Speak rally on the steps of the Victorian parliament a day earlier. Neo-Nazis were among several groups of protesters who arrived that day. Opposition Leader John Pesutto arrives for day 11 of the Federal Court case on Tuesday. Credit: Chris Hopkins Deeming has denounced Nazism and alleges Pesutto defamed her as a Nazi sympathiser, which he rejects. Bach, who was deputy leader of the upper house before moving to the UK last year, flew into Melbourne on Tuesday and  after hours of cross-examination  was flying out late the same day. Southwick will be cross-examined on Wednesday.

Pesutto  who last week endured four days of cross-examination himself  on Tuesday told media that he had not heard concerns from any members of his team, amid speculation some of his once-loyal colleagues had shifted their support. I have strong support in the party room. Theres no issue here, he told radio station 3AW on Tuesday afternoon. Moira Deeming arrives at the Federal Court on Tuesday. Credit: Chris Hopkins The Age spoke to 10 MPs and senior figures in the Victorian Liberal Party from across factional divides  on the condition of anonymity to discuss internal matters  to gauge whether the legal stoush had affected Pesuttos support among MPs and the wider party. Those close to Pesutto said he was unconcerned and had privately vowed to close confidants that he would fight on as leader  even as the trial threatened to extend into late October, with a judgment unlikely until the new year.

Shadow cabinet ministers on Tuesday met at the Melbourne Royal Show for a lunch in lieu of the partys traditional shadow cabinet meeting, with up to a third of the oppositions frontbenchers unable to attend. One told The Age that while there was still a rump of MPs unhappy with Pesutto, he had largely retained his support base over his four-day cross-examination. If you stuck with JP up to now, then there really hasnt been a reason to jump off, they said. The frontbencher said while Sam Groth and Brad Battin remained the only two potential alternative leaders, the numbers for Pesutto hadnt substantially shifted in recent weeks. Two Liberals said one possible scenario was spilling Pesuttos job, and potentially all leadership positions, when parliament resumed in two weeks. One MP said Pesutto had tied himself in knots during cross-examination, and dirty laundry would make it difficult to unite. Another MP, who had voted against the motion to expel Deeming, said the suggestion that supporters had dropped off could be a huge problem for John given he had won his initial leadership ballot by only one vote.

The MP, however, predicted detractors were too gormless to do anything. The real problem for John is why these people thought it was the best time to launch this salvo in the middle of this trial when we are up in the polls, the MP said. Bach on Tuesday told the court that it was clear to him that then-premier Daniel Andrews and Victorian Labor would seek to link Deeming and the Liberal Party to the neo-Nazis as well as the record of other organisers. Chrysanthou put to Bach that nobody in the mainstream media had been talking about Deeming and that it was a political own goal to make it newsworthy.

To think that an organisation as effective as the Victorian Labor Party wouldnt get this information and use it in quite a devastating way against us, respectfully, I think is politically naive, Bach replied. Loading Bach said it would have been an own goal to wait and allow something to play out the way it was undoubtedly about to play out  to then look as if we didnt care sufficiently about the matter when we did. The Labor Party has a far better media operation than we do, Bach said in a reference to the fact the opposition has fewer staff. Chrysanthou suggested the leadership team was shaking in fear at what Mr Dan Andrews might do, which Bach rejected.
Questions have been raised over whether any conservation groups were consulted as part of a critical review used to shape the future of Western Australias environmental protection laws.

Last month, former WA Environmental Protection Authority chair Paul Vogel told this masthead that, while working on the review, hed discussed it with the Australian Marine Conservation Society and attempted to contact the Conservation Council of WA for input.

Conservation Council WA executive director Jess Beckerling and Australian Marine Conservation Society WA director Paul Gamblin. Credit: CCWA

However, both groups cast doubt on Vogels claims, raising questions over what input from environmental organisations found its way into the important document, which informed sweeping legislation currently before parliament that is designed to speed up environmental approvals.

This masthead has also confirmed consultation with the states most influential mining and property lobby groups was extensive, involving email conversations, and in some cases face-to-face meetings.
All the battlers living in a row of four rundown boarding houses in Sydneys Paddington have been told theyre to be kicked out  despite a massive neighbourhood fight to stop their 32 homes being turned into four luxury houses.

The owner-developer, whos currently in the Land and Environment Court (LEC) appealing a ban on the conversion by the City of Sydney, irrespective of the court outcome, intends closing the boarding houses by the end of the year.

Paddington residents rallied behind their neighbours in the boarding houses. Credit: James Brickwood

In heartbreaking scenes at a meeting on the street outside their home, the 29 male residents  one of whom has been living there for 55 years  were told by their neighbours, whod found it in the appendix to the social impact assessment lodged by LFD Developments as part of its appeal, that theyre to be evicted from their homes.

Some of the men were in tears of heartbreak and frustration at the sudden news. Residents pay between $150 and $200 a week.
One of the most remote settlements on Earth, Ittoqqortoormiit sits cradled on the edge of a rocky peninsula, dappled with the vivid reds, yellows and greens of local homes. During your visit, youll explore the quaint museum and learn all about the native Palaeo-Eskimo people before cruising deeper into the Northeast Greenland National Park.

Here, in the largest national park in the world, your expedition team will keep watch in the hope of seeing polar bears and Arctic foxes from the comfort of the ship, or you can explore further afield with the kayaks, Zodiacs and custom-built submarines on board.

Renowned for its meticulously curated itineraries, its the APT Signature Experiences that go above and beyond. In Husavik, youll board a local oak fishing boat in Skjalfandi Bay for a private whale-watching tour, and in Seydisfjordur, your private visit to Vok Baths on the banks of Lake Urridavatn is sure to reinvigorate your senses. Open exclusively for APT guests, these floating infinity pools are filled with Icelands purest hot-spring water and boast panoramic views of the surrounding moss-green hills.

Cruise into luxury

Smaller ships allow you to get up close to all the action. Credit: Seabourn

With sensational APT experiences in up to 10 destinations, youll never struggle to find adventure on land  and neither will you at sea. In the Discovery Centre, the ships academic hub, youll be treated to captivating presentations designed to enrich your journey.

In 2025, Sir Peter Cosgrove, former Governor-General and retired chief of the Australian Defence Force, will be onboard to host. Sir Peter will conduct several lectures on various topics including World War I/II history and geopolitics, plus Q&A sessions  a series not to be missed. He will also conduct hosted dinners.

Boasting 132 suites, every room on the ship features a verandah and ocean-front views, providing the perfect spot to take in the stunning Arctic backdrop. Youll also enjoy an included personalised mini-bar, separate sitting areas, walk-in robes and ensuites with a standalone bath and shower. With six accommodation options to choose from, theres no need to limit your level of luxury.

After a day spent exploring  perhaps following your trip to the steam vents of Lake Myvatn and the tumbling falls of Godafoss  theres nothing quite like retreating to your suite with a glass of champagne from the bar. If youre feeling a bit more energised, though, take advantage of the premium wellness spaces on board, including the spa, sauna, pool and fitness centre.

To fuel up for your offshore pursuits, the ships seven world-class restaurants are also sure to impress. Ranging from gourmet meals and lavish buffets to made-to-order sushi and 24-hour in-suite dining, culinary delights arent hard to find. Simply indulge, relax and prepare for tomorrows adventure.

To discover more, visit aptouring.com.au.
I have no idea what I did when I turned 21. I assume I went out drinking somewhere, probably to one of Brisbanes classier establishments. Id like to say Rics in Fortitude Valley. But maybe it was Fridays in the city (for those who didnt come of age in Brisbane in the early 2000s, Ill explain the code: Rics had rock-star cred. Fridays had wasted private-school boys).

Strandbar Mitte in Berlin. Smartraveller warns Australians to exercise a high degree of caution in Germany. Credit: iStock

Anyway, Smartraveller, the travel advice website of the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, has turned 21 too, and Im guessing it didnt go out boozing with its public servant buddies. Instead, it has marked this milestone by subtly freshening its design  which is better than, say, bingeing on Bacardi Breezers.

Still, it seems hard to believe Smartraveller has been around so long. Has the internet even been around for 21 years?

In fact, the first piece of travel advice published by DFAT does pre-date the worldwide web. By a long way. Back in the 1970s, the department used to include a booklet in every new passport, warning travellers of potential dangers they may face overseas.
Strasbourg: Julian Assange says he is only free because he pleaded guilty to being a journalist and admits his personal transition from years confined in a maximum security prison to freedom has been a profound and a surreal shift with which he is still struggling.

The 53-year-old WikiLeaks founder, released in June after five years in a British prison after a plea deal with the US government, said it was important to remember he was not free because the legal system worked, but only because he chose it over an unrealisable justice.

Julian Assange, founder of WikiLeaks, delivers a speech beside his wife Stella Assange at the European council in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday. Credit: Getty Images

I am free today after years of incarceration because I pleaded guilty to journalism; pleaded guilty to seeking information from sources; I pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a source and I pleaded guilty to inform the public, Assange said, in his first public comments since his release from prison.

Speaking at the Council of Europe legal affairs and human rights committee in Strasbourg, France, on Wednesday, Assange stressed the US insisted on him agreeing not to file a case at the European Court of Human Rights against it in return for the plea deal.
PHILIPSBURG:--- The new school year has started, and parents of children who benefited from the Healthy School Meal Program, which started during the tenure of current Member of Parliament, the Honourable Omar E.C. Ottley, while he was Minister of Public Health, Social Development, and Labor (VSA), are now asking why Government is refusing to continue the program.

MP Ottley, has received questions, comments and complaints from parents. As a result of this he is raising serious concerns about the government's apparent lack of action in -re-implementing the Nutri Kids healthy breakfast program. This is a project aimed at providing nutritious meals to vulnerable students across several public schools in Sint Maarten, stated MP Ottley in a press release issued today, Monday September 30,2024.

MP Ottley is now asking whether the government intends to abandon another vital social initiative designed to uplift the island's most at-risk youth.

The Nutri Kids program, approved by Ottley on October 19th, was set to launch as a three-month pilot on November 13th, with the goal of offering a "Grab & Go" healthy breakfast to students at three elementary schoolsMartin Luther King, Genevieve de Weever, and Leonard Connor. The initiative initially aimed to benefit approximately 160 students, ensuring that children from vulnerable backgrounds would start their day with a nutritious meal, enhancing their physical well-being and ability to concentrate and perform in school.

"While we would like to see more done across the board, I feel honored to have been part of such a program that provides breakfast to vulnerable kids and assists with providing a start to a healthy lifestyle," Ottley remarked when the program was first approved. The program was also intended to instill healthy habits, with Ambrosia, a local culinary service provider, leading the charge in designing balanced, nutrient-rich meals. Collaborating with the Collective Prevention Services (CPS), the project also included educational workshops for parents, students, and school staff on the importance of nutrition and healthy eating habits.

Yet, despite the benefit to children, the program has not been restarted, leaving Ottley and many in the community wondering why. Ottley asks if the current government is deliberately neglecting the Nutri Kids program. "There seems to be a trend emerging," Ottley warned, "whereby the government is failing to continue key social development programs initiated before their tenure, regardless of the clear benefits to the community." He noted that canceling or delaying such programs, particularly those that target the most vulnerable groups in society, has far-reaching consequences for Sint Maarten's future.

The Nutri Kids program is the latest in a series of initiatives started by previous administrations that have been left in limbo. The program's goal was to create long-term healthy habits for students and provide them with the nutritional foundation needed for academic and personal growth. By the end of the pilot, CPS was expected to evaluate its effectiveness and advise on expanding the initiative to other public schools.

"We cannot afford to ignore our most vulnerable children," Ottley stressed. "Providing a healthy breakfast is not just about food; it's about ensuring every child can succeed academically and socially. The Nutri Kids program was created with this in mind, and it's disappointing to see it being neglected."

"The principal responsibility of government is to ensure the welfare of its people, especially the most vulnerable," Ottley said. "If a program works, it should be continuedregardless of which administration started it."

"It's not about politics," Ottley continued, "it's about people. These are programs that can change lives, improve health outcomes, and set a positive course for the future. Why would anyone want to stop that?"

With the school year already started, further delays could mean that many children will miss out on the critical benefits of a nutritious breakfast. "This is not just about feeding children," Ottley concluded. "It's about feeding their potential, their ability to learn, grow, and succeed."
PHILIPSBURG:--- In a powerful display of dedication to raising awareness for Alzheimers disease, the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation (WYCCF), in collaboration with the Henry Ostiana Foundation and the Ministry of VSA, organized a series of impactful events throughout September 2024. These activities, held in observance of Alzheimers Awareness Month, aimed to increase understanding of the disease and its effects on individuals, families, and caregivers in Sint Maarten.

One of the key elements of this years campaign was a series of informative radio interviews held at PJD2 with Wendell Moore. Each week, a different guest was invited to share their expertise. The lineup included WYCCF Psychologist Zuleima Violenus, who spoke about the early signs of Alzheimer's and dementia, followed by informal caregiver Andrea Paul-Gibson and Alzheimers Support Group Coordinator Bart van der Meijden, who offered insights on caring for loved ones with the disease. In the third week, WYCCF Social Worker Minerva Maccow highlighted the importance of community involvement in supporting those affected. The fourth interview featured two specialists from Curacao who provided a unique perspective on the relationship between dementia and music. The cycle of radio interviews ended with the interview of Mireya Ostiana-Wijman and Mrs. Gerda van Tongerloo, who is visiting from Holland. Gerda highlighted the facts of living well with Alzheimer's/Dementia, as she has been doing for the past five years. She explained how important it is to focus on what she still can do and to remain active.

In addition to the radio interviews, Alzheimers awareness was promoted via social media outlets, ensuring the message reached as many people as possible. The highlight of the month was the workshop Dementia & Music, led by the two Curacao specialistsMarjon Roos, a music therapist and director of the Music Therapy Center Curacao, and Jet Thoonen, an expert in dementia care and director of Cliniclowns Curacao. The workshop was designed to train WYCCF staff and informal caregivers on how to incorporate personalized music into the lives of persons with dementia to improve their quality of life.

The training program for care staff was comprehensive, consisting of four interactive sessions focused on the role of music in daily care. Staff from different departments, including activity coordinators and caregivers, participated in these sessions. The training emphasized the use of personalized music to strengthen oral motor skills, enhance emotional well-being, and build a stronger connection between caregivers, clients, and their families. Two additional workshops were also held specifically for informal caregivers, aimed at relieving some of the challenges they face and improving their relationships with their loved ones through music.

Alzheimers Awareness Month culminated on September 28th with a special evening event at the White & Yellow Cross Care Foundation. Held in the big dining room of the Sint Martins Home, the event welcomed several dignitaries, including the Governor of Sint Maarten and Minister of VSA, who were greeted with a warm reception. The evenings program included presentations by Curacaos dementia and music specialists, a video by the Ministry of VSA/DCOMM, and a moving speech by Mrs. Mireya Ostiana, Chair of the Henry Ostiana Foundation.

The evening concluded with a Q&A session, followed by the presentation of the book Hoe Leef Ik Met Dementie (How to live with Dementia) to key figures, including Mrs. Joy Arnell, Secretary General of VSA.

The months activities were not only a celebration of the strides made in Alzheimers awareness but also a reminder of the importance of continued education, community support, and personalized care for those living with dementia. WYCCF and its partners extend their heartfelt gratitude to everyone who participated, including the specialists from Curacao, the organizers, and all who contributed to this meaningful campaign. Together, we continue to create a more inclusive and supportive community for individuals living with dementia in Sint Maarten.
SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The U.S. transportation authority said on Monday that at least 40 foreign air operators might be using Boeing 737 airplanes with rudder components that could pose safety risks.

"I remain concerned that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), as a whole, did not take this issue more seriously until we issued our urgent safety recommendation report, despite the risk of loss of control of an airplane or runway departure due to a jammed or restricted rudder control system, caused by a defect in certain rollout guidance actuators," U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chair Jennifer Homendy said in a letter to FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker.

Homendy said she was disappointed that in the six months since the NTSB issued its preliminary report on the incident, the FAA has not initiated urgent actions to address the risk of jammed rudder controls.

Homendy noted that the FAA has been downplaying the urgency of this issue, maintaining that the units are no longer in service. "According to information that the agency received from Boeing and provided to the FAA, this is incorrect," she said.

The NTSB issued urgent safety recommendations to Boeing and the FAA on Thursday regarding the potential for a jammed or restricted rudder control system on some 737 airplanes.

The NTSB is investigating an incident on Feb. 6, in which the rudder pedals on a United Airlines Boeing 737-8, a MAX variant, were "stuck" in their neutral position during the landing rollout at Newark Liberty International Airport, Newark, New Jersey, said the agency.

NTSB investigators tested a rollout guidance actuator, one of the rudder control components from the incident airplane, at the component's manufacturer, Collins Aerospace. When the incident actuator and an identical unit from another airplane were tested in a cold environment, the actuators' function was significantly compromised.

Collins Aerospace subsequently determined that a sealed bearing was incorrectly assembled during the production of the actuators, making the unsealed side more susceptible to moisture that could freeze and limit rudder system movement.

Boeing's August 23, 2024, Multi Operator Message stated that 353 affected actuator units were delivered to Boeing starting in February 2017.

Of these 353 units, 73 have not yet been installed on airplanes. Another 271 affected actuators that may be installed on aircraft in service operated by at least 40 foreign air carriers, according to the NTSB.

In addition to the 353 affected actuators Collins provided to Boeing, Collins sent 75 affected actuators directly to operators for aftermarket installation.

The NTSB expressed concern that airlines may not be aware of the presence of these actuators on their 737 airplanes.

Homendy wrote in the letter that it is essential that aftermarket installations of affected actuators be clearly addressed.

"Not making operators fully aware of the installed systems and equipment on the airplanes delivered to them is unacceptable and cannot be tolerated any longer," Homendy told Whitaker.

In a statement, the FAA said it has convened a team to address the issue, is sending notification to airlines internationally, and will do more simulator testing. "We thank the NTSB for the recommendations, and we are taking them seriously," the FAA said. 
Google to invest $1 billion in Thailand



Bangkok, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Google plans to invest $1 billion to build digital infrastructure in Thailand, including a new data centre, the US tech giant has announced, saying the move would support 14,000 jobs in the kingdom.

The new hubs in Bangkok and the industrial area of Chonburi are intended to help meet growing demand for cloud computing in Southeast Asia, the company said in a Monday statement.

Google's investment comes after Microsoft announced in May that it would create Thailand's first data centre region to boost cloud and artificial intelligence infrastructure.

"These investments will empower Thai businesses, innovators, and communities to harness the power of cloud and AI technology," Ruth Porat, president and chief investment officer of Google and its parent company Alphabet, said.

The investment's details were unveiled after a Bangkok meeting between Porat and Thai Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, who hailed the move as proof Thailand was becoming a major digital hub in Southeast Asia.

The data centre will be located in Chonburi, a major industrial area southeast of Bangkok, while the cloud facilities will be in the capital itself.

Google's expansion in Thailand will add $4 billion to the kingdom's GDP by 2029 and support 14,000 jobs between 2025 and 2029, the company said, citing a report from consultancy Deloitte.

The announcement comes a year after Shinawatra's predecessor Srettha Thavisin made a major push for investment from US tech giants during a trip to New York, seeking finance from Google, Microsoft and Elon Musk's Tesla.

Thailand is Southeast Asia's second-largest economy, but its tech sector has lagged behind the likes of Singapore and Indonesia.

The Thai economy, long focused on traditional manufacturing, agriculture and tourism, has struggled to bounce back from the Covid-19 pandemic.

The government hopes investment from Google, Microsoft and their ilk will diversify and modernise the kingdom's economy.

Thailand's Office of the National Digital Economy and Society Commission has said the digital economy could contribute as much as 30 percent of GDP by 2027.

Across the region, governments are vying for US tech dollars, with Vietnam making a drive to move up the value chain from its traditional base as a hub for producing shoes, clothes and furniture.

Vietnam hopes to cash in on the US move to become less dependent on China for key resources including high-tech chips.

And last week, Vietnamese state media reported that Musk's SpaceX plans to invest $1.5 billion in the communist country.

pdw/cwl







GOOGLE

MICROSOFT

Alphabet Inc.
SANAA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi group in Yemen said in a statement on Tuesday that it had launched multiple attacks targeting two ships traveling off Yemeni coast.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the first operation targeted the British oil ship Cordelia Moon in the Red Sea, using eight ballistic and winged missiles, a drone, and an unmanned boat. He added that the operation "severely damaged" the ship, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The second operation targeted the ship Marathopolis in the Indian Ocean with a cruise missile, and the third operation targeted the same ship again in the Arabian Sea," he said. 
Hezbollah says it 'targeted' Israeli troops at Lebanon border



Beirut, Lebanon, Sept 30 (AFP) Sep 30, 2024



Hezbollah said it "targeted" Israeli troops carrying out "movements" near the Lebanese border Tuesday, with a source close to the group saying the soldiers were "right on the border" as fears of an incursion grow.

The militant group said it targeted "enemy soldiers' movements in the orchards opposite Adaisseh and Kfarkila" near the border.

The US State Department had earlier said Israel was conducting limited operations targeting Hezbollah inside Lebanon.

A Lebanese security official reported "Israeli army movements on the southern Lebanese border".

Israeli troops are "launching artillery shells from areas that it declared as closed military zones" earlier on Monday," the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Fears of an incursion also prompted Lebanon's army to move troops away from its southern border, a Lebanese military official told AFP Monday.

The Lebanese army is "repositioning and regrouping forces" from the southern border, the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.

Lebanon's national army is dwarfed by the military power of the Iran-backed Hezbollah movement.

On Monday evening, Hezbollah's Al-Manar television channel reported "Zionist artillery shelling" near the border areas of Wazzani, the Khiam valley, Alma Al-Shaab and Naqura.

Wazzani and Khiam are right across from Metula in the north of Israel, where the military on Monday declared a closed military zone in Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi.

Lebanon's state-run National News Agency reported "continued artillery shelling" on border areas including Wazzani and the nearby Marjayoun plain and Khiam.

Last Friday, the Israeli army killed Hezbollah's powerful leader Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on the group's southern Beirut bastion.

For the past week, Israel has launched an intense bombing campaign on the country's east, south and southern Beirut suburbs, killing hundreds of people and displacing up to one million, according to Lebanese officials.

The war follows nearly one year of cross-border exchanges of fire between Israel and Hezbollah that the Lebanese group said were in support of Palestinian ally Hamas, whose October 7 attack on Israel triggered war in Gaza.
Rockets target base hosting US troops near Baghdad airport: security sources



Baghdad, Sept 30 (AFP) Sep 30, 2024



Three rockets were fired at a base housing US troops at Baghdad International Airport in Iraq on Tuesday, causing no casualties, two security sources told AFP.

"The Victory Base at Baghdad Airport was targeted with three rockets, two of which were shot down by the base's special defences, while the third fell near the headquarters of the Counter Terrorism Service Command," a security source said.

A second security source confirmed the report, noting that there were no casualties and that the rockets did not affect air traffic.

The attack comes as the war in Gaza and Israeli strikes and ground raids in Lebanon threaten to spill over into a regional conflict.

Since the outbreak of war in Gaza on October 7, militant factions have targeted bases in Iraq and Syria housing US troops over Washington's military support for Israel.

Washington has repeatedly responded with airstrikes on faction headquarters in both countries.

The United States has about 2,500 troops in Iraq and about 900 in neighbouring Syria as part of the coalition it established in 2014 to fight the Islamic State group. The coalition also includes forces from other countries, including Britain and France.

Armed Iraqi factions loyal to Iran demanded the withdrawal of those troops.

Washington and Baghdad announced Friday that the international coalition would end its decade-long military mission in Iraq within a year.

But the joint statement and US officials did not say how many US troops would remain in Iraq.

After a decline in militant attacks in recent months, rockets were fired in August at the Ain al-Assad base in western Iraq, injuring seven Americans.

And in September, Washington said the US diplomatic complex in Baghdad was attacked by Iran-aligned militias operating in Iraq.
Israeli forces start 'targeted ground raids' in south Lebanon



Beirut, Lebanon, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



The Israeli military said Tuesday that troops have started "ground raids" in villages in southern Lebanon, after militant group Hezbollah said it had targeted "enemy soldiers" at the countries' border.

A Lebanese security official said Israel had also conducted at least six strikes on south Beirut, while Syrian state media reported deadly strikes around the capital Damascus.

Despite international calls for de-escalation, Israel has vowed to keep fighting Iran-backed Hezbollah and declared a military zone in parts of its border with Lebanon.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the battle was not over, even after a massive strike on Beirut that killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing the group a seismic blow.

Israel's military said troops, backed by airstrikes and artillery, launched ground raids targeting Hezbollah "in villages close to the border".

The targets "pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel", the military said.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Monday gave Washington's backing to Israel "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border".

Hezbollah has said it is "ready if Israel decides to enter by land".



- Deadly strikes on Damascus -



As Israel announced its ground raids, Syria's official news agency SANA said the country's air defence systems had intercepted three rounds of strikes in the Damascus area.

State television said anchor Safaa Ahmad was killed "in the Israeli aggression" on Damascus, while SANA reported three civilians killed and nine others wounded.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years.

As the Israeli air force pounded south Beirut, a Palestinian camp official in south Lebanon said an Israeli strike hit Ain al-Helweh camp in the city of Sidon, targeting a Palestinian militant.

The strike hit "the house of the son of Mounir Maqdah," the official said, requesting anonymity to discuss sensitive matters. Israel has accused Maqdah of heading the Lebanese branch of Fatah's armed wing.

Hezbollah earlier said it "targeted" Israeli troops in the border village of Shtula, with a source close to the group saying the soldiers were "right on the border".

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah following the Israeli army's announcement of the ground raids, but the group's al-Manar television reported the Israeli statement on its Telegram channel.

US news site Axios cited two Israeli officials saying the military incursion is "targeted and limited in time and scope and is not intended to occupy southern Lebanon".

Lebanon's national army, dwarfed by Hezbollah's military power, was "repositioning" troops farther from the border, a military official told AFP.

World leaders have urged de-escalation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying: "We do not want any sort of ground invasion."



- Israel orders Beirut evacuations -



This month, Israel launched a wave of deadly air strikes aimed at Hezbollah across Lebanon, the latest of which killed 95 people on Monday, according to Lebanon's health ministry.

On Monday evening, the Israeli military ordered people in three districts of southern Beirut to evacuate.

"You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah group... you must evacuate the buildings immediately," Israeli military spokesman Avichay Adraee said.

AFP correspondents in the capital heard explosions and saw a flash around ground level.

Hezbollah began low-intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

The border clashes rapidly escalated this month.



- 'Everyone is afraid' -



Israel's strikes on Lebanon have killed hundreds of people over the past week and forced up to a million to flee their homes, according to Lebanese officials.

Hezbollah and other groups launched rockets, drones and missiles at Israel over the same period, causing some injuries but no deaths.

Iran has said Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction", though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any fighters to confront Israel.

Austin warned on Monday of "serious consequences for Iran" if Tehran directly attacks Israel.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati called for a ceasefire based on a recent US-French proposal, urging "an end to the Israeli aggression against Lebanon".

Earlier on Monday, an Israeli strike hit a building in central Beirut, with an armed Palestinian group saying it had killed three of its members.

Central Beirut resident Kahier Bannout, 42, said it was "supposed to be a safe area -- not a war zone".

"Everyone is afraid."

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said more than 1,000 people have been killed since September 17.

UN refugee agency chief Filippo Grandi said: "Well over 200,000 people are displaced inside Lebanon", while more than 100,000 have fled to neighbouring Syria.



- 'Little time' -



The US, Qatar and Egypt tried for months to broker such a deal, which Netanyahu's critics accused him of obstructing.

In Gaza, the civil defence authority said Tuesday that Israeli bombardment on homes killed 12 people in the central Nuseirat refugee camp. Seven others were killed in Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.

A UN Satellite Centre assessment issued Monday said "two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage" in nearly a year of war.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,615 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/rlp/rsc/dhw
'Intense fighting' as Israel launches Lebanon ground offensive



Beirut, Lebanon, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



The Israeli army said its troops were locked in fierce clashes in Lebanon after launching a ground offensive Tuesday, escalating the conflict after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds.

The ground assault came as Israel targeted south Beirut, Damascus and Gaza, despite international calls for restraint to avoid a regional conflagration.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the fight was far from over, even after a massive strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday. His death dealt a heavy blow to the Iran-backed group.

The Israeli military said its forces, backed by air strikes and artillery, carried out "targeted ground raids" on Hezbollah positions in settlements along the border.

It said the targets posed an "immediate threat" to northern Israeli communities, and warned Lebanese civilians against driving in a southern zone along the border.

"Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon," army spokesman Avichay Adraee said on Telegram. "For your personal safety, we ask you not to travel by vehicles from the north to the south of the Litani River."

The military had earlier declared a military zone on parts of its border with Lebanon. It said projectiles were fired from Lebanon into the northern Israeli towns of Avivim and Metula.

Hezbollah said it had twice targeted "a movement of enemy soldiers in Metula with artillery shells".

Lebanon's official National News Agency said an Israeli air strike Tuesday on Ain al-Helweh camp killed six people, including Hassan Maqdah, the son of Mounir Maqdah who heads the Lebanese branch of Palestinian group Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs' Brigades.

It also reported Israeli shelling of border settlements, killing 10 people from the same family, including at least two children, in Daoudieh village.



- Deadly strikes on Damascus -



As Israel announced its ground raids, Syria's official news agency SANA said the country's air defence systems had intercepted three rounds of strikes in the Damascus area.

State television said anchor Safaa Ahmad was killed "in the Israeli aggression" on Damascus, while SANA reported three civilians killed and nine others wounded.

There was no immediate comment from the Israeli military, which has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah following the Israeli army's announcement of the ground raids, but the group's al-Manar television reported the Israeli statement on its Telegram channel.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Monday gave Washington's backing to Israel "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border".

Hezbollah previously said it is "ready if Israel decides to enter by land".

US news site Axios cited two Israeli officials saying the military incursion is "targeted and limited in time and scope and is not intended to occupy southern Lebanon".

Lebanon's national army, dwarfed by Hezbollah's military power, was "repositioning" troops farther from the border, a military official told AFP.

World leaders have urged de-escalation, with UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres's spokesman Stephane Dujarric saying: "We do not want any sort of ground invasion."



- Israel orders Beirut evacuations -



Israeli strikes on Lebanon killed 95 people on Monday, the health ministry said.

On Monday evening, the Israeli military ordered people in three districts of southern Beirut to evacuate.

"You are located near interests and facilities belonging to the terrorist Hezbollah group... you must evacuate the buildings immediately," Adraee said.

Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Iran has said Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction", though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any fighters to confront Israel.

Austin warned on Monday of "serious consequences for Iran" if Tehran directly attacks Israel.

Following a deadly strike on central Beirut Monday, resident Kahier Bannout, 42, said it was "supposed to be a safe area -- not a war zone".

"Everyone is afraid."

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said more than 1,000 people have been killed since September 17.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati on Tuesday appealed to the United Nations and donor countries for aid for the displaced, whom he previously estimated could be as many as one million people.



- Gaza strikes -



In Gaza, the civil defence authority said Tuesday that Israeli bombardment on homes killed 12 people in the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

Seven others were killed in Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.

A UN Satellite Centre assessment issued Monday said "two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage" in nearly a year of war.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,615 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/jsa/dv
Syria state media says 3 civilians killed in Israel strikes



Damascus, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Syrian state media said three civilians were killed in Israeli air strikes on Damascus early Tuesday and nine others wounded, citing a military source.

"The Israeli enemy launched an air aggression with warplanes and drones from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting several points in Damascus," the official news agency SANA said.

"Three civilians were killed and nine others injured," it added.

AFP correspondents heard four rounds of heavy bombardment over around half an hour, whose sound resonated across the Syrian capital.

In the Mezzeh neighbourhood that is home to Syrian security headquarters and embassies, an AFP correspondent saw two mini-buses burnt to cinders in the area that was hit.

A resident of a building that was hit, a 57-year-old who gave his name as Abu Mohammad, told AFP: "We heard the sound of strong blast that threw me out of bed onto the floor, and seconds later we heard people scream and cry."

"From our balcony, we saw fire everywhere," he said of himself and his family.

"We found a dead lady on the first floor with her children screaming beside her, but we couldn't do anything for her."

State television said one of its anchors had also been killed.

Safaa Ahmad was "martyred in the Israeli aggression on the capital Damascus", it said.

Since Syria's civil war erupted in 2011, Israel has carried out hundreds of strikes in the country, mainly targeting army positions and Iran-backed fighters, including Hezbollah.

Israeli authorities rarely comment on individual strikes in Syria, but have repeatedly said they will not allow arch-enemy Iran to expand its presence there.

These strikes have increased in recent days, including on areas near the border with Lebanon.

Tens of thousands of people have been crossing over into Syria during the past week, fleeing heavy Israeli air strikes on Lebanon.
Germany says arrested Chinese accused of spying on defence industry



Berlin, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Germany on Tuesday announced the arrest of a Chinese woman accused of spying on the country's defence industry while working in a logistics company.

The suspect, named only as Yaqi X., allegedly reported to another Chinese spy now under arrest, Jian G., who was working in the office of a German far-right member of the European Parliament, Maximilian Krah.

The woman arrested on Monday is "strongly suspected of acting as an intelligence agent for a Chinese secret service," federal prosecutors said in a statement.

Yaqi X. worked for a company that provides logistics services, including at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, they said.

She allegedly used her position to gather information on "the transport of military equipment and persons with connections to a German arms company".

Between mid-2023 and February this year, she "repeatedly sent information on flights, cargo and passengers at the airport to an employee of a Chinese secret service -- namely Jian G., who is being prosecuted separately".

Jian G. was arrested in April on suspicion of spying while working in the Brussels office of German MEP Krah of the far-right Alternative for Germany party.

Yaqi X. was brought before an investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice who served her with the arrest warrant and ordered her to be remanded in custody.

Her Leipzig home and workplace were also searched.



- EU parliament staffer -



Der Spiegel weekly reported, citing unnamed security sources, that Yaqi X., a 38-year-old, had targeted especially the arms giant Rheinmetall which is involved in making Leopard tanks and which uses Leipzig airport for cargo flights.

Her alleged handler, a German national, was arrested in April on suspicion of sharing European Parliament information with a Chinese intelligence service and of spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany.

The European Union assembly, which had listed Jian Guo as an accredited assistant to Krah, moved to suspend him.

Krah wrote on X at the time that prosecutors had confirmed to his lawyer that he was "not a suspect in the investigation".

The allegations involving China were among a series of controversies to hit Germany's AfD, including claims that some of its members have links to Russia.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called the allegations against Guo "very serious" and said that, if confirmed, it was "an attack on European democracy from within".

According to German broadcasters ARD, RBB and SWR, Guo is no stranger to German intelligence.

He had reportedly offered his services as an informer at least a decade ago but was turned away on suspicion he might be a Chinese double agent.

fz/mfp/ach
Evacuations from Lebanon: what we know



Paris, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Israel launched a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, escalating a conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that have killed hundreds.

Several countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon or are planning to do so.



- Britain -



Britain has chartered a commercial flight for its nationals that will depart from Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.

The UK government has said further flights may be arranged, depending on demand.

It said it would prioritise "vulnerable British nationals" for Wednesday's flight.

Last week, London announced the deployment of 700 soldiers to Cyprus to prepare for a possible evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon.



- Canada -



Canada has reserved 800 seats on commercial planes to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, with the next flight scheduled to depart on Tuesday.

About 45,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon.

The Canadian military has set up emergency resources in Cyprus if commercial flights are interrupted.



- Germany -



On Monday, Germany flew out its Beirut embassy's non-essential staff, their dependants and some of its citizens in Lebanon with medical conditions.

About 110 passengers boarded the German air force A321 plane, which landed in Berlin late in the evening.

The Beirut embassy remained operational to help the estimated 1,800 German citizens in Lebanon "in their departure via commercial flights and other means", the government said.

"We are currently at a stage where we support the departure (of citizens) but we are explicitly not in an evacuation scenario," a government spokesman said on Monday.



- Japan -



Japan is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon on commercial flights and is preparing military flights for their possible return, the government said on Friday.

C-2 military transport planes have been ordered to go to Jordan and Greece to be on stand-by in case Japanese nationals need to be transported out of the region.

Japanese media said there were around 50 Japanese citizens currently in Lebanon.



- Philippines -



The Philippines vowed last week to evacuate 11,000 citizens from Lebanon the moment Israeli forces crossed the border to launch a ground offensive.

"A ground invasion will lead to mandatory repatriation," Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said on Friday, adding the plan was to move thousands out of the country via the sea.

He did not provide details.

Manila had earlier urged Filipinos to leave Lebanon before commercial airlines stopped flying to Beirut.

Millions of Filipinos work in the Middle East. Around 90 percent of those in Lebanon are female domestic workers.



- Portugal -



Portugal evacuated 44 people from Lebanon -- 28 nationals and their families -- by military plane via Cyprus on Saturday evening.



- Bulgaria -



A total of 89 Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon -- mostly families with children -- arrived in Sofia late Monday. A government plane is expected to make a second flight on Tuesday.

Around 400 Bulgarians live in Lebanon, and so far 160 of them have declared they want to be evacuated from the country, according to deputy foreign minister Elena Shekerletova.



- Refugees -



The United Nations Refugee agency said on Monday around 100,000 people had fled to Syria from Lebanon due to Israeli air strikes.

The UNHCR representative in Syria said most evacuees were women and children. Around 80 percent were Syrian nationals and 20 percent Lebanese.

Some 210,000 Palestinian refugees live in camps and informal settlements in Lebanon, according to the UN children's agency UNICEF.

An Israeli air strike hit a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing several inhabitants, Lebanon's official National News Agency said.

burs/jhb
New NATO chief Rutte dismisses Trump fears, vows Ukraine support



Brussels, Belgium, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



NATO's new chief Mark Rutte on Tuesday downplayed fears over the impact of a potential Donald Trump victory in upcoming US elections and pledged to keep backing Ukraine, as he assumed leadership of the world's most powerful military alliance.

The former Dutch prime minister steps into the role at a pivotal moment, as Russia presses its war in Ukraine, China flexes its growing might -- and just weeks before voters in the United States head to the polls.

"I'm determined to prepare NATO for the challenges of the future," Rutte said as he formally took over as secretary general from Norway's Jen Stoltenberg at NATO's Brussels headquarters.

The outcome of the November 5 vote is set to be the straight-talking 57-year-old's first major test -- and will shape his initial four-year term at the helm.

On the campaign trail, US former president Trump has threatened not to protect NATO members who do not spend enough on defence and promised to cut a quick deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to put an end to the war in Ukraine.

"I'm not worried. I know both candidates very well. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more, and he achieved," Rutte said.

"I will be able to work with both, whatever is the outcome of the elections."

In opting for the veteran Dutch statesman, a staunch US ally and stalwart backer of Ukraine, NATO's 32 nations have picked a leader who will keep pushing support for Kyiv and efforts to bolster the alliance's own defences in the face of Russia.

"NATO will be in safe hands with you at the helm," said Stoltenberg, who has guided the alliance through one of its most tumultuous decades.

Rutte listed backing Kyiv as among his top priorities -- along with ensuring NATO keeps on spending more on defence, and bolstering ties with partners including the European Union and those in the Asia Pacific.



- No 'giving in' to Putin -



"Putin has to realise that we will not give in, that we want Ukraine to prevail in the end," Rutte warned, saying he wanted "to step up our support for Ukraine and bring it ever closer to NATO."

"We must sustain this support into the future, because Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO," he added.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to work productively with Rutte as his country "continues on its path towards full-fledged NATO membership."

But Kyiv is facing a difficult moment as Russian forces are advancing on the battlefield more than three-and-a-half years after the Kremlin's all-out invasion.

And there is uncertainty over future Western support for Ukraine and growing calls for a resolution to the conflict.

"It's up to the Ukrainian government to decide when they are at a stage that they want to discuss peace," Rutte said. "That's for later."

Rutte backed Ukraine's right to use Western supplied weapons inside Russia, but said it was up to each NATO ally to decide on any limitations.



- 'Spend more' -



Another central task for Rutte will be to keep pushing NATO's members to carry on increasing spending on their militaries to counter any potential menace from Moscow.

Spurred on by the war in Ukraine -- and pressure from Washington -- European countries have already ratcheted up spending.

This year, 23 countries are set to reach NATO's target of spending two percent of gross domestic product on their militaries.

But with the threat from Russia expected to last for years -- whatever the outcome in Ukraine -- there is a clear understanding more will be needed.

"There is no cost free alternative if we are to rise to the challenges ahead and keep our one billion people safe," Rutte said.

That could prove a tough sell for Rutte -- who only saw the Netherlands reach the two-percent goal in his fourteenth, and final year, in office.

As NATO has begun increasingly paying attention to China, Rutte reiterated the line taken at a summit in July that Beijing was a "decisive enabler" for Russia's war.

"China cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the second world war without this impacting its interests and reputation," he said.

Even if he wanted to change NATO's direction, Rutte would likely struggle to shake up an alliance based on careful consensus between its members.

Stoltenberg, whose mandate was extended three times, trod a careful balancing act as NATO emerged reenergized in the face of Russia's aggression.

"One thing will not change, and that is NATO's core mission, and that is to make sure that we defend our people, our nations, and, of course, our values," Rutte said.
HANOI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Vietnam's cashew nut exports face the risk of trade deficit due to higher raw material prices, Vietnam News reported Tuesday, citing experts.

The export turnover of Vietnam's cashew nuts has maintained growth, but the gap between export value and import turnover of raw materials has gradually narrowed.

According to the General Department of Customs, Vietnam exported more than 486,000 tons of cashew nuts in the first eight months of this year, earning nearly 2.8 billion U.S. dollars, but the country spent more than 2.3 billion dollars importing raw cashew nuts.

As the world's leading country in processing cashew nuts, Vietnam has a large number of factories, but the domestic raw material area is reducing, only meeting about 10 to 12 percent of the demand for raw cashew nuts for those factories. Most of the raw materials have to be imported from Africa and Cambodia. 
Israel says launches Lebanon ground offensive, escalating conflict



Beirut, Lebanon, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



The Israeli army said it launched a ground offensive in Lebanon and that its forces engaged in clashes Tuesday, further escalating the conflict after a week of intense air strikes that killed hundreds.

The UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon said, however, the Israeli operation did not amount to a "ground incursion" and while Hezbollah denied any troops had crossed the border, an Israeli security official said localised raids had taken place and they were limited in scope.

There was no way to immediatly verify the claims, which came as Israel targeted south Beirut, Damascus and Gaza, despite international calls for restraint to avoid a regional conflagration.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the fight was far from over, even after a massive strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday. His death dealt a heavy blow to the Iran-backed group.

The Israeli military said its forces, backed by air strikes and artillery, carried out "limited, localised, targeted operations" in Lebanon.

The operations were designed to dismantle Hezbollah and restore security to the north, where Israel says 60,000 people have been displaced by Hezbollah's missile fire over the past year.

"Intense fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon," army spokesman Avichay Adraee said, warning Lebanese against travelling by vehicles south of the Litani River.

Hezbollah said later it targeted the Israeli military intelligence base of Glilot near Tel Aviv, as air raid sirens sounded and blasts rang out in the coastal city.

The Israeli military said projectiles were fired from Lebanon into the northern Israeli towns of Avivim and Metula, where Hezbollah said it targeted "enemy soldiers" with artillery.



- Calls for de-escalation -



Only hours ahead of the Israeli military's announcement, Hezbollah said it was "ready if Israel decides to enter by land".

A military official said the Lebanese national army, dwarfed by Hezbollah's military power, was "repositioning" troops farther from the border.

World leaders called for de-escalation after Israel announced the launch of the ground operation.

The United Nations warned Israel against a "large-scale ground invasion".

"With armed violence between Israel and Hezbollah boiling over, the consequences for civilians have already been terrible," Liz Throssell, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, told reporters in Geneva.

"We fear a large-scale ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon would only result in greater suffering."

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Monday gave Washington's backing to Israel "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border".

An Israeli security official said the raids were "limited in scope", while refusing to comment about a specific timeframe or the extent of the ground operation.

Later, when asked by AFP about Hezbollah denying any Israeli ground incursion, an Israeli military official said: "There are troops on the ground in south Lebanon".

But he added he was unaware if fighting was ongoing.

Lebanon's official National News Agency said an Israeli air strike Tuesday on Ain al-Helweh camp killed six people.

It also reported Israeli shelling of border settlements, killing 10 people from the same family, including at least two children, in Daoudieh village.

Elsewhere, Syria's official news agency SANA said the country's air defences had intercepted three rounds of strikes in the Damascus area.

State television said anchor Safaa Ahmad was killed "in the Israeli aggression" on Damascus, while SANA reported three civilians killed and nine others wounded.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years.



- Israel orders Beirut evacuations -



Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Iran has said Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction", though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any fighters to confront Israel.

Austin warned on Monday of "serious consequences for Iran" if Tehran directly attacks Israel.

Following a deadly strike on central Beirut Monday, resident Kahier Bannout, 42, said it was "supposed to be a safe area -- not a war zone".

"Everyone is afraid."

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said more than 1,000 people have been killed since September 17.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the UN humanitarian agency on Tuesday appealed for over $400 million in aid for the displaced, whom Mikati estimated could be as many as one million people.



- Gaza strikes -



In Gaza, the civil defence authority on Tuesday said Israeli bombing killed 12 people in the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

Seven others were killed in Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.

A UN Satellite Centre assessment issued Monday said "two-thirds of the total structures in the Gaza Strip have sustained damage" in nearly a year of war.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,638 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/jsa/dv
Israel says ground forces raid south Lebanon, escalating conflict



Beirut, Lebanon, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



The Israeli military said Tuesday its ground troops had carried out raids against Hezbollah in south Lebanon and mobilised more forces, despite calls for de-escalation after a week of air strikes that killed hundreds.

The scope of the Israeli offensive was not immediately clear, with the UN peacekeeping mission in Lebanon saying it did not amount to a "ground incursion" and Hezbollah denying any troops had crossed the border.

As regional tensions soar, a senior White House official told AFP that "the United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel".

The Israeli military said it had not detected any "aerial threat" from Iran "for now" but stood ready to "defend and attack".

Since an army statement early Tuesday confirmed troops had started "targeted ground raids" in south Lebanon, across Israel's northern border, officials have provided few details of the extent of the operation or its timeframe.

An Israeli security official said localised raids had taken place and that they were limited in scope. A Lebanese army source told AFP the force had "not observed any penetration by Israeli enemy forces into Lebanese territory".

There was no way to immediately verify the claims, which came as Israel struck south Beirut, Damascus and Gaza, despite international calls for restraint to avoid a regional conflagration.

"We fear a large-scale ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon would only result in greater suffering," said UN human rights office spokeswoman Liz Throssell.

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned the fight was far from over, even after a massive strike on Beirut killed Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah on Friday, dealing a heavy blow to the Iran-backed group.

Israel seeks to dismantle Hezbollah's military capabilities and restore security to the north, where tens of thousands have been displaced by nearly a year of cross-border fire.

The Israeli military said its forces, backed by air strikes and shelling, carried out "limited, localised, targeted operations" in Lebanon.

To "enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah", the military later announced it was calling up four additional brigades to the border.

Only hours before the Israeli military's initial announcement, Hezbollah said it was "ready if Israel decides to enter by land".



- 'Stop Israel' -



The Lebanese group, which suffered heavy losses in a spate of attacks last month, said it targeted the Israeli military intelligence base of Glilot, near Tel Aviv, on Tuesday, as air raid sirens sounded and blasts rang out in the coastal city.

The Israeli military said projectiles were fired from Lebanon into the northern Israeli towns of Avivim and Metula, where Hezbollah said it targeted "enemy soldiers" with artillery.

The military also announced tighter restrictions on public gatherings across the country, possibly in anticipation of more intense violence.

World leaders called for de-escalation after Israel announced the launch of ground operation.

China said it opposed "infringements on Lebanon's sovereignty", while Russia said it "calls on the Israeli authorities to immediately cease hostilities" and "withdraw their troops".

Pentagon chief Lloyd Austin gave Washington's backing to Israel "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border", though President Joe Biden had earlier said he opposed a ground invasion.

"We should have a ceasefire now," said Biden, whose government is Israel's top arms provider.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called on the international community to "stop Israel without wasting any more time".

Lebanon's official National News Agency said an Israeli air strike on Ain al-Helweh Palestinian refugee camp on Tuesday killed six people.

It also reported Israeli shelling of border communities which killed 10 people from the same family, including at least two children, in Daoudieh village.

Elsewhere, Syria's official news agency SANA said air defences had intercepted three rounds of strikes in the Damascus area.

State television said anchor Safaa Ahmad was killed "in the Israeli aggression" on Damascus, while SANA reported three civilians killed and nine others wounded.

There was no immediate comment from Israel, which has carried out hundreds of strikes on Syria in recent years.



- Plea for aid -



Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Iran has said Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction", though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy any fighters to confront Israel.

The White House official said Washington was "actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against" the potential Iranian attack.

Austin on Monday warned of "serious consequences for Iran" if Tehran directly attacks Israel.

The Pentagon said the United States was boosting its forces in the Middle East by a "few thousand" troops.

German airline group Lufthansa has extended its suspension of flights to Beirut and Tel Aviv, citing "the current situation in the Middle East", with Dutch airline KLM following suit.

Lebanon's Health Minister Firass Abiad said more than 1,000 people have been killed since September 17.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and the UN humanitarian agency on Tuesday appealed for over $400 million in aid for the displaced, estimating there could be as many as one million.



- Gaza strikes -



In Gaza, the civil defence authority said Israeli bombing killed 12 peopleon Tuesday in the central Nuseirat refugee camp.

Seven others were killed in Israeli strikes on a school sheltering displaced people east of Gaza City.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed at least 41,638 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/jsa/ami/kir
Germany arrests Chinese woman accused of spying



Berlin, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Germany on Tuesday announced the arrest of a Chinese woman accused of spying on the country's defence industry while working in a logistics company.

Named only as Yaqi X., she allegedly reported to another suspected Beijing agent now under arrest, Jian G., who was working in the office of a German far-right member of the European Parliament, Maximilian Krah.

The woman arrested on Monday is "strongly suspected of acting as an intelligence agent for a Chinese secret service", federal prosecutors said in a statement.

Yaqi X. worked for a company that provides logistics services, including at Leipzig/Halle Airport in eastern Germany, they said.

She allegedly used her position to gather information on "the transport of military equipment and persons with connections to a German arms company".

Between mid-2023 and February, she "repeatedly sent information on flights, cargo and passengers at the airport to an employee of a Chinese secret service -- namely Jian G., who is being prosecuted separately", prosecutors said.

Jian G., a German national, was arrested in April on suspicion of spying while working in the Brussels office of German MEP Krah of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party.

Yaqi X. was brought before an investigating judge of the Federal Court of Justice who served her with the arrest warrant and ordered her to be remanded in custody.

Her Leipzig home and workplace were also searched.

Justice Minister Marco Buschmann told Bild daily that "the arrest of a suspected Chinese spy in Leipzig shows us once again that foreign intelligence services have long had Germany in their sights.

"This is especially true for intelligence services from countries with which we are in a systemic rivalry."



- EU parliament staffer -



Citing unnamed security sources, news site Der Spiegel reported that Yaqi X., a 38-year-old, in particular had targeted the arms giant Rheinmetall, which is involved in making Leopard tanks and which uses Leipzig airport for cargo flights.

Her alleged handler Jian G. was arrested on suspicion of sharing European Parliament information with a Chinese intelligence service and of spying on Chinese opposition figures in Germany.

The European Union assembly, which had listed Jian Guo as an accredited assistant to Krah, moved to suspend him earlier this year.

Krah wrote on X at the time that prosecutors had confirmed to his lawyer that he was "not a suspect in the investigation".

The allegations involving China were among a series of controversies to hit Germany's AfD, including claims that some of its members have links to Russia.

German Interior Minister Nancy Faeser called the allegations against Guo "very serious" and said that, if confirmed, it was "an attack on European democracy from within".

According to German broadcasters ARD, RBB and SWR, Guo was no stranger to German intelligence.

He had reportedly offered his services as an informer at least a decade ago but was turned away on suspicion he might be a Chinese double agent.

fz/mfp/bc

RHEINMETALL
What we know about Israel's ground operations in Lebanon



Jerusalem, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Israel announced Tuesday it had launched raids targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, days after killing its leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on a bunker in south Beirut.

Here is a rundown of what is known about Israel's ground operations so far.



- When did the raids begin?



Late Monday, Israel's military began what it called "limited, localised and targeted raids" against Hezbollah in south Lebanon's border areas.

Its ground forces are backed by fighter jets and artillery fire.

But the scope of Israel's action has not been clear, with United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon saying it did not amount to a "ground incursion" and Hezbollah denying Israeli troops had crossed the border.

An army statement early Tuesday confirmed troops had started "targeted ground raids" across Israel's northern border, but few details have been provided of the extent of the operation or its timeframe.

An Israeli security official said localised raids had taken place and that they were limited in scope.

The military did not reveal how many soldiers were involved, but said its 98th division -- including paratroopers and commando units -- was taking part.

The division had been previously deployed in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to battle Palestinian militants led by Hamas.

Israel's military later announced it was calling up four additional brigades to the border.

On Monday evening, the military declared three areas along the northern border with Lebanon a "closed military zone", providing the first indication of a possible ground offensive.



- What are Israel's targets? -



The military said it was acting on "precise intelligence" targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," it said.

Tuesday's operations come after Israeli air strikes killed several top Hezbollah commanders in recent weeks, including Nasrallah on Friday.

"The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step, but it is not the final one," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Monday.

"We will use all the means that may be required -- your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land," Gallant told soldiers in the north.



- What are Israel's goals? -



Since October 8, Hezbollah has been firing rockets across the border, displacing more than 60,000 residents in northern Israel.

Hezbollah has said it is acting in solidarity with its Islamist ally Hamas in Gaza, following the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The ensuing cross-border clashes have intensified in recent weeks.

While Israel engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas in Gaza, Gallant announced on September 18 that the "centre of gravity" of the war was now pivoting to the north.

"It was now time to ensure that those displaced from the north would be able to return to their homes," he said.

Other officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly vowed to return those displaced back to their homes.

"We will continue to hit Hezbollah... the one who has a missile in his living room and a rocket in his home will not have a home," Netanyahu said in a statement last month.



- How has Hezbollah responded? -



Hezbollah on Tuesday said it targeted a disused air base in Tel Aviv in retaliation for attacks on civilians in Lebanon, in an operation it dedicated to Nasrallah.

It said its fighters launched "a salvo of Fadi-4 rockets at the Sde Dov air base in Tel Aviv" after earlier saying it fired Fadi-1s at an intelligence base and Mossad headquarters in Israel's commercial hub.

Hezbollah said it also attacked Israeli troop movements in Metula in northern Israel using artillery and later fired rockets at a "gathering of enemy soldiers" in the same area.

Israeli troops in northern Israel's Avivim were also targeted, Hezbollah added.

burs-srm/kir
Denmark supports military intervention in Mideast: PM



Copenhagen, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



An international military intervention in the Middle East could be a way to impose a two-state solution and break the current deadlock, Denmark's prime minister said Tuesday.

Prime Minister Mette Frederiksen urged an overhaul of the international response to the conflict, which escalated as the Israeli army said it had launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

"There is no solution in sight to what we see going on over there, and there is no point in letting things continue," Frederiksen told Danish news agency Ritzau.

The two-state solution -- one Israeli, one Palestinian -- "can only be done if the international community declares, at some point, that we now have to impose it by force," she said.

Lebanese Islamist movement Hezbollah has for the past year been firing rockets at northern Israel in support of Palestinian militant group Hamas, which is at war with Israel in the Gaza Strip.

Israel has been retaliating against Hamas since the group's unprecedented attack on Israeli soil on October 7, 2023.

Frederiksen said Hamas and Israel "have caught not only their own countries and people in this, but all of us too".

"The price has become too high for all of us," she said.

Asked whether a military intervention was a possibility, she replied: "Yes, it's possible."

She remained vague however on how that could be accomplished.

"The international community has intervened in other conflicts and other wars and has succeeded in imposing something," she said.
Zelensky hails Ukraine's 'new defence industry'



Kyiv, Ukraine, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky on Tuesday hailed his country's "new defence industry" that has exponentially ramped up production to help fight the Russian invasion.

Kyiv has relied on billions of dollars in military aid from its Western backers to fight back against Russian forces, but has also invested heavily in its domestic arms sector.

"In the first half of this year alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more ammunition for artillery and mortars than in the whole of 2022," Zelensky told a defence forum in Kyiv.

Almost 300 weapons companies, both Ukrainian and foreign, were in Kyiv for the conference, Zelensky said.

Throughout the conflict, Ukraine's army has used a mix of Soviet-era weaponry, supplies donated by the West and some cutting-edge domestic equipment such as long-range attack drones.

Its troops have faced months-long ammunition shortages amid political wrangling in Washington over aid payments, which has underscored to Kyiv the importance of investing in its own production.

"In the extremely difficult conditions of a full-scale war, under constant Russian attacks, Ukrainians were able to build a virtually new defence industry. Today, everyone can see this new Ukrainian capability," Zelensky said.

Ukraine now has the capacity to produce four million drones a year, Zelensky said.

Drones have become crucial battlefield equipment for both Moscow and Kyiv. Small craft are used everyday for frontline reconnaissance while larger ones are packed with explosives and flown hundreds of miles into enemy territory.

Ukraine's Prime Minister Denys Shmygal told a government meeting that half of the ammunition Ukraine uses at the front was produced domestically.

But further boosting production inside Ukraine is complicated by the fact that the entire country is within range of Russian missiles.

Despite the challenges, Zelensky said the sector had achieved a remarkable turnaround.

"Years ago, the Ukrainian defence industry looked, unfortunately, helpless," he said. "But now it is an industry that is on its way to becoming a leader, at least in Europe."

Alongside long-range drones, Ukraine also produces the Neptune anti-ship missiles that have been used to hit several Russian vessels in the Black Sea.

And at the end of August, Zelensky announced the successful test firing of the first Ukrainian-made ballistic missile.
Biden orders US military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel



Washington, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



President Joe Biden ordered the US military on Tuesday to "aid Israel's defense" and shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, the White House said.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee in next month's US presidential election, are both monitoring Iran's attack on Israel from the White House situation room, it said.

"President Biden directed the US military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel," the White House said in a statement.

A call that Biden had scheduled with rabbis on Tuesday ahead of the Jewish high holiday season -- which begins later this week with Rosh Hashanah, the Jewish new year -- had been postponed to another day, a White House official said.

The United States and other western allies also stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus
US says Iranian attack on Israel 'defeated,' warns of consequences



Washington, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



The United States warned Iran on Tuesday to expect "severe consequences" for a ballistic missile barrage on Israel that US officials said was "defeated" with the assistance of American warships.

President Joe Biden said the United States was "fully supportive" of Israel after the missile attack and he would discuss a response with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, and this is a testament to Israeli military capability and the US military," Biden told reporters at the White House.

"Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel."

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be, Biden replied: "That's in active discussion right now. That remains to be seen."

Speaking earlier to reporters, Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, said the missile attack was a "significant escalation" by Iran and "there will be consequences, severe consequences."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Iran's missile attack was "unacceptable" and that the entire world should condemn it.

"Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack," Blinken told reporters.

A Pentagon spokesman said Iran launched about twice as many ballistic missiles Tuesday as it did in its previous direct attack on Israel earlier this year.

"Initial reports indicate that Israel was able to intercept the majority of incoming missiles and that there was minimal damage on the ground," Major General Pat Ryder said.

Ryder said two US destroyers fired about a dozen interceptors as part of the defensive effort.

Tuesday's missile attack came roughly one month ahead of November's US presidential election and Republican candidate Donald Trump seized upon it to criticize his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Speaking at a campaign event in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Trump said that if he was in the White House "today's attack on Israel never would have happened."

Under Trump's administration, "we had no war in the Middle East, we had no war in Europe, we had harmony in Asia," the former president claimed.
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that intelligence information shared by the United States indicated an imminent missile attack from Iran, adding that Israel is in a state of "maximal preparedness," with support from American forces in the region. 
This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation. Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation.

Ninety-five people were killed, and 172 others injured over the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry Monday night.

The ministry reported that 16 people were killed and 48 injured in the Baalbek-Hermel district, while another 16 were killed and 55 wounded in the Nabatieh governorate.

Additionally, four deaths and four injuries were reported in Beirut, along with 52 fatalities and 43 injuries in the southern governorate. The Bekaa region saw seven people killed and 22 injured.

ESCALATION OF CONFLICT

Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The operation, involving ground forces, aircraft and artillery units, targeted areas in southern Lebanon, while warplanes bombed Beirut's southern suburb, Israel's military said.

The ground raids against Hezbollah in Lebanon come amid heightened tension in the region, with Israel launching attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as part of its alleged "self-defense" strategy.

Besides the ground raids, the Israeli forces early Tuesday carried out an aerial assault on the Syrian capital Damascus, with three civilians dead and nine others being injured, according to the Syrian Defense Ministry.

Syria's state media confirmed that Syrian air defenses were responding to an Israeli attack in the vicinity of Damascus.

The Israeli military said Monday night that the offensive in the Gaza Strip would also proceed.

At least 12 people were killed, and several others injured in an Israeli raid on two houses in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday, medical sources and eyewitnesses said.

An influx of both Lebanese citizens and displaced Syrians were crossing into Syria following Israel's military escalation in Lebanon.

The UN Refugee Agency said 100,000 people have fled Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon to Syria, primarily Lebanese and Syrian nationals.

GROWING CONCERNS

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the humanitarian impact on civilians.

"The secretary-general remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the events that are unfolding in Lebanon," said his chief spokesman, Stephane Dujarric. "He continues to reiterate his call for de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities."

The UN peacekeepers monitoring the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, remain in position.

However, the spokesman said that while the peacekeepers remain in their area of responsibility, the intensity of fighting prevents their movements and ability to undertake mandated tasks, such as going out on patrols.

Dujarric said the UN will mobilize additional resources for Lebanon to meet the growing needs of about 1 million people impacted by the increasing crisis.

The United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang on Monday called on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently reach a ceasefire.

During the last day of the General Debate of the 79th session of the assembly, many speakers also denounced Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In his statement, Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh condemned Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people, stressing "the need to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it is committing."

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said earlier Monday evening that Israel had informed the United States of "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."

"We should have a ceasefire now," said U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier on Monday.

Other countries like Britain and Spain have also expressed their concerns over the escalations and called for a ceasefire. 

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation.

Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows an Israeli soldier stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation.

Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)

This photo released on Sept. 30, 2024 shows Israeli troops stationed on the Israeli side of the Israel-Lebanon border. Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation.

Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. (Israel Defense Forces/Handout via Xinhua)
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The 55-year-old said: I remember I was really insistent that the support must be in place for Lissie and I was given that reassurance but I really persisted and I think at that point I did say that I had also spoken with the chief constable and Craig OLeary, they knew it was a priority for me because I was really concerned.
China adds 1,566 trains amid surge in travelers ahead of National Day holiday

Xinhua) 13:30, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- China planned to add 1,566 trains on Monday to cope with the surge in passenger numbers ahead of the National Day holiday that begins on Oct. 1, according to the national railway operator.

The China State Railway Group Co., Ltd. said that it expects 17.5 million railway passenger trips on Monday as passenger numbers rise rapidly.

On Sunday, the nation's railways recorded nearly 13 million passenger trips, it said.

The company said the railway travel rush for the week-long holiday will last for ten days, spanning Sept. 29 to Oct. 8, adding that tourists, family reunions and students are driving the surge in travels.

Railway departments in various regions have also optimized passenger train operation plans to provide travelers with a pleasant travel experience.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
ULAN BATOR, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The autumn session of Mongolia's State Great Khural, the nation's parliament, commenced in capital Ulan Bator on Tuesday.

It marks the first autumn session for the current 126-seat unicameral parliament, which was established following the regular parliamentary elections held in June.

"During the session, our focus will be on ensuring economic stability, improving the legal framework of investment, increasing foreign investment, diversifying the economy away from a reliance on a single sector (mining), supporting domestic entrepreneurs, and implementing legal reforms to reduce government intervention in the economy," parliament speaker Dashzegve Amarbayasgalan said in his opening remarks.

The ruling Mongolian People's Party secured a narrow victory in the parliamentary elections on June 28, winning 68 of the 126 seats. The Democratic Party obtained 42 seats, the Hun Party secured eight seats, and the Civil Will-Green Party and the National Coalition each secured four seats.

In May 2023, the State Great Khural passed amendments to increase the number of legislators from 76 to 126. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Tuesday broadened restrictions on civilians in central Israel, including Tel Aviv and Jerusalem, after Hezbollah fired missiles at central Israel following Israel's ground invasion into southern Lebanon.

The updated guidelines, issued by the Home Front Command, raised the alert level to Stage 2 for areas in the north and center of the country, including Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, the Carmel area, Wadi Ara, and the northern occupied West Bank.

In these areas, schools and other educational activities may only be conducted in locations equipped with bomb shelters. Gatherings were limited to 30 people in open spaces and 300 people indoors.

The changes, coming a day before the Jewish New Year, take effect immediately and will remain in place at least until the end of the holiday on Saturday night, according to the Home Front Command.

The military said in a statement that the new restrictions were issued "following a situational assessment." They were released after Hezbollah fired several Fadi-4 missiles, claiming to target the Mossad headquarters north of Tel Aviv. One man was moderately injured. 
Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.
Sir Keir has faced mounting criticism for accepting expensive gifts and donations, including high-end clothing for his wife Lady Victoria, the use of a corporate box at Arsenal football club and a 20,000 donation to pay for a flat where his son revised for his GCSE exams. According to Sky News, since 2019, Sir Keir has accepted 107,000 in gifts, which is twice as much as any other MP. Other Labour MPs, including health secretary Wes Streeting and education secretary Bridget Phillipson, have come under fire for accepting tickets to see Taylor Swift in concert.
He added: And of course, whilst we will do everything we can to protect British nationals - and those plans are in place to do so - we cannot anticipate the circumstances and the speed with which we could do that if things escalate in a major way over the coming hours and days.
The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government holds a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

HONG KONG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government Tuesday held a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

China's national flag and the HKSAR flag were hoisted, and the national anthem was played at the Golden Bauhinia Square in Hong Kong on Tuesday morning. Helicopters carrying the national and HKSAR flags flew over Victoria Harbor in celebration.

Vice Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference Leung Chun-ying, HKSAR Chief Executive John Lee, officials of the Liaison Office of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Office for Safeguarding National Security of the Central People's Government in the HKSAR, the Office of the Commissioner of the Chinese Foreign Ministry in the HKSAR, the Hong Kong Garrison of the Chinese People's Liberation Army, and prominent figures from various sectors in Hong Kong attended the ceremony.

Lee said at the reception that today marks the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. This is the first National Day since the HKSAR has fulfilled its constitutional responsibility and historic mission of enacting local legislation for Article 23 of the Hong Kong Basic Law. It is also the first National Day following improvements in district governance and reforms to the District Councils.

Lee said, looking back over the past three-quarters of a century, the Chinese nation has achieved a tremendous transformation from standing up and growing prosperous to becoming strong. China has long been the world's second-largest economy. It is also the world's largest manufacturer, merchandise trader, and holder of foreign exchange reserves, with international influence that cannot be overlooked.

In the course of national development, Hong Kong has always been a participant, contributor, and beneficiary. The development of Hong Kong cannot be separated from that of the country, and the country will always be the strongest backing for Hong Kong, Lee added.

Lee said that the country's development is advancing at an unprecedented pace. On the journey ahead, Hong Kong will continue to leverage its unique advantages of enjoying strong national support while maintaining unparalleled connectivity with the world under the principle of "one country, two systems", grasp all opportunities, and fully dedicate itself to boosting the economy, advancing development, and improving people's livelihood in pursuit of happiness. 

The Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) government holds a flag-raising ceremony and a reception to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)

Helicopters carrying the Chinese national flag and the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) flag fly over Victoria Harbor during a ceremony held to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Hong Kong, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Lui Siu Wai)
ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) has issued a warning over an "extremely concerning malaria surge" in Ethiopia.

In an Ethiopia Health Cluster Bulletin report released Monday evening, the United Nations agency said the East African country reported over 5.9 million malaria cases, including 1,023 deaths, between the start of this year and Sept. 22.

This is an "extremely concerning malaria surge" as compared to 4.5 million cases reported between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31 last year, according to the report.

Most cases were recorded in Oromia, Amhara, Southwest Ethiopia, South Ethiopia, and Benishangul-Gumuz, with 50 percent of the total cases identified in Oromia, Ethiopia's largest region.

The WHO found that since 2018, the number of malaria cases reported yearly has been continuously increasing in Ethiopia.

The health agency also noted that humanitarian partners have continued to support the Ethiopian government with the last-mile delivery of life-saving malaria supplies to less accessible areas.

Malaria is endemic in Ethiopia with higher prevalence in areas below 2,000 meters of altitude, which covers three-quarters of the country's land mass, with an estimated population of 52 million. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said on Tuesday that intelligence information shared by the United States indicated an imminent missile attack from Iran.

In a news briefing, Hagari said Israel was in a state of "maximal preparedness" and preparing for the possible attack with the aid of American forces in the region. He added warplanes were patrolling the skies above Israel, ready to thwart aerial threats.

According to Hagari, intelligence collected by the United States indicated that Iran is ready to launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel within a short time. He added, however, that no launch from Iran has been detected so far.

"Iranian fire on Israel will bring consequences -- I won't elaborate beyond that," Hagari said.

He said that Israel's multi-layered aerial defense system, designed to intercept short, medium, and long-range missiles, does not provide "hermetic" protection. He urged civilians to stay alert and follow the guidelines that were tightened earlier on Tuesday, after alertness levels in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were raised to stage 2.

White House officials said early Tuesday the missile attack could begin within 12 hours, likely after nightfall, warning that a direct Iranian attack against Israel "will carry severe consequences for Iran." The U.S. Central Command announced that three fighter squadrons are currently en route to the Middle East.

The latest developments follow weeks of escalating Israeli attacks in Lebanon, and the killing of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hasan Nasrallah and other senior officials of the Iranian-backed group. 
The western Arad border police detected 29 people from Syria, Iraq and Turkey who tried to illegally cross the border into Hungary, hidden in two trucks that were going to France and Germany, informs Agerpres.

"At Nadlac Border Crossing Points I and II, a Romanian citizen and a Turkish citizen, driving vehicles registered in Romania and Turkey respectively, presented themselves for the border formalities on the way out of the country. According to the documents accompanying the goods, the trucks were transporting resin and medical equipment for commercial companies from France and Germany. Following the thorough control of the means of transport, 29 foreign citizens were discovered hidden in semi-trailers among the transported goods," the Arad Border Police announced on Tuesday.

The two drivers are being investigated for migrant trafficking, while the foreigners hidden in the trucks, for attempting to fraudulently cross the state border.
The National Bank of Romania (BNR) does not consider that the objective of Romania joining the eurozone is feasible at this moment, BNR Governor Mugur Isarescu said on Tuesday.

"I don't see how the deficit brought below 3% in European rules could be narrowed other than by combining measures on the expenditure and revenue side. Only on the part of reasonable spending - anyone has the opportunity to look at the figures, to do the math - that is impossible. (...) You can't find a European country, except for Ireland, which is a very specific case, where government revenues are below 30%. (...) I don't see the model in which this country, which still has to build highways and investments and so on, can find its balance on revenues of less than 30%. And then the revenues must be boosted for the deficit to be narrowed. And there's how it can be done: one - eradicating tax evasion, two - reducing tax incentives as much as possible (...) Reducing cronyism as much as possible, the loopholes through which tax incentives are granted (...) There is no impossibility here. (...) The IMF will come again and be demanding of us. We are not in a position to make an agreement with the IMF as the public debt is below 60%, so this is not a necessity. But let's make the tax reform so that our markets believe us and cut costs, funding costs," said Isarescu.He added that measures exist, they can be conceived. "It is about political will, about a decision that categorically cannot be taken in an election year."Isarescu added that, on the other hand, companies running on foreign capital should be financed from Romania through banks, so that they no longer borrow from abroad, adding that that local Dacia automobile maker borrowing partially through Renault is reflected in Romania's private external debt.
Romanian Senate Chairman Nicolae Ciuca, the national leader of the National Liberal Party (PNL), believes that the efforts for Romania's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver programme will further strengthen the strategic relationship with the US.

"I am pleased to break the news of Romania's inclusion in the US Visa Waiver programme, which will allow Romanians to travel visa-free to the United States from 2025. Throughout 2023, we had direct discussions with US senators and made intense diplomatic efforts to achieve this status. In March, Senators Durbin and Shaheen introduced a bill in the US Congress to support Romania in this endeavour," Ciuca wrote in a social media post on Tuesday.

According to Ciuca, "it was a crucial moment and a strong signal" from the American partners.

"When I was the prime minister, I appointed a national coordinator for Visa Waiver so that all bodies work together to meet the necessary technical and security criteria. These efforts will not only facilitate travel, but will further strengthen our strategic relationship with the US to the benefit of every Romanian. I want to thank all the teams involved for the determination and professionalism they have shown in fulfilling this major objective."
There will be 18,900 polling stations arranged for the parliamentary elections, of which approximately 1,300 will be located in Bucharest, and around 950 will be set up abroad, the president of the Permanent Electoral Authority (AEP), Toni Grebla, informs on Tuesday.

Approximately 19,900,000 ballot papers will be printed for each of the chambers of Parliament. For abroad, at the request of the MAE (Ministry of Foreign Affairs), 2,800,000 ballot papers will be printed for each Chamber.As for the parliamentary elections, each citizen will be able to vote in the section to which he is assigned. Only those outside the town will be able to vote on additional lists.October 10 is the deadline by which citizens residing abroad can register on the AEP website to be able to vote by mail in the presidential elections. Romanians residing abroad will be able to vote at polling stations abroad or in the country, if they present a valid identity document issued by the Romanian state.So far, 4,480 requests for voting by mail have been validated, and requests in this regard can still be submitted until October 18.Until October 22, political competitors must request radio and TV stations to allocate air time for the electoral campaign.Between November 1 and 30, the electoral campaign for the parliamentary elections will take place.Grebla also specified that over 72,000 electoral experts and over 72,000 calculation operators are registered with the AEP platform.The presidents of the polling stations and their deputies, as well as the operators and electoral experts, will follow training programmes, supported by the representatives of AEP, the National Institute of Statistics, the prefect of each county and the Special Telecommunications Service. Also, approximately 60,000 guides will be printed for the presidents of the polling stations, as well as approximately 2,000 guides regarding the rules for financing the electoral campaign, which will be offered to political competitors.In nine airports in the country, mobile stands were placed, with informative leaflets about voting by mail, Toni Grebla mentioned.
Representatives vote on a draft resolution during a UN Security Council meeting at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution renewing for one year the authorization for member states to deploy a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to help Haiti re-establish security and build conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections in the country. (Manuel Elias/UN Photo/Handout via Xinhua)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Monday adopted a resolution renewing for one year the authorization for member states to deploy a Multinational Security Support (MSS) mission to help Haiti re-establish security and build conditions conducive to holding free and fair elections in the country.

By unanimously adopting Resolution 2751 (2024), the Security Council extended the authorization for the Kenya-led mission in Haiti, and urged the MSS mission to speed up its deployment and called on all nations to provide additional voluntary contributions and support.

The mission was authorized last October to assist Haiti's beleaguered police force. Led by Kenya, it currently has around 410 police officers on the ground and is expected to grow to around 2,500.

The renewal comes as the mission tries to curb rampant gang violence, enable an environment conducive to aid delivery, and create conditions for free and fair elections.

Speaking at the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly last Thursday, Haiti's transitional President Edgard Leblanc Fils warned that his country faces an "unprecedented security crisis."

"Citizens are living in fear of even moving about freely or going to school, particularly around the capital Port-au-Prince," he said. 
Green energy must become an opportunity to innovate intelligently and competitively, not an ideological leitmotif under whose eyes we destroy the industry, the Minister of Energy, Sebastian Burduja says.

He emphasized that he also had bilateral discussions with Christopher Bolesta, Secretary of State in the Ministry of Climate and Environment in Poland, about the continuation of a bilateral working group on common energy issues. He also discussed the investments for the reconstruction of Ukraine."Furthermore, we participated in a series of executive dialogues that addressed the future of the Green Deal after the European elections in 2024. Among the participants were also important representatives, such as Finnish Minister Kai Mykkanen and Cristina Pereteatcu, Secretary of State from the Republic of Moldova. We discussed common strategies for the energy transition and the security of critical infrastructure," added Burduja In the afternoon, the Romanian minister of Energy had bilateral meetings with representatives from Siemens and Lockheed Martin, during which he discussed strategic energy projects and defense technologies for the energy sector."Also, the meetings with Pierre Heilbronn, High Representative of President Macron for the reconstruction of Ukraine, and Daniel Fried, former US ambassador to Poland, provided the opportunity to explore possibilities of support for Ukraine in the context of energy security and post-conflict reconstruction. During the meeting with the representatives of the Qemetica company, we discussed the development plans of the company in Romania, with an emphasis on the opportunities for the development of the petrochemical sector with added value", Burduja also wrote on the social network.According to him, the day ended with a discussion with the Minister of Energy from Belgium, Tinne Van der Straeten, on the topic of bilateral cooperation in the field of clean energy, as well as with an official dinner hosted by the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Poland, Radoslaw Sikorski."These meetings and discussions underline Romania's commitment to be a central actor in ensuring energy security in Europe and in supporting common initiatives for a sustainable energy future. I would like to especially thank Mr. Ambassador of Romania to Poland, Cosmin Onisii, for the support given during the participation in the Warsaw Security Forum. The collaboration and the impeccable organization facilitated the meetings we had today, thus contributing to the strengthening of diplomatic and energy relations between Romania and Poland", Sebastian Burduja said.
Political strategist Rares Manescu, a former coordinator of Mircea Geoanas campaign teamwho is running for the Romanian presidencyhas become involved in a controversial business partnership. Shortly after leaving Geoanas campaign team, Manescu registered a new company with Russian businessman Aleksei Kozlov, an aquaculture specialist with a controversial background tied to pro-Russian propaganda.

Kozlov, who describes himself as a fishing fanatic, appears to be hiding a secret identity. Under the name Alex Krepchinsky, he was identified as a fervent propagandist, active after the 2014 invasion of eastern Ukraine, promoting pro-Russian sentiments and acting against Ukrainian interests. According to journalistic investigations, Krepchinsky was involved in recruiting activists for the Russian cause and even offered rewards for collecting information on Ukrainian citizens.

The Connection Between Manescu and Kozlov

Rares Manescu has avoided answering questions about his business partners propaganda activities. However, documents obtained through a public information request show that Manescu and Kozlov established their company on May 31, just months after Manescu stepped down from Geoanas campaign.

Although Geoana stated that Manescu "was never my campaign manager," internal documents from his organization reveal that Manescu played an active role in the preparatory phase of the campaign. An email dated April 5 referred to Manescu as a coordinator in Bucharest, and on April 13, he was scheduled to speak with activists about the progress in creating the campaigns organizational structure.

Despite this evidence, Manescu claims he left the campaign in May, coinciding with the time when he entered into the business venture with Kozlov.

Kozlov, aka Krepchinsky: A Double Identity?

Although Kozlov denies using the alias Krepchinsky, substantial evidence suggests otherwise. Dozens of photos, news articles, interviews, and social media comments have been analyzed by organizations such as Truth Hounds, which confirmed that Kozlov and Krepchinsky are the same person.

Among Krepchinskys activities were the promotion of pro-Russian ideas in eastern Ukraine and participation in Russian propaganda broadcasts. In a 2016 interview with Vesti FM, a Russian state radio station, Krepchinsky described his visits to the war-torn Donbas region in Ukraine. Additionally, travel documents show that Kozlov visited Crimea multiple times between 2015 and 2020, further strengthening suspicions of his dual identity.

Dangerous Connections: Business with a Dubious Partner

The business partnership between Manescu and Kozlov through their company, Beluga Ventures, raises numerous concerns given Kozlovs past. Under his Krepchinsky identity, Kozlov was involved in pro-Russian propaganda activities, while publicly presenting himself as an aquaculture expert.

In previous interviews, Kozlov said that his passion for fishing eventually turned into a business, and Moldova, where he established another aquaculture company, Noida Group SRL, became his base for expanding into Romania and the rest of the European Union.

Questions remain regarding the connection between Manescu and Kozlov, especially given the latters ties to dubious figures, including mercenaries involved in the Ukraine conflict and individuals associated with organized crime.

An Unresolved Mystery

Despite evidence suggesting that Kozlov and Krepchinsky are the same person, the Russian businessman continues to deny any involvement in pro-Russian propaganda activities. I am a peaceful person with a humane profession, Kozlov stated, adding that the images showing him as Krepchinsky were fakes created by "fraudsters" who extorted and blackmailed him.
Romania firmly supports release of hostages and remains a trustful partner of Israel in fighting terrorism
At a joint plenary session on Tuesday, Romania's Parliament approved President Klaus Iohannis' request to set up a maritime training facility in Romania for the training of Ukrainian personnel, 233 votes to18 and 25 abstentions.

There were 230 ayes, 15 noes, and 24 abstentions

Iohannis argues that the recent developments in the war of aggression waged by the Russian Federation against Ukraine have highlighted the need to intensify and diversify the training of the Ukrainian armed forces. "As a result of the analysis carried out, it turned out that Romania has the possibility to contribute to the Maritime Capability Coalition by hosting a maritime training facility on the national soil, as well as by supporting the training process of the Ukrainian Marine Infantry, within the limits of the existing capabilities.""Contributions from the international community will support the operation of the facility, and funding and planning of support for initial development will be provided entirely by the UK. The training facility will position Romania as a regional leader in the training process in the field of maritime operations, contributing to increasing cohesion, demonstrating unity and strengthening the Euro-Atlantic deterrence and defence posture."During the same joint meeting, the lawmakers also approved a letter from the chief of state on the participation of the Romanian Army in the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine - NSATU mission, starting this year, by providing the infrastructure and equipment necessary for hosting and operating on the national territory of the Logistic Enabling Node-Romania (LEN-R) facility at the 71st Campia Turzii Air Base.





According to President Iohannis' letter, up to 100 military personnel will be made available - staff personnel within the mission commands, trainers within the training modules organised outside the national territory, as well as specialist detachments for completing the LEN-R operation in Romania.



The reconfiguration of the national contribution by types of categories of personnel of the total number of personnel participating in activities outside or on the national territory under NSATU will be carried out with the approval of the Ministry of National Defence in accordance with operational requirements and mission developments, within the numerical limits of the force package. The funds necessary for participation in the missions are provided from the spending budget of the Ministry of National Defence
President Klaus Iohannis informed Parliament in a plenary meeting on Tuesday that he approved the transit through the national territory of some assault boats donated to Ukraine by Sweden and the training, upon request, of the Ukrainian personnel who will take them over.

The Swedish side requested, at the same time, the provision of the necessary logistical support for the Ukrainian personnel who will participate in the training activities (transportation, food, accommodation, fuel for the operation of the boats and other possible logistical support elements during the training activities), the document says.



"Romania's participation in the training activities of the Ukrainian Armed Forces sends a strong message regarding the support and conduct on Romanian territory of actions aimed at the collective defence effort," the information reads, mentioning that the president approved the request of the Swedish side, at the proposal of the prime minister and after consulting the Supreme Council for National Defence (CSAT).



Also, the second briefing of the head of state points out that the Special Operations Forces of the Romanian Army and those of the United States of America carry out joint training activities with a high frequency, aimed at developing capabilities and ensuring interoperability for the execution of cooperative missions.



"The Commander of the US Special Operations Command Europe (SOCEUR) has informed the Chief of the Defence Staff of the firm intention to increase the number of military personnel deployed in Romania, concomitant with the pre-positioning of military products, equipment and materials from the United States Naval Special Warfare (US NSW), aimed at joint training and increasing the capacity to ensure an adequate response to possible security challenges in the Black Sea region," the document reads, mentioning that the president approved the training activities and exercises with the American partner, at the proposal of the prime minister and after consulting the CSAT.



The presence of the US contingent will contribute to strengthening Romania's position within the Strategic Partnership with the United States of America, as a vector of stability on NATO's Eastern Flank, and will allow the harmonisation of training procedures and the identification of concrete ways of cooperation on the interoperability of the special operations structures of the Romanian Army and the United States of America, the president also mentioned in the document presented in the Parliament plenary meeting.
Romania needs more higher education graduates because the sustainable economic development and the society our country aspires to can only become a reality through the contribution of as many as possible "well-prepared and competitive citizens who put their creativity to work", President Klaus Iohannis declared on Tuesday at the opening of the academic year at the National University of Music in Bucharest, informs Agerpres.

"Starting with the introduction of programs to increase access to higher education, such as 'First Student' or 'Second Chance', to increasing the scholarship fund, all these measures pursued the same goal: reducing the gap to the EU average by increasing the number of students. Romania needs more higher education graduates, because the sustainable economic development and the society we aspire to can only become a reality through the contribution of as many as possible well-prepared and competitive citizens, who put their creativity to work," the head of the state said.

Iohannis encouraged the students to dare and choose to participate in international learning experiences, such as the Erasmus Program, as well as in extracurricular activities to complement their formal qualification.

The president also had a message for the academics: "The prestige of Romanian higher education depends, to a large extent, on your mobilization and involvement, which means not only your teaching role, but also research projects, intense publishing activity, student mentorship and guidance."

According to Iohannis, over time, the National University of Music in Bucharest has gone through numerous changes, but has remained faithful to its mission of training and educating young music enthusiasts. The head of the state also mentioned the soon-to-be 160th anniversary of the establishment of the Music Conservatory, which has always been "a center of innovation and creativity, a genuine hub of resistance through culture, even in the darkest periods of our history."
Romania will support Greece by sending a module composed of 50 firefighters with the related hardware specialized in extinguishing wildfires.

The support offered by the Romanian state was accepted by the Greek authorities.The rescue teams of the IGSU will move by land to Greece in the shortest possible time."Romania continues to honor its international commitments, remaining a partner showing solidarity to the states that face major emergency situations," the quoted source emphasizes.
JAKARTA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A 6.2-magnitude earthquake hit off Indonesia's Southeast Sulawesi province on Tuesday without generating giant waves, the country's meteorology, climatology and geophysics agency said.

The tremors struck at 4:28 p.m. Jakarta time (0928 GMT) with its epicenter 186 km southwest of Wakatobi regency at a depth of 631 km beneath the seabed, the agency reported.

No tsunami warning was issued as the earthquake was not expected to leave large waves.

No preliminary report of damages or casualties was received after the quake, Abdul Muhari, spokesman of Indonesia's National Disaster Management Agency, told Xinhua.

Indonesia, situated on the Pacific Ring of Fire and home to 127 active volcanoes, frequently experiences seismic activity due to its position within this earthquake-prone zone and volcanically active region. 
ST. LOUIS  A new small-business incubator program is bringing retail into the Grove neighborhood, an area of St. Louis mostly known for its dining and nightlife scene.

Three business owners, chosen from among 80 applicants, will share a storefront and workspace on Manchester Avenue, between City Greens Market and a tattoo shop. The program, through the Eric Outlaw Business Center, gives the businesses 14 months in the space  time for owners to try things out, see what works and develop their products.

Gabriel Williams said she has been designing apparel since childhood and opened her clothing brand, Truly Rare Customs, during the pandemic. Her creations can be found online and at her vendor booth around the city. She said she is excited to have a storefront for the first time.

Theres no way I could lose, Williams said. If I make less money than I expected or have less customers, its still a win because I will still learn from this process.

The applicants were whittled down, including a pitch competition, to three entrepreneurs, said Brian James, the assistant executive director at Park Central Development, the community organization behind the incubator. The group wanted its first cohort to be minority women who were operating pop-up stores because they are the business owners who needed the incubator the most.

Im really excited about the diversity of the businesses, James said. Theyre all at different stages.

The storefront is located in the Grove at 4256 Manchester Avenue and will open to the public Oct. 10.

Entrepreneur Joi Riley started her J.R. Candle Co. in 2019, while she was a full-time nurse. She sold as a vendor at events and completed large orders for wedding parties and group vacations. But Riley put her candle-pouring on pause after her house burned down in 2022.

Now, Riley said shes using this incubator to help relaunch.

Theres a difference being in a retail store, but I know I have a good product, Riley said. This is a great learning opportunity.

Riley said shes hoping to use the next 14 months to decide if she wants to open her own storefront one day. Shes said unsure about being confined to a strict schedule of staffing the store during specific hours, and the incubator will help inform her next steps as she decides to move her business into a warehouse or a store.

Also in the cohort is Michelle Robinson, CEO of DEMIblue Natural Nails, a clean and vegan nail polish brand. The company started seven years ago when Robinsons mother was unable to use regular nail polish and its harsh chemicals due while she was fighting breast cancer. DEMIblue products are currently for sale in stores, such as Fresh Thyme, but Robinson said there, shes one of thousands of products.

To have a designated space where our products are spotlighted, we can determine if isolated retail space is a good growth opportunity for us, Robinson said.

Shes also looking forward to use this new space as a place to give clients manicures or adhere press-on nails.

The incubators name is an homage to Eric Outlaw, who owned a tattoo shop in the Grove from 2006 until he died of cancer in 2018. Outlaw served on neighborhood committees and is credited with helping transform the Grove into what it is today.

He was pivotal to bringing business to the Grove for minority entrepreneurs, James said. His story really needs (to be) remembered.

The cohort members are slated to meet with financial advisers, get one-on-one help from mentors, access curriculum from the Small Business Empowerment Center, take university classes on digital marketing and exit strategy, and more throughout the next year.

Theyre taking a risk on their lives, personal talents, energy, money and resources, James said. Were very hands-on with the businesses. ... We help them prepare for what life looks like after the program, something not many incubators or accelerators do.

Each participant will pay $375 a month in rent, but the money will be given back to them at the end of the program. This is so the entrepreneurs go through the routine of paying bills on time and so that theyll have over $5,000 in savings by the end of the 14 months, James said.

The store will also feature a pop-up business, which will rotate out every one to two months.

Riley said the work has been intense, but she knows she and her business will benefit from it in the long run.

Theres a lot to it, but its to make our businesses better, she said. Im taking it all in. ... Ive done nothing like this before.

Abdul Abdullah, Park Central Development director, said the incubator will always be for women. He said it was important to him to include Black women in the initial cohort as the organization works to support the Grove as a mixed-income and mixed-race neighborhood.

African American women dont get the capital they need, Abdullah said. Its important that we get these supports for the women, particularly in this stage. ... African American women are the fastest growing group of entrepreneurs.

Applications for a second cohort will open in November.
JEFFERSON CITY  Gov. Mike Parsons administration is preparing to award up to $5 million in grants to study whether psilocybin mushrooms can help treat painkiller addiction.

In a memo posted Monday, officials at the Missouri Department of Mental Health are asking vendors to provide input into opioid-related research to assist the agency in developing competitive grants to study whether mushrooms can help quell the overdose crisis.

This (request) is to allow the opportunity for vendors to provide us with ideas, suggestions, and other relevant information as it relates specifically to opioid related research and its ability to treat addiction of opioids, the memo notes.

Responses are due Oct. 25.

The proposal comes after Missouris Republican-led Legislature approved spending $5 million of the states share of the national opioid settlement for competitive grants to research universities for opioid-related research.

Initially, the House version of the budget had sought $20 million to study whether psilocybin mushrooms were legitimate treatments for mental health disorders. The Senate spending plan initially rejected the proposal, but last-minute negotiations set the spending level at $5 million.

The proposal by the department follows a push in 2023 by the House to launch a study into the therapeutic potential of certain psychedelic drugs, including those contained in so-called magic mushrooms.

The bill sponsored by Rep. Dan Houx, R-Warrensburg, would have authorized a study between the state and the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs to determine whether psilocybin, ketamine and other alternative therapies could help treat various mental conditions among military veterans.

The measure was not taken up by the Senate at the time.

According to the department, more than 24,500 Missourians have died due to an overdose during the past 20 years. Of the 2,180 Missourians who died from an overdose in 2022, more than 70% involved opioids.

The $5 million outlay is part of more than $50 billion in settlement funds delivered to thousands of state and local governments from pharmaceutical companies that flooded the nation with addictive painkillers.

Among companies that have paid into Missouris settlement funds are McKinsey & Co., Mallinckrodt, CVS, Walgreens and Kroger.

State and local governments in Missouri could receive up to $900 million over the next 18 years if full settlement participation is achieved, the department said.

Among questions being asked by the department are how research would be conducted and how long a research project could be expected to last.

In addition, it asks potential research institutions whether they have the ability to pay back their portion of the grants if the administrator of the national opioid settlement determines that research into the use of psilocybin is not an approved use of the funds.
JEFFERSON CITY  For the first time in nearly a quarter-century, the labor union representing Missouri prison workers endorsed a Democrat for governor.

In an announcement Monday, House Minority Leader Crystal Quade, D-Springfield, received the backing of the Missouri Correctional Officers Association over Republican Lt. Gov. Mike Kehoe.

Her values and mission for the department align with ours, she understands the plight of every state employee, and we believe she will make the necessary changes that are desperately needed to keep our law enforcement and communities safe, said union chief Timothy Cutt.

In August, Cutt criticized Kehoe for sponsoring a 2018 merit reform law as a state senator that essentially stripped all state employees of any kind of employee rights.

He said the legislation was akin to an anti-union right to work question that two-thirds of Missouri voters turned down in 2018.

So thats why we probably wont be endorsing him at all, Cutt said.

Members of the union have been working under a bargaining agreement that expired in 2018, the year Republican Gov. Mike Parson, a Kehoe ally, took office.

After the corrections officers agreement expired, the state stopped deducting union dues from officers paychecks.

The corrections officers sued Parsons administration to resume paycheck deductions for union dues, and collection restarted in 2023 after to a court settlement.

Even with the friction, Parsons administration has backed numerous pay increases for corrections officers and other state workers in recent years.

The corrections officers endorsed former Gov. Eric Greitens in his 2016 bid for governor.

Even though the group clashed with Parson and didnt endorse him, it still didnt endorse his opponent in the 2020 election, then-Auditor Nicole Galloway, a Democrat.

Kehoe has won the support of other law enforcement groups, including the Missouri Fraternal Order of Police and the Missouri State Council of Fire Fighters.

He also has the support of organizations such as the Missouri State Troopers Association and Missouri Sheriffs United.

Quade, meanwhile, lists support from numerous unions on her campaign website, including the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, the Missouri AFL-CIO, United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 655, and others.

Quade said she was thankful to have the support of the prison guards.

They work so hard to make our communities safe and deserve a governor who will have their backs. Ill always make sure our law enforcement has the resources and support to protect our communities, Quade said.
ST. CHARLES COUNTY  St. Charles County officials say they are going on the offensive amid an ongoing "war for talent" to fill vacant city and county government posts.

The St. Charles County Council voted Monday to boost the pay for some positions within the county's highway department to woo new workers. It comes as the county prepares to host a career fair this week highlighting more than 60 open positions.

"It is no secret  the war for talent is on and we're not any exception to that," said Paul Hunt, assistant human resources director for St. Charles County.

Staffing shortages have been a persistent problem for St. Louis-area government agencies competing in a tight, low-unemployment job market.

Low pay and burnout have plagued some departments, such as the St. Louis County jail and the region's 911 call dispatch centers. As a result, local governments have spent millions paying overtime, hiring expensive contract workers, and in some cases, raising salaries to attract candidates.

St. Charles County needs 911 dispatchers, corrections officers, street maintenance workers, mechanics, and several other positions within the county's parks, health, and police departments. The county is also looking to hire within the prosecuting attorney, recorder of deeds, medical examiner, and assessor's offices.

"Regardless of what someone wants to do, chances are pretty high that we have an opening that's going to be a good fit for them," Hunt said.

The county has struggled since 2019 to fill vacant 911 dispatcher positions. Last year, it even contracted with a third-party company to provide temporary workers and cut down on needed dispatcher overtime shifts.

While that six-month effort was not a permanent fix, it did reduce the number of full-time dispatchers working 18-hour shifts to cover the staffing shortages, county officials noted.

The county still has 10 dispatch positions to fill. The starting pay for a dispatcher is about $56,000 in St. Charles County  the highest in the area.

The county's corrections department has also struggled to fill vacancies, said department director Dan Keen.

"Corrections is a tough business to recruit workers for because it is one of those settings in the criminal justice system that people don't wake up dreaming of becoming a corrections officer," Keen said.

Keen said the department is working to overcome preconceived notions about what work in corrections entails.

"Back in the 2000s, it was look for staff that were big, muscular and could hold their own. We're not looking for that type of individual anymore," he said. "We're looking for level-headed individuals, who know how to talk to people, who treat people with respect."

He said the department needs workers for both its day and night shifts. The starting pay for corrections officers is $48,000, though some earn up to $70,000 if they have previous experience. Starting pay for a certificated police officer working with the department is $55,000, Keen said.

While employees have 12-hour shifts, they work a schedule that sees them in the St. Charles County Jail only 13 days a month.

"That schedule is great for a young family that is just starting out," Keen said. "It gives them the opportunity to be with their loved ones and to make sure they have that work-life balance that we want them to have."

The St. Charles County career fair will be held from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Wednesday at the Missouri Job Center, 3757 Harry S Truman Blvd., in St. Charles.

A full list of the county's job openings is available on the county's website.
JERUSALEM  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Earlier Tuesday, Israel launched what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri warned that Iran would respond to action against its territory with strikes on Israels entire infrastructure with multiplied intensity.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages on Tuesday, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

Fears of a broader conflict

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; and Associated Press producer Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran contributed.

Updated at 12:27 a.m. Wednesday
A naval soldier guides visitors in a tour on board a military vessel during an open day activity in Qingdao of east China's Shandong, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bingxuan)

QINGDAO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A batch of Chinese naval ships were open to public tours on Tuesday in the coastal city of Qingdao, Shandong Province, as the country celebrates the 75th founding anniversary of the People's Republic of China.

The open days will continue until Thursday. This is the first time Chinese naval ships have been open to the public on a large scale during the National Day holiday, according to the Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA) Navy.

The ships on display are all active-duty vessels that were independently designed and built in China.

By 4 p.m. Tuesday, over 40,000 people had visited the ships. More than 120,000 visitors are expected during the three days.

The PLA Navy is also hosting similar open days in south China's Guangdong Province and the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region during the National Day holiday. 

Children learn flag language during an open day activity of Chinese naval ships at a port in Qingdao of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bingxuan)

A naval soldier introduces equipment of the navy to visitors during an open day activity at a military port in Zhanjiang of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Huang Haitao/Xinhua)

This aerial drone photo shows visitors on the naval vessel Shenzhen during an open day activity at a port in Shenzhen of south China's Guangdong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ji Xiang/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows visitors on the naval vessel Tangshan during an open day activity at a port in Qingdao of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)

Visitors pose for a photo during an open day activity of Chinese naval ships in Qingdao of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bingxuan)

People line up to get on board a naval ship during an open day activity at a port in Qingdao of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Bingxuan)

People visit on board a naval ship during an open day activity in Qingdao of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ma Yubin/Xinhua)
EQS-Ad-hoc: Pentixapharm Holding AG / Key word(s): IPO

Pentixapharm Holding AG: Placement Price Set at EUR 5.10 per Share, All 3.9 Million Offer Shares Placed



01-Oct-2024 / 18:48 CET/CEST

Disclosure of an inside information acc. to Article 17 MAR of the Regulation (EU) No 596/2014, transmitted by EQS News - a service of EQS Group AG.

The issuer is solely responsible for the content of this announcement.



NOT FOR DISTRIBUTION OR ANNOUNCEMENT, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, AUSTRALIA, CANADA, JAPAN, SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR ANNOUNCEMENT WOULD BE UNLAWFUL Disclosure of Insider Information according to Article 17 of Regulation (EU) No. 596/2014 Pentixapharm Holding AG: Placement Price Set at EUR 5.10 per Share, All 3.9 Million Offer Shares Placed Berlin and Wurzburg, Germany, October 1, 2024  Pentixapharm Holding AG (Pentixapharm) today set the final placement price for its initial public offering (IPO) at EUR 5.10 per share following the completion of the bookbuilding phase. All 3,900,000 offer shares, issued from a capital increase, were placed as part of a public offering in the Federal Republic of Germany and an international private placement to institutional investors as well as interested private investors. Based on the final placement price, the total gross proceeds to Pentixapharm amount to EUR 19.9 million. The placement price results in a post-money market capitalization for Pentixapharm of EUR 126.5 million. Following the IPO, the expected free float will be 61.6%, facilitating liquid trading of the company's shares. This is supported by the inclusion of retail investors in the IPO capital increase. Each order placed by a retail investor was filled at approximately two thirds of the demand. The largest single shareholder of Pentixapharm is Eckert Wagniskapital und Fruhphasenfinanzierung GmbH, which will hold 34.5% of the share capital following the transaction. Admission to trading is expected on October 2, 2024, with the listing of the existing shares and spin-off shares of Pentixapharm Holding AG under the ticker symbol PTP and the international securities identification number (ISIN) DE000A40AEG0 in the Regulated Market (Prime Standard) of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange scheduled for October 3, 2024. The offer shares will be traded starting October 10, 2024, following the registration of the capital increase in the commercial register and approval by Deutsche Borse AG. Delivery of the allocated offer shares is also planned for October 10, 2024.



End of Inside Information

Information and Explanation of the Issuer to this announcement:



About Pentixapharm Holding AG Pentixapharm Holding AG was founded in 2024 to incorporate all shares held by Eckert & Ziegler SE in Pentixapharm AG, based in Wurzburg, following the spin-off resolved by the Annual General Meetings of Eckert & Ziegler SE and Pentixapharm Holding AG on June 26, 2024. It is intended to list Pentixapharm Holding AG on the Prime Standard of the Frankfurt Stock Exchange. Pentixapharm AG is a clinical-stage radiopharmaceutical development company founded in 2019 with its headquarters in Wurzburg, Germany. It is committed to developing CXCR4 ligand-based first-in-class radiopharmaceutical approaches for diagnostic and therapeutic programs in a number of hematological and solid cancers, as well as cardiovascular, endocrine and inflammatory diseases. Pentixapharms clinical pipeline includes PentixaTher, an Yttrium-90-based therapeutic against non-Hodgkin lymphomas (NHL), and PentixaFor, a Gallium-68-based companion diagnostic. Clinical studies for both compounds have already commenced in Europe, including a dose-finding study for PentixaTher and a Phase III registration study for PentixaFor in marginal zone lymphoma. Additionally, PentixaFor is being developed as a diagnostic tool for primary aldosteronism (PA), a major cause of hypertension. Pentixapharm is currently preparing a US-centric Phase III registration study with PentixaFor in PA that will start in 2025. For more information, please contact: Pentixapharm Holding AG

Phillip Eckert, Investor Relations

phillip.eckert@pentixapharm.com

Tel. +49 30 94 10 84 227

www.pentixapharm.com Media Contact:

MC Services AG

Anne Hennecke

Tel. +49 211 529252 22

anne.hennecke@mc-services.eu

IMPORTANT NOTICE This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities of the Company. The securities have already been sold. This release is not a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Regulation (Regulation (EU) 2017/1129 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 14 June 2017 on the prospectus to be published when securities are offered to the public or admitted to trading on a regulated market, and repealing Directive 2003/71/EC), as amended. This announcement does not contain or constitute an offer of, or the solicitation of an offer to buy or subscribe for, securities to any person in the United States, Australia, Canada, South Africa, Japan or in any jurisdiction to whom or in which such offer or solicitation is unlawful. Neither this announcement nor the publication in which it is contained is for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in whole or in part, in or into the United States of America, including its territories and possessions, any state of the United States and the District of Columbia (United States). The information in this announcement does not contain or constitute an offer to acquire, subscribe or otherwise trade in shares in Pentixapharm Holding AG in any jurisdiction. Any securities referred to herein have not been and will not be registered under the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended (Securities Act), or the securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States, and may not be offered, subscribed, used, pledged, sold, resold, allotted, delivered or otherwise transferred, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States absent such registration, except pursuant to an exemption from, or in a transaction not subject to, the registration requirements under the Securities Act, in each case in compliance with any applicable securities laws of any state or other jurisdiction of the United States. There will be no public offer of the securities in the United States. 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A South Korean transporter erector launcher carrying a Hyunmoo-5 missile is paraded in Seoul for Armed Forces Day, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

SEOUL, South Korea  South Korea, during its Armed Forces Day parade on Tuesday, unveiled a weapon it says is capable of taking out North Koreas leadership. Meanwhile, a U.S. B-1B Lancer made a rare flight over the capital.

Roughly 5,000 South Korean troops  many armed and equipped for various environments  marched in downtown Seoul, which closed its streets to accommodate tens of thousands on hand to commemorate the 76th anniversary of the militarys founding.

South Korea used the event to unveil its latest intermediate-range ballistic missile, the Hyunmoo-5. Seoul has described the missile as a retaliatory weapon to strike at leaders in Pyongyang in the event of war.

The missile appears capable of carrying a warhead of over 8 tons, Yang Uk, a research fellow at the Asan Institute for Policy Studies in Seoul, told Stars and Stripes by phone Tuesday.

The missiles transporter erector launcher can move all 18 of its wheels at a roughly 45-degree angle and drive diagonally for greater mobility, Yang said.

About 250 U.S. soldiers also marched in the parade. Two Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcons and four A-10 Thunderbolt IIs were scheduled to fly over Seoul but were canceled due to inclement weather in the afternoon, 7th Air Force spokeswoman Rachel Buitrago said by phone Tuesday.

U.S. soldiers march through downtown Seoul during South Koreas Armed Forces Day parade, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes) An Air Force B-1B Lancer flies over South Korea's capital on Armed Forces Day, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Luis Garcia/Stars and Stripes)

The Lancer, capable of carrying the largest payload of any Air Force bomber, passed over the parade route for the first time.

A pair of Lancers from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas, last flew over the capital in October 2017 during the Seoul International Aerospace & Defense Exhibition.

North and South Korean leaders traded barbs as troops and heavy equipment paraded on Tuesday.

North Korean vice defense minister Kim Kang Il described the display as a bluffing military demonstration and that Pyongyang is prepared to make fresh action plans  and carry them out, according to a statement in the state-run Korean Central News Agency.

Kim said his country is keenly watching the frequent deployment of U.S. strategic assets and their traces on the Korean Peninsula, according to KCNA.

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in a speech prior to the parades start thanked the U.S. and South Korean militaries for protecting our country and its people with thoroughness and precision.

When the North Korean communists started the Korean War  our military fought bravely and shed blood to protect the free [South Korea], he said. Even now, they stand firm against the constant threats and provocations from North Korea, carrying out the important mission of safeguarding the nation and its people.

Yoon also warned that if North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the [U.S.-South Korea] alliance.

That day will be the end of the North Korean regime, he said.
Lt. Col. Jason Campbell died Sept. 28, 2024, when a small-engine plane crashed in North Carolina. Campbell, a native of Texas, was assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, located at Fort Liberty, N.C., at the time of his death. (U.S. Army)

A decorated soldier based at Fort Liberty died in a fiery plane crash over the weekend in North Carolina, the Army confirmed Tuesday.

Lt. Col. Jason Campbell, 43, was one of five people killed when a single-engine plane crashed at the Wright Brothers National Memorial First Flight Airport in Kill Devil Hills, said Lt. Col. John Twitty, spokesperson for the Armys Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command.

The plane was trying to land at the airport when it crashed into a wooded area nearby and caught fire, according to the National Park Service. The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating the cause of the crash.

Campbell, a native of Texas, was assigned to the U.S. Army Civil Affairs and Psychological Operations Command, located at Fort Liberty, N.C. He was the program manager for the Civil Affairs Military Government Specialist Program, advising and assisting commanders and civilians in providing governance expertise.

Campbell had about 19 years of active-duty service. He deployed to Afghanistan in 2006 in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

His awards and achievements include a Bronze Star, a National Defense Service Medal, Army Commendation Medal, two Merit Service medals and three Army Achievement medals.
Akemi Kikugawa of the Japanese American Society helps Marine Corps spouse Camille Williamson shop at a Japanese grocery store near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 17, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)

MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan  A group of nearly 20 Americans and Japanese teamed up here recently for a discovery expedition into the aisles of a Japanese supermarket.

Marine spouse Camille Williamson, paired with local resident Akemi Kikugawa, said the trip to an off-base grocery story made her a savvier and more confident shopper.

I have some food allergies and so trying to figure out how to navigate that is a bit more difficult when you cant read the package labels, Williamson said Sept. 17 at an Iwakuni city Fuji Mart. Thats probably relevant to a lot of people, so its nice to be able to talk with somebody who can speak the language and help navigate that.

The Japanese American Society, a private organization at this base south of Hiroshima, arranges the trips to help military families navigate the challenges of shopping on the local economy.

Shopping off base is a great idea, because fresh produce and other unique ingredients are more readily available and affordable, said Katsue Ogata, the societys membership committee co-chair.

SOFA [members] have a fantastic opportunity to team up with Japanese locals to learn about local products, including trying delicious new foods, she said during an interview Sept. 13.

Off-base shopping can be intimidating for some Americans stationed in Japan.

Akemi Kikugawa of the Japanese American Society helps Marine Corps spouse Camille Williamson shop at a Japanese grocery store near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 17, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)

Weve only lived here for a short time and Im nervous to go off base because of the language barrier, Marine spouse Haylee Clark said Sept. 13 at the MCAS Iwakuni commissary.

With the yen valued at a record low this year, some Americans are taking advantage of their purchasing power by shopping in local stores. When Navy spouse Stephanie Drury arrived here in April, she was thrilled about the opportunity.

I was excited to shop off base, but I didnt know where to start, she said Sept. 16 at Torii Pines Cafe. I kept joking Im going to buy flour but end up with sugar or something else instead.

During a grocery tour in May, Drurys Japanese guides showed her their favorite tofu, soy sauce and salad dressing.

I think Im saving a lot of money every time I check out and Im happy to see how little I spent, she said.

A shopping basket with milk, eggs, bread and bananas at the MCAS Iwakuni commissary was 22% more expensive than the same items at Fuji Mart, according to an informal survey Monday by Stars and Stripes.

Few food brands in the commissary overlap with items sold in local stores, so Drury still shops for some items on base.

Akemi Kikugawa of the Japanese American Society helps Marine Corps spouse Camille Williamson shop at a Japanese grocery store near Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 17, 2024. (Jonathan Snyder/Stars and Stripes)

The guided shopping tour has been an annual event for more than a decade, Navy spouse Maggie Wu, a friendship society membership committee co-chair, said Sept. 13 at the bases Community Support Center.

We noticed that a lot of SOFA members want more than just one time, she said. So, we are thinking maybe next year, doing it twice.

While some U.S. military families are primarily buying fresh produce in Japanese supermarkets, they still shop at the commissary for familiar items and for convenience.

I prefer to shop off base for produce, Jasmine Herion, spouse of a Department of Defense contractor, said at the commissary Sept. 13. Its cheaper, fresher and more variety.

The number of customer transactions at commissaries in Japan has remained steady from October 2022 through August, although less items are being purchased, Defense Commissary Agency spokesman Keith Desbois said by email Sept. 24.

DODs investment to DeCAs operating budget allows commissaries to deliver a goal of 25 percent overall savings against local market baskets outside the gate, if our patrons shop their commissary regularly, he said.
The USS Cole was one of two U.S. Navy destroyers that helped defend Israel during a ballistic-missile attack by Iran on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (U.S. Navy)

WASHINGTON  Two Navy destroyers helped defend Israel against a barrage of nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched Tuesday by Iran as the Middle East teeters on the brink of a regional war.

The USS Bulkeley and USS Cole joined Israeli air defense units in firing about a dozen interceptors to shoot down inbound Iranian missiles, according to Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, the top Pentagon spokesman. He did not confirm how many missiles were successfully shot down by the Navy destroyers, stating the situation was still being assessed. Both destroyers are deployed to the Eastern Mediterranean.

We have been closely consulting with Israel for a while now to be prepared in the eventuality. As today demonstrated, we were prepared, Ryder said.

Irans attack follows Israels killing of several Hezbollah leaders including its top leader, Hassan Nasrallah. The barrage of missiles targeted Tel Aviv and other central parts of Israel. Tuesdays attack included about twice as many missiles as Irans April 13 attack on Israel, Ryder said.

There has been one reported death  a Palestinian civilian in the West Bank. No other deaths or injuries were reported so far.

No damage to U.S. military bases or assets has been reported.

To be crystal clear, as Secretary [Lloyd] Austin has said, should Iran, its partners or its proxies target American personnel or interests in the region, the United States will take every necessary measure to defend our people separately, Ryder said.

The move by Iran was a sharp escalation of the conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas. The attack Tuesday comes days before the one-year anniversary of the Oct. 7 surprise attack by Hamas on southern Israel. Hamas is an ally of Hezbollah and supported by Iran.

President Joe Biden earlier Tuesday directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles targeting Israel. Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris monitored the attack from the White House.

Damage to Israeli aircraft or strategic military assets is unknown, according to Jake Sullivan, the national security adviser.

Based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the [Israel Defense Forces], but in no small part, because of the skilled work of the U.S. military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack, he said.

In recent days, the U.S. has sent thousands of additional troops to the Middle East to boost security for American forces and help defend Israel. The additional forces include squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16, A-10 and F-22 fighter jets and the personnel needed to support them. U.S. Central Command, which oversees military operations in the Middle East, posted Tuesday on X that three additional aircraft squadrons of F-15E Strike Eagle, F-16 and A-10 are arriving in the region with one squadron having already arrived.

Also in the region is the USS Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group, supported by three destroyers, and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group with the 24th Marine Expeditionary Unit, a rapid-response force from Camp Lejeune, N.C. The Wasp group includes the amphibious assault ship, dock landing ship USS Oak Hill and amphibious transport dock ship USS New York.

Austin spoke Tuesday with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant about the threat of an imminent Iranian attack against Israel, according to a readout of the call released by the Pentagon. The first strikes were launched by Iran about 30 minutes earlier.

Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region, the readout read.

During Tuesdays call, Austin and the Israeli minister discussed severe consequences for Iran in the event that Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

Ryder said Austin and Gallant spoke again after Irans attack.

Following the attack, the White House emphasized the ongoing efforts to strike a cease-fire deal.

The United States, through a complex combination of deterrence and diplomacy, has been able to prevent such an outbreak of full-scale war, Sullivan said. We will continue to try and prevent an outbreak of full-scale war in the days and weeks ahead.

Stars and Stripes reporter Matthew Adams contributed to this report.
This photo illustration shows the guided-missile destroyer USS Preble, the only U.S. Navy warship equipped with a HELIOS weapons platform. (Lockheed Martin)

YOKOSUKA NAVAL BASE, Japan  The U.S. Navys only guided-missile destroyer equipped with a directed energy weapon is on its way to join the U.S. 7th Fleet in Japan.

The USS Preble left its former homeport of San Diego on Sept. 22 bound for Yokosuka, where it will take the place of the USS Benfold. That warship, meanwhile, will relocate to Everett, Wash., U.S. Pacific Fleet announced Thursday.

The Preble is the only U.S. warship outfitted with the High-Energy Laser with Integrated Optical-dazzler and Surveillance, or HELIOS, system. It can counter small watercraft or drones and is able to collect long-range intelligence, according to manufacturer Lockheed Martins website.

HELIOS remains in the at-sea testing phase and will continue testing while homeported in Yokosuka, Task Force 70 spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Seth Koenig told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday.

Deploying the most capable surface ships, such as USS Preble, and superior technology forward ensures the United States is best able to honor our security commitments to Japan and support a free and open Indo-Pacific, he wrote.

The Benfold departs a year short of the Navys decade limit on overseas deployments for warships. It arrived in October 2015 as one of the most advanced destroyers in the service.

Koenig declined to comment on when the Benfold will depart or when the Preble will arrive, citing security concerns.

Ship swaps are relatively routine for the Navy, and the service over the past decade has regularly reassigned its most advanced vessels to the Indo-Pacific, which the Pentagon continues to view as an important theater due to actions by China, North Korea and Russia.

It has been more than four years since Preble last operated in 7th Fleet, the ships skipper, Cmdr. Paul Archer, said in the news release. But Preble today is markedly different than the ship that last left 7th Fleet. Armed with the U.S. Navys most capable combat system suite, this crew is well-trained and hungry to take our cutting-edge warship west to support national strategic objectives.

HELIOS works with the Prebles Flight IIA Aegis Combat System  the Navys command-and-control suite aboard guided-missile destroyers  and uses the ships power rather than traditional ammunition, according to Lockheed Martin

HELIOS enhances the overall combat system effectiveness of the ship to deter future threats and provide additional protection for Sailors, and we understand we must provide scalable solutions customized to the Navys priorities, Rick Cordaro, vice president of Lockheed Martin Advanced Product Solutions, said in an Aug. 18 news release.

Lockheed Martin in March 2018 received a $150 million contract with options up to $942.8 million to develop, manufacture and deliver two HELIOS suites to the Navy.

Systems such as HELIOS offer significant strategic advantages, including a low cost per shot, faster and more precise targeting, the ability to counter radically maneuvering missiles, and the ability to graduate from detection and interference to disabling damage, according to an Aug. 26 report on shipboard lasers from the Congressional Research Service

Challenges, however, include line of sight limitations, atmospheric and weather interference, hardened targets and the potential for collateral damage, including damage to human eyesight, according to the report.
From left, Wilhelm Frick, Minister of Interior and Reichsleiter, the second highest rank in the Nazi Party and instrumental in the creation of the anti-Semitic and racial Nazi policies; Walther Funk, Minister for the Economy (1938-1945), and President of the Reichsbank (National Bank) (1939-1945); Hjalmar Schacht, Minister for the Economy (1934-1937), and President of the Reichsbank (1935-1937) at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany. (Don Sheppard/Stars and Stripes)

This article first appeared in the Stars and Stripes European edition, Oct. 2, 1946. It is republished unedited in its original form. The accompanying sketches were all created by Stars and Stripes artist Don Shep Sheppard on Oct. 1, 1946. Shep was present in the court room at the Palace of Justice in Nuremberg that day and sketched the defendants as they heard the verdict against them read.

NURNBERG, Oct. 1  Hermann Goering and 11 of his Nazi cohorts today were sentenced to death by hanging for their parts in the crimes committed against peace and humanity, and for participation in plans made for war during the 12 years of Hitler rule in Germany.

Seven of the 21 defendants who had faced the International Military Tribunal for the past 10 months, including Rudolf Hess, were given prison sentences ranging from 10 years to life.

Three, Franz von Papen, Hjalmar Schacht, and Hans Fritzsche, were free men today as a result of the courts declaration that they were innocent of all four counts in the mass indictment.

The sentences on the convicted Nazis, in the order in which they sat in the prisoners box during the 10 long months, follow:

Hermann Goering: Death by hanging.

Rudolf Hess: Life imprisonment.

Joachim von Ribbentrop: Death by hanging.

Wilhelm Keitel: Death by hanging. (The court apparently refused to consider a request that any of the military men condemned to die be given a soldiers death by firing squad.)

Ernst Kaltenbrunner: Death by hanging.

Alfred Rosenberg: Death by hanging.

Hans Frank: Death by hanging.

Wilhelm Frick: Death by hanging.

Julius Streicher: Death by hanging.

Walther Funk: Life imprisonment.

Karl Doenitz: 10 years imprisonment.

Erich Raeder: Life imprisonment.

Baldur von Schirach: 20 years imprisonment

Fritz Sauckel: Death by hanging.

Alfred Jodl: Death by hanging.

Arthur Seyss-Inquart: Death by Hanging.

Albert Speer: 20 years imprisonment.

Konstantin von Neurath: 15 years imprisonment.

Martin Bormann: who has never been found by the Allies but was tried in absentia, also was condemned to death by hanging.

The defendants filed in individually to hear their sentences and each stood alone in the prisoners dock as black-robed Lord Justice Geoffrey Lawrence, president of the court, matter of factly pronounced the verdicts.

Rudolf Hess at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany on Oct. 1, 1946, the day the verdict was read in court. Hess refused the earphones to hear the live translation of the verdict through. (Don Sheppard/Stars and Stripes) Wilhelm Keitel listening to the judges as they read him his verdict, Oct. 1, 1946. (Don Sheppard/Stars and Stripes) An unfinished sketch - believed to be of Ernst Kaltenbrunner, the scar-faced head of the SS in Austria in 1935 and in 1943 Chief of the Security Police and SD and Head of the Reich Security Office (RSHA) on Oct. 1, 1946, the day the verdict was read at the International Military Tribunal in Nuremberg, Germany. (Don Sheppard/Stars and Stripes)

Following the last sentence, Justice Lawrence announced that the two Russian members of the four-power tribunal had dissented from the majority opinions in the three acquittals and in the sentence on Hess.

The Russians also disagreed with the absolution from organizational guilt of the German general staff and high command and of the Reich cabinet.

By pre-established procedure, the 11 condemned are to be hanged within 15 days, or by Oct. 16. However, counsel for all defendants, including those merely sentenced to imprisonment, announced immediately that all sentences would be appealed to the Allied Control Council.

One by one the defendants were called into the dock to hear their sentences. For the first time since the tribunal first sat on Nov. 20, 1945. The dock was empty except for two American Army lieutenants at either end.

As the hand of the wall clock behind the dock swung to 2:53 p.m., the door that leads to a special elevator used by the prisoners swung open and Hermann Goering stepped out into the rear row of the dock.

Flanked by two GI guards, who escorted each defendant, Germanys former number two Nazi was handed a four-language headset through which to hear his sentence.

Standing almost placidly facing his judges, the defendant stood listening to the beginning of his sentencing when a technical difficulty made it impossible for him to hear the words of Justice Lawrence.

The difficulty having been remedied, an almost benign Goering heard the British justice pronounce the phrase on the counts of the indictment on which you have been convicted, the tribunal sentences you to death by hanging.

There were hardly any dramatics to this culmination of more than a decade of hope by suffering peoples and 10 months of almost continues judicial work.

Chief Justice Lawrence, who rea all the sentences, did so in a calm, hardly-modulated voice, beginning always with the defendants name and the words by counts of the indictment by which you have been convicted the tribunal sentences you to 

Four of the nine judges of the International Military Tribunal at Nuremberg, Germany on the day the verdict was read, Oct. 1, 1946, as sketched by Stars and Stripes artist Don Shep Sheppard. Sheppard did not identify all of the judges in the drawing, only the U.S. main judge Francis Biddle (second from left). The full version sat all eight judges from the four participating nations: United States, Great Britain, France, and the Soviet Union. (Don Sheppard/Stars and Stripes)

Goering First

The first to hear these words was Goering who, in pale gray suit and face to match, entered the dock from the elevator to the prisoners cells, escorted by two white-helmeted MPs.

Lawrence, however, had to repeat his words twice, for the first two sets of earphones which the former number two Nazi tried on did not work. A U.S. captain hurried into the dock, repaired the damage, sentence was passed and the two MPs led Goering back to his cell.

Roughly three minutes later Rudolf Hess appeared. Still acting as strangely as he had throughout the trial. Hess refused to don the earphones, staring into space as he heard himself condemned to prison for life.

At approximately four-minute intervals, the defendants were led individually to their place at the rear of the dock, before hearing their fates and being led out again.

Ribbentrop still clutched a sheaf of papers under his arm as he entered to hear the tribunals decision. After laying down the papers on a bench and hearing the sentence of death, he stood waiting blankly, as though bewildered that such a simple pronouncement was commensurate with the end of one who had formerly occupied positions of such importance.

Keitel at Attention

Former Filed Marshal Keitel, standing at ramrod attention, blinked almost imperceptibly as he heard the word hanging.

Nazi philosopher Alfred Rosenberg listened as he stood alone in the center of the box with his head cocked slightly to the side. As he hard the sentence he stood adjusting his coat, and then tore off the earphones, half glanced in pseudo-defiance at his judges and literally bolted out of the door.

Tall, scar-faced Kaltenbrunner, second in command to Gestapo chief Henirich Himmler, had an ironic bow for the court as he too heard the words death by hanging.

Hans Frank, Jew-murderer, heard the same words a few moments later and nodded.

Julius Streicher, who looked like one of the fiendish Jewish caricatures with which he used to adorn the pages of his Der Sturmer, stood stoically as he discovered that his conviction on only one of the indictments was enough to earn him the gallows.

Similarly, Frick, looking worn, and Rader and Doenitz remained passive, or bowed slightly as the judgement was pronounced.

Von Schirach Angered

Almost the only signs of emotions were Funks look of disgust as the conversational voice of the justice said life imprisonment and youth leader Von Schirachs almost sneering anger for being given 20 years in prison.

Von Schirach had to be hustled out of the docks by the MPs as he stood staring at the court.

One-time mass enslaver Sauckel also had a sneer.

Don Sheppard was the last of no less than three Stars and Stripes artists to sketch the so-called Nuremberg trials. Ed Vebells and Jean Bairds sketches were published in Stars and Stripes in the month of December 1945 and can be seen below. Nine of Vebells original drawings can be found at the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum in Washington, D.C.
TOKYO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Shigeru Ishiba, the new leader of Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), took office as prime minister on Tuesday.

The 67-year-old received 291 of 461 votes in the House of Representatives and 143 of 242 votes in the House of Councillors during an extraordinary parliamentary session, and was formally elected the country's 102nd prime minister.

Ishiba served as the country's minister of defense from 2007 to 2008, minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries from 2008 to 2009, and minister in charge of countryside revitalization from 2014 to 2016.

The veteran politician was also the LDP's Policy Research Council chairman from 2009 to 2011 and its secretary-general from 2012 to 2014.

Ishiba has mainly worked on security issues and the revival of Japan's rural communities in his 38 years of political life.

Ishiba won the presidential election of the ruling LDP over his contender Sanae Takaichi on Sept. 27, securing 215 votes over Takaichi's 194 votes in a runoff.

A long-time aspirant for the top job, Ishiba previously ran in four LDP leadership contests in 2008, 2012, 2018, and 2020, never winning. Making his fifth bid this time, he called the race last week his "last political battle."

Originally from Yazu in the western Japan prefecture of Tottori, Ishiba has been elected 12 times to the House of Representatives from Tottori's 1st district. He was first elected to the lower house in 1986 after a short career in banking.

Born on Feb. 4, 1957, Ishiba is married and has two daughters. 
For 13 years, the National Museum of the Marine Corps has been working on its two new galleries: Forward Deployed and Afghanistan and Iraq.

The museum will finally open these galleries to the public on Sunday at 9:30 a.m. in Triangle, Va., and share with visitors around the world history from the last half century of Marines.

The one thing we strove for, said museum exhibits branch chief Chuck Girbovan, was to make Marines real humans.

The galleries  20,000 square feet combined  cover 50 years of Marine Corps history from the end of the Vietnam War to present day. The galleries tell stories of Marines in combat operations, humanitarian operations and global deployments using hundreds of artifacts and immersive experiences.

The Marine Corps has its own lore and legacy and with these galleries the NMMC wants to show Marines on the front lines.

If youve ever been to the National Museum of the Marine Corps, youre going to see something even more exciting, said David Vickers, deputy director of NMMC.

Visitors will see artifacts and exhibits including: a Marine Corps helicopter tail boom that was shot down during the invasion of Grenada; the M198 howitzer, Damn Yankee, that fired the first shot in Desert Storm; the M60A1 tank Genesis II, which was one of the first ground vehicles to breach the Iraqi defenses into Kuwait during Desert Storm; an F/A-18 Hornet fighter jet that flew patrols over Washington, D.C., right after 9/11; an M-ATV vehicle that was hit by an improvised explosive device (IED) in Afghanistan; and much more.

National Museum of the Marine Corps Deputy Director David Vickers speaks to the news media in front of the M60A1 tank Genesis II on Sept. 18, 2024. Genesis II was one of the first ground vehicles to breach the Iraqi defenses into Kuwait during Desert Storm and is on display in one of the museums newest galleries Forward Deployed at the museum. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

The opening of the galleries completes a 13-year long journey of researching, collecting photographs and having in-depth conversations with Marine veterans who provided details about their experiences.

The museums staff thought it was important for these galleries to share oral histories with visitors and accurately represent the environments Marines experienced. One way this was accomplished was by replicating cast figures from actual Marines who were in the areas represented in the galleries.

The information that we have in the museum and the artifacts are very interesting on their own, Girbovan said. But we feel its very important to put them into context.

Many Marine veterans worked with the museum to re-create specific scenes to help depict actual events. There is a life cast of retired Maj. David McGrath featured in Afghanistan and Iraq next to the M-ATV vehicle that was hit by an IED in Afghanistan. McGrath, who was there, helped bring the scene to life with his descriptions from that day and with his life cast placed at the scene.

A life cast of retired Maj. David McGrath positioned next to an M-ATV vehicle damaged by an IED in Afghanistan. McGrath was there when the explosive device struck the vehicle. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

This [depiction] is pretty accurate, McGrath said. Except its not as violent as it was in reality.

Unlike other exhibits, the new galleries incorporate more advanced technologies. In Afghanistan and Iraq, there is a re-creation of an Iraqi street depicting scents, sounds and scenes to stimulate the combat environment. Veterans who may be sensitive to this experience have the option to bypass the exhibit.

As difficult as that might be for a Marine to walk through the gallery, they would not be happy with us if we watered it down because they want their story told in a realistic manner, Girbovan said. We feel we have a responsibility to the Marines who served to be honest.

An immersive walk through an Iraqi street recreated in one of the new galleries, Afghanistan and Iraq at the National Museum of the Marine Corps on Sept. 18, 2024. This exhibit depicts scents, sounds and scenes to stimulate the combat environment. (Kaylyn Barnhart/Stars and Stripes)

Aside from preserving the last 50 years of Marine Corps history, these galleries also serve to pay tribute to Marines who have died in combat operations during that time.

These exhibits give visitors an immersive look into the experiences of Marines over the last 50 years, and we hope they inspire an appreciation for the brave men and women who have faithfully served our nation, said retired Maj. Gen. James Lukeman, president and CEO of the Marine Corps Heritage Foundation.
Fall foliage peaking around Oberg Lake in Tofte, Minn. You get a perfect glimpse of the Instagram-famous lake by hiking the 3-mile out-and-back loop off the Superior Hiking Trail. The rugged trail climbs 230 feet through rocky thickets of gold, orange and red. Its nine overlooks include 360-degree views of kaleidoscopic highlands plus Lake Superior, some 900 feet below (Alex Kormann, Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS)

MINNEAPOLIS  When autumn finally rolls around, and the green of chlorophyll begins to break down into reds, browns and yellows, we Minnesotans spring  er, fall  into action. Not content to merely sit back and watch the leaves gradually transform into compost, we demand to get out there and do something.

For your Midwest fall colors expedition this year, make plans to perform one or more of your favorite actions  boating, biking, hiking, riding and more  on your way to discovering natures many-hued bounty.

Cruise: Witness Duluths fall color from the water

Sail into Duluths crisp fall air while you watch the sun come up with the Vista Fleets new Coffee and Colors Sunrise Tour. The yacht-style Vista Queen or Vista Star leaves its dock in the Duluth Harbor before sunrise at 6:55 a.m. Enjoy coffee and pastries during a 90-minute narrated cruise along the St. Louis River while enjoying the colors carpeting the hillsides.

Meanwhile, the Vista Fleets two-hour Lunch & Leaves tour, with soup and sandwiches, focuses on the historic bridges, science and ecology of the river  with a backdrop of fall color. The fleets classic waterfront and grand sightseeing tours include a jaunt beneath the Aerial Lift Bridge and onto Lake Superior, weather permitting. Tours run Wednesday through Monday until Oct. 20 (vistafleet.com).

Visitors view fall colors on the Sawtooth Mountains while riding the Summit Express Gondola in Lutsen, Minn., on Oct. 3, 2023. The gondola, located at the Lutsen Mountains ski resort, is used by downhill skiers in the winter but welcomes leaf-peepers in the fall. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS)

Soar: Lutsens ski gondola reveals the mountains in autumn

Rise above the Sawtooth Mountains to savor an aerial view of autumns flame-red colors at Lutsen Mountains ski resort. The Summit Express Gondola, used by downhill skiers through the winter, welcomes leaf-peepers with an enclosed ride that glides above the Poplar River valley and rises 1,000 feet above Lake Superior to the top of Moose Mountain. Riders can linger at the Summit Chalet with patio views of the lake, hike along the ridgeline or even opt to take the Superior Hiking Trail back to the base.

Another popular option at the ski resort is to take a chairlift up Eagle Mountain and zip down the half-mile alpine slide. But its hard to top the gondolas 100-mile views. Open daily through Oct. 13, plus Oct. 17-20 (lutsen.com).

David Erickson, 10, mountain-bikes through the Split Rock Wilds mountain-bike trail system in Two Harbors, Minn., on Oct. 3, 2023. The system includes more than 20 miles of easy to very difficult trails that rise up to 500 feet over Lake Superior and Hwy. 61, culminating in stony clifftops overlooking pines, aspens and the Great Lake. (Alex Kormann/Minnesota Star Tribune/TNS)

Bike: Pedal through the leaves at Split Rock Wilds

Prefer your fall color with a side of adrenaline? The Split Rock Wilds mountain-bike trail system will bring you and your fat tires up close and personal with North Shore hues between Beaver Bay and the iconic Split Rock Lighthouse. Youll find more than 20 miles of easy to very difficult trails that rise up to 500 feet over Lake Superior and Hwy. 61, culminating in stony clifftops overlooking pines, aspens and the Great Lake. Does that sound like too much climbing? Then just let the colors fly by on the all-downhill mountain bike trails at nearby Giants Ridge or Spirit Mountain, where chairlifts do the harder part for you.

Paddle: Capture the colors of Cuyuna in a clear kayak

Stare into the underwater depths while paddling a clear kayak across Pennington Mine Lake  just dont miss the bright red sumac and golden aspens rising along the steep shore. Available through Cuyuna Outfitters (cuyunaoutfitters.com) in Crosby, the custom see-through kayaks offer a different perspective while exploring Cuyuna Country State Recreation Area. Put fall colors on fast-forward by renting or bringing a mountain bike for 50 miles of rugged trails  or cruise the paved 8-mile Cuyuna Lakes State Trail (cuyuna.com).

Climb: Tower over the Itasca wilderness in a lookout spire

Join the steady flow of folks along the half-mile trail to the Aiton Heights fire tower in Itasca State Park. The 100-foot climb to the top of the tower reveals an above-the-treetops view of more than 32,000 acres of forest south of Bemidji. You may need to wait in line for the first tower, one of five in Minnesota state parks, but the flutter of golden leaves and the adventurous vibe make up for it. Not a fan of heights? Look for fall colors in Minnesotas oldest state park while biking, paddling or picnicking along Lake Itasca, and take the rolling, twisty 10-mile Wilderness Drive (dnr.state.mn.us).

Reflect: Gaze into a mirror image of color at Quarry Park

Anyone who craves the sight of fall colors reflected on a mirror-like surface of calm water can find it in more than 20 quarries dotted across Quarry Park and Nature Preserve in Waite Park, next to St. Cloud. In addition to the crisp aquatic reflections, theres prairie lined with golden aspens and red oak, plus intriguing industrial remnants including a towering derrick and an overlook atop a towering hill of discarded granite (stearnscountymn.gov).

Hike: Infinity views of lake and woods at Oberg Mountain

Few fall-color hikes in Minnesota are as iconic as Oberg Mountain on the North Shore. Its a 3-mile out-and-back loop off the Superior Hiking Trail (find the parking area on Onion River Road near Tofte). The rugged trail climbs 230 feet through rocky thickets of gold, orange and red. Its nine overlooks include 360-degree views of kaleidoscopic highlands plus Lake Superior, some 900 feet below. Of course, youll also get a perfect glimpse of Oberg Lake, the Instagram-famous, azure teardrop among the trees.

Chug: Explore boreal forest via train, or river valley via Amtrak Borealis

North Shore Scenic Railroad is running its all-day First Class Fall Colors Train Tour from Duluth to Two Harbors and back, featuring panoramic views from an exclusive dome car ($95-$110, Sept. 20-Oct. 13, duluthtrains.com)  but sadly, its completely sold out. Maybe next year, or get on the waitlist for the dome car.

A better bet for autumn might be Amtraks new Borealis train service, which charges down the Mississippi River valley, past Lake Pepin and into the puffy-treed bluff country of the Driftless Area on its eventual way to Chicago. Departing St. Pauls Union Depot on the Borealis at 11:50 a.m. daily, you have enough time for a 2-hour journey through Red Wing and Winona, Minn., to La Crosse, Wis., before returning home the same day on Amtrak (amtrak.com/borealis-train).
M23 rebels, who control Rubaya, a mining town in eastern Congo since May 2024 known for producing a key mineral used in smartphones, stand with their weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (Moses Sawasawa/AP)

DAKAR, Senegal  A rebel group in Congo generates around $300,000 a month in revenue through its control of a mining area in the east of the country, a U.N. official said.

In April, the M23  a rebel group with alleged links to Rwanda  seized the Rubaya mining area in eastern Congo, which holds deposits of a key mineral used in the production of smartphones and computers. Over 15% of the worlds supply of tantalum, a rare metal extracted from coltan, comes from Rubaya, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security Council on Monday.

Unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer, Keita said.

Tantalum is among the minerals that were identified earlier this year in a letter from Congos government questioning Apple about the tech companys knowledge of blood minerals being smuggled in its supply chain.

The decadeslong conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for power, land and valuable mineral resources while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations. The violence has displaced some 6 million people in the countrys east.

M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military group mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis that broke away from the Congolese army just over a decade ago. They staged a large offensive in 2012 and took over the provincial capital of Goma near the border with Rwanda, the same city they are threatening again.

Congo alleges that Rwanda has been involved in war crimes in the east and U.S. and U.N. experts accuse it of giving military backing to M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

In July, U.N. experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in eastern Congo alongside M23, which has been making major advances.

Last week, a regional court in East Africa opened proceedings in a case filed by Congo against Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congos sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to help rebels in the countrys east.
Japan's Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, left, walks past the newly elected head of the Liberal Democratic Party Shigeru Ishiba after the party's leadership election at its headquarters in Tokyo. on Sept. 27, 2024. (Japan Pool, Kyodo News/AP)

TOKYO  Japans Prime Minister Fumio Kishida resigned with his Cabinet on Tuesday, paving the way for his likely successor Shigeru Ishiba to take office.

Kishida took office in 2021 but is leaving so his party can have a fresh leader after his government was dogged by scandals. Ishiba plans to call a parliamentary election for Oct. 27 after he is formally chosen as prime minister later in the day.

I believe it is important to have the new administration get the publics judgment as soon as possible, Ishiba said Monday in announcing his plan to call a snap election. Opposition parties criticized Ishiba for allowing only a short period of time for his policies to be examined and discussed in parliament before the national election.

Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Partys leader on Friday to replace Kishida, who announced in August he would resign at the end of his three-year term.

Ishiba is assured of becoming prime minister later Tuesday in a vote by parliament because it is dominated by his partys ruling coalition.

Kishida and his ministers stepped down at a Cabinet meeting in the morning, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi said. Kishida left his office after a brief send-off ceremony in which he was presented a bouquet of red roses and applauded by his staff and former Cabinet members.

As we face a critical moment in and outside the country, I earnestly hope key policies that will pioneer Japans future will be powerfully pursued by the new Cabinet, Kishida said in a statement, citing the need to bolster security amid a deepening global divide, such as Russias war in Ukraine, while tackling a declining birthrate and population, as well as economic and political reforms at home.

Ishiba earlier announced his partys leaders ahead of naming his Cabinet, once he becomes prime minister. Former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi, who came in third in the party leadership race, will head the partys election task force. He is expected to name defense experts Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief.

The majority of his Cabinet ministers, like Ishiba, are expected to be unaffiliated with factions led and controlled by party heavyweights, and none are from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abes powerful group linked to damaging scandals.

Ishibas lack of stable power base could also mean a fragility of his government, and could quickly collapse even though Ishiba hopes to build up party unity as it prepares for the upcoming election, the liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper said.

The move is also seen as a revenge by Ishiba, who was largely pushed to the side during most of Abes reign.

Ishiba has proposed an Asian version of the NATO military alliance and more discussion among regional partners about the use of the U.S. nuclear deterrence. He also suggested a more equal Japan-U.S. security alliance, including joint management of U.S. bases in Japan and having Japanese Self Defense Force bases in the United States.

Ishiba outlined his views in an article to the Hudson Institute last week. The absence of a collective self-defense system like NATO in Asia means that wars are likely to break out because there is no obligation for mutual defense. Under these circumstances, the creation of an Asian version of NATO is essential to deter China by its Western allies, he wrote.

Ishiba proposes combining of existing security and diplomatic groupings, such as the Quad and other bilateral and multilateral frameworks involving the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the Philippines.

He also noted that the Asian version of NATO can also consider sharing of the control of U.S. nuclear weapons in the region as a deterrence against growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Ishiba on Friday stressed Japan needs to reinforce its security, noting recent violations of Japanese airspace by Russian and Chinese warplanes and repeated missile launches by North Korea.

He pledged to continue Kishidas economic policy aimed at pulling Japan out of deflation and achieving real salary increases, while tackling challenges such as Japans declining birthrate and population and resilience to natural disasters.

The LDP has had a nearly unbroken tenure governing Japan since World War II. The party members may have seen Ishibas more centrist views as crucial in pushing back challenges by the liberal-leaning opposition and winning voter support as the party reels from corruption scandals that drove down Kishidas popularity.

Ishiba, first elected to parliament in 1986, has served as defense minister, agriculture minister and in other key Cabinet posts, and was LDP secretary general under Abe.
Shigeru Ishiba, top, sits ahead of the extraordinary session of parliaments lower house Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Tokyo. (Eugene Hoshiko/AP)

TOKYO  The newly elected Japanese prime minister pledged Tuesday night to stick to the vital Japan-U.S. alliance amid growing tension in the region while calling for it to be more equitable. This comes as the new premier tries to boost a slow economy and regain public trust ahead of a national election later this month.

Shigeru Ishiba was chosen as head of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party last week, a ticket to the top job as his partys coalition controls parliament. He replaced Fumio Kishida who stepped down earlier Tuesday to pave the way for a fresh leader after scandals dogged his government.

The new prime minister  who was always viewed as an outsider by his party  immediately formed his Cabinet with a strong emphasis on defense and several security experts onboard. With only a couple of women ministers, the majority, including Ishiba, are unaffiliated with factions led and controlled by party heavyweights, and none are from former Prime Minister Shinzo Abes powerful group linked to damaging misconduct.

Speaking to reporters at the prime ministers office for the first time following a palace ceremony, Ishiba called for stronger military cooperation with like-minded partners. He has been vocal about his wish to form a NATO-like alliance in the region.

He said that one of his policys main goals was to protect Japan as the security environment surrounding us is the toughest since the end of World War II, adding he will adhere to the Japan-U.S. alliance as the lynchpin in bolstering his countrys defense and diplomacy.

Ishiba renewed his proposal of a more equal Japan-U.S. security alliance, including joint management of U.S. bases in Japan and having Japanese Self Defense Force bases in the United States, which would require a revision of the bilateral status of forces agreement, a move seen as a big challenge. He says the current bilateral alliance is asymmetrical.

The measure would contribute to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, Ishiba said. Ive advocated the idea for more than 20 years and obviously its not going to happen suddenly just because I became prime minister. He also said he hadnt assigned the matter to his Cabinet as an urgent task. But I will not give up and will steadily work on it.

A day before officially coming to office, Ishiba said he would call for a snap election on Oct. 27 and that former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi would head the partys election task force. On Tuesday, he said he intended to dissolve the lower house on Oct. 9 in preparation for the balloting, adding his new administration needed to have the peoples verdict as soon as possible.

During Tuesdays parliament session, opposition leaders widely criticized Ishiba for announcing such a plan before even becoming prime minister and allowing only several days for his policies to be examined and discussed before a national election. They delayed the vote required to approve his new post for about half an hour, despite not having the power to affect it, signaling a rocky beginning for Ishiba.

Ishiba appointed several ministers who voted for him in the party leadership poll, including two former defense ministers with whom he had worked closely  Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief. He retained Kishidas top confidante, Yoshimasa Hayashi, as chief Cabinet secretary, who also previously served as defense minister. He appointed Katsunobu Kato as finance minister.

Only two of the 19 ministers are women: actor-turned-lawmaker Junko Mihara as childrens policy minister and Toshiko Abe as education minister. The government is under pressure to increase the number of women in public office. Women now account for only 10% of the lower house, placing Japan near the bottom of global gender-equality rankings.

Some argue his Cabinet lacks a stable power base that could cause it to collapse, but Ishiba hopes to build party unity while preparing for the upcoming election, according to the liberal-leaning Asahi newspaper. The move is also seen as revenge by Ishiba, who was largely pushed to the side during most of Abes reign, the paper said.

Last week, Ishiba drafted his views on security and defense in an article for the Hudson Institute. He proposed combining the existing security and diplomatic groupings, such as the Quad and other bilateral and multilateral frameworks involving the United States, Australia, New Zealand, South Korea and the Philippines.

He wrote that a NATO-like alliance could also consider sharing control of U.S. nuclear weapons in the region as a deterrence against growing threats from China, North Korea and Russia.

Ishiba also pledged to continue Kishidas economic policy aimed at pulling Japan out of deflation and achieving real salary increases while tackling challenges such as the countrys declining birthrate and population and increasing resilience to natural disasters. He announced plans to set up a disaster management ministry on Tuesday.

Kishida, the former prime minister, announced in August he would resign at the end of his three-year term to pave the way for a new leader as corruption scandals engulfed his party and government. He left his office on Tuesday for the last time after a brief send-off ceremony where he was presented with a bouquet of red roses and applauded by his staff and former Cabinet members.

The LDP has had a nearly unbroken tenure governing Japan since World War II. The party members may have seen Ishibas more centrist views as crucial in pushing back challenges by the liberal-leaning opposition and winning voter support as the party reels from corruption scandals that drove down Kishidas popularity.

Ishiba, first elected to parliament in 1986, has served as defense minister, agriculture minister and in other key Cabinet posts, and was LDP secretary-general under Abe.
Taiwan air force Mirage 2000 fighter jets taxi at Hsinchu Air Base, Taiwan, Jan. 11, 2022. (Seth Robson/Stars and Stripes)

The White House has authorized more than a half-billion dollars in extra military assistance for Taiwan amid ongoing tensions with China over the future of the island democracy.

In a Monday memo, President Joe Biden delegated authority to Secretary of State Antony Blinken to draw up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan.

The Taiwan Relations Act of 1979 requires the United States to provide Taiwan with weapons of a defensive nature.

The latest aid is a significant upgrade from the $345 million Biden announced in July 2023. That package included man-portable air defense systems, or MANPADS, intelligence and surveillance capabilities, firearms and missiles.

It comes amid ongoing tension over Taiwan, which Chinese President Xi Jinping has vowed to reunify with the mainland, by force if necessary.

Beijing routinely sends military aircraft across the Taiwan Strait, forcing the islands military to scramble fighters to intercept the threat.

On Sept. 5 and 6, for example, Taiwans Ministry of National Defense reported 19 Chinese military aircraft, including fighters, drones and helicopters, approaching the island.

Meanwhile, the U.S. and its allies routinely steam through the 110-mile-wide strait that separates Taiwan from the mainland. On Wednesday Japanese, Australian and New Zealand warships made such a transit.

Beijing views those passages as provocative and regularly condemns them as support for Taiwan. China does not consider the strait an international waterway.

Biden has said U.S. troops would defend Taiwan if China invaded, although walk-backs by his staff suggest a deliberate policy of strategic ambiguity meant to deter conflict by leaving the possibility of U.S. intervention uncertain.

The latest aid package is higher than ever and authorizes Blinken to take weapons from U.S. stockpiles to assist the island, Ming-Shih Shen of Taipeis Institute for National Defense and Security Research told Stars and Stripes by email Tuesday.

It is generally believed that assistance projects include small arms, ammunition, anti-armor missiles, multi-domain combat systems, etc., as well as military education and training costs, he wrote.

The aid wont impact arms sales to Taiwan and may boost Taiwans military strength before Biden leaves office, Shen said.

Some of the assistance is related to multidomain operations, he said.

Those operations involve intelligence, information, cyber, electronic warfare, and space capabilities.

The Taiwanese military receives training at the National Guard Multi-Domain Training Center in Michigan and can learn U.S. multidomain operations concepts and learn many experiences and lessons from the U.S. in the Ukraine war, Shen wrote.
An aerial photo of Naval Station Rota, Spain in 2022. A recent agreement with Spain allows U.S. military dependents in the country to work remotely for American companies while maintaining Status of Forces Agreement treaty protections. Advocates say the agreement needs added details. (Nathan Carpenter/U.S. Navy)

NAPLES, Italy  A recent agreement allowing U.S. military dependents in Spain to work remotely for American companies while maintaining important treaty protections requires more detail to assure employers, advocates say.

The pact, reached in June, lacks specificity on legal, tax and other obligations that U.S. companies need to hire family members and others living with U.S. military service members or Defense Department civilians serving overseas, they say.

This agreement appears to be in the spirit of providing clarity; however, its lacking in critical details that would actually deliver that clarity, said Beth Conlin, who chairs the board of the Military Spouse Chamber of Commerce and serves as a Blue Star Families adviser.

The document allows dependents of American military service members and DOD civilian workers to work remotely for U.S. companies without affecting protections afforded them through the NATO Status of Forces Agreement.

Those protections include entry and departure, driving privileges, housing and other benefits while living in a host nation.

The same accommodation would be made for dependents accompanying Spanish forces in the U.S., according to an undated letter sent by the U.S. Embassy in Madrid to the Spanish Ministry of Foreign Affairs, European Union and Cooperation.

U.S. officials say the agreement expands employment opportunities and advances a priority of President Joe Bidens administration to recruit, hire and retain military-connected spouses.

It answers a long-standing call of the nearly 7,000 service members and their families posted in Spain, the U.S. Embassy in Madrid said Monday.

But ambiguity is leaving some military spouses, such as Kate Jordan, holding the bag when it comes to keeping their jobs or getting hired by a U.S. company.

Initially, Jordans multinational American employer was keen to keep the mom of two working when her active-duty husband received orders to Naval Station Rota earlier this year.

But company officials reviewed the agreement and subsequently determined that Jordan wouldnt be able to stay on the payroll while the family was living overseas.

The companys structure required that Jordan be reassigned to its office in Spain, a change not addressed by the agreement, she said.

Im starting from scratch yet again, said Jordan, who ultimately quit her job in August. And I didnt want to do that because I thought that I had established something. I thought Id be able to just keep doing my job and that would be that.

Many military spouses living overseas quit their jobs or choose not to pursue telework opportunities in the U.S., fearing unintended consequences from giving up their SOFA status to seek or maintain employment.

That means losing income that often substantially contributes to families well-being, pushing some to the brink of poverty, a Stars and Stripes investigation last year found.

In Germany, spouses can work remotely for their American employers in most cases. Bahrain, Japan and South Korea also allow telework.

But other countries, such as Belgium, prohibit spouses from obtaining employment other than jobs at their overseas bases unless they give up their SOFA status.

Last year, an agreement between the U.S. and Italy reversed more than a decade of policy that forced thousands of spouses of military personnel, Defense Department civilians and Pentagon contractors in Italy to choose between continuing their careers or giving up their SOFA rights and protections.

The exchanging of letters that happened with Italy is still the (gold) standard of the type of clarity that we and private-sector employers need, Conlin said.

Deborah Braddy thought shed have to give up her remote job when her husband received orders for NS Rota in January but was hopeful she could keep working for a DOD contractor as a result of the agreement.

Since then, her employer determined that vagueness in the document about labor laws and tax implications makes direct employment inadvisable, she said.

The company suggested she could work for them through another business that specializes in filling remote jobs for employers. Braddy is going through that process now and is confident she eventually will be successful in getting back to work.

Despite the hurdles, Jordan and Braddy are grateful for the agreement and its implications for military spouses who have long struggled with the career and financial impacts of frequent moves.

You feel seen and you feel heard and that youre not alone, Braddy said.
New NATO Secretary-General Mark Rutte, right, shakes hands with his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg after taking the helm of the alliance at a ceremony at its headquarters in Brussels, Oct. 1, 2024. (NATO)

Leadership of the 32-nation NATO alliance changed hands Tuesday for the first time in a decade as former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte took the helm of a military bloc facing security challenges unrivaled since the Cold War era.

Rutte replaced Jens Stoltenberg, who for 10 years led NATOs efforts to rebuild itself to counter a renewed threat from Russia.

Stoltenberg also guided the U.S.-led alliance during the White House tenure of Donald Trump, whose frequent criticism of the alliance created uncertainty about the future of American commitment to NATO, which the country started in the aftermath of World War II.

Moments after taking on the title of NATO secretary-general, Rutte faced questions about how he would deal with Trump should the Republican nominee return to the White House next year.

Im not worried, Rutte said. I will be able to work with both (candidates) whatever the outcome of the election.

For any NATO chief, the most critical part of the job is managing the alliances relationship with the United States.

Ruttes reputation for having a deft diplomatic touch was likely a factor in his selection by members to replace Stoltenberg, who himself was referred to at times by NATO insiders as the Trump whisperer.

Rutte showcased some of those diplomatic skills during the 2018 NATO summit, in which there were concerns that Trump was poised to withdraw the U.S. from the security bloc.

During a crisis meeting of heads of state, Rutte was said to have realized that the key was to give Trump credit for calling out allies for their lack of defense spending and demanding more spending in the future. Past U.S. presidents had done the same for decades, though in more diplomatic terms.

On Tuesday, Rutte restated that Trump deserved credit.

He was the one pushing us to spend more, Rutte said.

For NATO members, defense spending started inching up after Russias 2014 armed takeover of Ukraines Crimean Peninsula and picked up momentum during Trumps time in office.

Those expenditures have only accelerated since then, with Russias 2022 full-scale invasion of Ukraine pushing allies to spend even more.

Meanwhile, 23 of NATOs 32 countries hit the benchmark that called for members to spend at least 2% of their gross domestic product on military matters by 2024. A decade ago, only three hit the mark.

Besides questions about defense spending and the outcome of the upcoming U.S. election and what effect that could have on NATO operations, the alliance is grappling with immediate threats on its periphery.

With no end in sight to Russias war in Ukraine, the NATO chief will need to carry on efforts to fine-tune defense plans for higher numbers of alliance troops to be able to defend territory on short notice.

Over this decade, we have implemented the biggest reinforcement of NATO, our collective defense, in a generation, with a higher readiness, more troops in the eastern part of the alliance, Stoltenberg said Tuesday.

During his tenure, the alliance saw the addition of four new member countries: North Macedonia, Montenegro, Finland and Sweden.

The longtime neutrality of the two Nordic states quickly ended in response to the 2022 invasion as both chose to seek NATO membership, a change that was almost unthinkable just a few years before.

NATO also is playing a larger role in coordinating military assistance for Ukraine, which until recently was spearheaded by the United States.

We have gone from only providing marginal support to Ukraine back in 2014 to now providing massive support ... and NATO coordinating the support to Ukraine with a new command in Germany, Stoltenberg said.

Rutte said maintaining allied support for Ukraine will be one of his main efforts.

We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation, Rutte said.

Rutte also addressed the consequences of not supporting Ukraine in referring to the 2014 downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17, which took off from Amsterdam and was shot down over eastern Ukraine.

Nearly 300 people, including 196 Dutch nationals, were killed when a Russian-made anti-aircraft missile downed the aircraft.

I know from personal experience  how the conflict in Ukraine is not contained to the front lines, Rutte said.

As Ukraine struggles to blunt Russian advances, Kyiv is pushing allies for permission to use Western-supplied weapons to hit targets against military sites deeper in Russia.

Rutte said such strikes are legitimate.

Ukraine is fighting a war of self-defense  and as we know, according to international law, this right does not end at the border, he said.

Still, mindful of his role as NATOs chief dealmaker, he said he was in no position to demand allies permit such strikes. So far, the Biden administration has been reluctant to greenlight Kyivs request.

This is for the individual allies in their relationship with Ukraine (to decide), Rutte said. But obviously this is an important debate.
Hundreds of protesters are expected to gather outside the main gate of Clay Kaserne in Wiesbaden, Germany, on Oct. 3, 2024, for an anti-war demonstration. (Ila Dermanoski/U.S. Army)

WIESBADEN, Germany  Commuters driving to the U.S. Army base that is home to the services headquarters for Europe and Africa could be in for a delay Thursday resulting from preparations for an afternoon anti-war protest.

Up to 500 demonstrators are expected to gather outside Clay Kaserne from noon to 5 p.m. that day, city of Wiesbaden spokesman Ralf Munser said Tuesday.

A follow-on march around the installation and demonstration outside the main gate may last until 8 p.m., U.S. Army Garrison Wiesbaden said in a Facebook post Tuesday.

As early as Wednesday night, city crews could start setting up barriers, blocking the right-hand lane of the installations access road. The lane closure could snarl traffic Thursday morning, according to the garrisons statement.

There may be a larger than normal German police presence outside Clay Kasernes main gate throughout Thursday, the Army command said.

Although the demonstration is expected to be peaceful, the garrison is reminding its members not to get involved or interact with the demonstrators. Drivers are urged not to prolong any delays by rubbernecking as they pass the protest.

Thursday is a German federal holiday marking the anniversary of the countrys 1990 reunification.

Stars and Stripes reporter Marcus Kloeckner contributed to this report.
The Kremlins attempts to influence the 2024 election in favor of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are accelerating, federal officials and researchers say. (Michael Abrams/Stars and Stripes)

Russias attempts to influence the 2024 election in favor of Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump are accelerating, federal officials and researchers say, adding to a sea of misinformation about immigration and his Democratic rival, Vice President Kamala Harris, despite U.S. efforts to blunt the onslaught with indictments, seizures and public warnings.

After a group of prominent far-right influencers was exposed last month for taking money provided by Russian state media figures, they continued to promote falsehoods to their large followings, including debunked claims about Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, eating pets.

Those tales originated with locals gossiping and were amplified online by figures on the American right and eventually by Trump. But researchers say Russian actors have piled on with even more exaggerated claims intended to scare more citizens about immigration and race, even after two Russian nationals were charged in early September with laundering money to covertly influence public opinion.

The U.S. governments seizure of 32 web domains hosting fake Fox News and Washington Post stories similarly did not put an end to that separate Russian caper, researchers say. The automated accounts that spread links to those stories are now sharing links to new doppelganger articles on faked versions of established outlets, including some asserting the Secret Services criminal connivance in the latest apparent attempt to kill Trump.

Other researchers said last week they have discovered another Russian network touting a parade of lies about Harris, including that she is showing signs of Alzheimers and that her family has secret ties to Big Pharma and so would push puberty-blocking drugs.

Clint Watts, who heads Microsofts efforts against government disinformation, said that Russian trolls have moved to new websites to host bogus news stories, and that such influence efforts might work better now than before, simply because the presidential contest is heating up. The audience is much more vulnerable the closer we get to Election Day, he said in an interview.

The worst is probably still to come, said disinformation and cybersecurity scholar Thomas Rid, a professor at Johns Hopkins University. He said his biggest concern is not false information but a real, newsworthy leak of files on the Harris campaign that will drive the news cycle.

Federal prosecutors took action in early September against both the web of fake news sites and the Russian funding of well-known influencers. The conservative commentators involved have not been charged and said they had not realized that the company paying them as much as $100,000 each week was backed by people at Russias state-controlled RT propaganda network.

The continuing efforts from the trolls and automated accounts add weight to a warning by U.S. intelligence officials last week that Russia is amping up its efforts to return Trump to the White House. Russia hopes Trump will cut support for Ukraine, its top priority, intelligence officials said previously.

Though U.S. officials seized website addresses that had been hosting the fake news sites, affiliated social media accounts are now pushing new links to similar sites, researchers said.

A Sept. 24 tweet linking to a fake Fox News story about Haitians, for example, had drawn more than 900 retweets and not a single like two days later, a pattern that misinformation researchers say strongly suggests automated amplification by bots rather than humans. The story  headlined Watch out for Kids, Cats and Cars: Alien Haitians Want to Take Everything from You  went further than the falsehoods spread by Trump, claiming that a cat reported missing to police was later seen butchered like a calf carcass in a migrant den. In fact, the cat emerged unharmed from its owners basement.

A fake Washington Post story, tweeted the same day by another account in the network, described officials failure to stop Trumps second alleged would-be assassin earlier as true criminal connivance and asserted than the suspect was a fascist who shares the position of Ukrainian Nazis. That post had more than 800 retweets and no likes. The accounts were identified by activist research group Antibot4Navalny.

Unusually, federal law enforcement authorities cited reams of internal Russian documents in their recent actions against Moscows disinformation campaigns, some of which had also been reported on by The Washington Post. Rid, who analyzed the documents, wrote Monday in Foreign Affairs that architects of multiple social media blitzes complained that because Meta kept removing accounts, X has become the only mass platform that could currently be utilized in the United States.

An X spokesman said the company remains alert to any attempt to manipulate the platform by bad actors and networks, adding its efforts to parry them had led to over 460 million accounts being suspended through the first six months of 2024.

Other documents showed that the Russian government contractors behind the fake-news campaign known as Doppelganger pointed to U.S. media coverage and tech companies actions against them as evidence that they were feared and deserved more Russian government funding, Rid wrote.

New propaganda networks are still being discovered, such as one identified by disinformation tracking company Alethea that includes 77 X accounts posting original content and more than 400 that amplify those posts. That network has claimed that Harris is showing signs of Alzheimers; that her familys secret ties to Big Pharma give her a financial incentive to push puberty-blocking drugs; and that she is a Marxist because her grandfather taught Marxist theory, Alethea said in research shared with The Post.

Following the FBI explication in a 277-page affidavit of the contracted influence campaign, the network began asserting that experts had concluded Ukraine was behind it. On Sept. 10, for example, X user Jhon Piell, on now-suspended account @salman1212120, posted a video citing Eliot Higgins, founder of the investigative collaborative Bellingcat, as calling the operation a complex and dangerous project of Ukraine.

Less than half an hour after the videos publication, it was retweeted at least 76 times in under 60 seconds by a network of accounts, all with Turkish names, that had been created in batches between Sept. 2 and Sept. 8, 2024, Alethea wrote.

Russia has long targeted Bellingcat and Higgins, who have exposed intelligence agents involved in assassination plots and disinformation. But it now is trying to muddy their work and hurt Harris at the same time. Higgins posted Wednesday that a fake Fox video claimed Higgins had found that an immigrant had assaulted one of Harriss aides. In that case, the tweet jumped to more than 16,000 views in less than five minutes without any retweets or likes.

The number of views by actual human beings is hard to discern, as is evaluating the posts impact on voters. But even when lies are obvious, their proliferation can make truths harder to believe, disinformation experts said.

Russia is having at least some hits, such as a viral video that falsely accused Harris of a hit-and-run car accident. That got more than 7 million views.

Catherine Belton in London contributed to this report.
Tourists attend a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at a border police station in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Shuo)

Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers deliver a speech during a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the People's Square in Urumqi of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

A flag-raising ceremony is held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Potala Palace square in Lhasa, southwest China's Xizang Autonomous Region, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Tenzin Nyida)

A flag-raising ceremony is held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Jiaozhou City, east China's Shandong Province, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Wang Zhaomai/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at a border police station in Altay, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Wang Youbo/Xinhua)

Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers attend a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Shuixigou Town, Urumqi County of Urumqi City, northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Wang Fei)

Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers attend a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the People's Square in Urumqi of northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Hu Huhu)

Members of the Chinese Young Pioneers attend a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Qianjiang District of southwest China's Chongqing, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Yang Min/Xinhua)

An aerial drone photo shows a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at a square in Zhengzhou, central China's Henan Province on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Li Jianan)

People pose for a selfie after a flag-raising ceremony held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in Lijiang City, southwest China's Yunnan Province on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Zhao Qingzu/Xinhua)

A flag-raising ceremony is held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Memorial of the First National Congress of the Communist Party of China in Shanghai, east China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Liu Ying)

A flag-raising ceremony is held to mark the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China at the Yuhuatai memorial park of martyrs in Nanjing, east China's Jiangsu Province, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Hu Xiao/Xinhua)

People of various ethnic groups take part in a cultural event after a national flag-raising ceremony in Yulong Naxi Autonomous County in Lijiang City, southwest China's Yunnan Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Photo by Zhao Qingzu/Xinhua)

People holding national flags pose for a photo on a square at the Fujian Museum in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A child holding a Chinese national flag enjoys herself at a wetland park in Xigang Town, Tengzhou City of east China's Shandong Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Photo by Li Zhijun/Xinhua)

Students sing a chorus at a school in Xiamen, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Photo by Zeng Demeng/Xinhua)

People visit a park in Fuzhou, southeast China's Fujian Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Xinhua/Wei Peiquan)

A train attendant and passengers take part in an "intangible cultural heritage class" event on train No. G1634 travelling from Pingtan of southeast China's Fujian Province to east China's Shanghai, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Xinhua/Zhou Yi)

A drone photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows enthusiasts performing a group aerobics on a square in Lianyungang City, east China's Jiangsu Province. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Photo by Geng Yuhe/Xinhua)

A train attendant applies a decorative sticker on the window of a Tianjin-Beijing intercity train, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Xinhua/Sun Fanyue)

People take part in a theme event at the Nanhu scenic spot in Jiaxing City, east China's Zhejiang Province, Oct. 1, 2024. The 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China was observed on Tuesday in various ways across the country . (Photo by Jin Peng/Xinhua)
This is a locator map for Yemen with its capital, Sanaa. (AP)

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Yemens Houthi rebels launched an explosive-loaded drone that crashed into one ship Tuesday in the Red Sea and a missile that exploded against another.

The attacks are the rebels first assaults on commercial shipping in weeks as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a regional conflict.

They come as Israeli ground forces entered Lebanon after days of Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials, and earlier explosions of sabotaged electronic devices used by the Shiite militia. The Houthis threatened escalating military operations targeting Israel on Monday after they apparently shot down a U.S. military drone flying over Yemen.

The first attack took place some 70 miles off the port city of Hodeida and targeted the Panama-flagged oil tanker Cordelia Moon, the multinational Joint Maritime Information Center said. A captain on a ship saw four splashes near the vessel, the center overseen by the U.S. Navy said. That likely would have been missiles launched at the vessel that missed.

The drone boat later damaged the Cordelia Moon, which sustained a puncture to one of its ballast tanks in the attack. Those tanks control a ships buoyancy. Houthi strikes in the past have targeted ships at their waterline to disable the vessels.

Drone boats have been increasingly used by the Houthis. The ship had been heading north to the Suez Canal with armed private security guards aboard, the private security firm Ambrey said.

Another attack with a missile targeted a separate ship also heading north to the Suez Canal with armed security on board, Ambrey said. The British militarys United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center later identified it as the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Courage.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree later claimed the two attacks in a prerecorded message, though he identified a different vessel as the second ship attacked. The discrepancy could not be immediately reconciled.

Saree said in a prerecorded video earlier Tuesday that the rebels had launched drones targeting Israel  attacks unreported by Israel as it faces incoming fire from Hezbollah. The Houthis have exaggerated claims in the past.

The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion a year of cargo pass through it.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started last October. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Joint Maritime Information Center assessed the Cordelia Moon had been attacked over affiliations within the vessels operational structure, without elaborating. The Indian managers of the Cordelia Moon also manage the Andromeda Star, which came under Houthi attack in April.

The last attack on a merchant ship by the Houthis was on Sept. 2.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack targeting American warships last week. The rebels fired more than a half dozen ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles and two drones at three U.S. ships that were traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, but all were intercepted by the Navy destroyers, a U.S. official said Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet publicly released.

The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes from the Israelis this weekend on Hodeida.
U.S. Army National Guard soldiers participate in a live-fire exercise in northeastern Syria in April 2024. American and coalition forces at Mission Support Site Euphrates in eastern Syria were targeted by a rocket attack on Sept. 26, with one striking the base. (Emma Scearce/U.S. Army Reserve)

A U.S. base in eastern Syria recently was struck by rocket fire, in what appeared to be the latest militant attack on American forces in the country since the Israel-Hamas war erupted nearly a year ago.

No personnel were injured in the early morning attack Thursday at Mission Support Site Euphrates, in which one rocket hit the base, U.S. Central Command said Monday. There were no injuries to personnel and there was no significant damage to the installation, the command said.

It wasnt clear Tuesday what group launched the strike.

Confirmation of the attack, at least the second on the installation since July, came after U.S. forces completed targeted strikes last month in Syria that killed 37 terrorists, including senior leaders of the Islamic State and Hurras al-Din, an al-Qaida affiliate, CENTCOM announced Sunday.

Those actions were carried out Sept. 26 and Sept. 24, the command said. More than 2,000 U.S. service members are deployed to Iraq, and an additional 900 to Syria as part of a coalition fighting to prevent a resurgence of ISIS.

An MQ-9 Reaper flies over Iowa on Sept. 13, 2024. A Reaper was recently downed in Yemen, U.S. Central Command confirmed on Sept. 30. ( Nathan Osmundson/U.S. Air National Guard )

On Aug. 9, eight U.S. service members were treated for traumatic brain injury and smoke inhalation following a drone attack on Rumalyn Landing Zone near Syrias northeastern border with Turkey and Iraq.

A few weeks prior to that, a single rocket was launched against Mission Support Site Euphrates. Militants also launched two rockets the same day in a separate attack aimed at al Asad Air Base in western Iraq.

There were no injuries or damage in either attack. But four U.S. service members and an American contractor were injured when two rockets struck al Asad on Aug. 5.

Last weeks attack on U.S. forces in Syria comes as fighting escalates in the Middle East and the threat of a wider regional conflict looms.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon after killing many of Hezbollahs top leaders in a series of airstrikes designed to cripple the militant group.

Hezbollah began attacking Israel on Oct. 8, a day after its ally Hamas invaded Israel from Gaza.

On Monday, the Pentagon announced that the U.S. is sending thousands of troops to the Middle East to boost the security of American forces already in the region and support the defense of Israel if necessary.

American personnel in Iraq and Syria have come under more than 175 drone and rocket attacks over the past year.

Last month, American forces assigned to al Asad and Baghdad International Airport started a transition to another base in northern Iraq as part of an agreement with that will end the mission in the country, The Associated Press reported Saturday.

An unspecified number of U.S. forces will stay in Iraq in some measure to support counter-ISIS operations in Syria through 2026, AP said.

CENTCOM on Monday also confirmed the downing of another MQ-9 Reaper drone in Yemen, calling it the latest example of malign and reckless behavior by the Iranian-backed Houthis that threatens regional stability.

Houthi rebels claimed Monday that they had shot down the $30 million drone with a surface-to-air missile. Two more U.S. drones were shot down in September.

On Friday, the Pentagon announced that U.S. Navy ships had intercepted a barrage of Houthi missiles and drones launched into the shipping lanes of the Red Sea. No U.S. ships were hit in the attack, and no American military personnel were injured, officials said.

U.S. and coalition forces have patrolled the vital waterway in response to Houthi attacks on commercial ships that began in November.

The Abraham Lincoln Carrier Strike Group remains in the Gulf of Oman. The group includes the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and the destroyer USS OKane, USNI News reported last month.

The beefed-up U.S. presence in the region also includes the Wasp Amphibious Ready Group on duty in the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Three U.S destroyers also are deployed to the eastern Mediterranean, according to USNI.

Meanwhile, the Harry S. Truman Carrier Strike Group departed its homeport in Norfolk, Va., on Sept. 23 for a scheduled deployment to the U.S. 6th Fleet area of operations, which includes the eastern Mediterranean.
Missiles launched from Iran towards Israel streak across the night sky as seen from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Abdel Kareem Hana/AP)

JERUSALEM  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Earlier Tuesday, Israel launched what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri warned that Iran would respond to action against its territory with strikes on Israels entire infrastructure with multiplied intensity.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages on Tuesday, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

Fears of a broader conflict

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press journalists Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; and Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran contributed to this report.
U.S. Attorney Damian Williams speaks about a drug trafficking case during a press conference at Federal Plaza in New York, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Pamela Smith/AP)

A network of illegal drug sellers based in the U.S., the Dominican Republic and India packaged potentially deadly synthetic opioids into pills disguised as common prescription drugs and sold millions of them through fake online drugstores, federal prosecutors said Monday.

At least nine people died of narcotics poisoning between August 2023 and June 2024 after consuming the counterfeit pills, according to an indictment unsealed in federal court in Manhattan.

The indictment charges that the leader of the enterprise, Francisco Alberto Lopez Reyes, orchestrated the scheme from the Dominican Republic, directing co-conspirators to set up dozens of online pharmacies that mimicked legitimate e-commerce sites. The sites lured customers into buying synthetic opioids  in some cases methamphetamine  disguised as prescription drugs such as Adderall, Xanax and oxycodone.

The counterfeit pills were sold to tens of thousands of Americans in all 50 states and to customers in Puerto Rico, Germany and Slovenia, U.S. Attorney Damian Williams said at a news conference announcing the indictment.

The websites the defendants made and the pills they distributed looked very real, he said. But they were not.

Williams said 18 people including Lopez Reyes have been charged with crimes including participating in a narcotics trafficking conspiracy resulting in death. It was not clear whether Lopez Reyes had a lawyer who could comment. No attorney was listed in online court records.

Authorities said the fake pills were manufactured in New York using fentanyl smuggled from Mexico.

Members of the enterprise ran basement pill mills in the Bronx and Manhattan, where they used custom molds to press powdered narcotics into pills at rates of up to 100,000 pills every 12 hours, prosecutors said.

Law enforcement officers raided one pill mill in Manhattan on May 31, 2023, and seized more than 200,000 pills as well as bricks, bags and buckets filled with powdered narcotics, according to the indictment.

Prosecutors said that after the orders were delivered, the conspirators bombarded customers with calls and texts urging them to buy more drugs. One customer had to block 30 phone numbers to stop the aggressive marketing.

One victim, a 45-year-old Army National Guard veteran identified as Holly Holderbaum, purchased what she thought were oxycodone pills in February 2024, according to the indictment.

Holderbaum received the pills in the mail on Feb. 20 and died five days later with 46 of the counterfeit pills by her bedside, prosecutors said.

The pills were made of fentanyl and para-fluorofentanyl, an analog of fentanyl, and Holdermans cause of death was acute fentanyl intoxication, prosecutors said.

Recent years have seen a surge in fentanyl deaths, including among children, across the U.S. The most recent figures from the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimate that more than 78,000 people died from overdoses involving synthetic opioids between June 2022 and June 2023, accounting for 92% of all opioid overdose deaths during that period.

Anne Milgram, the administrator of the federal Drug Enforcement Administration, who joined Williams at Mondays news conference, called fentanyl the most addictive and deadly drug threat that we have ever faced as a nation.

Fentanyl is cheap, Milgram said. It is easy to make, and even tiny amounts can be highly addictive and deadly.
The Post reported that, five days before Trump took office, an amount nearly identical to the $10 million described in the intelligence about Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi was withdrawn at a bank in Cairo, in U.S. $100 bills, from an account linked to the Egyptian General Intelligence Service. The discovery of the withdrawal, early in 2019, intensified the secret investigation. (Stars and Stripes)

Democratic members of the Senate Judiciary Committee sent the Justice Departments inspector general a letter Monday asking him to investigate whether Trump appointees interfered with and, ultimately, blocked a criminal probe into U.S. intelligence that the Egyptian government sought to give Donald Trump $10 million to boost his 2016 presidential campaign.

The request for DOJs watchdog to review how the case ended comes after a Washington Post article in August revealed details of a secret Justice Department investigation that was closed, despite prosecutors and agents having sought to take additional investigative steps.

The Post reported that, five days before Trump took office, an amount nearly identical to the $10 million described in the intelligence about Egyptian President Abdel Fatah El-Sisi was withdrawn at a bank in Cairo, in U.S. $100 bills, from an account linked to the Egyptian General Intelligence Service. The discovery of the withdrawal, early in 2019, intensified the secret investigation.

But Attorney General William P. Barr later personally involved himself in the case, urging FBI leaders to impose adult supervision on agents seeking to obtain Trumps bank records to see whether they could find evidence that the money had made its way to Trump, The Post reported.

Michael Sherwin, the then-acting U.S. attorney who closed the case in 2020, told The Post he did so for lack of evidence. Four members of the Senate Judiciary Committee  Sens. Richard Blumenthal (Conn.), Mazie Hirono (Hawaii), Alex Padilla (Calif.) and Sheldon Whitehouse (R.I.)  signed a letter asking DOJ Inspector General Michael Horowitz to investigate a pattern of conduct that includes improper political interference, ignoring standards for recusal, and abrogating Attorney General guidelines, among other improper considerations.

The four wrote that if the case was improperly cut short, such meddling is cause for grave concern to the integrity of the Department of Justice under then-President Trump and to our democratic processes more broadly.

Asked for comment, the Trump campaign called reporting about Trump and Egypt textbook Fake News. The Justice Department investigation found no wrongdoing and was closed, spokesman Steven Cheung said, accusing the senators of trying to meddle in the upcoming election.

Barr did not respond to a request for comment.

Last month, top Democrats on the House Oversight Committee sent Trump a letter asking whether he ever illegally received money from the government of Egypt. Trump did not respond to the letter, according to a spokeswoman for Jamie Raskin (D-Md.).

Making their case for Horowitz to investigate, the four senators wrote that foreign interference in U.S. elections is a major national security concern, and the acceptance of foreign campaign contributions, if true, would constitute a federal crime.

Moreover, interference into a sensitive investigation of the then-president by senior DOJ officials appointed by that President would constitute an egregious breach of the Departments rules and procedures, as well as a severe threat to the impartial administration of justice. Accordingly, we urge you to conduct a full and comprehensive investigation into these deeply troubling reports.

Horowitz did not immediately respond to an email seeking comment.
Neil Clarke Beckett was called to give evidence at his trial, now in its fourth week, at Belfast Crown Court, where he rejected a suggestion that he used his position of power and authority to prey on children

A school health and welfare officer and former Army Cadet leader accused of sexually abusing 11 teenage girls today denied all allegations levelled against him.

Neil Clarke Beckett was called to give evidence at his trial, now in its fourth week, at Belfast Crown Court, where he rejected a suggestion that he used his position of power and authority to prey on children.

He has been accused of, and has denied, a total of 29 charges spanning a period from 2013 to 2023.

These charges consist of one count of rape, one count of sexual communication with a child, one count of sexual grooming and 26 counts of sexual assault.

The 43-year old father-of-one, from Kilmore Village in Downpatrick, was today called to the witness stand.

His barrister Laura Ievers KC questioned Beckett about all of the allegations made against him by two former Army Cadets and nine pupils from Lagan College.

The jury of six men and six women heard evidence from a former Army Cadet who claimed she was sexually assaulted and raped by Beckett in her home when she was aged around 14.

This complainant said that this occurred when she was off school sick and that Beckett  who at the time was an Army Cadet leader  called at her home with coffee.

She said that after forcing his way into her home, Beckett forced himself on her in her living room.

She also claimed that after raping her, Beckett threatened her and her family, and she believed his threat as he had access to guns.

When questioned about this alleged incident by Mrs Ievers, the accused denied calling at her house and said: I didnt know where she lived.

He denied calling to her home with coffee and when the barrister said she has alleged that you raped her, what do you say about that?, Beckett replied: That did not happen.

When asked did you ever threaten her or her family?, the accused said: No.

He also denied allegations made by a second Army Cadet, which included claims that he abused her during a training exercise as well as hugging and tickling her, which made her feel uncomfortable.

Beckett was also asked by his barrister about numerous claims made by teenage pupils who have all given evidence.

These include allegations that Beckett, whilst occupying the position of health and welfare officer at Lagan College, hugged them, kissed them and touched their breasts, bottoms and thighs.

He was asked about a specific allegation regarding a pupil who claimed Beckett lifted her up in a firemans lift.

Beckett told the jury he had been diagnosed with a condition called Kienbocks disease in 2017 which affects his arms and wrist.

He showed them the casts he wears on both arms, and said he didnt lift her up as she alleged.

He said: I wouldnt have been able to... because I have a weakness in my arms.

When asked about other alleged incidents such as hugging and kissing pupils or touching their thighs, he replied with responses such as thats not true or that did not happen.

And when asked about a claim that he sniffed a pupils hair, Beckett said: That definitely did not happen.

He was also cross-examined by Crown barrister Charles MacCreanor KC who accused him of using his positions within both the Army Cadets and the school to prey on children.

Asked about the raft of allegations made against him, Beckett said he disagreed with what the complainants said, that they had made false allegations about him, and that they were all not telling the truth, they are lying.

When Mr MacCreanor pointed out that many of the allegations made by the pupils described the same type of incidents  such as touching them under their blazers during bearhugs in his office  Beckett said they could have been jumping on the bandwagon following rumours about him circulating round the school.

The Crown barrister suggested to Beckett that he was in a position of power and authority over these young girls and that he used a range of techniques such as grooming and befriending to prey on these children.

Beckett replied: No I did not.

At hearing.
Lewis Briggs, 24, hung his head as he was found guilty of jumping out of his Mercedes and fatally stabbing his defenceless victim in a surprise attack

A BRITISH boxer who used to train at a gym linked to Irish crime boss Daniel Kinahan was today convicted of murdering a Spanish teenager following a petty Costa del Sol road rage spat.

Lewis Briggs, 24, hung his head as he was found guilty of jumping out of his Mercedes and fatally stabbing his defenceless victim in a surprise attack after turning round and hunting him down following a run-in moments earlier.

Ulrich Perezs family were not in the courtroom in Malaga at the end of the six-day-long trial to hear jurors return their verdict just over 24 hours after they were sent out to deliberate.

But the Brit expats mum Michelle burst into tears after hearing her son could be jailed for nearly 25 years in the coming days as two plain-clothes police officers led him into custody pending sentencing.

The nine jurors ruled by a 8-1 majority it had been proven Briggs murdered Ulrich, 19, near his home in Diana Park between the resort towns of Marbella and Estepona as his victim returned from running an errand for his mum.

The jury foreman announced in a short address to the court they had also unanimously concluded the personal trainer had changed the number plates on his rented UK-plated Mercedes after his horror crime to try to throw police off the scent.

Ulrich died after being kicked and then stabbed in the heart just after 2.30pm on November 18 2020. He had berated Briggs less than two minutes earlier for driving too fast towards a zebra crossing he was standing by.

The expat, who said he had boxed professionally after taking the stand on the first day of his trial last Monday, claimed he accidentally stabbed his victim despite admitting to turning round and getting out of his car with a knife he took from his glove compartment.

But the jury foreman, rejecting Briggs defence lawyers closing speech claim a manslaughter conviction and 15-month prison sentence would be the right decision, said: We find it proven by an 8-1 majority the accused kicked his victim and stabbed him in a surprise and unexpected attack he had no chance of defending himself against.

He added: The victim wasnt prepared for the attack and the proof was that he had still had a shopping bag in his hand.

He didnt let go of the bag until the other man kicked him before stabbing him in his left side.

The attack from the moment the defendant got out of his car to the moment he got back into his vehicle and drove away only lasted about 10 seconds.

Public prosecutor Pablo Ibanez reacted to the guilty verdict by asking judge Francisco Javier Soler, who reserved sentencing, to jail Briggs for 22 years for murder and another two years for fraud for replacing his Mercedes number plates with those of a neighbour in the apartment block where he lived before fleeing Spain and sparking an international manhunt.

Rocio Amigo, a private lawyer acting for the dead mans family who prosecuted the Brit as part of the same trial, demanded similar prison sentences with the same 22 years for murder.

Briggs lawyer Ana Maria Hidalgo Perez asked the judge, who warned the convicted killer in open court he would get at least 15 years, to sentence him to the minimum terms for each crime.

Her attempts to extend his pre-trial conditional bail, following his release from prison at the start of last year after two years on remand, were refused after the prosecutors persuaded the judge

Briggs represented a high flight risk following the jury verdict.

Ulrichs family had to sit through CCTV footage showing the murder during the trial at the Audiencia Provincial Court in Malaga. The footage is believed to have played a key role in the jury verdict along with a police report into the crime.

Briggs turned round to his victims family from the stand soon after the start of the trial and said to them: I want to say sorry. It was never my intention to kill anyone. It was an accident after claiming he had been binging on alcohol and cocaine at an all-night party before the murder and wasnt thinking straight.

Although he admitted to killing his victim in a stupid error he blamed his late dad in court for stealing his neighbours number plates and arranging to have his Merc shipped back to the UK before helping him flee Spain via Portugal.

He also used his time on the stand to paint his victim as the more aggressive man on the day of the murder.

Briggs, held in December 2020 near Leeds after a five-week international manhunt and extradited to Spain, is said to have boxed often at the MGM gym.

It has now closed after being rebranded as the MTK Marbella gym but welcomed stars like Tyson Fury and Anthony Joshua and was closely linked to Irish crime gang boss Daniel Kinahan who is currently holed up in Dubai.

Former trainee chef Ulrichs tearful mum Tatiana Perez Martinez said during her evidence in court: My son left our home because I sent him to buy some washing up powder we needed.

Id grounded him a few days earlier because hed lost his ID and given the Covid restrictions still in place I didn't think it was a good thing to have happened.

A neighbour told me something had happened to Ulrich and because I knew he was a bit clumsy I thought at first hed fallen on the stairs and broken a bone.

When I reached the street it was full of police and I saw someone over him trying to revive him.

Ulrichs Nicaraguan-born dad Juan Carlos Espinoza reacted to today's verdict by saying this afternoon: Today is a day justice has been done.

I hope he gets the longest jail sentence possible. And let him suffer whatever he has to suffer in prison.

The familys lawyer said outside court: Im satisfied with the result.

Briggs, who also faces being ordered to pay Ulrichs mum up to 300,000 in compensation, is expected to appeal after sentencing.

No date has yet been announced for the sentencing ruling, which will be notified in writing rather than in open court.
Garda Hayes told the court that neither of the two accused made any reply when charged

A daughter and son of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were today remanded on bail charged with violently assaulting two men, at the four-star luxury Dunraven Arms Hotel, in Adare, Co Limerick.

Alison Chawke (40) of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, allegedly gouged the eyes of one of the alleged victims, and allegedly kicked the other alleged victim in the head a number of times before allegedly biting him on the side of his face, at the hotel, on November 9, 2023.

Ms Chawke is also alleged to have thrown a pint glass at the alleged victims and a number of other patrons who had been trying to intervene in the alleged attack.

Bill Chawke (30) of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, was charged with two counts of assault causing harm, in which he allegedly threw punches at both alleged injured parties, and hit the head of one of the men off a bar counter at the hotel, which has hosted members of the British Royal family, presidents and movie stars.

This afternoon, Garda Ronan Hayes, Adare Garda Station, gave evidence before Newcastle West Court of arresting and charging both of the accused, who are each being represented by Dublin-based solicitor Michael Finucane.

Bill Chawke outside court

Garda Hayes told the court that neither of the two accused made any reply when charged.

Inspector Barry Manton told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the two accused be dealt with by summary disposal, which means the district court judge hears a summary of the alleged facts from the prosecuting garda before deciding if they will allow the case to proceed in the district court or before a higher court.

Outlining the prosecutions case, Inspector Manton alleged that, at around 00:30am on the date in question, Alison and Bill Chawke were sitting at a bar at a hotel in Adare, as were the two alleged victims, and other hotel patrons.

Initially, the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims, before Ms Chawke and Mr Chawke put themselves in the personal space of the staff and the two alleged victims and it is alleged the (two) accused began a violent altercation, Inspector Manton alleged.

A number of other customers at the bar tried to break it up, however the altercation continued out of the bar and ended in a hallway at the hotel, Inspector Manton alleged.

It was all captured on cctv, he said.

Inspector Manton told judge Carol Anne Coolican: It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number 1, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.

The Garda Inspector said it is also be alleged that Mr Chawke threw a number of punches against both injured parties.

Inspector Manton further alleged that Alison Chawke gouged the eyes of injured party number one, went behind the bar and picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including other patrons that were trying to break it up.

Alison Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek, alleged Insp Manton.

After viewing all available footage of the alleged incident the judge said: Im refusing jurisdiction and so the matter will go back before the DPP

Judge Coolican granted an application by Inspector Manton for an eight week adjournment to allow the State prepare a Book of Evidence and she said the two accused are entitled to their presumption of innocence.

The judge remanded the two accused on bail, on their own bonds of 100, which did not have to be lodged, to appear before Newcastle West District Court for service of a Book of Evidence on December 3 this year.
God is supercharging the rate of Bible translation in Africa and many parts of the Global South, expanding discipleship in more local dialects than ever before. This was the resounding and encouraging message of SIL International Executive Director Dr. Michel Kenmogne, at Lausanne 4 in Seoul, Korea.

Kenmogne told the over 5,000 delegates that since the last Lausanne meeting in Cape Town 14 years ago, the Bible has been translated to 2,000 languages, a remarkable feat compared to the rate at which translations were happening before Lausanne 3.

In 1999, Wycliffe (Bible translators) and SIL International realized that at the prevailing pace of Bible translation, it'll take until the year 2150 for the last people group on earth to have God's word in their own language, said Kenmogne.

The shocking realization pushed the organisations to launch what they called Vision 2025 - an ambitious goal to have all the remaining 3,000 people groups have a version of the Bible in their own language, a factor that Kenmogne sees as critical in the spread of the gospel.

One of the pieces of evidence that the gospel is advancing and reaching the ends of the world is when we see bodies of believers who are able to worship Jesus Christ using their own languages and cultures, noted Kenmogne.

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He said that the Vision 2025 goal provided new impetus for Bible translation initiatives across the globe with more organisations joining the call to end Bible poverty. Organizations like Youth with a Mission, Samaritans Purse, Calvary Ministries in Nigeria and many others embraced translation as a core part of their ministry.

Using Africa as an illustration of the progress made, Kenmogne told the delegates how the timely convergence of different factors has supercharged Bible translation efforts over the last 14 years, leaving less than 1,000 languages without a locally translated Bible globally.

This is to say that we live in an era where God is doing a new thing in the field of Bible translation. And the phenomenal growth of the church in the Southern hemisphere is resulting in the gradual rise of an indigenous movement of God's people who are seeking to advance God's kingdom in new ways, said Kenmogne, who was born and raised in Cameroon, and is the first non-Western SIL executive director.

One of the factors that has accelerated Bible translation in Africa is a growing locally-based workforce. Kenmogne said that SIL International, for instance, has seen a decrease by 20% of foreign workers and an increase by 70% of indigenous workers. The growth of the workforce has been in tandem with the number of organisations directly involved in Bible translation and the leadership of the institutions leading from the front.

For the first time in history, four key Bible agencies; SIL International, United Bible Society, Wycliffe Global Alliance, the Word for the World have all of their leadership stemming from the continent of Africa, said Kenmogne. Dirk Gevers, Dr. Stephen Coertze and Kobus van Aswegen are South Africans leading United Bible Society, Wycliffe and Word for the World respectively.

Additionally, the fact that African churches have owned the ministry of Bible translation at the national and local level has helped to scale the translation. Giving an example of FJKM Church in Madagascar, Kenmogne said that the pastoral team realized that discipleship was not going as deep due to lack of local-dialect Bible.

The church mobilized 300 volunteers to translate the Bible from the national Malagasy language to more local languages. Kenmogne added: In five years, four New Testament have been completed and four others on the way because of the involvement of the local church.

While challenges still exist and many languages are yet to be reached, Kenmogne finds solace in the words of Ghanas founding father, Kwame Nkurumah who foresaw an African Church growing in the knowledge of the Bible and believers being impacted and living by the great truths of the Bible.

I have no doubt that we have entered that time in this 21st century, not only in Africa, but all across the Global South...It's the Lord's doing and we have to return all the glory and praise to Him, concluded Kenmogne.
CAIRO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Arab League (AL) will send a 15-member delegation to oversee the Tunisian presidential election scheduled to be held on Sunday, the Cairo-based organization said in a statement on Tuesday.

AL Secretary-General Ahmed Aboul-Gheit instructed the formation of a mission headed by Assistant Secretary-General Hussain Hindawi and consisting of 14 diplomats from different AL member states to oversee the presidential poll in Tunisia, according to the statement.

The AL decision came in response to an invitation from Farouk Bouasker, head of Tunisia's Election Commission.

The pan-Arab body expressed its keenness "to support the democratic process in Tunisia and the right of the Tunisian people to exercise their democratic rights."

Incumbent President Kais Saied seeks re-election for a second five-year term in Tunisia's 2024 presidential poll. 
Emmet Black (48) is the latest man to be charged after gardai found the woman (37) in a bloodied, tortured and beaten state in a flat in central Dublin

An eighth man has been accused of torturing a woman who was allegedly beaten, slashed and burned with weapons including a makeshift blowtorch in a sustained and vicious attack.

Emmet Black (48) is the latest man to be charged after gardai found the woman (37) in a bloodied, tortured and beaten state in a flat in central Dublin.

According to detectives, she was brought to the apartment where eight attackers imprisoned and assaulted her with a hatchet, blades, heated hammer heads and other implements.

At Dublin District Court yesterday, Judge Alan Mitchell refused to grant Mr Black bail and remanded him in custody, for DPP directions.

The accused, of The Maltings, Dublin 8 is charged with false imprisonment and assault causing harm to the woman at a flat at Henrietta House, Bolton Street, Dublin 7 on September 26.

Garda Ciaran Rogers said Mr Black made no reply to either count after caution.

Objecting to bail, he cited the nature and nature and seriousness of the charges.

The garda said the woman was discovered in a bloodied, tortured and beaten state having been tortured and threatened for an hour and a half.

It was alleged she had been brought to the apartment at Henrietta House by a group of five males including the accused. She was escorted there and subjected to a sustained and violent assault by a group of eight males. This lasted for an hour and a half, by her estimate.

She said she was beaten around the head and body with a hatchet and iron bars and violently attacked with blades and an aerosol can used as a makeshift blowtorch. Her hair was cut, she was threatened and the alleged assault only ceased when the gardai entered the property.

The woman alleged that each and every one of the males, including the accused, participated in the attack.

Her injuries included a fractured elbow and right cheekbone and a large laceration to her head that required five staples. She had also suffered burn injuries to both legs allegedly inflicted by a lit aerosol can and heated hammer heads that were placed on her bare skin.

The alleged victim said Mr Black had been one of two men who escorted her to the car that took her to the apartment after telling her: come on, we have to go.

In the car, he sat on one side of her with a second man on the other side, she told gardai. There was no talking in the car and when they arrived at Henrietta House the other men were there.

Emmet cut my legs with a blade of some sort, the woman told gardai.

Mr Black was at the scene when gardai arrived.

Gardai seized implements including a hammer, axe, wooden sticks, sweeping brush handle and deodorant can alleged to have been used in the assault.

It was alleged Mr Black was caught red-handed and gardai had concerns over potential witness intimidation.

The woman was not available to come to court to give evidence because she was still in hospital getting treatment for the injuries that she received due to the level of violence and ferocity used on her, allegedly by Mr Black and his associates.

Applying for bail, defence solicitor Eoin Lysaght said the flat the woman was taken from was Mr Blacks home, where she had been staying. Mr Black would say that he was put under pressure to bring her to the car.

Mr Black would say he himself was threatened and suffered an 18cm laceration to the side of his head which had to be closed in an operation under anaesthetic.

Judge Mitchell refused bail and remanded the accused in custody to appear in Cloverhill District Court on Friday.

Six other men and one juvenile have already been before the courts.

Sean Conroy and Jayven Talbot

The accused men are Sean Conroy (20) from Silloge Road, Ballymun, Braxton Rice (20), Mark McMahon (54) and Mark Keogh (33), all from Henrietta House, and Kian Walsh (19) and Jayven Talbot (20) of Constitution Hill, Dublin 7.

A 16-year-old boy was also charged in relation to the alleged incident.

Mr McMahon and Mr Keogh have not yet applied for bail. Bail applications were made for the other men but were all refused. The juvenile has been granted bail.
Notorious gangster confronted over claims he branded fellow prisoner a rat

Notorious gangland killer John Dundon was involved in a furious row with a Hezbollah-linked prisoner in Cork Prison last weekend.

Sources say the row broke out in Dundons cell on the B Landing after his fellow prisoner, an Iranian national, confronted him over rumours he claimed the Limerick gang boss had been spreading about him.

The talk in the prison is that this fella was told Dundon had branded him a rat, a source told this newspaper.

He went to confront Dundon about it and they had what could be described as a heated exchange.

Security sources denied, however, that any blows were exchanged during the row and denied claims that Dundon had been physically assaulted.

B Landing in Cork Prison houses inmates on an enhanced regime, where they are given additional privileges.

The prisoner who Dundon is alleged to have rowed with cannot be named as he is currently before the courts on serious charges.

Its understood he is suspected of having links to the militant group Hezbollah.

Dundon had been on the landing since being moved there from maximum security in Portlaoise Prison three years ago.

Brothers Dessie and John Dundon

In that time, sources say Dundon, who was assigned a role as a cleaner, has made himself comfortable and assumed the mantle of top dog among his fellow inmates.

Dundon has gotten used to Cork and because of reputation, the other prisoners, for obvious reasons, tread carefully around him, a source said.

But hed be ill-advised to think his reputation goes beyond Ireland, and some of the lads behind bars in this country have no fear of the likes of him.

Sources said tensions on the landing remain high in the wake of last weekends row and officers are keeping a close eye to ensure there is no escalation in hostilities.

The Sunday World previously revealed how Dundon, who has partaken in a number of educational courses since his arrival in Cork, was suspected by officers of using insights gained while studying psychology through the Open University to manipulate and bully other inmates in Cork Prison.

Dundons activities on the B Landing of the prison were of sufficient concern to authorities that at one stage a decision was taken to remove his status as an enhanced prisoner for a period.

The 41-year-old, who is one of the key figures in the notorious McCarthy-Dundon crime faction, is serving life in prison for the murder of innocent Shane Geoghegan in 2008.

Dundon has studied psychology through the Open University and he has also participated in the Listeners course with the Red Cross  where inmates are trained to listen to other prisoners when they are struggling, a source said at the time.

Since coming to Cork he had largely kept his head down  doing his courses and not causing any trouble for staff.

In the beginning, he was in the Controlled Behaviour Unit (CBU) and had restricted movement inside the prison yard.

But over time, he did his bit and worked himself up to the status of enhanced prisoner and was given all the privileges associated with that.

Hes on B-wing with the other enhanced prisoners. He gets extra gym time, extra phone calls, extra visits.

The goal for him was to get to Castlerea and one of the houses in the Grove (open wing).

That was it. That was his path to freedom, the source said.

But concerns arose over his interactions with the other prisoners on the landing.

Concerns that he was manipulating and bullying them into handing over portions of their tuck-shop orders.

Concerns that he was reverting to type  that he wanted to be top dog on the landing.

And he has the skills to make it happen without resorting to his fists  fear and intimidation were the tools of his trade and hes added to that arsenal with his studies.

The situation was monitored and after one or two incidents occurred, it confirmed that there was a problem  his status as an enhanced prisoner was revoked.

Dundon subsequently regained his status as an enhanced inmate and sources said the incident last weekend is the first of note in which he had been involved since.

A senior figure in the McCarthy-Dundon criminal gang, Dundon was centrally involved in a murderous feud with the rival Keane-Collopy mob over the control of the drugs trade in Limerick.

It is believed that 20 murders happened after Eddie Ryan was shot dead at the Moose Bar in Limerick in 2010.

The man Dundon is serving life for murdering, Shane Geoghegan, was an innocent rugby player who died after he was shot five times while walking to his girlfriends house in the early hours of November 9, 2008, in an horrific case of mistaken identity.

Dundons infamous brothers, Dessie and Wayne, are also serving life sentences for murder.

Another brother, Ger, was caged for 15 years in the UK for his role in an extortion plot in May of last year.

The senior mobster, who changed his name by deed poll to Darren McClean, was described by the judge in a London court as a committed career criminal who acted in a vicious and cruel manner.
Walker has become a TikTok star in recent years describing his days in Liverpools criminal underworld.

An UK gangster turned social media star has said has revealed gardai have seized 50-odd diamonds from him.

Last week, Liverpool-criminal Sam Walker was given a suspended sentence after he was caught live-streaming his court case for driving offences in Dublin District Court.

Walker has become a TikTok star in recent years where he has amassed followers describing his days in Liverpools criminal underworld.

The 41-year-old, who has more than 400,000 followers on the social media site, has spent most of his adult life behind bars as a result of amassing more than 130 convictions.

He has recently spent months in Sierra Leone where he claims to have installed water in villages for 25,000 people where charities had failed to deliver.

However, in his latest TikTok video Walker has said gardai took a batch of diamonds from him when he was arrested for driving offences.

In court last week, Walker had pleaded guilty to driving without insurance and in possession of false UK and Irish licences.

Sam Walker

Speaking on his TikTok channel, Walker claims gardai seized cash and valuable diamonds from him during his arrest.

He said: Fifty odd diamonds at least, there was a minimum of fifty...They were my own personal collection I told them [gardai].

"I said every diamond/jeweller has their own personal collection.

Walker, who regularly posts videos of his collections of diamonds, claims he was questioned by gardai about why he was carrying the jewels.

Walker claims he responded: "What do ya mean, why do you have your own personal collection? Have you got a hobby?

When the garda said he did not have a hobby, Walker claims he told him:

"My grandad had a hobby, he used to like stamps - he had thousands of stamps. Its the same with me, I like diamonds. So my hobby is collecting unusual diamonds and thats what I have.

The Liverpool criminal has had an eventful time since arriving in Dublin in recent weeks.

Sam Walker outside Dublin District Court

Last week, he was attacked with a knife while livestreaming in Dublin city centre.

In the TikTok clip, Walker can be seen talking to the camera while a young man wearing a hoodie comes up behind him and launches an attack.

Walker then falls to the ground while the man runs off.

The UK crime figure can then be heard shouting at his attacker, calling on him to retrurn saying: "Gowan, gowan you s**tbag.

Let's have it, why are you running away you s**tbag."

Hours before the attack, Walker had walked free from court after 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.

The accused was due to travel back to Sierra Leone, where he was living, Walkers Defence solicitor Brian Keenan told the court.

Sam Walker

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."
Matthew and two of his colleagues had been tasked to remove concrete which had set on the interior walls of a truck mounted mixing drum

A Co Armagh-based concrete products manufacturer has been fined after an employee was crushed to death.

Following an investigation by the Health and Safety Executive for Northern Ireland (HSENI), Tandragee based company, Taranto Limited has been fined 90,000 following the death of Matthew Biggerstaff (21).

Matthew was a production operative for Taranto Limited and was working in the companys main production site at Old Scarva Road in Tandragee on 3 August 2021 when he was killed following a incident involving a mixing drum.

Matthew and two of his colleagues had been tasked to remove concrete which had set on the interior walls of a truck mounted mixing drum.

The employees took turns to enter the interior of the drum, using an impact hammer to manually chip away hardened concrete.

Access was gained by entering the access hatches located on either side of the drum.

Whilst Matthew was completing this task, the drum rotated causing him to be ejected from the access hatch, drawn under the drum, and suffer fatal crush injuries.

Taranto Limited has been fined 90,000 at Newry Crown Court after pleading guilty to a single health and safety offence.

Speaking after the hearing, HSENI Principal Inspector Justine McIntyre said: This tragic and preventable incident resulted in a young man losing his life.

Concrete operators must always consider if they can eliminate the need to enter the mixing drum to perform such activities.

Where this is not possible, employers must ensure that an adequate and robust risk assessment and safe system of work is in place and that employees involved in the work activity have been suitably trained.

Matthew Biggerstaff.

Ms McIntyre continued: Performing cleaning and maintenance activities within the interior of concrete mixing drums presents safety risks which must be controlled. Both the truck and the mixing drum must be adequately locked out.

Following lock-out, where there is any residual risk of the drum rotating, adequate measures must be taken to secure the drum and prevent it from moving when any person is inside.

The HSENIs investigation found that the drum had not been effectively locked-off, nor had the drum itself been secured to prevent any powered or inadvertent rotational movement.

The company failed to conduct a suitable task specific risk assessment and implement a safe system of work including the use of appropriate control measures to mitigate the risk.

At the time of Matthews death, the Biggerstaff family said they are devastated at his sudden and tragic death.

Matthew had the ability to light up a room with his bubbly personality and his smile, his family told the Portadown Times.

Just like any young person of 21, he loved spending time with his friends and he was a great friend to so many people.

We will remember him most for his smile and his hugs.

We would like to thank everyone who has been in touch with messages of sympathy and support.

The fact that there have been so many messages that showed how much he was loved by everyone, is a real comfort at this very difficult time.
On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border

Irelands deputy premier has said he is very concerned by Israeli troops starting ground raids in villages in south Lebanon, saying international humanitarian law is not being respected.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin said the extraordinary impact on people by a ground incursion, potentially leaving more than a million people displaced, is unacceptable.

On Tuesday, the Israeli military launched what it described as a limited, localised operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaks to the media at Government Buildings in Dublin (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

The targets, it said, posed an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

Irish premier Simon Harris said that Irish citizens have been advised to leave or make arrangements to leave while it is still possible.

It is believed that up to 150 Irish citizens are in Lebanon, with many opting to leave following the escalation in fighting.

Speaking on Tuesday morning, Taoiseach Mr Harris said: The government advice to Irish citizens in Lebanon has been consistent now for quite a significant period of time, in asking those people to leave and asking to register with our embassy and consulate structures and to make arrangements to leave.

Taoiseach Simon Harris (Cillian Sherlock/PA)

That has been our advice for a significant period of time, and remains, of course, our advice today.

He also paid tribute to Irish troops in Lebanon, saying their safety remains absolutely paramount.

I specifically met the secretary-general of the United Nations Antonio Guterres last week on this and got an operational update from him as things were then, Mr Harris added.

Im absolutely satisfied from my conversation with him that the UN and all of our partners involved in the Unifil mission, including Ireland, are monitoring this situation on a very regular basis.

He said the government is at every opportunity consistently calling for a de-escalation in the Middle East.

The last thing the Middle East needs right now is the opening of a catastrophic second front of war, Mr Harris added.

Sadly, that seems to be whats happening. Even at this late hour, Id echo calls from so many other counterparts across the globe for a de-escalation in this very challenging situation.

He thanked members of the Defence Forces who are based in Lebanon.

Irish troops have served with such distinction in the Unifil mission for so many years now. Were so proud in this country of the peacekeeping role of the men and women of the Defence Forces, Mr Harris added.

Im really conscious of this particularly challenging, difficult and dangerous time, of the incredible sacrifice and effort they make.

But of course, I want to assure them, their families and people of Ireland that keeping them safe remains absolutely paramount.

Mr Martin warned of the dangers of an escalation of fighting, adding he is very concerned about recent events in the region.

International humanitarian law has to be respected and I dont believe it has been respected, certainly it hasnt been in Gaza and it certainly isnt in Lebanon either, he added.

The extraordinary impact on millions of people is, in my view, unacceptable, potentially a million people in Lebanon displaced.

Its the international community who have to pick up the pieces in the aftermath of such wars.

And Hezbollah has been a very malign influence in Lebanon and have done some terrible things.

Our view, the escalation has been disproportionate and has been excessive and the real challenge lies in how does one build reconciliation in a very poisonous atmosphere, where many, many Arab populations are incensed, where visceral feelings are growing as a result of all of this war and conflict, which will leave a very poisonous legacy for the next number of decades and will take a lot of peace-making and reconciliation to turn around the impact and the consequences of these wars and the scale of it.

The destruction of it is incredible, 2,000-pound bombs being rained down, it seems that no-one is thinking too much of the innocent women, men and children who happen to get killed or caught up in these wars.

There is an obligation on all actors, on Hezbollah, to stop firing rockets and on Hamas likewise.

Mr Martin said he spoke to the Defence Forces chief of staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy on Monday night as news of the incursion began to break, saying he has been assured they are safe.

Its a different area of where our troops are located, he added.

In a statement, the Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense, all Irish personnel remain accounted for and safe.

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It added: They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures. Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground.

Lt Gen Clancy said: Following the events in southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility.

Trocaires chief executive Caoimhe de Barra said: The ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon amidst ongoing bombing means that more people will be displaced, adding to the one million people who have already left their homes in Lebanon in the last two weeks seeking safety.

The Irish Emergency Alliance is on the ground with our partners providing access to food, shelter and medical assistance.

We are asking the Irish public to support our work so we can help people in Lebanon and in Gaza who are living with the nightmare of war.
Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will be rolled out for women following extensive campaigning

Budget 2025 is to be announced on Tuesday 1st October.

Two energy credits of 125 each will be taken off electricity bills later this year as part of the Governments cost of living package in the Budget.

A 2bn cost of living package will be announced alongside the Budget on Tuesday afternoon which will include double payments of a range of social welfare payments.

Along with income tax cuts, workers are expected to benefit from 100 increases in tax credits. This comes alongside the 1pc USC abolition and widening of the bands.

Meanwhile, a packet of 20 cigarettes looks set to increase again on health grounds, but there will be no added excise to motor fuels or alcohol.

The increase on a packed of smokes could be 1 per pack -- double the 50 cent imposed last year, with pro-rata increases on other tobacco products, sources said.

Free hormone replacement therapy (HRT) will be rolled out for women following extensive campaigning.

The measure could save women who are prescribed HRT between 360 and 840 a year, based on women paying between 30 and 70 per month.

The prescription-based medicine is used by some women to relieve symptoms of menopause.

Funding will be contingent on prescriptions, and free HRT will be rolled out as part of a 35m womens healthcare package.

The new scheme will be introduced in January 2025 and will see the State fund the cost to patients of medicines, patches or devices, such as coils.

VAT has been removed from HRT products in Budget 2023 to assist with the cost.

Budget 2025 is to be announced on Tuesday 1st October.

The single person tax credit will increase from 1,875 to 1,975, it has been suggested. The married persons or civil partners rate then becomes 3,850.

The employee Tax Credit and the Earned Income tax credit both also go up by a similar ratio, to reach 1,975.

Widowed person or surviving civil partner in year of bereavement moves from 3,750 to 3,850, with a similar move for a widowed person or surviving civil partner.

"These increases to tax credits are one of the few things that have been missed so far," a well-placed source said. "They are good to go right now, once the three leaders sign off."

The Single Person Child Carer Credit will increase, along with the Incapacitated Child Credit and the Blind Tax Credit.

Tanaiste Micheal Martin speaking about the budget at the opening of the new Civil Defence HQ in Dublin

There will also be hikes to the dependent relative tax credit and the home carer tax credit -- which can be claimed by households in which one of the adults stays at home, to care for children, for instance, meaning a number of people at an address are dependent on a single wage.

Arts Minister Catherine Martin secured 35m in funding to continue her basic income for artists scheme which will see the programme extended and expanded.

Ms Martin also received 140m from the Arts Council and 8m for Culture Ireland which promotes Irish arts overseas.

There will be record funding for the Arts Council of 140 million, to enable further investment for young people and children, and additional support for artist, venues, and production companies.

Additional funding for Culture Ireland, resulting in the highest ever allocation of 8 million in 2025, will enhance the overseas promotion of Irish creatives.

The minister also received 61m to promote Ireland has a holiday destination at home and aboard.

A capital spend allocation of 36m for Failte Ireland will also allow the agency to continue and expand its product development, including new tourism attractions in the regions. The budget for the sport arm of her department has increased by 10pc to 250m.

Meanwhile, Health Minister Stephen Donnelly secured 30m in funding for new medicines in 2025.

Stamp duty on the bulk buying of homes will be hiked to 15pc in a bid to halt vulture funds squeezing out first-time buyers.

The Coalition leaders had three options - to hike stamp duty to 15pc, to extend the period during which the homes are bought to 18 months or to decrease the number of homes to five.

They last night opted to hike stamp duty.

Housing Minister Darragh OBrien is this afternoon pushing to extend the Help to Buy scheme to the end of the decade to give certainty to developers and buyers.

It is understood he is also keen for the scheme to be looked at in a way it could support single income households or single people who want to use the initiative to buy their first home.

However, it is understood any supports for single income households will not be tomorrows Budget, with one source saying these may be for discussions down the line.

The final budget for the Department of Housing is still to be signed off on.

Minister for Justice Helen McEntee is said to be putting significant focus on tackling domestic, sexual and gender-based violence with a budget allocation understood to bring spending for the area close to 70 million.

The funding will contribute to ensuring that the number of refuge spaces are doubled as part of the Zero Tolerance strategy.

Meanwhile it is also understood that criminal legal aid fees are to increase by 8pc from January, in a measure set to be announced tomorrow. This will build on the 10pc increase in legal aid fees this year.

Prison capacity and staffing are also set to see funding increases in Budget 2025 while a review is also underway on Thornton Hall as a location for another prison to be built.

Budget measures are expected to result in hundreds of additional prison staff, which will include prison officers. Some 200 additional staff will hired this year with 150 being hired next year.

The capital budget for the Irish Prison Service will also increase by over 70pc as part of plans to deliver 1,100 extra spaces in the system.
The graphic appeared during a one minute 25 second video clip which featured British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the UN General Assembly

The Downing Street graphic included on the video

The UK government has said a Downing Street graphic appearing to show Co Donegal subsumed into the UK was done in error.

The graphic appeared during a one minute 25 second video clip which featured British Prime Minister Keir Starmer attending the UN General Assembly in New York last week.

Under the caption global challenges rebound on us at home, a map of the British Isles appears with shading over England, Scotland, Wales and a large section of the north of Ireland.

Rather than including merely the six counties of Northern Ireland, the shaded portion extends all the way to the west coast, taking in Co Donegal.

A UK government spokesperson said: This was a graphics error and will be updated shortly.

The video was taken down while the error was fixed.

But the faux pas prompted a reaction online, with Reddit users poking fun at the move.

"Let them build some train tracks first, then well take it back, suggested one user.

"Writing was on the wall when they found out scone is pronounced like "gone" here, joked another, while one Redditor suggested Downing Street might have seen all the gorgeous beach posts.

One user took a swipe at both the UK and Irish governments.

We really should think about setting up our own Republic at this stage lads with people claiming us and others forgetting we exist, they said.
Alarms sounded across the country and Israelis rushed for shelter. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts

The site of an Israeli strike that hit a building in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp and targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, near the southern city of Sidon, Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

Israeli soldiers work on tanks and armoured personnel carriers in northern Israel ahead of their incursion into Lebanon. Photo: AP

A woman cries during a funeral for people killed in an Israeli attack on Sunday in the city of Ain Deleb in southern Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system operates for interceptions as rockets are launched from Lebanon towards Israel, as seen from Haifa. Photo: Reuters.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that missiles had been launched from Iran at Israel.

Alarms sounded across the country and Israelis rushed for shelter. Reporters on state television lay flat on the ground during live broadcasts.

Iran's Revolutionary Guards said they launched tens of missiles toward Israel and warned that if Israel retaliated Tehran's response would be "more crushing and ruinous", Iranian state TV reported.

The Israeli Army said more than 200 missiles were fired into Israel from Iran this evening.

Neighbouring Jordan has ground all air traffic and all take-offs and landing at Tel Aviv have been cancelled.

Four people were also killed and more were wounded in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv.

Police said two shooters were "neutralised" and that the families of the victims had been notified.

Heavy and continuous gunfire was heard in parts of the Lebanese capital Beirut on Tuesday evening, a Reuters witness said.

The cause of the gunfire was not immediately clear.

Earlier, the military had announced that any ballistic missile strike from Iran was expected to be widespread and told the public to shelter in safe rooms in the event of an attack.

Iran had vowed to retaliate following attacks that killed the top leadership of its Hezbollah allies in Lebanon.

The firing of missiles came after Israeli troops launched ground raids into Lebanon, in the biggest escalation of regional warfare since fighting erupted in Gaza a year ago.

Iran already launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of the Iranian projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a US-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed while in flight. Even those that reached Israel appeared to miss their marks, experts and an AP analysis in September showed.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said in a Tuesday statement that Israel is facing large challenges as it fights an Iranian axis. In the videotaped statement, he urges the public to listen to public safety guidelines from the armys Home Front Command. He made no direct mention of a missile threat.

Israel said commando and paratroop units launched raids into Lebanon on Tuesday as part of a "limited" ground incursion, while Iran-backed Hezbollah said it had fired a barrage of missiles into Israel, including at its spy agency near Tel Aviv.

The raids by Israeli troops in southern Lebanon that began overnight were limited and went only a short distance over the border, an Israeli security official said on Tuesday, adding that no direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters were reported. Hezbollah's media relations chief Mohammad Afif denied Israel's claim its forces had entered Lebanon. Earlier, Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee had issued a warning in Arabic on X to residents in southern Lebanon because of what he said was intense fighting with Hezbollah.

Israeli soldiers work on tanks and armoured personnel carriers in northern Israel ahead of their incursion into Lebanon. Photo: AP

"Urgent warning to the residents of South Lebanon. Heavy fighting is taking place in southern Lebanon with Hezbollah elements using the civilian environment and the population as human shields to launch attacks."

Irish citizens

The UK is organising an evacuation flight for its citizens in Lebanon on Wednesday.

The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs has asked that Irish citizens in Lebanon who cannot leave register with the Embassy of Ireland in Cairo, Egypy, and said that it is working alongside the EU, the UK and others as part of a consular response.

Speaking to reporters on Tuesday morning, Tanaiste and Foreign Affairs Minister Micheal Martin said the vast majority of those Irish citizens have registered.

Some registered in the last number of weeks, it could be up to 140 or 150 citizens in Lebanon. Our troops are safe, I spoke with the chiefs of staff late last night as news of the limited incursion was beginning to break, he said.

Mr Martin said Israels ground incursion in Lebanon is taking place in a different area to where Irish troops are located.

They are safe, theyre professional soldiers. UNIFIL is doing everything it can at command level to make sure that the peacekeepers are protected in the context of the escalation that is occurring, he said.

Hezbollah leader killed

The Israeli raids follow intense airstrikes that have devastated the Hezbollah's leadership, including assassinating its chief Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut last week.

Israel's military said its ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds along the border that threaten Israel and is not a war against the Lebanese people.

"Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel," military spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said. Residents in southern Lebanon fled on Monday and Tuesday as Israeli strikes drew nearer, local sources told Reuters.

Hezbollah said in a statement on Tuesday that it had fired the "Fadi 4" at military positions in the suburbs of Israel commercial hub Tel Aviv. It is the fourth iteration of a series which have progressively bigger payloads and longer ranges that Hezbollah has begun to use in recent weeks.

The group also said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Israel's Mossad intelligence agency, blamed for assassinations of Hezbollah commanders and leaders, and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Israel's ambulance service said two people had been wounded by shrapnel from the barrage of missiles fired into Tel Aviv and the wider central Israel area. Traffic was also affected by part of a missile that fell onto a highway near the town of Kfar Qasim east of Tel Aviv.

Two Lebanese security sources told Reuters that Israeli units had crossed into Lebanon overnight for reconnaissance and probing operations. Lebanese troops also pulled back from positions along the border, the source added.

Lebanon is facing one of the most dangerous stages in its history, caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati said on Tuesday during a meeting with UN organisations and ambassadors of donor countries, in which they made a joint appeal for more than $400 million in aid to cope with surging hostilities.

The site of an Israeli strike that hit a building in Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp and targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, near the southern city of Sidon, Lebanon. Photo: Reuters

Despite its biggest successes against Hezbollah in decades, Israel has indicated it is primed for a full-fledged invasion of Lebanon with the stated aim of enabling thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets to safely return to their communities near the northern border.

Israel's strikes have displaced one million Lebanese from their homes and killed more than 1,100 people, Lebanese authorities have said. A looming ground offensive has sparked fear and anger in Lebanon.

"Not just Hezbollah, all of Lebanon will fight this time. All of Lebanon is determined to fight Israel for the massacres it committed in Gaza and Lebanon," said Abu Alaa, a resident of the southern port city of Sidon.

Lebanese army pulls back

Iran's allies -- from Hezbollah to Yemen's Houthis to armed groups in Iraq -- have weighed in with attacks in the region in support of Hamas in the Gaza war, raising fears the conflict will engulf the Middle East and suck in the United States and Tehran.

Yemen's Houthi movement targeted Israeli military posts in Tel Aviv and Eilat with drones on Tuesday, the group's military spokesperson Yahya Saree said in a televised speech.

Local residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead. Flares were repeatedly launched over the Lebanese border town of Rmeish, lighting up the night sky.

An Israeli strike in Lebanon early on Tuesday targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movement's military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

His fate was unknown.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said. It marked the first strike on Lebanon's largest Palestinian camp since cross-border hostilities between broke out nearly a year ago.

Israel has not commented on the strike.

In Syria, three civilians were killed and nine others injured in an Israeli airstrike on the capital Damascus, Syrian state media said, citing a military source. Israel's military said it does not comment on foreign media reports.

Israel has been carrying out strikes against Iran-linked targets in Syria for years but has ramped up raids since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel's southern territory on Oct. 7, 2023.

Hamas killed 1,200 people and took about 250 hostage in its assault on Israel, according to Israeli tallies. Israel in response launched a massive assault on Hamas in Gaza, killing more than 41,300 Palestinians, according to the Gaza health ministry.

Strikes on Beirut

Overnight, a series of strikes hit Beirut's southern suburbs after the Israeli military warned residents to evacuate areas near buildings it said contained Hezbollah infrastructure south of the capital.

In the past 24 hours, at least 95 people had been killed and 172 wounded in Israeli strikes on Lebanon's southern regions, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut, Lebanon's health ministry said early on Tuesday.

Irish Defence Forces

The Defence Forces said that while the situation is tense all Irish personnel remain accounted for and safe. They remain vigilant and are maintaining force protection measures. Defence Forces headquarters remain in regular contact with our personnel on the ground," the Defence Forces said in a statement.

Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Sean Clancy said: "Following the events in Southern Lebanon last night and this morning, I want to reassure the families of our personnel deployed in the region that the safety of our troops is our utmost priority, and we appreciate the support from their families during this time.

"We are in constant contact with them and are actively monitoring the situation on the ground. While the current circumstances are challenging, our personnel remain committed to their peacekeeping mission and are well trained to handle any increased volatility."

Correction: This story was amended to revise down the death toll from the Tel Aviv shooting from eight to four.
Dubliner relished his part as prison guard Jackie in whats one of the biggest movies of the year

Actor Brendan Gleeson has told of his delight at working with Oscar winners Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga for his leading role in Joker: Folie a Deux.

The Dubliner is third billing in the Hollywood blockbuster and cant hide his excitement at being part of one of the biggest movies of the year.

In the movie, which is in cinemas this week, Gleeson plays a prison guard Jackie, who interacts with Phoenixs character, Arthur Fleck.

Joaquin Phoenix and Lady Gaga in the new movie

Fleck is incarcerated in Arkham State Hospital as he awaits a crucial court case. There, he falls for the charming Harley Quinn (Gaga), who is beguiled by him after watching a movie about his case. Their romance sparks a love for the music that has always been inside him.

The kind of conflict thats in the movie between chaos and control and authority and then anarchy are contained within Jackie, said Gleeson of his character.

He likes the stardust thats sprinkled over this guy. He feels superior, basically, to Arthur Fleck, but feels slightly in awe of the stardust thats with Arthur Fleck: The Joker. Hes drawn to it a little bit because hes a bit of a showman himself.

He tells jokes. He likes to be liked up to a point, but most of all, he needs to be respected. He extends the apparent hand of friendship. But as soon as theres the assumption of parity hes very quick to shoot it down.

Planting a smacker on Colin Farrell

The Irish actor  who was a huge fan of the first film  was hugely impressed at working up close with Phoenix, who won the Best Actor Oscar for his first outing as Fleck/The Joker. The two previously worked together on M Night Shyamalans 2004 hit The Village.

I knew how he was from The Village. We didnt have much to do together on that, but Ive seen his performances since, and I knew the integrity that he brings. And so it was a thrill just to engage. Youre just trying to make sure you hold your end up. Thats basically what youre trying to do.

I find him hugely generous in terms of, its not just a closed shop and everybody has to jump around. Its all part of something thats evolving, and that quest to try and unearth something that is real, and not just the movie world, theres a reality in it.

Gleeson also embraced the opportunity to work with Lady Gaga, who  with other roles in A Star is Born and House of Gucci  is building an acting career alongside her epic body of music. Praising her wonderful acting work, Gleeson added that her music feeds into the nature of the film.

Brendan Gleeson as Jackie in the new Joker movie

That whole power of her music, which is an element of the film, all of that is happening. Its amazing too when you think of Joaquin and the way he delivers his musical stuff, the truth that he finds in the delivery of those songs is fantastic. Theyre some pairing. The former teacher and keen musician was also thrilled to bring his love of music to the blockbuster.

The movie takes the unconventional approach of featuring lots of tunes among the comic-book action, including classics like Frank Sinatras Thats Life and The Carpenters Close to You.

The Jokers Folie a Deux soundtrack is due for release, while its star Lady Gaga releases a companion album, Harlequin, this weekend.

Gleeson, a trad music performer well known for his fondness of a tune, loved the idea of bringing music to the sequel and even gets to sing and whistle himself onscreen.

I was blown away by the first film, so I didnt have to think too hard about it, he said. Then when I heard the whole music element was going to be there, I said: Oh, thats absolutely brilliant. That just swings you into a new corral.

Joaquin Phoenix in a scene from Joker

Its a visual world. Its a fantastical sort of world. Sound has always been atmospheric in these movies  its been about enhancing. The music in this is a completely different element altogether. It actually balances off so much of the darkness and throws a completely different emotion into the mix, in a way that I find absolutely fantastic.

Gleeson filmed the movie on location in the US around the same time as his Oscar nomination for a very different role opposite Colin Farrell in Martin McDonaghs Mayo-filmed Irish drama, The Banshees of Inisherin.

His career continues to flourish at a time where the next generation of Irish actors is making its stamp in Hollywood. As well as sons Brian and Domhnall, who have pursued their own acting careers, several other Irish actors are finding success on both Irish and international projects.

Saoirse Ronan is anticipated to get her fifth Oscar nomination - and possibly even a sixth  for her new movies The Outrun and Blitz, while Paul Mescal will play the lead role in the forthcoming Gladiator sequel.

Andrew Scott, Jessie Buckley and Nicola Coughlan are among the many other Irish actors in high demand.

A lot of them are highly skilled, and I dont envy theyre trying to negotiate the business because theres so much luck involved. But Ive always believed that the work does the work more than anything else. You just keep trying to produce stuff, that the stuff that you do is of a particular quality, and you dont leave any stone unturned, and just keep doing it. And eventually people will notice, he says.

Lady Gaga in Joker

Its a process that Gleeson has engaged with himself throughout his lengthy career, leaving his teaching job at the age of 34  a career he also adored  as the part-time acting roles started to notch up. He shone as Michael Collins in RTEs 1991 drama The Treaty, starred opposite Mel Gibson in Braveheart, played notorious criminal Martin Cahill in The General and will be known by a younger generation as Mad-Eye Moody in the beloved Harry Potter films.

In more recent years he reteamed with In Bruges director Martin McDonagh for Banshees, and was hilarious as prison chef Knuckles McGinty in Paddington 2.

Now hes mixing it up again in a comic-book blockbuster. The more I smelled it, the more it felt: this is going to be really exciting to do.
Amanda Abbington had claimed she was subjected to a toxic environment and inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.

Giovanni Pernice says he is happy after a BBC investigation cleared him of abuse on Strictly (Ian West/PA)

Laura Whitmore has broken her silence after the results of a BBC investigation into her former Strictly Come Dancing partner Giovanni Pernice were announced.

Dancing professional Giovanni Pernice was cleared of claims that he was physically aggressive towards his former dance partner Amanda Abbington by investigators following a six-month probe.

However, the BBC also apologised to his former partner Ms Abbington saying it had upheld some, but not all, of the complaints made.

The Sherlock actress had claimed she was subjected to a toxic environment and inappropriate, mean, nasty bullying.

A spokeswoman for Mr Pernice welcomed the review, saying they are pleased that this six-month review has not found any evidence of threatening or abusive behaviour by Giovanni.

After Ms Abbington made her claims, Laura Whitmore was among a group of former Strictly stars who were asked to speak to the BBC during the investigation.

The Bray broadcaster had been paired with Pernice on the show back in 2016.

Writing on her Instagram, Ms Whitmore asked people to carefully read the results of the BBC investigation.

"I hope this helps people realise they should not be subjected to abusive behaviour in the workplace.

Things can be twisted online and there's so much more to this but in black and white there were complaints upheld and an apology made.

"And the perpetrator no longer works for the channel.

In August, the Irish presenter has accused the BBC of gaslighting her over her experience on Strictly Come Dancing.

She said its all coming out now following concerns she previously raised about Giovanni's inappropriate behaviour.

She also claimed that the industry has changed for women who are louder and are now pulling people up on things since she found fame.

She told The Irish Post: The stuff I'm not going to talk to you about now, because it's under review, that's all coming out now, the stuff I tried to speak about eight years ago.

Giovanni Pernice says he is happy after a BBC investigation cleared him of abuse on Strictly (Ian West/PA)

When asked if she felt she wasn't listened to when she first raised her complaints, she replied: Or gaslit to make it seem normalised.

It's a shame that it has to come out in such a victim-shaming way, which it always does. And being the first person to speak up about anything is always hard.

Yesterday, Giovanni Pernice wrote on Instagram that "sometimes I do get frustrated" but said it was because "you care about what you do".

The dancer said he was looking forward to "carrying on to do what I was born to do".

Pernice has always denied the allegations.

In the post, he said: "It's over, it's finished, six months, seven months of all of this.

"Seven months of reading things every day in the newspaper and not being able to respond because I wanted to keep the confidentiality and privacy of the review, (it) was a difficult time.

"It was difficult because, you know, reading stuff that (was) untrue, wasn't the nicest time of my life lets be honest.

"But today I'm happy because, at the beginning there were very, very serious allegations thrown out at me but today, none of the serious allegations have been upheld.

"All the threatening, abusive, harassment behaviour allegations have not been upheld.

"Today is a day when we can all reflect because, I appreciate that dancing is a very difficult thing to do.
Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on a border area in southern Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT/JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli artillery shelling and airstrikes have killed more people in southern Lebanon since the early hours on Tuesday morning, said Lebanese military sources.

The anonymous military sources told Xinhua that the heavy Israeli artillery continued from last night until this morning, when about 150 shells were fired at more than 30 towns and villages in the border area of southern Lebanon.

Israeli drones and warplanes also carried out 15 raids on 12 towns and villages in south Lebanon at dawn on Tuesday, with intensive drone activities recorded across eastern and southern Lebanon.

"This morning, intensive movements of Israeli armored forces were monitored along the borderline," said the sources.

On early Tuesday, an Israeli raid killed six people in the house of Hassan Maqdah, the son of Munir Maqdah who heads the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian group Fatah's armed wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigades, according to Lebanese military sources.

Hezbollah forces in Lebanon fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other central cities on Tuesday morning, moderately injuring one man, following Israel's ground invasion into southern Lebanon.

The rockets triggered sirens across central Israel and several settlements in the northern West Bank.

The Israeli military stated that "a number of projectiles were identified crossing from Lebanon into Israeli territory, some of which were intercepted."

Israel's Magen David Adom rescue service reported that a 54-year-old bus driver was hit by shrapnel, sustaining moderate injuries.

The rocket attack occurred shortly after the Israeli military warned of the planned attacks in the area and urged civilians in southern Lebanon to stay north of the Litani River.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting an unprecedented, intensive air attack on Lebanon, dubbed "Arrows of the North," in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip. 

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiam, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiam, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on a border area in southern Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke rises following Israeli airstrikes on a border area in southern Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
I was always open and honest with everyone at work about what was happening with my brother. I was fired for the bad publicity, for someone elses crime.

Former This Morning presenter Phillip Schofield has blamed his brother for his departure from ITV, saying he was fired for someone elses crime.

In the final episode of Channel 5s Phillip Schofield: Cast Away, the 62-year-old revealed he would never in a million years decide to return to daytime TV.

Schofield went on to say he had always been open and honest with everyone at work about what was happening with his brother Timothy.

His 54-year-old brother was convicted in April 2023 of 11 sexual offences involving a child between October 2016 and October 2019, including two of sexual activity with a child.

On the Channel 5 show, he said he refused to name and refuse to acknowledge his brother who he claimed he had absolutely no qualms whatsoever in shopping to police, who he said had praised him for getting justice done.

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away will air on Channel 5 at 9pm (Channel 5/PA)

The Oldham-born presenter said: Even though they knew all of the facts the papers painted me out to be some sort of complicit agent.

That was when my world started to collapse. My poor mum, had to tell her about that member of the family. To break that to your mother is tough.

And I had to go through everything with the hierarchy at ITV. The full entire story so that they knew I hadnt done anything wrong. The full story.

Everything came to a head the day before he was sentenced when my agent called.

My phone rang and I picked it up, mate, are you somewhere quiet which is never a good sign, Ive got a bit of a shock, Im afraid youve been let go from This Morning. What? Yeah thats it, its done. Youre not going back on Monday.

What? because of what? Think its the publicity, mate, thats got nothing to do with me, that has nothing to do with me.

Why would I be sacked for something someone else did? Ive just been fired because of him. Because I was becoming more of a story than the programme.

It was better for the show, better for the channel. And I agreed to say that Id resigned because it would be neater for everybody.

I was always open and honest with everyone at work about what was happening with my brother. I was fired for the bad publicity, for someone elses crime.

And the thing is about a week later, I blew my own wheels off with everything else (his affair), because I thought the only way to even begin to put this right for everybody is to do a full mea culpa.

Schofield admitted to a secret affair with a younger male colleague at ITV, but strongly denies accusations of grooming.

Despite the claims on the Channel 5 show that he was dropped from This Morning, when leaving the programme more than a year ago, Schofield claimed he had resigned.

At the time Schofield denied he had been forced out, and said he was so very, very sorry for lying to ITV, his colleagues, wife and friends.

An external review, carried out by Jane Mulcahy KC on behalf of ITV found the channel made considerable efforts to find out the truth about an alleged affair between Schofield and a runner in 2019, but was not able to find evidence about the rumours.

Schofield reluctantly declined to take part in the probe because of the risk to his health, the report in December 2023 said.

Ms Mulcahy said that for the period she reviewed, she could not find evidence of a toxic culture, and urged ITV to help junior employees who think speaking out will have a detrimental impact on their careers.

At the end of the Channel 5 programme, Schofield said he was undecided on whether he would return to presenting.

Beginning to tear up, he said: Now Im not saying Im done but you know, never in a million years will I go back to daytime telly. Ive lived a hundred TV lives.

At the end of the programme, Schofield could be seen reuniting with his daughter Molly, 31, and their dog, with Molly saying she was proud to say hes my dad.

Phillip Schofield: Cast Away airs for three nights from Monday September 30, at 9pm on Channel 5, and is available to stream on My5.

ITV has been contacted for comment.
Fourteen Royal New Zealand Air Force medics recently put their skills to the test at Kaipara weapons range north of Auckland.

The week-long Exercise Starlight featured a range of scenarios personnel may encounter, as part of humanitarian assistance and disaster relief, either on deployment overseas or in New Zealand.

We were looking at what kind of situations medics would need to respond to, if an earthquake struck a Pacific Island, and we needed to tend to civilians and personnel, said Corporal Kelly Sunnex, who oversaw the exercise.

One day we were responding to a road being blocked, people being crushed under fallen trees and another to a motor vehicle accident. We also had a focus on technical skills and survival training, such as setting up camp.



Corporal Kelly Sunnex was the officer in charge of the week-long Exercise Starlight at Kaipara weapons range. Photo / RNZAF

Medics from RNZAF Base Auckland, Ohakea and Woodbourne participated in the exercise alongside a nurse from the Royal Air Force.

The medics had a range of experience, with some still on the New Zealand Defence Force medic course, so the experience to learn from other medics was really valuable, said Sunnex.



Fourteen Royal New Zealand Air Force medics put their skills to the test at Kaipara weapons range. Photo / RNZAF / Jalesa Nomani

Leading Aircraftman Echo Weeks, age 23, from Katikati, recently graduated as a medic and said this was the first time participating in a full-medical exercise, after being posted to RNZAF base Auckland.

It was awesome, I really enjoyed it. I think the idea of having different scenarios brought a different perspective every day, said Weeks.

The combination of trauma and primary health care was really useful. In my role I do a lot of primary care, but in a field environment its much more challenging, as there are limited supplies, and it requires more critical thinking and social awareness.



Corporal Jack O'leary during his individual scenario assessment. Photo / RNZAF / Jalesa Nomani

Each day a different team had the chance to be part of the directing staff, allowing personnel to build the skills needed to run scenarios, as well as be part of the response.

Personnel also got the chance to build relationships and share experience with medics from other RNZAF bases, which Sunnex said was invaluable.

It was an awesome exercise. Everyone clinically did really well, worked as a team and we got to build relationships with personnel from Ohakea and Woodbourne. Everyone was very switched on.



Corporal Kelly Sunnex attending to two injured personnel during her individual scenario. Photo / RNZAF / Jalesa Nomani



Sergeant Nadia Currie during her individual scenario assessment. Photo / RNZAF / Jalesa Nomani
This week New Zealanders will have access to more population and dwellings data from the 2023 Census.

On Thursday, October 3, Stats NZ will release 2023 Census data on population counts by ethnic groups, dwelling counts, religious affiliations and Maori descent.

Building on the first release in May, this data will provide more detail about who we are as a nation, and the richness of New Zealands diversity, said Rachael Milicich, the Deputy Government Statistician and Stats NZs deputy chief executive for insights and statistics.

It is also New Zealands first Census release to include data on gender, sexual identity, and variations of sex characteristics.

Its important that the Census represents all the people of Aotearoa New Zealand, and that people see themselves reflected in the data, said Milicich.

Meanwhile, the Government Statistician, Stats NZ chief executive Mark Sowden, is taking the opportunity to thank the more than 4.5 million people who returned a Census form .

This data will provide valuable insights that local authorities, iwi and hapu, community organisations, and the people of Aotearoa New Zealand will be able to use in their decision-making about the infrastructure and services needed by communities across the country, said Sowden.

And thank you to the Stats NZ team and all of our partners for the hard work and dedication to put high-quality data back into the hands of everyone in Aotearoa New Zealand.

The second release of 2023 Census data will be at 10.45am on Thursday. Data will be available at www.stats.govt.nz

For more information about whats included in the second release and future releases of 2023 Census data take a look at:

[2023 Census release schedule  updated May 2024 | Stats NZ ]
Malachi was murdered at the hands of his caregiver the year before  and Oranga Tamariki was found to have failed to take the bare minimum action over safety concerns about him.

Dame Karen Poutasi made 14 recommendations in 2022 after being appointed to investigate what agencies could have done better after the death of five-year-old Malachi Subecz.

Two months after a sobering report into New Zealands child protection system, Oranga Tamariki has no update on how its improving its practices.

A follow-up assessment released in August by Aroturuki Tamariki  the Independent Childrens Monitor found that system-wide change is still needed.

We are not confident that tamariki in similar situations to Malachi are any more likely to be seen, or kept safe by the system than they were when Malachi died, said the report.

Chief executive Arran Jones told The Front Page that out of all Poutasis recommendations, only one has been enacted.

The only one that was implemented was for us to come back and review progress. Thats pretty sobering, Jones said.

While work had been done at a discussion and planning level, decisions havent been made to either implement those recommendations or make or take steps to implement. So thats a concern.

Jones said figures from Child Matters, a youth protection education agency, show that one child is being killed every five weeks in New Zealand.

A lot of children and young people are being reported to Oranga Tamariki as being at risk of harm. Over a lifetime, its quite staggering, that almost a quarter of all children in New Zealand are known to Oranga Tamariki at some point.

You have around 58,000 reports of concern being made about kids in New Zealand every year. Thats 5% of our children and young people, so quite high.

When questioned about its progress, Oranga Tamariki pointed to a joint statement released in early August from the chief executives of six public service agencies charged with the wellbeing of children.

We have nothing further to add beyond this, the organisation said.

The statement said: A wide breadth of work is under way on all 13 recommendations with significant progress already made.

Aroturuki Tamariki  the Independent Childrens Monitors report into the first 12 months of progress on these recommendations concludes that change has not been quick enough in certain areas.

There is clearly much more work to do, and our agencies will work together on these challenging issues.

Listen to the full episode to hear more about issues within our child protection framework and what can be done to keep our kids safe.

The Front Page is a daily news podcast from the New Zealand Herald, available to listen to every weekday from 5am. The podcast is presented by Chelsea Daniels, an Auckland-based journalist with a background in world news and crime/justice reporting who joined NZME in 2016.

You can follow the podcast at iHeartRadio, Apple Podcasts, Spotify or wherever you get your podcasts.

-Bay of Plenty Times.
The Thrombosis Australia website says the rare blood disorder can be fatal as it affects the blood flow to essential organs such as the brain and heart.

Without the plasma treatment that I had this week, I wouldnt have made it.

Now, Rumble wants to create awareness about how vital it is for people to donate plasma.

The 27-year-old has been diagnosed with an extremely rare blood disorder called Thrombotic Thrombocytopenic Purpura (TTP), which can be treated by plasma exchange.

Rotorua woman Megan Rumble says she would not be alive if not for the more than 111 bags of donated plasma she has received in a week.

If left untreated, the mortality rate is 90% however, modern management and treatment had reduced this to 10%, it said.

The condition means blood clots develop in small vessels and there is more need for platelets cells needed for blood clotting.

Research estimates there are 1.5-6 cases of TPP per million people each year.

Bruises everywhere

On September 17, Rumble called her GP after counting 27 unexplainable bruises everywhere on her body.

She also had a rash on her lower legs and blood in her urine.

Rumble was referred for urgent blood tests and booked a GP appointment for that afternoon to discuss the results.

Her GP told her to go straight to Rotorua Hospital because she had a platelet level of 18.

A normal platelet level should be between 150 and 400, Rumble said.

From then, she was in and out of Rotorua Hospital for a week and getting daily blood tests as staff consulted with the haematology team at Waikato Hospital to figure out what was wrong.

Rumble said she had a dangerously low platelet level and was transferred to Waikato Hospital on September 23, where she has been since.

Megan Rumble had a vascath fitted on her neck for her plasma exchanges.

She said her TPP diagnosis was confirmed at Waikato Hospital.

Rumble explained the condition meant her body attacked an enzyme called ADAMTS13.

Everything gets all confused where your blood clots where it shouldnt clot, and it uses up all your platelets to the point where you end up with very, very little platelets doing what they should.

After being admitted to Waikato Hospital, Rumble had an emergency plasma transfusion as her platelet level had dropped below 10.

Rumble has had plasma transfusions daily to increase her platelet level.

Megan Rumble and her partner, Harry Haywood, who has been an "amazing support" since she was admitted to hospital.

She said she was grateful to have received a huge amount of plasma - more than 111 bags in one week.

An average plasma donor would donate about three to five bags per donation, she said.

Ive definitely gone through a good chunk of our countrys plasma donations in the last week.

On Monday, her platelet level was 277, she said.

I should go back to living a fairly normal life

Rumble said the next step was monitoring to see if her body could maintain those platelets, then starting an intravenous treatment intended to stop her immune system from attacking the ADAMTS13 enzyme.

It would an ongoing treatment, starting with a minimum of once a week for four weeks, she said.

If everything went to plan, she should be back in Rotorua in a week, she said.

Rumble said for the first year or two, her body would be in maintenance mode with monitoring and blood tests.

Once it was under control, I should go back to living a fairly normal life.

Rumble lives with her partner, Harry Haywood. A Givealittle page has been set up for the couple as Haywood is driving to Hamilton daily to be with her in hospital. Both of them have not worked since she was admitted to hospital two weeks ago.

She said they both had very little sick and annual leave and it may still be a few weeks before she could return to full-time work.

The money raised would help relieve the couples financial pressure, she said.

Donating plasma

Plasma donations can treat up to 50 illnesses and make 11 lifesaving treatments.

It can be donated more frequently than blood, every 2 weeks.

It can be donated in between donating blood.

A plasma donation can take up to 90 minutes including registration and recovery. The time on the bed can take about 45 to 60 minutes.

Blood is taken and separated into plasma and red blood cells by a special apheresis machine. The red blood cells are returned to your body and the plasma is collected in a sterile bag.

Eligible donors can book in to make a plasma donation via the NZ Blood website.

-Rotorua Daily Post.
People in the Bay of Plenty are being encouraged to sign up as a volunteers for Breast Cancer Foundation NZs Pink Ribbon Street Appeal this October.

Volunteer collectors are needed on October 18 and 19 to raise funds for breast cancer research, education and patient support programmes.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZs chief executive, Ah-Leen Rayner, said the donations made to the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal are vital to continue the charitys work.

We dont receive any government funding, so we rely entirely on the generosity of our incredible volunteers and donors to keep our vital programmes going.

Breast cancer affects one in nine New Zealand women, but the good news is it can be successfully treated if detected early. The money raised through the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal will help to support patients going through treatment and make sure more women can get an earlier diagnosis.

Around 190 women are diagnosed with breast cancer across Bay of Plenty every year. The survival rate for breast cancer if diagnosed early is 92%.

Breast Cancer Foundation NZ is urging all women to be breast aware to give themselves the best chance of surviving breast cancer  that means getting to know the normal look and feel of their breasts, regularly touching and looking for any changes, and getting changes checked by a GP as soon as possible.

For women aged 45-69, free mammograms are available through BreastScreen Aotearoa every two years.

To sign up for a two-hour collection shift for the Pink Ribbon Street Appeal, visit pinkribbonvolunteer.org.nz
Colourful artwork and improved treatment rooms will greet sick young people in Rotorua Hospitals newly upgraded childrens ward.

Health minister Dr Shane Reti opened the hospitals refurbished childrens unit on Tuesday, calling it a significant milestone for children and families in the Lakes community.

The upgrade was part of a wider $6 million refurbishment, which also included the birthing and perinatal units.

The units were built in the 1960s.

Changes to the childrens ward included renovated patient rooms, private rooms, and treatment rooms as well as improved negative and positive pressure rooms to help children with different needs.

Three negative pressure rooms helped children with infections, while the positive pressure room helped immunosuppressed children undergoing treatment such as chemotherapy to breathe clean air.

Lakes District group director operations Alan Wilson. Photo / Laura Smith.

Te Whatu Ora Health NZ Lakes District group director operations Alan Wilson said there were more ensuites and brand new facilities behind the walls, such as the new air conditioning system.

Treatment rooms were much better, he said. Scary equipment was out of sight of the children and the Donovan Bixley artwork served as a distraction.

All-in-all, its a more pleasant, welcoming environment for people to work in.

In a speech at the opening, Reti said the upgrade reinforced the Governments commitment to ensure the health system met the needs of local communities and improved health outcomes for all New Zealanders.

As Health Minister, my priorities are clear: improving access, timeliness, and quality of healthcare. These are only achievable through fit-for-purpose infrastructure and a workforce that is well supported and equipped to provide high-quality care in their communities.

Speaking to Local Democracy Reporting, Reti said it was a really good facility and he was pleased and proud for the people of Rotorua.

They will come to this facility and they will receive excellent care and there will be better patient outcomes as a result of this upgrade.

Reti said funding for the upgrade was set in 2022. This was under the previous Government.

He said the current Governments health strategy spectrum had five top-line priorities including timeliness for surgery and specialist services, and wait times for emergency rooms.

Beneath those were five modifiable behaviours, such as addressing smoking, alcohol and exercise.

Health minister Shane Reti opens the newly refurbished children's' unit at the Rotorua Hospital. Photo / Laura Smith.

And then beneath that are five pathologies that will be applying ourselves to; cardiovascular, respiratory, cancer, diabetes and mental health.

Asked about emergency room wait times following the August death of a patient waiting in Rotorua, Reti said the incident was under review.

He said elective and planned care in Rotorua were among the highest-performing in the country, particularly on wait times for specialists.

Rotorua MP Todd McClay said it was a beautiful building and would prove a lot of care for the districts children.

The building comes alive from the hard work, generosity and professionalism of our doctors and nurses, so a huge thank you to them.

Mayor Tania Tapsell said it was hugely significant for the community.

Over 1000 children use this every single year and while all families hope they never have to, its great to have this new facility, state-of-the-art.

Im blown away by all the Rotorua touches I see everywhere. Its going to be a fun and safe place for our children if they need it.

RNZ reported the opening of the redeveloped unit was delayed after work paused in February for costs to be reviewed.

Local Democracy Reporting has requested further details of the review and delay from Te Whatu Ora.

LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.
The area covered by the Katikati Community Board would be drastically reduced under a new proposal.

Western Bay of Plenty District Council is undertaking a representation review which included a proposal to reduce the area covered by Katikati Community Board, said board chairman John Clements.

The board currently represents an area from Pahoia in the south to Athenree in the north but the proposal would mean only urban Katikati was retained.

Under the Local Electoral Act 2001, local authorities were required to do a representation review at least once every six years. Last month Western Bay of Plenty District Council announced it was considering reducing the number of seats at the council table from 12 to 10.

With a change in numbers, ward boundaries would also be adjusted.

In Western Bay of Plenty District Councils initial proposal, boundary changes to Katikati, Te Puke and Maketu Community Board areas would be made in order to better reflect these communities of interest, and enable the Katikati and Te Puke Community boards to have a stronger mandate to be more focused on urban issues.

Clements urged locals to attend council workshops to learn more and have their say.

I am of the opinion that Katikati as a service town, the link between rural and urban, has always been close and strong and have a shared community of interest and benefit.

All of the community organisations are a mix of rural and urban and the events and promotions benefits the whole community.

Representatives from both rural and urban areas have actively served on the community board now and in the past, he said.

Katikati-Waihi Beach ward councillor Allan Sole said the status quo was best left alone and I do support community boards.

There could be an issue for communities like those between Tanners Point and Kauri Point for instance, that may not feel they are part of Katikati or the greater Katikati Community Board ward.

Katikati-Waihi Beach ward councillor Rodney Joyce said he had no concerns either way, but he asked people to give the council their answers.

Earlier this year, we told the folks what community boards cost and did they want them, and the resounding reply was yes. This made it much easier for those of us who support community boards to put the case at council for their retention.

Now we are asking the folk in rural areas and smaller communities do they feel the Katikati Community Board works for them, or would they rather save a little bit off their rates?

He was surprised by the tight boundaries but it was a consultation process so no decisions have been made.

Katikati Waihi Beach Residents and Ratepayers Association chairman Keith Hay said Katikati was a service town and its community of interest was the urban area and surrounding rural areas.

It is everyone who shops in the town, who socialises in the town, or who sends their children to school in the town.

There may be an argument for excluding small distal parts of the ward whose residents shop elsewhere, but this mass excision appears completely unjustified.

The workshops would give people the chance to talk with experts on key topics: Maori representation at the council table, reduction in councillors, and the role of community boards.

A survey questionnaire is also available in libraries for hard copy or on the councils website, before October 11.
Ignacio Lillo Malaga Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 12:26 | Updated 12:53h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Spain's Directorate-General for Traffic (DGT) authority is encouraging motorists to fill at least two seats in their cars as access points to large cities around the country, including Malaga, become clogged, especially during peak commuting hours.

The main accesses to Malaga city from the metropolitan area - especially from the eastern area and the Guadalhorce valley towns - are frequently collapsed during rush hours. Meanwhile, the average occupancy of each vehicle is less than two people.

DGT director general Pere Navarro said entrances and exits of large Spanish cities such as Madrid, Barcelona and Malaga "are at the limit of their capacity in terms of traffic". He called on drivers to occupy at least two seats in their vehicles in a bid to reduce the amount of traffic on roads and unclog bottlenecks.

Sources from the authority clarified this is "a recommendation" and there is no intention of turning it into a regulation. However, Navarro said that, after measuring the state of traffic on access roads to major cities, it was found that "80% of vehicles" only carry one person. "With the capacity limit, do the maths, we are going to be at a standstill any day now," he added.

Navarro encouraged "putting two people in each vehicle". "At this point in the 21st century, it should not be impossible," he said, who also pointed out he wants to achieve "half the number of vehicles, half the fuel consumption and half the emissions".

Blablacar

Navarro also pointed out the option for people to partake in car sharing. "Blablacar, which is a French multinational, has passed through the DGT, and in some cities it is providing the service, subsidised by the authorities, to expand car sharing in and out, and it is having good results."

"The challenge we have is to expand vehicle occupancy and what we cannot have is more vehicles. We are at the limit of capacity, and what we cannot do is to be talking all day long about climate change, emissions and so on, and have the capacity to enter and leave cities with vehicles at the limit," Navarro added.

Navarro encouraged locals who have to commute to work to use the Cercanias trains, which "is the most useful option for urban mobility" and which will double its service "by 2030".
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's army has called up four additional reserve brigades to the Lebanese border where it launched a ground operation targeting Hezbollah's military infrastructure overnight.

The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that the troops will take part in the operation, adding that the call-up "will enable the continuation of operational activity" against Hezbollah.

The mobilization came as Israel prepared for further reprisals from Hezbollah, the Lebanese militia and political party.

As part of the preparation, Israel also tightened restrictions on civilians in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv, raising the alert level for rocket attacks in central Israel to Stage 2. 
Chus Heredia Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 12:51 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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It could be defined as a hybrid between a bus and a tram. It already exists in some 170 cities around the world. The first in history was Curitiba in Brazil (1974). It goes by the acronym BRT, which corresponds to the English term 'rapid transit bus', although other commercial names are sometimes chosen in each city. In Malaga, when the idea was first floated, the proposed name was 'metrobus'. In Seville, which is in the middle of construction work on a new BRT route, it has been named 'tranvibus'. What are the advantages of this transport, and what are the plans to introduce it in Malaga?

Firstly, it is important to note that it is preferable to implement this type of transport system on wide avenues. It is a long bus lane with its entire platform physically separated from road traffic. But it is much more than just a bus lane because it is designed for fewer stops, more passenger capacity and even for passengers to swipe their card upon entry or to pay before boarding at a stop or 'station'. In this regard there can be different variations.

High profitability

BRT systems use articulated - often nicknamed 'bendy' - buses and can even have platforms. The cost of construction is much cheaper than that of an above-ground tram or light railway line. Furthermore, their cost-effectiveness can be very high. Still, it also has its detractors, who usually see it as a short-term solution and point to a lower durability than rail infrastructure and the same goes for the rolling stock itself.

Previous studies promised good outcomes

So BRT combines the frequency, capacity and speed of light rail and the flexibility and lower cost of a bus. In Malaga it has been on the political and technical agendae on several occasions. The preliminary study for a connection line between El Candado and La Malagueta, which would later be extended longitudinally to the west and even to the wider industrial zone, was at an advanced stage. In the eastern part, a route along the coastline or along Paseo Reding was also investigated to a similar extent as they did for the possible metro line 3 to El Palo. The results provided good data on demand and profitability. That project was linked to a park-and-ride proposal in the area closest to Rincon de la Victoria, an idea that is still on the table for municipal planning.

Drastic decisions

Let us not forget that the space required for these routes means that drastic decisions have to be taken regarding road traffic, which would be greatly reduced. So this is where such a system for Malaga is at the moment a bit of a let-down. Moreover, they tend to run in the centre section of the chosen road.

There have been other times when this idea was proposed. For instance, the time when the Junta de Andalucia proposed that the metro should run above ground to the Civil Hospital and Malaga city's governing team at the time was opposed to that idea, so one of the alternatives offered was several metrobus lines.

The BRT is a medium-capacity system and as such has not yet generated a shared enthusiasm, but it does have many advocates and can provide very concrete solutions. It has been an idea that the city council has worked hard on, even rejecting European funds worth 800,000 euros because it had doubts about how it would fit into the city and what its configuration could be.

BRT work underway in Seville

In Seville the construction work for the first tramway has a budget of 20.7 million euros and is funded by European money [recreation of the project in this video link]. The first route is 8.2 kilometres long to connect Santa Justa railway station with the districts of Sevilla Este and Torreblanca. The cost/kilometre ratio is obviously much lower than that of a tram and, of course, way less that an underground metro. For this section there will be a four-metre wide bus lane and the rest of the lanes will be at least 3 metres wide. There are 14 stops. The journey time will be 22 minutes in total. The project is accompanied by cycle lanes, car parks and more than 52,000 square metres of green space.

Malaga mayor's opinion

SUR has asked the mayor of Malaga, Francisco de la Torre, about this transport system, which is included among the alternatives being considered for connecting Malaga and Rincon and the possible metro to Ciudad Jardin. "This formula can always be examined, we have to study all the modes and the advances that have been seen in other cities," he states. However, for this mayor the layout of Malaga city, configured without large avenues, complicates the implementation of this rapid bus system. "It is not ruled out, we are currently looking at all the options in the mobility forums, especially in terms of interurban connections. BRT would be a step beyond bus lanes but it obviously takes up more space."

De la Torre pointed to the fact that central government has ruled out the project proposal for the 'bus-VAO' (the Spanish for an exclusive lane for buses and high-occupancy vehicles) on the MA-20 access road into Malaga running from Torremolinos to the provincial headquarters of the National Police. In reality, the Ministry of Transport has only changed the project, opting for a three-lane extension of the ring road instead, which will include demolishing the current bridge over the Guadalhorce and building a new bypass to the north. The project is at the design stage and is estimated to cost 190 million euros.

Work on the bus-VAO at the entrance to Malaga city on the A-357 Guadalhorce motorway will begin soon. Sando is the Spanish multinational company that has been awarded the project and the build, supported by the Junta's regional ministry for public works, for a total of 8.5 million euros.

In short, this kind of tram with wheels has not yet come to fruition as a viable proposal for Malaga, but neither is it off the table at strategic and specialist meetings and discussions - the debate rolls on.
Raquel Merino Malaga Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 15:46 Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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They were born in the last week of June, but only now has the mother decided to venture outside, breaking open the nest cavity with her beak with a little extra help from the chicks. So the good news has been confirmed. For the first time in Spain two black-throated hornbills have been born on the Costa del Sol, specifically at Bioparc Fuengirola. These are also the only births of this species in Europe to date this year.

The black-throated hornbill is one of the most characteristic birds of the tropical forests of southeast Asia. It is charismatic and colourful but, unfortunately, it is threatened by poaching and habitat destruction. The clearing of large areas of rainforest has reduced the forests on which these birds depend for breeding, food and shelter, as reported by staff at Bioparc. The most recent studies carried out by the IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature) classify this species as 'vulnerable', so it meets one of the five criteria that would put it on the IUCN Red List of endangered species. Its population is decreasing and, if this continues, it could be reduced by up to 50% in 50 years.

Zoom The female with her chicks inside the 'false tree trunk' nest. SUR

For this reason, Bioparc Fuengirola was especially lucky. It has been a long process. Female hornbills are very selective and the male must flirt with her, play and present her with small 'gifts' in the form of food for her to accept him. Only if she accepts him can mating take place.

In the event that a clutch of eggs is laid, the life of the female and the chicks becomes the responsibility of the male, who has to feed and protect them. During laying, incubation, hatching of the eggs and growth of the chicks, the female takes refuge in a tree cavity, in a space sealed by both parents to protect the nest from possible predators, with a narrow slot for the male to pass food through.

As the Bioparc team pointed out, "a process that for its conservation is a challenge to replicate and, most importantly, to bring it to a successful conclusion. And that is what the park's veterinary and zoology teams have more than achieved."

But the work does not end when the female breaks open the seal to the nest site and leaves with her chicks. The keepers at the Fuengirola animal and conservation park must now be on the lookout for possible signs of aggression between them, which are frequent in this species, especially among adolescent chicks. For this reason surveillance of the family has been ramped up, previously done via a video surveillance camera installed on top of the nest, and now pointing directly into the cage, the same view that the public visiting the park will have.
Juan Soto Malaga Tuesday, 1 October 2024, 13:59 | Updated 14:07h. Opciones para compartir Copiar enlace

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Malaga province has recorded the "best summer in history", according to the head of Turismo Costa del Sol and provincial authority president Francisco Salado. However, despite surging numbers of visitors he pointed out concerns with rising hotel prices.

"I am concerned about the high prices," he said. From June to September, 6.2 million tourists visited the province, a 3.1% increase compared to last year, Salado pointed out. During this period, tourist income reached 8.75 billion euros (7.3% more than last year) and employment figures show a growth of 6.8% to 149,693 people registered with social security in June.

Salado said that these are figures are "very satisfying because we have had a really good summer and this is reflected in the most relevant indicators". "We can say, once again, that we have experienced the best summer in the history of the province of Malaga," he added.

Despite this, Salado said he is concerned about the high prices of hotels, which have reached an average of 182.74 euros (0.8% more than last summer). "Evidently, the economy is not doing so well, and if there are other destinations that are more competitive from the point of view of the price of hotel accommodation, such as Asturias, Cantabria or Galicia, in the end, if you don't have the economic resources, you would choose those destinations," he pointed out.

Zoom Salado, together with the Costa del Sol tourism delegate, Esperanza Gonzalez. SUR

Salado added that he is concerned about how these prices have influenced Spanish tourists and their decision to visit the Costa del Sol, or not. However, he was not worried about the weather and the impact the excessive heat has on some tourists. "Foreigners love this weather and that's why they are coming more and more to the Costa del Sol; and we go to places with a cooler climate. That is why the high season is being extended," he said.

'Malaga is not overcrowded; the people of the province feel very comfortable and they roll out the red carpet for tourists'

Salado also spoke about the tourism model in Malaga province. "Malaga is not overcrowded," he said, addressing doubts on whether the province could handle the current tourism boom. "The people of Malaga feel very comfortable and they put out the red or carpet for tourists because they know that tourism is the main industry."

After pointing out that almost 150,000 people have worked in the tourism sector over the past few months, he asked: "What would they work in? What alternative do we have? We have grown up all our lives receiving tourists, generation after generation, and what we cannot do is try to say or justify that the problems Malaga has, in terms of transport, lack of water or housing, are due to tourism because it is not true".

"We have reached this moment of saturation because of policies that have not been tackled at the right time," he said, referring to the lack of housing, subsidised housing or investment in transport or water. "These are measures that have nothing to do with tourism, but with the fact that the infrastructures we need have not been built. If they were here, this minority movement that is trying to blame tourism for our problems would not exist," Salado added.

More arrivals at the airport

Salado pointed out that arrivals at Malaga Airport exceeded five million (10.1% more than last summer). Of the total, 4.22 million were international and 0.81 million Spanish.

During the months of May to July the number of visitors staying in hotels, flats, campsites and rural accommodation registered a slight decrease of 0.1%, with a total of 2.4 million people. Overnight stays increased slightly to 9.4 million.

Regarding hotels only, the number of visitors has decreased by 0.4% with the average stay reaching 3.7 days. The revenue per available room reached 140.74 euros (1.6%).

Looking ahead to the last four months of the year, Salado announced that 4.68 million seats will be offered on flights (10.6% more than last year) and that Malaga will be connected to 138 cities (six more). It is forecast that the main tourist markets will be the United Kingdom, Germany, the Netherlands, France and Italy.
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Syracuse, N.Y.  A new program from the United Way of Central New York and KeyBank aims to bring lessons about saving, spending and investing money directly into the workplace to help entry-level workers who may struggle to make ends meet.

Thrive at Work will provide one-on-one financial counseling to qualified workers at their job sites. To start, the United Way and KeyBank hope to help about 150 workers at a handful of local employers, which have yet to be selected.

First, the United Way plans to hire and train a coordinator to provide the counseling, according to Alissa Tubbs, the United Ways Chief Impact Officer. That could take a few months, Tubbs said.
Editors note: Story updated with information about Curtis S. Daileys work at the sheriffs office.

Richland, N.Y.  A 67-year-old man died Monday night after his motorcycle crashed into a guardrail on Interstate 81 in Oswego County, troopers said.
BAGHDAD, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two Katyusha rockets hit areas around the Baghdad International Airport on Tuesday, causing no casualties, the Iraqi military said.

The attack occurred at 00:20 a.m. Tuesday local time (2120 GMT Monday) when two rockets pounded areas close to the airport, with one landing on a base of the Iraqi Counter-Terrorism Service, according to a statement by Tahsin al-Khafaji, spokesman for the Iraqi Joint Operations Command.

Iraqi security forces found a rocket launcher on a truck left in the al-Ameriyah neighborhood in western Baghdad, and defused several unfired rockets in the launcher, al-Khafaji said, adding that more information will be released later.

Meanwhile, an Interior Ministry source told Xinhua that the Iraqi forces cordoned off the neighborhood and launched a probe into the incident to identify the attackers.

He said that the attack apparently targeted an Iraqi military base housing U.S. military experts near the airport.

No group has so far claimed responsibility for the attack.

Iraqi military bases housing U.S. troops and the U.S. embassy in the Green Zone of Baghdad have been frequently under unknown mortar and rocket attacks. 
Syracuse, NY -- The death of a New York resident from eastern equine encephalitis last week shows the need for more federal help to combat mosquito-borne viruses, Sen. Chuck Schumer said Tuesday in Syracuse.

The Ulster County death was the first in the state from EEE since 2015. But it shows a growing problem, Schumer said.
After a short break, Taylor Swifts Eras Tour returns this month for its final leg across North America. Kicking back off on October 18 in Miami, Swift will perform multiple nights in New Orleans, Indianapolis and Toronto before wrapping up in Vancouver on December 8.

During her hiatus, Swift has remained a hot topic, winning Video of the Year at the MTV Video Music Awards, attending the US Open, endorsing Kamala Harris for President and supporting her boyfriend Travis Kelce during Kansas City Chiefs games, among other things.

While Swift has kept busy, fans have been eagerly awaiting her return to the stage. Fortunately, they wont have to wait much longer. If youre one of the many still looking to get your hands on last-minute tickets, you can find the cheapest prices available for each city below.

Taylor Swifts Eras Tour schedule and tickets

Upcoming Tour Dates:

Miami, FL: October 18, 19, 20

Tickets: $1,061 on Vivid Seats, $1,084 on SeatGeek, $1,166 on StubHub

New Orleans, LA: October 25, 26, 27

Tickets: $1,073 on Vivid Seats, $1,059 on SeatGeek, $1,077 on StubHub

Indianapolis, IN: November 1, 2, 3

Tickets: $1,458 on Vivid Seats, $1,466 on SeatGeek, $1,489 on StubHub

Toronto, ON: November 14, 15, 16, 21, 22, 23

Tickets: $1,177 on Vivid Seats, $1,255 on SeatGeek, $1,108 on StubHub

Vancouver, BC: December 6, 7, 8

Tickets: $1,018 on Vivid Seats, $1,023 on SeatGeek, $1,170 on StubHub

Prices and availability are noted at the time of publishing and are subject to change and additional fees.
Baldwinsville, N.Y.  A Baldwinsville man was accused of trespassing Monday afternoon at the village high school in an incident that sent the building into lockdown for several hours.

The man, Jack J. Grippe, 25, entered C. W. Baker High School around the time of dismissal, according to a Monday evening news release from Michael Lefancheck, the chief of the Baldwinsville Police Department.

Grippe became nervous and ran out of the main office when an administrator spoke to him, Lefancheck said. School staff told officers about the interaction, which they considered suspicious.

Surveillance video showed Grippe left the building and drove away in a vehicle, Lefancheck said. No weapons were reported or observed. No injuries were reported.

As a precaution, the school was placed on lockdown, Lefancheck said. Law enforcement searched each room to ensure no other unauthorized people were in the building, he said. No one else was found.

Elden Elementary School and Durgee Junior High School, which are part of the districts East Oneida Street campus, were placed on a lock-out as a precaution, according to a Monday evening message to parents and the school community from Joseph DeBarbieri, the superintendent of the Baldwinsville Central School District.

Grippe was charged with third-degree criminal trespass, a misdemeanor, Lefancheck said. He was released on his own recognizance and is scheduled to appear in village court on Oct. 16.

Students and staff remain in place, with classroom and entry doors locked, during a lockdown, according to the district website.

Classroom doors are open during a lock-out, according to the district, while entry doors and windows remain locked.

All district after-school and evening activities were cancelled Monday evening, according to the district website.

School officials ask anyone with information about the incident to call the Baldwinsville Police Department at 315-635-3131.

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.
Syracuse, N.Y.  The Onondaga Nation has regained 1,000 acres of its ancestral land, a tiny portion of the land members say was unjustly taken by the state beginning in the 18th century.

The land, covered in woods and wetlands, is in Tully, near the Onondagas federally recognized territory in Nedrow.

When the tentative deal was announced two years ago, officials said it was one of the largest land transfers made to an Indian nation in the United States and the first time land has been returned directly to a New York tribe.

Honeywell International, the company responsible for polluting and cleaning up Onondaga Lake, turned over the land to the Onondaga as part of the companys settlement with the state.

The land, which includes headwaters of Onondaga Creek, was transferred by Honeywell on Friday under a federal Superfund settlement related to the contamination of the environment, according to the Onondaga Nation.

Nation members said then they wanted to restore the land. Their highest priority, they said, was to clean up the section of Onondaga Creek that runs through the property and establish a native brook trout habitat there.

The land is part of an expanse of 2.5 million acres in Central New York the Onondagas say was taken over decades by New York beginning in 1788 through deceitful maneuvers that violated treaties and federal law.

Sid Hill, the Tadodaho, or chief, of the Onondaga Nation, said Monday they were grateful to federal and state officials for working with them to return the first 1,000 acres of the 2.5 million acres of treaty-guaranteed land taken from us over the centuries.

This is a small but important step for us, and for the Indigenous land back movement across the United States, Hill said in a prepared statement.

Rebuffed in U.S. courts, the Onondagas are now pursuing their claim before the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights, which is part of the Organization of American States.

The nations case involves a roughly 40-mile-wide (65-kilometer-wide) strip of land running down the center of upstate New York from Canada to Pennsylvania. The Onondagas hope the case spurs negotiations that could lead to the return of some land.

Staff writer Glenn Coin contributed to this report.
Fulton, N.Y.  Tina Mody invited more than a dozen friends to her bachelorette party two years ago.

Among them was Cailee Campbell, who didnt know most of the other people who would be there. Many people would be intimidated by such a situation, but not Campbell.

By the end of the party, Modys friends told her it felt like they had known Campbell for a long time.

She always just makes you feel like youre best friends, Mody said. She makes you feel important, like you matter.

Campbell, 33, of Central Square, died Wednesday when her patrol car was struck in a rural intersection in the town of Volney while she was responding to a call for a car crash.

Her funeral is at noon today at Fulton Alliance Church at 1044 State Route 48 in Fulton. Police from across the state and from out-of-state are expected to attend. A reception for family, friends and law enforcement follows the funeral.

Friends and co-workers took time to share stories about Campbell with syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. They said Campbell was known for her bubbly, outgoing personality and how she cared for others around her.

Campbell was born in Syracuse and graduated in 2009 from Jordan-Elbridge High School, according to her obituary.

Campbell made it clear to friends that she wanted to become a police officer, according to Jenna Quattrini, a friend and police officer in Baldwinsville. The two met about six or seven years ago.

Campbell was working two jobs at the time, as a waitress at Good Buddys Pub in the Fairmount section of Camillus and at a credit union in Baldwinsville. But those jobs were intended to be a temporary arrangement.

She through and through wanted to protect and serve, Quattrini said. As cliche as that sounds, she was born to do that, and was going to fight and work blood, sweat and tears until she could do that.

Quattrini said Campbell would ask her questions about the police academy and request help in training for the physical test. She taught Campbell the proper form for push-ups and sit-ups, and within two weeks she said Cambell was outdoing her.

In 2019, Campbell got her first job in law enforcement as a corrections deputy with the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office, an agency spokesperson said.

Campbell later went back to the police academy in her quest to become a patrol officer.

Her training was derailed when her mother died after a battle with cancer, Quattrini said. Mary Drake died at age 60 in February 2021, according to her obituary.

Campbell returned to the academy and passed in October 2023, Quattrini said. She joined the Oswego County Sheriffs Office, where she had served for 17 months at the time of her death.

Oswego County Sheriff Don Hilton said last week Campbell was a fantastic part of the team. She always smiled and loved the job, he said. He had spoken with her the week before the crash, asking if she still enjoyed the job, he said.

16 1 / 16 Police, firefighters pay tribute to Oswego County deputy killed in crash

Outside of work, Campbell was known for her love of animals.

She had two cats, Ginger and Mia, according to her obituary. Quattrini said Campbell would offer to watch her German Shepherds, taking them on walks and becoming something of a second mother to them.

Mody recalled a time when Campbell struck a deer with her car while on the way back from a session at the gym.

Campbell began bawling, she said, at the idea that she might have injured the deer.

She didnt care about her car. It was the deer  and the deer was fine, Mody said. She couldnt bear the thought of hurting the deer.

Campbell enjoyed getting outdoors and hiking with her boyfriend, Josh Cruz, at Chimney Bluffs State Park on the shores of Lake Ontario, according to her obituary. She also took fitness seriously and would train at Champions Fitness Center in Cicero.

Campbells friends also recalled how she would lift up and support those around her.

Mody said Campbell comforted her after her brother died several years ago. Campbell was instantly there for her, she said.

She didnt know my brother, but shes just crying Mody said. Any time youre hurting, she feels all of your emotions and shows her emotions.

Quattrini said Campbell was known to be the first person to arrive at celebrations and milestone events.

She was just so happy to celebrate other people and be there when you needed support, she said.

Alyssa Appel, a former co-worker, described Campbell as sunshine in human form.

She was the ultimate friend, Appel said. If you were having a bad day, Cailee was gonna make it better.

Quattrini said she recently told Campbell she was expecting a baby. Campbell right away started asking about taking on babysitting shifts.

Quattrini said she visited Campbells house on Saturday to help her boyfriend with arranging funeral services.

While there, Quattrini found one last kind gesture waiting from Campbell. The presents already purchased for her baby.

Oswego County Sheriff's Office Deputy Cailee Campbell, 33, was killed in a car accident while on duty on Sept. 25, 2024. (Courtesy of the Oswego County Sheriff's Office)Oswego County Sheriff's Office

***

Cailee Campbells obituary

***

Staff writer Jon Moss covers breaking news, crime and public safety. He can be reached at jmoss@syracuse.com or @mossjon7.

Staff writer Rylee Kirk covers breaking news, crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, photo, question or comment? Reach her at 315-396-5961, on Twitter @kirk_rylee, or rkirk@syracuse.com.

Staff writer Fernando Alba covers breaking news crime and public safety. Have a tip, story idea, question or comment? Reach him at falba@syracuse.com.
Early bowhunting season for deer and bear opens on Tuesday, Oct. 1, in the Southern Zone and runs through Nov. 15, 2024. In the Northern Zone, early bowhunting season opened Sept. 27 and runs through Oct. 25.

Bowhunters can use a crossbow during the last 10 days of the Northern Zone bow season (Oct. 16-25); and the last 14 days of the Southern Zone bow season (Nov. 2-15). This season is open to bowhunters who possess a muzzleloader privilege and a crossbow qualifications certificate as required by law.

Were looking forward to a good hunting season this fall, said Jeremy Hurst, DEC Big Game Unit Leader. There are conditions that lined up over the last winter and this summer that put us in a good position to have a real robust deer and bear population.

Milder winters and good mast cropsmainly beechnuts and acornshave led to increasing deer populations in the Adirondacks, Hurst said, emphasizing the need for higher levels of harvest there this hunting season compared to past seasons.

Early bowhunting season for deer and bear opens tomorrow, Oct. 1, in the Southern Zone and runs through Nov. 15, 2024.NYSDEC

Deer management permits (DMPs)

The application deadline for DMPs is Oct. 1. Before applying, make sure you know the specific wildlife management unit (WMU) you intend to hunt. Your chances of being selected for a DMP remain the same throughout the entire application period.

Check out DECs website for more information on DMP availability.

Columbus Day Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt

New Yorks annual Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt for 12- to 15-year-olds runs October 12-15 during the three-day Columbus/Indigenous Peoples Day weekend, throughout the state (except in Suffolk and Westchester counties and in bowhunting-only areas).

12- and 13-year-old hunters can only hunt deer with a firearm in upstate counties that have passed a local law allowing the special youth hunt.

The youth firearms big game hunt occurs statewide, except in bowhunting only Wildlife Management Units 1C, 3S, 4J, and 8C.

Important Columbus Day Youth Firearms Big Game Hunt regulations:

Licensed 12- to 15-year-olds may use a firearm to hunt big game only when accompanied by an experienced, licensed adult hunter

Hunters 14- or 15-years-old can take 1 deer and 1 bear

Hunters 12- or 13-years-old can take 1 deer

Antlerless deer taken with a firearm may be tagged with a regular season tag, a DMP tag, or a Deer Management Assistance Program tag

Youth hunters can use their regular season tag for a deer of either sex

During the youth firearms big game hunt, adult mentors cant carry a firearm or bow.

Take It  Tag It  Report It

By law hunters are required to report their deer, bear, or turkey harvest within seven days. Its critical to effective wildlife management, and DEC has made it easier than ever with its HuntFishNY mobile app.

You can still use DECs phone report system (1-866-GAME-RPT) or report online.

Stop Chronic Wasting Disease (CWD)

There have been no CWD detections in NY since 2005. But the deadly disease continues to spread in other states, including Pennsylvania, and hunters are on the frontline of keeping it out of New York. CWD is always fatal to deer, spreads rapidly, and is practically impossible to eliminate once its established.

Hunters can help protect New Yorks deer herd from CWD by following these tips:

If you hunt any type of deer, elk, moose, or caribou outside of New York, you must debone your animal before bringing it back. See CWD Regulations for Hunters . DEC will confiscate and destroy illegally imported carcasses and parts, including whole deer and deer heads

Do not use deer urine-based lures or attractant scents, as these could contain infectious biological material

Dispose of carcass waste in a landfill, dont just leave it on the ground

Report any deer that appears sick or is acting abnormally

Send us your big game pics!

Email them to sfeatherstone@syracuse.com. Hunter needs to be in the photo. Dont forget to give their name, and names of anyone else in the photo, including their hometowns, general location of where and how the animal was shot (bow, firearm, etc.), along with any measurements (weight/points/spread). Add a few interesting detailswe all love a good hunting story!



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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.
Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu addresses a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Male, Maldives, Sept. 30, 2024. The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives held a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu)

MALE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China has been a steadfast partner in the development journey of the Maldives, and the Maldivian side is confident that the bonds of friendship and cooperation between the Maldives and China will grow stronger, Maldivian President Mohamed Muizzu has said.

The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives held a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. Addressing the event, Muizzu said that despite geographical distance, the bonds of friendship have grown stronger over the years.

"Our partnership, rooted in common aspirations for peace, development and cooperation, is one that both nations cherish deeply," Muizzu said.

"The landmark China-Maldives Friendship Bridge is a shining symbol of this enduring partnership, a daily reminder of the strength and possibilities that arise when two nations come together with a shared vision for the future," Muizzu said.

"Looking ahead, we envision even greater cooperation between our nations in areas such as trade, tourism, agriculture, fisheries, renewable energy and cultural exchange in addition to housing and infrastructure development," Muizzu said.

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin said that the Maldives is a traditional friendly neighbor and comprehensive strategic partner of China. The two countries have always respected and supported each other, setting a good example of equal treatment, mutual assistance, and win-win cooperation between countries of different sizes.

"Standing on a new historical starting point, China is ready to join hands with the Maldives to enhance strategic mutual trust, carry forward traditional friendship and deepen mutually beneficial cooperation. Together, we strive to build a community with a shared future, benefiting the people of both countries," the ambassador said. 

Chinese Ambassador to the Maldives Wang Lixin addresses a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Male, Maldives, Sept. 30, 2024. The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives held a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu)

An art troupe from southwest China's Yunnan Province performs ethnic songs and dances during a reception hosted by the Chinese Embassy in Male, Maldives, Sept. 30, 2024. The Chinese Embassy in the Maldives held a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China. (Xinhua/Chen Dongshu)
BeemerBug_06 BHPian



Join Date: Jan 2019 Location: Mumbai Posts: 352 Thanked: 3,433 Times

View My Garage





Parts theft in Mumbai | Battery stolen from my car!



I wish to bring to light that the above statement is far from true. To substantiate, here is an incident that happened a few days ago, involving a break in and battery theft of my Maruti Zen.



On Wednesday, 25th September 2024, I had to run some errands in the morning before heading to my office at Lower Parel. Since my office is right beside the Lower Parel railway station, I prefer to commute using the local train as it is quicker and economical as compared to sitting in a traffic jam which doubles the time and wastes fuel unnecessarily. Once done with the errands, I decided to park the Zen at Senapati Bapat Road - the main road beside Matunga Road Railway station and take the train from there, instead of going back home to park the car and coming back all the way.



As those of you in Mumbai would know, there was a terrible thunderstorm that evening and the city was under water in no time. I took the train back in the evening around 7.45 pm from Lower Parel and by 8.15 or so I reached Matunga Road Station. It was pouring cats and dogs. I did not have my umbrella as the sudden cloudburst was completely unexpected.



I ran, completely drenched, towards the Zen and sat in the driver's seat. Once I put the key in the ignition, nothing happened. Thinking the battery terminals may have caught moisture, I reached for the bonnet latch, it seemed as though it was open. I got down from the car and noticed, to my horror, that the bonnet was already open. I carefully lifted it and found that the battery was missing and the main petrol pipe had been left loose. I ran back to the interior and realised that the left hand side front door lock had been opened, probably using a metal scale.











I couldn't believe it! Someone had broken into my car and stolen the battery and possibly some fuel too. It felt terrible. I was already frustrated enough seeing that the bonnet had been left open, causing water to enter the engine bay. Luckily, my friend and electrician Dinesh, who runs Star Auto Electric Works less than a kilometre away from the station came to my rescue with a spare battery in record time, despite the heavy rain and helped me get the car out of there. Thankfully the car had enough fuel to make it home in one piece.







The Aftermath

After carefully examining the car, I was mighty relieved that nothing else had been stolen from the car, neither was it vandalised. Everything was left untouched and most importantly, the car itself was left alone. If the car had been stolen, it would have been another major headache. Maybe the thief tried, but decided to scurry quickly and took the battery , I will never know.



The one thing I can conclude from this incident is that, our country is in no way free of such thefts. As long as poverty and illiteracy dominate our society, none of this will stop, no matter how advanced cars may get. As a result, I would like to pay heed to the fact that we should be careful where we park our cars and two wheelers. The thieves are extremely watchful and keep an eye out everyone and then prepare to strike. Parking space trouble is something each one of us face, especially in metro cities, but still, better safe than story. Park in a safe place.



I decided to talk about this incident on social media to spread awareness and to my surprise, I received a barrage of messages from various people saying that the same happened to them a few weeks ago. Some even mentioned that their car and scooter ECMs were stolen, let alone the battery. Others unfortunately had their vehicles stolen altogether. So I wonder if this is a racket that has struck again in the city, or it is just one that has not been looked into seriously.



In cases where parts are stolen, the culprits are usually drug addicts who resell them to buy their drugs. On the other hand, thefts involving the vehicle itself are more serious where the car or two wheeler is used in a criminal activity and then dumped or stolen for a joyride and then abandoned or worse scrapped. Few people have been lucky to get their stolen vehicles back while others have had to move on, disappointed. Motor vehicle theft and the robbery of automobile parts needs no introduction. It is a problem that is faced the world over. With the passage of time, manufacturers have paid attention to this issue and made vehicles safer and harder to break into/steal. As a result, several people are of the opinion that 'nobody steals cars and bikes anymore', it's a thing of the past now.I wish to bring to light that the above statement is far from true. To substantiate, here is an incident that happened a few days ago, involving a break in and battery theft of my Maruti Zen.On Wednesday, 25th September 2024, I had to run some errands in the morning before heading to my office at Lower Parel. Since my office is right beside the Lower Parel railway station, I prefer to commute using the local train as it is quicker and economical as compared to sitting in a traffic jam which doubles the time and wastes fuel unnecessarily. Once done with the errands, I decided to park the Zen at Senapati Bapat Road - the main road beside Matunga Road Railway station and take the train from there, instead of going back home to park the car and coming back all the way.As those of you in Mumbai would know, there was a terrible thunderstorm that evening and the city was under water in no time. I took the train back in the evening around 7.45 pm from Lower Parel and by 8.15 or so I reached Matunga Road Station. It was pouring cats and dogs. I did not have my umbrella as the sudden cloudburst was completely unexpected.I ran, completely drenched, towards the Zen and sat in the driver's seat. Once I put the key in the ignition, nothing happened. Thinking the battery terminals may have caught moisture, I reached for the bonnet latch, it seemed as though it was open. I got down from the car and noticed, to my horror, that the bonnet was already open. I carefully lifted it and found that the battery was missing and the main petrol pipe had been left loose. I ran back to the interior and realised that the left hand side front door lock had been opened, probably using a metal scale.I couldn't believe it! Someone had broken into my car and stolen the battery and possibly some fuel too. It felt terrible. I was already frustrated enough seeing that the bonnet had been left open, causing water to enter the engine bay. Luckily, my friend and electrician, who runsless than a kilometre away from the station came to my rescue with a spare battery in record time, despite the heavy rain and helped me get the car out of there. Thankfully the car had enough fuel to make it home in one piece.After carefully examining the car, I was mighty relieved that nothing else had been stolen from the car, neither was it vandalised. Everything was left untouched and most importantly, the car itself was left alone. If the car had been stolen, it would have been another major headache. Maybe the thief tried, but decided to scurry quickly and took the battery , I will never know.The one thing I can conclude from this incident is that, our country is in no way free of such thefts. As long as poverty and illiteracy dominate our society, none of this will stop, no matter how advanced cars may get. As a result, I would like to pay heed to the fact that we should be careful where we park our cars and two wheelers. The thieves are extremely watchful and keep an eye out everyone and then prepare to strike. Parking space trouble is something each one of us face, especially in metro cities, but still, better safe than story. Park in a safe place.I decided to talk about this incident on social media to spread awareness and to my surprise, I received a barrage of messages from various people saying that the same happened to them a few weeks ago. Some even mentioned that their car and scooter ECMs were stolen, let alone the battery. Others unfortunately had their vehicles stolen altogether. So I wonder if this is a racket that has struck again in the city, or it is just one that has not been looked into seriously.In cases where parts are stolen, the culprits are usually drug addicts who resell them to buy their drugs. On the other hand, thefts involving the vehicle itself are more serious where the car or two wheeler is used in a criminal activity and then dumped or stolen for a joyride and then abandoned or worse scrapped. Few people have been lucky to get their stolen vehicles back while others have had to move on, disappointed. Last edited by BeemerBug_06 : 29th September 2024 at 23:45 .
Why it matters: The pandemic demonstrated how supply chain disruptions could impact technology worldwide. Since then, natural disasters and other events that could affect crucial regions have drawn increased attention. While the situation in the southeastern United States following Hurricane Helene continues to develop, observers have confirmed that an important component of semiconductor production lies in one of the worst affected areas.

Photos of the destruction following Hurricane Helene revealed significant damage and potential loss of life in Spruce Pine, North Carolina. The small mining town hosts the world's only known source of pure quartz, a necessary component for manufacturing computer chips.

Hurricane Helene unleashed catastrophic rain, wind, and flooding across several southeastern states. As of Monday, the death toll has exceeded 130, and around 600 people remain unaccounted for. Mountainous regions of western North Carolina saw particularly severe damage, with over 40 confirmed dead amid the state's worst flooding in a century.

Pictures and video courtesy of Richard Crouse and the Let's talk Spruce Pine FB group. The rural area of the mountains has been absolutely decimated by Hurricane Helene. People are stranded. This is a dire situation. @WRAL @ABC11_WTVD @WLOS_13 pic.twitter.com/FeqG2jbK89  kelciecrouse (@kelciecrousee) September 28, 2024

In many areas, including Spruce Pine, flooding has destroyed buildings, roads, and bridges, isolating towns and stranding residents. Although the safety of those affected remains the primary concern, questions have begun swirling regarding the status of two mines in Spruce Pine.

The facilities, owned by Sibelco, extract and process quartz, which is needed to manufacture the crucibles that companies like TSMC use to refine silicon wafers. Computers, tablets, smartphones, and other electronics worldwide contain quartz originating in Spruce Pine. Solar panels also depend on the material.

A house floating down the river in Spruce Pine, NC. My family and I are safe. But major damage to my home and the whole neighborhood. pic.twitter.com/yeCkPnDlKX  American Muckrakers (@AmericanMuck) September 30, 2024

Alternative sources exist, but none exhibit the purity of the quartz from Spruce Pine, which resulted from the collision of North America and Africa hundreds of millions of years ago. Ed Conway from Sky News claimed that operational stoppages at Spruce Pine would significantly disrupt global semiconductor supply chains for a few years as manufacturers develop other methods of processing quartz.

The status of the mines remains unclear, as authorities are still assessing the situation. However, photos and eyewitness descriptions indicate severe flooding in the town. Roads into the town are narrow, and at least some of them have been flooded and washed away, complicating efforts to deliver aid and likely disrupting quartz exports.

Hurricane Helene isn't the first natural disaster of 2024 to generate concern around technology supply chains. In April, Taiwan suffered a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, causing a brief pause in TSMC's operations. Such incidents could potentially derail the delicate process of fabricating semiconductors.
KIEV, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ukrainian Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said on Tuesday he formally asked the government to oust three deputy defense ministers and the state secretary of the ministry.

In his request to the cabinet, Umerov requested the dismissal of Deputy Defense Ministers Stanislav Haider, Oleksandr Serhiy and Yuriy Dzhygyr, as well as State Secretary Liudmyla Darahan.

Umerov did not give the exact reasons for the request, but stressed that all the processes within the ministry must be transparent and under control during martial law.

"Any external or internal attempts to influence these processes are unacceptable. In this context, personnel changes are being carried out," he said. 
As toll crosses 100, Trump puts Hurricane Helene at election center stage



Valdosta, United States, Sept 30 (AFP) Sep 30, 2024



Donald Trump sought to turn a storm that killed more than 100 people and caused destructive flooding across the US southeast into a major presidential election issue Monday, as he hurried to the impact zone and the White House refuted criticism of its emergency response.

With the death toll rising and hundreds of people still unaccounted for, rescuers searched for survivors across Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee, where torrential rains brought by Hurricane Helene brought widespread havoc.

Georgia and North Carolina were epicenters of the destruction -- and are among the key swing states where the US election will be decided in just five weeks' time.

At least 108 people were killed by the storm and associated flooding -- 39 in North Carolina, 25 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, four in Tennessee and one in Virginia, according to tallies from local authorities compiled by AFP.

That total was expected to rise, authorities warned, with cell phone service knocked out across much of the region and up to 600 people still unaccounted for.

Trump arrived in Valdosta, Georgia, vowing to "bring lots of relief material, including fuel, equipment, water, and other things" to those in need.

Without providing evidence, he claimed his Republican Party supporters were being denied help.

"The federal government is not being responsive," he told reporters. "The vice president, she's out someplace, campaigning, looking for money," he said, referring to his election rival, Vice President Kamala Harris.

"We're not talking about politics now," he said later, wearing a bright red "Make America Great Again" hat while standing in the rubble of a furniture store.

Democrat Harris canceled campaign events to return to Washington for a briefing on the federal response, and will visit the region after the first wave of emergency operations.

President Joe Biden pointedly said that he would also not visit immediately, saying "it'd be disruptive."

"We will not do that if we are diverting or delaying any of the response assets needed to deal with this crisis," he said.

The White House rejected criticism by Trump that Biden and Harris did not respond to the disaster quickly enough.

Harris was on a campaign trip in California over the weekend, while Biden was at his beach house in Delaware and returned to the White House on Sunday afternoon.

Trump accused Biden of "sleeping" instead of dealing with the storm damage.

"I was commanding, I was on the phone for at least two hours yesterday, and the day before as well," the president said Monday when asked about the criticisms.

When a major natural disaster hits the United States, the federal government responds at the request of states. A president's role is usually to oversee and coordinate aid, including funding.

Scientists say climate change likely plays a role in the rapid intensification of hurricanes, because there is more energy in warmer oceans for them to feed on.



- Drowned in their homes -



On Monday, US homeland security chief Liz Sherwood-Randall raised the worst-case scenario, telling reporters: "It looks like there could be as many as 600 lost lives... We know there are 600 who are either lost or unaccounted for."

The sheriff's office in Pinellas County, Florida, published a grim litany of the nine lives lost there so far, almost all of whose bodies were found in their homes.

Nearly all appeared to have drowned, it said, describing some found still lying in several inches of water, while others were buried under debris.

Residents face power cuts, supply shortages, blocked roads and broken communication lines in often mountainous terrain, with Georgia Governor Brian Kemp describing the storm as a "250-mile wide tornado."

Around two million households and businesses remained without power on Monday, according to tracker poweroutage.us.

In Valdosta, Trump said he was asking SpaceX chief Elon Musk to get his satellite internet service Starlink into the area.

North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said Monday that hundreds of roads had been destroyed and many communities "wiped off the map."

"This is an unprecedented storm," he told reporters.

"The emotional and physical toll here is indescribable."
India police detain top activist after month-long climate march



New Delhi, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



An Indian environmental activist was detained by police outside New Delhi at the end of a month-long climate protest march on foot from the Himalayas, his colleague said Tuesday.

Sonam Wangchuk, 58, and around 100 of his supporters were taken into custody on Monday night when they were intercepted by police on a major highway leading into the city.

The group had walked nearly 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) to demand more attention to climate change issues in their mountainous home region of Ladakh, on India's frontier with China, and more political autonomy for the territory.

They had planned to hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday coinciding with the birthday of independence hero Mahatma Gandhi until they were prevented from entering the capital.

"We have been detained at the police station and we are not being allowed to meet our lawyers," group spokesman P. Namgial told AFP.

Ladakh sits on a highly militarised frontier between India, Pakistan and China, which all claim parts of the remote and inhospitable territory.

The region is at the forefront of climate change that has seen melting glaciers and an increased incidence of flooding and landslides.

It is currently governed directly by Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in Delhi.

Wangchuk has spearheaded a campaign demanding Ladakh be given statehood, a move he says would help the territory preserve its fragile ecosystem by giving locals more control over environmental policies.

"Our very land is under threat," Wangchuk said as the march began last month.

"We are walking because we must, because silence is no longer an option."

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the detentions as an "unacceptable" breach of the protesters' rights.

"Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi's border for standing up for Ladakh's future?" he said in a social media post.

Activists, news organisations and non-profit groups say they have faced increased harassment and legal threats since Modi took office in 2014.
Despite snowy winter, Swiss glaciers 'on track to disappear': monitor



Gletsch, Switzerland, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



A snowy winter provided no respite for Switzerland's glaciers, which shed 2.4 percent of their volume in a year, with Sahara sand accelerating the summer melt.

The past 12 months have been "exceptional both in terms of accumulation and melt" for Swiss glaciers, a Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland (GLAMOS) study showed Tuesday.

In the end, the glacier melt, which scientists say is being accelerated by human-induced climate change, was less dramatic this year than over the previous two years, when Swiss glaciers lost more than 10 percent of their volume -- a record.

When disregarding 2022, when 5.9 percent of ice volume in the Swiss Alps was lost, and 2023, when another 4.4 percent melted away, the annual volume loss in recent decades has fluctuated between one and three percent.

The 2.4 percent glacier shrinkage this year was well above the 1.9-percent annual average between 2010 and 2020.

It amounted to a "massive loss of ice again", GLAMOS head Matthias Huss told AFP.

The glaciers, he warned, "are retreating faster and faster", and "are on track to disappear".

"They will only be there in 100 years if we manage to stabilise the climate."



- 'Not surprised' -



GLAMOS researchers did extensive measurements at 20 glaciers in September, and extrapolated the findings to Switzerland's 1,400 glaciers.

It determined that Swiss glacier volume will total 46.4 cubic kilometres at the end of this year -- nearly 30 km3 less than in 2000.

The ice loss in 2024 was especially "considerable ... given the strongly above-average snow coverage at the end of winter", the study said.

Up until June, Swiss glaciers benefitted from winter snowfall 30 percent above average and a rainy start to the summer.

"I hoped for a better result for 2024, especially after this snow-rich winter and the good situation we had into June," Huss said.

Now, he said he was "disappointed", but "not too surprised".

"We are living in a time with rapid climate change, and glaciers are just not able to keep up with the speed the climate is warming," he said.

"Under the present climate situation ... it's not possible to stabilise glaciers, even with an optimal winter."

The study said "very high" temperatures in July and August, coupled with a lack of fresh high-altitude snowfall helped drive "the significant glacier mass losses".

August was particularly hot, and that month actually saw record-high glacier mass losses, GLAMOS said.

The third crucial factor, the report said, was the fact that winds during the winter and spring 2024 repeatedly brought "substantial amounts of Saharan dust into the Alps".

The contaminated snow absorbed more heat and melted faster, more quickly depriving the glaciers of their protective snow coating.

While GLAMOS researchers have yet to quantify the net effect of the Saharan dust on the 2024 ice loss, the study said "an increase in melt rates of 10-20 percent compared to normal conditions appears plausible".



- Shifting border -



The glacier melt is having far-reaching impacts.

Switzerland and Italy have adjusted their mountain border under the Matterhorn peak after the glaciers that historically marked the frontier receded.

And with less ice, far less melt water is reaching downstream areas in the summer when it is needed, GLAMOS pointed out.

This it warned could "pose important challenges for the future management of water resources... especially during drought periods".

Huss stressed the urgent need to rein in climate change.

The United Nations has warned that the world remains far off track to meet the 2015 Paris climate accord goals, aiming to keep global temperature rises below 1.5 Celsius above pre-industrial levels.

But Huss fears that with the world wracked by multiple conflicts and crises, decision-makers are not giving climate action appropriate attention.

The glaciers, he said, "are just illustrating every year again that there is an urgent need to act now -- and not in one or two or three decades".
NAIROBI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's Ministry of Health on Tuesday oversaw the launch of a new health insurance scheme called the Social Health Insurance Fund, with senior officials saying that it will promote equity, fairness and better service delivery.

Debra Mulongo Barasa, cabinet secretary of the Ministry of Health, presided over the launch in Kakamega County in western Kenya. She said that the new scheme will help reduce the financial burden on citizens seeking critical services such as dialysis, chemotherapy, dental care and surgery.

According to Barasa, more than two million Kenyans have already enrolled in the new scheme, which requires a minimum monthly contribution of 300 shillings (about 2.32 U.S. dollars).

"We have already begun activation of the Social Health Insurance Fund in both public and private hospitals, ensuring that registered citizens receive quality services, including consultations, diagnosis and treatment, at affordable costs," Barasa said.

Kenya initiated the transition to the new health insurance scheme in July this year, following concerns that the previous state-managed National Health Insurance Fund had failed to distribute benefits equitably.

Under the new scheme, all salaried employees will contribute 2.75 percent of their monthly income, while the government will subsidize healthcare costs for low-income earners and the unemployed.

Barasa said that the new health insurance scheme will pool resources to help achieve universal health coverage and reduce out-of-pocket expenses for terminally ill patients.

Primary healthcare at grassroots-level facilities will be fully covered by the government, while advanced services like chemotherapy, dialysis, optical and dental care will be heavily subsidized through contributions from high-income earners.

Harry Kimtai, principal secretary of the State Department for Medical Services, said that the Social Health Authority, a state-run agency, will manage the new scheme, which was developed following studies and consultations with key stakeholders.

Kimtai said that monthly contributions will be based on individuals' income levels, with high earners paying up to 27,000 shillings. 
Fires taking Amazon closer to 'point of no return': expert



Sao Jose dos Campos, Brazil, Oct 1 (AFP) Oct 01, 2024



A year ago, Carlos Nobre, one of Brazil's top climate scientists, was a rare voice of optimism about the future of the planet.

The 73-year-old, one of the top experts on the Amazon rainforest, was cheering the fact that "for the first time, all the leaders in the region are mobilized to find solutions for the forest" at a summit in northern Brazil.

Today, he warns that the world's biggest jungle, which is being ravaged by the worst drought-fuelled wildfires in decades, is in existential danger.

The world risks "losing the Amazon," he told AFP in an interview.

A record wave of wildfires, fueled by severe drought linked to climate change and deforestation, is causing havoc across South America.

The worst drought in Brazil in recent memory has fanned the biggest fires in the country in more than a decade, leaving up to 80 percent of the country blanketed in smoke.

While several countries, including Canada, regularly battle catastrophic wildfires, theirs are often the product of naturally occurring lightning strikes that spread quickly through dry vegetation, Nobre said.

In the Amazon, by contrast, most of the fires are illegally started by humans for agricultural purposes.

"The criminals realized that satellites only detect fires when the fire spreads to 30 or 40 square meters (320 to 430 square feet).

"This gives them time to leave the area before being arrested," Nobre said.



- Not linear -



In February, Europe's climate monitor Copernicus announced that for the first time on record, Earth had endured 12 consecutive months of temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than the pre-industrial era -- four years earlier than predicted.

Experts had warned that extreme weather events would accelerate sharply at the 1.5C-warming mark.

"It is not a slow, linear increase," Nobre said.

"In 2024 we are already seeing how the frequency of extreme phenomena is accelerating and breaking records," he added, citing increased "heatwaves, heavy rains, droughts, forest fires" among the extreme weather events that have become frequent in some parts of the planet.



- From jungle to savannah? -



Nobre warned that the fires consuming chunks of the Amazon risked accelerating its transition into dry savannah grasslands.

"If global warming continues and we do not completely stop deforestation, degradation and fires, by 2050 we will have passed the point of no return," he warned.

"In 30 to 50 years, we will have lost at least 50 percent of the forest," he said.

An increase in warming to 2.5C by 2050 would trigger new tipping points, he said, including "losing the Amazon" outright.

Among the measures he advocated to reduce climate warming were accelerating the transition to renewable energy and the mass planting of trees in cities to act as sponges for carbon dioxide.

Trees can help lower urban temperatures by up to 4.5C and also increase humidity.

"Urban sponges are a very important solution all over the world."

raa/cb/aha
Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southeastern Lebanon, on Sept. 30, 2024. A total of 95 people were killed and 172 others injured over the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry Monday night. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel on Monday night launched ground raids against Hezbollah targets in the border area of southern Lebanon, killing over 90 people and raising concerns about regional escalation.

Ninety-five people were killed, and 172 others injured over the past 24 hours in Israeli airstrikes on different areas in Lebanon, said the Lebanese Health Ministry Monday night.

The ministry reported that 16 people were killed and 48 injured in the Baalbek-Hermel district, while another 16 were killed and 55 wounded in the Nabatieh governorate.

Additionally, four deaths and four injuries were reported in Beirut, along with 52 fatalities and 43 injuries in the southern governorate. The Bekaa region saw seven people killed and 22 injured.





ESCALATION OF CONFLICT

Israel's military confirmed late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

This photo taken on Sept. 30, 2024 shows a residential building damaged by an Israeli airstrike in Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

The operation, involving ground forces, aircraft and artillery units, targeted areas in southern Lebanon, while warplanes bombed Beirut's southern suburb, Israel's military said.

The ground raids against Hezbollah in Lebanon come amid heightened tension in the region, with Israel launching attacks in Gaza, Lebanon, and Syria as part of its alleged "self-defense" strategy.

Besides the ground raids, the Israeli forces early Tuesday carried out an aerial assault on the Syrian capital Damascus, with three civilians dead and nine others being injured, according to the Syrian Defense Ministry.

Syria's state media confirmed that Syrian air defenses were responding to an Israeli attack in the vicinity of Damascus.

The Israeli military said Monday night that the offensive in the Gaza Strip would also proceed.

At least 12 people were killed, and several others injured in an Israeli raid on two houses in the Nuseirat camp in the central Gaza Strip on Monday, medical sources and eyewitnesses said.

An influx of both Lebanese citizens and displaced Syrians were crossing into Syria following Israel's military escalation in Lebanon.

The UN Refugee Agency said 100,000 people have fled Israeli airstrikes in Lebanon to Syria, primarily Lebanese and Syrian nationals.





GROWING CONCERNS

On Monday, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres expressed concern about the humanitarian impact on civilians.

People conduct rescue work at a site of Israeli attacks in Ain Ed Delb, Lebanon, on Sept. 30, 2024. (Photo by Ali Hashisho/Xinhua)

"The secretary-general remains deeply concerned about the humanitarian consequences of the events that are unfolding in Lebanon," said his chief spokesman, Stephane Dujarric. "He continues to reiterate his call for de-escalation, a cessation of hostilities."

The UN peacekeepers monitoring the Blue Line between Israel and Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, remain in position.

However, the spokesman said that while the peacekeepers remain in their area of responsibility, the intensity of fighting prevents their movements and ability to undertake mandated tasks, such as going out on patrols.

Dujarric said the UN will mobilize additional resources for Lebanon to meet the growing needs of about 1 million people impacted by the increasing crisis.

The United Nations General Assembly President Philemon Yang on Monday called on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently reach a ceasefire.

During the last day of the General Debate of the 79th session of the assembly, many speakers also denounced Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In his statement, Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh condemned Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people, stressing "the need to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it is committing."

U.S. State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said earlier Monday evening that Israel had informed the United States of "limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."

"We should have a ceasefire now," said U.S. President Joe Biden said earlier on Monday.

Other countries like Britain and Spain have also expressed their concerns over the escalations and called for a ceasefire. 
Displaced people from southern Lebanon are pictured at a shelter in Qaraoun, west of the Bekaa area, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati and Humanitarian Coordinator for Lebanon Imran Riza on Tuesday launched a 426-million-U.S. dollar Flash Appeal to mobilize urgent resources for civilians affected by the escalating conflict and resulting humanitarian crisis in Lebanon.

The announcement occurred at the Serail in Beirut, which was attended by UN agencies, member states, the international community, and local and international partners.

"I urge all nations to step up their support in providing humanitarian aid and to use their influence to help bring an end to the violence," Mikati said, calling for immediate action from the international community.

The Flash Appeal seeks to assist approximately 1 million people affected by the ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah by providing urgent needs such as food, basic assistance, shelter, healthcare, water, and municipal services.

"We must act swiftly and decisively to ensure that those affected by this crisis receive the essential support they require. All parties must uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law to protect civilians and prioritize humanitarian access," Riza said.

The recent escalation caused an unprecedented surge in casualties and displacement in Lebanon, with more than 1,000 people losing their lives over the past two weeks and around 1 million people displaced from their villages and towns since last October, according to the tally by the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Meanwhile, the United Nations International Children's Emergency Fund (UNICEF) launched an appeal for 105 million dollars for Lebanon for the next three months.

"The escalation in hostilities is catastrophic for all children in Lebanon," said UNICEF Representative in Lebanon, Edouard Beigbeder, in a statement. "UNICEF is responding to the most critical and immediate needs of children in Lebanon but requires urgent support to sustain and expand its response."

The statement said that the funds are urgently needed to deliver critical supplies to children in desperate need, maintain Lebanon's essential services, including safe water, psychosocial support, and learning, and prepare for any potential further escalation in hostilities.

More than 100 children have been killed since Oct. 8, 2023, with more than half of the deaths occurring in the past week alone, while more than 300,000 children have been displaced from their homes, the UN body said, citing statistics from the Lebanese Health Ministry.

Confrontations between Hezbollah and Israel have intensified following Israel's announcement to broaden its war objectives to include the return of northern residents, who were evacuated due to attacks by Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Hezbollah, an ally of Hamas, has launched barrages of rockets at Israel since last October in solidarity with Hamas and the Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. 

Displaced people from southern Lebanon are pictured at a shelter in Qaraoun, west of the Bekaa area, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)
A father-and-son duo have been arrested in a police sting on Sydneys northern beaches as they allegedly attempted to remove more than $16 million worth of cocaine from a generator imported from Vietnam.

The Cat-branded generator arrived at a Cromer industrial unit last month. It is alleged Keenan Mickley, 48, and Taj Mickley, 23, were so keen to access the riches they believed were inside they went straight to Bunnings to purchase an angle grinder.

Police watched as Keenan Mickley and his son Taj allegedly attempted to access the cocaine hidden in a generator.

Police say they couldnt prise it open, so returned to the hardware giant to purchase another Makita angle grinder and a dozen blades to complete the job.

But then the pair encountered another hurdle  the machinery contained no drugs.
A serial pest who has been banned from Snowy Monaro Regional Council meetings and has publicly described some of the councils female workers as fat, dumb, a bitch and a useless cow of a thing, has been elected as a councillor.

Gonzo broadcaster and scrapyard owner Andrew Thaler will have to do the job via video link, as the ban  prompted by what council described as his aggressive, disruptive, verbally abusive and offensive behaviour  remains in force to ensure a safe workplace for staff.

Locals are concerned there will be a confrontation outside the first meeting of new councillors next week, after Thaler warned the councils chief executive that he doesnt accept the prohibition and intends to turn up with his supporters.

Andrew Thaler has been elected to a council from which he is banned. Credit: Alex Ellinghausen

Thaler, who has previously run unsuccessfully for state and federal seats, was on Tuesday confirmed as one of 11 councillors who will represent the Snowy Monaro shire for the next four years. He didnt achieve a quota, but scraped through on preferences despite getting just 500 first preference votes.
Limited intelligence

Peter Hartcher writes that, the assassination [of Nasrallah] shows that Israel has achieved highly sophisticated intelligence capabilities, human and signals (Why Iran no longer strikes fear, 1/10). And yet the Israelis did not know that they were going to be attacked by Hamas on October 7 last year.

Margery Renwick, Brighton Defence mechanism

Many correspondents complain about the US supplying arms and weapons to Israel but where are the letters criticising Iran, North Korea and Russia for supplying rockets and other armaments to Hamas and Hezbollah? Both these terrorist organisations have regularly used these weapons against Israel. Why should one side in this conflict not be able to procure the means to defend itself?

Greg Hardy, Upper Ferntree Gully Fuelling our travel goals

Mike Foleys article, The golden fields we see on the highway are powering the next wave of air travel (1/10), sums up the fact that biofuels like canola and cottonseed are only likely to provide, at best, 2per cent of aviation fuel by 2050. There may be a temptation to increase production until every square metre available is under canola production endangering our forests, grasslands and native species that live there.

Another solution is to reduce our passion for air travel. Unfortunately, this seems to be a bridge too far and our inboxes are constantly bombarded with travel deals. The once-in-a-lifetime overseas trip has now become a regular and overwhelmingly desirable event.

Graeme Lechte, Brunswick West A drop in the ocean

Recent strides in biofuel developments highlight the potential of Australian agriculture for energy innovation. Despite these advances, which require substantial land for modest output, their potential is severely undermined by the governments recent approval of new coal mines. According to The Australia Institute, these projects will emit about 1.5 billion tonnes of greenhouse gases over their lifespan  more than three times Australias total annual emissions.

This move sharply contradicts the necessary actions required to combat climate change. While biofuels represent a step towards a greener future, their impact is dwarfed by the emissions from these new coal projects. To avoid the catastrophic effects of climate change, there can be no room for new coal mines. Real change demands action against fossil fuel dependency, not just incremental advances in sustainable practices. Its crucial that our government re-evaluates its priorities and aligns its actions with its environmental commitments.

Julia Paxino, Beaumaris Beyond our waters

The article Survival in the Timor Sea (The Age, 1/10) confirms what many of us have thought over the years while successive federal governments have argued for no more deaths at sea when in fact they meant no more deaths in Australian waters.

Our treatment of refugees remains a blight on Australia, which of course is founded on the back of refugees and migration.

Politicians need to examine their souls and ask themselves what role did they play in the potential deaths of refugees as they gave tacit permission for the Australian Border Force to turn them back at sea in the knowledge that should anything untoward happen it wont have been in Australian waters. We need stronger, heroic politicians, politicians who can make decisions based on honesty, humanity and truth not by simply considering potential political fallout and their careers.

David Conolly, Brighton

Opportunity lost

So Treasurer Jim Chalmers is unconvinced that any changes to negative gearing would boost housing supply (Budget hit by wear, tear of a slowing economy, 1/10). The Parliamentary Budget Office recently analysed Australian Taxation Office and Treasury data to demonstrate negative gearing discounts to property investors will impact bottom line revenue by $100.1 billion over the next 10 years while capital gains tax discounts will forgo $65.48 billion over the same period. Thats about $165.58 billion in tax breaks given to property investors who by definition are not the most vulnerable members of our community.

If Jim Chalmers were to cancel these tax breaks and reinvest that $165 billion in new public housing via a reinvigorated Commonwealth State Housing Agreement, he would not only increase housing supply, he would provide affordable accommodation to this countrys most vulnerable people.

Craig Horne, Fitzroy North Loading True support

There is a message for us all in Caroline Wilsons moving article Fagan almost walked away amid struggles (Sport, 1/10). It provides a guideline that tells us that when we are in trouble we need to talk about it and it emphasises the necessity for those surrounding us to listen and be supportive. From bereft to legend status is summed up in Greg Swan and Andrew Wellingtons emphatic message to Chris Fagan well look after you.

Brian Marshall, Ashburton Nuclear risk

Apart from the prohibitive problems of Peter Duttons nuclear power fantasies so clearly listed by your correspondent (Nuclear not a starter, 1/10), a worse problem is the vulnerability of nuclear power stations, whether large or small, to attack by a warring enemy nation, or a terrorist group. Such dangers are evidenced currently with Ukraines President Zelensky reporting Russias military is planning to target nuclear power plants in Ukraine, and in the US where the neo-Nazi terrorist gang Atomwaffens operationalised plan to blow up a US nuclear power station was fortunately thwarted by police. The Atomwaffen Division (Atomwaffen meaning atomic weapons in German), also known as the National Socialist Resistance Front, is an international far-right extremist and neo-Nazi terrorist network, founded in the US south in 2013.

Jennifer Gerrand, Carlton North A long shot

John Silvesters excellent (as usual) article (Easey Streets sliding doors moment, and the scoop I never thought Id write, 26/9) on the 1977 murder case does however draw this strange conclusion: despite the fact the police had found a bloodied knife in the boot of a car driven by a local young house burglar near Easey Street  he said he had found it on railway tracks  for them to concentrate on the teen as a suspect would have been the longest of shots and have been seen as a distraction. Surely, it would have been quite to the contrary.

Peter Drum, Coburg

Setting an example

So the parents of private school students, who withdraw their children because of bullying, are being forced to pay the full terms fees and being threatened with debt collectors, if they dont (The high price of withdrawing a bullied child from private school, 1/10). You know what thats called, bullying.

Samantha Keir, East Brighton Loading No frills

Kris Kristofferson was an amazing talent who managed to convert me from a strict diet of classical music to a far more eclectic range of music. It wasnt so much his distinctive gravelly voice though that first attracted me, but more the lyrics, which were helpfully printed inside many of his best albums. In concert his no-frills approach (no choreography, no clever lighting/staging effects, few if any backing singers) allowed the focus to remain squarely on his songs and his direct delivery with minimal commentary in between.

Probably not to everyones taste but he provided the soundtrack to much of my young adult life. Vale one of the modern greats.

Dave Rabl, Ocean Grove Emergency measures

On my way to hospital recently in an ambulance that didnt require lights and siren as I had stabilised, we were stopped by a road accident blocking the lane in Wellington Road, Mulgrave.

Apparently it was minor and no one was hurt. Given we were blocked by the involved cars, the very competent and kindly paramedics, Georgia and Linda asked if the drivers needed help.

Lying in the back, I could hear one side of the conversation. The drivers were waiting on the police, the tow trucks and an ambulance. Something about the fact we were in one must have escaped them. Anyway, the drivers refused to move their undamaged cars to the side of the road to stop blocking traffic, and even refused to engage their hazard lights. My particular situation was not urgent, as it turned out, but it could have been more serious.

Shouldnt people who report issues and claim assistance from emergency services for such frivolous matters, be charged with some sort of misdemeanour, even if its just stupidity?

Pete Dunne, Highett AND ANOTHER THING

Credit: Matt Golding Crying

Im with Jo Stubbings (Comment, 1/10). I cant stop the tears at funerals or weddings. Or songs on the radio. Its definitely the music, sometimes the words. When my family watched Disney movies my children would nudge each other and say Mums crying again! Its definitely an emotional outlet.

Kerry Bail, Beaconsfield Upper AFL grand final

The grand final fan engagement folk fail to understand that the 100,000 people at the G are the atmosphere. Every year ear-splitting music is blasted right up to the first bounce thus drowning out that magnificent roar.

Brendan Coyle, East Ballina, NSW Your correspondents suggestion that we return to having the massed forces bands for the price of 120 grand final seats fails to recognise that, at current seat prices, it would still be cheaper to pay for Katy Perry.

John Alley, Thurgoona, NSW Trump

The picture of Donald Trump and J.D. Vance (The Age, 1/10) shows that one ties his red tie too long (Trump) the other too short (Vance). Gentleman, the correct length is for the bottom of the tie to end just above the belt buckle.

John Massie, Middle Park

Its incomprehensible that American polls still appear to have Trump and Harris neck and neck. How can the vile remarks and unhinged commentary not substantially change voters intentions?

Fiona White, Alfredton Carbon reduction

Australias golden band of canola nearly ready for harvest  to feed the 733 million hungry people on our planet? No, its biofuel for jet setters.

Jenny Smithers, Ashburton Congratulations Great Britain, home of the Industrial Revolution, switching off coal forever. The planet breathes a little easier.

Greg Curtin, Nunawading Furthermore

If you want to stimulate your vagus nerve (Viva las vagus, the nerve key to new medical hope, 1/10), try meditation, breathing techniques or swim in the bay every day. No side effects.

Ian Cameron, Chelsea
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 Las Vegas: On a suburban street in Las Vegas, about 20 minutes from the neon-soaked hotels and casinos that draw in tens of millions of visitors every year, Maria Polanco and Brian Torres Suazo are going from house to house, trying to mobilise voters in the hope that Donald Trump never returns to power. As the mercury rises to almost 40 degrees, plenty of doors are knocked, but few are opened. Then, just before the pair is due for lunch, a man wearing a singlet with the stars and stripes of the American flag comes out to get his mail, giving them a much-needed breakthrough. Were from the Culinary Union, and were just gathering support for Kamala Harris  I promise were not selling anything, Polanco, 52, says politely in Spanish, as she hands the somewhat sceptical resident a pamphlet spruiking the Democratic candidate. Maria Polanco, a hostess cashier at Rio Hotel & Casino, door-knocking in Las Vegas. Credit: Farrah Tomazin We just want to make sure you know about the election. With 35 days until Americans choose their next president  and polls suggesting Harris and Trump are currently neck and neck  Polanco and Suazo believe nothing should be left to chance, particularly in a critical battleground like Nevada.

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After all, the so-called Silver State has leant left in recent years, but only by narrow margins, thanks to urban centres such as the largely Democratic Las Vegas and the evenly divided Reno, in the north-west. But the bulk of Nevada is made up of smaller, rural areas that lean Republican, and a third of the states voters are registered independents. This means either Trump or Harris could win in November depending on who can mobilise more people to turn up on election day to vote on issues that resonate. Brian Torres Suazo and Maria Polanco with a resident who didnt wish to give his name. Credit: Farrah Tomazin And in a battleground fuelled by tourism, gaming and hospitality, few issues matter more to voters than the economy. Nevadas DNA is tinted blue, but all the toplines point to the same conclusion: this race is extremely close, says David Byler, the chief of research at Noble Predictive Insights, whose latest poll had Trump and Harris at 47 per cent each.

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According to a New York Times/Siena College poll released last month, more than a quarter of Nevada voters named the economy as their top issue, citing it nearly twice as often as any other concern. This is hardly surprising: Nevada has the highest petrol prices in the country (up to $US5 a gallon  or $1.91 a litre) and the second-highest grocery prices ($US294.76, or $425.44 on average per week). Housing affordability is also an issue, partly due to the influx of people moving from neighbouring California, pushing up the median home price, which is now almost $US500,000  an increase of 6 per cent since August last year. And while the state has bounced back from the pandemic  which led to the unemployment soaring to a whopping 30 per cent at its peak  the collective trauma still lingers, particularly among the tens of thousands of hospitality workers who drive the local economy: from cooks to waitstaff to guest attendants. Not surprisingly, both candidates have vowed to eliminate federal tax on tips, which could save the average server a few thousand dollars a year. Trump led the charge in June, inspired, he said, by a conversation hed had with a waitress in Las Vegas.

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For those hotel workers and people that get tips  youre going to be very happy because, when I get to office, we are going to not charge taxes on tips! he told a campaign rally a few weeks before President Joe Biden withdrew from the race. Harris later followed suit, pairing the promise with a pledge to eliminate the sub-minimum wages that tipped employees are paid and to raise the federal minimum wage, which is $US7.25 an hour  although some states have raised their minimum wage beyond the federal amount (Nevadas is now $US12 an hour). But while no tax on tips makes a catchy slogan, experts say the policy is likely to prove ineffective, and would almost certainly need congressional approval to become a reality. According to Yale Universitys policy research centre, The Budget Lab, there were roughly 4 million workers in tip-reliant occupations in 2023  which constitutes only 2 per cent of all employment in the US. Whats more, the vast majority of tipped workers make such little money that they dont pay any federal income taxes under current law. Polanco, who works as a cashier hostess at the Rio Hotel & Casino, says the promise to eliminate taxes on tips nonetheless resonates with many people in Las Vegas, who are struggling with cost-of-living pressures more broadly.

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I went to the store last night for an avocado and grabbed a few other small things too  some vegetables, a bit of meat and shrimp  and it cost over $US120, she tells me as we traverse the palm lined streets of suburbia. I said to my husband: that was an expensive avocado! Las Vegas But as a mother of three women aged 31, 26 and 22, Polanco says the issue motivating her the most this year is womens reproductive health, an issue that exploded into the political discourse after the US Supreme Court  made up largely of Trump-appointed justices  overturned Roe v Wade in 2022. Theyre trying to take away womens rights, and I have three daughters and a granddaughter, she says. So thats the reason Im here, trying to fight for Kamala Harris to become president because I feel like she cares about womens rights, and shes going to protect ours. Suazo, 26, is a food runner at the Westgate Resort, about five kilometres from where Polanco works. Hes also a proud homeowner, something he says would not be possible without the help of his parents, who raised me on a union pay cheque. Ive grown up knowing that its important to get out there and fight for workers rights, he says. Thats why Im supporting the Democrats because they are the pro-union party in this country. Meanwhile, across the state in Reno  where Australian media mogul Rupert Murdoch appeared in court to fight for the future of his company  Bob Conrad hopes that whoever wins office addresses an often ignored crisis: homelessness.

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Premier international automotive event presents preliminary agenda for 2024

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 1, 2024 -- The Los Angeles Auto Show (LA Auto Show) has released the first look at the expanded AutoMobility LA 2024 (AMLA 2024) agenda.

Taking place Thursday, November 21, AMLA 2024 is the LA Auto Show's global press and industry event that hosts thousands of automotive executives, credentialed journalists and media representatives, government officials, policymakers, technologists, designers, dealers, investors, industry analysts, thought-leaders, content creators and influencers.

AMLA 2024 will feature a compelling program of OEM announcements and debuts; a packed main stage program featuring speakers and panelists from automotive, technology, policy, design, and more; a range of exciting awards for industry leadership and innovation; and a wealth of networking opportunities for attendees.



AutoMobility LA 2024  Preliminary Agenda





Networking Breakfast



Awards Program

North American Car & Truck of the Year



Main Stage Speaker Session

What's NOW for Fleet - Optimizing Fleet Operations  Bradley Northup - NAFA, Fleet Operations Manager, City of Carlsbad, CA  Jill Guenther - Head of Customer Success, Nikola Motor  Stephen Israel, Vice President of Operations, ChargeTronix  Paul-Matthew Zamsky - Vice President, Strategic Growth and Global Partnerships, Rekor.ai



Main Stage Speaker Session

Live Case Study - Viaduct.ai

 David Hallac - Founder & CEO, Viaduct.ai  Additional Speaker TBA





OEM Announcement



Main Stage Speaker Session

Uncompromising - The INEOS Grenadier Story

 Lynn Calder, CEO, INEOS Automotive





OEM Announcement



Special Event Documentary Screening Main Stage Speaker Session

Developing the Automotive Workforce of Tomorrow  Marques McCammon - President, Karma Automotive  Dr. Mary Jo Madda - Program Manager, Google.org





OEM Announcement





Networking Lunch



Awards Program

LA Auto Show presents THE ZEVASTM 2024



Awards Program

Hispanic Motor Press Guild



Main Stage Speaker Session

Live Case Study - Tekion

 Jay Vijayan - Founder & CEO, Tekion  Additional Speaker TBA



Main Stage Speaker Session

From Concept to Production: The Technology Trends Revolutionizing Automotive Design  Alan Macey - Associate Chair, Transportation Design, ArtCenter  Hussein Al Attar - Director of Design, BMW Designworks  Additional Speaker TBA





OEM Announcement



Awards Program

Plug In America





Networking Happy Hour



Special Event

Overland Overnight Experience





The full AutoMobility LA agenda* will be published in the coming weeks with additional programming and speakers still to be announced.

"AutoMobility LA brings together the leading minds in automotive, technology, design, policy, and so much more," said Terri Toennies, president and chief operating officer of the LA Auto Show and AutoMobility LA. "As the automotive ecosystem evolves at an ever faster pace, we are proud to provide a forum for professionals around the world to learn about industry innovation, engage in healthy debate, and ultimately collaborate to drive our industry forward."

Registration for AMLA 2024 is open and complimentary for accredited and approved media. Industry attendees can take advantage of an "early bird" registration fee of $149 through October 31. From November 1, the full registration fee of $249 will apply to all approved industry registrants. Register now at https://automobilityla-2024.reg.buzz/ .



Following AMLA 2024, the LA Auto Show will be open to the public from November 22, 2024 to December 1, 2024.

Stay up to date with the latest show news, updates, and information, follow the LA Auto Show on LinkedIn , Instagram , Facebook and X , and sign up for alerts at laautoshow.com .

*Subject to change

About the Los Angeles Auto Show & AutoMobility LA

Founded in 1907, the Los Angeles Auto Show is recognized as one of the world's most influential automotive events. The show celebrates the enduring love that Angelenos have for their cars and offers a global platform for industry debuts, technology, and innovation.

Doors open to the public November 22  December 1 and the show runs for 10 full days, including Thanksgiving Day. It is a must-attend event for prospective car buyers, industry executives, influencers, car enthusiasts, and for families wanting to enjoy an unforgettable day out during the holiday season. Held at the Los Angeles Convention Center, the LA Auto Show contributes several hundred million dollars to the city's economy, stimulates the local job market, and is the number one revenue generator for the Center.

On November 21, AutoMobility LA, the show's media and industry day, will include a range of groundbreaking debuts and announcements, and a conference program featuring the leading minds in automotive and technology. These experts will explore the most pressing industry issues in a series of presentations and panel discussions from AutoMobility LA's main stage.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Explosions were heard here as the Syrian air defenses responded to "hostile targets," the country's state media said.

Powerful explosions were heard in the capital, particularly in the city's west, with people awakened by the blasts.

The state media said the air defenses were intercepting an attack in the capital's vicinity. 
Product News

Prologue and new Civic hybrid named to NACTOYs Best of 2025 list as semifinalists in this years awards.

2025 Civic adds new styling, technology and available award-winning hybrid-electric powertrain.
Patrick Fung, the global ambassador of OMF International reminded delegates at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization (Lausanne 4) in Incheon, Korea, that God used and still uses suffering and persecution to reach the unreached.

Referencing the book of Acts chapter 11, Fung illustrated how the great persecution sent believers out of Jerusalem to far flung places such as Phoenicia, Cyrene, Cyprus and Antioch telling both Jews and gentiles about the good news about the Lord Jesus.

He argued that God has used persecution repeatedly as a means of growing the Church. For persecution never kills the church, but a compromised gospel will, observed Fung.

Fungs view is an encouragement to millions of Christians living in hostile environments in Africa and beyond. According to Open Doors World Watch List 2024, over 317 million Christians face very high or extreme levels of persecution and discrimination. 4,998 Christians were killed in 2023, 82% from Nigeria which remains the deadliest place to follow Jesus.

Fung noted that, just like the first church, it is unnamed, unknown Christians on the run who will carry the gospel to unforeseen and unplanned territories.

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These are named disciples, certainly face uncertainty in an instability, and yet they were on fire for the gospel. Basically, they gossip (about) the gospel wherever they went. And so here is a gospel movement by God's people, the unnamed, unknown, and the uncelebrated ordinary disciples. Thus, a mission movement without borders was started by these unknown people of the early church, he said.

Quoting the Bible scholar, Michael Green, Fung told the delegates that the early church movement did not grow through master plans, charismatic leaders or fantastic strategies, but by unnamed committed, radical, fearless disciples of Jesus.

The courage, noted Fung, was first demonstrated by Peter and John who were unschooled, ordinary men defied the Sanhedrin and vowed to continue to preach in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Acts 4:19). The disciples in Acts 4:29 asked God for great boldness and healing in miraculous ways.

Similarly, today, as the church faces opposition or even persecution of various kinds, may we seek the sovereign Lord that his word will continue to be declared and his mercy be displayed to bring healing to a broken world, he said.

He reminded the delegates that the memory of the 20 Egyptian Coptic Christians and a Ghanaian that were beheaded by ISIS militants in 2015 still lives on the minds of many people.

The world will never forget the image of those 21 men dressed in distinctive orange jumpsuits along a beach in Libya, said Fung. There is one crucial element of what is now recognized as the martyrdom of the 21, the faithful, peaceful, and resilient utterance of the Lord's name from their lips as they have waited for imminent death. This declaration of their faith has led to a revival of courage and a confirmation of what it means to witness as a Christian around the world.

Fungs grounded argument confirms the recent happenings across Africas Sahel region, a vast area traversing 10 countries from Eritrea and Sudan in East Africa to Mauritania and Mali in the West. Despite the expansion of Islamic terror groups and numerous political coups, anecdotal evidence shows Christians in this hostile region are holding on to their faith and the gospel is spreading.

Yet persecution in many parts of the world has been taking different shapes and forms, as Fung acknowledged. In the majority world, legislation and societal shifts have resulted in restrictions on religious expression and practice, challenging the church to respond with wisdom and engagement.
YAOUNDE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Gunmen kidnapped Roland Ewane, the sub-prefect of Idabato town in Cameroon's Bakassi Peninsula, which borders Nigeria, early Tuesday, according to local authorities.

The official and a staff member of the Idabato council were kidnapped at about 2:15 a.m. local time (0115 GMT) on Tuesday morning, said Gilbert Guibai Baldena, the prefect of Cameroon's Ndian division, where Idabato is located, in a statement.

According to Baldena, the gunmen were an "unidentified armed group who took direction toward Nigeria on board flying boats." He also urged Nigerian diplomatic authorities in Cameroon "to take some measures" to rescue the official.

Armed separatist groups are known to be active in Bakassi Peninsula of Ndian division, which was once at the center of a boundary demarcation conflict between Cameroon and Nigeria. 
NAIROBI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Kenya has mandated that all refugees and asylum seekers surrender their passports within 30 days to safeguard their status and rights under international law.

John Burugu, commissioner for refugee affairs in the Ministry of Interior and National Administration, said Tuesday that he was issuing the moratorium on the possession and use of passports from the country of origin in line with both international and Kenyan laws.

Burugu cautioned that failure to adhere to this directive could lead to legal repercussions. He clarified that refugees are required to obtain machine-readable conventional travel documents through the Department of Refugee Services for any travel outside Kenya.

He urged all refugees and asylum seekers still in possession of their passports to cooperate, saying that "failure to comply with this directive may result in legal consequences as outlined in the aforementioned international convention and the Refugee Act No. 10 of 2021 and may lead to legal implications including cancellation of refugee status and subsequent expulsion from the country of asylum as provided by Section 17 of the Refugees Act."

He said the government retains the authority to revoke refugee status if an individual is found to have provided false information or if new evidence suggests they were incorrectly recognized as a refugee.

For over 30 years, Kenya has provided refuge to more than 750,000 individuals from countries such as Somalia, South Sudan, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Burundi, with most residing in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps, while over 100,000 live in urban areas, according to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees. 
SANAA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Yemen's armed Houthi group said on Tuesday they launched drone strikes on "military targets" in Israel's Jaffa area and its port city of Eilat.

"We bombed a military target in the Jaffa area with a Jaffa drone, and we hit military targets in Eilat with four Sammad-4 drones," Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sare'e said in a statement aired by Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

The spokesman said the attacks were in support of Hamas in the Gaza Strip and Hezbollah in Lebanon, vowing to attack more.

Since November 2023, the Houthi group has been targeting Israeli cities, ports, and ships in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden to show solidarity with Palestinians amid the Israel-Hamas war.

On Sunday, Israeli air forces struck power stations and fuel tanks in Houthi-controlled Hodeidah in response to a Houthi rocket attack on Tel Aviv on Friday, which was intercepted, according to Israeli media.

The escalation followed last week's killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah by Israeli defense forces in Beirut's southern suburbs.

The Houthis, who have controlled much of northern Yemen, including the capital Sanaa, since the civil war began in late 2014, have vowed to continue attacks until, in their words, the "aggression on Hamas and Hezbollah" ends. 
4.2 magnitude earthquake rocks Amravati





The seismology map of NCS showing the epicentre of the 4.2M at Amravati.

Staff Reporter & Amravati Correspondent :

Epicentre was 183 km away from Nagpur city

Some houses in Chikhaldara town suffered extensive damages

Earthquake took place at Gavilgarh Fault Zone, in the Seismic Zone III

An earthquake of 4.2 Magnitude jolted many parts of Amravati district on Monday afternoon causing panic among citizens. According to National Centre for Seismology (NCS), the quake was felt around 1.37 pm in Chikhaldhara, Dharni, Anjangaon Surji and Achalpur tehsils of Amravati district. No loss of life has been reported but some homes, particularly in Chikhaldhara town, have developed cracks. The District Disaster Management Authority has appealed to the citizens not to panic and remain vigilant. As per NCS, the epicentre of the earthquake had 13 km depth, and was 183 km away from Nagpur city. The epicentre of this earthquake was between Amzari and Tetu in Chikhaldara tehsil of the district. People reported that things suddenly started to move as earth beneath their feet shook. Realising that it was an earthquake, people ran out of their homes and offices and took refuge in open spaces. Dharni in Melghat, Katkumbh, Churni, Khatkali, Semadoh, Harisal in Chikhaldara tehsil received mild tremors.

The tremors were also experienced in parts of Paratwada city and Dharni in Akot areas of the district, informed Amravatis Resident Deputy Collector Anil Bhatkar. Gajanan Rajgade, In-charge Tehsildar of Chikhaldhara informed that the wall of Sachin Gorles house in Chikhaldara town suffered extensive damages due to the tremor. He said that no major damage had been reported and all information had also been sent to the Collectors office. According to Geological Survey of India (GSI), the quake was of 4.2M which took place at Gavilgarh Fault Zone. GSI will conduct a field inspection and then collect information about the causes of the earthquake or tremor and other necessary matters. GSI is likely to conduct a study also to know the cause of frequent earthquakes on this fault. Gavilgarh Fault Zone in central India is still prone to seismic activity. Previously, Sadrabadi and Zilphi villages of Dharni taluka in Amravati district experienced small magnitude earthquakes between September 1, 2018 and December 9, 2018.

Indian Academy of Sciences conducted a study in Amravati to know the reason behind the repeated swarm earthquakes in Amravati in 2018 and it found that the swarm earthquakes might have been induced by the percolation of monsoonal rainwaters through the cracked volume of soil or rock, associated with the fault system of the Narmada-Son lineament rift region. However, this 4.2M earthquake is a matter of study because Seoni district of Madhya Pradesh is also situated on the extension of the same fault had also observed swarm earthquakes on September 1 and 2 this year. The repeated quakes should be a matter of study, said a senior GSI scientist to The Hitavada. He further said that the Gavilgarh Fault Zone has a rock type of Basalt and it comes under the Seismic Zone III. The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) groups India into four seismic zones -- Zone II, Zone III, Zone IV and Zone V -- based on scientific inputs about the regions tectonic set-up, past earthquakes, and seismicity. Of these, Zone V is seismically the most active region, while zone II is the least. However, Amravati and Nagpur districts were in Zone II previously but now the Gavilgarh Fault Zone comes under the Zone III category which is considered a moderate damage risk zone.
British Dy High Commissioner Kang meets CM; discusses increasing trade, investment





Staff Reporter :

Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav was called on by British Deputy High Commissioner Harjinder Kang at the CMs residence and discussed about boosting exports from Madhya Pradesh to Britain and investment in the State on Monday. It is noteworthy that Madhya Pradesh is an important exporter of processed food items and agricultural products to Britain.

Clothing and ready-made garments, pharmaceuticals and plastic products and packaging material are also exported from Madhya Pradesh. In the discussion, there was deliberation on increasing exports and possibilities of investment in the field of IT, food processing, apparel, automobile, health, renewable energy and tourism in the state. Dr Yadav also invited British Deputy High Commissioner Kang to participate in the Invest Madhya Pradesh Global Investors Summit to be held on February 7-8 in the capital.
ED books CM Siddaramaiah in MUDA-linked PMLA case





NEW DELHI/BENGALURU,

THE Enforcement Directorate on Monday booked Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and some others in a money-laundering case linked to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA), taking cognisance of a State Lokayukta FIR, official sources said. The federal agency has filed an enforcement case information report (ECIR) to book CM and others, they said. Siddaramaiah, his wife B M Parvathi, brother-in-law Mallikarjuna Swamy and Devaraju -- from whom Swamy had purchased land and gifted it to Parvathi -- and others have been named in the FIR registered by the Mysuru-located Lokayukta police establishment on September 27.

The FIR was lodged after a special court in Bengaluru last week ordered a Lokayukta police probe against Siddaramaiah in the case. The order of the special court judge came a day after the high court upheld the sanction granted by Governor Thaawarchand Gehlot to conduct an investigation against the senior Congress leader on allegations of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites to his wife by MUDA. The ED has pressed sections of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) to book Siddaramaiah in its ECIR, the equivalent of a police FIR. According to the procedure, the Enforcement Directorate is empowered to summon the accused for questioning and even attach their assets during the investigation.

Siddaramaiahs wife Parvathi offers to return 14 sites to MUDA

MYSURU,

Sept 30 (PTI)

KARNATAKA Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife Parvathi has written to MUDA Commissioner expressing her willingness to return the 14 sites in the Mysuru upmarket. In a letter to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) Commissioner she said she was allotted the 14 alternative sites in the third and fourth phase of Vijayanagar in Mysuru against the usage of her three acres and 16 Guntas of land in Kesare village under Kasaba Hobli in Mysuru. I am willing to return the 14 sites by way of cancelling the sale deed. I want MUDA to acquire these sites. I request you to take step in this direction at the earliest, Parvathi said in her letter. The letter comes against the backdrop of Karnataka Lokayukta police registering a case against Siddaramaiah on the directions of a special court in connection with the land allotment. Incidentally, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday booked the CM, Parvathi and some others in a money laundering case linked to the land allotment case, taking cognisance of the Lokayukta FIR.
Major boost to CGs infrastructure Union Minister Gadkari approves Rs 11,000 cr for development of key roads in Chhattisgarh





Union Minister Nitin Gadkari, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and State Urban Development Minister Arun Sao discussing infrastructure projects in New Delhi.

Staff Reporter

RAIPUR,

Union Minister Gadkari approves Rs 11,000 cr for development of key roads in Chhattisgarh

In a major boost to Chhattisgarhs infrastructure, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari approved Rs 11,000 crore for the development of key roads in State on Monday. Four major national highways will be developed with this funding, further enhancing Chhattisgarhs connectivity. The announcement was made during a review meeting held in New Delhi between Gadkari and Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai. The review meeting, chaired by Gadkari at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, saw the participation of CM Sai, Union Ministers of State for Road Transport Ajay Tamta and Harsh Malhotra, and Chhattisgarh Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao. The discussion focused on the progress of National Highway projects currently underway in the state. Various delays in the projects, including clearance issues, revenue, and mining concerns from the Forest Department, were addressed. The meeting also resulted in the approval of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for four major highways. These include the Urga-Katghora bypass (NH-149B), Basna to Sarangarh (Manikpur) feeder route, Sarangarh to Raigarh feeder route, and the Raipur-Lakhanadon Economic Corridor.

Together, these projects cover 236.1 km, with a total sanctioned amount of Rs 9,208 crore. Additionally, eight works worth Rs 908 crore were approved under the Central Road Fund to improve the road infrastructure further. Several key road projects were discussed, including the four-lane widening of Keshkal Ghat and Dhamtari-Jagdalpur road, which received approval. The Raipur-Visakhapatnam road and Bilaspur-Urga-Pathalgaon road, managed by the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), were also directed to be completed within the time limit. Another project involving the Pathalgaon to Kunkuri-Jharkhand Border road is set to have its executing agency finalized within a month, aimed at strengthening connectivity in the border area. Among the major projects discussed were the Urga-Korba Katghora Ring Road (42.1 km) at an estimated cost of Rs 1,593 crore, Basna to Sarangarh (33 km) at Rs 490 crore, Sarangarh to Raigarh (56 km) at Rs 825 crore, and the Raipur-Lakhanadon Economic Corridor (105 km) at Rs 6,300 crore. CM Sai expressed his gratitude to Gadkari, calling the approval a significant step for the states development. He noted that the expansion of the road network would not only promote industrial and business activities but also enhance connectivity in rural areas, bringing positive changes to the lives of local residents. Sai further assured that the Chhattisgarh government is committed to completing these projects on time. He also mentioned that he would personally monitor the progress of the projects and would call for weekly reports to ensure there are no delays.

The meeting was attended by senior officials, including the Secretary to the Chief Minister, P Dayanand, Secretary of the Public Works Department, Kamalpreet Singh, Secretary of the Forest Department, Amarnath Prasad, and officials from the Public Works, Revenue, Mining, and Forest departments. The collective efforts will ensure the timely completion of these projects, providing better infrastructure and accelerating development across State.

Gadkari praises initiatives of CG Transport Deptt

CM demands release of pending Rs 40 cr for RVSF and ATS, emphasising urgent need for infrastructure expansion in Cgarh

Staff Reporter

Raipur,

Sept 30

Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari chaired a review meeting in New Delhi with Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai and Deputy Chief Minister Arun Sao to discuss ongoing transport projects in State. The meeting highlighted the progress of initiatives under the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) and underscored the need for continued support from the Centre. CM Sai highlighted the operational status of one Registered Vehicle Scrapping Facility (RVSF) in Raipur, with two more currently under construction, which are expected to be operational within the next month. The RVSF centres are crucial to managing the increasing number of end-of-life vehicles, and their operational status has been commendable, Sai stated. The meeting also addressed the Automated Testing Stations (ATS), with Chhattisgarh currently operating eight ATS centres, seven of which are fully functional.

These ATS centres are vital for ensuring vehicle safety and compliance, and we are eager to enhance their capabilities, Chief Minister Sai noted, urging the Centre to provide additional resources for their expansion. Transport Commissioner Sethu Prakash (IAS) stated, The collaborative efforts between the state and the Centre will significantly enhance our transport infrastructure. CM also highlighted the urgent need for financial support, demanding the release of the pending Rs 40 crore necessary for completing the infrastructure development of two under-construction RVSF centres and enhancing ATS capabilities. His proactive approach aims to ensure all projects are completed on time, contributing to the states overall transport development. Additionally, the establishment of Driving Training Centres in all districts was discussed.

The introduction of e-detection technologies for real-time monitoring of traffic violations was also highlighted, utilising toll data to ensure compliance with road safety regulations. In concluding remarks, CM Sai expressed gratitude for the Union Ministrys support, stating, The initiatives we are undertaking are crucial for the development of Chhattisgarhs transport framework. Continued collaboration with the Centre will ensure we meet our deadlines and enhance road safety for all citizens. The discussions reaffirmed the commitment to advancing Chhattisgarhs transport initiatives, with Chief Minister Sai at the forefront, driving the conversation towards further central support and collaboration. Additional Transport Commissioner D Ravishankar also attended the meeting, providing insights into the ongoing projects and facilitating discussions around the states transport initiatives.
Parents stage protest in Ratlam after sexual assault on minor girl in pvt school





Staff Reporter :

After the case of sexual abuse of a five-year-old girl in a private school in Ratlam came to light, a large number of parents reached the school on Monday morning. The parents reportedly created a ruckus and staged a sit-in protest regarding the safety of the children. On receiving the information, the police officials reached the spot and after discussing with the parents, pacified them and diffused the matter. After this, the school was sealed. The incident came to light after the girl told her mother about bad touch by the boy. As per information, the accused is a student of class 10 of the same school. An investigation was conducted after the girls mother lodged a complaint that her daughter was sexually assaulted in the school where she is a UKG student.

The accused boy has been taken into custody. Talking to The Hitavada V D Joshi, Station Incharge of Industrial Area, Ratlam, said that the accused is a student of class 10. The incident of bad touch occurred on September 24 whereas the girl was a kindergarten student told the parents about the case on 28. The school has been also closed for a few days, he said. Joshi further said that the boy has been booked under sections 65-ii (Whoever commits rape on a woman under twelve years of age) and 75 (physical contact and advances involving unwelcome and explicit sexual overtures) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) and provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act. FIR has been lodged. Further investigations are going on, CSP Ratlam Abhinav Varang told The Hitavada. Meanwhile, Madhya Pradesh Congress Committee (MPCC) chief Jitu Patwari expressed anguish and accused the Government of failing to protect daughters. The news of a tragic incident with a 5-year-old girl in Ratlam has deeply disturbed me. Such incidents happen with our daughters every day in MP. I am deeply pained, he stated on X on Sunday. Daughters will not get justice by just asking for help from the government on social media. Now the Congress party will fight this battle on the streets, he said.
R G Kar rape & murder case No intermediary allowed to publish name, photo of victim





NEW DELHI :

SC pulls up WB Govt for tardiness in installing CCTVs, building resting rooms

Supreme Court on Monday expressed dissatisfaction over tardy progress by West Bengal Government in installation of CCTVs and construction of toilets and separate resting rooms in Government medical colleges, and directed the State to complete ongoing work by October 15. The apex court was hearing a suo motu case related to rape and murder of a postgraduate medic at R G Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata. A bench of Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud and Justices J B Pardiwala and Manoj Misra noted that no part of work carried out by State Government was above 50 per cent.

Why is the progress so tardy. You have to take action, the bench told senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi, appearing for the West Bengal Government. Dwivedi said, some progress has been made and we need more time to finish the task. There has been logistical delays due to delay in release of funds, floods, etc., Dwivedi said. A total of 6,178 CCTV cameras were to be installed, 26 per cent has been completed and remaining work will be done by October 10, he added. As the hearing commenced, advocate Vrinda Grover, appearing for the victims parents, told the bench that the parents of the deceased are disconcerted by repeated clips in social media disclosing her name and photos. The top court said it had already passed an order on this issue and it was for the law enforcement agencies to implement the order. The earlier order of Wikipedia shall be applicable to all social media intermediaries and ensure that no picture, etc of the victim of RG Kar rape and murder is displayed, the bench said.

It also recorded the submission of Solicitor General Tushar Mehta that the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology shall notify a nodal officer in relation to any uploading of unauthorised publication. The bench noted that substantial leads have come up in the CBI investigation and it has given statements on both aspects -- alleged rape and murder and the financial irregularities. Senior advocate Karuna Nundy, appearing for a resident doctors association, submitted that many persons facing allegations of financial irregularities are still holding positions of power at R G Kar Hospital. It asked Mehta, appearing for CBI, who are the people under probe still employed in R G Kar Hospital against whom financial irregularities are alleged and asked it to share the information with State for appropriate action. Senior advocate Rakesh Dwivedi states that if CBI shares material with State against such persons, State shall act in accordance with service rules and regulations, the bench noted.

On the issue of doctors protest, the West Bengal Government told the bench that resident doctors are not performing inpatient department and outpatient department work. The submission was opposed by senior advocate Indira Jaising, appearing for resident doctors, who said they are performing all essential and emergency services. The top court directed Mehta to submit a report on progress of National Task Force and posted the hearing in the rape-murder case to October 14. The court on September 17 had said it was disturbed by the findings given in a status report filed by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the rape-murder case but refused to divulge the details, saying any disclosure may jeopardise the ongoing investigation. The rape and murder of the junior doctor in a seminar hall of the state-run hospital has sparked nationwide protests. The medics body with severe injury marks was found on August 9. A civic volunteer was arrested by the Kolkata Police in connection with the case the following day. On August 13, the Calcutta High Court ordered the transfer of the probe from the Kolkata Police to the CBI, which started its investigation on August 14.
LA PAZ, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Bolivian government declared a national disaster Monday due to raging wildfires that have destroyed more than 7 million hectares of forest and grassland in the eastern region of Santa Cruz alone.

The measure seeks to "protect the environment, the health, the life of people and the biodiversity," Minister of the Presidency Maria Nela Prada said, noting that Bolivia can now request technical and financial assistance from international organizations.

Prada said the measure also enables public agencies to make necessary changes to their budgets to contract goods or services in case of disasters and emergencies.

According to Bolivian President Luis Arce, two loans are being processed in the country's congress to address the emergency. One amounts to about 75 million U.S. dollars from the Andean Development Corporation, and the other comes to 250 million U.S. dollars from the Inter-American Development Bank.

The funds, he said, will be used to contract more planes to put out the fires, as well as provide healthcare, rebuild damaged houses and guarantee food security. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military announced late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

The operation, involving ground forces, aircraft and artillery units, targeted areas in southern Lebanon, while warplanes bombed Beirut's southern suburb.

A few hours ago, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a focused and limited ground operation in southern Lebanon, the military said, adding that the offensive targeted Hezbollah positions in villages near the border, from where fighters had been launching rockets at northern Israel.

"The IDF is operating according to a detailed plan developed by the General Staff and Northern Command, for which the forces have trained and prepared over the past few months," the military stated.

The campaign was initiated Monday night following approval from the country's Security Cabinet earlier on Monday.

The military said the offensive in the Gaza Strip would also proceed. 
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Canadian Utilities Limited (OTCMKTS:CDUAF  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant growth in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,503,100 shares, a growth of 20.9% from the August 31st total of 1,242,800 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 58,100 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 25.9 days.

Canadian Utilities Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS CDUAF traded up $0.05 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $26.55. 576 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 11,181. Canadian Utilities has a fifty-two week low of $20.65 and a fifty-two week high of $27.78. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $24.69 and a 200-day simple moving average of $23.20.

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Canadian Utilities Company Profile

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Further Reading

Canadian Utilities Limited, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the electricity, natural gas, renewables, pipelines, liquids, and retail energy businesses in Canada, Australia, and internationally. It operates through ATCO Energy Systems, ATCO EnPower, and Corporate & Other segments. The ATCO Energy Systems segment provides regulated electricity transmission and distribution services in northern and central east Alberta, the Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan; and integrated natural gas transmission and distribution services in Alberta, the Lloydminster area of Saskatchewan, and Western Australia.

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JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari disclosed on Tuesday that Israel had conducted more than 70 covert commando raids in recent months before officially launching its ground operations.

In a press briefing, Hagari presented video footage and photos of Israeli troops carrying out operations some 2-3 km from the Israeli border, stating that the raids spanned a total of about 200 nights.

"As part of the operations, forces entered underground tunnels belonging to Hezbollah, neutralized weapons, booby-trapped areas, and planted explosive devices," Hagari said, adding that they also retrieved "valuable" intelligence materials and brought them back to Israel.

Hagari said that a total of at least 700 targets were attacked but Hezbollah did not identify the forces. There were no direct clashes between Israel and Hezbollah amid any of the raids.

"These operations were conducted in order to dismantle the military capabilities of Hezbollah's Radwan Forces and prevent it from carrying out its October 7th-style 'Conquer the Galilee' plan for an invasion into northern Israel," Hagari said.

He also said Israel will complete the ground campaign "as soon as possible," but declined to provide any specific timetable.

"We're not going to Beirut. We're not going to the cities in southern Lebanon," said Hagari, noting Israel focuses on the area of border villages.

Israeli commando, paratroop, infantry, armored, and air forces launched overnight between Monday and Tuesday a ground operation, with the army describing it as a "limited" campaign near the border.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting an unprecedented, intensive air attack on Lebanon in an escalating confrontation with Hezbollah.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip. 
Alamo Group Inc. (NYSE:ALG  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 363,200 shares, an increase of 12.5% from the August 31st total of 322,900 shares. Approximately 3.2% of the companys stock are sold short. Based on an average trading volume of 79,100 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.6 days.

Insider Activity

In other Alamo Group news, EVP Richard Hodges Raborn sold 300 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.28, for a total value of $54,384.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 11,061 shares in the company, valued at $2,005,138.08. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Alamo Group news, EVP Richard Hodges Raborn sold 300 shares of Alamo Group stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 28th. The shares were sold at an average price of $181.28, for a total value of $54,384.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 11,061 shares in the company, valued at $2,005,138.08. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, EVP Edward Rizzuti sold 322 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $178.29, for a total transaction of $57,409.38. Following the sale, the executive vice president now owns 7,765 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,384,421.85. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 1.40% of the companys stock.

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Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alamo Group

Several large investors have recently made changes to their positions in ALG. Cubist Systematic Strategies LLC bought a new position in Alamo Group in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $643,000. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new stake in shares of Alamo Group during the second quarter valued at about $48,000. Quarry LP bought a new position in Alamo Group in the 2nd quarter valued at about $48,000. Millennium Management LLC increased its stake in Alamo Group by 543.8% during the 2nd quarter. Millennium Management LLC now owns 28,211 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $4,881,000 after buying an additional 23,829 shares during the period. Finally, Squarepoint Ops LLC raised its position in shares of Alamo Group by 366.0% during the 2nd quarter. Squarepoint Ops LLC now owns 20,928 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $3,621,000 after buying an additional 16,437 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 92.36% of the companys stock.

Analyst Ratings Changes

ALG has been the subject of several analyst reports. Robert W. Baird cut their target price on shares of Alamo Group from $223.00 to $217.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Friday, August 2nd. StockNews.com downgraded shares of Alamo Group from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Finally, DA Davidson boosted their price objective on shares of Alamo Group from $209.00 to $219.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 28th.

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Alamo Group Trading Down 1.7 %

ALG stock traded down $2.99 during midday trading on Tuesday, reaching $177.14. 26,823 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 73,760. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $179.67 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $188.65. Alamo Group has a fifty-two week low of $157.74 and a fifty-two week high of $231.40. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.28, a current ratio of 4.37 and a quick ratio of 2.52. The company has a market capitalization of $2.14 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.69 and a beta of 1.07.

Alamo Group (NYSE:ALG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The industrial products company reported $2.35 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.79 by ($0.44). Alamo Group had a return on equity of 13.51% and a net margin of 7.56%. The company had revenue of $416.30 million for the quarter. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $3.03 earnings per share. Equities research analysts forecast that Alamo Group will post 10.23 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Alamo Group Company Profile

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Alamo Group Inc designs, manufactures, distributes, and services vegetation management and infrastructure maintenance equipment for governmental, industrial, and agricultural uses worldwide. It operates through two segments, Vegetation Management and Industrial Equipment. Its Vegetation Management Division segment offers hydraulically-powered and tractor  and off-road chassis mounted mowers, other cutters and replacement parts for heavy-duty and intensive uses and heavy duty, tractor- and truck-mounted mowing and vegetation maintenance equipment, and replacement parts.

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Manulife Financial (NYSE:MFC  Get Free Report) and Phoenix Group (OTCMKTS:PNXGF  Get Free Report) are both finance companies, but which is the superior investment? We will contrast the two companies based on the strength of their dividends, analyst recommendations, profitability, valuation, risk, institutional ownership and earnings.

Profitability

This table compares Manulife Financial and Phoenix Groups net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Manulife Financial 9.18% 16.16% 0.79% Phoenix Group N/A N/A N/A

Analyst Recommendations

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Manulife Financial and Phoenix Group, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Manulife Financial 0 1 6 1 3.00 Phoenix Group 0 0 0 0 N/A

Earnings and Valuation

Manulife Financial presently has a consensus price target of $35.67, indicating a potential upside of 20.70%. Given Manulife Financials higher probable upside, analysts clearly believe Manulife Financial is more favorable than Phoenix Group.

This table compares Manulife Financial and Phoenix Groups revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Manulife Financial $43.17 billion 1.23 $4.05 billion $1.72 17.18 Phoenix Group N/A N/A N/A N/A N/A

Manulife Financial has higher revenue and earnings than Phoenix Group.

Insider and Institutional Ownership

52.6% of Manulife Financial shares are held by institutional investors. 0.0% of Manulife Financial shares are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, hedge funds and endowments believe a stock is poised for long-term growth.

Summary

Manulife Financial beats Phoenix Group on 9 of the 9 factors compared between the two stocks.

About Manulife Financial

(Get Free Report)

Manulife Financial Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, provides financial products and services in the United States, Canada, Asia, and internationally. The company operates through Wealth and Asset Management Businesses; Insurance and Annuity Products; and Corporate and Other segments. The Wealth and Asset Management Businesses segment offers investment advice and solutions to retirement, retail, and institutional clients through multiple distribution channels, including agents and brokers affiliated with the company, independent securities brokerage firms and financial advisors pension plan consultants, and banks. The Insurance and Annuity Products segment provides deposit and credit products; and individual life insurance, individual and group long-term care insurance, and guaranteed and partially guaranteed annuity products through multiple distribution channels, including insurance agents, brokers, banks, financial planners, and direct marketing. The Corporate and Other segment is involved in the property and casualty reinsurance businesses; and run-off reinsurance operations, including variable annuities, and accident and health. The company also manages timberland and agricultural portfolios; and engages in insurance agency, investment counseling and dealer, portfolio and mutual fund management, property and casualty insurance, and mutual fund dealer businesses. In addition, it provides integrated banking products and services. The company was incorporated in 1887 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada.

About Phoenix Group

(Get Free Report)

Phoenix Group Holdings plc operates in the long-term savings and retirement business in Europe. The company operates through five segments: Retirement Solutions, Pensions & Savings, With-Profits, SunLife & Protection, and Europe & Other. It provides a range of savings and retirement income products to support people across various stages of the savings life cycle. The company's savings for retirement products and solutions include defined contribution workplace pensions, retail savings for retirement, pension consolidation, and legacy pensions and savings products; and retirement income products and solutions, such as income drawdown and individual annuities, defined benefit pension income, and home equity release. It has a strategic partnership with abrdn plc, TCS Diligenta, and HSBC plc. Phoenix Group Holdings plc was founded in 1782 and is based in London, the United Kingdom.

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StockNews.com started coverage on shares of Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Free Report) in a research note released on Friday morning. The brokerage issued a hold rating on the stock.

Flexible Solutions International Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE:FSI opened at $3.65 on Friday. The company has a current ratio of 2.65, a quick ratio of 1.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.16. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $2.81 and a 200-day moving average price of $2.29. The company has a market cap of $45.38 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.16 and a beta of 1.48. Flexible Solutions International has a 12 month low of $1.36 and a 12 month high of $3.70.

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Flexible Solutions International (NYSE:FSI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 14th. The company reported $0.10 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.03. The business had revenue of $10.53 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.34 million. Flexible Solutions International had a return on equity of 7.40% and a net margin of 7.46%. As a group, equities analysts anticipate that Flexible Solutions International will post 0.29 EPS for the current year.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

About Flexible Solutions International

A hedge fund recently raised its stake in Flexible Solutions International stock. Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its stake in shares of Flexible Solutions International, Inc. ( NYSE:FSI Free Report ) by 4.8% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor owned 379,245 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,400 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLC owned approximately 3.05% of Flexible Solutions International worth $664,000 as of its most recent SEC filing. 54.31% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

(Get Free Report)

Flexible Solutions International, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, develops, manufactures, and markets specialty chemicals that slow the evaporation of water in Canada, the United States, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Energy and Water Conservation Products, and Biodegradable Polymers.

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Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD  Free Report) had its price objective hoisted by Citigroup from $280.00 to $320.00 in a report released on Friday morning, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has a neutral rating on the stock.

A number of other equities research analysts also recently issued reports on the stock. Bank of America increased their price target on shares of Lithia Motors from $320.00 to $330.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. StockNews.com cut shares of Lithia Motors from a hold rating to a sell rating in a report on Tuesday, August 13th. Morgan Stanley upgraded Lithia Motors from an underweight rating to an equal weight rating and boosted their target price for the stock from $225.00 to $310.00 in a research report on Wednesday, September 25th. Guggenheim upgraded Lithia Motors from a neutral rating to a buy rating and set a $338.00 price target for the company in a research report on Friday, August 9th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group upped their price objective on shares of Lithia Motors from $300.00 to $335.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, four have issued a hold rating and six have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, Lithia Motors currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $338.00.

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Lithia Motors Stock Performance

NYSE LAD opened at $317.64 on Friday. The firm has a market cap of $8.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 9.38, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 0.30 and a beta of 1.64. The company has a quick ratio of 0.30, a current ratio of 1.19 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.26. The companys 50 day moving average is $285.94 and its 200-day moving average is $272.14. Lithia Motors has a 12-month low of $231.36 and a 12-month high of $331.96.

Lithia Motors (NYSE:LAD  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $7.87 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $7.09 by $0.78. Lithia Motors had a net margin of 2.52% and a return on equity of 13.84%. The business had revenue of $9.23 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.29 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $10.91 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 13.8% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts predict that Lithia Motors will post 28.78 earnings per share for the current year.

Lithia Motors Announces Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, August 23rd. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were issued a $0.53 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $2.12 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.67%. Lithia Motorss payout ratio is 6.26%.

Insider Activity at Lithia Motors

In other Lithia Motors news, Director Sidney B. Deboer sold 11,938 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $290.86, for a total transaction of $3,472,286.68. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 46,129 shares in the company, valued at $13,417,080.94. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. In other Lithia Motors news, Director Sidney B. Deboer sold 11,938 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $290.86, for a total value of $3,472,286.68. Following the completion of the sale, the director now owns 46,129 shares in the company, valued at $13,417,080.94. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. Also, Director Shauna Mcintyre sold 306 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 2nd. The stock was sold at an average price of $289.65, for a total transaction of $88,632.90. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 1,922 shares in the company, valued at approximately $556,707.30. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 23,021 shares of company stock valued at $6,534,617. Insiders own 1.79% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Lithia Motors

Several hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently modified their holdings of LAD. Point72 DIFC Ltd purchased a new position in Lithia Motors during the 2nd quarter valued at about $143,000. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. bought a new position in shares of Lithia Motors during the second quarter valued at approximately $80,000. Clearbridge Investments LLC lifted its stake in Lithia Motors by 2.2% in the second quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC now owns 119,963 shares of the companys stock worth $30,285,000 after acquiring an additional 2,638 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its holdings in Lithia Motors by 1.3% in the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 3,862 shares of the companys stock valued at $975,000 after acquiring an additional 48 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. increased its position in Lithia Motors by 23.8% during the 2nd quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 8,767 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,217,000 after purchasing an additional 1,688 shares during the period.

About Lithia Motors

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Lithia Motors, Inc operates as an automotive retailer worldwide. It operates in two segments, Vehicle Operations and Financing Operations. The companys Vehicle Operations segment sells new and used vehicles; provides parts, repair, and maintenance services; vehicle finance; and insurance products. Its Financing Operations segment provides financing to customers buying and leasing retail vehicles.

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The Bank of Nova Scotia (NYSE:BNS  Get Free Report) (TSE:BNS) announced a quarterly dividend on Tuesday, August 27th, Zacks reports. Investors of record on Wednesday, October 2nd will be given a dividend of 0.768 per share by the bank on Tuesday, October 29th. This represents a $3.07 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.64%. The ex-dividend date is Wednesday, October 2nd.

Bank of Nova Scotia has raised its dividend payment by an average of 5.1% annually over the last three years. Bank of Nova Scotia has a dividend payout ratio of 60.7% indicating that its dividend is sufficiently covered by earnings. Research analysts expect Bank of Nova Scotia to earn $5.11 per share next year, which means the company should continue to be able to cover its $3.15 annual dividend with an expected future payout ratio of 61.6%.

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Bank of Nova Scotia Trading Up 0.1 %

BNS opened at $54.49 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $67.00 billion, a PE ratio of 12.27, a P/E/G ratio of 1.71 and a beta of 1.04. The firms fifty day moving average price is $49.15 and its 200 day moving average price is $48.13. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.61, a current ratio of 1.02 and a quick ratio of 1.02. Bank of Nova Scotia has a 12-month low of $39.79 and a 12-month high of $55.12.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

Bank of Nova Scotia ( NYSE:BNS Get Free Report ) (TSE:BNS) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 27th. The bank reported $1.63 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.62 by $0.01. The firm had revenue of $8.36 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $8.53 billion. Bank of Nova Scotia had a net margin of 9.84% and a return on equity of 11.14%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 3.7% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.30 earnings per share. As a group, research analysts expect that Bank of Nova Scotia will post 4.8 EPS for the current fiscal year.

A number of brokerages have weighed in on BNS. Cibc World Mkts raised shares of Bank of Nova Scotia from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a report on Friday, September 20th. UBS Group began coverage on shares of Bank of Nova Scotia in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $69.00.

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About Bank of Nova Scotia

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The Bank of Nova Scotia provides various banking products and services in Canada, the United States, Mexico, Peru, Chile, Colombia, the Caribbean and Central America, and internationally. It operates through Canadian Banking, International Banking, Global Wealth Management, and Global Banking and Markets segments.

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Shares of Ventas, Inc. (NYSE:VTR  Get Free Report) have been given a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy by the ten analysts that are presently covering the firm, MarketBeat Ratings reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, seven have issued a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month target price among brokers that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $58.67.

VTR has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Wolfe Research upgraded Ventas to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Ventas from $64.00 to $70.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Scotiabank upped their target price on Ventas from $55.00 to $59.00 and gave the stock a sector perform rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Royal Bank of Canada upped their target price on Ventas from $52.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Finally, Wedbush upped their target price on Ventas from $64.00 to $71.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 10th.

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Ventas Stock Performance

NYSE:VTR opened at $64.13 on Tuesday. 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 has a 52-week low of $39.33 and a 52-week high of $65.64. The firm has a market cap of $26.50 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -337.51, a PEG ratio of 2.82 and a beta of 1.36. The businesss fifty day moving average is $60.22 and its 200 day moving average is $51.93.

Ventas (NYSE:VTR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The real estate investment trust reported $0.05 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.79 by ($0.74). Ventas had a negative net margin of 3.33% and a negative return on equity of 1.63%. The company had revenue of $1.20 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.19 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $0.75 earnings per share. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 8.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Ventas will post 3.18 EPS for the current year.

Ventas Dividend Announcement

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 17th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, October 1st will be given a dividend of $0.45 per share. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 1st. This represents a $1.80 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 2.81%. Ventass dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -947.32%.

Insider Activity

In other news, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total transaction of $2,296,125.91. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares in the company, valued at approximately $56,529,016.93. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. In other news, CEO Debra A. Cafaro sold 40,079 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $57.29, for a total transaction of $2,296,125.91. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now directly owns 986,717 shares in the company, valued at approximately $56,529,016.93. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, CEO Peter J. Bulgarelli sold 3,784 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $55.24, for a total value of $209,028.16. Following the transaction, the chief executive officer now owns 104,295 shares in the company, valued at $5,761,255.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders have sold 77,065 shares of company stock worth $4,526,464. 1.00% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ventas

Several institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Profund Advisors LLC boosted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 199 shares during the period. Bessemer Group Inc. boosted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 234 shares during the period. QRG Capital Management Inc. boosted its holdings 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 acquiring an additional 258 shares during the period. Dakota Wealth Management boosted its holdings in Ventas by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Dakota Wealth Management now owns 33,717 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,728,000 after acquiring an additional 322 shares during the period. Finally, Czech National Bank boosted its holdings in Ventas by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. Czech National Bank now owns 70,799 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $3,083,000 after acquiring an additional 325 shares during the period. 94.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Ventas

(Get Free Report

Ventas Inc (NYSE: VTR) is a leading S&P 500 real estate investment trust focused on delivering strong, sustainable shareholder returns by enabling exceptional environments that benefit a large and growing aging population. The Company's growth is fueled by its senior housing communities, which provide valuable services to residents and enable them to thrive in supported environments.

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BRATISLAVA, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese Embassy in Slovakia hosted a reception on Monday to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

Some 400 guests, including people from all walks of life in Slovakia and foreign diplomats based in Slovakia, attended the reception.

While addressing the event, Slovak deputy parliament speaker Tibor Gaspar expressed the hope that the friendly relations between Slovakia and China will continue to grow.

Chinese Ambassador to Slovakia Cai Ge said the bilateral relationship has been developing and growing steadily, adding that China stands ready to continuously promote pragmatic cooperation between the two countries. 
MANILA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Philippines' foreign investments yielded net inflows of 533.95 million U.S. dollars in August, according to the data released by the Philippine central bank Monday night.

The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) said the foreign investment transactions in August resulted from the 1,370.72 million dollars in gross inflows and 836.78 million dollars in gross outflows for the month.

The central bank added that the month's registered investments were 43.7 percent lower than in July.

The majority of investments for the month came from Singapore, the United States, the United Kingdom, Luxembourg, and Malaysia, with a combined share of 81.5 percent.

Year-on-year, registered investments in August 2024 are 4.8 percent lower than the 1,440.59 million dollars recorded in August 2023, while gross outflows decreased by 35 percent compared to last year.

The BSP said transactions from Jan. 1 to Aug. 31 for foreign investments registered with the BSP yielded net inflows of 1,998.04 million dollars, 542.9 percent larger than the net inflows in the same period in 2023. 
Israel's military announced late Monday that it had launched "a focused and limited" ground campaign against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. #XinhuaNews
BRUSSELS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially assumed office as the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) secretary general on Tuesday, succeeding Jens Stoltenberg, who stepped down after a decade in the role.

During a special session of the NATO council in Brussels, Stoltenberg formally handed over to Rutte, marked by the ceremonial passing of a historic gavel.

"It is a great honor to be here and to take up the position of NATO secretary general," Rutte said, thanking member states for entrusting him with the responsibility of leading the alliance.

Rutte outlined three priorities for NATO under his leadership: keeping NATO strong and ensuring its defenses remain effective and credible, increasing support for Ukraine and bringing it closer to NATO, and strengthening partnerships.

NATO decided to appoint Rutte as the next secretary general on June 26. 
The death of a civic volunteer sparked a ruckus this morning at the Canning Sub-Divisional Hospital, in South 24-Parganas.

Police said a large number of people gathered in front of Canning government hospital since morning after the news of alleged medical negligence surfaced, following the death of the patient. The family of the deceased claimed that negligence on the part of the doctors led to his death.

On Monday morning, the family members of the deceased staged protests in the hospital premises along with local people. Huge police force was deployed to prevent any untoward incident.

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According to local sources, the deceased was identified as Bhuban Mondal. His family claimed that he fell ill at home on Sunday evening and was taken to Canning Sub-Divisional Hospital. However, the doctor on-duty, allegedly provided minimal treatment and discharged him after initial care, stating that nothing was wrong with him. Bhubans wife, however, claimed that her husband was experiencing breathing difficulties and needed oxygen. She had requested that he be admitted and provided with oxygen, but the doctors ignored her pleas. As a result, Bhuban was taken back home in the same condition. Early Monday morning, he became seriously ill again. His family rushed him to the hospital, where the attending doctors declared him dead.

The family also mentioned that Bhuban had been undergoing treatment for cancer for a long time, but on Sunday, he developed breathing problems. Despite informing the doctors about his condition, no adequate treatment was provided. His death sparked tension at the hospital premises.

It is noteworthy that just last Friday, a similar incident occurred at Sagar Dutta Medical College in Kamarhati where the death of a patient led to unrest. A woman named Ranjana Sau had been admitted to the hospital due to breathing difficulties. Allegedly, despite being admitted, no treatment was provided for hours. When her condition worsened, the hospital staff finally arranged for an oxygen cylinder, but it was too late.
Indias largest oil marketing company (OMC), Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) on Monday announced the withdrawal of its proposed Rs 22,000 crore rights issue due to no funds being allocated for capital support to the companies in the Union Budget 2024.

In July 2023, the board of directors of the IOC approved raising capital through the issuance of equity shares on a right basis.

The Ministry of Petroleum & Natural Gas (MoP&NG) has said that no funds were allocated for capital support to OMCs in the budget, in comparison to the earlier proposed allocation of Rs 30,000 crore, the IOC said.

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In an exchange filing, the company said: This is in continuation of our earlier intimation dated July 7, 2023, wherein it was informed that the board has accorded approval for raising of capital by way of issue of equity shares on right basis up to Rs 22,000 crore, subject to the necessary statutory approvals.

In this regard, we would like to inform you that the MoP&NG has conveyed that no funds have been allocated for capital support to Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) in the Budget 2024-25, as against the earlier proposed allocation of Rs. 30,000 crore. Therefore, in view of the Govt. of Indias (Promoters) non-participation in the right Issue, the board at its meeting held on September 30 has decided to withdraw the proposed right Issue of equity shares, It added.

The meeting of the Board of Directors commenced at 11.30 am and concluded at 2.30 pm.

In Mondays trading session, shares of IOC closed at Rs 179.69, down 0.18 per cent.

IOC is the largest oil marketing company in India. According to the company website, it processes over 1.6 million barrels of crude oil daily. The company has an expansive network of 61,000+ customer touchpoints, including 37,500+ fuel stations. IOC also delivers more than 26 lakh LPG cylinders daily.
Delhi Social Welfare Minister Saurabh Bharadwaj on Tuesday met the elderly residents of Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Memorial Old Age Home in Wazirpur on the occasion of International Day of Older Persons.

During his interaction with the senior citizens, the minister inquired about their health and discussed the facilities being provided to them at the home.

To mark the occasion, the minister cut a cake with the residents of the old-age home and also spent some joyful moments with them. He extended his wishes to all senior citizens across the nation on the occasion and said, Today, the International Day of Older Persons is celebrated around the world, and this years theme is Aging with Dignity. We have come to the old age home, which falls under the Ministry of Social Welfare of the Delhi Government, to celebrate this day.

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Bharadwaj further said, Many elderly people live heresome are very old and bedridden, while others are in good health. We spoke with the residents, and all of them expressed satisfaction with the facilities at the center. Adequate medical care is provided to the sick, nutritious food is served on time, and all other services are of the highest quality, the minister said.

Wazirpur MLA Rajesh Gupta accompanied him during the programme.

The Delhi minister informed that he inquired with the administration on the functioning of the old-age home, and ensured that the government was adequately providing all necessary facilities.

According to the minister, the administration has expressed satisfaction with the support received from the government.

He also informed that during the inspection he found that the living spaces of the elderly are cleaned thoroughly every day, as are the toilets, while the centre maintains a clean and healthy environment for its residents, Bharadwaj added.
Arvind Kejriwal is again going to the public to hold a Janata Ki Adalat scheduled to take place on October 6, the AAP said on Tuesday.

According to the party, this time, the Janta Ki Adalat will be organised at the iconic Chhatrasal stadium in North Delhi, a place where the state government holds the Independence Day celebrations.

Earlier, Kejriwal spoke at the same programme on September 22 at Jantar Mantar in the presence of AAP prominent leaders, Delhi CM Atishi, former Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Delhi Government Ministers Saurabh Bhardwaj, Mukesh Ahlawat, Imran Hussain, Gopal Rai.

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During his address, Kejriwal had hit out at the ruling dispensation at the Centre accusing it of conspiring to attack the honesty of AAP leaders by sending them to jail in a bid to win against the AAP in elections.

The AAP supremo had also said that the reason behind his resigning from the CMs post was the allegations levelled against him in the liquor policy case and he had no greed to stay in power or to have the CMs chair.
The highest among the three phases, 65.48 per cent polling was recorded till 5 pm in the 40 assembly constituencies across Jammu and Kashmir where voting was held on Tuesday in the third and the final phase of election. Polling will continue till 6 pm.

The assembly election in J&K held after a gap of ten years witnessed polling in three phases.

The first phase recorded 57.31 per cent polling, while 61.38 per cent votes were cast in the second phase.

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This phase of polling is considered crucial for government formation as voting was held for the highest number of 40 seats in 7 districts. Earlier in the first and second phases 24 and 26 seats respectively went to polls of the UT.

The electoral exercise witnessed the Balmiki community and West Pakistan refugees voting in J&Ks assembly election for the first time in 77 years. These segments of the society were empowered to vote after the J&K Reorganisation Act came into force following abrogation of Article 370 on 5 August 2019.

Polling booths in the areas where these two communities reside witnessed heavy polling since early morning.

Turnout of voters was high also in the assembly constituencies along the International Border with Pakistan and the Line of Control (LoC). However, polling in the Jammu city remained slow till noon.

Jammus Chhamb assembly constituency along the Pakistan border recorded the highest polling percentage of 77.35 per cent.

While polling in most of the 24 seats of the Jammu division crossed 70 per cent, it went beyond 60 per cent in many of the 16 seats of the Kashmir valley.

Polling started at 7 AM in all 5,060 polling stations across 40 Assembly Constituencies of seven districts namely Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora in Kashmir Division; and Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua and Samba in Jammu Division. Earlier, mock drills were also conducted in all the polling stations.

From early morning, long queues of enthusiastic voters are being witnessed, waiting for their turn to exercise their right to franchise.

In this phase, 39,18,220 voters were eligible to cast their ballots, comprising 20,09,033 male, 19,09,130 female and 57 third-gender voters.

This phase will determine the fate of 415 candidates.

The final phase will determine the fate of several prominent political figures, including 17 former ministers, eight ex-MLAs, and four officials who took voluntary retirement from services (VRS) to join the electoral race.

Among the top contenders in the Kashmir division are former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beg and former ministers, Taj Mohiud-Din, Sajjad Lone, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Ghulam Hassan Mir, and Imran Ansari, representing major political parties such as the Peoples Conference, Apni Party, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Key figures from Jammu are former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Chhamb), Mula Ram (Marh), Sham Sharma and Ajay Sadhotra (Jammu North), Devender Rana (Nagrota) along with other senior politicians including Raman Bhalla and Choudhary Gharu Ram (Jammu South-RS Pura), are also vying for victory.

Notable candidates include BJP national secretary Narinder Singh and former MLA Devender Singh Rana, contesting from Jammu South-RS Pura and Nagrota, respectively.
With polling for the third and final Phase of elections to J&K Legislative Assembly receiving huge momentum, an impressive 56.01 per cent voter turnout was recorded till 3 pm, said the Chief Electoral Officer, J&K on Tuesday.

The polling started at 7 AM in all 5,060 polling stations across 40 Assembly Constituencies of seven districts namely Kupwara, Baramulla and Bandipora in Kashmir Division; and Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua and Samba in Jammu Division.

People were seen waiting in long queues waiting eagerly to exercise their franchise.

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In this phase, 39,18,220 voters  20,09,033 male, 19,09,130 female and 57 third-gender  are eligible to cast their ballots.

The respective District Administrations have made elaborative arrangements at all the polling stations for free, fair and transparent elections. Earlier, mock drills were also conducted in all the polling stations.

Security measures have been intensified, with personnel from the Jammu & Kashmir Police, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF), and Central Police Forces (CAPF) ensuring a smooth and safe voting process across the region.

This phase will determine the fate of 415 candidates. The final phase will determine the fate of several prominent political figures, including 17 former ministers, eight ex-MLAs, and four officials who took voluntary retirement from services (VRS) to join the electoral race.

Among the top contenders in the Kashmir division are former Deputy Chief Minister Muzaffar Hussain Beg and former ministers, Taj Mohiud-Din, Sajjad Lone, Syed Basharat Bukhari, Ghulam Hassan Mir, and Imran Ansari, representing major political parties such as the Peoples Conference, Apni Party, National Conference (NC), and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Key figures from Jammu are, former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Chhamb), Mula Ram (Marh), Sham Sharma and Ajay Sadhotra (Jammu North), Devender Rana (Nagrota) along with other senior politicians including Raman Bhalla and Choudhary Gharu Ram (Jammu South-RS Pura), are also vying for victory.

Notable candidates include BJP national secretary Narinder Singh and former MLA Devender Singh Rana, contesting from Jammu South-RS Pura and Nagrota, respectively. Other prominent leaders in the race include Balwant Singh Mankotia (Chenani), Choudhary Lal Singh (Basohli), and Harshdev Singh (Chenani).
Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan on Tuesday said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan should respond to the allegations raised in connection with the gold smuggling centred around Calicut International Airport at Karipur.

Talking to media persons in Palakkad, Governor Khan said that he plans to seek a report from the government on the actions taken by the government against the gold smugglers, who have indulged in anti-national activities.

The Chief Minister should come forward and tell us what action has been taken by the government against the gold smugglers, who have indulged in anti-national activities, said Khan.

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I want to know what actions have been taken, and how long the authorities have been aware of this issue. Is it a recent discovery, or have they known for some time, he asked.

The Governors remarks came following Chief Minister Vijayans interview with an English daily in which he said that money from gold smuggling through Karipur International Airport in Malappuram district and hawala transactions was used for anti-state and anti-national activities.

During an interview with the national daily, Chief Minister Vijayan claimed that over the past five years, 150 kg of gold and hawala money worth Rs 123 crore had been seized in Malappuram, suggesting that these funds were being utilized for anti-state and anti-national purposes.
The Asian church, as exemplified in Korea, is akin to bodily ligaments unified in Christ with prayerful resilience but stretching in diverse directions in the face of hardships in its development.

This according to Dr. Eun Ah Cho, who is Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Dean of the Gordon-Conwell Institute (Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary) with its main campus in Hamilton, MA, in the U.S. Raised in Canada, Cho's family is originally from Korea. She is described by the college as a seasoned missionary, church planter and a scholar and creative leader, but also a poet famous in Korea for the hymn, Hananimui Eunhye: Grace of God.

Cho spoke during a plenary session entitled Gods Mission to the Ends of the Earth Through the Dynamic Missions Movement from the Majority World on Saturday (Sept. 28) at the Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization in Incheon, Korea.

The discussion revolved around an understanding that the history of mission for Asia, particularly Korea, had been divided into three stages: firstly, the arrival of western missionaries; secondly the contextualizing of the gospel into indigenous culture; and thirdly a self-missionization process whereby the indigenous church evangelized to others, outside its usual cultural and geographical domain.

Cho warned that the Korean church did not in itself fully represent the complexity of the wider Asian church and to be cautious of oversimplifying this faith demographic with varying religious diversity, cultural polarity and socioeconomic realities.

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Even so, Cho said there were distinctive and exceptional features of the Korean church, helpful for missional experts evaluating the growth of Christianity. These are the effects of Korean language Bible translation and also Korean-originated initiatives for gospel witness in the country itself and beyond to other countries.

On the first historic point, a powerful impact was felt by Koreans who had lived overseas bringing the gospel into the country and they carried with them Bibles newly translated into the Korean language.

These individuals had partnered with missionaries working on Bible translations outside Korea, explained Cho. Also, the Korean Bible translation deliberately used the language closer to that of the ordinary past, and this choice had a profound impact. It helped many Koreans become literate through personal and corporate Bible reading and fostered a grassroots foundation for church planting.

Secondly, Korean Christians were motivated for mission in the early stages of conversion, birthing churches across the country. Cho called it a central civil orientation and pointed to Korean missionaries being sent further afield, such as to Russa, in 1908, and to China in 1913.

Such an early missionary zeal should be attributed to the strategic priority given by early protestant missionaries to the development of Korean leadership, said Cho.

She referred to the foundation of Pyongyang Theological Seminary as a fruit of these efforts. Her own grandfather, whom she never met, was an alumni. Born in 1905, he became a pastor and then martyred at the age of 45 during the Korean War, 1950-1953.

His life epitomizes a life marked by itinerant ministry and ardent love for Christ, recalled Cho, paying tribute, and this reverberated in the songs that my grandmother loved to sing. One of her favorite hits was called The Trusting Heart to Jesus.

Cho elaborated that her grandmother told this hymn to her mother, and it was about walking with the Lord despite the paths of suffering.

My grandmother said, If I were to put a thin piece of paper with the word endurance written on it and put it in a big kimchi jar every time I had to endure hardships, by now the big kimchi jar must be overflowing with these papers.

For Cho, this simple illustration is helpful in explaining the suffering of the Asian church as it has stood up for Jesus Christ.

This image of a big kimchi jar overflowing with white papers echoes prominent features shared within the Asian church.

The Asian church has shown prayerful resilience in the face of suffering, and Cho wanted to avoid oversimplifying the situation. However, she retained confidence that a common thread running through the Asian church is that of enduring various hardships.

While the metaphorical jar may defer across cultures, the Asian church has undoubtedly embraced numerous jars of clay, overflowing with tears, added Cho.

Despite these difficulties Cho remained convinced that the Asian church had a powerful message to share with the wider global church.

This message is one of unswerving faith that nothing can impede the power of the gospel, she said. She related the suffering of the Asian church to what is described in Psalm 22: 14-15: I am poured out like water and all my bones are out of joint. My heart has turned to wax; it has melted within me. My mouth is dried up like a potsherd, and my tongue sticks to the roof of my mouth; you lay me in the dust of death.

Yet the gospel perseveres, asserted Cho.

A further illustration of Asian church growth, given by Cho, referred to Ephesians 4:16: From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work. She called it one of the apostle Pauls most complicated statements but felt particularly fascinated by the notion of the ligaments involved giving support to the whole framework of the body.

It feels itself out above, as each part does its work, she explained. This metaphor provides a powerful lens through which we can understand the role that Asian churches call to play in the wider body of Christ.

Cho believed a clear parallel between ligaments and the role of Asia in Gods mission. She outlined three key points of comparison.

Firstly, both the Asian church and ligaments are numerous and widespread. In fact, there are 900 ligaments in the body, according to Cho, which are distributed throughout its structure. She said that Asia is the worlds largest continent with 60 percent of the worlds population and 30 percent of the global land mass.

Secondly, both exhibit diversity. Cho expounded that ligaments vary in shape, size, orientation and location. Asia is similarly diverse, a land of stark contrasts with some of the worlds fastest growing economies juxtaposed with being home to two thirds of the global poor.

It hosts the world's most populous atheistic state while also being home to vast numbers of Muslims, Buddhists, and Christians, Cho explained, guiding her analysis. Furthermore, the diversity of Asia is continually evolving through various forms of movement such as urbanization and migration, and the formation of diaspora communities who serve manyfold functions.

Ligaments fulfill different roles in our bodies such as supporting, protecting and connecting, according to Cho. Similarly, the role of Asia and global Christianity has grown, she opined.

Once a primarily missionary-receiving continent, many Asians now send out missionaries abroad having identified parallels between the ligaments in our physical body and the Asian church in the body of Christ.

Cho highlighted a specific role of safeguarding for the Asian church, which she believed came from God, to protect itself against the dangers of triumphalism and imperialism.

With that goal of protection, however, the Asian church must recognise its own limits to effectively serve in that role of safeguarding within the wider body of Christ.

And if I were to pinpoint only one limitation that the Asian churches should not overlook, what would that be? asked Cho rhetorically. It is a recognition that none of us can create unity. This power belongs solely to the Holy Spirit.

Our calling is not to create unity, but rather to preserve and nurture it. Unity is a consequence, not something that we can manufacture.

In concluding her thoughts, Cho said the Asian churchs contribution to global Christianity extended beyond strength in numbers or missionary efforts.

Its greatest offering may be its demonstrated ability, given by the grace of God, to thrive in diverse and often challenging contexts, coupled with its powerful reminder of the importance of unity, said Cho.

As we advance in God's mission, let us draw inspiration from the Asian church's example of prayerful resilience and unwavering commitment to Spirit-created unity, working together as one body to declare and display Christs name in our diverse world.
NEW DELHI, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Around 600 striking workers of Samsung Electronics and union members were detained Tuesday by police in the southern Indian state of Tamil Nadu, officials said.

The workers were detained for staging a protest to press for their demands in Chennai, the capital city of Tamil Nadu.

"The striking workers were detained for causing inconvenience to the public and they had not sought permission for any such demonstration," a police official said.

According to police, the workers were kept in four wedding halls.

Earlier, on Sept. 16, at least 150 striking Samsung employees were detained for a day in Kancheepuram district of the state after they tried to march to the deputy commissioner's office to present him a memorandum on their ongoing strike.

The employees of the South Korean company in the state have been on protest since Sept. 9 demanding an increase in wages and recognition of their union at the plant.

The striking workers have boycotted work and have been protesting at a makeshift tent near the plant in Sunguvarchatram.

Talks between the Samsung management, protesting workers as well as local government officials have so far not yielded any results.

Reports said the Samsung plant in Tamil Nadu employs over 1,700 workers and more than 1,000 of them have been on strike. 
Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Tuesday that Congress is the countrys most anti-Dalit party which wants to end reservations for Dalits and the backward in Haryana, just as it did it in Karnataka to appease its votebank of minorities.

Addressing an election rally in Palwal, Haryana, he, however, asserted, I can tell you as long as BJP is there, and Modi is around, the Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribe and OBC communities will not lose their Constitutional right to reservation.

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Mr Modi said the Congress leaders abuse him and the BJP chief minister every day only because they were born in backward-class families.

He said after coming to power in Karnataka, the Congress government in the State took away the Dalits and backward reservation benefits and transferred these to the minorities, making religion a ground for reservation.

The Congress government in the southern state even declared many schools, colleges, and universities minority institutions to end existing reservations there, Mr Modi said. As a result, Dalits and the backward lost their admission and job quotas in the institutions, he said.

The Congress has just a one-point agenda for getting votes  appeasement as much as possible, the prime minister said.

The Congress never cared for the Dalits, he claimed, and had even ensured the defeat of the father of the Constitution Babasaheb Ambedkar twice in elections, as the party felt he could ask it inconvenient questions in Parliament. The Congress did not allow Babasahebs portrait in the Central Hall of Parliament, the prime minister said.

He said maximum anti-Dalit violence took place during the Congress rule. Congress always had bad feelings towards the Dalits and it is clear the party has made up its mind to end existing reservation, and Haryana is going to be the test State, he said.

Todays Congress is in the grips of urban naxals; those who are furthering the agenda of Indias enemies, the Congress leaders get friendly with them, Mr Modi said. This urban naxal coalition does not want India to get stronger, the party even attacks the Indian Army also, he said. The Army defeated the enemy repeatedly, but the Congress royal family praises the enemy, Mr Modi said.

The Congress does not hide its desire to bring Article 370 back, the prime minister noted. On the contrary, it has never said even once that it wants PoK back. The party destroyed Indias crown, broke up Kashmir, but does not talk of getting PoK back. This is on social media, Mr Modi said.

Only because of Pakistan supports Congress, he said. How can this Congress which charms Pakistan make Haryana happy, he asked.

The prime minister said, The Congress is the countrys most dishonest party, it kept the Army waiting for One Rank One Pension (OROP) for 40 years and just allocated Rs 500 crore once. I spoke about it in Rewari, and I promised to implement it, and I did it and gave Rs 1.25 lakh crore to the Army.

Mr Modi said against such a large entitlement, Congress tried to cheat by making only a small allocation. More than Rs 10,000 crore has been distributed to Army families in Haryana under OROP; for Modi, respecting the Army is high on priority, and this cannot be expected from the Congress.

Even in Himachal Pradesh, he said, Congress cheated the state. To win elections, the party promised much but even after two years, nothing materialised. The employees are not even getting their salaries on time. The party is addicted to cheating and selling baseless dreams to people in Haryana. But wherever it is in power, it has not implemented its promises, like Telangana and Karnataka.

The Congress is against Haryanas interests, the prime minister alleged. The BJP had given 1.50 lakh jobs in the state, and that too without kharchi, parchi and confirmed the jobs. The Congress wants to bring the system back. There is no hope for power for the party, but it has already decided how to divide the loot. Mr Modi said the presence of huge crowds in the rally showed people will elect the BJP for the third consecutive time.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday said India and Jamaica have agreed to jointly tackle the challenges posed by terrorism, organised crime and drug trafficking as the two countries exchanged MoUs in the fields of digital infrastructure, international payments, cultural exchange and sports.

The visiting Jamaican Prime Minister Andrew Holness extended his countrys support for Indias membership of the United Nations Security Council during talks with PM Modi.

Addressing the media after the talks, the Indian leader said India and Jamaica have also agreed to move forward on training of Jamaican troops and their capacity-building in the area of defence. PM Modi said that India accords special importance to the visit of the Jamaican leader, who is the first PM from the island nation to visit India. He also said relations between the two countries are based on a shared history, democratic values and strong people-to-people ties. Mr Modi said India is ready to share its experience with Jamaica in areas such as digital public infrastructure, small-scale industries, biofuel, innovation, health, education and agriculture.

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Stating that both sides will continue their efforts to ensure global peace and stability, he added that India and Jamaica have a common opinion that reforms are necessary in all global institutions, including the United Nations Security Council.

The PM said the Government of India has decided to name the road in front of the Jamaica High Commission in New Delhi as Jamaica Marg. He added that India and Jamaica may be separated by vast oceans, but our people, our culture and our history are linked to each other.

In his remarks, the Jamaican PM said that his country values the strong fraternal ties with India since our Independence. He also lauded the contribution made by Indians to the development of Jamaica in various spheres, including health, education, information technology and business.
The Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body, Leh have called for a bandh across Ladakh following the detention of renowned activist Sonam Wangchuk on Monday night.

Shops in Ladakh were observed closed as residents demanded Wangchuks release and advocate for the sixth schedule to safeguard the regions rights.

Hajan Fathima Bano, an 87-year-old Apex activist, voiced her concerns over the detention of activist Wangchuk along with the other people of Ladakh demanding for their rights.

Weve heard they have been apprehended. They didnt go to engage in conflict; they went to advocate for the sixth schedule on behalf of the people of Ladakh. We are willing to give our lives for them. They shouldnt be held captive, she stated.

The bandh aims to raise awareness about the ongoing struggle for Ladakhi autonomy and the preservation of its unique cultural identity. Activists are urging the government to listen to their demands and prioritize the rights of the people of Ladakh.

Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Delhi borders, said Delhi Police.

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Wangchuk also took to X to inform about his detention.

I AM BEING DETAINED along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of hundreds, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy Hai Ram! the climate activist posted on X.

Wangchuk and other volunteers were embarking on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakhs leadership regarding their demands.

One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.

The Sixth Schedule of the Indian Constitution outlines the governance of tribal areas in Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram in northeast India. It creates autonomous councils with legislative, judicial, executive, and financial powers, allowing these regions to self-govern independently.
Tension prevailed in Musheerabad area of Hyderabad after some Congress workers surrounded the convoy of BRS working president KT Rama Rao and tried to stop him while he was on his way to meet the people evicted due to Musi Riverfront Development project at Golnaka in Amberpet Assembly constituency resulting in a ruckus.

There was a scuffle between the Congress workers who stopped the convoy and shouted slogans of KTR go back and BRS supporters.

Raos security personnel, his staff members and BRS workers managed to hold the Congress workers, led by Motha Rohith, at bay, allowing his convoy to move ahead. The Congress workers were demanding an apology from Rao after state minister Konda Surekha complained that she was being trolled by social media handles of BRS using her photograph with BJP MP M Raghunandan Rao.

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They were also demanding an apology from the BRS working president after Congress workers were attacked by BRS cadres when they were protesting in front of BRS headquarters yesterday.

KTR, however, accused the Congress of trying to stop him from interacting with the victims of Musi Riverfront Development project. He wrote on X, You cannot keep me from standing with my people. No bulldozer will silence the voiceless. I am and I will remain here, by their side. Your goons cannot crush my spirit or stop me from challenging your rule of tyranny, the goondaraj. The thugs attacking my vehicle only strengthen my resolve. I will not waiver.

Later while addressing the victims of Musi project, he called upon the people to resist against the project which he labelled as a scam. Keep wheelbarrows and brooms in front of your houses and draw inspiration from Chakali Ilamma (leader of Telangana Rebellion) and Rani Rudrama Devi. If you stand united we will support you and fight legally even if it costs Rs 10 crore, said the former urban development minister.

Meanwhile, BRS leader T Harish Rao asked Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, if this is his so-called Mohabbat ka dukan? and demanded action against the Congress workers who had stopped the convoy of KT Rama Rao.
A complete shutdown was observed in the Union Territory (UT) of Ladakh on Tuesday to protest against the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk along with about 125 men and women who were peacefully marching towards New Delhi to draw attention of the Modi government towards their demands, including Sixth Schedule for the cold desert region.

The march to Delhi was started on 1 September from Leh.

Large number of people came out on the streets in Leh and Kargil chanting slogans against the Delhi Police for detaining the peaceful marchers.

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The shutdown call was given by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) and the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA).

The KDA had appealed to all religious, political, social and commercial establishments to observe the protest. It described these detentions as a blatant violation of our fundamental rights. It is an affront not only on democratic rights but also to the dignity of the people of Ladakh.

Detention of the Ladakhi marchers has triggered strong criticism of the BJP government and Delhi Police.

A social activist from Kargil, who has also been detained, wrote on X; We have been detained by the Delhi Police last night and taken to Arya Samaj Mandir, Narela, where we have now decided to go on hunger strike.

I urge the government not to push the people of Ladakh to the wall. We are frontline warriors, not traitors. We are simply demanding the rights you have taken from us  our statehood, safeguards, and employment. Now, even our right to protest is being stripped away. It is deeply unfortunate that while people like Ram Rahim are granted parole while the peaceful people of Ladakh are denied entry into Delhi, he wrote.

Criticising their detention, leader of the opposition and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi wrote; The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and Constitutional rights is unacceptable. Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future? Modi ji, like with the farmers, this Chakravyuh will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakhs voice.

Ladakh MP Mohmad Haneefa said, For the last three years, we have been raising our concerns in a very peaceful manner and several rounds of discussions were also held with the government. We hoped that the talks would continue after the formation of the new government but it did not happen. We set out on foot from Leh under the banner of KDA and LAB with the hope that we would present our views to the central government in the national capital and our concerns would be heard. But unfortunately, Sonam Wangchuk and his team were detained yesterday. We urge the government to provide us a place from where we can submit a memorandum to PM Modi or hold talks with the leadership to resolve this issue.

PDP chief Mehbooba Mufti wrote on X; Even the very fundamental right to protest has been snatched from us for raising our voice against the onslaught on our identity & resources. We stand in solidarity with the people of Ladakh.

Wangchuk and his supporters in Delhi Chalo Padayatra were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night when they were participating in a march towards the Gandhi Samadhi in Delhi, demanding Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory of Ladakh. The march was for statehood, Constitutional rights, and other local governance issues for the past four years.
The Chairman of Madhya Pradesh Tel Ghani Board, Department of Technical Education, Skill Development, and Employment, Ravikaran Sahu, Tuesday visited Patanjali Yogpeeth in Haridwar, where he was welcomed by Patanjali Yogpeeths General Secretary, Acharya Balkrishna, with a ceremonial shawl.

During their meeting, Acharya Balkrishna stated that Patanjali Yogpeeth is playing a crucial role in the skill development of youth. Various training camps are organized in Samriddh Gram, offering youths training in different fields.

Additionally, multiple skill development programs are being conducted for students through Patanjali University.

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He further emphasized that the primary aim of Patanjalis skill development initiatives is to promote traditional arts and empower women by enhancing livelihoods and fostering self-reliance.

On this occasion, Mr Sahu praised the social service initiatives undertaken by Patanjali and acknowledged the unforgettable contributions of Swami Ramdev and Acharya Balkrishna in reviving Yoga and Ayurveda in India, especially in the fields of education, healthcare, and promoting indigenous products.

He further added that institutions like Patanjali University, Patanjali Ayurved College, Acharyakulam, and Patanjali Gurukulam are not only imparting education but also instilling values in future generations, ensuring the creation of a value-driven future India.
Delhi Chief Minister Atishi alleged that she was not allowed to meet environmentalist Sonam Wangchuk and his 150 supporters at the Bawana police station on the instructions of the lieutenant governor of Delhi.

Asserting that the people of Delhi stand with the people from Ladakh, she said that LGs rule should end in Ladakh and the national capital. Ladakh and Delhi should get the status of a full-fledged state, the senior AAP leader demanded.

Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, the chief minister said, It is being said that LG sahab called and asked to not let the elected CM meet them. This dictatorship is not right.

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Today, the BJPs central government leaves no stone unturned in murdering democracy, flouting the constitution, and snatching the rights of the common people, she added.

Noting that Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh are also fighting against LG rule, Atishi said their efforts are to get full statehood for their region.

Interacting with media, she narrated how Wangchuk, a well-known environmentalist, was detained from the Delhi border while he, along with his 150 supporters from Ladakh, was on his way to Delhi in a peaceful march. He described the detention as extremely disappointing.

Meanwhile, several Opposition leaders condemned the detention of Wangchuk and the people from Ladakh.

Wangchuks Delhi Chalo march, which set off from Leh on September 1, was to culminate at Mahatma Gandhis memorial Raj Ghat in Delhi on his birth anniversary.

The purpose of the march was to urge the Central government to resume dialogue with Ladakhs leadership on the regions four-point agenda that includes the demand for statehood.
Special Task Force (STF), the specialised wing of Odisha Police to curb the organised crime and wildlife offences in the State, continued to maintain 100 per cent conviction rate in wildlife cases with a Court in Boudh district sentencing a man to three years in jail for recovery of leopard skin from his possession earlier this year.

This is the ninth case of STF where the accused persons were convicted under the Wildlife Protection Act. Till date, trial has been completed in nine wildlife cases and all the cases ended in conviction. Its worth mentioning that the conviction rate of wildlife crime cases in India is less than five per cent.

The court of Judicial Magistrate First Class, Harabhanga in Boudh convicted the accused Goutam Behera under sections 379/411 IPC r.w. 51 the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972 and sentenced the accused person to undergo three years of rigorous imprisonment with fine of Rs 10,000 for commission of offence.

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The accused was apprehended by the STF in Boudh district on 20 January with a skin of leopard, a protected animal, while he was about to deliver it to a prospective client

After prompt investigation, a charge sheet was submitted against the accused person under the relevant sections. During investigation the seized leopard skin was sent to Wildlife Institute of India, Dehradun for biological chemical examination and opinion was received affirmatively.

Trial was conducted against the accused with prosecution examining 11 witnesses and 9 documents.

STF Odisha has taken special efforts to ensure that our investigation is of highest standards and we meticulously follow our prosecution in the courts so that the cases are brought to logical conclusion in conviction, said a senior official of STF.
Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Girish Chandra Murmu, on Tuesday said Panchayat and local bodies are the first respondents for the success of any Government schemes and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Highlighting the critical role of grassroots participation in achieving the vision of a Viksit Bharat, he said, We must recognize that citizens are the principal stakeholders in the development process.

He was speaking here at One- and-Half Day Local Governance Synergy Conclave organised by the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (ICAI) through its Committee on Public and Government Financial Management (CPGFM).

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Without focusing on local participation, true progress cannot be achieved. This conclave goes beyond accounting; it is about Jan Bhagidari at all levels, Murmu said during the inaugural session.

At the local level, there is a lack of Accountants Officers for record keeping or maintaining accounts. Together with ICAI this Certificate Courses for Accountants of Panchayats and Municipal Bodies has been developed for capacity building and empowering citizens at the grassroot level, he said.

Further the credibility of ICAI for conducting the exam with highest integrity, itself gives credit to the certification through this course. I thank ICAI for partnering with us for financial literacy at the local level. This synergy must continue, and local bodies must continue to ensure sustainable growth and financial accountability across the country, Murmu said.

On this occasion, CA Ranjeet Kumar Agarwal, President of ICAI, said, Our collaboration with the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) to empower accounting at the local level underscores our dedication to nation-building. In the past ICAI ARF has helped Indian Railways to convert from Single accounting to double entry accounting system.
Rebel LDF MLA PV Anvar on Tuesday released his complaint against Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayans Political Secretary P Sasi through his Facebook page.

Anvar has raised serious allegations against P Sasi in his complaint submitted to CPI-Ms state secretary MV Govindan. He accused Sasi of embezzling the gold smuggled via Kozhikode International Airport with the help of the police.

Anvar has further accused P Sasi of misconduct, alleging that he collected phone numbers of women who visited the Chief Ministers office and misbehaved with them over the phone.

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In his nine-page complaint, Anvar also detailed several instances where he had negative encounters with the police.

He also explains how a senior police officer persuaded the solar case complainant to request a CBI probe and ultimately settled the case in favour of the accused.

Anvar also questioned P Sasis failure to take action against the police officers who tarnished the CPI-Ms reputation by falsely implicating party workers in the Ashram arson case.

Anvar also alleged that Sasi used to receive crores of rupees acting as a middleman in the disputes between big businessmen in the state.

Anvar further alleged that opposition leader VD Satheesan received Rs 150 crore from multinational companies to derail the K-Rail project.

In his complaint to Govindan, the rebel LDF MLA stated that keeping Sasi in the position of the Chief Ministers political secretary would tarnish both the partys and the Chief Ministers reputation.
Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, takes part in an interview during the 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC) in Haikou, capital of south China's Hainan Province, Sept. 28, 2024. (WNEVC/Handout via Xinhua)

HAIKOU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- "I look forward to the strong cooperation between our two countries as we move forward," Hildegard Mueller, president of the German Association of the Automotive Industry, told Xinhua in an interview during the 2024 World New Energy Vehicle Congress (WNEVC).

"China boasts the largest auto market in the world with impressive technological progress," Mueller said, noting that China's electric vehicle (EV) sector is in the lead globally and sets standards in the field.

She said that the global auto industry is undergoing the most profound changes since the advent of the automobile. "Both digitalization and, notably, climate protection pose significant challenges for us."

"In this era, I believe that cooperation effectively drives development. Through cooperation, we can achieve growth, prosperity and technological advancement, benefiting everyone," she stressed.

Mueller sees great potential for collaboration between the Chinese and German markets, as each boasts "significant strengths."

Noting that over the past four decades, German and Chinese industries have proved that collaboration is significant for both sides, she told Xinhua, "I would like to invite the Chinese automotive industry to engage in similar cooperation in Germany."

She said that she encourages the German auto industry to continue pursuing business activities in China, and that she would be pleased to see Chinese enterprises establish factories and create jobs in Germany.

"I firmly believe that the automotive industries of both countries, whether in the fields of passenger vehicles, buses or commercial vehicles, can deliver desirable products that significantly reduce carbon dioxide emissions," she said.

Mueller attributes the success of the German auto industry in part to its strong global vision. "From the outset, it not only targets the German and European markets, but also actively seeks to meet international demands," she said.

The German automotive industry has a global perspective and recognizes the significant opportunities presented by international cooperation, according to Mueller.

"Our main focus now is to avoid the pitfalls of protectionism. Tariffs and subsidies should not dominate the discussion. Instead, we should seek collaborative opportunities," she stressed.

"I would be delighted to see us utilize the common strengths of the automotive industries in both countries to further enhance global cooperation. This would serve as a model, demonstrating that we can address climate protection challenges through globalization, while also balancing growth and development. This is in the interests of both peoples," she said.

With the theme "Low Carbon Evolution and Global Cooperation," the 2024 WNEVC was held in Haikou, the capital of south China's Hainan Province, from Sept. 27 to 29. 
On the third day of its investigation into the alleged adulteration of Tirupati laddu, the Special Investigation Team (SIT) inspected ghee tankers and the lab at Tirumala Tirupati Devasthanam (TTD) on Monday.

The SIT, constituted by the Andhra Pradesh government, conducted inspections at various places in Tirumala.

Headed by Guntur range Inspector General of Police (IG) Sarvashresth Tripathi, the SIT checked ghee tankers and the lab of TTD, which manages the affairs of the world-famous Sri Venkateswara Swamy temple.

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They also went around the flour mill of TTD and checked the quality of wheat and other ingredients procured by the authorities for making laddu prasadam.

The SIT spoke to TTD officials concerned about the method they adopt to check the quality of the materials they procure. They enquired about the quality check procedure followed in respect of ghee.

During their visit to TTD premises, the SIT noticed the arrival of a few ghee tankers. They collected a few samples. At the TTD lab, the SIT member observed the procedure adopted by the technical staff to test the purity of ghee.

The SIT recorded the statements of the TTD officials. The team later returned to Tirupati. It is likely to examine the employees of the kitchen where laddus are prepared.

Meanwhile, some SIT members have been reportedly sent to Dindigul in Tamil Nadu to inspect the AR Dairy Food Private Limited and question its officials.

On July 23, the TTD returned four ghee tankers supplied by AR Dairy after their samples failed the quality tests. Subsequent tests conducted at NDDB-CALF in Gujarat revealed that the ghee was adulterated. Following this, the TTD blacklisted the company.

The issue kicked up a storm after Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu alleged on September 18 that ghee adulterated with animal fats was used in making laddus during YSR Congress Party rule.

Naidu announced a probe into the allegations by SIT. Visakhapatnam range Deputy Inspector General of Police (DIG) Gopinath Jatti and Kadapa SP V. Harshvardhan Raju are among the members of the SIT.

The YSRCP president and former chief minister Y. S. Jagan Mohan Reddy accused Naidu of tarnishing the sanctity of the Tirumala temple with his false allegations.
Uncertainty prevailing over the status of Rajasthan Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Dr Kirodi Lal Meena in the BJP for the past four months is keeping everybody in suspense.

The senior BJP leader and sitting Sawai Madhopur MLA Meena is a six-term legislator and three-time MP, who tendered his resignation from the cabinet on moral grounds in June following his partys defeat in Dausa and six other neighbouring parliamentary seats in eastern Rajasthan in the general elections.

The resignation is reported to be pending in the Chief Ministers Office.

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Since his resignation four months back, the senior member of the Bhajan Lal Sharma cabinet is neither attending key cabinet or departmental meetings nor using the government vehicles provided to him, he being a cabinet minister.

Contrary to his claim of moral grounds behind his decision to quit, rumours are rife that he wanted the party to nominate his close kin on the Dausa parliamentary seat, but the request was not accepted. Subsequently, the party lost election on the Dausa seat.

Now, the byelection is due to fill the Dausa (ST) assembly seat vacated by the winning Congress candidate Murari Lal Meena and Dr Kirodi Lal Meena is still aspiring to get a BJP ticket for his relative in the bypolls.

Meanwhile, Dr Meena had held parleys with BJP high command in New Delhi and also at the party state headquarters here in Jaipur, but the meetings could only produce speculative reports over his status and fate.

Speculations were rife again on Sunday, when the Meena strongman reached the state secretariat to attend a cabinet meeting after a long period of absence.

Later, addressing reporters to brief on the cabinet discussion  decisions, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Jogaram Patel said Dr Kirodi Lal Meena is a senior member of the cabinet..; ..he was advised by the party state president Madan Rathore to participate in the meeting.

The next day, on Monday, Meena turned up at a press briefing to state I have said many times, I have resigned and my resignation is pending before the Chief Minister.I have requested the Chief Minister Sahib several times to accept the resignation. I once again want to request the Chief Minister through you(scribes) to accept it..,.. I was directed by the party state president Mr Rathore to attend the press conference (and cabinet too), Meena said.

The septuagenarian politician- a mass based leader in the Meena dominated region of the eastern Rajasthan (& Mewar too), is among those firebrand BJP leaders with rebellious and bold approach on key political issues.

Annoyed over political stances and working style of former Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje, Meena and some other leaders like multi-term MLA and sitting Rajya Sabha Member Ghanshyam Tiwari quit the BJP to form their own (separate) parties a few years ago and then joined the Ashok Gehlot led Congress dispensation too.

Both Meena and Tiwari were persuaded by Modi  Shah led BJP to return to the saffron-fold. Both of them were later nominated to the Rajya Sabha.

They have been seen as key factors to balance the power equation in the party to counter the Vasundhara Raje effect.

The resignation pending before the CM means that it is not rejected while an advisory from the party chief for attending meetings means maintain restraint and status quo  is this not enough to keep all, including Meena, guessing !
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan held discussion with the members of farmers organisations here today as a part of his dialogue with farmers and farmers organizations every Tuesday.

Chouhan welcomed all the presidents, conveners and farmers of the farmers organisations. The farmers organisations discussed and gave many important suggestions on reducing the cost of agriculture, giving profitable prices, protecting crops from water-logging, availability of pesticides and good seeds, and how to protect crops from animals, etc.

Chouhan informed that farmers were also concerned about the deterioration of soil health due to uncontrolled use of pesticides and fertilizers and how to make information about government schemes to reach everyone so that all farmers can take advantage of it.

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Farmers said due to lack of information, many times farmers are not able to take advantage of the schemes. Farmers praised that crop insurance scheme is a good scheme but all farmers are not able to get insurance. Farmers have also given suggestions regarding getting money on Kisan Credit Cards.

Farmers have put forward many practical problems like if a transformer burns, it should be replaced within the time limit so that crop irrigation is not affected. Farmers also discussed the problem of contaminated water coming out of factories and due to which, crops or underground water gets spoiled.
Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, along with several others who were detained at the Delhi border, have gone on an indefinite fast at the police stations where they are kept.

Wangchuk and his supporters were on a march to Delhi in support of their demand for Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory of Ladakh when they were stopped on the Delhi-Haryana border in view of the prohibitory orders in force in the National capital.

Meanwhile, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan, along with some of his supporters, was also detained from the Singhu border and was taken to the Narela Police station in outer Delhi.

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Speaking to a news agency before his detention, Haji Hanifa said, Several rounds of discussions were held with the government and we hope the talks would continue after the formation of the new government but it did not happen.

We set out on foot from Leh under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) with the hope that we would present our views to the central government and our concerns would be heard. But unfortunately, Sonam Wangchuk and his team were detained yesterday. We urge the government to provide us a place from where we can submit a memorandum to PM Modi or hold talks with the leadership to resolve this issue, he added.
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) condemned the detention of social activist Sonam Wangchuk calling it a violation of his democratic freedom.

Wangchuk was arrested on Tuesday while he was on his way to Delhi along with a group of his supporters to press his demands related to Ladakh.

Taking to social media platform X on Tuesday, AAP National Convener Arvind Kejriwal, said, While some times, farmers are stopped from entering Delhi, at others, people from Ladakh. Is Delhi someones personal property? Delhi is the nations capital, and everyone has the right to come here. This is completely wrong. What are they so afraid of from unarmed, peaceful people?

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Confirming the news, senior AAP leader and former Deputy CM of Delhi Manish Sisodia said, The BJP-led Central government has detained Sonam Wangchuk at the Delhi border. Sonam Wangchuk is an environmental innovator from Ladakh whose impact is wide in India and around the world. He, along with some other eminent people from Ladakh including social workers and army veterans, reached Delhi border. Their plan was to discuss the situation of Ladakh at Mahatma Gandhis Samadhi at the Rajghat on 2nd October.

He further said, Sonam Wangchuk and other people from Ladakh were coming to Delhi to ask for their right to elect a government like in other states of India. They were coming with a demand to restore their statehood.

The senior AAP leader alleged that the Central government stopped them from entering Delhi and confined them using force.

On Monday night, Wangchuck wrote on his X handle, I am being detained along with 150 padyatris at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s, some say 1,000. Many elderly men & women in their 80s and a few dozen Army veterans Our fate is unknown. We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi in the largest democracy in the world, the mother of democracy Hai Ram.

On Sunday, the office of the Delhi Police Commissioner, citing security inputs from various security agencies, announced prohibitory orders for six days beginning September 30 ahead of the upcoming festive season. The Delhi Police imposed Section 163 of BNSS in the districts of New Delhi, North, and Central, as well as police stations having jurisdiction over Delhis state borders.

According to the order, several inputs have been received about multiple organisations giving calls for demonstrations in the first week of October due to which the general atmosphere of the city from the law and order perspective looks sensitive.

The order further stated that such restrictions were necessitated in view of developments such as the proposed Waqf Amendment Bill, MCD Standing Committee elections, declaration of pending results of the DUSU polls, and elections in Haryana and Jammu and Kashmir.
The assassination of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, leader of Hezbollah, marks a significant shift in the conflict between Israel and the powerful Shiite paramilitary group. This event is not just another episode in the longrunning tensions between these two adversaries but a revelation of how deeply Israel has penetrated Hezbollahs inner workings. The killing of Nasrallah, coming in the wake of Israeli strikes that decimated key Hezbollah command structures, highlights the extent of Israels intelligence capabilities and strategic precision. However, it also raises questions about the future of Hezbollah and the broader regional dynamics.

For decades, Hassan Nasrallah had managed to evade capture or assassination, moving with extreme caution and limiting his public appearances. His survival, until now, had been viewed as a testament to Hezbollahs security apparatus. The breach, however, suggests that the groups ranks have been infiltrated by Israeli informants, a vulnerability that Nasrallah himself had feared for some time. The use of booby-trapped communication devices and Israels ability to target critical Hezbollah leadership with such precision shows that the militant groups once airtight operations are now compromised. The loss of Nasrallah is undoubtedly a severe blow to Hezbollah.

As its long-standing leader, he had become the face of the organisation, not only militarily but symbolically. His leadership has been critical in maintaining cohesion within the group, particularly given its complex ties with Iran and other regional players. The assassination represents more than just the loss of a commander; it is a psychological defeat for a group that has long prided itself on its resilience and capacity to operate under pressure. However, Hezbollah has demonstrated time and again its ability to adapt. The rapid appointment of Nasrallahs cousin, Hashem Safieddine, as his successor suggests that the group is prepared for such contingencies. Hezbollah is a well-organised entity, with a strong hierarchy that can withstand the loss of key figures. But while the leadership may be replaceable, the symbolic loss of Nasrallah will undoubtedly have far-reaching effects on the groups morale and regional standing. The broader implications of this event cannot be ignored.

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Hezbollahs ties to Iran have ensured a steady flow of weapons and financial support, but even that relationship may now be strained as Israeli strikes have targeted Hezbollahs supply lines in Syria and Lebanon. Iran, while still supportive, seems wary of being drawn directly into the conflict, especially given its other regional commitments. Looking ahead, Hezbollah will likely regroup and retaliate, but the recent string of Israeli successes has put the group on the back foot. Its military capacity, while still formidable, has been significantly diminished. More importantly, Israels ability to infiltrate and dismantle Hezbollahs upper echelons reveals that the groups strategic vulnerabilities may run deeper than previously thought. This could signal a shift in the balance of power in the region, one that might redefine the future of Hezbollah and its role in West Asian geopolitics.
Karnatakas recent draft policy to double the number of Global Capability Centres (GCCs) by 2029 marks a pivotal moment in Indias evolving role in the global technology and business process outsourcing landscape. Traditionally seen as low-cost back-office hubs, GCCs in India have transformed into crucial components of multinational corporations, driving innovation, research, and operations support. With this new policy, Karnataka aims to position itself at the forefront of this transition, fostering both economic growth and employment opportunities across the state.

The policys ambitious goal of reaching 1,000 GCCs by 2029 is not just a numbers game; it represents a broader strategy to reshape Karnatakas economic and technological landscape. By aiming to create 350,000 new jobs, the state government is signalling its intent to capitalise on Indias strong digital and technical talent pool, while addressing the rising global demand for highly skilled workers. This plan is also supported by economic forecasts suggesting that Indias GCC sector could expand significantly by the end of this decade, employing up to 2.8 million people nationwide. A key strength of the policy is its emphasis on incentives. The offer to reimburse rent, waive patent fees, and exempt companies from electricity duties based on their employee count provides a compelling financial advantage for global corporations. This is especially true in an increasingly competitive global environment where nations and regions vie for investment.

Furthermore, the strategic decision to promote cities beyond Bengaluru, such as Mysuru, Mangaluru and Tumakuru, is essential. It reflects recognition that Bengalurus infrastructure is already under strain and that other cities can serve as alternative hubs for development, decentralising growth across the state. The initiative also speaks to the evolving role of GCCs themselves. No longer just outsourcing destinations, these centres have transformed into global engines of research and development, artificial intelligence, finance, and daily operations management. The states promise to fund skills courses and offer research grants ~ especially in emerging fields like AI ~ shows an understanding of the need for continuous upskilling and innovation.

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This focus on advanced tech and AI is timely, as artificial intelligence will undoubtedly play a major role in shaping the future of businesses across sectors. However, to truly achieve its targets, Karnataka must address several key challenges. One is infrastructure, particularly in secondary cities. While the policy aims to spread the growth beyond Bengaluru, substantial investment will be needed to upgrade facilities and transport networks in cities like Mysuru and Mangaluru to make them attractive to both employees and corporations. Moreover, while the incentives are appealing, global companies will expect a seamless regulatory environment and ease of doing business, both of which will require further reform. The success of this plan will hinge on its ability to improve infrastructure, support innovation, and ensure a business-friendly environment in the years to come.
The Quad (Quadrilateral Security Dialogue) is a grouping of four Indo-Pacific nations, US, Japan, Australia and India. Its fourth inperson Quad leaders summit was hosted by President Joe Biden in Wilmington, Delaware, recently. This would be the last summit for President Biden as also for the Japanese premier, Fumio Kishida, who will resign shortly. PM Modi in his remarks, terming the Quad as the force for the global good, mentioned, We are not against anybody, we are for international rulesbased order, respect for sovereignty. He added, Our message is clear Quad is here to stay, to assist, to partner and to complement. The reality is that despite all announcements, the Quad is an anti-China grouping, though its joint statement, also termed as the Wilmington declaration, never mentioned China even once.

Biden was caught on hot mic telling others, We believe Xi Jinping is looking to focus on domestic economic challenges and minimise the turbulence in China. He added that China continues to behave aggressively, testing us all across the region on several fronts, including on economic and technology issues. The camera feed also picked up the US NSA mentioning the first topic for discussion is China. The joint statement covered a free and open Indo-Pacific, dangerous and aggressive actions in the maritime domain, destabilizing or unilateral actions to change the status quo etc., all concerning China. The Chinese Foreign Ministry Spokesperson, Lin Jian, mentioned in a press conference that the US is lying through its teeth on the Quad not being aimed at China and even the US media does not believe it.

The Global Times, the Chinese government mouthpiece, mentioned in an editorial, The Quad seems to position itself as a decision-maker in regional affairs, which essentially interferes in regional matters. An editorial in the same journal attempted to blame Indias independence and autonomy for the slow development of the Quad. China had over the years been mentioning that the grouping is likely to fail, but on the contrary, the Quad has grown from strength to strength. Two of the four nations in the group, India and Japan, have territorial disputes with China.

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In addition, nations have different regions of interest in countering China. India is more concerned about the Indian Ocean, largely west of the Malacca Straits, Japan the East China Sea, Australia the South Pacific and the US both the East and South China Seas. Thus, the Quad statement sought to offset these differences. It mentioned, We strongly support IORA (Indian Ocean Rim Association) as the Indian Ocean regions premier forum for addressing the regions challenges. We recognize Indias leadership in finalising the IORA Outlook on the Indo-Pacific and express our support for its implementation.

This implied that the Quad expects India to take the lead in the Indian Ocean. Meanwhile, China continues to interact with nations in dispute, seeking to build ties, thereby challenging Quad unity. The Chinese foreign minister, Wang Yi, has had multiple meetings with the Indian External Affairs Minister and the NSA, working to revive bilateral ties. China is pushing the agenda that India must accept the changed LAC, based on current deployment and move ahead. They are hoping for a bilateral meeting between PM Modi and President Xi in Kazan, Russia, on the sidelines of the BRICS summit. This is unlikely unless there is forward movement along the LAC.

In New York, the Chinese foreign minister interacted with his Japanese counterpart, Yoko Kamikawa. The intent was to ignore territorial disputes and push ahead with bilateral ties. Both sides agreed to settle misunderstandings over Japan releasing contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea. Wading into the Quad-China conflict has been the Tibetan Government in Exile. The president of the organization, Sikyong Tsering, mentioned, It looks like the Quad formation is getting more entrenched and as we have been mentioning over the years, the reality of Chinas threat is very visible so I think Indias role particularly in this grouping will be very-very crucial. These comments will not be to the liking of China but other than protest, there is not much which can be done. For China, the Quad is a challenge.

The grouping has the ability to reduce Chinese influence in its own backyard, South East Asia. Thus far India has avoided pushing the Quad into a military alliance, though this year a small message was sent when the statement detailed the launching of the QUAD-at-sea Ship Observer Mission 2025. The intent is to improve interoperability and enhance maritime safety amongst the Coast Guards of the four nations. On this the Chinese spokesperson commented, the cooperation should not target other countries or undermine regional peace and stability under any pretext. The Quad also announced a new Maritime Initiative for Training (MAITRI) in the Indo-Pacific, aimed at maritime security and law enforcement. India will host the first MAITRI workshop in 2025.

The intent is to enable countries in the region to better enforce their maritime laws and also monitor illegal activities. In reality, MAITRI is aimed at tracking illegal fishing fleets in a nations own waters. Most illegal fishing fleets are Chinese. China has been attempting to woo India away from the US, thereby reducing the impact of the organization, but has so far failed. Its military action of 2020 in Ladakh was the catalyst for pushing India and the US closer. It is aware that Indias military and economic power will give the organization a boost. It has attempted to rope in Russia to achieve its goal, but India is firmly in the Western camp despite differences with the US on a few issues. The next Quad summit will be in India in 2025.

President Biden mentioned in his closing remarks, While challenges will arise and the world will change, I believe the Quad is here to stay. When questioned on whether it would go beyond US elections in November, he gestured towards PM Modi and mentioned, way beyond November. For China, the Quad took the first steps towards building military alliances. More may follow. The Global Times summed up Chinas fear by mentioning, For China, the Quad summit is just another farce, but it is essential to take appropriate measures to prevent these countries from harming Chinas national interests and reputation.

(The writer is a retired Major-General of the Indian Army.)
Chinese Premier Li Qiang has signed a decree of the State Council, unveiling regulations on network data security management.

The regulations, which will take effect on January 1, 2025, aim to regulate network data processing activities, protect the legitimate rights and interests of individuals and organizations, and safeguard national security and public interests.

They put forward general requirements and provisions for network data security, further specify rules concerning personal information protection, and fine-tune mechanisms for the management of important data, Xinhua news agency reported.

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The country will improve the rules and regulations on the cross-border security of network data, and clarify the conditions under which network data processors can provide personal information to overseas parties, according to the document.

In addition, the regulations also stipulate the obligations for internet platform service providers, specifying data protection requirements for entities such as third-party service and product providers.
Air raid sirens went off across Israel on Tuesday as Iran launched more than 100 ballistic missiles towards the country, days after vowing to avenge the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli air strikes.

The missile attack also came shortly after the United States warned Israel of an imminent ballistic missile strike from Iran.

According to Iranian state-run TV, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched dozens of missiles towards Israel and threatened further attacks if Tel Aviv retaliated.

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An IRGC statement carried by Iranian state TV said the missile strike was in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil in July of this year and Hezbollah top leader Hassan Nasrallah last week.

While the IRGC statement didnt provide further details, it claimed the missile strikes targeted important bases in Israel, with more information to be revealed later.

Confirming the Iranian missile attack, Israel Defense Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari urged people to take cover in shelters and follow life-saving instructions until further notice.

He assured that Israels air defense system is fully operational, intercepting Iranian missiles.

We are strong and can handle this event, Hagari said, adding that the IDF will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel.

The IDF spokesperson also warned Iran of consequences of the missile strike.

We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide, he said.

So far, no casualities have been reported from Israel due to the Iranian missile attack.
ZAGREB, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The China Art Festival opened in Zagreb on Tuesday with a ceremony featuring a performance by Croatia's Busina Brass Quintet, which played Chinese classics such as Jasmine Flower and The Moon Represents My Heart, receiving warm applause from the audience.

Chinese Ambassador to Croatia Qi Qianjin highlighted the importance of cultural exchange in strengthening China-Croatia relations, calling it a bridge to enhance mutual understanding and friendly ties. He noted that China's modernization efforts, including cultural reforms, will further boost international exchanges and open new opportunities for cooperation with Croatia.

The festival, organized by the China-Croatia Economic and Cultural Cooperation Association, runs from Oct. 1-6, featuring exhibitions, tea art, Pipa performances, and cheongsam shows.

Bai Xiaoting, president of the association, said that since its establishment in Zagreb in 2018, the association has been committed to promoting cultural exchanges between the two countries and promoting cooperation between the two countries' museums. 
The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) have launched a limited, localised and targeted ground operation inside southern Lebanon, intensifying the ongoing conflict with Hezbollah.

The Israeli troops Monday night entered Lebanon to neutralise what the IDF described as immediate threats to Israeli communities along the northern border.

Days after killing Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and other top commanders of the Lebanon-based militia, Israeli airstrikes have continued to pound the Hezbollah positions, including the strongholds in Dahieh in southern Beirut.

The strikes also extended to a Palestinian refugee camp near Sidon, although Lebanese officials reported that civilian areas were hit, with fatalities and mass displacement mounting.

More than 1,000 people have died in Lebanon over the past two weeks, with nearly a million residents forced to flee their homes.

Hezbollahs deputy leader, Naim Qassem, has stated the group is ready for a protracted conflict, with the possibility of a long battle ahead.

In response to Israeli advances, Hezbollah launched artillery fire and a rocket barrage into northern Israel on Tuesday morning, striking near the Israeli town of Metula.

The IDF confirmed several rockets were intercepted, with some landing in open areas.

In anticipation of further attacks, Israeli military authorities have declared areas around Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi as closed military zones, restricting access due to heightened security concerns.

Meanwhile, the United States has openly thrown its weight behind Israel, and warned Iran against any direct attack on the Jewish country in support of Hezbollah.

Earlier on Monday, US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin has spoken with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant

During the conversation, the two agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border in order to protect Israels northern communities from Hezbollah.
The Nepali government has decided to provide 200,000 Nepali rupees ($1,497) in compensation to each of the bereaved families, as the death toll from monsoon rain-induced floods and landslides hit 209.

A three-day national mourning starting from Tuesday was also announced following a cabinet meeting, Xinhua news agency reported on Monday.

The national flag will be lowered to half-mast during the mourning period, said Minister for Communication and Information Technology Prithvi Subba Gurung, who is also the government spokesperson, on Monday evening.

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He told the press that families who have members missing for more than 10 days in the disasters spelt by incessant rainfalls on Friday and Saturday will receive the same amount of compensation.

The Cabinet decided to allocate 1 billion rupees ($7.48 million) to the Prime Ministers Disaster Relief Fund, Gurung noted.

By Monday evening, 24 people remained missing and 130 others were injured, Nepal Police said in a statement, adding the rescue efforts are ongoing.

The Nepal Police, Armed Police Force, and Nepali Army are working together in the ongoing rescue operations. However, efforts have been significantly hampered by damaged infrastructure, with key roads blocked due to landslides and flooding, complicating the transportation of essential supplies and aid.

In an advisory issued on Monday, Nepal Police urged the public to stay vigilant, especially those residing in high-risk areas. They recommended checking with local police stations for updates on road conditions before undertaking long journeys, as many routes remain dangerous or impassable.
Russian President Vladimir Putin signed a decree Monday, calling up 133,000 citizens for military service in autumn, according to a document posted on the countrys legal information portal.

According to the decree, a total of 133,000 people aged 18 to 30, will be drafted from October 1 to December 31, 2024, Xinhua news agency reported.

Conscripts will not be involved in tasks related to the special military operation in the new regions, and will serve at permanent deployment points of military units and formations on the territory of Russia, Deputy Head of the Russian General Staffs Main Organizational and Mobilization Department Vladimir Tsimlyansky said during a briefing earlier on Monday.

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In July 2023, Russias lower house of parliament voted to raise the maximum age at which men can be conscripted to 30 from 27. The new legislation came into effect on January 1, 2024.

Russia conducts conscription twice a year, in spring and autumn respectively. The autumn 2023 draft saw the enlistment of 130,000 people. All men in Russia are required to do a year-long military service, or equivalent training during higher education, from the age of 18.
US President Joe Biden reportedly directed the US military to aide Israels defen and intercept the Iranian missiles heading towards the Jewish country.

According to news agency ANI, President Biden, along with Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian offensive against Israel and recieving regular updates from officials.

Iran had launched more than 100 ballistic missiles towards the country, days after vowing to avenge the killing of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in Israeli air strikes.

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According to Iranian state-run TV, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) launched dozens of missiles towards Israel and threatened further attacks if Tel Aviv retaliated.

An IRGC statement carried by Iranian state TV said the missile strike was in retaliation for the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on Iranian soil in July of this year and Hezbollah top leader Hassan Nasrallah last week.

In a official statement, Israeli Defence Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari warned Iran of consequences of the attack.

We are on high alert both defensively and offensively. We will defend the citizens of the State of Israel. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide, he said.

The attack seems to be over now unless Iran plans a second back to back attack.

No casualities have been reported from Israel due to the Iranian missile attack so far as most of the missile were intercepted by Israels strong air defence system Iron Dom.
The State Bank of Vietnam will continue to take necessary measures to control the gap between domestic and global gold prices at an appropriate level in response to surging gold ring prices in recent weeks, Vietnam News Agency reported Monday.

The central bank will coordinate with relevant ministries and sectors to carry out inspection on the gold market and trading activities of gold bar enterprises, stores, distributors, buyers and sellers, it said.

The bank vows to propose strict penalties on violations, it said, Xinhua news agency reported.

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The gold ring price in Vietnam jumped to a new historic peak of over 83 million Vietnamese dong (3,378 US dollars) per tael last week.

The difference between Saigon Jewelry Company (SJC)-branded gold bar prices and global prices reached 18 million dong (732 dollars) per tael for several times during the first half of 2024.

In June this year, the central bank started to sell gold bars directly to four state-owned commercial banks and SJC so that these organizations can distribute them to retail buyers in an effort to stabilize the domestic gold market.
Ho Iat Seng, chief executive of China's Macao Special Administrative Region, addresses a reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China in Macao, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

MACAO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- China's Macao Special Administrative Region (SAR) on Tuesday held a series of events to celebrate the National Day, including a flag-raising ceremony, a government reception, the opening of the fourth sea-crossing bridge, and a fireworks show.

The flag-raising ceremony was held early in the morning at the Golden Lotus Square.

Ho Iat Seng, the SAR's chief executive, said that the country has always regarded Macao as a "precious gem" and has consistently provided it with the strongest support so that Macao can maintain its prosperity and stability and have maximum opportunities for development.

Ho made the remarks during a reception at the China-Portuguese-speaking Countries Commercial and Trade Service Platform Complex to celebrate the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China.

The chief executive noted that in the past five years, the SAR government has steadfastly implemented the "one country, two systems" principle while safeguarding the overall jurisdiction of the central authorities and the country's sovereignty, security, and development interests.

Macao's fourth sea-crossing bridge, the Macao Bridge, officially opened to traffic on Tuesday, connecting the Macao Peninsula to Macao's Taipa.

Ho said at the inauguration ceremony that the iconic bridge would further support the city's efforts to become a world center of tourism and leisure while helping continuously improve the well-being of the Macao residents and promote the city's appropriate economic diversification.

The new bridge, Macao's first eight-lane divided bridge, is approximately 3.1 kilometers long. The water-spanning section is about 2.9 kilometers long and features two spans each of 280 meters across the ship navigation channels.

In the evening, Chinese and Italian companies staged a fireworks show as part of the 32nd Macao International Fireworks Display Contest. According to the tourism office of the SAR government, the contest's organizer, 10 teams from across the world are scheduled to present 10 shows of fireworks from Sept. 14 to Oct. 6. 

A reception celebrating the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is held in Macao, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A flag-raising ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is held in Macao, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A flag-raising ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is held in Macao, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)

A flag-raising ceremony marking the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China is held in Macao, south China, Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Cheong Kam Ka)
The North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD) had a tense encounter with a Russian fighter jet when a Sukhoi Su-35 flew dangerously close to its US F-16 fighter in international airspace near Alaska on September 23.

Releasing footage of the headbutting maneuver, NORAD, in a tweet, called the action by the Russian jet "unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all."

On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all  not what youd see in a professional air force.  Gen. Gregory Guillot pic.twitter.com/gXZj3Ndkag  North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 30, 2024

NORAD, a unique bi-national command between the United States and Canada, said the Russian jet action was not becoming a professional air force. NORAD employs a layered defense network of satellites, ground-based and airborne radars and fighter aircraft to detect and track aircraft.

ALSO READ: US moves to dominate Indo-Pacific region as USS Preble armed with laser tech leaves for Japan deployment

The intercept happened when US F-16 was carrying out a routine drill in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ), a designated area of airspace surrounding Alaska where the NORAD monitors and identifies aircraft for national security purposes. An ADIZ begins where sovereign airspace ends and is a defined stretch of international airspace that requires the ready identification of all aircraft in the interest of national security, according to US Department of Defence.

Russia's embassy in Washington has yet to comment on the incident.

READ MORE: Understanding 'Project 33', the US Navy's ambitious plan to outpace China by 2027

This is not the first time such an intercept took place. In July, NORAD detected, tracked, and intercepted two Russian TU-95 and two Chinese PRC H-6 military aircraft operating in the Alaska ADIZ. Barely two weeks ago, NORAD had said they had tracked and intercepted two Russian TU-142 aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ.


Tamil superstar Rajinikanth, who has been admitted to the Apollo Hospitals, underwent a non surgical procedure to fix the swelling in a major blood vessel connecting to his heart. His health condition is stable.

The 73-year-old actor was hospitalised late on Monday night after he complained of digestive problems. He was admitted for an elective procedure under interventional cardiologist Dr Sai Satish.

Our superstar's heart is as strong as his spirit! Rajinikanth is recovering well after a heart procedure and will be home soon!  #ApolloHospitals https://t.co/4a7vgng6rB  HospitalsApollo (@HospitalsApollo) October 1, 2024

The medical bulletin released by Dr R.K. Venkataawsalam, Medical Director of Apollo Hospitals, said that Rajinikanth had a swelling in a major blood vessel connecting to his heart and doctors had to perform a non-surgical procedure to fix it.

He had a swelling in the main blood vessel leaving his heart (Aorta), which was treated by a non-surgical, transcatheter method. Senior Interventional Cardiologist Dr Sai Satish placed a stent in the aorta completely sealing off the swelling (Endovascular Repair). We would like to let his well-wishers and fans know that the procedure went as planned. Mr Rajinikanth is stable and is doing well. He should be home in two days, read the medical bulletin.

It is a usual procedure which has to be done on an empty stomach. So he got admitted the previous night. There is nothing alarming and he is perfectly fine, Tamil Nadu health minister Ma Subramaniam told the media.

Chief Minister M.K. Stalin wished the actor a speedy recovery while his cinema colleagues also wished him good health. Governor R.N. Ravi said, I stand with the millions of devoted fans of Rajinikanth around the globe, in praying for his swift and smooth recovery.

Rajinikanths Vettaiyan is scheduled for release on October 5. The audio release for Vettaiyan is on October 2, Wednesday.
A day after the Madras High Court came down heavily on Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and his Isha Yoga foundation, a team of 150 police personnel accompanied by district revenue officials launched search operations at the Isha Foundation Ashram in Thondamuthur near Coimbatore on Tuesday. The high court had sought a report on all criminal cases registered against the foundation.

The search operations were carried out for over eight hours and details are awaited. Led by an assistant deputy superintendent of police and three deputy superintendents, the search focuses on the whereabouts and well-being of the residents of Isha Yoga Centre.

As per the court order, the police, including the SP, have come to the Isha Yoga Center for a general enquiry. They are enquiring with residents and volunteers, understanding the lifestyle, understanding how they come in and stay, etc, Isha Foundation said a statement.

The search at the centre is the outcome of a habeas corpus petition filed by Dr S. Kamaraj, a retired professor and the father of two girls who are allegedly at the foundation ashram against their will. Kamaraj in his petition before the Madras High Court said that his two daughters Geetha Kamaraj (42) and Latha Kamaraj (39), were brainwashed by Sadhguru and the Isha Foundation and were forced into monastic life. He had also mentioned about the knowledge and education acquired by his two daughters before getting into the Isha Yoga Centre.

Kamaraj said his elder daughter was a post graduate in Mechatronics from a prestigious university in the UK. She was earning a substantial salary before divorcing her husband in 2008. She later joined a yoga course by Isha. Following in her footsteps his younger daughter, a software engineer, also went to Isha Yoga Centre.

Kamaraj in his petition further alleged that the foundation administered food and medicines to his daughters that dulled their cognitive faculties. The food and medicine, he said, led them to sever all ties with their family.

Hearing the petition, Justices S.M. Subramaniam and V. Sivagnanam asked why Sadhguru was "encouraging other young women to tonsure their heads, renounce worldly life, and live like hermits at his yoga centres, when he had got his daughter settled.

The judges decided to probe the issue further after interacting with both the daughters of Kamaraj and ordered the revenue officials to submit a report on all the criminal cases against Isha Yoga Centre.
Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda suffered a bullet injury during the early hours of Tuesday. The actor was rushed to a hospital nearby and his health is stable, sources close to Govinda said.



The 60-year-old Bollywood actor, who is a licensed owner of a revolver gun, was getting ready to leave to Kolkata on Tuesday morning when he got shot. The actor was about to leave from his Juhu residence around 4.45am when the shooting happened.

Shashi Sinha, the actors manager told PTI, We had a 6am flight to catch for a show in Kolkata and I had reached the airport. Govindaji was about to leave his residence for the airport when this accident happened. The revolver apparently fell down while being kept in the cupboard and misfired. It is due to gods grace that Govinda ji sustained only leg injury."

Sinha said the injury was not serious, and he was rushed to Criticare Hospital for treatment. The bullet was removed from his leg and the actors health condition is stable, Govindas manager said.
As the voting for the final phase of Assembly elections in Jammu and Kashmir gets underway on Tuesday morning under tight security, controversial leader and Awami Ittehad Party leader Engineer Rashid has said that no party in Jammu & Kashmir would win more than 25 seats in the Assembly elections. There is a total of 90 assembly constituencies in Jammu and Kashmir.

"No party will win more than 25 seats.Had I got one more week to campaign, we could have won 35-40 seats. Still, the Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) will emerge as a credible alternative," said Rashid, who defeated former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah in the recent Parliament elections.

The Congress-NC front had accused Rashid of being a 'BJP proxy' and a pawn in BJP's strategy to boost Independent candidates to divide votes. This, many believe, had affected Rasheed's chances, especially in Baramulla and Langate.

The opposition also points out the timing of Rashid's release from prison - he was not granted bail during Parliament elections even though he was a candidate. However, Rashid has rubbished suggestions that he has joined hands with the BJP.

#WATCH | Kupwara, J&K: Awami Ittehad Party (AIP) President Sheikh Abdul Rashid alias Engineer Rashid says, "Why will I join hands with the BJP? Power is a very small thing for me. I was an independent MLA and I would have joined any party. If power had been my priority I would pic.twitter.com/CXzKxgY7vq  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

Calling Jammu and Kashmir a hub of conspiracies, Rashid said his vision was the upliftment of Kashmiris. "Why will I join hands with the BJP? Power is nothing to me. I was an independent MLA and I could have joined hands with any party or Prime Minister Narendra Modi if power had been my priority. My only concern is to ensure the killings of innocent people stop in Kashmir," Rashid added.

He said the AIP will aim to bring permanent peace to Kashmir. "My priority is to look how how the leadership works after the mandate becomes clear. Will they like the traditional parties PDP, JKNC, INC, and BJP after winning elections roam like VVIPs," Rashid said.

The last of the three phases will see over 415 candidates contesting in 40 seats - 24 in the Jammu division and 16 in the Kashmir division. The assembly segments in the region going to the polls are Baramulla, Uri, Rafiabad, Pattan, Gulmarg, Sopore, and Wagoora-Kreeri (Baramulla district), Kupwara, Karnah, Trehgam, Handwara, Lolab, and Langate (Kupwara district), and Bandipora, Sonawari, and Gurez (Bandipora district).
The Election Commission of India (ECI) announced that the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections reported an impressive 65 per cent voter turnout as of 7 pm, with the numbers likely to rise as polling continued at some locations.

A total of 40 assembly seats went to polls16 in North Kashmirs Baramulla, Kupwara, and Bandipora, and 24 in Jammu, Udhampur, Kathua, and Samba, the BJP's stronghold. The BJP won all the seats in this region during the last assembly polls, but this time, the Congress is mounting a strong challenge in several constituencies.

ALSO READ | J&K elections: AIP's Engineer Rashid says no party will win more than 25 seats

Observers suggest that the party winning the majority of the 24 seats in Jammu will likely determine who leads the formation of the next government in Jammu and Kashmir.

The Congress and NC alliance had an advantage in the first two phases, but the outcome of the last phase hinges on Congress' performance in Jammu.

The first two phases saw voter participation of 61.13% and 59.11%, respectively.

ALSO READ | J&K polls final phase: BJP, NC-Congress alliance battle for power in Dogra heartland

The polling for the Jammu & Kashmir Legislative Assembly elections concluded today in a peaceful and celebratory atmosphere. Scenes of voters patiently waiting in lines at polling stations, set against the scenic backdrop of the region, highlighted the people's strong faith in democracy. The festive mood and enthusiastic participation were evident across all districts, underscoring a renewed spirit of civic participation and hope for a new era, with people deciding their own future, the ECI said in a statement.

The statement added that Chief Election Commissioner Rajiv Kumar, along with Election Commissioners Gyanesh Kumar and Sukhbir Singh Sandhu, fulfilled their promise to restore democracy in Jammu and Kashmir.

Voting commenced at 7 am across the 40 constituencies and proceeded peacefully.

The 2024 assembly elections saw a 7% increase in candidates compared to 2014.

"Women candidates made significant progress, rising from 28 in 2014 to 43 in 2024, while independent candidates increased by 26%. For the first time, nine seats were reserved for Scheduled Tribes (ST) after the delimitation exercise, making this election more inclusive," the ECI statement said.

Specific voter turnout at constituencies

As of 7 pm, specific voter turnout percentages included: Akhnoor (SC) 76.28%, Bahu 57.07%, Bandipora 62%, Bani 71.24%, Baramulla 47.95%, Basohli 67.24%, Billawar 69.64%, Bishnah (SC) 72.75%, Chenani 73.79%, Chhamb 77.35%, Gulmarg 64.19%, Gurez (ST) 75.89%, Handwara 69.06%, Hiranagar 71.18%, Jammu East 60.21%, Jammu North 60.79%, and Jammu West 56.31%.

Also, Jasrota recorded 71.79% voter turnout, Karnah 66.30%, Kathua (SC) 71.49%, Kupwara 59.68%, Langate 59.81%, Lolab 61.22%, Marh (SC) 76.10%, Nagrota 72.94%, Pattan 60.87%, RS Pura (Jammu South) 61.65%, Rafiabad 58.39%, Ramgarh (SC) 73.10%, Ramnagar (SC) 70.38%, Samba 71.16%, Sonawari 65.56%, Sopore 41.44%, Suchetgarh (SC) 68.02%, Trehgam 62.27%, Udhampur East 74.07%, Udhampur West 73.20%, Uri 64.81%, Vijaypur 73.05%, and Wagoora-Kreeri 56.43%.

For the first time in a decade, assembly elections were held in Jammu and Kashmir, with 40 assembly seats in play.

In the lead-up to the final phase, both Congress and the BJP intensified their campaigns. Prime Minister Narendra Modi held multiple rallies, including one at Maulana Azad Stadium in Jammu, calling the elections a historic opportunity for the people and expressing confidence that the BJP would form a majority government.

Meanwhile, Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi led the Congress campaign. Priyanka Gandhi promised to restore statehood if Congress was elected while addressing issues like rising power bills, unemployment, and concerns over outsiders taking local jobs.

The conclusion of these elections marks the people's long-standing demand for a representative government, moving away from bureaucratic rule. The election process resembled a carnival, with vigorous efforts by parties to secure votes.

The BJP campaigned across Kashmir and Muslim-majority areas of Jammu, while the National Conference campaigned in North and Central Kashmir and Jammu. Farooq and Omar Abdullah, along with Rahul Gandhi, campaigned extensively.

A controversial moment came with the release of Engineer Rashid, MP from Baramulla, just before the polls. The CPI and Congress alleged his release was orchestrated by the BJP to split the vote in the Valley. Rashid dismissed these claims, citing his prior victory over Sajjad Lone in parliamentary polls by a margin of 2.5 lakh votes.

As the fate of 90 assembly seats is now sealed, the question of who will emerge victorious remains. However, the elections showcased strong public engagement, with voters demanding a government that will address their needs.
Junior doctors in West Bengal have decided to resume their strike after Monday's Supreme Court hearing on the R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital rape and murder case, as well as the alleged financial irregularities at the institution. This decision came after a prolonged general body meeting that lasted until early Tuesday morning.

During a press conference on Tuesday, the doctors questioned the slow pace of the CBI investigation and also expressed disappointment over the apex courts hearings and the protracted judicial process.

We have seen many times before that the CBI has been unable to reach any conclusions, allowing the real culprits of such incidents to go free due to delays in filing charges, the West Bengal Junior Doctors Front said in a press statement.

ALSO READ: Ex RG Kar Medical College Hospital principal Sandip Ghosh may get death penalty if found guilty: CBI Court

The Supreme Court, which had taken the initiative to expedite the trial of this heinous incident, has instead only postponed hearings and reduced the actual length of proceedings.

The doctors further claimed that they had returned to work following written directives from the state regarding the implementation of adequate safety and security measures, but no action has been taken so far. Ten days have passed since then, and we see no implementation of the governments written directives anywhere.

The junior doctors, on Tuesday, argued that it has been 52 days since the heinous incident of August 9, but security improvements remain minimal. The CCTV cameras, which the state government promotes as the main indicator of safety, have only been installed in a fraction of the necessary locations in colleges over these 50 days, WBJDF said.

Appearing before a three-judge panel of the Supreme Court, headed by Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, the West Bengal government on Monday sought an extension to improve hospital safety and security. This includes the installation of CCTV cameras and the construction and renovation of toilets. The state aims to complete these works by October 15.

The protesting junior doctors, who initially had a five-point demand in the aftermath of the rape and murder incident at R.G. Kar, have now presented a set of 10 demands.

Some of their new demands include the implementation of a central referral system in all government hospitals, the establishment of a monitoring system for vacant hospital beds, student elections in every medical college, filling vacant hospital positions, and conducting an urgent investigation into corruption and embezzlement allegations in the West Bengal Medical Council and the West Bengal Health Recruitment Board.

The decision to return to total cease work comes after they had warned about the same following an alleged attack on doctors and nurses at Kolkata College of Medicine & Sagore Dutta Hospital last week.

Stating that they dont see any goodwill from the West Bengal government, the junior doctors said, We want to remind the government that we are not protesting merely for paper promises; we are protesting for a genuine, people- oriented change in the states healthcare system, so that patients receive proper services and doctors and healthcare workers are ensured a safe, fear-free workplace.
A 30-year-old delivery agent working for Flipkart was murdered by a customer, who ordered an iPhone worth over Rs one lakh on cash on delivery. The incident occurred on September 23 and came to light after the delivery agent's family approached the police.

Police identified the victim as Bharat Kumar Sahu. His family approached the police on September 25 after their attempts to contact Sahu failed. An investigation was launched and Sahu's call details were collected by the police, which revealed his last contact was the accused. Police managed to reach his friend named Akash who confessed to the crime.



#WATCH | Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh | On a Flipkart delivery agent murdered for an iPhone, DCP East Lucknow Shashank Singh says, "On 30th September, Bharat Kumar aka Ram Milan, who worked as a Flipkart delivery agent, a missing person's report about him was filed by his brother. As pic.twitter.com/psr459bi9H  ANI UP/Uttarakhand (@ANINewsUP) October 1, 2024

"The investigation and the CCTV footage revealed that something unfortunate had happened to him. Police have taken into custody a person named Akash. During questioning, Akash said that he along with a partner murdered Bharat Kumar and threw the body in the canal. SDRF and NDRF are trying to recover the body," DCP East Lucknow Shashank Singh told reporters.



The police added that the accused, hailing from Chinhat, had ordered an iPhone worth about  1.5 lakh from Flipkart and opted for the COD (Cash on Delivery) payment option. Sahu made the delivery at his place and asked for money, after which the accused Akash and his accomplice Gajanan strangulated Sahu. They put his body in a sack before disposing it in the Indira canal.



The victim's brother told reporters that Sahu's death needed to be probed. "My brother had gone for delivery of a product. When he demanded the price of the delivered product the customer killed my brother. My brother should get justice. He was married and his family is alone now," he added.



A CCTV visual showing Sahu on his way to make the delivery also did rounds on social media.


Chief Minister Siddaramaiahs wife B.M. Parvathi has expressed her intent to surrender the 14 residential sites allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA).



In a letter to the MUDA commissioner, Parvathi stated that she was returning the 14 sites of varied dimensions allotted to her in Vijayanagara 3rd and 4th stages in Mysuru, which was given as compensation by the MUDA for having utilised her land - 3 acres 16 guntas in Kesare village, survey no. 464, Kasaba Hobli and Mysuru taluk, sans any land acquisition.



"I seek to cancel the sale deed executed in my favour by the MUDA and surrender the sites. I urge the authorities to take necessary action in this regard at the earliest," states the letter signed by Parvathi. Siddaramaiah took to social media to express his surprise over his wifes decision to surrender the sites.



"My wife is distressed over the political conspiracy hatched against me and has decided to return the sites. Her decision has come as a surprise to me. In the four decades of my political career, she has, not once, interfered in my public life and confined herself to the household. It is now a known fact that my opponents filed a false case against me and dragged my family into it. I regret that my wife had to endure mental agony due to the political conspiracies against me. However, I respect her decision to surrender the sites," wrote Siddaramaiah on X.



In an open letter, Parvathi expressed her anguish over the allegations against her husband in the MUDA case and stated that she had never imagined that a land gifted to her by her brother would create such a mess. "I am shocked by the allegations made in the MUDA case. I had never expected that these sites would one day lead to my husband unnecessarily facing allegations. No house or property is greater than the dignity and peace of my husband. All these years that my husband has been in power, I sought nothing for myself or my family. And these sites hold no value to me. So I have decided to surrender the sites to MUDA," stated Parvathi, adding that she had not discussed the matter with her husband or her son.



"I have taken the decision based on my own conscience. I wanted to surrender the sites the day these allegations had surfaced. But after my well-wishers told me that the allegations were politically motivated and I should not yield to their ploy, I decided to fight against the injustice. However, I have now resolved to surrender the sites and seek a comprehensive inquiry into the MUDA allegations," said Parvathi, who also appealed to the media and the political leaders to desist from dragging women who have nothing to do with politics into the controversies.



"I urge the media and political party leaders not to attack the dignity and privacy of women belonging to political families but not in public life, by dragging them into controversies out of political rivalry," said Parvathi, who earlier hailed her husbands 40-year-long political career as "blemish-free".



Asserting that her husband had observed morality in public life like a "vow", Parvathi said she too was always cautious and safeguarded his image and refrained from doing anything that could tarnish his image. I have never craved any gold or property. I was always happy just watching him being loved and admired by people, from a distance," said Parvathi.

Meanwhile, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) has filed a complaint (ECIR) against Siddaramaiah and others under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) based on the FIR filed by Mysuru Lokayukta police, to probe into the alleged irregularities in the allotment of the 14 sites estimated to cost Rs 52 crore.

BJP leader and leader of Opposition R Ashok said the chief minister surrendering the land indicated that he had accepted his mistake.



"Our fight has yielded results. The chief minister who was in denial has now admitted to his mistake and has surrendered the sites. But a thief does not become innocent just because he returned the booty. You (CM) have to face the probe. We will continue our fight till you step down as the CM to pave the way for a fair and transparent investigation," said Ashok.
A drone returns automatically after an intelligent field patrol mission at an agricultural experiment station in Shuangyashan City, northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, Sept. 28, 2024.(Xinhua/Shi Feng)

BEIJING, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- How should water flow through fields? What directions and widths are appropriate for ridge planting? Where should more fertilizer be applied, and where should less be applied? These precise considerations are now part of China's work to protect its precious farmland.

Chinese scientists have developed tailored cultivation techniques and conservation measures for the black soil in the country's northeastern provinces to support food security and ecological safety, according to the Chinese Academy of Sciences (CAS). The black soil is sometimes referred to as the "giant panda of cultivated land" due to its fertility and scarcity.

The black soil found in China's Heilongjiang, Jilin and Liaoning provinces and in some parts of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region covers a total area of 1.09 million square kilometers. It produces about a quarter of the country's total grain output. Hailed as the "stabilizer" and "ballast" of China's food production, it constitutes the country's most important commodity grain base.

However, the black soil has experienced varying degrees of degradation due to factors such as excessive exploitation and climate change.

CAS, together with relevant authorities in the four provincial-level regions, launched the "Black Soil Granary" program in 2021 to undertake research that would provide sci-tech support to combat the degradation of the precious soil and boost modern agricultural development.

Seven technological demonstration zones have been established, covering a total area of 11,420 hectares. A total of 36 new soybean and corn varieties have been created and cultivated, and biotechnology to aid the rapid improvement of black soil fertility has been developed, according to CAS.

BLACK SOIL HEALTH PROFILE

The concentrated, contiguous arable land in the Sanjiang Plain, which includes the Heilongjiang, Songhua and Wusuli rivers, faces challenges that hinder an increase in production capacity, such as soil degradation, erosion and low temperatures, said Liu Huanjun, a researcher at the Northeast Institute of Geography and Agroecology (IGA), which is under the CAS.

Additionally, a lack of spatiotemporal agricultural data hampers the improvement of intelligent farming practices. The extensive development of paddy fields has led to seasonal declines in groundwater levels and the spatiotemporal mismatch of water and soil resources.

"A comprehensive solution that addresses these issues is urgently needed," Liu said.

The plain has a humid environment and a large area of sloping cultivated land. The types and degrees of land degradation present are complex, as is the plain's natural geographical environment. Improper traditional farming practices have exacerbated soil erosion, resulting in the thinning and hardening of the topsoil, and soil fertility levels are also inconsistent. These problems cannot be solved using individual techniques or isolated approaches, Liu said.

More than 100 scientists at the CAS have participated in research to develop an intelligent protection and utilization model for the plain's black soil, along with a systemic solution to these issues.

The scientists developed a three-dimensional monitoring technique to observe the farmland, gathering data from 15 satellites, detectors on the ground, and aerial sensing using aircraft and drones.

Three large-scale aerial remote sensing experiments have been carried out on the black soil, generating over 400 terabytes of data and aiming to quantitatively monitor the research area's soil, productivity, ecology and farmland degradation with meter-level precision, according to Liu.

"We created a health profile for the black soil to get a clear picture of each piece of farmland, like reading palms," Liu said.

PRECISE TREATMENT

Based on the multi-dimensional and high-precision data, scientists have developed a comprehensive solution that can provide a systemic understanding of black soil, as well as precise diagnoses, prescriptions and technical treatment advice.

Integrating remote sensing technology, satellite positioning systems, geographic information systems, the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence technologies, scientists have developed an intelligent management and control platform and app, which can be linked to intelligent agricultural machinery and equipment.

Farmers can use the app to access various information services providing data on soil content, weather, crop growth, natural disasters and farmland yields, and to obtain precise agricultural production guidance in areas such as fertilization, pesticide spraying, sowing and irrigation.

The app can also generate accurate fertilization maps based on multidimensional data on soil, crops and farmland quality at different growth stages, and send instructions to connected intelligent fertilization machinery to change amounts of fertilizer being applied, improve production efficiency and reduce pollution. In core demonstration areas, the application of fertilizers has decreased by 5 to 15 percent, and yields have increased by 5.48 to 14.2 percent.

In response to the problem of water erosion on sloping farmland, scientists have carried out a series of precise "surgeries," changing the directions and widths of ridges to regulate water flows, planting grass between fields, and laying underground drainage pipes to divert water flows and prevent soil erosion.

These measures have been introduced on nine farms, helping achieve grain production increases from 5 to 22 percent and a 70 percent reduction in soil erosion, according to IGA researcher Song Chunyu. 
The Hyderabad Police have imposed a ban on using DJ sounds and firecrackers during religious processions in the city. The move is aimed at tackling noise pollution and potential law and order issues.

"The use of the DJ system is harmful to the human body besides causing a lot of noise pollution. Prolonged exposure to the high decibel of sound emanated by these DJ systems is extremely damaging for human health," the police said in a notification.

The decision followed a meeting held with procession organisers, political party representatives, and government officials on September 26.

The use of DJ Sound Systems & Mixers, Sound Amplifiers & Other High Sound Generators which is capable of producing/reproducing sounds are prohibited during religious processions in #Hyderabad City limits, notified by @CPHydCity#SayYestodevotionNotopollution#DJFreeHyderabad pic.twitter.com/voGqHKIUrI  Hyderabad City Police (@hydcitypolice) October 1, 2024

Citing a recent incident at Charminar, where one generator caught fire during a religious procession, the police noted that such incident could lead to communal tension and law and order issues.

The generator caught fire probably due to sparks from firecrackers. Luckily, the fire was promptly brought under control and no damage was done. This incident led to rumour mongering and communal tension and the situation could have turned very serious," the notification said.

The police also pointed out the competition among the procession organisers to use bigger and louder DJ systems.

The notification further outlined decibel limits for different zones in the city:

Industrial areas  75 dB during the day and 70 dB at night

Commercial areas  65 dB during the day and 55 dB at night

Residential areas  55 dD during the day and 45 dB at night

Silence zones (hospitals, schools etc)  50 dB during the day and 40 dB at night

The police warned that any violation of the new regulations would attract legal actions under the Hyderabad City Police Act and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanita (BNSS), including fines, imprisonment, and the confiscation of sound equipment.
A day after the Supreme Court came down heavily on Adnhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu for making public allegations on the Tirupati laddu row, his deputy Pawan Kalyan on Tuesday said the judges did not say that the laddus were not adulterated.

"I think they said in such a way, they never said it was not adulterated. Whatever information they have on their hands; I think they commented on that. Supreme Court judges didn't say that it was unadulterated, they said there was confusion regarding the date which will be cleared, he said.

The actor-politician further asserted that his government will investigate the violations that allegedly happened in the last five years as it is not just about the issue of prasad.

Pawan Kalyan was speaking on his Prayashchit Diksha which he claimed is a commitment to take forward the Sanathana Dharma Parirakshana Trust.

"Some kind of desecration has been happening continuously for the last 5-6 years. Around 219 temples were desecrated. In Ramatheertham, Lord Ram's statue was vandalised. So, this is not about just one prasad issue, he said.

On Monday, the Supreme Court questioned Chief Minister Naidus public statement that animal fat was allegedly used in making Tirupati laddus under the previous Y.S. Jagan Mohan Reddy-led regime.

"It is very clear from the report that this is not the Ghee which has been used. Unless you are sure, how did you go to public with that?, said a bench of justices B.R. Gavai and K.V. Viswanathan.

"You had ordered an investigation to SIT and till the outcome of such an investigation, what was the necessity to go to the press?" the bench observed, adding, the Gods need to be kept away from politics.

Meanwhile, Andhra Pradesh DGP Ch Dwaraka Tirumala Rao on Tuesday said the Special Investigation Team probing the laddu controversy has suspended its investigation as the matter is sub-judice in the Supreme Court.

He said the SIT has already probed the procurement and sampling processes and was trying to understand how it is possible to adulterate the laddus.
The Delhi police on Tuesday detained climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and 120 others from Ladakh who were marching to the national capital demanding sixth schedule status for the Union Territory. The actions of Delhi triggered a protest with Congress hitting out at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating he will have to listen to the voice of Ladakhis.

Wangchuk and others were marching to Delhi to spend the night at the border but were asked to return after prohibitory orders were imposed in Delhi. The Delhi Police had banned protests and gatherings in the districts of New Delhi, North and Central and all police station jurisdictions sharing the borders with other states for the next six days, citing law and order issues. However, the protesters refused to do so, after which they were detained. Women participating in the march were not detained.



I AM BEING DETAINED...

along with 150 padyatris

at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s some say 1,000.

Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veterans...

Our fate is unknown.

We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi... in the largest democracy pic.twitter.com/iPZOJE5uuM  Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 30, 2024

Wangchuk also took to Instagram to share visuals from the Delhi border of the police stopping his vehicles. He was also seen interacting with police officials in the video. "As we are approaching Delhi, it appears we are not being escorted, we are being detained," Wangchuk said.



They were moved to Alipur Police Station and other nearby police stations at the Delhi-Haryana border. The police said they would be released after some time.



Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa was the first to respond to the detention stating that Wangchuk and others set out on foot from Leh under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body to present their views to the government.



" Everyone is aware of how Ladakhis have been having talks with the government to protect environmental and constitutional rights," Hanifa said, adding that their fight had been peaceful. "We even had talks with the government for the same but they stopped after the elections and the formation of the new government," he added.



The Congress too came in support of Wangchuk, calling out Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his "arrogance". While Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge said the police action was cowardly and "is deeply undemocratic in nature".



"In Ladakh, there is a growing wave of public support, with widespread calls for safeguarding tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution," he said. "Instead, the Modi government wants to exploit the ecologically sensitive Himalayan glaciers of Ladakh to benefit its crony friends. This incident tells us that the fight against Modi Govt's brazen despotism is far from over!" Kharge said.



Rahul Gandhi also slammed the Centre, stating the detention of Wangchuk was unacceptable. He asked why elderly citizens were being detained at Delhi's border for standing up for Ladakh's future. "Modi ji, like with the farmers, this 'Chakravyuh' will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakh's voice," Gandhi said.

AAP leader Manish Sisodia too slammed the Centre for treating Wangchuk poorly. "I dont understand what Amit Shah, PM Modi, and the BJP are doing. In Delhi, the BJP has provided complete protection to gangsters while treating people like Sonam Wangchuk, who love the country, as terrorists. The kind of force the BJP is using against Sonam Wangchuk should have been used to stop the gangsters in Delhi," Sisodia added.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday gave an earful to the Special Investigation Team (SIT), probing the Badlapur school sexual assault case, for its inability to apprehend the two accused school trustees.



A division bench of Justices Revati Mohite Dere and Prithviraj Chavan questioned how the police, that usually go to any extent to nab an accused, are unable to arrest them in this case.

The court in August took suo motu (on its own) cognisance of the case. Two girlsaged four and fivewere sexually assaulted inside the washroom of a school in Badlapur town of Maharashtra's Thane district by a male attendant. The accused, Akshay Shinde, was subsequently arrested. He was killed by police in a shoot-out on September 23.

The Maharashtra government in August said an SIT, headed by an Inspector General of Police-rank officer, will probe the alleged sexual abuse of two girl students of the school in Badlapur. Two trustees of the school  the chairman and secretary  were also named as accused in the case.

Also read | Badlapur sexual assault case: Congress says school linked to BJP-RSS

The duo has been booked under various provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act for not reporting the incident to the police immediately and for negligence.

Advocate General Birendra Saraf informed the bench that the two accused are still absconding and have not been apprehended. The duo has filed for anticipatory bail in the HC. "The police goes to any extent to nab an accused. How come they have not been able to apprehend these two? Are they waiting for them to get anticipatory bail?" the court said.

Saraf said the police were taking all steps to apprehend the duo. The court posted the matter for further hearing on October 23.
After Israel's target strikes on Houthis in Yemen, there were reports of ships being targeted in the Red Sea yet again. In its latest suspected attacks, an explosive-loaded drone crashed into two vessels on Tuesday in the Red Sea.

The attacks on commercial ships in the Red Sea are the first in several weeks since the Middle East tensions.

Though two vessels sustained damages, the crew were safe. The captain of a vessel witnessed four splashes near his vessel, before it struck, said the United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO).

ALSO READ | After Hezbollah, is Israel targeting Houthis in Yemen?

One of the vessels that came under the attack was a Panama-flagged tanker, which was hit by an Uncrewed Surface Vessel (USV) 64 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah, added the UKMTO.

Meanwhile, the second vessel, which suffered damages was a Liberia-flagged bulker. Reportedly, the vessel sustained damage after it was hit by a missile about 97 nautical miles northwest of Hodeidah.

According to the British security firm Ambrey, both vessels were bound for Suez.

Ambrey also said that the drone used for the attack was a drone boat, which is commonly used by Houthis.

Authorities have launched an investigation into both incidents. However, there was no immediate claim of responsibility for the attacks.

Since November last year, Iran-backed Houthi militants have launched attacks on international shipping near Yemen in solidarity with the Palestinians in the Israel-Hamas war.

Israel Air Force has launched strikes at Houthi targets in Yemen on Sunday. The strike was carried about 1,800 km from Israel. The targets included power plants and a seaport used to import oil, which was used by the Houthi group to transfer Iranian weapons to the region, said IDF.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree in a prerecorded video on Tuesday said the rebels had launched drones targeting Israel.

The Red Sea has been witnessing a battle since the Israel-Hamas war, with Houthis targeting cargo ships passing through the channel.

Over 80 merchant ships have been targeted with missiles and drones since the Gaza war after the October 7 attacks.
With Israel Defence Forces (IDF) launching a targeted ground incursion in Lebanon, Tel Aviv on Tuesday ordered the residents of about 30 border villages in south Lebanon to evacuate. The Israeli authorities directed the Lebanese residents to head north of the Awali river, about 35 miles from the border.

"The IDF does not want to harm you and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately," said Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

ALSO READ | Israel troops hit the ground in Lebanon, IDF's 'limited raids' focused on Hezbollah targets in south

Meanwhile, Hezbollah denied Israels claims that the troops had entered Lebanon. The reports that Israeli forces had entered Lebanon were false claims, said Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afifi.

Afifi also added that Hezbollah is ready for a direct confrontation if Israeli troops cross the border.

A missile fired by Hezbollah at Israel fell directly in Kfar Qassem, an Arab village in central Israel, after Hezbollah once again fired projectiles at central Israel.



Hezbollah doesnt care who, or how. They only care about harming Israelis. pic.twitter.com/VHIRdFX3b7  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

Amid intensified attacks, Hezbollah has claimed to have fired missiles at Mossad headquarters and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv. While Israel blamed Hezbollah for firing missiles targeting villages.

ALSO READ | Only a fraction of its capabilities used to attack Israel, Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem warns



A missile fired by Hezbollah at Israel fell directly in Kfar Qassem, an Arab village in central Israel after Hezbollah once again fired projectiles at central Israel, said IDF.

More details on Hezbollah chief Nasrallahs death

New reports on Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallahs death, reveal that he may have suffocated from toxic gases inside his secret bunker after Israeli airstrike.

Nasrallah's body was recovered from the site of the airstrike on Sunday. It was reported that his body had no direct wounds.

As the rooms filled with fumes from the smoke and explosions, the 64-year-old may have suffocated and died in "agony", claimed an Israeli news outlet. However, there were also reports that 'blunt trauma' from the blasts might have caused his death.

The Hezbollah chief was killed on Friday.

The Beirut strike was carried out by utilising 80 tons of 'bunker-busting' bombs designed to penetrate fortified structures.

Hezbollah's acting leader Naim Kassem on Monday vowed to continue the fight and said the group is ready for a direct confrontation.
Israel on Tuesday claimed that its troops have been carrying out raids into southern Lebanon for months. Hezbollah tunnels were identified, weapon caches under homes and invasion plans by the groups were uncovered, said Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari.

While disclosing the details of the classified operation, Hagari said several weapons were seized and destroyed. His disclosure came hours after Israel announced a ground operation against the Iran-backed Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Listen to IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari as he reveals Hezbollahs plan to Conquer the Galilee and commit another October 7-style massacre: pic.twitter.com/4AdYsoJDLv  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

"Our soldiers entered Hezbollah's underground infrastructure; exposed Hezbollah's hidden weapons caches and seized and destroyed the weapons including advanced, Iranian-made weapons," Hagari said.

The findings and evidence discovered under homes in southern Lebanon will be presented to the international community, he added.

The videos filmed on troops body cameras revealed Hezbollah tunnels under the Lebanese villages. Israel claimed that the tunnels lie across the border from three Israeli towns.

Maps of the Israeli communities and army posts were also discovered.

The operations that we de-classified tonight are only a small number of dozens of operations that we will reveal going forward, including the destruction of Hezbollah's strategic assets and capabilities," said Hagari.

He also added that the ground raids would continue until tens of thousands of uprooted Israelis living near the border can return safely to their homes.

IDF ordered the residents of about 30 border villages in south Lebanon to evacuate in the wake of the ground incursion.

"The IDF does not want to harm you and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately," said Israeli military spokesperson Avichay Adraee.

Hezbollah had vowed to continue the fight after its chief Hassan Nasrallah died in an Israeli airstrike on Beirut. Along with Nasrallah, 19 other senior Hezbollah leaders were killed.

Hezbollah deputy leader Naim Qassem had warned Israel that they are using only a fraction of its capabilities to attack Israel. We are prepared for a long fight, Qassem said.
Hours after Israel's ground incursion in Lebanon, Iran fired over 100 missiles at Tel Aviv on Tuesday. Air raid sirens were sounded in Israel and residents were ordered to seek shelter in safer places.

Earlier the United States had indicated an "imminent ballistic missile attack" by Iran on Israel. In a statement, the US had warned Iran of "serious consequences" if it launched a direct attack on Israel.

All Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel. pic.twitter.com/bKXPdqMsBr  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

Reportedly, missiles flew over Tel Aviv, Jerusalem and Haifa. According to witnesses, explosions were heard in Jerusalem.

If Israel responds militarily to this operation, it will face a harsher response, Iran said in a statement.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari had said that the country's defence system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats.

Videos of missiles flying in several sites across Israel surfaced on social media.

Tel Aviv is burning...thank you, Iran pic.twitter.com/7LKxI0UAIL    (@Falcons700) October 1, 2024 TERKINI



Misil David Sling, Arrow-2 dan Arrow-3

mula berjaya memintas beberapa misil Iran yang melalui Tengah Israel ketika ini pic.twitter.com/i8xuSrmQl4  Irfan_newboys (@Marchfoward) October 1, 2024

The Iran attack came a day after Israel began its ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon. Israel ordered people in at least 30 Lebanese villages to evacuate in the wake of the ground incursion.

Hagari had warned that the Iranian strike could be widespread and therefore urged the people to move close to bomb shelters.

In April, the US offered its assistance to Israel, when Iran launched a series of drones and missiles towards Tel Aviv. During the strike then, majority of the missiles were successfully intercepted.

Amid rising tensions, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was moved to a safe location with increased security measures following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah after an Israeli-targeted strike on Beirut.

Middle East tensions have escalated with Israel tightening its grip on Hezbollah in Lebanon. Global pressure is mounting on Israel for a ceasefire to calm things down.

Hagari had said Israel would do "whatever necessary" to avoid a 7th October-like attack again on "any one of our borders".
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad has made a shocking claim that the head of the Iranian Secret Service Unit himself was a Mossad double agent.

Ahmadinejad made the stunning claim in an interview with CNN Turk amid reports that it was an Iranian 'mole' who informed Israel about Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's arrival at Hezbollah's underground headquarters.



You would think it is a joke, but it isnt



Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in an interview with @cnnturk said that Irans secret services had created a special unit to combat Mossad operating in Iran. However, turns out the head of this unit was himself a Mossad pic.twitter.com/35fKhqEeTt  Michael Elgort (@just_whatever) September 30, 2024

Ahmadinejad further claimed that a further 20 agents in the Iranian intelligence team tasked with monitoring Israeli intelligence activities were Mossad double agents. These double agents were providing Israel with sensitive information on the Iranian nuclear programme, he alleged.



However, it is not clear if these people were instrumental in Israel receiving the key intel about Hezbollah's hiding place in Beirut that resulted in an airstrike that killed the militant chief.



Hours before Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike, an Iranian mole had reportedly alerted Israeli authorities of his location. It added that the mole had alerted the Israeli sources that Nasrallah would be in the building to attend a meeting with several top members of the organisation.

Also read: Houthi missile targets Israel PM Netanyahu's plane at Ben Gurion airport; IDF's Arrow system shoots it down

Nasrallah's killing was also a direct result of Israel building an intel network to target the militant group after its 2006 war with the Iran-backed group. As a result of the efforts, Mossad's Unit 8200, the signals intelligence agency, built cutting-edge cyber tools to better intercept Hezbollahs cellphones and other communications, reported The New York Times.



The report added that Mossad also created new teams within the combat ranks to ensure that valuable information was quickly passed on to soldiers and the Air Force. Israel also developed and deployed more drones and satellites over Lebanon to photograph Hezbollah strongholds and document even the smallest changes to buildings.

Also read: 'Iran spy tipped off Israel about Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah's location before airstrike'

The newspaper added that Israeli leaders had information about Nasrallah's hideout for several months and decided to strike at him last week because they believed they had only a short window of opportunity before the Hezbollah leader disappeared elsewhere.


Amid Israel's ground incursion on Lebanon against Hezbollah, the United States intelligence units had indicated an imminent ballistic missile attack by Iran on Israel.

With Israel on an all-out war against Iran-backed Hezbollah, Tehran vowed retaliation. A statement released by a senior White House official said, Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

ALSO READ | Hezbollah denies Israeli troops entered Lebanon; more details surface on Hassan Nasrallahs death

It also added, We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack.

Listen to IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari as he reveals Hezbollahs plan to Conquer the Galilee and commit another October 7-style massacre: pic.twitter.com/4AdYsoJDLv  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

The US warned Iran of severe consequences if it carried out a direct attack against Israel.

Following the death of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah after an Israeli-targeted strike on Beirut, Irans supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei was moved to a safe location with increased security measures.

Hezbollah had prepared to use those villages  as staging grounds for an October 7-style invasioninto Israeli homes. Hezbollah planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities, and massacre innocent men women and children.



Watch the full statement by IDF Spox. RAdm. pic.twitter.com/gHnKWSPGDv  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

ALSO READ |Was Mossad behind Ebrahim Raisi's death? Iran MP hints ex-president's pager exploded on chopper

With Israel tightening its grip on Hezbollah in Lebanon, Middle East tensions have escalated. Global pressure is mounting on Israel for a ceasefire to calm things down.

Meanwhile, with Irans imminent attack looming, Israel's military spokesperson said that its defence systems are fully prepared for any attack. There is no threat at present, he said.

After the walkie-talkie blasts, an Iranian MP Ahmad Bakhshayesh Ardestani claimed that a pager blast led to the helicopter crash that led to the death of former president Ebrahim Raisi in May.

Also, Israel's involvement in killing top Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Iran had angered Tehran vowing severe retaliation against Tel Aviv.

In April, when Iran launched a series of drones and missiles towards Israel, the US offered its assistance. During the strike then, majority of the missiles were successfully intercepted.

Also, IDF on Tuesday in a message on Telegram said that Israel's military is calling up "four additional reserve brigades for operational missions in the northern area."

Israel's military spokesperson had said Israel would do "whatever necessary" to avoid a 7th-October-like attack again on "any one of our borders".

After Israel's intensified attacks on Hezbollah, Iran urged all resistance groups to join together and support.
This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2024 shows an electricity substation under construction in Kabul, Afghanistan. The Afghan power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, has inked three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with domestic companies to produce 240 megawatts of electricity, the company said in a statement on Monday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)

KABUL, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Afghan power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, has inked three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with domestic companies to produce 240 megawatts of electricity, the company said in a statement on Monday.

The MoUs were signed at a ceremony in capital Kabul, attended by acting deputy prime minister for political affairs Mawlawi Abdul Kabir, government officials, and representatives of private companies, the statement said.

Based on the signed MoUs, the companies will produce 100 megawatts of energy electricity, 100 megawatts of thermal electricity, and 40 megawatts of electricity from coal in capital Kabul, it said.

Afghanistan has been facing a power shortage. It imports most of its electricity from neighboring countries including Uzbekistan, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Iran. 

Staff members work at an electricity substation in Kabul, Afghanistan, Oct. 2, 2024. The Afghan power company, Da Afghanistan Breshna Sherkat, has inked three memorandums of understanding (MoUs) with domestic companies to produce 240 megawatts of electricity, the company said in a statement on Monday. (Photo by Saifurahman Safi/Xinhua)
Israel has announced that it began a ground invasion in Lebanon early on Tuesday as its troops began 'limited raids' against Hezbollah targets. The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) made the announcement soon after the security cabinet approved the ground raids focused on Hezbollah infrastructure in southern Lebanese villages that posed "an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel".

Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant had told on Monday that Israel would put its ground troops in Lebanon in the next phase of the war soon to bring home Israelis who have fled Hezbollah rockets during nearly a year of border warfare.



"In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," the IDF statement read.



Skies of Beirut are blood red as Israels ground incursion kicks off tonight



Lebanon under full scale military bombardment by the Israeli army



We are now at a full blown regional war involving multiple nations and territories on the ground pic.twitter.com/tgLjmRAJgi  TheArmchairAnalyst (@Sitting_Analyst) September 30, 2024

Air and artillery forces are assisting the ground forces, which set in motion the invasion by entering the Hezbollah tunnels dug near the Blue Line separating Israel from Lebanon.



Hours before the troops went in, Israel sent a fresh warning urging residents in Dahieh - the Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut's southern suburbs - to evacuate. It followed the warning with a series of airstrikes on Beirut.

Israel has already informed its ally, the US, about the limited raid, which also intends to create conditions for a diplomatic agreement under which Hezbollah forces would be pushed back beyond the Litani River, in line with UN Security Council resolution, reported The Times of Israel. The operation is also limited in both time and scope and was not intended to occupy southern Lebanon, the report added.

The IDF's new phase has sparked fears of escalating conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran-backed militants.

Though there is no official confirmation from the Lebanese side, reports state that the Lebanese troops pulled back about five kilometres (3 miles) from positions along Lebanon's southern border with Israel. Lebanon's army often stays on the sidelines, as it has historically done in major conflicts with Israel. They have not fired on the Israeli military anytime during the period.


As tens of thousands of Jewish pilgrims have begun arriving in Uman, Ukraine, for Rosh Hashanah, United Hatzalah has established a new emergency care complex near the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov, the founder of the Breslov Hasidic movement.

This site is the focal point of the annual pilgrimage, drawing worshippers from around the world each Rosh Hashanah.

The new facility, featuring a command and control center, a dispatch center, a medical equipment center, and an emergency equipment warehouse, will play a critical role in coordinating emergency responses and ensuring that help is readily available during the holiday.

Every year, United Hatzalah sends a delegation of volunteer physicians, paramedics, and EMTs from Israel to support the influx of visitors. These volunteers work in shifts around the clock to provide medical care until the pilgrims depart.

As part of its yearly medical standby operation, United Hatzalah has also intensified its preparedness efforts in light of ongoing security concerns due to the war between Ukraine and Russia. A significant emergency drill simulating a rocket attack from Russia was recently conducted near the gravesite of Rabbi Nachman of Breslov.

This exercise involved collaboration with the Ukrainian Security Service (SBU), local police, firefighters, and medical teams to prepare for potential emergencies during the pilgrimage.

In recent days, United Hatzalah has already treated over 80 cases, including minor accidents, breathing problems, limb injuries, cuts, and other medical issues. The organization is working in cooperation with the local clinic team in Uman, which is prepared to receive patients in emergency situations throughout the holiday.

To meet the emergency care challenges of tens of thousands of visitors coming to Uman, weve established an advanced emergency care complex that will enable us to provide swifter and more comprehensive emergency care than ever before, said Lazar Hyman, VP of Volunteer Operations for United Hatzalah.

Both local and visiting volunteers will be equipped with advanced medical equipment to protect the health and safety of all visitors. Were also collaborating closely with Ukrainian authorities to ensure comprehensive protection for those celebrating the holiday here.
Billionaire Elon Musk argued on Sunday that re-electing former President Donald Trump is the only way to prevent the United States from becoming a one-party state controlled by Democrats and naturalized non-citizens. Musk, the CEO of SpaceX, Tesla, and X, argued that under a potential Kamala Harris presidency, the Democratic Party would expedite the naturalization of millions of non-citizens, drastically altering the political landscape.

In a series of posts, Musk painted a dire picture of American democracy under continued Democratic leadership, asserting that democracy is over if Trump is not elected to a second term.

Very few Americans realize that, if Trump is NOT elected, this will be the last election, Musk wrote. He went on to say, Far from being a threat to democracy, he is the only way to save it!

Musks argument centered on the notion that Democrats would accelerate the process of granting citizenship to undocumented migrants, who would then become voters in crucial swing states. According to Musk, even if 1 in 20 illegals become citizens per year, it would amount to 2 million new legal voters in four years. He suggested that such a demographic shift could tip the scales in favor of the Democratic Party in key battlegrounds like Pennsylvania, Ohio, Wisconsin, and Arizona, where election margins are often narrow.

The voting margin in the swing states is often less than 20 thousand votes, Musk continued. That means if the Democratic Party succeeds, there will be no more swing states!!

He further accused the Biden administration of flying asylum seekers into these critical states to fast-track them toward citizenship.

Musk warned that the result of such actions would lead to the end of competitive elections in the U.S., claiming that the country would devolve into a one-party system.

America then becomes a one-party state and democracy is over. The only elections will be the Democratic Party primaries, he stated.

Drawing comparisons to California, Musk referenced the 1986 amnesty program as a precedent for what he sees as the Democratic Partys strategy. This already happened in California many years ago, Musk wrote.

He also expressed concerns about extreme policies, using San Francisco as an example of what he believes could happen nationwide if Democrats retain power. Everywhere in America will be like the nightmare that is downtown San Francisco, Musk warned.

Musks remarks were in response to a tweet from Sen. Mike Lee, who claimed that thousands of noncitizen voter files had been discovered across the country, accusing Democrats of blocking efforts to remove ineligible voters from the rolls.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Rwanda says eight people have died so far from the Ebola-like and highly contagious Marburg virus, just days after the country declared an outbreak of the deadly hemorrhagic fever that has no authorized vaccine or treatment.

Like Ebola, the Marburg virus originates in fruit bats and spreads between people through close contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or with surfaces, such as contaminated bed sheets. Without treatment, Marburg can be fatal in up to 88% of people who fall ill with the disease.

Rwanda, a landlocked country in central Africa, declared an outbreak on Friday and a day later the first six deaths were reported.

So far 26 cases have been confirmed, and eight of the sickened people have died, Health Minister Sabin Nsanzimana said on Sunday night.

The public has been urged to avoid physical contact to help curb the spread. Some 300 people who came into contact with those confirmed to have the virus have also been identified, and an unspecified number of them have been put in isolation facilities.

Most of the affected are healthcare workers across six out of 30 districts in the country.

Marburg is a rare disease, Nsanzimana told journalists. We are intensifying contact tracing and testing to help stop the spread.

The minister said the source of the disease has not been determined yet. A person infected with the virus can take between three days and three weeks to show symptoms, he added.

Symptoms include fever, muscle pains, diarrhea, vomiting and, in some cases, death through extreme blood loss.

The World Health Organization was scaling up its support and will work with Rwandan authorities to help stop the spread, WHOs Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on Saturday on the social media platform X.

The U.S Embassy in Rwandas capital of Kigali has urged its staff to work remotely and avoid visiting offices.

Marburg outbreaks and individual cases have in the past been recorded in Tanzania, Equatorial Guinea, Angola, Congo, Kenya, South Africa, Uganda and Ghana, according to the WHO.

The rare virus was first identified in 1967 after it caused simultaneous outbreaks of disease in laboratories in Marburg, Germany, and Belgrade, Serbia. Seven people died who were exposed to the virus while conducting research on monkeys.

Separately, Rwanda has so far reported six cases of mpox, a disease caused by a virus related to smallpox but that typically causes milder symptoms. Mpox, previously known as monkeypox because it was first seen in research monkeys, has also affected several other African countries in what the WHO has called a global health emergency.

Rwanda launched an mpox vaccination campaign earlier this month, and more vaccines are expected to arrive in the country. Neighboring Congo has so far reported most of the cases of mpox, the epicenter of the emergency.

(AP)
Two people died overnight in a large wildfire burning through forestland in Greece near a seaside resort in the countrys south, authorities said Monday.

The fire service said about 350 firefighters, assisted by 18 water-dropping aircraft, were battling the blaze near Xylokastro in the Peloponnese region.

While the initial large front was put out, scattered flare-ups continued to burn, forcing evacuation orders for three villages on Monday.

Earlier, half a dozen villages were ordered evacuated overnight as a precaution after the blaze broke out on Sunday. There was no threat to Xylokastro. The flames were fanned by very strong winds blowing through forests left tinder-dry by a warm spring and hot summer, attributed to climate change.

Civil protection officials warned that several parts of the country, including Rhodes and other southeastern Aegean Sea islands, would face a high risk of wildfires Tuesday.

Authorities said the two dead men were believed to be residents who were declared missing late Sunday. No one else was reported missing. There were no immediate reports of burned homes in the affected area, located some 150 kilometers (93 miles) southwest of Greeces capital, Athens.

Firefighters assisted by five water-dropping aircraft were also battling a forest fire that broke out Monday farther south, near Xerokambi in the central Peloponnese.

Another wildfire near Andravida, in the western Peloponnese, was also brought under control on Monday, but firefighters remained on alert.

Greece, like other southern European countries, is plagued by destructive wildfires every summer that have been exacerbated by global warming. Over the past few months, authorities have had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires in countryside left parched by a protracted drought and early summer heatwaves, in what was considered the most dangerous fire season in two decades.

A big investment in extra water-bombing aircraft, warning drones and other equipment have enabled firefighters to extinguished most blazes shortly after they broke out. However, in August, a ferocious wildfire swept through the mountains north of Athens, destroying scores of homes and killing one person.

Still, authorities say this summers expanses that have been burned are about 25% less in size than the annual average of the past 20 years.

(AP)
Republicans are pointing to newly released immigration enforcement data to bolster their argument that the Biden administration is letting migrants who have committed serious crimes go free in the U.S. But the numbers have been misconstrued without key context.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement released data to Republican Rep. Tony Gonzales in response to a request he made for information about people under ICE supervision either convicted of crimes or facing criminal charges. Gonzales Texas district includes an 800-mile stretch bordering Mexico.

Gonzales posted the numbers online and they immediately became a flashpoint in the presidential campaign between former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to carry out mass deportations, and Vice President Kamala Harris. Immigration  and the Biden administrations record on border security  has become a key issue in the election.

Heres a look at the data and what it does or doesnt show:

What are the numbers?

As of July 21, ICE said 662,556 people under its supervision were either convicted of crimes or face criminal charges. Nearly 15,000 were in its custody, but the vast majority  647,572  were not.

Included in the figures of people not detained by ICE were people found guilty of very serious crimes: 13,099 for homicide, 15,811 for assault, 13,423 for weapons offenses and 2,663 for stolen vehicles. The single biggest category was for traffic-related offenses at 77,074, followed by assault at 62,231 and dangerous drugs at 56,533.

The Department of Homeland Security, which oversees ICE, later clarified that the numbers span decades and those not in its custody may be held by a state or local agency. For example, someone serving time in a state prison for murder could be counted as a criminal not in ICEs custody. They are not being held by federal immigration authorities but they are detained  a distinction ICE didnt make in its report to Gonzales.

Millions of people are on ICEs non-detained docket, or people under the agencys supervision who arent in its custody. Many are awaiting outcomes of their cases in immigration court, including some wearing monitoring devices. Others have been released after completing their prison sentences because their countries wont take them back.

What do both sides say about the numbers?

Republicans pointed to the data as proof that the Biden administration is letting immigrants with criminal records into the country and isnt doing enough to kick out those who commit crimes while theyre here.

The truth is clear  illegal immigrants with a criminal record are coming into our country. The data released by ICE is beyond disturbing, and it should be a wake-up call for the Biden-Harris administration and cities across the country that hide behind sanctuary policies, Gonzales said in a news release, referring to pledges by local officials to limit their cooperation with federal immigration authorities.

Trump, who has repeatedly portrayed immigrants as bringing lawlessness and crime to America, tweeted multiple screenshots of the data with the words: 13,000 CROSSED THE BORDER WITH MURDER CONVICTIONS.

He also asserted that the numbers correspond to Biden and Harris time in office.

The data was being misinterpreted, Homeland Security said in a statement Sunday.

The data goes back decades; it includes individuals who entered the country over the past 40 years or more, the vast majority of whose custody determination was made long before this Administration, the agency said. It also includes many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state or local law enforcement partners.

The department also stressed what it has done to deport those without the right to stay in America, saying it had removed or returned more than 700,000 people in the past year, which it said was the highest number since 2010. Homeland Security said it had removed 180,000 people with criminal convictions since President Joe Biden took office.

Whats behind the figures?

The data isnt only listing people who entered the country during the Biden administration but includes people going back decades who came during previous administrations, said Doris Meissner, former commissioner of the Immigration and Naturalization Service, which was the predecessor to ICE.

Theyre accused or convicted of committing crimes in America as opposed to committing crimes in other countries and then entering the U.S., said Meissner, who is now director of the U.S. Immigration Policy Program at the Migration Policy Institute.

This is not something that is a function of what the Biden administration did, she said. Certainly, this includes the Biden years, but this is an accumulation of many years, and certainly going back to at least 2010, 2011, 2012.

A 2017 report by Homeland Securitys Office of Inspector General says that as of August 2016, ICE had about 368,574 people on its non-detained docket who were convicted criminals. By June 2021, that number was up to 405,786.

Cant ICE just deport criminals?

ICE has limited resources. The number of people it supervises has skyrocketed, while its staffing has not. As the agency noted in a 2023 end-of-year report, it often has to send staff to help at the border, taking them away from their normal duties.

The number of people ICE supervises but who arent in its custody has grown from 3.3 million a little before Biden took office to a little over 7 million last spring.

The simple answer is that as a system, we havent devoted enough resources to the parts of the government that deal with monitoring and ultimately removing people who are deportable, Meissner said.

ICE also has logistical and legal limits on who they can hold. Its budget allows the agency to hold 41,500 people at a time. John Sandweg, who was acting ICE director from 2013 to 2014 under then-President Barack Obama, said holding people accused or convicted of the most serious crimes is always the top priority.

But once someone has a final order of removal  meaning a court has found that they dont have the right to stay in the country  they cannot be held in detention forever while ICE works out how to get them home. A 2001 Supreme Court ruling essentially prevented ICE from holding those people for more than six months if there is no reasonable chance to expect they can be sent back.

Not every country is willing to take back their citizens, Sandweg said.

He said he suspects that a large number of those convicted of homicide but not held by ICE are people who were ordered deported but the agency cant remove them because their home country wont take them back.

Its a very common scenario. Even amongst the countries that take people back, they can be very selective about who they take back, he said.

The U.S. also could run into problems deporting people to countries with which it has tepid relations.

Homeland Security did not respond to questions about how many countries wont take back their citizens. The 2017 watchdog report put the number at 23 countries, plus an additional 62 that were cooperative but where there were delays getting things like passports or travel documents.

(AP)
Agudath Israel of America has filed a lawsuit against the New York State Education Department in Albany Supreme Court. The lawsuit challenges a recently adopted state regulation which Agudath Israel argues is both illegal and devastatingly harmful to thousands of children with special needs.

Under New York State law, all children have the right to receive special education services when a need is demonstrated. The needs of children attending nonpublic schools are outlined in their Individualized Education Services Plan. These services are typically provided by the local school district. However, New York City fails to meet its obligation to provide services directly, and parents are therefore forced to file a due process complaint with an Independent Hearing Officer to obtain entitled services on the open market and pursue reimbursement. Upon a review of the evidence and circumstances, Independent Hearing Officers have overwhelmingly ruled in favor of parents, and children have received services in this manner.

On July 15, the New York State Board of Regents adopted an emergency amendment to Section 200.5 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education that drastically restricts parental rights to file a due process claim, the very mechanism NYC nonpublic school parents must resort to obtain entitled services. Although the State Education Department expressed confidence that New York City would adjust its policies accordingly, the result has been a near-total collapse of the private special education provider market.

Now, almost a month into the school year, thousands of children remain without services. Many are unable to attend school at all, as they require support throughout the day. These vulnerable children face irreparable harm every day that passes without receiving the critical services they need during their key developmental years.

Over the past months, Agudath Israel has engaged in intense advocacy effortsdirectly with the State Education Department, the NYC Department of Education, and legislatorsand organized two public comment campaigns in which thousands of parents voiced their opposition to the new regulation. Despite some progress, the overall situation remains dire. After careful consideration, and in consultation with its rabbinic leadership, Agudath Israel decided it had no choice but to pursue legal action.

The lawsuit contends that the amended regulation violates the plain meaning and intent of the state law; the states own prior guidance; a long line of decisions; and decades of practice. To add insult to injury, the state passed a change of this magnitude on an emergency basis in the dead of night and without public comment, violating the State Administrative Procedure Act. Given the amendments immediate and irreparable harm, Agudath Israel has requested that the court issue a Temporary Restraining Order to halt its implementation.

Agudath Israel thanked Adam Cohen and the team at Walden Macht Haran & Williams LLP for their expert and dedicated legal work in pursuing the case.

The Agudah also acknowledged the 10 parental plaintiffs. Their children are blind, wheelchair-bound, have cerebral palsy, spina bifida, and various forms of learning disorders, and they hail from diverse faiths and neighborhoods. These parents have courageously stepped forward to tell their stories and fight on behalf of all children with special needs across New York City.
As part of the changes, it was decided that in the areas of the Lower Galilee, Southern Golan (in communities in the Emek HaYarden Regional Council) and Central Galilee (in some of the communities in the Lower Galilee Regional Council) the activity scale will be changed from Limited Activity to Partial Activity, meaning educational activities can be held in a place from which a standard protected space can be reached within the time available to reach shelter.

Following a situational assessment, it was determined that as of today (Monday) at 7:00PM, changes will be made to the Home Front Commands defensive guidelines.

Thousands of Israelis in the north were briefly alarmed Monday afternoon when they spotted three paragliders flying around, triggering memories of the Hamas attacks exactly a year ago on October 7th. However, authorities confirmed the paragliders were civilians, and there was no connection to any terrorist activity.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Meets with Bipartisan US Senate Delegation

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, today (Monday, 7 October 2024), at the Prime Ministers Office in Jerusalem, met with a bipartisan delegation of US Senators led by Lindsey Graham (R-SC).

Prime Minister Netanyahu:

I deeply appreciate the visit by Senators Graham and Blumenthal on this day of commemoration, October 7th. It was the worst attack on the Jewish people since the Holocaust, but unlike the Holocaust, we fight back. Were fighting like lions with the support of the American government and the American people, and its representatives here. I want to thank you both for your stellar support for Israel throughout the war.

US Sen. Richard Blumenthal (D-CT):

Thank you, Mr. Prime Minister. Were honored to be with you and we appreciate your giving us this opportunity to speak with you on this really agonizingly difficult day for your country and the people of Israel and all of us in the United States who feel so deeply that it was an absolutely abhorrent inhumane attack on the Jewish people. Were here to say we have Israels back and Israel has the right to defend itself.

US Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC):

The reason people were killed on October 7th was they were Jewish. Weve seen this movie before. We dont want to see any more of those movies. Living in their own homeland. You said something that really struck me. No one should be a refugee in their own country. Theyre going back to the north, folks. Theyre going back to these kibbutzes. Whatever it takes to get your people back in their homes, you do it.

To my friends in France, youve got this ass backwards. You should be doubling down on helping Israel, because the people that want to destroy Israel also want to destroy the French people. I get that. He gets that. Youre fighting our fight. Were going to help you with your military needs.

The Twin Towers fell not because of a hurricane, because radical Islamist terrorists killed 3,000 of us on a single day. And they would kill all of us if they could. If Iran ever got a nuclear weapon, they would use it. The question would be who would they use it against first. Me? You? Saudi Arabia? We can never let that happen. So were going to help you.

Also attending the meeting were the Prime Ministers Foreign Policy Adviser, Dr. Ophir Falk, the Prime Ministers Spokesperson, Dr. Omer Dostri, and the Head of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs North America Desk, Dor Shapira.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Tzvi Yehezkeli, Arab affairs correspondent and the head of the Arab desk at Channel 13 News, discussed the significance of Israels assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Its a historically monumental Islamic event, he began. It really depends on how Israel will proceed. Weve discovered that Nasrallah is weaker than we thoughtthe question is how this escalates from Israels perspective. Will we approach this tactically regarding Lebanon? In the Lebanese context, you could really disarm Hezbollah.

He clarified: Do you know what the Lebanese will do when you give them the option to disarm Hezbollah? A peace agreement with Lebanon could even happen. Nasrallah participated in Assads greatest massacre; he starved Syrians. I think Iran is weak right now in a sense that weve cut off a very important branch. Hezbollah has truly taken a hit.

Theres no command, no chain of command, theres no military brain  Nasrallah was the communications mastermind that mapped out the way and the military personnel translated that into action. Thats gone now.

It reminds me of the end of the Lebanon War. We didnt do all the work in Dahieh, theres still the precision missile projectHezbollah still has an arsenal of missiles. We need to tackle today what we neglected after the Lebanon War. We have to keep going until the point where the Lebanese people say theyll deal with the rest and well reach a peace agreement. If you neutralize the Iranian threat to the Middle East, its the dawn of a new day in the region. For real.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
GAZA/RAMALLAH, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least 19 Palestinians were killed in Israeli airstrikes across the Gaza Strip, while two others were killed by Israeli raids in the northern West Bank, Palestinian sources and authorities said on Tuesday.

An Israeli drone hit a tent for displaced people in the al-Attar area west of Khan Younis city in the southern Gaza Strip, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua. Medical sources said that the airstrike killed six Palestinians including children and women.

In another attack, Israeli aircraft targeted the Shejaiya school east of Gaza City, which houses dozens of displaced families, according to local sources and eyewitnesses.

The Civil Defense Authority said in a brief statement that its team recovered at least seven bodies, and there were also several injuries, all of whom were taken to hospitals.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said in a statement on Tuesday that the Israeli Air Force conducted a precise strike on Hamas militants who were operating inside a command and control center in Gaza City.

The center, which was inside a compound that previously served as the Shejaiya school, was used to plan and execute attacks against IDF troops and Israel, it added.

An Israeli drone set a civilian car on fire in the west of Khan Younis, Palestinian security sources told Xinhua, noting that the air raid killed six Palestinians.

Eyewitnesses told Xinhua that several young men tried to put out the fire using primitive methods and rescue those inside.

The Israeli army has not commented on this incident.

Israel has been launching a large-scale offensive against Hamas in the Gaza Strip to retaliate against a Hamas rampage through the southern Israeli border on Oct. 7, 2023, during which about 1,200 people were killed and about 250 taken hostage.

The Palestinian death toll from ongoing Israeli attacks in the Gaza Strip has risen to 41,638, Gaza-based health authorities said in a statement on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, in the West Bank, two Palestinians were killed by the Israeli army in the Balata refugee camp and the Old City of Nablus, the Palestinian Ministry of Health said.

"Diaa Dweikat, 25, died of critical wounds he sustained in the abdomen and thigh in Balata camp," the Ramallah-based ministry said in a press statement.

Later, the ministry reported the death of Abdul Hakim Shahin, 23, caused by Israeli army gunfire in the Old City of Nablus.

Israeli forces stormed Balata camp and the Old City to carry out arrest operations amid gunfire, according to Palestinian security sources.

The Palestinian Red Crescent Society said in a statement that it received a report of injuries in the camp and that coordination was underway to reach them.

The statement said that three of its paramedics were injured by live bullets by Israeli soldiers "deliberately, despite prior coordination through the International Committee of the Red Cross while trying to evacuate a number of casualties in Balata camp."

The Israeli army has not commented on these developments yet.

The West Bank has been witnessing escalating tension and armed confrontations in various cities, villages, and camps since the start of the conflict in the Gaza Strip on Oct. 7, 2023.

Since then, the Israeli side has killed more than 720 Palestinians by shelling and shooting throughout the West Bank, according to the Palestinian Ministry of Health. 
Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad said that an Iranian intelligence agency established to spy on Israel and combat the Mossad was infiltrated by the Mossad, which recruited the head of the agency and most of the operatives as double agents.

Speaking to CNN in Turkey, he shocked listeners by saying, Israel can even threaten the safety of the spiritual leader Khamenei with its intelligence network operating in Iran through the Mossad. Let me give an example from eight years ago to understand the kind of power Israel has achieved within Iran through the Mossad.

Ahmadinejad explained that Iran established a special unit to combat Mossad activities within the country but it turned out that the head of this unit was himself an Israeli agent, and along with 20 other agents, was responsible for stealing crucial nuclear documents in 2018 and for assassinating nuclear scientists before fleeing to Israel.

Ahmadinejad was referring to the audacious operation Mossad agents carried out six years ago, infiltrating a warehouse in Tehran and cutting through safes to access and steal over 100,000 documents detailing Irans nuclear development plans.

Israel organizes complex operations inside Iran, Ahmadinejad elaborated. They can easily obtain very important information. Iranian authorities are still silent about this situation. Mossad had such a large network of agents in Iran, both on the streets and within the government, that they could have assassinated anyone they wanted to.

The chief advisor to former President Hassan Rouhani and former Iranian Intelligence Minister Ali Younesi said in an interview in 2022: The Mossad has infiltrated various state units in Iran over the past ten years. All government officials now need to fear for their lives. Things have gotten to a point where they have started openly threatening government officials. As someone who worked in the intelligence ministry, the situation pains me.

(YWN Israel Desk  Jerusalem)
The White House said Tuesday morning that the United States has received indications that Iran is preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel in the near future.

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran, an unnamed senior White House official said in a statement.

The U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members in Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza to shelter in place until further notice.

According to a U.S. official cited by CNN, the U.S. is preparing for a possible Iranian assault tonight, similar to the one in April. During that attack, Iran fired over 300 missiles and drones, but the majority were intercepted by defense systems from Israel, the U.S., and their Western and Arab allies.

Israel had not identified any aerial threat yet from Iran. Israels aerial defense and warplanes are ready for potential attacks. Both the United States and Israel were following the developments in Iran, said IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari. Iranian fire on Israel will bring consequences  I wont elaborate beyond that.

We are following the threat seriously, Hagari added later. We ask the public to follow the Home Front Command guidelines. The fire from Iran could be wide in scope.

When a siren sounds, you are asked to enter a protected area and stay there until we notify you otherwise, Hagari said.

These warnings comes as Israel launches a ground operation against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, on the heels of killing its leader Hassan Nasrallah and decimating the terrorist organizations senior military leadership, as well as after killing and injuring thousands of other Hezbollah terrorists in pager and walkie-talkie explosions.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Following Tuesdays massive ballistic missile attack, in which not a single Israeli was killed (but 1 Palestinian and reportedly 5 Iranian soldiers were killed, the latter when a missile exploded during launch) Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei took to social media, posting a threatening message alongside an illustration of a large underground weapons cache. Victory comes from Allah and it is close, Khamenei wrote.

In badly broken Hebrew, Khamenei tweets a message threatening that the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.

In another post, written in broken Hebrew, Khamenei warned that the blows of the uprising front will become stronger and more painful on the worn and rotting body of the Zionist regime.

Irans Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for the missile strikes, saying they had targeted three military bases near Tel Aviv.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian also praised the missile attacks, calling them a decisive response to what he described as Israeli aggression. In a post on X , Pezeshkian said, In accordance with legitimate rights and with the aim of [establishing] peace and security in Iran and the region, a decisive response has been made to the Zionist regimes aggression.
President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States was fully supportive of Israel after Irans ballistic missile attacks, describing Tehrans assault as defeated and ineffective.

At my direction, the United State military actively supported the defense of Israel, and were still assessing the impact, Biden said. But, based on what we know, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective.

This is a testament to Israeli military capability and the U.S. military, he continued. Its also a testament to intensive planning between the United States and Israel to anticipate and defend against the brazen attack.

Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel, Biden added.

The president noted that he spent the morning and part of the afternoon in the Situation Room, meeting with his national security team and consulting with Israelis.

Kamala Harris takes no questions after saying she and Biden monitored the Iranian missile attack on Israel in real time.

I am clear-eyed.

(YWN World Headquarters  NYC)
Flights to Israel Cancelled? One airline is still flying and has surprisingly great prices for Succos!

Tickets are selling fast! Book now!





The dramatic security events of the last few days left many Jews in Israel and around the world rejoicing at the fall of one of Israels worst enemies.

However, the unfortunate side effect of the security developments was the cancelation of 99% of all flights to Israel following the recommendation of the European Aviation Authority.

Amazingly, one European airline is still flying from New York to Israel.

Hi-Sky airlines, a Romanian carrier that only started flying to New York 4 months ago is surprisingly now the sole European airline that still connects Israel to the U.S

Hi-Sky has been amazingly consistent throughout the last 4 months with flights from NYC-TLV with no war related cancelations at all.

The latest flight on Hi-Sky from Israel to OTP took off at 2:00 AM last night (Sunday) from Tel Aviv exactly as scheduled.

The only other flight options to Israel are ELAL with zero seats on any flight for the next month, Emirates through Dubai with long travel times up to 30 hours or risky flight combinations made of 2 or 3 stopovers pieced together from several separate tickets with no protection for delays or cancelations and having to self-transfer checked bags at every stopover.

You would expect these rare flights to Israel for Succos would be crazy expensive since there are absolutely no other options but that is not the case!

Horwitz Travel is a well-known and respected travel agency with many years of experience providing travel solutions for individuals, families and groups to Israel.

Realizing that thousands of travelers would be stuck without flights to Israel for Succos, they committed themselves to help jews get to Israel for Succos on time and for an affordable price!

Horwitz Travel formed a partnership with Hi-Sky airlines and reserved a Large group of seats on their airplanes for the very dates that have the highest Succos travel demand.

The flights leave from NYC on the 14th of October and arrive in Israel on the afternoon of October 15th one day before Succos.

The return flight leaves from Israel on the 27th of October, the day after Succos and arrives back in New York on the 28th.

The prices for these flights start at a very reasonable $1689 for round trip travel and include a checked bag and carry on.

The only downside is that there are limited seats left on the flights and they are filling up fast!

If you want to get to Israel this Succos for a reasonable price and without fear of cancellation you should sign up as soon as possible:

Link to sign up form: https://forms.gle/3AwhoLrtDuVhcQjA7

Whatsapp Link: https://wa.me/+972549948372
MG's full steam ahead on launching new models. In six months the now Chinese-owned British brand has launched five cars.

At a rate of almost a car a month, it would be fair to wonder if the bubble will burst for the champion of value-for-money motoring brand. Can each new model really be better than the last?

We drove MG's new ZS on the marque's last launch of the summer to see if this overhauled SUV is its best budget package offering yet, or if it's one new model too many off the production line...

The MG ZS 2024 is a second generation re-write of the old ZS but it still will cost you less than 25k for the top end model

What's new with the second generation ZS?

'The only thing in common with the old car is the name,' MG UK's head of product David Allison said at the launch.

Hybrid+

The core mechanical change of the new ZS is the advanced hybrid powertrain.

The 'Hybrid+' system is taken from the MG3 supermini that launched in February and combines a 1.5-litre petrol engine with a 136 PS electric motor.

This means MG is claiming your new ZS will manage 55.4mpg which is a vast improvement in the first generation's 38.6 to 42.7 mpg.

The new ZS also offer a very low CO2 emissions of 115g/km.

The new model is over 100mm longer, under under 10mm wider, 15mm taller and has an extended wheelbase of 30mm

The old ZS had a somewhat dated appearance, and looked far less premium than the new model

Size and looks

The new MG ZS has literally outgrown the old one  it's bigger and looks more mature.

The new model is over 100mm longer, under under 10mm wider, 15mm taller and has an extended wheelbase of 30mm.

And it has a new modern appearance thanks to a design overhaul.

Following the MG3 and HS' design language, the ZS has the same wider and fatter grille, and an overall sharper, sleeker and more premium appearance.

What hasn't (really) changed? The budget price

This car sits firmly in the affordability stakes.

The new MG ZS Hybrid+ has two trims (as per MG style), the SE and the higher Trophy. The SE costs 21,995 while the Trophy costs 24,495, or 2,500 more.

And the price increase from the existing ZS to the '24 ZS is 1,105 across both trims.

If you're contemplating buying the new ZS, shopping around for a family SUV, or just want to know what kind of offerings there are in the SUV market, then this number will quickly become a bargain benchmark.

What's the interior like? Space, practicality and comfort

The exterior takes cues from the MG3 supermini, with a wider fatter grill and sleeker headlights - it looks more upmarket than the price tag

Although a B-Segment SUV it's almost a C-Segment in size, and it is very nice and spacious inside and you can fit adults in both rows comfortably

The ZS is a family SUV, and when buying a family SUV practicality is one of, if not the most important factor.

The new ZS is spacious inside  it is B-Segment (compact) but feels more C-segment (mid-sized) SUV.

There's no sporty sloping roof to work around like lots of models so there's ample headroom and space for 6-footer adults front and back and you won't be short of legroom either.

The big windows make it feel airier and roomier too, especially compared to some models; we tested the new Peugeot 5008 and MG ZS back-to-back and the 5008's small back windows made the interior feel darker and cramped even when there was enough room.

On the practicality front the one let down is that the boot is smaller (with the seats up) than the outgoing ZS (to make room for the hybrid system): it's now 443 litres, down five litres on the old version.

But with the seats down you get more lugging space than before  now 1,457 litres compared to the old 1,375 litres.

The boot is a little bit smaller due to the hybrid engine but MG has tried to increase practicality with a removeable floor and extra hooks and nets

MG's also put some hooks, tie-down points and nets in the boot to make it a more handy space and the boot floor is moveable to increase storage capacity when you need it.

Plus, the interior comfort has been improved with more premium features including a heated steering wheel and heated front seats and driver's lumbar support on the Trophy trim.

The interior in general has gone up a significant step on the classy ladder, with more soft touch materials than before, matt finishes and metal inserts as well as leather-style seats and dash stitching.

It's nice and comfortable front and back, although better steering adjustment would be appreciated for people without extremely long arms  you can't move the wheel in and out.

It is very similar quality as the Hyundai Tucson N-Line hybrid but for almost 6,000 less,.

Tech - how connected are you?

The cabin is pretty luxe for an MG with leather-style seats and dash, metal finishes and contrast stitching - it's definitely more premium than the old model

The best MG infotainment system yet and a serious improvement on other models like the MG4.

The ZS now has a 12.3-inch touchscreen and a seven-inch driver's display. The display is the easiest to use of any MG model yet, which is a good thing because they've never been the most intuitive to use.

The ZS' isn't the best on the market, but it is better, and we appreciate improvement.

There are shortcut widgets on the right-hand side of the screen  for navigation, music and vehicle set up. There are also shortcuts on the steering wheel, programming them is a fair bit fiddly.

But rejoice because MG has kept actual physical buttons underneath the touchscreen to shortcut to the menu. MG says 'it likes buttons' and that ought to please an awful lot of buyers who are turning their backs on touchscreen-only infotainment systems.

The ZS has MG's best infotainment system yet and it has accompanying buttons , which we (and many other people no doubt) think is a great decision

Apple CarPlay and Android Auto come as standard, but you have to plug in via a USB as there's no wireless option.

Clarity and sharpness are by far the best of MGs screens and a huge step up from previous models, and the sharpness of the 360 camera and rear parking camera is luxury-level.

I'm an avid music listener and I found the basic six-speed audio system surprisingly good quality too considering it's not a specialised sound system collaboration.

The ZS also comes with MG's iSmart Phone Connectivity.

How does it drive?

If you're a family after fuel-efficient easy driving then the ZS will get the job done in a put together manner, it just won't set your heart on fire, but that's ok

Both ZS trims come with adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep and lane departure assist, speed limit assist and blind spot assist to name just the main few (again value for money and new for this generation)

As said the Hybrid+ system is the same as the one used in the new MG3 and helps you save money on fuel. Considering there are dire warnings that the Autumn budget will hike in fuel duty, frugal fuel economy should be enough to persuade any pump payers that hybrid is a smart idea.

The boat-throttle style gear selector is a win for me - I think it's a cool touch

The ZS' hybrid system uses a 1.83kWh battery and a 100kW electric motor  the combined output is 193hp.

Around town or low-speed pulling out in traffic the hybrid system uses electric-only power, otherwise the car will automatically tap into the petrol engine for higher speeds.

MG says it drives like an EV in urban areas, and the smooth electric acceleration and quietness in town does make it feel like an electric car in this situation.

The ZS isn't the most engaging drive on faster roads or motorways, but it handles nicely, and the steering is precise enough  it's a bit firmer in Sport mode (there's also Eco and Normal.)

0 to 62mph is covered in 8.7 seconds, which the electric motor helps to make punchier.

It's quite loud in the cabin with a fair amount of wind noise and road noise let in, but overall driving comfort and experience is solid considering you aren't paying for the Rolls-Royce of SUVs.

It could be a marmite feature, but In love the boat-throttle style gear selector - I think it looks stylish. And it's a small but clever way to create a bit of driving individuality and personality. Plus, gear selectors situated in the same place as a manual gearbox are a nice nod to interactive driving and make you feel more connected with the car.

I expected (considering the MG Cyberster I drove on the launch in Scotland mid-Summer was rife with non-stop driver assist alerts) to find the ZS' safety systems infuriating but I didn't.

Both ZS trims come with adaptive cruise control, active emergency braking with pedestrian and bicycle detection, lane keep and lane departure assist, speed limit assist and blind spot assist to name just the main few (again value for money and new for this generation).

Maybe I got lucky, but there was minimal pinging once I turned lane keep assist and driver attention alert off.

If you're a family after fuel-efficient easy driving then the ZS will get the job done in a put together manner, it just won't set your heart on fire, but that's ok.

Trims and warranty

As already mentioned, the ZS follows typical MG format of having two trims: the SE and Trophy. The SE costs 21,995 and the Trophy costs 24,495.

The Trophy (which I drove) has 18-inch wheels instead of the 17 on the SE, leather style upholstery, heated seats and steering wheel, an electronically adjustable driver's seat and lumbar support and a HD 360 camera.

For that extra package the grade walk up between trims is 2,500. And MG predicts 80 per cent of buyers will go for that  after all the top price is less than most rivals' entry-level options  as most of their customers choose the Trophy trim option across its models.

The warranty covers - like with all MG models - a seven-year/80,000-mile period.

The new Dacia Duster is the only other competitor than can keep level with the pricing, as the Romanian 4x4 starts from around 17,500 but it plays a very different role from the ZS, even if it has gone up-market.

The Cars & Motoring verdict:

The bottom line is the price.

It doesn't matter that it's not the most polished, most perfect SUV to ever grace the now very crowded market: MG is offering people, for less than 22,000, an almost C-Segment-sized brand new SUV.

We live in a world where new cars are called 'affordable' for 35,000, or even 40,000. But that's just not realistic for most people - it's simply not 'affordable'.

And MG is giving drivers an option that actually is.

Considering you're getting a well-presented, well executed, spacious family car for that, the niggles can be overlooked.

Especially when the new ZS is more fuel efficient so it reduces your running costs as well.
A leading executive at Rupert Murdochs business empire blasted Rightmove yesterday for hampering a multi-billion pound takeover approach.

Australian property firm Rea Group, which is backed by Murdochs News Corp, admitted defeat in its month-long attempt to swallow up the FTSE 100 property website, after a fourth successive offer worth 6.2bn was rebuffed.

In an extraordinary intervention, News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson (pictured left with Murdoch) said Rightmove did not make the right move and applauded Reas withdrawal saying it would have been foolhardy to overpay.

News Corp chief executive Robert Thomson (left) said Rightmove did not make the right move

Rea has also seen a series of earlier offers  valuing Rightmove at 5.6bn, 5.9bn and 6.1bn  rejected.

With a takeover panel deadline looming, Reas bosses jetted into Britain to try to woo the UK firm with an improved proposal.

But last ditch talks over the weekend between Rightmove chairman Andrew Fisher and Hamish McLennan, his Rea counterpart, failed to make progress.

That gave the Australians until 5pm yesterday to put up or shut up under takeover rules.

Rightmove rejected a request to extend the deadline. Rea then threw in the towel and confirmed it did not intend to make an offer.

Thomson, an Australian former editor of The Times, said: We strongly support the decision by the Rea team to withdraw from the potential acquisition of Rightmove.

We applaud Reas financial discipline as it is foolhardy to overpay for an asset, even if it patently had positive potential. 

As for Rightmove, we wish them well in an increasingly competitive British market unfortunately, the companys board did not make the right move.

The comments appear to underline the significance of the attempted takeover to News Corp, which owns 61pc of Australia-based Rea and is best known for owning The Times and The Sun newspapers.

New York-based News Corp also owns The Wall Street Journal in the US, a raft of Australian titles and publisher Harper Collins.

In addition, Murdoch separately controls US TV network Fox News.

Rea issued a statement on its aborted takeover proposal, accusing Rightmove of a lack of meaningful engagement.

Chief executive Owen Wilson said: We strongly believed in the opportunity to create a globally diversified leader in the digital property sector that would benefit both Rea and Rightmove shareholders.

We were disappointed with the limited engagement from Rightmove that impeded our ability to make a firm offer within the timetable available.

They had nothing to lose by engaging with us.

Shares in Rightmove slumped 7.7pc, or 51.2p, to 617.4p.

Reas latest cash and share proposal valued the companys shares at 775p each. It said that represented a 45pc premium to Rightmoves average share price over the previous year.

But it was below the peak value just above 800p seen in December 2021. Rightmove said the latest offer undervalued the company.

Analysts had said Rea would need to make an offer valuing the company at least 7bn to stand any chance of success.

Fisher said: We respect Rea and the success they have achieved in their domestic market. However, we remain confident in the standalone future of Rightmove.

Susannah Streeter, head of money and markets at Hargreaves Lansdown, said Rea Group runs property websites and indices across Australia, Asia and North America, so getting a dominant foothold in the UK would have been very attractive.
Pfizer has offloaded a 2.43billion stake in consumer health spin-out Haleon, which said it would buy back 230million of the shares.

FTSE 100-listed Haleon, which makes Panadol painkillers and Sensodyne toothpaste, said it had bought the shares at 308p each.

The off-market purchase includes 30.1million shares worth around 114.6million which will be cancelled and represent the remainder of the 500million allocated to share buybacks this year.

Deal: Pfizer has offloaded a 2.43bn stake in Haleon, which in turn said it would buy back 230m of the shares

The rest of the shares will be held as treasury shares for the purposes of satisfying Haleon's obligations under its existing employee share plans in 2025.

Haleon said Pfizer's stake was expected to fall to 15 per cent from 22.6 per cent.

Haleon shares fell 0.25 per cent or 1.00p to 391.90p, having risen around 15 per cent in the last year.

Brian McNamara, Haleon's chief executive, said: 'Our purchase of shares from Pfizer will successfully deliver on our commitment to return 500million to shareholders through share buybacks this year, and marks another milestone in Pfizer reducing its stake in Haleon following our listing in July 2022.

'It's also fully consistent with our capital allocation priorities to drive attractive returns for shareholders, underpinned by a strong investment grade balance sheet.'

Haleon said it would make a further announcement upon completion of the off-market purchase.

Haleon was created as a joint venture with GSK, then spun out and listed in July 2022.

In June, Haleon announced plans to offload the nicotine replacement brands it sells outside the US for 500million.

Indian pharmaceutical company Dr Reddys Laboratories is taking on products including Nicotinell, Habitrol and Thrive, which are sold in 30 markets around the world as lozenges, patches and gum for people who want to quit smoking.
Banco Santander, S.A. (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) saw a large growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 8,900,000 shares, a growth of 20.4% from the August 31st total of 7,390,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 2,250,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 4.0 days. Currently, 0.1% of the companys shares are short sold.

Banco Santander Trading Down 0.9 %

Shares of SAN traded down $0.04 during midday trading on Monday, reaching $5.10. 1,320,853 shares of the stock were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 2,696,567. Banco Santander has a 52 week low of $3.52 and a 52 week high of $5.27. The companys 50 day moving average is $4.81 and its two-hundred day moving average is $4.85. The company has a market capitalization of $80.63 billion, a P/E ratio of 7.08, a PEG ratio of 0.40 and a beta of 1.14.

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Banco Santander (NYSE:SAN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 24th. The bank reported $0.22 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $0.22. Banco Santander had a return on equity of 11.42% and a net margin of 15.35%. The business had revenue of $16.87 billion for the quarter. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Banco Santander will post 0.83 EPS for the current year.

Banco Santander Cuts Dividend

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

The business also recently disclosed a Semi-Annual dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 6th. Investors of record on Thursday, October 31st will be given a dividend of $0.08 per share. This represents a yield of 3%. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, October 31st. Banco Santanders payout ratio is currently 19.44%.

Several equities analysts have commented on the company. StockNews.com downgraded Banco Santander from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Saturday, June 22nd. UBS Group raised Banco Santander from a hold rating to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th.

Check Out Our Latest Research Report on SAN

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Banco Santander

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in Banco Santander during the second quarter valued at about $280,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its position in Banco Santander by 5.0% during the second quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 5,066,760 shares of the banks stock valued at $23,459,000 after purchasing an additional 242,000 shares in the last quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. boosted its position in Banco Santander by 22.1% during the second quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 12,722 shares of the banks stock valued at $59,000 after purchasing an additional 2,303 shares in the last quarter. Creative Planning raised its stake in Banco Santander by 8.7% in the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 1,182,123 shares of the banks stock valued at $5,473,000 after buying an additional 94,152 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Kathmere Capital Management LLC raised its stake in Banco Santander by 16.4% in the second quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC now owns 33,463 shares of the banks stock valued at $155,000 after buying an additional 4,712 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors own 9.19% of the companys stock.

Banco Santander Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Banco Santander, SA provides various financial services worldwide. The company operates through Retail Banking, Santander Corporate & Investment Banking, Wealth Management & Insurance, and PagoNxt segments. It offers demand and time deposits, mutual funds, and current and savings accounts; mortgages, consumer finance, loans, and various financing solutions; and project finance, debt capital markets, global transaction banking, and corporate finance services.

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Projectiles from Iran intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

JERUSALEM/TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said in a statement on Tuesday that Iran fired about 100 missiles at Israel in the evening.

Some of the missiles were intercepted by the Arrow aerial defense system, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported.

Sirens blared in Jerusalem as local residents sought shelter during the attack, Xinhua correspondents witnessed. Loud explosions were also heard.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties, while the Magen David Adom rescue service said a building was damaged in northern Tel Aviv.

Meanwhile, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps claimed that it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles, Iran's state-run IRIB TV reported. 

A projectile from Iran intercepted by Israel flies through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

A projectile from Iran intercepted by Israel flies through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Chen Junqing)

Projectiles believed to be Iranian missiles are pictured above Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Projectiles believed to be Iranian missiles are pictured above Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Projectiles believed to be Iranian missiles are pictured above Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)

Projectiles believed to be Iranian missiles are pictured above Damascus, Syria, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ammar Safarjalani/Xinhua)
Navios Maritime Partners L.P. (NYSE:NMM  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 223,800 shares, an increase of 19.5% from the August 31st total of 187,300 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 201,200 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.1 days. Approximately 1.3% of the shares of the stock are short sold.

Navios Maritime Partners Stock Down 1.4 %

Shares of NMM traded down $0.89 during mid-day trading on Monday, reaching $62.52. The companys stock had a trading volume of 123,493 shares, compared to its average volume of 181,110. The business has a fifty day moving average of $51.55 and a 200 day moving average of $48.47. The company has a market cap of $1.89 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.72 and a beta of 1.97. Navios Maritime Partners has a 1 year low of $21.18 and a 1 year high of $65.89. The company has a quick ratio of 0.69, a current ratio of 0.69 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.49.

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Navios Maritime Partners (NYSE:NMM  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Tuesday, August 20th. The shipping company reported $3.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $2.84 by $0.22. Navios Maritime Partners had a return on equity of 13.63% and a net margin of 30.28%. The company had revenue of $342.20 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $312.39 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company earned $3.32 earnings per share. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.4% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, analysts forecast that Navios Maritime Partners will post 14.37 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Navios Maritime Partners Announces Dividend

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Navios Maritime Partners

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, August 14th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 9th were paid a $0.05 dividend. This represents a $0.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.32%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. Navios Maritime Partnerss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 1.51%.

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. BNP Paribas Financial Markets increased its stake in shares of Navios Maritime Partners by 30,700.0% in the first quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 1,232 shares of the shipping companys stock worth $53,000 after acquiring an additional 1,228 shares during the last quarter. Westhampton Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the first quarter worth $241,000. Aristides Capital LLC acquired a new position in shares of Navios Maritime Partners in the first quarter worth $361,000. Tactive Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Navios Maritime Partners during the first quarter worth $442,000. Finally, Virtu Financial LLC acquired a new position in Navios Maritime Partners during the first quarter worth $452,000. 62.74% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of brokerages have issued reports on NMM. StockNews.com raised Navios Maritime Partners from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 21st. Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Navios Maritime Partners from $65.00 to $80.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 19th.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on NMM

Navios Maritime Partners Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Navios Maritime Partners L.P. owns and operates dry cargo vessels in Asia, Europe, North America, and Australia. The company offers seaborne transportation services for a range of liquid and dry cargo commodities, including crude oil, refined petroleum, chemicals, iron ore, coal, grain, fertilizer, and containers, as well as charters its vessels under short, medium, and longer-term charters.

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General Mills, Inc. (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large growth in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 17,880,000 shares, a growth of 8.2% from the August 31st total of 16,520,000 shares. Approximately 3.2% of the companys stock are short sold. Based on an average daily volume of 3,870,000 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.6 days.

General Mills Stock Performance

GIS opened at $73.85 on Tuesday. The firm has a fifty day moving average price of $71.08 and a 200 day moving average price of $68.93. General Mills has a 1 year low of $60.33 and a 1 year high of $75.90. The stock has a market cap of $41.22 billion, a P/E ratio of 17.13, a P/E/G ratio of 3.82 and a beta of 0.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.20, a current ratio of 0.66 and a quick ratio of 0.39.

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General Mills (NYSE:GIS  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, September 18th. The company reported $1.07 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.06 by $0.01. General Mills had a net margin of 12.14% and a return on equity of 26.85%. The business had revenue of $4.85 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.80 billion. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.09 EPS. Equities research analysts anticipate that General Mills will post 4.51 earnings per share for the current year.

General Mills Dividend Announcement

Insider Buying and Selling

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 1st. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be paid a dividend of $0.60 per share. This represents a $2.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 10th. General Millss payout ratio is 55.68%.

In other news, insider Pankaj Mn Sharma sold 2,325 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.63, for a total value of $173,514.75. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 36,184 shares in the company, valued at approximately $2,700,411.92. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through this link. 0.24% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On General Mills

A number of institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in GIS. Arkadios Wealth Advisors increased its stake in General Mills by 41.8% during the 2nd quarter. Arkadios Wealth Advisors now owns 36,503 shares of the companys stock worth $2,309,000 after buying an additional 10,765 shares in the last quarter. Optimist Retirement Group LLC purchased a new position in General Mills in the 4th quarter valued at $1,171,000. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System boosted its stake in General Mills by 5.8% during the 1st quarter. State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System now owns 688,543 shares of the companys stock worth $48,177,000 after purchasing an additional 38,021 shares during the last quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. grew its holdings in shares of General Mills by 16.1% during the first quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 696,170 shares of the companys stock worth $48,711,000 after buying an additional 96,712 shares in the last quarter. Finally, iA Global Asset Management Inc. raised its position in shares of General Mills by 92.5% in the first quarter. iA Global Asset Management Inc. now owns 48,721 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,409,000 after buying an additional 23,411 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.71% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Bank of America raised their price objective on General Mills from $68.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Thursday, September 12th. Barclays raised their price target on General Mills from $67.00 to $74.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, September 20th. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of General Mills in a report on Monday, August 12th. They set a buy rating and a $76.00 price objective on the stock. TD Cowen lifted their target price on shares of General Mills from $72.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Friday, September 20th. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada restated a sector perform rating and set a $70.00 price target on shares of General Mills in a research note on Thursday, September 19th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, thirteen have assigned a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $72.73.

Check Out Our Latest Analysis on GIS

About General Mills

(Get Free Report)

General Mills, Inc manufactures and markets branded consumer foods worldwide. The company operates through four segments: North America Retail; International; Pet; and North America Foodservice. It offers grain, ready-to-eat cereals, refrigerated yogurt, soup, meal kits, refrigerated and frozen dough products, dessert and baking mixes, bakery flour, frozen pizza and pizza snacks, snack bars, fruit and savory snacks, ice cream and frozen desserts, unbaked and fully baked frozen dough products, frozen hot snacks, ethnic meals, side dish mixes, frozen breakfast and entrees, nutrition bars, and frozen and shelf-stable vegetables.

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United Parcel Service, Inc. (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) saw some unusual options trading on Monday. Investors purchased 40,803 call options on the company. This is an increase of 47% compared to the average volume of 27,799 call options.

Insider Buying and Selling at United Parcel Service

In related news, Director William R. Johnson acquired 5,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was bought at an average cost of $128.61 per share, with a total value of $643,050.00. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 5,160 shares in the company, valued at $663,627.60. The acquisition was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. 0.13% of the stock is currently owned by corporate insiders.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On United Parcel Service

A number of large investors have recently made changes to their positions in UPS. TruNorth Capital Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $28,000. Security National Bank acquired a new position in shares of United Parcel Service during the 4th quarter worth $31,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of United Parcel Service during the 4th quarter valued at $31,000. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of United Parcel Service in the 2nd quarter valued at $32,000. Finally, Centerpoint Advisors LLC raised its holdings in United Parcel Service by 291.7% during the second quarter. Centerpoint Advisors LLC now owns 235 shares of the transportation companys stock valued at $32,000 after buying an additional 175 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 60.26% of the companys stock.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the stock. Oppenheimer reduced their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $157.00 to $140.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Bank of America lowered their target price on shares of United Parcel Service from $160.00 to $158.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. UBS Group reduced their price target on shares of United Parcel Service from $175.00 to $159.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. dropped their target price on United Parcel Service from $150.00 to $144.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Evercore ISI lowered their price target on United Parcel Service from $157.00 to $145.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, June 24th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eleven have issued a hold rating, eight have issued a buy rating and two have assigned a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $149.68.

Get Our Latest Research Report on UPS

United Parcel Service Stock Performance

Shares of UPS opened at $136.30 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day moving average of $128.57 and a two-hundred day moving average of $138.24. The stock has a market cap of $116.61 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 19.75, a PEG ratio of 1.98 and a beta of 0.99. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.18, a current ratio of 1.25 and a quick ratio of 1.25. United Parcel Service has a one year low of $123.12 and a one year high of $163.82.

United Parcel Service (NYSE:UPS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The transportation company reported $1.79 earnings per share for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.99 by ($0.20). The firm had revenue of $21.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $22.17 billion. United Parcel Service had a return on equity of 35.27% and a net margin of 5.87%. The companys revenue for the quarter was down 1.1% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $2.54 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that United Parcel Service will post 7.43 earnings per share for the current year.

United Parcel Service Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 5th. Shareholders of record on Monday, August 19th were paid a dividend of $1.63 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Monday, August 19th. This represents a $6.52 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.78%. United Parcel Services dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 94.49%.

United Parcel Service Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

United Parcel Service, Inc, a package delivery company, provides transportation and delivery, distribution, contract logistics, ocean freight, airfreight, customs brokerage, and insurance services. It operates through two segments, U.S. Domestic Package and International Package. The U.S. Domestic Package segment offers time-definite delivery of express letters, documents, small packages, and palletized freight through air and ground services in the United States.

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Shaftesbury Capital PLC (OTCMKTS:CCPPF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 61,400 shares, a drop of 6.7% from the August 31st total of 65,800 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 13,300 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 4.6 days.

Shaftesbury Capital Stock Performance

Shaftesbury Capital stock opened at $1.87 on Tuesday. Shaftesbury Capital has a 12 month low of $1.87 and a 12 month high of $1.87. The stocks 50-day moving average is $1.82 and its 200-day moving average is $1.79.

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Shaftesbury Capital Company Profile

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Shaftesbury Capital PLC ("Shaftesbury Capital") is the leading central London mixed-use REIT and is a constituent of the FTSE-250 Index. Our property portfolio, valued at 4.8 billion at December 2023, extends to 2.9 million square feet of lettable space across the most vibrant areas of London's West End.

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Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) (OTCMKTS:DHOXY  Get Free Report)s share price passed above its two hundred day moving average during trading on Monday . The stock has a two hundred day moving average of $0.00 and traded as high as $0.42. Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) shares last traded at $0.39, with a volume of 51,600 shares changing hands.

Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY) Stock Down 13.3 %

The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $0.39.

About Desarrolladora Homex (DHOXY)

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Desarrolladora Homex, SAB. de C.V. (Homex) is a vertically integrated home development company. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of entry-level housing in Mexico. The Company is engaged in the development, construction and sale of middle-income housing in Mexico. Homex operates in Mexico.

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XTX Topco Ltd decreased its holdings in shares of Sendas Distribuidora S.A. (NYSE:ASAI  Free Report) by 37.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 15,149 shares of the companys stock after selling 9,054 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltds holdings in Sendas Distribuidora were worth $141,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also modified their holdings of the business. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. boosted its stake in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 35.2% during the second quarter. Coronation Fund Managers Ltd. now owns 8,135,612 shares of the companys stock valued at $75,661,000 after purchasing an additional 2,116,441 shares in the last quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. lifted its holdings in Sendas Distribuidora by 6.0% during the first quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 1,124,903 shares of the companys stock worth $16,626,000 after buying an additional 63,227 shares during the period. Breakout Capital Partners LP bought a new stake in Sendas Distribuidora during the 4th quarter valued at $13,347,000. Renaissance Group LLC increased its holdings in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 6.8% in the 1st quarter. Renaissance Group LLC now owns 531,101 shares of the companys stock valued at $7,876,000 after acquiring an additional 33,937 shares during the period. Finally, Barings LLC raised its position in shares of Sendas Distribuidora by 28.9% in the 1st quarter. Barings LLC now owns 403,015 shares of the companys stock worth $5,957,000 after acquiring an additional 90,256 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 8.76% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. Hsbc Global Res upgraded Sendas Distribuidora to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 24th. Bank of America lowered shares of Sendas Distribuidora from a buy rating to a neutral rating and set a $9.10 price target for the company. in a research report on Friday, September 13th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. downgraded shares of Sendas Distribuidora from an overweight rating to a neutral rating and set a $10.50 price objective on the stock. in a research report on Monday, September 9th.

Sendas Distribuidora Stock Performance

Shares of ASAI opened at $6.88 on Tuesday. The company has a current ratio of 0.84, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 4.18. The firm has a market cap of $1.86 billion, a PE ratio of 12.98, a P/E/G ratio of 0.61 and a beta of 1.04. Sendas Distribuidora S.A. has a 12 month low of $6.70 and a 12 month high of $15.25. The stock has a fifty day moving average price of $8.52 and a 200-day moving average price of $10.91.

Sendas Distribuidora (NYSE:ASAI  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The company reported $0.09 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.07 by $0.02. Sendas Distribuidora had a return on equity of 14.49% and a net margin of 0.95%. The company had revenue of $3.43 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.60 billion. Equities research analysts predict that Sendas Distribuidora S.A. will post 0.43 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Sendas Distribuidora

(Free Report)

Sendas Distribuidora SA engages in the retail and wholesale sale of food products, bazaar items, and other products in Brazil. The company serves restaurants, pizzerias, snack bars, schools, small businesses, religious institutions, hospitals, hotels, grocery stores, neighborhood supermarkets, and individuals.

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Alexandria Real Estate Equities, Inc. (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a large increase in short interest during the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 2,810,000 shares, an increase of 13.8% from the August 31st total of 2,470,000 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 939,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 3.0 days.

Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of analysts have recently issued reports on ARE shares. Wedbush downgraded shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and lowered their price objective for the company from $140.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday, July 24th. Royal Bank of Canada cut their price target on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $135.00 to $130.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 5th. JMP Securities restated a market outperform rating and issued a $140.00 price objective on shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. Evercore ISI upped their target price on Alexandria Real Estate Equities from $126.00 to $127.00 and gave the stock an in-line rating in a report on Wednesday, August 28th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded Alexandria Real Estate Equities to a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 25th. Eight research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and four have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $130.70.

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Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on ARE

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Stock Performance

ARE opened at $118.75 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.23, a current ratio of 0.23 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.55. The stock has a market cap of $20.77 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 110.98, a PEG ratio of 4.26 and a beta of 1.16. Alexandria Real Estate Equities has a 12-month low of $90.73 and a 12-month high of $135.45. The business has a 50 day moving average of $118.32 and a 200-day moving average of $119.66.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities (NYSE:ARE  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Monday, July 22nd. The real estate investment trust reported $0.25 EPS for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.34 by ($2.09). The company had revenue of $766.70 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $775.03 million. Alexandria Real Estate Equities had a return on equity of 0.68% and a net margin of 5.09%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 7.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the firm earned $2.24 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Alexandria Real Estate Equities will post 9.47 earnings per share for the current year.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be issued a $1.30 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 30th. This represents a $5.20 annualized dividend and a yield of 4.38%. Alexandria Real Estate Equitiess dividend payout ratio is currently 485.98%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Alexandria Real Estate Equities

Several hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Fulton Bank N.A. increased its stake in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 4.2% during the first quarter. Fulton Bank N.A. now owns 2,074 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $267,000 after purchasing an additional 83 shares during the period. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADV lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 1.1% during the second quarter. Arbor Capital Management Inc. ADV now owns 8,639 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $1,000,000 after buying an additional 93 shares in the last quarter. SPC Financial Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 5.4% during the first quarter. SPC Financial Inc. now owns 1,950 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $251,000 after buying an additional 100 shares in the last quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund boosted its position in shares of Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 0.7% in the second quarter. Oregon Public Employees Retirement Fund now owns 13,544 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $1,584,000 after acquiring an additional 100 shares during the period. Finally, GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in Alexandria Real Estate Equities by 7.9% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 1,414 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock worth $165,000 after acquiring an additional 103 shares during the period. 96.54% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Alexandria Real Estate Equities Company Profile

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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.

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XTX Topco Ltd reduced its holdings in The Aarons Company, Inc. (NYSE:AAN  Free Report) by 48.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 16,522 shares of the companys stock after selling 15,807 shares during the period. XTX Topco Ltd owned about 0.05% of Aarons worth $165,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the business. Gladius Capital Management LP purchased a new stake in Aarons in the second quarter valued at $41,000. GAMMA Investing LLC boosted its stake in shares of Aarons by 314.4% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 5,101 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after buying an additional 3,870 shares during the last quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC grew its holdings in Aarons by 239.5% during the second quarter. Fortitude Family Office LLC now owns 8,385 shares of the companys stock worth $84,000 after acquiring an additional 5,915 shares during the period. EMC Capital Management raised its position in Aarons by 172.8% during the first quarter. EMC Capital Management now owns 12,211 shares of the companys stock valued at $92,000 after acquiring an additional 7,735 shares in the last quarter. Finally, State Board of Administration of Florida Retirement System purchased a new position in Aarons during the first quarter valued at approximately $115,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.99% of the companys stock.

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Aarons Trading Down 1.0 %

Shares of Aarons stock opened at $9.95 on Tuesday. The Aarons Company, Inc. has a twelve month low of $6.62 and a twelve month high of $11.90. The firms 50-day moving average price is $10.04 and its 200 day moving average price is $8.79. The company has a current ratio of 1.02, a quick ratio of 0.70 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. The firm has a market capitalization of $313.64 million, a PE ratio of -12.59 and a beta of 1.43.

Aarons Announces Dividend

Aarons ( NYSE:AAN Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Monday, August 5th. The company reported ($0.07) earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.03 by ($0.10). Aarons had a negative return on equity of 2.08% and a negative net margin of 2.06%. The firm had revenue of $503.10 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $513.91 million. During the same period in the prior year, the firm earned $0.39 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 5.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts predict that The Aarons Company, Inc. will post -0.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 3rd. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be given a dividend of $0.125 per share. This represents a $0.50 annualized dividend and a yield of 5.03%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. Aaronss payout ratio is currently -63.29%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research firms have commented on AAN. Jefferies Financial Group restated a hold rating and issued a $10.10 price objective (down previously from $11.00) on shares of Aarons in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. BTIG Research began coverage on shares of Aarons in a research report on Friday, June 7th. They set a neutral rating on the stock. Truist Financial lifted their price objective on shares of Aarons from $8.00 to $10.10 and gave the company a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. TD Cowen increased their target price on shares of Aarons from $8.00 to $10.10 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Monday, June 17th. Finally, StockNews.com began coverage on Aarons in a research note on Tuesday. They issued a hold rating for the company. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and one has assigned a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has a consensus rating of Hold and an average target price of $9.46.

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Aarons Company Profile

(Free Report)

Headquartered in Atlanta, The Aarons Company, Inc (NYSE: AAN) is a leading, technology-enabled, omnichannel provider of lease-purchase solutions. Aarons engages in direct-to-consumer sales and lease ownership of furniture, appliances, consumer electronics and accessories through its approximately 1,300 company-operated and franchised stores in 47 states and Canada, as well as its e-commerce platform, Aarons.com.

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XTX Topco Ltd purchased a new stake in TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (NYSE:TIXT  Free Report) during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor purchased 33,021 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $191,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. National Bank of Canada FI grew its position in shares of TELUS International (Cda) by 971.6% in the second quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 75,443 shares of the companys stock valued at $441,000 after purchasing an additional 68,403 shares during the period. TD Asset Management Inc lifted its stake in TELUS International (Cda) by 2.1% in the 2nd quarter. TD Asset Management Inc now owns 254,914 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,472,000 after buying an additional 5,351 shares in the last quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank lifted its stake in TELUS International (Cda) by 32.4% in the 2nd quarter. Zurcher Kantonalbank Zurich Cantonalbank now owns 20,322 shares of the companys stock valued at $117,000 after buying an additional 4,973 shares in the last quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. boosted its holdings in TELUS International (Cda) by 5.3% in the 1st quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 1,285,270 shares of the companys stock worth $10,873,000 after buying an additional 64,570 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Forge First Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in TELUS International (Cda) during the 1st quarter worth approximately $2,758,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 59.55% of the companys stock.

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TELUS International (Cda) Trading Up 3.2 %

NYSE TIXT opened at $3.91 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 1.09. The stock has a market capitalization of $417.71 million, a P/E ratio of 26.07, a PEG ratio of 1.23 and a beta of 0.68. The firms 50-day moving average is $3.99 and its two-hundred day moving average is $5.93. TELUS International has a 12 month low of $2.83 and a 12 month high of $11.51.

Analyst Ratings Changes

TELUS International (Cda) ( NYSE:TIXT Get Free Report ) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 2nd. The company reported $0.16 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $0.19 by ($0.03). TELUS International (Cda) had a return on equity of 11.66% and a net margin of 2.70%. The company had revenue of $652.00 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $682.32 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.16 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 2.2% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that TELUS International will post 0.43 earnings per share for the current year.

TIXT has been the topic of several research reports. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on TELUS International (Cda) from $7.50 to $4.75 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a research report on Monday, August 5th. TD Cowen downgraded shares of TELUS International (Cda) from a buy rating to a hold rating and cut their price objective for the company from $10.00 to $3.75 in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Royal Bank of Canada cut TELUS International (Cda) from an outperform rating to a sector perform rating and lowered their target price for the stock from $10.00 to $5.00 in a report on Monday, August 5th. William Blair cut TELUS International (Cda) from an outperform rating to a market perform rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Robert W. Baird lowered their price objective on TELUS International (Cda) from $8.00 to $4.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Two investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, fourteen have assigned a hold rating and one has issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, TELUS International (Cda) currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $7.55.

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TELUS International (Cda) Profile

(Free Report)

TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection.

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Renaissance Technologies LLC grew its position in Crane (NYSE:CR  Free Report) by 204.5% in the second quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 20,100 shares of the conglomerates stock after acquiring an additional 13,500 shares during the period. Renaissance Technologies LLCs holdings in Crane were worth $2,914,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of CR. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in Crane by 10.0% in the 2nd quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 771,709 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $111,882,000 after acquiring an additional 70,297 shares in the last quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA raised its holdings in Crane by 7.3% in the 2nd quarter. Massachusetts Financial Services Co. MA now owns 564,441 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $81,833,000 after acquiring an additional 38,310 shares in the last quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd raised its holdings in Crane by 70.7% in the 2nd quarter. WINTON GROUP Ltd now owns 123,961 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $17,972,000 after acquiring an additional 51,342 shares in the last quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 4.0% during the 2nd quarter. Envestnet Asset Management Inc. now owns 112,797 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $16,353,000 after buying an additional 4,355 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Crane by 9.8% during the 2nd quarter. Oppenheimer Asset Management Inc. now owns 23,324 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $3,382,000 after buying an additional 2,086 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Crane Trading Up 0.6 %

Shares of Crane stock opened at $158.35 on Tuesday. The company has a market capitalization of $9.05 billion, a P/E ratio of 42.45, a P/E/G ratio of 1.93 and a beta of 0.77. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29, a quick ratio of 0.88 and a current ratio of 1.18. The company has a fifty day moving average of $151.80 and a 200 day moving average of $145.25. Crane has a fifty-two week low of $82.57 and a fifty-two week high of $162.34.

Crane Dividend Announcement

Crane ( NYSE:CR Get Free Report ) last announced its earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The conglomerate reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.06. The firm had revenue of $581.00 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $568.33 million. Crane had a net margin of 13.10% and a return on equity of 24.45%. The businesss revenue was up 14.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $1.10 EPS. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Crane will post 7.87 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 11th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th were paid a dividend of $0.205 per share. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 30th. This represents a $0.82 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.52%. Cranes dividend payout ratio is currently 21.98%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the company. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft upped their price target on Crane from $170.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on Crane from $157.00 to $168.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $155.00.

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Crane Company Profile

(Free Report)

Crane Company, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells engineered industrial products in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, and internationally. The company operates in three segments: Aerospace & Electronics, Process Flow Technologies, and Engineered Materials.

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BRUSSELS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The founder of WikiLeaks, Julian Assange said on Tuesday that he was freed after years of incarceration because he had chosen "freedom over unrealizable justice", as he described his plea deal with U.S. authorities.

In his first public comments since he was released from custody after a 14-year legal saga with his plea deal with the United States, Assange told a hearing in Strasbourg, France, organized by the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, that he had "pled guilty to journalism."

"I am not free today because the system worked," Assange told the committee. "I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism." "Journalism is not a crime, it is a pillar of a free and informed society," he said.

Tuesday's event was held ahead of a full plenary debate on the subject by the Parliamentary Assembly on Wednesday.

In June this year, Assange pleaded guilty to a single felony count of violating the Espionage Act, allowing him to return to his country Australia without serving additional prison time in the United States. He admitted to "unlawfully obtaining and disseminating classified information relating to the national defense" in a federal court in Saipan, the capital of the Northern Mariana Islands.

Just a few months after his release, Assange gave evidence of the impact of his detention and conviction to the committee.

Assange's lengthy legal battle with the U.S. government began in 2010, when WikiLeaks published hundreds of thousands of classified U.S. military documents regarding the wars in Afghanistan and Iraq, which included an Apache helicopter video footage documenting the U.S. military gunning down Reuters journalists and children in Baghdad's streets in 2007. 
XTX Topco Ltd bought a new stake in Olo Inc. (NYSE:OLO  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund bought 29,136 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $129,000.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC raised its position in OLO by 419.6% during the first quarter. Los Angeles Capital Management LLC now owns 306,100 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,680,000 after purchasing an additional 247,194 shares in the last quarter. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC bought a new position in shares of OLO in the 1st quarter valued at $1,038,000. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of OLO by 2.6% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 12,739,568 shares of the companys stock worth $69,940,000 after buying an additional 319,544 shares in the last quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP lifted its position in shares of OLO by 13.9% during the 4th quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 3,411,071 shares of the companys stock worth $19,512,000 after buying an additional 416,851 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Renaissance Technologies LLC boosted its stake in OLO by 17.2% in the second quarter. Renaissance Technologies LLC now owns 1,170,500 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,174,000 after buying an additional 171,700 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 93.40% of the companys stock.

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OLO Trading Up 1.5 %

Shares of OLO stock opened at $4.97 on Tuesday. The firm has a market capitalization of $804.88 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of -17.12 and a beta of 1.28. The businesss 50-day moving average price is $5.08 and its 200-day moving average price is $4.88. Olo Inc. has a 12 month low of $4.20 and a 12 month high of $6.84.

Insider Transactions at OLO

OLO ( NYSE:OLO Get Free Report ) last posted its earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $0.05 EPS for the quarter, hitting the consensus estimate of $0.05. OLO had a negative net margin of 9.36% and a negative return on equity of 0.47%. The business had revenue of $70.50 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $67.79 million. During the same period last year, the company earned ($0.04) EPS. The firms revenue was up 27.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, sell-side analysts predict that Olo Inc. will post -0.06 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

In related news, CRO Diego Panama sold 13,555 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.90, for a total transaction of $66,419.50. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive now directly owns 569,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,792,309.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In related news, insider Sherri Manning sold 9,356 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $4.90, for a total value of $45,844.40. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 148,414 shares in the company, valued at $727,228.60. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, CRO Diego Panama sold 13,555 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, September 6th. The shares were sold at an average price of $4.90, for a total transaction of $66,419.50. Following the sale, the executive now directly owns 569,859 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,792,309.10. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last 90 days, insiders have sold 113,148 shares of company stock worth $554,425. Company insiders own 39.33% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

Several research analysts have commented on the company. Piper Sandler reissued an overweight rating and set a $8.00 target price on shares of OLO in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. StockNews.com upgraded shares of OLO from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, September 11th. Finally, Lake Street Capital increased their price objective on shares of OLO from $8.50 to $9.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating and four have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the stock presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $8.67.

Read Our Latest Stock Analysis on OLO

OLO Profile

(Free Report)

Olo Inc operates an open SaaS platform for restaurants in the United States. The companys platform enables on-demand digital commerce operations, which cover digital ordering, delivery, front-of-house management, and payments. Its solutions include Order, a suite of solutions powering restaurant brands on-demand commerce operations, enabling digital ordering, delivery, and channel management through ordering, dispatch, rails, switchboard, network, virtual brands, kiosk, catering, and sync modules; Engage, a suite of restaurant-centric marketing solutions optimizing guest lifetime value by strengthening and enhancing the restaurants direct guest relationships, through the guest data platform, marketing, sentiment, and host modules; and Pay, a frictionless payment platform that enables restaurants to grow and protect their digital business through customer payment experience that offers advanced fraud prevention to improve authorization rates for valid transactions, and increase basket conversion through its Olo Pay module.

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Clearbridge Investments LLC raised its position in shares of Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 44.7% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 2,709,989 shares of the information technology services providers stock after buying an additional 837,677 shares during the quarter. Clearbridge Investments LLC owned about 0.43% of Accenture worth $822,238,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. Swedbank AB bought a new stake in shares of Accenture in the 1st quarter valued at approximately $820,912,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main lifted its stake in shares of Accenture by 100.0% in the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,751,531 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $614,615,000 after purchasing an additional 875,723 shares during the last quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP bought a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter worth approximately $286,220,000. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado bought a new stake in shares of Accenture during the 4th quarter worth approximately $263,421,000. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. lifted its stake in shares of Accenture by 251.3% during the 2nd quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 995,896 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $302,165,000 after acquiring an additional 712,400 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 75.14% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities research analysts recently issued reports on the company. Morgan Stanley lowered Accenture from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and decreased their price target for the stock from $382.00 to $300.00 in a research note on Wednesday, June 26th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their price objective on Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. BMO Capital Markets raised their price objective on Accenture from $380.00 to $390.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a report on Friday. StockNews.com raised shares of Accenture from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. cut their target price on shares of Accenture from $376.00 to $370.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 24th. Eight equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $371.18.

Insider Activity at Accenture

In other Accenture news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $472,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief financial officer now directly owns 38,570 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,149,550. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In related news, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 1,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $315.00, for a total value of $472,500.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now directly owns 38,570 shares in the company, valued at approximately $12,149,550. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, CFO Kathleen R. Mcclure sold 3,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $309.22, for a total transaction of $927,660.00. Following the sale, the chief financial officer now owns 40,070 shares of the companys stock, valued at $12,390,445.40. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last quarter, insiders sold 21,421 shares of company stock valued at $6,912,635. 0.07% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Accenture Stock Up 1.0 %

Shares of NYSE ACN opened at $353.33 on Tuesday. The stock has a market capitalization of $221.43 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 32.36, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 1.24. Accenture plc has a 52 week low of $278.69 and a 52 week high of $387.51. The firm has a 50-day simple moving average of $334.35 and a 200-day simple moving average of $320.23.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, September 26th. The information technology services provider reported $2.79 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.78 by $0.01. Accenture had a return on equity of 27.48% and a net margin of 10.79%. The business had revenue of $16.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $16.37 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the firm posted $2.71 EPS. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 2.6% compared to the same quarter last year. As a group, equities research analysts expect that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current year.

Accenture Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be given a dividend of $1.48 per share. This is a boost from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.29. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 10th. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.68%. Accentures payout ratio is presently 47.25%.

Accenture announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share buyback program on Thursday, September 26th that allows the company to buyback $4.00 billion in outstanding shares. This buyback authorization allows the information technology services provider to repurchase up to 1.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are usually a sign that the companys board of directors believes its shares are undervalued.

Accenture Company Profile

(Free Report)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Clearbridge Investments LLC cut its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger, Inc. (NYSE:GWW  Free Report) by 5.1% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund owned 1,089,334 shares of the industrial products companys stock after selling 58,717 shares during the quarter. W.W. Grainger comprises 0.8% of Clearbridge Investments LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 22nd biggest holding. Clearbridge Investments LLCs holdings in W.W. Grainger were worth $982,841,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in the company. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC increased its holdings in shares of W.W. Grainger by 170.0% during the 1st quarter. Valued Wealth Advisors LLC now owns 27 shares of the industrial products companys stock worth $27,000 after acquiring an additional 17 shares during the last quarter. HWG Holdings LP acquired a new position in W.W. Grainger in the 2nd quarter valued at $26,000. Scarborough Advisors LLC acquired a new position in W.W. Grainger in the 4th quarter valued at $28,000. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. grew its holdings in W.W. Grainger by 225.0% in the 1st quarter. Washington Trust Advisors Inc. now owns 39 shares of the industrial products companys stock valued at $39,000 after buying an additional 27 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC acquired a new position in W.W. Grainger in the 1st quarter valued at $41,000. 80.70% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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W.W. Grainger Price Performance

Shares of GWW stock opened at $1,038.81 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.40, a current ratio of 2.30 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.50. W.W. Grainger, Inc. has a twelve month low of $674.41 and a twelve month high of $1,049.02. The company has a market cap of $50.97 billion, a P/E ratio of 28.68, a P/E/G ratio of 2.07 and a beta of 1.16. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $979.68 and a 200 day simple moving average of $958.61.

W.W. Grainger Dividend Announcement

W.W. Grainger ( NYSE:GWW Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The industrial products company reported $9.76 earnings per share for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $9.58 by $0.18. W.W. Grainger had a return on equity of 53.25% and a net margin of 10.86%. The business had revenue of $4.31 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $4.35 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company earned $9.28 EPS. W.W. Graingers revenue for the quarter was up 3.1% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts forecast that W.W. Grainger, Inc. will post 38.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The firm also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Sunday, September 1st. Investors of record on Monday, August 12th were given a dividend of $2.05 per share. The ex-dividend date was Monday, August 12th. This represents a $8.20 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.79%. W.W. Graingers dividend payout ratio is currently 22.64%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of brokerages have commented on GWW. Wolfe Research raised W.W. Grainger to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, September 22nd. Morgan Stanley began coverage on W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, September 6th. They issued an equal weight rating and a $990.00 price objective on the stock. Erste Group Bank reaffirmed a hold rating on shares of W.W. Grainger in a report on Friday, June 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. upped their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $1,000.00 to $1,015.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Finally, Royal Bank of Canada decreased their price objective on W.W. Grainger from $978.00 to $972.00 and set a sector perform rating on the stock in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Eleven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and two have assigned a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $1,014.11.

Read Our Latest Report on GWW

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, CEO Donald G. Macpherson sold 27,502 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, September 16th. The stock was sold at an average price of $1,000.82, for a total transaction of $27,524,551.64. Following the completion of the sale, the chief executive officer now directly owns 111,559 shares in the company, valued at approximately $111,650,478.38. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. 9.50% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

W.W. Grainger Profile

(Free Report)

W.W. Grainger, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, distributes maintenance, repair, and operating products and services primarily in North America, Japan, the United Kingdom, and internationally. The company operates through two segments, High-Touch Solutions N.A. and Endless Assortment. The company provides safety, security, material handling and storage equipment, pumps and plumbing equipment, cleaning and maintenance, and metalworking and hand tools.

Further Reading

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Kestra Investment Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (BATS:EFG  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The firm purchased 377,751 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $38,644,000. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF accounts for approximately 2.6% of Kestra Investment Management LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 9th biggest holding. Kestra Investment Management LLC owned approximately 0.32% of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF as of its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

Several other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in EFG. Riverview Trust Co acquired a new stake in shares of iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF during the first quarter worth approximately $26,000. LifeSteps Financial Inc. acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC lifted its stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF by 44.6% in the first quarter. Harbor Investment Advisory LLC now owns 389 shares of the companys stock valued at $40,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the last quarter. Janiczek Wealth Management LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the first quarter valued at approximately $40,000. Finally, Kings Path Partners LLC acquired a new stake in iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF in the second quarter valued at approximately $53,000.

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iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Stock Down 0.2 %

BATS:EFG opened at $107.73 on Tuesday. iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF has a 12 month low of $67.58 and a 12 month high of $85.81. The firm has a market cap of $12.67 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 24.36 and a beta of 0.97. The companys 50 day moving average is $103.66 and its 200-day moving average is $103.07.

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF Profile

iShares MSCI EAFE Growth ETF (the Fund), formerly iShares MSCI EAFE Growth Index Fund, is an exchange-traded fund (ETF). The Fund seeks to provide investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI EAFE Growth Index (the Index). The Index is a subset of the MSCI EAFE Index and constituents of the Index include securities from Europe, Australasia (Australia and Asia), and the Far East.

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Xponance Inc. cut its position in shares of Boyd Gaming Co. (NYSE:BYD  Free Report) by 12.4% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The firm owned 7,315 shares of the companys stock after selling 1,033 shares during the period. Xponance Inc.s holdings in Boyd Gaming were worth $403,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other large investors also recently modified their holdings of BYD. Cohen & Steers Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Boyd Gaming by 34.4% in the 4th quarter. Cohen & Steers Inc. now owns 4,747,662 shares of the companys stock valued at $297,270,000 after purchasing an additional 1,216,121 shares in the last quarter. Boston Partners increased its holdings in shares of Boyd Gaming by 10.0% in the first quarter. Boston Partners now owns 3,031,091 shares of the companys stock worth $203,276,000 after buying an additional 274,876 shares during the period. Bamco Inc. NY lifted its stake in shares of Boyd Gaming by 4.0% in the 1st quarter. Bamco Inc. NY now owns 1,899,344 shares of the companys stock valued at $127,864,000 after acquiring an additional 73,491 shares during the last quarter. American Century Companies Inc. boosted its holdings in Boyd Gaming by 19.7% during the 2nd quarter. American Century Companies Inc. now owns 1,149,701 shares of the companys stock valued at $63,349,000 after acquiring an additional 189,226 shares during the period. Finally, Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its position in Boyd Gaming by 0.3% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 1,002,438 shares of the companys stock worth $67,485,000 after acquiring an additional 3,087 shares during the last quarter. 76.81% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Insider Transactions at Boyd Gaming

In related news, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the stock in a transaction on Thursday, August 29th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.23, for a total transaction of $4,404,619.90. Following the sale, the chairman now directly owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at $85,737,284.54. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In other news, Director Christine J. Spadafor sold 1,242 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $60.36, for a total value of $74,967.12. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 1,096 shares in the company, valued at approximately $66,154.56. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this link. Also, Chairman Marianne Boyd Johnson sold 73,130 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on 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 sale, the chairman now owns 1,423,498 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $85,737,284.54. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Company insiders own 27.94% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

BYD has been the topic of several recent analyst reports. Macquarie cut their target price on shares of Boyd Gaming from $72.00 to $68.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Friday, July 26th. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price target 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. Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Boyd Gaming from $68.00 to $72.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 17th. Morgan Stanley raised Boyd Gaming from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and raised their target price for the stock from $66.00 to $74.00 in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Finally, StockNews.com raised Boyd Gaming from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. Seven investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have given a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Boyd Gaming presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $89.31.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on Boyd Gaming

Boyd Gaming Price Performance

BYD opened at $64.64 on Tuesday. Boyd Gaming Co. has a 12-month low of $49.34 and a 12-month high of $68.46. The company has a market cap of $6.13 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 11.61 and a beta of 1.57. The company has a current ratio of 0.83, a quick ratio of 0.79 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.70. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $59.82 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $58.45.

Boyd Gaming (NYSE:BYD  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 25th. The company reported $1.58 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.49 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $967.50 million for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $909.49 million. Boyd Gaming had a net margin of 13.32% and a return on equity of 34.29%. Boyd Gamings quarterly revenue was up 5.5% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm posted $1.58 earnings per share. Research analysts predict that Boyd Gaming Co. 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 paid a dividend of $0.17 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.68 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.05%. Boyd Gamings dividend payout ratio is 12.21%.

Boyd Gaming Profile

(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.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company grew its position in shares of Alamos Gold Inc. (NYSE:AGI  Free Report) (TSE:AGI) by 4.4% during the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The firm owned 2,027,515 shares of the basic materials companys stock after acquiring an additional 84,787 shares during the period. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned about 0.51% of Alamos Gold worth $31,758,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Other institutional investors have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its stake in Alamos Gold by 131.6% in the first quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 97,403 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $1,434,000 after purchasing an additional 55,352 shares during the period. National Bank of Canada FI grew its position in shares of Alamos Gold by 3.4% in the 1st quarter. National Bank of Canada FI now owns 1,394,930 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $21,824,000 after buying an additional 45,412 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. increased its stake in shares of Alamos Gold by 1.5% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 14,419,042 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $194,224,000 after acquiring an additional 216,280 shares in the last quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD lifted its position in Alamos Gold by 71.9% during the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 6,588,581 shares of the basic materials companys stock valued at $97,183,000 after acquiring an additional 2,756,759 shares during the period. Finally, Russell Investments Group Ltd. boosted its stake in Alamos Gold by 66.2% during the first quarter. Russell Investments Group Ltd. now owns 191,746 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $2,829,000 after acquiring an additional 76,379 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 64.33% of the companys stock.

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Alamos Gold Trading Down 0.2 %

Alamos Gold stock opened at $19.94 on Tuesday. Alamos Gold Inc. has a 12 month low of $10.78 and a 12 month high of $21.42. The stock has a fifty day simple moving average of $18.74 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $16.72. The firm has a market cap of $7.96 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 38.35, a PEG ratio of 0.90 and a beta of 1.18.

Alamos Gold Dividend Announcement

Alamos Gold ( NYSE:AGI Get Free Report ) (TSE:AGI) last released its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, July 31st. The basic materials company reported $0.24 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $0.19 by $0.05. The company had revenue of $332.60 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $282.78 million. Alamos Gold had a return on equity of 8.52% and a net margin of 17.73%. Alamos Golds revenue for the quarter was up 27.4% on a year-over-year basis. During the same period last year, the company earned $0.15 EPS. On average, equities research analysts forecast that Alamos Gold Inc. will post 0.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, September 26th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, September 12th were issued a dividend of $0.025 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Thursday, September 12th. This represents a $0.10 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.50%. Alamos Golds payout ratio is 19.23%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

AGI has been the subject of a number of analyst reports. Jefferies Financial Group raised their target price on shares of Alamos Gold from $21.00 to $23.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Friday, September 13th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their price objective on Alamos Gold from $20.00 to $23.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 10th. National Bank Financial downgraded Alamos Gold from a strong-buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Sunday, September 8th. Finally, Scotiabank raised their price target on Alamos Gold from $20.00 to $22.00 and gave the company a sector outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. Two analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the company currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $23.81.

Read Our Latest Report on AGI

Alamos Gold Company Profile

(Free Report)

Alamos Gold Inc engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and extraction of precious metals in Canada and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold deposits. It holds 100% interest in the Young-Davidson mine and Island Gold mine located in the Ontario, Canada; Mulatos mine located in the Sonora, Mexico; and Lynn Lake project situated in the Manitoba, Canada.

Further Reading

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El Puerto de Liverpool, S.A.B. de C.V. (OTCMKTS:ELPQF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 330,700 shares, a decrease of 8.3% from the August 31st total of 360,700 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 826.8 days.

El Puerto de Liverpool Price Performance

Shares of ELPQF opened at $6.97 on Tuesday. The firms 50 day moving average price is $6.97 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $7.50. El Puerto de Liverpool has a twelve month low of $4.74 and a twelve month high of $8.66.

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About El Puerto de Liverpool

(Get Free Report)

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El Puerto de Liverpool, S. A. B. de C. V., together with its subsidiaries, operates a chain of department stores in Mexico. The company operates through Liverpool Commercial, Suburbia Commercial, Real Estate, and Credit segments. Its stores offer various products, such as clothes and accessories for men, women, and children; household goods; furniture; cosmetics; and other consumer products.

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The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company decreased its holdings in Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE:CFR  Free Report) by 4.4% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The institutional investor owned 261,601 shares of the banks stock after selling 12,167 shares during the quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company owned approximately 0.41% of Cullen/Frost Bankers worth $26,587,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

Other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. ICA Group Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers during the 4th quarter valued at approximately $33,000. CWM LLC raised its holdings in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 46.5% in the first quarter. CWM LLC now owns 334 shares of the banks stock valued at $38,000 after acquiring an additional 106 shares in the last quarter. Whittier Trust Co. boosted its stake in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 90.7% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. now owns 391 shares of the banks stock valued at $44,000 after acquiring an additional 186 shares during the last quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC grew its holdings in Cullen/Frost Bankers by 89.7% during the 4th quarter. Parallel Advisors LLC now owns 461 shares of the banks stock worth $50,000 after acquiring an additional 218 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Abich Financial Wealth Management LLC bought a new stake in shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers in the 2nd quarter worth about $54,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 86.90% of the companys stock.

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Insider Activity at Cullen/Frost Bankers

In other Cullen/Frost Bankers news, EVP Howard L. Kasanoff sold 3,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 31st. The stock was sold at an average price of $119.20, for a total transaction of $357,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now directly owns 1,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $190,481.60. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. In other Cullen/Frost Bankers news, EVP Howard L. Kasanoff sold 3,000 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.20, for a total value of $357,600.00. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 1,598 shares in the company, valued at approximately $190,481.60. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, EVP Candace K. Wolfshohl sold 5,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.65, for a total transaction of $598,250.00. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 18,753 shares in the company, valued at $2,243,796.45. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 2.89% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Cullen/Frost Bankers Trading Up 0.7 %

NYSE:CFR opened at $111.96 on Tuesday. Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. has a 1 year low of $82.25 and a 1 year high of $123.17. The business has a fifty day moving average of $110.73 and a 200-day moving average of $107.03. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.06, a quick ratio of 0.64 and a current ratio of 0.64. The stock has a market cap of $7.19 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 13.23, a PEG ratio of 1.36 and a beta of 1.00.

Cullen/Frost Bankers (NYSE:CFR  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The bank reported $2.21 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $2.07 by $0.14. The firm had revenue of $528.81 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $506.83 million. Cullen/Frost Bankers had a net margin of 19.51% and a return on equity of 17.43%. During the same quarter last year, the company earned $2.47 EPS. Equities analysts predict that Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. will post 8.62 earnings per share for the current year.

Cullen/Frost Bankers Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 30th were issued a dividend of $0.95 per share. This is an increase from Cullen/Frost Bankerss previous quarterly dividend of $0.92. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 30th. This represents a $3.80 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 3.39%. Cullen/Frost Bankerss payout ratio is currently 44.92%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CFR has been the topic of several research analyst reports. Wedbush reduced their price target on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $124.00 to $123.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a research report on Tuesday, September 24th. Citigroup decreased their target price on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $107.00 to $104.00 and set a sell rating for the company in a research report on Monday. Royal Bank of Canada upped their price target on Cullen/Frost Bankers from $119.00 to $120.00 and gave the company a sector perform rating in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Truist Financial decreased their price objective on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $126.00 to $123.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Friday, September 20th. Finally, Morgan Stanley dropped their target price on shares of Cullen/Frost Bankers from $121.00 to $117.00 and set an underweight rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Four research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, Cullen/Frost Bankers has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $120.07.

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Cullen/Frost Bankers Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc operates as the bank holding company for Frost Bank that provides commercial and consumer banking services in Texas. The company offers commercial banking services to corporations, including financing for industrial and commercial properties, interim construction related to industrial and commercial properties, equipment, inventories and accounts receivables, and acquisitions; and treasury management services, as well as originates commercial leasing services.

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Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLC reduced its stake in shares of Ormat Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:ORA  Free Report) by 9.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent filing with the SEC. The fund owned 28,346 shares of the energy companys stock after selling 3,008 shares during the period. Susquehanna Fundamental Investments LLCs holdings in Ormat Technologies were worth $2,032,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in ORA. Allianz Asset Management GmbH lifted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 164.2% during the 4th quarter. Allianz Asset Management GmbH now owns 30,136 shares of the energy companys stock worth $2,284,000 after acquiring an additional 18,728 shares during the last quarter. TFO Wealth Partners LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Ormat Technologies by 9,066.7% during the 4th quarter. TFO Wealth Partners LLC now owns 275 shares of the energy companys stock worth $227,000 after acquiring an additional 272 shares during the last quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 3.5% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 1,041,169 shares of the energy companys stock worth $78,910,000 after purchasing an additional 35,665 shares during the period. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 0.7% in the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 5,324,628 shares of the energy companys stock worth $403,554,000 after purchasing an additional 39,172 shares during the period. Finally, Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund raised its position in Ormat Technologies by 1.0% in the 4th quarter. Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan Trust Fund now owns 124,981 shares of the energy companys stock worth $9,472,000 after purchasing an additional 1,192 shares during the period. 95.49% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Activity

In other news, Director Dafna Sharir sold 433 shares of Ormat Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.91, for a total transaction of $32,436.03. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,561 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $266,754.51. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. In other news, Director Dafna Sharir sold 433 shares of Ormat Technologies stock in a transaction dated Friday, August 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $74.91, for a total transaction of $32,436.03. Following the sale, the director now owns 3,561 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $266,754.51. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at the SEC website. Also, Director Byron G. Wong sold 1,266 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 20th. The stock was sold at an average price of $74.98, for a total transaction of $94,924.68. Following the sale, the director now directly owns 6,906 shares in the company, valued at approximately $517,811.88. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 1.00% of the companys stock.

Ormat Technologies Price Performance

ORA stock opened at $76.94 on Tuesday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $74.57 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $71.35. Ormat Technologies, Inc. has a 12-month low of $58.73 and a 12-month high of $78.51. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.65 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 34.66, a PEG ratio of 3.71 and a beta of 0.53. The company has a current ratio of 0.97, a quick ratio of 0.89 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.72.

Ormat Technologies (NYSE:ORA  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $0.40 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by $0.03. The firm had revenue of $212.96 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $214.07 million. Ormat Technologies had a net margin of 14.89% and a return on equity of 5.40%. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 9.3% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company earned $0.40 earnings per share. As a group, equities analysts predict that Ormat Technologies, Inc. will post 2.04 earnings per share for the current year.

Ormat Technologies Announces Dividend

The business also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 3rd. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 20th were paid a dividend of $0.12 per share. This represents a $0.48 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.62%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 20th. Ormat Technologiess payout ratio is 21.62%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

ORA has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Roth Mkm reiterated a buy rating and issued a $80.00 target price on shares of Ormat Technologies in a research report on Monday, August 12th. Oppenheimer lifted their target price on shares of Ormat Technologies from $85.00 to $86.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research report on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their target price on shares of Ormat Technologies from $69.00 to $75.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research report on Tuesday, July 16th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, Ormat Technologies currently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $81.67.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ORA

Ormat Technologies Company Profile

(Free Report)

Ormat Technologies, Inc engages in the geothermal and recovered energy power business in the United States, Indonesia, Kenya, Turkey, Chile, Guatemala, Guadeloupe, New Zealand, Honduras, and internationally. It operates in three segments: Electricity, Product, and Energy Storage. The Electricity segment develops, builds, owns, and operates geothermal, solar photovoltaic, and recovered energy-based power plants; and sells electricity.

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New Century Financial Group LLC raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF (BATS:QUAL  Free Report) by 1,011.4% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 14,115 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 12,845 shares during the period. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF comprises 1.0% of New Century Financial Group LLCs holdings, making the stock its 16th largest position. New Century Financial Group LLCs holdings in iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF were worth $2,410,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Carnegie Investment Counsel grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.5% in the 2nd quarter. Carnegie Investment Counsel now owns 11,675 shares of the companys stock worth $1,994,000 after acquiring an additional 61 shares in the last quarter. Bristlecone Advisors LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.4% in the 2nd quarter. Bristlecone Advisors LLC now owns 17,056 shares of the companys stock worth $2,912,000 after acquiring an additional 63 shares in the last quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 0.9% in the 4th quarter. Integrated Advisors Network LLC now owns 7,545 shares of the companys stock worth $1,110,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. NBC Securities Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 27.2% in the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 309 shares of the companys stock worth $51,000 after acquiring an additional 66 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Elevate Wealth Advisory Inc. grew its stake in shares of iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF by 3.6% in the 1st quarter. Elevate Wealth Advisory Inc. now owns 1,981 shares of the companys stock worth $326,000 after acquiring an additional 68 shares in the last quarter.

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iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF Price Performance

BATS QUAL opened at $179.19 on Tuesday. The company has a fifty day moving average price of $173.62 and a 200-day moving average price of $168.56. The firm has a market cap of $47.29 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.03 and a beta of 1.03. iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF has a 1 year low of $71.96 and a 1 year high of $88.63.

About iShares MSCI USA Quality Factor ETF

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.

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ANKARA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Chinese automaker BYD has signed agreements to begin production in Turkiye by 2026, Turkish Industry and Technology Minister Mehmet Fatih Kacir said Tuesday.

The Turkish government has been allocated space for BYD in the Manisa industrial zone in western Turkiye, where the company will establish a research and development center, a factory capable of producing 150,000 vehicles annually, and a supplier park, the minister told the semi-official Anadolu Agency.

"This investment will be a major step forward for Turkiye in the high-tech sector," he said, adding that it is valuable to realize all this investment by targeting export markets.

"The Manisa facility will also bring significant employment opportunities, directly creating nearly 5,000 jobs and indirectly generating over 20,000 positions, particularly for skilled engineers and researchers," he said.

Kacir also announced that discussions with China's automobile manufacturer Chery were in the final stage.

"We are working hard, and we are very close to finalizing the Chery investment as well," he said, recalling ongoing discussions since the end of last year.

He expressed optimism about the future of Turkiye's electric vehicle and battery production sectors, noting that there were currently 23,400 public charging stations in the country, with 8,850 of them being fast chargers. 
Wealthquest Corp boosted its stake in The Kroger Co. (NYSE:KR  Free Report) by 2.6% in the second quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 9,807 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 250 shares during the quarter. Wealthquest Corps holdings in Kroger were worth $490,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its holdings in Kroger by 2.0% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 125,766 shares of the companys stock worth $6,279,000 after purchasing an additional 2,469 shares in the last quarter. Kimelman & Baird LLC acquired a new position in shares of Kroger during the 2nd quarter valued at $764,000. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. raised its stake in shares of Kroger by 8.3% in the 2nd quarter. B. Riley Wealth Advisors Inc. now owns 12,305 shares of the companys stock worth $614,000 after buying an additional 941 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP lifted its holdings in shares of Kroger by 92.0% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 2,267 shares of the companys stock valued at $113,000 after buying an additional 1,086 shares during the period. Finally, Buck Wealth Strategies LLC acquired a new position in Kroger during the second quarter worth about $6,524,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 80.93% of the companys stock.

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Insiders Place Their Bets

In other Kroger news, VP Brian W. Nichols sold 2,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Friday, July 19th. The shares were sold at an average price of $54.53, for a total transaction of $109,060.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the vice president now owns 18,063 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $984,975.39. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink. In related news, SVP Valerie L. Jabbar sold 3,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $55.91, for a total transaction of $167,730.00. Following the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 74,084 shares in the company, valued at $4,142,036.44. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this hyperlink. Also, VP Brian W. Nichols sold 2,000 shares of Kroger stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $54.53, for a total value of $109,060.00. Following the sale, the vice president now directly owns 18,063 shares in the company, valued at approximately $984,975.39. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold 8,010 shares of company stock valued at $444,056 over the last 90 days. 1.40% of the stock is currently owned by company insiders.

Kroger Trading Up 1.4 %

NYSE:KR opened at $57.30 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.96, a quick ratio of 0.46 and a current ratio of 0.87. The company has a market capitalization of $41.36 billion, a P/E ratio of 19.56, a P/E/G ratio of 0.87 and a beta of 0.47. The stocks 50 day moving average price is $53.93 and its 200 day moving average price is $53.92. The Kroger Co. has a 52 week low of $42.10 and a 52 week high of $58.34.

Kroger (NYSE:KR  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, September 12th. The company reported $0.93 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.91 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $33.91 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $34.09 billion. Kroger had a net margin of 1.86% and a return on equity of 28.54%. Krogers revenue for the quarter was up .2% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $0.96 EPS. On average, research analysts forecast that The Kroger Co. will post 4.46 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Kroger Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Sunday, December 1st. Investors of record on Friday, November 15th will be paid a $0.32 dividend. This represents a $1.28 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.23%. The ex-dividend date is Friday, November 15th. Krogers payout ratio is 43.69%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

KR has been the subject of several research reports. Morgan Stanley raised their price objective on shares of Kroger from $57.00 to $58.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research report on Friday, September 13th. StockNews.com downgraded Kroger from a strong-buy rating to a buy rating in a research report on Monday, September 16th. Argus boosted their target price on Kroger from $70.00 to $72.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, July 22nd. BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Kroger from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and lifted their price objective for the stock from $58.00 to $60.00 in a research report on Tuesday, June 18th. Finally, Melius Research started coverage on Kroger in a research report on Monday, September 23rd. They issued a hold rating and a $55.00 target price for the company. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating, eight have assigned a buy rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $59.36.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on Kroger

Kroger Profile

(Free Report)

The Kroger Co operates as a food and drug retailer in the United States. The company operates combination food and drug stores, multi-department stores, marketplace stores, and price impact warehouses. Its combination food and drug stores offer natural food and organic sections, pharmacies, general merchandise, pet centers, fresh seafood, and organic produce; and multi-department stores provide apparel, home fashion and furnishings, outdoor living, electronics, automotive products, and toys.

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NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of The TJX Companies, Inc. (NYSE:TJX  Free Report) by 35.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 83,725 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock after acquiring an additional 21,937 shares during the quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLCs holdings in TJX Companies were worth $9,218,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently bought and sold shares of the business. Nemes Rush Group LLC grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 8.2% in the 2nd quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 34,774 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $3,829,000 after buying an additional 2,647 shares in the last quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of TJX Companies in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $4,401,000. Creative Planning grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 3.9% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 306,771 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $33,775,000 after buying an additional 11,374 shares in the last quarter. Algert Global LLC grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 36.8% in the 2nd quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 4,608 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $507,000 after buying an additional 1,240 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ascent Group LLC grew its stake in shares of TJX Companies by 6.5% in the 2nd quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 48,992 shares of the apparel and home fashions retailers stock valued at $5,394,000 after buying an additional 3,003 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.09% of the companys stock.

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TJX Companies Stock Performance

Shares of NYSE TJX opened at $117.54 on Tuesday. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $115.34 and a 200 day simple moving average of $107.16. The company has a current ratio of 1.21, a quick ratio of 0.60 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.37. The firm has a market capitalization of $132.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 29.17, a PEG ratio of 2.97 and a beta of 0.89. The TJX Companies, Inc. has a one year low of $86.71 and a one year high of $121.13.

TJX Companies Announces Dividend

TJX Companies ( NYSE:TJX Get Free Report ) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 21st. The apparel and home fashions retailer reported $0.96 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.92 by $0.04. TJX Companies had a return on equity of 63.19% and a net margin of 8.56%. The firm had revenue of $13.47 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $13.31 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the business posted $0.85 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was up 5.6% compared to the same quarter last year. Sell-side analysts expect that The TJX Companies, Inc. will post 4.15 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, December 5th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, November 14th will be issued a dividend of $0.375 per share. This represents a $1.50 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 1.28%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, November 14th. TJX Companiess payout ratio is presently 37.22%.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently weighed in on the company. UBS Group boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $134.00 to $148.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Loop Capital boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $125.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Robert W. Baird boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $113.00 to $128.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Evercore ISI boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $115.00 to $126.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Monday, August 19th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on TJX Companies from $116.00 to $133.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 22nd. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fourteen have assigned a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, TJX Companies presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $126.76.

Get Our Latest Analysis on TJX

Insider Transactions at TJX Companies

In other news, CEO Ernie Herrman sold 15,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Tuesday, September 10th. The stock was sold at an average price of $117.54, for a total transaction of $1,763,100.00. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 536,148 shares in the company, valued at $63,018,835.92. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Company insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

TJX Companies Profile

(Free Report)

The TJX Companies, Inc, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an off-price apparel and home fashions retailer in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia. It operates through four segments: Marmaxx, HomeGoods, TJX Canada, and TJX International. The company sells family apparel, including footwear and accessories; home fashions, such as home basics, furniture, rugs, lighting products, giftware, soft home products, decorative accessories, tabletop, and cookware, as well as expanded pet, and gourmet food departments; jewelry and accessories; and other merchandise.

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NewEdge Advisors LLC lifted its stake in shares of Motorola Solutions, Inc. (NYSE:MSI  Free Report) by 7.4% in the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The firm owned 26,172 shares of the communications equipment providers stock after buying an additional 1,792 shares during the quarter. NewEdge Advisors LLCs holdings in Motorola Solutions were worth $10,103,000 as of its most recent filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission.

A number of other hedge funds also recently modified their holdings of the stock. Nemes Rush Group LLC lifted its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 1.1% during the second quarter. Nemes Rush Group LLC now owns 51,930 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $20,048,000 after purchasing an additional 588 shares during the last quarter. Creative Planning lifted its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 24.3% during the second quarter. Creative Planning now owns 24,847 shares of the communications equipment providers stock worth $9,592,000 after acquiring an additional 4,856 shares in the last quarter. Magnolia Capital Advisors LLC purchased a new stake in Motorola Solutions during the 2nd quarter worth about $19,694,000. Algert Global LLC grew its holdings in Motorola Solutions by 75.7% during the 2nd quarter. Algert Global LLC now owns 1,469 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $567,000 after buying an additional 633 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Ascent Group LLC increased its position in shares of Motorola Solutions by 5.4% during the second quarter. Ascent Group LLC now owns 1,611 shares of the communications equipment providers stock valued at $622,000 after buying an additional 82 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 84.17% of the companys stock.

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Motorola Solutions Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of NYSE:MSI opened at $449.60 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $425.29 and its 200-day moving average price is $386.09. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 1.03 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 7.03. Motorola Solutions, Inc. has a 12-month low of $269.64 and a 12-month high of $452.00. The stock has a market capitalization of $74.99 billion, a P/E ratio of 55.57, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 3.90 and a beta of 0.97.

Motorola Solutions Announces Dividend

Motorola Solutions ( NYSE:MSI Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 1st. The communications equipment provider reported $3.24 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $3.01 by $0.23. Motorola Solutions had a return on equity of 337.36% and a net margin of 14.04%. The firm had revenue of $2.63 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $2.59 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the firm posted $2.41 earnings per share. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 9.4% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts anticipate that Motorola Solutions, Inc. will post 12.22 earnings per share for the current year.

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued a dividend of $0.98 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $3.92 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 0.87%. Motorola Solutionss dividend payout ratio is currently 48.45%.

Insider Transactions at Motorola Solutions

In related news, COO John P. Molloy sold 23,985 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Tuesday, August 6th. The stock was sold at an average price of $407.50, for a total value of $9,773,887.50. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now owns 46,821 shares of the companys stock, valued at $19,079,557.50. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Corporate insiders own 1.50% of the companys stock.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Several analysts have issued reports on MSI shares. Evercore ISI increased their target price on shares of Motorola Solutions from $450.00 to $500.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a research note on Friday, August 30th. Barclays lifted their price target on Motorola Solutions from $372.00 to $467.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price target on shares of Motorola Solutions from $436.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their price objective on shares of Motorola Solutions from $385.00 to $440.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Tuesday, August 6th. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group increased their price objective on Motorola Solutions from $460.00 to $510.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Tuesday, September 3rd. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating, According to data from MarketBeat.com, Motorola Solutions currently has an average rating of Buy and a consensus price target of $466.17.

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About Motorola Solutions

(Free Report)

Motorola Solutions, Inc provides public safety and enterprise security solutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, and internationally. The company operates in two segments, Products and Systems Integration, and Software and Services. The Products and Systems Integration segment offers a portfolio of infrastructure, devices, accessories, and video security devices and infrastructure, as well as the implementation and integration of systems, devices, software, and applications for government, public safety, and commercial customers who operate private communications networks and video security solutions, as well as manage a mobile workforce.

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NewEdge Advisors LLC raised its holdings in shares of Devon Energy Co. (NYSE:DVN  Free Report) by 15.6% in the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The fund owned 191,109 shares of the energy companys stock after purchasing an additional 25,825 shares during the period. NewEdge Advisors LLCs holdings in Devon Energy were worth $9,059,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the business. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 31.4% during the 1st quarter. Salem Investment Counselors Inc. now owns 832 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $42,000 after buying an additional 199 shares during the period. Retirement Group LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 21.8% during the 1st quarter. Retirement Group LLC now owns 1,110 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $56,000 after buying an additional 199 shares during the period. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 7.4% during the 1st quarter. Whittier Trust Co. of Nevada Inc. now owns 3,046 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $153,000 after buying an additional 209 shares during the period. MCF Advisors LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 5.6% during the 1st quarter. MCF Advisors LLC now owns 4,023 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $202,000 after buying an additional 215 shares during the period. Finally, Annex Advisory Services LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Devon Energy by 0.8% during the 2nd quarter. Annex Advisory Services LLC now owns 27,651 shares of the energy companys stock valued at $1,311,000 after buying an additional 223 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 69.72% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of equities analysts recently commented on the company. UBS Group decreased their target price on Devon Energy from $53.00 to $47.00 and set a neutral rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, September 18th. Sanford C. Bernstein decreased their target price on Devon Energy from $48.00 to $43.00 and set a market perform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, July 17th. Bank of America reaffirmed a buy rating and issued a $64.00 target price on shares of Devon Energy in a report on Friday, June 14th. JPMorgan Chase & Co. decreased their target price on Devon Energy from $64.00 to $51.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, September 12th. Finally, Evercore ISI decreased their target price on Devon Energy from $55.00 to $50.00 and set an in-line rating on the stock in a report on Monday. Seven equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating, thirteen have assigned a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $55.71.

Devon Energy Trading Up 0.4 %

Shares of Devon Energy stock opened at $39.12 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $24.72 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 7.47, a PEG ratio of 1.22 and a beta of 2.03. The business has a 50-day moving average price of $43.06 and a 200-day moving average price of $47.00. The company has a quick ratio of 1.03, a current ratio of 1.11 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.45. Devon Energy Co. has a twelve month low of $37.76 and a twelve month high of $55.09.

Devon Energy (NYSE:DVN  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, August 6th. The energy company reported $1.41 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.26 by $0.15. The firm had revenue of $3.92 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.90 billion. Devon Energy had a return on equity of 29.14% and a net margin of 22.60%. The businesss quarterly revenue was up 13.4% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the business posted $1.18 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Devon Energy Co. will post 5.11 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Devon Energy Announces Dividend

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 30th. Stockholders of record on Friday, September 13th were given a dividend of $0.22 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, September 13th. This represents a $0.88 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.25%. Devon Energys payout ratio is 16.79%.

About Devon Energy

(Free Report)

Devon Energy Corporation, an independent energy company, engages in the exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the United States. It operates in Delaware, Eagle Ford, Anadarko, Williston, and Powder River Basins. The company was founded in 1971 and is headquartered in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma.

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Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its holdings in Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (BATS:OMFL  Free Report) by 2.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent disclosure with the SEC. The fund owned 746,708 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 16,361 shares during the quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. owned 0.64% of Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF worth $39,195,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors also recently modified their holdings of the company. NBC Securities Inc. lifted its stake in Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 3.7% during the first quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 5,431 shares of the companys stock valued at $299,000 after buying an additional 194 shares in the last quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 12.0% during the first quarter. Geneos Wealth Management Inc. now owns 2,302 shares of the companys stock valued at $127,000 after acquiring an additional 246 shares during the period. Denver Wealth Management Inc. lifted its position in shares of Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 1.6% in the 2nd quarter. Denver Wealth Management Inc. now owns 20,673 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,085,000 after acquiring an additional 321 shares in the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV boosted its stake in Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF by 9.2% in the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 4,363 shares of the companys stock worth $229,000 after purchasing an additional 366 shares during the period. Finally, Pineridge Advisors LLC acquired a new position in Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF in the 1st quarter worth approximately $25,000.

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Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF Stock Performance

Shares of BATS:OMFL opened at $52.99 on Tuesday. The firms 50-day moving average price is $51.05 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $52.27. The firm has a market cap of $6.21 billion, a P/E ratio of 21.45 and a beta of 0.94.

Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF Cuts Dividend

Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF Profile

The firm also recently disclosed a dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 27th. Investors of record on Monday, September 23rd were paid a $0.1083 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Monday, September 23rd.

(Free Report)

The Invesco Russell 1000 Dynamic Multifactor ETF (OMFL) is an exchange-traded fund that mostly invests in large cap equity. The fund tracks an index of US large-cap stocks selected by a combination of five investment factors, which are weighted based on current macroeconomic conditions. OMFL was launched on Nov 8, 2017 and is managed by Invesco.

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Founders Financial Alliance LLC grew its holdings in shares of Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 1.8% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent Form 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 62,004 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 1,087 shares during the period. Altria Group accounts for 0.8% of Founders Financial Alliance LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 23rd biggest position. Founders Financial Alliance LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $2,824,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors also recently made changes to their positions in MO. Cetera Investment Advisers raised its position in shares of Altria Group by 1.8% in the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 1,001,756 shares of the companys stock worth $45,630,000 after acquiring an additional 17,471 shares in the last quarter. 3Chopt Investment Partners LLC raised its holdings in Altria Group by 1.2% in the second quarter. 3Chopt Investment Partners LLC now owns 66,371 shares of the companys stock worth $3,089,000 after purchasing an additional 772 shares in the last quarter. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC purchased a new position in Altria Group during the second quarter valued at $6,992,000. Ted Buchan & Co bought a new stake in shares of Altria Group during the 2nd quarter valued at $533,000. Finally, Next Capital Management LLC grew its position in shares of Altria Group by 20.7% in the 2nd quarter. Next Capital Management LLC now owns 5,700 shares of the companys stock worth $261,000 after buying an additional 978 shares during the period. Institutional investors own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

MO has been the topic of a number of analyst reports. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price target on Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. StockNews.com raised Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research note on Friday, June 28th. UBS Group lifted their price target on Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the stock a sell rating in a research report on Monday, September 9th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Finally, Bank of America upped their target price on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat, Altria Group currently has a consensus rating of Hold and a consensus price target of $49.67.

Altria Group Trading Down 0.0 %

Shares of NYSE:MO opened at $51.04 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $51.53 and a 200 day moving average of $47.20. The company has a market cap of $87.67 billion, a PE ratio of 10.68, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.65. Altria Group, Inc. has a 12-month low of $39.06 and a 12-month high of $54.95.

Altria Group (NYSE:MO  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by ($0.04). Altria Group had a negative return on equity of 232.55% and a net margin of 42.25%. The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the company posted $1.31 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 14.2% on a year-over-year basis. Equities research analysts predict that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be issued a $1.02 dividend. This is an increase from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 7.99%. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups payout ratio is currently 85.36%.

Altria Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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Aldebaran Financial Inc. reduced its stake in First Horizon Co. (NYSE:FHN  Free Report) by 11.9% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 36,508 shares of the financial services providers stock after selling 4,922 shares during the period. Aldebaran Financial Inc.s holdings in First Horizon were worth $576,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

A number of other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in FHN. Access Investment Management LLC boosted its holdings in First Horizon by 0.8% during the second quarter. Access Investment Management LLC now owns 87,655 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $1,382,000 after buying an additional 715 shares during the last quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. increased its stake in First Horizon by 6.5% in the first quarter. First Trust Direct Indexing L.P. now owns 12,623 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $194,000 after purchasing an additional 765 shares in the last quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC raised its holdings in First Horizon by 2.8% in the second quarter. Simplicity Wealth LLC now owns 29,282 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $462,000 after purchasing an additional 786 shares during the period. Perigon Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of First Horizon by 7.5% during the first quarter. Perigon Wealth Management LLC now owns 11,520 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $177,000 after purchasing an additional 804 shares in the last quarter. Finally, CIBC Asset Management Inc boosted its position in shares of First Horizon by 7.5% during the second quarter. CIBC Asset Management Inc now owns 15,771 shares of the financial services providers stock worth $249,000 after purchasing an additional 1,094 shares in the last quarter. 80.28% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of research analysts have issued reports on the company. Raymond James cut First Horizon from a strong-buy rating to an outperform rating and set a $18.00 target price for the company. in a research note on Thursday, July 18th. Wedbush lowered First Horizon from an outperform rating to a neutral rating and decreased their price objective for the company from $20.00 to $17.00 in a research report on Tuesday, September 24th. Royal Bank of Canada raised their target price on shares of First Horizon from $18.00 to $19.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, July 18th. Jefferies Financial Group lifted their price target on shares of First Horizon from $17.00 to $18.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 3rd. Finally, StockNews.com raised shares of First Horizon from a sell rating to a hold rating in a research report on Saturday, July 20th. Six analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company presently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $17.38.

First Horizon Stock Performance

First Horizon stock opened at $15.51 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $8.48 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 10.85, a P/E/G ratio of 3.17 and a beta of 0.88. The firm has a 50-day moving average of $15.83 and a 200-day moving average of $15.48. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.14, a current ratio of 0.95 and a quick ratio of 0.95. First Horizon Co. has a one year low of $10.08 and a one year high of $17.46.

First Horizon (NYSE:FHN  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 17th. The financial services provider reported $0.36 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.37 by ($0.01). First Horizon had a net margin of 14.03% and a return on equity of 8.84%. The company had revenue of $1.28 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $819.82 million. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $0.39 earnings per share. On average, equities analysts expect that First Horizon Co. will post 1.46 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

First Horizon Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be issued 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 yield of 3.87%. First Horizons payout ratio is 41.96%.

First Horizon Company Profile

(Free Report)

First Horizon Corporation operates as the bank holding company for First Horizon Bank that provides various financial services. The company operates through Regional Banking and Specialty Banking segments. It offers general banking services for consumers, businesses, financial institutions, and governments.

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Brandes Investment Partners LP raised its stake in shares of Seaboard Co. (NYSEAMERICAN:SEB  Free Report) by 30.8% during the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel.com reports. The institutional investor owned 119 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 28 shares during the quarter. Brandes Investment Partners LPs holdings in Seaboard were worth $376,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other institutional investors and hedge funds also recently made changes to their positions in SEB. Dean Capital Management boosted its holdings in shares of Seaboard by 0.7% during the 4th quarter. Dean Capital Management now owns 542 shares of the companys stock worth $1,935,000 after buying an additional 4 shares during the period. Covestor Ltd boosted its holdings in Seaboard by 18.5% during the first quarter. Covestor Ltd now owns 32 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,000 after acquiring an additional 5 shares during the period. Bfsg LLC grew its position in shares of Seaboard by 4.2% in the second quarter. Bfsg LLC now owns 124 shares of the companys stock valued at $392,000 after purchasing an additional 5 shares during the last quarter. Gladius Capital Management LP bought a new position in shares of Seaboard in the second quarter worth about $32,000. Finally, The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company lifted its position in shares of Seaboard by 4.2% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 250 shares of the companys stock worth $790,000 after purchasing an additional 10 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 22.57% of the companys stock.

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Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

Separately, StockNews.com lowered Seaboard from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, September 17th.

Seaboard Trading Down 0.5 %

NYSEAMERICAN:SEB opened at $3,137.00 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 1.47, a current ratio of 2.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.21. Seaboard Co. has a one year low of $2,955.33 and a one year high of $3,796.00. The firm has a market cap of $3.04 billion, a P/E ratio of 13.03 and a beta of 0.35.

Seaboard (NYSEAMERICAN:SEB  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $62.82 EPS for the quarter. Seaboard had a net margin of 3.01% and a return on equity of 5.69%. The business had revenue of $2.21 billion during the quarter.

Seaboard Announces Dividend

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 19th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 9th were given a dividend of $2.25 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Friday, August 9th. This represents a $9.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 0.29%. Seaboards payout ratio is presently 3.74%.

Seaboard Company Profile

(Free Report)

Seaboard Corporation, together with its subsidiaries, operates as an agricultural and ocean transportation company worldwide. It operates through six segments: Pork, Commodity Trading and Milling (CT&M), Marine, Sugar and Alcohol, Power, and Turkey. The Pork segment produces and sells pork products to further processors, food service operators, grocery stores, and distributors; hogs; and biodiesel.

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Integer (NYSE:ITGR  Get Free Report) had its price target upped by research analysts at Citigroup from $124.00 to $130.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage presently has a neutral rating on the medical equipment providers stock. Citigroups target price suggests a potential upside of 0.99% from the companys current price.

Other research analysts have also recently issued reports about the stock. Bank of America boosted their price objective on shares of Integer from $135.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Benchmark reissued a buy rating and set a $130.00 price objective on shares of Integer in a report on Friday, August 2nd. Oppenheimer started coverage on shares of Integer in a report on Tuesday, July 16th. They set an outperform rating and a $135.00 price objective for the company. Finally, Truist Financial boosted their price objective on shares of Integer from $137.00 to $145.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a report on Tuesday. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and six have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $137.29.

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Check Out Our Latest Stock Analysis on ITGR

Integer Stock Down 1.0 %

Integer stock traded down $1.28 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $128.72. The stock had a trading volume of 69,520 shares, compared to its average volume of 316,304. The company has a quick ratio of 1.96, a current ratio of 3.29 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.73. The stock has a market capitalization of $4.31 billion, a P/E ratio of 44.53, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.87 and a beta of 1.09. Integer has a 12-month low of $69.40 and a 12-month high of $131.87. The stocks 50-day moving average price is $123.35 and its 200-day moving average price is $119.22.

Integer (NYSE:ITGR  Get Free Report) last issued its earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The medical equipment provider reported $1.30 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $1.24 by $0.06. The business had revenue of $436.20 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $437.00 million. Integer had a net margin of 6.31% and a return on equity of 11.48%. The businesss revenue for the quarter was up 9.0% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period in the previous year, the company earned $1.14 earnings per share. Equities research analysts anticipate that Integer will post 5.31 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In related news, Director Jean M. Hobby sold 11,960 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 31st. The shares were sold at an average price of $119.66, for a total transaction of $1,431,133.60. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now owns 2,280 shares in the company, valued at $272,824.80. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Company insiders own 2.00% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Integer

A number of hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of ITGR. Quest Partners LLC raised its stake in Integer by 3,688.9% during the second quarter. Quest Partners LLC now owns 341 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $39,000 after purchasing an additional 332 shares in the last quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC raised its stake in Integer by 60.9% during the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 375 shares of the medical equipment providers stock valued at $43,000 after purchasing an additional 142 shares in the last quarter. Headlands Technologies LLC purchased a new stake in Integer during the first quarter valued at $106,000. Innealta Capital LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Integer in the second quarter valued at $110,000. Finally, Hancock Whitney Corp purchased a new stake in shares of Integer in the first quarter valued at $203,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.29% of the companys stock.

Integer Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Integer Holdings Corporation operates as a medical device outsource manufacturer in the United States, Puerto Rico, Costa Rica, and internationally. It operates through two segments, Medical and Non-Medical. The company offers products for interventional cardiology, structural heart, heart failure, peripheral vascular, neurovascular, interventional oncology, electrophysiology, vascular access, infusion therapy, hemodialysis, non-vascular, urology, and gastroenterology procedures.

Further Reading

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EP Wealth Advisors LLC boosted its position in Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Free Report) by 37.6% during the second quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The firm owned 65,844 shares of the companys stock after acquiring an additional 17,982 shares during the period. EP Wealth Advisors LLCs holdings in Novo Nordisk A/S were worth $9,399,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Other institutional investors have also added to or reduced their stakes in the company. First PREMIER Bank bought a new position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter worth $25,000. 1620 Investment Advisors Inc. purchased a new position in Novo Nordisk A/S during the 2nd quarter valued at about $25,000. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. bought a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S during the first quarter valued at about $26,000. Orion Capital Management LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in the first quarter worth about $26,000. Finally, Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC boosted its position in shares of Novo Nordisk A/S by 200.0% in the second quarter. Gilliland Jeter Wealth Management LLC now owns 180 shares of the companys stock valued at $26,000 after acquiring an additional 120 shares during the period. 11.54% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms recently weighed in on NVO. BMO Capital Markets decreased their target price on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S from $170.00 to $160.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Argus increased their price objective on Novo Nordisk A/S from $125.00 to $160.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Monday, June 10th. Cantor Fitzgerald reissued an overweight rating and set a $160.00 price objective on shares of Novo Nordisk A/S in a research note on Monday, September 16th. Finally, StockNews.com upgraded Novo Nordisk A/S from a buy rating to a strong-buy rating in a research note on Tuesday. One equities research analyst has rated the stock with a hold rating, six have given a buy rating and one has assigned a strong buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, the company currently has an average rating of Buy and an average target price of $145.17.

Novo Nordisk A/S Stock Down 1.4 %

NVO opened at $119.05 on Tuesday. The businesss fifty day simple moving average is $131.69 and its 200 day simple moving average is $132.87. Novo Nordisk A/S has a 52 week low of $86.96 and a 52 week high of $148.15. The company has a quick ratio of 0.75, a current ratio of 0.94 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.46. The stock has a market cap of $534.24 billion, a PE ratio of 41.05, a P/E/G ratio of 1.35 and a beta of 0.42.

Novo Nordisk A/S (NYSE:NVO  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.65 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $0.71 by ($0.06). The firm had revenue of $9.82 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $9.91 billion. Novo Nordisk A/S had a net margin of 34.86% and a return on equity of 87.43%. As a group, research analysts expect that Novo Nordisk A/S will post 3.11 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Novo Nordisk A/S Cuts Dividend

The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Monday, August 26th. Stockholders of record on Friday, August 16th were paid a $0.5126 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 16th. This represents a dividend yield of 0.7%. Novo Nordisk A/Ss dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 24.83%.

Novo Nordisk A/S Company Profile

(Free Report)

Novo Nordisk A/S, together with its subsidiaries, engages in the research and development, manufacture, and distribution of pharmaceutical products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Mainland China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, North America, and internationally. It operates in two segments, Diabetes and Obesity Care, and Rare Disease.

Further Reading

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Muslims who abducted a 17-year-old Christian girl and gang-raped her for 10 days are threatening her family to pressure them to withdraw charges, even as police have failed to arrest most of the suspects, her father said.

The girl, whose identity is withheld as a rape victim, was abducted from her home in village Chak No. 87 Fateh Colony, Hasilpur, Bahawalpur District, Punjab Province, on Aug. 25, said her father, Taj Masih, a 45-year-old Catholic daily wage laborer.

I was at work while my wife had gone to a dispensary to get her medication when our daughter went missing, Masih told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. She immediately informed me, and we started searching for her.

After some days they learned that their daughter had been kidnapped by Muhammad Asif, Nazeer Ahmad, Muhammad Yasir and Muhammad Aslam and a woman named Nazia Asif who lives in the same village, he said. Masih contacted village elders and requested they intervene.

Im a poor man and did not have the resources to take a stand against the influential Muslims on my own, he said. When the accused were summoned by the village council, they admitted that they had taken her and assured them that she would be returned to us. However, when they kept delaying her return on various pretenses, I filed a complaint with the police.

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Police on Sept. 5 found the girl, who told them that she had been gang-raped by Muhammad Yasir and Muhammad Saif, Masih said. A medical examination proved she was physically tortured and raped multiple times by the suspects, he said.

Masih said that the police have arrested Saif, but that the other suspects are still free.

I go to the police station every day hoping for justice but return home empty-handed, he said.

He said the suspects were issuing threats to pressure him to reach a settlement and withdraw charges.

They are threatening me to drop the case or face the consequences, but I won't back down, he said. They wronged my beloved daughter, and I will do whatever is in my power to see that they get punished for their crime.

His poverty and Christian faith have made access to justice difficult, he said.

There are about 25-30 Christian families in our locality, and a majority of us are laborers, Masih said. We are often discriminated against due to our religion, but I was not expecting the police to treat this case with such an indifferent attitude. My daughters honor has been violated, and shes been scarred for life, but it seems theres no justice for poor Christians like us.

The familys attorney, Lazar Allah Rakha, said the attack and subsequent police inaction exemplified challenges marginalized Christians and other minority communities face in accessing justice in Pakistan.

Her medical and DNA examination prove the allegations against the accused persons, Rakha told Christian Daily International-Morning Star News. The police have substantial evidence to effectively prosecute the accused, and we are hoping that the court will order the police to arrest the remaining accused as soon as possible.

Rakha, a prominent Christian lawyer in South Punjab, said that costs and lack of resources were the most prominent barriers for minorities in obtaining justice in Pakistan.

It is the responsibility of the state to ensure that all citizens have instant and inexpensive access to justice regardless of their faith affiliations, he said. The majority-versus-minority rhetoric has forced Christians and others to believe that they will not get the same treatment as Muslims. Therefore, its very important that the government should act to remove this impression.

Pakistan ranked seventh on Open Doors' 2024 World Watch List of the most difficult places to be a Christian, as it was the previous year.
DAMASCUS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Syrian government on Tuesday condemned Israel's latest airstrikes on the capital Damascus, killing three civilians and injuring nine others in densely populated residential areas, according to a statement by the Foreign Ministry.

In the early hours on Tuesday, Israeli warplanes and drones raided several sites in the Syrian capital, which also caused significant damage to private property.

"Syria condemns this brutal Israeli aggression on civilians and the ongoing violations of its sovereignty and that of its neighboring countries," the statement said.

"We call on the international community to put an end to Israel's reckless actions, which ignite tensions across the region and threaten both regional and international peace and security," it said.

It further reiterated Syria's right to defend its territory and people, vowing to resist "Israeli crimes" by any means permitted under international law.

Israel has carried out hundreds of airstrikes on Syrian territory in recent years, targeting Iranian-backed forces and Hezbollah militants, both allies of the Syrian government. 
Point72 Asset Management L.P. bought a new position in shares of Equitable Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:EQH  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The fund bought 241,491 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,867,000.

A number of other hedge funds have also added to or reduced their stakes in the business. Vanguard Group Inc. grew its position in shares of Equitable by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 38,012,452 shares of the companys stock worth $1,265,815,000 after buying an additional 446,752 shares during the period. Intech Investment Management LLC grew its stake in Equitable by 60.9% in the first quarter. Intech Investment Management LLC now owns 100,476 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,819,000 after acquiring an additional 38,040 shares during the period. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC raised its position in shares of Equitable by 265.0% during the first quarter. Ashton Thomas Private Wealth LLC now owns 69,503 shares of the companys stock worth $2,642,000 after purchasing an additional 50,460 shares during the period. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky bought a new position in shares of Equitable in the 4th quarter worth $2,892,000. Finally, Friedenthal Financial acquired a new stake in Equitable in the 2nd quarter valued at $831,000. 92.70% of the stock is currently owned by institutional investors.

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Equitable Stock Up 0.1 %

EQH opened at $42.03 on Tuesday. The company has a market cap of $13.67 billion, a PE ratio of 13.01 and a beta of 1.42. The company has a 50 day moving average of $40.86 and a 200 day moving average of $39.89. Equitable Holdings, Inc. has a 12 month low of $24.65 and a 12 month high of $44.50. The company has a current ratio of 0.12, a quick ratio of 0.12 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 3.06.

Equitable Announces Dividend

Equitable ( NYSE:EQH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $1.43 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.40 by $0.03. The company had revenue of $3.51 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $3.71 billion. Equitable had a net margin of 7.87% and a return on equity of 87.49%. Equitables revenue was up 47.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the business earned $1.17 earnings per share. On average, sell-side analysts expect that Equitable Holdings, Inc. will post 6.01 EPS for the current year.

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 6th were given a dividend of $0.24 per share. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, August 6th. This represents a $0.96 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 2.28%. Equitables dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 29.72%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Equitable news, COO Jeffrey J. Hurd sold 9,969 shares of Equitable stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.09, for a total transaction of $429,564.21. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 111,552 shares in the company, valued at $4,806,775.68. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. In related news, CAO William James Iv Eckert sold 3,500 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, September 19th. The stock was sold at an average price of $42.42, for a total value of $148,470.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief accounting officer now owns 19,321 shares in the company, valued at approximately $819,596.82. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through this link. Also, COO Jeffrey J. Hurd sold 9,969 shares of the stock in a transaction that occurred on Monday, July 15th. The shares were sold at an average price of $43.09, for a total transaction of $429,564.21. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 111,552 shares in the company, valued at $4,806,775.68. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Over the last three months, insiders have sold 73,469 shares of company stock worth $3,067,434. Insiders own 1.10% of the companys stock.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

EQH has been the topic of a number of recent research reports. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Equitable from $44.00 to $52.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, August 1st. Keefe, Bruyette & Woods boosted their price objective on Equitable from $43.00 to $44.00 and gave the stock a market perform rating in a research report on Monday, July 8th. Barclays assumed coverage on Equitable in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They set an overweight rating and a $59.00 target price for the company. JPMorgan Chase & Co. boosted their price target on shares of Equitable from $36.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Jefferies Financial Group raised their price objective on shares of Equitable from $46.00 to $51.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and seven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average price target of $46.64.

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Equitable Profile

(Free Report)

Equitable Holdings, Inc, together with its consolidated subsidiaries, operates as a diversified financial services company worldwide. The company operates through six segments: Individual Retirement, Group Retirement, Investment Management and Research, Protection Solutions, Wealth Management, and Legacy.

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Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST  Get Free Report) had its price target decreased by analysts at The Goldman Sachs Group from $41.00 to $39.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The firm presently has a neutral rating on the scientific and technical instruments companys stock. The Goldman Sachs Groups target price suggests a potential upside of 11.11% from the companys previous close.

Several other research analysts also recently commented on the stock. Bank of America cut their price target on shares of Sensata Technologies from $44.00 to $41.00 and set a neutral rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. Wolfe Research started coverage on shares of Sensata Technologies in a report on Thursday, September 5th. They set a peer perform rating for the company. Vertical Research started coverage on shares of Sensata Technologies in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. They set a buy rating and a $55.00 price objective for the company. Oppenheimer dropped their price objective on shares of Sensata Technologies from $50.00 to $47.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a report on Wednesday, July 31st. Finally, Truist Financial dropped their price objective on shares of Sensata Technologies from $46.00 to $38.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, eight have assigned a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to data from MarketBeat, the company presently has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $44.40.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on Sensata Technologies

Sensata Technologies Price Performance

NYSE:ST traded down $0.76 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $35.10. The stock had a trading volume of 461,301 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,945,902. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $36.57 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $37.76. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.06, a current ratio of 1.77 and a quick ratio of 1.31. Sensata Technologies has a one year low of $30.56 and a one year high of $43.14. The firm has a market capitalization of $5.30 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of -318.79, a P/E/G ratio of 1.46 and a beta of 1.26.

Sensata Technologies (NYSE:ST  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Monday, July 29th. The scientific and technical instruments company reported $0.93 EPS for the quarter, meeting the consensus estimate of $0.93. Sensata Technologies had a net margin of 0.21% and a return on equity of 17.57%. The firm had revenue of $1.04 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.04 billion. During the same period last year, the firm earned $0.97 EPS. The businesss quarterly revenue was down 2.5% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts forecast that Sensata Technologies will post 3.57 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Sensata Technologies

A number of large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in ST. GAMMA Investing LLC increased its position in shares of Sensata Technologies by 399.0% in the second quarter. GAMMA Investing LLC now owns 968 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $36,000 after acquiring an additional 774 shares during the period. Versant Capital Management Inc purchased a new position in shares of Sensata Technologies in the second quarter valued at about $37,000. Quarry LP boosted its stake in shares of Sensata Technologies by 227.1% during the 2nd quarter. Quarry LP now owns 1,063 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $40,000 after purchasing an additional 738 shares in the last quarter. SageView Advisory Group LLC bought a new stake in shares of Sensata Technologies during the 1st quarter valued at about $85,000. Finally, First Horizon Advisors Inc. boosted its stake in shares of Sensata Technologies by 57.9% during the 2nd quarter. First Horizon Advisors Inc. now owns 2,529 shares of the scientific and technical instruments companys stock valued at $95,000 after purchasing an additional 927 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 99.42% of the companys stock.

Sensata Technologies Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Sensata Technologies Holding plc develops, manufactures, and sells sensors and sensor-rich solutions, electrical protection components and systems, and other products used in mission-critical systems and applications in the United States and internationally. It operates in two segments, Performance Sensing and Sensing Solutions.

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Regency Capital Management Inc. DE boosted its position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF (NYSEARCA:SGOV  Free Report) by 694.6% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 21,693 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 18,963 shares during the quarter. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF comprises about 1.4% of Regency Capital Management Inc. DEs portfolio, making the stock its 24th biggest position. Regency Capital Management Inc. DEs holdings in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF were worth $2,185,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other institutional investors also recently bought and sold shares of SGOV. Asset Dedication LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $30,000. Larson Financial Group LLC bought a new stake in iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter valued at $31,000. Pineridge Advisors LLC purchased a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 4th quarter valued at $33,000. Maryland Capital Advisors Inc. bought a new position in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF in the 1st quarter worth $36,000. Finally, Signaturefd LLC purchased a new stake in shares of iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF during the 2nd quarter worth $48,000.

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iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF Price Performance

Shares of SGOV stock opened at $100.72 on Tuesday. The stocks 50-day moving average is $100.56 and its 200 day moving average is $100.53. iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF has a 1-year low of $100.04 and a 1-year high of $100.75.

About iShares 0-3 Month Treasury Bond ETF

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Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in iShares MSCI Italy ETF (NYSEARCA:EWI  Free Report) in the 2nd quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm acquired 36,600 shares of the exchange traded funds stock, valued at approximately $1,349,000. Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC owned about 0.32% of iShares MSCI Italy ETF at the end of the most recent reporting period.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of EWI. Family Firm Inc. purchased a new stake in iShares MSCI Italy ETF in the second quarter worth about $160,000. BNP Paribas Financial Markets raised its holdings in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 93.7% in the 1st quarter. BNP Paribas Financial Markets now owns 4,628 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $175,000 after purchasing an additional 2,239 shares in the last quarter. Rhumbline Advisers lifted its position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 7.9% in the 2nd quarter. Rhumbline Advisers now owns 6,180 shares of the exchange traded funds stock worth $222,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the period. Park Edge Advisors LLC bought a new position in shares of iShares MSCI Italy ETF during the second quarter valued at approximately $273,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its holdings in iShares MSCI Italy ETF by 25.5% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 8,672 shares of the exchange traded funds stock valued at $311,000 after buying an additional 1,761 shares during the period.

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iShares MSCI Italy ETF Stock Down 1.2 %

iShares MSCI Italy ETF stock opened at $38.96 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of $441.42 million, a P/E ratio of 10.55 and a beta of 0.87. The business has a fifty day moving average of $37.61 and a two-hundred day moving average of $37.46. iShares MSCI Italy ETF has a twelve month low of $29.01 and a twelve month high of $39.63.

About iShares MSCI Italy ETF

iShares MSCI Italy Capped ETF, formerly iShares MSCI Italy Capped Index Fund (the Fund), is an exchange traded fund. The Fund seeks investment results that correspond generally to the price and yield performance, before fees and expenses, of the MSCI Italy 25/50 Index (Index). The Index consists of stocks traded primarily on the Milan Stock Exchange.

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Granite Bay Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Novartis AG (NYSE:NVS  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The institutional investor acquired 8,505 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $854,000.

Other hedge funds have also recently made changes to their positions in the company. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP boosted its position in shares of Novartis by 23.1% during the second quarter. Dimensional Fund Advisors LP now owns 7,407,692 shares of the companys stock worth $788,626,000 after buying an additional 1,389,610 shares during the period. Wellington Management Group LLP boosted its holdings in Novartis by 1.2% during the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 4,746,599 shares of the companys stock valued at $479,264,000 after acquiring an additional 54,683 shares during the period. Janus Henderson Group PLC grew its position in Novartis by 0.6% in the 1st quarter. Janus Henderson Group PLC now owns 2,568,728 shares of the companys stock valued at $248,473,000 after acquiring an additional 16,015 shares in the last quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. increased its stake in Novartis by 0.6% during the first quarter. Principal Financial Group Inc. now owns 2,523,334 shares of the companys stock worth $244,082,000 after purchasing an additional 14,686 shares during the period. Finally, Mondrian Investment Partners LTD lifted its position in shares of Novartis by 40.1% during the first quarter. Mondrian Investment Partners LTD now owns 2,065,739 shares of the companys stock worth $199,819,000 after purchasing an additional 590,830 shares in the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 13.12% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research analysts recently weighed in on the stock. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft restated a hold rating on shares of Novartis in a report on Friday, July 19th. Jefferies Financial Group downgraded shares of Novartis from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 3rd. Barclays raised Novartis to a strong sell rating in a research report on Monday, June 24th. The Goldman Sachs Group reiterated a neutral rating and issued a $121.00 target price (up from $119.00) on shares of Novartis in a report on Thursday, September 5th. Finally, Bank of America downgraded Novartis from a buy rating to a neutral rating and cut their price target for the stock from $135.00 to $130.00 in a report on Wednesday, September 11th. One investment analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have issued a hold rating and one has given a strong buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average target price of $120.70.

Novartis Trading Down 0.5 %

NYSE:NVS opened at $115.03 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.47, a quick ratio of 0.72 and a current ratio of 0.93. Novartis AG has a 1 year low of $92.19 and a 1 year high of $120.92. The stock has a market cap of $235.12 billion, a P/E ratio of 15.52, a P/E/G ratio of 1.74 and a beta of 0.57. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $115.04 and a 200-day simple moving average of $106.18.

Novartis (NYSE:NVS  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 18th. The company reported $1.97 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.87 by $0.10. Novartis had a return on equity of 34.56% and a net margin of 33.76%. The firm had revenue of $12.87 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $12.24 billion. During the same period in the prior year, the company posted $1.83 earnings per share. As a group, analysts anticipate that Novartis AG will post 7.5 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

About Novartis

(Free Report)

Novartis AG engages in the research, development, manufacture, and marketing of healthcare products in Switzerland and internationally. The company offers prescription medicines for patients and physicians. It focuses on therapeutic areas, such as cardiovascular, renal and metabolic, immunology, neuroscience, and oncology, as well as ophthalmology and hematology.

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Graham Capital Wealth Management LLC lifted its stake in Cheniere Energy, Inc. (NYSE:LNG  Free Report) by 4.9% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel reports. The fund owned 29,390 shares of the energy companys stock after buying an additional 1,380 shares during the period. Cheniere Energy comprises approximately 6.9% of Graham Capital Wealth Management LLCs portfolio, making the stock its 4th biggest holding. Graham Capital Wealth Management LLCs holdings in Cheniere Energy were worth $5,138,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also modified their holdings of the stock. Fiera Capital Corp grew its stake in shares of Cheniere Energy by 28.1% in the second quarter. Fiera Capital Corp now owns 48,211 shares of the energy companys stock worth $8,429,000 after acquiring an additional 10,582 shares during the last quarter. Quarry LP boosted its stake in Cheniere Energy by 10.2% during the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 982 shares of the energy companys stock worth $172,000 after buying an additional 91 shares in the last quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. boosted its stake in Cheniere Energy by 26.4% during the second quarter. Northwestern Mutual Wealth Management Co. now owns 6,954 shares of the energy companys stock worth $1,216,000 after buying an additional 1,453 shares in the last quarter. Kathmere Capital Management LLC acquired a new stake in Cheniere Energy during the second quarter worth $214,000. Finally, Raab & Moskowitz Asset Management LLC acquired a new stake in Cheniere Energy during the second quarter worth $201,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 87.26% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Ratings Changes

A number of equities research analysts have weighed in on the stock. Barclays lifted their price target on shares of Cheniere Energy from $194.00 to $199.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 17th. Stifel Nicolaus reduced their target price on shares of Cheniere Energy from $208.00 to $204.00 and set a buy rating on the stock in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Sanford C. Bernstein initiated coverage on shares of Cheniere Energy in a research note on Monday, June 24th. They issued an outperform rating on the stock. Finally, TD Cowen boosted their target price on shares of Cheniere Energy from $178.00 to $185.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Monday, June 17th. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Cheniere Energy has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $196.25.

Cheniere Energy Stock Performance

Cheniere Energy stock opened at $179.84 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day simple moving average of $180.72 and a 200 day simple moving average of $168.91. The company has a quick ratio of 0.93, a current ratio of 1.02 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 2.63. Cheniere Energy, Inc. has a 12-month low of $152.31 and a 12-month high of $187.44. The stock has a market capitalization of $41.17 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 8.76 and a beta of 0.95.

Cheniere Energy (NYSE:LNG  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, August 8th. The energy company reported $3.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.71 by $2.13. Cheniere Energy had a return on equity of 39.42% and a net margin of 27.05%. The business had revenue of $3.30 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $3.52 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business posted $5.61 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down 19.6% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, research analysts anticipate that Cheniere Energy, Inc. will post 9.74 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Cheniere Energy announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a stock buyback program on Monday, June 17th that permits the company to buyback $4.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the energy company to repurchase up to 9.6% of its shares through open market purchases. Shares buyback programs are often a sign that the companys management believes its stock is undervalued.

Cheniere Energy Company Profile

(Free Report)

Cheniere Energy, Inc, an energy infrastructure company, primarily engages in the liquefied natural gas (LNG) related businesses in the United States. It owns and operates the Sabine Pass LNG terminal in Cameron Parish, Louisiana; and the Corpus Christi LNG terminal near Corpus Christi, Texas. The company also owns Creole Trail pipeline, a 94-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Sabine Pass LNG Terminal with several interstate and intrastate pipelines; and operates Corpus Christi pipeline, a 21.5-mile natural gas supply pipeline that interconnects the Corpus Christi LNG terminal with various interstate and intrastate natural gas pipelines.

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Truist Financial Corp trimmed its position in Accenture plc (NYSE:ACN  Free Report) by 50.9% in the second quarter, according to the company in its most recent Form 13F filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The firm owned 408,669 shares of the information technology services providers stock after selling 424,146 shares during the quarter. Truist Financial Corp owned approximately 0.07% of Accenture worth $123,994,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also recently added to or reduced their stakes in ACN. Swedbank AB bought a new stake in shares of Accenture during the first quarter worth approximately $820,912,000. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main raised its position in shares of Accenture by 100.0% during the 4th quarter. DZ BANK AG Deutsche Zentral Genossenschafts Bank Frankfurt am Main now owns 1,751,531 shares of the information technology services providers stock valued at $614,615,000 after acquiring an additional 875,723 shares during the last quarter. Generation Investment Management LLP acquired a new position in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter valued at $286,220,000. Public Employees Retirement Association of Colorado bought a new position in shares of Accenture in the 4th quarter worth $263,421,000. Finally, 1832 Asset Management L.P. grew its stake in shares of Accenture by 251.3% during the second quarter. 1832 Asset Management L.P. now owns 995,896 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $302,165,000 after purchasing an additional 712,400 shares during the period. 75.14% of the stock is owned by institutional investors.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Accenture

In other news, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The shares were sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total value of $1,649,100.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,964,751.98. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through the SEC website. In other Accenture news, General Counsel Joel Unruch sold 8,145 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 22nd. The shares were sold at an average price of $331.05, for a total value of $2,696,402.25. Following the transaction, the general counsel now directly owns 22,849 shares in the company, valued at $7,564,161.45. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Ellyn Shook sold 5,000 shares of Accenture stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, July 23rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $329.82, for a total transaction of $1,649,100.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 8,989 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $2,964,751.98. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders sold a total of 21,421 shares of company stock worth $6,912,635 over the last quarter. 0.07% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Accenture Trading Up 1.0 %

Shares of ACN stock opened at $353.33 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $334.35 and its two-hundred day moving average price is $320.23. Accenture plc has a 1 year low of $278.69 and a 1 year high of $387.51. The firm has a market capitalization of $221.43 billion, a P/E ratio of 32.36, a PEG ratio of 3.69 and a beta of 1.24.

Accenture (NYSE:ACN  Get Free Report) last released its earnings results on Thursday, September 26th. The information technology services provider reported $2.79 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.78 by $0.01. The business had revenue of $16.41 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $16.37 billion. Accenture had a return on equity of 27.48% and a net margin of 10.79%. Accentures revenue was up 2.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $2.71 earnings per share. As a group, equities research analysts forecast that Accenture plc will post 11.95 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Accenture announced that its Board of Directors has initiated a share repurchase program on Thursday, September 26th that permits the company to buyback $4.00 billion in shares. This buyback authorization permits the information technology services provider to buy up to 1.8% of its stock through open market purchases. Stock buyback programs are typically an indication that the companys leadership believes its stock is undervalued.

Accenture Increases Dividend

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Shareholders of record on Thursday, October 10th will be given a dividend of $1.48 per share. This is a positive change from Accentures previous quarterly dividend of $1.29. This represents a $5.92 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.68%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 10th. Accentures dividend payout ratio is 47.25%.

Wall Street Analyst Weigh In

A number of equities analysts have issued reports on ACN shares. Wedbush reduced their target price on Accenture from $400.00 to $350.00 and set an outperform rating on the stock in a report on Wednesday, June 12th. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Accenture from $400.00 to $415.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday. Stifel Nicolaus lowered their target price on shares of Accenture from $395.00 to $340.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Wednesday, June 12th. Piper Sandler Companies reissued a neutral rating and set a $329.00 price target on shares of Accenture in a research report on Friday, September 20th. Finally, The Goldman Sachs Group started coverage on shares of Accenture in a research report on Monday, June 24th. They issued a neutral rating and a $335.00 price objective for the company. Eight investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and fifteen have assigned a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $371.18.

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Accenture Profile

(Free Report)

Accenture plc, a professional services company, provides strategy and consulting, industry X, song, and technology and operation services worldwide. The company offers application services, including agile transformation, DevOps, application modernization, enterprise architecture, software and quality engineering, data management; intelligent automation comprising robotic process automation, natural language processing, and virtual agents; and application management services, as well as software engineering services; strategy and consulting services; data and analytics strategy, data discovery and augmentation, data management and beyond, data democratization, and industrialized solutions comprising turnkey analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) solutions; metaverse; and sustainability services.

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Truist Financial Corp reduced its stake in shares of Danaher Co. (NYSE:DHR  Free Report) by 0.9% during the second quarter, Holdings Channel reports. The institutional investor owned 502,219 shares of the conglomerates stock after selling 4,418 shares during the quarter. Truist Financial Corps holdings in Danaher were worth $125,479,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other large investors have also recently modified their holdings of DHR. Benjamin Edwards Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Danaher by 1.8% in the second quarter. Benjamin Edwards Inc. now owns 2,153 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $538,000 after buying an additional 38 shares in the last quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. lifted its holdings in shares of Danaher by 3.4% in the 2nd quarter. Patrick M Sweeney & Associates Inc. now owns 1,230 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $307,000 after acquiring an additional 40 shares during the last quarter. Trust Co of Kansas grew its stake in shares of Danaher by 4.1% in the second quarter. Trust Co of Kansas now owns 1,022 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $255,000 after buying an additional 40 shares in the last quarter. Abacus Planning Group Inc. increased its stake in Danaher by 0.7% during the second quarter. Abacus Planning Group Inc. now owns 5,439 shares of the conglomerates stock worth $1,359,000 after purchasing an additional 40 shares during the period. Finally, Certified Advisory Corp boosted its position in Danaher by 4.5% in the 2nd quarter. Certified Advisory Corp now owns 926 shares of the conglomerates stock valued at $231,000 after buying an additional 40 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 79.05% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of equities research analysts have commented on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus increased their price objective on shares of Danaher from $235.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. StockNews.com cut shares of Danaher from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Tuesday, June 25th. The Goldman Sachs Group raised their price objective on shares of Danaher from $225.00 to $250.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Barclays upped their price target on shares of Danaher from $270.00 to $285.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a research note on Wednesday, July 24th. Finally, Leerink Partners raised their price target on Danaher from $275.00 to $280.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Seven analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eleven have given a buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $278.94.

Danaher Trading Up 0.9 %

Danaher stock opened at $278.02 on Tuesday. The business has a 50 day moving average price of $270.77 and a two-hundred day moving average price of $258.06. The stock has a market cap of $205.93 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 47.12, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 4.55 and a beta of 0.83. Danaher Co. has a 12 month low of $182.09 and a 12 month high of $281.70. The company has a quick ratio of 1.04, a current ratio of 1.43 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33.

Danaher (NYSE:DHR  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The conglomerate reported $1.72 EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.15. Danaher had a return on equity of 11.06% and a net margin of 16.94%. The company had revenue of $5.74 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $5.59 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the firm earned $2.05 earnings per share. The businesss revenue was down 2.9% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, equities analysts forecast that Danaher Co. will post 7.59 EPS for the current year.

Danaher Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, October 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, September 27th will be paid a $0.27 dividend. This represents a $1.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 0.39%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Danahers payout ratio is presently 18.31%.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 952 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, August 26th. The shares were sold at an average price of $268.37, for a total value of $255,488.24. Following the completion of the transaction, the senior vice president now directly owns 4,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,130,374.44. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is available through the SEC website. In other Danaher news, SVP Brian W. Ellis sold 9,600 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $275.16, for a total value of $2,641,536.00. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 20,230 shares in the company, valued at $5,566,486.80. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through this link. Also, SVP Georgeann Couchara sold 952 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Monday, August 26th. The stock was sold at an average price of $268.37, for a total transaction of $255,488.24. Following the sale, the senior vice president now owns 4,212 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,130,374.44. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last quarter, insiders have sold 39,659 shares of company stock valued at $11,042,433. 11.10% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Danaher Company Profile

(Free Report)

Danaher Corporation designs, manufactures, and markets professional, medical, industrial, and commercial products and services worldwide. The Biotechnology segments offers bioprocess technologies, consumables, and services that advance, accelerate, and integrate the development and manufacture of therapeutics; cell line and cell culture media development services; cell culture media, process liquids and buffers for manufacturing, chromatography resins, filtration technologies, aseptic fill finish; single-use hardware and consumables and services, such as the design and installation of full manufacturing suites; lab filtration, separation, and purification; lab-scale protein purification and analytical tools; reagents, membranes, and services; and healthcare filtration solutions.

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IMS Capital Management raised its holdings in CRH plc (NYSE:CRH  Free Report) by 5.0% in the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the SEC. The fund owned 10,600 shares of the construction companys stock after acquiring an additional 500 shares during the period. IMS Capital Managements holdings in CRH were worth $795,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Several other hedge funds have also made changes to their positions in CRH. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. increased its stake in shares of CRH by 336.4% during the 2nd quarter. GHP Investment Advisors Inc. now owns 336 shares of the construction companys stock valued at $25,000 after acquiring an additional 259 shares during the last quarter. First Financial Corp IN acquired a new position in CRH during the 1st quarter worth approximately $26,000. NBC Securities Inc. boosted its holdings in CRH by 71.5% in the 1st quarter. NBC Securities Inc. now owns 415 shares of the construction companys stock worth $35,000 after acquiring an additional 173 shares during the period. Rothschild Investment LLC purchased a new position in shares of CRH in the second quarter valued at $43,000. Finally, Richardson Financial Services Inc. acquired a new position in CRH in the 4th quarter worth $47,000. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 62.50% of the companys stock.

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CRH Stock Performance

CRH stock opened at $92.72 on Tuesday. The businesss 50-day simple moving average is $86.04 and its 200-day simple moving average is $82.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $63.67 billion, a PE ratio of 15.51, a PEG ratio of 1.33 and a beta of 1.30. CRH plc has a 52 week low of $51.59 and a 52 week high of $94.14.

CRH Cuts Dividend

CRH ( NYSE:CRH Get Free Report ) last released its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, August 8th. The construction company reported $1.85 EPS for the quarter, hitting analysts consensus estimates of $1.85. The business had revenue of $9.65 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $10.16 billion. Research analysts forecast that CRH plc will post 5.44 earnings per share for the current year.

The firm also recently disclosed a semi-annual dividend, which was paid on Wednesday, September 25th. Shareholders of record on Friday, August 23rd were paid a $0.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Friday, August 23rd. This represents a yield of 1.7%. CRHs payout ratio is presently 29.77%.

Analysts Set New Price Targets

CRH has been the subject of a number of research analyst reports. DA Davidson lifted their price target on shares of CRH from $100.00 to $110.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Friday, August 9th. Citigroup decreased their price target on CRH from $109.00 to $99.00 and set a buy rating for the company in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. Morgan Stanley raised CRH from an equal weight rating to an overweight rating and increased their target price for the stock from $87.00 to $88.00 in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. Stephens assumed coverage on CRH in a report on Tuesday, June 18th. They set an overweight rating and a $95.00 target price for the company. Finally, StockNews.com downgraded shares of CRH from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 16th. Three equities research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and eight have issued a buy rating to the stock. According to data from MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $95.70.

Check Out Our Latest Stock Report on CRH

About CRH

(Free Report)

CRH plc, together with its subsidiaries, provides building materials solutions in Ireland and internationally. It operates through four segments: Americas Materials Solutions, Americas Building Solutions, Europe Materials Solutions, and Europe Building Solutions. The company provides solutions for the construction and maintenance of public infrastructure and commercial and residential buildings; and produces and sells aggregates, cement, readymixed concrete, and asphalt, as well as provides paving and construction services.

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Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) had its price objective boosted by analysts at JPMorgan Chase & Co. from $175.00 to $180.00 in a research note issued to investors on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an overweight rating on the real estate investment trusts stock. JPMorgan Chase & Co.s price target would indicate a potential upside of 11.95% from the stocks previous close.

Other analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. The Goldman Sachs Group assumed coverage on shares of Digital Realty Trust in a research report on Monday, July 1st. They set a buy rating and a $175.00 price objective on the stock. Stifel Nicolaus raised their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $165.00 to $175.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Friday, July 12th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $123.00 to $130.00 and gave the company an underweight rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. TD Cowen lowered their price objective on shares of Digital Realty Trust from $122.00 to $120.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a research report on Friday, July 26th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets upgraded shares of Digital Realty Trust from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and raised their price objective for the company from $144.00 to $170.00 in a research report on Wednesday, June 26th. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, seven have given a hold rating, ten have issued a buy rating and one has issued a strong buy rating to the companys stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, Digital Realty Trust presently has a consensus rating of Hold and an average price target of $154.28.

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Digital Realty Trust Price Performance

NYSE:DLR traded down $1.04 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $160.79. The stock had a trading volume of 610,446 shares, compared to its average volume of 1,851,521. The company has a 50 day simple moving average of $152.69 and a two-hundred day simple moving average of $147.95. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.81, a current ratio of 1.78 and a quick ratio of 1.78. Digital Realty Trust has a one year low of $113.94 and a one year high of $165.17. The firm has a market capitalization of $50.24 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 44.54, a P/E/G ratio of 5.14 and a beta of 0.60.

Digital Realty Trust (NYSE:DLR  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Thursday, July 25th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.20 EPS for the quarter, missing the consensus estimate of $1.63 by ($1.43). Digital Realty Trust had a net margin of 20.58% and a return on equity of 5.93%. The firm had revenue of $1.36 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $1.38 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned $1.68 earnings per share. The firms revenue for the quarter was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. Research analysts forecast that Digital Realty Trust will post 6.65 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Insider Activity

In other news, Director Jean F. H. P. Mandeville sold 600 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction that occurred on Thursday, August 1st. The shares were sold at an average price of $150.26, for a total transaction of $90,156.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the director now directly owns 9,055 shares of the companys stock, valued at $1,360,604.30. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website. 0.17% of the stock is owned by corporate insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

Several hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in DLR. Meeder Asset Management Inc. purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $25,000. American Capital Advisory LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Private Ocean LLC purchased a new stake in Digital Realty Trust during the second quarter valued at approximately $27,000. Gradient Investments LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 75.2% during the second quarter. Gradient Investments LLC now owns 177 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $27,000 after buying an additional 76 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Rise Advisors LLC increased its holdings in Digital Realty Trust by 1,125.0% during the first quarter. Rise Advisors LLC now owns 196 shares of the real estate investment trusts stock valued at $28,000 after buying an additional 180 shares during the last quarter. 99.71% of the stock is owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

About Digital Realty Trust

(Get Free Report)

Digital Realty brings companies and data together by delivering the full spectrum of data center, colocation, and interconnection solutions. PlatformDIGITAL, the company's global data center platform, provides customers with a secure data meeting place and a proven Pervasive Datacenter Architecture (PDx) solution methodology for powering innovation and efficiently managing Data Gravity challenges.

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AMMAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Jordan sent a third plane carrying aid to Lebanon on Tuesday, Jordan's state-run Petra news agency reported.

The aid, including essential supplies and materials, was delivered to the Lebanese army by the Jordanian armed forces using a C130 transport aircraft.

According to Petra, Jordan sent its second aid plane to Lebanon on Sunday to help those in need.

The deliveries come amid increased Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon that began last week, which mark the most intense Israeli military action against Lebanon since 2006.

Israel's week-long airstrikes further fuel its ongoing clashes with Hezbollah that started on Oct. 8, 2023, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in support of Hamas in the Gaza Strip, leading to retaliatory fire and airstrikes from Israel in southeastern Lebanon. 
First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP  Get Free Report) had its price target hoisted by research analysts at Wells Fargo & Company from $20.00 to $22.00 in a research report issued on Tuesday, Benzinga reports. The brokerage currently has an equal weight rating on the banks stock. Wells Fargo & Companys target price indicates a potential upside of 9.45% from the companys previous close.

Other research analysts have also recently issued research reports about the stock. Hovde Group boosted their price target on shares of First BanCorp. from $21.00 to $25.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 24th. Piper Sandler started coverage on shares of First BanCorp. in a report on Monday, August 26th. They issued a neutral rating and a $22.00 target price on the stock. Finally, Raymond James began coverage on shares of First BanCorp. in a report on Tuesday, July 9th. They set an outperform rating and a $21.00 price target for the company. Three analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and three have assigned a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat.com, the company has an average rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus target price of $21.17.

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Check Out Our Latest Analysis on FBP

First BanCorp. Price Performance

NYSE FBP traded down $1.07 during trading hours on Tuesday, hitting $20.10. 777,999 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 1,055,757. The company has a market capitalization of $3.35 billion, a PE ratio of 11.53, a PEG ratio of 1.45 and a beta of 1.10. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.44, a current ratio of 0.77 and a quick ratio of 0.76. First BanCorp. has a 52-week low of $12.72 and a 52-week high of $22.12. The firms 50-day moving average is $20.69 and its 200-day moving average is $18.78.

First BanCorp. (NYSE:FBP  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The bank reported $0.46 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $0.41 by $0.05. First BanCorp. had a return on equity of 21.86% and a net margin of 25.91%. The business had revenue of $304.28 million during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $230.26 million. During the same period in the prior year, the business earned $0.37 earnings per share. Equities analysts forecast that First BanCorp. will post 1.76 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Insider Buying and Selling at First BanCorp.

In other news, COO Donald Kafka sold 50,000 shares of First BanCorp. stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.81, for a total value of $1,090,500.00. Following the completion of the sale, the chief operating officer now directly owns 174,589 shares of the companys stock, valued at $3,807,786.09. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. In related news, COO Donald Kafka sold 50,000 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, July 24th. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.81, for a total transaction of $1,090,500.00. Following the transaction, the chief operating officer now owns 174,589 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $3,807,786.09. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available through this hyperlink. Also, EVP Michael Mcdonald sold 1,944 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Tuesday, September 3rd. The stock was sold at an average price of $21.51, for a total value of $41,815.44. Following the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 87,476 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,881,608.76. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders have sold a total of 82,452 shares of company stock valued at $1,790,066 over the last quarter. 2.50% of the stock is owned by company insiders.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of hedge funds have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the company. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 0.5% during the 1st quarter. CANADA LIFE ASSURANCE Co now owns 176,964 shares of the banks stock worth $3,101,000 after buying an additional 815 shares during the last quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. SummerHaven Investment Management LLC now owns 57,876 shares of the banks stock worth $1,059,000 after buying an additional 856 shares during the last quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 8.9% during the 2nd quarter. Mercer Global Advisors Inc. ADV now owns 11,852 shares of the banks stock worth $217,000 after buying an additional 971 shares during the last quarter. FCG Investment Co grew its stake in First BanCorp. by 4.8% during the 2nd quarter. FCG Investment Co now owns 30,111 shares of the banks stock worth $551,000 after buying an additional 1,375 shares during the last quarter. Finally, ProShare Advisors LLC lifted its position in First BanCorp. by 4.3% during the 1st quarter. ProShare Advisors LLC now owns 33,708 shares of the banks stock worth $591,000 after acquiring an additional 1,396 shares during the period. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 97.91% of the companys stock.

First BanCorp. Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

First BanCorp. operates as a bank holding company for FirstBank Puerto Rico that provides a range of financial products and services to consumers and commercial customers. The company operates through six segments: Commercial and Corporate Banking, Mortgage Banking, Consumer (Retail) Banking, Treasury and Investments, United States Operations, and Virgin Islands Operations.

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Shares of Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. (NYSE:RYAN  Get Free Report) reached a new 52-week high during mid-day trading on Tuesday . The company traded as high as $69.14 and last traded at $68.62, with a volume of 833333 shares changing hands. The stock had previously closed at $66.39.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

RYAN has been the subject of a number of recent research reports. The Goldman Sachs Group lifted their price target on shares of Ryan Specialty from $58.00 to $64.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a research note on Monday, August 5th. Citigroup increased their price objective on Ryan Specialty from $56.00 to $62.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a report on Tuesday, July 23rd. UBS Group boosted their target price on Ryan Specialty from $67.00 to $76.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. BMO Capital Markets raised Ryan Specialty from a market perform rating to an outperform rating and upped their price target for the company from $65.00 to $75.00 in a report on Tuesday, September 24th. Finally, Wells Fargo & Company raised their price objective on shares of Ryan Specialty from $60.00 to $63.00 and gave the stock an equal weight rating in a report on Friday, August 2nd. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, five have assigned a hold rating and five have issued a buy rating to the companys stock. According to MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and an average price target of $66.78.

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Ryan Specialty Stock Performance

The stock has a market cap of $17.76 billion, a PE ratio of 128.13, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.62. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $64.03 and a 200-day moving average of $57.77. The company has a quick ratio of 1.09, a current ratio of 1.09 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.81.

Ryan Specialty (NYSE:RYAN  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Thursday, August 1st. The company reported $0.58 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.56 by $0.02. Ryan Specialty had a return on equity of 48.08% and a net margin of 10.21%. The company had revenue of $695.40 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $695.56 million. During the same period last year, the business posted $0.45 EPS. The companys revenue was up 18.9% on a year-over-year basis. On average, equities analysts forecast that Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc. will post 1.81 EPS for the current year.

Ryan Specialty Dividend Announcement

The company also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, August 27th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, August 13th were paid a $0.11 dividend. This represents a $0.44 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 0.65%. The ex-dividend date was Tuesday, August 13th. Ryan Specialtys dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 83.02%.

Insiders Place Their Bets

In other news, EVP Jeremiah Rawlins Bickham sold 26,233 shares of the stock in a transaction dated Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.18, for a total value of $1,709,866.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now owns 24,845 shares in the company, valued at approximately $1,619,397.10. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, EVP Jeremiah Rawlins Bickham sold 26,233 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Wednesday, August 14th. The shares were sold at an average price of $65.18, for a total transaction of $1,709,866.94. Following the completion of the transaction, the executive vice president now directly owns 24,845 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,619,397.10. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which is available at the SEC website. Also, President Timothy William Turner sold 2,000,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, August 9th. The shares were sold at an average price of $62.45, for a total value of $124,900,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the president now directly owns 8,095 shares in the company, valued at approximately $505,532.75. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last 90 days, insiders have sold 2,107,136 shares of company stock worth $131,860,032. Company insiders own 11.10% of the companys stock.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Ryan Specialty

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the company. Champlain Investment Partners LLC increased its stake in Ryan Specialty by 28.0% in the first quarter. Champlain Investment Partners LLC now owns 4,937,332 shares of the companys stock valued at $274,022,000 after purchasing an additional 1,079,505 shares during the last quarter. Norden Group LLC boosted its position in shares of Ryan Specialty by 2,138.1% in the first quarter. Norden Group LLC now owns 778,848 shares of the companys stock worth $43,226,000 after acquiring an additional 744,049 shares during the last quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. grew its holdings in Ryan Specialty by 33.9% in the first quarter. Bessemer Group Inc. now owns 1,925,864 shares of the companys stock valued at $106,886,000 after purchasing an additional 488,067 shares during the period. Bank of New York Mellon Corp increased its position in Ryan Specialty by 132.2% during the second quarter. Bank of New York Mellon Corp now owns 836,209 shares of the companys stock worth $48,425,000 after purchasing an additional 476,126 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Norges Bank acquired a new position in shares of Ryan Specialty in the 4th quarter valued at $16,964,000. 84.82% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

About Ryan Specialty

(Get Free Report)

Ryan Specialty Holdings, Inc operates as a service provider of specialty products and solutions for insurance brokers, agents, and carriers in the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Europe, and Singapore. It offers distribution, underwriting, product development, administration, and risk management services by acting as a wholesale broker and a managing underwriter.

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Pathway Financial Advisers LLC increased its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 1.4% in the second quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities & Exchange Commission. The fund owned 25,497 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 358 shares during the period. Pathway Financial Advisers LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $2,576,000 at the end of the most recent reporting period.

Other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also bought and sold shares of the company. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC grew its holdings in Philip Morris International by 0.7% during the 2nd quarter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 12,888 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,306,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the last quarter. Dearborn Partners LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dearborn Partners LLC now owns 2,867 shares of the companys stock worth $291,000 after acquiring an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC boosted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 1.5% during the 2nd quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 6,287 shares of the companys stock valued at $637,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. lifted its holdings in Philip Morris International by 4.5% during the 2nd quarter. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 2,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $232,000 after buying an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. increased its holdings in Philip Morris International by 0.3% during the 2nd quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 28,913 shares of the companys stock worth $2,930,000 after purchasing an additional 99 shares during the period. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

PM has been the topic of several analyst reports. StockNews.com raised shares of Philip Morris International from a hold rating to a buy rating in a report on Monday, July 22nd. Barclays lifted their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $130.00 to $145.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 9th. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their target price on shares of Philip Morris International from $126.00 to $140.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, September 26th. Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft boosted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $116.00 to $118.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, JPMorgan Chase & Co. lifted their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. One research analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have issued a buy rating to the stock. Based on data from MarketBeat, Philip Morris International has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $119.14.

Insider Buying and Selling

In related news, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,877,305.15. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is available through this link. In other Philip Morris International news, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The shares were sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the transaction, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $9,877,305.15. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this link. Also, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. Insiders own 0.13% of the companys stock.

Philip Morris International Price Performance

NYSE:PM opened at $121.39 on Tuesday. The firms fifty day moving average price is $119.88 and its 200 day moving average price is $105.92. The firm has a market cap of $188.71 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 23.71, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.55. Philip Morris International Inc. has a 1-year low of $87.23 and a 1-year high of $128.22.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.57 by $0.02. The business had revenue of $9.47 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $9.19 billion. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.41% and a negative return on equity of 113.32%. The companys revenue was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business posted $1.60 earnings per share. As a group, analysts expect that Philip Morris International Inc. will post 6.45 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Philip Morris International Increases Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Investors of record on Thursday, September 26th will be paid a $1.35 dividend. This is a boost from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $5.40 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 4.45%. Philip Morris Internationals payout ratio is 105.47%.

About Philip Morris International

(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.

Further Reading

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Inspire Medical Systems, Inc. (NYSE:INSP  Get Free Report) was the target of a large decrease in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 1,210,000 shares, a decrease of 6.9% from the August 31st total of 1,300,000 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 714,900 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 1.7 days.

Inspire Medical Systems Price Performance

Shares of NYSE:INSP traded up $0.21 during trading on Tuesday, hitting $211.26. 205,209 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 617,299. The company has a market cap of $6.28 billion, a PE ratio of -383.73 and a beta of 1.33. Inspire Medical Systems has a 52-week low of $123.00 and a 52-week high of $257.40. The stock has a 50 day moving average of $184.45 and a 200 day moving average of $182.54.

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Inspire Medical Systems (NYSE:INSP  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The company reported $0.32 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of ($0.14) by $0.46. Inspire Medical Systems had a return on equity of 1.03% and a net margin of 0.85%. The firm had revenue of $195.89 million during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $189.08 million. During the same quarter last year, the company posted ($0.41) EPS. The companys revenue for the quarter was up 29.6% on a year-over-year basis. Sell-side analysts forecast that Inspire Medical Systems will post 0.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Analyst Upgrades and Downgrades

A number of research analysts recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial reiterated a buy rating and issued a $240.00 price target (up previously from $217.00) on shares of Inspire Medical Systems in a research note on Monday. Stifel Nicolaus dropped their price objective on shares of Inspire Medical Systems from $210.00 to $170.00 and set a hold rating for the company in a report on Monday, June 24th. KeyCorp cut their price target on shares of Inspire Medical Systems from $278.00 to $236.00 and set an overweight rating on the stock in a research report on Wednesday, August 7th. Royal Bank of Canada restated an outperform rating and issued a $260.00 price target on shares of Inspire Medical Systems in a report on Wednesday, August 7th. Finally, Morgan Stanley reduced their price objective on Inspire Medical Systems from $250.00 to $210.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Five research analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and nine have assigned a 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 $216.62.

View Our Latest Stock Report on INSP

Insider Buying and Selling

In other Inspire Medical Systems news, insider Randy Ban sold 4,861 shares of the firms stock in a transaction on Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.55, for a total value of $916,541.55. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 3,056 shares in the company, valued at approximately $576,208.80. The transaction was disclosed in a document filed with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is accessible through the SEC website. In other news, Director Shawn Mccormick sold 800 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Monday, September 9th. The stock was sold at an average price of $220.00, for a total value of $176,000.00. Following the completion of the sale, the director now directly owns 23,140 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $5,090,800. The sale was disclosed in a document filed with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. Also, insider Randy Ban sold 4,861 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Friday, August 16th. The shares were sold at an average price of $188.55, for a total transaction of $916,541.55. Following the completion of the sale, the insider now owns 3,056 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $576,208.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. In the last three months, insiders sold 5,692 shares of company stock valued at $1,099,207. Company insiders own 4.10% of the companys stock.

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Inspire Medical Systems

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in the business. Clearbridge Investments LLC purchased a new position in shares of Inspire Medical Systems in the second quarter valued at about $1,580,000. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky boosted its stake in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 1.1% during the 2nd quarter. Teachers Retirement System of The State of Kentucky now owns 40,938 shares of the companys stock valued at $5,479,000 after purchasing an additional 437 shares in the last quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its position in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 497.7% during the second quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 17,512 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,344,000 after purchasing an additional 14,582 shares in the last quarter. Quarry LP grew its holdings in Inspire Medical Systems by 105.4% in the second quarter. Quarry LP now owns 343 shares of the companys stock worth $46,000 after purchasing an additional 176 shares during the period. Finally, Creative Planning boosted its position in shares of Inspire Medical Systems by 12.4% in the 2nd quarter. Creative Planning now owns 2,575 shares of the companys stock worth $345,000 after purchasing an additional 284 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors own 94.91% of the companys stock.

About Inspire Medical Systems

(Get Free Report)

Inspire Medical Systems, Inc, a medical technology company, focuses on the development and commercialization of minimally invasive solutions for patients with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) in the United States and internationally. The company offers Inspire system, a neurostimulation technology that provides a safe and effective treatment for moderate to severe OSA.

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3Chopt Investment Partners LLC lifted its position in Altria Group, Inc. (NYSE:MO  Free Report) by 1.2% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The firm owned 66,371 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 772 shares during the quarter. Altria Group makes up 0.9% of 3Chopt Investment Partners LLCs investment portfolio, making the stock its 23rd largest holding. 3Chopt Investment Partners LLCs holdings in Altria Group were worth $3,089,000 at the end of the most recent quarter.

Several other hedge funds have also recently bought and sold shares of the company. Capital Research Global Investors grew its holdings in Altria Group by 1.9% during the 4th quarter. Capital Research Global Investors now owns 13,279,658 shares of the companys stock worth $535,701,000 after acquiring an additional 242,442 shares in the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc raised its stake in Altria Group by 1.6% in the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 12,355,509 shares of the companys stock valued at $562,793,000 after buying an additional 191,236 shares in the last quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp raised its stake in Altria Group by 120.6% in the first quarter. Van ECK Associates Corp now owns 8,762,047 shares of the companys stock valued at $382,201,000 after buying an additional 4,789,788 shares in the last quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC lifted its holdings in Altria Group by 25.0% during the 2nd quarter. AQR Capital Management LLC now owns 6,490,441 shares of the companys stock worth $295,055,000 after buying an additional 1,299,703 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Victory Capital Management Inc. boosted its position in shares of Altria Group by 5.0% during the 2nd quarter. Victory Capital Management Inc. now owns 5,060,589 shares of the companys stock worth $230,510,000 after acquiring an additional 243,201 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 57.41% of the companys stock.

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Altria Group Stock Down 0.0 %

Shares of NYSE:MO opened at $51.04 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day moving average price of $51.53 and a 200 day moving average price of $47.20. Altria Group, Inc. has a 52 week low of $39.06 and a 52 week high of $54.95. The company has a market cap of $87.67 billion, a P/E ratio of 10.68, a PEG ratio of 2.95 and a beta of 0.65.

Altria Group Increases Dividend

Altria Group ( NYSE:MO Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The company reported $1.31 earnings per share for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $1.35 by ($0.04). The business had revenue of $6.21 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $5.39 billion. Altria Group had a net margin of 42.25% and a negative return on equity of 232.55%. The firms quarterly revenue was up 14.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm earned $1.31 earnings per share. Analysts expect that Altria Group, Inc. will post 5.11 EPS for the current year.

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Thursday, October 10th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be paid a dividend of $1.02 per share. This is a boost from Altria Groups previous quarterly dividend of $0.98. This represents a $4.08 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 7.99%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Monday, September 16th. Altria Groups dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 85.36%.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several equities research analysts have recently weighed in on the company. Barclays raised their target price on Altria Group from $43.00 to $45.00 and gave the stock an underweight rating in a research report on Monday, September 9th. Stifel Nicolaus boosted their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $50.00 to $54.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research report on Thursday, August 1st. UBS Group increased their target price on shares of Altria Group from $39.00 to $41.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a research report on Monday, September 9th. StockNews.com raised shares of Altria Group from a hold rating to a buy rating in a research report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Bank of America upped their price objective on shares of Altria Group from $52.00 to $57.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Two equities research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, three have issued a hold rating and three have given a buy rating to the company. Based on data from MarketBeat, the stock has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $49.67.

View Our Latest Stock Analysis on Altria Group

Altria Group Company Profile

(Free Report)

Altria Group, Inc, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and sells smokeable and oral tobacco products in the United States. The company offers cigarettes primarily under the Marlboro brand; large cigars and pipe tobacco under the Black & Mild brand; moist smokeless tobacco and snus products under the Copenhagen, Skoal, Red Seal, and Husky brands; oral nicotine pouches under the on! brand; and e-vapor products under the NJOY ACE brand.

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3Chopt Investment Partners LLC purchased a new stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Free Report) during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent 13F filing with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The fund purchased 7,538 shares of the healthcare product makers stock, valued at approximately $783,000.

Several other institutional investors and hedge funds have also modified their holdings of ABT. Aveo Capital Partners LLC grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13.3% during the 4th quarter. Aveo Capital Partners LLC now owns 3,525 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $388,000 after acquiring an additional 413 shares in the last quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC grew its holdings in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 94.1% during the 4th quarter. CWA Asset Management Group LLC now owns 10,518 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $1,158,000 after acquiring an additional 5,098 shares in the last quarter. Cornerstone Advisory LLC lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 13.8% in the 4th quarter. Cornerstone Advisory LLC now owns 5,439 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $599,000 after purchasing an additional 659 shares during the last quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 1.9% in the 4th quarter. Peapack Gladstone Financial Corp now owns 135,026 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $14,862,000 after purchasing an additional 2,557 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Nicholas Company Inc. lifted its stake in shares of Abbott Laboratories by 5.4% in the 4th quarter. Nicholas Company Inc. now owns 89,350 shares of the healthcare product makers stock valued at $9,835,000 after purchasing an additional 4,560 shares during the last quarter. 75.18% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

Several equities research analysts recently issued reports on the stock. Royal Bank of Canada reaffirmed an outperform rating and issued a $125.00 price objective on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Tuesday, June 4th. Edward Jones lowered shares of Abbott Laboratories from a buy rating to a hold rating in a research note on Tuesday, July 30th. Piper Sandler initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research note on Thursday, September 19th. They issued an overweight rating and a $131.00 price objective for the company. Evercore ISI cut their target price on shares of Abbott Laboratories from $125.00 to $120.00 and set an outperform rating for the company in a research report on Tuesday, July 2nd. Finally, Piper Sandler Companies initiated coverage on shares of Abbott Laboratories in a research report on Thursday, September 19th. They set an overweight rating and a $131.00 target price for the company. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and ten have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat.com, Abbott Laboratories currently has an average rating of Moderate Buy and an average target price of $124.00.

Insider Activity at Abbott Laboratories

In related news, CEO Robert B. Ford sold 141,679 shares of the companys stock in a transaction dated Thursday, September 12th. The shares were sold at an average price of $116.41, for a total value of $16,492,852.39. Following the sale, the chief executive officer now owns 220,059 shares of the companys stock, valued at $25,617,068.19. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. 1.10% of the stock is currently owned by insiders.

Abbott Laboratories Stock Up 1.4 %

Shares of ABT opened at $114.01 on Tuesday. The company has a 50-day simple moving average of $111.78 and a 200-day simple moving average of $108.16. The firm has a market capitalization of $198.34 billion, a P/E ratio of 35.52, a P/E/G ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.72. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33, a quick ratio of 1.18 and a current ratio of 1.68. Abbott Laboratories has a 52 week low of $89.67 and a 52 week high of $121.64.

Abbott Laboratories (NYSE:ABT  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings data on Thursday, July 18th. The healthcare product maker reported $1.14 EPS for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.10 by $0.04. The business had revenue of $10.38 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $10.37 billion. Abbott Laboratories had a net margin of 13.65% and a return on equity of 20.18%. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 4.0% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter in the prior year, the business earned $1.08 earnings per share. On average, equities research analysts expect that Abbott Laboratories will post 4.66 earnings per share for the current year.

Abbott Laboratories Dividend Announcement

The firm also recently announced a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Friday, November 15th. Investors of record on Tuesday, October 15th will be paid a $0.55 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Tuesday, October 15th. This represents a $2.20 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 1.93%. Abbott Laboratoriess payout ratio is currently 68.54%.

About Abbott Laboratories

(Free Report)

Abbott Laboratories, together with its subsidiaries, discovers, develops, manufactures, and sells health care products worldwide. It operates in four segments: Established Pharmaceutical Products, Diagnostic Products, Nutritional Products, and Medical Devices. The company provides generic pharmaceuticals for the treatment of pancreatic exocrine insufficiency, irritable bowel syndrome or biliary spasm, intrahepatic cholestasis or depressive symptoms, gynecological disorder, hormone replacement therapy, dyslipidemia, hypertension, hypothyroidism, Meniere's disease and vestibular vertigo, pain, fever, inflammation, and migraine, as well as provides anti-infective clarithromycin, influenza vaccine, and products to regulate physiological rhythm of the colon.

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New Century Financial Group LLC grew its position in shares of Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report) by 62.0% during the 2nd quarter, HoldingsChannel.com reports. The firm owned 9,709 shares of the companys stock after buying an additional 3,716 shares during the quarter. New Century Financial Group LLCs holdings in Philip Morris International were worth $984,000 as of its most recent filing with the SEC.

A number of other hedge funds and other institutional investors have also made changes to their positions in PM. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC lifted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.7% during the second quarter. Longfellow Investment Management Co. LLC now owns 12,888 shares of the companys stock worth $1,306,000 after purchasing an additional 88 shares during the period. Dearborn Partners LLC raised its position in Philip Morris International by 3.2% during the 2nd quarter. Dearborn Partners LLC now owns 2,867 shares of the companys stock worth $291,000 after buying an additional 89 shares during the last quarter. LRI Investments LLC lifted its stake in shares of Philip Morris International by 1.5% in the 2nd quarter. LRI Investments LLC now owns 6,287 shares of the companys stock worth $637,000 after acquiring an additional 92 shares during the period. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 4.5% in the second quarter. Cahill Financial Advisors Inc. now owns 2,294 shares of the companys stock valued at $232,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of Philip Morris International by 0.3% in the second quarter. Pekin Hardy Strauss Inc. now owns 28,913 shares of the companys stock valued at $2,930,000 after acquiring an additional 99 shares in the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 78.63% of the companys stock.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Philip Morris International

In other news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the businesss stock in a transaction on Thursday, July 25th. The stock was sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total value of $2,260,200.00. Following the completion of the transaction, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink. In other Philip Morris International news, insider Wilde Frederic De sold 20,000 shares of the firms stock in a transaction dated Thursday, July 25th. The shares were sold at an average price of $113.01, for a total transaction of $2,260,200.00. Following the sale, the insider now directly owns 158,447 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $17,906,095.47. The transaction was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available through the SEC website. Also, insider Massimo Andolina sold 9,000 shares of Philip Morris International stock in a transaction dated Thursday, August 8th. The stock was sold at an average price of $115.35, for a total transaction of $1,038,150.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 85,629 shares of the companys stock, valued at $9,877,305.15. The disclosure for this sale can be found here. 0.13% of the stock is owned by insiders.

Analyst Ratings Changes

Several research analysts recently issued reports on PM shares. The Goldman Sachs Group increased their price target on shares of Philip Morris International from $126.00 to $140.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a report on Thursday, September 26th. Bank of America increased their target price on Philip Morris International from $125.00 to $139.00 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 4th. Barclays lifted their price target 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. JPMorgan Chase & Co. increased their price objective on Philip Morris International from $110.00 to $125.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Thursday, July 25th. Finally, UBS Group raised their target price on Philip Morris International from $95.00 to $105.00 and gave the company a sell rating in a report on Monday, September 9th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, three have given a hold rating and nine have given a buy rating to the stock. According to MarketBeat, the company presently has a consensus rating of Moderate Buy and a consensus price target of $119.14.

Get Our Latest Stock Analysis on PM

Philip Morris International Stock Up 0.6 %

Shares of PM stock opened at $121.39 on Tuesday. The stock has a market cap of $188.71 billion, a P/E ratio of 23.71, a P/E/G ratio of 2.37 and a beta of 0.55. Philip Morris International Inc. has a fifty-two week low of $87.23 and a fifty-two week high of $128.22. The business has a fifty day simple moving average of $119.88 and a 200-day simple moving average of $105.92.

Philip Morris International (NYSE:PM  Get Free Report) last posted its earnings results on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $1.59 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $1.57 by $0.02. Philip Morris International had a net margin of 9.41% and a negative return on equity of 113.32%. The firm had revenue of $9.47 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $9.19 billion. During the same period last year, the firm posted $1.60 EPS. The firms revenue for the quarter was up 5.6% on a year-over-year basis. On average, sell-side analysts anticipate that Philip Morris International Inc. 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 paid a $1.35 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Thursday, September 26th. This represents a $5.40 dividend on an annualized basis and a yield of 4.45%. This is a positive change from Philip Morris Internationals previous quarterly dividend of $1.30. Philip Morris Internationals dividend payout ratio is presently 105.47%.

About Philip Morris International

(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.

Further Reading

Want to see what other hedge funds are holding PM? Visit HoldingsChannel.com to get the latest 13F filings and insider trades for Philip Morris International Inc. (NYSE:PM  Free Report).

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Aflac Incorporated (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) was the target of a significant decline in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 12,840,000 shares, a decline of 8.5% from the August 31st total of 14,030,000 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 2,300,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 5.6 days. Approximately 2.6% of the companys shares are sold short.

Wall Street Analysts Forecast Growth

A number of research analysts recently commented on AFL shares. Piper Sandler increased their price target on Aflac from $95.00 to $100.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a report on Friday, June 28th. Truist Financial upped their price target on Aflac from $82.00 to $100.00 and gave the company a hold rating in a research report on Friday, August 2nd. UBS Group lifted their price objective on shares of Aflac from $84.00 to $109.00 and gave the stock a neutral rating in a report on Wednesday, August 14th. Jefferies Financial Group dropped their target price on shares of Aflac from $84.00 to $83.00 and set a hold rating on the stock in a report on Friday, June 28th. Finally, Barclays started coverage on shares of Aflac in a research report on Wednesday, September 4th. They issued an underweight rating and a $96.00 price target on the stock. Three research analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, nine have given a hold rating and three have issued a buy rating to the company. According to data from MarketBeat, the stock presently has an average rating of Hold and a consensus target price of $93.36.

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Read Our Latest Research Report on AFL

Aflac Price Performance

AFL stock traded up $1.02 on Tuesday, hitting $112.82. 1,894,779 shares of the companys stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 2,262,957. The company has a current ratio of 0.10, a quick ratio of 0.10 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.29. The stock has a market cap of $64.11 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 12.34, a P/E/G ratio of 2.60 and a beta of 0.95. Aflac has a 1-year low of $74.89 and a 1-year high of $112.96. The stock has a fifty day moving average of $104.85 and a 200-day moving average of $93.18.

Aflac (NYSE:AFL  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, July 31st. The financial services provider reported $1.83 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.60 by $0.23. Aflac had a return on equity of 16.22% and a net margin of 28.35%. The business had revenue of $5.14 billion during the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $4.10 billion. During the same quarter last year, the company posted $1.58 EPS. Aflacs revenue for the quarter was down .7% on a year-over-year basis. On average, analysts forecast that Aflac will post 6.75 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Aflac Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Monday, September 2nd. Stockholders of record on Wednesday, August 21st were paid a $0.50 dividend. This represents a $2.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.77%. The ex-dividend date was Wednesday, August 21st. Aflacs dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 22.08%.

Insider Activity

In related news, Director Thomas J. Kenny sold 2,000 shares of the stock in a transaction on Wednesday, August 7th. The stock was sold at an average price of $98.94, for a total value of $197,880.00. Following the transaction, the director now directly owns 18,158 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $1,796,552.52. The sale was disclosed in a filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which is available at this link. Company insiders own 0.90% of the companys stock.

Institutional Inflows and Outflows

A number of institutional investors and hedge funds have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Y.D. More Investments Ltd bought a new stake in shares of Aflac in the 2nd quarter valued at approximately $25,000. Atwood & Palmer Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Aflac by 80.0% during the 1st quarter. Atwood & Palmer Inc. now owns 315 shares of the financial services providers stock valued at $27,000 after purchasing an additional 140 shares in the last quarter. OFI Invest Asset Management acquired a new stake in shares of Aflac in the 1st quarter valued at $29,000. Dixon Mitchell Investment Counsel Inc. bought a new stake in Aflac in the first quarter worth $34,000. Finally, Cedar Wealth Management LLC acquired a new position in Aflac during the first quarter worth $50,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 67.44% of the companys stock.

Aflac Company Profile

(Get Free Report)

Aflac Incorporated, through its subsidiaries, provides supplemental health and life insurance products. The company operates through Aflac Japan and Aflac U.S. segments. The Aflac Japan segment offers cancer, medical, nursing care, work leave, GIFT, and whole and term life insurance products, as well as WAYS and child endowment plans under saving type insurance products in Japan.

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Truist Financial Corp raised its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Free Report) by 0.5% during the 2nd quarter, according to its most recent disclosure with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC). The institutional investor owned 3,763,143 shares of the companys stock after purchasing an additional 17,797 shares during the period. Merck & Co., Inc. accounts for approximately 0.7% of Truist Financial Corps portfolio, making the stock its 24th largest holding. Truist Financial Corp owned approximately 0.15% of Merck & Co., Inc. worth $465,877,000 as of its most recent SEC filing.

A number of other large investors have also recently bought and sold shares of the stock. Capital International Investors grew its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 3,714.9% in the 1st quarter. Capital International Investors now owns 6,023,853 shares of the companys stock valued at $794,847,000 after buying an additional 5,865,948 shares during the period. Capital World Investors lifted its position in Merck & Co., Inc. by 67.6% during the 1st quarter. Capital World Investors now owns 13,954,017 shares of the companys stock worth $1,841,233,000 after acquiring an additional 5,627,923 shares in the last quarter. Swedbank AB purchased a new position in shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in the first quarter valued at $724,776,000. Wellington Management Group LLP lifted its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 3.8% in the 4th quarter. Wellington Management Group LLP now owns 85,595,999 shares of the companys stock worth $9,331,676,000 after buying an additional 3,153,333 shares in the last quarter. Finally, Wulff Hansen & CO. boosted its holdings in Merck & Co., Inc. by 11,860.9% in the second quarter. Wulff Hansen & CO. now owns 2,494,199 shares of the companys stock valued at $308,782,000 after purchasing an additional 2,473,346 shares during the last quarter. Institutional investors and hedge funds own 76.07% of the companys stock.

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Analysts Set New Price Targets

A number of research firms have recently weighed in on MRK. Wolfe Research raised shares of Merck & Co., Inc. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Barclays dropped their target price on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. from $145.00 to $142.00 and set an overweight rating for the company in a research report on Wednesday, July 31st. Argus raised shares of Merck & Co., Inc. to a strong-buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, June 5th. Cantor Fitzgerald reaffirmed an overweight rating and issued a $155.00 price objective on shares of Merck & Co., Inc. in a report on Monday, September 16th. Finally, Evercore ISI raised Merck & Co., Inc. to a strong-buy rating in a report on Tuesday, July 30th. One analyst has rated the stock with a sell rating, two have assigned a hold rating, nine have assigned a buy rating and four have given a strong buy rating to the company. According to MarketBeat.com, the stock currently has an average rating of Buy and an average price target of $134.58.

Merck & Co., Inc. Stock Down 0.1 %

MRK opened at $113.56 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.80, a quick ratio of 1.22 and a current ratio of 1.47. The company has a market capitalization of $287.63 billion, a PE ratio of 126.18, a P/E/G ratio of 1.60 and a beta of 0.39. The stocks fifty day moving average is $116.46 and its 200-day moving average is $123.97. Merck & Co., Inc. has a one year low of $99.14 and a one year high of $134.63.

Merck & Co., Inc. (NYSE:MRK  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, July 30th. The company reported $2.28 EPS for the quarter, topping the consensus estimate of $2.16 by $0.12. Merck & Co., Inc. had a net margin of 21.99% and a return on equity of 40.69%. The firm had revenue of $16.10 billion for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $15.87 billion. During the same period in the previous year, the business earned ($2.06) earnings per share. Merck & Co., Inc.s revenue for the quarter was up 7.1% compared to the same quarter last year. On average, equities analysts predict that Merck & Co., Inc. will post 8.01 EPS for the current fiscal year.

Merck & Co., Inc. Announces Dividend

The firm also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Monday, October 7th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 16th will be given a $0.77 dividend. The ex-dividend date is Monday, September 16th. This represents a $3.08 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.71%. Merck & Co., Inc.s dividend payout ratio (DPR) is 342.22%.

About Merck & Co., Inc.

(Free Report)

Merck & Co, Inc operates as a healthcare company worldwide. It operates through two segments, Pharmaceutical and Animal Health. The Pharmaceutical segment offers human health pharmaceutical products in the areas of oncology, hospital acute care, immunology, neuroscience, virology, cardiovascular, and diabetes under the Keytruda, Bridion, Adempas, Lagevrio, Belsomra, Simponi, and Januvia brands, as well as vaccine products consisting of preventive pediatric, adolescent, and adult vaccines under the Gardasil/Gardasil 9, ProQuad, M-M-R II, Varivax, RotaTeq, Live Oral, Vaxneuvance, Pneumovax 23, and Vaqta names.

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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 superior stock? We will compare the two businesses based on the strength of their risk, dividends, institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, profitability and earnings.

Risk & 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.

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Insider & Institutional 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 insiders. Comparatively, 0.5% of Smurfit Westrock 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.

Analyst Recommendations

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

This is a summary of recent recommendations and price targets for Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrock, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Packaging Co. of America currently has a consensus target price of $190.50, suggesting a potential downside of 11.51%. Smurfit Westrock has a consensus target price of $57.80, suggesting a potential upside of 18.52%. Given Smurfit Westrocks stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, analysts plainly believe Smurfit Westrock is more favorable than Packaging Co. of America.

Earnings and Valuation

This table compares Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrocks top-line 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 2.48 $765.20 million $8.00 26.92 Smurfit Westrock $20.31 billion 1.25 -$22.40 million $1.19 40.98

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.

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 raised its dividend for 14 consecutive years.

Profitability

This table compares Packaging Co. of America and Smurfit Westrocks net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

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%

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.

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French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)

PARIS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- French Prime Minister Michel Barnier delivered a comprehensive one-and-a-half-hour speech Tuesday in the National Assembly, detailing his government's key priorities including public deficit reduction, immigration reform, and retirement policies.

Barnier set ambitious target for France's public deficit, aiming to bring it down to 5 percent of its gross domestic product (GDP) in 2025 from this year's 6 percent, and further down to 3 percent in 2029.

To achieve the goal, Barnier pledged to reduce public spending and introduce a more "effective" public spending scheme.

He also called for an additional tax effort, under which large and very large companies that make significant profits should contribute more "without compromising the competitiveness" of France.

The wealthiest French people will also be targeted for an "exceptional contribution," he added.

Following the murder of a young student by an illegal immigrant who was supposed to be deported from France, Barnier acknowledged in the National Assembly that France's migration and integration policies are no longer managed "in a satisfactory way."

Barnier said that his government would consider tightening visa issuance for countries that are reluctant to issue laissez-passers to repatriate their deported nationals.

In addition, he proposed measures to facilitate the exceptional extension of the detention for undocumented migrants waiting to be deported, and to improve the enforcement of obligations to leave French territory (OQTF).

Barnier also announced policies on energy, accommodation, possible further reform on retirement.

Speaking to the more than ever divided lower house, Barnier promised to govern France with a "new method" that involves "listening, respect and dialogue."

Being a prime minister without the absolute majority in the National Assembly, Barnier called on the opposition to make "dialogue and the culture of compromise" a governing principle. 

French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)

French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)

French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)

French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)

French Prime Minister Michel Bernier delivers a speech in the National Assembly in Paris, France, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jack Chan/Xinhua)
Hafnia Limited (NYSE:HAFN  Get Free Report) saw a significant growth in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 807,500 shares, a growth of 6.6% from the August 31st total of 757,500 shares. Approximately 0.3% of the companys shares are short sold. Based on an average trading volume of 728,400 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 1.1 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On Hafnia

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently bought and sold shares of the company. Acadian Asset Management LLC bought a new stake in Hafnia during the 2nd quarter worth about $107,651,000. Hsbc Holdings PLC acquired a new position in Hafnia during the second quarter valued at approximately $24,514,000. DekaBank Deutsche Girozentrale bought a new position in Hafnia in the second quarter valued at approximately $23,646,000. Skandinaviska Enskilda Banken AB publ bought a new position in Hafnia in the second quarter valued at approximately $4,327,000. Finally, Bank of New York Mellon Corp acquired a new position in shares of Hafnia during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $2,421,000.

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Hafnia Stock Performance

HAFN stock traded up $0.12 during mid-day trading on Tuesday, hitting $7.28. 1,235,689 shares of the company were exchanged, compared to its average volume of 381,916. The company has a current ratio of 1.49, a quick ratio of 1.33 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.33. Hafnia has a 1-year low of $5.66 and a 1-year high of $8.99. The business has a 50 day simple moving average of $7.58. The company has a market cap of $3.69 billion and a price-to-earnings ratio of 4.79.

Hafnia Increases Dividend

Hafnia ( NYSE:HAFN Get Free Report ) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Friday, August 23rd. The company reported $0.51 EPS for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.42 by $0.09. The business had revenue of $417.36 million for the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $387.14 million. Hafnia had a net margin of 47.30% and a return on equity of 34.28%. On average, equities research analysts predict that Hafnia will post 1.6 EPS for the current fiscal year.

The company also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Friday, September 13th. Stockholders of record on Tuesday, September 3rd were given a dividend of $0.4049 per share. This is a boost from Hafnias previous quarterly dividend of $0.34. This represents a $1.62 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 22.25%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 3rd.

About Hafnia

(Get Free Report)

Hafnia Limited owns and operates oil product tankers in Bermuda. It operates through Long Range II, Long Range I, Medium Range (MR), Handy size, and Specialized segments. The company transports clean and dirty, refined oil products, vegetable oil, and easy chemicals to national and international oil companies, and chemical companies, as well as trading and utility companies; and owns and operates 200 vessels.

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People gather around a missile at the West Bank village of Dura near Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israel's military on Tuesday vowed to "carry out attacks throughout the Middle East tonight" to retaliate against the Iranian attacks.

The military said around 200 missiles were fired by Iran at Israel in the evening, adding the attacks' impact was still under review. Military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that several missiles hit central and southern Israel, and "quite a few" were intercepted by air defense systems.

Amid Iran's night attack, a Palestinian man, originally from the Gaza Strip, was killed by shrapnel in a village near Jericho in the occupied West Bank, Israel's state-owned Kan TV news reported, while Israeli Magen David Adom rescue service said two people in Tel Aviv sustained minor injuries. There has been no immediate report of fatalities within Israel yet.

Video footage circulating on social media showed that a restaurant in northern Tel Aviv was damaged.

At a press briefing, Hagari remarked that no immediate launches were expected from Iran. He said civilians who had fled to shelters "are now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas," but advised them to stay near shelters as the alert level remains high and missile barrages may resume later.

The military said Chief of the General Staff of Israel Defense Forces Herzi Halevi had conducted a situational assessment at the Kirya military base in Tel Aviv. The cabinet is expected to convene later to discuss potential responses to Iran's attacks.

Israel's Airports Authority announced the reopening of airspace after a brief closure. Its neighbor Jordan also reopened its airspace following a temporary suspension of air traffic shortly after the attacks.

Jordan's Interior Ministry reported two injuries as missile debris fell on the country's territory. The kingdom's military said its units have remained on high alert to respond to any attempts that threaten the country's security and stability.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed that it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles.

The IRGC said in a statement that the attacks were in retaliation for Israel's assassinations of Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and senior IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, as well as its intensification of "malicious acts" with the U.S. support in its offensives against Lebanese and Palestinian peoples.

The operation was carried out following the approval of the Supreme National Security Council and a directive by the General Staff of the Armed Forces, with the support of the country's army and Defense Ministry, the IRGC added.

It warned that if Israel retaliates by attacking Iran, it will face further "crushing and destructive" attacks.

A senior Iranian aviation official said flights to and from Iran have been canceled, according to Iran's semi-official Mehr news agency.

Meanwhile, Yemen's Houthi group and the Palestinian Islamic Resistance Movement (Hamas) in the Gaza Strip expressed support for Iran in its attacks against Israel.

The two anti-Israel groups praised the attacks, calling them "a powerful message" to deter Israel's "aggression" in the region. 

People gather around a missile at the West Bank village of Dura near Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

People gather around a missile at the West Bank village of Dura near Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

People gather around a missile at the West Bank village of Dura near Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

A projectile from Iran to Israel flies through the sky above the southern West Bank city of Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

A projectile from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel flies through the sky above the southern West Bank city of Hebron, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Mamoun Wazwaz/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

A projectile from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel flies through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran to Israel fly through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran to Israel intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above the northern West Bank city of Nablus, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Ayman Nobani/Xinhua)

People take shelter in a protected room as the siren goes off at a medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

People take shelter in a protected room as the siren goes off at a medical center in Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran fly through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Projectiles from Iran intercepted by Israel fly through the sky above Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Jamal Awad/Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows a restaurant damaged during the Iranian attacks in Tel Aviv, Israel. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C, Front) attends a Security Cabinet meeting after Iran's missile attack, in Jerusalem, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Avi Ohayon/GPO/Handout via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed on Tuesday that Israel would retaliate against Iran's missile attack earlier in the day, during which 180 missiles were fired toward Israel.

"Iran made a big mistake tonight, and it will pay for it," said Netanyahu during a Security Cabinet meeting, which discussed Israel's ground campaign in Lebanon and possible responses to Iran's missile attack.

At a press briefing earlier, the Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari confirmed that several Iranian missiles hit central and southern Israel, and "quite a few" were intercepted by air defense systems.

A 38-year-old Palestinian was killed as one of the missiles exploded near Jericho city in the occupied West Bank, local Civil Defense said. There has been no immediate report of fatalities within Israel yet.

Earlier in the day, Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) claimed that it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles.

The IRGC said in a statement that the attacks were in retaliation for Israel's assassinations of resistance leaders, including Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and senior IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, as well as its intensification of "malicious acts" with the U.S. support in its offensives against Lebanese and Palestinian peoples. 
Tanaiste Micheal Martin has paid tribute after the owners of Jackie Lennox chip shop in Cork announced it will close its doors for the final time this Sunday.

The iconic chipper, which is located on Bandon Road in Cork city, has been open since 1951, and has served traditional fish and chips and other battered foods to generations of Corkonians as well as students from UCC and other educational institutions.

Announcing the closure, owners Frances and Brian Lennox said time had creeped up on them and they were ultimately "unable to cope with the burden of our success".

They said Jackie Lennox and his wife Eileen "raised nine children, seven of who were born above the shop", adding that all the children worked in the shop over the years.

Frances and Brian thanked all the loyal customers, workers and suppliers over the years saying it has been "a privilege".

"Please remember us fondly and we hope that we have made in a small way a contribution to the culture of Cork," they concluded.

In a post online, Tanaiste Micheal Martin said "a sincere thanks to the generations of Lennox family who ran the chip shop, adding that they have "made an outstanding contribution to Cork life, and its folklore".

"Lennoxs takeaway personified Cork decency, with good fun. An iconic institution, well be sad to see it close, but ever grateful to a great family," Martin added.

Many other local political figures joined in leaving tributes, with Cork South Central Sinn Fein TD Donnchadh O Laoghaire describing the business as the greatest chipper of all" and "an absolute institution for several generations in Cork".

Its the end of an era, O Laoghaire added.

READ NEXT - 'I lost my superman, not just my dad' - Family pays tribute as Irishman dies in US hurricane
A Dublin restaurant owner has said Budget 2025 is anti-small business and that progress his business made in the past year will be wiped away without further help.

Will Monaghan, owner of One Society on the corner of Parnell Street/Gardiner Street, said that the Dublin riots were the final nail in the coffin for his business, coupled with high electricity bills and an increased VAT rate.

Restaurant and cafe owners have warned of a crisis in the sector after the stilted years during the pandemic, resulting in warehoused debt that needs to be repaid, a huge hike in energy bills, a VAT rate increase from 9% to 13.5%, and as customers habits change due to the cost-of-living crisis.

Mr Monaghans One Society, which has been in operation for six years in November, offers brunch during the day and operates as an Italian tapas and wine bar at night.

While the business had been surviving, the Dublin riots broke out a stones throw away in November, which impacted on footfall in the area and bookings during the crucial Christmas season.

He has recently secured investment to open a second premises called Hidden in the more busy Smithfield area to help the Parnell Street premises.

Mr Monaghan said there was disappointment but not disbelief at supports for businesses in Budget 2025.

He said he knew that the VAT rate would remain at 13.5% weeks ago but he hoped something else substantial and meaningful for the hospitality sector would be announced instead.

He added that last years figures showed they made a 0.5% profit after making a 50,000 euro loss the previous year, but that those gains would be wiped away and more without anything of help.

He said that an Energy Subsidy Scheme for businesses giving up to 4,000 euros to an estimated 39,000 firms was not even worth talking about and did not clarify who would be eligible for it.

He said that the wage increases from January, while understandable, would put further pressure on costs.

The minimum wage has to go up, I understand that, I pay most people over minimum wage when I can. If the new business is performing I have no problem paying you more if the funds are there.

Theyve increased the minimum wage, its not much, but Im glad its not more from a business perspective. It is going to increase our costs by 15,000 euro a year for One Society.

He called on the Government to consider introducing a separate VAT rate for hospitality and hotels, arguing that he cannot increase a pizza to 30 euros each on a match day, while hotels can.

It was anti-small business and unfortunately thats the only way I can describe it, he said.

What does community have to look forward to if their beloved business, their beloved restaurant, cafe, bar, if they start going out of business?

It was a budget for an election, a budget for the individual. Theyre just about counting votes and getting the vote, and thats all that it is for.

Look, there are absolutely winners, dont get me wrong, people are going to benefit from it. Theyll spin it and say that theyre putting money in peoples pockets and cost of living prices wont be as much, and therefore there will be more to spend.

The reality is those who need the money desperately wont be getting enough money to trigger them to circulate it out (into the economy).
The Governments last budget is very concerning for asylum seekers in direct provision, an activist has said.

Bulelani Mfaco became involved in the campaign to end direct provision after arriving in Ireland as an asylum seeker from South Africa in 2017.

He said Tuesdays budget does not advance the Governments commitment to end direct provision.

Were not seeing any of that happening. What were seeing is an increase in the spending on the existing system where a lot of money is paid to private companies.

The budget includes funding for hundreds of new staff at the International Protection Office.

However, Mr Mfaco said: Without funding in other areas such as the legal aid board and HSE services, it is not really useful for asylum seekers.

He said some asylum seekers struggle to find GPs or service providers when they need additional supports after experiencing sexual violence or torture.

He added: What people need are lawyers, and when people are left to sleep on the streets where they are interviewed without having access to legal aid they are entitled to  that is concerning.

Mr Mfaco, a spokesman for the Movement of Asylum Seekers in Ireland (MASI), said an overhaul of the system was needed.

He said the Government had refused to take very basic steps which could be implemented quickly such as reducing the waiting times for the right to work and increasing staff in other parts of the process such as family reunification decisions.

Mr Mfaco expressed concern about the scapegoating of asylum seekers, noting that an increase in arrivals was not inconceivable given the large amounts of displaced people nationwide.

In the budget, the Government said it would progress a payment for children in international protection, which is believed to be an equivalent to the child benefit payment.

Mr Mfaco welcomed this measure but noted that it was supposed to be brought in some years ago.
Opposition parties have rounded on the Governments budget plans, insisting an opportunity to fix the housing crisis has been squandered.

Labours Ged Nash said Fine Gael and Fianna Fail had created a country of winners and losers.

He said Ireland was swimming in cash but claimed Budget 2025 was a budget for the status quo.

Record corporation tax receipts but record numbers of our citizens without a home, he said.

The highest number of people ever at work yet one in five of those workers subsist on wages below a minimum wage.

Surpluses the envy of Europe but public services and creaking infrastructure that should shame us.

An apparent economic miracle papering over the cracks of the daily, sadly now routine, indignities of crushing child poverty.

Mr Nash claimed that a century after the island of Ireland was divided, the current government had succeeded in dividing the people of the Irish state.

Socially and economically, winners versus losers, he said.

The Labour TD said options were limited for previous governments following the financial crash.

Now, for the first time in our history, after a decade of uninterrupted growth, money isnt the problem, he said.

Its a lack of imagination, a lack of vision thats holding our country and its people back.

He added: Our country is at a crossroads, and this country needs a change of direction, and an election should be called now.

Social Democrats deputy leader Cian OCallaghan said the Government had missed an open goal to fix Irelands housing shortages.

Never before has the opportunity for a government to fix our housing crisis been so great, he told the Dail.

Never before has need been so great in terms of record rents, record house prices, record numbers of people living in homeless emergency accommodation, and record numbers of children living and growing up without a home.

Never before has need been so great, never before have so many resources been available to tackle this, and has such an opportunity to tackle this been squandered.

The Government had an open goal here in terms of the housing crisis to take action  an open goal. Not only did they not get the ball into the net, it appears the Government isnt even on the pitch when it comes to fixing the housing crisis.

Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Richard Boyd Barrett said it was absolutely stunning that the budget had not delivered increased housebuilding targets.

He said that flew in the face of a Housing Commission report that pointed to significant deficits in housing stock in the state.

Really this budget, with all those resources that you had at your disposal, has done nothing to address the housing catastrophe we face, he told ministers.

Frankly, even Im shocked at your failure on housing.

The Government figures given out today in the budget are that incredibly, after the Housing Commission said we need to double our housing output  that means at least doubling the social and affordable housing output  have announced the same figures for social and affordable housing next year as this year, with no change on the Housing for All plan that has failed so disastrously.
ANKARA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Turkish military has "neutralized" 13 "terrorists" in operations in northern Iraq and northern Syria, the country's Defense Ministry said on Tuesday.

The ministry said 11 members of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) were killed in Turkiye's Operation Claw-Lock zone in northern Iraq.

In 2022, Turkiye launched Operation Claw-Lock to target the PKK hideouts in northern Iraq's Metina, Zap, and Avasin-Basyan regions near the Turkish border.

In a separate operation in northern Syria, Turkish forces "neutralized" two members of the Syrian Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG), said the ministry.

The YPG members were detected in the Operation Peace Spring zone of the Turkish military, said the ministry.

Turkish authorities often use the term "neutralized" in their statements to imply that the "terrorists" in question surrendered, were killed, or were captured.

Turkiye has been conducting cross-border operations in Iraq and Syria to target PKK and YPG hideouts.

The Turkish army launched Operation Euphrates Shield in 2016, Operation Olive Branch in 2018, Operation Peace Spring in 2019, and Operation Spring Shield in 2020 in northern Syria in order to create a YPG-free zone along its border within the neighboring country.

The PKK, listed as a terrorist organization by Turkiye, the United States, and the European Union, has rebelled against the Turkish government for more than three decades. Turkiye sees the YPG group as the PKK's Syrian branch. 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The United States is "actively supporting" Israel's defense against what Washington assesses to be an imminent ballistic missile attack from Iran, the White House said Tuesday.

"The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," multiple U.S. media outlets quoted a senior White House official as saying.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said.

Also on Tuesday, the U.S. embassy in Israel, which is located in Jerusalem, put out a security alert saying it has directed "all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice." The direction is sent to relevant U.S. personnel in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza. 
WASHINGTON, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The White House in a statement Tuesday said President Joe Biden has directed U.S. forces to aid Israel's defense against Iran, which launched missile attacks against the Jewish state.

U.S. National Security Council spokesperson Sean Savett said in a post on X, formerly known as Twitter, that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris "are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room & receiving regular updates from their national security team."

Biden, the spokesperson added, "directed the U.S. military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel."

The statement came as Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps said it had targeted Israel with dozens of ballistic missiles. 
SANAA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Houthi group in Yemen said in a statement on Tuesday that it had launched multiple attacks targeting two ships traveling off Yemeni coast.

Houthi military spokesman Yahya Sarea said the first operation targeted the British oil ship Cordelia Moon in the Red Sea, using eight ballistic and winged missiles, a drone, and an unmanned boat. He added that the operation "severely damaged" the ship, according to Houthi-run al-Masirah TV.

"The second operation targeted the ship Marathopolis in the Indian Ocean with a cruise missile, and the third operation targeted the same ship again in the Arabian Sea," he said.

"We will not stop launching attacks until the (Israeli) aggression on Gaza is stopped and the blockade is lifted, as well as the (Israeli) aggression on Lebanon is stopped," said Sarea.

The United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) reported earlier in the day on X multiple attacks on a ship 64 nautical miles northwest of Yemen's Red Sea port city of Hodeidah.

It reported four splashes near the ship, a "missile" attack, and an uncrewed surface vessel attack that punctured the number 6 port ballast tank, which is used for adjusting buoyancy of the ship.

The UKMTO said all crew members were safe.

The Houthis on Tuesday also claimed responsibility for five drone attacks on what they called "military targets" in the Israeli cities of Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The Houthi group, which controls large swathes of northern Yemen, has been attacking "Israeli-linked" shipping near the country's coastline since November 2023 to show support for Palestinians in their conflict with Israelis. 
This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

BEIRUT, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry.

According to the ministry, 11 of the fatalities were reported in the Baalbek-Hermel district, 22 in the Nabatieh Governorate, three in Beirut and Mount Lebanon, respectively, and 16 in the South Governorate.

Since Sept. 23, the Israeli army has been conducting an unprecedented, intensive air attack on Lebanon in a dangerous escalation with Hezbollah.

Since Oct. 8, 2023, Hezbollah and the Israeli army have been exchanging fire across the Lebanese-Israeli border amid fears of a broader conflict as the war between Hamas and Israel continues in the Gaza Strip. 

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo taken on Oct. 1, 2024 shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke rises following an Israeli airstrike in the town of Khiyam, southern Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

A ruined apartment building is pictured after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

A ruined apartment building is pictured after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

A ruined apartment building is pictured after Israeli airstrikes in Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 1, 2024. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows a scene after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows a scene after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Emergency workers are seen at a site damaged by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

A woman holding a cat is pictured near ruins after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

A woman holding a cat is pictured near ruins after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

A firefighter operates at a building damaged by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows a scene after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows a scene after Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Emergency workers are seen at a site damaged by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

This photo shows damages caused by Israeli airstrikes in the southern suburbs of Beirut, Lebanon, on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Xinhua/Bilal Jawich)

Smoke caused by Israeli raids targeting Shamshtar near the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon is pictured on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

Smoke caused by Israeli raids targeting Shamshtar near the city of Baalbek in eastern Lebanon is pictured on Oct. 2, 2024. Over the past 24 hours, Israeli airstrikes across Lebanon have killed 55 people and injured 156 others, said the Lebanese Health Ministry. (Photo by Taher Abu Hamdan/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2024 shows displaced people at a school in Tripoli, Lebanon. People have arrived here due to Israeli airstrikes. (Photo by Khaled Habashiti/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2024 shows displaced people at a school in Tripoli, Lebanon. People have arrived here due to Israeli airstrikes. (Photo by Khaled Habashiti/Xinhua)

This photo taken on Oct. 2, 2024 shows displaced children at a school in Tripoli, Lebanon. People have arrived here due to Israeli airstrikes. (Photo by Khaled Habashiti/Xinhua)
The Irish government has backed down from plans to include hate speech in legislation that risked imprisoning Christians and others for possessing varied and undefined materials deemed offensive.

The Incitement to Violence or Hatred and Hate Offenses Bill 2022, under discussion in the Irelands Senate for the past two years, will proceed but with the hate speech elements removed. Minister for Justice Helen McEntee reportedly decided against implementing those parts of the bill, although she still intends to strengthen existing incitement to hatred legislation.

The incitement to hatred element does not have a consensus, so that will be dealt with at a later stage, McEntee reportedly said.

Opposition to the bill came from Christians, lawmakers, free speech campaigners and U.S. business tycoon Elon Musk. Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF) International celebrated the move but warned that incitement to hatred remained illegal in Ireland under existing laws.

Pro-censorship actors may seek to bring in a separate new law in the future, read an ADF International press statement. With the world watching, the people of Ireland said No to state censorship, and its working.

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Saying such laws risk state censorship and oppression, the legal rights group called the hate speech elements one of the most far-reaching clampdowns on free speech by a modern democracy.

Concern had been previously expressed about the new law criminalizing the possession of material likely to stir hatred, such as memes and photos saved on cell phones, with a proposed five-year jail term for offenders. ADF International criticized the lack of a clear definition about what hate means.

Instead of protecting free speech and public safety, this law...[was] poised to set a draconian precedent of intolerance against those who express beliefs outside the state-approved orthodoxy, ADF International stated. Unpopular speech needs the most protection, and in a free society, free speech is required. Individuals should be able to express their beliefs without fear or oppression. The Irish government has chosen to uphold freedom of speech.

In June, Christian Daily International reported on a national poll showing a quarter of Irish people surveyed were concerned about freedom of speech as the country considered hate speech legislation. The survey of 1,027 adults took place in March by Whitestone Insight.

Nick Park, Executive Director of the Evangelical Alliance Ireland, did not see a risk of hate crime by evangelical Christians if they live by the ethical tenets of their faith.

The Evangelical Alliance Ireland believes in the importance of free speech and in the importance of Christians using that freedom in a responsible way to be good representatives of Jesus Christ, Park then told Christian Daily International.

There is an urgent need for Christians to learn how to speak uncompromised biblical truth in ways that are both truthful and gracious, he said.

The proposed hate speech legislation for Ireland contains a number of provisions and exceptions so that reasonable theological or academic discussion should not be criminalized, Park said. My own opinion is that, given the wording of the legislation, it is difficult to see how Christians would fall foul of the law if they behave and speak as Christians should.
Emergency workers transfer an injured person in Jaffa of Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024. Two men opened fire in Tel Aviv's southern suburb on Tuesday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, Israeli police said, in one of the most severe shooting attacks in the city in recent years. The police said in a statement that the attack occurred near a light rail stop in the suburb of Jaffa, and both assailants were shot and killed at the scene. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two men opened fire in Tel Aviv's southern suburb on Tuesday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, Israeli police said, in one of the most severe shooting attacks in the city in recent years.

The police said in a statement that the attack occurred near a light rail stop in the suburb of Jaffa, and both assailants were shot and killed at the scene.

Police and ambulances were quickly dispatched to the scene.

CCTV cameras showed the two suspects, one armed with an M16 rifle, stepping out of the rail stop and opening fire. 

Emergency workers transfer an injured person in Jaffa of Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024. Two men opened fire in Tel Aviv's southern suburb on Tuesday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, Israeli police said, in one of the most severe shooting attacks in the city in recent years.

The police said in a statement that the attack occurred near a light rail stop in the suburb of Jaffa, and both assailants were shot and killed at the scene. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)

Emergency workers transfer an injured person in Jaffa of Tel Aviv, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024. Two men opened fire in Tel Aviv's southern suburb on Tuesday evening, killing at least eight people and injuring several others, Israeli police said, in one of the most severe shooting attacks in the city in recent years.

The police said in a statement that the attack occurred near a light rail stop in the suburb of Jaffa, and both assailants were shot and killed at the scene. (Gideon Markowicz/JINI via Xinhua)
ZAGREB, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Croatian President Zoran Milanovic reaffirmed his stance against involving the Croatian Armed Forces in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's (NATO) mission to support Ukraine on Tuesday.

"Croatia cannot significantly influence the war in Ukraine, nor can it stop it," Milanovic said, emphasizing that with responsible state policies, Croatia can prevent the conflict from spreading to its borders and maintain peace and security for its citizens.

He added, "I refused to consent to the participation of the Croatian Armed Forces in the support mission to Ukraine. As long as I am president, I will not allow our soldiers to be involved in such activities, as it does not align with Croatia's national interest and could endanger our people."

Previously, Milanovic opposed training Ukrainian soldiers in Croatia, citing legal concerns.

Moreover, Milanovic has said that the United States and NATO were engaged in a proxy war against Russia through Ukraine, and slammed the Western sanctions on Russia as absurd and useless. 
GAZA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Three Palestinians were killed in an Israeli airstrike on the Nuseirat refugee camp in the central Gaza Strip on Tuesday, while Israeli forces unexpectedly advanced in the east of Khan Younis in southern Gaza.

Palestinian security sources told Xinhua that Israeli warplanes targeted a house west of the Nuseirat camp with a missile. They added that the airstrike was accompanied by intense artillery shelling, which also hit a school housing displaced persons.

Medical sources said the Israeli bombardment killed three Palestinians and injured several others, all of whom were taken to hospital.

In addition, local sources reported that several Palestinians were injured by the Israeli troops at the Netzarim junction in central Gaza.

The sources said these Palestinians were injured as they attempted to cross a military checkpoint to return to the north from the south of the strip, prompting gunfire from military vehicles and helicopters.

For its part, the Israeli military said its forces identified dozens of suspects threatening troops in central Gaza, prompting them to open fire, which resulted in injuries among the suspects, with no casualties reported on the Israeli forces' side.

In Khan Younis, eyewitnesses told Xinhua that Israeli vehicles unexpectedly advanced amid heavy fire in the Qizan an-Najjar area east of the city.

Witnesses mentioned that hundreds of Palestinian families were trapped east of Khan Younis due to ongoing artillery shelling and gunfire, resulting in injuries. They noted that the area also witnessed a significant movement of residents fleeing the sudden Israeli incursion. 
ST. PETERSBURG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- An exhibition entitled "Russia-China Friendship through the Ages" kicked off in the State Museum of Political History of Russia in St. Petersburg on Tuesday.

The exhibition, dedicated to the 75th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the two countries, is open until February of next year.

It offers a unique opportunity to trace the history of relations between the two countries. Many of the exhibits are being shown publicly for the first time.

Representatives from both countries participated in the opening ceremony, including the Consul General of China in St. Petersburg Luo Zhanhui, officials of the government of St. Petersburg, historians and public figures.

Speaking at the opening ceremony, the museum's director general Sergey Rybakov noted that the exhibits show how the two countries' friendship grew and strengthened, becoming an example of mutually beneficial cooperation for the rest of the world.

"The exhibition that opened shows what role friendship plays in the relationship between our countries both in the past and in the present," said Luo.

The event also featured a symphonic concert performed by Russian and Chinese artists, along with workshops on Chinese calligraphy and dance. 
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Israeli authorities reported that a shooting attack was carried out in a southern suburb of Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening, injuring at least 10 people. 
Quick insight into one aspect of election season with no solution insight.



Check the latest exchange of words and warnings . . .



Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab was particularly concerned with the response from the USPS that they do not postmark or cancel every piece of mail in the system.



The Postal Services policy is to postmark all ballots mailed by voters, whether they are prepaid by election officials or mailed with a stamp affixed by the voter and raises broader concerns about what other time sensitive mail, such as tax returns, is treated similarly. If there is a USPS policy that not every piece of mail is not postmarked, the USPS should be transparent about this policy so customers, and especially voters, can make the appropriate decision when choosing to return their ballot. Failure to do so further undermines voter confidence in election processes," Schwab's letter states.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Interesting . . . .

One of our favorite local news stations joins forces with an activist blog that's mostly known for spreading sketchy serial killer rumors along with their acerbic anti-white rhetoric.

None of that sounds appetizing . . . But most people know better than to partake in any "special" a restaurant might offer . . . Of course, here's a more optimistic take . . .



"The KC Defender is hosting the first KC Black Feast Week, celebrating Black-owned restaurants throughout the Kansas City metro."

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
This morning we're inspired by hottie Siri as the performer & activists rallies for her vocation and inspires us to check pop culture, community reporting and top headlines.

Check TKC news gathering . . .

Cowtown Tidy Up Payout

City to receive 4.5 million to clean up Kansas City to spur investment from developers The Environmental Protection Agency announced that Kansas City is receiving $4.5 million to clean up areas of the city that will hopefully spur investment from developers.

Meth Town Suffers Costly Crime

Independence building declared safety hazard after significant vandalism The former Jackson County Health building needs to be demolished after vandals significantly damaged it, according to county leaders.

Show-Me Tech Solution

University of Missouri researchers design a filter to remove microplastics from tap water Researchers at the University of Missouri college of engineering have designed a filter to fit on standard faucets with the goal of removing lead and microplastics.

Lesson In Consequences

November election could shift Kansas State Board of Education to the right Voters in November will decide five of the 10 seats on the Kansas Board of Education. The results could shift the political and ideological balance on the board, which could affect what Kansas students learn in classrooms.

Perfect Village Romance Across Party Lines

Opposites attract for Prairie Village couple with Harris, Trump signs in their yard In the 21 years Republican John Anderson and Democrat Maggie McCoy have been together, they cover the yard of their Prairie Village, Kansas, with election signs for both parties.

Performer Helps Industry

Siri Dahl to Host 'Corn Telethon' for Sex Work Activism Siri Dahl will host and co-produce the first ever "Corn Telethon," a star-studded 12-hour SFW livestream supporting sex workers and combating censorship.

Prez Celebrates Milestone

Biden celebrates Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday: 'I admire you so darn much' | CNN Politics President Joe Biden offered a 100th birthday greeting to former President Jimmy Carter, celebrating a predecessor he said he admires "so darn much."

Dock Workers Lash Out

Port strike update as Teamsters launch foul-mouthed tirade at Biden admin Dock workers walked out in the early hours of Tuesday morning after negotiators failed to reach an agreement.

MAGA Raises Desperately Needed Cash

Trump launches GoFundMe to help Hurricane Helene victims, raises more than $1M A GoFundMe launched by the Trump campaign raised more than $1 million on Monday after he visited areas of Georgia hit by Hurricane Helene.

Deuce Debate Countdown

What to watch for at Tuesday's VP debate between Vance and Walz Here's what to look out for as JD Vance and Tim Walz square off in a vice presidential debate one month ahead of the Trump-Harris presidential election.

Veep Stats Slipping?!?

Kamala Harris loses advantage in critical battleground state Kamala Harris has fallen behind Donald Trump in the swing state of Pennsylvania, according to a recent polling average.

Purge For Police ALMOST Explained

Opinion | What Trump's vision of "one rough hour" for police really means Donald Trump's call for police to have one "rough" and "violent" day echoes ideas from "The Purge" and signals interest in an authoritarian police state.

More Americans Visit Holy Land War Zone

Pentagon sending thousands of more troops to the Middle East as Israel begins ground invasion of Lebanon The Pentagon announced Monday that the US is sending thousands of more troops to the Middle East as Israel initiates "ground raids" into Lebanon targeting Hezbollah terrorists.

Old-School Fighter Confronts Harsh Time

American Man, 72, Pleads Guilty in Russia to Fighting for Ukraine He now faces up to 15 years in prison.

Hollywood Has Marriage Advice

Goldie Hawn says 'good sex' is key component in relationship with Kurt Russell Goldie Hawn is getting candid about the intimate moments in her relationship with Kurt Russell. The actress says "good sex" has been important to the longevity of their relationship.

Things Off Her Chest

I hated my KK boobs so got an 8k reduction, my nipple ROTTED away in botched op A GLAM nursery worker who haded her "ridiculous" KK boobs has been left in agony after a botched 8,000 operation to reduce them. Paige Harvey, from Eyemouth, Berwickshire, hated the at...

Artsy Schedule Ahead

Four Art Events Not to Miss in October - IN Kansas City Magazine Sonia De Los Santos Sings A Celebration of Latin America You may recognize salsa music, but can you identify huapango, cumbia, or festejo? Well, now is your chance. On Friday morning, October 25, pack up your little ones for Latin music at the Midwest Trust Center that will put a smile on your face.

Community Shares Cash

One month after shooting, donors raise nearly $200k for family of KC chef Shaun Brady More than 2,000 donations have rolled in over the last few weeks, according to a GoFundMe page established after chef Shaun Brady's fatal shooting.

Local Nightmare Celebrated

Kansas City woman creates Royals Cabbage Patch Kids after making Chiefs dolls When I did a story on Teresa Henderson's Chiefs Cabbage Patch Kids dolls, she told me how big of a Kansas City Royals fan she was. Now she has created her Royals.

Burning Sensation Warning



'Avoid outdoor burning': Dry September leads to elevated wildfire concerns in Kansas City Strong winds, low humidity and a dry September is raising concerns of wildfires igniting and spreading rapidly across the Kansas City area

Crisp Local Forecast

Kansas City weather: Fall air Tuesday, warmer by Thursday A fast-moving cold front will sweep through on Tuesday, switching the winds to the north and bringing blustery conditions.

Saweetie - Is It The Way is the song of the day and this is the OPEN THREAD for right now.
TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Four people, including an official, a military commander, and two conscripts, were killed Tuesday in a "terrorist" shooting attack in the southeastern Iranian province of Sistan and Baluchestan, state-run IRIB TV reported.

The attack occurred in Bent city, Nik Shahr County, at 9:30 a.m. local time (0600 GMT) after a charity event at a school, Nik Shahr Governor Mojib Hassani told IRIB TV.

The victims were identified as Parviz Kadkhodaei, the Commander of the Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) in Bent; Yousef Shirani, head of Bent's Islamic City Council; and conscripts Javad Sadati and Mojib Balouchi, who served with the IRGC, according to Mojib Hassani.

The attack also left two people injured, according to the semi-official Tasnim news agency.

According to the official news agency IRNA, gunmen in a sedan opened fire on attendees of the charity event.

In another deadly incident in the province's Khash County on Tuesday, two policemen were shot dead by "armed individuals" while in their car, the semi-official Fars new agency reported.

Bordering Pakistan and Afghanistan, Sistan and Baluchestan province has witnessed several terrorist attacks on both civilians and security forces in recent years.

On Sunday, three Iranian security forces were killed and five others injured in five separate attacks by "terrorists" in a number of counties in the province, the IRNA reported. 
This note is worth a peek if only because it shows that some blogs are garnering MILLIONS OF BUCKS for disseminating "news" that mostly favors progressive and even then it's still tough to hang on to staffers for a gig that's more activism than reporting . . . Check-it:



"At Nieman Lab, we spend a lot of time trying to understand what is required for the financial sustainability of these newsrooms. But the pattern of turnover at the Wichita Beacon raises a sad, and important, question: No matter how much funding you have, can you revitalize local news if you cant retain reporters?"

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Don't worry . . .

There aren't any good guys in this story about Missouri politics.

Admittedly . . .

This one was published a few days ago but it's worth picking up . . .

The sitch:

Senator Hawley is spreading the wealth to Missouri Black radio and calling out Lucas Kunce because the US Senate contender has declined to endorse his party's nominee for Prez.

It's a smart move because it takes away some of the enthusiasm for Kunce in Democratic Party strongholds like KC and STL.

And we're not sure the Pentagon progressive is skilled enough to tap dance around the issue.

Here's more on the hot mess in the making . . .



"I didnt join the race to decide who the president is or to tell other people how to decide to vote for the president," Missouri Senate candidate Lucas Kunce told NBCs Kristen Welker last week when asked if he would be endorsing the Harris-Walz ticket.



Kunce, who declined multiple times to endorse Harris when pressed by Welker in the interview, is now the subject of a minute-long radio ad in Missouri from GOP Sen. Josh Hawley that will run this week, mocking Kunce for not standing by the nominee of his own party.

Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .
Local outcry against Kansas City delving into the murky world of "surge pricing" seems to have met with universal condemnation.



A quick definition of terms . . .

Surge pricing is a strategy used by companies to automatically raise prices when demand for a product or service is high and supply is low.

For the most part Americans HATE this trend that seems to have garnered favor amongst tech companies.



Check another look at recent push back . . .



"New street signs have been installed around the River Market and near the T-Mobile Center to inform drivers of event-based parking rates. The signs state, This area is subject to event-based pricing, indicating higher fees during events. The city has been charging a flat rate of $30 to $40 for metered parking in these zones during qualifying events, but will roll back that pricing in River Market later this week."

Accordingly . . .



INSIDERS SUGGEST MORE LEGISLATION TO TAKE KANSAS CITY OUT OF THE "SURGE PRICING" GAME!!!

Here's the word . . .



"Removing surge pricing from KCMO's arsenal would be a victory for taxpayers," an insider messaged us. "There's no reason that city government should charge for services this way. It's just another word for price gouging that shouldn't be tolerated. In doing so, we'd also send a strong message to corporations who attempt this practice . . . KC needs to do more than back down in this situation. We need to stand up against AI technology that only seeks to charge consumers more for basic services."



Read more via www.TonysKansasCity.com link . . .

KC reverses course, drops some surge event parking costs. Is your neighborhood affected?

Developing . . .
JERUSALEM, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Israeli military said in a statement on Tuesday that Iran has launched a large-scale attack against Israel with about 100 missiles. 
TEHRAN, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) said on Tuesday that it had used homegrown missiles in its evening attacks targeting strategic centers in Israel.

The IRGC made the remarks in a statement published on its official news outlet Sepah News after it launched barrages of ballistic missiles on targets in Israel.

It added that among the Israeli targets hit in the operation were a number of air and radar bases and the "conspiracy centers" where the assassinations of resistance leaders, including Hamas Politburo Chief Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah Secretary-General Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and senior IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoushan, had been planned.

The IRGC claimed that 90 percent of the missiles successfully hit their targets, adding the operation was carried out within the framework of Iran's legitimate right to self-defense and based on international law.

It warned that any "stupidity by the enemy will be responded to in a destructive and regret-inducing manner." 
UAF study tracks traveling population wave in Canada lynx

Photo courtesy of Derek Arnold

Derek Arnold carries a male lynx weighing around 24 pounds. It was captured in a log box trap near Stuver Cabin on the Tetlin National Wildlife Refuge in 2017. The lynx, in excellent condition during a population peak, was anesthetized and collared. After its release, the lynx dispersed eastward toward southern Yukon Territory. The log box trap used for its capture is visible in the background.

A new study by researchers at the University of Alaska Fairbanks' Institute of Arctic Biology provides compelling evidence that Canada lynx populations in Interior Alaska experience a "traveling population wave" affecting their reproduction, movement and survival.

This discovery could help wildlife managers make better-informed decisions when managing one of the boreal forests keystone predators.

A traveling population wave is a common dynamic in biology, in which the number of animals in a habitat grows and shrinks, moving across a region like a ripple.

Alaskas Canada lynx populations rise and fall in response to the 10- to 12-year boom-and-bust cycle of their primary prey: the snowshoe hare. During these cycles, hares reproduce rapidly, and then their population crashes when food resources become scarce. The lynx population follows this cycle, typically lagging one to two years behind.

The study, which ran from 2018 to 2022, began at the peak of this cycle, according to Derek Arnold, lead investigator. Researchers tracked the reproduction, movement and survival of lynx as the population collapsed.

Between 2018 and 2022, biologists live-trapped 143 lynx across five national wildlife refuges in Interior Alaska  Tetlin, Yukon Flats, Kanuti and Koyukuk  as well as Gates of the Arctic National Park. The lynx were outfitted with GPS collars, allowing satellites to track their movements across the landscape and yielding an unprecedented body of data.

Arnold explained that lynx responded to the collapse of the snowshoe hare population in three distinct stages, with changes originating in the east and moving westward  clear evidence of a traveling population wave.

Reproduction decline: The first response was a sharp decline in reproduction. At the height of the cycle, when the study began, Arnold said researchers sometimes found as many as eight kittens in a single den. However, reproduction in the easternmost study site ceased first, and by the end of the study, it had dropped to zero across all study areas.

Increased dispersal: After reproduction fell, lynx began to disperse, moving out of their original territories in search of better conditions. They traveled in all directions. We thought there would be natural barriers to their movement, like the Brooks Range or Denali. But they chugged right across mountain ranges and swam across rivers, Arnold said. That was shocking to us. One lynx traveled nearly 1,000 miles to the Alberta border.

Survival decline: In the final stage, survival rates dropped. While lynx dispersed in all directions, those that traveled eastward  against the wave  had significantly higher mortality rates than those that moved westward or stayed within their original territories.

Arnold said the studys findings wont sound surprising to anyone with real-life experience observing lynx and hares. People like trappers have observed this pattern anecdotally for a long, long time. The data just provides evidence to support it and helps us see the big picture, he said.

Weve long known that hares and lynx operate on a 10- to 12-year cycle, but we didnt fully understand how it played out across the landscape," Arnold said. "It wasnt clear if the cycle occurred simultaneously across the state or if it happened in isolated areas at different times.

Knowing that the wave usually sweeps from east to west makes lynx population trends more predictable, he said. It will be easier for wildlife managers to make informed decisions now that we can predict how a population is going to behave on a more local scale, instead of just looking at the state as a whole.

Another key takeaway is the importance of maintaining refuge populations. The lynx that disperse during population declines dont usually survive. Most of them dont make it when they leave their home areas, Arnold said.

The study, developed in part from Arnolds doctoral thesis, was published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Other UAF authors include Greg Breed, Shawn Crimmins and Knut Kielland.

Dozens of biologists, technicians, refuge staff and volunteers supported the collaring efforts. The research was part of the Northwest Boreal Forest Lynx Project, a collaboration between UAF, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the National Park Service.

ADDITIONAL CONTACT: Derek Arnold, darnold10@alaska.edu, 760-221-7035

072-25
Russian dictator Vladimir Putin unwittingly became the biggest catalyst for the expansion of the European Union, as his invasion of Ukraine in 2022 pushed more countries to join the bloc.

Prime Minister Andrej Plenkovic of Croatia explained this to Bloomberg, Ukrinform reports.

Over the last two and a half years, the EU has witnessed a strategic shift as that European capitals have become more open to enlargement, Plenkovic told journalists, adding he believes Vladimir Putin contributed to the enlargement the most.

This year, the EU agreed to launch membership talks with Ukraine and Moldova, as well as with Bosnia and Herzegovina, in an effort to bring the country closer to Europe and counter growing Russian influence. Another five countries in the Western Balkans are at various stages of the accession process.

Read also: EU Ambassador advises Ukraine to choose strategy of patient persistence and negotiation

In the next five years, especially within the mandate of the new European Commission, it will be interesting to watch each of them making progress and meeting the accession criteria, Plenkovic said, adding that Croatia remains ready to support the progress of their neighbors.

Plenkovic is now serving his third consecutive term as prime minister after his center-right Croatian Democratic Union won parliamentary elections in April. A staunch supporter of Ukraine in its war against Russian encroachment, Plenkovic plans to hold a summit in early October in Dubrovnik with President Volodymyr Zelensky and Southeast European leaders.

The idea is to demonstrate solidarity and support for Ukraine from a group of countries that have many historical ties to Ukraine and the Ukrainian people, he said. The leaders will support the Ukrainian government in its quest for freedom, territorial integrity, as well as ensuring the proper functioning of the Ukrainian economy in the conditions of war.

As Ukrinform reported earlier, EU Ambassador to Ukraine Katarina Mathernova believes Ukraine may join the European Union by the end of the decade.
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Published October 1, 2024

CAPTION: Pictured L-R: Debbie Upshaw, Asst. Director of TRIO ETS, Savannah Gilbert (Richland Parish senior), Dr. Danny Upshaw, Assoc. Prof. Of Marketing at NSU, Alyse Kolb, non-traditional prospective college student, Theresa Upshaw, grandparent of Savannah

MONROE, LA  ULM TRiO Educational Talent Search staff along with TRiO Program participants from Richland Parish traveled to Natchitoches, La. on Tuesday, August 27, to tour Northwestern State Universitys campus, with an emphasis on their School of STEM and School of Business and Technology.

The group spent the day meeting with NSU recruiters and professors and enjoyed an extensive tour of the campus. NSU biology professor Dr. Jonathan Akin led a tour of the biology department, imparting critical information about the programs offered and how credits can be earned through the University of Louisiana System and the Louisiana Universities Marine Consortium (LUMCON).

Tour participants experienced the rare opportunity to attend a very entertaining and informative full-length Principles of Marketing class conducted by Associate Professor Dr. Danny Upshaw and also met with Computer Information Systems instructor, Mrs. Anna Upshaw. The group lunched with faculty members in scenic downtown Natchitoches.

Savannah Gilbert-Kolb, TRiO ETS senior who is home-schooled in Richland Parish, stated, I had a very excellent time at Northwestern State University. My tour guide, Sydney, was delightful; she explained everything perfectly and helped me with my admissions application. I also enjoyed going to the biology lab. The professor there explained to me all the biology programs NSU offers and showed me all of the labs. One of my favorite things that I did was go and sit in Dr. Upshaws class. He keeps the class very alive. There is never a dull moment in his class. He also let me participate in his class. I did not know that so much goes into marketing. We were taken on a driving tour around campus and I saw some very pretty scenery.

NSU Associate Professor Dr. Danny Upshaw commented, It was a pleasure to host the TRiO group. At NSU we are always looking to recruit new students as well as simply expose individuals to the atmosphere at our university and the benefits of seeking a degree no matter where they attend college. I was happy to see that you brought both a traditional and non-traditional student to visit our campus and my class. I was especially impressed that both potential students engaged in my marketing class discussion even though they had never attended a university class before. TRiO program students are always welcome at NSU!

Talent Searchs mission is to motivate and prepare junior high and high school students for college entry and completion. The program serves primarily first-generation, income-eligible students in 18 northeast Louisiana schools in 3 parishes. Talent Search has been serving students in northeast Louisiana for 40+ years and is housed on the ULM campus. For more information about Talent Search, please visit www.ulm.edu/trio or call (318) 342-1097.
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Irans Intelligence Services Chief was Mossad agent: Ex-Iranian President

Former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed the head of Irans intelligence services responsible for countering Israeli agents was himself Mossad agent

Tuesday October 1, 2024 9:11 PM , ummid.com with inputs from Agencies

In a shocking revelation, former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad claimed the head of Irans intelligence services responsible for countering Israeli agents was himself Mossad agent.

In an interview with CNN Turk, Ahmadinejad alleged that Irans intelligence services have been infiltrated by Israeli spies, with key personnel  as many as 20, working as double agents for Mossad.

The head of a group tasked with countering Israeli operations was secretly recruited by Mossad, turning the group against Iran, the former Iranian President said while talking to CNN Turk.

This unit, originally responsible for monitoring Israeli intelligence activities, was reportedly compromised and began leaking sensitive information to Israel, he said.

"Israel organised complex operations inside Iran. They could easily obtain information. In Iran they are still silent about this. The man who was in charge of the unit in Iran against Israel was an Israeli agent," Ahmadinejad told CNN Turk.

Mahmoud Ahmadinejad was President of Iran from 2005 to 2013.

Ahmadinejad claimed that this was not an isolated incident, stating that an additional 20 agents within the Iranian intelligence team tasked with monitoring Israeli intelligence activities were also working for Mossad.

Ahmadinejad also claimed that these double agents may also have provided crucial information about the Iranian nuclear programme to their Israeli masters.

Ahmadinejads allegations came at the time when it is being reported that an Iranian working as Israeli mole provided Mossad specific information regarding the whereabouts and exact location of slain Hezbollah Chief Hassan Nasrallah.

Hassan Nasrallah and over two dozen Hezbollah commanders were killed in Israeli airstrikes carried on the militant organisations headquarters in Lebanese capital Beirut Friday September 27, 2024.

Reports that Israeli spies have infiltrated the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps, also known as the Iranian Revolutionary Guards, surfaced when Hamas Chief Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated while his stay in the Iranian capital Tehran on July 301, 2024.

Ismail Haniyeh was in Iran to attend the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian .

He had retired in a military guest house in Tehran outskirt when the apartment was targeted killing Haniyeh and his bodyguard.

Initial reports had said Haniyeh was assassinated in a missile attack. Later probe however said his apartment was planted with explosives by an Iranian working as Israeli spy.

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WuKong Education releases revamped Math curriculum



WuKong Education, a leading global online education provider, Monday September 30, 2024 launched its revamped WuKong Math curriculum, along with a brand-new math learning kit

Tuesday October 1, 2024 11:02 AM , ummid.com News Network

Mountain View (California): WuKong Education, a leading global online education provider, Monday September 30, 2024 launched its revamped WuKong Math curriculum, along with a brand-new math learning kit.

Following the success of the WuKong Chinese curriculum and the WuKong Chinese Learning Box, the math program - WuKong Math has seen rapid growth in both student enrollments and demand for high-quality resources.

The new launch underscores WuKong Education's commitment to transforming global math education through innovation and a student-first approach.

New kit tailored to meet diverse student needs

WuKong Math curriculum has been restructured to meet the diverse needs of students at various levels. The updated program provides personalized learning paths, leveraging cutting-edge teaching technologies and aligning with international math education standards.

Take the Advanced Course as the core, supplemented by the AMC (American Mathematics Competitions) Competition Course, Math Kangaroo Competition Course, Math League Competition Course, and other major math competitions, ensuring students a comprehensive progression from foundational to advanced math skills.

This upgrade not only elevates the curriculum's rigor and specialization but also expands access to resources that help students excel in all aspects of math learning. Alongside this curriculum upgrade, the new math learning kitWuKong Math Learning Boxhas been introduced to further optimize learning outcomes.

A complete toolkit for Math success

The newly launched WuKong Math Learning Box offers students a full suite of tools to support their learning journey. Developed by WuKong's expert team, the box contains key resources like the International Math Competition Guide and AMC 8 Formula Handbook, providing essential support for students looking to excel in academics and math competitions.

"In today's globalized world, education goes beyond mere knowledge transmission. Our goal is to equip students not only with essential math skills but also with the ability to think critically and solve complex problems," said Cicy Ding, Head of WuKong Education's Teaching and Researching Center. "The holistic upgrade of our math program ensures that students worldwide can enjoy an engaging and cohesive learning experience."

Vicky Wang, Founder and CEO of WuKong Education, added, "The upgraded math curriculum and Learning Box of WuKong Education are crucial milestones in our commitment to promoting global math education. This serves as a prime example of how technology can enhance education, and we will continue to push the boundaries of EdTech innovation. We are committed to empowering students to thrive as global citizens, equipped to excel on the world stage."

Headquartered in Silicon Valley, WuKong Education is the premier online education provider for students aged 3 to 18, offering three core programs: WuKong Chinese, WuKong Math, and WuKong English (ELA).

WuKong Education's new Math kit is launched about one and half month after Amplify , a publisher of next generation curriculum and assessment programs, "Amplify Desmos Math", a new, curiosity-driven K12 core math program that builds students' lifelong math proficiency.

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UNITED NATIONS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres was extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon, and called for an immediate ceasefire, his spokesman said on Tuesday.

"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected," Stephane Dujarric, spokesman for the UN chief, said in a statement.

The statement said Guterres spoke earlier Tuesday morning to Prime Minister Najib Mikati of Lebanon.

The secretary-general told Mikati the entire United Nations system in Lebanon is mobilized to assist all those in need in the country, and appealed to the international community to urgently support the 426 million U.S. dollars humanitarian appeal launched in Beirut on Tuesday, the statement said.

"The secretary-general will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation," it added. 
ANKARA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Turkiye has prepared "alternative plans" for the evacuation of Turkish citizens by sea or air, the Turkish Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

"The security situation in Lebanon is likely to deteriorate further," the ministry said in a statement.

The ministry's call center is accepting applications from citizens wishing to be included in the possible evacuation, it said.

The guidelines regarding the evacuation of citizens from other countries through Turkiye have also been determined, with preparations underway for nearly 20 countries that have requested support so far, it added.

The Israeli military on Tuesday urged civilians in Lebanon to evacuate about 30 villages and towns, warning of imminent Israeli attacks in the area, after it claimed that it launched a ground operation into southern Lebanon overnight.

Also on Tuesday, Hezbollah fired rockets at Tel Aviv and other central cities, Israel's rescue services said. The rockets triggered sirens across central Israel and several settlements in the northern occupied West Bank. Several other rocket attacks on Tuesday morning targeted bases in northern Israel. 
The Fourth Lausanne Congress on World Evangelization came to a close on Saturday, Sept 28, with Global Executive Director Dr. Michael Oh calling on all believers to participate in the Great Commission. The week-long event that brought together nearly 5,400 participants in Incheon, Korea and almost the same number online sought to address some of the key gaps in missions today, with a major emphasis on the role of believers in the workplace and the need for collaboration.

The closing session returned to the Congress theme Let the Church declare and display Christ together as Oh highlighted once again the importance of Christians working together rather than isolating themselves and focusing only on their own lives and initiatives.

Now what's missing when we simply try to declare and display Christ alone, when there's no together? Is it wrong to say that I just want to do my own thing in my own place as faithfully as I can? he asked.

That might be fine if Christ's last words to the disciples were to stay where you are, just focus on your own people, invest in your own activities, your own plans, your own goals. Don't concern yourself with the big picture, he commented, adding that this is not what Scripture says. Instead, Christ said, go and make disciples of all nations.

He cautioned that it is easy for individual Christians to dismiss the Great Commission as not my business, when in fact it is everyones business and responsibility, Oh said. He warned that this widespread attitude has led to a trajectory where every year, there are more people in the world who have never heard the gospel than the year before.

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He pointed to many Muslims, Buddhists and Hindus who do not know a single Christian, but then added that they are not spending all day only in mosques and temples, they are also working in banks, tech companies, law firms and factories, or study at universities in their home countries or abroad. Therefore, sharing the gospel with these people is not just the responsibility of missionaries and ministers, but of artists, engineers, students, professors, CFOs, CEOs and more.

He acknowledged that there is still a need to send Christians to many unreached places, he highlighted that they must be sent to various spheres of society.

If you believe that the Great Commission was given to the Church and that you are a part of the Church and that the Holy Spirit has gifted you for the work of ministry and blessed you with time, talents and treasure to be stewarded for God's glory and contributed for the Great Commission, what could it look like for you to be fully invested in collective responsibility? he asked.

He wondered what impact and effectiveness there could be if Gods people would look less like a Christian version of doing random acts of kindness and more like a coordinated and healthy body of Christ.

What if every Christian, every church, every Christian business, every Christian family, every Christian school felt collective responsibility for every person in the world hearing the gospel, for there to be healthy disciple making churches among every people group, or resources to be stewarded and generously shared, and for compassion to be poured out to orphans, widows, aliens, and the poor, especially those without the gospel? Oh asked, adding: What if instead of I don't need you, we said to one another, I need you?

Although individual Christians may feel like they are only a tiny part, he said that taken together, God can do amazing things through us.

He said that the collaborative action groups that met on four afternoons during the week sought to tackle some of the greatest challenges and opportunities for gospel engagement in the world today.

You've been looking at critical data. You've been assessing current and future efforts. You've been transparent about failures and inefficiencies. You've listened to each other. You've prayed for spiritual wisdom and power. You've begun plans for faithful and effective stewardship and collaboration that will go on after the Congress, he said and then pointed to Lausannes One Action Hub that is being developed as a digital ecosystem for collaboration.

21st century tools are needed for the 21st century world, according to Oh, who said, We're excited to give to the global Church digital resources that will provide you a digital space for you to take collective responsibility and organize collaborative action.

It will feature global data, such as the report on the State of the Great Commission that Lausanne published earlier this year. It will also be empowered by intelligent recommendation engines to inform and inspire and support your strategic action to connect the best of what is known and needed to the best of who you are and what you have been given.

Oh concluded by calling on participants to consider the Congress theme not merely as a theme but rather as an anthem, plea and rallying cry.

So, rise up people, rise up beautiful body of Christ, rise up together. Rise up humbly, rise up with courage and go forth with intentionality, with collective responsibility, with beauty and with effectiveness to every nation, to every sphere of society, and to every generation that the Church declare and display Christ together. Amen, amen, amen.
ABUJA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Nigerian government forces eliminated at least 300 commanders of the Boko Haram terror group and other terrorist organizations in the country in the past year, President Bola Tinubu said Tuesday.

In a national broadcast to commemorate the country's 64th independence anniversary Tuesday morning, Tinubu said peace had been restored to hundreds of communities in the northern part of the country, where thousands of people who fled their homes had also returned due to the intensified security.

"Our administration is winning the war on terror and banditry... Our target is to eliminate all the threats of Boko Haram, banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism," the Nigerian leader said. "Within one year, our government has eliminated Boko Haram and bandit commanders faster than ever."

Tinubu declared "an unfinished business" in the security situation, which, he said, government forces were committed to ending as quickly as possible.

With the ongoing security operations, Nigerians will soon experience a leap in food production and a downward spiral in food costs, he said. The West African country is experiencing its worst cost-of-living crisis, heightened by rising food costs, amid economic hardship.

"As soon as we can restore peace to many communities in the troubled parts of the north, our farmers can return to their farms," he added. 
Stanford University stopped short on Monday of pledging to comply with a new California law banning legacy admissions, while other prestigious institutions committed to upholding the newly passed legislation.

On Monday, California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed legislation banning legacy preferences, meaning private schools in the state can no longer consider family or donor ties during the admissions process.

In response, University of Southern California confirmed in an email to the Los Angeles Times that the school will comply with the law, writing, "all admitted students meet our high academic standards through a contextualized holistic review that values each student's lived experience, considers how they will contribute to the vibrancy of our campus, thrive in our community, benefit from a USC education and fulfill the commitments of our unifying values."

A spokeswoman for Claremont McKenna College said told the L.A. Times the school would be "happy to comply with this new legislation" and did "not anticipate it will have a significant impact on our admission process."

Stanford, on the other hand, "will be continuing to review our admissions policies."

In May, Stanford University Spokesperson Dee Mostofi told the Daily that Stanford had neither taken a stance on the measure nor changed its policies in response to the proposed legislation. Mostofi underlined that diversity is "critical" to the university's mission and that legacy status is one consideration in a comprehensive assessment process.

"Faculty representatives, admissions offices, and legal counsel are working to assess our admissions process and next steps since last year's SCOTUS ruling," Mostofi wrote.

As schools across the nation adjust their admissions processes following the Supreme Court's recent decision to prohibit race-based admissions policies, the new law will take effect in September 2025 and will impact popular private non-profit universities among wealthy Americans.

"We know that legacy applicants are far more likely to be wealthy, and they're more likely to be white than non-legacies," said Ryan Cieslikowski '23, lead organizer of Class Action, a national organization that opposes legacy admissions.

"On Stanford's campus, students are mobilizing to end the practice because it is not reflective of their values," the Stanford Daily reported.

By starting a community-wide petition, setting up a table in White Plaza, and urging Associated Students of Stanford University (ASSU) action, student members have strengthened their opposition to legacy admissions. Students in the State Capitol in Sacramento testified in favor of AB 1780 in April.

Stanford announced in 2023 that 15.4% of its entering fall 2023 class, or 271 students, benefited from a legacy or donor relationship, although all of those students fulfilled the school's academic admissions standards. According to Stanford, 21.2% of the incoming class were "first generation" students, meaning their parents did not attend college.

Gov. Newsom emphasized that college admissions should be based on "merit, skill, and hard work" on Monday. He added, "The California Dream should not be reserved for a fortunate few," and said that the new law ensures fair access to higher education for everyone.
MARDAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) The district police on Tuesday arrested four suspects of an armed robbery at various godowns in Tehsil Katlang here looting Rs 1.3 million cash and stealing other edible items worth one million rupees.

According to the spokesman of the district police, Rs 10.3 million cash, 15 sacks of rice, large quantities of ghee and sacks of flour were recovered from the accused along with weapons used in the robbery.

The police said that all four suspects were real brothers and had been performing duty as watchmen at night in the market.
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HYDERABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) A meeting of officers of the Hyderabad Electric Supply Company (HESCO) was held under the chair of the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Muhammad Roshan Otho at the HESCO Conference Hall.

The HESCO spokesman informed on Tuesday that the meeting was attended by officers from all operational circles, including Superintending Engineer, Executive Engineers (XENs), DCMs, Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) and others. They were directed to ensure the complete elimination of electricity theft and achieve 100% recovery of outstanding dues.

Otho emphasized that open courts (Khuli Kachehri) must be held regularly from 11 am to 1 pm to address legitimate issues of customers.

Otho warned that underperforming officers would be dismissed from their positions. The meeting was also attended by the Chief Operating Officer Zulfiqar Ali Memon, Chief Engineer Planning Abdul Ghafoor Shaikh, Chief Commercial Officer Zaki Mukhtar and other senior officers.
ABBOTTABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) The ongoing strike by Patwaris, which has significantly disrupted public services.

A delegation from the Hazara Qaumi Mahaz (HQM) met with Commissioner Hazara, Syed Zaheer ul islam to address the grave concern of the people.

The delegation urged immediate action to alleviate public difficulties, and the Commissioner assured them of his efforts to resolve the issue.

The delegation lead by Abid Khan Jadoon highlighted the negative impact of the Patwaris' strike on litigants, farmers, and students, noting that public delegations had approached the Hazara Qaumi Mahaz leadership to voice their concerns.

He emphasized that any wrongdoing should be dealt with according to the law but called on the divisional administration to take serious measures to end the strike.

He also expressed the HQM willingness to support efforts to resolve the crisis.

In response, Commissioner Hazara praised the Hazara Qaumi Mahaz for representing public interests and assured them that steps would be taken to address the strike and restore services.

Additionally, former secretary general Zulqarnain Khan Jadoon raised concerns about the recent decision to authorize village secretaries to issue domiciles. He questioned the feasibility of accurately managing property and land records at the village level, warning that this move could have negative consequences in the future.

The public now awaits the outcome of these efforts as the strike continues to affect daily life across the region.
QUETTA, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Balochistan Education Minister Raheela Hameed Khan Durrani on Tuesday called for urgent action on Menstrual Health and Hygiene Tax Reforms.

She said this while addressing at the Policy Dialogue organized by the MHM Working Group (MHMWG) Secretariat Balochistan in collaboration with UNICEF Pakistan, brought together a diverse group of policymakers, advocates, and stakeholders to discuss strategies for impact full tax reforms.

Members National Assembly (MNAs) Ms. Akhtar Bibi, Phulain Baloch and Member Balochistan Assembly Rahmat Saleh Baloch reiterated their commitment to championing this issue at the federal level, assuring participants that they would push for legislative reforms to ensure MHM products are affordable for all, especially vulnerable groups in rural and remote areas of Balochistan.

Addressing at Policy Dialogue, Raheela Durrani said, This is not just a policy issueits a human rights issue.

She opened the Policy Dialogue on Menstrual Health and Hygiene (MHM) Tax Reforms and stressed the vital need for parliamentarians from Balochistan to raise their voices at the federal level, pushing for MHM tax reforms that would ensure affordability and accessibility of menstrual products for women and girls.

Ms. Durrani called for a united front in advocating these reforms, emphasizing the need for sustained government commitment and public support to create an inclusive society where every woman could manage her menstrual health with dignity.

Following her lead, stakeholders from Balochistan, including parliamentarians, health and education officials and experts urged the Federal Government to take immediate action on MHM tax reforms.

These reforms, they stressed, are essential for enhancing the affordability and availability of menstrual products, which would alleviate the financial burden on millions of women and girls in the province.

In a detailed presentation, Mr. Rahmatullah Khan Durrani, Commissioner of Income Tax at the Federal board of Revenue (FBR), proposed categorizing menstrual hygiene products as essential items rather than luxury goods.

This reclassification, he explained, would lead to reduced taxation and make these vital products more accessible to women and girls. His technical insights were complemented by Abdullah Khan, Secretary Population Balochistan, who emphasized the need for data-driven approaches to understand the real impact of access to MHM products at the grassroots level.

Dr. Tahira Kamal Baloch, Chair of MHMWG Balochistan highlighted the pivotal role of these tax reforms in addressing the financial barriers that prevent women from accessing menstrual hygiene products.

She summarized key recommendations from previous consultative rounds, paving the way for collective policy asks.

Hashim Khan, representing GIZ, stressed the urgency of addressing MHM tax reforms, urging both provincial and federal stakeholders to prioritize the health and dignity of women and girls in Balochistan.

Ms. Kiran Qazi, UNICEF representative, further elaborated on the financial and social challenges imposed by the current tax regime on menstrual products, emphasizing that strategic reforms are necessary to make these products widely available.

Ms. Shaista Gillani, UNICEF consultant, brought in global and regional best practices in MHM tax reforms, highlighting their relevance in the Pakistani context.

Mr. Shafqat Aziz, Policy Advocacy Specialist, echoed these sentiments, underscoring the importance of media advocacy in keeping the public and policymakers engaged on this crucial issue. He presented the detailed policy asks for MHM tax reforms on behalf of the stakeholders from Balochistan, calling for a collective voice at both provincial and federal levels to push the agenda forward.

Experts including Director Industries Balochistan, Muhammad Iqbal, Representative from Local Government Masood Ahmad and Muhammad Aslam, Ms. Falak Naz from UNICEF, Ms Shahana Tabbasum, Coordinator MHM Secretariat, Ejaz-ur-Rehman from Qatar Charity and Munawar Ali from HANDS also shared their insights.

They unanimously emphasized the need for a robust and sustained media campaign to generate awareness and support for MHM tax reforms.
YAOUNDE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- At least two civilians were killed on Tuesday after militants from the terror group Boko Haram raided a civilian community in Cameroon's Far North region, according to local and security sources.

The attack took place in the Ashigashia locality. "They came early on Tuesday morning with guns and shot the civilians. The terrorists also abducted one person," the source told Xinhua.

The region has witnessed renewed attacks on civilians, recording more than 10 incidents in the last two weeks, according to security reports. Last week, local officials announced that additional troops would be deployed to the remote areas of the region to secure people and property.

Boko Haram has been operating in Cameroon's Far North region since 2014. 
DERA ISMAIL KHAN, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Rescue 1122 Lakki Marwat on Tuesday issued a performance report featuring a total of 750 emergencies tackled during the last month.

The Rescue 1122 spokesman while sharing details of the September's report said the service rescued about 748 patients and subsequently shifted them to hospitals while tackling different emergencies over the last month under the leadership of District Emergency Officer Atif Sardar.

He added the emergencies included 636 medical, 67 road traffic accidents, five fire eruption, 31 bullet injury, and 11 were recovery-related emergencies.

He said a total of 10071 calls were received by the emergency service, but 4910 of them were fake ones.

During this period, the rescue 1122 handled 318 referral-related emergencies, benefiting 340 patients.

APP/slm
RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) The challenges being faced by the country can be countered by inculcating youth in national affairs. The young graduates must contribute their role in practical fields for the country's prosperity and stability.

This was remarked by the Governor Punjab, Sadar Saleem Haider Khan while delivering his speech at the 1st Convocation of the Rawalpindi Woman University (RWU),which was held here on Tuesday. He said that everyone should value the country which has the honor of being the sole nuclear country in the Islamic world.

"Our enemy wants to create division among us on the basis of ethnicity, but together we will not allow anyone to succeed in such a malicious conspiracy against the country", he said.

The governor while congratulating the graduating students highlighted the responsibilities they would have to render in their future. He underlined the need for collaborative efforts by all the stakeholders towards improvement in diverse fields including the national economy.

The governor stressed for further enhancing the women's role in national development and said " The majority position holders in the university education are our daughters which is encouraging towards creating gender equity in the society".

He extended his felicitations to the parents of the graduating students saying it was a special day for them.

"Parents have surely faced the difficulties and sacrificed to get their daughters graduated today. I salute and present my tribute to them", he said and urged the students to generously respond to their parents in the days to come. He further urged the parents to allow and encourage their daughters to contribute their efforts for the country's peace and stability.

The governor also expressed his pleasure of attending the event for being the first chancellor on the university's first convocation. He hoped for the further flourishing of the university in future.

In his address, Dr. Mukhtar Ahmad, Chairman Higher Education Commission (HEC) informed the audience that HEC's journey to take higher education at new heights since 2002 has been successful. He said that are 265 universities in Pakistan with 13% students' access rate as compared to that of in 2002 having 51 universities with an access rate of 2.

1%. He further highlighted that presently 48% of the total students in the universities were female students which was 32% in 2002. Moreover, 40,000 research papers are published each year, which were only 865 per year in 2002, he added.

Dr. Mukhtar highlighted that financial crisis, reduced funds to the universities and provincial devolution of the higher education were the main challenging areas to be redressed to further explore the young talent.

"The total budget of all universities of Pak is less than that of a single university of any other country", he said.

The chairman further underlined the need to start a special period in the university classes regarding ethics and social norms.

"Misuse of technologies like mobiles has contributed much in wrongdoing instead of fruitful results", he said and urged the teachers to produce virtue professionals.

" We need not the professionals only, but behaviorally good professionals", he added.

Earlier, Prof. Dr. Anila Kamal Vice Chancellor RWU, shed light on the university's evolutionary developments from conversion of a college to a university, its faculties and the resources being provided to the students in the university.

She said that the university remained in efforts to be equipped with latest learning methodologies, improving technical aspects and adopting the imperative trends and techniques in education.

"We have 2 national and 42 international MoUs with a number of universities", she added.

Dr. Anila congratulated the graduating students and their parents on successful completion of their education career in the university.

Later, the governor Punjab, Sardar Saleem Haider Khan awarded the medals to students showing outstanding academic performance and the degrees among the graduating students.

In the first convocation of Rawalpindi Women University, degrees were issued to a total of 847 graduating students from the Faculty of Science and Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences. 10 students were awarded gold medals, 09 female students received silver medals, 13 graduates were awarded with the certificates for securing 3rd and 4th positions and 26 graduating students were awarded with the Roll of Honour.
LAHORE, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique on Tuesday chaired an emergency meeting of the Technical Working Group in the Department of Primary and Secondary Health Care in response to the increasing cases of dengue.

Provincial Health Minister Khawaja Imran Nazir participated in meeting via video link, while Health Advisor Major General (Retired) Azhar Mehmood Kayani attended the meeting in person at the Health Department. During the meeting, Khawaja Salman Rafique reviewed the latest dengue situation across the province. Experts presented their suggestions to control the spread of dengue.

Minister Khawaja Salman Rafique emphasized that the Technical Working Group should immediately determine the causes of death due to dengue in Rawalpindi and assess the severity of the disease in treated patients. "To control dengue, field officers need to operate outside of their offices. In Rawalpindi, provisions are being made for the treatment of dengue patients in both government and private hospitals. The concerned officers should monitor every dengue case closely. A special campaign should be conducted to raise awareness about dengue. Due to better surveillance, the dengue situation in Lahore is under control. Departments must remain vigilant to control cases in Rawalpindi", he added.

Provincial Minister for Primary and Secondary Health Care Khawaja Imran Nazir stated that while dengue is not typically life-threatening, it can become dangerous if patients report to the hospital too late. "With the dengue season at its peak, there will be no compromise on the care of infected patients. Union Councils will ensure the involvement of elected representatives in anti-dengue activities. Dengue workers should be provided with new Android mobile phones, and transport issues must be resolved. An audit of dengue deaths should be conducted to identify the root causes', he added.

Health Advisor Major General (Retired) Dr. Azhar Mehmood Kayani emphasized the importance of practical training for dengue prevention and stressed that the disease should be taken seriously. "A third-party audit of dengue deaths from the previous and current years should be conducted. The same level of commitment seen in 2011 will be required to combat dengue effectively', he added.

Secretary Primary and Secondary Health Care Department Nadia Saqib, DG Health Services Dr. Ilyas Gondal, Additional Secretaries (Technical) Dr. Muhammad Waseem and Dr. Younis, Professor Waseem Akram, Professor Haroon Hamid, Professor Soumia, Dr. Yadullah, officers from the PITB, and others attended the meeting.
(@FahadShabbir)

Frankfurt, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Top European airlines Lufthansa, KLM and Swiss on Tuesday announced that they were extending their suspension of flights to the middle East, as tensions spiral throughout the region.

The moves come as Israel launched strikes on Beirut and a senior White House official warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack "imminently" against Israel.

KLM has pushed out until the end of the year the suspension of its once-daily flight to Tel Aviv "given the situation in the region", spokeswoman Elvira van der Vis told AFP.

The Dutch airline had already announced in August that it was suspending flights to Israel until October 26.

Also on Tuesday, German airline group Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to Beirut up to and including November 30.

Lufthansa group flights to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31 while trips to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group said.

Later on Tuesday the Lufthansa group said that it had also decided to "avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Jordanian airspace up to and including 2 October", adding that "flights will continue to avoid Israeli airspace up to and including 31 October".

The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines.

Following the example of its parent company, Swiss said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews".

The Israeli army said it had launched a ground offensive in Lebanon and that its forces engaged in clashes on Tuesday, further escalating the conflict after a week of intense air strikes that killed hundreds.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the United States has indications that Iran was preparing to launch a missile attack against Israel "imminently".

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said, warning that such an action would "carry severe consequences for Iran".
(@FahadShabbir)

Plains, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) The military flyover is ready, the songs have been rehearsed: Plains, Georgia is waiting to celebrate Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday on Tuesday, when its hometown hero becomes the only ever US president to reach the centennial mark.

Carter's longevity -- he announced he was going into hospice care more than 19 months ago -- has defied all expectations.

The former peanut farmer and onetime Georgia governor, known for a strong sense of modest decency, returned post-presidency to the rural hamlet -- with a population of approximately 600 -- and has remained a steady and celebrated presence here since.

No longer regularly appearing in public -- his last trip out was to see Independence Day fireworks in July -- the Democratic ex-president will spend his birthday in the home he and his late wife Rosalynn had built in Plains in the 1960s.

It will include a lunch with some 20 members of his extended family, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"We are thrilled that the president from this little town is going to be the only president to ever live to be 100 years old," Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the National Park Service's Jimmy Carter historical site and longtime family friend, told AFP.

She spoke from Plains High School, where Carter graduated in 1941 and which now serves as the visitors center for the national park that features sites from his early life, such as the nearby peanut farm where he grew up.

On Tuesday, the school will hold not just an evening concert featuring local and other musicians but also a naturalization ceremony for 100 new US citizens.

The flyover, which includes four Navy F-18s, according to Stuckey, is particularly fitting since Carter worked on the Navy's nuclear submarine program, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He should be able to see it from home.

Tributes for the former US leader have already begun pouring in, with President Joe Biden calling Carter "a moral force for our nation and the world" in a video statement on CBS over the weekend.

"Your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us," Biden said.

Beyond serving as president for a single term from 1977 to 1981, Carter worked as a global mediator, rights activist, and elder statesman, founding the well-respected Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy.

His presidency included the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the establishment of diplomatic relations with China following a rapprochement initiated by President Richard Nixon, and the return of control of the Panama Canal to Panama.

But his administration hit numerous snags, including the Iran hostage crisis and a renewed oil crisis in 1979-1980.

A devout Baptist and self-described "born-again" Christian, Carter is remembered for a moralistic streak, but also civility admired even by detractors across the aisle.

"Healthy habits and his faith are a lot of the reasons why he is still with it today," Stuckey said, referencing Carter's penchant for fresh food and exercise.

According to family, Carter remains keenly interested in politics and was highly motivated to make it to 100 to vote in the November election for fellow Democrat Kamala Harris.

"He will be voting by mail-in ballot," Stuckey told AFP, adding "he's always been very politically active, and nothing has changed with that respect."

In Plains, like in many rural places with strong evangelical Christian leanings, far more yard signs support Republican Donald Trump than Harris.

But it is also not uncommon to see a sign celebrating Carter's centennial birthday next to one supporting Trump.

Carl Lowell, who has lived in Plains since infancy, said he tries not to get involved in politics because it is "so divisive" right now.

Like most residents of Plains, he is linked to Carter in various ways -- he says his grandfather helped build the Carters' house and that he himself even went dove hunting with him once.

"Jimmy's a good man, he's a godly man, and that's what people like about him," the 59-year-old retired firefighter said.

For 72-year-old Inez Battle, Carter's work establishing the Boys and Girls Club in Plains was particularly meaningful.

He did it, she said, specifically for the community's African American children "to have somewhere to go and learn after school."

Battle, a board member of the organization, remembers fondly how he would attend meetings: "Instead of him saying we'll do this, he would ask your opinion," she told AFP.

As for his 100th birthday, Battle said, "it's a blessing."
Nairobi, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Nelson Amenya caused an uproar by exposing secret talks for an Indian firm to take over Kenya's main airport. He has no regrets, but fears his life is now in danger, he says.

The documents Amenya shared online in July revealed that the Adani Group, owned by India's richest man, Gautam Adani, had been in months-long talks to lease Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for 30 years.

The JKIA is one of Africa's busiest hubs, but often suffers power outages and leaking roofs and badly needs to be refurbished.

Adani offered a $1.85-billion investment, but critics say that is a pittance considering the strategic value of the airport, whose fees account for five percent of Kenya's GDP.

The talks were held in total secrecy and apparently with no effort to invite other bids.

"They didn't want it public because of the terms. Adani wanted to keep 18 percent equity in the airport even after the 30-year lease -- this is crazy," Amenya told AFP.

His revelations triggered an uproar, leading to a strike by airport staff and a full parliamentary investigation.

Giving evidence last week, Finance Minister John Mbadi, who only recently took on the post, admitted he was shocked to find the Kenyan Aviation Authority (KAA) had taken less than a day to approve Adani's proposal back in March.

The KAA has not commented on the secrecy surrounding the deal, but vowed it would be "subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews alongside requisite due processes".

Far from being praised for opening up the deal to public scrutiny, Amenya says he is being targeted on several fronts.

Soon after his revelations, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations wrote to a carbon credit firm he co-founded, accusing them of selling fake cryptocurrency.

"We don't sell crypto, we don't transact on our website at all," laughed Amenya.

He only agreed to expose the deal because he is currently studying in France.

"If you are in Kenya, you will be targeted by the police, by mercenaries, you might even lose your life," he said.

His opponents have reached him even there, serving a gag order through French lawyers.

More worrying have been warnings about his physical safety.

"I know I'm not safe and I could potentially be taken out at any moment in France," said Amenya. He did not want to give details on his sources, but he has lodged his concerns with French police.

"You're talking about a $2-billion deal and you don't know how much has changed hands to reach this stage," he added.

Such concerns are real, said Sheila Masinde, head of the Kenya branch of Transparency International, an anti-corruption watchdog.

"We've seen whistleblowers in Kenya facing harassment ranging from physical torture to abduction to legal threats," Masinde told AFP.

A Whistleblower Protection Bill has been pending in parliament for 11 years, she added.

"Nelson needs to be given physical and legal protection. He's doing this for the public interest," said Masinde.

What worried Amenya most about the airport deal was Adani's reputation.

The sprawling ports-to-power Indian conglomerate saw $150 billion wiped from its market value last year after a report by US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused it of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud".

Australian environmentalists accuse the firm of "environmental destruction, human rights abuses, corruption and illegal dealings" in relation to its mining operations there.

Adani is suing its main Australian critic and says the Hindenburg report was a "maliciously mischievous" reputational attack.

The Adani Group did not respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Amenya believes the airport deal would not have been made public until it was already signed, had he not exposed it first.

"It was the right time to do it because they were just about to sign the commercial agreement and move into the project-development stage," he told AFP.

"We still might not be able to stop Adani taking over JKIA, but at least we can influence the terms."

Kenya's government says the terms are still being negotiated and that refurbishments at the airport are vital.
(@ChaudhryMAli88)

New York, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 1st Oct, 2024) Tens of thousands of workers at major ports on the US East and Gulf Coasts went on strike Tuesday in action that could drag on the world's largest economy just ahead of the November presidential election.

The International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) said the walkout was the first "coast wide strike in almost 50 years."

The shutdown would halt shipments at 36 ports, impacting an array of goods from food to electronics and potentially costing the US economy billions of Dollars a week.

"We are prepared to fight as long as necessary, to stay out on strike for whatever period of time it takes, to get the wages and protections against automation our ILA members deserve," Harold Daggett, who heads the 85,000-member union, said in a statement.

The strike presents a thorny challenge to the White House and Vice President Kamala Harris's campaign, as both seek to bolster a pro-union image while preventing any economic fallout so close to the election.

President Joe Biden has ruled out Federal intervention, but business lobbies are sure to amplify calls for action if the strike drags out.

Biden and Harris are "closely monitoring" the strike, the White House said, with both briefed on government assessments that "impacts on consumers are expected to be limited at this time.

"

"The president has directed his team to convey his message directly to both sides that they need to be at the table and negotiating in good faith-fairly and quickly," it added.

The ILA said it had "shut down all ports from Maine to Texas at 12:01 am on Tuesday" after it rejected a final proposal from the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) shipping group.

USMX did not respond to a request for comment.

ILA members began picketing at 14 major ports on the East and Gulf coasts soon after the announcement.

In Boston, dockworkers marched to the port carrying signs that read "no work without a fair contract," videos shared on social media showed.

A possible stoppage had been telegraphed for months, with the odds rising in recent weeks as the two sides described themselves as far apart.

USMX said on Monday it was "hopeful" after the two sides exchanged counter-offers.

However, there was still no deal when the six-year contract expired at midnight.

Oxford Economics estimated that the strike would dent US gross domestic product by $4.5 billion to $7.5 billion per week. The overall economic hit depends on the length of the strike, analysts say.
UW Ph.D. student Meredith Journey and undergraduate Isabelle Burky, of Worland, collect zooplankton and algae samples in a high-elevation lake in Wyomings Wind River Mountains this past summer. (Amy Krist Photo)

University of Wyoming research regarding the impact of trout introductions in the high-elevation lakes of Wyomings Wind River Range is continuing with the support of the National Science Foundation (NSF).

Amy Krist, an associate professor in UWs Department of Zoology and Physiology and Program in Ecology and Evolution, recently received a $307,731 NSF grant for a three-year project to examine how evolutionary change of zooplankton driven by trout introductions affects ecosystem function of the lakes.

Previous UW research found that the introduction of fish in the lakes of the Wind Rivers starting in the early 1900s has driven a decrease in the size of zooplankton, the small aquatic organisms on which the trout feed. UW researchers also have found that the fish themselves have adapted to their environment by growing higher numbers of gill rakers, which are bony or cartilage structures in the gullets of fish that act as sieves to retain zooplankton and nourish the trout.

Krists new project aims to dive into the evolutionary changes in zooplankton in more depth and detail.

Although some of the ecological consequences of introducing trout into alpine lakes are diverse and well studied, we have much to learn about the ecological consequences of trout-driven evolutionary change, Krist says. A deeper understanding can help us determine the potential for further ecological changes.

The lakes of the Wind Rivers historically didnt contain fish, but trout stocking that began in the early 1900s has created an environment in which hundreds of those lakes now have strong fish populations -- some carried on by natural reproduction for decades. This environment has provided a laboratory for researchers to study the ecosystem changes in the once-fishless alpine lakes, to which anglers today make long hikes to pursue cutthroat trout and relatively rare golden trout.

Krist intends to contrast the effects of zooplankton from lakes where they are adapted to trout to zooplankton from fishless lakes, where they are not adapted, to understand the effects of each type of zooplankton on lake productivity. Krist also will analyze zooplankton and algae in UW core facilities for carbon, nitrogen, phosphorous and other biologically essential elements. These experiments and analyses are expected to provide insights into the differences in evolutionary dynamics of zooplankton in the two types of lakes.

These results should demonstrate how trout introduction alters natural selection of other organisms, which can drive additional environmental change in the ecosystem, Krist says.

Dive deeper into UW research related to the Wind River Range's alpine lakes:




WINDHOEK, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Air Connect Namibia, an initiative led by the Namibia Airports Company (NAC), a state entity, on Tuesday welcomed the announcement of an additional third daily flight between Johannesburg, South Africa, and Windhoek, the Namibian capital, to support the growing demand for air travel in the region.

The new flight, which will be serviced by South African Airways' modern A320 fleet, will begin on Oct. 27, with departures from Johannesburg's OR Tambo International Airport and Windhoek's Hosea Kutako International Airport.

"The service is a positive step forward for the destination as we continue to pursue increased international connectivity and ease of air access. The new flight will provide much-needed capacity and offer consumers more choice and flexibility when traveling between the two destinations," said Air Connect Namibia Chairperson and NAC Chief Executive Officer Bisey Uirab. Air Connect Namibia is a collaborative air service development initiative mandated to improve air service to the country.

Moreover, he said increased air connectivity leads to mutual benefits as it fosters collaboration between the two cities and strengthens economic ties. "With this new flight frequency, we can expect to see an uptick in both inbound and outbound travel, which is essential for the development of our country's aviation sector," he said. 
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.
JOHANNESBURG, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Since July, the South African Department of Employment and Labor has conducted thousands of raids across various economic sectors, exposing significant violations of labor laws, Minister Nomakhosazana Meth said Tuesday.

During a media briefing in Pretoria, she said that these operations revealed several infractions, including wage underpayment, unauthorized salary deductions, and inadequate health and safety measures.

"To date, we have enforced monetary corrections totaling over 10 million rand (about 575,000 U.S. dollars), compelling employers to rectify these violations and honor their obligations to their employees," Meth noted.

The raids that have been conducted across the country resulted in the arrest of 81 undocumented foreigners and fines for employers found flouting labor laws. The department said plans were underway to increase the number of inspectors from 2,000 to 20,000.

The minister also expressed concern about the exploitation and employment of undocumented foreigners, emphasizing the government's commitment to humane and comprehensive solutions.

"Our administration is committed to addressing these challenges comprehensively and humanely. We are collaborating closely with the Department of Home Affairs to ensure that employment practices comply with immigration laws, and that all workers - regardless of their origin - are treated with dignity and fairness," Meth said.

The government aims to support companies in meeting labor law standards rather than merely imposing penalties. Since the introduction of a minimum wage in 2019, sectors have been required to adhere to this regulation. However, recent raids indicated that some hospitality businesses were failing to comply, forcing employees to depend on tips.

The minister assured that compliance-focused raids would continue, urging collaboration among employers, unions, and civil society to foster a fair and safe labor market.

"I urge all stakeholders, businesses, labor unions, civil society organizations, and fellow citizens to join us in this vital endeavor. Let us work collaboratively to create a labor market characterized by fairness, safety, and mutual respect," she said. 
Iran launches a missile attack towards Israel. The new NATO chief voices strong support for Ukraine and says it has the right to defend itself, even beyond its borders. More than 20 people have been killed when a bus carrying young students, and their teachers caught fire in suburban Bangkok on Tuesday. The U.S. vice presidential candidate face off Tuesday night in their only debate before the November election. And celebrating his 100th birthday Tuesday, Jimmy Carter becomes the first American president to have lived a full century.
Washington is trying to keep a Mideast war from snowballing after a dramatic weekend in Lebanon, but regional powers are expressing concerns as Israels leadership seems determined to continue. From the White House, President Joe Biden has called for a cease-fire, but VOAs Anita Powell asks: Will anyone listen?
Another overseas, nonpermanent judge at Hong Kong's top court, 86-year-old Briton Nicholas Phillips, has chosen not to renew his term after it ended on Sept. 30, becoming the fifth foreign judge to step down from the Court of Final Appeal this year.

Phillips told VOA through his chamber, Brick Court Chambers, in an email Monday, "I have declined the invitation to serve for a further 3 year term on the Court of Final Appeal of Hong Kong for personal and not political reasons."

According to the chamber, he would not comment further.

The Hong Kong Judiciary thanked him in a statement sent to online media The Witness for his contribution to the work of the Court of Final Appeal and his support for the rule of law in Hong Kong during his tenure over the past 12 years. It added that "the recent changes in court personnel will not affect the operation of the Court of Final Appeal."

It went on to say despite the departure of the judges this year, the majority of serving and outgoing nonpermanent judges have publicly reaffirmed their continued confidence in Hong Kong's independent judicial system and the courts' commitment to upholding the rule of law.

The Court of Final Appeal is formed by the chief justice, three local permanent judges, and 10 nonpermanent judges. The nonpermanent judges include four local judges and six overseas judges.

Anthony Gleeson, an 85-year-old former chief justice from Australia, did not renew his term in March, citing his advanced age. Canadian judge Beverley McLachlin also said she would not renew her term after July because she was 80 and hoped to spend more time with family.

In June, two British judges, Lawrence Collins, 83, and Jonathan Sumption, 75, resigned from the court, saying it was because of the city's worsening political situation and "profoundly compromised" rule of law.

Rights activists say Hong Kong's government is using the foreign judges to lend credibility to its crackdown on rights and freedoms since Britain returned the financial hub to China in 1997.

The Washington-based Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong (CFHK) Foundation issued a report in May criticizing overseas judges in Hong Kong for undermining its freedoms and called for them to quit. The foundation said it was shocked that it took Phillips so long to quit despite a series of high-profile cases targeting Hong Kong's pro-democracy groups, which prompted at least two judges to resign.

Alyssa Fong, public affairs and advocacy manager for CFHK Foundation, said the more foreign judges that resign, the less the Hong Kong government can use them to justify rights abuses.

"I urge Phillips' fellow common law judges from the U.K. and Australia to immediately follow suit. It is dumbfounding that some judges continue to choose to ruin their reputations and their integrity for the Hong Kong authorities and Chinese Communist Party," she told VOA.

After Phillips' departure, six overseas judges remain in the Hong Kong Court of Final Appeal  Leonard Hoffmann and David Neuberger from Britain and William Gummow, Robert French, Patrick Keane, and James Allsop from Australia.

Hoffmann, 90, has been a nonpermanent judge of the Court of Final Appeal since 1998, and his term will end in mid-January next year. Gummow's term will expire next July, while the terms of the other three Australian judges will expire in 2026 or 2027.

At the end of June, Neuberger heard Hong Kong's case accusing Apple Daily newspaper founder Jimmy Lai of unauthorized assembly and agreed with the controversial verdict. Neuberger came under criticism, then resigned as chairman of an expert panel of the Media Freedom Coalition.

Kevin Yam, a Hong Kong activist-lawyer now based in Australia, pointed out on social media X that Phillips could have left office on the grounds of age, but he chose to use personal reasons, which he notes would invite some speculation.

"When even Phillips does this, the four remaining Australian judges on the HKCFA stick out even more like sore thumbs," Yam said on X.

The Hong Kong government awarded Phillips the Gold Bauhinia Star in July last year and described him as "a strong supporter of the rule of law in Hong Kong and very much a friend of Hong Kong."

Beijing agreed to uphold Hong Kong's "one country, two systems" political structure when colonial ruler Britain transferred the city back to China in 1997.

Critics say Beijing has violated that deal by forcing harsh security laws on Hong Kong that have seen independent media shut down or leave the city and dissidents face arrest or flee abroad.

Beijing says Hong Kong's 2020 National Security Law was needed to maintain stability after a series of pro-democracy protests in the past decade, but has used it to arrest, jail and try hundreds of activists, stifling Hong Kong's once vibrant civil society.

In March, Hong Kong lawmakers unanimously and quickly approved their own sweeping national security law known as Basic Law Article 23, strengthening the government's ability to silence dissent.

Adrianna Zhang contributed to this report.
Cambodian freelance reporter Mech Dara, noted for investigative reporting in a country with limited press freedom, was arrested Monday, a leading local human rights organization and a journalists association said.

Known especially for investigating online scam centers, Mech Dara's arrest followed posts he made about a rock quarry  that local officials denounced Monday as an attempt to foment dissent.

Mech Dara managed to send an SMS message to the rights group Licadho saying he was being arrested by military police before his phone was seized, said Am Sam Ath, a Licadho spokesperson.

The Associated Press was not immediately able to confirm the arrest, news of which circulated Monday night after government offices were closed. However, CamboJA News, a project run by the independent Cambodian Journalists Alliance Association, published details of the incident, citing unnamed members of Mech Daras family.

CamboJA on its Facebook page also reported that military police spokesperson Eng Hy confirmed the arrest, saying it had been carried out with a warrant, but did not give the cause or say where Mech Dara had been taken.

A family member whom CamboJA did not name said Mech Daras car was stopped at a toll booth at the entrance to the expressway to Phnom Penh when police arrived in a military vehicle and five other cars. The relative said the authorities cited an arrest warrant, but did not show the document.

The relative said Mech Daras phone was seized and that his family members were asked to stay in their car and remain silent.

The police action may have been related to two images Mech Dara posted on his Facebook page of a quarry operation and of the revered mountain Ba Phnom, which has a Buddhist pagoda, in the southeastern province of Prey Veng. His post may have implied that the sacred mountain is being destroyed, which appears not to be the case.

On Monday, the Prey Veng provincial administration issued a statement rejecting his post and accused him of wanting to cause social disorder or confusion, which can be prosecuted as a criminal offense. The province also called on the Information Ministry to take legal action against him.

Mech Dara previously worked as a journalist for the Cambodia Daily and the Phnom Penh Post, two once-vibrant English-language newspapers forced to shut down under government pressure, and the Voice of Democracy radio and website, which was closed by the government last year.

Mech Dara is best known for his reports in the past few years about human trafficking connected to online scam operations. The activity involves tricking people into signing up for what they believe are legitimate jobs in Cambodia, only to then keep them in virtual slavery in compounds often housing casinos as well, where they go online to target people around the world.

In a scam known as pig butchering, scam operators slowly build up a relationship of trust with their targets, often involving romance, before convincing them to hand over large amounts of money for fake investments.

The practice has been going on for several years, based mostly in Cambodia and Myanmar, and recently has drawn heightened law enforcement attention in the United States, where people have been cheated out of millions of dollars.

The U.S. State Department honored Mech Dara as a 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report Hero for his work exposing the problem.

The Paris-based group Reporters Without Borders in its latest report ranked Cambodia 151st out of 180 in its international press freedom index.

The main broadcasters and the few remaining newspapers generally toe the government line. Many subjects are impossible to cover, such as political opposition, corruption and deforestation, said the group. Despite the growing number of online media outlets, few provide balanced reporting. Only a few independent Cambodian media, broadcasting from abroad, provide quality news coverage.


A Chinese woman has been arrested in the German city of Leipzig on suspicion of foreign agent activities and passing on information regarding arms deliveries, the prosecutor general said in a statement on Tuesday.

The suspect, named only as Yaqi X, is accused of passing on information obtained while working for a logistics company at Leipzig/Halle airport to a member of the Chinese secret service, who is being prosecuted separately, the statement said.

The second Chinese national, named as Jian G, was working as an aide to Maximilian Krah, a member of the European Parliament for the far-right Alternative for Germany, when he was arrested this year on suspicion of "especially severe" espionage on behalf of Beijing.

The information passed along by Yaqi X in 2023 and 2024 included flight, cargo and passenger data as well as details on the transportation of military equipment and people with ties to a German arms company, the prosecutor general said.

The Chinese Embassy in Berlin did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters.

Anxiety about alleged Chinese spying has risen across Western Europe recently. Beijing has denied the accusations, saying these stem from a "Cold War mindset" and are designed to poison the atmosphere for cooperation between China and Europe.

Tensions have also been simmering between Berlin and Beijing over the past year after Chancellor Olaf Scholz unveiled a strategy to de-risk Germany's economic relationship with China, calling Beijing a "partner, competitor and systemic rival."
Among those not present at Tuesday's inauguration of Mexico's first female president, Claudia Sheinbaum, was the Spanish monarch.

Sheinbaum did not invite King Felipe VI of Spain to the ceremony after the monarch did not respond to a letter demanding that he apologize for Spain's 16th century defeat of Mexico's powerful Aztec rulers.

Today, a diplomatic dispute between Mexico and Spain over the event half a millennium ago is motivated more by domestic political tensions in both countries, analysts said.

The issue of Spains colonial past has also revealed political splits within Spains own left-wing coalition government, observers noted.

In 2019, Mexican President Andres Lopez Obrador, who is known as AMLO and is an ally of Sheinbaum, wrote to King Felipe and Pope Francis to ask them to apologize for the abuses during and after the 1519-1521 conquest.

Sheinbaum said that when King Felipe failed to respond, he was not invited to the ceremony, Reuters reported.

The snub to King Felipe prompted the Spanish government to say it would not participate at any level."

During a visit to New York last week for the United Nations General Assembly, Reuters reported that Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez ruled out participating in Tuesday's ceremony in Mexico City.

Spain and Mexico are brotherly peoples. We cannot therefore accept being excluded like this, he said.

Thats why we have made it known to the Mexican government that there will be no diplomatic representative from the Spanish government, as a sign of protest.

Historic wounds

Historians agree that Spain's conquest of Mexico was marked by violence.

However, accounts from that time, including The True History of the Conquest of Mexico by Captain Bernal Diaz del Castillo, counter claims of cruelty while also being critical of the campaign by Hernan Cortes.

Spain's government has rejected Mexico's demand for an apology for the conquest, saying the events of the past cannot be judged by the standards of today.

Observers suggest that Sheinbaums decision not to invite the Spanish king was motivated by a current of anti-Spanish thought she shares with AMLO.

Commentators said both Mexican leaders have sought to appropriate a version of history which blames the Spanish conquest for ills which afflict modern Mexico.

Jos Maria Ortega, a Mexico-based analyst who has co-written The Dispute of the Past: Spain, Mexico, and the Black Legend, said: AMLO and Sheinbaum share the idyllic view that Mexico had existed for thousands of years when this was not the case.

Mexico as it exists today won independence from Spain in 1821 after a war that spanned 11 years.

AMLO will blame corruption, which is a problem for Mexico, on the time of conquest. This plays well with some Mexicans who are anti-Spanish but not those who are pro-Spanish, Ortega told VOA.

Analysts suggest Mexicos first female president was interested in provoking a diplomatic row with Spain for domestic political gain.

Tomas Perez Vejo, a professor at the National School for Anthropology and History in Mexico, said Sheinbaum sought to exploit anti-Spanish feelings among supporters.

Sheinbaum is a supporter of what is known in America as woke, or the politically correct, and defends the Indigenous people. There is also a populist element in which Spain is seen as the enemy by [Mexican] nationalists, he told VOA.

Relations between Mexico and Spain have been complicated since AMLO came to power in 2018. But this relationship is too important in terms of trade, tourism, which have carried on as if nothing happened despite the political ill feelings, he said. This latest row is not going to cause lasting damage.

European roots

Both Lopez Obrador and Sheinbaum are descendants of more recent immigrants from Europe. AMLO's maternal grandfather was born in Spain and Sheinbaum's grandparents were Jews from Lithuania and Bulgaria.

On the other side of the Atlantic, the dispute has revealed divisions within Spains minority coalition government.

The Socialist-led government will not attend the inauguration but representatives of Sumar, the far-left Spanish party, which is the junior partner in Spains coalition, have accepted an invitation to travel to Mexico.

Sumar is more about examining the context of history. But the Socialists do not want to do that. The polarization between parties is seen over the colonization of America, Oriol Bartomeus, a professor of politics at the Autonomous University of Barcelona, told VOA.

Some historians argue that Mexico, for three centuries known as New Spain, was not formally a colony, but an overseas territory of Spain and that its inhabitants held full rights as subjects of the Spanish crown.

That argument has not dampened the drive by some Spanish politicians to call for atonement for the nations imperial past.

Ernest Urtasun, the minister of culture who is a member of Sumar, this year announced museums would review their collections to overcome a colonial framework," El Pais reported. Mexico and other nations formerly dominated by Spain have demanded the return of pre-Hispanic artifacts currently owned by museums in Europe.

Ana Maria Carmona, a professor of constitutional law at the University of Seville, noted that divisions over the conquest of Mexico between the Socialists and Sumar were the latest in a series of tensions in the government.

The two parties fell out over laws on sexual protection, animal rights and housing, she said.
As the anniversary of the October 7, 2023, Hamas attack on Israel approaches, many European countries are strengthening their calls for Israel to end its assault on Hamas targets in Gaza amid growing horror at the civilian death toll.

The militant attack killed 1,200 people, including Israelis and people of several other nationalities. Around 250 people were taken hostage by Hamas. The assault prompted outrage from Israels allies in Europe.

This Hamas attack is terrible, and it is barbaric. In these dark hours for the Jewish state, we  stand firmly by Israel's side, German Chancellor Olaf Scholz said in the hours following the attack.

Then-British Prime Minister Rishi Sunak echoed those words of support.

I want to express my absolute solidarity for the people of Israel. Now is not a time for equivocation, and I'm unequivocal, Sunak said on the day following the attack. Israels Western allies, most prominently the United States, said the country had the right to defend itself.

Israel responded with waves of airstrikes on Hamas targets and a ground invasion of Gaza. Israel officials defended targeting schools and hospitals in Gaza, saying Hamas fighters were using them as bases and to store weapons.

'Miscalculation'

But soon, Western concern grew over the mounting civilian death toll, which reached 22,000 by the end of 2023, and has since climbed to over 41,000.

I think there was a miscalculation on behalf of most Western governments  that they went all in in support for Israel early on, making it very, very difficult to find some sort of off-ramp to also tell Israel when it was wrong, when it acted excessively, said Andreas Krieg, a Middle East analyst at Kings College London.

As this became clearer in late 2023 and early 2024, most Western governments found it very hard to backtrack from the initial unequivocal support that they gave to Israel.

There was also global concern over the lack of aid reaching Gaza amid the devastation.

South Africa brought an ongoing case of genocide against Israel at the International Court of Justice in The Hague, supported, among others, by Spain, Ireland and Belgium. An interim ruling by the court ordered Israel to take immediate and effective measures to enable the provision of urgently needed basic services and humanitarian assistance to address the adverse conditions of life faced by Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Israel insisted it operates according to international law.

Negotiations to secure a truce, brokered by the United States, Egypt and Qatar, have so far failed.

Europeans don't have the leverage that the U.S. has to actually do anything about it apart from, obviously, potentially a diplomatic statement or trying to sponsor diplomatic efforts. But if there was no coercion exercised on the Netanyahu government, nothing was going to change, Krieg said.

In Britain, a change of government in July brought a change of approach to Israel. Newly elected Labour leader Keir Starmer dropped the previous governments plan to challenge an arrest warrant requested by the International Criminal Court against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu for war crimes. In September, Britain announced it was suspending some arms sales to Israel.

'No contest'

Bronwen Maddox, director of London-based Chatham House, said the changing British approach was felt in Israel.

There's no question that some of these moves, for example, Britain taking more steps to express its disapproval of aspects of what Israel is doing  those are stinging in Israel. I heard a lot  I was there just really just days ago  a lot of people saying, Well, if it's a competition between security and international support, we'll take security anytime. There's no contest, Maddox told Agence France-Presse.

Germany, Israels second-biggest arms supplier after the United States, has been among the strongest of Israels allies in Europe.

I would say the messages coming out of Germany up till now are probably the most pro-Israel of any major country in the world, even in comparison to the United States, Krieg told VOA.

However, Berlin has also suspended several arms exports licenses to Israel in recent months.

That's likely not because there's a change of policy, Krieg said. I think the German government is still unequivocally standing with Israel. But there is a concern over legal action being taken against the German government in Germany by lawyers who are saying Germany is no longer compliant with international law, by being complicit in this war, he added.

After facing missile attacks from Iran-backed Hezbollah militants in Lebanon and Houthi rebels in Yemen, Israel has widened its military operations in recent days, launching air strikes against both militant groups and a limited ground invasion across the Lebanese border. The United Nations says over 1 million people in Lebanon have been forced to flee the fighting.

European nations offered Israel unequivocal support in the wake of October 7. After a year of brutal, escalating conflict, most are demanding an end to the fighting.
Islamic State in Somalia has approximately doubled in size over the past year, the chief of U.S. Africa Command told VOA.

I am concerned about the northern part of Somalia and ISIS growing in numbers, AFRICOM commander Gen. Michael Langley said in an exclusive interview, using an acronym for the terror group.

Langley declined to provide the United States estimate of how many Islamic State fighters are in Somalia, other than to say that the groups had grown about twofold in the past year. Previous estimates have put the number of Islamic State fighters in north Somalia at about 200 fighters.

The AFRICOM commander also warned about the possibility of Islamic State increasing its foreign fighter presence in Somalia.

Somali Brigadier General Abdi Hassan Hussein, the former intelligence and police commander of Puntland, where Islamic State is located in the north, told VOA earlier this year that the number of Islamic State foreign fighters there alone is estimated in the hundreds. This figure has yet to be confirmed by local authorities.

A U.S. official told VOA in June that Abdulqadir Mumin, the leader of Islamic State in Somalia, had been targeted in an American airstrike in May. Mumin appears to have survived the strike.

Asked whether Mumin was now the global leader of IS, Langley said the U.S. must take those reports as credible.

ISIS professes that. Sometimes youve got to take that seriously, he said.

Al-Shabab

The increase in Islamic State fighters in northern Somalia comes as the al-Qaida affiliate al-Shabab has exploited diplomatic disagreements between Somalia and Ethiopia to raise its recruitment numbers.

Landlocked Ethiopia and Somalias breakaway Somaliland region signed a memorandum of understanding earlier this year to use its Red Sea port of Berbera, a deal that Somalia has rejected. Somali Prime Minister Hamza Abdi Barre on Friday accused Ethiopia, before the U.N. General Assembly, of actions that "flagrantly violate" Somalia's territorial integrity.

The have used that (dispute) to their advantage, Langley told VOA.

Al-Shabab has been back at high numbers of between 12,000 to 13,000 fighters due to strong financing and heavy recruitment efforts, senior defense officials told VOA in June.

The political rift has bled into counter-terror cooperation between Addis Ababa and Mogadishu, with Langley telling VOA that Somali operations with Ethiopia have been limited.

Time will tell if they can settle their differences and coalesce into a force that's very effective, because when they do work together, they're very, very effective at clearing out al-Shabab.

Al-Shabab has continued attacks on civilians, including in the Mogadishu area. The terror group claimed responsibility for a gun attack and suicide bombing that killed at least 32 people in August on a popular beach in the Somalias capital. The group is also suspected to have carried out two deadly bombings on Saturday, one in Middle Shabelle region and another about one kilometer from the presidents office.

Al-Shabab has suffered defeats from the South West State of Somalia down to the Juba River Valley and has sought to reset and counter-attack in those areas.

However, in central Somalia, al-Shabab has reversed gains made by Somali forces over the last two years as government forces failed to hold the terrain they had retaken, according to senior U.S. defense officials.

We need a credible holding force, because sometimes shadow governments of al-Shabaab try to re-insert themselves back in that region and try to influence some of the local leaders, Langley said.

He said the time following the clearing and liberating of a region is a very fragile period where Somalia and partners like the U.S. Agency for International Development can initiate local services that will increase the populations faith in the federal government.

If they cant sustain that because theyre moving to the next region or next district, it ebbs, he said, adding that U.S. training was currently focused on helping Somali forces hold liberated terrain.

The Somali government has pointed to the El Dheer and Harardhere areas as evidence that some liberated terrain in central Somalia remains under government control.

ATMIS transition

Later this year, the African Union Transition Mission in Somalia will leave the country after nearly two years of helping Somalia fight al-Shabab terrorists and will be replaced in 2025 by a new African Union Support and Stabilization Mission in Somalia. Which forces will be comprised in the mission is still being worked out by the African Union and the United Nations.

Langley ruled out any U.S. role in the transition, saying American forces would maintain only their advise-and-assist mission.

Our piece of enabling is not our boots on the ground. Were there to advise and assist, and assist in their training, but the fight is theirs, he told VOA.

Houthis

In addition to Islamic State and al-Shabab, Somalia also must worry about Iranian-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, just north of Somalia across the Gulf of Aden, whom Langley says have aspirations to collaborate with al-Shabab.

We're concerned, and we're closely watching that, because this can turn into a bad neighborhood real quick, he said.

Should the Houthis and al-Shabab put pressure on the Gulf of Aden from opposite sides, Langley worries that squeezing this strategic choke point could further hinder the free flow of commerce and affect the global economy. And analysts fear that Houthis could insert more sophisticated weapons into the fight for Somalia.

Houthi militants have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started in October, seizing one, sinking two and killing at least four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets.

The Houthi militant campaign began after Israel launched a retaliatory attack against Hamas in Gaza following Hamas' October 7 terror attack, and the Houthis claim they are acting in solidarity with Palestinians during the war.

Harun Maruf and Mohamed Olad Hassan contributed to this report.
KAMPALA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Two protocols signed between Uganda and China last month that allow the East African country to export dried chilies and wild aquatic products will contribute to the country's foreign exchange earnings, a senior official said Tuesday.

Minister of Agriculture Frank Tumwebaze told reporters Tuesday that the two protocols were signed during the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) Summit held in Beijing last month.

According to the minister, one of the protocols addressed "the inspection, quarantine and sanitary requirements for wild aquatic products, including Nile perch fillets, headless and gutted Nile perch, fish maw, fish skins, fish scales, and silverfish products to be exported from Uganda to China."

"The (second) protocol formalizes an agreement on the export of dried chilies, opening the door to one of the world's largest chili consumer markets," Tumwebaze said.

With the new agreements, traders of chilies and wild aquatic products will have free access to the vast Chinese market, following scrutiny and inspection by the authorities in both countries, said the official.

"With the combined efforts of the ministry and the private sector, Uganda is well-positioned to meet the demands of the Chinese market while ensuring the highest standards of food safety and quality in its exports," he added. 
Most garment factories in Bangladesh reopened on Tuesday, a day after violent protests over a pay hike left one worker dead and several others injured, officials said.

Bangladesh, one of the worlds largest garment producers and a supplier to western brands such as H&M, Zara and Carrefour, has been facing widespread protests in recent weeks, leading to the closure of dozens of factories.

The protests have worsened an already significant production backlog caused by recent political turmoil and devastating floods, industry insiders said.

"Most of the factories are open today, and everything is going well so far," said Abdullah Hil Rakib, senior vice president of the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association. He added that only five or six small factories remain closed, as they were unable to clear payments.

Rakib said that unrest persists in the sector, largely due to certain groups spreading rumors and taking advantage of the worsening law and order situation.

He urged the government to enhance security measures, as some factory owners are unable to operate due to vandalism and ongoing disruptions.

Stronger security is essential to keep production running smoothly and protect our industry, Rakib said.

A labor ministry official said that a separate review committee is currently assessing the industry's capacity to revise the wage structure and is expected to submit a report soon. The government is also reviewing police cases filed against workers to ensure they are not subjected to harassment, the official added.

Garment factory owners have called on the government to take immediate steps to restore order and ensure the safety of their operations, as the unrest threatens to disrupt an industry that accounts for more than 80% of the countrys export earnings.

Last year, Bangladesh was ranked the third-largest exporter of clothing globally, after China and the European Union, exporting $38.4 billion worth of garments in 2023, according to the World Trade Organization.

The ongoing unrest comes at a critical moment for Bangladesh, as the countrys interim government, led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus, has taken control following the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.

The former prime minister fled to India in early August after the deadliest violence in Bangladesh since its independence in 1971, which claimed over 700 lives.

Industry leaders have warned that if the unrest continues, global brands may shift production to other countries, such as Indonesia, India, and Pakistan.

"Workers should think: if the industry doesn't survive, will they?" said a garment factory owner.
The Israeli military launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon. Austria's far-right Freedom Party struggled on Monday to find allies for a ruling coalition. And Jimmy Carter becomes the first former U.S. president to reach his 100th birthday
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran's Islamist rulers had made a "big mistake" by staging a large-scale missile attack on his nation Tuesday and warned they "will pay for it."

Israeli and U.S. officials said Iran fired around 200 ballistic missiles at wide swaths of Israel after nightfall on Tuesday. Most were intercepted by Israeli forces aided by warships from the U.S., Israel's main ally. The attack was a major escalation of the yearlong conflict between Israel and the Islamic republic's regional proxies.

Videos posted online showed some of the Iranian missiles striking the ground in Israel, while others landed in neighboring Jordan. There were no immediate reports of Israeli casualties from the attack.

Netanyahu reacted to the Iranian assault in a video statement that he made late Tuesday while addressing his Cabinet, saying the Islamic republic's leaders in Tehran apparently have not understood Israel's determination to retaliate against its enemies. He added: "They will understand."

Hours earlier, Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian posted a message on the X platform, saying Iran had given a "decisive response to the aggression of the Zionist regime"  a pejorative for Israel.

"This action was in defense of the interests and citizens of Iran. Let Netanyahu know that Iran is not a belligerent, but it stands firmly against any threat.  Do not enter into a conflict with Iran," Pezeshkian wrote.

U.S. President Joe Biden, speaking in a Tuesday briefing at the White House, said: "At my direction, the United States military actively supported the defense of Israel. We're still assessing the impact, but based on what we know now, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective."

Biden said the thwarting of what he called Iran's "brazen" and expected attack was a testament to Israeli and U.S. military capabilities and intensive planning.

"Make no mistake, the U.S. is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel," he added.

In a briefing with reporters, U.S. Pentagon spokesman Major General Pat Ryder said two U.S. destroyers, USS Cole and USS Bulkeley, fired about a dozen interceptors against incoming Iranian ballistic missiles during the attack.

"We certainly hope that there is not another attack," Ryder said. "But obviously Iran maintains a capability, and they just demonstrated that they are willing to use it to directly attack Israel. So we're going to continue to consult closely with Israel on next steps."

Speaking at the United Nations, Israeli ambassador to the world body Danny Danon said Israel's response to the Iranian attack would be "painful." He said the Iranian people would understand that the Israeli response would not be against them, but rather against their radical Islamist rulers.

The Israeli military said 10 million civilians were under threat from the Iranian missiles, which triggered sirens across northern, central and southern Israel. About an hour after the missile strike began, Israeli military spokesman Daniel Hagari said it had ended, and civilians could leave their shelters.

Iranian state news agency IRNA said Iran's top military force, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), attacked Israeli "security and intelligence" targets in retaliation for the July assassination of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran and Israel's recent killings of senior commanders of Lebanese Hezbollah and the IRGC itself.

Israel assassinated Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah in a strike on the U.S.-designated terror group's southern Beirut command center last Friday. IRGC Brigadier General Abbas Nilforoushan also was killed in that attack. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied killing Haniyeh.

IRNA said Tuesday's missile strike on Israel, the second such attack from Iranian territory after an aerial assault in April, was approved by Iran's Supreme National Security Council, which serves under Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Hezbollah rockets and Israeli incursion

Earlier Tuesday, Hezbollah fired rockets at northern and central Israel, a day after Israel began what it described as a limited, localized and targeted ground incursion into southern Lebanon to destroy terrorist infrastructure near its northern border.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, or UNIFIL, said Tuesday that any Israeli ground incursion into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity.

"We urge all actors to step back from such escalatory acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed, UNIFIL said.

The U.N. special coordinator for Lebanon, Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert, said in a statement Tuesday that the violence is spiraling to dangerous heights.

This cycle of violence will not end well  for anyone. A sliver of opportunity remains for diplomacy to succeed. The question now is whether it will be seized or squandered, she said.

Almost a year of attacks across the Israeli-Lebanese border have forced tens of thousands of people on both sides to flee their homes.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, in a Tuesday meeting with U.N. and Lebanese officials, said his country is facing one of the most critical moments in its history.

A call for aid

In another development, the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs appealed for $426 million in funding to help those affected by what it called the largest escalation of conflict since the 2006 Israel-Lebanon War.

The ongoing violence and rapidly deteriorating security situation is putting hundreds of thousands of peoples lives at risk on both sides of the Blue Line [between Israel and Lebanon], the humanitarian agency said in a statement.

VOA Pentagon correspondent Carla Babb, U.N correspondent Margaret Besheer and White House correspondent Anita Powell contributed to this report.
A Russian court Monday gave a life sentence to a man convicted in a car bombing that seriously wounded nationalist writer Zakhar Prilepin.

Prosecutors said the May 2023 bombing in the Nizhny Novogorod region was conducted at the direction of Ukraine's security services. Prilepin was seriously injured, and his driver died in the bombing.

The convicted defendant, Alexander Permyakov, is from Ukraines eastern Donbas region and once fought with the Russian-backed separatists there, news reports said.

Prilepin was known for his vehement defense of both the Russia-backed eastern Ukraine rebels who rose up in 2014, and of Russia's fighting in Ukraine that began in February 2022.

Since Russia sent troops into Ukraine, two prominent nationalist figures have been killed. Darya Dugina, a commentator on Russian TV channels and the daughter of Kremlin-linked ideologue Alexander Dugin, died in an August 2022 car bombing that investigators suspected was aimed at her father.

Vladlen Tatarsky, a well-known military blogger, died in April 2023, when a statue given to him at a party in St. Petersburg exploded. Russian political activist Darya Trepova was convicted in the case and sentenced to 27 years behind bars. She said she was following orders from a contact in Ukraine.
Hundreds gathered in Abuja, Nigeria for the 2024 Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk, raising awareness and support for pediatric cancer. Despite progress in cancer care, Nigerian children face high costs and delayed diagnoses, which the walk aims to address.

Titilayo Adewumi joined the walk with her 13-year-old son Shittu, diagnosed with leukemia at age 5. With support from the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, Shittu is now cancer-free.

Adewumi recounts the toll her son's cancer diagnosis took on her family.

"I had to stop working for like 4 - 5 years so I could concentrate on him," she said. "We went out of cash, we didn't have money, that is when the Okapi visited us ... I was so excited when the doctor told me that he was free of cancer, I felt like jumping into the roof and back I was so happy because it was not easy."

Among the walkers was Izuyor Tobi. He brought his daughter Hope, who battled neuroblastoma. Treatment costs nearly drained the familys finances until Okapi intervened. Today, Hope is healthy.

Tobi believes that spreading awareness about pediatric cancer will save lives.

"If not for Okapi Children Cancer Foundation, I don't think my daughter will be alive today... What I do is to create more awareness by telling people what Okapi Children Cancer Foundation has done for my daughter," he said.

The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that 80% of childhood cancers occur in low-income countries like Nigeria, where many cases go undiagnosed or are detected late.

Pediatric oncologist Ifeoma Ezeukwu from the Federal Medical Center explained barriers to care.

"Ignorance is also another barrier," she said. "I have come across so many people who will tell you, I never knew children could have cancer. ... Early detection is key to survival in childhood cancer unlike the adult cancers; children, the prognosis are better in them when they are seen early, once you capture cancer early, you know that cure is what is expected."

Kemi Adekanye founded the Okapi Children Cancer Foundation in 2017 and has been mobilizing community awareness and support. Funded by friends and family, the foundation has helped over 200 children access treatment, despite costs starting at $180.

Adekanye says theyre focused on influencing government action for pediatric cancer.

"As of today, there's currently no supports being provided to children battling cancer, so we expect the government to intervene in terms of subsidizing treatment costs for children battling cancer, as well as equipping our hospitals more so people don't have to travel far and wide to access oncology centers, she said.

Health policy analyst Ejike Oji called for systemic reforms across Nigeria to ease the burden on families.

"The government should establish dedicated pediatric oncology wards across the country to provide grounds for training health care professionals to ensure their skills are good in diagnosing and treating childhood cancer," he said. "If you look at the cancer from diagnosis to treatment, it's a lot of money. Radiotherapy is one of the most expensive; most families cannot afford."

The large turnout at the 8th Childhood Cancer Awareness Walk  'Bridge The Gap' showed the power of community mobilization.

Nigerians are advocating for better health care, early diagnosis and family support, ensuring no child faces cancer alone.
A North Korean defector living in South Korea was detained on Tuesday after ramming a stolen bus into a barricade on a bridge near the heavily militarized border, in an apparent attempt to get back to the North, Yonhap news agency reported.

The incident took place at around 1:30 a.m. (16:30 GMT on Monday) at the Tongil Bridge in Paju, northwest of the capital Seoul, after the man ignored warnings from soldiers guarding the bridge and attempted to drive through, Yonhap said, citing city police.

Paju police referred queries on the incident to provincial police authorities. The northern Gyeonggi police agency could not be reached for comment.

The man aged in his 30s who had defected more than a decade ago told police that he was trying to return to North Korea after struggling to settle in the South, the report said.

It is highly unusual for North Koreans who have fled their isolated country to try to return, though many struggle to adapt to life in their democratic, capitalist neighbor.

As of June, around 34,200 North Koreans had resettled in South Korea, mostly after arduous, sometimes life-threatening journeys, usually via China, to escape poverty and oppression at home, according to Seoul's unification ministry.

The ministry, which handles cross-border affairs and provides resettlement support for defectors, said in 2022 that about 30 defectors were confirmed to have returned to the North since 2012, but defectors and activists say there could be many more unreported cases.

In early 2022, a defector in his 30s made a rare, risky return to North Korea across the heavily fortified border after struggling to cope in the South, igniting fresh debate over how such escapees are treated in their new home country.
Russia will increase its military spending by almost 30% next year, according to a draft budget published Monday.

The 2025 budget will take Russias military spending up to $145 billion, about $32 billion more than was budgeted for this years campaign and more military dollars than Russia has spent since the Soviet Union era.

The Russian assault on Ukraine, Europes largest conflict since World War II, has drained the resources of both countries.

Ukraine's $54 billion military budget for next year is far short of Russias military allotment. Ukraine has been able to fight its bigger and better-equipped neighbor only because Ukraine has received money and equipment from its Western allies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Monday that the situation at the front line of Russians war on Ukraine was very challenging. The president said, Everything that can be done this fall, everything we can achieve, we must achieve.

Zelenskyy also said, The power of weapons and the power of diplomacy are always effective when working together. He said Ukraine was expecting concrete actions from our partners to strengthen our strategy ... our strength lies in the fact that the free world is defending itself.

Also Monday, Russian President Vladimir Putin marked the second anniversary of the annexation of four Ukrainian regions  Donetsk, Luhansk, Kherson and Zaporizhzhia. The move was roundly denounced in the West as a sham.

Ukraines military said Monday that it shot down 67 of 73 Russian aerial drones launched in overnight attacks targeting areas across Ukraine.

In addition to the drones, Ukraines air defenses shot down one of three Russia missiles.

The intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Chernihiv, Dnipropetrovsk, Kharkiv, Kirovohrad, Kyiv, Mykolaiv, Poltava, Sumy, Vinnytsia and Zhytomyr regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Officials in Dnipropetrovsk said Monday that drone and artillery attacks had damaged at least 10 homes.

Serhii Popko, head of the Kyiv City Military Administration, said air alerts were active in the Ukrainian capital for five hours but that air defenses intercepted all attacks directed at Kyiv.

Russias Defense Ministry said Monday that it had destroyed two Ukrainian aerial drones, both over the Belgorod region that sits along the Russia-Ukraine border.

Vyacheslav Gladkov, Belgorods governor, reported one person killed and another injured in the Ukrainian attacks.

Some information for this story came from Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Thailands newest pro-democracy party says it is determined to continue the fight for human rights and democracy despite facing a number of legal and political obstacles.

The Peoples Party was formed in August after the dissolution of the reformist Move Forward Party and is already looking ahead to the 2027 general elections.

But some observers and analysts are concerned whether the opposition party will survive and whether its controversial promises will ever be fulfilled.

In the next the three years its a matter of how we can beat the battle for the majority seats in parliament. I have to accept its not an easy task to do, but I truly believe its possible to achieve, Natthaphong Reungpanyawut, leader of the Peoples Party, told the Foreign Correspondents Club of Thailand on Sept. 26.

Our main priorities and policies will be still the same  to protect human rights and to bring full democracy to Thailand. We want to bring power back to the people, and no one can stop that. For the next election, I believe we have to get at least 20 million votes to get the majority seats in parliament, he added.

The partys predecessors  the Future Forward Party and the Move Forward Party  received 8 million and 14 million votes, respectively, in the past two national elections.

Thitinan Pondsudhirak, a renowned political scientist in Thailand, says the new partys ambitious goal isnt that far-fetched, given the trajectory of recent elections.

They have good prospects at the polls, he told VOA. "Theyre being deliberately ambitious, but at the same time, it's not unrealistic, given the jump [from] the popular votes from Future Forward to Move Forward.

The brick wall that they're against is not the polling booth. The brick wall is against the royalist establishment, he said.

The People's Party has maintained it will continue with one of the Move Forward Party's main pledges, which is amending Thailands lese majeste law, which prohibits criticism of the Thai royals.

This is despite Thailands Constitutional Court dissolving the Move Forward Party on August 7 after ruling the groups pledges threatened to overthrow the monarchy. The partys leaders were also banned from politics for 10 years.

Prior to that, Move Forward had won the most votes in the 2023 general election, before the Thai Senate blocked the party from forming a government, also because of its campaign pledges.

The Future Forward Party was also dissolved in 2020 by Thailand's Constitutional Court, which ruled the party accepted a donation from its leader, violating election law. The party said it had received the money as a loan, not a donation.

Natthaphong says one of his party's policy aims is to limit the powers of the judiciary.

The article-by-article constitution amendment, to limit the power of the Constitutional Court, to not overrule the government that is elected by the people, that is a very practical thing we can do as an opposition party over the next three years," he said.

But two months into its existence, the future of the Peoples Party is already in doubt after Thailands National Anti-Corruption Commission said it was investigating 44 lawmakers who formerly belonged to the Move Forward Party. Twenty-five of those lawmakers are current MPs for the Peoples Party.

The probe alleges the lawmakers broke ethics rules for supporting a bill that was to amend the lese majeste law.

Sirikanya Tansakun, deputy leader of the Peoples Party, is one of the lawmakers being investigated. She told the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Thailand on Sept. 26 that the case doesnt make sense.

We are the members of the House of Representatives, and our duty is to pass the laws, she said. As we endorsed the law to amendment of Article 112 of the Criminal Code, I dont think its considered a violation of ethics at all, but in this country, anything is possible and totally unpredictable and they dont think in rational, logical sense.

Some analysts believe the Peoples Party is fighting an almost impossible cause for continuing to achieve these controversial policies.

The future of the Peoples Party is, I think, very murky, Tita Sanglee, an independent analyst, told VOA. There are definitely many voters willing to give it a chance, including many conservatives, whove become disillusioned by the whole Thaksin-joining-forces-with conservative-parties saga and are desperate for a fresh option.

On the other hand, she added, the party will almost definitely face legal challenges. And even if they stop trying to amend the constitution, many of their proposals remain sensitive.

Even if The Peoples Party wins by a landslide and takes office in the next election, I doubt it can achieve half of what it promises, Sanglee said.

The party wants to implement more than 300 policy goals, including ending military conscription, promoting labor protections and making it legal to criticize the royal family.

The party labels this as the three Ds  demonopolization, demilitarization and decentralization  which began under Move Forwards leadership.

Pravit Rojanaphruk, a veteran journalist for Khaosod English in Thailand, says both voters and conservatives may not see the Peoples Party as anything different to their predecessors, and that may work against the group.

[The Move Forward Party] have failed to form a government despite having won most seats in 2023 and some voters may doubt if they are really capable of forming a government after the next general election, since all major parties have basically vowed to not join a coalition with them due to their stance on the lese majeste law and the monarchy, he said.

The not so obvious obstacle is how they can shake off the image of being branded as the new main threat to national security by conservative people and how to keep their members motivated if they fail to form the government again in 2027, he added.

But Sirikanya remained confident that change will happen.

Every time that the system tries to beat us, they have used up their own political capital from those funny rulings or verdicts, he said. If we keep fighting this fight, and people back us more and more, someday, maybe in my next generation or the next one, if we keep fighting, we will win.
Ukrainian officials said Tuesday a Russian attack struck a market in the southern city of Kherson, killing at least five people and injuring three others.

Ukraines military said Tuesday it shot down 29 of 32 aerial drones that Russia used in overnight attacks targeting multiple areas of the country.

Intercepts took place over the Cherkasy, Dnipropetrovsk, Kherson, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Poltava, and Sumy regions, the Ukrainian air force said.

Russias Defense Ministry said it shot down a Ukrainian drone over the Belgorod region early Tuesday, after shooting down eight drones in the region overnight.

Belgorods governor reported damage to a commercial building, but no casualties as a result of the attacks.

Russia is increasing its defense spending by almost 30% next year, according to a draft budget published Monday.

The 2025 budget takes Russias military up to $145 billion, about $32 billion more than was budgeted for this years campaign and more military dollars than Russia has spent since the Soviet Union era.

The Russian assault on Ukraine, Europes largest conflict since World War II, has drained the resources of both countries.

Ukraines $54 billion military budget for next year is some one-third of the announced Russian plan for 2025 military spending. Ukraine has only been able to engage in the fight against its bigger and better-equipped neighbor because Ukraine has received money and equipment from its Western allies.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said in his daily address Monday that the situation at the front line of Russians war on Ukraine is very challenging. The president said, Everything that can be done this fall, everything we can achieve, we must achieve.

Zelenskyy also said, The power of weapons and the power of diplomacy are always effective when working together. He said Ukraine is expecting concrete actions from our partners to strengthen our strategy ... our strength lies in the fact that the free world is defending itself.

Some information for this story was provided by Reuters, The Associated Press and Agence France-Presse.
Responding to the growing humanitarian crisis in Lebanon, the United Nations and the Lebanese government launched a $426 million flash appeal Tuesday to provide emergency assistance to support 1 million people directly affected by the rapidly escalating conflict in Lebanon.

In just the past two weeks, more than 1,000 people have lost their lives, over 6,000 have been injured, and an estimated 1 million people have been directly affected or displaced since October 2023, Jens Laerke, spokesperson for the Office of the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, or OCHA, told journalists in Geneva.

I want to add that you will have seen in recent hours the reports of the beginning of an Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon, he said. We are deeply concerned about this development. We urge all parties to prioritize the protection of civilians, adhere to international humanitarian law and engage in immediate de-escalation to prevent further loss of life and to prevent further suffering.

He said the U.N. and nongovernmental organizations already are providing food, nutrition for children, water and other basic supplies needed for peoples survival and well-being, but the humanitarian response is insufficient to deal with the overwhelming and growing humanitarian needs.

This appeal aims to rapidly reinforce and scale up these essential services in support of the government-led response, Laerke said, adding that there was little time to lose.

Israel launched its ground invasion against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon Tuesday morning, describing it as a limited, localized and targeted operation. The action follows the detonation by Israel two weeks ago of thousands of pagers that killed many people, injured thousands and decimated Hezbollahs leadership  raising the low simmering conflict in Lebanon to a higher, more dangerous level.

We are gravely concerned by the widening hostilities in the Middle East and their potential to engulf the entire region in a humanitarian and human rights catastrophe, said Liz Throssell, spokesperson for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights.

She warned that further deterioration of the situation could rapidly expand to embroil other states in the region.

With armed violence between Israel and Hezbollah boiling over, the consequences for civilians have already been terrible, she said. We fear a large-scale ground invasion by Israel into Lebanon would only result in greater suffering.

Throssell underscored the dangers of further escalation, noting that the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah has sent shock waves reverberating around the region.

I think what we have seen unfolding in recent days has added to our concerns, especially on the impact of innocent children, women and men from hostilities, she said.

All parties to these conflicts must clearly distinguish between military targets and civilians and civilian objects in the way they conduct hostilities, she said, adding that the warring parties must do all they can to protect the lives of civilians, as well as their homes and essential infrastructure.

Israel has said the offensive will continue until Hezbollah stops firing rockets at Israel and it is safe for families to return to the homes they abandoned near the Lebanon border.

For Cristhian Cortez, head of delegation of the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies for Lebanon, the war raging in his country is not just a matter of statistics. It is personal.

Just a few days ago, my wifes brother was killed in the line of duty while rescuing others. He served with dedication in the Lebanese Civil Defense.  He leaves behind his wife and three young children, and like thousands of other Lebanese, they now face the hardships of the displacement, he said.

Speaking from the Lebanese capital, Beirut, he told journalists that his brother-in-laws death was not just a personal loss for his family but one of a heartbreaking list of Lebanese humanitarian workers and civilians who have tragically lost their lives in the recent escalation.

His is just one of millions of stories of fear and trauma, Cortez said.

He spelled out the immense challenges facing the Lebanese Red Cross, which has been at the front line of the emergency response from the first day.

He said the Lebanese Red Cross is facing shortages of medical supplies, ambulances and fuel, noting that the IFRCs $65 million appeal is only 12% covered.
ABUJA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Nigeria has freshly secured up to 1.57 billion U.S. dollars in financing from the World Bank to strengthen human capital through better health for women, children, and adolescents while building resilience to the effects of climate change, the World Bank said Monday.

The new loan includes some 500 million dollars to address the governance issues that constrain education and health, 570 million dollars to strengthen primary healthcare, and another 500 million dollars for the Sustainable Power and Irrigation for Nigeria (SPIN) project, Ndiame Diop, country director for the World Bank in Nigeria, said in a statement.

"This new financing for human capital and primary healthcare will help address the complex difficulties faced by Nigerians, especially women and girls around access and quality of services, but also the governance arrangements that also explain these difficulties," Diop said.

The SPIN program was timely and will protect Nigerians from floods and drought in the areas where it will be implemented, the official said, noting this would enable an increase in hydropower generation. 
As a tight presidential election looms in the United States, journalist safety in the home of the First Amendment is no longer guaranteed, according to a report published Tuesday.

Journalists in the United States are facing a slew of threats, including attacks by police, online harassment, violence and legal challenges, according to the report by the New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). The report primarily analyzes developments since 2020.

"There was a hope at the beginning of the Biden administration that things would get better for journalists. And what we've seen, actually, is that things haven't really gotten better. They've stayed the same or worsened in some situations," Katherine Jacobsen, CPJ's U.S., Canada and Caribbean program coordinator, told VOA.

The numbers paint a concerning picture. As of September 2024, assaults on journalists in the United States in relation to their work have risen by more than 50% compared to last year  from 45 to 68 assaults  according to data from the U.S. Press Freedom Tracker.

'Enemies of the people'

Even though former President Donald Trump lost the 2020 presidential election, the report points to his legacy as a driving factor behind the hostile environment continuing to face journalists around the country.

During Trump's presidency, he regularly referred to journalists as "corrupt," "dishonest" and "enemies of the people." Those kinds of attacks took place  and continue to take place  within the context of record-low trust in the media in the United States, according to a 2023 Gallup poll.

"Donald Trump's treatment of the media still matters because it's very much still an issue," said Jacobsen, who authored the report. "It's a really effective political tactic for changing the narrative and undermining the credibility of the media."

Trump's administration also escalated prosecution of news sources, interfered in the business of media owners, and harassed journalists crossing U.S. borders, according to a 2020 CPJ report.

Trump's office and presidential campaign did not immediately reply to VOA's emails requesting comment for this story. Karoline Leavitt, the Trump campaign's national press secretary, also did not immediately reply to VOA's request for comment.

Meanwhile, CPJ reached out to both the Trump and Kamala Harris campaigns, asking them to sign the organization's pledge to affirm their support for press freedom. Trump's campaign did not reply, and Harris' campaign acknowledged receipt but did not sign the pledge.

Consequences continue

Trump hasn't been in office for nearly four years, but his tenure in the White House continues to have consequences for journalists in the United States, according to Jacobsen.

"If Donald Trump's anti-media rhetoric did not find resonance among the broader American public, then we wouldn't even be talking about it," Jacobsen said.

President Joe Biden's administration has been markedly friendlier to the press, according to the report, but Jacobsen said that hasn't translated to an improved media environment around the country.

A top threat facing journalists is violence, which has steadily increased against the media over the past decade in the United States, the report said.

Among the most prominent recent cases is the 2022 killing of Las Vegas Review-Journal reporter Jeff German, who was found stabbed to death outside his home. Robert Telles, a former local Nevada official, was found guilty of murdering German in late August.

Although journalist killings are rare in the United States, they can have a chilling effect on the media community, according to Jacobsen. Reporters told CPJ that hostility toward journalists makes them feel less safe working in their home environments.

"The killing of journalists, especially local journalists where the reporters are working in the community, going to the same grocery stores as the people that they're writing about, creates this sense that nowhere is safe," Jacobsen said.

Incidents involving police are another issue for journalists.

In a recent case, Chicago police arrested three photojournalists while they covered a pro-Palestinian protest during the Democratic National Convention in August.

And four years ago, at least 459 journalists were assaulted while covering the 2020 Black Lives Matter protests, including at least 273 cases in which police targeted journalists, according to the Tracker.

"The press serves as the public's eyes and ears, and if the press is removed completely from the scene, the public's blind to what's happening on the ground," Gabe Rottman, a senior attorney at the Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press, said in the CPJ report.

Physical threats against journalists are exacerbated by online harassment against them, according to the report. A 2022 survey by Pew Research Center found that one-third of journalists surveyed reported being harassed on social media in the previous year.

With the election just over a month away, Jacobsen said it's also important to remember the Jan. 6, 2021, insurrection on the Capitol in Washington.

Journalists were among the targets during the riots, with at least 18 journalists assaulted that day, according to the Tracker. But there hasn't been much accountability in those cases, according to Jacobsen, and large swaths of the American public still don't agree on what happened that day.

Some journalists who were present during the insurrection say grappling with the subsequent trauma has been difficult, according to the report.

"I really do think that January 6th was a warning shot," Amanda Andrade-Rhoades, a freelance photojournalist who was on assignment at the Capitol during the riots, said in the CPJ report. "It was a wake-up call to the fragility of our democracy and trust in institutions  like journalism, like the government  that's been eroding for a very long time."

Jacobsen said she's worried about ramifications for the media landscape if the results of the presidential election are contested. Trump has previously said that Democrats will cheat in the election and suggested that any election in which he does not win is likely to be fraudulent.

"It's really important for journalists across the country to prepare themselves for the worst-case scenario and hope for the best," Jacobsen said.
The United States on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, a group of extremist settlers in the Israeli -occupied West Bank who attack Palestinians and their property.

In addition, the State Department placed diplomatic sanctions on two men  Israeli settler Eitan Yardeni, for his connection to violence targeting West Bank civilians, and Avichai Suissa, the leader of Hashomer Yosh, a sanctioned group that brings young volunteers to settler farms across the territory, including small farming outposts that rights groups say are the primary drivers of settler violence across the territory.

The sanctions, which expose people to asset freezes and travel and visa bans, come as violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has exploded since the start of the Israel-Hamas war following the deadly terrorist attacks of October 7.

Palestinians report verbal and physical harassment and restriction of movement, and they face intimidation by settlers circling their properties on motorbikes, cars or horses and spying via drones.

The Treasury Department said Hilltop Youth has carried out killings and mass arson, while rights groups and Palestinians say the group is behind "price tag" attacks  attacks on Palestinian villages in retaliation for perceived efforts to hamper settlement construction.

The group may prove difficult to effectively sanction, as it is loosely organized and decentralized. In addition, Israel's finance minister has previously vowed to intervene on sanctioned settlers' behalf.

In the past, sanctioned settlers said that the measures had little impact on their finances.

Hilltop Youth has already faced sanctions from the EU and U.K.

The Biden administration has been criticized for imposing relatively few sanctions on Israeli extremists. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, 27 extremists and entities have been sanctioned by the U.S. under President Joe Biden 's February 2024 Executive Order related to maintaining West Bank stability.

Treasury Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said that the U.S. "will continue to hold accountable the individuals, groups and organizations that facilitate these hateful and destabilizing acts."

State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said, "The actions of these individuals have contributed to creating an environment where violence and instability thrive. Their actions, collectively and individually, undermine peace, security and stability in the West Bank."
At the U.N. General Assembly meeting in New York, African leaders posed for photos with Starlink owner Elon Musk and assured their citizens that cheaper high-speed internet was coming to the continent. But in Zimbabwe, one of the countries that has licensed Starlink, some are concerned about the companys growing importance. Columbus Mavhunga reports from the capital city, Harare.
Mqondisi Dube

Gaborone, Botswana  Botswanas High Court has confirmed four presidential candidates will run in the countrys general elections next month. Among them is incumbent President Mokgweetsi Masisi, who is seeking a second and final term.

By law, presidential candidates in Botswana must provide proof to the chief justice that they have the required number of supporters to be eligible to run. The High Court verified four out of five possible candidates had the required support.

The presidential candidates will be Masisi; Duma Boko, leader of the opposition coalition Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC); Dumelang Saleshando of the Botswana Congress Party (BCP); and Mephato Reatile from the Botswana Patriotic Front (BPF), according to Chief Justice Terrence Rannowane.

Biggie Butale, from a smaller opposition group the Botswana Republican Party, failed to meet the requirements.

Masisi, addressing party supporters outside the High Court, said Monday that he is confident of victory.

We have completed the nomination process inside the High Court, he said. We are all equal before the law, but politically we are more superior to them. Let us now go out and show them (the opposition) that we are bigger than them.

Boko told reporters that his party will not stand for a rigged election. In 2019, Boko and his party claimed the ruling Botswana Democratic Party (BDP) stole the election.

If the election is free and fair, we will accept the outcome. But if things do not go well, like what happened in 2019, we will reject the results, he said. We warn those organizing the election that they should not attempt to rig the election. We urge every voter who is committed to a democratic process to be on guard and ensure that there are no irregularities.

The UDC enters the Oct. 30 polls without the BCP party, which quit the coalition last year, citing differences in the opposition alliance.

BCP spokesperson Mpho Pheko said her party is well organized heading into the countrys 13th general election.

For the BCP, 2024 presents the best opportunity to change government in Botswana, Pheko said. So, completing this nomination process presents a lot of excitement and a lot of hope. Hope that Batswana heard our message. We are the first party to complete the manifesto, to complete the primary elections, to complete the nomination process. We hope that Batswana can see that this is a party that is very serious about them as a people.

Pheko used the word Batswana, which collectively refers to all citizens of Botswana.

The president is elected indirectly by parliament in Botswana, with recent efforts to introduce direct voting rejected following nationwide consultations.
Western North Carolina residents faced a "post-apocalyptic" landscape Monday in the wake of Hurricane Helene, with hundreds of people still missing and residents struggling amid flooded roads and a lack of basic services.

More than 100 deaths across a half-dozen states have been attributed to the powerful storm that slammed into Florida's Big Bend region late Thursday before cutting a destructive path through Georgia and into the Carolinas.

As many as 600 people remain missing, U.S. Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall said at the White House, though she noted that the numbers could vary as responders reach more locations.

The death toll was likely to rise, officials said.

Residents in devastated communities found themselves isolated by flooded roads and a lack of running water, power and cell phone service.

In mountainous Buncombe County, which includes the popular tourist destination of Asheville, 35 people have died, the county sheriff said at a news briefing. The county was set to begin distributing food and water to residents later in the day. Some supplies had to be airlifted to the region with most major routes blocked by mudslides and flooding.

"They're running out of gas for ATVs that are helping the rescue, they're also running out of gas for the chainsaws," said Colleen Burns, 58, whose house is near Burnsville, in neighboring Yancey County. "We desperately need gas."

Elsewhere in Yancey, the storm snapped century-old trees around the home of Taylor Shelton, 44. It took her husband two days with a chainsaw to cut a passage through the felled trees in their driveway and the nearby road so they could drive themselves and their three children out of the darkened house.

'Unbelievable'

With no phone service, they relied on a neighbor who works as an EMT and had a walkie-talkie to help them determine which back roads out of the mountains were passable.

"The devastation is unbelievable," she said in a phone interview.

They were attempting to drive back home Monday to pick up their dog and two guinea pigs and leave out food for the cat and the chickens. Their car was loaded with coffee, donuts and diapers for their neighbors.

"It looks like 'War of the Worlds.' Very, very big trees are down everywhere," she said. "We saw houses that are just washed away."

She has still not been able to reach her husband's parents, who live in the nearby town of Burnsville, which was also badly hit.

Lake Lure, around 20 miles (32 km) southeast of Asheville, was covered with floating debris from homes and businesses washed away by mountain streams that surround the lake, a video posted on X by Charlotte City Councilman Tariq Bokhari showed.

"It's hard to describe  never seen anything like this, post-apocalyptic," he wrote. "It's so overwhelming. You don't even know how to fathom what recovery looks like, let alone where to start."

Some 2.1 million homes and businesses were without power Monday, according to the website Poweroutage.us.

"The lack of communication is concerning," North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper said Monday in an interview with CNN. "We know that there are people missing, and we know that there's going to be significant fatalities at the end of this and our prayers and our hearts go out to these families."

Cooper, who said he had not heard from his son and daughter in 72 hours, added that local officials and rescue workers were performing door-to-door welfare checks in many communities.

In Buncombe, officials said they are conducting checks of 150 "priority" households that include elderly residents or residents with medical problems.

Biden to visit

The National Guard and emergency workers from 19 states have been deployed to help, along with Federal Emergency Management Agency personnel. Cooper said the rugged terrain in the mountains of western North Carolina makes it almost impossible to traverse with landslides and flooding.

"So we're depending a lot on air power, helicopters with hoist capacity to get supplies in," he said.

President Joe Biden said he would visit North Carolina later this week and may ask Congress to return to Washington for a special session to pass supplemental aid funding.

"There's nothing like wondering, 'Is my husband, wife, son, daughter, mother, father alive?'" Biden said at the White House. "Many more will remain without electricity, water, food and communications, and whose homes and businesses are washed away in an instant. I want them to know we're not leaving until the job is done."

Vice President and Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris cut short a campaign trip in Nevada on Monday to take part in briefings in Washington on the hurricane response and will visit the region when doing so won't impede response efforts, a White House official said.

Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump traveled to Valdosta, Georgia, on Monday to visit a furniture store that was heavily damaged in the storm.

Helene struck Florida's Gulf Coast on Thursday night as a major Category 4 hurricane, triggering days of driving rain throughout the South and destroying homes that had stood for decades.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp said Monday that at least 25 people in his state had died, including a firefighter responding to emergency calls during the storm and a mother and her 1-month-old twins who were killed by a falling tree.

Damage estimates ranged from $15 billion to more than $100 billion, insurers and forecasters said over the weekend.
In the U.S. election, vice presidential candidates JD Vance and Tim Walz meet Tuesday for their first, and only, debate. VOA Correspondent Scott Stearns looks at what to expect when the candidates meet in New York.
LUSAKA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Zambia-based international conservation body African Rivers on Tuesday voiced opposition to plans of culling elephants in Southern Africa after a severe drought recently hit the region.

While acknowledging that climate change events have had negative impacts not only on human beings but wildlife as well, the organization said the proposal by some southern African countries to kill wild animals was not in the best interest of both humans and wildlife welfare.

African Rivers Chief Executive Officer Bobson Sikaala said that upscaling the act of culling wildlife would likely negate the ecological balance, reduce animal population, and disrupt the tourism industry in the long run.

According to Sikaala, the organization was ready to collaborate with respective governments and other stakeholders to implement innovative and sustainable measures that would save 95 percent of elephants and other wildlife from being culled and feed about 60 percent of people affected by the drought.

The chief executive officer revealed that African Rivers has developed a 2024/2025 regional project for immediate implementation aimed at saving elephants and other wildlife as well support the feeding of people struggling with climate-driven hunger in the southern African region.

The project involves promoting climate resilience aid through distribution of appropriate relief food packages for humans and wildlife, mobilizing water browser trucks, and starting supplying water to the animals in the affected areas as well as supporting countries to drill boreholes and construct damns within the affected protected parks, Sikaala noted.

Due to El Nino events, many southern African countries have been battered by a severe drought during the 2023-2024 season.

Data from the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs suggested that many parts of Southern Africa have endured the worst mid-season dry spell in over 100 years, marred by the lowest mid-season rainfall in 40 years. 
Photo: NBC/Todd Owyoung/NBC

Note: This post contains scare spoilers for Jimmy Fallons Tonightmares.

You are in Jimmy Fallons bedroom. Its a dark, dank, chilly space, bathed in an eerie musty fog that laps at your ankles. You take in your surroundings, noticing a half-open picture book and shivering at the sight of the murky green glow emanating from under Jimmys bed. You hear his voice echoing around you, but you cannot see him. This is terrifying. You feel the need to escape, to hide. So you hightail it into Jimmys closet, his hung-up clothes hitting you in the face as you push through. The closet was a mistake. It leads to a small black antechamber, and now you find yourself somewhere far more terrifying.

You are in Jimmy Fallons mind. (Cue Wilhelm scream.)

This is the premise of Jimmy Fallons Tonightmares, a concept so demented that it could only have come from the twisted imagination of the man who brought you All About That Bass performed on xylophone. You thought it was funny when he used to break? Well, now Jimmys gonna break you. Jimmy Fallons Tonightmares is a new haunted attraction from NBCUniversal and the creative team at The Tonight Show. To fans of high-production-value themed experiences and people who like to get into the holiday spirit regardless of the holiday, this is a huge deal. Up until now, Rockefeller Center  with its skating rink, Radio City Music Hall Rockettes, and big, big, big, big, big, big tree  has pretty much owned Christmas in this town. Its a logical next step to turn the complex into a destination for another major holiday, filling a Jekyll & Hyde Clubshaped hole in the citys Halloween market. What isnt so much a logical next step as it is an illogical zig-zaggy cartwheel is the decision to theme this immersive haunted experience after Jimmy Fallons spine-tingling nightmares. What do the inside of Fallons nightmares even look like? A messy breakup with the Roots? A workplace expose? I went to the heart of darkness to find out just how haunted the inside of Fallons psyche really is and to determine if its worth your time, money, and screams.

One thing I really appreciate about Tonightmares is how its situated in the basement of Rockefeller Center. It adds a layer of authenticity and immersion to the experience to enter past the Atlas statue in front of 630 Fifth Avenue and to know that Fallon is napping in his office just an elevator ride away. Like Life and Trust or Muppet-Vision 3*D, its a site-specific installation that thematically plays with its surroundings, and I simply love that kind of thing. Other Halloween experiences out in the suburbs or the countryside might take place in an abandoned barn or warehouse; Tonightmares takes place on the concourse level in an abandoned AllSaints. A haunted house inside of a cavernous symbol of the demise of physical retail? Chilling!

After descending the escalator, I went through a metal detector and took note of the warning sign, which cautioned visitors not to enter the experience if they have a medical sensitivity to strobe lights or fog, suffer from a fear of enclosed spaces, or have undergone recent surgery. Then, a very enthusiastic staff member gave my group a pre-attraction safety spiel before ushering us through the doors. My group consisted of me, Vulture features editor and immersive-experience buff Megh Wright, and two tall, well-dressed gay strangers. This was greatly advantageous because I am a wimp and a coward, and its helpful to have tall people walk directly in front of me through a haunted house. They were sort of like landmine-sniffing rats, detonating all of the jumpscares and surprises so they didnt happen directly in my face. Because this is a Jimmy Fallonthemed experience, Megh asked a staff member if it was funny-scary or scary-scary, and she said it was scary-scary and not recommended for children under the age of 13. I braced myself for A24-level horror.

Through the doors, we found ourselves in a pre-show room themed like a decrepit elevator-loading dock. It was filled with rusty pipes and flickering lights, complete with a wall of old control switches. The vibes evoked the loading zone of Disney Worlds Twilight Zone Tower of Terror, which is probably the worlds premiere spooky destination in terms of artistry and design. This was our first exposure to a crucial element of the Tonightmares experience: Jimmys voice-over guiding us throughout the experience and putting us in the headspace of being in his headspace. This is exactly how all of my Tonightmares start, his disembodied voice said with the overly theatrical heebie-jeebies of a Scooby-Doo character. Wake up, Jimmy, wake up! This attractions commitment to using the word Tonightmares instead of nightmares at every opportunity is admirable and funny.

After Jimmy set the scene, the down light lit up red, the elevator doors opened, and we were ushered inside to a room that simulated a moving elevator, with lights coming through cracks in the walls to evoke downward motion. In voice-over, Jimmy expressed that all of his Tonightmares begin this way: in an elevator with a suspiciously thin, old-looking rope suspending it in the shaft. Then the rope snapped, the lights went out, and Jimmys voice-over suggested we were falling. As an introductory experience that transitions visitors from the mortal realm to the netherworld of Jimmy Fallons sadistic dreams, this sequence feels directly inspired by the famous Stretching Room in the Haunted Mansion. Fallons a theme-park fan (heck, hes a theme-park attraction), and the theme-parkiness of this experience is where it shines.

From an operational standpoint, this attraction needs a guide for each group to keep the timing on track, making sure they enter each room as the audio, special effects, and scare actors all reset. The guides in Tonightmares are cleverly dressed like Spooky NBC Pages; Jimmys voic-eover introduced our guide to us as Taylor, saying, Taylors in all my Tonightmares. Our Taylor had an Igor-like disposition, and she really gave this wordless performance her all. Tonightmares features ten set pieces, and before each one, Taylor would hold us in a small, dark room, where Jimmys voice-over would set the scene for what we were about to witness and an unrhyming couplet was projected on a card on the wall. It was unclear whether these were supposed to evoke index cards a late-night host like Fallon would hold while doing monologue jokes or pages of a story book, but they kept the fear factor in check with their goofy-doofy tone. For example, Fallon would say, Oh no, this ones my scariest Tonightmare yet. Im onstage with my favorite boy band, Bloodengutz, and theyre hungry for  blood and guts! As a scaredy-cat whos susceptible to getting too creeped out by tone and mood, I appreciated these interludes in all their silly Jimminess.

As for the set pieces themselves, the only thing that really disappointed me about Tonightmares is how generic most of Fallons deepest fears are: a mad scientist, a serial killer, aliens hunting you down. Basic. The highlights were the rooms that felt specific to the overall theme of the experience, like the Tonightmare in which Fallon is the host of a 1950s talk show who gets bit by a puppy and turned into a werewolf. The room was themed like the backstage of an old late-night show with black-and-white TVs showing Fallon in horn-rimmed glasses handling a golden retriever. Behind a larger, illuminated screen, which was meant to look like a thin divider between onstage and off, we could see shadows of Fallon transforming into the werewolf before a scare actor popped out for an in-person attack and a second one jumped us from behind. Another standout Tonightmare was a condemned warehouse full of recalled AI robots. As we walked through the narrow pathway, we were surrounded on either side by rows of human-size robot dummies standing upright in their boxes  some frozen in place, others actual human actors lunging forward at us. I appreciated them going to the trouble because if this NBCUniversal haunted house wanted to make a room about the rise of artificial intelligence, they could have just played a recording of their own upfront ad-sales presentation and called it a day.

What excited me so much in the first place about Jimmy Fallons Tonightmares, besides the Mad Libsass nature of its very existence, was that it was developed by the design team behind Halloween Horror Nights at Universal Studios parks in Orlando and Hollywood. I asked this Saw traps Jigsaw himself, Jimmy Fallon, about this after successfully escaping his Tonightmares. Lit up with the sort of excitement he normally reserves for making Ariana Grande spin a wheel of musical impressions, he told me that he met with the people from Universal and asked, What if I bring Halloween Horror Nights to New York? And they said no, but eventually they relented and he got to spitball with these real nerds (he meant it affectionately) about ideas like spooky scarecrows and the like. The brief chat confirmed what I already knew to be true: Universals creatives are the best in the biz, and we need a non-Disney-copyrighted term for Imagineer to describe them because weve got to do better than real nerds.

I used to deliberately avoid haunted houses and be firmly anti-scare, and the thing that converted me was attending Halloween Horror Nights in Orlando in 2022. These houses featured some of the most elaborate, creative production design Ive ever witnessed in person, full of the sorts of practical effects you just dont see in movies anymore and based around a blend of IP tie-ins and wildly original concepts. A few rooms in Tonightmares captured that unique theme-park-y thing I adore so much: environments themed to make you feel like youre outdoors at night, when in fact youre indoors during the day. Based on Tonightmares rooms like the abandoned gas station and the haunted cornfield (with large hanging ropes hitting you in the face to simulate  the corn?), I wouldnt be surprised if Fallon shares my hyperfixation. The forested alien room, in particular, reminded me of Steven Spielbergs greatest achievement: the queue for the E.T. ride at Universal Studios Orlando.

These professional HHN scare designers are very good at what they do, and an injection of those blockbuster-production values into Midtown shows up other cash-grabby immersive experiences like those tacky pop-ups and museums about ice cream and Friends. Where those are centered around Instagram photo ops, Tonightmares just wants you to live in the moment  no phones, just vibes and scares. At the end of the attraction, there was a photo op, which did that classic haunted-house thing of having a jumpscare the second the flash goes off. At the kiosk at the end of the attraction where I downloaded my pictures, the attendant listened to the commotion in the photo-op room, sighed happily, and told me, I love hearing the screams.

All of this leads us to the question: Should you go to Jimmy Fallons Tonightmares? Is it worth it? The experience takes around 15 minutes, and tickets range from $35 to $45, depending on the date and time. Recent guest Prince Harry seems to have been properly jolted, and that man has seen things. On a pure scare level, my braver-than-I colleague Megh was unimpressed, but I appreciated that it was an amount of scary that I could handle, with Jimmys voice-over keeping the tone light. I think people who like Orlando-coded things in the heart of Midtown  who appreciate the immersive thrills of 4DX and the Top of the Rock Beam and the stupid fun of Margaritaville Times Square  will find this worth the cost of admission. People who want a truly haunting experience can visit the American Girl Doll store just upstairs.
First things first: Tawny Brotherss voice sounds exactly like Gigi Hadids. Its perfect. Now, the question is whether this Gigi Hadid-soundalike is our killer. As it turns out, the shots that rang out at the end of last weeks episode were real after all  with two out of three Olivers getting hit. The bullet bounced off the metal plate in Glenn Stubbinss head and into Zach Galifianakis  but luckily, all parties survived. Unluckily, it seems like Oliver joins Charles in being a target. But oddly, the details of this shooting dont get all that much attention in this episode. Instead of considering logistics like what kind of gun was used and where the shooter could have been stationed, the episode instead just focuses right in on the Brothers Sisters  and it does so in a way weve never seen before.

Rather than a typical episode of Only Murders in the Building, this weeks entry is formatted as a found-footage documentary that the Brothers Sisters are assembling from different sources, including their on-set documentarian Howard and various hidden cameras. The project was inspired by their old film professors adage to always keep shooting, and the story will reveal itself. The reference to a professor stood out for obvious reasons that will come up later (*cough* Dudenoff *cough*), but so did this mantra and the double meaning of shooting.

In any case, this change in format was jarring at first, especially since Only Murders is normally shot in such a well-polished, stylistic way. To see these characters suddenly exist via rough cuts and raw footage was strange  like seeing a teacher at the grocery store. It also reminded me of the Queen of Jordan episode of 30 Rock, or the inverse of the final moments of The Comeback, when Valerie Cherish abandoned the camera crew and the show switched from mockumentary to single-cam. While its a little visually disorienting, its a fun way to keep us on our toes, and ultimately the format did lend itself to the episodes subject matter. It was just as off-kilter as the Brothers Sisters themselves. (If I type Brothers Sisters one more time, a Sally Field family drama will appear)

With it clear that someone is out there hunting podcasters, the trio take cover in Olivers apartment  where Detective Williams drops off Sazzs remains and lets them know that both Dudenoff and Jan are apparently back in New York. But when they hear that an emergency production meeting has been called upstairs, they realize that the camera following them could actually work to their advantage as a security blanket of sorts. As long as theyre on camera, theyre convinced that the Brothers Sisters wont kill them  giving them free rein to investigate. Flawed logic, but it keeps things moving!

Marshall tells them to check out the Brotherss student film  which very well could be a deliberate attempt to direct the investigation away from him and toward them instead. I know the trio has moved on from him as a suspect, but Im still not convinced. The weird film is about an elderly artist and identical twin sisters that he created to do his bidding, and based on the footage, it kinda looks like they almost made Poor Things. And who is playing this creator, you might ask? Vince Fish. Thats right, just like all of us, the trio has the experience of watching something and having Richard Kind unexpectedly show up. Finally, a connection between the Dudenoff units and the film production emerges.

But thats not all. When they go across the building to ask Vince about what he was doing in this film, they find out that Dudenoff was a film professor  and both Vince and the Brothers were his students. So was Rudy, who is there setting up a new drone with Vince, but he awkwardly interjects to clarify that they all took classes at different times. Despite that, he seems to know a lot about the Brothers, calling them sickos and saying they would film dying animals and set things on fire. He also says they were kissasses who would do anything for Dudenoff and that they were his favorites. Just like with Marshall, these disparaging remarks about the Brothers seem a little too pointed. And whats even more suspicious is when Rudy helps pry open the apartments window so they can fly their drone. Wasnt a major factor that cleared Vinces name as a suspect the fact that his windows were apparently painted shut, making it impossible for a sniper to shoot out of them? And now suddenly they open? Very suspect.

However, the biggest development in the case comes when Howards cadaver dog accidentally knocks over Sazzs remains  which, fittingly for a stunt person, have already gone through so much. Thanks to Gravey, they realize that there are two left shoulder replacements  meaning it wasnt just Sazzs remains in that incinerator. There had been another murder in the building. Someone must have a real gripe with people with fake shoulders.

With no time left to waste, the trio finally goes to interrogate the Brothers Sisters. There seems to be a pattern this season of suspects answering the trios questions very matter-of-factly  almost too matter-of-factly, like they saw them coming. Vince had no hesitation talking about the film, and now the sisters are laying it all out on the table without fear too. They admit that they were in the building the night Sazz was killed to visit their former professor, who they even admit theyd kill for. What an odd thing to admit to people who think youre a killer. Even if its true, just keep that to yourself until the murder investigation is closed, like, cmon have some sense.

Nothing seems to rattle them until the trio gets a call from Detective Williams, who is able to ID who the shoulder belonged to from the serial number. It wasnt somebody that Dudenoff killed (as they first thought), but it was Dudenoff himself. The news that their beloved mentor is dead is finally what shakes the sisters. They explain that he had cut them off when they moved to Los Angeles to become sellouts years ago  and they had signed on to this movie about his building in hopes of reconnecting. So I guess their attempt to visit him the night Sazz died didnt come to fruition?

As for their suspicious suitcase that looks like it could hold a rifle? It turns out it was for all the hidden cameras they had scattered around the trios apartments for their behind-the-scenes documentary. But when they all begin taking down all of the hidden cameras, they find one that doesnt belong to the Brothers Sisters. Right as they come to the realization that somebody else has been spying on them, all three of them get a message from Sazzs number  with different hidden camera clips of themselves and the message, Im watching you.

It seems as though the killer has had tabs on the entire first half of this investigation, which means theyve been able to stay one step ahead this entire time. That would allow them to misdirect and steer the investigation as it progressed, or it could have given them a heads-up about interrogation questions before they were even asked. Essentially, this entire investigation thus far has been tainted by being leaked. It feels like were back to square one for a fresh start, which cant happen at the apparently surveilled Arconia.
Photo-Illustration: Illustration: Vulture. Photos: Getty Images

Ryan Murphy has produced 22 television shows and somehow hasnt cast Ashton Kutcher and Anthony Ramos. Ramos is so Murphy-coded that its almost criminal he hasnt been inducted into the MCU (Murphy Cinematic Universe). But now, hes not throwing away his shot by starring alongside Kutcher, Jeremy Pope, and Evan Peters in FXs The Beauty. The series is co-created by Murphy and Matt Hodgson and, according to Deadline, will have 11 episodes for its first season. Its executive produced by Murphy, Hodgson, Peters, Ramos, Pope, Alexis Martin Woodall, Eric Kovtun, Scott Robertson, Nissa Diederich, and Eric Gitter. Heres everything we know about The Beauty and how itll be spreading to our televisions soon.

Whats The Beauty about?

While FX hasnt given an official series synopsis, its based on the graphic novel by Jeremy Haun and Jason A. Hurley. Its set in a society where beauty can be achieved through a sexually transmitted disease. However, two detectives, Vaughn and Foster, soon discover theres a high cost to becoming beautiful, like the lives of the people the disease infects, as its actually a government plot. The two will face corrupt politicians, vengeful federal agents, and a terrifying mercenary as they fight those who want a cure and those who dont.

When does it start filming?

It reportedly starts filming sometime this Fall, so at least it wont be competing with Murphys three other shows out right now.
MOGADISHU, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Somali President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud on Tuesday opened the First International Conference on Agri-Value Chain Investments in the country to help boost the agricultural sector, the backbone of the economy.

The Ministry of Agriculture and Irrigation organized the two-day conference to promote partnerships, investment, and sustainable growth in Somalia's agriculture industry. The conference brought together international investors, the business community, donors, and agricultural experts who are exploring sustainable agri-investment opportunities and fostering robust partnerships.

In the opening remarks, President Mohamud underscored the opportunities within Somalia's agricultural sector, noting that the country is strategically positioned for growth and is ready to welcome global partnerships that will drive prosperity.

"Somalia is open for business, and our agricultural sector is ripe for investment. With over 3,300 km of coastline and a strategic location on major global shipping routes, we offer unparalleled access to international markets," he told participants in Mogadishu, the capital of Somalia. "Our young, dynamic population, with over 70 percent under the age of 30, is eager to embrace innovation. Together, we can transform this potential into prosperity, benefiting both our nation and the world."

The president also highlighted Somalia's commitment to improving agricultural infrastructure, promoting private sector engagement, and fostering innovation across the entire value chain. He invited investors to be part of Somalia's agricultural revolution, emphasizing the country's fertile lands, diverse climate, and potential for crops such as sesame, bananas, and mangoes.

Mohamud told participants of the government's plans to ensure Somalia is suitable for investments, which he said is the basis of the eradication of terrorists, the development of laws and governance, the building of economic infrastructure, and being part of the markets and international business associations. 
Where to find Rome's landmark coffee bars.

Italy is known for its rich coffee culture and traditions centred around the simple pleasure of enjoying an espresso or cappuccino at the bar.

Coffee is deeply entwined in the fabric of Italian society and no more so than in the Eternal City whose historic coffee houses are landmarks for locals and places of pilgrimage for coffee-loving tourists.

To mark International Coffee Day, here is a quick guide to some of the most iconic coffee bars in Rome.

Antico Caffe Greco



Antico Caffe Greco, a stone's throw from the Spanish Steps, has been serving customers since 1760. It is the oldest coffee bar in Rome and the second-oldest in Italy, after the Caffe Florian which opened in Venice in 1720. Over the centuries this elegant coffee house has hosted illustrious characters such as Lord Byron, Buffalo Bill, Casanova, Goethe, Henry James, Keats, Shelley, Mark Twain and Wagner. Hundreds of paintings and vintage photographs adorn the walls of the bar whose gilt mirrors, red velvet and grand piano help it to retain its otherworldly atmosphere. Antico Caffe Greco, Via Condotti 86, website. Photo: Julie Mayfeng / Shutterstock.com.

Caffe Sant'Eustachio



This bustling cafe in Piazza Sant'Eustachio, near the Pantheon, is famed for its home-roasted beans and signature coffee. In business since 1938, Caffe Sant'Eustachio makes its own blend of ready-sweetened, creamy coffee, with hordes of tourists queueing up each day to try it. The bar retains its original decor and also has outdoor seating. Caffe Sant'Eustachio sells a range of branded blends recognisble by the distinctive yellow packaging with the stag's head. Caffe Sant'Eustachio, Piazza S. Eustachio 82, website . Photo: Stock Photos 2000 / Shutterstock.com.

La Casa del Caffe Tazza d'Oro

Another landmark coffee house in the historic centre is Caffe Tazza d'Oro. Due to its reputation and its proximity to the Pantheon, this bar can get pretty crowded however the bustle is worth it for the coffee experience. Founded in 1944, Caffe Tazza d'Oro is renowned for its variety of home-roasted coffee blends which can also be purchased to take home. With its traditional decor, Tazza d'Oro is famed for its granita di caffe, an icy espresso topped with whipped cream. La Casa del Caffe Tazza d'Oro, Via degli Orfani 84, website . Photo: chettarin / Shutterstock.com.

Sciascia Caffe



A little corner of Sicily in the Italian capital, Sciascia Caffe has been serving its customers "the best coffee in Rome" since 1919. Located in the upmarket Prati neighbourhood, Sciascia is renowned for its home-roast coffee beans whose rich aroma fills the old-school venue. Some of its most popular coffees include caffe al cioccolato and granita di caffe. Among its many awards, Sciascia Caffe was voted Best Bar in Italy by restaurant guide Gambero Rosso in 2006. Sciascia Caffe, Via Fabio Massimo 80, A little corner of Sicily in the Italian capital, Sciascia Caffe has been serving its customers "the best coffee in Rome" since 1919. Located in the upmarket Prati neighbourhood, Sciascia is renowned for its home-roast coffee beans whose rich aroma fills the old-school venue. Some of its most popular coffees include caffe al cioccolato and granita di caffe. Among its many awards, Sciascia Caffe was voted Best Bar in Italy by restaurant guide Gambero Rosso in 2006. Sciascia Caffe, Via Fabio Massimo 80, website

Bar Rosati



Since its opening in 1922, Bar Rosati has been frequented by noted artists, actors, movie directors and politicians. Over the decades the bar in Piazza del Popolo has enjoyed regulars such as Pier Paolo Pasolini, Italo Calvino and Since its opening in 1922, Bar Rosati has been frequented by noted artists, actors, movie directors and politicians. Over the decades the bar in Piazza del Popolo has enjoyed regulars such as Pier Paolo Pasolini, Italo Calvino and Federico Fellini , who lived on nearby Via Margutta. Today the bar is still frequented by celebrities as well as tourists who like to people-watch over coffee and cocktails. Bar Rosati, Piazza del Popolo 4-5, website

Caffe Canova Tadolini



This enchanting venue near the Spanish Steps is as much a museum as it is a coffee bar. Once the studio of the celebrated Neoclassical sculptor This enchanting venue near the Spanish Steps is as much a museum as it is a coffee bar. Once the studio of the celebrated Neoclassical sculptor Antonio Canova , and later his prize apprentice Adamo Tadolini, visitors to Caffe Canova Tadolini can enjoy a coffee surrounded by sculptures and casts by both artists. From 1818 to 1967, the building served as a studio to four generations of Tadolini sculptors, before being transformed into a cafe-restaurant for art enthusiasts in 2003. Caffe Canova Tadolini, Via del Babuino 150/A, website
COLOMBO, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake has allocated 5 billion rupees (approximately 16.6 million U.S. dollars) to fund the parliamentary election scheduled for Nov. 14, said a spokesperson on Tuesday.

Speaking at a press briefing following the first cabinet meeting chaired by Dissanayake, cabinet spokesperson Vijitha Herath noted that a total of 11 billion rupees (about 36.6 million dollars) was required to conduct the parliamentary election.

Herath explained that the 2024 budget only allocated funds for the presidential election held on Sept. 21, leaving no provisions for the upcoming parliamentary election.

However, under presidential authority, Dissanayake has allocated 5 billion rupees to cover part of the election expenses, with the remaining 6 billion rupees to be settled in 2025 through a vote on account, which will be submitted to parliament as part of the 2025 budget.

The cabinet of ministers has approved this plan to secure funding for the election, according to Herath.

After being elected as the country's president, Dissanayake dissolved the parliament through an extraordinary gazette notification last week.

The gazette has fixed the parliamentary election for Nov. 14 and the new parliament will meet for the first time on Nov. 21. 
Remembrance Service

University Hospital Waterford Maternity Service would like to invite all who have experienced pregnancy, infant or child loss to attend a service of remembrance on Sunday, October 27, at 4pm in Christ Church Cathedral, Cathedral Square, Waterford. All who have experienced pregnancy, infant or child loss are welcome to attend. Light refreshments will be served afterwards.

Children In Hospital

We are seeking play volunteers to support children and young people in Waterford University Hospital. As you can imagine, hospital can be a scary and stressful time, so our volunteers provide a space for fun and give them a positive experience. Must be over 18 or older, two hours once a week, weekday or weekends. Find more information and apply here - https://childreninhospital.ie

Solas Run and Walk for Life

The Solas Cancer Support Centres Run and Walk for Life returns to the streets of Waterford City on Sunday, October 13, and Dungarvans Greenway on Saturday, October 12.

The 10K Run and Walk in Dungarvan starts at 10am at Walton Park. The 10k Run and Walk starts at 10.00am on the Quay in Waterford City.

A new 4K family walk has been added to both Waterford and Dungarvan to encourage families to take part in tandem with the 10K routes.

The popular virtual option is also available and workplaces are being encouraged to once again #GoOrangeForSolas. Registration is open online at www.solascentre.ie. The registration fee is 25 per adult and 15 per child. This fee includes a t-shirt and an event medal, kindly sponsored by Eirgen Pharma.

Stewards needed for both city and Dungarvan events from 9.30am to 12noon. If you would like to be involved in helping at the Run & Walk for Life we would love to hear from you - call 051 304604 or email events@solascentre.ie

Schools For Life is Back

Get your school involved and #GoOrangeforsolas ,#SolasSchoolsforlife on Friday, October 11. Wear orange socks/any piece of orange clothing to school. Do a 5km/10km walk around the school grounds. Cake sale or any idea of your choice.

Beat 102 103 will randomly select one school from all the registered entries and bring its popular Beat Fleet party plus DJ to one chosen school that day. Sign up at https://solascentre.ie/schools-for-life-2024/

Writing Workshops

Waterford Libraries is delighted to again bring a series of free Writing Workshops to the people of Waterford in 2024. The programme runs from August to mid-December and gives participants an opportunity to attend courses in both Irish and English. The courses are free of charge, open to people over 18 years resident in the City or County of Waterford. Application forms are available at Library Desks.

Speak in Stitches

A free repair skills workshop with Caroline OToole, Speak in Stitches. Learn how to carry out repairs, fitting, hems, and alterations by hand and sewing machine in four weeks. The workshop will run over four Friday afternoons in October; no experience necessary, from October 4 to 25 from 2pm to 4.30pm at Central Library, Lady Lane, Waterford. To book call 051 849975 or email centrallibrary@waterfordcouncil.ie

Sewing machines and all materials will be supplied. Places are limited. If you have your own sewing machine and wish to bring that along you are most welcome to! Workshop funded by Waterford City and County Council as part of their Circular Economy Programme.

St. Joseph & Benildus Church

Tarsus Scripture Series: Deepen your prayer life through four inspiring recorded lectures on Praying the Psalms, part of the Tarsus Scripture series. Meetings will be held on October 1, 15, 29, and November 12 at 7:30 to 9pm in the St. Joseph and St. Benildus Parish Centre. The event is free, and all are welcome. Attend freely or book through the parish office at 051 348077 / parishofficejbm@gmail.com

Our night prayer sessions have resumed and will now run from Monday to Friday, 8.00pm to 8.25pm via Zoom. Zoom Link: 943 588 4859 All are very welcome!

Youth Choir: Are you aged 13-18 and passionate about singing or playing an instrument? Join our youth choir! The choir performs once a month at the 9.30am Mass in St. Joseph & St. Benildus Church with rehearsals every second Wednesday at 5:30pm. For more info or to join, contact the parish office at 051 348077 or parishofficejbm@gmail.com

Pilgrimage to Rome 2024

Parish of St. Joseph, St. Benildus and St. Mary's Pilgrimage to Rome, led by Fr Liam Power PP, November 2126. 995 per person sharing in double/twin room. Day 1: Thursday - Arrival: Afternoon flight to Rome from Dublin airport. Day 2: Friday  St. John Lateran, St. Cecilia, Night Tour. Day 3: Saturday  St. Peters, St. Mary Major, Piazza Navona. Day 4: Sunday  Papal Angelus, Castelgandolfo, Lake Albano. Day 5: Monday  Catacombs, St. Pauls, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Bookings/further information contact: Kieran and Laura Troy, MYRIAM Tours on 057 9355050 or email: info@myriam.ie
By Jess Glass, PA Law Editor

The senior officer who investigated a suspected leak in a documentary about a Troubles massacre was not exercised by the film, a tribunal probing allegations of unlawful spying on journalists has heard.

The Investigatory Powers Tribunal (IPT) in London is examining claims that investigative reporters in Northern Ireland were subject to unlawful covert intelligence by the police.

Barry McCaffrey and Trevor Birney were arrested in 2018 as part of an investigation into the alleged leaking of a confidential document that appeared in No Stone Unturned, about the 1994 UVF massacre in Loughinisland, Co Down.

The two men and the company behind the documentary were later awarded 875,000 in damages after the High Court in Belfast ruled that warrants secured by police to raid their homes and business offices in the city were wrongly obtained.

In 2019, Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney lodged a complaint with the IPT asking it to establish whether there had been any unlawful surveillance of them.

Three police forces  the Police Service of Northern Ireland, Durham Constabulary and the Metropolitan Police  are now part of a three-day IPT hearing about alleged unlawful covert surveillance.

On Tuesday, former Durham detective Darren Ellis, who took a leading role in the investigation, began giving evidence at the Royal Courts of Justice.

Darren Ellis, former senior investigating officer of Durham Constabulary, after leaving Belfast High Court in 2019 (Alamy/PA)

Ben Jaffey KC, for Mr McCaffrey and Mr Birney, suggested Mr Ellis was exercised about the contents of the documentary.

It contained secret information. Thats my only observation, Mr Ellis replied.

He later continued: Nothing exercised me. You keep using that word  Im a professional individual.

The former officer also told the tribunal: My concern about No Stone Unturned was that it contained secret documents, thats it.

Mr Jaffey later claimed that Mr Ellis thought the documentary should not have been aired.

But Mr Ellis said: I dont think it should have contained secret documents  All I ask people to do is stick to the law.

With respect to the guys, if there is criminality, theres criminality, if there isnt, there isnt, its not personal.

Mr Jaffey later suggested that Mr Ellis tried to persuade the Law Society of Northern Ireland, which regulates solicitors, to take action against Mr Birney and Mr McCaffreys lawyers.

However, the former Durham police officer said he did not ask the body to intervene.

Mr Ellis told the tribunal: I was not asking the Law Society to do anything, but I was concerned.

He continued: I was investigating the documents  I cant investigate with my eyes closed.

I explained to the right people what my concerns were. It wasnt done with any ill intent, it was done to bring it to their attention.

The hearing before Lord Justice Singh, Lady Carmichael and senior barrister Stephen Shaw KC is due to conclude later this week with a judgement expected in writing at a later date.
Budget 2025 will lead to pubs in Waterford being forced to close warned the Vintners Federation of Ireland today unless "urgent targeted financial supports arent introduced soon."

"The Governments Budget will have serious repercussions for local pubs here in Waterford," the Vintners Federation of Ireland said, "With no reduction in VAT or excise duty, many of our pubs  especially those that dont serve food  are left with no meaningful support."

"Rising operational costs, from energy bills to labour costs, have already put immense pressure on these businesses, and todays Budget does nothing to alleviate those burdens. Unfortunately, the small grants offered by the Government wont address the deep, structural challenges pubs are facing."

"We expect to see further closures in Waterford if urgent, targeted financial supports arent introduced soon."

The Budget was met with "grave disappointment and frustration" by the VFI, saying that "despite calls for support from publicans across the country, today's measures fall disastrously short of what is needed to protect a sector on the brink."

"The Government has instead proposed a series of minor supports, but these are largely irrelevant to the core issue facing publicans, which is the rising costs of business."

The VFI said that it is "sounding the alarm" that the lack of supports for pubs in the Budget "will push many pubs to the breaking point."

VFI CEO Pat Crotty reacted to the Budget calling it "a disaster for our sector".

"We have been clear with the Government about the immense pressure pubs are under, yet they have failed to deliver any meaningful support. Every minister and TD fully understands this Budget will lead to closures for a huge number of businesses across the county. The Governments own report from earlier this year accepts that many of the policies introduced to improve working conditions will increase operating costs for businesses."

For pubs to survive our members needed to hear that VAT would be lowered to 9% along with a reduction in excise duty," he said, "Whats worse, the minor supports Government is offering are nearly useless when you consider the soaring cost of doing business. Pubs are already closing their doors, and this Budget will accelerate that trend.

Hotel Federation expresses concern

The Irish Hotels Federation (IHF) has expressed similar disappointment in the Budget, saying that Government has not addressed in any "meaningful way the commercial crisis facing hospitality food-led businesses."

IHF President Michael Magner said: The Budget does next to nothing to address the enormous challenges confronting our sector while at the same time imposing further costs on thousands of hospitality businesses.

The decision not to reduce the hospitality VAT rate is short-sighted and extremely concerning given the stark commercial environment that food service businesses are operating under throughout the country," the IHF said, "These businesses are facing a perfect storm as they grapple with rising costs, the impact of the 13.5% VAT rate and very tight margins.

"It is becoming increasingly clear that Government policies are now fundamentally at odds with the long-term interests of our sector and wider tourism industry.

The half-baked measures announced today will have almost no impact for businesses that are struggling with ever-increasing costs, much of which are a direct result of the Governments own economic policies. The bottom line is that inaction now poses an enormous risk to our wider hospitality and tourism industry which, as one of Irelands largest indigenous employers, supports over 280,000 livelihoods some 70% of which are outside of Dublin.
The Waterford News & Star met with new City and County Council Chief Executive Sean McKeown last week to discuss his vision for Waterford.

Mr McKeown outlined his views on a number of key developments, including the North Quays, SETU, the city centre and Waterford Airport.

Housing and tourism, he said, will be key priorities during his tenure.

On Monday, July 1, the elected members of Waterford City and County Council ratified the appointment of Sean McKeown as Chief Executive. He officially assumed the role on August 21, which was previously held by longstanding Chief Executive, Michael Walsh.

Originally hailing from Armagh, McKeown has a distinguished career in local government, having served most recently as Director of Planning, Economic and Environmental Services at Kilkenny County Council. Prior to that, he was Interim Chief Executive of Kilkenny County Council for over 15 months following the retirement of Colette Byrne.

He has also served as Director of the South East Action Plan for Jobs and Head of Enterprise and Economic Development with Kilkenny County Council.

Ive got a great welcome to Waterford, Mr. McKeown said, We have great staff here and a very strong pipeline of projects and strategies.

"I believe Waterford is in a great place right now and full of opportunity.

Fastest growing county

Were one of the fastest growing counties in the country and I see my role as chief executive of the council very much as ensuring Waterford reaches its full potential locally, regionally and nationally, he said.

Mr McKeown said he believes Waterford to be the capital of the South East and that the county is critical to the regions success.

I consider and believe that the success of Waterford is very much the barometer for the success of the region. The region needs Waterford to do well, and I think our neighbouring local authorities know that and we work quite well with them.

Its really important that we drive on Waterford, and that Waterford as the capital of the South East is consolidated and we attract the investment thats necessary.

"The North Quays is a visible sign of that investment, but we need to attract more.

Speaking on his vision moving forward, he said: There will be change involved, but its up to us to sell and communicate the vision and the changes were proposing.

Working with the community

The CEO outlined that he has been working to build a close relationship both with council staff and with the wider community during the first month of his new role.

I think the council here have a key leadership role in the physical, economic, social and cultural development of the county, but we are only one stakeholder and we do need to work with the wider community, with the elected members, citizens, business community and state agencies, he said.

The chief executive attended his first Council meeting last week to engage with and listen to the concerns of the elected members of the city and county.

Its very much a hand in glove relationship between the executive and the elected members and I like to think Ive got off to a very good start, he said.

Im meeting each of the individual elected members on a one-to-one basis. Ive already met the majority of them and I will be meeting them all."

He added, My door is very much open to the elected members and with the wider community to hear their concerns.

One such example of early public engagement Mr McKeown outlined is the recently launched public consultation on Waterford councils corporate plan.

Strong momentum

Mr McKeown commended the work of former Council CEO Michael Walsh, who had held the position since 2014.

The pipeline of strong strategies and projects that we have in place and the strong relationship we have between the executive and the elected members is in no small part due to Michaels leadership. He was an outstanding leader within this council.

I am in a very good place because very strong momentum has been developed and I want to build on that.

Housing

The inevitable topic of housing was discussed during the meeting, to which the new chief executive said that the delivery of accommodation will remain a priority of the council.

It's a key priority for the whole country, he said, and I think every local authority is treating it as a crisis and were responding to it accordingly."

He commented that while "without question" Waterford Council is currently delivering on its Housing For All targets, more momentum is needed.

He said that by 2026 the council aims to deliver close to 1,300 units, and said theres no doubt we will deliver those units.

We need housing across all tenures. Our city and county development plan says we need about 800 units a year delivered to meet the demographic need and growth of our city and county.

"Were at about 70% of that at the moment, so we need to really escalate delivery of housing and I will be engaging with the construction sector to do that.

Im keen and housing is one of my key priorities. The county and city will not progress if we dont get the delivery of housing."

Dereliction

Waterford Council has been issuing a steady surge of derelict site notices to owners of vacant city centre units recently, and Mr. McKeown said that pattern will continue.

The local authority here has been a trailblazer in terms of the regeneration of our towns, villages and city centre, in particular with dereliction and vacancy.

In the last four or five years, theres about 600 disused and vacant buildings that have been brought back in conjunction with the private sector.

"Were working hand in glove with the private sector to address the blight we have in our town centres, in our city centre in particular.

He added that theres a further 700 units in the pipeline to be developed.

Waterford City Centre

Despite a catchment within the radius of Waterford city of approximately 630,000 people, the city centre is not receiving its fair share of retail dividend, Mr. McKeown said.

Our town centres are changing and the experience that people are looking for is changing, so we need to make our city centre more attractive and more appealing so we can attract a greater number of that catchment area.

With the way retail has gone, theres convenience shopping and theres experiential shopping. We need to ensure that we have a vibrant shopping offering and that we have that experiential shopping offering in particular.

So well be working hard with the chamber and other stakeholders and we have the City Centre Management Group in place that is currently looking at initiatives to improve the offerings, the look and feel and the appeal of our city centre."

Tourism

Mr McKeown said that as chief executive, he wants to double the contribution of tourism to the local economy in the next five years, and when asked about his plans for rural Waterford, he outlined that tourism will be a key asset.

There are various objectives that Ive set myself, one of those objectives would be under the tourism banner. We have outstanding natural and tourism assets and infrastructure here but were not getting that dividend.

The plan is very much gelling the city and county, and rural tourism alongside tourism in general is one key aspect that I see where the city and county can come together."

North Quays

Speaking on the North Quays, Mr McKeown said he has full trust in Dublin-based property development and management company, Harcourt Developments in effectively delivering the project.

We have a very good partner in Harcourt Developments. Harcourt have done this in other cities, particularly in Belfast. We watched that from afar so we have great confidence."

The Chief Executive said he is confident that there will be a clean transition from construction site to a fully completed commercial, retail and residential offering. He also ensured that the development will not detract from Waterfords city centre.

Its important that we align the completion of the public investment that were making to enable and facilitate the site with the commencement of the commercial elements. Thats a challenge and were in discussion with Harcourt to ensure that that transition is seamless and that we deliver the building blocks in phase one as quickly as possible.

The North Quays will be a seamless extension of our city centre. It wont compete with what we have here. Thats really important that we dont jeopardise what we have here now, he added.

Waterford Airport

The uncertainty of Waterford Airports future continues to permeate most monthly meetings of Waterford councillors.

Mr McKeown reiterated during our meeting that the council will certainly be giving Waterford airport full support and that he is confident that the development may be recognised in the upcoming budget.

I believe its a transformative project for the South East. Two other local authorities, Kilkenny and Wexford, are also partners in the project and they see the dividend that it will bring, particularly from a business and tourism perspective.

Mr McKeown outlined that with a minimum of two or three routes from a major airline carrier, Waterford and the further South East region could receive anywhere from 250,000 to 400,000 tourism visitors.

SETU

SETU has been a gamechanger for the South East the chief executive said. Having a university makes Waterford and the South East more marketable from an inward investment point of view, its a huge brand in terms of inward investment.

"Secondly, it will help stem the brain drain.

We have a very good working relationship with the president and her management team and I would very much be looking to continue that.

Im delighted they got their veterinary school and I think its onwards and upwards for SETU.

Environment

Mr McKeown was keen to commend the Councils environment team for the vital ground work they do on a daily basis.

Its very important we dont forget about the basics, such as street cleaning, landscaping, presentation, look and feel, because thats the immediate thing people will pick up on when they drive through the county and arrive in our city, towns and villages.

Our environment team and street cleaning teams do an excellent job. Our city, towns and villages are always very well presented.

"I'd like to recognise the hard work and effort that both our team does, and the Tidy Towns teams do, right throughout the city and county."

Offshore wind

The CEO voiced his support for offshore wind developments on Waterford coasts.

I think Waterford is perfectly placed as a coastal county to deliver on that particular strategic opportunity and certainly its one of my aims that we maximise that opportunity as a local authority, he said.

Best Place To Live

Waterford was voted Best Place To Live by the Irish Times in 2021. The CEO expressed his pride on the county receiving this accolade, and said the city and county will now need to consolidate this reputation:

Now that we have that accolade, I want to make sure we retain it and its all about the quality of life and the offering you can give your people. Im very fortunate and excited to take up the role at this time, because I think Waterford is full of opportunity and Id like to take it forward.
A lovely new mural has been painted in Waterford City, on the gable end of Mulligan's Pharmacy in Ballybricken, marking National Breastfeeding Week.

The artwork, titled Annabelle and Billy", depicts a mother and child and was created by London-based French street artist Zabou, and can be seen at the junction of Ballybricken Green and St Patricks Terrace.

Annabelle and Billy mural by Zabou in Ballybricken, (l-r) Maeve Roche , Brianna Connaughton, Claire Bulfin and Grace Walsh

The art was organised by the Breastfeeding Friendly Waterford Interagency. Participants in the group include the HSE, Waterford City and County Council, the Slaintecare/ Waterford Healthy Communities initiative, Cuidiu breastfeeding support group, Realta Centre for Arts and Health, Waterford Libraries, Autism Friendly Waterford and the Children and Young Peoples Services Committee Waterford.

Claire Bulfin, lactation consultant at University Hospital Waterford, said: Ireland celebrates Breastfeeding Week every year from October 1-7; mothers celebrate breastfeeding every day in their homes. Improving breastfeeding rates will help to improve long-term population health. Breastfeeding supports your childs health now and over the long term. Its also important for mothers too, supporting their recovery after birth and reducing their risk of breast cancer and diabetes."

Claire encourages mothers to attend breastfeeding classes and get advice for their own situation in the antenatal period, "to prepare them for what to expect in the early days and weeks".

"The most rewarding part of my job is seeing mums surprise themselves at how well they do, gaining confidence with every feed and enjoying breastfeeding their baby, she said.
Rupert Murdochs REA Group has abandoned its pursuit of Rightmove after its latest 6.2 billion ($12 billion) bid was rejected.

The Australian property business confirmed its withdrawal on Monday afternoon (UK time), just hours after the London-listed rival snubbed a fourth offer.

REAs decision to end its pursuit, which it blamed on limited engagement with the board, led to shares in Rightmove falling by almost 9 per cent on the London Stock Exchange.

Rupert Murdoch has ended his pursuit of UK online property giant Rightmove. Credit: AP

Owen Wilson, chief executive of REA, said: Against a backdrop of intensifying global competition, we approached Rightmoves board because we strongly believed in the opportunity to create a globally diversified leader in the digital property sector that would benefit both REA and Rightmove shareholders.
JAKARTA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- A total of 1.34 million visitor arrivals were recorded in Indonesia during August, up 18.3 percent year-on-year, according to the latest data released by Statistics Indonesia.

Malaysia was the largest source of visitors during the month, followed by Australia and the Chinese mainland.

"The increase in the number of visitor arrivals has been observed since April this year, following a decline in March," said Amalia Widyasanti, the agency's acting chief, during a press briefing on Tuesday.

She noted that the cumulative number of foreign tourist arrivals until August 2024 is the highest since 2020. Indonesia welcomed over 9 million foreign tourists from January to August, a 20.38 percent increase compared to the same period in 2023.

"However, if we compare it with the same period before the COVID-19 pandemic, it is still relatively lower," Widyasanti said.

The Southeast Asian country aims to attract 17 million foreign tourists in 2024, about 7 million of which are expected to be contributed by Bali. 
He stopped short of proposing quantitative easing (QE), a remedy still viewed as Western snake oil by the Communist Party. But QE is where China may eventually end up. The GDP deflator has been stuck in negative territory for the last five quarters. Freya Beamish and Rory Green from TS Lombard said the monetary transmission mechanism is broken, and the Chinese economy is heading for an outright contraction of nominal GDP early next year, although Beijing will massage the figures to disguise this devastating indictment of Xi Jinpings strategy. Chinas economy is weighing on the world. Credit: Bloomberg Weve both covered the economy for our entire careers and weve never been more worried about Chinese growth. Policymakers have chosen demand deflation and that is what they are getting, they said. The mass attempt to deleverage by saving is killing profits and crushing wages. Things could get bad enough to force a bank recapitalisation, they said.

Official stress tests published last month showed that over half of Chinas 4000 mid-sized and small banks would fail a moderate shock, and 10 of the 19 systemic banks would fail a serious shock. The true situation is probably worse. Loading TS Lombard said a US-style Tarp program would lift China off the reefs but the Xi regime is more likely to repeat the mistakes of Japan and Europe, papering over problems with mergers that contaminate stronger banks without resolving the debt problem. Chinese banks are clearly in trouble. Minsheng Bank is halving wages to stay afloat after lending heavily to the bankrupt developer Evergrande. Global Times reports that China International Capital Corporation (CICC) has cut salaries by 65 per cent since the peak four years ago. Hence the fate of Zheng Wenlu, a 30-year-old investment banker who threw herself off a CICC building in Shanghai. She had a mortgage debt of $US1.5 million and monthly payments of over $US8000. The property crash had wiped out her 40 per cent downpayment and left her in negative equity. Pay cuts pushed her into insolvency.

This is an extreme case, but it has touched a nerve among netizens caught in the deflationary pincers of falling pay and falling home equity. Centalines property price index for Tier 1 cities has fallen 28 per cent over three years. The estimated paper loss for all homes across China is $US18 trillion. Robin Xing, from Morgan Stanley, said the economy is entering a second stage of entrenched deflation driven by a negative wage price spiral and surging urban unemployment that could be very hard to reverse. The De Tocqueville theory of revolutions is that regimes are most vulnerable when a long period of rising living standards is interrupted by a depression. If so, it is a mystery why Xi Jinping is allowing this slow-motion train crash to happen. His response at the Third Plenum in July was to double down on extreme over-investment in industry rather than taking steps to lift consumption. It is a bet that China can export its way out of its slump while at the same time achieving global clean-tech hegemony. Chinas property crisis is just one issue affecting its economy. Credit: AP

This is not a remotely plausible strategy. The world will not tolerate a state of affairs where China produces 31 per cent of total manufactured goods but  due to the forced savings of its Leninist structure  accounts for 13 per cent of total consumption. The country has already built solar and lithium battery capacity that exceeds total global demand twice over. It is playing the same game with EVs, electrolysers, heat pumps, air conditioners, etc. Does the Politburo really think that China can get away with dumping its unemployment on our societies and demolishing our industries by means of predatory mercantilism? Investors need to watch China very closely over the next six months. But there may be another reason for Chinas reluctance to stimulate demand. Xu Gao, the chief economist at Bank of China, says much of the policy elite in Beijing has fallen under the spell of Friedrich Hayek and the Austrian business cycle. Hayek is neglected in the West  few still read Prices and Production or The Fatal Conceit: The Errors of Socialism  but his market fundamentalism is perversely fashionable in Communist China.

Any attempt to alleviate Chinas post-bubble pain is decried as drinking poison to quench ones thirst. Excess credit must be purged by liquidation, with no interference in the self-correction process. Hardliners say that curing a debt crisis by pushing the augmented fiscal deficit to 14 per cent or 15 per cent of GDP is pure hemlock. This economic ideology is fully aligned with Xi Jinpings views on social discipline and moral fibre. Welfarism is a dirty word in Xi Thought. It fosters lazy people who get something for nothing, as he puts it. Loading Yet Chinas leader may conclude that the punishment beatings have gone too far and that the survival of the Communist Party is better served by letting the Chinese people consume more of their own hard labour, and by retreating from trade wars with Europe, America and India. Xi abandoned the Maoist lunacy of dynamic zero COVID suddenly and without explanation. It is not impossible that he will listen seriously to those now calling for a drastic change of course and for Rooseveltesque policies. Should he do so, it will change the global economic landscape overnight and set asset markets on fire.
CBD was delighted to learn that Tabcorp, under the new management of ex-AFL chief executive Gillon McLachlan, has decided to take the brave step of banning politicians from its marquee The Birdcage during Melbourne Cup week.

The gaming, media and wagering services company missed its cost guidance by about $60 million at its results in August and its share price tanked, 18 days into the McLachlan tenure  so cost-cutting is now a big focus. TAB will also axe its secondary entertainment structure near Flemingtons winning post, well away from The Birdcage.

GIllon McLachlan has banned pollies from Tabcorps Birdcage marquee. Credit: Arsineh Houspian

Tabcorp will lavish attention on clients in its marquee, instead of snout-in-the-trough elected officials out for a good time on someone elses dime.

You have to hand it to McLachlan, CBD thought, loving the delicious dose of schadenfreude.
The series opens with Joan, who, in her 20s, is stuck in an abusive marriage to violent criminal Gary. When a job goes wrong and Gary goes on the run, Joan sees an out for herself and her six-year-old daughter, Kelly, and legs it herself. But jobless, broke and homeless, she leaves Kelly in foster care, planning to collect her as soon as shes on her feet. She heads to London where she fudges her way into a job at an upmarket jewellery store.

Best of all, Joan is based on a true story. Written by Anna Symon ( The Essex Serpent ) and directed by Rain Dogs  Richard Laxton, the series is based on the real Joan Hanningtons 2002 memoir, I Am. What I Am, and she worked closely with Symon on the script.

This six-part British series stars Game of Thrones  Sophie Turner in a very different style of costume drama, but her outfits are no less dramatic. Turner stars as Joan Hannington, a housewife turned jewel thief who became one of Londons most notorious underworld figures in the 1980s  and surely one of the most stylish. Gird yourself for brightly hued power dressing, crease-cut eyeshadow and extreme blusher.

Not long into her tenure, her dodgy boss tries to hit on her, and, on a whim, she steals some loose diamonds from the safe (security was a little more lax back in the 80s), by swallowing them. Her plan is to sell the stones and use the money to set her and Kelly up with a flat.

But then she meets handsome, charming grifter Boisie (Frank Dillane, son of actor Stephen, and last seen in The Essex Serpent), an antiques dealer who learnt his trade in prison, and sells a lot more than the Regency dinnerware on display in his shop.

Frank Dillane as Boisie and Sophie Turner as Joan. Credit: Stan

Boisie agrees to help Joan sell her diamonds if she helps him with just one job  you can see where thats going. That one job involves posing as a glamorous couple and flying to Spain to sell some stolen jewels, and the lead-up to the gig alone  buying herself a new wardrobe using a stolen chequebook  sees Joan being slowly seduced by the lifestyle. Driven by her desire to get back Kelly, who has been fostered with a wealthy family seemingly keen to keep her, Joan quickly embraces her newfound skills.

Only the first two episodes were made available for preview, but I was already completely on board for Joans ascent  or descent, depending on how you view it  into Londons underworld. The real Joan, whose underworld antics earned her the nickname The Godmother, was every bit as charismatic as Turners Joan; she claimed to visit her hairdresser daily to have her platinum hairdo touched up, owned 11 fur coats and some 2000 pairs of shoes, all while she and Boisie lived in a council flat to avoid suspicion.
Sener Besim

In 2020, Sener Besim launched a jewellery line.

Innovation has always been central to what I do and Ive created a brand that sits outside seasonality. I launched the business in 2016, starting with Japanese titanium eyewear. My ambition was always to work with Japanese artisans at the top of their game. We were excited to deliver innovation to the independent luxury space as I felt eyewear had been an afterthought for many luxury houses.

In 2020, we launched a jewellery line, working with gold and plated metals and exploring enamelling, which took us on a journey of working with colour. Again we werent satisfied with the existing state of affairs.

As we continued to tell our story through our product, we went back to where it started for me  ready-to-wear. I approached the finest mills in Italy to create the highest-quality garments, including knitted skirts and dresses. This year, our second collection has seen us join forces with a Turkish mill to produce a collection of T-shirts, skirts and dresses in black and white. All are made from the same yarn, a high-grade mercerised cotton that can be washed and worn without altering shape.
Paris: French President Emmanuel Macrons main rival, Marine Le Pen faces a possible 10 years in prison as she goes on trial alongside dozens of members of her party over an alleged fake jobs scheme that took money from the European Union (EU) and channelled it into her far-right party.

The National Rally (RN) leader, 24 members and the party itself stand accused of using funds for EU parliamentary work to pay staff who were working for the party, known as the National Front at the time.

French far-right leader Marine Le Pen speaks to the media as she arrives at the courthouse in Paris on Monday. The trial is expected to last two months. Credit: AP

In the Paris dock were nine former European Parliament members (MEPs) including Le Pen and Louis Aliot, the party vice-president, Julien Odoul, a party spokesman and one of nine former parliamentary assistants, and four RN staff.

Jean-Marie Le Pen, 96, Le Pens father and co-founder of the National Front, is being tried in absentia due to his waning mental and physical health.
Israeli police say seven people were killed in a shooting attack in Tel Aviv on Tuesday evening (local time) minutes before Irans missile barrage.

Local authorities confirmed the death toll  up one from earlier reports of at least six killed  on Wednesday afternoon in Israel, where it is now 2pm.

A dead person is loaded into an ambulance following a shooting attack in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish area of Tel Aviv on October 1. Credit: AP

Police said two Palestinian men from the Israeli-occupied West Bank town of Hebron opened fire in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv, including shooting directly into a light rail carriage crowded with passengers that was stopped at a station.

Police said the pair had no prior arrests though one had been involved with disturbing the peace at a demonstration. The two men were shot and killed by security guards and armed pedestrians. One of them was armed with an M16 and the other with a knife.

Police and paramedics who responded to the scene treated another 16 people injured from the shooting as sirens blared across the country.

An Israeli forensic officer examines a light rail car following a shooting attack. Credit: AP

Greeces foreign ministry says a Greek national was among the people killed.

A ministry statement on Wednesday said the man, whom it did not name, was a resident of Jerusalem.

The ministry condemned what it called a terrorist attack and expressed the deepest sorrow at the death of the Greek national.

Loading

On Wednesday, locals left flowers and candles at the train stop, where bullet holes peppered the signs and train stop benches.

Maya Brandwine, a 33-year-old resident of the neighbourhood, said she was at a local coffee shop on the street when the shooting broke out. During the subsequent Iranian missile attack she ended up sheltering in a bomb shelter with police carrying out sweeps for additional suspects.

Its a nightmare, and were starting to get used to it, she said, blaming the policies of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir for the shooting attack and the general situation in Israel.

AP
Robert Downey Jr. is taking the stage in the latest production of "McNeal," and the reviews are out.

Downey Jr. is portraying the lead role of Jacob McNeal, a writer honored with the Nobel Prize in Literature. During his award speech, McNeal dives into the complexities of artificial intelligence, a topic he is intimately familiar with due to his experimentation with it in creating his literary works.

The premiere at the Lincoln Center Theatre in New York received various reviews when it opened on Monday evening.

The Washington Post's headline made it seem like critics were puzzled by Downey Jr's role in an AI-themed play, with part of their review saying, "Robert Downey Jr. is a high-gloss mess that strands the audience in the weeds."

McNEAL with Robert Downey Jr.

     . pic.twitter.com/pXzilsJCnP  Alex Kos (@AlexKossss) September 12, 2024

Variety's review, on the other hand, criticized the actor's Broadway debut as "stale and confounding."

"While beautifully staged and produced, 'McNeal' is a dull and garbled play that says very little about ethics and artificial intelligence and instead hoists up a pompous and exhausting man who has only ever cared about himself and his legacy."

Described as an "endurance test" by USA Today, the New York Theatre Guide, on the other hand, praised Downey Jr.'s performance, acknowledging his confident Broadway debut. However, according to the review, the play itself fell short of expectations.

Meanwhile, the New York Post's headline said, "Robert Downey Jr.'s awful Broadway play about AI is a total wipeout."

"McNeal" marks Downey Jr.'s first theatrical performance since his brief stint in the off-Broadway production of "American Passion" back in 1983.

READ MORE: 'Midnight In The Garden Of Good And Evil' Musical Set for Broadway Debut After Chicago Success
VIENTIANE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Laos unveiled the priority actions in trade and trade-related areas (2024-2030) as part of a guidance to graduate from least developed country (LDC) status by 2026, aiming to ensure a smooth transition.

The unveiling ceremony was held in Lao capital Vientiane on Monday, attended by over 50 representatives from the public and private sectors, according to a report from Laos' Ministry of Industry and Commerce on Tuesday.

Over the years, the Lao government has prioritized poverty eradication among its diverse ethnic groups, setting clear objectives to lead the nation out of LDC status.

In his speech, Lao Deputy Minister of Industry and Commerce Manothong Vongsay emphasized the significance of the guidelines, which are designed to accelerate development across key sectors.

He observed that this transition not only signifies a notable achievement but also opens new avenues for international recognition of Laos' progress. The transition is expected to enhance the credibility of investments within regional and international value chains.

Manothong outlined key opportunities that could facilitate Laos' exit from LDC status, such as leveraging the country's railways and land ports to enhance trade, reducing reliance on imported fuel by maximizing the use of domestically produced electricity, and fully utilizing agricultural resources to meet global market demands.

He also called for increased diversification of exports, the creation of products with higher added value, and deeper integration into regional and global value chains. 
SYDNEY, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Qatar Airways has reached a deal to buy a minority stake in Australia's second-largest airline, Virgin Australia.

Virgin Australia announced on Tuesday that Qatar Airways will acquire a 25 percent equity stake in the airline from its owner, Bain Capital, pending approval by the government's Foreign Investment Review Board.

Under the proposed deal, Virgin Australia plans to launch flights from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth to Doha.

Jayne Hrdlicka, chief executive of Virgin Australia, said that the proposed long-haul services would generate an economic benefit of 3 billion Australian dollars (2.07 billion U.S. dollars) to the Australian economy through incremental visitor flows over the next five years.

"This partnership brings the missing piece to Virgin Australia's longer-term strategy and is a huge vote of confidence in Australian aviation," she said in a statement.

"Importantly, it will further strengthen Virgin Australia's ability to compete over the long term, which will inevitably translate into more choice and even better value airfares for consumers."

Virgin Australia is the country's second-biggest airline and is the only competitor to Qantas, and its budget carrier Jetstar, on major domestic routes.

In April 2020, Virgin Australia became one of the first major airlines in the world to collapse during the COVID-19 pandemic when it entered voluntary administration.

Bain Capital, a U.S. private investment firm, bought the airline for 3.5 billion Australian dollars (2.4 billion dollars) and it came out of administration in November 2020.

The minority stake acquisition by Qatar Airways came after the federal government in 2023 blocked an application for the airline to operate extra weekly services between Doha and Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Perth. 
CANBERRA, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- The Australian government has reiterated calls for citizens to leave Lebanon immediately, warning that Beirut airport could close.

In a statement posted on social media on Monday night, Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong said that the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) is working with airlines to assist Australians in Lebanon with securing tickets on commercial flights out of the country.

It follows months of repeated warnings from the government for Australian citizens not to travel to Lebanon and for those already in the country to leave while commercial flights are still available amid the ongoing conflict in the Middle East.

"There is a risk Beirut airport may close for an extended period," Wong said on Monday night.

"We continue to urge Australians in Lebanon to take the first opportunity they can to depart. Please do not wait for a preferred route."

Speaking to reporters in Canberra on Tuesday morning, Treasurer Jim Chalmers said that the government is gravely concerned about the human cost of the escalating conflict.

The government's Smartraveler service, run by DFAT, has had a "do not travel" advisory in place for Lebanon since October 2023.

The latest update to the travel advice for Lebanon issued on Saturday warns that terrorist attacks could occur at any time and anywhere in the country.

Australian citizens and permanent residents in Lebanon have been urged to register with DFAT's crisis registration portal. Those who choose not to leave have been told to prepare to shelter in place for an extended period.

The Australian Broadcasting Corporation reported in September that the government estimated at least 15,000, and up to 30,000 Australians, were still in Lebanon. 
by Xinhua writer Ding Yinghua

BRUSSELS, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Far-right parties, once confined to the political periphery, are gaining ground across Europe, be it at the EU level or in national politics.

The latest case was in Austria. According to the preliminary official results, Austria's far-right Freedom Party won the first-ever national parliamentary election since the end of World War II on Sunday.

Observers say the far-right's triumph was not so much a welcome for the populism by voters, but rather an echo of disenchantment with their current governments' incompetence in dealing with economic and social woes.

They desire for change. However, the rise of the right-wing forces consequently led to political fragmentation and posed a challenge to the governance in European countries.

SHIFT TO THE RIGHT

Traditional European political forces suffered a setback in this year's European Parliament elections in June. Though the center-right European People's Party and the center-left Progressive Alliance of Socialists and Democrats maintained as the largest and second-largest group in the parliament, right-wing and far-right forces have made unprecedented wins.

In the snap French parliamentary elections held in July, despite the efforts of the left and center blocs to prevent an outright victory for the far-right National Rally through strategic alliances before the second round of voting, the French National Assembly ended up with a "three-way split" configuration. This outcome ultimately led to the resignation of French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal.

In September, Germany's Alternative for Germany (AfD) party made big gains in the Thuringia state election -- the first victory for a far-right party in Germany since World War II. Such victories also took place in the Netherlands, Sweden and Belgium.

As rising far-right forces increasingly seek greater influence over national and EU policymaking, the traditionally dominant center-left and center-right mainstream parties and coalitions have rallied their efforts to counter their rise.

Europe is showing a trend of polarization between the left and right wings, with centrist parties being squeezed, a situation that has further deepened political fragmentation and exacerbated governance challenges in many countries.

Ding Chun, director of the Center for European Studies at the Shanghai-based Fudan University, told Xinhua that the rising far-right political forces were insufficient to fundamentally transform the overall EU political landscape. Still, their emergence stood to undermine and place constraints on traditional parties.

Jin Ling, deputy director of the Department for European Studies at the China Institute of International Studies, also told Xinhua that for a long time, the main political parties in European countries have adopted a "firewall" strategy to ward off far-right forces.

However, as political fragmentation in Europe has deepened, the "firewall" has gradually crumbled, Jin added.

VOTERS' DESIRE FOR CHANGE

In recent years, European established parties have been ineffective in addressing critical challenges like the sluggish economy and rising immigration, which led to growing public dissatisfaction and mistrust in governments.

In the Netherlands, the public's discontent has also been growing with the government's handling of such issues as housing shortages, declining public service quality, and rising living costs.

Voters handed a landslide win to the right-wing Party for Freedom in the 2023 general election, embodying their resentment and strong demand for change.

Wu Huiping, deputy director of the German Studies Center at Tongji University, said that German society has undergone significant changes in recent years, with citizens expressing dissatisfaction with domestic infrastructure, bureaucracy and international competitiveness, and disapproving of the government's actions. As a result, more voters have cast their ballots for the AfD.

In addition, immigration has had a consistent effect on votes for the far-right. Ding said that amid the worsening refugee and immigration situation, citizens in many European countries have become generally disappointed with their governments' policies.

So when far-right parties' campaign agendas accommodate voters' concerns, they become highly appealing.

CHALLENGE FOR GOVERNANCE

The growing presence of far-right parties has triggered political fragmentation in many European countries. As political power becomes increasingly divided among multiple parties, factions, and interest groups, the absence of a strong governing majority becomes inevitable.

Following AfD's gains in the regional election, Uwe Jun, professor of political science at the University of Trier, told French media outlet Les Echos that the increasing fragmentation of the German political landscape complicates the formation of coalitions, as well as their work.

It then becomes difficult for a government to maintain a clear political line, which then creates discontent among voters, Jun added.

The prolonged delay in appointing France's new prime minister is a direct consequence of partisan struggles. After two months of haggling, veteran politician Michel Barnier was finally named as the new prime minister.

However, French political observer Clement Guillou warned that Barnier's path to governance will be fraught with challenges as his new government will face dual pressure from both the left and the right in the National Assembly.

According to Zhao Chen, director of the European International Relations Research Office at the Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, Europe's political fragmentation will hinder governments from effectively implementing policy agendas due to constraints from tug-of-war among various political forces.

Moreover, the success of far-right parties in elections in key European countries is prompting even centrist and left-wing governments to tighten policies on migration, hoping to retain voters.

Florian Trauner, a migration specialist at the Vrije Universiteit Brussel, told the local media that the anti-immigration position that was once the exclusive domain of the far right is now contaminating center-right parties and even center-left parties like the Social Democrats in Germany.

Germany reinstated checks at all its land borders earlier this month to curb illegal immigration and address security concerns, even though the move contradicts one of the EU's core principles.

However, Oliver Lembcke, a political scientist at the University of Bochum in Germany, has warned that "if there is no political implementation, no real changes," voters will continue to punish mainstream parties with their votes, supporting "anti-establishment" parties in subsequent elections, thus creating a "vicious cycle." 
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

A young teacher has said that income tax changes will help young people in the profession with rising costs, but said ultimately the budget would not stop them from moving abroad.

David Donagh, 30, said that reducing class sizes, restoring posts of responsibility, and giving teachers a financial incentive to further their studies may encourage some teachers who are travelling abroad to stay at home.

He said that some teachers his age are forced to travel long distances every day because they cannot afford to live near where they work.

He said he is lucky because he still lives at home in Kingscourt, Co Cavan, a 20-minute drive from where he works at a primary school in Co Meath.

Reacting to Budget 2025, he said he was disappointed there was no commitment to reduce class sizes, but said that funding to hire 1,600 new special needs assistants and 768 teachers for special education softens the blow.

He said that income tax changes will help but will not stop young teachers from considering moving abroad to places like Dubai, where teachers incomes are not taxed and their rent is paid for.

If there was anybody that was on the fence that was thinking of maybe Dubai or Australia, they could be more inclined towards going rather than staying, he said after Budget 2025.

Mr Donagh, who is an intern with the INTO, added: There were seven teachers I was talking to today after the Budget that were on the fence and I texted them all to ask is the Budget going to keep you in the country, and theyre all going after Christmas.

Five of them are resigning permanent jobs to go, he said adding that they are aged 26 to 33.

He welcomed the rollout of a Keep Childhood Smartphone Free initiative, costing 9.0 million.

In our school, we surveyed the third-class kids, and it was over 80% of them had either an iPhone or a Samsung Galaxy phone, so they are getting older, and it is something they could build on.

He also said he was waiting to see what Education Minister Norma Foley would say at a press conference on Wednesday.

Asked about what the Government could do to encourage teachers to stay, Mr Donagh suggested: The restoration of the posts of responsibility, like the assistant principal one and assistant principal two posts.

It gives you a chance of promotion because a lot of people look at principalships now, and they say its too much work.

He said that a financial incentive for teachers who further their own education  by doing a management or special education course  should be considered.

Im after completing my third masters in education leadership and management. Thats after costing 9,500, but I dont get any extra for any of it. A lot of people would laugh and say, why would you bother doing that?'
By Cillian Sherlock, PA

The Budget repeats Irelands past mistakes of pumping billions into the economy when it is at full employment, the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (Ifac) has said.

The watchdog said the very large Budget package will add pressures and widen the underlying deficit.

It noted positives such as record employment and steady growth, but warned that the strengthening of the economy comes with pressures.

These include worker shortages, difficulties delivering on infrastructure projects, and fast increases in prices such as rents and services.

Ireland needs a more serious vision that delivers on the economys needs without repeating the boom-to-bust pattern of its past, Ifac said.

The council calculates the budget at 9.1 billion, with 6.9 billion in permanent measures.

It said the tax package is effectively neutral because the 1.4 billion in tax cuts cancel out what would be raised by people drifting into higher tax bands plus the continued impact of previous measures.

Spending measures amount to 6.9 billion, with the rest of the package relating to temporary cost-of-living moves.

Part of the increase in spending relates to overruns in 2024  3.7 billion over estimates from the last budget.

"I believe #Budget2025 provides the ways and means for continuing to deliver many more, bright and hopeful days for us all. All this and more can be achieved because of the decisions we are taking today for our people, our communities and our country."



- Minister @jackfchambers pic.twitter.com/E667aMkfb9  Fianna Fail (@fiannafailparty) October 1, 2024

This adds 1.8 billion to the 400 million announced in April for the public sector pay deal and 1.5 billion for health spending in the summer.

Capital spending makes up 800 million of the total overrun.

Ifac noted that only about half of the governments 2.1 billion of cost-of-living measures were targeted.

It said money for universal energy credits, VAT cuts on energy and child benefit could have provided more to those most in need at a lower cost.

It warned that the overall package could be even larger when 3 billion of investments in the Land Development Agency, Uisce Eireann and Eir Grid are accounted for.

While these amounts should be considered additional spending, they do not seem to appear in the budgetary figures.

Ifac said the government had again breached its 5 per cent spending rule.

Our first read is that this means a net spending increase of 9.2% for 2024 and 5.8% for 2025. This is far higher than the Governments own 5% limit.

2025 growth rate could rise to 8.8% if the three billion euro additional capital spending increases noted above were included for that year.

The council said cumulative breaches since 2022 are substantial, with the government likely to be 12.5 billion above what the rule would have allowed by 2025.

It added: Large budget packages in recent years have put money back in peoples pockets, but they have taken it away by pushing up prices.

By breaching its rule, the Government is estimated to add 1,000 to the cost of a typical households yearly outgoings. This is probably an underestimate.

Ifac said the current surplus is down to an extraordinary amount of corporation tax being collected and the economy performing well.

If these were to reverse, a deficit of almost 9 billion could emerge.
David Raleigh

A daughter and son of prominent publican Charlie Chawke were today remanded on bail charged with violently assaulting two men at the four-star luxury Dunraven Arms Hotel, in Adare, Co Limerick.

Alison Chawke (40) of The Beeches, Holywell, Goatstown, Dublin 14, allegedly gouged the eyes of one of the alleged victims, and allegedly kicked the other alleged victim in the head a number of times before allegedly biting him on the side of his face, at the hotel, on November 9th 2023.

Ms Chawke is also alleged to have thrown a pint glass at the alleged victims and a number of other patrons who had been trying to intervene in the alleged attack.

Bill Chawke (30) of Merrion Street Upper, Dublin 2, was charged with two counts of assault causing harm, in which he allegedly threw punches at both alleged injured parties, and hit the head of one of the men off a bar counter at the hotel, which has hosted members of the British Royal family, presidents and movie stars.

This afternoon, Garda Ronan Hayes, of Adare Garda Station, gave evidence before Newcastle West Court of arresting and charging both of the accused, who are each being represented by Dublin-based solicitor Michael Finucane.

Garda Hayes told the court that neither of the two accused made any reply when charged.

Inspector Barry Manton told the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions had directed that the two accused be dealt with by summary disposal, which means the district court judge hears a summary of the alleged facts from the prosecuting garda before deciding if they will allow the case to proceed in the district court or before a higher court.

Outlining the prosecutions case, Inspector Manton alleged that, at around thirty minutes past midnight on the date in question, Alison and Bill Chawke were sitting at a bar at a hotel in Adare, as were the two alleged victims, and other hotel patrons.

Initially, the two accused were involved in a verbal altercation with bar staff as well as the two alleged victims, before Ms Chawke and Mr Chawke put themselves in the personal space of the staff and the two alleged victims and it is alleged the (two) accused began a violent altercation, Inspector Manton alleged.

A number of other customers at the bar tried to break it up, however the altercation continued out of the bar and ended in a hallway at the hotel, Inspector Manton alleged.

It was all captured on CCTV, he said.

Inspector Manton told judge Carol Anne Coolican: It will be alleged that Bill Chawke, during this violent altercation, gouged the eyes of injured party number one and hit the head of injured party number 1, pushing it down on the bar in a forceful manner.

The Garda Inspector said it is also be alleged that Mr Chawke threw a number of punches against both injured parties.

Inspector Manton further alleged that Alison Chawke gouged the eyes of injured party number one, went behind the bar and picked up a glass and threw it at persons involved, including other patrons that were trying to break it up.

Alison Chawke then made her way to a hallway and delivered a number of kicks to the head of injured party number two, and she bent down and bit him on the cheek, alleged Insp Manton.

After viewing all available footage of the alleged incident, the judge said: Im refusing jurisdiction and so the matter will go back before the DPP.

Judge Coolican granted an application by Inspector Manton for an eight-week adjournment to allow the State prepare a Book of Evidence, and she said the two accused are entitled to their presumption of innocence.

The judge remanded the two accused on bail, on their own bonds of 100, which did not have to be lodged, to appear before Newcastle West District Court for service of a Book of Evidence on December 3rd this year.
Sean McCarthaigh

A former member of the Defence Forces who sexually assaulted two army colleagues at an overseas military base three years ago has been given suspended six-month sentences by a military court.

However, former sergeant, Richard Muldarry (44) from Mullingar, Co Westmeath, was sentenced to five days detention in the Curragh Camp for disorderly behaviour as a result of being drunk, contrary to Section 142 of the Defence Act 1954 on the same occasion.

Military judge, Colonel Michael Campion, also fined the defendant a total of 5,100 and issued him with three severe reprimands and three reprimands after being convicted of 10 different offences, including three charges of sexual assault involving two victims  one male and one female.

Col Campion observed that he would have been demoted to the rank of private and been discharged from the Defence Forces as punishment if he was still a serving member.

The former NCO  who was a leading figure in the LGBTI support network within the Defence Forces, Defend with Pride, during his military career  was found guilty of seven charges at a limited court-martial last April following a two-week trial after earlier pleading guilty to three other offences.

They included exposing his genitalia after pulling down his underpants in front of his female victim, simulating a sexual act in front of another soldier and presenting his buttock in the direction of another colleague.

Col Campion described the events of the night as an episode of disorderly conduct fuelled by excessive alcohol lasting over three hours.

All the offences took place between 2am and 5.30am on November 13th, 2021 at an overseas military base at a time when the defendant had been the victim of an alleged assault following a drunken row with a close friend.

The location of the military base cannot be published as a result of extensive reporting restrictions imposed by Col Campion on foot of an application by the Director of Military Prosecutions.

The defendant was found guilty of sexually assaulting a female colleague who had come to his assistance by placing his hands on her leg, without her consent, and moving them up her thigh.

A short time later, he sexually assaulted the same victim again when he placed his hand on the inside of her leg and moved it towards her groin.

The former soldier also sexually assaulted a male colleague when he placed his arms around him in a hugging gesture which caused the victim to apprehend that the accused was attempting to kiss him.

The court-martial heard Sgt Mulderry had sounded like a broken record as he repeatedly remarked to several colleagues, including both sexual assault victims: Just one time at band camp  a sexual reference from a line in the movie, American Pie.

Defence counsel, Kathleen Leader SC, had argued he was entitled to a special verdict of guilty by reason of insanity as it was likely he had suffered concussion from blows to his face during the row and was not responsible for his actions.

At a sentencing hearing at McKee Barracks on Tuesday, Col Campion said aggravating factors in the case included the fact that the defendant was an experienced NCO with 22 years of military service and the fact that his conduct involved 14 members of his unit on the night.

The judge said a comment thread in Sgt Mulderrys behaviour was inappropriate sexualised behaviour following excessive consumption of alcohol.

His legacy of good service over many years has been undermined by significant misconduct, he added.

The judge noted the accuseds female victim had told the court that she was shocked, angry and disappointed at Sgt Mulderry.

In a victim impact statement, she outlined how she suffered anxiety, stress and panic attacks over what had happened and how she had also felt let down by both her unit and the Defence Forces.

The other sexual assault victim claimed the offence had impacted him negatively in terms of sleep pattern and general well-being, as well as going on further overseas trips.

Col Campion acknowledged that the defendant was previously of good character and had been provided with references about his caring, empathetic nature and reliability.

He also noted that Sgt Muldarry had shown remorse and apologised for his conduct.

The court-martial heard he also worked as a volunteer with Samaritans Ireland and had provided foster care services.

Sgt Mulderry, who is currently unemployed but in receipt of a monthly military pension of 1,600, was accompanied by his husband, Levino de Oliveira.

The court-martial heard the convictions would have serious and life-long consequences for him, including that he could not foster children again.

Col Campion said sexual assault was a most serious offence for which there was zero tolerance within the Defence Forces and which had an extended impact on the defendants victims.

However, he accepted that Sgt Muldarrys offences were at the lower end of the scale, and he was considered at a low risk of reoffending.

Nevertheless, the judge said there was an element of persistence as the offences were repetitive in nature.

Sgt Muldarry was also found guilty of assaulting each of the same two victims and convicted of four offences of conduct prejudicial to good order and discipline, contrary to Section 168 of the Defence Act 1954.

They included an inappropriate gesture he made simulating oral sex as well as being in possession of an empty bottle of Grey Goose vodka in a prohibited part of the military base.

At a pre-sentence hearing in May, the former soldier told the judge that he was unsure if he could ever forgive himself for his offences.

The former NCO said drinking inappropriately on the night was the biggest mistake of my life.

He gave evidence that he had not touched alcohol since the events of November 2021.

Sgt Muldarry has seven previous disciplinary findings against him while serving in the Defence Forces, including two for being absent without leave, one for being disobedient to a superior officer and one for being intoxicated.

The defendant, who is a part-time carer for his elderly parents, resigned from the Defence Forces in 2022, while he also resigned from a civilian job following his conviction by the court-martial earlier this year.

Sentencing Sgt Muldarry to six months detention on each of the three sexual assault charges, Col Campion suspended the sentences for a period of 12 months but ordered him to be detained for five days for being drunk.

He also imposed fines for all ten offences ranging from 200 to 1,250 and totalling 5,100 which he ordered should be paid by October 31st.

The judge directed that no post-release supervision order was warranted.

Col Campion said the range of effective punishments had been restricted by the fact that the defendant was no longer in the Defence Forces.

The judge observed that alcohol was at the core of the offences which he observed was a common feature of cases that came before court martials.

He also granted an application by counsel for the Director of Military Prosecutions, Lieutenant Colonel Sean Coffey, to lift a restriction on publishing the name of the defendant.
The Irish Natura and Hill Farmers Association have once again detailed the need for full tax exemptions in this years Budget for all payments farmers receive under the various environmental schemes.

In pressing the case for these exemptions, National President Vincent Roddy called for all payments made to farmers under schemes such as ACRES and the new Eco-scheme to be disregarded for tax purposes. This proposal was, he added, one of the major calls made by the organisation in their Budget submission, which was first outlined last July. Over the last number of months, we have stated Roddy seen significant problems around the ACRES Programme that has angered and frustrated farmers in equal measure. With confidence in the scheme at an all-time low the Government has, he added an ideal opportunity in this Budget to reinstate a level of confidence and positivity around the ACRES Programme by providing a tax exemption for all ACRES payments. The basis he continued for such an exemption is in recognition of the climate and biodiversity emergency declared by Dail Eireann in May 2019.

In declaring this emergency, it has he added given Government additional powers to address this emergency in a similar manner to the housing crisis where a tax free allowance on rental income of up to 14,000/year is currently available Beyond emergency measures, an exemption on ACRES and Eco-scheme payments would he maintained also mirror the tax free exemptions that are available for forestry premium while also recognising the additional costs incurred by farmers through the ACRES Programme that also includes reduced output and income.

In concluding the INHFA Leader stressed, the enormous benefit such an exemption would have in improving farmer goodwill around ACRES and wider environmental ambition.
Chloe Nolan, a third-year journalism student at the University of Galway, has been searching for accommodation since the beginning of 2024. After contacting no less than 100 property owners through Daft, Facebook, Instagram and personal connections, Chloe has still not secured a place to live.

One of the main challenges Chloe encountered in her search for accommodation was a low response rate from people advertising available rooms online. Not to mention, the prices have been nothing short of extortionate. Chloe recalls stumbling across a twin room that cost 800 per person excluding the electricity and water bills.

In the likely event that she is unable to find accommodation before her return to Galway, Chloe is planning to commute from her hometown of Swinford.

It will be a combination of commuting from Mayo to Galway, which is not a huge commute but it takes a toll, and couch surfing, Chloe told the Western People. It is tough on me but I also hate putting my friends out. Even though they say that I am not putting them out, at the end of the day I do not want to have to rely on my friends to live.

Chloe attributes the accommodation crisis to the lack of laws holding landlords accountable. Reflecting on her previous living situation, Chloe feels she was taken advantage of because of her status as a student. For instance, the house she lived in last year was only rented out Monday through Friday, yet it was no cheaper than a house rented out seven days a week.

There should be a rent cap, especially in areas with a high student population, Chloe adds. If the rent continues to go up like this, I dread to see what it will be like in 10 years. Nobody is going to be able to afford university in Ireland anymore, not because of the university fees but because of the rent. It is turning a lot of people off going to college.

Emil Kindl, ATU Sligo Students' Union Vice President for Wellbeing and Engagement, substantiates this claim.

We have received numerous emails indicating that some students have had to defer their studies specifically due to the lack of available accommodation.

Student unions across the country are doing their best with the limited resources they have to help students who have been affected by the accommodation crisis. The situation in Sligo is complicated by the loss of two large student accommodation centres that are now being used for emergency accommodation for refugees.

We are actively seeking additional digs and self-catering accommodations to compensate for the loss of Benbulben and Milligan Court from the student accommodation market, Kindl reports. So far, we have managed to secure 296 bed spaces for students, which is significantly less than the over 500 spaces available last year.

In order to provide students with essential information about accommodation and financial literacy, the Students Union of ATU Sligo is collaborating with MABS, which stands for Money Advice and Budgeting Service, and Threshold, an organisation advocating for the prevention of homelessness.

However, the ATU Sligo Students' Union has also prioritised appealing to the Government for assistance. Kindl continues to advocate for student accommodation through local media channels such as Ocean FM and The Sligo Champion. Recently, he addressed Taoiseach Simon Harris and the Departments of Housing and Integration on RTE.

Aside from deterring prospective students from attending university, the accommodation crisis negatively impacts students in so many ways.

I know people who are in their final year of college at the University of Galway and they have to commute from Mayo, which is going to be reflected in their academic performance, Chloe comments. They are also not going to experience college life.

"College is not just grades, it is the whole experience: the social aspect, being on campus, going to Eyre Square or chilling out with friends in Spanish Arch. These students are definitely missing out on that.

Missing out on the true college experience is bad, failing a class because commuting took a toll on your physical and mental wellbeing is worse. The biggest problem students should be facing is a messy roommate or a difficult assignment.
MOSCOW, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Russian President Vladimir Putin reshuffled the Russian Security Council on Monday, introducing several key new members.

According to a presidential decree, four new officials have been appointed to the council: Presidential Aide Alexey Dyumin, First Deputy Prime Minister Denis Manturov, Head of the Federal Medical-Biological Agency Veronika Skvortsova, and Chief of the Presidential Special Programs Directorate Alexander Linets.

Meanwhile, Putin removed Vladimir Yakushev, who was recently relieved of his duties as the Presidential Envoy to the Ural Federal District, from the Security Council.

The Russian Security Council is a constitutional advisory body that assists the president in decision-making on national security and strategic matters. 
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLINA - WESTERN PEOPLE (OCTOBER 1 EDITION)

Services around the visit to the Catholic Diocese of Killala of the relics of Saint Bernadette will take place on Thursday, Friday and Saturday of this week.

The relic pilgrimage takes in the cathedrals of Ireland, including St Muredachs Cathedral, Ballina.

The relics arrive in Ballina on Thursday, October 3, at 2pm and will be welcomed by Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and the recently appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Killala.

This will be followed by Rosary and Confessions. Mass of St Bernadette with Lourdes water will be celebrated at 7pm on Thursday evening, with a Holy Hour taking place from 9pm to 10pm.

Among the services scheduled for Friday, October 4, are a talk on St Bernadette, a Mass and Anointing of the Sick at 7pm and a candlelight procession. There will also be morning Masses at 8am and 10am, Stations of the Cross, Rosary and Confessions on Friday.

Following a Parish Mass at 10am, the relics will depart for the Diocese of Achonry on Saturday, October 5, visiting the Cathedral of the Annunciation and St Nathy, Ballaghaderreen.
COMMUNITY NOTES: BALLYHAUNIS - WESTERN PEOPLE (OCTOBER 1 EDITION)

Barbara Rick, a recent and frequent visitor to Ballyhaunis, has one of the bigger jobs on American television while also attending reunions of the American arm of the Morley family.

Barbara Rick is the head writer for the third hour of Good Morning America on the ABC network.

Ive been a journalist and documentary filmmaker all my life... and have written a few screenplays as well, said Barbara whose late maternal grandparents were both from the wider Ballyhaunis area.

Celia Kedian (Brackloon) and John Morley (Aghamore) were brave young teenagers in search of a better life when they came to America aeons ago and met in New York City at a St Patricks Day Dance, she explained. Allegedly on the subway, on their way home that night... thats the lore anyway.

Imagine the shock they got when they realised they were both from the same tiny Mayo town!

Weve had a number of Morley reunions over the past 50 plus years, the last one about a decade ago. Our cousin Cele McCauley used to know the family history inside out but unfortunately she passed away a few years ago... [we] really miss her and her wealth of family knowledge.

The latest family reunion took place September 7th in Hempstead, New York, organised by Barbaras cousins Carol FitzGerald Walsh, Joan Fitzpatrick and others.

Their late moms, Rose and Mary, were sisters... their youngest sister Joan, my late mom, was the baby of the Morley family. My mom used to sing Molly Malone to us on our way home from family gatherings in Astoria, Queens and her rendition of Danny Boy was renowned.

Barbara visited Ballyhaunis this summer. Her work has also taken her to Ireland.

In the 1980s, while working at WNBC-TV in New York City, we hired my cousin Enda Morley to be our fixer on a trip covering John Cardinal OConnors journey to Knock, Belfast, and Dublin for peace. Mayor Ed Koch was there in Knock, too. Endas grandfather Michael Morley and my grandfather John Morley were brothers.

Enda and his wife Mary have been to our home in Throggs Neck in the Bronx a couple of times and weve hosted their children, siblings, and other extended relatives over the last few decades.

Back in the summer of 1993, I took Creative Writing & Irish Literature courses at the University College Galway while going through a divorce and I was carted around the country with care to hear Sharon Shannon, Mary Black, and the Saw Doctors with the Morleys of Mayo and slowly healed my broken heart.

Enda and his sisters and brothers have taken me many times to the remains of the cottage where our grandfathers lived as children. Its one of the most gorgeous spots on the planet, rich in birdsong and the shade of ancient trees. Long ago it was known as the Valley of Birdsong.. and its hallowed ground to me.

My husband and I visited there with the Morleys back in 2016 and Mary and Enda took me there again on this latest visit in July of 2024. I was invited to take a couple of pebbles from the old chimney for my grandnieces in the US, a reed of connection to their great-great grandfather who passed away in the 1960s.

Barbara got her Irish citizenship a few years back and has a dream to purchase a modest writers cabin in the countryside where I could escape from time to time to do my own creative writing. Her cousin Merrilyn Finn, who moved to Ballyhaunis from New York several years ago, is a popular and active member of several local community groups, including Ballyhaunis Language Cafe, Tidy Towns and is a board member at the Family Resource Centre.

My deep and abiding connection to our family and the hills of Mayo, the stories, and the music has been one of the bright joys of my life, said Barbara.
By Grainne Ni Aodha, PA

Police have warned against people taking the law into their own hands after an assault and a report of criminal damage in west Belfast.

The PSNI said a man was taken to hospital with a serious injury after he was assaulted by a number of men on Suffolk Road shortly after 8pm on Sunday.

Police said they had spoken to the man earlier after a separate report that he had made remarks to a teenage girl that made her uncomfortable.

The force said they were aware of speculation connecting the incident to recent reported approaches to women and attempted sexual assaults in the area but stressed there was no evidence linking it to previous reports and no arrests have been made.

Police then received a report of criminal damage to a property in the Ardcaoin area of west Belfast just before 6pm on Monday.

They said damage was caused to the windows and doors and that no one was in the property at the time.

Chief Inspector Hamilton said that at this stage of the investigation they believed the two incidents were linked.

We would reiterate that we are aware of online speculation connecting last nights assault to recent reported approaches to women and attempted sexual assaults in the west Belfast area; however there is no evidence linking these reports at present, and no arrests have been made.

We want to make it clear that the Police Service of Northern Ireland will not tolerate any type of vigilante activity and we would caution any individual or group in the strongest terms against taking the law into their own hands.

The Police Service is responsible for law enforcement in Northern Ireland, not the community.

We are continuing to liaise with elected and community representatives to discuss these issues and our officers will be providing a visible policing presence throughout west Belfast.

If you have concerns  report them to police on 101, or 999 in an emergency.
Ballina is once again gearing up to become the epicentre of arts, culture, and creative expression as the Ballina Fringe Festival 2024 unveils its vibrant programme. Running from October 4th to 13th, this years festival promises to be an exhilarating blend of music, theatre, visual arts, literature, and more  a real cultural celebration in Ballina.

This years festival brings an eclectic array of performances and activities designed to inspire and engage attendees of all ages. With something for everyone, this years programme includes live music with Arborist, winner of the prestigious Northern Ireland Music Prize 2023, supported by David Murphy on pedal steel guitar and AS Fanning, all the way from Berlin.

In visual arts, Belfast Print Works 'Nightmares, Dreams and Visions' exhibition visits Ballina en route to Boston, while the renowned Pure Ballina! Street art project returns with Clare-based artist SUFEK creating some more of the striking street art Ballina is so known for. The 15th Divipassion International Film Festival relocates from twin town Athis-Mons to Ballina for the first time, this year showcasing some of Mayo's finest short film makers.

Live performances are a focal point of the festival with something for all ages. Dulra, an exploration of the natural world in Belleek Woods is perfect for families, while Frigid, a coming of age one-woman play is destined to thrill and delight at the Cot and Cobble. David Irvines Totally Made Up Orchestra offers one of the more unique festival experiences that shouldnt be missed.

As one of autumns most exciting festivals, Ballina Fringe Festival continues to build on its reputation for celebrating the best of local and national artistic talent. The festival is committed to fostering a spirit of inclusivity and accessibility, ensuring that everyone in the community can participate in and enjoy the arts.

Ballina Fringe Festival invites everyone to join in the festivities. Whether youre an artist, a volunteer, or simply an art lover, there are many ways to get involved and contribute to the success of this years festival. Tickets for festival events are available at www.ballinafringefestival.ie, and were welcoming anyone who would like to volunteer to contact us at info@ballinafringefestival.ie.
PRAGUE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Czech Foreign Minister Jan Lipavsky will remain in the government as an unaffiliated member after his party, the Czech Pirate Party, decided to exit the coalition, Prime Minister Petr Fiala announced on Tuesday.

Members of the Pirate Party on Monday voted to approve the party's departure from the five-party government coalition, following the dismissal of their leader, Ivan Bartos, from his positions as deputy prime minister for digitization and regional development minister.

Fiala, also head of the Civic Democratic Party, told journalists that he considered continuity in the leadership of Czech diplomacy to be important regarding Lipavsky's stay. He said the heads of the other three coalition parties also supported Lipavsky remaining a minister as an unaffiliated expert.

Lipavsky has requested to end his membership in the Pirate Party. He met Fiala on Tuesday to submit his resignation.

"I'm glad Jan Lipavsky decided to continue on my government team after our conversation," Fiala said on social media X.

Fiala announced last week that he would recommend President Petr Pavel dismiss Bartos from his government position, citing his failure to effectively implement the digitalization of construction procedures. On Monday, Fiala confirmed that Pavel had accepted the proposal and assigned the Minister of Labor and Social Affairs, Marian Jurecka, to temporarily take on the role of minister for regional development. 
ZAGREB, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Ante Simonic, former Croatian deputy prime minister and former Croatian ambassador to China, has hailed China's "unprecedented" achievements over the 75 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China (PRC).

In a written interview with Xinhua on the eve of PRC's 75th founding anniversary, Simonic emphasized China's remarkable rise that began about 40 years ago, attributing the achievements to "hard work, good organization, and wise leadership."

Simonic is the founder and long-term president of the Croatian-Chinese Friendship Association in Rijeka, Croatia's third-largest city. He was awarded the Friendship Award by the Chinese government in 2017, in recognition of his efforts in promoting friendly exchanges, understanding and friendship between the peoples of Croatia and China.

Simonic commended China for its world-leading position in many sectors, including electric vehicle manufacturing, shipbuilding, modern railway networks, and space exploration. He said China's modernization drive has outlined a blueprint for achieving national rejuvenation.

He views China as playing an indispensable role in addressing globally important issues such as security, green energy, oil prices, the fight against terrorism, and climate change.

Regarding the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind, he stated that it is rooted in China's long history and civilization, reflecting Chinese wisdom and offering solutions to promote the creation of a better and fairer world.

The concept is "extremely significant" as it focuses on multilateralism, fair governance, global cooperation and development, which have been widely recognized by the international community, he added.

According to Simonic, the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) has been a concrete practice of the concept of building a community with a shared future for mankind.

He cited the Peljesac Bridge and the Senj Wind Farm Project, two BRI projects undertaken by Chinese companies in Croatia, as examples of successful and mutually beneficial cooperation between the two countries.

"The Peljesac Bridge is an extremely successful project, which has grown into the most visible symbol of the connection between Croatia and China," Simonic said.

He said the Peljesac Bridge has not only greatly promoted the development of tourism, transportation and logistics industries in southern Croatia, but also connects Croatia's mainland with the Peljesac Peninsula on the country's southern Adriatic coast for the first time.

Meanwhile, the Senj Wind Farm Project, "in addition to its enormous economic, technological and financial significance, also points to the successful cooperation between China and Croatia in the extremely topical area of environmental protection and green energy," Simonic said.

China and Croatia established diplomatic relations in 1992. In 2005, the two countries established a comprehensive cooperative partnership. 
A true champion for diversity, equity and inclusion

Bath Spa University (BSU) bestows Professor Ruksana Osman with a BSU Honorary Doctorate of Education.

The UK-based university recognised Osman as a champion for diversity, equity and inclusion who works in a deliberate, deliberative and considered way to ensure that academics and students bring their whole selves to learn and teach, to research and innovate, and work in an environment that is diverse and affirming.

An internationally renowned education expert, Osman is currently the Senior Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at Wits University, where she is also at the forefront of building several transnational partnerships, particularly with UK, European and African universities.

BSU itself is one of those partners. First working together in 2018, BSU and Wits have an ongoing relationship, hosting visits between staff and, as recently as July 2024, implementing a three-year bursary scheme to support strategic collaboration.

Bath Spa University is proud to have awarded Professor Ruksana Osman an Honorary Doctorate of Education as the latest member to join our Honorary cohort of 2024 that recognises individuals who excel in their field and contribute to our values of inclusivity, creativity and sustainability, BSU said in a statement.

Speaking at the celebration ceremony, Osman spoke of her pride in being recognised by BSU:

It is with profound gratitude that I receive this honour and recognition from Bath Spa University. I accept it on behalf of everyone who has lent me a helping hand and believed in me throughout my journey. I receive it on behalf of my parents, my extended family, my teachers, my friends, and my colleagues

We need a network of networks

Osman has spearheaded Wits partnership in several strategic academic initiatives including the Diversifying the Academy programmes, the Wits Edinburg Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) doctoral program, the AFRETEC (African Engineering and Technology) network, The Future Materials Project, and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) on collaborative doctoral degree programs.

This is a momentous decade for global solidarity and collaboration amongst universities, she said, adding that following the digital shift driven by the Covid-19 pandemic, the global higher education landscape is changing rapidly, presenting a unique opportunity for Africa and the world.

While the Continent may currently be less digitally mature than some of our global counterparts, we are less constrained by the legacies of the pre-pandemic world, positioning us to rapidly incorporate new forms of technology and learning.

We need to create a network of networks to share knowledge and talent, transcending regional interests and recognising that the challenges we faceclimate change, health crises, or social inequitiesare global in nature and require global solutions, she added.

A truly global network of universities must leverage the strengths of diverse educational systems while addressing local needs. For Africa, this means creating conditions that retain our talent while contributing to the global knowledge economy. It also means building strong management capacity that supports both continental and global initiatives, ensuring that we do not drain resources but instead enrich each other's capabilities, she said.

Champion for collaboration

Osman has spearheaded Wits partnership in several strategic academic initiatives including the Diversifying the Academy programmes, the Wits Edinburg Sustainable African Futures (WESAF) doctoral program, the AFRETEC (African Engineering and Technology) network that aims to drive digital transformation on the African continent, The Future Materials Project which involves collaborating with a number of global universities working on the social, engineering and scientific problems in the future of mining, and the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) on collaborative doctoral degree programs.
THE HAGUE, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Dutch far-right Party for Freedom (PVV) leader Geert Wilders, who is leading the largest party in the four-party ruling coalition, on Tuesday intensified pressure on the government for emergency legislation to curb the influx of asylum seekers, hinting that the coalition could collapse if his demands are not met.

Speaking to Dutch media in The Hague, Wilders stressed that the coalition parties, which include his PVV, the New Social Contract (NSC), the People's Party for Freedom and Democracy (VVD), and the Farmer-Citizen Movement (BBB), had already agreed on the need for emergency measures in their coalition agreement.

"I hope that people realize that this has not only been agreed, but that there is also very little room for maneuver for us," Wilders said. "If we do not get emergency legislation, then the government will have a problem. I do not know whether we will continue happily for much longer."

In the coming weeks, the Dutch government is set to discuss potential emergency measures related to asylum policy. The PVV is pushing for the cabinet to declare "exceptional circumstances" to curb the influx of asylum seekers.

This issue has heightened tensions within the coalition, particularly with NSC, which is skeptical that the government can provide a sound legal justification for invoking emergency powers, a requirement for their support. While NSC hesitates, Wilders insists that an emergency law must be passed, regardless of the obstacles.

While Wilders ramped up pressure on the government, he stopped short of explicitly threatening to bring down the coalition if his demands aren't met. However, he later took to X (formerly Twitter) to reiterate his stance.

"The Netherlands is crying out for drastic measures to restrict the asylum influx," Wilders said on X. "Our country is in danger of becoming one big asylum center."

"We have made agreements in the coalition, including emergency measures. The whole of the Netherlands sees that the Netherlands is in an asylum crisis. If NSC ducks out again, they will destroy this cabinet," he said. 
Actinium Pharmaceuticals (NYSE:ATNM  Get Free Report) is one of 1,026 publicly-traded companies in the Pharmaceutical preparations industry, but how does it contrast to its peers? We will compare Actinium Pharmaceuticals to similar businesses based on the strength of its dividends, institutional ownership, profitability, analyst recommendations, earnings, risk and valuation.

Analyst Ratings

This is a summary of current ratings and target prices for Actinium Pharmaceuticals and its peers, as provided by MarketBeat.com.

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Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Actinium Pharmaceuticals 0 1 4 0 2.80 Actinium Pharmaceuticals Competitors 7238 20179 47071 1106 2.56

Actinium Pharmaceuticals presently has a consensus target price of $11.40, suggesting a potential upside of 506.38%. As a group, Pharmaceutical preparations companies have a potential upside of 61.31%. Given Actinium Pharmaceuticals stronger consensus rating and higher possible upside, equities analysts clearly believe Actinium Pharmaceuticals is more favorable than its peers.

Profitability

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Actinium Pharmaceuticals N/A -101.69% -48.91% Actinium Pharmaceuticals Competitors -3,638.22% -299.82% -32.35%

Earnings & Valuation

This table compares Actinium Pharmaceuticals and its peers net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

This table compares Actinium Pharmaceuticals and its peers revenue, earnings per share and valuation.

Gross Revenue Net Income Price/Earnings Ratio Actinium Pharmaceuticals $81,000.00 -$48.82 million -1.10 Actinium Pharmaceuticals Competitors $2.49 billion $147.94 million -4.34

Actinium Pharmaceuticals peers have higher revenue and earnings than Actinium Pharmaceuticals. Actinium Pharmaceuticals is trading at a higher price-to-earnings ratio than its peers, indicating that it is currently more expensive than other companies in its industry.

Institutional and Insider Ownership

27.5% of Actinium Pharmaceuticals shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 44.8% of shares of all Pharmaceutical preparations companies are held by institutional investors. 4.0% of Actinium Pharmaceuticals shares are held by company insiders. Comparatively, 14.0% of shares of all Pharmaceutical preparations companies are held by company insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that large money managers, endowments and hedge funds believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

Risk & Volatility

Actinium Pharmaceuticals has a beta of 0.14, indicating that its stock price is 86% less volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Actinium Pharmaceuticals peers have a beta of 0.85, indicating that their average stock price is 15% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Summary

Actinium Pharmaceuticals peers beat Actinium Pharmaceuticals on 7 of the 13 factors compared.

About Actinium Pharmaceuticals

(Get Free Report)

Actinium Pharmaceuticals, Inc. develops antibody radiation conjugates and other targeted radiotherapies intended to improve outcomes for people who have failed existing oncology therapies. Its Iomab-B is an induction and conditioning agent prior to bone marrow transplant in patients with relapsed and refractory acute myeloid leukemia (r/r AML). The company focuses on advancing its development for product candidate Actimab-A, a therapeutic agent that has demonstrated potential activity in r/r AML patients. In addition, it engages with the National Cancer Institute under the cooperative research and development agreement for the development of Actimab-A in AML and other myeloid malignancies. Its Iomab-ACT, a next generation conditioning candidate, is being developed for improving patient access and outcomes for curative cell and gene therapies. Further, the companys research and development activities primarily focus on advancing various preclinical programs for solid tumor indications. The company holds approximately 235 patents and patent applications, including various patents related to the manufacture of the isotope Ac-225 in a cyclotron. The company is based in New York, New York.

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Coeur Mining, Inc. (NYSE:CDE  Get Free Report) has received a consensus rating of Moderate Buy from the five analysts that are currently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Two research analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation and three have given a buy recommendation to the company. The average 1 year price target among brokerages that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $7.83.

A number of research analysts have weighed in on CDE shares. Raymond James boosted their price objective on shares of Coeur Mining from $6.25 to $7.00 and gave the company a market perform rating in a research report on Friday, September 20th. Cantor Fitzgerald downgraded shares of Coeur Mining from an overweight rating to a neutral rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Roth Mkm raised their price objective on shares of Coeur Mining from $8.00 to $8.50 and gave the stock a buy rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 25th. Finally, BMO Capital Markets boosted their target price on Coeur Mining from $7.50 to $8.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research report on Monday, September 23rd.

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Institutional Trading of Coeur Mining

Coeur Mining Trading Down 3.5 %

Several institutional investors and hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of CDE. CWM LLC lifted its stake in Coeur Mining by 831.5% in the second quarter. CWM LLC now owns 5,030 shares of the basic materials companys stock worth $28,000 after acquiring an additional 4,490 shares during the period. Ballentine Partners LLC bought a new position in Coeur Mining in the first quarter worth approximately $46,000. StoneX Group Inc. purchased a new stake in Coeur Mining during the first quarter worth $49,000. Point72 Asia Singapore Pte. Ltd. purchased a new position in shares of Coeur Mining in the 2nd quarter valued at $49,000. Finally, &PARTNERS purchased a new stake in shares of Coeur Mining during the 1st quarter worth $54,000. Institutional investors own 63.01% of the companys stock.

CDE opened at $6.88 on Thursday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $6.21 and a 200 day moving average of $5.53. The company has a current ratio of 1.20, a quick ratio of 0.45 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.59. Coeur Mining has a 12 month low of $2.00 and a 12 month high of $7.72. The firm has a market cap of $2.75 billion, a P/E ratio of -22.19 and a beta of 1.64.

Coeur Mining (NYSE:CDE  Get Free Report) last announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The basic materials company reported ($0.01) EPS for the quarter, topping analysts consensus estimates of ($0.02) by $0.01. Coeur Mining had a negative return on equity of 4.59% and a negative net margin of 8.33%. The firm had revenue of $222.03 million during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $242.18 million. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned ($0.06) EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 25.3% on a year-over-year basis. As a group, research analysts forecast that Coeur Mining will post 0.08 EPS for the current year.

About Coeur Mining

(Get Free Report

Coeur Mining, Inc explores for precious metals in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The company primarily explores for gold, silver, zinc, and lead properties. It markets and sells its concentrates to third-party customers, smelters, under off-take agreements. The company was formerly known as Coeur d'Alene Mines Corporation and changed its name to Coeur Mining, Inc in May 2013.

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Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited (OTCMKTS:BDWBF  Get Free Report) was the recipient of a significant growth in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 31,891,800 shares, a growth of 10.0% from the August 31st total of 28,988,600 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 5,000 shares, the short-interest ratio is currently 6,378.4 days.

Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Price Performance

Shares of OTCMKTS:BDWBF opened at $1.30 on Tuesday. The businesss 50 day moving average is $1.11 and its 200 day moving average is $1.28. Budweiser Brewing Company APAC has a 52-week low of $0.93 and a 52-week high of $2.02.

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Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Company Profile

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Budweiser Brewing Company APAC Limited, an investment holding company, produces, imports, markets, distributes, and sells beer and other non-beer beverages primarily in China, South Korea, India, Vietnam, and the other Asia Pacific regions. It offers a portfolio of beer brands, including Budweiser, Stella Artois, Corona, Hoegaarden, Cass, and Harbin.

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Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. (OTCMKTS:CIBEY  Get Free Report) was the target of a large increase in short interest in the month of September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 20,700 shares, an increase of 20.3% from the August 31st total of 17,200 shares. Based on an average trading volume of 28,500 shares, the short-interest ratio is presently 0.7 days.

Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. Price Performance

OTCMKTS:CIBEY traded down $0.02 during trading hours on Monday, reaching $1.62. 14,764 shares of the company traded hands, compared to its average volume of 160,848. Commercial International Bank has a 1-year low of $1.04 and a 1-year high of $1.81. The firms 50-day moving average is $1.62 and its 200-day moving average is $1.59.

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Commercial International Bank (Egypt) S.A.E. Company Profile

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Further Reading

Commercial International Bank (Egypt) SAE. provides financial products and services in Egypt. The company operates in four segments: Corporate Banking, Investment, Retail Banking, and Assets and Liabilities Management. It offers current and saving accounts, business accounts, time deposits, and certificates of deposit; car, personal, travel, solar, education, and overdraft loans; fund investment management; mortgages services; and insurance products.

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Fidelity National Information Services, Inc. (NYSE:FIS  Get Free Report) has received an average recommendation of Moderate Buy from the twenty-two brokerages that are currently covering the company, Marketbeat.com reports. Nine analysts have rated the stock with a hold recommendation, twelve have issued a buy recommendation and one has issued a strong buy recommendation on the company. The average twelve-month price objective among analysts that have updated their coverage on the stock in the last year is $81.25.

A number of research firms have weighed in on FIS. Bank of America raised their price target on Fidelity National Information Services from $90.00 to $96.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Tuesday, September 17th. Morgan Stanley downgraded Fidelity National Information Services from an overweight rating to an equal weight rating and set a $79.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Monday, July 22nd. TD Cowen lifted their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $75.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th. Barclays lifted their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $88.00 to $90.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research note on Thursday, August 8th. Finally, Deutsche Bank Aktiengesellschaft lifted their target price on Fidelity National Information Services from $70.00 to $73.00 and gave the stock a hold rating in a research note on Wednesday, August 7th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Fidelity National Information Services

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Fidelity National Information Services

In related news, Director Jeffrey A. Goldstein acquired 719 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Monday, July 15th. The stock was purchased at an average cost of $76.81 per share, with a total value of $55,226.39. Following the acquisition, the director now directly owns 9,771 shares of the companys stock, valued at $750,510.51. The acquisition was disclosed in a filing with the SEC, which can be accessed through this hyperlink . Insiders own 0.20% of the companys stock.

Hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in the stock. Vanguard Group Inc. raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 19.1% during the 1st quarter. Vanguard Group Inc. now owns 68,658,572 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $5,093,093,000 after buying an additional 11,023,109 shares in the last quarter. Lyrical Asset Management LP acquired a new position in shares of Fidelity National Information Services during the 4th quarter worth $260,316,000. Boston Partners raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 642.7% during the 1st quarter. Boston Partners now owns 4,470,605 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $331,047,000 after buying an additional 3,868,683 shares in the last quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 982.6% during the 2nd quarter. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company now owns 3,895,432 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $293,560,000 after buying an additional 3,535,596 shares in the last quarter. Finally, FIL Ltd raised its holdings in shares of Fidelity National Information Services by 27.3% during the 4th quarter. FIL Ltd now owns 12,877,515 shares of the information technology services providers stock worth $773,552,000 after buying an additional 2,758,049 shares in the last quarter. 96.23% of the stock is owned by institutional investors and hedge funds.

Fidelity National Information Services Stock Up 0.7 %

Shares of Fidelity National Information Services stock opened at $83.75 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.62, a quick ratio of 1.35 and a current ratio of 1.35. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $80.07 and its 200 day simple moving average is $76.18. The firm has a market cap of $46.59 billion, a PE ratio of -8.19, a P/E/G ratio of 0.83 and a beta of 1.08. Fidelity National Information Services has a 52-week low of $46.91 and a 52-week high of $85.63.

Fidelity National Information Services (NYSE:FIS  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, August 6th. The information technology services provider reported $1.36 earnings per share for the quarter, beating analysts consensus estimates of $1.23 by $0.13. The firm had revenue of $2.49 billion during the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $2.49 billion. Fidelity National Information Services had a return on equity of 13.63% and a net margin of 7.72%. The businesss revenue was up 2.7% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same period last year, the company earned $1.55 earnings per share. On average, analysts predict that Fidelity National Information Services will post 5.08 earnings per share for the current fiscal year.

Fidelity National Information Services Dividend Announcement

The company also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Tuesday, September 24th. Investors of record on Tuesday, September 10th were paid a $0.36 dividend. The ex-dividend date of this dividend was Tuesday, September 10th. This represents a $1.44 annualized dividend and a yield of 1.72%. Fidelity National Information Servicess dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently -14.08%.

About Fidelity National Information Services

(Get Free Report

Fidelity National Information Services, Inc engages in the provision of financial services technology solutions for financial institutions, businesses, and developers worldwide. It operates through Banking Solutions, Capital Market Solutions, and Corporate and Other segments. The company provides core processing and ancillary applications; mobile and online banking; fraud, risk management, and compliance; card and retail payment; electronic funds transfer and network; wealth and retirement; and item processing and output solutions.

Further Reading

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TELUS International (Cda) Inc. (TSE:TIXT  Get Free Report) insider TELUS Corporation acquired 450,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock in a transaction dated Friday, September 27th. The stock was bought at an average price of C$5.09 per share, for a total transaction of C$2,290,995.00.

TELUS Corporation also recently made the following trade(s):

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On Friday, September 20th, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were acquired at an average cost of C$4.92 per share, for a total transaction of C$492,000.00.

On Wednesday, September 11th, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was purchased at an average cost of C$4.98 per share, with a total value of C$497,700.00.

On Monday, September 9th, TELUS Corporation bought 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$5.00 per share, with a total value of C$500,230.00.

On Thursday, August 29th, TELUS Corporation purchased 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$4.87 per share, with a total value of C$486,600.00.

On Monday, August 26th, TELUS Corporation bought 30,798 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was acquired at an average cost of C$4.96 per share, with a total value of C$152,662.61.

On Friday, August 23rd, TELUS Corporation purchased 100,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were purchased at an average cost of C$4.82 per share, for a total transaction of C$481,970.00.

On Friday, August 16th, TELUS Corporation purchased 200,000 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The stock was acquired at an average price of C$4.75 per share, for a total transaction of C$950,240.00.

On Friday, August 9th, TELUS Corporation bought 416,400 shares of TELUS International (Cda) stock. The shares were purchased at an average price of C$4.09 per share, for a total transaction of C$1,703,325.84.

TELUS International (Cda) Trading Up 3.3 %

Shares of TIXT stock opened at C$5.28 on Tuesday. The firm has a market cap of C$586.08 million, a P/E ratio of 37.71 and a beta of 0.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 80.53, a current ratio of 1.09 and a quick ratio of 0.79. The firms 50-day simple moving average is C$5.55 and its 200-day simple moving average is C$8.14. TELUS International has a 1-year low of C$3.90 and a 1-year high of C$15.56.

About TELUS International (Cda)

TELUS International (Cda) Inc design, builds, and delivers digital solutions for customer experience (CX) in the Asia-Pacific, the Central America, Europe, Africa, North America, and internationally. The company provides digital experience solutions, such as AI and bots, omnichannel CX, enterprise mobility solutions, cloud contact center, big data analytics, platform transformation, and UX/UI design; and customer experience solutions, including work anywhere/work from home, contact center outsourcing, technical support, sales growth and customer retention, healthcare/patient experience, and debt collection.

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KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Get Free Report) has been assigned an average recommendation of Hold from the fourteen brokerages that are covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Three investment analysts have rated the stock with a sell rating, six have given a hold rating and five have given a buy rating to the company. The average twelve-month price target among analysts that have issued ratings on the stock in the last year is $77.27.

A number of research firms have issued reports on KBH. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on KB Home from $86.00 to $89.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a research note on Monday, July 15th. Bank of America lifted their price target on KB Home from $75.00 to $90.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Thursday, September 19th. Royal Bank of Canada downgraded KB Home from a sector perform rating to an underperform rating and set a $70.00 price target for the company. in a research note on Thursday, September 5th. Wells Fargo & Company lifted their price target on KB Home from $70.00 to $80.00 and gave the company an equal weight rating in a research note on Monday, September 9th. Finally, Wedbush lifted their price target on KB Home from $67.00 to $75.00 and gave the company a neutral rating in a research note on Wednesday, September 25th.

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KB Home Price Performance

Shares of KBH opened at $85.69 on Tuesday. The stock has a 50-day moving average of $82.58 and a 200-day moving average of $73.68. The company has a market cap of $6.44 billion, a PE ratio of 11.33, a P/E/G ratio of 0.89 and a beta of 1.81. KB Home has a one year low of $42.11 and a one year high of $89.70.

KB Home (NYSE:KBH  Get Free Report) last released its quarterly earnings results on Tuesday, September 24th. The construction company reported $2.04 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, missing analysts consensus estimates of $2.06 by ($0.02). The company had revenue of $1.75 billion for the quarter, compared to analyst estimates of $1.73 billion. KB Home had a net margin of 9.43% and a return on equity of 15.66%. KB Homes revenue for the quarter was up 10.3% on a year-over-year basis. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $1.80 EPS. Analysts expect that KB Home will post 8.38 EPS for the current fiscal year.

KB Home Dividend Announcement

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which was paid on Thursday, August 22nd. Investors of record on Thursday, August 8th were issued a $0.25 dividend. The ex-dividend date was Thursday, August 8th. This represents a $1.00 dividend on an annualized basis and a dividend yield of 1.17%. KB Homes dividend payout ratio (DPR) is presently 13.23%.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On KB Home

Hedge funds have recently modified their holdings of the stock. Fidelis Capital Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of KB Home in the 1st quarter worth approximately $60,000. Plato Investment Management Ltd raised its holdings in shares of KB Home by 72.0% in the 1st quarter. Plato Investment Management Ltd now owns 1,080 shares of the construction companys stock worth $77,000 after purchasing an additional 452 shares during the period. Tortoise Investment Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of KB Home by 625.3% in the 2nd quarter. Tortoise Investment Management LLC now owns 1,117 shares of the construction companys stock worth $78,000 after purchasing an additional 963 shares during the period. Manchester Capital Management LLC raised its holdings in shares of KB Home by 134.4% in the 1st quarter. Manchester Capital Management LLC now owns 1,137 shares of the construction companys stock worth $81,000 after purchasing an additional 652 shares during the period. Finally, Headlands Technologies LLC bought a new stake in shares of KB Home in the 1st quarter worth approximately $120,000. Institutional investors own 96.09% of the companys stock.

About KB Home

(Get Free Report

KB Home operates as a homebuilding company in the United States. It operates through four segments: West Coast, Southwest, Central, and Southeast. It builds and sells various homes, including attached and detached single-family residential homes, townhomes, and condominiums primarily for first-time, first move-up, second move-up, and active adult homebuyers.

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NiSource Inc. (NYSE:NI  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Buy from the six analysts that are presently covering the firm, Marketbeat reports. Six analysts have rated the stock with a buy rating. The average twelve-month price objective among brokers that have covered the stock in the last year is $32.43.

Several research firms recently weighed in on NI. Evercore ISI lifted their price target on shares of NiSource from $32.00 to $34.00 and gave the company an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, August 8th. Barclays raised their price objective on shares of NiSource from $34.00 to $35.00 and gave the company an overweight rating in a research note on Tuesday, August 13th. Mizuho assumed coverage on shares of NiSource in a research note on Thursday, July 11th. They issued an outperform rating and a $33.00 target price on the stock. Bank of America assumed coverage on NiSource in a report on Thursday, September 12th. They issued a buy rating and a $37.00 target price for the company. Finally, BMO Capital Markets raised their target price on shares of NiSource from $34.00 to $36.00 and gave the stock an outperform rating in a report on Thursday, September 12th.

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Hedge Funds Weigh In On NiSource

NiSource Price Performance

Several large investors have recently added to or reduced their stakes in NI. Sanctuary Advisors LLC bought a new stake in shares of NiSource during the second quarter valued at approximately $2,964,000. Strategic Investment Solutions Inc. IL bought a new stake in shares of NiSource in the 2nd quarter worth about $47,000. Aurora Investment Counsel boosted its holdings in shares of NiSource by 0.7% in the 2nd quarter. Aurora Investment Counsel now owns 62,589 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,803,000 after purchasing an additional 450 shares during the period. Cetera Investment Advisers boosted its stake in shares of NiSource by 1.0% during the 2nd quarter. Cetera Investment Advisers now owns 69,397 shares of the utilities providers stock worth $1,999,000 after purchasing an additional 671 shares during the period. Finally, 3Chopt Investment Partners LLC bought a new stake in shares of NiSource during the 2nd quarter worth approximately $226,000. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 91.64% of the companys stock.

Shares of NiSource stock opened at $34.65 on Tuesday. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.30, a current ratio of 0.78 and a quick ratio of 0.63. NiSource has a one year low of $22.86 and a one year high of $34.69. The businesss 50 day simple moving average is $32.64 and its two-hundred day simple moving average is $29.82. The stock has a market capitalization of $15.53 billion, a P/E ratio of 22.65, a price-to-earnings-growth ratio of 2.86 and a beta of 0.51.

NiSource (NYSE:NI  Get Free Report) last announced its quarterly earnings results on Wednesday, August 7th. The utilities provider reported $0.21 earnings per share for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.15 by $0.06. NiSource had a net margin of 14.76% and a return on equity of 9.15%. The business had revenue of $1.08 billion during the quarter, compared to analysts expectations of $1.16 billion. During the same quarter in the prior year, the company posted $0.11 EPS. Analysts forecast that NiSource will post 1.72 EPS for the current year.

NiSource Announces Dividend

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Wednesday, November 20th. Stockholders of record on Thursday, October 31st will be paid a $0.265 dividend. This represents a $1.06 annualized dividend and a dividend yield of 3.06%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Thursday, October 31st. NiSources dividend payout ratio (DPR) is currently 69.28%.

NiSource Company Profile

(Get Free Report

NiSource Inc, an energy holding company, operates as a regulated natural gas and electric utility company in the United States. It operates in two segments, Gas Distribution Operations and Electric Operations. The company distributes natural gas to approximately 3.3 million customers through approximately 55,000 miles of distribution main pipeline and the associated individual customer service lines; and 1,000 miles of transmission main pipeline in northern Indiana, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Kentucky, and Maryland.

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Alvopetro Energy Ltd. (OTCMKTS:ALVOF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large drop in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 16,300 shares, a drop of 8.9% from the August 31st total of 17,900 shares. Based on an average daily volume of 16,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is currently 1.0 days.

Alvopetro Energy Stock Down 1.3 %

Shares of OTCMKTS ALVOF opened at $3.82 on Tuesday. The business has a 50-day moving average of $3.67 and a two-hundred day moving average of $3.55. The company has a market capitalization of $139.88 million, a price-to-earnings ratio of 6.95 and a beta of 0.19. Alvopetro Energy has a 1 year low of $2.85 and a 1 year high of $6.68. The company has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.09, a current ratio of 2.38 and a quick ratio of 2.38.

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Alvopetro Energy (OTCMKTS:ALVOF  Get Free Report) last issued its quarterly earnings data on Wednesday, August 7th. The company reported $0.06 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter. The company had revenue of $10.67 million for the quarter. Alvopetro Energy had a return on equity of 25.22% and a net margin of 26.72%.

Alvopetro Energy Announces Dividend

About Alvopetro Energy

The business also recently disclosed a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 15th. Shareholders of record on Monday, September 30th will be paid a dividend of $0.09 per share. This represents a $0.36 annualized dividend and a yield of 9.42%. The ex-dividend date of this dividend is Friday, September 27th. Alvopetro Energys dividend payout ratio is presently 65.45%.

(Get Free Report)

Alvopetro Energy Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of hydrocarbons. It holds interests in the Cabure and Murucututu natural gas assets, Block 182 and 183 exploration assets, and Bom Lugar and Mae-da-lua oil fields, which covers an area of approximately 22,166 acres in the Reconcavo basin onshore Brazil.

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The Coca-Cola Company (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) has earned a consensus recommendation of Moderate Buy from the sixteen analysts that are presently covering the company, MarketBeat.com reports. Four analysts have rated the stock with a hold rating and twelve have issued a buy rating on the company. The average 12 month price objective among analysts that have issued a report on the stock in the last year is $71.07.

Several research analysts have recently commented on the stock. Truist Financial raised their price objective on shares of Coca-Cola from $65.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research note on Thursday, July 25th. Bank of America raised their price target on shares of Coca-Cola from $68.00 to $70.00 and gave the company a buy rating in a research report on Wednesday, July 10th. Morgan Stanley upped their price objective on Coca-Cola from $70.00 to $78.00 and gave the stock an overweight rating in a research report on Tuesday, August 27th. StockNews.com lowered Coca-Cola from a buy rating to a hold rating in a report on Friday, July 19th. Finally, Cfra reissued a hold rating on shares of Coca-Cola in a research note on Thursday, September 5th.

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Insider Buying and Selling at Coca-Cola

Hedge Funds Weigh In On Coca-Cola

In other news, major shareholder Cola Co Coca sold 598,619 shares of Coca-Cola stock in a transaction dated Friday, July 5th. The stock was sold at an average price of $925.00, for a total transaction of $553,722,575.00. Following the sale, the insider now owns 1,883,546 shares in the company, valued at $1,742,280,050. The transaction was disclosed in a legal filing with the Securities & Exchange Commission, which can be accessed through the SEC website . In other news, major shareholder Cola Co Coca sold 598,619 shares of the firms stock in a transaction that occurred on Friday, July 5th. The shares were sold at an average price of $925.00, for a total transaction of $553,722,575.00. Following the transaction, the insider now directly owns 1,883,546 shares in the company, valued at $1,742,280,050. The sale was disclosed in a legal filing with the SEC, which is accessible through this hyperlink . Also, EVP Nancy Quan sold 19,304 shares of the companys stock in a transaction on Wednesday, July 17th. The shares were sold at an average price of $64.96, for a total transaction of $1,253,987.84. Following the completion of the sale, the executive vice president now owns 223,330 shares of the companys stock, valued at approximately $14,507,516.80. The disclosure for this sale can be found here . Insiders sold 974,715 shares of company stock worth $579,704,927 over the last 90 days. Corporate insiders own 0.97% of the companys stock.

A number of hedge funds and other institutional investors have recently made changes to their positions in the stock. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD grew its stake in shares of Coca-Cola by 21.5% in the 1st quarter. Price T Rowe Associates Inc. MD now owns 49,297,505 shares of the companys stock valued at $3,016,023,000 after purchasing an additional 8,733,326 shares during the last quarter. Legal & General Group Plc lifted its holdings in shares of Coca-Cola by 2.9% during the second quarter. Legal & General Group Plc now owns 38,701,876 shares of the companys stock worth $2,463,373,000 after purchasing an additional 1,084,475 shares during the period. Truist Financial Corp grew its position in Coca-Cola by 1.1% in the 2nd quarter. Truist Financial Corp now owns 16,362,598 shares of the companys stock valued at $1,041,479,000 after buying an additional 177,241 shares during the last quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. increased its stake in Coca-Cola by 2.7% in the 4th quarter. Vontobel Asset Management Inc. now owns 14,337,691 shares of the companys stock valued at $890,866,000 after buying an additional 378,447 shares during the period. Finally, Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. raised its position in Coca-Cola by 30.5% during the 1st quarter. Mitsubishi UFJ Asset Management Co. Ltd. now owns 12,698,984 shares of the companys stock worth $776,924,000 after buying an additional 2,964,850 shares during the last quarter. Hedge funds and other institutional investors own 70.26% of the companys stock.

Coca-Cola Stock Up 0.1 %

Shares of NYSE KO opened at $71.86 on Tuesday. The company has a quick ratio of 0.92, a current ratio of 1.08 and a debt-to-equity ratio of 1.39. The businesss 50 day moving average is $69.96 and its two-hundred day moving average is $64.85. Coca-Cola has a 52-week low of $51.55 and a 52-week high of $73.53. The firm has a market cap of $309.57 billion, a price-to-earnings ratio of 28.74, a PEG ratio of 3.97 and a beta of 0.60.

Coca-Cola (NYSE:KO  Get Free Report) last posted its quarterly earnings data on Tuesday, July 23rd. The company reported $0.84 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.81 by $0.03. Coca-Cola had a return on equity of 43.62% and a net margin of 22.92%. The firm had revenue of $12.40 billion for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $11.78 billion. During the same quarter in the previous year, the business earned $0.78 EPS. The companys quarterly revenue was up 3.3% compared to the same quarter last year. Research analysts predict that Coca-Cola will post 2.85 EPS for the current year.

Coca-Cola Announces Dividend

The business also recently declared a quarterly dividend, which will be paid on Tuesday, October 1st. Investors of record on Friday, September 13th will be paid a dividend of $0.485 per share. The ex-dividend date is Friday, September 13th. This represents a $1.94 annualized dividend and a yield of 2.70%. Coca-Colas dividend payout ratio is currently 77.60%.

About Coca-Cola

(Get Free Report

The Coca-Cola Company, a beverage company, manufactures, markets, and sells various nonalcoholic beverages worldwide. The company provides sparkling soft drinks, sparkling flavors; water, sports, coffee, and tea; juice, value-added dairy, and plant-based beverages; and other beverages. It also offers beverage concentrates and syrups, as well as fountain syrups to fountain retailers, such as restaurants and convenience stores.

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The Korea Fund, Inc. (NYSE:KF  Get Free Report) was the target of a large growth in short interest in September. As of September 15th, there was short interest totalling 10,800 shares, a growth of 27.1% from the August 31st total of 8,500 shares. Based on an average daily trading volume, of 16,900 shares, the days-to-cover ratio is presently 0.6 days.

Institutional Investors Weigh In On The Korea Fund

A number of hedge funds have recently made changes to their positions in KF. JBF Capital Inc. boosted its position in shares of The Korea Fund by 16.4% in the 2nd quarter. JBF Capital Inc. now owns 142,000 shares of the companys stock worth $3,426,000 after purchasing an additional 20,000 shares in the last quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC boosted its position in The Korea Fund by 3.3% in the second quarter. Shaker Financial Services LLC now owns 13,161 shares of the companys stock valued at $318,000 after buying an additional 415 shares during the last quarter. Wolverine Asset Management LLC acquired a new position in The Korea Fund in the 2nd quarter worth approximately $437,000. Mraz Amerine & Associates Inc. boosted its holdings in shares of The Korea Fund by 169.9% in the 2nd quarter. Mraz Amerine & Associates Inc. now owns 36,025 shares of the companys stock valued at $869,000 after acquiring an additional 22,675 shares during the last quarter. Finally, Commonwealth Equity Services LLC acquired a new stake in shares of The Korea Fund in the first quarter worth $2,041,000. 69.99% of the stock is currently owned by hedge funds and other institutional investors.

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The Korea Fund Stock Performance

NYSE:KF traded down $0.73 during mid-day trading on Monday, hitting $22.75. 21,050 shares of the stock traded hands, compared to its average volume of 15,248. The Korea Fund has a 52 week low of $18.30 and a 52 week high of $26.30. The firms 50 day moving average is $24.17 and its two-hundred day moving average is $24.29.

About The Korea Fund

The Korea Fund, Inc is a closed-ended equity mutual fund launched and managed by Allianz Global Investors U.S. LLC. The fund invests in the public equity markets of Korea. It seeks to invest in stocks of companies operating across diversified sectors. The fund primarily invests in growth stocks of companies.

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Lithium Americas (Argentina) (NYSE:LAAC  Get Free Report) and Vale (NYSE:VALE  Get Free Report) are both basic materials companies, but which is the better stock? We will contrast the two businesses based on the strength of their profitability, institutional ownership, valuation, analyst recommendations, dividends, earnings and risk.

Institutional & Insider Ownership

49.2% of Lithium Americas (Argentina) shares are held by institutional investors. Comparatively, 21.9% of Vale shares are held by institutional investors. 19.8% of Lithium Americas (Argentina) shares are held by insiders. Strong institutional ownership is an indication that endowments, hedge funds and large money managers believe a stock will outperform the market over the long term.

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Analyst Ratings

This is a breakdown of recent ratings and price targets for Lithium Americas (Argentina) and Vale, as reported by MarketBeat.com.

Sell Ratings Hold Ratings Buy Ratings Strong Buy Ratings Rating Score Lithium Americas (Argentina) 0 4 4 1 2.67 Vale 0 4 7 0 2.64

Risk and Volatility

Lithium Americas (Argentina) currently has a consensus price target of $8.21, indicating a potential upside of 150.25%. Vale has a consensus price target of $16.17, indicating a potential upside of 38.35%. Given Lithium Americas (Argentina)s stronger consensus rating and higher probable upside, equities analysts clearly believe Lithium Americas (Argentina) is more favorable than Vale.

Lithium Americas (Argentina) has a beta of 1.32, suggesting that its stock price is 32% more volatile than the S&P 500. Comparatively, Vale has a beta of 0.93, suggesting that its stock price is 7% less volatile than the S&P 500.

Valuation & Earnings

This table compares Lithium Americas (Argentina) and Vales gross revenue, earnings per share (EPS) and valuation.

Gross Revenue Price/Sales Ratio Net Income Earnings Per Share Price/Earnings Ratio Lithium Americas (Argentina) N/A N/A $1.29 billion $7.99 0.41 Vale $42.06 billion 1.25 $7.98 billion $1.81 6.46

Vale has higher revenue and earnings than Lithium Americas (Argentina). Lithium Americas (Argentina) is trading at a lower price-to-earnings ratio than Vale, indicating that it is currently the more affordable of the two stocks.

Profitability

This table compares Lithium Americas (Argentina) and Vales net margins, return on equity and return on assets.

Net Margins Return on Equity Return on Assets Lithium Americas (Argentina) N/A -0.25% -0.20% Vale 23.07% 22.23% 9.71%

About Lithium Americas (Argentina)

(Get Free Report)

Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. operates as a resource company. The company explores for lithium deposits. The company owns interests in the Cauchari-Olaroz project located in Jujuy province of Argentina. It also has a pipeline of development and exploration stage projects, including the Pastos Grandes project and the Sal de la Puna project located in Salta Province in northwestern Argentina. Lithium Americas (Argentina) Corp. is headquartered in Vancouver, Canada.

About Vale

(Get Free Report)

Vale S.A., together with its subsidiaries, produces and sells iron ore and iron ore pellets for use as raw materials in steelmaking in Brazil and internationally. The company operates through Iron Solutions and Energy Transition Materials segments. The Iron Solutions segment produces and extracts iron ore and pellets, manganese, and other ferrous products; and provides related logistic services. The Energy Transition Materials segment produces and extracts nickel used to produce stainless steel, electric vehicles, and metal alloys; and its by-products, such as gold, silver, cobalt, precious metals, platinum, and others, as well as copper used in the construction sector to produce pipes and electrical wires. The company was formerly known as Companhia Vale do Rio Doce and changed its name to Vale S.A. in May 2009. Vale S.A. was founded in 1942 and is headquartered in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil.

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BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua)  On the morning of September 29, a ceremony was held to confer national medals and national honorary titles in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People in Beijing. Xi Jinping, general secretary of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, Chinese president, and chairman of the Central Military Commission, presented medals to recipients of the national medals and national honorary titles and delivered an important speech. Xi emphasized that a great era calls for heroes and nurtures heroes. When heroes emerge generation after generation, the cause of the Party and the people will flourish forever. Party committees and governments at all levels should care for and cherish heroes and role models, and promote the whole of society to respect, learn from, and strive to become heroes. He hoped that those being honored would cherish the honor, work harder, and strive for greater glory.

Li Qiang, Zhao Leji, Wang Huning, Ding Xuexiang, Li Xi, and Han Zheng attended the ceremony, and Cai Qi presided over the event.

At about 9 o'clock, the honorees of national medals and national honorary titles took the concierge car to the Great Hall of the People from their residence, escorted by a convoy of motorcycles. Outside the east gate of the Great Hall of the People, honor guards were standing on both flanks, and children cheered warmly. The honorees walked the red carpet and went into the Great Hall of the People. Relevant leading officials from a working committee on Party and state medals and honorary titles were there to welcome their arrival.

The atmosphere in the Golden Hall of the Great Hall of the People was solemn and warm. The designs of Medals of the Republic, the Friendship Medal and the medals of national honorary titles shone on a large red background board. In front of the board, 18 bright five-star red flags were erected on both sides, and 18 guards of honor stood with guns in a heroic and gallant manner.

At 9:58, accompanied by joyful music, Xi, along with winners of national medals and national honorary titles, walked into the hall, and all in the hall stood up and gave them warm applause.

At 10 o'clock, the trumpeter of the military band blew the ceremonial horn, and the ceremony began. "March of the Volunteers" was played and the national anthem was sung.

Cai Qi read out a decree of the President of the People's Republic of China, which was signed by Xi. The presidential decree said that in commemoration of the 75th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, for the purpose of honoring eminent people who have made outstanding contributions to the building and development of New China and carrying forward the national spirit and the spirit of the times, and in accordance with the decision made by the 14th National People's Congress Standing Committee at its 11th session, Wang Yongzhi and three other people are awarded the Medal of the Republic; Dilma Rousseff is awarded the Friendship Medal; and Wang Xiaomo and nine other people are awarded national honorary titles.

Two flag bearers held high the national flag, while three honor guards, carrying the Medals of the Republic, the Friendship Medal, and the medals for the national honorary titles, walked in resolute strides to the ceremony site.

Amidst the majestic melody of "Salute to the Heroes of the Motherland," Xi presented medals to recipients of national medals and honorary titles, warmly shaking hands with them and offering his congratulations. The entire venue erupted in enthusiastic applause. Young pioneers presented beautiful flowers to the exemplary models and saluted them to express their respect.

Amidst enthusiastic applause from the entire assembly, Xi delivered an important address. On behalf of the CPC Central Committee, the National People's Congress, the State Council, and the Central Military Commission, he first extended heartfelt congratulations and profound respect to the heroes and exemplary figures awarded the Medal of the Republic and national honorary titles, as well as to the international friend bestowed with the Friendship Medal.

Xi pointed out that over the 75 years since the founding of the People's Republic of China, the CPC has united and led people of all ethnic groups nationwide to accomplish two feats: rapid economic development and long-term social stability. The great motherland has undergone tremendous changes, and the country has embarked on an irreversible historical journey to realize the great rejuvenation of the Chinese nation. Throughout this grand journey of development, a galaxy of heroes and exemplary figures have emerged across various sectors. Those honored today are outstanding representatives among them. Their exemplary deeds and significant contributions will be eternally inscribed in the annals of the Republic. Their loyalty, dedication and modesty are worth learning from by the entire Party and people of all ethnic groups across the nation.

Xi stressed that China is now in a crucial period for building a strong country and achieving national rejuvenation on all fronts through Chinese modernization. He said that the whole Party and people of all ethnic groups across the country should learn from the examples of heroes and role models, strive forward in unity and forge ahead with tenacity to form a mighty force for jointly building a strong China. Xi also emphasized the need for people to have the ambition of making the country greater, cherish the ideal of making the country strong and prosperous, have the aspiration to strive for people's happiness, be loyal to the country, and do their bit for the country. He called on the Chinese people to integrate their personal careers into the overall national development, and realize personal value and exhibit life's worth in fulfilling duties for the country and serving the people. Xi also encouraged the Chinese people to hone their skills for building a strong country, meet the new requirements for the development of the times, learn new knowledge and master new skills, bring passion and dedication to their jobs and become masters of whatever work they engage in, and work hard to become experts in whatever they do or whatever business they start. To make greater achievements for building China into a strong country, the Chinese people were urged to proactively seize their time and shoulder historical responsibility as masters of the country to forge ahead while coping with difficulties in pursuit of excellence. They were called on to strive for extraordinary achievements at ordinary posts, and continuously make progress in overcoming challenges and difficulties in development and reform, as well as in safeguarding social harmony and stability.

Xi pointed out that over the past 75 years, there have been many old friends and good friends across the world who have worked together and weathered storms together with the Chinese people, and Dilma Rousseff, who was awarded the Friendship Medal today, is a prominent representative of them. The Chinese people will never forget those international friends who have made remarkable contributions to China's development, and to enhanced friendship between the Chinese people and the peoples of other nations. The Chinese people are willing to join hands with people of all countries to safeguard world peace, push forward shared development, promote the building of a global community of shared future, and create a better future for the humanity.

Xi stressed the need for the Chinese people to jointly open up a brighter future, and jointly create a new history. He also called on the Chinese people to unite as one, and make proactive endeavors with focus on well-defined goals, jointly writing an even more splendid chapter for the People's Republic of China.

At the ceremony, Huang Zongde, winner of the Medal of the Republic, and Dilma Rousseff, winner of the Friendship Medal, delivered speeches on behalf of all the laureates.

After the ceremony, President Xi and other leaders with the laureates had a photo taken together.

Members of the Political Bureau of the CPC Central Committee and the Secretariat of the CPC Central Committee in Beijing, some vice-chairpersons of the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress, state councilors, the president of the Supreme People's Court, the procurator-general of the Supreme People's Procuratorate, some vice-chairpersons of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, and members of the Central Military Commission attended the ceremony.

Present at the ceremony were also leading officials of central authorities and Beijing Municipality, representatives of the laureates' relatives and units they work for, representatives of previous honorees, diplomatic envoys of relevant countries to China, officials and representatives from all walks of life, totaling about 1,000 people.

(Source: Xinhua)

Editor: Teng Ge
ROME, Oct. 1 (Xinhua) -- Italy has reduced its reliance on imported energy while its domestic energy production from renewable sources surged to record level, the Ministry of Environment and Energy Security said Tuesday.

According to the ministry's annual report, Italy imported 74.6 percent of its energy from foreign countries in 2023 year, down from 79.2 percent in 2022. Domestic energy production, meanwhile, grew by 4.2 percent in 2023 compared to the previous year.

Notably thermoelectric power, which included both imported and domestically produced energy fell by 19.3 percent between 2022 and 2023, though it continued to provide more than half of the country's overall energy consumption.

Renewable energy production, particularly from hydroelectric, wind, and solar sources, reached record levels in 2023. Hydroelectric power surged by 38.7 percent to 42 terawatt hours (TWh), recovering from a decline in 2022. Wind power produced 23.3 TWh, while solar power generated 30.7 TWh, marking an 11.1 percent overall growth.

The ministry said Italy's overall energy situation was stable after a disruption in 2022 when natural gas imports from Russia were cut off in the wake of the start of the Russia-Ukraine conflict. 
Concerns raised over disability employment gap in Wales

Disabled peoples experiences of horrific employment practices are leaving them too scared to re-enter the Labour market, a committee heard.

Debbie Foster, a professor at Cardiff University, gave evidence as the Senedds equality committee began a new inquiry on disability and employment in Wales.

She criticised poor employment practices, saying: Some of them are really, really horrific  they should not be happening. They undermine the confidence of people who are then too scared to re-enter the Labour market.

Prof Foster raised disabled peoples concerns about difficulty accessing reasonable adjustments at work as she warned that employers do not understand equalities law.

She told committee members that too often people declaring a disability or health condition are filtered out of recruitment processes.

Employment gap

Official figures for 2022 showed the disability employment gap  the difference in employment rates between disabled and non-disabled people  in Wales was 32.3%.

This was higher than Scotland (31.6%) and the UK average (29.8%), with disabled people in Blaenau Gwent (46.8%) and Neath Port Talbot (44.5%) facing additional barriers.

Prof Foster, who chairs the Welsh Governments disability rights task force, authored a report, entitled Locked out, about the impact of the pandemic on disabled people.

In her evidence paper, she said only 40 employers in Wales have achieved Disability Confident leadership status, with just 12 in the private sector.

The academic warned that the Disability Confident scheme has been tarnished through association with the Department for Work and Pensions.

She suggested Wales could bring forward a kitemark scheme and she advocated appointing a disability rights commissioner for Wales.

Bureaucratic

Prof Foster described the UK Governments Access to Work scheme, which aims to help disabled people get or stay in work, as a well-kept secret that leads to good outcomes.

But she warned that the scheme has proved incredibly bureaucratic and much too slow.

Asked about self-employment, she raised evidence that some disabled people become self-employed because the Labour market will not accommodate them.

And we should never see self-employment as an excuse for the Labour market not being accessible enough, she told the meeting on September 30.

Prof Foster, a professor in employment relations and diversity at Cardiff business school, said disabled people are being set up to fail without the necessary support.

Demonised

Jenny Rathbone, who chairs the equality committee, was concerned by the slow pace of progress on addressing the disability employment gap.

She warned: As a nation, were missing out in terms of the skills disabled people can offer.

Prof Foster agreed, saying: We cant just keep having more and more inquiries into the disability employment gap  and not say we need to put our money where our mouth is.

Calling for more investment, she told the committee that employment schemes, such as Disability Confident and Access to Work, have been run on a shoestring.

Prof Foster welcomed a change in government at Westminster as she warned that disabled people have been horribly demonised in recent years.

Exclusion

She said: We should not be blaming the victims who cant get into the Labour market because of discrimination and exclusion.

The sociologist pointed to deprivation, rurality, transport links and a relative lack of professional services as reasons for Wales wider disability employment gap.

Prof Foster acknowledged that the work of the disability rights task force has drifted as she warned that organisations in the sector lack capacity and are constantly firefighting.

They just dont have the funding and support, she said, expressing pessimism about the task force recommendations being delivered with a Senedd election looming in 2026.

She also raised concerns about work slipping on a Welsh Government commitment to incorporate the UN convention on disabled peoples rights into Welsh law.

By Chris Haines, ICNN Senedd reporter

Pictured: Debbie Foster
HMP Berwyn looking for staff in behind-the-scenes jobs in prison service

HMP Berwyn is on the lookout for staff to take on some of the lesser known roles within the prison service.

The prison, on the Wrexham Industrial Estate, is looking for qualified staff to join as a prison industry instructor.

Prison industries cover more than 300 workshops and provide goods and services in every category from textiles and laundry, to woodwork, engineering and even injection moulding.

Paul Allen, 41, joined the prison service seven years ago having previously worked in printing.

He initially started at HMP Berwyn as a prison officer when it opened in 2017.

A year later Paul moved from the landings into a prison instructor role in waste management. Since then, he has progressed through the ranks and is now an industry manager, overseeing a range of workshops.

Before joining the prison service, I worked locally on an industrial estate and started to see the signs go up about the new prison in Wrexham being built, explained Paul.

Having spent a long time in printing I decided that I needed a new challenge and working in the prison service seemed like the perfect opportunity.

When you first join the prison environment it can be daunting, and you rely on the support of colleagues to get you through it.

On TV prison officers are often portrayed as the villains, but I quickly realised that quite the opposite is true. Prison officers are there to support the prisoners.

On the instructor role he says: I think its brilliant. You are working with prisoners over a long period of time, so you get to know them well and can build some really good professional relationships.

You can tell when the prisoners have an issue, and I enjoy working with them to help them solve it.

Our role is also about developing prisoners as people as well. You are dealing with some prisoners who have never had a job before, so its very rewarding to see them develop. It can be as basic as getting them to arrive to work on time to deliver the task in hand.

As well as waste management, we teach the prisoners textiles and metal fabrication, and all manner of other things. If a prisoner wants to use their time here productively, they can come out with so many skills and qualifications.

Instructors are trained to work safely and effectively with prisoners and can also study for an apprenticeship.

Paul added: To be an instructor or an officer, above all else, you need good people skills.

In the prison service you deal with people from all walks of life, so youve got to be able to process peoples views and find a way to get the best from that person.

To take your career in a rewarding new direction you can apply or find out more here.
Over 33,600 online accounts hacked in the past year, Action Fraud warns

Action Fraud is urging people to provide an extra layer of protection on their social media accounts and email after more than 33,600 accounts were hacked in the last year.

New data released by the national fraud and cybercrime reporting centre shows that victims lost a combined total of 1.4 million as a result of their online accounts being compromised.

Now Action Fraud is launching an awareness campaign on social media and email account hacking for Cyber Security Awareness Month this year, encouraging the public to protect their online accounts from fraudsters.

It includes using the two-step verification option to help secure their social media and email accounts.

Adam Mercer, Deputy Director of Action Fraud, said: Cyberattacks and hacking are carried out by faceless cybercriminals who target unsuspecting victims looking to take advantage of unprotected social media and email accounts.

With this being the top cybercrime reported last financial year, its even more important to take action and ensure you lock down your accounts.

Protect yourself from fraudsters trying to steal or access your valuable information by ensuring your social media and email account passwords are secure. All your passwords should be different and never shared with anyone else.

If you have the option, enable 2-step verification to ensure you have twice the protection for all your accounts.

In the reports made to Action Fraud, there were various different methods of hacking reported, including:

On-platform chain hacking

This is when a fraudster gains control of an account and begins to impersonate the legitimate owner.

Action Fraud say that the goal is to convince people to reveal authentication codes that are sent to them via text.

Many victims of this type of hacking believe its a friend messaging them, but the shared code was associated with their own account and the impersonator can now use it to access their account.

Usually when an account is taken over, fraudsters willmonetise control of the account via the promotion of various fraudulent schemes, while impersonating the original account owner.

Leaked passwords and phishing

The other predominant method of hacking reported is leaked information used from data breaches, such as leaked passwords, or account details gained via phishing scams.

This becomes prevalent as people often use the same password for multiple accounts, so a leaked password from one website can leave many of their online accounts vulnerable to hacking.

What can you do to avoid being a victim?

Action Fraud are encouraging people to follow the below advice to help secure their accounts and reduce their risk of falling victim to hackers.
Wrexham coffee shop transforms derelict space into vibrant community parklet

A derelict space behind a Wrexham coffee shop has been transformed into a fab-brew-less space for the community to enjoy.

Jayde Webster opened Brew Corner, on Victoria Road in Wrexham, in May 2023.

The coffee and sandwich shop also showcases crafts and gifts from local suppliers and independent artists and is supplied with its coffee by the Wrexham Bean Company.

Her vision was to create an inviting outdoor space where people can gather, appreciate local talents and to build a real sense of community, and over the last 16 months she has done this.

Jayde teamed up Chester landscape architecture practice Land Studio to design and to build a community parklet for Brew Corner to encourage people to get together.

Jayde approached us because she wanted to take her vision a step further and asked us if we could help to transform a small derelict space at the back of her coffee shop into a meaningful area for the local community to enjoy, explained Simon Richards, Director of Land Studio.

We were delighted to help. Matt Northall, a Project Landscape Architect at Land Studio, provided some design ideas for the piece of land, which was costing the landlady an annual sum to maintain, and our team helped to build it.

Jayde, who formerly worked as a customer services representative for the holiday company TUI, and who lives in Wrexham, said: I love to get involved in the local community and to bring people together.

It has been brilliant to have the help of Matt and Land Studio to transform what was a bit of an eyesore of a space where people dumped their rubbish.

Matts drawings were brilliant and really brought it all to life and it was very kind of the company to help fund and construct the project.

The community parklet was built over the summer thanks to a team of helpers, including local artists and community groups.

Many of the materials used during the constructions were recycled and reused.

As a grassroots initiative our aim is to involve as many members of the community as we can and engage with local groups, including the Scouts and Incredible Edible Wrecsam who have also helped us, added Jayde.

Local artists and planting are providing colour and brightening up the space. Our vision is to have lots of edible planting next summer including salads, herbs and fruits which we can use in our cooking and also give to the community to enjoy.

Children from the local primary school over the road have donated old milk cartons which they have painted and decorated for us.

Its great to have such a lovely outside area with seating and to see so people settling in with a book, enjoying the ambience and or enjoying a coffee and catching up with and making new friends. Weve even had people reconnecting after 30 years, which is amazing.

Laura Watkins, leader of 41st Wrexham Cubs and Scouts, which also helped with the planting and painting, said: We were really pleased to be able to help build such a beautiful community area and to see what a difference the hard work has made.

One of our scouts was amazed by how much the flowers have grown during the summer holidays.

Land Studio is a leading landscape architecture, engineering and ecology design practice creating nature-based solutions. Based in Chester, the company specialises in historic landscape, masterplanning, public realm design and regeneration projects both in the UK and internationally.
WASHINGTON, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- Chinese and U.S. health officials have agreed to strengthen communication, enhance cooperation between technical agencies, and improve coordination on global health affairs during their recent talks here in Washington D.C..

This marks the first ministerial-level visit by China's health authorities to the United States since 2017.

Cao Xuetao, deputy head of China's National Health Commission, said that strengthening health cooperation between China and the United States benefits both nations and global well-being.

China is willing to enhance policy communication and position coordination with the United States and collaborate in cancer prevention and treatment, chronic disease management, the aging problem and medical research, Cao said.

Andrea Palm, deputy secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, said cooperation between the world's two largest economies is crucial for global health security.

Expressing her optimism, Palm said she looks forward to the two countries deepening their exchanges and cooperation in various health-related fields, including cancer prevention and treatment, chronic diseases, the aging issue, climate change-related health issues, nutrition, and antimicrobial resistance.

During the visit, Cao also exchanged views with directors of relevant institutes and centers at the National Institutes of Health and the president of the National Academy of Medicine.

Both sides reviewed their long-standing partnership, recognizing the value of China-U.S. medical exchanges and cooperation, and expressing a willingness to pursue further exchanges.

Cao also attended the China-U.S. Health Dialogue co-hosted by the Center for Strategic and International Studies and the China Health and Population Research Institute, marking the first high-level think tank dialogue on health between the two countries. 
On September 21, a jury in Rankin, Mississippi, sentenced 15-year-old Carly Gregg to life in prison without parole for fatally shooting her mother and wounding her step-father last March.

Carly Gregg [Photo: Ranking County]

The jury found the teenager guilty on all charges against her, which were first-degree murder, attempted murder and tampering with evidence, rejecting the defenses plea of insanity. The case went to trial after the defense rejected a plea deal with a 40-year prison sentence.

Gregg was only 14 at the time of the event but was tried as an adult under Mississippi law, which automatically tries children 13 and older as adults for certain crimes, including acts committed with a deadly weapon.

The United States has the shameful distinction of being the only country which sentences children to life without parole, a practice that is condemned by the United Nations Conventions on the Rights of Children as cruel and unusual punishment. While there have been limited reforms curtailing heavy sentencing against minors in the last 20 years, including ending the death penalty against children in 2005, juvenile life without parole remains legal and is practiced in 25 states.

Moreover, the United States routine practice of trying children as adults, especially following bipartisan tough-on-crime laws in the 1990s, signifies a social retrogression. The first juvenile court was established in the US in 1899 under the recognition that children were socially and developmentally different from adults and would benefit from rehabilitation efforts. Modern neuroscience and behavioral studies of youth offenders support these ideas.

In the case of Carly Gregg, the youth had a documented history of mental health issues, including depression, which she was receiving treatment for in the months prior to the shooting. Dr. Andrew Clark, who testified on behalf of the defense, stated that Gregg was having mood issues, eating disorder issues, cutting herself, hearing voices and sleeping difficulty all leading up to January of 2024. A week prior to the shooting, she was put on a new antidepressant medication, Lexapro, which Clark said aggravated her symptoms.

Greggs step-father, Heath Smylie, who was shot by Gregg in the shoulder, testified that the girl was in a state of severe distress when she shot him, and he believed she did not recognize him. She was screaming out of her mind scared, he said, It was like she had seen a demon or something, and my first thought was, there was an intruder somewhere, and she thought she was after somebody else. He maintains that he is not afraid of his step-daughter, and speaks to her on the phone regularly.

The apparent proximate motive of the shooting was Greggs mother, Ashley Smylie, confiscating a number of items from Greggs bedroom, including marijuana paraphernalia. A friend of Greggs was concerned about her drug use and sent her mother a text message earlier in the day.

Greggs step-father testified that the mother and daughter had a loving relationship, and there appears to have been no prior history of violence on Greggs part.

Whatever the immediate causes of the horrific incident, one has to search deeper than the superficial and plainly stupid narrative put forward by the prosecution. Speaking after the trial, district attorney Bubba Bramlett stated, Carly Gregg is evil. Thats not easy to say, but the truth of the matter is sometimes evil comes in young packages, small packagesand this is one of those cases.

During the trial, prosecutor Kathryn White Newman cited the secret life of the teenager as alleged evidence of her dangerous character, including her use of burner phones, vape pens, her self-harm and cheating in school. The majority of American youth would fall under suspicion for homicidal inclinations by these criteria.

The daily frequency of shootings in the United States testifies to the fact that these horrors are not fundamentally rooted in individuals but have social causes, including the abysmal state of mental health care in the United States, as well as the epidemic of depression and anxiety among children.

The 2024 report by Mental Health America found that 20 percent of American youth ages 12-17 had at least one major depressive episode in the past year, over half of whom (56 percent) did not receive any treatment. Over 3.4 million youth, 13 percent, are experiencing serious suicidal thoughts.

Nearly 9 percent of youth reported a substance use disorder in the past year, with some of the cited reasons for use being: the desire to feel calm or relaxed (73 percent); to sleep better (44 percent); and to stop worrying about a problem or to forget bad memories (43 percent).

In Mississippi, youth access to mental health care is criminally inadequate. Speaking to a state task force, State Superintendent of Education Lance Evans reported that the student-to-counselor ratio in the state is 400 to 1. Wendy Bailey, the Executive Director of the Mississippi Department of Health, said that there are only 519 school therapists in the entire state, half the number of operating public K-12 schools, and only 15 licensed child and adolescent psychiatrists with a primary practice in Mississippi.

Beyond the issue of mental health are the fundamental social and political features of American capitalist society, which is marked through and through by state violence, both directed against the working class at home and abroad through endless war.

Commenting on the recent mass school shooting in Georgia, the World Socialist Web Site explained, Violence is the number one activity of the US government abroad and one of the main activities of state and local governments at home. More than 1,000 people a year are killed by police. And on top of that, Colt Gray and others of his generation have seen nearly 1.5 million Americans killed by a preventable virus in a pandemic which the ruling class refused to fight because it would hurt their profits.

While feigning concern for the victims of mass shootings, these same capitalist politicians embrace the mass murder of thousands of children in Gaza by US-supplied bombs.

In addition to being the only country that sentences children to die in prison, the US is one of the only countries that maintains the barbaric practice of capital punishment. Last week alone, the US executed five death row prisoners, a rate unprecedented since 2003, including Marcellus Williams who was wrongly convicted of murder.

The extreme sentencing against Gregg stands in sharp contrast to another recent case in Rankin, Mississippi. When six local police officers, self-named the Goon Squad, pleaded guilty to felony charges related to their years-long campaign of terror against the local population, including torture, sexual assault and violence that led to multiple deaths, they were given sentences ranging from 10 to 40 years.

Greggs attorneys have filed a motion for a new trial.
Nearly five years after being overthrown by a US-backed military coup in 2019, former Bolivian President Evo Morales marched into the capital of La Paz with thousands of supporters last Monday demanding the resignation of President Luis Arce, his hand-picked successor and former economy minister.

Evo Morales and Luis Arce [Photo: comunicacion.gob.bo]

The march took seven days to cross 120 miles along the main Andean highway from the small town of Caracollo. Crowds of goons deployed by the Arce government clashed with the pro-Morales march when it attempted to invade the headquarters of the Bolivian Workers Central (COB), the main union federation. Anti-riot police then used tear gas to disperse the crowds.

The last time Morales led a similar march was in late 2021 to defend Arce against renewed threats by the far-right in response to the arrest of the leaders of the 2019 coup.

A rift first opened between the two in late 2021, at least in public, over the control of the ruling Movement Toward Socialism (MAS) party. After a court ruled last December that Morales is not allowed to run for reelection, the conflict escalated, and his supporters began organizing widespread roadblocks and mass rallies.

Then, in late June, the head of the military at the time, Gen. Juan Jose Zuniga threatened to arrest Evo Morales for seeking another term. After Arce demoted him, Zuniga attacked the government palace on June 26 with hundreds of soldiers and a few armored vehicles in an abortive attempt to overthrow the government. The mutineers demanded the liberation of the 2019 coup leaders, exposing their alignment with the fascistic right and Washington.

Initially, Morales called for a mobilization to halt what he described as an attempt to overthrow Arce. But soon after the military riot failed, he claimed that Arce had staged a self-coup to gain popularity.

Morales argues that Arce has failed to resolve the deepening economic crisis and should hand over power.

However, the implosion of the MAS sums up the failure of not only MAS, but the entire so-called pink tide movement of bourgeois nationalist governments across Latin America to resolve the regions historic economic and social backwardness and unite any country, much less the region, against imperialist oppression.

The government claims that Morales hopes to provoke another coup to install the pro-Morales chair of the Senate, Andronico Rodriguez, as interim President and allow Morales to run in snap elections. Currently, the next presidential elections are not scheduled until August 2025.

Judicial elections, including for the Constitutional and Supreme Courts, on December 1 could also result in the election of judges that will favor Moraless candidacy. Finally, a national referendum on the question of re-election announced by Arce has now been indefinitely suspended.

For months, the Bolivian public has been bombarded with threats exchanged between the two factions of MAS, round-the-clock coverage by the corporate media, and an alignment of the union bureaucracy behind one or another faction of the ruling capitalist party.

The thrust of this conflict has been to step in front of any independent intervention of the working class in the political crisis.

On Friday, the leaders of the pro-Morales camp, which includes sections of the union bureaucracy and peasant leaderships, announced that major national roadblocks planned for September 30 would not take place, feigning concern about its effects on the poor and about the need to fight wildfires.

For its part, the COB leadership has gone from backing the 2019 coup and having bureaucrats join as officials of the far-right regime to becoming the main cheerleaders of the Arce administration. The mining union bureaucracy used its congress on September 20 to appeal to miners, largely unsuccessfully, to mobilize against the coup attempt by Morales.

Earlier this month, COB officials policed the doors of the Congress to intimidate pro-Morales and other legislators into voting in favor of $140 million in new loans from the international banks.

Each faction of MAS is focused on demonstrating to different sectors of the ruling class and their partners among the imperialist and other major international powers that they are the most reliable enforcers of their interests.

This boils down to their ability to suppress the class struggle and implement social austerity and a major economic reshuffling amid an escalating economic and military war instigated by US and European imperialism against China, Russia and Iran, all powers with close ties to both factions of MAS.

Strikes by teachers and protests by garbage collectors in Cochabamba, street cleaners in El Alto and manufacturing workers point to a growing unrest against the increase in the cost of living and rising poverty.

Significantly, Arce has exploited the pro-Morales mobilizations to impose repressive legislation against roadblocks. Both Morales and Arce have a history of deploying riot police and the military against peaceful worker and peasant protests.

The inability of the regime under the fascistic coup leader Jeanine Anez to suppress mass unrest while implementing its economic agenda forced it to call for elections and allow the MAS to return to power in 2020.

Washington officials have said little about the MAS dispute and have remained laser-focused on building up the far-right political and business elite in the eastern department of Santa Cruz along with its fascistic gangs, which were the main contingent behind the 2019 coup. US imperialism has not abandoned its plans to destabilize Bolivia and install a puppet regime to secure control of the countrys strategic natural resources.

The US State Department, according to journalist Carlos Fazio, has financed the fascist Santa Cruz legislator Svonko Matkovik, who was jailed for eight years for organizing an armed insurrection for Santa Cruz independence. Meanwhile, the US embassy has also sought to unite the far-right opposition ahead of the scheduled 2025 elections, which could be used for a provocation behind claims of vote fraud, as in Venezuela.

At the same time, Washington is working closely with the government of fascistic President Javier Milei in Argentina in preparing for military conflict across the region against its rivals. Buenos Aires already launched a bellicose provocation by claiming in April, without any evidence, that Bolivia is hosting hundreds of members of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps.

The internecine war in the MAS has only further undermined popular support for both factions. Polls show that most Boliviansthe latest by Ipsos found 81 percentthink Morales merely seeks personal gain. Meanwhile, the approval rating for the Arce administration has fallen from 42 percent to 22 percent since January.

According to pollster Diagnosis, concerns over the economy are primarily responsible, with a positive view of the economic situation dropping dramatically from 43 percent in July 2022 to only 5 percent this month.

Dollar and fuel shortages are regularly cited in the media. Bolivias main trade partners in South America have suffered their worst economic decade, while the gas field of the Southern Sub-Andean basin that have represented the greatest source of income and foreign reserves for decades are drying up. A new major basin was discovered but questions remain about its real size, profitability and the years it will take to begin production.

International reserves have also plummeted from $15 billion to $1.7 billion, and Bolivias public debt is among the fastest growing in the region. With nearly half of public spending going into servicing the debt, global capital is demanding deeper attacks on the limited social programs implemented by Morales when gas prices and production were booming.

Most importantly, Bolivia has the worlds largest known reserves of lithium, a key ingredient for the batteries that go in electric vehicles and electronics. But a drop in global lithium prices, legislative hurdles and the massive investments needed have prevented production from really taking off.

The Arce administration has responded to this systemic crisis by enforcing a pact with the main business groups, providing tax and credit incentives, further subsidies, government investments in chemical and other industries, and freedom for exporters and investors to take dollars out of the country. The president has proposed to relax regulations in the oil sector to let foreign firms own and exploit larger shares. The government has eroded environmental and other regulatory obstacles to mining and selling gold, whose prices and production have continued to increase.

Regarding lithium, Arce signed an investment deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin in Moscow last June to develop the processing of the mineral, while it has negotiated several mining concessions with Chinese companies. The projects are merely in their pilot phase, however.

The current context presents enormous dangers for workers in Bolivia.

Time and again across Latin America the revolutionary struggles of the working class have been blocked from taking power by leaderships who backed one or another section of the ruling class as more democratic or progressive. This opened the doors for imperialist-backed fascist coups and regimes that have then crushed the workers movement and left-wing organizations.

In 1971, the Pabloite Revolutionary Workers Party (POR), which had mass influence in the working class, including in the mining unions, played the most important role in collaboration with the Stalinists in carrying out the most significant betrayal of Bolivian workers. It provided political support for the bourgeois nationalist dictator J.J. Torres and his Popular Assembly, suggesting they could be pressured to fight imperialism. POR leader Guillermo Lora then placed hopes that Torres would arm workers against the threat of the far right, facilitating the coup of fascistic Col. Hugo Banzer Suarez, which launched a regime of mass torture, kidnappings and killings of leftists at the behest of imperialism and the local oligarchy.

The internecine war between Arce and Morales and the efforts of the union bureaucracy and its Pabloite and Morenoite apologists to promote illusions in the national bourgeoisie threatens to become another catastrophic exercise in politically disarming the working class.

The working class and the impoverished peasantry have remained on the sidelines so far, unconvinced by either faction. But without a genuine, revolutionary party leading the working class to power, the prospect of another fascist dictatorship will become inevitable.

Analyzing a similar betrayal by Stalinism in China in 1927, Leon Trotsky explained:

Everything that brings the oppressed and exploited masses of the toilers to their feet inevitably pushes the national bourgeoisie into an open bloc with the imperialists. The class struggle between the bourgeoisie and the masses of workers and peasants is not weakened, but, on the contrary, is sharpened by imperialist oppression, to the point of bloody civil war at every serious conflict. The Chinese bourgeoisie always has a solid rearguard behind it in imperialism, which will always help it with money, goods and shells against the workers and peasants.

The most crucial task today in Bolivia and Latin America is the building of sections of the International Committee of the Fourth International, which alone embodies the lessons of the struggle of the Trotskyist movement against the betrayals of Stalinism, Pabloism and all petit-bourgeois and bourgeois nationalist movements.
Tell us why you back the dockworkers strike by filling out the form below. All submissions will be kept anonymous.

Tens of thousands of dockworkers from Maine to Houston, Texas, launched a strike Tuesday at 12:01 a.m. US Eastern Time in their first East Coast-wide strike since 1977. The strike is part of a growing movement of the working class against exploitation and miserable working conditions.

Striking dockworkers in Newark, New Jersey

The key issues on the docks are the same as everywhere else. Workers are fighting against low and stagnant pay, demanding a 70 percent wage increase over six years. They are also demanding protections against automation and other emerging technologies, which the corporations are using to slash millions of jobs globally. And dockworkers are fighting for better working conditions, including less punishing schedules and better safety.

Dockworkers are joining 33,000 Boeing workers, mostly located in the area around Seattle, Washington, on the West Coast, who rebelled against a sellout contract to force a strike that has lasted more than two weeks. Other significant strikes that have emerged in recent weeks include 5,000 machinists at Textron Aviation in Kansas and 525 Eaton aerospace workers in Michigan.

Also on Monday, dockworkers at the Port of Montreal in Canada launched a 72-hour strike, raising the potential for a global struggle.

Conditions are emerging for a broader class movement pitting the working class against US and global capitalism. The East Coast docks occupy a key place in US and global supply chains, including half of the 10 largest ports in North America. Estimates of the cost of a strike range between $1 billion to $5 billion per day, and a protracted strike could impact supply chains into 2025.

East Coast dockworkers are demonstrating their immense social power, and their strike will be taken as a call for workers across the country and even the world to press for their own demands. Throughout history, dock strikes have frequently developed into general strikes, including in Seattle in 1919, New Orleans in 1892 and San Francisco in 1934.

Tens of thousands of railroaders are currently fighting against new sellout contracts brought by the union bureaucracy, including an agreement at BNSF that paves the way for eliminating conductor positions. In the auto industry, UPS, the post office and elsewhere, workers are fighting against massive cuts to jobs driven by both automation and sellouts by the bureaucracy.

Tens of thousands of educators across the United States, including in Seattle, Chicago, Detroit and other major districts, are fighting against massive school closures caused by the government diverting funding from education to war.

The role of the White House and the capitalist state

The strike movement is also, objectively, a conflict against the entire political establishment, from the Biden White Housewhich for years has worked with its allies in the union bureaucracy to limit wage growthto Trump and the Republicans, who are building a fascist movement to rip up the democratic rights of the working class.

For now, the White House has laid low in order to avoid inflaming the situation further. But corporate America has given Biden his marching orders in the form of yet another letter from the US Chamber of Commerce demanding the government intervene with an injunction under the notorious anti-worker Taft-Hartley Act (also known as the Slave Labor law when it was passed shortly after World War II) to block a strike. They also published a self-serving poll, which claimed to show a narrow majority of voters supporting government intervention.

The White House has thus far publicly stated it will not invoke Taft-Hartley, with Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre declaring Monday, We have never invoked Taft-Hartley to break a strike, and we are not considering doing so now.

This claim is completely disingenuous, since the White House intervened under different legislation to block a railroad strike in late 2022. Only weeks ago, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg intervened to pressure the Canadian government to shut down a rail strike there by imposing binding arbitration. The White House has also spent enormous resources on ensuring supply chain security, as a key element in the expanding wars, enlisting the help of pro-corporate union bureaucrats.

But the Biden administrations preferred method has been to enforce de facto strike bans through the assistance of the union bureaucracy without having to resort to more open methods. On the West Coast, the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) kept workers on the job for more than a year after their contract expired, while acting Labor Secretary Julie Su eventually helped broker a sellout deal.

These experiences show that the government and the whole corporate political system will not sit idly by as the strike begins to impact profits. Workers must be prepared to respond by mobilizing their immense social power, as the source of the worlds wealth, behind the striking dockworkers.

While capitalist democracy circles the drain in the lead-up to the presidential election and the US teeters on the brink of igniting World War III in Russia and the Middle East, the working class is emerging as a countervailing force capable of profoundly changing the situation, if it is mobilized independently.

To place their fight on a serious footing, dockworkers must establish their independence from the ILA bureaucracy. While union President Harold Daggett threatened strike action for months and broke off talks over the summer, it is highly likely they had intended to announce a last-minute deal like the International Association of Machinists (IAM) tried to at Boeing, itself patterned on the Teamsters sellout at UPS last year. But the unexpected rebellion by Boeing workers, who rejected the deal by an overwhelming 95 percent, not only forced a strike there but seriously jeopardized similar maneuvers by bureaucrats elsewhere.

Indeed, the New York Times reported Monday on supposed movement in talks yesterday, with the ILA and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) trading proposals on wages.

Build rank-and-file strike committees of dockworkers! Unite the struggle for workers interests with the fight against war!

Having been compelled to call a strike, the corrupt ILA bureaucracy, with more than a century of ties to the Democratic Party and even organized crime, will look to shut it down at the first opportunity.

The key issue for dockworkers is to establish new structures, rank-and-file strike committees, and democratic control over the strike, giving them the ability to countermand decisions that violate the will of the membership. Any attempt by the ILA officialdom to shut down the strike before all of workers demands have been met must be overridden.

Boeing workers have founded a rank-and-file committee of their own after forcing a strike, and similar committees have been founded all over the world. Affiliated through the International Workers Alliance of Rank-and-File Committees (IWA-RFC), these structures open lines of communication between workers in different industries to prepare common actions.

A central demand should be rank-and-file control over contract negotiations, with all future communications with the USMX livestreamed publicly. All correspondence between union officials and the Biden White House must also be made public.

Dockworkers must also reject the ILA bureaucracys pledge to continue handling war materiel during the strike. In a statement posted to its website, the ILA crudely declared I Love America and explicitly cited its enforcement of a no-strike pledge during World War II as a model for its policies today.

For all of Daggetts bluster about demanding Biden stay out of the contract talks, his commitment to imperialist war demonstrates the ILAs allegiance to American capitalism. Even the language about World War II mirrors statements made by Biden about the Arsenal of Democracy to justify his corporatist alliance with the union apparatus, which he considers key to preparing the home front for war.

But the US government is not fighting the Nazis today but repeating their crimes. It is supporting neo-Nazis in Ukraine as part of its proxy war to dismember Russia and seize its natural resources. This policy has brought the world closer than ever to the brink of nuclear war.

The government is also supporting Israels genocide in Gaza and is fully involved in instigating a region-wide war.

The ILAs commitment to handle military equipment is a betrayal of the Palestinian working class. Last year, the Palestinian trade unions issued a call to workers around the world to refuse to handle military shipments to Israel.

A refusal to handle war materiel is also crucial because it is impossible to defend the rights of workers at home while supporting imperialism. The trillions being sucked out of workers pockets are being used to fund wars to defend the profits of US corporations.

What makes the dockworkers strike such a major event is not simply their demands for job protections and wage increases, but that it is part of a broad struggle objectively pitting the working class against capitalism.
Anthropology professor Maura Finkelstein was fired in May from her position at Muhlenberg College in Allentown, Pennsylvania, the culmination of a campaign against the professor launched by Zionists outside the college and the Biden-Harris Department of Education which fingered her for anti-Israel activismsocial media posts she made opposing Israels genocide in Gaza.

Professor Maura Finkelstein

She had been previously suspended in January, after the spring academic term had already begun, suddenly leaving her students without their professor.

Finkelstein, who is Jewish, is believed to be the first tenured faculty member fired for constitutionally-protected free speech opposing Israels genocidein her case speech that took place outside the classroom, thereby trampling on both her academic freedom and her basic democratic rights.

Her removal is intended to intimidate and silence all those opposing American imperialism and its Israeli proxys crimes. It is part of a purge of Americas colleges and universities and assault on the democratic rights of students and faculty spearheaded by the Biden-Harris administration.

Finkelstein is the author of the book The Archive of Loss: Lively Ruination in Mill Land Mumbai, published by Duke University Press in 2019, which considers the lives of workers in a de-industrialized city in India, as well as a number of academic articles, reviews and essays. Muhlenberg College has raised no objections to her scholarship, teaching, or service to the institution, which constitute the basis of academic employment. She was a tenured professor with the title associate professor of anthropology.

Last week, on September 24, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) sent a letter to Muhlenberg College President Kathleen Harring stating that it would be opening an investigation into the firing of Finkelstein over her pro-Palestinian and anti-Zionist views.

Finkelstein started to make public statements against Israels policies soon after the Hamas uprising of October 7, 2023, took place. She quickly became a target of Zionist harassment. In response to her open criticism of Israel, a Change.org petition was created on October 29, 2023, by right-wing Muhlenberg alumni which called for her removal. The petition was promoted by backers of Israels genocide, who equate any opposition with antisemitism.

The Change.org petition accused Finkelstein of appalling actions. The three offenses she was accused of were 1. Glorifying Hamas, the Terrorists, and Vilifying Israel: [sic], 2. Classroom Bias, Hate Speech, and Targeted Aggression to Jewish Students, 3. Cyberbullying students with her partner.

Justifying their first charge, the authors of the Change.org petition cited some lines of text which Finkelstein had written in response to an article on Muhlenbergs student paper, The Weekly. Finkelsteins comments were not a glorification of Hamas, but rather sought to set the October 7 attack in historical context, as any serious scholar should. Finkelstein wrote these are not unprovoked attacks. Any form of resistance is evacuated of historical context and framed by Israel and the US as terrorist attacks.

The second offense that the petition laid out is just as absurd. It charged Finkelstein with classroom bias, hate speech, and targeted aggression to Jewish students, and cites, as its only evidence, an email in which Finkelstein again reiterated that the October 7 attack emerged out of history: There is no doubt that Saturdays surprise attacks are devastating. We must mourn all civilian deaths But we cannot mourn without also acknowledging the fact that Israel is a settler colonial state.

Finkelsteins email aimed not to encourage hate, but to open a discussion with her students. Muhlenberg can be a hard space to talk openly about and grieve Palestine and Palestinians. Please know there are safe spaces on campusfeel free to reach out to me if you need to. It is notable in this regard that Allentown, where Muhlenberg College is located, is home to large Arab and Palestinian populations.

Finally, the third charge leveled against Finkelstein was something that she didnt even do. The alleged cyberbullying she was enabling consisted of Finkelsteins partner, Zein Murib, responding to commenters on Finkelsteins Instagram defending her against claims that she was spreading hate.

After the petition was created, Finkelstein reported that she and other faculty were sent thousands of bot-generated emails which consisted of harassment and calling for her to be removed for her views.

These right-wing, Zionist attacks on Finkelstein were soon backed by the Biden-Harris administration.

In January of this year, letters from the US Department of Education were sent to various universities detailing intent to open investigations over rampant antisemitism on the campuses via Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. Muhlenberg, along with a number of other universities, received these letters.

The letters came in the aftermath of the forced resignations of University of Pennsylvania President Liz Magill, Harvard President Claudine Gay and congressional grilling of Massachusetts Institute of Technology President Sally Kornbluth after the Biden Administration, with the full-backing of Republicans, launched a witch-hunt against them for allegedly failing to curtail antisemitism on their campuses.

In mid-December of 2023, a civil rights complaint was filed with the US Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights which accused Finkelstein of discrimination against the anonymous filer. The complaint makes no reference to anything that Finkelstein did or said in the classroom or on campus. The individual who made the complaint was not even one of Finkelsteins students. Nor does the complaint cite any actual instances of discrimination. Absurdly, the only description of alleged discrimination it provides is a link to the Zionist Change.org petition! A single sentence follows: The link above provides full context for all that Maura has done.

Rather than tossing out the obviously frivolous complaint, this single, dubious charge provided the Department of Education the bogus grounds to open an investigation into Muhlenberg via Title VI.

Around a week after Muhlenberg received the letter from the Department of Education, college administrators abruptly suspended Finkelstein from her position, causing confusion and anger among her students who were given no notice that she was to be removed or that she was under investigation. Finkelstein was afforded no opportunity to answer the charges against her before this removal. She was simply disappeared from her classroom.

Her firing in May also came without any semblance of due process, focusing on a social media post that Finkelstein made in January. Finkelsteins post called for shaming Zionists, not welcoming them into your spaces, making them feel uncomfortable, not normalizing Zionists, calling them racists, and not allowing Zionists to take up space. This public statement distinguishes between Zionistsright-wing Israeli nationalists who justify the mass extermination of Palestiniansand Jewish people. Again, it must be noted that Finkelstein is herself Jewish.

The decision to fire Finkelstein was taken by a college committee handpicked by Muhlenberg administrators. Once again, she was not allowed to bear witness in her own defense. The panel released a letter on May 8 which determined that her Instagram post constituted grounds for her termination from the college. Finkelstein attempted to appeal the decision, but her appeal was rejected out of hand.

In an email to Inside Higher Ed, Finkelstein explained that I wasnt fired for anything I said in the classroom. She continued:

I was fired because of a charge brought by a student I had never met, let alone taught, who had been surveying my social media account for months. This isnt about student safety, this is about silencing dissent. We are witnessing a new McCarthyism and we should all be terrified of its implications. [emphasis added]

Students at universities across the country have been attacked by police and arrested for their vocal opposition to the genocide in Gaza. At the University of Michigan, 11 students are facing charges from the state of Michigan for participating in a pro-Palestine protest. Cornell University international student and graduate instructor Momodou Taal is now being threatened with suspension and deportation for participating in a peaceful protest against the Gaza genocide.

The International Youth and Students for Social Equality (IYSSE) unequivocally denounces the firing of Finkelstein and demands that she be immediately reinstated. The defense of Professor Finkelstein, and other targeted academics and students, must be taken into the working class, the only social force capable of stopping the genocide and the descent into world war.
On Monday, the president of Cornell University issued a statement defending the suspension of international graduate student and instructor Momodou Taal for his participation in a peaceful protest of more than 100 students on campus on September 18.

Momodou Taal

In an email sent to the student body and faculty, Cornell President Michael Kotlikoff made it clear that the aim of the suspension of Taal is to crack down on outspoken political opposition on campus to the US-backed Israeli genocide in Gaza.

President Kotlikoff stated that there is an ongoing process to identify and sanction participants in the September 18 protest which shut down a career fair on campus that included military contractors, such as Boeing and L3Harris, that are profiting from the Israeli massacre of Palestinians in Gaza and now also the military invasion of Lebanon.

The Cornell president said that videos and photographs from the event have been used to identify nearly 20 individuals who participated in this disruption, and, All who have been identified as Cornell students are being referred for conduct violations.

The president went on to make the cynical claim that No one has been singled out, when it is obvious that Taal, who faces an end to his academic career at Cornell and deportation, has been targeted by the university to intimidate students and faculty from exercising their free speech rights on campus.

Meanwhile, although he does not specifically name Momodou Taal, the purpose of President Kotlikoffs statement is to reject the demands by students, student organizations, faculty and the public for the university to rescind the suspension of the British-Gambian student.

The presidents statement repeats false claims made previously by university officials that the protest in opposition to war profiteers at the career fair was not a peaceful or harmless rally and that the demonstrators had created an environment of intimidation and fear. These claims have been disputed by eyewitnesses and an on-the-spot report by the Cornell Daily Sun.

Eric Lee, attorney for Taal, posted a response to President Kotlikoffs statement on Twitter/X which said,

The proper forum for adjudicating the allegations against Mr. Taal is in a formal hearing and investigative process, not public pronouncements from the president. Now more than ever, Mr. Taal must be afforded the due process right to challenge the factual and legal basis of the suspension. President Kotlikoffs personal intervention in Mr. Taals case raises serious concerns about the administrations ability to conduct a fair and unbiased review of the appeal presently pending before the provost. The administrations rush to judgment also violates the rights of Mr. Taals academic worker-colleagues to due process before disenrollment. President Kotlikoffs letter concludes by claiming in Orwellian manner that the administration is revoking a foreign students visa without due process in order to safeguard the rights of everyone in our community. In actual fact, a powerful and well-connected Ivy League administration is forcing one of its own students off campus and out of the country because it disagrees with his defense of the Palestinian people. It is urgent that the campus and the broader population come to Mr. Taals defense to prevent Cornell from setting this dangerous precedent.

Taal appealed his suspension on Wednesday to the vice president of student and campus life, Ryan Lombardi, who rejected the request in less than 24 hours. He has one more appeal pending before Provost Kavita Bala for which he has yet to receive a response. If the suspension is upheld, Taal faces the loss of his F-1 visa status and imminent deportation from the US.

The movement among students and faculty to demand the rescinding of Taals suspension is continuing to expand with rallies, phone calling and social media being coordinated to build support for the campaign.

The Committee on Academic Freedom (CAF) of the Middle East Studies Association of North America (MESA) issued an open letter on Monday addressed to the top Cornell University administrators expressing their extreme concern about your decision to temporarily suspend Cornell graduate student Momodou Taal, without proper due process, on the grounds of his alleged disruptive participation in a pro-Palestine campus protest.

The open letter, which is signed by MESA President and Yale Law School professor Asl U. Bali and CAF Chair and University of Southern California professor emerita Laurie Brand, calls for the immediate rescinding of Taals suspension and urges Cornell University to refrain from arbitrary and draconian disciplinary measures against students, faculty and staff exercising their right to freedom of speech and assembly, and their academic freedom, including by expressing their views on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Sun reported on Monday that more than 30 campus organizations have signed on to a campaign launched by the Coalition for Mutual Liberation to call the Cornell University administration to demand the rescinding of Taals suspension. Among the organizations that have endorsed the campaign are Native American Indigenous Students at Cornell, South Asian Council and Fanclub Collective.

The Cornell Graduate Students United (CGSU) held a press conference on Friday and raised the demand that the University must bargain over Taals suspension according to a memorandum of agreement the union had reached with the University in July. A report in the Sun said, the agreement gives the union the right to bargain over the effects of academic discipline of graduate students as long as that discipline affects their working conditions.

On Friday, the International Youth and Students for Social Equality issued a statement denouncing the Cornell University administration and calling for the mobilization of the working class to defend Momodou Taal.

The statement placed the attack on the graduate student within the context of the broader context of the attack on democratic rights and escalating global war. The statement said,

The escalating assault on democratic rights on campuses is motivated by a fear within the ruling class that opposition to the war will be connected to the growing struggles of workers in the United States and internationally. The measures being taken against students will be used to suppress and criminalize all opposition to the policies of the corporate and financial oligarchy. The victimization of Taal for protesting Cornells ties to military contractors, including Boeing, takes place amidst an ongoing strike by 33,000 Boeing workers. The strike followed a vote by more than 94 percent to reject a contract backed by the IAM union apparatus, revealing the enormous opposition in the working class to the escalating assault on jobs and wages. Five hundred workers at another military contractor, Eaton, in Michigan, are on strike after rejecting two contracts backed by the UAW. And this coming week, a contract for 45,000 dockworkers across the US East Coast expires and a strike would pose a serious threat to the global operations of American imperialism. The IYSSE calls on all students at Cornell and at campuses throughout the country to oppose the attack on Taal. We demand his immediate reinstatement and an end to all threats to revoke his visa. We call for the dropping of all charges against pro-Palestinian protesters across the country and an end to the criminalization of free speech. The defense of democratic rights and opposition to war, however, can only be successful through the mobilization of that social force that has the power to oppose the capitalist ruling elitethe working classin the US and throughout the world.
Over the past two days, the full catastrophe produced by Hurricane Helene in a broad swath of the southeastern United States has begun to be revealed.

The death toll topped 130 Monday night, according to reports from six states monitored by multiple news outlets. Given that at least 600 more people are missing and unaccounted for, the death toll seems likely to skyrocket. This could make Helene the deadliest storm to hit the US mainland since Katrina drowned the city of New Orleans in 2005. Hurricane Maria, which struck Puerto Rico in 2017, killing more than 3,000 people, is the worst natural disaster to hit any US territory in the past half century.

Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, North Carolina [AP Photo/Mike Stewart]

Asheville, North Carolina is at the epicenter of the tragedy. The city sits in a river valley in the Appalachian Mountains and was hit with nearly two feet (60 centimeters) of rain.

Officials of Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, confirmed at a press conference Monday that at least 40 people were killed by the hurricanes high winds and heavy rains. Nearly 100,000 people are without power, about 40 percent of the countys population, and water systems have collapsed, due to a combination of flooding, wind damage, and loss of power.

Press reports said that 6,000 emergency calls had been made to find people missing in western North Carolina, including 3,900 in Buncombe County alone. Both Asheville city and Buncombe County schools are closed for at least the first two days of the week, and in smaller rural counties, schools may be closed indefinitely.

While the level of destruction in western North Carolina and eastern Tennessee is apocalyptic, there are published estimates that the total damage in the six worst-hit states--Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Tennessee and Virginia--could come to more than $150 billion. Besides Asheville, affected cities range from Tampa, Florida, which was hit by a record storm surge, to Augusta, Georgia, where power remains out for 200,000 people, to the Atlanta metropolitan area, which experienced an all-time record rainfall of 11 inches in less than 48 hours.

Despite well publicized claims of a massive relief effort, most storm survivors have received little or nothing. A spokesman for the North Carolina National Guard said that guard troops have brought in 100,000 pounds of water and food through airlifts at the Asheville airport, intended for distribution in eight counties in western North Carolina. Given the nearly one million people affected just in that area, that comes to a few ounces per person, three days after the hurricane upended their lives.

It is now nearly two decades since Hurricane Katrina. At the time, the WSWS explained the seeming irrationality of the response of the US ruling class to warnings about the precarious state of the levees in New Orleans. We wrote:

None of the measures required to protect the city and the entire region were implemented, even though doing so would have cost a fraction of the outlays required to address, even in the most rudimentary way, the devastation caused by Katrina and the governments failure to respond. Nothing was done because over the past several decades the American ruling class, under administrations of both political parties, has sought to systematically cut all social spending, including spending on public infrastructure. Bound up with deregulation, privatization and the dismantling of social programs, this policy was designed to enrich a tiny minority of the population at the expense of the American people as a whole. In this, it has succeeded to the point where the United States is the most socially polarized of all the major industrialized countries. Hurricane Katrina has laid bare the ugly face of American capitalist societythe enormous social inequality, the impoverishment of broad sections of the population, and the looting of society by a financial oligarchy.

At the time, the corporate media and the capitalist politicians of the Democratic and Republican parties claimed they had learned their lessonat the expense of the lives of more than 1,300 people, mostly poor residents of New Orleansand would take steps to prevent further such disasters.

What in fact has been done? Far from improving the countrys infrastructure, it has further deteriorated. The most basic measures to save livessystematic warning systems, coordinated methods for evacuation, infrastructure to protect against mudslides and flash floodsare inadequate or non-existent. And social inequality is far greater now than two decades ago, vastly increased by two multi-trillion-dollar bailouts of the rich, in 2008 and 2020.

Where its vital interests are concerned, the capitalist ruling elite can mobilize vast resources: for war in Ukraine, for genocide in Gaza, for bailing out Wall Street. But when it comes to the lives of working people, whether in the urban side streets of New Orleans or the back roads of Appalachia, the ruling class declares with one voice, There is no money.

Fueled by climate change, hurricanes, tornado outbreaks, heat waves, cold waves and wild fires continue to ravage the United States, taking hundreds of lives each year. And now Hurricane Helene has already surpassed the death toll of last years Maui wildfire, of hurricanes Harvey, Rita, Ike, Irma and Sandy, and will soon have caused more death and destruction than Hurricane Ian (2022), the previous worst since Katrina.

Two processes are involved here, both linked to the global crisis of the capitalist system. Climate change, driven by the uncontrolled capitalist exploitation of fossil fuels like oil, natural gas and coal, continues to accelerate, with little prospect of the world achieving the most recent target of climate scientists, limiting the increase in global temperatures to below 2 degrees Centigrade by 2050.

Warming air temperatures enable storms to accumulate more moisture, increasing the rainfall they generate and widening their scale. At one point, Helene was affecting nearly a quarter of the United States, hitting parts of 15 states, shutting down power, for example, to 40 percent of South Carolina, more than 300 miles from where it made landfall.

The ruling class is no more capable of addressing the catastrophic consequences of climate change than it has been able to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, which, due to the subordination of public health to private profit, has killed more than 20 million globally and more than 1.4 million in the US alone.

Side by side with the worsening threat of such natural disastersnatural only in the sense that nature is being turned into a catalogue of horrors by capitalismis the weakening ability of modern capitalist society to withstand such disasters and remedy their worst consequences.

This social and economic system has been presided over by both capitalist parties.

Since Helene struck only five weeks before the presidential election, the Democratic and Republican candidates quickly proclaimed their sympathy for the victims and pledged federal and state aid. Fascist Republican ex-president Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, Monday, to take in the distribution of relief supplies by a fundamentalist church. He managed to avoid the degrading scenes that accompanied his visit to Puerto Rico after Hurricane Maria, where he was seen tossing rolls of paper towels to angry survivors of that storm.

Democrat Kamala Harris rushed back to Washington for a photo op visit to the headquarters of FEMA, cutting short a fundraising trip to California expected to raise more than $60 million for her campaign, mainly from Silicon Valley moguls and San Francisco financiers. The White House announced that President Biden will visit North Carolina on Wednesday, although it will apparently be limited to a visit with the governor in Raleigh, the state capital, followed by a helicopter overflight of the devastated Asheville region.

As always, these protestations of concern, dutifully repeated in the media, will disappear into nothing as soon as the cameras retreat, while those affected will be left to fend for themselves, until the next disaster hits.

Socialist Equality Party presidential candidate Joseph Kishore issued a statement Sunday, calling for a multi-billion program to provide immediate relief to all those affected by the hurricane. Working people and retirees who have lost their homes, vehicles and livelihoods must be made whole.... The statement also called for a massive increase in funding for disaster preparedness, infrastructure repair, and emergency services.

Securing these basic rights and social needs is inseparable from the development of a movement in the working class against the entire social and economic order. Capitalism is leading humanity to social, political and ecological destruction. The alternative is the mobilization of the independent political strength of the global working class in the building of a worldwide movement for socialism.
The Israeli military launched its ground incursion into southern Lebanon early Tuesday morning. While Israeli officials claimed that ground operations would be limited in scope, scale and duration, the claims are no more believable in the case of Lebanon than in Gaza.

Underscoring the central involvement of American imperialism in the escalating region-wide war, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington is in continuous conversation with the Israeli military about its invasion, while public broadcaster Kan referred to intensive coordination between Israel and the US on how to deal with an Iranian attack.

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. [AP Photo/Hussein Malla]

Reuters reported late Monday that Lebanese army units were seen leaving positions on the Lebanon-Israel border and were retreating 5 kilometres inside Lebanese territory. The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) announced a closed military zone encompassing several northern communities along the border, emphasising that entering the area was forbidden. An official told the Times of Israel that one goal of the operation would be to eliminate Hezbollah positions along the border. A meeting of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus security cabinet later Monday decided to proceed with the operation.

Heavy shelling and air strikes targeted several locations along the border. The IDF ordered residents in Dahiyeh, the southern suburb of Beirut and a traditional Hezbollah stronghold, to leave their homes. Shortly afterwards, major explosions were heard as at least eight strikes occurred shortly after midnight Tuesday morning, according to Lebanese news agency NNA, destroying several residential buildings.

The invasion of southern Lebanon follows a weekend of unrestrained violence by the Zionist regime, including the massacring of hundreds of civilians in air strikes across the country. The targeted assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah Friday claimed some 300 civilian lives, as six multi-story buildings were flattened in Beiruts southern suburbs. In the 24 hours to Monday, 136 people were reportedly killed by Israeli strikes. The intensive bombing, which included the first strike on central Beirut Sunday night, has forced some 100,000 people to flee to neighbouring Syria, where a fratricidal conflict stoked by US imperialism for over a decade is ongoing.

Israel also struck the ports of Hodeidah and Ras Issa in Yemen, some 2,000 kilometres from its border, Sunday. The strikes, which targeted power plants and facilities used by the Houthis to import oil, killed six people and injured 57.

While Hezbollah has continued to fire rockets into northern Israel, the sustained attacks of the past two weeks appear to have seriously undermined its capabilities. Brussels-based military analyst Elijah Magnier told Al Jazeera that Israel has struck at least 3,000 to 3,500 Hezbollah missile units. There are thousands of Hezbollah operatives whove lost their hands or their eyesight, and theyve been evacuated to hospitals in Syria and Iran. Therefore, these fighters are out of the equation and can no longer participate in any potential war, he added, referring to the consequences of Israels terrorist attack on September 17, when hundreds of communication devices exploded. In addition to Nasrallah, dozens of top Hezbollah commanders have been murdered.

In an indication of the indiscriminate character of the onslaught, akin to the ongoing slaughter of the Palestinians in Gaza, 14 Lebanese paramedics were killed in two days of bombing up to Sunday. On Monday, the health ministry reported the deaths of a further six paramedics in renewed air strikes.

Asked at a press briefing about the reports of a ground invasion, Miller confirmed US imperialisms intimate involvement in the major escalation of the war. They have informed us about a number of operations, said Miller, referring to Israel. They have at this time, told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border, but were in continuous conversations about it. With breathtaking cynicism, he added, Military pressure can at times enable diplomacy.

Earlier in the day, Secretary of State Antony Blinken became the latest US official to revel in the mass slaughter, hailing the assassination of Nasrallah. The Hezbollah leader was a brutal terrorist and the region, the world are safer without him, he said.

Behind the bogus public statements about a limited operation, Israels far-right regime is clearly launching a massive offensive to revenge the setback it suffered during the month-long 2006 war on Lebanon, when Hezbollah mobilised broad popular support against an IDF invasion. The United Nations confirmed that its 10,000-strong UN Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which was tasked with monitoring the ceasefire agreement that brought the 2006 war to an end, was no longer in a position to carry out patrols due to the intensity of fighting.

Speaking to troops in northern Israel, Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, who infamously labelled Gaza residents as human animals as Israels genocide of the Palestinians began, declared, the elimination of Nasrallah is a very important step, but it is not everything.

We will use all the capabilities we have. If someone on the other side did not understand what the capabilities mean, it is all capabilities, and you are part of this effort.

Netanyahus far-right regime intends to annex parts of Lebanon, alongside Gaza and the West Bank, as part of its US-backed drive to restructure the entire Middle East. Netanyahu and other leading officials have bluntly laid out this agenda, including in speeches to the US Congress in July and UN General Assembly last week.

Israels aggressive expansion of the conflict, which is rapidly assuming the dimensions of a Middle East-wide war, is made possible by the unflinching support it enjoys from US imperialism. As the World Socialist Web Site explained within days of Israel launching its destruction of Gaza, Washington endorsed the genocide because it viewed it as a critical component of the preparations for a region-wide war with Iran. In an October 23, 2023 Perspective column taking note of the US surging of troops and naval vessels to the region following the commencement of Israels assault on Gaza, the WSWS wrote,

The Biden administration is escalating the war in the Middle East and threatening to directly attack Iran as part of what it sees as a globe-spanning conflict for world hegemony, stretching from Eastern Europe to the Middle East and the Pacific. American imperialism, confronted with the economic rise of China and the global decline of the US economy, sees war as the means to assert world domination.

Over the past year, Washington has supplied billions of dollars in weaponry to Israel, including the 2,000-pound bombs that have turned Gaza into a wasteland and are now devastating Beirut and southern and eastern Lebanon.

The Pentagon announced Monday that Washington will send a few thousand more US troops to the region, increasing the number of US soldiers in the Middle East to 43,000, according to the AP. The bulk of the new forces consist of squadrons of fighter jets and attack aircraft. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin stated Sunday that he had extended the deployment by a month of the USS Abraham Lincoln aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East. A second aircraft carrier strike group, the USS Harry Truman, recently departed from Virginia and is expected to arrive in the region in a week.

With their repeated escalatory actions, Israel and its US paymaster are attempting to goad Iran into some sort of response, which can then be used to launch a vicious attack on Tehran. Already this year, Israel assassinated seven Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps members in Damascus and humiliated Irans bourgeois-clerical regime by killing Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh while he was visiting Tehran as a guest at the inauguration of Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian. For their part, the Iranian regime and its bourgeois-nationalist allies throughout the region have nothing to offer in the face of this imperialist-led onslaught, other than vain pleas for an accommodation with the imperialist powers.

The only social force capable of preventing the plunging of the entire Middle East into a bloodbath with incalculable consequences for its long-suffering population is the international working class mobilised in struggle against imperialist war. Rejecting reactionary Zionism and bankrupt bourgeois nationalism, the workers of the Middle East, whether Arab, Persian, or Jewish, must unite on the basis of the fight for socialism in alliance with their class brothers and sisters in the imperialist centres to put an end to the capitalist profit system and war.
The class character of political tendencies is particularly revealed in their attitude to imperialist foreign and war policy. From this standpoint, last weeks vote on a European Parliament resolution on the continued financial and military support for Ukraine by EU member states was more than revealing.

The motion, which was jointly tabled by the conservative, social democratic, Green and liberal groups, calls for a massive escalation of the NATO war in Ukraine, including direct missile strikes against Russia. Nevertheless, it was supported by eight representatives of the GUE/NGL faction (The Left in the European Parliament). Among them was Carola Rackete, the lead candidate of Germanys Left Party in the last European elections.

The other representatives of the European Left who voted in favour of the motion were Li Andersson, Merja Kyllonen and Jussi Antero Saramo from the Finnish Left Alliance (Vasemmistoliitto), Per Claussen from the Danish Red-Green Unity List (EnhedslistenDe rd-grnne), Hanna Gedin and Tor Jonas Sjostedt from the Swedish Left Party (Vansterpartiet), Anja Hazekamp from the Dutch Party for the Animals (Partij voor de Dieren) and Younous Omarjee from the France Unbowed alliance (La France Insoumise).

The co-chair of the European Left faction and the German Left Party, Martin Schirdewan, on January 16, 2024 in the European Parliament in Strasbourg. [AP Photo/Jean-Francois Badias]

Twelve other representatives of the left faction abstained, including the two co-chairs, Manon Aubry of La France Insoumise and Martin Schirdewan of the German Left Party.

The vote exposes the members and parties of the left faction as rabid warmongers. They do not speak for the European and international working class, but for prosperous upper-middle-class layers whose interests are directly tied to the defence of capitalism and imperialism. Although their votes were not needed to pass the resolution, half of the European Left deputies present voted in favour or abstained. And this despite the fact that it aims for a catastrophic escalation of the war that goes far beyond the previous war effort of the European powers.

Among other things, the resolution calls on member states to immediately lift restrictions on the use of Western weapons against legitimate military targets in the territory of Russia, as these restrict Ukraines right to fully exercise its right to self-defence under international law and thereby expose Ukraine to attacks on its population and infrastructure.

The resolution does not say a word about the catastrophic consequences of such plans. There is no question that the Kremlin would respond to attacks by NATO missiles with massive retaliatory strikesincluding the use of nuclear weapons. Just last week before a meeting of the Russian Security Council, President Vladimir Putin warned that Russia reserved the right to use nuclear weapons in the event of aggression against Russia and Belarus.

The resolution, however, criticises European NATO governments from the right. It warns that insufficient supplies of ammunition and weapons and restrictions on their use could undermine the efforts made to date and deeply regrets that the volume of bilateral military assistance provided by member states to Ukraine is declining, despite significant statements made earlier this year.

In this context, the resolution calls on member states to follow up on their March 2023 commitment to supply Ukraine with 1 million rounds of ammunition, and to expedite arms deliveries in response to clearly identified needs, in particular supplies of modern air defence systems and other weapons and ammunition, including the Taurus cruise missile.

The resolution explicitly formulates the goal of military victory over the nuclear power Russia and the reconquest of the territories controlled by Moscow. The European Parliament reiterates its support for the commitments of the EU and its member states to provide humanitarian, military, economic, financial and political support in every possible way until Ukraine is victorious, the text says. Among other things, it concerns enabling Ukraine to liberate all its people and to regain full control over its entire territory within its internationally recognised borders.

The resolution also makes clear what the European elites are really after: control of resource-rich Ukraine and the subjugation of Russia itself. And they are using the war to militarise the continent and to orient the whole of society towards war. The resolution calls on the European Commission to initiate strategic communication in the member states to explain the importance of defending Ukraine for overall stability in Europe and to ensure that EU citizens are well informed about the importance of this support for both the sovereignty of Ukraine and peace and security in the EU as a whole.

In addition, the European Parliament welcomes public efforts and crowdfunding initiatives by citizens in some member states to ensure a continuous supply of weapons to Ukraine. And it also advocates similar initiatives across the EU to promote public solidarity and interest in this key issue.

What the European Parliament is promoting with the support of the European Left is not aimed at the sovereignty of Ukraine and is the exact opposite of peace and security. It is about the establishment of a European war economy, in which Ukraine itself plays a central role.

Point 12 of the resolution calls on the EU and its Member States to fulfil the commitments of the 2022 Versailles Declaration and to accelerate the full implementation of the Strategic Compass by improving European military cooperation at the level of industry and the armed forces, thereby making the EU a stronger and more effective security guarantor, interoperable with NATO and complementary to it.

It also emphasises that concrete steps should be taken during the EU accession process to integrate Ukraine into EU defence and cyber security policy and programmes. The EU institutions should move ahead more quickly to adopt the European Defence Industrial Strategy to ensure the timely availability and delivery of defence equipment, which in turn would enable the timely provision of military support to Ukraine.

This includes the member states fulfilling their commitment to establish military production facilities on Ukrainian territory. It is crucial to engage with and integrate the Ukrainian defence industry into the EUs technological and industrial defence base in the long term.

The 20 European Left MEPs who voted against the resolution did not do so out of opposition to these insane militarisation and war plans, which go hand in hand with massive attacks on social and democratic rights. They come from all the parties that have played a key role in recent years in implementing the policy of social austerity, militarism and waroften in alliance with extreme right-wing forces. Representatives of Sumar/Podemos (Spain), Syriza (Greece) and the Five Star Movement (Italy), among others, voted against the resolution. Ozlem Demirel voted against it for the German Left Party.

There is one main reason behind these no votes. Under conditions in which opposition to militarism and war is taking on explosive forms, sections of the left are desperately trying to conceal their real role. They want to prevent by all means workers and young people turning to an independent socialist perspective and the building on this basis of a powerful movement against war and its root cause, capitalism. The Sozialistische Gleichheitspartei (Socialist Equality Party) and the International Committee of the Fourth International are fighting for precisely this urgent goal.
Thousands of workers and young people took to the streets in cities across Australia on Sunday, protesting Israels ongoing imperialist-backed genocide against Palestine and broader Middle East offensive.

The demonstrations, larger and more intense than the ongoing weekly protests against the Gaza genocide have been in some months, provoked threats of arrest and deportation, spearheaded by the federal Labor government.

Part of the Sydney protest on September 29, 2024 [Photo: sydpalpics]

The rallies reflected mass anger over the Netanyahu regimes airstrikes against Lebanon, which have killed hundreds and displaced hundreds of thousands, and the assassination of Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah. At the Sydney rally, Lebanese flags were as numerous and prominent as Palestinian ones. Some of the demonstrators, many visibly upset and in tears, held placards depicting Nasrallah.

Several protesters in Sydney and Melbourne waved Hezbollah flags, although in Sydney, rally organisers had warned, we cannot have any illegal flags on the demonstration. Hezbollah, one of the largest political parties in Lebanon, is officially designated as a terrorist organisation in Australia.

The presence of a few Hezbollah flags was seized upon as a pretext for a stepped-up denunciation of the mass anti-genocide protests, which have been slandered as anti-semitic and subjected to police surveillance and threats since they began on October 9 last year.

The Australian Federal Police (AFP) announced late yesterday that at least six instances of protesters displaying hate symbols at the Melbourne rally will be investigated, with criminal charges a possibility. NSW Police said they had seized two flags displaying a terrorist organisation symbol, but had not referred the cases to the AFP.

The AFP had said hours earlier that merely waving a flag would not meet the threshold for prosecution under anti-terror laws that criminalise the display of hate symbols to incite violence or hatred.

This draconian legislation was introduced by Labor late last year, under the pretext of combating Nazism, but the real target was the growing anti-war sentiment and broader class struggle. The laws carry a penalty of one year in prison for the public display of prohibited terrorist organisation symbols.

The rapid reversal of the AFPs position on Sundays rallies was in line with the demands of the federal Labor government, as well as Zionist lobbyists and Liberal-National opposition leader Peter Dutton, who declared it was unacceptable that the government wouldnt be arresting people already.

Labor Prime Minister Anthony Albanese decried the protests as threats to multiculturalism and social cohesion, saying, Weve seen worrying signs over the weekend; we do not want people to bring radical ideologies and conflict here.

Foreign Affairs Minister Penny Wong wrote on X/Twitter: We condemn any indication of support for a terrorist organisation such as Hizballah. It not only threatens national security, but fuels fear and division in our communities. All of usincluding every political leadermust stand together to reject terrorism and extremism.

This is a fraud. Just as Wong and the federal Labor government have fully backed Israels genocide in Gaza, they have tacitly condoned the Zionist states use of outright terrorist methods against Lebanese civilians. By contrast, every mealy-mouthed call for a ceasefire or peace has been prefaced with a condemnation of Hamas, and now Hezbollah.

The hypocrisy is staggering. Anti-war protesters are threatened with being thrown in jail for simply holding the flag of a major political party. Meanwhile, pro-Zionist politicians, media commentators and lobbyists have free rein to cheer on Israels war crimes and murder of tens of thousands of civilians, including women and children.

Anthony Albanese and Tony Burke [Photo: Parliament of Australia]

Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke declared, any indication of support for a terrorist organisation is unequivocally condemned. It draws the immediate attention of our security agencies.

The threat is clear: The full weight of Australias state apparatus will be deployed against anyone who expresses opposition to Israels expanding genocidal rampage, which has included flagrant war crimes and the use of terrorist methods, such as the recent pager bombings.

Burke threatened to deport non-residents who took part in the protests: I wont hesitate to cancel the visas of visitors to our country who are spreading hate.

Burke said he had sent the message, and weve done this before, to the different police forces, in this case NSW and Victoria, and just said that if anybody who theyre concerned about, if they can check their visa status as well, and if someone is on a visa, then thatll come to us.

The comments are unmistakably racist dog-whistling. The suggestion, picking up on a line first used by Dutton late last year, is that protesters opposing the Israeli war crimes are foreigners threatening Australias social cohesion. As the government well knows, the genocide is opposed by masses of workers, wherever they are from.

If Burke is implying that some of those who carried Hezbollah flags are Lebanese nationals, is he suggesting they be deported to face bombardment by the criminal Zionist regime?

This forms part of a broader attempt to whip up anti-immigrant hysteria to divert growing opposition to Labors pro-war program and its broader assault on working-class living conditions.

Labors denunciations and threats have nothing whatsoever to do with combating terrorism. In response to a resurgence of the anti-war rallies, the Labor government is attempting to use trumped-up anti-terror laws as a further step towards outlawing protest altogether.

The response of the Labor government to Sundays protests, and to Israels expanding genocidal war, underscores that the perspective advanced by speakers at the rallies since October is a political dead end.

The protest organisers, affiliated with Socialist Alternative and other pseudo-left organisations, have argued from the start that the struggle against genocide and war can be taken forward through appeals to Labor and other imperialist governments worldwide. But every increase in barbarity by the Zionist regime in Israel has been met with a redoubling of material and political support from these very same governments.

Meanwhile, opponents of Israels imperialist-backed brutality are branded by these governments, including Labor in Australia, as antisemites or terrorist sympathisers and threatened with arrest and deportation.

Israels attacks on Lebanon also expose the attempts of the pseudo-left to present the genocide in Gaza as an isolated single issue. They have consistently downplayed the well-documented fact that, for Israel, the US and its allies, the assault on Palestine is just one front in a Middle East war, with Iran as a primary target.

The pseudo-left have consciously covered up the direct connections between the horrors in Gaza, the broader drive by US and global imperialism towards a third world war, and the assault on the working class at the domestic level by governments worldwide.

The response of the Australian political establishment to Sundays rallies is a sharp warning of the deepening attack on democratic rights that is being prepared.

As the Socialist Equality Party has insisted since Israel began its onslaught on Gaza, the struggle against imperialist war and genocide cannot be waged through appeals to the Labor government, but requires a fight against it. This can only go forward as part of a global anti-war movement of the working class, based on a revolutionary socialist perspective and a fight to overthrow capitalism, the root cause of imperialist war and barbarism.
Last week, the organizers of the Neon City Festival dropped American rapper Macklemore from the events concert lineup. Macklemore was among the five headliners of the festival, which is scheduled to take place November 22-24 in Las Vegas. It is unclear whether or by whom he will be replaced.

In a display of cowardice and dishonesty, the festival organizers cited unforeseen circumstances to explain their decision. The real reason was the organizers objection to the blunt, profane condemnation of the US government that Macklemore had voiced three days earlier at the Palestine Will Live Forever festival in Seattle.

During that event, Macklemore performed his new song Hinds Hall 2. Like its predecessor, the song forcefully protests the genocide that Israel is perpetrating against the Palestinians. In it, Macklemore explicitly decries the White Houses complicity in this historic crime. Giving voice to the justified anger of millions worldwide, the rapper hurled an expletive at America during his performance, and the crowd responded with cheers.

The Palestine Will Live Forever festival was a benefit for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees (UNRWA). With consummate cruelty, the US government cut off its funding for this agency earlier this year. This is the government to which the organizers of the Neon City Festival would have musicians pledge their loyalty.

Hinds Hall 2 includes refreshingly direct and pointed commentary. One couplet seems to foreshadow Macklemores recent outburst: PC [i.e., politically correct] for a minute, I was trying to be a bridge. / But therell never be freedom by pleading with Zionists.

The rapper explicitly names Israels abettors, warning, We know who you serve at the White House. He also speaks directly to the Democratic candidate in the upcoming presidential election. Hey, Kamala, I dont know if youre listening, / But stop sending money and weapons, or you aint winning Michigan. / We uncommitted, and hell no, we aint switching positions.

From Hinds Hall 2

On the day after the organizers abruptly removed him from the Neon City Festival bill, Macklemore addressed the incident in a long Instagram post. The forthright, principled and courageous statement deserves to be quoted at length.

My thoughts and feelings are not always expressed perfectly or politely, the rapper wrote. Sometimes I slip up and get caught in the moment. He cited his expletive at the Seattle concert as one such example but insisted that his aim is to bring people together and never to create more division.

I wish I had been in a better place with my grief and anger. But the truth is Im not OK. I havent been, Macklemore continued. The last 11.5 months of watching genocide unfold in front of us has been excruciating on a spiritual, emotional and human level. I have been in utter disbelief with how our government is showing up at this moment in history. I dont think Im alone.

The rapper drew a connection between the US governments support for genocide in the Middle East and its domestic attacks on the working class. I am outraged by the fact that we lack money for healthcare, affordable housing and education in America, yet we send billions to Israel to commit internationally recognized war crimes, he wrote.

Macklemore directly criticized the Democratic Party for its hypocrisy and warmongering. I watch Democrats sign bills to ban semiautomatic assault rifles after another horrific school shooting takes place, then turn around and use the same ink to send those same weapons off to Israel to kill the children of Palestine, he wrote.

The rapper described having been moved by the antigenocide protests that have drawn millions into the streets around the world. I have been in awe and inspired by those in the Jewish community that have courageously shown up in solidarity, marching with posters at protests stating, Not in our name, and Never again means never again for everyone.

Macklemore added that he has been inspired by our young people, who have been willing to risk their degrees by participating in college encampments to demand a ceasefire. The fall semester has brought new restrictions on free speech and assembly on university campuses. Many students are also facing politically motivated criminal prosecution for having exercised their First Amendment rights. At Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, international student and graduate instructor Momodou Taal faces imminent deportation for having participated in protests against the genocide.

Referring to his expletive during the Seattle concert, Macklemore explained that his anger is not directed toward the mass of Americans. It is directed at the politicians who have put profit over people.

Macklemore also placed himself within a historical tradition, writing that his actions are rooted in the legacy of protests and resistance of past generations such as the civil rights movement, the opposition to the US war in Vietnam and the anti-apartheid movement in South Africa. He concluded his statement by reaffirming his pursuit of peace, love, equality and liberation for all.

The rappers most recent outspoken defense of the Palestinians and opposition to the genocide brought much foul abuse down on his head, including from pro-Zionist ignoramus and talk show host Bill Maher.

Macklemores positions are rare in his genre. Apart from him and Puerto Rican rapper Residente, few hip-hop artists have denounced the atrocities being perpetrated by Israel, the US and other imperialist powers.

Chuck D, for example, the founder of the explicitly political group Public Enemy, which came to prominence in the late 1980s, has remained silent about the genocide. Worse, the rapper agreed during the summer to represent the US State Department as a global music ambassador. US Secretary of State, the unspeakable Antony Blinken, up to his neck in blood, is described by the media as Chuck Ds friend. In June, that is, eight months into the mass killing in Gaza presided over by Blinken and the White House, the rapper shamefully showed up at an event at the State Department, hosted by the war criminal.

Blinken: Good afternoon, everyone. So were seriously increasing the cool factor here at the State Department this afternoon. (Laughter.)  To all of you here, welcome. I especially want to thank our U.S. Global Music Ambassadors here with us today. ... Chuck D ... (Applause.)

The global music ambassador initiative is modeled on the Central Intelligence Agencys Cold War program that used the arts to foment regime change and promote the interests of US democratic imperialism.

Antony Blinken, Chuck D and others at the State Department in June 2024

Though appalling, Chuck Ds transition from rapping Fight the Power to supporting the state has an underlying logic. The rapper has long espoused racialist politics and black nationalism. From this position, it is a short distance to joining the US government in promoting and defending the Zionist state. Moreover, Chuck D has long described Lyor Cohen, a music industry honcho, as his mentor. Cohens Israeli father, Elisha, was a member of the Harel Brigade, which murdered thousands of Palestinians and expelled hundreds of thousands more from their homes during the 1948 Nakba.

Macklemores latest song about the genocide and his principled Instagram statement express the attitudes of millions worldwide. His defense of human dignity and opposition to unjust authority provide an example that other artists would do well to emulate.
In this piece, we will take a look at the 20 Countries with the Best Economy in the World in 2024. If you want to skip our coverage of the current state of the global economy, then you can read 5 Countries with the Best Economy in the World in 2024.

If there's one thing that can be said with certainty, it's that the global economic environment is far different in 2024 than it was in 2020. The world before the onset of the coronavirus pandemic was completely different. Back then, oil investors were fretting as green energy stocks were rising in popularity, high growth sectors were booming due to moderately low interest rates, and the stock market was dominated only by professional investors.

Now, with interest rates all over the world coming down from historically high levels and the shakeup in global energy supply chains after the Russian invasion of Ukraine, not only have green energy stocks struggled, but high growth stocks (except for those with exposure to artificial intelligence) have also left investors desiring for more. These trends come after massive fluctuations in global GDP growth. During 2020, the global economy contracted by 2.9% which was the sharpest contraction on record since 1961 shows data from the World Bank. This outpaced the 1.4% drop in 2009, and after the lax monetary policy and stimulus spending were introduced in 2020, the economy sharply recovered in 2021 and stood at 6.3%.

However, this was short lived since the Russian invasion of Ukraine would further complicate the economic picture in 2022. Stimulus spending and low rates fuel inflation, which was exacerbated by the disruption in the energy supply chain stemming from the invasion. In 2022, global GDP growth slowed down to 3.5% and slipped to 3.3% in 2023.

Of course, since calculating global GDP growth is no small task, estimates of the metric often differ. So while the World Bank estimates 2023's GDP growth at 2.7%, estimates from the IMF and OECD share that it was 3.3% or 3.1%, respectively. However, while their estimates are slightly different, the one thing that the IMF and OECD agree on is that 2024 won't shock anyone by providing a growth uptick. Both claim that in 2024, global GDP growth will remain static and similar to 2023's figures. According to the OECD, while interest rates have made their mark on the housing and credit markets, overall, the global economy is continuing to show resilience, with inflation dropping and business confidence continuing to improve. Consequently, it estimates that the world GDP will grow by 3.2% in 2023 - which is similar to the IMF's figure.

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Additionally, among the list of the world's strongest economies called the G20, only Japan and Argentina are expected to post negative growth in 2024. India will lead the world with its 6.7% annual growth, with Indonesia and China following in second and third places by posting 5.1% and 4.9% in GDP growth. In 2025, the OECD expects that India and Indonesia will continue to lead the world, and the Japanese economy will rebound through its 1.4% growth. The US GDP though is expected to slow down from 2.6% in 2024 to 1.6% in 2025. Some of the OECD's caveats to this cautious optimism are a slower Chinese economy on the back of continued troubles in real estate and persistent inflation that forces central banks to keep policy rates high.

READ ALSO: 50 Biggest Economies in the World by the End of 2024 and Top 30 Largest Economies in the World by 2075.

The IMF, for its part, expects global inflation to drop from 6.7% in 2023 to 5.9% this year and 4.5% in the next. However, overall inflation will take some time to return to levels that central banks would prefer. As per the IMF, "inflation in prices for services is now expected to be more persistent and commodity prices higher." Yet, the fund remains optimistic, as it adds that "the gradual cooling of labor markets, together with an expected decline in energy prices, should bring headline inflation back to target by the end of 2025."

Shifting gears, GDP growth affects firms that are reliant on discretionary spending for their revenue. These range from those that sell home improvement equipment to others that sell sports apparel. One such firm is the home improvement products retailer The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD). Due to its focus on the construction industry, the firm benefits when homeowners and builders find it easy to spend on either new projects or renovations. This spending is dependent on inflation and interest rates, as they affect consumer budgets and developer financing. Consequently, when the Fed announced a 50 basis interest rate cut on September 18th, the firm's shares have gained 5.5% since then. Naturally, since the rate cut is fresh, year to September The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)'s stock didn't perform well despite the fact that it is one of the biggest home improvement retailers in America. Its shares were up a modest 6.8% by then, and a modest 14.4% over the past twelve months to lag the broader S&P by roughly 14 percentage points.

The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)'s earnings for its first quarter saw same store sales drop for the sixth consecutive quarter. This was despite the fact that there have been no notable firm specific developments over the period, which led analysts to conclude that the drop is purely due to macroeconomic factors. During Q2, comparable sales fell by 3.3% annually for the seventh consecutive quarter as management shared that rate cut expectations were making buyers delay their spending. However, compared to its major competitor in the home improvement retail market, The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD) enjoys gross margin advantages. The firm's $152 billion in revenue and $51 billion in gross profit for the four latest quarters lead to a gross margin of 33.6%, which is higher than the rival's 33.2%.

This is despite the fact that the latter firm earned $84 billion in revenue and $28 billion in gross profit during the same period. With September 2023 ending with the much awaited interest rate cut, Piper Sandler shifted its sentiment for The Home Depot, Inc. (NYSE:HD)'s shares as it increased the share price target to $455 from $387 and kept an Overweight rating on the shares. At the heart of the bullishness was a 136% annual jump in September refinance applications as 30 year mortgage rates dropped from 6.35% to 6.08%. The analysts shared that the anticipated growth in home improvement spending made HD quite an attractive stock. For more stocks that benefit from an uptick in economic growth, you should check out the 10 Best Consumer Cyclical Stocks To Buy Now.

While we acknowledge the potential of HD as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HD but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

With these details in mind, let's take a look at the best economies in the world in 2024.

20 Countries with the Best Economy in the World in 2024

Daily newspaper economy stock market chart

Our Methodology

To make our list of the best economies in the world in 2024, we started by making a list of the 40 countries with the highest GDP per capita. They were ranked by their latest real GDP growth rates, and the top 20 countries with the highest growth were selected and re ranked using their nominal GDP. Using per capita figures and GDP size refines the list since it removes emerging or small economies that might have high growth but smaller economic size. If you're interested in the fastest growing economies, you should check out 20 Countries with the Highest Annual GDP Growth in the World to understand how the fastest growing economies might not necessarily be the best.

20. Andorra

GDP Growth: 1.80%

GDP Value: $3.9 billion

GDP Per Capita: $44,900

Andorra is one of the smallest countries in the world as it covers an area of 467 square kilometers. Its economy is based on a large part of its geography, as Andorra's ski resorts attract a large number of visitors every year to allow it to generate tourism revenue. Additionally, Andorra is a low tax region which allows its banking sector to attract global capital.

19. Brunei

GDP Growth: 2.40%

GDP Value: $15.5 billion

GDP Per Capita: $35,111

Brunei is a Southeast Asian country which is another small nation due to its area of 5,765 square kilometers. It is a natural resource rich nation, which relies on oil for most of its exports. Brunei has used its wealth well, as unlike some oil rich countries, it has managed to significantly improve its living standards.

18. Malta

GDP Growth: 5%

GDP Value: $22.7 billion

GDP Per Capita: $41,740

Malta is a small European island nation with an area of 316 square kilometers. Despite this, it has a sizeable GDP of $22.7 billion which lends it a high GDP per capita of $41,740. Its location helps Malta benefit from the tourism industry, and the country also plays a key role in the global shipping industry.

17. Iceland

GDP Growth: 1.50%

GDP Value: $33.3 billion

GDP Per Capita: $84,590

Iceland is the only island Nordic European nation and also one of the least populated countries in the region. A vibrant services industry as well as a developed tourism sector allow Iceland to have a sizeable $33.3 billion economy. Coupled with its population of roughly four hundred thousand inhabitants, Iceland has a GDP per capita of $84,590.

16. Cyprus

GDP Growth: 2.70%

GDP Value: $34.2 billion

GDP Per Capita: $37,150

Cyprus is a small island country in the Mediterranean Sea. It has one of the highest GDP per capita in Southern Europe, and its island status also allows it to be one of the biggest ship management countries in the world. Merchant navy companies have a sizeable presence in Cyprus, and it also benefits from more than a million tourists visiting it every year.

15. Bahrain

GDP Growth: 3.60%

GDP Value: $46.8 billion

GDP Per Capita: $28,880

Bahrain is another small island nation. Located in West Asia, it is part of the region that is dubbed the Middle East. Bahrain is made of close to a hundred natural and artificial islands. It benefits from a vibrant tourism industry, becoming another nation that has tried to shift its economy away from natural resources to other, sustainable avenues.

14. Slovenia

GDP Growth: 2%

GDP Value: $72.1 billion

GDP Per Capita: $34,030

Slovenia is a Central European nation with a population of 2.1 million and a GDP per capita of $34,030. It has one of the highest GDP per capita in the Slavic region, which is fueled by a highly industrialized economy with vibrant manufacturing and engineering sectors.

13. Qatar

GDP Growth: 2%

GDP Value: $244.7 billion

GDP Per Capita: $81,400

Qatar is another small Middle Eastern nation that has managed to become an economic giant due to its vast natural resources. Its liquefied natural gas (LNG) industry soared in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, and Qatar has used its money to invest in companies spread worldwide. Additionally, its GDP per capita of $81,400 is among the highest in the world.

12. Portugal

GDP Growth: 1.70%

GDP Value: $298.9 billion

GDP Per Capita: $28,970

Portugal is a Southwestern European country that is among the most developed nations in the world. It has one of the highest GDP per capita in Europe, and a vibrant tourism industry allows Portugal to attract tens of millions of visitors annually. The services industry, fueled by mega retailers is another key contributor to the Portuguese economy.

11. Denmark

GDP Growth: 2.10%

GDP Value: $409.9 billion

GDP Per Capita: $68,900

Denmark is one of the most developed countries in the world and it enjoys high standards of living since it follows the Nordic model. Denmark also has a very well diversified economy, and companies like the wind power generation equipment provider Vestas, beer company Carlsberg, and pharma giant Novo Nordisk are some notable Danish corporate giants.

10. Singapore

GDP Growth: 2.10%

GDP Value: $525.2 billion

GDP Per Capita: $88,450

Singapore is one of the most developed and wealthiest countries in the world. Not only does it house some of the highest numbers of millionaires in the world, but its location also lets Singapore play a crucial role in the global oil industry. Favorable tax regulations have also contributed to a robust banking sector in the country.

9. Norway

GDP Growth: 1.50%

GDP Value: $526.9 billion

GDP Per Capita: $94,660

Norway is the highest ranking Nordic country on our list of countries with the best economy. It is an economic powerhouse, with its $526 billion GDP powered by a sizeable oil industry and a highly regulated business environment. Norway is also seeking to diversify from its dependence on oil and has focused on biotechnology and cancer research as a result.

8. United Arab Emirates

GDP Growth: 3.50%

GDP Value: $527.8 billion

GDP Per Capita: $53,920

The UAE is a group of emirates in Asia that is well known as a global tourism, finance, and exporting hub. This is the result of years of policies that have sought to diversify its economy, and the Emirate of Dubai is a tourism destination for the world's wealthiest.

7. Israel

GDP Growth: 1.60%

GDP Value: $530.7 billion

GDP Per Capita: $53,370

Israel is one of the most technologically advanced nations in the world and is known worldwide for its high concentration of wealth. The country has some of the highest number of billionaires in the Middle East, as well as high levels of wealth per capita. The Israeli economy is fueled by diamonds, consumer goods, and oil with dozens of companies listed on American exchanges.

6. Ireland

GDP Growth: 1.50%

GDP Value: $564 billion

GDP Per Capita: $106,060

Ireland is a European country that has the highest GDP per capita on our list at $106,060. The Irish economy is fueled by multinationals using the country as their base of operations. Its economy is also closely tied to Northern Ireland, despite the latter being a part of the United Kingdom.

5. Taiwan

GDP Growth: 3.10%

GDP Value: $802.9 billion

GDP Per Capita: $34,430

While the status of Taiwan as a country is disputed, and it is often considered a part of China, its sheer economic heft makes it a mandatory entry on our list. Taiwan's economy sits at a whopping $802.9 billion, and its 3.1% growth rate makes it the fourth highest ranking Asian country on our list in terms of growth. Key to Taiwan's prosperity is the electronics industry, as it is the hub of global semiconductor fabrication.

4. Saudi Arabia

GDP Growth: 2.60%

GDP Value: $1.1 trillion

GDP Per Capita: $33,040

Saudi Arabia is the final West Asian country on our list. Its $1.1 trillion economy is powered by oil, as Saudi Arabia is the backbone of the global oil industry. Saudi Aramco, the state owned oil company, is the largest of its kind in the world, and the Saudi government finances a large portion of its budget from Aramco's dividends.

3. Spain

GDP Growth: 1.90%

GDP Value: $1.65 trillion

GDP Per Capita: $34,050

Spain is the final European country on our list. A former colonial power, the automotive industry plays an important role in the country. Spain has the second largest automotive industry in Europe after Germany, and it also benefits from tens of millions of tourists visiting it each year.

2. South Korea

GDP Growth: 2.3%

GDP Value: $1.76 trillion

GDP Per Capita: $34,165

South Korea is another global leader when it comes to technological advancement. Its economy is dominated by key sectors such as heavy industrial manufacturing, automobiles, and electronics. South Korean firms like Samsung are global economic giants, and it has managed to keep a strong 2.3% GDP growth rate despite the size of its economy.

1. United States of America

GDP Growth: 2.70%

GDP Value: $28.7 trillion

GDP Per Capita: $85,370

America's $28.7 trillion GDP is 3x the times of all other GDPs on our list combined. The total value of the ex-USA economies in our list of the best economies in the world is roughly $9.1 trillion, which isn't even half of the American output. America's economic crown jewel is its technology industry, as it houses all of the world's biggest technology companies. These firms have also led the world in the ongoing AI revolution, and the US's financial hub of Wall Street sets the tone for the global industry. American universities are among the best in the world, and its defense industry is the envy of dictatorships and repressive regimes who are often willing to go to extreme lengths to have a chance to enjoy the technological advantage that makes the US military the most formidable in the world.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland. Disclosure: None. 20 Countries with the Best Economy in the World in 2024 was originally published at Insider Monkey. All investment decisions should be made after consulting a qualified professional.
In this article, we will list and explore the 20 most pro American countries in Asia. You can skip our detailed discussion and see the 5 Most Pro American Countries in Asia.

The Asian economy is notably diverse, comprising countries at different stages of development with unique economic characteristics. Key regional players include China, Japan, India, and South Korea. China has transitioned towards a service-oriented economy, reflecting its growth maturity, while India's rapid expansion is fueled by technology and services. Japan and South Korea focus on innovation and advanced technologies.

Quality of life in Asia varies significantly across the region, influenced by economic levels, cultural norms, and government policies. Japan and South Korea, for instance, rank highly in quality of life metrics due to superior healthcare, safety, and environmental standards. Conversely, less developed areas face issues related to urbanization and infrastructure.

READ ALSO: 10 Best American Stocks To Buy For Foreign Investors and 25 Most Expensive Neighborhoods in America.

Traveling to Asian Countries

The first UNWTO World Tourism Barometer of the year reports that international tourism reached 88% of its pre-pandemic levels by the end of 2023, with around 1.3 billion international arrivals. This recovery is attributed to the release of pent-up demand, improved air connectivity, and a robust rebound in Asian markets and destinations, paving the way for a full recovery by the end of this year. Japan alone welcomed 3.04 million foreign visitors in May, a 60.1% increase from the previous year. This marked the third consecutive month that the number of visitors surpassed 3 million.

ForwardKeys highlighted the significant impact of US tourists in reviving Southeast Asia's travel sector post-COVID-19. Despite travel still being below pre-pandemic levels in 2022, US visitors returned in larger numbers than from other regions. The Philippines, Singapore, and Indonesia were the top destinations for these tourists. US visitors typically had longer stays and spent more, benefiting local economies.

American perceptions in Asia are mixed, denoted by historical interactions, cultural exchanges, and geopolitical factors. In some regions, there is skepticism towards Americans, often due to historical foreign policies, while in others, there is appreciation for American cultural and technological contributions. The perception of the United States on the global stage has been subject to fluctuations over the years, even among American citizens. According to Gallup, the majority of Americans have remained dissatisfied with the direction of the country for over two decades. In 2023, only 23% expressed satisfaction, while 76% were dissatisfied. The largest group, 48%, were "very dissatisfied," although this was an improvement from the peak of 66% in January 2021. This intense dissatisfaction decreased to 51% in 2022 and slightly declined further in 2023.

Story continues

Traveling internationally can be an exciting experience, but it also comes with its own set of risks and uncertainties. To safeguard against potential issues, it is highly advisable to have travel insurance. This is particularly important when exploring diverse and distant regions where healthcare systems, local regulations, and unexpected circumstances can vary greatly. The American International Group (NYSE:AIG) is among the top insurance providers in the United States, with total assets amounting to approximately $539 billion. Operating in around 190 countries and jurisdictions, American International Group (NYSE:AIG) leverages a robust network of partners to provide comprehensive insurance solutions tailored to diverse markets. In 2023, The American International Group (NYSE:AIG) reported General Insurance net premiums written at an impressive $26.7 billion, highlighting its significant role in the global insurance landscape and its commitment to meeting the evolving needs of its clients across various sectors. Through innovative products and a customer-centric approach, The American International Group (NYSE:AIG) continues to be a trusted provider in the insurance industry.

While we acknowledge the potential of AIG as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter time frame. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AIG but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

With this backdrop, let's proceed to our list of top 20 most pro American countries in Asia.

Top 20 Most Pro American Countries in Asia

An image of a business executive with a handshake completing a deal.

Methodology

To compile the list of the top 20 most pro-American countries in Asia, we analyzed US trade numbers with Asian countries in 2023, sourced from the United States Census Bureau. Countries with the highest trade numbers received a score of 1, while others were assigned a composite score based on their trade figures. Additionally, we examined the percentage and number of American expats living in each Asian country, using data from the International Migrant Stock. The country with the highest number of American expats was assigned a score of 1, and other countries received a normalized score relative to that. Finally, we ranked the top 20 countries based on the highest combined scores from both trade and expat metrics.

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Top 20 Most Pro American Countries in Asia

20. Georgia

US Expats Rank: 27

Trade Rank: 26

Composite Score: 26.5

Georgias strategic location at the crossroads of Europe and Asia has made it a crucial ally for the United States. The American expat community in Georgia is involved in various sectors, including education, technology, and development projects. The robust trade relationship, focusing on wine, minerals, and agricultural products, underscores the economic ties between the two nations. Georgias commitment to democratic reforms and regional security cooperation highlights its pro-American stance, driven by shared strategic and economic interests.

19. Cambodia

US Expats Rank: 24

Trade Rank: 23

Composite Score: 23.5

Cambodias relationship with the United States has been steadily growing, with a significant American expat community involved in humanitarian and development projects. Trade between the two countries, particularly in textiles and agricultural products, has seen substantial growth. The collaboration in areas like education, health, and demining activities underscores Cambodias pro-American orientation. This partnership is driven by mutual efforts to promote economic development, human rights, and regional stability, reflecting a strong and enduring bond.

18. Lebanon

US Expats Rank: 22

Trade Rank: 25

Composite Score: 23.5

Lebanon's vibrant American expat community plays a crucial role in strengthening the country's ties with the United States. American expats are involved in various sectors, including education, healthcare, and entrepreneurship. The trade relationship, focusing on consumer goods and agricultural products, highlights Lebanons economic ties with the US. Lebanons appreciation for American values of democracy and freedom, coupled with strong cultural and educational exchanges, underscores its pro-American stance in the region.

17. Sri Lanka

US Expats Rank: 21

Trade Rank: 24

Composite Score: 22.5

Sri Lankas strategic location and growing economic ties with the United States have fostered a robust relationship. The American expat community in Sri Lanka is engaged in sectors like tourism, education, and development projects. Trade between the two nations, focusing on textiles and agricultural products, has seen steady growth. Sri Lankas efforts to promote democracy, economic development, and regional security, along with strong people-to-people connections, reflect its pro-American orientation.

16. Bahrain

US Expats Rank: 18

Trade Rank: 22

Composite Score: 20.0

Bahrains close relationship with the United States is underscored by significant military and economic cooperation. The American expat community in Bahrain is involved in the financial services and energy sectors. Trade between the two countries, particularly in aluminum and oil products, highlights Bahrains economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in defense and economic development, along with shared values of stability and prosperity, reflects Bahrains pro-American stance in the Gulf region.

15. Jordan

US Expats Rank: 17

Trade Rank: 21

Composite Score: 19.0

Jordans strong alliance with the United States is evident in their extensive military, economic, and humanitarian cooperation. American expats in Jordan contribute significantly to sectors such as education, development, and healthcare. The trade relationship, focusing on pharmaceuticals and agricultural products, underscores the economic ties between the two nations. Jordans role in promoting peace and stability in the Middle East, along with shared values of democracy and human rights, highlights its pro-American orientation.

14. Kuwait

US Expats Rank: 12

Trade Rank: 20

Composite Score: 16.0

Kuwaits strategic partnership with the United States is rooted in strong defense and economic cooperation. The American expat community in Kuwait is active in the energy and education sectors. Trade between the two countries, focusing on oil and consumer goods, highlights Kuwaits economic ties with the US. The collaboration in promoting regional security, economic development, and cultural exchange reflects Kuwaits pro-American stance, underscoring a relationship built on mutual strategic and economic interests.

13. Qatar

US Expats Rank: 13

Trade Rank: 18

Composite Score: 15.5

Qatars dynamic relationship with the United States is characterized by significant military and economic cooperation. The American expat community in Qatar is involved in sectors such as energy, education, and finance. Trade between the two countries, particularly in natural gas and consumer goods, underscores Qatars economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in defense, economic development, and cultural exchange highlights Qatars pro-American orientation, emphasizing shared goals of stability and prosperity.

12. United Arab Emirates

US Expats Rank: 10

Trade Rank: 14

Composite Score: 12.0

The United Arab Emirates robust relationship with the United States is driven by strong economic and defense cooperation. The American expat community in the UAE is actively involved in the business, education, and healthcare sectors. Trade between the two countries, focusing on technology and consumer goods, highlights the UAEs economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in promoting regional security, economic growth, and cultural exchange underscores the UAEs pro-American stance, reflecting a relationship built on mutual interests.

11. Vietnam

US Expats Rank: 15

Trade Rank: 9

Composite Score: 12.0

Vietnams evolving relationship with the United States is marked by significant economic and cultural cooperation. The American expat community in Vietnam is engaged in sectors such as education, business, and development projects. Trade between the two countries, focusing on textiles and technology, underscores Vietnams economic ties with the US. The collaboration in promoting economic development, human rights, and regional stability highlights Vietnams pro-American orientation, driven by shared strategic and economic goals.

10. Thailand

US Expats Rank: 14

Trade Rank: 8

Composite Score: 11.0

Thailands strong relationship with the United States is characterized by extensive economic and cultural cooperation. The American expat community in Thailand is active in sectors such as tourism, education, and healthcare. Trade between the two countries, focusing on electronics and agricultural products, highlights Thailands economic ties with the US. The partnership in promoting regional security, economic growth, and cultural exchange reflects Thailands pro-American stance, underscoring a relationship built on mutual interests and shared values.

9. Indonesia

US Expats Rank: 11

Trade Rank: 11

Composite Score: 11.0

Indonesias relationship with the United States is characterized by significant economic and cultural cooperation. The American expat community in Indonesia is involved in sectors like education, business, and development projects. Trade between the two nations, particularly in natural resources and technology, underscores the economic ties between Indonesia and the US. Indonesias strategic importance in Southeast Asia, combined with collaborative efforts in democracy and development, highlights its pro-American stance.

8. Bangladesh

US Expats Rank: 4

Trade Rank: 17

Composite Score: 10.5

Bangladesh has developed a strong relationship with the United States, bolstered by significant trade and a thriving American expat community. The American presence in Bangladesh spans sectors like education, development, and business. The trade relationship, focusing on textiles and apparel, highlights Bangladeshs economic ties with the US. Collaborative efforts in humanitarian aid, economic development, and regional security reflect Bangladeshs pro-American orientation, emphasizing shared goals of prosperity and stability.

7. Turkey

US Expats Rank: 8

Trade Rank: 12

Composite Score: 10.0

Turkeys dynamic relationship with the United States is driven by significant economic and strategic cooperation. The American expat community in Turkey is active in various sectors, including education, business, and development projects. Trade between the two countries, focusing on textiles, electronics, and agricultural products, underscores Turkeys economic ties with the US. The partnership in promoting regional security, economic development, and cultural exchange reflects Turkeys pro-American stance, built on shared strategic and economic interests.

6. Philippines

US Expats Rank: 5

Trade Rank: 15

Composite Score: 10.0

The Philippines strong ties with the United States are rooted in historical, economic, and cultural connections. The American expat community in the Philippines is deeply involved in sectors such as education, business, and healthcare. Trade between the two countries, focusing on electronics and agricultural products, highlights the economic relationship. The collaboration in promoting democracy, regional security, and economic development underscores the Philippines pro-American orientation, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on shared values and mutual interests.

5. Singapore

US Expats Rank: 9

Trade Rank: 6

Composite Score: 7.5

Singapores robust relationship with the United States is characterized by strong economic, military, and cultural ties. The American expat community in Singapore is active in various sectors, including finance, technology, and education. Trade between the two countries, focusing on technology and financial services, highlights Singapores economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in promoting regional security, economic growth, and cultural exchange underscores Singapores pro-American stance, reflecting a relationship built on mutual respect and shared interests.

4. Israel

US Expats Rank: 1

Trade Rank: 10

Insider Monkey Score: 5.5

Israel's relationship with the United States is one of the strongest in the world, characterized by deep military, economic, and cultural ties. The American expat community in Israel is involved in various sectors, including technology, education, and healthcare. Trade between the two countries, focusing on technology and defense products, highlights Israels economic ties with the US. The collaboration in promoting innovation, regional security, and cultural exchange underscores Israels pro-American orientation, reflecting a long-standing partnership built on shared values and mutual strategic interests.

3. India

US Expats Rank: 6

Trade Rank: 4

Insider Monkey Score: 5.0

India's relationship with the United States has grown significantly, marked by robust economic, cultural, and strategic ties. The American expat community in India is engaged in sectors such as technology, education, and business. Trade between the two nations, focusing on technology and pharmaceuticals, underscores Indias economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in promoting democracy, regional security, and economic development highlights Indias pro-American stance, driven by shared strategic and economic goals.

2. China

US Expats Rank: 7

Trade Rank: 1

Insider Monkey Score: 4.0

Chinas relationship with the United States is complex but significant, characterized by extensive economic ties and strategic engagement. The American expat community in China is involved in various sectors, including education, business, and technology. Trade between the two countries, focusing on technology and consumer goods, highlights Chinas economic ties with the US. Despite political differences, the mutual economic dependence and efforts to address global challenges reflect a critical pro-American orientation in the context of economic and strategic interests.

1. Japan

US Expats Rank: 3

Trade Rank: 2

Insider Monkey Score: 2.5

Japans relationship with the United States is one of the strongest in Asia, marked by deep economic, cultural, and strategic ties. The American expat community in Japan is active in sectors such as technology, education, and business. Trade between the two countries, focusing on automobiles and technology, underscores Japans economic ties with the US. The strategic partnership in promoting regional security, innovation, and cultural exchange highlights Japans pro-American stance, reflecting a long-standing and robust alliance built on mutual respect and shared values.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: none. Top 20 Most Pro American Countries in Asia is originally published on Insider Monkey.
(Reuters) - Genetic testing firm 23andMe Chief Executive Officer Anne Wojcicki would no longer be open to considering third-party takeover proposals for the company, a regulatory filing showed on Monday.

"It has become even clearer to me that the best path forward for the (company) is for me to take the company private," Wojcicki said.

Wojcicki had said earlier this month she would consider third-party takeover proposals while continuing to evaluate and negotiate a deal.

In July, the CEO and co-founder proposed to acquire all outstanding shares of the firm not already owned by her or her affiliates for $0.40 each.

The independent directors of the company resigned earlier this month saying they had not received a satisfactory take-private offer in the best interests of the non-affiliated shareholders.

23andMe, which provides DNA testing that helps users learn more about their ancestry, went public in 2021.

(Reporting by Mariam Sunny in Bengaluru; Editing by Alan Barona)
Diddy hires a new lawyer who is also representing his jail roommate Sam Bankman-Fried

Sean "Diddy" Combs hired a new lawyer to try to seek bail. The same lawyer represents Sam Bankman-Fried. Derek French/BI

Sean "Diddy" Combs hired a new lawyer to try to get out of jail.

The same attorney, Alexandra Shapiro, represents Sam Bankman-Fried.

Diddy and Bankman-Fried were placed in the same jail housing.

Sean "Diddy" Combs is appealing a judge's decision to keep him locked up in a Brooklyn jail ahead of his trial on sex-trafficking charges.

The new lawyer he picked up is also representing his roommate Sam Bankman-Fried, the notorious fraudster.

Court filings show that Combs has hired Alexandra Shapiro, an experienced white-collar appellate lawyer who clerked for former Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Shapiro is representing Bankman-Fried on appeal after the FTX and Alameda Research founder was sentenced to 25 years in prison and convicted by a jury on fraud, money laundering, and conspiracy charges.

She filed a 102-page brief to the Second Circuit Court of Appeals last month, arguing the trial judge excluded evidence from the case in a way that stacked the deck against Bankman-Fried.

Bankman-Fried has been living in Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center as his appeals process plays out and before he's moved to a more permanent facility.

Combs is being detained in the same facility after two judges rejected his $50 million bond offer, with one finding it would be too dangerous to allow him to remain free because he may cause violence or tamper with witnesses.

The two have been sharing a room in dorm-style living arrangements, a person familiar with the situation previously told Business Insider. That person's identity is known to BI, but they spoke on the condition of anonymity because they weren't authorized to talk publicly about the situation.

It's not clear what Bankman-Fried and Combs may have talked about or whether the former crypto wunderkind gave Combs the tip to hire Shapiro.

A representative for Bankman-Fried declined to comment.

Shapiro didn't immediately respond to a request for comment, and neither did an attorney representing Combs in his earlier bond arguments.

Read the original article on Business Insider
A visitor stands next to the busts "Jeannette (IV)", "Jeannette (V)" and "Jeannette (III)" by French artist Henri Matisse (Abdesslam MIRDASS) (Abdesslam MIRDASS/AFP/AFP)

A new Henri Matisse retrospective in Switzerland offers visitors a rare chance to follow his artistic journey via works from throughout the career of one of modern art's godfathers.

The Fondation Beyeler museum on the outskirts of Basel has brought together 72 works by the French artist, who died in 1954 aged 84.

They include paintings, sculptures and cut-out paper collages from major international museums and private collections, some of which have not been seen in Europe for more than three decades.

The exhibition is the first Matisse retrospective in Switzerland and the German-speaking world in almost 20 years.

- Open invitation -

The "Matisse -- Invitation to the Voyage" exhibition is named after Charles Baudelaire's poem, from which the artist took the phrase "Luxe, Calme et Volupte" for the title of his pivotal 1904 oil painting.

"The invitation to travel expresses in a particular way the quintessential aesthetic of Matisse," the exhibition's curator Raphael Bouvier told AFP, noting that the painter referred to Baudelaire's poem "several times in his artistic work".

Travel is an "essential subject" in his life, with Matisse having worked and drawn inspiration in the south of France, Tangiers, New York and Tahiti.

"The exhibition as a retrospective is really conceived as an invitation to voyage into the work of Henri Matisse," Bouvier said.

It traces the artist's footsteps from his beginnings in Paris to Collioure in southwest France, where he began to revolutionise art in his Fauvism period "by liberating colour", Bouvier said.

It continues up to his late period, inspired by memories of his trip to the South Pacific.

- Blue Nudes -

Towards the end of his life, after undergoing abdominal surgery for cancer, Matisse turned to paper cut-out collages, with the birds and seaweed inspired by the fauna and flora he observed during his trip to Tahiti in 1930.

Matisse occupied a special place in the collection of Ernst Beyeler, the Basel art dealer and collector behind the museum.

A bookseller in his early days, Beyeler launched himself into the art market by selling Japanese prints in his shop before transforming it into a gallery in the early 1950s, where Pablo Picasso and Matisse featured prominently.

Beyeler, who died in 2010 aged 88, particularly liked Matisse's late works because he saw a "great artistic revolution" in paper cut-outs, Samuel Keller, the foundation's director, told AFP.

The exhibition notably covers his iconic "Blue Nudes" cut-out series.

- 'Complete picture' -

Though Matisse exhibitions regularly cover certain aspects of his work, retrospectives of his entire career are "more rare", Keller said.

In 2020, the Centre Pompidou in Paris dedicated a major exhibition to the artist, but it was disrupted by the Covid-19 pandemic and its lockdowns, meaning relatively few people saw it.

"With major artists like Matisse or Picasso, we could put together many different exhibitions because there are so many aspects to their work," for example focusing on the 1930s, or the paper cut-outs, Keller said.

"But in each generation, it is important that the public has the chance to see a retrospective, to have a complete picture of the development from young artist to old master."

The exhibition runs until January 25.

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Prince Harry has been on the move lately, with a trip to NYC last week and a London visit for the WellChild Awards on Sept. 30. But it looks like the Duke of Sussex is packing more charitable work into his diary as his charity Sentebale announced Harry will visit Lesotho and South Africa in early October.

"It fills me, the team, and our wider community with joy to welcome Prince Harry or Mohaleas we affectionately refer to him by his Sesotho royal namewhich means 'warrior,'" Prince Seeiso of Lesothowho co-founded Sentebale with the duke in 2006said in a statement.

Sentebale, which translates to "forget me not," works with young people in Lesotho and Botswana with the aim that no child is left behind. According to the organization, the Duke of Sussex and Prince Seeiso will "re-convene in Lesotho with local Sentebale leaders to showcase programs to philanthropists and corporate foundations."

The group will begin their trip in Lesotho to immerse themselves in Sentebale's on-the-ground programs. Here, they'll engage with local leaders and young advocates, gaining firsthand insights into the challenges facing the region's youth.

They'll travel to Johannesburg, South Africa, next, where the group will work with prominent Southern Africa-based youth organizations and business leaders. Per Sentebale, the overall goal of the working sessions is to create strategies that will "reduce the digital divide and ensure youth access to healthcare, education, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities."

Meghan Markle holding hands with Prince Harry in Nigeria

In a statement, the Duke of Sussex said, "Sentebale has developed a profound understanding of local youth  their passions, their concerns, and their extraordinary creativity. These young adults are eager and capable of driving meaningful change, yet significant barriers still stand in their way."

He continued that with the charity's 20th anniversary coming up in 2026, the group's "ambition has grown" as well as the Sentebale's "experience in designing solutions with young people."

Prince Harry last visited Southern Africa in 2019 when he took part in a tour of the region with his wife, Meghan Markle, who will not be accompanying him for his October visit. However, the couple did travel to West Africa earlier this year, visiting Nigeria for three days of engagements.

During the Duke of Sussex's visit to New York for UN Climate Week he took time to meet with Queen Masenate Mohato Seeiso of Lesotho, praising the country and its people.

"The Lesotho royal family, as well as Lesotho itself, has been a pillar of strength for me over the last 20 years," Prince Harry said in his remarks. "Welcoming me with open arms and such kindness. The beautiful mountain kingdom feels like a home away from home."
ismagilov/Getty, Yellow duck/Getty, Tyler Le/BI

Investors should snap up value stocks in three specific sectors, Bank of America said.

The firm says they're poised to outperform as the Fed cuts rates while corporate profits are still accelerating.

US stock-strategy chief Savita Subramanian refers to the situation as a "rare double whammy of stimulus."

The Federal Reserve doesn't usually cut rates while corporate profits are still growing. But that's the situation we're seeing now, which Bank of America sees creating a unique opportunity for investors.

Savita Subramanian, BofA's head of US equity and strategy, described the situation as a "rare double whammy of stimulus." And in an appearance on CNBC, she suggested a few portfolio tweaks, recommending that investors key in on certain types of value stocks.

Value stocks  or those trading below where fundamentals say they should be  outperform when profits rise and rates fall, as investors become less worried about hedging and embrace higher-upside names that have fallen out of favor. This is happening now, BofA said, meaning that money flows will favor value.

In this context, real estate, financials, and energy are three sectors worth pursuing, she said. These value industries offer quality and income.

The large-cap real estate sector benefits from Wall Street's massive investment in data centers, a necessary infrastructure component of the artificial intelligence buildout. Meanwhile, real estate's exposure to the troubled office space is not worth fretting about, Subramanian noted.

Meanwhile, financials have become a higher quality sector than they were in 2008, and currently are "starved" of capital. The same can be said for energy, she said.

"These companies have basically righted themselves since, you know, the last decade, and are now throwing off free cash flow, focused on cash return. I think these are some of the areas of the market that you really want to press," Subramanian told CNBC.

In similar fashion, Citi's US equity strategist Scott Chronert also highlighted financials and energy in a Bloomberg interview, calling the latter a "contrarian opportunity."

In Subramanian's view, part of the appeal of value sectors is the high dividends they offer.

As the Fed's cutting cycle pulls down short-term yields, money market investors will search for new sources of income. Dividend-yielding stocks will benefit from this transition, Subramanian said.

"I think about where these assets sitting in retiree accounts and money market funds are going; I think they're going into safe, stable income. That's more value than growth," she said.

Story continues

She previously noted that dividend yields are especially alluring in real estate. Since 2008, real estate dividends has doubled the proportion of high-quality market cap.

According to BofA's latest note, neither retail nor institutional investors appear adjusted to the value trend so far, with portfolios skewed more toward long-term growth stocks and defensive exposure.

Hedge funds also seem skeptical about the recent blowout rally in China, which was jumpstarted last week after Beijing pushed out new stimulus.

Subramanian expects this to be the start of a longer-term story, and suggested that investors monitor the materials sector.

Read the original article on Business Insider
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Spoilers ahead for SEAL Team Season 7, Episode 9, The Sea and the Hills. Read at your own risk!

The penultimate episode of SEAL Team set up an intense series finale to air amid the 2024 TV schedule. That's saying a lot, given there are already emotions flooding all over the place. Its hard to tell how the military drama will wrap up the main characters' stories and who might not make it out alive. That aside, though, ahead of the final episode and on the heels of the latest one, David Boreanaz shared a sentimental post with co-star A.J. Buckley. And, yes, I'm really in my feelings.

On The Sea and the Hills, Bravo prepared to embark on their last op as a full team, when David Boreanaz's Jason was called away for a task of his own: assassinating Ross Curtis, who had betrayed the U.S. Amid a stint with the United States Army Special Forces, Curtis was in Honduras in 2004 and trained with Honduran soldiers, including fentanyl drug trade operation leader Ramon Nazario.

So Bravo was once again being split up, and its unknown if the team will see their fearless leader again. After the episode's debut, Boreanaz took to Instagram to share a sweet shot of him and A.J. Buckley sharing a hug. Not only does that still represent Jason and Sonny saying their goodbyes but Boreanaz and Buckley symbolically parting ways as well:

A post shared by David Boreanaz (@imdboreanaz) A photo posted by on

Seeing the two of them hugging is very sweet and is enough to make a person emotional. It's even more bittersweet when you consider that this was likely one of the two stars' last times on set together, if not the last time they filmed together.

It's honestly disappointing that the series finale will be splitting up Jason and Bravo, but that storytelling decision does make the stakes that much more higher. Not just because both missions are dangerous, but whoever lives could be dealing with a lot internal conflict should their colleagues perish. With that, the final hug between Jason and Sonny feels so much more surreal and is something I did not need to think about, at least not right now.

It seems like David Boreanaz just cant stop teasing what could possibly happen in the series finale. Just recently, he teased the final shot of the series, and it featured Jason in full gear, head to toe, ready as ever for whatever mission hes on. Now that the finale is less than a week away, its feeling all the more real, and I wish it didnt.

Even though fans are still mourning the death of Max Thieriots Clay Spenser, as well as Bravo, its very likely that at least one member of the team wont make it out of the series finale alive. And, if I could take a guess, theres a good chance that someone could be Jason. Here's hoping that in a week's time, I won't be sobbing for that reason upon looking at this hug photo again.

It'll be exciting and nerve-wracking to see how SEAL Team wraps up after seven seasons. I also wouldn't be surprised if David Boreanaz and the rest of the cast share more sentimental posts in the days to come. The final season, which has been crushing on streaming, and will come to a close when the series finale drops on Sunday, October 6 for those with a Paramount+ subscription.
With two published sequels ready and waiting, DreamWorks Animation has a franchise in the works with The Wild Robot, a big success in its first weekend. Its good, too. Based on the first of three books by writer-illustrator Peter Brown, the feature runs on the same spirit of well-paced adventure and strategic shifts in mood found in the first How to Train Your Dragon, or in a more openly comic vein, the first Kung Fu Panda. DreamWorks also made the Ice Age movies, but those made their money with blander computer animation and a surfeit of noisy crisis. The Wild Robot is at least two steps up from there.

At the storys center, theres a sweetly determined helper robot designated Rozzum Unit 7134, washed ashore on what appears to be an island off the coast of the Pacific Northwest. The time is the near future but things on the island remain as they ever were: predators vs. prey, some living, some dying, cyclical weather extremes and migrations overhead. Roz has been programmed to complete tasks determined by its owner, only there is no owner here, only survival and wisecracking cliques among the various species. Meanwhile Roz, whose features include instant physical mimicry, gives machine learning and generative AI a good name, though later developments in The Wild Robot suggest an inevitable rise of the machines, potentially soul-killing and humanity-optional.

A tragic accident, glancingly and deftly depicted, sets the narrative course. With its living relatives gone, a newly hatched gosling, later named Brightbill, becomes the charge of Roz. The coolly perplexed but resourceful robot gets some help from Fink the fox, described at one point as a local goose expert, though its primarily in a gustatory way. Rozs hard-wired need to succeed focuses on feeding and caring for this orphaned bird, teaching Brightbill to swim and, when the weather turns chilly, to join the great migration.

I do not have the programming to be a mother, she says at one point. This is The Wild Robots sweet spot. Every current, former or potential parent in the audience can recognize what this fledgling parental unit is going through.

Many aspects of director and co-writer Chris Sanders adaptation hold different keys to the relative success of the whole. Theres enough motivated story, helped by that storys shift from island to utopian urban setting, to sustain 100 minutes easily, even through the final third. The voice works unassumingly choice, led by Lupita Nyongo as Roz. She finds carefully delineated gradations between factory-fresh, insistently upbeat impersonality and the wiser being we see learning to feel before our eyes. Pedro Pascal (as the fox) make a fine, artful dodger of a tough guy whos hurting inside. And the supporting ranks include Catherine OHara (Pinktail, overworked motherhood incarnate, in possum form) and Bill Nighy, in retrospect the optimal choice to voice a long-necked goose named, of course, Longneck.

Recently making its world premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival, The Wild Robot already has been pumped up into the contradictory instant classic stratosphere. I understand the enthusiasm, or most of it, I guess, especially given the mellow, less photorealistic, more painterly visual landscapes, and Sanders assured tear-duct massage technique. If its unfortunate the animation doesnt retaining more than a trace of the woodcut simplicity and charm of Peter Browns book drawings, well, that was unlikely to get by at this particular studio. The Roz robot design itself, simple and effective enough, lacks a special element of surprise, instead recalling elements of Wall-E (more in the character situation than the visualization) to Big Hero 6 to the swift-moving BB-8 introduced in Star Wars: The Force Awakens. Also, the first 20 or 30 minutes of The Wild Robot threatens to settle for a lesser DreamWorks sprint through calamities. But just in time, it calms down and finds the rhythmic change-ups crucial to this tale.

Kindness, as Fink notes early on, is not a survival skill. Hes basing his worldview on the only, lonely life he has known. Roz learns and teaches otherwise, and that sounds pretty good right about now.



'THE WILD ROBOT'

3 stars (out of 4)

MPA rating: PG (for action/peril and thematic elements)

Running time: 1:41

How to watch: Now in theaters


From flaky all-butter crusts to crushed Oreos and stewed fruit to silky chiffon fillings, theres a world of possibility with pie. Because pie is inherently rustic in nature, I love the flexibility they offer. If the filling oozes out, dont stress  just call it intentional. If a custard cracks, add a pile of whipped cream and no one will know the difference. Leave them uncovered, add a lattice crust or decorate with chopped up candy. However you choose to serve pie, you can be assured itll be gone in minutes.

Over the years Ive picked up quite a bit of pie knowledge along the way. To ensure a gorgeous glossy shine, make sure to brush pie dough with egg wash before baking. For a little extra texture, add a sprinkle of sugar which becomes crackly in the oven. Juicy fruits, like raspberries, are easier to add to your filling after letting them freeze on a sheet tray. If youre making a no-bake crust, make sure to use enough butter so that the cookie crumble stays in place. And while parbaking might seem like an unnecessary step, it really helps achieve a perfectly crisp crust for custard pies.

Here, weve rounded up 77 of our favorite pie recipes, offering all the classics, unique flavor combinations, plus an assortment of tips and tricks along the way so that you too can get in on the pie-making fun. From a standard 9-inch pie to slabs and hand pies, theres something for everyone here.

Apple Pie Bars by Kayla Hoang

Unlike making a traditional double-crust pie, which can be fussy and time-consuming, these apple pie bars use one dough that doubles as bottom crust and streusel topping. The result is a simple handheld dessert that gives you the feel of a crumb-topped pie in a fraction of the time.

Blueberry Pie Bars by Kayla Hoang

Easily shareable and with the feel of a summery streusel-topped pie, these blueberry pie bars are perfect for any gathering. Use the same oat-studded dough for both the bottom press-in crust and streusel topping for the bars. Unlike other pie bar-style recipes, which call for par-baking the crust, these are baked in one shot.

No-Bake Lemon Icebox Pie by Jessie Sheehan

This gorgeous pie couldnt be easier to make. The filling comes together with just six ingredients, which set up in the refrigerator, making this an ideal no-bake option. With a shortbread cookie crust, each bite delivers the perfect balance of tender crumb and creamy punchy filling.

No-Bake Peanut Butter Pie by Jessie Sheehan

Peanut lovers wont be able to turn down this decadent dessert. The creamy peanut butter-based filling is set in a press-in chocolate cookie crust and doesnt require any baking. The chocolate-spiked whipped cream is optional, but encouraged.

Coconut Cream Pie by Jessie Sheehan

This classic coconut cream pie is a year-round showstopper. The no-bake crust is made from vanilla wafers and is ready to go by the time youve made the filling. With coconut milk, coconut extract and coconut flakes, this pie goes big on coconut flavor.

Chocolate Meringue Pie by Jessie Sheehan

Creamy, crunchy and fudgy, this pie hits all of our favorite nights with a handful of techniques to make assembly a breeze. Store-bought pie crust ensures this dessert comes together quickly, while a luscious filling comes together in the food processor. Skip the torch and instead opt for broiling the meringue, which lends that signature burnished brown color.

Chocolate Cream Pie by Kayla Hoang

Whenever Oreos are included in a recipe, you can count us in. Here, they make up the press-in crust, which holds the creamy chocolate custard in place. Be sure to let the pie set in the refrigerator for several hours to get those picture-perfect slices.

No-Bake Grasshopper Pie by Jessie Sheehan

Grasshopper pie isnt just for Saint Patricks Day. This festive treat combines the legendary flavor combination of mint and chocolate in a silky filling thats spread into an Oreo cookie crust. Finish it off with a pillow of whipped cream and more crushed cookies for some added texture.

Blueberry Crumb Pie by Kayla Hoang

A flaky bottom crust, no-cook blueberry filling and a buttery, cinnamon crumb topping make up this pie. To cut down on time in the kitchen, the crust can be prepared and chilled up to a day ahead so that its ready to par-bake the day of baking.

French Silk Pie by Kayla Hoang

While its not as French as the name implies, this luscious pie combines a flaky pie crust, rich chocolate mousse and pillowy whipped cream to create a dessert that holds up to its silky moniker. French silk pie is cool, creamy and a great make-ahead dessert for any special occasion.

Banana Cream Pie by Jessie Sheehan

This pie delivers all the beloved elements of banana pudding in pie form. Instead of the store-bought stuff, this recipe layers homemade banana pudding with hunks of bananas into a crispy vanilla wafer cookie crust. After setting, the pie gets topped with whipped cream to serve.

No-Bake Orange Cream Pie with Pretzel Crust by Jessie Sheehan

Taking inspiration from our favorite summer treat, this dessert channels Creamsicles in pie form. The salty pretzel crust pairs perfectly with the creamy orange-flavored filling. To capture that classic Creamsicle flavor, top it with whipped cream.

Perfect Apple Pie by Maya-Camille Broussard

This all-American dessert is a classic for a reason. With a flaky all-butter crust and a pile of spiced apples, this pie is beloved year-round. Serve it with a scoop of vanilla ice cream  you wont regret it.

Unfussy Apple Pie by Erin French

Theres no crimping or lattice work required for the crust, thanks to this decidedly unfussy take on apple pie. In lieu of a pie dish, opt for making a galette on a sheet pan where the only work involved is folding the dough over the apples. Homemade or store-bought dough works equally well here.

Caramel Apple Pie by Gesine Bullock-Prado

Apples and caramel are a natural duo, and here they come together in a towering pie. By adding just one additional ingredient  heavy cream  to a traditional apple pie filling, this dessert becomes a glorious, gooey caramel apple pie.

Pumpkin Slab Pie by Joey Skladany

If youre feeding a crowd this Thanksgiving, theres no better option than a slab pie. To make this pumpkin pie inspired-version, start by connecting three pre-made doughs together to create the crust. Then, top it with a spiced pumpkin filling and bake until just set.

Spiralized Apple Pie by Casey Barber

Dust off that spiralizer to make this clever twist on apple pie. Spiralizing apples  rather than cutting them into slices or chunks  creates pretty curled ribbons of fruit that peak through the lattice crust to make the classic fall pie look extra special. Apart from spiralizing, this pie keeps it classic with beloved apple pie flavor.

Apple Slab Pie by Becca Jacobs

We love this pie for two reasons. Its perfect for feeding a crowd around the holidays, and it delivers the perfect ratio of crust to filling. The pie is assembled with the buttery dough blanketing the bottom of a sheet pan, followed by the cooked, spiced apples. The whole thing is topped with another layer of buttery dough in a lattice topping.

Blueberry Buttermilk Crumb Pie by Kareem Queeman

Buttermilk is the not-so-secret ingredient that creates this extra-flaky pie crust. Fill it with saucy blueberries and finish it with a crumble topping. Fresh or frozen blueberries work equally well here, making this a great pie recipe to bake year-round.

Pecan Pie by Morgan Baker

Pecan pie is a quintessential American dessert, beloved for its rich, buttery filling and crunchy pecan topping. The simplicity of its ingredients  pecans, eggs, butter, sugar and corn syrup  makes it a timeless classic. Allow the pie to cool completely before slicing and serving to ensure the filling has fully set.

Dylan's Raspberry Hand Pies by Dylan Dreyer

These raspberry-filled hand pies work equally well for dessert as they do for breakfast on the go, or even an after school snack. A splash of vodka in the dough makes for a flaky crust  the alcohol burns off in the oven, making these totally kid-friendly.

Strawberry Rhubarb Pie by Jessie Sheehan

Strawberry rhubarb is one of the most beloved pie combinations. Rhubarb lends an inherent tartness, which pairs well with the sweetness of the strawberries. The two come together in this classic recipe in a buttery pie dough that gets finished with a lattice topping.

No-Bake Chocolate Raspberry Pie by Samantha Seneviratne

Chocolate and raspberry always feels like a celebratory combination. Here the two are featured in a delightful no-bake recipe with a chocolate cookie crust. Top the pie with a layer of jam and tumble of fresh raspberries.

Perfect Peach Pie by Emily Connor

Two things are key to taking the stress out of pie-making: an always-reliable crust recipe thats easy to roll out, and a foolproof method for making the fruit filling. This recipe has both. Juicy peaches are tucked between a double crust, which will make everyone want seconds.

Sugar Cream Pie by Riley Wofford

Also known as a Hoosier pie, this regional specialty hails from shaker communities in Indiana. When fresh fruit was scarce toward the end of winter, bakers would use what was plentiful  dairy  to make this sweet cream pie. A rich, lightly-spiced custard is suspended in a tender flaky crust in this simple dessert.

Easy Chocolate Mousse Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Easy to make and even easier to eat, we cant get enough of this chocolate mousse pie. The filling is the simplest kind of mousse  its made by adding melted chocolate into light and airy whipped cream, which creates that signature light-as-air texture. The secret ingredient  cream cheese  acts as a natural stabilizer to set the filling for perfect slices every time.

Key Lime Pie Bars by Riley Wofford

The classic pie is transformed into single-serving bars with this recipe thats made for feeding a crowd. Start with a press-in graham cracker crust that lines a baking dish. Then, add a layer of lime-infused custard, which bakes until just set and gets finished with a kiss of whipped cream.

Classic Chess Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell

Chess pie is a classic Southern custard pie thats known for a few distinct ingredients, all of which contribute to the beloved fillings final texture. Think: cornmeal, vinegar and lemon juice. An all-butter crust is filled with vanilla-spiked custard, which gets baked until golden brown.

Homemade Blueberry Pie by Erin Jeanne McDowell

This pie is just begging to go a la mode. A tender, flaky crust encases a filling made of plump blueberries and just enough sugar to bring it firmly into dessert territory. The journey to get the perfect filling starts at the stovetop, which helps release excess moisture to prevent the pie from becoming soggy. This one strikes the ideal balance between jammy and juicy.

Frozen Margarita Pie by Riley Wofford

Much like a Key lime pie, a frozen margarita pie is all about highlighting that lime flavor. In lieu of eggs, the filling comes together with a handful of ingredients that set in the refrigerator, making this a great no-bake option. Finish it off with a halo of flaky sea salt and lime zest.

Fudgy Brownie Pie by Jesse Szewczyk

Two of our favorite desserts  brownies and pie  come together in this delightful mashup. Store-bought pie crust and boxed brownie mix are all it takes to put together. Picture the soft, fudgy center of a freshly baked brownie coupled with the crispy, buttery tenderness of pie crust and youve got this fudgy brownie pie.

Martha Stewart's Apple-Bourbon Potpies by Martha Stewart

Theres nothing more fun than serving personal pies at the finale of a meal. These combine boozy Bourbon-spiked apples with a layer of store-bought puff pastry, which turns crackly and golden after baking. Serve them straight out of the oven with a scoop of vanilla ice cream.

Creamy Pumpkin Pie by UPATNINE and Allrecipes

This pumpkin pie recipe ups the ante by using fresh pumpkin rather than the canned stuff. To make it, start by roasting the pumpkin until tender and then mash until smooth. The final result is an intensely flavored pie that everyone will be talking about!

Cherry and Goat Cheese Hand Pies by Will Coleman

Packed with a cherry and goat cheese filling and finished with a sweet-meets-savory topping of sugar, salt and pepper, these hand pies are a real crowd pleaser. A mixture of frozen and dried cherries is used in the filling, which adds a distinct texture and tartness to the pies. Rather than laboring over homemade dough, use store-bought puff pastry, which easily ensures perfectly flaky hand pies without the fuss.

Dulce de Leche Apple Pie by Melissa Clark

Make a play on the classic combination of apples and caramel by mixing dulce de leche with the filling in this show stopping pie. As the pie bakes, the dulce de leche spreads throughout, leaving you with caramel notes in every bite. If you cant find premade dulce de leche, you can make your own using sweetened condensed milk.

Curtis Stone's Banoffee Pie by Curtis Stone

Banoffee pie is one of our favorite British classics. A graham cracker crust is filled with sliced bananas and layers of caramel and whipped cream. The result is a creamy, crunchy, and silky dessert.

Summer Cherry Lattice Slab Pie by Gesine Bullock-Prado

This rustic take on cherry pie is meant for feeding a crowd. Assembled on a sheet pan, a jammy cherry filling is topped with a gorgeous lattice topping that gets dusted in sugar before baking. To ensure a picture-perfect lattice, build it on a dusted piece of parchment paper before carefully sliding it atop the pie.

Classic Key Lime Pie by Jocelyn Delk Adams

If youre looking for a pie to impress, look no further. Classic Key lime pie gets gussied up with dots of raspberry jam which are swirled throughout the filling. While the flavor is still distinctly lime-forward, the raspberry adds a gorgeous pop of pink to the pie.

Lemon Meringue Pie by Morgan Baker

A perfectly made lemon meringue pie has a tangy lemon filling with a heaping pile of toasted meringue that sits on top. Instead of broiling or torching the meringue, this recipe opts for simply baking it for a few extra minutes to achieve that golden brown hue without the stress.

Red, White and Blueberry Pie by Shay Shull

This festive pie isnt just for Independence Day  its a great no-bake option any time of year. The pudding comes together quickly and sets up in a graham cracker crust before getting decorated with whipped cream and fresh blueberries. Make it ahead of time and pull it out from the refrigerator right before serving.

Dewberry-Apple Pie by Sarah Grueneberg

Dewberries, a classically American berry, is similar to a blackberry in both shape and flavor. Here, theyre incorporated into apple pie, which creates an extra-juicy filling. If you cant find dewberries, blackberries will work in their place.

Sunny Anderson's Simple Blueberry Apple Pie by Sunny Anderson

This pie is perfect for when youre straddling summer and fall and want to hang on to the flavors of both. Apples and blueberries are simply spiced and tucked into store-bought pie crust for a dessert that comes together quickly while delivering big flavor.

Lilikoi-Mango Chiffon Pie by Ryan Scott

Lilikoi, the Hawaiian word for passion fruit, makes for a delicious pie filling with bursts of tangy, bright flavor. Here, its combined with frozen mango cubes into a silky chiffon. Top it with whipped cream and shredded coconut.

Sunny Anderson's 5-Ingredient Grilled Apple Pie by Sunny Anderson

If youre looking to capture the flavors of fall but its just too hot to turn on the oven, turn to this recipe. Made with only five ingredients, this pie cooks over the grill for a summer-friendly dessert.

Award-Winning Cherry Pie by Stephanie Hockersmith

Theres nothing quite like a slice of all-American cherry pie. The key is making sure the cherries are boiled until saucy but not burnt so that they set in the flaky crust once baked. Whipped cream is optional but encouraged.

Sunny's Orange-Lime Pie with Meringue Topping by Sunny Anderson

This recipe riffs on the classic Florida pie but swaps Key limes for a mixture of lime and orange juice. The result is a bright and tangy filling that sets in a graham cracker crust. Finish it with a pile of toasted meringue.

Peach-Blueberry Slab Pie with Sweet Almond Crust by Kristin Donnelly

Peaches and blueberries are one of our favorite fruit combinations. Here, they come together in a slab pie to feed a crowd. Almond flour is added to the crust, which results in a subtle nutty flavor throughout while still delivering a flaky pastry.

Salted Caramel Mocha Chess Pie by Maya-Camille Broussard

A little salt goes a long way when enhancing the flavor of baked goods. The buttermilk filling is infused with cocoa and espresso powder to create the flavor of mocha. Finish it off with a generous drizzle of salted caramel and flaky salt to find the perfect balance of sweet-meets-savory.

Brownie Bottom Peanut Butter Pie by Brandi Milloy

Brownies can be so much more than a snacking square. Here, theyre the base of a peanut butter pie, creating the ideal combination of chocolate and peanut butter. Top the pie with Reese's peanut butter cups for even more rich flavor.

Chocolate Caramel Crunch Pie by Giada De Laurentiis

Giadas pie recipe not only comes together quickly, but most importantly offers incredible flavor and texture. The only baking required here is a quick bake to set the graham cracker crust. The filling comes together with dulce de leche, walnuts and chocolate and firms up in the refrigerator, making assembly a breeze.

Double Chocolate Cream Pie by Melissa Clark

Chocolate lovers wont be able to resist this double chocolate cream pie. A silky chocolate custard is poured into a chocolate cookie crust, then the whole thing sets up in the refrigerator. Garnish with chocolate shavings just before serving for even more chocolate flavor.

Devil's Chocolate Cream Pie by Gesine Bullock-Prado

Every element of this pie delivers on the decadence front. An Oreo cookie crust is filled with a silky chocolate filling, a layer of peanut butter (or strawberry!) mousse and a mound of billowy meringue. Since there are a few time-consuming steps within this recipe, we recommend starting the prep a few days in advance.

Coconut-Chocolate Cream Pie by Melissa Knific

For a riff on the classic coconut cream pie, we love adding a chocolate cookie crust. Not only is it easier than rolling out pie dough, but the chocolate pairs perfectly with the creaminess of the coconut filling. Top it with shredded coconut and chopped up Mounds bars for even more chocolatey coconut flavor.

Classic Diner-Style Chocolate Pie by Matt Lewis and Martha Stewart

One of our favorite parts of eating at a diner is finishing the meal with a slice of pie. Luckily, you can get the same joy right at home with this decadent chocolate pie. The secret ingredient here is a few scoops of chocolate malt ovaltine, which add a distinct chocolate-y flavor to the pie.

Milky Way Brownie Pie with Caramel Sauce by Casey Barber

Satisfy all your sweet cravings with this decadent dessert pie that combines brownies, cheesecake, caramel and chunks of Milky Way candy bars. Its perfect for Halloween, Thanksgiving or whenever youre looking to wow a crowd.

Baked Chocolate-Peanut Butter Pie by Caroline Choe

The dynamic duo of chocolate and peanut butter come together in this delicious pie. The filling is poured into a shortbread cookie crust which adds a buttery contrast to the richness of the chocolate. Finish it with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt, which balances the sweetness of the pie while adding some extra texture.

Cane Syrup Hand Pies by Isaac Toups

Cane syrup is a Louisiana staple. Thicker than maple syrup and similar to molasses, it adds a distinct sweetness to baked goods. Here, its used to fill perfectly flaky hand pies, which can be served for dessert or as an afternoon pick-me-up.

Vegan Banana and Chocolate Swirl Pie by Henry Firth & Ian Theasby

The first thing that catches your eye with this vegan pie is the incredibly detailed design that tops it. Swirls of chocolate-filled pastry act as a top crust, which covers the chocolate banana filling.

Triple Coconut White Chocolate Cream Pie by Ryan Scott

White chocolate is one of those ingredients that goes with just about everything  in this case, coconut. With a heaping pile of coconut-scented whipped cream and a dusting of toasted coconut and white chocolate shavings, this unexpected combination is a real winner.

Patti LaBelle's Sweet Potato Pie by Patti LaBelle

One small addition sets this sweet potato pie apart from the rest  a thin layer of brown sugar on the bottom of the crust. Once cooked, the brown sugar acts as a barrier, separating the wet filling from the flaky base, keeping the crust from getting soggy during the baking process. The sugar also caramelizes during the baking process, adding even more flavor to the pie.

Five Spice Pumpkin Pie with Phyllo Crust by Martha Stewart

Martha Stewarts pumpkin pie riffs on the classic. Instead of the usual pumpkin spice, she adds Chinese five spice, which adds a greater depth of flavor with sweet, salty, savory and sour notes. In lieu of pie crust, she opts for phyllo dough, which becomes ruffled and crackly after baking, making this a real showstopper.

S'mores Sweet Potato Pie by Jocelyn Delk Adams

This dessert pays homage to one of our favorite summer treats  smores. A creamy sweet potato filling infused with our favorite fall spices is poured into a graham cracker crust. After cooling, this pie gets the full campfire treatment with a layer of decadent chocolate ganache and a pile of torched marshmallows.

Pecan Paht Pie by Joanne Molinaro

Paht, aka red bean paste, is the secret to ensuring this pecan pie isnt overly sweet. The nuttiness of the red bean pairs perfectly with the pecans, creating an unexpected twist on this classic Thanksgiving pie.

Streusel Topped Pumpkin Pie by Shay Shull

Why serve a plain old pumpkin pie when you can serve this one topped with a buttery pile of streusel? We love the addition of streusel here since it adds texture to every bite.

Sheet-Pan Sweet Potato, Pecan and Pumpkin Pie by Jocelyn Delk Adams

This pie offers a trio of Thanksgiving favorites in one go. Made on a sheet pan, sweet potato, pecan, and pumpkin pie fillings are layered next to each other, ensuring that even picky eaters can get a fill of their favorite.

German Chocolate Pecan Pie by Maya-Camille Broussard

Pecan pie gets an upgrade with two ingredients: chocolate chips and coconut flakes. Both are added to the filling, which not only adds a deeper, richer flavor, but even more texture with every bite.

Sweet Potato and Plantain Pie by Maya-Camille Broussard

Plantains arent the first ingredient you might think of when making pie, but their unique sweetness and caramelized flavor is not to be missed. To make it, fry plantains before adding them to baked sweet potatoes and mash until smooth. Pour the custardy filling into a pie crust and bake until puffed and golden brown.

Spiced Squash Chiffon Pie by Erin French

Instead of the usual canned pumpkin puree, this pie from Erin French calls for roasting winter squash, which lends a unique flavor to the dessert. Spiced with nutmeg, ginger, cinnamon and cloves and topped with a pile of whipped cream, it tastes like a lighter, more luxurious pumpkin pie.

Elizabeth Heiskell's Chocolate Bourbon Pecan Pie by

Classic pecan pie gets an upgrade, thanks to a few ingredients. Here, chocolate chips are added to the pecan pie filling mixture, which become soft and melty throughout. A splash of Bourbon adds a boozy surprise to every bite.

Sweet Potato Pie with Gingerbread Crust and Marshmallows by Lazarus Lynch

This dessert mashup takes a cue from smores AND Thanksgiving-inspired marshmallow-topped sweet potatoes. Made in a sheet pan so that it can serve a crowd, the final result has a snappy ginger cookie crust, a creamy spiced sweet potato filling and a halo of browned marshmallows.

Homemade Pumpkin Pie by Curtis Stone

No Thanksgiving table is fully dressed without a traditional pumpkin pie. This version from Curtis Stone keeps it classic, with a creamy pumpkin filling infused with spices tucked into an all-butter pastry crust.

Pumpion Pie by Max Miller

This pie originally dates back to the 1670s. While there have been some modern upgrades, the essence of the pie has stayed the same. It features a trio of pumpkin, apple, and wine, plus raisins and currants for a cold weather-friendly slice.

Honey-Balsamic Blueberry Pie by Elizabeth Heiskell

While this combination might sound unexpected, we can assure you that these flavors work together to create a dessert that will have friends coming back for seconds. A touch of tangy-sweet balsamic vinegar combined with honey, cinnamon and a pinch of freshly ground black pepper magnifies the sweetness of the blueberries.

Melissa Clark's Key Lime Cream Pie by Melissa Clark

Key lime pie is one of those desserts that works year-round. The key to getting this iconic American dessert just right is to leave ample time to let it set in the refrigerator before serving. If you cant find key limes, regular limes will work in their place.

Sunny Anderson's No-Bake Strawberry Blueberry Pie by Sunny Anderson

The key to this no-bake pie is gelatin, which holds pureed strawberries studded with fresh berries together in a premade graham cracker crust. Add a dollop of whipped cream before serving for the ultimate bite of berries and cream.

Strawberry Ice Cream Pie by Alex Guarnaschelli

This pie makes the most of both homemade and store-bought ingredients. A flaky pie crust is filled with strawberry ice cream before getting topped with a pile of strawberries tossed in jam. Finish it off with a drizzle of balsamic vinegar to cut some of the sweetness.

Mississippi Mud Pie by Morgan Baker

Named after the muddy banks of the Mississippi river, this beloved Southern pie is known for its decadent layers of chocolate. While theres endless variations of this pie, this version includes a layer of chocolate fudge, chocolate pudding and whipped cream. Top it off with chocolate shavings and chopped pecans.

This article was originally published on TODAY.com
Accused witches? Former brothels? 5 of the most haunted restaurants to visit in MA

As October begins, Halloween is officially less than a month away. Massachusetts has plenty of haunted houses, pumpkin patches and spooky corn mazes to help get you in the spirit, but did you know it also has lots of haunted restaurants?

Many old buildings from colonial times not only have a rich history, but also a complex paranormal presence, with hauntings ranging from sights of a Revolutionary War general to smells of an accused witch from the Salem trials.

Want to dine with these ghosts and more? Here are five of the most haunted restaurants in Massachusetts to visit this spooky season.

Warren Tavern

Established in 1780, Warren Tavern is the oldest tavern in Massachusetts and one of the first buildings to be erected after Charlestown was ransacked and burned by the British in 1775. Many founding fathers visited the tavern, including Paul Revere and George Washington, whose funeral speech was given there.

The tavern is named after Dr. Joseph Warren, a major general in the Revolutionary War who sent Paul Revere on his messenger ride and lost his life in the Battle of Bunker Hill. Bar guests have reported seeing a man in a colonial wig and tights and hearing the click of Colonial-era heeled boots, leading many to believe that Dr. Warren's spirit still resides at his namesake tavern. Another female entity, possibly a relative, has been seen hanging around the front room in Victorian clothing.

Located at: 2 Pleasant St. Charlestown, MA

Turner's Seafood

Of course, many of the state's haunted restaurants are in Salem. One of these is Turner's Seafood located in the historic Lyceum Hall, home to famous visitors like Ralph Waldo Emerson, Frederick Douglass, Henry David Thoreau, John Quincy Adams and Alexander Graham Bell, who gave the first demonstration of the telephone in Lyceum.

However, the history of this restaurant reaches back even further. Before the grounds were Lyceum Hall, they were the site of an apple orchard belonging to Bridget Bishop, the first woman killed in the Salem Witch Trials.

Visitors report seeing a figure believed to be Bishop in windows, mirrors and staircases while wearing a long, white gown. Whenever guests in the dining room get a strong whiff of apple, it is believed that Bishop is lingering nearby.

See if you can sniff Bishop out in the main dining room, or dine upstairs in her haunted loft with the "Bridget Bishop's Haunted Dine 'n Fly" special, only available on Saturdays and Sundays in October.

Located at: 43 Church St. Salem, MA

More: Looking to go to MA's spookiest town this October? MBTA to increase service to Salem MA

Port Vida a Mexican Cantina

Dinning room area inside Port Vida Mexican Cantina a new restaurant located in Newburyport, Wednesday, May 3, 2023.

While this Mexican restaurant opened in 2023, the building has a rich history. Legend states that the space housed a brothel in New England's maritime days, and that Lucinda, one of the brothel's working ladies, died after falling down a staircase.

According to employees and guests of Brick & Ash, the restaurant which operated in the space before Port Vida, Lucinda's spirit is felt through blinking lights, randomly opened doors, mysterious footsteps and shattered glasses. In fact, Brick & Ash saw so many hauntings over the years that Food Network named it the most haunted restaurant in the state.

Located at: 10 Center St. Newburyport, MA

Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast

Lizzie Borden house Fall River

For those who love true crime, this Fall River bed and breakfast allows you to eat at the scene of a historic murder. The Lizzie Borden Bed & Breakfast is the former house of Lizzie Borden, the primary yet exonerated suspect in the unsolved axe murders of her father Andrew Borden and stepmother Abby Gray in 1892.

Guests can stay in the rooms where the murders happened and eat breakfast in the very room where the first autopsies were performed. Many report a chilling dining experience, with guests often seeing apparitions of Lizzie or her deceased parents.

Located at: 230 Second St. Fall River, MA

More: Family Halloween happenings on the SouthCoast: Trunk or treats, pumpkin painting, and more

The Sun Tavern

The Sun Tavern in Duxbury is said to be the home to three friendly ghosts.

This upscale country restaurant on the South Shore was first built in 1741 and was owned by hermit Lysander Walker in the late 1800s. In 1928, Walker shot himself in the living room, and his presence has been felt in the converted tavern ever since.

In 1964, when The Sun Tavern was Fiddler's Green Restaurant, owner David Wells reported strange happenings like footsteps, self-lighting candles and even an alarm that set off and called the police by itself. While the restaurant has gone through various name and owner changes, Walker's presence is still felt by diners in the tavern today.

Located at: 500 Congress St. Duxbury, MA

This article originally appeared on The Patriot Ledger: Haunted Restaurants in Massachusetts: 5 must-visit spots this October
Much of the focus on Dr. Scott Stanley and the University of Kentuckys Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab in recent weeks has been on the labs treatment of Thoroughbred test samples. On Sept. 17, the University of Kentucky and the Horseracing Integrity and Welfare Unit released separate audit reports of the lab, citing some overlapping and some separate concerns about Stanleys management of the lab and its performance. Both independent investigations found evidence of test results being reported incorrectly (resulting in both false negatives and false positives). The two reports also identified times that Stanley instructed staff not to run confirmatory analysis on samples for certain substances, determined he was not screening samples for EPO as hed said he was, and questioned the security of test results and sample identification.

HIWU began rerouting some post-race samples away from the UK lab on Feb. 12 and learned the following day Stanley had already been removed from day-to-day management as part of a separate human resources investigation there. Thats when the regulatory authority stopped sending any samples there.

Related: Voss: Feds Are Investigating Disgraced UK Lab Director, Plus Other Takeaways

But HIWU wasnt the labs only client. The facility originated as a testing center for sport horse samples via the United States Equestrian Federation. The Chronicle of the Horse reported on Sept. 19 that USEF doesnt believe any sport horse samples were impacted by Stanleys behavior but that they began rerouting their testing away from his lab at the end of February.

Stanley also became responsible at the start of 2022 for testing samples for harness and Quarter Horse races run under the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission. While its difficult to compare any changes in the number of positives that came from Thoroughbred racing pre- and post-Stanley due to the implementation of HIWU in the middle of his time at UK, that issue doesnt exist with non-Thoroughbred racing breeds.

Indeed, there does seem to be a change in the number of positives that were reported for Kentucky harness horses before and after the switch to UKs lab.

In 2016, when Kentucky samples were tested by LGC Sport Science, the lab detected 20 positives from harness horses out of 1,333 tests (including post-race, TCO2, out-of-competition, post-work and post-injury testing), or 1.5 percent. The next year, it was 11 positives for 1,168 tests (.9 percent). In 2018, the year in which LGC abruptly shuttered its North American animal drug testing program, it was six positives in 1,299 tests (.4 percent). In 2019, with Industrial Laboratory in Denver, Colo., at the helm, there were 15 positives from 1,205 tests (1.2 percent) and the numbers were 10 positives for 1,131 starts in 2020 (.8 percent).

In 2021, Industrial found just one positive in 1,276 tests (.07 percent). In 2022, the first full year Stanley's lab did testing, documents provided to the Paulick Report from the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission indicate the lab came up with five positives (four of which were TCO2 overages from the same trainer) in 1,437 tests (.3 percent).

Last year, the lab found 0 positives in 1,804 samples reported as tested. Through Sept. 10, there have been no positives in 2024 and 1,195 samples tested.

While its not uncommon for positive totals or rates to fluctuate from year to year, it is relatively uncommon for numbers to swing drastically at the same time as a laboratory switch if all the same testing volumes and procedures are being followed.

Related: Never miss a story - Sign up for our newsletters

For what its worth, theres not as clear-cut a difference in positive rates for Kentucky Thoroughbred samples across different labs. In 2016, with LGC doing Kentuckys testing, there were 36 positives for 6,257 tests of Thoroughbreds in Kentucky (.5 percent). In 2019, under Industrial Labs, there were 28 positives from Thoroughbreds from 6,030 tests (.4 percent); in 2020, it was 18 for 6,071 tests (.2 percent).

In 2021, as Industrial finished its last year of testing for Kentucky, there were 19 positives in 7,149 tests (.2 percent). In 2023, according to HIWUs annual report, Kentucky had 11 total positives from 4,418 tests (.2 percent).

HIWU has released drug testing figures by state for two quarters of 2024 thus far. The first quarter, which ran Jan. 1 to March 31, would have had Kentucky samples split between Stanleys lab prior to the start of the investigations in mid-February and other HIWU labs. Quarter 1 shows five positives in 1,599 tests (.3 percent).

Quarter 2, conducted entirely away from Stanleys lab, shows Kentucky as having 16 positives from 2,388 tests (.6 percent).

Stanleys lab also tested Florida samples under HIWUs jurisdiction. That state did seem to see an increase in positives when testing transitioned from the University of Kentucky lab to others in HIWUs system. The 2023 HIWU annual report shows nine positives from 3,948 samples for the year (.2 percent). This years first quarter came up with 19 from 3,763 samples from January to March (.5 percent), and nine from 2,084 samples (.4 percent) between April and July.

Although Kentuckys governing body didnt announce it publicly, it also pulled non-Thoroughbred testing from the UK lab earlier this year.

After being made aware of HISAs investigation, the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission terminated its Memorandum of Agreement with the UK lab on March 4, 2024, and moved Standardbred and Quarter Horse testing to Industrial Labs, said Jamie Eads, president and CEO of the Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation, the new name of the states racing authority. The Kentucky Horse Racing and Gaming Corporation is currently conducting its own investigation of the work performed by the UK lab. The University is cooperating with the investigation.

The switch in laboratories was not noted on the agendas or discussed in any of the groups public meetings since March, which Eads said was because it remained an open investigation.

At the time HIWU officials announced that federal authorities were investigating Stanley for unspecified potential violations, the state of Kentucky had invested a lot in him.

Stanley had started at the University of Kentucky in late 2018. According to his CV, Stanley received a PhD in toxicology at the University of Kentucky in 1992, was director of toxicology at Truesdail Laboratories in Tustin, Calif., from 1992-97, then joined the University of California-Davis in 1997, first as an assistant professor, then as associate professor from 2002-09, and then as professor until departing in 2018. He served as head of the Kenneth L. Maddy Equine Analytical Chemistry Lab during his time at UC-Davis.

Prior to the start of his employment at UK, sources tell the Paulick Report Stanley was serving as an advisor to a lab that was privately run by the United States Equestrian Federation. That lab would be absorbed by the University of Kentucky In October 2018 while maintaining its USEF testing contract, with Stanley hired by UK to run it.

Stanleys new position with the university was also supposed to include research efforts, not just managing a service lab. According to a 2019 press release, the Keeneland Association committed $1.3 million to create the Keeneland Endowed Chair in Equine Veterinary Science. That gift was added to a fund which totaled $3 million that helped the university launch the lab and create a research position for Stanley. (Keeneland later withdrew its financial support for the chair position.)

Related: Equine Biological Passports: Years Away, But Receiving Industry Support

Months earlier, in April 2018, Stanley had made a presentation to the Kentucky Equine Drug Research Council  a committee of the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission charged with funding academic research  requesting funding to explore the creation of an equine biological passport. The idea was that researchers could look for protein biomarkers that may indicate a doping substance had been administered to a horse, even if the substance itself had already been metabolized. It was based on similar anti-doping research in humans, but Stanley said unfortunately none of the data collected about the human form was panning out to be applicable to horses, so he would be starting from zero. This would be a long-term project, looking at a range of substances, and it was going to take a lot of time and a lot of money to reach useful conclusions.

It isnt a short-term project. It is years-long to get enough data, Stanley said at the time. The whole project is underfunded and it would take a long time even if it was fully-funded. I suspect well be looking at more data in a couple years rather than a couple weeks.

The EDRC, and then the full Kentucky Horse Racing Commission, approved $15,000 in funding for the project, with the caveat that Stanley update the EDRC and the commission in the fall. No such presentation ever appeared on a KHRC agenda.

In 2020, Stonestreet Farm announced it would commit $100,000 to Stanleys equine biological passport project.

In 2022, Stanley was back at the EDRC, requesting support for a multi-year study into gene doping  an offshoot of the biological passport research. This research would aim to detect administration of substances designed to edit a horses genetic makeup to artificially increase growth factors or red blood cells by testing for genetic alterations in 12 equine genes. (Its important to note there is limited evidence anyone has tried to do this in a racehorse, but this may be because gene doping agents are so difficult for racing labs to test for.) He explained that this project would run for two years and cost a total of $340,000, with the cost for year one totaling $241,000 between the expense of the researcher and the equipment needed.

Related: EDRC Considers Proposals To Identify High-Risk Runners Via Wearable Technology, Combat Equine Gene Doping

The EDRC voted to approve funding for year one, with a caveat that Stanley report back on his progress at the end of the 2023 fiscal year. It appears no such report was ever made. Nothing related to Stanleys research was ever part of the public-facing Kentucky Horse Racing Commission meeting at any time in 2023, and according to Kentuckys Public Protection Cabinet, the last EDRC meeting was held in January 2023.

But the state hadnt just supported Stanleys research efforts. In April 2021, the commission voted to terminate its contract with Industrial Labs more than a year early to move testing over to Stanleys laboratory. Kentuckys last contract with Industrial was for $50,000 and was to cover testing from July 1, 2020 to June 30, 2022. The per-test expenses there were $160 per post-race blood and urine paired sample test, $200 for an out-of-competition sample and $155 for a post-workout test.

The first contract the commission entered into with Stanleys lab cost $20,000 for just six months of testing, from Dec. 30, 2021 to June 30, 2022. At the next renewal point, the commission agreed to pay $50,000 for a contract running from July 1, 2022 to June 30, 2024, but in a contract modification recorded by the Commonwealth of Kentucky on Feb. 22, 2024, Stanley requested and was granted a $45,000 increase to the contract total  meaning the expenses under UK had nearly doubled from those at Industrial, even as Stanley was failing to test or confirm for certain substances at his discretion.

By Feb. 22 of this year, HIWU had already stopped routing Thoroughbred samples to Stanleys lab after learning about an ongoing human resources investigation into his management by university officials. The day after the contract modification is dated, HIWU discovered the untested blood sample that Stanley had claimed to be testing for EPO, which was still sealed in the labs fridge, sparking the audits that followed.

Stanleys per-test prices were higher than Industrials too, even before the extra $45,000 he requested in February. In the December 2021-June 2022 contract, post-race paired samples cost $176, out-of-competition $220, and post-workouts $193. In January 2023, they went up to $193, $242, and $212 respectively. (Its possible the anticipated start of HIWU testing, which was slated for January 2023 and didnt happen until June 2023, factored into increased rates.)

There is no record the extra $45,000 tacked onto the contract for the UK labs testing contract was discussed by the commission in a public meeting. In the contract modification document, a copy of which was obtained by the Paulick Report, the reason given for the extra cash is the increase in sample testing at sanctioned race meetings. In 2023, Stanley actually tested fewer Kentucky samples (4,418) than his predecessor, Industrial (which tested 7,149 samples in 2021).

At the time the switch from Industrial to UK was made, Kentucky commissioners and commission staff prided themselves on using what they believed was a cutting-edge facility in-state.

"The UK EACL under the direction of Dr. (Scott) Stanley is on the cutting edge of technology," said then-equine medical director Dr. Bruce Howard in a 2021 story in The Blood-Horse at the time KHRC approved the lab switch. "The laboratory conducts ultra-modern anti-doping testing and applied research, they've upgraded testing equipment to remain on the forefront of testing, and has recently broken ground on a new expanded laboratory and testing facility. The UK EACL is committed to identifying new emerging threats in racing.

We believe this laboratory will be a leader in the testing world."



Editor's note: An earlier version of this story incorrectly stated that Stanley's lab began testing Kentucky harness samples in mid-2021. Although the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission approved the switch from Industrial labs to the University of Kentucky in April 2021, the new contract at UK didn't begin until December 2021.
FRANKFORT, IL  For her Eagle Scout project, former Dr. Julian Rogus School student Lily Bonovich decided to create an outdoor classroom. When Bonovich was a student at Rogus, she remembers enjoying when they would have class outside, according to a release from the District.



I loved to go outside and to have class outside, Bonovich said in a release. But the only problem with it was that you were on the hot black top, or in the grass, or on the concrete.

Bonovich, now a 16-year-old Lincoln-Way East junior, is a member of Scouting America Troop 732 in Frankfort.

With Rogus having that enclosed courtyard, I thought it would be great to have a nature setting for a seating area, said Bonovich.

She began brainstorming Eagle Scout project ideas about a year and a half ago before settling on creating an outdoor classroom space at Rogus, according to a release. She presented her idea to Principal Colin Bradley in 2023 to get approval, then presented it to her Boy Scouts of America Council to get their green light.

The building for the project began in June; and it took about a month to make the table and benches, and to paint and seal the 12 mushroom stools.

Lily's Eagle Scout Project has had an immediate impact on the usability of our outdoor green space. Classes have already enjoyed outdoor instruction with her functional and fun tables and seating, Bradley said in a release. This was a wonderful idea, and the culmination far exceeded our expectations. We look forward to using this space for many years to come!

Bonovich, who lives in Tinley Park, began her Scouting career in second grade as a Girl Scout. When the Boy Scouts of America began accepting girls into the program in 2019, she participated in both for two years before her Girl Scout troop disbanded during the COVID-19 pandemic. She then decided to focus on BSA, according to a release.

I think having that accomplishment of Eagle Scout would be amazing because it shows the leadership that I was able to give and shows that I was able to lead a team to get a project like this done, said Bonovich. Seeing my friends get Eagle, they were my role models, and now with me getting Eagle, I hope to be like that to younger Scouts like they were to me.

Bonovich, who comes from a Scouting family, will become the third local girl to become an Eagle Scout, the District said. She has earned 47 badges and six awards, and has traveled all over the country, from West Virginia to Colorado to Florida for Scouting jamborees and leadership conferences.

She is also a member of the Order of the Arrow, Scoutings National Honor Society, as well as Venturing, a Scouting program that focuses on adventure, training, leadership, and personal growth. She was recently elected Vice-Chief of Programming for the OA Lodge, where she will be responsible for planning more than a half dozen major events for hundreds of participants.

Eagle Scout Project Brings Outdoor Classroom To D161 School originally appeared on the Frankfort Patch
They fell in love with Boise. Now theyll open a new Hyde Park food-and-drink spot

In its various iterations, this Hyde Park bungalow has been a stopping place for everything from antiques and gifts to coffee and energy drinks.

Next? It will be Boises latest wine tasting room.

Kludt-Williams Family Winery will open soon in the familiar blue building at 1611 N. 13th St., according to owners Ben and April Williams. The couple owns Washington-based Lake Chelan Winery and Wapato Point Cellars, plus a hard cider brand, Gold Cider.

Kludt-Williams Family Winery has a Meridian production facility, but we do most of our production in Washington, Ben Williams said. Thats where weve been growing fruit for a long time. Over 25 years. So Hyde Park is going to be a tasting room for the winery.

If all goes according to plan, the North End wine destination will start pouring reds and whites within weeks. All thats left is getting an occupancy permit granted by the city, he said: It could be next month. It could be November.

A family business, the tasting room will be run by the couples son, Steven. The Williamses  who grew up in eastern Washington  have two other children, Alexis and Benjamin, attending college in Boise.

We kind of fell in love with Boise probably three years ago, Ben Williams explained, when our daughter was looking at school here.

The couple, who now split time between Idaho and Washington, saw the opportunity to bring more than two decades of wine-industry experience to a different market.

Were pretty excited about Hyde Park, April Williams said. It just seems like its a great, friendly, fun, vibrant community. And we want to be a part of it.

A destination for coffee, gifts and antiques in prior iterations, this familiar Hyde Park house will become a wine tasting room next.

Kludt-Williams Family Winery will serve by the bottle and glass, plus offer hard cider and, probably, beer.

The restaurant component mostly will be light fare easily paired with wine, such as cheese plates and charcuterie. But there also will be options such as macaroni and cheese, and then a few sandwiches to round things out, April Williams said. So that people can stop in and enjoy  they can make it lunch. Were planning on being open every day.

The tasting room will have seating for at least 20 inside and that many, or more, on an outdoor patio.

Live music will be part of the equation, too.

Hyde Parks got so many things going for it, April Williams said. Just wandering around in the evening, theres a lot of cute little restaurants and bars.  But one thing it feels like it might be missing is a little bit of live music.

The goal at Kludt-Williams Family Winery, the Williamses said, is to welcome all types of Boiseans in a laid-back atmosphere.

A small gift shop also is planned inside.

We want to be the most approachable wine establishment around, Ben Williams said. Weve found over the years that wine can be intimidating for a lot of people. We dont want that. We want to be super comfortable and approachable. But really high quality.
There is no replacing trick-or-treating on Halloween. Kids and parents in costume greeting their neighbors and getting their favorite candy creates memories that can last a lifetime.

If you want an earlier start on the Halloween fun, there are some trunk-or-treats around the First State that can get everyone warmed up for holiday itself.

Trunk-or-treats are events where people park their cars and give out candy in a parking lot. Instead of a neighborhood, it's a lot and instead of houses, it's car trunks. Community center and churches are common places to see these events.

Grab a bucket, bag or pillowcase, throw on a costume and check out some of these trunk-or-treats in all three Delaware counties right as Halloween season is in full swing.

New Castle County

YMCAs are the best bet in Delaware for finding a trunk-or-treat. In New Castle County, all five locations are hosting an event on the weekend before Halloween.

On Thursday, Oct. 24, Walnut Street YMCA in downtown Wilmington will host a trunk-or-treat from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.. The next night, Friday, Oct. 25, Brandywine YMCA is hosting one with the same start and end time.

On Saturday, October 26, the Saturday before Halloween, will see three YMCAs in the county with trunk-or-treats.

Middletown YMCA, Middletown, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Western Family YMCA, Newark, 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Bear-Glasgow YMCA, Glasgow, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m.

University and Whist Club will host a public event on Saturday, Oct. 19 from 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. at their location on North Broom Street in downtown Wilmington.

Kent County

Dover YMCA is hosting a trunk-or-treat on Friday, Oct. 25 from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Dover YMCA Outdoor Center. There is another one in Dover at 35 Commerce Way on Saturday, Oct. 19 starting at 5 p.m. and ending at 7:30 p.m.

Outside Dover, Harrington City Hall is hosting an event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Monday, Oct. 28.

Sussex County

Sussex YMCA is hosting an event from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 25.

There is Delaware State Police-supported trunk-or-treat at the Georgetown DMV from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 29.

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Trunk-or-treating around the First State
The City of Bloomington Volunteer Network provides information about volunteering locally. For a complete listing, visit BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org or call 812-349-3433. The inclusion of an organization in this list does not imply City endorsement or support of the organizations activities or policies. Information and registration links for the following opportunities can be found online at BloomingtonVolunteerNetwork.org.

Opportunity House: Monthly Volunteer Orientation

Opportunity House is hosting its next Monthly Volunteer Orientation on Oct. 17 from 1 to 2 p.m. at 907 W. 11th St., in Bloomington. Interested volunteers are encouraged to drop in to meet the volunteer coordinator, tour the store, learn about the different volunteer roles/jobs, and more. RSVP today at https://tinyurl.com/opp-house-orientation.

Opportunity House is a volunteer-run resale store selling items community members have donated. Money raised from sales goes to support the programs of Monroe County United Ministries, including its nationally accredited income-based child care center and self-sufficiency center. For assistance or questions, contact Na'Kia Jones-Clark at ophousevc@gmail.com.

Skate and Scare at Frank Southern

Looking for a great time this Halloween and a reason to dress up in costume? Join Bloomington Parks and Recreation on Oct. 19 at Frank Southern Ice Arena as it is transformed into a Halloween haven! Participants can skate around under fun lighting effects to spooky tunes and stroll through a haunted house located in a mini-maze.

Help is needed from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. to set up and bring the haunted house to life. Between 5:30 and 9:30 p.m., volunteers can dress as a character for the haunted house (skating skills not required). Helpers are also needed from 6:30 to 10 p.m. for event support and teardown. On-site training provided.

Volunteers for the haunted house will be given instructions prior to the day of the event, and costumes will be provided. Volunteers under 18 must have an Underage Waiver of Liability signed by a parent or guardian and bring it with them when they arrive for their shift. Select your shifts at https://tinyurl.com/2024-skate-and-scare. Questions? Contact Bill Ream at reamw@bloomington.in.gov.

Chocolate Walk for the Animals 2024

Help the Brown County Humane Society during one of its most exciting fundraising events, the annual Chocolate Walk happening Nov. 9 in beautiful Nashville, Indiana. Ticket holders for the Chocolate Walk stroll through town, visiting over 40 shops and restaurants which have all made special chocolate-themed treats for participants to sample.

Volunteers are needed to help greet participants, check tickets, and pass out the chocolate treat at each location. Over 90 volunteers are needed throughout the day to make this event possible. Two shifts are available: the morning shift runs 9:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., and the afternoon shift is from 1 to 5:15 p.m. Visit https://tinyurl.com/2024-chocolate-walk to learn more and sign up. For additional information or assistance, contact Megan Gushwa at volunteer@bchumane.org or 317-946-8235.

Community Wish List Spotlight

Middle Way House Wish List and Amazon List

Middle Way House provides services to survivors of sexual violence, domestic violence, and human trafficking, including an emergency shelter, legal advocacy, transitional housing, and support services. Donations provide individuals and families who are staying in their emergency shelter and transitional housing items they need.

Donations: To see if your items can be used, and to arrange your donation, call 812-333-7404 ext. 209, or email Harsharn@middlewayhouse.org.

Featured Wishes: diapers (sizes 4, 5, and 6), baby wipes, fruits and vegetables, loaves of bread, pots and pans, bath towels, washcloths, hand towels, bath mats, sheet sets, and more

View Current Wish List and Amazon List: https://tinyurl.com/middle-way-wish-list

You can find current in-kind material needs on the year-round Community Wish List at bloomingtonvolunteernetwork.org/communitywishlist.

This article originally appeared on The Herald-Times: Volunteer opportunities in Bloomington, Indiana
The 103-year-old Moore Building, located in the heart of Miamis Design District, has figured out what it wants to be when it grows up.

The final piece of a multi-year development project is now complete. The Hotel at The Moore, its official name, will open to the public on Oct. 14 with 13 suites available for guests.

Suites

The largest suite is about 1,100 square feet while the smallest are at least 700 square feet. Each one has a separate living room. Most have a small space upon entering where one can sit at a dinner table and relax with a glass of wine or meal, conduct business deals or buy or sell art. A door seals it from the bedroom, ensuring privacy. The toilets are separate from the showers, making it easier to invite business associates for longer meetings.

Suites will range from $800 to $2,000 per night.

Hotel guests get full access during their stay to the private club, which takes up much of the second and third floor of the Moore Building and opened in April.

Vignette of one of the master room at The Moore building to open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

The art-rich members-only club includes a display of 157 works of art mostly loaned by members. The restaurant Elastika occupies the first floor and is open to the public. The entire space is 90,000 square feet. The entrance to the hotel is at 4040 NE Second Ave.





The projects developer and operator is WoodHouse, known for building posh members-only clubs in Dallas and Houston and for creating the Dallas Cowboys headquarters. It obtained a lease from longtime Moore owner Craig Robins. It then brought in architecture and design firms ICRAVE and Studio-Collective.

History

The land where the Moore Building stands was once a pineapple farm owned by Theodore Vivian Moore, dubbed South Floridas Pineapple King. He and architect and financier David P. Davis then developed it in the 1920s, initially as a furniture store. It then became a furniture warehouse, and later, an event space for artists and creative types. Design Miami, the annual art fair dedicated to museum-quality exhibitions of furniture and decorative art, started at the Moore Building. Bono performed there for a private event. Miamis Design and Architecture Senior High used it for an annual gala.

It is perhaps best known as home to the late Iraqi-British architect Zaha Hadids massive sculpture which she created on-site for Art Basel in 2005. The Herald that year described the piece as a spectacular and somewhat mysterious oblique white stretch that spans the space like chewing gum in a profile on the first woman to win the Pritzker Prize.

Main space at The Moore building to open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

While the latest version of the Moore is new, Hadids sculpture remains the focus. Guests can view it from just outside each hotel room. The buildings four floors surround it.

The overall development of the Moore Building has been years in the making.

Robins, born in Miami Beach, has been trying to ascertain the right use for the property and looking for the right developer. Its one of the most iconic buildings in Miami and it was central to the rise of the Design District. The historic nature of it and the cultural roots of what has happened in the building are profound, said Brady Wood, founder and CEO of WoodHouse, in an interview. He understood and respected the waiting.

First impressions

In late 2020, Robins called Wood. He had been impressed with Woods work and thought this might be the person who could get the most out of the Moore.

Shortly afterwards, Wood flew to Miami and Robins brought him to the Design District to see the Moore.

I took one look at the building and my jaw hit the floor, said Wood. A 100-year-old heavy timber building in Miami is rare, he observed, and the light coming through the ceiling was breathtaking. He immediately recognized the buildings significance and potential even though hed never worked in South Florida.

He then brought in ICRAVE and Studio-Collective to do the architecture and interior design.

It was rather daunting to have to start to understand how to plan it and how were going to use the voluminous space to create intimacy, said Lionel Ohayon, founder and CEO of ICRAVE, in an interview. Early on, he wondered how they would bring this thing to life.

A view of Lily Pad at The Moore building to open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

The real breakthrough for us was when we started to map this in 3-D and understand how light came into it and how people move through it, he recounted.

The building already had a big atrium. They opened that space further. Now, even more light shines down into the interior and across Hadids artwork.

As part of the original plans, they created Elastika, the ground floor restaurant. It opened this past April and has a menu emphasizing produce, seafood and meat from local purveyors. The designers and operator hope it will become an important public gathering spot for people visiting the Design District. Starting Oct. 7. it will be open seven days a week, beginning at noon. It also holds happy hour Monday through Saturdays from 3-6 p.m. The idea was to fulfill Robins long-standing wish of having a main lobby for Miamis Design District. Its somewhere to hang out, bring your friends and eat, said Wood. He sees it as being the hub for the entire neighborhood.

A view of the restaurant at The Moore building to open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

All hotel suites are on the fourth floor, as far from the noise as possible. During events, you also want a level of privacy for guests, said Christian Schulz, a co-founder of Studio-Collective, in an interview.

Plans initially called for as many as 17 rooms. The concept was that they would pinwheel around the central atrium space. But as they built the individual rooms, they discovered the challenges of developing an old building.

A view of Elastikas bar at The Moore building open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

One day they found an elevator shaft behind the walls, recalled Schulz, so they had to reposition some of the rooms. We were always moving things around, he said

The building also includes an art gallery on the fourth floor, open for the public to rent out and hold shows. On display currently is a show of the work of Mr. Drip. Theres also an area called The Workplace which has private offices for lease, desks and co-working spaces.

A view of work space at The Moore building to open to public in Design District on Monday September 30th., 2024.

The hotel stands out in other ways, too. There is no swimming pool here. Nor is there a beach or a pool deck or fountains of gushing water. That was intentional.

Youre not coming here because theres a pool and a spa. Its not the usual trappings of coming to Miami, said Ohayon.

Place for grown-ups

Access to the members-only club seems a far more important benefit.

Since the private club opened April 16, it has held over 120 events. It has multiple lounges, game rooms and a speakeasy with metal doors. It has multiple meeting rooms including what they call La Pina room (Pineapple), paying homage to the history of the Moore Building. It has a large private dining area too where members can eat on sofas or tables. Like Elastika, the kitchen is led by Florida native and executive chef Joe Anthony.

If youre interested in joining the private club, you can apply on its website. It has multiple tiers: the lowest is $5,000 for an initiation fee with an annual fee of $5,000 while the highest is invite-only and runs up to $125,000.

Wood says he envisions during one of Miamis big weeks for art or fashion, designers or others could stay in the hotel suites and use the front foyer as a showroom. That space then become an extension of the particular event.

If successful, that could be an important reflection of the Magic City.

Miami is a city, people live here, and this is kind of turning its back to the beach in a lot of ways by moving to the mainland Miami and supporting a neighborhood thats full of creatives and art, full of fashion, and full of great food, said Ohayon.

Its a coming of age for the city, he said.

Photos: The Moore Building

HOTEL AMENITIES

 Full Access to The Club + Workspace

 Concierge Services

 Dedicated Butler

 Cultural Programming

 Personal Shopping + Lifestyle Consulting

 VIP Access + Privacy

 Culinary Amenities + In-Room Dining

The Moore Building

Where: 4040 NE Second Ave

Info: https://www.mooremiami.com/hotel
Humphrey Yang

Former Merrill Lynch financial advisor Humphrey Yang went from counseling private clients on the finer points of personal finance to advising the masses.

A full-time online influencer, Yang now preaches the virtues of saving, investing, budgeting and eliminating debt to his 3.3 million followers on TikTok, 1.4 million followers on YouTube and 621,000 Instagram followers.

Check Out: I Followed Mark Cubans Genius Advice and Am on Track To Become a Millionaire

For You: 7 Reasons a Financial Advisor Can Grow Your Wealth in 2024

With that kind of reach, Yang must have a message worth hearing  especially if you want to know whether youre on pace to be rich one day yourself. In a recent TikTok video, Yang told his followers to look for the following three subtle signs youre on track to become a multimillionaire.

Also see the No. 1 thing keeping you from becoming a multimillionaire, according to Ramit Sethi.

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

You Prioritize a High Savings Rate

Unless you inherit millions of dollars, youll have to save them yourself. Standard personal finance advice says to build for your future by socking away 10% of your income. Yang would like to see people save more if they want to become millionaires  but it turns out that most are saving a whole lot less.

The average American has a personal savings rate of 3.4%, Yang said in the TikTok video, citing information from Federal Reserve Economic Data. Thats not going to cut it, so you should target a 15% savings rate or higher, which allows you to invest more money and compound your wealth.

Read Next: 5 Worst Cars To Buy That Will Kill Your Wealth, According to Humphrey Yang

You Track Your Net Worth

Tuning out is not a good way to build a fortune, and Yang encouraged his followers to proactively track their net worth, no matter how small or large it might be.

Doing so gives you perspective and shows you that your hard work and discipline is actually paying off, Yang said. It also keeps personal finance in the back of your mind so that you make consistently better decisions.

There are countless apps that can give you an overview of your financial life. However, Yang offered his followers access to his own proprietary net worth tracking template, which he shared with his viewers in his profile for free, saying he expects it to be immensely helpful for those looking for a starting point.

You Avoid Lifestyle Creep

As you progress in your career, raises and promotions might lead to bigger paychecks. That means more disposable income for you to buy all those shiny things you couldnt afford beforehand.

Story continues

Resist the temptation.

Youll ultimately find yourself unsatisfied and longing for the things you cant afford on the next price tier up the ladder. Its called lifestyle creep, and it keeps you broke no matter how high your salary rises.

You may be tempted to upgrade certain parts of your life when you have more money, such as a fancier car or designer clothing, but true wealth cannot be seen, Yang said. So focus on earning, keeping your costs down and investing.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 3 Signs Youre on Track To Become a Multimillionaire, According to Humphrey Yang
From the Maritimes to British Columbia, there are nearly 650 First Nation communities in Canada  each with their own distinct indigenous history and traditions. And many are eager to share their unique ways of life with travelers from across the globe.

Whether visiting a traditional indigenous heritage site or indulging in an indigenous-based restaurant or culinary experience, First Nation communities are a crucial component of Canadas history that can easily be overlooked.

Indeed, so important are First Nation traditions that the Canadian government recently launched a multimillion-dollar Indigenous Tourism Fund to promote and support nearly 150 tourism projects nationwide.

For a more formal indigenous experience, Quebecs Onhoua Chetek8e site is just 30 minutes or so from Quebec City in the town of Wendake. The site features a reconstructed village displaying daily life of the Huron-Wendat people before the arrival of Europeans in the 16th century. There are historic buildings, a local restaurant, guides in traditional garb and culture-rich immersion activities.

Wanuskewin Heritage Park in Saskatchewan offers a glimpse of an ancient way of life. Wanuskewin

A similar setup exists in Canadas Far West at the site known as Wanuskewin Heritage Park, near Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. This is Canadas oldest archaeological dig and travelers can experience everything from an ancient medicine wheel to petroglyphs  along with hiking trails, a local restaurant and even the opportunity to camp out in a tepee. Although far separated by geography, both sites feel urgent and compelling  without resorting to kitsch or cliche.

In Manitoba  Canadas version of prairie country  the legacies of indigenous culture can be most profoundly felt in the food. Head for Winnipeg, where Feast Cafe Bistro both serves indigenous-focused food while serving the local community.

Eat it all up at Winnipegs indigenous-owned Feast Cafe Bistro. Feast Cafe Bistro

Owner Christa Bruneau-Guenther  whos also the chef  belongs to the Peguis First Nation and Feast honors this allegiance by hiring locals directly from the community, training them in the culinary arts and helping them deliver memorable dishes and services.

Those dishes can vary, but are based on local, traditional ingredients  from bison and berries to nuts, squash and corn  and incorporated into crowd-pleasing favorites such as pizzas, tacos, burgers and, this being Canada, poutine.

Out in British Columbia, the Klahoose Wilderness Resort in Desolation Sound is an upscale dose of Canadas traditional way of life.

British Columbias classy Klahoose Wilderness Resort creates encounters with tribal leaders. Klahoose Wilderness Resort

The resort is set on land that belongs to the indigenous Klahoose people and offers both local culture and pristine wildlife and natural surroundings.

The property features a mix of rustic lodges and cabins, each accented by traditional artwork and handicrafts.

Each evening, local tribal leaders present lectures and storytelling while during the day guests can make Klahoose handicrafts or dive into the surrounding forest, where mighty grizzly bears hunt for salmon in crystal-clear waters from May to August, a three-day package starts at $2,131 per person, all-inclusive).

The traditions of a variety of indigenous cultures are on display at the Calgary Stampede in Alberta. Calgary Stampede

Finally, in Calgary  literally within the city center  theres the Calgary Stampede, which is held each summer in Albertas largest city and Canadas shale-oil boom town.

While the stampede may be best known for its grand, Western-styled rodeo, it also features a strong dose of Indigenous culture, most notably the Elbow River Camp.

Here, in one place, visitors can experience the culture and traditions of the Kainai, Piikani, Siksika, Stoney Nakoda, and Tsuutina First Nations  spread out in 26 separate tepees filled with locals offering crafts, foods, jewelry and demonstration of indigenous ceremonies. Be sure to stop by the tepee serving bannock, a local Indigenous quick bread that has long sustained generations of First Nation members.
I wish I could have spoken to Michelangelo, chuckles Florentine design mastermind Stefano Ricci. The legendary designer is unveiling what might be the most unprecedented project of his lifetime  the rebirth of one of the worlds most exquisite natural settings into a luxury vacation idyll. Stefanos Renaissance masterpiece? The interiors of the beguiling Sindalah Yacht Club  the jewel of the pioneering new island destination off the coast of NEOM, known as Sindalah. In the warm waters of the Red Sea, Sindalah will not only shape the future of luxury travel but also create an entirely new season on the worlds yachting circuit. At the heart of it all, the Sindalah Yacht Club is poised to welcome yachts as they glide in from the Mediterranean  less than a days sail away.

My life has been centered by incredible traveling, a dream of adventure and love for family and my mission, says the iconic designer from his headquarters in Fiesole, a leafy suburb of Florence. His eyes shimmer with excitement as he describes the almost fairytale-like island  located 2,500 miles away from Florence on Saudi Arabias northwest coast. Unmatched in style and design, Sindalah is unlike anything seen before, bringing Italys inimitable glamour and enduring appeal to these enigmatic shores. Its this appeal that will cement Sindalah Yacht Club as the epitome of exclusivity, a new hideaway for the worlds elite  and its a journey five years in the making. For the interiors, there was no greater person for the task than Ricci and his familys legacy.

More from Robb Report

Home to a marina, a terrace pool, sleek lounge and restaurant, the Sindalah Yacht Club is the embodiment of timeless allure. Inspired by outstanding natural beauty, with the flair of Italian free-thinking, art and craftsmanship, it echoes the revolutionary spirit of 15th century Tuscany. I had the opportunity to visit Sindalah for the first time in 2019, and it was love at first sight, reveals Stefanos son, Filippo Ricci, creative director and a key mind in crafting what is sure to be deemed the worlds most impeccable waterside experience. I was mesmerized by the intense blue, he muses, a blue hed not even witnessed at the great Italian yachting ports of Porto Cervo, Portofino and Capri.

The shade is now at the heart of the Ricci familys interior design, a whimsical yet bold take on Stefano Riccis signature color  and emblematic of the soothing and restorative hues guests will experience  from the pristine sea, teeming with marine life and coral, to the brilliant skies. This blue is the guideline for the whole island, and in the Sindalah Yacht Club, you can see how Italian master craftsmanship has been used to deliver something never seen before with the interiors, adds Stefanos son and chief executive Niccolo Ricci. Our signature walnut became Sindalah Blue, our Florentine limestone became white marble from Carrara. The result is magic, creating a continuity between the landscape and Yacht Club itself, adds Filippo. In sumptuous Stefano Ricci style, crocodile leather adds a seductive appeal, a nod to 1950s La Dolce Vita and the glamorous screen sirens of yesteryear.

I returned to Florence and discussed the project with my family, and I immediately told them how remarkable this would be. This was a vision of the future, adds Filippo. My father and I knew how every single detail could be unique and how to make the interiors of the Sindalah Yacht Club one of the luxury highlights of the world. I entered Sindalah because the project is 30 years ahead of the rest of the world,  adds Stefano, intrigued by Saudi Arabias Vision 2030 and, with it, the creative spirit and foresight bringing these new tourism projects to life.

In a short time, this groundbreaking new destination has arisen  echoing the pioneering spirit of Tuscanys Medici family and the Renaissance, an exuberance felt throughout the Sindalah Yacht Clubs design. We have always been inspired by the Medici family, explains Niccolo. The Medici entrusted and empowered artists and craftsmen to create unique palaces and incredible masterpieces that still live today, continues Filippo. Both believe Sindalah and NEOM will birth legacies to live for hundreds of years, much like the Medicis fabled Florence. While Florence showcases artistic treasures, priceless creations in architecture and sculpture, Sindalah showcases untouched marine life and outstanding natural surroundings.

Facing these surroundings is the one-of-a-kind Sindalah Yacht Club  a nod to the might of Tuscan design using only the highest caliber materials. Tuscany is the land of the Carrara marble, which Michelangelo used for his masterpieces, adds Filippo. The exquisite mineral is splashed across the Yacht Club interiors, and briar-root wood surfaces are elegantly bathed in the exclusive Sindalah Blue. Creating a tactile, sumptuous environment reminiscent of a grand Tuscan manor, impeccable Italian leather couches feature and hand-woven textiles from Antico Setificio Fiorentino are dotted throughout  a Florentine silk manufacturing workshop dating back to the 18th century, now owned by the esteemed Ricci family.

When I design something and the name of the family is involved, I want guests to feel it, to taste, to touch it, to appreciate it, explains Stefano, on the Yacht Clubs sumptuous decor. Taste it, guests certainly will, and in a country led by its refined appetite, gastronomy was of the utmost importance. Italian spirit and zest for life infuses into the dining offering, where The Yacht Clubs restaurant will serve up the beloved cuisine of Italys regions spearheaded by decorated Tuscan Chef Enrico Bartolini. I was asked by NEOM to find a chef behind at least two Michelin stars, reveals Stefano. I said, Im sorry, but I only know a man behind 13 Michelin stars! Bartolinis waterside concept creates a holistic Italian experience with premium ingredients, innovative techniques and refined flavors  echoing the Ricci familys core values. Of course, the restaurants design is also a work of art  with an elegant, coffered ceiling inspired by Florentine Renaissance architecture.

Its been a great honor to work on this project, says Stefano, a man whose illustrious career has spanned over 50 years and is now taken to new heights. It will be exciting, Im telling you, he smiles. I hope you will be there one day. Its a beautiful jump into the future. And that, indeed, it is.

Discover sindalah

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Two Russian cosmonauts have returned to Earth after spending a record-breaking 374 days on the International Space Station. Even more impressively, one of them  60-year-old Oleg Kononenko  is now the person with the most-ever time in space.

Kononenko has spent a staggering 1,111 days in orbit over five missions, beginning in 2008. Gennady Padalka set the previous record in 2015 with 878 days over five missions.

During his more than three years in space, Kononenko orbited the Earth 17,800 times and completed seven spacewalks. He is responsible for 1.5% of the time spent in space by all astronauts since the first human space flight in 1961.

Oleg Kononenko. Photo: Central Asia News

Second home

Kononenko and Russian partner Nikolai Chub left the ISS and landed in Kazakhstan after 3.5 hours aboard the Soyuz MS-25 capsule in the company of NASA astronaut Tracey Caldwell Dyson. Commented Kononenko, Thanks to all my crewmates for your friendshipRight now, I am leaving my second home.

Oleg, well miss your hundreds of stories around the dinner table, said NASAs Sunita Williams, who took over command of the ISS from Kononenko.

Achieving the most time in space was never Kononenkos goal. When he first set the new record for non-cumulative days in February, he insisted, I fly into space to do my favorite thing, not to set records. Iveaspired to become a cosmonaut since I was a child.

It is unknown whether he will ever set foot in space again. He has not commented on retiring but previously said that with each trip, the preparations get harder and that taking part in the missions becomes ever more complicated.

It is unlikely that anyone will break his record in the near future. NASA tends to run shorter missions than Roscomos, so its harder for American astronauts to rack up that long in space. There is also now limited time available on the ISS before it is deorbited in 2030.

Russias Sergey Prokopyev has the next most time in space  567 total days. To break Kononenkos record, he will have to do so on both the ISS and Chinas Tiangong Space Station. Russia will withdraw from the ISS in 2025.

The post Russian Cosmonaut Spends Record-Breaking 1,111 Days in Space appeared first on Explorersweb.
Is it safe to visit Greece? Extreme weather leads to safety warnings

Wildfires began on Sunday and at least two people are known to have died (AFP via Getty Images)

Tourists travelling to Greece have been issued with warnings by the countrys authorities after a number of holiday hotspots were affected by extreme weather.

A number of popular areas have faced thunderstorms and strong winds since Sunday, and authorities have warned tourists to stay away from coastal areas because of the risk of high winds and waves. They said visitors should stay alert and take necessary precautions when needed.

The countrys meteorological service has said the bad weather should ease by Tuesday morning after wildfires ravaged parts of the Peloponnese region, an area south of Athens.

The fire, which began on Sunday and has been spread by strong winds, has claimed the lives of two locals reported missing at the weekend. Six villages have been evacuated, and around 350 firefighters have been working to try to stop the fire from spreading.

The UKs Foreign Office said there is a high risk of wildfires in the country between April to October and that the situation can change quickly. Greek authorities have said that the country has had over 4,500 wildfires this year.

The Foreign Office advises British tourists to be cautious if they find themselves in an area affected by wildfires, and to:

Follow @112Greece for official updates

Follow the guidance of the emergency services

Call the Greek emergency services on 112 if you are in immediate danger

Contact your airline or travel operator who can assist you with return travel to the UK

It also offers guidance on how tourists can register for English alerts from the countrys emergency communication service:

iPhone: Settings > Notifications and enable the Emergency Alerts option at the bottom

Android 11 and higher: Settings > Notifications > Advanced Settings > Wireless Emergency Alerts

Samsung devices: Settings > Apps > Messages > Notifications > Emergency Notifications and enable the Emergency Alerts option
Ask A.J. is Slates advice column on addiction, recovery, and how to hate yourself less. Submit a question here. Its anonymous!

Dear A.J.,

I live in Colorado and never used cannabis until it was legal, when I began vaping it occasionally. I am 50 years old, and I find myself now addicted to it. I had thought that cannabis wasnt addictive, but there is really no other way to describe what Im going through. My use got worse during the pandemic, when I was working from home all the time. I often vape cannabis all day, every day, and I do want to stop. I have tried more times than I can count to quit and cannot seem to do it on my own. I dont know if AA would help or even what is the best way to get help. My doctor was encouraging to me and said she would support me, but when I asked what the options are, she said mainly anti-nausea meds, which Im not convinced would help. What is the standard of treatment for cannabis use disorder? What can I do to give myself the best chance of success the next time I try to quit?

Stoned in Colorado

Dear Stoned,

Youre right that cannabis doesnt present the issues that many other substances do. My colleague Joe Schrank, who is a social worker, is a very vocal advocate for using cannabis as a part of harm reduction treatment for those with physical alcohol dependence. Heres what he told me about the drug:

Alcohol kills 178,000 people a year compared to cannabis, which kills zero. An alcohol detox can be lethal if one isnt under medical supervision. The consequences of a cannabis detox are pretty much wishing you had some weed.

I know how dismissive that sounds, but I assure you Joes on the good side, even though hes a little grouchy. And to be clear, what he characterizes as wishing you had some weed can manifest in a slew of symptoms that, while not life-threatening, are rather unpleasanteverything from anxiety and anger to headaches and stomach pain, according to a paper titled Clinical Management of Cannabis Withdrawal. Still, the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions most urgent concerns when it comes to cannabis and death is the possibility of an adult getting high and driving, or kids getting into a stash of edibles.

So, you were not totally wrong in your initial assumption that weed isnt the same as other drugs. But also, as you have discoveredyou were a little wrong.

I have encountered many people like you, who feel that their cannabis addiction is being scoffed at as not a real addiction, and after speaking with my own personal therapist about this, and also looking up some very Google-able scientific facts, Ive had to dismiss that notion myself. One in 10 adults who uses weed becomes real-deal addicted, same as you. That addictionthe cravings, the time spent usingcan lead to a dramatic decrease in quality of life, Christina Brezing, a psychiatrist at Columbia University, told the New York Times. And unfortunately, according to that Times article, the best your doctor can do for you in terms of medication is probably just stuff to help manage the symptoms. There is an urgent need to develop effective treatments, either behavioral or pharmacological, for cannabis use disorder, psychiatrist Deepak Cyril DSouza said in a Yale Medicine FAQ on cannabis use disorder, which also noted that various kinds of therapy can help in the meantime.

All this does not necessarily get you closer to a solutionnor contain enough of the empathic spirit Im committed to for this column. So, to serve you better, I tagged in my friend C. (an alias, obv), who has also struggled with cannabis. It can be really hard to quit, she says.  So hard that I have not done it fully successfully, but I have greatly reduced my THC intake and have quit enough times to offer some advice if not expert advice. She was delighted to share what she has learned with you:

You see? Youre not alone here. Maybe you knew that, but I definitely want you to feel that. As for what I can personally offer you, even though our specific experiences with substances differ: I can tell you that by far fellowship and service are the two most useful concepts holding me together and giving me the freedom to grow as a human and eliminate most of the bad feelings that drove me to (mis)use alcohol and drugs for half of my life. Those are kind of Alcoholics Anonymous terms; here is what I mean: Make yourself available to others who are going through what you are, if not the exact same scenario, others who are also struggling. Sometimes, all thats required is to talk with someone in person or on the phone. Try to actually talk to themnot text. Part of what works here is letting the person recognize the vulnerability in your voice, opening up to them, and letting them open up to you.

If you want to gently dip your foot further into the world of fellowship, I encourage you to come to one of our Small Bow meetings. I promise youll find more of your people there. And the best part is, after regular attendance, youll feel steadier, more qualified, and, eventually, willing to help someone else find their way out. Im excited to see you there!
A suspect was arrested following a deadly family dispute in South Los Angeles early Tuesday morning, police said.

According to a Los Angeles Police Department spokesperson, officers were dispatched to the 2800 block of West Florence Avenue in Hyde Park at 6:15 a.m. on calls of an assault with a deadly weapon.

The suspect was originally threatening to shoot the victims before opening fire on them as they were running away, the spokesperson said.

One of the victims, only described as a man in his 30s, was pronounced dead at the corner of West Florence and 5th Avenue.

Woman in custody after driving into Japanese BBQ in San Gabriel

The other victim, a female in her early 40s, was found on the 2700 block of 73rd Street suffering from a gunshot wound.

She was transported to a hospital in serious condition, said Cpt. Jamie Bennett of the LAPDs South Bureau Homicide Division.

The unidentified suspect was taken into custody after the shooting.

Florence Avenue will be closed between 5th and 8th avenues for several hours due to the investigation.

Nancy Fontan contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
MIDDLE VILLAGE, Queens (PIX11)  More than $1 million worth of cocaine and fentanyl were seized in a drug bust in New York City last month, authorities said.

A suspected narcotics trafficker was arraigned on charges Tuesday following an investigation that resulted in the discovery of 50 pounds of cocaine and packages of fentanyl in Queens, according to the Office of the Special Narcotics Prosecutor for the City of New York.

More Local News

Omar Machado, 33, of Queens, has been charged with criminal possession of a controlled substance and criminally using drug paraphernalia, authorities said.

Back on Sept. 3, members of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration tracked Machado from New Jersey to Middle Village, where agents stopped him in a parking garage next to an apartment building at 62-98 Woodhaven Blvd., according to the Special Narcotics Prosecutors Office.

Agents searched Machados vehicle and an apartment in the building and found the cocaine and fentanyl, authorities said.

What is pink cocaine? New drug increasingly found in NY, authorities say

An NYPD laboratory discovered the presence of xylazine in the fentanyl mixture, according to the Special Narcotics Prosecutors Office.

We have seen a recent pattern of large cocaine seizures in our area. That trend is consistent with record high coca cultivation in South America. We will remain vigilant in our efforts to stem the flow of all illegal narcotic drugs into our city, Special Narcotics Prosecutor Bridget Brennan said.

Finn Hoogensen is a digital journalist who has covered local news for more than five years. He has been with PIX11 News since 2022. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
WASHINGTON, Mo.  A cat advocacy group, Alley Cat Allies, is offering a $10,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of a Washington, Missouri, man accused of animal cruelty.

According to Alley Cat Allies, a series of now deleted live videos were posted on a mans Facebook page identifying himself as a Washington resident named Michael or Mike Berger.

The videos showed cats in traps and carriers, while behind the camera, Berger claims to personally trap the cats and discusses cruel actions towards them. According to the advocacy group, the man refers to one cat as the next victim.

The group explains in another video that the man said, One of them [expletive] is gonna take the bait. Here kitty kitty kitty. Come on, who wants to hang from the tree?

Allegedly in another video, the person shined a light on a cat inside a trap and said, we aint gonna throw this one off the bridge. Im gonna tie the [expletive] to my bumper.

Alley Cat Allies takes any threat of cruelty against cats very seriously, and we are committed to working with law enforcement to ensure justice is served, said DanaMarie Pannella, attorney, Alley Cat Allies. We ask anyone with information related to the whereabouts of these cats or any actions someone may have taken to harm them to please come forward, for the sake of cats and the community.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Washington, Missouri Police Department at 636-390-1050. The $10,000 reward terms can be found on the Alley Cat Allies website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)U.S. Marshals recently completed an operation in partnership with local law enforcement that arrested over 100 individuals wanted for violent crimes in the Charleston area.

Operation North Star FY 2024 targeted those wanted for the most egregious offenses, which included homicide, forcible sexual assault, robbery, and aggravated assault with a firearm.

North Star was operational for 74 days from May 10 to Sept. 13 and ran in 10 metropolitan areas, including Charleston, North Charleston, Dallas, Texas, Little Rock, Arkansas, Phoenix, Arizona, Birmingham, Alabama, and more.

Of the 113 arrested in the Charleston area, nine were for homicide, 11 for forcible sexual assault, 8 for robbery, 21 for aggravated assault, and 35 were for firearm violations, according to a release from John F. Hale, an assistant chief inspector for the U.S. Marshals Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force.

During the investigations, 17 handguns, five rifles, two shotguns, two vehicles, and a little over 2 kilograms of illegal narcotics were seized.

One fugitive arrested was Altonion Prioleau, who was wanted for two counts of murder, attempted murder, and possession of a weapon during a violent crime, according to Hale.

Prioleau fled the area after he committed the crimes, Hale said and was located by the Carolinas Regional Fugitive Task Force. During his arrest, Marshals confiscated two weapons.

The combined efforts of the Deputy U.S. Marshals and our Carolina Regional Fugitive Taskforce, alongside Charleston County Sheriffs Office, Charleston Police Department, North Charleston Police Department, Summerville Police Department, Berkeley County Sheriffs Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tabacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) resulted in the removal of some of the most violent offenders in our area. Our deputies and task force officers live and work in these communities alongside all of you, and we desire a safe community, just as you all do, said District of South Carolina Marshal Chrissie Latimore. We want to ensure all communities across the State of South Carolina are safe, and in doing so, we will continue to leverage partnerships, work collaboratively with our local, state, and federal partners, combine our resources, and share information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
In this piece, we will take a look at the 30 cheapest countries in the world in 2024. If you want to skip our discussion of how the post pandemic era has upended global costs of living, then you can check out 5 Cheapest Countries in the World in 2024.

The dynamics of the global economy and the differences in the standard of living between countries mean that the cost of living is not uniform across countries. Developed countries like the US and UK enjoy higher living standards and robust economies which lend them stronger currencies. When these currencies are converted into those of developing or under developed countries, even a meager salary in the developed countries can enable one to live quite comfortably in others.

However, even though citizens of developed countries enjoy better living standards, global economic shocks often mean that people in every country feel the inflationary pinch. This was clear during the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion of Ukraine. 2022 was one of the most calamitous years for the global economy, as populations worldwide suffered from the twin inflationary impacts of the loose monetary policies of the coronavirus pandemic and the Russian invasion. Data from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) compiled in September 2022 shows just how serious the cost of living crisis became as a result. It reveals that sub saharan Africa, one of the poorest regions in the world, was also hit the hardest. This is despite the fact that in US dollar terms, most African nations are among the cheapest in the world.

According to the IMF, staple food inflation in Africa surged by 24% between 2020 and 2022 due to the region's excessive reliance on imports. 2022 was a great year for the US dollar too as the Federal Reserve hiked interest rates to tame inflation. This decision is also criticized as America exporting its inflation to the world as a stronger dollar makes imports expensive for other countries. This was the case in Africa too, with the IMF estimating that a percent of depreciation of a local currency leads to the prices of imported staples jumping by 0.3%. The weaker currency and higher fertilizer costs also led to prices of items such as cassavas jumping by 78% in Ghana, and prices for maize and Cassava doubling in Nigeria. This is despite the fact that both items are locally produced. Africa's troubles in 2022 were an extension of the turmoil in 2021, which had seen inflation in Sudan touch an unbelievable 359% in 2021. Yet, even though prices surged, most of the cheapest countries in the world in our list today are still African nations.

Story continues

While they weren't affected as strongly as their African peers, developed countries have also borne some of the brunt. The sharpest example is the UK, which is one of the few consumption driven developed economies that relies on imports. Britain's consumer price index inflation jumped to 11% in October 2022, and while it has dropped to 2.2% since then, core CPI, which excludes volatile items is still 3.6% after having peaked at 7.1% in May 2023. These seismic shifts for a developed country have hit the poorest the hardest. Data from the UK's largest food bank operator shows that it distributed 3 million emergency food parcels in 2023 to set a new record. Within this figure were 300,000 people who had relied on a food bank for the first time. Safe to say, Britain isn't anywhere close to ranking in the 25 cheapest countries in the world.

Moving closer to home, the after effects of the pandemic and geopolitical conflicts are felt the hardest by the youngest Americans. Acorns Money Matters Report released in 2024 outlined that Gen Z and Millennials are three times more likely to fear homelessness when compared to older Americans. Specifically, 33% of Millennials believe that they cannot enjoy life because of financial worries, which is seven percentage points higher than the average. A roughly similar amount or 35% of those surveyed believed that they would be financially better off next year, and for 31%, the cost of living was their biggest concern with inflation coming in at second place with 37%. Their worries about homelessness and cost of living are unsurprising as well, since 653,100 people were homeless in America in 2023, which marked a strong 12% annual growth.

Shifting gears, while the cost of living pressures that have made the Western world rank low when it comes to the cheapest countries in the world aren't well received by the general populace, they allow some firms, particularly those that sell consumer staples, to grow their revenue through pricing power. One such firm that has benefited from the higher prices of the past few years is Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL). Colgate has consistently grown its revenue over its four last quarters and fiscal years. The firm earned $4.7 billion, $4.8 billion, $4.92 billion, $4.95 billion, $5.1 billion, and $5.1 billion in revenue during its six latest quarters, respectively.

READ ALSO: 30 Cheapest Places To Live In The US in 2024 and Worlds 20 Most Expensive Countries To Live In 2024.

During fiscal years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023, its revenue was $16.4 billion, $17.4 billion, 17.9 billion, and $19.4 billion. During Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)'s first quarter of 2024 earnings call, management was eager to stress that this growth was driven by both inflationary and non inflationary pricing (one that isn't directly influenced by a higher cost of materials). There is some numerical evidence to back these claims as well, since Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)'s trailing twelve month gross margin currently sits at 59.7%, courtesy of $19.9 billion revenue and $11.9 billion of gross profit. When compared to its larger rival in the industry, which has a 51% gross margin, Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL) has managed the inflationary environment well to the advantage of its shareholders.

On the topic of pricing, Colgate-Palmolive Company (NYSE:CL)'s management expects pricing to contribute less to its growth as it relies on volume for growth. According to CEO Noel Wallace:

"Yes, well listen, we know the markets been focused on getting back to volume growth, but weve consistently talked about, and I talked about it certainly at Deutsche Bank in Paris, on the importance of that growth being balanced, that we were going to continue to focus on the strong revenue growth management principles we have in place, the price pack architecture work that were doing, and the necessity to continue to get pricing in the P&L. Now, as the inflationary environment becomes more benign, obviously well see some foreign exchange transactional pricing that needs to go into the P&L, but were going to continue to be very focused on finding ways to drive some balanced pricing through the P&L, and we think well continue to see that obviously in the back half of the year across most of our divisions. As I mentioned earlier, our revenue growth management capabilities are very, very strong right now, and thats encouraging for us, to find ways where were seeing less inflationary pricing, to find ways to optimize category growth from a dollar standpoint. But weve talked about it consistently that we would see particularly this year inflect more towards volume than pricing, but that being said, the 4.2% pricing that we generated in the second quarter continues to be very, very strong in the context of the marketplace. I think that talks to the strength of our brands and our need to continue to offset some of the inflationary pressures that we saw in the business. So overall, well see pricing in the second half comebe a little bit lower than where we were in the second quarter, but given the levels of raw material inflation and the benefit of FTG, we still feel good about where we are from a gross profit standpoint."

However, not all firms benefit from a high price environment. One such firm that has struggled as of late is NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE). Its shares are down 29% year to date as of the end of the first week of July, bringing the P/E ratio to 20. The firm's revenue had dropped by 2% annually to $12.6 billion in its May quarter, hinting that perhaps it increased prices by too much and bled market share as a result. However, the latter half of the year proved to be great for NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE). After the shares literally sank following the first quarter earnings report, the stock is up 17%. This has come on the back of two noticeable events. The first took place in mid August when Bill Ackman's Pershing Square reported a $229 million stake in the company through its 13F SEC filings. Following this, the shares soared by 6.8% in late September after CEO John Donahoe retired and was replaced by Elliot Hill who started out at the firm as an intern. The P/E now sits at 24, which is higher than the benchmark S&P's 21. We covered NIKE, Inc. (NYSE:NKE) in detail as part of our coverage of 10 Best Consumer Cyclical Stocks To Buy Now, which is a list of stocks that might not do well if prices rise too much.

While we acknowledge the potential of NKE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than NKE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

With these details in mind, let's take a look at the cheapest countries in the world in 2024.

30 Cheapest Countries in the World in 2024

Our Methodology

To make our list of the cheapest countries in the world, we used data from the World Bank's International Comparison Program (ICP). The ICP data for 2021 was released in May 2024, and we added the per capita figures for 9260000 (Individual consumption expenditures by households, without housing) and 9060000 (Actual housing, water, electricity, gas and other fuels) for all countries covered. Market exchange rate data was used, and out of these, countries with the lowest cost of living were selected. On an added note, all GDP figures are in nominal terms.

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30. Cambodia

Living Costs Per Capita: $1,126

Cambodia is a Southeast Asian country with a $33 billion GDP and a GDP per capita of $2,037. It is one of the most underdeveloped countries in the world, and its economy relies primarily on agricultural production. Rice and maize are some of its most important crops, and tourism and textile production also play an important role in the economy.

29. South Sudan

Living Costs Per Capita: $1,088

South Sudan is a landlocked African country. It has one of the smallest economies in the world, which was worth a mere $4.6 billion in 2022. This lent South Sudan a GDP per capita of $326, which sits right at the bottom of the global ranking. South Sudan is one of the most unstable countries in the world, and its economy has been beset by years of civil war and famine.

28. Sudan

Living Costs Per Capita: $1,087

Sudan is South Sudan's northern neighbor and the two went their separate ways in 2011. It has a much larger economy though, which was worth $35.5 billion in 2023. Sudan's GDP per capita is also higher and sat at $533 during the same time period. Its economy suffered after independence due to South Sudan gaining access to the majority of Sudan's oil fields, and as of 2019, gold and oil seeds account for the bulk of Sudan's exports.

27. Benin

Living Costs Per Capita: $948

Benin is another African nation. While it has a relatively small GDP of $19.9 billion, a population of just 13.7 million lends it a higher GDP per capita of $1,449. Like several other African nations, and particularly those that are among the cheapest countries in the world, Benin relies on natural resources and agricultural products for most of its exports.

26. Angola

Living Costs Per Capita: $933

Angola has a high GDP per capita of $2,432 when compared to several African countries on our list. This is helped by its sizeable $93 billion GDP, which depends to a large extent on precious diamond and oil exports. However, Angola suffers from high income disparity and low development.

25. Lesotho

Living Costs Per Capita: $928

Lesotho is another mineral rich African nation. It has one of the smallest economies in the world, which was worth $2.3 billion in 2023. Lesotho's population of 2.2 million makes it one of the least populated countries in the world too. The economy relies on agriculture and diamond mining.

24. Guinea

Living Costs Per Capita: $914

Guinea is a West African nation with a $23.2 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $1,542. A mineral rich country, it relies primarily on aluminum and gold for its exports. Combined, these account for more than 90% of Guinea's exports, and leave the economy vulnerable to global industrial downturns.

23. Togo

Living Costs Per Capita: $805

Togo is one of the smallest countries in the world in terms of area as it covers a mere 56,785 square kilometers. Another African country, it has a $9.1 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $1,004. Agricultural and mineral products account for a sizeable chunk of its exports, with cotton, coffee, and phosphate playing key roles.

22. Ethiopia

Living Costs Per Capita: $784

Ethiopia is one of the biggest countries in the world in terms of both area and population. However, it has failed to utilize its high population of 129 million since the GDP is a rather low $205 billion for a country its size. Ethiopia's GDP per capita is $1,910. However, Ethiopia is somewhat developed, with a large portion of the population having access to electricity as it benefits from its sizeable water resources to generate power.

21. Tajikistan

Living Costs Per Capita: $778

Tajikistan is one of the few non African countries on our list of the cheapest countries in the world in 2024. Its GDP is $12.9 billion and the GDP per capita is $1,271. Like several countries in its region, such as Pakistan, Tajikistan relies quite a bit on foreign remittances sent by workers abroad to fund its economy. Tajikistan also has to depend on other countries for trade since it is a landlocked country.

20. Uganda

Living Costs Per Capita: $772

Uganda is another landlocked country. While it has a somewhat sizeable economy of $52 billion, a large population of 49 million lends Uganda a GDP per capita of $1,163. When compared to some of its African peers, Uganda also ranks relatively high in human development and income equality. Coffee, oil, and metals account for a large portion of Ugandan exports.

19. Mali

Living Costs Per Capita: $759

Mali is a large African country that covers an area of 1.2 million square kilometers. However, an equally large population of 21.9 million means that its GDP of $21 billion lends Mali a GDP per capita of $912. The country suffers from low levels of human development, and more than 90% of Mali's exports are of gold.

18. The Gambia

Living Costs Per Capita: $746

The Gambia is one of the smallest countries in the world with an area of just 11,300 square kilometers. It has a GDP of $2.3 billion, and a GDP per capita of $903. Agriculture plays a key role in its economy and accounts for more than a third of its economic output.

17. Guinea-Bissau

Living Costs Per Capita: $726

Guinea-Bissau is a West African country that covers an area of 36,125 square kilometers and has a population of 2 million. It also has one of the smallest GDPs in the world, which is estimated to sit at $2 billion. Guinea-Bissau's GDP per capita is $1,028, and the country has suffered from political conflict throughout its history.

16. Liberia

Living Costs Per Capita: $693

Liberia is another small African country. It benefits from having a coast with the Atlantic Ocean and has a GDP per capita of $800. The coast has allowed Liberia's ship registry industry to develop, as companies benefit from its lax labor laws and taxes to register ships under the Liberian flag.

15. Somalia

Living Costs Per Capita: $665

Somalia has a $12.8 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $775. Agriculture dominates the Somali economy and accounts for most of the labor and output. However, when it comes to Africa, Somalia has a robust telecommunications industry that has benefited from partnerships with Western carriers.

14. Rwanda

Living Costs Per Capita: $654

Rwanda is one of the smallest countries in the world with an area of roughly 26,000 square kilometers. However, its population of 13.6 million makes it quite densely populated with a population density of 517 people per kilometer square. Political turmoil has hampered its economy, and to date, Rwanda depends on exports for most of its economic output.

13. Syrian Arab Republic

Living Costs Per Capita: $607

Syria is one of the most war torn regions in the world. It has been suffering from a civil war since 2011, which has decimated its economy and caused it to shrink by more than 60%. War and sanctions have decimated Syria's key exports of oil and tourism, with some sources claiming that it now relies on illicit drugs to make up for the shortfall.

12. Chad

Living Costs Per Capita: $582

Chad is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of area as it covers 1.3 million square kilometers. It has a GDP of $12.5 billion and a GDP per capita of $702. Natural resources play a key role in Chad's economy, as more than two thirds of its exports are gold and oil.

11. Burkina Faso

Living Costs Per Capita: $568

Burkina Faso is a landlocked African country with a GDP of $20.7 billion and a GDP per capita of $888. Burkina Faso is one of the most food insecure countries in the world, with millions of children suffering from food insecurity. This is despite the fact that agriculture accounts for almost all of its economic output. Burkina Faso's exports are dominated by gold and other metals like zinc also play an important role.

10. Sierra Leone

Living Costs Per Capita: $567

Sierra Leone is another small African country in terms of both its area and its economy. It has a $4.6.billion economy, which lends it one of the lowest GDP per capita in the world at $527. Sierra Leone is rich in natural resources, and it depends on diamonds, titanium, and aluminum for its exports.

9. Tanzania

Living Costs Per Capita: $542

Tanzania is one of the least developed countries in the world as it ranks 167th on the human development index. It has a $84 billion economy and a relatively high GDP per capita of $1,326. A large portion of its exports and its economy are dependent on agriculture. However, Tanzania also has a strong energy and mining industry and it exports copious amounts of gold which stood at $3.3 billion in 2023.

8. Malawi

Living Costs Per Capita: $501

Malawi is a landlocked African country with a GDP worth $13.1 billion and a GDP per capita of just $579. While most of its population is part of the agriculture industry, services industries such as tourism, telecommunications, and banking account for most of its economic output.

7. Zambia

Living Costs Per Capita: $470

Zambia has an economy of $29.5 billion and a GDP per capita of $1,435 which places it relatively high on our list of the cheapest countries in the world. The country suffers from high levels of income inequality. Like several of its African peers, it also relies heavily on mineral exports. 48% of Zambia's exports are copper, which leaves it vulnerable to global industrial slowdowns. Apart from mining, agriculture also plays a key role in the Zambian economy, with tobacco and wheat being some key crops.

6. Niger

Living Costs Per Capita: $451

Niger is a West African country with a $17 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $630 - which is one of the lowest in the world. Most of its exports depend on gold, and oil seeds and chemicals also play important roles. Historically, it was also a major uranium exporter, but over time, Niger's prosperity has dwindled due to a drop in global uranium prices.

5. Central African Republic

Living Costs Per Capita: $409

Central African Republic, or CAR, is one of the least densely populated countries in the world. It has an area of 622,984 square kilometers but a population of 5.5 million lends it a density of just 7.1 people per square kilometer. CAR also has one of the smallest economies in the world, which was worth $2.7 billion and lent it a GDP per capita of $539. Its underdeveloped economy is evident by the fact that food crops dominate the country. Wood is also a major CAR export.

4. Madagascar

Living Costs Per Capita: $401

Madagascar is a coastal country that is one of the largest island nations in the world. It has a $15.7 billion economy and a GDP per capita of $529. As well as being one of the cheapest countries in the world, Madagascar is also one of the poorest countries, and most of its population lives below the poverty line. Agriculture and tourism are key sectors of its economy, and on the latter front, Madagascar benefits from its unique biodiversity and island status.

3. Mozambique

Living Costs Per Capita: $379

Mozambique is a coastal African country that has a $21.9 billion economy. It has a GDP per capita of $647. Despite vast natural resources and natural biodiversity that can expand into a vibrant tourism industry, Mozambique, like its other African peers, has suffered from corruption and conflict which have hampered its economic growth.

2. Democratic Republic of Congo

Living Costs Per Capita: $291

The Democratic Republic of Congo, or DRC, is one of the largest countries in the world in terms of area. It covers an area of 2.3 million square kilometers and also benefits from a sizeable population of 109 million. The DRC has an economy of $73 billion and a GDP per capita of $714. The economy is dependent on mining, and some even believe that the DRC could be the 'world's Saudi Arabia' for the EV revolution due to its vast resources of cobalt.

1. Burundi

Living Costs Per Capita: $267

Burundi is a small African country that covers an area of just 27,834 square kilometers. It is also one of the poorest nations in the world, and a $3.1 billion economy lends it a paltry GDP per capita of $245. Dominated by colonialism throughout its history, Burundi gained independence in 1962. Nearly all Burundians are employed in agriculture, and instead of focusing on cash crops, they produce food crops for their sustenance. Burundi has also often ranked as the world's poorest country, and its major exports are coffee and tea. Like other underdeveloped countries, Burundi also suffers from large current account deficits. According to the World Bank, while the value of Burundi's exports is $164 million, its imports are $1 billion.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. 30 Cheapest Countries in the World in 2024 was originally published at Insider Monkey. All investment decisions should be made after consulting a qualified professional.
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Democratic U.S. Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse and Republican challenger Patricia Morgan have agreed to a debate hosted by 12 News, the station announced Tuesday.

The Oct. 18 face-off is currently the only scheduled debate between the two Senate candidates. Whitehouse was first elected in 2006 and is seeking a fourth six-year term, while Morgan is a state representative and former candidate for governor.

The Senate debate is one of three that 12 News will hold in our studios between now and Election Day, along with debates between the mayoral candidates in Woonsocket and Cranston.

All three debates will be moderated by Target 12 Chief Investigative Reporter Tim White and 12 News Politics Editor Ted Nesi. They will air as special commercial-free editions of Newsmakers and be available to stream on WPRI.com.

Woonsocket Mayor Debate

Friday, Oct. 11, at 6:30 p.m. on FOX Providence

Rhode Island U.S. Senate Debate

Friday, Oct. 18, at 7 p.m. on FOX Providence

Cranston Mayor Debate

Friday, Oct. 25, at 6:30 p.m. on FOX Providence

Our newsroom is committed to ensuring viewers have all the information they need about where the candidates stand when they go to the polls, said News Director Karen Rezendes. These debates are an important part of how we fulfill that mission.

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A mother is upset after her 12-year-old was arrested for allegedly making bomb threats at an Ohio school.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Deputies were notified about the alleged bomb threat at Thomas Ewing Junior High in Lancaster on Friday, according to our news partners at WBNS.

After an investigation, the boy was arrested on charges of inducing panic.

TRENDING STORIES:

According to an incident report, deputies searched the boy and did not find any bombs.

He was secured and the sheriffs office said they did not place the school on lockdown because there was no threat.

The boy was making beeping noises to imitate a bomb and was alleged to have said Allah Akbar, according to the incident report.

His mother says he is innocent, that there is no evidence against him, and that he should not have been held , according to WBNS.

I believe they need to develop a better strategy. There were different steps and measures they were supposed to take when a child came to them with an allegation. They cant just arrest children over allegations, they need to have evidence. It needs to be looked into, the mom said.

The boy will be back in court next month.

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120 More Lawsuits To Be Filed Against Diddy, Including By Alleged Victim Who Was 9

Attorneys announced on Tuesday that they intend to file at least 120 lawsuits on behalf of people who say they were sexually abused by Sean Diddy Combs and his associates.

Houston attorney Tony Buzbee spoke next to sexual abuse victims advocates and co-counsel Andrew Van Arsdale, of AVA Law Group, at a press conference and added that many of the alleged victims have already spoken to law enforcement authorities, including the FBI.

The attorneys are now in the process of collecting police reports and medical records from hospitals, according to Buzbee. Some of the alleged victims had drugs found in their system when they sought medical treatment following the sexual abuse, he said.

One drug in particular that kept showing up in the alleged victims test results was xylazine, also known as tranq, a non-opioid sedative.

He said most of the alleged victims they represent had been scared to speak out until Combs was arrested and indicted by federal authorities in September. He has pleaded not guilty.

They fear backlash in their communities, they fear backlash in their own families. They are afraid of retaliation from the perpetrators and their associates. They are rightly afraid for their own personal safety, Buzbee said. I expect that through this process, many powerful people will be exposed, many dirty secrets will be revealed.

The attorneys said more than 3,000 people reached out to them about possible abuse, and they now represent 120 accusers.The alleged victims come from more than 25 states with a majority of them living in California, New York, Georgia and Florida.

Theyre coming forward now because they finally feel a bit safer that hes behind bars, Andrew Van Arsdale, managing partner of AVA Law Group, told HuffPost following the press conference. His influence and control over their livelihood and maybe physical health is waning, and so theyre coming forward in the numbers they are.

According to Buzbee, Combs alleged victims are evenly split between women and men, with about 62% of them identifying as African Americans, 30% identifying as white, and the remainder either Asian or Hispanic, he added.

Although each case is different, a common theme involves the alleged victim being lured into a situation where they were given a laced drink at a party before being sexually abused by Combs or his associates while other people watched.

One individual who was 22 at the time told attorneys that if you refused the drink, you were kicked out of the party, according to Buzbee. He said much of the sexual abuse happened at auditions or parties, including album releases and Combs all white parties, some at well-known venues in New York City.

Those who reached out to Combs or his associates following the abuse were sometimes threatened with physical violence or financial repercussions. Buzbee added that the associates who witnessed or helped perpetrate the abuse include individuals whose names are publicly known.

I would imagine, as we speak here, there are a myriad of people who are very nervous, Buzbee said. You cant hide skeletons in the closet forever. I would expect there are many people out there right now who are desperately searching their memories as they delete their texts and data.

Buzbee said at least 25 were minors at the time of the alleged abuse, with the youngest being 9 years old. The attorney said the child was brought to New York City by Combs record label, Bad Boy Records, for an audition, but was sexually abused by Combs and his associates at the studio. The boy was promised that he and his parents would get a record deal, Buzbee said.

The victims cases will be filed individually against Combs and may also include corporate entities such as banks, pharmaceutical companies and hotels who Buzbee said profited off the abuse.

An attorney for Diddy did not immediately respond to HuffPosts request for comment. He has previously said Diddy is eager to tell his story and has denied allegations of other sexual abuse lawsuits.

Need help? Visit RAINNs National Sexual Assault Online Hotline or the National Sexual Violence Resource Centers website.

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CHICAGO  A 15-year-old boy was held in custody after a Tuesday court appearance on a charge connected to the shooting death of an on-duty USPS letter carrier on the citys Far South Side in July.

The boy faces one felony count of first-degree murder in the fatal shooting of 48-year-old Octavia Redmond. According to police, the deadly shooting unfolded on July 19 in the 12100 block of South Harvard Avenue in the West Pullman neighborhood.

Surveillance video shows person of interest wanted in connection with deadly shooting of letter carrier in West Pullman

Following a months-long investigation by Chicago detectives, the 15-year-old was identified as the shooter in Redmonds death. He was arrested by the Chicago Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Great Lakes Regional Fugitive Task Force on Monday on the 800 block of Walford Road in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, and extradited to Chicago, authorities said.

The judge overseeing the teens case says the boy was out on juvenile release at the time of the shooting for an attempted burglary case in February. A warrant had been issued for the teen in May because he couldnt be located.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors said the boy was dressed in all black the day of the shooting. They say he went to the home of a witness to change his shoes, and they said the boys cell phone records showed he was sending messages about Redmonds delivery route and location before he got out of a stolen white Dodge Durango and shot Redmond multiple times. The shooting was captured by a home surveillance camera. The gun used in the shooting has already been linked to a separate battery case.

The teens father joined court via video and told the judge that his son just doesnt stay put. When the teen began crying in court, the judge inquired why. The teen didnt answer.

It is sad that we are facing attacks, said Louis Rivas, the president of the Illinois State Association of Letter Carriers. Since 2020 theres been more than 2,000 attacks on postal employees, over 150 since 2022 in the Chicago district alone, resulting the deaths of sister Redmond and about four other people across the country.

Redmond was a Chicago resident who had worked as a letter carrier for the United States Postal Service for five years. The arrest in her death comes on the United Postal Workers Unions Day of Action. At a rally in Roseland, where Redmond served as an employee, members spoke on the need for increased safety measures, including the need for postal police officers to follow employees while theyre out making deliveries.

Right now were calling on action for more safety protection for letter carriers while were out here. We should not have to face the difficult task of ever wondering, If I come to work, will I return home to my family?' said Elise Foster, the president of the National Association of Letter Carriers.

Redmonds family attended Tuesdays court hearing but declined to comment. The teens next court appearance was scheduled for November 1.

In response to WGNs questions, a USPS spokesman said the agency respects employees rights to express their opinions and participate in informational picketing while off the clock. With specific regard to the employees Day of Action, the spokesman issued the following statement:

Through our Delivering for America investments, we have built capacity into our processing, logistics, and delivery infrastructure to meet customers evolving mail and package needs. We are executing on strategies to pull together the people, technology, transportation, equipment, and facilities into a well-integrated and streamlined mail and package network.

We have worked hard in past 3 years to stabilize our workforce. We have converted more than 191,000 pre-career employees to career status since January 2021.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
A 15-year-old has been arrested in Iowa and charged with murder in the shooting death of a mail carrier in Chicago over the summer, police said Tuesday.

Octavia Redmond, 48, was shot on her route on Chicagos South Side on July 19. A juvenile got out of a stolen SUV, approached her and shot her multiple times at close range before fleeing in the vehicle, according to the U.S. Postal Service. Redmond died at a hospital.

The Chicago Police Department said in a news release that Chicago officers, along with U.S. marshals, arrested the teenager Monday in Cedar Rapids on a murder warrant. He was extradited to Chicago, where he has been charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder.

Police said in a post on X that investigators used footage from police and private cameras to identify the teen and trace his movements before and after the shooting. The department said that investigators also received an anonymous tip identifying him and that they are searching for additional offenders.

Police did not answer a question about whether the teen has an attorney. The Cook County States Attorney Office didnt immediately respond to an email.

The Postal Service is offering a $250,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of any suspects.

When members of our postal family are targeted, postal inspectors will not rest until justice is delivered on behalf of the victims, their families, and our postal community, Ruth Mendonca, inspector in charge of the U.S. Postal Inspection Services Chicago division, said in a news release Tuesday. This arrest is the first step in securing justice for Mrs. Redmond. We hope this brings the Redmond family some semblance of relief. As our investigation continues, we maintain our call to the public to come forward with any information that may continue to bring those responsible to justice.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
CHICAGO (AP)  A 15-year-old has been arrested in Iowa and charged with murder in the shooting death of a mail carrier in Chicago over the summer, police said Tuesday.

Octavia Redmond, 48, was shot on her route on Chicagos South Side on July 19. The shooter fled in a vehicle.

The Chicago Police Department said in a news release that Chicago officers, along with U.S. marshals, arrested the teenager Monday in Cedar Rapids on a murder warrant. He was extradited to Chicago, where he has been charged as a juvenile with first-degree murder.

Police said in a post on X that investigators used footage from police and private cameras to identify the teen and trace his movements before and after the shooting. The department said that investigators also received an anonymous tip identifying him and that they are searching for additional offenders.

Police did not answer a question about whether the teen has an attorney. The Cook County States Attorney Office didnt immediately respond to an email.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
A 17-year-old who was fatally shot in Mansfield last month was killed during a firearms swap, court documents show.

Police responded to the 800 block of Cutting Horse Drive around 4:40 p.m. on Sept. 19 after a 911 caller reported seeing a body lying in the street. The caller, who said they were seeing the body through a home surveillance camera, said it looks like a kid, according to the suspects arrest warrant affidavits obtained Tuesday by the Star-Telegram.

The 17-year-old victim, who has been identified as Julious David Rogers, was pronounced dead from gunshot wounds at a local hospital, according to the Tarrant County Medical Examiners Office website. His death has been ruled a homicide.

The detective investigating the case learned from Julious aunt that the 17-year-old had been building a firearm. The day he was killed hed asked his uncle via text to go with him to meet someone. Hed also asked his uncle for a gun, presumably due to safety concerns, the warrants state.

Julious uncle wasnt able to go with him or provide a gun, according to the warrants.

Investigators said they found messages on Julious phone that appeared to be price negotiations for buying, selling and swapping firearms and firearm accessories. One message, sent from Julious phone, shows a hand holding ammunition for an M4 carbine assault rifle.

The most recent communication occurred less than 30 minutes before the teen was shot. Four minutes after the last text, investigators saw that Julious had sent $110 via Cash App, the warrants state.

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Home surveillance video captured Julious speaking with the occupants of a silver Acura MDX. The vehicle was traced to an apartment complex in Dallas on Sept. 20, and officers detained 21-year-old Elijah Hatton when he entered the vehicle.

According to the warrant, Hatton initially denied being in Mansfield the previous day, until a detective showed him a still shot of his vehicle taken from the home surveillance camera. Hatton then admitted he was there, but said he didnt have anything to do with the shooting, court documents state.

A short time later, Hatton changed his story and told police the shooting was done in self defense. He told investigators he had driven a friend to Mansfield for a gun swap, his arrest warrant states. He said he didnt overhear the conversation between his friend and the victim, but he saw a big gun get pointed at them.

According to Hatton, the victim was trying to rob his friend and the two were struggling over the gun, the warrant states. Hatton told police that he grabbed his own gun and shot Julious twice in the shoulder before driving off.

Hatton said he didnt know what happened to his own pistol or the AR-style firearm he said he saw during the struggle or the pistol that was to be exchanged, according to the warrant. No firearms were located at the scene, police said.

Hatton denied knowing anything about the $110 Julious sent over Cash App. He said he didnt know the name of the friend he had taken to Mansfield, but provided police with the friends phone number. That number matched the phone number connected with the Cash App account that had received the money from Julious, the warrant states.

The owner of the Cash App account was found to be Michael Spencer. Detectives from the Mansfield Police Department and the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force arrested 19-year-old Spencer on Sept. 25.

Hatton and Spencer are being held in the Tarrant County Jail on $200,000 bonds, according to court records. They both face a murder charge.

According to the warrant, information gathered about the case shows Julious agreed to pay Spencer $110 extra to leave the switch on the Glock that was to be exchanged.

A Cash App transaction shows Julious paying the agreed upon amount before the struggle takes place, the detective wrote in the warrant. This leads me to believe that Julious was not the involved party attempting to commit a robbery.

Julious is survived by his parents and six siblings, according to an online obituary.

Julious was a bright, intelligent and strong young man that loved music, his family wrote in the obituary. He was a devoted big brother that loved to spend time with his family. Julious truly lived his life to the fullest through simple pleasures; chatting with friends and family, snacking, and speaking time with his cousins. Julious had a huge sense of humor and would definitely make you laugh.
NORTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  Police have arrested two men accused of sexually assaulting two 12-year-old girls in North Kingstown over the weekend.

Officers rushed to a parking lot off of Marine Road early Saturday morning after a young girl called and claimed she and her friend were assaulted near the bike path.

Investigators believe the girls were at a home in Coventry when one of the men contacted them via a public Snapchat account. Through the Snapchat account, police said the men arranged to pick the girls up at a nearby park and drive them to North Kingstown.

Police said the victims told officers the two men sexually assaulted them both inside the vehicle and outside in the parking lot.

The suspects abandoned the car and left the girls alone in the parking lot after the reported assaults. The girls indicated that the men had set up a tent at a nearby beach, according to police.

Both suspects were eventually found at the beach, along with a 12-year-old boy who appeared intoxicated. Detectives learned the men had plied the boy, who was known to both of them, with marijuana and alcohol.

The men, identified by police as 19-year-olds Dustin Buckley and Austin Sumner, were taken into custody and are facing numerous charges, including several counts of first-degree child molestation sexual assault.

Buckley and Sumner are currently being held without bail.

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(WPRI)  Massachusetts voters could be changing a graduation requirement for high schoolers when they cast their ballots in November.

A yes vote on Question 2 of the states 2024 Ballot Questions would eliminate the requirement that students must pass the Massachusetts Comprehensive Assessment System (MCAS) tests in order to graduate.

MORE: Question 4 could legalize use of psychedelic substances in Mass.

Those in favor of eliminating the requirement say the tests dont measure other kinds of achievements like a students GPA or teacher assessments. The proponents also say eliminating the requirement will allow educators to focus on teaching more important skills instead of teaching to a test.

Those opposed to eliminating the testing requirement say its unfair to let students graduate if they arent ready. The opponents also say some school districts may lower their standards if the MCAS requirement is dropped.

Deb McCarthy is the vice president of the Massachusetts Teachers Association (MTA) and supports voting yes on Question 2.

Our students take assessments all the time, McCarthy said. But they should not have one assessment deny them the opportunity of getting a diploma, which is a life changing event for some of our students.

Bill Runey, superintendent of Dighton-Rehoboth Regional Schools, thinks taking away the MCAS requirement will negatively impact academic achievement.

Massachusetts is ranked one of the highest, if not the highest, in the nation, Runey explained. As far as academic performance, I still feel that there needs to be a level of accountability for our students to be able to take this seriously.

Read more about the Massachusetts 2024 Ballot Questions here.

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2 men believed to be responsible for over 30 burglaries in Southern California arrested

Authorities in the Inland Empire have arrested two men believed to have committed dozens of commercial robberies throughout Southern California.

According to the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department, deputies first began investigating an afterhours burglary of a business in Bloomington on Sept. 1.

In that instance, two suspects forced their way inside by prying open a metal security screen and smashing the front door. They stole lottery tickets, alcohol and cigarettes before fleeing the scene in a dark gray Tesla, SBSD said.

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Deputies continued to respond to other burglaries in the Bloomington area involving the same suspects and vehicle in the following days; each time, the pair stole cash, lottery tickets, high-end alcohol, registers and ATM machines.

During the course of their investigation, deputies identified the suspects as Marvin Tyrone Denson, 21, and Justice Clayton, 23, both of Los Angeles.

As Fontana Station investigators were looking into the series of burglaries, they learned [the suspects] were involved in numerous other burglaries in Victor Valley, Chino Hills, Rancho Cucamonga, Highland, Colton and Ontario, SBSD said in a media release, adding that the two were also linked to commercial burglaries in Los Angeles and Riverside counties. Fontana Station investigators worked closely with several outside law enforcement agencies whose jurisdictions were believed to be impacted by similar burglary incidents.

Arrest warrants were obtained for Denson and Clayton and search warrants were authored for three residences associated with the pair, one in Victorville and two in L.A, all of which were served without incident, SBSD said.

The worst pain possible: Southern California mom loses 2 kids to fentanyl

The search warrants led to the discovery of numerous license plates, reciprocating saws, sledgehammers and pry tools suspected to have been used in the commission of the crimes, deputies stated. Large quantities of U.S. currency, two semi-automatic rifles  one of which was reported stolen from Victorville  an AR-15, a 9mm handgun, suspected stolen [goods] and the Tesla used in the crimes were also discovered.

Denson and Clayton were both booked into the West Valley Detention Center for burglary, conspiracy and committing felony while on bail.

Inmate search records indicate Denson is being held on $50,000 bail with his first court appearance set for Wednesday.

Clayton, whose first court appearance is also Wednesday, is being held on no bail, according to inmate search records.

Speeding motorcycle crashes after pursuit; suspect arrested with drugs

Investigators believe that the two are responsible for over 30 commercial burglaries in San Bernardino, Los Angeles and Riverside counties, and they are asking anyone with information to contact the Fontana Sheriffs Station.

To report information anonymously, call We-Tip (1-800-782-7463) or visit www.wetip.com

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Tyler Le/BI

US electric demand is rising, fueled by everything from data centers to electrified transportation, says BofA.

By 2035, as much as 300 gigawatts of effective capacity could be required to power the nation.

This means upside for five national utility stocks, the bank said.

With resources flooding into infrastructure and tech, US electric demand is charging up. As the economy becomes more power-hungry, Bank of America considers momentum energized for five key utility stocks.

"There is now evidence that demand growth has returned, driven by the re-shoring of industry, the development of data and crypto mining centers and the electrification of buildings, transportation, and infrastructure," analysts wrote on Monday.

Though power consumption has ebbed over the past two decades, the bank anticipates that the US will require 100 gigawatts of effective capacity by 2035. That indicates a 1.5% nationwide annual growth rate, compared to 0.5% between 2015 and 2024.

Under BofA's high-case scenario, however, power demand could require as much as 300 gigawatts instead.

Among factors driving this trend is artificial intelligence. The bank previously cited that this alone could require as much as 28 gigawatts of effective capacity by 2026.

While this will vary dramatically per region, analysts listed five utility firms that stand to benefit from the acceleration: Sempra, Northwestern Energy, Pinnacle West, Entergy, and TXNM.

1. Entergy stands to gain 3.6% from current levels, based on BofA's price objective of $138 per share. That's based on a 2026 sum-of-the-parts analysis and expectations that the utility firm's 15.4-times price-to-earnings ratio will rise over 5%.

In 2024, the electric distributor has soared over 30% year-to-date. It has already played a role in the emerging buildout of AI data centers and has helped expand the power-charging grid for electric vehicles.

2. Sempra will rise 13% based on the bank's $94 share target. Goldman Sachs has similarly touted this infrastructure firm, noting the company's significant spending to support data center growth in Texas.

3. Northwestern Energy could similarly jump over 13% to reach a $65 price target, Bofa says.

"We value NWE at an in-line multiple given improving regulatory treatment in Montana and sector-average EPS growth with no equity dilution, with upside likely occurring in 2026 onwards," analysts wrote. "Between a more constructive regulatory construct and a strong balance sheet, we see NWE as differentiated relative to other small cap utilities."

Story continues

4. Pinnacle West will climb 4.6% under BofA's price objective of $93 per share. The bank has previously touted PNW among high-quality, value stocks worth owning to hedge against volatility.

5. TXNM Energy is set to increase 10% from current levels, reaching a price target of $48 per share.

Read the original article on Business Insider
2 people charged after officers find more than quarter-pound of cocaine in White Hall hotel room

WHITE HALL, W.Va. (WBOY)  Two people were charged after officers found more than a quarter of a pound of cocaine at a hotel room in White Hall.

On Sept. 30, officers with the White Hall Police Department executed a search warrant at a room at the Red Roof Inn, according to a criminal complaint. The room was being occupied by Benjamin Coffin, 50, and Brittney Jones, 32, at the time of the search, officers said.

Benjamin Coffin

Brittney Jones

Man accused of stabbing victim with sword during argument in Clarksburg

During the search, officers located 123.5 grams (more than a quarter of a pound) of a substance which tested positive for cocaine, as well as $5,436 in cash and several sets of scales, according to the complaint.

Coffin and Jones have been charged with possession with intent to deliver a controlled substance. They are being held in North Central Regional Jail.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  Two Socorro Independent School District (SISD) employees were arrested and charged this month after they both sexually abused a student during two separate incidents, according to court documents obtained by KTSM.

Rodolfo Laureano, 52, a school bus driver at SISD, and David Hernandez, 36, a school security officer at SISD, have both been placed on administrative leave after they both inappropriately touched a student this month.

Rodolfo Laureano, 52, a school bus driver at SISD.

During the first instance, a school bus surveillance footage showed that Laureano was operating a SISD school bus on Tuesday evening, Sept. 17. A 10-year-old, fifth-grade female student was the only other occupant on the bus when the incident occurred, according to court documents.

Court documents say Laureano asked the child for gum, to which the victim said she did not have any. Laureano asked the child to walk to the front of the bus to show him that she did not have gum, which is when he inappropriately touched the victim, court documents said.

The child then returned to her seat, which was located in the front row of the school bus and to the right of Laureano.

After the child returned to her seat, Laureano grabbed the childs hand and pulled her towards him which is when he inappropriately touched the child under her shirt. Laureano also attempted to kiss the victim before dropping her off at the designated drop-off location, according to court documents.

After the victim exited the school bus, Laureano is seen in the surveillance footage placing both hands on his head with excitement. He then is seen staring directly into the surveillance camera and then begins to hit the steering wheel with his fist and repeatedly say, What are you doing? according to court documents.

David Hernandez, 36, a school security officer at SISD.

During the second instance, a 15-year-old student from Eastlake High School told an SISD police officer that Hernandez had recently inappropriately touched her at the softball field, according to court documents.

The student told the officer that she usually has lunch in the morning at the softball field to be alone.

The student said she was at the softball field on Wednesday morning, Sept. 18, when Hernandez drove up in a utility vehicle. Hernandez began asking the student questions about herself and also asked the student if she had any social media accounts, according to court documents.

Hernandez then made an inappropriate comment about the type of shirt the student was wearing and inappropriately touched the student under her shirt and gestured for the student to take a picture of Hernandez touching her, according to court documents.

Hernandez also inappropriately touched himself over his clothing and showed the student an inappropriate video of himself, according to court documents.

Surveillance camera footage showed Hernandez arriving at the softball field in a utility vehicle during the students lunchtime.

Both men were arrested by the Socorro Independent School District and charged with indecency of a child.

As we have previously reported, a Clarke Middle School math teacher was also recently arrested twice on several sexual abuse charges involving children.

Docs: SISD math teacher faces child sex abuse charges

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
20 accounts of Helenes devastation in North Carolina, including the western mountains

The devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina is immense, with significant flooding, power outages, and road closures affecting the region.

The storm, which initially struck Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, has left more than 100 people dead across six states, with at least 30 fatalities reported in North Carolinas Buncombe County, home to Asheville.

Severe damage to infrastructure, including washed-out highways and submerged substations, is hampering recovery efforts.

Emergency responders, including the Red Cross and the North Carolina National Guard, are actively conducting rescue and relief operations.

Disruptions to cell service and electricity are widespread, complicating communication and aid distribution. In response, local officials and organizations are rallying to provide essential resources and support to affected communities.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

A washed out bridge over the Swannanoa River in Black Mountain on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina.

No. 1: Tuesday updates from western NC after Helene: Power outages, road closures, recovery efforts

The devastation was beyond belief, NC Governor Roy Cooper said. Heres what to know on Tuesday. | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted, Adam Wagner and Richard Stradling

No. 2: Photos: Search for victims of apocalyptic flooding in NC continues with many still cut off from help

Helene kills at least 11 in Western NC, cutting power, water and communications | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott Sharpe







No. 3: Tree that killed 1 when Helene hit Charlotte shouldve been cut down already, neighbor says

Part of the tree that killed one person in Helene had fallen onto another house months ago. It probably should have been chopped down then, a neighbor said. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin

No. 4: Four critically hurt after tornado associated with Helene hits Eastern NC city

Multiple injuries have been reported at restaurants in Nash County after a tornado touched down. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Adam Wagner

No. 5: Trying to reach a missing person impacted by Helene in NC? What to do and who to call

Heres how to submit a missing persons report and request a rescue or welfare check for someone potentially in danger due to the storm. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Chyna Blackmon

No. 6: Girl, 4, killed in wreck during Hurricane Helene rains, NC State Highway Patrol says

The girl died after two SUVs collided after one crossed the center line during heavy rains, trooper says. | Published September 26, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

No. 7: See photos and video from Helenes devastation in the mountains of western NC

See photos and video of the destruction wrought from flooding across the NC mountains | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Scott Sharpe

No. 8: How Helenes destruction could affect voting in North Carolinas election

With the postal service on pause and roads washed away, all forms of voting could be disrupted. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Kyle Ingram

No. 9: A county by county look at Helenes devastation in western NC

Were gathering what we know of the damage in each county in Western North Carolina. Here is an evolving snapshot of Helenes toll. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Evan Moore

No. 10: See Hurricane Helene storm damage across North Carolina as flooding hits western NC

A look at Charlotte and western North Carolina as Hurricane Helene moves through the region. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by The Pham

No. 11: Help The N&O document the aftermath and damage of Hurricane Helene in North Carolina

This is a historic moment. Help us document the stories of people and places impacted by Hurricane Helene in our state by sharing your photos and videos. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Laura Brache

No. 12: Helenes devastation changed everything about their wedding, except the important part

The wedding in Lake Lure was both a demonstration of the kind of flexibility marriage requires and a desperately needed bit of joy in the face of a natural disaster. | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Martha Quillin

No. 13: Watch videos as Helene causes major flooding throughout the NC mountains

See video from flooding in multiple spots across the mountains of Western North Carolina. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Travis Long

No. 14: How to help people and volunteer in NC in Hurricane Helene aftermath

Some got out of floodwaters on a kayak. Some are still waiting for an airlift. Hurricane Helenes NC victims have a long swim to recovery ahead. Heres how to help. | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin

No. 15: Tornado with 90 mph winds hit popular NC mountain tourist town before Helene, NWS says

The tornado knocked down and snapped trees in Blowing Rock, blew tents apart during severe weather system, NWS investigators found. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Joe Marusak

No. 16: Cut off by Helene in Western NC, Rep. Foxx calls for more aid for her district

Helene didnt spare Rep. Virginia Foxxs Banner Elk community. Now shes urging Gov. Roy Cooper to bring more National Guardsmen to Western North Carolina. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Danielle Battaglia







No. 17: Apocalyptic damage: Helene kills at least 30 in Western NC, severs power, water, roads

At least 30 people have died in Buncombe County alone, the sheriff announced Sunday. | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin

No. 18: Western North Carolina communities hope for some sort of lifeline after Helene damage

The situation is dire. Many North Carolina communities havent had fresh water, internet or cell service for multiple days. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Oehrli

No. 19: Flooding, evacuations after Helene plows Western NC; officials say stay off roads

Hundreds of thousands were without power, with county roads flooded or blocked by fallen limbs and trees. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Ryan Oehrli

No. 20: Panthers David & Nicole Tepper pledge Hurricane Helene relief donation for Carolinas

The David & Nicole Tepper Foundation, with the Carolina Panthers and Charlotte FC, has pledged an initial commitment to provide relief for those impacted by Hurricane Helene in the Carolinas. | Published September 28, 2024 | Read Full Story by Mike Kaye

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
Incarcerated women make phone calls. A new report details more than 200 cases of women charged criminally for their behavior while pregnant in the year after the 2022 U.S. Supreme Court decision that dismantled the constitutional right to abortion. (John Moore/Getty Images)

In the year after the U.S. Supreme Court dismantled the constitutional right to abortion in June 2022, more than 200 pregnant women faced criminal charges for conduct associated with their pregnancy, pregnancy loss or birth, according to a new report.

The report was produced by Pregnancy Justice, a nonprofit that advocates for the rights of pregnant people, including the right to abortion. Researchers in multiple states documented 210 cases of women being charged for pregnancy-related conduct in 12 states from June 24, 2022, to June 23, 2023, the first year after the U.S. Supreme Court eliminated the constitutional right to an abortion, throwing the issue to the states.

The majority of charges alleged substance use during pregnancy; in two-thirds of cases, it was the only allegation made against the defendant. Six states  Alabama, Mississippi, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Carolina and Texas  accounted for the majority of cases documented by researchers.

The new report utilizes improved data collection, making comparisons with previous versions difficult. But what we found was even more of an acceleration in pregnancy criminalization as compared to before the Supreme Courts ruling, said Lourdes Rivera, president of Pregnancy Justice. Rivera said she thinks that in states with abortion bans or new restrictions, there is more scrutiny of pregnancy loss.

Whats driving pregnancy criminalization is the expansion of fetal personhood.

 Lourdes Rivera, president, Pregnancy Justice

However, almost none of the prosecutions documented by researchers were brought under state abortion laws. Instead, researchers found that law enforcement most often charged pregnant women with crimes such as child neglect or endangerment, interpreting the definition of child to include a fetus. In doing so, authorities relied on a legal concept called fetal personhood  the idea that a fetus, embryo or fertilized egg has the same legal rights as a person who has been born.

If we focus only on abortion laws, we miss a crucial part of the picture in the fact that pregnant individuals are being criminalized for allegedly endangering their own pregnancies, for pregnancy loss and, in some cases, for conduct related to abortion, Rivera said. Whats driving pregnancy criminalization is the expansion of fetal personhood.

Charges of child abuse or endangerment carry stiffer penalties  higher fines and lengthier prison sentences  than the low-level drug charges the women likely would have faced had they not been pregnant.

Pregnancy-related prosecutions dont generally charge crimes that, on the face of the criminal statute, have anything whatsoever to do with pregnancy, said Wendy Bach, a professor at the University of Tennessee College of Law and the reports principal investigator. Instead, using the idea of fetal personhood, or more specifically the idea that the fetus can be the victim of a crime perpetrated by the pregnant person, they use that theory to charge general crimes.

The push for charges

Conservative lawmakers in Alaska, Illinois, Missouri, South Carolina and West Virginia introduced fetal personhood bills in the most recent legislative session, though none made it out of committee. In Nebraska, dueling amendments will appear on the ballot. One would codify the right to abortion until fetal viability, about 24 weeks. The other would amend the state constitution to restrict abortion to 12 weeks and protect unborn children in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy.

Proponents of charging pregnant women for conduct that could harm a fetus argue that the threat of prosecution incentivizes the women to get care or treatment for substance use disorders.

Jody Willoughby, the Republican district attorney in Etowah County, Alabama, which has long had some of the highest numbers of pregnancy-related arrests in the country, has said publicly that his office prosecutes cases because doing nothing would make his office an enabler of a deadly addiction, complicit in the abuse of a child, and ultimately lead to the death of a mother, local news outlet AL.com reported in 2022. Willoughby did not respond to Statelines requests for comment.

But critics say the arrests and prosecutions deter people from seeking care for fear theyll be arrested or lose custody of their children. The majority of defendants identified in the report had low incomes; most were white.

All six of the states that accounted for most of the cases cited in the study have fetal personhood language baked into their laws. Seventeen states have laws with broad fetal personhood language that could apply to all criminal laws, according to an analysis by Pregnancy Justice.

When it comes to prosecuting pregnant women, Alabama leads the nation: The state accounts for nearly half of the prosecutions documented in the report. Alabama has a constitutional amendment, approved by voters in 2018, that explicitly confers personhood on fetuses and affirms the states responsibility to protect the rights of unborn children. All the cases documented in Alabama were brought under its chemical endangerment law, which the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in 2013 can include fetuses.

Most of Alabamas cases come from just a few counties. They were long considered outliers, places where a handful of overzealous officials liberally applied the states chemical endangerment law to hundreds of pregnant women.

But Brittany VandeBerg, who led the research in Alabama, said that chemical endangerment charges have popped up in a dozen more Alabama counties since the Dobbs ruling.

In each county the district attorney really steers the ship as far as what type of priorities they have in their office for prosecutions, said VandeBerg, who is associate chair of the department of criminology and criminal justice at the University of Alabama. I dont know if the elected district attorneys feel this is what the community wants, or if its their own personal feelings. But the system is in place to move those cases forward.

VandeBerg said Alabama provides relatively meager resources for people struggling with addiction. That leaves law enforcement feeling like they have no options other than to arrest and jail women with substance use disorders, she said.

There just arent enough inpatient treatment facilities to help these women, VandeBerg told Stateline.

One of the things that stuck out to VandeBerg in reviewing cases was the large share of incidents in which a pregnant woman was charged with chemical endangerment even though her baby exhibited no signs of harm after it was born.

I found that incredibly shocking, said VandeBerg, who noted that Alabamas chemical endangerment law can result in a 10-year prison sentence  much longer than some domestic violence crimes carry. Here, theyre charging the mother before we know harm has been done.

Defendant exonerated

In July, an Oklahoma court exonerated a woman whod been charged with felony child neglect in 2020 after her son tested positive for marijuana at birth. Prosecutors pursued the case even though her baby was born healthy, and shed had a doctor-approved state license to legally use medical marijuana to treat severe morning sickness during the pregnancy.

Brian Hermanson, an Oklahoma Republican district attorney whos prosecuted dozens of women in his district in similar circumstances, used fetal personhood language in his legal argument.

Marijuana is an illegal drug under Oklahoma law unless the person consuming the marijuana holds a medical marijuana license. Unborn babies cannot hold such a license, Hermanson wrote in a court filing.

[The defendant] admitted to smoking marijuana throughout her pregnancy, knowing that her unborn baby was being exposed to the possible harmful effects of the marijuana smoke.

The Pregnancy Justice report also documented five cases in which allegations specifically mentioned abortion. One was brought under a state abortion statute that has since been repealed. The other four cases were charged as homicide, child neglect or abuse of a corpse. In the two cases in which homicide was charged, the defendants allegedly visited an abortion clinic or took pills and the abortion was successful, Rivera said.

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2024 hurricane season: Yes, we had Debby and Helene, but October is Florida's peak season

Florida continued to claw its way out of Hurricane Helenes mangle Monday, Sept. 30, with a wary eye on an Atlantic basin that conjured four named storms in six days and with the arrival of October  peak storm season for the Sunshine State.

Helenes 140-mph winds were still hours away from landfall last week when the National Hurricane Center was already pointing to the western Caribbean for another potential storm formation. As of Monday afternoon, an area near the Central American Gyre, which was the spawning ground for Helene, had a 40% chance of becoming at least a tropical depression over the next seven days.

Since Friday, Hurricane Isaac came and went, Tropical Storm Joyce grew and fizzled and Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday about 585 miles west-southwest of the Cabo Verde Islands destined to follow its two predecessors out into the open ocean.

A season that went from daunting with Cat 5 Beryl to questionable with an August lull to catastrophic with Helene isn't likely done yet.

The precautionary tale for South Florida is the peak hurricane threat is in October. Its not August, its not September, its October, said Jonathan Erdman, a senior meteorologist with Weather.com. That doesnt dictate what will happen this year, but South Florida is unlike anywhere else in the U.S. when it comes to October storms.

While much of the Gulf Coast and Eastern Seaboard experience a winding down of hurricane season in October, Florida remains vulnerable  a conspicuous peninsula surrounded by simmering waters, and a target for anything that spins up in the Gulf of Mexico or Caribbean Sea.

The National Hurricane Center is watching an area for possible development in the western Caribbean near where Hurricane Helene formed. Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday and will likely take a path into the open ocean with no threat to land.

Since 1851, Florida has had 38 hurricanes make October landfalls, according to NOAAs historical hurricane track mapper.

Thats three times higher than second-place Louisiana.

More: Maps track Hurricane Helene's 800-mile path of destruction across southeastern US

Erdman said there is hope that sinking air in the Atlantic basin, which acts to calm the atmosphere, will be in place by mid-October to temper growing systems.

Last week, the globetrotting Madden-Julian Oscillation was doing the opposite, causing rising air that acts to instigate storms. The oscillation is a traveling pulse of energy that circles the planet every 30 to 60 days.

For the area in the western Caribbean that the NHC is watching, meteorologists said Monday that weather models are not forecasting the same kind of intense system as Helene, and that the atmospheric conditions are more complicated. Theres also a chance that a disturbance in the Gulf of Tehuantepec on the west coast of Mexico could cross over into the western Caribbean and merge with whatever forms there.

Hurricane Helene nearing landfall on Sept. 26, 2024 as a Category 4 storm.

Storms in the Gulf and Caribbean are the most concern to me just because of pure geography, Erdman said. Its very, very hard for them to miss. Once they form, they are going to hit something.

Fox Weather hurricane specialist Bryan Norcross said models are forecasting that an area of low pressure will develop by Wednesday in the western Caribbean and will have moved into the Gulf of Mexico by this weekend.

For now, everybody on the Gulf Coast from Louisiana to Florida should stay informed, Norcross said. The atmospheric pattern is forecast to be reasonably conducive for the storm to develop and strengthen, at least briefly.

More: 2024 Hurricane Season Guide: Storm preparation tips, supplies, evacuation zones, insurance info

A tropical wave south of the Cabo Verde Islands also has an 80% chance of formation. The next names on the 2024 hurricane list are Leslie, Milton and Nadine.

Milton replaced the name Michael, which was removed from the list after the Cat 5 hurricane devastated Floridas Panhandle in October 2018.

The reason for Florida's vulnerability deep into October is largely a function of seasonal shifts in wind patterns and sea-surface temperatures.

In early summer, most storms form in the Caribbean Sea as the atmosphere starts its summer windup and the mid-level African Easterly Jet is just beginning to spin up tropical waves that will begin rolling off the continent in August and September.

Those tropical waves, which become the big Cabo Verde hurricanes, travel the Atlantic east to west and have more options for routing, heading into the Gulf of Mexico, smacking the East Coast or wandering harmlessly off into the northern Atlantic.

But by October, mid-latitude wintertime air starts to seep into the tropical Atlantic, increasing the westerly wind shear to muzzle African tropical waves that also may find cooler sea surface temperatures.

Instead, storms find room to grow in the warm waters of the Caribbean and Gulf of Mexico. Once in the Gulf, early wintertime troughs of low pressure digging down through the United States can pick storms up and fling them at Florida.

Erdman said the waters in the Gulf are so deeply warm and that Helene was moving so fast  24 mph ahead of landfall  that there was little upwelling of cooler water in its wake.

Helene, which made landfall at 11:10 p.m. Thursday near Perry, Florida, is the second hurricane to hit the Big Bend area this season, following Debby in August.

Its rare, but not unprecedented, for an area to get hit by three hurricanes in a single season.

In 2020, Louisianas coast was hit by hurricanes Laura, Delta and Zeta. In 2004, an area south of Winter Haven, Florida, had hurricanes Charley, Frances and Jeanne run through it.

How to prepare for storms: Hurricane Prep Guide 2024:

Kimberly Miller is a journalist for The Palm Beach Post, part of the USA Today Network of Florida. She covers real estate, weather, and the environment. Subscribe to The Dirt for a weekly real estate roundup. If you have news tips, please send them to kmiller@pbpost.com. Help support our local journalism; subscribe today.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Hurricane center: New area to watch in Gulf of Mexico following Helene
HILO, Hawaii (KHON2)  A $21 million campaign was launched at the YWCA of Hawaii Island to transform its historic 1.4-acre downtown campus to benefit Hawaii County residents.

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The Building a Bright Future for our Keiki, Families and Community program aims to enhance programs such as the YWCA Preschool, Healthy Families and Sexual Assault Support Services.

Motorcyclist killed in Hilo, negligent homicide investigation opened

Part of the campaign plans includes building a new preschool, a reimagined multipurpose building and a small housing complex with 10 units to support vulnerable women and their families.

Phase one calls for building the $6 million YWCA Preschool, which will replace the current structure that was originally built in 1926.

YWCA will create a modern early childhood education campus featuring four dedicated classrooms for children ages 2 to 5, shaded outdoor play areas, covered walkways and a commercial kitchen, officials stated in a press release.

Currently, the YWCA Preschool is at capacity serving 90 students and has a full waitlist. The new school will allow up to 130 students to be enrolled in school, a 45% increase.

We had less than one-third of the population we have today. We need to build for a brighter future which means taking care of our next generation, the keiki, explained Senator Tim Richards, Building a Brighter Future Chair.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Richards announced the campaign has already raised $2.8 million for the project. The preschool is expected to be completed by summer 2026.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
The bus carrying 38 students and six teachers burst into flames just outside of Bangkok on Tuesday, Oct. 1

NARONG SANGNAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Rescuers are pictured at the scene after a bus carrying students and teachers catches fire just outside of Bangkok, Thailand on Oct. 1, 2024

Twenty-three bodies have reportedly been found after a bus carrying students and teachers on a school field trip caught fire outside of Bangkok, Thailand.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, the bus, which was carrying 45 passengers  39 students and six teachers  from Uthai Thani province to the Thai capital, burst into flames just outside the city, reported the Associated Press.

The students and teachers were on a school trip visiting Ayutthaya and Nonthaburi provinces, Transport Minister Suriya Jungrungruengkit stated, per the AP.

The BBC reported that the bodies of 23 people had been recovered from the bus. The outlet stated forensic police confirmed 11 male and seven female bodies were discovered at the scene, and five weren't able to be identified.

Per the BBC, Piyalak Thinkaew  a rescuer from the Ruamkatanyu Foundation  said that some of the bodies were hard to identify because they were burned so badly.

"Some of the bodies we found were very, very small," he said, according to the publication.



NARONG SANGNAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Rescuers are pictured at the scene after a bus carrying students and teachers catches fire just outside of Bangkok, Thailand on Oct. 1, 2024

The BBC stated 19 students and three teachers had survived, with 16 of the rescued being treated in the hospital.

Per the Bangkok Post, the student's ages ranged from Kindergarten 2 (pre-school education, ages 4-5) to Matthayom 3 (around 14).

According to the AP, the driver is thought to have survived but was not present at the scene.

The outlet added that because most of the bodies were found in the middle and back seats, rescuers think the fire started at the front of the vehicle.

The National News Bureau of Thailand (NNT) said in a Facebook post, "Recovery operations have been challenging due to gas cylinders beneath the bus, posing additional risks for emergency personnel."

NARONG SANGNAK/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock Rescuers are pictured at the scene after a bus carrying students and teachers catches fire just outside of Bangkok, Thailand on Oct. 1, 2024

"Preliminary reports suggest that a tire explosion may have caused the vehicle to veer off course and collide with a barrier, triggering a fire that spread rapidly due to the buss gas-powered system," the post added.

"The government, led by Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra, has pledged a coordinated effort to aid the victims families, mobilizing officials from nearby provinces to offer psychological assistance and evaluate the needs of those impacted," the message included.

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The Prime Minister said of the tragedy, per the BBC: "As a mother, I would like to express my deepest regrets to the families of those killed."

"The government will be responsible for all the medical costs and the compensation for those killed," she added, per the outlet.

The Thai government's public relations department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

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The 24 hours that put the Middle East on the brink

People take cover on the side of the road in Israel as air raid sirens sound - Ohad Zwigenberg

The Israel Defense Forces confirmed shortly after 2am local time that they had launched ground operations in Lebanon, the first major incursion into the country since 2006.

It followed days of devastating air strikes focusing on the Shia-dominated south of Lebanon, as well as Beirut, which killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, and a slew of his key lieutenants.

Israeli shells hit an area in southern Lebanon early on Tuesday - AP Photo/Leo Correa

An Israeli tank manoeuvres into position in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border on Monday - AP Photo/Baz Ratner

As Tuesday began, it emerged that Israeli special forces had conducted a number of cross-border raids over the weekend, preparing the way for a limited, localised and targeted ground offensive.

By breakfast time, the IDF said it was involved in intense fighting with Hezbollah. The language was a reminder that air strikes or not, the Shia group is immeasurably better trained and prepared than Hamas, Israels enemy in Gaza.

In what could be considered an echo of the campaign in Gaza, the IDF warned Lebanese civilians not to drive south of the Litani River, which runs parallel with the border.

As their troops advanced, Israeli jets and artillery pounded the area.

An Israeli attack helicopter fires towards Lebanon on Tuesday - Gil Eliyahu

Israel targets the southern Lebanese border village of Kfar Kila - STR- / Avalon

From the far south of the region, the Yemen-based Houthi rebels began to target Tel Aviv and Eilat with drones.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah tried to strike back by firing Fadi-4 missiles at the Glilot Base headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency, north of Tel Aviv. They missed but succeeded in injuring two people, including a bus driver who was hit in the head with shrapnel.

Four further reserve brigades were mobilised for Israels northern operation, the army announced.

By early afternoon, footage emerged showing Israeli commandos entering Hezbollahs feared network of tunnels at some point in the past year, reinforcing the analysis that Operation Northern Arrows had been under intense preparation for many months.

No sooner had Israeli society begun to process the news, than the warnings began of a potential retaliation from its arch-foe Iran.

Washington warned that Tehran was preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel. A White House official warned of severe consequences if it did.

Iran launched a barrage of rockets and drones in April, but in a manner judged to have made it easy for Israel and its allies to shoot most of them down, thus stopping short of a full-on war.

Potentially, this was different. Was the regional conflagration that has been warned of for so much of the last year about to ignite?

Citing great challenges ahead, Benjamin Netanyahu, the prime minister, spoke directly to the nation, asking his people to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives. Secondly, he asked them to stand together.

In the north, the IDF carried on much as before, adding a precise strike in Beirut to its barrage in the hills.

A man takes pictures of the damage caused by the Israeli airstrike - AP Photo/Hassan Ammar

But by then all eyes were on Iran. Joe Biden said the US was prepared to help Israel defend itself.

Air raid sirens began to sound throughout Israel. For the benefit of any Israeli civilians thinking twice about heading to a shelter, Rear-Adm Daniel Hagari, the IDF spokesman, warned the population that the countrys formidable Iron Dome and other air defences were not hermetic.

By 8pm Israel time, Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps announced it had fired ballistic missiles. Explosions were heard in Jerusalem. Footage began to be uploaded showing tens of missiles at a time streaking across the sky.

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets fired from Iran - Amir Cohen

It soon became plain that the barrage was massive, reportedly involving nearly 200 missiles.

Footage shot from a rooftop in Tel Aviv showed a rocket or its fragments hitting the north of the city.

Footage also emerged of civilians in Gaza, who have been under bombardment for the best part of a year, celebrating as missiles flew overhead.

In the West Bank, a Palestinian man was killed by missile shrapnel near Jericho, according to local media.

At the same time, grisly footage emerged of a gruesome terror attack in Tel Aviv, with six killed as two gunmen opened fire on civilians at a railway station.

Gunmen alighted at a light rail station in Tel Aviv and opened fire

In Washington, Jake Sullivan, the White House national security adviser, said the missile attack was defeated and ineffective.

This was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the IDF, but in no small part because of the skilled work of the US military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack.

Israel, as has become customary, vowed revenge, but on its terms. This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we operate at the place and time we decide, said Adm Hagari.

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BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  There will be a second chance hiring fair in Jefferson County on Oct. 8.

According to the Jefferson County Family Resource Center, the event will be held from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Boutwell Auditorium. Those attending can participate in an expungement clinic and register to vote.

Cooper Green making changes to help patients save on prescription drugs

Additionally, those seeking to clear their criminal record of certain misdemeanor charges can go to an expungement clinic Oct. 18 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the fellowship hall of Sixth Avenue Baptist Church. Participants must fill out a pre-screening form, which can be found here, to request an appointment for the clinic.

There will be free attorneys and court personnel at the event. Those wanting to be a volunteer lawyer at the clinic can click here for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
DARTMOUTH, Mass. (WPRI)  Three New Bedford men are facing charges following an undercover operation aimed at combating the growing threat of commercial sexual exploitation of minors, according to Dartmouth police.

Detectives, in partnership with the Massachusetts State Police High-Risk Victims Unit, reportedly arranged meetings with the suspects in the Dartmouth area on Wednesday.

Ernest Santos, 36, Dominic Medeiros, 20, and David Detorres, 50, were arrested and charged with sexual conduct for a fee with a child under 18, enticement of a child under 16 and attempted commission of a crime.

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AzmanL / iStock.com

Like every other generation before, Gen Z is diverse and it would be a mistake to say that theyre all the same in terms of values. That said, its fair to say that they have tons of things in common, including a strong desire to see the world. Overall, this young cohort cares about and prioritizes travel.

According to the 2023 Global Travel Trends Report by American Express Travel, 79% of Gen Z respondents said that leisure travel is a vital part of their budget. Gen Zers are, overall, so committed to traveling that theyre determined to do it regardless of whether they have much money to spare.

Check Out: 3 Places To Travel That Are Like Hawaii but Way Cheaper

Read Next: 9 Easy Ways To Build Wealth That Will Last Through Retirement

Why not surrender some of your hard-earned savings to travel when youre young enough to not care too much? It makes sense in the short term  but many Gen Zers are looking past that. Though theyre all about spending money on exotic experiences, theyre also well aware of the fact that theyll need an ample nest egg for retirement.

So, the question is: How can Gen Z get in a financially safe place so that, when they do retire, they have enough money to travel as they please then, too?

Earning passive income doesn't need to be difficult. You can start this week.

Make a Plan  and Get Specific

Gen Zs first step in planning for travel in retirement is to make a plan. Know and visualize that travel will be a factor in your overall retirement. But dont leave it at that. Get specific.

If you know traveling will be at the top of your retirement bucket list, the more specific you can get about your plans the better, Tiana Patillo, CFP, financial advisor manager at Vanguard. For instance, your plan can look significantly different if youre planning to travel internationally versus domestically, and especially considering your traveling cadence (i.e., once a month versus twice a year).

Watch Out: Dave Ramsey: 7 Vacation Splurges That Are a Waste of Money

Build a Budget That Is Compatible With Your Travel Ambitions

You may think you dont have to start thinking about budgeting for your retirement travel budget yet; think again.

Another key move is building a budget that balances today with the future, said Erika Kullberg, a personal finance expert, attorney, money influencer and founder of Erika.com. Make sure that youre allocating a sensible percentage of your income toward saving for the future, as well as enjoying your life today. Remember that budgeting is a muscle, so getting good practice now will set you up well for the rest of your life.

Story continues

Get Serious About Investing

Most Gen Zers havent yet amassed a ton of wealth, but that doesnt mean they dont have enough to get serious about investing. And they can start small  but time is key.

Investing doesnt mean you have to contribute large amounts to different organizations, said Kristy Kim, CEO and founder at TomoCredit. Remember, compound interest is your best friend. The earlier you start investing, the more your money will grow over time, allowing for a travel-filled retirement.

Build a Robust Emergency Fund

If you want to travel with comfort in retirement, you need to ensure your bases are covered. Have an ample emergency fund, always.

An emergency fund keeps stress down and prevents you from dipping into your savings or investments when unexpected expenses arise, Kim said. Keep in mind, a high-yield savings account (HYSA) should always be your go-to tool for building an emergency fund. You can earn high interest while continually growing your fund.

Create Diverse Streams of Income

Gen Z is no stranger to the concept of balancing, say, a full-time job with a side hustle. This is good, because they may need to diversify their income streams if they want a retirement that is cushy enough to allow for travel.

Side gigs, freelancing or even renting out property can help you generate additional income, potentially bringing your travel retirement closer than expected, Kim said.

Double Down on Retirement Contributions

Everyone should be doing this anyway, but its imperative for the traveling Gen Zer: Be aggressive in saving for retirement and double down on contributions to your retirement plans.

The sooner (and more) you can contribute to retirement today, the more time your money can grow, thanks to the power of compounding, Patillo said. You can consider contributions to your retirement account as paychecks to your future self that you can cash in when you retire.

Patillo generally recommends saving between 12%-15% of your income (including any employer matches) in your employer sponsored plan  and if you can max out, do it.

Consider also saving extra income like bonuses in your retirement account  a little sacrifice now can equate to more traveling in your future, Patillo said.

Eliminate High-Interest Debt

Finally, Gen Z needs to steer clear of high-interest debt (the kind typically associated with credit cards). Whatever debt they have there, they need to wipe out ASAP.

Remember the higher your debt payments are when you retire, the less youll have to spend on other things like traveling the world, Patillo said. Therefore, keep debts to a minimum and consider paying them off in full before retirement.

More From GOBankingRates

This article originally appeared on GOBankingRates.com: 7 Money Moves Gen Z Must Make Now If They Want To Travel in Retirement
3 juveniles arrested in connection to Kannapolis homicide where car crashed into apartment

KANNAPOLIS, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Three juveniles were arrested Tuesday related to the death of a Salisbury teen that occurred three months ago.

According to the Kannapolis Police Department, officers responded to a shots-fired call July 16 at the intersection of Caribbean Court and Westgreen Drive. A car also crashed into an apartment building at the scene.

80+ flights from Concord to Western NC bring nearly 50,000 lbs of supplies after Hurricane Helene

Officers say the driver of the vehicle, 18-year-old Damien Carter Senesaynho, died from an apparent gunshot wound. The front passenger, Carson Lee James, 20, was shot and is recovering. A third passenger, Jose Eduardo Castro,16, sustained minor injuries from the crash.

A week after the incident, Kannapolis investigators identified an Instagram account allegedly tied to the homicide that had been deactivated.

On Tuesday, three juveniles were arrested for Senesaynhos death. Two of them were arrested in Charlotte, where they reside, while the third was arrested during a vehicle stop in Concord, where he resides.

All three juveniles have been processed and have been transported to the Cabarrus Youth Development Center.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
3 Years After Gabby Petito's Death, Mom Says 'There's Never Going to Be Closure' (Exclusive)

Gabby Petito, 22, disappeared on a cross-country trip with her fiance Brian Laundrie in the summer of 2021

The Petito & Schmidt Families Gabby Petito

More than three years have passed since the death of 22-year-old Gabby Petito, who disappeared on a cross-country journey with her fiance Brian Laundrie in the summer of 2021.

Her body was discovered on Sept. 19 near a campground in Wyoming.

Laundrie, who died by suicide, was found in a nature preserve near his familys home in North Port, Fla., on Oct. 20. Nearby was a backpack containing what the FBI described as a notebook claiming responsibility for Gabbys strangulation death.

Year three hit me the hardest so far for some reason, and I know there's never going to be closure, Gabbys mom Nichole Schmidt tells PEOPLE. I think what hits me is it's been three years now since the last time I heard her voice or seen her, and that's really hard.

We're never going to feel like we have justice, she adds. There's just nothing we can do to make us feel better, but what we can do is continue on with her legacy.

After her murder, Nichole, along with her husband Jim Schmidt and Gabbys father Joe Petito and Joe's wife Tara, found purpose and healing by using the enormous publicity generated by their daughters case to try to prevent similar tragedies from happening to other families.

The two couples created the Gabby Petito Foundation, which is focused on raising awareness about domestic violence while also creating tougher laws and policies governing how police respond to reports of intimate partner abuse and missing persons.

Related: Gabby Petitos '4 Parents' Share How Her Tragic Death Fulfilled Her Lifelong Dream of Bringing Them 'All Together' (Exclusive)

AP Photo/John Minchillo Tara and Joe Petito, Nichole and Jim Schmidt

They have also championed the work of the Black and Missing Foundation and Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women & Relatives, along with the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

We can give ourselves this motivation to keep going and not be sad all the time, she says. I know Gabby would not have wanted that.

But continuing to move forward despite their grief can be difficult.

Related: Gabby Petitos Parents Want Teens to Look Out for These Dating Red Flags to Prevent Domestic Violence (Exclusive)

Last week, police body cam video was released that showed Laundries parents Christopher and Roberta declining to talk to North Port police officers who showed up at their Florida home on Sept. 11, 2021, asking about the whereabouts of the 22-year-old budding YouTube blogger after a missing persons report was filed, per FOX News.

Im not talking to anybody, Christopher says.

When asked by an officer when the last time he saw his son and Gabby, Christopher responded, Brian is here and thats all I am going to say.

Find Gabby/Facebook Gabby Petito, Brian Laundrie

I watched it, says Nichole about the body cam footage. It made me sick. Theres no empathy. No compassion. I cried. ... It just keeps going. Stuff coming out constantly and it's been three years and there's still more. It's like the infomercial is, Oh, wait, there's more. I'm like, when is this going to stop?

Nichole, who just traveled to Wyoming with Tara to speak at a domestic violence luncheon for the domestic violence advocacy group SAFE Project and sat on a panel at a National Center For Victims of Crime panel in Portland, says the foundation is currently working towards building a domestic violence awareness education program for schools. The program would be accessible to all students across the country at no cost to the schools.

We want every kid to have access to education around healthy relationships, self-respect, boundaries, a healthy friendship, just learning all about how to be a healthy person, she says. I think that once we can have a program that's cohesive across the country, it's not going to happen overnight, but we'll see it change in a few generations down the line  where people are going to be better for that after learning so young.

Related: Gabby Petito's Parents Say 'She Would Be Alive Today' If Police Handled Traffic Stop Differently (Exclusive)

The foundation is hoping to use technology to help them with their goal. We want to use maybe some module-based online platform where it would be easy for schools to just bring in and eventually turn it into something where teachers are trained and it's mandatory in the schools from early ages all the way through those high school years, she says.

It's an epidemic, Nichole says about domestic violence. It's a crisis across the world. We're doing the best we can, but we need to slow it down, stop it in its tracks, and the only way we're going to do that is to get to the youth.

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Raising awareness is key.

I learn what's going on in the world and I see the constant murders and the amount of missing people that have no attention paid to them, adds Nichole. And I get angrier and angrier every day, and that's what drives me. It's not just Gabby and her murder. It's everything else that I see and all these other victims and these survivors, and I just want to fight for them. I want to be their voice, and if people are going to listen, I'm going to use that platform.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  Senator Chuck Schumer announced on Tuesday, Oct. 1, that the Department of Defense awarded $30 million to boost TTM Technologies expansion in Central New York following his advocacy.

Schumer said that this investment will allow TTM to manufacture advanced printed circuit boards, which are critical to Americas national security.

We cannot have the printed circuit boards our military and chip industry rely on overwhelmingly made overseas. This $30 million federal investment will ensure the future of this industry, that is vital to Americas national security, is made here in Central NY by the 400 new, good-paying jobs being created by TTM, said Schumer. TTM is the largest printed circuit board producer in the country. Their technology is state-of-the-art, and the DoDs investment in Central NY-made advanced printed circuit boards will make our supply chains more secure.

This investment will help TTM acquire and install advanced manufacturing equipment and develop prototype designs for its new 200,000+ facility in DeWitt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSYR.
(Courtesy of Nebraska Lottery)

LINCOLN  The Nebraska Lottery has reached a milestone: The amount of proceeds transferred back to state programs during its 30-year history has now surpassed $1 billion.

In announcing the occasion Tuesday, Nebraska Lottery Director Brian Rockey said his team is proud of making a difference in the state along with players and retailers.

Brian Rockey

Buying a lottery ticket, Rockey said, supports good causes across the state.

Around 25 cents of every dollar spent on lottery products goes to support the environment, education, the Nebraska State Fair and problem gamblers assistance. Together we are building a better Nebraska, he said.

The Nebraska Lottery marked $4 billion in total sales (since 1993) in April.

Proceeds from the sale of Scratch and Lotto tickets have been distributed since the Nebraska Lottery began operation Sept. 11, 1993. The latest quarterly transfer of $11,390,517, made the week of Sept. 30, pushed the total transferred to $1,002,980,662.

All 93 Nebraska counties have benefited from lottery proceeds, according to a news release, through support for projects such as wildlife habitat restoration, college student grants, State Fair improvements and help for gambling addicts.

The Nebraska Environmental Trust operates a competitive grant program for natural resources projects, and the lottery has led to funding for projects that impact soil management, habitat, surface and groundwater and more, said Karl Elmshaeuser, executive director of the trust.

Michael Baumgartner, executive director of the Coordinating Commission for Postsecondary Education, said lottery proceeds have helped hundreds of thousands of Nebraska students pay for their college education.

College costs are the number one reason given by people who dont attend college or drop out without completing a certificate or a degree, and financial aid is a lifeline for many students, he said.

The State Fair was added as a beneficiary fund in 2004.

The Nebraska Lottery has given us the opportunity to make a safe and comfortable event for every Nebraskan to attend while also supporting the roots of agriculture and tradition in our state, said Jaime Parr, executive director.

Parr said lottery proceeds helped cover costs of new facilities needed for the fairs 2010 relocation to Grand Island.

Lottery proceeds also go to the states Problem Gamblers Assistance Program. Funds have enabled training for counselors and free counseling services at 30 clinics in 11 towns and cities in Nebraska, said David Geier, director.

As gambling continues to expand, Gamblers Assistance will be a vital service for those who experience problems due to unrestrained gambling, Geier said.

A constitutional amendment passed by Nebraska voters in 2004 established a funding distribution formula. The breakdown and proceeds to date:

Nebraska Environmental Trust, 44.5%, $430.7 million since 1993. (Prior to July 1997, the Solid Waste Landfill Closure Assistance Fund was included in this category and received $18,460,996.)

Education as directed by the Legislature, 44.5%; $449.2 million since 1993.

Nebraska State Fair, 10%, $77.25 million since 2005.

Problem Gamblers Assistance, $500,000 plus 1% of remaining proceeds, $22.35 million since 1993.

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A search and rescue dog and handler searches for victims in deep mud in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Swannanoa, N.C. | Mike Stewart

More than 100 lives have been lost as Hurricane Helene carved a path of destruction over 600 miles over the past five days. This Category 4 storm has transformed roads into waterways, leaving countless individuals stranded and in desperate need of resources.

We are seeing just piles of peoples houses that were destroyed. Buildings that were destroyed. Cars overturned, Asheville, North Carolina, Mayor Esther Manheimer said Monday.

The power lines look like spaghetti. Its hard to describe the chaos that it looks like. It really feels like a post-apocalyptic scene, per CNN.

In Buncombe County, home to Asheville, Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole told the Citizen-Times that catastrophic devastation didnt accurately describe the impact the deluge had.

It would go a little bit further and say we have biblical devastation through the county, Cole said. Weve had biblical flooding here and it has been extremely significant.

But in the aftermath of what North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper called one of the worst storms in modern history, inspiring stories of resilience are beginning to surface, highlighting the strength of the human spirit amid the devastation.

A sons 11-mile trek to check on his parents

After 48 hours without hearing from his parents, both in their 70s, Sam Perkins felt a growing sense of urgency. Determined to ensure their safety, he packed a bag of essential supplies and set out on the drive to their home.

Perkins and his parents live in a remote area about an hour outside of Asheville. Realizing how many roads were damaged, he abandoned his vehicle by a closed highway and started hiking to his parents home.

Perkins told CNN, I tried every road route I could, but the roads, no matter where you go, are blocked by landslides or failures, he said. I cant tell you how many failing roads and deep mudslides I had to cross, how many fallen trees I had to take off my backpack for and navigate through.

After 3  hours of hiking 11 miles and ascending 2,200 feet while witnessing the devastating toll of Hurricane Helene firsthand, he found that his parents were OK.

I just hugged them, cried, filled them in on all the news they were missing  walked around the property, helped them decide how to approach some challenges, Perkins told CNN.

Perkins didnt want to use his parents resources, so he decided to make the 3 -hour journey back. On his way, he managed to hitch a ride on an undamaged section of road with a local community member.

Asheville is a strong community

Gary ODell, a disabled Vietnam War veteran, shared with CNN that Sunday marked the first day he was able to leave his East Asheville home because of the debris. Despite the challenges, he noted, The neighbors have been fantastic. We really have a strong community, per CNN.

ODell, currently battling lung cancer, has been sharing his oxygen tank with a neighbor. Despite his challenges, he remains optimistic, stating, theres just so many people in worse shape than me and were lucky, weve got our home and were dry and safe, per CNN.

We lost literally everything

Jim and Allie Bourdy lost everything; the life they had built was washed away in the wake of Helene. They attempted to evacuate, but the flooding damaged the roads, and soon the water was waist-deep. A neighbor came to their rescue in a kayak, taking them one by one to higher ground.

Jim Bourdy told CNN, The moment we reached high ground, I knew that the only two things that matter in my life are my wife and my dog.

Randys redemption story

The Salvation Army quickly responded to Hurricane Helenes mutilation throughout eastern Tennessee.

The day after the storm passed, The Salvation Army set up a mobile kitchen at a Baptist church on the north side of the river in Newport, Tennessee. It was here that Randys story began to unfold.

A packed car pulled up to the canteen, carrying three families seeking food and water. As volunteers approached the vehicle to offer assistance, a young man named Randy, slender and humble, spoke up from the back seat. Just make sure they have some. Im not really deserving of much help, he quietly said, clearly feeling unworthy, per The Salvation Army.

Stephanie, a Salvation Army volunteer, overheard the young man and felt compelled to speak with him. Randy opened up about the grip of addiction and the weight of his past that he carried on his shoulders.

Tears filled his eyes as Stephanie shared of Jesus mercy and love.

As Randy, Stephanie, and Maj. Cam Henderson gathered for this heartfelt conversation, they began to pray together and a light filled Randys face.

Reflecting on the moment, Major Henderson shared, This work is about food, water, and safety, but its also about the God who sees His people in distress and comes to their aid. He sends people to help people, per The Salvation Army.

Randys story is a testament to that, a beacon of light amidst the storms darkness, per The Salvation Army.
4 men arrive with pepper spray and shotgun during deal to sell bicycle, Olympia police say

A mans belongings were stolen last month after he was pepper-sprayed in the face and threatened with a shotgun at the Olympia homeless encampment known informally as the Jungle, according to police.

About 6 p.m. Sept. 14, police were dispatched to the camp, which is between Martin Way East and Pacific Avenue Southeast at Interstate 5.

Police met with the male victim, who said he had gone there to sell a bicycle. But during the transaction, four men approached him, armed with pepper spray and a shotgun, Lt. Paul Lower said Tuesday.

The man was sprayed in the face and two rounds were fired into the ground, Lower said. The man fled from the scene. When he met with police, they could see the pepper spray on his face, Lower said.

The victim left behind a satchel, backpack and the bicycle. When police searched the area they could not find his personal property, although they did talk to residents who reported hearing the gun shots, Lower said.

The incident happened quickly, so the victim only had a partial description of the suspects.

One man is described as white with his hair in a ponytail and was last seen wearing a hat. Another man was last seen in camouflage-type clothing. A third suspect is described as a white, short and with brown hair, Lower said.

The city has embarked on a cleanup of the camp since the incident. The work began Sept. 23 and is expected to last four weeks.

Camp residents are not being relocated, according to the city.

Change is coming to the Olympia homeless encampment known as the Jungle. Heres the plan

Why is the Jungle encampment getting cleaned up now? Details emerge for future housing
With I-40 closed, try these alternate routes once it's safe to travel to North Carolina

This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. A portion of Interstate 26 is currently closed, according to the Tennessee Department of Transportation.

Motorists traveling between East Tennessee and North Carolina are facing significant detours after sections of Interstate 40 were washed out by catastrophic flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Mark Nagi, spokesperson for the Tennessee Department of Transportation, told Knox News that crews are working to assess the damage and remove debris from roadways.

"The main focus is reconnecting severed communities. As water levels fall, we will possibly find more issues that we need to address in terms of road/bridge damage," Nagi said Sept. 30. "We are also working to get roads/bridges open across the region as soon as possible, but it would be presumptive to have any sort of timeframe for reopening without having a more full account of the condition of our transportation system in the affected areas."

In addition to the I-40 damage, the storm left 14 state bridges on state routes closed, and five of those are "completely gone," TDOT Deputy Commissioner Will Reid said during a Sept. 29 news conference.

These are the bridges that have been washed away:

Greene County: State routes 107, 350 and 351

Unicoi County: Interstate 26 at mile marker 39.6

Washington County: State 81 (Alfred Taylor Bridge)

The department planned to begin awarding contracts for repair projects this week, though the state still has hundreds of more bridges to inspect for damage.

With such a major route as I-40 closed at the state line for the foreseeable future, below are some alternate routes for motorists traveling between Tennessee and North Carolina. (Before you venture into North Carolina, however, note that state emergency officials there have warned people not to travel into the state, where at least 200 roads were closed as of this past weekend.)

Interstate 81

Interstate 81 offers a bypass to I-40. From Knoxville, travelers can head north on I-81, which connects with Interstate 77, providing an alternate route to Asheville and other areas in North Carolina. Nagi said this is the alternate route TDOT recommends.

Interstate 40 is washed out in North Carolina after floods from Hurricane Helene in September 2024.

Local alternatives: US Routes and 25E

U.S. Route 25E takes travelers from Knoxville northeast through Morristown, where it links up with Interstate 81.

How to keep up with road closures

The SmartWay website, smartway.tn.gov, is a resource for drivers to stay updated on road closures and traffic conditions following major weather events.

Angela Dennis is the Knox News race, justice and equity reporter. Email angela.dennis@knoxnews.com.

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Alternative routes to I-40 closed between Tennessee, North Carolina
At least 45 people died and "many" others were missing after two migrant boats sank off the coast of Djibouti, the UN's migration agency said Tuesday.

The disaster in the Red Sea off the east African nation was the latest to hit the perilous so-called Eastern Route for migrants from Africa.

The boats had departed from Yemen carrying 310 people, the International Organization for Migration (IOM) said.

"So far 32 survivors... have been rescued," IOM said on X, adding that it was helping with the search and rescue efforts.

Djibouti's coastguard said the tragedy struck some 150 metres off a beach near the northwest Khor Angar region.

It said a joint rescue effort was under way, which began in the "early hours" of Monday, supported by the French navy. It put the number of survivors rescued at 115.

"We remain committed to finding the missing persons and ensuring the safety of the survivors," the agency said in a statement posted on social media, with images of white body bags.

Each year, tens of thousands of migrants brave the Eastern Route from the Horn of Africa, seeking to escape conflict, natural disasters and poor economic prospects by sailing across the Red Sea toward the oil-rich Gulf.

Many try to reach Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Arab countries where they can find employment as labourers or domestic workers.

Migrants who reach Yemen often encounter danger, as the Arabian Peninsula's poorest country has been mired in civil war for nearly a decade.

Twenty-four people were killed in April off Djibouti when a boat carrying at least 77 migrants including children capsized near the town of Obock.

It was the second fatal maritime accident in two weeks off Djibouti, highlighting a sharp increase in the number of people returning from Yemen to the Horn of Africa nation.

In August, at least 13 people died when their boat capsized off the coast of Yemen's Taez district.

The IOM calls the Eastern Route "one of the busiest, most complex, and dangerous" migration routes in the world.

Many of the migrants who reach Yemen are Ethiopians, with a small proportion of Somalis, according to the UN agency.

str-ho/rlp
5 kids found living in horrid conditions in Flagler County after 2-year-old found wandering in street: FCSO

Five children were found living in absolute horrid conditions at a home in Flagler County last week, and now their father is facing a charge of child neglect, according to the Flagler County Sheriff's Office.

Deputies described the inside of the home as "deplorable" with urine, feces, rotting food, trash, flies, and cockroaches throughout, and knives left out within reach of a child, according to the arrest report. Some of the children  aged 2, 4, 8, 15, and 16  were walking around the home barefoot, deputies said.

The Flagler County Sheriff's Office responded to a home on Barley Lane in Palm Coast on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, after a grocery delivery driver noticed a 2-year-old child wandering in the street.

Source: Flagler County Sheriffs Office

The child got into the delivery driver's car for a moment, then got out and walked across the street to his home, authorities said.

That driver called 911 out of worry. Deputies responded to conduct a welfare check.

Before going into the home, trash and discarded food were on the floor. Inside, there was a "strong odor of feces, urine, mold, and mildew," FCSO said.

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"Clumps of fuzzy feces" were found in the laundry room, as well as trash and food. More waste was found in bedroom closets, deputies said.

Deputies said the children live at the home with their mom, dad, and another man, described as a roommate. The dad and roommate were at home when deputies arrived. The mom was reportedly working.

Nicholas Carter, the dad, told deputies that the 2-year-old walked out of the garage to the end of the driveway and was gone for a few minutes, deputies said in the report. He was unable to explain why the house was that dirty. He reportedly described the house as "a little dirty," the report said.

Carter was arrested and booked into jail for child neglect and obstruction without violence. Deputies alleged Carter tensed up while being arrested.

The Florida Department of Children and Family Services was also contacted.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies have responded to the home at least 16 times since January 2023  a 20-month span.

On March 4, 2023, deputies responded after a child was found wandering in the roadway, FCSO said. On Dec. 30, 2023, the Palm Coast Fire Department responded after a child reportedly had a seizure after ingesting marijuana.

"Hopefully, this time DCF will take serious action to turn the home life around for these children, the least of which is to learn how to be a parent and clean up his house," Sheriff Rick Staly said in a written statement.

FCSO said Carter was arrested on a charge of child neglect in February 2020, though the details of that case were not immediately known.

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WAHIAWA, Hawaii (KHON2)  Drivers in Wahiawa are advised to proceed with caution in the southbound direction of Kamehameha Highway due to a six-inch water main break.

Get Hawaiis latest morning news delivered to your inbox, sign up for News 2 You

Just before 7 p.m., the Board of Water Supply announced crews are working to repair the main break between Olive Street and Ohai Place.

Dockworker strike on East/Gulf coast should not have significant impact on Hawaii

As of now, water usage for five businesses has been impacted.

Those in the area are asked to drive with extreme caution while driving through the site and expect delays.

Shortly before 5 a.m. on Tuesday, the BWS announced repairs had been completed and traffic modifications were no longer in effect.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Water was also restored to all impacted customers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Traveling abroad comes with its unique set of stresses, and for many, one of the biggest is what to do if you find yourself unwell. Can you find a doctor who speaks your language, will accept your insurance, and let you avoid the costs and stress of visiting an unfamiliar hospital emergency room?

A startup called Air Doctor has built a platform to help people in this very predicament, and it has now raised $20 million in a Series B round after seeing strong traction.

Air Doctor's product is part directory, part algorithmically-driven location-based service provider, and part accounting tech. At its heart, it is a directory of vetted doctors in different countries along with profiles detailing what they cover and what languages they speak. This directory is provided to users to browse and use for either in-person or remote consultations.

Patients do not have to pay the doctors or get their claims covered by insurance providers. Air Doctor matches up customers insurance policies with the services rendered, and manages the reimbursement payments to doctors from insurance companies.

Air Doctor charges a service fee and commission as part of that process, but all the same, it claims that its efforts result in 50% savings on outpatient claims overall, 60% savings for medical assistance providers, and reduces handling and processing time by 75%.

The startup claims it has more than 80,000 customers, which has been boosted by contracts with 18 major health insurance providers, and it provides a directory of 20,000 doctors across 84 countries. It started off with a B2C focus, but now operates a B2B2C model with insurance companies in the middle, referring individuals to Air Doctor, along with others using the service directly.

CEO and co-founder Jenny Cohen Derfler said the company's revenue is growing by 2.5x annually. But when you combine that traction with the ballooning number of international travelers (790 million people traveled internationally in the first seven months of 2024, per UN estimates), the potential is much larger, Derfler said.

It should be noted, though, that there are other startups targeting travelers' health needs: Feather is building an insurance platform for expats, for example.

The investors in Air Doctor's new round underscore the opportunity the company is targeting: aMoon, an Israeli VC firm focused on health and life sciences, is leading the round, with other new backers including insurance giant Tokio Marine Holdings and Samsung Ventures (SVIC). Previous backers Lightspeed Venture Partners, Vintage Investment Partners, and two more industry bigwigs  Phoenix Insurance and Munich Re Ventures  are also participating.

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The investors spelled out another aspect of the potential tech the company has been building: Air Doctor is  leveraging advanced algorithms and app-based solutions to provide timely, quality medical care for travelers worldwide, Todd Sone, general partner at aMoon, said in a statement.

Derflers interest in building Air Doctor comes partly from her and her son's (who is also her co-founder) background. Derfler described herself as a nomad: she originally hails from Uruguay, has traveled around South America, spent time in other countries, and currently lives in Israel.

Her son, Yam Derfler, originally came up with the idea for the company when traveling.

In South America, he fell ill and realized he had no idea how to navigate the local health system to find a doctor. He went to a hospital instead, which proved to have its own dramatic turns.

Back at home in Israel, when he and Jenny started to look deeper at the problem, it was clear that Yam and other consumers were not alone. Insurance companies also didnt have a clear route to recommending doctors in countries outside their home territory.

And so began the process of building Air Doctor. That endeavor was filled with challenges, Derfler recalled. The co-founders realized that to be very close to the problem and solution, they would have to travel to the first country they tackled, Greece, to find doctors to start building a network.

We started to go to visit doctors in Greece through recommendations, she said. We learned that when you call a doctor in Greece, the receptionist usually doesn't know English. And when you go to the address, the letters are not Latin letters, so we couldn't understand which floor a clinic was located on. We wanted to understand the need ourselves and what we needed to tell our users to do.

The two also used other methods to build up its database, including contacting embassies for recommendations, and then leveraging word-of-mouth through existing doctors on the network. Before the COVID-19 pandemic, Air Doctor had amassed 10,000 doctors, and in the last two years, another 10,000 have joined, she said.

And now that the startup is working more closely with insurance companies, it leans on them, too, to understand where people travel and what are the most common ailments to focus its network growth.

The company has now raised a total of around $50 million (including this Series A in 2020) and it is not disclosing its valuation.
Turning 100 years old today, Jimmy Carter is not only the oldest president in United States history, but the first to every become a centenarian. He still lives in Plains, Georgia, in a modest house he and former first lady Rosalyn Carter built in 1961. A father of four children and 22 grandchildren and great-grandchildren, Carter has remained humble and kind despite his lofty status.

On Feb. 18 the Carter Center announced that Jimmy Carter, the 39th President of the United States, was entering hospice care.

After a series of short hospital stays, former US President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention, the Carter Center announced in a statement on Twitter. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.

Carter has faced a series of illnesses over the past several years, including melanoma that spread other parts of his body, like his brain and experienced several falls including one that caused a minor pelvic fracture and surgery.

Carters care will focus on quality of life and making him as comfortable as possible. He will not receive any medical intervening treatment.

Related: How Immunotherapy Saved Jimmy Carter's Life

To our friends Jimmy and Rosalynn and to their family  Jill and I are with you in prayer and send you our love, wrote President Biden on Twitter. We admire you for the strength and humility you have shown in difficult times. May you continue your journey with grace and dignity, and God grant you peace.

Although no other details were given by the Carter Center, grandson Jason Carter Tweeted, "I saw both of my grandparents yesterday. They are at peace andas alwaystheir home is full of love. Thank you all for your kind words."

While Carter missed the inauguration of Joseph Biden and his public appearances became more rare, last May Carter filed a brief to appeal to the court to prevent a road from being built through the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge in Alaska. In the brief, he described himself like this,

My name is Jimmy Carter, he wrote. In my lifetime, I have been a farmer, a naval officer, a Sunday school teacher, an outdoorsman, a democracy activist, a builder, governor of Georgia and recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize. And from 1977 to 1981, I had the privilege of serving as the 39th president of the United States.

By turning 100, Jimmy Carter is also one step closer to his latest goal: voting for Kamala Harris for president. On Aug. 3, 2024, Carter's grandson relayed that his grandfather was trying to stay alive long enough to cast a vote for Harris in the upcoming presidential election. With early voting in Georgia beginning on Oct. 15, he's only two weeks away from making that dream a reality.

Related: Jimmy Carter Looks Back on a Life of Faith and Service, and Ahead to a More Peaceful World

An accomplished statesman, Carter was awarded the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize for his work to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts. He also authored 32 books and was devoted to helping others around the world. (Starting in 1984, he and his late wife dedicated much of their time to building and advocating for affordable housing via Habitat for Humanity.) Ever eloquent, Carter was known for his impassioned speeches and writings. Here are some of our favorite quotes.

Best Jimmy Carter quotes

We can choose to alleviate suffering. We can choose to work together for peace. We can make these changes and we must.

Whether the borders that divide us are picket fences or national boundaries, we are all neighbors in a global community.

We tend to think that money and fame and the adulation of others will make us happy. But we come to realize that those things are not foundations for real success.

It's hard to live until you're 95 years old. I think the best explanation for that is to marry the best spouse, someone who will take care of you and engage and do things to challenge you and keep you alive and interested in life.

Sometimes we face potential failure, and we have to remember to try anyway to find a way to reach our goal. We can overcome many global problems and build a better world if we all work together as a community

The measure of a society is found in how they treat their weakest and most helpless citizens.

We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant.

When people are intimidated about having their own opinions, oppression is at hand.

Earlier in my life, I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office. But as I've grown older I've become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can't see  the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.

All I want is the same thing you want. To have a nation with a government that is as good and honest and decent and competent and compassionate and as filled with love as are the American people.

We are of course a nation of differences. Those differences don't make us weak. They're the source of our strength.

Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it's painful when we do. But it's better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, I don't want to try because I may not succeed completely.

I hope that all of you will join me in being a champion for women and girls around the world and protect their human rights.

We all know grandparents whose values transcend passing fads and pressures, and who possess the wisdom of distilled pain and joy.

Wherever life takes us, there are always moments of wonder.

The most serious and universal problem is the growing chasm between the richest and poorest people on earth. Citizens of the ten wealthiest countries are now seventy-five times richer than those who live in the ten poorest ones, and the separation is increasing every year, not only between nations but also within them.

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.

Failure is a reality; we all fail at times, and it's painful when we do. But it's better to fail while striving for something wonderful, challenging, adventurous, and uncertain than to say, " I don't want to try because I may not succeed completely.

America did not invent human rights. In a very real sense human rights invented America.

The test of a government is not how popular it is with the powerful and privileged few but how honestly and fairly it deals with the many who must depend on it.

The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.

We have become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.

My position has always been, along with many other people, that any differences be resolved in a nonviolent way."

We have to inspire our children and grandchildren to take on challenges and risks that at first may seem to be overwhelming, or even impossible. They need to understand that the only failure is not trying.

When I reflect upon my blessings during my very nice lifetime, I am inspired to make sure that I spend the balance of the days of my existence in a productive way.



I believe that anyone can be successful in life, regardless of natural talent or the environment within which we live. This is not based on measuring success by human competitiveness for wealth, possessions, influence, and fame, but adhering to God's standards of truth, justice, humility, service, compassion, forgiveness, and love.

Sometimes we face potential failure, and we have to remember to try anyway to find a way to reach our goal. We can overcome many global problems and build a better world if we all work together as a community

A strong nation, like a strong person, can afford to be gentle, firm, thoughtful, and restrained. It can afford to extend a helping hand to others. It is a weak nation, like a weak person, that must behave with bluster and boasting and rashness and other signs of insecurity.

Earlier in my life, I thought the things that mattered were the things that you could see, like your car, your house, your wealth, your property, your office. But as I've grown older I've become convinced that the things that matter most are the things that you can't see  the love you share with others, your inner purpose, your comfort with who you are.

We have a tendency to condemn people who are different from us, to define their sins as paramount and our own sinfulness as being insignificant.

Like other Habitat volunteers, I have learned that our greatest blessings come when we are able to improve the lives of others, and this is especially true when those others are desperately poor or in need.

My vision of this nation and its future has been deepened and matured during the nineteen months that I have campaigned among you for President. I have never had more faith in America than I do today. We have an America that, in Bob Dylans phrase, is busy being born, not busy dying.

The bond of our common humanity is stronger than the divisiveness of our fears and prejudices.

To be true to ourselves, we must be true to others.

I have one life and one chance to make it count for something... My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.

Like music and art, love of nature is a common language that can transcend political or social boundaries.

You can do what you have to do, and sometimes you can do it even better than you think you can.

It is good to realize that if love and peace can prevail on earth, and if we can teach our children to honor natures gifts, the joys and beauties of the outdoors will be here forever.

When women are empowered in significant numbers, in the corporate world as well as in politics and in daily life, better decisions are made and more sustainable solutions are adopted.

It is clear that we must embrace human rights and aggressively challenge our societys acceptance of violence, which should never be seen as normal or as the preferred means of solving problems.

I predict that every one of you who volunteers to help others in need will feel this same sense of exaltation. I believe that, in making what seems to be a sacrifice, you will find fulfillment in the memorable experience of helping others less fortunate than yourself.

What is needed now, more than ever, is leadership that steers us away from fear and fosters greater confidence in the inherent goodness and ingenuity of humanity.

We have a moral obligation to prevent suffering wherever we can.

Everyone has a right to peaceful coexistence, the basic personal freedoms, the alleviation of suffering, and the opportunity to lead a productive life.

Our goals are also the same. To have a just system of economics and politics, to let the people of the world share in growth, in peace, in personal freedom, and in the benefits to be derived from the proper utilization of natural resources. We believe in enhancing human rights. We believe that we should enhance, as independent nations, the freedom of our own people.

Perhaps the most significant after-effect is on the Habitat volunteers who join us in building projects, who almost unanimously agree that the personal benefits to their lives always exceed their own financial contributions, time and effort  and that this incentive lasts for years in the future, or for a lifetime.

I thought often during my years in the White House of an admonition that we received in our small school in Plains, Georgia, from a beloved teacher, Miss Julia Coleman. She often said: We must adjust to changing times and still hold to unchanging principles.

When I was a young boy, this same teacher also introduced me to Leo Tolstoys novel, War and Peace. She interpreted that powerful narrative as a reminder that the simple human attributes of goodness and truth can overcome great power. She also taught us that an individual is not swept along on a tide of inevitability but can influence even the greatest human events.

One of the most serious problems that our country has inherited an unwillingness to talk to anyone who disagrees with us or who wont accept, before a discussion, all the premises that we demand.

Human rights can be defined in many different ways. If you ask Americans on the street to name some human rights, they are likely to say freedom of speech, freedom of religion, the right to assemble, the right to a trial by jury, or the right to elect ones leaders. Those are perfectly good legal human rights. But one of the most important  a human right that people often forget  is the right to lead a good life. By this I mean the right to have food to eat, a place to sleep at night, access to doctors and education, and a decent job, as well as self-respect and dignity.

I saw the presidency as a way to accomplish specific goals that I considered important,. . . I look back on those four years with peace and satisfaction, knowing that I did my best and had some notable accomplishments.We give each other plenty of space. She has a lot of interests that I dont share. I have a lot of interests that she doesnt share, [Jimmy Carter on the key to a successful marriage.]

I know for my sake its been the best thing Ive ever had happen to me  marrying Rosalynn and living together for so long, growing to know each other more and more intimately every day in married life.

"I love her more now than I did to begin with  which is saying a lot, because I loved her a lot. [Jimmy Carter on his marriage to Rosalynn Carter.]

Next, Jimmy Carter Sends His First Text Message! What Did It Say?
624K in SC remain without power after Helene. Heres when lights could be back on for some

More than 620 thousand South Carolinians continue to wake up in the dark following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

As of 8 a.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1, there were 624,382 customers without electricity across the Palmetto State, according to PowerOutage.us, which tracks power outages across the nation.

Dominion Energy, which serves nearly 821 thousand customers in South Carolina, have restored electricity for more than 744 thousand residents. 76,456 customers remained without power Tuesday morning.

As the storm went through South Carolina on Thursday and Friday, about 1.3 million customers had lost power.

Dominion Energy of South Carolina President Keller Kissam said explained why some customers may not have a utility crew in their neighborhood, during a news conference Monday.

We have to patrol, Kissam said. Once we patrol, we put the saw on the bottom of the helicopter, it goes out ... and cuts, and get these trees off transmission (lines).

Kissam said once transmission lines are restored, crews begin working on utility substations.

Earlier today, South Carolina President, Keller Kissam, joined the @cityofcolumbia to share updates on how our restoration work is progressing.



Your patience and support is greatly appreciated as we work to restore power to your community. pic.twitter.com/EC6byLTQg3  Dominion Energy (@DominionEnergy) September 30, 2024

Yesterday again, people said, I dont see any crews in my neighborhood, Kissam said during the news conference. Well, you may live five to six miles away from the substation, and yesterday we worked to get all the major circuits on.

Duke Energy President Mike Callahan said it expects to have power restored for a vast majority of customers by Friday evening, with the exception to those who are inaccessible or unable to receive service.

Duke Energy serves 835,500 residents in South Carolina. As of Monday, the utility had restored nearly 442,000 customer outages.

The electric coops had as many as 1,900 poles that were snapped and it takes a four-person crew four hours to replace one pole, said Rob Hochstetler, the president and CEO of the Central Electric Cooperative said Monday.

The majority of outrages remain in the Upstate, where Helene hit the Palmetto State the hardest.

Out of the 175,000 Spartanburg County customers tracked by PowerOutage.us, more than 137,000 were still out of power as of Tuesday morning. Meanwhile, 166,945 power customers in Greenville County were still out as of Tuesday morning.

In western SC, Greenwood County remained largely in the dark on Tuesday, with more than 26,000 outages.

Dominion Energy on Sunday released estimated times of restoration of power for its customers in a number of SC counties. Those were:

*Allendale: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

*Bamberg: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

*Barnwell: 11 p.m. Oct. 2

*Beaufort: 11 p.m. Oct. 1

*Berkeley: 11 p.m. Sept. 29

*Calhoun: 11 p.m. Sept. 29

*Colleton: 11 p.m. Sept. 30

*Dorchester: 11 p.m. Sept. 29

*Fairfield: 11 p.m. Oct. 4

*Hampton: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

*Jasper: 11 p.m. Oct. 2

*Kershaw: 11 p.m. Sept. 29

*Lexington: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

*Newberry: 11 p.m. Oct. 2

*Orangeburg: 11 p.m. Sept. 29

*Richland: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

*Union: 11 p.m. Oct. 3

Dominion listed several counties simply as damage assessment in progress, without estimated restoration dates, as of Monday morning. Those included Abbeville, Aiken, Edgefield, Greenwood, McCormick and Saluda.

Power for Dominion customers in the Midlands have mostly been restored.

In Richland County, of the 211,676 customers, power has been restored for 202,631. In Lexington County, 21,481 customers remained without power as of Tuesday morning.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  One of Siouxlands biggest donation drives is right around the corner.

The Siouxland Big Give launches at midnight on Oct. 1 for 24 hours of fundraising for local charities and nonprofits. This years goal is to raise $200,000 in total donations. People can choose from around 100 different organizations to give to, and all of the money stays local.

Siouxland Walk to End Alzheimers taking place October 5

If a donor selects a nonprofit, that money will go to that nonprofit, Katie Roberts with the Siouxland Community Foundation said. And so each nonprofit does their own work in trying to fundraise and get the word out about what their project is. So when a donation comes in and it is earmarked for that nonprofit, we ensure that that nonprofit receives it.

You can donate by clicking here or by visiting Hy-Vee locations in the Sioux City area.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
When he endorsed marijuana legalization in Florida last August, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump emphasized the importance of regulations to protect bystanders from exposure to pot smoke. "We need the State Legislature to responsibly create laws that prohibit the use of [cannabis] in public spaces," Trump wrote on Truth Social, "so we do not smell marijuana everywhere we go, like we do in many of the Democrat run Cities." Trump's running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio), has expressed similar concerns, saying "we haven't quite figured out how this new regime coexists with not polluting our public spaces."

Expanding the legal options for cannabis consumption outside the home, as California is finally doing eight years after legalizing recreational use, is one promising way to address such complaints. On Monday, Gov. Gavin Newsom, who last year vetoed a bill that would have authorized Amsterdam-style cannabis cafes in California, signed a revised version into law. Assembly Bill 1775 allows dispensaries, with local permission, to sell hot food and nonalcoholic beverages along with marijuana products. Such businesses will also be allowed to host "live musical or other performances," as bars and restaurants that serve alcohol routinely do.

State law previously allowed on-site consumption at specially licensed pot shops, but their culinary options were limited to prepackaged snacks and drinks. California marijuana merchants hope the new dispensation will help them compete against unlicensed pot dealers who do not have to collect taxes or comply with burdensome state and local regulations. "Cannabis cafes are going to be a huge part of the future of cannabis in our state and help to beat back the illegal drug market," said Assemblymember Matt Haney (DSan Francisco), the bill's sponsor.

California's new flexibility is an important step toward solving a puzzle that was typically overlooked in the early days of legalization: Once people could legally buy marijuana, where could they legally consume it? The main answer was at home, which was not practical for visitors from other states, might not be allowed in rentals, and precluded consumption in many social settings. That gap inspired creative solutions, such as members-only clubs and cannabis-friendly bus tours, that in turn inspired crackdowns by disapproving local authorities.

Since then, early legalizers such as Colorado and Alaska have been gradually coming around, amending their rules to allow cannabis consumption outside of private residences. Some states that legalized marijuana later, such as Massachusetts and Illinois, at least notionally allowed on-site consumption from the beginning. But regulatory approval of specific businesses has been slow, and the options in most places remain few and far between.

Consider Las Vegas, which annually attracts some 40 million visitors from around the world, a significant percentage of whom visit one or more of the two dozen or so dispensaries located near the Strip. Once tourists make their purchases, what are they supposed to do with them?

"You cannot use cannabis in any public place," Nevada's Cannabis Compliance Board warns. "You cannot use cannabis in a moving vehicle, even if you're a passenger." The board adds that "cannabis can be consumed on private property (at home, for example)as long as the property owner has not prohibited it."

Eight years after Nevada voters approved recreational legalization, that private-property exception still will not get tourists far. Lexi Las Vegas advertises itself as the city's "only cannabis friendly hotel," and so far only a couple of licensed cannabis consumption lounges are up and running, although more are in the works.

When the legal consumption options are extremely limited, it is hardly surprising that people end up smoking or vaping in places where it is especially likely to annoy passers-by. Conversely, when residents and visitors can readily use marijuana inside private businesses that cater to cannabis consumers, they will be less apt to irk people who object to the odor.

Ohio voters approved legalization last November, and licensed recreational sales did not begin until August. Yet last May, Vance was already complaining that "you take your kids downtown Cincinnati to go to a restaurant, and you walk by, like, five people who are stoned." He added that "it smells terrible" and "I don't want that." Vance suggested that "we just need a different cultural sensibility that if we're going to go into this more open regime, people have to actually take some responsibility and not do it around, y'know, 6-year-old kids."

If Ohio legislators want to build and reinforce that "cultural sensibility," they should let people smoke pot in designated locations where Vance and his family are less likely to encounter them. "It is left up to the property owner to determine how or whether to address cannabis consumption on their property," Tom Haren, a lawyer who worked for Ohio's legalization campaign, told The Columbus Dispatch in April. But as the Dispatch notes, state law "prohibits people from smoking plant material in enclosed areas open to the public, with exceptions for outdoor patios, smoke shops and hotel rooms designated for smoking."

Newsom cited California's similar law when he vetoed Haney's original bill last year. "I am concerned this bill could undermine California's long-standing smoke-free workplace protections," the governor said in his veto message.

The amended bill says cannabis cafe employees are entitled to wear employer-provided respirators. It also says local governments may "require adequate ventilation and filtration systems," defined as systems that "prevent smoke and odors from migrating to any other part of the building hosting the consumption lounge or any neighboring building or grounds." While local licensing authorities must "consider" such systems, they are not required to mandate them.

"I commend the author for incorporating additional safeguards, such as expressly

protecting employees discretion to wear a mask for respiration, paid for at the expense of the employer, and requiring employees to receive additional guidance on the risks of secondhand cannabis smoke," Newsom said when he signed the bill. But "any future measure that diverges from this tailored approach," he warned, "will not be looked upon favorably."

Jim Knox, California managing director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, dismissed the "additional safeguards" as "nonsense" and "window dressing." The union that represents dispensary employees, which endorsed the bill, seems to disagree. And if states can find a way to tolerate pot smoking among consenting adults, it should help alleviate the nuisance that bothers people like Trump and Vance.

The post 8 Years After Legalizing Pot, California Will Finally Allow Cannabis Cafes appeared first on Reason.com.
Abortion in Georgia can resume up to 22 weeks of pregnancy after court ruling

Abortion rights protesters at the U.S. Supreme Court. (Photo by Jane Norman/States Newsroom)

This story was originally published by The 19th.

A Georgia court struck down the states six-week abortion ban Monday, allowing abortions to resume up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The decision will radiate across the South, where the procedure has been largely outlawed.

Georgia, home to about a dozen abortion-providing clinics, is now one of the two most permissive states in the region. In Virginia, the procedure is legal up through the second trimester of pregnancy, which ends at 26 weeks.

The six-week ban, which has been in effect since 2022, cut abortions performed in Georgia in half. Georgians who did not discover they were pregnant by the deadline  early enough that many people do not know they are pregnant  had to either travel out of state or order pills online if they wanted to get an abortion.

In the first 21 months since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Georgia had the second largest decline in abortions performed, according to an analysis by the Society for Family Planning, with abortions falling by almost 40,000.

There was a significant cut to our volume because of the six-week ban, said Calla Halle, who runs A Preferred Womens Health Center, which has two clinics in North Carolina and two in Georgia. Given the surge of need, I think well go right back to being as busy.

Halle said she hopes theyll be able to resume providing abortions up to 22 weeks promptly  and she anticipates seeing patients travel from other states with heavy restrictions, including Florida and South Carolina, where abortion is banned after six-weeks of pregnancy.

Other Southern states  including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee  all outlaw abortion almost entirely. North Carolina, two states to the north, allows the procedure up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but requires patients make two visits in person to a clinic, separated by 72 hours, a stipulation that can be prohibitive for those traveling from far away.

That makes the Georgia decision one that is obviously big, according to Laurie Sobel, associate director for womens health policy at KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research, polling and journalism organization.

[Georgia is] going to be the closest place for people [to access abortions] in a lot of states, Sobel said, adding that she believes the state will appeal the decision.

But as long as the decision is in effect, it could have substantial implications, alleviating any strains on clinics further north that have become destinations for abortion-seekers in the South.

Georgias six-week ban left millions of people across a wide swath of the South facing drives of hundreds of miles to North Carolina and Virginia, said Caitlin Myers, an economist at Middlebury College who studies abortion travel patterns. Now, as long as the ban isnt enforced, Georgia residents as well as people from Florida, Alabama and parts of Tennessee are going to be much closer to services.

In the 26-page opinion, Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney said that abortions in Georgia needed to be regulated like they were prior to the six-week ban  known as the Life Act  being passed in 2019. McBurney noted that many people do not know they are pregnant at six weeks.

In his opinion, McBurney also noted that abortion bans have a disproportionate impact on women of color.

It is generally men who promote and defend laws like the LIFE Act, the effect of which is to require only women  and, given the socio-economic and demographic evidence presented at trial, primarily poor women, which means in Georgia primarily black and brown women  to engage in compulsory labor, i.e., the carrying of a pregnancy to term at the governments behest, he wrote.

Prior to Roes overturn, 69 percent of people who got abortions in Georgia were Black, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 30 percent of Georgians are Black. Abortion bans have disproportionately affected Black women, who are more likely to live in the Southern states that have embraced restrictions.

Georgia still requires patients who get an abortion make two appointments separated by 24 hours. But the first visit can be done over the phone, meaning patients  including those potentially traveling from out of state  only have to do one physical visit.

The change comes as Georgias abortion bans have become a critical issue in the presidential election, especially after ProPublica reported the cases of two women who died in the state after they couldnt access legal abortions. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is hoping to turn the state blue, has vocally criticized its six-week ban, which Republicans and abortion opponents have defended.
Abortion in Georgia can resume up to 22 weeks of pregnancy after court ruling

Protesters rally outside the State Capitol in support of abortion rights in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2022.

Protesters rally outside the State Capitol in support of abortion rights in Atlanta, Georgia, in May 2022. (Elijah Nouvelage/AFP/Getty Images)

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A Georgia court struck down the states six-week abortion ban Monday, allowing abortions to resume up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The decision will radiate across the South, where the procedure has been largely outlawed.

Georgia, home to about a dozen abortion-providing clinics, is now one of the two most permissive states in the region. In Virginia, the procedure is legal up through the second trimester of pregnancy, which ends at 26 weeks.

The six-week ban, which has been in effect since 2022, cut abortions performed in Georgia in half. Georgians who did not discover they were pregnant by the deadline  early enough that many people do not know they are pregnant  had to either travel out of state or order pills online if they wanted to get an abortion.

In the first 21 months since the overturn of Roe v. Wade, Georgia had the second largest decline in abortions performed, according to an analysis by the Society for Family Planning, with abortions falling by almost 40,000.

There was a significant cut to our volume because of the six-week ban, said Calla Halle, who runs A Preferred Womens Health Center, which has two clinics in North Carolina and two in Georgia. Given the surge of need, I think well go right back to being as busy.

Halle said she hopes theyll be able to resume providing abortions up to 22 weeks promptly  and she anticipates seeing patients travel from other states with heavy restrictions, including Florida and South Carolina, where abortion is banned after six-weeks of pregnancy.

Other Southern states  including Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana and Tennessee  all outlaw abortion almost entirely. North Carolina, two states to the north, allows the procedure up to 12 weeks of pregnancy, but requires patients make two visits in person to a clinic, separated by 72 hours, a stipulation that can be prohibitive for those traveling from far away.

That makes the Georgia decision one that is obviously big, according to Laurie Sobel, associate director for womens health policy at KFF, a nonpartisan health policy research, polling and journalism organization.

[Georgia is] going to be the closest place for people [to access abortions] in a lot of states, Sobel said, adding that she believes the state will appeal the decision.

But as long as the decision is in effect, it could have substantial implications, alleviating any strains on clinics further north that have become destinations for abortion-seekers in the South.

Georgias six-week ban left millions of people across a wide swath of the South facing drives of hundreds of miles to North Carolina and Virginia, said Caitlin Myers, an economist at Middlebury College who studies abortion travel patterns. Now, as long as the ban isnt enforced, Georgia residents as well as people from Florida, Alabama and parts of Tennessee are going to be much closer to services.

In the 26-page opinion, Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney said that abortions in Georgia needed to be regulated like they were prior to the six-week ban  known as the Life Act  being passed in 2019. McBurney noted that many people do not know they are pregnant at six weeks.

In his opinion, McBurney also noted that abortion bans have a disproportionate impact on women of color.

It is generally men who promote and defend laws like the LIFE Act, the effect of which is to require only women  and, given the socio-economic and demographic evidence presented at trial, primarily poor women, which means in Georgia primarily black and brown women  to engage in compulsory labor, i.e., the carrying of a pregnancy to term at the governments behest, he wrote.

Prior to Roes overturn, 69 percent of people who got abortions in Georgia were Black, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. About 30 percent of Georgians are Black. Abortion bans have disproportionately affected Black women, who are more likely to live in the Southern states that have embraced restrictions.

Georgia still requires patients who get an abortion make two appointments separated by 24 hours. But the first visit can be done over the phone, meaning patients  including those potentially traveling from out of state  only have to do one physical visit.

The change comes as Georgias abortion bans have become a critical issue in the presidential election, especially after ProPublica reported the cases of two women who died in the state after they couldnt access legal abortions. Vice President Kamala Harris, who is hoping to turn the state blue, has vocally criticized its six-week ban, which Republicans and abortion opponents have defended.

The post Abortion in Georgia can resume up to 22 weeks of pregnancy after court ruling appeared first on The 19th.

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A bus passes by a news van in front of a Los Angeles MTA bus depot near the site where overnight a bus was hijacked by an armed subject with passengers on board Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)

LOS ANGELES (AP)  A man who allegedly hijacked a city bus in Los Angeles, killed a passenger and held its driver at gunpoint last Wednesday has been charged with murder and kidnapping, authorities said.

Lamont Campbell, 51, was charged with numerous felonies related to the hijacking, including carjacking, assault with a semi-automatic handgun, robbery, and felon in possession of a gun, Los Angeles county prosecutors said Monday.

Campbell is alleged to have shot and killed 48-year-old Anthony Rivera on his way home from work. He also allegedly threatened and robbed another passenger with the weapon.

Prosecutors said Campbell first boarded the Metro bus at about 12:30 a.m. in South Los Angeles on Sep. 25, according to the Los Angeles County District Attorney's office. After forcing the driver to continue driving by holding him at gunpoint, he led police cars on a slow chase through downtown for an hour before they were able to deploy spike strips to stop the bus and perform a hostage rescue.

The other passenger, who was injured and quickly released, has not been identified.

Metros 12,000 employees deserve to be safe at work and our nearly 1 million customers deserve to be and feel safe as they travel to and from their homes, work, and leisure activities," Metro CEO Stephanie Higgins said in a statement.

Los Angeles district attorney George Gascon said at a press conference Monday that Campbell had an extensive criminal record, the Los Angeles Times reported. Officials also commended the bus driver, Dennis Contreras, for his bravery and remaining calm.

Rivera's family told KABC-TV that Rivera, a former national guardsmen, was only a few blocks away from home when the gunman boarded the bus.

He was just trying to get home from his very long shift as a parking lot attendant at Dodger Stadium, Riveras cousin Sarah Beck said. All he wanted to do was just get home safely, but he never made it home.

The family called for more safety measures to protect passengers that depend on public transit.

I just miss him dearly, Riveras mother, Teresa Flores, told KABC-TV. Theres so much I want to say and I just cant. Im just dumbfounded they took my son. ... Hell always be with me, hes my heart.

Campbell will be arraigned Tuesday. If convicted of all his charges, he faces a maximum sentence of 90 years, eight months to life in prison.
In its lawsuit, the ACLU notes that the number of prosecutions of voter fraud in New Hampshire is low, and it contends that HB 1569 will disenfranchise a disproportionate number of voters to achieve its goals. (Kate Brindley | New Hampshire Bulletin)

The American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire and three other organizations are suing in federal court to block a new state voter registration law  the second lawsuit against the law in two weeks.

In the lawsuit, filed Monday in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire, the ACLU argues that House Bill 1569 is unconstitutional under the First Amendment and 14th Amendment because it will create hurdles that could stop lawful residents and citizens from registering to vote.

HB 1569s limitation on the availability of voter registration to only voters who can immediately produce documentary proof of citizenship would make this law among the most restrictive in the United States, the lawsuit states.

Plaintiffs include advocacy groups Coalition for Open Democracy, League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, and the Forward Foundation, as well as five individual plaintiffs.

The voting bill, signed by Gov. Chris Sununu in September, removes the ability for people to vote with an affidavit if they dont have identification with them at the polls  and it requires first-time voters to provide hard proof of citizenship. It will not take effect until Nov. 11 and will not affect the Nov. 5 presidential election.

Republicans have argued the law closes gaps in the states election laws that allow people without sufficient documentation to vote. They say even though the affidavits are a legally binding document and voters who falsely fill them out can be investigated and prosecuted later, those prosecutions cannot erase the vote itself, which they say could improperly sway an election.

But in its lawsuit, the ACLU notes that the number of prosecutions of voter fraud in New Hampshire is low, and it contends that HB 1569 will disenfranchise a disproportionate number of voters to achieve its goals.

A person attempting to register to vote on election day  as a substantial proportion of the New Hampshire electorate does  who did not already possess or could not immediately locate documentary proof of citizenship would find it nearly impossible to obtain the documents in time to vote , the lawsuit states.

 As a result, HB 1569 would effectively eliminate same-day voter registration for these eligible voters.

The lawsuit follows a Sept. 15 lawsuit  also filed in the U.S. District Court of New Hampshire  brought by the New Hampshire Youth Movement with the help of the Elias Group, a firm helmed by election law attorney Marc Elias.

The two lawsuits make similar arguments that the law is unconstitutional and that the hard copy documentation requirements are overly burdensome.

But the ACLU filing includes a handful of voters among its plaintiffs in addition to the voting organizations. And it raises some concerns over the new law not addressed by the New Hampshire Youth Movements filing.

One concern is that the law could affect people who are removed from the New Hampshire voting rolls due to a lapse in voting activity. In New Hampshire, town supervisors of the checklist are required to review their voter checklists every 10 years  the last review happened in 2021. During those reviews, anyone who has not voted in the prior four years, and has not re-registered with their town, is automatically taken off the list and must re-register.

The ACLUs lawsuit warns that when HB 1569 takes effect, people could arrive at the polls on election day without knowing they had been removed from their towns voting checklist due to a lapse in voting. If those residents did not bring proof of citizenship that day, they could be turned away.

A second concern raised in Mondays filing is centered around the voter challenge process. Under New Hampshire law, a person who votes on election day may be challenged by an authorized election observer at the polls if that observer believes they are not old enough, are not domiciled in that town, or are not a citizen.

Under current law, that voter may still cast a ballot, but must fill out a challenged voter affidavit reaffirming they are who they say they are. Under the new law, the moderator would make a determination of whether they believe the challenged voter is eligible, and if the moderator does not believe that they are, the person would not be able to vote. To overturn that decision, the voter would then need to go to a New Hampshire superior court on election day and seek an appeal of the moderators decision, a process that costs $280.

The ACLU argues that that appeal process is not realistic for most voters because it is too expensive and inconvenient, meaning that a voter who was registered to vote could lose that ability if they forget to bring citizenship documents to the polls.

As a result, HB 1569 would effectively grant supervisors of the checklist or moderators with unchecked and arbitrary discretion to disenfranchise a voter without meaningful recourse provided to that voter, the lawsuit states.

Finally, while HB 1569 is only intended to require citizenship documents for those registering to vote in New Hampshire for the first time  and not those moving from one area of the state to another and registering in a different polling place  the ACLU argues that that might not happen in practice. They say some towns may require a voter to produce all documents  including citizenship documents  in order to register once moving there. The new law could make it difficult to vote if those new residents did not have a birth certificate or passport with them, the ACLU contends.

Both lawsuits are now pending in federal court. The states Attorney Generals Office, a defendant in the lawsuits, has not yet filed legal briefs to respond to the challenges.
A lawsuit filed Monday challenges a New Hampshire law that would require proof of U.S. citizenship when registering to vote and photo identification when casting a ballot, saying it is one of the most restrictive voting laws in the nation.

The new law was set to take effect after the November elections. Republican Gov. Chris Sununu signed the bill earlier this month.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union of New Hampshire in U.S. District Court in Concord on behalf of the Coalition for Open Democracy, the League of Women Voters of New Hampshire, the Forward Foundation, and five voters. It names New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella and Secretary of State David Scanlan as defendants.

Laws like this that create unconstitutional roadblocks to voting and which could stop thousands of eligible voters from participating in an election, have no place in our state, Henry Klementowicz, deputy legal director at the ACLU of New Hampshire, said in a statement.

The lawsuit asks a judge to block enforcement, saying federal courts have weighed in on the matter before. A similar law in Kansas, which required proof of citizenship for state and federal elections, was found in 2018 to violate both the U.S. Constitution and the National Voter Registration Act.

In August 2024, the U.S. Supreme Court allowed some parts of a law requiring proof of citizenship to be enforced in Arizona as the legal fight continues in lower courts. The ACLU of New Hampshire said that Arizona does not require proof of citizenship for federal elections.

Under New Hampshires current law, those who dont bring photo IDs to the polls can sign an affidavit attesting to their identity and are required to provide documentation within seven days. The new law would eliminate voter identification exceptions and would require those registering to vote to show a passport, birth certificate or other evidence of citizenship.

This newly enacted voter registration requirement creates confusion, raises doubts for voters, and leaves them feeling hampered by the process, Liz Tentarelli, president of the League of Women Voters New Hampshire, said in a statement Monday. Instead of creating unnecessary barriers to voters, we need our elected officials to advance meaningful legislation that ensures New Hampshire voters can make their voices heard.

A spokesperson for the state attorney generals office, Michael Garrity said in a statement, We will review the complaint and respond as appropriate.

Sununu signed the bill on Sept. 12. It is set to become law two months after that.

We have a proud tradition and proven track record of condition elections that are trusted and true, he said at the time. Looking forward to the next decade or two, this legislation will instill even more integrity and trust in the voting process.

Voting by noncitizens is prohibited in federal elections and is not allowed in any state elections, although a handful of municipalities nationwide allow it in limited circumstances. While illegal voting by noncitizens is extremely rare, the possibility that it could happen on a wider scale because of the influx of migrants at the southern border has become a theme of Republican campaign messaging this year.

In Washington, Republicans are trying to push through the SAVE Act, a proof-of-citizenship mandate for voters, as part of wider legislation aimed at avoiding a partial government shutdown this fall.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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New York City Mayor Eric Adams and his attorneys are accusing the government of prematurely leaking grand jury material to The New York Times, CNN and other media outlets regarding his federal indictment on corruption charges, a Tuesday filing shows.

The prejudice from these leaks has been severe. A cascade of critical articles based on one-sided, misleading leaks by the government has eroded public support for the Mayor long before he was ever charged with a crime and able to defend himself in court, Adamss attorneys wrote.

His legal team alleges that sensitive information, including subpoenas, FBI searches and seizures in relation to Adamss criminal charges, can be found in published articles dating back to 2023.

They cite the Timess intricate reporting of sealed warrants; a description of items seized from Brianna Suggs, an employee of Adamss 2021 campaign; and knowledge of witness testimony against the mayor as grounds for dismissal.

By design, the governments leaks have steadily created a facade of guilt, resulting in intense, negative scrutiny of Mayor Adams and his administration, reads the filing. And by leaking information to the press, the government has infringed the Mayors right to a taint-free grand jury process and impeded his ability to obtain a fair trial from an impartial jury.

Adamss counsel reportedly alerted the government of the leaks on June 7 and Aug. 13 to no avail, claiming they received no response to their submitted letters and adding they were flat-out ignored.

The government flat-out ignored both letters. In a phone call with prosecutors on August 20, 2024, Mayor Adamss counsel re-raised the issue of the grand jury leaks and noted that the government still had not responded to the letters and requests for an investigation. The government again summarily dismissed the concerns, the lawyers wrote.

They later added, The reality is that the eventual contours of the grand jurys indictment, as well as the sources from which the grand jury obtained evidence, were available to the public and the prospective jury pool long before the indictment itself, and long before Mayor Adams had the opportunity to defend himself in court.

This filing comes just a day after his lawyers asked a federal judge to drop the extraordinarily vague bribery charge against him. In the wake of the accusations, multiple leaders have called on Adams to step down, although hes shown no signs of movement toward resigning.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
PARIS (Reuters) -Israel's neighbours closed airspace and airline crews skirted an escalating conflict, with many seeking diversions, after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for tracking service FlightRadar24 said flights diverted "anywhere they could", and a snapshot of regional traffic showed flights spreading in wide arcs to the north and south, with many converging on Cairo and Istanbul.

FlightRadar24 said Istanbul and Antalya in southern Turkey were becoming congested, forcing some airlines to divert south.

On Tuesday, about 80 flights, operated by the likes of Emirates, British Airways, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways and bound for major Middle East hubs such as Dubai, Doha and Abu Dhabi, were diverted to places such as Cairo and European cities, its data showed.

Many airlines have also suspended flights to the region or are avoiding use of affected air space.

Iran launched the strikes in retaliation for Israel's campaign against Tehran's Hezbollah allies in Lebanon, and Israel vowed a "painful response" against its enemy.

Earlier, Eurocontrol, a pan-European air traffic control agency, had warned pilots of the escalating conflict.

"A major missile attack has been launched against Israel in the last few minutes," it said in an urgent navigation bulletin. "At present the entire country is under a missile warning."

Shortly afterwards it announced the closure of Jordanian and Iraqi airspace, as well as the closure of a key crossing point into airspace controlled by Cyprus.

An Iraqi pilot bulletin said its Baghdad-controlled airspace was closed until further notice, due to security concerns.

Iraq's transport ministry later re-opened its airspace to civilian flights using its airports. On X, FlightRadar24 said, "It will be a while before flights are active there again."

Jordan also re-opened its airspace after a closure following the volley of Iranian missiles towards Israel, the Jordanian state news agency said.

Lebanon's airspace will be closed to air traffic for a two-hour period on Tuesday, Transport Minister Ali Hamie said on X.

The latest disruptions are expected to deal a further blow to an industry already face curbs due to conflicts between Israel and Hamas, and Russia and Ukraine.

(Reporting by Tim Hepher, Yomna Ehab, Tala Ramadan, Jaidaa Taha and Maya Gebeil; Editing by Jonathan Oatis and Clarence Fernandez)
Adams made 'swagger' a feature of his political style. Prosecutors see something more like hubris.

NEW YORK  New York City Mayor Eric Adams didnt grow up with money or connections. But through the years, he acquired something else: swagger.

Now that trademark charisma, which he boasted of so much it prompted a Saturday Night Live parody, looks a lot more like hubris  a hubris prosecutors seized on last week when they released a criminal indictment against him.

His humble beginnings made him a striver, pushed him to join a police force whose officers once beat him bloody as a teenager and then to challenge its predominantly white ranks as a young Black man. Its what drove him to shout Show me the money! as a state senator demanding a pay raise. And its what makes him comfortable hanging out in posh nightclubs at all hours and bragging: You hang out with the boys, you gotta get up with the men.

But last week, a federal prosecutor said Adams crossed bright red lines into an entitlement so brazen that the mayor allegedly took more than $100,000 in illegal campaign donations and lavish gifts from Turkish businessmen.

Not long after that stunning moment, when Adams became the first modern New York City mayor to be criminally charged while holding the coveted job, he stood outside Gracie Mansion with his signature megawatt smile and gave a thumbs up, his bluster potentially his undoing.

New York City mayors rub elbows with the rich and famous. They preside over$100 billion budgets on par with businesses whose CEOs make far more than the citys top elected official, who earns $258,750. Couple that with the near constant temptation of powerful people trying to curry favor, and often  as New York Citys history has shown  elected leaders cave.

Every mayor of New York City has the joy of hanging out with billionaires, said Ravi Batra, whos known Adams for years and served as a commissioner on the states ethics panel when Adams was an Albany lawmaker. The corrupting affection of motivated billionaires who do business with New York City takes a toll on every moral leader. One might think, why arent I getting a piece of the action? Why dont I have a private jet for crying out loud? Why am I having to fly economy?

Adams offered an explanation  at least in part  for his penchant for travel Tuesday, saying that he yearned to see the world outside New York City since he was a teenager.

When I graduated from high school, I wrote on the back of my high school picture a hundred places that I wanted to see, Adams told reporters during a City Hall press conference. My parents never left the country at all. Probably everybody on my block never left the country at all, so to be able to have visited a substantial number of those countries that I wrote on the back of that graduation photo back in 78 and to look through that list and see that many of them I touched and many of them I visited, it means a lot. Its a personal hurdle.



That does not entirely explain Adams current predicament, though.

Adams ran for mayor in 2021 as the city was pulling out of its long COVID-induced depression. He made fighting crime and a return to normalcy major planks of his platform. He put his personality at the forefront of his campaign  in stark contrast to the two men who held the office before him, Bill de Blasio and Mike Bloomberg, neither of whom were known for their charm.

Theres a temptation to conclude, I think, that personality is something New Yorkers are really looking for, rather than it being something theyll tolerate, said former Democratic Rep. Anthony Weiner, who experienced his own epic fall from grace, and like Adams, represented parts of Brooklyn when he was in office.

Another dynamic at play, said Weiner, is the fact that Adams comes from hardscrabble roots in the outer boroughs and spent his entire political career in Brooklyn. Jumping from there to immediately becoming a national  and even global  figure is a lot to digest.

In his case, it could have been a really animating insecurity, Weiner said.

Someone close to Adams, who was granted anonymity to speak freely about the mayor, described Adams cocksure style as rooted in his upbringing and said Adams learned to use it to his advantage as a cop in the NYPD.

When you dont grow up with a lot, you tend to show off, that person, who has known Adams for decades, said. Hes braggadocious, hes grandiose, hes in your face. He learned as a lowly sergeant that thats how you get on TV. Thats part of it. The other part of it is, he enjoyed it.

Theres also a political and practical side to projecting that persona, the Adams confidante said, noting that same profile is whats keeping him alive right now.

His largely Black and immigrant working-class base can relate to someone who proudly shows off his material and political success, but how long that continues to resonate remains an open question.

The argument for swagger is like a version of the prosperity ministry. Its prosperity politics. Its saying my constituents want to see me doing well, said Basil Smikle, a longtime political strategist. Its good when youre engaging in retail politics. Its great on a campaign. But when you start governing, you have the lives of the voters in your hands. And the swagger doesnt overcome these very specific concerns of the voters.

A spokesperson for Adams did not respond to requests for comment.

Long before his indictment was unsealed, there were plenty of visible hints that the line between swagger and hubris had blurred for the mayor.

Days after being sworn in, he announced his appointment of Phil Banks to the post of deputy mayor for public safety. Years prior, during de Blasios tenure, Banks, a former high-ranking cop, had been identified in a federal corruption probe as an unindicted co-conspirator  a fact that certainly was not forgotten by the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, which had handled that case.

Aside from charging Adams recently, the Southern District is also now overseeing probes into Banks and his two brothers, schools Chancellor David Banks and consultant Terence Banks, as well as former NYPD Commissioner Eddie Caban and his twin brother.

In the early days of his administration, Adams also chose Frank Carone as his chief of staff, despite lingering questions about Carones business interests.

And the mayor continued to openly socialize with Zhan and Robert Petrosyants, who pleaded guilty in 2014 to taking part in a check-cashing scheme in order to avoid money-laundering rules.

Carone told POLITICO that Adams' reputation for swagger is misunderstood and stemmed from his desire to jump start the city as it emerged from COVID.

"Hes a humble, introverted human being who takes his job really, really seriously," Carone said. "The reason that we did not consciously discourage that early on was when we took office, it was still COVID. We were in masks in our first meetings in City Hall."

Adams has suggested his loyalty to friends has also been misunderstood  and has pointed to his own brushes with the law as a teenager to illustrate that.

I have a criminal history, he told reporters in Feb. 2022. I am about giving people an opportunity. I mentor people every day. You would be surprised at the types of people that I mentor to put them back on track.



Loyalty is a trait historians may also point to as being central to Adams tarnished legacy.

Hes stood by longtime friends like the Banks brothers, the Petrosyants and Timothy Pearson, a top Adams adviser who is also under investigation over sexual harassment allegations and accusations that he assaulted a security guard.

That loyalty doesn't always extend to members of his own political party, though. In the most obvious example, Adams said last year that President Joe Biden "failed' the city by not providing more federal aid for migrants.

Norman Siegel, a civil rights attorney and a yearslong friend of Adams, described the indictment as profoundly painful and, in part, blamed Adams allegiance to others for his current straits.

I thought I knew him, he said. My sense is you pick up a bad habit, no one says anything about it and you keep doing it.

Siegel believes the mayors loyalty is a function of how he was raised and said Adams likely stayed devoted to fellow Black police officers  like Banks and Pearson  because of their shared struggle years ago in a predominantly white NYPD.

Like Adams, who spent part of his childhood in Brooklyn before moving to Queens, Siegel said he understands the mayors attachment to sticking with your friends.

I grew up in the streets of Brooklyn and we are taught to be loyal, but theres no such thing as blind loyalty, he said.

He needed guardrails, Siegel continued. It appeared, reading the indictment  if everything there is accurate  that they didnt have those guardrails.
Mark Chavez, a former doctor for "Dreamscape Ketamine - the Heath MD" clinic in San Diego, who confessed to writing fake prescription to profit with another physician friend from actor Matthew Perry's longtime addiction will appear in a federal courtroom tomorrow, federal prosecutors say.

Chavez has pleaded guilty to charges connected to conspiring to distribute the surgical anesthetic ketamine to the actor. Chavez entered into plea agreement with prosecutors in August, making him third person of the five charged to plead guilty in the aftermath of the Friends stars fatal overdose last year. According to his plea deal, Chavez wrote a prescription to a real patient - without the person's knowledge - and then sold the drug to another physician in Santa Monica, Salvador "Dr. P" Plasencia.

The doctor is expected to enter a change of plea at the hearing and exit the courthouse on $50,000 posted bail, a spokesperson for U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada of California's Central District said. He will be sentenced at a later date, the spokesperson said.

According to a superseding indictment, in late September 2023, "Plasencia learned that Perry, a successful actor whose history of drug addiction was well documented, was interested in obtaining ketamine." The two doctors, prosecutors say, began to plot how much to gouge Perry in a text message that read: "I wonder how much this moron will pay," to which Chavez answered "let's find out." And they did, prosecutors say, with Perry paying the doctors, and another suspected drug dealer charged in the case, Jasveen Sangha, 41, tens of thousands of dollars.

Matthew Perry was candid about his struggles with addiction before two doctors, federal prosecutors say, preyed on him for profit by selling him illicitly obtained ketamine. Getty Images

Others charged include Perry's friend, who allegedly acted as a go between with Sangha Eric Fleming, 54, of Hawthorne who "admitted in court documents that he distributed the ketamine that killed Perry," prosecutors say. Fleming, who also pleaded guilty, told investigators that he bought 50 vials of ketamine from Sangha and dropped off half of them to Perrys live-in personal assistant, Kenneth Iwamasa, four days before the "Friends" star was found dead in his hot tub of an overdose.

Iwamasa, 59, of Toluca Lake, pleaded guilty on August 7 to one count of conspiracy to distribute ketamine causing death. He admitted to repeatedly injecting Perry with ketamine without medical training, including performing multiple injections on Perry on October 28, 2023  the day Perry died, prosecutors say.
From the Boiling Frogs on The Dispatch

My favorite part of John McCormacks stellar profile of Tucker Carlson has to do with what John calls the Carlson cackle.

If youve seen Tucker speak live at any point over the last five years or so, youve heard it. Its distinctivemanic, mirthless, and prone to erupt when no one has said anything close to being laugh-out-loud funny, as John notes. He sounds like Frank Gorshin as the Riddler on the old Batman series dissolving into psychotic giggles after hatching his latest diabolical scheme.

Theres something aggressive and unnerving about it, as is usually the case with someone given to laughing a bit too hard at inappropriate moments. You find yourself wondering: Is it an affectation or is he bonkers?

Carlson seems to want to convince his fansand maybe himselfhes having fun. Its hard to believe he actually is, John wrote, implying a certain logic to the cackle. But the alternative couldnt be ruled out. Is it possible Carlson has simply lost his marbles? he went on to ask, never quite settling on an answer.

Affectation or bonkers? That question comes up a lot in politics now.

Another person wrestling with it is Mitt Romney, whos on his way out of the Senate and into an uncertain future. If ever there were a man teed up for a happy retirement, its him; he has money to burn and a famously big, loving family to enjoy. But he doesnt sound happy. How am I going to protect 25 grandkids, two great-grandkids? Ive got five sons, five daughters-in-lawits like, were a big group, he complained with exasperation recently to The Atlantic.

The person his kids and grandkids might need protecting from is the Republican nominee for president. Mitt is so worried about Donald Trump abusing executive power to harass the Romney family that its contributed to his decision not to endorse Kamala Harris, according to the Washington Post. When Trump talks about retribution against his political enemies, Romney takes him literally and seriously.

Should he? Is Trumps retribution chatter an empty threat designed to motivate his fans to vote? Or is he bonkers enough to order a revenge campaign from the Oval Office?

It doesnt matter, you might say, fairly enough. Whether Trumps demagoguery is strategic or proof of insanity, hes unfit for office either way. And American voters seem to agree that it doesnt matter, as there seem to be enough of them who dont care about either the question or the answer to reelect him. Affectation or bonkers? is a question for serious citizens, not ours.

One cant help but wonder about it, though, the same way one cant help but wonder about Tucker whenever he lapses into another Riddler-esque cackle. And thats because, by his own admission, Trump has gotten dark in his rhetoric as Election Day approaches.

If he wasnt already running the most demagogic presidential campaign in modern American history, he is now. And it will get worse.

Dark days.

This is a dark speech, he told his audience at a rally in Wisconsin last weekend. When a man who made American carnage the theme of his inauguration feels moved to remark on how grim his outlook has become, you know youre in for something special.

Hes always played in the sewer as a politician (and as a human), but his poor showing at last months debate seems to have knocked loose what was left of his restraint. Maybe hes attacking with every weapon available lately because hes desperate to try to erase whatever advantage Kamala Harris gained at the event. Or maybe Tom Nichols is right that hes entered an emotional tailspin after being outclassed on national television.

Either way (affectation or bonkers?), as David Graham has noted, weve entered a bad-even-for-Trump phase of demagoguery.

The smear campaign against Haitians in Springfield, Ohio, was the unofficial start of it. Somehow he managed to get through his first two runs for president without raising the specter of dark-skinned savages eating cats and dogs, but no longer. And although the Haitians have gotten the worst of it, his rhetoric about menacing foreigners has been unusually vivid of late in general. They will walk into your kitchen, theyll cut your throat, he warned one audience before vowing to liberate Wisconsin from this mass migrant invasion of murderers, rapists, hoodlums, drug dealers, thugs, and vicious gang members.

The next day, in Pennsylvania, he imagined how America might end the scourge of violent crime (which is down this year). Trump has always fantasized about cops beating criminal suspects, as authoritarians are wont to do, but his latest iteration was oddly specific. One rough hourand I mean real roughthe word will get out and it will end immediately, you know? It will end immediately, said a man who wants to choose the federal governments chief law enforcement officer. Giving the police one rough hour to do whatever they like without fear of repercussions reminded many of The Purge.

His shots at Harris also have turned nastier and more personally insulting. She was born mentally impaired, he said at one event, adding that only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country. At another event he called her a stupid person while the crowd chanted lock her up for reasons that are unclear. (Murder, presumably.) Even some of his otherwise reliable cronies were uncomfortable with the digs at Harris intelligence.

Locking up his enemies is another evergreen Trump theme thats gotten uncomfortably specific. A few weeks ago he threatened to prosecute lawyers, donors, political operatives, and election officials who are complicit in cheating on Kamala Harris behalf. Last Friday he extended the threats to Google, which he claims on the basis of God knows what is illegally suppressing positive stories about him and negative stories about Harris.

Those hes been threatening are forced to gamble their families futures, a la Mitt Romney, on whether he means it or not. Are the threats an affectation designed to work the refs before Election Day and to be quietly dropped thereafter or is he bonkers enough to follow through if he wins?

We could spend the rest of this newsletter on the kaleidoscope of demagoguery in which hes engaged lately. His recent commentary about Ukraine has been conspicuously Kremlin-esque, for instance, probably for no better reason than that hes annoyed at Volodymyr Zelensky. His hysteria about cheating at the polls has also ramped up in preparation for Stop the Steal 2.0 next month. And he apparently took to rooting for a government shutdown last week, per his usual habit of desiring maximum pain for Americans whenever he stands to benefit politically from their frustration.

On that last point, though, its more useful to consider how he responded to Hurricane Helene, which laid waste to parts of Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and the Carolinas this week.

Storm-chasing.

Announcing a visit to North Carolina on Monday to view the damage, Trump said, Ill be there shortly, but dont like the reports that Im getting about the Federal Government, and the Democrat Governor of the State, going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas. Later he posted a photo of Harris on the phone with FEMA, alleged that it must have been staged because her headphones werent plugged in (they were), and accused her and Biden of having left Americans to drown in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and elsewhere in the South.

Democrats are deliberately leaving Republicans to die is strong stuff even by the standards of disaster politics. As the cherry on top, when Trump arrived in Georgia on Monday he casually accused Biden of not so much as returning Gov. Brian Kemps call for help.

None of that is true, as Kemp himself might tell you:

FEMA dispatched emergency management teams to the affected states even before the storm arrived. Biden pre-approved emergency declarations for Florida, Georgia, and North Carolina to get the funding rolling ASAP. The spending bill that passed Congress last week (and averted the shutdown Trump was craving) lacked FEMA money not because Democrats want to see red states wiped out, but because negotiators were forced to acquiesce to the demands of Congress most conservative fiscal hawks, whose votes were thought to be pivotal for passage.

On Monday Trump favorite Rep. Matt Gaetz took to Twitter to complain that his home state of Florida would be happy with half of what Congress has given to Ukrainebut Gaetz, it turns out, voted against the funding bill himself. And when Trump was confronted by reporters about his claim that Democratic leaders went out of their way not to aid Republican counties besieged by the storm, the best he could do to defend the allegation was to say, Just take a look.

What makes this demagoguery truly next-level is Trumps own record as president in treating disaster relief as a form of political patronage. The New York Times took a stroll down memory lane on Tuesday, revisiting numerous examples of him threatening to withhold money from governors of blue states whom he saw as enemies, and promising A-plus treatment for his allies. (For my friends, everything.) FEMA was also given short shrift during his term in office as money was redirected from disaster management to immigration enforcement.

If he was quick this week to accuse Biden and Harris of prioritizing political allies over adversaries for hurricane relief, its because thats the way his own mind works, not because of anything they did. It is maddening that he would get away with demagoging his opponents for a disqualifying dereliction of duty of which theyre not guilty but he is. Biden was rightly incensed by it: I dont care what he says about me. I care about what he communicates to people that are in need.

And so were left to puzzle over the usual question. Is this all a strategic gambit in the home stretch of a tight campaign in which Trump is cynically throwing whatever smears he can think of at the wall and hoping that something sticks? Or has this become less a presidential campaign than a psychological experiment to see what happens to a fragile narcissists mind under the immense pressure of losing a national popularity contest and potentially his freedom next year?

Affectation or bonkers? I think an appropriate answer is Whichever it is, its about to get worse if Trump loses.

If his politics has grown so dark already that he would lie about Biden and Harris leaving Republicans to drown, theres no telling where the accusations might go as he copes with a defeat. During the first Stop the Steal effort, he tended not to identify specific people as prime suspects in the plot against him; Democrats and the companies that built the voting machines used in swing states were typically (but not always) about as concrete as the targets of the finger-pointing got.

This time hell be more particular, I suspect, per his warnings to election officials and to Harris donors and lawyers. And theres destined to be more of a racial component to Stop the Steal 2.0 as Trump inevitably contrives some theory about illegal immigrants supplying the fraudulent votes that carried Harris to victory. The most demagogic campaign in modern American history hasnt approached the limits of what its capable of if and when it faces the consequences of losing, particularly with J.D. Vance in Trumps ear egging him on this time.

But what if Trump  wins?

The great disillusionment.

Our friend David French sounded bleak on Monday as he watched the hero of the American right gaslight millions about whether the president had taken Brian Kemps phone call. As a country we dont quite know how to handle an entire party that trusts the most dishonest politician in modern American history more than they trust anyone else in politics, David despaired.

Most of us handle it, I think, by pretending that its not a problem. Trump lost in 2020; he stands an even chance of losing in 2024; so long as the party that trusts him continues to lose, alls well that ends well.

But thats silly. Its a form of cope, transparently. The kind of man running the kind of campaign Trump is running would be deplored by a decent people; as it is, the party that treats Trump as the most trustworthy figure in politics has gained enough support to plausibly win this election.

Watching the most demagogic campaign in modern American history actually prevail will forever poison how half of the population thinks of their country. And the uglier Trumps message gets over the next 35 days, the more profound their disillusionment will be.

The losing side is always disgruntled after an election by having to live for four years under policies they disdain. But as Trump gets darker, the moral revulsion at seeing him rewarded with victory for his darkness will get stronger. It cannot be that someone who deliberately causes political opponents and election officials to fear that hell persecute them if hes elected will actually be elected. There must be enough Americans who believe that crime doesnt pay to deny power to a convicted felon and unapologetic coup-plotter.

What if there isnt? How does one live contentedly in the minority among people who want to be governed by a character like Trump, and not only want to be governed by him but want it so badly that theyll believe anything he tells them? We can blame the abundant supply of gutter populism in right-wing media only so much; ultimately, this is a demand problem.

A nation in which half the electorate has stopped caring whether the demagogue it could elect is clinically bonkers or just extremely ruthless in his political affectations isnt a nation whose long-term stability we should count on.

Read more at The Dispatch

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Sharon Atyang from Uganda is in the final year of her master's degree in Beirut [Sharon Atyang ]

Farai Makamba, a 27-year-old student from Zimbabwe, used to keep his university books on his desk at home in Beirut.

Now theyve been replaced by his passport, travel documents and cash.

I have a plan for myself in case I need to leave urgently, he says.

Mr Makamba, whose name we have changed to protect his identity, returned to Lebanon in September to finish the final year of his masters degree in mechanical engineering.

He spent the summer holiday at home in Harare.

He came back with the hope that the conflict would de-escalate. But since Hamas attacked Israel on 7 October last year, there has been near-daily cross-border fire between Israel and Hamass ally Hezbollah, the Iran-backed military group which is based in Lebanon.

This last week has seen the deadliest days of conflict in Lebanon in almost 20 years.

As many as one million people have been forced from their homes across Lebanon, the country's Prime Minister, Najib Mikati, has said.

Israels military says it is carrying out a wave of extensive strikes in southern Lebanon and the Beqaa area, aiming to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure. The group's leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an airstrike on Friday.

The week before last, 39 people were killed and thousands wounded when pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded across the country. Hezbollah blamed Israel, which has neither confirmed nor denied it was behind the attack.

The US, UK, Australia, France, Canada and India have all issued official advice for their citizens to leave Lebanon as soon as possible.

African students have told BBC News they now face a dilemma - whether to remain in Lebanon as Israel continues to attack or return home to countries such as Uganda, Zimbabwe and Cameroon.

At the American University of Beirut (AUB), where Mr Makamba is studying, there are around 90 African students on a scholarship programme.

Mr Makamba says there has been a huge jump in fear among students, especially since the pager and walkie-talkie explosions.

We dont know who is carrying a ticking time bomb in their pockets, he says.

Is it your taxi driver? Is it your Uber driver? Is it the person you are walking next to?

The airstrikes and explosions in Beirut have left many fearful [Reuters]

Mr Makamba's days used to be filled with classes and seeing friends. Now he says he only leaves the house to go to shop for essentials and the tension is palpable.

He recently stocked up on staples such as bread, pasta and bottled water in case of shortages.

The campus is closed and several of his classes have been moved online.

Everyone is nervous. Even the way we communicate is different, he says.

When we finish class, our professor now says: 'Have a good day and stay safe.' We say the same thing because we know what is happening in the country.

No-one is safe.

Public schools have also closed and the ministry of education says they are being used to accommodate people who have fled their homes because of the Israeli airstrikes in the south of the country.

"I dont know if I travel home that they would bring me back here if the situation stabilises"", Source: Sharon Atyang, Source description: Master's student in Beirut, Image: Sharon Atyang

The scholarship programme funding African students at AUB has given international students the option to go home and finish their course online.

But some say that will not be possible.

Sharon Atyang, a 27-year-old student from northern Uganda, is currently completing her masters in community development at AUB.

She says electricity and internet issues at home will make it almost impossible to complete her studies online.

I am also on a scholarship, and I dont know if I travel home that they would bring me back here if the situation stabilises, she says.

Adele Pascaline from Cameroon, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, also says completing her undergraduate radiology degree back home will be almost impossible.

I cannot do my clinical rotations back home, but I need to complete them as part of my degree, she says.

Nevertheless, the continuing attacks have meant she now has a return ticket.

The Mastercard Scholarship Program finances dozens of African students in Lebanon.

Mastercard Foundation said it is closely monitoring developments and working with AUB to support students.

Its spokesperson said: AUB is regularly communicating with the students and has offered support for their health and well-being.

"The academic curriculum remains flexible and necessary accommodations have been made to account for the current disruptions and to ensure academic continuity for the enrolled students. International students who wish to return home are supported to do so.

While it is still possible to leave Beirut via the international airport, tickets are difficult to get hold of. Several airlines such as Emirates, Qatar Airways, Air France and Lufthansa have suspended their flights to and from the city.

Schools in Beirut, along with universities, have also closed their gates in the wake of recent attacks [Reuters]

Ms Atyang says that from her bedroom in Beirut, she can hear the sounds of the sonic booms caused by Israeli fighter jets flying low over the city.

I was in a reading room and when I heard the sound barrier breaking, I just ran. But I had nowhere to run. I found myself hiding in the toilet, she says.

The stress of waiting for another attack has left her emotionally and mentally unstable  [unable] to do anything.

She said many students have asked their professors to extend deadlines for assignments.

Between trying to study and write her thesis, Ms Atyang is also answering frantic calls from her family in Uganda.

They are demanding that I go back home, they are telling me I need to prioritise my life over academics.

Some African governments have begun evacuations.

The Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs in Kenya, Roseline Njogu, confirmed that nine Kenyans had arrived back in the country in August.

She urged other Kenyans who wished to leave to register for evacuation with the embassy. There are an estimated 26,000 Kenyans currently in Lebanon.

Last month, the former spokesperson for Ethiopia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Nebiyu Tedla, told the BBC they were monitoring the situation closely and were preparing plans to evacuate if necessary.

He added that there were an estimated 150,000 Ethiopians in Lebanon, the vast majority domestic workers.

Some of these workers face additional challenges as they work under Lebanons strict kafala system, which means they must ask permission from their employers to leave.

For students like Mr Makamba and Ms Atyang, getting out of Lebanon might be easier to organise. But they are held back because of their desperation to finish their studies.

Both say they will make a decision in the next few days.

Ms Atyang says it is particularly hard for African students.

You are on your own, and you have to take care of yourself, she says.

More BBC stories on Lebanon:

Go to BBCAfrica.com for more news from the African continent.

Follow us on Twitter @BBCAfrica, on Facebook at BBC Africa or on Instagram at bbcafrica

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Aftermath of Hurricane Helene Causes North Carolina Residents to Use Mule Trains to Deliver Supplies

"It's unprecedented. It's exceeded any historic storm on record," said Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina

The damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Asheville, N.C., and the surrounding areas has caused rescue workers to resort to delivering supplies using all available resources, including mules.

According to the Associated Press and The Washington Times, mules have been one resource used to transport supplies to the city home to over 90,000 individuals.

One of the groups assisting is the Mountain Mule Packers, who shared in an update on Facebook Monday, Sept. 30 they have "two fully loaded trucks and 20' stock trailers" along with their "mules and equipment" to make a staging area in nearby Weaverville, N.C.

Each of the pack animals can carry 200 pounds of supplies, volunteer Mark Toberer told the Associated Press. Toberer's dozen mules will bring food, water, diapers and supplies to hard-hit mountainous areas.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina

Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer told CNBC on Monday, "Three out of four major highways into the city are blocked due to landslides or washouts," making it "challenging" for help to arrive.



Related: Morgan Wallen Makes $500,000 Donation to Red Cross amid Hurricane Helene

"We are still waiting for the majority of what we need, being water and food. That is a challenge to get those resources in here and we're desperately in need of that and waiting for that," Manheimer said.

According to the city of Asheville's website, the hurricane "severely damaged the production and distribution system of the City of Ashevilles water system."

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina

"Extensive repairs are required to treatment facilities, underground and aboveground water pipes, and to roads that have washed away which are preventing water personnel from accessing parts of the system. Although providing a precise timeline is impossible, it is important to note that restoring service to the full system could potentially take weeks," an alert on the city's website reads.



Related: Deputy Didn't Return from Lunch After Hurricane Helene. His Body Was Found in River the Next Day

Speaking further about how the hurricane impacted the city, Manheimer told CNBC that "pictures don't wholly capture the catastrophic damage."

"It's unprecedented. It's exceeded any historic storm on record. But we've had the combination of incredible flooding and also damage due to winds, down trees. No neighborhood has been spared. The power and water is out and we're entering a desperate situation," said Manheimer.

Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty aftermath of Hurricane Helene in Asheville, North Carolina

During a briefing on Monday, Sept. 30, Buncombe County officials confirmed that the death toll in the county, which Asheville is a part of, has risen to 40. The total death toll across North Carolina, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee is over 100.

President Joe Biden is scheduled to travel to North Carolina on Wednesday, Oct. 2, and will go on an aerial tour of Asheville, per the Associated Press.

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Find out how you can help the victims of Hurricane Helene here.



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(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.)  Attorney General Phil Weiser visited Colorado Springs on Wednesday, Oct. 2, to announce grant funding and the formation of El Paso Countys first domestic violence fatality review board.

The $44,263 funding grant for TESSA, a leading organization supporting victims of domestic abuse and sexual assault, will fund the management of El Paso Countys newly created domestic violence fatality review board for the next two years. The new boards main goals are to boost community safety, improve victim services, and reduce domestic violence-related deaths in the county and statewide.

Organizations like TESSA play a vital role in our collective efforts to address and prevent domestic violence, said Weiser, who also serves as the chair of the Colorado Domestic Violence Fatality Review Board. This grant will empower El Paso Countys first domestic violence fatality review board to identify critical insights from these tragic cases, helping us better understand risk factors and ultimately prevent future tragedy.

Colorado saw a record number of domestic violence fatalities in 2022, with at least 94 deaths, according to the states 2023 annual report. Of those, 39 people, or 41%, were killed by current or former intimate partners. Another 22 victims, including six children and two peace officers, made up 23% of the total.

The formation of this board will provide insight into a crime thats oftentimes committed in patterns of escalating behaviors, and almost always done behind closed doors, said Michael Allen, 4th Judicial District Attorney. I am grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our existing relationships with TESSA, law enforcement, and domestic violence victims who, with more access to this pivotal information, will help focus our collective efforts on education and prevention  before life is taken.

Colorado law allows communities to form local teams to review fatal and near-fatal domestic violence cases. Made up of law enforcement, prosecutors, judges, advocates, and survivors, these teams identify risk factors and share findings with the state to improve policies and prevent future deaths.

The new El Paso County board will be the fourth of its kind in Colorado, joining boards in Denver, Mesa County, and Pagosa Springs.

In 2023, as part of the departments ongoing effort, the Attorney Generals Office provided $3 million in funding to programs addressing domestic violence across the state. Ten organizations received funding for their work on domestic violence prevention, victim advocacy services, and crisis intervention.

On Wednesday, AG Weiser was joined by TESSA Chief Executive Officer Anne Markley, 4th Judicial District Attorney Michael Allen, El Paso County Sheriff Joseph Roybal, and Colorado Springs Police Chief Adrian Vasquez to discuss the review board.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  On a late August afternoon, Ursula Bannister was on her annual hike up to High Rock Lookout near Ashford, Washington, when a group of strangers jumped in to help the 79-year-old after she was injured on the trail.

I know the trail very well, and there are always many people there, Bannister said. When I couldnt find anyone to accompany me on this outing, I just went by myself.

The incident happened Aug. 28 as she started to descend the steep trail when the noise, feeling, and angle of her foot made her situation clear, the 62nd Airlift Wing of the U.S. Air Force said. The pain that began spreading after the initial shock caused Bannister to cry out for help.

Oregon Gov. Kotek signs executive order to restore Columbia Basin

Unable to hike down the trail with a broken ankle, several hikers called emergency responders and flagged down two men passing by who jumped in to help.

My first thought was if I could carry her down, I should carry her down and get her there as quickly as I can, said Airman 1st Class Troy May, 62d Aircraft Maintenance Squadron heavy aircraft integrated avionics specialist.

Carrying her on his back, May said, She was definitely in a lot of pain, adding, I told her just a few more steps and wed get her there.

Portland ghost buildings hit auction block; 2 sell

During the descent, Bannister was primarily carried by May and his friend Layton Allen, who helped carry her for a short time.

Once we got down, we loaded her into her car, elevated her foot and started driving to the hospital, May explained. We met search and rescue about 30 minutes down the road, put ice on her foot, drove the rest of the way to the hospital and waited for her son to get there.

Days later, while recovering from surgery, Bannister called May and Allen, telling them how thankful she was.

Airman Troy May received a medal for the selfless rescue of Ursula Bannister from High Rock Lookout after she broke her ankle on the trail (Courtesy U.S. Air Force.)

I truly felt that these two guys were meant to be there to save me, and that sort of swam in my subconscious at the time, Bannister said. I considered them my angels.

Because of the selfless rescue, May received an achievement medal on Sept. 9.

One of the Air Forces core values is service before self, and Airman 1st Class May clearly exemplified that core value with his actions, said Lt. Col. Joshua Clifford, 62d AMXS commander. While our team of Airmen showcase amazing accomplishments every day, we relish the opportunity to focus on one Airmans courage and recognize them for truly living the Air Forces core values.

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Alabama Pastor Can Sue the Cops Who Arrested Him For Refusing To Show His ID

A federal judge is allowing a lawsuit to go forward against the Alabama cops who arrested a pastor as he was watering his neighbor's flowers.

The officers were apparently confused about Alabama's "stop and identify" law. The statute, which has already led to similar lawsuits, allows police to demand that individuals provide their name, their address, and an explanation of their actions when there is "reasonable suspicion" that they are committing a crime. Officers frequently use the law as a pretext to demand that someone hand over a physical ID card, even though a physical ID has significantly more information than people are required to give under the law.

On May 22, 2022, Michael Jennings, a pastor at a church in Childersburg, Alabama, was watering his out-of-town neighbor's flowers when another neighbor called 911 to report a suspicious person. Two police officers, Christopher Smith and Justin Gable, soon arrived and began questioning Jennings.

Body camera footage of the incident shows that Jennings told the officers that his name was "Pastor Jennings" but refused to hand over his I.D. card, saying "I'm not gonna give you no I.D., I ain't did nothing wrong.I used to be a police officer."

"Come on man, don't do this to me. There's a suspicious person in the yard, and if you're not gonna identify yourself" said one of the officers, before Jennings interjected, "I don't have to identify myself."

The officers arrested Jennings, and he was booked at the Childersburg City Jail on obstruction of government operation charges. The charges were dropped just days later, and he then sued, claiming that the officers wrongfully arrested him and violated his constitutional right to be free from unreasonable search or seizure.

Last December a judge dismissed the suit, ruling that the officers had qualified immunity, protecting them from civil liability. (Qualified immunity is the doctrine that shields officials from federal civil rights claims unless their alleged actions violated "clearly established" law, with "clearly established" defined extremely narrowly.) But Jennings appealed, and last Friday a three-judge panel for the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals reversed the decision.

The court's decision concluded that the police didn't even have "arguable" probable cause to arrest Jennings. The court not only dismissed the officers' claim that Jennings intimidated and physically interfered with their investigation of the 911 call, but it pointed out that the officers' claim that Jennings violated Alabama's ID law was obvious nonsense.

Even if the officers had a right to demand Jennings identify himself, Jennings still complied with the state's ID requirements. He told the officers who he was, that he lived across the street, and why he was in his neighbor's yard.

"While it is always advisable to cooperate with law enforcement officers," the opinion reads, "Jennings was under no legal obligation to provide his ID. Therefore, officers lacked probable cause for Jennings' arrest for obstructing government operations because Jennings did not commit an independent unlawful act by refusing to give ID."

With the court's decision, Jennings can continue suing the officers who wrongfully arrested him. But it shouldn't have taken this intervention for Jennings to be able to lodge his lawsuit in the first place. Stringent qualified immunity protections made police officersand other government actorsvirtually unaccountable for violating citizen's rights. The fact that Jennings' clear-cut case was dismissed in the first place reveals the deep flaws in that system.

The post Alabama Pastor Can Sue the Cops Who Arrested Him For Refusing To Show His ID appeared first on Reason.com.
ST. LOUIS  St. Louis Alderwoman Pam Boyd (Ward 13) fears fraud concerns may cause the City of St. Louis to lose tens of millions of federal pandemic relief funds, known as ARPA funds, earmarked for struggling north St. Louis.

The city has allocated $37 million in ARPA funds to help revitalize north St. Louis. Critics say theres something fishy about how the cash is being handed out.

Records from the citys development arm, the St. Louis Development Corporation (SLDC), show grants have been awarded to 437 applicants totaling more than $33 million so far.

A number of the grant awards have raised eyebrows among aldermen and applicants who were denied grants.

For instance, $50,000 has been awarded to a school of life skills for struggling residents and $25,000 for a Mississippi River Museum.

The addresses listed for each are properties that do not appear to be occupied.

Both have unpaid property taxes.

Mayor Tishaura Jones has been passionate about investing in north St. Louis after decades of what she calls decades of intentional disinvestment.

She defends the program even with an admission from SLDC that the process has been flawed and deep concerns raised by City Comptroller Darlene Green.

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As comptroller, I urge SLDC to get it right, Green said.

FOX 2 asked Mayor Jones whether the potential loss of millions of dollars to fraud was acceptable.

Are we taking the same scrutiny toward developers who have bought acres and acres of land and sat on them for two or more decades? she responded. Are we taking that same sort of scrutiny toward them? When they buy buildings in the city and they sit on them and they dont develop them, are we taking that same sort of scrutiny toward them as well? I would say whats good for the goose is good for the gander.

Aldermanic President Megan Green says SLDC staff will now visit the address of each grant awardee before any money gets out.

Some alarm bells are getting raised that dont necessarily need to get raised. I think whats been misunderstood is that money has not gone out the door yet, she said.

Still, Boyd says she fears the federal government may claw back at least a portion of the funding. Shes calling for an audit of the grant process.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 2.
SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  A man suspected of being the leader of a northern Utah drug trafficking organization based out of Salt Lake County was arrested Sunday after officers tracked him over several weeks, according to arresting documents.

Rubdiel Camarillo Valdez, 28, is facing two felony charges of distribution of a controlled substance and a misdemeanor charge of altering a vehicle compartment for contraband.

READ NEXT: Alabama base-jumper dies after jumping from northern Utah mountain peak

Davis County authorities first began an investigation into the drug trafficking organization in August. According to court documents, investigators conducted several operations where undercover officers would purchase redistributable quantities of methamphetamine and heroin from members of the alleged organization.

Thats when documents said they noticed Camarillo Valdez driving around the neighborhoods where the narcotics transactions took place.

Authorities said they believed Camarillo Valdez was conducting counter-surveillance in the area during the transaction to detect or deter law enforcement, and would meet up with the drug seller after the purchases were made.

Earlier this month, authorities said a car suspected of having ties with the drug trafficking group left the state and entered Arizona. When it returned to Utah, authorities said it was traveling with another suspect vehicle for several miles.

Utah mother diagnosed with Stage 4 small cell lung cancer, given 3 months to live

Authorities conducted a traffic stop on both vehicles at the same time. Camarillo Valdez was found to be driving one car, and officers located approximately 9,200 grams of methamphetamine and 2,500 grams of heroin in the second car. The second car also had a secret compartment officers believe was used for the transport of drugs.

According to a phone search, Camarillo Valdez had allegedly instructed the two people in the second vehicle to pick up narcotics out of the state and bring them into Utah. However, Camarillo Valdez denied knowing about the narcotics in the other vehicle and stated there were no illicit substances found in his car.

Authorities believe Camarillo Valdez is the leader of the northern Utah drug trafficking organization and directed the transportation and distribution of significant quantities of narcotics, documents say.

Camarillo Valdez was booked into the Salt Lake County Jail on Sunday, Sept. 29.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

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By Peter Hobson, Naveen Thukral and Mei Mei Chu

CANBERRA/SINGAPORE/BEIJING (Reuters) - Australia would be the likely winner from a shift in global canola trade flows should China impose tariffs on Canadian imports of the oilseed, but Beijing will need to overcome their worries about a fungus.

China, the world's biggest canola importer, has disrupted the market by announcing an anti-dumping investigation into canola from Canada, the world's biggest exporter of the oilseed used for cooking oil, fuel and animal feed and China's biggest supplier.

The canola trade between the two countries is worth about $2 billion a year.

However, to access canola from Australia, the world's second-biggest exporter, as a replacement, China would have to reconsider requirements for testing of cargoes for blackleg, a fungal disease present in Australian crops.

Chinese quarantine rules designed to stop blackleg spreading in China have blocked Australian canola shipments since 2020.

"China doesn't have many options," said Ole Houe, director of advisory services at IKON Commodities in Sydney. "They'd pretty much have to come to Australia for canola. Supplies in the European Union and Ukraine are tight. Russia has a bigger crop but not enough to satisfy all Chinese demand."

China says its investigation should be complete before Sept. 9 next year but could be extended for six months.

Chinese canola buyers are already shying away from signing new contracts for Canadian imports, with two trade sources saying that no new deal has been signed since Beijing announced the investigation in early September.

"It has completely paralysed canola trade between China and Canada," said one of the sources, a trader at an international trading company that sells canola to China. "Importers are worried about existing deals."

Canola, known in Europe as rapeseed, is widely grown in Canada, Europe and Australia, where its distinctive flowers turn fields into carpets of yellow.

It is crushed to produce cooking oil and other products, including renewable fuels, and meal for animal feed.

Around 40% of Canada's canola exports typically go to China, accounting for 90% of China's imports of the oilseed.

Blackleg, a fungal disease that damages plants and reduces the oilseed yield, has been at the centre of several disputes over Chinese canola imports from Canada and Australia.

Before the most recent halt, China stopped Australian imports from 2011 to 2013 over blackleg while Canadian shipments were limited in 2009 over concerns about the fungus, which does not harm humans.

Story continues

China could quickly tap the Australian canola market by adjusting its rules.

"China would have to amend their blackleg requirements in their import specifications. They could easily do this. It's just a matter of changing it," said Rod Baker, an analyst at Australian Crop Forecasters in Perth.

Canberra is working with China to resume canola exports and the two governments agreed in June to conduct trial shipments, an agriculture ministry spokesperson said.

These trials involve processing imported canola near its port of arrival to stop potentially blackleg-contaminated material crossing rural land, said an Australian industry source, something already done for Canadian imports.

Australian trade data show 500 metric tons were sent to China in June.

BLACKLEG PROBLEMS

Blackleg is present in Canadian canola as well, but exporters sieve their seeds before shipping to China to remove chaff, broken seeds and other material that can be infected with blackleg, which Australia does not do.

China requires 1% or less of these impurities, known as admixture, in its canola imports, said Nick Goddard, CEO of the Australia Oilseed Federation.

Australian delivery standards allow up to 3% admixture but most farmers produce levels closer to 1%-1.5%, said Andrew Weidemann, a director at Grain Producers Australia.

At the same time, analysts note that Australian producers don't need to ship to China as they currently export to other markets at higher prices.

"We have other options than China," said Vitor Pistoia, an analyst at Rabobank in Sydney. "A large share of Australian canola is not genetically modified, which means it's a premium product and markets like the European Union will pay more for it."

Almost all Canadian canola is genetically modified.

Still, China has few options outside Australia to replace Canadian canola if its investigation eventually leads to a ban.

Imports of canola oil and meal would be more costly and impact its seed-crushing industry. China could import canola seeds from Ukraine and Russia, but they ship less than Australia and most Ukrainian shipments are sent to the EU, whose import demand rivals China.

Blocking Canadian canola imports would likely mean China pays more for cargoes to draw them away from the EU and other markets.

"We would expect to see an increased demand for our product and a positive pricing outcome," said Mark Fowler, who grows crops including canola in Western Australia.

Australian canola is currently more expensive than Canadian.

Australia's shipments are typically pegged to the European market, said Goddard at the Oilseed Federation. European Commission data assessed Australian canola exports at 448.76 euros ($501) a ton as of Sept. 25, versus Canadian exports at 436.56 euros.

($1 = 1.4526 Australian dollars)

($1 = 1.3480 Canadian dollars)

($1 = 0.8951 euros)

(Reporting by Mei Mei Chu, Peter Hobson and Naveen Thukral; additional reporting by Karl Plume and Julie Ingwersen in Chicago; Editing by Christian Schmollinger)
The Scottish government delayed its plans for National Care Service last year [Getty Images]

Almost 30m has been spent on the Scottish government's National Care Service plans, it has been revealed.

It comes just days after councils withdrew support for proposed legislation in a major blow to ministers.

The government confirmed in a written answer to Scottish Conservative chairman Craig Hoy that 28,730,224 had been spent on work related to the care service.

The Tories said taxpayers would be "astonished" by the figure.

Health Secretary Neil Gray said those who rely on the care system were "uppermost in our minds".

The Scottish government previously described the National Care Service Bill, which is currently passing through parliament, as the "biggest public service reform in Scotland since devolution".

Opposition parties have urged the SNP administration to pause or scrap the scheme.

Neil Gray has dismissed calls to delay or scrap the plans [Getty Images]

They have criticised the government for tabling a so-called framework bill, which if passed by MSPs would allow ministers to set out the specifics of the service after the legislation is enacted.

The service, which would have centralised social care responsibility from councils to a new national service, was already delayed for three years due to cost saving measures.

The future of the care service was thrown into doubt on Friday after local authorities, which deliver frontline care, withdrew support for the bill.

Council body Cosla said its members had concerns about the proposed legislation and that several organisations - including those in the care sector - had expressed doubt over the government's approach.

'Power grab'

Speaking in Holyrood, Health Secretary Neil Gray said he was disappointed with Cosla's decision but dismissed calls to pause or scrap the bill.

The minister said the government had already made "substantial changes" to the proposals at their request of local authorities.

"Uppermost in our minds and I am sure in theirs is the need of the people who rely on care services," he said.

"In that spirit we will continue to work with individual councils and, where they are willing, Cosla on those matters, as well as colleagues across the chamber."

Scottish Conservative deputy health spokeswoman Tess White said: "Enough is enough, the nationalists need to pull the plug on their unaffordable, centralised power grab which no-one supports, before a further penny of scarce resources is wasted.

"It's just common sense that every penny allocated to this flawed bill should be given to cash-strapped councils, who understand local care needs far better than SNP bureaucrats in Edinburgh."

Conservative MSP Tess White has urged the government to scrap the care service [Getty Images]

Scottish Labour deputy leader Jackie Baillie said the bill "does nothing to improve social care just now".

The GMB and Unison unions also withdrew their support for the proposals earlier this month.

The service - a flagship policy of Nicola Sturgeon's government announced in 2021- was initially intended to be set up by 2026 at the cost of between 644m and 1.26bn.

However, ministers have delayed the proposed roll out to 2028-29 to avoid costs rising to an estimated 2.2bn.

The latest Scottish government figures show a decrease in the number of care homes and registered places, along with a record number of people stuck in hospital despite being well enough to leave.

The care home census showed almost one fifth of facilities had closed in the past decade, while the number of places dropped by 6%.

The average number of delayed discharges, according to Public Health Scotland, also hit an all time high in August at 2,000.
COYUCA DE BENITEZ, Mexico (AP)  Along Mexicos southern Pacific coast, floodwaters receded Monday, leaving behind devastated towns and 17 dead, after John struck the coast once as a hurricane and again as tropical storm last week.

Desperate residents in the town of Coyuca de Benitez, about 35 miles west of the resort city of Acapulco, organized volunteers to go to outlying areas to burn the bloated bodies of farm animals that drowned.

The carcasses could become a health risk, so teams of townspeople set out with cans of diesel to help them in their grim work.

The Mexican army began delivering aid packages to families in the town that were hit last year by Hurricane Otis and then last week  twice  by John.

Some are becoming so tired of the repeated hurricane impacts every year they have almost given up.

I don't want to buy anything anymore, if this is going to continue happening every year, said Yahaira Garcia Marin, 32, as she began to clear out her shattered house in Coyuca de Benitez. Around her, little was left except the shoulder-high brown marks on the wall showing where the water reached.

Garcia Marin had to flee in the night last week with her 80-year-old grandmother. It was terrible, we had to grab what little we had and get out, she recalled.

Outgoing President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador  whose last day in office was Monday  has not visited the disaster zone, but he confirmed Sunday that 15 people had died. Two more people were reported dead by authorities in the state of Oaxaca, which borders Guerrero to the east.

Officials in Guerrero state, where both Coyuca and Acapulco are located, said more than 3 feet of rain (95 centimeters) had fallen in the region between Sept. 23 when John made landfall to the east of Acapulco as a Category 3 hurricane, and Friday, when the rejuvenated Tropical Storm John came ashore again to the west of Coyuca.

That meant the era got the equivalent of about 80% of the rain it would normally expect to see in a year, in just four or five days.

The rain also set off landslides that collapsed houses and blocked roads in the mountainous terrain behind the coast.
The Amarillo City Council took steps Monday to address ongoing legal concerns with the Amarillo Economic Development Corporation (AEDC), approving a constrained budget for the organization while the city continues a thorough review of its financial practices. The move follows revelations that the AEDCs budget structure and expenditures may not align with state law, prompting the council to implement new oversight measures to ensure compliance and restore public trust.

Amarillo Economic Development Corporation President Kevin Carter addresses the Amarillo City Council Monday at a special budget meeting at city hall.

The decision was influenced by a recent revcelations that found the AEDC paid $750,000 to a local business collective known as The RANGE, despite initially committing to $100,000, which was approved by council to the project. The payment raised questions about how taxpayer dollars are managed and allocated by the AEDC, sparking scrutiny from both city officials and the public.

These are your sales tax dollars being migrated over to our economic driver, said Mayor Cole Stanley. When those dollars are being expensed, theyre not coming back to you where you can see them. We have to be specific in how we manage your money.

Stricter oversight and budget adjustments

The council voted to adopt a temporary version of the AEDCs budget, limiting expenditures to payroll, operating expenses, and existing contractual obligations. The constrained budget will remain in effect until a new set of articles of incorporation can be drafted to align the AEDCs practices with state law. The amendments will require the AEDC to provide detailed, line-item expenditures rather than broader budget categories, allowing for more transparency and oversight.

One point of concern has been compensation and bonus structures at the AEDC. Kevin Carter, president of the AEDC, currently receives a salary of $245,700 and was approved for a 20% bonus at the beginning of the year. This approval came under scrutiny as the council examined whether such bonuses align with state laws regulating the use of public funds for performance-based incentives.

Attorney George Hyde, who advised the council during the meeting, said in his legal opinion that the AEDCs previous budget structure did not comply with Texas state law, which mandates greater specificity in public spending. Hyde noted that while the city had approved the AEDCs budget in a general sense, this approval was not sufficient under state law because the budget lacked a detailed breakdown of specific expenditures. He explained that the current budget structure was too vague and suggested that clearer policies should outline what expenses require approval and when that approval should occur.

Hyde recommended that the new articles of incorporation include specific language to clarify the councils role in approving expenses. He added that while the council historically approved the AEDCs overall budget, there needs to be a clearer distinction between approving a budget and approving individual expenditures.

Impact on AEDCs operations and public trust

During the meeting, Mayor Stanley outlined the councils goal to restore public trust and confidence in the citys management of economic development funds. He noted that the scrutiny of AEDCs financial management had put pressure on both the organization and the council to ensure that taxpayer dollars are being used appropriately and transparently.

We want to see industry. We want to see growth. We love new housing and new jobs, Stanley said. But were promoting our Economic Development Corporation by requiring them to do their job better. We will do business in public. We will bring the documentation to you. We will answer direct questions, and we will continue to move forward in a professional way.

More: Amarillo mayor urges patience amid public scrutiny of AEDC, $750,000 payment to RANGE

Stanley added that the councils role is to ensure accountability, particularly regarding the misuse of public funds. He emphasized that an internal audit of the AEDCs financial records over the past three years is expected to be completed on Oct. 4, with findings made available to the public shortly thereafter.

There will be accountability for this unlawful, unauthorized expenditure, Stanley said. But we have to take it one step at a time. Right now, if I speculated, its just going to be speculation. We need to analyze the audit data and understand what really happened  whether it was a mistake or intentional.

City Manager Grayson Path outlined the constraints on the AEDCs temporary budget, which include restrictions on new project funding and a requirement for council approval on expenditures exceeding $50,000. Any expenses over 25% above budgeted amounts in specific sub-categories will also need to be reviewed by the council.

The main thing weve got to do is take care of our citizens, said Councilmember Tom Scherlen. The citizens need to see us as totally transparent, and thats what were trying to do.

Scherlen acknowledged that past practices at the AEDC may not have been intentional violations but indicated that a lack of knowledge regarding state law might have contributed to the discrepancies.

I dont think anybody intentionally did it, but I think it made it through the process, Scherlen said. Thats why were here as a governing body  to make sure everybodys following the law.

Scherlen emphasized the importance of the amendments to the articles of incorporation, stating, We at this time gave it to our council lawyer to go through and write Articles of Incorporation for the AEDC board, which will follow state law. Thats the main thing we need to do, because from past experience and from what we found out, weve been operating outside of state law. Its very important that we follow state law.

Public reaction and calls for change

Some Amarillo residents have said that the AEDCs financial practices have appeared to operate in a gray area, leading to concerns about whether taxpayer dollars are being managed responsibly. During recent public comment periods, several residents called for more stringent oversight and clearer financial accountability. Many expressed frustration and said that without proper safeguards, there is a risk of undermining public confidence in the organization.

Stanley said that he understands the frustration and reiterated the councils commitment to addressing these issues transparently.

We want to restore that public trust, he said. Well take the necessary steps to make sure every dollar is accounted for and that were doing business in the best interest of our community.

Mayor Stanley and the council gave Hyde the green light to begin rewriting the AEDCs articles of incorporation, focusing on stricter policies and more detailed expenditure tracking. Once the audit results are reviewed and the new governing documents are in place, the council plans to approve a comprehensive budget for the AEDC that complies fully with state law.

What were doing right now is setting a foundation for future councils to build upon, Stanley said. The changes were making are not just for today, but to ensure that we remain consistent and transparent in our operations for years to come.

Stanley emphasized that the goal is to ensure the AEDC operates in a manner that upholds public confidence and trust, a principle he believes is crucial for both local government and economic development.

Next steps and timeline

The councils next meeting is scheduled for Oct. 8, when the results of the audit will be discussed in detail. Hyde stated that the updates to the AEDCs articles of incorporation could be drawn up in seven to 10 days, with a cost not to exceed $10,000 in additional legal fees from Hyde Kelley LLC. Stanley directed Hyde to write up the amendments to include the new funding process and to present them to the council as soon as possible.

For now, the AEDC will operate under the constrained budget until the council and AEDC board finalize the new governing documents.

Weve made progress, but theres still more to be done, Stanley said. We want to build a framework that ensures every dollar is spent wisely and in accordance with the law.

This article originally appeared on Amarillo Globe-News: Council works to tighten AEDC budget controls
Ameren sending crews to help repair hurricane damages on the East coast

PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  Ameren is sending crews to the East Coast to help out with the damages caused by Hurricane Helene.

According to Ameren, workers from Illinois and Missouri are headed out east to help repair damage and restore power.

Roughly 120 Ameren workers and 210 contractors will assist crews from AEP Appalachian Power in Charleston, West Virginia. Six crew members are from the Peoria and Galesburg Operating Centers.

The Edison Electric Institutes National Response Executive Committee declared a level 1 national response event requesting any available resources in support of Hurricane Helene.

Mutual aid literally places thousands of boots on the ground to help the East Coast power companies with their restoration efforts. We were prepped and ready to answer the call for people affected by Hurricane Helene, Lenny Singh, chairman and president, Ameren Illinois said. My thoughts and prayers are with those in the aftermath of the hurricane and for all personnel traveling to respond to this event.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
American universities received $767million in undisclosed Arab donations, a report has found.

The report carried out by the National Association of Scholars (NAS), looked at funding of US universities between 2012 and 2022, revealing Saudi Arabia and Qatar have collectively funnelled $767million into US higher education that has not been disclosed.

In total, the NAS report found that universities have disclosed less than half of their foreign donations, flagging just $1.8billion of a total $3.9billion received in overseas funds.

Under Section 117 of the Higher Education Act, universities must report contracts, gifts, and grants they receive from foreign donors worth more than $250,000 in a calendar year to the US Department of Education.

However, universities mostly ignored these disclosure requirements for decades, the report claimed, leading the Department of Education to launch an investigation in 2020 that found higher education institutions failed to report more than $6.5 billion in foreign funds to the federal government.

Gifts from China and Qatar

These gifts mostly came from authoritarian countries such as China and Qatar.

The NAS reports authors described the findings as jaw-dropping, adding that without enforcement, colleges and universities slip transparency and fiduciary responsibility and open American institutions to foreign coercion through billions of ghost dollars.

The research examined more than 100 public record requests about foreign gifts to more than 70 universities, as well as data collected by the Department of Education.

By comparing the NAS database of overseas donations with Section 117 figures on disclosures, the report found that billions of overseas dollars had been given to US universities had not been disclosed.

Universities quietly received $423million in funding from Saudi Arabia, the biggest donor of any country, since 2012. Qatar, meanwhile, has donated $344million.

Both countries also featured among the five countries providing the most donations worth more than $250,000, alongside China, Germany and the United Kingdom.

The NAS report found that compliance with financial disclosure rules was relatively high during the Trump administration but was low both before and after.

Under the Obama administration, starting in 2010, figures show that $2.1billion in overseas funds to universities went unreported, according to the report.

Drastic increase under Trump

With the arrival of Trump in 2016, the NAS report found that disclosure of donations drastically increased, with reporting rising to $4.7billion - up from $1.8billion under Mr Obama.

This came after Trumps administration launched an investigation into underreporting of foreign gifts, focusing on 12 major research universities.

However, undisclosed funding spiked again at one billion dollars when Mr Biden took office - shortly after which the Department of Education shut down its investigations into the underreporting of foreign gifts.

The prevalence of US universities accepting donations from potentially hostile powers will fuel concern about foreign influence over the countrys academic institutions.

Higher education is awash with conflicting interests, said NAS Fellow and report author Neetu Arnold.

Neetu Arnold

When American college students stump for foreign terrorist organisations and authoritarian governments, we must wonder where and how they receive such propaganda.

The hundreds of millions spent by Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Iran, China, and Russia are a good place to begin the search.

Section 117 could help lead the way should the desire to strengthen American security and better American education overcome the lobbying power of higher education and foreign governments.

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CLEARWATER  Before the surge from Hurricane Helene swallowed up their dream home on Clearwater Beach, this was paradise.

Retirees Max and Terry Radford could walk three blocks to watch the sun set over the Gulf of Mexico. As a former captain in the British Navy, moving to be near the sugar sand and ocean views 22 years ago was where Max Radford wanted to be.

Hurricane Helenes surge brought 41.5 inches of ocean into their one-story home, flowing over the kitchen counters and destroying much of their life inside.

But the couple says they are determined that this spot will be paradise for them again. They plan to rebuild, although theyll build the home higher this time.

Were not leaving, Max Radford said. Its Clearwater Beach. Its beautiful.

Last weeks storm wiped out homes and businesses on Americas top-rated beach, turning this international destination into a disaster zone. At least seven fires broke out as Helene passed through the Gulf of Mexico, and Clearwater Police Chief Eric Gandy estimates 80% of the residences and ground-level businesses on the beach had water intrusion.

But the city and its residents are working to rebuild Clearwater Beach.

In the first five days since Helenes impact, city workers on front-end loaders removed tons of sand that had blanketed the roads in 6-foot high piles. They pushed the sand into parking lots to be cleaned before being returned to the beach.

Homeowners sorted through drenched belongings and left mattresses, pianos, bookcases and floorboards along the sides of residential streets.

Were resilient and this will make us even more resilient, City Manager Jennifer Poirrier said. It will be back to being our pristine, beautiful beach.

Parts of Clearwater Beach were still without electricity as Pinellas County officials reopened access to the barrier islands to the public Tuesday afternoon. But businesses were slowly reemerging and reopening.

Hannah and Rob Menard were able to reopen only the sidewalk bar of their Reefers Social Club on Mandalay Avenue on Saturday while they sorted through the destruction inside. They had electricity from the nearby fire stations power grid, they said. The couple wanted to support locals recovering on the island and keep giving their 11 employees paychecks.

The Menards had watched in horror on the security cameras from their Clearwater home as 3 feet of water flooded their restaurant and bar overnight on Thursday. It caused at least $40,000 in damage in lost food, coolers and equipment that will be uncovered without flood insurance, Rob Menard estimated.

We lost everything, he said.

Still, the couple is going to work to rebuild the business they bought two years ago and stay on the beach. They want to build a family enterprise they can leave to their two young daughters one day.

Its just going to be a slow process, Rob Menard said. But Im not a quitter.

At Kings Pizza and Grill on Coronado Drive, workers on Monday ripped down soaked drywall, pulled up floorboards and threw soaked bags of flour into dumpsters.

Its a total loss, said owner Mohamed Kazzoun.

Thirty-seven inches of storm surge inundated the restaurant Kazzoun has made into a staple for Clearwater Beach tourists and locals during the 14 years hes owned it.

Shutting his doors, he said, isnt an option.

I cant wait for insurance, Kazzoun said. Ill try to open in two weeks or so.

As the sun shone in a cloudless sky on Monday, Tony Massini sifted through ashes where his home on Bruce Avenue burned to the ground. But he couldnt find anything salvageable.

When he and his wife evacuated to Hillsborough County to ride out the storm, they expected to return to flood damage in the two-bedroom house they remodeled from scratch. But not this.

Massini suspects a fire ignited in the homes electrical box. The surge water was too high for firefighters to get to it immediately, a city spokesperson confirmed.

On Monday, as Massini thought about the insurance claim, the question of whether to rebuild and where, and the recovery ahead, he looked around this neighborhood and wasnt sure if hed want to be anywhere else.

You dont find places like this anymore, he said of Clearwater Beach.
(This story was updated to include new information.)

WEST LIBERTY, Ky.  With former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines in court Tuesday, attendees at a hearing over the killing of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins saw footage of the shooting and heard testimony about motive.

The video clip was less than a minute long and did not include audio. In it, a man identified by police as Stines is shown firing multiple times at the judge behind his desk and then leaving the scene.

Supporters of the judge cried in court as the video was shown.

Stines, who last week entered an initial plea of not guilty, has been charged with murder in the death of Mullins, who was shot and killed in his private chambers on Sept. 19 inside the Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg.

Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified the full video shows Stines using his own phone to make multiple calls, then using the judges phone to make a call. The shooting followed.

Shawn Mickey Stines had a preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024

In testimony, Stamper said the calls were to Stines daughter. The phones have been sent to forensic teams for examination, Stamper said, though his daughters phone has not been examined. Stamper confirmed Stines' daughter's phone number had been saved in the judge's phone and was called before the shooting.

The two men went to lunch earlier in the day with multiple other people, Stamper said. The detective said a witness said at one point Mullins asked Stines if they needed to meet privately, though the context was unclear. Stamper said witnesses are still being interviewed.

Stamper added Stines was mostly calm when he was interviewed after being taken into custody, though he didnt offer a motive.

Basically, all he said was, treat me fair, the detective said.

When asked by defense attorney Jeremy Bartley whether Stines said anything about "protecting his family" when he was taken into custody, Stamper said Stines allegedly made a comment that, "They're trying to kidnap my wife and kid."

Defense attorney Jeremy Bartley asked questions of KSP Detective Clayton Stamper at Shawn Mickey Stines preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024

After the hearing, Bartley said more information will come as the investigation continues. He declined to speculate on a motive for the shooting outside of what was discussed in court.

"I left the hearing today with a lot of questions still unanswered myself," he said, stressing that Tuesday's discussion was just a preliminary hearing as the case advances. "We hoped that there may be more light that would be shed on the preceding events."

Bartley, in his first court appearance after being hired by Stines last week, said he has not seen the longer video but said he believes the moments that occurred before the shooting are "just as important as the portion we saw." The full version should be viewed when the case advances to circuit court, he said.

Stines was joined by a public defender in last week's video arraignment as Judge Rupert Wilhoit and Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele  who is prosecuting the case alongside state Attorney General Russell Coleman  pushed for him to retain an attorney.

Stines announced Monday that he was retiring from his position as sheriff. Gov. Andy Beshear had called for Stines to resign last week in a letter he sent the then-sheriff while in jail in Leslie County.

Commonwealth Attorney Jackie Steele asked questions of KSP Detective Clayton Stamper at Shawn Mickey Stines preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024

The shooting at the center of the case took place on Sept. 19 just before 3 p.m. Stines, who surrendered at the scene, has been accused of shooting Mullins in his private chambers while other courthouse workers were in the building. The two men were friends, local residents say, and Stines served as a bailiff in Mullins' court for several years before being elected sheriff in 2018.

Stines is also a defendant in a federal lawsuit alleging he failed to properly train and supervise a deputy later found guilty in state court of trading favorable treatments in 2021 for women on home incarceration in exchange for sexual favors in Mullins' private chambers. Attorneys have claimed there were no cameras in Mullins' office at that time.

Stines was deposed in that lawsuit three days before the shooting last month.

Bartley asked Stamper about the case during Tuesday's hearing, but the detective said he was unsure about the lawsuit's details. Attorneys for the plaintiffs in that case have said they were surprised by the shooting and are unsure whether it was related to the deposition.

Wilhoit allowed the case to move forward to a grand jury at the conclusion of the hearing. Stines' next court date has not been announced.

Video released in Kentucky judge shooting case

An edited version of the video shown in court can be seen below.

Some readers may find the content of the video disturbing. Viewer discretion is advised.

For Courier Journal subscribers: 'We are truly hurting': Judge's killing, sheriff behind bars leaves Whitesburg shaken

Reporter Rachel Smith contributed. Reach Lucas Aulbach at laulbach@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky judge's shooting death, allegedly by sheriff, shown in court
WEST LIBERTY, Ky.  With former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines in court Tuesday, attendees at a hearing about the killing of District Court Judge Kevin Mullins heard testimony about motive and saw footage of the shooting, which investigators said followed calls to the sheriff's daughter.

The video clip was less than a minute long and did not include audio. In it, a man identified by police as Stines is shown firing multiple times at the judge behind his desk and then leaving the scene.

Supporters of the judge cried in court as the video was shown.

Stines, who last week entered an initial plea of not guilty, has been charged with murder in the shooting of Mullins, who was killed in his private chambers Sept. 19 inside the Letcher County courthouse in Whitesburg.

Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper testified the full video shows Stines using his own phone to make multiple calls, then using the judges phone to make a call. The shooting followed.

In testimony, Stamper said the calls were to Stines daughter. The phones have been sent to forensic teams for examination, Stamper said, though his daughters phone has not been examined. Stamper said the daughter's phone number had been saved in the judge's phone and was called before the shooting.

The two men went to lunch earlier in the day with multiple other people, Stamper said. The detective said a witness said that at one point Mullins asked Stines if they needed to meet privately, though the context was unclear. Stamper said witnesses were still being interviewed.

Stamper added Stines was mostly calm when he was interviewed after being taken into custody, though he didnt offer a motive.

Basically, all he said was Treat me fair, the detective said.

Shawn Mickey Stines had a preliminary hearing at Morgan County District Court. Oct. 1, 2024

When asked by defense attorney Jeremy Bartley whether Stines said anything about "protecting his family" when he was taken into custody, Stamper said Stines made a comment that "They're trying to kidnap my wife and kid."

After the hearing, Bartley said more information will come as the investigation continues. He declined to speculate on a motive for the shooting outside of what was discussed in court.

"I left the hearing today with a lot of questions still unanswered myself," he said, stressing that Tuesday's discussion was just a preliminary hearing. "We hoped that there may be more light that would be shed on the preceding events."

Bartley, in his first court appearance after being hired by Stines last week, said he has not seen the longer video but said he believes the moments that occurred before the shooting are "just as important as the portion we saw." The full version should be viewed when the case advances to circuit court, he said.

Stines was joined by a public defender in last week's video arraignment as Judge Rupert Wilhoit and Commonwealth's Attorney Jackie Steele  who is prosecuting the case alongside state Attorney General Russell Coleman  pushed for him to retain an attorney.

Stines announced Monday that he was retiring from his position as sheriff. Gov. Andy Beshear had called for Stines to resign last week in a letter he sent the then-sheriff while in jail in Leslie County.

The shooting at the center of the case took place on Sept. 19 just before 3 p.m. Stines, who surrendered at the scene, has been accused of shooting Mullins in his private chambers while other courthouse workers were in the building. The two men were friends, local residents say, and Stines served as a bailiff in Mullins' court for several years before being elected sheriff in 2018.

Wilhoit allowed the case to move forward to a grand jury at the conclusion of the hearing. Stines' next court date has not been announced.

Contributing: Rachel Smith

(This story has been updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky judge's shooting death shown on video in court
By Melanie Burton

MELBOURNE (Reuters) - Wiradjuri elder Nyree Reynolds calls her home west of Sydney the valley of the Bilabula, the Indigenous name for its river. The river features in Wiradjuri stories about the creation of their land, she told state planning regulators, "And no one has the right to destroy this."

On her objections, the Australian government in August ordered miner Regis Resources to find a new dam site for a A$1 billion ($685 million) gold project on the grounds its proposed location for storing rock and chemical waste would irreparably harm culture attached to the river.

The decision by Environment Minister Tanya Plibersek under a rarely used Aboriginal heritage protection law has stoked an outcry from mining groups who say Regis followed all legal processes and the decision raises sovereign risk for developers.

The government's action adds to the uncertainty miners have faced since iron ore giant Rio Tinto legally destroyed ancient Aboriginal rock shelters at Juukan Gorge four years ago and raises the urgency to overhaul heritage protection laws.

At least three other resources projects are facing review, like Regis did, under Section 10 of the law that allows Aboriginal people to apply to protect areas important to them when other legal avenues have failed.

"You can get all the state environmental approvals, all the federal environmental approvals and at the end of the process a Section 10, ... essentially a federal minister can ... make your project unviable," said Warren Pearce, CEO of the Association of Mining and Exploration Companies. "That's the definition of sovereign risk."

While Reynolds objected to Regis' mine, a local Aboriginal group representing Wiradjuri people, authorised by the state to speak for cultural heritage, had concluded that impacts from the project could be managed.

Regis said in August it is considering its legal options after writing down the value of its project by more than $100 million.

The decision on Regis' project was the second by the government in as many months to back Indigenous groups over miners.

ERA, majority owned by mining giant Rio Tinto, is suing the government on procedural fairness grounds after it did not renew the miner's exploration lease on uranium rich land.

Government officials and some investors say developers need to engage earlier and more deeply with Indigenous groups when planning projects, but new laws governing heritage protection that would assist the process are yet to arrive.

The government has not said when it expects to finalise the legislation. Only Western Australia has made some heritage reforms, leaving the industry relying on a patchwork of old state legislation to manage heritage protection at a time when Australia is marketing itself as a supplier of ethical metals.

VOTES AT STAKE

Resources projects with outstanding Section 10 objections include miner Bellevue Gold's plan to dig under a desert lake and Woodside's Scarborough natural gas project that will feed a gas plant in a region rich in ancient rock art that the government has nominated for a UNESCO World Heritage listing. Both projects are in Western Australia.

But not all objections are equal when it comes to politics, especially with the centre-left Labor government facing an election in 2025.

Woodside is unlikely to face the same setback as Regis, said MST Marquee senior energy analyst Saul Kavonic, as the $12.5 billion Scarborough gas project is "extremely politically important to the Labor government in Western Australia".

Plibersek's office said it could not comment on the Scarborough project as the issue is under consideration.

Both Woodside and Bellevue said they take their responsibilities to manage Aboriginal cultural heritage seriously.

Bellevue said it has permission from the Tjiwarl native title group to dig under the lake as part of a heritage management plan.

The government's action comes after it failed in a referendum last year that sought to give Indigenous Australians special recognition in the country's constitution and an advisory voice to lawmakers.

Some people think the government is now acting to appease inner city east coast voters who backed the referendum and who may want to vote for the Greens rather than support mining.

"Here is a government trying to scramble to make itself look good, because it absolutely gutted the opportunity for us to have a voice in Parliament," said Wonnarua man Scott Franks, who has filed three section 10s against developments in the state's coal rich Hunter Valley region and lost them all.

When asked if she was catering to Green voters with her decision on Regis, Plibersek told reporters on Aug. 28 that she had consulted widely: "I made the decision based on facts."

Australia's minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy, said the government was working hard with Aboriginal groups on new heritage protection laws.

"The Australian Government is deeply concerned about the destruction of First Nations heritage values anywhere in Australia," McCarthy said in a statement to Reuters.

TIGHTER RULES ON THE WAY

A key issue that needs to be addressed is to make clear exactly who developers need to consult to ensure projects do not harm important sites on the traditional lands or countries of Indigenous groups.

"Our whole objective is to remove this sort of uncertainty that people are dealing with to make it clear who speaks for the Country," Plibersek told Australian Broadcasting Corp on Aug. 28.

Regis said it had consulted with 13 different groups and individuals during the permitting process.

"Regis takes its relationship with the Aboriginal stakeholders at our operations very seriously and conducted extensive engagement with Aboriginal parties from an early stage in the approvals process," it said in a statement to Reuters.

To help miners manage consultations on protecting Aboriginal heritage while the rules are revised, the Responsible Investment Association Australasia, which counts 75% of the country's institutional investors as members, worked with First Nations, the government and mining giant BHP on best practices.

"The current laws remain inadequate, which is why we need investors and corporates themselves to step up," the association's co-CEO, Estelle Parker, said.

Among its recommendations, the association urges miners to adhere to free, prior and informed consent that can be withdrawn at any time.

The guide is "ambitious and probably unrealistic", law firm Ashurst said in a 2024 report, but it advised miners to get familiar with it.

"Be aware that change will come to Federal heritage laws. When it does, it will be closer to the expectations expressed in these recent publications than the current legal framework."

($1 = 1.4601 Australian dollars)

(Reporting by Melanie Burton; Editing by Sonali Paul)
Anderson County was largely spared the brunt of Hurricane Helene, but Anderson County Mayor Terry Frank and Emergency Management Agency Director Brice Kidwell have strived to stay aware.

EMA activated the countys Emergency Operations Center at 3 a.m. Friday morning and monitored the weather situation throughout the day, according to a news release from the county government. Frank and Director Kidwell also have participated in TVA briefing calls to maintain awareness from a regional and local perspective.

Flood damage at Riverview Industrial Park on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Erwin, Tennessee, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

"We want citizens to know that during times like this, our team is active, monitoring, and preparing to act in the event of impacts here. Right now, our prayers are with the communities impacted, and we continue to stand ready in a posture of assistance. I want to thank all the many agencies who are working so hard to address this disaster, and that includes our local citizens who are pitching in with acts of charity, Frank said.

The storms path after it made landfall on Thursday night as a Category 4 hurricane, resulted in high winds, torrential rainfall, and floods that affected residents and businesses in northeast Tennessees Cocke, Hawkins, Unicoi, Carter, and Washington counties and several counties in neighboring western North Carolina.

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency works closely with the Tennessee Voluntary Organizations Active in Disasters (TNVOAD) to organize both volunteers and donations for areas that are impacted by disasters and emergencies. To learn where you can volunteer your time or make donations, visit www.TNVOAD.org.

While local communities appreciate the volunteer spirit during disasters and emergencies, it is important to refrain from sending resources that have not been requested by state or local authorities, TEMA said in a statement released over the weekend and shared by the county government.

If local citizens wish to make monetary donations to storm relief, a fund has been set up with the East Tennessee Foundation. Instructions for donating money can be found on the organizations website at https://easttennesseefoundation.org.

Donations of bottled water and necessities can be delivered to specific locations within the affected counties. For current locations and drop-off times, visit the donations section online at https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/hurricane-helene.html.

This article originally appeared on Oakridger: Anderson County officials worked to stay aware of hurricane's impact
California Governor, Gavin Newsom, has killed a state-level AI safety bill as the global debate around how to regulate AI intensifies.

The bill, officially known as SB 1047, targets companies developing large language models that power generative AI tools. But according to a Wall Street Journal report on 29 September, citing a person close to the governor, the governor vetoed the bill because it only applies to the biggest and most expensive AI models, leaving the rest of a rapidly growing AI market essentially unregulated.

Indeed, the Governor's note on the veto decision read: "By focusing only on the most expensive and large-scale models, SB 1047 establishes a regulatory framework that could give the public a false sense of security about controlling this fast-moving technology.

Smaller, specialised models may emerge as equally or even more dangerous than the models targeted by SB 1047 - at the potential expense of curtailing the very innovation that fuels advancement in favor of the public good."

Newsoms stance comes within days of the UN launching the final report from its High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. UN secretary general Antonio Guterres warned that there are serious concerns that the power of AI is concentrated within a small group of companies and countries.

Guterres recommended an international AI regulation architecture that is inclusive, agile and effective rather than the patchwork of global guidelines and treaties.

The UK hosted the first global summit on AI regulation at Bletchley Park in November 2023, followed by a second summit, in May this year, in Seoul. Both events were attended by G7 technology leaders and appeared to be a promising start to multilateral dialogue on the matter. But a global framework for regulating AI is yet to emerge.

Instead, the Biden administration in the US issued an executive order to create safeguards in October 2023, the UK published its AI Regulation Framework in February and the the EU passed the world's most comprehensive regulation, the EU AI Act in March this year. Switzerland, Canada, Brazil, China, Japan and India are all in the process of developing their own AI safety policies.

Despite widespread support for AI guardrails across and within countries, disagreements prevail among stakeholders when establishing actual regulations for AI systems, according to GlobalData principal analyst Laura Petrone, who noted that the California governor's veto of the state's AI legislation exemplifies this.

In addition, the veto demonstrates how, despite its rhetoric on AI safety, Big Tech is building a powerful front against any regulation that may threaten its AI plans. It is unsurprising that Europe, where these same companies don't exert the same level of influence, managed to pass the first comprehensive AI regulation, the EU AI Act, said Petrone.

Story continues

However, even in that case, disagreements among EU states and regulators on implementing the rules will likely emerge over the coming years, added Petrone.

Further uncertainty around AI regulation policy has been driven by the number of national elections taking place in 2024, presenting the potential for regime change. The UKs change of government in July represents an opportunity for the UKs new Labour government to get in front of AI policy development, according to Marc Warner, CEO of UK AI software company Faculty. With a new government in place, AI regulation is an unmissable opportunity for a new government to get it right and set a global example, said Warner.

Warner echoes Governor Newsoms concern about the need for regulation with a broad reach. Warner noted that there are opensource models available that have not been safety-trained against malicious actors.

If a pre-safety-trained model ends up on the dark web, criminals worldwide can access it. Criminals shouldnt be granted the productivity gains from these models that consultants, web developers, and copywriters have," said Warner.

Such models are currently not subject to regulation. This is a gap in the sector-focused approach. The horizontal approach of the now legally enforceable EU AI Act begins to address problems like this, reserving the ability to demand security standards for how certain AI models in development are stored, he said.

However, the threshold at which these requirements apply is currently reserved for models deemed to pose systemic risk. Safety-trained models that fall below this bar could still cause harm in the wrong hands, and the threshold should be lowered to cover them, added Warner.

Furthermore, any regulation should also take into account the potential for achieving general artificial intelligence, according to Warner. The EUs regulatory framework focuses on models with computational complexities similar to todays AI, like ChatGPT. However, the gap between current models and potential future ones that might approach AGI capabilities is significant and concerning, he added.

"Analysis: California Governor Gavin Newsom kills AI safety bill as global patchwork of AI regulation emerges" was originally created and published by Verdict, a GlobalData owned brand.







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Monsoon floods killed 218 people in Nepal and residents of poorer areas such as Kavre east of the capital Kathmandu say relief efforts were inadequate (PRABIN RANABHAT) (PRABIN RANABHAT/AFP/AFP)

Survivors of the monsoon floods that ravaged Nepal at the weekend criticised the government on Tuesday for inadequate relief efforts during a disaster that killed at least 225 people.

Deadly floods and landslides are common across South Asia during the monsoon season from June to September but experts say climate change is making them worse.

Entire neighbourhoods in the capital Kathmandu were inundated at the weekend, along with villages in remote pockets of the Himalayan country that were still awaiting relief efforts.

"There is no road, so no one has come," Mira KC, who lives in a village in Kavre district to Kathmandu's east, told AFP.

"Even if they do, those who died are dead already and the damage is done. All they will do is offer condolences, what will they do?"

The floods disproportionately hit Kathmandu's poorest residents living in haphazard slums along the banks of the Bagmati river and its tributaries, which run through the city.

Slum resident Man Kumar Rana Magar, 49, told AFP that authorities had provided shelter at a school for him and his neighbours after their homes were inundated.

However, he said they had been forced to leave before they were ready to return to their homes when the school reopened for classes.

"We are so close to the seat of the government. If they cannot take care of the poor this close, what will they do about others?" he said.

At least 225 people were killed in the floods, with another 24 still missing, according to police. More than 4,000 others were rescued.

Nepal's weather bureau said preliminary data showed 240 millimetres (9.4 inches) of rain fell in the 24 hours to Saturday morning, the biggest single-day downpour in more than two decades.

- 'Precautions ignored' -

Experts said authorities did not prepare adequately for the disaster despite forecasts of intense storms.

"Precautions that should have been taken were ignored," climate expert Arun Bhakta Shrestha, of Kathmandu-based think tank International Centre for Integrated Mountain Development, told AFP.

Nepali disaster management expert Man Bahadur Thapa said gaps in coordination and resources had also hindered the rescue process.

"We could have saved a lot more lives if we prepared and built the capacity of our responders," he told AFP.

Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli was visiting the United States during the floods and was roundly criticised on social media for not cutting his trip short when the scale of the disaster became clear.

"At a sensitive time like this we all have to work together realistically, not criticise just for the sake of it," he told reporters on his return to Nepal on Monday.

Monsoon rains bring widespread death and destruction in the form of floods and landslides across South Asia every year.

Experts say climate change has worsened their frequency and intensity.

More than 300 people have been killed in rain-related disasters in Nepal this year.

str-pm/gle/pbt
Ankle monitors will no longer be used in San Francisco, sheriff says

SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Defendants will no longer be allowed to wear ankle monitors while awaiting trial, potentially driving up the citys jail populations, San Francisco Sheriff Paul Miyamoto announced on Monday.

The programs abrupt suspension comes four days after a U.S. District Judge ruled that the sheriffs department violated a February court order, which barred sheriff officials from requiring participants in the ankle program to consent to searches without a warrant.

Sheriff Miyamoto disagrees with the court order, as he believes a warrantless search condition is essential for public safety.

Thousands of illegal cannabis plants seized from Oakland industrial building

The federal courts decision is not in the interests of public safetyThe unfortunate outcome of this decision will be an increase in the jail population and burdens on the defendants who otherwise would remain in the community, he said.

The sheriffs office believes searches such as home checks an impromptu visit on defendants of domestic violence ensuring no weapons or illegal activity is taking place at the defendants residence  lose much of their value if search warrants were required before visits.

San Francisco City Attorney David Chiu agrees with Miyamotos sentiments, saying in part in a statement:

The federal courts decision in this case is unfortunate and does not comport with practical implementation issues the Sheriffs Office must address to keep our communities safe. If Sheriffs deputies are unable to search defendants accused of violent felonies for weapons in real-time or conduct home checks, that does not protect public safety. This order has put the Sheriff in an extremely difficult position.

Starting Tuesday, the sheriffs office will no longer accept new enrollments in the program. The program will continue for those already enrolled, sheriff Miyamoto said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
Antisemitism helpline launched for K-12 students in Massachusetts and New York, ADL says

A coalition of groups and law firms have banded together to launch a helpline to provide pro bono legal assistance to parents whose children are experiencing antisemitism in Massachusetts and New York.

The helpline aims to help students in grades K through 12, the Anti-Defamation League said in a statement on Monday.

The Louis D. Brandeis Center for Human Rights Under Law, StandWithUs, and a coalition of law firms have joined the ADL in the effort.

The helpline follows a successful pilot program in California, the first state for which the hotline was launched after a series of troubling antisemitic incidents in the states K-12 schools, the ADL said.

Antisemitic incidents in elementary, middle and high schools in Massachusetts and New York have increased significantly over the last year, the ADL said.

In 2023, reported incidents in K-12 schools in Massachusetts nearly doubled to 101, up from 53 incidents in 2022, according to the ADL. In 2023, reported incidents in K-12 schools in New York more than tripled to 173, up from 53 incidents in 2022.

The alarming rise in both the number and intensity of antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools in New York and Massachusetts have made it clear that parents, students and educators need an option for legal help, Peggy Shukur, vice president of the Anti-Defamation Leagues East Division said in a statement.

Particularly in situations where responses to antisemitism are inadequate or worse, access to high-quality legal assistance is a crucial tool to ensure a safe learning environment, Shukur said. By providing these legal efforts, this helpline will empower Jewish students, teachers and parents to take action to fight against antisemitic harassment and bigotry.

Lawmakers hold hearing about rise in antisemitism in K-12 schools

Day after day, students across our state are facing a barrage of antisemitic incidents in K-12 schools, said Scott Richman, director of the Anti-Defamation Leagues New York/New Jersey region. Increasingly, those incidents have required legal assistance. Alongside our impactful anti-hate education programs, this pro bono legal helpline is a welcome addition to the arsenal of tools at our disposal to fight the antisemitic prejudice that we see in our schools.

As a result of the California K-12 pilot program, in February, Brandeis and the ADL filed a complaint with the U.S. Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights against the Berkeley school district for failing to take action to end the nonstop bullying and harassment of Jewish students by peers and teachers.

Since its launch, the California hotline has received an influx of K-12 incidents. These include a wide variety of antisemitic incident reports including Jewish students being harassed, intimidated, and threatened with violence because of their religion.

The barrage of anti-Semitic harassment, intimidation, and attacks against Jewish students is unfortunately not contained within the campus gates, Brandeis Center Vice Chair and General Counsel Rachel Lerman said in a statement.

Coast to coast, Jewish K-12 students have been verbally and physically bullied, threatened, and assaulted by peers who absorb anti-Israel and antisemitic rhetoric from some of their teachers, Lerman said. They have been told they are hated and should all be killed, spat on, called dirty Jew, told to go to the gas chambers, slandered, and threatened with violence.

Administrations cannot be allowed to turn a blind eye to the intimidation, bullying and anti-Semitic rhetoric their students endure within their schools, Lerman said. Our team of lawyers stand ready to use the law to hold schools accountable to enforce their own rules as Jewish students are subjected to a virulently hostile environment. This must stop.

Parents, teachers, and other adults in Massachusetts and New York can use the Legal Protection K-12 Helpline to report incidents of antisemitic discrimination, intimidation, harassment, vandalism or violence that may necessitate legal action.

Lawyers will gather information through interviews with persons who file reports.

In some instances, they may provide pro bono representation on behalf of victims or provide referrals to organizations that can provide non-legal assistance, according to the ADL.

The lawyers will also, with permission of the individuals involved, use the reports to better understand the scope of the problem and report it to officials responsible for ensuring the laws are followed. If schools do not take action, they will be held accountable, the ADL said.

Carly Gammill, director of legal policy at the StandWithUs, said in a statement that the expansion of the helpline into Massachusetts and New York comes at a time when antisemitism continues to plague students in our nations schools and will help ensure broader access to legal resources for students seeking to address attacks against their Jewish identity.

The expansion builds upon continued efforts to address antisemitism on college campuses, as well.

In November 2023, Brandeis and the ADL, along with Hillel International, Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP and other law firms, launched the Campus Antisemitism Legal Line (CALL), a helpline to assist students and faculty experiencing antisemitism on college campuses.

More than 650 college students and faculty have used the resource to report incidents and request assistance, officials said.

Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 prohibits educational institutions that receive federal funding from discriminating against, or allowing others to discriminate against, students on the basis of actual or perceived race, color, and national origin. Title VI protects Jews based on their shared ancestral and ethnic identity. The Department of Educations Office for Civil Rights recognizes that harassing, marginalizing, demonizing, and excluding Jewish students based on the Zionist component of their Jewish identity is unlawful under Title VI.

To report an incident at a K-12 school, click here: https://www.legal-protection.org/k-12

To report an incident at a college or university, click here: https://www.legal-protection.org/

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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From the archives: When former Pres. Jimmy Carter helped build houses in Eastern KY

Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter made history today as the oldest living president and longest-lived president in U.S. history.

Carter, a native of Plains, Georgia, turned 100 years old Tuesday. The 39th president of the United States was elected in 1976, defeating sitting President Gerald Ford. He was president from 1977 to 1981, and lost his reelection bid to Republican Ronald Reagan. Carter was governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975, a member of the state Senate from 1963 to 1967 and a member of the U.S. Navy.

Since leaving the White House, Carters post-presidential work has focused on building houses with Habitat for Humanity. Carter, and his wife Rosalynn, were long involved with Habitat for Humanity going back 40 years to when the couple went to New York City on a build in 1984, according to the Associated Press. Rosalynn Carter died Nov. 19, 2023 at the age of 96.

In June 1997, the Carters came to the hills of Eastern Kentucky on a Habitat for Humanity project called Hammering in the Hills, an ambitious plan to build 52 houses in one week in Appalachia. At the time, Jimmy Carter was 73.

The front page of the Lexington Herald-Leader on June 16, 1997

Lexington Herald-Leader reporters and photographers followed a couple of families along the process of their new homes being built. Louella and Donnie McClanahan, and their three sons, were living in Pikeville after moving back to the region when Donnie was laid off from his job in Michigan working at a General Motors plant.

Through Habitat for Humanity, the family was able to move into a three-bedroom home.

If it hadnt been for Habitat, for the big boost, wed still be searching, dreaming of a home. This is a great thing, Donnie McClanahan told the Herald-Leader.

for saturdays paper on Habitat in Pike Co.--The work crew on the McClanahans house gather around for a meeting at the start of the day-including former pres jimmy carter(walking in on the right past homeowner Donnie McClanahan). This was shortly after the 7am start of the work day

Former President Jimmy Carter, right, worked Monday morning with Donnie McClanahan, left, on McClanahans house at the Pike County site of Habitat for Humanitys annual Jimmy Carter Work Project.

dedication of the McClanahan Family habitat house in Pikeville. Jimmy Carter presented them a Bible in a ceremony outside their new home.-- Louella McClanahan prepares to hug Carter. beside her is her husband Donnie McClanahan

dedication of the McClanahan Family habitat house in Pikeville. Jimmy Carter presented them a Bible in a ceremony outside their new home.-- A plaque signed by the volunteers that built the house now hangs in the living room.-Jimmy Carters signature is teh first one on the left

The Carters were far from the only politicians participating in the builds either. House Speaker Newt Gingrich, Gov. Paul Patton, first lady Judi Patton, Lt. Gov. Steve Henry, former first lady Libby Jones (wife of former Gov. Brereton Jones) and first lady Hillary Clinton (Bill Clinton was president at the time) also were involved.

Scroll down to see the full coverage of this event as it was reported on by the Herald-Leader at the time.

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The Williamses by ahenderson
Ariz. Man Arrested on Charges of Voyeurism After Hiding Under Womens Cars. Absolutely Disgusting Says Victim

Jesse Michael Johnson, 28, was arrested on three counts of voyeurism and three counts of disorderly conduct

Courtesy MCSO Jesse Michael Johnson

A man was arrested after allegedly crawling under several womens cars for his sexual gratification in Gilbert, Ariz., in late August, per Fox 10 and AZ Family.

Jesse Michael Johnson, 28, was allegedly caught via camera surveillance at a Super Star Car Wash in Gilbert on Thursday, August 29.

Johnson, who has a previous history of sex crimes, was arrested on Tuesday, Sept. 24, and charged with three counts of voyeurism and three counts of disorderly conduct. He was arrested with a $10,000 bond and is expected in court in Oct. 3, per Fox 10.

One of the alleged victims, who asked to be identified as Chanelle, had stopped at the car wash before taking her son to school. While there, Johnson allegedly peeked his head out from the driver's side of Chanelles car, per surveillance footage. He then returned to his car and allegedly pretended to be cleaning his tires.

She told AZ Family that she likely would not have realized what was happening if another customer had not pointed him out.

Related: Fla. Woman's Ex Charged After She Allegedly Finds Hidden Camera in Daughter's Bedroom

Johnson was allegedly seen doing this two more times that same day to two different women.

In these three incidents, the defendant pulled into a parking spot next to the victim, investigators wrote in court documents, per Fox 10. "While each victim was vacuuming her vehicle, defendant hid under her SUV and spent several minutes under her vehicle. The defendant climbed out from under the vehicle when each victim was finishing her vacuuming and left the area."

That is not okay. This is a place, you know, to wash your car. You should feel safe," Super Star Car Wash general manager Reyes Brito told AZFamily.

Getty Stock image of the roof of a police patrol car at night, with the blue and red lights flashing.

Chanelle told AZFamily, added that she felt very violated and has been having nightmares.

Going into the community and doing this to women is absolutely disgusting, and I dont think he realizes what its doing to us as the victims, she said.

"I couldn't believe it. I couldn't believe that I was in that situation. I just had a baby two weeks prior to this. I have two other kids. It was a very scary situation, especially with my little boy with me when it happened," she told Fox 10. "I guess this is just a really good reminder: just to make sure that you're always looking around, keeping your kids close, because you just never know what can be happening around you."

Related: Fla. Daughter Allegedly Discovers Mom's Boyfriend Made Voyeur Videos of Her After Searching Computer

Authorities in Arizona found Johnson had a criminal history and was arrested multiple times in Nebraska. According to court papers, he told law enforcement in the Midwest he "is sexually attracted to women's feet" and could not control "his sexual desires," per AZ Family.

In June 2016, Johnson was cited four different times in Nebraska for allegedly hiding under cars and grabbing people's ankles, KOLN/KGIN reported at the time. He was arrested for disturbing the peace and pleaded no contest. He was sentenced to two years of probation, ordered to pay a $150 fine, and ordered to have a psychological evaluation.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Gilbert Police Department did not immediately respond to PEOPLEs request for more information on Monday, Sept. 30.



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Read the original article on People.
Arizona mother allegedly decapitated by her son; Phoenix saw rather dry monsoon season | Nightly Roundup

PHOENIX - From a shocking murder in the West Valley to a cell service outage that affected Verizon customers, here's a look at some of the top stories on FOX10Phoenix.com for Monday, September 30, 2024.

1. Police: Arizona mother decapitated by her son

Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio (left) and Alejandro Gonzalez (right)

The victim, 49-year-old Teresa DeJesus Cruz Robio, was found dead on Sept. 27. Her son, Alejandro Gonzalez, is accused of killing the victim just hours before her surprise birthday party.

Read More

2. Small business shares worries as port strike looms

(Michael Nagle/Bloomberg via Getty Images)

With their contract expiring at midnight, the International Longshoreman's Association says its 85,000 members will hit the picket lines on Oct. 1, which could impact ports along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico, and can also impact stores in the Phoenix area that sell imported goods.

Read More

3. Latest on Verizon outage

(Photo Illustration by Pavlo Gonchar/SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

A widespread Verizon outage that began Monday morning have been "fully restored" after customers' experienced network disruptions for hours.

Read More

4. 'House of Horrors' animal abuse suspect indicted

April McLaughlin (Photo Courtesy: MCSO)

Chandler woman at the center of an animal abuse investigation has been indicted on multiple counts of theft and fraud, said officials with the Maricopa County Attorney's Office.

Read More

5. Nonsoon? Phoenix had one of the driest monsoon seasons on record in 2024, per NWS

Sky Harbor Airport in Phoenix recorded 0.74 inches of rain for the monsoon season this year, according to figures released by the National Weather Service.

Read More

Also, your weather forecast for tonight
ARKANSAS CITY, Kan. (KSNW)  Arkansas City has launched its new Drinking Water System Improvement Master Plan.

The city says the initiative is critical to address aging infrastructure and improve efficiency.

We are excited to take this next step toward modernizing our water system, City Manager Randy Frazer said in a news release. While the new treatment facility was a tremendous achievement, we recognize the need to continue investing in our infrastructure to ensure reliable water service for our residents and businesses. This master plan represents a long-term commitment to sustaining our water system and distributing costs equitably.

While the city has recently improved the water system, including completing a new water treatment facility in 2018, Arkansas City officials say more work is needed to improve the distribution system and increase the citys water supply.

KDOT says airport bridge is safe after Monday incident

Arkansas City officials worked with Professional Engineering Consultants in Wichita to develop the plan, which will be implemented over the next 20 years. Some portions of the plan include:

East Pressure Zone Upgrades: To enhance system reliability, a new elevated water storage tank (water tower) will be constructed, and two water mains will be installed under the Walnut River.

Water Main Replacement Program: Staff and equipment will be added to replace aging water mains, focusing on moving lines out (from underneath) of the streets to minimize disruptions.

Well Field Improvements: Drilling new wells to replace outdated ones, boosting water supply capacity.

Ongoing Maintenance: Regular upkeep of the water treatment plant and storage tanks to ensure long-term reliability.

Were committed to more than just maintaining our water systemwere focused on building a sustainable future for Arkansas City, Frazer said. This master plan allows us to address immediate infrastructure needs while laying the groundwork for long-term reliability and fairness. By investing in these improvements now, were ensuring that our community has a dependable, high-quality water supply for generations to come.

The upgrades will be paid for using a cost-of-service rate model. The city says the new model will ensure the costs are fairly distributed among its water customers.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, questions state and local law enforcement agencies about their involvement in the deadly raid of airport executive Bryan Malinowski on March 19. Photographed during a Senate Judiciary Committee meeting on Sept. 30, 2024. (Mary Hennigan/Arkansas Advocate)

After Little Rocks police chief declined to answer questions Monday about the fatal shooting of a Little Rock airport executive in March, an Arkansas legislative committee granted its chair the power to issue subpoenas to help its review of the case.

Sen. Alan Clark, R-Lonsdale, a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, made the motion immediately following testimony from Little Rock Police Chief Heath Helton, who said City Attorney Tom Carpenter advised him not to comment on the shooting due to ongoing litigation.

Certainly the people of Arkansas expect us to ask questions, Clark said. And not only do they expect us to ask questions, they expect us to get answers  and you get answers however you can get answers.

The committee heard testimony for about three hours from a number of current and former law enforcement officials regarding the death of Bryan Malinowski. Malinowski, 53, was shot in the head by a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives agent while the ATF attempted to serve a search warrant related to allegations he was selling firearms without a federal license.

The March 19 raid on Malinowskis West Little Rock home occurred before daylight and involved ATF agents, Little Rock police and others. Agents conducted whats called a knock and announce entry and quickly breached the house. Malinowski reportedly shot at the agents and they returned fire, severely injuring Malinowski, who died two days later. A federal agent sustained non-life threatening injuries.

It was later revealed that the federal agents were not wearing body cameras during the raid, which was a violation of the agencys policy.

After the shooting, state and federal lawmakers turned the incident into a chance to criticize an allegedly out-of-control federal firearms agency seeking to curtail citizens Second Amendment right to bear arms.

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Opening the meeting Monday, committee chair Sen. Gary Stubblefield, R-Branch, said that while nothing can be done today to bring back Malinowski, he hoped to shed some light on what happened and some of the questionable things that have not been answered by the [ATF], the Arkansas State Police or the Little Rock Police Department.

As chair, Stubblefield will have the authority to determine what information is subpoenaed, though his selections must be approved by Senate Pro Tempore Bart Hester, Clark said.

Helton confirmed the citys police force was tapped to monitor the perimeter of the scene, but he didnt say much else. Many lawmakers criticized Carpenters advice to Helton.

You understand why the American people and the people of Arkansas do not trust the justice system anymore? Stubblefield asked. Because of the weaponization of the justice system and the politicalization of the justice system, we have become a third world country. A dictatorship, basically.

Stubblefield continued to express dissatisfaction about the events that unfolded on March 19, and said that when Malinowskis wife, Maer, asked local police officers how her husband was doing, they failed to tell her that his brains were scattered and his skull fragments were all over the wall in the house.

Maer Malinowski was present at Mondays meeting and often became emotional as lawmakers recounted details of the raid.

Little Rock Mayor Frank Scott Jr. was on the agenda to testify Monday, but he was not present. The city attorney was also absent.

When Helton said he didnt know what was on Carpenters schedule that didnt allow him to be present Monday, Rep. Howard Beaty, R-Crossett, said, obviously it was not the respect afforded to this committee, and in this subject matter, nor a level of respect for the Little Rock Police Department that he should afford you.

Comments criticizing Little Rock leaderships received applause from those attending the public meeting, which Stubblefield quickly silenced.

State police investigation

Lawmakers also questioned Arkansas State Police leadership about the results of its investigation of the officer-involved shooting, and asked if the state has the authority to call for a grand jury.

Col. Mike Hagar, secretary of the state Department of Public Safety and director of the state police, said the agencys investigation was only meant to determine if the federal agents were acting within the law regarding the warrant.

The only thing that our agents could look at was that there was a lawful search warrant signed by a federal prosecutor and federal judge, Hagar said. They were there lawfully. They were working within the parameters of that warrant, although some of that may be questionable as far as the amount of time that was given before they breached the door.

According to the investigation, federal agents waited 27 seconds before they forced entry into Malinowskis house.

Sen. Mark Johnson, R-Little Rock, who is not a member of the Senate Judiciary Committee but was allowed to join the meeting, asked if the state had authority to call a grand jury to hear the case.

Ive never seen anything in my life that cried out for a grand jury investigation like this incident, Johnson said.

Hugh Finkelstein, chief of staff for the Department of Public Safety, said the grand jury power rested with Pulaski County Prosecuting Attorney Will Jones. In June, Jones found that the ATF agent who shot Malinowski used justifiable deadly force.

Sen. Terry Rice, R-Waldron, said Jones was one person who is the difference between justice, doing whats right, and turning your back on them. I dont think youre going to see the federal government do anything about it.

The shooting of Malinowski, who was a known gun collector, has gained national attention.

Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin cited Malinowskis death when announcing a lawsuit challenging a federal rule change to close the gun show loophole, and Bud Cummins, the Malinowski family attorney, testified in front of a U.S. House subcommittee in May.

If anybody thought this had been swept under the rug, theyre wrong, Cummins said after Mondays meeting.

Cummins said a lot of questions remain unanswered, and ongoing civil litigation will require the ATF to respond in some capacity.

Its frustrating that they havent already been forced to give these answers to the public, Arkansans who are concerned about this Arkansan being murdered in his own home by the federal government, said Cummins, a former federal prosecutor.

Cummins also said the insurance company has denied coverage of Malinowskis life insurance policy because the media has reported that Bryan Malinowski was somehow committing a crime.

Hagar testified Monday that Malinowski was not charged with or convicted of any crimes.

Political move

At least an hour of Mondays meeting was devoted to testimony from Mark Bowling, a former assistant special agent with the Little Rock FBI field office. Bowling, who arrived with Cummins, said he was testifying as someone who had relevant experience and understanding.

Throughout his testimony, Bowling said the ATF engaged in an unnecessary dynamic entry when they broke down Malinowskis door, executed the search warrant on what he called an administrative crime and considered the raid to be conducted for political purposes.

Bowling said the ATF created an administrative crime based on an ambiguity about who is required to have a federal firearms license. He said the agency gave itself the authority to create requirements for the license without going through Congress.

A combination of errors, bad judgment, bad decisions and political decisions that come from Washington D.C.  violated Bryan Malinowskis Fourth Amendment rights to life, Bowling said.

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The "social section" in Crawford County Library's Van Buren branch (Screenshot from court documents)

A federal judge on Monday ordered Crawford County officials to stop placing certain library materials, mostly on LGBTQ+ themes, in a separate section with color labels.

U.S. District Judge P.K. Holmes III ordered the defendants to move the materials in those sections to appropriate sections in general circulation without consideration of whether they approve or agree with the viewpoints expressed in such materials, and without consideration of whether the viewpoints expressed in such materials are unpopular or controversial.

Holmes further ordered county officials to refrain from coercing Crawford County Library System staff into acting inconsistently with this injunction.

CRAWFORD CO. INJUNCTION 09.30.24

Crawford County residents and library patrons Rebecka Virden, Nina Prater, Samantha Rowlett and their minor children filed suit in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Arkansas in May 2023 against the county judge, quorum court, library board and interim library director. The plaintiffs alleged unlawful censorship of materials, specifically childrens books with LGBTQ+ topics. Their lawsuit objected to the stigmatization of certain books by placing a prominent color label on them and moving the books to a separate social section in each library.

Crawford County is also a defendant in another federal lawsuit filed last year over Act 372 of 2023, which would change how libraries decide to remove materials from circulation. The law also would criminalize librarians decisions about materials. The case is set for trial this month.

In a 10-page ruling issued Monday evening, Holmes said it is indisputable that the creation and maintenance of the social section was motivated in substantial part by a desire to impede users access to books containing viewpoints that are unpopular or controversial in Crawford County.

Such viewpoint discrimination has profound First Amendment implications, the judge wrote. One of the bedrock principles underlying the U.S. Constitutions free speech provision is that the government may not prohibit the expression of an idea simply because society finds the idea itself offensive or disagreeable, he added.

Holmes acknowledged that viewpoint discrimination wasnt the only motivation for creating the social sections, noting that evidence suggested some officials were concerned that children might find their way to sexually explicit materials intended for adults.

Public libraries do have a right to restrict minors access to material that isnt age-appropriate, but those restrictions must be content-based and viewpoint neutral, Holmes wrote.

It is one thing to restrict minors access to sexually explicit material, but a very different thing to restrict minors access to unpopular opinions, the judge said. Here, the undisputed evidence shows that the social section was created not only for the former purpose but also for the latter, which violates the First Amendment.

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Holmes also wrote that the defendants failed to support their argument that the government had an interest in creating a separate section for the LGBTQ-themed materials that outweighed the plaintiffs right to receive information.

[S]uppressing ideas or opinions on the grounds that certain elements of populace object to them is not a legitimate governmental interest at all, Holmes said.

The judge also dismissed the countys argument that libraries are not obligated to provide access to all information.

[T]he issue here is not whether public libraries have an obligation to provide Plaintiffs with access to all conceivable ideas and opinions; they dont, and indeed that would be practically impossible. Rather, the issue is whether public libraries have an obligation not to stigmatize disfavored viewpoints that are already in their collection. And as already discussed above, they do, Holmes wrote.

He also disagreed with the countys position that creating the social sections amounted to government speech, which the Supreme Court has ruled is not required to be viewpoint-neutral.

The Supreme Court has not extended that doctrine to the placement and removal of books in libraries, and the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, whose territory includes Arkansas, very recently declined to do so as well, Holmes said.

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Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese founder Melisa Laelan discusses a report that recommends using legislation to extend SNAP benefits to Marshallese migrants during a press conference on Aug. 31, 2023. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

Eligible Marshallese migrants in Arkansas can begin applying for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) Tuesday after access to the federal nutrition program was restored earlier this year.

State lawmakers in August approved an emergency rule to comply with the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024, which extends SNAP and Transitional Employment Assistance (TEA) eligibility to citizens from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia and the Republic of Palau as part of the renegotiated Compacts of Free Association (COFA).

Arkansas is home to the largest Marshallese community in the country, according to U.S. Census Bureau estimates.

Making sure everyone in Arkansas has access to healthy foods is one of our top priorities, and this change makes SNAP benefits available immediately to eligible Marshallese and other COFA residents in our state, Arkansas Department of Human Services Secretary Kristi Putnam said in a press release. We are grateful to be able to offer these benefits to our COFA citizens, and encourage those who are eligible to apply starting on Oct. 1.

COFA allows the United States to operate military bases in these Pacific Island nations in exchange for guarantees and economic assistance. Migrants from these Freely Associated States can live and work in the U.S. as lawful non-immigrants.

The U.S. signed its compact with the Marshall Islands after conducting nearly 70 nuclear weapons tests on and near the Pacific Island nation.

Having access to federal benefits is a positive step toward health and wellness for Marshallese families, said Michelle Pedro policy director and communications specialist for Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese. It will allow migrants to buy healthy foods and foods that are close to what they like to eat back on the islands, she said.

It is a big change, a huge difference in relieving struggling families, but there is still work to do, Pedro said.

More than 32% of Arkansas Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander population live below the poverty line, the highest rate in the state, according to American Community Survey census data.

A report released last year by Arkansas Advocates for Children and Families and the Arkansas Coalition of Marshallese recommended granting Marshallese migrants SNAP eligibility through legislation to address the communitys struggles with food insecurity.

Marshallese migrants were eligible for programs like SNAP and Medicaid through its original compact, but they lost access when their unique immigration status was not accounted for in the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act, a 1996 welfare reform law.

Congress restored Medicaid access in 2020, and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2024 amended the 1996 law to restore SNAP access this year.

SUPPORT: YOU MAKE OUR WORK POSSIBLE

We are happy to see benefits restored to the Marshallese community. Many families live paycheck to paycheck and this will help tremendously to improve the quality of life of Marshallese residents, Marshallese Educational Initiative Executive Director Benetick Kabua Maddison said.

We are disappointed, however, that the United States did not go further to fully address the ongoing consequences of the nuclear legacy which has affected every Marshallese person both in the islands and in diaspora.

COFA residents do not automatically receive SNAP and TEA benefits. They must apply and meet regular eligibility requirements, which are based on household income, resources and other non-financial eligibility requirements, according to a state DHS press release.

Under the updated compact, COFA citizens are not subject to a waiting period and are immediately eligible for benefits as long as they meet all other SNAP requirements, according to guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Agriculture in July.

COFA citizens who applied on or after March 9, 2024, and were denied SNAP benefits prior to the USDA issuing guidance may reapply or request a fair hearing within 90 days of the denial date. If an official determines the household was eligible for SNAP at the time of application, the state agency should issue retroactive benefits from the date of application, according to the guidance.

Pedro said ACOM plans to educate the Marshallese community about access to SNAP benefits through outreach efforts. The group also hopes to partner with organizations like the Arkansas Hunger Relief Alliance and DHS in the coming weeks, but for now, Pedro said theyre working with people whose cases were denied to file an appeal or reapply.

MEI is providing training for advocates on how to enroll people on Thursday and an enrollment event on Oct. 12 in Springdale.

Applications for SNAP and TEA benefits can be made online, in person at a local DHS county office or over the phone.

Editors note: This story was updated at 8 a.m. Oct. 1, 2024 with additional comments from MEI.

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By Munsif Vengattil

BENGALURU (Reuters) - Extensive damage from a fire at Tata Group's Apple (AAPL) iPhone component plant in southern India could hamper production ahead of a festive season sales surge, an industry watcher and a source said, forcing the U.S. firm's suppliers to arrange critical parts from China or elsewhere.

The weekend blaze has caused an indefinite production halt at Tata's Hosur plant in Tamil Nadu, the only Indian supplier of iPhone back panels and some other parts for both contract manufacturer Foxconn in the country and its own iPhone assembly at another plant.

Hong Kong-based Counterpoint Research told Reuters it estimates local sales of 1.5 million units of iPhone 14 and 15 models during the Indian festive season which runs from late October to early November, with Apple struggling to fulfil as much as 15% of that demand due to the fire.

"There will be a 10-15% impact on production of older iPhone models from India. Apple could offset that impact by importing more components, and by re-routing more export inventory towards India," said Neil Shah, a co-founder of Counterpoint, which has for years tracked Apple's global shipments.

Apart from local sales, Tata, one of India's biggest conglomerates, also exported iPhones to the Netherlands and United States as well as some parts to China, worth more than $250 million overall, in the year to Aug. 31, commercially available customs data shows.

Tata declined to comment.

Apple suppliers typically carry a three- to four-week stock of back panels, Counterpoint said. An industry source with direct knowledge of the matter estimated, however, that Apple was likely to have stock for eight weeks, and therefore would not see an immediate impact.

However, they added that if the production suspension continues, the U.S. company could set up another assembly line in China or add shifts there to secure parts for India's iPhone manufacturers.

Supply chain disruptions more generally have cast a shadow over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drive to attract foreign investors to "Make in India", especially in the electronics sector.

Apple has been diversifying beyond China but last year separate fire incidents in India caused suppliers Foxlink and Pegatron to briefly halt operations, with authorities finding much of the fire safety equipment at Foxlink's facility was not functional. Contractors Wistron and Foxconn have also been hit by labour unrest in recent years.

"These are temporary setbacks," said Prabhu Ram, vice president at Cybermedia Research. "Continued efforts to improve safety and operational standards are crucial for strengthening India's position as an emerging global electronics manufacturing hub."

Story continues

Tata is among Apple's newest suppliers in India, which analysts estimate will contribute 20-25% of total global iPhone shipments this year, up from 12-14% last year.

The fire-hit plant employed 20,000 workers. Another unit in the same Tata complex was due to start making complete iPhones later this year and it is unclear if the incident will cause this to be delayed.

Tata has another iPhone plant near Bengaluru, which it acquired from Wistron last year, and a second one in Tamil Nadu near Chennai, which it is set to acquire from Pegatron.

(Reporting by Munsif Vengattil in Bengaluru; Editing by Aditya Kalra, Kirsten Donovan)
FILE - Boxes of petitions signed for a proposed ballot measure expanding Arkansas' medical marijuana program sit in a committee room at the Arkansas Capitol in Little Rock, Ark., July 5, 2024. (AP Photo/Andrew DeMillo, File)

LITTLE ROCK, Ark. (AP)  Organizers of an effort to expand medical marijuana i n Arkansas sued the state on Tuesday for its decision that the proposal won't qualify for the November ballot.

Arkansans for Patient Access asked the state Supreme Court to order Secretary of State John Thurston's office to certify their proposal for the ballot. Thurston on Monday said the proposal did not qualify, ruling that its petitions fell short of the valid signatures from registered voters needed.

The medical marijuana proposal was aimed at expanding a measure that the states voters approved in 2016. It would have broadened the definition of medical professionals who can certify patients for medical cannabis, expanded qualifying conditions and made medical cannabis cards valid for three years.

The group's lawsuit challenges Thurston's decision to not count some of the signatures because the state asserted it had not followed paperwork rules regarding paid signature gatherers. The suit comes weeks after a ballot measure that would have scaled back Arkansas' abortion ban was blocked from the ballot over similar assertions it didn't comply with paperwork requirements.

The state in July determined the group had fallen short of the required signatures, but qualified for 30 additional days to circulate petitions. But the state then told the group that any additional signatures gathered by paid signature gatherers would not be counted if required information was submitted by the canvassing company rather than sponsors of the measure.

The group said the move was a change in the state's position since the same standard wasn't applied to petitions it previously submitted.

It would be fundamentally unfair for the secretary's newly discovered position to be imposed on APA at the eleventh hour of the signature collection process, the group said in its filing.

Thurston's office declined to comment on the lawsuit. Attorney General Tim Griffin said he would defend Thurston's office in court.

Our laws protect the integrity of the ballot initiative process," Griffin said in a statement. "I applaud Secretary of State John Thurston for his commitment to diligently follow the law, and I will vigorously defend him in court.
The Army has sent at least one "robot dog" armed with an artificial intelligence-enabled gun turret to the Middle East for testing as a fresh counter-drone capability for U.S. service members, service officials confirmed.



Photos published to the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service last week show a Ghost Robotics Vision 60 Quadrupedal-Unmanned Ground Vehicle, or Q-UGV, armed with what appears to be an AR-15/M16-pattern rifle on rotating turret undergoing "rehearsals" at the Red Sands Integrated Experimentation Center in Saudi Arabia in mid-September as part of a recent counter-unmanned aerial system exercise.



The specialized gun turret, which features a large electro-optical targeting system with "Lone Wolf" emblazoned across the side, appears to be the same "artificial intelligence-enabled" system that the Army recently put through its paces during Operation Hard Kill, a separate counter-UAS exercise led by the service's Combat Capabilities Development Command, or DEVCOM, and the 10th Mountain Division at Fort Drum, New York, in August.

Read Next: Thousands More US Troops, Attack Aircraft Heading to Middle East as Israel Targets Hezbollah in Lebanon

A U.S. Army Central spokesman told Military.com that the armed robot dog was one of several non-counter-sUAS systems tested alongside 15 counter-drone platforms at Red Sands during the September test and that the gun engaged several static ground targets, but declined to elaborate on its potential applications. DEVCOM did not respond to a request for comment.

The Defense Department has been gradually incorporating robot dogs into its formations over the last several years. Currently, Q-UGVs perform functions ranging from explosive ordnance disposal; boosting perimeter security at sensitive installations; and enhancing intelligence, surveillance, target acquisition and reconnaissance capabilities for U.S. service members deployed in austere environments, among others.

While still relatively new technology, robot dogs have already proven capable of going places inhospitable to human troops and performing tedious jobs such as perimeter patrols longer and without need to rest.

But beyond these operations, the Pentagon has increasingly experimented with mounting weapons systems on robot dogs. The Marine Corps, in particular, has tested quadrupedal robots outfitted with both Onyx Industries' SENTRY remote weapon system and the M72 LAW anti-tank rocket launcher, while the Army has considered outfitting mechanized canines with the new 6.8mm XM7 rifle the service recently fielded under its Next Generation Squad Weapon program to replace the M4 carbine.

And the U.S. military isn't the only fighting force pursuing four-legged weapon combat robots. In May, the Chinese People's Liberation Army debuted its own robot dog armed with a variant of the 5.8x42mm QBZ-95 assault rifle during a training exercise in Cambodia.

While the Chinese military exercise showed an armed robot dog engage in breaching operations alongside infantry soldiers, the American quadruped undergoing testing in the CENTCOM area of operations could potentially end up performing counter-drone missions for U.S. service members, employing an unspecified AI system that can supposedly identify, track and engage potential airborne threats with superior accuracy and precision compared to the average soldier armed with, say, a standard-issue M4 carbine or M249 Squad Automatic Weapon.

Amid a rising tide of drone threats in the Middle East and elsewhere, the Pentagon is working overtime to fast-track novel counter-drone solutions to service members overseas that are cheaper than conventional missiles.

Those solutions include comparatively low-cost missiles such as the Coyote interceptor; directed-energy weapons such as vehicle-mounted high-energy lasers and high-powered microwaves; and smart scopes, rifle-mounted jammers and "buckshot-like" ammo to help enhance infantry troops' accuracy with their standard-issue rifles.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin said in a letter on Friday that the second tranche of the Pentagon's critical "Replicator" initiative would explicitly focus on counter-drone systems to protect U.S. service members abroad.

Apart from cheaper missiles and exotic energy weapons, the U.S. military also appears focused on autonomous guns as a fresh counter-drone capability. Among the other technologies showcased alongside the armed robot dog at the Army's recent Hard Kill and Red Sands counter-drone experiments are the Containerized Weapon System from defense contractor Invariant, which can come outfitted with either FGM-148 Javelin anti-tank missiles or a variety of remotely operated gun systems, and the autonomous Mission Master XT unmanned ground vehicle from weapons manufacturer Rheinmetall, which features twin 7.62mm M134D miniguns. The Pentagon also recently tested the Bullfrog autonomous gun system from defense technology startup Allen Control Systems that, by linking a 7.62mm M240 machine gun to an AI-powered turret, purports to be able to swat drones out of the sky with a minimal number of expended rounds.

This increasing emphasis on autonomous gun systems is likely due to the cost calculus currently facing U.S. forces abroad, which have spent the last year wasting expensive surface-to-air missile systems on relatively low-cost weaponized drones.

In contrast to those pricey missiles -- and even the Coyote interceptor, which still costs $100,000 a shot -- defense contractors claim AI-powered robot guns can track, engage and destroy fast-moving targets without having to expend dozens (or even hundreds) of rounds in the process like the average U.S. service member, reducing the cost-per-kill of an incoming drone threat to a handful of dollars.

And by slapping those systems on top of separate unmanned platforms, robot guns can ostensibly add an additional layer of persistent threat protection while freeing up service members for more important tasks.

That the Army is experimenting with armed robot dogs doesn't necessarily mean they'll end up deploying alongside U.S. troops downrange anytime soon. When Military.com previously queried DEVCOM about plans to mount an XM7 rifle on a Q-UGV, a spokesman emphasized that such experiments are part of the command's continued efforts to "explore the application of human-machine integration" in combat ahead of the next big conflict.

"While advanced technology demonstrations allow us to explore the realm of the possible when it comes to transformative capabilities for future combat formations, they don't necessarily represent or result in formal service-wide research programs or investments," the spokesman said at the time.

Related: The Army Wants to Slap a Next Generation Squad Weapon on a Robot Dog

Editors note: This story was updated following clarification from U.S. Army Central that the robot dog was not tested as an anti-drone measure at Red Sands in September.
A man has been charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Walnut Hills, according to Cincinnati police.

Eugene Johnson, 61, was arrested Tuesday on a murder warrant, police said in a news release.

Officers responded in the afternoon of Aug. 17 to the 2900 block of Gilbert Avenue for a reported stabbing.

When first responders arrived at the scene, police said, they found 60-year-old William Hawkins wounded and took him to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center for treatment.

Police said Hawkins died from his injuries three days later.

Johnson was booked into the Hamilton County Justice Center on Tuesday afternoon, jail records show. The case related to the homicide investigation was not posted on the Hamilton County Clerk of Court's website as of Tuesday afternoon.

The investigation is ongoing and anyone with information is urged to contact the Cincinnati Police Department's homicide unit at 513-352-3542.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Walnuts Hills stabbing investigation leads to arrest
UPDATE: Columbus city officials hold press conference regarding CACC arrests: Eight city workers arrested in Columbus Animal Care & Control investigation

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL) The Columbus Police Department (CPD) began arresting individuals Monday in connection with the Columbus Animal Care & Control (CACC) investigation. Today, just hours before a joint news conference with the mayor and CPD, the director of CACC was booked into the Muscogee County Jail.

Director of CACC, Canita Johnson, has been arrested and charged with the following according to bookings by the Muscogee County Jail.

False statements or writings

Theft by deception

Cruelty to animals

Johnson was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 12, as well as field supervisor, Alecander Pimentel, who was also arrested Tuesday.

Pimentel was charged with the following, according to bookings by the Muscogee County Jail.

Violation of oath by public officer

False statements or writings

Several other staff members were arrested Monday including Contreana Pearson, Dr. Hank Hall, and Tennile Tolliver. They were arrested and charged with the following.

Contreana Pearson served as the interim division manager at the shelter.

Cruelty to animals

Cruelty to animals

Cruelty to animals

Dr. Hank (Henry) Hall served as the part-time veterinarian at CACC. He submitted his resignation and left this position at the end of August.

False statements or writings

Forgery, 1st degree

Tennile Toliver was identified as a corporal by Councilwoman Toyia Tucker in a Facebook post Monday. That full interview with Tucker can be found, here.

False statements or writings

Violation of oath by public officer

More arrests are expected, and more information as the news conference develops. Stay with WRBL on-air and online as we continue to monitor this investigation.

Previous Coverage

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
Arson investigation under way after play park fire

An arson investigation is under way after a fire at a new children's play area.

Firefighters found a wooden structure ablaze at Pulley Park in King's Hedges, Cambridge at about 19:00 BST on Sunday.

Cambridgeshire Police confirmed no-one was hurt and said CCTV footage would be checked.

A local councillor said tens of thousands of pounds had been spent improving the play area and described what happened as "shocking".

Cambridgeshire Fire and Rescue Service spent about two hours dealing with the incident.

"Firefighters arrived to find a fire involving a wooden structure in the Pulley play area," the service said in a statement.

"Wearing breathing apparatus they extinguished the fire using a hose reel.

"The cause of the fire was deliberate."

Conservative councillor Mohamed Delowar Hossain said Cambridge City Council was trying to find out whether damaged equipment could be repaired.

"It is anti-social behaviour," he said.

"We have spent 160,000 on improving this park. This is really shocking."

Cambridgeshire Police said: "We were called by the fire service at about 7pm on Sunday, with reports of play equipment on fire at Pulley Park, King's Hedges.

"No injuries were sustained. An investigation has been launched."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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ASHEVILLE, N.C.  Days after Helene swept through western North Carolina, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer cautioned that those in the county waiting for the water system to return online must prepare for the long term.

"And Im not talking about days," she told the Asheville Citizen-Times, part of the USA TODAY Network, in an interview at City Hall. "We want them to plan for longer than that.

With the city's water system "severely damaged"  which feeds not only the city of Asheville, but also Buncombe County and the northern portion of Henderson County  officials said restoring service to the full system could take weeks.

"Weve got to make sure we do every single thing we possibly can to restore the water system as fast as possible," Manheimer said. As aid and resources are mobilized, and water distribution sites announced, she said, the "critical" work of the city is to clear roads needed to access major line breaks, and repair the "main feeder" from the North Folk water treatment plant down into the city.

Assistant City Manager Ben Woody described the system's damage as "catastrophic," and said crews are still attempting to access infrastructure buried by debris or underwater.

As they progress, service will "slowly" return and "in some areas before others."

Water distribution began Sept. 30 with four county-run sites and one city site. As federal and state supply delivery lagged, though it eventually reached the county for its sites, the city spent "hundreds of thousands" of dollars to purchase water through a private provider, said City Manager Debra Campbell.

Woody, Campbell, Manheimer, Fire Chief Michael Cayse, all with the city, were at the briefing Monday.

'A warzone'

No power, no water, no Wi-Fi. Limited to no cell reception.

From her home in North Asheville, Manheimer said she's experiencing the same things as many others in the county. Neighborhoods with cars and homes crushed by fallen trees, littered with detritus, downed power lines and other destruction  but without the floodwater devastation of outlying areas, or those nearest to the banks of the French Broad and Swannanoa rivers.

We are so lucky. Our house did not get hit," she said. "Our neighborhood looks like a warzone.

In the hours after Helene lashed Western North Carolina  leaving in its wake historic flooding, up to 22 inches of rainfall, blocked roads, and a climbing number of confirmed deaths, billed as "biblical devastation"  she and her youngest son, Asa, 17, donned backpacks and went looking for her dad, who lives a mile-and-a-half away.

The scene, she said, was "unbelievable." They picked through the wreckage of the neighborhood, navigating fallen trees and downed lines, shimmying through gaps where they could. Her family, once everyone was accounted for, was safe, she said. Missing friends have been located.

But that's not the case for many. The death toll in Buncombe County reached 40 confirmed fatalities Monday afternoon.

"It's very emotional," she said. "You literally can't believe what you're looking at."

At school at UNC Chapel Hill, Manheimer said she was out east for major hurricanes and was in Asheville during the catastrophic 2004 floods, but this was another level of devastation. "Some hurricanes are a lot of flooding, some hurricanes are a lot of wind damage and trees. This is both," she said, choking up.

In the days since, she has watched the community gather. People have arranged meetups for their neighborhoods, distributed buckets of water to flush toilets, shared resources, and cleared roads.

The people are just amazing ... they are coming together and helping each other and checking on their neighbors, and helping to remove trees off of houses. Its just incredible," she said.

A missed call from Biden

As soon as she could make her way from her house to downtown  after someone cut a route through fallen trees and out of her neighborhood  the work has been "nonstop." At her downtown law office, and later from City Hall, power stayed on.

Largely, she said, her work has focused on coordination: fielding calls from the governor  the first of which happened Thursday night, before the storm hit  hospital directors, the attorney general, and other mayors looking to share resources and staff.

Sunday night at home and without service, Manheimer had a missed call from President Joe Biden. Elected officials are not headquartered at the emergency command center, she said.

City Council members have received twice-daily briefings. Spokesperson Kim Miller said city "one-sheets," with updates and information, have been distributed to them to hand out around the city  along with staff and others  attempting to bridge the "communication void" that has persisted throughout the crisis.

Where has Asheville been during Helene response?

Emergency operations in North Carolina flow through the county, Manheimer said. Requests for aid and resources go through the state's emergency management system and are initiated by the county.

She described the county as the "conductor" for all things emergency response.

Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said aid and resources had been requested before the storm. The county made the ask with the state, which would then bring supplies in through the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Pinder, along with other county officials, has been a fixture at twice-daily briefings, led by the county. City staff has participated in those calls  like Police Chief Mike Lamb, Cayse, Assistant Fire Chief Jeremy Knighton, who heads up the city's Emergency Operations Center, and Woody.

"Because the county is the lead on emergency operations response, they get to call the shots in terms of how communications work, when they work, who is doing the communicating," Manheimer said.

Noah Levinson looks at storm damage near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Florida's Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph.

For people asking about Asheville, Manheimer said for those coming from places where it's a "strong-mayor system, and the mayor is running the whole show," it may be confusing.

"But that's just literally not how disaster response is done in North Carolina, but people need to know that I'm here, I'm working all the time, I'm talking to everybody I need to talk to and they're using me as the resource when they need to establish a connection between this person or that person, or they don't have this communication," Manheimer said.

During the 2022 holiday water outages, a crisis that resulted in thousands left without water for days, an independent committee's review of the city's response critiqued the mayor and other city council members' response. It said elected officials put direct pressure on staff and should not be involved in the operational response.

Instead, they should be updated regularly by the communications staff or through contact with an incident commander, and help communicate "agreed-upon" messaging to residents, the report said.

As a result of the report, the city updated its Emergency Operations Plan.

"Through that crisis, and the Emergency Operations Plan we have now in place, the anticipated role of electeds is to push out information and that obviously doesn't work really well if you have no way to (do that)," Manheimer said.

Lately, it's been "a lot of facilitating communication," she said. "When you've been mayor for over 10 years, you pretty much have everybody in your cellphone."

Manheimer was first elected to Asheville City Council in 2009. She has been mayor since 2013.

Of how the council is responding to the blowback in the water crisis report, Manheimer said, "We're staying in our lane."

As the city moves into the "recovery" phase, Manheimer said she began doing interviews with the Citizen-Times and other local media and national outlets. Her message? "I am going to emphasize that we still need assistance."

We want to make sure that were still in the hearts and minds of folks and they know we are going to be struggling for a bit, but that were going to need their help," she said.

Sarah Honosky is the city government reporter for the Asheville Citizen Times, part of the USA TODAY Network. News Tips? Email shonosky@citizentimes.com or message on Twitter at @slhonosky. Please support local, daily journalism with a subscription to the Citizen Times.

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Asheville water system: Mayor cautions 'plan for the long term'
Asheville, North Carolina, has been called a potential safe haven for climate refugees by real estate researchers, praised for its temperate mountain weather, distance far from the coast, experiencing less extreme heat and fewer wildfires.

The city of around 95,000 people was believed markings of a place where those escaping the harsh impacts of the climate crisis could go for safety.

Certainly, there are locations that are going to be able to withstand some of those impacts more than others, according to Dave Reidmiller, the director of the Gulf of Maine Research Institute's Climate Center.

However, the fatal floods and landslides seen after Helene ripped through Buncombe County, which encompasses Asheville, highlight that "no place is truly untouched by climate change, anywhere in the world," said Reidmiller. Asheville is nearly 400 miles away from where the storm made landfall in Florida last Thursday.

PHOTO: A drone view shows a damaged area, following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Asheville, North Carolina, September 29, 2024. (Marco Bello/Reuters)

MORE: PHOTOS: Hurricane Helene makes landfall in the South

The designation of a "climate haven" has been denounced by climate experts, who told ABC News that it's not a widely accepted or official term and that the criteria is unclear.

Experts say human-caused climate change has caused an increase in rainfall, increasing the severity and frequency of rainfall events, and more across the country. As extreme weather worsens amid global heating, the crisis is displacing people not just in the U.S., but around the world.

Because of this, Antonia Sebastian, a professor at The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill's Department of Earth, Marine and Environmental Sciences, doesn't believe in climate havens.

"Climate change is sort of a pervasive issue that is going to affect communities all over the world -- not equally -- but definitely it will impact everyone, everywhere in some way," Sebastian told ABC News.

PHOTO: A drone view shows a damaged area, following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Asheville, N.C., September 29, 2024. (Marco Bello/Reuters)

Helene, which made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region as a massive Category 4 hurricane, was the strongest hurricane to make landfall in the Big Bend on record. It traveled inland, hitting not just Florida, but also Georgia, South Carolina, North Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Helene dumped more than 30 inches of rain on North Carolina, producing the biggest local flooding in recorded history. The path of the storm's devastation has spanned more than 600 miles.

More than 30 people are dead and 600 people remain unaccounted for in hard-hit Buncombe County, according to county officials.

"When you get a really extreme rainfall in mountainous regions, you see flooding, you see the potential for landslides. You see a lot more road washouts than you might in a coastal area with the same kind of storm. That's that elevation component. The topography component really adds to the severity of the flooding that that people experience," Sebastian said.

PHOTO: A drone view shows a damaged area, following the passing of Hurricane Helene, in Asheville, North Carolina, September 29, 2024. (Marco Bello/Reuters)

"It's really not only the volume of water that's really out like astounding -- we're talking thousand-year-levels of rainfall by some measures -- but it's the ferocity with which that water is flowing, the speed and the real intensity of the flood that they had to experience out there," she noted.

Across Helene's path, more than 120 people have been killed, according to the Associated Press.

Kristina Dahl, senior climate scientist at the Union of Concerned Scientists, argues that society needs to move away from viewing some groups as refugees of the climate crisis and instead acknowledge the need for everyone to invest in measures that will make communities and individuals more resilient to extreme weather.

"What folks have experienced over the last few days of Hurricane Helene is unprecedented and terrifying, they're certainly not alone in experiencing it," Dahl said in an interview.

MORE: How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene: Charities, organizations to support relief efforts

The international think-tank Institute for Economics & Peace estimates that 1.2 billion people could be displaced globally by 2050.

Despite Asheville's status as a climate resilient city, Amber Weaver, its sustainability officer, announced earlier this year that it was in the process of developing a resilience assessment to adapt to the growing list of major climate-related dangers.

Reidmiller urged cities nationwide to invest in climate change mitigation and preparedness, adding that the cost of climate change -- in both damages and human life -- will continue to add up unless action is taken.

"You pay, frankly, pay for climate readiness now, or Mother Nature is going to charge you later with interest," Reidmiller told ABC News. "As we rebuild, we kind of need to ask ourselves, do we need to rebuild higher, stronger, with different permitting and regulatory requirements to make sure that what we are building back is more capable of withstanding these stronger, more intense, more frequent, longer lasting, greater-in-spatial scale events?"

ABC News' Julia Jacobo contributed to this report.

Asheville tragedy shows there are no climate change safe havens: Experts originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BUCKHANNON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Medical personnel shortages were already present before the pandemic, but COVID-19 accelerated the need for physicians and nurses. To combat this, the Aspiring Nurse Program was piloted in early 2023 and has put through around 200 nursing students.

According to West Virginia University, West Virginia currently has a 19% shortage of registered nurses. The Aspiring Nurse Program encompasses 33 partnerships of hospitals and schools working with the WVU Health System to give nursing students a boost.

During the program, students can get up to $25,000 dollars over two years. WVU Medicine officials said hospitals that are able to participate in this are investing in their future and future care they can provide patients.

After students graduate from their respective schools, theyll go to work at the hospital they signed with. Students will also be paired with a WVU Medicine mentor while theyre in school, as well as during their transition period to become registered nurses. Overall this is a three-year commitment for students to work at the hospital theyre paired with.

But if those life events happen and they end up at another WVU Medicine facility we honor that. were still working out the finer details of exactly what that looks like on our end but were not going to leave a student high and dry, Nursing Program Development Manager Eric Small said.

A look into the debate behind syringe service programs in West Virginia

On Monday, WVU Medicine St. Josephs Hospital held an event where three students, Hailey Pugh and Emily Tackett from West Virginia Wesleyan College, and Madisyn McDaniel from Davis and Elkins College, were honored.

Tackett, a junior at WV Wesleyan is a first-generation college student and said it had always been a dream of hers to attend WV Wesleyan and have the opportunity to work at St. Josephs. It is a blessing, Im honored every day, and happy that I got this. It will help me pay for my tuitionI get a job at a hospital that Ive always wanted to work at because of my grandmother and they have it set up so that when I graduate, I have a member of the hospitals team to show me the ropes after I pass my boards, she said.

Twenty-three WVU Medicine systems hospitals are currently participating in the Aspiring Nurse Program in different capacities. Despite getting financial benefits as part of the program, Small said that financial needs are not at the forefront of decision-making.

One of the amazing things about this program is that there arent specific requirements that students have to meet. We dont take into account their financial situation. We want to hear their stories, they have to be actively enrolled, they have to be a part of the school. They have to be accepted and ready to being their career at least, if not already in their academic program, Small said. Its really exciting to be a part of a program thats investing thats investing that much in the future of West Virginia.

Each student is eligible to received $5,000 per term, around three times a year, depending on the exact pace of the school. Most students receive this help for around two years, with a maximum of two years, plus a final payment of $5,000 when they begin their employment. Students can apply leading up to whatever their last two years of study will be

The beauty of this program is that its not dedicated just to academic expenses, it can be that unexpected expense, it can be their rent, it could just be something that they sit on and its just a nest egg for whatever goals they might have for the future, said Small.

To learn more about the Aspiring Nurse Program, you can visit its website here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Atrium Health has announced it will be deploying its MED-1 mobile hospital to Tryon, North Carolina, to help those affected by Tropical Storm Helene.

Activated by the state, MED-1 will serve as a receiving hospital where it can triage, treat, and either discharge or transport a patient to another hospital if more critical care is needed.

The hospital said the mobile hospital is designed to deliver comprehensive patient care on-site at disaster locations, mass casualty incidents, or community events.

It is the first of its kind globally and can be ready for deployment within 24 hours of activation and be fully operational within a few hours of arrival.

The manager of the program, Bryan Sutton, said they are prepared to take all kinds of patients.

Theyll be transporting patients in that they pluck off the side of a mountain. To patients brought in via EMS and also local walk-ins as well, Sutton explained.

ALSO READ: How you can help those impacted by Hurricane Helene

MED-1 is self-sustaining for up to 72 hours and includes digital x-rays, ultrasounds, labs, pharmacies, 14 acute care beds, a 2-bed operating room, and more.

The mobile hospital is composed of nearly a dozen vehicles, including an emergency department, supply trucks, satellite trailers, dormitory trailers, and other essential equipment vehicles.

Health said the unit is supported by a team of professionals, including nurses, doctors, trauma surgeons, paramedics, and other essential staff.

Channel 9 spoke with David Callaway, one of the physicians heading to Western North Carolina to work in the emergency department of the mobile hospital.

He said its something he has done often, and taking care on the road is quite an honor.

I will do whatever is needed. If I need to carry MREs and water, I will carry MREs and water, Callaway elaborated. Anytime that we can get closer to people in need, its better for us; its better for them.

The MED-1 mobile hospital departed from Charlotte on Tuesday morning.

VIDEO: Crews in York County continue storm cleanup
The Australian Government has committed A$30m ($20m) in additional funding to support investigations and enforcement relating to the supermarket and retail sector.

This additional funding will provide around A$8.5m annually over the next 3.5 years, starting from 1 January 2025.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb expects the fund to bolster its enforcement and compliance efforts in the sector.

Cass-Gottlieb said: This funding will enable us to escalate a range of investigations in this sector, including in relation to potential misleading pricing claims or practices, claims about delivery timeframes and costs including for regional and remote Australians, and businesses misrepresenting consumers rights under the Australian Consumer Law.

The competition regulator is currently conducting a year-long inquiry into Australia's supermarket sector, initiated by a formal direction from the federal government on 1 February 2024.

The interim report of this inquiry was released just last week.

In its enforcement work this year, the ACCC has already secured more than A$85m in penalties.

This figure does not include the proposed A$100m penalty against Qantas, which is pending federal court consideration in October.

The ACCC has also initiated legal proceedings against various retail sector entities and recently released an interim report revealing that many Australians have lost trust in the countrys two supermarket chains, Coles and Woolworths.

Cass-Gottlieb added: We have heard first-hand from consumers how the cost of living is impacting their ability to choose and that they need to be more cautious with purchasing decisions. It is critical that consumers are provided with clear and accurate information about the price or value of the goods and services they rely on.

The ACCC is also receiving an increasing number of reports from consumers worried about prices and representations made about the quality or features of goods and services, as well as a growing number of reports about delayed or non-delivery of goods purchased online.

Separately, figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics reveal that retail turnover in Australia rose by 0.7% in August 2024.

The growth is higher compared to 0.1% in July and 0.5% in June 2024.

"Australian Government funds A$30m for retail sector enforcement" was originally created and published by Retail Insight Network, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
An attorney for the state of Colorado, as it seeks to halt the $25 billion Kroger takeover of Albertsons, said the merger would reduce competition and mean higher costs for shoppers.

Assistant Attorney General Arthur Biller directed particular ire toward the New Hampshire-based company, C&S Wholesale Grocers, which would acquire 579 stores sold off by the grocers after they combined. He charged the company wasnt really a retail grocery store operator, but rather a liquidator.

A Kroger Marketplace store in suburban Cincinnati.

Kroger picked a buyer that wouldnt put up much

They are opportunistic buyers theres no intension of running those stores long-term, Biller told Denver District Court during the opening arguments of the states antitrust trial against the deal. Kroger picked a buyer that wouldnt put up much competition.

To allay concerns about maintaining competition after the merger, Kroger has agreed to sell 579 stores for $2.9 billion to C&S Wholesale upon completing the Albertsons deal. Currently, the grocery supplier owns a modest retail operation of less than 25 retail supermarkets, including a dozen Piggly Wiggly stores.

Plans to ultimately sell off divested stores?

In his opening remarks, Biller cited comments that C&S Wholesale made in recent years to the investment community. During the litigation, C&S Wholesale executives have defended their plans to acquire the stores, saying their company is transforming its business model from a grocery supplier to include a $20 billion retail operation outlined in a divestiture deal with Kroger.

Biller said C&S Wholesale agreed to the deal because it is acquiring the stores Kroger will sell off for a relatively low price, mostly covered by the value of the underlying real estate. He said C&S Wholesale would ultimately sell off or close the stores, following a historical pattern.

Kroger lawyer: government lawyers spinning conspiracy theory

Kroger attorney Matt Wolf dismissed Billers characterization as a conspiracy theory and said C&S Wholesale would preserve competition for consumers.

Buying something for $3 billion and selling it for $2 billion is not a very good business plan, Wolf told the court.

Wolf added Krogers plan was to lower grocery prices to better compete with nontraditional grocers, such as Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

Expected to last three weeks, the trial is one of three concurrent antitrust cases pending against the deal. The trial overlaps with a similar state trial in Washington regarding the merger that began on Sept. 16. It also begins nearly two weeks after a critical hearing over the merger in U.S. District Court in Portland, Oregon, wrapped up, which is now being deliberated by a federal judge.

How big is the pending merger?

First announced in October 2022, Cincinnati-based Kroger wants to buy all outstanding shares of Boise, Idaho-based Albertsons, adding most of its employees and stores to its supermarket operation.

If the deal is completed, Kroger would:

Operate more than 4,400 supermarkets, up from 2,700 right now.

Generate about $208 billion in annual sales, compared to $150 billion.

Employ about 640,000 workers, up from about 414,000 currently. That would make it one of the 10 largest private employers in the world.

But regulators at both federal and state levels have expressed deep concerns. They are worried C&S Wholesale Grocers' limited experience as a retailer will prevent it from being a strong competitor and that could lead to higher prices for consumers. They are also worried about the job security of the 60,000 workers that could be moved to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

For the latest on Kroger, P&G, Fifth Third Bank and Cincinnati business, follow @alexcoolidge on X (formerly Twitter).

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Plan to sell stores after Kroger Albertsons merger draws fire in trial
Austrian leader says far right should have chance to form government

Austria's outgoing Chancellor Karl Nehammer says the leader of the far-right FPO, Herbert Kickl, should be given the first chance at forming a new government after elections on the weekend.

"From my point of view, it is a good tradition" that the party that comes top in an election is also given the first chance to explore coalition options, the conservative leader said after a meeting of his OVP party on Tuesday.

The populist FPO won the parliamentary elections on Sunday with around 29% of the vote. The OVP suffered a sharp drop in votes and came in second with 26%.

The OVP's current stance is that a coalition with the FPO would only be conceivable if Kickl himself did not take up a government post.

However, Kickl has reiterated his claim to the chancellorship after the election. All other parties completely rule out joing a coalition with the FPO.

Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen is tasked with choosing who gets the mandate to form a government - he is set to present his plan for the way forward on Wednesday.

Van der Bellen said on Sunday that the FPO must not only convince the other parties to join them, but also convince him personally. The president said he will pay particular attention to whether the FPO will observe democratic values and human rights.

An alliance between the OVP and the social democratic SPO is seen as a possible alternative to a government under Kickl, possibly in a broader coalition with the liberal Neos.

Nehammer did not want to comment on his possible options for the time being.

"What the Austrians deserve is a stable government that can deal with the new challenges and, above all, shape the future of this country," Nehammer said. The OVP party executive unanimously expressed its confidence in him at the meeting, despite the election defeat.

Karl Nehammer (C), Austrian People's Party leader, speaks during a statement at the Party Executive Committee. Helmut Fohringer/APA/dpa
NORFOLK, Mass. (WWLP) A man who escaped a prison in Massachusetts on Tuesday is back in custody.

According to the Massachusetts Department of Correction (DOC), Kevin OBrien, aged 72, was serving his sentence for motor vehicle theft at the Pondville Correctional Center in Norfolk, Massachusetts. He was last seen on the grounds of the minimum/pre-release facility on Tuesday, October 1, around 9:30 a.m.

Two suspects in Holyoke rolling gun fight charged

Video footage shows OBrien at around 10 am leave the track area of the facility and walk into the nearby woods. The DOC called area police departments and the Massachusetts State Police.

The 72-year-old was found in Foxborough at about 6:45 p.m. Tuesday by Department of Correction investigators, according to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security.

Courtesy of Massachusetts Department of Correction

Courtesy of Massachusetts Department of Correction

OBrien is being charged with escaping a correctional facility in court.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
The autumn booster campaign begins on the Isle of Man on Tuesday [PA Media]

Vulnerable adults, frontline workers and those over the age of 65 on the Isle of Man have been invited to take up the offer of a Covid autumn booster vaccination.

The programme is being rolled out in October in line with advice from the UK's Joint Committee on Vaccination and Immunisation.

Seasonal flu vaccines are being offered at the same time to offer "maximum protection over the winter months", Manx Care said.

Scheduled appointments will be given to those eligible, with adult care home residents and those who are most at risk receiving their vaccinations first.

The health care provider said anyone over 65, people under that age in clinical risk groups, residents in care homes for older adults and frontline health and social care workers would be offered both jabs.

The majority of the of this programme will be delivered by the vaccination team at the Private Patients Unit at Nobles Hospital, with a limited number of appointments at sites situated in the north, south and west regions of the island on selected dates.

Appointments will be made to visit residents in care homes for older adults directly with the facilities.

Manx Care will contact people aged 65 years and over along with those in a clinical risk group with an appointment.

Those eligible can also book via an online booking system or by contacting the vaccination team.

The health care body has requested that frontline health and social care workers who would like to receive the jabs contact the team from 7 October to arrange an appointment.

People aged between 18 and 64 who live with an immunosuppressed individual and those who are the main carer of an older adult or a disabled person can also contact the team for a flu vaccine.

Why not follow BBC Isle of Man on Facebook and X? You can also send story ideas to IsleofMan@bbc.co.uk

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The long-time president of a ritzy Aventura condominium was arrested Monday and charged with stealing $1.5 million in association fees, laundering some of it through his dead mother and using the money to buy art and chicken wings.

Gregori Arzumanov, 62, was taken into custody at his apartment Tuesday morning and charged with a bevy of felony counts all related to ripping off maintenance fees of tenants. The charges range from racketeering, organized fraud and money laundering, to grand theft, fraudulent use of a credit card and lying to the federal government.

He remained jailed at the Turner Guilford Knight correctional center late Tuesday afternoon. His bond was set at $500,000.

During an afternoon press conference with Aventura Mayor Howard Weinberg and Police Chief Michael Bentolila at her side, Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle read off a list of alleged wrongdoings in Arzumanovs 32-page arrest warrant and explained how he intimidated unit owners who questioned his tactics through excessive fines and lawsuits.

The state attorney said he was able to do that because at the time of his arrest Arzumanov was not only president of the Turnberry on the Green Condo Association, but the buildings chief engineer and property manager. Bentolila said it took investigators four years to piece together the intricate web of the money alleged to be siphoned. The chief also said more arrests are likely.

It turns out there was trouble in paradise, Fernandez Rundle said.

Arzumanov is alleged to have funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars in maintenance fees to himself through fake rental payments to his dead mother, by hiring a security firm he was the sole owner of and by charging potential unit owners for background checks done by his private firm.

By early evening Tuesday Arzumanov remained jailed and it wasnt clear if he had hired an attorney. Investigators say they took a look at his alleged shenanigans back to 2017.

Not the first time

Fernandez Rundle said Arzumanovs alleged scheme was reminiscent of another homeowners association plot that rocked West Kendall residents two years ago. Thousands of residents were overjoyed when investigators uncovered an alleged scheme cooked up by a group of Hammocks Homeowners Association members in which they were accused of writing bogus checks for $2 million to sham companies and padding their own pockets.

For seven years residents failed time after time to oust the board members who quadrupled some of their fees, destroyed landscaping and playgrounds and harassed residents with threats of foreclosures and code violations. Five members of the largest homeowners association in Florida were arrested on mostly fraud charges. The Hammocks, with 6,500 units, boasts more than 25,000 residents.

A complete lie

Aventuras Turnberry on the Greens at 19501 W, Country Club Dr., isnt quite that large. But it does have 378 unit owners on its 28 floors, who on average pay a maintenance fee of $661 a month. The association, with a budget of $3 million a year, rakes in about $3.3 million on average.

And far too much of that money since 2017 padded Arzumanovs bank account instead of homeowner coffers, state prosecutors say.

Fernandez Rundle said as president of the association since 2008, Arzumanov was able to manipulate proxy votes, essentially making hiring decisions on his own. One of those decisions, his arrest warrant claims, was to hire a company called Yuka Security.

Turnberry on the Green then paid Yuka Corp. more than $13,000 for insurance policies and almost $25,000 for a security contract, according to investigators. The company also charged $75 for background checks for potential unit owners or renters. It turned out that Arzumanov was the sole owner of the company and the only signatory on its bank account.

It was a complete takeover. Ive never seen anything like that in my life, said Bentolila, the police chief.

And prosecutors say that Arzumanov used the name of his dead mother to launder hundreds of thousands of dollars. According to his arrest warrant, before Valentina Arzumanov died, she had a joint bank account with her son. After she died, investigators say, Gregori Arzumanov wrote a series of checks in 2018 and 2019 totaling $225,100 from Yuka Security to pay rent on a fictional unit. The money, instead, went directly into the joint account now solely-run by Gregori Arzumanov.

Investigators also claim that Arzumanov spent the money he obtained illegally on himself, purchasing everything from fast food at a Buffalo Chicken Wings to more than $30,000 worth of art that was in his condominium.

It didnt go to the association, the attorney said of the art work. It all went to him.
This is an adapted excerpt from the Sept. 29 episode of "Ayman."

Tensions are rising in the Middle East following the assassination of Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah in an Israeli airstrike on Friday. After days of anticipation of a possible Iranian response to Nasrallahs killing, Iran fired ballistic missiles into Israel on Tuesday. No fatalities have been reported. Israel is expected to retaliate imminently.

Israel has also continued its strikes on southern Lebanon, where they claimed to have killed another senior Hezbollah figure. On Monday, Israels military forces pressed forward with a ground incursion to conduct what the government described as limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah.

According to Lebanons prime minister, as many as 1 million residents have been displaced already, with many forced to sleep on the streets. The Lebanese government says Israels two-week aerial campaign has now killed more than 1,000 people, including women and children. Hezbollah has launched retaliatory attacks across northern Israel, which were mostly intercepted.

Meanwhile, Americans in Lebanon are feeling confused and anxious amid the bombardment, with many scrambling to find a way out. On Sunday, White House national security spokesperson John Kirby told ABC News that the State Department does not feel a need to evacuate Americans from the country, instead suggesting those worried about their safety use commercial air traffic. This comes as Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered U.S. forces to remain on standby as tensions flare up. And on Monday, NBC News reported that the Pentagon said it was sending a few thousand additional troops to bolster the roughly 40,000 American forces in the area.

With the threat of a full-scale regional war seemingly rising by the hour, many are now asking how we got here. For nearly a year, U.S. officials have urged actors in the region to lower the temperature and prevent the conflict from escalating. But those warnings apparently fell on deaf ears.

U.S. officials are growing increasingly concerned as strikes ramp up in Lebanon. Just two days before Nasrallah was killed, a handful of Western nations led by the U.S. put forward a 21-day cease-fire plan, expecting Israel to accept it. In fact, Kirby told reporters the cease-fire plan was published after consulting with Israel and that the Israelis were aware of every word in the statement. Kirby said he thought the Israelis were on board with the proposal and said the allies would not have made it public otherwise.

Despite that, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu reportedly rejected the deal on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York last week. The massive strike that killed Nasrallah went down just hours later.

Now, the fact that Israel agreed to a cease-fire deal in bad faith should surprise absolutely no one, especially U.S. officials, who have been strung along for months. The truth is, the situation playing out right now in the Middle East is being orchestrated entirely on the terms of one person and one person alone: Netanyahu.

As NBC News has reported:

In the days after the October 7th attack, President Joe Biden fervently embraced Netanyahu and Israel, literally and figuratively, calculating that unvarnished American support for the Jewish state would result in a willingness to accede to some American demands. Instead, over the past year, Biden and his aides have appeared to have steadily less influence with Netanyahu.

In the absence of an arms embargo, Americas leverage over Israel has been whittled down to nothing. By sacrificing its seat at the table, the U.S. has ensured that those deciding the next steps in this conflict are Netanyahu and the leaders of Iran, Hamas and Hezbollah  not the American president.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Oklahoma aviation photographer Rob Stephens recently captured some great images of a B-52H Stratofortress with the tail number 61-0028 as it was leaving Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma bound for Barksdale Air Force Base in Louisiana. But this was not your ordinary BUFF.

Instead of the typical gray paint scheme, the jet, nicknamed Wolfpack, sported DayGlo orange highlights on its forward fuselage, towards its wingtips, on its engine nacelles, and its vertical stabilizer. This striking paint scheme was done as a nod to the days when B-52A and B variants served as motherships for the North American X-15 experimental hypersonic rocket plane that the U.S. Air Force and NASA used for research purposes during the 1960s, among other mothership testing, Stephens told us.

The B-52H Stratofortress Wolfpack leaves Tinker Air Force Base in Oklahoma with a retro paint scheme honoring the days when earlier variants were motherships for the X-15 experimental rocket plane. (Redhome Aviation) REDHOME MEDIA CO

The B-52 arrived at Tinker in early 2024 for Programmed Depot Maintenance (PDM) at the Oklahoma City Air Logistics Center, said Stephens, whose Redhome Aviation page features some stunning aircraft photos, including of the retro-painted Stratofortress.

Tinker is where the 76th Aircraft Maintenance Group paint shop removed the old paint before the 565th Aircraft Maintenance Squadron performed detailed inspections and repairs to the 1960s-era bomber, Stephens explained.

After the PDM was completed, the B-52 was flown on Aug. 26 by the 10th Flight Test Squadron, 413th Test Group, Air Force Reserve Command on a functional check flight lacking most of her paint, according to the photographer.

The 10th Flight Test Squadron conducted a functional check flight on Wolfpack in August. (Redhome Aviation) REDHOME MEDIA CO

PDM involves a major overhaul and opportunities for important upgrades and modifications.

As of 2021, each one of the services 76 B-52s was typically scheduled to undergo the months-long PDM process every four years. This scheduling is, of course, staggered to keep a certain number of bombers on active duty at any one time.

Early indications of Wolfpacks new paint scheme was her DayGlo orange rudder on her test flight, before the 76th AMXG repainted the aircraft in the standard gray with the DayGlo orange highlights you see in the photo.

The airframe was first flown with the new paint on Sept. 30 as Lobo49 and returned to the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadron at Barksdale, where she will receive her OT and 49 TES tail markings, as well as an arrow on the tail and U.S Air Force on her forward fuselage, Stephens added.

The aircraft was painted to replicate NB-52A 52-0003, he said. That aircraft, along with NB-52B 52-0008, completed the X-15 missions starting in 1959.

High-altitude contrails frame the B-52 mothership as it carries the X-15 aloft for a research flight on 13 April 1960 on Air Force Maj. Robert M. Whites first X-15 flight. (NASA)

As we noted in our deep dive into the history of the Stratofortress, the first of three B-52A variants flew in August 1954 and were used exclusively for tests. The most famous of the test BUFFs was also a former B-52A, the NB-52A being permanently converted as a mothership for the X-15. It continued in this unique role until 1969.

Stephens told us that the paint scheme on the BUFF most closely resembles that of 52-0003 from 1959 with the X-15 mounted on the reinforced right pylon.

As it sits now, this B-52 with the boldest of heritage schemes will serve as the 49th Test and Evaluation Squadrons jet, doing very important work that will help allow the B-52 to remain relevant for decades to come, which is seen as critical to the services future bomber roadmap. You can learn all about the B-52s future upgrades in our feature video below:

Weve reached out to both Tinker AFB and Barksdale AFB to find out more details about this aircraft. However, the next time you see a B-52 wearing DayGlo orange highlights, now you will know why.

Contact the author: howard@thewarzone.com
Babysitter, 13, Accused of Stabbing Sister, 7, to Death After Argument over 'Flushing the Toilet': Reports

The incident took place in Taylor, Mich. on Saturday, Sept. 28 after the older sister was reportedly left to babysit the 7-year-old

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7/Youtube The family home where a 13-year-old girl reportedly killed her younger sister

A 13-year-old girl in Taylor, Michigan is reportedly facing murder charges after allegedly stabbing her 7-year-old sister to death while babysitting.

On Saturday, Sept. 28 at around 1 p.m. local time, the Taylor Police Department responded to reports of a possible stabbing, per outlets including WXYZ, FOX 2 Detroit and CBS Detroit.

Officers responded to the incident in the area of Telegraph and Chestnut and the 7-year-old was taken to a local hospital where she later died from her injuries, per the Detroit News.

"Preliminary investigations indicate that the victims injuries were allegedly inflicted by her 13-year-old sister," police said, according to the outlet. Officers haven't released the identities of the family involved.

FOX 2 Detroit reported the 13-year-old is now facing several charges including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and first-degree child abuse, citing the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

The Wayne County Prosecutor's Office and the Taylor Police Department didn't immediately respond when contacted by PEOPLE.

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7/Youtube The family home where a 13-year-old girl reportedly killed her younger sister

Per FOX 2 Detroit, the girls' parents left them at home at around 11:15 a.m. that day and the older sister was babysitting. Detective Zachary DiGiacomo said the argument "stemmed from a note that was placed in the bathroom" about "flushing the toilet," the outlet reported.

He said the victim  who was reportedly stabbed multiple times with a butcher's knife and hunting knife, per police  had "over 10 stab wounds ranging from the abdomen to the head, to the neck," FOX 2 Detroit stated.

"All I can say is, it's shocking, and it's very tragic," the officer added, according to the outlet.

DiGiacomo didn't immediately respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Larry W. Smith/Getty Generic image of police tape hanging across a street

Per WXYZ, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said the 13-year-old won't be tried as an adult in the case and will be kept in the juvenile system due to her age.

The State would have seven years to diagnose, treat and rehabilitate her until her mandatory release at age 21. Hopefully, then, she would not be a danger to others. While this is a difficult decision, given these facts, it is the right thing to do in this case, Worthy said, according to the outlet.

"There is absolutely no doubt that the facts in this case are horrific. It is beyond disturbing that the alleged person responsible for the stabbing death of her seven-year-old sister is thirteen years old," Wayne also said, per CBS Detroit.

WXYZ-TV Detroit | Channel 7/Youtube The family home in Michigan

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Detective DiGiacomo claimed the parents had told police the sisters had just had "normal sibling arguments" before now, per FOX 2 Detroit. "Growing up as kids, you argue with your siblings all the time, but it doesnt lead to this," he said.

"She was very calm and just showed no emotion," he also said of the older sister facing charges, per the outlet.

Neighbor Julie Pagoto paid tribute to the victim, per WXYZ, calling her the "sweetest little girl."

It was just a very tragic day, a very tragic day for us, Pagoto said, per the outlet. She used to walk up and down the street every day, riding her bike stopping and talking to neighbors."

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Read the original article on People.
Roc Auxene walked the premises of one of the oldest schools, Lycee Pinchinat de Jacmel in this sun-swept southern city on a recent afternoon, wondering where to begin.

Several of the classrooms are condemned. Fissures from the 2010 earthquake, more than 14 years ago, still have not been repaired and hundreds of desks and chairs that were ordered more than three years ago are still stuck in Port-au-Prince, three hours away, through gang-controlled territories.

We have a need of 7,050 school benches, 971 chairs and 227 chalkboards, said Auxene, the ministry of educations director for Southeast Haiti. Ive been director for three years and because of the lack of security, the ministry of education has never been able to get us benches and the director before me never received any.

If thats not daunting enough, Auxene is also looking to fill between 500 and 600 vacancies at the government-owned schools in the rural coastal region. The positions include more than 250 teaching vacancies along with school secretaries, inspectors and other employees who have either died, retired or migrated to the United States. An estimated 30% of teachers across Haiti have migrated to the U.S. and elsewhere, which means some classrooms will not have a teacher on Tuesday. In other cases, teachers have been waiting for years for paychecks because their paperwork still has not been properly filed in the system.

Things are very difficult, said Auxene, himself a history teacher.

Roc Auxene, a history teacher and regional director for the Ministry of Education for the southeast region of Haiti, walks across the yard at Lycee Pinchinat of Jacmel on August 24, 2024. The school is among several UNICEF, the United Nations child welfare agency, is trying to repair to accommodate thousands displaced students fleeing gang violence.

As the new school year in Haiti starts on Tuesday, the countrys education system remains broken. The government and partners like UNICEF, which has been sounding the alarm about the impact of the gang crisis on children, face enormous challenges: Hundreds of thousands of children have joined the ranks of the displaced, schools in the capital and surrounding cities remain occupied by the homeless and regional ministry of education directors like Auxene try to do a lot with very little.

We cant even begin to count how many students we are getting, he said. With the support of UNICEF, weve started to do a lot of work; were making some repairs in schools and hope to put up tents for some temporary classrooms so we can accommodate the students.

In the Great South area alone, which includes the Southeast, Southwest, Nippes and GrandAnse regions, there are more than 100,000 school-aged children who have been forced to flee their homes because of gang violence. At least a quarter of those students, 25,000, are in the southeast, which includes the seaside town of Jacmel.

For many families in Haiti, the start of the school year is a cherished moment of hope and renewal, but with more than 270,000 people fleeing to the south, displaced families are facing daunting challenges in securing education for their children, Bruno Maes, who ended his term as UNICEFs representative in Haiti over the weekend, said when he visited the region in September. Local services are struggling to accommodate the influx of displaced school-aged children as well because of the disruptions from ongoing violence.

A classroom at Lycee Pinchinat de Jacmel school. Despite the general state of disrepair the building will open for classes on Tuesday, October 1, 2024.

Over the summer, UNICEFs education officers fanned out across the country to help rehabilitate damaged schools, set up temporary learning spaces and provide educational materials. The United Nations child welfare agency also facilitated cash transfers to affected families to help cover school-related expenses. But Maes and his team acknowledged there just isnt enough money to go around. A U.N. appeal for $674 million in humanitarian assistance for Haiti still remains underfunded at barely 30% of the total.

As Auxene toured the combined middle and high school in the center of Jacmel, he was joined by UNICEF Education Officer Wadler Raymond, who is responsible for the Great South. The school was founded in 1860, though its building is more recent.

Raymond said UNICEF was checking out the structure for repairs and to see how it could accommodate some of the displaced students in the city. The faded building seemed more like a candidate for a tear down than a rehab. Its light fixtures didnt work, the concrete stairs were crumbling and there were deep cracks even in the parts that had not been condemned.

The entrance to aclassroom at Lycee Pinchinat school in Jacmel. Despite the general state of disrepair the building will open for classes.

Last school year the building managed to accommodate 500 students. This year there is no telling what enrollment will look like. That depends on whether parents can afford costs of school uniforms, books, fees and transportation. And in the case of students forced out of their homes because of the gang violence, it also depends on whether they were able to get their files from their last school and take required year-end exams.

Some parents when you ask them for a telephone number, its the phone number of a neighbor because they dont have one or they say they have none, Auxene said. They are dealing with many problems.

First graders attend class during summer classes at Ecole National Louis Borno de Leogane in Leogane, Haiti. Many of the students were displaced by the gang violence in Port-au-Prince and neighboring Gressier.

While UNICEF is actively overseeing initiatives to ensure that displaced children have the opportunity to return to school, money remains a problem.

As Tuesday approached, the agency still had not secured the funds to make repairs to Lycee Pinchinat de Jacmel, although Raymond, the UNICEF officer, said they did manage to put 10 tents in the yard to use as classrooms.

Back-to-school help

Haitis armed gangs have forced more than 703,000 people out of their homes, many of them school-aged children who along with their parents have sought shelter in classrooms and school yards.

On Monday, Prime Minister Garry Conille took to social media to share a graphic of the governments ongoing efforts to help by providing 2 million free books in Creole and 20,000 gourdes  about $150  to 200,000 parents.

Education and quality work for the youth is one of the governments priorities to create hope and fight insecurity, he said on X, adding that the ministry of education has been given a 24% budget increase this year.

A first grader boy uses a small tree branch as a pointer as he recites in front of class during summer classes at Ecole National Louis Borno de Leogane in Leogane, Haiti.

The money, Conille said, will be used to train more young teachers, distribute more books and provide food for school cafeterias with the help of the World Food Program. He was expected to travel to the South by helicopter Tuesday to officially launch the reopening of the school year. Instead, Conille visited a school in Port-au-Prince while his chief of staff and education minister joined the head of the Transitional Presidential Council Edgard Leblanc Fils in the southern city of Les Cayes.

We wont be satisfied until all children have the same chance to go to school from the first day, everywhere in the country, he said.

People living in schools

On Monday, the minister in charge of humanitarian affairs, Herwill Gaspard, visited one of the dozens of schools in Port-au-Prince currently occupied by people who have fled their homes. Gaspard said there are 39 schools across the capital occupied by people chased out of their homes by armed gangs and the government is working with the U.N.s International Organization for Migration to relocate them.

He visited the encampment at the National School Argentine Bellegarde on Ruelle Vaillant, which has 1,580 people sleeping in its classrooms and elsewhere on the grounds.

Gaspard acknowledged that the process of relocating people is difficult. One reason is money. The 50,000 Haitian gourdes  about $380  IOM is offering to entice them to leave isnt enough to put a roof over their heads.

We ask them, What is 50,000 gourdes going to do for us? said David Desrosier, one of the displaced. Its bizarre. There are people here with four, five children.

Derosier said he recently went searching for a place to rent. Everywhere he went in the capital, owners of rental properties were asking for prices in U.S. dollars, between $700 and $800, in a country where the majority of people live on less than $2 a day.

Myrlene Baptiste, who has also been displaced, questioned the amount the U.N. agency is offering. What are we going to do with 50,000 gourdes? 50,000 gourdes cannot pay rent.
John Looney, Sr., owner of Bad Boy Bail Bonds, speak to the

A Montana bail bonding company which has been shut out from doing business in at least two counties has taken its fight to federal court after state district courts sat for more than a week on a request asking for an injunction that would allow Bad Boy Bail Bonds to operate.

The lawsuit, filed in federal district court, says that two Bozeman municipal court judges have used the legal process to force Bad Boy Bail Bonds owner John Looney, Sr., to either forfeit his First Amendment rights or risk losing his business. The lawsuit also includes a request for a temporary restraining order that would order Montana courts and jails to accept Looneys bonds.

The dispute stretches back more than four years ago when another company using the same name issued a bond in Bozeman municipal court for $1,585 but the person skipped out. Looney later bought the business name but not the bonding company. Still, Bozeman Municipal Court Judge Karolina Tierney said that Looney must pay the outstanding bail bond before continuing to do business with Gallatin County.

Looney argued repeatedly in writing that the bond was not issued by him, his company or a representative of his company and therefore was not Looneys obligation. He also filed a complaint with the Montana Judicial Standards Commission, the state board that has oversight on judges, including the ability to take disciplinary action. Looney later paid the bond in full because he said Tierneys order was costing him as much as $350,000 in business per month.

After paying the bond, Looney went to issue bonds and was told repeatedly, according to court documents and email, that the judges would not resolve the matter until he removed or resolved the complaint with the Judicial Standards Commission.

The lawsuits in both state and federal court allege that the judges are threatening Looneys business unless he removes the complaint, a violation of his free speech rights and his right to redress grievances with the government.

In multiple emails to the judge and courts, Looney explained that he paid the bond just to restore his business, but expressed frustration with the process and the judges refusal to meet with him to resolve the matter. He sent a Sept. 6 email, stating:

I would like to reiterate that the forfeiture payment was made solely to comply with the courts initial conditions and should not be interpreted as an acknowledgment of responsibility or a withdrawal of the ethics complaint I have filed with the Judicial Standards Commission. My ability to write bonds should not be contingent upon the outcome of that complaint, which is now in the hands of the Commission.

Since then, Looney has filed a lawsuit in Montana district court and a motion for an injunction, but that has languished for nearly two weeks without action from Park County Judge Brenda Gilbert. Looneys attorney, Matthew Monforton, filed a motion on Monday to have the case reassigned, commonly referred to as judge bumping, something that state law allows within the first 30 days of filing a case by either the plaintiffs or defense. Most similar motions, asking for a restraining order, are scheduled for a hearing within several days of filing.

The National Association of Bail Agents has also weighed in, calling Looneys case an unacceptable abuse of judicial power.

The courts refusal to accept bail bonds from Mr. Looneys company, unless he withdraws his legitimate complaint, is nothing less than a coercive attack on his right to free speech and his ability to seek redress for grievances. Such actions directly contravene the Canons of Judicial Ethics, which mandate impartiality, fairness, and the avoidance of any appearance of impropriety, said association president Michelle Esquenazi, the owner of the largest bail bonding company in New York. This type of retaliation sends a chilling message to anyone who dares to question the system or bring forward concerns about misconduct. When those who wield judicial power are not held accountable, it undermines the entire foundation of trust that our legal system is built upon. The Canons of Ethics exist to ensure that the judiciary remains above reproach, and actions like these betray the publics trust in the integrity of our courts.

Looney also appeared last week before the Legislatures Special Select Committee on Judicial Reform and Oversight to share his story. The all-Republican committee seemed concerned and asked about drafting laws specifically making changes to the Judicial Standards Commission.

On Tuesday, Monforton told the Daily Montanan he decided to take the matter to federal court as a means to restore his clients business. The complaint is largely similar to the one filed in state district court. However, in the federal filing, Monforton is asking for an injunction plus punitive damages for violating Looneys First Amendment rights to seek redress from the government.

Freedom of speech includes the right of the people to petition the government for redress of grievances, the lawsuit stated. When he filed his JSC complaint against Judge Tierney in July 2024, Looney was petitioning the government for a redress of grievances and thereby engaging in protected speech. (The judges) are destroying Looneys business because he has exercised, and is currently exercising, his First Amendment right to petition the JSC for redress of grievances.

The new federal lawsuit alleges that Yellowstone County, the states largest county, has refused to accept bail bonds from Looneys company, too. Its unclear what, if any, power individual judges have to refuse a bond, if one is set. The Montana Constitution provides a right to bail for most crimes, and bail bonding professionals are licensed through the states Commissioner of Insurance and Auditor.

Monforton said that the Bozeman Municipal Court judges filed a complaint with State Auditor Troy Downing to get Looneys bonding privileges revoked, but that office dismissed the complaint.

We just want Mr. Looney to get his day in court, Monforton said.

Looney Fed bail bonds 100124
(Reuters) - The Australian pilots union said on Tuesday that it has rejected a wage proposal from Qantas Airways for its short haul pilots, days after the company's engineers went on a strike to demand a better pay deal.

The proposal included a two-year wage freeze, higher minimum guaranteed hours, increased standby pay and guaranteed payments for flying hours that may be lost due to unplanned disruptions or schedule changes during a roster period.

"Qantas' insistence on a two-year wage freeze despite being highly profitable while also seeking concessions on key conditions was viewed by pilots as unreasonable," the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) said in a statement.

The national carrier posted an annual profit after tax of A$1.25 billion ($865.8 million) for fiscal 2024.

Of the 786 short-haul Qantas pilots who voted, 63.4% voted against the deal.

The rejection of this proposal comes in the wake of a strike by the airline's engineers last Thursday over demands including a 5% annual pay hike.

The pilots' union warned of escalation if the airline ignored the result of the vote.

"If Qantas chooses to ignore the vote outcome and resort to its traditional hostile bargaining tactics, this negotiation could escalate," AFAP Executive Director Simon Lutton said in a statement, without specifying what this could mean.

A Qantas spokesperson told Reuters that "the agreement we put to vote included a number of structural improvements to pay and rostering conditions that our pilots had been seeking for many years."

"Given the outcome, we will now take some time to consider next steps."

($1 = A$1.4436)

(Reporting by Archishma Iyer in Bengaluru; Editing by Sumana Nandy)
Sir Timothy Le Cocq will have been in office for exactly six years when he retires in 2025 [Bailiffs Chambers ]

Jersey's bailiff plans to retire in October 2025 following six years in office.

Sir Timothy Le Cocq announced his plans in a meeting of members of the States of Jersey, saying he wanted "assembly members to be amongst the first to know".

Appointed by the crown, Sir Timothy took up the role on 17 October 2019 and received a knighthood from Her Majesty The Queen in 2022.

He said: "There will be time for the appropriate farewells, of course, and I am looking forward with enthusiasm to my last 12 months in office."

'Honour and privilege'

The bailiff of Jersey is the president of the States and acts as speaker with responsibility for the orderly conduct of the States Assembly and its business.

He is also president of the Royal Court of Jersey and civic head of the island with responsibility for official communication with the United Kingdom authorities.

Sir Timothy said he has received the "gracious permission of His Majesty the King to retire from the office of bailiff".

His last day will be Friday 17 October, the sixth anniversary of his swearing-in.

He said: "By that date I will have had the honour and privilege of serving as bailiff for exactly six years, have been a Crown Officer for over 17, and will be less than two months short of my 69th birthday.

"I wished to make the announcement now, however, to allow an appropriate period for the appointment of my successor and for any other necessary arrangements to be made."

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SOUTH KINGSTOWN, R.I. (WPRI)  The owner of a popular Rhode Island-based Mexican restaurant chain has died.

Bajas Restaurants announced the passing of owner David Boutros in a social media post Monday night. Boutros passed away Saturday after a long battle with a terminal illness, according to his obituary.

Even with challenges along the way, Davids passion and determination never faltered, the restaurant wrote. His focus on great food and customer service earned him a loyal following at each Baja location.

There are 15 Bajas restaurants spanning Rhode Island, Massachusetts and Connecticut. The Mexican restaurant chain is also in the process of opening its 16th location in Coventry, Rhode Island.

It was always Boutros goal to expand Bajas footprint by opening at least 20 restaurants.

Davids dream of opening 20 restaurants wasnt just a goal  it was a symbol of his belief in hard work and dedication, Bajas explained. Even after his passing, Davids legacy lives on through the success of his restaurants.

Boutros family is now determined to reach 20 restaurants and are working together to carry out his vision, according to Bajas.

Davids story shows the power of passion and perseverance, the restaurant continued. His legacy will continue to inspire those who dare to dream big and work hard.

In the meantime, Bajas announced that its restaurants will be closed on Oct. 3 to honor Boutros memory.

We will reopen on Oct. 4 and continue serving our customers in the same manner he would have wanted us to, the restaurant said. Let us remember David for his entrepreneurial spirit, kindness, and joy. His memory will always be cherished, and his legacy will live on through the businesses he built with love and dedication.

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Ballots in the mail for presidential election. Floridians can begin voting immediately.

Voters who are among the 96% of Floridians that the polls show have made up their minds between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump can start voting.

Its already begun for more than 400,000 people in Broward and Palm Beach counties whove requested vote-by-mail ballots.

On Tuesday  exactly five weeks before Election Day, Nov. 5  Broward County sent out 241,000 mail ballots. Supervisor of Elections Joe Scott said many people would receive them Wednesday and Thursday.

Showing the sometimes unpredictable nature of the Postal Service, officials said some South Broward voters could receive their ballots on Tuesday, depending on where they live and when they get their mail.

Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Wendy Sartory Links office sent out 190,000 ballots on Friday, and they started arriving in mailboxes on Saturday.

Mail voting decline

Both counties will continue sending out mail ballots as requests come in. Scott said his office has about 24,000 more requests, and ballots for those people will go out soon.

The initial mailings, Friday in Palm Beach County and Tuesday in Broward, are timed according to state law, which requires each county elections supervisor to send the initial batch of mail ballots in a one-week period ending Thursday.

Under federal law, elections supervisors had a Sept. 21 deadline to send ballots to voters living overseas and active duty military servicemembers and their families.

Public interest in mail voting is down significantly from the 2020 presidential election.

Scott said the main reason appears to be a falloff from the enormous increase in mail voting that took place in 2020.

The COVID-19 pandemic is what drove a lot of people to vote by mail in 2020, Scott said, adding that people are returning to their pre-pandemic preference of voting in person.

In Broward, 203,134 people voted by mail during the 2016 presidential election, a number that soared to 474,404 in 2020. The number of requests the county has so far  265,000, including the ballots that went in the mail on Tuesday  isnt the final number for 2024.

In Palm Beach County, the number of vote by mail ballots went from 152,336 in 2016 to 387,830 in 2022.

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Another reason for the decline could be additional restrictions the state placed on mail ballot requests, Scott said.

All requests through the 2022 gubernatorial election were canceled, and anyone who wants to receive a mail ballot for this year had to file a new request with some additional information required. Theres still time to do so; the deadline is Oct. 24.

One result of the decline in mail voting, Scott said, is that neighborhood polling stations on Election Day could be more crowded than theyve been during recent elections.

Scott suggested they either vote by mail or vote early to avoid the lines. Were expecting a lot of enthusiasm once we get close to the last day and that theres likely to be a large number of folks coming out to vote on Election Day.

So for people who want to be able to get in and get out quickly, definitely look to vote-by-mail/vote from home and avoid all the craziness that you might encounter at a polling place. Or go to an early voting site, where you have the flexibility to go to whichever site is most convenient anywhere in Broward County.

Logistics

The logistics of getting the mail ballots from the work area in which they were prepared at the Broward elections headquarters in Fort Lauderdale to the Postal Service sorting center in Opa-locka involved lots of people and equipment.

2,286 tubs of ballots.

97 metal dollies to hold the tubs.

3 U.S. Postal Service semi-trucks.

4 Florida Highway Patrol troopers in two patrol cars. State troopers, not Broward sheriffs deputies, are used because the trucks carrying the ballots cross the Broward/Miami-Dade county line.

Browards ballots are handled at the Postal Services Royal Palm Processing and Distribution Center in Opa-locka.

In 2012, as part of a nationwide cost-cutting move, the Postal Service closed the mail processing centers in Fort Lauderdale and Pembroke Pines and shifted the work sorting Browards mail to the Opa-locka center.

That location is the reason why a small number of South Broward voters could find ballots in other mailboxes Tuesday afternoon, officials said.

Returning ballots

Even though Election Day is weeks away, people who want to vote by mail should be cognizant of the calendar and not wait too long to return their ballots.

Florida has a strict deadline: 7 p.m. on Election Day, Nov. 5. Any ballot not in possession of the supervisor of elections office wont get tallied.

Postmarks dont count. In every election, ballots go uncounted because they arrived too late, in some cases more than enough to change the outcome in some races.

We cant give a date that youre guaranteed that your ballot is guaranteed to come in, Scott said. Once you get down within say five days or so, its probably too late to put it in the mail.

The Palm Beach County mail voting instructions state that If you plan to mail your ballot back to us, you should allow at least one week for your ballot to reach our office.

U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy, in a Sept. 19 news briefing, recommended people return their ballots slightly earlier: at least one week before Election Day.

We encourage the voting public to mail early, if they choose to vote by mail, and to put their return ballot back in the mail at least seven days before it must be back to their election official under the laws of the state where they are voting. Thats the key to everyones success, DeJoy said.

He said the Postal Service would make heroic efforts to beat the clock to deliver mail ballots on time.

An extra 10 days are allowed for military and overseas ballots to be returned and still get counted.

There are other places where Florida voters can return their vote-by-mail ballots.

Drop boxes are available at early voting centers once early voting begins. (Bowing to skepticism about mail voting, Republicans who control the state Legislature changed the name of drop boxes to secure ballot intake station.)

People can also return them to county elections offices.

Key dates

Deadline to register to vote: Oct. 7.

Deadline to request a mail ballot: Oct. 24.

In-person early voting: Oct. 21-Nov. 3 (in Broward and Palm Beach counties).

Election Day: Nov. 5.

Information

People can check to see if theyre registered to vote, request mail ballots and check their status, and find locations of polling places online and by phone.

Broward County: www.browardvotes.gov, 954-357-8683.

Palm Beach County: www.votepalmbeach.gov, 561-656-6200.
NEW BALTIMORE  A bridge in the borough will be named this week in honor of Staff Sgt. William A. Will Sr., a Special Forces Green Beret killed in action in Vietnam on July 5, 1966.

The ceremony will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday.

The bridge is near the intersections of New Baltimore Road and Wambaugh Hollow Road and Tunnel Road on the west side of New Baltimore, close to where Tunnel Road goes under the Pennsylvania Turnpike.

More: Berlin man donates land to Sept. 11th National Memorial Trail

Every year on July 4, Wills family and members of the Special Forces Association, Chapter 67, perform a memorial ceremony at his grave at the St. John the Baptist Cemetery, New Baltimore. The local chapter of the Special Forces Association, Chapter 67, as well as Wills family, and others will be in attendance for the ceremony at the bridge.

A dedicated soldier

Will served three tours in South East Asia. He was captured once and escaped. On his third tour to the Central Highlands while serving on a Special Forces "A" Team, Will, 24, was killed in action by small arms fire while he was on a combat mission against enemy forces, according to an article in the McKeesport Daily News, July 1966. Two men from the 5th Special Forces Detachment A-411 at Binh Hung were killed in action on July 5, 1966, 1 Lt. Curtis Estil Binion of Charleston, West Virginia, and Will.

More: DCNR seeks volunteers for five Trails Advisory Committee positions

Will had served tours of duty in Laos and south Viet Nam and was awarded the Army Commendation Medal for meritorious service during the period he was captured and later escaped Viet Cong forces. His first mission to Southeast Asia was in Laos. According to the article, members of his family said Will was urged to stay stateside after his safe return from his first Viet Nam tour, but he returned to action "because he believed in what America was trying to accomplish in Viet Nam."

In 1964, he and two other American soldiers with about 35 South Vietnamese soldiers were captured by the Viet Cong, the story said. The Vietnamese prisoners were killed. The Americans were held for several days before they were stripped naked and turned loose in the jungle, the article said. The three managed to return to their own troops and as a result, Sgt. Will was awarded the Army Commendation Medal on Jan. 8, 1965, at Fort Bragg, North Carolina, home base of the Special Forces. The article said the citation accompanying the medal noted that it was given "for the performance of exceptionally meritorious service during the period from September 19, 1964, to Sept. 30, 1964."

More: Pennsylvania wants to relocate a highway. Why one group thinks it's a bad idea

The article said Will learned fluent Laotian and various Vietnamese dialects, and he attended various Army classes in languages. He also was a member of "The President's 100" a marksmanship group.

SSG William Anthony Will was survived by his wife Judith D. (Lesko) Will, and sons William A. Jr., Ty F., Cole A. and Gray I., all under the age of 5. He was also survied by his mother, Bertha Mildred (Shaffer) Will. He was preceded in death by his father, Russell Bernard Will. William and his parents are buried in St. John the Baptist Cemetery, New Baltimore.

Madolin Edwards has been a journalist at the Daily American for 37 years, covering school boards, borough councils, sports and new stories. Contact the Daily American reporters at news@dailyamerican.com.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: New Baltimore bridge to be named after war hero
Ban cellphones for students? Heres how it went at my Fort Worth high school | Opinion

Recently, the statewide conversation about banning cellphones in schools  prompted by Texas Commissioner of Education Mike Morath  has caused quite a stir.

Its not hard to see why.

The issue of cellphones in classrooms taps into something much deeper than technology. It touches on safety, freedom and, perhaps most of all, the evolving nature of childhood.

As someone whos spent over a decade leading schools, including my current position at Nolan Catholic High School, I can say with certainty: our students are better off without cellphones in the classroom.

And Im not just saying that because Im a relic from the age of chalkboards and handwritten notes passed under desks.

Nolan Catholic High School as seen from Google Maps

At Nolan Catholic, we made the bold decision to ban cellphones from classrooms two years ago.

It wasnt easy. There were plenty of eye rolls from students, concerns from parents, and even a few second guesses among staff.

But the results have been undeniable.

A classroom where eyes are focused on teachers instead of screens, where students engage in face-to-face conversations rather than staring at their glowing devices is where true learning happens.

We must ask ourselves some tough questions as educators and as community leaders: Are cellphones really fostering an environment where students can thrive academically?

Are they helping to build healthy relationships, emotionally or socially, among students?

Are they promoting the kind of focus and discipline we all know is necessary for meaningful growth?

If we cant answer each of those questions with a sincere yes, then why are we still allowing these devices to be the centerpiece of our students attention?

Ive seen firsthand how removing cellphones from the school day has changed the dynamic.

Students who once retreated into their virtual worlds have rediscovered the joys of conversation. They look each other in the eye again.

Theyre paying attention to the world around them, and  believe it or not  they are more connected to one another without their connections in hand.

The hallways feel livelier, and the classrooms are filled with discussions that arent disrupted by the buzzing of a group chat.

I hear the counterarguments loud and clear. Parents are concerned about safety, and rightfully so.

In a world that often feels unpredictable, the need to know where your child is or how theyre doing is paramount.

But lets be honest: A cellphone doesnt guarantee safety.

It does guarantees distraction.

We must think creatively about solutions that truly keep our students safe while allowing them to remain fully present in their learning environment. There are other tools, systems and practices we can employ to ensure security that dont come with the steep price of poor learning.

What we need, more than a device in every students pocket, is the courage to make the right decisions, even when theyre unpopular. Its our duty as principals, as educators, to lead with conviction and not convenience.

Ive watched Nolan Catholic transform since we made the call to relegate cellphones to the lockers (our students are not allowed to use them at lunch time either).

I can assure you, its been worth every challenging conversation and every moment of initial hesitation.

Our students deserve to be in environments where their minds are fully engaged, where their hearts are open to the relationships they build with one another, and where their academic growth isnt stunted by a constant stream of digital noise.

Cellphones, for all their advantages outside of school, dont belong in the classroom. If we want our students to grow, then we must give them the space to do so.

To my fellow school leaders across Texas, I say this: It is not easy. But we owe it to our students to create a learning environment free from distractions, even if that means taking the harder, less popular path.

After all, our calling is not to be liked, but to lead. And lead we mustwith clarity, courage, and the unwavering belief (because all the most recent science confirms this) that we are doing whats best for the young minds entrusted to our care.

Oscar Ortiz is principal of Nolan Catholic High School in Fort Worth.

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Baptist Health, Florida Blue deal comes as relief to local first responders

Florida Blue and Baptist Health have reached a new multi-year agreement that will ensure policyholders wont lose access to one of the citys largest health care providers.

Action News Jax first told you Monday evening when a deal was reached in principle.

Tens of thousands in Northeast Florida are breathing a sigh of relief now that Florida Blue and Baptist Health have reached a new multi-year agreement that will keep the hospital in the Florida Blue network.

You know, it would have been a huge impact, Randy Wyse with the Jacksonville Police Officers and Fire Fighters Health Insurance Trust said.

Wyse said news the two health care giants reached a deal provides comfort to as many as 2,300 local police and firefighters, who have their primary care doctor with Baptist.

Read: Florida Blue, Baptist Health announce multi-year agreement after months of negotiations

All of our members would have to have found new doctors, we have several members going through cancer issues that would not have been able to utilize MD Anderson under the insurance, Wyse said.

During the multi-month negotiation, Baptist accused Florida Blue of lowballing the hospital on reimbursement rates, while Florida Blue claimed the cost increases proposed by Baptist would have resulted in rate increases for policyholders.

Details of the deal are scant.

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But in a video posted to YouTube, Baptist Health CEO Michael Mayo argued the two companies should now look towards the future.

We believe this resolution will benefit both parties involved, but most importantly, the community we serve, Mayo said.

Florida Blue did not respond when asked if the new deal would result in rate increases.

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As far as local firefighters and police are concerned, Wyse said any potential rate hike wont likely come until 2026.

And at the end of next year, well take a look at everything and determine what kind of costs thats gonna drive that, but we have not received anything as of yet, Wyse said.

Wyse said hes not surprised so few details of the deal have been released, adding he wouldnt be shocked if we dont hear anything until next week.

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Then European Commission's Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament. French Prime Minister Michel Barnier issues warning on public finances. Jan Van De Vel/EU Parliament/dpa

Newly appointed French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is to lay out his government's policies in a statement to the National Assembly in Paris on Tuesday afternoon.

Barnier, who took office three weeks ago, has formed a centre-right government that lacks a majority in the assembly and could from the outset face a vote of no confidence from either the left or right in the divided parliament.

The former European Union commissioner, who was also responsible for negotiating the terms of Brexit, announced he would seek a realignment in French politics when he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron on September 5.

There has already been sharp criticism from the opposition of the government, which is made up largely of Macron's centrist camp, despite the victory of the left-wing alliance in the elections in late June and early July.

The government will depend in practice on toleration by the far-right Rassemblement National (RN) around Marine Le Pen to get its legislation passed.

Barnier's first challenge will be to get next year's budget passed under time pressure, with French debt far exceeding EU guidelines.
Tim Kaminski, director of operations for Gingerbread Kids Academy and Gingerbread After School Programs in Richmond, interacts with students preparing crafts for a fall celebration on Sept. 26. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Gingerbread Kids Academy owner Tim Kaminski can easily tick off examples of how tough it is to keep a child care business open more than four years after the pandemic hit.

Before COVID-19 came to the United States in 2020, Kaminski had 45 employees and averaged up to 130 children enrolled in each of his two child care centers and after school programs in Fort Bend County. Today, he can only sustain about half that: 70 kids and 22 staff members.

This year, the last of emergency COVID-19-related aid to child care providers that kept them up and running ends and many like Kaminski are returning to a very changed economy.

But even before the pandemic, Kaminski and other providers were bracing for another big blow to make its way to the states 16,000 child care providers, one delivered by the Texas Legislature in 2019 that for all its good intents  making public schools offer full day pre-kindergarten  is now capturing child cares most profitable customer base: 3-and 4-year-olds.

We pay school property taxes and we have them (schools) taking business away from us, he said.

Compounding the challenges is the Texas Legislature has hesitated approving meaningful infusions of state dollars into child care. While lawmakers approved a way to allow certain child care centers a property tax exemption, the method is not widely used statewide.

Meanwhile, more than 91,000 Texas children are on a state waitlist for subsidies to pay for child care, which can cost as much as a monthly home mortgage.

The pandemic did not cause our child care crisis, it revealed our child care problem, said Kim Kofron, senior director of education for Houston-based Children at Risk.

The rise of pre-K

Texas schools started offering half day of state-supported pre-K in 1984 to help ready low-income children for school. In 2019, Texas made it mandatory for public schools to offer a full day of pre-kindergarten, but the last-minute move caught child care advocates by surprise, Kaminski recalls, and providers like him immediately saw the threat to their own industry.

Less than a year after full-day pre-K passed, the COVID-19 pandemic hit, closing child care centers and homes, along with schools. So the competition between the two was slow to emerge.

By 2021, child care operators struggled to reopen, some closed entirely and those that remained were able to do so with emergency federal funding  $126,869 on average for centers and $17,678 for homes  which helped providers pay their own business mortgages or rent and staff salaries.

Overall, about one-third of Texas child care centers and homes closed at some point during the pandemic, according to an 11-state study by the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Last month, Kaminski and others detailed for the House Committee on International Relations and Economic Development how an already battered industry is now taking a state-inflicted second beating with pre-K.

It was going to have a devastating impact on our businesses, Kaminski, who also serves as president-elect of the Texas Licensed Child Care Association, said during the hearing.

Gingerbread Kids Academy in Richmond on Sept. 26, 2024. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Cheslee Escobedo, a senior vice president with KinderCare Learning companies, the nations largest provider of child care, told committee members how this one age group acts as an industry stabilizer. Older children help offset the higher staffing costs of caring for infants and young toddlers, the savings of which are passed on to families, she explained.

So in a real world example, when 3-and 4-year-olds leave our care and enroll in a public school-run pre-K program, the impact to the overall child care center can be disastrous, she said.

When child care centers like Kaminskis charge $240 to $270 a week and his local school district in Fort Bend can charge $645 a month, its not hard to see how a major restructuring of child care funding is needed.

Our school districts in our area are actively advertising to get kids to come in under their private pay tuition. That puts them in direct competition with us, Kaminski told the committee chaired by state Rep. Angie Chen Button, R-Richardson.

While child care providers can partner with schools to offer pre-K classes, the lack of guidance and coordination from the state has made this doubly confusing for child care providers, who answer to as many as five state agencies when it comes to remaining licensed and in business.

We were all left to our own devices, Kaminski said.

Kofron concedes that the expansion of pre-K has hurt the child care industry but there doesnt have to be winners and losers here.

Theres enough children for all of us, Kofron said, adding there are 2.3 million Texas children under the age of 6 and not enough slots in pre-K or child care to accommodate them all right now.

The Legislature has to prioritize funding for child care and pre-K, she said.

We have done some very good incremental steps to improve our child care system, Kofron said. But what we havent used is the riches that Texas does have.

Child care as a workforce priority

More clarity could be on the horizon when the Texas Legislature returns in January.

Earlier this year, both the Texas House and Senate made child care a priority this interim session, placing these charges in their respective economic development committees. This one move by both chambers has been a hopeful signal for child care providers and advocates.

Its more than a family issue, its more than an education issue, said Button, the House committees chair, at last months hearing. It is also a workforce development issue and it is also an economic development issue.

Case in point? The number of low income children whose parents are waiting on state child care assistance is growing. As of August, there were 91,309 children waiting for subsidized child care, according to the Texas Workforce Commission.

Every child who is waiting, Escobedo says, has a parent who cannot return or enter the workforce because they cannot locate an affordable day care provider in todays diminished industry.

Texas loses $9.3 billion annually because of child care breakdowns, according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation.

We know that the number of parents and caregivers able to consistently work, build self-sufficiency, pay taxes and stimulate the economy would increase exponentially, Escobedo testified.

The economics of child care

By 2022, Texas parents paid on average $8,718 a year for center-based toddler care, according to the Annie E. Casey Foundation.

To help pay for that cost, parents can receive up to a $3,600 child care credit on their taxes.

For more immediate relief, Texas low-income families can turn to the Texas Workforce Commission subsidy program. The Child Care Services program is a $1.3 billion program where 96% of the funding comes from the federal government. But only child care providers who meet higher quality standards mandated by the workforce commission through its Texas Rising Star program can take those children.

Fewer than half  about 7,600  of the states child care providers participate in Texas Rising Star.

Each day the TWC provides subsidies for more than 150,000 of the 1.2 million children in child care in Texas.

While the waitlist fell dramatically during the pandemic when schools and child care centers were closed, it is now creeping back up. By the agencys calculation, it would cost more than $861 million dollars to get that list down to zero.

Thats prompting Texas advocates and providers to push for a bigger state investment into child care, similar to what other Republican-led states have been doing in the past two years to help prepare for the end of federal COVID-19 aid.

Marina Hernandez helps students clean up for center time in her Pre-K 2 classroom at the Gingerbread Kids Academy in Richmond. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Since 2023, Florida has used its own tax dollars, at least $100 million, to increase its version of the child care subsidy program. Alabama has added another $30 million to its child care rating and improvement program, replacing federal dollars that were previously used. Montana added another $7 million to expand its program and cover child care costs for another 700 children a year.

I think we have to do it in Texas, said David Feigen, director of early learning policy for Texans Care For Children, a nonprofit policy and advocacy group. Getting people to rally behind investments, that will strengthen our programs.

Has the state done enough?

Last year, the Texas Legislature put to voters a measure that allows cities and counties to offer a property tax exemption for land used by child care providers. Texas voters approved Proposition 2 but cities and counties have been slow to enact it.

A stumbling block to qualify for the property tax exemption: child care providers must be in the states Rising Star program  and  20% of their children must be receiving state child care subsidies.

Voters thought they were giving all providers property tax relief, Kaminski said. Its a very small percentage.

Kofron, who worked with lawmakers on the measure, admits its shortcomings but sees it as a framework to build on. It was a way to get our foot in the door, she said. Was it perfect? No. But 65% of Texans voted for this.

By late June, 14 counties and 11 cities approved the property tax exemption for low-income child care providers. Most of those are located in the states most populous areas: Austin, Dallas, Houston, Fort Worth, San Antonio and El Paso.

As counties and cities have been discussing whether to offer the property tax exemption for subsidized child care providers, its sparked more of a conversation among local leaders, who are asking what more they can do.

In Travis County, where only about 50 of the 300 child care providers would qualify for the new property exemption, leaders have approved a ballot initiative to infuse more money into child care. Voters in November will decide on a 2.5 cent property tax hike to raise $75 million to create more slots with existing providers for infants and toddlers, as well as children in after school care and employees who work non-traditional work hours.

The money would also fund incentives for employers to help with child care costs and address the long waitlist for state subsidies.

We have 5,000 children on the waiting list locally, said Cathy McHorse with United Way for Greater Austin. Thats a 43% increase in the number of Travis County children on that waiting list since January. Right now, the expected wait time is two years.

Local efforts like these are welcome but a larger investment from the state, as well as better coordination between schools and child care providers, are what advocates and providers want to see happen soon.

Its a culture change that needs to happen, Feigen said. Were not lacking in demand.

Tim Kaminski comforts a child in the Pre-K 2 class at the Gingerbread Kids Academy in Richmond. Credit: Annie Mulligan for The Texas Tribune

Disclosure: Texans Care for Children, United Way for Greater Austin and US Chamber of Commerce have been financial supporters of The Texas Tribune, a nonprofit, nonpartisan news organization that is funded in part by donations from members, foundations and corporate sponsors. Financial supporters play no role in the Tribune's journalism. Find a complete list of them here.

Correction, Oct. 1, 2024 at 12:36 p.m. : A previous version of the story incorrectly stated how many children the Texas Workforce Commissions child care subsidy program supports. The agency provides subsidies for more than 150,000 of the 1.2 million youth in child care in Texas.
Baxter International has temporarily closed its largest manufacturing plant following damage caused by Hurricane Helene  a move that raises questions about supplies of the medical products it makes there.

The North Cove plant, in Marion, N.C., is not only the companys biggest manufacturing facility, with more than 2,500 workers. It is also the largest manufacturer of intravenous and peritoneal dialysis solutions in the U.S. Intravenous solutions are used in hospitals and other care settings to deliver medication, keep patients hydrated and/or address electrolyte imbalances.

It was not immediately clear Monday whether the plants closure will lead to significant shortages of the solutions for patients. Baxter said in a news release Monday that it is taking steps to minimize supply disruptions, such as by leaning on its global manufacturing network.

Remediation efforts are already underway, and we will spare no resource  human or financial  to resume production and help ensure patients and providers have the products they need, said Jose Almeida, Baxter chair, president and CEO, in the news release.

Ahead of the storm, Baxter implemented its hurricane preparedness plan, which included moving products to higher ground or securing storage, the company said. But a levee was breached, leading to flooding at the plant. Bridges used to access the plant were also damaged.

Baxter said it will provide an update, as soon as it is able to, about when it plans to resume production.

Wells Fargo analysts wrote in a research note Monday that it was still too early to tell whether the shutdown would affect medical procedures in the U.S., and it would likely depend on how long the plant was closed. They noted, however, that they believe that three other companies that manufacture IV solutions will be able to offset some of the lost supply.

Erin Fox, associate chief pharmacy officer at University of Utah Health and an expert on drug shortages, said a shortage is likely, given that events such as shipping delays and ice storms can cause shortages.

At this point, we dont know how significant the shortage will be but I do expect there will be supply problems, Fox said.

It can be difficult for hospitals to keep huge supplies of extra intravenous solutions on-hand in case of shortages, she said. Hospitals may only keep a week or two worth of intravenous solutions at the ready, she said.

You need it in very, very large quantities, so its very difficult to buffer against shortages, Fox said.

During past shortages of the solutions, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration worked to bring in imported products and asked other companies to ramp up production of them, she said.

This is not the first time a hurricane has affected Baxters production. In 2017, Baxter products were in short supply after Hurricane Maria devastated Puerto Rico, where the company had three manufacturing sites. Following that hurricane, the FDA began allowing Baxter to import its so-called mini bags  used by hospitals to give patients intravenous fluids and medicine  from its facilities in Ireland and Australia. The FDA also allowed imports from the companys facilities in Canada and Mexico at the time.

This latest disruption is expected to negatively affect the companys financial results, Baxter said.
BAY COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB)  Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford is back from a weekend trip to the Big Bend, assisting with Hurricane Helene relief efforts.

Ford and a team of 20 deputies left Friday morning after the Category 4 storm made landfall Thursday night. He is the Natural Disaster Response Coordinator for the Florida Sheriffs Task Force.

Panama City Beach Police Department deploys to Perry to assist in Helene recovery efforts

The group is based in Suwannee County but visited Taylor, Lafayette, Madison, Dixie, and Levy counties to make sure their local law enforcement officers are getting what they need.

Ford says areas along the coast, like Keaton Beach, were heavily impacted.

Keaton Beach was reminiscent of Mexico Beach in that entire homes were completely swept off their foundation. You could see the pilings sticking up out of the ground with absolutely nothing on it and a lot of debris, Bay County Sheriff Tommy Ford said.

Marianna High School opens evacuation shelter

Ford is heading back to Taylor, Lafayette, and Suwannee counties on Tuesday. The team of deputies are deploying for up to ten days.

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MELBOURNE, Australia (AP)  A code of conduct will be enforced on the online dating industry to better protect Australian users after research found that three-in-four people suffer some form of sexual violence through the platforms, Australias government said on Tuesday.

Bumble, Grindr and Match Group Inc., a Texas-based company that owns platforms including Tinder, Hinge, OKCupid and Plenty of Fish, have agreed to the code that took effect on Tuesday, Communications Minister Michelle Rowland said.

The platforms, which account for 75% of the industry in Australia, have until April 1 to implement the changes before they are strictly enforced, Rowland said.

The code requires the platforms systems to detect potential incidents of online-enabled harm and demands that the accounts of some offenders are terminated.

Complaint and reporting mechanisms are to be made prominent and transparent. A new rating system will show users how well platforms are meeting their obligations under the code.

The government called for a code of conduct last year after the Australian Institute of Criminology research found that three-in-four users of dating apps or websites had experienced some form of sexual violence through these platforms in the five years through 2021.

There needs to be a complaint-handling process. This is a pretty basic feature that Australians would have expected in the first place, Rowland said on Tuesday.

If there are grounds to ban a particular individual from utilizing one of those platforms, if theyre banned on one platform, theyre blocked on all platforms, she added.

Match Group said it had already introduced new safety features on Tinder including photo and identification verification to prevent bad actors from accessing the platform while giving users more confidence in the authenticity of their connections.

The platform used artificial intelligence to issue real-time warnings about potentially offensive language in an opening line and advising users to pause before sending.

This is a pervasive issue, and we take our responsibility to help keep users safe on our platform very seriously, Match Group said in a statement on Wednesday.

Match Group said it would continue to collaborate with the government and the industry to help make dating safer for all Australians.

Bumble said it shared the governments hope of eliminating gender-based violence and was grateful for the opportunity to work with the government and industry on what the platform described as a world-first dating code of practice.

We know that domestic and sexual violence is an enormous problem in Australia, and that women, members of LGBTQ+ communities, and First Nations are the most at risk, a Bumble statement said.

Story continues

Bumble puts womens experiences at the center of our mission to create a world where all relationships are healthy and equitable, and safety has been central to our mission from day one, Bumble added.

Grindr said in a statement it was honored to participate in the development of the code and shares the Australian governments commitment to online safety.

All the platforms helped design the code they signed up to.

Platforms that have not signed up include Happn, Coffee Meets Bagel and Feeld.

The government expects the code will enable Australians to make better informed choices about which dating apps are best equipped to provide a safe dating experience.

The government has also warned the online dating industry that it will legislate if the operators fail to keep Australians safe on their platforms.
BBC News CEO Deborah Turness has accused critics of the British broadcasters Israel-Gaza conflict coverage of being stuck in social media bubbles.

In a blog post marking the anniversary of Hamas October 7 atrocities, Turness appeared to hit back at a barrage of complaints from the UKs Jewish community about perceived anti-Israel bias.

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Turness acknowledged that the BBC has made mistakes and said she will always listen to the corporations harshest critics, but she was clear that impartiality means audiences will be served reporting that challenges their worldview.

If there is one thing we have learned more than any other in the past year, its that such is the depth of the polarisation in this war, so many have come to see impartial reporting as being somehow against them, because it does not solely reflect their view of the conflict, Turness wrote.

Much of this is perhaps explained by social media algorithms and echo chambers that serve consumers more of what they already like. People mostly follow people whose opinions they agree with, and as more news providers put their journalism behind paywalls, consumers increasingly subscribe to media brands that reflect their own worldview. They are increasingly living in an information ecosystem that surrounds them with their own views and opinions.

But BBC News does not and cannot reflect any single world view. In this war, we cannot be a place where any side feels that their perspective prevails. Our job is to report fairly and impartially, to report without fear or favour. Our duty to public service journalism means we will always hear from a range of perspectives  including those you may not agree with.

Turness said BBC News had thoughtfully reviewed its coverage since October 7 and its latest research shows audiences are significantly more likely to turn to BBC News for impartial coverage of this story than to any other news provider. She did not provide figures to support this.

Her intervention follows two separate studies from the British Jewish community that accuse the BBC of partisan reporting. On Monday, Danny Cohen, the BBCs former television boss, published a 60-page report accusing the BBC of making false and damaging claims about Israels conduct and producing misleading broadcasts.

Examples included the October 17 episode of BBC News channel show The Context, during which reporter Jon Donnison speculated that Israel was behind the Al-Ahli Arab Hospital bombing. The BBCs complaints unit said it considered the matter resolved after BBC News admitted it was wrong to speculate on the devastating blast and apologized.

A separate review in September accused the BBC of breaching its own editorial guidelines on impartiality more than 1,500 times during the height of the Israel-Hamas conflict, and revealed a deeply worrying pattern of bias. Overseen by lawyer Trevor Asserson, the review used AI to analyze 9M words of BBC output, but the corporation questioned the methodology.

Palestinian sympathizers have seized on other missteps to draw their own conclusions about a perceived pro-Israel conspiracy. This includes the BBC apologizing after the news channel described people taking part in marches in support of Palestine as backing Hamas, and for repeatedly overstating the October 7 death toll.

Turness joined other news organizations in calling on Israel to allow journalists access to Gaza. She added that the BBC is also being blocked by Hezbollah from accessing some areas of Lebanon. Being an eyewitness to war requires courage  but it also requires access, she said.

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (WTNH)  The co-owner of Bears Smokehouse BBQ is in Asheville this week, helping support the communities impacted by Hurricane Helene by providing free food.

Jamie McDonald is no stranger to lending a hand to disaster relief efforts as an active partner of World Central Kitchen for roughly two years. Hes previously traveled to Ukraine, Morocco, Turkey, and other regions to help.

Desperation and exhaustion continue in North Carolinas mountains after Helene

In continued partnership with WCK, Bears Smokehouse BBQ is offering free hot meals to anyone in need- including residents and first responders- at its Coxe Avenue location in Asheville.

The Asheville community has always been at the heart of our mission, and we are committed to

helping it recover, McDonald said in a press release. With World Central Kitchen by our side, we aim to provide not just food, but hope and comfort during this difficult time.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ offers free food to Asheville community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ offers free food to Asheville community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ offers free food to Asheville community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ offers free food to Asheville community devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ offers free food to Asheville community devastated by Hurricane Helene. Pictured: Bears Smokehouse BBQ Asheville co-owner, Cheryl Antoncic Suess (in pink) donating free meals to locals.

The two organizations are also collecting donations through a Facebook fundraiser, to support their meal distribution and community recovery initiatives.

Bears Smokehouse BBQ has four locations in Connecticut and two in North Carolina.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
A Bee Cave Middle School student was arrested and charged with terroristic threat Tuesday after Lake Travis school district officials investigated a social media threat made against the campus Friday, according to a letter sent to families.

Administrators quickly identified the student who is accused of making the post and removed them from campus Friday, but Lake Travis district police officers determined the student didn't pose an immediate credible threat, according to the letter from Superintendent Paul Norton.

The student's arrest comes after a Sept. 24 incident in which some Lake Travis High School students received threatening text messages, prompting a law enforcement investigation that ultimately deemed the texts not credible.

In the past month, a spate of threats against campuses have swept across Texas and the country. Locally, 12 other students and one adult have been arrested and charged in less than a month in incidents related to threats made or spread about threats to Central Texas campuses. On Sept. 4, a shooting at Apalachee High School in Winder, Ga. left two students and two teachers dead, though law enforcement officials have not explicitly linked motivation for the local threats to the Georgia shooting.

The Bee Cave threat posted Friday on the social media app Snapchat threatened a school shooting during a pep rally scheduled that day.

"It brings us no joy to have a student charged with a criminal offense," Norton wrote in the letter to families. "However, school threats carry very real consequences. These actions generate an atmosphere of fear and anxiety, placing a substantial burden on district resources."

The district is also investigating similar threats at other Lake Travis campuses made recently, Norton said in the letter.

Students are urged to report any threats to the Cavs Who Care tip line.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Bee Cave Middle School student arrested after shooting threat
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  When Tammy Kruwell started using heroin, she said it cost her $10 a day.

It was cheaper than finding pills, she said. Fentanyl was not yet out, and I was watching that person do it, and I said I wanted to try. And that was it.

She said the first time she injected provided the intense feeling that she chased for 20 years. By the time she decided she wanted to quit, Kruwell said she was spending $350 a day.

The whole time I knew it was a problem, she said. Every day it was a problem, but I didnt act on it.

Kruwell tried to get sober several times, but said she often relapsed within the first 24 hours.

I just couldnt do it, she said. Once I would start throwing up, thats when I would give in and I would go get it.

Kruwell and her husband decided to quit the same month, and separately went to detox centers for a week to get clean. After that, Kruwell said she went to the methadone clinic for three years.

Both have been sober for 13 years.

Dennis Bailer with Project Weber/RENEW said the drug supply has become much more dangerous since then.

Before the onset of fentanyl, it was accepted throughout the recovery community if you slip, you come back, he said. These days, that slip causes death.

Last year, the Rhode Island Department of Health reported that 404 people died from an overdose, marking the first decrease in four years. However, 78% of those deaths involved fentanyl.

Bailer is working to open the first safe injection site in Rhode Island, largely using money from the states opioid settlement funds. He said the site will be a tool in combatting the crisis, especially since there have been no overdose deaths at similar sites across the world.

Once there, people will be able to test and use drugs, like heroin, under the supervision of medical professionals. The state passed the law in 2021, making Rhode Island the first in the country to legalize it.

But the site has faced delays, one of them being that Project Weber/RENEW had to find a new location.

Finding the location, supply chain delays and everything, the regulation with the public health, thats all time consuming piece that perhaps we werent, totally aware of initially, he said.

The site will be located on Willard Avenue next to Rhode Island Hospital. Bailer said demolition has begun and they hope to open this December.

Were going to have two smoking rooms, which will accommodate, four individuals for each room, he said. Were going to have our injection space, that will be available for eight individuals for a total of 16. We decided on a staff to client ratio of 1-to-4.

Bailer said they also plan to have a bus route that will pick people up and take people to the site.

Yet there are some within the recovery community that are skeptical of safe injection sites, like AnneMarie.

I can see the benefit of keeping people safe, she said. But if youre going to help someone not die, what are you doing to help them live?

She thinks more money should go towards sober housing, which she said helped with her recovery.

Thats 20 rooms, 20 people that would have had a safe place to get their life together, she said.

AnneMarie said she was prescribed painkillers when she broke her arm, eventually causing her to become addicted.

It was her mothers death that helped her realize she needed to quit.

I felt like a burden, she said. I was like, I cant continue on this path because Im going to actually not be here if I continue or Im going to disappoint the people in my life who need me.

AnneMarie said after being on a waitlist for a week, she was able to get into sober housing where she got a job and connected with women like her who were also in recovery.

Ninety-nine percent of them wanted to be there, she said. When youre in those houses, someones holding you accountable.

AnneMarie has been in recovery for eight years now and still keeps track of the months. She wishes more people had access to the same resources she had.

It is a disease, and people need to realize that, she said. I think the state should look at the correct amount of resources. I know so many people over the past 10 years that could have benefited from something else. What was out there wasnt enough.

For Kruwell, she sees these sites as a safe place for people to use drugs and also have access to the resources she said helped her recover.

Those resources are going to be the very things that will keep them off of those substances, she said. Therapy, medications and support services.

Kruwell said alcohol and heroin were what she used to use to get her through the day. But when she got sober, she realized she was using drugs to avoid her problems.

Now she said therapy has helped her realize those problems, and shes found ways to manage them. Yet, she said there was one time she almost relapsed in 2020.

My fathers death was the one time [I thought about relapsing], she said. I was doing my dishes. My window was open, and I could hear people partying at the bar behind me. Thats the one time that I said I want to go drink, because I just wanted to forget about the pain. But I didnt, and Im glad that I didnt.

Kate Wilkinson (kwilkinson@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and Facebook.

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Whats it for: Biden authorized the Secretary of State to direct the drawdown of up to $567 million in defense articles and services of the Department of Defense, and military education and training, to provide assistance to Taiwan, the White House said on Sunday. This is nearly double the $345 million budget authorized last year. While the White House did not provide specifics, Defense News, citing an unnamed official, reported on Sept. 21 that the package includes fund training, stockpiles, anti-armor weapons, air defense and multi-domain awareness. Drones are expected to be crucial in Taiwans asymmetric warfare capacity, which focuses on countering Chinas larger military with cost-effective and innovative technologies. The Pentagon is preparing a third aid package for Taiwan, with plans to complete it before January 2025.
Alexander Lukashenko, the self-proclaimed President of Belarus, has claimed that he "does not understand" why Ukraine is disseminating "fake news" regarding Belarus' plan to take control of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant (NPP). The Belarusian leader made his claim during a meeting with Rafael Grossi, Director General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

Source: Kremlin-aligned Russian news agency Sputnik; press service for the IAEA

Details: Grossi plans to visit the NPP in the town of Astravets.

Sputnik reports that during his meeting with Grossi, Lukashenko claimed that neither Belarus nor Russia intends to take control of the Chornobyl Nuclear Power Plant.

The Belarusian leader expressed his confusion over Ukraine's dissemination of "fake news" regarding this issue, asserting that "neither Minsk nor Moscow has such plans".

Quote from Lukashenko: "We do not engage in any adventures. I mention this because our Ukrainian 'comrades' and 'friends' have recently focused considerable media attention on the Chornobyl NPP. They are conveying this information to you that we supposedly want to take over the Chornobyl plant."

Background:

In 2020, the Belarusian Nuclear Power Plant, the country's first NPP, was officially commissioned. Constructed using a Russian design and funded by Russia, the plant is situated in Hrodna Oblast, just 22 kilometres from the Lithuanian border.

The construction project faced significant backlash from environmental activists, given that much of Belarus was subjected to radioactive contamination following the Chornobyl disaster. Lithuania also opposed the project, as the power plant is situated merely 50 kilometres from its capital, Vilnius.

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FILE - Belarusian President Alexander Lukashenko attends a meeting of the Supreme Eurasian Economic Council at the Kremlin in Moscow, Russia, on May 8, 2024. (Evgenia Novozhenina/Pool Photo via AP, File)

THE HAGUE, Netherlands (AP)  Belarus' exiled opposition leader hailed Lithuania's move to seek prosecution at the International Criminal Court of her country's authoritarian president and other officials, saying Tuesday that it will give fresh hope to her homeland.

For me personally, this step means that I can now explain to Belarusians that the international justice system works, that there are countries who really want to help us," Sviatlana Tsikhanouskaya told The Associated Press.

For the Belarusian people, it is important to prove that we are not abandoned, we are not forgotten, she added at an event in The Hague a day after Lithuania formally accused President Alexander Lukashenko and others of crimes against humanity by forcing Belarusians to flee the country.

The ICC's prosecutor said he would open a probe into the claims. Belarus is not a member state of the court, but Lithuania argues that the court has jurisdiction, citing a case brought by Bangladesh against Myanmar over persecution of the Rohingya people.

In its referral to the ICC, Lithuania said there are reasonable grounds to believe that Lukashenkos government, police and armed forces have been involved in deportation, persecution and other inhumane acts against Belarusian civilians for more than four years.

Hundreds of thousands of Belarusians, including Tsikhanouskaya, have fled the country during an intense crackdown on opposition after huge protests arose against the 2020 presidential election, whose disputed results gave Lukashenko a sixth term in office. A large share of them went to Lithuania.

Tsikhanouskaya was Lukashenko's main opponent in 2020, entering the race after her husband Siarhei Tsikhanouski was arrested after announcing plans to run. Authorities told her the day after the election to leave the country or face imprisonment.

More than 65,000 people have been arrested over the last four years in Belarus in connection with the protests and opposition activity, with many of them severely beaten, according to the Belarusian human rights group Viasna.

As Lukashenko seeks a seventh term next year to extend his three-decade rule, opposition leaders in exile say he is ramping up the pressure on Belarusians who moved abroad. The aim, they say, is to quash any opposition support from overseas.

The Hague-based ICC last year issued an arrest warrant for Lukashenko's long-time ally and supporter Russian President Vladimir Putin alleging his personal involvement in abductions of children from Ukraine. Putin dismissed the warrant and last month visited Mongolia, an ICC member state that refused to arrest him and turn him over to the court.

Another Belarusian opposition leader, Pavel Latushka, said last year that he had handed over to the ICC evidence that he said indicates that more than 2,100 Ukrainian children from at least 15 Russia-occupied Ukrainian cities have been forcibly taken to Belarus with Lukashenkos approval. He expressed hope that the materials would prompt the ICC to issue a warrant for Lukashenkos arrest.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez are appearing at an Our Fight Our Future Rally at the University of Texas at Austin Tuesday. The rally is being hosted by UTs University Democrats and will also have appearances from Texas Rep. Greg Casar, Beto ORourke and Texas Rep. Lloyd Doggett.

Casar is running to be the House Progressive Caucus chair, he confirmed to the San Antonio Express-News. The caucus is made up of more than 100 Congressional representatives who advocate for policies such as universal health care, debt free college and immigration reform.

The rally comes as Texas voter registration deadline is approaching on Monday, Oct. 7. In the 2020 election, turnout for voters aged 18-29 was at 41% compared to national turnout of an estimated 50%, according to research from Tufts University.

College Democrats at Texas State University are holding their own rally Tuesday afternoon with Sanders, Ocasio-Cortez, Casar and ORourke.

Following their appearance at UT Austin, Sanders, Casar and ORourke will also hold a rally Wednesday at The Millennium in Austin. They will be joined by Mike Siegel, who is running for Austin City Council.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
From left, Beto ORourke, Lloyd Doggett, Greg Casar, Bernie Sanders and Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez speak at a rally organized by the University Democrats organization at the University of Texas at Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. Credit: Lorianne Willett/The Texas Tribune

Vermont Sen. Bernie Sanders and his progressive allies sought to mobilize their young supporters Tuesday at a rally on the campus of Texas State University, where they urged a crowd of several hundred to set aside their reservations about Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris.

Sanders, acknowledging that some of his followers were dismayed by Harris support for Israel in the war in Gaza, framed the idea of voting for Harris as an ad hoc solution to keep Republican Donald Trump out of the White House and retain the foundations of American democracy.

Short term, let us elect Kamala Harris as president, Sanders said. Long term, let us work together to transform this country and create a nation that works for all, not just the few.

Sanders visited the Texas State campus in San Marcos as part of a three-day swing through the state, bookended by rallies in San Antonio and Austin. He was joined Tuesday by New York Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, Rep. Greg Casar of San Antonio and former El Paso congressman Beto ORourke.

The progressive leaders also urged the crowd of students to back U.S. Rep. Colin Allred, D-Dallas, in his campaign to topple Republican U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz. Sanders did not mention Allred while onstage, but in an interview before the rally, he said Allred could play a critical role in deciding the balance of the narrowly divided Senate.

It will make all the difference in the world if Colin is elected to the Senate, Sanders said. He'll give us a chance to control the Senate and begin to pass legislation that benefits working people. So I very much hope that he wins.

Allred did not attend Tuesdays rally and was not scheduled to join any of Sanders other stops along the I-35 corridor this week. Sanders, asked why he was not teaming up with Allred or other Democrats in battleground races on the trip, said he did not want to "get involved in internal Texas politics." He added that the main goal of his visit was to turn out young voters, especially those who have never voted before, and encourage his supporters to set aside whatever objections they might have over Harris approach to Gaza.

Texas has the potential to become a progressive state, Sanders said. But that requires young people, working class people, to stand up against corporate greed, to help us create an economy that works for all and not just the few.

Though Cruz remains the favorite to win a third term, signs have emerged in recent weeks that the race is competitive. A string of statewide polls have found that Allred is within striking distance of Cruz, and the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee last week included Allred in a multimillion dollar television ad spending spree. Two leading elections forecasters have recently shifted their outlook for the race from likely Republican to lean Republican.

In his Senate bid, Allred has courted moderate and independent voters, adopting a platform that includes protecting oil and gas jobs and taking a more incremental approach to expanding health care access than Sanders advocates through his push for a single-payer system. Allred has also run ads that portray him as tough on the border and emphasize his willingness to work across the aisle  a clear contrast to Sanders unabashed progressivism.

Harris has also taken a more moderate approach to the border, vowing to continue President Joe Bidens asylum crackdown and intensify the prosecution of illegal border crossings. She has signaled plans to continue on much the same course as Biden on Gaza, saying she would always stand up for Israels right to defend itself.

Sanders, who retains legions of loyal followers from his two presidential runs, said it was imperative for disillusioned progressives to consider Trumps efforts to overturn the results of the 2020 election  and all the common ground they share with Harris on areas like climate change, abortion rights and taking on the growing oligarchy in America.

I strongly disagree with them on their approach toward Gaza, for example, and other areas, Sanders said of Harris and Biden. But what maturity requires is to understand that what we are fighting for is not just this or that policy. It is whether or not we retain the foundations of American democracy.

Casar joined the call for progressive voters to mobilize, arguing they could help shape the course of a future Harris administration by guiding her to the left on areas where they disagree. He noted that Texas States most famous alumnus, former President Lyndon B. Johnson, was influenced by shifting political tides to set aside his decades-long conservative record and fight for an ambitious progressive agenda as president.

It was your own alumnus, LBJ, who not only was a Texas president, but got pushed by Texas young people and activists to sign the Civil Rights Act, to sign the Voting Rights Act, to create Medicaid and Medicare and [the] Head Start [early childhood education program], said Casar, a former Austin City Council member who backs Sanders agenda. That's the real Texas, y'all.

Ocasio-Cortez also invoked the wave of young activists who led protests rebelling against the Johnson-led Vietnam War, likening it to the current situation in Gaza.

We have to send that message, when we deliver these victories, that we will not be entrenched in another generation of conflict and violence, Ocasio-Cortez said. We have to learn from that legacy. We are going to elect these leaders, and then we're going to demand that that will not happen again. It cannot happen again.

Ahead of Sanders San Marcos rally, some Texas Republicans responded gleefully to news of the visit and suggested the avowed democratic socialists presence could end up hurting Allred by mobilizing conservative opposition.

Does Senator Cruz have to report that as an in-kind contribution on his campaign finance report? GOP consultant Derek Ryan jokingly posted on social media.

Sanders, asked about the idea that his visit could backfire, said the policies he supports  and is talking about at his rallies  are broadly supported in Texas, including raising the minimum wage, tackling wealth inequality and treating health care like a human right.

I think if you listen to the issues that I will be talking about, those are issues supported by the people of Texas, the people of Vermont and people all across this country, Sanders said. People are sick and tired of seeing the billionaire class make out like bandits.

The Texas Tribune answering reader questions about 2024 elections. To share your question or feedback with us, you can fill out this form.
The Better Business Bureau give tips on donating to those affected by Hurricane Helene

The Better Business Bureau give tips on donating to those affected by Hurricane Helene

ROANOKE, Va. (WFXR)  Recovery efforts are making their way across the East Coast after Hurricane Helene.

Many people are donating to those who have suffered during and after the storm, and here are some questions from the BBB Wise Giving Alliance to consider before donating.

Gov. Youngkin releases storm damage assessment after Helene

Can the charity provide fast assistance? See if the disaster relief charity has an on-the-ground presence in the impacted areas. Unless they already have staff there, it may be difficult to provide quick assistance. Check if their website describes how they can address immediate needs.

Should you provide in-kind assistance? Donating clothing, food or other in-kind donations may not be the best way to help unless the charity can properly distribute such aid. Ask about their transportation and distribution plans.

Which emergency needs is the charity addressing? Many individuals in flooded areas will seek safety in shelters and need access to food and water. Charities focused on such activities serve a vital role in helping communities address natural disasters.

What about crowdfunding requests? If engaging in crowdfunding, it is safest to give to someone you personally know and trust. Also review the platforms policies and procedures, keeping in mind that while some crowdfunding sites take significant measures to vet posts, others dont.

Will there be other opportunities to give? Keep in mind that each disaster has both immediate and long-term needs. There will be many opportunities to provide help. After a major flood event, clean-up activities will likely present a major challenge.

How can you verify the charitys trustworthiness? Rely on expert opinion when it comes to evaluating a charity. We recommend giving to charities that meet all 20 of the BBB Standards for Charity Accountability found at Give.org.

Help people impacted by Hurricane Helene

The tragedies from Hurricane Helene are surfacing on social media for viewers to see. Some charities reach out on social media, email, direct messages on social media, and other online platforms/campaigns.

Other ways to give in confidence include:

Watch out for charity name confusion. Be alert to questionable groups seeking to confuse donors with names that sound like charities you know.

Resist pressure to give on the spot. Dont give in to excessive pressure on the phone to make an immediate donation.

Find out more about the charity. The charitys website provides access to information on its programs, board roster, and finances. Groups may also be verified through government registration. About 40 of the 50 states in the U.S. require charities to register with the attorney generals office or secretary of states office

Watch out for vague program descriptions. Be alert for overly emotional charitable appeals that say little about what the charity intends to do to address the problems identified.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
We recently published a list of Dividend Achievers List: Top 15. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) stands against other dividend achievers.

Dividend investing has become increasingly popular over time, as generating regular income remains a key focus for investors. Companies that consistently raise their dividends are particularly appealing, offering not just earnings but the potential for increasing income. Investors typically look for a minimum of 10 years of dividend growth, which is where dividend achievers come in. These are companies that have raised their dividends for at least 10 consecutive years.

Dividends play an important role in the overall returns. Over the past 25 years, nearly half of the total return from U.S. equities has come from reinvested dividends and the power of compounding. The broader market achieved an average annual total return of 7.4% during this period, with 55% coming from price gains and 45% from reinvested dividends, as reported by Bloomberg.

Dividend growth stocks have consistently delivered solid returns over time. The Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, has performed well historically. In a January 2019 blog post titled Exploring Dividend Growth Strategies for Market Downturns, Phillip Brzenk, S&Ps global head of multi-asset indexes, examined the performance of dividend growth strategies, particularly during market downturns. It was noted that the dividend aristocrats index outperformed the market in 53% of cases, with an average outperformance of 0.16%. In declining markets, the aristocrats outperformed over 70% of the time, with an average gain of 1.13%. However, in rising markets, they underperformed 56% of the time, though the average underperformance was smaller, at -0.34%. This suggests that the dividend aristocrats provided downside protection during months when the broader market experienced losses.

Dividend growers can also help protect against inflation. As rising prices erode investors wealth, companies that consistently increase their dividends offer a way to counteract this. While interest rates may seem appealing today, they might not hold the same value in the future. On the other hand, investing in companies with strong business models, assets, and strategies that support long-term dividend growth is often more attractive than opting for short-term, higher-yield investments. A report by Abrdn PLC also highlighted that, over the past 20 years, companies that began paying dividends or consistently increased them outperformed the global index. These dividend growers and initiators also outshined companies that paid dividends without increasing them, as well as those that didnt pay dividends at all. In addition, the report noted that dividend-growing companies experienced lower volatility and delivered better risk-adjusted returns during this period.

Story continues

That said, high-yield dividend stocks arent necessarily a poor choice. Analysts suggest seeking yields in the 3% to 6% range. According to Nuveen, stocks that pay dividends and also show steady dividend growth can be a sign of quality, as they demonstrate a companys ability to balance dividend payouts while reinvesting capital to support future growth. With this, we will discuss the dividend achievers list.

Our Methodology:

For this list, we looked at a group of dividend achievers, which are known for raising dividends for 10 years or more. From this list, we chose companies with the highest dividend yields as of September 22 and arranged them in order from lowest to highest yield.

We also measured hedge fund sentiment around each stock according to Insider Monkeys database of 912 funds as of Q2 2024. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

Avista Corporation (AVA): Leveraging New Customer Revenue for Continued Growth

A vibrant skyline illuminated by the lights of the electric utility company.

Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA)

Dividend Yield as of September 22: 4.96%

Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) is a Washington-based energy company that specializes in the transmission, production, and distribution of energy and other related businesses. The company began serving a new large electric customer as of August 1 and expects that the revenue from this customer will significantly help offset higher power supply costs in 2024. Since the start of the year, the stock delivered a 7% return to shareholders.

In the second quarter of 2024, Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) reported revenue of $402 million, which showed a 6% growth from the same period last year. This growth in revenue reflects the strength of the companys core utility operations, with second-quarter utility earnings meeting expectations. Its investments in the grid ensured reliable and stable system performance during the recent heat wave in the Western region.

On August 7, Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) declared a quarterly dividend of $0.475 per share, in line with its previous dividend. In February this year, the company achieved its 22nd consecutive year of dividend growth, which makes AVA one of the best stocks on our dividend achievers list. As of September 22, the stock has a dividend yield of 4.96%.

Avista Corporation (NYSE:AVA) was included in 23 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2024, growing from 18 in the previous quarter, according to Insider Monkeys database. The stakes owned by these hedge funds have a total value of more than $64 million. Israel Englanders Millennium Management owned the largest stake in the company in Q2.

Overall, AVA ranks 5th on our list of Dividend Achievers. While we acknowledge the potential of AVA as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than AVA but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Some Biden 2020 voters say they don't know enough about Kamala Harris

Some Biden 2020 voters still want to know more about Vice President Kamala Harris ahead of the election, telling the New York Times that they don't know enough about the Democratic nominee's policies.

"I need to hear more from Kamala Harris in terms of what she wants to do. I hear a lot from Trump, and I agree with some of his policies, but I dont like his character. And I think I need to hear a little bit more from her for her to win my vote," Prince, a Democratic North Carolina voter, told the Times.

The New York Times spoke to 15 voters that voted for President Biden in 2020 in a Times Opinion focus group. While some said they still wanted more from Harris, by the end of the discussion, only three voters remained truly undecided between Harris and former President Trump.

"I dont know that theres much that Trump could say, because we already know what hes like. I think for Harris, if she came out with a more specific outline of some of her policies and if I heard some policies that arent too good to be true, like the $25,000 home-buyer tax credit," a North Carolina Republican voter said.

72 Days: Kamala Harris Has Yet To Do A Formal Press Conference Since Emerging As Democratic Nominee

Former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

The third person who was undecided, a 35-year-old Independent voter from Georgia, said he wanted to know more about Harris' plan for immigration and her economic policies.

Read On The Fox News App

The voter also said that he would be more invested in the vice presidential debate and hopes Gov. Tim Walz will be able to talk about Harris' policies in more detail.

An Independent voter from Nevada said while she leaned more towards Harris, she pulled back a bit because she didn't "know enough about her."

However, at the end of the discussion, the voter did not say she remained undecided.

Click Here For More Coverage Of Media And Culture

US Vice President Kamala Harris during a campaign event at the Philip Chosky Theatre in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, US, on Wednesday, Sept. 25, 2024. Photographer: Rebecca Droke/Bloomberg via Getty Images

The New York Times' moderator of the discussion, Magie Omero, asked the group what they liked best and least about the vice president and the former president.

One Michigan voter said what he liked best about Harris was that she was not Trump. Another said Harris is smart and "relatable." Others likened Trump to a dictator, and many suggested he was "self-centered."

"I dont feel like shes had time to set herself apart from what Bidens been doing for the last four years. For the most part, shes run with a similar plan. I dont know that thats the best plan," one of the Republican voters from North Carolina said, responding to the question about what they like least about Harris.

Another Republican voter agreed and added, "She gives the impression of a fresh perspective, but I dont think weve had enough time to actually get details as to what that perspective is."

A Democratic Pennsylvania voter agreed with both Republicans and said they didn't know enough about Harris' agenda.

When asked if they were happy that Harris was the Democratic nominee, multiple people said they were not satisfied, as Harris is the current vice president.

"Im not that satisfied. She has been the vice president for the past four years and not really implemented anything. I wish the economy were better, and I heard she was in charge of border issues. We could have done a little bit better for a Democratic candidate," one Wisconsin Democrat said. She also said Harris was "wishy-washy."





Original article source: Some Biden 2020 voters say they don't know enough about Kamala Harris
President Joe Biden offered a 100th birthday greeting to former President Jimmy Carter, celebrating a predecessor he said he admires so darn much.

Calling the former president a moral force for our nation and the world, Biden heralded Carter as a voice of courage, conviction, compassion, and most of all, a beloved friend in a direct-to-camera birthday greeting shared with CBS News.

Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, is the oldest president in American history. The Bidens have remained in close touch with the Carter family.

Carters grandson, Jason Carter, said at tge Democratic National Convention in August that his PawPaw was holding on for the November election.

He is hopeful. And though his body may be weak tonight, his spirit is as strong as ever. My grandfather cant wait to vote for Kamala Harris, he said.

Carter, a Democrat, oversaw key milestones at home and abroad, including the Camp David Accords, a peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, and the creation of the Department of Energy, the Department of Education and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

He championed regulations on auto emissions and a seat belt and air bag requirement for vehicles, a very unpopular policy at the time. Carter formally established diplomatic relations with China, designated Martin Luther King Jr. Day a federal holiday and presided over significant conservation efforts in Alaska.

Carter left office a one-term president in 1981 amid criticism of his handling of the Iran hostage crisis.

It is perhaps the actions of his post-presidency that have defined Carters legacy of service to others, including intense public health efforts and the promotion of democracy abroad.

Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through the Carter Center and Habitat for Humanity  resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease, and so much more, Biden said in the birthday message, filmed in front of Carters presidential portrait on the State Floor.

Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much, he added.

Biden was one of the first senators to endorse Carters 1976 presidential campaign.

Being right on the issues is not enough in 1976. Our nation and our party need a president who is not only right, but who has demonstrated ability to accomplish our common goals, Biden and Sen. Birch Bayh wrote in a joint letter at the time.

Biden and first lady Dr. Jill Biden traveled to Plains, Georgia, to visit the Carters on the 100th day of Bidens presidency in 2021.

We sat and talked about the old days, Biden told reporters after the visit, calling the Carters old friends.

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President Joe Biden fumed at Donald Trump on Monday while rejecting another one of the former president's false claims, this one relating to relief efforts for Hurricane Helene.

Biden was in the Oval Office holding a virtual meeting with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper when he was asked by a reporter about Trump baselessly accusing him of ignoring Georgia Gov. Brian Kemps calls. Becoming visibly frustrated, Biden called Trump out for lying, and noted that Kemp himself has refuted his fanciful version of events.

He is lying. Let me get this straight: He is lying, and the governor told me he was lying, Biden said.

I dont know why he does this, and the reason I get so angry about thisI dont care about what he says about me, but I care what he communicates to the people that are in need, continued Biden, who later dismissed the notion that him choosing to be in Delaware over the weekend was inappropriate. He implies that were not doing everything possible. We are and I assume you heard the Republican governor of Georgia talk about that. He was on the phone with me more than once. So thats simply not true. And its irresponsible.

Donald Trump is a liar.



Im working with governors and local officials to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene. pic.twitter.com/N2rzfFEftV  Joe Biden (@JoeBiden) October 1, 2024

Earlier Monday morning, Kemp made no note of any of communication problems that Trump had suggested at a news conference at a furniture store in Valdosta, Georgia: that Kemp has been calling, but the president hasnt been able to get him.

I just spoke tothe president just called me yesterday afternoon. I missed him and called him right back, Kemp told reporterscomments that Kamala Harris campaign later highlighted. And he just said, Hey, what do you need? And I told him we got what we need. Well work through the federal process. He offered that if theres other things we need, just to call him directly, which I appreciate.

Trump: Brian Kemp has been calling the White House but hasnt been able to get through



Gov. Kemp: I spoke with President Biden yesterday and he said, Hey what do you need? And I told him we got what we need. He offered that if there's other things we need to just to call him pic.twitter.com/EU25NcxPXF  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) September 30, 2024

Trump has been making a similar claim related to hurricane relief: that Democrats have been denying aid to Republican-majority parts of North Carolina. Yet when pressed to support his theory by an NBC News reporter on the ground in Georgia, Trump merely said, Just take a look.

Trumps flimsy-at-best accusations were also on display Monday in a social media post in which he declared that a photograph of Harris being briefed via phone by the director of FEMA was fake and staged. His reason: You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!

Harris was using a cellphone.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Biden insiders say president is feeling left behind  and was hurt by Harris distancing herself from him in debate

President Joe Biden has reportedly complained to his closest allies that he feels left behind as his fellow Democrats rush to embrace their new presidential nominee Kamala Harris and support her in the fight against Donald Trump.

Biden, 81, made the historic decision to step aside from the 2024 in July following intense pressure from his own party in the wake of his disastrous debate performance against Trump in June.

The president moved quickly to endorse the vice president, who went on to pick up the nomination unchallenged, her dramatic ascent reinvigorating a race many were previously unenthused by.

Harris and running mate Tim Walz have since come out swinging against Trump and his running mate JD Vance and the national conversation has moved on, all of which has left Biden feeling forgotten by a party he has served for more than five decades, insiders told NBC News.

Based on conversations with 12 administration insiders, the outlet reported that Biden feels his accomplishments in the White House are now being overlooked, leaving him with very complex feelings about how the events of the summer have played out.

Biden is said to have noted that Harris no longer mentions his name in her campaign speeches  having initially made a point of thanking him for his political service, often drawing chants of gratitude  seemingly in the interest of creating distance with him and the policies of his administration.

Speaking for Harris, a campaign official said: We have to tell people who she is and what she would do.

There wasnt a real interest in hearing about [Bidens] accomplishments when he was running. Thats still the case.

President Joe Biden fielding a call in the Oval Office of the White House on the ongoing federal response to Hurricane Helene on Monday September 30 2024. He is said to be feeling left behind by his party (Getty)

While the president understands completely the political calculations Harris is making and unambiguously wants to see her beat Trump in November, according to his aides, he was nevertheless particularly stung by one line during her debate against Trump.

Clearly, I am not Joe Biden. And I am certainly not Donald Trump, she said. And what I do offer is a new generation of leadership for our country.

Responding to the story, White House spokesman Andrew Bates dismissed the uninformed claims about the commander-in-chief as the polar opposite of the truth.

He added: President Biden welcomes the strong response the American people are having to Vice President Harriss leadership and to policies that move us into the future, away from dangerous agendas from the past like MAGA-nomics and abortion bans.

A person familiar with Harriss own thinking cited by NBC said: She loves the president. She adores the president. Shes proud of the record that they have. But I think the difficult part for a lot of people is that this will be the Harris administration. It wont be Biden Part Two.

In recent public displays of unity, Biden and Harris appeared together at a Labor Day rally and again at the Congressional Black Caucus Phoenix Awards Dinner in Washington, DC, on September 14.

They have since worked together in organizing the federal response to Hurricane Helene, which has devastated the southeast states in recent days and left at least 133 people dead.
U.S. President Joe Biden may agree to advance the status of Ukraine's NATO membership bid before leaving office in January, the Financial Times (FT) reported on Oct. 1, citing an unnamed Western official.

The FT's source briefed on President Volodymyr Zelensky's recent trip to the U.S. did not provide further details.

Zelensky presented his five-point victory plan to Biden at the White House on Sept. 26. The plan includes military and diplomatic components, including Ukraine's invitation to join NATO, but the full details of the peace framework have not yet been publicized.

According to the information obtained by the Kyiv Independent, Kyiv had planned to ask for NATO membership within the months, not years.

Biden previously said that peace in Ukraine means a guarantee that Russia will never occupy the country again, but Kyiv's membership in NATO is not necessary for this.

Later in June, Zelensky and the U.S. president signed a security agreement between the two nations, which was described as a "bridge" to Ukraine's future NATO membership. However, the deal did not outline new prospects for Kyiv to join the alliance.

The July NATO summit in Washington ended with the launch of the Ukraine Compact, a security framework signed by 32 allies.

The countries affirmed Kyiv's "irreversible" path toward membership, though Ukraine did not receive any definitive news about its future accession.

According to Zelensky, who has repeatedly called on partners to issue a membership invitation to Kyiv, Ukraine will join NATO only after Russia's full-scale war ends.

Read also: Open letter: President Biden, this is how you can uphold your legacy by supporting Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Debris is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Asheville, N.C. President Joe Biden may call Congress back into session to address the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. | Mike Stewart

President Joe Biden said Monday that he will travel later this week to the areas impacted by the historically large Hurricane Helene, which overwhelmed the Southeast and Gulf Coast states.

Im committed to traveling to impacted areas as soon as possible, but Ive been told that itd be disruptive if I did it right now, Biden said in a briefing at the White House.

Around 120 people have died across six states and several hundred people are still unaccounted for.

Biden said he expects to ask Congress to come back from recess for a special session to approve supplemental emergency funding. Lawmakers werent scheduled to be back until after the November election. Federal Emergency Management Agency administrator Deanne Criswell was on the ground in Florida and Georgia over the weekend before visiting North Carolina on Monday, per reports.

Were hearing significant infrastructure damage to water systems, communication, roads, critical transportation routes, as well as several homes that have been just destroyed by this, Criswell said in an appearance on CBSs Face the Nation. Other states dealing with the impacts are South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee.

Historically, presidents have faced scrutiny over their response to major disasters. A visit to the area is almost mandatory, as is a show of empathy and strength.

The response presents a stark difference between Bidens response to Hurricane Helene, which was prompt and heartfelt, and the deadly fires in Maui, Hawaii, in August last year. At the time, the president failed to address the country directly and immediately, even saying no comment on one occasion, when the death toll had already reached 100 people.

With roughly two months left until the 2024 presidential election, heres how the two candidates are responding to the widespread natural disaster, even as rescue and recovery efforts continue.

What did Kamala Harris say about Hurricane Helene?

Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump have changed their campaign plans to travel to the states affected by Helene, according to reporters following the candidates.

At recent rallies, Harris has taken a moment to speak about Hurricane Helene and promised continued support from the Biden-Harris administration by rebuilding the affected towns and cities.

President Biden and I, of course, will continue to monitor the situation closely, Harris said in her remarks at Douglas, Arizona, on Friday. She added that at least 1,500 federal personnel have been deployed to affected areas while the authorities are working to restore power and provide food, water and generators.

In a social media post, Harris said she spoke to Criswell and received updates on the hurricane.

We also discussed our administrations continued actions to support emergency response and recovery, she said, adding she also spoke with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper about the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts.

As CNN reported, at least 36 people are dead in North Carolina. About 600 people have been reported missing, but officials have reassured communities that restored cellphone reception and internet access. The state has also experienced relentless flooding that has made roads unusable.

Harris cut short her campaigning on the West Coast and traveled to Washington, D.C., on Monday to get briefed on the hurricanes impact. Although she said she plans to visit the states affected, its unclear when that would be.

What did Trump say about Hurricane Helene?

On Monday, Trump made his way to Valdosta, Georgia, a pivotal swing state in the upcoming election. After arriving in Georgia, he criticized Harris for not being responsive, adding, Shes out someplace campaigning, looking for money, as C-SPAN reported.

Our country is in the final weeks of a hard fought national election, but in a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters, Trump said in his brief remarks. Were not talking about politics.

Trump also offered assistance to those who required it and promised solidarity.

We came down with truckloads of different items, from oil to water, he said. Were here today to stand with complete solidarity with the people of Georgia and all those suffering in the terrible aftermath of Hurricane Helene. The former president also said he spoke with billionaire Elon Musk to provide Starlink, his internet service, to the communities that need it right now, saying, Elon always comes through.
Despite President Bidens public comments stating the opposite, the U.S. government actually backed Israels attacks and bombing of Lebanon.



Citing Israeli and U.S. officials, Politico reported Monday that White House officials told Israel that the U.S. would support its decision to bomb Hezbollah targets, despite the fact that publicly, Biden was urging a cease-fire.



Specifically, presidential adviser Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East, told Israeli officials that the U.S. supported Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus strategy to launch military attacks on Lebanon in order to convince Hezbollah to engage in diplomatic talks.



The U.S. government wasnt united in this stance, however. Some officials in the State Department, the Department of Defense, and in the intelligence establishment warned Israels move could pull the U.S. further into another war in the Middle East.



Israeli officials told their U.S. counterparts in mid-September of the change in military strategy, but didnt mention any specifics. McGurk and Hochstein, while reportedly urging caution, replied that it was a good time to attack Lebanon as Hezbollah had suffered losses in previous months.



The report contradicts what the administration has said publicly. Biden was asked Monday if he was comfortable with an Israeli ground invasion of Lebanon, and replied, I am comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease-fire now.

But, cease-fire talks are seemingly in limbo as Israel continues to bomb Lebanon, killing more than 700 people since September 23, including Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday. Israeli officials dropped multiple U.S.-provided 2,000-pound bombs on residential buildings in Beiruts southern suburbs to kill Nasrallah. The U.S. government, led by Biden, appears unwilling to use its military support of Israel as leverage to stop the latest conflict, much as it refused to do in Gaza.


Biden orders US military to 'shoot down' Iranian missiles over Israel

US President Joe Biden speaks at an event concerning the recovery and reconstruction of Ukraine on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Leon Neal/PA Wire/dpa

US President Joe Biden has directed the US military to "aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks," the White House said on Tuesday, after Iran launched a salvo of missiles at Israel.

Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were "monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room" and "receiving regular updates from their national security team," the statement said.

The US military would help to "shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel," it said.
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR) The Biden administration says it is surging resources to communities devastated by Hurricane Helene.

Southeastern states are reeling from catastrophic damage caused by the storm. President Joe Biden talked with the heads of multiple federal agencies on Tuesday about the recovery efforts.

My top priority is to ensure that communities devastated by this hurricane get the help and support they need as quickly as possible, Biden said.

The President plans to travel to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday to meet with local officials and survey the damage.

The White House says more than 3,500 federal emergency responders are already on the ground coordinating recovery efforts.

White House advisor Tom Perez explained how theyre rushing generators, water, food and other supplies to impacted areas.

We have an all-hands-on deck approach, and we are going to make sure we are moving heaven and earth to help people, Perez said.

More than 150 people were killed by the storm and hundreds more are still missing. Houses, businesses and roads were decimated in several different communities.

Perez says the Biden administration is offering direct help to survivors.

To address a myriad of issues ranging from I need water, to I dont know where my loved one is, to Ive lost my house, Perez said.

Right now, Congress is on recess, but lawmakers from both sides of the aisle say they need to come back to pass more disaster relief funding.

Senator Tim Kaine (D-Va.) is among those pushing for Congress to be called back into session, noting the historic damage.

There is an important priority in getting us to come back and do a disaster supplemental for these states, Kaine said. A regional catastrophe hitting the entire Southeast. The geographic spread of this damage is about as big as you get.

Vice President Kamala Harris is planning to visit impacted communities in Georgia and North Carolina this week. Former President Donald Trump was in Georgia on Monday and says he wants to go to North Carolina in the coming days.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
The Financial Times has quoted an unnamed Western official as saying that US President Joe Biden may agree to change the status of Ukraine's application for NATO membership before he leaves office in January 2025.

Source: Financial Times

Details: President Joe Biden will preside over a meeting between Ukraine and its allies in Germany on 12 October. This became known after talks between Zelenskyy and Biden in the United States.

Quote: "A western official briefed on Zelenskyys talks in Washington said there were tentative signs that Biden might agree to advance the status of Ukraines Nato membership bid before he leaves office in January."

More details: The Financial Times did not specify what this "advancement" might entail.

Leaving the US this weekend, Zelenskyy said that October would be "decision time".

President Joe Biden publicly supports Ukraine's NATO membership, but has so far resisted active steps to bring Ukraine closer, such as an invitation to join the Alliance.

NATO membership remains a key goal for Ukraine, but very few of the Alliance's 32 members believe it is possible without a full, lasting ceasefire and a clear line on the map defining how much of Ukraine's territory is covered by the Alliance's mutual defence clause.

Some have suggested a model of West Germany's membership in the Alliance, which lasted for more than three decades before the fall of the Berlin Wall and reunification with the eastern regions.

"The West German model is gaining traction particularly in the White House, which has been the most sceptical about NATO membership," comments Jeremy Shapiro, Head of the Washington Office of the European Council on Foreign Relations.

"Land for NATO membership is the only game in town, everyone knows it. Nobody will say it out loud . . . but its the only strategy on the table," said an unnamed senior Western official.

At the same time, many consider it unlikely that Russia will accept Ukraine's accession to NATO and its rapprochement with the West.

"The most important thing for us is security guarantees. Proper ones. Otherwise it wont end the war; it will just trigger another one," says a Ukrainian official.

Background:

The new NATO secretary general, Mark Rutte, said that he would seek to fulfil the Alliance's commitments to Ukraine, including the irreversibility of its path to NATO membership.

In the summer, Joe Biden stated that peace in Ukraine meant ensuring that Russia could never occupy Ukraine and that NATO membership was not necessary for this.

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Bill Gates' ideal tax system would leave him worth 62% less, but still a billionaire. Afolabi Sotunde / Reuters

Bill Gates' ideal tax system would leave him worth 62% less, but still a billionaire.

He warned that excessive taxes would deter people from starting businesses and curb economic growth.

The Microsoft cofounder said the rich should pay higher taxes and give the rest to good causes.

Bill Gates wants steeper taxes on the wealthy  but not so steep that he wouldn't be a billionaire, or that the founder of the next Microsoft wouldn't become one.

"I would set tax rates quite a bit higher for rich people," Gates said during a recent live recording of the "On With Kara Swisher" podcast.

He voiced support for a tax system that would take away 62% of his wealth  but not over 99% as one hardline critic, Sen. Bernie Sanders, called for on his new Netflix show: "What's Next? The Future with Bill Gates."

"You definitely do get to the point where ... you're killing the goose that lays the golden egg," Gates said, noting that North Korea has "unbelievable equality."

"We've created wealth, and I think that the system that does that has a few elements that we shouldn't throw out," he added.

The Microsoft cofounder ranks as the world's sixth-richest person with a $163 billion net worth, per the Bloomberg Billionaires Index.

He said America is the "envy of the world" as a place for creating hugely valuable companies, and the economy has to grow for the government to raise the social safety net as high as progressives like Sanders want.

Gates also said he's a "huge believer" in the estate tax, and eliminating it would be a mistake as that would protect dynastic fortunes  wealth that's inherited, not earned.

The tech billionaire and cofounder of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation said the uber-wealthy should give more money to the government and commit the rest to help others. He said that "once you pay those taxes, whatever's left over, you should engage in philanthropy."

Gates' latest comments suggest he'd like to be about $100 billion less wealthy at around $62 billion. He's previously said he would have paid "tens of billions" more in taxes if he'd designed the US tax system.

Read the original article on Business Insider
President Biden said he ripped former President Trump for lying about his administrations efforts to respond to Hurricane Helene, and said he will visit North Carolina on Wednesday to view the damage.

Im going to North Carolina on Wednesday. Its planned now. Were going to be landing in Raleigh for a meeting with the Emergency Operations Center, and Ill then do an aerial tour, Biden said in remarks from the Oval Office. He aded that he plans to travel to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible to survey damage.

The president confirmed the visit after he was briefed on the response and recovery efforts from North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper (D), as well as Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell and Homeland Security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall.

Separately, Biden reacted angrily to remarks from Trump, who criticized Bidens response to the hurricane during a trip to Georgia on Monday and claimed that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) had trouble reaching Biden. Kemp and Biden confirmed the two spoke on Sunday.

Hes lying, and the governor told him he was lying. The governor told him hes lying. Ive spoken to the governor, spent time with him, and he told him hes lying. I dont know why he does it  thats simply not true, and its irresponsible, Biden said in response to Trump.

Vice President Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, also gave an update on the hurricane relief efforts on Monday, saying she plans to be on the ground in the impacted areas as soon as possible.

Trump, the GOP presidential nominee, on Monday visited Valdosta, Ga., to tour storm damage and express his support for the communities reeling from the damage. He c

Biden has stressed that he doesnt want to go to impacted areas too quickly and disrupt relief efforts. He also said earlier Monday that he expects to ask Congress for a supplemental bill to fund relief efforts, suggesting lawmakers may have to return from their lengthy election recess to pass it.

The hurricane caused deadly destruction in the city of Asheville and in the North Carolina mountains, where thousands are left without power and water and there has been damage to the water system.

Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, bringing with it devastating winds and rainfall and more than 100 casualties across six states, The Associated Press reported.

This story was updated at 6:11 p.m.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Biden says US 'fully supportive' of Israel after Iran attacks

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be after its attack on Israel, US President Joe Biden replied: 'That's in active discussion right now' (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

President Joe Biden said Tuesday that the United States was "fully supportive" of Israel after Iran's ballistic missile attacks, describing Tehran's assault as "defeated and ineffective."

Biden said he would now discuss with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu about how to respond to Iran, but that it remained to be seen what shape that response would take.

"The attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, and this is a testament to Israeli military capability and the US military," Biden told reporters at the White House.

"Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel."

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be, Biden replied: "That's in active discussion right now. That remains to be seen."

Biden said his team had been in contact throughout the attacks with Netanyahu's and that he would be speaking to the Israeli prime minister himself.

"I'll be talking to him and my message will depend on what we finally conclude is needed," he said.

aue-dk/nro
President Biden called for striking port workers to get an increase in wages, hours after tens of thousands of longshoremen at ports along the East Coast and Gulf of Mexico walked off the job.

The United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) and the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) failed to reach an agreement by the midnight deadline, leading to the first strike by the port workers union in nearly 50 years.

Biden, in a statement, said he has urged USMX to come to the table and present a fair offer to the workers that ensures they are paid appropriately.

Ocean carriers have made record profits since the pandemic and in some cases profits grew in excess of 800 percent compared to their profits prior to the pandemic. Executive compensation has grown in line with those profits and profits have been returned to shareholders at record rates, Biden said. Its only fair that workers, who put themselves at risk during the pandemic to keep ports open, see a meaningful increase in their wages as well.

The union has demanded wage increases and a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and container-moving trucks, and the USMX said Monday evening that it had traded counteroffers related to wages with the ILA.

Biden also noted that in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities resources, adding, now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits.

He stressed that longshoreman have made a substantial contribution to the U.S. economys comeback, reiterating his call for USMX to negotiate a fair contract for them.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Biden On Trump's Hurricane Helene Lies: 'I Don't Know Why He Does This'

A visibly frustrated President Joe Biden rebuffed Donald Trumps irresponsible claims that he hasnt spoken with Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) about the devastation from Hurricane Helene.

He is lying. Let me get this straight: Hes lying, and the governor told him hes lying, Biden said from the Oval Office.

His remarks come hours after Trump lobbed the easily disproved attack, saying of Kemp: Hes been calling the president. He hasnt been able to get him.

Kemp has also contradicted Trumps claim, saying he and Biden had spoken directly and that the president told him to call the White House for whatever he needed.

I dont know why he does this, Biden added. And the reason I get so angry about this  I dont care what he says about me, I care what he communicates to the people that are in need. He implies that were not doing everything possible. ... Its simply not true, and its irresponsible.

Reporter: Trump has accused you of ignoring



Biden: He's lying and the governor told him he was lying. I've spoken to the governor.. I don't know why he does this and the reason I get so angry about it, I don't care about what he says about me, but I care what he communicates to pic.twitter.com/zZuZH3nXKe  Acyn (@Acyn) September 30, 2024

Before telling reporters in Georgia that Biden was withholding support, Trump claimed on social media that the White House may be refusing aid to conservative areas of North Carolina, another state battered by the Category 4 storm.

Ill be there shortly, but dont like the reports that Im getting about the Federal Government, and the Democrat Governor of the State, going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas. MAGA! Trump wrote.

He then lobbed an even more provocative, baseless claim about Bidens administration.

They have left Americans to drown in North Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and elsewhere in the South, Trump wrote.

In reality, withholding natural disaster aid is part of the Trump playbook. When he was president in 2017, he denied $20 billion in congressionally approved aid to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria. He also threatened to withhold federal assistance to wildfire-ravaged California.

The Biden administration has approved emergency requests for several states and dispatched about 3,600 officials to assist in recovery efforts across the affected region, where more than 100 people have died. He also said he expects to call a special session of Congress to secure supplemental funding.

No governors across the affected states have publicly complained about the White House response.

Related...
The White House on Tuesday doubled down on its stance that it wont force striking dockworkers back on the job, and insisted that impacts to Americas vital goods will be minimal for now.

The key phrase is for now.

Just after midnight on Tuesday, thousands of dockworkers from New England to Texas represented by the International Longshoremens Association, who load and unload cargo at ports on the East and Gulf coasts, took to the picket lines. So far the Biden administration is sticking to its script: try to bring the union and the shipping industry to the table, monitor the situation and hope the dispute doesnt drag out.

All of this means President Joe Biden is not planning to use powers from the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act to end the strike. Business groups like the U.S. Chamber of Commerce are already calling for Biden to invoke the act, but that would infuriate union members just weeks before the election.



On Tuesday the Republican chair of the House Transportation Committee also called on the administration to use the Taft-Hartley law and blamed the administration for not preventing the strike in the first place. The letter, signed by Chair Sam Graves (R-Mo.) and and Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation Subcommittee Chair Daniel Webster (R-Fla.) pointed to President George Bushs decision to invoke the act against striking dock workers in 2002 as an example of effective action.

"Continued inaction only compounds our Nations economic harm, further burdening American families pocketbooks," the Republicans wrote.

The White House said the president and vice president were briefed on assessments by federal agencies that show impacts on consumers are expected to be limited at this time, including fuel, food, medicine and infant formula.

The White House also outlined all the products that it says will not be affected by the strike, including bulk shipments of grain, crude oil, gasoline, natural gas, and other liquid fuel exports and imports.

But many other products  from fresh fruit to new cars and materials for manufacturing  will be affected, and that list could grow depending on how long the strike lasts.

For now, Biden is counting on his lieutenants to try to cajole both sides into a deal. Hes tasked Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, acting Labor Secretary Julie Su and economic adviser Lael Brainard to try to keep negotiations going.

The administration is also trying to assure Americans it has learned lessons about the supply chain from the pandemic, severe weather events and the collapse this year of a Baltimore bridge that idled part of that citys port.

One Biden ally, New York Gov. Kathy Hochul, suggested on Monday that the closeness to the election had its upsides because consumers shouldnt feel major impacts from a strike during the few weeks before voters finish heading to the polls.

But the head of the dockworkers union has threatened to cripple the economy to get the shipping industry hes negotiating with to meet his demands for higher wages. There were some last-minute hopes Monday for a deal before the strike began, with the shipping industry saying it had offered dockworkers nearly 50 percent wage increases over the next six years.

Appearing on Fox News Tuesday morning, Harold J. Daggett, international president of the dockworkers union, said its time for Washington to put so much pressure on them to take care of us because we took care of them.

"Now you start to realize who the longshoremen are, right? People never gave a shit about us until now when they finally realized that the chain is being broken now. Cars won't come in, food won't come in, clothing won't come in. You know how many people depend on our jobs? Half the world, he said.
President Joe Biden announced Monday he is tightening restrictions for asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border, a decision that puts people fleeing violence and poverty in grave danger, according to the United Nations refugee agency.

The new rules will expand on restrictions first announced in June, which prevented people from applying for asylum once official border crossings hit 2,500 a day. Daily numbers will now have to be below an average of 1,500 for 28 days before the restrictions can be lifted; previously, the target was under 1,500 per day for a week.

The regulation severely curtails access to protection for people fleeing conflict, persecution, and violence, putting many refugees and asylum seekers in grave danger without a viable option for seeking safety, the UNHCR said in a statement.

The more aggressive restriction, which goes into effect Tuesday, will also begin counting children from all countries towards the number of crossings, whereas it previously only counted children from Mexico.

Border crossings reached record-level in the first three years of Bidens presidency, peaking at nearly 250,000 in December 2023. Illegal entries are down 80% since then, according to U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

This action has been taken in parallel with other administration actions that have both increased enforcement and delivered to asylum seekers safe and lawful pathways to humanitarian relief that cut out the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the vulnerable, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said in a statement.

But human rights groups have expressed concern over Bidens asylum regulation and how it will impact migrants fleeing violence. In its statement, the U.N. refugee agency, or UNHCR, suggested the Biden administration was running afoul of its international commitments.

"Every person seeking asylum must be granted access to safety and afforded the opportunity to have their claims individually and fairly assessed before deportation or removal," UNHCR said in its statement. "Limiting or blocking such access is a violation of international refugee law and the humanitarian principles to which the United States has long been a leader."

The latest restriction comes as immigration takes center stage in Novembers election and anti-immigration sentiment grows across the country, particularly after Republicans led a smear campaign against legal Haitian immigrants in Ohio.

Amnesty International said in a statement that, amidst all the anti-immigrant rhetoric permeating the political sphere, Americans must be equally disgusted and dismayed by policies that put Haitians, and other Black, Brown, and Indigenous people seeking safety, in danger.

Advocacy group Human Rights First said the Biden administration decision bolsters xenophobic and racist rhetoric that falsely portrays immigrants as threats, and is a false solution to a systemic issue. "Instead of playing politics with the lives of people seeking protection, the Biden administration should focus on urgently needed, real solutions, such as fixing the backlogs that undermine the effectiveness of our asylum system, the organization said in a statement.
Bill Camp, the longtime head of the Sacramento Central Labor Council who left a lasting legacy as a champion of social justice and workers rights, has died.

Camp died Sept. 23. He was 80.

We have lost a true leader; the best of us, the Sacramento Central Labor Council, AFL-CIO, the organization Camp led from 1999-2014 as its executive secretary, said in a remembrance marking his passing.

Bills tireless advocacy for working families was rooted in his profound compassion and his moral conviction that no one should be left behind, the labor council said in the statement.

Bill Camp, who served as executive secretary of the California Central Labor Council for 15 years, talks to labor unions that marched down Capitol Mall and around the California state Capitol on Labor Day in 2005. Camp, the labor councils longtime leader, died Sept. 23 at the age of 80.

Born Feb. 12, 1944, on a farm in South Carolina, Camp lived his life in the trenches of labor and civil rights, as a foot soldier fighting for racial justice in the Deep South during the Civil Rights Movement; organizing California farm workers in the fields in their quest for humane working conditions and pressing for workers rights at the state Capitol.

The Sacramento Central Labor Council remembered Camp as a warrior for social justice, the council under his watch, a powerful force not just for union workers but for all who faced oppression and hardship.

He marched in the streets, organized in union halls, and lobbied in the halls of power with the same passion and energy, the labor council remembered in its statement. His presence was a fixture at picket lines, community forums, and at every place where the fight for justice was being waged.

Labor leaders and lawmakers reflected on Camps legacy and the lasting impact of his advocacy for Californias working families.

From his early days in the Civil Rights Movement to his transformative leadership as Executive Secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, Bills unwavering commitment to dignity, fair wages, and justice for all working people has left an indelible mark on the labor movement, said Kim Evon, executive vice president of SEIU Local 2015, in a statement marking Camps passing.

Bill Camp, executive secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, joins leaders from the United Farm Workers, local political leaders and other citizens in 2002 at downtown Sacramentos Cathedral of the Blessed Sacrament to kick off a nationwide campaign to deliver a million postcards to President George W. Bush urging him and Congress to support immigration policies that reward work by giving hard-working, tax-paying immigrants already in the U.S. the opportunity to earn legal status. Camp, the labor councils longtime leader, died Sept. 23 at the age of 80.

Bill Camp, executive secretary of the Sacramento Labor Council, is arrested by Sacramento police in 2012 after blocking Third Street and Capitol Avenue during a protest by janitors represented by the Service Employees International Union protesting demands by office employers that they accept contract concessions. Camp, the labor councils longtime leader, died Sept. 23 at the age of 80.

Bills legacy is one of unity, mentorship, and relentless advocacy for a better world, one where every worker has a voice, Evon continued. As we reflect on his extraordinary life, we honor his enduring contributions and vow to continue his fight for justice.

The United Farm Workers remembered Camp as someone who understood the fight for workers rights was closely tied to broader battles for racial and economic equality and civil rights.

Rep. Doris Matsui, D-Sacramento, remembered Camp as a dear friend dedicated to lifting workers voices, calling the labor leader a powerful force for good.

At a 2003 rally following the Cesar Chavez Day march to the state Capitol, Bill Camp, the executive secretary of the Sacramento Central Labor Council, reminds the crowd of the values and principles Chavez wanted people to pass on to future generations. United Farm Workers remembered Camp, who died Sept. 23 at the age of 80, as someone who understood the fight for workers rights was closely tied to broader battles for racial and economic equality and civil rights.

Everywhere he went, Bill sought to improve the lives of his neighbors, stand up for justice, and uplift the underserved and overlooked, Matsui said in a statement.

Through his tireless efforts, he made sure that working families received the resources and dignity they deserve, the Congresswoman continued.

Although most will remember him for his many great accomplishments, I will remember him best for his years of friendship and his kind, compassionate heart. He will be greatly missed.

Camp is survived by his wife, Catherine Camp; two sons; a daughter-in-law; a son-in-law; and five grandchildren.

Bill Camp joins workers rallying in front of Blue Diamond headquarters in Sacramento in 2005. At the protest, Camp aimed to deliver a letter to management reminding the company that federal law protects their right to organize. Camp, who led the Sacramento Central Labor Council from 1999 to 2014 and left a lasting legacy as a champion of social justice and workers rights, died Sept. 23 at the age of 80.
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WIAT)  The Birmingham Childrens Theatre is celebrating its 77th season at its annual An Enchanted Evening gala event.

The BCT offers children the opportunity to experience live theatre. This season, the theatre is bringing arts education opportunities to the youth of Alabama with 10 professional productions scheduled for over 40,000 children, educators and families.

Peter and the Wolf to be performed at Birmingham Childrens Theatre

The event is scheduled for Oct. 17. For more information, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
TMC Transportation in Des Moines, Iowa, was previously sued in a similar case in 2021

Benjamin Lynch Drew Harvey

A Black worker has filed a lawsuit against an Iowa-based trucking company, alleging the business fired him this past summer over his locs.

According to a court document filed on Thursday, Sept. 26, in Iowa District Court for Polk County, Drew Harvey, 26, applied for a position as a flat-bed truck driver with TMC Transportation on June 4. Eleven days later, TMC invited him to begin orientation on June 24, which required Harvey to travel from his home in Crete, Ill., to the companys headquarters in Des Moines.

The next day after the orientation, per the complaint reviewed by PEOPLE, Harvey was called in to meet TMCs human resources representative. He was told that he needed to cut his hair "or be fired," and that his hair was a safety issue. "

"This was the first time Plaintiff had ever heard of a hair policy or that there was an issue with Plaintiffs appearance, the complaint stated.

Related: Family of Black Texas Student Suspended by School Over His Locs Is Suing Governor, Attorney General

Per the complaint, Harvey offered to trim or style his hair in a different way, wear his hair in a wrap or buy a different hard hat so that safety wouldnt be an issue. He further told TMCs human resources representative that his hair was important to his culture and spirituality.

However, according to the complaint, the company said that Harveys proposals were unacceptable and terminated his employment. He was then fired and sent home on a bus in tears.

In the complaint filed with the district court, Harvey said that during his brief time with the company, he saw other non-Black employees  male and female  who wore their hair long. He also noticed that the company had earlier fired a Black male employee for the same reason.

TMCs policy is racist and inconsistently enforced, Harveys complaint alleged.

Related: Black Teen, Who Says School Told Him to Cut His Locs, Gets Scholarship from Ellen DeGeneres

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In the complaint, Harvey accused TMC of subjecting him to harassment and racial discrimination, stating: As a result of Defendants illegal acts and omissions, Plaintiff has in the past and will in the future suffer injuries and damages, including but not limited to emotional distress, lost wages, loss of benefits, loss of future earnings, and other emoluments of employment.

In an interview with PEOPLE, Benjamin Lynch, Harveys attorney, said his client was hurt by what happened and is currently looking for work.

"That petition says that he literally cried on the way home, Lynch says. That is a true statement, that he was very upset by this. He drove six hours to come here and he got canned on the second day because of his hair. So he's upset. It's a real thing and we haven't really gotten any resolution on it because I've just yet to hear back from TMC. So it's troubling.

Per CBS affiliate KCCI, Lynch previously represented Damon Mitchell, a Black worker who allegedly experienced a situation similar to Harveys at TMC Transportation and sued the company in 2021. Lynch tells PEOPLE that he couldn't comment about that case because he is bound by a confidentiality clause.

Benjamin Lynch Drew Harvey

Related: Ref Who Said Black Student Wrestler Had to Cut His Locs Is 'Done Working' with School District

And I will tell you that since this stuff went public on the second time, I've had over a dozen current former TMC employees call me with the same story, Lynch alleges. So in addition to him [Harvey] wanting resolution on his matter, he also wants to make sure that something like this doesn't happen again.

According to the complaint, Harvey is seeking judgment against TMC in an amount that will fully and fairly compensate him for his injuries and damages," attorney's fees and "for appropriate equitable and injunctive relief."

Per the companys website, TMC Transportation was founded in 1972 by Harrold Annett. Its mission is to be recognized as the standard-bearer of quality performance in flatbed transportation.

PEOPLE reached out to TMC Transportation on Tuesday, Oct. 1, for comment on the litigation.



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UPDATE (10/1/2024): Andre J. Hardy pled guilty on Oct. 1, 2024, to one count of rape. His other three charges of rape, criminal confinement and sexual battery were dismissed. He was subsequently sentenced to 2,885  or nearly eight years  in prison.

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BLOOMINGTON, Ind.  The Bloomington Police Department has arrested a 27-year-old man after an 18-year-old woman told officers she was sexually assaulted in a parking garage on Sept. 1.

Andre J. Hardy of Joliet, Illinois, was arrested at 8:40 a.m. on Wednesday. Hardy was taken into custody in Joliet and is awaiting extradition to Monroe County.

Hardy is charged with one count of rape, a Level 3 felony, along with criminal confinement and sexual battery.

Wife listened for 48 minutes as husband was stabbed, killed by nephew: court docs reveal

According to police, the assault occurred just after 10 p.m. on Sept. 1 in a parking garage located in the 200 block of N. Morton Street. The victim told police she had entered the garage from an alley in the 200 block of W. 6th Street and had walked up the steps to the third floor to search for her vehicle.

The victim had been walking around searching for her vehicle when she spotted a man following her. The man reportedly grabbed her from behind and tackled her into a parking space between two vehicles where he sexually assaulted her.

The victim told police she had cried out for help and heard footsteps approaching which caused the suspect to flee.

Bloomington police released images of the suspect captured by surveillance footage and asked for the publics help in identifying the man in the images. Police said within a short period of time after releasing the photos, several individuals contacted the Bloomington police and identified the man in the photos as Andre J. Hardy.

Images of the sexual assault suspect released by Bloomington PD

According to court documents, one of the individuals who identified Hardy as the suspect in the photos told officers she had uneasy encounters with Hardy in the past. After a brief consensual encounter, the woman told officers Hardy showed up randomly at her place of employment in March. She told him to leave her alone.

On Sept. 2, the day after the rape in the parking garage, the woman told police shed awoken to knocking at her window and heard someone calling her name. It was Hardy outside her window, she reported, who was still on her porch the next morning even after shed told him to go away.

The woman reportedly drove Hardy to the parking lot where the assault occurred and dropped him off. She told police she typically parked in the garage for work. According to her statement, Hardy was wearing the same black Crocs he was pictured wearing in the surveillance footage. He was also talking incoherently and couldnt collect his thoughts, according to the woman.

Investigators looked into Hardys background and discovered he had previously been arrested in New Mexico for sexually assaulting a female he met in a parking lot.

An arrest warrant was issued and investigators began searching for Hardy, discovering he had left Bloomington and returned to Joliet, Illinois.

Police said Bloomington detectives were on hand when he was taken into custody with assistance from the Will County Sheriffs Department and members of the United States Marshals.

If found guilty, Hardy could face between three to 16 years in prison on his charge of rape.

A booking photo of Hardy was not available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
China records nearly 95 mln inbound tourist arrivals in Jan.-Sept.

Xinhua) 13:34, October 01, 2024

BEIJING, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The Chinese mainland recorded an estimated 95 million inbound tourist arrivals in the first nine months of this year, marking a 55.4 percent increase year on year, an official of the Ministry of Culture and Tourism said on Monday.

This figure equals to 93.4 percent of the inbound tourist arrivals for the same period in 2019, Zhang Zheng, vice minister of culture and tourism, told a press conference.

Zhang said that the ministry has been working with relevant authorities to optimize visa and customs policies, accelerate the recovery of international flights, enhance payment facilitation, and improve the overall quality of services for inbound tourists.

To facilitate payments for inbound tourists, the government has mandated that major tourist attractions accept various payment methods, including foreign bank cards, QR codes and cash, according to Miao Muyang, an official in charge of cultural and tourism development at the ministry.

It is estimated that from January to September this year, domestic visitors made 4.29 billion trips and spent 4.32 trillion yuan (about 616 billion U.S. dollars) on tourism, up by 16.8 percent and 17.1 percent, respectively, from the same period of 2023, according to the ministry.

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
Rackspace Technologys headquarters moved recently to RidgeWood Plaza II, a four-story, 121,000-square-foot office building north of Loop 1604 along U.S. 281 near Stone Oak. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News The new Rackspace Technology Inc. headquarters near Stone Oak. The company downsized to the new space earlier this year. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Another data breach at Rackspace Technology Inc. has compromised some of its customers information and impacted its services.

It declined to say how many customers were affected.

This was not a data breach, it was a compromise of some customer data, which is completely different, Natalie Silva, a Rackspace spokeswoman said Tuesday.

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According to a notice it sent to affected customers, the San Antonio-based cloud computing company identified the problem Sept. 24. The intrusion came through third-party software Rackspace uses to monitor its systems. It forced the company to temporarily shut down a monitoring dashboard provided by ScienceLogic that track IT infrastructure status for customers.

The breach and customer notification were first reported in the Register, a technology news publication.

Rackspaces notification told customers that limited internal monitoring information was taken, according to the Register. The publication received a copy of the message from an affected customer; Rackspace declined to share it with the San Antonio Express-News.

The intrusion apparently resulted from a program that was hidden within the ScienceLogic dashboard. Such an attack is known as a zero-day vulnerability, one the software creators arent aware of until it goes live.

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ScienceLogic, a Reston, Virginia, company, uses artificial intelligence in its software that helps monitor IT infrastructure.

According to the customer notice, the malicious program from a still-unidentified third-party activated and was able to access customer information, including account names and numbers, usernames, Rackspace internally generated device IDs and device information, device IP addresses and device credentials.

The software improperly accessed  a system used for generating internal performance reporting, Rackspace said in a statement. Our forensic investigation identified no access to customer configurations, or their hosted data.

Jess Lindberg, a ScienceLogic spokeswoman, said that while the dashboard was temporarily down, the systems it reports on were not.

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We have very limited things that we can explicitly talk about, she said in an interview Tuesday.

In its statement, Rackspace said the only service impact to customers was the inability to access their associated ScienceLogic monitoring dashboard, which is an optional service feature infrequently utilized by some customers.

ScienceLogic said it rapidly developed a patch to remediate the incident and have made it available to all of our customers globally.

It would did not disclose the maker of the third-party software it said carried the malicious program.

At this point, we are not naming the third-party utility to diminish potential risk to our customers, Lindberg said. We are aware of only one instance when the vulnerability has been exploited and a patch was quickly provided.

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In December 2022, hackers targeted Rackspace with ransomware effectively hijacking companys data and shutting down email services for thousands of customers. That breach cost the company at least $10.8 million.

Rackspace identified the ransomware attacker as a group called Play, saying the group penetrated the companys hosted Microsoft Exchange network. An internal investigation concluded that Play used a Rackspace customers e-mail credentials to gain access to a company server three days before launching the ransomware attack.

In May 2023, Rackspace got a favorable court ruling when U.S. District Judge Xaavier Rodriguez said said the company wouldnt have to face proposed class-action litigation from 37 plaintiffs across over the ransomware attack.

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Key Takeaways

Boeing is reportedly considering selling up to $10 billion in stock to boost its revenue as it deals with a strike by its machinists.

The plane maker was already struggling before the strike over issues including mechanical problems with its aircraft and a legal settlement over two deadly crashes.

The company's stock has lost over 40% of its value since the start of the year.

Boeing (BA) is reportedly considering selling up to $10 billion in stock to boost its revenue as it deals with a strike by its machinists.

However, Boeing likely won't raise equity for at least a month, Bloomberg reported, as the company looks to end the strike by reaching a deal with the union and get a clearer estimate of its financial impact.

Strike Adds to Boeing's Struggles

The plane maker was already in a difficult financial position before the strike, after burning through billions to address a variety of issues, including mechanical problems with its planes and a legal settlement with the government related to two deadly crashes.

Boeing did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

Shares of Boeing were 2% higher at $154.98 in early trading Tuesday, though even with Tuesday's gains, they've lost over 40% of their value since the start of the year.



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The late Queen Elizabeth II suffered from bone cancer for more than a year before her death in 2022 at the age of 96, according to a claim made by former British Prime Minister Boris Johnson in his upcoming memoir.

Johnson, who met with the queen at Balmoral Castle just a few days before her death on Sept. 8, 2022, writes in his memoir, titled "Unleashed," about the queen's appearance in their final meeting.

"She seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections," Johnson writes, adding, "She had known all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty."

Of her alleged bone cancer diagnosis, Johnson writes, "I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline."

PHOTO: In this July 24, 2019, file photo, Queen Elizabeth II welcomes newly elected leader of the Conservative party, Boris Johnson at Buckingham Palace in London. (WPA Pool via Getty Images, FILE)

Buckingham Palace has never said that the late queen had bone cancer. The palace also declined to comment to ABC News on Johnson's new book.

The cause of death on the queen's death certificate is listed as old age.

New statue of Queen Elizabeth II, Prince Philip draws criticisms online: 'Take it down'

Johnson writes that though the queen appeared to have physical problems in their last meeting on Sept. 6, 2022, she was mentally sharp.

"But her mind ... was completely unimpaired ... she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty," he writes.

The last public photo of Elizabeth shows her meeting with Liz Truss, then Britain's Prime Minister-elect, at Balmoral Castle following Johnson's resignation as prime minister. It was the first time in the queen's 70-year reign that the ceremonial transfer of power was held at Balmoral, rather than at Buckingham Palace in London.

PHOTO: In this Sept. 6, 2022, file photo, Britain's Queen Elizabeth II and new Conservative Party leader and Britain's Prime Minister-elect Liz Truss meet at Balmoral Castle in Ballater, Scotland. (Jane Barlow, POOL via AFP via Getty Images, FILE)

During the queen's reign, the palace always fiercely guarded her medical privacy.

"What the former Prime Minister Boris Johnson has done here is share a private piece of information that he had from the late queen," Chris Ship, royal editor of ITV News, told ABC News. "She clearly did not want to share her health condition."

In contrast, Elizabeth's eldest son, King Charles III, has been public about his cancer diagnosis.

The palace announced on Feb. 5, that Charles had been diagnosed with cancer following treatment for benign prostate enlargement. It has not disclosed publicly what type of cancer Charles was diagnosed with, nor what type of treatment he is undergoing.

Kate Middleton returns to work after cancer treatment

The king's daughter-in-law, Princess Kate, also announced her own cancer diagnosis this year, sharing publicly in March that she had been diagnosed with cancer.

She has not revealed publicly what type of cancer she faced, nor exact details of her treatment beyond that she underwent "preventative chemotherapy."

"There has been a generational shift [with] the current king sharing his cancer diagnosis, and Kate has told us that she's undergoing chemotherapy treatment," Ship said. "I's up to the individual how much they want to share with members of the public, and the late queen was someone who wanted to keep her medical condition as private as she possibly could."

Boris Johnson claims in new memoir that Queen Elizabeth II had bone cancer originally appeared on goodmorningamerica.com
Three deputies injured during high-speed chase of stolen car in Snohomish County

A high-speed chase involving a stolen vehicle ended in a crash on Highway 2 in Monroe on Tuesday morning.

A Seattle man was arrested, and three Snohomish County deputies were treated for minor injuries.

According to the Snohomish County Sheriffs Office, deputies responded to a vehicle theft report in the 12000 block of 316th Avenue Southeast around 6:00 a.m. and quickly located the stolen vehicle.

The pursuit traveled west on Highway 2 before deputies deployed spike strips, bringing the vehicle to a stop in the 14200 block of the highway.

During the chase, a collision occurred between patrol vehicles, leading to minor injuries for three deputies, who were taken to a local hospital for treatment.

The driver of the stolen vehicle, an adult male, was also transported to the hospital for minor injuries before being booked into Snohomish County Jail on charges of eluding, second-degree assault, and unlawful possession of a firearm.

A passenger in the vehicle was taken to the hospital for minor injuries and later released.

Highway 2 remains closed between Westwick Road and Roosevelt Road SE while the investigation continues.

UPDATE 3 | US 2 between Westwick Road and Roosevelt Road west of Monroe remains blocked after an incident.



Continue to seek alternate routes. https://t.co/mew3pav07D pic.twitter.com/SgIHcqC3Rd  WSDOT Traffic (@wsdot_traffic) October 1, 2024












Opinion. Just two days after CNN reported that the North Carolina GOP gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson called himself a black NAZI and said slavery is not bad in comments on an online pornographic website, former President Donald Trump campaigned on Saturday, September 21, in the state without mentioning Robinsons name.

Just months before, in March, Trump praised Robinson as being Martin Luther King on steroids.

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Yet as Trump campaigned in the state, Robinson was not even at Trumps campaign rally. Instead Trump came to promise the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina, headquartered in Pembroke, North Carolina, that if he is elected in November he would see the tribe, now a state of North Carolina tribe, receive federal recognition.

It was basically the same one he made four years ago in Lumberton, North Carolina at a rally during the 2020 presidential campaign.

While running for re-election for president October 24, 2020, Trump said at a campaign stop in Lumberton, North Carolina, he would support the Lumbee Recognition Act, a U.S. Senate bill that would grant the Lumbee Tribe full federal recognition.

"When Im re-elected I will proudly sign the Lumbee Recognition Act, which should have been signed a long time ago, Trump said in 2020. "And the people of North Carolina want that."

Of course, Trump was defeated by Biden in the November 2020 election, but he did not even come close to trying to make his offer come to fruition during his lame duck presidency.

Yet, he was in North Carolina telling the Lumbee Tribe it will be taken care of at the beginning of his presidency in early 2025 if he is elected.

"The Lumbee Tribe has been wrongfully denied federal recognition for more than a century," Trump declared. "But now we're going to take care of it. We'll take care of it right at the beginning."

Today, Im officially announcing that if I am elected in November, I will sign legislation granting the great Lumbee Tribe the federal recognition that it deserves, he added.

It should be noted that presidents of the United States cannot grant federal recognition to tribes. There are two paths for state tribes to gain federal recognitionthrough a congressional act or through a rigorous process with the Department of the Interior.

The Lumbee Tribe, with a rich history dating back hundreds of years, has long sought federal recognition, according to its official website. In 1956, the U.S. Congress enacted a law that acknowledged the Lumbee Tribe as a Native American tribe, but provided no federal funding that usually goes with federal recognition.

The story of federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe has been painstaking for its leadership for over a century. The tribe gained state recognition from the state of North Carolina almost 140 years ago in 1885. Through multiple decades, the tribe attempted to gain federal recognition.

In the 1980s the Lumbee sought to gain federal recognition through the Bureau of Indian Affairs Office of Federal Acknowledgement lengthy process. The agency determined, however, that since the Lumbee had already been recognized by Congress in 1956, they were ineligible to participate in the process. They would need to return to Congress for full recognition.

Thus began the years of submitting bills to Congress for recognition.

In 2016, however, the Solicitor of the Interior Department determined that the Lumbee are eligible to petition the Office of Federal Acknowledgement for recognition.

So far, the Lumbee have chosen instead to pursue recognition through Congress.

During the 2020 presidential election, Joe Biden promised to assist the Lumbees receive federal recognition two weeks before Trump stated his support.

In March 2023, the two North Carolina senators: Sen. Thom Tillis (R-NC) and Sen. Ted Budd (R-NC) introduced the Lumbee Fairness Act, legislation to grant federal benefits to the Lumbee Tribe of North Carolina that every other federally-recognized tribe receives.

So far, it has lingered in the Senate with little progress.

After Trump announced his support for federal recognition for the Lumbee Tribe on September 21, Native News Online reached out to the Harris for President campaign.

Vice President Kamala Harris has long believed the Lumbee Tribe deserves the federal recognition that they have fought for and she will continue to push Congress as she stands with them in that fight. She will always advocate for Tribal Nations and Native communities, honor Tribal sovereignty, respect Tribal self-determination, and fight for a future where every Native person can realize their aspirations, campaign spokesperson Jaidan Idarraga said in a statement.

So, in essence, the Lumbee citizens should not base their decision on who to support for president based on the candidate's support of federal recognition for their tribe. In that regard, they are tied.

There is much more to base their decisions beyond that single issue.

Thayek gde nwendemen - We are all related.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  Police in D.C. are looking for a suspect after a boy was hurt in a shooting on Monday afternoon.

The Metropolitan Police Department (MPD) said it received a call about a shooting in the 5900 block of Georgia Avenue NW shortly after 4:20 p.m. They said a 12-year-old boy was shot in the leg there.

MPD investigates homicide of 1-year-old girl in Northwest DC

He was taken to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

MPD said they were looking for a boy in his early teens who might be responsible. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

This is a developing story.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
OGDENSBURG, N.Y. (WWTI)  Breeze Airways has announced that it will offer one-way flights to Orlando starting at $89.

Breeze launched daily service to Washington Dulles on Friday and is now offering nonstop service on both Washington D.C. and Orlando.

Breeze Airways to offer flights from Ogdensburg to Washington D.C.

These flights will be Thursdays and Sundays starting on February 13, 2025. The flights that start at $89 will be one-way flights.

The airline carrier made the announcement via a press release on Tuesday morning.

According to the airline, Breeze doesnt charge change or cancellation fees up to 60 minutes prior to departure and offers other benefits such as free family seating and a la carte pricing. With seamless booking, no change or cancellation fees, up to 24-months of reusable flight credit and customized flight features delivered via a sleek and simple app, Breeze makes it easy to buy and easy to fly. Learn more about Breezes flight offerings via our site or the app.

Breeze replaced Contour Airlines, which offered flights to Philadelphia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
Bretz Injury Law and United Way discuss work in the Topeka community

TOPEKA (KTMJ)  Fox 43 AM Lives Ely Millard sat down with Matt Bretz of Bretz Injury Law and United Way of Kansas State Director Lisa Gleason to talk about their legal work in the community and the upcoming annual United Way campaign.

You can watch the full interview above.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A student at Missouri's Liberty Middle School was suspended for three days, and his mother was advised to search his room, after he posted a photo online of Dr. Pepper cans he had laid in the shape of a rifle. "We have enough information to believe the video has caused fear to at least one student and understandably so," said Mountainview-Birch Tree School District Superintendent Lana Tharp. "The safety and well-being of our students is our top priority and we responded swiftly to address the concerns."

The post Brickbat: I'm a Pepper appeared first on Reason.com.
A British clergyman has reportedly died during a night of alleged drug-fuelled sex with a Belgian priest.

The 69-year-old English priest is understood to travelled to the country for the papal visit, but died after consuming ecstasy and poppers and engaging in sexual relations, according to a Dutch-language newspaper.

Father Bernard, 60  the priest who allegedly entertained the unnamed British clergyman in his rectory  had since been arrested, Het Laatste Nieuws reported on Sunday.

Fr Bernard from Kalmthout remains in jail.

The Belgian pastor called emergency services shortly after midnight on Thursday, Sept 26 but paramedics were unable to resuscitate his British guest, according to local media reports,

On the following Saturday, Antwerp public prosecutors office reported: The initial findings by the police, the lab and the forensic doctor and in this phase of the investigation show that the two men had used ecstasy and poppers [a liquid drug that relaxes the muscles] together and had sex.

Two ecstasy pills were also found in the rectory. It is not clear whom the drugs belonged to.

Suspected of trafficking narcotics

A post-mortem examination performed on Saturday could not determine the clergymans cause of death. Toxicology tests have since been ordered to show whether the English priest died as a result of drug use.

Fr Bernard has already been brought before an investigating judge, who decided after questioning to arrest the 60-year-old and transfer him to a prison. The priest is suspected of trafficking narcotics resulting in death.

The Belgian newspaper reported that his absence was noted at Sunday mass in the small Belgian parish of Onze-Lieve-Vrouw van Essen-Kalmthout.

Just before 11am, the sound of church bells echoed through the village and about 40 parishioners shuffled through the entrance of the Sint-Jozefskerk.

Blue police tape had been hanging on the door there for three days and the building was sealed because of a judicial investigation.

Priests often live a lonely existence

Eddy Marstboom, the 84-year-old chairman of the church council, broke the news to a silent congregation. A painful incident occurred in our rectory during the night from Thursday to Friday, Mr Marstboom said.

The true circumstances of the incident are extraordinary, he said, before adding: I dont want to say more about it. Bernard had been working in the parish for five years and was previously also dean in Antwerp-South.

Mr Marstboom said: Bernard is a dedicated priest. He did his job well, liked to mingle with people after church services and was greatly appreciated for that. But admittedly, all of this is also a complete surprise to us. We now mainly hope that the law will do its job quickly because I can well imagine that this is particularly difficult for him.

Well, priests often live a lonely existence, a churchgoer responded afterwards. They often fall back on themselves and of course, they also have human needs. It is a disaster that he is being portrayed in such a bad light.

An older woman shook her head: I hope he gets off easy, although I do fear that he will never be able to start over as a pastor, he has now been given a label that he cant get rid of.

On Oct 3, Fr Bernard will appear before the council chamber. In addition to criminal proceedings, the bishop will have to decide whether Fr Bernard can ever work in the church again.

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The death occured off the coast of Agia Galini, a popular seaside town in Crete (Getty Images)

A British tourist has died in Greece after becoming unwell during a swim at a popular seaside village.

The 71-year-old woman was pronounced dead following an incident on Monday at Agia Galini, one of Cretes largest seaside towns, located on the southern coast.

The woman entered the water around midday to go for a swim and shortly after felt unwell, according to a report by Cretapost. It is unclear what type of illness the woman was experiencing.

She was immediately taken to shore, but then collapsed. An ambulance service rushed to the scene, and medics tried to revive her, but were not successful.

The tourist was taken to Rethymnon Hospital in the local area, where she was pronounced dead.

The Port Authority of Agia Galini is carrying out a preliminary investigation. The Independent has contacted the authority for comment.

The incident comes after a series of other British tourist deaths in Greece this summer, including a 66-year-old woman who was pulled from the water on Achladies beach on Skiathos in July.

The tourist appeared to have lost consciousness while swimming during an excessive heat warning that had been placed on the island.

Another British tourist died in April while on a boat trip from the Greek island of Kos. The man drowned in front of his wife after struggling to get back onto the boat.

After his friends called emergency services, police and divers in two boats pulled the man from the water.

A number of heat-related deaths have also occurred in Greece this year, including author and presenter Dr Michael Mosley, who was found dead in June after a five-day search on the Greek island of Symi.

For more travel news and advice, listen to Simon Calders podcast
Bruce Springsteen's wife, Patti Scialfa, has rare blood cancer  what does that mean for her?

In recent years there have been no shortage of serious health challenges in the Bruce Springsteen household.

In September 2023, the legendary rocker was forced to cancel multiple tour dates because he was suffering from peptic ulcer disease.

As he said on SiriusXM radio at the time, Let me take a moment and thank my fans affected by our postponed shows for their understanding. I am deeply sorry but this belly thing, despite my ability to laugh at it, has been a monster and is still unfortunately rocking my internal world.

He wouldnt return to performing until the spring.

And last month we learned that Springsteens wife (and member of the E Street Band), Patti Scialfa, has been living for years with multiple myeloma since her 2018 diagnosis.

Patti Scialfa and Bruce Springsteen perform at the Stand Up for Heroes event in New York in 2018. Scialfa has dialed back her appearances as she manages a blood cancer diagnosis.

Scialfa, 71, spoke about her condition in the new documentary Road Diary: Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band, which debuted in September at the Toronto Film Festival. In the film, Scialfa explained why she has had to step back from performing.

This affects my immune system, so I have to be careful what I choose to do and where I choose to go, she said in the film. Every once in a while, I come to a show or two and I can sing a few songs on stage, and thats been a treat. Thats the new normal for me right now, and Im OK with that.

What to know about multiple myeloma

Multiple myeloma is a relatively rare blood cancer that affects plasma cells, which are white blood cells and part of your immune system.

Plasma cells (also known as B-cells) make antibodies. These antibodies, called immunoglobulins, help fight infection.

Multiple myeloma happens when healthy cells turn into abnormal cells that multiply and produce abnormal antibodies called M proteins. This change starts a cascade of medical issues and conditions that can affect your bones, your kidneys and your bodys ability to make healthy white and red blood cells and platelets.

Around 30,000 people are diagnosed annually in the U.S. with the disease, and it typically affects men more often than women.

Dr. Chakra Chaulagain is the director of the multiple myeloma program at Cleveland Clinic Weston.

According to Dr. Chakra Chaulagain, director of the multiple myeloma program at Cleveland Clinic Weston, Multiple myeloma patients usually present with bone pain or back pain and blood counts may show anemia. In addition, blood chemistry evaluation may show high calcium levels and abnormal kidney function. Bone damage and kidney damage are frequently seen in patients with multiple myeloma. So X-rays, MRIs and PET scans are frequently included in the diagnostic process to evaluate for evidence of bone damage.

He also notes that immunodeficiency is associated with the disease, which makes patients susceptible to various infections, including pneumonia.

Treatments for the disease

When diagnosed early enough in an otherwise healthy person, multiple myeloma can often be treated as a chronic condition via medication.

One high-profile example is 84-year-old former NBC news anchor Tom Brokaw  who was diagnosed at age 73 in 2013.

Former NBC News anchor Tom Brokaw was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in 2013 and effects of the disease led to his retirement from the network in 2021.

My doctors didnt think Id make it to 83, he told CBS Sunday Morning last year while promoting his book "Never Give Up: A Prairie Family's Story.

Scialfa didnt disclose what treatment(s) shes been undergoing; but some options, says Chaulagain, include the following:

Pain medications: People often have significant bone pain, so pain relief is vital.

Antibiotics: A weakened immune system can lead to more infections so doctors often have to prescribe antibiotics to clear up these infections.

Steroids: High doses of steroids can both kill cancer cells and help reduce inflammation.

Chemotherapy: When warranted, oncologists prescribe chemotherapy to reduce the number of abnormal plasma cells.

Immunotherapy: This form of treatment stimulates your immune system so that it develops more cancer-fighting cells.

Radiation therapy: This treatment kills cancer cells and reduces bone tumors.

Another effective treatment option is autologous stem cell transplantation.

Autologous stem cell transplantation is often an option for patients who are younger than 75 years old and fit, meaning they dont have significant heart or kidney conditions, says Chaulagain. Patients who undergo autologous stem cell transplantation in addition to initial chemoimmunotherapy and subsequent post-transplant maintenance therapy have improved survival compared to patients who do not undergo autologous stem cell transplantation. This is one of the strategies to restore immune function compromised by multiple myeloma.

In addition, two new chemoimmunotherapy drugs  daratumumab and isatuximab  that specifically target multiple myeloma were approved by the FDA in 2021, giving doctors and patients another efficacious weapon in their battle again the disease.

Chaulagain cant speak highly enough about what these drugs have meant for his patients.

These medications have revolutionized the way we treat multiple myeloma today for patients of all ages, said Chaulagain. Thats because they cause minimal side effects and theyre extremely effective. With these treatments being so tolerable, they have little or no impact on a patients quality of life.

This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Understanding the blood cancer disease Patti Scialfa is living with
As it looks to bolster its executive search business, Creative Artists Agency has acquired a boutique firm that has specialized in helping clients recruit C-suite candidates in human resources and diversity, equity and inclusion roles.

The major talent agency said Tuesday it bought the Chicago-based firm Hanold Associates, led by co-founders Neela Seenandan and Jason Hanold, and will bring over its 20 employees into its executive search division. CAA launched the unit, co-founded by Joe Becher and Asher Simons, in 2017 to develop ancillary revenue beyond its large market share in talent representation.

More from The Hollywood Reporter

The addition of Hanold Associates, and its unique expertise, will amplify our efforts in this important service area and we are excited to see what these two teams can accomplish together, said Paul Danforth, CAAs managing director and president of CAA Sports. This transaction marks the first acquisition for CAAs executive search division since it was established.

Founded in 2010, Hanold Associates counts among its blue-chip clients the NFL, the MLB, The New York Times, Google, Paramount Global and A+E Networks, and works to recruit candidates for boards of directors. Its partners are also based in Boston, New York, Salt Lake City, Detroit, and Phoenix.

The recruitment of effective Human Resources leadership is vital to the growth and success of any organization, and Neela, Jason, and the team at Hanold Associates are without peer in this space, stated Becher. Hanolds culture and approach to client service is complementary to ours, and we are thrilled to join forces to bring these world class resources to our clients globally.

The executive search space has been of increasing interest to the major Hollywood agencies. Last year, United Talent Agency acquired New York-based James and Co. to build out a new UTA division focused on the sector.

This partnership allows us to serve our existing and new clients more broadly, bringing the full reach, connectivity, and relationships of CAA into our client service offerings, added Hanold, who will hold the title of president, CAA Executive Search.

Seenandan, whose title at the agency will be president, CAA Leadership Advisory, added, Our team will bring consultative excellence and deep technical knowledge to an already strong CAA team. Working closely with Joe and Asher, we will continue to build on their world class reputation across the whole of CAAs client portfolio.

Story continues

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Brunswick Executive Airport. (Photo by Emma Davis/ Maine Morning Star)

The Brunswick Town Council requested that by the end of September the agency that manages Brunswick Executive Airport shut off its fire suppression system that uses foam laden with forever chemicals, after the system accidentally went off in late August and released more than 1,000 gallons of the toxic material.

But the agency, the Midcoast Regional Redevelopment Authority (MRRA), failed to meet that deadline.

The fact that MRRA continues to dodge and deflect underscores the need for major reform, Brunswicks state legislators  Sen. Mattie Daughtry and Rep. Dan Ankeles, both Democrats  wrote in a joint statement shared Tuesday morning. Not only have they refused to address our calls for accountability at the top, but they appear unable to manage the health and financial risk posed by this outdated and expensive system.

That deadline was among other requests the town council passed in a resolution in early September. While not binding, the resolution also called for MRRA and the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to provide the town with a detailed inventory of remaining toxic firefighting foam stored in Brunswick Landing, the community in and around the airport. It also urged improved information sharing with residents and businesses in Brunswick Landing and more information about MRRAs environmental strategies for the area.

Executive director of MRRA Kristine Logan told Maine Morning Star Tuesday that the agency is working to find a permanent solution for replacing the forever chemical-laden foam system at the airport.

There was a request for us to be able to turn the foam off by Sept. 30. If there was a viable way to do that, we would certainly want to do that, Logan said. But there are legalities associated with turning off the foam, and we are discussing those with our legal counsel.

Logan said MRRA will share details about the steps the agency has taken to find alternatives during an emergency meeting of its board at 6 p.m. Tuesday night at the town office. The board will not be allowing public comment during this meeting, which the Brunswick legislators also criticized.

MRRA is once again showing little regard for the pleas and the anger from the people of Brunswick and other impacted communities, the legislators wrote. Its hostility to hearing about the experiences of community members and absorbing hard truths is telling, but also consistent with a long pattern of opacity and insularity.

While public comment is invited at the boards regular meetings, Logan said Tuesdays emergency discussion is intended to be focused on the board working on a solution.

This is really a workshop for our board to work through the requests that the town has made, as well as sharing our next steps on where we are on finding a permanent solution, Logan said. We heard peoples concerns, and were taking those to heart, and were using them to guide our next steps. So, we really just want to be focused on the solution and whats right in front of us right now.

On Aug. 19, the fire suppression system in hangar four at the airport went off, discharging foam containing perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances, also known as PFAS, which have been linked to serious long-term health problems including cancer, weakened immune systems, developmental issues, and more. The spill was at least the third since MRRA took over the airport.

This type of foam, Aqueous Film Forming Foam, also referred to as AFFF, is highly effective against high-hazard flammable liquid fires because of PFAS, but these persistent chemicals also make it highly toxic. As a result, states have started to ban or restrict the use of this fire suppressant  Maine did the latter in 2021.

According to a 2022 Maine DEP report, 48,000 gallons of AFFF could still be in fire departments, not counting additional gallons on current and former military bases like the Brunswick Airport.

In late September, MRRA released reports on the status of the fire suppression systems in two other hangars at the airport, noting several deficiencies with hangers five and six. The agency also said it was deciding how to transition from the AFFF to a water-based fire suppression system, which would align with the Department of Defenses mandate to phase out PFAS-containing foams by 2024.

As it stands, the cost estimate for removing the foam systems from all three hangars is approximately $8 million, and we are actively seeking detailed quotes to inform decisions going forward, the statement read.

On Tuesday, the Brunswick legislators Ankeles and Daughrty wrote, an $8 million ticking time bomb is too big of a liability to leave there without immediate state intervention.

The legislators are also floating the idea of replacing MRRA altogether.

Replacing the authority with something truly accountable to the community should be considered if this pattern of deflection and denial cant be replaced with real collaboration, they wrote.

Both Ankeles and Daughtry have already kickstarted reform plans ahead of the next legislative session, which will begin in January. Ankeles bills will specifically target removing and better regulating the firefighting foam, while Daughtrys proposals will focus on the governance of Brunswick Landing.

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First Alert Neighborhood Weather Network. Scan below &/or click * here *:

Talking the Tropics With Mike is updated every day during the hurricane season (through Nov. 30th) * here *

Helene is going down as the storm from hell for multiple reasons:

* the hurricane was difficult to pin down a week in advance though the forecast quickly came into view over the next few days with a clear indication by Sunday (4 days beforehand) that a hurricane would be over the Gulf of Mexico & likely headed for Central & Eastern Gulf or Florida

* the Big Bend landfall is the third landfall for roughly the same area in 13 months (Idalia, Debby & Helene)

* the fast moving Cat. 4 hurricane reached its peak upon approach to landfall

* the fast, intense hurricane caused considerable damage well inland.

* Helene dumped very heavy rain in a short period of time while slowing down over - in particular - Northern Ga., the Southern Appalachians including the Western Carolinas, Western Virginia & the eastern half of Tennessee.

The image below is from early in the week as Helene was just taking shape. Very warm ocean water to a great depth extends from the Caribbean then north in a nose up the Eastern Gulf. Shear increased with northern extent but was likely less hostile for Helene because the hurricane was moving in the same direction as the shear vectors & was also likely offset by good upper level ventilation due to the proximity of a trough to the immediate north (which was pulling Helene N/NE):

Below is the 500mb GFS forecast for Thu., 09/26 - day of landfall. The interaction with the trough to the north & northwest was key in Helenes northward movement then stall over the Tennessee Valley once captured by what became a cut-off upper low.

First & foremost, I should emphasize Jacksonville did not get hit by a hurricane (like Matthew, Irma, Ian & Nicole - close calls but not an eye of a hurricane crossing over Duval Co.

Ill begin with the forecast. I raised a red flag about Gulf development Sept. 17th - a week before Helene was upgraded in Talking the Tropics With Mike. At 9am Sun., Sept. 22 I sent the following email to our newsroom managers & First Alert meteorologists:

The tropics will be the story for at least the next 5 days. Check & re-check the First Alert Forecast.

The timeline has bumped up (earlier) a bit - by roughly 24 hours vs. this past Fri. with a possible landfall in Fl. or along the Central & Eastern Gulf Coast Thu.

*At this time* it would appear relatively minor impacts for Jax... more for Waycross/Lake City but subject to change, of course.

I received at least one comment on social media saying I was teasing folks to come back & watch to get more info. when I posted the graphic below one week before landfall on Thu., Sept. 19th. While confidence was high that a tropical cyclone was going to develop, I was not yet confident on intensity & especially location. Until I felt reasonably confident about impacts, I stuck to what I thought was most responsible - a heads-up, always be prepared approach.

Over the weekend, confidence increased a good deal on especially a potentially powerful system. On Mon., Sept. 23 the First Alert Weather team socialed & put on t.v. this graphic:

As for the models... early on - the week before - the GFS American model was pretty good at insisting on tropical development but was quite varied on intensity & location... the European model was way west & much weaker showing a system over the far Western Gulf... the Canadian model was generally in-between. The First Alert weather team has exclusive access to Climavision HorizonAI global model which uses its own data & analysis for initialization of each model run + some AI input. The Horizon model had great consistency on insisting on tropical development while varying on location & intensity before becoming insistent on & converging on a Florida then Big Bend landfall. The first map below is from Wed., Sep. 18th valid early Thu., Sept. 26th which ended up being landfall day. Cleary to weak, too slow & too far west. The second map is 2 days later & the Horizon is stronger but still much too slow, too far west valid for early Fri., the 27th. The third map was 24 hours later valid at 2pm Thu., the 26th - stronger, farther east & faster. The fourth map was 2 days later from very early Tue., Sept. 24th or nearly 72 hours before landfall valid at 8pm Thu., Sept. 26th showing a hurricane just inland of the Big Bend - pretty close to reality but a bit fast. The Horizon did a pretty good job after landfall showing more - though still not quite enough - northeast movement into Ga. before the turn more north which was critical for the high wind forecast from Lake City to Waycross, Blackshear & Folkston, Ga.

The two images (graphs) below are from the University of Albany & show model forecasts & the avg. error in wind speeds (knots) vs. location (kilometers). The National Hurricane Center (OFCL) forecast on intensity was quite good & generally outperformed the models through 72 hours (3 days in advance). The location proved more difficult for NHC (OFCL) but was still very good though generally a bit too far west vs. actual landfall. The European model was good on location up to 4 days out but recall the model was way too far west & weak at 5 days & beyond.

Models & forecasters did a good job of capturing Helenes potential for rapid intensification (RI) though it took a little longer to be realized. As I posted in the Talking the Tropics With Mike early in the week:

Its also interesting to note the rapid strengthening of hurricane John over the far East Pacific that moved inland on the west (Pacific side) coast of Mexico Mon. night/early Tue. There may be some symmetry with the Gulf system as upward vertical velocities that aided John spread eastward to the Atlantic Basin.

Helenes primary (the most rapid) RI occurred from midday Thu. through Thu. evening which intensification was more steady from Monday through Wed.:

Early Tue. morning - more than 2 1/2 days prior to landfall - I wrote the following in Talking the Tropics With Mike:

Tropics threats for Jacksonville/NE Florida/SE Georgia: None through Tue. into Wed. Given *current forecasts*, heavy rain, isolated tornadoes/waterspouts, gusty winds & rip currents at area beaches will be a growing threat for NE Fl./SE Ga. Wed. night through Thu. into early Fri. due to landfalling Helene a couple hundred miles west of Jacksonville. How significant these impacts are will depend on the exact track & strength of Helene. Right now - the I-75 corridor will have the highest winds in N. Central Florida.

All areas from Mississippi to Florida need to stay up to date on the latest forecasts for mid to late parts of the upcoming week. Those in the Fl. Panhandle & west coast of Florida should be well underway with hurricane preps. The peak time for impacts will be Thu.-Thu. night for Florida... Friday for Georgia & parts of the Carolinas... even as far north as Tennessee.

I expected - & indeed started to receive feedback - that the skinny cone is far from Jacksonville so there wont be any impacts. We made a concerted effort on air, online & in social media to show graphics similar to below indicating the width of the wind field vs. the cone. It was a large wing span!

Our (First Alert Weather team) wind forecast was pretty decent. And while I expected more trees to fall than might typically occur with such wind speeds because of all the September rain in the previous weeks, the magnitude of power outages for Duval Co. was surprisingly high to me - 113,000 Duval customers were without power early Fri. morning, 09/27. For context 280,000 customers were without power after Irma in 2017 & 250,000 customers were in the dark after Matthew in 2016. But JEA was quick to restore power with all but 1% of customers with full electricity by Sunday morning just about 48 hours after the highest winds. Full restoration took more than a week following both Matthew & Irma.

The First Alert wind forecast below vs. reality (2nd image):

The map below was a new one employed by the First Alert Weather Center & was the brain child of Trevor Gibbs dividing the area into impacts manageable vs. high vs. extreme + the river flooding on the St. Johns River. I was most concerned about high tide Thu. evening when strong south winds would be roaring north to the east of Helenes center sending water up & over the Northbank into parts of downtown Jacksonville, especially Riverside. I did not forecast levels to be as high as during Matthew & especially Irma (more similar to Nicole in Nov., 2022) - the moderate level of a little over 2 feet Thu. evening which proved to be very accurate & no river water reached into homes (record is an estimated 6 feet in 1846... Irmas flood stage was 4.41 feet.

I bracketed 9pm Thu. to 3am Fri. as the most severe wind impacts for NE Fl/SE Ga. with strong winds continuing through at least sunrise:

#HurricaneHelene goes Cat. 4 - rapid intensification cycle -Big Bend landfall just hours away (~10pm-midnight +/`) @actionnewsjax @wokvnews - strongest Jax/NE Fl./SE Ga. impacts 9pm Thu.-3am Fri. though strong winds continue into Fri. morning #FirstAlertWx pic.twitter.com/AJZJ4IH1NI  Mike Buresh (@MikeFirstAlert) September 26, 2024

The eyewall of Helene became very electrical - full of lightning - during the rapid intensification cycle in the afternoon & evening:

An interesting metamorphosis of Helenes eye occurred upon approach to the Big Bend not long before landfall. The eye became squished & more horizontal vs. the clear doughnut that became established over the Eastern Gulf during the RI phase & that is common with mature, intense hurricanes. It looks like this change in the structure of the eye was caused by friction of land interaction with the upside down U shape of the Big Bend. The large counterclockwise circulation of Helene meant the eastern & northern quadrants were feeling of the effects of land interaction - particularly the eastern half of the circulation - well before the eye was making contact with land. This is one of the reasons the Big Bend of Florida has always been *somewhat* protected by intense hurricanes. Its not easy for a hurricane to make a direct hit on the Big Bend without weakening first. Helene was a different beast & made landfall at its peak. The Big Bend topography tried to naturally protect like it has for so many years but Helene was not be deterred. Hence, the most powerful hurricane to ever make landfall in the Big Bend.

#Helene was the fourth hurricane landfall in the United States this year. Widespread impact well inland and away from the storm center. @actionnewsjax #firstalertwx Extended radar loop: pic.twitter.com/M5s26iGKwl  Trevor Gibbs (@TrevorsWeather) September 28, 2024

From tropical disturbance to a devastating Category 4 hurricane in two and a half days.



Hurricane Helene's incredible evolution from the Caribbean Sea to Florida coastline. pic.twitter.com/GMn8BLQmr4  CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) September 27, 2024

Our rainfall forecast for Jacksonville/NE Fl./SE Ga. was relatively insignificant considering a tropical cyclone, but the forecast landfall point + especially the fast movement implied lower amounts which indeed were realized. For many areas east of Highway 301 to the coast, amounts were less than an inch. Much heavier rain fell from the Panhandle & Fl. west coast northward through Ga, the Carolinas, Virginia, Kentucky & Tennessee:

Before & after satellite view not from Perry, Fl. near landfall:

 Before and After of Gulfview Road in Perry, Florida. Storm surge swept homes away. #Helene #FLwx 1/ pic.twitter.com/jDbwtwpdKN  Chris Gloninger, CCM, CBM (@ChrisGloninger) September 28, 2024

Much of N. Central Fl. & inland Ga. suffered much longer lasting effects due to the magnitude of winds. In Waycross, Ga. there were long lines at gas stations:

Power outages across several states in the southeast US outline the path Hurricane Helene took as it traversed inland. pic.twitter.com/WRZjOJtALl  CIRA (@CIRA_CSU) September 30, 2024

Florida landfalling Cat. 3+ hurricanes since 2014:

So our wet season - by definition - June through September has come to an end. After a very sluggish start & unseasonably dry June, July/Aug. & especially Sept. more than made up for it. Sept. was the 16th wettest on record for Jacksonville but at about 13.5 was far behind a number of spots near/east of I-95 that measured as much as 18-25 for the month! The 41.19 officially at JIA is still more than a foot above the avg. wet season. Other notable years (the only wetter years than 24 this century) were 04 (Bonnie, Frances, Jeanne impacted the local area) & 17 (Irma in Sept.).

The combination of July/August & September was the wettest on record in Jacksonville & each month with more than 10 of rain is a first for any 3 month period in Jacksonville.

For the year... if JIA had no more rain at all the rest of the year, Jacksonville would still end up 5 above avg.(!).

So the Jacksonville (JIA) averages for October:
Burnet man sentenced to life in prison

BURNET COUNTY, Texas (KXAN)  A man was sentenced on Sept. 18 in connection to aggravated sexual assault of a child in Burnet County.

According to Burnet County court documents, 41-year-old Jackey Martin was convicted by a jury for aggravated sexual assault of an eight-year-old child and sentenced to serve life in prison.

Documents said he pleaded not guilty related to the charge on Sept. 18.

Toward his sentence, Martin received a jail credit of 559 days.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
CANTON, S.D. (KELO)  Downsizing or moving into a retirement home can be a stressful task for seniors. But a new franchise in Sioux Falls is ready to help.

Janet Kramer has been in her new home for a week now, but downsizing from her old acreage house wasnt an easy task.

Bramble Park Zoo to work toward re-accreditation

There was so much to be moved, there was so many places to empty and so many things to do it was unbelievable, Kramer said.

She didnt have to do it alone, though, thanks to a franchise her daughter recently brought to the Sioux Falls area.

Caring Transitions is kind of the bookends of a moving project, especially focusing on seniors, where we will do all the work prior to moving  the packing, we will do the downsizing, the sorting and organizing and helping list things for sale, Kristin Goodroad, owner of Caring Transitions of Sioux Falls SW, said.

They also help with the unpacking process in the new home.

Well do the putting away, hanging the pictures up, putting their clothes in the closet, just so everything is done for them, Goodroad said. We call it day one living. So they basically can wake up in their new home and it just is done. They dont have to lift a finger if they dont want to.

Kramer says the help was a blessing after losing her husband earlier this year and then suffering from a fall.

Its worth every bit of it, Kramer said. It really is because all of a sudden youre so overwhelmed and so stressed and so much to do. You know, you just got to, you just have to have help.

There are other services Caring Transitions will help with as well, including de-cluttering for seniors wanting to age in place. And if you want to help the organization out, they are looking for employees. To learn more about the organization, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
BUTLER COUNTY, Ohio (WDTN)  Multiple charges were considered on Tuesday against a four-legged furry animal.

On Oct. 1 at 12:30 p.m., Butler County Sheriff Richard Jones witnessed a dog under a dumpster in the parking lot of the Sheriffs Office Headquarters. Jones claims the dog had escaped, was trying to hide from authorities and waiting for a ride.

The Butler County Dog Warden arrived when Jones called for assistance. The dog was reportedly taken into custody without incident.

You never know what youll come across in this line of work, said Jones. Not sure if I should

give him a pardon, a warden burger or make him do seven (7) dog years in jail. I may leave it up to the public.

The dog was initially facing one charge each of impersonating a police K-9, theft and vandalism. According to Jones, the attempted to locate doggie doughnuts, believed the Sheriffs hat was a chew toy and stole the Sheriffs cigars in an attempt to trade them for commissary cakes.

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Among the jewelry stolen in the heist were eight rings, 19 bracelets and 20 watches, per the plea agreement obtained by PEOPLE

Richard Vogel/AP Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills in Los Angeles was boarded up on March 23, 2022, in the hours following the jewelry heist.

A California man has admitted to taking part in a lucrative smash-and-grab jewelry heist in Beverly Hills, which authorities say he later bragged about on Instagram.

Ladell Tharpe pleaded guilty to one count of interference with commerce by robbery in the Central District of Californias U.S. District Court on Monday, Sept. 30, according to his online federal court docket.

The 39-year-old said in his signed plea agreement, obtained by PEOPLE, that he led a group of co-conspirators in a fleet of vehicles to Luxury Jewels of Beverly Hills, where they used heavy tools to smash open the display case and steal $2,674,600 of jewelry in broad daylight on March 23, 2022.

United States Attorney of the Central District of California Two days after the heist, Ladell Tharpe allegedly posted to Instagram a group of men partying with cash.

Among the items he admitted to stealing  in front of employees and customers  were at least 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches," according to the plea agreement.

Tharpe admitted to conducting surveillance and acting as a lookout, per the 17-page agreement.

After fleeing, Tharpe posted a series of pictures on Instagram, in which prosecutors alleged in his criminal complaint obtained by PEOPLE that he flouts his robbery profits with numerous photos corroborating his involvement in the robbery, per the complaint.

In one photo, Tharpe was allegedly pictured with a group of men all holding large stacks of cash, per the complaint. In another Tharpe allegedly posted a photograph of a man holding an extremely large stack of rubber banded cash captioned per the complaint #MOOD, and a third depicted reams of bills and was captioned BENZES & TRACKHAWKS, in a likely reference to luxury vehicles.

United States Attorney of the Central District of California On March 25, 2022, Ladell Tharpe allegedly bragged on Instagram about his "Robbery Gang."

Investigators later tracked the phones of Tharpe, as well as Jimmy Lee Vernon III and Deshon James Bell  who have both pleaded guilty to one count of Hobbs Act robbery  toward the crime scene.



On the day of the burglary, surveillance footage caught five people get out of the vehicles  all dressed in sweatpants and sweatshirts with hoods up and all holding various tools, including crowbars, per the complaint.

Vernons phone then dropped from his sweatpants pocket as the men allegedly smashed through the display case, per the cited footage. (Seven days later, Vernon allegedly contacted his probation officer to change his contact number.)

Long Beach police also contacted Beverly Hills police, noting that the modus operandi of the robbery matched several smash and grabs in Long Beach in recent weeks, per the complaint. Long Beach police suggested that Tharpe might be involved.

Tharpe  who faces as much as 20 years in federal prison  is slated for sentencing under Judge George H Wu on January 6, 2025 at 8:00 a.m. His lawyer, Patrick William McLaughlin, did not respond to PEOPLE's request for comment.

Bell was sentenced in February to one year and one day behind bars and ordered to pay back the more than $2 million in restitution, per prosecutors. Vernon is slated for sentencing Dec. 5.



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SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  Private, nonprofit colleges in California will be banned from giving preference in the admissions process to applicants related to alumni or donors of the school under a new law signed this week by Gov. Gavin Newsom.

The goal of the measure passed this year by legislators is to give students a fair opportunity to access higher education, regardless of their socioeconomic status.

In California, everyone should be able to get ahead through merit, skill, and hard work, Newsom said in a statement after signing the bill Monday. The California Dream shouldnt be accessible to just a lucky few, which is why were opening the door to higher education wide enough for everyone, fairly.

The law taking effect in Sept. 2025 affects private institutions that consider family connections in admissions, including the University of Southern California, Stanford University, Claremont McKenna College and Santa Clara University.

The public University of California system eliminated legacy preferences in 1998.

Legacy admissions came under renewed scrutiny after the U.S. Supreme Court last year struck down affirmative action in college admissions.

Democratic Assemblymember Phil Ting, who authored the California bill, said it levels the playing field for students applying to college.

Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class  not the size of the check your family can write or who youre related to, Ting said in a statement Monday.
Gov. Gavin Newsom has taken aim at Huntington Beach with a new law that prevents the governing body overseeing elections in California from requiring voter identification at the polls.

In March, voters in the beachside city approved a measure requiring residents to show valid identification when casting a ballot. The measure, which impacts city elections, is expected to go into effect in 2026.

In April, California Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber filed a lawsuit against Huntington Beach, claiming the voter-approved measure unlawfully conflicts with and is preempted by state law.

Huntington Beach sues California over gender identity notification law

State election law already contains robust voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud while ensuring that every eligible voter can cast their ballot without hardship. Imposing unnecessary obstacles to voter participation disproportionately burdens low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities. Bonta previously said in a statement.

The new law, SB 1174, was introduced by state Sen. Dave Min (D-Irvine).

We cannot have 100 different charter cities making up 100 different sets of voting rules based on fringe conspiracy theories, Min told the Los Angeles Times.

Huntington Beach City Atty. Michael Gates has argued that the citys charter city status allows it to regulate local elections as it sees fit, the Times reported. However, the new law states that it will apply to all cities, including charter cities.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
FILE - A sign at a Sinclair gas station is seen next to an Arco gas station advertising gasoline prices, June 10, 2024, in Long Beach, Calif. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun, File)

SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP)  The California state Assembly approved a bill Tuesday backed by Gov. Gavin Newsom aimed at preventing gas prices from spiking, particularly in late summer months when demand for gas goes up.

The legislation would authorize state energy regulators to set requirements for companies to maintain a certain level of fuel on hand  using existing storage to avoid gas prices from increasing suddenly when refineries go offline for maintenance. The state would have to determine first that the benefits of any minimum inventory rules outweigh the potential cost to consumers under the bill.

This bill incentivizes fuel refineries to plan proactively, saving Californians  consumers  billions at the pump while maintaining profits, said Assemblymember Gregg Hart, a Democrat representing Santa Barbara who authored the bill. Lets take action now to provide relief to Californians who need gasoline in their cars to get to work, drive their children to school, vote and visit loved ones."

The Assembly also advanced a bill requiring state energy officials to release a report to lawmakers by July 1, 2025, on proposals to increase gas supply. The bills still need the state Senate's approval before reaching the governor's desk.

Proponents of the bill say it would save Californians billions of dollars at the pump. But opponents say it could unintentionally raise overall gas prices and threaten the safety of workers by giving the state more oversight over refinery maintenance schedules. They argued delaying necessary maintenance could lead to accidents.

Without a deep understanding of the complexities of refinery operations, policymakers are gambling with consumers wallets, Catherine Reheis-Boyd, CEO of the Western States Petroleum Association, said in a statement.

Newsom's proposal escalated an ongoing battle against the oil industry over its emissions and profits. His administration says oil industry profits increase during gas price spikes. Newsom unveiled the legislation in August, during the last week of the regular legislative session.

Democratic leaders in the state Senate wanted to pass the bill before their legislative deadline, but Democrats in the Assembly wanted more time to consider it. Newsom then called the Legislature into a special session to try to pass the proposal.

Senate President Pro Tempore Mike McGuire said at the time the Senate would not convene for the special session, but his office said Tuesday night that the chamber will vote on the bill next week.

The Senate intends to work quickly and efficiently so that we can get Californians the relief they deserve at the pump, McGuire said in a statement. We appreciate the Assemblys work on this issue, and well be kicking off our legislative process on October 7.

Its not the first time Newsom has tried to apply pressure on the Legislature to pass oil and gas regulations. He called a special session in 2022 in an effort to pass a tax on oil company profits. The governor then said he wanted a penalty, not a tax. The law he ended up signing months later gave state regulators the power to penalize oil companies for making too much money.

Newsom said Tuesday his proposal to prevent gas price spikes could help keep families from having to choose between fueling up or putting food on the table.

Californians pay the highest rates at the pump due to taxes and environmental regulations. The average price for regular unleaded gas in the state is about $4.68 per gallon as of Tuesday, compared to the national average of $3.20, according to AAA.

Gas prices increase more in California than in the rest of the country, according to the California Energy Commission. That is in part because only four refiners supply about 90% of the states gas, meaning one refiners decision to go offline for maintenance has a greater impact on the market, said Tai Milder, director of the commissions Division of Petroleum Market Oversight.

California's consumers are rightfully sick and tired of paying inflated prices during price spikes, Milder said at a hearing last week. These price spikes are not normal.

Republican lawmakers opposed Newsom's minimum inventory proposal, saying there wasnt enough evidence that the measure would help California lower gas prices. Assembly Republican Leader James Gallagher introduced a proposal to exempt transportation fuels from the state's cap and trade program in an effort to lower gas prices, but it was blocked last week by an Assembly committee that vetted the special session bills.

The measure to avoid spikes in gas prices doesn't actually address the current rates at the pump, they said.

Isnt it strange that we have this big special session, we all come back, and theres not one bill that were considering that actually lowers the price of gas? Gallagher asked Tuesday. What are we doing here?

___

Associated Press reporter Tran Nguyen contributed.

___

Austin is a corps member for The Associated Press/Report for America Statehouse News Initiative. Report for America is a nonprofit national service program that places journalists in local newsrooms to report on undercovered issues. Follow Austin on X: @sophieadanna
California man arrested, says sorry for pulling ghost gun on wrong person

A 36-year-old man in San Bernardino County who allegedly apologized after pulling a firearm on a person he believed was someone else was arrested and found to be in possession of a 9mm ghost gun, a switchblade knife, a stun gun, pepper spray and methamphetamine, authorities announced Monday.

The case of mistaken identity occurred on Sept. 28, according to a news release from the San Bernardino County Sheriffs Department.

Just before 6:30 a.m., deputies responded to reports of a suspect brandishing a weapon in the 18000 block of Valley Boulevard in Bloomington.

At the scene, authorities contacted the victim who said the suspect, later identified as Fontana resident Edgar Adrian Arriagamendiola, pulled the un-serialized semi-automatic handgun on the man and then followed him when he attempted to leave the area in his vehicle.

Edgar Adrian Arriagamendiola, 36, seen in this undated photo. (SBSD)

The vehicle deputies say the suspect was driving during the Sept. 28 incident. (SBSD)

The 36-year-old reportedly trailed the victim in his red four-door 2013 Dodge 200, drove aggressively and very nearly crashed into the victim multiple times while pointing the handgun at him and demanding that he pull over.

Arriagamendiola pulled his vehicle in front of the victim and forced the victim to stop, authorities said. Arriagamendiola approached the victim and apologized, saying he thought the victim was someone else.

The 36-year-old then drove away.

After the initial investigation and Arriagamendiolas identification, a warrant was issued for his arrest.

Man, 51, accused in deadly hijacking of L.A. Metro bus charged with murder

A day later, on Sept. 29, at around 5 p.m., the 36-year-old was spotted driving in his vehicle in Fontana. Authorities conducted a felony traffic stop and arrested Arriagamendiola without incident.

He was booked for:

 Possession of methamphetamine while armed with a gun

 Felon possessing a firearm

 Felon in possession of an undetectable firearm (ghost gun)

 Carrying a concealed firearm

 Carrying a loaded firearm in public

 Felon in possession of a stun gun

 Felon in possession of pepper spray

 Possession of a switchblade

Anyone with information regarding this investigation or who has been a victim of Arriagamendiola is urged to contact SBSDs Fontana Station 909-356-6767. Those wishing to remain anonymous can call the WeTip Hotline at 800-782-7463 or leave tips online at www.wetip.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTLA.
Calibre Mining Corp.

VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Oct. 01, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Calibre Mining Corp. (TSX: CXB; OTCQX: CXBMF) (the "Company" or "Calibre") is pleased to announce the appointment of Mr. David Schummer as Senior Vice President (SVP) & Chief Operating Officer (COO) effective October 1, 2024, and Stephen McCaughey as Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua.

Darren Hall, President and Chief Executive Officer of Calibre, stated: I am very pleased to welcome David Schummer as SVP & Chief Operating Officer, and Stephen McCaughey as Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua as we continue to strengthen the team while transitioning from a junior gold producer to an Americas focused, multi-asset mid-tier gold producer.

Dave is a proven leader of large-scale mining companies with a focus on safety, optimizing asset performance, cost reduction and sustainability. Having worked with Dave at Newmont, and seeing his capabilities firsthand, coupled with his Canadian, USA and Latin American open pit and underground experience, I am confident that Dave is the right choice to lead our operations and optimize and grow production with a goal of creating significant value for shareholders.

Stephens extensive technical background along with Latin American experience will be invaluable in optimizing our operations in Nicaragua.

I look forward to the contributions of both David and Stephen in their new roles.

David Schummer - Senior Vice President & Chief Operating Officer

Mr. Schummer has over 35 years of mining industry experience working in the U.S., Canada, Peru, Indonesia, West Africa and the Middle East. David is a proven executive leader of large-scale mining companies focused on building a strong health and safety culture and driving value creation through mining efficiencies. David has seen significantly increasing levels of responsibility throughout his career. Prior to joining Calibre as COO, David was the COO for Perseus Mining, and prior to that he was the President of Maaden Gold & Base Metals (MGBM) and was the Chairman of the Board for both MGBM and Maaden Barrick Copper Company (MBCC). David previously held the role of EVP & COO at New Gold Mining and spent 22 years at Newmont Mining Corporation. While at Newmont, David progressively moved into more senior roles, ultimately becoming the Senior Vice President, Africa. Prior to his time in Africa, David was Newmonts Vice President of North American Operations where he led a group of eight operating mines, including both open pit and underground operations which collectively produced approximately two million ounces of gold annually.

Stephen McCaughey  Vice President Technical Services, Nicaragua

Mr. McCaughey is a qualified geologist with a First-Class Honours Degree in Geology from Monash University, and an MBA from the Melbourne Business School. Stephen is a registered Member of the Australian Institute of Geoscientists and has over 30 years of experience in the mining industry including 14 years with BHP. He relocated permanently to Latin America 14 years ago and has been working exclusively in the region since then, with a particular emphasis on Mexico, Central and South America. Stephen has held numerous positions of increasing responsibility throughout his career including Development & Exploration Manager Peru (Tintaya) for BHP-Billiton, Exploration Manager, Managing Director of ASX listed Callabonna Resources, Technical & Operations Director Loyal King International and Vice President Technical Services  Compania Minera Cerro Negro, Peru. Stephens most recent role prior to joining Calibre was Regional Manager Technical Services for Endeavour Silver Corporation based in Mexico where he played a key role in the operational turn-around from 2020 onwards.

About Calibre

Calibre is a Canadian-listed, Americas focused, growing mid-tier gold producer with a strong pipeline of development and exploration opportunities across Newfoundland & Labrador in Canada, Nevada and Washington in the USA, and Nicaragua. Calibre is focused on delivering sustainable value for shareholders, local communities and all stakeholders through responsible operations and a disciplined approach to growth. With a strong balance sheet, a proven management team, strong operating cash flow, accretive development projects and district-scale exploration opportunities Calibre will unlock significant value.

ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD

Darren Hall

Darren Hall, President & Chief Executive Officer

For further information, please contact:

Ryan King

SVP Corporate Development & IR

T: 604.628.1012

E: calibre@calibremining.com

W: www.calibremining.com

Calibres head office is located at Suite 1560, 200 Burrard St., Vancouver, British Columbia, V6C 3L6.

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The Toronto Stock Exchange has neither reviewed nor accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release.




SCOTLAND COUNTY, N.C. (WBTW)  A man is facing multiple charges after a Scotland County traffic stop yielded 155 pounds of marijuana, the sheriffs office said.

Yongis Wang, 49, of El Monte, California, was charged with trafficking in marijuana, maintaining vehicle/dwelling place for a controlled substance and conspiracy to sell marijuana. He was booked into the Scotland County Detention Center on Monday on a $500,000 bond.

A North Carolina state trooper pulled over Wangs vehicle for speeding on Highway 74 Business at Highway 79, according to the sheriffs office. A Scotland County deputy stopped to help and had a K9 assist with the search of his vehicle.

155 pounds of marijuana valued at $177,000 was found after the search, the sheriffs office said.

* * *

Caleb is a digital producer at News13. Caleb joined the team in January 2023 after graduating from Liberty University. He is from Northern Virginia. Follow Caleb on X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  California Gov. Gavin Newsom signed three bills Friday designating the Dungeness crab, banana slug and black abalone as the Golden States newest symbols.

AB 1797, authored by assemblymember Jim Wood, established the Dungeness crab as Californias official state crustacean. According to UC San Diego, Dungeness crab are usually found from Alaskas Aleutian Islands all the way to Point Conception near Santa Barbara, although they are occasionally found as far south as Magdalena Bay in Baja California Sur, Mexico.

Gov. Newsom signs bill banning artificial food dyes in school snacks and drinks

Assemblymember Gail Pellerin introduced AB 1850 which recognizes the banana slug as Californias official state slug. The banana slug happens to be the school mascot of UC Santa Cruz, named Sammy the Slug.

Meanwhile, AB2504 by assemblymember Diane Dixon established the shell of the black abalone as the official state seashell. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, their usage in California dates back 7,400 years. They bore significance in Californias commercial and recreational fishing scene until fishing for black abalone closed in 1993 due to population declines, the NOAA said.

California governor vetoes bill to create first-in-nation AI safety measures

Proposals for new state symbols may be submitted to California representatives, according to the California state library. Find all of Californias state symbols here.

The Dungeness crab, banana slug and black abalone joined other icons such as the California grizzly bear, which is the official state animal; Augustynolophus morrisi, the official state dinosaur, and the golden trout, the official state fish.

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California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, but dispensaries that sell the substance legally remain less popular than the black market (Robyn Beck) (Robyn Beck/AFP/AFP)

Starting next year, diners in the western US state of California can smoke cannabis at certain restaurants, thanks to a new law allowing for "cannabis cafes" akin to those popularized in the Netherlands.

Democratic Governor Gavin Newsom signed a bill into law Monday authorizing businesses that are already licensed to sell cannabis to serve hot food and non-alcoholic beverages.

It will go into effect on January 1, 2025.

California legalized recreational cannabis in 2016, but dispensaries that sell the substance legally remain less popular than the black market.

"Right now, our small cannabis businesses are struggling to compete against illegal drug sellers that don't follow the law or pay taxes," said state assemblyman Matt Haney, who authored the bill.

"In order to ensure the legal cannabis market can survive and thrive in California, we have to allow them to adapt, innovate and offer products and experiences that customers want," Haney continued.

Some cities like West Hollywood, near Los Angeles, have been calling for such legislation for years.

The liberal enclave hopes to compete with Amsterdam and already hosts "cannabis lounges," where dispensaries are attached to separate bars or restaurants.

Now, the law will allow any business in the state to follow the same model without falling into a legal gray area.

Not everyone is in favor of the move, however.

Public health advocates have expressed concern about the effect smoking cannabis in restaurants can have on lung health.

"Secondhand marijuana smoke has many of the same carcinogens and toxic chemicals as secondhand tobacco smoke," read a statement from the American Cancer Society's advocacy branch.

The new law "undermines the state's smoke-free restaurants law and compromises its enforcement, thus threatening to roll back decades of hard-won protections of everyone's right to breathe clean, smoke-free air."

California notably banned smoking in bars and restaurants nearly 30 years ago, the first US state to do so.

Newsom had vetoed a different version of the bill last year, citing the health concerns.

However, the new version of the law signed Monday will include parameters to ensure employees in cannabis cafes can wear masks to protect themselves and be informed of the risks of inhaling secondhand cannabis smoke.

rfo/cyb/jgc/aha
California Attorney General Rob Bonta has filed a lawsuit against a Catholic hospital in Northern California for allegedly refusing to provide a woman with emergency abortion care after she had a miscarriage.

The woman, Anna Nusslock of Eureka, was 15 weeks pregnant with twins when her water broke in February.

Bleeding and in pain, she went to Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka, where doctors confirmed that her pregnancy was no longer viable and that the twins couldnt survive outside the womb, according to the complaint filed by the California Attorney Generals Office in Humboldt County Superior Court on Monday.

Doctors told Nusslock that she needed an abortion to prevent serious health risks, but they could not give her the procedure, the complaint says. Nusslocks doctor said hospital policy banned the procedure unless there was a sufficient risk to Annas life because one of the fetuses still had a detectable heart tone, according to the complaint.

A spokesperson for Providence told CNN that hospital policy does not deny abortions for emergency care.

When it comes to complex pregnancies or situations in which a womans life is at risk, we provide all necessary interventions to protect and save the life of the mother, the spokesperson said.

Garry Olney, chief executive of Providences Northern California Service Area, wrote in a message to area employees Tuesday, We are heartbroken over the experience this patient had while in our care and reached out to her today in an effort to express our profound apologies.

This was a tragic situation that did not meet our high standards for safe, quality, compassionate care. We are immediately re-visiting our training, education and escalation processes in emergency medical situations to ensure that this does not happen again and to ensure that our care teams have the training and support they need to deliver the best possible care for each patient we serve, Olney wrote.

As devasted as we are, we cant begin to imagine what the patient and her family have been through. We will learn from this and renew our commitment to ensuring that the care and experience we deliver are aligned with our high standards, every time and in every care setting.

The lawsuit says Nusslocks doctor recommended that she be airlifted more than 270 miles to the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center for an abortion, but Nusslock declined because she worried that her insurance wouldnt cover the $40,000 cost of the helicopter ride.

She asked whether she could drive the facility instead, and my doctor responded, If you try and drive, you will hemorrhage and you will die before you get somewhere that can help you,  Nusslock said at a news conference Monday.

Ill never forget looking at my doctor, tears streaming down my face, my heart shattered into a million pieces, and just pleading with her: Dont let me die.

Nusslocks husband took her to Mad River Community Hospital, about 20 minutes away  the only other hospital with a labor and delivery unit within 100 miles, according to the complaint  for the procedure.

I was terrified about the risks to my health and my life that I was facing by waiting to intervene, so we chose to risk the drive to Mad River, Nusslock said. Before we left Providence, a nurse came in, and she gave me a bucket full of towels, and she said, they wanted me to give you these in case something happens in the car. 

Nusslock said she did not take the towels because she didnt know if she would be charged for them.

At Mad River, she was taken into surgery, and a doctor there said she was actively hemorrhaging on the operating table, the complaint states.

The states lawsuit alleges that the hospital broke a state law that requires any hospital with an emergency room to adequately treat someone whos in a medical crisis.

The attorney general says [the emergency services law] includes, essentially, an emergency abortion or miscarriage management, Mary Ziegler, a legal historian focusing on abortion at the University of California Davis School of Law, told CNN.

In some parts of California that are rural, the next closest provider is quite far away. And if someone is in a true medical emergency, as this patient was, there may be no safe way to transfer that patient to another hospital without them suffering permanent medical damage or death, Ziegler said.

In a news release Monday, Bonta said that It is damning that here in California, where abortion care is a constitutional right, we have a hospital implementing a policy thats reminiscent of heartbeat laws in extremist red states.

With todays lawsuit, I want to make this clear for all Californians: abortion care is healthcare. You have the right to access timely and safe abortion services. At the California Department of Justice, we will use the full force of this office to hold accountable those who, like Providence, are breaking the law.

Eureka, in the northern reaches of the state, has just two hospitals with labor and delivery units within 100 miles, the California Attorney Generals Office said.

Mad River Community Hospital, which provided Nusslocks procedure, said it will close its labor and delivery unit this month, according to the complaint.

A spokesperson for Providence said that after that closure, the closest labor and delivery unit will be in Crescent City, about 80 miles from Eureka.

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As one of fashions preeminent trade groups, the American Apparel & Footwear Association (AAFA) pens a lot of statementsmost of which it publishes on its website.

A September missive to the Cambodian government was notable for several reasons, however. For one thing, it was the second letter in just as many months expressing the organizations serious concerns about the Ministry of Interiors ongoingand many say retaliatoryinvestigation into the Center for Alliance of Labor and Human Rights, the Phnom Penh-based workers rights organization better known as CENTRAL. For another, it listed 19 signatories, including top-flight brands such as Adidas, American Eagle Outfitters, Gap Inc., Puma, Tommy Hilfiger parent PVH Corp. and The North Face owner VF Corp.

More from Sourcing Journal

It appears that the governments investigation and document requests of CENTRAL [are] in reaction to their June report, said the statement, referring to a critique of Better Factories Cambodia (BFC), an International Labour Organization (ILO)-backed program designed to improve working conditions in the countrys garment sector, for failing to identify breaches of workers rights.

As global brands sourcing from Cambodia, we respectfully urge the Cambodian government in the strongest possible terms to immediately cancel the audit of CENTRAL and refrain from taking any measures that could be perceived as restricting civil society space or freedom of speech, it added.

The AAFA also called for the dismissal of a criminal complaint against CENTRAL program manager Khun Tharo. Insiders have blamed more than a dozen pro-government yellow unions for filing the complaint and petitioning the government to delve into CENTRALs operations and finances. The Clean Clothes Campaign, the garment industrys largest consortium of trade union and labor organizations, has dubbed the proceedings nothing short of a smear campaign, one that it says fits in seamlessly with the broader repression of democratic voices in Cambodia.

Tola Moeun, CENTRALs executive director, said that the so-called unionists who protested outside the organizations office in June to accuse it of being a puppet of foreign countries and Americans and taking money away from workers, for instance, appear to have direct and indirect links to various ministries.

It clearly shows the current security audit conducted by the National Audit Authority is [very] much political and [a form of retaliation] against CENTRALs report, he said.

Tharo, whose lawyer has been unsuccessful in unsealing the claims made against him, said hes grateful for the show of support, believing that it sends a strong signal to Cambodian authorities to reconsider their actions and ensure that the fundamental freedom of expression is untainted by intimidation and retaliationjust as the countrys constitution and international conventions demand.

Even so, one critical stakeholder has been pithier in its response. Other than saying it will be internally discussing improvements based on CENTRALs recommendations, BFCand by extension, the ILOoffered no new updates.

The BFC program is a joint initiative run by the International Labour Organisation and the International Finance Corporation, Tharo said. Both of these organizations advocate for the ability of civil society to engage freely, advise and criticize the activities of these organizations. Given that CENTRALs report specifically critiques an ILO-run program, it is incumbent on the ILO to recognize its responsibility to act in defense of labor and human rights [activists] like me and CENTRAL and publicly acknowledge the value of critical research and advocacy, such as that displayed in the report by CENTRAL.

CENTRAL is currently waiting for the ministrys report, which will include recommendations on what the next steps should be. The nonprofit will have 28 days to respond, after which it could face a strong possibility of permanent suspension.

Anne Bienias, living wage coordinator at the Clean Clothes Campaign, said that the AAFAs second statement was more powerful because it included names. The United States remains the No. 1 destination for Cambodian-made goods, accounting for nearly 36 percent of the countrys exports, or $4.4 billion worth, in the first six months of 2024, according to Cambodias General Department of Customs and Excise. But its the brands and not the body as a whole that provide factories with the much-needed orders, particularly in the face of rising minimum wages, which will climb by nearly 2 percent to $208 per month beginning January.

At the same time, she questioned why two of the worlds largest fashion companiesH&M Group and Zara owner Inditexdidnt include their names despite being card-carrying members of the AAFA.

H&M is still a major buyer from Cambodia and they say that they care a lot about freedom of association and these kinds of things, Bienias said. Theyve been participating in the Better Factories Cambodia program since the beginning, so this should matter to them, but theyve remained silentas have a few other brands as well.

The Clean Clothes Campaign has also called out Asics, one of the letters signatories, for not intervening in alleged union busting at Wing Star Shoes, one of its Cambodian suppliers. Chea Chan, who helped organize the union to improve working conditions, was arrested without a warrant, prosecuted and imprisoned for six months on false charges of theft as a result of his activities, she said.

H&M said that its following developments in Cambodia and is engaging with different stakeholders. (The retailer declined to say why it didnt sign the AAFA letter.) Inditex did not respond to a request for comment. Writing on its website, Asics said that it has urged Wing Star Shoes to stop interfering with union activities and is engaging with CENTRAL and the Cambodian Alliance of Trade Unions to thoroughly investigate the facts.

In a statement following its examination of BFCs methodology, CENTRAL said it wanted to make clear that its report was never meant as an attack on any party or institution. Nor was it intended to damage Cambodias reputation.

The role BFC has played in improving labor rights compliance in Cambodias garment, footwear and travel goods industry is undeniable, it said. Brands, workers and employers alike depend on its existence to be able to conduct business responsibility and support their livelihoods. Our report recommendations simply raise awareness for further action to ensure that the public data is fully representative of all workers lived experiences.

But Bienias said that CENTRALs predicament was never really about the report.

The yellow trade unions in Cambodia used the report to sort of spark the fire, but the real thing is not the report, she said. Its just that there has been a wish to shut down CENTRAL for a very long time with the Cambodian government, so theyre just using it as an excuse, basically, to pursue this.

And while the AAFA did not return an email asking what would happen if the Cambodian government shuts down one of the few independently functioning organizations in the nation, its statement puts the issue in focus.

A vibrant civil society, guaranteed in part by freedom of speech, is a key part of what makes Cambodia an important sourcing partner for the apparel and footwear industry, it said.
Canada observes National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Sept. 30 each year. Keep reading for what to know about the recently added holiday.

What Is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

This day serves to honor the survivors of residential schools, the children who never returned home, and their families and communities. Recognizing the suffering and enduring effects of these schools is essential to the country's reconciliation efforts.

When did National Day for Truth and Reconciliation become a holiday?

The National Day for Truth and Reconciliation is a federal statutory holiday established through legislative amendments passed by Parliament in June 2021. This designation reflects the nation's commitment to confronting its past and promoting healing and understanding across communities.

Why do you wear orange on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation?

National Day for Truth and Reconciliation and Orange Shirt Day fall on Sept. 30. Orange Shirt Day is an Indigenous-led initiative that aims to educate the public about the repercussions residential schools had on individuals, families and communities, and to underscore the message that "Every Child Matters." The orange shirt has become a symbol representing the cultural, persona, and self-esteem losses Indigenous children suffered across generations. Canadians are encouraged to wear orange on this day in solidarity with survivors of residential schools.

How is National Day for Truth and Reconciliation commemorated?

A spectrum of public activities is available throughout Canada, including gatherings and local events that recall the legacy of residential schools. Canadians can discover events in their area by following the hashtag #NDTR on social media platforms.

In a significant act of remembrance, Parliament Hill will be illuminated in orange on the evening of Sept. 30 to honor Survivors and their families. APTN, in cooperation with the National Centre for Truth and Reconciliation, will also broadcast "Remembering The Children: National Day for Truth and Reconciliation," a special live event from Parliament Hill.

Support for survivors

Former residential school students can access emotional crisis referral services and other health support by calling 1-866-925-4419. The Hope for Wellness Help Line offers Indigenous peoples in Canada counseling and crisis intervention 24/7 at 1-855-242-3310, or through online chat using Google Chrome.

Recognizing the Truth and Reconciliation Commission's efforts

Canada's 140 federally run residential schools, which operated from 1867 to 1996, left a deep impact on Indigenous communities. Survivors' demands for recognition and remedy resulted in major outcomes, such as the Indian Residential Schools Settlement Agreement, government apologies and the establishment of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which operated from 2008 to 2015. The commission's final report included 94 calls to action, and the inauguration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation answers Call to Action 80, advocating for a day of national commemoration.

Funding for commemoration activities

Funding has been provided for 422 commemorative events and gatherings in 2024 by Canadian Heritage. The agency will open a call for proposals for community-based activities in 2025 in Nov. 2024.

Encouraging indigenous cultural exploration

On National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, all Canadians are invited to explore the vibrant cultures and narratives of the First Nations, Inuit and Metis peoples. This engagement represents a crucial step in the nations journey towards reconciliation and mutual respect.

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Car companies have plenty of inventory, but the port strike will affect European brands the most

Longshoremen went on strike Tuesday, shutting down ports on the East and Gulf coasts.

A prolonged strike would most heavily affect automakers importing vehicles from Europe.

Car companies have plenty of inventory, enough to cover 77 selling days.

Dockworkers across the East and Gulf coasts of the US went on strike Tuesday morning.

The effects of a prolonged work stoppage would likely be felt throughout the US economy, including the automotive industry, which depends on ports in cities like New York, Baltimore, and Savannah, Georgia, to handle millions of vehicles arriving from abroad.

Fortunately for US consumers, there is a glut of inventory at dealerships across the country, so the immediate impacts of the strike will likely be limited.

The latest September data provided by Cox Automotive shows that more than 2.84 million new cars are on sale. If no new inventory arrives, car companies have, on average, a 77-day supply of vehicles to sell. That's well above last year's levels and higher than the 65-day level industry experts agree to be the healthiest.

European carmakers such as BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, and Volvo are expected to be most heavily affected, Reuters reported, citing research by Barclays analysts.

But most of these automakers have significantly more than the national average of 77 days of inventory.

Cars awaiting export overseas at the port in Bremerhaven, Germany. Martin Meissner/AP

According to Cox, BMW has 88 days, Mercedes has 100 days, and Volvo has a 142-day supply.

As for VW, the Volkswagen brand has a healthy 66-day supply, while its Audi luxury division has an 86-day supply.

The Port of Baltimore led the nation's ports in vehicle processing last year, handling more than 847,000 cars and light trucks. BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volvo, and Volkswagen all operate vehicle-processing and -distribution facilities at the port.

While West Coast ports, which aren't affected by the strike, handle the bulk of traffic coming from Asia, automakers like Toyota and Hyundai also use East Coast ports.

Toyota, which brings vehicles for its southern dealerships ashore in Jacksonville, Florida, doesn't have the benefit of a hearty inventory to rely upon. Both the main Toyota brand and its Lexus luxury division have less than half the national average, with 35 and 30 days' worth of inventory, respectively.

A Toyota spokesperson told Business Insider in a statement that the company was "monitoring the situation closely and developing countermeasures to minimize any impact" on its customers and dealers.

Kia Telluride SUVs at the Port of Brunswick in Georgia awaiting export. Stephen B. Morton/Georgia Port Authority

Other key ports include Savannah and Brunswick in Georgia, which combined processed 830,000 vehicles last year from brands like Mercedes-Benz, Hyundai, and Kia. At the same time, the Port of Jacksonville handled just over half a million vehicles from Toyota and Volkswagen in 2023.

More than 45,000 dockworkers represented by the International Longshoremen's Association walked off the job on Tuesday after failing to reach a new work agreement with the US Maritime Alliance, a consortium of maritime employers.

The ILA's demands include a 77% increase in pay over the lifetime of the six-year agreement and limits on automation at the ports, The Associated Press reported.

The USMX has countered by offering to increase wages by nearly 50% and retain the current policy on automation.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(NEXSTAR)  Storm surges and flooding from Hurricane Helene have caused widespread devastation across parts of the Southeastern U.S., in some cases leaving entire neighborhoods underwater.

Over the last week, the region was drenched by what meteorologists estimated to be over 40 trillion gallons of rain  or what one official from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) described as an astronomical amount of precipitation in a statement shared with the Associated Press.

I have not seen something in my 25 years of working at the weather service that is this geographically large of an extent and the sheer volume of water that fell from the sky, Ed Clark, the head of the NOAAs National Water Center.

How Helene became the near-perfect storm to bring destruction across the South

The destruction caused by these waters, too, has been described as unimaginable. According to a recent estimate from AccuWeather, there could be upwards of $150 billion in damages to homes and personal property  including cars and vehicles that may be required for commercial purposes, transportation or recovery efforts.

If your car is still partially submerged, however, its best not to try to start it without checking to make sure you dont do further damage, especially if the water level has reached the engine compartment.

The water may be ingested into the engine if so, which will lead to engine failure and the engine being dissembled and/or replaced, said David Bennett, the senior automotive repair manager for American Automobile Association.

But what if the flooding has subsided, and the car is no longer submerged? Its OK to try and start the car, but dont be surprised if its not running so great  now or even sometime down the road.

A car that was damaged in a flood can experience problems not only with the engine, but the electrical components, the drivetrain, the fuel systems, braking systems and more, according to AAA. Some of these issues may only become apparent in the days or weeks after the damage, the organization adds.

Various electrical systems and components may have been damaged, causing the vehicle not to start or drive poorly. If this occurs, have the vehicle towed to a qualified repair facility, Bennett said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) also advises inspecting and assessing the vehicle (or towing it to an inspection facility) before attempting to drive. While doing so, keep in mind the possible contaminants or components in the floodwaters: If the water contained chemicals or sewage or salt, it may be more corrosive and therefore increase the possibility of vehicle damage, the AAA writes.

Officials praise use of special barrier that protected fire station, hospital from flooding

Electric vehicles exposed to standing water, meanwhile, are another story altogether. Lithium ion batteries exposed to water  and especially saltwater  can potentially short-circuit and start a fire. (One such fire was already caught on camera in Florida last week.) If the EV can be moved or towed, the NHTSA advises getting the vehicle at least 50 feet away from structures that can catch fire, and contacting a dealer immediately.

If in doubt, please be sure to err on the side of caution and have the vehicle towed to a qualified technician, Bennett told Nexstar of flood-damaged vehicles, gas-powered or otherwise.

If those technicians determine your car to be beyond saving, its time to contact the insurance company.

Once you file a claim, they will be able to help guide you through the process of purchasing a replacement vehicle, the NHTSA says.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Career paths and opportunities in education: Stop the Violence College and Career Fair set for Wednesday

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Time to make those finishing touches on your resume. Uniting and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County, a community outreach organization, is preparing for its third annual Stop the Violence College and Career Fair at Blue Cross Arena.

Over 100 local colleges, schools and businesses will be in attendance, ready to connect one-on-one with folks looking to move forward in their career journey.

Education is the key to success, and our job training, vocational training. Everyone doesnt want to necessarily go to college but if they can get a good vocation, a good trade, a good john training  that itself breeds success, said Clay Harris, the organizations founder. Not only can they take care of themselves, but they can take care of their families. Thats why we do what we do.

The event is taking place at the Blue Cross Arena Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. You can learn more about the event here.

How education has been linked to a reduction in criminality

Uniting and Healing Through Hope of Monroe County is known for focusing on reducing community violence through programming and opportunity.

Research has linked an improvement in the lives of youth to education. In this study from Mathematica, researchers found that, Students interest in school activities (school engagement) increases their participation in school activities and motivation to attend and remain enrolled in schoolreducing risky behaviors and increasing learning and educational attainment, improving employment and earnings, and reducing violence and crime.

In another study from Global Partnership for Education, it connected community peace to areas that tend to invest more time, money and resources into education.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
A view of the Port of Virginia in Norfolk. (Courtesy Port of Virginia)

As experts anticipated, members of the International Longshoremens Association went on strike Tuesday, hoping to settle on a new agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, leaving cargo in limbo at East and Gulf Coast ports, including at the Port of Virginia.

Workers want better pay and restrictions on how automation can be used at ports, according to the association.

Representing members working at American ports from Maine to Texas, the association said Monday that USMX continues to block the path towards an agreement by refusing the associations demands for a fair and decent contract.

ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing, the association stated. The group is the largest union of maritime workers in North America.

Some ILA members work at the Port of Virginia, which suspended operations on Monday in anticipation of the work stoppage. Its uncertain how long the stoppage will last, or the full impact on delayed shipments of goods to stores and businesses.

Analysts at Sea-Intelligence, a Copenhagen-based shipping advisory firm, told Reuters in August that the backlog from a one-day strike could take between four to six days to clear.

Our hope is for a speedy resolution that allows The Port of Virginia to implement its resumption of operations plan to methodically and safely bring terminals back online, representatives of the Port of Virginia said in a statement.

Until an agreement is reached, the Port of Virginia said operations at the following areas would be closed:

Norfolk International Terminals

Virginia International Gateway

Newport News Marine Terminal

Pinners Point Container Yard

Portsmouth Chassis Yard

Reefer Service Area

The Damage Annex

The offices of the Virginia Port Authority, Virginia International Terminals and Hampton Roads Chassis Pool II are open according to their regular schedules.

Portsmouth Marine Terminal will remain open. Richmond Marine Terminal and Virginia Inland Port will also stay open, but customers should expect cargo operations to be impacted.

According to last Mays State of the Port, a total of 3.7 million units of cargo were processed in 2022, a 5% increase since 2021.

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An e-commerce cannabis dispensary has notified the state it is laying off 120 employees in Oklahoma City.

Mood Cannabis filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) Act notice with the state on Sept. 20. The WARN Act requires employers with 100 or more employees to provide 60 calendar-day advance notification of planned closings and mass layoffs of employees.

Mood launched in 2022 as a national online-only dispensary based in Oklahoma City. Unlike medical marijuana that is regulated by the state, Mood sells products infused with low-THC hemp. Hemp enjoys a more relaxed legal status than marijuana, which allows Mood to sell across state lines and avoid restrictions placed on medical marijuana dispensaries.

More: How a loophole allowed Mood to ship hemp, THC products from Oklahoma to the nation

A call to the company was answered by a customer service representative, but owners David Charles and Jake Antifaev could not be reached Tuesday.

In a profile on the company written last year, Charles and Antifaev said they achieved profitability "without relying on external funding, a rare feat in today's e-commerce landscape." They also said they were prioritizing long-term, sustainable growth and were committed to being a lawful and trustworthy industry player.

The pair originally wanted to open a warehouse south of the Red River, but Texas banned the processing of industrial hemp. Oklahoma has no such restriction but does require processor to register with the Oklahoma Department of Agriculture.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Mood Cannabis layoffs hit 120 Oklahoma City workers
CARY, N.C. (WNCN)  Less than a year after winning a multimillion-dollar legal battle over Google, the video game developer Epic Games has filed another lawsuit against the tech giant as well as Samsung, accusing them of illegally conspiring to block access to third-party app stores.

In a blog post on its website, the Cary-based company alleges both companies of coordinating efforts to block competition in app distribution on Samsung devices, especially concerning the smartphone manufacturers Auto Blocker feature.

Samsung claims Auto Blocker protects against applications from unauthorized sources and malicious activity. But, Epic Games says an opt-in feature, introduced on their mobile devices in October 2023, is now the default setting.

Epic also states this prevents Samsung customers from downloading and installing any app from third-party stores unless they manually disable the function. Users can still authorize apps themselves, but it requires an exceptionally onerous 21-step process to do so.

Auto Blocker is the latest in a long series of dealings in which Google and Samsung have agreed not to compete to protect Googles monopoly power, according to a news release from Epic Games. Auto Blocker cements the Google Play Store as the only viable way to get apps on Samsung devices, blocking every other store from competing on a level playing field.

The video game developer argues that Google has uncovered a new way to hold back competition and preemptively undermine the jury verdict from last December, which found that Google broke the law and was operating illegal monopolies through its app store and the in-app billing system for Android devices.

Disney investing $1.5 billion stake into NC-based Epic Games

Epic is pursuing unspecified monetary damages and has requested that the court prohibit Google and Samsung from anti-competitive and unfair conduct and mandate that Samsung eliminate the Auto Blocker by default and enable competition.

The jurys decision was unanimous and clear, the post from Epic Games stated. Googles agreements with [original equipment manufacturers] to block competition are illegal. This applies not only to Google, but to the device manufacturers that collude with them. We will take all necessary steps to ensure this decision is fully upheld.

Samsung released the following statement regarding the lawsuit:

Contrary to Epic Games assertions, Samsung actively fosters market competition, enhances consumer choice, and conducts its operations fairly.

The features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsungs core principles of security, privacy, and user control, and we remain fully committed to safeguarding users personal data. Users have the choice to disable Auto Blocker at any time.

We plan to vigorously contest Epic Games baseless claims.

The judge overseeing the previous Google case hasnt issued an order yet on the remedies the tech giant will have to follow.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Carys Epic Games sues Google again  and this time Samsung too. Heres why.

As a federal judge weighs what corrective steps Google must take to remove barriers surrounding its Play Store, Carys Epic Games has accused the internet search giant of finding a new unlawful way to protect its Android app store monopoly.

In a complaint filed Monday in the Northern District of California, the North Carolina video game maker accused Google and Samsung of colluding to create an obstacle for Android owners to use third-party app stores like the Epic Games Store. Epic Games latest lawsuit focuses on a Samsung program called Auto Blocker, which stops users from downloading apps from sources other than the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store.

Auto Blocker considers both the Play Store and Galaxy Store authorized platforms, yet Epic contends the latter is not legitimate competition, writing that Samsungs Galaxy Store is the source of only approximately 1% of Android app downloads.

Auto Blocker is virtually guaranteed to entrench Googles dominance over Android App Distribution, preventing third-party app stores, such as the Epic Games Store, from reaching any sizable audience on Android, wrote Epic Games, which is the creator of the popular game Fortnite. In its complaint, Epic said Fortnite currently has 800 million user accounts.

Samsung introduced Auto Blocker in the fall of 2023 as a security feature users had to opt into. Then on July 11, around six months after a jury found Google guilty of violating antitrust law by making deals to stifle competition to its Play Store, Samsung switched Auto Block to run automatically on devices. Android users who try to download applications from sources other than the Play Store or Galaxy Store see a screen that states to keep your phone and data safe, Auto Blocker prevents the installation of unknown apps.

Users can remove the program through their phone settings.

In a statement to The News & Observer, Samsung said it intends to vigorously contest Epic Games baseless claims. The South Korean company said Auto Blocker exists to promote user safety, noting the features integrated into our devices are designed in accordance with Samsungs core principles of security, privacy, and user control.

In comments posted Monday on X, Google vice president of engineering Dave Kleidermacher said, Epics latest lawsuit is a meritless and dangerous move.

Google did not request that Samsung create their Auto Blocker feature, he added.

Epics cases with Apple and Google progress

This weeks lawsuit is not the first Epic Games has filed against Google. In August 2020, Epic cofounder and CEO Tim Sweeney orchestrated litigation against Google and Apple, arguing both used anticompetitive policies to maintain monopolies over their app stores on Androids and iPhone devices respectively. Apple and Google each charge fees ranging between 15% and 30% on digital transactions completed within apps.

Apple largely won the case Epic brought against the iPhone app store, though District Court Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled Apple could no longer prevent app developers from directing users to external payment platforms that might charge lower fees. This week, Apple asked the court to throw out this part of the decision.

Epic Games founder and CEO Tim Sweeney is leading a second legal challenge to Google's app store policies.

Apple and Epic continue to fight over how Apple has complied with Rogers ruling. In January, Apple announced it would charge major U.S. App Store developers a 27% fee on sales of digital goods and services made through external payment systems. Apple called these costs a reasonable means to account for the substantial value Apple provides developers, including in facilitating linked transactions.

Sweeney deemed Apples compliance effort a travesty and challenged it in court. On Monday, Apple faced a deadline to produce 1.3 million documents in connection to its compliance plan.

Unlike Apple, Google had its initial Epic Games lawsuit decided by a nine-person jury, which in December unanimously determined Google used anticompetitive tactics around its Play Store that damaged smartphone consumers and software developers. At the time, Google said it planned to appeal the verdict once the judge presiding over the case issues his remedies.

In August, Judge James Donato said his forthcoming decision on what Google must do to correct its proven anticompetitive app store policies will include significant changes.

Were going to tear the barriers down, its just the way its going to happen, Donato said. The world that exists today is the product of monopolistic conduct. That world is changing.

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Pennsylvania Sen. Bob Casey (D) is up 4 points in his Senate reelection bid over Republican rival David McCormick, according to a new survey.

The AARP poll found the incumbent Democrat garnering 49 percent support from likely voters to McCormicks 45 percent, while 6 percent of likely voters said they were undecided or chose someone else.

The Pennsylvania Senate race between Casey and McCormick is one of multiple closely-watched races for the upper chamber this year, with Democrats trying to prevent Republicans from flipping it red.

Republican David McCormick, a candidate for U.S. Senate in Pennsylvania, speaks during an event at the Pennsylvania Manufacturers Association offices, March 15, 2024, in Harrisburg. (AP Photo/Marc Levy) / Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pa., smiles while speaking during an event at AFSCME Council 13 offices, March 14, 2024, in Harrisburg, Pa. (AP Photo/Marc Levy)

In an average of Pennsylvania polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Casey is sitting at 47.9 percent support to McCormicks 43.8 percent.

Pennsylvania isnt just a key state for possibly determining who controls the Senate in this years election  it could also determine who wins the presidency.

The AARP survey found Vice President Harris up by 2 points over former President Trump in the Keystone State, with the vice president earning 49 percent support from likely voters.

According to an average of Pennsylvania polls from The Hill/Decision Desk HQ, Harris is ahead of Trump in the Keystone by only 0.6 points.

The AARP survey took place Sept. 17-24, featuring 1,398 likely voters, 600 of them being part of a statewide representative sample, as well as 470 likely voters 50 and older and 328 Black likely voters in the same age range as oversamples.

The statewide representative sample had a margin of sampling error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS)  Power is still being restored in some areas, which can make for some chaotic situations.

One of these situations involve stoplights. Some stoplights are still not working due to the power outages.

Dumpsite opened for Bluefield residents seeking a place to dispose of their storm debris

Captain Matthew Pettrey of the Central Fire Station in Bluefield, West Virginia told 59News what to do when you come up to a stoplight that is not working.

Use the four-way stop sign as the regulations. [The right of way goes to the] first to arrive, they get to go and then the next. So it would be a four-way stop sign, said Captain Pettrey.

He also urged drivers to not assume somebody coming from a different direction will stop.

More than 70 trees fell across roadways in the city according to Pettrey.

Captain Pettrey added that the power outages have affected how they respond to calls. For houses with stair lifts, they are using generators to effectively navigate the situation. He said they treat all power lines like they are live, in the case they are live.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
The escalating crisis in the Middle East, with Iranian airstrikes on Israel, could be a topic for Sen. JD Vance (R-OH) and Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) when they meet tonight in the CBS News vice presidential debate.

The debate is going forward as scheduled, starting at 9 p.m. ET, with Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan as moderators.

More from Deadline

The event is being held at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York, with no audience. Reporters covering the campaign will watch from a nearby file room, and campaign surrogates will appear in a spin room.

The unfolding developments were apparent as Jake Tapper opened his 4 p.m. hour on CNN, anchoring from the spin room, but quickly going to Jim Sciutto in Tel Aviv.

On CBS News 24/7, the networks Robert Costa noted that such breaking news developments are at times a feature of debates, with candidates pressed to respond to the latest, in this case foreign policy.

Those expected for the Harris-Walz campaign include Sen. Amy Klobuchar (D-MN), Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), Gov. Jared Polis (D-CO), Gov. JB Pritzker (D-IL) and Sen. Ben Ray Lujan (D-NM), according to the Chicago Sun Times.

The Trump-Vance ticket will be represented by Donald Trump Jr., Sen. Tom Cotton (R-AR), Sen. Katie Britt (R-AL), Rep. Elise Stefanik (R-NY) and Rep. Byron Donalds (R-FL), per CNN.

Theres been considerable pre-debate focus on the extent to which moderators will fact check the candidates. Trump and his allies have attacked ABC and its moderators, David Muir and Linsey Davis, for calling out some of the former presidents claims during the debate last month, including his false allegation that Haitian migrants were stealing pets and eating cats and dogs.

CBS News has indicated to The New York Times that the moderators will leave fact checking to the candidates, although there seems to be some room for exceptions in egregious cases. The moderators may step in to clarify if the candidates do not fact check each other, according to a network source.

Brennan has noted that the debate is different from how she moderates Face The Nation, with the focus on the candidates and potential interactions.

Viewers watching the networks feed will be able to scan a QR code for real-time fact checks of the candidates. The fact-checking will be done via CBS News Confirmed, its unit of 20 journalists who use data and technology to verify information and videos. Major Garrett will lead on-air fact checking in post-debate coverage, with John Dickerson and Cecilia Vega anchoring the coverage.

Another difference from ABC News presidential debate coverage will be the microphones. They will remain on throughout the 90-minute event, although the network has made clear that it reserves the right to turn them off.

Other rules mirror the ABC News debate and the CNN debate in June: No opening statement, two-minute answers and followups, and one minute for further rebuttals. There will be a closing statement, with Vance getting the last word. There will be two commercial breaks.

Rival networks also are being permitted to air and stream the debate.

Trump has not agreed to a second presidential debate with Kamala Harris, telling supporters last month that a proposed Oct. 23 CNN event would be too late in the election cycle. Harris has agreed to the second match-up.

Harris will be in Washington during the debate, and Trump is campaigning in Wisconsin.

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CENTRAL ILLINOIS (WCIA)  Ameren Illinois volunteers are helping those impacted by Hurricane Helene. More than a dozen are from Central Illinois.

They are the heroes to the people who are without power, thats for sure, Ameren Illinois Brian Bertsch said.

Hoopestons animal shelter offers to pay medical bills, food, adoption fee

More than 115 people have died across six states since the storm hit the southeastern part of the country. The hurricanes path started in Florida where the storm surge and wind flattened homes and businesses for miles along the gulf.

Helene caused billions of dollars in damage. Flooding destroyed homes, highways and powerlines.

Ameren Illinois is hoping to help. 160 linemen and support staff arrived in Charleston, West Virginia Sunday and Monday. 17 of those volunteers are from across our viewing area  including towns like Champaign, Danville, Gilman, Paxton, Effingham and Tuscola.

They will work alongside local companies to restore power to those impacted by the storm.

Anytime they can go in where customers have been without power for any length of time and theyre the boots on the ground thats able to reconnect the service and turn the lights back on, its a very gratifying thing, Bertsch said.

The volunteers there now are expected to stay for a week. Ameren Illinois said they could send more volunteers in the coming days if the help is needed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Reality Check is a Bee series holding officials and organizations accountable and shining a light on their decisions. Have a tip? Email realitycheck@sacbee.com.

San Joaquin Valley candidates often pitch themselves as moderate and willing to put policy over party in Californias agricultural middle, where two Republican incumbents represent districts that Democratic President Joe Biden carried in the most recent presidential election.

But are they truly moderate? And what does that mean anyway?

Among nonpartisan accountability organizations, ProPublica ranked legislators through July 2024 on how often or not they voted against their party.

ProPublica had Rep. John Duarte, R-Modesto, leaning toward often, ranking 101th out of 435 for breaking with party. He did so 8.6% of the time.

Rep. David Valadao, R-Hanford, voted against the GOP majority often, ranking 27th out of 435, and doing so 14.7% of the time.

Another congressional watchdog, VoteView, places lawmakers on an ideological spectrum. Valadao and Duarte are more toward the middle than most of their fellow Republicans.

The Lugar Centers Bipartisan Index also sets scores each session. Valadao had the 38th highest score and Duarte had the 201st out of all the House members in 2023.

The index looks at how often a lawmaker cosponsors a bill introduced by the opposite party and how often their own bills get cosponsors from the other party, with a higher score meaning this happened more often.

Duarte is the lowest rated Republican by Heritage Action for America, affiliated with the conservative Heritage Foundation. Valadao also gets a low rating. Three Republicans elected mid-term dont have scores yet.

Duarte, who has only been in the House for one two-year session, gets 41%. Valadao gets 57% for this session, and a lifetime score of 47%. The average House Republican gets 73% this session. They devise the score based on votes and cosponsorships of bills that matter to the organization.

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The records of the two Republican incumbents in tossup House of Representatives races appear to fit an overall trend: rising polarization and the decline, or change, of the elected moderate.

The San Joaquin Valley congressmen vote against party more than most Republicans. But its not that common for any member of Congress now. Voting records are far from the only thing that can help identify whether someone is overall moderate or not.

Over time, the parties in Congress have grown more cohesive and reduced bipartisan voting on legislation, said Samara Klar, a political science professor at the University of Arizona. Plus, politicians party positions have moved further away from each other, she said, largely because were seeing less bridging between the two parties.

But among voters, Klar said, We actually dont see any evidence that Americans themselves are becoming more ideologically extreme. Most Americans typically call themselves moderate, and thats been the case for a long time.

In summary, Klar said, Candidates are becoming more extreme. Voters are not.

Candidates

Valley Congressman David Valadao, left, with House Agriculture Committee Chair Glenn GT Thompson, R-Pennsylvania at the World Ag Expo in Tulare on Tuesday, Feb. 14, 2023.

The tossup congressional districts are represented by Duarte and Valadao, who are often described as moderates, whether by colleagues, consultants, constituents, experts, the media or themselves.

In response to an inquiry about this topic last year, Valadao spokesperson Faith Mabry wrote, Congressman Valadao is willing to work with anyone  whether they have an R or a D by their name  if it means getting results for the Central Valley. He will continue to be an independent voice in Congress who puts the needs of his constituents over partisan politics.

Duarte said in an interview last month, Im definitely a moderate. If you look at Heritage Action and their rating of current sitting U.S. congressmen and women, I am the lowest Republican in all of Congress. So if thats not a moderate, I dont know what it is.

It makes it harder to fundraise because a lot of people who give money tend to be very partisan and very motivated from the further outside ends of the party, he added.

Running against them are two Democrats also described as moderate or similarly willing to stand up to their party: former Assemblymen Adam Gray, D-Merced, and Rudy Salas, D-Bakersfield.

Ive shown voters that when you respect the other side, when you work with people, you can get stuff done, Gray said in an interview last month.

All four candidates have bucked their party in memorable ways.

Valadao voted to impeach former President Donald Trump in 2021, leading him to face a pro-Trump Republican in primaries since. Duarte was one of two Republicans in 2023 who voted against GOP immigration legislation that had an employment eligibility requirement. Both are members of the bipartisan Problem Solvers Caucus.

Gray lost committee assignments over breaking with Assembly Democrats on water issues, and helped launch the bipartisan California Problem Solvers Caucus.

Salas voted against a gas tax increase, costing him a key committee chairmanship in 2017.

I lost my chairmanship over it, Salas told The Bee in 2022, but it was the right thing to do.

There are more tools that try to gauge congressional polarization than in the California State Assembly. A Politico report last week noted some Democrats surprise that Republicans were casting Gray and Salas as liberals.

The districts

Duarte and Gray compete in Californias 13th Congressional District and Valadao and Salas vie in Californias 22nd this November. These tossup districts are among several in California that could help determine whether Democrats or Republicans control the House in 2025. Democrats need to flip just four seats nationwide in November to gain a majority.

Its particularly important for the Republicans to attract more left-leaning voters given the districts makeup.

Biden would have won both by more than 10 percentage points in 2020 had current legislative boundaries been in place (redistricting changed congressional maps based on 2020 census data). Each district has more Democrats registered than Republicans, with large proportions of no-party preference voters.

Being Independent or no-party-preference does not mean a voter is moderate, said Klar: Independent voters are often not moderate at all. They have very partisan preferences, but they just dont identify with either party.

Duarte beat Gray in Californias 13th by fewer than 600 votes in 2022. Valadao beat Salas in Californias 22nd by 3 percentage points that year.

Split-ticket voting, when people choose candidates from different parties for different offices, has boosted support for Republican candidates here even as Democratic presidential candidates prevailed. Still, nonpartisan election analysts have said the national reduction in split-ticket voting will likely reach the San Joaquin Valley.

Turnout tends to have a strong impact in these Latino-majority voting-age districts. Presidential general elections have historically spurred the most turnout in the San Joaquin Valley, including with high turnout nationwide in 2020, but voters here are still typically less engaged than in other parts of California.

Decline in moderates

Defining moderates, and identifying who is one, is difficult, experts said  ranging from having centrist to very mixed views and being willing to compromise. The ideological spectrum is always shifting; someone who might come across as moderate now might not have been decades ago.

The classic definition of moderate Republicans used to be that they were socially tolerant but fiscally conservative, said Geoffrey Kabaservice, the vice president of political studies at the Niskanen Center, a center-right political think tank in Washington D.C. Thats still kind of a working definition, but its a little harder in some ways to define what social tolerance is. Its always a moving thing.

Kabaservice, author of a book on the subject, said that the decline in the moderate has come since the Eisenhower administration in the 1950s. Trump has accelerated the change, altering who gets defined as a true Republican.

One way to identify who is relatively moderate is that theyre getting primaried by somebody further to their right or further to the Trumpy populist edge of things, said Kabaservice.

The party makeups have traded a lot overtime too, with more Republicans being non-college educated, working class, and Democrats being college educated and affluent, he said. Rhetoric and where people get their news has changed the political landscape, and made it more difficult for moderates to operate.

Its a much more divided country, Kabaservice said.

Raising money is also important and donors have become more polarized, said Hans Noel, an associate professor of government at Georgetown University, forcing moderates to spend more time fundraising.

Rhetoric demonizing the other party has also made compromise difficult and given moderates less to do if they get to Congress. Now, its hard to determine who is centrist versus presenting as a moderate versus disliking the Republican Party shift under Trump, Noel said.

Whether polarization is driven by politicians or voters is hard to determine.

Politicians, maybe they care about some of this stuff, but they really just want to get reelected, Noel said. So they are trying to follow the voters, and the voters are taking their cues from political leaders and people they trust, which includes politicians.

Said Noel: In order to get voters in those places to be comfortable with them, they have to avoid taking some of the core stands that their own party takes in order to build their own brand.
Changing of the guard at NATO as Jens Stoltenberg steps down

NATO outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pictured at a ceremony to mark the end of Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General, in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday 01 October 2024. The ceremonies will mark the transition to NATO's new Secretary General, former Dutch Prime Minister M. Rutte. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg steps down on Tuesday after 10 testing years for the Western military alliance's unity and purpose.

Stoltenberg will hand over to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte with a wreath-laying ceremony and an official handshake at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Ambassadors from NATO allies will then meet in the alliance's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), to appoint Rutte.

The new Secretary General is expected to start his tenure with an address to NATO staff and a press conference.

The changing of the NATO guard takes place as war rages directly on the alliance's borders in Ukraine more than two years after the full-scale Russian invasion.

The war and increased threat of Russian revanchism renewed NATO's Cold War purpose to protect members after years of turmoil during former US president Donald Trump's presidency.

Trump railed against allies, especially Germany, for what he deemed as unacceptably low defence spending and questioned the alliance's principle of collective defence.

French President Emmanuel Macron also infamously declared that the alliance was in danger of succumbing to "brain death," such was the degree of division among NATO.

A chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a low point for the alliance, just six months before Russian President Vladimir Putins fateful invasion in February 2022.
Changing of the guard at NATO as Jens Stoltenberg steps down

NATO outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (R) and NATO new Secretary General Mark Rutte pictured at a ceremony to mark the end of Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General, in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday 01 October 2024. The ceremonies will mark the transition to NATO's new Secretary General, former Dutch Prime Minister M. Rutte. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg steps down on Tuesday after 10 testing years for the Western military alliance's unity and purpose.

Stoltenberg will hand over to former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte with a wreath-laying ceremony and an official handshake at NATO headquarters in Brussels.

Ambassadors from NATO allies will then meet in the alliance's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council (NAC), to appoint Rutte.

The new Secretary General is expected to start his tenure with an address to NATO staff and a press conference.

The changing of the NATO guard takes place as war rages directly on the alliance's borders in Ukraine more than two years after the full-scale Russian invasion.

The war and increased threat of Russian revanchism renewed NATO's Cold War purpose to protect members after years of turmoil during former US president Donald Trump's presidency.

Trump railed against allies, especially Germany, for what he deemed as unacceptably low defence spending and questioned the alliance's principle of collective defence.

French President Emmanuel Macron also infamously declared that the alliance was in danger of succumbing to "brain death," such was the degree of division among NATO.

A chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a low point for the alliance, just six months before Russian President Vladimir Putins fateful invasion in February 2022.

NATO's 'transformational' decade

In an essay to mark his departure, Stoltenberg described the last decade for NATO "as the most transformational" for the 32-member alliance since the Cold War.

Stoltenberg highlighted the new deployments of allied troops in Eastern Europe, the ramp up in defence industry production, and that 23 allies are now spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2024 - up from just three countries in 2014.

The NATO secretary general was credited with moderating the debate over low defence spending by the European allies, which led to heated disputes during Trump's time in office.

During Stoltenberg's tenure NATO also welcomed four new allies, Montengro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden. Both Nordic countries abandoned years of neutrality after the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Stoltenberg's skillful shepherding of Finland and Sweden into the alliance in the face of Turkish resistance was one of his crowning achievements.

Ankara pursued and received greater commitments from Sweden to combat terrorism alleging Stockholm's support to groups Ankara labels as "terrorists" - primarily referring to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Rutte's next challenge

A staunch supporter of Ukraine, allies extended Stoltenberg's term in office just after the 2022 Russian invasion. NATO extended his tenure in 2023 again as allies were unable to agree on a suitable successor.

Rutte quickly became the frontrunner to be the next NATO chief after receiving the early support of the United States, Germany and Britain.

This was despite criticism of low Dutch defence spending during Rutte's time in office.

The centre-right politician was the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history. His initial term as NATO Secretary General is to be four years long.

The top NATO official is tasked with the political leadership of the alliance and ensuring consensus within the alliance, particularly when navigating complex issues during times of crisis.

In addition to support for Ukraine, the potential return of Trump to the White House in November would be a major test for Rutte. Past statements from Trump have cast doubt on US collective defence commitments to the alliance.

NATO is also concerned about the rising military strength of Beijing and views China as a challenge to the alliance's security.
Charlotte Humane Society offers adoption discount as they take in western NC rescues

The Charlotte Humane Society is pitching in to help Helene relief efforts.

SPECIAL SECTION: Tropical Storm Helene

In a post on Instagram Tuesday, the organization said it welcomed animals from the Asheville Humane Society on Monday evening.

Once our new friends have been evaluated and had time to decompress, youll see them available for adoption on our website, the Instagram post says.

Charlottes humane society is asking for help making room for even more animals from western North Carolina. Adoptions help them do that, and all adoptions through Thursday are 50% off, they said. Go to humanesocietyofcharlotte.org for more information.

>> If youre looking for more ways to help, click here.

(WATCH BELOW: Absolute total loss: Evacuees return to homes along Catawba River)
The world has never looked better with elevated sailing experiences in over 70 countries across all seven continents, including Celebrity's first-ever 110-night Grand Voyage.

MIAMI, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Experience a premium journey at sea in every corner of the world on board Celebrity Cruises' 2026-2027 deployment. The world has never looked better with more than 600 sailings to over 280 destinations in over 70 countries across all seven continents. The highly anticipated fifth ship in the revolutionary Edge Series ships, Celebrity Xcel, will sail her inaugural season in Europe offering an unmatched Mediterranean vacation and Celebrity's first overnights in Madeira, Portugal. Edge Series ships continue to bring guests closer to Celebrity's four most sought-after regions: the Caribbean, Europe, Alaska and Australia, delivering a range of deployment firsts including Celebrity's most expanded season in Iceland; the return of Celebrity ships to South America and Antarctica; and new ports and overnights across Europe and Asia. Plus, for the first time guests can sail for 110 nights and never repeat a port on Celebrity's Grand Voyage. This elevated journey promises an unforgettable adventure to 55 destinations across 15 countries from Canada to Hong Kong, from the comfort of the newly refurbished Celebrity Solstice.

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Highlights of the 2026-2027 season include:

Celebrity Xcel , debuting in Fall 2025, will sail her inaugural Europe season in 2026, offering Celebrity's first overnights in Madeira, Portugal.

Iceland has never looked better with Celebrity Silhouette  sailing the cruise line's largest season in the region and offering a once-in-a-life-time chance to watch the solar eclipse at sea.

The ultimate Caribbean getaway awaits as Celebrity Xcel returns for her second season in the tropics, departing from Miami for the first time. Celebrity Beyond  offers year-round Caribbean sailings departing from both Miami and Fort Lauderdale.

Celebrity Millennium  will be sailing out of the brand-new Narita terminal, situated closer to Tokyo city center, and will offer more overnight opportunities to provide unrivaled access to the city.

Celebrity returns to South America with new sailings visiting Patagonia and Antarctica on Celebrity Equinox  .

A record length itinerary for Celebrity, the Grand Voyage will journey to 55 destinations across 15 countries for 110 nights of elevated exploration with no repeated ports aboard the newly refurbished Celebrity Solstice.

"Our 2026-2027 season offers exciting new and expanded experiences for Celebrity guests to indulge their sense of curiosity across all regions of the world. Edge Series ships continue to sail our four key regions, including the European debut of Celebrity Xcel which will offer guests exciting new vacation experiences in the region," said Laura Hodges Bethge, president of Celebrity Cruises. "Our guests' love of back-to-back sailings inspired the 110-night Grand Voyage which traverses 55 destinations across 15 countries with no repeated ports to provide an unrivaled elevated journey."

Story continues

Discover Europe with new ships, overnight stays, and immersive experiences

There are more ways to explore Europe with Celebrity than ever before. Sail on eight ships, including three Edge Series ships  Celebrity Xcel, Celebrity Ascent and Celebrity Apex  to more than 100 European destinations, offering even more time to discover something new with 59 overnight stays.

Celebrity's newest ship, Celebrity Xcel, will set sail on her inaugural season in Europe. Guests can immerse themselves in the Mediterranean like never before with seven-to 11-night journeys out of Barcelona and Athens, including all new overnight stays in Madeira, Portugal. Celebrity Ascent also returns to the Mediterranean, inviting guests to discover new vineyards, villages and cuisine each day with 10-and 11-night sailings from Rome.

Bucket list experiences await in Iceland and Greenland. Celebrity is offering its largest season in the region with more seven-night sailings out of Reykjavik than ever before on Celebrity Silhouette, including a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to catch the 2026 Solar Eclipse on August 12 off the coast of Iceland.

Guests can delight in the culture and cuisine of the Italian Riviera, Greek Isles, France, Spain and Portugal on Celebrity Equinox, which is joining Celebrity Xcel and Celebrity Ascent in the Mediterranean with voyages out of Barcelona, Lisbon and Rome. Those looking to experience the ancient wonders and sunny skies of the Adriatic can take advantage of new Athens to Ravenna sailings on Celebrity Eclipse, seven-night sailings from Athens on Celebrity Infinity, and 10-to 11-night Rome and Ravenna sailings on Celebrity Constellation.

Celebrity Apex will return to Southampton for her third season, with Arctic Circle and Norwegian Fjords itineraries that immerse guests in the region's natural wonders, rich history, thriving food scene and once-in-a-lifetime thrills. The best of Scandinavia can be found on Celebrity Eclipse sailings from Amsterdam to destinations like Norway, Finland, Sweden and Denmark.

Escape to relaxation in the Caribbean with nine ships and 31 destinations to experience

Celebrity Cruises returns to the Caribbean with even more ways to relax, unwind and explore on sailings to 18 countries including St. Lucia, Antigua, Grand Cayman, Bahamas, and the ABC islands. In winter 2026-27, Celebrity will offer nine ships in the region, with sailings from four different Florida ports, giving guests the ultimate flexibility for their perfect Caribbean getaway.

Departing from Miami for the first time, Celebrity Xcel returns to the Caribbean for her second season in Winter 2026-27, offering seven-night tropical voyages to destinations like Mexico, Bahamas and Grand Cayman.

Celebrity Beyond will offer seven-night sailings from Miami and Fort Lauderdale, where guests can explore and indulge in Caribbean destinations including Puerto Plata, the British Virgin Islands, St. Kitts and Nevis, and more. From Fort Lauderdale, guests can enjoy 10-and 11-night sailings in the Southern Caribbean on Celebrity Ascent with sailings through the historic Panama Canal and to destinations like Antigua, St. Lucia and Barbados. Also from Fort Lauderdale, guests can discover the flavors and cultures of the ABC Islands, Jamacia, Grand Cayman and Mexico on six-and eight-night sailings on Celebrity Silhouette, or find longer, nine-to 12-night escapes on Celebrity Eclipse. Those looking for a quick recharge in the sunny Caribbean can enjoy pampering and excitement with continued weekend escapes offered year-round on Celebrity Reflection with three-and four-night sailings from Fort Lauderdale to Perfect Day at CocoCay, Bimini, Nassau and Key West.

Guests will find sailing options from coast to coast in Florida, as Celebrity Apex returns to Port Canaveral and Celebrity Summit sails from Tampa, both offering seven-night escapes to Key West and Bahamas. Departing from San Juan, Puerto Rico, guests can explore the Southern Caribbean with seven-night sailings on Celebrity Constellation.

Get closer to nature with an elevated exploration of the Last Frontier

Take in Alaska's awe-inspiring landscapes and diverse wildlife from one of Celebrity's three ships in the region for the 2026-27 season. Celebrity Edge, the most immersive ship in Alaska, is once again bringing guests closer to natural beauty as she returns to Alaska for her third season. Celebrity Solstice and Celebrity Summit also offers guests opportunities to discover the region's lush islands, snow-covered mountains, icy glaciers, and charming coastal towns with cruises from Seattle, Vancouver, and Seward.

Experience an unparalleled journey through Alaska's breathtaking landscapes with Celebrity Edge's outward facing design. From taking in the scenery without leaving bed in an Infinite Veranda stateroom, to observing Dawes Glacier while floating above the Endicott Arm from The Magic Carpet, guests can find one-of-a-kind ways to explore during the day and unwind onboard at night.

Celebrity guests can further discover Alaska with a land-based Cruisetour experience, led by resident guides who are chosen for their deep roots and connections to the local communities. Through the land tours, guests stay in authentic lodges and travel remote roads and railways. The tours offer guests the chance to experience Alaska's diverse and beautiful interior, including destinations like Anchorage, folksy Talkeetna, and wild Denali.

Uncover the vibrant cultures and rich history of Asia and the South Pacific

Extraordinary cities where ancient culture is blended seamlessly with ultra-modern lifestyles await guests with Celebrity's new experiences in Asia. For the first time, Celebrity Millennium will homeport out of the brand-new centrally located Narita terminal and offer overnights, making it even more convenient to explore Tokyo's city center and discover the energetic nightlife. Plus, guests can explore the rich culture of Hualien, Taiwan  China, as Celebrity Millennium returns to the quaint port city for the first time since 2018.

Open jaw sailings between Seoul, South Korea and Tokyo, Japan make exploring Asia's trending destinations simple, while unique sailings during Gion Festival, Golden Week and Nebuta Festival promise exciting, once-in-a-lifetime cultural experiences.

In Southeast Asia, itineraries on Celebrity Solstice invite guests off the beaten path to dive deep into the region's rich histories, cultures and unique cuisines. Discover unique night markets and bustling nightlife with overnights in ports like Penang, Malaysia and Phuket, Thailand.

Experience a breathtaking voyage through Australia and New Zealand

Sail past the iconic Sydney Harbor Bridge and Opera House or the majestic Fjords of New Zealand with continued sailings on Celebrity Edge and Celebrity Solstice from Sydney and Auckland. Home to some of the world's oldest cultures and most extraordinary natural beauty, guests can visit unique destinations like Mystery Island in Vanuatu, Tauranga, New Zealand, Lifou, and Loyalty Island.

Cross Antarctica, South America and the Galapagos off the bucket list

Celebrity is returning to South America with new sailings visiting Patagonia and Antarctica on Celebrity Equinox. Guests can set off on an exciting adventure filled with natural beauty and incredible wildlife in the Antarctic, or immerse themselves in culture, architecture and art across seven South American countries including Chile, Argentina, Uruguay, Brazil and the Falkland Islands.

Adventurers can discover the intricate ecosystem of the Galapagos Islands, as Celebrity Flora continues to offer all-inclusive seven-to 16-night expeditions year-round on the first and only resort at sea in the region to receive a Forbes Travel Guide Four-Star Rating.

Experience a once-in-a-lifetime, 110-night journey from Canada to Southeast Asia on the Grand Voyage

Celebrity's first Grand Voyage will offer 110 nights of exploration in one of the world's most sought-after regions for travel. Guests will explore 55 destinations across 15 countries from Canada to Hong Kong, all from the comfort of Celebrity Solstice which will be newly refurbished having just come out of dry dock.

From September to December 2026, guests can forget the stress of connecting flights and checking into multiple hotels. Instead, guests are invited to only unpack once while exploring the world, enjoying the icy glaciers of Alaska to the paradise shores of Fiji all from the comfort of their Veranda.

Starting in the breathtaking fjords of Alaska, guests can marvel in the natural beauty of Hubbard Glacier and Icy Straight Point, and enjoy Alaska's charming coastal towns, before departing to explore the Pacific. After soaking in the sun on the shores of Hawaii, guests will sail to French Polynesia and Fiji where, in the serenity of the South Pacific, they can snorkel over coral reefs, visit eco-parks with rare protected species, trek through tropical jungles, and explore the rich culture of these island nations.

The unforgettable journey continues, taking guests to the majestic landscapes and diverse wildlife of New Zealand, Australia and Vanuatu. Home to some of the world's oldest cultures and most extraordinary natural beauty, guests can immerse themselves in the region with a variety of unique experiences both on shore and onboard. Highlights include exploring the underground world of New Zealand's Ruakuri Caves, a geological marvel with a rich Maori history.

Voyaging on to Indonesia, Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam and Hong Kong, China, ancient temples, historic palaces, diverse nature and bustling cities with unforgettable culinary delights and electric nightlife await. Guests can discover some of the world's best beaches in Ko Samui, join a cooking class to try their hand at local cuisines, take in the splendor of golden-roofed temples, delve into modern history in Ho Chi Minh City, and more.

The Grand Voyage offers the ultimate way for guests to indulge their sense of wanderlust, all while enjoying the award-winning service and amenities that Celebrity is famous for.

On Sale Dates

October 1, 2024: Northern Europe, Alaska, Australia, Bermuda, Canada and New England, Hawaii, Iceland and Japan

November 5, 2024: Mediterranean and South America

November 19, 2024: Caribbean and Canals

December 10, 2024: Winter 2027 Asia and the Grand Voyage

On Sale Spring 2025: Galapagos 2027

For more information and to book a sailing with Celebrity Cruises, visit www.celebrity.com, contact a trusted travel advisor, or call Celebrity Cruises on 1-800-CELEBRITY.

About Celebrity Cruises

Celebrity Cruises delivers an elevated premium vacation experience across their fleet of ships traveling to nearly 300 destinations across more than 70 countries spanning all seven continents. Uniquely offering the intimate feel and thoughtful service of small ships, with the variety and excitement of bigger ones  guests can explore the world or get away from it for a little while. With every detail elevated beyond expectations, guests will never want to vacation any other way. An industry pioneer for more than 35 years, each Celebrity vacation offers experiences you won't find anywhere else aboard ships which continue to shatter industry expectations with the highly anticipated Celebrity Xcel arriving Fall 2025.

Celebrity Cruises is headquartered in Miami and is one of five cruise brands owned by Royal Caribbean Group (NYSE: RCL). Visit www.celebritycruises.com for more information, and connect with us on Instagram, Facebook or LinkedIn.

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

Photo Credit: Celebrity Cruises

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SOURCE Celebrity Cruises
Chicagos beach season is over  or is it? Lake Michigan temps are breaking records.

Annelise Rittberg watches as their four friends enjoy a late summer dip in Lake Michigan just south of Belmont Harbor. Juanpablo Ramirez-Franco/WBEZ

This coverage is made possible through a partnership between WBEZ and Grist , a nonprofit, independent media organization dedicated to telling stories of climate solutions and a just future. Sign up for WBEZ newsletters to get local news you can trust.

On a sunny, mid-September afternoon, Olu Demuren took a running start off the concrete ledge just south of Belmont Harbor and leapt into Lake Michigan for the first time.

I was preparing myself for cold water, Demuren said. And this immediately felt very nice.

The water along Chicagos lakeshore averaged an unseasonable 71 degrees that day. The weather was picturesque too: clear blue skies and temperatures in the mid-80s. Annelise Rittberg watched their friends from the concrete ledge and said the weather felt deeply abnormal.

While its fun to be out here, its also unsettling, Rittberg said.

Lake Michigan is heating up. The lakes surface temperature has surpassed the running average dating back to 1995 nearly every day this year, according to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data. And its not just one Great Lake. All five are warming. The massive bodies of water, which provide drinking water to more than 30 million people, are among the fastest-warming lakes worldwide , according to the federal governments Fifth National Climate Assessment.

Its a trend that doesnt show any sign of slowing. As heat trapping-greenhouse gasses continue to accumulate in the atmosphere, the Great Lakes region is projected to grow warmer and wetter in the years and decades to come. Over a fifth of the worlds supply of non-frozen freshwater flows through the five connected Great Lakes, forming the Earths largest freshwater ecosystem.

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, analyzed by WBEZVisualization: Alden Loury/WBEZ

Source: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory, analyzed by WBEZVisualization: Alden Loury/WBEZ

Lake Michigan started the year at around 42 degrees. Thats the hottest temperature on the first of the year since scientists started keeping track in 1995.

On average, right now and for the past few years, weve been above the norm and above the trend for this satellite data record we have for temperature, said Andrea Vanderwoude, a satellite oceanographer at NOAAs Great Lakes Environmental Research Laboratory (GLERL).

She adds that several of the warmest years on record have occurred in the past decade. This summer was warm on the whole, but by itself did not set records. However, winter temperatures did.

Winters are in fact, getting warmer and warmer, both in the lakes and in the air and the land around us, said Drew Gronewold, a professor of environmental sciences at the University of Michigan. Winter is vanishing from the Great Lakes.

Average winter temperatures in the upper Midwest are several degrees warmer today compared to 50 years ago. This is important because how heat accumulates in the lakes in one season largely determines what happens the following season.

As a result, lakes that have consistently experienced seasonal ice cover since the last glacial stage are today seeing less and less of it. According to an analysis by GLERL, ice cover fell by approximately 5% per decade between 1973 and 2023. Today, theres around 25% less ice cover than there was 50 years ago. This year has been the fourth lowest year for ice cover across the Great Lakes on record.

This past ice year was one of the lowest ever, said Gronewold. Much of that time period was at record lows, and that is really a sort of the shade of things to come.

Still, despite the warming trends, scientists said ice wont be completely disappearing from the Great Lakes any time soon.

As Rose Sawyer dried off from her dip in the lake, she said that as far as she remembers, Lake Michigan has always varied.

Its weird to be swimming here this late, but its also just like the lake is kind of a constantly changing thing, Sawyer said. Its not its not like a static object.

While its true that Lake Michigan, like all the Great Lakes, have always shown variability from year to year, the overall trends conform with a global shift toward a warmer planet. That wont just mean longer beach seasons on Chicagos lakefront. Itll mean a longer commercial shipping season, changing migratory patterns for fish and more intense storms. Here on Chicagos lakefront, it will mean even more erosion and smaller beaches .

In the meantime, Demuren and their friends say that even if they are all out of 85 degree Chicago beach days, theyll probably keep jumping into the lake anyway  until, eventually, it becomes intolerably cold.
CHICAGO - Chicago police are asking for the public's help in identifying a man wanted for the sexual exploitation of two children in the Rogers Park neighborhood.

The incident occurred on September 29 around 5:53 p.m. in the 6200 block of North Maplewood Avenue.

Police say the man performed an indecent act in the presence of two minors before leaving the area. He briefly returned, but by then, the children had gone inside.

The suspect was last seen walking southbound on North Maplewood Avenue.

Man accused in Rogers Park incident | CPD

Authorities describe the man as Hispanic or white, aged 35 to 45, with a light complexion, medium build, and facial hair, either a beard or goatee. At the time of the incident, he was wearing a red and white hat, a gray short-sleeved shirt with an unknown logo, light blue jeans, and a blue jacket tied around his waist. He was also wearing white sneakers.

Chicago police are urging anyone with information about this incident to contact the Special Investigations Unit at 312-492-3810. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through CPDTIP.com.
NurPhoto/Getty Images

At the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month, survivor of child marriage and internationally-recognized expert on the issue Naila Amin advocates for federal law banning marriage for children under age 18 in this op-ed.

There are a lot of laws in the United States named after children who have died because critical protections didnt exist for them: The Adam Walsh Act and Caylees Law are just a few. These laws honor their namesake, promising to never fail another child in the same way.

But Nailas Law in New York  which raised the age of consent to wed in the state to 18, effectively outlawing child marriage  is different. Its named after a living victim: me, a survivor of the very thing the law now bans. I often wonder how different my life would have been if this law was in place when I was a child, before I was forced to marry an adult man. It would have saved me so much trauma, throughout years of my life, freeing me from the fear I still carry. As a mother of a daughter, I vow to protect her and all the other girls of this world to ensure that no child has to go through what I did, ever again.

I was born in Pakistan, but Ive lived in Queens since I was 4. After a trip to Pakistan, I was told at the age of 8 that I was technically engaged to a man more than twice my age. Engaged? More like, betrothed, my hand in marriage promised by my parents. We returned to the United States, without my so-called husband, and I did everything I could to try to escape this new reality. I endured abuse; I spent time in foster homes, but they were scary and unknown, and there were no Muslim foster families. Eventually, I returned to my parents's home and ultimately, at the age of 15, we went back to Pakistan where I was forced to marry a cousin. My marriage was recognized by the U.S. government and the state of New York at the time.

On my wedding day, I became a victim at the hands of the people who were supposed to keep me safe. By the grace of God, I survived, but in the months that followed my wedding I experienced rape and torture at the hands of my so-called husband. Some days I wonder how I found the strength to carry on. But I did, and now Im making change. In 2021, the state of New York passed Nailas Law, one of the strongest laws against child marriage in the United States. It sets a minimum age requirement for marriage at 18, no exceptions. Im proud of this law that bears my name, but my work is not done.

The 37 states and the District of Columbia that still allow some form of child marriage need to follow New Yorks example. We need to also pass the federal Child Marriage Prevention Act to invoke nationwide protections, including a ban on conducting child marriages on federal property, changes to U.S. immigration law, and incentives for states to take strong action as New York and 13 other states have done.

No child should be forced into a marriage to create an avenue for our husbands to immigrate, or for any other reason. And while the U.S. government already had some policies in place to protect that from happening to me, the policies failed me. It is clear that we need statutory changes in federal law.

I want to be clear that child marriage in the United States is not a problem limited to immigrant families. There are many U.S.-born children from all walks of life forced into marriages before they are able to make that decision freely and voluntarily. Some, like me, are forced into marriage by their families. Some are vulnerable youth groomed by predatory adults. Some marry as a last ditch effort to escape abuse at home. But the remedy for child abuse should never be more child abuse. Children should not be forced to jump from the frying pan into the fire. We need to create lasting protection for any child who needs it, no matter who their parents are or where they were born.

Every year my daughter grows older, I cant help but think how different her childhood is from mine  and Im proud of that. I bore all of that pain, for all of those years, not because I deserved it, but because the laws and society allowed it to happen to me. We needed Nailas Law in New York and we need the Child Marriage Prevention Act across the United States today. This is something I think anyone, regardless of political affiliation or background, can agree with.

Originally Appeared on Teen Vogue
Nearly two-thirds of the world's new solar and wind power capacity in 2023 was installed in China, which added a total of 1.84 million renewable energy jobs, a report finds. (GREG BAKER) (GREG BAKER/AFP/AFP)

A record 2.5 million jobs were created in the renewable energy sector in 2023, most of them in China, the International Renewable Energy Agency and International Labour Organization said on Tuesday.

Nearly two-thirds of the world's new solar and wind power capacity was installed in China, which added a total of 1.84 million renewable energy jobs, they said.

Global employment in the industry rose 18 percent from 13.7 million to 16.2 million, Abu Dhabi-based IRENA and the ILO, a United Nations agency, said in a joint report.

But the report raised concerns about an "uneven global picture" with China accounting for 7.4 million jobs or 46 percent of the total.

The sector employs 1.8 million people in the European Union, 1.56 million in Brazil and nearly a million in the United States and India.

However, "despite immense resource potential", Africa had only 324,000 renewable energy jobs as of last year, the report said.

"The story of the energy transition and its socio-economic gains should not be about one or two regions," IRENA director-general Francesco La Camera was quoted as saying.

"If we are all to fulfil our collective pledge to triple renewable power capacity by 2030, the world must step up its game and support marginalised regions in addressing barriers impeding their transitions progress."

The goal of tripling renewable energy capacity by 2030 was set at last year's COP28 UN climate talks in Dubai.

The report said solar panels, or solar photovoltaics, are the biggest employer with 7.2 million jobs globally, including 4.6 million in China.

Liquid biofuels employ 2.8 million, one-third of them in Brazil, while hydropower jobs shrank slightly from 2.5 million in 2022 to 2.3 million last year.

China and Europe accounted for 52 and 21 percent respectively of the world's 1.5 million wind-power jobs, the report said.

saa/th/kir
Chinese woman held in Germany for spying on arms firm

The suspect detained had been working for a firm providing logistics at Leipzig/Halle airport [ RICO THUMSER/AFP]

A Chinese woman has been arrested in Leipzig on suspicion of passing information about Leipzig/Halle airport, which is used as a key transport hub for the German defence industry, to Chinese intelligence.

German prosecutors said that Yaqi X, 38, had been working for a company providing logistics services at the airport.

Prosecutors said she had repeatedly sent details on flights, passengers and military cargo transport to another figure who worked for China's secret services. The airport is considered an important centre for defence exports, particularly to Ukraine.

A second suspect, Jian G, was detained earlier this year.

He had worked as an aide for a member of the European Parliament from Germany's far-right AfD party.

Yaqi X was remanded in custody and her home and workplace searched.

Between August 2023 and February 2024, prosecutors allege she had given Jian G information on the transport of military equipment and people linked to an unnamed German arms company.

German sources told public broadcaster ARD that the defence company involved was Rheinmetall, Germany's biggest defence firm which has been heavily involved in supplying Ukraine with weapons, armoured vehicles and military equipment.

Yaqi X's case appears to be linked to a spying case that unfolded last April involving parliamentary aide Jian G.

The MEP he had worked for, Maximilian Krah, dismissed Jian G as his assistant. Krah's office in Brussels was searched by police, although there was no indication that he was involved.

Jian G was alleged to have spied on Chinese dissidents in Germany as well as passing information on the European Parliament to Chinese intelligence.

He had previously worked for dissident groups and had taken up German citizenship after coming to Germany in 2002.
Chinese woman held in Germany on suspicion of helping AfD aide spy for Beijing

Chinese flag in front of the country's embassy in Berlin

German police have arrested a Chinese woman in Leipzig on suspicion of spying on military shipments for Beijings intelligence services.

Prosecutors said Yaqi X, 38, had been working for a firm providing logistic services at Leipzig/Hall airport, a key transport hub for the German defence industry.

They alleged she repeatedly passed on details of flights, passengers and military cargo transport to a former Alternative for Germany (AfD) aide who was working for Chinese intelligence.

Between August 2023 and February 2024, Yaqi X is alleged to have provided Beijing with information on people and equipment connected to a German arms manufacturer.

Yaqi X, who was detained on Monday, is said to have given the information to Jian G, 38, a former parliamentary aide to an MEP for the Right-wing AfD. He was arrested in April and is being prosecuted separately.

Arrested on way to work

ARD, the German public broadcaster, said that the arms company involved was Rheinmetall, Germanys biggest defence firm, which describes itself as Ukraines most important defence partner in the fight against Russian aggression.

The suspect had access to the airports security zone and was arrested by detectives while on her way to work, German newspaper Das Bild reported.

She was an inconspicuous tenant, had no contact with anyone and never had visitors, a neighbour told the newspaper.

The accused is strongly suspected of acting as an intelligence agent for the Chinese secret service, Germanys federal prosecutors office said, adding that Ms Xs home and workplace had been searched by police.

In what was described as an especially severe case of espionage, Jian G is alleged to have spied on Chinese dissidents living in Europe and provided Beijing with information on the workings of the European Parliament.

There is no indication that his employer, Maximilian Krah, was involved in spying for Beijing. Mr Krah said he found out about Gs arrest from media reports.

The AfD said at the time: Any influence by foreign states through espionage, but also attempts to buy opinions and positions, must be investigated and firmly prevented.

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I chose freedom over justice, Julian Assange says in first comments after detention

By Tilman Blasshofer and Tassilo Hummel

STRASBOURG (France) (Reuters) -Julian Assange, the founder of whistleblower media group WikiLeaks, told European lawmakers on Tuesday his guilty plea to U.S. espionage accusations was necessary because legal and political efforts to protect his freedom were not sufficient.

"I eventually chose freedom over an unrealisable justice," Assange said, in his first public comments since his release from prison, addressing a committee at the Council of Europe, the international body best known for its human rights convention.

Assange, 53, returned to his home country Australia in June after a deal was struck for his release which saw him plead guilty to violating U.S. espionage law, ending a 14-year British legal odyssey.

"I am free today after years of incarceration because I pleaded guilty to journalism, pleaded guilty to seeking information from a source, I pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a source and I pleaded guilty to informing the public what that information was," he said.

WikiLeaks in 2010 released hundreds of thousands of classified U.S. military documents on Washington's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - the largest security breaches of their kind in U.S. military history - along with swaths of diplomatic cables.

Assange was indicted years later under the Espionage Act.

A report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concluded Assange was a political prisoner and called for Britain to hold an inquiry into whether he had been exposed to inhuman treatment.

Dressed in a black suit with a burgundy tie and a slight white beard, Assange sat between his wife Stella, and WikiLeaks' editor Kristinn Hrafnsson, reading out his initial remarks from sheets of paper.

"I am yet not fully equipped to speak about what I have endured," he said, adding: "Isolation has taken its toll which I am trying to unwind."

Speaking freely during a subsequent question and answer session, Assange looked moved when he told lawmakers the plea deal meant he would be barred from ever bringing a case to defend himself against the U.S.'s spying accusations.

"There will never be a hearing into what happened," he said.

His wife, whom he married while in a London jail, said last month he would need time to regain his health and sanity after his long incarceration.

Asked about his plans, Assange said the Strasbourg hearing, aimed at raising awareness of the need to protect whistleblowers and informers was "a first step".

Adapting to normal life after years of imprisonment included some "tricky things", he said, like learning to be a father for two children who grew up without him and "becoming a husband again, including with a mother-in-law," drawing some laughter from the crowd.

Assange was first arrested in Britain in 2010 on a European arrest warrant after Swedish authorities said they wanted to question him over sex-crime allegations that were later dropped. He fled to Ecuador's embassy, where he remained for seven years, to avoid extradition to Sweden.

He was dragged out of the embassy in 2019 and transferred to London's Belmarsh top security jail for skipping bail.

(Reporting by Stephane Mahe and Tilman Blasshofer in Strasbourg, Tassilo Hummel in Paris; Editing by Christina Fincher)
Peter Vlaming, a French teacher at school in Virginia says his conscience was violated by pronoun row - AP Photo/Steve Helber

A Christian teacher has been fired for refusing to use a transgender students preferred pronouns.

Peter Vlaming lost his job at West Point High School, in West Point, Virginia, after insisting that referring to a biologically female student by male pronouns went against his religious beliefs.

Now, the school board has agreed to pay out $575,000 (433,000) in damages and legal fees after the Supreme Court of Virginia ruled last year that the school had violated Mr Vlamings freedom of expression rights.

Following the ruling, Mr Vlaming said that he hoped his victory helps protect every other teachers and professors fundamental First Amendment rights.

I was wrongfully fired from my teaching job because my religious beliefs put me on a collision course with school administrators who mandated that teachers ascribe to only one perspective on gender identitytheir preferred view, Mr Vlaming said.

I loved teaching French and gracefully tried to accommodate every student in my class, but I couldnt say something that directly violated my conscience.

Mr Vlaming had taught French at West Point High for six years when, towards the end of the 2017-18 school year, he learned that one of his students, who was biologically a female, was intending to transition to male, the supreme court was told.

In the autumn term, Mr Vlaming alleged he became aware that the child wanted to be referred to by masculine pronouns: a request that went against his Christian beliefs. His faith taught Mr Vlaming that sex is fixed in each person and cannot be changed.

According to the complaint, Mr Vlamings conscience and religious practice prohibits him from intentionally lying, and he sincerely believes that referring to a female as a male by using an objectively male pronoun is telling a lie.

Out of respect for his students preferences, the French teacher used the childs new preferred name but avoided using the third-person pronoun.

In October 2018, Mr Vlaming met with the student to explain his practice of not using pronouns in class and thought the meeting went well. However, in a phone call with the childs parents later that day, he was allegedly told he should leave his principles and beliefs out of this.

In the following days, Mr Vlaming met with assistant principal Suzanne Aunspach to discuss his treatment of the child and was told that he should be aware of the law, he alleged.

Right of address

He was referred to documents prepared by the National Center for Transgender Equality asserting that transgender students have the legal right to be addressed by the names and pronouns that they use.

The court heard he was also told that personal religious beliefs end at the school door and that he should use male pronouns or his job could be at risk, he alleged.

After a further incident which Mr Vlaming claimed was accidental, he was suspended and issued with a final warning.

When Mr Vlaming refused to comply with a written directive ordering him to use masculine pronouns to refer to the student, the school board sacked him, the court heard.

Mr Vlaming later sued the school on the grounds that his First Amendment rights had been impinged upon, but a circuit court ruled against him.

However, the states supreme court ruled in December that it would reinstate the lawsuit against the school because it said Mr Vlamings rights had been violated.

Now, as well as the payout, the school has changed its policies to conform to the new Virginia education policies that respect fundamental free speech and parental rights.

In its ruling, the court said: No government can lawfully coerce its citizens into pledging verbal allegiance to ideological views that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs.

Tyson Langhofer, senior counsel for the Alliance Defending Freedom, said: Peter wasnt fired for something he said; he was fired for something he couldnt say.

As a teacher, Peter was passionate about the subject he taught, was well-liked by his students, and did his best to accommodate their needs and requests. But he couldnt in good conscience speak messages that he doesnt believe to be true, and no school board or government official can punish someone for that reason.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) said that they have reached multiple administrative settlement agreements with various companies across the Southeast region in 2024.

The EPA said that these agreements resolved allegations that the companies violated the Tier II reporting requirements of the Emergency Planning and Community Right-to-Know Act (EPCRA) Section 312 and the Toxic Release Inventory (TRI) reporting requirements of EPCRA Section 313.

This includes four companies located in Georgia:

Nidec Elesys Americas Corporation: Nidec manufactures automotive safety electronic controls including occupant detection, radar technology and the safety system ECU, according to their website. On July 8, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Nidec Elesys Americas Corporation located in Suwanee, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for lead compounds processed at the facility during calendar years 2021 and 2022. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $34,730.

Purafil Inc. : Purafil manufactures air-filtration chemicals and equipment to remove gaseous contaminants and particulates from places such as airports, schools, office buildings, museums and government buildings, according to their website. On July 8, 2024, a CAFO was filed in the matter of Purafil, Inc. located in Doraville, Ga. the EPA said. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Sections 312 and 313 of EPCRA for failure to timely file Tier II and Form R reports, the EPA said. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $82,700.

Hussmann Corporation: Hussmann provides merchandising cases, refrigeration systems, aftermarket services and other items for food retailers, according to their website. On July 16, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Hussmann Corporation located in Suwanee, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for chromium, copper, and manganese processed at the facility during calendar year 2021, the EPA said. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $74,123.

OFS Fitel, LLC: OFS Fitel manufactures and provides optical fiber, optical fiber cable, connectivity, FTTX and specialty photonics solutions, according to their website. On August 19, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding OFS Fitel, LLC in Norcross, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 312 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Tier II forms, the EPA said. The CAFO also resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for chlorine and hydrofluoric acid otherwise used at the facility during calendar year 2020. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $38,852.



Citizens have a right to know about dangerous and toxic substances in their communities, said Keriema Newman, director of the Enforcement and Compliance Assurance Division in EPAs Southeast region. There are homes, schools, businesses, fire stations, and churches near these facilities  which in some cases are near population centers. EPAs action underscores the importance of companies understanding the hazards of using hazardous substances like compounds containing lead and using that knowledge to undertake safe handling and management practices to protect public safety.

The purpose of submitting Tier II forms is to provide state, tribal and local officials and the public with specific information about potential hazards, the EPA said. This includes the locations, as well as the amount, of hazardous chemicals present at facilities during the previous calendar year.

Over 90,000 Georgia residents told to shelter in place after fire at chemical plant

Under federal TRI regulations, companies that use certain listed toxic chemicals must report their releases of those chemicals each year to EPA using EPA Form 9350-1 (Form R), the EPA said. This information serves as the basis for the TRI, which is a collection of data that can be readily reviewed by communities, government, and industry.

The EPA said that with the information being publicly available, companies have an incentive to reduce harmful chemical use and improve their environmental performance. TRI reporting informs surrounding communities about a facilitys toxic chemicals that could potentially harm public health and the environment and offers transparency, they said.

Other southern companies fined include:

The Carlstar Group  On April 15, 2024, a Consent Agreement and Final Order (CAFO) was filed in the matter of The Carlstar Group located in Clinton, Tennessee. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failure to report certain chemicals on the companys Form R. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $66,392.

Karnak-South, Inc.  On June 11, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Karnak-South, Inc., located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of the EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for 1,2,4-Trimethylbenzene processed at the facility during calendar years 2020 and 2021. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $12,639.

Purafil Inc.  On July 8, 2024, a CAFO was filed in the matter of Purafil, Inc. located in Doraville, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Sections 312 and 313 of EPCRA for failure to timely file Tier II and Form R reports. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $82,700.

Nidec Elesys Americas Corporation  On July 8, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Nidec Elesys Americas Corporation located in Suwanee, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for lead compounds processed at the facility during calendar years 2021 and 2022. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $34,730.

Englander Enterprises  On July 8, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Englander Enterprises, Inc., d.b.a. EEI Manufacturing Services, located in Clearwater, Florida. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for lead processed at the facility during calendar years 2021 and 2022. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $38,425.

Hussmann Corporation  On July 16, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Hussmann Corporation located in Suwanee, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for chromium, copper, and manganese processed at the facility during calendar year 2021. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $74,123.

OFS Fitel, LLC  On August 19, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding OFS Fitel, LLC in Norcross, Georgia. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 312 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Tier II forms. The CAFO also resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for chlorine and hydrofluoric acid otherwise used at the facility during calendar year 2020. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $38,852.

Koch Foods of Gadsden  A CAFO was filed on August 21, 2024, in the matter of Koch Foods of Gadsden located in Gadsden, Alabama. The CAFO resolves an alleged violation of Sections 312 EPCRA for failing to timely file its Tier II form. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $1,500.

Loparex LLC  A CAFO was filed on August 21, 2024, in the matter of Loparex LLC located in Eden, North Carolina. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Sections 313 of EPCRA for failing to timely file its Form R. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $33,710.

Refresco Beverages US Inc.  On August 26, 2024, a CAFO was filed regarding Refresco Beverages US Inc., located in Lakeland, Florida. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Section 313 of the EPCRA for failing to submit the required Form R for nitric acid otherwise used at the facility during calendar year 2020. The CAFO requires the company to pay a penalty of $25,110.

Bharat Forge PMT Technologie  A CAFO was filed on August 26, 2024, in the matter of Bharat Forge PMT Technologie located in Surgoinsville, Tennessee. The CAFO resolves alleged violations of Sections 312 and 313 of EPCRA for failing to timely file its Tier II and Form R. The CAFO requires the company to pay a civil penalty of $39,445.

For more information about the Toxics Release Inventory Program, visit the EPAs TRI webpage.

For more information about EPCRA, visit EPAs EPCRA webpage.

You can follow the EPA Region 4 on Twitter, now known as X, and on Facebook and Instagram.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  After several Austin City Council members raised questions about the tentative police agreement posted last week, Interim City Attorney Deborah Thomas responded in a memo sent to the mayor and council members Monday.

Those questions included  will both new and old g-file information be released and how will that information be made available to the public?

The g-file contains mostly unsubstantiated misconduct complaints against officers that did not result in discipline. In May 2023, voters passed the Austin Police Oversight Act (APOA), which called for those records to be made public.

This issue made its way through the courts for months, until a judge issued a temporary injunction on Aug. 30 saying the city was unlawfully keeping the records confidential  something Thomas pointed to in her response to the council members.

Past and present g-file question

In the memo, Thomas walked through language in the tentative agreement saying: Accordingly, all documentation related to police officer conductwhether the conduct occurred before or after the effective date of the Agreement, is not confidential and is subject to release.

She says all records  past & present  are public under the contract and court rulings. I agree, but lets ensure the Austin Police Association also agrees before we vote on the contract, Vela posted on X. Thats also where you can find the full memo.

We reached out to the Austin Police Association president, who said the following:

The language in the contract provides that there will be no g file for alleged officer misconduct during the 5-year term of the Agreement. APA agrees that the first sentence of Article 16, Section 4 (a) means that for documents created outside the contract timeframe, we will rely on 143.089 and how court interprets 143.089 and Prop A. We may not always agree on the interpretation of a court ruling, but we are in agreement as to what the contract says. Austin Police Association President Michael Bullock

The memo also clarified that the information would be processed like all other PIR requests and released to the requestor.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
SHANGHAI/SINGAPORE (Reuters) -Chinese stocks swept to their biggest single-day gains in 16 years on Monday, with domestic A-shares registering their highest ever turnover, as investors scrambled to join a searing rally sparked by Beijing's latest raft of stimulus measures.

The CSI300 blue-chip index is now up nearly 30% from its February trough, which by some market definitions suggests it is in a bull market, but much of the gains have happened very quickly and over a few sessions since last week.

Many traders, fearing they may miss out of the upsurge ahead of a week-long holiday starting on Tuesday, helped lift the CSI300 index 8.5% at the close, taking its five-day gain to over 25% - the strongest on record.

The broader Shanghai Composite Index meanwhile recorded a total turnover of 1.17 trillion yuan ($166.84 billion) and surged 8.1%.

That took its five-day gains since last Tuesday, when Beijing began rolling out stimulus measures to arrest a slowdown in the broader economy, to 21.4%, the strongest since 1996.

It was also the best single-day percentage gain for both the CSI and SSEC indexes since 2008.

Similarly, the smaller Shenzhen index soared 11% and recorded a turnover of 1.4 trillion yuan.

The blistering rally in Chinese stocks has come on the back of last week's most aggressive stimulus measures announced by Beijing since the pandemic - ranging from outsized rate cuts to fiscal support - in an attempt to shore up its ailing economy.

Particularly in a boost for stocks, the People's Bank of China's (PBOC) also introduced two fresh tools to shore up the capital market, one of which includes a swap programme allowing funds, insurers and brokers easier access to funding in order to buy stocks.

That lit a fire under beaten-down Chinese equities that had been languishing near multi-year lows as recently as early this month, as investors fretted over China's growth prospects.

"It's really a big turnaround, the policies are so intensive, we have never seen such clear instruction to stop housing prices declining and support the stock market," said Dickie Wong, executive director of research at Kingston Securities.

"Many foreign investors are afraid of missing out, local retail investors are asking me what they should add to, institutional investors are rushing to the market to catch up, and the large inflows have pushed the Hang Seng Index up to 21,000."

Hong Kong's Hang Seng Index, which advanced 2.4% on Monday, is now up roughly 24% for the year, dethroning Taiwan to become Asia's best performing stock market.

Story continues

Adding to the positive momentum was news on Sunday from China's central bank saying that it would tell banks to lower mortgage rates for existing home loans before Oct. 31, as part of sweeping policies to support the country's beleaguered property market.

Guangzhou city also announced the same day the lifting of all restrictions on home purchases, while Shanghai and Shenzhen eased curbs on buying.

That catapulted shares of property companies on Monday, with mainland-listed property stocks advancing 8.2%, while the Hang Seng Mainland Properties Index charged 6.4% higher.

Investor optimism the latest measures could help revive China's anaemic domestic consumption also lifted shares of consumer staples up 8.8%, its biggest daily percentage gain in 16 years.

For the month, the CSI300 index clocked a gain of 21%, its best performance since December 2014. The Shanghai Composite Index similarly ended September with a 17% increase, its most since April 2015.

The Hang Seng Index had its best month since November 2022 with a 17% rise, after delivering its biggest weekly rise since 1998 last week, and fifth largest in the last half-century.

Mainland financial markets will be closed Oct. 1-7 for National Day holidays.

($1 = 7.0128 Chinese yuan renminbi)

(Reporting by Shanghai Newsroom and Summer Zhen in Hong Kong; Writing by Rae Wee; Editing by Vidya Ranganathan and Shri Navaratnam)
BLUEFIELD, WV (WVNS)  The City of Bluefield is taking steps to get their city cleaned up and back to normal after Tropical Storm Helene.

City Manager Cecil Marson said Bluefield experienced a full loss of power due to the storm. He said that the citys power is about 70% restored thanks to Appalachian Power and other tree removal companies.

Marson said they need help from their citizens as they progress in their cleanup efforts.

There is an assessment survey, and we also have our Text.gov. This is a survey that starts to go through each home. We are going to start to lay out all the damages. We are going to critically need this from all our citizens. They help your neighbors; they help the city to quantify all the damages we have had, said Marson.

You can access these surveys by heading to their website or by visiting their Facebook page.

Dumpsite opened for Bluefield residents seeking a place to dispose of their storm debris

The Bluefield Fitness and Recreation Center is serving as a washing and bating station for folks, as well as a charging station.

There is also a dumpsite that is open in Bluefield City Park by the Little League fields for people to drop off their organic brush from the storm debris. This will be open from 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. daily.

Both of these are completely free for citizens until they can get the city cleaned up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
City of Youngstown approves renovations as new businesses move into former Rite Aids

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  On Tuesday, Youngstowns Design Review Committee approved exterior renovations for some vacant buildings, as well as new signs for a restaurant downtown.

The committee approved renovations for two local Rite Aids that were recently shut down  one at 2800 Mahoning Avenue and another at 2701 Market Street.

Both buildings will soon be getting new tenants.

Kedplasma USA, a plasma donation and collection center, will be moving into the building on Mahoning. The company has over 70 locations across the country but this will be the first in Youngstown. Construction inside will start next April and take about 13 months.

Buckeye PACE, a senior center and clinic, will be moving into the building on Market. It plans to open in a year.

Both companies also plan to do complete renovations inside the former Rite Aids.

The committee also approved new signs for a new downtown restaurant, The Varsity Club. It will soon open at the corner of Hazel and Commerce streets on the first floor of the Gallagher Building. The Varsity Club will have a full-service bar and outdoor patio. The goal is to open for customers by Thanksgiving weekend.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Classes at UNC Asheville to remain canceled for almost a month due to Helenes impacts

As Western North Carolina continues to grapple with the destruction and devastation left by Hurricane Helene, classes at one of the regions universities wont resume for almost a month.

UNC Asheville Chancellor Kimberly van Noort announced Tuesday that classes will be suspended at least until Oct. 28 as a result of the storm and its lingering impacts.

The university first canceled classes on the morning of Thursday, Sept. 26, as Helene approached the area, and the university has remained closed since then. The university had initially planned to remain closed until Oct. 9, but the closure will now last weeks longer.

The university will remain in Condition 3, or closed, until at least Oct. 14. Under Condition 3, campus operations are suspended and only essential employees are permitted on campus. If the university moves to another, less-severe condition level after Oct. 14, some operations may resume and additional employees may be permitted on campus, but classes will remain canceled until Oct. 28.

The campus sustained minimal structural damage from the storm, but has been without power, running water or internet since Friday, Sept. 27, van Noort said.

Communication with our campus and the broader community has been extremely limited due to impaired communications infrastructure, but slowly, we are gradually regaining our ability to connect, she said.

All on-campus students were located within 72 hours of the storm hitting Asheville, van Noort said. The university assisted students in finding safe travel routes off campus and providing them with gas for their cars, she said. A very small number of students were relocated to another UNC System campus.

The university was housing about 1,600 students on-campus prior to the storm, and about 1,300 students remained during the storm, a total that was confirmed through a coordinated door-to-door and room-to-room effort led by the universitys student affairs division. Students that remained during the storm were provided daily with drinking water, three meals and support services until they relocated.

Throughout the last few days, weve worked diligently to ensure we knew where every student was on campus and to meet their needs, van Noort said.

Though students are not on the Asheville campus, they can continue to access mental health care through all other UNC System schools.

Bulldogs, you are resilient and we look forward to when we can welcome you home, van Noort said.

Disaster relief, additional updates

The university has established a disaster relief fund, available online at giving.unca.edu.

Further updates from UNC Asheville regarding Helenes impacts are available at new.unca.edu/bulldogalert.
Who is Claudia Sheinbaum, the scientist who will head Mexico as its first female president?

FILE - Ruling party presidential candidate Claudia Sheinbaum arrives to vote in the general election, in Mexico City, June 2, 2024. Sheinbaum, a climate scientist and former Mexico City mayor, will be sworn in as Mexicos first woman president on Oct. 1. (AP Photo/Matias Delacroix, File)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Claudia Sheinbaum takes office Tuesday as Mexicos first female president in the nations more than 200 years of independence.

The 62-year-old former Mexico City mayor and lifelong leftist campaigned on a promise of continuity, of protecting and expanding the signature initiatives of her mentor, former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

In the four months between her election and inauguration she held that line, backing Lopez Obrador on issues big and small. But Sheinbaum is a very different person; she likes data and doesnt have Lopez Obradors backslapping personal touch.

Mexico now waits to see if she will step out of his shadow.

Whats Sheinbaums background?

Sheinbaums background is in science. She has a Ph.D. in energy engineering. Her brother is a physicist. In a 2023 interview with The Associated Press, Sheinbaum said, I believe in science.

Observers say that grounding showed itself in Sheinbaums actions as mayor during the COVID-19 pandemic, when her city of some 9 million people took a different approach from what Lopez Obrador espoused at the national level.

She comes from an older, more solidly left tradition that predates Lopez Obradors nationalistic, populist movement.

Colombias President, Gustavo Petro, dropped a bit of a bombshell before Sheinbaums inauguration, telling reporters she had been a sympathizer of Colombias leftist guerrilla group, M-19  the group that Petro himself once belonged to  and that she helped out exiled rebel fighters when they passed through Mexico. A lot of Mexicans came to help us, and among them was Claudia.

While Sheinbaums office did not immediately respond to queries about Petros comments, the idea is not improbable: Sheinbaum comes from a far more traditionally leftist background than Lopez Obrador, and has herself said she belonged to a number of leftist youth groups during her university years, at a time when they would have supported rebel groups in Central America and South America.

Her parents were leading activists in Mexicos 1968 student movement, which ended tragically in a government massacre of hundreds of student demonstrators in Mexico Citys Tlatelolco plaza just days before the Summer Olympics opened there that year.

Sheinbaum is also the first president with a Jewish background in the largely Catholic country.

What did her victory look like?

Sheinbaum led wire to wire and won convincingly in June with almost 60% of the vote, about double the number of her nearest competitor, Xochitl Galvez.

As Lopez Obradors chosen successor, she enjoyed the boost of the high popularity he maintained throughout his six years in office.

The oppositions coalition led by Galvez struggled to gain traction, while support for the governing party carried over to Congress, where voters gave Morena and its allies margins that allowed it to pass important constitutional changes before Lopez Obrador left office.

Where does she stand on recent contentious issues?

Before passage of a controversial constitutional overhaul of Mexicos judiciary that will make all judges stand for election, Sheinbaum stood with Lopez Obrador who had pushed it.

Sheinbaum said the reforms to the judicial system will not affect our commercial relations, nor private Mexican investments, nor foreign ones. Rather the opposite, there will be a greater and better rule of law and democracy for everyone.

Shortly after, when Lopez Obradors proposal to put the National Guard under military command was being considered, Sheinbaum defended it against critics. She said it would not militarize the country and that the National Guard would respect human rights.

And just days before she took office, Sheinbaum stood with Lopez Obrador in his long-running diplomatic spat with Spain. She defended her decision to not invite Spain's King Felipe VI to her inauguration, saying in part that the king had failed to apologize for Spains conquest of Mexico as Lopez Obrador had demanded years earlier.

How important is her election for Mexican women?

Sheinbaums victory came 70 years after women won the right to vote in Mexico.

The race really came down to two women, Sheinbaum and Galvez, but Mexicos prevailing machismo still pushed both women to explain why they thought they could be president.

Since 2018, Mexicos Congress has had a 50-50 gender split, in part due to gender quotas set for party candidates. Still, Sheinbaum inherits a country with soaring levels of violence against women.

There are also still many parts of the country, especially rural Indigenous areas where men hold all the power. And some 2.5 million women toil in domestic work where despite reforms they continue to face low pay, abuse by employers, long hours and unstable working conditions.

Mexicos Supreme Court ruled in 2023 that national laws prohibiting abortions are unconstitutional and violate womens rights.

Although the Mexican ruling orders the removal of abortion from the federal penal code and requires federal health institutions to offer the procedure to anyone who requests it, further state-by-state legal work is pending to remove all penalties.

Feminists say that simply electing a woman as president does not guarantee she will govern with a gender perspective. Both Sheinbaum and Lopez Obrador have been criticized before for appearing to lack empathy toward women protesting against gender violence.

____

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Claudia Sheinbaum waves from the vehicle taking her to Congress where she will be sworn in as president in Mexico City, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Aurea Del Rosario)

MEXICO CITY (AP)  Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in Tuesday as Mexicos first female president, riding the enthusiasm over her predecessors social programs but also facing challenges that include stubbornly high levels of violence.

After a smiling Sheinbaum took the oath of office on the floor of Congress, legislators shouted Presidenta! Presidenta! using the feminine form of president in Spanish for the first time in over 200 years of Mexico's history as an independent country.

The 62-year-old scientist-turned-politician receives a country with a number of immediate problems, also including a sluggish economy, unfinished building programs, rising debt and the hurricane-battered resort city of Acapulco.

In her inauguration speech, Sheinbaum said that she came to power accompanied by all of the women who have struggled in anonymity to make their way in Mexico, including those who dreamed of the possibility that one day no matter if we were born as women or men we would achieve our dreams and desires without our sex determining our destiny.

She made a long list of promises to limit prices for gasoline and food, expand cash hand-out programs for women and children, support business investment, housing and passenger rail construction. But any mention of the drug cartels that control much of the country was brief and near the end of the list.

Sheinbaum offered little change from former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's Hugs not Bullets strategy of addressing root causes and not confronting the cartels, apart from pledging more intelligence work and investigation. There will be no return to the irresponsible drug war, she said.

Sheinbaum romped to victory in June with nearly 60% of the vote, propelled largely by the sustained popularity of her political mentor, Lopez Obrador. She has pledged to continue all his policies, even those that strengthened the power of the military and weakened the country's checks and balances.

After the inauguration, Sheinbaum appeared at a mass rally in Mexico City's colonial-era main plaza to participate in a ceremony involving an all-women committee representing Mexico's approximately 70 Indigenous groups.

Sheinbaum was blessed and brushed with herbs and incense by Ernestina Ortiz, a spiritual guide, who told Sheinbaum You are a voice for all of us who had no voice for a long time. An Indigenous elder then handed Sheinbaum a wooden Indigenous staff of authority, like those carried by community leaders.

After the ceremony, Sheinbaum said she would push for a total ban on any public servant being re-elected to office  a tall promise, given that her party has now passed a law making all judges stand for election. That would suggest Mexico may have a new crop of inexperienced judges every few years.

Lucia Ruiz, a 42-year-old mother of three, was one of thousands trying to reach the main square to see the rally. She said she hopes Sheinbaum will be able to combat high rates of violence against women in the country.

She is going to represent us," said Ruiz. We have always been governed by men, and they think we're incapable, but we're not. We are the head of our families.

Lopez Obrador took office six years ago declaring For the good of all, first the poor, and promising historical change from the neoliberal economic policies of his predecessors. Sheinbaum promised continuity from his popular social policies to controversial constitutional reforms to the judiciary and National Guard rammed through during his final days in office.

Despite her pledge of continuity, Sheinbaum is a very different personality: a cautious scientist and ideological university leftist, as opposed to the outgoing presidents chummy, everyman appeal.

Lopez Obrador was a tremendously charismatic president and many times that charisma allowed him to cover up some political errors that Claudia Sheinbaum will not have that possibility of doing, said Carlos Perez Ricart, a political analyst at Mexicos Center for Economic Research and Teaching. So, where Lopez Obrador was charismatic, Claudia Sheinbaum will have to be effective.

She will wield formidable power because Lopez Obradors Morena party controls both houses of Congress. But the country remains deeply polarized between the outgoing presidents fanatic fans and almost one-third of the population who deeply resent him.

If we want a strong government, the checks and balances also have to be strong, said opposition Sen. Maria Guadalupe Murguia, suggesting that an all-powerful army and unchecked ruling party could come back to haunt Mexico. Remember, she said, nobody wins everything, and nobody loses forever.

Sheinbaum is not inheriting an easy situation.

Drug cartels have strengthened their hold over much of Mexico, and her first trip as president will be to the Pacific coast resort of Acapulco, which was flooded last week by Hurricane John, which killed at least 17 people along the coast around the resort. Acapulco was devastated in October 2023 by Hurricane Otis, and had not recovered from that blow when John hit.

Sheinbaum must also deal with raging violence in the cartel-dominated northern city of Culiacan, where factional fighting within the Sinaloa cartel broke out after drug lords Ismael El Mayo Zambada and Joaquin Guzman Lopez were apprehended in the United States after they flew there in a small plane on July 25.

Lopez Obrador has long sought to avoid confronting Mexicos drug cartels and has openly appealed to the gangs to keep the peace among themselves, but the limitations of that strategy have become glaringly apparent in Culiacan, the capital of Sinaloa state, where gun battles have raged on the citys streets. Local authorities and even the army  which Lopez Obrador has relied on for everything  have essentially admitted that the fighting will only end when the cartel bosses decide to end it.

But thats only the latest hotspot.

Drug-related violence is surging from Tijuana in the north to Chiapas in the south, displacing thousands.

While Sheinbaum inherits a huge budget deficit, unfinished construction projects and a burgeoning bill for her partys cash hand-out programs  all of which could send financial markets tumbling  perhaps her biggest looming concern is the possibility of a victory for Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential election.

Trump has already vowed to slap 100% tariffs on vehicles made in Mexico. Though that would likely violate the current U.S.-Mexico-Canada trade agreement, there are other things Trump could do to make life difficult for Sheinbaum, including his pledge of massive deportations.

Relations with Mexico's northern neighbor were already tense after Lopez Obrador said he was putting relations with the U.S. embassy on pause after public criticism of the proposed judicial overhaul.

At her inauguration, Sheinbaum boosted the free trade agreement with the United States and Canada, saying we know that economic cooperation strengthens the three nations.

There are areas where Sheinbaum could try to take Mexico in a new direction. For example, she has a Ph.D. in energy engineering and has spoken of the need to address climate change.

But on Tuesday, she said she would cap oil production at 1.8 million barrels per day, which would be more than what the troubled state-owned company currently produces. We are going to promote energy efficiency and the transition toward renewable sources of energy, she said.

___

Associated Press writers Maria Verza, Megan Janetsky and Mark Stevenson in Mexico City contributed to this report.

___

Follow APs coverage of Latin America and the Caribbean at https://apnews.com/hub/latin-america
Justin Smith, one of three former Memphis police officers charged in the 2023 fatal beating of Tyre Nichol, arrives at the federal courthouse for the day's proceedings on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Memphis, Tenn. (AP Photo/Karen Pulfer Focht)

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP)  A judge considered arguments Tuesday related to dozens of pages of instructions that will be given to jurors in the federal trial of three former Memphis police officers charged with violating Tyre Nichols civil rights in a beating that proved fatal following a 2023 traffic stop.

Closing arguments had been expected in the case but did not take place as U.S. District Judge Mark Norris spent hours in chambers working to finalize the lengthy, complicated instructions that jurors will receive before they begin deliberating. Norris heard from lawyers in morning and afternoon sessions about issues related to the instructions.

Prosecutor Forrest Christian said in the afternoon meeting that jurors have to find that bodily injury occurred to Nichols if they are to find the officers guilty of excessive force.

The jury spent essentially a full day in a separate room. Norris said the jury was wasting back there.

After prosecutors rested their case Thursday, defense attorneys asked for acquittals, arguing that prosecutors had failed to present enough evidence. Norris denied those motions Tuesday.

Attorneys for Tadarrius Bean, Demetrius Haley and Justin Smith rested their cases Monday after each had called experts during previous days of testimony in an attempt to combat prosecutors' arguments that the officers used excessive force against Nichols, didn't intervene, and failed to tell their supervisors and medical personnel about the extent of the beating.

Police video shows five officers, who are all Black, punched, kicked and hit Nichols, who was also Black, about a block from his home, as he called out for his mother. Two of the officers, Desmond Mills and Emmitt Martin. pleaded guilty and testified for prosecutors.

Nichols died Jan. 10, 2023, three days after the beating. An autopsy report shows Nichols  the father of a boy who is now 7  died from blows to the head. The report describes brain injuries, and cuts and bruises on his head and elsewhere on his body.

The five officers were part of the the Scorpion Unit, which looked for drugs, illegal guns and violent offenders. It was disbanded after Nichols death.

The officers used pepper spray and a Taser on Nichols, who was Black, during a traffic stop, but the 29-year-old ran away, police video shows. Prosecutors argued that the officers beat Nichols because he ran, saying it was part of a common police practice referred to in officer slang as the street tax or run tax. 

Haley, Bean and Smith pleaded not guilty to federal charges of excessive force, failure to intervene, and obstructing justice through witness tampering. They face up to life in prison if convicted.

The five officers also have been charged with second-degree murder in state court, where they pleaded not guilty. Mills and Martin are expected to change their pleas. A trial date in state court has not been set.

___

Associated Press reporter Jonathan Mattise contributed from Nashville, Tennessee.
Tuesday: We will continue to see the clouds and a few showers wrapping around the Ohio Valley low pressure across Central Alabama. It will be a little warmer with highs in the lower 80s.

Wednesday/Thursday: A dry cold front will move across Alabama on Wednesday. We will be sunny with warmer high temperatures in the middle 80s. Thursday will continue to be sunny as high pressure sits over Alabama. High temperatures will be in the middle 80s.

Friday: We are watching for a possible tropical system in the Gulf of Mexico by the end of this week. On Friday, it could be in the Central Gulf as a tropical depression or storm. Ahead of any possible tropical system in the Gulf, an upper-level wave and cold front will move into Alabama on Friday. This will make it partly to mostly cloudy with a few showers. High temperatures will be in the lower 80s.

Weekend Outlook: The forecast will depend on the potential for a tropical system in the Gulf. It is too soon to say where it will go or how strong it will become. The latest forecast models show the cold front moving to South Alabama on Saturday and Sunday. This will likely keep anything in the Gulf away from Alabama, but it is too early to say. Based on this, Saturday will be partly cloudy. High temperatures will be in the lower 80s. Sunday will be partly cloudy and dry with highs in the lower 80s. Please check back for updates all week.

Be sure to follow the CBS 42 Storm Team:

Follow Us on Facebook: Chief Meteorologist Dave Nussbaum, Meteorologist Michael Haynes, Meteorologist Alex Puckett, and Meteorologist Jacob Woods.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
After Iran launched missiles against Israel on Tuesday, CNNs Jim Sciutto shared video of the attacks on social media.

The news networks chief national security correspondent posted two videos to Twitter: one captioned, Missile or missile fragment impacts in downtown Tel Aviv; and the other, Multiple intercepts over us just now.

According to CNN, the U.S. Embassy in Israel has warned people to shelter in place until further notice. Sciutto himself is sheltering as well.

Missile or missile fragment impacts in downtown Tel Aviv pic.twitter.com/q7OPhvRiZl  Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) October 1, 2024

Multiple intercepts over us just now pic.twitter.com/AfzxFsF7Q7  Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile on Fox News, Outnumbered chief foreign correspondent Trey Yingst was doing a live shot when the missiles began to soar through the sky. He was able to confirm his safety with host Harris Faulkner.

I need to know youre in a safe location and that you can move away when necessary, Faulkner said from the studio. And now we see several objects over where you are now exploding. Watch your back. If you need to step back, well move on here and come back to you. Trey, take care of you and your photographer.

Following the initial wave, the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations issued a public statement on Twitter.

Irans legal, rational and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out, the group wrote. Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists supporters are advised to part ways with the regime.

Irans attack comes after Israeli troops entered Lebanon this week for limited, localized and targeted ground raids.

The post CNNs Jim Sciutto Shares On-the-Ground Footage of Iranian Missile Attack on Israel appeared first on TheWrap.
Co-owner of popular Gettysburg restaurant charged with selling drugs behind the eatery

A co-owner of a longtime, popular Gettysburg bar and restaurant is facing numerous felony charges related to the sale of drugs behind the establishment, according to court records.

Cristina Fazzolari, 38, of Orrtana, has been charged by the Adams County Drug Task Force with felony charges related to the delivery of cocaine, conspiracy to deliver cocaine, possession of fentanyl with intent to deliver, possession of marijuana with intent to deliver, criminal use of a cellphone, and a misdemeanor charge of endangering the welfare of a child, according to charging documents filed on Monday.

Fazzolari had been co-running the popular Mamma Ventura's Restauraunt and Lounge, in the first block of Chambersburg Street in Downtown Gettysburg, with her mother, Jackie Fazzolari, since her father's passing in 2003, according to the restaurant's website.

Mamma Ventura's has been open in the area since 1977, when Fazzolari's father, Carmelo Fazzolari, opened a pizza shop in downtown Gettysburg.

Mamma Ventura's Restaurant & Lounge is seen on the first block of Chambersburg Street, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in downtown Gettysburg.

On the restaurant's website, Cristina Fazzolari is described as a "celebrated chef" who graduated from the Cordon Bleu School in Pittsburgh.

Fazzolari was charged along with her husband, John Anderson, 46, of Orrtana, according to the charging documents.

In addition to the charges Fazzolari is facing, Anderson faces additional charges of prohibited possession of a firearm and the possession of drug paraphernalia, the documents show.

Anderson was unable to post $50,000 bail and remains confined inside Adams County Prison, according to court records, while Fazzolari is awaiting a preliminary hearing.

Mamma Ventura's Restaurant & Lounge is seen on the first block of Chambersburg Street, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in downtown Gettysburg.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, in early 2024 the Adams County Drug Task Force received information suggesting that employees of Mamma Ventura's were involved in the sale of controlled substances.

On April 17, 2024, officers observed Fazzolari selling cocaine in the alleyway behind the restaurant, which was facilitated using a cellphone, according to the affidavit. The cocaine was taken to the Pennsylvania State Police lab, where it was confirmed to be cocaine, the documents state.

During the transaction, Anderson was seen watching over the exchange, the affidavit states.

Then, on June 5, 2024, a second sale was organized with Anderson by cellphone. Fazzolari was seen by officers driving Anderson to a convenience store on Chambersburg Street, near the restaurant, where Anderson delivered cocaine, the affidavit states.

During the June 5 sale, police observed the couple's child in the rear of their vehicle, according to the affidavit.

Mamma Ventura's Restaurant & Lounge is seen on the first block of Chambersburg Street, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in downtown Gettysburg.

Two days later, on June 7, 2024, police served a search warrant on the couple's Orrtana home, the affidavit states.

Inside, police retrieved 32 plastic bags of marijuana that were "packaged for easy sales and distribution," the affidavit said.

Along with marijuana, officers recovered 16 green tablets, which contained fentanyl, according to the affidavit, and a digital scale that contained traces of cocaine and marijuana.

Police conducted an interview with Anderson after his arrest, in which he admitted he sold sold cocaine to pay for domestic relations, the affidavit states. Anderson told officers that Fazzolari sold cocaine at his direction to "help him out," the affidavit states.

The restaurant remains open, as of Oct. 1.

This article originally appeared on Hanover Evening Sun: Co-owner of Gettysburg PA restaurant charged with selling drugs
Coca-Cola has been accused of blocking certain names and phrases, such as "Jesus" and "Trump 2024," from its personalized can service while allowing others, such as "Satan" and "Harris Walz 2024," to be used. These allegations have sparked calls to boycott the iconic beverage brand.

On Sept. 24, 2024, one X user criticized Coca-Cola for the alleged decision, saying it discriminated against Christians. That post had amassed more than 7.9 million views as of this writing.

Coca Cola won't let you personalize a can with "Jesus"



...but allows satan and Allah.



Why do they discriminate against Christianity? pic.twitter.com/j08P4fDIAT  Tim Young (@TimRunsHisMouth) September 25, 2024

Many social media users condemned the apparent name restrictions, with one person writing: "You block Jesus but allow every other deity including Satan! Welcome to Bud Lights legacy. You were the number one cola. You're dead to Christians!"

Another said: "This is outrageous! Coca-Cola censoring political and religious speech to fit their own agenda is the very definition of election interference. It's time we hit back where it hurtstheir wallets."

One popular X account wrote: "@CocaCola's custom can website allows you to use 'Harris Walz 2024' but restricts you from using 'Trump 2024' because it's 'political in nature' or 'offensive.' Care to explain @CocaCola?"

(@libsoftiktok/X)

Snopes contacted Coca-Cola for an explanation regarding the names that are and are not permitted. We will update this article if the company responds. However, its public guidelines were clear about restrictions on controversial names.

According to Coca-Cola's personalization tool, the platform follows strict guidelines, preventing the names of religious figures, political slogans, and potentially offensive content. For example, adding the name "Pope" triggered the following message:

(Coca-Cola)

What Happens When You Enter 'Jesus' or 'Trump 2024'?

Several of the clips shared to X featured interactions with Coca-Cola's digital vending machines in public retail settings. However, Snopes conducted independent tests using the official online Coca-Cola Store for creating a "Personalized 12 fl oz. Can of Coca-Cola."

Here's what we found when we attempted to include the names mentioned in the above posts:

Jesus: Coca-Cola returned the same message we posted above, which stated: "Looks like the name you requested is not approved. Names and phrases may not be approved if they are trademarked, political in nature, names of countries, celebrities, religious figures, as well as anything that could be considered offensive for other reasons. Oftentimes, a name might be accepted if you add a last name to the submission."

Satan: Contrary to the social media claims, the same message appeared as above.

Allah: Also contradicting several social media claims, this name was also blocked, likely for religious reasons.

Adding last names to religious names: Due to the automatic message that popped up suggesting that "a name might be accepted if you add a last name to the submission," we added common last names to those of a religious nature, including "Jesus Johnson," "Satan Jones," "Allah Wong," and "Buddha Cohen." Each time, we received the same automatic message, similar to the one above, saying the "phrase you've submitted is not recognized and requires further review."

Biblical names: Snopes tested multiple names from the Bible. Of those, we found the following biblical names were not permitted: "Moses," "Judah," "Judas," and "Bathsheba." However, the following, among many other older names, were allowed, pending review: "Barack," "Abraham," "Abijah," "Levi," "Ahab," and "Job."

Trump 2024 and Harris Walz 2024: We also tested the political names mentioned in the X posts. Both "Trump 2024" and "Harris Walz 2024" were restricted, citing the company's policy against content that is political in nature.

Political names: Names like "The Donald" or "Donald Trump" were not permitted, but "Donald" was. Meanwhile, "Kamala" and "Harris" were not allowed. The name "Tim" was allowed, while "Walz" was not. Lastly, while both "JD" and "J.D." were acceptable, the name "Vance" was rejected.

Celebrity names: While the automatic message warned that names and phrases may not be approved if they were trademarked or the names of celebrities, we tested several names of famous people that could be common among the populace, and several that may be less common. We found that while celebrity names at the more common end of the spectrum, like "Jason Alexander," "Daniel Craig" and "Jennifer Lopez," were all accepted, pending review, other names that may be less common, like "Jason Momoa," "Daniel Radcliffe" and "Jennifer Aniston," were not accepted.

In sum, Coca-Cola's personalized can service uses an automated system to filter out names and phrases deemed political, religious or potentially offensive. Both "Jesus" and "Trump 2024" fell into categories that triggered restrictions, according to the corporation's public guidelines.

Claims that names like "Satan" or "Harris Walz 2024" are permitted, while others like "Trump 2024" and "Jesus" are not, were inconsistent with our findings, which showed that political and religious names were uniformly restricted regardless of affiliation or nature.

However, we cannot account for individual experiences that users may have had with Coca-Cola's service, particularly those involving temporary glitches, updates or retroactive changes following social media backlash. For these reasons, we have chosen not to provide a definitive rating on this occasion and will continue to monitor the situation for any developments

Snopes has previously addressed claims regarding Coca-Cola, including the truth that yellow caps on Coke bottles have a special meaning, and the claim that Coca-Cola used to contain cocaine.

Sources:

"251 Biblical Baby Names." BabyCenter, https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/advice/baby-names-from-the-bible_10309862. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.

Allah | Deity, Meaning, & Facts | Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Allah. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.

Coca Cola Consumption by Country 2024. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/coca-cola-consumption-by-country. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.

"Coca-Cola Co." Open Secrets, 2024, https://www.opensecrets.org/orgs/coca-cola-co/summary?id=D000000212.

Datayze. Baby Name Uniqueness Analyzer. https://datayze.com/name-uniqueness-analyzer. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.

Desk, JACKSON WALKER |. The National. "Why '#BoycottCocaCola' Was Trending on Social Media Wednesday." KEYE, 25 Sept. 2024, https://cbsaustin.com/news/nation-world/why-boycottcocacola-was-trending-on-social-media-wednesday-coca-cola-coke-soda-12-ounce-custom-can-creator-donald-trump-kamala-harris.

@DKMD_. X, 25 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/DKMD_/status/1838990046554112500.

@jackunheard. " BREAKING: The Coca Cola Boycott Is Officially Happening." X, 25 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/jackunheard/status/1838977245756481767.

@libsoftiktok. X, 25 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/libsoftiktok/status/1838960676645351543.

Martinez, Gina. Bud Light Partnership with Trans TikTok Star Dylan Mulvaney Prompts Conservative Backlash - CBS News. 6 Apr. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/news/bud-light-dylan-mulvaney-kid-rock-tiktok-backlash-travis-tritt/.

OACT. Popular Baby Names. https://www.ssa.gov/cgi-bin/popularnames.cgi. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.

@peat_ross_. "Boycott Coke .. Bud Light Them ." X, 24 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/peat_ross_/status/1838610684822602163.

Personalized 12 Fl Oz. Can of Coca-Cola. https://www.coca-colastore.com/personalized-can. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.

"Share a Coke" Returns with More Names, More Flavors and More Ways to Enjoy Ice-Cold Summer Refreshment | Press Release. https://www.coca-colacompany.com/media-center/share-a-coke-returns-with-more-names-and-flavors. Accessed 25 Sept. 2024.

@TaxmanTm. "#Boycottcocacola." X, 25 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/TaxmanTm/status/1838980829311099016.

"The Top 200 Baby Names in Mexico." BabyCenter, https://www.babycenter.com/baby-names/advice/most-common-baby-names-in-mexico_10341179. Accessed 27 Sept. 2024.

@TimRunsHisMouth. "Coca Cola Won't Let You Personalize a Can with 'Jesus' ." X, 24 Sept. 2024, https://x.com/TimRunsHisMouth/status/1838788203102245288.

Wiik, Corrie. "Top 100+ Hispanic and Latino Baby Names." Llamitas Spanish.Com, 31 Aug. 2022, https://llamitasspanish.com/latino-hispanic-baby-names/.

---. "Top 100+ Hispanic and Latino Baby Names." Llamitas Spanish.Com, 31 Aug. 2022, https://llamitasspanish.com/latino-hispanic-baby-names/.
We recently compiled a list of the 8 Best Value Stocks to Invest In According To Warren Buffett. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) stands against the other the Best Value Stocks to Invest In According To Warren Buffett.

Is the market too expensive? Thats the big question with major market indices at all-time highs even as the Federal Reserve cuts interest rates to try and prevent the economy from plunging into recession. Warren Buffett, the most revered investor on Wall Street, is sending alarm bells as he continues to trim stakes in some widely held stocks on valuations getting out of hand.

Buffetts actions in the market in recent months have raised concerns about the overall market outlook as the economic growth starts showing signs of weakness. Growth in the labor market cooling off and growing at the slowest pace since 2021, with the manufacturing sector also slowing, has raised serious doubts about the economic outlook.

READ ALSO: 10 Best Performing Warren Buffett Stocks in 2024 and 14 Worst 52-Week High Stocks to Buy According to Short Sellers.

Consequently, the US Federal Reserve cut 50 basis points interest rate to support the struggling economy. Nevertheless, it is the fact that Buffett has yet to make a massive purchase or investment despite having close to $300 billion in cash reserves at his disposal, which continues to send jitters among the investment community.

Warren Buffett is known for his unwavering commitment to value investing, which is clearly shown through his investment holdings. When pitted against most of the top-tier hedge funds out there, the billionaire investor tends to purchase stocks and then holds on to them for years, if not decades, as part of his long-term holding strategy. Consequently, the best value stocks to invest in, according to Warren Buffett, have achieved incredible gains primarily through the appreciation of their share prices over time.

Since Buffett has always stuck to his value investing strategy that focuses on undervalued companies, suggestions that the market is too expensive have been quoted as one reason hes gone entirely. There are also suggestions that the billionaire investor is waiting for the market to collapse from current highs before deploying the $300 billion at his disposal.

The Oracle of Omaha has already indicated in recent years that he does not see an abundance of value investment opportunities to pursue with the market at all-time highs. Nevertheless, Buffetts portfolio still consists of stocks trading at some of the lowest price-to-earnings multiples that offer some of the best value investing opportunities.

Story continues

Additionally, Buffetts portfolio consists of companies showing tremendous upside potential in earnings and revenue growth. Consequently, according to Warren Buffett, the best value stocks to invest in are companies well poised to generate long-term value for shareholders.

While Buffett has been trimming stakes in some companies, it does not mean he no longer believes in their long-term prospects. Instead, the sell-off spree is part of the billionaire investors bid to lock in profits after one of the longest bull runs in recent history.

The sale also indicates how large some of his stakes in the company have become. Buffett had always advocated for locking in profits, having paid the price of not selling stakes in a giant beverage company when the stock stretched to 60 times earnings in the 1990s.

Even as the billionaire investor trims stakes, his portfolio remains well diversified in various sectors and poised to generate long-term value.

Source:pixabay Our Methodology We sifted through Berkshire Hathaways Q2 2024 13F filings and picked stocks that were trading at a forward P/E of under 15 and were expected to experience earnings growth this year. Finally, we ranked the stocks in descending order of their forward P/E ratios. We have also included Berkshire Hathaways stake and the number of hedge fund holders for each stock, as of Q2 2024. At Insider Monkey, we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)

Expected Earnings Growth 2024: 8.90%

Latest P/E Ratio: 11.90

Warren Buffetts Q2 2024 Stake: $6.89 Billion

Number of Hedge Fund Investors as of Q2 2024: 46

Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) is a financial services company specializing in providing insurance and reinsurance products. It offers commercial property, casualty, workers compensation, package policies, risk management, financial lines, marine, and construction insurance products.

It is one of the best value stocks to invest in, according to Warren Buffett, given its consistent performance in the insurance sector and ability to outperform the overall market by an average of 200 basis points annually over the past two decades.

Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB)s impressive performance over the years is credited to its methodical strategy in underwriting and solid capital allocation. The firm has shown a consistent yearly increase in book value per share, including dividends, of around 10%.

The stellar performance stands out, especially considering the obstacles encountered during two significant events, the COVID-19 pandemic and the global financial crisis, during weak insurance markets and years characterized by expensive disasters.

Similarly, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) has been actively buying back its shares, leading to a decrease in outstanding shares over the years. Moreover, money has been returned to the companys owners through an increasing flow of quarterly cash dividends.

Operating income has increased by an annualized rate of 9.8% from 2016 to 2023. This revenue growth has been even more rapid, with operating income per share increasing at an impressive 11.7% compound annual growth rate, thanks to the share buybacks.

With its earnings expected to grow by 8.90% in the current year while still trading at a discount with a price-to-earnings multiple of 11.90, Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) remains one of the best value stocks to invest in, according to Warren Buffett. Its 1.25% dividend yield should continue to excite income-focused investors.

Out of the 912 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey, 46 reported owning stock in Chubb Limited (NYSE:CB) as of Q2 2024. Berkshire Hathaway was among the leading hedge fund investors in the company, with a stake worth $6.90 billion.

Overall CB ranks 8th on our list of 8 Best Value Stocks to Invest In According To Warren Buffett. While we acknowledge the potential of CB as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than CB, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE)  As the floodwaters have cleared and cleanup efforts are underway in Cocke County after Helene, local election officials announced Tuesday that registered voters can cast their ballots at a new location.

The Cocke County Election Commission ceased operations at the Courthouse Annex and relocated its main office to 157 Western Ave., otherwise known as its Early Voting Site in Newport. It is open on weekdays from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

TEMA confirms 6 flood deaths in latest update

As the result of a team effort, all voting system equipment and relevant items were spared from the flood, a news release stated.

The election commission also reminded residents that the voter registration deadline for the November election is Monday, Oct. 7. Early voting begins on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

There is also a new mailing address  PO Box 459, Newport, TN 37822  and mail sent to the Courthouse Annex site on Main Street will be forwarded to the new site on Western Avenue.

Rest assured that any election commission mail addressed to the Courthouse Annex  Main Street address will be handled by the postal service and appropriately forwarded to the election commission, the news release stated.

The announcement out of Cocke County comes as other election commissions around the impacted region are working to ensure displaced residents will be able to vote, according to reports by The Associated Press.

Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said during an emergency board meeting on Monday that they are looking at options for voters in the hardest-hit counties, the Associated Press reported. Other efforts are underway in Georgia and Florida.

READ: More top stories on WATE.com

Hurricane Helene initially hit Florida on Thursday, Sept. 26 as a Category 4 and moved up into Georgia, then East Tennessee and the Carolinas  especially western North Carolina  on Friday. More than 100 deaths have been reported, while recovery and cleanup efforts remain ongoing.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
While Minnesota is still experiencing unseasonable heat, the state's major utilities have issued a reminder to customers that the state's Cold Weather Rule is now in effect for the cold months.

CenterPoint Energy and Xcel Energy have contacted residential customers who need assistance paying their energy bills this winter to remind them about the Minnesota Cold Weather Rule.

The rule protects customers from service disconnection between Oct. 1 and April 30 if the disconnection would affect the resident's primary heating source.

Residents looking to protect their service from disconnection must make and keep a payment plan with their respective utility companies, and utility companies must ensure that plan is "reasonable."

Credit: Valerie Everett, Flickr

We work with several local and state agencies to provide various assistance options for our customers, said Canda Henry, vice president of customer care for Xcel Energy. We encourage customers having trouble paying their bill to contact us to set up pay arrangements.

Income-eligible customers who contact Xcel Energy for Cold Weather Rule protection can establish plans to make monthly payments that do not exceed 10% of household income. Residents who use CenterPoint Energy can also contact the company for help setting up a payment plan and to find out if they qualify for assistance.

For customers facing financial hardship, we have tips, tools, and programs to help customers manage their bills and save energy," said Brad Steber, CenterPoint Energys Vice President. Setting up a payment plan and using the Cold Weather Rule will help you and your family stay safe and warm this winter and prevent disconnection of your natural gas service."

Some residents may also be eligible for the Minnesota Energy Assistance Program, a federally funded program that pays up to $2,000 towards heat, power, and water costs during the winter, or the repair or replacement of a broken heating system.

Applications are accepted for this program beginning Oct. 1.

Related: Old Farmer's Almanac unveils 2024-25 winter outlook for Minnesota
Coldplay tickets for $11,000? Uproar in India after tickets sold out in minutes and resold for outrageously high prices

Fans eagerly awaiting the return of Coldplay to India were shocked to find tickets being resold online for as much as $11,000, prompting police to seek a statement from the CEO of the shows vendor over allegations of fraud.

The British rock band is playing three shows in Mumbai in January as part of its hugely popular Music Of The Spheres tour, its first concerts in the country since 2016.

Tickets were scheduled to go on sale by the official vendor, BookMyShow (BMS), at 12 p.m. local time on September 22. But for many users, the website and app crashed amid the demand.

When fans were able to get into the virtual queue to buy tickets priced from 2,500 to 35,000 rupees ($30 to $417), they said they were behind hundreds of thousands of users.

Within minutes, the tickets were sold out and reappeared on other platforms for as much as 960,000 rupees ($11,458), sparking anger over the purchase process and the suspected use of bots to scoop up seats. To put that into perspective, the World Bank says Indias current GDP per capita is $2,500 a year.

Amit Vyas, a lawyer and founding partner of Mumbai law firm Vertices Partners, was among fans waiting for tickets on the vendors website when he was suddenly locked out.

He filed a complaint with police, alleging the online ticketing platform made tickets available to scalpers and third-party websites for resale on the black market.

Not a single person that I know in Mumbai and outside Mumbai  I got so many calls from friends in Delhi  no one got a ticket, Vyas told CNN, expressing frustration that more isnt being done to protect fans against bots and other reseller practices.

On Monday, the founder and CEO of BookMyShow, Ashish Hemjarani, was summoned by Mumbai polices Economic Offences Wing for questioning over the alleged black marketing of tickets for the concerts, a Mumbai police official said.

In a statement on X, BookMyShow said it had no association with any ticket selling or reselling platforms, as well as third party individuals for the purpose of reselling of the bands shows in India, and that it had also filed a complaint with police. The complaint was in connection with the alleged sale of fake tickets for concerts on certain platforms, according to CNN affiliate News18.

Scalping is strictly condemned and punishable by law in India. We have filed a complaint with the police authorities and will provide complete support to them in the investigation of this matter, the vendor said.

Coldplay fans told CNN their attempts to buy tickets to Januarys shows at DY Patil Stadium in Mumbai left them frustrated and disappointed.

Arkatapa Basu, a 26-year-old journalist based in the southern city of Bengaluru, said she was waiting behind 130,000 people to buy tickets when she learned a third show had been added.

When she went to join the third shows waitlist, she found there were 700,000 people waiting ahead of her. Thats when I decided to give up, she said.

Ishaan Jhamb, a 22-year-old engineering student from Delhi, said the tickets being resold were so expensive, he and his friends decided to fly nearly four hours to go see the band in Abu Dhabi instead, because it would be more economical.

The ticket-buying process for big concert events has often drawn angst from buyers globally.

Last month, the British rock band Oasis announced a reunion tour, sparking a frenzy of criticism over Ticketmasters so-called dynamic pricing, where businesses adjust prices based on factors such as demand.

A Ticketmaster spokesperson told CNN at the time the company does not set ticket prices. According to Ticketmasters website, promoters and artists set prices, which can either be fixed or based on demand.

Ticketmaster also faced public scrutiny in November 2022 for its handling of the massively popular Taylor Swift Eras Tour, for which the company says there was historically unprecedented demand.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
Colorado mail ballots sent out soon, what to know

(COLORADO)  The Colorado Secretary of States office said mail ballots will be sent out sometime in the next week or two. With election season coming up, here are a few things that might help potential voters.

According to Colorados Secretary of States Office, mail ballots will be mailed starting on Oct. 11 through Oct. 18, mail ballots should arrive 20 to 15 days before the election depending on when the county mailed the ballots and the postal service. Overseas and military voters ballots were sent out by Sept. 21.

Colorado allows voters to register through Election Day on Nov. 5 but said that to get a ballot by mail, a voter must be registered at least eight days before the election. Those who wish to register or want to check their registration can do so on the Secretary of States website.

Mail ballots must be returned no later than 7 p.m. on Election Day, ballots can be returned through the mail or to a drop box located around the state. A list of drop-off locations can be found on the election page of the Secretary of States website or by contacting your countys Clerk and Recorders office.

Colorado offers ballot tracking through BallotTrax which allows voters to track their ballots from being sent to accepted.

Information about ballot questions can be found in the Ballot Information Booklet or the Blue Book which have started to arrive in the mail. The Blue Book can also be found online at Colorados legislative website along with fiscal impact statements about ballot questions.

Stories related to ballot questions and candidates can be found on FOX21 News Election page.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
(PUEBLO, Colo.)  The Colorado State Fair Board of Authority announced on Monday. Sept. 30, it has selected a new Colorado State Fair General Manager.

The board selected Andrea Wisenmeyer as the new Colorado State Fair General Manager. Wiesenmeyer was chosen unanimously by the interview committee, which included members of the State Fair Board Governance Committee, representatives of the State Fair Foundation and Fiesta Day Committee Commissioner of Agriculture Kate Greenberg, and other senior-level department staff.

The unanimous decision by the hiring committee to bring on Andrea Wiesenmeyer as the next GM of the Colorado State Fair says it all, said Commissioner Greenberg. Andrea has the skills, experience, and leadership qualities to do the job. Her leadership will be key in supporting the board, staff, and being part of the Pueblo community. She is ready to lead the Colorado State Fair in its next chapter.

According to the Colorado Department of Agriculture, Wiesenmeyer has almost a decade of leadership experience in fairs. For the past three years, she has served as the General Manager of the Jerome County Fair and Rodeo in Idaho, following five years as the marketing and partnership Director at Clay County Fair, one of Iowas largest fairs.

Wisenmeyer is a graduate of the Insititute of Fair Management and received her Certified Fair Executive credential.

Andrea brings the enthusiasm and professional background that will continue to make the Colorado State Fair one of the best in the nation, said Bill Hybl, the chair of the Colorado State Fair Board of Authority.

Wiesenmeyers first day as State Fair Manager will be Monday, Oct. 14. However, she will not be on-site until late October.

Joining the Colorado State Fair staff is a true honor. Im excited to help celebrate the State Fairs rich traditions, bring families together to create new memories, and showcase the best of Colorados agriculture community, Wiesenmeyer said. I also cant wait to become an active member of the Pueblo community. Pueblos rich culture and contemporary scene made this such an attractive opportunity for me and my family.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
LANCASTER, Ohio (WCMH)  A Columbus firefighter has been sentenced to prison after pleading guilty to sex crime charges.

On Monday, Christopher Shaffer pleaded guilty to one charge each of gross sexual imposition and sexual battery, both third-degree felonies, in Fairfield County Common Pleas Court. A judge sentenced Shaffer to three years in prison. He will also be required to register annually as a Tier I sex offender upon his release for 15 years.

Shaffer, 38, of Pickerington, was initially arrested on July 21 and charged with first-degree felony rape. At the time of his arrest, Shaffer was placed on administrative duty with the Columbus Division of Fire.

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A Columbus man who was the getaway driver in an October 2022 gas station shooting that killed a Youngstown State University honors student, will spend at least nine years in prison.

Tommie Wilkerson Jr., 21, of North Linden, pleaded guilty Monday to felonious assault with a five-year firearm specification and was sentenced to nine to 11 years in prison in connection with the deadly shooting of 21-year-old Kevin Sobnosky of Mahoning County. Sobnosky was sitting in a vehicle and had no connection with the groups of people involved in the shooting.

Keimariyon Ross, 20, testified in his own defense during his murder trial in Franklin County Common Pleas Court. Kevin Sobnosky, 21, died after being caught in the crossfire between Ross and others in a gas station parking lot.

On Oct. 30, 2022, Sobnosky was at a Sheetz gas station at around 3:45 a.m. on Cassady Avenue with three of his friends when a shootout between two groups of people erupted. Keimariyon Ross, who was 18 at the time of the shooting, was armed with a Draco pistol, a type of gun that holds the same size bullets used in an AK-47.

Ross fired more than a half dozen rounds into the car that Sobnosky was in, and one of the bullets went through the vehicle's back windows, the driver's headrest and struck Sobnosky in the head, killing him, according to the Franklin County Prosecutor's office.

Kevin Sobnosky, 21, died on Oct. 30, 2022, after being caught in the crossfire of a shootout at a East Side gas station. Sobnosky was valedictorian of his high school class and an honors student at Youngstown State University.

After deliberating for about 35 minutes, a Franklin County grand jury found Ross guilty of murder, improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle, and three counts each of felonious assault and attempted murder. Ross had argued in court that the shooting was in self-defense, The Dispatch previously reported. He was sentenced on Sept. 5 to life in prison with the possibility for parole in 32 years.

Through their investigation, prosecuting attorneys determined that Wilkerson was the getaway driver in the fatal shooting.

In addition to the prison sentence in connection with that shooting, Wilkerson was also sentenced for unrelated crimes that occurred in September 2022.

According to the prosecutor's office, Wilkerson was driving a stolen vehicle on Sept. 23, 2022, near Emerald Parkway in Dublin when he was confronted by Dublin police. Wilkerson rammed the vehicle into the police cruiser and then fled the scene on foot, but he was apprehended a short time later.

Dublin police found multiple firearms in the stolen vehicle and in the area where Wilkerson was arrested, including two guns that were equipped with a switch, a tiny mechanism that converts semiautomatic handguns into fully automatic weapons.

In addition to the felonious assault charge in the Sobnosky shooting, Wilkerson pleaded guilty to receiving stolen property, tampering with evidence, carrying a concealed weapon, aggravated possession of drugs, and unlawful possession of a dangerous ordinance.

smeighan@dispatch.com

@ShahidMeighan

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Tommie Wilkerson sentenced to at least nine years in prison
Donald Trump's firehose of fabrication and grift has reached such a peak in recent days  from his ludicrous denunciation of Kamala Harris as "mentally disabled" to his hawking of cheap, cheesy watches for $100,000 in what has been widely interpreted as an invitation to bribery to his call for one "really violent day" of unleashed police action to fight crime  that choosing a single unhinged nugget to analyze is a true challenge.

But let's examine one that hasn't gotten the attention it deserves: Trump's glorification of the 1890s as the wealthiest in American history. It should go without saying that Trump couldn't be more wrong about that. But because his remarks, uttered at a town hall session Friday in Michigan, have been largely ignored by the political media, we'll say it.

Trump's conception of America in the 1890s is important not merely because it displays his utter ignorance of history and economics, but because it relates to his stated economic policies in a second term  namely, high tariffs and business deregulation.

Our country in the 1890s was probably...the wealthiest it ever was.

Donald Trump, getting history and economics very wrong

Indeed, he seems to know one thing about the 1890s in America: That it was a period of high tariffs. (Or maybe two things, the other being that William McKinley was president, though he didn't take office until 1897.)

Here's what Trump had to say in Michigan (repeating a theme he had mentioned at earlier rallies):

"We're lowering taxes, we're going to use tariffs very, very wisely. You know, our country in the 1890s was probably ... the wealthiest it ever was, because it was a system of tariffs and we had a president, you know, McKinley, right? You remember Mt. McKinley, and then they changed the name, but, uh, one of those things, but, uh, he was really a very good businessman. ... We were a very wealthy country."

A couple of minor points: McKinley was never a "businessman." He was a lawyer  in one of his notable cases as a private attorney, he defended 33 miners charged with rioting in a mine strike, obtaining acquittals for all but one. He served as a prosecutor, U.S. representative and governor of Ohio before reaching the White House. (He was assassinated in 1901, leading to the ascension of his vice president, Theodore Roosevelt.)

Mt. McKinley in Alaska is the former name of the highest peak in North America. It was officially renamed Denali, as the nearby Indigenous population called it, under President Obama in 2015.

Read more: Column: We know what Trump's 'concepts of a plan' on healthcare would be. They would be deadly

Now let's take a stroll through the 1890s  the real period, not the one imagined by Trump  and ask whether this is a world to which we would wish to return. Republicans might also wish to acquaint themselves with the electoral consequences of Trumpian policies in the 1890s, which were not pretty for them.

We'll start with a broad brush. The 1890s brought us the worst stock market crash and one of the deepest depressions up to that point. In retrospect, it was second only to the crash of 1929 and the Great Depression of the 1930s  and by some measures worse than the latter. Americans would remember it as the "Great Depression" until the 1930s economic reversal supplanted it in the economic lexicon.

In the mid-1890s, notes Paul Campos of the University of Colorado Boulder, per-capita gross domestic product shrank from $6,400 to $5,500 (in 2017 dollars). As of the second quarter this year, it was $68,977 (in 2024 dollars). In other words, no one with two brain cells to rub together could think of the 1890s as "the wealthiest America ever was."

Certainly no one living at that time would wish to relive it. Looking back at the end of December 1893 on the year just coming to a close, the business journal Bradstreet's Weekly called the losses suffered nationwide in "financial, commercial and industrial circles" worse than at any time in "the past eighty years." On May 5 that year, the New York Stock Exchange had crashed by more than 24% before recovering, the worst intraday collapse until the great crash of 1929.

The year 1893 was one of two significant economic nadirs during the decade, the second coming in 1897. The latter was followed by a slow recovery that didn't conclude until after 1900. More than 800 banks failed from 1893 through 1897, more than in any period until the Great Depression; by mid-1894, more than 150 railroad companies with 30,000 miles of track were bankrupt. The unemployment rate through the decade would ultimately approach 20%.

Historians pinpoint several causes of the stock market panic of 1893 and subsequent depression, some of which are relevant to Trump's proposals. One was the almost complete absence of business regulation. The 1880s saw the rise of industrial combines overtly designed to suppress competition. Among the most esteemed was the National Cordage Co., or the "cordage trust," which controlled 90% of the U.S. rope market, then a leading industry.

Read more: Column: I know what Trump was really talking about in his child care rant, and it's even scarier than you thought

In January 1893 the cordage trust executed a two-for-one stock split to enhance its appeal to smaller investors with a lower share price. The problem was that, like many other overgrown trusts of the era, its financial condition was opaque to its investors and even its bankers.

Only its president and treasurer knew that the cordage trust was hobbled by overproduction, a lack of credit and the evaporation of its working capital. On May 2, the trust had assured the public that it had $4 million in ready cash. In fact, the cash box held but $100,000.

The end came for Cordage on May 5, when it abruptly announced that it had been given over to bankruptcy receivers. The stock market crashed that day.

Cordage has collapsed like a bursted meteor, reported the Commercial and Financial Chronicle, "and the other industrials have all of them shared to a considerable extent in the decline.

Would Trump favor returning the business landscape to the 19th century Wild West? Project 2025, the Heritage Foundation-drafted road map to a second Trump administration, calls for reducing "unnecessary regulatory impediments to capital formation" in its chapter on the Securities and Exchange Commission. Existing regulations, it says, are "ineffective, costly, opaque, and largely impervious to reform."

In other words, the project aims to get the government off the backs of Americans, so big business can saddle up.

Another important factor in the 1890s was tariffs, which of course are a leading fixation of Trump's.

The Tariff Act of 1890 was known as the McKinley Tariff because McKinley was chairman of the House Ways and Means Committee when it was enacted. An openly protectionist measure, it raised duties as high as 49.5%  in some cases higher than even McKinley favored. Wool and imported tinplate, which was used for ceilings and cheap cookware, were particularly targeted.

Read more: Column: Trump and Vance are dead wrong  economists unanimously agree that U.S. tariffs are a tax on American consumers

Americans wholly detested the tariffs, which forced up the prices of popular products. This led to an electoral bloodbath for Republicans in the 1890 midterm elections, when the party lost 78 House seats and the Democrats won a 236-vote majority. Even McKinley, who earlier had been gerrymandered into victory, lost his seat.

In the 1892 presidential election, Republican Benjamin Harrison was turned out of office and Democrat Grover Cleveland won his second term. In control of the White House and both chambers of Congress, the Democrats rolled back many of the tariffs in 1894.

After the GOP regained control of the White House and Congress in 1896, the tariffs were restored, some at even higher levels than before. Americans eventually became exasperated again with high tariffs. Democrats regained the House and cut deeply into the GOP's Senate majority in the midterm elections of 1910, and regained the White House with the election of Woodrow Wilson in 1912. The rates were steeply lowered again in 1913.

Despite Trump's persistent misrepresentation that tariffs are paid by the target countries, politicians in the late 19th and early 20th centuries saw them as domestic taxes by another name  and more politically palatable.

Although direct taxes can't be concealed and always cause public debate, Wilson, as historian Joanne R. Reitano has observed, noted that "very few of us taste the tariff in our sugar." Americans tended to tolerate tariffs until they seemed excessive, and designed to favor wealthy industrialists and bankers at the expense of farmers and laborers.

Will today's voters have the same understanding? Or will the truth about tariffs and the political and economic conditions the McKinley tariff brought about in 1890 reach the public? Trump might not want to hope it does, because the real picture is not as pretty as he paints it. In fact, not pretty at all.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
A standup comic known for her Kamala Harris impressions met a man on Hinge who almost immediately professed his eternal devotion then tried to murder her in a jealous rage, according to a $20 million lawsuit obtained by The Independent.

The attack was so vicious, Sienna Hubert-Ross, 25, says she lost out on a part in a major network television show after being forced to audition while covered in bruises and suffering from the mental trauma of the event, which negatively impacted her performance and she was not offered the role.

Since then, Hubert-Ross  who, coincidentally, is starring in an upcoming indie film about a dating app that turns deadly  has suffered from suicidal ideation, depression, severe insomnia, and acute stress disorder, and has lost interest in men and relationships altogether, her lawsuit contends.

In an emailed statement, attorney Brett Gallaway, who is representing Hubert-Ross, said: We are proud of Ms Hubert-Ross for having the courage to come forward as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and even more so, as an advocate for herself.

The allegations against Mr Lane are very serious as it was a brutal attack leaving both physical and emotional scars that will haunt her for the rest of her life. Mr Lane will now be forced to answer for his crimes, and we look forward to ensuring he pays for his cowardly actions.

Hubert-Ross claims her live-in boyfriend tried to kill her (New York State Supreme Court)

Hinge did not respond on Tuesday to requests for comment. Lane, who does not have an attorney listed in court records, was unable to be reached.

Hubert-Ross and Oliver Lane went on their first date on May 14, 2024, according to her complaint.

It was apparent that Lane was very interested in Hubert-Ross public persona as he gushed, almost to the point of obsession, over Hubert-Ross social media presence and comedy skits, the complaint states. Within approximately a week-and-a-half of dating, Lane told Hubert-Ross that he loved her, and the two soon began functionally co-habitating together.

To demonstrate their commitment, Hubert-Ross agreed to end things with two other men she had been casually seeing, and Lane said he would cut off communication with an ex-girlfriend he still talked to regularly, according to the complaint.

But things quickly became rocky. Lane, whose father is the chairman of Morgan Stanleys European real estate division, wanted his friend Will to live with them, a third-wheel arrangement Hubert-Ross was not keen on, the complaint goes on.

Perhaps of the greatest concern with Lanes proposed living arrangement was that Hubert-Ross believed Will had a homosexual love interest in Lane and if they lived together, Will and Lane would engage in a romantic affair, it says.

In late July, while Hubert-Ross and Lane were out at a bar together, the complaint claims Lane became enraged while discussing their living situation and got physical with Hubert-Ross before screaming at her, Im going to f*****g kill you!

The next day, when Hubert-Ross continued to voice her concern over the idea of Lanes friend moving in with them, Lane began shoving Hubert-Ross while shouting about how much she stressed him out, according to the complaint.

At this point, Hubert-Ross became so concerned about Lanes violent outbursts and assaults that she ultimately conceded and agreed for her and Lane to live with Will, the complaint states.

In early August, Hubert-Ross and Lane met up with several friends at a bar, one of whom Hubert-Ross had had a romantic encounter with several years prior, according to the complaint. A furious Lane became fixated on this, berating Hubert-Ross about it to the point of verbal abuse, the complaint alleges.

Thats when Lane accidentally disclosed that he had remained in contact with his ex, telling her in texts Hubert-Ross saw that she was the only one for him, and that Lane often woke up thinking about her, when he was in bed with Hubert-Ross, the complaint states.

Caught red-handed, Lane yelled at Hubert-Ross, calling her an immature little b***h and a little c**t while throwing her around the kitchen, according to the complaint.

Before Hubert-Ross could review any further, Lane snatched his phone back from her and violently threw her into the stove, the complaint says. Hubert-Ross stayed on the ground, stunned and shocked by what had just occurred. Unfortunately for Hubert-Ross, this was just the beginning of Lanes violent assault and attempted murder.

As Hubert-Ross laid terrified on the kitchen floor, Lane, who is several inches taller and at least 50 pounds heavier than Hubert-Ross, grabbed her by the arms, dragged her into the bathroom, and threw her into the bathtub, the complaint continues. Unable to defend herself from the assault, Hubert-Ross pleaded with Lane to simply break up with her and stop hurting her, it says.

Lane responded by shouting in her face: You ruin fucking everything you little c**t, according to the complaint.

Lane then dragged Hubert-Ross out of the bathtub and into the living room, pinned her to the floor, and told her he hated her and wanted her to die, the complaint alleges. Hubert-Ross fully expected to die at Lanes hands, and when he briefly left the room, she was able to grab her phone, text her friend Sarah, and frantically call her mom, the complaint states.

Hubert-Rosss mother conferenced in Sarah, and the two could only helplessly listen to the horrific events that continued to unfold, according to the complaint. They heard Lane pick Hubert-Ross up and slam her onto his bed, after which he threw her to the floor, causing her to hit her head against the bedframe and briefly lose consciousness, the complaint contends.

When she came to, Lane continued to throw Hubert-Ross around the room then sat on top of Hubert-Ross on the bed, propped her up and violently slapped her across the face at full strength multiple times, the complaint says, adding, Lane also bit her on the arm.

During this part of the assault, Lane called Hubert-Ross a little child and told her he wanted to kill her, the complaint alleges. Hubert-Ross mother and Sarah heard everything. Lane then put his right hand around Hubert-Rosss neck and began to choke her. Sensing that Lane was now trying to kill her, Hubert-Ross kicked him in a last ditch attempt to save herself.

However, this incensed Lane, who continued the brutal assault as Hubert-Ross begged him to stop. Yet, the complaint says, rather than relent to her pleas, [Lane] dialed up the attack and took a pillow, put it over Hubert-Rosss head and mouth and began to suffocate her.

Hubert-Ross somehow managed to escape this attempted murder and run out of the room, but Lane quickly followed and grabbed her by the arm to drag her back to the bedroom, it asserts.

There, Lane took a swing at Hubert-Ross but missed, shattering a glass door, instead, according to the complaint. Before Lane could then finish the job and kill Hubert-Ross, he stepped on the broken glass which temporarily disabled him in time for the police  called by Sarah  to arrive at the scene, the complaint states.

The officers immediately arrested Lane and took a beaten and terrified Hubert-Ross for treatment, according to the complaint, which says she applied for, and received, an order of protection against Lane.

At his August 8 arraignment, Lane pleaded not guilty to one felony count of strangulation in the second degree, one misdemeanor count of assault in the third degree, and one misdemeanor count of criminal obstruction of breathing or blood circulation. He is scheduled to appear back in court on November 20.

Hubert-Ross has since needed intensive psychological treatment, and her emotional distress has resulted in a strong and ongoing dissociative interest in men and relationships and will likely result in years of ongoing expensive therapy and professional consulting, the complaint states.

She has also since disengaged from her personal and professional life, canceling numerous jobs because of her battered appearance and/or the mental and emotional impact from Lanes attack, and missing out on others, such as the coveted role on a very well-known broadcast network television show.

Hubert-Ross is demanding $20 million on four causes of action: $5 million for assault, $5 million for battery, $5 million for intentional infliction of emotional distress, and $5 million for false imprisonment.

Although dating apps are today one of the most common ways for people to meet, a 2022 research study found an outsize number of sexual predators using the apps as hunting grounds for vulnerable victims.

In Michigan, a 24-year-old woman was kidnapped and tortured for three weeks by a man she met on the dating app MeetMe. Last year, a Pennsylvania man was arrested on charges of rape, armed robbery, and carjacking for allegedly terrorizing two men he met on Tinder.
(Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

The heads of prominent civil rights and anti-discrimination groups, along with faith-based groups, have joined a list of supporters of Ohio Issue 1, which would reform the redistricting process by replacing politicians with citizen commissioners.

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative released an open letter signed by more than 60 Black faith leaders of churches and religious groups from across the state, saying the leaders felt compelled to address the urgent and pressing need for citizen-led initiatives to reclaim our democratic processes from the grip of partisan politics.

A fair redistricting process will restore our right to representation of Black voices in our state government, the letter stated.

As leaders of their churches and faith groups, those that signed the letter said they were called to protect the dignity and autonomy of our congregations, and for that reason supported changes to the state redistricting process.

This isnt the first open letter released in support of the proposed amendment. In January, dozens of Ohio business leaders began signing onto a letter via the national Leadership Now Project. As of Aug. 20, the letter had 82 signatures, including Dr. Amy Acton, Jeni Britton of Jenis Splendid Ice Creams, Cathy M. Little, former senior VP of Worthington Industries and Robert Schottenstein, chairman and CEO of M/I Homes.

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The business leaders letter said the proposal would ban gerrymandering, prohibit consideration of individual incumbents or candidates when drawing maps, and ensure and open and transparent redistricting process with extensive and meaningful public input.

Those that signed called a process to ensure fair representation of the voting population a crucial aspect of ensuring a robust representative democracy.

The changes laid out in Issue 1 would include the disbanding of the Ohio Redistricting Commission, made up entirely of elected officials, in favor of a 15-member, citizen-led commission to redraw the statehouse and congressional voting districts in Ohio. The proposed constitutional amendment would also lay out the process by which that commission would decide the districts, including using past election results to establish the partisan ratios used for the districts and adhering to federal redistricting laws.

More than an initiative, this is a movement, the faith leaders wrote in their letter. One that transcends party lines, bringing together a diverse coalition in pursuit of a just and representative democracy where every vote truly matters.

The Ohio Organizing Collaborative also joined with civil rights organizations in the state like the NAACP, the Ohio Unity Coalition and the states Legislative Black Caucus to stand in support of the ballot measure. Citizens Not Politicians announced the groups would be included in an ad for the measure as part of a $20 million broadcast blitz launched by the group.

Roberts said in a statement with Citizens Not Politicians that gerrymandering has harmed Black communities and Black people in Ohio. He said the current system is unaccountable considering the seven maps that were deemed unconstitutional by the Ohio Supreme Court that are designed to dilute and divide Black communities.

Back in September 2021, when the last redistricting process was deep into its two-year slog toward statehouse maps, Republican staffer Ray DiRossi presented maps that he said were fully compliant with the requirements imposed by the state constitution.

But as directed by legislative leaders, DiRossi said we did not use demographic data or racial data in the production of our maps.

Those maps would end up being one of five sets that would be ruled unconstitutionally partisan by the Ohio Supreme Court.

The bottom line is some politicians will say anything to keep our current broken system that lets them work with lobbyists to manipulate voting districts to discriminate against Black voters and silence Black voters voices, Andre Washington, Ohios state president of the A. Philip Randolph Institute and 2nd VP of the NAACP Ohio conference, said in a statement supporting Issue 1.

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Oil prices (CL=F, BZ=F) jumped about 2.5% after Iran blitzed Israel with nearly 200 ballistic missiles on Oct. 1. Israel seems certain to retaliate, and Iran could re-retaliate, which basically means the broader Middle East war many have been fearing has arrived.

That pop in oil prices, however, is tiny, and it reflects the markets belief that Mideast oil will keep flowing even as bombs and missiles thicken the skies. The regions warring parties may want to kill each other, but its in virtually everybodys interest to prevent oil supply disruptions that could send prices soaring.

Thats especially true in the United States, where some have speculated that a wider Mideast war could be a nasty October surprise that could cause oil shortages, send oil and gasoline prices soaring, and damage Vice President Kamala Harriss election odds. Theres certainly a chance of that, but the more likely outcome is that whatever ultimately happens between Israel, Iran, and nations or factions aligning with either side will not turn out to be an energy war.

The unprecedented Iranian attack on Israel was a response to Israels own whittling down of the Hezbollah and Hamas terrorist groups that Iran trains, funds, and uses to do much of its dirty work throughout the Middle East. The July 31 assassination of a top Hamas official in Tehran was likely an Israeli job, and on Sept. 27, Israel killed Hezbollahs leader in Beirut, Lebanon.

The whole fracas stems from the brutal Hamas attack on Israel last Oct. 7, in which terrorists killed nearly 2,000 Israelis. Israel responded by invading the Gaza Strip, Hamass home base, and its that ongoing war that seeded the mushrooming battle thats playing out now. Hostilities in the region are complex and go back decades, but Irans theocratic government, with its medieval policy of seeking the extermination of Israel, is a principal instigator.

So Israel and  tacitly  its allies may view the widening of the war as an opportunity to deal the nettlesome Iran a decisive blow that damages or destroys its nuclear weapons program, targets elements of its leadership, or goes after major military infrastructure. Israel could also attack Iranian oil facilities, which would imperil the countrys most important source of hard currency and kneecap its economy.

But it probably wont. Here are three reasons why.

First, Israels most important ally, the United States, is assuredly pressuring Israels leadership to leave Irans oil facilities alone. Israel obviously doesnt always listen to its No. 1 patron, but it will on this. In a direct confrontation with Iran, Israel will need US assistance more than ever, including intelligence, defensive military assistance, war materiel, and diplomatic solidarity. Israel, at a minimum, can keep Iranian oil facilities off the target list in exchange.

Story continues

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024 REUTERS/Amir Cohen (REUTERS / Reuters)

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Iran supplies about 1.5% of the worlds oil, which may not sound like a lot. But oil prices can move sharply on marginal changes in supply, and if Irans oil disappeared from the market, prices would jump way more than that puny 2.5% bump, which is based on fears of disruption, not actual disruption.

If Iran could no longer export oil, it would have a much more powerful incentive to strike at other producers by trying to close the Strait of Hormuz, which its navy could probably do for a period of time. About 21% of the worlds oil flows through the strait, and anything that threatened that supply would send oil prices well above $100 per barrel, and maybe above $150. US gasoline prices would hit $5 per gallon, and maybe $6 or $7. It should go without saying that the Biden administration would do just about anything to prevent that from happening in the home stretch of a tight presidential election in which Harris is basically running on the incumbent partys record.

Another powerful factor in the Middle East is China, which buys most of Irans oil and is forging partnerships with many oil producers in the region. China is a net importer of oil that wants to keep prices low. It buys Iranian (and Russian) oil below market prices because it doesnt comply with Western sanctions meant to punish both countries for hostile actions. And it wants to keep that cheap oil coming.

China may not  yet  be as powerful a presence in the Middle East as the United States is, but it has influence over Iran because it provides the bulk of its badly needed oil revenue. China cant tell Israel what to attack or spare, but it can make clear to Iran that any action threatening any nations oil supplies is simply unacceptable.

Other oil producers in the region, such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, dont really want an oil shock, either. Sure, they benefit when prices rise and their revenues go up. But the instability carries risk and could threaten other priorities. Saudi Arabia, for instance, still wants to normalize trade and economic relations with Israel, which is also a priority of the Biden administration.

That might be unlikely amid the current conflagration, but waiting for a more opportune time would still be a lot better than trying to ride out an oil war. Just five years ago, Iran attacked Saudi oil facilities, one of the biggest short-term supply disruptions in history. The two countries patched up their differences a year ago  with Chinese mediation  suggesting neither sees energy wars as productive.

Predictions about the Middle East often border on folly, given the regions volatile and violent history. Yet the oil has flowed through numerous wars and countless skirmishes, and thats the likely outcome this time as well. If only peace were as readily attainable as oil.

Rick Newman is a senior columnist for Yahoo Finance. Follow him on X at @rickjnewman.

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THE BRONX, N.Y. (PIX11)  Even though murders are down in the 48th and 52nd precincts, they have more than doubled in the 46th precinct.

When it comes to shooting incidents, all three have seen an uptick.

More Local News

A shot to the head instantly killed Evelin Vargas son, 29-year-old Devonte Serrano. It happened steps away from his home near East 182nd Street and Mapes Avenue on Sunday afternoon.

He died for defending me. The guy was going to kill me, and he came and looked what happened to him, said Vargas.

26-year-old Herman Gayle, who police sources tell us turned himself in on Monday, was charged with murder and criminal possession of a weapon. Friends and family of Serrano say the two did not know each other.

Vargas described the interaction, claiming Gayle had blocked her from behind with his bike. She says she asked him if he didnt see her.

He starts talking crazy and calling me names, said Vargas.

She said Devonte came and told Gayle to apologize but he didnt. He just got on the phone and said Bring my gun down. Thats how it started, said Vargas.

The result is another New York mother mourning the loss of her son to gun violence.

The police need to do something, take the guns out of the streets from these animals, they killing people like nothing, implored Vargas.

Video shows man shoot into Bronx bodega filled with customers

Looking for ways to get guns off the streets, Councilman Feliz sent a letter to the interim NYPD Commissioner last week, asking for more police officers in his district.

Our precincts in the Bronx, especially the 46th, 48th, and 52nd need more resources. Weve seen a reduction in violence and shootings in many other precincts we havent seen that here in the Bronx, stated Feliz.

Recent NYPD data show that shootings in neighborhoods within these three precincts have gone up compared to last year. Citywide, shootings are down by 8.5%.

We know that police officers alone cannot fully resolve the issue of public safety for that we need good schools, and good job opportunities but police officers play a very important role in the issue of deterring crimes, added Feliz.

Feliz told PIX11 News that the NYPD responded to him by saying they were reviewing his letter.

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Newport News Councilwoman Pat Woodbury is retiring from City Council after 16 years, and five candidates have thrown their hats in the ring to replace her.

The two fundraising frontrunners vying for the Central District seat have run against each other before  Stephen Ferguson, a business owner and former firefighter, and Robert Coleman, chief operating officer of the Boys & Girls Clubs of the Virginia Peninsula and a retired law enforcement officer. However, the election isnt a direct rematch, as they face competition from business consultant and media developer Justin Kennedy, clinical social worker Andrea Diggs, and pest control technician Scott Cox.

Two other council seats are also up for election. Councilwoman Tina Vick faces a challenge from transit operator and private construction contractor Clifton Atkins for the South District seat. Incumbent Marcellus Harris is running unopposed for the North District seat.

Central District

Coleman and Ferguson ran for a Central District seat on the City Council in 2022 but lost to Cleon Long. According to the Virginia Public Access Project, Ferguson is leading in fundraising  with $67,151 raised as of Aug. 31. Coleman has raised the second most in the race with $33,222.

At least $38,000 of Fergusons campaign cash came from himself or his businesses. Still, he also managed to secure financial support from numerous local businesses and the Newport News Republican Party. Coleman has also received donations from various local businesses but is being supported by the Newport News Democratic Party. The council races are nonpartisan, but political parties often throw support behind candidates who align with their views.

Ferguson, who describes himself as a Christian conservative, has made reducing the citys taxes a central component of his campaign, believing they are too burdensome on the citys residents  especially those on fixed incomes.

He also wants to reduce the red tape businesses must go through in the city licensing, permitting, inspection and zoning process to make it less challenging and time-consuming. He wants to make schools and neighborhoods sanctuaries of safety through the presence of school resource officers, better training of police in de-escalation techniques, and encouraging parents to play a more active role in their childrens lives.

Ferguson spent more than two decades in the fire service, with nearly 20 years in Chesapeake. As of Tuesday, Fergusons website says he left the fire service to focus on the family business in the green industry. Court records show he was forcibly separated from his employment with the Chesapeake Fire Department in 2015 after the operational medical director revoked his authorization to practice emergency medical services due to mistakes allegedly made while aiding a patient.

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Ferguson, who was unsuccessful in challenging the decision, said he wasnt trying to be misleading but found much success in his other work after he stopped being a firefighter  particularly with his U.S. Lawns business, which he and his wife have operated since 2002. Ferguson also has a real estate holding company.

Colemans top priority is reducing gun violence and wants the city to continue supporting prevention programs and nonprofits that are doing the work to reduce gun violence. He also wants to work on expanding tax breaks for seniors.

He noted the current council skews younger and said that it would benefit the panel to have someone there that has some more institutional knowledge and has been around a little while, and can bring a different perspective. Coleman represented the North District on City Council from 2012-2016 before losing to Marcellus Harris. He tried to reclaim the seat in 2020 but lost to Harris again. Coleman says redistricting moved his precinct from the North to the Central District.

He became COO of the Peninsula Boys & Girls Clubs in 2021 and before that worked for the Newport News Sheriffs Office. When on council, Coleman billed himself as a problem solver and compromising voice. According to previous reporting from the Daily Press, Coleman successfully advocated for more funding for schools in the citys capital budget.

Kennedy is campaigning to provide modern infrastructure and technology to schools  to enhance learning, improve teacher conditions and attract people to the city. Kennedy also wants the city to provide better equipment and pay for first responders. Kennedy raised $9,749 as of Aug. 31, which he says is more than enough to campaign successfully. He said that all of the media produced in his campaign had been produced by himself  from his website to podcasts to promotional videos.

Diggs has raised $5,477. While substantially lower than Ferguson or Colemans totals, shes raised money from a comparable number of donors, more than 50. Diggs said many of the people shes trying to serve are those who dont have much money to give away and that shes running a homegrown campaign  not needing hundreds of thousands of dollars to connect with people.

She is campaigning to provide affordable housing options to the citys residents and find ways to reduce the tax burden without harming essential city services. She also wants to support efforts to improve mental health and provide quality jobs, which she says are important in promoting safety and reducing crime rates. She said shes 100% in support of collective bargaining and protecting workers rights.

Diggs said shes received a lot of support from women, as shes the only woman running for the Central District seat.

As part of his campaign, Cox emphasizes school safety  including having cameras at bus stops  increasing teacher pay and school staff and lowering personal property taxes. He suggested the city build a casino to generate revenue for a shelter for homeless or low-income families. Campaign finance records show Cox has reported raising $29, although he claims he has raised $350.

Coxs has an extensive history of legal issues, most of which are driving or traffic related and stem from the early 2000s to the early 2010s. In 2012, he pleaded guilty to assault and battery of a spouse regarding an incident with his now-ex-wife. He now claims there was no physical struggle between the two, and he pleaded guilty due to bad advice from his court-appointed attorney and because he just wanted it behind me.

757 Votes: The Virginian-Pilot and Daily Press 2024 election guide

South District

Vick, who has served on City Council for 16 years, is the front-runner for the South District seat, having raised $10,200 as of Aug. 31. While Atkins claims he submitted a report showing roughly $1,000 in donations, VPAP and the Department of Elections do not show any money raised.

Vicks top priority is reducing gun violence in the community, and she has pointed to her efforts on the council to provide fundraising to nonprofits that are working with youth and families to decrease gun violence. Shes also supported funding for metal detectors in schools.

You want to vote for a proven leader who is not just going to talk about what they can do, she said at a recent forum. I have a proven record of whats been done in our city.

Atkins also wants to focus on community safety, improve unity among Southeast Community neighborhoods, and work on outreach to youth who have broken the law to help intervene and set them on the right path.

In the mid-1990s, Atkins received felony convictions for possessing drugs. However, he said he has since changed his ways and is making drug prevention, providing role models to young men, and supporting rehabilitation and mental health counseling part of his campaign.

Ive been 25 years clean, and Im proud of that, he said. I turned my life around and didnt let that stop me.

Josh Janney, joshua.janney@virginiamedia.com
A complicated relief effort unfolds in North Carolina in the face of tough terrain, collapsed communications and a ticking clock

To Cory Vaillancourt, the only scene comparable to the one unfolding in western North Carolina after Hurricane Helene is a war zone.

Nearly two years ago, the Smoky Mountain News politics editor reported from a southern Ukrainian city shortly after its liberation from Russian control.

The conditions that Im seeing here in western North Carolina are almost exactly the same, minus the gunfire and artillery shells, he told CNN on Monday from the town hall in Waynesville, 30 miles west of the city of Asheville. You have people who dont have water, they dont have medications, they dont have personal hygiene products.

And, he added, they dont have any way to get them.

Indeed, the idyll that made Asheville a regional tourist hub of artsy flair, bustling breweries and forested mountain majesty  nearly 300 miles from the Atlantic coast  today appears condemned after one of the deadliest hurricanes to strike the US mainland in the last 50 years.

And now, its that beloved southern Appalachian terrain isolating the city and many even more remote neighboring enclaves as residents begin the long, hard work of recovering from a storm that dumped as much as 30 inches of rain in the region and left at least 140 dead across six states.

Five days after Helene hit, hundreds in western North Carolina are still missing. And while President Joe Biden has approved the governors request to declare a major disaster in 25 counties, the emergency response remains difficult, an operation grappling with decimated roads and complicated by communication outages.

Destruction left by Hurricane Helene is seen Monday in Asheville, North Carolina. - Mike Stewart/AP

What is clear is what people here need: essentials like water, food and gas. And theyre adamant they need it now.

Theres no help or relief from the government or FEMA right now, Tyler Kotch, the owner of an Asheville pizza joint, told CNN on Monday. Its four days out, and were still waiting on that.

An unprecedented, massive effort

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The sentiment has been echoed by local leaders, including some whove also acknowledged state and federal officials indeed are on the ground  but who still feel the pace of recovery is too slow.

Theres still a lot of folks that we need to be able to reach, so that is the priority, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer told CNNs Kaitlan Collins on Monday night. But we also are in a situation where we dont have water and power in most areas, and we do need resources like drinking water and food and other household supplies and personal supplies people might need.

Mayor Zeb Smathers of Canton bemoaned the total collapse of cell service in his area, telling CNN it had hampered search, rescue and recovery efforts, forcing the community to make do with 1990s technology  at best.

There are families living in turmoil because they cant make a simple cell phone call 72 hours after this storm, he said. We cant communicate with crisis management to deliver supplies because we dont know what we have and what people need.

State and federal officials have signaled they understand the dire circumstances. By late Monday, FEMA had delivered 1 million liters of water and 600,000 meals, Gov. Roy Cooper said.

Federal aid is arriving in Canton, also west of Asheville, but connectivity problems have prevented smooth coordination, Smathers said. And he fears for the people who need help.

Some communities can only get aid by helicopter, officials have said.

We have beautiful, beautiful mountains in North Carolina, but they are rugged sometimes to get through, even on a beautiful day, the governor told CNNs Anderson Cooper on Monday night. After this catastrophic storm, it is very difficult to get to all of those places. Thats why we are relying on air power.

This is an unprecedented, massive effort that is being coordinated among local, state, federal, non-profits, he said. Its been amazing to see the work thats going on. Weve just got to make sure that it reaches every corner of western North Carolina.

Rescue workers from Pamlico County navigate Saturday through downed trees on a road in the area of Chimney Rock, North Carolina. - Pamlico County Special Operations via AP

Resources were in place across the Southeast before the storm arrived, FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told CNNs Wolf Blitzer on Monday. And more than 3,500 federal workers on the ground  1,000 of them from FEMA  are working with the state to move resources to the communities that need them.

We know that theres still great need, we know that theres a lot of power thats out, we know that the waste systems are down, Criswell said.

We know theres areas we havent gotten to yet, Criswell added, and so well continue to get that information of the places that still need critical equipment, critical food and water.

People are freaking out

Brian Etheridge lived with his family in western North Carolina for more than a decade before moving to Hilton Head, South Carolina. With his teenage sons and a trailer full of supplies, he struck out Sunday to help friends and old neighbors in the disaster zone.

Its not just Asheville, its everywhere: Brevard, Hendersonville, Highlands, Waynesville, Boone, Blowing Rock, all these areas, he said, describing a swath of hundreds of square miles where downed trees, landslides and washed-out roads make travel exceedingly difficult.

Etheridge saw utility trucks headed toward the storm wreckage, as well as fire departments and other local authorities out and about as residents wielded chainsaws in their efforts to clean up, he told CNN.

Terry Wilson's keepsakes lay Sunday outside his mother's home in Old Fort, North Carolina. Their beloved dog's ashes were found after the flooding, Wilson said. - Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images

These people are stuck. They are running out of food, water, theres no power, said Etheridge, who returned home Sunday night. Its total destruction.

The damage is just so vast, he added. And people are freaking out and panicking and they are scared.

From a FEMA warehouse in Fort Worth, Texas, Staff Administrator Steve Reaves on Monday mentioned the challenge of Interstate 40 as he oversaw the loading and shipping of semitrucks to the storm zone.

Weve sent every meal weve got, every bottle of water weve got, he said, adding his agency has also sent tarps, plastic sheeting and kits for babies and seniors.

But damage to I-40 has created a major bottleneck, Reaves said, between North Carolina and Tennessee.

Thats the main artery we had there, said Reaves, also the head of the agencys union. Whenever those hurdles like highways, roads, bridges washed out, that delays response to that area. We have to wait for the roads to be rebuilt, too.

The highways eastbound lanes leaving Buncombe County, of which Asheville is the seat, reopened Tuesday, the county said.

Storm will worsen poverty, food insecurity

West of Asheville, North Carolina is even more rural, isolated and rugged, said Vaillancourt, the journalist.

In Asheville, he said, neighbors can share supplies. Thats much harder in the communities he covers: You cant just hop around the corner to a neighbors house who lives a mile away and has a washed-out bridge leading to their home.

There are folks out here, he said, and the need is just as great.

Officials must now overcome myriad hurdles  communications outages, flooding of the valleys and hollers, road closures  complicating the recovery effort, said the North Carolina Division of Emergency Managements former Director Mike Sprayberry.

A search and rescue team on Sunday examines a van swept into the river in Swannanoa, North Carolina. - Travis Long/The News & Observer via Reuters

These places, a lot of them are remote and, in the best of times, sometimes difficult to get to, said Sprayberry, now the senior adviser for emergency management for Hagerty Consulting. But, he added, Its hard to say, Be patient, especially if youre running out of food and water, or need oxygen, or you need medication.

Doggone, I think everybodys trying to move as fast as they can, he said, and theyre throwing everything we have at it.

In the meantime, the communities Vaillancourt covers are not strangers to food insecurity and poverty. There have always been issues in rural, southern Appalachia, he said.

Now, Helene has made those problems much worse, he said, recounting a run-in Sunday with a woman who runs a local food pantry struggling to get non-perishables into isolated parts of Haywood County.

Again, these areas already struggle with poverty and food insecurity, he said. And the disruption of normal daily life due to this storm has made their plight even more dire.

CNNs Ella Nilsen contributed to this report.

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Days before Southeastern states were ravaged by Hurricane Helenewith catastrophic flooding affecting inland areas previously thought to be relatively protected from the increasingly frequent storms intensified by climate changeCongress left Washington without approving any additional funding for disaster relief.

Despite the knowledge that Helene would make landfall on Thursday, lawmakers embarked on a six-week recess for the preelection campaign sprint last Wednesday, after passing a bill keeping the government funded temporarily through December. Left out of the measure: billions of dollars in supplemental disaster funding. Although the temporary measure extended funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency through December 20, the agencys disaster relief fund is facing a $3 billion deficit by February. Rather than receiving the bulk of its money through the regular appropriations process, the relief fund is primarily funded through supplemental appropriations bills in response to major disastersmeasures that come with their own complications.

Sometimes Congress is very quick to respond to a disaster, sometimes theyre not, and you dont know what else is going on in the political cycle that will affect the decision-making, said Andy Winkler, leader of the Bipartisan Policy Centers Task Force on Disaster Response Reform. Any kind of delay or uncertainty in what the resources are that are available can create delays in the recovery.

FEMA has been pushed to its limits since 2017, which saw massive damage wrought by Hurricanes Maria, Harvey, and Irma, Winkler said. It continues to run on fumes: In August, FEMA announced it was shifting into immediate needs funding mode, meaning that it will prioritize emergency lifesaving work over longer-term recovery projects. Meanwhile, several states are waiting on recovery assistance for disasters that happened earlier this yearor even last year, such as the devastating fires in Maui and the collapse of a bridge in Baltimore. Other federal disaster recovery programs that fall outside of FEMAs purview involving long-term recovery, such as the Department of Housing and Urban Developments long-term block grant program known as CDBG-DR, have also not received new funding this year.

Winkler noted that the stress on FEMA may also be attributable to shifting perceptions of what the agencys role should be whenever the need for post-disaster relief and recovery arises, highlighting the recent increase in the number of federal disaster declarations, which kick off the emergency funding process. The mission is expanding, and at the same time youre seeing really difficult workforce shortages at FEMA. And so were asking them to do more, we expect more, but at the same time, were not necessarily giving them the tools and the resources to be able to do that well, said Winkler.

Despite the pending shortfall in the disaster relief fund, federal officials have insisted that they are able to adequately respond to the damage wrought by Helene. In an interview with CBS Newss Face the Nation on Sunday, FEMA administrator Deanne Criswell said, We absolutely have enough resources from across the federal family.

FEMA is one part of the team, and we have the ability to bring in all of our team members from many other federal agencies to support this response, Criswell said. However, while the stopgap measure temporarily funding the government allowed for FEMA to tap into $20 billion that was part of last years spending levels, the extent of the crisis caused by Helene may result in the agency burning through that money more quickly.

Americans, in their greatest time of need when an area gets hit by disaster, expect government to work. FEMA is one of those agencies that people rely on when disaster strikes in their community, said Representative Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida and a leader in disaster response efforts in the House. Congress is the disaster. And getting anything done there now, in the 118th Congressanything that makes sense in the 118th Congress seems impossible.

Since 2005, when several massive hurricanesincluding Hurricane Katrinarampaged through the South, supplemental appropriations funding for disaster relief has spiked. Between 1992 and 2004, disaster relief fund spending averaged to around $5 billion annually; between 2005 and 2021, that spending rose to an average of $12.5 billion annually, excluding pandemic expenses, according to the Congressional Budget Office. Meanwhile, the number of billion-dollar natural disasters has also climbed over the past two decades; according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, 2023 saw a record 28 billion-dollar natural disasters. The annual number of thunderstorms costing $1 billion or more has also increased significantly since 2000.

Rather than approving funding on a piecemeal basis through supplemental legislation, Congress should fund FEMA more fully from the beginning, argued Moskowitz. You fix that problem by giving them the correct amount of money that they need at the beginning of the budget cycle. If you give them $20 billion for their budget, and then they need a $12 billion supplemental during the year, you should have just given them $32 billion from the beginning, he said.

Part of the issue with approving supplemental disaster relief stems from larger institutional problems on Capitol Hill, as the appropriations process writ large has increasingly fallen victim to toxic partisan politics. Congress is generally so dysfunctional that only a few must-pass items are guaranteed approval in a given year: namely, the massive legislation authorizing hundreds of billions of dollars in defense funding, and legislation to keep the government funded. While the latter has become more difficult than the formeroften resulting in a slapdash appropriations process, monster omnibus bills, and the occasional shutdownCongress is usually able to keep the lights on in the federal government.

Given that political gridlock means fewer bills are actually able to pass through Congress, lawmakers with an agenda to push have little recourse for their individual crusadesmeaning that must-pass legislation can be forced to become a vehicle for partisan fights. The urgency of supplemental disaster relief funding typically ensures its passage, although not without some political acrimony.

If everyone thinks that its got to pass because it is really important to get that money out the door, then we also get into the question of, are there other political conflicts that are going to get wrapped up in trying to get that done? said Molly Reynolds, senior fellow of governance studies at the Brookings Institute and an expert on congressional process.

Moreover, certain segments of the Republican Partyparticularly in the Houseare often concerned with ensuring that spending on disaster relief is offset by cutting costs elsewhere. Nearly 200 House Republicans famously voted against emergency relief after Superstorm Sandy ravaged much of the Northeast in 2012.

The politicization of climate change also makes it difficult for members of Congress to agree that there is a problem in intensifying natural disasters, which in turn can make it harder to pass preventative measures. Congress has generally struggled to approve such measures for other disasters, such as pandemic preparedness. But when proposing the idea that preventive funding is necessary because climate change is intensifying natural disasters, that takes the issue squarely into the contentious political debate over whether climate change is real, said Reynolds. (For the record, it is.)

The idea of Congress acting in advance to prepare for these sorts of natural disasters is difficult simply because were talking about the future, and then its made more difficult because were talking about a problem that the two parties dont agree is a problem, said Reynolds. Despite the overwhelming evidence that the earth is warming at an unprecedented rate due to human activityand despite the majority of Americans who acknowledge that global warming is happeningclimate change remains a contentious political subject in Congress.

Aside from the political dynamics of climate change, immediate action on disaster relief is unlikely. When asked whether he would have to call Congress back into session to address disaster relief, President Joe Biden said on Monday that possibility was something I may have to request, but no decisions been made yet.

Although some lawmakers have called on Congress to return to Washington in October to address the issue of disaster relief funding, it is more probable that this issue will be addressed during the lame-duck session between Election Day and the end of the yearalong with priorities such as the National Defense Authorization Act, the farm bill, and appropriations. Nonetheless, some members of Congress have identified disaster relief as the first ticket on the lame-duck to-do list.

When we return in November, passing disaster aid has to be the top priority of the United States Congress, Democratic Senator Brian Schatz, who represents Hawaii, said in a speech on the Senate floor last week. This is an American priority, and we cannot close up shop for this Congress leaving all these Americans behind.

This piece has been updated.
Good morning and welcome to the A.M. Alert!

CONSERVATIVE HUMOR SITE SUES CALIFORNIA OVER ELECTION DECEPTION LAWS

Conservative parody humor site the Babylon Bee was unamused when Gov. Gavin Newsom signed AB 2839 and AB 2655 into law. Now theyre suing.

The right-leaning Alliance Defending Freedom is representing the Babylon Bee and California attorney Kelly Chang Rickert in a lawsuit challenging the two laws. The lawsuit was filed in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California.

AB 2839 bans the distribution of election-related information that contains certain materially deceptive content, as defined, with malice.

The ban goes into effect 120 days before an election and up to 60 days after it. The bill makes an exception for content clearly labeled as satire or parody.

AB 2655 requires online platforms to block materially deceptive content related to elections in California. That bill also exempts content that is satire or parody.

Our job is hard enough when our jokes keep coming true, as if they were prophecies, Babylon Bee CEO Seth Dillon said in a statement. But it becomes significantly more difficult when self-serving politicians abuse their power to try and control public discourse and clamp down on comedy. Unfortunately for them, the First Amendment secures our right to tell jokes they dont like.

The complaint, which you can read here, states that the Babylon Bee intends to defy state law by continuing to post satirical content without a disclaimer, while Rickert, who runs a conservative blog, said that she is refraining from posting certain content to avoid running afoul of the laws.

Reached for comment, Newsoms office said in a statement, While were still reviewing the lawsuit, kudos to the Babylon Bee for their attempt with this latest joke. These new laws are no more stringent than those already passed across the country, including in deep red states like Alabama. Satire is alive and well in California  even for those who miss the punchline.

IT WAS A GOOD WEEKEND UNDER THE SEA

Last weekend was a pretty good one, if you were of the aquatic persuasion.

First, on Friday, Newsom signed a bill into law declaring that the Dungeness crab is the official state crustacean. The governor also signed bills declaring the banana slug the state slug and the black abalone as the state seashell.

Newsom punned it up in a statement accompanying the bill signing.

From the majestic California redwood down to the delicate California quail, every organism matters here  and its time we celebrated our less cuddly friends before they get too crabby. The Dungeness crab, the banana slug, and the black abalone each bring much to our state and are well deserving of this recognition, Newsom said.

But the governor wasnt quite finished with his nautical bills signings.

Over the weekend, he also signed AB 3162 into law, banning the practice of octopus farming in the state. California becomes the second state, behind Washington, to proactively ban the practice, and the first state to also ban the sale of farmed octopus for consumption.

This is how lawmaking should be done: before investments of financial and human capital are made. These intelligent creatures are not suited for concentrated ocean farming environments, said bill author Assemblyman Steve Bennett, D-Ventura, in a statement.

The bill was a priority of animal advocacy group Social Compassion in Legislation, whose founder, Judie Mancuso, said in a statement that by signing this bill, California is taking a stand that will not allow an immeasurable amount of suffering to these magnificent animals and the environmental damage that this industry would create. We hope the rest of the country and the world will follow suit.

IS TIM WALZ JUST GAVIN NEWSOM IN A FLANNEL SHIRT?

Via David Lightman...

Nothing more than Gavin Newsom in a flannel shirt.

Thats how Rep. Tom Emmer, a Minnesota Republican, described Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz Monday.

Emmer joined Republican presidential campaign officials in a preview of Tuesdays vice presidential debate between Walz and the GOPs JD Vance, an Ohio U.S. senator.

Emmer repeated a favorite Republican theme, that Democrats will take what GOP loyalists claim are Californias radical policies and inflict them on the entire country. Newsom, Californias governor since 2019, has long been a favorite GOP target.

Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris, an Oakland native, has been San Francisco district attorney and Californias attorney general and U.S. senator.

She has moved away from positions from the partys more liberal wing after embracing some of its key positions on health care, immigration and the economy during her presidential run in 2019.

During her current campaign, Harris does talk often about her time as attorney general and chief prosecutor for San Francisco fighting crime and helping consumers.

Walz, governor of Minnesota since 2019, has a reputation as a practical, liberal-leaning politician.

Dont be fooled, said Emmer.

By choosing Tim Walz as her running mate, Kamala Harris has doubled down on her radical agenda, he charged.

QUOTE OF THE DAY

If we value diversity in higher education, we must level the playing field. That means making the college application process more fair and equitable. Hard work, good grades and a well-rounded background should earn you a spot in the incoming class  not the size of the check your family can write or who youre related to.

- Assemblyman Phil Ting, D-San Francisco, in a statement after Gov. Gavin Newsom signed his bill aimed at ending legacy and donor admissions at private California universities.

Best of The Bee:
(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.

The deputy state director for the conservative political lobbying group Americans for Prosperity argued Tuesday for Oklahoma to move local school board elections to align with the election calendar for federal and state offices.

Bradley Ward, who once worked for the Legislative Office of Fiscal Transparency at the state Capitol, was the only presenter during a 30-minute-long interim study conducted by the House Election and Ethics Committee and led by Rep. Chris Banning, R-Bixby.

Banning is a proponent of changing the dates of school board elections, saying doing so will increase voter turnout and save taxpayer money now being spent conducting separate elections. During the just-completed legislative session, multiple conservative groups, including Americans for Prosperity, put a focus on local elections such as school board races.

Critics of the idea say moving the elections could have the effect of injecting partisan politics into what are nonpartisan races.

Oklahoma law now mandates school board elections to be held in February (for primaries) and April (for the general election). Low turnout can be an issue, as evidenced by election results from April.

More: When does early voting start in Oklahoma? Key dates for 2024 presidential election

Rep. Chris Banning of Bixby led an interim study at the state Capitol on Tuesday concerning school board election dates.

Among the examples cited by Ward on Tuesday was a race for a seat on the board of Oklahoma City Public Schools, the states second-largest district, with about 33,000 students. In that race, 350 people cast ballots, with Jessica Cifuentes beating incumbent Cary Pirrong 233-117. A race for a seat on the Mid-Del Schools board drew 681 of a possible 16,679 voters, or 4%.

Electing a school board member with just 2% of voter turnout is not conducive to the needs of one of the states largest school districts, as it undermines democratic representation and fails to capture the diverse perspectives of the community that the board ultimately serves, Ward said.

Ward, citing Oklahoma State Election Board data, said about 6% of voters turned out for school board elections in April, compared to 11% in municipal elections in August, 17% in the presidential primary in March and 69% in the 2020 presidential general election.

Opinion: Compromises between students, parents, educators could address cellphone issues

Ward said Oklahoma is one of 12 states to have mandated non-November school board elections. Thirteen other states mandate such elections in November of even-numbered years, which would align with federal elections. Among those are Michigan, which he used as an example during his presentation. Sixteen states mandate elections in November of odd-numbered years.

Using data from the Oklahoma Cost Accounting System, Ward said Oklahoma school districts spent about $16.9 million on board elections this year, money he said could be reallocated toward other education purposes if board elections are moved. That is assuming the state election board would assume the costs of having a local election item on the same ballot. A spokeswoman for the Oklahoma State Election Board didn't immediately return a call seeking clarity on that question.

Rep. Jim Olson, the chair of the House Election and Ethics Committee, speaks during Tuesday's interim study on school board election dates.

Two bills aiming to move Oklahoma school board election dates  one filed by Banning, the other by state Sen. Ally Seifried, R-Claremore  didnt make it through the legislative process this year. Banning indicated he plans to file a similar bill for the 2025 session of the state Legislature.

Banning said his measure would have two nonpartisan goals: It has no other meaning other than to increase voter turnout and save the schools millions, and well also have an accurate representation of the community when those school board members are voted in.

Start your morning informed: Sign up for The Oklahoman's Daily Briefing newsletter

Democrat on committee says push to move elections is about GOP 'retaining power'

The lone Democrat at the meeting table Tuesday was Rep. Mickey Dollens of Oklahoma City. He told The Oklahoman afterward he understood Bannings desire to save money on conducting elections, but I think its more focused on retaining power, otherwise (they) would also advocate for municipal elections to be put on the general election ballot as well.

Rep. Mickey Dollens, D-Oklahoma City, said he believes a Republican push to move school board election dates is about "retaining power."

Dollens said he likes the current system because partisan politics usually dont come into play, given that school board elections are hyper-localized.

In this current political environment, were already so polarized and divisive. Its nice to have our municipal elections be separate, he said.

He suggested better civic education in schools  and perhaps a public messaging campaign on the importance of local elections  might be a solution to the issue of low turnout.

Each district has its own nuances and its own special needs, Dollens said. For highly informed voters, or anyone for that matter, to research the candidates without having all of the other noise around a general election, I feel is a good thing.

Editor's note: This story was updated to remove an inaccurate reference to Rep. Mickey Dollens' political party. He is a Democrat.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: Conservative group rep pitches plan for moving school board elections
Legislative District 2 constituents, including Idaho Senate Democratic candidate Tom Hearn, held a press conference with the Idaho Democratic Party outside of Hart's Kellogg home Tuesday afternoon alleging the senator does not live in his home. (Courtesy of the Idaho Democratic Party)

Constituents from Idahos Legislative District 2 have submitted a letter to the Idaho Secretary of States Office requesting an investigation into Republican state Sen. Phil Harts residency.

Hart, who is in his first term in the Idaho Senate, and has previously served four terms in the Idaho House, is registered at an address in Kellogg. He is running for reelection in the Nov. 5 general election against challenger Tom Hearn, a Saint Maries Democrat.

According to the letter sent by two constituents, Harts registered home has been under construction for several years and they believe it is unoccupied.

Idaho Sen. Phil Hart, R-Kellogg, works from the Senate floor

Given the extended construction on the property and concerns raised by residents within our community, we ask that your office investigate whether Senator Hart is in fact residing within Legislative District 2 or whether he is residing outside the district, the letter said, signed by district 2 constituents Debra Rose and Bruce Koch.

On Tuesday, the constituents with assistance from the Idaho Democratic Party, held a press conference outside of Harts home to discuss the issue. According to a press release from the Idaho Democratic Party, the constituents and party claim to have evidence from a private investigator that suggests Hart does not live at his home, but at a Hayden office outside of his district leased by his business.

Hart could not be immediately reached for comment.

To run for state office, individuals must be a registered voter within their legislative district at least one year prior to the election. According to Idaho law, individuals who temporarily leave their home do not lose their residence. But if the individual moves to another area with the intention of making it their permanent home, they lose their residence under Idaho law.

This is not the first time Hart is at the center of controversy. In 1996, Hart illegally cut down trees from state school endowment land to complete his log home in Athol. The property was later sold in 2016 as a settlement for not paying years worth of federal income taxes, the Spokesman-Review reported.

Idaho Secretary of States spokesperson Chelsea Carattini confirmed that the office has received the request to review the issue.

The constituents in the letter said they represent both sides of the political aisle  one a registered Democrat and the other a registered Republican, and their goal is to maintain transparency and accountability.

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Diplomacy, no matter how persistent, cannot end Hezbollahs threat to northern Israel. Even the elimination of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah wont suffice. Only a ground operation will.

Israel significantly intensified its campaign against Hezbollah these past two weeksincluding detonating thousands of the groups telecommunications devices, wiping out its elite military and top political leadership, launching an aerial blitz against 1,600 targets in one day, all in rapid succession. This pain had a purpose. The Israelis had just updated their war aims to include safely returning their displaced citizens to their homes in the north. They could do that only by forcing Hezbollah to decouple potential Lebanon and Gaza ceasefires and retreat from the border.

After Hezbollah began attacking Israel on October 8, American and French diplomats scrambled in vain to restore quiet to the Blue Line border with Lebanon and facilitate the return of displaced Israeli and Lebanese civilians. Israel, fighting in Gaza and inundated with growing international opprobrium, cooperatedalthough these ceasefire proposals would not have met its long-term security needs. The Lebanese Armed Forces, tasked with enforcing this buffer zone, lack the willingness to restrain Hezbollahwhose fighters, if they withdrew at all, would inevitably trickle back to the border. Israelis returning to their homes would be living in Hezbollahs shadowmade more ominous by the events of October 7, and by the organizations own plans for a similar assault.

But Hezbollah stuck to its guns, forcing mediators to eventually accept its position. Had the Israelis likewise acquiesced, they would have granted Hezbollah not only the chance to regenerate and enhance their capabilities for a future confrontation, but also the ability to claim an unprecedented victory through which to justify to its base the suffering of the past year and thus retain their support. The predictable narrative would go something like this: In May 2000, we expelled the Zionists from south Lebanon. This time, we expelled them from Occupied Palestine itself, and they were able to return to their homes only with our permission. So, stay the course, our method is working and the liberation of Palestine from the river to the sea is not only possible, its imminent.

But the stall of Gaza ceasefire talks removed even that bad option to halt Hezbollahs fireand matters seemed fated to settle into interminable mutual attrition, especially as the United States had already disallowed an Israeli ground maneuver inside Lebanon. Assessing the situation, Nasrallah told his followers on August 6, Today, airlines stop flying to Beirut and Tel Aviv, foreigners leave Lebanon and the Entity, the villagers in the souths frontlines and the colonizers in northern Palestine are forced to evacuate, our houses are destroyed but so are theirs, our factories burn but so do theirs, our people fearful but so are theirs. This dynamic was still allowing Israel to hurt Hezbollah. But the damage was minimaland the group believed that, between Washington restraining the Israelis and Israels fear of the destructiveness of a war with Hezbollah, its threats would keep the Israelis at bay and maintain a parity of pain until a Gaza ceasefire granted it a face-saving off-ramp.

But Hezbollah misread Israel. In fact, the group had been misreading Israel since it decided to enter the war on October 8. Israels determination to fight the Gaza war for so long surprised them, trapping Hezbollah in mutual attrition. The group also overestimated American restraint on Israels freedom of action or Israeli willingness to undertake escalatory or high-risk actions in Lebanon short of a full war or ground invasion. The Israelis, by contrast, had been trying to accurately gauge Hezbollah and the limits that Lebanons economic collapse, in particular, had placed upon the groups willingness to go to war now.

And Hezbollah ended up tipping its very weak hand on August 25, when it sought to avenge its fallen chief of staff Fuad Shukr, assassinated by Israel a month prior. Israels preempted the worst of the attack with airstikes, and its defensive array intercepted most of the 210 missiles and all 20 loitering munitions Hezbollah fired in response. Hezbollahs propaganda organs, however, immediately claimed success. But that theater could work only on the groups base. Israel knew Hezbollah was bluffing, had identified the groups limits, and understood it could cut the Gordian Knot. Within three short weeks, the Israeli Cabinet authorized Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Yoav Gallant to undertake the offensive or defensive measures necessary to force Hezbollah to back down.

But Israel didnt need to transform its approachat least not yetto achieve that goal. Exploiting the stark superiority of its military capabilities over Hezbollahs, Israel sought to shift the weight of the ongoing attrition heavily to Hezbollahthreading the needle between American opposition to a ground incursion and the groups lack of appetite for full war. Israel can conduct precise, calibrated, and very painful strikes without provoking a full-scale conflict. Hezbollah arsenal, while formidable, limits it to retaliatory optionslike large-scale missile strikes on Haifa or Tel Avivthat carry a high risk of triggering a full war. Since the group doesnt want that, Israels tactical flexibility gave it a commensurate advantage. With an American green light, Israel shifted into proactive attrition, inflicting tremendous costs upon Hezbollah to maintain its support front for its allies in the Gaza Strip, while the Israelis remained assured that the constraining factors staying Hezbollahs hand would keep matters below the threshold of war.

Where this goes from now, however, depends on Hezbollah. Even after being dealt successive significant blows, the group cannot back down from its vow to continue attacking Israel until a Gaza ceasefire. In fact, in his final speech, Nasrallah added halting Israeli operations in the West Bank to the groups conditions for a ceasefire and challenged Netanyahu, Gallant, your entire army, government, and Entity  we reiterate our challenge from October 8 today: You will fail to return the residents of the north.  Do what you wish, you will fail without submitting to Hezbollahs terms.

Backing down, especially after Nasrallahs assassination, will make Hezbollah look weak in an unprecedented manner; it would be the first time in the history of the conflict with Israel that the Israelis unambiguously defeated and imposed terms upon the group. This wouldnt be merely a blow to Hezbollahs ego. Such an outcome could set in motion a chain reaction that erodes, in time, the groups popular support, which is based in large part on the belief that Hezbollah is a powerful resistance organization that can always deter, defeat, and impose terms upon Israel. But neither can the group sustain pain at Israels hands indefinitely.

For now, Hezbollah is using every possible propaganda trick to frame the mere continuation of its attacks against Israel as a victory while also engaging in a largely symbolic expansion of its strikes footprint. Two days before Nasrallahs assassination, for example, the group launched a single ballistic missile at Tel Aviv, the first such attack on the major Israeli city from Lebanon. The missile was easily intercepted by Israels Davids Sling missile defense systemand that seems to have been Hezbollahs intention. The group could claim success to its base, appear strong and capable, without paying the commensurate price. But the Israelis moved to deny Hezbollah such an option by assassinating its top leaders days later, and as the disparity between Israels successes and Hezbollahs grows and becomes more obvious, the utility of its propaganda will run out.

The organization will then be faced with stark choices, none of them with good outcomes. Hezbollah could continue the current level of its attacks in the hopes that a prematureand as of now, seemingly unlikelyceasefire is imposed by the international community upon Israel, allowing it to regroup and rebuild. Alternatively, the group could opt to match Israels escalation. Hezbollah has yet to unleash its full arsenal, and its unclear how much of it remains. Either of these options would have been sufficient to prompt the ongoing Israeli ground incursionagainst a severely degraded Hezbollah. In the end, Hezbollahs insistence on maintaining the tempo of its attacks precipitated that maneuver. Now, with an Israeli invasion underway, Hezbollah still has a final optionto submit willingly or forcefully to Israels terms, but in doing so risk signing the warrant of its own gradual demise.

Read more at The Dispatch

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A 36-year-old registered sex offender is charged with tattooing minors.

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The investigation began on Sept. 16.

A parent contacted Hall County investigators about a tattoo his daughter received without parental knowledge.

Deputies said four days prior, four teenage girls traveled to Christopher Avery Adams home on Hidden Valley Way in Oakwood to get tattoos.

Adams is a registered sex offender who was convicted in a statutory rape case out of Whitfield County in 2019, HCSO said.

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Hall County investigators learned the 36-year-old man was operating his tattoo business out of his apartment.

According to the sheriffs office, two of the teens who got tattoos are 17-years-old, one is 16-years-old and the other is 19-years-old.

Georgia law states that the legal age for getting a tattoo is 18.

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Adams was arrested Thursday and charged with three counts of tattooing a minor.

Hes currently being held in the Hall County jail.

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SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  The new gateway sign in the Convoy District was lit for the first time Monday night, marking a new milestone in a multi-year plan to revitalize the area.

The city designated Convoy as a Pan-Asian Cultural District back in 2020 to coincide with an update to the Kearny Mesa Community Plan. Now, San Diego Mayor Todd Gloria said the gateway sign is not only a symbol of community identity and pride, but also a way for the city to officially recognize and promote the Convoy District.

RELATED: New Convoy District gateway sign installed by city crews

Unlike other community gateway signs around the city, the Convoy District symbol is vertical, which symbolizes how San Diegos Asian American and Pacific Islander community is always reaching for greater heights, said Kent Lee, the city councilmember who represents the Convoy corridor and District 6.

Convoy gateway sign as seen on Sept. 17, 2024. (FOX 5/KUSI)

In a May 2023 press conference, Gloria described the new Convoy sign as a marker for the district as a cultural destination, similar to those in other city neighborhoods with those landmarks like North Park, Hillcrest and Little Italy.

The 30-foot sign was installed earlier this month on Convoy Street near Opportunity Road, over a year after the design was revealed in a news conference at Friends House in Kearny Mesa. It spells out Convoy in letters with colors and patterns honoring the different Asian American and Pacific Islander communities significant to the district.

The citys fiscal year budget for 2023 included funding for the sign, followed by an agreement with the Asian Business Association Foundation that included $986,000 for its design and construction.

The Kearny Mesa Community Plan includes a full re-pavement of Convoy Street and increased housing and recreational opportunities, including urban village areas designed to enhance connectivity to transit stations and employment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Robust revenue growth with passenger ticket sales increasing by 15.2% in the three months ended August 31, 2024.

Operating income more than doubled from $1.6 billion to $3.0 billion in the nine months ended August 31, 2024.

Net income rebounded from a loss of $26 million to a profit of $1.6 billion in the nine months ended August 31, 2024.

Strong brand portfolio and market recovery post-pandemic as guest numbers reach pre-COVID levels.

Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK), the world's largest cruise operator, has shown a remarkable financial turnaround in its latest 10-Q filing dated September 30, 2024. The company has witnessed a significant increase in revenues, with passenger ticket sales surging to $5.2 billion for the three months ended August 31, 2024, up from $4.5 billion in the same period last year. This growth is also reflected in the nine-month comparison, where revenues climbed from $16.2 billion to $19.1 billion. Operating income has more than doubled, from $1.6 billion to $3.0 billion for the nine months ended August 31, 2024, indicating a strong recovery and operational efficiency. Net income has seen a dramatic shift from a loss of $26 million to a profit of $1.6 billion in the same period, showcasing Carnival PLC's ability to navigate post-pandemic challenges successfully.

Decoding Carnival PLC (CUK): A Strategic SWOT Insight

Strengths

Brand Portfolio and Market Leadership: Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) stands out with its diverse brand portfolio, catering to various market segments across the globe. The company's brands, including Carnival Cruise Lines, Holland America, Princess Cruises, and Seabourn, have a strong reputation for quality and service, which has helped to attract nearly 13 million guests in 2023, matching pre-pandemic levels. This brand power not only drives customer loyalty but also provides a competitive edge in the market.

Financial Resilience: The recent financial performance of Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) demonstrates its resilience and ability to generate robust revenue growth. The significant increase in operating income and the shift from a net loss to a substantial profit within nine months are testaments to the company's strong financial management and recovery strategy. This financial strength positions Carnival well for future investments and growth opportunities.

Weaknesses

Debt Levels: Despite the positive financial turnaround, Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) carries high levels of debt, a common issue within the cruise industry. The debt burden, while manageable, could limit the company's flexibility in pursuing new initiatives or responding to market changes. It also necessitates a significant portion of cash flow to be allocated towards servicing the debt, which could otherwise be used for strategic investments.

Story continues

Operational Risks: The cruise industry is inherently associated with high operational costs, including fuel, food, and labor. Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) is no exception, and fluctuations in these expenses can impact profitability. Additionally, the company's global operations expose it to various regulatory environments, which can complicate compliance and increase operational risks.

Opportunities

Industry Recovery and Growth: As the travel industry recovers from the pandemic, Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) is well-positioned to capitalize on the resurgence in demand for cruises. The company's strong brand recognition and global presence can attract a growing customer base looking for leisure travel options. Moreover, the expansion of the middle class in emerging markets presents a significant opportunity for Carnival to tap into new customer segments.

Technological Advancements: Investing in technology can enhance the guest experience and operational efficiency for Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK). From online booking systems to on-board digital services, leveraging technology can lead to increased customer satisfaction and cost savings. Additionally, advancements in sustainable technologies can help Carnival address environmental concerns and regulatory pressures.

Threats

Competitive Pressure: The cruise industry is highly competitive, with several major players vying for market share. Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) faces competition from other cruise lines that may offer aggressive pricing, newer ships, or unique experiences. To maintain its market leadership, Carnival must continuously innovate and provide exceptional value to its customers.

Geopolitical and Economic Uncertainties: External factors such as geopolitical tensions, economic downturns, and health crises can significantly impact the travel industry. Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) must navigate these uncertainties, which can affect guest bookings and operational costs, such as fuel prices. The company's global footprint requires a robust strategy to mitigate these risks and ensure business continuity.

In conclusion, Carnival PLC (NYSE:CUK) has demonstrated strong financial performance and brand leadership in the cruise industry. While it faces challenges such as high debt levels and operational risks, the company's opportunities for growth and technological innovation are promising. However, Carnival must remain vigilant against competitive pressures and external uncertainties that could impact its future success. With a strategic approach to leveraging its strengths and addressing its weaknesses, Carnival PLC is poised to continue its trajectory of recovery and growth in the post-pandemic era.

This article, generated by GuruFocus, is designed to provide general insights and is not tailored financial advice. Our commentary is rooted in historical data and analyst projections, utilizing an impartial methodology, and is not intended to serve as specific investment guidance. It does not formulate a recommendation to purchase or divest any stock and does not consider individual investment objectives or financial circumstances. Our objective is to deliver long-term, fundamental data-driven analysis. Be aware that our analysis might not incorporate the most recent, price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative information. GuruFocus holds no position in the stocks mentioned herein.

This article first appeared on GuruFocus.


Cookies for a Cause fundraiser returns to local Hy-Vees for KC charity

KANSAS CITY, Mo.  Hy-Vee stores all around the Kansas City area are taking part in a festive and delicious fundraiser for a famous local charity.

Cookies for a Cause is back in the metro for its eighth year in a row to benefit Ronald McDonald House Charities of Kansas City all throughout the month of October.

For every six-count package of bakery-fresh iced pumpkin cookies sold, Hy-Vee will donate $1 to the charity. The local grocer will also match up to $5,000 in donations.

Goodwill announces plans for new adult high school in Kansas City

To be able to support our community, especially in such trying times, is important to all of us at Hy-Vee, Kansas City Area Hy-Vee Marketing & Communications Coordinator Shelby Prstojevich said.

Each year we look forward to our Cookies for a Cause fundraiser that benefits Ronald McDonald House and helps families stay together during some of the most challenging times of their lives and provides a support system that they so desperately need

Since the campaign started, over $50,000 has been donated to the charity from local Hy-Vees.

We are so grateful for their continued support every year, and we cant wait to try these delicious pumpkin cookies that go toward helping sick kids and their families at Ronald McDonald House, CEO Tami Greenberg said.

When will the leaves change colors in Kansas City?

If you are interested in grabbing a sweet treat while giving back to the community, make sure to step into one of your neighborhood Hy-Vees from Oct. 1-31.

Go to Hy-Vee.com/stores/ to find a store near you.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 4 Kansas City WDAF-TV | News, Weather, Sports.
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Right-wing advocate Corey DeAngelis has finally spoken out about the mistakes of his past following allegations that he has appeared in gay adult films under the name Seth Rose.

As an activist for parental rights and school choice, my passion is personal, DeAngelis wrote in a September 30 X post. Just like everyone else, I have made mistakes throughout my life, learned from those mistakes, used that as an opportunity to grow and tried to channel that experience into something positive.

He continued: I was a victim of poor decisions and poor influences. I have turned that experience into the fuel that fires me to save young people from being put in the same position I was in, and to help parents protect their children. I will never stop fighting for what is right.

After Gay Porn Allegations, Trump Fave Corey DeAngelis Placed on Leave by Right-Wing Org

DeAngelis is a parental rights activist who has railed against the woke mind virus. The former president blurbed his 2024 book *The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools.*

Although DeAngelis doesnt name said poor decisions, its not a stretch to guess that he just might be alluding to his alleged gay adult film past. Last month, the blog Str8 Up Gay Porn  this link is NSFW  kicked off the controversy after claiming that DeAngelis appeared in multiple scenes on the website GayHoopla, including a video titled Super Star Cumpilation! How Many Strokes Til You Come?! and another called Jerk-Off Race.

These alleged appearances were the subject of intense social media criticism given the fact that DeAngelis is credited in the Heritage Foundations infamous far-right Project 2025 blueprint. His 2024 book The Parent Revolution: Rescuing Your Kids from the Radicals Ruining Our Schools, even received a shout-out from former president Donald Trump, who blurbed the book. Last week, DeAngelis was placed on leave by the right-wing school choice organization American Federation for Children (AFC), where he was previously listed as a senior fellow.

As GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis put it in a statement to The Advocate last week, DeAngelis fraud on school districts across the country should be seen for what it is: an anti-LGBTQ attack, underwritten by extreme anti-LGBT groups. DeAngelis and Heritage have no business near Americas schools, students, and families.

And if DeAngeliss alleged gay adult film past turns out to be true despite his anti-LGBTQ+ track record? That, kids, is what we call textbook hypocrisy.

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Coroner IDs man who arrived at Dayton VA Medical Center with gunshot wounds

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  The Montgomery County Coroners Office has identified a man who died after showing up at the Dayton VA Medical Center with gunshot wounds.

Trotwood police dispatched to the 4200 block of Fuedenberger Ave. at 10:45 a.m. on a call for shots fired from a vehicle. While investigating, Jody Deane, 54, and a second victim showed up at the Dayton VA Medical Center with gunshot wounds.

Teen fighting prompts change to local library hours

Deane succumbed to his injuries at the VA Medical Center. The second victim suffered from serious injuries. The case remains under investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to call Trotwood Police at 937-854-3988.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
This could have been prevented: Family of woman killed when she couldnt get abortion announces lawsuit plans

This could have been prevented: Family of woman killed when she couldnt get abortion announces lawsuit plans

The family of Amber Thurman, the 28-year-old Georgia woman who died in 2022 after preventable delays in abortion care under the states restrictive law, plans to bring a medical malpractice claim.

After taking abortion medication, Thurman experienced a rare complication in which some fetal tissue remained in her body, landing her in the hospital where she fought for her life, vomiting, and passing in and out of consciousness.

She needed a routine procedure to remove the remaining tissue  but doctors waited 20 hours before operating, as they were tangled up in the states extreme abortion laws, Ben Crump, a lawyer for the family, said at a press conference on Tuesday.

Georgia law banning most abortions after around six weeks of pregnancy came into effect on July 20, 2022, just weeks after the Supreme Court ruled on the Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, overturning Roe v. Wade.

A state committee, made up of 10 doctors and other experts, recently found that Thurmans death was preventable, ProPublica reported last week. The hospitals delay in performing the dilation and curettage (D&C) had a large impact on her death, the committee determined.

Amber Thurman takes a selfie with her son. Thurman died in a Georgia hospital in 2022 after doctors delayed a procedure that was criminalized in Georgia after the Supreme Court ended nationwide access to abortion and now her family is filing a medical malpractice claim (Facebook)

When I found out that this was preventablethat wound that has never healed opened wider, Shanette Williams, Thurmans mother, said while holding up a photo of her daughter at the news conference. It is so disheartening. It is heartbreaking. It is upsetting. Every emotion that you could think that a mother could have, I have it.

Crump argued that both federal and state laws were in play.

The attorney referred to EMTALA, a federal law that requires hospitals offering emergency services to provide stabilizing treatment to all patients. You have a duty to stabilize her and then give her the option to go to another hospital facility. But you cannot let her suffer and die on your hospital bed when the death is preventable, Crump said.

Georgia-based attorney Michael Harper also argued that Thurman should have been saved under Georgias six-week abortion law  which criminalizes abortions with limited exceptions.

Thurman, however, would have qualified for not one, but two exceptions laid out in Georgias heartbeat law, Harper said. The law allowed for an abortion to be performed if a doctor determines there is a medical emergency or if the fetus is not viable  both of which were true for the 28-year-old. There should have been no confusion, Harper said.

A judge in Georgia struck down the states six-week abortion ban on Monday  years too late to save Thurman. Crump said the decision was bittersweet for this family as it wasnt in place to save Ambers life, but can hopefully save others from the same fate.

Her mother said days after she died, Thurman, a medical assistant, was accepted into nursing school. Now that dream is shattered, she said. Crump said Amber was trying to give her and her son a better life.

My sister is gone. I would hate to have this happen to another mother, sister, aunt. But Amber is gone. Does she really have to be a sacrifice? CJ Williams, Thurmans sister, said at the news conference. It hurts so bad because this could have been prevented. Someone has to be held accountable.

We want justice. Were going to get justice for Amber, she added.

Williams mentioned Thurmans son, who was just six years old when tragedy struck. She said her nephew often wonders about his mom. Why did they take his best friend? he asks.

Another sister Andrika, also recalled the pain of having to tell her nephew that his mother wasnt coming back. She said she told the child at the time: We cant see her. But we can feel her in our hearts.

Crump said he plans to bring a medical malpractice claim on behalf of Thurmans family and son. We believe there was nothing preventing these doctors from acting, Crump said. The attorney called doctors negligent for not informing the patients mother about her daughters declining health and leaving the young mother in her hospital bed to vomit and turn blue.

The family didnt have a choice to take Amber to another hospital because hospital staff didnt inform her family about what was going on, Crump argued.

Thurmans death is the latest tragedy demonstrating the dangers of the state-level abortion bans that have cropped since Roe was overturned in 2022. Donald Trump appointed three Supreme Court justices  all of whom ruled in favor of overturning the landmark ruling. That decision has led to chaos and confusion as doctors and patients try to navigate the restrictive bans.

If we dont do something about this, this could be your familys reality too, Crump said.
Council of Europe's new Secretary General says Ukraine is priority

In his statement to the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe on 1 October, the Council of Europe's new Secretary General, Alain Berset, emphasised Ukraine, democracy, and unity as priorities for its work.

Source: Swiss edition of Watson, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to Berset, the common role of the Council of Europe is to "protect and promote human rights, democracy and the rule of law," and these principles "are at the heart of our institution."

Quote: "The Council of Europe should play an important and unique role for Ukraine against the background of Russian aggression," he stressed, recalling the role of the European Court of Human Rights in considering cases related to the war in Ukraine, as well as the Register of Losses under the Council of Europe.

"We must remain open and creative to support Ukraine in its resolve and recovery," said the Secretary General of the Council of Europe.

Berset also urged the Council of Europe to commit to a democracy in decline around the world as a result of conflicts, rising anti-Semitism, and climate change.

He also believes that the organisation should seek "ways of rapprochement" with Europe and dedicate itself to peace, stability, prosperity, and security.

On 25 June, the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly elected Alain Berset, a Swiss politician and former chairman of the Swiss Federal Council, as the organisation's new Secretary General.

His predecessor, former Croatian Foreign Minister Maria Pejcinovic-Buric, declined to run for a second term.

Immediately following the election, the new Secretary General of the Council of Europe stated that Ukraine and its support would be his first priority in office.

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Editors Note: This article was published by the twice-weekly newsletter The Counteroffensive with Tim Mak on Sept. 28, 2024, and has been re-published by the Kyiv Independent with permission. To subscribe to The Counteroffensive, click here.

Vira Lytvynenko hasnt been able to bury her son since March 2022, when he was killed defending Ukraine against a Russian offensive near the Mariupol Drama Theater. Instead, she keeps his ashes at home.

Even in the third year of Russias full-scale invasion, and over 10 years since the war began, Ukraine still does not have a national military cemetery. Many veterans and their families fear this neglect reflects a lack of respect for those who sacrificed their lives. Its as if there were no Arlington National Cemetery in the United States  a sacred space for remembrance and a powerful symbol of national gratitude.

"Even in the third year of Russias full-scale invasion, and over 10 years since the war began, Ukraine still does not have a national military cemetery."

Ukrainians yearn for a similar space to honor their soldiers.

The state should have provided the best possible honoring of its fallen there are certain sacred and infallible things in society. Civilian cemeteries are already running out of space, said Taras Ishchyk, who is serving in the Ukrainian military.

Instead of transparently constructing a national memorial cemetery, the authorities have dragged out the selection of a site, proposing locations far from Kyiv. The design and tendering process is marred by scandals and corruption, which critics say further diminishes the significance of soldiers' sacrifices.

Vladyslav Lytvynenko, Viras son, was a soldier with Ukraines Azov Brigade. He hailed from Donetsk Oblast and lived in Mariupol until 2014 when Russias war in Ukraines Donbas region and annexation of Crimea forced his family to move to Kyiv. In 2015, Vladyslav returned to Mariupol and joined Azov, where he fought in several battles.

Read also: Opinion: Is Russias new nuclear doctrine a game of bluff or a shift in strategy?

In 2022, he (Vladyslav) was supposed to leave the army and start a civilian life, because he hadnt experienced it as an adult, having been fighting since he was 20, Vira said, her eyes slowly filling with tears. Vira is just one among many families waiting to honor their fallen.

According to Olena Tolkachova, the head of the Azov Patronage Service, which cares for the brigades soldiers and families, the service has been advocating for a national military cemetery since 2014.

We have a family who is so hopeful for this particular (military) cemetery that they did not take the body out (of the morgue), Tolkachova said. And they are already in such a very depressed state because the cemetery has not been built in two years.

But despite the urgency, there has been little progress. Local regions have been left to bury their soldiers within existing cemeteries, where graves often blend in with civilian ones. It wasnt until May 2022 that a law was passed to simplify the land and construction procedures for the national cemetery. The Kyiv city administration designated a site near Bykivnia forest, a burial ground for victims of former Soviet leader Joseph Stalins repressions.

In August 2023, however, the government abruptly changed the site. The new location is over 20 kilometers from Kyiv's center, frustrating families like Vira's, who must now endure a two-hour commute to visit their loved ones. The cemetery, initially envisioned as a place easily accessible to the public to honor Ukraines sacrifices, now risks obscurity due to its distance.

Some families have already buried their relatives locally, tired of waiting. Others, like Vira, continue to hold out hope.

An aerial view of graves of Ukrainian soldiers who died in Russia's war against Ukraine in a cemetery in Kharkiv, Ukraine, on May 21, 2024. (Kostiantyn Liberov/Libkos/Getty Images)

In the summer of 2023, Serhii Derbin was selected as the projects architect, though there was no open competition for the large-scale national project. A tender was posted in the electronic public procurement system, but only one person allegedly applied.

"No one even knew about the design tender," said Dartsia Verytiuk, the creator of the Pantheon of Heroes concept in Ternopil. In response, Derbin told The Counteroffensive that the tender was officially announced on the website, available to anyone who wished to participate.

By the end of 2023, families were still unable to bury their fallen soldiers. The cemeterys design wasnt presented until December 2023, alongside new legislation to create the site.

The current design has been criticized for combining mismatched architectural elements, resembling both a supermarket and an ancient temple. Verytiuk, who had made suggestions for the memorial, said, "None of our comments were accepted, and the project wasnt changed at all. It became clear everything had been decided long ago."

However, Derbin claimed that most professional feedback had been incorporated and that all decisions were balanced and well-considered.

Read also: Opinion: As Russia circumvents sanctions, Europe faces a strategic crossroads

In July 2024, a tender for the cemeterys construction was announced. Only one consortium, Building UA, formed the day after the tender was posted, applied for the $44 million (1.8 billion hryvnias) project.

Critics were baffled by the government's preference for granite over lighter materials for the gravestones. As journalist Dariia Hirna explained, lighter-colored sandstone would evoke peace and tranquility, while gray or black granite could create an atmosphere of sadness.

One of the companies that won the tender was Akam, a granite producer from Dnipro. Akam belongs to a group of companies owned by Vadym Yermolaiev, who was sanctioned by President Zelensky in 2023 for conducting business in Russian-occupied territories. Yermolaievs whereabouts are unknown, and The Counteroffensive could not reach him for comment.

Construction at the cemetery has since been halted. In September, the Security Bureau of Ukraine (SBU) confirmed that Akam was part of Yermolaiev's sanctioned group of companies.

"This is a crime against the families of fallen soldiers and those still serving. Both tenders should be canceled, and an open international competition should be held instead," said serviceman Ishchyk.

This means that even this year, Ukraines fallen defenders will not find peace at a national cemetery, and their families will still have no place to honor them. That includes Vira Lytvynenko, whose son gave his life for Ukraines independence.

Editors Note: The opinions expressed in the op-ed section are those of the authors and do not reflect the views of the Kyiv Independent.

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The News

Hours after Israel announced it had begun a limited ground operation in Lebanon targeting Hezbollah, world leaders amplified their calls for a ceasefire and voiced concern over the conflict spiraling into a regional war with Iran, which fired rockets into Israel Tuesday.

The escalation comes after weeks of Israeli attacks targeting Hezbollah, the Iran-backed paramilitary group and Lebanons strongest political party. Many of the groups most senior leaders have been killed and its forces degraded, at a huge cost to Lebanese civilians: More than 1,500 have been killed since the cross-border attacks began last year, and up to a million displaced, according to Lebanese authorities.

The US reiterated support for Israels right to defend itself, and urged a diplomatic resolution, others called for de-escalation, with some Gulf leaders affirming their support for Lebanon.

The View From The United States

US President Joe Biden called for a ceasefire and said he would be comfortable with Israel halting its ground invasion into Lebanon. The US defense secretary reiterated that the US supports Israels right to defend itself, while calling for a diplomatic resolution that would enable displaced civilians to return home. He also warned Tehran of serious consequences if it directly attacked Israel.

But the US response repeats the pattern of American impotency and Israeli defiance" since the conflict in Gaza began, CNN wrote, where the US is unable to rein in its allys actions or exert significant control over the escalating regional conflict. Israel often acts before consulting the Biden administration, making the US appear a spectator rather than an active player in events, CNN argued, at a cost to the countrys perception of a global power.

The View From The Gulf

The United Arab Emirates Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirmed its unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity, according to a Tuesday statement. The countrys president also promised a $100 million relief package for Lebanon. Qatars foreign affairs minister said in a post on X that aggression on Lebanon will inflict the worst, and that standing with the brotherly people of Lebanon is not just a moral duty, but an imperative necessity.

Gulf countries, which have generally tried to steer clear of involvement in the conflict in Gaza, began promising to participate in a US-backed peacekeeping force in the region over the summer, a move that could represent a profound shift for the region and would be a cost-free way for Gulf states to make friends in the US, Middle East Eye noted  though that was before the recent escalation in Lebanon.

The View From Europe

Leaders from Italy, Spain, and the UK called for a de-escalation to avoid the conflict expanding throughout the Middle East, while NATOs new secretary-general Mark Rutte said during his inauguration speech that he hoped hostilities will end as soon as possible.

The EU has so far been unable to make any meaningful policy decision toward de-escalation in the Middle East, and the key issue limiting action could be the EU itself, DW noted. Foreign policy decisions require unanimous approval, but bloc member states are too divided on the conflict.

The View From Turkey

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during an address to the countrys state broadcaster that he believes Israel may target Turkey next, after Gaza and Lebanon. Erdogan emphasized that the consequences of Israels current incursion will not be similar to the last one, apparently referring to Israels past clashes with Hezbollah, which stretch back years.

Turkey and Israels relationship has been at a breaking point since the Oct. 7 Hamas attack, The Economist noted, though the two countries may not have an interest in rupturing their ties entirely, given the lucrative trade between them.

The View From Russia

Russias Ministry of Defense expressed solidarity with Lebanon in a statement, and Kremlin spokesperson Dmitry Peskov also condemned an Israeli strike on the Syrian capital of Damascus early Tuesday. Peskov warned that the geography of hostilities is expanding, which is further destabilizing the region and increasing tensions.

Russia has tried to position itself as a power broker in the Middle East since the Syrian civil war erupted in 2015, in an attempt to reserve a seat among other players who seek to design a new regional security architecture, though its impact beyond Syria has so far been limited, experts wrote for Carnegie Endowment.

The View From China

Top Chinese diplomats met with Iranian leaders over the past week and pledged support for Tehran in safeguarding its sovereignty, security, territorial integrity, and national dignity, amid Israels bombardment of Lebanon.

The US has long tried to press Beijing into using its trade relationship to rein in Tehrans actions in the Middle East. But even though some experts believe China is the single country with the greatest ability to influence Iran, if it wants to be, the task wouldnt be that simple, Foreign Policy argued. One analyst noted that Chinas leverage over Iran in oil sales and trade is both politically and logistically challenging to use.
LAKE LURE, N.C.  Neighbors banded together to help a young family hiking through dangerous conditions in North Carolina, after historic flooding from Hurricane Helene washed away their route to safety.

Catt and Michael told FOX Weather they were drawn to western North Carolina because of the mountains and the beautiful fall colors. A former Florida and Texas resident, Catt heard the forecasts for Helene and was wary because of her experience with hurricanes, but Michael was unfamiliar with the power of a tropical system.

"Myself and the locals here included, are all used to the mountains shielding us from the worst weather, right?" Michael said. "This storm that hit, it was basically the worst storm that we had ever seen."

Video Shows Aftermath In Chimney Rock, North Carolina, After Helene's Floodwaters Decimated Village

More than 130 people have died across six states in the Southeast, including dozens of deaths reported in western North Carolina. More than 1,000 people are staying in nearly 30 shelters across the state and more are unaccounted for as cell service is still down for most of the region.

Chimney Rock and Lake Lure are among those communities in western North Carolina hardest hit by flooding. The damage has left parts of the community unrecognizable and unsafe to travel.

The couple didnt realize the power of the storm until early Friday morning when a tree came through their home.

"When larger and larger trees started to fall that morning, we realized we got to get over to the neighbor's house," Catt said, adding the neighbor's house was in a clearing with fewer trees likely to fall on them.

They hoped they could just wait out the wind and the storm. It wasnt until later on Friday that they realized the flooding on the Broad River along Lure Highway (Route 64).

"We realized through the trees we could see the river. And that's not normal, that's not at all," Michael said. "We cannot see the river or the road from that balcony normally, like a normal day, you know, you can't see through the trees too much."

Video and photos taken by Catt show the rushing water and the extent of the damage caused by flooding as chunks of Route 64 were washed away.

North Carolina Cell Service Outage Frustrates Stranded Residents After Deadly Helene Flooding

"We really our own island right now," Catt says in one of her videos.

After pulling their food and supplies together, the group of neighbors also discovered a family with an infant and toddler with devastating damage to their home from a landslide. The family needed diapers and formula.

Realizing the severity of the situation, the neighbors started to take action and two groups set out to find a route to safety. Catt and Michael attempted to hike to Bat Cave Preserve, but their route was blocked by dangers created by Helene's powerful flooding.

On the hike to Bat Cave, Catt and Michael found a Lure Lake police cruiser lifted on top of giant rocks moved by the flooding.

"We kept hiking the trail as far as we could, but eventually there was no road, there were no boulders, there was no makeshift ridge line for us to go on. It was just a cliff and rapids," Michael said. "So we ended up trying to go to the right and hike up the mountain to get around it or try to. We slipped multiple times."

They turned back, leaving notes for other hikers along the way to warn them not to attempt the journey to Bat Cave.

"Even though we didn't make it to Bat Cave and found out that the road was really treacherous and dangerous, and we're thankful to be alive. It was not for naught, because we were able to tell the hikers we ran into that morning," Michael said.

After reuniting with their neighbors, they helped each other find a route to the evacuation area. Another neighbor had hiked toward Chimney Rock and was able to get the family with young children to the evacuation point.

Catt said several pets, including their own cat, had to be carried across the difficult hike.

"They carried our cat for us. At certain points, we helped pick up their dog, we were doing the best we could to help each other out," Catt said. "We were passing along luggage, you know, grabbing hands, helping people climb further up."

The couple is thankful to a family who took them to multiple hotels in Rutherford County until they found one with an open room.

Now, they are trying to access FEMA disaster benefits and are worried about their belongings at home. The couple left out some supplies that could help other desperate people, but they hope no one takes things they don't need or opens locked doors.

Family and friends have started GoFundMe fundraisers for Catt and Michael and several of their neighbors who suffered major losses during Helene.





Original article source: Couple survives dangerous climb escaping Chimney Rock flooding: 'Thankful to be alive'
Court documents: Suspect uses hatchet to break in and steal from OKC bike shop

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma County District Attorneys office has filed formal charges against four people allegedly linked to a labor day weekend burglary at a Capitol Hill bike shop.

The incident happened August 31 in the early hours of the morning at Capitol Co-Op. Surveillance video shared with News 4 shows a man breaking into the front door with a hatchet. The man goes inside, grabs two bikes and comes back out where hes joined by a second male.

Capitol Co-Op bike theft in Capitol Hill. Photo courtesy KFOR.

Grab that and go back and get another one, one of the men is heard saying.

A suspect is then seen in the surveillance video heading back inside of the store and coming out with a third bike. Less than two hours later, court documents say the suspect comes back to the store and takes a fourth bike.

They took four and out of the four there probably was $25,000 to $30,000 worth of bikes, said Capitol Co-Op owner Chad Hodges.

Hodges said he remembers getting a call from an employee that one of their doors had been broken into. When he reviewed video, Hodges said he got the idea the suspects didnt know what types of bikes they were stealing.

Most of the bikes in here dont have pedals on them, said Hodges. So when you jump on a bike, theres no way youre going to pedal it down the street. They just kind of jumped on them and rolled downhill on Robinson.

Hodges said the theft came as a blow, but that he was grateful at the time the suspects didnt take more bikes.

They could have pulled up with a U-Haul and totally emptied our space, said Hodges.

Hodges said Oklahoma City Police had been a big help in tracking the suspects down, and after getting a tip he shared with authorities, law enforcement was able to connect the dots.

The crime was traced back to suspects Asterik Graessle, Elizabeth Medellin, James Bullock and Jacob Sawatzky; who have all been formally charged.

Asterik Graessle. Photo courtesy Oklahoma County Jail.

Elizabeth Medellin. Photo courtesy Oklahoma County Jail.

Jacob Sawatzky. Photo courtesy Oklahoma County Jail.

James Bullock. Photo courtesy Oklahoma County Jail.

According to court documents, Graessle was the suspect seen breaking into the shop with the hatchet and the other suspects are accused of helping try to cover up the crime.

Documents say, after getting Hodges tip, police requested video from an apartment complex where Hodges was told stolen property in the area usually ends up. Video surveillance from that complex showed the bikes being taken to a wooded area north of the complex and the wheels being removed from the frames.

Documents say Medellin, Graessles girlfriend, helped drag and wheel a cart to where the bikes were disassembled and used the cart to load them into a car. After that, the parts were covered with a blanket and taken into a unit in the complex belonging to suspect Bullock.

Documents also say, the bikes were kept in the apartment for five days and then taken to a storage facility unit Bullock rented. Graessle and Sawatzky were both seen on surveillance video before the burglary leaving the apartment unit, before returning in different shirts pulling a cart; while also carrying a large bag.

Hodges said police were able to find all of the parts, but that they wont be able to maintain their original value.

All the bikes have been damaged to some extent, and some of them, we wont be able to do anything with now; but maybe well be able to recoup a little bit of that, said Hodges.

Hodges says hes since replaced the glass in the front door and beefed up security to make sure something like this doesnt happen again.

All of the suspects are facing charges for conspiracy and possession of stolen property.

Graessle is facing additional charges for second degree burglary and grand larceny.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert C. I. McBurney has struck down Georgias six-week abortion ban. (Photo by Stanley Dunlap/Georgia Recorder)

Abortion providers in Georgia say they will expand their services immediately and are preparing for a potential influx of out-of-state patients after a Fulton County judge ruled Monday that Georgias six-week abortion ban is unconstitutional under the Georgia Constitution.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert C. I. McBurneys long-awaited ruling immediately overturned the states 2019 law, which took effect shortly after the U.S. Supreme Court ended the federal right to an abortion in 2022.

In a 26-page ruling, McBurney said women should have the freedom to decide whether to be human incubators for the five months leading up to viability.

Women are not some piece of collectively owned community property the disposition of which is decided by majority vote, McBurney wrote. Forcing a woman to carry an unwanted, not-yet-viable fetus to term violates her constitutional rights to liberty and privacy, even taking into consideration whatever bundle of rights the not-yet-viable fetus may have.

Georgias 2019 law bans most abortion once fetal cardiac activity is detected, which is about six weeks into a pregnancy and before most women know they are pregnant.

The ruling resurrects Georgias previous law, which allowed abortions up to about 20 weeks  at least for now. A spokesperson for GOP Attorney General Chris Carr said Monday that the state plans to appeal the decision.

We believe Georgias LIFE Act is fully constitutional, and we will immediately appeal the lower courts decision, said Kara Murray, Carrs communications director.

A spokesperson for Republican Gov. Brian Kemp also blasted the decision Monday. Kemp signed the abortion restrictions into law in 2019 after it narrowly passed the Legislature.

Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge, said Garrison Douglas, Kemp spokesperson. Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our most sacred responsibilities, and Georgia will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn.

The decision comes two weeks following revelations that two pregnant women died while trying to have abortions in the months after Georgias six-week abortion ban took effect.

The ruling

This is the second time McBurney has labeled the law unconstitutional and stopped it from being enforced.

Nearly two years ago, McBurney concluded after a two-day trial that the law was plainly unconstitutional because it was passed in 2019 when Roe v. Wade was still the law of the land. He ruled that state lawmakers should have to draft abortion restrictions in the post-Roe world.

But the Georgia Supreme Court disagreed last year, settling one narrow piece of a legal challenge filed in state court in 2022 on behalf of health care providers and abortion rights advocates. The states high court let the six-week ban go back into effect within a week of McBurneys first decision while the appeal was being considered.

Mondays ruling addresses the broader question at the center of the lawsuit filed in 2022: Does the Georgia Constitutions protections for liberty and privacy include a right to an abortion?

McBurney has concluded that it does  to a point.

A review of our higher courts interpretations of liberty demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices, McBurney wrote.

That power is not, however, unlimited, he added. When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene.

McBurney found fault with the exceptions written into Georgias law, such as the medical emergency provision that supporters of the law say protects a woman who is in medical duress.

He said the exception is susceptible to a vagueness challenge and unconstitutionally treats women in mental health crisis different from patients experiencing a physical health threat.

There is no basis  rational, compelling, or sensical  to distinguish between diagnosed medical emergencies involving the brain (an essential human organ if ever there was one) versus the heart or the lungs or the liver  all of which can result in serious bodily harm or death to the mother, he wrote.

The lawsuit was filed by the American Civil Liberties Union, the ACLU of Georgia, the Center for Reproductive Rights, Planned Parenthood Federation of America, and Georgia-based law firms Caplan Cobb and Bondurant Mixson & Elmore.

Overwhelming need

Providers said Monday that they will immediately expand their services.

Effective immediately, in accordance with the law, we are providing and expanding our abortion health care, Jaylen Black, vice president of communications and marketing of Planned Parenthood Southeast, said during a call with reporters Monday.

Kwajelyn Jackson, executive director of Feminist Womens Health Center, said Monday that the Atlanta clinic is preparing for a potential influx of patients with a health care landscape that has changed. She said Georgia has lost at least one clinic since 2022.

We will do our best to ensure that we have staff-to-patient ratios that are safe for folks who are coming to us for care, she said. And we will also always prioritize the wellbeing of our providers to make sure that we are not overworking people in order to meet an overwhelming need.

Opponents of the law point to the deaths of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller as tragic proof of the laws harm, though anti-abortion advocates have argued the laws exceptions should have allowed them to receive the care they needed.

We have already seen too many examples of the extreme harm and often deadly consequences of dangerous abortion bans on our communities, including the recent tragic stories of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller and the countless others unnamed that have been affected by bans like this one, Jackson said.

Attorneys for the plaintiffs urged state officials to let McBurneys ruling go unchallenged.

Make no mistake, if Gov. Brian Kemp and Attorney General Chris Carr try to reinstate this cruel ban by appealing to the Georgia Supreme Court, they will be doing so knowing full well that this law is preventing physicians from treating sick patients, exacerbating the maternal mortality crisis for Black women, forcing Georgians to carry pregnancies that will tether them to poverty and abuse and making it harder for Georgia universities and hospitals to attract top doctors, said Julia Kaye, senior staff attorney with the ACLU Reproductive Freedom Project.

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective, lead plaintiff in the lawsuit, argued the back-and-forth with the six-week ban signals that our lives dont matter.

Do they really care about the lives of Georgians or are they using the lives of Georgians as their political pawns to move whatever they feel like is their political agenda, Simpson said.

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Dr. Squatch  the digitally native mens grooming brand that inspired Big Bricc Energy with hypnosis and recently insured Nick Cannons family jewels for $10 million  is back with its latest cheeky campaign. This time around, Dr. Squatch has enlisted actor Sydney Sweeney for a series of videos that help launch the brands natural, moisturizing, scent-forward body wash products, per details shared with Marketing Dive.

The Euphoria and Anyone But You star appears as a Body Wash Genie in a three video spots, while a forthcoming one features Sweeney in a bathtub and includes a call-to-action around an 800 number. All the spots play off Sweeneys sex symbol status as she suggestively offers to grant wishes, noting how guys only want one thing.

Beyond having one of Hollywoods fastest rising stars in its designed-to-go-viral spots, working with Sweeney could help catapult the brand to a new level of cultural relevance, explained John Ludeke, the brands vice president of marketing.

Shes not only a rising star, but someone who resonates across broad demographics  especially with women who are often the ones purchasing grooming products for their male partners or kids, Ludeke said in emailed comments. We always want to be a meaningful contributor to culture, and having her personality drive this message for us through marketing is huge.

In this case, the Body Wash Genie helps engage the majority of men who are unaware of the ingredients in their current body wash  many of which are classified by the FDA as a synthetic detergent, according to the brand. The new spots are in line with Dr. Squatchs previous marketing that delivers brand truths through suggestive, boundary-pushing humor.

We look for brand partners who are down to have fun, break convention, and be a little bit irreverent  all while taking their role of educating consumers seriously, Ludeke said. Dr. Squatch focuses on authenticity and humor and Sydney definitely fits the bill.

The campaign will be supported with a robust media plan and will run across linear and connected TV, digital video including premium YouTube, streaming audio and podcasts, and paid social media across Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and Pinterest.

Story continues

Because were digitally native but also have a retail presence, its always important for us to balance different audiences and outcomes, Ludeke said of the media plan. Our strategy is tailored to adjust short-term optimization signals to accommodate longer term sales goals for each media channel.

The plan will help balance the distribution of the playful, I Dream of Jeannie-esque ads with the more steamy bathtub spot (reminiscent of Margot Robbies fourth wall-breaking turn in The Big Short). Deploying a variety of entertaining content can help keep the brands audience engaged.

The reality is that most advertising content is wallpaper and no one wants to see the same boring ads over and over again, Ludeke said. Often as brands grow, they use their additional resources to spam people even more with content that lacks excitement. We focus on entertaining our audience, which requires us to find ways to tell a variety of stories from different angles that ladder up to the same main message.
(WKBN)  Federal investigators say an Illinois man billed $14 million to the federal government for COVID-19 tests with fake results, according to the U.S. Justice Department.

According to court documents, Zishan Alvi, 45, of Inverness, owned and operated a laboratory in Chicago that performed testing for COVID-19. From February 2021 through February 2022, Alvi submitted claims to the Human Services Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)for COVID-19 tests that were not performed as billed.

Investigators said that as part of the scheme, the laboratory released negative COVID-19 test results to patients, even though the laboratory either had not actually tested the specimens or the results were inconclusive.

Court records say that Alvi knew that the laboratory was releasing negative results for tests that were not performed or were inconclusive, but still caused the laboratory to submit claims to HRSA for those tests. HRSA paid the laboratory over $14 million as a result of the fraudulent claims.

Alvi pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud. He is scheduled to be sentenced on Feb. 7, 2025, and faces a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
DENVER (KDVR)  Colorado Parks and Wildlife is attempting to capture an uncollared gray wolf believed to be the fifth pup of the Copper Creek pack, which was captured for relocation earlier this month.

The packs relocation was announced on Sept. 9, wherein CPW biologists said they had captured an adult male with injuries (of which he later died), a healthy adult female, and four gray wolf pups. The pack was relocated after numerous livestock depredations in the area, which has led to conflict between CPW and Colorado livestock producers.

Colorados wolves are still moving throughout the state, depredating livestock

Depredations occur when a predator plunders or preys upon a farmers crop. In Grand and Jackson counties, wolves were depredating sheep and cattle. So far in September, one depredating incident has been reported in the state, and it was reported in Grand County on Sept. 9, leaving a cow and calf dead. No depredations were reported during August, but about 17 depredation incidents have been reported to the state during 2024.

Gray wolves are federally protected, so the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is involved in most operations involving the wolves. The relocation of the fifth Copper Creek pack pup required CPW to obtain permits for the capture and relocation.

CPW shared that after initially capturing six members of the Copper Creek pack in late August and early September, biologists placed game cameras in the area to monitor for any further activity and to see if there were additional members of the wolf litter.

The news comes after CPW said that additional survey work in the area earlier this month caused CPW staff to be confident that all the members of the Copper Creek pack have been captured.

This uncollared gray wolf is believed to be a fifth pup from the Copper Creek pack. (Courtesy Colorado Parks and Wildlife)

The biologists returned for the cameras on Sept. 20, confirming the presence of an uncollared gray wolf pup that they believe is another Copper Creek pack member. CPW has begun capture operations to reunite the wolf with its littermates and mother and prepare for the winter release.

Neither the location of the uncollared pup nor where the Copper Creek pack is currently being held will be provided, as CPW is working for the best operational outcome for the wolves, and to provide a safe environment to staff, residents, the public and the animals.

Kokanee salmon spawn returns to Colorado

CPW said the other captured wolves were taken to a large, secure enclosure with limited human interaction. The agency said in a release earlier in the month that officials will continue to implement the voter-approved wolf reintroduction plan while working to reduce wolf depredations.

The decision to capture and relocate the Copper Creek pack was made with the careful consideration of multiple factors and feedback from many different stakeholders, CPW Director Jeff Davis said in a statement. Our options in this unique case were very limited, and this action is by no means a precedent for how CPW will resolve wolf-livestock conflict moving forward. The ultimate goal of the operation is to relocate the pack to another location while we assess our best options for them to continue to contribute to the successful restoration of wolves in Colorado.

The pups were caught on camera playing in Grand County in August by Mike Usalavage, and then publicized by CPW. The possibility of the pups was first cited publicly in April after ranchers asked the agency to lethally remove two wolves in Grand County that were depredating livestock.

CPW refused, saying it would not kill wolves because biologists believed the pair was denning, and likely producing pups. The livestock producer groups renewed their plea for the lethal removal of the wolves in August, prior to biologists removing the Copper Creek pack for relocation.

CPW also announced this month that a third reintroduced gray wolf in the wild had died and that it had secured an agreement with the British Columbia Ministry of Water, Lands and Resource Stewardship to source up to 15 wolves for release between December 2024 and March 2025, which would increase the total number of wolves relocated by the state to 15.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
This story was updated to add new information.

One person has died and two were injured following a hit-and-run crash on Interstate 94 westbound in Waukesha County.

The incident closed the interstate Monday from Waukesha County to the Zoo Interchange following the crash, which took place at Moorland Road near Brookfield at about 4:10 p.m., according to authorities.

The Wisconsin State Patrol said in a news release that a Jeep Grand Cherokee was traveling westbound on I-94 when another vehicle struck the Jeep and drove off.

The crash caused the Jeep to strike the median wall before losing control, crossing all lanes of traffic, and striking the concrete barrier on the right shoulder, according to the agency.

Three people were inside the Jeep and were all transported to a hospital, but the agency said Monday evening that one person has since died due to their injuries sustained in the crash.

The incident closed I-94 westbound, as far east as the Zoo Interchange, as authorities investigated the crash. The Interstate 41 southbound to I-94 westbound ramp and the I-41 northbound to I-94 westbound ramp was closed.

The Wisconsin Department of Transportation said the incident was cleared at 7:39 p.m.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: One dead, two injured, in hit-and-run Waukesha County crash
Crime Stoppers: Sheriffs office looking for suspects accused in storage burglary

WICHITA FALLS (KFDX/KJTL)  Crime Stoppers and the Wichita County Sheriffs Office could use your help identifying suspects in a burglary.

The Wichita Falls Area Crime Stoppers and Wichita County Sheriffs Office are looking for these two suspects.

Police said it happened at the secure safe storage complex on Seymour Highway a couple of weeks ago, on Sept. 11.

Wichita Falls father allegedly shoots at car tailing son

Surveillance photos from the storage facility show two suspects in jeans and dark tops making multiple trips between units, at one point even riding a four-wheeler.

The burglary occurred from about 3:48 a.m. to 6:30 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 11. Police said the suspects broke into five storage units and four campers, causing thousands of dollars in damages.

They also destroyed the security cameras before leaving the scene.

If you know anything about the suspects, call Crime Stoppers at (940) 322-9888 or leave an anonymous online tip. You never have to give your name and your information could earn you a $2,000.

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Texomashomepage.com.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The Camino Real Regional Utility Authority (CRRUA) has corrected seven more deficiencies identified by the New Mexico Environment Department (NMED), bringing it to 82.75 percent compliance, the utility announced Tuesday, Oct. 1 in a news release.

CRRUA provides water and wastewater service to Sunland Park and Santa Teresa.

The utility said of the 58 deficiencies NMED identified late last year, CRRUA has corrected 48 and is now at 82.75 compliant, up from 70 percent in the last report.

CRRUA initiated a progress checklist to track the corrections. The seven deficiencies CRRUA corrected are numbers 1, 3, 4, 31, 37, 39 and 40, according to the utility.

The utility said the progress checklist is updated regularly and is always available for viewing on the home page of the CRRUA website at crrua.org.

The main items remaining on the checklist are water tank inspections that are part of a five-year requirement, according to the utility.

CRRUA said it has already scheduled the inspections and has secured a certified contractor to complete the inspections by the end of December.

CRRUA continues to make improvements to the water distribution system to ensure customers are receiving safe, consumable water, CRRUA Executive Director Juan Crosby said. We voluntarily started the progress checklist as a transparent way for customers to follow the actions CRRUA is taking.

Crosby said other recent improvements include the replacement of filter media at two arsenic treatment facilities for operational efficiency and continued delivery of safe water that meets government standards.

All four arsenic treatment facilities are operating and functioning properly, Crosby said. We are treating water that continues to be below the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Maximum Contamination Level (MCL) of 10 parts per billion (ppb.)

CRRUA recently passed NMEDs third-quarter arsenic tests and CRRUAs voluntary monthly arsenic tests for September that were verified by an NMED-certified independent laboratory, according to the utility.

CRRUA passes September arsenic tests, provides discolored water report

The utility said CRRUA has now passed 14 arsenic tests since January 24.

On Sept. 24, the New Mexico Office of State Auditor (OSA) announced that it completed its investigation into CRRUA initiated by NMED in March.

NM auditor: CRRUA fraud, waste, abuse allegations remain unfounded

The OSA investigation concluded that allegations regarding misuse of funds by CRRUA were unsubstantiated, according to the utility.

As we previously reported, the utility has been under fire for months over concerns about water quality and discolored water. Some residents have told KTSM that the issues have been going on for years.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
Autonomous driving has faced another setback in the United States.

The GM-owned Cruise has been fined $1.5 million for failing to disclose certain details of an accident involving a pedestrian, The Verge reported on Monday. In October, one of Cruises driverless vehicles hit a pedestrian and dragged her 20 feet, but the company did not include the details of the dragging in its disclosure. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration launched an investigation, which resulted in the fine.

More from Robb Report

It is vitally important for companies developing automated driving systems to prioritize safety and transparency from the start, NHTSA Deputy Administrator Sophie Shulman told The Verge. NHTSA is using its enforcement authority to ensure operators and manufacturers comply with all legal obligations and work to protect all road users.

NHTSAs decision also includes a broader consent order with Cruise that encompasses other safety and disclosure requirements, The Verge noted. The federal agency requires crash reports to be filed within a certain time period depending on how serious an accident is, and Cruise sent in several incomplete reports, according to the outlet. Both the initial report and one filed 10 days later omitted the information about the dragging.

Along with the NHTSA investigation, the California Department of Motor Vehicles suspended Cruises permit to operate self-driving vehicles in the state, The Verge wrote. In response, Cruise hired a law firm to assess what had gone wrong in its operations; that investigation found that the company had tried to submit a video including the dragging but internet connectivity issues hindered the upload. Employees also failed to mention the dragging in follow-up conversations with the agency.

Our agreement with NHTSA is a step forward in a new chapter for Cruise, building on our progress under new leadership, improved processes and culture, and a firm commitment to greater transparency with our regulators, Steve Kenner, Cruises chief safety officer, said in a statement. We look forward to continued close collaboration with NHTSA as our operations progress, in service of our shared goal of improving road safety.

Cruise is working toward hitting the road in California once again, and its restarted testing in cities like Houston, Dallas, and Phoenix, The Verge noted. But its still under investigation by the Department of Justice and the Securities and Exchange Commission. So it may be a while before we see Cruises autonomous vehicles take to the streets, at least without a human backup at the wheel.

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An around-the-world cruise ship, which set sail on Monday after months of delays, is still in Belfast Lough.

Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey was scheduled to depart in May but has been beset with delays and five months after arriving, the ship has yet to leave Northern Ireland waters.

The ship anchored off the County Down coast overnight on Monday and had been expected to set sail again on Tuesday.

The 31-year-old liner is now expected to depart on Wednesday afternoon, according to the latest update on the Belfast Harbour website.

The ship's passengers remain upbeat and have been told the hold up is due to final pieces of paperwork needing to be completed.

'Happy to be home'

Passengers who have spent the last two nights on board described the mood as positive, despite not hitting the high seas just yet.

Newly-engaged couple Gian Perroni and Angie Harsanyi said that the ship is "just waiting for last certification to come through".

John Frim said he was a bit confused by the situation but was "happy to be home" and to have slept in his "own bed" on board the vessel for the first time.

Steve and Angela Theriac spent Tuesday on the ship anchored off the coast of Belfast [BBC]

On Tuesday, Steve Theriac told BBC News NI that he thought people are "at peace to be on the ship and sort of at sea, whether we're anchored or docked".

When asked about possible future delays, he said that they should all get the word "resilience" tattooed on themselves.

Angela Theriac said there was a big party on Monday night.

"It was a big release, a lot of energy, very jubilant to say the least," she said.

"We all have a built in patience here. We are definitely a resilient folk. We stood around for four months, whats a few more days?"

She told BBC News NI that the residents have been enjoying entertainment like dance classes, "great" food and getting settled in.

"We are happy to be on board. Maybe in a week if were still here I might feel differently but for now we are okay."

[BBC]

Another passenger, Wade Rand, told BBC News NI that they "were welcomed with champagne, hors d'oeuvres, dinner and then we had a party and sailed away.

We slept in our cabins for the first time. It was great to be home with all your stuff after four months of not having a lot of your stuff with you, he said.

Wade described the mood on board as quite okay.

People are still wishing we had sailed away but were very happy to be on board.

"Were just hoping this situation doesnt last a long time so that were not just sitting on board waiting to leave again."

Why was the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey stuck in Belfast?

Villa Vie Residences bought the 31-year-old ship from Fred Olsen Cruise Lines in 2023.

The ship arrived at Queens Island in the Northern Ireland capital to be outfitted in April 2024.

It was scheduled to leave on 30 May for the first leg of its cruise.

But until 30 September, it was stuck in Belfast due to problems with its rudders and gearbox.

The vessel had some final inspections to pass this week before it was signed off to sail.

Passengers have been able to spend time on the ship during the day while waiting for a departure date, but had to disembark in the evenings to stay in hotels.

Some have sold their houses and plan to live on the ship.

Melody and John Hennessee, from Palm Beach in Florida, hope to stay on board for the rest of their lives.

They used their unexpected months in Belfast "to build the largest suite on the ship", Melody told BBC News NI.

"It has two bedrooms and two bathrooms and the time here has allowed us to complete the project."

Cruise ship chief executive Mikael Petterson told BBC News NI the unexpected layover in Belfast has cost the company millions of pounds.

Passengers Melody and John Hennessee boarded the ship on Monday, four months after it was scheduled to leave [PA Media]

The ship had faced 17 weeks of delay and was still in a Harland and Wolff repair yard long after the scheduled boarding time of 17:00 on Monday.

There were shouts of "goodbye Belfast" and waving as they disappeared on to the Odyssey for their round-the-world cruise which, for many, will last for years.

Had it kept to its original departure date in May, the ship would be in the Bahamas by now.

This embedded content is not available in your region.

What is the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey?

Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey is a residential, around-the-world cruise that was scheduled to depart from Belfast in May.

The company's website states that the cost of buying a cabin can range from $99,999 to $899,000.

Passengers on the cruise were given the option of buying their cabin outright rather than paying a daily rate for their room like a traditional hotel.

It allows them to remain onboard beyond the Villa Vie Residences' Odyssey's initial three-year tour.

Residents on the cruise are encouraged to treat the ship like their home, with some opting to bring pets aboard for the journey.

The ship remained in Belfast Lough on Tuesday afternoon, hours after it departed [PA Media]

Another passenger on board the ship, Mary Ann Demsar, said she was still "very excited" to be on the cruise and to "see the world".

"It's been tough getting here with all the delay but I've had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer."

Ms Demsar says she is "very excited" to be on the cruise [BBC]

Mary Ann, who is Canadian, said the delays on Monday were "nerve-racking".

She said passengers enjoyed "a lovely dinner", went to lounges and there was "some dancing" on board.

"It was nice to see workers with the sparklers celebrating the beginning of the voyage," she added.

"It was very nice to see the lights of Belfast in the distance."

More on this story
Worth the wait? Passengers onboard the Villa Vie Odyssey will soon find out as, after the false start, the luxury liner properly sets sail from Belfast - PA/Liam McBurney

A luxury cruise liner which embarked on a voyage around the world following a four-month delay is returning to port just hours after it set sail.

The Villa Vie Odyssey finally set off from the Harland & Wolff dockyards in Belfast at 11.30pm on Monday, far later than its initial cast-off date of May 30.

But it has now been recalled owing to paperwork issues. The Belfast Harbour website said the ship will return at 1.30pm on Tuesday, before leaving again at 11pm.

The vessel is embarking on a cruise that will last 1,301 days, visiting all seven continents and stopping at 425 ports from Rio de Janeiro to Singapore. Its first destination is Brest in France, before heading to Bilbao and Vigo in Spain.

The ship  which has restaurants, a pool, a spa, a business centre and medical facilities  offers rentals from 35 to 120 days, or the purchase of villas at a price ranging from 90,000 to 260,000.

The Villa Vie Odyssey is billed as a long-term cruise, sailing to the worlds most stunning destinations on a continual journey that allows passengers to marvel at awe-inspiring landscapes from your home at sea.

Mary Ann Demsar, a passenger, said she was still very excited to be going to see the world, and told the BBC: Its been tough getting here with all the delay.

But Ive had the time of my life these last five months exploring Ireland and Europe and enjoying everything Belfast has to offer.

Ms Demsar, who is Canadian, added: [Im] not sure exactly whats happening but we are going to be docking back in Belfast today and then leaving later on. There is some paperwork that still needs to be done.

Having finally been given the go-ahead to start the long-term cruise passengers are back in Belfast - Getty Images/Charles McQuillan

Passengers had cheered, applauded and hugged the liners chief when he informed them on Monday night that they were ready for departure.

Many of the cruises passengers had made Northern Ireland their home for several months while they waited for the ship to set sail.

Two passengers got engaged while they waited for the cruise to begin. Gian Perroni, from Vancouver in Canada, and Angie Harsanyi, from Colorado in the US, struck up the relationship while they waited for the voyage to commence.

Andy Garrison, 75, who said he will be on board for the entire voyage, ordered a model of the Titanic which he built while waiting for the ships seaworthiness to be certified.

Asked if he was worried the model Titanic was a bad omen, he said: No, Im not. As a matter of fact Im going to put this on the wall of my room.

He said the passengers had been resilient in waiting for the repairs to be completed and described them as a really nice group.

I like Belfast a lot actually, I would stay here and enjoy myself except Im leaving on a ship, he said.

I am so happy to be sailing away, Im ready to go. We stop briefly in Brest, France, and then we go to Spain, we go to Portugal, and we head across the ocean to go to the Bahamas, where we stay for a while.

A little stressed

Cyndi Grzybowski, 69, from the US, said she had always wanted to see the world and was excited for the voyage to begin.

My better half passed away three years ago so this is giving me an opportunity to get off the farm, literally, and see the world, which is something that I have wanted to do, she said.

Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, said on Monday he was a little stressed as efforts were made to clear a few last-minute things.

Its administrative paperwork. We needed the right person to press the button, at the end of the day. Its been done and were putting the vessel in motion right now.

The harbour master has been in direct contact with the MD. Weve been expecting this outcome for hours.

Mike Petterson, chief executive of Villa Vie Residences, admitted he was a little stressed - Reuters/Clodagh Kilcoyne

He said departure was due just before midnight on Monday, when the terminal was due to close.

The good news is that we have complete clearance and we will be out of here very, very, very soon.

Asked how he would remember Belfast, he said your summer is horrible and you cant cook to save your lives, but you do know how to drink.

Villa Vie Residences was contacted for comment.

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How much would you pay for a cookie? On Sunday, Aussie foodies were put to the ultimate test.

A recent pop-up Crumbl cookie event held in Sydney left many customers feeling duped, as eager fans lined up for up to 45 minutes for the chance to taste the cult-favorite cookies, priced at a staggering $17.50 AUD each.

Despite the high price tag$75 for five cookies, compared to just $21 for four in the U.S.customers rushed to buy them, only to be met with disappointment. Instead, what they found were days-old cookies that were reportedly stale and flown in from Hawaii, rather than freshly baked goods from an official Crumbl outlet.

The event was advertised on a social media account called CrumblSydney, which was not affiliated with the U.S.-based Crumbl brand. The official company clarified in a TikTok comment that they currently only operate in the U.S. and Canada. The Instagram account associated with the event was banned shortly after the controversy, although a TikTok profile remains active, with a link to a statement in response to the criticism.

According to the statement, the organizers claimed they faced significant expenses, including $4,000 for travel and $6,000 on the cookies themselves. They insisted they followed proper procedures for importing goods, asserting their aim was to share the Crumbl experience with Australia rather than profit excessively.

"We never claimed to be an official Crumbl store," the statement reads. "This was clearly stated in bio and our comments. Our goal was to bring the authentic Crumbl cookies to Australia by importing the cookies directly from the USA."

Social media users quickly took to platforms like TikTok to express their disbelief.

"Crumbl will see y'all in court," joked one user.

One person asked, "How did they get that many cookies through customs??"

"But Australias border control is SO strict," another user echoed. "I wasnt allowed to bring in an apple that I got on the flight. How did they get 700 cookies through hahahaha.

Another person wrote, "Now help me understand this. You're saying you aren't affiliated with Crumbl and not trying to pass off as them, but your TikTok is called Crumbl Sydney? With the pink background?"

What do you think about the event? Let us know in the comments below.

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CSPD looking for at-risk 13-year-old last seen near UCCS

(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The Colorado Springs Police Department (CSPD) is looking for an at-risk 13-year-old girl who was last seen west of the University of Colorado Colorado Springs (UCCS).

CSPD said 13-year-old Aubrie Vogel was last seen in the 4200 block of Lee Street, in a neighborhood west of UCCS at 1 p.m. on Monday, Sept. 30. Aubrie is described as white, about 52 tall and weighing 120 pounds.

Courtesy: Colorado Springs Police Department

Aubrie was last seen wearing a white sweatshirt, white pants, white Converse shoes and a green backpack. If you know of Aubries whereabouts or have seen her, contact CSPD at (719) 444-7000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
"The Texas Chain Saw Massacre," which includes the terrifying killer Leatherface, has been terrifying audiences for 50 years partly because of its realism. Bryanston Distributing

Movies have been made in and about Texas for more than a century, so the state history museum in Austin had many options for the first offering in its revived Texas Focus film series.

They went with The Texas Chain Saw Massacre, which hit theaters Oct. 11, 1974, and has rattled audiences ever since.

I dont think that theres a more iconic Texas film than the Texas Chain Saw Massacre,  said Jessica Hanshaw, public programs manager for the Bullock Texas State History Museum. Its not polished, its not done in a way that classic studio films were done, and I think you see a lot of that in the films that come after.

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It clearly was a good choice for the series. Tickets for the Oct. 18 screening sold out in about two weeks, Hanshaw said. In addition to watching the movie, ticket-holders will get to hear from Kim Henkel, who co-wrote the film with director Tobe Hooper; actress Terri McMinn; and composer Wayne Bell.

Hooper, who died in 2017, shot the film at locations around Austin in the summer of 1973. It follows five young people  Sally, Franklin, Pam, Kirk and Jerry  whose road trip takes a catastrophic turn when they encounter a family of cannibals. The clan includes Leatherface, a looming figure in a bloody apron who covers his face in masks made of human flesh and often brandishes a roaring chain saw.

The film didnt grab everybody right away. There were reports during its initial release of audience members walking out, shaken by what theyd seen. But it slowly developed a following.

The films fans include a lot of filmmakers who have drawn inspiration from it. Rob Zombie cited it as an inspiration for his 2003 movie House of 1000 Corpses, and Quentin Tarantino has called it one of just a handful of perfect films. There is a campaign to get it into the National Film Registry. And some of the artists impacted by it tell their stories in Chain Reactions, a documentary by Alexandre O. Philippe that was screened at this years Venice Biennale.

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So, what makes the film special?

Its still so visceral, said San Antonio filmmaker and fan Bryan Ortiz. Its so hungry to scare you. The thing starts off by saying its based on a true story. It is now seared in your mind that this can happen.

That sensation is heightened by the way Hooper shot it, said Professor James Kendrick, who includes the film in the horror movie course he teaches every other year at Baylor University.

It was shot on 16mm, which is a smaller gauge film thats going to be grainier, thats usually more associated in the '60s and early '70s with news reels and lower-budget documentaries, said Kendrick, who added that critics and filmmakers often talk about the films aura of realism. It feels like these are not actors, hese are not sets. And of course, the marketing for it really played up the idea that it was based on a true story even though its not.

The suggestion that the horrific events unfolding onscreen are rooted in something real when they are not is now pretty common in horror films, said Suzanne Scott, an associate professor in the Department of Radio-TV-Film at the University of Texas at Austin. Other tropes that can be traced to Chain Saw include the homicidal redneck family and the final girl, the young woman who survives the carnage.

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Unlike many of those later final girls, one of the things about TCM that lingers with the audience is the queasy feeling that, even though she has narrowly escaped and technically survived, Sally is gone, Scott wrote in an email. The final shots of the film remain iconic because there is so little actual relief to be found in them.

MORE SCARY STUFF: Get to know San Antonio horror writers

The films grittiness also has inspired haunted house designers, said Blaine Skreenock, general manager and designer for the 13th Floor Haunted House in San Antonio.

There was no animation, no CGI, nothing like that, so it was so raw, said Skreenock, who has been at the 13th Floor for 12 years. I take tons and tons of inspiration from their scenic part because its real.

Leatherface also is a big inspiration for designers, he said. The costume is pretty easy to pull off  its an apron over a button-down shirt and slacks, though some lose the shirt. Add a chain saw, and youve got one terrifying silhouette.

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Its also has a practical use.
Canadian pipeline operator Enbridge has finalised a tolling agreement with oil shippers for its Mainline crude pipeline system.

The company signed the deal after its earlier proposal for long-term contracts was rejected in 2021 by oil producers such as Canadian Natural Resources.

The agreement covers tolls charged on both the US as well as Canadian portions of Enbridge's Mainline crude pipeline system.

The pipeline system moves nearly three million barrels of oil per day to refineries in eastern Canada and the US Midwest from western Canada.

Enbridge president of Liquids Pipelines Colin Gruending said: "This settlement continues with Enbridge's track record of working cooperatively with shippers and industry groups, and builds on a 27-year history of similar incentive deals on the Mainline itself.

"This settlement is a win-win-win  customers will continue to receive competitive and responsive service, Enbridge will earn attractive risk-adjusted returns, and the Mainline will continue to feed North America and global markets with a long-term source of safe, secure and affordable energy."

Enbridge Board of Directors has approved the agreement and has also garnered backing from a 37-member industry group comprising producers, refiners and integrated companies.

Recently, Enbridge brokered a deal to purchase a large underground natural gas storage facility in British Columbia from FortisBC for C$400m ($295.5m). In September 2022, Enbridge agreed to divest an 11.57% interest in seven pipelines in the Athabasca region of northern Alberta, Canada, to a group of 23 indigenous communities in a deal worth C$1.12bn.

"Enbridge reaches toll agreement for Mainline pipeline system" was originally created and published by Offshore Technology, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
KILLEEN, Texas (FOX 44)  Central Texas College (CTC) has announced the reopening of the Eagles Nest Food Pantry under new leadership.

The pantry will now be led by Net Impact Faculty Advisor Dr. Chastity Clemons. The college says the Eagles Nest Food Pantry has been a vital resource for CTC students by offering critical support to those facing food insecurity and ensuring hunger does not stand in the way of academic success.

By fostering partnerships and raising awareness, Net Impact aims to ensure that no student at CTC has to wonder where their next meal will come from.

(Courtesy: Central Texas College)

(Courtesy: Central Texas College)

(Courtesy: Central Texas College)

Dr. Clemons thanked CTC leadership, Without your visions and commitment to student success, initiates like this would not be possible, we are incredible grateful for the trust you have placed in Net Impact to carry this project forward.

CTC says the reopening of the Eagles Nest Food Pantry marks a renewed focus on strengthening resources for students. The college is calling on local organizations and community members to join in this mission through partnerships and donations.

The Eagles Nest Food Pantry is for current students and employees. More information can be found here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
Cuba slams Hezbollah chiefs killing even as it tries to get off terrorism-sponsor list

Cuban leader Miguel Diaz-Canel joined Russia and Iran in condemning what he called the cowardly killing by Israeli forces of Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, the Lebanese political party and militia deemed a terrorist organization by the U.S., even as Cuba spearheads a campaign to get itself removed from the U.S. list of states that sponsor terrorism.

Nasrallah, who led Hezbollah since 1992, was killed in Beirut in an airstrike by the Israeli military on Friday. President Joe Biden said in a statement that Nasrallah and the terrorist group he led, Hezbollah, were responsible for killing hundreds of Americans over a four-decade reign of terror and called his death a measure of justice for his many victims, including thousands of Americans, Israelis, and Lebanese civilians.

But Cuba, which has increasingly aligned with U.S. adversaries, is among the few countries that publicly criticized the killing.

We condemn the cowardly targeted assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, Secretary General of Hezbollah, as a result of Israels attack on residential buildings in the southern suburbs of Beirut, causing destruction and death of innocent civilians, Diaz-Canel, the countrys handpicked president, said on X.

He accused Israel, with the complicity of the United States, of threatening  regional and global peace and security.

The Communist Party newspaper Granma reported the Cuban leaders statement in a story, and several official social media accounts, including those of the Cuban Womens Federation and the Ministry of Finances and Prices replicated his posting on X or published similar messages.

Few governments have publicly denounced the killing of the leader of Hezbollah, an Iran-backed Islamic militant group formally designated as a terrorist organization by more than 60 countries, including the European Union, the Arab League and the Gulf Cooperation Council. In Latin America, Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro also shared his solidarity with Hezbollah.

Cuba has a strong political alliance with Iran, which created Hezbollah to act as a proxy against Israel. The islands government has long-established diplomatic ties with Hezbollahs political wing. In 2021, the Cuban ambassador in Lebanon hosted the groups international relations chief, Ammar Al-Moussawi, who railed against U.S. conspiracies and aggressive policies to sow chaos and hunger around the world, according to a statement by the Cuban Foreign Affairs Ministry.

But Diaz-Canels public condemnation of Nasrallahs killing comes at an odd moment when the islands diplomats have been lobbying foreign governments to pressure the Biden administration to remove Cuba from the list of sponsors of terrorism.

Just last week, Cuban diplomats publicized clips of foreign dignitaries who included the call to remove Cuba from the list in their speeches at the United Nations General Assembly session in New York. In an interview with Newsweek, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodriguez said the islands inclusion is unjustifiable and pleaded with the Biden administration to remove it.

President Donald Trump included the country back on the list before leaving office in Jan. 2021. President Biden has kept it there despite removing other restrictions on travel and remittances imposed by his predecessor.

Though Cubas inefficient, centrally planned economy is widely understood as the central cause of the islands economic debacle, Cuban officials blame U.S. sanctions for the crisis and have said that its inclusion on the terrorism-sponsor list has restricted the governments ability to conduct financial transactions abroad.

Yet Cubas messaging about the terror list and assurances that the islands leadership wants better relations with the U.S. has clashed with the governments embrace of vitriolic anti-American rhetoric, its strengthened ties with U.S. adversaries and its reluctance to discuss the release of hundreds of peaceful anti-government demonstrators imprisoned after protests in 2021.

Building on longstanding ties with the Palestinian Authority and later with Hamas, the Cuban government has also become a vocal critic of Israels military operation in Gaza and has recently used the issue to attack the U.S. government on social media frequently. Wearing a keffiyeh headdress, Diaz-Canel led a pro-Palestinian demonstration in front of the U.S. Embassy in Havana in November 2023.

Diaz-Canel also declared his support for Vladimir Putins invasion of Ukraine and welcomed a Russian nuclear submarine to Havana Harbor for the first time since the Cold War.

Russian warships, nuclear submarine enter Havana Harbor under watch of U.S. destroyers

The gestures have not gone unnoticed. U.S. officials have told their Cuban counterparts the constant poking in the eye goes against chances to improve relations. The Cuban delegation that traveled to New York for the U.N. meeting did not score any bilateral meetings with U.S. officials last week.

Experts also wonder what benefit comes from antagonizing its rich neighbor 90 miles away, home of the largest Cuban community abroad, which keeps the island afloat with money and food sent to relatives. The Cuban leadership has also recently cracked down on private businesses  which had been rapidly growing with the support of the Biden administration  and has yet to approve U.S. investment in private enterprises.

The Diaz-Canel administration not only wants it both ways, it wants it all ways, said John Kavulich, a long-time observer of U.S.-Cuba relations who heads the U.S.-Cuba Trade and Economic Council. Cuban officials say they want to improve relations with the U.S. while saying just about everything that might be included on a how-to-list specifically drafted to antagonize the White House and U.S. Congress.

But because the Cuban government recoils from economic and political reforms, he added, it must genuflect... to seek disguised charity from governments whose interests are unaligned with the United States. So this means the Diaz-Canel administration can be counted upon to criticize Israel but not Hamas and Hezbollah.
Cut off by Helene in Western NC, Rep. Foxx calls for more aid for her district

Rep. Virginia Foxxs husband used his last match on Monday morning to light a candle in their Banner Elk house.

Tropical Storm Helene had ripped through Western North Carolina, sending flash floods, mudslides and devastation throughout the region.

The storm didnt spare the Foxx family.

My own husband is trapped because our driveway washed away, the Republican congresswoman said Monday in a phone interview with McClatchy. He has no power, and he didnt have cell reception for a long time.

But if you thought a washed-out driveway was enough to stop the feisty 81-year-old congresswoman, you dont know her very well.

Foxx said she walked from her property until she could get into a car and drive around her district Saturday to assess the damage.

The roads were closed everywhere, Foxx said. I had to keep taking detours and detours. I drove under power lines, barely getting around fallen trees, over fallen trees and power lines down everywhere. And then, DOT trying to clear the roads, but being stuck in traffic, in what should have taken 10 minutes, for an hour and a half. Its a really bad situation.

A washed out bridge over the Swannanoa River in Black Mountain on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina.

For three days, Foxx worked from her office making calls to anyone she thought could help, from the White House to the National Guard to the Governors Mansion.

News coverage has largely focused on areas in North Carolinas 11th Congressional District to the west. There, photos and videos show two tourist destinations  Chimney Rock and Asheville  damaged by the storm.

We know its bad in Asheville, we know its bad west of us, but its very bad here in the High Country: Ashe, Avery, Watauga, Foxx said. Watauga, particularly has been hit very, very hard.

For 19 years, Foxx has represented in Congress the counties around her Banner Elk home. Her 5th Congressional District currently encompasses Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Caldwell, Davie, Forsyth, Mitchell, Stokes, Surry, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yadkin counties.

Hurricane Helene reached the U.S. Thursday, near Perry, Florida, as a Category 4 hurricane. When it reached North Carolina, on Friday, it had been downgraded to a tropical storm, but dumped tens of inches of rain on the mountains.

As of Monday, at least 120 people had died from the storm throughout the Southeast. And many others remain unaccounted for. It is unclear if thats because theyre isolated, have no means of communication or are dead.

Over Foxxs house, 2 feet of rain fell, she said. Banner Elk is home to Lees-McRae College, and has a population of just over 1,000 people.





The most rainfall was measured at Busick Raws in nearby Yancey County, where 29.5 inches fell, The News & Observer reported.

Thats close to Mount Mitchell, the highest peak in the Appalachian Mountains and east of the Mississippi River in the continental United States.

Helenes devastation

Rep. Chuck Edwards, a Republican representing the 11th Congressional District, also spoke with McClatchy on Monday about the devastation Helene left in its path through the state.

It begins with the fact that so many roads are closed and impassable, Edwards said.

Edwards said traffic has to be routed around the region. Smaller roads and bridges have been washed out.

Weve got communities here in the mountains that are severed from civilization, and they also have no power, and they have no cell service. They literally are cut off from the rest of the world.

People who can get out lined up for more than three hours to get gas, and he worries that the region will run out. A few grocery stores can run on generators but their food supplies are low.

And then there are those who cant be reached.

Theres several we have not heard from yet, Edwards said. We dont know their condition. Cell service is sporadic at best.

Cellphone outage

Foxxs cell phone cut in and out, and then cut off, as she spoke about the devastation.

She called back, sounding exasperated.

One of the biggest problems that we have here is phone service, Foxx said. We have people isolated, all over, who dont have phone access.

Foxx said shes been begging federal and state agencies to get her counties access to Starlink, a satellite internet company owned by SpaceX, that offers mobile broadband. On Monday, the White House announced that every emergency operations center in North Carolina would be sent Starlink satellite systems. On Monday afternoon, FEMA announced they delivered 40 Starlink systems to the state.

Foxx said lack of working cellphones was one of the biggest frustrations among lawmakers, first responders and residents. They arent able to communicate about problems throughout the area.

In the 11th District, Canton Mayor Zeb Smathers posted on social media his frustration and anger with cellphone providers, saying they failed his community when they needed them the most.

It is unacceptable and disgusting that in our time of need, cellular service for the entire region is blocked out, Smathers told The Charlotte Observer. Theres no excuse for that. I mean, we knew the storm was coming.

Canton, a town with fewer than 4,500 people, is located 17 miles west of Asheville.

In Foxxs district, she said, an information technology employee in Ashe County was able to connect to Starlink. But other counties had not.

And that concerns Foxx, where she says there there are places with no access to the outside world  like Beech Mountain, home to around 700 people.

The only way to get to Beech Mountain is by helicopter, Foxx said. Weve got communications with the manager up there, but it is a big issue, being able to talk to people and getting supplies to them.

Missing people

Mid-conversation, Foxxs other phone rang.

I dont need to take that one, she said. That is somebody calling to tell me theyre worried about me and praying for me.

Thats a constant for people living in Western North Carolina.

And something Foxx says she really appreciates right now.

When Foxx isnt assessing the damage, shes been in her office making calls.

Foxx and other members of Congress were among those who wrote to Biden asking for him to declare a major disaster. On Saturday, Biden announced he had approved the declaration, which offers grants for temporary housing and home repairs, low-cost loans to cover uninsured property loses and programs to help individuals and business owners.

On Monday, Biden announced in a news conference that FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell would be staying in the Asheville area for the foreseeable future. He said he, too, plans to travel to North Carolina on Wednesday.

Theres been some criticism that Congress left town Wednesday after passing a temporary funding measure but not the 12 appropriation bills needed to fund the federal government. Edwards noted how close Congress came to another government shutdown and where his district would be today, had that happened. Congress plans to be out until after the November election.

On Monday, Biden said he is considering calling Congress back into session. But Foxx said theres more Biden can do without Congress, like spending unused COVID-19 relief money on storm relief efforts.

Foxx said she wanted to see more from Gov. Roy Coopers office.

In Avery County, only six members of the National Guard were on the ground, she said Monday.

We dont have enough National Guard, Foxx said. Last night, they had sent out 400 National Guard for 25 counties. Thats a very small number.

She urged Cooper, a Democrat, to do more.

On Sunday, the North Carolina National Guard said more than 500 soldiers and airmen had been deployed. The U.S. National Guard said over 5,500 had been deployed from 11 states.

Edwards was also frustrated by the response.

The people in this district are hurting, and theyre really disappointed with the response from the federal government, and our state government, Edwards said.

He said he was only seeing federal and state resources brought into the region beginning Monday.

Baptists on Mission among helpers at work in Western NC after Helene devastation

Volunteering

But Edwards added that Western North Carolina communities are resilient.

One of his own businesses was devastated in the storm, and it will take months to get it back up and running, but he said that its nothing compared to what some of his neighbors are dealing with, with homes and businesses lost for good.

I certainly see the community coming together, Edwards said. Folks in the mountains are prideful and resilient. Our law enforcement and first responders are coming together in a big way. Were seeing more and more neighbors helping one another, checking on neighbors, seeing that theyve got some of the basic things they need, sawing trees out of the way, so that their neighbors cars can get by.

That uplifted Edwards, despite his frustration with state and federal leaders.

Next on Foxxs schedule was to go to Samaritans Purse, a humanitarian aid organization based in Boone. There volunteers had come from across the country to help with relief efforts and she wanted to thank them for their work.

Weve very grateful to Samaritans Purse, Foxx said. Its one of the most effective relief organizations anywhere in the world, maybe the most effective. When Samaritans Purse in on the ground, then we all feel better.

And Foxx said people looking to come to Western North Carolina to help should find an organization to volunteer with like Samaritans Purse. She warned that people should not try to help on their own.

We dont need people just going out on their own and trying to help because they dont know the situation here, and its really dangerous for people to be trying to do things, Foxx said. Roads are still caving in everywhere, and so it would be better for them to work through an established organization.

She suggested contacting the local emergency management agency where a person wanting to volunteer lives, to ask that county what is needed.

And she urged those wanting to help to donate to a reputable organization, and call their legislators or members of Congress to encourage the White House and Coopers office to do everything needed.
Cyprus ready to manage evacuation of third country nationals as Israel-Hezbollah war explodes

Amidst an increasingly tense situation in the Middle East, the government in Nicosia has assured it is ready to manage the possible evacuation of third country nationals via Cyprus.

The issue was discussed in a meeting between Cypriot President Nikos Christodoulidis and United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi.

Cyprus president also met with Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikata, who praised the role of the island nation as a pillar of stability in the region.

Cyprus says it will facilitate the arrival of Lebanese citizens seeking protection if necessary.

Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis also spoke with his Lebanese counterpart, expressing his support for an immediate 21-day ceasefire.

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Lebanese citizens who arrived in Athens from Beirut described the dire situation in their country.

I was so scared to drive to the airport because it is within south Lebanon and they are bombing over there, said one woman. Thank God, no problems on the way, and thank God they didnt strike the airport.

European governments are urging their citizens in Lebanon to leave immediately due to escalating hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, which show no sign of easing.
DA seeks to indict anti-cop agitator accused of trying to break into NYPD officers Brooklyn home

Prosecutors will seek an indictment against an anti-cop agitator accused of trying to break into the Brooklyn home of a police officer  an incident NYPD supporters hope will renew interest in a long-dead bill making stalking a cop a separate crime.

Terrell Harper, 42, faces attempted burglary, felony criminal mischief and other charges for the chaotic Sept. 23 protest scene at the officers Sunset Park home.

The officers address was posted on social media, along with claims he put hands on demonstrators who were protesting outside the 73rd Precinct stationhouse over a Sept. 15 subway shooting that left four people wounded by police bullets.

At a Brooklyn Supreme Court hearing Tuesday, prosecutors from the Brooklyn district attorneys office said they would go to a grand jury to seek an indictment in the case.

Outside the courthouse, state Assemblyman Michael Reilly (R-Staten Island) joined Police Benevolent Association President Patrick Hendry blasting Harper, and calling for stricter laws to protect officers and their families.

They werent there for a peaceful protest, Hendry said. They were there to cause chaos and disorder. And then they went to that home to terrorize a family and to threaten a police officer from stopping him from doing his job.

Reilly has been trying to make stalking a cop, firefighter, peace officer or their family members a separate misdemeanor crime since 2021. But his first version of the bill was dead on arrival in the Democrat-controlled state Legislature, and his attempt to reintroduce it in February 2023 has also gotten no traction.

This is a prime example what were here for today, that this legislation should have been passed, Reilly said. If this was in place, maybe we could have prevented it from escalating. But until that happens, every one of our police officers are in danger. Why? Because we allowed them to get that information.

He linked the incident to the 2020 repeal of 50-a, a decades-old civil rights law used to keep police disciplinary records secret.

That law wouldnt have prevented someone like Harper from looking up the cops address in a public records search. But Reilly says the disciplinary information now available after the repeal of 50-a makes it easier to identify officers.

Reilly likened his proposal to a recent law, which was passed as part of the state budget this year, that makes aggravated harassment of a judge a separate crime. Our police officers need the same, he said.

Two of the charges Harper faces  attempted burglary and felony criminal mischief  are felonies with more serious penalties than the proposed crime of stalking a police officer, which would be a misdemeanor.

Hendry and Reilly said they feel a stalking law would have prevented Harper from going as far as he did.

We want people who threaten police officers safety and our families safety to be held accountable before they follow through on those threats, Hendry said. This bill will give us another tool to do that.

Harper tried to enter the cops home by opening the front door, then kicked the door, touched the windows and yelled at the cop, according to a criminal complaint. Police said Harper also set a ski cap on fire and threw it.

Come outside. Show us how tough you are, hes accused of saying. Put one of your hands on one of us, you will see what happens. I will fk you up.

Its all about making them feel it, Harper added. Its all about making them scared of us. Its all about making them quit their fking job.

Harper, who lives in Neptune, N.J., was caught on camera mocking an Asian-American detective assigned to a demonstration near the historic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village in 2021. Detective Vincent Chung later sued Harper, but the suit was dismissed, with the judge finding Harpers comments were protected by the First Amendment.

In 2022, Harper posted an Instagram Story saying he couldnt wait for a cop to die so he could fk up their funeral.
Dad, 75, Clung to Tree for Hours Before Being Swept Away by Helene Floodwaters in Front of His Family

"We couldnt get to him," one North Carolina rescue official told The New York Times

Nicole Craine/The New York Times A vantage point on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, from which friends and family helplessly watched as Bruce Tipton clung to a tree in the distance before being swept away by floodwaters from Tropical Storm Helene in Marshall, N.C., on Friday night.

A 75-year-old North Carolina man was swept away by Hurricane Helene floodwaters after clinging to a tree for hours as neighbors and family heard him crying for help, but were unable to reach him.

Bruce Tipton was at home in Marshall on Friday, Sept. 27, as water from the French Broad River came roaring beneath him, according to The New York Times.

One minute hes standing in the front door, and the next minute, the trailers gone, niece Annie Meadows told the newspaper.

Family, friends and neighbors then looked from afar as Tipton clutched onto a nearby tree for about seven hours. Though it was hard for many to spot him, they could hear his calls for help.

Related: Deputy Didn't Return from Lunch After Hurricane Helene. His Body Was Found in River the Next Day

Tipton, a Navy veteran, was raised in the small town of about 800, and was used to the weather, per the Times. Although firefighters had told residents to evacuate, Tipton declined, according to neighbor Jason Blankenship.

But as Walnut Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Mitch Hampton told the outlet, Helene was like "nothing that any of us have ever seen before."

PEOPLE has reached out to Hampton for comment.

Related: Determined Dad Treks Nearly 30 Miles Through Hurricane Debris to Be at Daughter's Wedding

The Times reported that Meadowss fiance did make an attempt to try and reach Tipton, but the cable tied around his waist to help navigate the waters was too short to reach the tree.



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When rescuers arrived, and they said that the water was unsafe to go into and said that they would return at daybreak, per the paper.

But just before 11 p.m. local time, Tipton fell into the water and was washed away.

Though trying to save Tipton would have compromised the team, Hampton said the inability to help was devastating. That was the worst one, he told the outlet. We couldnt get to him.

Related: More Than 100 Dead After Hurricane Helene Ravages the South and 600 Remain Missing in 1 N.C. County: Officials

As of Tuesday, Oct. 1, at least 152 people have died across six states as a result of the storm, according to the Associated Press. Nearly half of the deaths occurred in North Carolina.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell told PEOPLE on Tuesday, Oct. 1, that an active rescue mission is still ongoing in the state as some communities remain isolated because of the damage to roads.

Criswell added that although time has passed, there are still a lot of risks out there in the areas impacted by Helene, including downed trees and power lines, dangerous debris and high river levels.

People just need to be cognizant, the official added. They need to be aware of their surroundings. They need to look out for each other and just know that the risks after a storm can be as dangerous as the risks during the storm, and to just be careful.

Find out how you can help the victims of Hurricane Helene here.

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Read the original article on People.
On Sept. 30, prescription fentanyl lollipops, lozenges and mouth sprays finally came off the market in the United States. The withdrawal of these potent, short-acting fentanyl products is good news, but they never should have been approved in the first place. Classified as transmucosal immediate-release fentanyl or TIRF products, these delivery methods are highly potent and highly addictive. The faster an addictive substance enters the bloodstream, the more abuse potential it has. TIRFs acted almost as fast as opioids used intravenously, and addicted many people.

The first TIRF, a lollipop placed between cheek and gum, was approved by the Food and Drug Administration in 1993 only for hospital use. Oralet was never very useful for medical purposes: It lasted only 45 minutes or so, just enough time for cleaning an open wound or other quick but painful procedures. That was never a large market and the Oralet lollipop was not a commercial success. So fentanyl manufacturers invented a new market, getting their products approved for breakthrough pain associated with cancer. The concept was that someone on round-the-clock opioids for end-of-life care sometime had pain before the next dose was scheduled, a situation best treated by decreasing the time between doses. Instead, the makers of TIRFs persuaded doctors to prescribe these drugs in between doses of morphine or other opioids. Combining opioids sometimes resulted in dangerously high levels.

Actiq, the first TIRF lollipop for breakthrough pain in cancer patients, was approved by the FDA in 1998 for outpatient use in opioid-tolerant patients. The drug quickly began to be promoted  illegally  for pain associated with chronic noncancer conditions including arthritis, back pain, migraines and injuries. The companys mantra was Pain is pain, and sales representatives focused promotion on general practitioners and other physicians who were not oncologists. The manufacturers of the TIRF lollipop paid a $425 million fine in 2008 to resolve claims that it marketed Actiq and two other drugs for unapproved uses between 2001 and 2006.

The commercial success of Actiq spurred development of more TIRFs. In 2006, Fentora, a TIRF lozenge  essentially the lollipop without the stick  was approved and again used widely off-label, for conditions the FDA had not approved it for. Two years later, the manufacturer sought approval of the lozenge for treatment of noncancer pain. At the time, FDA officials noted that 95% of Fentora use already was for the treatment of noncancer pain. Whats more, Fentora was linked to greater safety risks than other opioids and those risks were greatest for noncancer patients. Although the FDA refused to approve Fentora for noncancer pain, the company continued to promote the drug illegally for that use.

In 2012, fentanyl spray was approved, expanding the TIRF market, and the brand name Subsys quickly became a market leader. Although approved only for breakthrough cancer pain, the fentanyl spray, like its predecessors, was inappropriately prescribed for other types of pain. The company that made the spray paid $225 million in fines and other penalties after being charged with paying bribes and kickbacks to prescribers in exchange for increased prescriptions.

Pain advocacy groups were important in demanding unrestricted access to opioids. In 2018, Missouri Sen. Claire McCaskill published a report showing that opioid manufacturers paid millions of dollars to pain advocacy groups, who fought against any restrictions on opioids.

Our groups research revealed how industry-funded educational activities directed at physicians reassured them that opioids were safe and effective. Physician-prescribed opioids fueled the opioid crisis in the U.S., and TIRFs played a significant role. Manufacturers recent voluntary withdrawal of the drug is good news, but these drugs should never have been approved. Their presence on the market for more than 20 years is a testament to inadequate regulation of drugs. Good riddance to bad medicine.

Adriane Fugh-Berman is a physician and professor at Georgetown University Medical Center, where she directs PharmedOut, a research and education project that analyzes unethical pharmaceutical marketing practices. Judy Butler is a senior research fellow at PharmedOut.
DANVILLE, Ky. (FOX 56)  The running mates for both of the nations presidential campaigns will be meeting on the debate stage Tuesday night. As the vice presidential candidates get ready for their moment in the spotlight, it wasnt too many cycles ago that a different set was doing the same in Danville, Kentucky. Centre Colleges Norton Center for the Arts has played host to two VP matchups: Lieberman vs. Cheney in 2000 and then-Vice President Joe Biden against Paul Ryan in 2012.

We were able to achieve something that very few institutions and communities are able to do. Norton Center for the Arts executive director Steve Hoffman told FOX 56. Hoffman was there for the 2012 matchup and said it was a big undertaking for the facility, which basically transformed it into a TV studio.

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We had to remove seats, we had to have duplicate power systems, We had to have a lot of security, and be prepared for all the press from around the world to show up, he said.

Outside, the community watched on jumbotrons and celebrated in a daylong festival. Hoffman was also able to recruit the hands of around 100 student ushers for the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

In addition to all of the students and Centre College students who were able to work in the press room and work outside with the different activities that were going on. Some of the students actually got to sit in the chairs where the vice-presidential candidates were going to sit while they were doing all of the camera angles and getting everything prepped, he said.

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And although it was just one night of television, Hoffman said the brief moment in the national spotlight had a big ripple effect on the community.

A lot of the workers were here for at least a week. So that created a tremendous amount of visibility of central Kentucky, as well as economic impact, he said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
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Actor and retired professional wrestler Dave Bautista publicly endorsed Kamala Harris for President of the United States.

Over the weekend, the 55-year-old Filipino American shared a video on X of himself voting early at the Supervisor of Elections office in Tampa, Florida, encouraging his fans to participate in the election as well. Bautisa, who previously endorsed Joe Biden in the 2020 election, also shared a photo of him wearing a Kamala Harris-Tim Walz shirt. Made my freedom heard. Voting early took me 20 mins  no excuses. Freedom isnt something we just talk about; its something we act on. Do your part, get out there, and vote. Your voice matters, and this elections too important to sit out, he tweeted.

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If longshore workers at East and Gulf Coast ports go on strike Tuesday, as now appears likely, it could choke off the supplies of many popular products that flow over those docks. But not necessarily right away.

Businesses have been nervously watching the 12:01 am Tuesday strike deadline approaching with little sign of progress toward a deal to avoid a strike of tens of thousands longshore workers. Many have been doing what they can to prepare for the shutdown  but there are limits.

It doesnt make economic  or logistical  sense to ship many of the goods that come into East Coast ports by alternative ports of entry  or by plane.

That means America could see some shortages of chocolate, alcohol, popular fruit, including bananas and cherries, and even certain cars if the strike lasts a long time. That could mean higher prices for the goods that are available.

Holiday shopping in good shape

First the good news: Your holiday shopping might not be affected as much as you might fear. Typically 70% of goods that retailers stock up for the holidays is already shipped through the ports by this time of year. And because of the strike threat, that percentage is much greater this time.

Typical the peak shipping season runs from July through early November. They certainly moved up their timing this year, to start in late May or early June, Jonathan Gold, vice president of supply chain and custom policy for the National Retail Federation, told CNN.

In an aerial view, shipping containers are seen at the Port of Houston Authority earlier this month. A potential strike at this and other ports on the Gulf and East costs could start early Tuesday. - Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Gold said he cant say all the goods that retailers plan to offer to holiday shoppers has already arrived, though. There are limitations you can bring in on any point in time, he said. And the federation and its members are concerned with how long it will take to recover from even a short strike.

A one-day shutdown takes three to five days to recover from, he said. The longer it goes, the worse it gets.

He said the last major port labor dispute, an 11-day lockout of the union workers at West Coast ports in 2002, meant that it took six months before things were back to normal.

Yes, we have no bananas

But most of those holiday goods can sit in warehouses, or even in shipping containers, for months at a time. Thats not the case with perishable goods that flow through the ports, such as fruits and vegetables. And maybe the best example of that is Americans most popular fruit, the banana.

Virtually all bananas eaten in the United States are imported, and 1.2 million metric tons of bananas flow through the ILA-represented ports, with Port Wilmington in Delaware declaring itself Americas largest banana port. Banana imports through those ports represent 25% of US banana consumption, according to figures from the American Farm Bureau.

Story continues

But there are plenty of other imports as well, including 90% of imported cherries, that move through those ports, and a significant portions of berries and other fruits. While there are domestic sources of those products, such as cherries from Michigan and West Coast states, theres more demand for the product than US growers can provide.

And specialty food items, like imported chocolate and meats from Europe are also at risk of quickly being in short supply, said Danny Munch, economist American Farm Bureau.

Consumers who like foreign sourced things would be impacted, he said. Itll be more expensive to buy those items at the very least.

And raw materials used by US food producers such as cocoa and sugar, also come in through the ports at risk of being struck.

The ingredients for chocolate for Halloween has already arrived, Munch said, and it might not affect production for Christmas. But production for early next year could be affected, depending on the length of the strike, so candy for Valentines Day could be more difficult to find.

Drink up - while you can

Americans have plenty of domestic sources if they want to have a drink. But many prefer imports from Europe, South America or the Caribbean, products such as German beer, French wine, Scotch and Irish whiskey, or rum and tequila.

Theres enough demand for those products that beverages and spirits are among the major products handled at the Port of New York and New Jersey, the largest port that could be shut by this strike and the third largest in the nation.

This potential strike comes at the worst time, Chris Swonger, CEO of the Distilled Spirits Council, told CNN. Were leaning into the big selling time of the year for spirits, leading into the holidays. Even a day strike could have significant repercussion.

While Swonger said his members were also making efforts to move up shipments ahead of the Tuesday strike deadline, he said they havent been able to get in everything they need through the end of the year.

You could see impact at the liquor store within the month, depending upon the inventory, he said.

In addition, 18% of the beer consumed in the United States is imported, as is 25% to 33% of wine, as well as 90% of rum. And many of those imports come in through East and Gulf coast ports.

Finding the car you want

The good news is US new-vehicle supply has returned to near-pre-pandemic levels, according to Cox Automotive, increasing significantly from the historic lows seen in 2022, with most of the European brands having inventories above industry average.

In the near term, consumers and dealers would little feel little impact from an ILA strike, said Erin Keating, executive analyst at Cox.

But even a healthy inventory is only two to three months worth a vehicles, with hotter vehicles having a shorter supply. A long-term strike could eat into that inventory.

European automakers said they cant say how much theyll be impacted at the moment.

Its very difficult for us to anticipate the impact, Volkswagen spokesperson Mark Gillies told CNN. Ultimately even if the strike is a day or two its going to back things up.

Audi imported vehicles sit parked in a storage lot at the Port of Houston in a 2019 file photo. Auto imports could be impacted by a strike along the East and Gulf coasts set for Tuesday. - Loren Elliott/Bloomberg/Getty Images/File

The low inventories of new cars a few years ago, and the record rise in prices that accompanied that tight supply, occurred due to shortages of parts needed to manufacture them. The bad news is the strike could bring some of those production issues back into play, as auto parts coming from Europe and even Asia could be halted. Even if an automaker gets relatively few of the parts it needs through these ports, it cant finish a car with only 99% of its parts.

Plants across the Midwest are likely to experience ripple effects depending on their manufacturing strategies  whether they rely on just-in-time delivery or maintain stock, said Chris Frey, senior manager of business intelligence for Cox. For the most part, auto manufacturing is reliant on a massive, carefully coordinated supply chain. When that complex chain is gummed up, the ripple effect can be immediate and painful.

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Israels layered missile defense system was once again put to the test on Tuesday as Iran launched more than 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.

The Iron Dome air defense system garners most of the attention because it is used to bring down frequent incoming unguided short-range rocket systems fired at Israel by both Hezbollah and Hamas.

But targeting guided ballistic missiles that travel at higher altitudes, longer ranges, and faster speeds requires different intercept systems that are specifically designed to bring down ballistic missiles.

Davids Sling and the Arrow 2 and 3 are Israels two other home-grown air defense systems that are capable of bringing down medium-range and long-range ballistic missiles.

PHOTO: In this Dec. 21, 2015 file photograph provided by the Israeli Ministry of Defense shows a launch of David's Sling missile defense system. (AP)

MORE: Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: Iranian barrage of 220 missiles came in 2 waves, US official says

Both systems along with the Iron Dome were utilized during Irans attack on Israel last April when 99% of the more than 300 drones, ballistic and cruise missiles launched by Iran were intercepted.

Davids Sling is designed to target medium and long-range missiles and has a range of 25 to 186 miles and produced by Raytheon and Rafael, the same Israel defense contractor that makes the Iron Dome.

PHOTO: n this photo released by Israel Aircraft Industries, an Arrow II anti-missile missile is successfully launched December 2, 2005 from an unnamed military base in central Israel. (Getty Images)

MORE: Biden directed US military to help Israel shoot down Iranian missiles

The two-stage missile has no warhead, it destroys incoming ballistic missiles with the sheer force of impact, making it what is known as a hit- to- kill which has been characterized as hitting a bullet with a bullet given the high velocities involved.

The Arrow 2 and 3 systems are capable of handling much longer-range missiles like Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles (ICBMs) that will likely travel at altitudes beyond the Earths atmosphere, a capability similar to the U.S. militarys THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) air defense system.

PHOTO: Palestinians investigate a projectile, after Iran fired a salvo of ballistic missiles, in Tubas, in the Israeli-occupied West Bank, Oct. 1, 2024. (Raneen Sawafta/Reuters)

The Arrow 3 system is believed to have a range of 1,500 miles and can reach an altitude of 100 miles.

The Arrow 2 is designed to explode near a missile to bring down an incoming missile, but the Arrow 3 is a hit-to-kill missile.

The Arrow 2 system was used most recently to shoot down long-range missiles fired at Israel by the Houthi militant group in Yemen, supposedly in support of Hamas and Hezbollah in their wars with Israel.

'David's Sling' and 'Arrow' anti-missile systems: How Israel defeated Iran's attack originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The light of the full moon mixes with the spray from Yosemite Falls to throw a beautiful lunar rainbow just before midnight on June 15, 2011, in Yosemite National Park. On October 1, 1890, legislation is signed by President Benjamin Harrison, creating Yosemite National Park, making it the nation's third National Park. File Photo by Terry Schmitt/UPI

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- On this date in history:

In 1890, legislation is signed by President Benjamin Harrison creating Yosemite National Park, making it the nation's third National Park. In 2016, the park expanded by more than 400 acres thanks to a donation, bringing it to more than 750,000 acres.

In 1903, the first World Series opened in Boston. It was a best-of-nine competition, won by the Boston Pilgrims of the American League over the Pittsburgh Pirates of the National League.

In 1908, Henry Ford introduced the Model-T automobile, selling it for $825, and changing the way Americans would travel throughout the country.

File Photo by Bill Greenblatt/UPI

On October 1, 2017, a gunman on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas opened fire on a crowd attending a country music festival outside, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds of others. File Photo by James Atoa/UPI

In 1918, Arab forces under T. E. Lawrence, better known as "Lawrence of Arabia," captured Damascus. Lawrence would prove instrumental in the establishment of a provisional Arab government under Prince Faisal.

In 1936, the rebel Nationalist government in Spain named Gen. Francisco Franco its leader. He would go on to be dictator of the country from 1939 until his death in 1975.

H. Ross Perot attends the dedication ceremony for the new U.S. Air Force Memorial on October 14, 2006 in Arlington, Va. On October 1, 1992, Perot announced his candidacy for the presidency. He called his group the Reform Party. File Photo by Chip Somodevilla/UPI

In 1938, Nazi troops march into the Sudetenland, annexing the German-speaking border regions of Czechoslovakia.

In 1962, James Meredith enrolled at the University of Mississippi, a campus littered with the debris of a major riot that took two lives and injured at least 75 persons, tearing down the barriers of segregation at the 114-year-old school.

U.S. President Barack Obama applauds Rahm Emanuel, who is holding back tears, after Obama announced Emanuel will be replaced by Pete Rouse as White House chief of staff in the East Room of the White House in Washington on October 1, 2010. File Photo by Roger L. Wollenberg/UPI

In 1988, Mikhail Gorbachev became the leader of the Supreme Soviet, the Soviet Union's legislative body, after the forced resignation of Andrei Gromyko.

File Photo by Joe Marquette/UPI

A group of Occupy Wall Street Protesters get arrested after sitting on the street blocking cars from crossing the Brooklyn Bridge after a rally in Foley Square In New York City on November 17, 2011. On October 1, 2011, about 400 Occupy Wall Street protesters were arrested by New York City police when they blocked traffic on the Brooklyn Bridge. File Photo by John Angelillo/UPI

In 1992, Dallas billionaire Ross Perot announced his candidacy for the presidency. He called his group the Reform Party.

In 1995, 10 Muslims were convicted of conspiring to conduct a terrorist campaign in the New York City area aimed at forcing the United States to drop its support of Egypt and Israel.

In 2005, 36 people, mostly foreign tourists, died in explosions at two resort restaurants on the island of Bali. More than 100 others were injured.

In 2013, a 16-day partial shutdown of the U.S. government began after Congress failed to approve a spending bill. The Office of Management and Budget later estimated the shutdown cost taxpayers $2 billion.

In 2017, a gunman on the 32nd floor of the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas opened fire on a crowd attending a country music festival outside, killing 58 people and injuring hundreds of others.
The deadline to register to vote for president in SC is nearly here. Heres what to know

With the November general election approaching, the deadline for registration is almost here. To make sure you can cast your ballot, make sure to check your registration and get registered before these dates.

If you want to register in person, the deadline is Friday, Oct. 4. You can register at your countys Voter Registration and Election Office, which you can locate online here, or at any of the following government offices:

Armed Forces Recruiting Stations

Commission for the Blind

Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services

Department of Disabilities and Special Needs

Department of Health and Environmental Control

Department of Health and Human Services

Department of Mental Health

Department of Motor Vehicles

Department of Social Services

Protection and Advocacy for People with Disabilities

Vocational Rehabilitation Department

The deadline to register online here or by emailing or faxing your form to your county board of voter registration is Sunday, Oct. 6.

To register by mail, your registration form must be postmarked to send to your county board of voter registration by Monday, Oct. 7.

You can also check whether youre already registered on the South Carolina Election Commission website.

If youve registered in South Carolina before but need to update your address, first change it with the DMV, then update your voter registration address by:

Submitting an online form

Mailing, emailing or faxing a form to your county board of voter registration

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Death toll from Helene continues to rise, Kentucky storm chaser travels to North Carolina to help

LEXINGTON, Ky. (FOX 56)  According to the latest data, the death toll from Helene is more than 125 people across six states, and western North Carolina is one of the hardest hit areas.

North Carolinas governor, Roy Cooper, said the state is dealing with a situation unlike anyone has ever seen there, saying the damage is extensive and devastating. That is why volunteers are on the ground providing resources to people in need.

Youre going to have to sit here and wonder, Will they recover from this? said Eastern Kentucky native Chris Hall.

Several towns in North Carolina are left in shambles after Helene tore through the southeast.



The devastation was beyond belief, Cooper said. And even when you prepare for something like this, this is something thats never happened before in western North Carolina.

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Hall is in Asheville helping with disaster relief efforts. The storm chaser said the city currently has little to no running water or power.

Everything is underwater, he said. Everything down there is just destroyed.

According to the Associated Press, several main routes into the city were washed away or blocked by mudslides, including Interstate 40.

Hall noted that the mountain landscape there made Asheville and other surrounding towns more vulnerable.

Water blasting over the hillside, I mean, this is probably moving 75- 80 miles an hour, said Hall. Just a wall of water and debris. I mean, what are you supposed to do?



Data shows the storm has killed at least 40 people in the area.

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It reminded me instantly of back in Kentucky, the eastern Kentucky floods, he added. Houses are washing down the river. You know, people are doing what they can to just hold on.



In addition to providing food, Hall said he and a group called Marco Patriots are helping families get in touch with loved ones through a device that connects to a Starlink internet satellite.



Pretty much were in a communication black hole, said Hall. So they would be just clueless about how other family members are or even if they can go anywhere.

Hall said its difficult to say how long recovery efforts could take, but that theyre doing all they can to help.

High winds cause damage to historic Lexington landmark

Just providing hot food or water, or supplies. Were loaded with supplies behind us and will just do what we can.

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund is now live for anyone who would like to donate to clean-up and recovery efforts.

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Tropical Storm Helene snapped utility poles and downed lines across South Carolina on Friday, Sept. 27, 2024, particularly in the Upstate and along the Georgia border. (Paul Hyde/Special to the SC Daily Gazette)

COLUMBIA  The number of people confirmed dead in South Carolina because of Hurricane Helene is up to 36, Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday.

Nearly 630,000 people were still without power as of about 2:30 p.m. Tuesday afternoon. That was a big drop from the 1.3 million who had no power at the height of outages after the storm blew through Friday but still more than anywhere else in the country. The vast majority of remaining outages were in the Upstate and along the Georgia border.

How to get help

For the states Hurricane Helene information line, call 1-866-246-0133.

For help finding a shelter, call 1-855-472-3432.

Source: S.C. Emergency Management Division

Things are getting better, but were not out of the woods yet, McMaster said.

Flooding remained a risk Tuesday for people living near rivers downstream of the worst flooding. The Congaree and Wateree rivers reached their crests Monday, meaning the worst was likely over for people along their banks, said Andrew Phillips, chief of preparedness for the Emergency Management Division.

Officials were still monitoring the Santee, which, because of its position downstream, is at risk of reaching a major flood stage Thursday or Friday. The Pee Dee River could also reach a moderate flood stage Wednesday, Phillips said.

People in flood-prone areas should listen to advice from local officials on whether to evacuate, Phillips said.

Deaths

The number of deaths caused by Helene, which was a tropical storm by the time it hit South Carolina, has surpassed the 35 caused by Hurricane Hugo in 1989, McMaster said. The death toll is expected to continue rising, he said.

People have died in 12 different counties, according to the Department of Public Safety. Aiken, Greenville and Spartanburg were the hardest hit, with six reported deaths each.

Most of those people were hit by fallen trees, said department Director Robert Woods.

Officials warned against running generators indoors, which can kill people by carbon monoxide poisoning. At least one person, a man in Chesnee, has died that way.

Thats extremely dangerous, said Emily Farr, director of the Department of Labor, Licensing and Regulation.

Fires are another concern. Flashlights are a better option, but anyone using candles to light their home while the power is out should make sure the candle is on a flat surface and never left unattended, Farr said.

Power outages

Downed powerlines are the biggest obstacle for people and agencies trying to clean up debris, officials said Tuesday.

Many fallen power lines are still active, McMaster said. Thats hindering chainsaw crews, who cant touch trees tangled up in wires, and Department of Transportation crews, who cant clear some downed telephone poles out of roads, officials said.

Power line entanglements remain the single biggest obstacle to reopening roadways, said Secretary of Transportation Justin Powell.

Electricity has also been a major problem for people trying to get gas in the Upstate. The pipelines that bring gas into the state were continuing to flow, but power outages at gas stations prevented pumps from distributing it, Phillips said.

Most gas stations in the state have reopened since this weekend, when gas was a rarity in the Upstate, Phillips said.

Based on the data we have, theres gas, and most of the gas stations we have at this point in time are open, Phillips said.

Federal aid

The storm has caused at least $16 million in damage to homes, a number that is expected to continue rising as reports continue to roll in. Thousands of homes were damaged across 18 counties, 66 of which were completely destroyed and 517 of which suffered major damage, said Kim Stenson, Emergency Management Division director.

Officials are working to get federal assistance for uninsured and underinsured homeowners in seven more counties, adding to the 13 who were approved for expedited aid Monday.

Allendale, Abbeville, Edgefield, Laurens, McCormick, Richland and Union counties are all working on applications to be added to the list for help, McMaster said.

Over 64,000 people had already applied for federal assistance Tuesday, said Brett Howard, federal coordinating officer for the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

I know there are counties left out, and thats a big thing, but we went with what we had to get assistance to survivors, Howard said.

The state Department of Social Services is asking the federal government to cover the cost of replacing groceries for people receiving food assistance in counties where at least half the population lost power for four hours or more, according to a Tuesday news release.

President Joe Biden will visit the state Wednesday as part of a regional tour of devastated areas. McMaster did not say whether he would meet with Biden during the presidents visit, which will include an aerial tour of North and South Carolina.

McMaster said he spoke to Biden on Monday.

He said, whatever we need, to let him know, McMaster said. And were doing that.

Local aid

Shelters are available in 15 locations, six of which are specifically meant for people with medical needs, said Michael Leach, Department of Social Services director.

Most of the 233 people using shelters Tuesday stopped by for food, to charge their phones or to get power for oxygen machines that need power, Leach said. The state is also handing out 1,400 oxygen canisters to anyone who needs a resupply, said Edward Simmer, interim director for the Department of Public Health.

The best way to help people hit by the storms is to donate money, said Marcia Adams, Department of Administration director.

The One SC Fund reactivated Tuesday to collect donations and had received more than $750,000 by that afternoon, said Georgia Mjartan, president and CEO of the Central Carolina Community Foundation.

Southern Baptist Disaster Relief is opening kitchens in Cherokee, Spartanburg and Aiken counties, on top of delivering meals to people in Greenwood and Laurens counties. The American Red Cross is also planning to use its vans to deliver meals wherever people need them most, Leach said.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The defense team for Walmart shooter Patrick Crusius filed five motions Monday, Sept. 30 in the 409th District court, arguing the prosecution withheld evidence that would potentially be favorable to their client.

The defense argues prosecutors are in violation of the Brady rule. This rule stems from a 1963 Supreme Court case, Brady vs. Maryland, which established that prosecutors have a constitutional right to disclose information that may be favorable to the defense. Prosecutors typically must disclose this information by the discovery deadline in each case. The discovery deadline in the Walmart case is not scheduled until Jan. 13, 2025.

Crusius murdered 23 people on Aug. 3, 2019 when he opened fire at the Cielo Vista Walmart store in El Paso and wounded more than 20 others. He pleaded guilty to federal charges in July 2023 and was sentenced to 90 consecutive life terms.

The States case is seeking the death penalty for Crusius.

According to the motion, the defense team claims an investigator and attorney from District Attorney Bill Hicks office met with two neighbors of Crusius in Allen, Texas in August and November of 2023, respectively.

In those interviews, one neighbor reported to investigators that Crusius was not a normal child and, by the age of 3, was banging his head against the sidewalk, had difficulty communicating, was unable to make eye contact, and was enrolled in special education classes from an early age. The first neighbor told investigators: Everyone in the neighborhood knew he had autism. A second neighbor, who was also a special education assistant for Crusius, reported telling prosecution investigators that he had some kind of brain formulation problem and he was not right since birth.

The defense claims they only became aware of these interviews during their own investigation when they began interviewing the defendants neighbors themselves.

In a second motion, the defense delved deeper into an argument first raised in last months motion filed in the case. They claim the prosecution intercepted 15 phone calls recorded by the El Paso County Jail between the defense team and Cruius. Those calls, beginning Aug. 25, 2020, through Jan. 14, 2021, allegedly lasted three hours and 34 minutes combined.

During a hearing before Judge Medrano on Sept. 11, District Attorney Bill Hicks acknowledged the prosecution had some of the calls but denied having 15 calls as the defense argued.

The defense also requested that the prosecution disclose all discoverable information concerning the case against Crusius received from the federal case. They also moved to preserve evidence and disclose any records or material impermissibly in the prosecutions possession about defense teams visits with the defendant in jail.

Judge Sam Medrano has scheduled a hearing at 9 a.m. Oct. 31. KTSM will be live streaming the hearing on KTSM.com.

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DELAWARE, Ohio (WCMH)  A home-improvement contractor previously sued for fraud is now facing another lawsuit from the Ohio Attorney Generals Office.

On Tuesday, Dave Yosts office announced a newly-filed lawsuit against 1st Choice Renew and its owner, Aaron Cowans, in Delaware County Common Pleas Court. Yosts office accused Cowans of failing to deliver suitable services to consumers, with an estimated $119,000 in disputed consumer damages.

Bill would allow Ohioans to pay taxes with cryptocurrency

Nine complaints have been issued by consumers against 1st Choice Renew, which include a failure to complete work despite full payment and refusal to issue refunds. This lawsuit in Delaware County aims to give consumers restitution and prohibit Cowans from operating any more home-improvement businesses in Ohio, per Yosts office.

Cowans faced a lawsuit last year in Franklin County Common Pleas Court on similar claims for two prior home-improvement businesses: 1st Pick Home Improvement and Cowans Home Improvement. Yosts office secured a default judgment against Cowans in that case, but accused him of continuing deceptive business practices, despite not being allowed to operate as a supplier from the 2023 judgment.

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Reality Check is a Star series holding those with power to account and shining a light on their decisions. Have a suggestion for a future story? Email our journalists at RealityCheck@kcstar.com.

Its been two years since the Department of Justice opened up an investigation into allegations of racist hiring and employment practices of the Kansas City Police Department.

Federal lawmakers who represent Kansas City say they dont know whats causing the holdup.

I just know that theres some nervousness over the slowness of DOJ, said Rep. Emanuel Cleaver, a Kansas City Democrat. Now I may try to figure out who the contact person is at DOJ and ask where they are and whether or not theyre even doing any investigations. But Im not sure I have any standing.

The Justice Departments Civil Rights Division launched an investigation into the Kansas City Police Department in 2022 after Black officers in the KCPD told The Star about a system that effectively forces them out of the department.

The investigation found that the Police Department fails at retaining and recruiting Black officers, that Black officers were reprimanded at a higher rate than their white colleagues and that some Black officers left the force because of the discrimination and harassment they encountered.

But two years into the investigation, key officers still havent been contacted by investigators, prompting concern about the efficacy of the investigation. At least five officers named in The Stars investigation have not been contacted by the Department of Justice.

Kevin Sorrells, left front row, appears in a Kansas City Police Academy photo. He left the Kansas City Police Department in 2018 after he became a target of unequal and racist discipline.

Those officers, like Kevin Sorrells and Scott Wells, said they faced discrimination and harassment while serving in the Police Department. Wells compared the experience to being a mouse in a snake cage.

Cleaver said he hasnt heard much about the investigation over the past two years  the Department of Justice usually keeps its investigations close to its chest. But he said that, even if he did try to learn more, it might not work.

Theyre not one of the rapid response departments that we have, Cleaver said.

Id like to see the outcome

He isnt alone. Missouris two Republican senators  Eric Schmitt and Josh Hawley  said they didnt know enough about the investigation to comment in depth.

Hawley, who has been critical of the Justice Department for the past four years, related it to his ongoing effort to pressure the department over security lapses that led to assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump.

I dont know where they are on it, Hawley said. Although, this DOJ, look at how theyre investigating the Trump assassination from two months ago. Theyve done nothing. They dont do much fast at all, ever. But Id like to see the outcome of the investigation. Im as in the dark as anyone else.

Sen. Josh Hawley (R-MO) arrives to a luncheon with Senate Republicans at the U.S. Capitol on Feb. 7, 2024, in Washington, DC. (Anna Moneymaker/Getty Images/TNS)

Lauren Bonds, an attorney with the National Police Accountability Project, said the civil rights division is often strategic about how it approaches investigations. While the department could have started the investigation by looking at statistics, she said its unusual that some of the key officers still havent been contacted.

That theres these kind of public folks that havent been interviewed, havent had their statements taken, havent received any requests for evidence, it sounds like, Bonds said. That is pretty unusual.

It isnt the first time that the Department of Justice launched an investigation into racism at the Kansas City Police Department and then failed to deliver a report.

The department launched an investigation into why there were fewer Black officers in the KCPD than expected in 2009. They never released a report.
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV)  With just less than 40 days away from election day, Hoosiers will soon cast their votes for Governor and Lieutenant Governor for the state of Indiana.

Democratic candidate for Lieutenant Govenor, Terry Goodin running alongside Jennifer McCormick shared their McCormick/Goodin campaign main points.

Every single Hoosier is going to be treated with dignity and respect, said Goodin.

Terry Goodin, serving as a longtime public educator and former superintendent, he says the first thing the campaign will address if elected is the broken education system.

Were going to make sure the big word in education is opportunity, said the Democratic candidate. Thats when (students) graduate from high school they have a choice. They have the opportunity to go to college. They can have the opportunity to join the military. Or they can get great job, a good union job where they are going to be able to provide for their families.

Outside of education, the democratic campaign plans to give small businesses in the state of Indiana a great opportunity to succeed.

Small businesses, by the way which is the number one job creator in the state of Indiana, said Terry Goodin. Were going to make sure they have equal footing when they go into competition in whatever that competition make look like. We are going to level that playing field and we are going to make sure everyone gets an equal opportunity to succeed at their fullest potential.

Across the state, another rising question as we head into election season is the use of cannabis in Indiana. With all neighboring states legalizing marijuana, the McCormick/Goodin campaign has been clear where they stand on this concern.

We want to put together a very operative procedure to be able to move toward adult recreational use of cannabis, but that starts with media marijuana, said Goodin. Were going to learn from other states that have done this and made mistakes. What did you mess up on here, how do we do it and not make that same mistake?



To register to vote, check voter information, or apply for an absentee ballot, click here.

For voting locations and times, sample ballots, how to vote by mail, important dates, and the countdown to election day, click here.

WTWO has an interview with the Republican candidate as well and we will be bringing that to you in the coming days.

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FREDERICK, Md. (DC News Now)  Getting voters to the polls for the November election is the motivation behind a $75,000 donation to Marylands Asian-American Community Center from the Democratic National Committee.

The money is specifically being earmarked to support the state Democratic Partys mailing program to engage the Asian-American community in the political process.

Control of US Senate next year could be up to Maryland

Elizabeth Chung is executive director of the Asian American Community Center in Frederick. She encouraged eligible voters to exercise their civic duty in the voting booth, regardless of political leanings.

The voices of voters are so important, she said. We have been engaging our community in this process [to] being educated, being informed so they can make their own decisions.

The funding from the committee is part of a $2.5 million investment from the party to help state parties get their voters to the polls.

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We recently published a list of Dividend Achievers List: Top 15. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) stands against other dividend achievers.

Dividend investing has become increasingly popular over time, as generating regular income remains a key focus for investors. Companies that consistently raise their dividends are particularly appealing, offering not just earnings but the potential for increasing income. Investors typically look for a minimum of 10 years of dividend growth, which is where dividend achievers come in. These are companies that have raised their dividends for at least 10 consecutive years.

Dividends play an important role in the overall returns. Over the past 25 years, nearly half of the total return from U.S. equities has come from reinvested dividends and the power of compounding. The broader market achieved an average annual total return of 7.4% during this period, with 55% coming from price gains and 45% from reinvested dividends, as reported by Bloomberg.

Dividend growth stocks have consistently delivered solid returns over time. The Dividend Aristocrats Index, which tracks companies that have increased their dividends for at least 25 consecutive years, has performed well historically. In a January 2019 blog post titled Exploring Dividend Growth Strategies for Market Downturns, Phillip Brzenk, S&Ps global head of multi-asset indexes, examined the performance of dividend growth strategies, particularly during market downturns. It was noted that the dividend aristocrats index outperformed the market in 53% of cases, with an average outperformance of 0.16%. In declining markets, the aristocrats outperformed over 70% of the time, with an average gain of 1.13%. However, in rising markets, they underperformed 56% of the time, though the average underperformance was smaller, at -0.34%. This suggests that the dividend aristocrats provided downside protection during months when the broader market experienced losses.

Dividend growers can also help protect against inflation. As rising prices erode investors wealth, companies that consistently increase their dividends offer a way to counteract this. While interest rates may seem appealing today, they might not hold the same value in the future. On the other hand, investing in companies with strong business models, assets, and strategies that support long-term dividend growth is often more attractive than opting for short-term, higher-yield investments. A report by Abrdn PLC also highlighted that, over the past 20 years, companies that began paying dividends or consistently increased them outperformed the global index. These dividend growers and initiators also outshined companies that paid dividends without increasing them, as well as those that didnt pay dividends at all. In addition, the report noted that dividend-growing companies experienced lower volatility and delivered better risk-adjusted returns during this period.

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That said, high-yield dividend stocks arent necessarily a poor choice. Analysts suggest seeking yields in the 3% to 6% range. According to Nuveen, stocks that pay dividends and also show steady dividend growth can be a sign of quality, as they demonstrate a companys ability to balance dividend payouts while reinvesting capital to support future growth. With this, we will discuss the dividend achievers list.

Our Methodology:

For this list, we looked at a group of dividend achievers, which are known for raising dividends for 10 years or more. From this list, we chose companies with the highest dividend yields as of September 22 and arranged them in order from lowest to highest yield.

We also measured hedge fund sentiment around each stock according to Insider Monkeys database of 912 funds as of Q2 2024. Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points. (see more details here).

Flowers Foods, Inc. (FLO): Sustaining Dividend Growth with Strategic Market Leadership

A female baker in a spotless kitchen carefully decorating a cake.

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO)

Dividend Yield as of September 22: 4.10%

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) ranks tenth on our dividend achievers list. The Georgia-based company specializes in producing and marketing bakery products. On August 22, the company announced a quarterly dividend of $0.24 per share, which fell in line with its previous dividend. Overall, it holds a 22-year track record of dividend growth. The stocks dividend yield on September 22 came in at 4.10%.

In Q2 2024, Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO)s brands surpassed the fresh packaged bread category, achieving growth in units across tracked channels and leading in both unit and dollar share gains. Private label and away-from-home margins continued to show positive trends as profitability improved in existing accounts, and new, higher-margin business filled available capacity. Additionally, cost-saving initiatives are making a significant impact, resulting in a notable sequential improvement in expenses.

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO)s strong cash position helped it achieve a long dividend growth streak. In the first six months of the year, the company generated $168.4 million in operating cash flow. The company also remained committed to its shareholders obligation, returning $102 million to investors through dividends. It had $7 million available in cash and cash equivalents at the end of the quarter. The company had $3.4 billion available in total assets.

Flowers Foods, Inc. (NYSE:FLO) was a part of 26 hedge fund portfolios at the end of Q2 2024, compared with 27 in the previous quarter, as per Insider Monkeys database. These stakes are valued at $269 million in total.

Overall, FLO ranks 10th on our list of Dividend Achievers. While we acknowledge the potential of FLO as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than FLO but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Four years after certification of the presidential election led to rioting at the US Capitol, fights over the once pro forma process are becoming more frequent and widespread as Republicans in battleground states that could be decided by only thousands of votes try to challenge the process.

Disputes across the country are brewing over the role of local election boards and how much power they have to question  or even throw out  election results. Given the thin margins in battleground states like Georgia, Michigan, Nevada and Wisconsin, the election between former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris could be in the balance.

While Republicans say they are worried about voter fraud, Democrats fear local officials who buy into conspiracy theories and false claims of fraud will refuse to certify results, leading to a potential legal morass and possible delays that inject uncertainty into the November election.

In Georgia, for instance, Trump-backed members of the state election board recently passed controversial rules that could allow local election boards responsible for certifying results to conduct investigations that threaten to delay certification.

Tuesday, the Democratic National Committee, the Georgia Democratic Party and Democratic members of several county election boards will try to convince a Georgia state judge the rules could throw the upcoming presidential election into chaos.

The law is very clear in every state that certification is a mandatory duty, said Ben Berwick, the head of election law and litigation at the advocacy group Protect Democracy. The role of those officials, he said, is simply to affirm that the canvas and tabulation have been completed and that the results are official.

Even unsuccessful attempts to block certification can cause delays, and even small delays in the very tight post-election timeline can have us cascading effect, Berwick said.

Though every states certification rules are slightly different, the process is simple: When polls close on Election Day, election officials tally the votes and confirm that every valid ballot was counted. Those officials then turn to local election boards  made up of Democrats and Republicans who may or may not have experience in election administration  to certify the results before passing them along to either a state board of elections or the states chief elections officer, who will also certify and finalize that result by December 11. They then go to Congress for a final certification on January 6.

In 2020, a pressure campaign from Trump and his allies urging the officials, beginning with local election boards and continuing up to then-Vice President Mike Pence, not to certify the vote totals ended up with a riot at the US Capitol and partisan wrangling over control over the process ever since.

Lawsuits already popping up

Lawsuits aiming to preemptively head off challenges to the certification process are beginning to appear nationwide with mixed results.

In Georgia, the Democratic plaintiffs challenged the new rules around certification shortly before they were supposed to take effect.

One of the Georgia rules, the Reasonable Inquiry Rule, would allow election officials to conduct a reasonable inquiry before certifying election results. The petitioners in the case argue that the rule would give partisan board members a wide ability to cast doubt on, or even reject, election results.

The second rule, known as the Examination Rule, would allow individual county board members to examine all election related documentation before certifying.

Georgia Republicans and the Republican National Committee, defending the two rule changes, have argued that they ensure local election boards have the tools they need to make sure vote counts are accurate, and that Democrats have only raised abstract and hypothetical concerns about their impact.

In some cases, the threat of legal action has been enough to deter officials from pursuing challenges to the certification process. One Republican canvasser in Kalamazoo County, Michigan, was sued by the ACLU over alleged threats to not certify the upcoming presidential race. The canvasser, Robert Froman, denied making the comments and quickly signed an affidavit promising not to interfere in Novembers election.

Situated in southwest Michigan, the county is home to more than 215,000 registered voters, according to the Michigan Department of State, but it has reliably trended blue in recent presidential history. President Joe Biden won the state in 2020 with 58% of the vote.

Asked if he would certify the 2024 presidential election if it unfolded the same way the 2020 one did, Froman told the Detroit News, No. And thats why Im there.

Froman has not responded to attempts to reach him for comment.

The suit was dropped, and the ACLU sent a letter to every board of county canvassers in Michigan warning that their organization will be carefully monitoring their activities come November, and that a canvasser who refuses to perform their legal and constitutional obligations by voting to certify the election based solely on the returns may be subject to swift and decisive legal action.

And in Nevada, the state Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit filed by Democratic Secretary of State Francisco Aguilar asking the justices to force the Washoe County commissioners to certify an election over the summer. Washoe County, home to Reno, is a critical swing county with more than 380,000 registered voters, according to the Nevada secretary of state.

The justices dismissed the suit because the commissioners certified the election on their own. But, the justices said, Aguilar could raise the issue again if the commissioners failed to certify an election in the future.

Still, not every suit has ended with resounding wins for officials or advocacy groups aiming to insulate the certification process from challenges. Last week, a federal judge in Arizona blocked a state provision that, in the event local officials failed to certify their countys votes, instructed the Arizona secretary of state to proceed with the state canvass anyway. Officials believed that the provision would act as a contingency plan should some local boards miss their legal deadline.

That judge sided with conservative groups who claimed the provision likely violated the constitutional right to vote because it, in the judges words, gives the secretary of state nearly carte blanche authority to disenfranchise the ballots of potentially millions of Arizona voters.

Several election experts told CNN they believe that state and federal laws surrounding the certification process will ultimately ensure local boards certify their results this year, heading off potential chaos.

So far, courts have done a very good job of getting to the heart of the matter on this, said Gideon Cohn-Postar, senior adviser for election infrastructure at the Institute for Responsive Government, a nonpartisan good governance group. My concern is much more one of narrative than of legality.

He worried, for instance, of the optics if election skeptics on dozens of boards across the country refuse to certify and are then forced to do so by the courts.

Its going to look suspect and can be used by bad faith actors that this is somehow compelling people to do things that are illegal, Cohn-Postar added. That will kind of drive conspiracy theories.

What happened in 2020 and 2022

Legal challenges to the certification process have been playing out over the past four years in states across the country, including Pennsylvania, New Mexico, Georgia and North Carolina. None of those challenges have succeeded.

The first warning signs of major challenges to the certification process came about in 2020, when Republican officials in Michigans largest county temporarily blocked the certification of Bidens win.

The two Republicans on the Wayne County Board of Canvassers cited concerns of voting irregularities in Detroit as their reason, though they reversed course hours later and certified the votes.

It was later reported that Trump and then-Chairwoman of the Republican National Committee Ronna McDaniel had called the two Republican officials to encourage them not to certify.

Efforts from Republican officials to block certification only increased in the midterms, when challenges to certification popped up all over the country. In rural Arizona, county officials only certified the midterm election results after an order from a judge  and two of the county supervisors who refused to certify were indicted on state charges for refusing to certify.

Similar delays played out in Otero County, New Mexico, when the county commission initially refused to certify election results over concerns about Dominion voting machines and questions about a handful of individual votes, and in North Carolina, where the election board delayed certification in one district allegations of irregularities with absentee ballots.

In Pennsylvania, the then-acting secretary of the Commonwealth and Pennsylvania Department of State sued the boards of election in three counties over their failure to certify results too.

In all those instances, votes were eventually certified. And in some cases, officials who initially refused to certify the results have been removed from office or faced criminal charges.

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State Reps. Morgan Cephas (D-Philadelphia), La'Tasha D. Mayes (D-Allegheny), and Gina H. Curry (D-Delaware) pose in front of a 20-foot-tall inflatable intrauterine device named "Freeda Womb" by Americans for Contraception. The display was part of an event to draw attention to a bill that would protect access to contraception that is pending in the state Senate. (Capital-Star photo by Peter Hall)

Democratic lawmakers called on leaders in the GOP-controlled state Senate to protect access to contraception in the wake of the Supreme Court that overturned the right to abortion and could erode other personal freedoms.

The state House in July passed House Bill 1140 sponsored by state Rep. Leanne Krueger (D-Delaware) that would protect access to contraception under Pennsylvania law, which currently has no such guarantee. The bill is awaiting action in the state Senate.

In a news conference at the state Capitol on Tuesday, Krueger said the U.S. Supreme Courts 2022 decision overturning its landmark ruling in Roe v. Wade made clear the current threat to reproductive rights across the nation.

In a separate concurring opinion Justice Clarence Thomas wrote that he would do away with the legal doctrine of substantive due process, which limits government interference in fundamental rights. Thomas went a step further, saying that he would reverse the courts decision Griswold v. Connecticut, which overturned laws restricting access to contraceptives.

With our current U.S. Supreme Court signaling that access to contraceptives are in jeopardy across this country and with extremist politicians introducing bills at the federal level to threaten our reproductive health care, we must take action in Pennsylvania now to protect the rights that we have, Krueger said.

The event was held in cooperation with Americans for Contraception, a national advocacy group that brought a 20-foot-tall inflatable intrauterine device, representing a highly effective type of long-term birth control, named Freeda Womb that was displayed in the Capitols east wing.

Krueger noted that a significant percentage of people who use contraceptives in the United States use them to prevent pregnancy in addition to managing other health conditions such as painful and severe menstrual bleeding, endometriosis and to reduce the risk of gynecological disorders.

When we sign the Contraceptive Access Act into law, we will put a stake in the ground and say, here in Pennsylvania, you and your health care are protected, Krueger said.

House Health Committee Chairperson Dan Frankel (D-Allegheny) said he has helped battle legislation that sought to restrict or eliminate reproductive rights, but in the last two years, Democrats in the House have held the majority and passed a bill to protect and expand access to contraception.

We all know that the right to plan your family is the key to your ability to protect your own health, to manage your own future, Frankel said. Clearly, if these rights should be protected by common sense, a bill made expanding access to contraception would easily become law, but no, despite bipartisan support in the House, House Bill 1140 cant even get a committee vote in the Pennsylvania Senate.

A spokesperson for Senate Majority Leader Joe Pittman (R-Indiana) did not respond to an email seeking comment. House Bill 1140 was approved by a bipartisan 133-69 vote in the House on June 25. It was referred to the Senate Banking and Insurance Committee on July 12 and has not been put up for a vote.

Sen. Maria Collett (D-Montgomery) said birth control is under attack on multiple fronts, from the Supreme Courts willingness to overturn well-established rulings to conservative attacks on the American Care Act, which requires health insurance companies to cover contraception in most cases.

In Pennsylvania, just before losing control of the state House in the 2022 midterm elections, Republicans in the legislature tried to set up a referendum to change the state Constitution to eliminate abortion and reproductive rights, said Collett, who with Sen. Amanda Cappelletti (D-Montgomery) cosponsored a companion bill to Kruegers

One thing is clear, Republicans talk a big game on liberty and freedom, but they do everything in their power to take liberty and freedom away from you. The stakes are still high, and we cannot afford to be caught off guard. We will not go back, Collett said.
Gov. Tim Walz is not known as a gifted debater.

Behind closed doors, the folksy, fun-loving governor, can be overly defensive when confronted about his mistakes, according to fellow Minnesota Democrats. During his first campaign in 2006, he also developed a reputation for speaking so quickly that an ally characterized him as a bit manic. A former constituent and supporter recalled that at one of Walzs first fundraisers in Minnesota that year, the vice presidential hopeful rambled for 45 minutes without notes and seemingly without taking a breath.

And ahead of his debate with JD Vance Tuesday  by far Walzs most high profile event of the presidential campaign  some of his allies privately say they worry he wont live up to Vice President Kamala Harris debate performance against former President Donald Trump. Harris, who drew Trump into traps and delivered biting quips, was widely viewed as the winner of that Sept. 10 debate.

She did so strong. She's actually made it very difficult for Walz, because I don't see any way that he could match her level of intensity and humor, said a Walz ally who was granted anonymity to speak freely about the governor.

With no further debates scheduled, the Oct. 1 debate may be the most significant national campaign event remaining before November, upping the pressure on both campaigns to deliver a strong closing argument. With Harris and Trump in a virtual dead heat, both sides will use the debate to burnish their accomplishments while going after each others records.

For Walz, that likely means defending his handling of the 2020 riots in Minneapolis in the wake of George Floyds murder and his administrations role in awarding $250 million in Covid recovery funds to what turned out to be a fraudulent nonprofit. House Republicans have subpoenaed Walz over the pandemic-era funds.

Harris campaign is already setting expectations for Walz, noting in public and private that Vance, a Yale Law School graduate who has served two years in the Senate, is an adept debater who can argue the finer points of policy.



Brian Fallon, a top Harris campaign aide, acknowledged that Vance was a very sharp, skilled debater, in a recent podcast interview with POLITICO. But hell have to defend the Trump record, Fallon added.

Walzs team is preparing for an onslaught of attacks from Vance, who has already been blasting the Minnesota governor as a radical leftist and serial liar over key pieces of his biography. Walz and his team have downplayed many of the accusations as a resuscitation of debunked attacks that Minnesota Republicans have hurled at Walz since his days representing a rural district in Congress.

But Walz is still largely untested and has never faced the intense, direct questioning that Vance is sure to launch, including about the governors inaccurate use of his retired military rank  a line of attack some of his allies worry will trip up Walz.

"We've never seen him on the national scale before," said a Minnesota Democratic operative, who was also granted anonymity to speak candidly.

A spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign declined to comment on the specifics of this story, but reiterated the debate would provide another clear opportunity for Walz to contrast Harris vision for the country with Trumps.

Walz has been stepping up his debate prep at home in Minnesota and on the campaign trail in the past two weeks, with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg playing Vance during a session last Tuesday afternoon in Minneapolis. On Thursday, Walz, Buttigieg and the team kicked off a formal debate camp in the tiny northern Michigan town of Harbor Springs along Lake Michigan, according to three people familiar with the matter. Walz and Buttigieg ran through their final, most extensive preps Monday in Harbor Springs, before the governor flew to New York Tuesday morning.

Harris has told Walz that Buttigieg did a good job when he played Mike Pence in her mock debates during the 2020 presidential campaign, according to a person briefed on the conversations. Biden White House alumni Rob Friedlander and Zayn Siddique are heading up Walzs preparations.

There remains some concern among Walzs allies that he can be overly defensive and shut down conversations when hes most stressed and pushed on his missteps in private, even by members of his own party in Minnesota. Thats something he can get away with as a governor with majorities in the statehouse. But, they note, he needs to avoid it in the upcoming debate with Vance.

He can be very: Thats it Im done, said one Minnesota state lawmaker from Walzs Democratic-Farmer-Labor Party, who was granted anonymity to candidly discuss the matter.

Walzs habit, especially during his congressional days, for being gruff and brash at times was even a topic that Harris circle discussed during his vetting process for the vice presidential role. Harris vetting team also called some of Walzs former House colleagues to inquire about his record and temperament.

Another Democratic state lawmaker recalled instances at the Minnesota Capitol where Walz would say Alright, I've done all the answering I'm going to do. Meetings over, when pressed on an issue he didnt want to discuss further. More than half a dozen other Democratic state legislators said they remembered similar examples.



At the height of the Minneapolis riots in 2020, Walz held a call with state Democratic lawmakers from so-called Greater Minnesota, which refers to everywhere in the state beyond the Twin Cities metro where Walz, the statehouse and the most liberal Democratic lawmakers are based.

The governor was already visibly stressed, with protests growing over a police officers killing of George Floyd, an unarmed Black man. Lawmakers from beyond the DFLs Twin Cities power center were already under intense pressure from constituents who opposed the governors aggressive pandemic response.

On the call, one Democratic lawmaker in particular repeatedly pressed Walz about his handling of the riots, amid questions over why the governor didnt call out the National Guard sooner. At one point in response, Walz signaled he was done with the conversation.

I don't think he hung up, but definitely that was it. The call was over, said a third Democratic lawmaker.

At times, he could be the exact opposite of what he usually is. That was one of them, the lawmaker added.

The governor is often better at savaging Republicans in friendly media hits or during rallies than having to respond to questions in a back and forth manner, the lawmakers noted. Despite calls from some Democrats and media pundits for the Harris campaign to Let Walz be Walz after the debate, some of the Democratic lawmakers in his state note the governors been increasingly protected from public scrutiny during his tenure by his careful staff  reining in his travel around the state after the pandemic and limiting his impromptu exchanges with the press.

Walz told Spectrum News in a recent interview that hes working hard, continuing to try and learn the issues. He added: Im making sure that I have all those facts to back that up.

Walz debating detailed economic policy with Vance is one of the topics Harris officials are most concerned about, according to two campaign officials who were granted anonymity to discuss the matter. Buttigieg recently told The New York Times Ezra Klein that hes trying to focus on Vances faux populism, as he plays the Ohio GOP senator in debate preparations.

Vance, who is also doing some debate prep, said on a recent call with local Teamsters union leaders that Harris' record is one of "unaffordable groceries and unaffordable housing. He added: We feel a lot more confident and frankly you don't have to prepare if you dont have to hide what you say."

Walz, as hes still trying to find his footing on the campaign trail between being an aggressive attack dog and a more congenial envoy to undecided voters, has conveyed, in the few media interviews hes done, that the biggest job ahead for the campaign is explaining how Harris economic plans will benefit all Americans.

But hes struggled at times to explain what that specifically means. During a recent closed-door meeting of the Business Roundtable with some of the countrys leading CEOs, Walz kept repeating the phrase opportunity economy in a way that some attendees felt was overly vague because the ideas behind it may lead to raising the national deficit, according to a person briefed on the remarks who was granted anonymity to discuss the private meeting.

On the campaign trail in recent days, Walz has clearly been fine-tuning some attacks of his own on Vance.

The governor has laced into the GOP presidential ticket over health care while painting Vance as an out of touch venture capitalist and criticizing the senators strong support for ending U.S. aid to Ukraine amid its war with Russia.

And, Walz has increasingly sought to tie Vance and Trump to North Carolinas scandal-plagued Lt. Gov. and gubernatorial candidate Mark Robinson, who reportedly declared that he is a black NAZI! in a post on a pornographic websites message boards.

Weve got folks running as Republicans for governor that are proud to refer to themselves as Nazis, Walz told a rally crowd of 3,000 people in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, earlier this month. Lets not pretend that theres a gradual difference between the folks that are running here.

Hailey Fuchs, Adam Wren and Meridith McGraw contributed to this report.
The racist 1921 attack killed more than 300 Black people and destroyed a thriving business district known as "Black Wall Street"

Oklahoma Historical Society/Getty A group of people looking at smoke in the distance coming from damaged properties following the Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 1921.

The Department of Justice announced Tuesday that it will launch a review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, more than a century after one of the worst acts of racist violence in American history.



The federal Civil Rights Divisions Cold Case Unit is conducting the review of the massacre, according to ABC News. The violence took place in Tulsa, Okla., on May 31 and June 1, 1921 when a White mob descended on the citys thriving Greenwood business district, known as Black Wall Street, burning and destroying more than 1,000 homes and businesses and killing upwards of 300 Black people.

An official number of killings has never been released because bodies were disposed of in mass graves, many of which went uncovered for nearly a century. After more efforts to search for victims were eventually launched in 2020, investigators found more than 120 previously unknown gravesites and began using DNA and forensic evidence to identify victims, The Associated Press previously reported.

Related: Recognizing the 100th Anniversary of the Tulsa Race Massacre with Survivors' Powerful Accounts

Oklahoma Historical Society/Getty A group of National Guard Troops, carrying rifles with bayonets attached, escort unarmed African American men to the detention center at Convention Hall, after the Tulsa Race Massacre, Tulsa, Oklahoma, June 1921

News of a federal review into the massacre comes after the Oklahoma Supreme Court dismissed a lawsuit in June that wouldve paid the two survivors of the domestic terror attack reparations, according to the AP.

Viola Fletcher, 110, and Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, are the two known survivors who are still alive and filed the lawsuit through their attorney Damario Solomon-Simmons.

It is about time, Solomon-Simmons said about the news of a federal review Tuesday, according to the AP. It only took 103 years, but this is a joyous occasion, a momentous day, an amazing opportunity for us to make sure that what happened here in Tulsa is understood for what it was  the largest crime scene in the history of this country.

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Solomon-Simmons said "this community would never stop fighting for reparations and that this community would never forget what happened to our people, just for being Black, just for being successful," according to ABC News.

So we are excited today, the attorney added. This has been a difficult journey, a lot of obstacles, a lot of odds, a lot of opposition, but today we have a victory.

Related: Russell Westbrook Sheds Light on 1921 Tulsa Massacre with Doc: 'It's Important That We Understand'

Universal HIstory Archive/Universal Images Group via Getty Part of Greenwood District burned in Race Riots, Tulsa, Oklahoma, USA, June 1921.

The federal government is able to open the cold case investigation as a result of the 2008 Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which allows the DOJ and the FBI to investigate and prosecute criminal civil rights statutes violations that occurred before 1980 and resulted in a death.



Fletcher was 7 years old when the massacre took place but once testified in Congress that shell never forget what happened.



I still see Black men being shot and Black bodies lying in the street, Fletcher told lawmakers during the 2001 Race Riot Commission. I still smell smoke and see fire. I still see Black businesses being burned. I still hear airplanes flying overhead. I hear the screams. I have lived through the massacre every day. Our country may forget this history, but I cannot. I will not. And other survivors do not, and our descendants do not.

To help combat systemic racism, consider learning from or donating to these organizations:

Campaign Zero works to end police brutality in America through research-proven strategies.

ColorofChange.org works to make the government more responsive to racial disparities.

National Cares Mentoring Movement provides social and academic support to help Black youth succeed in college and beyond.

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(This Sept. 30 story has been corrected to fix a name in the reporting credits))

By Bruno Kelly

MANACAPURU, Brazil (Reuters) - The Solimoes, one of the two largest tributaries of the Amazon River in Brazil, fell to its lowest level ever on Monday in the worst drought on record in the Amazon region, leaving villages on its banks stranded without food, water and transport.

At Manacapuru, some 100 km (63 miles) upriver from state capital Manaus where it meets the Rio Negro to form the mighty Amazon, the depth of the Solimoes measured at just 3 m (9.8 feet), according to the Civil Defense agency.

That is 11 cm (4.3 inches) lower than the previous record low registered on Oct. 25 last year.

With almost another month to go before the rains come to end the dry season, the level of the Solimoes, which flows down from the Andes in Peru, is expected to drop further in coming weeks, deepening the crisis for riverine communities.

Villages have been left isolated, without transport on water too shallow for boats to travel on, and they are lacking food supplies and, more critically, drinking water.

The exposed Solimoes riverbed has turned into a massive long sandbank that the villagers have to walk across for two hours to get home carrying their shopping under a blazing sun.

"This is very hard. Everyday we have to this long walk along the beach carrying our things," said Taciara Souza Oliveira, a young woman.

Boats were stranded on river banks and some were trapped in ponds of water in the sand dunes, in areas that were once navigable for large boats.

"The drought is bad and it is getting worse. There is still a month to go of dry season. We have to make this sacrifice to get home," said riverside resident Manuel de Castro.

Fishing is the main source of protein for river communities and the Indigenous people of the rainforest, but the fish have disappeared, and many have died in shallow waters that are too warm for them to survive in.

Environmentalists say climate change and global warming are drying up rivers in the Amazon and leading to unprecedented wildfires that are destroying parched vegetation.

(Reporting by Bruno Kelly, writing by Anthony Boadle; Editing by Sonali Paul)
HOLLAND TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WOOD)  Authorities say a bicyclist was injured in a crash near Holland Tuesday morning.

The Ottawa County Sheriffs Office said the crash happened shortly after 10:30 a.m. Tuesday on US-31 and James Street in Holland Township.

Investigators said a 61-year-old man was riding a bicycle eastbound on James Street when he crossed US-31. He did not stop for the red light and was struck by a southbound vehicle.

The bicyclist was taken to the hospital with injuries that are not considered life-threatening, according to the sheriffs office.

The intersection was closed as authorities investigated and worked to clear the scene. It has since reopened.

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(FOX40.COM)  Authorities released new details about the escape and search for an inmate who has been missing in Northern California after breaking out of jail.

39-year-old Caleb Duerr escaped from the Plumas County Jail on the morning of September 27. The jail is in Quincy, about 160 miles northeast of Sacramento.

On Monday, the Plumas County Sheriffs Office said that he was able to manipulate two fenced areas and flee to an OReillys auto parts store around 8:15 a.m., where he got a ride from a customer.

The man who gave him a ride told officials that he dropped Duerr off at Highway 70 and County Road A-23, near the community of Beckworth, and he was last seen walking south on the county road between 9:30 and 10 a.m.

Manhunt halted for attempted murder suspect on the loose in San Joaquin County

Since then, Duerr has contacted several people by email, which suggests that he has obtained a phone or a computer with internet access, the sheriffs office said.

In the ongoing search, officials have gotten help from surrounding county sheriffs offices, including from the state of Nevada, the California Highway Patrol and the U.S. Forest Service, along with other state and federal agencies.

The sheriffs office described Duerr as measuring 6 feet 1 inch, weighing around 165 pounds, and having brown hair and blue eyes, as well as a beard.

DMV closing Stockton office as services move online

The agency said Duerr has family and friends in California, Oregon and Nevada and has possibly left the Quincy area to get help from them.

The sheriffs office described him as being dangerous and asked anyone who saw him to call 911.

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The Michigan teenager is facing murder charges after police allege she stabbed her 7-year-old sister to death on Saturday, Sept. 28

CBS Detroit/YouTube A photo of Taylor Police Department cars

A 13-year-old girl in Taylor, Michigan has been accused of stabbing her 7-year-old sister to death while babysitting on Saturday, Sept. 28

Detective Zachary DiGiacomo tells PEOPLE the teenager appeared to show "no emotion" while speaking to police following the incident

The stabbing allegedly happened after the 7-year-old left a note in the bathroom telling people "to flush the toilet," per the officer



A 13-year-old girl in Taylor, Mich., who is facing murder charges for allegedly stabbing her 7-year-old sister to death while babysitting is accused by the investigating detective of appearing to show "no emotion" after the violence.

On Saturday, Sept. 28, at around 1 p.m., Taylor Police Department officers responded to reports of a possible stabbing at a residence. The young victim was transported to a local hospital but later died from her injuries.

Detective Zachary DiGiacomo alleges to PEOPLE the stabbing took place after an argument about a note that the 7-year-old had left in the bathroom to "generally tell people to flush the toilet."

DiGiacomo alleges that the 13-year-old suspect took the note, and the 7-year-old "knocked over the trash can in the kitchen and trash got everywhere" while trying to get the note back.

The 13-year-old eventually went to her bedroom and came down to stab her sister "about 30 minutes later" in the bathroom with a "butcher-style knife," the detective alleges.

According to DiGiacomo, the older sister then went to get a larger knife and then stabbed her sister some more. In total, the victim was stabbed more than 10 times, according to DiGiacomo.

While speaking to police afterward, the 13-year-old allegedly appeared to show "no emotion," DiGiacomo claims.

"Myself and another detective, we did do an interview with the 13-year-old," he says, alleging that the teen appeared "emotionless. Showed no emotion at all during it."

"She didn't deny anything, she went into detail about the incident, what she did," he says.

"She went into great detail about everything that happened," DiGiacomo claims, speculating that the suspect appeared "perfectly fine" with what police think she did.

"Almost like things were normal," DiGiacomo says.

DiGiacomo said the girls' parents were "devastated" and had "no idea" the 13-year-old was allegedly capable of doing something like that.

"No arguments besides normal sibling arguments," the detective says of what home life was like for the teenager, insisting she'd done nothing to lead the parents "to believe that something like this would happen."

The 13-year-old, who allegedly called 911 after the stabbing, is now facing charges of first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and first-degree child abuse, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office said in a news release obtained by PEOPLE.

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Prosecutor Kym Worthy said, per the release, We considered adult designating her which is not the same thing as trying her as an adult. It gives the judge the option of sentencing the respondent as a juvenile, or as an adult, or giving a blended juvenile sentence with an option of imposing an adult sentence if the juvenile is not rehabilitated."

"Our other option was to keep her in the juvenile system. We opted to do just that. Given her young age, the State would have seven years to diagnose, treat, and rehabilitate her until her mandatory release at age 21. Hopefully then she would not be a danger to others. While this is a difficult decision given these facts, it is the right thing to do in this case," Worthy added.



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(NewsNation)  A Houston lawyer says he is representing 120 people who say they have experienced sexual misconduct by Sean Diddy Combs, who is currently awaiting trial on sex trafficking charges.

Attorney Tony Buzbee says he expects his clients to file lawsuits within the next 30 days.

Buzbee said the alleged victims are 60 men and 60 women, of whom 25 were minors at the time of the alleged misconduct. The youngest, Buzbee said, was 9.

I imagine theres a myriad of people who are nervous, Buzbee said. You cant hide skeletons in the closet forever.

Diddy receiving privileges including more showers: Former inmate

Erica Wolff, Combs lawyer, said in a statement to NewsNation that the rap mogul cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus.

That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors, Wolff said in a statement.

Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn. He has pleaded not guilty and is due back in court for a status conference on Oct. 9.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

This story is breaking. Refresh for developments.

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WASHINGTON (DC News Now)  The Office of the Attorney General has ordered District Dogs to pay $100,000 to the District, make safety improvements and permanently close its Rhode Island Avenue location after 10 dogs died in a flood at the facility in 2023.

According to D.C. Attorney General Brian Schwalb, as part of the settlement between the OAG and the doggy daycare, District Dogs must also train all staff on emergency procedures and obtain a risk management certification for each remaining location in D.C.

The settlement does not stipulate where the money will go or how itll be used, just that it goes into the Districts funds and used at the OAGs discretion. Its not likely that the owners of the 10 dogs in the flood will see any of that money.

Former District Dogs employee charged for animal cruelty

According to the settlement agreement, the District can use any portion of the funds it receives from the pet care company for any lawful purpose, including restitution, attorneys fees and other costs of investigation and litigation.

Jocelyn Lobos-Segura lost her puppy, Mona, in the flood at District Dogs. She said no amount of money would replace Mona or bring her back.

It would have been nice to see a portion of that money or even invest that money into something to support other pet owners that need it in the District, she said.

District Dogs did have an emergency procedure when the flood took place. However, it did not contain an evacuation plan or lacked details of one, despite issues with flooding previously, according to the OAG.

We found that [District Dogs] was making public statements that minimized the flood risk, when, in fact, they didnt have appropriate emergency procedures or evacuation plans in place. Their employees werent trained on what to do in an emergency like this, said Jen Jones, head of the public advocacy division at the OAG, in an interview Tuesday with DC News Now.

This was every pet owners worst nightmare, and this agreement helps ensure that no District resident loses their pet in such a tragic, avoidable way. Impacted owners are also pursuing private litigation to seek additional financial remedies, Schwalb said in a statement on X.

The OAG alleges that while the Northeast location was open, District Dogs made numerous representations to consumers assuring them that dogs in its care would be safe.

Families of dogs that died in District Dogs flood sue doggy daycare

The Northeast location flooded three times in 2022, and a statement released by District Dogs downplayed the flooding while mentioning measures that were being taken to prevent future floods, leading consumers to believe that their dogs would be safe, according to the OAG.

The District also alleges that contrary to the released statement, District Dogs internally expressed concern regarding the serious risk that future flooding could pose to the dogs safety in its care.

District Dogs denied the OAGs allegations and any wrongdoing in the settlement agreement.

I really hope that they take it seriously and that they really hold themselves accountable for it and actually make some sort of plan. People are entrusting them with their family members, with their dogs, Lobos-Segura said. I hope that nothing happens again. But at the end of the day, I know that District Dogs doesnt really seem to care about the dogs that are under their care.

The company claims that it implemented every recommendation from the District to reduce the impacts of flooding and that the Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs (DCRA) advised District Dogs founder, Jacob Hensley, that there was no reason for the business to cease operations due to safety.

1 year after 10 dogs died in District Dogs flood, families left with unanswered questions

District Dogs said that documentation of this is noted in a memo, included below:

CA Briefing Memo for DMOI District Dogs Close Out 10.6.2022 copy[10][60][94]Download

In a statement to DC News Now, a District Dogs spokesperson said:

Today, District Dogs is relieved to announce the resolution of the DC Office of the Attorney Generals investigation into the events surrounding the August 14, 2023 severe flood at our Rhode Island Avenue, N.E. location. From the beginning of the Attorney Generals investigation, District Dogs has steadfastly maintained that our Rhode Island Avenue location was fully compliant with all District legal and regulatory requirements. Indeed, the District Governments own records and internal memorandum confirm that District Dogs had conscientiously implemented EVERY District Government recommendation to reduce the potential impact of flooding, following a storm in the area in August 2022. Importantly, according to these records, the District Government specifically informed District Dogs that there is no reason for the business to cease operations for safety reasons. ~Briefing Memorandum from Lucinda Babers (the former Deputy Mayor for Operations and Infrastructure) to Kevin Donahue (the City Administrator), dated October 6, 2022. To bring this matter to an end, and to avoid the continued financial strain on our small business from an unnecessarily prolonged process, we agreed to settle this matter with one important condition  that the Attorney Generals Office agree as part of the settlement that there is no admission of wrongdoing by District Dogs whatsoever. The tragedy, which occurred in the Rhode Island Ave N.E. community on August 14, 2024, was caused by an unprecedented storm. Unpredictable and catastrophic storms are increasingly an unwelcomed reality in todays world, as we are seeing in real time in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. Small businesses that in good faith follow government guidance on remediating such impacts should not be subject to further financial hardship. As we celebrate the 10th anniversary of District Dogs, we are very proud to be the largest provider of dog grooming, daycare and boarding services in the Washington Metropolitan Region and are more excited than ever about our future. We wish to extend our deep gratitude to our hard-working employees and loyal customers during this challenging year and look forward to growing our business and deepening our ties to the communities we serve.

District Dogs has multiple locations in D.C., including in Shaw, Navy Yard, Park View and Walter Reed.

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By Elizabeth Pineau, Jean-Michel Belot and Ingrid Melander

PARIS (Reuters) -Prime Minister Michel Barnier announced steep public spending cuts and targeted tax hikes for France's biggest companies and wealthiest individuals on Tuesday, saying there was no other way to narrow a gaping budget deficit.

Barnier, appointed last month, faces the challenging task of plugging a huge hole in public finances at a time when the fragmentation of parliament and infighting in his minority government will make it hard to push through reforms.

France's credibility with its European Union partners and in financial markets is at stake after its borrowing costs surged.

"The real sword of Damocles hanging over us is our colossal financial debt," Barnier, a 73-year-old former minister and EU commissioner, told lawmakers as he set out his government's plans, ignoring heckles from the hard-left France Unbowed.

France's deficit was making it weaker in Europe, he added.

Tax increases would be targeted and temporary, he said, without giving further details. The dire state of public finances meant there was "no other choice".

According to Le Parisien newspaper, Barnier was considering tax hikes of 15 to 18 billion euros ($17-20 billion), including 8 billion euros in increased corporate taxes as well as an additional levy on energy companies and share buybacks.

Barnier, best known abroad for being the EU's Brexit negotiator, said he would reduce the budget deficit - which could top 6% this year - to 5% by the end of 2025 but would have to push back the target date for reaching the euro zone's common 3% deficit goal to 2029 from 2027.

ING economist Charlotte de Montpellier said Barnier had been too light on detail to know if the timeline for cutting the deficit was credible and questioned whether the tax hikes would be temporary.

"... the likelihood of these tax hikes becoming permanent is significant," de Montpellier said.

REFORMS

Barnier was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron nearly two months after a snap election delivered a hung parliament.

He promised more police officers on the streets and better control of France's borders, and said he was open to "reasonable and fair" changes to the pension system - a key Macron reform, which was enacted in 2023 despite nationwide protests.

Addressing persistent concerns over the cost of living, Barnier announced a 2% increase in the minimum wage.

France would also pursue investments in the nuclear energy sector, including new reactors, he said.

Story continues

Despite looking like the most unstable French administration in recent history, Barnier's fragile minority government, that gathers centrists and conservatives, may last longer than many think, lawmakers and analysts have told Reuters.

Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally, which has given the government tacit support, likely has no real interest in owning an even bigger mess that might damage its presidential hopes in 2027.

That does not mean it will be easy, in particular for the 2025 budget, which Barnier needs to finalise within days and hand to lawmakers by mid-October at the latest.

"It is not clear who will be the most obstructive towards implementing his programme: coalition partners or the opposition," Eurointelligence analysts wrote in a note.

Le Pen outlined red lines after Barnier's speech, including standing tough on immigration. "Be courageous," she urged him.

A left-wing alliance won most seats in the election but without an absolute majority and Macron chose not to appoint a prime minister from its ranks.

France Unbowed lawmakers, who say the vote was "stolen" and that there should be a left-wing prime minister, brandished their voter cards as Barnier spoke.

"The French did not vote for you," some yelled.

Barnier acknowledged the election had resulted in a divided parliament but said his government had to push reforms through.

"The French would not forgive us for standing still," he said. ($1 = 0.8974 euros)

(Reporting by Tassilo Hummel, Elizabeth Pineau, Benoit Van Overstraeten, Michel Rose, Makini Brice, Sudip Kar-Gupta; Writing by Ingrid Melander; Editing by Kirsten Donovan, Kevin Liffey, Richard Lough, Christina Fincher and Gareth Jones)
(FOX40.COM)  A Stockton area DMV office will close this week as part of the transportation offices transition from in-person to online for many services.

At 5 p.m. on Friday, the Stockton Driver Safety Office at 710 North American St. will close.

California DMV will no longer process these services at offices

According to the California DMV, these offices mainly serve drivers looking for hearings about possible DMV actions to suspend or restrict driving privileges.

These offices do not provide drivers license applications/renewals or vehicle registrations.

Once the office closes, drivers will be referred to the DMVs online case management system where drivers and their attorneys can check their case status or requirements to reinstate a suspended license. The new site will also allow for virtual hearings.

Employees at the Stockton DSO will be reassigned to nearby DMV locations.

Applications for $725 monthly payments to Sacramento County families open

The DMV says it will continue to consolidate the number of DSO locations across the state as they continue to move services online.

The nearest DSO location from Stockton is in Sacramento at 4700 Broadway on the 2nd Floor.

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DMV wont require California drivers over 70 to take written tests for license renewals

California drivers 70 years old and older wont be required to take written knowledge tests for license renewals, Department of Motor Vehicles officials announced.

For the elder group, licenses that expire in 2024 and beyond will no longer be required to take the test beginning Oct. 1, DMV officials stated on Monday.

The California Department of Motor Vehicles announced that drivers 70 years old and older wont be required to take written knowledge tests for license renewals.

All drivers have been required to take a written test once they turn 70 as a policy requirement and not a requirement of law, DMV Director Steve Gordon said. We are eliminating the written knowledge test for those without traffic violations on their record to improve customer service.

Gordon added, If thousands fewer people need to visit the DMV, or can spend less time in an office, the people who need to take care of their business in one of our offices can be better served.

Mobile driver's license program: Californians can now use Apple Wallet to show ID

DMV visit still required

For those renewing their license who are 70 and older, a DMV office visit is still required for a vision exam and an updated photo.

Some renewal notices for customers with licenses that expire in 2024 may indicate a knowledge test is required, but it will be waived during the in-office visit.

The DMV encourages customers to start their application online to minimize the amount of time it takes to complete the process in an office.

First-time drivers

First-time drivers and those new to California will still be required to take a knowledge test, as will those renewal customers with poor driving records.

Those drivers up for license renewal who have points on their record will be eligible for the eLearning course, available in English, Spanish and Chinese.

Drivers whose records meet any of the following conditions are still required to take the knowledge test:

Two or more accidents during the two years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

Three or more accidents during the three years immediately preceding the expiration of the license.

A DUI suspension during the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

A violation point count greater than one within the two years immediately preceding the expiration date of the license.

For Californians who are required to take a knowledge test, choosing an online option for testing significantly reduces the amount of time customers need to spend in an office. This improves DMV customer service by reducing office congestion and wait times, DMV officials said.

As part of its customer-focused digital transformation, the DMV is processing the following transactions online, via kiosk, phone, mail or business partner only:

Simple vehicle registration renewals that are not past the due date nor require an address change.

Drivers license renewals that do not require an in-person visit.

Requests for copies of vehicle registration records, which show a vehicles ownership history.

Requests for copies of drivers license records, which show a drivers history.

Replacing a lost or stolen drivers license card.

Customers can also use the Service Advisor on the website to learn their options to complete DMV tasks.

In the High Desert, DMV offices are located at 14855 Corta Dr. in Victorville, and in Barstow at 528 E. Virginia Way.

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: DMV knowledge test no longer required for California drivers over 70
Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer discusses an update in the ongoing investigation of Morgan Nick's 1995 kidnapping during a press conference at the Alma Police Department on Oct. 1, 2024. (Antoinette Grajeda/Arkansas Advocate)

ALMA  New DNA evidence firmly connects Billy Jack Lincks to the disappearance of Morgan Nick nearly 30 years ago, making him an official suspect, Almas police chief announced Tuesday.

Nick was six years old when she was abducted in 1995; shes never been found. Lincks died in prison in 2000 while serving time for another crime.

Last December, investigators submitted evidence theyd collected from a pickup Lincks once owned to Texas-based Othram Laboratory, which offers advanced DNA testing. Officers had located the current owner of the truck in 2020.

A report sent from the lab on Friday determined that hair that was tested belonged to Morgans mom, Colleen, or one of Colleens siblings or children. Alma Police Chief Jeff Pointer said officials spent the weekend conducting follow-up interviews with the Nick family and determined none of them knew Lincks or had been in a truck similar to the one that was investigated.

Having physical evidence that strongly indicates Morgan was in Lincks truck is the most significant breakthrough in the case, Pointer said.

The most important thing here is Morgan is still missing, but weve reached a point where we can concentrate on one suspect to determine the circumstances surrounding Morgans abduction, he said. this investigation is not over, it is ongoing and active.

In the wake of this development, Pointer said investigators are working to expand their understanding of Lincks and his activities through additional interviews and re-interviews of known associates, as well as locating any additional physical evidence.

Colleen Nick speaking at a podium

Colleen Nick has continued to tell her daughters story and advocate for families of missing children through the Morgan Nick Foundation, which she launched in 1996. On Tuesday, Colleen said Lincks stole Morgan from her family.

But he didnt see that he could never win because our love for Morgan, her memory and her voice outlasted his life, and that love continues to shine, she said. Her heart, Morgans heart shines on.

Lincks was serving a sentence for a 1996 conviction for sexual indecency with a child when he died in prison at the age of 75, according to the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette.

Morgan Nick was kidnapped from the Alma Little League ballfield on June 9, 1995. A description of a suspect and a red truck with a white camper shell that were allegedly involved were provided at that time, according to a press release from Arkansas State Police.

photo of Morgan Nick

In the nearly three decades since, local, state and federal law enforcement officials have spent thousands of hours working more than 10,000 leads in the case, Pointer said.

Lincks, a Van Buren resident and an early person of interest, was arrested on Aug. 29, 1995, for sexual solicitation of a child. He used his red truck during the offense. Lincks denied any knowledge of Morgans abduction when questioned by police on Aug. 31, 1995, so investigators moved on, according to the press release.

During a review of the early stages of the investigation, Alma police in July 2019 were drawn to Lincks and located his truck, which had been sold several times over the years. The current owner, who had no knowledge of Lincks, gave permission to examine the truck for evidence, Pointer said.

The FBI Evidence Response Team examined the truck in 2020 and retained custody of the evidence. Alma Police Detective Shawn Taylor retrieved the evidence in 2023 after learning of advanced testing processes and submitted it for analysis, according to the press release.

Pointer thanked ASP for providing the funding necessary to conduct the analysis during Tuesdays press conference.

The Alma Police Department is seeking the publics help in solving the case, Pointer said, and anyone with information can call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST.

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LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A teenagers online DNA test led her family to file a lawsuit Monday against a Las Vegas fertility clinic, alleging the wrong embryo was implanted in her mother 18 years ago and the parents who raised her are not biologically related to her, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Until 2023, the teenagers parents believed their daughter was the result of in vitro fertilization  an embryo created, in this case, from the fathers sperm and a donor egg, the lawsuit said. An Ancestry.com DNA test showed the teenagers parents are not biologically related to her.

My client had more tears than Ive ever seen someone shed, because what he thought was his daughter  isnt, attorney Robert Murdock said. Murdock filed the lawsuit Monday in Clark County District Court. The teenagers mother died in 2022 before her daughter took the test. Murdock spoke with the 8 News Now Investigators on behalf of the daughter and her father.

In 2004, the couple sought help in conceiving a child from the now-closed Nevada Fertility C.A.R.E.S., Murdock said.

FILE  Lauren Gilbert, senior manager for public services for the Center for Jewish History, handles Ancestry DNA test kits the center offers free to Holocaust survivors, Tuesday, Nov. 29, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/Ted Shaffrey)

IVF is an absolutely amazing thing, Murdock said. We are living in amazing times that we can help out couples who have fertility issues. Its an amazing thing.

According to the lawsuit, the couple chose an egg donor based in Arizona to combine with the fathers sperm to have a child.

This was a way to have his heritage move on and it turns out its not and its a little too late for that, Murdock said.

According to the lawsuit, the DNA result showed that neither the teenagers fathers sperm nor the donor egg were implanted in the mother. Instead, the implant embryo came from another Las Vegas couple, the lawsuit said.

FILE  A container with frozen embryos and sperm stored in liquid nitrogen is removed at a fertility clinic in Fort Myers, Fla., Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

It was unclear what happened to the original embryo  the one from the teenagers father and the egg donor  and if that embryo was implanted in another woman, the lawsuit said.

Is your client worried that he could have fathered children that he doesnt even know about? 8 News Now Investigator David Charns asked Murdock.

Because again, where did that embryo go? Murdock said. Was that implanted in someone else?

Nevada Fertility C.A.R.E.S. and its subsequent fertility clinic run under the same doctor named in the lawsuit ceased operation in the early 2010s, records said. The lawsuit names the doctor and the embryologist who reportedly worked with the family. Both the doctor and embryologist remain working in the IVF industry, the lawsuit said.

FILE  In this Tuesday, Oct. 2, 2018 photo, containers holding frozen embryos and sperm are stored in liquid nitrogen at a fertility clinic in Fort Myers, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky, File)

The doctor has no citation history with the Nevada Board of Medical Examiners, however, around the same time as the reported mix-up, records show she settled a $30,000 lawsuit for negligence in freezing and storing embryos, documents said.

In this case, the biological child is not his, so as a result, he has to go adopt her, Murdock said, adding her birth certificate will also have to be amended. The real point of this is finding out what happened, why and hopefully making sure that this is the only mistake out there.

Neither the doctor nor the embryologist named in the lawsuit returned requests for comment Monday. The lawsuit cites negligence and malpractice and demands a jury decide any culpability and potential damages.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Workers at New York and New Jerseys ports have joined thousands across the country in a strike Tuesday, which could affect the availability of some goods.

If this strike lasts more than a few days, it could affect the availability of bananas, coffee, alcohol, cars and car parts. Foods like grains will not be affected. The White House predicts the strike could create significant changes to food prices or availability, but shortages are unlikely.

Tim Pearson, aide to Mayor Eric Adams, resigns

Furniture and raw materials like wood and cotton could also be affected, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The impact on medicines, medical devices and infant formula is likely to be limited.

People do not need to rush out to the grocery store and stockpile goods, Gov. Kathy Hochul said. We are not there.

The strike is not expected to affect heating oil, gasoline and diesel, or municipal solid waste in the area, according to a spokesperson for the White House.

The strike  the first of its kind in 47 years  kicked off at midnight Tuesday, including 36 ports from Maine to Texas. Those ports handle roughly half of the nations cargo from ships.

Some 4,500 workers in New York were expected to join, Hochul said.

It comes after failed contract negotiations between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremens Association, which says workers were offered an unacceptable wage package. The existing contract expired Tuesday, and the strike could last weeks  or months.

The workers are asking for a 77% wage increase over six years and a ban on automation. The average salary for a dock worker ranges from $88,000 to $200,000 a year with overtime.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance was only prepared to concede a 50% wage increase with limited automation restrictions. The alliance also said its offer tripled employer contributions to retirement plans and strengthened health care options.

Workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing, said a representative of the association. In addition, the shippers are gouging their customers that result in increased costs to American consumers.

Preparations have already started in New York, Hochul said. The federal government has also stepped in to aid with negotiations, according to a statement from the White House.

In preparation for this moment, New York has been working around the clock to ensure that our grocery stores and medical facilities have the essential products they need, Hochul said.

If a strike were deemed a danger to U.S. economic health, President Joe Biden could, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, seek a court order for an 80-day cooling-off period. This would suspend the strike.

But Biden, during an exchange with reporters on Sunday, said no when asked if he planned to intervene to plan a potential work stoppage impacting East Coast ports.

This story comprises reporting from the Associated Press.

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Union chief Harold Daggett, clad in a blue sweatshirt that read The Docks Are Ours, relished the fear he says gripped his negotiating rivals when they saw his opposition to automation  a key sticking point in the first strike on the US East and Gulf ports since 1977.

You guys dont realize it but youre making history, Daggett said through a bullhorn early Tuesday to members of the International Longshoremens Association who had just joined the picket line outside the Port of New York and New Jersey. I got strong language thats going to go in the new contract  theyre scared.

Its too early to enshrine Daggetts ILA in the annals of union lore. But theres little doubt that paralysis at the nations ports heading into the holidays and a contested presidential election provides him solid leverage against the United States Maritime Alliance, the group of shipping lines and port operators.

As day one of the strike unfolded, economists were trying to quantify the damage from the supply-chain disruption caused by the closure of every major maritime trade gateway from Boston to Houston. The estimates range from $1 billion to $5 billion a day in delayed or lost activity.

The strike will disrupt production and lead to loss of income for affected workers, with spillovers down the supply chain, according to Bloomberg Economics Anna Wong and Nicole Gorton-Caratelli. We estimate a hit to GDP of as much as $3 billion per day from forgone spending and production. A week-long strike could knock 0.3 percentage point off annualized GDP.

In Washington, Democrats and Republicans alike are struggling to navigate the political impact just five weeks before a close presidential election. On one hand, supporting a union thats shutting down parts of the economy in a fight for higher wages and job security could alienate voters worried about supply chain disruptions and shortages. On the other, intervening to ease the economic pressure risks losing crucial blue-collar support in the process.

So far, President Joe Biden has made no move to invoke his authority to send the union back to work and resume negotiations, despite growing pressure from business groups urging him to act quickly.

Just one day of paused operations will have devastating consequences on the economy, and hardworking American families will feel the impact of higher prices, empty shelves, and lost economic output, US House Speaker Mike Johnson said on Tuesday.

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For the economy, its more of a slow-rolling tremor than a sudden shock. Ships unable to offload cargo, pickup exports or find alternative routes will instead drop anchor and wait it out. Those delays will reduce shipping capacity ahead of the holiday shopping season, forcing spot freight rates higher.

Holiday Wine

John Wrenn, chief operating officer of MHW Ltd., a Manhasset, New York-based beer, wine and spirits distributor, said hes worried about getting products delivered across the ocean in time for the holiday season  and in a way that still allows for a profit.

A 40-foot container costs about $4,000 to $5,000 to ship to the US from Europe, but now there are peak-season and strike-related surcharges adding another $1,500 to $2,000. In just a few weeks, the rate has gone up 30% to 40%.

Bringing merchandise into the US through the West Coast doesnt look viable yet, and air cargo rates are prohibitively expensive, he said. It wont take long for this snowball and really hurt the holiday season, Wrenn said.

Peanut butter and jelly maker J.M. Smucker Co., based in Ohio, said it relies on imports of finished goods and raw materials from both the East and Gulf coasts. The company has said it plans in place to keep business moving, including making adjustments to its manufacturing plans and evaluating West Coast routes. Still, in the event of an extended strike, the company will need to evaluate supply chain impacts.

A Walmart Inc. spokesman said the company prepares for supply chain disruptions and maintains additional sources of supply.

Costco Wholesale Corp. executives said last week that the strike is expected to affect a chunk of non-food items that it imports. Non-food items make up about 25% of Costcos total business. The company has shipped holiday goods and some products earlier to get ahead of the strike.

While Pringles maker Kellanova says it has not experienced significant impacts to its supply chain, it is developing contingency plans to make sure it can still get its products to consumers.

Conagra Brands, Inc., which makes brands like Slim Jim and Duncan Hines, says theyve been working with suppliers in preparation for the strike for months, and expect to be able to get through the strike without significant impact.

Carmaker Contingencies

With the strike only just starting, automakers and other manufacturers in the US that rely on a regular flow of foreign-made parts and export sales have activated their plan Bs hoping to avoid widespread problems.

Toyota Motor Corp. said its monitoring the situation closely and mulling contingency plans to minimize any impact on car buyers and dealers, a spokesman for its US operations said Monday. The carmaker has prepared for a possible strike by building up extra inventory, but the spokesman didnt specify how much.

A General Motors Co. spokesman said the company has made contingency plans and has also been building inventory of parts. Ford Motor Co. is monitoring the situation closely, according to a spokesman, who said it is too early to speculate on potential impacts.

South Korean automaker Hyundai Motor Co. has a factory in Alabama and relies on ports in Philadelphia and Georgia. Our logistics affiliate Hyundai Glovis is closely monitoring the labor situation and works on contingencies daily to ensure the steady processing and delivery of Hyundai vehicles, a company spokesperson said by email.

Airbus SE, the France-based rival of Boeing Co., is aware of the situation and has taken actions to mitigate the potential impact on its operations in Mobile, Alabama, a spokesperson said in an email.

Granite Imports

Smaller businesses are in the crossfire, too.

A stones throw from the Wando Welch container terminal, the largest at South Carolinas Port of Charleston, Scott Hunter fears a strike might delay shipments of the granite slabs he needs for his elaborate outdoor kitchen and grill arrangements, which come from the Mediterranean region and South America.

For now, the owner of Palmetto Outdoor Kitchens of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina thinks theres enough granite in coastal South Carolina to make do, but a prolonged strike might stress that.

Another fear is that the strike may lead to huge backups of ships and trucks, which already back up along Long Point Road leading to the terminal. I dont know what theyre going to do, Hunter said.

Global Ambitions

During his pep talk on Tuesday, as he rallied a small number of the 45,000 longshore workers fighting for higher pay and against automation, Daggett mentioned plans to take his campaign against port automation global.

He wants to organize dockworkers all over the world to disrupt operations at port terminals owned by companies that are planning to add automated technology, regardless of where.

And when we finally do get a contract Im going to go to Portugal with every union in the maritime to take these companies on over automation, he said. And if automation arrives at ports in Chile, well shut them down for three weeks around the world.

--With assistance from Michael Sasso, Siddharth Philip, Keith Naughton, David Welch, Heejin Kim and Jaewon Kang.

(Updates with analysis from Bloomberg Economics, additional companies.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Longshoremen walk a picket line outside the Dundalk Marine Terminal in Baltimore on Oct. 1, 2024, the first day of an International Longshoremens Association strike against East Coast and Gulf Coast ports. (Danielle Brown / Maryland Matters)

After 45,000 dockworkers went on strike Tuesday for the first time in decades at 36 U.S. East and Gulf Coast ports, Utah Inland Port Authority officials said its too early to tell how the standoff will impact Utah goods.

However, if the strike lasts weeks, it could snarl some of Utahs supply chains and result in delays, shortages or higher prices of critical goods such as grocery items, car parts and holiday products, according to a Utah Inland Port Authority news release issued Tuesday.

We are monitoring the situation closely to understand any potential impacts on Utahs supply chains, Ben Hart, executive director of the Utah Inland Port Authority, said in a prepared statement. While its too early to gauge the full extent of the disruption, we are staying informed and will provide updates as needed.

It all depends on how long the strike lasts  and when dockworkers and port operators may eventually reach an agreement over wages and automation.

The severity of impact economically really is  directly tied to how long this lasts, Utah Inland Port Authority Executive Director Ben Hart told Utah News Dispatch. So if this lasts 24 hours, its not going to be a huge disruption. But if it goes on weeks or months, it will be a significant disruption.

About 20% of Utahs imports come from East and Gulf Coast ports affected by the strike. However, the good news is most of Utahs imports (80%) come from West Coast ports, which are operational after their dockworkers struck a more generous contract last year, the Associated Press reported.

But Hart said the strike could increase pressure on those West Coast ports, and if it drags on, theres only so much strain and stress the West Coast ports can take before it starts to affect us. Plus, he said theres already plenty of demand for shipped goods.

In September, we saw our highest volume month since August 2021 during the height of the pandemic, Hart said. If the strike is long lasting, all types of goods  from housing construction materials, to oil, to everyday essentials  could face delays, shortages or higher prices.

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Everything that touches our lives to a certain degree comes through these ports, Hart said. So its not just one type of commodity or good. It really is related to just about anything we purchase that is imported into the U.S., which is most things nowadays.

Hart said its not a time to panic, but the longer this drags on, the more its probably good to make sure youve got a good stockpile of key goods, key staples that Utahns rely on day to day.

The far-reaching strike came after the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and the U.S. Maritime Alliance (USMX) failed to reach a new six-year contract by the Monday midnight deadline.

The dockworkers union appears positioned to have an upper hand in negotiations, the AP reported, given a number of factors: pressure from Hurricane Helene, peak shipping season for holiday goods, rising public support for organized labor, and backing from President Joe Bidens pro-union administration. If it begins to affect voters across the country, the strike could also become an important factor in the looming presidential election.

The dockworkers union, ILA, has argued for increased wages (some reports say theyre seeking as much as a 77% raise over the six-year contract), better health care benefits, and a ban on automation that eliminates dockworker jobs. After months of stalemate, the two sides exchanged offers Monday, according to shippers, but no deal was reached and workers walked out after midnight, Maryland Matters reported.

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Earlier Monday, the dockworkers union blamed the shippers alliance for causing the strike by blocking the path toward a settlement  by refusing ILAs demands for a fair and decent contract, Maryland Matters reported.

The shippers alliance turned blame back on the union, saying it has refused to negotiate. The alliance filed an unfair labor practices complaint against the union with the National Labor Relations Board on Thursday, the outlet reported.

The Biden administration has continued to ask the shippers alliance to negotiate a fair contract for the dockworkers, emphasizing their importance in the nations economy.

As our nation climbs out of the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, dockworkers will play an essential role in getting communities the resources they need, Biden said in a prepared statement. Now is not the time for ocean carriers to refuse to negotiate a fair wage for these essential workers while raking in record profits.

However, Biden said Sunday that he did not plan to intervene, saying its an agreement that needs to be hashed out between the union and the shippers alliance.

Hart said the Utah Inland Port Authority is not taking an official position regarding the strike, but he said theyre hopeful for a resolution sooner rather than later.

We just want to see both sides feel like theyre treated fairly and amicably and theres a solution thats reached, Hart said, noting that the disagreement stabs at the heart of core issues that are crucial for the nations future technology and how it impacts the economy and jobs.

Hart added, however, that workers rights are important, and when youve got the power of 45,000 workers, they can almost literally bring an entire national industry to its knees overnight.

Thats a pretty significant leverage position, Hart said, so we hope it comes to a close quickly.

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SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  Thousands of dockworkers at 36 ports across the eastern United States are on strike for the first time in decades  and depending on the duration of the strike, businesses and consumers could see shortages and price hikes throughout the country.

Workers began walking picket lines early Tuesday in a strike over wages and the ports use of automation, though some progress was reported in negotiations over a new contract. The existing contract between the ports and about 45,000 members of the International Longshoremens Association expired at midnight on Oct. 1.

READ NEXT: Seven Utah hotels earn coveted MICHELIN Keys

The extent of the strikes effects on Utahns depends on how long the strike lasts, as most major retailers prepared for a potential strike by moving ahead shipments of holiday gifts, stocking up on goods, or transferring goods to the West Coast.

However, if the work stoppage drags out for more than a few weeks, officials say consumers could feel the effects.

The Utah Inland Port Authority  the states entity for economic development and logistics released a statement saying 20% of Utahs imports come from East and Gulf Coast ports. UIPA authorities said that the strike could result in delays of critical goods such as grocery items, car parts, and holiday products.

Ben Hart, the executive director of the UIPA, said they are actively monitoring the strike and will provide updates on how it might affect Utahns as the situation develops.

We are monitoring the situation closely to understand any potential impacts on Utahs supply chains, Hart said. While its too early to gauge the full extent of the disruption, we are staying informed and will provide updates as needed.

While consumers are not likely to feel the effects of the strike immediately, supplies of perishable goods  bananas, in particular  could be impacted soon. Businesses will likely face the challenges of the strike long before consumers do as they may have to sacrifice profits to keep prices stable.

Learn more about potential political and economic effects nationwide in the Associated Press article here.

___

Krisher reported from Detroit, Grantham-Philips from New York. Associated Press journalists Ben Finley in Norfolk, Virginia, Anne DInnocenzio and Mae Anderson in New York, Dee-Ann Durbin in Detroit, Josh Boak in Washington, and Annie Mulligan in Houston contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Some Georgia doctors are concerned about the potential reinstatement of a ban on abortions. A judge overturned Georgias Heartbeat Bill on Monday, allowing abortions to resume.

Amber Thurmans story highlighted the consequences of the Heartbeat Bill. Thurman died after waiting 20 hours for Piedmont Henry doctors to treat complications from an abortion pill.

Shes gone because they allowed her to suffer, Thurmans sister Cjauna CJ Williams told Channel 2 investigative reporter Sophia Choi.

I want to know why. As her mom, this is the hardest thing, said her mother, Shanette Williams.

A medical committee later deemed Thurmans death preventable.

According to the familys attorneys, Georgias Heartbeat Bill, which banned abortions after six weeks, still provided doctors with options to treat her, but they failed to do so.

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One is a medical emergency which is the life of the mother and two, you dont have a viable fetus, Michael Harper, the attorney, said.

A judge overturned the Heartbeat Bill on the grounds that it was unconstitutional and infringed on womens rights. This ruling now permits abortions up to 22 weeks instead of six.

Attorney General Chris Carrs spokesperson stated, We believe Georgias LIFE Act is fully constitutional, and we will immediately appeal the lower courts decision.

State Sen. Ed Setzler, who sponsored the Heartbeat Bill, defended the legislation.

We were criticized for passing the Life Act that we passed because we didnt ban all abortions. Theres a balance we tried to strike here in Georgia, Setzler said.

Pro-choice advocates anticipate a court battle ahead. In the meantime, some doctors plan to perform as many procedures as possible.

Since the six-week ban went into effect, we have regularly had to turn people away when a heartbeat was detected. As of today, we will have to turn no one away, said Kwajelyn Jackson, the executive director of the Feminist Womens Health Center.

Thurmans family hopes the new ruling will help others avoid similar tragedies.

I would hate for this to happen to another mother, sister, cousin, aunt. But Amber is gone, CJ Williams said.

The Thurmond family plans to sue the hospital and wants the state to address potential racial factors involved in their case.

RELATED NEWS:
A doctor has told the public inquiry into Lucy Letbys crimes that he felt "ashamed" for "failing to protect" babies from the former nurse.

Consultant paediatrician Dr John Gibbs, now retired, was working at the Countess of Chester Hospital when Letby began attacking vulnerable babies on the neonatal unit in June 2015.

He told the Thirlwall Inquiry that relationships between consultants and nurses became "strained" as babies began to collapse and die without explanation.

He said the parents would now want to know how their children were able to come to harm, rather than receive "belated apologies".

He told the inquiry: "I do deeply regret and I am ashamed that I failed to protect the babies from harm by Lucy Letby, but I do understand that the parents concerned probably now would prefer explanations rather than belated apologies."

Dr Gibbs, who started working in Chester in 1994, said he felt he and his colleagues were "at fault" for not bypassing management in the summer of 2016 when suspicions had been shared with executive directors.

The hospital did not formally contact Cheshire Constabulary for almost a year.

Dr John Gibbs said some senior staff had initially failed to take suspicions seriously [BBC]

The inquiry heard that emails sent by Dr Gibbs in June 2015 reflected concerns about a "cluster" of three deaths on the neonatal unit that month  infants later referred to as Babies A, C and D.

Dr Gibbs told Lady Justice Thirlwall that around that time it had been noted in "informal discussions" how Letby was present in those cases, as well as the unexpected collapse of another child, Baby B.

However, he said there was no suspicion of deliberate harm by July 2015 and he and his colleagues believed she had simply been "unlucky" and on a "bad run".

But by February 2016, he agreed that concerns had begun to "coalesce" about whether a member of staff was causing deliberate harm.

He told the inquiry he could not remember whether suspicions began to form before the end of 2015, but the "big worry" followed an internal review in February which examined mortality rates and showed a breakdown of how many incidents Letby had been on duty for.

The review also revealed that six babies had deteriorated suddenly between the hours of midnight and 04:00.

He said: "I didnt realise there had been quite so many deaths either, so the full enormity of it started to hit me when I saw that review."

Lucy Letby was first arrested at her home in Chester in 2018 [Cheshire Constabulary]

Dr Gibbs said that at that point, however, he was also conscious that a nurse had been wrongly accused of killing patients in the 2011 Stepping Hill Hospital case, before the correct culprit, Victorino Chua, was eventually jailed.

"You dont have to have to be a perpetrator to be unfortunate and be on duty when sad events keep happening," he said.

"And I did know that nurse Letby tended to be around on the neonatal unit a bit more than other nurses because she did extra shifts."

He also told the inquiry about the "pushback" from senior nurses when concerns were raised about Letby.

Growing suspicions

"One aspect that made it more difficult to be sure, to try to help confirm those suspicions, was a very strong argument being put forward from the senior nurse on the unit that this suspicion was totally wrong and that we were maligning nurse Letby and she was a very competent safe nurse," he said.

However, the inquiry heard that by the summer of 2016, the deaths of two triplets as well as a series of other inadequately explained collapses, hardened suspicions about Letby.

On 29 June, Dr Gibbs was included in an email chain which discussed specific concerns about Letby and also included medical director Ian Harvey.

In that exchange, Mr Harvey told the consultants, including Dr Gibbs, that the issue was being taken seriously and asked for "all emails to cease forthwith".

Dr Gibbs said on 30 June there was a specific discussion amongst the consultants about whether Letby had been harming babies by injecting them with air bubbles.

He told the inquiry that he now believed that he and the other consultants should have bypassed senior management and contacted the police themselves - a year before hospital bosses actually did so.

Letby, 34, from Hereford, is serving 15 whole-life orders after she was convicted of murdering seven infants and attempting to murder seven others.

The inquiry continues.

This is a distressing case, so if you - or someone you know - need help after reading about it, the details of organisations offering assistance can be found on the BBC Action Line.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.
We recently published a list of 10 Best Oil and Gas Penny Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) stands against the other best oil and gas penny stocks to buy.

The global oil and gas industry is witnessing a surge in investments, reflecting its resilience amidst an evolving energy landscape. Despite growing attention toward renewable energy sources, the demand for oil and gas remains robust, driven by the ever-increasing needs of both developed and developing economies. As the worlds appetite for energy intensifies, so does the necessity for sustained capital investment in the oil and gas sector.

According to the Upstream Oil and Gas Investment Outlook, a report by the International Energy Forum and S&P Global Commodity Insights, annual upstream investments must increase by $135 billion to reach $738 billion by 2030 to ensure a stable supply. This figure represents a 15% rise compared to estimates from a year ago and is 41% higher than projections made two years ago. This escalation is attributed to rising production costs and an improved demand outlook. The report indicates that a cumulative $4.3 trillion will be needed for upstream investments between 2025 and 2030, even as demand growth plateaus.

The rise in upstream capital expenditures, which grew by $63 billion year-on-year in 2023 and is expected to increase by another $26 billion in 2024, has placed the annual investment level above $600 billion for the first time in a decade. Notably, North America is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth, accounting for a third of the spending in 2024. However, Latin America is emerging as a vital player in the global supply chain, poised to become the largest source of incremental capital expenditure growth in 2024, surpassing North America for the first time in two decades. The regions prominence is set to continue through 2030, particularly in conventional crude projects, with substantial expansions planned in Brazil and Guyana. These developments underscore the ongoing importance of the Americas in the global oil and gas supply chain.

The industrys improved investment landscape is also driven by factors such as resilient production in regions like Russia, Iran, and Venezuela, despite geopolitical challenges. Additionally, non-OPEC supply has exceeded expectations, and spare production capacity has been restored. Nevertheless, the risk of underinvestment and potential supply shortages could resurface if commodity prices, geopolitical dynamics, or environmental regulations shift significantly.

Story continues

Meanwhile, OPEC remains a crucial player in maintaining market stability. In an address to the International Chamber of Commerce in Vienna, Dr. Hasan M. Qabazard, Director of the Research Division at OPEC, emphasized the organizations commitment to ensuring energy security and meeting future demand. He highlighted that while energy prices have been volatile, the global economy has shown resilience, and market stability remains a top priority. OPECs strategy aims to balance the supply and demand dynamics, ensuring that oil continues to play a vital role in the energy mix for decades to come.

The current environment presents a promising opportunity for investors looking to capitalize on the resurgence of the oil and gas sector, particularly in the penny stock category. While penny stocks are often associated with higher risk due to their low price and smaller market capitalization, they also offer substantial upside potential. Many companies in this category are well-positioned to benefit from the increasing capital inflow into the industry, making them attractive options for investors seeking exposure to the oil and gas markets at a relatively low entry point.

Our Methodology

For this article, we used the Finviz screener and identified 20 stocks in the oil and gas sector having Buy or Buy-equivalent ratings from analysts and with share prices under $5, as of September 27. Next, we examined Insider Monkeys data on 912 hedge funds as of Q2 2024. We narrowed down our list to 10 stocks most widely held by institutional investors and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them as of Q2 of 2024.

At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A technician in a jumpsuit working on a pumping system in an oil and gas well.

TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 22

Share Price: $2.90

TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) is an energy services and solutions company that operates through two primary segments: Completion Fluids & Products and Water & Flowback Services. The Completion Fluids & Products division manufactures and markets clear brine fluids, additives, and associated products for use in well drilling and workover operations. It serves clients in the United States and international markets, including Latin America, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. The Water & Flowback Services segment provides water management solutions for onshore oil and gas operators, including frac flowback, well testing, and other services.

In Q2 2024, TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) reported a solid performance, driven by robust growth across its business segments. Revenue increased by 14% sequentially, and the companys adjusted EBITDA rose by 32%. The Completion Fluids & Products segment achieved an impressive adjusted EBITDA margin of 28.9%, while the Water & Flowback Services segment saw a notable improvement in margins, rebounding from 9.6% in Q1 to 15.2% in Q2. This sequential improvement of 560 basis points reflects the companys focus on optimizing operations and cost efficiency. Despite lower U.S. onshore rig activity, which declined 16% year-over-year, TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) revenue was only down 2%, indicating its resilience in a challenging market environment.

One of the key drivers of TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) future growth is its CS Neptune project in the Gulf of Mexico. The company secured a three-well deepwater fluids project for a major oil and gas operator, marking a significant milestone. This project is expected to generate material revenue starting in Q4 2024 and throughout 2025. Furthermore, TETRA is actively pursuing strategic initiatives in water desalination and beneficial reuse, positioning itself as a leader in environmental solutions for the oil and gas industry.

Hedge fund interest in TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) remains stable, with 22 hedge funds holding the stock as of Q2 2024, compared to 23 in the previous quarter. This demonstrates consistent institutional confidence in the companys long-term potential. Overall, TETRA Technologies, Inc. (NYSE:TTI) focus on high-margin projects, strategic expansions in emerging markets, and strong fundamentals make it a compelling investment in the oil and gas sector.

Overall TTI ranks 4th on our list of best oil and gas penny stocks to buy. While we acknowledge the potential of TTI as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than TTI but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
What Doctors Want You to Know About Free COVID Tests

What Doctors Want You to Know About Free COVID Tests





The government is sending out free COVID tests again.

Sign-up is quick and easy.

Doctors recommend getting your tests for the just-in-case.

Cases of COVID-19 are dropping after the summer wave, but theyre expected to increase again heading into respiratory virus season. Now, the government is once again offering free COVID tests to help you prepare for whats ahead.

This is the seventh round of distribution of free COVID-19 tests, allowing households to save money and be prepared to detect the virus if they happen to develop symptoms.

COVID-19 testing can help you know if you have COVID-19 so you can decide what to do next, like getting treatment to reduce your risk of severe illness and taking steps to lower your chances of spreading the virus to others, the U.S. Department for Health and Human Services (HHS) says on its website.



Meet the experts: Richard Watkins, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University; William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine; infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security

So, how can you get free COVID tests? Heres the deal.

How to order free COVID tests online

If youve ordered free COVID tests in the past, youre probably familiar with this process. If not, its fairly straightforward. Visit COVIDtests.gov and click the button that says, order free at-home tests.

From there, youll be sent to the USPS website and asked to fill in basic informationyour first and last name, email, and address. After that, select check out now and youll be shipped four free at-home COVID-19 tests for your household. The whole process takes about a minute or less, depending on how fast you type.

Worth noting: If you dont want to order your tests online, you can call 1-800-232-0233 instead to order them over the phone.

Which COVID tests will I get?

Its unclear which brand or brands the government is shipping out this time around. However, the HHS says that the tests meet this criteria:

Theyre rapid antigen at-home tests

They can be taken at home

They give results within 30 minutes

Your test may say its expired, but its really not

All COVID-19 tests come with an expiration date, but you may be able to use your test past the date printed on the box. Why? For tests that may be used past the date listed, the manufacturer provided data to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that showed the shelf life is longer than what they knew when the test was originally authorized.

If your free COVID test has an expiration date stamped on the box that has passed, you can double-check it on the FDAs website to make sure that its still good.

Why is it important to get a free test?

At baseline, doctors say its important to sign up for free tests to have them handy in case you need one. It is a means to have easy access to tests without any out-of-pocket costs, so it will incentivize people to get tested when they have symptoms, says infectious disease expert Amesh A. Adalja, M.D., senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center for Health Security.

The timing is also helpful, says Richard Watkins, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and a professor of internal medicine at the Northeast Ohio Medical University. We generally see an uptick in respiratory virus infections around November, so getting tests for home is a good idea now, he says.

While plenty of people havent been testing themselves over concerns theyll need to stay in if they test positive, having tests available is very important for people who are at high risk, says William Schaffner, M.D., an infectious disease specialist and professor at the Vanderbilt University School of Medicine.

If you fall into the high-risk category and you test positive for COVID-19, you can qualify for an antiviral medication like Paxlovid, Dr. Schaffner points out. This medication makes it less likely that your illness will progress such that you need hospitalization, he says.

But, even for everyone else, its helpful to have extra COVID-19 tests around, Dr. Schaffner says. If youre going to grandmothers house for Thanksgiving or another holiday, you might want to make sure everyone has a negative test before they arrive, he says. No one wants to bring COVID to someone elses house and be a dreaded spreader.

When will free COVID tests arrive?

The government plans to start shipping free COVID tests the week of September 30 (i.e. this week), but its not clear exactly how long it will take to process orders and get them into homes.

If you want to keep a close eye on when your test will arrive, you can sign up to receive email alerts when you order your tests.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS) Are the voters being ignored? Thats what some are saying after a new ordinance surrounding marijuana in Colorado Springs city limits was passed earlier this month by City Council.

FOX21 NEWS spoke to City Council members to find out why one measure on the upcoming Nov. 5 Primary ballot wont have much impact, even if it is approved.

The blue on the map below shows a one-mile radius in the Springs where recreationally marijuana will not be allowed to be sold. This is because City Council passed an ordinance banning recreational sales within one mile of K-12 schools, child care centers, or drug & alcohol rehabilitation institutions. Which leaves very little space for dispensaries to operate legally.

Courtesy: City of Colorado Springs

If you put in the city charter that we cant sell it, it essentially takes away the decision of the voters in the future, said City Councilwoman Nancy Henjum, District 5.

On the upcoming ballot, Question 2D will ask Colorado Springs voters to approve or deny the sale of recreational marijuana in city limits.

I think marijuana today is extremely potent. The THC levels are drastically and dramatically higher than they used to be. Its very bad for young brains, for teenagers, even people in their twenties. Your brain is still developing and it really does have an impact on it, said City Councilman Dave Donelson, District 1.

Two years ago, the community rejected the question 54% to 46%, but even if voters decide differently this time around, local dispensaries will have limited areas to operate.

Might be a good idea eventually, but we didnt need to do it now. I think it annoys a lot of citizens. It seems like Big Brother is telling them what to do and they dont like that, added Donelson.

Ballot question 300 asks voters to allow existing medical marijuana licensees to sell recreational pot, but last week Colorado Springs City Council passed an ordinance forbidding retail marijuana outlets from operating within a mile of k12 schools, child care centers, or drug or alcohol rehabilitation institutions, should they ever be permitted in the city.

I think those who are opposed are just vehemently opposed and they want to do everything they can. I mean, its overreach as far as Im concerned, said Henjum. I mean, I think its real overreach on the behalf of this sitting city council to go that far. But theyre very vehement about their position.

Now some City Council members, including one who voted in favor of the ordinance, are saying it should have waited.

I thought we should have waited on that ordinance. I thought we were jumping the gun on that, said Donelson.

Changing the ordinance would require a new votea move Donelson said could be donebut that Henjum said would be difficult at this point.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
When does early voting start in Arizona? Here's what to know about voting by mail

Get ready, Arizonans  voting starts soon.

Election Day isn't until Nov. 5 but mailed ballots go out across the Grand Canyon State starting Oct. 9.

As in previous election cycles, most voters are expected to cast early ballots rather than come out to the polls. They'll weigh in on the top-of-the-ticket presidential contest and U.S. Senate race. They'll get a shot at down-ballot races for critical county and city positions. And, they'll decide more than a dozen statewide ballot propositions on topics such as abortion and immigration.

Are you ready to vote? Here's how to prepare.

When will I receive my vote-by-mail ballot?

If you are a registered voter and you are on the Active Early Voting List, you will automatically be sent a ballot in the mail to vote in the general election. Early voting begins Oct. 9 when ballots are mailed to voters on the Active Early Voting List.

How do I check if I'm registered to vote?

You can check your registration status through My.Arizona.Vote.

To use the site, you'll need to provide one of the following:

Your driver's license number

Your tribal identification card number

The last four digits of your Social Security number

If I'm not registered to vote, can I still sign up?

Yes, but make sure you register before the Oct. 7 voter registration deadline.

You can register to vote online if you have an Arizona driver's license or state ID. Otherwise, you'll need to register with a paper voter registration form. You can return the form to your county recorder by mail or drop it off.

If you wish to vote a full ballot, you must provide proof of citizenship. Remember to include a photocopy of one of these documents:

Your Arizona driver's license

Your Arizona non-operating identification card

Your birth certificate

The photo identification page of your U.S. passport or passport card

Your naturalization documents

Your alien registration number

Your U.S. Bureau of Indian Affairs or tribal identification card

If you do not include proof of citizenship, you can still vote in federal races. That includes the presidential contest and congressional matchups. However, you won't be able to participate in state and local races.

How long is my Arizona ballot?

Many  but not all  Arizona voters will see a two-page, double-sided ballot for the upcoming election. It's one of the longest ballots in recent history.

Remember to check the back of your ballot to ensure you are filling out both sides. Keep your ballot pages together so that they do not get lost or separated.

I'm out of town. Will my ballot be forwarded?

No, your ballot will not be automatically sent to your temporary address. Arizona law does not allow official election materials, such as ballots, to be forwarded by the U.S. Postal Service.

If you need a ballot forwarded, you should contact your county recorder.

How do I return my Arizona ballot?

Once you receive your ballot, you can return it by mail, drop it off at a secure ballot drop box or voting location, or vote a replacement ballot in person.

Some overseas voters have the option of receiving and returning their ballots electronically.

When do I have to return my ballot by mail?

If you're mailing back your ballot, you should put it in the mail no later than seven days before Election Day to ensure it is delivered on time. For the November election, that date is Oct. 24.

All ballots must be received by 7 p.m. on Election Day to be counted.

Postage is prepaid and does not require a stamp.

What if I miss the deadline to mail back my ballot?

You can still vote by dropping off your ballot at a drop box or vote in person at a polling location.

How do I return my ballot via drop box?

If you receive a ballot by mail, you can return it by dropping it off at a secure drop box.

Most Arizona counties offer at least a handful of these boxes. Some are located inside polling places and are only accessible when those sites are open. Others are located outdoors and are available for voters at all times.

To find ballot drop boxes in your area, check your county recorder's website.

Is voting by mail or drop box secure?

Yes, both methods are safe and secure.

Only registered voters may request a ballot in the mail, and each voter must sign the outside of their ballot envelope. Those signatures are checked by election workers before a ballot is counted.

Penalties are steep for tampering with mail, which dissuades theft. The U.S. Postal Service began replacing some outdated boxes last year with ones more resistant to mail tampering.

Election officials say drop boxes are under constant camera surveillance. Different counties also take various additional security measures, such as installing GPS tracking devices and tamper-proof tabs on the boxes.

Bipartisan teams are tasked with picking up ballots from regional postal centers and drop boxes. They fill out forms that establish chain of custody for ballots, which remain unopened until they are signature verified and ready to be counted.

All of that ensures that your ballot stays safe and secure after you vote it.

How do I vote early in person in Arizona?

All voters can cast their ballots in person in Arizona, regardless of whether or not they were mailed a ballot. You can vote early in person or on Election Day.

If you are on the Active Early Voting List, election workers will void your mailed ballot and give you a replacement ballot to vote on. If you were not mailed a ballot, you will receive one when you arrive at the polling place.

Some counties assign polling places to voters based on their voting precinct. Others use a vote center model in which voters can go to any polling place in the county to cast their ballot. Check with your county election officials for details.

ID is required if you vote in person. Acceptable forms of ID include:

Your valid Arizona driver's license

Your valid state identification card

Your tribal enrollment card

Other government-issued identification

Two items such as a utility bill and a bank statement that bear your name and address

Can I track my ballot?

Yes. Maricopa County voters can track their ballot at BeBallotReady.Vote. Pima County voters can track their ballot on the county recorders website. Voters in other parts of Arizona can track their ballot via BallotTrax.

Still have questions?

The Arizona Secretary of State's Office provides contact information for election officials by county.

All voters can contact the Secretary of State's Office at 1-877-THE-VOTE or 602-542-8683.

Sasha Hupka covers county government and election administration for The Arizona Republic. Reach her at sasha.hupka@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X: @SashaHupka. Follow her on Instagram or Threads: @sashahupkasnaps. Sign up for her weekly election newsletter, Republic Recount.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: When will Arizona ballots be mailed? What to know about early voting
Over 100 years after a white mob attacked a then-thriving Black community in Tulsa, Oklahoma, the Department of Justice announced the first-ever federal probe into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The attack on the Greenwood neighborhood, often referred to as "Black Wall Street," left up to 300 people killed and homes and businesses in ruin.

Kristen Clarke, the assistant attorney general for civil rights who announced the review in a statement Monday, referred to the massacre as "one of the deadliest episodes of mass racial violence in this nation's history."

MORE: Last remaining Tulsa Race Massacre survivors argue for appeal in reparations lawsuit dismissal

The DOJ's announcement comes after the Oklahoma Supreme Court in June dismissed a reparations case filed by survivors of the massacre without going to trial.

The federal review is being conducted by the Civil Rights Division's Cold Case Unit, which is investigating the crimes under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.

In July, survivors Lessie Benningfield Randle, 109, and Viola Ford Fletcher, 110, made a plea to the Biden administration to invoke the 2007 Act, which allows for cold cases of violent crimes against Black people committed before 1970 to be reopened and investigated.

PHOTO: People raise up their arms during the dedication of a prayer wall outside of the historic Vernon African Methodist Episcopal Church in the Greenwood neighborhood during the centennial of the Tulsa Race Massacre, May 31, 2021, in Tulsa, Okla. (John Locher/AP, FILE)

Damario Solomon-Simmons, lead attorney for the Tulsa Race Massacre Survivors, celebrated the decision in a press conference Monday.

"I'm so excited to announce that this morning, Assistant Attorney General for Civil Rights, Kristen Clarke announced that the United States Federal Government Department of Justice will open a review and evaluation of the 1921 Tulsa race massacre," Solomon-Simmons said.

"It is about time! It only took 103 years," he added.

MORE: Survivors of Tulsa Race Massacre call on President Biden to open investigation into 1921 attack

Solomon-Simmons said that this decision is credited to the multiple meetings with the Department of Justice, both in Washington D.C. and on Zoom, and the continuous fight of the community.

"This community would never stop fighting for reparations. This community would never forget what happened to our people, just for being black, just for being successful," Solomon-Simmons said.

"So we are excited today. This has been a difficult journey, a lot of obstacles, a lot of odds, a lot of opposition, but today we have a victory," he added.

Tiffany Crutcher, a descendant of a survivor of the massacre and founder and executive director of the Terence Crutcher Foundation, said the massacre has been "ignored for far too long."

"Today, my family and community are deeply grateful that the U.S. Department of Justice is finally preparing to review the 1921 Tulsa race massacre. This tragedy has been ignored for far too long," Crutcher said during the press conference.

"I leave you with this quote from my mentor, our mentor, Bryan Stevenson, this community will continue to stand on hope, and hope is what will get you to stand up when people tell you to sit down, and today, we continue to stand."

ABC News' Steve Osunsami contributed to this report.

DOJ announces first-ever federal review of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former President Donald Trump has pulled out of a scheduled interview with CBS News 60 Minutes, the network said in a statement on Tuesday.

The Republican presidential nominee previously accepted an invitation to participate in the long running newsmagazines election special, which was scheduled to air on Monday, Oct. 7, the statement said.

After initially accepting 60 Minutes request for an interview with Scott Pelley, former President Trumps campaign has decided not to participate, the network said. Pelley will address this Monday evening.

The announcement was made hours before the network was scheduled to air the vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Trump campaign spokesperson Steven Cheung disputed the claims in a post on X, insisting that the network begged for an interview but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in. Cheung also said 60 Minutes insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented.

60 Minutes is a relic of the past, unable to keep up with the times and changing media environment, instead turning into liberal, biased propaganda.



Nobody ever says, Oh, did you see what happened on 60 Minutes?



Instead, people usually ask, 60 Minutes is still on?  Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) October 1, 2024

Later in a separate post, Cheung raged against the program, calling it a relic of the past, unable to keep up with the times and changing media environment, instead turning into liberal, biased propaganda.

The campaign referred the Daily Beast to Cheungs post when contacted for comment. The program did not immediately respond to a request for comment from the Daily Beast on Cheungs fact-checking claim.

Speaking from a press conference in Milwaukee, Wisconsin on Tuesday afternoon, Trump said, Id love to do 60 Minutes, I do everything. The former president said he was waiting for an apology from the program for dismissing coverage of the Hunter Biden laptop case in the last election cycle.

They came to me and would like me to do an interview, but first, I want to get an apology because the last time I did an interview with them, if you remember, they challenged me on the computer, Trump said. They said the laptop from hell was from Russia. And I said, it wasnt from Russia it was from Hunter. And I never got an apology, so Im sort of waiting.

Trump Exposes Himself as Whiner-in-Chief in 60 Minutes Interview

The programs interview with Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris will air on Monday as planned, the network said. 60 Minutes said their invitation to the Republican nominee still stands.

Trump previously sat down for an interview with the program before the 2020 presidential election, where he raged against the questions asked by host Lesley Stahl before abruptly walking out.

When you started with me, your first statement was: are you ready for tough questions? Thats no way to talk, Trump told the host before a producer warned them they were running out of interview time.

I think we have enough of an interview here, Trump told an aide. Thats enough. Lets go.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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What Trump said about immigrants being sent to Iowa in recent rally speech

(This story was updated to add new information.)

Former President Donald Trump name-dropped Iowa several times last weekend in his speech on immigration policy during a campaign stop in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin  just across the Mississippi River from the state's eastern border.

Trump's visit to the town of about 5,000 countered Vice President Kamala Harris' first stop at the U.S.-Mexico Border in Douglas, Arizona, on Friday since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee.

Trump told rally-goers in Prairie du Chien Saturday that thousands of immigrants entering the U.S. illegally are being flown into Iowa and across the country.

"We have no idea, anything about them. They could be in Iowa, they could be in Idaho," Trump said. "They could be here because every border right now, running around every state  every state is a border town, every state is a border state."

Trump told the crowd: "Isnt this a wonderful and inspiring speech? Ive got people sitting in the front row  theyre going 'Oh my God.'"

"This is a dark, this is a dark speech.

His recurring claims that immigrants are being flown into the country without legal entry are unfounded, according to fact checks by PolitiFact and the Associated Press. PolitiFact reported that the Biden and Trump administrations have both employed the air transportation service of the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement to transfer adult detainees on flights.

Trump also referred to new data from the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement on thousands of immigrants with criminal convictions in the U.S., accusing Democrats and the Biden administration of releasing them into the country, where they are on the loose.

But reporting from major media outlets such as CBS News and the Washington Post states that Trump and his Republican allies are mischaracterizing the data.

7 Counties in 7 Days: A cross-country road trip to 7 key places in the battle for president

For instance, Trump and his allies claimed that the 13,099 immigrants cited by ICE in a letter were released by Democrats and are at large, posing a danger to U.S. citizens. But Republicans are misinterpreting the ICE data, a DHS spokesperson said in a statement Sunday.

The Washington Post reported that the 13,099 immigrants with murder convictions that ICE stated were on a non-detained list aren't incarcerated because many may already be jailed by federal or local authorities or are serving criminal sentences before being deported.

The list of immigrants with murder convictions stretches back over four decades and includes immigrants who came here during the Trump administration, the Post and CBS News reported.

The Des Moines Register/Mediacom Iowa Poll released this month found that more likely Iowa voters choose Trump over Harris to better handle immigration.

During his Wisconsin speech, Trump mentioned Iowa again when he said people in small towns are terrified about immigrants entering the U.S. illegally even if they haven't arrived in their state yet. He said he's talked to concerned voters in Iowa, Ohio, Michigan, Wisconsin and Pennsylvania.

"Theyre terrified, theyre terrified. And a lot of these people dont want to talk about it because they think its so bad for the town  but theyre going to have to talk because people are being killed," he said. "They are beside themselves, and honestly, I tell you they are not going to take it much longer."

A study this month from the National Institute of Justice found that violent and property crimes committed by immigrants who entered the country illegally were actually lower than U.S.-born citizens.

But Iowa lawmakers have followed other states such as Texas to enact legislation allowing them to enforce immigration on the state level. Gov. Kim Reynolds in April signed a bill, which is now being reviewed by a federal appellate court, that would make it a state crime to enter Iowa after being denied entry or deported in the U.S.

When was former President Donald Trump last in Iowa?

Trump gave remarks in Des Moines Jan. 16 after he was declared winner of the Republican Iowa Caucuses. His campaign stops have focused recently on battleground states, including Wisconsin, where voters who could sway the Nov. 5 general election.

When was Vice President Kamala Harris last in Iowa?

Harris visited Iowa in July for a conversation at Drake University that focused on abortion rights and restrictions. She visited the state days before a law that bans abortion after roughly six weeks of pregnancy in Iowa went into effect.

Similar to Trump, Harris has made the majority of her campaign stops in battleground states.

Sabine Martin covers politics for the Register. She can be reached by email at sabine.martin@gannett.com or by phone at (515) 284-8132. Follow her on X at @sabinefmartin.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Trump name-drops Iowa during Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, visit
California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta speaks next to Anna Nusslock, who says she was denied an emergency abortion in Eureka this year. (California attorney general's office)

California has sued a Humboldt County hospital after a patient said she was denied an emergency abortion this year even as she feared for her life because of miscarriage risks.

Fifteen weeks pregnant with twins, Anna Nusslock rushed to Providence St. Joseph Hospital in Eureka in February, in pain and severely bleeding after her water broke far too soon, according to a lawsuit California Atty. Gen. Rob Bonta filed against the Catholic hospital on Monday. The suit accuses Providence of violating multiple California laws by denying Nusslock abortion care and seeks a court order ensuring that no other patients are denied emergency abortions.

At the hospital, Nusslock said, she was diagnosed with a premature rupture of the membrane of the amniotic sac  a dangerous complication in which an abortion is a recommended treatment.

Doctors deemed that one of the twins would not survive, and that the other's chances were extremely low. They agreed Nusslock needed an abortion as soon as possible to stave off an infection or hemorrhage, the lawsuit says.

Read more: As antiabortion protests escalate, new California law will crack down on harassers

But Nusslock said she was told that because of "hospital policy" an abortion couldn't be done because her life was not at enough risk and one twin still had traceable "heart tones." A doctor suggested she take a helicopter to a hospital nearly 300 miles south in San Francisco and warned that she would die if she tried to make the nearly five-hour drive instead, she said.

A nurse handed her a bucket full of towels for the road to help with the bleeding, the suit alleges, and she ended up spontaneously delivering one of the twins and hemorrhaging at Mad River Community Hospital, 12 miles away on California's rural North Coast.

"I'll never forget looking at my doctor, tears streaming down my face, my heart shattered into a million pieces and just pleading with her, 'Don't let me die,' " Nusslock said at a news conference at the attorney general's office in Sacramento on Monday. "My daughters deserved better, and I deserved better."

The case exposes gaps in abortion care in California, home to the nation's strongest reproductive rights protections, where abortion access is enshrined in the state Constitution, even after the U.S. Supreme Court revoked a federal right to the procedure in 2022 that resulted in abortion bans in Republican-led states.

"Here in California, where we're proud to be a beacon of reproductive justice, we've got a hospital policy reminiscent of heartbeat laws in extremist red states," Bonta said Monday. "Even in California, a champion for reproductive freedom, we are not immune from practices like the one we're seeing today, and we will not stand by as it occurs."

Bonta alleges that Providence violated Californias Emergency Services Law  which mandates care at emergency rooms regardless of any ethical concerns from providers  as well as business discrimination laws and fraudulent business practices laws.

A spokesperson for Providence said the company is reviewing the lawsuit's allegations.

"Providence is deeply committed to the health and wellness of women and pregnant patients and provides emergency services to all who walk through our doors in accordance with state and federal law. We are heartbroken over Nusslocks experience earlier this year," said Bryan Kawasaki, director of national communications.

Religious affiliated hospitals cannot be forced to perform elective abortions, but California law requires emergency healthcare providers to provide medical services to patients "in danger of loss of life or serious injury or illness."

Read more: As Democrats work to make California a haven for abortion access, some cities are pushing back

The law makes no religious exception for abortion services when a hospital like the one Nusslock went to operates an emergency department.

Nusslock and her husband had been trying to have a baby for years, saying that "there's nothing more we want in this world" than to be parents. They experienced multiple miscarriages. After finding out she was pregnant with twins, she said, they were cautiously optimistic. They bought matching baby outfits, decorated their nursery and dreamed of taking the babies to a pumpkin patch for holiday photos.

Her grief turned into anger once she recovered from the rupture and emergency abortion, and she reached out to the American Civil Liberties Union about what actions she could take to keep other mothers from experiencing the same. The ACLU directed her to the attorney general's office.

"I am here today to tell my story for one simple reason, because I don't want other people in my community to experience the same life-threatening trauma that I experienced," Nusslock said after she took a deep breath standing behind a lectern alongside Bonta and her attorney.

Bonta  who called Nusslock's case "tragic and infuriating"  urged the court to work as quickly as possible as Mad River Community Hospital, where Nusslock ultimately received her abortion, plans to close its labor and delivery units next month.

"The next person in Annas situation will face an agonizing choice of risking a multi-hour drive to another hospital or waiting until they are close enough to death for Providence to intervene," Bonta said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Sir John Franklin's Northwest Passage expedition is a moment of history that piques a great deal of interest and imagination today.

The sailors who died trying to escape the Arctic after their ships Terror and Erebus became frozen and icebound in 1846 are a testament to human endurance  and desperation.

The bones of James Fitzjames, captain of the Erebus, who led that last desperate push for home, have been identified. And they tell a harrowing tale.

In 1848, as the remaining 105 sailors abandoned their ships to the pitiless fangs of the ice, Captain Fitzjames penned a grim report, later found in a cairn on King William Island.

"HMS ships Terror and Erebus were deserted on the 22nd April, 5 leagues NNW of this having been beset since 12th Sept 1846," he wrote.

"Sir John Franklin died on the 11th of June 1847 and the total loss by deaths in the Expedition has been to this date 9 officers and 15 men."

Those 105 survivors never made it home, and probably never off the island. Since then, many of the sailors' bones have been found on that remote patch of land. And now we can lay some of them to rest at last.

Daguerreotype of Captain James Fitzjames, taken in May 1845. (Sotheby's)

The identification of James Fitzjames was made by tracking down known descendants and relatives of the crewmembers, and comparing their DNA to that obtained from the bones found on King William Island.

A sample from a descendant of Fitzjames was a successful match with DNA from a tooth from one of the more than 400 bones recovered to date. The identification is only the second ever made of Franklin remains on King William Island.

The jawbone matched to that tooth is what reveals at least some of the fate of Fitzjames. Notches on the bone are consistent with butchering  suggesting that the captain's crew members, likely starving and sick, made what use they could of his corpse  they ate him.

"This shows that he predeceased at least some of the other sailors who perished, and that neither rank nor status was the governing principle in the final desperate days of the expedition as they strove to save themselves," says archaeologist Douglas Stenton of the University of Waterloo in Canada.

Cut marks on what we now know to be the mandible of Captain James Fitzjames. (Stenton et al., J. Archaeol. Sci. Rep., 2024)

This is consistent with reports at the time: British expeditions mounted to find the lost explorers in the 1850s received reports from Inuit residents of King William Island that the survivors' remains showed signs of cannibalism.

Later research conducted in the 1990s revealed the veracity of the reports: bones from at least four of the individuals recovered from the archaeological had evidence of being butchered.

But this is not a salacious tale of wrongdoing, or scandal, but of men at the very limit of their endurance. They were likely starving, and ill, having been deprived of adequate nutrition for quite some time. Food was scarce. In such circumstances, cannibalism can be a last resort for survival.

"It demonstrates the level of desperation that the Franklin sailors must have felt to do something they would have considered abhorrent," says anthropologist Robert Park of the University of Waterloo.

"Ever since the expedition disappeared into the Arctic 179 years ago there has been widespread interest in its ultimate fate, generating many speculative books and articles and, most recently, a popular television miniseries which turned it into a horror story with cannibalism as one of its themes. Meticulous archaeological research like this shows that the true story is just as interesting, and that there is still more to learn."

An 1846 oil painting of HMS Erebus in the Arctic ice by French painter Francois Etienne Musin. (Francois Musin/Public Domain/Wikimedia Commons)

With this research, Fitzjames becomes the first identified victim of cannibalism from the Franklin expedition. His recovered bones have been placed in a cairn, along with the others, and marked with a memorial plaque at the site of their deaths.

Stenton and his colleagues urge any other descendants of the expedition crew members to contact them to try and identify the rest of the remains.

You can read more about Fitzjames in James Fitzjames: The Mystery Man of the Franklin Expedition by William Battersby. You can read more about HMS Erebus in Erebus: The Story of a Ship by Michael Palin. And you can read more about the Franklin expedition in Frozen in Time: The Fate of the Franklin Expedition by Owen Beattie and John Geiger.

The research has been published in the Journal of Archaeological Science: Reports.

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FREETOWN, Mass. (WPRI)  A Providence man has been charged in connection with a head-on crash that critically wounded another man earlier this year.

Anthony Flores, 26, has been charged with operating under the influence causing serious bodily injury, reckless operation of a motor vehicle and assault and battery with a dangerous weapon.

Investigators believe Flores crossed over the center line at a high rate of speed and slammed into another car near the Stop & Shop Distribution Center in Freetown back in April.

The other driver, identified by police as a 68-year-old man, was rushed to St. Lukes Hospital with life-threatening injuries, including several fractures and internal trauma. He is expected to survive, however, police said he faces a long road to recovery.

Flores was also injured and brought to the hospital for treatment, according to police. His next court appearance is scheduled for November.

This investigation is a strong reminder of the dangers of impaired and reckless driving, Freetown Police Chief Scott Rose said. Every time we get behind the wheel, the decisions we make can have profound and sometimes devastating consequences.

We urge everyone to drive responsibly to prevent tragedies like this from happening in our community, he continued.

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Driver dies after crashing into a tree during police pursuit in Caledonia Monday night

A chase involving Racine police officers ended Monday night with the car being chased crashing into a tree, killing the driver.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice is investigating the death that occurred in the Village of Caledonia in Racine County.

Just after 9 p.m., Racine police officers initiated a traffic stop with a vehicle involved in a hit-and-run incident earlier in the day, a Tuesday morning news release from the DOJ said. The vehicle's driver did not comply, and officers initiated a pursuit. According to the release, the driver crashed into a tree at a high rate of speed near the intersection of Four Mile Road and Main Street, a largely residential area.

The release says law enforcement immediately began lifesaving measures, however, the driver died at the scene. Per agency policy, law enforcement personnel involved have been placed on administrative leave. The officers involved were wearing body cameras during the incident.

The Division of Criminal Investigation is leading this death investigation, assisted by the Wisconsin State Patrol Technical Reconstruction Unit, Village of Caledonia Police Department, Racine County Medical Examiner's Office and a DCI Crime Response Specialist.

DCI will turn over investigative reports to the Racine County District Attorney when the investigation concludes, the release says.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Driver dies after crashing during police pursuit in Racine County
We recently published a list of 7 Best Oil Stocks under $20. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX) stands against the other best oil stocks under $20.

The oil industry has long been criticized for its contributions to greenhouse gas emissions and global warming. Despite these concerns, oil remains a critical commodity in todays world as it has historically played a pivotal role in the global industrial, household, and power sectors.

The dynamics of the oil market shifted dramatically two years ago following Russias invasion of Ukraine. Western sanctions on Russia, combined with efforts by European nations to reduce reliance on Russian crude, disrupted global supply chains and drove oil prices to record highs. As mentioned in our previous article 10 Best Oil Stocks Under $20, prices soared to $119 per barrel in March 2023. The impact of sanctions remains, as Russias monthly revenue from seaborne crude oil registered a significant 15% decline in May 2024 compared to the previous month, as reported by The Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.

Demand and Supply in the Oil Market

According to the International Energy Agency, the global oil industry faces a challenging landscape, with slow demand growth coupled with supply chain disruptions. In the first half of 2024, the demand grew by just 800,000 barrels per day (kb/d), which is the slowest increase since 2020. The main contributor to this declining demand is the consistent drop in Chinas consumption in the past four months. The trend in 2024 contrasts with the 2.1 million barrels per day (mb/d) surge in demand seen in 2023. The slowdown in Chinas economy, combined with the shift towards electric vehicles, has driven the decline in global consumption.

On the other hand, the global supply increased in August by 80 kb/d, jumping to 103.5 mb/d. This surge was bolstered by high outputs from countries including Brazil and Guyana. This high demand balanced the production outages in Libya as well as maintenance-related slowdowns in Norway and Kazakhstan. However, OPEC+ countries are expected to face challenges, with supply projected at 810 kb/d by the end of 2024.

Although weaker-than-expected performance in China and falling margins in Europe are putting pressure on refinery activities, refinery output is expected to increase by 440 kb/d in 2024. Moreover, oil prices have declined, with Brent falling by over $10 per barrel in August and early September. This was mainly driven by concerns about Chinese demand, coupled with oversupply fears, according to IEA.

Story continues

Despite challenging circumstances, companies are positioning themselves to align with shifting market dynamics. As a result, the crude oil industry is expected to surge at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 1.8% until 2030, with an expected valuation of $1.6 trillion, according to Maximize Market Research.

Performance of Oil Stocks

Following the decline in oil prices, energy sector stocks have also delivered a mixed performance. The Energy sector surged by 13.3% on a year-to-date basis through July 2024. However, it still lagged behind the broader index by 3%. Thus, with a rapidly changing global scenario, energy sector stocks are expected to see swift movements in the near future.

Methodology

For this list, we scanned the Finviz screener and selected companies involved in the oil industry, focusing on areas relevant to oil production and its products. From that list, we selected companies with share prices under $20 as of September 24, 2024.

Among those, we chose seven companies with the highest number of hedge fund holdings and ranked them in ascending order based on these holdings, as of Q2 2024. Hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkeys hedge fund database, which tracks the activity of 912 hedge funds.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A long convoy of trucks driving across miles of desert, carrying offshore energy services equipment.

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX)

Number of Hedge Funds Holders: 29

Share Price: $10.33

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX) specializes in a range of services for the offshore industry. The company operates across four segments: Well Intervention, Robotics, Production Facilities, and Shallow Water Abandonment.

Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX) reported a revenue of $365 million in Q2 2024. This was significantly up from $296 million in Q1 and $309 million in the same quarter of the previous year. Net income was reported at $32 million, which is a significant recovery from a net loss of $26 million in the previous quarter. Additionally, it reported a strong cash equivalents balance of $275 million, which translated into a total liquidity balance of $370 million by the end of Q2.

The Well Intervention and Robotics segment delivered a strong performance with projects in trenching, along with several deployments in Australia. The Q7000 was deployed in Australia with plans to transition to Brazil for a six-month contract. Moreover, the Q4000 will transition to a six-month contract in Nigeria after completing work in the Gulf of Mexico. This movement will generate strong demand in West Africa. Helix Energy Solutions Group has also been discussing rate increases, particularly in Brazil. This is expected to enhance the profitability of oil-related operations.

Despite the positives, the shallow water abandonment market in the Gulf of Mexico has faced unpredictability. Operators are expected to spend less due to the sluggish working environment. In addition, the output from existing facilities has declined, limiting their contributions. This poses a challenge for the company amidst fluctuating commodity prices. As a result, the stock has declined by nearly 7% in the past month.

However, Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. (NYSE:HLX) is expected to add more wells to its production backlog. As of Q2 2024, 29 hedge funds tracked by Insider Monkey have collectively invested $209 million in the company, placing it on the list of the best energy stocks to buy.

Overall HLX ranks 7th on our list of best oil stocks to buy under $20. While we acknowledge the potential of HLX as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than HLX but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
A gray whale does a bubble blast while foraging for food as seen via drone.

Drone video of gray whales captured over seven years off Oregon has revealed new details about how the giant marine mammals find and eat food.

Among the findings, described in two studies published over the summer, are that gray whales rely on different swimming techniques to collect food based on their sizes and ages and that larger whales are more likely to exhale bubble blasts to help them stay underwater.

Before this study, we thought that any whale used any of those behaviors, said the lead author of both studies, Clara Bird, a researcher at Oregon State Universitys Marine Mammal Institute. No one really thought that there was a pattern in who used which behavior.

Birds research also found that whales use different eating techniques based on the depth of the water in which they search for meals and the habitats of their prey. Such information could aid future conservation efforts, she said, because it provides insight into the types of habitats that might need to be protected to preserve the whales access to food.

While right now were not actively trying to protect specific habitats, its really important to know that whales of different ages might not be all using the same habitat for future concerns, Bird said. Itll help us manage them moving forward.

Drone imagery shows gray whales doing headstands and bubble blasts.

A segment of the gray whale population is listed as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. The entire species once faced a risk of extinction because of commercial hunting. Once common across the Northern Hemisphere, gray whales are now regularly seen only in the North Pacific. Just under 27,000 were estimated to be in the area as of 2016, according to a 2020 report from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The whales eat amphipod crustaceans like tiny shrimp and worms, which they consume by sucking up water and sediment from the seafloor, where such creatures live, then using their baleens to filter the food. Gray whales are typically observed alone or in small groups, though large groups may be seen at feeding or breeding grounds.

Bird and her team conducted their research off Newport. On sailing trips over seven years, the group tracked and recorded individual whales via drones. They identified particular whales using distinguishing markers like scars, spots or tail shape.

The first study resulting from that work, published in the journal Animal Behaviour in July, focused on variations in the whales foraging behavior depending on their size and habitats.

The team tracked 78 gray whales during a total of 160 sightings from 2016 to 2022. In the drone video, they observed that younger, smaller whales often swam sideways or facing forward, opening and closing their mouths to find and take in food. Older, bigger whales, meanwhile, tended to dive and then stay in place head-down in what the scientists described as a headstand technique.

The probability of such headstands increased as a whale got bigger, the study found, while the probability of the forward-swimming tactic decreased. Water depth and the type of habitat  rocky, sandy or coral reef  also played roles in the approaches the whales took.

Drone imagery shows a gray whale using a side-swim technique to find food.

Bird attributes the switch between techniques to the maturity of a whales muscles, as well as its levels of strength and coordination.

Her teams second study, published in the journal Ecology and Evolution in August, described how older, bigger whales release air from their blowholes to help them stay underwater when they search for food.

The bubble blasts can help a whale sink by decreasing its buoyancy. Bigger whales have a greater need for it, because their larger lungs hold more air and they have more blubber, both of which make them prone to floating.

The finding was based on observations of 75 whales. On average, a bubble blast came 27 seconds after a whale dove for food, and most were observed while the whales were doing headstands. The older and bigger a whale got, the greater the probability of such a blast.

This sort of pairing of the size with the behavior on the individual level is a really exciting part of this study, Bird said.

Susan Parks, a biology professor at Syracuse University who has published studies on whales eating habits but was not involved in the new research, said documenting diversity among one whale species helps scientists avoid inaccurate generalizations.

As we try to do conservation efforts or conserve endangered species, its really important to understand that there could be a wide variation in behaviors, Parks said. So we cant just sort of stop at the single observation.

Parks also highlighted the potential drones have for collecting detailed data about whales.

Theres so much unknown about their behavior, she said, adding that the study shows how using drone footage to essentially spy on what the whales are doing gave them a totally different perspective on the details of how they were making a living.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
With Spain getting hotter, the amount of land devoted to drought-resistant pistachio trees has jumped nearly five-fold since 2017 to 79,000 hectares (195,000 acres) (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU) (Pierre-Philippe MARCOU/AFP/AFP)

Two decades ago, Miguel Angel Garcia harvested grapes and grains on his farm in central Spain, like his father and grandfather before him.

Now he produces pistachios -- a more lucrative crop that can better withstand the droughts that have become more frequent and intense in Spain.

Garcia harvests 10 to 20 tonnes of the green nut each year at his 26-hectare (64-acres) farm in Manzanares in the central region of Castilla-La Mancha, part of a boom in pistachio production in Spain.

"Wine and cereals weren't viable anymore," said the 58-year-old, who planted his first pistachio trees in 2007. "If I hadn't changed, I wouldn't have been able to make a living from my farm."

In the stony plot behind him, an electric harvester latched onto the trunk of a small pistachio tree and then shook it, causing nuts to fall into a vast canvas set up below, open like an upside-down umbrella.

Pistachio trees, which are native to the Middle East, are "resistant" and "adapted to the climate we have here" with its hot and dry summers and cold spells in winter, Garcia said.

The amount of land devoted to pistachio trees in Spain has jumped nearly five-fold since 2017 to 79,000 hectares (195,000 acres) in 2024, according to agriculture ministry figures.

- 'Strong demand' -

This makes Spain the biggest pistachio grower in Europe in terms of surface area, and the world's fourth-largest after the United States, Iran and Turkey.

Most pistachios are grown in Castilla-La Mancha as well as Extremadura in the west and Andalusia in the south, which are facing water shortages due to climate change.

This crop comes from a "desert region" and is "much better adapted" to the new climate realities, said Mario Gonzalez-Mohino, an agricultural engineer and the director of the specialist website Pistacho Pro.

Spain experienced its hottest August on record this year, with temperatures averaging 25 degrees Celsius (77 Fahrenheit) -- and the national weather agency says 2024 could rival 2022 as the warmest ever registered.

Spain's production -- nearly 9,000 tonnes per year -- is "still limited" but "it will increase rapidly because the vast majority of plots have not gone into production", since it takes at least seven years before a newly planted tree gives its first harvest, he added.

Joaquin Cayuela Verges, secretary general of the Pistamancha agricultural cooperative that groups 51 pistachio farms, said the boom had only started.

"There is strong demand, it's a dynamic sector," he said.

The cooperative, based in the town of Pozuelo de Calatrava, sells 90 percent of its pistachio production in Europe, mainly France and Germany, at 10-11 euros per kilo (around $5 a pound).

- 'Matter of patience' -

To keep up with its rapid expansion, Pistamancha is spending five million euros to build a new plant to sort, peel and dry its pistachios.

It will be able to process one million kilos of pistachios per year when completed, Cayuela Verges said.

Can this boom lead to overproduction that will drive down prices? Those involved in the industry see little risk since the amount of pistachios produced in Spain falls well short of domestic demand.

In Spain pistachios are still "mostly imported", mainly from the United States, said Gonzalez-Mohino, who predicts a "bright future" for national producers of the crop.

Pistachios are mostly eaten as snacks but are also widely used in Middle Eastern cuisine, as well as in the production of cakes, sweets, ice cream and cosmetics.

"A lot of people think they'll get rich but when you plant pistachio trees, you have to realise that you won't get anything for several years" until the trees "start bearing fruit", Garcia said.

"I have been investing" in this crop for 15 years and "it's only now that I can recoup what I have spent and earn a living. Pistachios are a matter of patience," he said.

vab/mdm/ds/js/lth
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  The families of a couple killed by a drunk driver, traveling the wrong way on a highway, faced the man in court on Monday.



This pain is a pain that youre never going to understand, unless it affected your child, Mary Galindo said.



Her son Antonio Aguilera, 21, died on June 1 while driving from Utah to Arizona with his girlfriend Virginia Whiting.



The crash happened on Interstate 11, outside of Boulder City.



Youre left with the wondering of what couldve been done to change the events in that life-shattering day, Deanna Whiting, Virginias mother, said. Virginia was 19-years-old.



On Monday, Clark County District Court Judge Jessica Peterson sentenced Martin Andino to 14 years in prison for crashing into their vehicle.



When I first learned of what happened, I was angered that Mr. Andino lived, Deanna Whiting said.



Several members of Aguilera and Whitings families gave testimony during Andinos sentencing, reflecting on the impact of losing their loved ones.



I couldnt see my son the way he left him. I just couldnt, Mary Galindo said. Nobody would ever understand how much he meant to us. We pass his room, we see his bed empty every single day.



Andino, 37, accepted a plea deal last month, avoiding a trial.

Andino was drunk and driving the wrong way on I-11 when he crashed his Ford F-250 into the couples Toyota Tacoma. Two of his kids were in his pick-up and they werent seriously injured.



The families testimony was overwhelming for Judge Peterson, who took a brief recess.



I wanted to let everybody know it looks like I sit up here and Im not impacted. I am, Judge Peterson said. This is also not an accident. There was a conscious decision to drink and drive.



With those words, Peterson sentenced Andino to a minimum of 14 years in prison with a maximum of 35 years.



Andino pleaded guilty to three charges last month, including two counts of driving under the influence resulting in death.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
(Bloomberg) -- Former Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte and his two sons could seek roles in the Senate as the family fights for political influence in the 2025 midterm elections, amid a widening rift with President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Duterte may want his old job back in Davao City as mayor or aspire to become a senator, according to Salvador Panelo, his former spokesperson and legal adviser. His sons  congressman Paolo and Sebastian, the mayor of Davao  may also seek Senate seats, Panelo said on Monday in reply to questions, reaffirming what Vice President Sara Duterte had said in June.

The Duterte familys next political moves are likely to be revealed in the coming days as the Commission on Elections starts on Tuesday the week-long submission of candidacies for the May vote. Alfonso Cusi, vice-chair of Dutertes party, declined to comment on the ex-presidents plans.

The Dutertes potential bid for senatorial power comes after a dramatic breakdown of their winning alliance with Marcos. Now, the family is fending off political challenges: Sara, the daughter of former President Rodrigo, is facing impeachment threats and budget cuts, while Rodrigos brutal drug war is under scrutiny both in Congress and by the International Criminal Court.

The midterm elections will be more of a proxy fight, if at all, and not a direct confrontation between the two families, Senate President Francis Escudero told foreign correspondents last week.

The political feud, however, appears to be hurting both sides. According to a Pulse Asia Research Inc. survey, Marcos approval rating fell slightly last month, amid deepening disapproval in Dutertes turf, Mindanao. Vice President Dutertes rating meanwhile dropped nine percentage points, although it still remains high at 60%.

For Marcos, the midterm vote is likely to be a referendum on his administration, which has pledged to build more infrastructure and lower food costs, while openly challenging Beijings expansive South China Sea claims.

The president last week announced his senatorial slate, which includes hopefuls from major parties. Pre-election surveys show that old and budding political dynasties as well as former lawmakers have the upper hand in the Senate race.

The more people voted that are pro-administration, the better for the administration, said University of the Philippines political science professor Jean Franco. Ideally, that will give them the leeway to finish their agenda until 2028.

Over 18,000 posts  from the upper legislative chamber down to local officials  are expected to be contested by 500,000 candidates, according to the election commission. The number of registered voters is expected to reach 66 million, it added.

Here are other items to watch:

Speaker Martin Romualdez, Marcos cousin, is expected to run for reelection, and will likely continue leading administration allies in the House.

Senator Imee Marcos, the presidents eldest sister, said days ago that she wont be joining her brothers Senate slate and will run as an independent.

Ex-President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, an ally of Duterte, also aims to keep her seat in Congress.

Former Senator Leila de Lima, a Duterte critic freed from detention during the Marcos presidency, is eyeing a House seat through the party-list elections.

Former Vice President Leni Robredo, Marcos main rival in the 2022 presidential election, is planning to run for mayor in her familys bailiwick south of Manila.

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An Eagan woman has pleaded guilty for her involvement in an alleged $250 million fraud scheme that diverted federal aid money intended for childrens meal programs in Minnesota during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Kawsar Jama, 42, submitted at least $4.5 million in bogus claims in connection with one of the single largest instances of pandemic aid fraud in the country, U.S. Attorney Andrew Luger announced on Tuesday.

Jama pleaded guilty to one count of wire fraud in U.S. District Court in Minneapolis. She remains out of custody on supervised release ahead of sentencing, which has yet to be scheduled.

Its the latest guilty plea tied to massive alleged fraud at the nonprofit Feeding Our Future between 2020 and 2022. A total of 70 individuals have been charged in connection to the case so far.

According to the indictment, Jama, who operated Gedo Community Services and Ahlan Childcare Center, obtained the funds in reimbursements for food sites she claimed to operate in Pelican Rapids, Burnsville and Minneapolis. She bought luxury vehicles and a home in Eagan.

One of the main food vendors for Jamas sites was Haji Osman Salad, through his business, Hajis Kitchen. Salad provided Jama with false food invoices, which she used as part of her fraudulent claims for reimbursement from the Federal Child Nutrition Program.

Jamas site in Pelican Rapids, a small town in west-central Minnesota with a population of around 2,600 people, fraudulently claimed to have served more than 233,000 meals from September 2021 to December 2021, with Hajis Kitchen as her supposed food supplier.

In total, Salad defrauded the government of nearly $11.5 million intended for the federal nutrition program, prosecutors said. Salad, 34, was one of three defendants who pleaded guilty to wire fraud last week.

The nonprofit Feeding Our Future, which was based in St. Anthony, received federal dollars from the U.S. Department of Agriculture via the state education department. The money was intended to reimburse nonprofits for meals served at locations like day care centers, after-school programs and summer camps.

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Secretary General of the of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) Alexander Dierks stands up from his seat after his election as the new President of the Saxon State Parliament during the constituent session of the Saxon State Parliament. Robert Michael/dpa

Lawmakers in the eastern German state of Saxony on Tuesday elected Alexander Dierks of the centre-right Christian Democrats (CDU) as the new president of the state parliament.

In recent elections in Saxony on September 1, the CDU placed first, narrowly ahead of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD). That is expected to allow Saxony's incumbent state premier, Michael Kretschmer, to extend his leadership for another term.

Dierks easily won the presidency on Tuesday, with 97 out of 119 possible votes. He will succeed his CDU colleague, Matthias Rossler, who had served as state parliament president for 15 years.

Dierks, who will turn 37 on Wednesday, will be the youngest parliamentary president is Saxony's history. The president is in charge of administering the state parliament and also holds the power to call lawmakers into session.

The strong support for Dierks came as no surprise, as all of the parties in the Saxon parliament had largely already come out in support of his candidacy. The Greens left the decision on whether to support him up to individual lawmakers.

Secretary General of the of the Christian Democratic Union of Germany (CDU) Alexander Dierks stands with flowers in the plenary chamber after being elected as the new President of the Saxon State Parliament during the constituent session of the Saxon State Parliament. Robert Michael/dpa
Ed Miliband worries me. He really does. Hes a likeable enough fellow, much more so than his current leader, and, if memory serves, he didnt say one thing to get elected Labour leader and then the complete opposite as soon as he was in power. Good on him. But can I be the only one who reckons he puts ideology before practicality and common sense?

Ok, thats a disingenuous question, because about half the nation reckons that very same thing. And we learn today that no less an authority than Rachael Glaving of EDF, who knows her amps from her volts, is concerned that Milibands policies will destabilise the grid. When the words destabilise and the grid are put together, particularly with winter approaching, we can be forgiven for feeling a jangle or two of alarm.

Destabilise means putting us in a situation where our determination to reach net zero before just about anyone else, despite the fact that the world clearly needs to move pretty much as one on this, means that we run out of power at crucial moments when the wind doesnt blow and the sun doesnt shine. That wont be a problem in China, which will keep on pumping out energy based on fossil fuels. But it sure will be a problem for us.

In fact, thats just what Glaving went on to predict, telling us that in our obsession to decarbonise the power system by 2030  surely a crazy and impractical target  and to draw on the wind and the sun at the expense of the foundation of stable forms of generation such as fossil fuels and nuclear, we could well find ourselves without power.

Now, okay, Ms Glaving was speaking at the Tory conference in Birmingham, and there may have been an element of telling the audience what they want to hear. But her warnings will also make complete sense to many of us at a time when national energy security is more important than ever, when were about to lose much of our nuclear output, much of it EDFs, when were shutting down the UKs last coal-fired power station, and when energy bills, for ordinary people, are climbing monstrously.

It will be fascinating to see what Milibands new Quango, the National Energy System Operator (NESO), makes of this. Its tasked with operating the UKs transmission networks, with responsibility for electricity and gas systems, as well as keeping bills low (good luck with that). But, if EDFs warnings are anything to go by, it might have been handed something of a hospital pass. Already, NESOs head, Fintan Slye, admits that the 2030 target is at the outer limit of whats achievable.

You dont need to be a climate fanatic, or a net zero obsessive, to quite like the idea of a decarbonised power system. But it surely must be reliable, secure and cost-effective. Those of us old enough  only just in my case  to have experienced blackouts in the early 70s arent in a mad rush to repeat it all. So, we can bide our time for Milibands response to EDFs warnings. If hes as likeable as I say he is, and one of the more sincere politicians of our age, we surely wont have too long to wait.

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"Will you accept the results of the 2024 presidential election?"

It's a simple question, one that any candidate for elected office, especially at this nation's highest levels of government, ought to be able to answer quickly  and affirmatively.

But for five Michigan Republican incumbents seeking re-election to the U.S. Congress, the question of whether they'd uphold democracy seems to have stumped the band.

Over the course of three weeks this summer, the Detroit Free Press Editorial Board reached out multiple times to the re-election campaigns and Washington D.C. offices of the five GOP incumbents.

None responded.

The representatives' silence on the 2024 election is particularly ominous, given that each member of this quintet worked, in some way, to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election and unfairly and illegally hand the election to then-President Donald Trump, once again his party's presidential nominee.

Underlying each maneuver was the perpetuation of lies about election fraud  although none of the five seem to believe this supposed fraud should delegitimize his or her own election.

Each of these representatives advanced his or her own political career at the expense of American democracy, and in our estimation, don't deserve the offices they hold.

Yet facing no serious opposition  or no opposition at all  in the Nov. 5 general election, these five are virtually assured re-election:

Jack Bergman, 1st District, Alcona, Alger, Antrim, Arenac, Baraga, Benzie, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Chippewa, Crawford, Delta, Dickinson, Emmet, Gogebic, Grand Traverse, Houghton, Iosco, Iron, Kalkaska, Keweenaw, Leelanau, Luce, Mackinac, Marquette, Menominee, Missaukee, Montmorency, Ogemaw, Ontonagon, Oscoda, Otsego, Presque Isle, Roscommon, Schoolcraft counties and part of Wexford County

John Moolenaar, 2nd District, Barry, Clare, Gladwin, Gratiot, Ionia, Isabella, Lake, Manistee, Mason, Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Oceana, Osceola, and parts of Eaton, Kent, Midland, Muskegon, Ottawa and Wexford counties

Bill Huizenga, 4th District, Allegan and Van Buren counties, and parts of Berrien, Calhoun, Kalamazoo and Ottawa counties

Tim Walberg, 5th District, Branch, Cass, Hillsdale, Jackson, Lenawee, Monroe and St. Joseph counties, and parts of Berrien and Calhoun counties

Lisa McClain, 9th District, Huron, Lapeer, St. Clair and Sanilac counties, and parts of Macomb, Oakland and Tuscola counties

(The sixth Republican member of Michigan's Congressional delegation, 10th District U.S. Rep. John James, won election in 2022 and took office in 2023.)

Michiganders in these districts must use the next two years to recruit candidates who will perform the most basic obligation of an elected official: Support American democracy.

What readers are saying: There are more never-Trump Republicans than you think

Protesters gather on the U.S. Capitol Building on January 06, 2021 in Washington, DC. Pro-Trump protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building after mass demonstrations in the nation's capital during a joint session Congress to ratify President-elect Joe Biden's 306-232 Electoral College win over President Donald Trump.

Undermining our elections

McClain, Walberg and Bergman voted to disallow electors certified by Republican-majority legislatures in Arizona and Pennsylvania  states Biden won in 2020  and held this position long after most of their fellow GOP lawmakers had abandoned the ill-conceived fight.

Bergman, Huizenga, Moolenaar and Walberg signed a brief supporting a lawsuit filed by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton that aimed to stop Michigan, Georgia, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin from casting each state's Electoral College votes for Biden. The U.S. Supreme Court dismissed the lawsuit. That the coup was unsuccessful does not negate the culpability of the four congressmen in perpetuating it  or that each effectively asked the high court to disenfranchise 2.8 million Michigan voters, including their own constituents.

It's a disgraceful distinction no person who aspires to elective office should hold, and the damage is incalculable. The persistent work of these lawmakers to undermine the results of free, fair elections legitimized fringe complaints and wild conspiracy theories, contributed to dangerous polarization and diminished faith in our system of elections.

And while we hope to be proved wrong, absent a declaration to the contrary, we fear they could do the same this year.

More from Freep Opinion: Trump's mass deportation plan for undocumented immigrants would change Michigan

'People of the Lie'

These diligent efforts to undermine American democracy are inextricably linked to the Jan. 6 insurrection  built on the backs of the untruths perpetuated by supposedly credible lawmakers like Bergman, Moolenaar, Huizenga, Walberg and McClain. In the wake of that dark day, the Free Press Editorial Board dubbed these five, along with 23 other prominent Michigan Republicans, "the people of the lie."

We understand that Trump's dominance of GOP politics leaves some Republicans in a difficult position. Trump himself did not concede defeat, and has campaigned ever since on the premise that his rightful victory was stolen. Winning the former president's endorsement requires even a candidate who doesn't question the election system to pay homage to Trumps most cherished grievance.

But holding leadership does not mean taking the easy route, or following the path of least resistance. It means leading, even when that path is hard.

Some things are more important than winning.

So far, Bergman, Moolenaar, Huizenga, Walberg and McClain have no tangible incentive to change course. Each handily won re-election in 2022, and is sure to do so this year, in no small part because they have lied to the constituents who trust them, playing upon fears they helped to create.

We can only hope that in 2026, these incumbents face serious opposition.

Michiganders  Michigan Republicans  deserve better.

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online or in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Editorial: Freep says no to 5 Michigan Republicans in Nov. 5 election
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  A 20-year-old El Paso man has been arrested and charged with animal cruelty after he allegedly beat his dog on two separate occasions, El Paso Police said.

Police said Anthony James Sepulveda was arrested on Wednesday Sept. 25. He was charged with cruelty to non-livestock animals (kill, poison, serious bodily injury).

In June, the Police Departments Animal Cruelty Investigation Unit was called about an animal cruelty case along the 1600 block of Lee Trevino in East El Paso.

During the initial investigation, a witness told police they had seen Sepulveda strike his dog, named Apollo, with a metal rod multiple times to the point where the dog yelped out in pain.

In a separate incident, investigators said they learned that Sepulveda had hit his dog with a belt.

Sepulveda was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility with a $10,000 bond. Since the incidents, the dog has been given to a new home.

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EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An El Paso man was sentenced to 15 years in prison for the distribution of fentanyl causing death or serious bodily injury, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office from the Western District of Texas.

The U.S. Attorneys Office says Adrian David Perez, 21, sold counterfeit M-30 pills laced with fentanyl to a person on Oct. 13, 2021. The person consumed the pills and his mother found him dead the following day.

The El Paso County Medical Examiners Office determined that the individual died from acute fentanyl toxicity, according to the U.S. Attorneys Office.

In addition to imprisonment, U.S. District Judge Leon Schydlower sentenced Perez to three years of supervised release and ordered him to pay $3,800 in restitution, the U.S. Attorneys Office said.

The Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) investigated the case.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
ATHENS, Greece (AP)  Hundreds of firefighters and volunteers in southern Greece battled a wildfire for a third day that has killed two people and devastated a large forested area, prompting pledges of assistance from other European Union countries.

Two waterbombing aircraft from Italy joined the firefighting effort late Tuesday after Greece requested help through the 27-country bloc's emergency civil protection mechanism. A third plane from Croatia was also expected.

The Greek fire service said more than 400 firefighters, assisted by 22 aircraft, were engaged against the blaze in the rugged mountains of Corinthia in the Peloponnese region.

The authorities were optimistic that progress had been made as the main front of the blaze was out, leaving a large number of scattered fires. However, it remained unclear whether that success could be expanded on before winds whipped up and spread the blaze again.

Greece's minister for climate change and civil protection, Vassilis Kikilias, said so far up to 5,000 hectares (12,300 acres) had been affected by the blaze.

The situation is very difficult, he told a press conference. We didn't expect that at this time of year ... there would be so many wildfires and that they would be so difficult to handle.

While wildfires are common in the summer, this year the season started much earlier than usual, in April, and has extended well into the fall. The fire service said a total of 41 wildfires broke out all over the country over the past 24 hours.

Government spokesman Pavlos Marinakis said firefighters had been hampered in their initial response Sunday by the difficult terrain and poor road network.

During the first, crucial stage of the fire, firetrucks had great difficulty approaching (the blaze) because of the narrow roads, he said. The many ravines and the gale-force winds blowing that day greatly impeded the firefighting effort, Marinakis added.

Officials ordered that another village be evacuated as a precaution Tuesday, a day after half a dozen similar orders were issued. A major highway that was closed overnight as flames swept close by was reopened on Tuesday.

The blaze destroyed a historic church in the mountains and reportedly damaged buildings outside the threatened villages, but the fire service was not immediately able to provide further details.

The two victims were identified as local residents who got trapped late Sunday by the fast-advancing blaze.

Greece, like other southern European countries, is plagued every summer by destructive wildfires that have been exacerbated by global warming. Over the past few months, the fire service has had to cope with more than 4,500 wildfires  which Kikilias said was the highest number ever recorded in a single fire season.

Story continues

This year's had been flagged as the most dangerous season in two decades after the countryside was left parched by a protracted drought and early summer heatwaves.

Still, Greece's big investments in extra water-bombing aircraft, warning drones and other equipment have led to most blazes being extinguished shortly after they broke out.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  An 18-year-old El Pasoan and his family are demanding answers after they say he was wrongly profiled and arrested at the Paso Del Norte Port of Entry while he made his weekly commute to El Paso.

His family says he was falsely extradited to Virginia for a crime he did not commit.

Jonathan and his family are a mixed-status household. Jonathan and his mom are U.S. citizens, but they live in Ciudad Juarez with his father who is in the process of applying for his residency.

Because Jonathans father has a pending asylum case to live in the United States, the family requested anonymity but they were willing to share their story with KTSM, and allowed for his first name to be used.

Jonathan and his mother travel weekly to El Paso so that he can attend Bel Air High School and she can go to work.

But on Sept. 11, they said Jonathan was detained and arrested by Customs and Border Protection officers at the PDN bridge on charges of possession and distribution of fentanyl in the state of Virginia.

My son was profiled as a criminal, because they had an arrest order for a person that had the same first and last name as my son, said Jonathans mother during an interview with KTSM.

Jonathans mother added that he was booked into the El Paso County Detention Facility in Downtown El Paso for two weeks, before he was extradited to face charges in Virginia, on Wednesday, Sept. 25.

Jonathan joined the interview with KTSM via cellphone, since he is still in Virginia.

Its been really difficult. They tried to blame me for a crime I did not commit, Jonathan said. I never felt that they thoroughly investigated to ensure I was the person they were searching for. Ive never been to Virginia before. I dont know anyone here. Im all alone

Jonathan said he had to spend a night in jail in Virginia before he had a court hearing, where they determined that they had the wrong person in custody. He said he was told the person with the arrest warrant had the same age and first and last name, but a different birth date.

He has been released from jail and is waiting to fly back to El Paso on scheduled flight on Tuesday morning, Oct. 1.

Jonathans mother said he began having issues being detained by U.S. customs at ports of entry in May of this year, shortly after he was issued his Texas I.D.

She said, however, that she was informed the arrest warrant dates back to November 2023.

Jonathan said that during the times he was detained leading up to the most recent incident, he would spend hours being held by CBP officers.

He said he would have his fingerprints scanned, only to be released hours later because police would not arrive to take him in.

Jonathan and his family are now left wondering: Who did not do their due diligence and arrive at the conclusion that he was the suspect?

So we dont know who was the one that made the mistake  if it was Virginia, El Paso or CBP. Its just that if theyre going to do something like that, make sure you have the profile of the person theyre looking for, because its not fair that somebody that does not have the fault for it, is going to be incriminated for something they did not do, his mother said.

Jonathan said when he was detained in El Paso, lawyers told him there was not much they could do for him because the charges he faced were in Virginia.

They told me they couldnt do anything because I was identical to the person they were looking for. We had the same hair and eye color, weight and height, even my complexion, that I was identical to the person they were looking for, Jonathan said.

Jonathan added that he was encouraged by lawyers in El Paso to plead guilty to the charges, so he would only have to spend 90 days in jail. Otherwise, the state of Virginia would have 20 days to pick him up and then extradite him to face charges there.

I told them I was not going to plead guilty because I was innocent, so I opted to wait, Jonathan said.

Jonathan said that when he arrived in Virginia, he was told he would be in jail for three weeks leading to his court appearance where he would face the charges, before the attorney assigned to him stepped in to advocate for his case.

Jonathan has received help from an organization in Virginia that helped him find a hotel to stay in and to buy food and clothing while he is waiting to return to El Paso.

The organization, which also wanted to remain anonymous, also helped him find a flight back.

KTSM reached out to CBP for comment, but they explained that they cannot discuss individual cases, and instead referred us to their website.

The CBPs website states the following:

CBP Officers use diverse factors to refer individuals for targeted examinations and there are instances when our best judgments prove to be unfounded.

Their website also indicates that CBP officers rely on an Interagency Border Inspection System to determine which individuals to target for secondary examination.

Should CBP determine that an error exists within our system of records, corrective measures will be taken, the website said.

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General Information:

Name: Elana Pirtle-Guiney

Age: 39

Profession: Policy and Advocacy Consultant

Pronouns: She/Her

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

Portland is facing a lot of interconnected challenges right now: we have not (locally or at the State level) invested in the systems that support people who are struggling with mental health challenges and substance use disorder for decades; wages have not kept up with skyrocketing housing prices and rents; our tax base has not returned and our downtown area needs a new plan; and more people are houseless than ever before.

But we cant address any of these challenges if we dont have leaders who are thinking about Portlands long-term future.

As difficult as all these challenges are, our biggest problem as we move into this new form of government is that most Portlanders think our city is headed in the wrong direction and no one is giving you a reason to trust your city leaders. The new Councilors have to spend our time now  as we run for office, and between when we are elected and when we are sworn in  asking you what your community needs, restoring your trust in city government, and working together to envision Portlands future. Otherwise, we cant expect you to trust us when we have to make hard decisions about how to help people get off the streets, invest in housing solutions, or when we ask you to give our city a chance and come on out to an event.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City

Council?

Make sure our new system of government actually works for you. When Portland passed the Charter Reforms that led to this new City Council I think most people were voting for a bigger change  a change in culture, where they had someone to call when they had concerns with the City, a voice at City Hall, and leaders who shared their concerns. That

means we need to make sure we have time to be in our districts meeting with you, that we have staff who can help you navigate City Bureaus when something goes wrong, and that we have a budget that invests in the things you care about. As we build this new system I will make sure we return to what the voters asked for with every decision we make. Instill a culture of accountability  not through fear but through transparency. Bureaus should be comfortable attending committee hearings where they can update Portlanders on how projects are going, and make sure everyone in the City understands what is going well, and where the City needs a little more time. Councilors should be ready to ask

hard questions but also respect the expertise of our staff. Portanders should have a clear sense of how your tax dollars are being spent, and whether or not you agree with the spending priorities we should all be able to see results for our investments. Create a plan to address safety and resilience risks. The Critical Energy Hub, neighborhoods that will be completely cut off in an earthquake, an aging levee system, buildings that were not built for 100* summers  these are just a few of the concerns our emergency management leaders have identified in North and NE Portland. We need to have a plan for how we will address each of them. Support our creative economy, invest in sustainable manufacturing, support neighborhood businesses, and help local businesses that pay living wages grow, thrive, and lead our recovery. We hear it over and over again: Portland didnt bounce back after the pandemic, wages are too low, businesses are leaving, families are struggling. But Portland has many natural advantages. I will sit down with workers and local businesses to figure out how we can be more effective at supporting the things Portland is known for and the things were good at, so that we can build an economy that lifts up all of our families. Make Portland safe for everyone. Too many people dont feel safe in our City, but there are a lot of different reasons people dont feel safe. We need to have a hard conversation about what public safety means, and how we make Portland safe for everyone. That starts with making sure every public safety provider  from police to Portland Street Response and every other part of the system  is empowered to do the work they do best. Police need time to actually close cases  without that our streets will not get safer. Portland Street Response needs the budget and authority to do the work that program was created to do  so they can actually get people in crisis the support they need. Our Fire Bureau needs the resources to provide the medical supports they are asked, more and more, to provide. Do the basics well. We have not kept up with the needs of many of our basic systems  our roads have potholes, our parks dont have bathrooms that can stay open in the winter, our pools are failing, and our water bills are going up. We need to get back to basics and make sure were investing in our City now  because the costs will only go up if we dont.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

I spent the first part of my career working in advocacy. I worked with labor unions to teach working people to advocate for change for their communities, helped workers organize around issues that mattered to them, and built coalitions with other community organizations to make our economy work better for all working people.

Then I worked for two Oregon Governors. I developed policies and budget proposals around job training, negotiated an increase in Oregons minimum wage, brought opposing groups together to reach agreement on ways to make new buildings more energy efficient, and helped increase funding for our schools. I was Governor Browns Legislative Director during COVID, where my job was (in part) to make sure 90 legislators across Oregon had real-time information about

what resources were available for their communities. I was Vice Chair of the Portland Parks Board and chaired the Budget Advisory Committee for Portland Parks and Recreation.

I have spent my career bringing community members together, creating policy to help families keep up, sitting down with groups who dont get along and trying to reach consensus, and making hard decisions when we couldnt get there. I know how to write policies that work for as many people as possible, I know how to write a public budget, and I know how important it is to spend time in my community with all of you to make sure I am representing your needs in City Hall.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

I admire political leaders who stay connected to the communities they serve, who are willing to do bold things, and who can tackle the small details while still driving toward a big-picture vision. I think Mayor Vera Katz was this type of leader for Portland, and I admire her accomplishments, especially her commitment to Portlands neighborhoods.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

District 2 has some significant opportunities, but also huge disparities in needs. Id like to see continued investments in the lower Albina redevelopment, in partnership with the Albina Vision Trust. I think the City needs to be a more active partner with the neighborhood in crafting a vision for the Lloyd District. And I want Portland to do a better job at looking at what communities need. Too many neighborhoods in District 2 are really struggling  from the empty storefronts and public safety concerns in St. Johns and on Hayden Island to the infrastructure needs in Cully to the many neighborhoods that dont have anyone to call when their neighbors are in crisis.

I also want Portland to be ready when industrial employers leave  ready to build up or bring in other employers who need industrial space and will create good jobs, and also ready with a plan for what types of industry we want to support. Portland can increase sustainability and maintain good high wage jobs if we are planning ahead. Given the amount of industrial land in District 2 and the number of people living in the district who work in these industries, I think this is an important District 2 issue.

What do you love about Portland?

Portland has so much going on  live music every night, themed bike rides all summer, more theater companies than I can list, and more parks than my kids will ever make it to full of festivals and performances all summer long. I love that there is something for everyone here, and theres always something going on. I love that this is a community where anyone can find their people, a place where every kid can grow up and be themselves and be accepted. I also love that here in District 2 we have sloughs with kayak access, protected areas with hiking trails, beaches on the river, and so many spaces where we can slip out of our dense communities and into nature, many of which are within just a few blocks of a bus line.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  First News sat down with Trumbull County Commissioner candidate Tony Bernard to discuss the race.

Watch the full interview in the video above.

Bernard is running as a Republican to challenge current commissioner Mauro Cantalamessa for the position. You can watch Cantalamessas interview here.

Bernard is a small business owner with previous experience as a county commissioner. He said he knows how to get along with people, how to treat people, and how to bring businesspeople and local officials together.

Over the last four years, weve had nothing but chaos, bickering and lawsuits in Trumbull County, he said. I think we need to bring a more businesslike attitude to Trumbull County and just stop all the nonsense.

Bernard said he wants to bring more federal and state dollars to the county, which will bring economic development.

He said saving Trumbull Regional Medical Center hospital and building a new facility for St. Joseph Warren Hospital are priorities for him.

If elected, Bernard said the biggest challenge will be the budget. He said Trumbull County has spent money it doesnt have and is losing grant opportunities.

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Election 2024: How to vote early in Illinois, get a mail-in ballot or find a polling place

CHICAGO  Voters in Illinois will soon head to the polls  or fill out mail-in ballots at home  to select the next president of the United States and a variety of representatives at the national, state and local levels.

Have questions about how to vote or key deadlines? Weve got you covered.

When is the general election?

Nov. 5. Polls will be open in Illinois on that day from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Anyone who is in line by 7 p.m. will be allowed to cast a vote.

What are the major races on the ballot?

Voters in Illinois will select candidates for the following offices listed below. While there are no races for statewide office during this election, this is the first election in Chicago for the Board of Education.

U.S. president

U.S. representative

Illinois state senator

Illinois state representative

Illinois Supreme Court justice

Illinois Appellate Court judge

Circuit Court judge

Subcircuit judge

Chicago School Board of Education (10 members)

Cook County states attorney

Cook County commissioner

Cook County clerk of the Circuit Court

Water Reclamation District commissioner

Board of Review commissioner

What are the key dates to know?

Sept. 26: First day that vote-by-mail ballots were sent to voters. Early voting began in many counties across Illinois, but not Chicago or Cook County.

Oct. 3: Early voting begins in Chicago at two locations: Chicago Board of Elections (sixth floor, board offices), 69 W. Washington St., and Chicago Election Board Annex (Loop Super Site), 191 N. Clark St.

Oct. 8: Last day for regular voter registration or transfer of registration

Oct. 9: First day of grace period/same day registration and voting

11:59 p.m., Oct. 20: End of voter registration online at the Illinois State Board of Elections website

Oct. 21: Start of early voting in all 50 wards in Chicago

Oct. 31: Deadline to request a mail-in ballot for the Nov. 5 general election

Nov. 4: Final day of early voting

Nov. 5: Day of the general election and the latest date a mail-in ballot can be postmarked to be counted. Polls are open from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Am I eligible to vote?

According to the Chicago Board of Election Commissioners, city voters must:

Be a U.S. citizen

Born on or before Nov. 5, 2006

Live in the same precinct at least 30 days before the election

Not claim the right to vote elsewhere

Not be in prison or serving time for a conviction

According to the Illinois State Board of Elections, Illinois voters must:

Be a U.S. citizen

Be 18 years old to vote in the general election (17 to vote in a primary election)

Live in the same precinct at least 30 days before the election

How do I register to vote?

You can register online with the Illinois State Board of Elections. You can check and see if you are already registered to vote by using this lookup tool.

If you are a Chicago resident who wants to register by mail, download the Board of Elections form and return it  or mail it in  to 69 W. Washington St., sixth floor, Chicago, IL, 60602.

If you live outside Chicago and want to vote by mail, you have until Oct. 31 to submit an application.

To register on Election Day or in person during early voting, you must bring two forms of identification, one of which must list your current address. Here is a list of acceptable forms of ID.

If you already are registered to vote and your address is correct, then you do not need to bring your ID  though its not a bad idea to bring it in case your signature doesnt match the one on file.

What if I moved?

You can register online using your new address  even if your Illinois drivers license or state-issued ID still displays your old address.

If you moved to your current address on or before Oct. 7 (at least 30 days before Election Day), vote at the precinct polling place for your new/current address. You may update your registration and vote at your new precinct polling place with two forms of ID, at least one of which shows your current address.

If you moved within Chicago after Oct. 7 (less than 30 days before Election Day), vote at the precinct polling place for your old address.

Not sure where your polling place is? Search for it here using your ZIP code and address.

Can I see a sample ballot?

Yes. Submit your name and address in the Chicago Board of Elections voter information lookup tool to not only view a sample ballot, but also verify your voter registration and locate your polling place.

Outside the city, contact your local election authority to see a sample ballot.

How and where can I cast my ballot in person before Nov. 5?

If you find yourself unavailable to cast your ballot in person on Election Day, you can vote early.

In Chicago, early voting begins on Oct. 3 at two locations: Chicago Board of Elections (sixth floor, board offices), 69 W. Washington St. and Chicago Election Board Annex (Loop Super Site), 191 N. Clark St. Hours are 9 a.m.- 6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; and 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sundays (through Nov. 5). Weekday hours change to 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Oct. 28-Nov. 4. At 9 a.m.

Beginning on Oct. 21, early voting expands to polling places in each ward. Heres a list of where you can vote early in each ward. Search here to find out what ward you live in.

Chicago residents can vote at any early voting site regardless of what ward they live in. Not sure which location is most convenient for you? Find the closest one using this tool. The Chicago Board of Elections also will take calls from voters looking for information at its Early Voting Election Central at 312-269-7900.

If you live outside Chicago, choose a jurisdiction to find out where you can vote prior to Election Day.

Votes cast early, however, arent counted until polls close on Nov. 5.

What methods can I use to vote at my polling place?

In Chicago, voters have two ways to cast a ballot: mark a paper ballot or use a touchscreen voting machine. Both systems provide a paper trail for all ballots cast.

For voters outside the city, find out what voting systems are utilized in the county where you live by using the Illinois State Board of Elections tool.

What if I need a ballot in another language?

In Chicago, voters can choose to vote in one of 12 languages on touchscreen machines: English, Spanish, Chinese, Hindi, Polish, Korean, Tagalog, Gujarati, Urdu, Arabic, Ukrainian, and Russian.

Voters outside the city should check their local jurisdiction for voting options by language.

How can I vote by mail?

Those who live in Chicago and want to vote by mail can do so by applying online or using the mail-in form.

Any registered voter in Illinois can request a vote-by-mail ballot. Applications for each Illinois county are available here.

Illinois Election Code allows voters to apply for a vote-by-mail ballot up to five days before an election, or through Oct. 31 for the general election. But the Illinois State Board of Elections recommends applying early to make sure voters have enough time to receive and return their ballots on or before Election Day.

Where do I return my mail-in ballot?

Voters can return their ballots by mail, deliver it in person to their local election authority or drop it in a secure drop box. Check the state board of elections website for a list of drop box locations.

One important note: Completed mail-in ballots cannot be accepted at a polling place or early voting locations (unless drop boxes exist at those sites). Voters who attempt to do this will be offered the option of surrendering their ballot and voting in person instead.

Chicago voters can mail their ballot or deposit it at any of the Chicago Board of Elections secured drop boxes. One important note: Each ballot must include the signed and sealed ballot return envelope with the voters name on it.

Mail-in ballots can be returned to the drop boxes at:

Chicago Board of Elections (sixth floor, board offices), 69 W. Washington St., Chicago. You can submit your ballots anytime at this site through 7 p.m. Election Day (Nov. 5).

Chicago Election Board Annex (Loop Super Site), 191 N. Clark St., Chicago. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday (Oct. 3-Nov. 5). 9 a.m.-7 p.m., Monday-Friday (Oct. 28-Nov. 4). 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Election Day (Nov. 5).

Any of the early voting sites. 9 a.m.-6 p.m., Monday-Friday; 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Saturday; 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Sunday (Oct. 21-Nov. 5). 6 a.m.-7 p.m., Election Day (Nov. 5).

What if Ive already received a mail-in ballot, but want to participate in early voting instead?

If you decide to vote early in person but already received a mail-in ballot, bring that ballot with you when you go to vote in person to have the mailed ballot canceled.

I live in the city. How do I find out what ward I live in?

The Chicago City Council adopted a new map of the citys 50 wards in May 2022. Search here to find out what ward you live in. There are, however, no city elections this year.

How and where can I cast my ballot on Nov. 5?

Chicago voters have two ways to cast ballots in person: by marking a paper ballot or by using a touchscreen voting machine. Live outside the city? Then check your local jurisdiction for details.

You can bring written or printed materials into the voting booth, but you may be required to remove or cover up campaign clothing, buttons or stickers, according to ACLU Illinois.

Never take a photo of your completed ballot and post it on social media  its a felony. Take a photo of your I voted sticker outside the polling place instead.

If your voter registration record cannot be found, then you may be issued a provisional ballot.

All 50 early voting sites in Chicago  one in each ward  and the Loop Super Site will be open from 6 a.m.-7 p.m. on primary Election Day. A voter can either cast a ballot at their assigned polling place or at any of these 51 locations on Nov. 5.

Locations and hours of operation are subject to change, so check with your local jurisdiction for latest information.

How can I vote if I live outside Chicago?

Consult your local jurisdiction below for mail-in ballot and early voting information. Heres a jurisdiction-by-jurisdiction look at where and when residents may vote in advance of or on the day of the general election on Nov. 5.

Locations and hours of operation are subject to change, so check with your local jurisdiction for latest information.

Suburban Cook County

Jurisdiction: Cook County clerks office

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

See your sample ballot

DuPage County

Jurisdiction: DuPage County Election Commission

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

Find your new voting precinct

See your sample ballot

Kane County

Jurisdiction: Kane County clerks office

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

See your sample ballot

Lake County

Jurisdiction: Lake County clerks office

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

See your sample ballot

McHenry County

Jurisdiction: McHenry County clerks office

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

See your sample ballot

Will County

Jurisdiction: Will County clerks office

Register to vote

Application to vote by mail

Vote-by-mail drop box locations

Early-voting locations

Find your polling place

See your sample ballot

---------

Sources: Chicago Board of Elections; the counties; Tribune reporting

____
(Bloomberg) -- A courtroom showdown is set to begin Tuesday over how Georgia will certify who clinches the swing state in the US presidential contest, one of several high-stakes clashes coming to a head before the Nov. 5 election.

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The Democratic National Committee is suing Georgias election board, claiming recent rule changes risk injecting chaos into the states process for certifying vote tallies before the national results can become official. The board, backed by the Republican Party, contends the case should be tossed out, and if not, will argue the new language complies with state law.

Georgia is among the battleground states expected to play a critical role in the match-up between the Republican nominee Donald Trump, and the Democrat, Vice President Kamala Harris. With only five weeks before the election, the trial that begins Tuesday in Fulton County Superior Court is one of several last-minute legal challenges to how the state will run the voting and finalize ballot counts.

Hand-Counting Ballots

On Monday, the Democratic party announced a new lawsuit in Fulton County challenging the election boards 3-2 vote earlier this month to require a hand count of ballots at local precincts. An organization backed by local Republicans also is suing the election board over the new certification and hand count rules.

Georgias Republican secretary of state and attorney general opposed the hand count rule and critics say it could delay the reporting of results and compromise the security of ballots. The boards Republican majority defended the change as a way to confirm the accuracy of the count. It wasnt immediately clear when the Fulton County court would schedule these cases.

Meanwhile, a Republican member of the Fulton County election board, Julie Adams, is suing for a court order declaring that she has discretion to decide whether to certify the results. Adams, represented by the conservative America First Policy Institute, argues shes entitled to documents and data to independently confirm the accuracy of vote tallies. Adams voted against certifying the May primary after a flap over access to election materials.

2020 Legacy

Adams case represents the type of scenario that the DNC, which intervened to oppose her lawsuit, is arguing it wants to head off in the case going to trial this week.

The role that local election officials play in certifying vote tallies took on new prominence during the 2020 cycle, when Trump and his allies searched for ways to stop or at least delay states and the US Congress from finalizing President Joe Bidens win.

In August, the Georgia election board voted 3-2 to adopt new language about the certification process. The revised rule says that to certify means to confirm after reasonable inquiry that the vote count is a true and accurate accounting. The board also gave county election officials a right to examine all election related documentation.

The trial will proceed before a judge alone, without a jury.

The DNC argues that under Georgia law, local officials have a mandatory duty to certify. Any action to expand the limited power those officials have to confirm the numerical accuracy of vote counts  resolving a difference between ballot tallies and the number of voters in a precinct, for instance  is illegal, the party says.

Nov. 22 Deadline

The challengers warn that Georgia voters risk having their votes not counted under the new language. In Georgia, the secretary of state has a legal obligation to report the results to the governor by Nov. 22 and wouldnt include results from counties that havent certified, Democrats say.

In arguing for the case to be dismissed, the board and the Republican National Committee argued the DNC and other plaintiffs lacked standing and that theres no action needed by the court because the lawsuit is about potential future interpretations of the rules. On the merits, the board disputes that the new language authorizes local officials to delay certifying.

Other recent cases filed in Georgia include a lawsuit brought by the DeKalb County Republican Party accusing the state of failing to secure election equipment and a challenge by civil rights groups to how the state handles mass challenges to voter eligibility and mailing election material to people without homes.

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Eligible for grant money from July storms? Belleville FEMA office can help you find out

A small army of federal employees has converged on St. Clair County to help people affected by severe weather in July.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency set up FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers at the Southwestern Illinois Justice & Workforce Development Campus in Belleville (formerly Lindenwood University-Belleville) and Cahokia Heights Fitness & Community Center.

The agency invites people to stop by if their homes, vehicles, other belongings or livelihoods were damaged by storms, tornadoes, straight-line winds or flooding July 13-16.

When in doubt, just apply, said Leyla Gulen, FEMA spokesperson for centers in several Illinois counties, including St. Clair and Washington. Dont assume you dont qualify.

The worst they can say is no, added Crew Leader Dan Welker.

FEMA hosted soft openings of the centers on Monday afternoon. Normal operations will begin Tuesday and likely continue through mid-November. Hours are 7:30 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.

FEMA employees can answer questions, help people apply for assistance, upload documents and talk about how to make property more disaster resistant. Small Business Administration representatives will provide information on long-term, low-interest loans.

Other federal employees are going door to door in areas known to have been affected by the severe weather.

They walk miles in a day and knock on hundreds of doors to make sure that no survivor is left behind, Gulen said.

Seven Illinois counties were hit by heavy rain and strong winds July 13-16. President Joe Biden signed a Major Disaster Declaration last month, authorizing FEMA to assist individuals and business owners with recovery.

The last day to apply is Nov. 19.

Most FEMA assistance takes the form of grants for everything from home repairs to the cost of moving, storage, transportation, clothing, food, medical supplies, child care, even funerals.

The maximum amount (per application) is $42,900, said Christine Campbell, center manager in Belleville.

People also can apply for FEMA assistance at www.DisasterAssistance.gov or by using the FEMA app.

Those who have home, business or vehicle insurance must first submit insurance claims to be considered for FEMA assistance. Federal law prohibits the agency from duplicating funds, Gulen said.

People who apply for FEMA assistance, whether online or in person, get letters notifying them if theyre eligible or ineligible based on property inspections and other factors.

When you get that letter, if it says you are denied, dont assume that youre not getting assistance, Campbell said. That may be because you need more documentation (such as proof of residence, ownership or insurance). Bring that letter in to us, and well explain it to you.

The five other Illinois counties included in Bidens disaster declaration were Cook, Fulton, Henry, Will and Winnebago.

For more information, call 800-621-3362.
ELK GROVE VILLAGE, Ill.  Members of a northwest suburban fire department are mourning the loss of one of their lieutenants who died this week after more than two decades with the department.

Read more: Latest Chicago news and headlines

Fire Lieutenant Mark Pytlewicz had spent 22 years with the Elk Grove Village Fire Department, holding several positions, including company officer, technical rescue team, honor guard and more.

A spokesperson for the department shared the news in a Facebook post on Tuesday afternoon.

Elk Grove Village fire lieutenant dies

We ask that you keep his family, friends, and colleagues in your thoughts during this difficult time, a spokesperson for the department said.

To honor Lt. Pytlewiczs life and service, all Elk Grove Village fire stations will display bunting and flags will be flown at half-staff.

LATEST CASES: Missing people in Chicagoland

Officials from the fire department did not say what led to Lt. Pytlewiczs death.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Democratic California Gov. Gavin Newsom has signed legislation banning local governments from requiring voters to present an ID at the ballot box in order to cast a vote  a move which sparked backlash from Elon Musk, who branded Newsom as "The Joker."

"Wow, it is now illegal to require voter ID in California! They just made PREVENTING voter fraud against the law," Musk wrote on X late Monday. "The Joker is in charge."

The bill was passed by the California Assembly in August after being introduced earlier in the year by state Sen. David Min, a Democrat. Newsom signed the bill into law on Thursday.

Newsom Signs Election 'Deepfake' Ban, Musk Claps Back Resharing Ai-altered Video Of Kamala Harris

Elon Musk, co-founder of Tesla and SpaceX, called Gov. Gavin Newsom "The Joker" in a post over voter ID requirements.

The new law was in response to the beachside city of Huntington Beach passing a voter ID amendment, Measure A, in March with the support of a majority of residents which would allow the city to require voter identification, increase in-person voting sites, and monitor ballot drop boxes in local elections. The measure won at the polls in March with 53.4% approval, county election data shows.

But Attorney General Rob Bonta and California Secretary of State Shirley N. Weber challenged Huntington Beachs voter ID law, which would have amended the citys charter to allow voter ID requirements by 2026.

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In their lawsuit, Bonta and Weber argued that the citys voter ID law "unlawfully conflicts and is preempted by state law."

California is one of 14 states that does not require voter ID at the polls, according to the National Conference of State Legislatures.

"The right to freely cast your vote is the foundation of our democracy and Huntington Beachs voter ID policy flies in the face of this principle," Bonta said in a statement earlier this year.

He argued that state elections already contain "robust voter ID requirements with strong protections to prevent voter fraud." He said the new requirements would disproportionately burden "low-income voters, voters of color, young or elderly voters, and people with disabilities."

Ag Garland Pledges To Fight Voter Id Laws, Election Integrity Measures

Newsom signed a bill banning local governments from requiring voters to present an ID at the ballot box in order to cast a vote.

While that lawsuit made its way through the courts state, Min introduced Senate Bill No. 1174. It passed out of the State Assembly in a 57-16 vote and in the State Senate in a 30-8 vote.

The Huntington Beach City Council placed the voter ID measure on the March ballot after taking a series of hotly contested decisions on topics ranging from flag flying to the removal of books from the public library's children's section over concerns about the appropriateness of materials. The moves were initiated by a politically conservative council majority, which took office in 2022, and have drawn scores of residents on all sides of issues to city meetings.

Huntington City Attorney Michael Gates said in March that the passage of the amendment approved by voters was "not only permissible" but backed by the state constitution.

Last week he vowed to continue to enforce Measure A.

"That bill means nothing to the city of Huntington Beach," Michael Gates said, per OrangeCountyLawyers.com. "The city is going to proceed with its voter ID laws because it has a constitutional right to do so."

Musks outburst is not the first time he has sparred with Newsom.

Musk last month encouraged his 198 million X users to share an AI-doctored video of Vice President Kamala Harris after Newsom signed a bill into law banning digitally altered political "deepfakes."

Musk said he also plans to move the California headquarters for SpaceX to Texas after Newsom signed a bill into law that will bar school districts from requiring teachers to notify parents if their child uses different pronouns or identifies as a gender that's different from whats on school records.

The Space X owner has also said Democratic states are gaining an unfair advantage over red states in elections as a result of illegal immigration since the census is based on a simple headcount of all residents, both legal and illegal. He said congressional representation and electoral votes are apportioned based on all residents instead of just focusing on citizens.

Musk has often weighed in on voter integrity and immigration matters, writing on X in March that "failure to require photo ID to vote obviously makes it impossible to prove voter fraud. That is why the far left refuses to require photo ID to vote."

Fox News Bradford Betz contributed to this report.





Original article source: Elon Musk compares Newsom to 'The Joker' after voter ID requirements banned in California
Emergency operations center in Volusia County will get upgrades

Volusia Countys Emergency Operations Center is getting a $5 million, 4,500-square-foot expansion.

The county said the current facility on Tiger Bay Road in Daytona Beach needs more space to handle major storms.

The EOC is only 11 years old, but with a growing population and the impact of recent hurricanes on the area, Director Clint Mecham said its time to improve.

In the event that we need to bunker in for a storm, weve got additional staff on the emergency management side. The sheriffs office will bring in staff to maybe double up on staffing for the dispatch center in case people cant make the commute so it gets very, very cramped, said Mecham.

Read: Firefighters rescue dog from 14-foot hole in Marion County

Mecham adds that the expansion will allow for more training at the facility, and during storms, it will give staff a more comfortable place to stay rather than sleeping in offices. It will also include multipurpose rooms and a room for media briefings.

We are also a backup for the state of Florida. It gives us the additional space if they need to relocate out of Tallahassee, it give us the additional space to accept that mission as well, said Mecham.

The county hopes to have all the work done and the EOC up and running before the 2026 hurricane season.

Read: A miracle: Florida dog rescued after getting trapped in cars grill for 12 hours

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
PAMLICO COUNTY, N.C. (WNCT)  In Pamlico County, the Emergency Response Task Force returned from Chimney Rock in Western North Carolina just Monday night after spending the weekend rescuing people across the area.

Crew member Chris Murray said they had to cut their way through trees and debris to get to Chimney Rock when they first arrived. Saturday, the crew worked around the clock to rescue people who were luckily in good spirits when they arrived.

They helped people and pets get across Lake Lure and the Broad River while still in areas that had no service or connection. Murray said that he has seen a lot of bad on social media, but to not forget the good that thousands of trained workers from all over the country are coming to help with.



We ran into some issues with debris in the water in our boat. So, three of my rescue swimmers on the team were able to abandon their boat and beach it basically, and swim and crawl out of the far side of the bank to get in the Chimney Rock and get out of the situation we were facing there while we were working with locals to clear the debris out, to start moving, moving people and equipment in and out, Murray said.

Murray said he has been on 27 deployments since he started working with the response crew including Irene and Florence and that the damage he witnessed this past weekend was as bad as he has ever seen.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WNCT.
(Bloomberg) -- Hurricane Helene has halted North Carolina mining operations producing high-purity quartz used to make silicon wafers for semiconductor manufacturing.

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Operators Sibelco and Quartz Corp. both shut their facilities on Sept. 26, the companies said in separate statements. Its too early to say when production could restart, they said.

The storm severely hit the community, which is struggling with flooding and power and communication outages, and the restart of operations is a secondary concern for now, the companies said.

Spruce Pine, a small town an hour north of Asheville, is among the only sites in the world to contain high-purity quartz, which is key to making semiconductors, according to author Ed Conway, who wrote Material World: The Six Raw Materials That Shape Modern Civilization. The halt in operations could affect global supply chains that depend on semiconductors to make phones, solar panels and other technology.

(Updates with confirmation of Quartz closure. An earlier version of the story corrected the spelling of Sibelco.)

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One of North Americas oldest gas and oil operators with origins that date back to the late 1800s was fined by the U.S. Department of Justice more than $16 million for failing to comply with federal and state requirements for its activities on Utah tribal lands and state lands.

The Justice Department and Environmental Protection Agency on Monday announced the settlement with Ovintiv USA Inc. to resolve Clean Air Act violations, with an order to pay the United States and the state of Utah a civil penalty of $5.5 million. It also requires Ovintiv to implement extensive compliance measures to achieve major reductions in pollutants emitted from 139 of its facilities across the state.

Specifically, It involves operation of oil and gas production facilities on the Uintah and Ouray Reservation in Utah, as well as Utah school trust lands.

Federal officials say the settlement resolves a civil suit, filed jointly by the United States and the state of Utah, alleging that Ovintiv failed to capture and control air emissions and comply with inspection, monitoring and record keeping requirements from 22 of its oil and gas production facilities in the Uinta Basin. These violations resulted in illegal emissions of volatile organic compounds, which contribute to asthma and increase susceptibility to respiratory illnesses. Additionally, greenhouse gases, including methane, were released in large quantities.

In addition to the civil penalty, the settlement requires Ovintiv to take corrective action and mitigation projects estimated to cost over $10 million at 139 of its facilities that will eliminate over 2,000 tons of volatile organic compounds emissions annually. It will also eliminate methane emissions equivalent to a reduction of over 50,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions annually, a reduction similar to taking nearly 13,000 gas powered cars off the road each year.

This case is a win for the environment and for consumers, said Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Departments Environment and Natural Resources Division. The work required under the consent decree will significantly reduce the amount of gas Ovintiv facilities vent into the atmosphere and return some of that gas to the sales pipeline where it can be sent to productive use.

As climate change accelerates and wreaks havoc in communities across the nation, EPA is doing everything possible to limit the methane emissions that are among the most powerful drivers of climate change, said Assistant Administrator David M. Uhlmann of EPAs Office of Enforcement and Compliance Assurance.

The settlement requires Ovintiv to invest in extensive compliance measures for the proper design of Ovintivs oil and gas facilities to capture all volatile organic compounds emissions and send the emissions to an appropriate control device. Compliance measures also include periodic infrared camera inspections, enhanced maintenance requirements and installation of storage tank pressure monitors at many facilities

The state Utah Department of Environmental Quality has a program offering infrared cameras to detect such leaks called the ULend program, initially funded with a $200,000 appropriation from the state Legislature in 2017. The Utah Petroleum Association also offers the Latch the Hatch program to help control emissions in another voluntary program.

The settlement is part of EPAs National Enforcement and Compliance Initiative, Mitigating Climate Change. This initiative focuses, in part, on reducing methane emissions from oil and gas and landfill sources. Like all of EPAs national enforcement initiatives, this initiative prioritizes communities already overburdened by pollution and other potential environmental justice concerns.

The Uinta Basin, in particular, suffers from high ozone levels in the cold of winter creating public health risks and air quality that is stifling. Two other companies were fined millions two years ago for violations that include leaky tanks and other failures to implement pollution mitigation controls.

More information on this settlement agreement is available on EPAs webpage at www.epa.gov/enforcement/ovintiv-usa-inc-2024-clean-air-act-stationary-source-case-summary.

The complaint and proposed consent decree were filed in the U.S. District Court for the District of Utah. The consent decree is subject to a 30-day comment period. A copy of the complaint and the proposed consent decree are available at www.justice.gov/enrd/consent-decrees.

The EPA investigated the case and attorneys with the Environment and Natural Resources Divisions Environmental Enforcement Section are handling the case.
(Bloomberg) --

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The US Maritime Alliance says it has offered to boost wages for dockworkers by nearly 50% in an effort to resume negotiations with the International Longshoremens Union and avoid a potentially crippling strike at East Coast and Gulf ports.

USMX, as the group representing terminal operators and ocean carriers is known, said in a statement it has traded counteroffers with the dockworkers union related to wages over the last 24 hours.

The USMX increased our offer and has also requested an extension of the current Master Contract, the statement said.

A spokesperson for the dockworkers union said he was not aware of any such offer. The ILA has been threatening that its workers would walk out of container ports up and down the US East and Gulf coasts if no deal is reached before their current contract expires at 12:01 a.m. in New York.

White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard met with USMX officials Monday, urging them to resolve the impasse fairly and quickly, according to an official familiar with the matter.

Negotiations have been at an impasse since the union called off talks in June, and the two sides have remained far apart on wages and disputes over automation.

Our offer would increase wages by nearly 50%, the group said in its statement. The offer also increases employer contributions to employee retirement plans and would strengthen health care options.

One of the biggest issues in the negotiations has been around automated equipment at container terminals.

USMX said the current offer includes the same language on automation as the current contract and previous offer extended this summer. The union has said they want language that is more restrictive of such technology.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove.

(Updates with comment from White House official in fifth paragraph.)

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WORCESTER  A pair of Worcester figures went toe-to-toe Monday night debating what has become the most hotly contested question on the Nov. 5 election ballot: Should Massachusetts keep the MCAS test as a requirement for public school students to graduate?

Melissa Verdier, president of the Educational Association of Worcester, the union representing teachers in the Worcester Public Schools, represented the "vote yes" side of the debate. Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce President and former Lt. Gov. Timothy Murray represented the "vote no" side.

The debate that took place Monday night was hosted by the Worcester Education Collaborative.

Currently, scoring a passing grade on the MCAS test is a requirement for a high school student to receive a diploma. Students typically take the test in the 10th grade; however, students who fail to pass the test can retake it up to four times a year.

In her opening remarks, Verdier said the test, especially for students who continuously retake it, takes up valuable time and resources, at the expense of more effective educational methods. Verdier said denying a student a diploma because they failed to pass one test is a harsh punishment.

"I feel it is grossly unfair to deny a student a diploma because of a single test. Denying a student a diploma jeopardizes their future and penalizes the students in a harsh way, based on the results of one imperfect measurement tool," Verdier said.

More: Worcester School Committee takes stance on removing MCAS as graduation requirement

According to data from the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, in an average year 20 students out of 1,862 seniors in Worcester Public Schools fail to graduate because they do not pass the MCAS exam, a rate of 1.1%.

Passage of Question 2 would not eliminate the MCAS exam. All students would be required to take the test and the MCAS would still be utilized as a means of assessing school district performance.

In his opening remarks, Murray said that having the MCAS as a statewide standard is critical to maintaining a high level of education across the state, rather than relying on local standards.

"The establishment of high standards for students and teachers has resulted in Massachusetts being ranked number one in the nation in many different student achievement measures," Murray said. "The MCAS is not a perfect tool; I think we can agree improvements can be made to more fully assess the educational-attainment level of students. However, in the absence of an approved statewide alternative, it would be a mistake to get rid of this as a requirement."

The high stakes of the test

Verdier, who is a special education teacher at North High School, said that while the number of students who fail to graduate due to the MCAS requirement is low, the pressure to pass the test is immense and students who struggle to pass it often consider dropping out.

Melissa Verdier is president of the Educational Association of Worcester.

"I think that it is high stakes. We are talking about 21 students who are not going to receive a diploma. Those 21 students, they have taken the retest in the fall and spring of their junior and senior years," Verdier said. "I've had many students say to me that they are just going to drop out and I beg them not to because there is so much more to their high school education than just a test. And that test tells me very little about who they are, what they can do and what their skills are and how they will perform in the future."

Murray argues the test maintains a necessary standard

Murray emphasized throughout the debate that it was critical for the state to provide a baseline standard for graduation.

"This ballot question is being proposed without a uniform standard and you are going to have every district interpreting the curriculum requirements differently. There is nothing to compare apples-to-apples across the state," Murray said. "I think it's really important. When MCAS started, we were not number one in the country, but we collectively, the work that has been done over the years, allowed us to be the top state in the country."

Timothy Murray is president and CEO of the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Murray said that the number of students who have failed to pass the test in order to graduate, about 700 students statewide, is so small that the focus should be providing these students the assets they need to pass and not removing the requirement.

"We should be focusing intensively with services on that 1% that has failed; we shouldn't be lowering the bar and expectations and diluting what we expect from our kids," Murray said.

Dina Tedeschi, family and community engagement specialist at Worcester Education Collaborative, served as moderator for the event.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester teachers union head, Chamber of Commerce leader debate MCAS
In three Michigan Congressional districts, incumbent representatives face no or only nominal opposition in the Nov. 5 general election:

DEBBIE DINGELL , 6th District, Washtenaw County and parts of Wayne and Oakland counties

HALEY STEVENS , 11th District, most of Oakland County

RASHIDA TLAIB, 12th District, western Wayne County and part of south Oakland County

During their tenures, these Democratic women have built solid reputations for thoughtful policymaking and efficient constituent services, and will continue to capably represent their respective districts in the U.S. Congress.

Before the August primary, the Free Press also endorsed incumbent 13th District U.S. Rep. SHRI THANEDAR, who likewise faces no serious opposition in the general election.

Here's what the Free Press Editorial Board wrote about each incumbent in endorsements issued before the primary election.

U.S. Rep. Rashida Tlaib, D-Detroit, left, and U.S. Rep. Debbie Dingell, D-Ann Arbor, chat during the 21st Detroit Martin Luther King Day Rally and March at St. Matthew's & St. Joseph's Episcopal Church in Detroit on Monday, January 15, 2024.

"In 2014, Dingell won the seat  after redistricting, now the 6th  held for 60 years by her husband, the legendary Congressman John Dingell, who left office in 2015 and died in 2019. She has deployed an in-depth knowledge of Washington, accumulated over three decades of marriage to one of the U.S. Congress' most influential members and her own lengthy career in philanthropy, and paired her deep convictions and political savvy with deep roots in Michigan and an unmatched understanding of the constituents she serves."

"Stevens, of Michigan's 11th District, cut her political teeth in the presidential campaigns of Hillary Clinton and Barack Obama, later serving as chief of staff to the U.S. Auto Rescue Taskforce, the group that orchestrated the 2009 bailout of the American auto industry. She ran for office as a staunch Democrat with an instinctive understanding of the moderate voters in her Oakland County district. Few members of Congress can rival Stevens' knowledge of the auto industry, American manufacturing and the ingredients for resurgence and success."

Congresswoman Haley Stevens tells the crowd she has their backs during a rally outside UAW Local 140 Hall at the Warren Truck Assembly Plant on Thursday Sept.12, 2024. The rally came after Stellantis announced they will be eliminating the second shift at Warren Truck, cutting nearly 2,500 jobs.

"Tlaib, who represents what is now the 12th District, can a lightning rod for controversy  often simply because of who she is, not what she has done. Tlaib is a hard-working lawmakers, tirelessly canvassing her district to ensure she understands the concerns of the Michiganders she represents, and offers top-notch constituent services. She's sharp, smart and principled. But as the only Palestinian American serving in Congress, she and her family are the subjects of frequent, credible threats and a stream of abuse well beyond what has, unfortunately, become the norm.

"The last eight months haven't changed that. Tlaib has been an outspoken advocate for a cease-fire in Israel's war on Gaza, an advocate for Palestinian statehood and a loud critic of the Israeli government. Tlaib's fervor  which some have dubbed antisemitic  led many to speculate that she'd face a serious primary or general election challenger this year. One businessman reportedly offered to bankroll any primary candidate who'd take Tlaib on, to the tune of $20 million.

"No one took the offer. That alone is a testament to what Tlaib has accomplished. Residents of the 12th District will be well-served by Tlaibs return to Washington."

U.S. Rep. Shri Thanedar, D-Detroit, holds a re-election sign as he stands on the sidewalk in the rain near a polling place at Maire Elementary School in Grosse Pointe on Tuesday, Aug. 6, 2024.

"... he has yet to prove himself in Congress, drawing frequent criticism for poor constituent services and for misaligning office resources with his districts needs. In an endorsement interview with the Free Press Editorial Board, his explanations didnt reassure.

"...Thanedars incumbent status means he ought to be able to be more effective over the next two years than a congressional newcomer. But if he wins re-election, Thanedar must get serious about the office he holds, and his responsibilities to the Michiganders who elected him. ...

"If voters return Thanedar to Washington, hell have two years of service under his belt; in theory, that experience should lead to more effective legislating.

"But we have a specific prescription for Thanedars operation:

Prioritize constituent services.

Hire a full complement of qualified staffers, and pay them appropriately, and ensure interns and fellows have duties commensurate with their status.

Ensure that all office functions and interactions comply with federal law and best practices of workplace management.

Understand the reasons for staff turnover, and correct internal culture problems that cause it.

Build relationships with members of Michigans Congressional delegation who might be able to advise their junior colleague on sound management practices.

Limit the use of budget dollars on advertising that could be spent on staff.

Forge or repair relationships with local leaders.

"Residents of Detroits 13th District deserve capable representation in the U.S. Congress. If they choose to re-elect Thanedar, he owes them that much."

How to vote

Local clerks mailed absentee ballots to Michigan voters on Sept. 26. Registered voters may cast ballots early, in person, from Oct. 26 to Nov. 3  check with your local clerk for the location of early voting sites and ballot dropboxes. And, of course, you can vote  and register to vote  in person on Election Day, Nov. 5. Check your voter registration or find your polling place on the Michigan Secretary of State website.

This piece has been updated to include voting information.

Submit a letter to the editor at freep.com/letters, and we may publish it online and in print.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Endorsement: In Nov. 5 election, send 3 Michigan Dems back to Congress
LANSING, Mich. (WLNS)  Hurricane Helenes path of destruction has impacted a church community run by a priest who has served Lansing and Jackson communities.

Rev. Sarah Hurlbert served at University Lutheran Church and was affiliated with All Saints Episcopal Church in East Lansing. She served for five years as the rector of St. Pauls Episcopal Church in Jackson. Now, she is the Dean of the Cathedral of All Souls located in Biltmore Village in the Asheville, N.C. region.

The massive and destructive storm made landfall on Sept. 26 before stalling over Tennessee and degrading into a post-tropical cyclone. The storm finally dissipated on Sept. 29. after carving a path of destruction from Florida up into the Carolinas. CBS News reports at least 135 people have died as a result of the storm.

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Rev. Sarah., as she is known in mid-Michigan, and her wife Deea public school teacher and personal trainersay the cathedral was significantly damaged in the storms flooding, though the couple worries more about the members of their community.

This includes elders and those without access to the internet or other communication tools. Sarah says more and more of the congregation are checking in as safe, and the church is sending electronic surveys to members of the church as well.

However, those surveys may not be reaching all of the congregation, particularly elders, she says.

It is very hard to get updates on them and so that right now is what we are most concerned with, she reports.

Dee says the community remains in rescue mode at this time.

Damage in and around the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village, Asheville, North Carolina. (Courtesy Dee Hurlbert)

Damage in and around the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village, Asheville, North Carolina. (Courtesy Dee Hurlbert)

Damage in and around the Cathedral of All Souls, Biltmore Village, Asheville, North Carolina. (Courtesy Dee Hurlbert)



Its important to keep in mind that we are still in a search and rescue state, Dee says. That ideas of, of recovery and rebuilding are, are a little farther out in our minds at this moment. Were really in a life-saving, life-sustaining place.

Both women encourage people to donate to the American Red Cross relief efforts as well as to the Episcopal Relief and Development fund to assist with immediate needs for the community. Nexstar, WLNS parent company, has a link to donate to relief efforts by the Red Cross.

Ways to help with Hurricane Helene relief

GoFundMe Cathedral of All Souls

Episcopal Relief and Development

Help people affected by Hurricane Helene  American Red Cross

Sarah says the Episcopal Relief dollars will assist the greater community, not just members of the church.

As for damage, the historic churchs office was submerged underwater up to the roof line. Swift currents of flood water knocked over brick work outside the office as well. The cathedral itself was flooded up to the altar.

Now, when the cathedral was built, it was built the  a hill was built up first, and then the cathedral on top of it, says Sarah. So, it would be the highest point in the village. Even with that, the cathedral was flooded up to the edge of the altar, which is up on a step in the chancel. And, so, all the pews, all of that, were just uprooted and all the classrooms in the parish hall, in the kitchen and all those things. But its also  its astonishing the power of what happened, because water, of course, got into raise things. But then it moved all of the pews, knocked them all over. These are very, very solid oak pews.

Theyre just stacked up like toss the Lincoln Logs, says Dee.

Yeah. So the power of the water Is really astonishing, adds Sarah.

Both women say they are concerned about the local hospital which remains without water as of Tuesday afternoon.

Were most concerned with our  the Mission Hospital, which is up the  up the hill from us, says Sarah. Thats trying to serve the people of the community there. And they mostly still dont have water. And so thats a huge issue.

Sarah says while it may seem a platitude, prayer really does help.

I think the number one need that Ive heard and  the joy that Ive heard in people during this time  is the connectivity so that people can, if people know where people are, they know that theyre loved and being prayed for, right, says the priest.

Dee also acknowledges not everyone is in a place to donate, and may be overwhelmed by what seems like a deluge of crises.

Id also like to acknowledge that this is a time when people are burned in innumerable ways with innumerable global crises, Dee says. We are very much aware of that, and so we ask people to also center themselves in their own lives and whatever their spirituality is. And if they have the means  and are able to help this relief effort  Its  it is very welcome and appreciated.

Sarah says the emergency and disaster is also an important reminder for her to continue her ministry.

The way God has us is where we have each other, right? says Sarah. And so, if we can walk with each other through this and take care of each other  then we embody Christ: to each other and to this community. And so, thats the  thats the true message right now: is that were all walking this road together.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WLNS 6 News.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams legal team asked a judge Tuesday to investigate nearly a years worth of leaks related to the New York City Democrats criminal case, arguing the steady drip of information has made a fair trial impossible.

Adams lawyers also pointed to another casualty of the coverage: the mayors reelection campaign.

For nearly a year, the government has leaked grand jury material and other sensitive information to the media to aggrandize itself, further its investigation, and unfairly prejudice the defendant, Mayor Eric Adams, Alex Spiro, the mayors private attorney, wrote in a federal court filing.

Spiro directly accused the U.S. Attorney for the Southern District in New York of being the source of leaks about raids, subpoenas and other information related to charges Adams accepted travel perks and illicit campaign donations from Turkish officials and business interests in exchange for expediting the opening of the Turkish embassy in Manhattan in 2021, after he had won the Democratic mayoral primary. The mayor was indicted last week and has pleaded not-guilty.

Should the judge indeed hold a hearing to determine the source of the leaks  though hearings of this nature are rarely granted  Spiro said remedies could include suppression of certain evidence at trial or dismissal of the case altogether.

Over the summer, other attorneys retained by Adams wrote to federal prosecutors to complain that press coverage of the investigation was tainting Adams 2025 reelection campaign.

Unfortunately, there can be no question that the leaks have already influenced next years mayoral election, Brendan McGuire and Boyd Johnson wrote in a June letter. If they continue, they have the potential to fundamentally compromise the Mayors reelection candidacy.

While McGuire and Johnson stopped short of blaming the Southern District itself, Spiro on Tuesday accused the office point blank  part of an aggressive defense strategy that featured a press conference at the white-collar defense attorneys Manhattan office Monday.

A representative for the Southern District declined to comment.
Lawyers for embattled New York City Mayor Eric Adams are seeking sanctions against the Department of Justice, which they accuse of illegally leaking information about its investigation into the Big Apple boss to the mainstream media.

The leaks have been going on for about a year, his lawyers wrote, right up to the day before the charges became public knowledge, when sources confirmed the indictment to media outlets, including Fox News.

"In fact, the day before the indictment was unsealed  and even before the Mayors counsel was notified of the indictment  The New York Times reported that the Mayor has been indicted in a federal corruption investigation, people with knowledge of the matter said, and that '[f]ederal prosecutors were expected to announce more details on Thursday,'" Adams lawyer Avi Perry wrote in court documents made public Tuesday.

Eric Adams Defense Hinges On Supreme Court Ruling In Heartland Trucking Case

Mayor Eric Adams and lawyer Alex Spiro speak to the media outside a federal court in New York City on Sept. 27, 2024.

Hours before the Times report, Democratic Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, whose district includes parts of New York City, called on Adams to step down.

Read the filing:

Read On The Fox News App

Nyc Mayor Eric Adams Pledges To Reign Not Resign

Due to the secret nature of grand jury proceedings, only a handful of people could have known about the mayor's indictment before it was unsealed last week, Perry wrote. Those are the members of the grand jury itself, court staff and Justice Department prosecutors.

"But of those, only the prosecution team would have been privy to the governments plan to announce additional details the next day (as it did in a self-laudatory press conference)," Perry continued. "It is therefore clear that the prosecution team is responsible for the leak."

They are asking for a hearing on the alleged misconduct and appropriate consequences in a long-shot bid to have the indictment thrown out.

Feds Seize Eric Adams' Phone After Nyc Mayor's Indictment

Adams could face up to 45 years in prison if convicted of all charges in an indictment experts described as just the "opening salvo." With investigations ongoing into a number of city hall staffers and campaign aides, there could be more charges coming.

Adams' team has repeatedly asked prosecutors to "plug the leaks" to no avail, according to the filing. Now they are asking the court to hold a hearing on the matter.

Mayor Eric Adams during a press conference at City Hall, Nov. 21, 2023.

The mayor has also characterized the investigation as retaliation for his criticism of the Biden-Harris administration's border policy.

Adams previously blamed the White House for a migrant crisis in New York City that overloaded its shelter system. The influx of illegal immigrants coincided with a spike in robberies in the Big Apple, city police said earlier this year.





Original article source: Eric Adams calls out alleged collusion of feds and mainstream media, asks judge for 'consequences'
New York City Mayor Eric Adams is really hoping to get his five-count federal corruption indictment thrown out.

Adamss lawyer Alex Spiro filed a motion Tuesday seeking sanctions against the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office, alleging that it had leaked sensitive grand jury materials to the press.

In the filing, Spiro wrote that the government had been facilitating a slow drip of information to the media, so that by the time Adamss damning federal corruption indictment was unsealed on Friday, most of the details of the indictment and evidence underpinning the governments case (weak as it is) had already been widely reported in the national and local press.

Spiro cited The New York Times, which reported Thursday evening that Adams had been indicted and announced that additional details would be released the next day. Spiro argued that only the prosecution would have been privy to the governments plan to announce additional details the next day, and so it was therefore clear that the prosecution team is behind the leak.

Spiro requested an evidentiary hearing to develop the record as to the scope of the prosecution teams misconduct and the appropriate remedy, including dismissal of the indictment.

At a press conference on Monday, Spiro claimed that the prosecution team had committed a grave breach of the publics trust for leaking information.

Adams is accused of unlawfully receiving $10 million in public funds as part of a slew of public corruption charges, including one count of wire fraud, two counts of solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, and one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, and to receive campaign contributions by foreign nationals.

Adams has also been charged with one count of bribery, which his lawyer is also desperate to see tossed from his case. Spiro argued that the types of gratuities the federal government alleged Adams took dont actually count as bribes at all.
(NewsNation) New York City Mayor Eric Adams addressed the recent resignations by members of his administration during a regularly scheduled news conference Tuesday, nearly one week after he was indicted by a federal grand jury on criminal charges.

Tim Pearson, one of Adams closest aides, submitted his resignation Monday. Former New York City Police Department Commissioner Edward Caban and chief legal counsel Liza Zornberg both resigned in recent weeks as well. On Tuesday, Adams said Allison Stoddart was appointed as the new counsel for the city.

Just as people are leaving, there are people who are coming in, and were going to continue to see that, Adams told reporters. You see that in government all the time.

Kentucky sheriff accused of killing judge due in court Tuesday

In particular, Pearson made the decision to focus on another aspect of his life, Adams said.

I respect that he served this city as a police officer and in private and public, he added.

NewsNation local affiliate WPIX reports Pearson will exit the administration effective Friday. Federal agents had seized cellphones, documents and cash from his Long Island home weeks ago. In addition, his role in a brawl at a migrant shelter is being looked into by New York Citys Department of Investigation. Multiple people are suing Pearson, and accusing him of sexually harassing female subordinates while leading a new unit created by Adams.

Pearson has not been publicly accused of wrongdoing by prosecutors, nor was he charged with a crime.

A lot of allegations have been swirling in the media for months, his attorney Hugh H. Mo said. There are no merits to these allegations.

Eric Adams indictment

Prosecutors unsealed an indictment last week alleging Adams compounded his gains from illegal campaign contributions by gaming the citys matching funds program. Authorities say Adams campaign received more than $10 million in matching funds as a result of the false certifications.

In addition, the indictment accuses Adams of soliciting and demanding bribes, including free and heavily discounted luxury travel benefits from a Turkish official.

Adams, a Democrat, has pleaded not guilty and said he has no plans to resign. On Monday his attorneys filed a motion saying that the flights to overseas destinations, seat upgrades, free meals and free hotel rooms Adams got were not bribes under federal law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Tallinn's planned security tax is "unprecedented," but "everybody in Estonia understands that we have to do more," Estonian Defense Minister Hanno Pevkur said on Oct. 1.

Speaking at a panel discussion at the Warsaw Security Forum attended by the Kyiv Independent, Pevkur explained that "everybody in the society will contribute a bit more" as Estonia ramps up defense spending and aid to Ukraine.

"It's unprecedented that in Estonia, we will introduce a security tax, or war tax, however you call it."

The Estonian parliament is currently considering a security tax bill proposed in reaction to Russia's full-scale war in Ukraine.

The legislation would apply a 2% security tax on individual and business profits starting Jan. 1, 2026, and increase the value-added tax (VAT) from 22% to 24% from July 2025. The measure would be in force until the end of 2028.

Between 2022 and 2024, Estonia has devoted around 520 million euros ($575 million) in support to Ukraine. This represents some 1.4% of the country's gross domestic product (GDP), one of the highest percentages of all Kyiv's partners.

Tallinn has also allocated 0.25% of its yearly GDP to support Ukraine's military needs in the coming years, calling on other partners to do the same.

"We are investing 3.4% (of GDP) into defense, we will go to 3.7% in 2026. Of this money, we are investing around 52-54% only in capabilities and capabilities development," Pevkur said.

"There will be a couple of years when we will invest 25% of our defense budget only to ammunition."

Among NATO members, Estonia devoted the second-greatest share of its GDP to the defense budget in 2024, with only Poland investing more, at 4.12%. The U.S. is projected to come third, with 3.38%, followed by Estonia's neighbor Latvia.

While the number of countries that meet the 2% GDP benchmark jumped to 23 this year, Pevkur believes that this threshold is no longer sufficient.

"We have to go to 2.5%, maybe 3%, because this gap that we have from the last 30 years is just too big."

The minister noted that in the "last 25 years, European Union countries increased their defense spending by 43%. At the same time, Russia increased its defense spending by 592%."

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
By David Lawder

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - The International Monetary Fund is "too polite" when it comes to criticizing China's economic policies and should more fully disclose financing assurances given by China and some other countries to support IMF loan programs, a senior U.S. Treasury official said on Tuesday.

Brent Neiman, the Treasury's deputy undersecretary for international finance, said the IMF has failed to apply enough analytical rigor to China's industrial policies.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

Speaking at an event hosted by the OMFIF financial think tank, Neiman offered unusually pointed criticism of the IMF's approach to China ahead of IMF and World Bank annual meetings later this month.

The Treasury manages the dominant U.S. shareholding in the IMF and has repeatedly warned China about its industrial overcapacity, technology transfer and currency practices over the past year, including during a trip to China by Treasury Secretary Janet Yellen that laid groundwork for higher U.S. tariffs that took effect last week.

KEY QUOTES:

Neiman said the IMF needed to be a "ruthless truth teller," but that its annual economic assessment on China do not give adequate attention to exchange rate and industrial policies.

"The IMF does not publicly comment on the role of state-owned banks in managing China's exchange rate or on why changes in the Peoples Bank of China's balance sheet don't line up with reserve transactions in China's balance of payments data," Neiman said.

An IMF spokesperson could not immediately be reached for comment. The IMF and World Bank will assess a number of policies during the week of Oct. 21 at their annual meetings in Washington.

CONTEXT

Neiman also criticized the IMF's lack of transparency in disclosing external financing assurances given by China and other countries to supplement IMF loan programs. Such assurances were given in recent programs for Argentina, Ecuador and Suriname, that were not delivered or significantly delayed, he said.

The IMF last week approved a $7 billion program for Pakistan that included financing assurances from China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, but declined to provide details on the assurances.

Neiman said the IMF also only referred to China as Ecuador's "main bilateral creditor" in its program documents adding that such "politeness" can reduce incentives for creditors to honor their assurances in a timely manner.

(Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Lufthansa was one of several European airlines to announce it was suspending flights to the Middle East (Michaela STACHE) (Michaela STACHE/AFP/AFP)

Top European airlines Lufthansa, KLM and Swiss on Tuesday announced that they were extending their suspension of flights to the Middle East, as tensions spiral throughout the region.

The moves come as Israel launched strikes on Beirut and a senior White House official warned that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack "imminently" against Israel.

KLM has pushed out until the end of the year the suspension of its once-daily flight to Tel Aviv "given the situation in the region", spokeswoman Elvira van der Vis told AFP.

The Dutch airline had already announced in August that it was suspending flights to Israel until October 26.

Also on Tuesday, German airline group Lufthansa said it was suspending flights to Beirut up to and including November 30.

Lufthansa group flights to Tel Aviv will be cancelled until October 31 while trips to Tehran remain cancelled until October 14.

"We regret the inconvenience caused to our passengers," the group said.

Later on Tuesday the Lufthansa group said that it had also decided to "avoid Iranian, Iraqi and Jordanian airspace up to and including 2 October", adding that "flights will continue to avoid Israeli airspace up to and including 31 October".

The Lufthansa group -- whose carriers also include Swiss International Air Lines, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines -- has repeatedly modified its flight schedule in recent months due to heightened tensions in the Middle East, as have other airlines.

Following the example of its parent company, Swiss said the extension of its flight suspensions was "intended to provide more predictability for both our passengers and our crews".

The Israeli army said it had launched a ground offensive in Lebanon and that its forces engaged in clashes on Tuesday, further escalating the conflict after a week of intense air strikes that killed hundreds.

Meanwhile, a senior White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity that the United States has indications that Iran was preparing to launch a missile attack against Israel "imminently".

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said, warning that such an action would "carry severe consequences for Iran".

burs-ric/bc
French-German defense company KNDS has opened an office in Kyiv to support Ukraine carry out the domestic maintenance and repair of land systems and produce artillery ammunition, the company announced on Oct. 1.

KNDS is one of Europe's biggest defense companies, formed from a 2015 merger of the German company Krauss-Maffei Wegmann and the French company Nexter Systems.

The subsidiary KNDS Ukraine LLC "will support the cooperation between Ukrainian government institutions, the Ukrainian armaments industry, and KNDS," the press release said.

KNDS makes around 800 systems used by or contracted for the Ukrainian Armed Forces, including the Caesar artillery gun, the Gepard self-propelled anti-aircraft gun tank, and the PzH 2000 armored howitzer.

KNDS also intends to jointly manufacture NATO-standard 155 mm artillery ammunition and produce spare parts with the Ukrainian industry.

Ukraine has long tried to ramp up domestic ammunition production to become more independent from Western partners.

In the summer of 2023, the company Ukrainian Defense Industry said that it had already mastered the production of 82 mm mortar mines, 122 mm, and 152 mm artillery rounds, as well as 125 mm tank shells.

Alexander Kamyshin, the former strategic industries minister, announced in early September that Ukraine was already producing its own 155 mm artillery ammunition.





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Evacuations from Lebanon: what we know

Israel launched a ground offensive in Lebanon on Tuesday, escalating a conflict against Hezbollah after a week of air strikes that have killed hundreds.

Several countries have begun evacuating their nationals from Lebanon or are planning to do so.

- Britain -

Britain has chartered a commercial flight for its nationals that will depart from Beirut's Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday.

The UK government has said further flights may be arranged, depending on demand.

It said it would prioritise "vulnerable British nationals" for Wednesday's flight.

Last week, London announced the deployment of 700 soldiers to Cyprus to prepare for a possible evacuation of its citizens from Lebanon.

- Canada -

Canada has reserved 800 seats on commercial planes to evacuate its citizens from Lebanon, with the next flight scheduled to depart on Tuesday.

About 45,000 Canadians are currently in Lebanon.

The Canadian military has set up emergency resources in Cyprus if commercial flights are interrupted.

- Germany -

On Monday, Germany flew out its Beirut embassy's non-essential staff, their dependants and some of its citizens in Lebanon with medical conditions.

About 110 passengers boarded the German air force A321 plane, which landed in Berlin late in the evening.

The Beirut embassy remained operational to help the estimated 1,800 German citizens in Lebanon "in their departure via commercial flights and other means", the government said.

"We are currently at a stage where we support the departure (of citizens) but we are explicitly not in an evacuation scenario," a government spokesman said on Monday.

- Japan -

Japan is urging its citizens to leave Lebanon on commercial flights and is preparing military flights for their possible return, the government said on Friday.

C-2 military transport planes have been ordered to go to Jordan and Greece to be on stand-by in case Japanese nationals need to be transported out of the region.

Japanese media said there were around 50 Japanese citizens currently in Lebanon.

- Philippines -

The Philippines vowed last week to evacuate 11,000 citizens from Lebanon the moment Israeli forces crossed the border to launch a ground offensive.

"A ground invasion will lead to mandatory repatriation," Foreign Undersecretary Eduardo de Vega said on Friday, adding the plan was to move thousands out of the country via the sea.

He did not provide details.

Manila had earlier urged Filipinos to leave Lebanon before commercial airlines stopped flying to Beirut.

Millions of Filipinos work in the Middle East. Around 90 percent of those in Lebanon are female domestic workers.

- Portugal -

Portugal evacuated 44 people from Lebanon -- 28 nationals and their families -- by military plane via Cyprus on Saturday evening.

- Bulgaria -

A total of 89 Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon -- mostly families with children -- arrived in Sofia late Monday. A government plane is expected to make a second flight on Tuesday.

Around 400 Bulgarians live in Lebanon, and so far 160 of them have declared they want to be evacuated from the country, according to deputy foreign minister Elena Shekerletova.

- Refugees -

The United Nations Refugee agency said on Monday around 100,000 people had fled to Syria from Lebanon due to Israeli air strikes.

The UNHCR representative in Syria said most evacuees were women and children. Around 80 percent were Syrian nationals and 20 percent Lebanese.

Some 210,000 Palestinian refugees live in camps and informal settlements in Lebanon, according to the UN children's agency UNICEF.

An Israeli air strike hit a Palestinian refugee camp in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, killing several inhabitants, Lebanon's official National News Agency said.

burs/jhb
Even before the Israeli ground invasion, Hezbollah was struggling to regroup

Israeli shelling hit an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel on Monday. (Leo Correa / Associated Press)

The saying goes that generals always prepare to fight the last war. Hezbollah seems to have fallen into that mistake.

The Iran-backed group, which prides itself for fighting Israel to a standstill and withdrawal from Lebanon in 2006, now appears badly outmaneuvered by a technologically superior foe that has assassinated dozens of its top leaders, destroyed a significant portion of its weapons, disrupted its communications and killed hundreds of its fighters.

And all that was before a single Israeli soldier crossed the border into Lebanon. Israel launched what it called a limited ground invasion late Monday.

The most humiliating of the recent blows came Friday, when a shock-and-awe barrage of more than 80 bunker-buster missiles drilled down a site in Dahieh, a Hezbollah-dominated suburb of Beirut. The assault obliterated four residential buildings and what the Israeli military said was Hezbollahs underground command headquarters. The attack killed the groups longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and some of his top-line lieutenants.

Smoke rises as a building collapses Saturday in Beirut's southern suburbs. (Hussein Malla / Associated Press)

With Nasrallah dead, questions have mounted as to whether Hezbollah  classified by the U.S. as a terrorist organization  can regroup.

In the first days after Nasrallahs assassination, Hezbollah appeared in disarray. Its normally active media arm went into radio silence. Officials stopped answering calls. Operatives  usually a constant presence in areas where it holds sway  could scarcely be seen. The few young reservists encountered in Beirut appeared listless and demoralized; some openly cried.

By Monday, the group was finding its footing again. Naim Qassem, Hezbollah's deputy leader, gave the first public address by one of its senior leadership since Nasrallahs killing.

He insisted the groups command-and-control apparatus and arsenal of mid- and long-range weaponry remained intact, and it was continuing its cross-border barrage at the same rate. He said that the group was prepared for a ground invasion. "We will exit victorious from this battle, he said.

Despite the bravado, some analysts believe the group is a spent force.

The penetration of Hezbollah is too deep and unprecedented, to a level so overwhelming it didnt even occur [as possible] to the group, said Hilal Khashan, political science professor and Hezbollah expert at American University of Beirut. He compared the groups loss to Egypts defeat against the Israelis in 1967, when its warplanes didnt even leave the ground before being destroyed by Israeli fighters.

Protesters hold portraits of slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah at a demonstration Saturday in the southern port city of Sidon, Lebanon. (Mohammed Zaatari / Associated Press)

This is much worse. The Israeli army eliminated Hezbollah before the war even began, unlike with the Egyptians, he said.

And with Israel monitoring all routes into Lebanon, Iran  Hezbollahs main backer  will have no way to replenish its arms, Khashan added. Hezbollah as a fighting machine has ended, he said. Its too late to regroup. 

Others pointed out that Hezbollah has maintained the frequency of its cross-border attacks. But those are conducted by low-level units that operate in a decentralized manner, said Sam Heller, a Hezbollah expert at the Century Foundation think tank.

Its possible to spin that as a win, but its obviously not deterring or meaningfully constraining the Israelis, Heller said.

He suggested that the loss of so much top-level leadership has disrupted Hezbollah's ability to make key executive decisions involving the use of ground forces or its most lethal weapons  one possible explanation as to why the group has not deployed them in recent days.

Is that a choice or are they unable to deploy them?" Heller said.

Some experts said Hezbollah may have to limit itself to continuing smaller cross-border attacks, hoping it can make them last long enough to inflict pain on Israeli society and make the conflict unpalatable.

Even if Hezbollah used its missiles sparingly, firing them one or two a day at Israel, kill no one, and yet all these people remain in shelters  then Israel would be vulnerable, said Amal Saad, a Hezbollah expert and lecturer in political science and international relations at Cardiff University. She added that the group has long demonstrated its ability to rebound from difficult blows.

Hezbollahs rise to become one of the worlds most capable non-state armies and a political power broker in Lebanon began in the 1980s.

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike Tuesday on the outskirts of Beirut. (Bilal Hussein / Associated Press)

In the crucible of Lebanons civil war, it emerged as an Iran-backed group of Shiite fighters  inspired by the 1979 Iranian revolution  that aimed to protect the countrys marginalized Shiites and fight Israels occupation. When the civil war ended in 1990, it was the only faction not to disarm. In 1992, it entered Lebanese politics.

Its reputation grew in 2000, after Israel withdrew from Lebanons south, and in 2006, after the group fought a 34-day war that left wide parts of Lebanon destroyed, but the group still standing. It later fought in Syria, propping up the government of Syrian President Bashar Assad, and providing training in Iraq and Yemen.

By this point, Hezbollah could be accurately described as a state within a state, using its position in Lebanons government to defend its interests and providing Shiite followers much-needed services in health, education and reconstruction  often superior to those given by the Lebanese government.

It also built a more powerful force than the Lebanese army, with a stockpile of 150,000 rockets and missiles, estimates say, along with 50,000 fighters. Nasrallah claimed the group had double that number.

Much of that has been eroded over the past year, after Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel. It said it was acting in support of Palestinians in Gaza by forcing Israel to bolster security of its border with Lebanon while simultaneously fighting the Israel-Hamas war in the south.

Hezbollah seemed to be betting that with calibrated attacks, it could prevent an all-out war  and that Israel would be deterred from invading Lebanon again by the threat of Hezbollah's large arsenal of rockets.

It bet wrong. The clashes have cost Hezbollah dearly. And now a ground war appears unavoidable.

Lebanese people have also suffered. More than 1,000 have been killed and 1 million displaced over the past year. Some 60,000 in Israel have also fled their homes.

Hezbollah's financial arm and business side, which would be needed for the group to rebuild, remain operational, said Joseph Daher, who wrote a book on Hezbollah and teaches at Lausanne University in Switzerland.

The party is partially functioning. Their people on the ground are still working, he said, adding that the groups revenues  whether from donations from the faithful or smuggling  are more difficult to disrupt.

Hezbollah  so far, anyway  has shown no interest in backing down.

We will not move an inch from our positions that are honest and honorable, Qassem said.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Michael Keegan was chief executive of Fujitsu UK from May 2014 to June 2015 [Alamy]

The former boss of Fujitsu UK has admitted having four meetings with Post Office chief executive Paula Vennells, some of which included discussing Fujitsus Horizon IT system.

Previous media reports had indicated that Michael Keegan, the husband of former Conservative minister Gillian Keegan, only met Ms Vennells once and that Horizon was not discussed.

Between 1999 and 2015, more than 900 sub-postmasters were wrongly prosecuted after the faulty Horizon software made it look like money was missing from Post Office branch accounts.

Lawyers for Mr Keegan said he regretted that sub-postmasters were prosecuted unfairly and denied playing any part in it.

Mr Keegan has confirmed to BBC News he had four meetings with Ms Vennells during his 13 months as chief executive of Fujitsu UK, from May 2014 to June 2015.

Two of these were face-to-face meetings and the other two were telephone calls.

During his time in charge, MPs launched an inquiry into the Horizon software, and Second Sight, a team of forensic accountants, were investigating the system.

Ms Vennells was chief executive of the Post Office from 2012 to 2019.

In 2022, Mr Keegan successfully complained to the press regulator IPSO, about a Sunday Times article. A summary of the complaint in the IPSO ruling, indicated that he had met Ms Vennells only once.

Lawyers for Mr Keegan said that at the time, he had only remembered having one face-to-face meeting.

Paula Vennells was chief executive of the Post Office from 2012 to 2019 [Getty Images]

In response to a Freedom of Information request by the BBC, the Post Office said that after a review of emails, it had located references to six meetings during Mr Keegans time in charge but that it was "unable to verify whether all these meetings took place".

It also said it did not believe the information it held was a "complete record of all meetings between both parties".

Mr Keegans lawyers said two of the meetings referred to by the Post Office never happened.

One conversation, in 2015, between Mr Keegan and Ms Vennells followed Fujitsu being approached by BBC Panorama about its investigation into the Post Office and the flawed Horizon IT system.

And despite previous media reports claiming that the Horizon system was never discussed, a letter from Mr Keegan to Ms Vennells includes reference to the "current application". It appears that the application he was referring to was Horizon.

In the letter dated 14 November 2014, Mr Keegan appears to be arguing against the Post Office shaking up the structure of its IT systems, including Horizon, and inviting new suppliers to bid to run them.

He also appears to propose that the Post Office should keep at least some parts of Horizon and pitched this to Ms Vennells as an "evolutionary approach that will provide the digital front end you need but will retain much of the investment already made in the stable back end of the current application [Horizon]".

Mr Keegans lawyers said that his involvement in the Post Office contract related to strategic and commercial decisions, he did not discuss the details of Horizon with Ms Vennells, and that the letter related to Fujitsus decision to exit as the supplier of the Front Office Tower - the name given to the IT contract which encompassed Horizon.

The documents reveal that Mr Keegan and Ms Vennells met for the first time within days of his appointment as chief executive of Fujitsu UK.

In an email dated 23 May 2014, he writes: "It was good to meet on Monday."

He thanks Ms Vennells for her "candour" and adds: "Within Private Sector, you are our most important customer by far and I want that position to remain as such for the foreseeable future."

His second meeting with Ms Vennells is confirmed in a letter dated 14 November 2014, which he says is a follow-up to "our conversation on 31 October".

Mr Keegans lawyers said the first meeting was not about Horizon and was attended by several other people.

They said the second meeting was a short telephone call to inform the Post Office that Fujitsu would not be bidding in the procurement process to replace Horizon.

A few weeks later, according to the records disclosed by the Post Office, the two chief executives met on 2 December.

Ms Vennells followed this up with an email in which she wrote: "Thanks again for the meeting."

Lawyers for Mr Keegan told the BBC this was the only time their client attended a one-to-one meeting with Ms Vennells and the purpose of the meeting was to discuss Fujitsu exiting as a supplier of Horizon.

The documents also give the impression of a close relationship.

"Thank you for your time and your honesty. We both have concerns in this situation and Im glad we were able to share them in a frank way," Ms Vennells writes.

"I suggest we keep regular contact  and breakfast on me next time, or a drink in (REDACTED)."

Mr Keegan replies by email 10 minutes later.

"My pleasure and really good to spend time together to discuss all these matters in such an open way."

Mr Keegans lawyers say the pair did not keep in regular contact or meet again in person.

They did however have one further telephone call, on 25 June, after Fujitsu was approached by BBC Panorama about the programmes investigation.

The following week Mr Keegan started a new role as head of Fujitsu Hardware.

Michael Keegan is the husband of former Conservative cabinet minister Gillian Keegan [Alamy]

The Panorama investigation was originally due to air on 22 June 2015 before being delayed until 29 June, four days after Mr Keegan and Ms Vennells call.

The programme, which broadcast the testimony of a Fujitsu whistleblower, eventually aired on 17 August.

The Post Office said it had found references to two other meetings over the final weekend of May 2015 but Mr Keegan denies they took place.

Mr Keegans lawyers told BBC News that the prosecutions of sub-postmasters as a result of Horizon data had effectively ceased by 2013, pre-dating his appointment as UK chief executive.

The BBCs Freedom of Information request was originally made in January 2024 when Gillian Keegan was education secretary and her husband was four years into a Cabinet Office role overseeing the governments relationship with a key commercial supplier.

The Post Office only responded to the BBCs request in August, more than six months after the deadline required by law.

Mr Keegan voluntarily stepped down from his Cabinet Office job in late January while his wife lost her seat at the general election in July.
Two former leaders of the Penn State fraternity where a pledge fell and later died after a night of excessive drinking seven years ago were sentenced Tuesday to jail time in a case that shined a national spotlight on the dangers of frat culture.

Brendan Young, 28, who was president of the now-defunct chapter of Beta Theta Pi, and Daniel Casey, 27, who was vice president and pledge master, were each sentenced by Centre County Judge Brian Marshall to two to four months in jail. They are scheduled to report Monday to the Centre County Correctional Facility.

They were also sentenced to three years of probation and 10 days of community service, half of which can be served by giving anti-hazing presentations to high schools or colleges in Centre County.

They are set to be the first to spend time behind bars in connection with the death of Timothy Piazza, a 19-year-old engineering student from New Jersey. At one point, more than two dozen men faced charges in one of the largest hazing cases in U.S. history.

Comparisons to similar cases from states with different hazing laws are difficult, but the jail time handed down by Marshall appears to be among the lengthiest. Others have faced a minimum of one month in jail.

In an uncommon move, Marshall offered extensive insight into the reasons for his sentence and used that time to criticize Young and Caseys inability to stop what he described as a barbarous ritual.

The choice to do so wouldve been no heroic act, Marshall said. It wouldve only met the minimum standards for being a leader.

He later added: These defendants planned, implemented and participated in the next round of the hazing ritual. Their failure to show leadership qualities that some say they possessed resulted in foreseeable and tragic consequences. The result of each defendants failure to stop the hazing ritual and their participation in it could not have had a more severe and consequential effect on the victim, Timothy Piazza.

Jim and Evelyn Piazza had no visible reaction as Marshall announced the sentences. But in speaking with reporters outside the courtroom, they expressed gratitude for what Jim said was a well-reasoned sentence.

I think his comments today were indicative of the fact that he knew this was a serious matter, Jim Piazza said. I appreciate that he gave it the weight that it deserved.

Jim and Evelyn Piazza, the parents of Timothy Piazza, leave the Centre County Courthouse Annex after the sentencing for two of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

Packed courtroom silenced by Tims harrowing night

Young and Casey each pleaded guilty in July to misdemeanors, including 14 counts of hazing and a count of reckless endangerment specific to Piazza. The hazing counts were for each member of the fraternitys spring 2017 pledge class who were plied with alcohol.

Piazza and the other pledges were seeking to join the fraternity the night prosecutors said they were forced to drink heavily at a ceremony led by Young and Casey.

His agonizing night was captured on the houses elaborate video system, including his fall down the basement steps that led others to carry his unconscious, 6-foot-3-inch body back upstairs.

Prosecutors played portions of the footage in court Tuesday, showing Piazza stumbling, slamming into hard objects, falling repeatedly and writhing in pain.

Packed with dozens of people, the courtroom was no louder than the hum of a refrigerator. The slightest sniffle or creak of a chair seemed thunderous.

I have seen the video, Evelyn Piazza said. I have seen Tim get up and try to save himself, but he kept falling and hitting his head again and again. I have those images burned in my brain of my baby suffering alone in severe pain, trying to save himself.

Even as what Chief Deputy Attorney General Brian Zarallo described as obvious signs of severe injuries, fraternity members took inadequate and counterproductive measures to assist Piazza. They waited nearly 12 hours to call for help.

Piazza died at a hospital from traumatic brain, spleen and lung injuries. He arrived at the fraternity eager to forge new friendships, but his blood alcohol content rose to at least triple the legal driving limit within two hours of arriving.

Young and Caseys conduct was inexcusable and prioritized their lives and the fraternity over someone who was supposed to be their brother, Zarallo wrote in a memo to the judge.

The untimely death of Timothy Piazza has robbed society of a young man who was determined to make a positive impact on the lives of people less fortunate than himself, Zarallo wrote.

Jim and Evelyn Piazza, the parents of Timothy Piazza, leave the Centre County Courthouse annex after the sentencing for two of the Beta Theta Pi fraternity brothers on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

We miss him

More than two dozen people submitted letters to Marshall in support of Piazza, many of them loved ones who remembered him as a smart, funny and caring person who wanted to pursue a career designing prosthetics for kids and soldiers.

His girlfriend Kaitlyn Tempalsky described him as an all-American boy who always looked out for others and had a contagious smile.

He was someone who made a huge impact on my life and showed me what it truly means to love, Tempalsky wrote. To say I miss him incredibly is an understatement, I think about him every day as does his family and friends.

Josh Zebula, who had Piazza as a roommate during his freshman and sophomore years, wrote of a friend that was there every step of the way  from studying engineering and eating together to playing video games and heading to the gym.

Tim was one of the most kind humans that I have ever met. He treated everyone with respect, always had a positive attitude, had a great sense of humor and was incredibly smart, Zebula wrote. He affected people in a positive way as he always brought a smile to your face and made others feel comfortable around him. He truly is missed every day and we are all worse off without him.

Some of the strongest language came from Beta Theta Pi CEO Jeff Rundle, who said Piazza deserved so much more from the young men he sought to join in the name of friendship and brotherhood.

He described the fateful night as an individual and institutional failure, as well as a betrayal of the fraternitys values of mutual aid, integrity and trust. Tims death left an indelible scar on our history, Rundle said.

We will forever carry the burden of knowing he suffered at the hands of those who bore the name of Beta Theta Pi, Rundle said. These men were once brothers who took an oath to protect each other and to act in the best interests of their peers. Their failure is a reminder to us all of the deadly consequences of hazing, carelessness and indifference.

But among the thousands of words written by those who knew Piazza best, there was also a palpable sense of anger, heartbreak and grief.

Anger that he received little to no help from people who were supposed to become lifelong friends. Heartbreak that the last image many had of the battered Piazza was at an open-casket funeral. Grief that a promising young life was snuffed out.

The hurt we all feel at losing Tim is profound. In nineteen years, he touched the lives of so many people. It is impossible to understand, through description alone, his charm, wit, magnetism, and kindness. Those who knew him feel very lucky and treasure having stood witness to his personality, his older brother Mike Piazza said. He was at the precipice at the rest of his life and was cut down over nothing. He was taken by the stupidity, arrogance, selfishness and cowardice of the fraternity brothers that night.

There was so much in store for Tim. As we grieve him, we grieve the opportunity to see what was next for him. We miss him. We miss his laugh. His jokes. His gentleness. His loudness. Nothing can ever come close to filling the void we feel in the world now.

A large photo of Timothy Piazza next to his father Jim Piazza as he speaks about the importance of passing the anti-hazing legislation named after his son outside of the Centre County Courthouse on Friday, March 23, 2018.

Ex-leaders offer apologies to the Piazza family

Young and Caseys defense lawyers sought leniency, arguing for sentences of probation. Neither had any prior criminal history, they were not being sentenced for causing Piazzas death and have led productive, law-abiding lives.

A Temple alumnus, Young works in the financial technology sector in Philadelphia. He pleaded guilty at the first opportunity he had to argue for a sentence that did not include jail time, defense lawyer Julian Allatt wrote.

In what may have been his first public statement in more than 7 1/2 years, he read from a prepared statement and apologized to the Piazza family. Young told them he cannot imagine the pain and suffering that they feel.

He also took responsibility for facilitating  and not stopping  the hazing rituals at the fraternity. He said he was an immature, young man who has deep regret for his actions.

I feel as if I am a completely different person, maturing from a boy to a man over the past seven years, Young said.

Casey has since graduated from Binghamton University in New York, works as a senior consultant with a real estate advisory firm and married his longtime girlfriend, defense lawyer Steve Trialonas wrote.

He stood and turned toward the Piazza family when he delivered his apology, telling them he is truly sorry for your loss. Casey also said he believes he and Tim would have become friends.

I understand the gravity of the situation, Casey said.

More than three dozen people wrote letters to Marshall seeking leniency, including former Beta Theta Pi members who were at the fraternity the night Piazza was fatally injured.

It was not immediately clear if Young and Caseys lawyers planned to appeal.

Evelyn Piazza, mother of Timothy Piazza, wears bracelets to remember those who have been involved in hazing incidents as she leaves the Centre County Courthouse Annex on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

A legacy of meaningful change

Young and Casey were the final two fraternity members to be sentenced in the case. Some pleaded guilty to hazing and alcohol violations while others were placed into a pre-trial diversion program meant for nonviolent offenders with a limited criminal record.

Penn State banned the fraternity, which touched off years of legal wrangling.

After a three-day bench trial, Marshall ruled that a clause in a 1928 deed gave the university the right to buy back the property. Two retired judges were appointed in August as neutral arbitrators to determine a sale price.

Piazzas death also led to the creation of Penn States Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research and a rewrite of Pennsylvanias anti-hazing law. The stricter law made the most severe forms of hazing a felony, required schools to maintain policies to combat hazing and allowed confiscation of frat houses where hazing has occurred.

The Piazzas have also advocated for what could become the first federal anti-hazing law. Known as the Stop Campus Hazing Act, the bill passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week with bipartisan support and awaits action in the Senate.

They also founded the Timothy J. Piazza Memorial Foundation, which provides help for people who need prosthesis.

The Piazzas settled their lawsuit against Penn State. Litigation against others is ongoing.

Our thoughts are with the Piazza family and everyone affected by this tragedy, Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. Nothing can undo the harm Tim suffered seven years ago  nothing can bring Tim back to his family and friends. With the sentences ordered today, the criminal process reached a conclusion.
Ex-leaders of a Penn State frat will spend time in jail for their roles in a hazing death

FILE - Brendan Young arrives for a preliminary hearing on charges related to the fraternity hazing death of Penn State student Timothy Piazza at the Centre County Courthouse in Bellefonte, Pa., July 11, 2017. (Dan Gleiter/The Patriot-News/PennLive.com via AP, File)

BELLEFONTE, Pa. (AP)  The former president and vice president of a Penn State fraternity where pledge Timothy Piazza fell and later died after consuming a large amount of alcohol received jail sentences Tuesday.

Brendan Young, 28, who was president of the now-defunct chapter of Beta Theta Pi in 2017, and Daniel Casey, 27, who was vice president and pledge master, were sentenced in Centre County Court to two to four months behind bars, followed by three years of probation and community service. Each will be eligible for work release.

Young and Casey both pleaded guilty in July to 14 counts of hazing and a single count of reckless endangerment, all misdemeanors. They were the last two criminal defendants to be sentenced in a case that prompted Pennsylvania lawmakers to crack down on hazing.

They were ordered to report to the Centre County Correctional Facility on Monday.

Our thoughts are with the Piazza family and everyone affected by this tragedy, Attorney General Michelle Henry said in a statement. Nothing can undo the harm Tim suffered seven years ago  nothing can bring Tim back to his family and friends."

Messages seeking comment were left with Youngs defense lawyer, Julian Allatt, and Caseys lawyer, Steven Trialonis.

Piazza, a 19-year-old engineering student from Lebanon, New Jersey, and 13 other pledges were seeking to join the fraternity the night Piazza consumed at least 18 drinks in less than two hours. Security camera footage documented Piazzas excruciating final hours, including a fall down the basement steps that required others to carry him back upstairs. He exhibited signs of severe pain as he spent the night on a first-floor couch.

It took hours for help to be called. Piazza suffered severe head and abdominal injuries and died at a hospital.

More than two dozen fraternity members faced a variety of charges at one point. More than a dozen pleaded guilty to hazing and alcohol violations, while a smaller number entered a diversion program designed for first-time, nonviolent offenders.

Prosecutors were unable to get more serious charges  including involuntary manslaughter and aggravated assault  approved by judges.

Penn State banned the fraternity. Pennsylvania state lawmakers passed legislation making the most severe forms of hazing a felony, requiring schools to maintain policies to combat hazing and allowing the confiscation of fraternity houses where hazing has occurred.

Had that statute been in place at the time of Piazza's death, the defendants would have faced stiffer penalties, according to the attorney general's office.
A former official in Donald Trumps presidential administration has spoken out against the Republicans reaction to Hurricane Helene and recalled how he similarly politicized disaster relief while in the Oval Office.

As a Homeland Security Advisor in the Trump White House, I witnessed firsthand how Donald Trump politicized disaster relief, leaving devastated Americans waiting for help, Olivia Troye wrote Monday on X, formerly Twitter.

Leaders across the country & government were calling my office, desperate for action as Trump failed them in moments of crisis, she continued. Today, hes once again failing Americans by distorting the facts & spreading lies.

Troye  who served as an adviser to Trumps vice president, Mike Pence  also praised the Joe Biden-Kamala Harris administration for stepping up in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene with decisive leadership & a swift, effective response.

Let me be very clear: As a Homeland Security Advisor in the Trump White House, I witnessed firsthand how Donald Trump politicized disaster relief, leaving devastated Americans waiting for help. Leaders across the country & government were calling my office, desperate for action  Olivia of Troye (@OliviaTroye) September 30, 2024

Trump, the GOPs 2024 presidential nominee, has lied repeatedly about the federal response to Helene, which devastated parts of Georgia, the Carolinas, Florida, Virginia and Tennessee after making landfall as a Category 4 storm Thursday. More than 130 people are dead.

Trump claimed that the Biden administration and the governor of North Carolina, Democrat Roy Cooper, are going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas. He further claimed that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) hasnt been able to reach Biden to discuss relief. Both Biden and Kemp say thats not true.

The former president also baselessly accused Harris, his Democratic rival for the White House, of staging a photo of a disaster briefing with the Federal Emergency Management Agency.

Trump oversaw multiple disasters as president. After Hurricane Maria struck Puerto Rico in 2017, he infamously tossed paper towels into a crowd of survivors. His administration also withheld billions of dollars in congressionally approved aid from the U.S. territory.

Amid Hurricane Dorian in 2019, Trump became so fixated on a mistake he made about the storms path that he showed a weather map doctored with a marker to make it seem as though he had not been wrong, creating an unnecessary distraction as authorities were trying to warn people about a dangerous hurricane.

Related...
Ex-University of Kentucky staffer asks if Hurricane Helene is act of God to punish MAGA supporters

A former University of Kentucky staffer took to social media to ask if God was unleashing death and destruction via Hurricane Helene on red states because of their support of former President Trump.

"Hurricane Helenewhat if GOD is punishing MAGA populations for their hate and hypocrisy? Works for me!" Betsy Packard wrote Sunday in a post on X.

Hurricane Helene ripped across the southeast days ago, causing widespread devastation. The death toll from the storm has surpassed 100, as of Monday.

North Carolina Lawmaker Compares Aftermath Of Hurricane Helene To A 'Warzone'

After receiving backlash for her remarks, Packard, who claimed to be a writer of feminist revisionist poetry, appeared to double-down.

"ALll (sic) day long, MAGAs post lies and mockng nastigrams about Democrats. So, I mocked them, I hammered on their hypocrisy," she posted in response to users who challenged her. "Talk about toxic vengeance (sic). "They can dish it out, but they can't take it."

Read On The Fox News App

"An Act of God hammered you, and you still dint [sic] hear Him? God is obviously mighty pissed at MAGAs. How can you not see this?" she asked one user.

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina. Approximately six feet of debris piled on the bridge from Lake Lure to Chimney Rock, blocking access.

Packard served as a teaching assistant at the university "a number of years ago," university spokesman Jay Blanton told Fox News Digital.

"We were just made aware of this post," he said. "We have reported it to the appropriate offices on campus that review questions around conduct. The person in question is not an employee at the University of Kentucky."

Packard continued to post and argue with her detractors online. She eventually appeared to walk back the idea that she believed the storm was part of a divine punishment on Trump supporters.

"I need to clarify previous posts. I erred in thinking Americans could read," she wrote. "I said WHAT IF. Marjorie Taylor Greene and Michelle Bachmann attributed disasters to divine punishment. DO I BELIEVE THIS? NO. Did I say I believed it? Nope. But some fools DO believe it."

The university condemned Packard's remarks, saying they were "abhorrent" and "do not reflect our values as an institution."

Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states.

"Our thoughts and concerns are with those impacted by these devastating storms," the school said. "As an institution, we have many members of our community directly impacted by them and are working with them to provide support and resources at this time."

Packards name and image appeared on the UK College of Arts and Sciences website and identified her as an MFA candidate and graduate instructor, the New York Post reported. The page has been taken down.





Original article source: Ex-University of Kentucky staffer asks if Hurricane Helene is act of God to punish MAGA supporters
Parents across the nation are struggling to access affordable and reliable child care almost five years after the start of the pandemic  a phenomenon that new survey data suggests may be worsening as stimulus funds expire.

One-third of parents recently surveyed by The National Womens Law Center reported their child care costs rose over the past year, following the expiration of the first batch of pandemic-era child care funding. Among parents of kids under age 5, that number is even higher (37%).

Just over half of parents with very young children reported dealing with at least one significant challenge with child care over the past year, including unexpected provider closures and trouble finding child care options.

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This is all a result of this decade of disinvestment, said Melissa Boteach, the centers vice president for Income Security and Child Care/Early Learning. And the pandemic laid bare and exacerbated that, but ultimately to solve the problem we need not just a patchwork to help address the cliff that were about to drive off of, but long-term and sustained, robust public funding that actually builds a child care system that serves families and the economy.

The expiring funds were part of the 2021 American Rescue Plan Act, a $1.9 trillion economic stimulus package, which included roughly $39 billion in direct support for child care relief.

Marking the largest investment since World War II, the funding was split into two buckets: The first $24 billion primarily went to providers to help them stay afloat during and after the COVID shutdowns and expired last September. On Monday, the remaining $15 billion expired, which provided additional funding to the existing Child Care and Development Block Grant program, the primary federal grant program that allocates flexible funding to states, allowing them to provide subsidized child care to low-income families with children under 13.

This funding helped to stabilize 220,000 child care programs, impacting 10 million children and over a million families, according to a recent analysis of federal data by the National Womens Law Center and The Center for Law and Social Policy. The organizations also found that 29% of families faced higher tuition in the month after the first expiration of funding last September, with less access to affordable care.

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Poverty Wages, Staffing Crisis: New Federal Rule Looks to Sustain Head Start

This weeks deadline in particular will hit states child care systems, according to Boteach, who said, Even in anticipation of this money expiring, some states are starting to roll back those improvements, which again means that  particularly for families eligible for a subsidy  theyre going to see anything from growing wait lists to higher co-pays to a shrinking supply, because providers arent getting reimbursed at the rate needed to afford to stay in business.

Susan Gale Perry, CEO of Child Care Aware of America, described the situation in Nevada, where eligibility for subsidized child care programs is returning to pre-pandemic criteria as relief funds wind down. [This] means that families who have the least are going to need to be paying more for child care, she said.

Across the country, she added, states were able to implement creative solutions with the help of pandemic relief revenue. The bright spots that were seeing are states that are continuing to pick up some of those great ideas and move forward with them using state funds. So we know we need a solution that includes a combination of federal and state and private and parent fees to really make child care work the way it needs to for this country.

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The latest survey was administered to better understand the ongoing impact of these expirations. It was designed by the Law Center and administered by Morning Consult between Sept. 13 and 15, reaching 4,443 adults nationally, 970 of whom are parents with children 13 years old or younger and 413 of whom have kids 5 or younger. The margin of error is plus or minus 1.5% and larger for subgroups.

Over one-third of parents surveyed reported some knowledge of the expiring funds and a majority of parents (61%) expressed concern about Mondays deadline. Black parents were particularly impacted, with 71% reporting they are very or somewhat concerned.

A plurality of parents (42%) said that candidates running for office are not talking enough about the issue of child care.

Melissa Boteach is the vice president for Income Security and Child Care/ Early Learning at the National Womens Law Center. (The National Womens Law Center)

This is a very big-line item in families budgets, Boteach said, and if theyre not hearing from candidates about what their specific plans are, thats a liability for those candidates.

Despite vastly differing views about how to make parenthood more affordable in this years presidential race, both Vice President Kamala Harris and Republican vice president candidate JD Vance have supported an expansion of the Child Tax Credit. Harriss economic agenda includes a proposal to raise the credit to as much as $3,600 and $6,000 in a childs first year. Vance said he wants to raise the credit to $5,000 but opposes government spending on child care, arguing children benefit from having a parent at home with them.

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Long a Stranger to the Spotlight, Child Tax Credit Earns Embrace of Both Parties

Boteach noted that yesterdays funding dropoff comes amid rising wages nationally for low-paid sectors. To remain competitive, child care employers would need to raise wages, even as they lose funding, saddling parents with the increased costs, she said.

Ultimately, she noted, the costs of the broken market of child care are borne entirely by parents  in the form of higher fees  and providers  in the form of poverty wages.

And often its women in the workforce who pay the ultimate price, she added: Women are 90% of the early education workforce, and its disproportionately Black, brown and immigrant women. Women are [also] the ones who are more likely to be pushed out of the labor market when they cant find affordable child care options.
Is Your Income Higher Than The Average Middle-Class Household? Here's What They're Earning

Curious about where your paycheck stands compared to the average middle-class American?

According to Pew Research, the median income for middle-class households reached $106,100 in 2022. That's a 60% jump from the $66,400 median income in 1970. While that sounds impressive, it's worth noting that upper-income households saw an even larger increase of 78%, while lower-income households only experienced a 55% bump. So, if you're earning more than $106,100, congratulations  you're ahead of the curve!

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However, it's essential to recognize that the share of Americans living in middle-class households is shrinking. In 1971, 61% of Americans were classified as middle class. Fast forward to 2023, and that number has dropped to 51%, according to a Pew Research Center analysis of government data. This decline highlights the growing wealth gap and the challenges many face in achieving that once-coveted middle-class lifestyle.

But let's not get too caught up in just the numbers. What matters is how you manage that income. A high salary means little if it's not used wisely. Financial savvy can turn a modest paycheck into a wealth-building machine.

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Making Your Income Work for You

Earning more or less than the average middle-class household is one thing, but maximizing what you have is another. Here are some straightforward strategies to help you boost your income and make the most of your earnings:

Network Effectively: Building a strong professional network can open doors to new job opportunities and career advancements. Stay connected and leverage your contacts for potential job leads.

Invest in Skills: Continuing education can significantly enhance your employability. Take advantage of workshops, online courses, and certifications to increase your skill set and value in the job market.

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Seek Advancement Opportunities: If your employer offers training programs or leadership development, jump in. These opportunities can lead to promotions and raises.

Know Your Worth: Research industry standards to understand your role regarding salary. This information allows you to confidently negotiate your pay during job interviews or performance reviews.

Story continues

Budget Wisely: A solid budget is essential regardless of your income level. Aim to save 20% of your earnings for retirement, vacations, or other financial goals. This discipline will pay dividends in the long run.

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The Road to Financial Independence

Increasing your income while spending wisely is key to building wealth and achieving financial independence. The goal isn't just about hitting a specific income number; it's about creating a sustainable lifestyle that allows you to enjoy your money without financial uncertainty.

So, whether you are above or below that $106,100 threshold, remember that your financial habits will ultimately determine your success. It's not just about how much you make  it's about how you make it work for you.

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This article Is Your Income Higher Than The Average Middle-Class Household? Here's What They're Earning originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
Exonerees ask Pa. lawmakers to pass bill to provide state compensation for the wrongfully convicted

Alfredo Domenech and Jeffrey Deskovic on the Capitol steps on Oct. 1, 2024 (Capital-Star photo by Ian Karbal)

In 1987, Alfredo Domenech was accused of murder, and in 1988 he was sentenced to life in prison. He served 18 years of that sentence before his trial was reopened and the charges were dismissed.

I still feel like it was yesterday, and every morning I wake up and feel like its the same day, like I never came from that moment, Domenech said Tuesday on the steps of the Capitol in Harrisburg. Im still stuck in the past. We need compensation to start moving on.

Domenech was at the Capitol along with a coalition of other exonerees and advocates  the It Could Happen to You coalition  asking lawmakers to pass a bill that would grant state compensation for the wrongfully convicted.

Pennsylvania is one of 13 states that does not have a program to compensate people who serve time in prison on wrongful convictions.

Some of those folks lose decades of their lives behind prison bars, missing out on milestones and memories with their loved ones and friends, and losing out on meaningful work opportunities, Sen. Camera Bartolotta (R-Washington) the only lawmaker at the press conference with Domenech. Our time to act is right now.

Though the exonerees received a private audience with House Speaker Joanna McClinton (D-Philadelphia), they acknowledged it would be an uphill battle.

Bills that would create compensation for the wrongfully convicted have been introduced in previous sessions, but never passed.

Jeffrey Deskovic described the difficulty of reentering society after a wrongful conviction. After serving 16 years for murder, he was exonerated following DNA testing.

I was always passed over for gainful employment, Deskovic said. It felt like employers always wanted someone who had job experience. They didnt have any patience for on-the-job training.

But fortunately for Deskovic, he was living in New York, one of 37 states, along with Washington, D.C. with programs that provide compensation for the wrongfully convicted.

Still, it took five years for him to see those funds, and in that time he saw how difficult it would be for others who didnt receive some form of payment.

After he was compensated, Deskovic got a masters degree from the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and started a nonprofit, the Jeffrey Deskovic Foundation, to help other exonerees.

Theres no amount of money thats worth being wrongfully imprisoned, yet compensation is an indispensable tool in terms of putting your life back together, Deskovic said.

Teri Himebaugh, executive director of the Philadelphia-based Police Transparency Project, said that, in some cases, Pennsylvanias lack of compensation can actually cost taxpayers.

Since 2016, she said, 49 defendants have been exonerated just in Philadelphia. With no wrongful conviction compensation law, some of those defendants have gone on to sue the city.

Since 1992, Philadelphia has paid out over $60 million in civil settlements.

All in all, it is not just an ethical and responsible thing to do to offer compensation, Himebaugh said. It is a financially stable and responsible thing to do as well.

The group is asking for a law that would allow wrongfully convicted people to get $100,000 per year served on death row, $75,000 per year served not on death row, and $50,000 per year of time on parole.

Last year, a bill that would have done just that was introduced by Rep. Regina Young (D-Philadelphia). It was reported out of committee, but tabled before a final vote on the floor.
The Scene

NEW YORK  JD Vance was debating in Youngstown, where Tim Ryan lived, and where Democrats always voted for him. The question was on one of the Democratic U.S. Senate nominees strongest issues: Abortion, and the impact of the Dobbs decision. And Ryan closed his answer with the story of a 10-year old girl who traveled to Indiana for abortion, a high-profile case that Republicans first struggled to believe, then struggled to talk about.

Vance didnt struggle.

Obviously, an incredibly tragic situation, said Vance. But the real abortion issues, he explained, were Ryans resistance to late-term limits and support for loose immigration laws. That little girl was raped by an illegal immigrant, and both Tim Ryan and the media need to be honest about the fact that she would never have been raped in the first place if Tim Ryan had done his job on border security.

Tonights vice presidential debate will pit a conservative senator with one single-digit election win behind him against a progressive governor whos dispatched seven Republican opponents. In the run-up, the Trump-Vance campaign has called Walz very good in debates, positioning the 40-year old Ohioan as the underdog against an avuncular political pro. In public polls, Vance has become the least-liked member of either major party ticket; Walz is the most favorably-viewed.

But Vance has faced a Democrat who sounds like Tim Walz before, and Walz hasnt faced a Republican quite like Vance. A review of their prior debates finds two men not just with different styles of persuasion, but wildly different standards for what can and cant be argued in public.





Know More

Walz is comfortable on the attack, less steady if his opponent hits back, and cautious about his word choice. At one point in a 2022 re-election debate, Walz paused before criticizing GOP nominee Scott Jensens skepticism during the COVID pandemic, before calling it dangerous. In another debate, running for his first term as governor, Walz bristled at GOP nominee Jeff Johnsons warning that he would turn Minnesota into a sanctuary state for migrants.

Simple statements are for fear-mongering, Walz said, suggesting that Johnson would rather stoke fear of immigrants than fix a problem. He did not land on an answer to the basic question  whether the state would cooperate with deporations  but positioned himself as a problem-solver fending off a demagogue.

That, say Democrats, will be tougher to do with Vance. The Ohio senator is comfortable on the attack, never worried about using a word or a story that might shock a moderator.

You can believe in the border without being a racist, he said in one showdown with Ryan. You can believe in the country without being a racist. In 2022, Vances starting premise was typically that the Democrat and the media were in cahoots, distracted by niceties and trivia, and not the elemental issues  immigration, bad trade policies  that voters cared about.

Hes good at staying on message and trying to pivot that back to whatever he wants to talk about, said Danny OConnor, a Democratic politician in Ohio who played Vance in Ryans 2022 debate prep. Hes disciplined, but I think hes tried to be more cocky and clever since he became the VP pick.

Vance was cocky in 2022, too. When he first faced Ryan, he was a slight underdog; the Democrat took advantage of the long, expensive GOP primary to introduce himself in TV ads as a pragmatic job-creator whod taken on his own party. Democrats and Republicans had blasted the airwaves with Vances old, recanted attacks on Donald Trump, portraying him as a say-anything phony; Vance attacked Ryan as a fraud who would do whatever his donors on the coasts told him to do.

That meant highlighting the most left-wing ideas than Ryan endorsed during his brief, doomed 2020 presidential bid  and insulting Ryans intelligence. When the Democrat mentioned a Vance investment in a company that offshored jobs, Vance asked why he couldnt name it, then told him that opposition research worked better when you actually know it. At another point, he mocked a Ryan ad about how often he disagreed with his wife as a pretty fun TV commercial cooked up for him by someone smarter: Congrats to your team.

All of that, in 2022, served Vances basic argument that Ryan was a failed leader who couldnt deliver on promises, because he never had. Thats a play he can run against Walz, incorporating questions about the Democrats record that Vance has elevated at his own events. He was one of the first Republicans to accuse Walz of stolen valor over how he described his service in the National Guard; he mischaracterized Minnesotas trans sanctuary law as a scheme to take children away from their parents if their parents dont want to do sex changes.

Walz has gotten attacks in that zone at his previous debates, visibly bristling at what his opponents were saying, and trying to characterize every attack as desperate politics. This job entails more than admiring a problem, second-guessing, Walz said at one 2022 debate with Jensen, shutting down a critique of his pandemic leadership.

The Republicans Walz beat in his six congressional races were either less sharp-edged than Vance, or under-funded. In his two gubernatorial campaigns, Walz faced Republicans who accused him of dodging questions and excusing his own failures; in 2022, when he mentioned that Jensen had quit the legislature after a single term, Jensen invoked Walz retiring before his Guard unit deployed to Iraq.

You quit the National Guard, snapped Jensen. My wife needed some surgeries, but nice shot, Tim.

Walz didnt have a comeback to that. Often mentioning his experience as a teacher and a guardsman, hes attacked his candidates vulnerabilities directly  pummeling Jensen, a medical doctor, for prescribing opioids  then moved on. Their policy ideas are diversions from what works; his are just common sense. The gulf between Vance, who warns of migrants destroying rural America, and Walz, who in 2022 boasted about the 50 languages being taught after Minnesota welcomed more asylum seekers, is especially wide.

So, Parkland is everything but guns? Walz said in a 2018 debate with Johnson, looking aghast at the Republican for talking about how to limit school shootings without more gun control. In the same debate, Walz demeaned how Johnson and every other Republican was talking about immigration, accusing them of political hyperbole. That was his comfort zone, one he may return to against an opponent whos claimed that migrants are destroying Ohio towns and that liberal rhetoric about Donald Trump is inspiring assassination attempts against him.

Its not about ginning things up, he said to Johnson, six years ago. Its about staying calm and listening to the facts.





Davids view

What you cant quite figure out from a close watch of old debates is how either of these men will defend and explain a running mates record. Vance can ask why Kamala Harris is running on proposals that she could, theoretically, talk Joe Biden into doing right now. Walz can try to diminish Vance by pointing out why hes here; Trumps last vice president didnt try to overturn the 2020 election, and now hes not even supporting his old boss.

There is an opportunity here for both men. Vance has never been as distractible as Trump was in his debate with Harris, when he wouldnt let any of her attacks go, and would burn half of his response on a rebuttal. But he has never had to defend the totality of Trumps record. Some of his criticisms of Trump before 2020 werent known before this campaign, and contradict what hes been saying as a vice presidential candidate  leaked messages with a friend about how Trump hadnt effectively fought China, shifting positions on how the Affordable Care Act should change or what it should cover. Both Trump and Vance tackle abortion questions by accusing their opponents of extremism, often in grisly detail, but the stakes for a single senate race and a race with the man wholl pick judges are substantially different.

Walz has never faced an opponent so unafraid to attack him directly. Vance enjoys breaking the fourth wall, bringing up something that he finds obnoxious, and the TV audience might too  crazy transgender bills, Harris talking about her middle class roots, people being called racist because they want less immigration. You can believe in the border without being a racist, he said in one debate with Ryan, invoking his own biracial family. You can believe in the country without being a racist. He likes to leave a question hanging in the air, betting that his opponent would rather wind down the round than answer it. The Walz that usually shows up at debates would be highly vulnerable to that tactic.

If it works. There have been vice presidential debates with a well-timed line that demolished a candidates image  you know the one. And there have been attacks that were too personal, and too clever, by half. In 1984, Geraldine Ferraro accused George H.W. Bush of being patronizing after he offered to help you with the difference between Lebanon and Iran. In 2004, John Edwards used a question about the Bush administrations support for a constitutional amendment that would have banned same-sex marriage to point out that Dick Cheney had a gay daughter.

Bushs line backfired, and so did the Edwards line. In the latter case, Cheneys family won the post-debate debate about whether the slick senator on the Democratic ticket was getting too personal. Walz wants to do what Harris did last month: Make them confident that she could handle the presidency, and make them worry that a second Trump term would govern cruelly and selfishly. Vance needs to make a potential Harris-Walz administration sound dangerous and crazy  without going overboard in a way that hurts him.





Notable

For CNN, Edward-Isaac Dovere reports that Walz is nervous about facing Vance, a reality-based take that could also help lower expectations : The governor fears he wont make his case as well as he needs to, according to people who have been speaking with him.

In the New York Times, Michael C. Bender, McKinnon de Kuyper, and Christina Kelso sum up what they learned from watching Vances debates: His pugnacity often leads to over-the-top claims, but he is also careful to present as more polite and thoughtful than the caricature of him portrayed by opponents.


Explainer-What war crimes are Israel and Hamas accused of one year on?

FILE PHOTO: People sit inside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the day of the trial to hear a request for emergency measures by South Africa, who asked the court to order Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza, in The Hague

FILE PHOTO: People sit inside the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on the day of the trial to hear a request for emergency measures by South Africa, who asked the court to order Israel to stop its military actions in Gaza, in The Hague

By Stephanie van den Berg

THE HAGUE (Reuters) - The year-old conflict between Israel and Hamas in Gaza has triggered several legal cases at international courts in The Hague involving requests for arrest warrants as well as accusations and denials of war crimes, crimes against humanity and genocide.

Here are details about the cases.

WHAT LEGAL CASES ARE THERE STEMMING FROM THE WAR IN GAZA?

Israel faces two legal proceedings related to the Oct. 7 attacks by Hamas and the ensuing war in the Gaza Strip at international courts in The Hague.

The International Criminal Court (ICC) is considering a prosecution request for arrest warrants against Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and two Hamas leaders for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity.

Israel also faces charges of alleged state responsibility for violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in the war in Gaza at the International Court of Justice (ICJ).

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE ICC AND THE ICJ?

The ICC is a treaty-based international court that prosecutes individuals accused of war crimes, crimes against humanity, genocide and the crime of aggression.

Although Israel is not a member of the ICC and does not recognize its jurisdiction, the court admitted the Palestinian territories in 2015 and opened an investigation into alleged crimes in the occupied Palestinian territories in 2021. It can prosecute crimes committed by nationals of its 124 member states or on the territory of member states by other actors.

The International Court of Justice, also known as the World Court, is the United Nations' top court for disputes between states and alleged violations of U.N. treaties.

In December last year South Africa filed a case against Israel alleging violations of the 1948 Genocide Convention in the war in Gaza.

AT WHAT STAGE IS THE WAR CRIMES CASE AGAINST ISRAEL'S NETANYAHU?

In May prosecutors asked for warrants for Netanyahu and Gallant, saying there were reasonable grounds that the men committed war crimes and crimes against humanity by systematically depriving civilians in Gaza of "objects indispensable to human survival" including food, water, medicine and energy.

There is no set deadline for judges to decide on the warrants. Pre-trial judges often take months to decide on such requests. Dozens of countries have filed submissions in the high-profile case. Israel contested the request on Sept. 20. Any potential ICC trial regarding the Israel-Hamas conflict is likely years away.

WHAT ALLEGATIONS ARE THERE AGAINST HAMAS?

ICC chief prosecutor Karim Khan in May also asked for arrest warrants for Hamas leaders Yahya Sinwar, Mohammed Deif and Ismail Haniyeh for alleged war crimes and crimes against humanity, including murder, rape and the taking of hostages during the Oct. 7 attacks on Israel.

In September, the ICC announced it had terminated the case against Haniyeh following his death in July. The prosecutor also said he is looking into the reported death of Deif, and will withdraw the case against him if it is confirmed.

WHAT HAPPENS IF THE ICC ISSUES WARRANTS?

All ICC member states are obliged to arrest and hand over anyone subject to an ICC arrest warrant if they set foot on their territory.

The court has no police force, so the arrests of suspects must be carried out by members. In the past ICC states refusing to carry out warrants have received little more than a diplomatic slap on the wrist.

WHAT IS HAPPENING WITH THE GENOCIDE CASE AGAINST ISRAEL?

Last December South Africa filed a case against Israel at the ICJ for allegedly violating the Genocide Convention.

South Africa has asked several times for immediate emergency measures while the parties wait for hearings on the merits, which can take years to get under way. In January the judges found it was plausible that Israel violated some rights of Palestinians in Gaza under the genocide treaty and ordered Israel to ensure its troops commit no genocidal acts.

The court has ordered Israel to ensure basic food supplies for Palestinians in Gaza and immediately halt its military offensive in Rafah.

South Africa must submit its full case by late October, while Israel has until July next year to respond.

If countries do not comply with ICJ orders, the court can order reparations, including financial compensation.

(Reporting by Stephanie van den Berg; Editing by Anthony Deutsch and William Maclean)
Before Hurricane Helene began ravaging swaths of the southeastern U.S., Amanda Wright had expected a little rain and maybe some flooding to hit the area around Knoxville, Tennessee, where she lives.

It wasnt until friends more than two hours away in Asheville, North Carolina, started posting warnings to Facebook that Wright realized how dangerous the storm could be.

It seems like you just never really know who to believe, Wright, 32, said. Theres so much information out there that you dont really know who to trust.

Wright and millions of other Americans face an information ecosystem far different from the 1950s, when the U.S. government started making public predictions of hazardous weather. And despite advancements in the science of forecasting and the introduction of smartphones that can deliver accurate warnings directly to users, the urgency of such warnings can often get lost in rapid-fire social media feeds or be undercut by widespread skepticism of the government and the media.

Hurricane Helenes deadly path took shape days before the Category 4 storm made landfall in Floridas Big Bend region late on Thursday, Sept. 26.

Scientists with the National Weather Service and the National Hurricane Center began sounding the alarm as early as Sept. 23. In a YouTube video posted that morning, the National Hurricane Centers deputy director, Jamie Rhome, described a tropical cyclone that would briskly develop into a hurricane. Monday night, the National Weather Service posted on X that heavy rain and powerful wind gusts would hit the Southeast later in the week.

On Wednesday, the National Weather Service sent out a rare news release urging the media to continue focusing on the catastrophic nature of Hurricane Helene. It was part of a broader strategy to connect directly with the public and leverage relationships with local governments and media partners, said David Novak, director of the NWS Weather Prediction Center.

That day, North Carolinas governor declared a state of emergency, as did Buncombe County, which had already begun seeing heavy rains and warning of dire storm conditions and would be one of the hardest-counties in the state.

It is not common for the National Weather Service to use words like catastrophic to describe forecasts, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said at a news conference Thursday morning. When they do that, we should all take heed.

The situation had grown so dire that on Thursday, the sheriff in Taylor County, Florida, grimly asked residents who did not heed evacuation orders to write their names and Social Security numbers on their bodies so officials could later identify them should they not survive.

I have no doubt that these accurate forecasts saved lives and property, Novak said.

Most people, he said, did take this seriously.

Still, more than 130 people were killed in the storm across six states, according to a tally from NBC News. Officials said at least 57 of those deaths occurred in Buncombe County, hundreds of miles away from where the storm made landfall.

In the heart of Asheville, which is part of Buncombe County, Mae Creadick, 52, said local officials had warned residents about the storm through text messages, but she and her neighbors did not believe it could destroy the area, so she and her family stayed put.

But on Monday, as the city became apocalyptic, they scoured the house for $15 in spare change, siphoned the gas out of her sons car and drove 90 miles before finding normalcy in Columbia, South Carolina.

Many people in the mountains probably didnt heed the warnings because this has never happened here to this extent, she said. If warnings were not heeded or adequate warnings were not given, its because this is so unprecedented.

In Tennessee, where at least eight people have died, Wright shared the same sentiment. We didnt ever think that anything like this could happen, she said. The storm, she said, was a wake-up call for a lot of people.

Part of the challenge for authorities and forecasters is communicating the links between extreme weather and climate change. That has made even apolitical groups like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Weather Service a target of some Republicans.

Former President Donald Trump said at a rally on Sunday, while talking about Helene, that climate change is one of the great scams. Project 2025, a conservative policy roadmap for another Trump term, includes language that calls NOAA a part of the climate change alarm industry and that it should be broken up and downsized. It also says that the National Weather Service, part of NOAA, should focus on data gathering and commercialize its forecasting operations. Trump has disavowed that plan, though many of his key allies were involved in it.

Kelli Burns, an associate professor of communications at the University of South Florida, said the loss of trust between citizens and government agencies and the media creates a kind of paradox.

Everything is politicized today  even hurricane warnings, she said, adding that meteorologists and reporters must walk a fine line to avoid stoking panic while also clearly communicating the risks to keep people safe.

Meanwhile, the distrust in traditional institutions leads us to possibly make bad decisions or disregard information that could potentially save our lives, Burns said.

Chris Gloninger, a meteorologist and climate scientist, stepped back last year from a television career because of harassment he had received in reaction to his coverage of climate change and its impact on weather. Gloninger noted that dire warnings were issued last week for many parts of North Carolina, and that weather forecasting has improved in recent years. But better forecasts were now competing for attention with social media and ideology-driven perspectives, he said.

Even with all of the accuracy, even with all of the tools and technology, even as were becoming better communicators over time, with that social science, technical science, coming together, finding those best practices, were still dealing with this fringe part of society that theres a ton of oxygen that they have, he said. And it kind of fuels this misinformation, disinformation, and Id argue that thats one of the most challenging things that we have to counter.

Gloninger added that false claims about the storm related to fringe conspiracy theories seemed to be a new element. Some people used the moment to push the false idea that the storm was the result of a government-made weather modification weapon.

This was truly the first event that Ive seen with a certain part of the population spreading misinformation about geoengineering, weather modification, Gloninger said. And its mind blowing.

Another conspiracy theory that gained some traction alleged that lithium mining interests had altered the course and severity of the storm to wipe out local opposition to mining. Such claims on X and TikTok accrued millions of views.

An account on X belonging to a self-described video analyst for rare weather phenomena promoted the lithium-related conspiracy theory, with one post about it receiving 2.3 million views. But the post contradicted itself: It said that there was a lithium deposit under the ground of Asheville then acknowledged that the deposit is in fact 70 miles away in Kings Mountain, North Carolina.

Yotam Ophir, an associate professor at the University of Buffalo who studies political and science communication, said that severe weather events have traditionally attracted misinformation and conspiracy theories, but that the modern information ecosystem now makes it easier for outlandish claims to find audiences who are often anxious for explanations.

Now, he said, that has combined with a decline in trust in institutions like the government and mainstream media to create a challenging environment for news consumers and legitimate sources of information.

I dont think that individuals have the tools to identify truth and deception in such complicated topics, Ophir said. And we need to restore trust in those that do know how to do it.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
The FAA Grounds SpaceX's Rockets for a Third Time After Mysterious Anomaly

Off Target

The US Federal Aviation Administration has grounded all of SpaceX's workhorse Falcon 9 rockets for the third time in just three months.

An upper stage encountered a mysterious problem after dropping off two astronauts at the International Space Station over the weekend as part of its Crew-9 mission.

According to a statement posted by SpaceX, the rocket "experienced an off-nominal deorbit burn," causing it to splash down in the Pacific Ocean just east of New Zealand, which was "outside of the targeted area" approved by the FAA.

Even before the FAA announced that it had launched its own investigation, SpaceX had already made the decision to halt all future launches.

"We will resume launching after we better understand root cause," the Elon Musk-led company wrote in its statement.

Falcon Misfortune

It's the third time since July that the FAA has grounded all Falcon 9 launches.

"The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX NASA Crew-9 mission that launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28," the regulator noted in a statement.

"The incident involved the Falcon 9 second stage landing outside of the designated hazard area," the statement reads. "No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation."

In July, a Falcon 9 rocket exploded after launching a batch of Starlink internet satellites, leading to the FAA grounding the rockets for several weeks.

Then in August, the regulator grounded them once more after a Falcon 9 first-stage booster, which unlike the upper stage is reusable, caught fire and toppled over while attempting to land on a floating barge.

It's unclear how long the FAA's latest investigation will take or whether the space company will have to take any corrective actions.

The next Falcon 9 launch is tentatively slated for just nine days from now to launch NASA's massive Europa Clipper probe.

But given the current animosities between the two  just last week, Musk called for the FAA's chief to resign over an ongoing dispute  the latest incident will likely test the relationship even further.

More on the incident: SpaceX Mission Runs Into Mysterious Problem After Dropping Off Astronauts
Monday afternoon the FAA issued an email statement saying, The FAA is aware an anomaly occurred during the SpaceX NASA Crew-9 mission that launched from Cape Canaveral Space Force Station in Florida on September 28.

 WATCH CHANNEL 9 EYEWITNESS NEWS

The incident involved the Falcon 9 second stage landing outside of the designated hazard area. No public injuries or public property damage have been reported. The FAA is requiring an investigation.

NASAs SpaceX Crew-9 mission arrived safely at the International Space Station on Sunday, with two empty seats reserved for NASA astronauts Butch Wilmore and Suni Williams, who watched their Boeing Starliner spacecraft depart without them earlier this month.

Read: New Florida laws to take effect Oct. 1

But the second stage of the Falcon 9 that launched NASA astronaut Nick Hague and cosmonaut Aleksandr Gorbunov to the ISS experienced an issue after it detached from the dragon capsule.

The rocket landed in the ocean, but outside of its targeted area.

Before the FAA announcement, SpaceX stated that it wouldnt resume launches until understands the root cause for the issue.

Read: Hits leader, banned baseball player Pete Rose dies at 83

Dr. Ken Kremer with Space UpClose told us,NASAs Europa Clipper mission to Jupiter and the moon Europa that might harbor life is going to launch October 10th on a falcon heavy.

And its the same upper stage. And theres an asteroid mission launching on October 7th for the European Space Agency.

Again, the same upper stage. So, Space X on their own grounded this exactly as they should do.

Read: Hurricane Helene recovery: How you can help

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
After Facebook shut down Kansas Reflectors page in April, we quickly received apologies from Metas spokesman and assurances that our content was not being targeted by the social media giant. It was all a mistake, he said.

Nearly six months later, that sounds like a fib. A whopper. A taradiddle.

Not because of how Meta has treated Kansas Reflector: Since our plight made national news, we have been able to post without issue. However, scarcely a week goes by without us receiving a message from a reader unable to share one of our stories or an advocate whose online presence has been somehow targeted. The latest, and perhaps most outrageous, example was the suspension of the League of Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas Countys page on Facebook.

Sonja Czarnecki, president of the league chapter, contacted me and other local news media outlets earlier this month after Facebook axed the page for violating community standards and highlighting impersonation. Czarnecki had no idea what was going on or why. The nonprofit, nonpartisan group encourages civic participation and voting. One could scarcely imagine a more benign bunch.

The Lawrence Journal-World published a story about the suspension Sept. 17. Miraculously, the page was restored by the next day.

This experience has been unnerving, Czarnecki told me late last week. It was a stark reminder that Meta is a private company, not a democracy where folks are entitled to due process and knowledge of the charges when accused. I never found out any more information about why our pages had been suspended, or why they were put back. I dont know which of the three strategies I tried simultaneously was effective (contacting the press, leaving daily voicemail messages with a guy at Meta, getting LVW-US national staff involved).

An Ohio chapter of the group faced a similar takedown in April, but we dont know anything else about the Lawrence case. Social media plays a large role in our lives, yet it can be difficult to track exactly how platforms such as Facebook interact with individual users. We only know if the company issues a statement (vanishingly rare) or someone reaches out to us. We just cant tell otherwise.

Czarnecki added: Mainly Im worried that it will happen again.

In reporting after Kansas Reflectors takedown, editor Sherman Smith discovered the cause was likely unrefined artificial intelligence deployed by the company. The companys AI is designed to remove inappropriate or spammy content, based on extensive programming. But as anyone who has worked with ChatGPT knows, such programs routinely hallucinate. Those working at Meta likely cant explain their AIs choices. They simply clean up the aftermath.

More worryingly, the platforms indifference or outright hostility to content from civic groups and the news media seems to stem from Meta CEO Mark Zuckerbergs disenchantment with politics. The AI may actually represent a desire to shut down political discussion.

Zuckerberg wary of politics, regulation

His preference, according to more than a dozen friends, advisers and executives familiar with his thinking, has been to wash his hands of it all, The New York Times reported last week.

Zuckerberg apparently feels burned by the reaction of those on the right to his previous activism and has been expressing more libertarian ideas.

That includes a hostility to regulation that restricts business, an embrace of free markets and globalism and an openness to social-justice reforms  but only if it stops short of what he considers far-left progressivism, wrote The Times Theodore Schleifer and Mike Isaac.

Listen, Im sorry Zuckerberg had his precious feelings hurt.

People can be mean. Life can be challenging in ways that we dont expect. The rest of us, however, dont have $196 billion to fall back on when the going gets rough.

We also dont have a bevy of communications professionals at hand to spread our message. What we have, for better or worse, is an array of social media platforms, many of them owned and directed by the Meta CEO. We can look for other options and make other connections, but that will take time and energy and effort to redirect our audiences. In the meantime, Zuckerberg faces no consequences for harming civil debate through such takedowns.

As Tim Murphy of Mother Jones pointed out, in a trenchant response to the Times piece, Zuckerberg hasnt actually rejected politics. Someone with his reach and power cant possibly do so.

Zuckerbergs efforts to discourage political activism among Meta employees (per the piece) mirror his own efforts to discourage political content on the platforms he controls, such as Facebook and Instagram. Attempting to mute or disincentivize political speech is, of course, a political act, and it betrays an ominous worldview, Murphy writes. In that sense, at least, he and (fellow tech tycoon Elon) Musk arent so different; theyre collectively building a digital public square where you can find everything but reported, factual news. Zuckerberg has made it clear that he is frustrated with specific kinds of political speech  including criticism of him.

In other words, hes become a conservative comfortable with authoritarianism.

Websites, newsletters get out the message

So what do we do?

Here at Kansas Reflector, we have taken a number of proactive measures in the past five months. We have repeatedly encouraged readers to subscribe to our daily newsletter. We have stepped up our town halls, during which we meet readers face to face and answer their questions. We also now post regularly at Bluesky, the decentralized Twitter alternative. At the same time, we have largely stopped posting to Instagram and Threads, two Meta-controlled platforms. Dont worry  were still on Facebook, for the foreseeable future.

Czarnecki likewise points Women Voters of Lawrence-Douglas County supporters to alternative platforms.

We have our website, and our monthly newsletter to members, and we try to accept every invitation we can to do tabling events locally, she said. But like all organizations these days, we still rely on social media to get information out to the public about voting and educational events like our Civic Engagement 101 series (next one Oct. 3) and candidate forums (next one is Oct. 6).

Both the League and Kansas Reflector understand we cant rely on a private business to prioritize the public good. But concerned citizens need to know that as well. Unless they take their eyes elsewhere, Meta wont feel the pressure to change.

Clay Wirestone is opinion editor of the nonprofit Kansas Reflector, where this commentary originally appeared.
Democratic vice-presidential candidate Tim Walz's military record has come under scrutiny since he was announced as Kamala Harris's running mate.

Walz's Republican critics accused him of intentionally avoiding combat in Iraq by resigning from the National Guard months before his unit was deployed there.

In August, the Harris campaign separately acknowledged that Walz had "misspoke" in 2018 when he said he carried assault weapons "in war".

Weve looked into Walz's record.

Did Walz tell the truth about experiencing combat?

Minnesota Governor Walz served for 24 years in the Army National Guard, a military force that is usually deployed within the US to respond to events such as natural disasters, but is also part of the US Army reserve.

In August, Republican vice-presidential candidate JD Vance accused Walz of "stolen valour".

Vance referred to a video promoted by the Harris campaign which featured a comment made by Walz in 2018, while he was advocating for gun control.

In the clip, Walz said he had "carried weapons in war".

This was not true. Walz went to Italy with the National Guard in 2003 as part of support for the US war in Afghanistan but he was never deployed to an active war zone.

On 9 August, the Harris campaign issued a statement saying that in making the case for why weapons of war should never be on our streets or in our classrooms, the Governor misspoke.

Why did Walz retire from the military?

In August Vance claimed: When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, you know what he did? He dropped out of the army and allowed his unit to go without him.

Several former National Guard colleagues have previously publicly voiced frustrations at Walzs decision to leave their unit before deployment to Iraq but others have rejected assertions that he retired to avoid combat duty.

In February 2005, while he was still in the National Guard, Walz filed an application to run for election as a member of Congress from Minnesota.

The following month it was announced that there would be a possible partial mobilisation of roughly 2,000 troops from the Minnesota National Guard to Iraq within the next two years, according to a 2005 press release from Walzs congressional campaign.

In the statement, Walz said: I do not yet know if my artillery unit will be part of this mobilisation.

He added: I dont want to speculate on what shape my campaign will take if I am deployed, but I have no plans to drop out of the race."

Walz retired from the National Guard in May 2005, which he later said was so he could focus fully on running for Congress.

His National Guard unit received orders to mobilise for Iraq in July 2005, and was sent there in March 2006, according to the battalions history page.

On 13 August 2024, Mr Walz responded directly to his critics, recalling that he'd joined the National Guard aged 17: "I served for the next 24 years for the same reason all my brothers and sisters do, we love this country. Then in 2005 I felt the call of duty again, this time giving service to my country in the halls of Congress."

Did Walz mislead about his rank?

The Trump campaign has accused Walz of lying about having retired as a command sergeant major.

His official biography on the Minnesota state website says: Command Sergeant Major Walz retired from the 1-125th Field Artillery Battalion in 2005.

He did reach the rank of command sergeant major near the end of his service, but he would have had to serve in that role for three years to retire at that rank officially, says the National Guard.

Personnel files show Walz was reduced one rank - to master sergeant - after retiring for benefits purposes.

Kamala Harris announced Tim Walz as her running mate on Tuesday [Getty Images]

Gov. @Tim_Walz: I spent 25 years in the Army and I hunt. Ive been voting for common sense legislation that protects the Second Amendment, but we can do background checks. We can research the impacts of gun violence. We can make sure those weapons of war, that I carried in war, pic.twitter.com/3IVaXi2RP2  Kamala HQ (@KamalaHQ) August 6, 2024

What about Vance's military record?

Republican vice presidential candidate JD Vance [Getty Images]

Vance served for four years in the US Marine Corps.

He was deployed to Iraq for about six months in 2005 as a military journalist, although he didn't experience combat.

I was lucky to escape any real fighting, he said in his 2016 memoir.

He left the Marine Corps in 2007 as a corporal to attend Ohio State University.

This article, first published on 8 August, was updated to reflect a statement on 9 August from the Harris campaign on Mr Walz's comment that he carried weapons "in war". It was further updated to add comments on his military service from Mr Walz on 13 August.

[BBC]

What do you want BBC Verify to investigate?
Families with children worse off than pensioners despite Reevess winter fuel raid

The Chancellor faces heightened scrutiny over her decision to scrap winter fuel payments for millions of pensioners - Nicola Tree/Getty Images Europe

Families with children will still be worse off than pensioners even after Rachel Reevess raid on winter fuel payments, a Left-leaning think tank has claimed.

The Resolution Foundation has warned that working-age families are more likely than older people to struggle with their energy bills in the coming months, notwithstanding the Chancellors decision to scrap the 300 payment for millions of pensioners.

Its latest research revealed that around 7.7m households would be at risk of fuel stress this winter, meaning they would spend more than 10pc of their income on gas and electric bills.

However, families with children were more than twice as likely as pensioners to be affected by fuel stress, the Resolution Foundation said, with that gap unlikely to narrow even after most pensioners lost winter fuel payments this year.

The think tank said that this disparity reflected the reality that working-age families are far more likely to be living in poverty than pensioners.

The basic state pension has risen by 2,600 in real terms since winter fuel payments were introduced in 1997, which it claimed reduced the need for additional support.

This latest research from the Resolution Foundation, which was up until recently led by Labour MP Torsten Bell, comes as the Chancellor faces heightened scrutiny over her decision to scrap winter fuel payments.

The Labour leadership last week suffered an embarrassing defeat on a non-binding vote by unions to reverse the cut at its party conference in Liverpool.

Sir Keir Starmer and Ms Reeves have sought to justify the cut by claiming it will save up to 1.5bn a year.

A total of 7m pensioner households are expected to lose the payment, of which at least 1m will be classed as low-income.

This low-income category includes those who are narrowly above the threshold to claim pension credit, as well as those entitled to the benefit but do not claim it.

As a result of the winter fuel cuts, only households receiving pension credit will receive payments of either 200 or 300 to help with energy bills this winter.

The Resolution Foundation warned that many could be at risk of hardship, while disability campaigners have warned the cuts could result in an excess of winter deaths.

It comes as the energy price cap for a typical household rises by 10pc on Tuesday.

Alex Clegg from the Resolution Foundation said the high number of families with children among those struggling with energy bills illustrated how poorly targeted winter fuel payments are.

Around two in five families in Britain spend more than 10pc of their income after housing costs on energy bills.

These families would in Scotland and Northern Ireland be classed as being in fuel poverty.

To ensure more help to households struggling with energy costs this winter, the Resolution Foundation urged the Government to offer targeted payments during cold snaps.

A small group of poor pensioners and working-age benefit claimants with a disability or health condition currently receive an automatic 25 payment when local temperatures drop below zero for seven days in a row.

The think tank urged Ms Reeves to expand who was eligible for such payments and potentially adjust the temperature limit, insisting it would still leave most of the savings from the winter fuel payment cut intact.

Ms Clegg added: Looking beyond this winter, the Government should prioritise developing a social tariff and investing in energy efficiency for our homes. This would help to ensure that vulnerable families are insulated from future energy shocks, whatever their age or circumstances.

Calls for the Government to act have been echoed by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, which warned that the cost of living crisis had forced 1.6m low-income families to turn off their fridges or freezers to afford bills.

Katie Schmuecker, from Joseph Rowntree Foundation, said: This looks like another winter of sleeping in a coat, not showering and only cooking once a week to try to keep the bills down.

We need to see an urgent plan for hardship at the upcoming Budget to stop those with the least going hungry and cold this winter.

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BECKLEY, WV (WVNS)  A family court judge granted a domestic violence protective order against Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Ben Hatfield on Monday, September 30, 2024.

The judge made the ruling after hearing several hours of testimony and evidence.

Both Hatfield and the petitioner were represented by their attorneys during the Monday hearing.

Hatfield declined to offer a comment.

A request for a DVP by the same petitioner was denied last month, but an appeals judge later ruled that the family court judge would re-hear the case.

The petitioner withdrew the initial DVP petition after the second DVP emergency order was issued in mid-September.

Benjamin Hatfield returns to work amid workplace misconduct allegations

Under state law, a magistrate may grant an emergency DVP order until both parties can appear for a hearing before a family court judge.

During the hearing, the family court judge may hear evidence and decide whether or not to grant a domestic violence protection order, which legally bars the respondent from contacting and approaching the petitioner.

A Beckley citizen, Christina Baisden, said she held signs and protested as Hatfield and his attorney, West Virginia delegate Brandon Steele, walked to the family court offices on Monday for the hearing.

Raleigh County Commission requests investigation into allegations against Raleigh County Prosecuting Attorney Benjamin Hatfield

We elected him in 2020 to this position, and we have every right to recall him if we do not feel that people can get due process or justice underneath his leadership, said Baisden, adding that she has started a petition calling for Hatfield to be removed from office.

Baisden said she was concerned about civil rights allegations in the workplace, made by members of Hatfields staff, and the DVP complaint.

Hatfield has denied the allegations.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WVNS.
Rhyma Castillo is a trending reporter for the Express-News and a member of its Digital Go Team. She can be reached at rhyma.castillo@express-news.net.

A native of San Antonio and a Texas A&M University graduate, she is a journalist with nearly a decade of experience. She has reported on politics, immigration, climate change, gun violence, and workers rights. Additionally, she excels in lifestyle and entertainment writing, covering music, television, video games, technology, and relationships.

In her free time, she enjoys painting, drawing, cooking, hiking, climbing, gardening, playing video games, cuddling with her cats, and making music with her band.
By Praveen Paramasivam

CHENNAI (Reuters) -Indian police on Tuesday said they had released 912 Samsung Electronics workers and union members detained for almost a day for organising a street protest, as a strike at the South Korean firm's home appliances plant in Tamil Nadu state entered its fourth week.

More than 1,000 workers have disrupted production and protested in a makeshift tent close to the factory near the city of Chennai since Sept. 9, demanding higher wages and union recognition.

The Tamil Nadu plant accounts for a fifth of Samsung's 2022-23 India annual revenue of $12 billion.

Charles Sam Rajadurai, a senior state police official, said earlier on Tuesday around 850 Samsung employees and 60 workers linked to labour group CITU, which is leading the protest, were detained as their protest march near Chennai was inconveniencing the public, and was being organized without permission.

They were released late on Tuesday, K. Shanmugam, a senior state police official, told Reuters by telephone.

On Sept. 16, police detained 104 striking Samsung workers for almost a day.

The protests cast a shadow over Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi's drive for foreign investors to "Make in India" and is India's biggest such strike in recent years.

Samsung did not respond to a request for comment. It previously said the average monthly salary of full-time manufacturing workers at the plant is nearly double that of similar workers in the region, and that it was open to discussions with workers about resolving the matter.

The Samsung plant employs roughly 1,800 workers and more than 1,000 of them have been on strike. The factory makes appliances such as refrigerators, TVs and washing machines. Another Samsung plant that makes smartphones in the northern state of Uttar Pradesh has had no unrest.

A source with direct knowledge said on Tuesday Samsung has arranged for some contractual workers and apprentices to minimize the production impact.

The strike comes after Samsung's biggest union in South Korea held a four-day strike in August demanding higher wages and bonuses after talks with management fell through.

Samsung has warned the striking workers they risk losing their jobs and has taken CITU members to court, saying the strike is illegal. The employees however disagree and say they will continue to protest until their demands are met.

So far, Samsung has not agreed to recognize a union backed by a third-party group like CITU, resulting in an impasse.

Samsung workers earn 25,000 rupees ($300) on average each month and are demanding a raise of 36,000 rupees a month reached within three years, CITU said.

(Reporting by Praveen Paramasivam; Writing by Aditya Kalra; Editing by Christopher Cushing, Kim Coghill and Jan Harvey)
Farmers and lawmakers work to expand farm-to-school partnership across the Commonwealth

HADLEY, Mass. (WWLP)  Local and state leaders paid a visit to Joe Czajkowski Farm in Hadley on Monday to highlight the towns farm-to-school partnership.

How you can protect yourself in the event of a weather disaster

About 70 percent of calories consumed by our kids and teens are ultra-processed foods.

The Massachusetts Farm to School program aims to strengthen and promote healthy habits

so that students consume healthy and nutritious meals every day in the cafeteria.

This partnership provides students with fresh fruits and veggies on their lunch trays every day.

Joe Czajkowski, is one of many farmers across the state, working hard 365 days a year through the farm-to-school program to bring fresh produce to your childrens meals every day for breakfast and lunch.

I mean its a great thing the food is fresher and better, said Czajkowski, owner of Joe Czajkowski Farm in Hadley. They send us the order and we pull it together and get it out on time because you cant give a kid an empty plate.

Over 1/3 of the fruits and vegetables at Czajkowski Farm go straight to students in Chicopee, Springfield even as far as Boston.

The partnership between our farmers here in western Massachusetts and the Boston public schools should be an example for the rest of the state and for the rest of the country. Im fighting in Congress to get funds to make more of these collaborations possible, mentioned Congressman Jim McGovern.

Congressman McGovern told 22News hes fighting for a bill that would provide more funding for school infrastructure to build kitchens and to build adequate refrigeration

so the schools can accommodate more fresh produce thats locally grown.

Some cities in Massachusetts are food deserts and theres a lack of accessibility to fresh greens. Boston Mayor Michelle Wu believes having fresh and healthy food allows students to do better in the classroom, We hear from our educators that its a difference between feeling focused and ready and taking on the whole day experience versus knowing that young people are distracted because theyre hungry.

The ultimate goal is to ensure that all districts across the state have access to local food purchasing and scratch cooking to ensure greater equity in farm-to-school activity.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Fat Bear Week, a beloved tradition that marks the beginning of the hibernation season, has been delayed after a fatal fight broke out between two bears at Katmai National Park and Preserve in Alaska.

Each year, Katmai National Park in southern Alaska celebrates its brown bears by creating a bracket-style competition, in which fans can vote on their favorite and fattest bear. While this years bracket was set to be unveiled on Monday, September 30, a fatal fight between two Alaskan grizzlies has postponed the competition.

The two bears  one male, named both 469 and Patches, and one female, named 402  were captured on the parks livestream fighting each other by the Brooks River. The attack resulted in the death of 402, who sank into the water.

Mike Fritz  who works for Explore.org, which hosts Fat Bear Week  spoke about the fight during a livestream, as he explained the voting would be delayed.

Earlier today, a bear killed another bear on the river. It was caught live on the webcams and we thought, well, we cant go ahead with our Fat Bear Week bracket reveal without addressing this situation first, he said, revealing the fight was likely started over food.

We love to celebrate the success of bears with full stomachs and ample body fat, he added. But the ferocity of bears is real, the risks that they face are real, their lives can be hard, and their deaths can be painful.

Fat Bear Week 2024 postponed after fatal bear fight breaks out at Alaskas Katmai National Park and Preserve (Getty Images)

During the livestream, Katmai Park ranger Sarah Bruce revealed that bears are normally more violent during the lead-up to hibernation, as they are normally trying to eat as much as they can before hiding away for the winter months. I dont know why a bear would want to expend so much energy trying to kill another bear as a food source, she said. Its an uncommon thing to see a bear predating on another bear, but its not completely out of the question. So its hard to say how this started.

Bruce later explained to the Washington Post that when the bears are violent with each other, the brawls are typically short-lived. However, this one lasted 20 minutes.

This years Fat Bear Week bracket will now be released on Tuesday, October 1 at 7pm ET, with voting ending one week later on October 8.

Fat Bear Week was launched back in 2014, when it was given the name Fat Bear Tuesday. The event was started by the Katmai National Park with the goal of celebrating the parks brown bears and the healthy ecosystem of its Brooks River. Fat Bear Tuesday became so successful that it expanded to Fat Bear Week the following year.

Each year, the park rangers create a tournament-style bracket pitting individual brown bears against each other, and the public can vote online to see who will advance each round.

In 2023, 128 Grazer was crowned winner after she ended up in the final two against 32 Chunk. She received 108,321 votes to Chunks 23,134, according to Explore.org.

The gutsy girl grounded the guy with a gut, Katmai National Park posted on Facebook at the time. The Mondo mountain of a male, 32 chunk, proved his prominent posterior was worthy of a whopping win (Chin up, Chunk). But in the end, Chunk got Grazered. Long live the Queen!
Following the wreck of Hurricane Helene, a father traveled 30 miles through flood and debris to make it to his daughters wedding on time.

Speaking to local Tennessee news station WJHL, David Jones shared that hed initially planned for a two-hour drive to his daughter Elizabeths wedding, which was being held in South Carolina. However, his departure from his hometown in Johnson City, Tennessee, did not go as planned due to Hurricane Helene  which touched down in Floridas Big Bend on September 26.

The Category 4 hurricane then charted a path north through the Carolinas, Georgia, Tennessee, Alabama, and Virginia.

According to Jones, his travel plans were initially diverted while he was driving on an interstate in Tennessee at 2am on Friday, September 27  hours before his daughters wedding. Although a state trooper told him that the interstate was being shut down, this didnt stop him from moving.

You have to understand. My daughters getting married at 11:00 this morning, and Im going to be there to walk her down the aisle, he explained to WJHL.

Father travels 30 miles after Hurricane Helene to walk daughter down the aisle at wedding (WJHL)

At the time, he estimated that he was only 30 miles away from the wedding venue and decided to walk the rest of the way. However, the task was much harder than Jones anticipated, as he walked through mounds of debris with only the flashlight on his phone to guide him.

Its awful, he explained. And I can tell you a lot about the mud and the debris fields where I have to climb six, seven-foot-tall piles of debris of old fences and huge trees and it was just a tangled mess and dead-end roads and all kinds of things.

He recalled one dangerous moment on the walk: nearly getting hit by crews clearing the road with a backhoe. When he almost got hit by the backhoe  which was being operated by someone who couldnt see him  he was also stuck in the mud that was up to [his] knees and he couldnt move.

Of course, his cab is facing the other way. Most of the time, hes swinging this thing around, and Im ducking. Really, Im thinking this could be it. There was a lot of prayer at that point, Jones explained, before sharing how he was luckily able to free himself from the mud.

He then continued his trip  which included walking over the Jackson Love Highway bridge, and through the towns of Erwin and Jones  before getting back onto the interstate in Tennessee.

After five and half hours of walking, a motorist  who Jones knew from a previous job  drove him the last eight miles of his trip. He arrived in South Carolina around 7:30am, making it in time for his daughters wedding. However, Elizabeth didnt discover the extensive and dangerous trip her father took until the wedding reception, and she was immediately in awe of her dad.

Thats so emotionally moving [to know] that my dad loves me that much, that hell come and go through all of that to get to my wedding and be there on time, she told the Tennessee-based news station.

Jones also shared that after the wedding, he gifted his daughter a reflective stake, which he held during the walk to avoid being hit by cars. I brought the reflector to the reception and I presented it to Elizabeth, my daughter, and Daniel just for them to remember  to be a protector and a good reflection of each other and a reflection of God, he emotionally shared.

Elizabeth also emphasized the gratitude she had for her father, while noting that she was just so thankful he made it to the wedding after his dangerous journey. I woke up at 4:30am this morning just wide awake, just spent that whole morning praising God that my dad made it and that my dads alive, she added.

The Independent has contacted Jones for comment.

At least 143 people have been killed after Hurricane Helene. As of Tuesday morning, the death toll in North Carolinas Buncombe County alone stands at 40, as 600 people remain unaccounted for. Governor Roy Cooper told CNN on Monday that communities there were wiped off that map.

Hundreds of roads remain closed with five bridges near the Tennessee-North Carolina border on I-40 completely gone, while more than 1.6m people are still without power.
In the early hours of January 20, 2023, a doctor's user account logged onto the Hawaii Electronic Death Registration System from out of state to certify the death of a man named Jesse Kipf. The death certificate listed the cause as acute respiratory distress syndrome due to COVID-19 a week earlier. And with that, Kipf was unceremoniously registered as deceased in several government databases.

On the same day, a hacker nicknamed "FreeRadical" posted the same death certificate on a hacking forum in an attempt to monetize the access they had to the system. Access level is medical certifier which means you can create and certify a death in this panel, the hacker wrote.

In the post, the hacker included a partial screenshot of the fake death certificate, but they also made a critical mistake. FreeRadical forgot to redact the purported state of birth of the person in the death certificate and left a small part of the state government's seal showing in the corner of the screenshot.

On the other side of the country in Colorado, Austin Larsen, a senior threat analyst at Googles cybersecurity firm Mandiant, along with his colleagues, spotted the post online as part of their routine threat intelligence gathering, which includes monitoring cybercrime forums. By homing in on the badly cropped screenshot of the fake death certificate, Larsen and his colleagues realized the forum post was evidence FreeRadical had hacked the U.S. state government of Hawaii.

Three days after finding the hacking forum post, Larsen notified Hawaii state officials that its government systems had been hacked.

It is likely the actor compromised a medical certifier account, the notification read, according to a screenshot of Larsens message shared with TechCrunch in an interview earlier in September.

Larsens warning set in motion a federal investigation that would reveal that the doctor's user account used to file the death certificate was compromised by none other than Jesse Kipf himself, the person who had supposedly died. Prosecutors would later allege in a court document that Kipf faked his own death to avoid paying his ex-wife around $116,000 owed to support their daughter.

Kipf, whom prosecutors later called a serial hacker with ample technical knowledge towards making a living by stealing from others, had made a series of mistakes, including using his home internet from Somerset, Kentucky, to directly connect to the Hawaii death registration system, which eventually led federal agents right to his door.

As a result, the U.S. Department of Justice criminally charged Kipf in late November 2023 with a series of hacking crimes. Kipf, prosecutors alleged, had hacked computer systems belonging to three U.S. states, as well as two vendors of large hotel chains. The Department of Justice's press release, as well as the indictment published at the same time, did not include many of the details that prosecutors had claimed Kipf had done. Forbes had reported a few days earlier that Kipf allegedly hacked the Hawaii Department of Health.

Story continues

Earlier in September, Mandiants Larsen, along with FBI Special Agent Andrew Satornino, and Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Kentucky Kate Dieruf, sat down with TechCrunch to reveal how they found Kipf and brought him to justice. The three spoke to TechCrunch ahead of a talk they gave at the Mandiant cybersecurity conference, mWISE.

Kipf, according to Larsen, Satornino, and Dieruf, as well as the court documents of his case, was a prolific hacker with multiple identities.

Satornino said Kipf was an initial access broker, meaning a hacker who breaks into systems and then tries to sell access to those systems to other cybercriminals. In affidavits supporting search warrants against Kipf, the FBI special agent wrote that Kipf had committed credit card fraud to purchase food from food delivery services  and was arrested for it in 2022; used fake Social Security numbers to apply for loans; had more than a dozen U.S. drivers licenses on his computer; and had hacked Marriott hotel vendors.

Kipf likely got the credentials he used in the Hawaii hack from an information-stealing malware that infected the unnamed doctors computer, which then ended up on a Telegram channel for hackers. Kipf used the nickname "GhostMarket09" to operate a credential stealing service, Larsen said.

Apart from GhostMarket09, Larsen said that Mandiant identified several other monikers that Kipf used on different hacking forums, as well as Telegram, which included: "theelephantshow," " yelichanter," and " ayohulk." Having that list of monikers, Larsen said he manually reviewed thousands of messages sent by Kipf under his various online personas, going through a database that Mandiant created by scraping the hacking forums, semi-public chats, and Telegram channels.

Larsen said that Mandiant identified the FreeRadical and GhostMarket09 personas as being connected to what the company calls UNC3944, or Scattered Spider, a prolific hacking and cybercrime group allegedly behind the MGM Resorts hack, and linked to the wider criminal underworld behind a string of violent crimes known as the Com.

According to Larsen, Kipf  as GhostMarket09  provided stolen credentials for the shipping giant UPS to an alleged member of the Com who uses the moniker "lopiu" or "lolitleu." Larsen said that Kipf was not part of the Com, but part of the cybercriminal ecosystem enabling it.

I would say he's a run-of-the-mill hacker. It felt like he didn't have fear of consequences either, said Larsen. He was adjacently involved in other parts of the criminal community, but really, where he came into play was selling credentials to enable other intrusions.

A photo of the fake death certificate filed by Jesse Kipf using a doctors stolen credentials. Image Credits:Mandiant (provided)

In parallel, and unbeknownst to Mandiant, the FBI had received a report from the National Cyber Forensics Training Alliance, a nonprofit that monitors the dark web and collaborates with law enforcement and the private sector, which included a series of nicknames used on the dark web by a hacker located in Kentucky.

The investigation led to Kentucky because Kipf had apparently forgotten to use a VPN at least once when accessing the Hawaii death registration systems, exposing his Somerset, Kentucky, home IP address, according to Larsen and court documents.

Then, in May 2023, Hawaiis Attorney Generals Office, which was investigating the hack of its death registry, alerted the Kentucky Attorney Generals office that someone in the southeastern state used the login credentials of a real doctor, who had system level entitlements to input death worksheets, to access the Hawaii death registration system and file a death certificate for a man named Jesse Kipf, according to a court document.

On July 13, 2023, U.S. federal agents arrested Kipf at his home in Somerset and took him into custody. In a later interview with the authorities, Kipf confessed to a series of cybercrimes, which he said allowed him to not have a regular job for five years.

"How did you let your IP slip?" the interviewers asked Kipf, referring to the home IP address Kipf used to connect to the Hawaii system. Just lazinessI just super didn't care anymore," Kipf responded, according to a partial transcript of the interview. Kipf said that he quit giving a f.

In fact, later in the investigation, the authorities learned that Kipf had used his same home IP address to attempt to visit, and extract data from Marriott internet domains and internal servers between February 9 and May 22, 2023  a total of 1,423 times. The goal there, according to Satornino, was to sell access to those networks to other hackers on forums used by cybercriminals.

Kipf also said in the interview that he had accessed the death registration systems of Arizona, Connecticut, Tennessee, and Vermont, just to see how easy it would be, the court documents say. In Arizonas death registry system, Kipf successfully filed a death certificate where he put the name Crab Rangoon  a type of cheese-filled crisp Chinese wonton  as the name of the deceased, according to a screenshot of the certificate seen by TechCrunch.

He did, however, have some semblance of a plan. Kipf told interviewers that he had created a forged credit profile with a false Social Security number in order to use it after he faked his death, according to court documents.

The hacker also confessed to selling the personal information of hacking victims to people in Algeria, Ukraine, and Russia, and providing access information for a Marriott vendor system to Russians, court documents show.

Once the FBI was able to go through Kipfs devices, they found past Google searches in his browsing history suggesting he was trying to find information on how to avoid paying child support, said Satornino.

Finally, Kipf was also accused of hacking into GuestTek and Milestone, two vendors who worked with Marriott hotels. In those hacks, too, Kipf used his home IP address.

Perhaps because of all the evidence Mandiant and the FBI had gathered on Kipfs history of cybercrime, and his confession in the interview with the authorities, the hacker reached a plea deal with prosecutors. Kipf formally admitted to causing close to $80,000 in damages to the government and corporate networks he hacked, and $116,000 for the unpaid child support for his ex-wife. He also admitted to identity theft, for using doctors stolen credentials in the Hawaii hack to create the death certificate.

The Defendant is a serial hacker, stealing personal identifying information and infiltrating protected computer networks of businesses and governmental entities with abandon," Dieruf wrote in a memorandum asking the court to sentence Kipf to seven years in prison. "He caused significant damage, both monetarily and in the form of technological responses, to his corporate and governmental victims.

Dieruf added: By attempting to kill himself off to avoid child support obligations, [Kipf] continues to re-victimize his daughter and her mother, who are owed more than $116,000 in child support obligations.

In the sentencing memorandum filed by Kipfs lawyer, Thomas Miceli, the attorney conceded that Kipf understands and does not deny the seriousness of his conduct. Miceli, who did not respond to TechCrunch's request for comment, wrote at the time that Kipf was diagnosed with paranoid delusions and schizophrenic tendencies, and that his mental health spiraled after the conclusion of his military service in Iraq, which increased his drug addiction.

Kipf was sentenced to prison for 81 months, just shy of seven years. According to the Department of Justice press release announcing his sentencing in August, Kipf must serve at least 85% of his prison sentence  more than five years  under federal law.
The Federal Bureau of Investigation has agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a lawsuit brought against it by female recruits who were kicked out of the training academy and subject to sexual harassment.

The class-action lawsuit was filed by 34 women who were dismissed from Quantico and allege that instructors singled them out over their gender and routinely harassed them with sexually charged comments in a hostile work environment.

Through passive tolerance, the lawsuit said, the FBI has intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish unrestrained at the FBI Academy.

The plaintiffs also claim they were dismissed over perceived lack of judgment in tactical training situations and vague suitability concerns.

If accepted by a federal judge, the settlement would be one of the largest in the bureaus history.

These problems are pervasive within the FBI and the attitudes that created them were learned at the academy, said David J. Shaffer, the lawyer for the women. This case will make important major changes in these attitudes.

Part of the settlement includes a chance to continue in the training academy and guaranteed placement at one of their preferred field offices if they successfully complete the program. However, many of the plaintiffs have moved onto different careers since originally filing the lawsuit in 2019.

Earlier this year, the Justice Department agreed to pay more than $138 million to victims of USA Gymnastics and Michigan State University doctor Larry Nassar who accused the FBI of negligence.

_____
In a blistering, just-released report years in the making, the federal Department of Justice describes Georgias prison system as anarchic and operating with little regard for the constitutional rights of the most vulnerable incarcerated people in its care.

Whats more, the report compiled by the DOJs Civil Rights Division maintains none of this is news to the Georgia Department of Corrections.

The State is deliberately indifferent to these unsafe conditions, reads a line barely out of the reports table of contents.

At the formal announcement for the report at a federal building in downtown Atlanta, U.S. Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said the findings were among the most severe violations that we have uncovered in an investigation of this kind.

Nationwide the DOJ has opened 15 investigations into prison systems.

The investigation into Georgias prison system relied heavily on thousands of documents supplied by the GDC and local agencies, and hundreds of interviews with prison staff and those who advocate for the incarcerated.

Together, the words indifferent and indifference occur over a dozen times in the report.

How a staffing crisis has resulted in unprecedented death

The 94-page report follows an investigation which began in 2021 and depicts a correctional system where rates of homicide and sexual violence outstrip those of other state prison systems largely due to an inability to provide adequate numbers of correctional officers. For example, while the states prison census has doubled since 1990, the number of correctional officers has halved.

In one typical example at a close security prison, one officer was responsible for tracking 400 beds. Absent more officers, the report states gangs are left in control of prison units where the incarcerated can often unlock their own cells and wander at will.

Narissa Wrights son DonTavis Mintz died in Georgias Ware State Prison. His body was not discovered for days. When his remains were returned to her, she only knew they were his by a single tooth.

If hes laying there a couple of days, that means no one fed him, Wright said in 2021. How did he eat? Who did counts? Who came around to check on them?

In their report, DOJ investigators described a general inability to conduct the kinds of daily counts of the incarcerated it describes as basic to the function of a prison. And so without that baseline control, the report says GDC cedes real control of prisons to gangs.

Prison populations have risen in recent years while the number of correctional officers has declined significantly.

That, in turn, breeds violence.

Violence in the Georgia prisons has reached a crisis level, reads one line.

Investigators revealed that 35 people were killed across the states facilities in 2023, though likely an underestimate, Assistant Attorney General Clarke said, citing inaccurate documentation and reporting of deaths by the GDC.

Included in the deaths that the DOJ says the GDC could have prevented are employees. In June, a food service worker was killed in an altercation with a prisoner. In other cases, correctional officers have been killed or injured.

Violence and lack of supervision and control in state facilities too often threatens those who are outside the prison walls, said Jill Steinberg, U.S. attorney for the Southern District of Georgia.

That said, investigators say GDC places too much blame for the violence on gangs. Instead, investigators say, emphasis should remain on the lack of correctional officers as the main driver of disorder.

Our findings reveal that the leadership of the Georgia Department of Corrections has lost control of its facilities, said Ryan Buchanan, U.S. attorney for the Northern District of Georgia, on Tuesday.

That doesnt just result in violence among prisoners. It has also resulted in incarcerated people dying at an alarming and unacceptable rate, Buchanan said.

The Georgia Department of Corrections stopped reporting causes of death for people in its custody this spring, in response to requests from GPB and other media outlets.

But an analysis of prison deaths between 2015 and 2023 shows people in our state prisons die from so-called natural causes at double, sometimes triple the rate than the rest of the state population. That includes death from sepsis, from COVID-19, untreated hernias, and urinary tract infections.

Cody Baileys father, James Michael Bailey, was 44 years old and about four months into his sentence at Dooly State Prison in Unadilla when he died from sepsis, contracted from pneumonia that was caused by an infected insect bite.

Cody Bailey said he hasnt been able to get any records from the hospital or the Georgia Department of Corrections on what actually happened, such as to know what insect might have bitten his dad, and how it became fatal.

From what the doctor told me, I just feel like they kind of just put it on the back burner, Bailey said.

Dangerous conditions putting vulnerable populations at risk

While the report recommends GDC take a zero-tolerance approach to all forms of sexual violence, it directs particular attention to the safety of LGBTQ people.

GDC houses transgender women with men based on their external genitalia despite the risk this poses to their safety, reads the report. Authors recommend not only ending that practice but also further screening the incarcerated so as to understand who are likely to be victimized and who are likely to commit violence  and then taking pains to house them away from each other.

In addition to adopting zero tolerance for sexual violence, the report includes 82 other recommendations such as hiring the right number of guards, allowing third-party transparency into the workings of the prison system and fully investigating allegations of sexual violence based on a preponderance of the evidence rather than a standard of definitive proof.

Though the DOJ did not provide any more information on the breadth of sexual abuse violations that have gone unanswered, representatives emphasized thousands of incident reports that were included in the investigation.

In an initial response, GDC representative Joan Heath referred to the report as allegations which reflect a fundamental misunderstanding of the current challenges of operating any prison system. Heath further said contrary to how GDC was depicted in the report, the agency was fully compliant with the DOJ investigation. The report states that even now, GDC has failed to fully cooperate.

In addition to adopting zero tolerance for sexual violence, the report includes 82 other recommendations, such as hiring the right number of guards, allowing third-party transparency into the workings of the prison system and fully investigating allegations of sexual violence based on a preponderance of the evidence rather than a standard of definitive proof.

The Georgia investigation follows similar investigations into conditions in Alabama and Mississippi prisons.

The Georgia Department of Corrections now has 49 days to formally respond.
The Donlin Mine airstrip, with the camp at the far end on the right, is seen from the air on Aug. 11. The mine site is in the hilly terrain near the southwestern Alaska's winding Kuskokwim River. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

The Donlin Gold airstrip, with the camp at the far end on the right, is seen from the air on Aug. 11, 2022. The mine site is in the hilly terrain near Southwest Alaska's winding Kuskokwim River. The mine won a key permit from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in 2018, but a federal judge ruled on Monday that the environmental study on which that permit was based was flawed because it failed to consider the impacts of a catastrophic dam failure. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Opponents of the planned Donlin Gold mine in Western Alaska won a key victory on Monday when a federal judge ruled that regulators who granted a permit needed to build the project failed to properly consider the risks of a catastrophic release of mine waste.

U.S. District Court Judge Sharon Gleason agreed with tribal government plaintiffs that argued the environmental study that led to federal permitting for the Donlin mine illegally omitted analysis of the impacts of a major tailings dam failure.

I think its a major victory for the tribes and for the region, said Hannah Foster, an attorney from the environmental organization Earthjustice, which is representing tribal governments fighting against the mine.

At issue was the environmental impact statement on which the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers relied when it issued a key permit in 2018 for construction of the gold mine, which would be one of the biggest in the world.

The environmental impact statement should have fully analyzed the possibility of a breach in the 471-foot-tall dam planned to hold hundreds of millions of tons of tailings, which are the crushed pieces of rock leftover after minerals have been extracted.

The environmental impact statement listed the risk of a catastrophic failure was 0.5% per year, or 2% over 20 years. But the Corps failed to consider the outcome of such a spill, an omission that Gleason said violated the National Environmental Policy Act and the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act.

To borrow an analogy from Plaintiffs and to put these numbers into perspective, these same odds for the risk of an airplane crash would likely deter nearly anyone from flying. Because a tailings spill larger than .5% of the total tailings volume is reasonably foreseeable, the (final environmental impact statement) should have considered a larger spill, Gleason said in her ruling.

Gleasons ruling stopped short of striking down the permit entirely, which is what the plaintiffs had requested. Instead, she gave both sides the opportunity to argue further about how the response to deficiencies in the environmental impact statement should be carried out.

Representatives of the six tribal governments that sued to overturn the Corps permit welcomed the court ruling, even though it was only a partial victory.

The threat of the Donlin Gold Mine has loomed for many years now, posing unacceptable risks to the health of our lands, waters, fish, wildlife and our people. We are relieved and happy that the judge is requiring a harder look at the mines impacts, and the risk of a tailings failure, Walter Jim, chair of Orutsararmiut Native Council, said in a statement.

Bev Hoffman of Bethel participates in a rally on Oct. 19, 2023, against the Donlin Gold mine and other resource-extraction projects. Hoffman is a longtime community activist and Yup'ik leader who opposes the mine. The protest was held on the street outside Anchorage's Dena'ina Civic and Convention Center, where the Alaska Federation of Natives annual convention was underway. (Photo by Yereth Rosen/Alaska Beacon)

Our primary concern all along has been the Kuskokwim River, which has sustained our customary and traditional practices for generations. We are grateful the courts are recognizing the importance of this sustainable resource we have always relied on and that must be protected by law, Boris Epchook, president of the Organized Village of Kwethluk, said in the statement.

The other tribal plaintiffs are the Tuluksak Native Council, the Native Village of Eek, Chevak Traditional Council and the Native Village of Kwigillingok.

Gleasons ruling granted some victories to the federal regulators and, by extension, the mines developers. She rejected plaintiff claims that the permit issued by the Corps and a permit issued by the U.S. Bureau of Land Management failed to properly consider the mines impact on the health of the regions people or the way mine-related barge traffic might affect water quality and fish in the Kuskokwim River.

The Donlin Gold project is owned jointly by Barrick Gold US Inc. and NovaGold Resources Alaska Inc. The mine site is on land owned by the Kuskokwim Corp., the local village Native corporation, and would develop mineral resources owned by Calista Corp., the regional Native corporation for the Yukon-Kuskokwim area of Alaska.

The mine has been controversial in that mostly Yupik region, with supporters touting its economic potential and opponents citing possible damages to the Kuskokwim River region and its salmon and other resources on which people depend for food and culture.

In a statement, Donlin Gold LLC defended the planning process and the permits that stemmed from it.

Donlin Gold is committed to developing the Donlin Gold Project in a responsible manner that is protective of the environment and the subsistence lifestyle of the Yukon-Kuskokwim region, Interim General Manager Enric Fernandez said in the statement. We are currently reviewing the courts decision and exploring our options.

The statement, which highlighted the mixed nature of Gleasons ruling, defended the planning process and Donlin Golds tailings-dam design.

We believe the release scenario analyzed in the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) was appropriate based on the specific facts of the Donlin Gold Tailings Storage Facility. We lost on a narrow issue, whereby the Alaska District Court determined that a larger tailings spill should have been considered, Fernandez said in the statement.

There are other legal challenges to the mine that are pending in the Alaska court system. Those lawsuits seek to overturn some state permits for the mine. A hearing in one of those cases was held in Anchorage on Aug. 30.

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BALTIMORE  A student group at the University of Maryland can go ahead with a previously planned event commemorating the anniversary of the Hamas attacks in Israel after administration officials revoked their ability to hold the vigil, a federal judge said Tuesday.

Students for Justice in Palestine introduced the lawsuit in federal court last month when the university  facing public pressure and citing safety concerns  allowed and then reversed course on a vigil the group planned for Oct. 7. The group quickly celebrated the decision Tuesday, saying in a statement that it would refuse to remain silent about war crimes as it calls attention to Israels occupation in Gaza.

A university statement Tuesday said it would abide by the courts decision and implement a robust safety plan for the days events, including a stronger security presence.

Senior Judge Peter J. Messitte, in an opinion released after a hearing in the case Monday, said he agreed with the students arguments that their freedom of speech rights under the First Amendment were deprived and that the university shall in no way prohibit or impede (the student group) from hosting its proposed vigil.

The judge noted the backlash and deep offense that some pro-Israel groups would feel with public speech criticizing Israel on Oct. 7, the day last year when about 1,200 Israelis were killed and about 250 were taken hostage.

Still, he wrote, both sides see the date as sacrosanct and Students for Justice in Palestine would be harmed if it did not get a chance to express its views according to the university procedures it was already following.

SJP appears to want to hold another peaceable, if highly controversial, event, Messitte wrote. But this is a matter of law, not of wounded feelings. Free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment may be the most important law this country has. In many ways, all other basic freedoms  freedom of religion, of the press, of the right to assemble, and to petition the government  depend upon it.

Lawyers with Palestine Legal and the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) who represented the students celebrated the ruling and said other higher education leaders across the country should take notice.

Criticizing Israels ongoing genocide in Gaza is protected by the First Amendment, period. Tori Porell, an attorney at Palestine Legal, said in a statement. This ruling is not just a win for Students for Justice in Palestine at the University of Maryland, but for all students speaking out for Palestinian freedom across the country.

Students for Justice in Palestine, an active student group advocating for the end of violence in Gaza, said it planned the vigil on campus in McKeldin Mall to commemorate victims of the year of war.

But University President Darryll Pines wrote in a Sept. 1 letter that all on-campus events hosted by student organizations would be paused on Oct. 7 out of an abundance of caution.

He noted the emotional impact of the war and the anniversary of the attacks on the university community while referring to the immense public input the university received after first letting the Students for Justice in Palestine use the space on campus.

Jewish groups and others pressured the university to reject the event, including with online petitions that gathered thousands of signatures.

The students lawyers asked a judge to reject the universitys special rules for Oct. 7 and reinstate permission to host the vigil.

In a filing opposing that motion, attorneys for the university said the narrowly-tailored restriction was in the best interest of students and public safety.

Though Pines, in his Sept. 1 letter, wrote there was no immediate or active threat, lawyers after the case was filed said the university in late August received credible threats of violence connected to the Students for Justice in Palestine event. Those included threats to Pines directly and a call to a university lawyer saying they intended to bring a gun to campus.

Pines requested a safety assessment and then worked with law enforcement before issuing the statement changing the rules for Oct. 7.

In a press conference after a hearing Monday, Gadeir Abbas, an attorney with the CAIR Legal Defense Fund pointed to Pines letter saying there were no active threats.

And Daniela Colombi, a member of the Students for Justice in Palestine, said the perceived threat was simply because the groups members are Palestinian or are allies, and thats not going to change one day versus another.

Its the schools responsibility to protect us, not by erasing us from the campus but by dealing with those situations seriously, Colombi said.

The attacks by Hamas in Israel last year and the subsequent violence in Gaza sparked intense campus protests in Maryland and across the country.

At the University of Maryland, the Students for Justice in Palestine has held more than 70 meetings, protests, demonstrations and other events on campus without significant disruption or conflict, the university argued in court. But the anniversary presented safety and security challenges  of a different nature and degree than for any other event held over the past year, they argued.

The judge in his opinion issued Tuesday wrote the university has the right to increase security for the event, including, to inquire of participants to identify themselves; to administer appropriate crowd-control measures and, in appropriate circumstances, to oust any individual from campus who is not in compliance with such reasonable crowd-control measures.

The university, in its response after the opinion, indicated it would move forward with some of those options as it proceeds with care and caution.

_____
Tulsa Race Massacre survivors Viola Fletcher and her brother, Hughes Van Ellis, listen May 31, 2021, to U.S. Rep. Shelia Jackson Lee at the closing ceremony for the Black Wall St. Legacy Festival 2021. Ellis died last year.

The U.S. Department of Justice's Cold Case Unit has begun a "review and evaluation" of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre.

The announcement was made by Assistant U.S. Attorney General for Civil Rights Kristen Clarke, who said the Justice Department will issue a report detailing its findings and conclusions.

DOJ's investigation into the Tulsa Race Massacre was launched under the authority of the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act, which Congress passed to seek justice for long-ignored victims of racial violence. The law allows DOJ to investigate deadly civil rights crimes that occurred on or before Dec. 31, 1979.

"The immediate catalyst for the (Tulsa) riot was, as with Emmett Tills murder, the claim that a Black youth had inappropriately engaged with a white woman," Clarke said Monday from Washington D.C. "The young man, Dick Rowland, was arrested. White men went to the jail to demand that he be released to face mob justice."

More: Revisiting the 100th anniversary of the violent destruction of Black Wall Street

A fight broke out after members of the Black community showed up to protect Rowland from being lynched. Once the violence began, it wouldn't end until the thriving Greenwood District was burned to the ground and an estimated nearly 300 people of Black Tulsans were dead in the streets, Oklahoma's Tulsa Race Massacre Commission concluded in 2001. The estimated number of deaths has never been verified, and it's one of many questions that remain unanswered.

According to the Tulsa Historical Society, Tulsa's white civil authorities deputized men and gave them firearms and ammunition before sending them into Greenwood. The Oklahoma National Guard participated in mass arrests of nearly everyone living in Greenwood.

More: First victim of Tulsa Race Massacre identified through DNA genealogy as WWI veteran

"After a full examination of the facts, when cases cannot be prosecuted, we will issue a full report on the crime. In the words of Ida B. Wells, one of this nations most staunch antilynching advocates, 'The way to right wrongs is to turn the light of truth upon them,'" Clarke said. "We hope that official reports, which reflect the Justice Departments exhaustive efforts to seek justice, at bare minimum, prevent these victims and the tragic ordeals they endured from being lost to history."

Clarke acknowledged two known survivors, Viola Fletcher ("Mother Fletcher") and Lessie Benningfield Randle ("Mother Randle"), and one victim who passed away late last year, Hughes Van Ellis, known as "Uncle Redd." Fletcher and Randle have "begged" the DOJ for years to launch its own federal investigation.

"We acknowledge descendants of the survivors, and the victims continue to bear the trauma of this act of racial terrorism. We have no expectation that there are living perpetrators who could be criminally prosecuted by us or by the state. Although a commission, historians, lawyers and others have conducted prior examinations of the Tulsa Massacre, we, the Justice Department, never have," she said.

Clarke asked that anyone with evidence or materials related to the massacre, that aren't already in a curated collection, to notify the Cold Case Division at Coldcase.Civilrights@usdoj.gov using the subject line "Tulsa Race Massacre."

This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy.

This article originally appeared on Oklahoman: DOJ launches first-ever federal review of 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre
Federal prosecutors have subpoenaed documents from the bankruptcy of failed education technology company AllHere, a once-lauded startup that boasted $12 million in venture capital and a $6 million contract with Los Angeles schools to build a buzzy AI chatbot.

The U.S. attorneys office for the Southern District of New York served the grand jury subpoena in early September to the court-appointed trustee managing the liquidation of AllHeres assets to pay off its creditors, according to records filed with a federal court in Delaware. A federal grand jury subpoena indicates that AllHere or someone associated with the company is the target of a federal criminal investigation by the Department of Justice.

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Attorney Stephanie Wickouski, a partner at the New York-based firm Locke Lord, told The 74 the subpoena means that federal prosecutors have a reason to commence a criminal investigation and thats certainly an exceptional circumstance.

AllHere founder and former CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin appears in a video profile for Forbes after she was included in the magazines 30 Under 30 list for education leaders in 2021. (Screenshot)

There are a fair amount of investigations that involve bankruptcy cases and a lot of them are for conduct that occurred prior to the bankruptcy, said Wickouski, the author of a textbook on bankruptcy fraud and white-collar crime.

In an order approved on Monday, the bankruptcy trustee agreed to provide documents to federal prosecutors on the condition that certain sensitive information remain confidential in the best interests of the companys value. Federal prosecutors can use the records as needed or as required by law in connection with its investigation and/or any resulting criminal proceeding, the order notes.

A spokesperson for the U.S. attorneys office didnt respond to requests for comment and the target of the federal inquiry remains unclear  as do any allegations of criminal wrongdoing. But Wickouski said the court-appointed trustee is in the best position to provide information about AllHeres assets, business dealings and financial transactions. The most likely scenario, she said, is that the company and its principals are the target of the investigation.

Stephanie Wickouski, partner at Locke Lord and bankruptcy expert (Locke Lord)

On the same day as a Sept. 11 bankruptcy hearing, trustee George Miller said he had discovered assets at AllHere and changed its Chapter 7 bankruptcy case from one without any monetary value to one where creditors could recoup some of the money theyre owed. The court gave AllHere creditors 90 days to submit proof of claims to assets from which a dividend might possibly be paid.

The discovered assets would appear to contradict statements by Toby Jackson, the companys former chief technology officer and one of its only remaining executives, at the hearing that the company was effectively broke, citing one of its only assets as a $500 company laptop used by ousted CEO Joanna Smith-Griffin. Jackson noted that the company couldnt access the laptops contents because Smith-Griffin had refused to share the password. AllHere listed more than $1.75 million in itemized liabilities, bankruptcy records show.

Related

Ed Tech Startup Behind L.A. Schools Failed $6M AI Chatbot Files for Bankruptcy

Neither Jackson, AllHeres Delaware bankruptcy attorney, Joseph Mulvihill; trustee Miller nor his lawyer, Ricardo Palacio, responded to requests for comments. Smith-Griffin, a former Boston educator and family engagement counselor who went on to create digital tools to combat chronic absenteeism, has not spoken publicly or responded to requests for comments since her companys sudden financial collapse this spring.

At the hearing last month, Jackson struggled to answer Millers questions about why AllHere paid Smith-Griffin $243,000 in expenses between September 2023 and June 2024 and owed $630,000 to its largest creditor  an education technology salesperson with longstanding ties to Los Angeles schools Superintendent Alberto Carvalho. The Florida-based salesperson, Debra Kerr, said during the meeting she was never paid commission for her work closing the lucrative AllHere deal in L.A. Kerrs son, Richard, is a former AllHere account executive who told The 74 he pitched the company to Los Angeles school leaders.

The school district has not received any requests to date from federal prosecutors, a district spokesperson said in a statement Monday to The 74. Los Angeles Unified School Districts independent inspector general in July launched an investigation into allegations first reported by The 74 that its much-celebrated and now-unplugged AI chatbot named Ed exposed students personal data in violation of school district policy and standard industry security practices.

Related

L.A. Schools Probe Charges its Hyped, Now-Defunct AI Chatbot Misused Student Data

Carvalho later announced that he would form his own task force to determine what went wrong with the districts relationship with AllHere and how it could move forward incorporating AI into the nations second-largest school system. Carvalho and Smith-Griffin made joint appearances at ed tech conferences throughout the spring touting the capabilities of Ed, an animated sun they said could interact individually with and accelerate the learning for some 540,000 students and their families.

Los Angeles Unified Supt. Alberto Carvalho, during the official launch of the AI-powered chatbot, Ed. (Getty Images)

Several other creditors listed in AllHeres bankruptcy case have ties to Carvalho, including the communications firm of his former spokesperson when he was superintendent in Miami and the Foundation for New Education Initiatives, a Florida-based nonprofit that Carvalho created in 2008. The foundation came under scrutiny in 2020 after the for-profit company K12, Inc., now known as Stride, Inc., gave the district-run entity a $1.57 million donation just a day before the school board voted to stop using its online learning platform. The donation gave an appearance of impropriety, an investigation by the Miami-Dade inspector general found, but there were no actual violations.

In the case of AllHere, the subpoena to the bankruptcy trustee suggests that federal prosecutors are likely in a fairly early stage of their investigation, attorney Wickouski said. Any indictments that could follow, she said, wont likely be announced for months.
In order to justify the effort of selecting individual stocks, it's worth striving to beat the returns from a market index fund. But even the best stock picker will only win with some selections. At this point some shareholders may be questioning their investment in UOL Group Limited (SGX:U14), since the last five years saw the share price fall 24%.

With that in mind, it's worth seeing if the company's underlying fundamentals have been the driver of long term performance, or if there are some discrepancies.

View our latest analysis for UOL Group

There is no denying that markets are sometimes efficient, but prices do not always reflect underlying business performance. One flawed but reasonable way to assess how sentiment around a company has changed is to compare the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price.

During the unfortunate half decade during which the share price slipped, UOL Group actually saw its earnings per share (EPS) improve by 7.9% per year. Given the share price reaction, one might suspect that EPS is not a good guide to the business performance during the period (perhaps due to a one-off loss or gain). Or possibly, the market was previously very optimistic, so the stock has disappointed, despite improving EPS.

Due to the lack of correlation between the EPS growth and the falling share price, it's worth taking a look at other metrics to try to understand the share price movement.

In contrast to the share price, revenue has actually increased by 7.5% a year in the five year period. A more detailed examination of the revenue and earnings may or may not explain why the share price languishes; there could be an opportunity.

The graphic below depicts how earnings and revenue have changed over time (unveil the exact values by clicking on the image).

We know that UOL Group has improved its bottom line over the last three years, but what does the future have in store? It might be well worthwhile taking a look at our free report on how its financial position has changed over time.

What About Dividends?

When looking at investment returns, it is important to consider the difference between total shareholder return (TSR) and share price return. The TSR is a return calculation that accounts for the value of cash dividends (assuming that any dividend received was reinvested) and the calculated value of any discounted capital raisings and spin-offs. It's fair to say that the TSR gives a more complete picture for stocks that pay a dividend. We note that for UOL Group the TSR over the last 5 years was -14%, which is better than the share price return mentioned above. The dividends paid by the company have thusly boosted the total shareholder return.

Story continues

A Different Perspective

UOL Group shareholders are down 10% for the year (even including dividends), but the market itself is up 15%. However, keep in mind that even the best stocks will sometimes underperform the market over a twelve month period. Regrettably, last year's performance caps off a bad run, with the shareholders facing a total loss of 3% per year over five years. We realise that Baron Rothschild has said investors should "buy when there is blood on the streets", but we caution that investors should first be sure they are buying a high quality business. While it is well worth considering the different impacts that market conditions can have on the share price, there are other factors that are even more important. Take risks, for example - UOL Group has 3 warning signs (and 1 which is potentially serious) we think you should know about.

Of course, you might find a fantastic investment by looking elsewhere. So take a peek at this free list of companies we expect will grow earnings.

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Getty Images photo of diabetes patient injecting insulin.

Around 2012, powerful middlemen began engaging in a strategy that raised list prices for insulin, increased their own corporate profits  and hiked out-of-pocket costs to a slice of diabetes patients who are among those least able to afford them, the Federal Trade Commission alleged in a lawsuit it filed a little more than a week ago.

An unacceptably high percentage of diabetics say they cant afford their insulin, the prices of which started inflating rapidly in the years after 2012, the suit says. And too many of them have been forced to ration the life-saving medicine even though not taking it properly can lead to amputations, vision loss, nerve damage and even death.

For their part, the middlemen  known as pharmacy benefit managers, or PBMs  deny the accusations. They say the opposite is the case, that theyve used their size to force a highly concentrated group of insulin makers to actually bring prices down.

The FTC says the middlemens business strategy upends principles of the free market.

This countrys prescription drug affordability crisis is partly driven by (PBMs) manipulation of drug price competition for their own gain, the suit says. Normally, companies compete by lowering prices. And normally, insurance systems function by the healthy subsidizing the sick.

It adds that PBMs conduct has turned these basic principles on their head. This case challenges their role in designing, directing, and overseeing a drug reimbursement system, which generates billions of dollars in rebates and fees for them while incentivizing manufacturers to raise (not lower) the sticker price (i.e., list price) of their drugs. As a result, many diabetics and other sick patients are stuck paying significantly more for life-saving medications like insulin.

The suit is aimed at forcing wholesale changes in how the middlemen negotiate drug prices.

For its part, one of the big PBMs said the FTC suit shows that the agency just doesnt understand how insulin prices are determined.

This baseless action demonstrates a profound misunderstanding of how drug pricing works, OptumRX spokeswoman Elizabeth Hoff said in an email. For many years, OptumRx has aggressively and successfully negotiated with drug manufacturers and taken additional actions to lower prescription insulin costs for our health plan customers and their members, who now pay an average of less than $18 per month for insulin.

Convoluted system

PBMs form a link in the drug supply chain that they say functions to bring down prices for lifesaving drugs like insulin.

Three of them  CVS Caremark, OptumRx and Express Scripts  represent about 80% of the insured patients in the United States on behalf of insurers, including major companies that are owned by the same corporation. Each of those health conglomerates is among the 16 largest corporations by revenue in the nation.

They facilitate drug transactions by creating pharmacy networks and determining what to reimburse them for the drugs they dispense. Since each of the big PBMs operates a mail order pharmacy and CVS is also the largest retailer, they determine reimbursements for their competitors and their own corporate siblings. That has prompted critics to say the system is inherently conflicted.

The focus, however, of the FTC report is another function of the PBMs. They negotiate rebates and fees from drugmakers, and they say they use their size to get good deals for insurers and ultimately for patients. CVS spokesman David Whitrap said their size is crucial when it comes to the highly concentrated group of insulin makers.

Three brand drugmakers control nearly the entire insulin market, and without competitive lower cost generic alternatives, they raised their list prices by as much as 500% in lockstep with one another prior to 2012, he said in an email. Thats when CVS Caremark fueled increased competition by creating new formulary options to fight back against these manufacturer price hikes. We negotiated deep discounts on behalf of our clients  American businesses large and small, unions, and local, state, and federal government plans  and helped bring insulin back to affordable levels for their members.

Exclusion

In its lawsuit, the FTC tells a very different story.

Formularies are lists that say what drugs that are covered by insurance and by how much. Theyre typically divided into tiers of preference, with the top tier requiring the smallest copayment and the bottom tier requiring the largest.

The world of drug pricing is notoriously opaque, with the same companies sometimes paying 500 different amounts for the same drug. Perhaps similarly, PBMs also maintain many different formularies, so it can be hard to asses the overall impact of their complex practices.

Prior to 2012, the FTC suit said, the big PBMs put just about all drugs on their formularies and placed them at various levels of preference. But then they started excluding many drugs altogether, meaning that if a patients insurance uses such a formulary, he or she would have to pay full price for a drug if its excluded.

Since the big PBMs control access to millions of insured patients, drugmakers have a huge incentive to do whatever it takes to get their products on the PBMs formularies, and with the most preferred status.

According to the federal trade regulator, the PBMs used that as bargaining power to extract ever larger rebates and fees from manufacturers.

The PBM respondents leveraged their size and the threat of excluding drugs from their formularies  resulting in significant sales losses  to demand higher rebates from insulin manufacturers, the lawsuit said.

Rebates profit PBMs in several ways. For one, they keep a share  nearly 10%, according to a 2022 report by the Texas Department of Insurance that was cited in the lawsuit. For another, PBMs sign up insurance companies by promising big rebates, so they help the PBMs grow their business, said the lawsuit.

That meant drugmakers knew they had to play ball.

Insulin manufacturers understood that the magnitude of the rebate amount was crucial and that they had to compete for both net price and the amount of the rebate in order to win the access that PBMs prioritize,' the FTC said. A senior vice president for insulin manufacturer Novo explained, the demands that PBMs have on insulin for rebates and discounts and fees have continued to increase over time. Lillys then president of diabetes echoed this sentiment, stating that rebates are how you negotiate for formulary access.'

Sticker shock

To accommodate the rising rebates, drugmakers increased the list prices of their insulin products, according to executives with the big manufacturers who are quoted in the lawsuit.

That seems to be borne out by academic research. A white paper published in 2020 by the University of Southern Californias Schaeffer Center said that every $1 in additional rebates for all drugs resulted in a $1.17 increase in list prices.

Those arent the prices paid by insurers, but they matter to many diabetes sufferers who might be struggling financially.

If you dont have insurance, you have to pay the full list price. If you have a crummy insurance plan that has a high deductible, you often have to pay it until you hit that deductible. If you have a crummy plan with a high level of coinsurance, you often have to pay a significant percentage of the inflated list price.

In some cases, the amounts such patients pay exceed the net prices insurers pay, and the difference accrues to the insurers bottom line. Thats what the FTC meant when it said this is a case in which the sick subsidize the healthy, instead of the other way around.

The FTC suit listed rapid increases in list prices for three common insulin products in the years after 2012, when the suit says the PBMs started using exclusionary formularies: Lillys Humalog U-100 went up 124% in five years; Novos Novolog U-100 went up 136% in six years, and Sanofis Lantus U-100 went up 148% in seven years.

Insulin maker Sanofi told the FTC that from 2012 to 2022, average net prices (after rebates) for its most commonly used insulin fell 55%. But average out-of-pocket costs rose 45%.

CVS Caremark told the FTC that something different has happened in more recent years. It said its customers average monthly insulin out-of-pocket costs have fallen from $30.10 in 2017 to $23.54 in 2022.

Its frustrating that a government agency is ignoring and/or mischaracterizing these facts, Whitrap, the CVS spokesman, said.

Middlemen to the middlemen

Since at least 2016, there have been calls for more transparency in drug pricing  especially from independent and small-chain pharmacies that say PBM reimbursement practices are driving them out of business. That has prompted numerous state laws and regulatory actions aimed at bringing more clarity to the way PBMs set drug prices.

Seemingly in response, their parent companies in 2018 started creating another layer to the system.

Since then, each of the big three has created its own group purchasing organization. Even though their business is in the United States, two are based overseas  in Ireland and Switzerland.

Now, instead of the PBMs negotiating directly with drugmakers over rebates and other fees, the group-purchasing organizations do it on their behalf. Not only does that add another veil behind which drug prices are determined, it also created another revenue stream for their corporate parents.

The FTC suit says that when purchasing organizations negotiate rebates, they also charge administrative fees. Those fees, the suit said, are fixed to the size of the rebate  seemingly another incentive to push rebates as high as possible, and list prices with them.

And unlike rebates, the health conglomerates get to swallow the administrative fees whole.

A former Optum executive who helped set up Emisar, Optums GPO, candidly said, The intention of the GPO is to create a fee structure that can be retained and not passed on to a client,' the FTC lawsuit says.

As evidence that the real goal of PBMs and their corporate parents is to keep rebates high, the lawsuit cites an incident in June 2018. Lilly executives met with each of the big-three PBMs and proposed lowering list prices and rebates in a way that kept the net price of one of its diabetes drugs the same.

The three PBMs were not interested in this proposal, the suit quotes a Lilly executive as saying. It was that matter of fact.

The remedies the FTC is demanding in the administrative law proceeding:

Prohibit PBMs from excluding or disfavoring low-list-price drugs on their formularies, and thus remove the incentive to chase rebates

Prohibit PBMs from seeking compensation from drugmakers that is based on a products list price, thus removing the incentive to push such prices higher, and

Require benefit plans to base coinsurance and deductibles on the net prices paid for drugs, not the list prices

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  In the heart of Waipahu, a small town on Oahu, students from Hawaii Technology Academy (HTA) embarked on a colorful mission to beautify their community.

Through a unique project, they painted electrical boxes at various intersections. Their intention has been to bringing art and pride to a place they call home.

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This initiative not only showcased the students creativity but also deepened their connection to their surroundings.

Dr. Sharon Schleigh, project manager and community partnership outreach for Hawaii Technology Academy in Waipahu, led the charge.

I saw some boxes out in town; and I thought, what a great idea, she said.

Inspired by vibrant murals seen in other areas, Dr. Schleigh introduced the idea to HTAs project-based learning program, which encourages students to engage with the community.

The project aimed to highlight diversity and foster a sense of pride among Waipahu residents.

I asked the students if they would be interested in doing something with diversity and pride for the community, Dr. Schleigh recalled. The response was enthusiastic. According to Dr. Schleigh, students were eager to express their identities through art.

LG Mock, a student and project leader, explained her motivation.

I didnt really have a good elementary school experience; so, I thought that maybe changing my environment would give me new opportunities.

Coming to HTA provided Mock with a platform to share her emotions and ideas through art.

It felt like I was leading a generation, she said. I felt like I wasnt leading along; we all felt like leaders together.

Mocks artistic journey involved a great deal of reflection.

I paid more attention to the nature and environment and saw what good things happened and the bad things too, she shared.

This awareness led her to create five distinct designs for the electrical boxes, each reflecting her connection to the community.

It took a lot of patience and dedication, Mock noted. Despite the challenges, she felt proud of her work, particularly her depiction of sharks, which held personal significance for her.

Ashlyn Bruno, another talented student and project artist, joined the effort with a passion for wildlife.

I thought that doing sea animals would be a really good thing to do for diversity, she said. Brunos designs aimed to celebrate the rich marine life surrounding Hawaii. Her experience on the project opened his eyes to his own artistic abilities.

I learned that Im way more artistic than I thought, she reflected. The positive reactions from the community were a highlight for her, as people honked their horns and gave shaka signs while passing by.

The project faced unexpected hurdles, including graffiti from local artists.

We had some issues with graffiti artists who wanted to paint over our work, Dr. Schleigh explained. Instead of letting this discourage them, the students took proactive steps.

They communicated with the graffiti artists, leading to a mutual understanding that helped preserve their artwork.

It was nice to see that they respected what we were trying to do, Dr. Schleigh added.

Throughout the process, the students painted five boxes, with plans to tackle more. Their commitment was evident as they dedicated weekends to this labor of love.

We actually had several people come by and ask us if we would paint electric boxes out in front of their establishments, Dr. Schleigh said, noting the growing interest from the community.

This enthusiasm has demonstrated the impact of their work, as local businesses expressed a desire to join the beautification efforts.

Mocks experience in the project taught her more than just painting skills.

I learned that Im not alone, she emphasized, acknowledging the support she received from her peers.

It can take so much time and dedication, but you dont really focus on the time. It felt like I was going through every moment with grace. The friendships formed during this project made the journey even more rewarding.

Bruno also relished the camaraderie and sense of belonging he found in the project.

I just felt like I was a part of something, she said. The thrill of seeing his work celebrated by the community added a sense of accomplishment to his experience.

Whenever you drive by the electrical boxes, Im like, I did that, she smiled.

As the project continues, Dr. Schleigh expressed hope for the future.

Were excited about the possibility of expanding this project even further, she stated.

The students dedication to beautifying Waipahu has not only transformed the town but has also fostered a sense of unity and pride among its residents.

In the end, the project is about more than just painting; it was about connecting with the community and celebrating its diversity through art.

To learn more about HTA, click here.

As the students of HTA continue their work, they leave a lasting mark on Waipahua vibrant reminder of the power of creativity and collaboration in transforming their environment.

Get news on the go with KHON 2GO, KHONs morning podcast, every morning at 8

You can drive around Waipahu to see the art created by these students; many of whom had no idea they were equipped with artistic talent until they took a leap of faith in themselves.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Female soldier stubbed out a cigarette on colleagues face after she rejected her advances

A female soldier stubbed out a cigarette on a colleagues face after she rejected her advances, a court has heard.

Olivia Nelson, a 21-year-old airtrooper in the British Army Air Corps, is accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting a fellow soldier who had tried to console her following a breakup.

Winchester Crown Court heard how AirTpr Nelson forced herself on her alleged victim in an Army barracks and then in the toilet of a pub during a night out.

When the woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, managed to escape being groped, AirTpr Nelson then put out a cigarette on her face, jurors were told.

AirTpr Nelson has been charged with five counts of sexual assault, one count of attempting to assault by penetration and one count of assault occasioning actual bodily harm.

The Army Air Corps is the combat aviation arm of the British Army where Prince Harry served as an Apache helicopter pilot.

Opening the case on Tuesday, Mark Karpinski, prosecuting, told the court that AirTpr Nelson and her colleague quickly became friends in a strictly platonic sense when they met at Middle Wallop Army Barracks, Hampshire.

Unwanted sexual activity

The alleged assaults took place several days after AirTpr Nelson ended her relationship with her girlfriend.

He told the court: The [colleague] wanted to be supportive and offered [Air Tpr Nelson] all of the comfort that you would expect from a good friend. A couple of days later the defendant went out drinking.

Nelson returned to the barracks intoxicated, and tried to kiss her colleague, the jurors were told.

Mr Karpinski continued: [The colleague] was in bed and [AirTpr Nelson] walked up to [her] bedside and initiated unwanted sexual activity without consent, particularly, she tried to kiss [her].

Some time later [the colleague] went to the communal toilet cubicles and showers.

AirTpr Nelson followed her and tried to kiss her again, the court heard.

The alleged victim rejected AirTpr Nelsons advances and tried to go to bed, but Mr Karpinski said it was there that she tried to undress her, again without her consent.

A few days later, during a night out at a pub in Andover, AirTpr Nelson allegedly followed her colleague into the toilets grabbed her breasts and tried to kiss her, before also trying to touch her intimately.

The colleague is said to have managed to escape but Air Tpr Nelson went after her and tried touching her intimately again, over her clothing.

A short while later, Nelson put a cigarette out by stubbing it on [the alleged victims] face.

In a police interview, AirTpr Nelson answered no comment to all questions put by detectives.

She has denied all charges. The trial continues.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A local veterans organization invites the community to celebrate our female vets and all they do to serve the Greater Rochester region.

This is the seventh year that Compeer Corps Rochester will host the Female Veteran of the Year awards, dedicating an evening to celebrating women who often feel overlooked in their military service. Nominees are chosen both for their time in the service and how theyve reached out to inspire and support other vets here at home.

Compeers executive director says women often feel shame if they come from a non-combat role, and therefore dont qualify for some support programs.

Theres a lot out there for male veterans. Theres a lot out there actually in the Rochester community for veterans, period. Rochester has a great wealth of resources here, and not so many things that are dedicated to our female counterparts. So, its really important to me that we take the timenot only to honor with something like thisbut also to just have activities year-round where females can feel comfortable coming and have that comradery with each other, explains Sara Passamonte.

The awards will be this Friday at 5:30 pm at Avalon ROC. If youre unable to attend, you can also sponsor any female veterans seat at the event.

Proceeds from the event support Compeers programs including sporting activities, recreation, and support groups connecting veterans.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
A Davenport toddler dies from a drug overdose. His parents are in prison.

A grim Quad Cities scenario thats part of the rising opioid overdose and death numbers throughout the country.

(OurQuadCities.com)

Law enforcement is trying to stop the flow of fentanyl, a drug that is killing people the world over and here in the Quad Cities.

Reporter Linda Cook spoke with an agent who says the death threat of fentanyl is growing by leaps and bounds.

Affidavits say that on Oct. 11, 2021, police were called to the residence on the 1300 block of west 13th street because a child wasnt breathing. Tyler Akright and Malea Wilson did knowingly use and sell controlled substances at/from their residence, which would create substantial risk to the well-being and physical safety of the victim, who was their 22-month-old son. as a result of this risk, the victim was pronounced deceased, police say.

Tyler Akright (L) and Malea Wilson (Scott County Jail)

The cause of death was fentanyl intoxication. In 2023, both parents were sentenced to prison for up to 17 years.

Fentanyls here. Its devastating. And its bringing loss of life with it. DEA agent Steven Bell, who leads the drug enforcement administrations Omaha division, says this is not an unusual story.

What has really taken over the country is a drug called fentanyl. It is a synthetic opioid. It is being manufactured by two cartels out of Mexico with precursors provided by China, he said.

Two milligrams of fentanyl can be a lethal dose. Thats equivalent to six to 10 grains of salt.

Bell oversees the daily operations of 11 offices throughout Iowa, Minnesota, Nebraska, North Dakota and South Dakota and eight counties along the western borders of Illinois and Wisconsin. He sees the threat of fentanyl growing fast.

The U. S. is experiencing an overdose or poisoning epidemic like no other, he said. Fake Xanax, fake Adderall and other drugs such as heroin and cocaine often are laced with fentanyl.

The drug traffickers have zero interest in really killing anybody, Bell said. Their main goal is to drive addition. The more addicted people, the more profit.

Drug traffickers already have the money from the person who died. There are always more customers, many of whom have no idea theyre ingesting fentanyl  the only way to tell whether a powder or tablet has fentanyl is to test it in a lab.

The cartels have flooded the entire drug market with stuff containing fentanyl, Bell said. People are taking this thinking they are taking one thing, and then unfortunately dying, because they thought they were taking an Adderall or a Xanax.

In 2022, law enforcement seized roughly7 23,500 pills containing fentanyl in the Quad Cities, and about 54,000 in 2023. In 2022, 470 Iowans died from overdoses or poisonings.

In the U. S. for people ages 18-45, the number one killer is overdose and poison, Bell says.

He says every parent needs to have a conversation with their kids about the hidden, and deadly, threat of fentanyl  more than once.

Next, Our Quad Cities talks to the great-grandmother of the Davenport baby who met a tragic death, and the prosecutor who helped send the childs parents to prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHBF - OurQuadCities.com.
Fiery H-3 crash last week does not appear to be foul play

HONOLULU (KHON2)  Officials said there does not appear to be foul play in the fiery crash on H-3 on Sept. 23.

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The fire started in this tunnel and then they kept driving and it made it almost towards the smaller tunnel. The front part of the car was in flames, but the car was still driving, Marissa HB Photography owner, Marissa Hookano-Briel told KHON2.

The entire vehicle was engulfed, according to HFD and HPD said the driver was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim, according to the medical examiner, was 77-year-old Faith Martin.

HPD said the investigation is ongoing.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Vadym Filashkin, Head of Donetsk Oblast Military Administration, has said that fighting is taking place within the city limits of Vuhledar and that there are still 107 other residents in the city.

Source: Vadym Filashkin on Telegram

Quote from Filashkin: "The fighting is going on within the city [Vuhledar], so it is almost impossible to bring in humanitarian aid."

Details: Vadym Filashkin reported that 107 people still remained in Vuhledar.

Quote from Filashkin: "Fortunately, all the children have been evacuated from there."

Background:

Earlier, the General Staff reported that the Russians had carried out eight assaults on Ukrainian positions in the areas of Vuhledar, Bohoiavlenka and Zolota Nyva over the past day on the Vremivka front. The Russians actively used strike and bomber aircraft for the attacks.

The Deep State project reported on 1 October that Russians had entered Vuhledar from the west and south.

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CANTON, S.D. (KELO)  Time is running out to visit the FEMA Disaster Recovery Centers in Lincoln and Union County.

After flooding hit southeastern KELOLAND in late June, FEMA set up disaster recovery centers in four South Dakota counties. As of Monday, FEMA spokeswoman Tiana Suber says 1,310 total people have registered for assistance, and FEMA has given out a little more than $8.2 million.

People having damaged homes, people needing rental assistance, and people needing loans for their businesses or personal property damage. Thats been the bulk of the visits, Suber said.

A lot of people have bad damages, and some people lost everything that is in their basement like their boiler, their fridge and all their items that they usually have in their basement, Lincoln County Disaster Recovery Center manager Norma Brown said.

Police: Active shooter situation at WHS not credible

This is the last week that disaster recovery centers in Canton and North Sioux City will be open.

Usually, when a center closes, that means that the visitor numbers have gone down, so we assume that people have gotten the help that they needed from us or from other resources, Suber said.

Those centers will be open until Friday, and Suber says to take advantage of in-person assistance while you can.

I definitely recommend one-on-one help. It relieves the stress of trying to figure it out on your own. We have people here willing to help right until the very end, right until 6:00 p.m., Suber said.

The Disaster Recovery Centers will be open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. through Thursday, but they will close at 6 p.m. Friday. If you are unable to visit a recovery center this week, you can still apply for assistance online by October 15 at DisasterAssistance.gov. You can also call the disaster assistance hotline at 1-800-621-3362.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
The Blackhawk Fire Department has announced the launch of a new community initiative aimed at enhancing home safety and preventing fire-related injuries and fatalities, a news release says. Starting this month, the department will offer free smoke detector installations to residents throughout Milan.

Smoke Detector_1489285053061.jpg

Residents can sign up by calling the Blackhawk Fire Department at 309-787-1131, or send a message to the Blackhawk Fire Protection District Facebook page.

Smoke detectors are a critical component of home safety, providing early warnings that can save lives in the event of a fire. According to the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), three out of five home fire deaths occur in homes without working smoke alarms. By offering free installations, the Blackhawk Fire Department aims to ensure that every household in our community is equipped with these life-saving devices.

Chief Todd Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of this initiative: Our goal is to make sure every home in Milan has working smoke detectors, he said. This program is part of our commitment to keeping our community safe and reducing the risk of fire-related tragedies.

The program is made possible through donations from local businesses and community organizations.

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PHILIPPI, W.Va. (WBOY)  After electrical issues with the building canceled classes at Philippi Middle School last week, students are set to return to class Tuesday at Phillip Barbour High School. But the problems with the building dont stop there.

The electrical issues are just one of many unrelated problems affecting the building in recent days. Barbour County Schools Superintendent Eddie Vincent told 12 News that other issues include ones with the PA system and the fire alarm.

Vincent said the school has followed protocol on getting fire alarm issues repaired and has been in contact with the States Fire Marshal.

12 News spoke to West Virginias Chief Deputy State Fire Marshal, Robert Bailey who said repairs and replacements to fire alarm systems are done as needed, and the length of time to conduct repairs also varies based on the parts needed.

Dozens of West Virginia children detained from recent school threats

Its not down. Theyre replacing it with bits and pieces, so theyll turn it on and off, ok? Like theyll turn it on and then theyll turn it off like in the afternoons and evenings to fix some stuff and then theyll turn it back on or they may turn it off during the day but if theyre turned off during the day, theyre doing whats called a fire watch, which means they have somebody specifically walking the floors, specifically for a safety issue, Chif Deputy Fire Marshal Bailey said.

For the case of Philippi Middle, Bailey said he did not know the exact repairs being done, but that his Marshal in the area was on it.

I just asked my Marshal what was going on. He said they were replacing the system. I said, ok thanks, Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Bailey said. He said theyre doing everything theyre supposed to do, he said theyre doing fire watch, he said theyre doing a lot of the work, he said theyre doing the major, the heavy work in the afternoons and evenings when nobodys there.

Although Bailey could not give a definitive timeline as to when the repairs will be done, he said it would be soon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
Jamie Dimon Slams Early-Career Private Equity Moves, Saying It 'Puts Us in a Bad Position'

Jamie Dimon, CEO of JPMorgan Chase, expressed strong opinions about private equity firms poaching early-career professionals. He made them clear during a recent talk at Georgetown University's Psaros Center for Financial Markets and Policy.

"I know a lot of you work at JPMorgan, you take a job at a private equity shop before you even start with us," Dimon told the undergraduate students. "I think that's unethical. I don't like it."

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Dimon's issue? Private equity firms recruit junior bankers right at the start of their careers, sometimes even before they begin working. And the kicker? The jobs they're offering don't start until years later.

The students laughed, but Dimon wasn't amused. He sees it as a bigger problem. JPMorgan has been trying to address this issue for a while, warning new bankers that these recruiting practices are happening earlier than ever. Dimon's frustration is clear: he doesn't want his freshly trained employees jumping ship with confidential information in hand.

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"It puts us in a bad position," Dimon explained. "You are already working for somewhere else and youre dealing with highly confidential information from JPMorgan. I just don't like it."

And it's not just the companies that suffer. Dimon feels it's unfair to the young graduates too. They're being forced into long, drawn-out interview processes for jobs that won't start for years. "It puts the kid in a terrible position," he said.

Dimon isn't stopping at complaints. He's ready to take action. "I may eliminate it, regardless of what the private equity guys say or the people in the company first. I won't pay for it."

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His stance is clear: this isn't just a competition issue, it's an ethical one. He believes these early-career professionals are being placed in a conflicted position and it's time for something to change. Banks, he points out, are now interviewing students earlier and earlier, sometimes even before they've declared a major.

Story continues

"You're right," Dimon said in response to a comment from Reena Aggarwal, the event's interviewer. "You guys should get together some schools and some of the banks ... and we come up with policies."

In the end, though, Dimon believes the individuals are responsible. "You're going to be facing ethical decisions like that. Think for yourself. How would you feel if youre on the other side of that thing? Or do you want to be treated that way? Is it fair?" he asked.

Dimon is making it clear: the current system isn't working for anyone and something has to change.

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This article Jamie Dimon Slams Early-Career Private Equity Moves, Saying It 'Puts Us in a Bad Position' originally appeared on Benzinga.com

 2024 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.
AUSTIN (KXAN)  Several apartments were damaged in a fire in south Austin Tuesday morning.

The Austin Fire Department responded to the fire at South Village Apartments on the I-35 frontage road, just south of William Cannon Drive.

When firefighters arrived on scene, the fire was showing from several apartments and through the roof of the two-story complex, AFD said. The fire has since been knocked down, and crews are working to extinguish hot spots.

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (Courtesy Austin Fire Department)

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (Courtesy Austin Fire Department)

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

Firefighters battling a fire at the South Village Apartments on I-35 in south Austin on Oct. 1, 2024. (KXAN Photo/Frank Martinez)

All residents of the complex were evacuated safely, AFD said.

The cause of the fire is currently under investigation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
By Stefanie Eschenbacher

SANTAREM, Brazil (Reuters) - Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest region surged to the highest number for September in almost a decade and a half, preliminary government data showed on Tuesday, after reaching similar highs in the two preceding months.

A prolonged drought across much of South America, linked to climate change, means the fires in Brazil's Amazon have burned more intensely this year and at times smoke has covered more than half of the continent.

Satellites detected 41,463 fire hot spots in Brazil's Amazon in September, the largest number for that month since 2010, data from the National Institute for Space Research (Inpe) showed.

Fires in the first nine months of the year are also the worst for that period since 2007.

A Reuters reporter traveling on Monday on a flight to Santarem in the Amazonian state of Para saw hundreds of miles of haze. Para also recorded the highest number of fire hot spots for the month of September since 2007, the data showed.

The state is home to the mouth of the Amazon river and will also host the United Nations COP30 climate change summit next year.

Extremely low water levels in the Amazon basin were also clearly visible from the air, with large swathes of sandy river banks left dry.

Fires usually do not occur naturally in the lush Amazon but are set by people to clear land for farming or ranching.

In many cases, criminals have no intention of farming themselves, instead seeking to lay claim to the land to sell for a profit later, said Andre Guimaraes, an executive director at the Amazon Environmental Research Institute (Imazon).

"People are taking advantage of the fact that the forests are more flammable now, to burn them down, and then grab the land later on," he said.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has called the fires "criminal," and the federal police has said it was expanding its efforts to combat environmental crimes in the Amazon and elsewhere.

From January through August, 62,268 square kilometers have burned in Brazil's Amazon, Inpe data showed.

Fires typically peak in the Amazon in August and September when the region is driest, with blazes likely improving in coming weeks as the rainy season arrives.

(Reporting by Stefanie Eschenbacher in Santarem, Brazil; Editing by Jake Spring and Chizu Nomiyama)
Carlos Nobre, 73, is one of the world's top experts on the Amazon rainforest, and used to be bullish on the vital region's prospects (Nelson ALMEIDA) (Nelson ALMEIDA/AFP/AFP)

A year ago, Carlos Nobre, one of Brazil's top climate scientists, was a rare voice of optimism about the future of the planet.

The 73-year-old, one of the top experts on the Amazon rainforest, was cheering the fact that "for the first time, all the leaders in the region are mobilized to find solutions for the forest" at a summit in northern Brazil.

Today, he warns that the world's biggest jungle, which is being ravaged by the worst drought-fuelled wildfires in decades, is in existential danger.

The world risks "losing the Amazon," he told AFP in an interview.

A record wave of wildfires, fueled by severe drought linked to climate change and deforestation, is causing havoc across South America.

The worst drought in Brazil in recent memory has fanned the biggest fires in the country in more than a decade, leaving up to 80 percent of the country blanketed in smoke.

While several countries, including Canada, regularly battle catastrophic wildfires, theirs are often the product of naturally occurring lightning strikes that spread quickly through dry vegetation, Nobre said.

In the Amazon, by contrast, most of the fires are illegally started by humans for agricultural purposes.

"The criminals realized that satellites only detect fires when the fire spreads to 30 or 40 square meters (320 to 430 square feet).

"This gives them time to leave the area before being arrested," Nobre said.

- Not linear -

In February, Europe's climate monitor Copernicus announced that for the first time on record, Earth had endured 12 consecutive months of temperatures 1.5 degrees Celsius hotter than the pre-industrial era -- four years earlier than predicted.

Experts had warned that extreme weather events would accelerate sharply at the 1.5C-warming mark.

"It is not a slow, linear increase," Nobre said.

"In 2024 we are already seeing how the frequency of extreme phenomena is accelerating and breaking records," he added, citing increased "heatwaves, heavy rains, droughts, forest fires" among the extreme weather events that have become frequent in some parts of the planet.

- From jungle to savannah? -

Nobre warned that the fires consuming chunks of the Amazon risked accelerating its transition into dry savannah grasslands.

"If global warming continues and we do not completely stop deforestation, degradation and fires, by 2050 we will have passed the point of no return," he warned.

"In 30 to 50 years, we will have lost at least 50 percent of the forest," he said.

An increase in warming to 2.5C by 2050 would trigger new tipping points, he said, including "losing the Amazon" outright.

Among the measures he advocated to reduce climate warming were accelerating the transition to renewable energy and the mass planting of trees in cities to act as sponges for carbon dioxide.

Trees can help lower urban temperatures by up to 4.5C and also increase humidity.

"Urban sponges are a very important solution all over the world."

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Corey DeAngelis, an education researcher known for his vigorous advocacy of school choice, has been fired by his primary employer, the American Federation for Children (AFC), a person familiar with the situation tells Reason. (DeAngelis is also a senior fellow at the Reason Foundation, which publishes this website.)

DeAngelis regularly feuds on social media with supporters of the education status quo, including Democratic politicians, media figures, and teachers union leader Randi Weingarten. But he is currently at odds with some allies who have turned on him following revelations that he previously performed in a pornographic film for gay audiences.

The trouble began on September 20, when the conservative Substack Current Revolt called attention to his history with the porn industry. Several conservative organizations then rescinded invitations for him to speak, and AFC fired him.

"Corey is no longer at AFC," a spokesperson for the group told Reason in an email. "We wish him well in his next endeavors, and we remain focused on our mission to expand educational opportunity for families, particularly lower-income families, across the country."

DeAngelis declined to comment, but he wrote on X: "As an activist for parental rights and school choice, my passion is personal. Just like everyone else, I have made mistakes throughout my life, learned from those mistakes, used that as an opportunity to grow and tried to channel that experience into something positive. I was a victim of poor decisions and poor influences. I have turned that experience into the fuel that fires me to save young people from being put in the same position I was put in and to help parents protect their children. I will never stop fighting for what is right."

What's happening to DeAngelis is a classic example of cancel culture: He is being punished for a regretted incident from his distant past that has nothing to do with his current job. Conservative organizations may well have morals clauses in their contracts, and they are free to hire and fire at will. But any institution that purports to oppose cancel culture, yet refuses to work with DeAngelis on this basis, is engaged in hypocrisy.

Ironically, it is DeAngelis being accused of hypocrisywronglyby the progressive left. Left-leaning gay media outlets, including The Advocate and Pink News, are reveling in DeAngelis' cancelation; both led with headlines describing him as an "anti-LGBTQ+ activist" who has been exposed as a gay film actor. The clear implication is that there is some tension between his past work and his present political viewsakin to an anti-gay religious figure or Republican politician who has been caught in a sex scandal.

Of course, neither outlet does the work of demonstrating that DeAngelis is in fact an "anti-LGBTQ+ activist." Some critics even imply that favoring charters, vouchers, or education savings accounts is de facto evidence of anti-LGBTQ sentiment, a flatly absurd claim.

It's true that DeAngelis has worked alongside groups and individuals that are often described as anti-gay, such as Moms for Liberty and PragerU. These groups often object to being characterized that way, instead claiming that they are merely opposed to the ways sexuality is discussed in schools. Their misleading claims about the widespread infiltration of "groomers" into the school system, however, can plausibly be read as evincing some anti-gay prejudices. School choice advocates should consider whether such associations do more harm than good. But it's intellectually lazy to presume that these prejudices are shared by everyone who has ever agreed on some aspect of a broader education reform agenda.

Take Sarah Kate Ellis, president of GLAAD, who told The Advocate: "Corey DeAngelis is yet another public figure whose anti-LGBTQ extremism already makes him deeply unqualified to be an expert in improving safety and education at school. Latest news on DeAngelis further reveals his baseless, hypocritical attempt to profiteer and score political points. DeAngelis is a sideshow charlatan."

Again, one might have expected these LGBTQ-aligned organizations and media voices to provide some evidence of the charge of hypocrisy. Instead, they pointed to several statements he made on Fox News and X in which he criticized "the woke mind virus" and adopted the conservative framing that public schools are indoctrinating kids. It's fine to disagree about whether this is actually a problem in public schools; it's not fine to casually assert that any criticism of social justice or sexual themes being introduced in classrooms is, by default, anti-gay.

The purpose of school choice is not to force the curriculum to be more or less LGBTQ-friendly. The point is to empower families to make choices that best fit a child's education needs. Supporters of school choice do not want to fight a war to decide which single, universal standard will be applied to all students; that's a recipe for disaster, since not everyone will agree on what content is appropriate for their children. The solution is to let individual schools make those decisions and compete to attract young people who are aligned with their views. Many schools in such a system could well be even more progressive and affirming of gay kids.

Conservatives who were happy to work with DeAngelis before but are participating in his cancellation now should reconsider. There is no tension between DeAngelis's decision, a decade ago, to appear in a gay pornographic film, and his current work calling for more freedom in education.

The post The Firing of School Choice Advocate Corey DeAngelis Is Classic Cancel Culture appeared first on Reason.com.
TEMPLE, Texas (FOX 44)  UPDATE: Multiple injuries have been reported in a plant explosion, according to Temple Fire & Rescue.

The department responded to the report of a structure fire at approximately 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, resulting from an explosion in the Industrial area of Temple. Crews discovered heavy smoke and flames coming from a building on the rear of the Delta Centrifugal casting manufacturing plant, located at 3402 Center Street.

We had crews taking care of those patients right away, getting them transported to the local ERs and then making sure that that scene was going to be safe and putting that fire up, says PIO for Temple Fire and Rescue, Santos Soto.

Firefighters started life safety and extinguishment efforts when they arrived. As workers evacuated the facility, five employees were found to have suffered severe burns, and are being transported to the ER. No injuries are believed to be life-threatening. Crews quickly extinguished the flames, calling the incident under control.

Facility personnel as well as the fire marshals office, are all investigating that and making sure or trying to figure out what happened and what caused that incident, says Soto.

Facility staff say the explosion involved an induction furnace containing approximately 10,000 pounds of molten metal being heated to 2,900 degrees. The cause of the explosion is unknown.

(Courtesy: Temple Fire & Rescue)

(Courtesy: Temple Fire & Rescue)

(Courtesy: Temple Fire & Rescue)

(Courtesy: Temple Fire & Rescue)

(Courtesy: Temple Fire & Rescue)

Temple Fire and Rescue responded with 13 units and and 27 personnel. The Temple Police Department and Temple EMS also responded to the scene.

Crews are still on scene. The Center Street area is shut down, and travelers are urged to seek alternate routes.

This is a developing story. FOX 44 News will have more information as it becomes available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KWKT - FOX 44.
The five smallest countries in the world cover less than 50 square miles combined

Countries around the world range greatly in size.

In fact, when you add up the area in square miles of the top five smallest countries in the world, that number is less than 50.

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world, followed by Monaco, Nauru, Tuvalu and San Marino, in that order.

Monaco, left, is second to Vatican City, right, as the world's smallest country.

A Guide To Visiting Rome: How To Prepare For Travel And Must-see Spots

Read more about the smallest countries in the world by area below.

Vatican City is around 0.17 square miles and the smallest fully independent nation-state in the world.

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The landlocked country is surrounded by Rome, and is the seat of the Roman Catholic Church.

Vatican City is governed by the Holy See, the government that oversees the Catholic Church, and is led by the pope.

Vatican City is the smallest country in the world.

Vatican City, The World's Smallest Country, Spans 100 Acres, But Hosts Millions Of Visitors Annually

Vatican City may be small, but it welcomes millions of visitors every year.

One of the most popular places to visit in Vatican City is St. Peter's Basilica, which sits in the center of the tiny country.

Monaco is the second-smallest country in the world, with an area of about 0.8 square miles.

Much of Monaco's money comes from tourism.

The European country is a luxurious destination for tourists to visit, with beautiful beaches and breathtaking architecture filling the small country.

Monaco is a luxurious vacation spot for travelers.

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Monaco is also known for the historic Monaco Grand Prix, where cars race in Monte Carlo. This Formula 1 race happens every year, usually in late May.

Another popular destination often visited by tourists is the Monte Carlo Casino.

The third-smallest country in the world is Nauru.

Nauru lies in the Pacific Ocean, and has a land area of just around 8.1 square miles.

In Nauru's history, it has been used as a supply shop for European whalers, according to CIA.gov. Additionally, it was annexed by Germany in 1888, per the source, as well as captured by Australian forces following World War I, according to CIA.gov.

Nauru has a land area of just around 8.1 square miles.

Become An International Traveler On A Budget By Visiting These 13 Affordable Destinations Around The World

Japan occupied Nauru during World War II, and it eventually became a U.N. Trust territory after the war under Australian administration, according to the source. Nauru claimed independence in 1968.

Phosphate was heavily mined in Nauru for many years, until mining officially ceased in 2006, CIA.gov states on its website.

Nauru joined the United Nations in 1999.

Tuvalu has an area of about 10 square miles, making it the fourth-smallest country in the world.

Tuvalu is located in the South Pacific, and is composed of several atolls and reef islands.

The islands that make up Tuvalu are Nanumea, Nui, Nukufetau, Funafuti, Nukulaelae, Nanumanga, Niutao, Vaitupu and Niulakita.

Tuvalu is made up of several small islands.

How To Stay Connected No Matter Where You Travel In The World

Tuvalu gained its independence from the United Kingdom in 1978.

San Marino is the largest country on this list, with an area of about 23.6 square miles.

San Marino is surrounded by Italy, with Mount Titano making up much of the small country's landscape.

Tourism is high in San Marino. Additionally, revenue is made through postage stamps and coins, which many collectors have an interest in, according to the BBC.





Original article source: The five smallest countries in the world cover less than 50 square miles combined
Baptist Health Jacksonville and Florida Blue have finalized a new multi-year agreement, ensuring continued access to health care for thousands of Florida Blue members.

This agreement allows 600,000 Florida Blue customers across the region to retain access to physicians and facilities at both Baptist Health and Wolfson Childrens Hospital.

Sources told Action News Jaxs Ben Becker on Monday night that a deal was reached in principle.

In a joint statement, the organizations expressed relief over the resolution, stating, We are pleased that our new agreement will limit disruption and bring peace of mind to many individuals and families in the Jacksonville community.

Both parties emphasized their shared commitment to providing high-quality, affordable health care, a partnership that has spanned over 50 years.

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This announcement came just hours before the previous contract between Florida Blue and Baptist Health was set to expire.

Stay with Action News Jax for continuing coverage of this developing story.

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Video above from Aug. 9, 2024: Debby victims navigating insurance coverage

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida House Democrats are urging action after a damning report from 60 Minutes on Sunday in which whistleblowers allege insurance companies significantly altered damage reports to underpay claims after Hurricane Ian.

In the 60 Minutes piece, one insurance adjuster, Jordan Lee, said he completed a damage report that said one family should be owed $231,368.57, but the insurance company report sent to the family was totally different.

The insurance company report said the family should get only $15,469.48. Lees report said the family needed a new roof, but the insurance companys report read as a repair, he told 60 Minutes.

He later learned that a desk adjuster deleted entire sections from his report, but left Lees name and license number on it, without telling him they were making changes.

Florida officials offer trailers for residents with homes damaged by Helene

Lee told the outlet he handled 46 claims, and 44 of them were changed. None of them were changed to a higher amount. He was unaware the reports were being changed until storm victims started calling him.

Lee was among those who testified in 2022 in front of state legislators about the issue.

The House Democratic leaders sent letters to Speaker-Designate Daniel Perez (R-Miami) and Gov. Ron DeSantis. The letters were signed by representatives Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa), Kelly Skidmore (D-Boca Raton), Christine Hunschofsky (D-Parkland), Mike Gottlieb (D-Davie), and Dotie Joseph (D-North Miami).

The letter to Perez asks for the creation of a select committee to investigate the claims and propose reforms.

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The letter to DeSantis calls for the governor to petition the Florida Supreme Court to convene a grand jury to investigate and issue indictments, if necessary.

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We cannot allow these companies to exploit vulnerable Floridians at their darkest moment and clog our court system with needless cases fighting against claims they know they should have paid, the letter reads.

Examples in the report show some claims were reduced by more than 90%.

Donate now to help Florida victims of Hurricane Helene

This prevents Floridians from being able to repair their homes and hurts families, the letters read.

Florida House Democrats have insisted that changes to the law to stabilize our insurance market and keep Floridians in their homes must include accountability for insurers to make sure folks get the benefit of their bargain when they pay their contract premiums year after year and are hit with a devastating disaster, Leader Fentrice Driskell (D-Tampa) said in a statement.

We can do better, and we must do better, the letters read.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
A Florida newspaper reports that video of a mentally ill man's violent death in a county jail contradicts the sheriff office's narrative of what happened. But the public may never get to see what really happened.

Florida Circuit Judge James R. Baxley ruled last month that the Ocala Gazette could view, but not publish, jailhouse footage of the 2022 death of Scott Whitley, a mentally ill man who died in the Marion County Jail after deputies pepper-sprayed, dogpiled, and tased him. Publishing the footage, Baxley ruled, would raise safety concerns.

The Gazette reported on September 25, after finally being able to view the footage, that Whitley "exhibited no physical violence toward Marion County Jail detention deputies before he was rushed to the floor, restrained and hit with a Taser 27 times over 12 minutes." Furthermore, "Contrary to initial reports from the sheriff's office that claimed Whitley refused to comply with guards' orders, the footage shows the inmate sitting as ordered and, when he sees the guards rush towards him, he raises his hands in defense and pleads 'no' and 'wait'to no avail."

The order is the latest development in a two-years-and-running transparency fight over records related to Whitley's death.

Whitley, 46, was booked into the Marion County Jail on November 16, 2022, on charges of resisting an officer with violence and violating a protective order filed by his elderly parents to remove him from their home because of his deteriorating mental health. He had been diagnosed with schizophrenia and was placed on suicide watch in the jail. According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office (MCSO), he was combative during his arrest and continued to be uncooperative and aggressive at the jail.

On November 25, Whitley refused to put his hands through his cell to be handcuffed during a routine cell inspection. Guards sprayed him with pepper foam, and after a few minutes they ordered Whitley to sit on the toilet. When he did, deputies rushed his cell and forced him to the ground.

The Ocala Gazette describes what happened next:

The guards managed to get him face down on the ground, get a hold of his arms and legs, and continue to tase him. Whitley was no longer resisting them, but continued to scream "please," and asked the guards to stop tasing him. About two minutes passed and the guards continued to attempt to put Whitley into handcuffs while they deployed tasers. Four guards had their body weight on top of Whitley's back as they held him down. He was being tased simultaneously by at least two guards who were standing at his head and feet. The pepper foam deployed caused Whitley and the guards to cough throughout the entirety of the incident. Whitley continuously screamed in pain and pleaded with the guards and asked them to stop. At about 7:07 a.m., Whitley could be heard screaming, "Please, somebody help me." At this point, the tasing stopped as both of his arms were handcuffed about 30 seconds later. A guard outside the cell offered the deputies another taser, which they declined.

The guards put Whitley in handcuffs and leg irons, shoved a spit mask over his head, and continued to hold him down for several minutes until he stopped breathing. When they discovered he was unconscious, they dragged him out of his cell and waited six minutes to call 911.

Whitley's family filed a wrongful death lawsuit in 2023 after viewing the footage. The suit argued that the MCSO used excessive force and violated Whitley's 14th Amendment rights.

According to the lawsuit, "Scotty suffered from multiple blunt force traumas to the head, neck, torso, and extremities, and deep tissue hemorrhaging." A medical examiner ruled his death a homicide.

In the meantime, media were trying to uncover what exactly happened to Whitley. On the same day as Whitley's death, the Ocala Gazette filed a records request for surveillance footage from his cell. The MCSO denied the request, citing an exemption to Florida's Sunshine Law that protects footage that would reveal the safety vulnerabilities of buildings like jails.

Reason also filed a public records request for the footage. The MCSO denied it on identical grounds.

The Marion County Sheriff's Office also invoked Marsy's Law, a statute intended to protect the privacy of crime victims, to hide the identities of six of the jail deputies involved in Whitley's death. The MCSO claimed the deputies were in fact victims of crimes Whitley had inflicted on them.

"In particular, based upon my review of the available evidence at this juncture, it appears that Mr. Whitley committed the crimes of resisting an officer with violence, in violation of 843.01, Fla. Stat. (2022), and battery (or attempted battery) on a law enforcement officer, in violation of 784.07(2)(b), Fla. Stat. (2022),' an attorney for MCSO wrote.

The conservative Florida Supreme Court issued a surprising ruling last November that Marsy's Law did not protect the names of law enforcement officers.

The Gazette filed a public records suit earlier this year seeking surveillance footage of Whitley's death. Whitley's sister, Pamela Whitley, testified in support of the newspaper at a court hearing last month.

"It was barbaric. I saw it with my own two eyes," she said. "They repeatedly kept tasing him and also pepper sprayed and he was pleading for help. I don't know how more compliant you can be when you're sitting on a toilet completely naked with your hands up saying, 'Wait.'"

A spokesperson for the MCO applauded the judge's ruling.

"In regards to the judge's decision, we do agree that, according to Florida law, it should not be public," the spokesperson says via email. "Any camera systems or related security features within a jail, are protected from public view for obvious reasons."

The spokesperson also denied that the video contradicts the MCSO's original claims about Whitley's death.

"What is not reported on in the Gazette story is the fact that Mr. Whitley had resisted officers' efforts to conduct cell inspections," the spokesperson continues. "These deputies conducted cell inspections throughout the entire pod[,] however, Mr. Whitley refused to comply. The deputies continued to conduct the remaining cell inspections and returned to Mr. Whitley's last. He refused to come to the door to be cuffed up for the inspection, so the deputies entered. He resisted being handcuffed and would not comply. It took multiple deputies to control the 6'2", 300 lb man. Prior to this, he had made an escape attempt in the jail. And when he was arrested at his parent's home, he became very violent with deputies and had to be sprayed with pepper spray and a taser was deployed before multiple deputies could get him in handcuffs. In short, the Gazette left out key components of this story and offered only a narrow view into the incident(s)."

James Slater, an attorney representing the Gazette, disagrees. He says the newspaper's reporting confirms what Whitley's family described when they viewed the same footage prior to filing their lawsuit: Whitley may not have initially complied, but after he was pepper-sprayed he followed orders to sit on the toilet in his cell.

"Despite complying with those commands, he was fatally attacked by deputies. Staff then waited at least 6 minutes after Scotty's limp and lifeless body was dragged out of the cell before calling emergency services," Slater says. "Despite the Gazette's reporting, the Sheriff still inaccurately maintains that Scotty Whitley resisted and did not comply with orders. This is all the more reason why the public deserves to see what really happened to Scotty Whitley."

The story also illustrates the importance of local news outlets. The MCSO settled the lawsuit by Whitley's family for $150,000, and the local state attorney's office declined to file charges against the deputies following an investigation by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement that concluded the deputies "conducted themselves appropriately." Without the Ocala Gazette's reporting, the MCSO's narrative of Whitley's death would have stood as the official, undisputed record.

The Gazette is challenging the do-not-publish order.

The post A Florida Judge Blocked a Newspaper from Publishing Video of a Jail Death appeared first on Reason.com.
A Leon County circuit judge on Monday refused to issue a temporary injunction to prevent the state Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) from disseminating what opponents claim is misinformation about a proposed constitutional amendment on abortion rights. The amendment, known as Amendment 4, will appear on the November ballot and seeks to enshrine abortion rights in Floridas Constitution.

READ: Gov. Ron DeSantis defends AHCAs anti-Amendment 4 webpage, DOS investigation into petition fraud

Judge Jonathan Sjostrom ruled against Floridians Protecting Freedom, the political committee sponsoring the amendment, stating, Courts must trust the people to decide what information is important to them. He found the case was not justiciable by courts because political power is reserved to the people in an election by means of each ballot.

Floridians Protecting Freedom filed the lawsuit on Sept. 12, claiming that AHCAs website and ads spread inaccurate information, including statements like, Current Florida Law Protects Women, Amendment 4 Threatens Womens Safety. The group argued that the agencys actions violated their right to propose constitutional amendments.

Attorneys for the state countered that the Constitution does not give the committee the right to muzzle AHCAs public statements about an issue of immense public concern. They also defended AHCAs statements, asserting the agency had not made false or misleading claims about Amendment 4.

Judge Sjostrom emphasized that his ruling did not express any views on the merits of the proposed amendment or the accuracy of the information shared. He concluded that voters, not the courts, must determine the validity of the arguments presented during the campaign.

Amendment 4 would prohibit restrictions on abortion before fetal viability or when necessary to protect the patients health. Floridians Protecting Freedom began the push for the amendment after the passage of a law banning most abortions after six weeks of pregnancy, which took effect in May.

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SEA GIRT, N.J. (AP)  The federal government gave a key approval Tuesday to an offshore wind farm in New Jersey, even as residents in the town where its power cable would come ashore worry it could go through underground toxic waste that's still being cleaned up.

The U.S. Bureau of Ocean Energy Management approved Atlantic Shores' plan to construct and operate an energy facility, a major milestone in moving the project forward. The project still requires a review by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and several state permits, the company said.

The project, consisting of two phases, would be built between Atlantic City and Long Beach Island in southern New Jersey. It would generate 2,800 megawatts from 197 turbines, enough to power 1 million homes.

Atlantic Shores is thrilled to receive approval to build our first two projects and deliver sufficient clean power to serve one third of New Jersey households, said Joris Veldhoven, the company's CEO. Securing these critical approvals enables New Jerseys first offshore wind project to start construction next year, and represents meaningful progress in New Jersey achieving 100% clean energy by 2035."

The federal government says the project would be about 8.7 miles (14 kilometers) from the shore at its closest point. But the company has previously said that it will not build right up to that line and that the closest turbines will be at least 12.8 miles (20 kilometers) from shore.

Atlantic Shores is a joint partnership between Shell New Energies US LLC and EDF-RE Offshore Development LLC.

Responsibly developed offshore wind is a critical component in a clean energy future, which will fight climate change, create union jobs and improve the air quality in overburdened communities," said Ed Potosnak, executive director of the New Jersey League of Conservation Voters.

Offshore wind foes, who are particularly vocal and well-organized in New Jersey, vowed to try to keep the project from ever being built.

We understand this development would be devastating for the marine and coastal habitats, and it would destroy the Jersey Shore as we know it, said Robin Shaffer, president of Protect Our Coast NJ.

BOEM said the power cables for the project will potentially come ashore in Atlantic City and Sea Girt.

That possibility has angered residents of Sea Girt, a wealthy Jersey Shore community about seven miles (11 kilometers) south of Asbury Park, due to concerns that its route would run through two federal Superfund sites where underground toxic contamination from former dry cleaning operations is still being cleaned up.

Story continues

The route proposed through Sea Girt would likely take the cable through contamination at the former White Swan and Sun cleaners sites in neighboring Wall Township where chemicals leached into the soil and contaminated underground water in a wide area including Sea Girt. More than 300 dump truck loads of contaminated soil have been removed from the site, and a ground water treatment system has been designed that will operate for at least 30 years.

Kimberly Paterson is a leader of a Sea Girt-based residents group opposing the cable landing project; it takes no position on offshore wind energy itself.

It's just common sense that when you have a Superfund site still in remediation and the ground water is still contaminated, you shouldn't be messing around there, she said. When you start digging, you stand a very good chance of disturbing this plume of contamination. It seems to be all risk and no reward.

Elias Rodriguez, a spokesman for the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, which administers the federal Superfund cleanup projects, said the agency is aware of concerns about the sites.

We understand that the public believes there could be risks associated with running electric cables through areas with site-related groundwater contamination, he said. EPA will work with the (New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection) to make sure relevant officials are aware of these concerns. EPA will continue to take appropriate steps to ensure that the ongoing cleanup is protected.

The New Jersey Board of Public Utilities does not plan to authorize a specific route for the cable to connect with the power grid about 9 miles west in Howell Township. It said that decision is for the company eventually chosen to build the project, in consultation with local governments.

But New Jersey passed a law in 2021 stripping local governments of most control over where and how power lines from offshore wind energy projects come ashore.

Should the site become a part of the future (cable route project), all federally-mandated site remediation measures will be followed, the board said in a statement.

___

Follow Wayne Parry on X at www.twitter.com/WayneParryAC
The Gulf of Mexico remains the zone to watch for tropical development and impacts to the United States in the days ahead, and this time Florida may be the prime target for any budding system next week.

Last week, even as Helene was moving inland with deadly and destructive flooding, AccuWeather's long-range and hurricane experts pointed out that the next new threat to the U.S. would likely be from the Gulf of Mexico and the western Caribbean. That development zone is being narrowed down to the southern gulf, and the birth of a new storm could occur as early as this weekend or early next week.

AccuWeather meteorologists have labeled the Gulf threat as a high risk of development, just as they did for Helene.

"Water temperatures continue to remain warm in the wake of Helene over the southeastern Gulf of Mexico," AccuWeather Lead Hurricane Expert Alex DaSilva said. "Not only is the surface water warm, but it remains warm down deep so that wave action from any storm has little cooling effect."

The minimum water temperature for full tropical development is 78-80 F. Water temperatures in the southern Gulf of Mexico and northwestern Caribbean Sea remain well into the 80s.

But it takes more than warm water to spin up a tropical system. There needs to be an impetus for development, and disruptive breezes (wind shear) must be light.

Disorganized pockets of showers and thunderstorms will gather and grow in the waters surrounding southern Mexico and western Cuba in the coming days.

Tropical Depression 11-E formed in the eastern Pacific, just off the coast of Mexico, Tuesday afternoon. It is expected to become a tropical storm before making landfall in Mexico Wednesday afternoon. The next name on the eastern Pacific Hurricane list is Kristy.

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If it were to move northward and survive into the southwestern gulf, it would retain the eastern Pacific name, but it is difficult for a storm's circulation to remain intact when crossing the mountains of Central America.

"Regardless, that energy is likely to spawn a development in the southwestern Gulf of Mexico from later this weekend to early next week," DaSilva said. "This seems like the bigger threat for more high-end development, such as a hurricane, as it would tend to spend more time, perhaps an extra two days or more, over the warm waters of the gulf."

AccuWeather Chief On-Air Meteorologist Bernie Rayno said that breezes next week would tend to guide any budding tropical feature to the eastern shores of the Gulf of Mexico rather than the central Gulf coast.

"This really looks like a threat of heavy rain and possibly a wind and surge threat, depending on storm strength, for Florida later next week," Rayno stated.

It is early yet, but interests in Florida, from the northeastern Gulf Coast to the Keys, as well as inland areas of the Sunshine State, should closely monitor the situation. Conditions may deteriorate from the middle to the latter part of next week with impacts from heavy rain and and possibly problems related to wind and storm surge.

Once confidence builds on the feature's starting point or a center is on the verge of forming, AccuWeather will likely declare a tropical rainstorm to begin issuing its own track maps.

At this early stage, a northward path into the far interior Southeast, including the Helene-devasted southern Appalachians, seems highly unlikely, but meteorologists will continue to monitor all aspects of the weather pattern closely.

Elsewhere in the Atlantic, Kirk, which formed in late September, is likely to strengthen rapidly and become a major hurricane of Category 3 strength or greater on the Saffir-Simpson Hurricane Wind scale.

"There is little to inhibit Kirk, and a high-end hurricane that is mostly a threat to central Atlantic shipping is forecast for mid- to late week," DaSilva said.

Because few obstacles are in its way, Kirk has the potential to last a long time. It could go on to impact part of western Europe, perhaps as a tropical wind and rainstorm, toward mid-October.

AccuWeather meteorologists are also watching for tropical development just north of the equator in the western Atlantic in the next few days. This feature is most likely to become a tropical storm and hurricane in the short term. There is also a low risk of tropical development off the coast of the Carolinas, near Bermuda.

The next names on the list of tropical storms and hurricanes for the 2024 Atlantic season are Leslie and Milton.

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Florida officials offer trailers for residents with homes damaged by Helene

Florida officials offer trailers for residents with homes damaged by Helene

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA)  Florida emergency officials are offering travel trailers for residents whose homes were damaged by Hurricane Helene.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis announced hundreds of trailers were made available last week after the powerful Category 4 storm impacted Floridas Gulf Coast.

We are bringing our first round of travel trailers for people to live in while repairs are being made on their homes, DeSantis said during a news conference in Pasco County.

DeSantis said hundreds of trailers were available and officials are working to provide more.

Residents can apply for a travel trailer by calling the Florida Hope Line at 1-833-GET-HOPE. The Hope Line directs those affected by the storm to the resources they need to recover.

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Floridas public sleeping, camping ban now in effect: How Jacksonville is planning to comply

Floridas ban on public sleeping and camping officially went into effect Tuesday, as did local legislation creating penalties and a new outreach team.

However, many parts of Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegans plan to address this issue are still on hold.

Deegans plan initially called for $13.6 million to be spent on several initiatives, including hotel rooms, expanded shelter bed capacity, and a shelter village.

None of those items made it into this years budget, but city officials have taken several steps in recent weeks to comply with the state mandate.

Weve kind of had to shift our thinking a little bit because thats going to make a big difference in how we address homelessness, Councilman Joe Carlucci (R-District 5) said.

Carlucci explained in the recently approved city budget, roughly $2.5 million was set aside to fund the local Homelessness Initiatives Commission and a new seven-member outreach team within the Jacksonville Fire and Rescue Department.

RELATED: Mayor Deegan unveils 12-point plan to come into compliance with state ban on public sleeping/camping

A bill creating penalties for public sleeping and camping was also passed.

Offenses could result in a $50 fine and up to 30 days in jail, but Carlucci said JFRD would be the first point of contact and Jacksonville Sheriffs Office intervention would be a last resort.

We dont want to be putting them in jail. Thats not the goal. The goal is to first make sure theyre okay and then the goal is what services can we provide to them? Carlucci said.

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Dr. Tracye Polson, the mayors Director of Strategic Partnerships, said she envisions the first 90 days will mostly involve the JFRD team informing homeless individuals about the law and learning what unmet needs they have.

We wont really know until we get out there, and when I say we its the collective we, but were really curious about the needs of the folks that we, all of us, see, Polson said.

And while the bulk of the funding and initiatives proposed by the mayor were not included in this years budget, Polson said she is hopeful the council will give some of it the green light over the coming months.

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To expand shelter beds. Also, the case management services because we know that a lot of folks will have significant mental health needs, likely addiction issues, as well as understanding their medical condition, Polson said.

Starting January 1, the stakes will be raised, as the city will be exposed to civil lawsuits if it doesnt enforce the law.

Carlucci said hes optimistic the city will be positioned to avoid that possibility by that deadline.

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The State of Florida announced that they will be seeking the death penalty against Julie Ann Sulpizio, who is accused of shooting and killing Lake County Master Deputy Bradley Michael Link, as well as wounding two others.

According to the court documents, based on the facts known by the State at this time, the State intends to seek the death penalty in the event Defendant is found guilty of First-Degree Murder.

On August 2, Deputies Bradley Link, Stefano Gargano and Harold Howell were responding to a disturbance call in unincorporated Eustis, when they were fired at in an ambush attack.

Read: Middle East unrest: Iran launches missile attack against Israel

Link was killed during the attack and the two other deputies were injured and taken to the hospital where both underwent multiple surgeries during their recovery.

Sulpizio was arrested on 12 charges in connection with the fatal shooting.

Michael Sulpizio, 49, Savannah Sulpizio, 23, and Cheyenne Sulpizio, 22, each died of self-inflicted gunshot wounds during the standoff following the initial attack, said Sheriff Grinnell. They were Julie Sulpizios husband and two daughters.

Read: Permit issued for Shadowbay drain pipe work

Investigators said that they discovered the bodies of two small dogs in the front yard of the home.

Grinnell said that investigators had discovered 22 guns staged in the living room along with a stockpile of ammunition.

Elsewhere in the home, he said that they discovered body armor, MREs, bottled water, anti-government propaganda and conspiracy theory-related media.

The 28-year-old Link was laid to rest with full honors on Aug. 12.

Read: Firefighters rescue dog from 14-foot hole in Marion County

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A revolution in how Florida handles its homeless starts Tuesday.

A new state law will ban people from sleeping on public property, and could force massive changes in how cities and counties respond to the growing unhoused population. Enforcing the ban may mean exponential increases in arrests of those with nowhere to sleep, advocates say.

The new law allows private individuals and groups to pursue litigation to force compliance, but that is not allowed until Jan. 1, offering a respite before the laws most profound effects. Proponents of the law have praised the litigation clause as a way to crack down on lax local governments.

Eric Gray, the executive director of the Christian Service Center, said Monday that he suspects 911 operators and booking officers at county jails will likely see the initial impacts.

Theyll start getting calls about people sleeping on sidewalks or near railroad tracks or public parks, he said. It could be one call, it could be 100 calls. I have no idea.

The law was pushed by Republicans in the Florida legislature, and signed by Gov. Ron DeSantis in April. In a news conference praising the bill, DeSantis said he supported it to prevent the homeless from taking over public spaces.

You dont want the homeless intruding on quality of life, on public safety and on businesses and the economy, he said at the time. And so that has got to be the firm line that you have.

The problem, advocates say, is homelessness is rising quickly both in Florida and in the Orlando region. As housing prices have skyrocketed, families have been evicted from their apartments and had nowhere to go.

This past years point-in-time count of people experiencing homelessness found more than 2,800 considered homeless in Central Florida, and 1,201 were counted as unsheltered, more than twice last years total. Of those, 73% were in Orange County.

County officials estimate Orange is short roughly 1,000 shelter beds, so many of those on the streets have no other option.

While the bill has sparked conversations about building more shelter beds, no local government thus far has made firm plans, a recent survey by the Orlando Sentinel found.

Advocates fear that, with no shelter beds into which to relocate somebody sleeping in a public space, law enforcement will be forced to arrest them. In the Sentinel survey, many officials said they do not intend to incarcerate homeless people who have committed no other crime.

But arrests are already on the rise in Central Florida, according to WKMG. The news station reported Monday, citing UCF research, that arrests for panhandling are up 200% year over year, along with a 175% increase in public urination arrests and a 375% increase in public camping violations. However, the Orlando Police Department disputed those numbers

Gray, whose downtown campus offers meals, laundry, showers and health services to those experiencing homelessness, said he expects its daily crowds of about 400 people to grow because of the new law.

We expect to see an increase in people coming to visit us because its one of the few safe places they can go, he said.

_____
BOSTON, Mass. (WWLP) A woman who formerly worked for a Massachusetts housing agency has pleaded guilty to five counts of wire fraud in a Boston federal court.

Alihea Jones, 51, of Brandon, Florida, is accused of defrauding the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) and the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD).

State lawmaker on prison attack: they must be held accountable at all costs

According to prosecutors, Jones worked at the DHCD remotely for 6 months in 2022, with the Residential Aid to Families in Transition (RAFT) program, which provides funds to assist low-income Massachusetts residents facing eviction and other housing emergencies. After being terminated from the job, she was still able to access the files of four RAFT program participants and authorized electronic payments to their landlords in the amounts of $7,500, $8,800, $6,925, and $10,000, but changed the routing and bank account numbers to her business, her account and that of two friends. After these transfers went through, each friend paid Jones a $2,000 kickback.

Additionally, Jones falsely filed for and obtained a $187,000 Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) loan from a Massachusetts lender, which the SBA later forgave. When applying, Jones said she had had 17 employees and an average monthly payroll expense of $74,800, but she employed no one.

In total, Jones caused a loss of $222,074, with $33,225 payable to the DHCD and $188,849 payable to the SBA.

Jones is scheduled to be sentenced on January 16, 2025. She could face up to 20 years in prison for wire fraud, and a fine of $250,000 or twice the gain or loss, whichever is greater; restitution; and forfeiture.

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Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha met with Polish President Andrzej Duda in Warsaw to discuss Ukraine's defense needs and bilateral relations between the two countries, Sybiha said on Oct. 1.

Sybiha met with a number of Polish and other E.U. officials on Oct. 1 on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum.

"We discussed Ukraine's priority defense needs, further military aid, invitation for Ukraine to join NATO, and our path to EU membership," Sybiha said on X of his meeting with Duda.

"We also identified ways to strengthen our good-neighborly bilateral relations."

The foreign minister's meeting with Duda comes at a time of heightened tensions between Poland and Ukraine.

The 1943 Volyn (Volhynia) massacre is once again at the forefront of Polish-Ukrainain relations, as the lack of resolution over the historic killings continues to surface in modern-day negotiations.

During World War II, members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) massacred tens of thousands of Poles in Nazi-occupied Volyn, a region that used to be part of Poland and is now part of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation.

Thus far, reconciliation efforts between Poland and Ukraine have not succeeded.

Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on Sept. 13 called on the Ukrainian government to resolve the matter, saying it is "a non-political issue that cannot be bargained over." Earlier in July, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Ukraine would not be able to join the E.U. until it had settled the Volyn issue.

Duda criticized these remarks, saying that obstructing Ukraine's E.U. accession aligned with Russian President Vladimir Putin's policies.

Sikorski sparked further backlash in Ukraine among the Crimean Tatar community after he said on Sept. 19 that peace talks between Moscow and Kyiv should include "demilitarizing" the Crimean peninsula, which Russia has illegally occupied since 2014.

Sybiha told reporters on the sidelines of the Warsaw Security Forum that Ukraine was ready to work with Poland on "the most difficult" issues.

"We have enough political will and diplomatic talent to solve any issues, including the most difficult ones, including with our closest allies and friends, the Poles," he said in a comment to Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL).

"We will be talking about this topic today," he said.

Despite the diplomatic strain between Kyiv and Warsaw, Poland has been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing billions of dollars in military, economic, and humanitarian aid and hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees.

Read also: Historical grievances resurface in Polish-Ukrainian relations, threatening to stall Kyivs EU accession

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Ukraine's new Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha did not discuss territorial compromises with Russia in recent meetings with his Western counterparts, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Heorhii Tykhyi said on Oct. 1, refuting a report by the Financial Times (FT) that he had discussed "potential compromise solutions."

"I attended every single meeting of Foreign Minister Sybiha in New York, and no territorial compromises were suggested, discussed, or even hinted at during any of the meetings," Tykhyi said.

"To the contrary, the Ministers position is rock solid and he emphasized it behind closed doors," Tykhyi said. "There can be no compromise on Ukraine's sovereignty or territorial integrity."

Tykhyi's comments referred to an FT article on Oct. 1 that said Sybiha privately discussed potential compromises with Western counterparts during his trip to New York for the U.N. General Assembly last week.

The FT cited multiple European diplomats who attended the U.N. General Assembly.

The diplomats reportedly noted "more openness from Ukrainian officials to discuss the potential for agreeing a ceasefire even while Russian troops remain on their territory."

Sybiha allegedly "struck a more pragmatic tone on the possibility of land-for-security negotiations" than his predecessor Dmytro Kuleba, the FT said.

According to Tykhyi, the information from the FT's sources is "simply false" and leaves questions regarding "who would be interested in spreading such false narratives."

Read also: Opinion: The harsh truth behind Ukraines peace prospects

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Montana Attorney General Austin Knudsen, left, and Col. Steve Lavin in early 2021 when Lavin was sworn into office as head of the Montana Highway Patrol, according to a social media post from MHP. Lavin is now suing Knudsen for wrongful discharge. (Provided by MHP and X)

Former Montana Highway Patrol Col. Steve Lavin filed a lawsuit Friday alleging Attorney General Austin Knudsen unlawfully forced him to resign and misrepresented the terms of his employment.

The attorney general announced Lavins retirement in March. Since early 2021, Lavin had served as head of the Montana Highway Patrol, a division of the Department of Justice under Knudsen.

However, the complaint filed in Lewis and Clark County District Court alleges Knudsen and the state of Montana wrongfully discharged Lavin after the former colonel launched a management review process.

This process included an anonymous (workplace climate) survey of all staff of MHP, the complaint said. The survey results indicated, unsurprisingly, that some of the line patrol officers had negative views of their superiors in MHP and in the Attorney Generals Office  including defendant Attorney General Austin Knudsen himself.

In an email Friday, a spokesperson for the Attorney General disputed the allegation the retirement was forced.

It had become clear that MHP had lost confidence in Col. Lavin, said Emilee Cantrell, with the Department of Justice. As a result, Attorney General Knudsen and Col. Lavin came to a mutual agreement that Col. Lavin would retire to allow the MHP to move forward in a new and positive direction. Beyond that, we cannot comment on personnel matters or pending litigation.

Knudsen has not responded to previous questions from the Daily Montana about the survey through questions to his spokespeople.

Last month, the Daily Montanan obtained a copy of the survey and published it. Knudsens office threatened legal action in a cease-and-desist letter, which the news organization has resisted.

In an interview, Lavin said a national consultant hired to lead the Montana Highway Patrol through the management training informed division leaders the results of the survey, which included criticisms of the brass, werent unusual.

He said Eric Murray of Team Training Associates said the survey responses generally mirrored results from other law enforcement agencies outside Montana, and in some cases, were even better.

But Lavin, represented by Delli Bovi, Martin and Reed of Helena, alleges Knudsen called him into a meeting after the AG learned of the critical survey results.

With neither warning nor cause, defendant Knudsen gave Col. Lavin the option of resigning or being fired, said the complaint. Because Col. Lavin had had no notice of this, his vehicle and other issued equipment were at his residence; defendant Knudsen had one of his minions escort Col. Lavin home, where, in full view of the public, he required Col. Lavin to surrender his MHP equipment.

The lawsuit also alleges fraud, public policy violations, the infliction of emotional distress, and loss of potential retirement earnings as a result.

The complaint additionally argues the colonel of the Montana Highway Patrol cant be terminated without cause and due process, according to state and federal law, respectively, and contrary to Knudsens representations.

On or around Jan. 1, 2021, when Knudsen appointed Lavin chief of the Montana Highway Patrol, the AG required Lavin to sign a document indicating that Col. Lavin served at the pleasure of defendant Knudsen, the complaint said.

But in requiring him to sign the letter, Knudsen willfully deceived Lavin, said the lawsuit.

The law says otherwise about terms of employment, according to the complaint, citing Montana code: The attorney general shall select a highway patrol chief who must have the rank of colonel and shall hold office until the appointment has terminated for cause.

On or around March 15, Lavin was called to meet with Knudsen, a human resources officer, and others, the complaint said. It said he was told to resign or be terminated, but without explanation.

When Col. Lavin asked why he was being fired, he was informed that they did not need a reason to fire him because he worked at the pleasure of defendant Knudsen, said the court document. Defendant Knudsen and his human resources and legal staff knew, or should have known, that this statement is false; Col. Lavin did not.

Lavin asked for the weekend to think over the decision or a chance to appeal, according to the lawsuit, but Knudsen denied the requests and told him he needed to make the decision immediately.

In an adjacent room, Lavin tried to contact attorneys he knew, but he couldnt reach anyone and also realized he didnt know the best person to contact, the complaint said.

Col. Lavin knew this forced resignation was contrary to law, but feared further reprisal, such as the threat of losing his retirement and benefits after 32 years of service, so he signed the provided resignation form, the lawsuit said.

It said he was also forced to sign an employment severance agreement that required his unconditional release of any claims against Knudsen and the state as well as nondisclosure of any information acquired during his employment.

Lavin had joined the Montana Highway Patrol in 1992 and climbed the ranks, according to the complaint. It alleges Lavin had 29 years of unblemished service when he was selected in 2021 as chief of the agency and promoted to the rank of colonel.

Shortly after he was appointed to lead the agency, and in consultation with the management team, Lavin decided it would be helpful to hire a management consultant, the lawsuit said. It said the chief deputy attorney general approved the contract later that same year.

The first step was a climate assessment, or survey of all staff, initiated in early 2024, the lawsuit said. It included quantitative and qualitative results, statistical reports of answers, and also anonymous narrative results.

On or about March 4th, 2024, Col. Lavin, his second in command, and Dr. Eric Murray were called in to meet with defendant Knudsen and his minions, at which time defendant Knudsen expressed his displeasure with the survey results, particularly with the narrative portion of those results and with the parties involved in it, the complaint alleges.

Some of the patrol officers shared negative views of their superiors in the Montana Highway Patrol and in the Attorney Generals Office, including allegations agency managers and some staff in the AGs Office were engaged in acts and practices that violated public policy.

On or around March 14, Knudsen called Lavin and insinuated he had leaked information about the survey to the press because the Attorney Generals Office had received a public records request, the complaint said.

On March 15, Lavin was called into a meeting where he was given the choice to resign or be terminated, the complaint said. It said he chose a voluntary termination as the only reasonable option, and the discharge was not for good cause.

This voluntary termination was nevertheless a constructive discharge; Col. Lavin did not resign willingly, the lawsuit said. The discharge was in retaliation for Col. Lavins refusal to violate public policy or for reporting a violation of public policy.

The forced resignation violated personnel policy, deprived Lavin of a reasonable opportunity to remain employed with the state, and cost him significant money, not only wages and benefits, but lost investment interest from a special retirement account, the lawsuit said.

The Deferred Retirement Option Plan allowed Lavin to contribute an extra $5,800 per month into an account at 7% interest for a period of five years, and he lost the final year of compounded interest, according to the timeframe outlined in the lawsuit.

Defendant Knudsen engaged in actual fraud or actual malice in this discharge, the complaint said. It said he acted intentionally or recklessly, his conduct was extreme and outrageous, and Lavin experienced emotional and physical distress as a result.

The lawsuit asks the court for punitive damages, reinstatement of his position and lost payment, attorney fees and costs, and all other relief appropriate under the facts and law.

Lavin complaint
The former deputy leader of the Conservative party Michael Ancram has died, aged 79, his family has announced.

The 13th Marquis of Lothian, as he was formally known, died in hospital after a short illness, surrounded by close family.

His political journey, spanning five decades, began in 1974 when he was first elected to parliament representing Berwickshire and East Lothian, returning to the Commons in 1979 as the member for Edinburgh South.

Scottish Conservative party leader Russell Findlay paid tribute to the Conservative stalwart, labelling him "a first-rate politician and a gentleman".

Michael Ancram and his wife Lady Jane Fitzalan-Howard [Getty Images]

Michael Ancram's ministerial career included roles in the Scotland Office and Northern Ireland Office.

He played a significant role in the formative stages of the Northern Ireland peace process as minister of state until 1997.

In 1995 he was the first British minister to sit across the negotiating table in public talks with the IRA, despite having survived the Brighton bombing a year earlier.

He stood unsuccessfully for the party leadership in 2001, but when Iain Duncan Smith was chosen instead, he was appointed deputy leader.

He held that role under Duncan Smith and later Michael Howard for five years.

Born on 7 July 1945, he was educated at the Catholic boarding school Ampleforth College before reading history at Oxford.

He went on to study law at the University of Edinburgh, later practising as an advocate in Scotland and becoming a QC.

After being first elected to parliament in 1974 representing Berwickshire & East Lothian at the age of 29, he lost the seat just eight months later when Labour's Harold Wilson called a snap election.

'One nation' Conservative

But he returned to the Commons in 1979 as the MP for Edinburgh South, defeating future Labour Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

Although he was seen as a "One Nation" Conservative, it was Margaret Thatcher who gave him his first ministerial post as under secretary in the Scotland Office.

The role meant he was involved in introducing the poll tax in Scotland, where it was piloted a year earlier than in England and Wales.

Following defeat in the 1987 election, he returned as MP for the West Country seat of Devizes in 1992 until he retired from the House of Commons in May 2010.

A few months later he joined the House of Lords as a life peer.

Ancram became the 13th Marquis of Lothian following the death of his father in 2004, though he preferred not to use the title.

He was also the hereditary Chief of the Scottish Clan Kerr, a testament to his deep Scottish roots.

He is survived by his wife, Lady Jane Fitzalan-Howard.

The couple had three daughters, three grandchildren and five step-grandchildren.

Michael Ancram inherited the title Lord Lothian following the death of his father [Getty Images]

His nephew, former Conservative MP and MSP Donald Cameron said: Michael was a man of great warmth, humour and generosity.

As an uncle, he was a huge support and inspiration to me. We will all miss him very much.

A statement from his family said funeral arrangements will be announced in due course, with a private Requiem Mass in Scotland in the coming weeks, to be followed by a Service of Thanksgiving in London at a later date.
For the second time in eight days, the Eastern North Carolina county of Wilson is celebrating the promise of a new pharmaceutical facility.

Last week, the manufacturer of the cold and flu medicine Mucinex pledged to build a 290-worker factory in Wilson. And during an Economic Investment Committee meeting Tuesday, North Carolina awarded a separate incentive for a subsidiary of the pharmaceutical and consumer brand giant Johnson & Johnson to open a plant in the county 50 miles east of Raleigh.

Under its state agreement, Janssen Biotech has committed to creating 420 jobs at a drug substance factory in the city of Wilson. The company pledged to hire these workers between 2027 and 2031 at an average annual wage of at least $108,800. This is more than twice the countys overall average wage. The North Carolina Department of Commerce later informed The News & Observer the median wage at the factory is projected to be at least $110,770.

Johnson & Johnson, Janseens parent company, agreed to invest $1 billion at the site by the end of 2028  though the corporation says it will exceed its state incentive deal and ultimately invest $2 billion at the Wilson location. In addition to hiring 420 workers, Johnson & Johnson guaranteed it will retain 259 other positions it currently employs across the state.

If it meets these hiring and investment targets, Johnson & Johnson will be eligible to receive up to $13.6 million in payroll tax breaks through a state job development investment grant, or JDIG. North Carolinas total incentives for the project could reach $30 million, including $13 million from the Golden LEAF Foundation, a nonprofit created in 1999 to help revitalize rural tobacco-dependent manufacturing hotbeds like Wilson.

Combined, the city and county of Wilson awarded Johnson & Johnson an additional incentive package worth up to $54 million over the course of the project.

With Tuesdays announcement, Eastern North Carolina adds to its reputation for large-scale pharmaceutical manufacturing, as Johnson & Johnson seeks to join Thermo Fisher Scientific, Novo Nordisk, Grifols, Pfizer, and Catalent among biotech companies with major facilities in the region.

Access to labor, roadways, affordable utilities and abundant land has attracted employers to the cluster of counties east of the Triangle says Mark Phillips, who serves as vice president of statewide operations at the nonprofit North Carolina Biotechnology Center. Area stakeholders have branded the region between Wilson, Johnston, and Pitt counties the Biopharma Crescent.

Story continues

Phillips said employees travel from more than 25 surrounding countries to work at some of these newer sites.

Theyre really drawing from these rural communities that may not offer this quality of job, he said. When people think manufacturing, typically, they think of a dirty setting in some cases, but these manufacturing jobs are clean jobs working in air conditioning and heating environments year round. It offers a really nice pay, but also the really nice benefits package to really assist these families.

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Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte has officially taken over as NATO Secretary General from his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg on Tuesday, 1 October.

Source: European Pravda

Details: The handover ceremony took place at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council at NATO Headquarters in Brussels.

Mark Rutte and Jens Stoltenberg at a meeting of the North Atlantic Council on Tuesday

Screenshot: official broadcast by NATO

In his farewell speech, Stoltenberg said it had been an honour to serve NATO for 10 years.

"Now its the time [for me] to leave and for you to begin your term as Secretary General of NATO," Stoltenberg said to Rutte who was sitting right next to him.

To mark the transfer of power, Stoltenberg handed Rutte the gavel that Iceland had given NATO in 1963.

"It is used for special meetings in NATO. The last time it was used was when we had the last ministerial meeting in the old NATO building. And then we use it again today," Stoltenberg said, handing over the gavel to Rutte and inviting him to take over as chair of the North Atlantic Council.

Background:

Earlier on Tuesday, Rutte said that Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the new head of the Alliance.

He also said that he was not concerned about the possible impact of the US presidential election results on the Alliance's unity and, in particular, its ability to support Ukraine.

Stoltenberg, for his part, expressed confidence that NATO would be in good hands with Rutte at the helm.

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NATO outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (R) and NATO new Secretary General Mark Rutte pictured at a ceremony to mark the end of Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General, in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday 01 October 2024. The ceremonies will mark the transition to NATO's new Secretary General, former Dutch Prime Minister M. Rutte. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is now the secretary general of NATO after a handover ceremony at alliance headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.

Rutte thanked NATO allies for trusting him with the leadership role, succeeding former secretary general Jens Stoltenberg. "It is a big job, and I have big shoes to fill," he said.

NATO's 32 members appointed Rutte during the summer after the Dutch politician secured the early backing of the United States, Germany and Britain despite his record of low defence spending in government.

Rutte takes over at a challenging time for the Western defence alliance, facing down the threat of a more aggressive Russia while supporting Ukraine's defence against Russian President Vladimir Putin's all-out invasion.
NATO outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg pictured at a ceremony to mark the end of Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General, in NATO Headquarters in Brussels, Tuesday 01 October 2024. The ceremonies will mark the transition to NATO's new Secretary General, former Dutch Prime Minister M. Rutte. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

Former Dutch prime minister Mark Rutte is now the secretary general of NATO after a handover ceremony at alliance headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.

Rutte, who succeeded Norway's Jens Stoltenberg, thanked NATO allies for trusting him with the leadership role. "It is a big job, and I have big shoes to fill," he said.

NATO's 32 members appointed Rutte during the summer after the Dutch politician secured the early backing of the United States, Germany, and Britain despite his record of low defence spending in government.

Rutte takes over at a challenging time for the Western defence alliance, facing down the threat of a more aggressive Russia while supporting Ukraine in its defence against Russian President Vladimir Putin's all-out invasion.

"There can be no lasting security in Europe without a strong, independent Ukraine," Rutte told the alliance's decision-making body, the North Atlantic Council (NAC).

Former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg stepped down after 10 testing years for the alliance's unity and purpose.

The changing of the NATO guard takes place as war rages directly on the alliance's borders in Ukraine more than two years after the full-scale Russian invasion.

The war and increased threat of Russian revanchism renewed NATO's Cold War purpose to protect members after years of turmoil during former US president Donald Trump's presidency.

Trump railed against allies, especially Germany, for what he deemed as unacceptably low defence spending and questioned the alliance's principle of collective defence.

French President Emmanuel Macron also infamously declared that the alliance was in danger of succumbing to "brain death," such was the degree of division among NATO.

A chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a low point for the alliance, just six months before Russian President Vladimir Putin's fateful invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

NATO's 'transformational' decade

In an essay to mark his departure, Stoltenberg described the last decade for NATO "as the most transformational" for the 32-member alliance since the Cold War.

Stoltenberg highlighted the new deployments of allied troops in Eastern Europe, the ramp up in defence industry production, and the fact that 23 allies are now spending at least 2% of their gross domestic product (GDP) on defence in 2024 - up from just three countries in 2014.

The former NATO secretary general was credited with moderating the debate over low defence spending by the European allies, which led to heated disputes during Trump's time in office.

During Stoltenberg's tenure NATO also welcomed four new allies, Montengro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden. Both Nordic countries abandoned years of neutrality after the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Stoltenberg's skilful shepherding of Finland and Sweden into the alliance in the face of Turkish resistance was one of his crowning achievements.

Ankara pursued and received greater commitments from Sweden to combat terrorism alleging Stockholm's support to groups Ankara labels as "terrorists" - primarily referring to the banned Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK).

Following his time at NATO, Stoltenberg is expected to become the next chairman of the Munich Security Conference after its next international security gathering in February 2025, though the MSC has yet to officially confirm his appointment.

Rutte's next challenge

A staunch supporter of Ukraine, allies extended Stoltenberg's term in office just after the 2022 Russian invasion. NATO extended his tenure in 2023 again as allies were unable to agree on a suitable successor.

Rutte, a centre-right politician, was the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history. His initial term as NATO secretary general is to be four years long.

The top NATO official is tasked with the political leadership of the alliance and ensuring consensus among allies, particularly when navigating complex issues during times of crisis.

In addition to support for Ukraine, the potential return of Trump to the White House in November would be a major test for Rutte. Past statements from Trump have cast doubt on US collective defence commitments to the alliance.

Arriving for the handover ceremony on Tuesday, Rutte said that he was not worried as he had worked with the US Republican presidential candidate before.

Trump pushed NATO allies to spend more on defence, Rutte said, stressing that this was now the case. "He was also pushing us on China, and I think he was right there," he added.

NATO is also concerned about the rising military strength of Beijing and views China as a challenge to the alliance's security.
Former Florida Parishes jail guard accused of lewd communication with juvenile inmate

Disclaimer: All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.

TANGIPAHOA PARISH, La. (WGNO)  A former Florida Parishes Juvenile Detention Center Jail guard accused of having inappropriate communications with a juvenile inmate has been arrested.

New Orleans teacher accused of sex trafficking a 16-year-old is indicted

The Tangipahoa Parish Sheriffs Office reported that an investigation was launched after staff at the facility were made aware of alleged unauthorized communications between 28-year-old Taylor Johnson and a 17-year-old inmate.

TPSO officials said the communications allegedly contained inappropriate content.

Through an investigation, TPSO detectives said they determined that Johnson and the 17-year-old did not have any physical contact.

Catalytic Converter theft halts school bus service for Algiers Charter students

According to the TPSO, Johnson admitted to the lewd communication and was placed under arrest.

Johnson had reportedly been employed at the facility since August and was terminated from her position.

Johnson was arrested on Sunday, Sept. 29, and faces charges of obscenity and malfeasance in office.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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A former hostage fought for her own life in Gaza. A year on, she fights for her husband's freedom

Aviva Siegel, who was held hostage by Hamas in the Gaza Strip for 51 days after she was kidnapped with her husband on Oct. 7, poses for a portrait in Tel Aviv, Israel, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. Keith Siegel is still in captivity. (AP Photo/Maya Alleruzzo)

TEL AVIV, Israel (AP)  As a hostage in Gaza, Aviva Siegel found herself begging for food and water. Since her release, she has found herself begging for her husband to be set free from his own ongoing captivity.

Siegel has come to embody the disaster that befell Israel on Oct. 7, 2023. Armed Hamas militants snatched her from her home and thrust her into Gazas web of tunnels. Released during a brief cease-fire in November, she returned to find her community destroyed and became one of tens of thousands of Israelis displaced by conflict. She has emerged as a prominent voice in the struggle to free the remaining hostages, fighting tirelessly for her husbands release.

But as her ordeal reaches the one-year mark, Israels attention is focused not on the plight of the hostages and their families, but on fighting Hezbollah in Lebanon. It's the latest diversion to chip away at Siegel's hope that she may reunite with her husband of 43 years anytime soon.

The hostages, they are being left to die. To die slowly. How can I handle that? I just dont know how to handle it anymore, she said, sitting beside a poster of her husband, Keith, a 65-year-old American Israeli originally from Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Her torment is all the more acute because she knows firsthand what her husband is enduring.

Hostages were chained, tortured, starved, beaten up into pieces. I saw that in front of my eyes. Thats what they did to us, she said from a short-term rental apartment in Tel Aviv, one of the many places she has lived since her return during the November cease-fire, the first and only deal reached between Israel and Hamas during the war.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed to continue the war until total victory over Hamas and pledged to bring home the hostages, but has faced widespread criticism that dozens remain captive a year after the attack. Netanyahu has also argued that the pressure on Hezbollah will, in turn, lead to pressure on its ally Hamas and help speed up the release of the hostages.

The Siegels were jolted awake on Oct. 7 at their home in Kibbutz Kfar Aza, one of the hardest-hit communities that day, by a burst of air raid sirens. Like so many others, they took cover in their safe room, built to protect against rocket attacks, that turned out to be no match for the rifle- and grenade-toting Hamas militants who stormed their home.

In its attack, Hamas kidnapped roughly 250 people, including women, children and older people. It killed some 1,200 people  most of them civilians  according to Israeli authorities. The war the attack sparked has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians, over half of them women and children, according to health officials in Gaza.

Hamas has said the hostages are treated humanely, but multiple accounts from freed hostages contradict that.

The militants led the Siegels out of their house, shoved her husband, breaking his ribs, and shot him in the hand, Siegel said. They were forced into their own car and driven into Gaza, where crowds of onlookers cheered at their capture.

Their first stop was a home with a living room that opened up into an underground tunnel.

And theres somebody underneath the hole, in the hole underneath the ground, thats waiting with a smile, happy as can be. Ill never forget his face, she said.

They climbed down a steep ladder into the tunnel, one of several they were held in throughout Siegels 51 days in captivity. All told, Siegel was moved around 13 times, held in both tunnels and militants homes, she said.

On the first day, they were joined by other hostages and they were brought pita and cheese, which hardly anyone ate because they were all in shock. But throughout her captivity, food was scarce and Siegel said there were entire days when she wasnt brought anything to eat.

They used to starve us while they ate in front of us and not bring us water for hours and days. I had an infection in my stomach, I was dehydrated. We had to beg  beg  for water. Beg and beg for food.

The first tunnel had light  others did not  as well as a fan that labored to circulate the scant air. Seven hostages were held in a room Siegel described as being about the size of three yoga mats. She found comfort in having her husband by her side throughout.

She brushed her teeth four times over those weeks and washed herself the same amount, in salt water.

Its disgusting. We were filthy. Dirty. The smell that came out of us is the worst that you can imagine, she said.

But worse was the treatment from the guards. Siegel, a 63-year-old grandmother of five, said she was pushed and yanked by the hair and shoved into cars.

Her captors told her that Hamas had taken over her kibbutz and that Israel didnt care about freeing her. So she was in disbelief when freedom came on Nov. 26. But it came at a price: Her husband was to remain behind.

Her parting words to him were, Be strong for me," and she promised to be strong for him.

Since their painful goodbye, she has crisscrossed Israel and the world, sharing her story and pleading for her husband's release. She has met Netanyahu, United States President Joe Biden and United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, among others. She has spoken repeatedly to Israeli lawmakers and become a fixture at weekly protests in support of the hostages.

But her energetic advocacy has been beaten down by the horrific twists and turns of the war. Since her release, she has watched multiple rounds of hostage negotiations collapse. Hostages have been killed by Hamas but also mistakenly by Israeli forces, and some have been rescued.

The fighting in Israels north, and the stunning assassination of Hezbollahs leader, Hassan Nasrallah, feels like another blow to her struggle, which has faded from the public consciousness.

Siegel said she cant bring herself to watch a video of her husband that Hamas released in April. Clearly filmed under duress, he says he is OK, but breaks down in tears and lays his head on his knees, sobbing.

She finds the strength to soldier on by thinking about him, a vegetarian who loves reading books to his grandchildren and studied Arabic so he could converse with workers from Gaza who were employed in the kibbutz. But a year on, her hope is wearing thin.

I dont know why I get up," she said. But I do know that I have to get up for Keith.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
Kentuckys former top law enforcement officer sought records in 2023 from two OB-GYNs who provided abortions at a Louisville clinic as he worked to build a criminal case against them.

Daniel Cameron, then the Republican attorney general, subpoenaed personnel and payroll records of two University of Louisville physicians, according to court documents unsealed Monday in Franklin Circuit Court.

Cameron said such records could be used as evidence in pursuit of an indictment regarding a crime involving the use of public funds.

The pursuit of the doctors files is the most clear-cut example that Cameron sought to flex his power to bring felony charges against people he believed had violated Kentuckys near-total abortion ban, and in this case, Cameron alleged, using tax dollars to do so.

Camerons efforts were eventually foiled by two courts who ruled in favor of the doctors. No criminal charges were filed against the physicians.

Though the grand jury subpoena was issued  and eventually quashed  more than a year ago, Franklin Circuit Judge Phillip Shepherd unsealed the case only this week after two media outlets  Louisville Public Media and the Kentucky Lantern  petitioned him to do so, arguing it was in the publics interest to show how the attorney general wielded his authority.

The former Attorney General exercised (his) power, despite the lack of any allegations that state funds had been used to violate Kentuckys abortion laws, lawyers for LPM and the Lantern argued in their motion to open the case file.

The public has a clear and paramount interest in both the former Attorney Generals filings in this case and this courts adjudication of the dispute, the two outlets said.

At the time the subpoena was issued, Kentuckys near-total abortion ban had been in effect for a year following the overturning of Roe v. Wade, as had a separate 2022 law that expressly prohibited the use of public agency funds for abortion services  the statute Cameron was specifically referencing that he claimed may have been violated.

Both laws are still in place today.

Republicans and the Family Foundation, a conservative Christian lobbying group, had previously questioned whether the public salaries of the UofL doctors also extended to their work at EMW Womens Surgical Center, an abortion provider in downtown Louisville, where they trained medical residents.

EMW was one of two outpatient abortion clinics left in Kentucky before the medical procedure was banned in June 2022 with the Dobbs decision.

Cameron, who was at the time running a gubernatorial campaign to unseat Democratic Gov. Andy Beshear, requested a grand jury subpoena to gain access to the doctors personnel files, employment agreements, payroll records, copies of W-2 or 1099s, all time and attendance information from hire date through 2022 (and) insurance policies.

As attorney general, Cameron claimed in one of the filings unsealed Monday that he was charged with investigating and prosecuting crimes involving the use of public funds, and he implied that the pair of UofL doctors, whose services were also contracted by EMW, may have committed such crimes.

But he had no evidentiary basis for such a suspicion  a point that would be later cited by Shepherd and a three-judge panel on the Kentucky Court of Appeals.

On Friday, Shepherd said he would make nearly all the court records in this case public, while keeping the names of the doctors and the medical clinic confidential. The court made 177 pages of the case public late Monday afternoon.

Camerons one term as attorney general ended when Russell Coleman, also a Republican, took office Jan. 1.

The public should know what goes on in their courts

Unlike a court-ordered subpoena, which is predicated on a specific case or controversy, Cameron at the time argued a grand jury can investigate merely on suspicion that the law is being violated, or even just because it wants the assurance that it is not.

The subpoena, he said, was a tool to uncover information relevant to a potential crime, with the potential crime being that two doctors employed at a public university, and whose salaries are funded primarily by tax dollars, also performed abortions.

In effect, Cameron argued, the doctors used tax dollars to pay for abortions.

Lawyers for the doctors said their clients were contracted by EMW and paid by EMW, not UofL, for providing those services. And when the states trigger ban took effect, EMW stopped providing abortions.

The doctors, who are also UofL professors, sued Cameron in an effort to quash his subpoena, saying the documents he requested were not relevant to any potential criminal charges, and requiring their production would be unreasonable and oppressive calling the effort no more than a fishing expedition . . . designed to harass.

The doctors lawyers accused him of using abortion litigation, against providers and others, for political gain in his gubernatorial campaign, citing Camerons campaign website that touted him as an advocate for the unborn (who) continues to defend Kentuckys pro-life laws in court.

Cameron, in another filing, in turn criticized them for attempting to falsely slander the Attorney General as seeking this information for political purposes.

Both parties jointly agreed to seal the subpoena and court case in July 2023, according to court records. Two months later, Shepherd ruled in favor of the doctors, countermanding the subpoena and ordering that most of the case file be unsealed.

The Attorney General has merely alleged that two doctors who contracted to perform medical services at the clinic to which the subpoena is directed, were also faculty members at a state university, Shepherd wrote at the time. Those facts are uncontested, and do not on their face provide any basis to suspect any violation of any criminal statute.

Shepherd said Cameron not only lacks statutory authority to investigate or prosecute this matter, but that he has not made a valid argument, or cited any legal precedent that supports the authority of his office . . . to investigate and prosecute this case.

In late September, Cameron blocked Shepherds order by promptly appealing to the state appellate court, contesting both the ruling quashing the subpoena and the order unsealing the case.

Cameron lost his bid for governor roughly six weeks later.

In early August 2024, a three-judge panel on the state Court of Appeals unanimously upheld Shepherds ruling.

Quoting from the doctors lawyers, the appellate judges said Camerons subpoena amounted to a fishing expedition, because no evidence existed in the case to support his suspicion: that tax dollars were illegally spent on abortion services.

In one of his final explanations for why the case should be unsealed, Shepherd said he recognizes the Attorney General may have an interest in maintaining secrecy if further investigation or prosecution of these matters is contemplated.

But, he added, the court is also mindful that one of the strongest demands of a democratic system is that the public should know what goes on in their courts. The public is party to all criminal proceedings.

Correction: an earlier version of this story misidentified the court to which Cameron appealed. It was the Kentucky Court of Appeals, not the U.S. Sixth Circuit appellate court.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A former second-grade teacher was sentenced Monday in federal court to nine years in prison for distributing child sexual abuse material.

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, Alexander Scott Derringer, 38, shared more than 130 files through two accounts on the messaging app Kik between April 11, 2021 and Aug. 23, 2021. The files were found on Derringers two cell phones.

Investigators found more than 2,500 images and 269 videos on the phones depicting minors as young as infants. At the time, Derringer was a teacher at Ferron Elementary School.

Mr. Derringer abused his position of public trust to prey on those we expected him to protect, said Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans of the FBI Las Vegas Division. Every time child pornography is viewed on the internet, it re-victimizes a child.

Derringer pleaded guilty to one count of distribution of child pornography in June 2024. In addition to his nine-year prison sentence, he will also be on supervised release for 20 years after he serves his time

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WHITESBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  A preliminary hearing revealed new details into what led to the shooting death of Letcher County District Judge Kevin Mullins.

Former Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines appeared before a judge Tuesday afternoon in Morgan County for a preliminary hearing.

RELATED | Letcher County sheriff accused of shooting judge retires

Lead investigator, Kentucky State Police Detective Clayton Stamper, was called to the witness stand. According to Stamper, surveillance video allegedly captured the exchange that led to Stines shooting Mullins multiple times.

A roughly 10-second excerpt from the surveillance camera footage showed the exchange inside the judges chambers. Witnesses in the next room told investigators they couldnt overhear what led to the argument between the two men but reportedly heard multiple gunshots and Mullins pleading for help.

Mullins and Stines reportedly had a lunch meeting earlier in the day at StreetSide Grill & Bar. There, Mullins was overheard asking Stines if they needed to meet in private in his chambers, according to Stamper.

Once the pair returned to the courthouse and were inside Mullins chambers, the video shows Stines making a phone call and then using Mullins phone to make a call. Stamper testified that the outgoing calls were made to Stines daughter, whose number was saved in Mullins phone.

Kentucky State Police Trooper Matt Gayheart told FOX 56 News on Wednesday that contrary to how it was stated in court, investigators wont know if her number was saved in Mullins phone until forensic reports come back in a few weeks. However, the call log reportedly showed her number had been called prior to the shooting.

Surveillance video showed that the shooting occurred just moments after the calls were made.

Stamper said that Stines daughter has been interviewed with a parent present, but her phone was not collected as evidence yet.

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Both Mullins and Stines phones were sent for forensic examination, but investigators have yet to receive the results. A woman reportedly employed by the Letcher County Sheriffs Office also gave her phone to investigators to be examined. Stamper testified that she was one of Stines employees and believed shed received text messages from Stines that detailed what occurred at lunch and ultimately led to the shooting.

Court documents state that Stines was arrested without incident. After his arrest, Stamper said that Stines was ultimately calm and told investigators, Treat me fair.

In cross-examination, Stines attorney Jeremy A. Bartley questioned a statement Stines reportedly made during his arrest that was not noted in court documents.

I wasnt present, Stamper said. But when he was taken into custody, I was told by one of the other officers that were there that he made the comment, Theyre trying to kidnap my wife and kid.'

RELATED | Letcher County sheriff accused of killing district judge could be sentenced to death

Bartley also argued that the charges against Stines should be amended down to manslaughter due to Stampers testimony that claimed there was no evidence to show the shooting was planned and was the result of extreme emotional disturbance.

The Commonwealth objected to this motion, which was ultimately sustained because Mullins was not believed to be armed at the time of the shooting.

Stines entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment on Sept. 25. According to District Judge Rupert Wilhoit, Stines has been charged with a class A felony, which could be punishable by 20 years to life in prison with the possibility of the death penalty.

Tuesdays hearing occurred just a day after Stines announced his retirement ahead of the ongoing legal process.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

His retirement comes after pressure to resign from Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky General Counsel S. Travis Mayo. A letter to Stines from the governor stated that if he did not take action, he would be removed from the position.

The letter setting his retirement in stone can be read below:

Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has proudly served the people of Letcher County for over 22 years. He expresses his heartfelt appreciation and love for the support this community has given him and his family during his time in service. Mr. Stines has made the difficult decision to effect his retirement as of September 30, 2024. This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him. Mr. Stines thanks every member of his staff, past and present, as well as those who have worked with him over the years. He asks for your thoughts and prayers of support for him and his family; and asks that their privacy be respected during the judicial process. The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley

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A former Ohio firefighter accused of rape was sentenced on Monday.

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Christopher Shaffer, 38, was sentenced to three years in prison after pleading guilty to sexual battery and gross sexual imposition in Franklin County, according to our media partner, WBNS-10 TV.

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He was originally charged with rape but accepted a plea deal.

Shaffer unlawfully did engage in sexual conduct with a victim in late July, according to Franklin County Common Pleas Court documents.

According to WBNS-10, the documents also say Shaffer knew or had reasonable cause to believe that [the victims] ability to resist or consent was substantially impaired because of a mental or physical condition or because of advanced age.

At the sentencing hearing, a victims advocate said, in part, Ever since that day I have hurt in a way I didnt know possible. What he did was demoralizing.

Shaffer was crying as he spoke in front of the Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge David Trimmer, WBNS-10 reported.

I made the worst mistake of my life. I cant even imagine the turmoil my actions have created and how it has impacted the victim, Shaffer said.

Youre right. Youve disparaged the firefighters. Youve disparaged the National Guard You had it all and this is a primary example of how certain aspects of our life, if left unchecked, can ruin us, Judge Trimmer replied.

Shaffer will spend 36 months in prison with five years of post-release control, WBNS-10 reported. He will be required to register as a Tier I sex offender.

Shaffer was a firefighter with the Columbus Division of Fire, but submitted his resignation on Sept. 19, WBNS-10 reported.

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When U.S. District Judge Aileen Cannon dismissed Donald Trumps classified documents case in July, she cited Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas separate opinion in the Trump immunity case that questioned whether special counsel Jack Smith had been lawfully appointed.

Now, another Trump-appointed judge in Florida, a former Thomas clerk, cited another solo opinion from the justice to break new ground in another area of the law. U.S. District Judge Kathryn Mizelle on Monday deemed unlawful so-called qui tam enforcement of the False Claims Act, an 1863 law passed in response to defense contractor fraud during the Civil War. The qui tam provision lets private parties bring suits on behalf of the government.

Ask Jordan questions during his Reddit AMA on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET, where he will discuss the biggest cases of the Supreme Courts next term.

Dismissing one such case in which a doctor brought allegations of Medicare fraud on behalf of the government, Mizelle, citing Thomas in her ruling, said the person who brought the case exercises significant authority, indeed core executive power, while lacking proper appointment under the Constitution.

Mizelle was confirmed at age 33 in a divided Senate vote in the waning days of Trumps presidency in 2020 after receiving a not qualified rating from the American Bar Association because of a lack of experience.

Underscoring the practical impact of her ruling, the judge noted that qui tam actions now generate increased revenue for the federal government, citing settlements and judgments from fiscal year 2023 that totaled over $2.3 billion, compared with about $2.3 million in 1988. The U.S. Chamber of Commerce had urged the result that Mizelle reached.

Notably, last year when Thomas struck out on his own in a case to question qui tam enforcement, Justice Brett Kavanaugh, joined by Justice Amy Coney Barrett, wrote in an opinion that he agreed with Thomas and that the court should consider the qui tam issue in an appropriate case. Mizelles ruling could bring the issue before the high court, where it takes four justices to grant review.

The Deadline: Legal Newsletter returns Friday. Subscribe for expert analysis on the top legal stories of the week, including updates from the new Supreme Court term and developments in Donald Trumps legal cases.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
By Nivedita Balu

TORONTO (Reuters) - JPMorgan's expanding asset management business in Canada will add up to 20 jobs over the next 18 months, a senior executive said on Tuesday, as the bank launched two actively managed exchange-traded funds for income-focused investors.

"This is our first foray to having (ETF) strategies that individual Canadian investors can have access to," Travis Hughes, who heads J.P. Morgan Asset Management's Canadian business, said in an interview at the launch.

Future launches in Canada will be focused on actively managed ETFs, he added. "We're not going to launch mutual funds or other products."

Toronto is the focus of the expansion, but jobs ranging from analysts to directors will also be filled in Montreal, Vancouver and Calgary, Hughes said.

JPMorgan will recruit in Canadian universities as well, he added.

Diversifying assets with downside protection is important over the next several months due to economic uncertainty and the November U.S. elections, Hughes said.

Canada accounts for about $40 billion of JPMorgan Asset Management's total global investments of $3.3 trillion.

(Reporting by Nivedita Balu in Toronto; Editing by Richard Chang)
Buttons celebrating former US president Jimmy Carter's birthday are seen at the Plains Peanut Festival on September 28, 2024, in Plains, Georgia (Megan Varner) (Megan Varner/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA/Getty Images via AFP)

Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday on Tuesday -- the first-ever former US president to reach the century mark and another extraordinary milestone for the one-time peanut farmer who found his way to the White House.

Carter's longevity -- he began hospice care at his home in Plains, Georgia, more than 19 months ago -- has defied all expectations.

No longer regularly appearing in public, the Democratic ex-president spent his birthday in the home he and his late wife Rosalynn had built in Plains in the 1960s. Celebrations included a lunch with extended family.

"It's south Georgia, so you know, we had fried chicken and we had grilled cheese sandwiches, then we had family and lively discussion," the ex-president's grandson, Josh Carter, said downtown afterwards.

Carter was also able to watch a flyover of four F-18 jets and several vintage planes that graced the skies over Plains as part of the town's celebrations. CBS footage showed him being wheeled into his garden among friends and family to view it.

In a video posted on X, President Joe Biden hailed Carter as a "beloved friend" and "one of the most influential statesmen" in US history, while the White House lawn was decorated with a sign reading "Happy Birthday President Carter."

Tributes meanwhile poured in from Vice President Kamala Harris, former president Barack Obama and Britain's King Charles III, who sent a private message of congratulations.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp proclaimed a statewide "Jimmy Carter Day."

- Little town -

Beyond serving as commander in chief for a single term from 1977 to 1981, Carter worked as a global mediator, rights activist and elder statesman, founding the well-respected Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy before winning the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002.

His presidency included the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, the establishment of diplomatic relations with China following a rapprochement initiated by president Richard Nixon, and the return of control of the Panama Canal to Panama.

But his administration hit numerous snags, including the Iran hostage crisis and a renewed oil crisis in 1979-1980, which saw Ronald Reagan sweep into power in a landslide.

"We are thrilled that the president from this little town is going to be the only president to ever live to be 100 years old," Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the National Park Service's Jimmy Carter historical site and longtime family friend, told AFP.

She spoke from Plains High School, where Carter graduated in 1941 and which now serves as the visitor center for the national park that features sites from his early life, including the nearby peanut farm where he grew up.

On Tuesday evening, it hosted a concert in honor of the president, with video tributes from musicians Willie Nelson and Garth Brooks.

In the morning, the school was the site of a naturalization ceremony for 100 new US citizens, who placed hands over their hearts and recited the pledge of allegiance.

"He did so much for America," said Adriana Vickers, 46, originally from Brazil.

"He's for all nations," Carlene Ford, another newly naturalized citizen, from Jamaica, told AFP. "He's for everybody, he's for the people."

- 'Always' political -

A devout Baptist and self-described "born-again" Christian, Carter is remembered for a moralistic streak, but also his civility, admired even by detractors across the aisle.

According to family, Carter remains keenly interested in politics and is highly motivated to make it to 100 to vote in the November election for Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee.

"He will be voting by mail-in ballot," Stuckey told AFP, adding "he's always been very politically active, and nothing has changed with that respect."

In Plains, like in many rural places with a substantial evangelical Christian population, far more yard signs support Republican Donald Trump than Harris.

But it is also not uncommon to see a sign celebrating Carter's centennial birthday next to one supporting Trump.

Carl Lowell, who has lived in Plains since infancy, said he tries not to get involved in politics because it is "so divisive" right now.

Like most residents of Plains, the 59-year-old retired firefighter is linked to Carter in various ways -- he says his grandfather helped build the Carters' house and that he himself even went dove hunting with him once.

"Jimmy's a good man, he's a godly man, and that's what people like about him," he said.

bfm/jgc
Six people were killed and nine wounded in a terror attack in a Tel Aviv suburb on Tuesday evening.

Two terrorists, who were identified as Muhammad Chalaf Sahar Rajab and Hassan Muhammad Hassan Tamimi from Hebron in the West Bank, went on a killing spree, according to police, opening fire at people waiting for the light rail in Jaffa.

They were both shot dead by security personnel and citizens using personal firearms.

It seems the terrorists weapon malfunctioned during the shooting, said Hanan Peretz, a security guard who responded to the incident.

Mr Peretz also praised the actions of his colleagues. They identified the gunman, took cover without hesitation, and fired at him.

Gunmen alighted at a light rail station and opened fire

Five of the wounded remained in serious condition, including a child.

Footage filmed from a balcony on a nearby building showed bodies lying on the ground at the station while gunshots could be heard in the background.

Dozens of police and counter-terrorist forces arrived at the scene to secure the area and look for other terrorists.

Emergency services tend to the wounded at a light rail station where the attack took place - Leon Neal/Getty Images

Israeli border patrol officers stand guard in Jaffa following the gun attack that killed six - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Medical volunteer Rom Ella said a passerby told us that there were also injured people on nearby streets, and additional medics were there and continued to other scenes.

Some of the injured people we treated were unconscious, Mr Ella said, adding that the medics operated on four streets.

Surveillance footage showed the two armed terrorists roaming the area in what appeared to be during the attack.

Israelis cower during the attack

I saw a terrorist shoot a girl who was on the floor and another girl, then I saw the terrorist shoot a man on a bicycle who fell to the floor, but I dont think he was hurt. At that moment, a civilian arrived with a gun and shot the terrorist, an eyewitness told Haaretz Daily.

We were on the light rail when we suddenly heard gunfire from outside, another witness told the Jerusalem Post.

At first, we thought it was fireworks, but then we realized it was something much worse. There were many gunshots. We dropped to the floor, and people were crying. I saw someone bleeding on the ground.

Police initially believed the shooting attack was criminal as the areas crime rate is high. But after hearing shouts of Allah Akbar, they arrived at the scene, according to the Jerusalem Post.

Itamar Ben-Gvir, Israels national security minister, and police commissioner Kobi Shabtai arrived at the scene along with Haim Sargrof, Tel Avivs district commander.

National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir and Israeli police talk to the press from the scene of the attack - Ammar Awad

Bullet holes could be seen in the glass at the railway stop - Ammar Awad

This is a difficult incident, Sargrof said. At around 7pm, we received a report that two terrorists had boarded the light rail and opened fire.

They injured four people, then exited the train and continued shooting at civilians on the street.

A light rail security guard, two officers from the municipal Sela Unit, and police officers shot at the terrorists and neutralized both of them.

We know their origin and are conducting further checks with the Shin Bet. They are not Israeli citizens, he stated.

Police officers and an Israel Defence Forces counterterrorism unit later conducted searches in the area, which included a raid on a mosque that the attackers reportedly emerged from before the rampage. Several people were detained on suspicion of involvement in the attack, according to Israeli media.

Bezalel Smotrich, Israels finance minister, said he would demand that the terrorists family members be deported to Gaza tonight at Tuesdays cabinet meeting and that their homes be demolished. Without the High Court of Justice and without BTselem, he added.

The attack happened shortly before Iran fired some 180 ballistic missiles at Israel, setting off sirens across the whole country, including the area where the terror attack took place.

The shooting was the first Palestinian terrorist incident in Tel Aviv since August 18, when Hamas claimed responsibility for a suicide bombing that injured one 33-year-old bystander and killed the perpetrator.

Hamas warned at the time that suicide attacks would return to the forefront if Israel continued what it called massacres of Palestinians.

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Four killed in shooting in Israels Jaffa, two attackers neutralised, Israeli police say

JERUSALEM (Reuters)  Four people were killed and at least seven wounded in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighborhood of Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli police said in a statement.

They said the two shooters had been neutralized and the situation was under control. The families of the victims had been notified.

Live updates: Israel intercepts Iran missile barrage

Jaffa is a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv.

The attack came moments before a massive barrage of rockets from Iran sent people into bomb shelters across Israel, including in Tel Aviv.

This story is developing, check back for updates.

The Associated Press contributed to this report

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Ohio Sen. JD Vance are hours away from the first and only vice presidential debate.

As the latest Fox News Power Rankings reveal, Vance starts the evening with a lead on the economy and immigration, while Walz has an advantage on abortion.

Fox News Power Rankings' issues and qualities tracker.

Vice presidential hopefuls do not attract as much attention as their bosses when they debate, but as Fox News Arnon Mishkin argued Monday, they have changed the direction of at least six elections in the last 50 years.

In most cases, these debates are won on policy. Voters are not as familiar with these nominees as they are with former President Donald Trump or even Vice President Kamala Harris, and they do not need to make their choice.

The smart play for these vice presidential candidates is to focus on the major issues at stake and how their administrations would solve them.

Fox News Power Rankings: Harris Ticks Up And Senate Republicans Take Charge

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That is especially true for Walz on the economy and immigration, since the Harris campaign continues to lag on those issues. Vance, meanwhile, has struggled with poor favorability ratings, so his challenge is to hammer the popular parts of the Trump agenda and avoid wading into the culture war trenches.

There are also style points up for grabs. Many voters will only ever see this debate in short clips on social media, so acting like a policy wonk is less likely than ever to get the job done.

Former President Donald Trump leads on the economy in the Fox News Power Rankings.

Trump continues to hold an advantage on two of the top three issues in this campaign. He leads on the economy by nine points and immigration by 11.

Those numbers have barely budged since Harris and Trump debated. In August, when the Power Rankings last looked at the major issues, the former president led on the economy by eight and immigration by 13.

Former President Donald Trump leads on immigration in the Fox News Power Rankings.

Harris is far out in front on abortion. She leads by 17 points on that issue, also a negligible movement since the last tracker (Harris +18).

Vice President Kamala Harris leads on abortion in the Fox News Power Rankings.

This tracker includes polls from Fox News, Quinnipiac, Cnn/ssrs, NBC News and the New York Times/Siena.

Trump lost a point in the horse race after his debate with Harris while the vice president gained one; these modest shifts mirrored those after the first debate in 2020.

Together, these results suggest that the cause of Trump's slight decline was style rather than substance.

Conversely, while Harris won the debate and held on to her advantage on abortion, she has not consistently closed the issues gap, particularly on immigration.

Top three issues in the latest Fox News Poll.

That is not ideal for her, given the economy (38%) and immigration (17%) are two of the top three issues for voters. A recent Fox News national survey showed those issues and abortion (16%) were the only three that a double-digit percentage of voters called their "most important" issue in deciding their vote.

According to the same survey, Harris has strong leads in issues outside the top three. That includes health care, helping the middle class and climate change. These are "bread and butter" issues that the left has relied on to drag out base voters in previous elections.

The Democratic candidate also has a lead in uniting the country and, as consistent with previous trackers, having the right temperament for the job.

The candidates are evenly divided on national security. Neither has an advantage in handling a crisis that puts the country at risk, being commander in chief or decisions about using nuclear weapons. Trumps temperament deficit should give Harris an opportunity to lead on some of these qualities, but that has not materialized.

Polls on national security.

Arnon Mishkin: Jd Vance Is An Excellent Debater And Practices For The Debate Every Sunday

Finally, voters prefer Trump on foreign policy. He has a six-point lead in handling the Israel/Hamas war and an eight-point lead on the Ukraine/Russia war.

Polls on foreign policy.

Tuesday is debate night. Walz and Vance will face off at an event hosted by CBS News in New York City. Fox News will simulcast the debate with special coverage anchored by Bret Baier and Martha MacCallum at 8:20 p.m. ET.

Fox News Media has proposed a second Harris-Trump debate to be moderated by MacCallum and Baier in October.

Voters can now cast a ballot in more than half of all states, including Pennsylvania, Michigan, Wisconsin and North Carolina.

While many voters are expected to cast a ballot early, Election Day itself is just five weeks away.





Original article source: Fox News Power Rankings: Trump maintains lead on 2 top issues ahead of VP debate
Fox Newss Laura Ingraham has started pushing a wild conspiracy theory about the federal response to Hurricane Helene that seems copy-pasted from another natural disaster.

Ingraham hosted a segment speculating Monday night about what a strong leader Donald Trump would have been during the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, and criticizing President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for their disaster response in North Carolina.

Ingraham also reignited an old conspiracy theory when criticizing Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttegieg, who, she remarked, loves to go on TV campaigning for Kamala every five minutes.

But when will he go on TV to tell us when I-40 is gonna open? Or how many bridges are going to have to be totally rebuilt? Ingraham sneered.

Will they drop all their DEI regulationsany that still existto ensure that people get the help they need as fast as possibly, as possible? Ingraham said.

Here, Ingrahams claim seems to come out of nowhere, and its unclear what DEI regulations she imagines would prevent the distribution of aid or the rebuilding of vital infrastructure. Of course, DEI is something of a right-wing catch-all for any perceived institutional failure.

Seconds later, Ingraham ironically noted that a delayed show of concern by our president and vice president has bred its own conspiracy theories.

If blaming a natural disaster response on wokeness sounds familiar, thats because it is.

In August 2023, voices on the far-right, including then-presidential candidate Vivek Ramaswamy and Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk, tried to spread a conspiracy theory that the local response to the wildfires in Maui had been weakened by the DEI agenda.

This comparison seems to have been exactly what Ingraham was going for, because during the same program Monday, Ingraham was joined by former Hawaii Representative Tulsi Gabbard, who has taken a sharp rightward turn since her Democratic run for president in 2020 to become a member of Trumps campaign team.

Ingraham and Gabbard both likened the severe flooding in North Carolina to the devastating wildfires in Maui in August of 2023, and criticized the federal response based on what exactly?

Gabbard claimed that some of her friends in Asheville and the surrounding areas said they had been experiencing the same thing that happened to our communities in West Maui. She said her friends did not see a single federal official on the ground, not even a FEMA orange-vest wearing person. Gabbard also insisted that the federal government was focusing on bureaucracy.

But shaky, sourceless reporting like Gabbards secondhand accounts is par for the course for Fox News. In August, host Maria Bartiromo repeatedly claimed that Democrats have been pushing to register massive lines of illegals to vote in Texas, but she never did any actual reporting to confirm that topic.

FEMA reported Monday that it had delivered about one million liters of water and more than 600,000 meals across North Carolina, according to NBC News. Residents and local officials have criticized the government for not being adequately prepared to deal with the severity of the destruction in Asheville, which was recently dubbed a climate haven.
(Bloomberg) -- Michel Barnier will face Frances parliament for the first time as prime minister on Tuesday to deliver a make-or-break speech outlining how he plans to regain control of public finances while navigating bitter divisions between lawmakers.

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President Emmanuel Macron picked him as premier nearly a month ago in an effort to restore political stability after snap summer elections produced a fractured National Assembly split between three irreconcilable blocs.

Barniers central challenge is to present a credible budget to reassure investors, whove been dumping French assets on deficit worries. He has also pledged to respond to anger over living standards and public services, and better control immigration.

The European Unions former Brexit negotiator is operating with a minority government, made up of officials from his own conservative Republicans party, which holds fewer than 50 of the 577 seats in the lower house, and whats left of Macrons centrists.

Parliamentary math means Marine Le Pens far-right National Rally has the power to bring down the government if it decides to join no-confidence votes proposed by the left.

Heres what to watch when Barnier takes the stage at 3 p.m. Paris time.

Yawning Deficit

Barniers newly appointed government last week warned that the budget deficit risks expanding beyond 6% of economic output this year. That forecast has been raised repeatedly from the 4.4% the previous administration initially planned as tax receipts have disappointed and local authorities have ramped up spending.

The slippage has further rattled investors, who dumped French assets already when Macron dissolved parliament in early June. The risk premium on the countys 10-year bonds over German equivalents has risen to around 80 basis points  around the same level as Spains  from below 50 in May.

How quickly Barnier seeks to narrow the deficit is a crucial element to watch. The previous government had planned to get the gap within the EU limit of 3% of economic output by 2027, but attempting that given todays starting point would inflict harsh austerity on an economy already struggling with weak domestic demand and investment. Le Parisien newspaper reported that he will push that target back to 2029.

As well as preserving credibility with bondholders, Barniers government is also under pressure to agree a road map for public finances with the European Commission, the EUs executive arm. New rules could afford a more flexible calendar, but to be granted leniency France must also commit to economic reforms as part of an overarching package.

Full details of the budget wont be unveiled until next week, and France has already negotiated a delay until the end of the month to submit its longer-term plans to Brussels.

Taxing Question

The pace of fiscal repair is important, but also how to go about it.

Over more than seven years in office, Macron has built economic policy around a pro-business mantra of not raising taxes, but Barnier has indicated he would push for more fairness.

Ministers have said their efforts will focus on cutting spending but have also floated temporary tax increases on wealthy individuals and large companies. They have said the least well-off, middle classes and small companies would be spared, without specifying who is included in those categories.

Le Parisien reported that Barnier will announce additional taxes to raise between 15 billion and 18 billion ($16.7-$20 billion). They include tripling an exceptional contribution on top earners to generate 3 billion and imposing an extra tax worth 8 billion on companies. In addition, he will set out a 3 billion tax rise on electricity and an additional 3 billion levied on energy companies and share buybacks, the daily said.

Barniers decisions could prove explosive as lawmakers from Macrons party who are keen to preserve his legacy have said they would not support tax hikes. They credit the presidents approach with driving down unemployment and supporting economic growth, while Frances total tax take is still among the highest in the world relative to the size of its economy.

Le Monde newspaper reported that the Finance Ministry is considering an 8.5% temporary extra tax on companies with more than 1 billion in revenue. Barclays strategists said the increase in Frances corporate tax rate to 33.5% from 25% would lower the 2025 earnings per share growth of Pariss blue-chip CAC 40 index by about 2.5 percentage points.

The prime minister can ill afford a blow-up on taxation as centrists from Macrons group make up most of his government and provide a crucial support base in parliament.

Le Pen as Arbiter

While the minority government is susceptible to divisions on tax matters, a greater threat to its survival comes from Le Pens National Rally.

The left-wing opposition bloc in parliament has already pledged to table no-confidence votes to try to topple Barniers government, but they will only succeed if other lawmakers join. The National Rallys support would be enough but Le Pen has been more ambiguous, saying her group would wait to judge Barnier on policy and the budget before deciding how to act.

With the far right as kingmaker, Barnier has shifted away from keeping Le Pen distant from decision making, saying he will respect and listen to all political groups in parliament.

Pensions will be an early test of whether Barnier can find compromises. The National Rally has said it will propose a bill on Oct. 31 to gut Macrons reform raising the minimum retirement age to 64 from 62.

Barnier has said his government would open a debate with unions on possible improvements to the legislation for the most vulnerable without calling the entire overhaul into question.

Immigration Strategy

Barnier could also offer olive branches to Le Pen on immigration. He has already promised concrete measures to exert more control over arrivals in France and appointed Bruno Retailleau, a hard-liner from the Republicans, as interior minister.

While Macron has toughened Frances stance, both conservatives and the far right have accused him of not listening to what they describe as the French peoples demand for stricter border controls.

But shifting to the right on immigration could put further strains on his fragile support.

Retailleau has already sparked criticism after saying in an interview with Le Journal du Dimanche newspaper that Frances laws are not sacred when it comes to taking harsh measures to tackle immigration. Macron allies have slammed the comment, with lower house speaker Yael Braun-Pivet saying shes quite worried.

--With assistance from Tom Fevrier and Julien Ponthus.

(Updates with Le Parisien report starting in 9th paragraph, Barclays strategists comment in 17th paragraph.)

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A French navy ship departed from southeastern France on Monday, heading toward the Lebanese coast as a precautionary measure to potentially evacuate French citizens. This as Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon on Tuesday to carry out "targeted raids" against Hezbollah positions.

The ship will take "5 to 6 days" to reach the area in the eastern Mediterranean from the port of Toulon, according to army officials.

The vessel is equipped with helicopters and an onboard battle group, ready to be deployed if an evacuation of French nationals becomes necessary.

"We are strengthening our resources to deal with a deterioration of the situation," a senior officer of the armed forces told French news agency AFP, adding that "there is no question of evacuation of nationals" at this stage.

Evacuating Lebanon?

Around 23,000 French and Franco-Lebanese residents live in Lebanon. The French embassy in Beirut has established a hotline and started coordinating evacuation options for civilians who wish to leave.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, who was in Beirut on Monday said France was working in tandem with the Lebanese airline MEA for transport arrangements.

"We have initiated discussions with the Lebanese national airline to allow flights and places to be freed up for those of our nationals who wish to return to France," Barrot told public broadcaster Franceinfo on Monday.

Foreign minister visits Lebanon as second French citizen confirmed dead

(with newswires)



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Then European Commission's Head of Task Force for Relations with the United Kingdom, Michel Barnier, delivers a speech during a plenary session at the European Parliament. Jan Van De Vel/EU Parliament/dpa

French Prime Minister Michel Barnier on Tuesday laid out his new government's plans to reduce the national debt, with spending cuts and tax rises in store.

Barnier's centre-right administration lacks a majority in the National Assembly, France's lower house of parliament, but he outlined an ambitious budgetary plan to cut the deficit to 5% by the end of 2025.

France has come under pressure from the European Commission for its consistently high government spending, with the national deficit for 2024 expected to reach 6%, far above the EU guideline of 3%.

Barnier said that tax increases should affect wealthy residents and large companies, calling for "an extraordinary contribution from the richest French people."

However, the main aim of Barnier's budget is to cut public spending without impacting vulnerable citizens or targeting the health, education and social sectors.

The conservative prime minister, who took office three weeks ago, said spending must become more efficient, while abuse of the system must be combated.

Barnier, a former European Union commissioner, announced he would seek a realignment in French politics when he was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron on September 5.

However, his government, made up largely of Macron's centrist supporters, could face an immediate vote of no confidence from either the left-wing New Popular Front alliance or Marine Le Pen's far-right National Rally in the divided National Assembly.
French Prime Minister Michel Barnier has emphasised Frances support for Ukraine in its fight against Russian aggression in a policy speech at the National Assembly in which he outlined key political actions for his government.



Source: European Pravda, citing Ukrinform news agency



Details: Barniers pledge that France would remain on the side of the Ukrainian people was greeted with applause in the French parliament.



Quote: "These are people who, for two and a half years since the beginning of the war of aggression, have been fighting and dying to defend their freedom, sovereignty and territorial integrity. We must understand that they are fighting to defend the values that we also share with them."

Speaking more broadly, Barnier said France would continue its efforts to establish peace in every part of the world where conflicts are ongoing.



European Pravda previously reported that the new French Prime Minister had called for "dialogue" with Moscow before Russias full-scale invasion of Ukraine, but he later changed his mind.



Key positions in Barniers government, which began its work last week, are also held by pro-Ukrainian politicians, including the defence minister and foreign minister.



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(Bloomberg) -- Under-performing French stocks are facing further pain as the government considers tax hikes on blue-chip companies to plug a spiraling budget deficit, Barclays Plc strategists said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Barclays warning comes as Michel Barnier is set to face parliament on Tuesday for the first time as prime minister to deliver a make-or-break speech outlining how he plans to regain control of Frances public finances.

Raising the countrys corporate tax rate to 33.5% from 25% on firms with more than 1 billion ($1.1 billion) in revenue would lower the 2025 earnings per share growth of the benchmark CAC 40 index by about 2.5 percentage points, a Barclays team led by Emmanuel Cau said in a note.

This would pull the consensus for EPS by analysts down to 6.9% from 9.4%, they estimated. According to French daily Le Monde, which reported the possible corporate tax hike, the government is also weighing fresh levies on share buybacks and energy companies.

Although French stocks have underperformed recently, they still look too high, the Barclays strategists said, noting the negative impact of a rise in the cost of financing French sovereign debt.

The premium investors demand to hold French government bonds over neighbor Germany  a gauge of the countrys debt risk  has climbed to around 76 basis points, up from less than 50 basis points prior to French President Emmanuel Macron announcing snap elections in June.

Last week, Frances bonds were briefly priced as riskier than those of Spain for the first time since 2007, a symbolic reversal pointing to the extent of its financial-market woes.

Weighed down by the ongoing political crisis, the CAC 40 index in Paris is up only a meagre 1% so far in 2024, while the pan-European Stoxx 600 has gained 9.3%.

The government is also considering a potential cut to a tax credit for research, according to local media reports. That could see an EPS hit for a wide range of companies, such as jet-maker Dassault Aviation SA, defense group Thales SA and luxury bag maker Hermes International SCA, according to Thomas Zlowodzki, head of equity strategy at Oddo BHF.

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Mark Cuban: 'Getting Filthy, Stinkin' Rich Is One Of The Most Patriotic Things You Can Do.' That's The American Dream

Billionaire business owner Mark Cuban considers amassing enormous wealth among the most patriotic things an American can accomplish, rather than just a personal accomplishment. Cuban believes the potential to amass billions proves that the American dream still exists.

During a recent interview on Netflix's series What's Next? with fellow billionaire Bill Gates, Cuban emphasized that building wealth isnt the problem many make it out to be. Instead, he sees it as a sign of the opportunities America offers. "Yeah, having a billion dollars, thats kinda crazy," he admitted. "[But] thats not the problem. Thats a symptom of something amazing. It's the American dream. That's what makes America special."

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For Cuban, being wealthy is an incredible opportunity to use that wealth to create opportunities for others. In fact, to him, "One of the most patriotic things you can do as an American is go out and get filthy, stinkin' rich, create a ton of jobs, invest in your company and others, and then pay your taxes."

Cuban argues that when people build successful businesses, they're not just making money for themselves  they provide jobs, pay suppliers, and contribute to the economy. And when it comes to taxes, Cuban takes pride in what his money helps support. "When I write that check to the IRS for all those hundreds of millions of dollars, its not that I like it, but I am proud of it because the roads, the military, the police, teachers, Medicaid, Medicare  that's a big part of where our taxpayer dollars go," he explained.

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Cuban's journey to becoming a billionaire began when he sold his internet-radio company, Broadcast.com, to Yahoo in 1999 for $5.7 billion. He didn't stop there. Since then, he's invested in various businesses, including the Dallas Mavericks, pharmaceutical startups, and countless small businesses through his role as a judge on Shark Tank.

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Mark Cubans Cost Plus Drug Co. is one of his most recent endeavors. He founded it to address the issue of astronomical prescription medicine costs. His online pharmacy aims to lower the cost of health care for millions of Americans by selling prescription drugs at a low markup, and Cuban sees this as just another opportunity to give back and use his money for the benefit of society.

Not everyone shares Cuban's view on billionaires. According to the Pew Research Center, a larger portion of the countrys total income is now going to higher-income households, while the amount going to middle- and lower-income households is shrinking. Thus, many critics argue that wealth inequality is growing and that many, if not most, of the superrich don't pay their fair share of taxes.

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No dentists in Dumfries and Galloway are accepting new NHS registrations [Getty Images]

Nearly 2,000 more NHS patients are facing deregistration by their dental practice in Dumfries and Galloway.

There are already no dentists in the region accepting new NHS registrations.

Now one of the two dentists at Great King Street Dental in Dumfries has decided to end the services for patients aged 18 and above.

NHS Dumfries and Galloway's director of dentistry Alison Milne said it meant they would now have to seek alternative provision.

"Unfortunately, many will be aware that there are no dentists within the region currently accepting new NHS registrations," she said.

"We fully recognise the frustration very likely to be felt by these patients, as experienced by many others who have faced a similar situation in recent years."

Director of public health Valerie White said there had been "some success" with a dental outreach programme for the region.

"The 12 places for dentists in training plus tutors and support makes NHS Dumfries and Galloway the biggest outreach dental training facility in Scotland," she said.

She said the students involved could offer a single course of treatment to patients not registered with an NHS dentist.

"However, while this is a very positive development, we know that this does not address the issue of providing people with regular, ongoing access to an NHS dentist," she said.

"We continue work to encourage and support dentists to provide NHS general dental services and are working closely with Scottish government colleagues on these matters."
Democrat Adam Frisch, left, and Republican Jeff Hurd, right, are running in 2024 to represent Colorado's 3rd Congressional District. (Left, William Woody for Colorado Newsline; right, courtesy of Jeff Hurd for Colorado)

The two candidates vying to represent Colorados 3rd Congressional District both focused on prioritizing policies that support rural communities during a debate in Pueblo Monday evening.

Democratic former Aspen City Council member Adam Frisch and Republican attorney Jeff Hurd met for their second and final debate ahead of the Nov. 5 election. The Greater Pueblo Chamber of Commerce hosted the debate at Pueblo Community Colleges Hoag Theater, moderated by Colorado Politics reporter Ernest Luning.

Hurd emphasized that he was born and raised in the 3rd District and wants to make it a better place to raise a family, saying my opponent has the money, but we have the people. Frisch highlighted his public presence on the campaign trail, noting that the debate marked his 120th stop in Pueblo in the last two years, and said he wants to solve problems and bring bipartisanship to Congress.

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The district, which is one of three seats open in Colorado this election cycle, has been represented by Republican U.S. Rep. Lauren Boebert since 2021. After winning reelection by just 546 votes against Frisch in 2022, Boebert switched districts and is running this year in the more conservative 4th Congressional District on the other side of the state.

Both candidates started their campaigns contrasting themselves as sensible alternatives to Boebert, and whoever wins the district has a good chance of working with her in the next Congress. Hurd said he could find common ground with Boebert when it comes to rural priorities such as economic development, agriculture and energy.

I certainly have a different style than Rep. Boebert, but on the issues, I think theres a heck of a lot we agree on, particularly when it comes to helping rural Colorado and making life better for you and for your family and for your children, Hurd said.

Frisch said working with Boebert was obviously never part of my plan, but that it would be great to work with her when it comes to rural Colorado issues like domestic energy.

The other 95% of the time Ill let her do her own stuff, Frisch said.

Focus on affordable housing

The candidates went back and forth claiming their opponent takes corporate donations for their campaigns while both maintaining that they dont. Both said they want to decrease the national deficit, bring order back to Congress and support farmers and ranchers.

Frisch said to increase affordable housing in the district, hed want to bring federal tax dollars back to the district to fund housing options determined by county commissioners, town councils and local housing authorities.

We need more supply in a hurry, because its unbelievable the amount of people that are running into housing problems, and if you do not have a stable housing situation, you do not have a stable life, Frisch said.

Hurd said growing the housing supply needs to be the top priority, and making that more affordable is done by cutting unnecessary tariffs and regulations on materials like lumber and steel, and lowering energy costs. Hurd said renewable energy codes add unnecessary costs to creating new housing.

Increase the supply, lower the regulation and make housing more attainable for everyone throughout this district, thats what I would do, Hurd said.

Hurd said congressionally directed spending is better spent on infrastructure projects and that directing that money to housing will only increase costs.

We need to spend it smart and dont just funnel it into affordable housing, Hurd said. We need to use those for infrastructure projects to create economic opportunities for families There are other infrastructure projects, transportation projects that I think would be a much more effective use of those taxpayer dollars.

Frisch and Hurd both said they would vote to certify the 2024 election results.

After all legal means and challenges have been exhausted and the result is upheld, then thats how our democracy works and yes, I would absolutely certify that election, Hurd said. Thats your duty.

Abortion rights

Both candidates said they supported access to birth control and in vitro fertilization. Frisch said he would support legislation that codified the federal right to abortion and its an issue the government shouldnt be involved in.

Isnt it conservative to support the family and let the family make that decision instead of politicians? Frisch responded when Hurd said he wouldnt support a national abortion ban as he is in favor of leaving it to the states.

There are people on both sides of this issue that have sincere hearts and that are thoughtful, and I try to be somebody that doesnt judge or be super critical of people, Hurd said. Thats the approach that Ill have when Im in Congress when it comes to this issue.

Frisch said he would support a ballot measure that would implement ranked choice voting in Colorado, saying it could lead to more moderate candidates getting elected, while Hurd said he has concerns about it because people dont understand it.

The candidates also touched on protecting water rights in the district, improving rural health care access and mental health care, and balancing energy needs with environmental concerns.

Republicans currently hold a narrow majority in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Frisch has leveraged his near-victory to a massive fundraising haul over the last two years with nearly $13.8 million raised. Hurd has brought in about $1.2 million.

The 3rd District encompasses Colorados Western Slope and the southwest corner of the state, sweeping east to include Pueblo, Otero and Las Animas counties. It leans about 9 percentage points to the right, according to a 2021 analysis of recent elections.

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Fort Cavazos, Tx (FOX 44)  Staff Sgt. Marlone Best of Fort Cavazos has been arraigned on murder charges prior to going on trial in the February murder of Larry P. Kidd, Jr.

The arraignment was held Monday at the Lawrence Williams Judicial Center at Fort Cavazos.

Kidd was the victim in the second murder of the year in Killeen. He was shot during an altercation where the suspect is accused of brandishing a 9mm pistol in the 900 block of W. Central Texas Expressway.

During the arraignment, he entered a plea of not guilty.

It was not immediately clear why the case was being held in a military rather than a civilian court given that it occurred off post.

The Army Office of Special Trial Counsel released a statement saying it had referred one charge and two specifications against Staff Sgt. Best for the murder of Larry P. Kidd, Jr. One specification is for premeditated murder and one specification is for murder while engaged in an act which is inherently dangerous to another and evinces a wanton disregard of human life in violation of Article 118 of the Uniform Code of Military Justice.

Consideration of pre-trial motions are set for November 18 with the trial scheduled to begin January 3, 2025.

Man charged with taking two vehicles and crashing both

The shooting took place around 8:05 p.m. on a Saturday morning. Police received a call about one person with gunshot wounds.

When officers arrived, they found Kidd with multiple bullet wounds. They and paramedics worked to keep him alive.

An ambulance took Kidd to the Carl R. Darnall Army Medical Center where he died a short time later,

Officers took one, Best, in custody that same day.

He was initially held in the Bell County Jail. A picture or mug shot was not being made available.

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Members of the Georgia Election Board met Sept. 20, 2024. The members singled out for praise by Donald Trump were Janelle King, second from left, Rick Jeffares, second from right, and Janice Johnston on the far right. Ross Williams/Georgia Recorder

Georgia Democrats urged a Fulton County judge Tuesday to throw out changes made by the Republican-controlled State Election Board ahead of next months presidential election.

There are two new rules at the center of the case, the first requires county elections boards to conduct a reasonable inquiry into election results before certifying them, and the second allows county board members to examine election-related documents before certification.

The rules were passed by three Republican-appointed members, all of whom were thanked by name by former President Donald Trump at an Atlanta rally in August. Trump called members Janice Johnston, Rick Jeffares and Janelle King pit bulls fighting for honesty, transparency, and victory, but said the other two members of the board arent so good.

Trumps refusal to accept his loss in Georgia in 2020 and his efforts to overturn that loss have some Democrats worried the election board could set the groundwork for an attempt to nullify a potential loss in 2024.

Lawyers representing the state and national Democratic Parties sought to convince Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney that the rules are too vague and could add chaos to the counting process in what is expected to be a close race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Democrats want McBurney to override the rules or to clarify that they do not allow election board members to delay certification past the Nov. 12 deadline.

The uncertainty that the challenged rules inject in the certification process creates a risk that the county board of elections might not certify their votes, might not certify at all, or might not certify in time, said attorney Kurt Kastorf.

Lawyers representing Democrats also argued that a lack of definition for a reasonable inquiry means local election boards would not know when they had finished doing one. And such an inquiry could be very different in a small county or a large one.

The reasonable inquiry rule provides all kinds of flexibility, but no direction, said attorney Ben Thorpe. There is no definition in the rule that helps superintendents understand when reasonable inquiry has been satisfied, and so it is then left to the determinations of individual actors.

McBurney questioned whether the correct understanding of the rule is that a reasonable inquiry means doing as much as you can within the timeframe.

You could add a note saying, I wish I had more time, and then the Legislature could change it, but the deadline is the deadline, get done what you can, and what is reasonable to one person might be not reasonable to another, but youre making your inquiry, and then its wheels up at 5 p.m. on the 12th of November, he said.

Attorneys for the state election board agreed with that characterization of the rule and said the court should defer to the expertise of state and county election board members.

Nobody is arguing that these rules were meant to be or can be read to suggest to anybody that their certification duty under the law has been called into question, said Elizabeth Young, an attorney with the Georgia Attorney Generals office, which is charged with representing state agencies. And its a fundamental principle in declaratory judgment types of cases like this that were going to assume public officials are going to fulfill their duties in good faith, and I will say, from the people that Ive met, that worked in elections that do a thankless and difficult job, that presumption is very valid in this case.

McBurney also pushed back against that idea.

I happen to live in a county where a member of a board didnt certify, so Im just wondering when we need to set aside that presumption, he said.

Young said the rules would allow flexibility within the current law, but ultimately, county boards must meet their deadlines or be forced by a court order to do their jobs.

There are all kinds of things that can and do happen in an election world that might cause a superintendent to have a question. You know, I heard lightning struck this precinct and the machines went down. I dont know that everything was correct. Id like to ask some questions to the precinct leader over there.

Those are the types of questions that should be able to be resolved within the time period, she added. But if there isnt, there is a provision  where, as youre coming up to that deadline, you do your best, and you certify, and you turn whatever issue is that is not quite resolved over to the district attorney.

Following the hearing, McBurney presided over a separate election-related case involving a member of the Fulton County Board of Elections. The question in that case is whether board members certification duties are discretionary  meaning they have the responsibility to vote against certification if they believe there are mistakes or fraud  or ministerial, meaning their duty is to certify the results and let any problems be ironed out by the proper authorities.

Speaking after that case, McBurney said he has cleared his plate of other obligations and plans to rule swiftly on both matters given the closeness of Election Day.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A Binghamton family is continuing to honor the memory of a son and brother who lost his life to suicide with a special fundraiser.

Dave and Christin Tinklepaugh, Alexanders mother, will host the 6th Annual Alexander J. Wetzel Memorial Scholarship Fundraiser on October 6 at the Relief Pitcher in Binghamton. There will be basket raffles, on-site with same-day drawings, as well as refreshments.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Alexander J. Wetzel Memorial Scholarship Fund, held by the Community Foundation for South Central New York

Alex was resilient, quiet, highly intelligent, gentle-spirited and an old soul, said Christin. He woke up singing and was often heard whistling while getting ready for school in the morning. He would hold your hand when you were sick, stand by your side relentlessly if you needed support or protection and was always willing to quietly chat your ear off if you were willing to listen.

Christin says that Alex loved to learn and dreamed of becoming an engineer and working for Google one day.

The scholarship is made available to a graduating senior from the Binghamton City School District who wishes to peruse a career in engineering or computer science.

The Alexander J. Wetzel Memorial Scholarship Fund is the fundamental source for keeping Alexs spirit, goals and dreams alive, said Christin. Its where we choose to use the intense

emotional energy that accompanies traumatic loss for the betterment of others. Thats what Alex was about, and this is what he would want.

The event will be held from 2 to 5 p.m. It is open to the public.

Tickets purchased before the event are $20, $25 at the door. Click here to purchase.

If you are unable to attend and would like to support this scholarship, mail your donation to Community Foundation for South Central NY at 520 Columbia Drive in Johnson City, NY 13790. with Alexander J. Wetzel Scholarship in the memo line.

Donations can also be made online here.

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Employees of the North Rhine-Westphalia Forestry and Timber Agency support the police in a park in the city center. The Federal Public Prosecutor's Office is in action to secure further evidence in connection with the knife attack and is being supported by the forestry workers. Roberto Pfeil/dpa

German investigators again searched the refugee accommodation on Tuesday where the knife-wielding attacker suspected of killing three people at a festival in Solingen had lived.

Authorities were also seeking to interview people who may have known the suspect, a 26-year-old Syrian man identified only as Issa Al H under German privacy rules.

No further arrests were made during the search on Tuesday, according to federal prosecutors who are handling the case.

The suspected terror attack at a city festival on the market square in Solingen stunned the country. In addition to the three people slain in the attack, eight were wounded.

H remains in police custody on suspicion of murder. The Islamic State terrorist group claimed responsibility for the attack, although German authorities have not yet detailed whether the suspect had documented links to the group.

The suspect had remained in Germany after evading a deportation order to send him back to Bulgaria, the country in which he first entered the European Union.

Revelations about the failed deportation attempt prompted a renewed political debate in Germany about refugee policy, leading to pledges from Chancellor Olaf Scholz's government to crack down on irregular migration as well as new steps to deport migrants whose asylum claims have been rejected.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  A new way to get high has now gone viral on social media and is now in the hands of kids.

Its called Galaxy Gas, and theyre canisters of nitrous oxide are marketed for culinary purposes.While the company states the products are not to be inhaled, hundreds of videos can be found on TikTok or Instagram showing children and young adults inhaling the gas.

7th annual Siouxland Big Give begins Tuesday

The Sioux City Police Department urges all parents to be aware of the trend and to talk to their kids about the dangers.

Parents, make sure that youre looking through your kids room Sergeant Tom Gill said. If you think something looks strange like a canister of what they call Galaxy Gas or nitrous oxide, definitely report that to the police and have a conversation with your kids about how dangerous that drug really is.

The side effects of using Galaxy Gas, also called huffing, include dizziness, headaches, and impaired motor skills. If you notice your child with these symptoms, immediately call 911.

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Erin Roth jiggled the key in the lock of her front door.

She tried to give it a turn, but nothing budged.

Seawater that surged nearly 4 feet inside her mobile home in the low-lying Gandy area had corroded the lock from the inside.

I was told yesterday we still have to pay rent, Roth said. I cant even open the door and you want me to pay rent?

She resigned herself to the porch, where soggy family photos were left to air out, and pulled out a pack of Marlboros. Each smoldering cigarette butt Roth flicked into a nearby dog bowl went out with a hiss.

Hurricane Helene left her with a total loss. Mold had already set in. Her homes central air conditioner was trashed.

Im done, she said. I cant do this anymore.

Its not the first time Roths home in the Twin City manufactured homes community has flooded. When Hurricane Idalia swept past Tampa Bay last year, storm surge ruined her floors and appliances. It destroyed the dresser and peeled pink walls in her daughters bedroom.

She took $26,000 from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and spent it all on repairs.

Weeks later, Pinellas County declared it would be requiring residents to elevate their homes more than 10 feet higher or move by the start of hurricane season. The county soon softened its deadline, and residents now have until next June to comply.

Because Lakeshore MHC, the mobile home parks owners, wouldnt let Pinellas officials on the property, county staff met with residents at a Goodwill down the street about a week before Helene made landfall, said assistant county administrator Tom Almonte.

They told residents the county was offering up to $30,000 in rental assistance to relocate to safer, higher ground. Almonte said Pinellas County secured state funding for Twin City residents, which will be paid to their new landlords for as long as a year after theyve moved out of the mobile home park.

Almonte said the deal also includes another big win for residents: They can take the money and move anywhere. The funds arent tied to rentals within Pinellas County or even the state.

More than 10 applications had been submitted since Monday, with one already approved, Almonte said. Once a residents request is granted, county crews will conduct a site visit to make sure their manufactured home is uninhabitable.

Residents then have to find a contractor, paid through a county reimbursement, to demolish their home before they receive rental assistance.

What we definitely want to do is not allow someone else to move into that unit, Almonte said. Otherwise youve repeated the cycle and havent accomplished anything.

County staff will hold three more meetings with residents to help them apply for the money by the end of the year, he added.

Roth, who has lived in the Twin City community since 2009, is eager to leave. But abandoning her home will be bittersweet, she said.

I would love to be able to keep this house forever. Its where my kid grew up, she said. But its not an option.

Roth, a single mother, took her daughter and their two dogs to her sisters rental in Seminole during Helene. The family, along with most of their treasures, were safe there. Roth was able to get into her home over the weekend, before her front door had rusted shut.

The only thing left in there  I want to cut out a part of the wall where Ive measured my daughter her whole life, Roth said. Thankfully, it did not get wet.

Almonte said he hopes the funds dispersed to residents will get them into safer homes and crack down on the parks managers.

Because Twin City homes were built as far back as the 1960s, they have skirted modern floodplain requirements, Almonte said. But as residents apply for assistance and tear down the structures, new ones built there will have to be elevated to code.

The owners of this park have not been responsive. They have not been good community members, Almonte said. Our approach is to assist the residents, but hold the owners accountable, and we are prepared to do that.

Roth said Lakeshore managers, who she often refers to as slumlords, have already threatened her with eviction after she told them she couldnt afford to pay rent.

A Lakeshore employee ejected a Tampa Bay Times reporter from the park and declined to answer questions.

This is private property, said the woman, who would not provide her name. No comment.

A Red Cross truck joined Lakeshore-branded ones in hauling trailers full of debris to a dumpster at the back of the property Monday morning.

Park managers planned to provide hot dogs and refreshments for residents who were still dragging their belongings into piles outside homes.

Roth wished her rent, due on Tuesday, would be waived instead.

Youve made plenty of money off everybody in here, she said. Do something for us thats not your freaking free hot dogs.
As former President Jimmy Carter became the first president to live to 100, a construction project in his honor welcomed country stars Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood to St. Paul on Monday.

The weeklong Jimmy & Rosalynn Carter Work Project event is celebrating the Carters' legacy by launching Habitat for Humanity's new housing development on St. Paul's Greater East Side, called The Heights.

Brooks and Yearwood joined Carter's work project right after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and have worked alongside them the past 17 years. They are continuing their work following the death of former First Lady Carter last year, while former President Carter was placed into hospice care in Georgia 18 months ago.

The country power couple is working alongside more than 4,000 volunteers across Minnesota to jumpstart construction on St. Paul's newest housing development, with Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity chosen as the host for the 2024 project because of its work to close the racial homeownership gap.

To have the Carter Work Project come to St. Pauls Greater East Side and jumpstart The Heights development is a significant honor for Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity and all of our homeowners, partners, supporters, and volunteers," said Chris Coleman, St. Paul's former mayor who is now president and CEO of Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity.

"Its a privilege to host the flagship event for Habitat for Humanity International along with hosts Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood, who continue to carry on President and the late Mrs. Carters legacy."

The Heights is a 112-acre development that will eventually house 147 Habitat homes, making it the largest project ever undertaken by Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity. The Carter Work Project crew is helping build the first 30 homes of the development this week.

To the man with longest legacy of giving we have ever known, Happy 100th Birthday Mr. President Carter. Your work has impacted the world and your heart continues to change lives, ours included. Grateful to be on your Carter Work Project Habitat for Humanity build this week with pic.twitter.com/tu5w26vVYx  Garth Brooks (@garthbrooks) October 1, 2024

Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity will also host a public celebration for the Carter Work Project and honor President Jimmy Carters 100th nirthday at the Build Forward Bash on Tuesday at The Armory.

The concert is open to the public, with doors opening at 6 p.m., featuring performances by The Family Stone and St. Paul and the Minneapolis Funk All-Stars.

Property Brothers co-host Jonathan Scott will emcee the concert. The Build Forward Bash tickets are $15 each and can be purchased on the Twin Cities website.

"The Carter Work Project is an exciting chance to expand housing and homeownership opportunities in our city, said Saint Paul Mayor Melvin Carter. Im grateful Habitat for Humanity chose The Heights this year, and I cant wait to work alongside hundreds of volunteers to literally build the future of our East Side together.
Garys School Board Considers a Proposal for New Cell Towers in the Area. Heres What Is at Stake.

They are in our homes, at our dinner tables, and on desks. We put them up to our ears, carry them in our hands, and slip them in our back pockets. In many ways, cellphones have become a daily part of our lives. But as the cell towers that power them continue to crop up throughout the country to meet the high demand, a controversial proposal has arrived at Garys doorstep, leaving residents uncertain and skeptical.

Crown Castle, a national cell tower firm with about 40,000 towers across the country, has proposed building cell towers near two Gary schools. At a recent Gary School Board meeting, a Crown Castle representative said that one of the proposed towers would be about 250 feet from Banneker at Marquette Elementary School, while the other would stand about 800 feet from Gary Middle School.

The proposal, which includes a 50-year lease paying $34,800 annually to the school district, has left the school board with a weighty decision: whether the funding is worth more than the potential health risks to elementary and middle school-age children in a district with a history of financial troubles.

Its a question that other school districts in low-income communities have faced. While cell towers grow across the country to meet increasing demand, there is a clear financial incentive for school districts that struggle for funding as budgets get slashed. Similarly to Gary, Detroit Public Schools, a Black-majority midwestern city school district, currently has 29 cell towers, including multiyear lease agreements with Crown Castle and T-Mobile across the city, according to Chalkbeat.

Poorer communities need money for education; they need money for their schools, said Cindy Russell, executive director of Physicians for Safe Technology, who has advocated on behalf of similar school cases throughout the country. That is one of the motivations for schools to put these cell towers in because they do get funding for it. But the whole question is, is it worth it? Is the health of our students worth it?

Gary Middle School, located in the Miller Neighborhood, is currently being considered as a potential site for the construction of a cell tower on its property. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

According to the Federal Communications Commission, there has been no reason to believe cellphone towers cause cancer or other illnesses, but it has been court ordered to review that conclusion.

Gary residents are voicing their discontent, saying they arent willing to roll the dice on their childrens health.

I just want to say that, you cant put a price on a childs health, Gary resident Robert Buggs said during the September meeting when discussing the potential value of the towers.

His concerns were shared by Jennie Rudderham, another vocal resident, who took her opposition a step further by organizing a petition.

Of all the sites to place a cell tower, its irresponsible to attach them to buildings that require the attendance of a vulnerable population [children], she said, noting that nearly 200 residents had signed the petition in one week.

While local residents have voiced strong opposition, the effects of cell towers remain a subject of debate within the scientific community. The challenge lies partly in the high costs of conducting studies and the ethical limitations of testing radiation exposure on humans.

Cell towers have electronic equipment and antennas that receive and transmit cellphone signals using radiofrequency (RF) waves. According to the American Cancer Society, there is no strong evidence that exposure to RF waves from phone towers causes noticeable health effects. However, the group cautions that this does not mean that the RF waves have been proven to be absolutely safe. Instead, it calls for more research to help clarify any long-term effects.

David McCormick, president and director of IIT Research Institute in Chicago, conducted one of the largest studies in the field on the potential for cancer-causing radiation generated by cellphone frequencies on lab animals. His findings from the 10-year study unveiled some answers, and even more questions.

I understand that this is a very complex scientific concept, and theres no strict dichotomy. Its not black or white. McCormick said. Theres not a right answer and a wrong answer there. Its much more nuanced than that.

Instead, McCormick recommends that Crown Castle have an electromagnetic engineer model the potential radiation from radiofrequency waves from the towers that would be in the vicinity of the school.

The fundamental issue that people generally havent considered is, are people really going to be exposed to these radio frequency fields? Theres no question that these towers generate radio frequency fields, McCormick told Capital B Gary. However, the intensity of those fields decrease with distance, he added.

Regardless if something is potentially hazardous. If theres no exposure, theres not going to be an effect, he said.

When asked by Capital B Gary about community concerns, a Crown Castle representative said that there are no known health hazards from exposure to radio frequency emissions, and that their facilities comply with FCC standards. The representative said that the installations will be able to provide more reliable cellphone coverage, stronger connectivity, and provide more revenue for the school district.

Cell towers use non-ionizing radio frequencies, much like several things in your home, including radios, Bluetooth devices and Wi-Fi routers, the representative said in a statement.

Radio frequency (RF) has been extensively studied for decades, and the scientific and health communities have come to the same general conclusion  there are no known health hazards from exposure to RF emissions within the established Federal Communications Commission (FCC) guidelines. Our facilities comply with all FCC radio frequency rules and guidelines, the representative said.

A traditional cellphone tower, owned by Crown Castle, is shown near the Texas Medical Center in Houston. (Brett Coomer/Houston Chronicle via Getty Images)

According to the FDA and the Federal Communications Commission, the federal authorities on any potential threats from radio frequencies, there are no direct links to cell towers and cancer. Regarding cellphone towers near homes and schools, the FCC has previously stated that there is no reason to believe that such towers could constitute a potential health hazard to nearby residents or students.

However, health advocates like Russell with Physicians for Safe Technology, disagree. Russell, who leads an advocacy group of scientists and physicians focused on promoting safe technology use, echoes the communitys concerns and urges caution.

So we just dont have all the answers, but, what we do know, is that theres enough evidence of harm that we should take precaution in terms of how we use wireless devices, and where we put cell towers, Russell said.

However, there has been pushback that the FCC guidelines followed by Crown Castle and other organizations may be outdated. Safeguards have not changed since 1996  when Motorola flip phones were the height of technological innovation.

The American Academy of Pediatrics has raised these concerns, urging the FCC to review its radiation standards, arguing they dont adequately protect children.

In 2021, Environmental Health Trust, an environmental nonprofit that studies the effects of radiation, sued the FCC  and won. As a result, a federal appeals court ordered the FCC to revisit health impacts on children, saying that the commission failed to address evidence of non-cancer related health effects related to radiofrequency impacts on children. Since then, according to ProPublica, the FCC has taken no formal action.

Critics of the proposal have also raised environmental concerns, noting that one of the cell towers would be placed along the back edge of the Marquette Trail, near the Indiana Dunes National Park, according to Rudderham.

Another resident questioned the long-term viability of a 50-year lease, expressing uncertainty about the future of the school district over the next several decades.

The Gary School Board tabled a vote on the proposal to an undetermined date, while it reviews more information. The board has twice postponed a decision on the cell tower plan.

The Gary School Board has yet to make a decision on whether to permit a company to construct two cell towers on the grounds of Gary schools. (Javonte Anderson/Capital B)

For more information on the potential health hazards of cellphones and radio frequency radiation, experts like McCormick recommended referencing papers from the National Toxicology Program, headed by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences.

My sense is it just comes down to money for a lot of them, Rudderham said about school boards. Frankly, our appeal is different. You know, were trying to appeal to other perspectives, so I hope they are in deep consideration and decide that the risk, the potential risk, is not worth what they would get out of this contract.

The post Garys School Board Considers a Proposal for New Cell Towers in the Area. Heres What Is at Stake. appeared first on Capital B Gary.
NEW YORK (AP)  Nike sales and profits slumped in its fiscal first quarter as the sportswear giant wrestles with shoppers' sluggish demand for new sneaker models and other products.

The lackluster results Tuesday came after Nike announced last month that its CEO, John Donahoe, is stepping down on Oct. 13. Company veteran Elliott Hill is coming out of retirement to head up the company.

"A comeback at this scale takes time, but we see early wins  from momentum in key sports to accelerating our pace of newness and innovation, said Matthew Friend, executive vice president and Nike's chief financial officer, in statement. Our teams are energized as Elliott Hill returns to lead Nikes next stage of growth.

Friend told analysts Tuesday that, given its CEO transition and with three quarters left in the fiscal year, Nike has withdrawn its full-year financial-performance guidance and intends to provide a quarterly outlook for the balance of the fiscal year. It also postponed its investor meeting that had been scheduled for Nov. 19.

Nike has been known for its innovation but in recent years, analysts have said that it has lost its focus on coming up with cool products.

Neil Saunders, managing director at GlobalData Retail, said that some of the sales decline was due to a weaker consumer economy that has shoppers buying fewer sneakers and not splurging on clothing as they once did.

"Nike has done itself no favors with a lack of focus and oomph in a market where far more effort and exertion is needed to hold onto sales, he said. There is a general sense that Nike has lost its edge and that the power of its innovation and the quality of its storytelling have both been faded.

Saunders noted that at the same time, smaller rival brands have moved into Nike's territory and successfully connected with consumers in a way that Nike has failed to do.

Nike posted net income of $1.05 billion, or 70 cents per share, in the quarter that ended Aug. 31. That compares with $1.45 billion, or 94 cents per share, in the year-ago period.

Sales fell 10% to $11.59 billion.

Analysts were expecting earnings of 52 cents a share on sales of $11.64 billion, according to FactSet.

Shares of Nike Inc., which is based in Beaverton, Oregon, were down 5% in after-hours trading following the earnings report. They are down 18% so far this year.
How gas prices have changed in Hattiesburg in the last week

Hurricane Helene left a trail of disaster in its wake, destroying homes along the Florida coast on top of flooding communities and stressing dams in states like North Carolina.

Despite that, theres no evidence yet that the storm impacted gasoline production. The national average cost for a gallon of gas is nearly 15 cents lower than a month ago.

Another week brings a mixed bag at the gas pump, with gas prices declining in slightly more than half of U.S. states while others have seen increases due to some refinery snags and maintenance that have emerged, temporarily delaying declines in some areas, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement Monday.

De Haan expects more states will see gas prices under $3 in the coming weeks once refineries wrap up their typical seasonal maintenance, which has some areas currently utilizing less of their refining capacity.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Hattiesburg, MS metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of September 30.

Hattiesburg by the numbers

 Gas current price: $2.66

 Mississippi average: $2.68

 Week change: -$0.02 (-0.7%)

 Year change: -$0.63 (-19.2%)

 Historical expensive gas price: $4.54 (6/16/22)

 Diesel current price: $3.21

 Week change: -$0.00 (-0.1%)

 Year change: -$0.83 (-20.5%)

 Historical expensive diesel price: $5.39 (6/20/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas

#1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.23

#2. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.07

#3. Napa, CA: $5.04

Metros with the least expensive gas

#1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX: $2.54

#2. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX: $2.55

#3. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS: $2.56

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.

You may also like: Highest-rated Southern restaurants in Hattiesburg by diners

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How gas prices have changed in Jackson in the last week

Hurricane Helene left a trail of disaster in its wake, destroying homes along the Florida coast on top of flooding communities and stressing dams in states like North Carolina.

Despite that, theres no evidence yet that the storm impacted gasoline production. The national average cost for a gallon of gas is nearly 15 cents lower than a month ago.

Another week brings a mixed bag at the gas pump, with gas prices declining in slightly more than half of U.S. states while others have seen increases due to some refinery snags and maintenance that have emerged, temporarily delaying declines in some areas, GasBuddy analyst Patrick De Haan said in a statement Monday.

De Haan expects more states will see gas prices under $3 in the coming weeks once refineries wrap up their typical seasonal maintenance, which has some areas currently utilizing less of their refining capacity.

Stacker compiled statistics on gas prices in Jackson, MS metro area using data from AAA. Gas prices are current as of September 30.

Jackson by the numbers

 Gas current price: $2.68

 Mississippi average: $2.68

 Week change: -$0.02 (-0.7%)

 Year change: -$0.51 (-16.1%)

 Historical expensive gas price: $4.52 (6/14/22)

 Diesel current price: $3.12

 Week change: -$0.03 (-0.9%)

 Year change: -$0.96 (-23.6%)

 Historical expensive diesel price: $5.36 (6/19/22)

Metros with the most expensive gas

#1. Lihue (Kauai), HI: $5.23

#2. Santa Rosa, CA: $5.07

#3. Napa, CA: $5.04

Metros with the least expensive gas

#1. McAllen-Edinburg-Mission, TX: $2.54

#2. Brownsville-Harlingen, TX: $2.55

#3. Biloxi-Gulfport-Pascagoula, MS: $2.56

This story features writing by Dom DiFurio and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 371 metros.

You may also like: Cities with the most expensive homes in the Jackson metro area

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Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJTV.
Gavin Newsoms infamous 2020 dinner at the exclusive French Laundry restaurant in Napa Valley, where he flouted state health guidelines by gathering unmasked and indoors with other big shots at the height of the COVID pandemic, did not have to be a defining moment as governor.

But with some recent decisions on legislation, Newsom has tapped into the same elitism that blinds him to his own hypocrisy.

The governors decision to require private insurance coverage of fertility treatments marked a complete reversal on new such mandates from a year ago. He sided against farmworkers suffering in Californias intensifying heat, but he was all for after-hours drinking for VIP patrons at Californias newest arena with the big bucks to gain entry.

It was Newsoms situational French Laundry logic.

Opinion

Health care hypocrisy

It was merely a year ago when Newsom, in a wildly heartless moment, vetoed a bill that would have required health insurers to provide hearing aids to infants born without the ability to detect a single sound. Fortunately, only 1,000 or so children are born in the state in any given year with this devastating condition. The statewide cost of providing the hearing aid, to ensure the childs cognitive development proceeds (costs capped at $3,000 per infant in the legislation) smoothly, would have been insignificant. But Newsom vetoed it nonetheless.

Why? Newsom was in love with his own state-run program to dispense hearing aids to these children, never mind that relatively few kids had benefited from it at the time. And he was worried about rising health care costs. Or so he said.

A pattern of new coverage mandate bills like this could open the state to millions to billions of dollars in new costs to cover services relating to other health conditions, Newsom wrote in his veto message. This creates uncertainty for our healthcare systems affordability.

Fast forward to this year. Ever since the Alabama Supreme Court ruled that frozen embryos outside the womb are considered children, the fertility treatment known as invitro fertilization has become a political cause celebre.

In the California Legislature, three previous attempts to require insurers to cover IVF had gotten nowhere dating back to 2019, the bills all authored by Democrats. But thanks to the nations far political right, this years attempt at the same mandate suddenly had legs. Ironically, the bill was authored by the same legislator, Democrat Caroline Menjivar of Van Nuys, who had championed hearing aids for infants in the previous year.

This year, Newsom was all too eager to sign Menjivars Senate Bill 729. The governor seemed to care less about costs. After all, it was time to stick it to Republicans. In his press release., Newsom said, We are proud to help every Californian make their own choices about the family they want..

Christina Janes, a Rocklin mother of an infant who needed hearing aids and who pushed for the 2023 legislation, said Newsom has apparently reversed course and done what he said he wouldnt, namely add a new mandate to insurance coverage. She thinks Newsom should care just as much about children needing hearing aids as well. There is nothing standing in his way now. When it comes to supporting families and our most vulnerable kids, we shouldnt pick and choose.

In the fields  and the luxury box

The ongoing heat wave in the Central Valley, with triple-digit weather in October becoming the norm, is a reminder of the dangers of farm labor. State Sen. Dave Cortese, D-San Jose, authored a straightforward piece of legislation that presumed that if a farmworker ended up suffering a heat-related injury, the cause of that ailment was his or her job. It would streamline a farmworkers ability to gain access to the states workers compensation system, a much-needed safety net for farmworker families who can be living paycheck to paycheck.

Newsom vetoed Senate Bill 1299. His logic?

There is no doubt that climate change is causing an increase in extreme temperatures and that California farmworkers need strong protections from the risk of heat-related illness. However, the creation of a heat-illness presumption in the workers compensation system is not an effective way to accomplish this goal, he wrote?

Where else would the farmworker have gotten heat illness? Getting a poolside tan a little too long at the club?

The governor was far more sympathetic, however, to the needs of some special privileged partiers to keep drinking long after the arena event is over.

Our hard-at-work Democratically-controlled legislature somehow found the time to pass a bill to allow the states fancy new arena, the Intuit Dome in Inglewood, to become the rarest of California locales, one that can serve alcohol until 4 a.m. A Los Angeles Clippers fan in the cheap seats, however, would not qualify for after-hours drinking under Assembly Bill 3206 by Tina McKinnor, D-Inglewood. Rather, stipulates AB 3206, The sales occur in a private area in the arena that is available only to members of a private club who are assessed dues in order to belong to the club and thereby gain access to the area, and guests of those members, when the member is in attendance.

This bill reeked of French Laundry. It barely passed out of the Senate, some Democrats unable to get to Yes.

It would be perfectly in character for Gavin Newsom to go ahead and sign AB 3206.

Which, of course, he did.

At least the revelers, at 4 a.m., do not have to worry about heat illness. As these tipsy patrons are hopefully driven home, our farm workers are waking up at 4 am to harvest our food and battle the sun. Newsom, in vintage French Laundry mode this bill-signing season, only seems to care about certain Californians, with a shifting logic that fits his personal politics.
MARTA officers gun goes off during struggle with man holding knife: GBI

The Georgia Bureau of Investigation says a MARTA officers gun went off during a struggle with a suspect on Monday.

Investigators say MARTA police responded to a call about a robbery at the Oakland City MARTA station.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

The suspect, identified as 18-year-old Carnell Kelly, ran from the station and into James Orange Park, according to the GBI.

Officers said Kelly pulled a knife when they confronted him and told him to drop the knife. Police tried to arrest the teen when they say he grabbed his knife and started to struggle with officers.

At some point during the struggle, a MARTA officers gun went off. No one was shot.

MARTA officers took Kelly into custody, but charges have not been announced.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
George Conway, the right-leaning pundit who regularly criticizes former President Trump on cable TV, said Monday that Trump doesnt have the shame gene that the rest of us have.

Conway made the comment while criticizing Trump for his remarks that appeared to misrepresent Georgia Gov. Brian Kemps (R) concerns with the Biden administration over recovery efforts from Hurricane Helene in the state.

Trump, during his visit Monday to Georgia to survey damage from the hurricane, told reporters that Kemp is doing a very good job, but added, hes having a hard time getting the president on the phone.

I guess theyre not being responsive, Trump continued. The federal government is not being responsive. Theyre having a very hard time getting the president on the phone.

Kemp, however, seemed to contradict that claim at a press conference when he described his conversation with President Biden on disaster relief efforts.

The president just called me yesterday afternoon. I missed him and called him right back, and he just said, Hey, what do you need? And I told him, you know, We got what we need. Well work through the federal process. He offered that if theres other things we need, just to call him directly, which, I appreciate that, Kemp said.

George Conway attends an event for the group Principles First off site of the Republican National Convention at Pabst Best Place on July 17, 2024. (Sara Stathas for Washington Post via Getty Images)

Conway noted the gap in the two Republicans accounts, in a panel discussion on MSNBCs Inside with Jen Psaki, which played the two clips back-to-back.

Hes a pathological liar, Conway said about Trump. He doesnt have that shame gene that the rest of us have when we even make the slightest mistake, even accidentally.

Hes just going to say whatever pops into his mind that he wants people to believe at any given moment. And its not even really that calculating, Conway continued. Because hes impulsive.

Conway said the Harris campaign should absolutely play up what Psaki described as a contrast between the two major parties nominees, noting Biden and Vice President Harris are actually in charge.

And if you dont look like youre paying attention  which has happened in the past with snow storms in cities like Washington and New York, Hurricane Katrina didnt work out so well for the Bush administration  you pay a huge penalty for it.

He went on to criticize Trump.

But its also, you have to do it because its the right thing to do. And Donald Trump doesnt care about any of that. He only cares about whether a particular crisis can be used to  manipulate the public, and thats why hes willing to tell lie after lie.

The Hill has reached out to the Trump campaign for response.

Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, and its high winds and rainfall brought devastation along its path as much as 500 miles north of the Gulf Coast. The Biden administration said there are roughly 600 people unaccounted for across several states because of the storm.

Harris cut short a West Coast campaign swing Monday to return to Washington, D.C., and visit Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters for a briefing on the impacts of Helene and updates on the federal response.

The vice president spoke Sunday with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) about the aftermath of the storm and reached out to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R). She spoke Monday with Kemp, the White House said. Florida, Georgia and North Carolina bore the brunt of the storms impact.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A judge in Georgia has struck down the state's abortion law that has prohibited abortions after six weeks of pregnancy since it took effect in 2022.

Georgia's Life Act was fully nullified by Judge Robert McBurney's decision, meaning that the state must now allow abortions up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The judge wrote in his order that liberty in Georgia" includes "the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices".

Georgia passed the Life Act in 2019 but it only came into force in 2022, after the US Supreme Court overturned Roe v Wade and opened the door for state bans.

SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective filed the original lawsuit with other plaintiffs in 2019, shortly after Georgia's Republican governor, Brian Kemp, signed the act into law.

When Judge McBurney reviewed the case in 2022, he struck down the law, ruling that it violated the US Constitution.

The Georgia Supreme Court later took up the case, however, and allowed the six-week limit to stand.

The case has since returned to Judge McBurney, who found this time that it violated the state constitution after a review "of our higher courts' interpretations of 'liberty'".

"[D]oes a Georgians right to liberty of privacy encompass the right to make personal healthcare decisions? Plainly it does," the judge wrote in his decision.

Gov Kemp's office criticised the judge's ruling on Monday.

Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives have been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge," Garrison Douglas, Kemp's spokesperson, said in a statement.

"Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our most sacred responsibilities, and Georgia will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn."

This ruling could affect more than just Georgians, however.

It could open up abortion access in the US South, where several Republican-controlled state legislatures have passed laws that have severely limited access to abortion procedures.

These laws have meant people in the region sometimes travel hundreds of miles to states like North Carolina, Kansas and Illinois for legal abortions.

Judge McBurney noted the danger a six-week limit could have on women in his order, writing that "for many women, their pregnancy was unintended, unexpected, and often unknown until well after the embryonic heartbeat began".

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women, called the ruling "a significant step in the right direction".

"We are encouraged that a Georgia court has ruled for bodily autonomy. At the same time, we cant forget that every day the ban has been in place has been a day too long - and we have felt the dire consequences with the devastating and preventable deaths of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller."

Thurman and Miller were named in a pair of ProPublica reports that found their deaths were connected to Georgia's abortion ban. Their cases have been highlighted by Vice-President Kamala Harris, who has made reproductive rights a centerpiece of her campaign for the White House.
Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney issued an order Monday striking down the states six-week abortion ban and allowing the procedure to be performed again in the state up until 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The order means that Georgia is now one of the most permissive states in the South when it comes to abortion access, joining Virginia, the only other state in the region that allows the procedure up until about 26 weeks of pregnancy  though Georgias status as such is likely only temporary.

A review of our higher courts interpretations of liberty demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her health care choices, McBurney wrote. That power is not, however, unlimited. When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene.

McBurneys order Monday means that the state of Georgia can no longer enforce the six-week ban on abortion that Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed into law in 2019, but that did not take effect until 2022 around when the Supreme Courts Dobbs decision overturned Roe v. Wade.

Mondays ruling stems from a lawsuit brought back in 2019 by abortion advocates, SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective and other plaintiffs after Kemp signed the extreme restrictions into law. The case has since worked its way through the courts, in a journey the Atlanta Journal-Constitution breaks down here. McBurney ruled in 2022 that the 2019 law violated the U.S. Constitution and struck down the ban. The Georgia Supreme Court later reversed McBurneys 2022 decision.

In his order Monday, McBurney noted that the six-week ban is dangerous given that most people do not know they are pregnant at that stage of the process. He also noted that the ban has had a disproportionate impact on women of color of Georgia  a bleak and disturbing reality that has gotten renewed publicity in recent weeks after ProPublica reported on the cases of two women who died in Georgia when they couldnt access legal care. Vice President Kamala Harris has been particularly vocal about Georgias egregious ban in recent weeks as well.

It is generally men who promote and defend laws like the LIFE Act, the effect of which is to require only women  and, given the socio-economic and demographic evidence presented at trial, primarily poor women, which means in Georgia primarily black and brown women  to engage in compulsory labor, i.e., the carrying of a pregnancy to term at the governments behest, McBurney wrote.

While the Monday order gives abortion advocates in the state a moment to breathe, it is likely a temporary moment of reprieve for those seeking care, both in Georgia and for those in neighboring states where the procedure is outlawed who may rush to Georgia to seek care in coming days. Per Laurie Sobel, the associate director for womens health policy at the Kaiser Family Foundation, who spoke to The 19th:

[Georgia is] going to be the closest place for people [to access abortions] in a lot of states, Sobel said, adding that she believes the state will appeal the decision.

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A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, has overturned the states "Heartbeat Law" on abortion, which made it illegal to terminate a pregnancy after six weeks.

Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney issued the order on Monday, saying abortions must be regulated the way they were before the "Heartbeat Law" went into effect, meaning abortions could be allowed until the 22-week mark.

"The authors of our Constitutions, state and federal, entrusted to future generations a charter protecting the right of all persons to enjoy liberty as we learn its meaning," McBurney wrote in his final order. "A review of our higher courts' interpretations of liberty demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.

"That power is not, however, unlimited," the judge added. "When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene."

Georgia Supreme Court Rejects Challenge To Abortion Law

Anit-abortion activists hold signs outside the U.S. Supreme Court after overturning of Roe Vs. Wade, in Washington, D.C., on June 24, 2022.

McBurney continued, saying a law that prevents abortions after six weeks was inconsistent with those rights as well as the proper balance that a viability rule establishes between a womans rights and societys interests in protecting and caring for unborn infants.

Read On The Fox News App

He then declared the "Life Act" as "unconstitutional."

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp, a Republican, signed the "Heartbeat" abortion bill, also known as the Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act," into law in 2019. The law made abortions after the six-week mark illegal.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp Signs Controversial 'Heartbeat' Bill Into Law

There were exceptions written into the law, including rape and incest, as long as a police report was filed. Another exception to the law allowed for abortions after six weeks if the mothers life was at risk or if a serious medical condition rendered a fetus inviable.

The law signed by Kemp was blocked by a federal judge in October 2019  before it went into effect  and ruled it violated the right to abortion established by Roe. v. Wade in 1973.

The Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in June 2022, which cleared the way for Georgias law on abortion to go into effect.

Georgia Abortion Law: A Look Back At What Hollywood Production Companies Have Said About Filming In The State

Georgia's Republican Gov. Brian Kemp signed the "Heartbeat" abortion bill in 2019, though a Fulton County judge called the law unconstitutional.

McBurney, in November 2022, ruled the law was "unequivocally unconstitutional" because it was enacted in 2019 when Roe v. Wade allowed abortions after six weeks.

But in October 2023, the Georgia Supreme Court rejected the ruling in a 6-1 decision, saying McBurney was wrong.

"When the United States Supreme Court overrules its own precedent interpreting the United States Constitution, we are then obligated to apply the Courts new interpretation of the Constitutions meaning on matters of federal constitutional law," Justice Verda Colvin wrote for the majority.

McBurneys ruling on Monday stated that the state, county, municipal and other local authorities are "enjoined" from seeking to enforce the six-week abortion law.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Georgia judge overturns states six-week heartbeat abortion law, calls it 'unconstitutional'
A Georgia judge signaled Tuesday that he sees a need to bring clarity to the meaning of a vague new election certification rule approved by Donald Trump allies that critics say will inject chaos into the battleground state after Election Day.

State and national Democrats have sued the GOP-controlled Georgia State Election Board over a pair of rules passed in August that require county election officials to conduct a reasonable inquiry into election results before certifying them and allow them to examine all election related documentation created during the conduct of elections prior to certification of results.

During a bench trial in the case on Tuesday, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney said the reasonable inquiry rule on its face is vague and needs clarification.

At several other points during the trial, McBurney also raised concerns about the election board changing election rules so close to this years contest, saying that new rules seem to pop up every 20 minutes.

And the election is getting closer, not further away, the judge said, pushing back on an argument from Republicans that intervened in the case to defend the new rules that his hands are tied by a judicial principle established in a 2006 Supreme Court case, Purcell v. Gonzalez.

The high court said in its decision in that case that federal courts should not change rules on the eve of an election. But, the judge said, that puts court in a difficult situation if the rules shouldnt have been approved in the first place.

That would mean that there is a window where unreviewable rules can be issued, McBurney said. They can be procedurally defective. They can be substantively defective. They can be unconstitutional and theyre incapable of review because this agency, this rulemaking body, says, Oh, were within the Purcell window, nows the perfect time to say lets count ballots by hand and we know a court cant look at that new rule because its too close to the election.

Last month, three Trump allies on the board approved a rule that requires counties to hand-count the number of ballots cast at polling places on Election Day. Democrats sued to block that new rule on Monday.

But as McBurney on Tuesday seemed to agree that clarity needed to be brought to the reasonable inquiry rule passed by the board in August, he threw cold water on Democrats argument that the examination rule will disrupt the certification process, which must be completed this year by November 12.

That seems to be a permissive rule, and I struggle to see how that presents uncertainty to anyone because it permits access but doesnt obligate anyone to do anything. It says you may, but not that you must, McBurney said of the examination rule.

At the start of Tuesdays trial, attorneys for all sides agreed that certification must be completed by 5:00 p.m. on November 12, as state law requires. But Democrats are still arguing that a ruling still needs to guard against county election officials who may refuse to certify the election results under the new rules.

Key pre-election dispute

The case is among the most closely watched pre-election disputes, with Democrats warning that if the rules are allowed to stand, theyll unleash chaos throughout the critical battleground state in the days following the election, when county election officials face a short window of time to certify the results of the presidential contest.

The judges decision is not expected to be the final say in the matter, as both sides are likely to appeal any adverse ruling against them.

Trump and his allies unsuccessfully tried to overturn the results of Georgias 2020 election, and the lawsuit, which is backed by Vice President Kamala Harris campaign, underscores renewed fears from Democrats that his supporters might try to subvert this years result should he lose the state again.

At the center of the case are claims by the Democratic National Committee, the Democratic Party of Georgia and several others that the new rules conflict with state law that says local officials have a mandatory duty to certify election results by November 12. The new rules, they argue, undermine that duty by giving those officials broad authority to delay or decline altogether their certification of the results in a hunt for purported election irregularities.

The Democrats say that the State Elections Board exceeded its authority when it took the job of handling allegations of fraud or election misconduct out of state courts and put it in the hands of local partisan officials.

County-level discretion over certification is not needed to address misconduct, fraud, or error; an expedited, orderly, and evidence-based judicial process exists to do so instead, attorneys for the rules challengers wrote in court papers.

The plaintiffs are asking McBurney to confirm that the duty of county superintendents to certify election results by the statutory deadline is mandatory and to invalidate the new rules should he find that state law leaves no room to withhold or delay certification.

The attorneys also argued that the Democrats concerns are over potential future contingencies that dont meet the legal threshold required to bring the lawsuit in the first place. The Republican National Committee and state GOP party, which both intervened in the case to defend the rules, are similarly arguing that there is no live controversy for the court to resolve.

CNNs Jason Morris and Sara Murray contributed to this report.

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Georgias heartbeat law banning abortion after six weeks is unconstitutional and cant be enforced, a Fulton County superior judge ruled Monday.

The ruling permanently enjoined the law and stated that abortions must now be regulated as they were before Georgias 2019 law took effect in July 2022, meaning they are allowed until fetal viability at about 22 weeks of pregnancy.

Judge Robert McBurney said the state constitutions guaranteed right to liberty includes a persons right to make decisions about their own health care.

Whether one couches it as liberty or privacy (or even equal protection), this dispute is fundamentally about the extent of a womans right to control what happens to and within her body and to reject state interference with her health care choices, he wrote.

That power is not, however, unlimited. When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene, McBurney wrote.

Mondays ruling marks the second time McBurney has struck down Georgias abortion ban.

Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) signed the ban into law in 2019, but implementation had been blocked until the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.

The law banned abortion after fetal cardiac activity was detected, which is usually about six weeks, before many people know they are pregnant.

The law was challenged by abortion rights groups that same year, and McBurney initially ruled in their favor. But the state appealed, and the Georgia Supreme Court eventually reversed his ruling and sent the case back to be decided on the constitutionality argument.

McBurney wrote that the states LIFE Act infringes upon a womans fundamental rights to make her own healthcare choices and to decide what happens to her body, with her body, and in her body, so it needs to be narrowly tailored.

However, there is nothing narrow about a law so blunt that it forces a woman to allow a fetus grow inside her for months after she has made the difficult and deeply personal decision not to bring the pregnancy to term, he wrote.

A spokesperson for Kemps office didnt directly say what the next steps will be, but he said the state will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn.

Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives has been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge. Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our most sacred responsibilities, spokesperson Garrison Douglas 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.
By Nicole Jao

NEW YORK (Reuters) -Oil prices edged up on Wednesday on worries that the escalating conflict in the Middle East could threaten oil supplies from the world's top producing region, but a large build in U.S. crude inventories limited gains.

Brent futures rose 34 cents, or 0.46%, to settle at $73.90 per barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed 27 cents, or 0.39%, to settle at $70.10 per barrel.

On Tuesday, Iran fired more than 180 missiles at Israel, its biggest ever direct attack on the country. Israel and the United States vowed retribution for the attack, a sign that conflict in the region is intensifying.

Israel's retaliation could include targeting Iranian oil production facilities among other strategic sites, U.S. news website Axios reported on Wednesday citing Israeli officials.

On Wednesday, Iran said its missile attack on Israel was over, barring further provocation. It added that any Israeli response to its attack would be met with widespread destruction.

An attack on Iran's oil infrastructure could provoke Tehran to respond with a strike on Saudi oil facilities, similar to one conducted in 2019 on crude processing facilities there, said Tamas Varga of oil brokerage PVM.

"Any of these events would irretrievably send oil prices considerably higher," he said.

In another escalation of the conflict, the Israeli military on Wednesday sent regular infantry and armored units to join ground operations in southern Lebanon against Iran-backed Hezbollah.

At a United Nations Security Council meeting about the Middle East on Wednesday, Israel and Iran threatened each other with retaliation if attacked.

"A major escalation by Iran risks bringing the U.S. into the war," Capital Economics said in a note. "Iran accounts for about 4% of global oil output, but an important consideration will be whether Saudi Arabia increases production if Iranian supplies were disrupted."

US CRUDE INVENTORIES RISE

Iran's oil output rose to a six-year high of 3.7 million barrels per day in August, ANZ analysts said.

Offsetting some gains made during the week, U.S. crude inventories rose by 3.9 million barrels to 417 million barrels in the week ended Sept. 27, the Energy Information Administration said. This compared with analysts' expectations in a Reuters poll for a 1.3 million-barrel draw. Gasoline stocks also rose last week, but distillate inventories fell.

"As we descend into seasonal refinery maintenance, a chunky drop in refining activity has ushered in a build to crude inventories," said Matt Smith, lead oil analyst at Kpler.

Story continues

A meeting on Wednesday of the top ministers of OPEC+ kept oil output policy unchanged. The group is set to raise output by 180,000 bpd each month from December.

"Any suggestion that production hikes will proceed could offset concerns of supply disruptions in the Middle East," ANZ analysts said.

The Wall Street Journal reported on Wednesday that Saudi Arabia's oil minister warned oil prices could drop to $50 per barrel if OPEC+ members do not stick to agreed-upon output cut. OPEC refuted this claim, saying the article was "wholly inaccurate and misleading".

(Reporting by Nicole Jao in New York, Paul Carsten in London, Gabrielle Ng and Katya Golubkova; Editing by David Gregorio, Emelia Sithole-Matarise and Lisa Shumaker)
A Justice Department report says conditions in Georgia's prisons are 'horrific and inhumane' (Stefani Reynolds) (Stefani Reynolds/AFP/AFP)

Prisons in Georgia are plagued by assaults, murder and sexual violence and officials in the southern US state are "deliberately indifferent" to the horrible conditions, the Justice Department said Tuesday.

"Time in prison should not be a sentence to death, torture or rape," Assistant Attorney General Kristen Clarke said at a press conference releasing the findings of an investigation into Georgia's prisons.

Prisoners are confined in "horrific and inhumane conditions," Clarke said. "People are assaulted, stabbed, raped and killed or left to languish inside facilities that are woefully understaffed."

The Justice Department report said "the State is deliberately indifferent to these unsafe conditions" and while it has known about them for years it has "failed to take reasonable measures to address them."

Georgia has the fourth-largest incarcerated population in the United States with nearly 50,000 people behind bars in 34 state-operated prisons and four private prisons.

Georgia's prison population has more than doubled since 1990. Fifty-nine percent of the inmates in state prisons are Black while Blacks make up 31 percent of the state's population.

The report detailed a number of harrowing incidents including two brutal cases in April 2023 within days of each other at Smith State Prison.

In one incident, an inmate was found dead in his cell, possibly strangled by his roommate, the report said.

"The local coroner noted the body was badly decomposed, and the man likely had been dead for over two days," it said.

Four days earlier, an inmate was assaulted by multiple other prisoners and a video of the assault was uploaded on social media, where the victim's family saw it, the report said.

In the video, the man is seen sitting on the floor with his hands tied behind his back while a group of men punch, kick and stab him.

The Georgia Department of Corrections reported a total of 142 homicides in its facilities between 2018 and 2023.

The Justice Department probe exposed "long-standing, systemic violations stemming from complete indifference and disregard for the safety and security of people Georgia holds in its prisons," Clarke said.

Peter Leary, US Attorney for the Middle District of Georgia, said he hopes the report serves as a "wake-up call" and the department can "work collaboratively with the State of Georgia to improve these deadly conditions."

cl/st
A Georgia judge struck down the states abortion law on Monday, ruling that the prohibition on abortions after six weeks is unconstitutional, CNN reported.

In his ruling, Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote that the states Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act, or LIFE Act, violates a womans state constitutional rights. The law had been challenged by the SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Collective.

"[L]liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices," McBurney wrote.

Georgia's abortion ban was imposed after the U.S. Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v Wade in 2022. After McBurneys ruling, Georgia must now allow abortions up until about 20 weeks of pregnancy, PBS News reported.

When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene," McBurney wrote. "An arbitrary six-week ban on (post-embryonic cardiac activity pregnancy) terminations is inconsistent with these rights and the proper balance that a viability rule establishes between a womans rights of liberty and privacy and societys interest in protecting and caring for unborn infants."
Delegates walk in front of the logo of the Alternative for Germany (AfD) patry, during the party's conference in Magdeburg. Carsten Koall/dpa

Amid renewed debate in German politics over whether to seek a ban of the far-right Alternative for Germany (AfD) party, a leader of the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD) has weighed in against such a move.

Kevin Kuhnert, the SPD's general secretary, said during an appearance on broadcaster ntv there does not appear to be enough evidence that the AfD is actively working to undermine Germany's democratic constitution.

A cross-party group of lawmakers in Germany's parliament are reportedly preparing a motion to bring a case against the AfD before Germany's Constitutional Court, which has the power to sanction or ban political parties that are ruled a threat to the constitutional order.

"When it comes to banning a party, it's not about whether Kuhnert rejects it or thinks it's fascist, but whether courts can ultimately be presented with evidence that says it's clearly against the constitution and should therefore be banned," said Kuhnert. "I don't have any such evidence at the moment."

He urged caution in considering such a case. According to reports from Spiegel magazine and the Welt newspaper, lawmakers working on the motion plan to call for the AfD to be excluded from state funding.

The renewed discussion of a ban has drawn mixed reactions. The court has banned small fringe political parties before, most notably West Germany's Communist Party in 1956, at the height of Cold War tensions in divided Germany.

But no party with such significant electoral support as the AfD has ever been banned in Germany, and some critics of such a case have argued that the party must be battled at the ballot box.

Recent polls have put the AfD's support at 17% to 19% nationally.
FILE - The Chinese national flag waves in front of the country's embassy in Berlin, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber, File)

BERLIN (AP)  German authorities have arrested a Chinese national accused of passing information on a major air freight hub to a man who is suspected of spying for China, prosecutors said Tuesday.

The woman, identified only as Yaqi X. in line with German privacy rules, was arrested in the eastern city of Leipzig on Monday, federal prosecutors said in a statement. She is suspected of working for a Chinese intelligence service, providing information on flights, freight including military equipment and passengers.

The suspect works for a company that provides logistical services at sites including the Leipzig/Halle Airport, prosecutors said. The airport handles both passengers and freight but is known principally as a cargo hub.

They alleged that, between August 2023 and mid-February this year, she repeatedly passed information to Jian Guo  a German national who was an aide to far-right European Parliament lawmaker Maximilian Krah and was arrested in April. That, prosecutors said, included above all information on the transport of military equipment and of people with connections to a German defense company, which they didn't identify.

A judge on Monday ordered Yaqi X. held in custody pending a possible indictment, prosecutors said. Her apartment and workplace were searched.

Prosecutors have said that Guo is accused of working for a Chinese intelligence service and of repeatedly passing on information on negotiations and decisions in the European Parliament. They allege that he also snooped on Chinese dissidents in Germany.

In a separate case in April, three Germans were arrested on suspicion of spying for China and arranging to transfer information on technology with potential military uses.
German Chancellor Olaf Scholz is hoping to speak to Russian President Vladimir Putin by phone for the first time in almost two years, the German newspaper Zeit reported on Oct. 1.

Citing sources in "government circles," the outlet said an official request to the Kremlin has not yet been made, but Berlin plans to make it happen in the run-up to the G20 meeting in Brazil in November.

Zeit did not report what Scholz plans to discuss with Putin.

Scholz last spoke with Putin in December 2022, the same year the leaders of the U.S., France, and the U.K. last had direct contact.

Initially a hesitant partner, Germany has become Ukraine's second-largest military donor after the U.S.

On Sept. 4, Scholz said that Germany ordered an additional 17 IRIS-T air defense systems for Ukraine, Bloomberg reported. By 2026, Ukraine should receive 24 IRIS-T systems from Germany  12 of medium-range versions and 12 short-range.

But amid ongoing discussions among Ukraine's Western allies about using their weapons to strike deep inside Russia, Scholz continues to insist Berlin will not grant Kyiv permission to use its Taurus missiles to do so.

President Volodymyr Zelensky met with Scholz on Sept. 23 on the sidelines of the 79th United Nations General Assembly in New York City.

Shortly before the meeting, Scholz reaffirmed Berlin's refusal to allow Ukraine to use German weapons to strike targets within Russia.

"Germany will not lift any restrictions," Scholz said in response to queries from reporters regarding long-range strikes in Russia.

"This does not depend on my personal attitude. We will not do that, and we have good reasons for that."

Scholz said his position would not change even if the U.S. lifts restrictions, and said that Germany aims to "focus on what really helps and what is needed" in terms of supporting Ukraine.

Read also: Its personal  Why Germany still refuses to send Taurus missiles to Ukraine

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Republican Donald Trumps visit to deeply blue Dane County Tuesday raises an obvious political question.

Why would Trump go to a place where the GOP not only gets routinely slaughtered but loses by even steeper landslide margins with every new election?

The simple answer is that anything Republicans can do to perform a little less horribly in Wisconsins second biggest  and highest-growth  county could help their chances of carrying this state in November.

For any political party, winning the statewide popular vote is not just about carrying swing-y purple places. And its not just about running up the score on friendly turf.

Its also about losing unfriendly turf by less.

Dane County is not only increasingly unfriendly turf for Republicans, but its electoral clout keeps growing.

From 2000 to 2020, the total statewide vote for president grew by 27% in Wisconsin. But the Dane County vote increased by almost double that  48%.

Dane Countys combination of size, high turnout, population growth, and the Democrats rising share of the vote makes it arguably the GOPs single biggest headache on the Wisconsin political map.

More: Kamala Harris rally seeks to unleash the voting power of Wisconsin liberal bastion Madison

That was the theme of a story I wrote back in early 2018, which noted that these trends were altering the political math in Wisconsin.

Since then, the numbers have only gotten starker.

In the Clinton elections of the 1990s, Democrats were winning Dane County for president by about 50,000 votes.

In the Bush elections of the 2000s, Democrats were winning Dane by an average of about 80,000 votes.

In the Obama elections of 2008 and 2012, Democrats were winning Dane by around 130,000 votes.

With Hillary Clinton as the partys nominee in 2016, Democrats won Dane by roughly 146,000 votes.

And with Joe Biden as the nominee in 2020, Democrats won Dane by more than 180,000 votes.

That 181,327-vote margin in 2020 had the net effect of boosting the Democrats statewide margin by 5.5 percentage points (in a state that was decided by 0.6 percentage points). The growth in the Democratic vote margin from 2016 to 2020 in Dane was enough by itself to flip Wisconsin from red to blue.

These trend lines have made some GOP strategists ask why their party isnt doing more to reduce its Dane deficit (former Gov. Tommy Thompson has been outspoken on this point). In other words, are there things Republicans can do  campaign visits, get-out-the-vote efforts, time, attention, messaging  to try to lose it by a little less?

That appears to be the logic behind Trumps visit this week to Waunakee, followed by a visit to very blue Milwaukee the same day.

As blue as it is, the village of Waunakee is actually one of the less lopsided communities in Dane. Trump lost it by 28 points in 2020  about half his losing margin countywide.

But recent trend lines make it clear how big the challenge is for Trump in that part of the state.

Dane not only historically has a very liberal political culture, but demographic trends are reinforcing that. It has among the highest education levels in the state, and college graduates have been trending away from the GOP nationally. Vice President Kamala Harris rallied a crowd of more than 10,000 at Madison's Alliant Energy Center less than two weeks ago.

More: Both vice presidential candidates are from the Great Lakes. What will that mean for the region?

Trumps brand of Republicanism has also been a poor fit for the capital city and university hub of Madison and its suburbs.

After losing Dane by 47 points in 2016, Trump lost it by almost 53 points in 2020.

And the broader trend of growing Democratic vote margins in Dane has been happening with great predictability across different election cycles and across races for different offices, a pattern that predates Trump but has been very pronounced in the Trump era.

In contests for governor, Republicans lost Dane by about 81,000 votes in 2010, by about 102,000 in 2014, by about 151,000 in 2018 and by about 174,000 in 2022.

Republican U.S. Sen. Ron Johnson lost Dane by 88,000 votes in 2010, by 140,000 in 2016 and by almost 164,000 in 2022.

Even in nonpartisan, April elections for state Supreme Court, the trend line is the same. The winning margins for liberal court candidates have grown over the past two decades from 30,000 or 40,000, to 80,000 or 90,000, to more than 150,000 votes in the last big judicial contest in 2023. That is bigger than Trumps losing presidential margin in the county eight years ago.

Unless this trajectory suddenly changes, Trump will lose an even more populous Dane County by even more votes than he did in 2020 (and Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris will do even better in Dane than Biden did four years ago).

But at the same time, there will no doubt be other places in Wisconsin that Trump wins by bigger margins than he did last time.

For both sides, a vote gained in red Wisconsin is the same as a vote gained in blue Wisconsin.

That leaves Republicans with just as much incentive to curb their losses in Madison and its increasingly blue suburbs as Democrats have to slow their decline in the increasingly red small towns of rural Wisconsin.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Gilbert: Donald Trump campaigning in liberal Dane County? Here's why
Gillibrand vs. Sapraicone: The Race for US Senate forum

NEW YORK (PIX11)  Democratic Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand and Republican candidate Mike Sapraicone faced off in a Senate forum that aired on PIX11 News Tuesday night.

The Senate candidates discussed the economy, immigration, abortion, presidential candidates, and more with PIX11 News anchor Dan Mannarino.

New NY poll shows Gillibrand leading, Hochul approval sagging

PIX11 News politics reporter Henry Rosoff and political analyst J.C. Polanco joined Mannarino for a roundtable discussion on some of the most pressing issues for American voters.

New York Votes: Race for U.S. Senate is airing on PIX11 News, online and on PIX11+ tonight at 7 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
WARNING: This story contains disturbing details about residential and boarding schools. If you are feeling triggered, here is a resource list for trauma responses from the National Native American Boarding School Healing Coalition in the U.S. In Canada, the National Indian Residential School Crisis Hotline can be reached at 1-866-925-4419.

Felix Clary

ICT + Tulsa World

TULSA, Okla.  The remains of a Carlisle Indian Industrial School student who died at the age of 15 was recently returned to the Wichita Nation in Anadarko, Oklahoma, part of the tribes homeland.

We were not removed from here, so we are truly bringing our children back home. Their ancestors' blood was in this land. Its monumental, said Tasha R. Mousseau, vice president of the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes, which are based in Anadarko.

Mousseau said it feels like the tribes are living in an Indigenous renaissance.

Were getting our land back, our culture back, our languages back, and these, these are our children were getting back.

Related: Home from Carlisle: A fathers wish fulfilled after more than 130 years

Wichita tribal leaders went to Pennsylvania this month to retrieve the remains of Kate Ross, as well as another Wichita Nation child who died at the school, Alfred Charko. The remains in Alfreds grave were not able to be identified as belonging to him, so only Kates remains were able to be returned to Oklahoma.

Its a painstaking process and takes a lot of time. There could be something different than expected in the grave as far as gender, age, or the remains could be missing, said Mousseau, who believes this could be due to a lack of oversight and care the school took in laying the children to rest.

Kate arrived at the school Oct. 27, 1879. Three years later, her cause of discharge was listed as died on Jan. 10, 1882. Alfred also died at age 15 on Dec. 16, 1882, only four months after arriving at the school.

The remains of Kate Ross, also known as Kate Rosskidwits, was buried in the cemetery at the Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania more than 140 years ago, but was finally returned home to the Wichita and Affiliated Tribes in Anadarko, Oklahoma, in September 2024. Kate arrived at the school on Oct. 27, 1879, and died three years later on Jan. 10, 1882. Her headstone was photographed in April 2024. (Photo by Charles Fox, special to ICT)

We know that the amazing team at Carlisle will continue to look for our relative and return him to our people one day, said the Wichita and Affiliated tribes in a statement about Alfred.

The Wichita and Affiliated Tribes held an all-night wake for Kate on Friday, Sept. 20. Mousseau said community members planned to take turns sitting beside her to not leave her alone, as she had to be alone at Carlisle for three years and alone in her grave for nearly 142.

The tribe hosted a private burial ceremony and a celebration of life on Saturday, Sept. 21, at its community center in Anadarko.

According to Mousseau, confirmed descendants of Kate and Alfred cannot be found, as the tribes census records do not date back far enough. She also said the Wichita Nation has fewer than 4,000 tribal members.

A tribe as small as we are, were essentially all related, said Mousseau. We can only go to the 1895 censuses, we dont know the descendants that we would need to in that respective time frame.

Related: 'I'm home after all these years'

From 1880-1910, the United States operated Native American boarding schools as part of an assimilation initiative. Carlisle Indian Industrial School in Pennsylvania is considered the most well-known boarding school and one of the most strict in its treatment of its students. Neglect and physical abuse were rampant there and often led to the death of students.

The U.S. Interior Department has released investigative reports that uncover the truth behind this dark history. The reports offer resolutions to promote healing for the school survivors and their descendants. One of those resolutions is to find the students who died at the school and return their remains to their tribes.

The U.S. Office of Army Cemeteries began its annual process in September of disinterring, identifying and returning the remains of Carlisle students to their tribes. At least three of the students discovered were children from Oklahoma tribes, Kate, Alfred and a Seminole child named Albert Mekko.

Albert arrived at Carlisle in 1879 at age 17 and died two years later. The Army said that plans to return Albert to the Seminole Nation are set for later this fall.

This story is co-published by the Tulsa World and ICT, a news partnership that covers Indigenous communities in the Oklahoma area.

Our stories are worth telling. Our stories are worth sharing. Our stories are worth your support. Contribute $5 or $10 today to help ICT carry out its critical mission. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
Helene sent homes into trees, washed roads away, and left businesses with nothing. Still, many are finding reasons for hope.

On Tuesday, Channel 9s Evan Donovan trekked into the Fairview community southeast of Asheville. Along Cane Creek Road, it was clear how high the water from Cane Creek had risen, surpassing barriers that were in place on Tuesday.

SPECIAL SECTION: Tropical Storm Helene

Among the debris left behind were a propane tank in the water, a truck, and a shipping container  and that was just one part of the creek.

Guy Hartman is a Charlotte native who said hes worked disaster recovery for multiple hurricanes. Hes lived in the mountains since 1989.

Ive seen a lot of real bad damage, he told Donovan.

He said some of the devastation from Helene rivals Katrina.

Just to see the amount of water  I mean its 30 to 35 feet, and the riverbed washed out cars, trucks, houses, Hartman said.

Low-lying areas of Fairview were demolished. Donovan saw parts of homes in the tree line. The creek itself cut a new path in some places, leaving parts of Cane Creek Road falling apart.

Donovan saw fridges in the water and massive trees that had been uprooted and carried by floodwaters to the middle of a field.

Wiped out: Hundreds left homeless after historic flooding in Asheville

My house aint too bad, but this got bad and ruined our whole business, said Dallas Ingle, who works for Lytle Construction.

Ingle said the creek wiped out their equipment.

Yeah, all of our tools and stuff we use in the basement is gone, he said.

Lytles co-owner also runs Rust & Found, an antique shop in Fairview. The water line at the store is at least 5 feet high, and many of the items are now trash.

Donovan saw people waiting in gas lines who said theyd been waiting 30 to 45 minutes.

Many in Fairview are encouraged that supplies are coming in, both through official channels and by way of volunteers. Donovan even saw some military helicopters flying in and out at one point, ticking over into a new phase in helping people recover.

It grabbed me. Helps here! Hartman said. Knowing thats how things are going to get better. And they are.

(WATCH BELOW: Chopper 9 flies over Helenes damage in Charlotte, western NC)




Former President Trump attends a campaign event in Wisconsin on Saturday. In calling Kamala Harris "mentally disabled" and immigrants "animals," he may be trying to motivate an often-overlooked segment of the electorate. (Charlie Neibergall / Associated Press)

Last weekend, Donald Trump delivered what even he admitted was a dark speech.

Beyond the usual nonsense about America ceasing to exist if he loses, he called immigrants here illegally vile animals and monsters who will walk into your kitchen, they'll cut your throat. The supposed enemy of censorship said that the media, including Fox News, shouldnt be allowed to cover Kamala Harris speech on immigration. He called Harris mentally disabled. And he mused that if police were allowed an hour of real rough, nasty, unrestrained violence against shoplifters, the problem would go away.

As strange as it sounds, Trumps increasingly repugnant rhetoric is an effort to win over undecided voters.

Read more: Goldberg: Why the next president  whether it's Donald Trump or Kamala Harris  won't have a mandate

This might seem like an odd thing to say given that pundits (including me) have said the presidential race is extremely close and that few undecided voters remain  and given that such voters are usually thought of as moderates who dislike extremist politics. Thats true. But theres a difference between people who have decided to vote but arent sure for whom, and those who know which candidate they support but havent decided whether to vote at all.

Its like the difference between a film buff who will definitely go to the movies this weekend but isnt sure what to see, and someone who is interested in one movie but isnt sure its worth the effort to go to the theater. Why not just wait for it to show up on Netflix?

It turns out that there are a lot more wait-for-Netflix voters than indecisive-film-buff voters.

Read more: Goldberg: This is the problem with former Republican Rep. Liz Cheney's endorsement of Kamala Harris

Ron Brownstein wrote an illuminating exploration of all this for the Atlantic. Among campaign professionals, people who have to be convinced that they should back a specific candidate are called persuadable voters. Those who have to be motivated to vote at all are called irregular voters.

Trumps apocalyptic rhetoric probably turns off most persuadable voters. But it may be just the ticket to move a subgroup of irregular voters.

Plenty of decent, knowledgeable people decline to vote regularly for various reasons, but most of the irregulars  especially those whom Trump and his boosters are hoping to motivate  are low-information voters. Most of what they hear about politics comes from social media influencers such as Tucker Carlson and Candace Owens.

If youre not normally inclined to vote, policy differences arent going to motivate you to do so. But being told Americas very existence depends on it might.

Thats precisely what Elon Musk, the owner of X (formerly Twitter) and prominent Trump supporter, told his 200 million followers on Saturday. Very few Americans realize that, if Trump is NOT elected, this will be the last election, Musk wrote. Far from being a threat to democracy, he is the only way to save it!

Now, I think this is dangerous nonsense. But if you didnt know that, it would be a pretty compelling reason to vote.

As Brownstein notes, the media are fairly obsessed with voters who swing from one party to another. Weve seen countless focus groups and interviews with such people. But theyre a tiny fraction of potential voters compared with those who dont normally vote at all.

Even in 2020, the highest-turnout national election in more than a century, a third of eligible voters  about 80 million people  stayed home. All else being equal, if Trump or Harris could disproportionately turn out even a tenth of such people, it would be enough for a landslide.

I dont have a lot of respect or admiration for the sort of low-information voters who have to be duped into voting with apocalyptic and demonizing bilge. But I have greater contempt for the voters and especially the leaders who condone the strategy even though they know better. Lets call them the normies.

Trumps normie defenders in elected office and the media dismiss his irresponsible rhetoric and conspiracy theories as an unfortunate distraction. The closest they get to criticizing him for it is to say he should stick to the issues. But many contort themselves into suggesting that Trump has valid points.

As a result, Trump can take normie voters and politicians for granted because theyre cheap dates who will support him no matter what. This empowers him to expand his coalition to people motivated by his celebrations of bigotry, crudeness and violence.

The normies make up the majority of the electorate because they vote reliably. And because Trump can rely on so many of them to vote for him no matter what he says, its the normies who could make Trumps grotesquerie a winning strategy.

@JonahDispatch

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM / ACCESSWIRE / October 1, 2024 / Orosur Mining Inc. ("Orosur" or "the Company") (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI) announces its audited results for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2024. All dollar figures are stated in thousands of US$ unless otherwise noted. The audited financial statements of the Company for the year ended May 31, 2024; the related management's discussion and analysis ("MD&A"); and Forms 52-109FV1 will be filed today and be available for review on the SEDAR+ website at www.sedarplus.ca. The financial statements and the MD&A are also available on the Company's website at www.orosur.ca.

A link to the PDF version of the financial statements is available here:

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/3454G_2-2024-9-30.pdf

A link to the PDF version of the MD&A is available here:

http://www.rns-pdf.londonstockexchange.com/rns/3454G_1-2024-9-30.pdf

HIGHLIGHTS

In Colombia, during the earlier part of the financial year, and whilst discussions were continuing on the involvement of Monte Aguila in the Anza Project ("Anza Project"), some limited activities did take place including mapping and surface sampling; advancing the integration of smaller licences and the promotion of relationships with local community groups to strengthen the social licence to operate the Anza Project.

Post the financial year end, on September 10, 2024, the Company entered into a sale and purchase agreement ("SPA") to acquire MMA, thereby reassuming 100% of the Company's flagship Anza Project in Colombia. Under the SPA, Orosur's wholly owned Canadian subsidiary, Waymar Resources Ltd., will purchase all of the issued shares of MMA from wholly owned subsidiaries of Newmont and Agnico resulting in Orosur regaining 100% ownership of the Project (the "Acquisition"). No cash is payable up front, with all consideration deferred and wholly contingent upon commercial production from the Anza Project. The agreed consideration payable to Newmont and Agnico consists of a net smelter royalty of an aggregate amount of 1.5% on all future mineral production, plus a further royalty of an aggregate amount of US$75 per ounce of gold or gold equivalent ounce for the first 200,000 gold equivalent ounces of mineral production. Completion of the Acquisition is subject to customary conditions including the approval of the TSXV.

In Argentina, sampling and ground magnetic surveys recommenced after the winter recess in September 2023 with the plan of completing coverage of the highest priority parts of the project before more detailed work could be commenced with a view to defining drill targets.

Story continues

The teams returned early in 2024 and work was completed at the end of April 2024, with results compiled and assessed. Examination of these data have supported the Company's original thesis as to the prospectivity of El Pantano. A regional scale SE-NW trending rift system has been clearly mapped at El Pantano, approximately 20km in strike length and 6km in width; the same style and scale of structural architecture that is known to control the emplacement of major gold/silver deposits elsewhere in the massif. Swarms of quartz veins have been mapped over wide areas providing evidence of a highly active epithermal system. The Company is optimistic that it has identified a major, hitherto unknown low-sulphidation epithermal system, potentially similar in scale to that which produced the giant precious metal deposits at Cerro Negro, Cerro Vanguardia and others.

The objective of the next phase of work will be to focus down to areas within this rift system that may be the most attractive structural conduits for fluid flow and mineral deposition. Work programs may include more detailed geochemistry, electrical geophysics (resistivity and IP) and reconnaissance drilling. In the meantime, the Company has completed and submitted all the necessary environmental studies that are required as part of the Santa Cruz Province drilling permit process. Consideration of these reports and drilling approval was expected to take several months and it is thus anticipated the Company will have drilling permits later in calendar 2024.

In Nigeria, on October 16, 2023 the Company announced that it had signed a joint venture agreement over 4 licences in the Nigerian lithium belt ("Lithium Project"). The Company via a new 100% owned UK subsidiary, Lithium West Limited ("Lithium West"), may earn up to 70% equity in the Lithium Project in two phases: Phase 1 - Lithium West can earn 51% equity in the Lithium Project by spending a total of US$3million over a maximum of three years. Phase 2 - Lithium West can earn an additional 19% equity in the Lithium Project, up to a total of 70%, by spending an additional US$2million over a maximum of two years. Field work began immediately after signing of the JV with the first results released at the end of November 2023.

On November 28th, 2023, the Company announced positive results from an initial mapping and sampling program that was carried out on the Lithium Project. Several hundred samples of various outcrops were taken, with approximately 70 then being analysed by way of XRF and LIBS for lithium content as well as a number of other pathfinder elements. Mapped pegmatite systems were noted over substantial strike lengths of several km's and of varying widths from sub-metre, to over 30m in one massive example. Numerous pegmatite samples returned high levels of lithium, with several over 2% LiO2. Also announced on that day was the acquisition of a further two new exploration licences in Nigeria taking the total area of prospective land under title to 533km2, representing one of the more dominant land positions in Nigeria.

In Brazil, on July 5, 2023, the Company announced that given the success of the regional stream sediment program performed across the Company's Ariquemes district, it had decided to move to the next phase which has targeted two prospects at Oriente Novo (in the east of the Company's tenements) and at Paraiso in the west and to the north of the Bom Futuro tin mine. Further exploration work was planned including sampling and assaying. In spite of the progress made in Brazil, as a result of a Company review to prioritise the use of its capital, a decision was taken to no longer pursue activity on its Brazilian project. Accordingly, on May 3rd, 2024, Orosur terminated its JV agreement with Meridian Mining UK Societas on the Ariquemes tin project.

Finally,in Uruguay, the Company's wholly owned subsidiary, Loryser, continues to focus its activities on the final stages of the Creditors Agreement. In line with the Creditors Agreement, Loryser has sold all of its assets. It has paid for the settlements with all of its former employees; it has finalised the reclamation and remediation works on the tailings dam and has successfully concluded a one-year post-closure control phase. Loryser is well advanced in distributing the proceeds to Loryser's trade creditors in accordance with the Creditors' Agreement, via a Court approved settlement agent.

Financial and Corporate

The audited consolidated financial statements have been prepared on a going concern basis under the historical cost method except for certain financial assets and liabilities which are accounted for as Assets and Liabilities held for sale (at the lower of book value or fair value) and Profit and Loss from discontinuing operations. This accounting treatment has been applied to the activities in Uruguay and Chile.

At the Company's AGM, held on December 19, 2023, all resolutions put to shareholders were duly passed including approval of the Company's new equity incentive plan pursuant to which the Company may grant stock options, restricted share units, and deferred share units to the officers, directors, employees and consultants of the Company and its subsidiaries. The new equity incentive plan replaces the Company's prior stock option plan and should reduce dilution to shareholders and be more fiscally efficient for some of the participants.

On February 15, 2024, the Company announced that it had raised the sum of 500,000 (before expenses) through a placing of 16,949,152 new common shares of no par value at a price of 2.95 pence per share, together with a grant of one unlisted 2 year warrant to purchase one additional common share exercisable at US$0.0558 (approximately 4.425 pence) for every share subscribed for. As part of their fee,1,694,915 unlisted 5 year warrants were granted to the Company's broker, exercisable at US$0.0372 (approximately 2.95 pence) for every share subscribed for.

On September 30, 2024 the Company announced that it had raised the sum of 835,000 (before expenses) through a placing of 30,035,971 new common shares of no par value at a price of 2.78 pence per share, together with a grant of one unlisted 2 year warrant to purchase one additional share exercisable at US$0.0494 (approximately 3.697p) for every two shares subscribed for. As part of their fee,3,003,597 unlisted 5 year warrants were granted to the Company's broker, exercisable at US$0.03715 (approximately 2.78 pence) for every share subscribed for. Completion of the placing is subject, amongst other things, to admission of the New Common Shares to trading on AIM.

On May 31, 2024, the Company had a cash balance of $1,328,000 (May 31, 2023 - $3,748,000). As at the date of this MD&A the Company had a cash balance of $500,000 before the receipt of the proceeds of $1,119,000 (before expenses) raised in the private placement set out in the paragraph above.

Outlook and Strategy

Given the recent signing by the Company of the agreement to acquire MMA in Colombia and the encouraging results in Argentina, the Company will focus its investment in these areas. We will also advance our project in Nigeria, which has returned strong results, albeit at a slower pace whilst lithium prices continue to recover.

In Colombia, within the Anza Project, the Company is planning to recommence drilling at Pepas and to examine the potential of moving the APTA prospect to a maiden resource in the near term.

Consolidated Statements of Financial Position

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

As at May 31, 2024 $ As at May 31, 2023 $ ASSETS Current assets Cash 1,328 3,748 Restricted cash 12 12 Accounts receivable and other assets 279 219 Assets held for sale in Uruguay 226 898 Total current assets 1,845 4,968 Non-current assets Property and equipment 202 123 Exploration and evaluation assets 3,343 3,334 Total assets 5,390 8,425 LIABILITIES AND EQUITY Current liabilities Accounts payable and accrued liabilities 446 336 Liability of Chile discontinued operation 2,376 2,204 Liabilities held for sale in Uruguay 11,208 12,546 Total current liabilities 14,029 15,086 Deficit Share capital 69,529 69,341 Share-based payments reserve 10,538 10,539 Warrants 302 - Currency translation reserve (1,808 ) (2,725 ) Accumulated Deficit (87,194 ) (83,816 ) Total equity attributable to owners of the parent (8,633 ) (6,661 ) Non-controlling interest (6 ) - Total equity (8,639 ) (6,661 ) Total liabilities and equity 5,390 8,425

Consolidated Statements of Loss and Comprehensive Loss

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

(Except common shares and per share amounts)

Year Ended May 31, 2023 $ Year Ended May 31, 2023 $ Corporate and administrative expenses (2,030 ) (1,869 ) Exploration expenses (105 ) (141 ) Impairment of assets (1,841 ) - Other income 40 21 Net finance cost (17 ) (16 ) Gain on fair value of warrants - 168 Foreign exchange gain net 172 94 Net loss for the year for continuing operations (3,781 ) (1,743 ) Income (loss) from discontinued operations 403 (44 ) Net loss for the year (1,787 ) (1,787 ) Item which may be subsequently reclassified to profit or loss: Cumulative translation adjustment 917 (600 ) Total comprehensive loss for the year (2,461 ) (2,387 ) Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for - continuing operations (0.00 ) (0.01 ) - discontinued operations 0.00 (0.00 ) Weighted average number of common shares outstanding 193,212 188,548

Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

(Expressed in thousands of United States dollars)

Year Ended May 31, 2024 $ Year Ended May 31, 2023 $ Operating activities Net loss for the year for continued and discontinued operations (3,378 ) (1,787 ) Adjustments for Depreciation / Write downs 17 (10 ) Impairment of assets 1,841 - Payments for environmental rehabilitation - (269 ) NRV write-down in inventories - 326 Gain on fair value of warrants - (168 ) Accretion of asset retirement obligation (19 ) (753 ) Gain on sale of property, plant and equipment - (128 ) Foreign exchange and other 153 (133 ) Changes in non-cash working capital items: Accounts receivable and other assets 803 (828 ) Accounts payable and accrued liabilities (1,160 ) 685 Net cash used in operating activities (1,743 ) (3,065 ) Investing activities Decrease in restricted cash - 342 Proceeds received for sale of property, plant and equipment - 734 Purchase of property and equipment (79 ) (31 ) Proceeds received from exploration and option agreement - 2,246 Exploration and evaluation expenditures (1,056 ) (734 ) Net cash (used in) provided by investing activities (1,135 ) 2,557 Financing activities Proceeds from issue of common shares, net of shares issuance cost 486 - Proceeds from exercise of options 3 2 Net cash provided by financing activities 489 2 Net change in cash (2,389 ) (506 ) Net change in cash classified within assets held for sale (31 ) 33 Cash, beginning of year 3,748 4,221 Cash end of year 1,328 3,748 Operating activities - continuing operations (1,773 ) (2,298 ) - discontinued operations 30 (767 ) Investing activities - continuing operations (1,135 ) 1,823 - discontinued operations - 734 Financing activities - continuing operations 488 2 - discontinued operations 1 - Supplemental information Interest paid (received) - - Income taxes paid (recovered) - - Non cash investing and financing activities - -

For further information, visitwww.orosur.ca, follow on X @orosurm or please contact:

Orosur Mining Inc

Louis Castro, Chairman,

Brad George, CEO

info@orosur.ca

Tel: +1 (778) 373-0100

SP Angel Corporate Finance LLP - Nomad & Broker

Jeff Keating / Caroline Rowe

Tel: +44 (0) 20 3 470 0470

Turner Pope Investments (TPI) Ltd - Joint Broker

Andy Thacker/James Pope

Tel: +44 (0)20 3657 0050

Flagstaff Communications

Tim Thompson

Mark Edwards

Fergus Mellon

orosur@flagstaffcomms.com Tel: +44 (0)207 129 1474

The information contained within this announcement is deemed by the Company to constitute inside information as stipulated under the Market Abuse Regulations (EU) No. 596/2014 ('MAR') which has been incorporated into UK law by the European Union (Withdrawal) Act 2018. Upon the publication of this announcement via Regulatory Information Service ('RIS'), this inside information is now considered to be in the public domain.

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.

About Orosur Mining Inc.

Orosur Mining Inc. (TSXV:OMI)(AIM:OMI) is a minerals explorer and developer currently operating in Colombia, Argentina and Nigeria.

Forward Looking Statements

All statements, other than statements of historical fact, contained in this news release constitute "forward looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including but not limited to the "safe harbour" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and are based on expectations estimates and projections as of the date of this news release.

Forward-looking statements include, without limitation, completion of the Acquisition, approval of the TSXV of the acquisition, Orosur becoming operator of the Anza Project, the expected focus on the Pepas prospect, the exploration plans in Colombia and the funding of those plans, and other events or conditions that may occur in the future. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate. Actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to significant risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, obtaining conditional approval of the TSXV and meeting other conditions to closing the Acquisition, timing of closing of the Acquisition and those as described in Section "Risks Factors" of the Company's MD&A for the year ended May 31, 2023. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events and such forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable law. The Company's continuance as a going concern is dependent upon its ability to obtain adequate financing, and to reach a satisfactory closure of the Creditors Agreement in Uruguay. These material uncertainties may cast significant doubt upon the Company's ability to realize its assets and discharge its liabilities in the normal course of business and accordingly the appropriateness of the use of accounting principles applicable to a going concern

This information is provided by RNS, the news service of the London Stock Exchange. RNS is approved by the Financial Conduct Authority to act as a Primary Information Provider in the United Kingdom. Terms and conditions relating to the use and distribution of this information may apply. For further information, please contact rns@lseg.com or visit www.rns.com.

SOURCE: Orosur Mining Inc.
Washington State Capitol (Jerry Cornfield/Washington State Standard)

In the first-ever collective bargaining for legislative employees in Washington, Republican staff in the state House and Senate got contracts but their Democratic counterparts did not.

Legislative assistants in the GOP caucuses unanimously approved two-year agreements with pay hikes of 3% on July 1, 2025 and 2% a year later, the same amount offered to other state employee unions.

But Democratic caucus employees in the two chambers rejected proposed contracts, a stinging disappointment as some fought for the 2022 law that cleared the way for them to unionize and negotiate terms and conditions for the workplace.

Im pretty frustrated. We want a contract but we want a good contract, Josie Ellison, a communications specialist with the House Democratic Caucus, said Tuesday. They served on the bargaining team.

In separate votes, legislative assistants, policy analysts and communications staff in the House Democratic Caucus and legislative assistants in the Senate Democratic Caucus turned down the agreements. The Washington Public Employees Association represented both units.

When members passed this bill I think they did so with the intention that wed make some progress here, Ellison said, referring to the work environment. I do think (the vote) sends a pretty strong message that the status quo is unacceptable.

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Agreement couldnt be reached on issues such as telework during legislative sessions, an increase in relocation stipends and adding a third party arbiter to the grievance process, union members said.

Jeremy Knapp, an executive legislative assistant with the Senate Democratic Caucus and member of the bargaining team, said Tuesday that the outcome is definitely disappointing.

We wanted some changes. Thats what we thought the law was supposed to do. For the most part the contract they pitched is status quo and that is frustrating, he said. We know were at-will (employees). We want a few protections put in.

Republican legislative assistants, who were represented by the Legislative Professionals Association, did not share the same misgiving about the content of their agreements

Public sector union bargaining has the negative aspect that we as employees are supposed to be combative to seek the self interest of a few often against the interests of those who receive services and those who pay taxes, Jami Lund, president of the association said in an email. But on the bright side, its great to have open conversations with our employers about what we need to do our jobs well.

Uncharted territory

We are making some small improvements in the areas which are important to us as professionals, like the tools and training to help us serve our districts, he wrote.

Under Washingtons law, employees of the Democratic and Republican caucuses in each chamber had to be in separate units unless a majority of each caucus voted to be in the same unit. All four units could, and did, negotiate collectively on economic issues, like wages and benefits, with the employers, which are the chief clerk of the House and secretary of the Senate.

We worked hard to bargain in good faith to reach a first agreement in a very short period of time, Chief Clerk of the House Bernard Dean wrote in an email Tuesday. We feel the agreements were responsive to many of our employees needs and were disappointed that our tentative agreement with the WPEA was not ratified.

Secretary of the Senate Sarah Bannister said she was thrilled to learn the Legislative Professionals Association ratified its contract.

Unfortunately, the agreement with WPEA was not. Despite this setback, we remain committed to reaching an agreement and will continue to bargain, she said.

It is not clear what happens next since this is the first time through the process.

Under the collective bargaining law, legislative units needed to submit a ratified contract by Oct. 1 to be considered for funding by the governor in the next two-year budget, which Gov. Jay Inslee will propose in December.

If an agreement is not reached, any party in the negotiations can seek mediation through the Public Employees Relation Commission, according to the law.

Dean said the parties are in uncharted territory and are still reviewing our options.

Our bargaining obligation continues and we hope to have a completed proposal to meet the next October deadline, he said. We know that it often takes time to get a first agreement and will continue to work towards that bargaining in good faith.

Knapp and Ellison both said their co-workers want to keep talking too.

We plan to go back to the bargaining table, Knapp said. We want a contract.

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TN Gov. Bill Lee doubles down on requests for federal assistance after Helene floods

Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee is asking President Joe Biden to expedite federal funds for Hurricane Helene relief. Expedited funding already has been approved in Florida, North Carolina and South Carolina, but not the flood-ravaged counties in East Tennessee.

Lee declared a State of Emergency in Tennessee Sept. 27, and requested funds and assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency. The declarations allow aid workers and officials to bypass certain bureaucratic regulations to provide support to impacted areas.

Lee wrote again to Biden Sept. 30 to request even more assistance, faster. He specifically mentioned Carter, Johnson, and Unicoi counties. The governor is expected survey the damage in Unicoi County midday today.

The federal government has intervened in some ways. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Secretary Xavier Becerra today declared a Public Health Emergency for South Carolina and Tennessee to address the health impacts of Hurricane Helene. The agency is sending 200 health experts to assess hospitals, nursing homes and medical centers.

The teams bring in equipment and supplies.

 Get critical weather alerts via text: Sign up for updates by location you'll get even if you lose internet

Six deaths have been confirmed deaths in East Tennessee. Three bodies were found near the town of Erwin in Unicoi County, where employees of Impact Plastic clung for their lives atop a semi truck while flood waters rushed in.

That's the site of a daring rooftop rescue at Unicoi County Hospital.

Lee, also on Sept. 30, empowered the Tennessee Department of Transportation Secretary to seek emergency contracts to repair state and local bridges and roads.

Floods forced the closure 14 state bridges on state routes, and five of those are "completely gone," TDOT Deputy Commissioner Will Reid said during a news conference Sept. 30. That means the bridges are beyond repair. They must be completely rebuilt to reconnect communities.

Officials and rescue crews are working to get supplies to those separated from the rest of their communities. In Unicoi, that looks like off-road vehicles driving to remote areas with supplies and information.

TEMA reported approximately 9,600 power outages across the state midday Sept. 30, and several counties reported problems due to flooding at wastewater treatment plants and drinking water facilities.

Allie Feinberg reports on politics for Knox News. Email her: allie.feinberg@knoxnews.com and follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @alliefeinberg

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: TN Gov. Bill Lee asks FEMA to expedite federal help amid Helene floods
RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  As officials work to provide aid to western North Carolina in the devastating aftermath of Hurricane Helene, Gov. Roy Coopers office has provided updates Monday afternoon for recovery efforts, including people rescued, fatalities, power outages and more.

Agencies are stepping up recovery services in collaboration with federal and local partners across North Carolina. These operations are in progress to provide food, water and critical supplies to affected areas.

Hurricane Helene has caused unprecedented devastation across Western North Carolina and we are leading an unprecedented response to surge food, water and needed supplies into these communities, said Cooper in a release. This will be a long and difficult recovery and we must use every state, local and federal resource at our disposal to save lives, restore communications, and begin critical repairs to roads and infrastructure.

How to donate and assist Helene victims and survivors across the Carolinas

Search and Rescue

Cooper has activated more than 400 National Guard personnel. Search-and-rescue teams, including 18 from other states with a total of 27 teams, plus 18 federal teams, have rescued more than 500 people with 422 of those rescued by the N.C. National Guard (NCNG.) Forty-two were critically injured; four were infants and they rescued 64 animals. The NCNG has also delivered 306 pallets of water and 230 pallets of food since the storm started.

Feeding Sites

Efforts are underway to provide food, water and basic necessities to residents in affected communities, utilizing both ground resources and air drops from the NCNG. FEMA has delivered about 1 million liters of water and more than 600,000 meals to North Carolina. Feeding sites have been established at the following locations:

Buncombe County  Biltmore Baptist Church, Arden

McDowell County  Grace Community Church, Marion

Watauga County  First Baptist Church, Boone

Local governments may be able to provide additional information on feeding sites established in local communities.

Shelters

Twenty-nine shelters have been opened in affected areas, housing a total of 1,107 people.

A list of shelters can be found at www.readync.gov.

Major Disaster Declaration and FEMA Assistance

President Joe Biden approved Coopers request for an expedited request declaring a Major Disaster for 25 North Carolina counties and the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians. More than 5,000 households have contacted FEMA to apply for assistance by phone and online.

FEMA may be able to help with serious needs, displacement, temporary lodging, basic home repair costs, personal property loss or other disaster-caused needs.

Additional information regarding these resources can be found at: www.disasterassistance.gov; EMA helpline: 1-800-621-3362.

Fatalities

Thirty-four storm-related deaths have been confirmed in North Carolina, and dozens of people have been reported missing.

There are significant reports of storm-related fatalities.

First responders have received hundreds of calls for rescue and more than 1,000 requests for welfare checks.

Biden approves Disaster Declaration for 25 NC counties

Power Outages

Across the region, more than 450,000 customers remain without power, down from a peak of more than one million.

Road Closures

Travel remains dangerous, as more than 400 roads remain closed. N.C. Department of Transportation is still asking people to refrain from unnecessary travel to or in western North Carolina. First responders also want to keep the roads as clear as possible to help ensure they may carry out all response missions.

Cellphone Provider Coverage

Cellphone providers are working to fix the damage and coverage issues caused by the storm and get stopgap solutions in place and rapid progress is being made.

Missing Persons

To report a missing person or request non-emergency support, call NC 211 or 1-888-892-1162 if calling from out-of-state.

Storm Damage Cleanup

If your home has damages and you need assistance with clean up, please call Crisis Cleanup for access to volunteer organizations that can assist you at 844-965-1386.

Volunteers and Donations

If you would like to donate to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund, visit nc.gov/donate.

If you are seeking information on volunteer opportunities, visit nc.gov/working/volunteer-opportunities/volunteernc.



If you are seeking information on resources for recovery help for a resident impacted from the storm, email IArecovery@ncdps.gov.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, said the House and Senate endorsements by Gov. Laura Kelly's PAC highlight policies not in step with political sensibilities of most Kansans. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, said the House and Senate endorsements by Gov. Laura Kelly's PAC highlight policies not in step with political sensibilities of most Kansans. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Gov. Laura Kellys political action committee endorsed about 80 Democratic candidates for the House and Senate on Tuesday as Republicans took the opportunity to push back against maneuvering by Democrats to break the GOPs veto-proof supermajorities in both chambers.

The Middle of the Road PAC, which raised about $1 million and carried a name linked to Kellys campaign pledge to lead from the middle, said the 65 House candidates and 16 Senate candidates on the latest endorsement list were moderate, middle-of-the-road leaders who are laser-focused on common-sense policies that improve the lives of all Kansans.

Kansans want leaders who will put politics aside and do whats in the best interest of the people they represent  like funding our schools, responsibly cutting taxes and stopping divisive legislation that harms Kansans, Kelly said.

The Democratic governor said individuals endorsed by her PAC were qualified to serve in the Legislature and committed to placing partisan politics aside to do right by Kansas families.

Kelly said the latest installment of endorsements incorporated preferences made public before the August primary election. In July, she recommended four candidates. The governor chose not to endorse all Democrats who placed their name on August and November ballots in legislative contests.

House Majority Leader Chris Croft, R-Overland Park, said the PACs endorsements authorized by Kelly reflected a Democratic Party that was out of touch with mainstream Kansans.

In a statement, he said Democrats were incapable of fixing federal tax and economic issues tied to policies of President Joe Biden.

Sadly, these endorsements further prove that bipartisanship is nothing more than a bumper sticker to them, Croft said.

Rep. Avery Anderson, a Newton Republican and chairman of the Republican House Campaign Committee, said candidates endorsed by Kelly were super liberals. He said at least some candidates backed by Kelly supported renewable energy provisions of the Green New Deal, expansion of Medicare eligibility and, without evidence, defunding the police.

The campaign committees statement indicated the House GOP would roll out negative details about Democratic candidates closer to the Nov. 5 election.

The outcome of contested legislative races will determine whether Kelly no longer had to deal with the two-thirds majorities held by Republicans in the House and Senate. Currently, the GOP has votes to override vetoes by Kelly strictly on partisan lines. If Democrats pick up a couple seats in the House and several in the Senate it would strengthen the governors hand during her final two years in office.

In Kansas, Oct. 15 is the deadline to register to vote in the November general election. Advance voting starts Oct. 16, and in-person advance voting ends at noon Nov. 4. The final day to request a mail ballot is Oct. 29.

Correction: Rep. Avery Anderson is a Newton Republican. An earlier version of this story identified him with the wrong town.
Ukraine has officially launched the process of certifying private schools that will train UAV operators to provide military units with professional staff.

Source: Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine; Mykhailo Fedorov, Minister of Digital Transformation of Ukraine

Quote from Fedorov: "The need for professional drone operators is constantly growing. There is a demand for this profession in military units, so we need educational institutions that will provide quality knowledge."

Details: Fedorov noted that since the beginning of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, dozens of private training centres have been operating in the country, but there was no systematic regulation of their activities.

The new government decree stipulates that private schools will be able to receive official certificates, and their graduates, after successfully passing exams, will be eligible to work as drone operators in the Security and Defence Forces.

To obtain a licence, schools must meet a number of requirements, including:

training in the operation or manufacture of drones;

at least three drones for training and certification at their disposal;

training programmes for training pilots on these devices;

hiring more than three certified instructors to provide training.

Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that certification would make it easier for trained drone operators to obtain a relevant military occupational speciality.

Background: Ukrainian Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal noted that by the end of the year, Ukraine will have produced a total of 1.5 million drones. Shmyhal added that Ukraine was working with partner nations every day to increase arms supplies and strengthen the development of its own defence industry.

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NEW YORK (PIX11)  Governor Kathy Hochul has promised jobs and opportunities for businesses seeking work and contracts with the MTA, but the future of billions of dollars worth of capital plans is still uncertain.

The MTA held an event Monday to promote opportunities for minority and women-owned businesses.

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New York awards a percentage of contracts to firms that meet ownership requirements.

More capital improvement projects add more potential work to the pipeline for the city, state, and region.

Its good for the resume and experience, said Penelope Figuereo, a director with a construction company.

Darren Hollins started a tech company based in Freeport, Long Island. It would be huge. I specialize in IT consulting and project management. That would be a tremendous boost to my business.

Governor Hochul appeared at the event to welcome the contractors and speak about the importance of minority and women-owned businesses. The state reduced the amount of time it takes for firms to qualify for the status.

She finished on the topic of future big projects that still need funding from the state.

Were going to continue rebuilding with our next capital plan. Thats a commitment were making and another capital plan following the one were funding right now. We will have so many jobs and opportunities. Get the word out. Help us and start hiring more people to get ready, because the future for your company has arrived, the governor said.

New NY poll shows Gillibrand leading, Hochul approval sagging

The governor did not directly address how the state will fund about $15 billion in the current plan and $30 billion in the 2025-2029 plan.

MTA Chairman Janno Lieber said he spoke with the governor. I was thrilled she was here. Its an important signal. We know Albany has to do its thing which will happen next year and in April.

The governor paused congestion pricing in June saying it was not the right time to add a cost to drivers. The program was designed to help fund a major portion of the capital plan.

The governors office has repeated her commitment to transit and the MTA budget. Officials have said they will fight for state, local, and federal funding.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
GREENEVILLE, Tenn. (WJHL)  Drivers needing services in Greeneville will have to go elsewhere after severe weather.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security announced on Tuesday morning that the Greeneville Driver Services and Reinstatement Center at 1210 Hal Henard Road is temporarily closed.

Smashed by flood, church, Fenders Farm ponder future

While the driver services location remains closed, those needing assistance should visit other nearby locations.

The Tennessee Department of Safety and Homeland Security suggested drivers visit the Johnson City location at 717 Lake Park Drive or the Morristown site at 1551 East Morris Boulevard, Suite 2.

People can also access some services online.

A temporary driver services location was set up at the Unicoi Police Department to assist flood victims.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Starting Tuesday the City of Greenfield will offer free parking at the Olive Street parking garage during certain times of the day.

The top 10 taco spots in western Massachusetts

Parking will be free from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday, encouraging residents and visitors to dine at over 25 restaurants in downtown Greenfield.

Photo courtesy of the City of Greenfield

Mayor Virginia Ginny Desorgher and the Greenfield Community and Economic Development Department launched this initiative to bolster the citys vibrant business community as the fall tourism season approaches. The free lunch parking plan received support from the citys Parking and Traffic Commission, which voted in favor of the initiative on August 27.

Our downtown is a beautiful space that features a wealth of tremendous businesses, said Mayor Desorgher. Making our largest parking resource more accessible is a great way to support businesses as we approach the busy fall season.

Here is a breakdown of parking changes at the Olive Street Parking Garage:

Free Parking:

Monday through Friday, 11 a.m.  2 p.m.

Weekends

Parking on the fourth floor (weather permitting, typically open from April to November)

First-hour parking during paid periods

Hourly Paid Parking ($0.40/hour):

Monday through Friday, 8 a.m.  11 a.m.

Monday through Friday, 2 p.m.  5 p.m.

This change only applies to the Olive Street Parking Garage and does not affect the pricing at other municipal lots, including the City Hall Parking Lot, Legion Parking Lot, Chapman/Davis Parking Lot, Ames Street Parking Lot, and Miles Street Parking Lot. Paid parking in these locations remains in effect Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Greenville Co. officials hold news conference on Helene recovery

GREENVILLE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA)  Officials in Greenville County are expected to speak Tuesday afternoon to discuss Hurricane Helene recovery.

Greenville County Emergency Management, EMS, the Greenville County Sheriffs Office, and fire department officials are expected to speak at the news conference beginning at 2:30 p.m.

We will live stream the news conference in the video player above.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
Grief counselors have been made available to students at Lexingtons Frederick Douglass High School following the Sunday death of a teacher.

Principal Lester Diaz told families in a Sept. 29 email that teacher John Hershinow passed away.

Mr. Hershinow will be deeply missed throughout the Frederick Douglass High community, Diaz said.

Even though the district is on fall break this week, grief counselors were on the Douglass campus Monday.

Additional counselors from the district will continue to be available for as long as they are needed for support. We will also have counselors available on Monday, October 7 when we return from Fall Break, said the email.When talking with students, please ask them about their feelings and do not be afraid to share your feelings, too..

Diaz did not include a cause of death in his email.

Hershinow was a science teacher, according to the schools website.
Ricardo Delgado covers the Hill Country for the San Antonio Express-News. He can be reached at ricardo.delgado@express-news.net.

He previously worked for The University Star at Texas State University.
Patagonia in Ventura on Monday, Aug. 26, 2024.

The Ventura-based outdoor apparel company Patagonia is laying off 41 people, its second round of job cuts this year.

Patagonia announced the new round of layoffs on Monday, in a LinkedIn post by CEO Ryan Gellert. He wrote that the layoffs are part of some major internal changes that involve creating new positions and eliminating others.

Today, we are getting more right than wrong, but we arent meeting the high standards we set for ourselves, Gellert wrote. And while we remain profitable, we are vulnerable to the same economic headwinds many companies in our industry are facing.

Most of the new positions are being filled by existing Patagonia employees, Gellert wrote.

The jobs that are being eliminated come from all over the company, with the exception of the warehouse, retail and customer service departments, company spokesperson Corley Kenna said in an email interview. Some are in Ventura, some are remote jobs and some are based in Patagonias facilities in Reno, she said.

Patagonia has about 3,700 employees worldwide, including 800 in its Ventura headquarters.

More: Here's what to know about Ventura-based outdoor apparel company Patagonia

The company was founded in Ventura in 1973 by Yvon Chouinard, a legendary rock climber, entrepreneur, philanthropist and environmentalist. In 2022, Chouinard gave the company away, transferring ownership to a climate-focused nonprofit.

The current restructuring means Patagonia will reorient its teams around three functions, Kenna said, product, storytelling and impact.

The employees who are being laid off have already been notified through individual conversations, Gellert wrote. They will receive at least 22 weeks of severance pay  more for those with a long tenure at Patagonia  along with career transition assistance and help with paying their health insurance for the next year.

The new round of layoffs means Patagonia has reduced its employee count by about 3% this year.

In June, the company told 90 of its remote customer service workers they would lose their jobs unless they relocated to one of seven metropolitan areas to live and work near a Patagonia hub.

More than 80 of the 90 customer service workers did not relocate and were laid off, Kenna said.

Tony Biasotti is an investigative and watchdog reporter for the Ventura County Star. Reach him at tbiasotti@vcstar.com. This story was made possible by a grant from the Ventura County Community Foundation's Fund to Support Local Journalism.

This article originally appeared on Ventura County Star: Patagonia cuts 41 jobs in second round of layoffs this year
A sign near the entrance of Bull Mountains Mine No. 1 which is operated by Signal Peak Energy in Roundup, Montana (Photo by Darrell Ehrlick of the Daily Montanan).

Three environmental groups are suing the Montana Department of Environmental Quality for approving an expansion for the Bull Mountain Mine that would open up more land for coal mining, but which the groups say would continue to damage water supplies for ranchers, destroy cultural artifacts sacred to Native American tribes and contribute significantly to climate change.

The lawsuit was filed by attorneys for Earthjustice on behalf of the Bull Mountains Land Alliance, Northern Plains Resource Council and the Montana Environmental Information Center. The Bull Mountain Mine is located between Roundup and Billings and straddles the Yellowstone-Musselshell county line. The mine is approximately 30 miles north of Billings.

The lawsuit challenges an Aug. 1 decision by the Montana DEQ of approving a mine expansion that would add 12.7 million tons of coal to the existing permit. However, the groups say that the Bull Mountain Mine, and its corporate owners, Signal Peak Energy, have repeatedly ignored worker safety, pollution and devastating environmental impacts, including impacting groundwater that ranchers need for livestock. They also claim the DEQ did a lesser intensive environmental analysis instead of the more rigorous environmental impact statement in order to avoid more scrutiny by scientists and the public.

The lawsuit claims that burning the new portion of coal will lead to approximately 18 million metric tons of carbon dioxide being released.

The mine has been the subject of multiple scandals and investigations throughout the years, ranging from a faked kidnapping to bogus accident reports to allegations that the company is forcing ranchers off the land by failing to provide water after the mining disrupts the water supply.

The Bull Mountains Mine is an underground, long wall mining operation, which allows the mine roof to collapse or subside as the mining process advances, the lawsuit explains. The subsidence causes a splitting and depression of the surface land above the mining operation. Subsidence from the mine has dewatered springs and wells and caused extensive fracturing of the land.

Attorneys for the group point out that the Montana officials have also downplayed or not addressed the effects of climate change caused by the mine, which the U.S. Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in 2022 called deeply troubling.

Hydrology experts in the DEQs own material said that the mine may not be able to provide 6 gallons of water per minute that it will need to replenish water for agriculture because of the impact the mining will have on groundwater.

The mines cumulative impacts are draining and will continue to drain water from the Bull Mountains huge volumes (hundreds of gallons per minute) for decades, which the deep aquifer cannot support, the lawsuit said.

The groups have also pointed out that monitoring wells required by the government to gauge water in the area show that the deep aquifer which feeds the region has already shown declines in the past decades, despite relatively insignificant withdrawals.

In fact, DEQs response  admits water levels are already declining in the deep aquifer monitoring wells and that the agency does not know why, the lawsuit said. Thus, the record does not indicate that the already declining deep aquifer can support substantial additional withdrawals to mitigate the water that is being drained by the mine.

Tribal concerns

The groups raised concerns about the tribal connections to the area and some of the artifacts that have been found near or on the site. Tribes that have traditional ties to the Bull Mountains include the Crow, Blackfeet, Gros Ventre, Sioux, Northern Cheyenne, Assiniboine, Shoshone and Arapaho.

A new cultural survey of the land conducted in 2023 shows a prehistoric petroglyph, or rock art, of a V-neck warrior within the mine expansion area. Though the DEQ claims to be working with native groups, the lawsuit claims that the state agency did not consult with any of them.

DEQ failed to consult with all interested tribes, the lawsuit said. Inexplicably, DEQ failed to consult with the majority of the identified interest Tribes, including many of those that had previously expressed opposition to the mine.

Moreover, the lawsuit claims that the DEQ has been playing semantic games to try to side-step the issue.

DEQ failed to explain the inconsistency in stating that the area is somehow sacred but not unique, the lawsuit said.

Ranching concerns

The lawsuit also said that the Montana Department of Environmental Quality is actually helping to force ranchers off the property by failing to require the Bull Mountain Mine and its owners to provide adequate back-up water that is lost through the process of underground coal mining.

Plaintiffs note that Signal Peak itself has determined that remediation of damaged water resources is too expensive, inconvenient, and unsustainable, the lawsuit said.

They said that officials at the DEQ went along with the mines decision to reduce the amount of water replacement the mine had been giving.

Plaintiffs noted that DEQs decision to reduce Signal Peaks water replacement obligations without informing a local rancher caused a meaningful net-loss of usable water to the rancher, the lawsuit said.

In its filings, the groups said theyre concerned that if the DEQ doesnt uphold water rules that will cause Signal Peak to run any remaining ranchers off the land.

Under DEQs policy, if there are no ranchers in the Bull Mountains, Signal Peak has no reclamation obligations, the suit said.

Workplace safety

The lawsuit also pointed out the checkered past of Signal Peak and its management, which include a fake kidnapping, drug deals and even trips to the hospital with employees being bribed to take responsibility for an accident that happened at the mine.

The lawsuit characterized Signal Peaks ownership as a history of violating worker safety laws. Those violation include 122 accidents and more than 1,600 citations for mine safety violations.

The environmental groups are asking the Yellowstone County District Court to uphold the protections of the Montana Environmental Policy Act, and ordering the DEQ to prepare a full environmental impact statement, invalidating the previous environmental assessment.

bull-mtn.-montana-ea
ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  It has been 29 months since New Mexico opened legal recreational cannabis sales and since then, the state has recorded more than $1 billion in adult-use and medical sales. While state leaders have celebrated the billion dollar industry as a milestone for New Mexico, theres growing concern about the regulatory apparatus the state has tasked with monitoring thousands of licensed cannabis facilities.

In a recent investigation, KRQE News 13s Larry Barker exposed how New Mexicos Cannabis Control Division has only inspected roughly half of the more than 3,000 licensed facilities across. Barkers investigation also revealed how some of those licensees are blatantly violating the states cannabis rules and regulations.

How does this impact the states economy? What about health and safety concerns? Those questions and more are addressed in the full interview above.

This week on KRQEs New Mexico News Insiders, Investigative Reporter Larry Barker sits down with Chris McKee and Gabrielle Burkhart to discuss the results of his cannabis industry investigation. Leader of the largest licensed cannabis operator in the state, Ultra Health CEO Duke Rodriguez also joins the conversation to talk about the impact the lack of regulation is having on New Mexico and the states cannabis industry.

To view Larry Barkers full investigation, titled The New Mexico cannabis cowboys: Modern-day Desperados, click this link.

Story continues below

Download new episodes of the New Mexico News Insiders every Tuesday, starting around 5:30 a.m., Mountain time. Episodes are available on most podcast platforms including Apple Podcasts, Spotify and Podbean among others.

You can now watch our podcasts in video form both on-air or online! Tune in to an abbreviated version of the New Mexico News Insiders podcast on broadcast television every Wednesday at 10:35 p.m. on Fox New Mexico. Full video episodes are posted on KRQE.com or on KRQEs YouTube page at youtube.com/krqenews13.

Having trouble finding the show? Try searching your favorite podcast player with the term KRQE or New Mexico News Insiders (without the quotes). You can also use the links above to find the podcast on each respective service or listen to the audio player at the top of this post.

If you have a question, comment, or suggestion as to who should be interviewed on the podcast, let us know! Email the hosts at chris.mckee@krqe.com or gabrielle.burkhart@krqe.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
DES MOINES, Iowa  Police are investigating after a gunshot victim walked into the emergency room at MercyOne in Des Moines late Monday night.

Des Moines Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Paul Parizek said the victim arrived at the ER at 11:23 p.m. Thats about the same time police were receiving reports about the occupants of two vehicles shooting at each other near 17th Street and University Avenue.

Security footage captures alleged shooter before and after Ingersoll shooting

Police are investigating whether the victim is linked to the reported shooting.

Sgt. Parizek said the victims injuries were not life-threatening.

No other details were immediately available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to who13.com.
A nonprofit is biting back against the MAGA group who spread baseless rumors that Haitian immigrants were swiping and eating peoples pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Donald Trump, JD Vance and Elon Musk were all sued Friday for allegedly causing Haitians from Florida to California to suffer from emotional distress, harassment, and threats of violence.

The federal defamation lawsuit, filed in Miami, accuses Vance of being the hoaxs ringleader, with him spreading unfounded rumors even after he was told by Springfields city manager there was no truth to them.

The lawsuit has demanded compensatory and punitive damages in a jury trial.

No one in this country is above the law, not even the president or former president of the United States, the lawsuit said. Nobody is entitled or has the right to defame an entire group of people, putting their lives in danger, uprooting their daily lives by publicly spurring lies and falsehoods against them.

Donald Trump and JD Vances Pet-Eating Hoax Bites Back With Charges Against Them

The lawsuit was first reported by the Springfield News-Sun and was obtained by the Daily Beast on Tuesday. The lawsuit detailed the hoaxs timeline, which began with racially-charged rumors in right-wing circles that went mainstream after Trump repeated the rumors as fact during his Sept. 10 debate with Kamala Harris.

Theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats, Trump declared in primetime. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, and this is whats happening in our country, and its a shame.

The Office of the Haitian Diaspora is the group behind the lawsuit. In it, they pulled out old comments from Trump where he allegedly showed racial animus against Haitian immigrants. That included his quip from a White House meeting in 2017 when he bizarrely allegedly stated that Haitians all have AIDS, as well as his infamous comment a year later where he allegedly said Haiti was among a group of s---hole countries. Both comments were denied at the time.

The lawsuit claims Musk contributed to the defamation of Haitians when he posted on Sept. 8, Apparently, peoples pet cats are being eaten.

MAGA Reps Gross Haitian Thugs Post Sparks Censure Battle

Others to be sued by group included Rep. Clay Higgins (R-LA), who posted and deleted a gross tirade against Haitians; Dave Yost, the Republican Attorney General of Ohio; Donald Trump Jr., who allegedly spread the debunked rumor on Fox News; and Bernie Moreno, the GOPs U.S. Senate candidate in Ohio.

The lawsuit called on defendants to stop making false claims about the Haitian community. Trump, Vance, and their associates have gone quiet on the hoax in recent days, however the lawsuit suggests the damage is already done. The hoax spread so far that it led to the brief closure of schools, government offices and hospitals as bomb threats rolled in after the debate.

The Defendants false statements and lies about Haitian migrants are not protected speeches, the lawsuit states. They are hate speeches, designed to defame and put the lives of Haitian migrants in danger.

In another line, the lawsuit claimed the groups comments werent just insulting, but were made with the intent to cause real harm to the Haitian community.

The falsehoods were not only baseless, but were intended to harm the reputation and integrity of the Haitian migrants and their community, it said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Attorney FritzGerald Tondreau, who helps with immigration issues at Konbit Neg Lakay in Spring Valley, N.Y., shows intimidating videos of gang hostages and enemies being killed or beaten in Haiti. As a new wave of immigrants fleeing chaos arrives, many are moving beyond New York and Florida to find jobs and housing. (Tim Henderson/Stateline)

Fortified with work authorizations and a new freedom, Haitian immigrants are moving out of their longtime strongholds in Florida and New York, often finding good jobs while remaining wary of how they will be received in new places in the Midwest and South.

This movement helps explain why Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, have become embroiled in the presidential election. For several weeks, Republican presidential and vice presidential nominees Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have spread untrue rumors about Haitian immigrants in the city eating their neighbors cats and dogs.

Until recently, we were counting Haitians in the dozens, said Leonce Jean-Baptiste, who helped launch the Haitian Association of Indiana in 2008. The associations aim: just making sure that our children would know there is such a thing as Haitian culture, that their parents come from a very strong, very rich culture and ethnic background, he said.

Now, the association has its hands full helping new arrivals with housing and learning the ways of the Midwest, Jean-Baptiste said. Immigrants are coming to fill factory jobs in Indiana, a trend that started in the pandemic.

Here in Indiana, in Ohio, in the Midwest in general, the manufacturing industry was desperate for labor and so it was a perfect kind of marriage, Jean-Baptiste said. Haitians were looking for jobs, they might have lost a low-paying job in a hotel in a Florida, they cant access government benefits because theyre not citizens, and here they can do better.

With more Haitian immigrants free to work legally anywhere because of work permissions granted under the Biden administration, many moved from off-the-books jobs in Florida or New York to factory work in states such as Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.

Those states had some of the most significant increases in Haitian immigrant population between 2019 and 2023, the most recent estimates available from the American Community Survey, according to a Stateline analysis.

In that time, the Haitian immigrant population in Indiana increased eightfold, to 12,465; almost fourfold in North Carolina, to 7,752; more than doubled in Texas, to 7,010; more than tripled in Ohio, to 5,264; more than doubled in Virginia, to 6,342; and nearly fivefold in South Carolina, to 2,569.

Meanwhile more established strongholds where the most Haitian immigrants live are seeing less growth: New York (up 5%), Florida (up 1%) and Massachusetts (down 1%).

The situation in New York is that the cost of living and the cost of housing is shutting out the new Haitians. They are moving where there are jobs and there is housing  I know people who have gone to North Carolina, South Carolina, said Francois Pierre-Louis, a Haitian-born professor of international migration studies at the Queens College campus of the City University of New York.

Those staking out new territory in the Midwest tend to be more established immigrants who already know enough English to get by, Pierre-Louis said.

To be able to move to the hinterlands, you have to have a level of cultural understanding of the U.S. to be comfortable, he added.

Its always been a struggle

In Florida and New York, where about two-thirds of the countrys Haitian immigrants still live, more established immigrants with their own memories of discrimination are helping new immigrants get established.

Mayor Alix Desulme of North Miami, Florida  the city with the highest concentration of Haitian Americans, about 38% in recent years  recalls being taunted as a boy when he arrived in Brooklyn, New York, by people who falsely believed Haitians were spreading AIDS.

Im an immigrant and I am a Black man. These things do not go away, said Desulme. Were in a state, Florida, where the governor would like immigrants to go elsewhere. Its always been a struggle for us as a people, but we came to this country for a better life.

Dr. Pierre Arty, a Brooklyn psychiatrist born in Haiti, said politically motivated denigration of Haitians has an impact that hes trying to mitigate in his work with new immigrants for Housing Works, a Brooklyn nonprofit. It happened in the 1980s with AIDS and its happening again with false narratives about pet-eating, he said.

We have social media with quick distribution of false information, negative memes about Haitians and offensive jokes. It can foster inferiority complexes and shame as opposed to pride for being part of this community, Arty said.

This fosters dehumanization and resurrects historic Black tropes of us being less than animals, he said. Imagine what this can do to the psyche of children when other people make fun of them.

Growth in Haitian immigrant communities since mid-2023 is hard to gauge, but clearly has continued in some states.

Clark County, Ohio, where Springfield is located, saw an increase in Medicaid enrollment by people with Haitian backgrounds, based on their choice of Haitian Creole language, from about 3,000 in mid-2023 to almost 8,000 in July 2024. The number dropped to about 7,200 in August, according to the countys Department of Job & Family Services.

The number of immigrants in the community is likely much higher since not all of them have Medicaid, and the Medicaid numbers will likely continue to drop as more get jobs, said the departments director, Virginia Martycz.

Here in Indiana, in Ohio, in the Midwest in general, the manufacturing industry was desperate for labor and so it was a perfect kind of marriage. Haitians were looking for jobs.

 Leonce Jean-Baptiste, Haitian Association of Indiana

In Indiana, Jean-Baptiste thinks the number of Haitian Americans and other immigrants has increased to 30,000 from the roughly 14,000 counted by the American Community Survey last year, based on contacts to his organization and social service reports based on names.

A little more mobility

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In New York, as in Florida, an established community is helping new immigrants get settled before moving on to areas with more jobs and more affordable housing.

The work authorization is a ticket to a little more mobility, said Daniel Jean-Gilles of Nyack, New York, where he is part of a wave of earlier Haitian immigrants trying to support newcomers. I see a lot of new faces here. They come and stay here with family and friends while they wait for work authorization and then they can move around and get that job. I hear about people moving to North Carolina, Arizona for jobs.

Housing and jobs are very limited here. They have to go where the jobs are, said FritzGerald Tondreau, an immigration attorney and child of Haitian immigrants who works in Spring Valley, New York.

Tondreau showed videos of brutal beatings and executions by gangs in Haiti, posted by the gangs to intimidate enemies and families of hostages, and said gangs have set up roadblocks demanding money on major roads. This affects every facet of life in Haiti and makes it very untenable, he said.

Work authorization is available to many Haitian immigrants, either as part of the federal temporary protected status for unauthorized immigrants or because of humanitarian parole for those waiting for asylum hearings if they crossed the border legally and dont have a serious criminal record, said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Many Haitian immigrants are taking advantage of a new federal program that allows them to travel directly from Haiti if they have a sponsor willing to support them during temporary humanitarian parole.

Temporary protected status, first granted to Haitian immigrants when their nation was deemed too dangerous for return in 2010 because of earthquakes, is now held by an estimated 200,000 Haitian immigrants, second in number only to Venezuelans.

The status was recently extended until 2026 by the Biden administration and could theoretically end, but thats not likely, Gelatt said. The Trump administration tried to end temporary protected status for Haiti and some other countries, but the policy was blocked by lawsuits until the Biden administration reversed it.

The bottom line, Gelatt said, is that many new Haitian immigrants are protected from deportation and are able to work legally for the time being, but few have a path to permanent legal residence and citizenship.

This temporary status affects their sense of integration, their willingness to invest in their futures in the United States, she said. They can never be sure that theyll get to stay.

Over decades in the United States, without a clear path to citizenship for many, Haitian immigrants have learned to make peace with uncertainty.

The thing is to wait a long time and be good citizens and stay under the radar, said Pierre-Louis. And most Haitians are good citizens. They go to church and they work. They want to work. Theyre not here begging for anything.

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Attorney FritzGerald Tondreau, who helps with immigration issues at Konbit Neg Lakay in Spring Valley, N.Y., shows intimidating videos of gang hostages and enemies being killed or beaten in Haiti. As a new wave of immigrants fleeing chaos arrives, many are moving beyond New York and Florida to find jobs and housing. (Tim Henderson/Stateline)

This story originally appeared on Stateline.

Fortified with work authorizations and a new freedom, Haitian immigrants are moving out of their longtime strongholds in Florida and New York, often finding good jobs while remaining wary of how they will be received in new places in the Midwest and South.

This movement helps explain why Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, have become embroiled in the presidential election. For several weeks, Republican presidential and vice presidential nominees Donald Trump and J.D. Vance have spread untrue rumors about Haitian immigrants in the city eating their neighbors cats and dogs.

Until recently, we were counting Haitians in the dozens, said Leonce Jean-Baptiste, who helped launch the Haitian Association of Indiana in 2008. The associations aim: just making sure that our children would know there is such a thing as Haitian culture, that their parents come from a very strong, very rich culture and ethnic background, he said.

Now, the association has its hands full helping new arrivals with housing and learning the ways of the Midwest, Jean-Baptiste said. Immigrants are coming to fill factory jobs in Indiana, a trend that started in the pandemic.

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Here in Indiana, in Ohio, in the Midwest in general, the manufacturing industry was desperate for labor and so it was a perfect kind of marriage, Jean-Baptiste said. Haitians were looking for jobs, they might have lost a low-paying job in a hotel in a Florida, they cant access government benefits because theyre not citizens, and here they can do better.

With more Haitian immigrants free to work legally anywhere because of work permissions granted under the Biden administration, many moved from off-the-books jobs in Florida or New York to factory work in states such as Indiana, North Carolina, Ohio, Texas and Virginia.

Those states had some of the most significant increases in Haitian immigrant population between 2019 and 2023, the most recent estimates available from the American Community Survey, according to a Stateline analysis.

In that time, the Haitian immigrant population in Indiana increased eightfold, to 12,465; almost fourfold in North Carolina, to 7,752; more than doubled in Texas, to 7,010; more than tripled in Ohio, to 5,264; more than doubled in Virginia, to 6,342; and nearly fivefold in South Carolina, to 2,569.

Meanwhile more established strongholds where the most Haitian immigrants live are seeing less growth: New York (up 5%), Florida (up 1%) and Massachusetts (down 1%).

The situation in New York is that the cost of living and the cost of housing is shutting out the new Haitians. They are moving where there are jobs and there is housing  I know people who have gone to North Carolina, South Carolina, said Francois Pierre-Louis, a Haitian-born professor of international migration studies at the Queens College campus of the City University of New York.

Those staking out new territory in the Midwest tend to be more established immigrants who already know enough English to get by, Pierre-Louis said.

To be able to move to the hinterlands, you have to have a level of cultural understanding of the U.S. to be comfortable, he added.

Its always been a struggle

In Florida and New York, where about two-thirds of the countrys Haitian immigrants still live, more established immigrants with their own memories of discrimination are helping new immigrants get established.

Mayor Alix Desulme of North Miami, Florida  the city with the highest concentration of Haitian Americans, about 38% in recent years  recalls being taunted as a boy when he arrived in Brooklyn, New York, by people who falsely believed Haitians were spreading AIDS.

Im an immigrant and I am a Black man. These things do not go away, said Desulme. Were in a state, Florida, where the governor would like immigrants to go elsewhere. Its always been a struggle for us as a people, but we came to this country for a better life.

Dr. Pierre Arty, a Brooklyn psychiatrist born in Haiti, said politically motivated denigration of Haitians has an impact that hes trying to mitigate in his work with new immigrants for Housing Works, a Brooklyn nonprofit. It happened in the 1980s with AIDS and its happening again with false narratives about pet-eating, he said.

We have social media with quick distribution of false information, negative memes about Haitians and offensive jokes. It can foster inferiority complexes and shame as opposed to pride for being part of this community, Arty said.

This fosters dehumanization and resurrects historic Black tropes of us being less than animals, he said. Imagine what this can do to the psyche of children when other people make fun of them.

Growth in Haitian immigrant communities since mid-2023 is hard to gauge, but clearly has continued in some states.

Clark County, Ohio, where Springfield is located, saw an increase in Medicaid enrollment by people with Haitian backgrounds, based on their choice of Haitian Creole language, from about 3,000 in mid-2023 to almost 8,000 in July 2024. The number dropped to about 7,200 in August, according to the countys Department of Job & Family Services.

The number of immigrants in the community is likely much higher since not all of them have Medicaid, and the Medicaid numbers will likely continue to drop as more get jobs, said the departments director, Virginia Martycz.

Here in Indiana, in Ohio, in the Midwest in general, the manufacturing industry was desperate for labor and so it was a perfect kind of marriage. Haitians were looking for jobs.

 Leonce Jean-Baptiste, Haitian Association of Indiana

In Indiana, Jean-Baptiste thinks the number of Haitian Americans and other immigrants has increased to 30,000 from the roughly 14,000 counted by the American Community Survey last year, based on contacts to his organization and social service reports based on names.

A little more mobility

In New York, as in Florida, an established community is helping new immigrants get settled before moving on to areas with more jobs and more affordable housing.

The work authorization is a ticket to a little more mobility, said Daniel Jean-Gilles of Nyack, New York, where he is part of a wave of earlier Haitian immigrants trying to support newcomers. I see a lot of new faces here. They come and stay here with family and friends while they wait for work authorization and then they can move around and get that job. I hear about people moving to North Carolina, Arizona for jobs.

Housing and jobs are very limited here. They have to go where the jobs are, said FritzGerald Tondreau, an immigration attorney and child of Haitian immigrants who works in Spring Valley, New York.

Tondreau showed videos of brutal beatings and executions by gangs in Haiti, posted by the gangs to intimidate enemies and families of hostages, and said gangs have set up roadblocks demanding money on major roads. This affects every facet of life in Haiti and makes it very untenable, he said.

Work authorization is available to many Haitian immigrants, either as part of the federal temporary protected status for unauthorized immigrants or because of humanitarian parole for those waiting for asylum hearings if they crossed the border legally and dont have a serious criminal record, said Julia Gelatt, associate director of the immigration policy program at the Migration Policy Institute in Washington, D.C.

Many Haitian immigrants are taking advantage of a new federal program that allows them to travel directly from Haiti if they have a sponsor willing to support them during temporary humanitarian parole.

Temporary protected status, first granted to Haitian immigrants when their nation was deemed too dangerous for return in 2010 because of earthquakes, is now held by an estimated 200,000 Haitian immigrants, second in number only to Venezuelans.

The status was recently extended until 2026 by the Biden administration and could theoretically end, but thats not likely, Gelatt said. The Trump administration tried to end temporary protected status for Haiti and some other countries, but the policy was blocked by lawsuits until the Biden administration reversed it.

The bottom line, Gelatt said, is that many new Haitian immigrants are protected from deportation and are able to work legally for the time being, but few have a path to permanent legal residence and citizenship.

This temporary status affects their sense of integration, their willingness to invest in their futures in the United States, she said. They can never be sure that theyll get to stay.

Over decades in the United States, without a clear path to citizenship for many, Haitian immigrants have learned to make peace with uncertainty.

The thing is to wait a long time and be good citizens and stay under the radar, said Pierre-Louis. And most Haitians are good citizens. They go to church and they work. They want to work. Theyre not here begging for anything.

Stateline is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Stateline maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Scott S. Greenberger for questions: info@stateline.org. Follow Stateline on Facebook and X.

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Haitians are kind people: Meet one citizen of 100 from the Plains Naturalization Ceremony

PLAINS, Ga. (WRBL)  In the town of Plains on Tuesday, 100 new American citizens were welcomed in a Naturalization Ceremony held during Former President Jimmy Carters 100th birthday.

Jean Antoine teaches American history in Macon, Georgia. Hes spent 20 years in the U.S., but hes originally from Haiti.

On Tuesday, Antoine was one of 100 people taking part in a Naturalization Ceremony in the Plains High School auditorium.

I am feeling excited, Im excited, Antoine said. Thirty plus years I finally made it. Its good to be an American.

Antoine had this to say on the people of Haiti.

The Haitians are kind people, and very courteous, he said. They are ready to help anyone.

WRBL has more on the Naturalization Ceremony coming up.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
GREENFIELD, Ind.  The unsolicited comments came regularly, and they made Misty Moore uncomfortable.

"Seeing you a lot today lol," John Jessup texted in May 2022.

In another text, he said: "Just thought maybe you had missed me."

Moore, director of Hancock County Homeland Security, usually responded with short phrases and emojis, an effort to brush off the messages without explicitly ignoring  or angering  Jessup, who was then president of the Hancock County Board of Commissioners.

Misty Moore, director Hancock County Homeland Security, poses Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, inside her office the Hancock County Emergency Management building in Greenfield, Indiana.

That made him Moore's boss.

For nearly two years starting in 2022, Moore said she endured constant sexual harassment in the form of text messages and in-person remarks from Jessup. And for much of that time, Moore said county officials were aware of Jessup's conduct  including after she alerted the Board of Commissioners  but failed to take immediate and adequate action.

The county is now looking into the allegations, but Moore said the investigation began only recently, after she filed a complaint against the county with the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

What you need to know: The sexual harassment allegations in Mayor Hogsett's administration

The emotional toll on Moore hit a tipping point earlier this year, after Jessup was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting a woman in Las Vegas. Moore felt validated and relieved that Jessup, who's currently in custody in Nevada, couldn't harass her anymore. At the same time, the experience  and the failure of officials to hold Jessup accountable  left her feeling disrespected and unsupported by the county to which she has devoted much of her working life.

"I was scared. I was always afraid," Moore told IndyStar. "I always wanted to do something about it. My husband and I talked about it that whole two-year period. But he (Jessup) had all the power ... He could fire me if he wanted."

Bill Spalding, who replaced Jessup as president of the Board of Commissioners last year, declined to comment other than to say there is an investigation.

A photo Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, of Misty Moores phone shows text messages from John Jessup, an elected Hancock County commissioner.

"The allegations raised by Misty Moore have been and will continue to be investigated and addressed pursuant to Indiana law," Spalding said.

Jessup's attorney in the Las Vegas criminal case did not respond to a request for comment.

Moore's allegations, first reported by The Daily Reporter, came as Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett is facing his own reckoning over his handling of claims from multiple women that they'd been sexually harassed by staffers in the Hogsett administration, including his former chief deputy mayor and right-hand man Thomas Cook.

'I kept saying no': Women accuse top Hogsett aide of preying on subordinates for years

'This is definitely not okay'

Moore said she started working one-on-one with Jessup during the pandemic, when she was running the county's COVID-19 response and Jessup was president of the Board of Commissioners. In 2022, Moore recalled, Jessup approached her about taking on additional tasks and helping set up a county human resources department, which did not exist at that time.

It was an enticing opportunity. Additional tasks meant additional money. Jessup offered to provide her with training and certification in human resources through Indiana University with the end goal of making her director of a newly established department by 2023. Moore said the new job also came with a promise of a $30,000 pay raise, a significant bump for someone who would soon have two kids in college.

"I was excited about the opportunity," Moore said. "I was excited about the opportunity to engage with the other employees and to feel like I was helping."

But the questionable conduct began almost immediately. Moore said Jessup was often looking at her from head to toe and making comments about her appearance. She tried to be polite and cordial, even though she knew the remarks were inappropriate.

A photo Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, of Misty Moores phone shows text messages from John Jessup, an elected Hancock County commissioner.

"Because I didn't want to make him mad, and I didn't know where the boundary is," she said. "Yes, this feels inappropriate, but he's also kind of trying to be my friend, but he's my boss ... I knew that anytime I would've ever raised a frustration with anything, he could walk in here the next day and fire me."

At the same time, Moore dismissed her own concerns and tried to convince herself that Jessup  who knew she's been happily married for 23 years and often asked about her kids  had no malicious motives and was simply being friendly.

But an incident in her office convinced her otherwise.

During a meeting in the fall of 2022, Moore said Jessup looked at her as they sat facing each other and compared her physical appearance to that of his ex-wife. He described Moore as "petite" but "strong," she recalled, and said her "figure" was "really, really beautiful."

"That was when I started to realize, like, this is definitely not okay," she said.

Sexual harassment crisis: Joe Hogsett says he won't resign as he faces questions about sexual harassment response

A few weeks later, Moore rearranged her office so that anytime she's meeting with someone, she sits behind her desk, with the lower half of her body out of sight.

During another meeting over lunch, Moore said Jessup became intoxicated after drinking Long Island iced teas. Jessup, Moore recalled, touched her ear as he commented on her hair. In response, she put her hand up.

By the time the human resource director job officially became available at the end of 2023, Moore had lost interest.

In January of this year, Moore said Jessup stopped communicating with her. That same month, Jessup was in Las Vegas, where, according to a police report, he sexually assaulted another woman.

A 'f----- up' night of drinking doesn't stay in Vegas

The alleged assault happened in late January in a Las Vegas hotel room after a night of drinking, according to a police report from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The woman, whose name has been redacted from the police report, told officers that Jessup invited her to go to Las Vegas with him to celebrate. The reason for the celebration, as well as how the two knew each other, appear to have been redacted from the report. The two stayed at Harrah's Las Vegas Hotel and Casino, where they shared a room but had separate beds.

A botched investigation, a new victim: How the Army failed to stop a molester

After arriving on Jan. 25, they went to a few casinos and later, to a strip club. Throughout the night, the woman told police, Jessup kept giving her alcohol and pressuring her to drink. Jessup, at one point, also said, "what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas."

While at the strip club, the woman began vomiting and became so intoxicated that she needed to be placed in a wheelchair to get back to the hotel room, according to the police report.

The woman then went to the shower, fully clothed, and "let the water run over her," the report says. She later woke up in bed, naked, with Jessup sexually assaulting her, she told police. Jessup stopped after she woke up and moved her body away from him.

Hancock County Emergency Management building Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Greenfield, Indiana.

Jessup later admitted to police that he performed a sex act on the woman. But he insisted his actions were not criminal. Rather, he said, they're the result of a "f----- up" night of drinking.

He was arrested and extradited to Nevada this past summer.

Jessup was elected Hancock County commissioner in 2017. He was on the Hancock County Council before that and is running again to rejoin the council as an at-large member. He will remain on the November ballot despite the allegations.

Janice Silvey, chair of the Hancock County Republican Party, said that after Jessup was charged, she presented him with paperwork to remove his name from the ballot, but he refused.

Unless he's convicted of a felony before November, Silvey said, "there's nothing the party can do to remove his name from anything."

Prosecutor: 'Hancock County must do better'

Because the county did not have a human resources department, Moore had no one  other than Jessup  to report her concerns. But in January 2023, after Spalding replaced Jessup as president of the Board of Commissioners, she said she asked for a meeting and told Spalding everything.

But Spalding, Moore said, did not acknowledge her concerns.

"I remember feeling like he doesn't care," Moore said, adding that Spalding's lackluster response made her question herself again. "Maybe I'm wrong. Maybe what I'm saying really isn't that big of a deal. There were so many mental gymnastics going on, but it wasn't okay."

The case of Anthony Bedolla: A true crime show featured police catching a 'trained killer.' It didn't tell the whole story.

When asked by IndyStar, Spalding did not say when he first learned of Moore's allegations or what immediate actions, if any, he or the board took.

After the county hired a human resources director earlier this year, Moore filed an official report about Jessup but  again  the county did not take immediate action, she said.

Hancock County Prosecutor Brent Eaton said the county has long lacked an adequate human resources department for employees to share concerns about potentially questionable behavior by co-workers or superiors. It also did not have a system to hold bad actors accountable.

"You have a system here which is broken. Where are county employees supposed to go with their concerns?" Eaton said. "The people that are in positions of power are the ones that you're supposed to refer some of this stuff to, but what are employees to do when they're the problem?''

Eaton declined to comment on Moore's allegations, but he knows Moore, whom he described as "courteous, professional and credible."

Moore, who has hired an attorney, is set to pursue legal action against the county. It will be the second high-profile federal case brought against Hancock County in recent years alleging misconduct by employees.

Last year, Hancock County officials were accused of tolerating bad behavior by its employees after community corrections officers unwittingly recorded themselves making racist and derogatory comments about a young Black man who was under their supervision. The lawsuit was settled earlier this year.

Lawsuit: Community corrections officers unwittingly record racist comments about Black man

"Hancock County must do better," Eaton said. "The people we represent expect us to do better. The people working in local government deserve better."

'I was really crumbling mentally'

Moore has been director of the Hancock County Homeland Security for 10 years. She also holds a special deputy designation from the sheriff's department, meaning she has some police powers to detain someone or use a firearm if needed.

For much of the last decade, Moore took pride in her job. On display in her neat office in Greenfield is an American flag, along with several accolades. On another wall, just above her desk, is a framed souvenir signed by her former co-workers at the U.S. Attorney's Office in Indianapolis, where she worked as a paralegal for five years before working for Hancock County.

In 2020, she won Law Enforcement Officer of the Year.

But in the past two years, particularly after her concerns were met with deaf ears, she lost her drive. She began coming to work late, taking paid time off and working from home.

Inside 'bizarre' Delphi murders case: Evidence leak, suicide, Odinists and legal chaos

"I was really crumbling mentally," she said.

After Jessup's arrest last summer, Moore said friends and co-workers to whom she had confided began checking to make sure she's okay.

"It was in those moments that I really started to realize that this 100% is real. People know it and people see it and people know that (Jessup's arrest) would be affecting me ... because he did these things to me," Moore said. "And so I felt a rising up inside me. Plus, I'm picturing him. He's behind bars now. He's not in power. He's not in control of me."

She added: "I think I'm going to scream a little louder about it now."

Contact IndyStar reporter Kristine Phillips at (317) 444-3026 or at kphillips@indystar.com.

This article originally appeared on Indianapolis Star: Hancock commissioner jailed in Las Vegas faces new sexual harassment claim
FLORENCE COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  A ninth-grade student at Hannah-Pamplico High School in Florence County is in custody after allegedly threatening the school on social media, authorities said.

The student was taken into custody and placed in the custody of the South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice in Columbia to await a court hearing, the Florence County Sheriffs Office said. The arrest is at least the sixth since the start of the school year.

It comes on the heels of a news conference last week in which Sheriff TJ Joye promised to tackle gun violence and promised zero tolerance when it comes to school threats.

I promise you this, to the citizens of Florence County and to these educators and these administrators, Im gonna put everyone in jail involved, every single one, he said. I dont care who you are, what you think you are, you will be incarcerated [until] the end of this in Florence County  This is gonna stop. Parents are gonna be charged if you allow your kids to take possession of a firearm, and if its in your household, thats your problem.

* * *

Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on, Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Harold Daggett: How union leader who fought mob tie allegations is holding the US economy to ransom

Harold Daggett: These people today dont know what a strike is. I will cripple you - Louis Lanzano/AP

Harold Daggett isnt afraid of a fight.

The union leader has twice won cases against the US Justice Department over alleged Mafia ties.

Now he has laid down the gauntlet to Joe Biden, threatening to cripple the US economy with strike action, kicking off on Tuesday, that could halt container traffic from Maine to Texas, costing billions of dollars every day.

The US East and Gulf Coast port workers walk out, from 12.01AM ET on Tuesday, came following a dispute over automation and pay.

Members of the New Jersey-based International Longshoremens Association (ILA) union, which represents 47,000 port workers, had said they would down tools if an agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance employer group could not be reached.

The walkout will be the first coast-wide ILA strike since 1977, affecting ports that handle about half of the nations ocean shipping.

The dockworkers strike is already raising fears of shortages and delays for a wide range of goods, from cars and bananas to Christmas decorations, which in turn could trigger price spikes.

With fewer than 40 days to go in one of the tightest presidential races in history, the economic impact may yet play a decisive role in the minds of voters, for whom the economy is the number one issue, as they go to the polls.

These people today dont know what a strike is, a fiery Mr Daggett, the unions president, said in a recent video post. Ill cripple you. I will cripple you.

For months, Mr Daggett, 78, has threatened to shut down the 36 ports covered by his union if employers such as container ship operator Maersk and its APM Terminals North America do not deliver significant wage increases and stop terminal automation projects.

The US Chamber of Commerce had urged Mr Biden to use his authority to push back the walkout for 80 days saying it would be unconscionable to allow a contract dispute to inflict such a shock to our economy.

However, the president said on Sunday he did not plan to intervene.

Mr Daggett is pushing for wage increases of more than 60 per cent.

These companies are making billions of dollars, he said in a recent interview. They should take us along. We brought them to where they are.

Machines dont have families

He has railed against robots taking jobs away from dock workers, specifically automated cranes and technology used to check trucks in and out of ports.

Someone has to get into Congress and say, Whoa, timeout, this world is going too fast for us, machines got to stop, he said.

Whos going to support [workers] families? Machines? Machines dont have families.

In separate talks with the United States Maritime Alliance, he said: We will never allow automation to come into our union and try to put us out of work as long as Im alive.

Mr Daggett has labelled the wage increases offered by the Maritime Alliance insulting.

Under the current contract, which expired on Monday, longshoremen earn up to $39 an hour, but the ILA is pushing for that to rise to $69 an hour over the next six years.

The average hourly wage in the US is $28.34, according to an analysis of numbers from the Bureau of Labour Statistics by Forbes. The average annual salary is $59,428.

Including overtime, longshoremen can earn more than $200,000, but the dock workers say they have to put in long working weeks to make that much money.

Blue collar credentials

Mr Daggett is a figure whose long union career has been shrouded in controversy. A third generation ILA member, the longshoreman has worked for the union for 57 years, becoming the international president in July 2011.

Despite his eminent blue collar credentials, the union baron earned $728,000 last year from the ILA, plus another $173,000 as president emeritus of a local union branch, Politico reported.

He previously owned a 76-foot yacht, the Obsession, and has been spotted by his members riding in a Bentley, according to The New York Times.

The Justice Department, which has reportedly lost two cases against Mr Daggett, has accused him of being an associate of the Genovese crime family  one of the infamous Five Families of the US Mafia.

Charged with racketeering in 2005, Mr Daggett, took the witness stand and portrayed himself as a mob target, despite evidence against him from a turncoat Mafia enforcer saying he was under the mobs control, the New York Times reported.

During that trial, one of Mr Daggetts co-defendants, a renowned mobster named Lawrence Ricci, disappeared. His decomposing body was found in the trunk of a car outside a New Jersey diner several weeks later, with the killing still unsolved.

Despite his union serving as a historic symbol of the grip of organised crime on union members, as depicted in the 1954 film On the Waterfront, Mr Daggett was acquitted in both cases.

The union leader has previously criticised the Waterfront Commission, set up to combat Mafia control of the port, calling the allegations of mob influence total bulls---, and a dark, ugly attack on Italian Americans.

Its a damn tragedy for the Waterfront Commission to enjoy free rein and target Italian Americans as part of their historic anti-worker campaign. Lets be real here. The Waterfront Commission has, for decades, claimed good jobs went to only those with so-called mob ties, he said in 2022.

Grinding to a halt

What impact Americas east coast ports grinding to a halt could have on voters remains to be seen.

However, the strike poses a challenge for Democratic candidate Ms Harris, who has so far maintained a tricky balance between adopting a pro-union posture and promoting a business-friendly economic agenda.

The vice president has been endorsed by most major private sector unions but has faced opposition among some rank-and-file members. The Teamsters union, the fifth largest in the US, chose not to endorse either Ms Harris or Mr Trump.

During her presidential campaign, Ms Harris has sought to further bolster her appeal among working class voters in the Rust Belt, recently telling the Economic Club of Pittsburgh that she has always been and always will be a strong supporter of workers and unions.

Meanwhile, the strike presents a golden opportunity for Trump, who will be hoping for a repeat of 2016 when he was able to win over working class voters in key battleground states.

The walkout could enable the former president to hammer home his message that the Biden-era has saddled consumers with high prices and supply-chain misery.

Summing up the line the Republican candidate will take, Jonathan Berry, a former top Labor Department official under Trump who is now managing partner at the law firm Boyden Gray, told Politico that an ILA strike will give voters, particularly union voters, yet another reason to want a historically successful dealmaker back in the White House .

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
(Reuters) - PepsiCo will buy Siete Foods parent Garza Food Ventures for $1.2 billion, the Frito-Lay owner said on Tuesday, beefing up its snacking portfolio amid a shift to private-label brands among cost-conscious consumers.

The company, backed by actor Eva Longoria, is known for grain-free tortilla chips and taco shells. It also makes products such as enchilada sauce and Mexican wedding cookies.

Siete's products are distributed across 40,000 retail outlets in the U.S., including at Target and Whole Foods.

The Texas-based company, founded in 2014 by Veronica Garza, is owned and run by seven members of the Garza family.

Consumers have turned to more affordable private-label brands for their snacking needs after several quarters of price hikes by packaged food makers to soften the blow from higher input costs.

Meanwhile, deal-making in the packaged food industry has also been robust. Snickers maker Mars bought Pringles maker Kellanova in a nearly $36 billion deal in August.

PepsiCo has been working to diversify its price tiers, and offer new flavors under popular brands such as Lay's, Doritos and Cheetos to help enhance their appeal.

Volumes for its snacking business in North America fell 4% in the most recently reported quarter in July. The company is scheduled to report its third-quarter earnings next week.

The transaction is expected to close in the first half of 2025.

The Wall Street Journal first reported on Monday that PepsiCo was in advanced talks to buy Siete Foods.

PepsiCo's shares were up nearly 1% in late-morning trading.

(Reporting by Juveria Tabassum; Editing by Janane Venkatraman and Sriraj Kalluvila)
A senior adviser to the 2024 Harris campaign said Gov. Tim Walz is "looking forward" to debating Sen. JD Vance Tuesday at the CBS News Vice Presidential Debate in New York City in what could be the first and last meeting between the two before the November election.

Fox News anchor Martha MacCallum asked Ian Sams, the former White House spokesperson for oversight and investigations, Monday on "The Story" about a CNN report that says Vice President Kamala Harris running mate is nervous heading into the debate.

CNN spoke with aides close to Walz and top campaign staffers who said the Minnesota governor is worried about letting Harris down and reportedly said in his running mate interview that he was a bad debater.

Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz

"I think voters are going to get a chance to see two running mates who are advocating for two very different visions for the country," said Sams.

"Just today, for example, we have a new report out from the campaign on famously, Donald Trump in the first debate, saying he has a 'concept of a plan' on health care. Well, right after that, JD Vance, his running mate, came out and explained what that plan meant by pushing - that we're going to reopen what are called high-risk pools. That's for people with preexisting conditions."

5 Steps Toward A Fresh Approach To Health Care Reform

Read On The Fox News App

MacCallum interrupted the senior adviser, returning to her question about Walzs reported nerves and how he was feeling ahead of the debate.

"He's looking forward to the debate," Sams said of Walz. "I think he's looking forward to debating JD Vance, who, again, is continuing to advocate for returning to high-risk pools that'll put people with preexisting conditions back into these high-risk pools that cost them more money and could kick them off of their insurance."

Vance gave an interview in mid-September on NBCs "Meet the Press" in which he attempted to put more meat on the bones of former President Donald Trumps "concepts" of a health care plan that would be an alternative to the Affordable Care Act.

Ohio Sen. JD Vance speaks to a crowd during a rally at the Berks County Fairgrounds on Sept. 21, 2024, in Leesport, Pennsylvania.

"You want to make sure that preexisting coverage  conditions  are covered, you want to make sure that people have access to the doctors that they need, and you also want to implement some deregulatory agenda so that people can choose a health care plan that fits them," said Vance.

Va Employees Improperly Accessed Jd Vance, Tim Walz's Medical Records, Prompting Criminal Probe: Report

"We want to make sure everybody is covered. But the best way to do that is to actually promote some more choice in our health care system and not have a one-size-fits-all approach that puts a lot of people into the same insurance pools, into the same risk pools, that actually makes it harder for people to make the right choices for their families."

The Harris-Walz campaign released a 43-page report attacking their Republican opponents health care plan and highlighted four key concepts it says the Trump-Vance campaign wants to end.

Sams said he ultimately believes the November election will be "really close," and voters will be the ones who have the final say in which issues are most important for them as they head to the ballot box.

"I think when we look [at] the fact that we have only 36 or so days left until the election, you know, the candidates are going to have to be out there earning people's support. And this is a 50-50 race," he told MacCallum.

"And so when you think about a state like Michigan or you think about Wisconsin or Pennsylvania, where President Trump was this weekend for his rally in Erie, you know, the voters want to hear, what are you going to do for me?"





Original article source: Harris 2024 campaign senior adviser previews upcoming vice presidential debate: 'Two very different visions'
In the months leading up to the 2024 presidential election, Democratic pick U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris and her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, have made it a major talking point of their campaign that an administration under former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance, would put into place a national abortion ban.

For months, Trump appeared to evade answering these accusations directly, and after the September 2024 presidential debate, multiple headlines declared that he refused to confirm whether he would veto a national ban on abortion. Then, during the Vance-Walz debate on Oct. 1, 2024, Trump confirmed via Truth Social that he "would not support a federal abortion ban, under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it."

Below, we break down exactly what claims Harris has made regarding Trump signing a national abortion ban, as well as Trump's evolving position on a national ban from 1999 to today.

Harris: Trump 'Will Sign a National Abortion Ban'

With Roe v. Wade overturned, the responsibility fell to individual states to restrict, ban, or protect abortion rights as they saw fit, and there it currently stands. However, Harris has claimed on many occasions that if Trump were reelected, he would take it a step further and attempt to ban access to abortion nationwide.

Donald Trump would ban abortion nationwide.



President @JoeBiden and I will do everything in our power to stop him and restore women's reproductive freedom.  Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) June 30, 2024

Most recently, while speaking at a rally in Atlanta, Georgia on Sept. 20, 2024, she said: "If [Trump] is elected again, I am certain he will sign a national abortion ban, which would outlaw abortion in every single state."

As the 2024 presidential race gained momentum, Trump's position, at times, took on more ambiguous tones. During the Sept. 10 presidential debate, when Harris said Trump would sign a national abortion ban if reelected, he denied it. "There she goes again, it's a lie. I'm not signing a ban, and there's no reason to sign a ban."

The full interaction went as follows, starting at minute 24:12 of the video below:

However, he also skirted the direct question, "Would you veto a national abortion ban?" twice, first claiming he wouldn't have to veto it because Congress would never pass such a ban. When moderator Lindsey Davis pointed out that Trump's running mate, Ohio Sen. JD Vance, stated in an August 2024 interview with NBC that Trump would veto a national abortion ban if Congress passed such a ban, Trump responded: "Well, I didn't discuss it with JD In all fairness. JD  And I don't mind if he has a certain view, but I think he was speaking for me but I really didn't."

During the debate, Harris also claimed that "In his Project 2025 there would be a national abortion ban," which is not true; Project 2025 does not explicitly call for a national abortion ban. The Project does aim to severely limit access to abortions, such as by stopping the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) from promoting abortion as health care and recommending the Federal Drug Administration (FDA) stop promoting and approving requests for manufacturing abortion pills.

Additionally, Trump has actively distanced himself from Project 2025's proposals. "I have nothing to do with Project 2025," he said during the debate with Harris. "That's out there. I haven't read it. I don't want to read it, purposely."

Standing in sharp contrast to Trump's at times vague and obfuscative approach to abortion policy, Harris has made reproductive rights central to her political identity throughout her career. In fact, her unwavering support for access to abortion is one of Harris' strongest appeals among voters, according to The New York Times.

In 2016, Trump promised to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn the court's 1973 Roe v. Wade ruling that recognized a woman's right to terminate her pregnancy by abortion. As Trump promised, the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022, something he later claimed credit for on numerous occasions.

"For 54 years they were trying to get Roe v. Wade terminated, and I did it," he said during a 2024 Fox News town hall. "And I'm proud to have done it."

Has Trump Ever Supported a National Abortion Ban?

Trump's more recent statements notwithstanding, it bears pointing out that his public pronouncements on abortion rights have jumped all over the map since he first declared himself "pro-choice in every respect" on Meet the Press in 1999.

In his book "The America We Deserve," published in 2000, Trump said he would ban partial-birth abortion despite his "pro-choice instincts":

When Tim Russert asked me on Meet the Press if I would ban partial-birth abortion if I were president, my pro-choice instincts led me to say no. After the show, I consulted two doctors I respect and, upon learning more about this procedure, I have concluded that I would indeed support a ban. I have nothing to lose by expressing my opinions.

In 2018, Trump became the first president to speak at the annual March for Life anti-abortion rally. During his speech, he said he "strongly supported the House of Representative's Pain-Capable bill, which would end painful, late-term abortions nationwide." The bill proposed making it a crime for any person to perform or attempt to perform an abortion if the probable post-fertilization age of the fetus is 20 weeks or more. "I call upon the Senate to pass this important law and send it to my desk for signing," he said.

As recently as March 2024, while speaking on the WABC radio show "Sid & Friends in the Morning," Trump indicated that he might back a 15-week federal abortion ban with exceptions for rape, incest and life-threatening emergencies.

"The number of weeks, now, people are agreeing on 15, and I'm thinking in terms of that, and it'll come out to something that's very reasonable," he said. "But people are really  even hard-liners are agreeing, seems to be 15 weeks, seems to be a number that people are agreeing at. But I'll make that announcement at the appropriate time."

About a month prior to that, in February 2024, anonymous sources claimed Trump privately told advisers and allies that he liked the idea of a 16-week national abortion ban (with the same exceptions), according to reporting by The New York Times.

April 2024: Trump Says He Would Not Sign a National Abortion Ban

By April 2024, Trump appeared to have landed on a clear, firm stance: He declined to endorse a national abortion ban and said abortion policy should be left to the individual states.

In a video he posted to Truth Social on April 8, he said:

My view is now that we have abortion where everybody wanted it from a legal standpoint, the states will determine by vote or legislation or perhaps both. And whatever they decide must be the law of the land  in this case, the law of the state.

When ABC News asked Trump if he would sign a national abortion ban as he walked the tarmac on April 10, 2024, he appeared to simply answer: "No."

Trump says that Arizonas abortion ruling went too far: Yeah they did, and that will be straightened out.



Also tells @ABC he wouldnt sign a national abortion ban as president. pic.twitter.com/wQdByVodtv  Lalee Ibssa (@LaleeIbssa) April 10, 2024

October 2024: Trump Confirms He Would Veto a Federal Abortion Ban

Finally, on Oct. 1, 2024, hours after the initial publication of this story  while Vance debated Walz on stage  Trump confirmed on Truth Social that he would not support a federal abortion ban under any circumstances, and would, in fact, veto it.

(Truth Social user @realDonaldTrump)

In sum, although Trump has flirted with the idea of a national abortion ban at various times, as of this writing in October 2024, Trump's public stance is that individual states should wield control over abortion policy and if a bill to ban abortion nationwide made it to his desk, he would veto it.

Sources:

Astor, Maggie. 'Trump Indicates He Would Back a 15-Week Federal Abortion Ban'. The New York Times, 20 Mar. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/03/20/us/politics/trump-15-week-federal-abortion-ban.html.

Dorn, Sara. 'Trump Won't Commit To Vetoing National Abortion Ban In Debate'. Forbes, https://www.forbes.com/sites/saradorn/2024/09/10/trump-wont-commit-to-vetoing-national-abortion-ban-in-debate/. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Freelander, Adam. 'Exactly How Trump Could Ban Abortion'. Vox, 9 Sept. 2024, https://www.vox.com/videos/370668/how-trump-could-ban-abortion-medication-president.

Haberman, Maggie, et al. 'Trump Privately Expresses Support for a 16-Week Abortion Ban'. The New York Times, 16 Feb. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/02/16/us/politics/trump-abortion-ban.html.

House, The White. 'Remarks by Vice President Harris at a Campaign Event | Atlanta, GA'. The White House, 20 Sept. 2024, https://www.whitehouse.gov/briefing-room/speeches-remarks/2024/09/20/remarks-by-vice-president-harris-at-a-campaign-event-atlanta-ga-2/.

Ibrahim, Aleksandra Wrona, Nur. 'The Facts About Project 2025: The Pro-Trump Proposal To "Reshape America"'. Snopes, 11 July 2024, https://www.snopes.com//news/2024/07/11/project-2025-explained/.

Ibrahim, Nur. 'Trump Took Credit for Overturning Roe v. Wade?' Snopes, 9 Apr. 2024, https://www.snopes.com//fact-check/trump-overturning-roe-v-wade/.

Igielnik, Ruth. 'More Voters, Especially Women, Now Say Abortion Is Their Top Issue'. The New York Times, 31 Aug. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/08/31/us/elections/abortion-polls-women-trump-harris.html.

'JD Vance Says Trump Would Veto a National Abortion Ban'. NBC News, 25 Aug. 2024, https://www.nbcnews.com/politics/2024-election/jd-vance-says-trump-veto-national-abortion-ban-rcna168084.

Kurtzleben, Danielle. 'Trump Backed a Federal Abortion Ban as President. Now, He Says He Wouldn't Sign One'. NPR, 10 Apr. 2024. NPR, https://www.npr.org/2024/04/10/1243942019/trump-abortion-ban-arizona-supreme-court-florida-6-week-ban.

Laden, Noam. REPLAY  Former President Trump Talks with Sid Rosenberg | 77 WABC. 19 Mar. 2024, https://wabcradio.com/2024/03/19/332694/.

Lee, Dan MacGuill, Jessica. 'Live Fact-Checking Updates: US Supreme Court Overturns Roe v. Wade'. Snopes, 24 June 2022, https://www.snopes.com//news/2022/06/24/dobbs-supreme-court-roe-wade/.

Lerer, Lisa. 'The Stakes on Abortion'. The New York Times, 30 Sept. 2024. NYTimes.com, https://www.nytimes.com/2024/09/30/briefing/the-stakes-on-abortion.html.

Mangan, Dan. 'Trump: I'll Appoint Supreme Court Justices to Overturn Roe v. Wade Abortion Case'. CNBC, 20 Oct. 2016, https://www.cnbc.com/2016/10/19/trump-ill-appoint-supreme-court-justices-to-overturn-roe-v-wade-abortion-case.html.

News, A. B. C. 'READ: Harris-Trump Presidential Debate Transcript'. ABC News, https://abcnews.go.com/Politics/harris-trump-presidential-debate-transcript/story?id=113560542. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.

Prokop, Andrew. 'The Big Lie about Project 2025'. Vox, 25 Sept. 2024, https://www.vox.com/politics/373485/project-2025-abortion-ban-trump-comstock-mifepristone.

Reese, Shelby. 'Donald Trump's Support for a National Abortion Ban Was His Clearest Non-Answer of the Night'. Democrats, 12 Sept. 2024, https://democrats.org/news/donald-trumps-support-for-a-national-abortion-ban-was-his-clearest-non-answer-of-the-night/.

staff, The Hill. 'FULL SPEECH: Addressing March for Life, Trump Touts Gains in Anti-Abortion Policy'. The Hill, 19 Jan. 2018, https://thehill.com/opinion/white-house/369761-full-speech-addressing-march-for-life-trump-touts-advances-in-anti/.

'The America We Deserve [1 Ed.] 1580631312, 9781580631310'. Dokumen.Pub, https://dokumen.pub/the-america-we-deserve-1nbsped-1580631312-9781580631310.html. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

'Trump Declines to Endorse a National Abortion Ban. He Says Limits Should Be Left to the States'. AP News, 8 Apr. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/trump-abortion-2024-ban-7bf06e0856b88a710c79a6eb85cffa6a.

'Trump Wouldn't Say Whether He'd Veto a National Ban Even as Abortion Remains a Top Election Issue'. AP News, 11 Sept. 2024, https://apnews.com/article/abortion-trump-harris-contraception-debate-vance-2f11a66ab4619fcb3d9917ee51a9c060.

'Truth Social'. Truth Social, https://truthsocial.com/@realDonaldTrump/posts/113235330611313558. Accessed 2 Oct. 2024.

Vice President Harris Speaks at Atlanta, Georgia Campaign Event | C-SPAN.Org. https://www.c-span.org/video/?538585-1/vice-president-harris-speaks-atlanta-georgia-campaign-event. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCtCuoxsH8o. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G_IG07XhT3k. Accessed 1 Oct. 2024.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VgsC_aBquUE. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.

YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ZqnrAcEpf8. Accessed 30 Sept. 2024.

Updates:

This story was updated with information regarding Trump's confirmed position on Oct. 1, 2024, that he would not support a federal abortion ban and would veto such a bill.
Vice President Harris is expected to interrupt some of her previously scheduled campaign appearances this week to visit Georgia and North Carolina in the aftermath of damage done by Hurricane Helene.

Harris will travel to Georgia on Wednesday and then to North Carolina in the coming days, according to a White House official. Both critical swing states this election cycle have been wrecked with storm damage, with many people left without power and water indefinitely.

Harris will survey the impacts of the storm and receive an on-the-ground briefing while in Georgia. She is also expected to give remarks with updates on the federal actions taken to help Georgia and other impacted states recover.

The vice president was scheduled to take a bus tour in Philadelphia with her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) on Wednesday. Walz instead will be joined by Sen. John Fetterman (D-Pa.) and continue with the bus tour the day after the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, as planned.

Harris returned to Washington early from a West Coast campaign swing on Monday to visit Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters. She has also been in contact with North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper (D) and Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) and has reached out to Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis (R), according to her office.

Former President Trump, the GOP nominee for president, traveled to Georgia on Monday to assess storm damage. Trump criticized Bidens response to the hurricane during the trip, while claiming Kemp had trouble reaching Biden. But Kemp and Biden confirmed the two spoke Sunday.

Biden reacted angrily to Trumps claims, calling him out for lying and said thats simply not true, and its irresponsible.

The president plans to visit North Carolina on Wednesday. He also said he would travel to Georgia and Florida as soon as possible to survey damage, stressing that he doesnt want to interfere with recovery efforts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. 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.
Democratic presidential nominee Vice President Kamala Harris attends a briefing at FEMA headquarters, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024, in Washington, on recovery and assistance efforts after Hurricane Helene. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin)

WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris will tour damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Georgia and North Carolina as the deadly storm roils the political calendar just over a month from Election Day.

The Democratic nominee plans to visit Georgia on Wednesday and survey the devastation in North Carolina in the coming days, according to aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the travel plans. Harris' team has been working to coordinate her plans to avoid impacting local disaster response efforts.

Harris had been scheduled to join her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on a bus tour across Pennsylvania on Wednesday, the day after he faced off with Ohio Sen. JD Vance in Tuesday night's vice presidential debate. Walz will instead be joined by Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman.

After Georgia, Harris plans to continue with scheduled campaign visits to Wisconsin and Michigan later this week, with the North Carolina trip coming sometime after that.

President Joe Biden will visit North Carolina on Wednesday, checking out the worst damage in the Asheville area by helicopter to avoid tying up local resources.

Republican nominee Donald Trump visited Georgia on Monday, where he spread falsehoods about the federal response to the storm despite claiming not to be politicizing the disaster.
(Bloomberg) -- Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Georgia and North Carolina, visiting two states devastated by Hurricane Helene that are also critical battlegrounds in Novembers election against Republican Donald Trump.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Harris will visit Georgia on Wednesday and North Carolina in the coming days, according to a White House official who detailed the vice presidents travel plans on condition of anonymity.

The powerful storm which left over 100 people dead and many still accounted for has devastated communities across a swath of the US southeast and shaken up the presidential race with just five weeks until Election Day.

Both Trump and Harris have sought to show voters they are best positioned to respond to the storm. Harris cut short a weekend campaign swing to western states to return early to Washington on Monday to receive a briefing from the Federal Emergency Management Agency on recovery efforts.

Trump had criticized Harris for fundraising in California while the hurricane battered communities in states including Georgia, North Carolina and Florida. Trump on Monday traveled to Georgia, also a critical swing state hit hard by the storm, to see firsthand the damage and recovery efforts.

Separately, the White House said President Joe Biden would travel to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday. Biden will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Helene in western North Carolina and meet with first responders and local officials in both states.

Harris on Monday when she returned to Washington said she had received regular briefings and spoken with both Governors Brian Kemp, a Republican from Georgia, and Roy Cooper, a North Carolina Democrat. She also received a briefing at FEMA headquarters in Washington, where she thanked first responders.

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BRIDGEPORT, W.Va. (WBOY)  A man is facing charges in two counties after a juvenile victim told state troopers that the suspect had been sexually abusing them for years and had told them bad things would happen if they spoke up.

On Sept. 27, troopers with the Harrison County detachment of the West Virginia State Police attended a forensic interview with two separate victims at the Harrison County Child Advocacy Center, according to a criminal complaint. During those interviews, one of the juvenile victims stated that beginning in 2018, Steven Brown, 63, of Mount Clare, would take both of the victims to Stonewall Jackson Lake in Lewis County, and that while there, Brown performed sexual acts on the first victim, troopers said.

Steven Brown

Man accused of stabbing victim with sword during argument in Clarksburg

During those times, Brown would also show [the victim] pornographic videos on his cell phone, according to the complaint.

That juvenile victim also said that the incidents happened frequently until May 19, 2024, and that Brown told the victim bad things would go on if the victim disclosed the sexual abuse to anyone, troopers said.

The victim also told troopers that Brown owned firearms and knowing that caused fear that death or bodily injury to [the victim] or others may be imminent if [the victim] sought help, according to the complaint.

Brown has been charged with five counts of sexual abuse by a parent or guardian, five counts of first-degree sexual abuse, one count of use of obscene material with intent to seduce a minor, and one count of distributing obscene material to a minor in both Harrison and Lewis counties as well as one count of second-degree sexual assault in Lewis County.

He is being held in North Central Regional Jail on bond with a combined total of $1,250,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
An independent inquiry into the death of motorcyclist Harry Dunn could be set up as early as November, Foreign Secretary David Lammy has told the teenager's family.

Mr Dunn, 19, was killed in August 2019 after US State Department employee Anne Sacoolas, hit him with her car while driving on the wrong side of the road near RAF Croughton, Northamptonshire.

Sacoolas, who had diplomatic immunity asserted on her behalf, left the country, but was later given a suspended jail term.

Dunn family spokesman Radd Seiger said Mr Lammy had "expressed a strong commitment to addressing the failings we encountered within the political and diplomatic systems in London".

The Foreign Office has been approached by the BBC for comment.

Harry Dunn's mother Charlotte Charles and stepfather Bruce Charles met the foreign secretary at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in Westminster [PA Media]

Mr Dunn's death led the family on a three-year fight for justice, which included a meeting with former US president Donald Trump at the White House.

His mother, Charlotte Charles, said her family was a "victim" of the previous Conservative government's "terrible approach to working class people like us".

Sacoolas left the country 19 days after the crash and appeared by video link at the Old Bailey to plead guilty to causing death by dangerous driving.

She was advised against attending her sentencing hearing by her employer, and Mr Dunn's family said they were "horrified" that the US government was "actively interfering in our criminal justice system".

The Dunn family said David Lammy "expressed a strong commitment to addressing the failings we encountered within the political and diplomatic systems" [PA Media]

Speaking after the meeting on Tuesday, Mrs Charles said: "We are incredibly grateful to Mr Lammy for finding the time to meet with us this afternoon and for agreeing to set up this important inquiry.

"At long last we feel that we are being fully supported by our own government, having been so badly let down by the ministers and officials who were responsible for helping us when Harry died but who did the opposite."

Mr Seiger said the foreign secretary wanted the inquiry set up "sooner rather than later" and had indicated it could be set up "as early as November".

Mr Seiger claimed the Foreign Office was an "elitist institution that is simply not set up to help ordinary people", and that Mr Lammy had made it clear the inquiry would ensure "lessons are learned".

He continued: "It should not have taken the courage and tenacity of the family and the campaign team to right this wrong. That is what a government is for."

Follow Northamptonshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

More on this story
Harvesting hops for beer produces a lot of waste. These German groups are seeking to fix that

HopfON entrepreneur, Mauricio Fleischer Acuna poses in Munich, Germany, Friday, Sept. 20, 2024. The startup is using the organic waste, some from the hops harvest, to make sustainable building materials like acoustic panels and thermal insulation, with the twofold goal of reducing waste from the construction industry. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader)

MUNICH (AP)  Two students in Munich, sipping beers on their dormitory couch in 2022, chatted about a recent lecture describing the use of banana fibers in Colombia to make sustainable building materials.

Wouldn't it be great, the Technical University of Munich students joked, to do something similar with a local product here in Bavaria  perhaps with the waste from the region's famous hops?

The next day, they began researching. Within months, they'd launched a startup called HopfON  a play on Hopfen, the German word for hops  that's now scaling up from its lab models and pilot project to real-world products.

While HopfON's goal is to reduce waste created by the construction and beer industries by making products that use the leaves, spines and vines left over from the hops harvest, the Society of Hop Research in the heart of Bavaria is breeding new varieties that reduce the plant's excess from the beginning.

The figures surrounding waste are staggering. More than one-third of all waste generated in the European Union comes from the construction and demolition industry, according to an EU report published in January.

And when hops are harvested each fall in Germany's Hallertau region  the worlds largest hops-growing area that's about an hour north of Oktoberfest  for every 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of material inside the cones that can be used to brew beer, there are 3.5 kilograms (7.7 lbs.) of wasted biomass from the rest of the plant. That's a ratio that's roughly 20% usable product to 80% waste.

Some of the hops waste can be used for fertilizers, and a portion can be sold to biogas plants to produce energy. But the majority is unusable for farmers, who may be forced to rent additional farmland to dump piles of the waste away from their crops. The piles can ferment and emit greenhouse gases  and sometimes catch fire.

We saw a huge potential in sourcing locally and also using a waste stream that was neglected by basically most people," HopfON entrepreneur Mauricio Fleischer Acuna told The Associated Press.

HopfON seeks to reduce the construction industry's waste, and its planet-warming emissions, by limiting the need for finite resources through hops-made products. The startup has also launched a circular model where customers can return their products to be remade into new materials.

During the fall harvest, the team takes the fresh material from farms and dries it immediately, Fleischer Acuna said, then removes any impurities and recyclable metals. It's chopped up and separated out for a patent-pending process that uses binding agents already in the plant to turn the biomass into products like acoustic panels, thermal insulation and building boards.

A coworking space in the southwestern German city of Mannheim was the startup's first customer for the acoustic panels. A future plan is to make drywall alternatives.

Fleischer Acuna and his partners  Marlene Stechl and Thomas Rojas Sonderegger, the two students in the university dorm  also plan to widen their business to use other organic materials and will eventually change their name from HopfON to onmatter.

The trio is not the only group in Bavaria seeking to solve this problem. At the Society of Hop Research in Hull, researchers have developed new varieties of hops that are more sustainable and produce less waste. Managing Director Walter Konig says the new varieties mean that for every 1 kilogram (2.2 lbs.) of cones, there are just 1.2 to 1.4 kilograms (2.6 to 3.1 lbs.) of waste.

Perhaps most importantly, Konig said the research did not sacrifice the hops' quality  meaning they ultimately retained the traditional taste that brewers, and beer lovers, want.

Its a very sophisticated thing to bring them all together for a new variety that smells good and that fits to the beers that we need, he added.

__

Pietro De Cristofaro contributed to this report.

__

Associated Press climate and environmental coverage receives support from several private foundations. See more about APs climate initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
If you or someone you know needs support or mental health resources, please call, text or chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org for 24/7 access to free and confidential services.

SANTA TERESA, N.M.  Hours before it happened, Border Patrol Agent Jose Gil knew someone was going to die.

A sensor on the border was tripped and Gil, responding to a potential illegal crossing, had come face to face with a smuggler through the steel border fence, as migrants scattered into the Mexican dunes to hide.

"Look, dont bring them across," Gil warned the smuggler, known as a coyote. "You are going to kill them. Weve been finding people here, dying."

Migrant deaths have surged for a second year along this stretch of U.S.-Mexico border in West Texas and southern New Mexico. The personal and economic toll on migrant families of losing their loved one  often the breadwinner  is immense.

But there is a hidden toll, too, on the border agents who find the bodies of migrants, or who fail trying to save the ones they find barely alive.

Through Friday, 175 migrants have died in Border Patrol's El Paso Sector this fiscal year, which ended Monday. That broke last year's record of 149 deaths here, a number many times higher than even five years ago when 10 migrants died in a year. And it shocked agents like Gil, who patrol this stretch of desert populated by homes and crisscrossed by highways where migrants are dying within reach of help.

It's one of the contributing factors to a mental health crisis that has led U.S. Customs and Border Protection to drastically expand support for agents over the past 18 months after 15 agents committed suicide in 2022.

Border Patrol's mission is law enforcement, but the job is in many ways unique. The policies agents are meant to enforce are constantly changing. Border terrain is rugged, and the work  often requiring hours of solitude in extreme conditions  can be lonely and dangerous.

Gil grew up in the desert landscape of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez in Mexico. Like many border agents, he traces his roots to Mexico and started his career in the U.S. Army before entering the Border Patrol.

Border Patrol Agent Jose Gil has had to witness the deaths of migrants in the desert and he has had to recover bodies found in the desert of Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

He speaks English and Spanish with equal ease and knows the terrain of this borderland where he was raised: the ruddy dunes crowned with mesquite, the rocky peak of Mount Cristo Rey, the sprawl of the metropolis where homes in El Paso and Ciudad Juarez have panoramic views of the border fence that divides them.

After warning the smuggler not to risk the crossing, Gil buckled down in the dunes to wait for him to try again.

New resources for agent mental health

Fifteen Border Patrol agents died by suicide in 2022. It was a brutal wake-up call for U.S. Customs and Border Protection and its parent, the Department of Homeland Security, on the personal and professional pressures border agents face and the true cost of the agency's historically male-dominated, tough-it-out work culture.

The mental health crisis among Border Patrol agents stems from many contributors, agency leaders say: The whiplash of shifting border policies; the strident tone of national immigration politics; conviction of murder by one of their own; the stress of apprehending families and children, often in terrible condition; and  in this desert in particular  the dramatic spike in migrant deaths.

The mounting risks to migrants in the desert near El Paso are also evident in the number of rescues this year: more than 900 rescues up from nearly 600 rescues a year ago.

Gil said this year, more than any other, "has been really, really bad because weve been seeing a lot of dead people. A lot of recoveries. A lot of people in medical distress, lost. It takes a toll on us, all the agents, because were not used to it."

Still, like many agents, Gil  one of the few to clear the bar into the agency's two elite forces, the Border Patrol Tactical Unit and the Border Patrol Search, Trauma, and Rescue Unit  hasn't sought mental health support.

"Changing the culture is one of these things that doesnt happen overnight," said Peter Jaquez, who served in leadership in El Paso Sector and took a job last year as CBP's first executive director of workforce care. "But weve taken tremendous strides. Were removing that stigma of asking for help."

CBP's response since 2022 has been to swarm mental health and other resources to agents and to care for them at work and at home in a way it never had before.

As a first line of mental health defense, Border Patrol has always had access to the chaplaincy program and volunteer "peer support" agents  men and women in uniform who raise their hands to support others in field. Peer support agents are now receiving additional training on recognizing the signs of mental health crisis.

CBP has also hired six operational psychologists who office inside Border Patrol stations, and the agency plans to hire more. Uniformed agents are now assigned as "resilience specialists" to create ties between the psychologists and field agents. Last year, CBP launched a K-9 program specifically designed to support agent mental health.

The agency has created ancillary programs to help agents better manage stress, including back-up child care and pet care programs, financial education programs, and "family days" where agency leadership can ensure spouses are aware of the resources available to agents and their families.

But in the most serious cases, the agency has also made a crucial change to a policy that prevented agents from asking for help, Jaquez said, removing the punitive risk they faced in permanently losing their badge and gun.

If an agent is expressing suicidal ideation, Jaquez said, "were going to remove the weapon. But were not going to put them on a rubber gun squad and have them in limbo forever. Mental health is treated like a physical injury. They're given time to recover and rehabilitate."

At Border Patrol's El Paso Sector headquarters, Chief Patrol Agent Scott Good has made mental health and what the agency calls "resiliency" a priority.

"We don't need to be that tough guy or gal," Good said. "We don't have to have our problems and take them home with us and not talk about it."

Migrant advocates say the higher border fence and tougher U.S. policies tend to drive migrants into the hands of smugglers, who force them to take deadly risks.

"Our agents are going through a lot," Good said. "The agents see the results of this evil that the smugglers have and it really does weigh a big toll on their mental health and well-being."

This year, through Sept. 11, seven Border Patrol agents have committed suicide, including one in El Paso, according to CBP.

"Even one is too many," Good said.

When rescue attempts fail

Dozens of Border Patrol agents in El Paso Sector witnessed a death or found a body this summer. In interviews with five of them, agents told USA TODAY the failed rescues were the hardest on them. Most said they were military veterans; that they didn't ask for help but CBP made mental health support available.

Dona Ana County Fire Fighters help Laura Mae Williams transport a dead migrant who was found deceased in the desert in New Mexico about two miles north of the international boundary with Mexico on Sept. 13, 2023.

Two months ago, Agent Steven Figueroa responded to a group of migrants struggling in the Rio Grande and arrived to the rescue.

"One subject, female, she drowned," he said. "She was face down. We werent in time to save her. Its just rough. You try so hard to be where you can, to do everything you are taught, everything you would do if it was someone you knew, and it slipped through your fingers."

His supervisor immediately alerted him to the resources available, and fellow agents checked in.

"They were all asking to see if I was good," he said. "It was nice to see."

Benjamin Guillen Griego, who was born and raised in El Paso, said agents are law enforcement officers but "we are human ourselves." He is a vet, too, and  like Gil and Figueroa  he hasn't used CBP mental health resources, he said. But it gets to him sometimes.

"These people, despite whatever their intentions were, it all started with a dream of having that better life and to think their dreams ended up in that spot  they could be out there for months at a time or a year," he said of the bodies, "and their family not knowing."

'Somebody was going to die'

Three hours after Gil warned the smuggler not to cross, roughly 100 migrants began scaling the border fence  five here, seven there. He and other agents jumped into motion.

As he raced after a group of 10 on foot, Gil found an older man on his hands and knees in the sand. "He was probably tired because he was running away from me," he said. "I tried to pick him up because I could look up and I could see people running away."

Gil told the man to get up. "He couldnt, so I helped him up and I sat him down. I said, 'Hey stay right here,' so I could go get more help."

Gil borrowed an ATV from another agent nearby who had just found the body of a dead woman and was following protocol: He would stay and wait for a sheriff's deputy and the forensic investigator. Gil steered the ATV into the dunes.

The next person he caught was the same smuggler he had warned earlier, along with two other migrants. He marched them over to the elderly man, who was now prone, his face in the sand. Gil rolled him over. There was foam around his mouth.

He turned to the smuggler. "I told him, Te dije que somebody was going to die,'" Gil said. "You guys are going to have to help me."

Border Patrol Agent Jose Gil has had to witness the deaths of migrants in the desert and he has had to recover bodies found in the desert of Santa Teresa, New Mexico.

Gil had already called in emergency assistance. It was less than 3 miles over desert terrain to New Mexico's Highway 9.

He put two migrants in front of his ATV and told the smuggler to hold the elderly man in the back.

He drove as fast as the overloaded ATV would let him, toward the highway. The man reminded him of his own parents, he said, both Mexican. How they would fare in the desert on a day like that one. How they would never make it.

"I look back," he said. "I keep on shaking him. 'OK, he is breathing.' We were like 30 yards from the highway, and he just ... No pulse. No pulse. We did CPR. Everyone showed up. It was too late."

Gil told the story standing in the shadow of the border fence. He wore a camouflage uniform, a heavy vest and sunglasses. He didn't want to talk about it, he said. But he didn't stop.

"That got me really really bad," he said. "Mentally, I even had a nightmare that night. And Ive been through a lot. Ive seen a lot. People, aliens, decapitated because theyve done an FTY, a failure to yield, and theyve run into a semi (truck)  stuff like that doesnt get me. But actually having somebody dying on me like that? And like I said, there was nothing I could do because its too late. Its too late.

"The coyote," he said of the smuggler who is now awaiting prosecution, "he was crying, too."

Lauren Villagran can be reached at lvillagran@usatoday.com.

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Border Patrol agents face mounting mental health toll
New Haven native stars in new Tubi series Divided Loyalty

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH)  A New Haven native stars in a new series premiering on Tubi next month.

Connecticuts Christopher Bethune plays Jerome in the new mini series Divided Loyalty, which is set in both New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts.

At the Movies: The Wild Robot & Megaloplis

The people behind the show plan to hold a premiere in New Haven this Saturday night, to celebrate and watch a private screening.

Theres no better place to premiere the series than in my hometown, Bethune said in a press release.

New Haven native stars in new Tubi series Divided Loyalty.

The series follows a rookie federal agent, who embarks on a perilous mission to infiltrate a notorious bank robbery crew, unraveling a complex web of intrigue that hints at sinister connections between the criminals, the FBI, and criminal organizations.

Divided Loyalty will be available for streaming on Nov. 1.

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We recently compiled a list of the 7 Best Stocks to Buy for Long Term. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) stands against the other stocks.

Market Strategist Says The Economy May Re-Accelerate on its Own

On September 23, Chris Watling, Longview Economics founder, CEO, and chief market strategist, appeared in an interview on Yahoo Finance to discuss the rate easing path and the impact it may have on the market.

According to Walting, the market is deeply divided on not two but three different sides. While some analysts and investors foresee a recession, others believe the economy is going towards a soft landing, and of those a small minority believe that the economy may accelerate at a rapid pace. Walting also added that while predicting the appropriate terminal rate is interesting, there is a lot more going on with the economy. Comparing economic conditions to the 2008 recession, households and corporations are in much better shape, hinting that a recession may not be the most likely outcome.

He believes that the economy may be slowing right now but it may experience faster reacceleration than before without the need for further falls. His advice to investors is to judge the economy based on multiple data points. As for the appropriate portfolio, Walting suggests that bonds are overcooked and gold must be given a pause. At the moment, the market is rotating away from tech into defensive sectors, and in the future, it may rotate more towards cyclical stocks.

The Fed is Thinking About Growth

As the S&P 500 recorded an upside following the Fed's easing cycle, investors and analysts alike eye a soft landing for the economy. On September 26, Liz Miller, Summit Place Financial Advisors founder and president, appeared in an interview on Yahoo Finance to discuss the future of markets.

Miller states that the pivot has been great for the financial markets and now that the Fed is thinking about growth, investors are hopeful of a soft landing. She suggests that stocks in sectors such as housing, rental, finance, and consumer goods may benefit immensely from the easing interest rate cycle.

Miller suggests that the S&P 500 is not the best way to measure the performance of financial markets, given that it is skewed to the mega-cap tech stocks. Looking at other indices, other sectors have not made highs since December 2021. She believes the market may be flat but there is huge potential for upsides. Miller shares concerns over the Chinese economy and how it influences the global outlook. She suggests that for the global economy to balance, companies must work to regain consumer confidence in China.

Story continues

Now that we have studied the appropriate portfolio mix for investors following the Fed's decision, let's take a look at the 7 best stocks to buy for the long term.

Our Methodology

To come up with the 7 best stocks to buy for the long term we examined promising stocks hedge funds are piling into. These are blue chip stocks with wide moats and have long track records of driving shareholder returns. We have ranked the stocks in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q2 2024.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletter's strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A medical technician wearing protective gloves and a mask mixing a biopharmaceutical solution.

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 84

Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is one of the best stocks to buy for the long-term and we say that because at the end of Q2 2024, 84 hedge funds were bullish on PFE with total stakes amounting to $3.62 billion. Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is a leading pharmaceutical and biotechnology company based in New York, United States.

Previously in March, the company acquired Seagen, a biotechnology firm, for $43 billion. The acquisition is projected to deliver more than $10 billion in revenues by 2030. In August, Pfizer and its biotechnology partner were approved by the FDA to roll out their new shots before the flu season commences.

On the operational front, the company is undergoing a Manufacturing Optimizing Program focused on enhancing efficiency that will deliver $1.5 billion in savings by the end of 2027. The company is notorious for putting customers first. Towards the end of August, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) launched PfizerForAll, an online platform to make access to healthcare easier.

Overall, Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) is not just a biotechnology leader. The company is also capitalizing on improving its operations and improving access to healthcare, making it one of the best stocks to buy for the long term. During the second quarter of 2024, the company logged $13.3 billion in revenue, representing operational revenue growth of 3%.

Parnassus Investments' Parnassus Value Equity Fund stated the following regarding Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE) in its first quarter 2024 investor letter:

"During the quarter, we added new positions in Pfizer Inc. (NYSE:PFE), NICE and Charter Communications. We purchased Pfizer to capture the potential upside from any turnaround following the COVID-induced boom-bust cycle of the last few years. Pfizers stock price sank by more than 40% in 2023 as COVID-19 vaccine revenues rolled off, providing an attractive entry point for us. The company completed its acquisition of Seagen, which should strengthen Pfizers pipeline in antibody-drug conjugates (ADC). Pfizer also offers an attractive dividend yield."

Overall PFE ranks 6th on our list of the best stocks to buy for long term. While we acknowledge the potential of PFE as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns, and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than PFE but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  Negotiations continued on Monday between Kapiolani Medical Center and the Hawaii Nurses Association.

Hundreds of nurses have been locked out since they were on a one-day strike over two weeks ago. Federal mediators are also present.

Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news

One condition nurses want in their contracts is a better nurse-to-patient ratio.

This is the second strike by Kapiolani nurses this year and both times they have asked for improved working conditions and higher nurse-to-patient ratios, saying they are assigned too many patients which impacts their ability to provide adequate care.

Food drive held for struggling Hawaii nurses 2 weeks into lockout

On KHON2s Wake Up 2Day, Governor Josh Green said hes hopeful an agreement will come soon.

This could be the day, Im really pleased that they have been working towards a settlement, and fingers crossed, I think they get it done soon, Governor said.

But he also acknowledged the shortage of nurses in Hawaii.

In order to make sure our nurses stay, we have to help them with their debt and housing, he added. We have the second highest pay rate for nurses, but when you adjust for cost of living, were at the bottom.

Others said more can be done to bring in more nurses.

In the last two years, theyve considered legislation to join the interstate nursing compact, which would allow nurses from the mainland who hold a license under the compact to come work in Hawaii without having to go through any sort of separate licensure hoops, they could just move here and work here, explained Malia Hill, police director at the Grassroots Institute of Hawaii.

Currently, 41 states and Guam are part of the compact. Hill said legislation was passed for physicians here in the state, but not for nurses.

No impact in this rare conditionsurfers myelopathy

Dr. Lynn Babington at Chaminade University is a nurse herself and emphasized the aging nursing workforce and covid-retirements as a contributor to the shortage.

That left a bigger gap than you would normally find with retirements and then people finishing school nursing programs, explained Dr. Babington.

At Chaminade, we are the largest nursing program in the country for baccalaureate prepared nurses, we have made a strategic plan over time to grow that but we are limited by the clinical experiences available in our community for our students, she added.

Both add specialty care is hard to come by especially on neighbor islands but said the states newly rolled out home subsides and student loan repayment could help attract and retain nurses.

Hill added there are barriers and challenges doctors and nurses face when coming to Hawaii to start a practice. So if its hard for doctors to start a practice, its going to be hard for nurses to come here and find work, she said.

Ive spoken to nonprofits even on neighbor islands, basically talking about how they get all set up to create this new facility, but then learn that they have to navigate this very complicated bureaucratic system to get permission from the state to actually open their facility, Hill explained.

In the meantime, you may have gotten donations to get nurses or hire people or set up, you know your administrators area, or you know you would just build your location, and all of this is on hold, costing you money, costing you resources, costing you staff while you try to navigate it. So reforming certificate of need laws in order to make it easier to set up healthcare facilities would be a good step.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
HONOLULU (KHON2)  The Department of Justice revealed a Hawaii man has pled guilty after violating the Atomic Energy Act in 2018.

Stolen jewels, boa constrictors killing owners, check out Weird News here

According to reports, 60-year-old Mark Kazee was caught transferring equipment containing radioactive material from his former company to a new company that did not have the proper license. Kazee also did not record the transfer.

Officials said Kazee worked in the equipment testing industry for more than 30 years, serving as both an inspector and a supervisor of inspectors.

Police searching for attempted murder suspect

Court documents reported that Kazee created his own company with another person in September 2018, which did not have a license to conduct industrial radiography from the NRC.

Despite this, his company began conducting inspections at a major refinery on Oahu with his old employers equipment, which he failed to create and maintain a record for.

Pride month brings bears into the spotlight

Kazee knew what had to be done to comply with the regulations that protect the public from potential harms arising from the use of radioactive materials, but consciously chose not to follow them. His failures appropriately have criminal consequences and we will continue to pursue such to protect the community. U.S. Attorney Clare E. Connors for the District of Hawaii

The DOJ said the equipment contained Iridium-192 and depleted uranium radioactive source material.

It is crucial that those who use radioactive material for commercial purposes follow the rules to protect the user and the public, explained Director Thomas Ashley of the NRCs Office of Investigations.

Check out more news from around Hawaii

Kazee will face up to two years in prison and is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 13 before U.S. District Court Judge J. Michael Seabright for the District of Hawaii.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Hawaii sues homeowner because his house fell into the ocean despite efforts to save it

A Hawaiian homeowner's dream beach house on Oahu's North Shore came crashing into the ocean -- and now the state is suing him over the mess.

A dream home on Oahus North Shore became a nightmare when it crumbled into the ocean  and now the state of Hawaii is suing the homeowner, Josh VanEmmerik, for letting it happen.

Footage captured by stunned locals shows VanEmmeriks once-luxurious oceanfront house breaking apart and being swallowed by the waves.

The wreckage left debris strewn across a public beach, prompting an immediate outcry from neighbors and state officials alike.

Heart-stopping footage shows Josh VanEmmeriks oceanfront property collapsing into the waves, leaving debris scattered across the public beach. @kevin_makana_emery/Instagram

The state isnt letting VanEmmerik off the hook easily. According to their lawsuit, debris from the collapse  including concrete, wood and broken glass  now litters the beach, which is public land.

Officials are demanding he clean up the mess and are seeking financial damages to restore the area to its natural state.

This is the beach that my daughter plays on. Its literally covered in broken glass, one local, Kevin Makana Emery, wrote on Instagram under a video of the shocking scene.

VanEmmerik, 31, who owns a bar in Kailua, had already been slapped with a hefty $77,000 fine last year for violations related to erosion control at his home.

VanEmmerik purchased the home for $1 million in 2021 with the listing description warning of erosion. After remodeling the property, he listed the home a couple of years later for $2.5 million.

Before it came tumbling into the ocean, the price recently dropped to $2 million.

VanEmmerik, 31, who owns a bar in Kailua, is being slammed for failing to prevent the disaster. @kevin_makana_emery/Instagram

The homeowner had resorted to desperate measures to save the property, placing sandbags, concrete and rocks in a futile attempt to battle the encroaching ocean. But his efforts didnt comply with state regulations, and officials say he failed to remove the unauthorized structures in time.

Private landowners take a risk when they allow structures to be so close to the shoreline, Deputy Attorney General Danica Swenson told Hawaii News Now.

The lawsuit argues that the debris became unwanted material on state-owned land the moment the house collapsed.

The states lawsuit claims debris from the collapse, including wood, glass and concrete, polluted public land. @kevin_makana_emery/Instagram

All beaches in Hawaii up to the high tide mark are public property, and the state is determined to clean up the wreckage for the safety of its residents.

Locals are furious, both at VanEmmerik and the state, with some accusing the government of dragging its feet.

This situation has been going on for years now. Why are you NOT here cleaning this up? Emery wrote, criticizing the lack of action by state officials.

Debris is shown encroaching on a public beach during the collapse. @kevin_makana_emery/Instagram

Longtime residents, like neighbor Ken Bradshaw, said the collapse was inevitable, given the severe erosion in the area.

Erosions going to take place  I warned him myself three times  do not buy this property, Bradshaw told Island News at the time.

Now, with the wreckage of VanEmmeriks dream home washed into the ocean, the state is moving to clean up the mess  and make sure he pays for it.

Officials are demanding he clean up the mess and pay damages to restore the beach. But critics say the state could have acted sooner, with some locals blaming officials for turning a blind eye to the years-long erosion issue. @kevin_makana_emery/Instagram

VanEmmerik had already been hit with a $77,000 fine for violating erosion control laws and failing to remove unauthorized structures. WildPhotography.com  stock.adobe.com

Demolition crews were spotted tearing down the remnants of the house, but the damage to the beach remains a sore spot for locals.

The state hopes to restore the beach to its former glory, but it could be a costly and lengthy process.
A message about the problems with the Rhode Island Rental Registry appears on the Rhode Island Department of Health website. (Rhode Island Department of Health )

Delays and errors plagued the new Rhode Island Department of Health website page on Tuesday, the deadline for all landlords to register rental properties and provide evidence of work done to remove lead-based paint in older properties.

Legislation signed into law in June 2023 requires landlords to register their properties in the Rhode Island Rental Registry by Oct. 1, 2024. The website went live on Sept. 3.

For properties built before 1978  the year lead paint was banned for use in U.S. homes  property owners must supply proof of lead mitigation work in the units. Failure to comply is punishable by a civil fine of at least $50 per month for failure to register name, address of the units and contact information. Failure to register proof of mitigation work would subject a property owner to a fine of $125 per month .

The law also subjects repeat violators to additional civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation.

The Tuesday deadline led landlords to file en masse, leading some people to receive error messages when submitting information about their properties. A notice posted to the Rhode Island Department of Health (RIDOH) website stated landlords should try later in the week or next week and attempt to register again. The online notice also said that while the statutory filing deadline is Oct. 1, the health department is not issuing fines at this time.

Due to the large number of people accessing the Rhode Island Rental Registry today, some people are receiving an error message when registering a property, Annemarie Beardsworth, a RIDOH spokesperson, said in an email Tuesday afternoon. RIDOH is aware of this and is working to fix it as quickly as possibleThis information has been shared with those who have already emailed RIDOH and is also set as an auto reply for those who have been emailing RIDOH today.

Attorney General Peter F. Neronha worked with the General Assembly to pass the registry legislation, alongside an assortment of other lead-related laws. Prior to the lead registry, landlords were already required to obtain lead certificates. The registry will make the information more easily available to renters.

The registry is designed to hold landlords accountable by ensuring Rhode Islands rental housing stock is lead-safe, Neronha said during a press conference in May. And as the housing crisis continues to impact tenants across Rhode Island, families cant afford to be picky. Therefore, it is absolutely essential that the registry is properly implemented, arming renters with the information they need to make important housing decisions while requiring compliance and transparency from landlords. And we wont back down until its in place.

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Helene claims nearly 40 in South Carolina as damages near $20M, officials say

HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  South Carolinas death toll from Helene is likely to rise in the coming days, with the storm already being blamed for nearly 40 statewide deaths, Gov. Henry McMaster and other officials said on Tuesday.

This has really hit our region hard, McMaster said at an afternoon briefing.

Nationally, the fatality rate from Helene has surpassed 150.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other government officials told residents displaced by Hurricane Helene and those worried about loved ones that a massive effort continued Tuesday to bring stability to the mountains  and to their lives.

No matter where you are in western North Carolina, if you need help, we are working around the clock to reach you, Cooper said at a media briefing in Raleigh.

The state Division of Emergency Management confirmed 38 storm-related deaths in North Carolina from Helene, with the number expected to rise.

The devastation brought by Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map, Cooper said. He planned to return the damaged areas later Tuesday.

More than 1,100 people were staying in close to 30 shelters in the region, with over 400 roads still closed and hundreds of rescues completed, officials said. First responders and others were working to locate people whose loved ones or friends had not heard from or needed welfare checks.

The National Guard ferried close to 200,000 pounds (90,700 kilograms) of food and other necessities out of the Asheville Regional Airport on Monday, North Carolina guard Major General Todd Hunt said.

Back in the Palmetto State, McMaster said 900 National Guard soldiers are on the ground, along with 18 chainsaw teams and more on the way from Florida, Michigan and Virginia.

The numbers are enormous that are participating in this effort, he said.

State emergency management director Kim Stenson said 18 counties so far have reported 1,500 damaged homes, including 21 that have been destroyed, along with $16 million worth of public assistance costs from 36 counties.

Both of those are subject to change as we move forward, and they went up significantly since yesterday, he said.

Information from The Associated Press was used in this story.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBTW.
Hurricane Helene has proved to be disastrous for Appalachia, as massive amounts of precipitation from the storm caused rampant flooding that has devastated several towns and killed dozens of people. On Monday, the North Carolina State Climate Office provided a picture of how the "monster storm" was nearly a "worst-case scenario for western North Carolina."

"Torrential rainfall from the remnants of Hurricane Helene capped off three days of extreme, unrelenting precipitation, which left catastrophic flooding and unimaginable damage in our Mountains and southern Foothills," a post from the office says. "... the full extent of this event will take years to document - not to mention, to recover from."

Here's how the climatologists said it happened.

North Carolina was saturated with rain before Helene hit

Total precipitation from the precursor frontal event and Hurricane Helene from September 25 to 27, 2024. / Credit: North Carolina State Climate Office

As Helene became a Category 1 hurricane in the Gulf of Mexico  more than 500 miles and 30 hours away from where it would eventually make landfall in Florida  western North Carolina was already seeing rain. The climate office says that Helene's outskirts were feeding tropical moisture to slow-moving storms that had formed along a stalled cold front.

By midnight on Thursday  roughly an hour after Helene's landfall 10 miles north of Steinhatchee, Florida  Asheville Airport in North Carolina had already seen more than 4 inches of rain. That downpour continued before Helene's outerbands even moved in. By Thursday night, Yancey County, which sits just south of Erwin, Tennessee, where floodwaters became so bad that people were trapped on the roof of a hospital, had seen more than 9 inches of rain.

A helicopter takes off from a front yard in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 near Black Mountain, North Carolina. / Credit: / Getty Images

Water was already beginning to inundate cities, "all while the heaviest rain from Helene was just beginning to fall," the climate office said. The more than 300 miles of tropical storm-force winds Helene produced only amplified the situation, pushing more moisture up mountains.

"The storm's impacts were especially long-lasting because of its massive size. It developed in a high-humidity environment over the warm Gulf of Mexico, which let it grow and strengthen unimpeded," the office said. "...From the start of the precursor frontal showers on Wednesday evening to the heart of Helene moving through on Friday morning, it was one of the most incredible and impactful weather events our state has ever seen."

Record rain brings reports of "biblical devastation"

From Wednesday to Friday, the office said that there were more than 8 inches of rain across the western North Carolina mountains, with some areas seeing a foot or more. The highest rainfall total was in Busick, with a three-day total of 31.33 inches  more than 2.5 feet.

At least a dozen weather stations recorded their wettest three-day periods on record, the office said. Asheville Regional Airport lost communications on Friday morning after Helene's landfall, but had already reported just under 14 inches of rain. That amount, the office said, was "nearly three months' worth of precipitation ... in less than three days."

Notable rainfall totals from September 25 to 27. Bolded text denotes local single-day or three-day records. An asterisk denotes that totals were submitted the following morning. / Credit: North Carolina State Climate Office

All of that rain caused rivers to flood, landslides and mudslides, leading to rescues across several counties.

In Buncombe County, home to Asheville, Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole told the Citizen-Times that "catastrophic devastation" didn't accurately describe the impact the deluge had.

"It would go a little bit further and say we have biblical devastation through the county," Cole said. "We've had biblical flooding here and it has been extremely significant."

The newspaper quoted county manager Avril Pinder as saying, "this is looking to be Buncombe County's own Hurricane Katrina."

Rare mountain tornado as Helene's winds move in

Notable wind gusts and confirmed tornadoes from the precursor frontal event and Hurricane Helene from September 25 to 27, 2024. / Credit: North Carolina State Climate Office

"Helene brought the full suite of hurricane impacts to North Carolina," the climate office said, "and in full force just hours after its landfall at Category-4 strength."

The winds from Helene were felt across western North Carolina, with the Charlotte Airport recording the strongest wind gusts it's seen since a thunderstorm microburst in August 2019. The winds, which surpassed hurricane speeds in some places, contributed to widespread power outages. Millions were left without power across several states because of Helene, and as of Tuesday morning, hundreds of thousands remain without electricity in North Carolina alone.

A destroyed home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 30, 2024 near Black Mountain, North Carolina. / Credit: / Getty Images

On Wednesday evening, as the state battled existing storms ahead of Helene, a rare mountain tornado formed in Watauga County, the first it had seen since 1998. The day after Helene made landfall, at least six tornadoes were confirmed, including an EF3 in Rocky Mount that destroyed several buildings.

A historic and deadly storm

CBS News has confirmed that at least 162 people across several states were killed by Helene. Buncombe County alone has reported more than 50 deaths, including a 7-year-old who was swept away by floodwaters with his grandparents.

While hundreds of people were able to be rescued, there have been even more requests for welfare checks. And given the severity of the damage, the climate office said that suggests "the death toll is likely to climb as hard-hit areas are finally accessed in the coming days."

"Sadly, our state's long-running benchmark for deaths during a tropical event  approximately 80 during the mountain region's July 1916 flood  could be in jeopardy from this storm that has already broken plenty of other records," the climate office said, adding that the 1916 event was the area's flood of record for more than a century  a title that "now belongs to Helene instead."

Several rivers surpassed their highest-ever crests by several feet, including the Swannanoa River, which saw "the worst flood along the river since North Carolina became a state," the office said.

A view of the damaged area at Asheville along with the western part of North-Carolina is devastated by the heavy rains and flooding after Hurricane Helene in Asheville on September 30, 2024 / Credit: Peter Zay/Anadolu via Getty Images

As unprecedented as Helene's impact on the region was, there is a chance it won't be the last.

"The rapid intensification of Helene over the Gulf, the amount of moisture available in its surrounding environment, and its manifestation as locally heavy  and in some cases, historically unheard of  rainfall amounts are all known side effects of a warmer atmosphere," the office said.

Last year was already the warmest humans had ever recorded and 2024 has seen countless heat records. The continued use of fossil fuels releases greenhouse gases that are trapping heat within the atmosphere, increasing average temperatures that fuel extreme weather events like Helene.

It's unclear when an event like Helene would downpour on Appalachia again, but the climate office is near-certain about one thing: "We won't see another Helene in the Atlantic."

Officials often retire hurricane names when they are particularly devastating, and while such action has yet to be announced, the climatologists suggest it may only be a matter of time.

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Image: ncdps.gov

The state of North Carolina has established a Hurricane Helene information and resources page at Hurricane Helene | NC DPS.

Death toll/damage

Officials continue to assess and respond to the widespread human and physical damage that Hurricane/Tropical Storm Helene inflicted in North Carolina. At last count, 133 people are known to have died from the storm across the southeastern U.S. with as many as several hundred still unaccounted for.

Buncombe County  one of the hardest hit areas  reported its death toll at 40 as of Monday evening. The Washington Post has reported that property damage in the impacted region could total as high as $26 billion  a figure only slightly lower than the state of North Carolinas general fund budget for an entire year.

Will Ray, the states emergency management director, told elected officials during a Council of State meeting Tuesday morning that Helene had significant, devastating impact on 25 counties in western North Carolina.

There are communities that were built along the river that we saw yesterday are no longer there, Ray told the group, gathered virtually.

Cooper, who called the storm the worst catastrophe in modern history in western North Carolina, said the long-term recovery will be significant.

The White House has announced that President Joe Biden will travel to North Carolina and South Carolina on Wednesday. He will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and greet first responders and local officials. He will also engage with first responders and state and local officials in South Carolina en route to North Carolina.

Power

As of midday Tuesday, the state Department of Public Safety website indicated that power providers were reporting a total of just over 374,000 western North Carolina customers were still without power. This includes customers of Duke Energy, Dominion Energy, N.C. Electric Cooperatives and ElectriCities.

On Sunday, western North Carolina Congressman Chuck Edwards reported that 360 electric substations had been knocked out of commission by Helene and that There is a high likelihood that the substations are not reparable, and replacement of the substation equipment will be necessary.

Water

Southeastern Buncombe County; South of N.C. 9 (Photo: NCDOT)

Several water systems remain severely damaged by the storm. State Rep. Lindsey Prather of Buncombe County told NC Newsline Tuesday afternoon that fresh water remains the Number One need in her community. Relief personnel are working hard to establish water distribution sites in numerous communities.

Roads

Roads are slowly beginning to open in western North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper shared at a press conference Tuesday morning.

I-40 East from Asheville is now open, and I-40 West into Asheville will reopen today.

We continue to ask people to stay off the roads in western North Carolina unless travel is necessary, Cooper said. Conditions on the ground remain extremely dangerous.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation is working to reopen more roads by clearing debris and finding ways around major damage until repairs can be made, he said.

North Carolina transportation secretary Joey Hopkins said I-26 is open throughout the state, and I-421 is open to Boone and westward towards the Tennessee line. Part of I-40 near Tennessee will remain closed for some time.

Our top priority is to open as many roads as we can so residents can get the supplies they need, and our utility partners can reach areas to repair their own infrastructure, Hopkins said.

The state is still discouraging anything other than emergency travel.

Schools

As western North Carolina reels from the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene, many of the regions schools remain closed due to flooding, power outages, and infrastructure damage.

Nearly all schools across the 25 counties where a federal major disaster has been declared were closed Monday, with a few counties leaving open the option to reopen schools on Tuesday or Wednesday.

Many schools throughout the region have transformed into emergency shelters and distribution centers for food, water, and other basic supplies. Several counties in the region opened their doors early in the week to provide hot meals to students and affected residents, including Jackson and Watauga counties.

At a Cleveland County elementary school, those in need of meals lined up in the parking lot Monday for a free hot dog lunch. Gymnasiums in some school districts, like Ashe County, are lined with foodstuffs and sleeping mats to help provide for residents who cannot return home.

The timeline for students to return varies substantially, with some already back in class and others with no idea of when they might be able to.

Schools in eight counties  Alleghany, Ashe, Buncombe, Burke, Haywood, McDowell, Transylvania, and Watauga  announced plans to close for the full week of Sept. 30, citing poor road conditions and electrical and communications disruptions.

The school districts of Avery, Henderson, Madison, Mitchell, and Polk counties indicated damage to their regions was so severe that they would remain closed until further notice. Even where school facilities are operational, the roads in some counties remain impossible for school buses to traverse.

Some schools, including those in Lincoln County, invited teachers back before students for optional in-person workdays, suggesting less direct damage. After restoring power to all school facilities in Gaston County, students returned to class with a two-hour delay.

In Clay County, schools reopened on Monday morning, after temporary internet service was restored and emergency services provided radio equipment for communications, according to a post on the schools Facebook page.

We are so thankful that our area was spared from the devastation around us, the school district wrote in a Facebook post. As we move forward, we will be using our resources to support our neighbors who have been severely impacted by this storm.

At least some schools, like those in Rutherford County, asked students who are able to complete remote learning  a tool utilized heavily when schools shuttered during the Covid-19 pandemic  though the district acknowledged that due to power and internet outages, remote learning is simply impossible for most students, and indicated no students would be penalized for not participating.

In addition to in-school activities, the fallout from the storm has forced many schools, such as those in Haywood County, to cancel or postpone all extracurricular and sporting events. By contrast, schools in Catawba County announced plans to resume at least some activities after school Tuesday  for some students, a much-needed return to normalcy.

While some schools have reopened, many remain without power, water, or internet service. Some have also endured flooding and structural damage. In Mitchell County, staff worked alongside firefighters and other volunteers in the storm to protect school facilities from the rising floodwaters.

Our community is devastated. We will be closed until further notice. We urge our staff to volunteer at local shelters during this time of need, wrote associate superintendent Jennifer Gregory in the school districts live feed. Situations like this remind us what a wonderful group of people we work with inside our schools and in the community.

Three state universities  Western Carolina, UNC Asheville and Appalachian State were significantly impacted. At present, Western and App State are closed through Friday October 4. On Tuesday afternoon, UNCA announced that classes will not resume until at least October 28.

The courts

The North Carolina Judicial Branch website shows that 22 counties are currently reporting that they are closed. This list includes 21 and the west and Lenoir in the east.

On Sunday, September 29, Chief Justice Paul Newby issued a series of identical orders for 28 counties specifying that all pleadings, motions, notices, and other documents and papers that were due to be filed (and all other acts that were due to be done) between the dates of September 26 and October 14 in civil actions, criminal actions, estates, and special proceedings shall be deemed to be timely filed if they are filed or are done before the close of business on October 14.

The 28 impacted counties are: Alexander, Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Graham, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Swain, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes, and Yancey.

Adult corrections

On Monday, the state Department of Adult Correction announced that it had evacuated approximately 400 offenders from Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa and the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women in Black Mountain.

Assistance

More than 57,000 North Carolinians have already applied for FEMA assistance. Click here to learn more and/or to apply for help.

FEMA has also delivered about 1 million liters of water and more than 600,000 meals to the state, according to Cooper.

Along with aid from the federal government, 22 states have responded to help North Carolina by sending personnel and assistance.

North Carolina has an anti-price gouging law, which was enacted when Cooper signed the state of emergency declaration, Attorney General Josh Stein said.

Charging too much for any needed good or service during an emergency is against the law in North Carolina, Stein said. If you think you see someone charging an unfair or excessive price for hotel rooms, gas, or food, or emergency supplies like generators, file a complaint with my office.

Voting

Voting site

Elections officials wont know until later this week what voting sites in storm-damaged counties are unable, state Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell told reporters on Tuesday. Early voting begins on Oct. 17.

The first objective is to get all county elections offices up and running, she said.

The intent is for early voting to begin on time in all counties, Brinson Bell said, but she raised the possibility that not all will be ready.

Its probably too early to know whether well be able to start early voting on time, she said. The availability of voting facilities is the outstanding question.

Well be working with them to determine if they can open all the sites that they had planned to, she said. If we need to help them relocating the facilities that might change the circumstances. Its really just too soon to know, but is our intent to open early voting in all 100 counties on Oct. 17.

About a fifth of North Carolina registered voters live in the counties most impacted by Helene. And while election officials were working as early as Monday to resume the process of distributing absentee ballots, the destruction suffered by post offices and voting sites will be a huge challenge for officials. On Sunday, the U.S. Postal Service announced that All retail and delivery operations for facilities in the 286, 287,288 and 289 3-digit zip code areas are temporarily suspended until further notice due to Hurricane Helene impacts. In addition, the announcement states that all operations at 39 facilities are temporarily suspended due to the storm.

This report has been updated with additional information on the situation at UNC Asheville.
Helene dumped sand on Anna Maria Island homes and roads. Heres what to do with it

Recovery efforts continue on Anna Maria Island after last Thursdays devastating Hurricane Helene.

Preliminary storm surge numbers from the National Weather Service saw a record 6.09 feet hit Port Manatee and impact was felt along Manatee Countys barrier islands.

Part of Helenes fallout is sand dispersed along roadways and homes on Anna Maria Island. Beach access remains closed and curfews are in place from 7 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Manatee County officials stressed not to dump sand on the beach, due to possible contamination.

Any sand that has been deposited on private property cannot simply be returned to the beach due to concerns of nails, debris, or household contaminants like oil, bleach, fertilizers, etc., a Manatee County news release said.

The release said sand recovered from roadways is sorted, sifted and tested before returning to the beach under Florida Department of Environmental Protection and Florida Health Department requirements.

Manatee County spokesperson Bill Logan said once roadway right of ways are opened, residents can push the debris sand off the curb line, similarly to how snow is handled in northern states during winter months.

And then it would be collected like debris, Logan said. But were kind of working on different timing right now to get furniture and that kind of debris away first, before people then have to pile their sand down on the curb line.

The county plans to share updates on how businesses and homeowners on Anna Maria Island can get rid of the sand on their property in coming weeks.
(NewsNation)  Helenes devastation came into focus Tuesday as rescue crews continued to search for Americans unaccounted for and trying to reach areas that were isolated by the storm. At least 130 people have been killed.

From Florida to Virginia, more than a million people remained without power Tuesday  days after Helene made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane with winds reaching up to 140 mph. The system weakened as it quickly moved island, but not before causing catastrophic flooding across multiple states in the Southeast.

On Tuesday, the White House announced that President Joe Biden will travel to areas of North Carolina and South Carolina affected by Helene. Officials said that Biden will take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Helene in Western North Carolina to assess storm damage. He will also receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials.

Biden will also engage with first responders and state and local officials in South Carolina en route to North Carolina, the White House said.

Former President Donald Trump announced on Tuesday that he plans to visit the Asheville area on Friday to survey storm damage.

In a news conference on Tuesday, Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis said that power has been restored to 2.35 million Florida residents. About 49,000 residents remain without power, much of whom live in rural areas of the state, the governor said. However, DeSantis said that he expects power to be restored to a majority of people by Wednesday afternoon.

A crisis was unfolding in western North Carolina, where residents stranded by washed-out roads and by a lack of power and cellular service lined up for fresh water and a chance to message loved ones days after the storm that they were alive.

To assist recovery efforts in the Tar Heel State, DeSantis dispatched a convoy of transportation staff with heavy equipment, including 7,500 feet of temporary bridges, to help assess and rebuild roads in an effort called Operation Blue Ridge, DeSantis said.

In addition to North Carolina, parts of Tennessee have been heavily impacted and have experienced deaths of local residents due to flooding.

A convoy was sent to North Carolina with equipment including temporary bridges, DeSantis said. Other officials have delivered 20,000 pounds of food, which were delivered to critical needs in North Carolina. The state is a popular summer destination for Floridians, DeSantis said, although most of them return by Labor Day.

This is really going to be a serious effort to help get these communities back on their feet, DeSantis said.

The state is assisting Florida residents who still may have been in North Carolina when Helene moved through the region last week.

In the meantime, DeSantis said that officials are monitoring the area where Helene formed for another weather system. He said as of Tuesday, there is about a 40% chance that something significant forms that could potentially impact Florida.

He said that state officials will act appropriately should another system form that could bring damaging weather to the region.

Even if we just got a lot of rain in certain parts of the state, that will make an impact, he said. It may not be a hurricane, but that will make an impact.

We have dispatched a convoy of @MyFDOT staff and heavy equipment, including 7,500 feet of temporary bridges, to North Carolina to help with damage assessments and roadway repairs. pic.twitter.com/zG3Gf8Xwms  Ron DeSantis (@GovRonDeSantis) October 1, 2024

As of Monday morning, Floridas emergency response team successfully completed 974 missions and was actively fulfilling 1,500 more.

Debris of damaged houses are seen after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024. At least 44 people died across five US states battered by powerful storm Helene, authorities said on September 27, after torrential flooding prompted emergency responders to launch massive rescue operations. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Keepsakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mothers home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dogs ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage is strewn across a road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES  SEPTEMBER 29: A view of a home that was destroyed by fire as a result of storm surge as Hurricane Helene passed off shore in the Davis Islands neighborhood on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds of up to 140 miles per hour and storm surges that killed at least 64 people in several states. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A van is partially submerged in the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Vehicles damaged from flooding and debris are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A man views the removal of debris on Catawba Avenue in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

The intersection of Main and Whaley streets is closed due to flooding as Hurricane Helene hits Columbia, South Carolina, on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. (Joshua Boucher/The State/Tribune News Service via Getty Images)

RUTHERFORDTON, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Downed trees on a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Rutherfordton, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: People wait in line for gasoline in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Fletcher, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

FLETCHER, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: People wait on others to pump gasoline in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Fletcher, North Carolina. At least 90 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S. due to the hurricane, according to published reports, which made landfall as a category 4 storm on Thursday. Millions are without power, according to the reports. The White House declared major disasters in North Carolina and Florida, freeing up federal emergency management money for those areas. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA  SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, boats are piled up in front of homes after Hurricane Helene hit the area as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

TREASURE ISLAND, FLORIDA  SEPTEMBER 28: In this aerial view, fallen trees and debris line the beach after Hurricane Helene hit the area with high surge waters as it passed offshore on September 28, 2024 in Treasure Island, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

TOPSHOT  David Hester inspects damages of his house after Hurricane Helene made landfall in Horseshoe Beach, Florida, on September 28, 2024. At least 44 people died across five US states battered by powerful storm Helene, authorities said on September 27, after torrential flooding prompted emergency responders to launch massive rescue operations. (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA / AFP) (Photo by CHANDAN KHANNA/AFP via Getty Images)

ST. PETE BEACH, FL  SEPTEMBER 28 Hurricane Helene left this store in shambles in the Pass-A-Grille community of St. Pete Beach, FL, on Saturday, September 28, 2024. (Ted Richardson/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

North Cove, N.C.  SEPTEMBER 28: Hurricane Helene caused flooding on the North Fork Catawba River in McDowell County that washed out a bridge on Highway 22 in North Cove, N.C. on Sept. 28, 2024, disconnecting communities and isolating them from already limited resources. (Photo by Julia Wall for The Washington Post via Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A flood-damaged road is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Two vehicles lie upended from flooding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

TAMPA, FLORIDA, UNITED STATES  SEPTEMBER 29: An aerial view of a home that was destroyed by fire as a result of storm surge as Hurricane Helene passed off shore in the Davis Islands neighborhood on September 29, 2024 in Tampa, Florida. Hurricane Helene made landfall as a Category 4 storm Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds of up to 140 miles per hour and storm surges that killed at least 64 people in several states. (Photo by Paul Hennessy/Anadolu via Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Keep sakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mothers home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dogs ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

OLD FORT, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Keepsakes belonging to Terry Wilson lay outside his mothers home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. Wilson said their beloved dogs ashes were found after the flooding. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

The death toll from Helene steadily rose to 133 as emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. During a briefing Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people hadnt been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, saying some might be dead.

President Joe Biden said he will travel to North Carolina on Wednesday to meet with officials and take an aerial tour of Asheville. He said he hoped not to interrupt access to help there. Then, the president will travel to Georgia and Florida.

He said earlier that the federal government would be with affected residents in the nations Southeast as long as it takes.

When will hurricane season end?

Ashevilles road to recovery

What was once a thriving mountainous city in North Carolina, glistening with art and historic architecture, is now a wasteland of splintered houses, crushed cargo containers and mud-covered highways.

Helene has virtually cut off Asheville from the rest of the country.

I think now people are feeling afraid. They need resources. They need help and we definitely are at a point of desperation, Asheville Mayor Esther Manheimer said.

Mondays recovery efforts revealed that mudslides had washed away or blocked several main routes. Crews worked around the clock to repair cell towers and electricity, but several homes and businesses were completely gone.

Government officials and aid groups worked to deliver supplies by air, truck and even mule to the hard-hit tourism hub of Asheville and its surrounding mountain towns. At least 40 people died in the county that includes Asheville.

As a result, families were uprooted and lives were shattered.

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Damage from flooding in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Colton Dion prepares to paint a plein air documentation of the damage to the Arts District near Downtown after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents of Asheville view damage to the Arts District near Downtown after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

RUTHERFORDTON, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: An abandoned car sits on a previously flooded Coxe Road on September 28, 2024 near Rutherfordton, North Carolina. Several damaged vehicles littered Coxe Road after water had receded in the area. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents gather at Fire Station number 6 to access WiFi and check emergency information after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet had been down for over 48 hours. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents gather at Fire Station number 6 to access WiFi after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet had been down for over 48 hours. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Tire tracks on a mud caked street in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A storm-damaged U-Haul truck and trailer are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Mary Grace and her dog, Marley, walk around the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A van is partially submerged in the Swannanoa River in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A flood-damaged road is seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: A storm-damaged U-Haul pickup truck sits along a flooded waterway in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Flood damage is strewn across a road in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 29: Police patrol in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. According to reports, more than 60 people have been killed across the South due to the storm, and millions have been left without power. North Carolina has been approved for a Federal Major Disaster Declaration. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Fallen trees in front of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A broken utility pole in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Fallen trees in front of a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A fallen tree on a home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Men inspect the damage from flooding in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Flood damage inside a building in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A Duke Energy lineman works on a line the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A van flows in floodwaters near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A sign commentating the flood of 1916 lies on the ground next to a flooded waterway near the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Storm damage in the Biltmore Village in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in Floridas Big Bend with winds up to 140 mph. (Photo by Sean Rayford/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: A woman uses cell service in a particular spot after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Cell service and internet were mostly unavailable throughout the area, leaving people unable to contact employers, loved ones, and employees. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in front of homes obscured by downed trees after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents of Asheville view damage to the Arts District after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Military personnel prepare to enter a helicopter on September 28, 2024 near downtown Asheville, North Carolina. At the time of writing the Sheriffs office reported 64 individuals unaccounted for. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: James Patton, right, makes phone calls in front of him home obscured by downed trees after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Residents make phone calls in their neighborhood after heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA  SEPTEMBER 28: Heavy rains from Hurricane Helene caused record flooding and damage on September 28, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Hurricane Helene made landfall in Floridas Big Bend on Thursday night with winds up to 140 mph and storm surges that killed at least 42 people in several states. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty Images)

One family of six spoke to NewsNation after discovering their home was destroyed from the storm. They said they were originally planning on staying put to ride out Helene. However, a family member called them to tell them to evacuate because the water levels were rising.

The rain, coupled with mudslides, left their Asheville house unrecognizable and uninhabitable. Inside the structure, furniture was tossed in different directions and the ground was caked in dirt.

The familys four kids are unable to return to school due to damage and no internet service for online learning.

I cried. I burst into tears. I couldnt handle it, Jesse Kern said. Everything that we accomplished and built up over the last six years since we lived down here, everything is gone.

He said they now have to start from ground zero.

I know well end up being OK, His wife Dana Wunsch said. We have each other, well be alright and pull through. But its going to suck, you know? But, we are staying positive.

The family of six has been staying at a shelter nearby, which is receiving food and water through airlifted services. For now, the familys goal is to send Wunsch and her four kids to live with her family in Ohio while Kern stays behind to tend to their dogs.

South Carolina woman named after 1958 Hurricane Helene

Analyzing Helene

Helene was recorded as the strongest hurricane to make landfall in Floridas Big Bend region, and it was the third hurricane to hit the area in 13 months, according to the Weather Channel. The Category 4 hurricane is estimated to have brought historic storm surge, peaking at an estimated 10.33 feet in Cedar Key, Florida.

Parts of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina saw upward of a foot of rain, and nearly 30 inches were recorded near Busick, North Carolina, the Weather Channel reported. Virginia also experienced heavy rainfall and severe flooding

Each governor declared a state of emergency to receive federal assistance.

Multiple deaths across those states have been attributed to drowning, while some were the result of downed trees or other hurricane-related incidents, like carbon monoxide poisoning from generators.

Some of the worst destruction occurred in the storms center in Floridas Big Bend region and South Georgia. Inland cities like Atlanta and Asheville were not shielded from the storms impact, with flooding trapping residents and leaving them isolated from contact.

AccuWeather has increased its estimate of the total damage and economic loss from Hurricane Helene from $145 billion to $160 billion.

North Carolina man hikes 11 miles to parents after Hurricane Helene

Tropical Storm Kirk forms and could become a powerful hurricane

Tropical Storm Kirk formed Monday in the eastern Atlantic Ocean and is expected to become a large and powerful hurricane by Tuesday night or Wednesday, the National Hurricane Center said.

The storm was located about 800 miles west of the Cabo Verde Islands with maximum sustained winds of 60 mph. There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not a threat to land.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
How to help the 3 SD firefighters injured in crash en route to Hurricane Helene relief

How to help the 3 SD firefighters injured in crash en route to Hurricane Helene relief

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  More resources and support have been sent to Louisiana to help the three San Diego Fire-Rescue task force members who were hurt in a crash while en route to help victims of Hurricane Helene.

Chaplains, support K9s and peer support teams are now in Louisiana to help the families of the injured firefighters and the other firefighters.

They put their life on the line for us everyday, were strangers to them and they dont care, theyre out there risking their lives everyday, said Sara Berns, executive director of Firefighter Aid.

The non-profit helps heroic firefighters in times of need, whether on or off the job.

SDFD task force members injured in crash on way to NC for Hurricane Helene relief efforts

Early Sunday morning, three members of the task force were involved in a two-vehicle crash on East Highway 20 near the Texas-Louisiana border, as they were headed east to help with the relief efforts in Charlotte, North Carolina.

A battalion chief and two captains were airlifted to a Shreveport Hospital.

Really truly heroes, they get that a lot, but they are the last ones to describe themselves as that, Berns said.

She said the organizations board members flew to Louisiana within hours of the crash and are first helping the firefighters families short-term needs of travel expenses to get to Louisiana, and will also with long-term needs as they recover.

Its going to be a long-haul for these firefighters, getting their family members out there, making sure that their needs are met, their familys needs are met, so that theyre not worrying about anything but the care of their loved one, making sure they get home safely, she added.

When they get back, they plan to help with any ongoing medical care they may need like house renovations or even yard work.

Biden on SDFD crew injured en route to NC for Helene aid: It was a bad accident

They started a fundraiser to help reach their goal of $100,000.

They would never ask for itthats what we are here for, Berns added.

The Urban Search and Rescue California Task Force 8 has helped with relief in areas all across the state for years.

This task force has been sent out many times and this is the first time from my understanding theres ever been an incident like this, Berns said. This task force has been sent far back as 9/11.

San Diego Fire-Rescue sends water rescue team to NC for Hurricane Helene

President Joe Biden addressed the crash during a press conference Tuesday morning while discussing Hurricane Helene relief, On their way, they were in a terrible car accident, we pray for their recovery, but it was a bad accident.

The rest of the crew are waiting at a hotel in Texas as officials determine their next steps.

The names of the firefighters have not yet been released, but officials said they are aiming to provide an update on Tuesday.

Click here to donate to help support the injured firefighters and their families. The goal is set at $100,000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
(Bloomberg) -- Qatar Airways plans to take a 25% stake in Australias Virgin Australia Airlines Pty, deepening ties between the two carriers, including Virgin starting flights to Doha to feed into the Gulf carriers international network.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Qatar plans to acquire the stake from Virgin Australias owner Bain Capital, the companies said Monday in a joint statement. Terms of the deal, which is subject to regulatory approval, werent disclosed.

The move aims to give Qatar Airways better access to a market where it was denied more flights by the government last year  a move the airline criticized as unfair. Australias domestic market is highly concentrated, with dominant player Qantas Airways Ltd. carrying 62% of passengers in March, according to the nations competition regulator. Virgin had 31% of the market, followed by Rex, which collapsed in July after a failed attempt to challenge the majors on capital city routes.

The tie-up will also see Virgin return to long-haul international flights. From mid-2025, the airline will launch flights from Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney to Doha.

Virgin went bankrupt during the the pandemic, and was rescued in 2020 by Bain in a deal that wiped out much of the claims of unsecured creditors. Qatars stake serves as a cornerstone investment ahead of Virgins anticipated return as a listed company. Bain last year postponed plans for an initial public offering that would have valued the airline at around A$2.5 billion ($1.7 billion)

Subscribe to The Bloomberg Australia Podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.

Qatar has been adding to its network of global equity holdings. The carrier has announced several acquisitions in Africa, including buying a 25% stake in South Africas SA Airlink Pty and the pending purchase of 49% of Rwandas RwandAir. The Doha-based carrier is the largest shareholder of British Airways owner IAG SA, and owns about 10% of Hong Kong-based Cathay Pacific Airways Ltd. and Latam Airlines Group SA.

Virgin Group and Queensland Investment Corp. will retain shareholdings in Virgin Australia, according to the statement.

--With assistance from Ryan Beene.

(Adds detail throughout.)

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Hurricane Helene has killed more than 220 people and caused widespread devastation throughout the Southeast. The storm destroyed communities in several states after making landfall in Florida on Sept. 26, and brought catastrophic flooding to many areas, leaving some people with nothing.

President Biden has issued major disaster declarations for Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Virginia, and people from those states can apply for assistance from the Federal Emergency Management Agency at DisasterAssistance.gov. Food, water and other supplies are being flown to some areas left unreachable by the storm, and humanitarian groups have also entered the disaster zone to help.

The American Red Cross said it has been operating or supporting dozens of shelters in the region. The organization has also offered to help people reconnect with loved ones who were unaccounted for after the storm.

Samaritan's Purse, the charity run by evangelist Franklin Graham, said it's been helping communities in the mountains of western North Carolina, home to the organization's international headquarters, as well as the surrounding area, including part of eastern Tennessee. The organization has also set up bases in other states.

World Central Kitchen, the charity founded by chef Jose Andres, said it's served tens of thousands of free meals in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and Tennessee. The organization said it was setting up high-capacity kitchens in the hard-hit city of Asheville, North Carolina, and the Gulf Coast city of Clearwater, Florida.

A destroyed house with a car under it is seen in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2024. / Credit: Khadejeh Nikouyeh/The Charlotte Observer/Handout via Reuters

Individual states have launched disaster funds in response to the storm.

The Florida Disaster Fund said it distributes donations to service organizations that help people with disaster response and recovery.

The North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund said it provides reimbursements to nonprofits working with disaster survivors.

In South Carolina, the One SC Fund directs donations to local nonprofits that provide disaster relief and recovery, according to a spokesperson for Gov. Henry McMaster. The state's Emergency Management Division also has information for people interested in volunteering, donating clothes or giving to food banks.

Virginia's Department of Emergency Management is collecting donations for the state's disaster relief fund. The agency said the fund provides organizations with grants to help residents recover from disasters and emergencies.

Georgia's Emergency Management and Homeland Security Agency was collecting information from people who want to volunteer to help recovery efforts in the state. The agency also has an application for organizations that want to provide in-kind donations.

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How to get help or lend a hand amid Hurricane Helenes devastation

The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has prompted widespread efforts to assist affected communities. Weve collected tips for how to make insurance claims, how to reach FEMA and how to get help locally.

For those who want to pitch in, weve provided information about organizations that are accepting volunteers and donations to aid recovery and support.

Additionally, local initiatives are under way to collect supplies and host fundraisers to support victims.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.







No. 1: After Helene: Tips for assessing storms damage to your home & filing insurance claims

As clean-up and recovery efforts continue, heres what to know about dealing with Helenes impact to your home and property, including filing a claim. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Korie Dean

No. 2: How to help people and volunteer in NC in Hurricane Helene aftermath

Some got out of floodwaters on a kayak. Some are still waiting for an airlift. Hurricane Helenes NC victims have a long swim to recovery ahead. Heres how to help. | Published September 29, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin







No. 3: Want to donate to people in NC affected by Helene? Heres how to help

Heres also what you should and should not donate. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Julia Coin







No. 4: Federal aid is available for North Carolinians affected by Helene. Heres how to apply.

Western North Carolina was pummeled by Helene, a storm that destroyed homes and businesses. Heres how to apply for federal aid as part of recovery efforts. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi







No. 5: Helene damaged your home or car? How to get in touch with your insurer, and other tips

Heres what to do  and what to expect: | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Lawrence Mower







No. 6: Price gouging law is in effect following Helene. How to recognize & report it in NC

North Carolina businesses are not legally allowed to charge too much for items during a crisis. Heres how to alert the authorities to price gouging. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted







No. 7: How Apple, T-Mobile & Verizon customers can access Wi-Fi & phone signals after Helene

Hundreds of thousands of people are still without power, but companies are providing ways for them to communicate. | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Renee Umsted







No. 8: FEMA just announced assistance is available in SC after Helene. Heres how to apply

Whos eligible for federal funding for disaster recovery in South Carolina after Hurricane Helene? | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott







No. 9: FEMA starts support work in Georgia. Its unclear when power will come back for many

Officials say theyre waiting for storm effects to clear in some parts of Georgia before power restoration can begin. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Alba Rosa







No. 10: Charlotte restaurants, businesses come together for Helene relief effort. You can help.

Along with nonprofits accepting donations, local restaurants, bars, boutiques and other businesses have set up fundraisers and donation drop-offs. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by CharlotteFive staff







No. 11: If Helene flooded your SC home, these are the best tips to follow ASAP to reduce costs, damage

Did Helene flood your South Carolina home or are you thinking about flooding more after the storm? These are the best tips to follow to reduce costs and damage to your home after a flood. | Published September 30, 2024 | Read Full Story by Patrick McCreless







No. 12: How can the Myrtle Beach, SC area help with Helene recovery? Check out these resources

Want to help communities hit by Helene recover? Heres how you to volunteer and donate. | Published October 1, 2024 | Read Full Story by Maria Elena Scott







No. 13: Hurricane Helene leaves behind damage, millions without power. How Texans can help

In total, there has been 22 storm-related deaths reported across Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and North Carolina. | Published September 27, 2024 | Read Full Story by Brayden Garcia

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.
WAVERLY, N.Y. (WETM)  Ribbons were cut on Tuesday as the Helping Hands Furniture Ministry turned a new page at a new location in downtown Waverly after months of planning and moving.

Christian Life Church in Waverly was alive and well on Tuesday, Oct. 1, marking the opening for The Bridge of Penn-York Valley Churches new Helping Hands Funiture Ministry location. The furniture ministry allows people in need to apply for vouchers that can be used on items such as beds, couches, tables, and other vital household items.

Helping Hands Furniture Ministry moved after finding out in June that the former location at 515 Chemung St was under contract and sold, so after ten years, the organization had to move.

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The new location at Christian Life Church can be found at 207 Broad St in Waverly, with the Helping Hands entrance on the Loder Street side. The building became a church in 1972 after being converted from a theater built in the 1920s.

The decision to move operations into the Christian Life Church was seen as a natural progression, as said by Kim Paul, the president and active helping hands coordinator of the bridge.

The pastor that had been here before was very supportive of The Bridge and in 2021 allowed us to use this space for overflow, plus some of the rooms along Broad Street, Paul said. So, that has really helped the ministry to be able to do our elder care ministry, our medical equipment ministry, and also have some office space over on the Broad Street area, she said, So this was overflow space, so this just kinda was the natural progression when we lost the building at Quinlans, Paul said.

Arctic League seeks Christmas tree donation

The space was filled on Tuesday with various types of couches and recliners, kitchen and dining room tables, cabinets and dishware, mattresses, and many more items needed to complete a home.

All items are donated, with Paul saying they rely heavily on the communitys generosity which has helped them with other ministries such as the clothes ministry and the food pantry.

If anyone needs furniture or other forms of assistance through The Bridge, they can call the clearinghouse number at 570-888-8826. From there the person can say they need furniture and will then be put through to a voucher writer at one of the 24 member churches.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
Emma Villa thought about her 10-year-old special-needs son  and how the Fresno Unified district failed to give him the proper intervention  when she decided close to the filing deadline she would run for a seat on the school board.

Villa said she became convinced she could tackle the dysfunction and disconnect plaguing the states third-largest school district instead of waiting for someone else to do it. So, this election Villa is challenging incumbent Andy Levine to represent the Fresno High Area on the school board.

I dont worry about my election, I worry about the students, Villa said. I think we can fix Fresno Unified.

Villas teaching career began inside a kindergarten classroom in the rural Tulare County community of Earlimart more than 20 years ago. Since then, Villa has served as an adult school teacher and school administrator. She launched an education consulting company to help children with special needs. Shes an active member of the Council of Parent Attorneys and Advocates, where she helps families call for the legal and civil rights of students with disabilities.

For Fresno Unifieds school board races, The Fresno Bee sat down to talk with every candidate. Here are five questions for Villa. Answers are edited for length and clarity.

Why are you running for the school board?

I have a masters in education, a teaching credential and an administrative service credential, and Ive been in education for most of my life. Im bilingual in Spanish and Im a certified advocate. Im also a mother, adoptive and biological, of neurotypical and neurodivergent kids. Thats probably the biggest reason that Im running.

When I see what our kiddos are going through and what theyre not getting, Im shocked and dismayed. I guess I was waiting for Superman, and so I felt compelled to do something. I want to make a difference.

I adopted my youngest child when he was 10 and was diagnosed with a disability. Once he got into the public school system, there was nothing but barriers. I saw the value of early intervention. I saw the failure when appropriate intervention was stopped. Weve had to make a lot of changes for me to be able to stay home and homeschool him because he was harmed repeatedly at Fresno Unified. We werent listened to, we werent supported. So Im very passionate about literacy and early intervention so that our students can be successful. Without literacy, we dont have a seat at the table, the gap will continue to grow, they will never be able to compete with their peers. To me, literacy is a civil right.

What are your priorities?

Were graduating over 40% of high school students who are not reading at the grade level, and were expecting them to be career- and college-ready, which is absurd. Were concerned with absenteeism, but students who cannot read do not want to be schooled, theyre not going to be engaged. Im looking at facilities, we say were really interested in literacy, but its not reflective of our decisions. Were remodeling the school board building and spending general funds on that.

What about literacy-for-all and equity access? My adoptive children struggle with dyslexia, so I look forward to a strong academic program that can do for all. In a nutshell, Im looking at the learning environment. A safe and inclusive environment, especially with the new bond thats coming up.

How can Fresno Unified improve student literacy?

Ive listened to the board meeting and they dont realize, in my personal opinion, that theres institutionalized discrimination. They blame the parents for the students inability to read or for their academic achievement. Parents didnt go to college to learn, teach or become an administrator. Its what you do with the students when you get them into the classroom.

You have children whose parents dont help them with their homework, what are we supposed to do? When I get that child in my classroom, its my job to teach them from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Its not the parents job to do my job. I hope they give me support, but I have to consider worst-case scenarios. If you have that socioeconomically disadvantaged group of students in your school, you need to give them more support than those who dont have those concerns.

What is the district lacking?

I heard Superintendent Misty Her say we have this district-wide plan, but then we allow every school administrator to decide how theyre going to do it. It should be evidence-based, and we should have data that shows its successful. Every school should be using our adopted curriculum and everyone should have the appropriate training because when you allow different schools to do different things, youre going to have skewed results.

Teachers might be teaching students not curriculum, but as teachers, we look at pedagogy. You do the basic things and then you individualize it for those students.

In terms of the facilities, I think we have serious issues with equity and accountability. The board made the decision to use an equity lens with the new bond, Measure H, then there was a meeting where some trustees took that back, but you just paid all that money for an equity report. That discussion should have happened before they invested in the report.

I heard Bullard say they have mold in the gym, and I was thinking What? You didnt address it quickly. Health and well-being should be non-negotiable, in my opinion. We should have minimum standards of what every school site should have before we start looking at the wishlist. Is their air conditioning working? Are there any safety issues? Lets take care of that, and then we look at the next level.

We have a wonderful school for alternative ed. Im glad they have a place like that, but my question is, what could we have done when they were in kindergarten so they wouldnt have to go there? It should be a school of choice, not because of credit deficiency.

Some say bureaucracy and inefficiency exist in large school districts. What do you think?

My first degree is in business administration and marketing. You train your staff on how to treat customers. If Macys doesnt train their personnel on how to treat customers, no one is going to shop there anymore. So no, I think its an excuse.

When there are issues, as an administrator, you know who youre supposed to call right away.You have a list of people to call and you think, Oh, parent, we can call them later, or, We dont have to pay attention to them. It depends on your own idea of whos important and who isnt.

When it comes to the board, there are a lot of disconnects. I see a lot of internal fighting instead of working on those common areas and meeting the needs of the constituents. When I try to reach out to them, theyre often too busy and dont have time to hear me. I see that they arent focused on what is best for students.

We need to work together for the good of our community and our students. That should be a priority  creating an infrastructure and focusing all our resources aligned with our goals.
JERUSALEMPhotos of Syrians celebrating the assassination of Hezbollah terrorist leader Hassan Nasrallah last week put the spotlight on the brutal activities of the terror group's role in sex slavery, mass starvation and kidnappings in the Syrian civil war which led to the deaths of over half a million Syrians.

Walid Phares, a leading expert on Hezbollah and Lebanon, told Fox News Digital that Hezbollah has "committed ethnic cleansing" in Syria. He said Hezbollah "was behind the uprooting of millions of Syrians, of all communities, mainly Sunni. They have perpetrated rape. They have perpetrated mass sexual abuse, including keeping sexual slaves."

Israels targeted assassination of Nasrallah last weekend has prompted greater interest in the inner workings of the Shiite terrorist organization that is widely considered the de facto ruler over Lebanon.

Iran Official Admits Countrys Role In Terror Bombing That Killed 241 Us Military Members: Report

The Iranian-backed Hezbollah terrorist entity is mainly known in America for bombing the U.S. Embassy in Beirut, which killed 63 people in 1983, and the Marine barracks bombing in Beirut also in 1983, resulting in the murders of 241 U.S. military personnel.

A new investigative video series by the Center for Peace Communications (CPC) shines a rare light on the U.S.-designated terrorist movement Hezbollahs role in sexual slavery, rape and mass murder. The shocking expose about Hezbollahs enslavement of a Syrian woman aired days after Israel reportedly launched devastating explosions of pagers held by thousands of Hezbollah terrorists across Lebanon in September.

Read On The Fox News App

CPC President Joseph Braude told Fox News Digital "Hezbollahs war on Israel obscures its larger war to subjugate much of the region  as a tyrant in Lebanon, an occupier in Syria, a mafia of sex and drug trafficking, and the nerve center of Irans Arab empire. Millions of Arabs whose lives have been shattered by the militia want a different future. Hezbollah does not want the world to hear their voices."

CPC's previous series, called "Whispered in Gaza," which was viewed over 20 million times, led to a Fatwa being issued against Hamas by Iraqi and Pakistani clerics. It was used by Gaza anti-Hamas activists during the July 2023 street protests against the terror organization's rule.

He added "'Hezbollahs Hostages,' an eight-part series produced by the Center for Peace Communications and presented by The Free Press, features the actual recorded testimony of Lebanese and Syrian civilians in Hezbollahs grip. To protect their identities and honor their lives, each recorded interview is accompanied visually by creative images and animation."

One video depicts the kidnapping and sexual enslavement of Alya, a married 20-year-old woman from the northern Syrian city of Raqqa. She reveals how Yusuf, a member of Hezbollah, "stalked" her for months and eventually took her hostage.

Hezbollah took the side of the Syrian dictator Bashar Assad after civilians launched a protest movement in 2011 to secure democracy in the highly repressive nation.

Hezbollah terrorists aided Assad in his scorched-earth campaign to wipe out opposition to his regime, resulting in the killing of over 500,000 people. Syria is now a fragmented and war-ravaged country.

Hezbollah Bigger Challenge Than Hamas To Israel: Crown Jewel In The Iranian Empire Of Terror

Hezbollahs ally, the Sunni terrorist movement Hamas, engaged in rapes and sustained sexual assaults of Israeli women and men after the jihadi terrorist organization invaded Israel on Oct. 7.

Hezbollah joined Hamas war against Israel on Oct. 8 when it launched rockets into northern Israel. Hamas slaughtered nearly 1,200 people on Oct. 7, including over 30 Americans.

The fundamental corruption and mafia-style criminality of Hezbollahs global organization has been examined by Matthew Levitt, the director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at The Washington Institute.

28 September 2024, Syria, Idlib: Syrians celebrate in Idlib city after the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. The Lebanese terrorist group Hezbollah confirmed the death of its leader in an Israeli airstrike.

He published a 2018 report on "Hezbollah's Corruption Crisis Runs Deep." Levitt noted that "some prominent figures in Hezbollah are involved in horrific criminal enterprises, including trafficking in sex and human beings." He cited the example of Hezbollah official Ali Hussein Zeaiter, who according to media reports, was linked to "a large prostitution network, mainly employing Syrian women."

Hezbollahs criminal enterprise and terrorism continue to impact Americans.

How Lebanon's Hezbollah Group Became A Critical Player In The Israel-hamas War

Zoya Fakhoury, executive director of the Amer Foundation, told Fox News Digital that "Hezbollah is a proxy group of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps that has the blood of thousands of innocent individuals, including American citizens, on their hands. The death of Hassan Nasrallah is a significant step towards accountability for many individuals but particularly for my family. My father, Amer Fakhoury, was a former U.S. hostage unlawfully detained under direct orders from Hassan Nasrallah."

She continued, "He was used a political pawn by Hezbollah and died because of the torture he faced in Lebanon. We hope to see the Lebanese government take this opportunity of the dismantling of Hezbollah to free Lebanon from the occupation of the Islamic Republic and work towards a path of peace."

In August, Fox News Digital reported the new book by Fakhourys four daughters covering a first-hand account of his detainment and the harrowing rescue operation to bring him back home to the United States in their book, "Silenced in Beirut: American Businessman Amer Fakhours Six-Month Ordeal as a Hostage In Lebanon."

Walid Phares, a leading expert on Hezbollah and Lebanon, told Fox News Digital that Hezbollah has "committed ethnic cleansing" in Syria. He said Hezbollah "was behind the uprooting of millions of Syrians, of all communities, mainly Sunni. They have perpetrated rape. They have perpetrated mass sexual abuse, including keeping sexual slaves."

Phares, who has advised U.S. presidential candidates on Mideast foreign policy, said the Hezbollah jihadis defend their hostage taking of women as under Islamist Sharia law that they can take women from the "enemy camp."

Israel Degrades Iran-backed Hezbollah Terrorists In Spectacular Pager Explosion Operation: Experts

He said there is no doubt that if Hezbollah captured Israeli women, they would treat them the same way as the enslaved Syrian women. Phares added that if Hezbollah captured a kibbutz, village or town in Israel, one "can expect that they will kill the males and the capture the women. Some would be raped and killed and other Israeli women would be kept by Hezbollah."

Hezbollah is not different from the Islamic state in applying jihadi ideology, said Phares. Hezbollah "is a global threat. Look at how they treat their own women and how they separate them and organize them in the service of jihadists."

Braude said that "'Hezbollahs Hostages' debuted on Sept. 16, one day before pagers exploded across Lebanon. A new episode debuts every Monday through Nov. 4. In forthcoming episodes, we will probe the Hezbollah stronghold of Dahiyeh, just outside Beirut, with help from Shiite civilians who live there."

He added "Dahiyeh is the shadow capital of Lebanon  home of Hezbollahs intelligence apparatus, politburo, and prisons  as well as the central node to all Irans proxies in the region, from the Houthis of Yemen to Iraqs militias to Palestinian Islamic Jihad and Hamas. Yet the same landscape is also home to some of Hezbollahs many opponents  and in later episodes, we meet them too: Shiite veterans of the countrywide 2019 street protests, who dared to demand a different future; civic activists striving to end the war on Israel, liberate young minds, and restore the rule of law in Lebanon."

Fox News' Ashley Carnahan contributed to this report.





Original article source: Hezbollah terrorists engaged in sex slavery, rape, mass murder of Syrians
HICKORY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  A convicted felon from Hickory has been sentenced to nearly six years in prison for having an AR-15 and other firearms, according to the United States Attorneys Office.

On Tuesday, 36-year-old Rashad Dominic Griggs was sentenced to five years and 10 months in prison followed by three years of supervised release for possession of a firearm by a felon.

Two teenagers caught after drive-by shooting in Chester County: Sheriff

Court documents show on Aug. 20, 2022, Hickory Police Department officers responded to a call about Griggs waving a gun at his girlfriend. Officials say officers knew Griggs had active warrants for his arrest for violating a domestic protection order and carrying a concealed firearm.

When officers arrived, Griggs came out of the house and he was arrested. Officers searched the residence and found fentanyl, multiple firearms including an AR-15 type rifle, multiple magazines including a drum magazine with shotgun rounds, and multiple rounds of ammunition. Officers knew Griggs had prior convictions that prohibited him from having firearms. Court records show Griggs pled guilty to a state offense and was placed on probation.

SC pilot flying volunteer supply and rescue missions ordered out of Lake Lure under arrest threat

According to court documents, about 10 months later, on June 28, 2023, authorities searched Griggs home due to the terms of his probation. During the search, they found a rifle magazine loaded with 30 rounds of ammo, a pistol, and several rounds of ammo. Griggs admitted that he got the pistol about seven to eight months before and said he kept it for protection.

On May 16, 2024, Griggs pled guilty to two counts of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon, officials said. He is still in federal custody until he is transferred to the custody of the Federal Bureau of Prisons.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
(KRON)  A highly aggressive mosquito species that feeds almost exclusively on humans was detected in Santa Clara, county officials warned on Monday.

The countys Vector Control District found Aedes aegypti mosquitoes in a residential area of the City of Santa Clara. The district identified 58 mosquitoes surrounding Agate Drive and Moraine Drive.

Aedes aegypti are not native to California. Unlike the regions native mosquitoes that bite primarily at dawn and dusk, Aedes aegypti bite day and night.

The district will soon begin treatment to eradicate the aggressive species. The goal is to thwart the invasive insect from establishing a permanent population, vector control officials wrote.

If Aedes aegypti gains a foothold in Santa Clara County, it will not only threaten public health but also affect our quality of life, as these mosquitoes are highly aggressive and active, vector control officials continued.

The non-native mosquitoes were found in Gilroy and East San Jose earlier this year.



We are doing everything we can to prevent Aedes aegypti from becoming established in Santa Clara County  and we urgently need the publics help, said Edgar Nolasco, the countys Environmental Protection Agency director. Its very important for residents in affected areas to cooperate with district staff and allow them to inspect their properties for mosquitoes and mosquito habitat.

District staff are carrying out eradication efforts, including trapping adult mosquitoes, inspecting properties to find mosquito larvae and habitat, and treating larvae with pesticide. The district will escalate its mosquito-control methods to include backpack spraying, barrier spraying, spraying with truck-mounted equipment over wide areas.



The invasive species is about a quarter-inch in size with black and white stripes on its back. It feeds almost exclusively on humans, vector officials wrote.

Aedes aegypti insects have the potential to transmit several viruses, including those that cause dengue, chikungunya, Zika, and yellow fever.

They do not fly long distances, venturing fewer than 500 feet from where they hatch.

These mosquitoes lay their eggs in small, artificial sources of water such as pet dishes, bird baths, and plant pots. Once laid, the eggs can last for more than a year without water. Residents should look around their property and dump out even the smallest amount of standing water. Eggs are half a millimeter in size and look to the naked eye like tiny bits of dirt.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  The Greater Peoria Hispanic Chamber of Commerce hosted a special celebration at Distillery Labs in downtown Peoria Monday, celebrating Hispanic culture.

It celebrated the Chambers 7th anniversary, and featured food, drinks, and a tour of Distillery Labs, a downtown hub for startups and entrepreneurs.

Christell Frausto is the president of the Hispanic Chamber and spoke to the importance of having a chamber specifically for Latino business owners.

Were a large population and sometimes theres barriers such as languages. Theres barriers such as not knowing, or really just pioneering their way through what the processes are to either become a business, become successful, run marketing, or get new customers, she said.

Frausto also celebrated the influx of Hispanic-owned businesses in Peoria, saying several have opened in Peoria Heights over the last few years.

Celebrating Hispanic Heritage at Manual High School

There was a guest speaker at the event, Dr. Pedro Santana. He is the founder and CEO of Deal With It Management, as well as treasurer for the Hispanic Chamber.

His business is a consulting firm focusing on talent optimization. He spoke about the importance of the Hispanic Chamber and similar organizations, as well as the importance of Hispanic culture in general.

It will continue to fuel future generations and future economic growth within our country. Its very important that we continue to build coalitions of the willing to work on building a better, brighter future for all Americans, he said.

Frausto added that the Chamber is working on multiple projects, such as fundraising for a Spanish radio show in Peoria.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CIProud.com.
Hispanic Heritage Month sponsored by Rubio Law Firm.

National Hispanic Heritage Month, which started Sept. 15 and will continue through Oct. 15, is a time to celebrate those hailing from and with ancestral origins in Spain, Mexico, the Caribbean and Central and South American countries.

With the help of Rubio Law Firm, CBS 42 will be celebrating Hispanic Heritage all month long, bringing you need-to-know details about some of the best local Hispanic eateries, organizations and events to check out not just this month, but any time of year.

Here are some upcoming events in Birmingham that honor and celebrate Hispanic culture during Hispanic Heritage Month and beyond.

Yo Amo Irondale Festival

Oct. 5 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. at Irondale City Hall

FREE, family-friendly and open to the public, this event will feature authentic Mexican food truckswith free meal tickets being provided to the first 30 guests at each truck free paletas (popsicles) and will include live bands as well as dance group performances.

Attractions and activities include: a mechanical bull, bounce houses, face painting, games, a car and truck show, FREE haircuts and much more.

Learn more about Yo Amo Irondale Festival here.

Behind the Mask

Oct. 3 from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Rojo Birmingham

In preparation of the twenty-second annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival, Bare Hands, Inc. will be showcasing and selling masks made by local artists to help immerse attendees in the Dia de los Muertos festivities.

Masks will be on display and for sale at Rojo from the day of the event through the entire month of October.

Learn more about Behind the Mask here.

The fun doesnt stop once Hispanic Heritage Month ends, though. Here are some other local events celebrating Hispanic culture and heritage to mark on your calendar.

Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival

Nov. 2 from 3 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Sloss Furnaces National Historic Landmark

Make sure you grab a mask from Behind the Mask during October, because the twenty-second annual Dia de los Muertos (Day of the Dead) Festival, presented by Rubio Law Firm and hosted by Bare Hands, Inc., will feature beautiful costumes, massive art installations, music performances, homemade altar (ofrendas) and more.

Learn more about the Dia de los Muertos Festival here.

And be sure to keep your eyes peeled for details about Birminghams 2025 Taco Fest, another cant-miss event celebrating Hispanic culture.

Sponsored content disclaimer: The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors or guests and not the Nexstar Media Group, inc.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to CBS 42.
ERIE, PENNSYLVANIA (WJET/WFXP)  Jasmine Flores is making history in Erie being the first Latina elected to Erie City Council and the first to be seated as president in 2024.

Her father immigrated to the U.S. from Mexico and her mother is from Puerto Rico. Despite being born in the lower east side of Erie, her upbringing was shaped by her familys deep cultural roots.

Our women tend to get married young and start families, and thats what we are. Were caregivers, and thats fine, but I didnt want that growing up. Im the oldest of 13 and have no kids, said Flores. Calladita Te Miras Mas Bonita, which means when youre quieter youre prettier. Growing up with that mindset of dont rock the boat, just be quiet, be timid, always made me more of a force. I guess I was always the rebel child.

Now, Flores is in her third year on city council. Through her position, she hopes to encourage younger people to get involved in local issues and act as a role model for kids in Eries Hispanic community.

For someone who was born and raised here, that feels like an achievement when you look around and dont see anyone who looks like you. So Im hoping that the next generation of young girls in our city will see representation and inclusion and say hey, I can be as forceful as I want because it doesnt matter what my family says, Flores explained.

Hispanic Heritage Month: David Gonzalez

Flores first took an interest in local politics in 2018 after talking to the city council at the time about issues and not feeling heard.

They werent responsive, and they didnt even seem like they showed interest. It made me say, well, if you cant get them to understand then change the players,' she said.

Flores added its important to acknowledge the Latino and Hispanic community thats always been here in Erie.

We care about the economy, we care about family, we care about homeowner opportunities and education  so pretty much all of the issues that every regular American cares about, our community cares about too, said Flores.

And despite her pride in her own roots, Eries cultural diversity makes it a welcoming place for all and a place where we can learn from one another and grow as a community.

Were all pretty much the same and we all care about the same things, but what makes us different is what makes us unique and that helps advance us forward, Flores 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 WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
If you're looking for a multi-bagger, there's a few things to keep an eye out for. One common approach is to try and find a company with returns on capital employed (ROCE) that are increasing, in conjunction with a growing amount of capital employed. Basically this means that a company has profitable initiatives that it can continue to reinvest in, which is a trait of a compounding machine. However, after briefly looking over the numbers, we don't think Berjaya Food Berhad (KLSE:BJFOOD) has the makings of a multi-bagger going forward, but let's have a look at why that may be.

Understanding Return On Capital Employed (ROCE)

For those who don't know, ROCE is a measure of a company's yearly pre-tax profit (its return), relative to the capital employed in the business. To calculate this metric for Berjaya Food Berhad, this is the formula:

Return on Capital Employed = Earnings Before Interest and Tax (EBIT)  (Total Assets - Current Liabilities)

0.0037 = RM3.0m  (RM1.4b - RM598m) (Based on the trailing twelve months to June 2024).

So, Berjaya Food Berhad has an ROCE of 0.4%. In absolute terms, that's a low return and it also under-performs the Hospitality industry average of 5.9%.

Check out our latest analysis for Berjaya Food Berhad

roce

In the above chart we have measured Berjaya Food Berhad's prior ROCE against its prior performance, but the future is arguably more important. If you'd like to see what analysts are forecasting going forward, you should check out our free analyst report for Berjaya Food Berhad .

How Are Returns Trending?

In terms of Berjaya Food Berhad's historical ROCE movements, the trend isn't fantastic. Over the last five years, returns on capital have decreased to 0.4% from 10% five years ago. Given the business is employing more capital while revenue has slipped, this is a bit concerning. This could mean that the business is losing its competitive advantage or market share, because while more money is being put into ventures, it's actually producing a lower return - "less bang for their buck" per se.

Another thing to note, Berjaya Food Berhad has a high ratio of current liabilities to total assets of 42%. This effectively means that suppliers (or short-term creditors) are funding a large portion of the business, so just be aware that this can introduce some elements of risk. While it's not necessarily a bad thing, it can be beneficial if this ratio is lower.

The Key Takeaway

We're a bit apprehensive about Berjaya Food Berhad because despite more capital being deployed in the business, returns on that capital and sales have both fallen. But investors must be expecting an improvement of sorts because over the last five yearsthe stock has delivered a respectable 48% return. Regardless, we don't feel too comfortable with the fundamentals so we'd be steering clear of this stock for now.

Story continues

If you'd like to know about the risks facing Berjaya Food Berhad, we've discovered 1 warning sign that you should be aware of.

For those who like to invest in solid companies, check out this free list of companies with solid balance sheets and high returns on equity.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
The meeting between President Volodymyr Zelensky and Polish Foreign Minister Radoslaw Sikorski on Sept. 13 in Kyiv did not exactly go as planned.

Sikorski demanded Ukraine finally allow the exhumation of the victims of the Volyn massacre in World War II and warned against expecting a quick EU accession, sparking frustration from Zelensky, according to the Kyiv Independent's sources familiar with the matter.

Ukraine's president reportedly accused Warsaw of politicizing historical events, falling short on promised military aid, and not fully backing Ukraine's path to EU membership.

Zelensky later shared a negative opinion about the meeting with a number of people behind closed doors.

Relations between Ukraine and Poland have turned sour. Again. And the tune is much the same  a World War II massacre that has been at the center of bilateral relations between the two countries since the 1990s.

Poland has been one of the strongest supporters of Ukraine since the start of Russia's full-scale invasion in February 2022, providing billions of dollars in military, economic, and humanitarian aid and hosting millions of Ukrainian refugees.

The country has also been a vocal supporter of Ukraine on the world stage, campaigning for Ukraine to receive all the required weaponry to win the war that Russia had begun.

Yet, bilateral relations are far from perfect, with the two countries sharing long-standing grievances that are far from being resolved.

In 2023, Warsaw banned Ukrainian agricultural imports amid large-scale protests from Polish farmers who complained about the domestic markets oversaturation with Ukrainian grain. This was followed by a months-long border blockade by Polish truckers over the EU's liberalization of transit rules for Ukrainian carriers, worsening tensions and harming Ukraines economy.

The conflict was resolved, yet political tension remained, despite a new government in power.

A year later, a new conflict is brewing, this time a historical one.

Poland has long pushed for exhumations of victims of the 1943 Volyn Massacre, the killings of tens of thousands of Poles by members of the Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) in the German-occupied Volyn region, now part of Ukraine. Thousands of Ukrainians were killed in retaliation.

People hold flags and a banner reading "Volhynia. 1943. We remember" during a commemoration of Polish victims of the Volhynian Massacre in Krakow, Poland on July 10, 2022. (Beata Zawrzel/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

Ukraine blocked the exhumation in 2017 after Ukrainian Insurgent Army (UPA) memorials in Poland were vandalized. Kyiv has said it is open to lifting the ban once all memorials are restored.

Neither happened.

The conflict is now in the open, and a resolution seems unlikely without political will from both sides.

Polish-Ukrainian relations have been shaped by the interplay of historical legacies, domestic politics, and external factors, with the trajectory being de facto a sinusoid. We have seen highs and lows in the past, and this is likely to continue in the foreseeable future, said Andriy Korniychuk, a policy analyst at the Institute of Philosophy and Sociology of the Polish Academy of Sciences.

What is different now as opposed to the previous decade is an unprecedented level of political polarization in Poland in 2024, driven by political forces on both sides of the ideological spectrum in recent years.

Read also: Sikorski: We want to help Ukraine, but you must decide how long you are ready to go on

Little understanding between Kyiv and Warsaw

In July, Polish Defense Minister Wladyslaw Kosiniak-Kamysz said that Ukraine would not join the EU without resolving the historical issue of the mass killings of Poles in Volyn.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk later supported this statement, adding that "Ukrainians must understand joining the union means entering the sphere of standards related to political and historical culture," as cited by the Polish Press Agency.

Onet reported, citing an anonymous source, that the Polish Foreign Ministry might use Ukraine's EU bid to pressure Kyiv on the Volyn issue during Warsaw's presidency of the Council of the European Union in 2025.

Polish President Andrzej Duda said, however, that threats to block Ukraine's accession to the European Union are in line with Kremlin policy.

The foreign ministries of Ukraine and Poland did not respond to the Kyiv Independent's requests for comments at the time of publication.

Ukraine is reportedly frustrated with Poland raising WWII-era issues during Russia's ongoing war when Ukraine urgently needs support from allies to survive. However, Warsaw sees no contradiction between trying to resolve the exhumation issue and helping Ukraine in its war with Russia, according to Daniel Szeligowski, head of the Eastern Europe Program and chief analyst on Ukraine at the Polish Institute of International Affairs (PISM).

"From the Polish point of view, it is difficult to understand why Germany can carry out the exhumation of fallen Wehrmacht soldiers on Ukrainian territory, but Poland cannot exhume the bodies of its own citizens. This in no way affects the position of the Ukrainian army at the front line," Szeligowski told the Kyiv Independent.

Ukraine maintains that Poland has failed to fulfill its part of the agreement, including restoring a memorial plaque on the grave of Ukrainian Insurgent Army fighters on Mount Monasterz near the border with Ukraine to its original form. The plaque was physically repaired after vandalism in 2015 but without the names of fallen UPA fighters on it.

Both countries differ on how to interpret the Volyn massacre, with Poland labeling it genocide for which UPA is fully responsible and Ukraine denying the term and pushing for recognizing mutual responsibility for the killings. Ukraine and Poland also don't agree on the number of victims.

Szeligowski said the exhumation issue arises every year around the tragedy's anniversary in July, regardless of who's in power. But this time, tensions worsened after a controversial comment by former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba during a meeting with young people in Poland in August.

When asked about why Ukraine is not allowing the exhumation of the Volyn massacre victims, Kuleba moved the topic to the Polish operation Vistula, a forced resettlement of thousands of Ukrainians traditionally living in southeastern regions of Poland in 1947. Kuleba referred to the operation as occurring on "Ukrainian lands."

Kuleba's statement angered Polish politicians, mainly from the Law and Justice Party (PiS), who accused Kuleba of making territorial claims. Ukraine's Foreign Ministry, in a comment to the Polish Press Agency, denied the allegation and clarified that Kuleba meant areas historically inhabited by Ukrainians.

The friction continued when Sikorski suggested during an off-the-record meeting at the YES conference in Kyiv on Sept. 19 to put Crimea under a U.N. mandate and carry out a referendum on the peninsula, which has been under Russian illegal occupation for over 10 years.

The Crimean Tatars' chief executive-representative body dismissed the proposal about Crimea's status as "unacceptable and cynical," while Ukraine's Foreign Ministry said that "the territorial integrity of Ukraine has never been and cannot be a subject for discussion or compromise."

Kyiv is also reportedly unhappy with Poland's delay in contributing to the Czech-led ammunition procurement for Ukraine and its reluctance to help defend Ukrainian airspace. Warsaw had committed to considering such a possibility in a bilateral security agreement signed by the two countries on July 8, but the Polish defense minister quickly stepped back, citing the lack of a NATO-level decision.

Sikorski cited the detention of a key official as the reason for the delay in transferring the funds for ammunition procurement, promising 100 million euros for the initiative by 2025.

Read also: Opinion: How historys lessons in Warsaw can secure Ukraines future

The narrative of Ukraine is changing

Over two years into Russia's full-scale war, Polish sentiment toward Ukrainian refugees is shifting, with 61% wishing they would return home after hostilities end, according to a June poll from the Warsaw University and Warsaw Academy of Economics and Humanities. Only a third of Poles strongly believe their country should continue helping Ukraine, down from 62% in January 2023. Additionally, 72% think Poland should prioritize its own interests, including agricultural exports.

The narrative on Ukraine is changing in Poland, said Yaroslav Hrytsak, a Ukrainian historian and writer.

He noted a rising discourse in Poland, potentially fueled by Russia, claiming that "Ukrainians are taking our jobs, receiving social benefits that we do not have, and whats more important, they have a different mentality."

Ukrainian evacuees queue as they wait for transportation after crossing the border from Ukraine into Poland on March 29, 2022, amid Russia's war against Ukraine.(Angelos Tzortzinis/AFP via Getty Images)

Over 100 farmers are blocking the road with their tractors, driving very slowly, in a protest against duty-free trade with Ukraine in Grojec, Poland, on Feb. 9, 2024. (Piotr Lapinski/NurPhoto via Getty Images)

This shift is reflected in Polish politicians increasing criticism of Ukraine as they prepare for the May 2025 presidential election, experts say.

Kosiniak-Kamysz's remarks on the Volyn massacre align with the sentiment of his agrarian party, while Tusk and Sikorski's comments may aim to steal voters from the Law and Justice Party (PiS), which is conservative and had long focused on the countrys historical grievances, according to Dr. Stanislav Zhelikhovskyi, a Ukrainian political scientist and a corresponding member of the Ukrainian Academy of Geopolitics and Geostrategy.

Sikorskis suggestion of a potential referendum in Russian-occupied Crimea could also be a political maneuver targeting a more conservative electorate as he likely eyes a presidential bid, Zhelikhovskyi told the Kyiv Independent.

Read also: Volhynian Massacre  the Achilles heel of Ukrainian-Polish relations

Korniychuk also highlighted the significance of historical narratives and their influence on public discourse and political mobilization in Poland.

It comes against the (backdrop) of a European trend that sees far-right parties and movements gaining an alarming level of mainstream recognition, he said, speaking with the Kyiv Independent.

Therefore, the ruling center-left coalition in Poland simply cant allow itself to refrain from leaving these issues unaddressed, thus allowing center-right, conservative, nationalist, and radical political forces to set the temperature of the discussion but also actively exploit different messages in their own political campaigns.

Conversely, Szeligowski argues that the deterioration of the Volyn massacre dispute reflects unmet expectations rather than political agendas. After the Russian full-scale invasion, many Polish politicians hoped that Warsaws large-scale support for Ukraine would prompt Kyiv to unblock the exhumations, according to Szeligowski.

As this did not happen and recent statements from the Ukrainian side were widely perceived in Poland as antagonistic, a consensus has emerged among the main political forces in Poland that the policy towards Ukraine had been too little assertive and too little transactional, he said.

Read also: Opinion: Polands reckoning with populist misrule

What to expect next in Poland-Ukraine relations?

With Poland's presidential elections approaching and no resolution in sight over fundamental disagreements on the Volyn massacre, the Polish-Ukrainian conflict will likely persist.

"This pre-election game will continue for months, likely with more criticisms and actions from Polish politicians seeking to win votes," said Zhelikhovskyi. He predicts that relations may stabilize after the elections, but they won't return to the "honeymoon" period of 2022.

"This pre-election game will continue for months, likely with more criticisms and actions from Polish politicians seeking to win votes."

Hrytsak believes neither country has the political will to resolve the issues of exhuming Volyn massacre victims or restoring Ukrainian memorials in Poland, suggesting both sides may be using the conflict for political gain.

Hrytsak suggested that Zelensky's team might use Polish threats to block Ukraine's EU membership over the Volyn massacre to shift blame onto Poland for what would likely be a slower accession than the government had promised Ukrainians.

Szeligowski believes that "the greater the delay by Ukraine in unblocking the exhumations, the greater the political cost that Ukraine will bear in the future."

"First, Poland may reduce its diplomatic activity in support of Ukraine  instead of being always in the front row and keep mobilizing allies, Poland may stand in the rear pragmatically like Germany or simply be passive," said Szeligowski.

He also noted that the ratification of Ukraine's EU accession treaty might not only run into problems in Poland due to the lack of a parliamentary majority but even be put to a referendum, with uncertain outcomes if historical disputes persist.

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However, simply allowing the exhumation of the Volyn massacre victims and restoring Ukrainian memorials in Poland would not be enough for a full reconciliation between Ukraine and Poland, which saw multiple conflicts in the past.

To ensure good neighborly relations, Ukraine must officially take responsibility for the Volyn massacre as an act of ethnic cleansing, while Poland should admit to its repressive policies against Ukrainians prior to the massacre, said Hrytsak.

However, it's hard to imagine Ukraine admitting that some of its national resistance forces had conducted ethnic cleansing during World War II amid Ukraine's existential fight against the Russian war of aggression, which kills Ukrainian civilians on a daily basis. Therefore, Hrytsak believes the Polish-Ukrainian conflict will unlikely be solved until the end of Russia's war.

Korniychuk echoed this statement, saying that amid an ongoing brutal war, it is extremely difficult to contest and revise historical narratives and symbolic spaces as it requires a thorough process of public debate and consultation, which is de facto impossible during martial law.

Hence, we can also observe Russia's deliberate targeting of these contentious historical issues in its propaganda and disinformation campaigns against both countries at what seems to be another critical juncture during the full-scale war, he added.

Korniychuk suggested that Poland and Ukraine should try to find common ground in the framework of strategic communication, ensuring that the challenges are recognized even if addressing them would take time.

In the end, silence and disagreements simply allow other malicious actors, such as Russia, to impact or hijack the narrative.

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PASSAIC  The city promoted three new police captains and two lieutenants Monday in a well-attended and history-making ceremony at City Hall.

Among the promoted was the 153-year-old department's first female captain, Claudia Aguirre-Cruz, making her one of the highest-ranked women in Passaic County police departments, although in 2018 Woodland Park named Eileen Tiernan its police chief, making her the first woman in that post in Passaic County.

"We are here making some history in the city," Passaic Mayor Hector Lora told a crowded council chamber Monday morning. He congratulated Cruz and the others on their move up the ranks. "All of these promotions are not political but are based on merit," Lora said.

The newly minted captain is a "true product of Passaic," said city Police Chief Luis Guzman, who leads the 160-officer Police Department in the city of 70,000 residents.

Claudia S. Aguirre-Cruz during a promotional ceremony for members of the Passaic Police Department at Passaic City Hall on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Aguirre-Cruz became the first female captain in the history of the Passaic Police Department.

Cruz was hired by the department in 2002 and served as a patrol officer for the youth services division while earning a master's degree in criminal justice and police administration at John Jay College of Criminal Justice. She was promoted to sergeant in 2013 and lieutenant in 2020.

Cruz, the mayor said, earned her promotions along the way by being faithful to her oath to protect and serve as well as "always asking is there anything else that can be done."

She said her mom inspired her work ethic and that her husband, David Cruz, who is a retired Passaic police officer, provided the support she needed.

Also promoted to the rank of captain were Patrick Burnett and Alexander Castellon.

From left, Jason A. Cancel, Alexander Castellon, Claudia S. Aguirre-Cruz, and Patrick Burnett sit during their promotional ceremony in the Passaic Police Department at Passaic City Hall on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024.

Burnett joined the force in 2003 and worked special investigations and as a detective before being promoted to sergeant in 2016. In April 2020 he was promoted to lieutenant.

Burnett, like Cruz, is married to a retired Passaic officer, Linda Burnett.

Castellon began his career in public service as a fireman in 2000 and joined the Police Department in February 2002. He was promoted to sergeant in 2011 and lieutenant in 2020. He worked as a detective and developed intelligence on gang activities in the city.

Lora said Castellon was one of the city's most prolific detectives in solving crimes.

More: Passaic tenants march against property owner, rent hikes. Want a return to rent control

Promoted to lieutenant status were Jason Cancel and Roberto Cancel Jr., and even though they have the same last name they are not related. Jason Cancel, who joined the Army in 1996, was hired by the department in 2003 after his service. He worked as a patrolman and in the street crimes unit.

He was promoted to sergeant in 2019 after serving in the prosecutor's special violent crimes unit.

Roberto Cancel, who was attending his brother's wedding in Scotland, participated in the promotion ceremony via Zoom. He was promoted to sergeant in 2020 after serving in the gang-fighting unit of the department.

Lora said Roberto Cancel was responsible for the removal of 71 firearms from city streets in the last three years. He joined the force in 2013.

Guzman said this group represents the finest of the city's finest.

"This a talented group of individuals," the chief told the crowd. "Veterans who bring knowledge and experience with them."

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: City of Passaic NJ promotes first woman to police captain
Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike that targeted a neighborhood in Beirut's southern suburb early on Oct. 1, 2024. Credit - Fadel ItaniAFP/Getty Images

The fighting between Hezbollah and Israel has intensified in recent weeks. The Lebanese militia, which is also the country's dominant political group, has regularly attacked Israel since Oct. 7, 2023, in solidarity with Hamas. In recent weeks, Israel has responded with a series of deadly pager and walkie talkie explosions, air raids against targets it says are linked to Hezbollah, and, a series of assassinations. The most significant of these assassinations came on Friday when an Israeli bombardment killed Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah. On Tuesday, Iran launched missiles at Israel in response for the killing, a day after Israeli troops entered Lebanon. The Israeli onslaught has killed hundreds, including Hezbollah fighters and commanders, but also numerous civilians.

While this battle may seem inevitable, given Israels more than 75-year conflict with the Palestinians and its Arab neighbors, the historical reality is far different when it comes to Hezbollah and Lebanon.

Hezbollah only began gaining traction with Lebanese civilians, after Israels invasion of Lebanon in 1982  which aimed to expel the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) from its northern borders. This history strongly suggests that Israels current strategy is counterproductive and it would stand a better chance of achieving sustainable security by trying to deescalate the situation and establishing a buffer zone with international peace keepers. This pathway would deprive Hezbollah of the need for revenge, give the Lebanese population a respite from the intense fighting, and increase the chances for lasting peace.

The roots of this conflict began in the early 1970s, when the PLO started targeting Israel from neighboring Jordan in a guerrilla warfare campaign. The Jordanian army expelled the PLO to avoid additional Israeli retaliation, which threatened Jordans sovereignty and King Husseins tenuous rule. The Palestinian group moved its operations to Lebanon, where the government was too weak to prevent it from using the nations south as a base to attack Israel.

The PLOs presence helped ignite a civil war in Lebanon in 1975, with the country divided in part over whether they should support the Palestinian cause or expel the guerrilla organization. Shiite Muslim civilians in Southern Lebanon resented the Sunni Muslim PLO using their country as a base to attack Israel, because they knew theyd bear the brunt of Israeli retaliation. The PLO also set up roadblocks and checkpoints that caused resentment from the locals.

Read More: How the Death of Hezbollah's Nasrallah Brings a Renewed Opportunity for Mideast Peace

This resentment fueled the creation of a Shiite militia, the Amal Movement, which fought the PLO in the late 1970s for control of Southern Lebanon.

An Israeli invasion failed to dislodge the PLO in 1978, which left the situation smoldering for four years. Then on June 6, 1982, Israel launched another, more extensive invasion to expel the PLO from Lebanon once and for all. By mid-June, Israeli forces had surrounded Beirut, and for the first time, Israel was besieging an Arab capital.

Yet, as this was happening, a new force was moving to capitalize on the conflict. By 1982, the Shiite Islamist government that had taken over Iran in 1979 was laboring to export its revolution around the Middle East in an attempt to become the preeminent Islamic power in the region. Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps was working to train Muslim (especially Shiite) militants from many countries in the techniques of insurgency.

That summer, the Iranians set up revolutionary training centers in Lebanons Bekaa Valley, inhabited primarily by Shiite Muslims. Initially, however, they struggled to gain recruits, because Lebanons Shiite already had their own militia, Amal. Additionally, far from seeing Israel as an enemy  as Iran and its client groups did  the local Lebanese population initially welcomed Israels invasion, hoping it might compel the Palestinians to leave.

Yet, while Israel successfully forced the PLO to move from Lebanon to Tunis, the Israeli Defense Force made a crucial tactical error. They kept troops in Southern Lebanon, setting up the very same checkpoints that the PLO had used and occupying land as well. Southern Lebanese residents realized that the PLO had been replaced by the Israeli military.

This compelled many Lebanese Shiite to defect from Amal to the fledgling Hezbollah. Their goal was simple: to regain their own sovereignty.

At the time the extremist group was a small militia, employing suicide bombs as its most powerful weapon. In 1983, Hezbollah generated international horror after an attack on the U.S. Marine barracks in Beirut killed close to 300 American and French troops and drove Western forces out of the country.

But the longer Israeli soldiers remained in Southern Lebanon, the more traction Hezbollah gained with the local populace. This enabled the group to win the battle with Amal  which had remained a rival  for control over territory in southern Beirut and the south of Lebanon in the late 1980s.

Even after the Lebanese Civil War ended in 1990, the country remained divided. The Syrian-Saudi-backed 1991 Taif peace accords that ended the civil war required all the militias to disarm  but Syria carved out an exception for Hezbollah so it could fight Israel. Sunni Muslims and Christians resented it, but lacked the power to object.

Then, in 1992, Israel assassinated Hezbollahs leader, Abbas al-Musawi. Some Israeli military figures questioned the wisdom of the move because, in the words of Israeli journalist Ronen Bergman, Musawi was not the most extreme man in Hezbollahs leadership, and the possibility existed that hed be replaced by someone more radical.

These predictions proved prescient. Al-Musawis successor, Nasrallah, proved to be more charismatic and eloquent and was able to rally even Lebanons Christians and Sunnis behind his nationalist call to expel Israel from Lebanese soil. He put Fouad Shukr (who Israel assassinated earlier in 2024) in charge of stepping up sophisticated guerilla attacks on Israeli forces in southern Lebanon, including rocket attacks that inflicted a heavy toll.

The relentless assault eventually drove Israel from Lebanon in 2000, Israels first loss to an Arab military force.

This victory helped Hezbollah to curry favor with Lebanese civilians of all stripes because they had now driven both Western and Israeli troops out of the country.

But Hezbollah couldnt just declare victory. It needed to continue to stoke the conflict with Israel to justify its military forces and arsenal at a time when war-weary Lebanese wanted an end to decades of conflict. Iran also had a heavy incentive to perpetuate the conflict, because it needed to maintain Hezbollah as a proxy force on Israels border, especially once Israel threatened to bomb the Islamic Republics nuclear facilities. As a result, Iran continued to supply Hezbollah with rockets and missiles to strike and provoke Israel.

In 2006, a month-long war broke out between Israel and Hezbollah, which ended at a stand-still. Both sides declared victory. Lebanon incurred heavy damage, and it was enough of a deterrent for Hezbollah to cease major military operations against Israel.

Read More: Hezbollah Confirms Its Leader Hassan Nasrallah Was Killed In an Israeli Airstrike

During the 2010s, Hezbollah worked to become a state within a state.

The group's heavy hand generated protests from the Lebanese people  even Shiite Muslims  who decried the corruption of Lebanons parliament, which Hezbollah essentially controlled, and its willingness to allow Iran to violate Lebanese sovereignty.

The Hamas terrorist attack on Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, enabled Hezbollah to distract from its domestic woes. The group immediately began launching rockets into Israel, in solidarity with Hamas. It forced Israel to keep some military forces in northern Lebanon, while evacuating Israeli civilians.

Iran, too, sought to stoke the conflict against Israel to deflect from domestic unrest. It worked to resurrect what it called The Axis of Resistance  Iran, Syria, Hamas, and Hezbollah. The Yemeni Houthis and Iraqi Shiite militia Harakat al-Nujaba joined this Axis in targeting Israel as well.

Just as it did in 1982, Israel has responded with overwhelming force, and the smoldering conflict with Hezbollah now threatens to erupt into a full-blown war  possibly engulfing the entire region.

Fundamentally, Israel has failed to learn the lesson of its 1982 invasion of Lebanon. While using massive military force achieved a tactical victory in the short term, it embedded trauma and violence in the Lebanese population for generations. That, in turn, spawned scores of recruits for Hezbollah.

The Israeli military occupation also distracted from the ambivalence  or even hostility  felt by other Lebanese denominations and sects toward the extremist group, which helped it to become an established force within the country. Some Lebanese Christians and Sunni Muslims who wanted foreign troops out of their country had little choice but to rally around Hezbollah.

After four decades of Israel waging war against Hezbollah, the group continues to pose a threat. That raises the possibility that shifting gears is the best course: Israel could try to deescalate the conflict. Agreeing to a ceasefire in Gaza would do much to deprive the already weakened Hezbollah of its stated justification for endless rocket attacks on Israel. Both the U.S. and France have pushed for implementing U.N. Resolution 1701, which would empower the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to monitor the area on the Lebanese-Israeli border, creating a buffer zone.

A cessation of hostilities would offer a more viable long-term solution  one that achieves sustainable security for Israel. So long as conflict continues, a new generation of Lebanese people grows up seeking vengeance, which fuels Hezbollah and sustains warfare that deprives Israel of what it most wants: security.

Ibrahim Al-Marashi is associate professor of history at California State University San Marcos, and visiting lecturer at University of San Diegos masters in international relations. He is co-author of A Concise History of the Middle East, 13th edition.

Made by History takes readers beyond the headlines with articles written and edited by professional historians. Learn more about Made by History at TIME here.

Write to Made by History at madebyhistory@time.com.
Gov. Eric Holcomb meets with members of the Indiana National Guard on Sept. 25, 2024, at Camp Atterbury. (From Gov. Eric Holcomb's official Flickr)

Roughly a dozen members of the Indiana National Guard are headed to North Carolina to help with search and rescue efforts in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, state officials announced late Monday.

The decision was made by Gov. Eric Holcomb, who mobilized the 181st Intelligence Wing  based in Terre Haute  to join Indiana Task Force One and other agencies that are already on the ground in North Carolina.

Hoosiers stand with our friends in North Carolina as they navigate the devastation caused by this natural disaster, Holcomb said in a statement. As a force for local and global good, the women and men of the Indiana National Guard are prepared to answer the call, and our prayers are with them and the people of North Carolina.

The request for assistance by North Carolina comes after more than 100 people have died as a result of the storm. Hundreds more are still missing.

The governors office said Hoosier soldiers will work alongside local, state and federal agencies. The relief efforts will also be assisted by Indiana Task Force One  a specialized emergency response team  which was originally deployed to Florida and Georgia but has since been shifted to North Carolina.

The 80-person team was activated by the Federal Emergency Management Agency last week.

Teams from the Hoosier state are coordinating with the Indiana Department of Homeland Securitys Emergency Operations Center.

That includes a swift water rescue team from the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as well as members of the South Bend, Goshen and Mishawaka fire department, which state officials said have been operating around the clock since Friday in North Carolina.

The Indiana National Guard team is expected to be based in Hickory, North Carolina for about two weeks, according to state officials.

Whether were assisting our fellow Hoosiers or aiding another state, the Indiana National Guard is uniquely prepared to mobilize anywhere, anytime, Maj. Gen. Dale Lyles, the adjutant general of the Indiana National Guard, said in a statement.

Last week, another 600 Hoosier soldiers began a year-long deployment to the Middle East.

An additional 50 Hoosier National Guard soldiers departed Indiana for the Texas border town of El Paso earlier this year, where the company is continuing to carry out a 10-month deployment meant to reinforce Texas Gov. Greg Abbotts efforts to close off his states share of the U.S.-Mexico border.

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JEFFERSON COUNTY, W.Va. (DC News Now)  Officials sentenced a Honduran man to federal prison Monday for coercing and enticing a 10-year-old girl in Jefferson County.

The U.S. Attorneys Office (USAO) for the Northern District of West Virginia said that court documents and statements showed that 24-year-old Daniel Eliazar Ramos Rosa shared over 1,000 messages (including photos and videos) with the victim, a 10-year-old girl, on Snapchat.

The USAO said that Rosa eventually traveled to the girls home in West Virginia to engage in sexual activity with her, which he recorded on his phone.

MPD investigates homicide of 1-year-old girl in Northwest DC

A judge sentenced Rosa to 327 months in federal prison for this crime. The USAO said that he will also be on a lifetime of supervised release after his sentence.

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HORNELL, N.Y. (WETM)  A Hornell man is facing charges related to an apartment fire that happened on Thursday afternoon.

Denzel Brantley, 27, was arrested on Sept. 30 after an investigation into a fire in the City of Hornell. According to the Hornell Police Department, the fire started in the rear apartment of a building on Ransom Street shortly before 3 p.m. on Sept. 26 and engulfed the building. No one was inside the building during the fire, and no injuries were reported.

After firefighters extinguished the fire, a police investigation found that the fire was caused by arson. Police say further investigation and interviews identified Brantley as the only person suspected to have started the fire.

Elmira Police investigate stabbing/assault after large distrubance downtown

Brantley was charged with second-degree arson (a class B felony) and two counts of first-degree reckless endangerment (a class D felony) in connection to the fire. Brantley was also charged with second-degree criminal contempt (a class A misdemeanor) for an unrelated incident that occurred earlier in the week. After his arrest, Brantley was sent to CAP Court to be arraigned.

The Hornell Fire Department and the Steuben County Sheriffs Office assisted the Hornell Police Department with the investigation, and the South Hornell Fire Department assisted the Hornell Fire Department at the scene of the fire.

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GRAND JUNCTION, Colo (KDVR)  A couple of weeks ago, the Bureau of Land Management in Colorado completed a wild horse gather in the Little Book Cliffs near Grand Junction that resulted in one horse getting injured and subsequently being euthanized.

The gather began on Sept. 11 and ended on Sept. 18, and the BLM invited the community to come out and watch. Among the onlookers were a couple of European filmmakers who shot video of an incident that happened on the last day of the roundup. They offered it to The Cloud Foundation, a nonprofit that advocates for wild horses and opposes the practice of using helicopters to round them up.

Rare twin colts born unexpectedly at Colorado horse rescue

Wild horses are flight animals. And having a helicopter fly down from the sky and herd them in various directions, its a recipe for disaster, said Kerry Ferguson, executive director of The Cloud Foundation.

The video shows a helicopter rounding up a mare and her foal. They approach a ditch and as the mare tries to clear it, she doesnt quite make it.

Mare and foal attempt to jump a ditch.

She slams into that ditch and its a full break. A full and complete break of her leg, Ferguson said.

From there, the mare tries to continue running with a broken back leg to keep up with her foal, but eventually, she is forced to stop.

When she finally comes to settle, shes there with the foal, and theyre just huddled together, trying to get comfort from each other, and theres really no comfort to be found, Ferguson said. Those were the last moments they were to spend together.

After an inspection of the injured mare, onsite veterinarians recommended the most humane thing to do was euthanize her. According to the BLMs website, the mare was 24 years old and suffered an acute injury to her right rear leg.

Wild horses critically injured are humanely euthanized by a person trained in equine euthanasia, said Lynae Rogers, BLM Colorado Rangeland Management and Wild Horse and Burro Specialist, in an email to FOX31.

However, the video sent shockwaves through wild horse advocates.

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Using helicopters to round up wild horses and burros is just inherently cruel, Ferguson said.

FOX31 also obtained a statement from Governor Jared Poliss office, which said:

The Governor was disappointed to hear about the death of this horse. He has opposed these roundups and continues urging the Bureau of Land Management to end costly and deadly roundups and instead rely on more efficient range control and fertility treatments moving forward.

The Cloud Foundation said instead of helicopter roundups, they believe a more humane method would be bait trap removal.

Ginger Kathrens, founder of The Cloud Foundation, said in her time in the Pryor Mountains in Montana, she got to see how this was done.

They make a big pen, but you want to have exits and entries in several places so they dont feel trapped if you close one gate, Kathrens said. You put in food that they will really like which could be blocks of minerals. They just kind of go nuts over those.

She said this tends to work well with wild herds since they have family groups and like to stick together.

They stay together and so when you have a band go in you can then close the gate that they came in on, then you can sort out the one that you want and then put it in another compartment in the bait trap, Kathrens said.

However, the BLM said helicopter wild horse gathers have become more humane in recent years.

BLM helicopter gathers have proven to be more humane, effective, and efficient than other types of gather methods when large numbers of animals need to be removed over wide areas or rugged terrain, said Heather Marsh, BLM Colorado Public Affairs Specialist.

She said the BLM has veterinarians on site to monitor the health of the horses and make recommendations.

Horses in a BLM holding pen.

Injuries to wild horses are not common during helicopter gather, however, there is always a risk of injury or death to wild animals when they are captured, said Rogers. The vast majority (99%+) of wild horses and burros are gathered without severe incident or injury that causes death.

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Meanwhile, The Cloud Foundation is advocating for more transparency on the part of BLM during these roundups.

This is also a great example of why we need better observation, Ferguson said. We have a lawsuit in courts right now to require helicopters to have cameras along with the bait traps and short-term holding pens as a supplement to roundups and live observation. These cameras would be able to see where people cant. And that way they would need to make that footage available, unedited, to the public for review after each roundup.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX31 Denver.
Out with one, in with another.

Naperville is saying goodbye to Houlihans, a fast casual chain that has long operated in town, but is meanwhile welcoming a pair of new outlet stores  Wayfair and In Stock Furniture  to its lineup of brick-and-mortar businesses.

Houlihans closes

Amid less business and rising costs, Houlihans has closed its Naperville Crossings location at 2860 Showplace Drive, a company representative said.

We are deeply saddened to announce Houlihans in Naperville closed its doors at the end of business on Wednesday, Sept. 25, Houlihans chief operating officer Bill Leibengood said in a statement. With a reduction in traffic to the area and rising operation costs since the pandemic, we simply have not been able to bounce back to normal.

Leibengood said Houlihans is grateful for the support of our community over the past 16 years. It is working to relocate employees to other concepts nearby, he said.

With its closure in Naperville, Houlihans only remaining Illinois location is in Champaign. Established in 1972, the restaurant chain  which serves a mix of American fare  today operates nearly 30 locations across 14 states throughout the Midwest to eastern U.S.

Houlihans used to have a location in Chicago but shuttered the Upper Wacker Drive spot in 2018.

As a chain, Houlihans has undergone changes in recent years. In late 2019, the companys assets were sold to rival Landrys after facing bankruptcy.

Wayfair outlet opening

Wayfairs Naperville outlet is opening this week. After the online furniture retailer announced plans for the store earlier this summer, the incoming outlet is officially opening its doors Thursday, a company spokesperson confirmed.

Located at 324 S. Route 59 in the Westridge Court strip mall, the store will be open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sunday, the spokesperson said. It will be Wayfairs only outlet in Illinois and fifth in the United States.

The 23,000-square-foot outlet will sell returns from online purchases and discounted items in good condition across a large number of product categories.

Customers will be able to browse the outlet inventory online, but products will only be available for purchase in-store. Napervilles inventory is coming soon, the spokesperson said.

Wayfairs plans for a Naperville outlet mark the companys second physical push into Illinois this year. In May, the retailer launched its inaugural large-format store in Wilmette.

In Stock Furniture now open

Alongside Wayfair, another furniture outlet  In Stock Furniture  has opened at 336 Route 59, according to a grand opening alert on the stores social media pages.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays, 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturdays and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Sundays.

tkenny@chicagotribune.com
The chairs of the House Armed Services and Foreign Affairs Committees are pushing the Biden administration to share more defense equipment with Australia and the United Kingdom  Americas two partners in the AUKUS agreement.

In a letter sent to the White House on Tuesday, first reported by Defense News, the two Republican lawmakers argued that the excluded technologies list governing what the U.S. can export to either country is still too long. The restrictions, they said, will hinder Americas ability to develop key capabilities to compete with its main rival, China.

We urge you and your senior leaders to continue to review items included on the ETL and remove as many as possible that do not warrant inclusion in order to unleash AUKUS full potential, wrote Armed Services Chairman Rep. Mike Rogers, R-Ala., and Foreign Affairs Chairman Rep. Mike McCaul, R-Texas.

AUKUS countries update rules on sharing defense kit

Under AUKUS, the United States is helping Australia build nuclear-powered submarines, a system so sensitive America had previously only shared it with the U.K. Under the second part of the deal, the three countries are also developing advanced technology, from hypersonic missiles to quantum computing.

One of the main barriers to this effort is the International Traffic in Arms Regulations, or ITAR, a strict set of rules on what weaponry the U.S. exports. The administration loosened these rules for the U.K. and Australia in August, freeing up either country to access 80% of American defense exports without first applying for a license.

What the two lawmakers are now concerned about is the remaining 20%, given how long it can take to get one of those licenses. The U.S. State Department can take more than a month to vet requests, and the application often requires longer prep work beforehand.

We should move to allow as much sharing of technology as possible, Deputy Secretary of State Kurt Campbell said in testimony before Congress in September. We have more work to be done on this.

The U.S. State Departments updated rule is still under review, allowing public comment until mid-November. Before the hearing, Campbell gave McCaul a personal commitment to shepherd this process through its deadline, said a member of the House Foreign Affairs Committee Republican staff.

The staffer said that the size of the excluded technologies list also depends on how its measured: It may be 20% by dollar amount, but its 30% by the number of total U.S. licenses.

This list includes weapons and technology restricted by law  such as biological weapons or cluster bombs. But it also includes others only restricted by U.S. policy, such as precision missiles. British and Australian officials often chafe at these delays, since the State Department almost always approves their requests in the end.

Even more, the staff member argued, some of the technology that would be most important to AUKUS is still on that list  adding delays when the U.S. and its allies should be moving faster.

The Australians have done a full-court press to the Hill, but theyve also been very vocal to the administration about loosening the rules, the aide said. Of particular concern to Canberra, the aide continued, are precision weapons, undersea drones and maritime acoustic technology.

The Australian embassy wouldnt confirm whether those capabilities are of special interest. In a statement, a spokesperson for the embassy said that the government welcome[ed] continued bipartisan congressional interest in removing barriers to create a seamless trilateral defense industrial base.

The U.S. State Department could not immediately provide comment.

We need to make sure we achieve the full potential of the exemption and reap the opportunities it provides for faster, more efficient collaboration between AUKUS partners. Ensuring the scope of the Excluded Technologies list is minimized, where appropriate, and that the regulation itself fully supports our collaboration, will be key to achieving this, a British official wrote in a statement.

The top U.S., U.K. and Australian defense officials met in London last week to mark AUKUS third anniversary and announced the winners of a challenge meant to jumpstart the agreements work on advanced technology.

When the final AUKUS rule is announced in November, we expect to see significant changes, the lawmakers wrote in their letter.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Emergency animal fosters are needed as the Humane Society of Greater Dayton steps up to assist shelters impacted by the devastation of Hurricane Helene.

The Humane Society is prepared to receive animals transported from these shelters, but they say the number of animals that can be helped is entirely reliant on the availability of foster homes.

Storm cleanup, power restoration continues across the Miami Valley

Animals are particularly vulnerable in these disasters, and we are committed to doing everything we can to help the people and animals in these communities as they deal with the aftermath of this hurricane, said Brian Weltge, President & CEO of the Humane Society of Greater Dayton.

To apply to become an emergency foster parent, visit the Humane Societys website. Applicants will be added to the emergency foster list and contacted as animals come to the shelter.

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(Reuters) - Serve Robotics, which delivers food for Uber Eats using sidewalk robots, said it would partner with Alphabet-owned Wing Aviation to use drones, extending the operational range to more than six miles.

The pilot, announced on Tuesday, would take place in Dallas, Texas, and mark Serve's entry into the market. The tie-up will have Serve's robots pick up food from restaurants and transfer it to Wing drones for aerial delivery.

The company's operations have so far focused on Los Angeles, where it delivers food and groceries for convenience retailer 7-Eleven and Shake Shack, in addition to Uber Eats.

Multi-modal delivery will expand Serve's reach, enabling 30-minute autonomous delivery citywide, Serve's CEO Ali Kashani said.

While drones were once touted to be the future of package and food delivery, their adoption has been limited by a lack of spaces for takeoff and landing in cities. Unlike them, sidewalk delivery robots are designed to navigate urban environments, making them a more practical solution.

"Through this pilot partnership, Wing hopes to reach more merchants in highly congested areas while supporting Serve as it works to expand its delivery radius," Wing CEO Adam Woodworth said.

Serve, spun off from Postmates in 2021 a year after its acquisition by Uber, said merchants would not have to make any changes to their workflow or facilities to accommodate robot-to-drone deliveries.

The Alphabet unit, which started as a project within incubator Google X, has completed more than 400,000 commercial deliveries across three continents, Woodworth added.

(Reporting by Akash Sriram in Bengaluru; Editing by Vijay Kishore)
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  The Humane Society of Charlotte (HSC) welcomes some furry friends from the Asheville Humane Society on Monday as western North Carolina recovers from Hurricane Helene.

(Credit: Humane Society of Charlotte)

Those animals will soon be put up for adoption at a discounted rate.

Since the shelter now has to make room for even more animals coming from western North Carolina, all adoptions through Thursday, October 3 are 50% off.

All adoptions are first come, first served. You can view the available animals at the Humane Society of Charlotte website. or visit anytime when theyre open.

They are located at 1348 Parker Drive in Charlotte and are open Sunday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Ms. Flint

Cricket

Chloe

Luella and Saffron

Sam

Cha Cha

HSC also encourages donating to the Asheville Humane Society, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue and/or the BISSELL Pet Foundation. They are also accepting supply donations.

According to the Brother Wolf Animal Rescue, approximately 150 animals were displaced and are in need of temporary foster homes. After the storm moved out, a heartbreaking discovery showed that there was no longer a shelter for animals to return to.

All three buildings, along with all three animal transport vehicles and their mobile medical unit were completely destroyed.

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Ron Grindstaff, right, comforts his wife, Marie, as they remove belongings from their home in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina. According to reports, at least 100 people have been killed across the southeastern U.S., and millions are without power due to the storm, which made landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Thursday. (Photo by Melissa Sue Gerrits / Getty Images)

WASHINGTON  White House Homeland Security Adviser Elizabeth Sherwood-Randall said Monday during a press briefing there are 600 people unaccounted for following Hurricane Helene, as federal officials mount a response to the catastrophic storm in states across the Southeast.

Sherwood-Randall said that could lead the death toll to rise into the hundreds, but added officials are very hopeful some of those missing have cell phones that are not working and actually are alive.

Ill caution you, because weve seen this before, those numbers vary widely, Sherwood-Randall said. Theres a lot of reporting that doesnt add up about the numbers.

The Associated Press said Monday night more than 125 lives have been claimed.

President Joe Biden, who has held multiple briefings and calls on the hurricane, also announced late Monday he plans to travel to North Carolina on Wednesday. Biden had said he wanted to wait until his presence would not be disruptive to recovery operations.

Sherwood-Randall told reporters the Federal Emergency Management Agency and numerous other federal departments have moved staff and equipment into the Southeast to assist local and state emergency responders as residents struggle to access basic necessities.

FEMA, among many other recovery efforts, was speeding up its $750 payments to households that qualified for serious needs assistance, which can be used to pay for essential items like water, food, baby formula and medication.

This is not the full extent of FEMA assistance to individuals, but its the first element of it that becomes immediately available with a major disaster declaration, Sherwood-Randall said. And it gets people cash when theyre absolutely desperate for it.

Survivors who register for FEMAs individual assistance program will be able to receive federal help repairing cars, homes and some other types of personal property that were damaged by the hurricane, she said.

People who have damage to their homes should first contact their insurance companies, but Sherwood-Randall noted there are several federal programs that help with the rebuilding and recovery process as well.

If people have insurance, thats of course very important for rebuilding. If they do not have insurance, they have access to federal assistance, she said. But its a long road to recovery for people because theres so much work to be done. We have to acknowledge that.

People who need assistance from FEMA should call 1-800-621-3362, register on https://www.disasterassistance.gov/ or fill out an application on the FEMA app, she said.

Disaster recovery centers opening

FEMA was also in the process of opening disaster recovery centers in affected communities.

Whats important about these centers is they aggregate federal support in one place, Sherwood-Randall said. It used to be the case that survivors had to go to multiple different departments and agencies to find out what kind of help they could get access to. What we do is we put everyone together, either in a standing building that survived the natural disaster, or in a trailer, if thats necessary.

Centers opened on Monday in Manatee County, Sarasota County and Hillsborough County in Florida, she said.

In places like Asheville, North Carolina, where FEMA likely wont be able to open a brick-and-mortar center, employees will go door-to-door, she said.

FEMA literally goes knocking with an iPad in hand so they can help people register for the assistance they need because they may not have power, their cell phone may have run out and they need someone to help them get registered quickly, Sherwood-Randall said.

FEMA was also planning to install 30 Starlink receivers in western North Carolina to provide immediate connectivity for those in greatest need, Sherwood-Randall said.

FEMA, the Federal Communications Commission and private cell phone companies were moving to install temporary cell phone towers and allow roaming, which would allow customers to use cell networks they dont subscribe to, she said.

So far more than 3,500 federal employees involved in response and recovery efforts related to Hurricane Helene are on the ground throughout the Southeast, including more than 1,000 from FEMA, she said.

Multiple federal agencies in action

The Department of Defense was using helicopters and high-water vehicles to assist in search and rescue efforts. The Army Corps of Engineers was helping to restore electricity, assess infrastructure, including dams, and remove debris.

The U.S. Coast Guard had diverted thousands of personnel on post-storm assessments to help get ports in Florida reopened as quickly as possible.

U.S. Department of Agriculture staff, particularly in its Farm Services Agency, were working to provide emergency assistance to farmers with damage to crops and livestock.

Additionally, more than 50,000 utility workers from the United States and Canada were in the region to help the 2 million people without power get reconnected as soon as it was possible and safe to do so, Sherwood-Randall said.

FEMA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers are also making available generators of many different sizes that are ready to be deployed upon the request of any state, Sherwood-Randall said. And as power is being restored throughout parts of Florida and Georgia, power crews are being moved into other states to assist with additional restoration efforts.

We see power outage numbers improving where restoration teams are able to gain access to communities and the debris is cleared.
CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  The South Carolina Department of Natural Resources is implementing a temporary closure of hunting game in certain Lowcountry areas due to lasting impacts from Hurricane Helene.

The closure includes all game species except for alligator, doves, hogs and coyotes and is effect from Wednesday, Oct. 2 at 12:01 a.m. until Sunday, Oct. 6 at 11:59 p.m.

The closed areas are within the Wateree, Congaree and Santee River drainage systems. SCDNR said several hunters have contacted the agency with concerns.

Flooding has created abnormal conditions wherein game cannot protect themselves, thus producing the potential for exploitation of game species that are deprived of their normal escape routes and confined to small areas of high ground, agency officials said.

BERKELEY COUNTY: the area bounded on the north by Clarendon, Williamsburg, and Georgetown counties; on the south by S.C. 45; on the west by the old Santee Canal; and the east by Charleston County.

CHARLESTON COUNTY: the area bounded on the west by Berkeley County; on the south by S.C. 45, on the east by U.S. 701/17, and on the north by Georgetown County.

GEORGETOWN COUNTY: beginning at the point where the Williamsburg, Berkeley and Georgetown county lines meet and running north and east along the Georgetown-Williamsburg County lines to U.S. Alternate 17 and thence running along such highway to its intersection with state road 387, thence to state road 24, and running southeast along state road 24 to its intersection with U.S. 17, thence south along U.S. 17 to the Charleston County line, thence west following the Charleston and Berkeley County lines to the point of the beginning.

WILLIAMSBURG COUNTY: beginning at the point where state road 48 (River Road) crosses the Clarendon County line and following state road 48 until its intersection with S.C. 375 (Mackey Road/Gourdin Road), thence running along said road to Gourdin, thence along state road 45 (Santee Road) to the Georgetown County line, thence south along such line to the Berkeley County line and following said line northwest to the Clarendon County line, thence northeast along said Clarendon County to state road 48.

Provided by SCDNR

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Early voting in North Carolina is facing hurdles as the impacts of Hurricane Helene continue to devastate communities in the Southeast, blocking roads and disrupting services across the state.

The start of mail-in voting in the key state of North Carolina had already been delayed by courts that ruled ballots must be reprinted without the option of Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who suspended his campaign and endorsed former President Donald Trump.

Even before the devastating hurricane, all eyes were on North Carolina as it emerged as one of the key swing states of this election, with recent polling from CNN showing Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump virtually tied among likely voters in the state. A heated gubernatorial battle between state Attorney General Josh Stein and Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson is also taking place in Tar Heel State.

While we do not know exactly what is ahead, our guiding force between now and Election Day will be to do everything possible to ensure every eligible North Carolina voter can cast their ballot, Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said in a statement. Natural disasters have affected elections here in the recent past. As we did at those times, we will conduct a safe, secure, and successful election in 2024.

The US Postal Service issued an alert stating that operations in certain ZIP codes would be paused, which could further hamper voter efforts to cast their ballots by mail.

Absentee ballots were mailed out on September 24 to state residents who had requested them.

The safety of our customers and employees is the Postal Services top priority in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the US Postal Service said in a statement. The Postal Service is committed to delivering each piece of mail where it is safe to do so and where roads are passable. As we continue our work on this, we will continue to communicate with local boards of election in impacted areas to ensure the ongoing transport and delivery of Election Mail as soon as it is safe to do so.

At an emergency board meeting on Monday, Bell said 14 of the 22 counties the board was in contact with were closed, with several more days of closure anticipated.

Our field specialist, who lives in Buncombe County and serves most of these counties, actually even had to walk to the county office today from his home, which we figured out is probably about a 4- or 5-mile trek to be able to be of assistance to the counties and have access to some services, she said.

Only Haywood County had not given a status report, Bell said, noting that many of the county personnel are experiencing difficulties with internet, water, power and damaged roads. As of Monday afternoon, Haywood Countys election website is not functioning, and CNN has reached out to the county but has not received a response.

Buncombe County, nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains and encompassing the city of Asheville, was one of the most heavily affected by the havoc wreaked by the hurricane. However, the post office is still in operation and voters can submit their ballots there, according to county election officials.

Buncombe County remains in a response-and-recovery effort and is focusing on life safety and basic needs, said Corinne Duncan, director of elections at Buncombe County. The post office is running and we dropped 200 ballots in the mail today.

Duncan added that county election facilities were not damaged and have power, but some staff and board members are stranded due to road blockages. The county has not completed assessments to polling locations yet, and the offices do not have water.

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Flood waters after Hurricane Helene passed offshore on Sept. 27, 2024 in Tarpon Springs, FL. - Credit: Joe Raedle/Getty Images

Hurricane Helenes devastating winds, torrential rainfall, and flood waters have caused widespread power outages, leveled entire neighborhoods, and cut off access to food, drinking water, and life-saving medical supplies to millions across the southeastern United States.

The Category 4 hurricane made landfall Thursday in the Florida Big Bend and tore a 500-mile path of destruction through Florida, South Carolina, North Carolina, Georgia, Virginia, and Tennessee. The storm has left 130 dead and hundreds missing. The Carolinas, where mudslides and severe flooding are the most severe in mountain areas, have suffered some of the worst damage, where more than 80 people have been reported dead.

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In the coming weeks and months ahead, millions of affected citizens will require the support of government and disaster relief organizations, nonprofits, and the donations of citizens across the country to help rebuild vulnerable communities, cities, and towns from the ground up.

Heres a list of places where you can volunteer, and donate to emergency relief efforts. Note, for those looking to volunteer, its usually best to sign up first and wait for instructions on where to meet, how to prepare, etc. to help organizations keep their humanitarian efforts streamlined and efficient.

Food and Water

World Central Kitchen

WCK provides freshly made meals to those communities impacted by climate disasters and in humanitarian crises. The organization is currently seeking volunteers, who are usually enlisted to help with food prep, meal delivery, and loading and unloading kitchen supplies. As of Tuesday, WCK has provided meals in Florida and Georgia. WCK is active on social media and you can look for updates on where the will be distributing free meals on Instagram, Facebook, and X (formerly Twitter). Donations to WCK can also be made.

Manna FoodBank

As of Sept. 30, Manna announced that its Asheville, North Carolina facility was hit with flooding and damage from the storm and is currently closed for safety reasons. The organization serves communities across 16 counties in Western North Carolina, including the Qualla Boundary, and has shifted toward relief efforts.

The organization is included on the list since needs will most likely change in the coming days as the organization recovers and reorganizes staff and volunteers. In the meantime, donations can be made, and volunteers can sign up to help in the future. Keep up with updates on Instagram and X.

BeLoved Asheville

This nonprofit provides a wide variety of supplies, so the organization appears on this list more than once. BeLoved Asheville is looking for donations of bottled water and food, among a variety of other supplies (see below). The local organization is also looking for volunteers to help organize and deliver donations. Truck drivers are also being sought to help with efforts.

BeLoved Ashville is active on Instagram and Facebook.

Hygiene, Diapers, Medical Supplies, and More

The Diaper Bank of North Carolina

The Diaper Bank of North Carolina is helping bring relief to families in Western North Carolina. Donations will go toward diapers for infants and toddlers, period products for menstruating individuals, adult incontinence supplies for seniors and those with disabilities, and formula for infants.

According to the organization, some of the best ways to help its efforts is to 1) donate to assist the organization in buying and distributing these often overlooked supplies, 2) host a drive to collect diapers, period products, and formula in your community, and to 3) spread the word on social media.

Donations can be made and the organization is providing updates on its relief efforts on Instagram and Facebook.

BeLoved Asheville

This nonprofit is in need of contractor size trash bags, clothes of all sizes (including baby clothes), blankets, first aid supplies, feminine hygiene products, diapers, hand sanitizer, toilet paper, paper towels, bleach (bottles, sprays, wipes), shovels, brooms, gloves, coolers, propane cook stoves, flashlights, batteries, fans, dehumidifiers, and generators. Donations toward supplies can be made via Venmo and Paypal. The local organization is also looking for volunteers to help organize and deliver donations. Truck drivers are also being sought to help with efforts.

BeLoved Ashville is active on Instagram and Facebook.

Project HOPE

Project Hope has an emergency response team in western North Carolina providing affected communities with medical and relief supplies in partnership with the North Carolina Free and Charitable Clinics. The distributed supplies include clean water, support for medical clinics, and mental health care.

The also have a team on the ground at an emergency medical shelter in Asheville, North Carolina, that is in urgent need of clean water.

Donate here. You can follow their updates on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.

Save the Children

Save the Children is working to get child-focused supplies to Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee including hygiene kits, diapers, and baby wipes, as well as classroom-cleaning kits to schools and child care centers. The nonprofit is also working with local education partners to help restore child care and early learning centers damaged by Hurricane Helene, while their psychosocial support team is assessing the mental health needs of impacted children and caregivers to begin planning long-term recovery support.

Donate here. Follow their progress on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

Emergency Animal Care

Humane Society of the United States

The Humane Society operates a deployable Animal Rescue Team that can be on the ground in times of disaster. There are currently four teams from the Humane Society stationed in Florida and Tennessee, where volunteers have set up both mobile vet clinics and drive-thru depots for pet food and supplies.

The group has also helped transfer shelter animals in the path of the storm to shelter partners in different states. The organization is asking supporters to help by donating to aid distribution centers and vet care. Visit its public fundraiser on Facebook for more information.

Rebuilding Infrastructure, Community Clean-Ups

All Hands and Hearts

This global organization mobilizes volunteers and works with communities to help families rebuild homes and schools following climate disasters.

A Sept. 30 update from All Hands and Hearts reported that its Disaster Assistance Response Teams (DART) are actively collaborating with local communities to focus on critical tasks such as debris removal and clearing hazardous trees to help restore safety and access. The organization said that as road conditions improve, it will expand its efforts into more remote, heavily impacted areas in North Carolina.

Teams have also been mobilized across Florida to address the storms impacts, and the organization is preparing to start mucking and gutting homes affected by the heavy rains.

Applications to volunteer are currently closed, though an update will be given on Oct. 3. In the meantime, donations can be made to support the organizations efforts.

This article will be updated with additional ways to help as more information is made available. Please check back for more information.

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Hurricane Helene has caused significant disruptions for election officials in North Carolina and across the Southeast, scrambling preparations for early and mail voting that have been in the works for months.

In western North Carolina, one of the areas hit hardest by the storm, election officials were working Monday to evaluate what changes needed to be made in a key presidential battleground state where mail ballots started going out last week and early in-person voting is scheduled to begin in three weeks.

North Carolina officials mailed 190,000 ballots last week, some of which may be delayed or destroyed by flooding. Mail service is suspended to many areas, which will halt the transport of the ballots. And there's more pressure for voters to get their ballots in early this year: State legislators recently eliminated a grace period that allowed ballots with on-time postmarks to be counted even if they arrived three days after the election.

At least 14 county election offices are closed and are expected to be for several days, said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the State Board of Elections.

At this point in time as we know it, all the members of our elections community are safe and sound and preparing themselves to serve all eligible voters in North Carolina, Brinson Bell said, noting that the officials were working through challenging circumstances with power outages, limited cell service and impassable roads. One staffer in Buncombe County walked more than 4 miles to work Monday, she said.

Officials in Buncombe County are assessing polling sites and working to account for staff and board members. Some staffers are stranded, Corinne Duncan, the county's election services director, said in an update shared by a spokesperson. The county's election offices have power but no water, but staffers still managed to drop off 200 mail ballots at the post office Monday.

The State Board of Elections voted Monday to give counties the ability to reschedule board meetings where absentee ballot applications are reviewed.

Brinson Bell said state officials will soon publish a website for hurricane-related information and hold a media briefing Tuesday to outline procedures for voters to cite a natural disaster as reason they dont have photo ID, which is required to vote in North Carolina.

Even ballots sent from unaffected counties could be affected, said Gerry Cohen, a member of the Wake County Board of Elections, if they're traveling to or through the western part of the state.

Anything to or from western North Carolina is probably greatly impacted by that. It would even affect Wake County, Cohen said (Wake County, home to Raleigh, is farther east).

Cohen said voters who have been displaced by the storm or don't end up receiving their mail ballots can cancel them and request other ones, though voters will need to contact their local election offices, which may be closed, to do so. They can also opt to vote in person, a move that will "spoil" their mail ballots so they cant be counted even if theyre returned later, according to the state's voting site.

Election officials were originally scheduled to start sending mail ballots Sept. 6 but were delayed after former third-party presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. sued to remove himself from the ballot. His lawsuit, which was successful, forced the state to reprint its ballots. Officials started mailing ballots to overseas and military voters on Sept. 20 and all other voters who requested them last Tuesday.

Early in-person voting is scheduled to begin Oct. 17 across more than 400 locations in North Carolina. Each site in the affected counties will need to be checked for accessibility, power and water.

Cohen also warned that the hurricane could cause staffing issues. Election officials will need to make sure their poll workers  many of whom he said will have already been trained  havent been displaced and can still work their scheduled shifts for the early voting period and on Election Day.

North Carolina is among the core battleground states former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris are competing in this fall. About 7% of the state's voters cast their ballots by mail in the 2022 midterm elections. The area of North Carolina hit by the hurricane tends to lean Republican politically, aside from Democrat-heavy Asheville.

Election officials in other states affected by the hurricane, including Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee, also face challenges.

Robert Sinner, communications director for the Georgia secretary of states office, said most counties were spared substantial impact by the storm, though the Jenkins County elections office has faced some physical damage.

TJ Lundeen, a spokesman for the South Carolina State Election Commission, said is expects some early voting center and Election Day sites will need to change.

Doug Kufner, spokesman for the Tennessee secretary of state, said at least six Election Day polling sites and two county election offices in northeast Tennessee have experienced damage or will have driving accessibility issues.

The election community in Tennessee is united; when one hurts, we all hurt. The heartache, shock, and devastation are massive," he said in an email. "However, we are confident that the challenges caused by the flooding will be overcome because of the planning and resilience of election officials in the impacted counties."

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Vice President and Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris will visit Georgia to survey the damage left behind by Helene last week.

Her campaign confirmed that she would tour the damage and receive a briefing on the recovery efforts on Wednesday.

It wasnt immediately clear where the vice president would visit.

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Valdosta in south Georgia and Augusta in east Georgia were some of the hardest hit areas.

According to state officials, at least 25 Georgians died as Helene moved through the state on Thursday night and Friday morning.

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Former president Donald Trump toured the damage in Valdosta on Monday, calling for unity during times of crisis.

In a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters. Were not totally about politics now. We have to all get together to get this solved, former Pres. Trump said.

Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has surveyed the damage in both Valdosta and Augusta and commented that it would take the state a long time to recover.

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ST. PETERSBURG  The Minnicks returned to their North East Park home to find their gray floors covered in inches of water, tinged yellow. The smell was undeniable.

No question, thats sewage water, said Craig Minnick, 54, assessing the damage in his daughters bedroom.

They had evacuated for Hurricane Helene, so no one was around to flush the toilets or put anything down the drain while the citys northeast sewage plant was shut off late Thursday night. Once home, they couldnt see to the bottom of their tub, filled with brown. Bedskirts, textbooks and clothes were damp with a urine smell. Solid feces was found under an area rug.

Cooper Minnick, 17, was calling friends for changes of clothes and shoes so he could go to work Sunday. I couldve saved my clothes if it didnt have pee and feces on it, he said.

Its not clear if the sewage backups in the Minnicks home and those of their neighbors are included or would be included in the sewage dumps St. Petersburg reported to the state. The city reported six public spills: Five from the northeast plant, one from the southwest plant, totaling 407,495 gallons of untreated wastewater. That figure doesnt include how many gallons were spilled specifically from the northeast plant. Two spokespersons for St. Petersburg did not respond to requests for comment.

But that wasnt the most reported by a municipality throughout Tampa Bay, where sewage systems were overwhelmed by a historic amount of storm surge from a hurricane 100 miles offshore. Tampa reported discharging 8.5 million gallons of sewage from ten overflows.

Tampa spokesperson Kathlyn Fitzpatrick said each overflow happened along the Hillsborough River and the south Tampa coastline. She said signs were placed in all areas where overflows happened to advise residents not to fish or swim in the area. That water is tested and analyzed until water levels have returned to normal, and then signage is removed. She said all pumping stations were repaired by Friday afternoon.

We do not expect any long-lasting ramifications on the bay, Fitzpatrick said.

Flooding in the Apollo Beach and Ruskin communities caused damage to wastewater pumping systems in south Hillsborough County. Backup generators limited the damage that would have been caused by loss of power, but some pumps were damaged due to electrical shortages.

There was 5 to 6 feet of standing water on top of our sewer system, said Lisa Rhea, director of water resources for Hillsborough County. Electricity and water dont mix.

The systems are located in an Evacuation Zone A. So, if everybody had evacuated, (the impact) would have been zero, Rhea said. But we knew people were starting to go back to their homes and starting to return to normal activities. So, we just wanted to caution them.

On Friday, residents who live west of Interstate 75 and south of the Alafia River were asked to minimize wastewater-producing activities such as bathing and showering, washing clothes and dishes and flushing.

If the pump station is not running for some reason, the water will start building up in the pipes underground, Rhea said. If theres too much water and the pipes are over full, thats where you get sanitary sewer overflows. And thats when the wastewater comes out of the system and flows out.

The county had one sanitary sewer with an overflow of around 500 gallons, she said, but all went into a stormwater drainage ditch. The systems were repaired and fully operational by Saturday.

Pinellas County on Friday turned off drinking water service to all island customers from Johns Pass south to Fort De Soto Park to make repairs to that water system. Residents specifically in St. Pete Beach, Treasure Island and Tierra Verde are urged to use bottled water or boil tap water for cooking, drinking and personal hygiene.

Pinellas County Utilities has deployed every possible resource to complete repairs to the potable water system on the southern barrier islands following extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, wrote county spokesperson Sydney Criteser in an email. Hundreds of pipes are damaged, buried in sand and require excavation to locate and repair.

Pinellas County reported four sewage dumps to the state, all in different locations. According to the states records, it is unknown how much was discharged. Reports show there were overflows from manholes and one lift station into canals and storm drains that go into a retention pond, Intracoastal Waterway, Long Bayou and Klosterman Bayou.

Clearwater had four sewage spills, according to the citys director of public utilities, Rich Gardner. Two were about 1,000 gallons each, a mixture of sewage and storm surge, were discharged into the bay. One had 9,600 gallons, though all but 50 of those gallons were cleaned up with the small remainder seeped into the ground. He said those spills were related to power outages and storm surge.

Gardner said there was one big spill at the citys east plant between 100,000 gallons and a million, though he said 83,000 gallons were recovered. Those gallons were partially treated, completing two of the three phase treatment process. He said none of the wastewater plants were shut off during the storm.

Its highly unlikely it would have long lasting ramifications to the bay, Gardner said.

The city of Largo reported one spill of 225,000 gallons of untreated sewage. A report to the state said Duke Energy turned power off to the wrong pump while servicing a transformer that sparked during the hurricane. The pump lost power for five minutes, and since tank levels were already high, the pump station overflowed onto a paved surface at the treatment plant and entered into a stormwater pond. Its possible wastewater made its way to the Cross Bayou Canal.

Largos environmental control supervisor, Stacy English, said water samples collected from a stream from where the stormwater pond discharges showed bacterial levels were higher upstream of the release than downstream.

Gulfport had one discharge of 86,700 gallons of untreated sewage. The report said controllers to lift station pumps failed due to storm surge, causing the collection system to overflow and spill out of a manhole. The city applied lime, washed down the area and raked and disposed debris.

Mayor Sam Henderson said the city does not anticipate any long-term negative effects.

Unfortunately, a storm of this magnitude can overcome the best preparations, he wrote in a text. We will continue to monitor our water quality over the next several months as we rebuild.
President Biden touring storm-ravaged neighborhoods in Manville after Hurricane Ida in September 2021. (Photo by Edwin J. Torres | NJ Governors Office)

Lawmakers are looking for a new way to offer relief to Hurricane Ida victims still required to pay the mortgage on properties that have long been inhabitable, weeks after Gov. Phil Murphy conditionally vetoed a similar bill.

Sen. Troy Singleton (D-Burlington), the chief sponsor of the measure, said its frustrating to start from the beginning on this plan after working with the governors office for compromises on the initial bill. The bills supporters have said they were stunned the governor vetoed the first bill.

Surprises are not things Im a big fan of, he said.

He told families attending a Senate Community and Urban Affairs Committee hearing Monday that the new bill would be different from the first one, but it would still ensure all, not just some, will have an opportunity to gain the relief they need.

He underscored that the new version of the legislation still offers mortgage forbearance and foreclosure protections to residents impacted by Hurricane Ida, which devastated parts of the state three years ago. The 2021 storm left thousands displaced and 30 people dead and was one of the deadliest storms in New Jerseys modern history.

Murphy sent the original bill, which was unanimously passed in the Legislature, back to lawmakers, saying he had concerns it wasnt equipped with enough oversight to avoid abuse.

Murphy provided a lengthy list of changes he wanted to see to the bill, like limiting awards to homeowners enrolled in state disaster recovery programs and requiring their applications for forbearance get reviewed by state officials. The governor said these changes would provide targeted and appropriate relief to residents who are still burdened by damage caused by Hurricane Ida.

Language in the new bill would direct people to apply for relief from the Department of Community Affairs, which would grant a certification of eligibility for forbearance if the application is approved.

The agency would be tasked with launching an online program for people seeking relief within 90 days of the bill becoming law. People would have 30 days to apply for the program once applications open.

Within 60 days of submission, the department must decide whether the applicant meets the criteria or not. People who are denied would be able to appeal the decision. If the department fails to act within 60 days, the bill would require the department to issue that certification.

While Murphy wanted relief limited to people enrolled in state disaster relief programs, the new version wouldnt require that. It would open eligibility to those who occupied the residential property as their primary residence and received federal disaster assistance for needs related to damage sustained from the remnants of Hurricane Ida.

Homeowners told lawmakers Monday how helpful mortgage forbearance would be. Three witnesses said they were all denied federal relief funds and were struggling to pay bills or repay other loans they had to take out. The longer the state takes to stand up relief programs, the more expenses pile up, they said.

Debby Josephs, a Manville resident, said she didnt receive any assistance from local or federal officials. Her town of about 10,000 people received 10 inches of rain over three hours during Ida, which flooded most of the borough. In August 2023, the state told Manville residents that people who wanted to elevate and rebuild their homes would have to do so on their own dime  state aid would only be available for residents willing to move from flood-prone areas.

Josephs said the rug was quickly and unknowingly pulled right from underneath us multiple times, like when the state reversed course on state aid and Murphy vetoed the relief bill last month. She urged lawmakers to help residents who are still struggling to balance paying rent on their new homes and a mortgage on their damaged houses.

I encourage and am counting on this mortgage forbearance to finally give us the much-needed relief after three years of struggle, Josephs said.

As lawmakers voted, they also voiced their frustration at having to advance this legislation again.

I dont even know why were here redoing this bill, but I was a yes last time. Im an absolute yes this time, said Sen. Holly Schepisi (R-Bergen).

The measure advanced unanimously and was referred to the Senate Budget and Appropriations Committee. The companion bill in the lower chamber, also introduced last week, has yet to be scheduled for a hearing in the Assembly Housing Committee.

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The Texas Department of Public Safety issued a local Amber Alert on Tuesday afternoon for a 16-year-old girl who was reported missing from Hurst.

The missing teen, Zoe Rowbotham, was last seen at the intersection of Bluebonnet and Arwine Drives in Hurst about 8:30 p.m. on Sunday, police said.

Rowbotham is described as a white girl, 5 feet 6 inches tall and about 240 pounds, with brown hair and hazel eyes.

She was last seen wearing a black T-shirt, black shorts and white shoes.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Hurst Police Department at (817) 788-7180.
FRANKFURT (Reuters) - Siemens Energy has agreed to pay $104 million to settle an investigation with U.S. authorities, it said, after it used stolen trade secrets to inflate bids for contracts five years ago.

The proposed settlement with a U.S. court in Virginia revolves around allegations of theft of trade secrets that Siemens Energy had used to bid to provide gas turbine equipment and servicing to Dominion Energy Inc in 2019.

The settlement is subject to approval by the court, which is scheduled for Dec. 5.

An initial case, brought by Siemens Energy rival General Electric, was settled between the two companies in 2021.

Siemens Energy on Tuesday said the new settlement with the U.S. Department of Justice would resolve the case, reiterating that the company discovered the misconduct in 2020 and "voluntarily reported the incident to the customer" and rivals General Electric and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries.

Siemens Energy, which reports full-year results on Nov. 13, in its fiscal third quarter report in August cited negative one-offs related to a legacy project at its gas services division.

(Reporting by Christoph Steitz; editing by Barbara Lewis)
PRINCE GEORGES COUNTY, Md. (DC News Now)  The Prince Georges County Police Department (PGPD) said it arrested a man in connection to a fatal shooting that happened earlier this month.

PGPD said 18-year-old Dartrell Bryant of Hyattsville was charged with first and second-degree murder for fatally shooting 26-year-old Jawaun Jackson of Washington, D.C.

Prince Georges County police identify fatal shooting victim; looking for suspect, motive

Officials responded to the report of a man in the roadway in the 2900 block of 52nd Avenue on Sept. 19 at about 8:45 p.m. There, they found Jackson suffering from gunshot wounds.

He was pronounced dead at the scene.

Investigators said Bryant and Jackson knew each other. He is being held without bond.

Anyone with information is asked to call PGPD at 301-516-2512.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
A sign paid for by the Idaho Republican State Central Committee at the intersection of Eagle Road and Fairview Avenue in Meridian encourages Idahoans to vote no on Proposition 1. (Christina Lords/Idaho Capital Sun)

The Idaho House of Representatives may consider amending or repealing the Proposition 1 ballot initiative if voters pass it Nov. 5, two influential GOP legislators told the Idaho Capital Sun.

During the Nov. 5 general election, Idaho voters will vote on Proposition 1, a ballot initiative that would end closed party primary elections in Idaho and create ranked-choice voting in the general election. It would take a simple majority of votes on Election Day to be approved.

If voters approve Proposition 1, it would become law, and legislators would be able to amend it or repeal it just like any other law passed by the Idaho Legislature.

That has happened before. In 1994, Idaho voters approved a ballot initiative creating term limits for elected officials in Idaho, but the Idaho Legislature repealed the term limits law and even voted to override a 2002 gubernatorial veto in order to keep term limits repealed.

The Idaho Legislature is scheduled to convene for the 2025 legislative session Jan. 6, just nine weeks after voters vote on Proposition 1.

Supporters of the initiative argue that if legislators block or repeal the initiative after voters approve it they would be going against the will of the voters.

Idaho House Senate Republicans are already on record against the initiative and some are digging in. In 2023, the Idaho Legislature passed House Bill 179, which prohibits ranked-choice voting. If Proposition 1 passes, it would repeal House Bill 179. House Republicans also provided the official argument against the initiative in the Idaho Voters Pamphlet that state officials mailed to all registered voters in the state in September.



Speaker of the House Rep. Mike Moyle, R-Star,

In interviews with the Sun last week, House Speaker Mike Moyle, R-Star, and Rep. Wendy Horman, R-Idaho Falls, described scenarios where the Republican-controlled Idaho House could consider amending or repealing the initiative even if voters approve it.

If voters pass it and we have whats happening now where people who signed the initiative say, thats not what they told me it did, if enough people have been misled, then I think that there would be an opportunity there to fix it, Moyle said. But I hope the voters do their research and kill this thing.

In August, Idaho Attorney General Raul Labrador filed suit attempting to block the ballot initiative from going up for a vote after Labrador alleged that the supporters of the ballot initiative committed fraud by misleading voters who signed the initiative. But in September, District Judge Patrick J. Miller dismissed Labradors motion for summary judgment, ruling that Labradors own evidence negated the argument that the initiative supporters made false statements to thousands of people who signed the initiative.

Prop 1 supporters say opponents arent addressing real problems

Hyrum Erickson, a Republican precinct committee officer from Rexburg who supports the Proposition 1 ballot initiative, said many of the opponents arguments dont hold up. Erickson said the biggest problem with the current system is that more than 268,000 unaffiliated registered Idaho voters arent allowed to vote in closed party primary elections. Because of closed primaries and the lack of competitive general elections in many areas of deeply conservative Idaho, Erickson said a slim minority of primary election voters are able to decide who holds power in the state.

The current system distorts election outcomes in a way that makes outcomes inconsistent with the preferences of voters, Erickson said in a phone interview. And Proposition 1 fixes that by ensuring every voter can vote in every state-funded election.

Moyle told the Sun he opposes ranked-choice voting and doesnt believe the initiative is about open primaries. Moyle uses the terms top four primary and jungle primary.

The proponents keep selling it as open primaries, but thats not what it is, Moyle said. Its top-four in the primary and then you end up with ranked-choice in the general where you sit around and have a computer tell you who the winner is.

Erickson said some opponents are simply arguing over definitions. Erickson said Proposition 1 is a type of open primary ballot initiative because the primary election would be open to all voters and all candidates, regardless of party affiliation.

Its an attempt to argue about definitions rather than address problems with the current system and the benefits that would flow from Proposition 1, Erickson said.

Idaho legislator expresses concerns about potential cost of replacing voting equipment

Horman also thinks the Idaho House would consider amending or repealing Proposition 1 if voters approve it. Citing a July 3 letter from Secretary of State Phil McGrane to legislative leaders, Horman said she believes the fiscal impact statement attached to the ballot initiative is inaccurate. The fiscal impact statement says 17 counties need to purchase election management software at an estimated cost of $300,000 to $600,000. In his July 3 letter McGrane said it could cost the state at least $25 million to $40 million if the state needs to replace all of its vote tabulation equipment to process ranked-choice ballots.

JFAC Co-Chairwoman Rep. Wendy Horman, R, Idaho Falls,

I believe they will (consider amending or repealing the initiative) if voters are making a decision without accurate information about how it will impact the state budget, if they are making an uninformed vote, Horman said in a phone interview. To have the secretary of state come out with what he believes are the actual costs of between $25 million and $40 million  I know who I trust in that conversation, and its the secretary of state whose life work is elections. I have a problem with the fiscal representation of what this will cost Idahoans from their pocketbooks.

Horman is co-chair of the Joint Finance-Appropriations Committee, a powerful legislative committee that sets each element of the state budget.

Luke Mayville, a spokesperson for the Idahoans for Open Primaries campaign, said he believes the state doesnt have to pay millions of dollars to replace its voting equipment because the software identified in the fiscal impact statement could be certified to use in Idaho. Mayville is a co-founder of Reclaim Idaho, the group that sponsored the successful 2018 Medicaid expansion ballot initiative. Supporters have also pointed out that states such as Alaska and Maine have been able to implement ranked-choice voting.

Idaho Gov. Brad Little opposes Proposition 1

Gov. Brad Little made his opposition to Proposition 1 clear in an email newsletter sent Friday.

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I am opposed to ranked-choice voting and signed House Bill 179 in 2023 banning it in Idaho, Little wrote Friday. We must promote voting practices that are clear, increase voter participation, and dont undermine confidence in our elections and ranked choice voting meets none of those standards. Idahoans will make their voices heard on Proposition 1 at the ballot box in November. As for me, I will not be supporting Proposition 1.

Littles predecessor, former Gov. Butch Otter, publicly endorsed the ballot initiative in September 2023. Otter said he supports the initiative because it will end closed party primary elections.

Every registered voter should have the right to weigh in on choosing our leaders, Otter said at a press conference in September 2023. Independents, including a lot of military veterans, have been excluded from having their say because of the closed GOP primary.

How does Proposition 1 work?

If approved Proposition 1 would change primary and general elections in Idaho.

Proposition 1 would repeal Idahos closed party primary elections and replace them with one nonpartisan primary election that is open to all candidates and all voters, regardless of party affiliation. The four candidates with the most votes would advance to the general election, regardless of party affiliation.

For the general election, Proposition 1 would create ranked-choice voting, which is sometimes called an instant runoff system. Voters would still vote for their favorite candidate, and they would have the option to rank the remaining candidates in order of preference  second choice, third and fourth. Voters would not be required to rank all four candidates, and their ballot will still be counted if they do not rank all of the candidates.

Under that system, the candidate with the fewest votes would be eliminated and their votes would be transferred to the next highest ranked candidate on those ballots. That process would continue until there are two candidates left, and the candidate with the most votes would be elected the winner.

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IDF meets little resistance from Hezbollah after weeks of hitting terror targets, officials say

The Israel Defense Force (IDF) has met little resistance since announcing its "limited" invasion of southern Lebanon early Tuesday morning local time, a move aimed to subvert Hezbollahs buildup along the shared border.

Israel has been increasing its strikes for weeks against the terrorist organization in southern Lebanon, as well as with targeted strikes in Beirut.

On Tuesday, the IDF confirmed in a statement shared with Fox News Digital that since the Oct. 7, 2023, Hamas attacks in Israel  after which Hezbollah began striking military posts along Israels northern border  the IDF has conducted dozens of "targeted operations" to "dismantle Hezbollahs terrorist capabilities" that pose a threat to civilians in the north.

Israeli Ministers Frustrated Over Us, Idf Leak On Lebanon Operation: Report

IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tuesday that IDF special forces have entered Hezbollah compounds in "dozens of locations" along the Israel-Lebanon border, collected intelligence and dismantled positional strongholds.

"Our soldiers entered Hezbollah's underground infrastructures, exposed Hezbollah's hidden weapon caches, and seized and destroyed the weapons, including advanced Iranian-made weapons," Hagari said. "Overall, IDF soldiers exposed and dismantled over 700 Hezbollah terror assets during these operations. And there's a lot more work to do."

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Since the war began nearly a year ago, Israeli special forces reportedly began conducting small raids in southern Lebanon, in some cases utilizing the very tunnels Israel seized from the terrorist group years prior, and renewed attention has been brought to how the Hezbollah network operates.

The terrorist group for years has relied on its heavy entanglement in civilian life, particularly in southern Lebanon, where it has rented civilian infrastructure to serve as weapons depots and even missile launcher sites. Civilian buildings have also been used to cover entrances to the group's sophisticated tunnel network that is estimated to stretch over 100 miles in length cumulatively across the region.

The Israeli army shows the interior of a tunnel on the Israeli side of the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on June 3, 2019.

But despite the feared all-out war that had the potential to erupt upon Israel's invasion of its northern neighbor, Hezbollahs resistance has been minimal.

Pentagon Sending A Few Thousand Personnel To Middle East Day After Biden Said He Wouldnt Add Combat Troops

Security experts feared Hezbollahs longtime backing from Iran would enable it to levy as many as 8,000 rockets per day in a worse case scenario, and its more than 50,000 operatives, including the elite Radwan forces, could pose a significant threat against an Israeli ground campaign.

Hagari confirmed to reporters Tuesday that IDF forces were actively working to dismantle Radwan infrastructure near the border in southern Lebanon.

"We need to take care of it because we will not let another 7th of October occur next to our border," he said.

In the aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks, the IDF assessed that some 2,400 Radwan terrorists, along with another 500 Palestinian Jihadists trained by the elite force, were positioned in villages across southern Lebanon poised to attack.

But the IDF on Tuesday also highlighted that Hezbollah failed to mount a counter force in response to Israels incursion.

Jonathan Conricus, former IDF spokesperson and current senior fellow for the Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD), told Fox News Digital that Hezbollahs near-complete lack of a counter force could be explained by several reasons.

"The IDF conducted hundreds of special operations during the last months to map and analyze Hezbollahs hostile infrastructure in civilian houses in southern Lebanon, as well as targeted aerial campaigns against Hezbollah personnel," he said. "Hezbollah terrorists sustained severe casualties and started to flee from southern Lebanon.

"It remains unclear how many Hezbollah militants remain in the south," he added.

Given the unknown number of terrorists who fled the south, most likely to other strongholds in Beirut and in central Lebanon, reporters questioned the current IDF spokesman if this could mean that Israel will need to expand its operations north.

"We're not going to Beirut," Hagari told reporters, emphasizing Israel's stated goal to return its citizens to their northern homes. "We are focusing in the area of those villages, the area next to [the] border. And we will do, in this area, what is necessary to dismantle and demolish Hezbollah's infrastructure."

Hagari would not provide specifics on the operational timeline but said Israels campaign in Lebanon would be conducted in "days [to] weeks."





Original article source: IDF meets little resistance from Hezbollah after weeks of hitting terror targets, officials say
ILA members in Charleston rally on the picket lines for day one of port strike

CHARLESTON, S.C. (WCBD)  Local members of the International Longshoremens Association were out on the picket lines in full force Tuesday for the first day of the historic, coast-wide port strike.

We have a major hold-up with wages and hourly amounts. And theyre making huge billion, billion-dollar profits and we just want our fair share, said Lance McLaughlin, the president of ILA Local 1771 in Charleston.

Beeps of support came from cars driving by on Morrison Drive while signs waved in the air. The longshore workers are determined to keep up a 24/7 presence there and outside of the North Charleston and Wando Welch Terminals until the ILA and United States Maritime Alliance agree on a new Master Contract.

When they hear these numbers, well a dockworker can earn $150-160,000, theyre long nights, long days. We work 15 hours, 16 hours, explained Kenneth Riley, the ILA International Vice President for the Port of Charleston.

Charleston ILA members joined thousands of other dockworkers on the East and Gulf Coasts who walked off the job at midnight.

Going on its first strike in almost 50 years, the labor union is demanding a $5 an-hour wage increase every year of the new contract and no automation or semi-automation.

Its not what were fighting for, its what were fighting against. Were fighting against the job-eliminating automation that would put all of these workers and their families on the unemployment line, Riley told News 2.

In its last update on Monday, USMX said the two entities traded counter-offers related to wages. USMX touted a 50% wage increase and other benefits in the statement, but so far, there was still no deal Tuesday.

No one wants this. No one wants this, were out of work. These people dont get paid. You know, were not getting paid. So, we need to provide for our families. We want resolution but, were willing to hold out as long as we have to, McLaughlin shared.

The strike  which could last week or months  has left some consumers concerned about potential product shortages and higher prices on retail goods.

Kent Gourdin, the director of the College of Charlestons Global Logistics and Transportation Program, said the strike could cause disruptions in the supply chain but the extent of the impact will depend on how long it lasts.

It takes five times as long as a strike lasts to get back some semblance of normalcy, he said. So, if it really went on, it could be extremely damning.

The uncertainty comes at the start of the holiday shipping season, which typically begins in October and runs through the beginning of January.

The big fear is the holidays that are coming and for shipping, this is the holidays, Gourdin said.

But Gourdin noted that companies were aware of when the contract would expire and took steps accordingly.

At some point when its not settled, you have to take action on the premise that it wont be settled in time, he said. So, companies have been doing that.

Matt Shay, the CEO of the National Retail Federation, said during a Monday appearance on CNBC that many retailers began shipping containers to the U.S. or rerouting cargo to West Coast ports in June in anticipation of the strike.

Our members have done everything they can to mitigate, to guard against what might happen but no matter your scaleyou cant prepare for every contingency, Shay said. There are others that cant prepare at all and thats going to have a ripple effect on families, on American workers across the economy that we just dont really need at this point in our economic cycle.

Meanwhile, back in Charleston, ILA members said they would take turns working shifts on the picket lines to keep negotiations in the spotlight around the clock.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Illegal vapes, cigarettes and hand rolling tobacco were confiscated from three shops [Cambridgeshire County Council]

Thousands of illegal vapes and cigarettes have been seized during a series of raids on shops in Cambridgeshire.

Almost 800 vapes, 11,500 cigarettes and 5kg of hand rolling tobacco were confiscated from three shops in St Neots, Huntingdon and Ramsey on 25 September.

The multi-agency operation included trading standards officers and tobacco-sniffing dogs.

The county council said the raids followed "an influx of intelligence from concerned members of the public".

Earlier this year, raids in Ely, Littleport, March, Chatteris and Ramsey led to the seizure of 5,600 illegal vapes, bringing the total seized this year to 6,400.

Issues identified included vapes with tank sizes that are illegal in the UK due to the quantities of liquid they contained, and vapes that wrongly stated they had no nicotine inside.

Peter Gell, from Cambridgeshire County Council, said: "These ongoing, targeted enforcement operations send a clear message to the shops that supply these products, and the organised crime gangs behind these crimes, that the sale of illegal vapes won't be tolerated in Cambridgeshire.

"We are committed to taking a hard line with anyone we uncover perpetrating these crimes."

Follow Cambridgeshire news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  The Illinois Department of Labor (IDOL) sent a press release Tuesday reminding business owners of the upcoming salary transparency law.

Beginning on Jan. 1, 2025, employers with 15 or more employees must include the pay scale and benefit information in job postings.

Its a result of an amendment to the Equal Pay Act of 2003 that was contained in HB 3129. It was passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Gov. JB Pritzker in 2023.

Governor Pritzker and the General Assembly continue to take bold action toward eliminating gender and racial wage gaps, said IDOL Director Jane Flanagan. This legislation will increase wage transparency in the job search process and workplace.

Any aggrieved person may file a complaint with IDOL, when they become aware of a job posting that lacks the required salary and benefit information.

15-year-old boy charged in July murder of Chicago postal worker Octavia Redmond

If IDOL finds the posting does not include the required salary and benefits, IDOL will notify the employer of the complaint and provide a date by which the violation must be addressed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Illinois government officials look to help motorists update I-Pass technology in Loves Park

LOVES PARK, Ill. (WTVO)  Loves Park drivers have the chance to change their I-Pass to the latest technology on October 1st.

From 3 p.m. until 7 p.m., drivers can go to Loves Park City Hall located at 100 Heart Boulevard. Participants need to bring their licenses and license plate numbers to present to tollway officials.

No new deposit fees are required to update the I-Pass.

Once activated, the Sticker Tag can be used on the Illinois Tollway and on E-Z Pass roadways in other states within 24 hours of activation.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.


Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer needs to "immediately reconvene" the upper chamber so it can consider measures to approve FEMA funding in the wake of Hurricane Helene's devastation, Sen. Rick Scott said in a statement today.

"While I know from my experience with previous hurricanes that FEMA and SBA damage assessments take time, I am today urging Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to immediately reconvene the U.S. Senate when those assessments are completed so that we can pass the clean supplemental disaster funding bill and other disaster relief legislation, like my Federal Disaster Tax Relief Act, needed to ensure the full recovery of families in all impacted communities," said the Florida Republican.



On Saturday night, following Sen. Scott and Sen. Marco Rubios letter to President Joe Biden urging his immediate approval of a Major Disaster Declaration for the State of Florida, President Biden approved the request. This Major Disaster Declaration approval follows last weeks approval of the State of Floridas request for a pre-landfall emergency declaration for potentially impacted Florida counties at the request of Senators Scott and Rubio.

The interim spending bill approved last week to avoid a government shutdown "anticipated" the possibility of Hurricane Helene ravaging parts of the U.S. So thats why lawmakers made sure that FEMA could spend down its current reserves more quickly to respond to immediate needs after the storm. Moreover, a senior House Republican source told Fox that "this is why it would have been a bad idea to shut down the government."

Biden Gets Defensive When Pushed On Who's Commanding' Hurricane Helene Response

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 28, 2024, in Lake Lure, North Carolina.

But earlier today, ahead of Scott's statement, a senior congressional source familiar with the purse strings conceded that "it would not surprise me" if lawmakers were recalled to Washington to approve additional money to respond to immediate needs because the devastation has been so bad."

"Im not adverse to that," said one senior House Republican. "And I would not agree with those who say were not coming back."

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That said, another senior House Republican told Fox, "We will definitely need to appropriate emergency funds. Western North Carolina is like New Orleans during Katrina." But the source cautioned that it was doubtful Congress would have to act in the next month. Thats different compared to Congress coming back into an emergency session just days after Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast in 2006.

One thing to watch in the coming days is whether or not FEMA has enough money in the near-term to respond to the catastrophic impact of Helene.

Congress left town without providing enough disaster relief to address "older" natural disasters. In particular, there has been a push to provide more money to address Hurricane Beryl which hit Texas in July. There are also issues responding to tornadoes in Iowa. And there is a longstanding issue with providing enough money to Hawaii after wildfires charred Maui last year.

Some lawmakers wanted the additional disaster aid loaded onto the interim spending bill that Congress approved last week to keep the government open  and then left town through mid-November.

However, the temporary spending bill did give FEMA authority to draw down the Disaster Relief Fund (DRF) more rapidly. The question is whether the DRF bottoms out after Helene. Or, certainly if there are impacts from other potential storms that may soon churn in the Gulf of Mexico. Fox is told a combination of another storm  coupled with addressing needs following Helene  could bleed the coffers at FEMA.

Rescue Missions Underway In North Carolina After Hurricane Helene Brings Hisotirc Flooding, Landslides

That said, one source familiar with congressional spending indicated that despite the near-apocalyptic nature of Helene, we just dont know enough yet about the needs. A better sense of things could come later this week.

In this August 2006 file photo, the city skyline is seen with Bayou St. John in the foreground Aug. 25, 2006 in New Orleans, Louisiana.

So what happens if FEMAs Disaster Relief Fund dwindles too much?

Congress could be recalled to re-load the fund. That happened in the late summer of 2005 following Hurricane Katrina. Congress was out of session during the customary August recess  which often stretches a few days into early September. Several days after Katrina hit, it was clear that the impacts would drain FEMAs funds quickly. In a dramatic midnight session, then-Senate Majority Leader Bill Frist (R-TN) recalled the Senate and a skeleton crew to approve the additional aid. The House shortly followed suit.





Original article source: 'Immediately reconvene': Scott urges Schumer to recall Senate amid Helene's devastation
(Bloomberg) -- Indias army chief said resolving a border dispute with China will depend on negotiations and the issue still remains sensitive, signaling a more cautious approach from the military than recent diplomatic statements from the two countries.

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Speaking at an event in New Delhi on Tuesday, General Upendra Dwivedi said there had been a breakdown of trust with China as a result of the conflict and the border is stable, but not normal. The loss of trust is the biggest casualty, Dwivedi said.

The army chiefs comments follow recent positive signals from the foreign ministers of the two nuclear-armed nations about progress on the border talks. Chinas Defense Ministry said last week that the two sides have narrowed their differences and reached broader consensus about the withdrawal of troops from some parts of the border.

Dwivedi said that while there had been some movement on the diplomatic side, the military commanders will sit together to see how this translates on the ground. He added that it is for diplomats to gives options and possibilities.

The two nations, which share a 3,488-kilometer (2,167 miles) unmarked border, have been locked in their worst border dispute in four decades after clashes between soldiers in June 2020 left 20 Indian and at least four Chinese troops dead.

Both sides have moved fighter jets, artillery guns and missiles closer to the border, while thousands of troops were deployed. Indias government also imposed additional restrictions on Chinese businesses and investments since the border skirmish.

The two nations have held several rounds of diplomatic and military talks with incremental progress. At least two points of friction still remain.

Both sides need an acceptable solution, Dwivedi said, adding that New Delhi wants the border deployments to return to what they were prior to the 2020 skirmish.

The Indian military remains prepared for any eventuality, he said.

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An Indian environmental activist was detained by police outside New Delhi at the end of a month-long climate protest march on foot from the Himalayas, his colleague said Tuesday.

Sonam Wangchuk, 58, and around 100 of his supporters were taken into custody on Monday night when they were intercepted by police on a major highway leading into the city.

The group had walked nearly 1,000 kilometres (620 miles) to demand more attention to climate change issues in their mountainous home region of Ladakh, on India's frontier with China, and more political autonomy for the territory.

They had planned to hold a peaceful rally on Wednesday coinciding with the birthday of independence hero Mahatma Gandhi until they were prevented from entering the capital.

"We have been detained at the police station and we are not being allowed to meet our lawyers," group spokesman P. Namgial told AFP.

Ladakh sits on a highly militarised frontier between India, Pakistan and China, which all claim parts of the remote and inhospitable territory.

The region is at the forefront of climate change that has seen melting glaciers and an increased incidence of flooding and landslides.

It is currently governed directly by Hindu-nationalist Prime Minister Narendra Modi's government in Delhi.

Wangchuk has spearheaded a campaign demanding Ladakh be given statehood, a move he says would help the territory preserve its fragile ecosystem by giving locals more control over environmental policies.

"Our very land is under threat," Wangchuk said as the march began last month.

"We are walking because we must, because silence is no longer an option."

Indian opposition leader Rahul Gandhi condemned the detentions as an "unacceptable" breach of the protesters' rights.

"Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhi's border for standing up for Ladakh's future?" he said in a social media post.

Activists, news organisations and non-profit groups say they have faced increased harassment and legal threats since Modi took office in 2014.

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Starbucks has announced the launch of Milano Duetto at all its participating stores located across the globe, to celebrate International Coffee Day.

The company noted that the new blend was developed by master roasters in Milan and Seattle and offers two contrasting roasts - the light Starbucks Milano Sole and the dark Starbucks Milano Luna.

Throughout this month, these roasts will be the featured brewed coffees in Starbucks stores worldwide.

The Milano Duetto blend is a testament to Starbucks' long-standing relationships with smallholder farmer communities in Colombia and Sumatra, from where the coffee is sourced.

Starbucks partner employee and coffee developer Sergio Alvarez said: The best way to understand the nuances and the effect roasting has on the coffee creation process is to compare the same blend roasted two different ways.

Our hope is that after tasting these coffees, our partners and customers are inspired, and perhaps have that aha moment that many baristas have when tasting coffee. The moment where one wants to learn more.

Alvarez was also part of the team that crafted Starbucks Milano Duetto.

The South American coffee's processing method delivers heightened acidity and a clean finish while the semi-washed Sumatran coffee provides a full body with earthy, herbal notes.

Starbucks global coffee and sustainability executive vice-president Michelle Burns said: For Starbucks, coffee has always been a lens through which we see the world  a world rich in diversity, tradition, and innovation.

Milans rich coffee culture - which served as the inspiration for Starbucks coffeehouse culture  and Starbucks' 50+ year history and expertise in coffee roasting have inspired this new line of limited-release, special edition coffees, Starbucks Milano Sole and Starbucks Milano Luna.

Last month, Starbucks launched the Pecan Crunch Oatmilk Latte in the US.

"Starbucks launches Milano Duetto across the globe" was originally created and published by Verdict Food Service, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
Indian paramilitary soldiers guard as Kashmiris queue up at a polling booth to cast their vote during the final phase of an election to choose a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir, north of Srinagar, Tuesday, Oct.1, 2024. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan)

SRINAGAR, India (AP)  The final phase of voting to choose a local government in Indian-controlled Kashmir wrapped up Tuesday, the first such vote since Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modis government stripped the disputed region of its special status five years ago.

Over 3.9 million residents were eligible to cast ballots to choose 40 lawmakers out of 415 candidates in the regions seven districts during the third  and last  phase of the election.

Its the first such vote in a decade and the first since Modis Hindu nationalist government scrapped the Muslim-majority regions semi-autonomy in 2019.

Thousands of armed government forces patrolled the voting districts and guarded over 5,000 polling stations. Lines of voters stretched across the stations. The regions chief electoral office said about 69% turnout was recorded on Tuesday.

India's unprecedented move in 2019 downgraded and divided the former state into two centrally governed union territories, Ladakh and Jammu-Kashmir. Both are ruled directly by New Delhi through its appointed administrators along with unelected bureaucrats. The move  which largely resonated in India and among Modi supporters  was mostly opposed in Kashmir as an assault on its identity and autonomy.

The region has since been on edge with civil liberties curbed and media gagged.

India and Pakistan each administer a part of Kashmir, but both claim the territory in its entirety. The nuclear-armed rivals have fought two of their three wars over the territory since they gained independence from British colonial rule in 1947.

In Jammu areas, tens of thousands of Pakistani Hindu refugees are voting for the first time in any regional election since their migration in 1947. The refugees, officially called West Pakistan Refugees, have long been recognized as Indian citizens with voting rights in national elections. However, before the 2019 changes, Kashmirs special status allowed only descendants from residents of the territory in 1934 to vote and own property.

At a polling station in Jammus R S Pura area, scores of these refugees lined up to cast their votes.

Its a Diwali for us, said the first-time voter Vikram Choudhary, 26, comparing the vote to the Hindu festival of light symbolizing the victory of light over darkness. We feel liberated.

Our children will have a secure future and a say in local affairs now, said another voter, 76-year-old Satpal Choudhary.

Indias ruling BJP has a strong political base in the regions Hindu-dominated areas of Jammu that largely favor the 2019 changes and has won multiple seats from there in the past elections. But it is weak in the Kashmir Valley where the BJP has never won a seat. The party has fielded only 19 candidates for the 47 seats in the valley while it is contesting all 43 seats in Jammu.

Modis party is not officially aligned with any local group, but many politicians believe it is tacitly supporting some parties and independent candidates in the valley who privately agree with it. The regions main pro-India political parties say the BJP is trying to manipulate the election and fragment the valleys vote through independents.

About 43% of 503 candidates contesting the vote in the Kashmir Valley are independents, compared to 35% of 359 candidates in Jammu.

As in the previous phases of the elections, many voters in the valley said people were frustrated over the absence of their own representatives for so many years. The ballot was the only means for them to express anger at India's actions in the region, they said.

Truth is that its the central government has been the real ruler here even before 2019, said Syed Altaf after casting his vote in the Kashmir Valleys Pattan area.

Voting began Sept. 18 with about 61% turnout. In the second phase of voting on last Wednesday, overall turnout was about 55%. There were no incidents reported in either phase.

Authorities said the region's overall turnout was 63% in the three phases. Votes will be counted next Tuesday, with results expected later that day.

The multistage election will allow Kashmir to have its own truncated government and a local legislature, called an assembly, rather than being directly under New Delhis rule.

However, there will be a limited transition of power from New Delhi to the 90-seat assembly as Kashmir will remain a union territory  directly controlled by the federal government  with Indias Parliament as its main legislator. Kashmirs statehood must be restored for the new government to have powers similar to other states of India.

Militants in the Indian-controlled portion of Kashmir have been fighting New Delhis rule since 1989. Many Muslim Kashmiris support the rebels goal of uniting the territory, either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country.

India insists the Kashmir militancy is Pakistan-sponsored terrorism. Pakistan denies the charge, and many Kashmiris consider it a legitimate freedom struggle. Tens of thousands of civilians, rebels and government forces have been killed in the conflict.

___

Associated Press journalist Channi Anand contributed to this story from Jammu, India.

___

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Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat poses for a picture after an interview with Reuters at her residence in Sonipat in the northern state of Haryana

Indian wrestler Vinesh Phogat poses for a picture after an interview with Reuters at her residence in Sonipat in the northern state of Haryana

By Ainnie Arif

JULANA, India (Reuters) - Indian Olympic wrestling star Vinesh Phogat was disqualified from the Paris Games, but she's determined to keep fighting for her constituency and against sexual harassment of women as she contests state elections this Saturday.

Phogat retired from wrestling after she was disqualified ahead of the women's 50 kg freestyle final for failing to make weight.

She now spends her days campaigning in her native state of Haryana for the main opposition Congress party, receiving blessings from party elders and building on the momentum that she and other wrestlers created last year by protesting against a politician charged with sexually harassing women athletes.

"I'm here to bring change in all sectors and take care of everyone equally, especially the women in my constituency," Phogat, 30, said ahead of one of her door-to-door campaigns.

"It's crucial that the struggle we started against sexual harassment two years ago meets a beautiful and fulfilling ending. Harassment happens in all sectors, some cases come into public light and some do not."

Phogat and other wrestlers including Sakshi Malik, an Olympic bronze medalist, were the faces of a months-long protest demanding criminal action against the then-chief of the Wrestling Federation of India, Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh.

A Delhi court this year charged Singh, a former lawmaker from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's party, with sexual harassment and criminal intimidation. He denied any wrongdoing.

Phogat is a celebrity in the Julana constituency of Haryana, and her family of wrestlers were the subject of Bollywood blockbuster "Dangal".

She recalled how empty she felt after her disqualification from the Olympics, but said the support of her community helped her find a new purpose in politics.

"I used to stay home all day. But hundreds of people visited me everyday, asked me to not abandon the spirit of the fighter," she said.

Phogat's new career will be challenging. Congress has won the Julana constituency only four times since 1967, although opinion polls predict Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party could lose the Haryana election this time. Results will be out on Oct. 8.

Several voters - many of them women - predicted a landslide win for Phogat.

"If women didn't support women, who would," said a young woman voting for the first time.

(This story has been corrected to fix the date of the results from Oct. 4 to Oct. 8 in paragraph 11)

(Reporting by Ainnie Arif; Editing by Krishna N. Das and Miral Fahmy)
An Allen County judge previously dismissed the case. (Photo illustration by Drew Angerer/Getty Images)

The Indiana Court of Appeals on Monday reinstated a lawsuit accusing TikTok and Chinese parent company ByteDance of deceiving consumers.

Allen Superior Court Judge Jennifer DeGroote dismissed Attorney General Todd Rokitas lawsuits last November, writing that the state lacked personal jurisdiction over the firms and that the state hadnt made a claim under the Deceptive Consumer Sales Act (DCSA).

But a three-judge panel from Indianas second-highest court disagreed, with Judge Paul Mathias authoring the opinion.

Chief Judge Robert Altice and Judge Mark Bailey concurred in the opinion, which handles both of Rokitas lawsuits in one go.

The first alleges that TikTok acted in ways that caused the nature of the content available on its app to be misrepresented in various app stores; that TikTok misrepresented its enforcement of its Community Guidelines; and that TikTok misrepresented the effectiveness of its Restricted Mode for minors.

The second alleges that TikTok had omitted information that reasonable people would likely use in deciding whether to download or use the app  like the Chinese government allegedly having access to the personal data collected. Rokita also accused TikTok of falsely denying that China has such access, and that the company made those statements to try and get Hoosiers to download and use its app.

Mathias observed that TikTok actively and continuously does business over the internet with Hoosier residents: it has millions of users within the state, and reported making $46 million in Indiana-based income in 2021.

And, Rokitas allegations concern activity that happened in Indiana.

Any reasonable business could and should have anticipated being called into an Indiana court based on those alleged actions and TikToks substantial Indiana contacts, Mathias wrote.

That means Indianas judiciary has power over TikTok, he held.

The panel also determined that TikToks business model  of exchanging access to its content library for a users personal data  counts as a consumer transaction under the DCSA.

The law bans suppliers  corporations that regularly engage in or solicit consumer transactions  from committing an unfair, abusive or deceptive act, omission or practice in connection with a consumer transaction.

While TikTok has argued that money needs to be involved, and notes that its app is free, Mathias held that the law doesnt specifically say so. He wrote that TikTok is selling access for data: That is the bargain between TikTok and its end-users.

Mathias reversed the both cases dismissal, and remanded for further proceedings.

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Albania's prime minister has revealed plans to establish a microstate for Sufi Muslims within the country's capital, Tirana. At the UN General Assembly last week, Prime Minister Edi Rama said the enclave for the Bektashi Muslim minority would be "similar to the Vatican" and act as a "new centre of moderation, tolerance and peaceful coexistence". If the plan goes ahead, it would be the smallest sovereign state in the world.

"As often happens in Albania, many experts and the public were completely in the dark about the details of the government's plan," said Deutsche Welle. "For most, the decision came entirely out of the blue."

Edmond Brahimaj, leader of the Bektashi World Order, called the initiative "extraordinary" and "a miracle", but others worry that giving a religious group statehood may disrupt sectarian relations in the country. The proposal "is regarded by political analysts as strange and absurd", said Reporter.al  part of the Balkan Investigative Reporting Network.

What is the Bektashi Order?

Muslims currently make up about half of Albania's population, with Bektashis representing around 10% of that group, according to the 2023 census. The Bektashi population is the country's fourth largest religious group, coming after Sunni Muslims, Catholics and Orthodox Christians.

An offshoot of the Sufi sect of Islam, the Bektashi Order was established in the 13th century, and combines "a loose interpretation of the Quran with mysticism, elements of Turkey's pre-Islamic faiths and devotion to their deceased wise men, known as dervishes", said The New York Times.

The movement was once spread throughout the Ottoman Empire, but after Mustafa Kemal Ataturk established the secular Turkish Republic in 1923, the Bektashis moved their base to Tirana. It is from here that the sect's leader, Edmond Brahimaj, known to followers as Baba Mondi, governs the Bektashi community, and where he is set to head the Albanian microstate when it is created.

What are the prime minister's plans?

The 27-acre proposed microstate covers the movement's existing compound in a residential district of eastern Tirana. Despite being only a quarter the size of the Vatican City, it would have its own passports, administration and borders. Only clergy members and administrative staff will live within the microstate, according to AFP. Rama also said religious lifestyle rules will not be imposed within the state  drinking alcohol will be permitted, and women will be allowed to wear what they like.

The new Bektashi state "wont have an army, border guards or courts", reported The New York Times, although Baba Mondi has indicated that it "might need a small intelligence service". Members of the sect are "viewed as heretics by many conservative Shias and Sunnis", the newspaper said, and have been "subjected to centuries of persecution in Muslim lands".

Legal experts are drafting legislation to formalise the plan, reported the NYT, which will need a parliamentary endorsement. Making the microstate official may require a constitutional amendment, as the Albanian constitution currently designates the country as "unitary and indivisible".

How has the plan been received?

The Bektashi Order is predictably pleased with the proposal. "The sovereignty of the Bektashi Order is an important step in strengthening the values of inclusion, religious harmony and dialogue in an increasingly divided world," sect officials said in a statement.

But the idea has not been well received across the board, and many analysts have expressed scepticism. Besnik Sinani, a research fellow at the Center for Muslim Theology at Tubingen University, Germany, told DW he thinks the plan is unreasonable, and will disrupt relations between religious groups in Albania.

"Currently, the Albanian government has not offered a single convincing argument to justify such a move," said Sinani, adding that it contradicted the "vision of the founding fathers of Albanian statehood, many of whom were Bektashis".
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  After its chief judge abruptly left her leadership position at the Las Vegas Justice Court, the other judges voted in an interim replacement, the 8 News Now Investigators have learned.

Judge Melisa De La Garza, elected to the justice court in 2019, replaces Judge Cynthia Cruz, who stepped down as chief judge on Sept. 19. De La Garzas interim term ends at the end of 2024, a court administrator confirmed.

Las Vegas chief judge abruptly resigns from leadership position

But De La Garza, in an exclusive interview with the 8 News Now Investigators, confirmed that in September she was voted in to become chief judge as of January 2025.

Judge Melisa De La Garza (Las Vegas Justice Court)

That vote had already occurred, De La Garza said. So basically, rather than have somebody be the interim, it made sense that I step in at this point.

De La Garza, the court administrator said, was the only judge nominated to take over after Cruzs departure until De La Garza assumes the chief judge post at the beginning of next year.

Cruz, in her resignation letter, said, I believe it is time for me to return to the role I was initially elected to serve  sitting on the bench and directly engaging with the public, the role that has always been my deepest calling. Cruz noted that she would occupy Department 4 of the justice court, which was vacated when Judge Melissa Saragosa left the bench for private practice this summer. Cruz also said she would continue her duties on the courts drug court and DUI treatment court.

Saragosa ran the resort corridor court, known informally as the Strip court, which disbanded shortly after her departure. The cases that were heard in that courtroom  which endeavored to keep repeat offenders away from the world-famous Las Vegas Strip  will now be spread across several other justice court courtrooms, Tick Segerblom, chairman of the Clark County Commission, told the 8 News Now Investigators.

The resort corridor court would prohibit many of its defendants from returning to the Strip for a period of time as part of the violation of the original crime committed on the Strip. They called this an order out.

The concept is still in place and Justice Court will still be enforcing the order out, Segerblom said.

Most people arrested on the Strip will face an order out except for cases involving DUI and domestic violence charges, De La Garza said.

Cruz, on the bench since 2013, is on the November ballot as an incumbent against Madilyn Leavitt Cole, a chief deputy district attorney in Clark County.

De La Garza was a hearing master in the Clark County District Court for several years prior to being elected into Justice Court. In an example of a career coming full circle, De La Garza was also the Las Vegas Justice Courts first law clerk.

I do feel privileged and very honored, she said.

Las Vegas Justice Court had almost 26,000 criminal filings between January and June 30, 2024, De La Garza said, as well as 18,000 criminal filings.

It is an incredibly busy court, she said.

De La Garza is currently serving a six-year term.

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HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH)  Interval House works to prevent and intervene in domestic violence, or intimate partner violence, where one person uses controlling behavior to maintain dominance and power over another. Advocates say theres no time to waste when it comes to these cases.

A string of domestic violence cases rattled communities across the state. Murder-suicides in East Hartford and Ansonia, an attempted murder in Hartford, and most recently, an assault on a mother and two children in Bridgeport.

Dont tell me we dont have a public health crisis, said Mary-Jane Foster, Interval Houses president and CEO.

On Tuesday, Foster stood with advocates and local and state leaders at the state capital to discuss prevention efforts.

We partnered with the Boys and Girls Club, where we have done healthy relationships and what does a friendship look like for their boys and girls, Foster said. Thats 800 to 1,200 Hartford kids a year.

Advocates also visited camps to talk to children this summer. Foster said out of the 6,300 domestic violence survivors and victims they served, about 4,500 were in court for their cases, and 2,345 of those people were Hartford residents.

While Interval House continues this work, a cut in federal funding, the Crime Victims Fund established by the Victims of Crime Act, could slash the agencys $3 million budget by $600,000.

What I have said to the extraordinary women who do this work, who get up every single day to go save and change lives, Foster said. There will not be layoffs. I am not going to let it happen to us.

The drive to persevere comes from people like Barbara Nadal-Cristfaro, who came to Interval House 30 years ago, leaving an abusive partner to start a new life.

We did group therapy, Nadal-Cristfaro said. I learned about other womens stories that were just like mine, so I didnt feel so alone anymore.

Her advice to someone experiencing domestic violence is to seek help and get out.

Someone who loves you, just plain and simply, doesnt love you, Nadal-Cristfaro said.

Interval House serves 24 towns in Connecticut. If you or someone you know needs help, call the 24/7 hotline at (860) 838-8467.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WTNH.com.
Iowa universities are partnering with direct admissions programs to offer students a simplified way to start their college journey. (Photo via Getty Images)

Certain private universities in Iowa are opening a new pathway to welcome students to campus, using direct admissions programs to widen their reach to new markets and simplify the college search process.

Drake University enrolled 33 students this fall through Niche, a company that lets students create a profile and search and review colleges throughout the U.S. The company launched its direct admissions program with one participating college in February 2022, and is now partnered with 112 public and private universities across the U.S.

Direct admission refers to when a college proactively accepts a student without them needing to apply, based on details of their profile like grade-point average and other criteria. Once a student accepts an offer through a direct admission program, they work with the university to officially enroll.

Joel Johnson, dean of admissions at Drake, said direct admissions could be a new tool in the universitys kit of facilitating more interest from prospective students. Drake already had a strong profile on the companys website, he said, and participating in the direct admissions program was a way to elevate that.

Johnson emphasized that most Drake students applied to the university through traditional means, but having an admissions option through Niche is a way to reach outside the institutions normal markets.

I found a way to both reach students that were looking for Drake and those that didnt know they were looking for Drake, or were looking for a Drake-like institution, Johnson said.

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About 40 students accepted the offer to Drake through direct admissions, Johnson said, and 33 of those students actually enrolled and started classes this fall. The universitys goal was to enroll 24 students through the program, which Johnson said was realistic for the first year.

We are definitely looking to continue to expand on that as best we can in year two. Niche has been a very good partner for us, Johnson said. Year one is your baseline at the end of the day, were just trying to get a baseline of what this initiative looks like, and then well tweak it, and well just go on with it further.

Niche CEO Luke Skurman said he founded the company with the goal of giving prospective students a more modern way of searching for colleges, with statistics and reviews designed to give them a more clear and detailed picture of the universities theyre interested in. Implementing direct admissions grew from the knowledge that applying to colleges can be a stressful and anxiety-inducing experience and the desire to simplify the process and show students they can further their education.

He expects more than 1 million students to have Niche profiles this admissions cycle, and said more than 900 higher education institutions are represented on the site as well. Students are able to learn whether they meet the criteria for admission to one of the 112 universities participating in direct admissions and what sort of institution scholarships they could receive through the site, and can accept offers immediately.

Once they accept an offer, students will go through their selected university to provide things like transcripts and deposits and complete any other steps for enrollment.

One criticism Skurman has heard of direct admissions is that universities are participating to deal with enrollment struggles, or that theyve started letting anyone in since people are balking at rising tuition costs. Direct admissions students are being evaluated under the same criteria as those who apply using traditional methods, he said, and though it is still soon after launch, what the company has seen so far is that there hasnt been a dip in student quality or retention rates.

Students these days arent wanting to wait six months to see if theyve been admitted to the university of their choice, Skurman said, and they want transparency in their search. Colleges have lagged a bit behind students in enthusiasm for direct admissions, but he said more institutions are expressing interest and things are ramping up.

We believe it makes sense. The colleges have given us great feedback, the families have felt good about it, its driving results, Skurman said. Were all in on direct admissions, and we genuinely believe it makes sense and it works.

Another private university will try out direct admissions through a nonprofit organization called Common App, hoping to ease the way for first-generation and lower-income students looking to attend college.

St. Ambrose University announced in mid-September that it would be the first university in Iowa to partner with Common App for direct admissions, according to a news release, where qualifying students will receive a proactive offer from St. Ambrose and be able to act on the offer through Common App.

At St. Ambrose, we believe in the power of potential, said St. Ambrose President Amy Novak in the release. Joining the Direct Admissions program aligns perfectly with our mission of welcoming students from all backgrounds and faiths, and empowering them to achieve success that matters to them. We are committed to helping each student become who they are meant to be.

According to a news release from Common App, its direct admissions program includes 117 participating colleges and universities from 35 states for the 2024-2025 application cycle. The nonprofit has operated a pilot version of direct admissions since 2021 and launched it fully last year with 71 institutions.

More universities, higher education systems and states have begun implementing direct admissions programs for high school students, which Johnson said is a sign of growing confidence, or at least curiosity, in the new route to enrollment.

Skurman believes that direct admissions will become the predominant way that most students end up enrolling in college, he said, as evidenced by the interest from students and universities as well as the programs expansions. Niche has entered into a contract with the state of New Hampshire for direct admissions to public universities, and is working on other state solutions as well as program-specific direct admissions within universities.

Johnson said he doesnt expect the traditional college admissions process to disappear anytime soon, however.

While still in its infancy, Johnson said there is value in direct admissions, and as it evolves and universities continue to educate families about it, it will become a new, viable option for those hoping to skip some of the hoops that come with applying to college.

Its not smoke and mirrors, its just a different pathway, Johnson said.

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SWEETWATER, Texas (KTAB/KRBC)  Saturday marked the conclusion of a 26-day journey by an Iowa Veteran who cycled more than 800 miles to honor the women who contributed to World War II.

Larry Ritland took up cycling at the age of 66 and decided to ride for various Veteran causes to honor and share their stories.

I did a cross-country ride from Washington State to Washington, D.C., and that was to honor the 100th anniversary of the American Legion, so that was a 74-day trip. Most recently, [my daughter and] I did a 99-mile ride to honor the 99 sailors who were lost on the USS Scorpion in 1968, Ritland said.

Vietnam Veteran on cross-country journey to support National WASP WWII Museum

Ritlands next ride would come from a piece of mail from the National WASP World War II Museum in Sweetwater, Texas. He said he became more intrigued as he began digging into their story.

It was the WASP program and what it meant to this country to have women flying aircraft in World War II military aircraft. That was just unheard of, Ritland said. I thought, I want more people to know about this. This is an amazing story. So I just came up with this wild idea.

As he began considering traveling more than 800 miles from his hometown, he began communicating with the museum to plan accordingly.

The Women Airforce Service Pilots, or WASP, was a group of about 1,100 women who flew planes for the military while men were fighting. The women helped prepare the planes for battle and would fly them routinely until 1944, when they were quietly disbanded.

WWII heroes fly to Sweetwater for WASP Homecoming

After extensive research, Ritland discovered that 38 women died while in service during the program, two of whom were from his home state of Iowa. Ritland stated that this discovery prompted him to undertake a simple task to honor them: performing pushups.

I was doing 38 pushups a day for the 38 women who were lost during their service. Do 19 in the morning, 19 in the afternoon, Ritland said.

Starting his 26-day journey, Ritland visited the gravesite of two Iowans who lost their lives in battle, holding a small ceremony for them. Ritland said the resilience of the women then still mesmerizes him today.

I have a lot of respect for that era, World War II in general, but especially the women who flew those planes and the sacrifices they made because they were not military members, they were volunteers, and they were classified as civilians [until 1977], Ritland said.

She inspired us: Dyess AFB pilots continue WASPS legacy

Lisa Taylor, the museums executive director, said she is happy the WASP story is continuing to inspire people because it was lost for so long.

Their records were sealed, and the story was buried, Taylor said. When I find out that people have learned later in life again, so happy that they have, and especially when they take to it like Larry has because I know theyre going to go out and theyre going to repeat that story over and over again.

First responders and other local cyclists warmly welcomed Ritland into Sweetwater. Due to his inspiration and enthusiasm for the WASP museum, he was appointed an ambassador.

Ritland also collaborated with the Iowa Department of Veteran Affairs to establish Beverly Jean Moses Day in the state. Moses was one of the youngest women of the WASP buried in Iowa.

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National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan says that the Iranian missile attack on Israel was "defeated and ineffective" and that the U.S. military coordinated with the Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) to repel the strikes.

Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards targets in Israel on Tuesday, Sullivan said at a Tuesday White House briefing, noting the move was a "significant escalation."

The strikes were in response to the deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders, Iran says. The move comes after weeks of Israeli strikes against Tehrans proxies in the region.

Live Updates: Israel Orders Lebanon Evacuations As Limited Ground Operation Against Hezbollah Is Underway

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, on Oct. 1, 2024.

Sullivan said no deaths were reported on the Israeli side, although the White House is monitoring the reported death of a Palestinian civilian in Jericho in the West Bank.

"U.S. naval destroyers joined Israeli Air Defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles. President Biden and Vice President Harris monitored the attack and the response from the White House Situation Room, joined in person and remotely by their national security team," Sullivan said.

Read On The Fox News App

"We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel. In short, based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. The word fog of war was invented for a situation like this. This is a fluid situation."

Many missiles were intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems, while others did hit the ground.

The Pentagon says the U.S. fired approximately 12 interceptors against Iranian missiles.

Pentagon Sending A Few Thousand Personnel To Middle East Day After Biden Said He Wouldn't Add Combat Troops

"This is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel We are now going to look at what the appropriate next steps are to secure, first and foremost, American interests and then to promote stability to the maximum extent possible as we go forward," Sullivan said.

He said the U.S. will consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of response and how to deal with the Iranian attack.

The White House is particularly focused on protecting U.S. service members in the region and implored American citizens in Lebanon to follow the State Department's guidance of finding civilian commercial means to leave the country, Sullivan said.

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel, on Oct. 1, 2024.

Sullivan also expressed his condolences to the victims who were killed in a shooting in the Israeli city of Jaffa, located near Tel Aviv on Tuesday. At least eight people were killed and at least seven injured, local officials have told Fox News.

The incident, which is believed to be a terror attack, took place Tuesday outside a newly built light rail station on Jerusalem Street. Authorities say at least two individuals who opened fire on a crowd of people have been neutralized.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) had warned citizens to shelter in place and follow instructions from the Home Front Command as the Jewish State's Iron Dome anti-missile defense system worked to intercept the incoming rockets on Tuesday.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this latest barrage of missiles is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, Lebanon, in an Israeli airstrike late last week and the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, according to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned in a statement released by Iranian state media that if Israel responds to the missile barrage, "it will face crushing attacks."

A senior White House official told Fox News earlier Tuesday morning that Iran was preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

While White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre did not directly answer when asked if the United States had a heads-up from Iran about the strike ahead of time, Fox News was told by the Pentagon that they were "not aware of any pre-warning by Iran."

Fox News Stephen Sorace, Liz Friden, Timothy H.J. Nerozzi, Trey Yingst and Yonat Friling contributed to this report.





Original article source: Iran attack on Israel 'ineffective' but a 'significant escalation': White House
What Iran attacks mean for Americans in Israel: Vittert

What Iran attacks mean for Americans in Israel: Vittert

(NewsNation)  Tensions in the Middle East intensified Tuesday as the Israeli Defense Force said Iran launched missiles toward Israel.

NewsNations Robert Sherman reported hearing explosions as Israel intercepted missiles in Haifa.

Residents in several areas of the country were urged to take cover for some time before being told they could leave protected areas.

National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said Irans airstrike attack appeared to have been defeated and ineffective. NewsNations Leland Vittert believes there will not be immediate panic for most of the more than 500,000 Americans living in Israel.

Live updates: Israel intercepts Iran missile barrage

Is there going to be some mass exodus? It doesnt seem like that right now, Vittert said on NewsNation Now.

Israels been preparing for this for a very, very long time. The Israelis watch American politics almost closer than we do, he added.

Vittert suggested that NewsNation viewers monitor President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harriss response to Irans attack.

How to stream the Vance-Walz vice presidential debate for free

How does the Biden-Harris team manage trying to show that they are supportive of Israel? Remember, it was Kamala Harris who kept telling the Iranians Dont, dont, dont. Well, now shes going to have to face questions. You told the Iranians dont. What are the consequences of dont?'

During a 60 Minutes interview in October 2023, Harris was asked what she would say to Iran regarding its potential involvement in the Israel-Hamas conflict.

Her response was dont. When prompted, she added one word. Pretty straightforward.

Vittert admitted he is unsure whats next but said, Theres going to be a lot of questions over the next 24 hours about U.S. involvement, and then how the Biden administration chooses to move things forward.

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Stocks fell on Tuesday. Johannes Eiselle/Getty Images

Stocks and bond yields fell on Tuesday amid escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Crude oil rose more than 3% on speculation that regional conflict would hit production.

Gold prices climbed as investors flocked to safe-haven assets.

Major stock indexes slid Tuesday alongside bond yields.

Investors are pulling back amid escalating tensions in the Middle East. Less than a day after Israel confirmed its ground offensive in Lebanon, a White House official said Iran was preparing an imminent ballistic-missile attack against Israel.

Crude oil spiked more than 3% to intraday highs on speculation the conflict would limit production. Traders also piled into safe-haven assets, sending gold up more than 1%. Meanwhile, the 10-year Treasury yield dropped 10 basis points as investors monitored the situation.

Here's where US indexes stood at 10:40 a.m. on Tuesday:

US investors are also focused on economic data set to be released this week. The ADP employment report and initial-jobless-claims data will be released on Wednesday and Thursday, respectively.

The September jobs report will arrive on Friday, with economists forecasting 150,000 jobs added for the month. Unemployment is projected to stay flat at 4.2%.

A strike affecting US ports on both the East and West coasts is also drawing trader attention this week as analysts start to caution about macroeconomic impacts.

Here's what else happened today:

In commodities and bonds:

West Texas Intermediate crude oil jumped 3.2% to $70.36 a barrel.

Gold increased 1% to $2,685.20 an ounce.

The 10-year Treasury yield dropped 10 basis points to 3.71%.

Read the original article on Business Insider
DUBAI (Reuters) - Iran's foreign ministry called on the United Nations Security Council to take "meaningful action" to prevent threats against regional peace and security, after Tehran launched a salvo of missiles against Israel on Tuesday.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps said the assault was in retaliation for recent Israeli killings of militant leaders and aggression in Gaza and Lebanon. Lebanese Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guards deputy Commander Abbas Nilforoushan were killed in Beirut last week.

"Our defensive operation is in line with international law and the right to self defence ... we only targeted military and security facilities," the foreign ministry said in its statement regarding the missile attack on Israel.

In an earlier post on X, Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian said Tehran's action was "in defence of Iranian interests and citizens", adding that his country was not looking for war but would "firmly stand against any threat."

(Reporting by Dubai Newsroom; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Iran claims launch of dozens of missiles fired at Israel

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) says it fired dozens of missiles at Israel.

Earlier, the US government had warned of an "imminent" Iranian attack on Israel, cautioning that such a direct strike could have severe consequences for Tehran.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) are asking the population to remain in shelters and bunkers for the time being due to the ongoing threat.

"Iran's attack is continuing. You are requested to remain in a protected space until further notice. The explosions you are hearing are from interceptions or fallen projectiles," the Israeli army said on Tuesday evening.

Israel's Iron Dome air defense system identifies and intercepts missiles.

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Iran closes airspace over Tehran after missile attack on Israel

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Iran has closed the airspace over Tehran after it launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening.

Flights at the capital's airport have been cancelled until 10 am (0700 GMT) Wednesday, the ISNA news agency reported on Tuesday evening, citing a spokesman for the airport.

Iran's attack was in retaliation for the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, an official said.

Irans so-called axis of resistance is a network of Iran-allied groups that includes the Palestinian Hamas organization, Hezbollah and the Houthis in Yemen.

The salvo came hours after the IDF began a "limited, localized" ground operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Following months of cross-border skirmishes between Israeli forces and Hezbollah, which says it acts out of solidarity with Hamas in Gaza, Israel began an intense aerial campaign to strike Hezbollah targets across Lebanon last week.

The continued escalation has heightened fears that the region is on the brink of all-out regional war.

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel Tuesday, but President Joe Biden said at his direction, the U.S. military helped thwart the attack.

U.S. naval destroyers joined Israeli air defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles, said Jake Sullivan, the White House national security advisor.

During Tuesdays White House press briefing, Sullivan said early reports showed no deaths or major damage in Israel.

This attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, he said.

Sullivan monitored the attack with President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris from the Situation Room, but officials would not say what the U.S. response would be in coordination with Israel.

Make no mistake. The United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel, President Biden said.

Israeli officials remain defiant that their country has a right to defend itself against Iran and its terror groups Hezbollah and Hamas.

They fight to kill Jews. They fight to kill Israelis, said David Mencer, the spokesperson for the National Public Diplomacy Directorate. Israels action is limited, targeted and localized.

Iran said it launched the attack at Israel in retaliation for the recent killings of top Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Iran launched dozens of missiles against Israel on Tuesday, a barrage of strikes it says are in response to the deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders.

Israel Defense Forces (IDF) warned citizens to shelter in place and follow instructions from the Home Front Command as the Jewish State's anti-missile defense system works to intercept incoming rockets.

"During the defense, we carried out quite a few interceptions," IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said after the attack was over. "There are some impacts in the center and areas in the south of the country."



Hagari said that while Israel is still assessing the Iranian attack, officials "are unaware of casualties."

Live Updates: Israel Orders Lebanon Evacuations As Limited Ground Operation Against Hezbollah Is Underway

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024.

A U.S. defense official told Fox News in a statement that U.S. forces in the region were defending against the Iranian barrage against Israel.

"On accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israels security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel," the official said. "Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region."

Read On The Fox News App

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024.

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said this latest barrage of missiles is in retaliation for the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut, Lebanon, in an Israeli airstrike late last week and the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July, according to Fox News Chief Foreign Correspondent Trey Yingst.

Iran's Revolutionary Guard warned in a statement released by Iranian state media that if Israel responds to the missile barrage, "it will face crushing attacks."

A senior White House official told Fox News earlier Tuesday morning that Iran was preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. The move comes after weeks of Israeli strikes against Tehrans proxies in the region.

"The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," the official said. "We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran."

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel, October 1, 2024.

Another U.S. official earlier told Fox News that Iran could launch its attack as soon as Tuesday afternoon, saying that the U.S. has seen additional movement of missiles in Iran to prepare for the now "imminent" attack.

The official added that Iran's attack could look like the one it launched in April against Israel, which had more than 300 ballistic missiles, cruise missiles and drones.

While the U.S. official did not know what the exact scope or size will be, the official said that Iran has been at a state of readiness to launch an attack on Israel within 12 to 24 hours since early August following the July 31st assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran.

Iran already launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, though the regimes proxies, Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, have traded attacks with Israel since the Israel-Hamas war began on Oct. 7.

On Tuesday, Israel was beginning a limited ground invasion into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah targets.

Pentagon Sending A Few Thousand Personnel To Middle East Day After Biden Said He Wouldn't Add Combat Troops

Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei previously called Nasrallah "the flag-bearer of resistance" in the region.

Iranian Leader Ali Khamenei has reportedly moved into hiding and remains at a secure location within the country.

"The blood of the martyr shall not go unavenged," Khamenei said after Nasrallah was killed late last week in Beirut, Lebanon, by an Israeli airstrike, according to Reuters.

Three U.S. Navy destroyers are positioned in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran. All are capable of shooting down incoming missiles.

Meanwhile, the U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that sanctions are being imposed on two Israelis and a "violent extremist group" in the West Bank as Iran strikes the Jewish State.

Fox News Nicolas Rojas and Greg Norman, along with The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Iran fires multiple missile strikes across Israel
Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, causing sirens to sound all over the country, the Israel Defense Forces said.

Orange fire illuminated the sky over Israel as NBC News crews in both Tel Aviv and across the border in Tyre, Lebanon, viewed the apparent missiles being fired. Smaller streaks of light were also seen, appearing to come from Israel's aerial defense system as it tried to ward off the attack.

Booms were also heard in video captured by NBC News, but it's unclear whether the sound erupted from clashing missiles in the air or from Iranian missiles landing in Israel.

Iran said it concluded the attack roughly an hour after the IDF first alerted that the missiles had been fired.

Approximately 180 missiles were fired toward Israeli territory, the IDF said after the attack. No fatalities were reported, but Israel's emergency services said it had treated two people with minor injuries caused by shrapnel.

U.S. officials warned earlier in the day that Iran was preparing a ballistic missile strike targeting Israel, a senior White House official and a Defense Department official told NBC News on Tuesday.

A spokesperson for the National Security Council said President Joe Biden had authorized the military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks and to "shoot down missiles targeting Israel."

Jordan allowed U.S. forces to fly over its airspace to shoot down Iranian missiles, a U.S. official and a senior Jordanian official confirmed to NBC News.

Follow along for live coverage

The assault follows Israel's launching widespread attacks in Lebanon, including the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and a ground invasion of the country's south.

"The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," the White House official said. "We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran."

Iran is expected to target military and government sites, not civilians, the officials said.

Officials say the expectation is that this could involve more firepower than Iran's attack on Israel in April, when hundreds of drones took hours to reach Israel followed by some ballistic missiles. The number of ballistic missiles could be higher this time, the officials said, and Iran could try to launch many missiles simultaneously to overwhelm air defenses.

A spokesperson for the Permanent Mission of the Islamic Republic of Iran to the United Nations had no comments on the reports from the White House of an impending attack on Israel.

U.S. officials have been anticipating a response from Iran following Israel's attacks on Hezbollah leadership last week, which U.S. intelligence officials and analysts described as a devastating blow to Iran's proxy power in the region.

Biden has been updated on Irans possible attack on Israel and the overall situation in the Middle East over the last several hours, according to a senior White House official.

White House spokesperson Emilie Simons said in a post on X that Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris had met with the national security team regarding the attack threat.

"They reviewed the status of U.S. preparations to help Israel defend against attacks and protect U.S. personnel," Simons said.

Iranian missiles are displayed in Tehran in February on the 45th anniversary of the country's 1979 Islamic Revolution.

Iran has signaled to the U.S. that it still does not want a wider war, the officials said.

Irans new president, Masoud Pezeshkian, told reporters during a visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly last week that Iran wants to live in peace, adding that the Islamic regime is not seeking war with Israel.

Pezeshkian did lay the blame on Israel for escalating violence in the region, and his remarks came days before the Israeli assassination of Nasrallah, an important ally.

In a post on X, Pezeshkian defended Iran's "rights" to the attack against Israel and said that it launched the missiles "in defense of Iranian interests and citizens." He added that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu should know that while Iran is not seeking a war, "it will stand firmly against any threat."

"This is just a glimpse of our capabilities," the post said. "Do not engage in conflict with Iran."

Iran last attacked Israel in April, launching hundreds of drones and missiles after a significant public buildup. It was a retaliatory attack following a strike on an Iranian consular building in Damascus, Syria, and the death of seven members of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.

It took nearly two weeks for Iran to launch its attack and the weapons used took hours to arrive in Israel, allowing the country and its allies to mobilize quickly.

A ballistic missile from Iran could reach Israel in as short as 10 minutes, according to the American Jewish Committee.

Hezbollah began firing at Israel on Oct. 8 in support of Hamas, which is also an Iranian proxy and has been at war with Israel since its Oct. 7 terrorist attack, which killed 1,200 people. The group has been exchanging fire with Israel ever since, displacing tens of thousands of people on both sides of the Lebanese-Israeli border.

Over the past few weeks, Israel has killed multiple members of Hezbollah's senior leadership in Lebanon, including Nasrallah, on top of detonating a number of sabotaged communication devices carried by members of the group. It's caused fear and instability in what was once considered Iran's strongest proxy militia.

Hezbollah was formed in the 1980s in response to Israel's occupation of southern Lebanon as a Shia resistance militia that gained domestic popularity by fighting Israel's presence in Lebanon until it left in 2000.

But its leadership has also pledged its allegiance to Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei while billing itself as a group dedicated to Lebanese self-determination.

Hezbollah has been a U.S.-designated terrorist organization since 1997, according to the State Department.

Hours before news broke on a potential attack from Iran, Israel announced a ground invasion of southern Lebanon on Monday night. The Israel Defense Forces said in a statement that it was conducting targeted ground raids on Lebanese villages along the border with northern Israel.

Critics cast doubt on the descriptions of Israel's ground operations as limited, recalling similar characterizations of the IDF's operations in Rafah before the Gazan city was leveled. Others also remarked that Israel's 1982 invasion of Lebanon was supposed to be limited in nature but Israel's military presence went as far as Beirut at one point.

Nadav Shoshani, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, said Tuesday that a ground operation in Beirut "is not on the table."

"Were talking about limited, localized, targeted rates based on precise intelligence in areas near the border," Shoshani said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Iran launched a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday.

Tehran said the attack is retaliation for the killing of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders.

US officials said American warships helped defend Israel from the Iranian missiles.

Iran launched a massive attack on Israel on Tuesday as tensions soar and violence further grips the volatile Middle East.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram that "a short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel." On other social media pages, it said that "all Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel."

"The air defense system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment," the IDF said. Air raid sirens could be heard across the country.

Video footage showed Israeli air defenses intercepting Iranian missiles over Jerusalem. Other footage has shown incoming missiles impacting Israel, which so far has not reported any injuries. Tehran reportedly fired nearly 200 missiles in the barrage.

Bond yields and stocks fell on news of the attack, with major US equity indexes falling more than 1% at intraday lows. Safe haven assets like gold surged, as did oil prices, which rose as much as 6% on speculation the conflict could limit production.

:      pic.twitter.com/nPPH53mJt3    (@kann_news) October 1, 2024

Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps attacked Israel in response to the killings of Hamas and Hezbollah leaders, according to Tasnim, a news agency linked to the IRGC.

Iran had vowed to retaliate against Israel after Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas' political wing, was assassinated in Tehran in July. Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of Hezbollah, in an airstrike in Beirut on Friday.

The Iranian attack also comes just hours after the Israeli military announced the start of a "limited" ground operation inside Lebanon.

The IDF issued a statement shortly after 8:30 p.m. local time that said people were allowed to leave their bomb shelters, indicating that the missile attack was over for the time being.

White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters at a briefing that the US did not know of any damage to Israeli aircraft or strategic military assets, adding that the attack appears to have been "defeated" and "ineffective."

Also on Tuesday evening, two men killed six people and injured eight in the Tel Aviv suburb of Jaffa in a suspected terror attack, Israeli authorities said.

Munitions fired by Iran are seen over Jerusalem on October 1. Photo by Wisam Hashlamoun/Anadolu via Getty Images

Earlier on Tuesday, a White House official said the US had indications that Iran was preparing to "imminently" launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official said.

The US military has a wide range of assets in position around the Middle East and in the Eastern Mediterranean that can protect Israel, as American forces did in April when Iran launched a massive retaliatory missile and drone attack on the country.

The US now has more assets positioned in the region than it did at that time. A Pentagon spokesperson said two American destroyers fired around a dozen interceptors to defend Israel from the Iranian missiles.

The US has repeatedly said that it is ready to defend Israel again and protect its own forces in the region from any attack by Iran or its regional proxies. As it has stepped up its force presence, Washington has also tried to contain rising tensions and conflicts in the Middle East to prevent them from escalating, but it has been unable to do so.

Speaking at the United Nations on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran that any direct attack by the country would be met with a response. After the unprecedented April bombardment, Israel then struck Iran directly.

"If you strike us, we will strike you," he said, adding that there's no place in Iran where "the long arm of Israel cannot reach. And that's true of the entire Middle East."

Staff writer Filip De Mott contributed to this report.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Iran launched a ballistic missile attack targeting Israel on Tuesday as tensions between the two long-time foes ratchet up in the Middle East.

The Israel Defense Forces said on Telegram that missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel and ordered Israeli civilians to obey air raid sirens and shelter in place. The IDF is doing and will do everything necessary to protect the civilians of the State of Israel, the statement said.

Irans volleys of missiles against Israel represent the latest, and starkest, escalation in tensions in the region. The U.S. and others have worried that Israels military operations in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip over the last several months could plunge the region into a wider war and drag the West directly into another major Middle Eastern conflict.

The strike comes just a day after Israel launched a limited military operation into neighboring Lebanon against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. And it follows a series of Israeli strikes against Hezbollah and Hamas  another one of Irans regional proxies  including assassinations of top commanders. On Friday, Israel conducted an airstrike in Beirut, Lebanons capital, that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. And in August, Israeli intelligence killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh while the groups leader was in Tehran for the inauguration of the countrys new president Masoud Pezeshkian.

In a post on X, Irans mission to the United Nations in New York wrote that Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out.

Iran fired nearly 200 missiles at Israel, according to national security adviser Jake Sullivan at a Tuesday White House briefing after the attacks. It was not clear if any of them successfully hit their targets and there were not immediate reports of Israeli casualties.

Irans strike was in part thwarted by two American guided missile destroyers in the Mediterranean, which fired a dozen interceptors to knock down Iranian missiles Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters on Tuesday. As far as where the ballistic missiles came from, Ryder said the military is still studying the attack and its fallout, but the early assessment was that all of the missiles were fired from inside Iran.

The U.S. also helped Israel defend against a previous Iranian missile attack in April. After Israel struck the Iranian consulate in Damascus and killed a senior leader in the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, Tehran and its proxies fired a volley of missiles and drones against Israel. That attack was thwarted by Israels Davids Sling air defenses, along with assistance from the U.S., Jordan and Saudi Arabia.

The major question hanging over the region now is whether Israel will launch a counterattack, and how forcefully.

Israel has vowed to hit back. In a video statement, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the attack will have consequences. He added: We have plans. We will act at the time and place of our choosing.

Irans mission warned that should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue.

U.S. forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support to Israel, according to one defense official who was granted anonymity to discuss ongoing operations.

The U.S. has significantly increased its posture in the region in recent weeks, and is in the midst of doubling the number of fighter squadrons there by deploying more F-16s, F-15s and A-10s which are expected to arrive in the coming days. Those aircraft can also track and shoot down missiles and drones.

But the White House is betraying little about how far it would go with that support for Israel.

At the White House, Sullivan said that U.S. officials will speak with their Israeli counterparts as they consider potential responses. He also refused to preview potential recommendations to the Israeli government, noting that the U.S. and Israel continue to assess the impact of the attack.

The word Fog of War was invented for a situation like this, Sullivan said. This is a fluid situation. We will consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of the response and how to deal with what Iran has just done, and we will continue to monitor for further threats and attacks from Iran and its proxies.

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant after the attack took place and he pledged continued U.S. support for Israels ability to defend itself.

There is significant concern inside the Pentagon over the safety of the 2,500 U.S. troops in Iraq and 900 in Syria, which have come under rocket and drone attack by Iranian-backed militias operating in those countries, and some of the aircraft sent to the region will also be used to protect those troops and their bases.

The White House had warned earlier in the day that such an attack was imminent. Sullivan added on Tuesday that the U.S. was coordinating with Israel that day, but the exact nature of coordination before the attack is unclear.

State Department spokesperson Matt Miller rejected reports that Iran gave a heads up about the attack, saying at Tuesdays briefing that such claims from Tehran are absolutely false.

Nahal Toosi and Joseph Gedeon contributed to this report.

CORRECTION: An earlier version of this report misstated the name of Irans president.
The News

Iran launched a missile attack against Israel Tuesday, shortly after the Israeli military began a ground invasion into Lebanon targeting the Tehran-backed group Hezbollah.

The White House said it was monitoring the situation, and that US President Joe Biden directed the US military to help shoot down the missiles.

Irans attack follows weeks of Israeli offensives against Hezbollah, including a strike that killed the groups leader. Israels onslaught has also come at a huge cost to civilians in Lebanon, thousands of whom are displaced.

Israels military carried out quite a few interceptions during Irans barrage, an Israeli Defense Forces spokesperson said, adding that he was unaware of any casualties and that residents were able to leave bomb shelters.

The attack was the latest major test of Israels Iron Dome air defense system, which has a sophisticated radar thats bolstered by artificial intelligence, the Financial Times reported. Those capabilities allow the system to quickly determine which rockets could land in unpopulated areas, and which could strike homes or troops.
Iran has launched a missile attack on Israel, the Israeli Defense Forces announced on Tuesday.

Israel is under attack, Michael Herzog, Israels ambassador to the U.S., wrote on X. Right now, millions of civilians are in bomb shelters as Iran launches another direct attack on Israel.

Videos of missiles raining down on Tel Aviv circulated on social media after the attacks commenced, with some showing Israels Iron Dome intercepting some of the incoming missiles.

Missile or missile fragment impacts in downtown Tel Aviv pic.twitter.com/q7OPhvRiZl  Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) October 1, 2024

Iranian officials said they launched more than 100 ballistic missiles in the attack, according to The New York Times, with others reporting the nation launched as many as 400 missiles. Air raid sirens rang out across Israel, and CNN reported that the Israeli security Cabinet is sheltering in an emergency bunker in Jerusalem.

The missile barrage comes after Israel launched several attacks  including a recent ground invasion  in Lebanon. The attacks were targeted at Hezbollah, the Islamic militant group allied with Iran, and last week killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the group. Hezbollah is also allied with Hamas, the Palestinian terrorist organization that attacked Israel last Oct. 7, leading Israel to launch a prolonged offensive in Gaza that has killed tens of thousands of Palestinians.

The Iranian National Guard called the missile attacks on Tuesday the first wave of attacks on the occupied territories, according to Al Jazeera.

U.S. officials reportedly warned earlier on Tuesday that Iran planned to strike Israel. This morning, @VP and I convened our national security team to discuss Iranian plans to launch an imminent missile attack against Israel, President Joe Biden wrote in a statement posted to X. We discussed how the United States is prepared to help Israel defend against these attacks, and protect American personnel in the region.

The National Security Council wrote in a statement that Biden and Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room, and that Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attack.

Former President Donald Trump also responded to the attack. The world is on fire and spiraling out of control, he wrote before bashing Democrats and claiming that if Vice President Kamala Harris wins in November, the world will go up in smoke.

Statement from President @realDonaldTrump on the Iranian Terror Regimes Imminent Attack on Israel pic.twitter.com/Z20Nsw535d  Steven Cheung (@TheStevenCheung) October 1, 2024

Israel has said it will retaliate for the attacks on Tuesday. There was a serious attack on us and there will be serious consequences, an IDF spokesperson said.

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Suncor Energy Inc. SU, Canada's premier integrated energy company, faced serious consequences for the 2019 incident that happened aboard the Terra Nova floating production storage and offloading vessel. An employee fell 7.6 meters from the ladder into the tank while conducting testing for hydrogen sulfide on board Terra Nova FPSO, leading to several injuries. The incident, which took place about 350 kilometers off the coast of Newfoundland, resulted in several proceedings and investigations against the company.

Terra Nova oil field, which holds strategic importance for the company, is located about 350 km southeast of St. John's, offshore Newfoundland and Labrador. Suncor has an operating interest of 48% in the Terra Nova oil field with partners like Cenovus holding 34% and Murphy Oil Corporation holding 18%.

Charges Laid and Fines Imposed on Suncor Energy

Suncor Energy was imposed with two charges by the Canada-Newfoundland and Labrador Offshore Petroleum Board(C-NLOPB), the province's oil industry regulator, to which the company pleaded guilty on Sept. 5.

The first charge was for failing to ensure the health and safety of workers onboard by ignoring the reasonable measures that should be taken. The second charge was for failing to ensure that all the workers wore safety harnesses while in a confined space.

C-NLOPB imposed the company with a fine of $45,000 for each charge, thereby, resulting in a total of $90,000 payment as fine. Additionally, the company has been ordered to pay $20,000 to the North Atlantic Health and Safety Management Program.

Suncors Safety Violations and Consequences

Following the incident, Leithan Slade, Suncors communication representative, had accepted the fact that they did not meet the safety requirements and therefore pled guilty. Without going into much detail, he also mentioned that the company is implementing safety practices and updated work plans to improve the safety measures in the confined spaces.

Preceding the abovementioned incident, the company was earlier ordered to stop the production of the defective fire-water pumps.

The Companys failure to follow the various safety protocols justifies the need for stringent regulatory requirements and updated work plans.

SUs Zacks Rank and Key Picks

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Investors interested in the energy sector might look at some better-ranked stocks like Royal VopakVOPKY, PEDEVCO Corp. PEDand Core Labs Inc. CLB. While Royal Vopak and PEDEVCO Corp. currently sport a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy), Core Labs Inc. carries a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) each. You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here

Story continues

Royal Vopak NV is a tank terminal operator. The company is engaged in the storage and handling of oil products, liquid chemicals, gases, biofuels and vegetable oils. The Zacks Consensus Estimate for VOPKY's 2024 earnings indicates 2.5% year-over-year growth.

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The Israel Defense Forces confirmed that Iran launched missiles into Israel "a short while ago," NBC reported Tuesday afternoon. It is unknown what if any damage the attack has caused.

The U.S. had earlier warned that Iran was planning to attack Israel by launching a ballistic missile, The Wall Street Journal reported.

The attack could significantly escalate tensions in a region already on the verge of an all-out war, with the government of Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu recently ordering a limited ground invasion of southern Lebanon after earlier rejecting U.S. calls for a ceasefire. Iran had vowed retaliation for last week's assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," a senior U.S. official had warned earlier Tuesday, CNN reported. "We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran."

In April, Iran launched a wave of drones and missiles toward Israel in a telegraphed response to the assassination of Iranian military officials in Syria. Because the U.S. and Israel had forewarning, the attack resulted in little damage and no loss of life.

The U.S. has said it will again assist Israel in intercepting anything Iran sends its way.

Israeli officials had earlier downplayed the threat of an attack.

As of this moment, Israel does not perceive [an] imminent threat from Iran, Israel Defense Forces spokesperson Daniel Hagari said earlier on Tuesday, CNN reported.
Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

Iran on Tuesday said it fired missiles towards Israel, as a dpa correspondent reported loud explosions in Tel Aviv.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) - the elite branch of the Iranian military - said it had launched the strikes on military targets, warning of "devastating and destructive attacks" if Israel responds.

Iranian television said the latest attack came in response to the killings of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and the head of Hezbollah, Hassan Nasrallah.

"All Israeli civilians are in bomb shelters as rockets from Iran are fired at Israel," the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) wrote on the social media platform X, as sirens sounded across the country.

Initial reports in Israeli media suggested that two people were slightly injured by shrapnel, while others were brought to hospital in a state of shock.

The IDF later said residents were "permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country."

Shortly before the strikes, a senior White House official said the United States had "indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel."

"A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran," the official further warned.

The latest developments come months after Iran launched a wave of missile and drone attacks on Israel following the killing of an Iranian general in an airstrike in Syria.

Most of the attacks in April were successfully repelled by Israel's Iron Dome air defence system.

Israel launches Lebanon operation

The attack came hours after the IDF began a "limited, localized" ground operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

In a post on X, the IDF said it had launched "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence" in villages close to the border that "pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."

The IDF and the air force were supporting ground forces with "precise strikes" on military targets in the area, it added.

No direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah fighters have yet been reported.

"All of our fighters are ready for a real confrontation," a source for the Iran-backed militia told dpa.

However, the operation has already led to chaos in southern Lebanon following a renewed Israeli call for citizens to head north of the Alawi river, around 60 kilometres from the border. People were seen packing their belongings and heading towards Beirut.

Northern Arrows

Dubbed Northern Arrows, the operation marks Israel's first ground offensive into Lebanon since the 2006 war.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza, triggered by the unprecedented October 7 attacks by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization, has been accompanied by almost a year of cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Last week, Israel launched a massive aerial campaign on targets across Lebanon, with the stated aim of pushing back Hezbollah to enable the return of tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern Israel.

The Israeli army had previously warned Lebanon's population against travelling south of the Litani River, which is about 30 kilometres from the border.

According to a UN resolution, Hezbollah fighters are not allowed south of this line. However, after the 2006 war, militants gradually returned to the area.

Ahead of the ground incursion, the regular Lebanese army withdrew from the demarcation line. Lebanon's military has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

UN condemnation

The start of the Israeli ground offensive has already provoked international condemnation.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres said he was "extremely concerned with the escalation of the conflict in Lebanon."

"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs, and the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected," he added.

The international community has been urging de-escalation amid the recent Israeli strikes and Hezbollah retaliations, but ceasefire efforts have so far been rejected by both sides.

The UN's special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis warned on X that Israel's ground offensive could have catastrophic consequences for an entire generation of people in the Middle East.

"The risk of dooming another generation to the same fate [of war] is very real, yet again," she wrote.

"Amid the firing of missiles and rockets, dropping of bombs, and conduct of raids, the machinery of war fails to address the underlying issues," Hennis added.

Call for donations

Also on Tuesday, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an appeal for donations of $426 million to care for displaced and homeless people.

The money is intended to support 1 million people for three months in Lebanon, which is in the midst of a debilitating economic crisis.

Since October 2023, an estimated 1 million people have been displaced or otherwise affected by the conflict, the UN office reported.

At least 1,000 people had been killed since the start of the latest Israeli offensive two weeks ago, it said.

Deadly strike on Palestinian camp

In further incidents, six people were killed in an Israeli attack on the Palestinian refugee camp Ain al-Hilwah near the Lebanese coastal city of Sidon, according to Lebanese sources.

Lebanese security sources said the overnight attack was aimed at the Palestinian commander, Munir Al-Makdah. However, he survived the attack, they said.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the strike.

Al-Makdah is a representative of the Al-Aqsa Brigades in Lebanon, the military arm of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.

The Lebanese news agency NNA reported that his wife and son were among the victims.

With around 80,000 inhabitants, Ain al-Hilwah is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Most are refugees displaced by the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 and their descendants.

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
Iran may feel that building a nuclear bomb is now its only choice

Politics in the Middle East over the past year has felt like being in the worlds most dangerous casino; Hamas, Hezbollah and Israel have all taken turns to spin the roulette wheel of escalation.

On Tuesday evening, Iran made arguably the biggest gamble of all when it fired 200 or so ballistic missiles at cities across Israel  an attack that could mark the start of a regional war that would leave global security in the balance.

For the past fortnight, Iran has been in a bind. Hezbollah, its most formidable proxy, has been rendered largely impotent  so far at least  by a stunningly successful Israeli military and intelligence campaign in Lebanon.

Israels onslaught has therefore left the Islamic regime with a stark choice. By doing nothing, it risked losing its standing in the Middle East, alienating Shias who look to Tehran as their lodestar and jeopardising its ambitions to be the regions chief rival to Israel.

But retaliation risked all-out war with a technologically superior foe in a war that could draw in the United States. Such an outcome, cooler heads in the Iranian government reckoned, could end up threatening the countrys nuclear programme and perhaps even toppling the regime itself.

Tehrans response has so far given every indication that it is seeking a Goldilocks solution by striking Israel with sufficient force to assuage domestic and Lebanese Shia opinion but without doing so much damage as to provoke a massive Israeli counter-strike.

Yet there is every chance that Iran will have achieved the worst of both worlds: not doing enough to restore Shia confidence in its leadership, while giving Benjamin Netanyahu, Israelis prime minister, the casus belli Tehran has long believed he wanted.

People in Tehran carrying pictures of the assassinated Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah celebrate the rocket attacks on Israel - Anadolu

Missiles interrupted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya - AHMAD GHARABLI

For the moment, Irans missile attack will have gone some way to mollifying Shia opinion. Chants of God is great could be heard from rooftops in several districts in Tehran, while joyful Shias fired into the air in Beirut in celebration.

They had longed to see an Iranian display of shock and awe and for many this was surely just the opening salvo.

Coupled with the terror attack on Tel Avivs light rail, in which gunmen shot dead at least eight people, they will feel a measure of revenge has been taken for the killing of Hassan Nasrallah and the crippling of the movement he led.

Yet Israel is likely to be neither shocked nor awed. Its defences intercepted the vast majority of Irans missiles, some of which fell harmlessly into the sea. Only one fatality has so far been recorded, that of a Palestinian man in the West Bank.

The success of the past two weeks may well persuade Mr Netanyahu to respond far more fiercely than Tehran may have bargained for.

Under heavy international pressure, he tempered his response to a barrage of 300 missiles and drones Iran fired at Israel in April in response to an Israeli strike on its embassy in Damascus.

Israels response was symbolic, but powerfully so, launching a missile strike that destroyed air defence systems at an airbase close to the Natanz nuclear complex south of Tehran. The message was clear: Irans nuclear assets are not as immune to attack as the regime may believe.

There are reasons to think that Israel could move beyond symbolism this time.

Iran long viewed Hezbollah as its chief insurance policy against an Israeli attack on its nuclear programme. If Israel struck, Iran would retaliate through the proxy it had helped equip with an arsenal of 150,000 rockets, some of them guided missiles capable of striking any city in Israel.

Israeli people take shelter during air raid sirens - Ronen Zvulun

That deterrence has been significantly degraded in recent days, which is one reason why Israel may calculate that now is the time to strike.

The other is that, perversely, Iran may feel that, given it is no longer able to rely on Hezbollah as a nuclear insurance policy, it has no choice but to race for the bomb.

Iran has steadily increased its uranium enrichment programme over the years and is now sitting close to breakout capacity. Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, Irans supreme leader, may calculate that the only way to deter Israel is to drop all pretence and build a nuclear weapon.

If Israel calculates that this is Irans most likely policy, it is unlikely that any Western pressure will hold it back from a response that would tip the Middle East into the all-out war that everyone has feared.

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(NewsNation)  The Israeli Defense Force said Iran at least 180 missiles toward Israel, the start of an anticipated attack following increased conflict between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Reporting from Haifa, NewsNations Robert Sherman reported hearing explosions as Israel intercepted missiles. Residents in several areas of the country were urged to take cover for a period of time before being told they could leave protected areas.

In a video message to the nation, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said, Iran made a big mistake  and it will pay for it. The regime in Tehran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and to exact a price from our enemies.

The White House said President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were monitoring the attack from the situation room and said the military had been ordered to assist in shooting down missiles.

United States military actively supports the defense of Israel, and were still assessing the impact, Biden said.

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Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel.

National Security advisor Jake Sullivan said Irans airstrike attack against Israel Tuesday appears to have been defeated and ineffective.

Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin touted the skill and bravery of U.S. troops who helped intercept missiles, saying the U.S. will continue to support the defense of Israel.

We will never hesitate to protect our forces and interests in the Middle East, and to support the defense of Israel and our partners in the region, Austin said in a statement.

A defense official telling NewsNation reiterated Americas commitment to Israels security and said U.S. forces were defending Israel against missile attacks.

Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region, they said.

Israeli Defense Force spokesperson Rear Admr. David Hagari warned the attack would have consequences and Israel would retaliate at a time and place of its choosing.

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The attack is similar to one Iran launched in Israel, however, this attack used ballistic missiles rather than drones. Missiles are faster and more difficult for Israel to intercept and shoot down than slow-moving drones, giving the countrys air defense systems less time to respond.

Israel telegraphed that an attack of this sort could result in retaliation against significant Iranian targets.

How much the Iranians are willing to back down right is the real question, said NewsNations Leland Vittert.

The Iran Mission to the UN said on X any retaliation with Israel would be met with more attacks and advised Israels allies to distance themselves.

Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out, the statement said.

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The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

The Pentagon said Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant to discuss the threat.

The Secretary shared that over recent days the United States has increased force readiness and continues to maintain significant military capability in the region. Secretary Austin made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region, said Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder.

Earlier, officials confirmed to NewsNation that Iran was preparing to imminently attack Israel with a ballistic missile following Israels ground invasion of Lebanon.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack, the White House official said. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.

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In a rally, former President Donald Trump warned that catastrophe was ahead as he criticized Biden and Harris for their response to the attacks, claiming they were nonexistent.

U.S. ships and aircraft are already positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack by Iran. There are three U.S. Navy destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea, an aircraft carrier in the Gulf of Oman and fighter jets arrayed throughout the region. All have the capability to shoot down incoming missiles.

Netanyahu urged Israeli citizens to follow the directives of the Home Front Command.

Second, stand together. Together we will stand steadfast in the trying days ahead of us. Together we will stand. Together we will fight and together we will win, he said on X.

Following the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks last year, Israel launched a military campaign in the Gaza Strip. As the conflict dragged on, fears of a wider regional war increased.

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Tensions between Hezbollah in Lebanon and Israel have ramped up in recent weeks. Following the death of a top Hezbollah commander, Israel launched what it described as a limited military campaign in Lebanon.

Israel has accused Hezbollah of attempting to invade the country from the north and engaged in several attacks against the group. Before the ground assault, Israel told people in 27 villages near the Lebanese border to evacuate.

There is no indication of how large the attack from Iran is expected to be. There are critical and consequential discussions taking place at the highest level of the Israeli government, largely revolving around how will they respond to Irans attack.

On the eve of Rosh Hashanah, I say to you, citizens of Israel: Israel has the momentum and the axis of evil is in retreat. We will do whatever needs to be done to continue this trend. To achieve all of our war objectives, especially the return of all of our hostages, and ensure our existence and our future, Netanyahu said.

Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue, Iran responded.

The U.S. recently deployed additional troops to the region, though there are no current plans to send another aircraft carrier to the region.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Iran's president looks on, as a 'Qasem Soleimani' missile is displayed during an annual military parade in Tehran (ATTA KENARE) (ATTA KENARE/AFP/AFP)

Iran is preparing an imminent ballistic missile attack against Israel, the United States said Tuesday, warning that any such assault would have "severe" consequences for Tehran.

The warning came as Israel said it had launched a ground offensive in Lebanon to target the Iran-backed militia Hezbollah, whose top leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli air strike last week.

"The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel," a senior White House official told AFP on condition of anonymity.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack."

Following the warning, the Israeli military said it had not detected the same threat so far.

"At this moment, we do not detect any aerial threat launched from Iran," said military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

"We are on high alert alongside our partners in the United States, our ally, and are closely monitoring developments in Iran."

Hagari said the country's air defence systems were fully prepared, while combat aircraft continued to patrol its skies.

"We are at peak readiness on both offense and defense," he said.

"We have dealt with this type of threat before, and we will deal with it now as well."

The US official added: "A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran."

- Rising tensions -

The United States and other western allies stepped in to help defend Israel against a combined Iranian missile and drone attack in April, which Tehran launched in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus.

Iran has said that Nasrallah's killing would bring about Israel's "destruction," though the foreign ministry said Monday that Tehran would not deploy soldiers to confront Israel.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu meanwhile issued a stark warning to the people of Iran on Monday, saying there was "nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach."

Netanyahu also said that a future "when Iran is finally free" would "come a lot sooner than people think."

An attack on Israel by Iran would gravely compound fears of a wider regional conflict that the United States and other world powers have said they want to avoid in the Middle East.

The United States has cautiously backed Israel's move to dismantle Hezbollah's ability to attack northern Israel, even as President Joe Biden has called for a ceasefire.

US Secretary of State Antony Blinken on Tuesday said that Washington was "tracking events in the Middle East very closely."

"The United States is committed to Israel's defense," Blinken said Tuesday morning while meeting his Moroccan counterpart Nasser Bourita at the State Department.

Washington said Monday that it was boosting its forces in the Middle East by a "few thousand" troops, by bringing in new units while extending others that are already there.

It was also deploying more fighter jets, the Pentagon said.

US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin late Monday offered support to his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant for "dismantling attack infrastructure" belonging to Hezbollah along the border with Lebanon.

Hezbollah began low intensity strikes on Israeli troops a day after its Palestinian ally Hamas, which is also backed by Iran, staged its unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7, which triggered Israel's devastating assault on the Gaza Strip.

Cross-border fire from Israel and Hezbollah continued throughout Israel's war in Gaza, and late on Monday Israel announced it had launched ground raids in southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions.

bur-ds-jd/des
JERUSALEM (AP)  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of escalating attacks in a yearslong conflict between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer toward a regionwide war.

The orange glow of missiles streaked across Israels night sky as air raid sirens sounded and residents scrambled into bomb shelters. Israel vowed retaliation for Irans missile barrage, which it said had caused only a few injuries.

Before Irans attack, Israel had landed a series of devastating blows in recent weeks against the leadership of Hezbollah in Lebanon. It then ratcheted up the pressure on the Iran-backed militant group  which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began  by launching what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

Israel considers Iran to be its greatest foe  citing Irans repeated calls for Israels destruction, its support for Arab militant groups and its nuclear program. Iran denies Israeli accusations that it is developing a nuclear weapon.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

In the U.S., White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

Iran said it fired Tuesdays missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Earlier Tuesday, Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israels statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

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Iran is preparing to fire ballistic missiles at Israel, according to a senior White House official, who said the attack could be launched imminently.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack, the official said in a statement. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.

The news comes just hours after Israel announced it had begun raids into southern Lebanon to take out military capabilities of the Iranian-backed militia group Hezbollah.

Hezbollah, a star proxy group for Iran, has has been severely crippled by the nearly yearlong cross-border conflict it has carried out against Israeli forces in a fight tied to the ongoing war in Gaza. Most of Hezbollahs command structure has been eliminated.

In the past few weeks, Israel killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, detonated pagers and walkie-talkies of rank-and-file members of the organization and carried out massive strikes that have killed more than a thousand people in Lebanon.

Irans Supreme Leader Seyyed Ali Hosseini Khamenei said on Saturday after Hezbollah confirmed the death of Nasrallah that attacks against Israel will become even more crushing.

Iran has yet to carry out a retaliation attack against Israel for a bombing in Tehran at the end of July that killed Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, though Israeli authorities last month arrested a suspect accused of plotting assassinations against Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and other high-profile officials.

Iran last attacked Israel in April, sending some 300 drones and missiles at the country in an assault that was largely defeated by Israeli defense systems with the help of the U.S. and allies in the region.

The U.S. has positioned a bulk of assets in the Middle East region, including an aircraft carrier strike group, a guided-missile submarine, additional amphibious assault ships and fighter jets. On Monday, the Pentagon announced it was sending even more troops to the region.

Israel has set a war goal of returning its some 60,000 residents displaced by the Hezbollah conflict in the north of the country, and it has resisted U.S. pressure to avoid a wider war and not escalate the fighting in Lebanon.

The Biden administration has pushed for months to reach a diplomatic agreement but has failed to reach a solution. A three-week ceasefire proposal offered last week by the U.S., France and several other countries was rejected by Netanyahu, who instead promised to carry on against Hezbollah and the Iranian-backed Hamas in Gaza.

Israel is moving into Lebanon after the fight against Hamas has wound down in the past few months, with the militant group severely degraded nearly a year since Palestinian fighters invaded southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing some 1,200 people and taking roughly 240 hostages.

Around 100 hostages still remain in Gaza, and Hamas remains active, with its new political leader, Yahya Sinwar, still at large.

Israel, however, has moved up brigades to the north to begin what appears to be a widening war in Lebanon. Small-scale raids into Gaza in October also preceded a larger Israeli invasion into the coastal strip last year.

Hezbollah has denied that Israel launched any incursion into Lebanon. The groups deputy secretary general, Naim Qassem, said Hezbollah will restructure and there are ready backup replacements for killed leaders.

Despite the loss of some leaders and the attacks on civilians, we will not waver, he said in a Monday televised address. The resistance is ready for a ground confrontation with the enemy.

Israeli military spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said in a Tuesday video address that forces have entered Hezbollah infrastructure and dismantled more than 700 terror assets.

Hagari also claimed that Hezbollah was preparing to carry out a deadly invasion of southern Israel.

To make sure Hezbollah can never carry out such an attack, he said, the military is taking action.

This story was updated at 11:04 a.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
A woman in Tehran watches television coverage of Iran's missile attack on Israel (ATTA KENARE) (ATTA KENARE/AFP/AFP)

Iran's Revolutionary Guards threatened Tuesday to carry out "crushing attacks" against Israel if it retaliated for an Iranian missile attack.

"If the Zionist regime reacts to Iranian operations, it will face crushing attacks," the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement carried by the Fars news agency.

The IRGC said the attack was "in accordance with the United Nations Charter".

It said the missile attack came "after a period of restraint" following an "attack on the sovereignty" of Iran -- a reference to the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in late July.

The IRGC said the missile attacks targeted "three military bases" around Tel Aviv as well as air and radar bases, adding that "90 percent" of the missiles "hit their targets".

Later, Iran's armed forces warned against any direct military intervention by other countries in support of Israel, saying their "interests in the region will also face a powerful attack".

Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran's "action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation".

The United States had earlier warned of an imminent Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel, and said it would have "severe" consequences for Tehran.

Iran's President Masoud Pezeshkian hailed the country's "decisive response" to what he called the Israeli "aggression".

Iranian media carried online footage of what they said were missiles being fired at Israel.

State television played upbeat music over the footage as its newscaster spoke of "the brave Iranian people".

It broadcast images of residents of Mashhad, Iran's second-largest city, celebrating the missile attack in the streets, waving the yellow flag of Hezbollah and portraits of the Lebanese group's slain chief Hassan Nasrallah.

- Gaza ceasefire efforts -

Similar celebrations took place in the capital Tehran and in several provincial cities.

Tuesday's attack was Iran's second on Israel, after a missile and drone attack in April in retaliation for a deadly Israeli air strike on Iran's consulate in Damascus.

Nearly all of the missiles and drones fired in that attack were intercepted by Israel or its allies.

An Israeli air strike on Beirut on Friday killed Nasrallah, whose militant group has been armed and financed by Iran for years.

Nasrallah was killed alongside General Abbas Nilforoushan, a top commander of the Quds Force, the IRGC's foreign operations arm.

Iran vowed that Nilforoushan's killing would "not go unanswered".

At last month's UN General Assembly in New York, Pezeshkian accused Israel of warmongering as Iran exercised restraint.

He suggested Tehran had held back on retaliating for Haniyeh's killing, fearing that it could derail US-backed efforts for a ceasefire in the Gaza war.

"We tried to not respond. They kept telling us we were within reach of peace, perhaps in a week or so," he said.

On Sunday, Pezeshkian said promises by the United States and its allies of a "ceasefire in exchange for Iran's non-reaction to Haniyeh's killing were completely false".

He added that "giving these criminals (Israel) a chance would only encourage them to commit more crimes".

Iran does not recognise Israel's statehood and has made support for the Palestinian cause a centrepiece of its foreign policy since the Islamic Revolution in 1979.

Tehran hailed its ally Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel, which triggered the Gaza war, but denied any involvement.

Regional tensions have soared since the outbreak of the Gaza war, drawing in Iran-aligned groups from Lebanon, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

ap/mz/js
Iran has threatened more crushing attacks after firing hundreds of ballistic missiles at Israel.

A huge wave of rockets appeared on Tuesday night to have been shot down by Israels Iron Dome defence system.

Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said that it had launched the attack in response to Israels assassination of Hassan Nasrallah, the Hezbollah leader.

If the Zionist regime responds to Irans operations, it will face devastating attacks, the IRGC added.

An Israeli official told The Telegraph that war had been declared on Israel.

07:39 PM BST

Were moving our live coverage

Follow the latest in our new liveblog.

07:27 PM BST

Watch: Gazans celebrate as missiles fly overhead

07:26 PM BST

Hamas praises heroic attack on Israel

Hamas has praised the heroic Iranian missile strikes on Israel for avenging the deaths of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh and Hezbollah leader Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah.

07:11 PM BST

Germany: Irans attack on Israel must stop immediately

Germany demanded that Iran end its missile attack on Israel, expressing fears that the escalation in the fighting could fuel further conflict.

I condemn the ongoing attack in the strongest possible terms, Annalena Baerbock, the foreign minister, posted on X, adding that Iran must stop the attack immediately as it was leading the region further towards the abyss.

07:09 PM BST

Palestinian killed by shrapnel in West Bank

Palestinian media reported that a man was killed by missile shrapnel in the West Bank near Jericho during the Iranian attack on Israel.

Israel has reported no deaths so far.

07:05 PM BST

In pictures: Missiles intercepted above Israeli cities

A projectile being intercepted by Israel near the northern city of Baqa al-Gharbiya - AFP

Sirens were heard across the country, especially in Tel Aviv - Anadolu

Rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem from Hebron, West Bank

07:02 PM BST

Israel vows revenge against Iran at place and time we decide

Israel vowed to retaliate following the Iranian missile attack, saying it would respond at the time and place of its choosing.

This attack will have consequences. We have plans, and we will operate at the place and time we decide, said Israeli military spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

06:53 PM BST

IDF claim large number of missiles intercepted

Israels military said it had intercepted a large number of missiles fired by Iran at the country, adding that there were a few hits during the barrage.

We have carried out a large number of interceptions. There were a few hits in the centre and other areas in the south of the country, Daniel Hagari, an IDF spokesman, said on Tuesday night.

06:50 PM BST

Trump: The world is on fire

Donald Trump said the world is on fire and that US leadership is absent after Iran launched a large missile attack on Israel.

Under President Trump, we had NO WAR in the Middle East, Trump added, referring to himself in the third person as he sought to repeat his claims that Oct 7 would not have happened had he been in the White House.

06:48 PM BST

Iran says 80pc of 200 missiles hit their targets

More than 80% of the IRGCs missiles in the first wave hit the intended targets, Irans Revolutionary Guards said in a statement.

It added that 200 missiles had been launched.

06:47 PM BST

Eight killed as gunmen open fire in Tel Aviv

Eight people have been killed in a shooting attack in the Jaffa neighbourhood of Tel Aviv on Tuesday, Israeli media has reported.

Israeli police said two shooters were neutralised and that the families of the victims had been notified.

Read more here.

Two gunmen killed eight people in Tel Aviv after opening fire on civilians

06:42 PM BST

Israel says no more threat from Iran for now

Israels military says the threat from Iranian missiles and rockets is over for now.

06:39 PM BST

Israel permits citizens to leave shelters

Israels military has announced its citizens are permitted to leave protected spaces throughout the country after a situational assessment.

06:38 PM BST

Biden directs US military to help shoot down barrage

Joe Biden has directed the US military to aid Israels defense and shoot down missiles targeting Israel, the White House National Security Council said on Tuesday.

Mr Biden and Kamala Harris are monitoring the attack from the White House situation room and receiving regular updates, NSC spokesman Sean Savett said.

.@POTUS & @VP are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room & receiving regular updates from their national security team. @POTUS directed the US military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks & shoot down missiles targeting Israel  Sean Savett (@NSC_Spox) October 1, 2024

06:35 PM BST

Two lightly injured so far in missile attack

Israels emergency services have reported two have been lightly injured so far in the missile attack.

06:34 PM BST

In pictures: Israelis take shelter as missiles light up the sky

People take cover behind vehicles under a bridge along the side of a highway in Tel Aviv - AFP

People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles on a freeway in Shoresh, Israel - AP

Israels Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel - Reuters

Dozens of rockets, fired from Iran, are seen over Jerusalem - Anadolu

06:28 PM BST

Iran says missile attack is revenge for Nasrallah assassination

Irans Revolutionary Guards Corps said the attack was in response to Israels killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah last week as well as the bombing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in a Tehran in July.

A senior Iranian official later told Reuters that the order to launch missiles was made by the countrys Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Khamenei remains in a secure location, the senior official added.

06:24 PM BST

The ranges of Irans missile arsenal

06:21 PM BST

Watch: Missile strikes on Tel Aviv

06:19 PM BST

Iran has declared war on Israel - official

A senior Israeli official to The Telegraph that Iran has declared war directly on the State of Israel.

They added: 400 ballistic missiles were fired at the State of Israel directly from Iran. The Iranians targeted Israeli civilians.

It is the duty of the State of Israel and the free world to act against Iran.

06:17 PM BST

Pictured: Rockets fly above Tel Aviv

Rockets, sent by either Hezbollah or Iran, fly in the sky above Tel Aviv

06:12 PM BST

Explosions rock Jerusalem - watch live

06:09 PM BST

200 missiles launched at Israel

Nearly 200 missiles have been launched at Israel from Iran, Israels army radio announced.

06:06 PM BST

IRGC threatens more crushing attacks if Israel responds

The Iranian Revolutionary Guards have threatened more crushing attacks for Israel if it responds to the missile barrage launched on Tuesday evening.

06:04 PM BST

Iran says Tel Aviv is target of attack

Iran has launched a missile attack on Israels commercial hub Tel Aviv, state media reported, citing officials.

The official IRNA news agency said Iran had launched a missile attack on Tel Aviv, without elaborating after staying quiet during the start of the barrage.

06:03 PM BST

Explosions in Jerusalem

Explosions sounded in Jerusalem on Tuesday evening as air raid sirens rang out, AFP journalists reported, with what appeared to be air defence interceptors echoing over the city.

The explosions came shortly after the military said that Iran had launched a missile attack targeting Israel.

06:00 PM BST

Iran has fired tens of ballistic missiles at Israel, says IRGC

Irans Revolutionary Guards said in a statement that Iran fired tens of ballistic missiles as part of its barrage at Israel.

The IRGC added that it is firing missiles from several locations.

05:59 PM BST

10 million civilians are target of Iranian attack - IDF

Israels military has said 10 million civilians are the targets of Iranian projectiles.

Iranian projectiles being intercepted by Israel above Tel Aviv - AFP

Over 100 missiles are believed to have fired at Israel so far - AFP

05:54 PM BST

Our defence is not airtight, says IDF spokesperson

Israeli army spokesman Rear-Adm Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. However, the defense is not hermetic, he said.

05:51 PM BST

Sirens continue throughout Israel

Sirens are sounding throughout Israel amid an Iranian missile attack on Israel, with reports suggesting over 100 missiles have been launched so far.

Sirens continue to sound across Israel amid an Iranian missile attack.



Some media reports in Israel suggest that over 100 missiles have been launched in the attack. pic.twitter.com/BJ8R3H6XSw  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 1, 2024

05:47 PM BST

Biden: US prepared to help Israel defend itself

Joe Biden has said the US is prepared to help Israel defend itself against these attacks and protect American personnel in the region after Iran launched missiles at Israel.

05:43 PM BST

Iran launches missiles at Israel

Iran has launched missiles targeting Israel, the military said Tuesday, following US warnings that an Iranian attack was imminent.

A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel, the military said in a statement. It said sirens were sounded across Israel, including in Jerusalem.

05:30 PM BST

What Telegraph readers are saying...

05:16 PM BST

Israel says it assassinated Hezbollahs head of weapon transfers

Israels military announced the assassination of Muhammad Jaafar Qasir, Hezbollahs head of weapon transfers from Iran and its regional proxies.

04:59 PM BST

Fear and anxiety on the streets of Tehran

On the streets of Tehran, there is fear and anxiety as tensions between Iran and Israel reach unprecedented levels.

Residents of the Iranian capital told The Telegraph that they are increasingly worried about the Islamic Republics imminent strikes on Israel, which they fear could drag the country into a war it has not seen in decades.

They [the authorities] are pushing the nation into somebody elses war, and we, the people, will be the ultimate victims, said a shopkeeper from southern Tehran.

They have already impoverished us by funnelling our money into their so-called axis [of resistance], and now they want to bring war to our streets, he added, referring to Irans financial support of its regional allies against Israel. We dont want this situation, and no Iranian voted for it.

In other parts of the capital, some parents are thinking of stopping sending their children to school.

I told my wife today that we should stop sending our daughters to school for a while, said a resident of Tehrans Tajrish neighbourhood. No one knows what will happen next and I cant live if God forbids anything to happen to her.

His seven-year-old daughter had just started school two weeks ago, and he said, She owns the future of this country, not those who are dragging us into war.

04:50 PM BST

Pictured: Commercial plane flies over smouldering suburbs of Beirut

A Middle East Airlines airplane flies over Beirut as smoke rises from Dahieh, a known Hezbollah stronghold in Beirut - AP

04:47 PM BST

IDF: Air raid sirens sound in central Israel

Air raid sirens sounded in central Israel on Tuesday, the military said, a day after the army launched ground operations into southern Lebanon targeting Hezbollah positions.

Sirens sounded in central Israel, the military said, without providing details of the areas that were affected.

04:41 PM BST

Explosion heard in Tel Aviv

An explosion has been heard in the Tel Aviv region with witnesses reporting that a rocket was fired from Lebanon, but landed in an open area south of the city.

04:23 PM BST

US embassy tells all US government employees to shelter

The US embassy in Jerusalem has instructed all US government employees and their families in Israel to shelter in place until further notice ahead of a potential Iranian missile attack.

In a statement posted on its website, the embassy said it may further restrict or prohibit US government employees from travelling to certain areas of Israel, such as the Old City of Jerusalem and the West Bank.

04:00 PM BST

Watch: Flaming rocket lands in Israeli city of Ramat Hasharon

Footage shows a rocket, still in flames, lying on a pavement in the city of Ramat Hasharon, which borders Tel Aviv.

03:56 PM BST

Netanyahu will appeal to Putin to restrain Iran

Benjamin Netanyahu is reportedly set to ask Vladimir Putin to use his influence to prevent an Iranian attack on Israel during a possible phone call on Tuesday evening.

Talks are ongoing for the possible phone call to go ahead, Hebrew outlet Ynet reported.

The last conversation between the pair reportedly took place in November 2023.

03:51 PM BST

Iranian strike on Israel could be as big as April attack - US official

If it goes ahead, Irans ballistic missile attack on Israel could be as big or potentially bigger than the one in April, a US official has told Reuters.

They added that the current assessment is based on initial indications and it is difficult to be certain.

US officials said earlier on Tuesday that Iran appeared to be preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

03:44 PM BST

Israels limited ground invasion so far:

03:38 PM BST

Israel has not detected aerial threat from Iran for now

The Israeli military said on Tuesday it had not detected an incoming aerial strike from Iran for now, after a US official said there were indications of an imminent missile attack.

For now, we have not detected any aerial threat launched from Iran, Daniel Hagari, a military spokesman said.

He added that the Israeli army was prepared to defend and attack Iran in the event of a strike launched from the Islamic Republic.

03:30 PM BST

Hezbollah says it launched more missiles at Tel Aviv

Hezbollah said on Tuesday afternoon it had launched missiles towards Sde Dov airbase on the outskirts of the Israeli city of Tel Aviv.

It said the strike was in retaliation for attacks on civilians in Lebanon, in the second operation on Tuesday it dedicated to its slain leader.

The Iran-backed group said its fighters launched a salvo of Fadi-4 rockets at the Sde Dov air base in Tel Aviv in response to the targeting of civilians and the massacres that the enemy carried out.

03:22 PM BST

Hardline Iranian MP blames president for weakening Hezbollah

A hardline Iranian MP has accused the president of the Islamic Republic of weakening Hezbollah during his trip to New York last week.

I wish our dear president, who is a doctor and has said that he doesnt understand politics, would make use of experienced advisors and not say during his trip to New York, We are willing to lay down our weapons if Israel lays down its weapons, Mojtaba Rahmandous said on Tuesday.

I wish he wouldnt weaken Hezbollah and wouldnt say that Hezbollah cannot stand up to Israel, nor would he suggest that we have new negotiations with the Europeans, he added.

Mr Rahmandous was referring to remarks made by President Masoud Pezeshkian during his visit to New York for the United Nations General Assembly.

Mr Pezeshkian said in a private event in New York: We are ready to give up all our weapons if Israel does the same and an international organisation comes to the region to ensure security.

He later rejected the idea of an international organisation in his speech at the UN General Assembly, claiming that the presence of foreign forces is the origin of instability.

The shift in Pezeshkians approach was likely influenced by significant pressure from inside Iran, particularly from the media and hardline factions.

Foreign minister Abbas Araghchi later said: What the president meant was that if there is to be peace and security in the region, weapons should not be given [to warring parties]. His comments did not indicate any intent to reduce tensions with Israel but rather focused on disarmament of weapons of mass destruction.

Mr Pezeshkian also said: Hezbollah cannot stand against Israel alone, Islamic countries must take action. Hezbollah is facing a government that is armed to the teeth and possesses superior weaponry.

03:17 PM BST

IDF carries out precise strike in Beirut

The IDF has carried out a precise strike in Beirut, Lebanons capital.

Two attacks on the capital were carried out this afternoon, according to security sources.

This included an attack on a high-rise building in the Jnah district.

Israel launched several attacks on Beirut on Tuesday, according to security sources - Anadolu

03:12 PM BST

Reminder: Iran launched massive missile attack on Israel in April

As a reminder, the last time Iran launched a massive missile attack against Israel was back in April.

Tehran launched a barrage of missiles, rockets and drones from both its own territory and its proxies across the Middle East.

Iranian state television said ballistic missiles had also been launched in a joint assault designed to overwhelm Israeli air defences deep in the occupied territories.

US and British forces reportedly intercepted more than 100 drones after hundreds were launched from Iran in a long-awaited attack after weeks of threats from Tehran.

Get a full recap of the attack here.

03:07 PM BST

Which long-range weapons does Iran have?

03:02 PM BST

Israel not yet identified aerial threat from Iran

Israel has not yet identified any aerial threat from Iran, its military spokesman has said.

The spokesman went on to say that any Iranian attck on Israel would have repercussions.

[The] IDF is prepared for offence and defence, he added.

03:00 PM BST

Netanyahu: great challenges are on the way

Benjamin Netanyahu has warned days of great challenges are on the way as Washington warned Iran was preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack.

What I ask of you is two things, the Israeli prime minister said. One, to strictly obey the directives of the Home Front Command. It saves lives.

And second, to stand together, he continues. We will stand firm together in the trying days ahead. Together we will stand, together we will fight, and together we will win.

 ,   >> pic.twitter.com/ig8t9QnOq0  Benjamin Netanyahu -   (@netanyahu) October 1, 2024

02:56 PM BST

Iran attack on Israel carries severe consequences

Iran deciding to launch a direct military attack against Israel would carry severe consequences, a White House official has said.

02:43 PM BST

Iran preparing to imminently launch missile attack on Israel

Washington is actively supporting defensive preparations to help Israel defend itself against an imminent missile attack by Iran.

02:38 PM BST

Watch: IDF raids on terror targets in Lebanese territory second tunnel

02:26 PM BST

Israel calls up four more reserve brigades for northern operation

The Israeli army mobilised four additional brigades to be deployed in missions along the northern border, the military said on Tuesday.

This will enable the continuation of operational activity against the Hezbollah terrorist organisation and the achievement of operational goals, including the safe return of the residents of northern Israel to their homes, the army said in a statement.

02:20 PM BST

Watch: IDF raids on Hezbollah targets in Lebanon

This is the moment an underground Hezbollah was targeted and destroyed by the IDF in southern Lebanon at some point in the last 12 months.

02:11 PM BST

Hezbollah strikes back with missile attack on Mossad base

Hezbollah said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Mossad intelligence agency as it responded to Israels ground invasion of southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese terror group said it fired Fadi-4 missiles at the Glilot Base near Herzliya, which is home to the IDFs military intelligence unit and Mossad headquarters.

The missile reportedly missed its targets and landed in the Tel Aviv area, injuring two people, including a bus driver who was hit in the head with shrapnel.

It comes as intense fighting rages between Israel and Hezbollah after the IDF launched limited, targeted raids across southern Lebanon overnight.

02:05 PM BST

More pictures of Hezbollah infrastructure targeted by IDF

The Hezbollah infrastructure was targeted by Israel in covert operations over the last 12 months

Inside a tunnel discovered by the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) in a covert operation over the last 12 months

The IDF said it destroyed thousands of targets and hundreds of Hezbollah weapons sites

The IDF revealed the militarys operations for the first time on Tuesday afternoon

01:44 PM BST

Israeli troops found and destroyed Hezbollah tunnels

Were getting more information on the targets Israeli troops have been hitting since launching covert operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon last year.

Special commandos have crafted operations designed to dismantle Hezbollahs military, preventing it from carrying out another Oct 7-style attack, the IDF said.

The troops also uncovered and destroyed underground infrastructure, struck thousands of targets and hundreds of weapons storage facilities, tons of explosives, and hundreds of living areas for operatives, command centres and more, an IDF statement revealed.

Israeli troops have been carrying out covert operations inside Lebanon since last October

01:29 PM BST

Israeli forces have been operating inside Lebanon for months

The IDF said its troops have been operating inside Lebanon for months.

An Israeli military spokesman claimed dozens of operations had taken place since the war broke out in October last year, focusing on destroying Hezbollah infrastructure.

01:05 PM BST

Hezbollah: no direct clashes with Israel

Hezbollah has said there have been no direct ground clashes with Israeli soldiers in southern Lebanon.

The Lebanese terror group also denied that the IDF had entered a ground operation in the country at all.

Smoke billows near a village in southern Lebanon after an Israeli air strike - REUTERS

12:52 PM BST

Watch: Israel destroys pro-Hezbollah TV channel in Beirut

Israeli fighter jets have attacked a pro-Hezbollah TV channels headquarters in Beirut, Al Jazeera reported.

No casualties were reported in the attack.

12:48 PM BST

IDF imposes new restrictions in Tel Aviv after Hezbollah attacks

The IDF has imposed new restrictions on civilians in northern and central Israel after a barrage of rockets were fired by Hezbollah from Israel.

The restrictions have been imposed in Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, the Sharon region, the Carmel and Wadi Ara areas, and the northern West Bank.

Under the restrictions, educational activities and workplaces are only allowed if there is a bomb shelter nearby.

There are also restrictions on gatherings, with only 30 people allowed to meet outdoors and 300 people indoors. Beaches will be closed, the IDF said, adding that the restrictions will end on Saturday.

12:38 PM BST

Russia calls on Israel to withdraw from Lebanon

Russia has joined a chorus of countries calling on Israel to withdraw from southern Lebanon.

It follows similar calls by Spain earlier on Tuesday.

We are witnessing together that the geography of hostilities is expanding, which is further destabilising the region and increasing tensions. These tensions are destructive to the region and the surrounding areas. We remain deeply concerned, a Kremlin spokesman said.

12:18 PM BST

Pictured: Israeli tanks near Lebanon border

Israeli army tanks manoeuvre in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border - AP

12:06 PM BST

Irans response will not be a one-off strike, says top security official

The secretary of Irans supreme national security council has said that the Islamic Republics response to Israels invasion of Lebanon will not be a one-off strike.

When responding to the Zionist regime, we must remember that the resistance front is at war, and a single action does not carry much meaning, Ali Akbar Ahmadian said on Tuesday.

The Zionist enemy is in a state of desperation, trying to portray itself as successful through psychological operations based on a few assassination operations, but there is no success for this regime, he said

Last night, they launched a so-called limited ground operation but were immediately forced to retreat, he claimed.

With his martyrdom, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah raised the flag of resistance to the highest peak.

The blood of this dear martyr will further strengthen the jihad, resistance, and fight against the Zionists.

He added: Certainly, the leadership of Hezbollah will continue with greater strength and divine support after the martyrdom of Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, and Hezbollah will shine more brightly than ever. The martyrdom of divine leaders does not disrupt Hezbollahs work, nor will it diminish the fighting power of this movement.

The ultimate responsibility for deciding how Iran will respond rests with Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, the supreme leader.

11:48 AM BST

Hezbollah says fighters ready for direct confrontation

Hezbollahs fighters are ready for a direct confrontation with Israel, the terror groups spokesman said, as he denied claims that the IDF had launched a ground invasion.

Israel has insisted the ground operation will be short, though Naim Qassem, Hezbollahs deputy leader, said on Monday that it was ready for an offensive and that the battle may be long.

11:32 AM BST

Your views on Israels ground invasion of Lebanon

11:09 AM BST

UN peacekeepers claim no ground operation in Lebanon

UN peacekeepers have claimed there is no Israeli ground invasion taking place in southern Lebanon right now.

Mohammad Afif, Hezbollahs media relations chief, has also denied that Israeli troops have entered Lebanon.

The IDF said at around 2am Israel time (12am in the UK) that its troops had entered southern Lebanon a few hours earlier.

11:00 AM BST

Analysis: Is Hezbollah waiting for the right moment to hit back?

Hezbollah is clearly turning up the volume of its attacks against Israel as IDF troops entered southern Lebanon overnight.

Hezbollah fired for the first time their Fadi-4 missiles at central Israel, claiming they were aimed at the intelligence HQ in Glilot, just north of Tel Aviv.

The Fadi-4 belongs to a family of surface-to-surface missiles which are powerful and have long range, though lack precision compared to other missiles in their arsenal.

Israelis are preparing for many more attacks in the coming days as Hezbollah is still believed to have thousands of long-range rockets at their disposal.

But many are wondering why Hezbollah hasnt already launched many more long-range missiles, as Israel pounds Hezbollah in unprecedented ways from the air and now on the ground as well.

Its unclear if this is due to major challenges stemming from a lack of leadership following a mass assassination of Hezbollahs top commanders and leaders, or if its part of the groups strategy to gradually increase their attacks the deeper Israeli troops move into Lebanon.

10:46 AM BST

In pictures: aftermath of Hezbollahs attack

Hezbollahs attempted attack on Mossads HQ struck the Route 6 highway near Kafr Qasim - which is around 15 miles from Tel Aviv.

A member of Israeli security forces inspects the impact site of a rocket fired by Hezbollah in Lebanon - AFP

A rocket landed along the Route 6 highway near Kafr Qasim

10:41 AM BST

Israel orders evacuation of 25 Lebanese towns

The Israeli military has ordered the evacuation of around two dozen Lebanese towns and villages near the border.

The IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety you must evacuate your homes immediately, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said.

Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, installations and combat equipment is putting his life in danger. Any home used by Hezbollah for its military needs is expected to be targeted, he added.

10:20 AM BST

Hezbollah targets Mossad HQ

Hezbollah said it fired missiles at the headquarters of Israels Mossad intelligence agency and at a military intelligence unit on the outskirts of Tel Aviv on Tuesday.

10:19 AM BST

Its time to crush Hezbollah

Israels hardline national security minister has praised the ground invasion of Lebanon, saying now is the time to crush Hezbollah.

The decisions we made in the last few days are important, correct and necessary. At the same time, this is the time not to stop, [we must] continue doing everything, with all our might, Ben Gvir said.

I pray for the success of the IDF soldiers who are currently fighting in difficult conditions in southern Lebanon; the people of Israel stand behind them, he added.

10:09 AM BST

Lebanon facing one of the most dangerous stages in its history

Lebanon is facing one of the most dangerous moments in its history, its caretaker prime minister has said.

Najib Mikati made the comment as he launched a $426m (319.4m) appeal to help civilians affected by the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah.

Around 95 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in southern Lebanon, the eastern Bekaa Valley, and Beirut in the last 24 hours, according to the Lebanese health authorities.

Around 200,000 civilians have been displaced by the conflict, according to United Nations estimates.

10:02 AM BST

Pictured: Lebanese civilians flee to Syria

People fleeing from Lebanon are seen at the Jdeidat Yabous border crossing on the Syrian side of the Syrian-Lebanese border - Xinhua News Agency

09:43 AM BST

Israeli man injured in attack from Lebanon

A man has been moderately wounded after projectiles were fired from Lebanon into central Israel.

The man is conscious, with a shrapnel wound to the head, Israels Magen David Adom ambulance service said.

A witness said that an explosion was heard in Tel Aviv, while sirens were also heard in the cities of Kfar Sab and Raanana.

09:39 AM BST

Israeli troops operating at walking distance from Lebanese border

Israeli troops are operating at a walking distance from the Lebanese border, a security official has said.

He declined to say exactly how far into Lebanon Israeli troops had gone.

The official went on to say that raids had so far been limited to a specific area and time.

Buildings in Lebanon are struck by artillery fired by the Israeli military - REUTERS

09:16 AM BST

Air sirens sound across central Israel

Air sirens are sounding across central Israel after projectiles were fired from Lebanon, the military said in a statement.

A witness told Reuters that an explosion was heard in Tel Aviv.

Sirens could also be heard in the cities of Kfar Sab and Raanana.

Well bring you more details as they come in.

09:09 AM BST

IDF: Hezbollah planned Oct 7-style invasion

Hezbollah had plans to use homes in southern Lebanon to launch an Oct 7-style invasion of northern Israel, the IDF said on Tuesday.

Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases already for an attack on Israel, Daniel Hagari, the IDFs spokesman, said.

Hagari added that the terror group planned to invade Israel, attack Israeli communities and massacre innocent men, women and children. They called this plan, Conquer the Galilee.

Watch the full video in the post below.

08:49 AM BST

Watch: IDF confirms ground invasion of Lebanon

This is the moment the IDF announced its ground invasion of Lebanon.

The IDF said it was carrying out targeted, localised raids.

08:35 AM BST

Israeli troops told to make history as Lebanon invasion begins

Israeli soldiers received orders on Monday night to invade Lebanon for the first time since the war with Hezbollah in 2006.

Troops, including paratroopers, along with tanks and other military vehicles, had been gathering at the northern border over the past two weeks.

Special forces troops made a number of cross-border raids over the weekend before Israel finally gave the green light to a limited, localised and targeted ground offensive.

We have the great privilege of writing history, as we did in Gaza  to do it here in Lebanon as well, the commander of the elite Egoz unit told soldiers at an undisclosed location on the northern border.

Read the full story here.

08:30 AM BST

Analysis: Israel and US agree on a limited invasion - but for how long?

So far, Israels assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon has progressed like clockwork. But the launch of its ground incursion, codenamed Northern Arrows, in the early hours of Tuesday morning will provide its greatest test.

The political objective of the operation is clear: to make things safe enough that some 63,000 Israeli citizens can return to their homes along the 75-mile border with Lebanon.

The precise military objectives, however, have not been publicly revealed.

The IDF described the operation as targeted and limited in a statement released last night. It is focused on terrorist targets and infrastructure in a number of villages near the border, which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements, it added.

Reports in the US press on Monday suggested the White House had successfully pressed for a limited operation in order to keep the already high risk of regional escalation to a minimum. Crucially, it does not want Israel to be seen to be annexing more Arab land.

So far Northern Arrows appears to accord with this; the impression given by the public statements since Monday is that the ground incursion will be a quick in and out.

But Israel has been trying to clean the same ground since 1978 when it launched Operation Litani, its first effort to clear the southern area of Lebanon up to the Litani river of Palestinian-aligned militia.

Read the full story here.

08:18 AM BST

Houthi rebels targets Tel Aviv with drones

Yemens Houthi rebels said on Tuesday they had targeted Israeli military posts in drone attacks on Tel Aviv and Eilat.

The group said it would intensify attacks on Israel after their military infrastructure was attacked on Sunday.

Israel carried out 17 air raids on Yemeni infrastructure, killing five and injuring 57, a Houthi spokesman said.

07:57 AM BST

IDF tells Lebanese civilians not to drive south of Litani River

The IDF has warned Lebanese civilians against driving in areas south of the Litani River until further notice.

It came after warnings of intense fighting between the IDF and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon

This warning is valid until further notice, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said.

The warning suggests Israeli forces intend to attack areas south of the river, covering an area of around 850 sq km, which is home to some 20,000 residents.

The Litani River flows east to west around 20 miles north of the Israeli-Lebanese border.

07:49 AM BST

Latest pictures from Lebanon

We have some new pictures come in from Lebanon as residents wake up to the aftermath of massive Israeli air strikes across the country overnight.

Locals and rescue teams inspect the damage following an overnight Israeli airstrike on the Ain al-Helweh camp on the outskirts of the southern port city of Sidon - AFP

Syrian refugees, who fled from southern Lebanon villages due to ongoing hostilities between Hezbollah and Israeli forces, take shelter in a parking lot in Sidon, Lebanon - REUTERS

Smoke rises over Beiruts southern suburbs after a strike early on Tuesday morning - REUTERS

07:40 AM BST

Intense fighting in south Lebanon

Israeli troops were engaged in intense fighting with Hezbollah in southern Lebanon on Tuesday morning, the IDF said in a statement.

Hezbollah operatives are using the civilian environment and you as a human shield to organize to carry out attacks, Col. Avichay Adraee, the IDFs Arabic-language spokesman, said on X.

It comes after Hezbollah confirmed it had twice targeted troops in Metula in northern Israel.

07:28 AM BST

Israeli troops already in Lebanon before ground invasion

A video posted by the IDF (see 6.47am post) confirmed Israeli troops had already begun operating in Lebanon days before launching a wider ground invasion overnight.

The commander of the elite Egoz unit, which was set up to fight Hezbollah, told his troops overnight that low signature operations had been carried out covertly.

DF releases footage of elite commandos, paratroopers, and armored units preparing to enter Lebanon

07:21 AM BST

If youre just joining us...

Good morning and welcome to our live coverage of Israels ground invasion of Lebanon.

If youre just joining us, heres a recap of whats happened overnight:

The IDF confirmed shortly after midnight UK time (2am local time) that it had launched ground operations in southern Lebanon

A spokesman for the Israeli military said it had begun targeting terrorist targets and infrastructures belonging to Hezbollah

The ground invasion was supported by air force and artillery units, who launched precise strikes on military targets in the area

Officials later told Axios that Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon

At around 1.30am UK time, an unmanned aircraft was shot down over the Mediterranean

Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, spoke with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, agreeing on the need to dismantle Hezbollah infrastructure

The US later warned Iran of serious consequences if it attacked Israel. Earlier on Monday Iran said it would not send troops to fight in Lebanon or Gaza

Hezbollah launched rockets back at northern Israel at around 5.30am UK time

Well bring you more updates and analysis from the conflict throughout the morning.

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut in the eaerly hours of Tuesday morning - AP

07:01 AM BST

IDF strikes Hezbollah weapons, infrastructure sites in Beirut

The Israeli Defence Forces says it has made air strikes in the Dahiyeh area of Beirut against several Hezbollah sites, including weapons production facilities and other military infrastructure.

The terrorist organisation Hezbollah intentionally builds its weapons production and military sites under the heart of Beirut and embeds them in population centres in the city, the IDF said in a statement.

It also released a video on X it said were of those strikes.

06:54 AM BST

Hezbollah says it has fired at Israeli troops in Metula

Hezbollah said in a statement on Tuesday that it had fired at Israeli troops across the border in the northern town of Metula with artillery fire but made no mention of Israels announcement that it had begun a ground incursion into Lebanon.

Israeli media said rocket alert sirens had sounded for the second time in an hour in Metula, and later sirens also sounded in the nearby community of Avivim.

There were no immediate reports of injuries or damage.

Earlier Hezbollah said it has targeted Israeli troops who were carrying out movements in orchards near the Lebanese border opposite Adaisseh and Kfarkila.

06:47 AM BST

Watch: IDF troops prepare for invasion

The Israeli Defence Forces has posted video of what it says is elite commandos, paratroopers, and armoured units preparing to enter Lebanon.

06:44 AM BST

Three killed in strike on Damascus: Syrian media

Damascus in Syria was also hit - X/Dima Khatib

The night airstrike in Damascus reportedly targeted a meeting between Hezbollah and Iranian military leaders - X/Theunk13

Syrian state media says three civilians were killed in Israeli airstrikes on Damascus early on Tuesday and nine others wounded, citing a military source.

The Israeli enemy launched an air aggression with warplanes and drones from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting several points in Damascus, the official SANA news agency says, adding that three civilians were killed and nine others injured.

Earlier, state media reported that one of its anchors had been killed in an Israeli strike.

05:30 AM BST

Israel detects three launches from Lebanon

The Israeli army says it has detected three launches from Lebanon, most likely rockets.

In a post on X, the Israeli Defence Forces said air raid alerts were triggered in the Upper Galilee region, following which two launches were identified that crossed the territory of Lebanon and were successfully intercepted.

There was a subsequent launch towards the Baram region which fell in an open area, the army added.

05:06 AM BST

Time is now to strike Iran

When your enemies publicly declare that they want to kill you, it might be a good idea to listen.

There is one regime in particular which has done the work of identifying itself as such an enemy.

The Islamic Republic of Iran and its terrorist proxies have unequivocally declared themselves devoted to the destruction of the West. Again and again, their intentions have been clearly stated: first to destroy Israel and then to move against their true enemy, America, and the rest of the West.

Read more: The Wests true enemy is clear. We must strike now before its too late

04:31 AM BST

Incident northwest of Yemens Hodeidah

Britains Maritime Trade Operations agency (UKMTO) says it is investigating a report of an incident 64 nautical miles northwest of Yemens Hodeidah.

04:03 AM BST

US warns Iran of serious consequences if it attacks Israel

Pentagon defence chief Lloyd Austin said in a post on X that the US is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organisations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict.

He added that in a call with Yoav Gallant, Israels minister for defence, he reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel.

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024

03:31 AM BST

US and Israel agree on necessity of dismantling Hezbollah infrastructure

Lloyd Austin, the US secretary of defence, has spoken with Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister.

They agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israels northern communities, the US defence department said in a statement.

Mr Austin reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border, according to the statement.

Israeli tanks move into position on the border on Monday - AP

03:08 AM BST

Shelling in Aita al-Shaab and Rmeish

Local residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

Aita al-Shaab is about 0.6 miles (1km) north east of the Israeli border in Lebanons south.

About 3 miles to the south east of Aita al-Shaab, flares were repeatedly launched over the Lebanese border town of Rmeish, lighting up the night sky.

02:55 AM BST

Lefts worship of Hezbollah is dangerous

Hassan Nasrallah was a vicious, murderous terrorist with the blood of many thousands on his hands, in Israel, across the Middle East and around the world. But you may not have known that had you read The New York Times hero-worshipping eulogy of the dead Hezbollah leader, in which they labelled him a beloved and powerful orator, who supposedly championed equality among Muslims, Christians and Jews. Associated Press joined in the applause, calling him charismatic and shrewd, an astute strategist, idolised by his Lebanese Shiite followers, and respected by millions across the Arab and Islamic world.

Read more: The New York Times Hezbollah terrorist worship exposes the Lefts moral collapse

Mourners for Nasrallah in Tehran on Monday - GETTY IMAGES

02:05 AM BST

US official: all military staff accounted for after Iraq attack

Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport earlier tonight, two Iraqi military officials told Reuters, but a US official has disputed reports that American forces were targeted.

All military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported, the defence official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

Read more: Rockets fired at US military base in likely Iran-linked attack

01:55 AM BST

Israel targets Palestinian commander in strike on refugee camp

An Israeli strike in Lebanon early on Tuesday targeted Mounir Maqdah, commander of the Lebanese branch of the Palestinian Fatah movements military wing, the Al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, according to two Palestinian security officials.

Maqdahs fate is not known.

The strike hit a building in the crowded Ain al-Hilweh Palestinian refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon, the sources said.

It marked the first strike on the camp, the largest of several Palestinian camps in Lebanon, since cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel broke out nearly a year ago.

01:33 AM BST

Syria says journalist killed in air strike

Syrian state television has said that one of its journalists was killed in an Israeli strike on Damascus.

SANA, the governments official news agency, reported three rounds of strikes in the capital tonight.

State television said in a statement that it mourns anchor Safaa Ahmad who was martyred in the Israeli aggression on the capital Damascus.

Three civilians died in the attack, the agency added.

01:27 AM BST

Unmanned aircraft shot down over Mediterranean

Israels air force has shot down an unmanned aircraft over the Mediterranean Sea, the Israeli Defence Force has said.

In a statement, the IDF said the aircraft was dozens of kilometres west of the coast of Israel.

  ,          ,             (@idfonline) September 30, 2024

01:17 AM BST

Why has Israel invaded Lebanon?

Israel has launched an invasion of Lebanon because it says it wants to restore security to Israeli communities living in the north, which were displaced because of constant incoming rocket fire from Hezbollah.

The Telegraphs James Rothwell explains why Benjamin Netanyahu has taken such a big gamble  and what could happen next.

Read more: Why Israel has invaded

01:14 AM BST

Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon

Israel does not intend to occupy southern Lebanon and insists its ground operation against Hezbollah is limited, according to a report.

Officials told Axios that the Israeli cabinets decision to rubber-stamp tonights ground invasion emphasised that the operation is targeted and limited in time and scope and is not intended to occupy southern Lebanon.

01:02 AM BST

What you need to know

Israels ground invasion of Lebanon has begun

The IDF confirmed on Monday night that is has started a targeted incursion

Hezbollah has not responded but earlier said it was attacking Israeli soldiers at the border

The Israeli army has conducted at least six strikes on southern Beirut after the army ordered residents to evacuate

Israel told the US about the invasion, a State Department spokesman has said

Syria says it has engaged with hostile air attacks over Damascus that are believed to be from Israel

Earlier tonight, rockets were fired at a US military base in Baghdad

12:58 AM BST

Israel told the US about invasion plan

Israel informed the United States about its planned ground invasion in Lebanon, US State Department spokesman Matthew Miller has told journalists.

President Biden earlier on Monday indicated he opposed an Israeli ground operation.

We should have a ceasefire now, he said.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah following the Israeli armys announcement of the ground raids, but the groups al-Manar television reported the Israeli statement announcing the raids on its Telegram channel.

12:55 AM BST

Explosions in Damascus

Syrian state media says its air defences are intercepting an attack near Damascus.

Our air defence systems are intercepting hostile targets in the Damascus area, Syrias official SANA news agency said, using a phrase usually used to refer to Israeli strikes.

12:39 AM BST

Heavy shelling on the border

Local residents in the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab have reported heavy shelling and the sound of helicopters and drones overhead.

12:35 AM BST

Operation Northern Arrows under way

The Israeli Defence Forces say its air force and artillery units are supporting ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

Operation Northern Arrows is being carried out with approval from the Israel government, the IDF added.

The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes.

12:11 AM BST

IDF confirms ground invasion has begun

Full statement from the IDF:

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, the IDF began a few hours ago a targeted and demarcated ground operation in southern Lebanon against terrorist targets and infrastructures of the terrorist organization Hezbollah, in a number of villages near the border, which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli settlements on the northern border.

   ,                    ,    ,         >>     (@idfonline) September 30, 2024

11:33 PM BST

Rockets fired at US military base

A military base hosting US forces in Baghdad was hit by a rocket attack on Monday evening, according to reports.

At least two rockets were fired at the Victoria military base, which hosts American forces near Baghdad International Airport, according to the Reuters news agency, citing two Iraqi military officials.

It was also reported that the base had activated its air defences, intercepting the rockets.

Ahmed Rasheed, a Reuters journalist in Baghdad, shared footage of the attack:

Read more: Rockets fired at US military base in likely Iran-linked attack

11:26 PM BST

UK government charters flight out of Lebanon

The British Government has chartered a flight out of Lebanon for Britons wanting to leave amid fears of a wider conflict.

British nationals and their spouses, partners and children under 18 are eligible for the flight, and those who are vulnerable will be prioritised.

Foreign Secretary David Lammy described the situation in Lebanon as volatile and with the potential to deteriorate quickly as the flight, due to leave Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport on Wednesday, was confirmed.

The Government will pay to charter the flight but British nationals will be expected to pay a fee of 350 per seat, the BBC reported.

Read more: Government charters flight out of Lebanon to help Britons escape

11:00 PM BST

Pictured: Israeli artillery pounds the border

Israeli artillery pounds areas along Lebanons southern border - EPA

An Israeli tank moves into position on the border - AP

An Israeli mobile artillery unit fires a shell towards a Hezbollah target on the border - AP

A German air force aircraft at Beirut airport from where it will shortly depart with 110 passengers, Germanys foreign office said - DPA

10:44 PM BST

Watch: Explosion near Beirut airport

A Lebanese security source has told AFP that at least six Israeli strikes have hit south Beirut.

Minutes ago, Reuters caught this footage of an explosion near Beirut airport.

10:33 PM BST

Hezbollah targeted Israeli troops near border

Hezbollah said it has targeted Israeli troops who were carrying out movements in orchards near the Lebanese border

The militant group said it targeted enemy soldiers movements in the orchards opposite Adaisseh and Kfarkila.

A source close to the group told Reuters that the Israeli soldiers were right on the border.

09:59 PM BST

Netanyahu raises prospect of war with Iran

Israels prime minister warned Iran there was nowhere in the Middle East that Israel could not strike after troops were ordered to prepare for an invasion of Lebanon.

In a speech in English directed at citizens in the Islamic Republic, Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran was heading towards the abyss in a possible prelude to a direct war with the regime.

The speech came as Israeli tanks continued to mass on Israels northern border with Lebanon on Monday, with early reports of tanks beginning to shell villages.

Mr Netanyahu raised the prospect of expanding the war yet further, telling Iranians: There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.

Read more: Netanyahu warns Iran: There is nowhere we cant strike

Speaking in English, Benjamin Netanyahu told Iranians: There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country

09:48 PM BST

Large blast heard in Beirut

Witnesses in Beirut say they have heard a large blast in the south of the city.

Moments ago, Israel told residents in Beiruts southern suburbs to evacuate to escape its imminent air strike.

09:23 PM BST

Watch: Lebanese media reports artillery fire on border

09:04 PM BST

Israel warns Beirut residents of imminent strikes

Israels military has just issued an urgent warning for residents in Beiruts southern suburbs to evacuate due to planned strikes on Hezbollah targets.

Residents in the Al-Laylaki, Haret Hreik and Burj al-Barajneh areas have been told to leave by IDF spokesman Avichay Adraee.

As with its strikes on Hezbollah targets on Saturday morning, the IDF has released maps detailing where it plans to bomb, with instructions in Arabic.

#         



              :



 

 



              pic.twitter.com/N60UKlRxmV    (@AvichayAdraee) September 30, 2024

08:58 PM BST

How the Israel-Lebanon border looks

08:50 PM BST

Loyalty to Iran is starting to slip

A fortnight ago, there would have been no questioning the devotion Lebanese Shia Muslims felt for Iran.

Just as for their brethren across the Middle East, Iran has long been their political and spiritual lodestar. What the Vatican is for you Christians, Iran is for us Shia  only more so, one is often told by Shias in Lebanon and elsewhere in the region.

Yet with Iran shying away from direct confrontation with Israel even as Hezbollah  its creation and most important proxy  lurches ever deeper into crisis, there are mounting signs that, in Lebanon at least, loyalty has begun to slip.

Read more: Hezbollah supporters: Everyone has abandoned us and now Iran has, too

08:34 PM BST

Watch: Biden calls for ceasefire

08:17 PM BST

Hezbollah: Iran is on our side

Hezbollah has not asked for any help from Iran as it knows they are on our side, a senior MP told local media on Monday.

It follows Iran saying that it would not send any troops to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel.

There is no need to send extra or volunteer forces of the Islamic Republic of Iran, a spokesman said, adding that fighters in Lebanon and the Palestinian territories have the capability and strength to defend themselves against the aggression.

A huge crater is seen at the site of the massive Israeli airstrike that killed Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, on Friday - Alamy

08:00 PM BST

Lammy: I wont mourn Nasrallah

David Lammy, the UK Foreign Sercetary, has said he wont mourn the death of the head of a proscribed terrorist organisation after Israel killed Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.

But I do mourn the civilians that have lost their lives in the bloodshed over the last few days, Mr Lammy added.

He went on to say that an immediate ceasefire should be implemented and a political solution be found to ensure Israelis can return to their homes in northern Israel.

This echoes the beliefs of Washington, Mr Lammy said, as he revealed he had spoken with Antony Blinken, the US secretary of state.

We both agreed the position that we had at the U.N. last week that the best way forward is an immediate ceasefire and to get back to a political solution, Mr Lammy said.

BREAKING: Foreign Secretary David Lammy MP has been speaking about the situation in the Middle East



Read the latest: https://t.co/jO23o73VKF



 Sky 501, Virgin 602, Freeview 233 and YouTube pic.twitter.com/tSKGlsqIJ8  Sky News (@SkyNews) September 30, 2024

07:45 PM BST

Latest developments from Lebanon and Israel

In case you missed it, here are the headlines from the Middle East today:

Israel expanded its war on Hezbollah to central Beirut for the first time since the conflict began in October 2023 in the wake of the Hamas-led attacks.

Meanwhile, Iran said on Monday it will not send troops to Lebanon or Gaza to confront Israel.

Earlier this afternoon, Israeli troops launched targeted operations in southern Lebanon on Monday as the army widened its campaign against Hezbollah ahead of a possible ground invasion.

Governments across the world are trying to get their citizens out of Lebanon as quickly as possible, including the British Government, who said toda it is working with airlines to secure seats for British nationals on flights leaving Lebanon.

Also on Monday, Benjamin Netanyahu warned Iran it is heading towards the abyss - the same message he told the people of Lebanon days before Hassan Nasrallah, Hezbollahs leader, was killed in an Israeli air strike.

Amid reports of an imminent ground invasion - which could happen within hours - Israels defence minister has confirmed the next phase of his countrys war with Hezbollah will begin soon amid reports of an imminent ground invasion.

07:35 PM BST

Israel poised to launch invasion of Lebanon

Israeli troops are preparing to launch a limited ground invasion of Lebanon which could start as soon as today, senior US officials believe.

Israels operation is expected to be smaller than its 2006 war against Hezbollah, which was a wider ground incursion, instead focusing on ensuring security for border communities in the north, the Washington Post reported.

However, it came after intense talks between Israel and Washington over the weekend, with US officials believing they had done enough to convince Tel Aviv not to launch a major operation, the New York Times reported.

Yoav Gallant, Israels defence minister, said on Monday that the next stage of the war against Hezbollah will begin soon, adding that the purpose of such operations would be to facilitate the return of displaced Israelis to their homes in the north.

Israeli troops had already launched targeted operations in southern Lebanon on Monday as the army widened its campaign against Hezbollah.

An Israeli official told the Telegraph that elite commandos were targeting Hezbollah infrastructure, including weapons sites and command and control centres, in a bid to push its fighters away from Israels northern border.

07:27 PM BST

Watch: Israeli tanks massing in northern Israel

07:26 PM BST

Israel declares military zone along northern border

The Israel Defence Forces declared a military zone along parts of its northern border with Lebanon on Monday ahead of possible ground operations in the neighbouring country.

The areas of Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi in northern Israel have been declared a closed military zone. Entry to this area is prohibited, the military said in a statement.

07:26 PM BST

Pictured: Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon

Bulgarians evacuated from Lebanon have landed in their home country as efforts continue across the world to get citizens out ahead of an anticipated ground invasion by Israel.

People disembark from a Bulgarian government plane following its arrival from an evacuation flight from Lebanon - Stoyan Nenov

07:25 PM BST

US: Israel told us ground operations are limited

Israel has told Washington that its operations in Lebanon are limited in focus, targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near its border with Lebanon.

They have been informing us about a number of operations, I know Ive seen reports about ground operations. Weve had some conversations with them about that, the State Department said in a briefing on Monday.

They have at this time told us that those are limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border. But were in continuous conversations with them about it, Matthew Miller, the departments spokesman, said.

07:23 PM BST

Hello and welcome to our live coverage

Were bringing you the latest as IDF troops prepare to launch a limited ground invasion of Lebanon.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
US says Iranian attack on Israel 'defeated,' warns of consequences

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be after its attack on Israel, US President Joe Biden replied: 'That's in active discussion right now' (SAUL LOEB) (SAUL LOEB/AFP/AFP)

The United States warned Iran on Tuesday to expect "severe consequences" for a ballistic missile barrage on Israel that US officials said was "defeated" with the assistance of American warships.

President Joe Biden said the United States was "fully supportive" of Israel after the missile attack and he would discuss a response with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

"The attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, and this is a testament to Israeli military capability and the US military," Biden told reporters at the White House.

"Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully, fully supportive of Israel."

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be, Biden replied: "That's in active discussion right now. That remains to be seen."

Speaking earlier to reporters, Jake Sullivan, Biden's national security advisor, said the missile attack was a "significant escalation" by Iran and "there will be consequences, severe consequences."

Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Iran's missile attack was "unacceptable" and that the entire world should condemn it.

"Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, effectively defeated this attack," Blinken told reporters.

A Pentagon spokesman said Iran launched about twice as many ballistic missiles Tuesday as it did in its previous direct attack on Israel earlier this year.

"Initial reports indicate that Israel was able to intercept the majority of incoming missiles and that there was minimal damage on the ground," Major General Pat Ryder said.

Ryder said two US destroyers fired about a dozen interceptors as part of the defensive effort.

Tuesday's missile attack came roughly one month ahead of November's US presidential election and Republican candidate Donald Trump seized upon it to criticize his Democratic opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris.

Speaking at a campaign event in Waunakee, Wisconsin, Trump said that if he was in the White House "today's attack on Israel never would have happened."

Under Trump's administration, "we had no war in the Middle East, we had no war in Europe, we had harmony in Asia," the former president claimed.

bur/cl/aha
Bobby Aguilar, 43, died Sunday night from an apparent medical episode inside his cell at the Bexar County jail, according to the Bexar County Sheriff's Office. Bexar County Sheriff's Office

A Bexar County jail inmate died Sunday night in what the Bexar County Sheriff's Office said was a medical episode. This death marks the sixth inmate to die in less than three months.

According to the sheriff's office, deputies conducting observation checks around 11 p.m. found Bobby Aguilar, 43, in his cell.

Deputies called for an emergency medical code for assistance and began performing life-saving measures on the 43-year-old.

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At 11:42 p.m., first responders from the San Antonio Fire Department pronounced Aguilar dead after he "succumbed to his medical episode," according to a statement from BCSO released late Monday.

Early preliminary findings suggest the man experienced a medical episode, but the Bexar County Medical Examiner's Office will rule on the cause and manner of death, the Sheriff's Office said.

Court records show that Aguilar was arrested back in March on several charges including resisting arrest, obstruction/retaliation, a Class C traffic offense, and terroristic threat causing fear of serious bodily injury.

ALSO READ: Fifth inmate in less than 2 months dies at Bexar County jail

As per the Sandra Bland Act, the Bexar County Precinct 2 Constables Office is handling the inmate's death investigation, while the sheriff's office Internal Affairs Unit will conduct a concurrent administrative investigation.

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Jail officials have notified the Texas Commission on Jail Standards of the inmate's death.

This inmate is the 10th to die at the jail this year. More than half of the total deaths have occurred in the last three months.

On Sept. 23, Andrea Nicole Garcia, 31, died at the jail during a medical episode "exacerbated by her detoxing conditions."

On Sept. 6, Paul Anthony Sarabia, 50, also died from a medical episode compounded by withdrawal symptoms.

In back-to-back days in August, inmates died at the jail.

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On Aug. 14, a 30-year-old inmate is believed to have died by suicide, according to the sheriff's office. On Aug. 13, an inmate was allegedly killed by another inmate with a violent criminal history.
By buying an index fund, you can roughly match the market return with ease. But if you choose individual stocks with prowess, you can make superior returns. For example, Genting Singapore Limited (SGX:G13) shareholders have seen the share price rise 20% over three years, well in excess of the market return (5.1%, not including dividends). On the other hand, the returns haven't been quite so good recently, with shareholders up just 7.3%, including dividends.

On the back of a solid 7-day performance, let's check what role the company's fundamentals have played in driving long term shareholder returns.

Check out our latest analysis for Genting Singapore

While the efficient markets hypothesis continues to be taught by some, it has been proven that markets are over-reactive dynamic systems, and investors are not always rational. One imperfect but simple way to consider how the market perception of a company has shifted is to compare the change in the earnings per share (EPS) with the share price movement.

During three years of share price growth, Genting Singapore achieved compound earnings per share growth of 36% per year. The average annual share price increase of 6% is actually lower than the EPS growth. So one could reasonably conclude that the market has cooled on the stock.

You can see how EPS has changed over time in the image below (click on the chart to see the exact values).

It is of course excellent to see how Genting Singapore has grown profits over the years, but the future is more important for shareholders. If you are thinking of buying or selling Genting Singapore stock, you should check out this FREE detailed report on its balance sheet.

What About Dividends?

It is important to consider the total shareholder return, as well as the share price return, for any given stock. The TSR incorporates the value of any spin-offs or discounted capital raisings, along with any dividends, based on the assumption that the dividends are reinvested. Arguably, the TSR gives a more comprehensive picture of the return generated by a stock. In the case of Genting Singapore, it has a TSR of 33% for the last 3 years. That exceeds its share price return that we previously mentioned. And there's no prize for guessing that the dividend payments largely explain the divergence!

A Different Perspective

Genting Singapore shareholders gained a total return of 7.3% during the year. But that return falls short of the market. On the bright side, that's still a gain, and it's actually better than the average return of 3% over half a decade This could indicate that the company is winning over new investors, as it pursues its strategy. It's always interesting to track share price performance over the longer term. But to understand Genting Singapore better, we need to consider many other factors. For instance, we've identified 1 warning sign for Genting Singapore that you should be aware of.

Story continues

If you like to buy stocks alongside management, then you might just love this free list of companies. (Hint: many of them are unnoticed AND have attractive valuation).

Please note, the market returns quoted in this article reflect the market weighted average returns of stocks that currently trade on Singaporean exchanges.

Have feedback on this article? Concerned about the content? Get in touch with us directly. Alternatively, email editorial-team (at) simplywallst.com.



This article by Simply Wall St is general in nature. We provide commentary based on historical data and analyst forecasts only using an unbiased methodology and our articles are not intended to be financial advice. It does not constitute a recommendation to buy or sell any stock, and does not take account of your objectives, or your financial situation. We aim to bring you long-term focused analysis driven by fundamental data. Note that our analysis may not factor in the latest price-sensitive company announcements or qualitative material. Simply Wall St has no position in any stocks mentioned.
Iran has begun its latest retaliation against Israel with a barrage of ballistic missiles. Information is only now starting to emerge, but there have been serious concerns that Iran may be poised to strike Israel in support of the Hezbollah militant group, of which it is the main sponsor, as well as in vengeance for the assassination of Hamass top political leader in Tehran two months ago. You can get up to date with the situation on the ground in Lebanon leading up to this attack in this previous post.

BREAKING: Iran has launched missiles towards Israel, IDF says  BNO News (@BNONews) October 1, 2024

#BREAKING: Video reportedly showing Iranian ballistic missile launches near Tabriz in Iran pic.twitter.com/Gfj2uieXmi  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Dozens of ballistic missile impacts in Israel pic.twitter.com/eGTd0JCBMY  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Missile or missile fragment impacts in downtown Tel Aviv pic.twitter.com/q7OPhvRiZl  Jim Sciutto (@jimsciutto) October 1, 2024

This is bad  multiple huge ballistic missile impacts around #TelAviv tonight. #Israel will respond hard, that seems inevitable.



Far more than was seen in April. pic.twitter.com/ULopkh0Dhu  Charles Lister (@Charles_Lister) October 1, 2024

Video of ballistic missiles flying into Israeli airspace pic.twitter.com/uDcrIShE1R  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Video of the missile impacts in Israel pic.twitter.com/OZPLMe5zEn  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

The Israeli military had announced that missiles launched from Iran were headed toward Israel. Initial reports describe air raid sirens going off across the country.

In a post on X, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) says that Israeli civilians are now waiting it out in bomb shelters.

Earlier today, U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had warned Iran against becoming further embroiled in the conflict, saying there would be serious consequences were Tehran to launch another direct attack on Israel.

Initial reports suggest that at least 100 missiles have been launched toward Israel.

KAN, Israeli Public Broadcasting, reporting 102 missiles fired from Iran at Israel.  Matt Bradley (@MattMcBradley) October 1, 2024

#BREAKING: 100 missiles have been launched from Iran at bases in southern and central Israel- Israel Hayom  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

With details still scarce it remains to be seen how this latest attack will compare with the Iranian missile and drone barrage launched in April this year. On that occasion, Israeli air defenses, assisted by the U.S. military and other allies, succeeded in bringing down almost all of those incoming weapons.

Most of Israel is under Iranian ballistic missile attack pic.twitter.com/gD8QPJPrCH  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Already, there are unconfirmed reports that Israeli Arrow 2 and Arrow 3 air defense systems are launching interceptor missiles to target incoming Iranian weapons.

#BREAKING: Arrow-2 and Arrow-3 air defences now launching from Israel  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Videos show what appear to be mass saturation attacks on localized targets. This is something we predicted would be the case this time around in order to overwhelm Israels very robust air and missile defense system. Exactly what was hit remains unclear, but many of the weapons, or large fragments of them, appeared to have impacted Israeli soil.

Update, 1:45 p.m. EST:

IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari has issued the following statement about the Iranian strikes:

Dear citizens,

A short time ago, missiles were launched from Iran towards the State of Israel. You are asked to remain vigilant and follow the Home Front Commands instructions precisely.

In the last few minutes, the Home Front Command has sent messages to mobile phones in certain areas with life-saving instructions, directing people to enter protected spaces. You must reach the safest protected space in your vicinity. Upon hearing a siren, immediately enter a protected space and remain there until further instructions are given.

The air defense system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment. However, the defense is not hermetic, and therefore it is essential to follow the Home Front Commands instructions. You may hear explosions, which could be the result of interceptions or impacts.

Due to the variety of threats, alarms may be triggered in widespread areas. Stay updated on the instructions via the official pages of the Home Front Command and the IDF Spokesperson.

Continue to act responsibly and keep calm, as you have done so far, and make sure to follow the guidelines. We are strong and can handle this event as well.

The IDF is doing and will continue to do everything necessary to protect the civilians of Israel. The IDF is fully prepared for both defense and offense at peak readiness.

I will continue to provide updates on all developments.

Israeli Army Radio reports that takeoffs and landings have been halted at Ben Gurion International Airport. Furthermore, Iraq and Jordan have announced that their airspace is also now closed to normal air traffic.

JUST IN: Israel, Iraq, and Jordan close their airspace  BNO News Live (@BNODesk) October 1, 2024

In a message to the United Nations, Iran has provided its justification for the missile strikes and suggested that the attacks may be over, for now.

In a post on X, the Iranian mission to the United Nations said:

Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out.

Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regimewhich involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iranhas been duly carried out. Should the Zionist regime  I.R.IRAN Mission to UN, NY (@Iran_UN) October 1, 2024

Update, 2:00 p.m. EST:

Israel has now reportedly reopened its airspace, suggesting that the Iranian missile attack is now over.

The Israeli military has also told residents across the country that they are permitted to leave protected spaces. This comes around an hour after the first ballistic missiles arrived over Israel. The IDF provided the following statement:

Following the situational assessment, it was decided that it is now permitted to leave protected spaces in all areas across the country. We request that the public continue to follow the Home Front Commands guidelines.

In his latest televised address, IDF spokesman Daniel Hagari said there were no reports of injuries on the ground and that Iran is believed to have fired around 200 missiles.

Hagari added that the Israeli military is fully prepared to defend and retaliate to the Iranian attack, stressing that it would be in a timely manner.

IDF Spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari says Israel will respond to the Iranian missile attack on the country.



"We are on heightened alert on defense and offensive, we will protect the citizens of Israel. This [missile] fire will have consequences. We have plans, and we will act  Emanuel (Mannie) Fabian (@manniefabian) October 1, 2024

The Islamic Revolutionary Guards Corps (IRGC), responsible for Irans long-range missile forces, has claimed that the attacks today targeted important military targets.

Reportedly, missiles were launched from areas close to the Iranian cities of Tehran, Isfahan, Tabriz, Shiraz, Khorramabad, Arak, and others.

In a statement, the IRGC said that the missile attack was a retaliation for different assassinations carried out by Israel that targeted the leaders of Hamas and Hezbollah, as well as the IRGCs own commander.

In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Hassan Nasrallah, and [IRGC commander Abbas] Nilforoushan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories, the IRGC said.

The IRGC also warned Israel that any response to the attack regime would be met by more severe Iranian retaliation.

More videos have now emerged showing the Iranian missile barrage as it arrived in Israel, as well as some of the aftermath:

Rockets firing over Jerusalem right now as Israel sending up interceptors toward Iranian missiles pic.twitter.com/5uYAVWRMYp  Andrew Roth (@Andrew__Roth) October 1, 2024

#BREAKING

Iranian missiles hit Tel Aviv one after another. pic.twitter.com/mBtkaDboHI  Tehran Times (@TehranTimes79) October 1, 2024

Israel's air defence completely failed tonight. pic.twitter.com/H06TKJKVHF  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

Clear hits on Israel tonight during Iranian missile strike. pic.twitter.com/qCorrtE3wO  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

In a statement provided to the White House press pool, Washington has said that President Biden and Vice President Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team. President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel.

The following video, purportedly taken in Amman, Jordan, appears to show the burning remains of an Iranian ballistic missile, most likely the spent booster section.

Impact reported in Amman, Jordan, judging by the large shrapnel in the ground Id assume from an interception. pic.twitter.com/xoJhdLICPO  Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) October 1, 2024

Missile fragments falling due to interceptions pic.twitter.com/HuYUbBN48s  Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) October 1, 2024

Update, 2:30 p.m. EST:

The first reports of injuries as a result of the strikes have begun to emerge.

According to the Israeli newspaper Haaretz, citing Israeli rescue services, two people were slightly wounded in Tel Aviv after the Iranian missile attack, while others were injured while making their way to air raid shelters.

While its too early to say with any certainty, the low casualty count so far does seem to suggest that the majority of the approximately 200 Iranian missiles were defeated by Israels comprehensive air defenses. You can read more about those defenses here.

The wreckage of other Iranian ballistic missiles  also likely the spent booster sections  are seen in the following videos, with the first example apparently being handled by celebrating Palestinians after it came down in the West Bank.

Palestinians seen Celebrating and attempting to Lift the Fuselage of an Iranian Ballistic Missile that fell in the West Bank. pic.twitter.com/DSb1irZGld  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 1, 2024

Clearest look at a used Fattah/Kheybar-Shekan booster you'll ever see



Landing looney toons style pic.twitter.com/HooeA1pIep  A (@AmirIGM) October 1, 2024

Update, 2:45 p.m. EST:

Early reports from the aftermath of the strikes suggest that U.S. Navy destroyers operating in the Eastern Mediterranean shot down some of the Iranian ballistic missiles. During the previous round of Iranian strikes on Israel, in April, U.S. warships fired Standard Missile-3 (SM-3) anti-missile interceptors, which marked the first use of those weapons against real incoming threats.

U.S. destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea took down multiple missiles launched by Iran at Israel on Tuesday night, U.S. defense officials said.



At the moment, those there include the USS Arleigh Burke, USS Cole, and USS Bulkeley. Additional destroyers are in the Red Sea.  Dan Lamothe (@DanLamothe) October 1, 2024

U.S. destroyers in the eastern Mediterranean Sea took down multiple missiles launched by Iran at Israel this evening, U.S. defense officials say  WaPo  Apex (@Apex_WW) October 1, 2024

Update, 3:30 p.m. EST:

More details of the U.S. contribution to the defense of Israel against the Iranian attacks have been provided by Pentagon Press Secretary Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder.

Ryder told reporters that nearly 200 Iranian ballistic missiles were launched, with some of these being brought down by U.S. Navy Arleigh Burke class destroyers including USS Bulkeley and USS Cole, which fired around a dozen interceptors, of undisclosed type.

Most of the Iranian missiles were dealt with by Israeli air defenses, which intercepted most with only minimal damage reported on the ground. Ryder said that he was not aware of any pre-warning of the Iranian attack and that, while assessments were still being carried out, only ballistic missiles appeared to have been involved.

Photos emerge of Emad missiles being launched from Iran toward the heart of the occupied territories pic.twitter.com/DixV3lt9FY  Press TV (@PressTV) October 1, 2024

Meanwhile, a Jordanian government source confirmed to TWZ that some of the Iranian missiles were intercepted by Jordan and came down in that country.

Jordan remains steadfast in its determination to safeguard its airspace, taking all necessary measures to protect its sovereignty and ensure the safety of its citizens, the same source said. The number of missiles that landed and were intercepted was not disclosed, nor how they were intercepted, although more video footage is emerging showing, at the very least, missile booster stages purportedly in Jordan.

Multiple casualties being reported in Jordan due to fallen missile debris. pic.twitter.com/iy5O6HfMeU  Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) October 1, 2024

Ryder reiterated that Israel is conducting limited raids in Lebanon to protect citizens but he would not speculate on a hypothetical Israeli response directed against Iran.

Endless line of cars for gas station in Tehran tonight



They know that Iran's oil infrastructure will be gone soon.

pic.twitter.com/8WvhL17oOT  Dr. Eli David (@DrEliDavid) October 1, 2024

The video below shows the impact of one of the missiles or parts of one, apparently coming down very close to an Israeli highway.

VERY close impact of Iranian missile in Israel tonight. pic.twitter.com/wdfvNFlMbt  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

In a daily media briefing at the White House, U.S. National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that Irans attack on Israel appeared to have been defeated, although President Bidens administration was still monitoring a fluid situation.

One of the targets of the Iranian missiles appears to have been the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency. Interestingly, reports from earlier today suggest that Hezbollah also targeted this same installation, using at least one example of the Fadi 4 ballistic missile, apparently used for the first time. That missile is said to have targeted Glilot Base near Tel Aviv, which is home to both the Mossad headquarters and the IDFs Unit 8200, which provides signal intelligence (SIGINT).

An Iranian missile exploded near the Mossad headquarters, located on the northern outskirts of Tel Aviv.



 Aric Toler pic.twitter.com/GuHA2K4rl0  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

Update, 4:00 p.m. EST:

In its latest assessment of the attacks, the IDF says that over 180 ballistic missiles were fired directly from Iranian soil at Israel.

There were a small number of hits in the center of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel. The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States, said IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari.

Irans attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences, Hagari added.

Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready. We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.

Palestinian fighters jubilantly celebrate Iran's retaliatory missile attack on occupied Palestine by firing their guns pic.twitter.com/EnVW1t4rID  Press TV (@PressTV) October 1, 2024

There are reports of a single death in the West Bank. This is said to have been caused by debris from an Iranian missile, apparently a spent booster stage, at least based on related imagery of the scene.

One killed in the West Bank village of Nu'eima due to shrapnel from an Iranian ballistic missile. pic.twitter.com/5SxD6evdGz  Aurora Intel (@AuroraIntel) October 1, 2024

An intriguing aspect of the strikes today is the activity by the Israeli Air Force (IAF), including what appears to have been a significant portion of its fleet of Boeing 707 aerial refueling tankers, as well as C-130 transports, which can also be configured as tankers. Publicly available flight-tracking software shows these aircraft on station off the Israeli coast, suggesting that they were supporting intense activity by IAF fighters. These may have been airborne to intercept any Iranian drones and cruise missiles that might have been headed toward Israel, or perhaps were put into the air for their own safety, if the IAF was expecting ballistic missiles to target its air bases.

ISRAEL



 Almost the whole israeli tanker fleet is in the sky. pic.twitter.com/8OGsl0GDD1  kim hvik (@kimhvik2) October 1, 2024

How much of the IAF did they get airborne before the ballistic missiles arrived? We likely saw a plan put into action here based on lessons learned from the last barrage.  Tyler Rogoway (@Aviation_Intel) October 1, 2024

It seems likely that Israeli air bases would have been among the targets of an Iranian attack of this kind although, at this point, there is absolutely no evidence to support claims from Tehran that multiple IAF F-35 stealth fighters were hit while on the ground.

Iran's Shafaqna agency claims that more than 20 5th generation F-35 fighter jets were destroyed as a result of the attack on Israel. pic.twitter.com/JFLtc1BjJd  MilitaryNewsUA (@front_ukrainian) October 1, 2024

Update: 5:00p.m. EST

Netanyahu vows major payback for Irans missile barrage.

#BREAKING: Israeli PM Netanyahu:



"Iran made a big mistake tonight  and it will pay for it. The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies. Sinwar and Deif did not understand this, Nasrallah https://t.co/5WOuQrcnTy  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

A stunning and sad video has emerged of a missile body falling on a man in Gaza. We cannot authenticate the video but there is nothing that outright indicates it is a fake:

Incredibly unlucky: Iranian missile part fell on a Palestinian man in Gaza.



He died on the spot. pic.twitter.com/SgmaM1dskB  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

We are now seeing some footage of high-altitude interceptions of the incoming ballistic missiles, similar to what we had seen in the April attack.

Wow. What appears to be rare evidence of an exoatmospheric interception by Israel's missile defense system against Iranian ballistic missiles earlier this evening. pic.twitter.com/Lcr6g4YmdB  Joe Truzman (@JoeTruzman) October 1, 2024

Now the question of how Israel will retaliate is front and center. Last time, with minimal damage, just as we predicted, Israel called it a win and didnt retaliate directly. This time the damage is likely far worse. Many potential target sets exist, from striking proxy forces to direct attacks on Irans military, nuclear program and energy infrastructure. Going after their energy production and supply would be a likely option, but at this time what comes next isnt clear. One thing is certain, any direct attack on Iranian assets in Iran using traditional military means would be unprecedented.

Update: 6:30 p.m. EST:

Israel has struck air defenses in eastern Syria. This is an odd move and could be to prepare for sending a large strike package or sustained operation farther east in a reprisal operation against Iran. Creating a corridor that is largely sanitized would be critical for even large standoff strikes against target in Iran.

Map of the 4 targets bombed today by Israel in S. #Syria following a SEAD strike:

 Radar in Thaalah Airbase (W. #Suwayda)  1

 Early warning system on Tell Kharouf (W. #Suwayda)  2

 Air Defense base near Izraa (E. #Daraa)  3

 Radar Battalion near Sanamayn (E. #Daraa)  4. pic.twitter.com/EasZjsQ9sj  Qalaat Al Mudiq (@QalaatAlMudiq) October 1, 2024

The Defense Secretary of the UK has put out a release in support of Israel and stating the participated in its defense.

A statement from Defence Secretary @JohnHealey_MP following Iran's attack against Israel tonight. pic.twitter.com/D3ESuHW4vk  Ministry of Defence (@DefenceHQ) October 1, 2024

Iranian media showing the start of Operation True Promise 2:

IRANIAN COMMANDER ANNOUNCES OPERATION TRUE PROMISE 2 AGAINST ISRAEL



The moment was marked by the commander of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard announcing the launch of Operation True Promise 2 aimed at Israel.



Source: Sabareen pic.twitter.com/eZCczaG0us  AN-94 Reports (@an94reports) October 1, 2024

Some interesting commentary out of Iranian leadership, stating they only went after high-priority military targets, including the home of the countrys F-35 force, as we predicted, and warns against a much larger counter-strike if Israel retaliates.

General Bagheri, Commander of Iranian Armed Forces: Iran was convinced after the assassination of Ismael Haniyeh not to retaliate so as not to disrupt peace talks re Gaza. But then the atrocities only grew. Despite this, Iran only hit military facilities in Israel. Navatim air pic.twitter.com/yAOKSnxfV6  Ali Ahmadi (@AliR_Ahmadi) October 1, 2024

The threats are definitely becoming more elevated. Iran clearly knows its own energy infrastructure is the ripest target. The next escalation rung for Iran is going after infrastructure. The Dimona nuclear facility has always been the crown jewel as far as Iranian long-range targeting aspirations go.

Major General Bagheri: All Israeli infrastructure will be targeted if regime is not reined in, attacks our land. pic.twitter.com/NsiAg4UACD  Press TV (@PressTV) October 1, 2024

Update: 9:45 p.m. EST

A video shot from an airliner flying over Iran. Air traffic had no warning of the launch, causing chaos for aircraft flying over Iranian territory:

Filmed from flight deck of an airliner near Shiraz, Iran. No warning from ATC who had no idea. Turned away immediately. pic.twitter.com/Iq6k6jY9Zm  Tim L-G (@IntercityFC) October 1, 2024

Flights were subsequently cancelled:

Now we wait for Israel's response.



Iranian Civil Aviation Organization:



Flights cancelled across the country until 10:00 am tomorrow local time.  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

Jeffrey Lewis has some preliminary insights on the missiles used by Iran:

The initial reaction among the @JamesMartinCNS OSINT team is we're seeing more debris from newer Fattah-1 solid-fuel missiles than we did in April, which may explain the apparently more successful nature of the strike  although it's early and more data could change our minds.  Dr. Jeffrey Lewis (@ArmsControlWonk) October 1, 2024

Maybe the most dramatic video of the attack so far:

Footage shows all of Iran's missiles successfully evading Israeli air defense systems and destroying their designated targets inside occupied Palestine. pic.twitter.com/QkUZvIoIPp  Press TV (@PressTV) October 2, 2024

More video, supposedly shot near Dimona:

Someone sent me this insane video they filmed in Dimona, southern Israel of a seemingly constant stream of ballistic missiles from Iran pic.twitter.com/ywVoSwGWxb  Oren Kessler (@OrenKessler) October 1, 2024

Another taken close to an impact area:

Impact of an Iranian missile strike in Tel Aviv, captured by CCTV cameras. pic.twitter.com/3wTlO6czqf  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

The IDF says their operations are not effected, although this is somewhat expected in terms of messaging, the IAF is executing strikes tonight:

The Israel Defense Force states that tonights Iranian Ballistic Missile Attack has had No Operational Impact on the Israeli Air Force; with Airstrikes against Terror Targets in both the Gaza Strip and Lebanon, as well as across the Middle East, continuing without Restrictions. pic.twitter.com/021AK7NJpb  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 2, 2024

Geolocation of a primary launch site:

Launch from the area of one of Shiraz's many missile facilities. Particularly, in the area of what I've marked as South Shiraz Missile Base (29.464247, 52.488240). Airliner POV is facing south. https://t.co/pZtgCrS5QW pic.twitter.com/Zjc52Hr3ey  Decker Eveleth (@dex_eve) October 1, 2024

One of the craters caused by a Iranian ballistic missile impact:

The impact site of one of the missiles that exploded near the Mossad headquarters. pic.twitter.com/lWZH1yokpI  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
Iran says action against Israel concluded unless it invites further retaliation

A rocket flies in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, in central Israel

DUBAI (Reuters) -Iran exercised "self-defence" against Israel and its action is concluded unless the "Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation," Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a post on social media platform X early on Wednesday.

Tehran launched a salvo of missiles on Tuesday against Israel in retaliation for the killing of several leaders of Iran-aligned armed groups.

Araqchi said Washington was told by Tehran not to interfere following its attack on Israel.

"Message exchanges do not mean coordination. No message was sent prior to our response (to Israel). After this response, a warning was conveyed via Switzerland telling Americans that it was our right to self-defence and that we do not intend to continue (the attack)," Araqchi said according to Iran's semi-official Tasnim news agency.

The Iranian foreign minister said Iran's action against Israel came after exercising tremendous restraint to give space for a ceasefire in Gaza.

"Our action is concluded unless the Israeli regime decides to invite further retaliation. In that scenario, our response will be stronger and more powerful," Araqchi added.

Iran's foreign ministry called earlier on the United Nations Security Council to take "meaningful action" to prevent threats against regional peace and security.

"I am optimistic about future days. There is a possibility of conflict but our forces are fully prepared. We expect to gradually witness stability in our region over the coming days," the Iranian foreign minister said according to Tasnim.

(Reporting by Elwely Elwelly; Editing by Leslie Adler, Chris Reese and Michael Perry)
On Friday, U.S. authorities accused three Iranian men of stealing and leaking files from former President Donald Trumps 2024 campaign, the largest hack and leak election influence operation since Russias breach of Hillary Clintons campaign and Democratic organizations in 2016.

Irans influence efforts using hacked material from the Trump campaign follow what the U.S. says was a series of brazen influence operations in 2020, all authorized by Tehrans senior leadership. Iran has consistently denied such allegations.

Iran, like China and Russia, constantly creates fake accounts on U.S. social media platforms in attempts to shift Americans opinion, U.S. intelligence officials say. Its unclear that such operations have had much effect.

But Irans 2020 election interference efforts stand apart from what have become well-recognized interference patterns, according to an indictment from the Justice Department, Treasury Department sanctions, researchers and media reporting, and comments from current and former U.S. officials. Experts say that the 2020 operations were the first time Iran seriously targeted U.S. elections and that the efforts reflect Irans desire to find ways to worsen discord in American society around partisan politics and free elections.

The thing that runs through both their activities in 2020 and in 2024 is the focus on trying to sow distrust within our political system, said Brandon Wales, who was the executive director of the U.S. Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) in 2020 and now is the vice president for cybersecurity strategy at SentinelOne, a cybersecurity company.

We have not seen very aggressive action to actually target our election infrastructure, which is largely disconnected from the internet and extremely difficult to directly target remotely, he said. Instead, its trying to use what access they can to undermine American confidence in our systems and in each other.

Access to a local election night reporting system

The date of the first Iranian interference attempt of 2020 isnt public; it happened in the late summer, a former U.S. official who worked on the issue at the time told NBC News. The official asked not to be named and declined to share specific details about the incident, citing the government practice of not naming victims of cyberattacks unless they come forward.

An Iranian hacker group linked to contractors working for Tehran broke into a local government website, the official said. That gave them access to election night reporting (ENR) systems, which provide live updates on unofficial results on Election Day. They were quickly removed and unable to cause harm, a Cyber Command senior official, Army Maj. Gen. William J. Hartman, said at the RSA Conference in San Francisco last year, when some details about the incident were declassified. The location and exact date havent been made public.

Those hackers never had the ability to change the vote count, but they could have appeared to tinker with it in real time to sow doubts about the election, Hartman said. Its not clear what the hackers planned to do with the access, but they were aware they had access to the ENR systems, the U.S. official familiar with the incident said.

The operation mirrored one of the earliest known attempts by one country directing its hackers to interfere in anothers elections: a 2014 incident in which Russian hackers were alleged to have broken into Ukraines national election reporting system to make it appear that an unpopular pro-Russia candidate had somehow won the presidency.

Fake Proud Boys campaign

In the most bizarre and elaborate foreign influence campaign of 2020, Iranian hackers staged an entirely fictional cyber-enabled fraud and harassment campaign, the Justice Department alleged in a detailed 2021 indictment. In October of that year, they tried to make it appear that the Proud Boys, a pro-Trump militia group, had hacked multiple states, were using stolen voter information to conduct mass voter fraud by mailing ballots in their names and were harassing Democratic voters across Florida.

The Iranian hackers did successfully steal some voter data from Alaskas Online Voter Registration System, but otherwise none of it was true. The hackers, who the Justice Department said worked for Emennet Pasargad, an Iranian cybersecurity and information operations company that does work for the countrys government, staged a video that purports to show the operation, set to the Metallica song Master of Puppets.

The video doesnt actually depict a way to successfully commit voter fraud, and an analysis of its technical hacking scenes actually show the hackers trying to break into a server in Moldova, according to an analysis by the Election Integrity Partnership, a Stanford University-backed election research group that has since disbanded.The hackers tried to post it to various platforms online, but it gained little traction. A Google spokesperson said in 2020 that it was uploaded to YouTube but that it had fewer than 30 views by the time Google removed it.

Around the same time, the indictment says, the Emennet Pasargad hackers also sent tens of thousands of harassing emails to registered Democrats in Florida, where such voter information is free to the public, and Alaska. The emails varied, but they generally called recipients by name, claimed to have hacked their states voting infrastructure and demanded the voters change their registration to Republican. The emails came from at least two spoofed Proud Boys email addresses and said, You will vote for Trump on Election Day or we will come after you. A Google spokesperson said in 2020 that the hackers tried to send about 25,000 threatening emails through Gmail but that around 90% of them were sent to spam filters.

Some voters alerted authorities to the emails, and on Oct. 21, FBI Director Christopher Wray and then-Director of National Intelligence John Ratcliffe accused Iran of the operation at a news conference.

Alireza Miryousefi, at the time a spokesman for the Iranian Mission to the United Nations, denied that Iran had done anything to try to influence the U.S. election.

Compromise of news system used by dozens of outlets

Around September or October, the Emennet Pasargad hackers gained access to an American media company that serves dozens of news publications in an apparent attempt to produce mass disinformation about election results, according to the Justice Departments 2021 indictment. The hackers successfully tested that their access let them change content on news sites.

The Wall Street Journal has reported that the hacked company is Omaha, Nebraska-based Lee Enterprises, which owns nearly 100 small news companies across the country. NBC News has not independently verified that Lee Enterprises is the media company that was hacked, and it didnt respond to a request for comment.

On Nov. 5, the day after the election, the hackers tried to log back in to the media company with previously stolen credentials, only to realize they had been changed, the indictment says.

Enemies of the people kill list

At least as early as Dec. 7, 2020  after the election but before Joe Biden was sworn in or pro-Trump rioters stormed the U.S. Capitol  Iran allegedly tried another campaign to imitate right-wing radicals to divide the U.S.

On various websites, it circulated a hit list, titled Enemies of the People, that listed American political figures who either helped secure or administer the election or had tried to counter Trumps false claims that he had won it.

The following individuals have aided and abetted the fraudulent election against Trump, it said. Changing votes and working against the President is treason and patriotic Americans should never forget those who helped overthrow our democracy!

The site showed photos of them in crosshairs, described their work and in some cases provided personal information like their home or email addresses. People on the list included employees of Dominion Voting Systems, Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer and former CISA Director Chris Krebs.

On Dec. 23, the FBI and CISA announced that Iran was behind the campaign, though the agencies didnt specify any individuals or agency or the company. As of that date, the campaign appears to be inactive.

The post-election creation of the Enemies of the People website demonstrates an ongoing Iranian intent to create divisions and mistrust in the United States and undermine public confidence in the U.S. electoral process, the agencies said in a public alert.

Miryousefi denied that Iran was behind that campaign.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Iran's missile attack forced some flights to turn around hours into their trips to avoid restricted airspace

Iran's missile attack forced some flights to turn around hours into their trips to avoid restricted airspace

Iran launched a massive missile attack on Israel on Tuesday.

Iran, Israel, and other neighboring nations closed their airspaces, forcing flight diversions.

Some Lufthansa flights returned to Germany several hours into their journeys to India and Dubai.

Iran launched a huge missile attack on Israel on Tuesday as tensions in the Middle East soar.

In response, the airspace above Iran, Israel, Jordan, Iraq, and other countries in the region was closed Tuesday by various authorities, and airlines quickly reacted to keep their flights out of harm's way.

In some cases, planes were diverted en route to their destination to avoid restricted airspace.

According to FlightRadar24, at least three flights operated by the German carrier Lufthansa bound for India and Dubai turned around before reaching Iranian airspace. The treks back to Europe stretched their flight times up to eight hours.

FlightRadar24 shows Lufthansa and Swiss International Air Lines flights diverting amid Iran's attack on Israel on Tuesday. Courtesy of FlightRadar24

Another flight operated by Swiss International Air Lines from Zurich to Dubai diverted to Antalya, Turkey, shortly before it would have crossed into Iran, FlightRadar24 shows.

The flight-tracking website also shows several Emirates flights bound for Dubai were impacted. The airline told AirlineGeeks that it was diverting some flights and canceling others.

"We are closely monitoring the situation and are making all efforts to ensure minimal disruption to customers while assisting those impacted," a spokesperson said.

Several other carriers were also being forced to divert as route options remained limited between Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.

FlightRadar24 data shows that on Tuesday, a British Airways flight from London to Dubai, a Royal Jordanian Airlines flight from Paris to Amman, Jordan, and a flight operated by the Israeli airline El Al from Rhodes, Greece, to Tel Aviv, Israel, were all diverted to Larnaca, Cyprus.

British Airways told Business Insider: "Safety and security are always our highest priorities, and we continuously assess and adjust our operations accordingly."

Throughout the day, some restrictions were lifted, FlightRadar24 said. Jordan and Iraq reopened to flights late Tuesday local time, though few were passing through the region.

Ongoing airspace closures could see airlines add hours of flight time to circumvent Iran and Israel to reach places in Europe, the Middle East, India, and beyond  similar to what happened after Russia invaded Ukraine in 2022.

Airlines such as Japan Airlines, British Airways, and Finnair added up to four hours of flight time to avoid the Kremlin's airspace on flights between Asia and Europe amid Russian airspace closures and sanctions.

Read the original article on Business Insider
(Bloomberg) -- Irelands government delivered a giveaway budget to voters, taking advantage of a financial situation thats been boosted by soaring income from multinational firms and a back-tax windfall from Apple Inc.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The 10.5 billion ($11.7 billion) package announced Tuesday included income tax cuts, increases in welfare and pension payments, help with energy bills and rent, and extra payouts to families with children.

Prime Minister Simon Harris will be counting on the bonanza to keep voters on side before the next election, which must be held by March 2025, but could happen as soon as next month. Harris, who became leader just six months ago, was polling well even before the budget, which may encourage him to call an early vote.

Ireland is in an enviable fiscal position compared with other European countries, many of which are struggling with deficits. On Tuesday, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier delayed a target to get his countrys budget gap within the European Union limit by two years.

Still, Irelands solid public finances are largely thanks to the 38 billion in corporate taxes it will reap this year, much of it due to multinationals such as Apple and Pfizer Inc. Those receipts are being topped up by the 14 billion one-off from Apple, the result of a recent European court ruling.

That additional cash will be allocated to investment in infrastructure, such as housing, the energy grid and water system, Finance Minister Jack Chambers said Tuesday. Those are issues that multinationals have long wanted addressed, as they impact Irelands attractiveness.

Irish central bank chief Gabriel Makhlouf had warned against giveaways in a pre-budget letter in June, advising the government to stay within its own 5% annual overall spending increase rule.

Chambers acknowledged the volatility of some of the tax revenue, calling them potentially transient receipts. Excluding that revenue, Ireland would be recording a deficit this year like its European neighbors.

A sale of AIB Group Plc shares will also contribute to the infrastructure upgrades, including 1 billion for Irish Water to allow works on capital projects and providing connections for new housing, 1.25 billion for the Land Development Agency and 750 million for the electricity grid.

The extent of the measures will adds to speculation that a general election will come sooner rather than later. Harriss Fine Gael party was ahead in a poll published in the Irish Times last month. Sinn Fein, the main opposition party, has lost ground after leading its rivals in 2023.

Other budget measures included:

Stamp duty of 15% on bulk buying homes, up from 10%

Stamp duty of 6% on homes worth more than 1.5 million

An extension to the help-to-buy scheme to assist first-time buyers

A new relief for expenses incurred on a first listing on an Irish or European stock exchange, as well as a Stamp Duty exemption subject to State Aid considerations

Increasing relief available under the Start-Up Relief for Entrepreneurs scheme from 700,000 to 980,000

The levy on banks, meanwhile, has been extended for another year, with a target yield of 200 million, Chambers said. It remains appropriate that the sector continues to make a contribution to the Irish economy following the support they received during the financial crisis, he said.

(Updates with poll, deficit figures starting in third paragraph)

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Shigeru Ishiba, the newly elected leader of Japan's ruling party the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) holds a press conference after the LDP leadership election. Pool/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Japan's former defence minister, political veteran Shigeru Ishiba, has succeeded Fumio Kishida as the country's prime minister.

As expected, the 67-year-old Ishiba was elected by a majority of his ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and its junior coalition partner Komeito in both houses of parliament on Tuesday.

Ishiba appointed another former defence minister, Takeshi Iwaya, as his foreign minister, and appointed Gen Nakatani to the post of defence minister, a post he has held before.

Both Iwaya and Nakatani played a major role in Ishiba's becoming the leader of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), at the fifth attempt.

The LDP has ruled Japan almost continuously for decades. Ishiba has vowed to renew the scandal-ridden party.

Japan holds general elections on October 27, when the LDP will face a fragmented and weak opposition, which has criticized the early election date.

Ishiba faces major economic and foreign policy challenges. These include China's growing power in the region and the threat posed by North Korea's missile and nuclear programme.

In response to the increasing tensions between China and Taiwan, Ishiba is considering the creation of a new security alliance in Asia along the lines of NATO. He has suggested merging existing defensive frameworks such as the respective security alliances between the United States and Japan and South Korea.

Ishiba was minister of defence from 2007 to 2008 and later minister of agriculture, forestry and fisheries, as well as minister for the revitalisation of rural areas.

He wants to significantly reduce the share of nuclear energy in his country's energy supply and shift more to renewable energy sources.
Israel attacked by Iran: American Jewish leaders say Islamist regime will pay for missile strike

Jewish American leaders on Tuesday afternoon reacted to Iran's unprecedented missile attack against Israel.

The attack, which included more than a hundred missiles, according to Israel, came in response to the recent deaths of Hezbollah and Hamas leaders .

"The United States stands with its only democratic ally in the Middle East, Israel, as it defends itself and its people against evil," Ohio Republican Rep. Max Miller told Fox News Digital in a statement. "Iran and its proxies must stop threatening the world."

In a Sept. 30 statement, Miller said, "Israel's efforts to dismantle Hezbollah are making the world a safer place."

Iran Fires Multiple Missile Strikes Against Israel

Rep. Max Miller talks with reporters in the Capitol Visitor Center after a briefing on the attack on Israel on Oct. 11, 2023.

"I commend the effort to eliminate Hezbollah's Secretary General, Hassan Nasrallah, who is responsible for the deaths of Americans and countless innocent civilians," Miller wrote. "Civilians in Lebanon continue to suffer as Hezbollah, acting under Iran's direction, drags the country into war. The responsibility for this death and destruction rests with Hezbollah and those who seek to sow chaos and dysfunction at the behest of Tehran."

Read On The Fox News App

Live Updates: Israel Orders Lebanon Evacuations As Limited Ground Operation Against Hezbollah Is Underway

Democratic Florida Rep. Jared Moskowitz said Iran "made a mistake" in a Tuesday post to his personal X account, adding that the country "has put its nuclear facilities on the board as fair game."

From his official congressional account, Moskowitz said his "thoughts are with the people of Israel tonight."

Representative Jared Moskowitz, a Democrat from Florida, during a House Oversight and Accountability Committee hearing in Washington, D.C., on Monday, July 22, 2024.

"Irans horrific attack, so close to Oct. 7, is a reminder of the threat that Israel faces every single day and why America must stand with our ally against the Iranian regime and its terrorist proxies," the Florida congressman said.

New York Democratic Rep. Dan Goldman said in a Tuesday post on X, "Hezbollahs presence at the border is in violation of UN Security Council Resolution 1701, which was the basis for a cease-fire in 2006."

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024.

"If the UN and international community will not enforce 1701, then Israel must do so to prevent Hezbollah from continuing to attack Israel," he wrote.

Dov Hikind, a former Democratic New York State assemblyman, said, "Iran's [n]uclear sites must be destroyed," in a Tuesday post on X.

Idf Meets Little Resistance From Hezbollah After Weeks Of Hitting Terror Targets, Officials Say

Tracers are fired into the air in celebration of Iran's missiles barrage on Israel over Beirut, Lebanon, Oct. 1, 2024.

"Would like to know who the hell is the President of the United States at this moment," Hikind said in another post. "My son Shmuel is in a shelter, an American citizen by the way. Let me be clear. We will win, we will endure, and we have ultimate faith that is unshakable. Wish I could be in Israel right now."

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren said, "[A]nyone who fires at Israel will now pay a heavy price," in a Tuesday post on X.

Israel Under Attack: 2 Gunmen Kill 6 Civilians, Injure Others Near Tel Aviv

Former Israeli Ambassador to the United States Michael Oren said, "[A]nyone who fires at Israel will now pay a heavy price," in a Tuesday post on X.

"The world must join Israel in taking advantage of this opportunity to change the Middle East and eliminate the greatest source of instability and bloodshed throughout the entire region  Iran," he said.

The Republican Jewish Coalition also posted a statement on X following Iran's attack, saying the 2015 Iran nuclear deal, or Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), "allowed Tehran to develop ballistic missiles, which are now being used to indiscriminately target 10 million Israeli civilians."

"Kamala Harris proudly supported the disastrously flawed deal. She would be a total disaster as commander in chief," the group wrote.





Original article source: Israel attacked by Iran: American Jewish leaders say Islamist regime will pay for missile strike
Israeli tanks gather along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa

The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had launched a "limited, localized" ground operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

The Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the military said in a post on social media platform X.

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel."

Dubbed Northern Arrows, it is Israel's first ground offensive into Lebanon since the 2006 war.

The military was operating to a "methodical plan," which had been trained and prepared for in recent months, the IDF said.

The IDF and the air force were supporting ground forces with "precise strikes" on military targets in the area, it said.

"The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes."

Rockets were fired at Israel early on Tuesday, the army said, with around 10 rockets intercepted in the Meron area in northern Israel.

Hezbollah also fired several missiles at the area around the border town of Metulla and the town of Avivim, according to the IDF.

Some projectiles were intercepted by the missile defence system, others hit the ground, some in open areas, it said.

Israeli news site ynet reported of 15 projectiles. Hezbollah claimed responsibilty for the attacks on Metulla, saying it had targeted groups of soldiers.

The Israeli army warned Lebanon's population against travelling south of the Litani River, which is about 30 kilometres from the border.

According to a UN resolution, Hezbollah fighters are not allowed south of this line. However, after the last Lebanon war in 2006, militants gradually returned to the area.

Following almost a year of cross-border skirmishes, Israel launched a massive aerial campaign on targets across Lebanon last week, with the stated aim of pushing back Lebanon's Hezbollah militia to enable the return of tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern Israel.

Hundreds have been killed and tens of thousands of people displaced in Lebanon amid the Israeli bombardment so far.

The international community is urging de-escalation amidst continued Israeli strikes and Hezbollah retaliations, but efforts for a ceasefire have so far been rejected by both sides.

US, Israel agreed on 'dismantling' Hezbollah sites

The US and Israel agreed on the "necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure" along the Lebanon border, the Pentagon has said.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to review security developments and Israeli operations, his department said in a statement.

The US and Israel had agreed on "the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border" to ensure that Hezbollah could not conduct "October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," the statement said.

"The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border."

Austin had again assured Israel of Washington's full support to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorist organizations, the Pentagon said.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement, Washington late on Monday said it had been informed of the planned "limited operations" on the Lebanese border.

The Pentagon added the US was well postured to defend its personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations.

"The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," the statement added.
Israeli tanks gather along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa

Panic was spreading in southern Lebanon on Tuesday after the Israeli military launched a "limited, localized" ground operation against Hezbollah targets, while the Iran-backed militia said there had been no direct clashes yet.

"All of our fighters are ready for a real confrontation," a Hezbollah source told dpa.

Early on Tuesday, the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) had announced the start of "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," in a post on social media platform X.

The targets in villages close to the border "pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," it added, noting that the military was following a "methodical plan," which it had trained and prepared for in recent months.

The IDF and the air force were supporting ground forces with "precise strikes" on military targets in the area, it added.

Chaos broke out in the affected areas following a renewed Israeli call for Lebanese citizens to head north of the Alawi river, around 60 kilometres from the border. People were seen packing their belongings and heading towards Beirut.

Northern Arrows

Dubbed Northern Arrows, it is Israel's first ground offensive into Lebanon since the 2006 war.

Israel's military campaign in Gaza, triggered by the unprecedented October 7 attacks by the Palestinian Islamist Hamas organization, has been accompanied by almost a year of cross-border skirmishes with Hezbollah militants in Lebanon.

Last week, Israel launched a massive aerial campaign on targets across Lebanon, with the stated aim of pushing back Hezbollah to enable the return of tens of thousands of residents evacuated from northern Israel.

The Israeli army had previously warned Lebanon's population against travelling south of the Litani River, which is about 30 kilometres from the border.

According to a UN resolution, Hezbollah fighters are not allowed south of this line. However, after the 2006 war, militants gradually returned to the area.

Ahead of the ground incursion, the regular Lebanese army withdrew from the demarcation line. Lebanon's military has maintained a neutral stance in the conflict between Hezbollah and Israel.

Alarm in Tel Aviv

Air raid sirens sounded in the greater Tel Aviv area on Tuesday, with muffled explosions heard in the city centre, residents reported. The Israeli army said the alarm was triggered by projectiles fired from Lebanon.

The army confirmed that rocket parts had struck a highway near Tel Aviv. A bus driver was moderately hurt and a motorist slightly injured, according to the rescue service Magen David Adom.

Around 10 rockets were intercepted in the Meron area in northern Israel in the early morning, the army said, adding that Hezbollah also fired several missiles at the area around the border town of Metulla and the town of Avivim.

Hezbollah claimed responsibilty for the attacks on Metulla, saying it had targeted groups of soldiers.

UN condemnation

The United Nations' peacekeeping force in Lebanon condemned Israel's ground offensive, saying it violates the country's "sovereignty and territorial integrity" and would "only lead to more violence and more bloodshed."

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been monitoring the situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border, said it had been notified by the Israeli army a day earlier of "their intention to undertake limited ground incursions into Lebanon."

"Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position," UNIFIL said in its statement.

The international community has been urging de-escalation amid the recent Israeli strikes and Hezbollah retaliations, but ceasefire efforts have so far been rejected by both sides.

Lebanon fears that up to a million people could be internally displaced due to the Israeli attacks, especially in the south and the east of the country, as well as in Beirut. The country is in the midst of a debilitating economic crisis.

Call for donations

The United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) issued an appeal for donations of $426 million to care for displaced and homeless people.

The money is intended to support 1 million people for three months.

Since October 2023, an estimated 1 million people have been displaced or otherwise affected by the conflict, the UN office reported.

At least 1,000 people had been killed since the start of the latest Israeli offensive two weeks ago, it said.

Deadly strike on Palestinian camp

Six people were killed in an Israeli attack on the Palestinian refugee camp Ain al-Hilwah near the Lebanese coastal city of Sidon, according to Lebanese sources.

Lebanese security sources said the overnight attack was aimed at the Palestinian commander, Munir Al-Makdah. However, he survived the attack, they said.

The Israeli army did not immediately comment on the strike.

Al-Makdah is a representative of the Al-Aqsa Brigades in Lebanon, the military arm of Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas's Fatah movement.

The Lebanese news agency NNA reported that his wife and son were among the victims.

With around 80,000 inhabitants, Ain al-Hilwah is the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon. Most are refugees displaced by the first Arab-Israeli war in 1948 and their descendants.

US, Israel agreed on 'dismantling' Hezbollah sites

The US and Israel have agreed on the "necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure" along the Lebanon border, the Pentagon said after US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant.

The US and Israel had agreed on "the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border" to ensure Hezbollah could not conduct "October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," a US statement said.

Austin had again assured Israel of Washington's full support to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorist organizations, the Pentagon said.

A view of destroyed houses on the Lebanese-Israeli border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa
US President Joe Biden (R) and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu are close allies, but Washington has been powerless to influence its military actions in Gaza and Lebanon (Jim WATSON) (Jim WATSON/AFP/AFP)

Despite US calls to avert a ground offensive in Lebanon, Israel has begun "targeted" raids on the country -- more proof that Washington has been unable to rein in its ally, amid fears of a wider Middle East conflict.

The US president indicated Monday that he was opposed to Israeli ground operations in Lebanon, calling for a ceasefire as tensions spiralled after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

"I'm more aware than you might know and I'm comfortable with them stopping. We should have a ceasefire now," Biden told reporters when asked if he was aware of Israeli plans for a limited operation on Lebanese soil.

A few hours later, State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel had informed Washington that it was currently conducting "limited operations targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near the border."

And the Israeli military confirmed early Tuesday that it had indeed launched "ground raids" on villages in southern Lebanon.

It felt like deja vu all over again.

Every time the United States calls for a negotiated solution or a ceasefire, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu seems to respond by ramping up his military offensive.

Last week, with the ink barely dry on a joint US-French statement on the sidelines of a top-level UN summit for a three-week ceasefire between Israel and Hezbollah, Netanyahu announced fresh air strikes against the Iran-backed militant group the very next day.

"The Biden administration has largely been a bystander to these events -- one that has supplied Israel with the military means to conduct these operations but has been repeatedly caught by surprise by its actions," wrote Brian Katulis, a senior fellow for US foreign policy at the Middle East Institute.

On Friday at the United Nations, the contrast was jarring: as Netanyahu authorized a strike against Nasrallah, risking a broader regional conflict, US Secretary of State Antony Blinken again called for all sides to choose diplomacy.

"The question is not, does Israel have a right to deal with existential threats to its security and enemies across its borders with the avowed intent to destroy Israel? Of course it does.

"But the question is what is the best way to achieve its objectives," Blinken said, echoing the US position expressed shortly after Hamas attacked Israel on October 7 last year.

- Israel seeks to capitalize -

Of course, there are no tears in Washington over Nasrallah's demise. Blinken called him a "brutal terrorist" on Monday.

But the United States has been at pains to say it was neither consulted nor aware of Israel's plans to target him ahead of time.

It made a similar statement after Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was killed in Iran in late July in an attack blamed on Israel.

Now, Israel clearly appears to be seeking to capitalize on its position, having done significant damage to Hezbollah in a series of attacks, and sending Hamas reeling in Gaza, diplomats say.

Washington meanwhile is still hoping that diplomacy will prevail, both in Gaza and Lebanon.

Diplomacy remains "the best and only path to achieving greater stability in the Middle East," and Washington is "committed to urgently driving these efforts forward," Blinken said Monday.

Blinken spoke Sunday with his French counterpart Jean-Noel Barrot, who called on Israel to avoid any ground operation -- a call that apparently went unheeded.

The US secretary of state also talked to Britain's David Lammy on Monday, and held talks with counterparts from Arab states on the sidelines of a ministerial meeting in Washington of the international coalition battling the Islamic State group.

Aides to Blinken have long insisted that Washington respects Israel's sovereignty, and tacitly acknowledge that US influence on Netanyahu is limited.

Events on the ground appear to be unfolding at a more rapid pace, and the United States is effectively unable to intercede, meaning Israel's top military and diplomatic ally is on the back foot, merely reacting to the crisis.

Until now, Biden has refused to play the military aid card to force Netanyahu's hand, other than the suspension of one delivery of bombs in May.

The US election calendar has complicated matters, as Vice President Kamala Harris, Biden's heir apparent, is battling for the White House with Republican former president Donald Trump.

The Biden administration hopes to see a Middle East peace deal reached before the election, but few observers believe it is ready to change its strategy so close to Election Day on November 5.

lb/sst/jgc
We recently published a list of 10 Best Oil and Gas Penny Stocks To Buy. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) stands against the other best oil and gas penny stocks to buy.

The global oil and gas industry is witnessing a surge in investments, reflecting its resilience amidst an evolving energy landscape. Despite growing attention toward renewable energy sources, the demand for oil and gas remains robust, driven by the ever-increasing needs of both developed and developing economies. As the worlds appetite for energy intensifies, so does the necessity for sustained capital investment in the oil and gas sector.

According to the Upstream Oil and Gas Investment Outlook, a report by the International Energy Forum and S&P Global Commodity Insights, annual upstream investments must increase by $135 billion to reach $738 billion by 2030 to ensure a stable supply. This figure represents a 15% rise compared to estimates from a year ago and is 41% higher than projections made two years ago. This escalation is attributed to rising production costs and an improved demand outlook. The report indicates that a cumulative $4.3 trillion will be needed for upstream investments between 2025 and 2030, even as demand growth plateaus.

The rise in upstream capital expenditures, which grew by $63 billion year-on-year in 2023 and is expected to increase by another $26 billion in 2024, has placed the annual investment level above $600 billion for the first time in a decade. Notably, North America is expected to be a significant contributor to this growth, accounting for a third of the spending in 2024. However, Latin America is emerging as a vital player in the global supply chain, poised to become the largest source of incremental capital expenditure growth in 2024, surpassing North America for the first time in two decades. The regions prominence is set to continue through 2030, particularly in conventional crude projects, with substantial expansions planned in Brazil and Guyana. These developments underscore the ongoing importance of the Americas in the global oil and gas supply chain.

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Story continues

Meanwhile, OPEC remains a crucial player in maintaining market stability. In an address to the International Chamber of Commerce in Vienna, Dr. Hasan M. Qabazard, Director of the Research Division at OPEC, emphasized the organizations commitment to ensuring energy security and meeting future demand. He highlighted that while energy prices have been volatile, the global economy has shown resilience, and market stability remains a top priority. OPECs strategy aims to balance the supply and demand dynamics, ensuring that oil continues to play a vital role in the energy mix for decades to come.

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For this article, we used the Finviz screener and identified 20 stocks in the oil and gas sector having Buy or Buy-equivalent ratings from analysts and with share prices under $5, as of September 27. Next, we examined Insider Monkeys data on 912 hedge funds as of Q2 2024. We narrowed down our list to 10 stocks most widely held by institutional investors and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them as of Q2 of 2024.

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Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG)

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Share Price: $4.31

Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) is a leading provider of offshore contract drilling services, specializing in ultra-deepwater and harsh environment floaters. Founded in 1926 and based in Steinhausen, Switzerland, the company operates a modern fleet of mobile offshore drilling units, serving a range of clients, including integrated energy companies, government-controlled entities, and independent operators. As of the second quarter of 2024, Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) had 42 hedge fund holders, a slight decline from 46 in the previous quarter, reflecting a consistent level of institutional interest.

In Q2 2024, Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) reported robust financial results with contract drilling revenues reaching $861 million, a significant achievement supported by efficient operations and solid customer demand. The companys adjusted EBITDA stood at $284 million, translating to an impressive EBITDA margin of 33%. Transocean Ltd. (NYSE:RIG) maintained high operational performance, achieving a revenue efficiency of 97% during the quarter, which highlights its ability to deliver strong results despite challenges in the global offshore drilling market.

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Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Israel faces a major issue in how deep it should go in Lebanon, security experts say

Israel launched ground incursions into Lebanon on Tuesday, opening up a new war front.

The IDF said they were "limited, localized and targeted ground" raids against Hezbollah targets.

Deeper offensives could entangle its army in a new and prolonged war, military experts told BI.

Israel faces a security dilemma in deciding how far it should go in its operations inside Lebanon, according to security experts.

Early on Tuesday, the Israel Defense Forces said it had launched "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon  opening up a new front in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group.

The ground offensive comes after months of cross-border projectile exchanges and a series of Israeli airstrikes on September 27 that killed Hezbollah's longtime chief, Hassan Nasrallah .

The IDF said its ground operation would follow a "methodical" plan, adding it would continue fighting until it achieved all its war goals.

But security experts told BI that the IDF runs the risk of prolonged conflict and increasingly bloody fighting in Lebanon should it decide to go further into the country.

"A full-scale Israeli ground offensive in southern Lebanon would not be an easy task," Clionadh Raleigh, executive director of the Armed Conflict Location and Event Data Project, and Ameneh Mehvar, a Middle East regional specialist with ACLED, said in a joint statement.

They told BI that Hezbollah had been preparing for this scenario "for years" and that the IDF would "likely encounter more intense fighting than in Gaza, which could lead to greater Israeli casualties."

Farzan Sabet, a senior research associate at the Global Governance Centre and the Sanctions and Sustainable Peace Hub at the Geneva Graduate Institute, went further in his assessment.

"One of the major risks involved in such operations is that Israel will squander the major strategic and tactical victories obtained against Hezbollah and become trapped in a military quagmire in Lebanon," he said.

A more perilous terrain than Gaza

Israel's ground operations inside Lebanon bear some resemblance to the ones it conducted in Gaza about a year ago.

In October 2023, the IDF mounted limited ground incursions into Gaza and called on Palestinians to evacuate to the south of the enclave before launching a broader offensive.

While the early stages of the IDF's ground operations in Lebanon are similar to its early operations in Gaza, Hezbollah's military capabilities, Lebanon's political circumstances, and its topography make the country a whole different reality, security analysts told BI.

Israeli army tanks were deployed in the Upper Galilee region of northern Israel near the border with Lebanon on September 29, 2024. MENAHEM KAHANA/AFP via Getty Images

Sabet of the Geneva Graduate Institute said an Israel offensive in Lebanon will be "distinct" from the one in Gaza in that the IDF would be operating on a "much larger" territory against a "bigger and more sophisticated" adversary.

While the Gaza Strip is about 140 square miles in size, Lebanon is about 4,036 square miles.

Hezbollah is also estimated to have stockpiles of up to 200,000 missiles.

Burcu Ozcelik, a senior research fellow for Middle East Security at the UK's Royal United Services Institute, said that the IDF's limited ground raids across the Lebanese border would expose its troops to combat with Hezbollah fighters on a terrain that is Hezbollah's "home turf," and where it commands control over military infrastructure and local communities.

"This is not an area that is peppered with densely populated urban centers in the way the Gaza Strip is," she told BI.

Raleigh and Mehvar of ACLED, meanwhile, said the nature of the operation in Lebanon differs from those in Gaza. Israel isn't fighting against Lebanon's government  unlike the de facto government in Gaza, they said.

As such, they do not expect an "extensive carpet bombing" and "ferocity" like the one seen in Gaza.

"Israel's objective is to 'diminish' Hezbollah's military capabilities and push it away from the border," they said.

How far it should go

Israel has spent months conducting airstrikes and raids into southern Lebanon to degrade Hezbollah's capabilities.

Smoke billowed from the area as a result of the Israeli army's attacks on the town of Hiyam in Nabatieh, Lebanon, on September 30, 2024. Ramiz Dallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

However, it remains unclear how deep Israel's ground incursions might go, according to Raleigh and Mehvar.

They said the IDF will likely not extend beyond southern Lebanon due to the risk of getting "increasingly" entangled in a new "prolonged" conflict in southern Lebanon.

They added that "Hezbollah still retains much of its capability, including the missile stockpiles it has built up since 2006, which could be used against Israeli military and civilian targets."

Sabet, meanwhile, said that history is "strewn" with examples of countries whose militaries entered the territory of another country for limited military operations but ended up engaged in costly and damaging long-term wars.

He mentioned Israel's own "costly" experiences of invasion in Lebanon, including the Second Israeli Invasion of Lebanon of 1982 and the Second Lebanon War in 2006.

Since the Hamas October 7 terror attacks on Israel last year, Israel's economy has suffered, with its GDP contracting by 20.7% in the last quarter of 2023.

In the long run, the war in Gaza alone could cost Israel 10% of its annual GDP, Yannay Spitzer, an assistant professor specializing in economic history and applied microeconomics at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, told The Media Line last month.

However, those sums, and Israel's overall military calculations, could quickly change if Iran gets involved on the side of Hezbollah in Lebanon.

A senior US administration official told outlets on Tuesday, that Iran was preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack on Israel.

"We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack," the official said.

During a speech last week at the UN, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu gave a warning to the "tyrants of Tehran," saying: "If you strike us, we will strike you."

He added: "There is no place in Iran that the long arm of Israel cannot reach."

Read the original article on Business Insider
Israel-Hezbollah conflict in maps: Where is the fighting happening in Lebanon?

Israel has invaded southern Lebanon in a dramatic escalation of its conflict with Hezbollah.

The Israeli ground operation began on Monday night, days after an air strike killed Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iran-backed armed group.

Hezbollah has fired rockets into northern Israel as Lebanon has endured two weeks of aerial bombardment that Lebanese authorities say has killed more than 1,000 people and forced up to a million to flee their homes.

Israel has a decades-long history of conflict with Hezbollah but the war in Gaza has sparked a year of deadly cross-border fighting between them.

We will be continually updating maps in this page to help explain the conflict.

Map: Where is Lebanon?

Lebanon is a small country with a population of about 5.5 million people, which borders Syria to the north and east, Israel to the south, and the Mediterranean Sea to the west. It is about 170km (105 miles) away from Cyprus.

[BBC]

Where is the Israeli advance?

Israeli troops and tanks that had gathered close to the border crossed into Lebanon on Tuesday but it is unclear exactly where they are operating.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) has said it is carrying out "limited, localised, and targeted ground raids" in southern Lebanon to dismantle what it calls Hezbollah's terrorist infrastructure.

Israeli tanks at an undisclosed location in northern Israel last week [Reuters]

Israeli troops are fighting directly with Hezbollah fighters on the ground, according to the BBC's Nick Beake who is in northern Israel.

Several Israeli soldiers have been killed in mortar attacks and ambushes by Hezbollah during operations in southern Lebanon aimed at eliminating terrorists, according to the IDF.

Hezbollah said its fighters had clashed with Israeli forces in Adaisseh, Kafr Kila, Maroun al-Ras and Yaroun - all Lebanese villages close to the border with Israel.

A ground operation in southern Lebanon comes with many risks for Israeli forces. Unlike the flat coastal plains of Gaza, southern Lebanon has rolling hills and some mountainous terrain that makes it difficult for tanks to move easily without fear of being ambushed.

Hezbollah is also thought to have a network of tunnels in the region, with the group having been preparing for another full-scale conflict with Israel since the 34-day war in 2006.

[BBC]

As part of its invasion of southern Lebanon, the IDF has ordered people living in some villages to evacuate, telling those remaining to leave their homes and "immediately head to the north of the Awali River"  which meets the coast about 50km (30 miles) from the border with Israel.

Lebanese civilians have also been warned by the IDF not to use vehicles to travel south across the Litani River, located about 30km (20 miles) north of the border.

About a million people lived in southern Lebanon before the conflict escalated almost a year ago.

Tens of thousands have been fleeing north since Israeli air strikes in the region intensified in late September. The main route for civilians trying to leave the south is the coastal road that runs the length of the country - but areas along that route have been hit by air strikes in recent days.

What have Israels air strikes targeted?

Israels invasion of southern Lebanon came after nearly two weeks of intense air strikes that Israel's military says target Hezbollah in the south of the country, the eastern Bekaa Valley and the southern suburbs of Beirut.

Israel says it is hitting Hezbollah sites, including weapons stores and ammunition dumps, but Lebanese officials say more than 100 women and children have been killed.

The majority of the rockets recently fired by Hezbollah have targeted northern areas of Israel. But some rockets have reached further south and damaged homes near the coastal city of Haifa.

[BBC]

There has been almost a year of cross-border hostilities between Israel's forces and Hezbollah, sparked by the war in Gaza.

Hezbollah has fired thousands of rockets at northern Israel during that time, forcing some Israelis living there to flee south, while the IDF has launched air strikes and artillery fire against Hezbollah positions in Lebanon.

As the chart below shows, the number of weekly Israeli attacks on Lebanon more than tripled in the week before the IDF launched its ground invasion. The number of Hezbollah attacks, while small in comparison, also increased in the same week.

[BBC]

Israel has intensified strikes on Beirut, the capital of Lebanon, in recent days.

The majority of the strikes have hit Dahieh, a southern suburb of the city that is a densely populated area home to thousands of civilians.

The suburb has a strong Hezbollah presence and a series of Israeli strikes on buildings in the area killed Hezbollah's leader Hassan Nasrallah on 27 September.

There have also been Israeli aerial attacks on locations closer to the centre of the city. A strike on an apartment block close to the Lebanese parliament building on 2 October killed several people, including rescue officers and paramedics, according to Beirut's civil defence.

[BBC]

What will Israel do next?

Israel is now engaged in hostilities with armed forces and non-state armed groups in several countries in the Middle East, including Iran, Syria and Iran-backed groups operating in Lebanon, Gaza, Iraq, Syria and Yemen.

Iran's ballistic missile attack against Israel on Tuesday was the latest major escalation.

What happens next is unclear, but Israel has vowed to respond, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu describing the attack as "a big mistake" that Iran "will pay for".

[BBC]
Israeli forces have launched a ground offensive in Lebanon as fears of an all-out war with Hezbollah continue to grow. A spokesperson for Israel said limited raids are being carried out in the south after months of conflict.

The raids come after, the Israeli military launching fresh strikes on Lebanon in late September, in the the deadliest day for the country since at least 2006.

The rapid escalation has taken place following a series of exploding device attacks in September, in which pagers and walkie talkies blew up around Lebanon. Hezbollah has blamed Israel for the attack. Israel has not commented.

Over 1,000 people have been killed according to Lebanons health ministry, including more than 100 women and children in the past two weeks.

The Independent takes a look at the recent timeline of the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah, which is backed by Iran and an ally of Hamas in Gaza.

8 October: Strikes begin

After the act of terror by Hamas inside Israel which killed around 1,200 people  and saw another 250 taken hostage into Gaza  on 7 October, Hezbollah fired rockets into the Shebaa Farms region, an area in the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights near the Lebanese-Syrian border. Hezbollah say they will not stop until there is a ceasefire in Gaza, with health officials in the strip saying more than 41,000 people have been killed there in the Israeli air and ground assault that has followed the Hamas attack.

Strikes intensified over the next few days across the Lebanon-Israel border.

Since October, more than 100,000 Lebanese citizens and 60,000 Israelis have been forced from their homes near the border.

More than 1,000 people from Lebanon have been killed by Israeli strikes since 8 October, according to the Lebanese health ministry.

13 October: Israeli strike kills Reuters journalist

As a group of Reuters, AFP and Al Jazeera journalists transmitted a video feed of a northern-Israel mil outpost, they were hit in a strike.

Reuters photojournalist Issam Abdallah was killed, while six other journalists were injured.

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon concluded in February 2024 that there had been no exchange of fire between Lebanon and Israel in the 40 minutes before an Israeli tank fired. Amnesty and Human Rights Watch (HRW) said investigations showed the journalists were probably fired on deliberately by an Israeli tank crew. Israel denies targeting the reporters.

October to November: Conflict intensifies

Shells and rockets continued to be fired across the Blue Line - the line of withdrawal between Israel and Lebanon.

A boy inspects damage following Israeli airstrike in southern village of Akbieh (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Hezbollah deputy chief Sheikh Naim Qassem had previously said that "when time comes for any action, we will carry it out.

On 24 October the Israeli military targeted Syria for the first time, when it hit two military positions in the southwest of the country.

Late November: Temporary ceasefire

As Hamas and Israel called what would turn into a week-long truce in the fighting to release hostages in Gaza for Palestinians held in Israeli jail, Hezbollah said it would also respect the ceasefire.

Both Hezbollah and the Israeli military briefly halted military operations and a number of displaced people returned home.

But the de facto ceasefire lasted just a day after Hezbollah fired a rocket at an Israeli drone on 28 October, prompting Israeli shelling in Lebanon.

Israeli protesters are now marching in support of another Gaza ceasefire deal (Reuters)

January to March 2024: Israel assassinates Hezbollah and Hamas commanders

Saleh al-Arouri, the deputy chairman of the Hamas political bureau, was killed by an Israeli strike in Beirut on 2 January, alongside six other members.

Wissam al-Tawil, Ali Hussein Barji, Abbas al-Dabs were three of a number of Hezbollah commanders assassinated over the next months.

Hadi Ali Mustafa, the leader of Hamas forces in Lebanon and Ali Abed Akhsan Naim, the deputy commander of Hezbollahs rocket and missiles unit were both killed in March.

April 2024: Israel strikes Iranian consulate in Syria

On 1 April, Israel struck the Iranian embassy in Damascus, Syria.

The strike killed eight people including Mohammad Reza Zahedi, a senior commander in Irans Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC).

Hezbollah, the IRGC and the Houthis of Yemen  also backed by Tehran  launched a series of strikes into Israel in response. It included hundreds of drones and rockets, the vast majority shot out of the sky by Israel and its allies in the region and the West.

The embassy strike came just days after Israels deadliest strike on Syria for three years, which killed 38 Syrian soldiers, seven Hezbollah fighters and seven others at Aleppo International Airport.

New Iranian president Masoud Pezeshkian spoke at the UN summit yesterday (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

September 2024: Pager attack and intense airstrikes

On 17 September 17, thousands of pagers belonging to Hezbollah members exploded.

At least 12 people including three civilians have been killed as a result of the attack, with around 2,750 wounded.

The next day, at least 25 were killed and hundreds of others injured when walkie-talkies exploded across Lebanon.

This has prompted a major escalation in the conflict.

Since the heaviest round of Israeli strikes in nearly two decades  the last Israel-Hezbollah war in 2006  began on 23 September, 558 people including 50 children in Lebanon have been killed, with thousands fleeing their homes.

27 September 2024: Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is killed

In late September, Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli airstrike on Lebanon. Irans supreme leader assassination will not go unavenged, prompting fears of major retaliation.

Nasrallah was not a terrorist, he was the terrorist, Israel PM Benjamin Netanyahu said in a statement.

Nasrallahs killing was a necessary step toward achieving the goals we have set, returning residents of the north safely to their homes and changing the balance of power in the region for years to come.

October 2024: Ground invasion begins in Lebanon

In the early hours of 1 October, Israel crossed into southern Lebanon, beginning a ground offensive that much of the international community was hoping would be avoided.

In a brief statement, the Israeli military said it was launching limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah in the region.

It is feared the escalation could see other countries drawn into the conflict. Iranian officials have not yet responded to the ground assault.
The Israeli Air Force has attacked several weapons factories and infrastructure belonging to the Lebanese Hezbollah militia in a southern suburb of Beirut, according to the military.

The attacks were carried out with the help of intelligence information, according to a statement from the army. Steps were taken to minimize harm to civilians, it said.

There were initially no reports of casualties from the Monday evening attacks.

It comes after Israeli ground troops advanced into southern Lebanon in a "limited, localized" operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon overnight, according to the army.

The Israeli ground incursion dubbed Northern Arrows is the first since the Lebanon war in 2006.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah continued its attacks on northern Israel, firing several missiles at the area around the border town of Metulla and the town of Avivim, according to the Israeli army.

Some projectiles were intercepted by the missile defence system, others hit the ground, some in open areas, it said.

Israeli news site ynet reported of 15 projectiles. Hezbollah claimed responsibilty for the attacks on Metulla, saying it had targeted groups of soldiers.

Heavy smoke of Israeli air raids billows from the southern Lebanese border town Khiam. Stringer/dpa
Israel confirmed it launched a ground offensive against Hezbollah targets in Lebanon.

The IDF said Tuesday it began "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" a few hours ago.

The move opens up a new front between the Israeli military and Iran-backed Hezbollah.

The Israeli military said on Tuesday that it launched a "limited" ground offensive against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

The operation officially opens up a new front in the escalating conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militant group, which have traded cross-border strikes on a near-daily basis for almost a year.

"In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon," the Israeli military said in a statement early Tuesday morning local time.

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," it added.

The Israeli military said it is supporting the ground forces in Lebanon with airstrikes and artillery on Hezbollah targets. It said Operation "Northern Arrows" would continue in parallel with the devastating war against Hamas in Gaza.

Israeli soldiers work on tanks and armored personnel carriers in northern Israel on September 30. AP Photo/Leo Correa

Israeli military spokesperson Daniel Hagari said Tuesday that its forces had been operating in Lebanon for months, collecting intelligence and destroying weapons.

Hagari said Israel was "not now fighting face to face" with Hezbollah but was "ready to fight." He added that troops would not go into Beirut or any cities in southern Lebanon, characterizing the operation as "an extended raid."

Fighting between the Israeli military and Hezbollah over the past year has displaced tens of thousands of people on both sides of the border. However, Israel has sharply increased the military pressure on its foe over the past two weeks, intending to eventually return Israelis to their homes.

These efforts began with Israel's sophisticated pager attacks and have transitioned to a campaign of intense and deadly airstrikes, including one that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.

Israeli officials on Monday hinted that a ground invasion was imminent. Yoav Gallant, the country's defense minister, told troops near the border that "the elimination of Nasrallah is a very important step, but it is not the final one."

An Israeli army main battle tank moves at a position along the border with Lebanon in northern Israel on October 1. Photo by AHMAD GHARABLI/AFP via Getty Images

"Our goal is to ensure the [safe] return of Israel's northern communities to their homes. We are prepared to make every effort necessary to accomplish this mission," Gallant said. "We will use all the means that may be required  your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land."

Israel has invaded Lebanon several times, most recently during a short but devastating war with Hezbollah in 2006. Officials have warned that an all-out conflict between the two enemies now could be extremely deadly for people on both sides of the border.

The ground operation on Tuesday likely raises the risk that the conflict between Israel and Hezbollah could expand, possibly bringing in the US and Iran.

The Pentagon has a wide range of naval, air, and land assets already in the Middle East to defend its troops and protect Israel, and it announced on Monday that more forces are on the way.

On Monday, the Pentagon said Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin had spoken to Gallant, his Israeli counterpart.

According to a Pentagon statement that was published on the same day, the pair "agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border."

This, they said, would "ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities."

Besides reaffirming US support for Israel's right to defend itself, Austin also spoke to Gallant about "the importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible."

US Central Command did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Business Insider.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Israel launches limited ground operations in Lebanon as war against Hezbollah, terrorist groups continue

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) began a limited, localized ground operation targeting Iran-backed terrorist group Hezbollah on Monday evening, marking a new chapter in the Israel-Hamas war.

The developments came in the wake of the IDF's successful attacks against Hezbollah, killing several of the organization's key figures over the weekend.

Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah was one of the most notable fatalities. The Israeli military also confirmed that Nabil Kaouk, the deputy head of Hezbollahs Central Council, was eliminated by IDF forces.

Shortly before Monday's operation, the IDF imposed a closed military zone on northern Israeli border communities including Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi.

Biden Says He Will Talk To Netanyahu As Israel Pummels Sunni Terror Targets In Beirut

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30, 2024.

The incursion began after the Israeli military launched airstrikes on central Beirut on Sunday, marking the first time in the year-long war that the central part of the Lebanese capital was targeted.

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The IDF previously aimed towards south Beirut, which is a stronghold for Hezbollah. On Sunday, it targeted Sunni terrorist group Al-Jamaah al-islamiyah.

On Monday afternoon, President Biden expressed disapproval over the IDF's imminent ground operations.

Israel-hezbollah War: Netanyahu 'Did Not Even Respond' To Us Cease-fire Deal, Pledges To Fight 'Full Force'

HAIFA, ISRAEL - SEPTEMBER 30: A general view of the city after a series of rockets were fired from southern Lebanon over Haifa, located on northern Israel on September 30, 2024. While the rockets were viewed from Haifa, Israel, some of the rockets were destroyed by the Israeli air defense system "Iron Dome".

"Im more aware [of Israel's plan] than you might know, and Im comfortable with them stopping," Biden told reporters before the incursion started.

"We should have a ceasefire now."

Earlier on Monday, the IDF issued an ominous warning to Hezbollah in an X post.

"A surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility that Hezbollah had positioned approx. 1.5 km from Beiruts international airport was dismantled in a precise IDF strike," the Israeli military announced. "This infrastructure poses a threat to both the Lebanese and international airspace."

30 September 2024, Lebanon, Qliyaa: Heavy smoke from Israeli air raids billows from the southern Lebanese border town Khiam.

"The IDF will continue to degrade Hezbollah's military capabilities in Lebanon."





Original article source: Israel launches limited ground operations in Lebanon as war against Hezbollah, terrorist groups continue
Israeli ground forces entered southern Lebanon on Monday evening, the Israeli Defense Force confirmed, in a significant escalation in the countrys conflict with Hezbollah militias that has been boiling for weeks.

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, the IDF confirmed in a statement. The military said these were located in villages close to the border with Israel.

The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months, the statement continued.

The countrys air force and artillery are also supporting the incursion with targeted strikes in the region. The IDF said the operation in Lebanon will continue in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes, it said.

Now Walkie-Talkies Are Exploding After Dastardly Pager Bombing Plot

The Lebanese military pulled its own troops back from border checkpoints late on Monday before the incursion began, Reuters reported.

The ground raids come almost one year after Hamas launched a surprise attack against Israel on Oct. 7. Israels ongoing war against the Palestinian Islamist group has killed over 40,000 Palestinians, according to the Gaza Health Ministry.

Soon after Israels war in Gaza began, other militant groups allied with Hamas began launching attacks against Israeli targets. In Yemen, the Houthis began targeting Israel-linked cargo ships traveling through the Red Sea. Hezbollah, the Shia political party and militant group based in southern Lebanon, began firing missiles and artillery into northern Israeloccasionally striking civilian communities.

Smoke rises after an airstrike on a Beirut suburb early on Tuesday morning. Amr Abdallah Dalsh/Reuters

The Israeli military has been escalating their protracted conflict with the militant group in recent weeks, reportedly rigging thousands of pagers used by Hezbollah members to explode in a surprise attack earlier in September.

Hezbollah responded with more rocket barrages into northern Israelwhich were met with Israeli airstrikes deep into the heart of Hezbollah-controlled territory, including parts of Lebanons capital Beirut. At least 1,000 people have been killed in the strikes so far, CBS News reported.

On Saturday, an airstrike killed Hezbollahs longstanding secretary-general, Hassan Nasrallah, the Israeli military claimed.

The aftermath of an Israeli airstrike on the southern Lebanese village of Khiam on September 19. Getty

Iran, whose government backed Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis, vowed to respond to the killing of its former ally. There is no doubt that this horrible crime committed by the Zionist regime will not go unanswered, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said in a statement on Sunday.

In April, Iran launched about 300 drones and missiles at targets within Israel in retaliation for an Israeli strike on the Iranian consulate in Damascus, Syria. Most of the drones were intercepted before reaching their targets.

In an English-language video, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the Iranian people offering a veiled warning against further engagement from the countrys government.

Mourners gather in the streets of Tehran, Iran for a memorial honoring Hezbollah general-secretary Hassan Nasrallah. Majid Asgaripour/Reuters

There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach, Netanyahu said. There is nowhere we will not go to protect our people and protect our country. With every passing moment, the regime is bringing you, the noble Persian people, closer to the abyss.

When Iran is finally free, and that moment will come a lot sooner than people thing, everything will be different, Netanyahu claimed, insisting that peace will come after regime change in the country.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Israel Says It Has Begun Targeted Ground Raids in Lebanon

(Bloomberg) -- Israel said it had begun targeted ground raids in southern Lebanon, escalating a campaign to root out Hezbollah despite international appeals for restraint.

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The Israel Defense Forces said early Tuesday its forces are striking targets located in villages close to the border that pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The attacks further expanded the campaign against the Iran-backed organization following Israels killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, on Friday, even as the US, the European Union and Arab powers call for a cease-fire. Israel has shifted its focus to Lebanon with its war against Hamas in the Gaza Strip at a standstill.

An IDF statement on X said the ground operations were carried out based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

Israel struck the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Lebanon, located near the southern city of Sidon, early Tuesday, Lebanese media reported. Its fighter jets and drones also targeted a number of points in Syrias capital, Damascus, killing three civilians, wounding nine others and causing significant damage to property, the state-run SANA news agency reported.

Israeli airstrikes continued on Monday, with the IDF reporting earlier that one had destroyed a surface-to-air missile launcher storage facility near Beiruts international airport.

Washington had expected Israel to launch a limited ground incursion into Lebanon but has cautioned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government against a larger and longer-term operation that risks a direct confrontation with Tehran, according to a US official with knowledge of the situation, who asked not to be identified discussing strategy.

Douglas London, a retired senior CIA operations officer and a non-resident scholar at the Middle East Institute, said that with a limited incursion, Netanyahu reduces the risk of Hezbollah raids but without ramping up the risk of casualties to Israeli troops.

London added that a more extensive ground invasion up to the Litani River, by contrast, would play to Hezbollahs strengths by creating targets for ambushes and guerrilla operations.

But in an interview on Bloomberg Television, Randa Slim, a senior fellow at the Middle East Institute, pointed out that Israels invasion of Lebanon in 1982 started out being limited.

It lasted a few months and then ended up into an occupation of a part of southern Lebanon and lasted until 2000, she said.

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told tank crews deployed along the border earlier Monday that the killing of Nasrallah wasnt the final step in the fight against Hezbollah and that we will employ all the capabilities at our disposal.

Netanyahu has said the goal of crushing Hezbollah is to end rocket attacks by the Iran-backed group that forced tens of thousands of Israelis from their homes in northern Israel. A similar exodus has been seen in southern Lebanon amid Israels retaliation.

While most of Hezbollahs senior leadership has been killed and much of its arsenal destroyed, Israeli officials say it retains substantial capability to inflict losses on Israeli forces and fire missiles across the border.

Nasrallahs deputy, Naim Qassem, said earlier Monday that the group remains ready to fight on the ground.

Moshe Davidovich, a representative of Israeli communities on the western end of the border region with Lebanon, said he had attended a meeting where Gallant vowed to remove any threat from Hezbollah six miles (10 kilometers) miles from the border.

The US official, who asked not to be identified discussing private deliberations, said the Biden administration is worried the Israeli military may overreach.

Asked Monday morning whether the White House was aware of a possible Israeli incursion, President Joe Biden called again for a halt to the fighting.

Im more aware than you might know and Im comfortable with them stopping, Biden said. We should have a cease-fire now.

The Biden administration has failed several times to limit and shape Israels military response since Oct. 7, when Hamas in Gaza killed about 1,200 people and kidnapped more than 200 in southern Israel. Hezbollah began its rocket attacks the next day and has vowed to continue until Israel ends the campaign in Gaza, which has left more than 40,000 people dead, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry.

--With assistance from Josh Wingrove, Iain Marlow, Galit Altstein, Sherif Tarek, Natalia Drozdiak, Justin Solomon and Omar Tamo.

(Updates with latest Syria report, Palestinian refugee camp in fifth paragraph.)

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2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Israel under attack: 2 gunmen kill 6 civilians, injure others near Tel Aviv

At least six civilians have been killed and nine injured in a shooting in the Israeli city of Jaffa, located near Tel Aviv, local officials have told Fox News.

The incident, which is believed to be a terror attack, took place Tuesday outside a newly built light rail station on Jerusalem Street.

Authorities say at least two individuals who opened fire on a crowd of people have been "neutralized."

Idf Meets Little Resistance From Hezbollah After Weeks Of Hitting Terror Targets, Officials Say

Israeli police released images of two firearms used in a shooting attack on civilians in Jaffa, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

Shortly after the shooting, Israel faced more attacks with Iran launching roughly 100 ballistic missiles.

Many were intercepted by Israel's missile defense systems, while others did hit the ground.

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Iran Preparing Imminent Attack On Israel, Us Says

Medical personnel respond to the scene of the mass shooting that killed at least eight people and injured many more in Jaffa, Israel.

Iran had previously threatened to launch missiles at Israel.

The Iran Revolutionary Guard issued a statement saying that it was a response to the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

The Israel Defense Forces eventually issued a message to Israelis telling them it was safe to come out from their protective spaces.





Original article source: Israel under attack: 2 gunmen kill 6 civilians, injure others near Tel Aviv
Israel and US agree on a limited invasion  but for how long?

So far, Israels assault on Hezbollah in Lebanon has progressed like clockwork. But the launch of its ground incursion, code named Northern Arrows, in the early hours of Tuesday morning will provide its greatest test.

The operations political objective is clear: to make things safe enough that some 63,000 Israeli citizens can return to their homes along the 75-mile border with Lebanon.

The precise military objectives, however, have not been publicly revealed.

The IDF described the operation as targeted and limited in a statement released last night, adding that it is focused on terrorist targets and infrastructure in a number of villages near the border which pose an immediate and real threat to Israeli communities.

Reports in the US press on Monday suggested the White House had successfully pressed for a limited operation in order to keep the already high risk of regional escalation to a minimum. Crucially, it does not want Israel to be seen to be annexing more Arab land.

So far Northern Arrows appears to accord with this; the impression given by the public statements since Monday is that the ground incursion will be a quick in and out.

But Israel has been trying to clean the same ground since 1978 when it launched Operation Litani, its first effort to clear the southern area of Lebanon up to the Litani river of Palestinian-aligned militia.

Long and bloody struggle

And when it invaded again in 1982, the occupation lasted 18 years, only ending in 2000 after a long and bloody struggle, in which Hezbollah claimed it had forced Israel out.

All military land incursions run a major risk of becoming bogged down by their nature, and in southern Lebanon there can be no doubt that Hezbollah will think it has the upper hand. It has had more than two decades to dig into what is near perfect guerrilla fighting terrain and knows the place like the back of its hand.

Israel will be counting on improved intelligence and technology, plus overwhelming firepower giving it a winning advantage. But until it articulates clear military objectives it is hard to understand what winning might look like on the ground.

Does the land incursion aim to create and hold a buffer zone in southern Lebanon? If so, how big will it be and how will it be policed? Even if it can be held, will Hezbollah not just fire rockets over the top of it?

Indeed, the US specifically warned overnight of mission creep, something clearly on the mind of White House and the US Department of Defense officials.

There is also the chance that the land incursion is designed simply to force a wider diplomatic solution to near constant fighting since Oct 7.

We will have to wait and see but one thing is for sure: Northern Arrows will not be declared a success by Israels political echelon until all 63,000 citizens from the north are back in their homes.

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We recently published a list of 7 Best Small Company Stocks To Invest In. In this article, we are going to take a look at where United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) stands against the other best small company stocks to invest in.

Rate Cuts Could Boost SMid-Cap Companies

The Feds decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points in September significantly impacted the market. This decision, motivated by concerns about the labor markets health, is part of a broader plan to lower interest rates over the next few years. While some analysts believe a 50-basis point cut is too aggressive, others argue it could benefit small and mid-cap stocks.

The Dow Jones Industrial Average also recently reached a new all-time high, indicating strong investor confidence. However, experts believe that small-cap stocks offer significant growth potential, and despite their recent underperformance compared to high-risk investments, small-cap stocks are expected to outperform large-cap stocks shortly.

We went over the anticipated high returns from small-cap stocks in greater detail in one of our other articles, 10 Best Performing Small-Cap Stocks in 2024, where we discussed Richard Bernsteins opinion, who is the CEO of Richard Bernstein Advisers currently. Heres an excerpt from that article:

He elaborated on his bullish stance regarding mid-cap and small-cap stocks, emphasizing that these categories are expected to experience substantial earnings growth. By the end of this year or early next year, Bernstein forecasts that small caps will grow at a rate significantly higher than the MAG 7 tech stocks. He pointed out that this phenomenon is typical when profit cycles hit a trough; small caps tend to be more sensitive to upturns in profitability, and noted the Feds current easing policies are occurring simultaneously with an environment of accelerating profits, an unusual combination that could fuel economic growth. When asked about the current market dynamics favoring mega-cap stocks over smaller ones, Bernstein acknowledged that many managers are indeed gravitating towards these larger companies. However, he cautioned that from a fundamental investment perspective, mega-cap stocks are generally slower-growing and more expensive compared to other market segments. He argued that historically, a combination of cheaper and faster-growing stocks has proven to be advantageous for investors.

The misallocation of capital towards less productive areas can create inflationary pressures and hinder economic growth. The overall sentiment is that investors should be cautious and focus on small and mid-cap stocks that could benefit from a lower interest rate environment. Pausing and looking into diversification are the best options right now, instead of making impulsive decisions that could backfire in a highly volatile environment, until the economic outlook becomes clearer.

In a recent discussion, Curtis Nagel, senior US SMid cap internet analyst at BofA Securities, joined The Exchange at CNBC on September 28, to discuss how rate cuts could impact small and mid-caps companies (or SMid cap companies), and where to find opportunity.

Curtis Nagel shared his insights on the performance and potential opportunities in small and mid-cap stocks following the Feds rate cut. While the Russell 2000 index has underperformed the major averages since the rate cut, he believes this could spell big opportunities for SMID-cap stocks across various sectors, including home furnishings and subscription services.

Nagel specifically pointed out Restoration Hardware, noting that it is a household name that often flies under the radar. He mentioned that it reported its results a couple of weeks ago, which came in slightly below guidance. However, the key takeaway was that demand for their products is beginning to accelerate at a notable rate. This uptick is attributed to several factors: it is launching new products, reaccelerating its gallery growth, and maintaining a strong presence in the premium segment of the real estate market. Unlike some of its competitors, it is starting to gain market share, which Nagel believes is crucial for investor sentiment toward the company.

When asked about the volatility associated with it, Nagel acknowledged that it can be a wild stock in terms of performance. However, he emphasized that the company has undergone a significant product transformation and is reinvesting in marketing through its sourcebooks. The resurgence of gallery growth is historically important for its expansion strategy. He believes that with these factors combined, market conditions and unique company attributes, it should continue to perform well.

Nagels overall thesis focuses on updating price targets for companies with high sensitivity to interest rates and strong prospects for revenue and earnings growth in a soft landing scenario. ACV Auctions was highlighted as an intriguing opportunity. Nagel described it as a digital marketplace for wholesale vehicles where dealerships trade cars. He noted that this market has not been fully digitized yet, placing the company at the forefront of this transition. Although the wholesale vehicle market has faced challenges, down about 25% relative to historic averages, Nagel theorized that as interest rates improve and car affordability increases, the company could see a market rebound. He views this stock as potentially overlooked but having significant upside.

Overall, he is updating his price targets and raising them on companies with the highest rate exposure and the best opportunity for revenue and earnings upside in a soft landing scenario. He sees SMID-cap stocks as an area of potential opportunity for investors.

Methodology

For this article, we have defined small-cap stocks as those trading between $1 billion and $10 billion. We used the Finviz stock screener and sorted our screen by market cap. We looked through the top 20 stocks that matched our criteria. We then selected 7 stocks that were the most popular among elite hedge funds and that analysts were bullish on. The stocks are ranked in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them, as of Q2 2024. The hedge fund data was sourced from Insider Monkeys database which tracks the moves of over 900 elite money managers.

Why are we interested in the stocks that hedge funds pile into? The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A conveyor belt winding its way through a steel production facility.

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X)

Market Capitalization as of September 27: $8.03 billion

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 58

United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) produces and sells steel products, including flat-rolled and tubular products for customers in industries across automotive, construction, consumer, electrical, industrial equipment, distribution, and energy. It is committed to providing high-quality steel products and solutions, while also focusing on environmental sustainability and corporate social responsibility.

The company is attracting attention due to the recent proposed acquisition by Nippon Steel for $15 billion. the deal is expected to face challenges and opposition in the US, and could potentially end up in cancellation.

As of the second quarter of 2024, the company made $4.12 billion in revenue, recording a year-over-year decline of 17.77%, primarily due to lower steel prices and reduced demand. Some of these challenges were offset by the strategic focus on efficiency and growth.

The company is expanding its Electric Arc Furnace (EAF) capabilities, with the Big River 2 (BR2) mini-mill set to nearly double its production capacity. This shift to more efficient and eco-friendly steelmaking at United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is expected to increase EBITDA from $2.2 billion in 2023 to $2.8 billion by 2025. Investments in downstream products such as galvanizing and electrical steel will also likely boost future revenue.

The overall observation was that the Flat-Rolled Products revenue declined due to lower shipment volumes and pricing pressures. Tubular Products revenue remained stable, supported by ongoing demand from the energy sector.

Despite volatility and challenges, United States Steel Corporation (NYSE:X) is well-positioned for growth. The companys strong fundamentals, strategic investments, and favorable market conditions make it a promising investment opportunity.

Overall X ranks 4th on our list of best small company stocks to invest in. While we acknowledge the potential of X as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that AI stocks hold great promise for delivering high returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than X but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
Israels limited ground campaign in Lebanon has entered its second day, now named Operation Northern Arrows. The area around the border in southern Lebanon has been subject to heavy artillery shelling, while the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has again struck targets in Beirut, the Lebanese capital.

Israels limited ground campaign in Lebanon has entered its second day, now named Operation Northern Arrows. The area around the border in southern Lebanon has been subject to heavy artillery shelling, while the Israeli Air Force (IAF) has again struck targets in Beirut, the Lebanese capital. Meanwhile, there are growing concerns that Iran may be poised to retaliate against Israel in support of the Hezbollah militant group of which it is the main sponsor.

IDF completely took over this Hezbollah tunnel and position.



Zero resistance. Wild footage pic.twitter.com/Fek7UJz5D8  Open Source Intel (@Osint613) October 1, 2024

Washington has apparently been kept in the loop about the IDFs operation, with U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin confirming that he has spoken with his Israeli counterpart, Yoav Gallant and that they had agreed on the necessity of dismantling [Hezbollahs] attack infrastructure along the border.

Austin also warned Iran against becoming more deeply involved in the conflict, saying there would be serious consequences were Tehran to launch another direct attack on Israel. This comes amid mounting rumors that Iran could be poised to attack Israel, perhaps in a repeat of the missile and drone barrage in April this year. Israeli air defenses, assisted by the U.S. military and other allies, succeeded in bringing down almost all of those incoming weapons. It also remains the case that Iran is yet to respond to the Israeli assassination of the Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, killed in Tehran in a highly embarrassing incident for the Iranian leadership.

#BREAKING: A senior official in the White House tells @BarakRavid: The US has intelligence that Iran intends to launch a missile attack against Israel in the immediate time frame https://t.co/Iw1dramgXD  ELINT News (@ELINTNews) October 1, 2024

Senior White House official: The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran  Laura Rozen (@lrozen) October 1, 2024

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) say they have launched raids on villages close to the border that pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities, as part of a limited, localized, and targeted ground operation against Hezbollah.

A picture taken from a position in Israel by the border with southern Lebanon shows fires in the area of the Lebanese village of Adaisseh during the Israeli bombardment on October 1, 2024. Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP JALAA MAREY

The raids have reportedly involved IDF commando and paratroop units, with the first such incursions being made overnight and only penetrating a limited distance across the border, according to Reuters, which cited an Israeli security official. The same source said there were no direct clashes with Hezbollah fighters reported overnight.

In a statement on X today, the IDF described undertaking ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

IDF footage claiming to show targeting Hezbollah infrastructure near Lebanon border. pic.twitter.com/yP2oDwSTny  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it continued, adding: Operation Northern Arrows will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas.

An Israeli AH-64 attack helicopter fires a missile at Lebanon on October 1, 2024. Photo by Ilia Yefimovich/picture alliance via Getty Images picture alliance

Heavy shelling has been reported along the border in the area north of Kiryat Shmona, the scene of heavy fighting in the 2006 Lebanon War. Overnight, targets of the IDF are said to have included the towns of Marjayoun, Wazzani, and Khiam  which sit in a series of interlocking valleys overlooked by steep slopes  were being shelled on Monday night.

Quoting the IDF, the Israeli media says that the operation is being led by the 98th Division, an elite formation of paratrooper and commando units, supported by the 7th Armored Brigade. The 98th Division was previously operating in the Gaza Strip, as part of the war against Hamas.

IDF special forces raids into Lebanon.



IDF spokesman says "we will not go to Beirut or the cities of southern Lebanon."



"We will achieve the goals of the ground operations as quickly as possible, expected to last a few weeks." pic.twitter.com/Iup4XNoNrN  Clash Report (@clashreport) October 1, 2024

According to IDF spokesperson Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari, Hezbollah turned Lebanese villages next to Israeli villages into military bases ready for an attack on Israel. Local sources report that many residents have already fled southern Lebanon as IDF airstrikes and bombardment ramped up in recent days.

Listen to IDF Spokesperson RAdm. Daniel Hagari as he reveals Hezbollahs plan to Conquer the Galilee and commit another October 7-style massacre: pic.twitter.com/4AdYsoJDLv  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

A report from Reuters states that at least 600 people were seeking refuge in a monastery in the town of Rmeish on the southern Lebanon border today after the IDF warned them to leave the village of Ain Ebl. This is one of at least 20 settlements that have received evacuation orders, others including Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi in northern Israel.

There are contradicting accounts from Hezbollah about the situation on the ground in the border area.

One Hezbollah spokesperson told Reuters today that Israeli troops had not entered Lebanese territory, but that Hezbollah would be ready to fight them if they did. Meanwhile, two Lebanese security sources told the same agency that Israeli units had crossed into Lebanon overnight for reconnaissance and probing operations.

There has been at least one claim from Hezbollah of its troops engaging IDF soldiers near the Lebanese border towns of Odaisseh and Kafr Kila, achieving confirmed casualties. This has not been independently confirmed.

Hezbollahs deputy leader, Naim Qassem, yesterday said that the resistance forces are ready for a ground engagement. In his first speech since the targeted killing of the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah, Qassem added: We know that the battle may be long. We will win as we won in the liberation of 2006, he said, referring to the 2006 war.

Deputy Secretary-General Naim Qassem is sweating as he's giving his first speech since #Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah's killing. pic.twitter.com/HtIN96V3WD  Jason Brodsky (@JasonMBrodsky) September 30, 2024

According to Lebanese officials, at least 95 people have been killed and 172 wounded by Israeli strikes in the past 24 hours.

Over the weekend, Lebanons health ministry said that more than 1,000 Lebanese have been killed and 6,000 wounded in the past two weeks, while a million people have fled their homes.

Multiple casualties were reported after an Israeli strike that is said to have targeted a building at the Ain al-Hilweh refugee camp near the southern city of Sidon. An unconfirmed report from the Israeli media states that the attack injured Mounir Maqdah, the commander of the Lebanese branch of the al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade, a Palestinian armed group active in the West Bank and the Gaza Strip.

Reports of an Israeli Assassination Strike on the Ain al-Hilweh Refugee Camp in Western Lebanon, near the City of Sidon; with several Casualties at the Site of the Airstrike. pic.twitter.com/sQl6i3GopW  OSINTdefender (@sentdefender) October 1, 2024

If confirmed, this would be the first strike on the refugee camp during the current conflict. The overcrowded camp is the largest of its kind in Lebanon.

Hezbollah says it has fired more missiles toward Israel, including at least one example of the Fadi 4 ballistic missile, apparently used for the first time. The new missile is said to have targeted Glilot Base near Tel Aviv, home to the IDFs Unit 8200 and the headquarters of the Mossad intelligence agency.

Rocket alarms sounding across northern Israel and the Upper Galilee



We will not allow Hezbollah or any other Iranian proxy to terrorize the people of Israel. pic.twitter.com/KDUizPUKRh  Israel  (@Israel) October 1, 2024

Israels ambulance service said that two people were injured by shrapnel from the barrage of missiles fired into Tel Aviv and elsewhere in central Israel.

A missile interceptor from an IDF Iron Dome air defense system cruises to intercept rockets over the northern city of Acre on October 1, 2024. Photo by Ahmad GHARABLI / AFP AHMAD GHARABLI

East of Tel Aviv, near the town of Kfar Qasim, the wreckage of a missile interrupted traffic after coming down on a section of highway.

A missile fired by Hezbollah at Israel fell directly in Kfar Qassem, an Arab village in central Israel, after Hezbollah once again fired projectiles at central Israel.



Hezbollah doesnt care who, or how. They only care about harming Israelis. pic.twitter.com/VHIRdFX3b7  Israel Defense Forces (@IDF) October 1, 2024

The scale of the threat that Hezbollahs missile arsenal, in particular, poses to Israel cannot be overestimated and is something that TWZ has examined in detail in the past. However, this is by no means a new development, with Israeli concerns already having led to extensive measures being taken to curb the flow of weapons being transferred to Hezbollah from Iran. Israel continues to target these stockpiles aggressively and meanwhile, Hezbollahs ability to use them has been hampered by Israeli operations that have inflicted heavy blows on the groups communications and command and control networks.

Israels long-awaited ground operation in Lebanon was approved by the countrys cabinet, according to Israeli media reports, after a meeting chaired by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

The buildup to the current IDF ground operation in Lebanon included the campaign of deadly explosions targeting pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members two weeks ago and the airstrike last week that killed Hassan Nasrallah, in Beirut. The IAF has continued to strike targets in Beirut, as well as launching long-range attacks on Yemen and Syria.

Over the weekend, dozens of IAF aircraft were involved in airstrikes on the Iran-backed Houthi militants in Yemen, which the Israeli military says is the longest-range combat mission since the 1985 raid on the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO) headquarters in Tunis. You can read more about these latest Yemen airstrikes here.

Today, the Houthis claimed they had launched drone strikes against IDF posts in Tel Aviv and Eilat.

Meanwhile, in Syria, the official news agency Sana early today reported Israeli strikes in the Damascus area. The agency claimed that Syrian air defense systems had intercepted three rounds of strikes. Sana reported at least three civilians killed and nine others wounded in the attacks.

As is usual, Israel has not commented on the airstrike on Damascus. Still, the IAF has repeatedly launched attacks on Iran-linked targets in Syria for years, with a notable uptick after the start of the latest Middle East conflict in October last year.

Israel has also revealed details of previously secret operations in the lead-up to Northern Arrows, including efforts to locate and destroy weapons belonging to the Radwan Force, the special operation units of Hezbollah.

Since the beginning of the year, the IDF says its special forces have carried out around 70 operations into southern Lebanon, resulting in the capture of 30 tons of explosives, thousands of weapons including advanced anti-tank and anti-aircraft missiles made in Russia, Iran, and China, heavy machine guns, ammunition, and more. Most of these are said to have been taken from Hezbollahs extensive network of tunnels and basements near the border.

 :    "    -70    ,      .

 -30   ,      " "   ,  , ',   , , "  , pic.twitter.com/k5htGldxBe    (@yoavzitun) October 1, 2024

Ever since Israel said it was committed to returning to their homes the thousands of its citizens who fled Hezbollah rockets near the northern border, the expectation has been that a ground operation would be launched. Before its people can return to homes in the border area, Hezbollahs ability to use short-range rockets, mortars, drones, anti-tank missiles, and snipers first needs to be severely degraded.

In recent weeks, Hezbollah has been rocked by Israeli decapitation operations and airstrikes that have already greatly reduced its fighting potential, but it remains to be seen how long it will take Israel to achieve its goal and at what cost to both sides, as well as the Lebanese civilian population.

Contact the author: thomas@thewarzone.com
JERUSALEM (AP)  Israeli ground forces crossed into southern Lebanon early Tuesday, marking a significant escalation of an offensive against Hezbollah militants and opening a new front in a yearlong war against its Iranian-backed adversaries.

The incursion follows weeks of heavy blows by Israel against Hezbollah  including an airstrike that killed its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah  and seeks to step up the pressure on the group, which began firing rockets into northern Israel after the start of the war in Gaza. The last time Israel and Hezbollah engaged in ground combat was a monthlong war in 2006.

The Israeli military said in a brief statement that it began limited, localized and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel, it said.

There was no word on how long the operation would last, but the army said soldiers had been training and preparing for the mission in recent months. Israel has said it will continue to strike the group until it is safe for displaced Israelis from border communities to return to their homes.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement, United States officials said Israel launched small ground raids inside Lebanon, and Israel declared three small border communities to be a closed military zone, restricting access only to army personnel.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants. But throughout the evening, Israeli artillery units pounded targets in southern Lebanon and the sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut.

Smoke rose from the capitals southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

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Israel launches risky phase of fighting

Israel has been emboldened by its recent battlefield gains against Hezbollah and appears intent on delivering a knockout blow to its archenemy. But a ground operation marks a new and potentially risky phase of fighting. It also threatens to unleash further devastation on Lebanon, where hundreds have been killed in recent Israeli strikes and hundreds of thousands have been displaced.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate.

Both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown. While Hezbollah has built up a formidable arsenal, Israel has invested great sums into training and intelligence gathering.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate that Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its recent losses. The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that Hezbollah would be ready for a ground operation. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

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Israel shifts attention from Gaza to Lebanon

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, that killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel on Oct. 8 in solidarity with the Palestinian militant group.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since then, coming close to a full-fledged war on several occasions but stepping back from the brink.

In recent weeks, Israels war against against Hamas has scaled back and it turned its focus northward toward Lebanon, stepping up the attacks on Hezbollah.

Israeli leaders say they want Hezbollah to implement the U.S. resolution that ended the 2006 war, which required the group to withdraw some 20 miles (30 kilometers) from the Israeli border.

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Key setbacks for Hezbollah

Hezbollah has suffered key setbacks in recent weeks. Before Nasrallahs assassination, a series of mysterious explosions of pagers and walkie-talkies blamed on Israel killed or wounded hundreds of people, many of them Hezbollah members. And Israeli airstrikes have killed most of the groups senior commanders.

But Hezbollah continued to launch rockets and missiles into Israel and is still believed to have thousands of fighters near the Israeli border.

Israeli leaders for years have accused Hezbollah of hiding weapons and fighters inside homes and other civilian structures in border villages. Tens of thousands of Lebanese civilians have fled southern Lebanon in recent weeks fearing an Israeli military onslaught.

Hezbollah has few air defenses, giving the Israeli air force freedom of action over Lebanons skies. But a ground operation will be much more challenging, with Hezbollah forces embedded and hiding in local communities and familiar with the local terrain.

Still, Hezbollahs capabilities are unclear. Its possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Israel has a long and bloody history in Lebanon. It briefly invaded in 1978 in a strike against Palestinian militants. It invaded again in 1982 in an operation that turned into an 18-year occupation of southern Lebanon.

The stepped-up action against Hezbollah also could raise the risk of a broader region-wide war as Israel confronts a series of foes backed by archenemy Iran.

Israel carried out an airstrike in Yemen against the Houthi militia in response to a series of missile strikes. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has also threatened Iran, warning the Tehran government that Israel is capable of striking anywhere in the Middle East.

The United States and its allies  including France, which has close ties to Lebanon  have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut on Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive. He also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a United Nations Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

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Israeli airstrikes kill at least 37 in Gaza, Palestinian medics say

Site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip

Site of an Israeli strike on a house, amid the Israel-Hamas conflict, in Nuseirat in the central Gaza Strip

By Nidal al-Mughrabi

CAIRO (Reuters) -Israeli airstrikes killed at least 37 people in Gaza on Tuesday, local medics said and fighting ramped up, as the Israeli military said it had been targeting command centres used by its Islamist militant foe Hamas.

Palestinian health officials said at least 13 people, including women and children, were killed in two Israeli strikes on two houses in Nuseirat, one of the enclave's eight historic refugee camps.

There has been no immediate comment by the Israeli army on the two strikes.

Another strike on a school sheltering displaced Palestinian families in the Tuffah neighbourhood of Gaza City killed at least seven people, medics added.

The Israeli military said in a statement the air strike targeted Hamas militants operating from a command centre embedded in a compound that had previously served as Al-Shejaia School.

It accused Hamas of using the civilian population and facilities for military purposes, which Hamas denies.

Later on Tuesday, two separate Israeli attacks killed five Palestinians in Rafah in the southern Gaza Strip and in the Zeitoun suburb of Gaza City, medics said.

In Khan Younis, in the south of the enclave, six Palestinians were killed in an Israeli air strike on a tent housing displaced people, medics said.

Hours later, an Israeli airstrike on a car in western Khan Younis, killed six Palestinians, medics said. Footage circulated on social media, which Reuters could not immediately authenticate, showed a mangled, burnt-out vehicle.

The armed wings of Hamas, the Islamic Jihad, and other smaller militant factions said in separate statements that their fighters attacked Israeli forces operating in several areas of Gaza with anti-tank rockets, mortar fire, and explosive devices.

The renewed surge in violence in Gaza comes as Israel began a ground operation in Lebanon, saying its paratroopers and commandos were engaged in intense fighting with Iran-backed Hezbollah. The conflict follows devastating Israeli airstrikes against Hezbollah's leadership.

REGIONAL TENSIONS

The operation into Lebanon represents an escalation of the conflict in the Middle East between Israel and Iran-backed militants that threatens to suck in the U.S. and Iran.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel almost a year ago, in support of its ally Hamas in the war in Gaza, which began after the militant group staged the deadliest assault in Israel's history on Oct. 7.

The assault, in which Israel says 1,200 people were killed and more than 250 taken hostage, triggered the war that has devastated Gaza, displacing most of its 2.3 million population and killing more than 41,600 people, according to Gaza health authorities.

Some Palestinians said they feared that Israel's shift in focus to Lebanon could prolong the conflict in Gaza, which marks its first anniversary next week.

"The eyes of the world now are on Lebanon while the occupation continues its killing in Gaza. We are afraid the war is going to go on for more months at least," said Samir Mohammed, 46, a father of five from Gaza City.

"It is all unclear now as Israel unleashes its force undeterred in Gaza, Yemen, Syria, Lebanon, and God knows where else in the future," he told Reuters via a chat app.

(Reporting and writing by Nidal al-Mughrabi. Additional reporting by Ali Sawafta; Editing by Sharon Singleton)
By Emilie Madi

BEIRUT (Reuters) - The repeated blasts in Beirut's southern suburbs where Israel has been carrying out airstrikes this week have driven Zeina Nazha and her young daughter to camp on a city beach seeking safety from the war in Lebanon.

She and some others from those suburbs, known as Dahiyeh, a stronghold of Israel's Iran-backed foe Hezbollah, are sleeping on blankets either under the open sky or in tents and other makeshift shelters with no safer place to go.

Israel's stepped-up military campaign in Lebanon over the past two weeks has driven a million people from their homes in the south, in Beirut and in the Bekaa valley in the east, according to the Lebanese government.

Israel says its campaign is necessary to make its own northern regions safe from Hezbollah rocket fire and allow thousands of its citizens home.

"There was bombing in al-Sallem neighbourhood. We stayed for a while there and my family fled," said Nazha.

"The situation we're living in is very difficult... people are dying," she added.

She and her daughter spent a night sleeping on the corniche, the seaside walk around central areas of Beirut that in peaceful times is a hub of city life, filled with families strolling or sitting and eating.

The government and private or charitable bodies have set up numerous shelters in schools and other facilities to accommodate people displaced by the fighting. But Nazha said all those she had visited were full up.

Nearby, Mohamed Terkmene, a Syrian man living in Lebanon who has also been displaced by the conflict, said he had been sleeping at the beach for four days. He said soldiers had come to tell him and his neighbours to evacuate their Dahiyeh homes.

"We are not able to sleep and we don't know for how long we will stay here. A month, two months, a week or two, until this war is resolved," he said.

(Reporting by Writing by Angus McDowall, Editing by William Maclean)
This is a developing story. Refresh for updates. Download our NewsNation app for 24/7 fact-based unbiased coverage.

(NewsNation)  The Israeli military on Tuesday warned people to evacuate nearly two dozen Lebanese border communities hours after announcing the start of ground operations against Hezbollah.

The militant group denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon. It was not immediately clear whether Israeli troops had crossed the border. No photos or video footage has yet emerged showing Israeli ground forces inside Lebanon.

Israel began a ground operation in Lebanon on Monday, days after its military killed the head of Hezbollah.

Israel Defense Forces have begun limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon, the IDF said in a statement.

This comes after the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and two weeks of intensive air strikes in Lebanon.

Hezbollahs acting leader vows to fight on after Nasrallahs death

Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant told local council heads in northern Israel earlier Monday that the next phase of the war along Lebanons southern border would begin soon.

We will use all the means that may be required  your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land, Gallant said.

Israeli military officials declared the areas around the communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon as a closed military zone. Entry to the areas was prohibited.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

In accordance with the decision of the political echelon, a few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months. The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area. These operations were approved and carried out in accordance with the decision of the political echelon. Operation Northern Arrows will continue according to the situational assessment and in parallel to combat in Gaza and in other arenas. The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes. IDF STATEMENT

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In a statement to NewsNation, a National Security Council spokesperson said, This is in line with Israels right to defend its citizens and safely return civilians to their homes. We support Israels right to defend itself against Hezbollah and all Iranian backed terror groups.

Ultimately, a diplomatic resolution is the only way to achieve lasting stability and security across the Israel-Lebanon border.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, Hezbollah is ready. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The Associated Press and Reuters contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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JERUSALEM (AP)  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Earlier Tuesday, Israel launched what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky.

Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri warned that Iran would respond to action against its territory with strikes on Israel's entire infrastructure with multiplied intensity.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages on Tuesday, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

Fears of a broader conflict

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

Iran said it fired Tuesday's missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israel's statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

___

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; and Associated Press producer Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran contributed.

___

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BEIRUT (AP)  The Israeli military says it has begun a limited, localized operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

It said it was carrying out targeted ground raids in villages close to the Israeli border. The targets, it said, pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

It announced early Tuesday that the operation has been planned in recent months and was launched after approval by political leaders.

THIS IS A BREAKING NEWS UPDATE. The following is APs previous story.

The Israeli military launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon and signals grew that more forces could soon be sent across the border to fight the Iran-backed militants.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

The sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut and smoke rose from the capitals southern suburbs, a Hezbollah stronghold, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, who last engaged in ground combat on Lebanese soil during a monthlong war in 2006.

But a Western diplomat in Cairo whose country is directly involved in de-escalation efforts said an Israeli ground operation in Lebanon is imminent. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity due to the sensitivity of the situation, said Israel had shared its plans with the U.S. and other Western allies, and conveyed the operation will be limited.

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

It was not clear if Israel had made a final decision on a broader ground operation in Lebanon. The Israeli armys radio station said a Cabinet meeting wrapped up late Monday, with Netanyahu continuing to consult with security officials.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, Hezbollah is ready. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Israels order restricting entry and exit from the northern communities of Metula, Misgav Am and Kfar Giladi does not necessarily mean Israeli troops will immediately invade Lebanon. Areas can also be declared closed military zones if an imminent threat is detected.

But the army has heavily beefed up forces along the border in recent days, and commanders have said they are prepared to go into Lebanon if ordered to.

Chris Coyle, a resident of northern Israel, said the army had erected gates and checkpoints throughout the region and positioned scores of tanks along the border in recent days. Theyre certainly getting ready to go in, he said.

In the nearby Golan Heights, an Associated Press reporter heard Israeli artillery fire and explosions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces also fired flares into Lebanon.

An AP reporter in the southern Lebanon town of Marjayoun reported sounds of heavy shelling and explosions and occasional airstrikes coming from areas closer to the border.

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Hezbollahs capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Mondays in central Beirut  outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis  would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

Its possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Mondays strike in Beirut killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year. The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the U.N. estimate is around 200,000.

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000  including many fighters but also many civilians.

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The Israeli military on Tuesday said it had begun a limited, localized operation against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon, opening a new front in its war against the Lebanese militant group.

In a brief announcement, it said it was striking Hezbollah targets in areas close to the Israeli border, and that air force and artillery units were carrying out attacks to support the ground forces. It gave no details on how long the operation would last, but said the army had been training and preparing for months.

A few hours ago, the IDF began limited, localized and targeted ground raids, it said. These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

The incursion came shortly after it was approved by Israeli political leaders and marked a new stage in Israels war against Hezbollah, an Iranian-backed militant group.

Earlier, U.S. officials said Israel had launched small ground raids against Hezbollah and sealed off communities along its northern border on Monday as Israeli artillery pounded southern Lebanon.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said Israel informed the U.S. about the raids, which he said were described as limited operations focused on Hezbollah infrastructure near the border.

The sounds of airstrikes were heard throughout Beirut and smoke rose from the capitals southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence, shortly after Israel ordered residents of three buildings to evacuate.

There were no reports of direct clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants, who last engaged in ground combat on Lebanese soil during a monthlong war in 2006.

An Israeli tank manoeuvres in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began, displacing tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon. Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for families to return to their homes near the Lebanon border. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

Hezbollah vowed Monday to keep fighting even after its longtime leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials were recently wiped out by Israeli strikes.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, Hezbollah is ready. He said commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

The man widely expected to take over the top post from Kassem is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Shortly before the Israeli invasion, the army declared three northern communities near the Lebanese border to be closed military zones, indicating that the ground operation was imminent.

The army has heavily beefed up forces along the border in recent days, and commanders have said they are prepared to go into Lebanon if ordered to.

Chris Coyle, a resident of northern Israel, said the army had erected gates and checkpoints throughout the region and positioned scores of tanks along the border in recent days. Theyre certainly getting ready to go in, he said.

In the nearby Golan Heights, an Associated Press reporter heard Israeli artillery fire and explosions in southern Lebanon. Israeli forces also fired flares into Lebanon.

An AP reporter in the southern Lebanon town of Marjayoun reported sounds of heavy shelling and explosions and occasional airstrikes coming from areas closer to the border.

Israeli strikes in recent weeks have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early Monday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Hezbollahs capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like Mondays in central Beirut  outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses and taxis  would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

Its possible Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Some European countries began pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon on Monday. Germany sent a military plane to evacuate diplomats relatives and others. Bulgaria sent a government jet to get the first group of its citizens out.

Mondays strike in Beirut killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also Monday, Hamas announced its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year. The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the U.N. estimate is around 200,000.

Israel shows little interest in cease-fire calls as it bloodies a longtime foe

The United States and its allies have called for a cease-fire, hoping to avoid further escalation that could draw in Iran and set off a wider war. But Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has shown little interest, as his country racks up military achievements against a longtime foe.

France, which has close ties to Lebanon, has joined the United States in calling for a cease-fire. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot, visiting Beirut Monday, urged Israel to refrain from a ground offensive.

Barrot also called on Hezbollah to stop firing on Israel, saying the group bears heavy responsibility in the current situation, given its choice to enter the conflict.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati, speaking after meeting with Barrot, said the country is committed to an immediate cease-fire followed by the deployment of Lebanese troops in the south, in keeping with a U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 war but was never fully implemented.

Hezbollah, which boasts tens of thousands of battle-hardened fighters and long-range missiles capable of hitting anywhere inside Israel, has long been seen as the most powerful militant group in the region and a key partner to Iran in both threatening and deterring Israel.

But Hezbollah has never faced an onslaught quite like this one, which began with a sophisticated attack on its pagers and walkie-talkies in mid-September that killed dozens of people and wounded around 3,000  including many fighters but also many civilians.

___

Melzer reported from Tel Aviv, Israel. Associated Press writers Bassem Mroue and Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Sam McNeil in Majdal Shams, Golan Heights; Jamey Keaten in Geneva; Geir Moulson in Berlin; and Veselin Toshkov in Sofia, Bulgaria, contributed reporting.

___

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CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Hezbollah has confirmed that its powerful leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike this weekend.

The Israeli military has killed 7 high-ranking Hezbollah officials in the past week and they have continued intensive strikes across Lebanon, including pre-dawn strikes in Beirut.

Israels recent airstrikes are a significant escalation in the war in the Middle East. Congressman Jim McGovern told 22News what needs to be done to avoid an all-out regional war, I have been a long time supporter of Israel, but I have been a critic of the Netanyahu government. I voted against sending additional military aid to the Netanyahu government because of what theyre doing in Gaza because of the expanded violence in the West Bank now this is being expanded into Lebanon. We need a cease-fire and we need to de-escalate the situation.

In the days before the Israeli attack, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had intensively shuttled between delegations in New York during the United Nations General Assembly session,

trying to forge a 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, but to no avail.

If an agreement cannot be reached a wider regional war could take place that could draw in the United States.

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Israeli troops have launched a ground offensive in southern Lebanon. Heres what we know

Israel has launched a ground operation across its northern border into Lebanon targeting the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah, opening a new and dangerous phase in almost a year of war.

The incursion, which Israels National Security Cabinet has called the next phase of its war with Hezbollah, marks the fourth time that Israeli soldiers have publicly entered Lebanese soil in nearly 50 years, and the first since Israels 34-day war in the country in 2006.

Israeli troops laid the groundwork for what it called a limited ground operation in recent days, ramping up airstrikes that have killed hundreds of people, destroyed homes and displaced about 1 million people in Lebanon.

The latest escalation comes after Israel killed Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike on Friday and decimated the leadership of the most powerful paramilitary force in the Middle East.

Heres what we know.

Extent of incursion unclear

Israeli officials have characterized the incursion into southern Lebanon as limited in scope, saying there will be no long-term occupation.

Officials have, however, declined to say how deep Israeli troops would venture into the country or how long the operation is expected to last. On Tuesday, the Israeli military called on residents in more than two dozen villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate approximately 30 miles into the country.

An Israeli security official told reporters on condition of anonymity Tuesday morning that the operation does not amount to an invasion or incursion, describing it instead as localized raids that are very limited in scope and in the area of operation.

The official said there were so far no clashes on the ground between the IDF and Hezbollah, but refused to comment on whether Israeli tanks have entered Lebanon and would not elaborate on how deep into Lebanese territory Israeli troops have advanced, saying they were focused on the border areas.

The amount of forces and the type of forces are more appropriate to something of a limited raid, and not, for example, things weve seen in Gaza with very, very large forces, the official added.

Hezbollah rejected the claim that Israeli forces had entered southern Lebanon, describing them as lies, according to a statement by spokesman Mohamed Afif on Tuesday.

A source from the UN Interim Forces in Lebanon (UNIFIL) said the Israeli military has staged some sporadic raids across the Lebanon-Israel border but its troops have not remained on Lebanese soil. The assessment that Israel has not yet launched a full-scale invasion was supported by two other high-level Lebanese security sources.

A man stands on the rubble of buildings near the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, on September 29, 2024. - Hassan Ammar/AP

The Israeli military earlier said it was focused on removing immediate threats from Lebanese villages along the border, including Hezbollahs ability to infiltrate northern Israel. Israeli soldiers, including paratroopers and commandos, as well as armored corps troops have been preparing for limited, localized, targeted operations in southern Lebanon, the Israeli military said, adding that soldiers have been training for weeks and had gained skills and operational experience in Gaza over many months.

While the extent of Israels military plans inside Lebanon remain unclear, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has become increasingly defiant of international calls for restraint and de-escalation, as well as widespread outrage over growing civilian casualties in Lebanon and Gaza.

Previous military operations initially declared by Israel to be limited in their goals have proved to be anything but.

Examples include Israels years-long occupation of southern Lebanon that began in 1982 with the stated aim of a brief and limited mission to destroy the Palestinian Liberation Organization (PLO) in the country.

More recently, Israels military declared a limited operation in Rafah, southern Gaza that has left the city in ruins.

What happened ahead of the incursion?

Shortly before the incursion, Israels National Security Cabinet approved the next phase of its war with Hezbollah, according to Israeli media.

In preparation, the Israeli military launched small raids and artillery fire across the Lebanon border, and sealed off several communities in northern Israel, limiting the movement of civilians there.

The Lebanese army had also evacuated observation posts at the southern border and moved to barracks in the border villages, according to a Lebanese security source. The Army Command later denied reports it withdrew. CNN is unable to independently verify the Lebanese armys movements.

Meanwhile, Israels air force once again bombed the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital Beirut, predominantly Shia neighborhoods where Hezbollah has a stronghold.

It follows Israeli airstrikes that hit inside Beiruts city limits early Monday for the first time since the Palestinian militant group Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel.

The Lebanese health ministry said on Monday that at least 95 people have been killed in Israeli strikes in just 24 hours, and another 172 others injured.

Smoke billows after an Israeli strike on a village near the southern Lebanese city of Tyre on September 29, 2024. - Kawnat Haju/AFP/Getty Images

Isnt Israel fighting Hamas in Gaza? Why are Israeli troops now in Lebanon?

Israel and Lebanon-based Hezbollah have been engaged in a tit-for-tat escalation since the war in Gaza began following Hamas attack on Israel last October. Hezbollah first attacked Israel on October 8 and has said it will not stop striking Israel until a ceasefire is reached in the Palestinian enclave, much of which has been reduced to rubble by Israeli bombs and fighting.

In recent weeks, Israel has refocused its military objectives north with a new war aim to return displaced residents to their homes along the Lebanon border. About 60,000 Israeli civilians have been forced from their homes by Hezbollahs rocket attacks.

Whats unfolded is some of the fiercest fighting between the two longtime foes since the 2006 Lebanon war, which killed 1,100 in the country. Nearly 50 Israeli civilians and 121 Israeli soldiers were also killed.

Last month, pagers and walkie-talkies used by Hezbollah members exploded across Lebanon in a coordinated Israeli attack that killed dozens of people and maimed thousands, including women and children.

Israel has also stepped up a relentless bombing campaign across Lebanon targeting Hezbollahs infrastructure and leadership, but the strikes have also decimated homes and neighborhoods in densely populated areas. Massive airstrikes in southern Beirut have killed a string of Hezbollah leaders, as well as more than 1,000 people.

The Iran question

The latest developments raise questions about how a weakened Hezbollah will respond, and the extent to which its backer Iran could get involved, once more ratcheting up fears of a wider regional war.

Hezbollah is part of an Iran-led alliance spanning Yemen, Syria, Gaza and Iraq that has attacked Israel and its allies since the war with Hamas began.

In a fiery speech on Sunday, Netanyahu said one of Israels goals is changing the balance of power in the region and that there is no place in Iran or the Middle East that the long arm of Israel will not reach.

Killing Hezbollah leader Nasrallah and wiping out the groups capabilities to launch a large-scale attack on Israel were necessary conditions to achieve that goal, he said.

Israel has also ramped up attacks on multiple fronts against other Iran-backed militants, including launching strikes targeting the Houthis in Yemen.

But despite the recent Israeli strikes on its proxies, Iran has appeared wary of moving into direct conflict with its longtime enemy, even as their decades-long shadow war has been pushed further into the open. Many observers fear any direct Iranian retaliation could draw the United States further into the conflict.

In a weekly news conference on Monday, Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesperson Nasser Kanaani described Israels actions in Lebanon as criminal, and said that while the Islamic Republic is not a warmonger No measures and adventurism against Irans national security will go unanswered, state-run IRNA reported.

How has the US reacted?

Attention has focused on how the once-mighty US is increasingly powerless to rein in its ally or to influence other major belligerents in a fast-worsening regional crisis.

US officials told CNN they were informed by their Israeli counterparts that the incursion into Lebanon was expected to be limited in scope and duration.

The White House on Monday said Israel has the right to defend itself, but warned of the risk of mission creep in a ground operation that could ultimately broaden in scope and turn into a longer-term incursion.

President Joe Biden last week unveiled a 21-day ceasefire proposal, backed by other US allies, that was almost immediately rejected by Netanyahu  to the frustration of the White House.

The US is a key provider of Israels weapons  it likely supplied the 2,000-pound bombs used to kill Hezbollahs leader  but Biden and his advisers have continued to call for a diplomatic resolution.

How has the world responded?

Several states and UN bodies have warned of the impact on civilians in Lebanon and the risk of further regional instability.

The European Union renewed its call for an immediate ceasefire between Hezbollah and Israel. In a statement on Monday, EU Foreign Policy Chief Josep Borrell called for the respect of international humanitarian law in all circumstances, and said the sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed.

UNIFIL said in a statement that any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, urging all actors to step back from such escalatory acts which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed, it added.

French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot urged Israel on Monday to refrain from any ground incursion into Lebanon, and called on both sides to agree to a ceasefire.

The United Arab Emirates expressed deep concern over the recent escalations, fearing its impact on regional stability, the state-run Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported, adding that the Gulf state reaffirmed its unwavering position towards the unity of Lebanon, national sovereignty, and territorial integrity. The UAE also directed an urgent $100 million relief package to the people of Lebanon.

Jordan expressed its rejection of the Israeli aggression against Lebanon. Saudi Arabia said it stresses the need to preserve Lebanons sovereignty and territorial integrity, while Qatar expressed solidarity with Lebanon as well as readiness to provide support to the people to confront the consequences of the Israeli aggression.

Turkey condemned Israels ground operation, calling it a violation of sovereignty and an unlawful act of occupation, according to the state-run Anadolu news agency.

The United Nations agency for humanitarian emergencies (OCHA) warned of the devastating impact on civilians of the recent escalations in Lebanon. The UN agency urged the international community to urgently promote de-escalation and ensure that all parties respect international humanitarian law, while prioritizing immediate humanitarian assistance to the affected people.

The UNs World Food Programme has also launched an emergency project to scale up food assistance for up to 1 million people in need in Lebanon.

CNNs Tamara Qiblawi, Mostafa Salem, Ivana Kottasova, Jeremy Diamond, Lauren Izso, Tara John, Mick Krever, Eyad Kourdi, Joseph Ataman, Irene Nasser, Stephen Collinson, MJ Lee, Lex Harvey, Sarah El Sirgany, Abeer Salman and Mike Schwartz contributed reporting.

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WASHINGTON (Reuters) -The U.S. has bought 6 million barrels of oil for the Strategic Petroleum Reserve for delivery through May 2025, the Department of Energy said on Monday.

The purchases are part of an effort to replenish stockpiles after President Joe Biden ordered the largest ever sale from the reserve in 2022 of 180 million barrels in an effort to control fuel prices following Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

The U.S. bought 3.5 million barrels from Exxon Mobil, 2 million from Shell Trading Company, and 500,000 from Macquarie Commodities Trading US, for a total cost of more than $411 million, the department said.

The sour crude, or oil that many U.S. refineries are engineered to process, will be delivered at a rate of 1.5 million barrels per month from February to May next year to the Bayou Choctaw site in Louisiana.

After that, the department only has enough money in its fund for SPR purchases to buy about another 2 million barrels at about $75 per barrel. To continue to keep filling the SPR after that, the department must ask Congress for more money and/or persuade it to cancel upcoming congressionally-mandated sales.

The department previously worked with Congress nearly two years ago to help replenish the SPR by cancelling sales of 140 million barrels that had been mandated through 2027 to raise money for government programs.

(Reporting by Timothy Gardner; Editing by Jamie Freed)
Israeli army tanks maneuver on Oct. 1, 2024, in a staging area in northern Israel near the border with Lebanon. (Baz Ratner / Associated Press)

Iran fired nearly 200 ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday in retaliation for attacks on the Tehran-backed Lebanese militant group Hezbollah, just hours after Israel invaded Lebanon with ground troops for the first time in nearly two decades.

The sharp escalation brought Israel and Iran closer to direct conflict more than at any time in recent history.

While Lebanese civilians fled their homes to escape Israeli incursions early Tuesday, Israelis hunkered down in bomb shelters across the nation as air raid sirens signaled the Iranian missile barrage.

Israeli officials vowed to retaliate for the Iranian attack. Israel's U.S.-financed air defense system intercepted many missiles, lighting up the night skies with bursting rockets.

In Washington, Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken said Israel, with U.S. assistance, "effectively defeated'' the Iranian attack. Initial reports, he said, indicated no casualties or significant damage. One Palestinian man was reported killed in the West Bank city of Jericho, possibly by falling debris from an intercepted rocket.

U.S. officials said they are urging Israel to limit its operations in southern Lebanon, although their ability to influence Israel has waned dramatically.

The Iranian attack "will have consequences," Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said. "We have plans, and we will act."

Shortly after the missiles were launched, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said in a statement that it was retaliating for the killing of Palestinian Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh, Hezbollah General Secretary Hassan Nasrallah and senior Iranian military official Abbas Nilfroushan. Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian warned: "This is only part of our power  do not enter into a conflict with Iran."

In Tel Aviv, where many of Iran's missiles appeared to have been aimed, Israelis spent a couple of hours in shelters when the attack started.

As loud booms reverberated outside, residents in one shelter sat in a circle of chairs and some bean bags left over from a previous war. A father sat on one chair, calmly reading a bedtime story to two young children sitting on his lap. In one corner a mother swayed, cradling a newborn.

Iran's strike was only the second time it has directly attacked Israel, preferring usually to fight its archenemy through proxies such as Hezbollah. But the damage Israel has inflicted on Hezbollah, including the assassination last week of Nasrallah, became more than Iran could allow to go unanswered, officials said.

The previous Iranian attack on Israel was in April, when the Islamic Republic launched a barrage of some 300 rockets and drones in response to Israel's killing of a senior Iranian commander in Syria. Israel's allies had advance notice of that attack, and, led by the U.S., scrambled a coalition that included Arab states and succeeded in intercepting nearly all the projectiles. Damage was minimal.

President Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were sequestered in the White House situation room to monitor events, their offices said Tuesday, and to plan any U.S. reaction. Already, the Pentagon said it was dispatching "several thousand" additional U.S. troops to the region, including fighter jet and attack aircraft squadrons.

U.S. officials expressed relief that losses Tuesday were not excessive but acknowledged the showdown was not over.

"We will consult with the Israelis about the next steps in terms of the response and how to deal with what Iran has just done," White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said.

"There must be consequences for Iran," State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said.

The fast-moving developments came as Israel moved ground forces backed by tanks into southern Lebanon, vowing a "limited" operation, but raising the specter of another occupation.

It reported scattered firefights around the southern Lebanese villages it was raiding. Israel continued to pound parts of Beirut and other sites with airstrikes that in recent days have killed dozens of people, including Nasrallah.

Israel, through an Arabic-language spokesman using the social platform X, ordered the evacuation of nearly two dozen towns and villages in southern Lebanon, telling the residents to move northward about 40 miles from the border.

Lebanese fled advancing Israeli troops, crowding into vehicles and taking to highways with a handful of possessions.

Some of the areas listed for evacuation were near Tyre, southern Lebanon's most populous city, including Rashidiyeh, where Bassam Abdo and his son, Khaled, lived.

A man documents the damage at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb on Oct. 1, 2024. (Hassan Ammar / Associated Press)

Khaled stood atop their Citroen van, lashing down overstuffed suitcases with rope. "I've left so much stuff behind, but I just took what I needed," he said, adding that they were heading to Tripoli, Lebanon's northernmost city.

"I need to get out of here," his father said. "I'm getting a heart attack from the panic."

Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif said that Israeli troops had not actually penetrated the border, but that Hezbollah fighters were prepared. He said Hezbollah fired medium-range missiles toward central Israel earlier Tuesday.

Israel said the ground offensive began with a covert border crossing overnight under the cover of heavy air and artillery strikes.

Three brigade combat teams that had been fighting together in the Gaza Strip moved to occupy areas in southern Lebanon that had already been heavily damaged by recent Israeli airstrikes.

The army "is conducting limited and targeted raids along Israels northern border against the threat that Hezbollah poses to civilians in northern Israel," Hagari, the military spokesman, said in a statement. "These localized ground raids will target Hezbollah strongholds that threaten Israeli towns, kibbutzim and communities along our border."

The Biden administration  largely sidelined by Israel as it expanded the conflict with Lebanon in recent days  said it supported Israel's ground offensive and had received assurances from Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government that the operation would be limited. Those assurances from Netanyahu have often proved hollow, U.S. officials acknowledged.

Israel's massive assault on the Gaza Strip was aimed at wiping out the militant organization Hamas, which attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing about 1,200 people. It has stretched into a year. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed there, according to Gaza health officials, which does not distinguish between civilian and combatant deaths.

This is not the first time Israel and Lebanon have clashed. In 1982, Israel invaded Lebanon in what it described as a mission to root out Palestinian guerrillas. At one point Israeli troops marched on Beirut before eventually pulling back to a 400-square-mile "buffer zone" to, then as now, prevent attacks from Lebanon into northern Israel.

Israel withdrew  nearly two decades later.

It then fought against Hezbollah in 2006 in a monthlong war.

Times staff writers Bulos reported from Beirut and Tyre, and Wilkinson from Washington. Special correspondents Ramin Mostaghim contributed from Tehran and Dina Kraft from Tel Aviv.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
An Israeli tank patrols near the border with Lebanon on Monday - Ayal Margolin/FLASH90

Israeli soldiers received orders on Monday night to invade Lebanon for the first time since the war with Hezbollah in 2006.

Troops, including paratroopers, along with tanks and other military vehicles, had been gathering at the northern border over the past two weeks.

Special forces troops made a number of cross-border raids over the weekend before Israel finally gave the green light to a limited, localised and targeted ground offensive.

We have the great privilege of writing history, as we did in Gaza  to do it here in Lebanon as well, the commander of the elite Egoz unit told soldiers in an undisclosed location on the northern border.

The commander said the IDF started with low-key operations, and today were going to begin a more significant manoeuvre.

Walking on foot with night-vision goggles, the soldiers began conducting limited, localized, and targeted ground raids against Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

The IDF said that the targets hit by the elite unit are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel.

As was the case in Gaza when Israel launched its ground invasion in late October, the Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery supported the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area.

In the early hours of Tuesday, Israeli airstrikes targeted several weapons manufacturing facilities and Hezbollah infrastructure in Beiruts Dahiya neighbourhood.

Israel also fired flares over the Palestinian camp Ein al-Hilweh near the city of Sidon in southern Lebanon before launching airstrikes.

The target of that attack was reportedly Munir al-Maqdah, a top Hezbollah commander of the Fatah-aligned al-Aqsa Martyrs Brigade.

It is unclear if al-Mawdah survived the attack but his son was reportedly among five people killed.

Israeli shelling was also reported on Tuesday morning on the Lebanese border town of Aita al-Shaab and Remish Rmeish.

Meanwhile, Hezbollah fired two rockets at the Upper Gallillee overnight, causing no damage and landing in open fields.

A dozen rockets were fired at northern Israel again in the early morning hours on Tuesday, some of which were intercepted and others landing in open areas.

Israels air defence system also intercepted a drone over the Mediterranean Sea, off the coast of central Israel.

In Syria, three people were reportedly killed in an Israeli airstrike in Damascus, including Safaa Ahmad, an anchor on Syrian state TV.

Israel launched warplanes and drones from the direction of the occupied Syrian Golan, targeting several points in Damascus, according to the official SANA news agency.

After many months of operating in the Gaza Strip, where the soldiers of the division gained skills and operational experience, they moved north and are now operating in the northern arena after making the necessary adjustments for fighting in Lebanon.

In Iraq, Multiple Katyusha rockets were fired near Baghdad International Airport, according to Reuters.

While initial reports stated that the target had been U.S. forces, an American defence official told Reuters that all military personnel are accounted for and military forces were not targeted as had been reported.

Two Iraqi security sources told Reuters that one of the rockets caused fire and damaged vehicles near buildings used by Iraqi counter-terrorism forces.

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JERUSALEM (Reuters) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran's missile attack on Israel failed and vowed retaliation.

"Iran made a big mistake tonight - and it will pay for it," he said at the outset of a political-security meeting. "The regime in Iran does not understand our determination to defend ourselves and our determination to retaliate against our enemies."

(Reporting by Steven Scheer; Editing by Chris Reese)
Israel's Permanent Ambassador to the UN, Danny Danon, speaks during a UN Security Council session on the Middle East at the 79th United Nations General Assembly. Bianca Otero/ZUMA Press Wire/dpa

Israel's ambassador to the United Nations, Danny Danon, has warned Iran to expect a 'severe response' after Tehran launched a barrage of missiles into Israel.

"Iran has now launched an attack against Israel," Danon wrote on the social media platform X.

"As we have previously made clear to the international community, any enemy that attacks Israel should expect a severe response," he added.

In contrast, Iran described its rocket attack on Israel as an appropriate response to the escalation in the Middle East and threatened further attacks.

The Iranian mission to the UN in New York said: "Irans legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran  has been duly carried out."

It added that should Israel date to respond, "a crushing response will ensue." it added.
KANSAS CITY, Mo.  A crisis averted and at least some Jackson County leaders are breathing a sigh of relief Monday after a vote to pass the tax levy nearly failed to get through the Legislature.

198 years, you know how many times we failed to pass this levy? None, because today people decided to let politics define what should be done with this government, Jalen Anderson, the 1st district At-Large Legislator, said.

Tuesday is Missouris deadline for counties to set their tax levies for the upcoming year.

Suspect accused of shooting, paralyzing man, kidnapping two victims in Lees Summit

The first vote failed 4-1 on Monday. Just one shy of what was needed for the levy to pass.

That briefly opened up uncertainty into how the county was going to be able to collect taxes. Its primary source of revenue.

Shortly after, Jackson County Legislator Vanessa Huskey changed her vote, giving it enough to pass.

Jackson County Executive Frank White supported the ordinance that in fact does roll back the levy, just not as far back as some would want.

The only problem is the state deadline to certify the levy is Tuesday at 5 p.m. so the work had to get done on Monday.

After the first vote, the measure had the most votes in favor of passage. The room thought the problem was solved. But they were quickly reminded that in order for something to pass, not just the most votes are needed, but the majority of the nine person legislature has to vote in favor, but it only had four votes.

White said he had never seen something like this in his entire career.

We should not be in a position to even want to play these types of games with peoples livelihoods, Megan Marshall, the 3rd district At-Large Legislator, said.

The chair was forced to call a recess. That is when White came into the room, and for the next 30 minutes, the agenda was at a standstill and the work to get one legislator to flip her vote began.

And thats exactly what she did.

I just want to commend the legislators to who hung around to get this done so the county can operate and we dont have to even fathom laying people off, White said.

County Administrator Troy Schulte tells FOX4 what we saw happen Monday was unprecedented in every sense of the word. As the ability for the county to pay its first responders, pave their roads, to simply do the business of the county, for a moment was in question.

This is no everyday Monday or everyday vote. This is a vote to make sure government can function, Anderson said.

Thats the difference between Jalens argument and reality. Theres $90 million in the savings account of the county, Abarca said. Were not going to go bankrupt by rolling the levy back.

It now heads to White for final approval.

I just want to commend the legislators to who hung around to get this done so the county can operate and we dont have to even fathom laying people off, White said.

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You can read the ordinance here, which explains the state constitutional requirements and county laws being followed to set the countys levy rate.

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General Information:

Name: Jamie Dunphy

Age: 40

Profession: Oregon Government Relations Director for the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

Our community has a long reputation of voting for inspiring, forward-looking, progressive legislation, and then absolutely failing on implementation. I want to end that pattern. This new form of government has the potential to revolutionize service delivery and community representation. But if we elect 12 City Council members who are not prepared for the role they are seeking, who dont know the difference between an ordinance and a resolution or how to read a budget document, who are distracted by performative politics and infighting rather than delivering meaningful solutions for the community, and if we fall on our face on day one, I worry that will mean a death spiral for Portland. People want to live here and want to believe that we can do hard things, but if we dont land the plane and meaningfully implement the vision of the voters in this new form of government, I worry that folks will give up on Portland and move on. Im not ready to give up fighting for Portland, and I believe that I have the skills and experience both in City Hall and in the community to help implement this new system fully.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

I want to prioritize the Citys basic livability. We have multiple crises happening on our streets at the same time. Its deeply inhumane to allow our neighbors to sleep in tents unhoused on sidewalks and in public spaces without access to real housing, healthcare, and services. Our region has failed to meaningfully address any of these crises, and that failure is evident in every neighborhood. That failure also means that neighbors are exposed to bad behavior that leaves parents feeling unsafe to send their kids to the park for fear theyll step on a needle. We have to recognize both of these facts as equally being true, and act urgently to address both of them. My old boss Nick Fish used to say that if the President called and said 4,000 Haitian refugees were on their way to Portland, wed find a way to get them housed and fed, but we dont have that same urgency towards our own neighbors.

The City of Portland wont solve the housing, addiction, and mental illness crises on their own, but there are things that we uniquely can do to make this city feel like things are getting better. We can urgently clean up needles, human waste, and trash. We can repair broken storefronts and activate public spaces, parks, plazas, and business districts with music and art and community. We can encourage good behavior while at the same time discourage bad behavior.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

I have been in public service in this community for over 20 years. I started my career in the David Douglas School District in East Portland doing gang prevention and crime reduction at Ron Russell Middle School. I have worked for two of our regions greatest elected officials: US Senator Jeff Merkley and Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish. I went to Grant High School, Portland Community College, and Portland State University. My wife and I opened and operated a small business in Portland, a coffee shop called Lovecup in the Sellwood neighborhood. Ive served on the Parkrose School Board Budget Committee, on the Community Police Relations Committee, and on the Kelly Elementary PTA. Im a volunteer board member with the organization MusicPortland, fighting for Portlands $3 billion independent music industry, and to save it from threats like Live Nation. And Ive spent the last four years working for the American Cancer Society fighting Big Tobacco and trying to get rid of flavored tobacco products like the churro or bubblegum flavored vapes that middle schoolers seem to love so much. Im from this community, Im passionate about this community, and Im deeply invested in the success of this community. I love Portland, and Im willing to use my skills and experience to help make this a place all of our neighbors can feel proud of.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

Portland City Commissioner Nick Fish, my former boss, friend, and mentor.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

East Portland has never had a seat at the table, and when the City does invest in our community, they often do it without adequate follow-through or community buy-in. I want to see sidewalks paved and street lamps installed so that my daughter and all of her classmates can walk to school safely. I want to see services delivered to the folks suffering on our streets, and an urgency toward getting them into housing. I want to build lots of new housing all across East Portland, especially multifamily housing that families can afford. I want gun violence to end. And I want the average Portland neighbor to feel like things are actually getting better.

What do you love about Portland?

I have spent 26 years living in Portland, and I havent yet found a place that I would rather live. I love this community, not just for the access to nature and parks and proximity to the mountain and the coast, the vibrant music scene, the amazing restaurants and neighborhood small businesses, and the weird, interesting things that make Portland unlike anywhere else. More than that, I love the people who live here and the way they choose to be part of this community. Ive often worried aloud that my time in Portland has given me such a specific experience that my skills may not transfer to other communities if I ever moved! Portland has its challenges, some due to a lack of leadership and a disjointed government system. And anyone who has spent a fair amount of time here knows that Portland has a particular brand of passive aggressive communication style. But the bones of this place are unlike anywhere else, and the people who live here inspire me to work harder. We keep pushing forward with an optimism that other communities have lost. People who live here want to be here and want to believe that we can do hard things and make our lives better together. I believe that, and Im ready to continue this fight.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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(Bloomberg) -- Japans new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba more than halved the number of women in the cabinet, an indication that increasing female representation in key policymaking positions is likely not one of his top priorities.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ishiba unveiled his cabinet on Tuesday, naming only two women out of 19, and in relatively low-profile roles. Junko Mihara will oversee policies on children and Toshiko Abe will take charge of education, science and culture.

Ishibas predecessor Prime Minister Fumio Kishida had appointed five women to ministerial roles, including the foreign affairs and economic security portfolios. While low by international standards that was a record for Japan.

The drop in the number of female cabinet members is a discouraging development for a country that languishes low on lists of female representation in positions of authority. Japan ranks 118th among 146 nations in the World Economic Forums gender equity rankings, with particularly low scores for political and economic participation.

The deciding vote for head of the ruling party on Friday pitted Ishiba against Sanae Takaichi, raising the prospect of Japan getting its first female leader before the US. That result would have been a significant milestone for showing women can reach the highest echelons of power in Japan.

The resulting lack of female members in Ishibas cabinet adds to the disappointment for those hoping the latest leadership race would deliver progress for womens representation. Japan is yet to have a female finance minister, or central bank governor.

The new cabinet also shows less diversity in age. While Kishidas cabinet had two ministers in their 40s, Ishibas team is predominantly older. The average age of cabinet members including Ishiba remains at 63.5, making it one of the oldest among nations in the Organisation for Economic Co-Operation and Development.

Ishiba announced an almost exclusively male leadership lineup for his Liberal Democratic Party on Monday.

The LDP must be reborn as a party that women, men, and young people will want to join, Shinjiro Koizumi, 43, the new head of the LDPs election strategy said on Monday. The party says it aims to have women make up 30% of its lawmakers within the next decade, but that goal appears distant given the proportion was just 11.8% as of last year.

The new prime minister is set to call a general election for Oct. 27.

--With assistance from Yuki Hagiwara, Paul Jackson and Alastair Gale.

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TOKYO (AP)  Japan's new Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba pledged to stick to the vital Japan-U.S. alliance while calling for it to be more equitable after he took office Tuesday vowing to tackle a slow economy and regain public trust before an upcoming election.

Shigeru Ishiba replaced Fumio Kishida, who stepped down to pave the way for a fresh leader after scandals dogged his government.

In a show of Japan's respect to its most important ally, the United States, Ishiba spoke by telephone with President Joe Biden early Wednesday and told reporters he reassured Biden of his plan to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance that Biden and Kishida have significantly elevated.

His new Cabinet emphasizes defense and a majority of its members, including Ishiba himself, are unaffiliated with factions led and controlled by Liberal Democratic Party heavyweights, and none is from the late Shinzo Abes faction that has been linked to damaging misconduct.

Speaking to reporters at the prime ministers office for the first time following a palace ceremony, Ishiba called for stronger military cooperation with like-minded partners. He has been vocal about his wish to form a NATO-like alliance in the region.

He said that one of his policy's main goals was to protect Japan as the security environment surrounding us is the toughest since the end of World War II.

Ishiba renewed his proposal of a more equal Japan-U.S. security alliance, including joint management of U.S. bases in Japan and having Japanese bases in the United States, which would require changes to a bilateral forces agreement. He called the current alliance asymmetrical.

The measure would contribute to further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance, Ishiba said. I've advocated the idea for more than 20 years and obviously it's not going to happen suddenly just because I became prime minister." He also said he hadn't assigned the matter to his Cabinet as an urgent task. But I will not give up and will steadily work on it."

He said Wednesday that he did not raise the issue on his call with Biden but would find the chance to do so later.

Ishiba said he told Biden that he will strengthen Kishida's defense and diplomatic policies while bolstering networks that include South Korea and other like-minded countries. Japan's national security strategy adopted by Kishida's government in 2022 calls for accelerating a Japanese military buildup.

Ishiba earlier said he would call for a snap election on Oct. 27 and named former Environment Minister Shinjiro Koizumi to head the partys election task force. On Tuesday, he said he intended to dissolve the lower house on Oct. 9 so his new administration could obtain the peoples verdict as soon as possible.

During Tuesday's parliament session, opposition leaders criticized Ishiba for announcing such a plan before even becoming prime minister and allowing only several days for his policies to be examined and discussed before a national election. They delayed the vote required to approve his new post for about half an hour, despite not having the power to affect it, signaling a rocky beginning for Ishiba.

Ishiba appointed several ministers who voted for him in the party leadership poll, including two former defense ministers with whom he had worked closely  Takeshi Iwaya as foreign minister and Gen Nakatani as defense chief. He retained Kishida's top confidante, Yoshimasa Hayashi, as chief Cabinet secretary and appointed Katsunobu Kato as finance minister.

Only two of the 19 ministers are women: actor-turned-lawmaker Junko Mihara as childrens policy minister and Toshiko Abe as education minister. The government is under pressure to increase the number of women in public office. Women now account for only 10% of the lower house, placing Japan near the bottom of global gender-equality rankings.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
By John Geddie and Sakura Murakami

TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's new prime minister appointed only two women to his 20-strong cabinet on Tuesday, down from five previously, in what a rights group said represented a "backslide" in Tokyo's push for greater female representation in politics.

New premier Shigeru Ishiba, who held off a challenge from a female rival to lead Japan's ruling party last week, picked Junko Mihara to take charge of children's policies and Toshiko Abe to oversee education.

A quarter of the previous cabinet of outgoing prime minister Fumio Kishida, who resigned in August partly due to a series of party scandals, were women, including the key post of foreign minister. That matched a record also reached in 2001 and 2014.

But that well below female representation seen in other Group of Seven (G7) advanced economies amid questions about a commitment by Japan's ruling party to raise the number of its female lawmakers from around 10% to 30% over the next decade.

"Going from five women cabinet members, which was already extremely low, to two, is a reflection of just how far Japan has to go in terms of women empowerment and equality," said Teppei Kasai, Asia programme officer at Human Rights Watch.

"In terms of the representation of women in the political arena, it's a clear backslide."

It remains to be seen how many female candidates the LDP will field in a snap election due on Oct. 27.

The main opposition, Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, announced a record eight women in its 20-strong shadow cabinet on Tuesday.

Despite the lack of women in Ishiba's cabinet, Kasai said he hoped the new premier would push ahead with more socially-progressive policies such as a campaign pledge to introduce a law that would allow married women to keep their maiden names.

Sanae Takaichi - who became the first woman to make the run-off in Friday's leadership contest - is a hardline conservative who opposed changes to the surname rules and was relatively unpopular among women voters, according to polls.

Yet her achievement in nearly reaching the top in Japan's male-dominated, traditional society should not be underestimated.

Japan ranked 118 out of 146 countries in the World Economic Forum's 2024 gender gap report, up seven spots from the previous year but still the lowest among G7 countries.

The contrast with its G7 peers was on show in 2023 when Tokyo sent a male representative to an otherwise all-female meeting on women's empowerment in the Japanese city of Nikko.

Japan has had three women as foreign ministers but never a female finance minister or prime minister. Tokyo elected its first female governor in 2016.

Women make up around 10% of lawmakers in Japan's lower house, well below the average 30% across the Group of Seven advanced economies, according to a 2024 report.

The LDP hopes to nearly triple its proportion of women lawmakers to 30% in the next decade through steps such as offering babysitting arrangements and a fund to support female candidates.

Asked at a press conference on Monday how the LDP planned to implement this in the upcoming election, its newly-appointed election chief Shinjiro Koizumi said the party would "resolutely push on", without elaborating.

(Reporting by John Geddie and Sakura Murakami in Tokyo; Editing by Kim Coghill)
Waves from the Gulf of Mexico crash on shore as Hurricane Helene churns offshore on September 26, 2024, in St. Pete Beach. Helene ravaged much of Florida's Gulf Coast. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Pinellas County Republican U.S. Rep. Anna Paulina Luna said Tuesday that she has signed on as a co-sponsor of new legislation filed by South Florida Democratic Rep. Jared Moskowitz that would provide an additional $15 billion in disaster relief for Hurricane Helene.

The bill would allocate $10 billion in supplemental funding for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and $5 billion for the Department of Housing and Urban Development.

President Joe Biden said Monday that he could call Congress back to Washington for an emergency session to approve new disaster relief, just days after federal lawmakers left for their preelection break after approving a short-term spending bill that keeps the government running until Dec. 20.

However, that continuing resolution failed to include the $10 billion for FEMAs Disaster Relief Fund.

My constituents in Pinellas County depend on Congress to take swift and decisive action in the wake of this unprecedented disaster caused by Hurricane Helene, Luna said in a written statement. I am ready and willing to return to Washington and ensure our communities receive the critical resources necessary for a rapid recovery. Americans are counting on us, and we must take immediate action to address their life-saving needs.

Other Florida Republicans, such as U.S. Sen. Rick Scott and North Florida U.S. Rep. Kat Cammack said Monday that they agree Congress should return to Washington to ensure a full recovery for citizens in the Southeast harmed by the storm.

Moskowitz, who served as state emergency management director during Gov. Ron DeSantis first term, has filed bills in to replenish the Disaster Relief Fund over the past two years.

Congress shouldve dealt with this funding shortfall before we went on recess, but now we must act swiftly to pass this supplemental, Moskowitz said in a press release. Emergency management cant be a partisan issue  hurricanes dont just hit Republican areas or Democratic areas. We have to come together to show the American people government still works.

Reelection challenge

Luna is involved in what is considered perhaps the only competitive congressional race in Florida this year, running for re-election against Democrat Whitney Fox in Floridas 13th District.

The district encompasses much of Pinellas County (with the exception of parts of St. Petersburg), which has been devastated by Hurricane Helene. An official with Pinellas County government said Tuesday that the county sustained more than $2 billion in residential damage, the worst in more than a century.

Luna voted against the legislation last week to keep the government running until late December, a vote Fox is criticizing her for.

The day before Hurricane Helene, Anna Paulina Luna callously voted against vital FEMA aid, and now has the audacity to feign concern for the cameras, Fox said in a statement sent to the Phoenix on Tuesday. This is the same Luna who repeatedly voted to slash billions from FEMA and backs Project 2025s reckless plan to dismantle NOAA and strip aid from storm-ravaged businesses. Make no mistake: once the spotlight fades, shell revert to gutting the very programs we desperately need. Pinellas deserves a leader who stands with us before, during, and after a crisis  not Lunas brand of fair-weather politics.
By David Shepardson

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - About 20 Democrats in the U.S. Congress on Tuesday urged Mexican President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum to address national security concerns posed by internet-connected vehicles produced by Chinese automakers in Mexico.

All modern cars and trucks have onboard network hardware providing internet access that allows them to share data with devices both inside and outside the vehicle.

The lawmakers led by Representative Elissa Slotkin and Senator Sherrod Brown asked Sheinbaum in a letter to establish a national review and to send a delegation to the United States by early 2025 for talks.

The U.S. fears that China, a strategic and economic rival as well as trading partner, could use data collected by connected vehicles for surveillance or, in extreme circumstances, remotely control them through the internet and navigation systems.

"We believe that this body of data, under the control of the Chinese Communist Party, is a national security threat," said the letter, also signed by Senators Gary Peters, Debbie Stabenow and Tammy Baldwin.

Last week, U.S. President Joe Biden proposed prohibiting Chinese software and hardware in connected vehicles on American roads, which would effectively bar Chinese cars and trucks from the U.S. market and ban new vehicles produced in Mexico by Chinese automakers.

China rejects the U.S. criticism, and has said the U.S. move "has no factual basis, violates the principles of market economy and fair competition, and is a typical protectionist approach."

The Biden administration is taking steps to prevent Chinese automobiles from being sold the United States, and advocacy groups have warned of what they say is unfair competition from heavily state-subsidized Chinese electric vehicles.

This month, Biden hiked tariffs on Chinese-made EVs by 100% even though only four Chinese light-duty vehicles are currently sold in the United States. Congress approved legislation in 2022 to bar EVs built in China from receiving tax credits.

The lawmakers noted Chinese automakers have made inroads in the Mexican market, saying it raised "significant concerns" that they were now seeking to use Mexico as a base to enter the U.S. market.

The letter noted that Chinese electric vehicle maker BYD is planning to build a factory in Mexico, which it said "raises the potential for Chinese companies to attempt to circumvent these [U.S.] tariffs with production in Mexico."

(Reporting by David Shepardson; Editing by Kevin Liffey)
WATERTOWN, N.Y. (WWTI)  Jefferson Community College will host a fall open house on Friday, Oct. 25 at 9 a.m. in the Jules Center Commons.

At the open house, attendees can ask questions about admissions, financial aid, academic programs, student housing, campus life and student support services. Guided campus tours will cover JCCs new turf facility, esports arena, fitness center, gymnasium, residence halls and other amenities.

JCCs Athlete of the Week ending Sept. 22

Attendees can also attend The College Experience, a fun fair in the McVean Gymnasium where students can speak with faculty from various academic programs.

Immediately following the open house, JCC will offer an optional workshop for those ready to apply for admission. There will also be a workshop for military-affiliated students to discuss military benefits, registration, financial aid and more.

Anyone who would like to attend can register on JCCs website. Call or email enrollment services at 315-786-2437 or admissions@sunyjefferson.edu for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
When former President Donald Trump, at the time the second-oldest major party presidential candidate at 78, selected Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) as his running mate in July, he picked a man half his age who was supposed to provide the intellectual heft necessary to create a Trumpism without Trump and carry the banner of right-wing populism into the future.

Instead, Vance quickly became the least popular person on either ticket and one of the least popular vice presidential picks ever. He tied Trump, whose strategists are desperately trying to place at the center of the electorate, to deeply unpopular right-wing ideas  including ones on the role of women, on abortion rights and the whole of Project 2025.

The combined effect hardly proves the future viability of Trumpism. Instead, it creates obvious questions about whether it has a future at all if its namesake leaves the political scene.

As Vance heads into his first and only debate against Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, the Democratic vice presidential candidate, on Tuesday night, interviews with both Republicans and Democrats suggest not all the blame for Vances unpopularity can fall squarely at his feet, and indicate the problem with the so-called New Right  with its willingness to intervene in the economy and use the state to punish its liberal enemies  is as much about deeply flawed messengers as it is about a potentially unappealing message.

Republican presidential nominee former President Donald Trump and Republican vice presidential nominee Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) attend the 9/11 Memorial ceremony on Sept. 11 in New York. via Associated Press

Vances main problem, like countless Republicans in competitive general elections over the past eight years before him, is being stuck with the unenviable task of replicating a version of Trump without actually being, you know, a celebrity-billionaire-real-estate-developer-reality-star who was a media presence for decades before running for office.

Having to be saddled with all things Trump without having the charm and personality of Trump is really hard, one sympathetic GOP strategist, granted anonymity to discuss Vances struggles, said. Hes forced to present himself through the image of Trump. He cant back down on anything. He cant spend a ton of time presenting what he believes.

The best way to understand Vances struggles may be to look at the other Trump-backed Republicans who ran alongside him in 2022  but didnt have the benefit of running in red-tinted Ohio. Candidates like Blake Masters in Arizona, Doug Mastriano and Mehmet Oz in Pennsylvania and Herschel Walker in Georgia all brought elements of Trumpism to the table, whether it be his ideology, brashness or simple celebrity. All underperformed expectations and lost their elections.

He never was a good candidate, former Rep. Tim Ryan (D-Ohio) bluntly told HuffPost of Vances 2022 campaign, noting he led the Republican until outside super PACs poured money into the race in the final months.

Vances struggles are unlikely to ultimately sink the GOP ticket in a race seen as a toss-up across the major swing states. Its fully possible hell be vice president in 2025, where hell have chances to change the publics mind  not unlike Vice President Kamala Harris has been able to do.

He has an opportunity tomorrow night to reintroduce himself to the country, Rep. Tom Emmer (R-Minn.), who has been playing Walz in Vances debate prep, said Monday on CNN when confronted with Vances unpopularity in public surveys. I think they will like JD Vance.

Vances campaign did not respond to an email seeking comment.

Bill Neidhardt, a progressive Democratic strategist, noted Trump has spent most of his political career as an unpopular leader. It doesnt work for anyone else because it barely works for Donald Trump.

He can be chameleon-esque, Neidhardt said of Trump. There are a lot of voters who say he represents change or is a moderate. But once you take away his history of giving the middle finger to Jeb Bush and Mitt Romney, youre just left with a very unpopular MAGA agenda.

And Vance, in particular, is tied to the most unpopular parts of MAGA agenda. Trump has attempted to run away from the widely loathed Project 2025, claiming he has not read it (believable, its more than 900 pages long) and had nothing to do with its development (less believable, since dozens of his former staffers helped write it). Vance, however, is far more publicly tied to the document and the people who wrote it.

Kevin Roberts, the president of the Heritage Foundation  the MAGA-aligned think tank most responsible for Project 2025s creation  has called Vance one of the leaders  if not the leader  of our movement, and Vance responded by writing a glowing forward to Roberts most recent book. Vance has been an enthusiastic backer of one of Project 2025s central ideas, the mass firing of federal workers and their replacement by conservative loyalists, and said the document has a lot of good ideas. A Project 2025 contributor even helped him with debate prep.

Similarly, while many voters have struggled to believe Trump truly wants to restrict abortion rights despite his glaringly clear record on the topic, Vance is a far more believable social conservative warrior who has undermined Trumps efforts to abandon his voluminous pro-life baggage. Vance, for instance, has urged the Justice Department to enforce the Comstock Act, which would sharply restrict abortion access nationwide.

But for all right-wing baggage, Democrats said, its Vances apparent hostility toward women which has caused the biggest problems for the GOP ticket. His now-infamous comments about childless cat ladies have directly contributed to the GOP tickets massive disadvantages among women.

JD Vance has contributed to an overall sense that he and Trump hate women, said Anna Greenberg, a Democratic pollster who has studied right-wing populist candidates. Its not so much that Trump will win or lose based on Vance, but he certainly reinforces one of the biggest vulnerabilities Trump has.

Vances apparent disdain for women, Greenberg said, has been shared by other conservative populists like Masters. Masters and Vance, of course, also share a political benefactor in Silicon Valley authoritarian Peter Thiel, who once suggested giving women the right to vote was a mistake. Their reliance on Thiel and other right-wing billionaires, Greenberg said, also undermines their claims to fight for working-class voters.

Right now, Greenberg said, theres evidence many of the most prominent right-wing populist candidates  with their Ivy League backgrounds and ties to Thiel  are simply bad messengers. But theres also evidence right-wing populism can be an effective message.

I dont think its totally unappealing on paper, she said, noting polling has found high support for Trump and Vances plans for mass deportation, and her own surveys have found pockets of appeal for right-wing populism. They are just not terribly effective purveyors of this kind of populism, or economic nationalism, or whatever you want to call it. They cant sell it like Trump does.
JD Vance has changed his name several times. Heres why

The name JD Vance is currently one of the most well-known names in US politics. However, the Ohio Senator has run through several iterations throughout his lifetime.

Vance was as born James Donald Bowman in in Middletown, Ohio, in 1984, having been given the name of his biological father, Donald Bowman. His mothers maiden name was Beverly Vance.

His childhood nickname was J.D., which he explained was pronounced like jay-dot-dee in his best-selling 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy.

Vances parents officially divorced when he was six years old, which he described as the saddest I had ever felt, in his book. He also described a revolving door of father figures.

After the divorce, Vance took the name of his mothers third husband Bob Hamel, and his middle name was changed to David  that of one of his uncles  preserving his childhood nickname JD.

After his parents divorce, Vance took the name of his mothers third husband Bob Hamel, becoming James David Hamel (AP)

However, Vance did not buy his mothers story that he was named for his uncle David. Any old D name would have done, so long as it wasnt Donald, he wrote.

Nonetheless, jay-dot-dee was now short for James David.

When his mother erased Donald Bowman from his and her lives, the adoption process also erased the name James Donald Bowman from the public record. The only birth certificate for Vance on file at Ohios vital statistics office reads James David Hamel, according to information provided by the state, cited by the Associated Press.

He would spend more than two decades as James David J.D. Hamel, and served in Iraq as a US Marine  Corporal James D Hamel. But the situation gnawed at him, particularly after his mother and adoptive father divorced.

I shared a name with no one I really cared about (which bothered me already), and with Bob gone, explaining why my name was J.D. Hamel would require a few additional awkward moments, he wrote in Hillbilly Elegy.

Vance carried the name James David Hamel for over two decades, including during his time in the US military (AP)

Yeah, my legal fathers last name is Hamel. You havent met him because I dont see him. No, I dont know why I dont see him. Of all the things that I hated about my childhood, nothing compared to the revolving door of father figures.

He decided to change his name again, to Vance  the last name of his beloved Mamaw. Vances mother suffered with substance abuse and addiction, and was allegedly abusive to her children, leading to him being taken in and brought up by James and Bonnie Vance.

Vance paid tribute to his grandmother, a union Democrat, during his acceptance speech after being elected to the US Senate in 2022.

"Youre not always going to agree with every vote that I take, and youre not going to agree with every single amendment that I offer in the United States Senate, but I will never forget the woman who raised me, he said.

His final jump to the name JD Vance, with the periods removed, came following his entrance to politics in July 2021 (Getty Images)

The official name change reportedly didnt happen on his wedding day in 2014, as the book implies, but in April 2013, as he was about to graduate from Yale.

Vance made the final alteration to his name after joining politics in July 2021, removing the periods from J.D. Hed often used this shorthand, JD, over his lifetime.

When asked by The Associated Press at the time if this was a formal change, or merely stylistic, his campaign said it was how Vance preferred to be referred to in print.

He has maintained the usage as a US senator, referring to himself as JD Vance on his Senate website, in press releases and in certain campaign and business filings.
Ahead of tonights vice presidential debate, the last person to stare down JD Vance on stageformer Ohio congressman Tim Ryanoffered cautionary advice to Tim Walz as he readies to take on the Yale Law grad.

Ryan, a Democrat who lost a Senate race against Vance by 6 points in 2022, favorably contrasted Vances debate style with that of his running mate, former President Donald Trump, on Slates What Next podcast today.

One key differencewhich Walz needs to watch out foris Vances ability to smoothly pivot from an unfavorable issue to one he can more easily talk about, Ryan said.

For instance, he recalled a moment during his face-off against Vance in which the two were discussing abortion. Ryan mentioned the story of a 10-year-old Ohio girl had to travel to Indiana to receive an abortion after she was raped.

Vance, however, shifted the focus to immigration, rather than abortion, by pointing out that the perpetrator of the rape was a Guatemalan man who entered the U.S. illegally.

That little girl was raped by an illegal immigrant, Vance said during the debate. And both the media and Tim Ryan need to be honest about the fact that she would never have been raped in the first place if Tim Ryan had done his job on border security.

The lesson to take away, Ryan said, is, You have to stay on point.

That is frustrating to watch somebody do that, he added. And in some level, its very skillful for him to get back on ground that hes comfortable on. And that may be a better issue for them, but you have to bring it back, and that takes a level of concentration and focus. And again, knowing where you want the argument to be, I think hes much more skillful than Trump in that regard.

Like Trump, though, Ryan said that Vance can overheat if you hit a nerve.

For Ryan, that nerve was the disjunction between Vances apparent endorsement of the racist idea that immigrants threaten to replace white Americans and the fact that his wife, Usha Vance, comes from an Indian immigrant family.

After Ryan made that point, It was like a hit dog hollering, podcast host Mary Harris recalled.

Although Ryan emphasized the need to prepare for Vancehe advised practicing against an opponent who can needle the s--t out of youhis account of the vice-presidential nominees psychology was less than glowing.

To me, hes just a scared little boy behind a beard, and he wants everyone else to be as scared as he is, Ryan said.

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JD Vance has strong ties to Columbus: Here's a look at his history in central Ohio

JD Vance, an Ohio native with strong ties to Columbus, will square off with Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in Tuesday night's vice presidential debate.

Vance, one of Ohio's U.S. Senators who was tapped as presidential candidate Donald Trump's running mate this summer, grew up in Middletown, Ohio, as he details in his 2016 book "Hillbilly Elegy: A Memoir of a Family and Culture in Crisis."

He now lives in Cincinnati but has claimed Columbus as home.

In 2016, Vance told a Dispatch reporter: "I went to Ohio State and really love central Ohio."

Vance graduated from Ohio State University and briefly lived in German Village  splitting time between a rental there and Washington D.C.  in 2017 and early 2018 after moving to Ohio from San Francisco.

The now 39-year-old told the Dispatch in July 2017 that he frequented local favorite Stauf's Coffee Roasters on South 3rd Street while living in German Village.

"I definitely feel at home in Columbus. I went to Ohio State," he said at the time. "I think it's a really awesome city, underrated in some ways."

Who is JD Vance? What to know about his family, net worth ahead of VP debate on Tuesday

Where did J.D. Vance attend and graduate college?

JD Vance at an April 2022 rally with former President Donald Trump at the Delaware County Fairgrounds. Vance has Columbus connections, though he grew up in Middletown.

Vance attended Ohio State University and graduated in 2009. In 2017, he was a scholar in residence in Ohio State's Department of Political Science and spoke at his alma mater multiple times.

He spoke about his book and his nonprofit in 2016 and 2017, as well as about how he thought the problems facing Ohio could be solved.

His memoir, "Hillbilly Elegy," made him a name in Ohio and elsewhere. It details his childhood, which included drug addiction, abuse and poverty while he grew up in Middletown, largely in the care of his grandmother, who he called Mamaw.

Vance spoke at a sold-out Columbus Metropolitan Club luncheon in 2017 as part of a panel on poverty and his book was honored in 2017 by the Ohioana Book Awards, hosted that year at the Ohio Statehouse.

Vance wrote about Columbus, Ohio State University in \'Hillbilly Elegy\'

Chapter 11 of Vance's memoir begins as he arrives at Ohio State for orientation in September 2007.

In the book, he describes his excitement, his south campus house and beautiful weather.

"Columbus felt like an urban paradise," he wrote, comparing it to Middletown. "It was (and remains) one of the fastest-growing cities in the country, powered in large part by the bustling university that was now my home."

Vance once worked at the Ohio Statehouse

While studying at Ohio State, Vance took a job at the Ohio Statehouse. He was working for former late State Sen. Bob Schuler, a Republican who he describes in his book as "remarkably kind."

Vance wrote about how seeing the political process internally made him appreciate it.

"Mamaw had thought all politicians were crooks, but I learned that, no matter their politics, that was largely untrue at the Ohio Statehouse," Vance wrote.

He goes on to say he got a second job to pay his bills and detailed his life in college by saying: "I liked staying up late to work on assignments, waking up early after only three or four hours of sleep, and patting myself on the back for being able to do it."

Vance declined a handshake from former OSU President Gordon Gee

Vance, who served in the Marine Corps in Iraq, was motivated to finish college fast after hearing a fellow student talk of how he thought those who served first were less intelligent than people who went to college immediately.

He took summer classes and more than double the full-time course load some semesters to graduate summa cum laude with a double major in August 2009.

He writes that he didn't want to attend his graduation ceremony, but did at the insistence of his family.

"When Gordon Gee, then president of the Ohio State University, paused for an unusually long photograph with the girl who stood in front of me in line, I extended my hand to his assistant, nonverbally asking for the diploma," he wrote. "I may have been the only graduating student that day to not shake his hand."

In Chapter 12 of "Hillbilly Elegy," Vance talks of applying for law school and writes that Ohio State is "a big place."

Later, he writes "I loved Ohio State and its people for an incredible education and experience."

The next year, Vance went to Yale University for law school.

Vance founded a nonprofit in Ohio

A venture capitalist, Vance also started Our Ohio Renewal, a nonprofit with Jai Chabria, a public relations strategist and former top adviser to former Ohio Gov. John Kasich.

The charity was founded a day after the 2016 presidential election, according to reporting by the Associated Press. It was intended to help solve the opioid crisis but was closed by Vance in 2021, shortly after he got the Ohio Republican nomination for U.S. Senate.

"I'm looking for opportunities to contribute and get some traction on the issues I talk about in the book and the issues I care about," he said in an interview with The Dispatch in November 2016.

Vance \'always wanted to move back\' to Ohio and has invested in central Ohio

In 2021, Vance's Cincinnati-based venture capital fund, Narya Capital, invested in a West Jefferson start-up.

AmplifyBio, housed at Battelle's West Jefferson campus, opened that year as a $200 million gene therapy start-up.

Vance spoke of Ohio to The Dispatch in 2017, saying that he had "always wanted to move back, because it's home."

dking@dispatch.com

@DanaeKing

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Who is JD Vance? See the VP candidate's long list of Columbus ties
JD Vance and Tim Walz to debate: What time, how to watch

Voters in Michigan and across the U.S. will get another chance to hear directly from candidates on the presidential ballot before the Nov. 5 election, as U.S. Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will participate in the CBS News vice presidential debate on Tuesday.

Vance, former President Donald Trump's running mate on the Republican ticket, and Walz, the running mate of Democratic nominee Vice President Kamala Harris, are meeting as absentee ballots are available to voters in Michigan. Both candidates have made numerous visits to the state in recent weeks, including Walz campaigning in Ann Arbor on Saturday. Vance is slated to make two stops in Michigan, in Auburn Hills and Marne, on Wednesday.

Here's how to watch the debate, where to watch the debate, and more:

What time is the debate?

Tuesday's vice presidential debate is scheduled to start at 9 p.m.

How can I watch it?

CBS News is hosting Tuesday's debate. Along with its cable channel (WWJ-TV in Detroit), CBS' streaming platform Paramount+ also will broadcast the debate.

Other networks, including ABC, FOX, NBC and PBS are also scheduled to simultaneously broadcast the debate. Viewers can also tune in on a host of streaming channels. You can also watch the debate on USA TODAY's YouTube channel.

What else should I know about Tuesday's debate?

The debate will be moderated by "CBS Evening News" anchor and managing editor Norah O'Donnell and "Face the Nation" moderator and chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

The debate is scheduled for 90 minutes, including two four-minute commercial breaks. Like the two presidential debates, there won't be a live audience in the New York studio where it's taking place.

Unlike the presidential debates, however, the candidates' microphones won't be muted while the other is responding to questions. CBS News states the moderators can mute either candidate's microphone at any time.

Michigan, despite not being picked to host a debate this election cycle, will still play a role in Tuesday's debate at least: Walz has been prepping for the debate in northern Michigan, choosing Harbor Springs as a practice site.

Will this be the final debate before the election?

As things stand, Tuesday's debate between Vance and Walz is likely the final debate, either between the presidential candidates and their running mates, before Election Day on Nov. 5.

Harris and Trump met for a debate in September but, so far, have not agreed on a second debate. While the Harris campaign called for a second debate shortly after the first one ended, Trump has said he would not agree to another debate. CBS previously offered to host another debate between Harris and Trump in October.

At the time this article was being written, Tuesday's debate in New York is the only one scheduled between Vance and Walz.

Trump also participated in a debate with President Joe Biden in June, weeks before Biden announced he would not seek reelection this fall. Biden's poor performance in that debate spurred calls from many Democrats for him to step aside, paving the way for Harris to receive the Democratic nomination.

More: 7 Counties in 7 Days: A cross-country road trip to 7 key places in the battle for president

More: Important state, no debate: Michigan not picked to host for first cycle in decades

Contact Arpan Lobo: alobo@freepress.com

Looking for more on Michigans elections this year? Check out our voter guide, subscribe to our elections newsletter and always feel free to share your thoughts in a letter to the editor.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: What time is the vice presidential debate? How to watch Vance, Walz
(NewsNation)  The Republican and Democratic presidential tickets are stacked after presumptive nominee Kamala Harris announced Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz as her running mate.

Ohio Sen. JD Vances nomination as former President Donald Trumps vice president pits him against Walz, a former teacher and longtime politician.

At 39, Vance will represent a younger generation of Republicans alongside 78-year-old Trump. Meanwhile, Walz and Harris stand united on major Democratic voting issues, including abortion and immigration.

What happens now that Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz is running for VP?



Here is how Vance and Walz stack up against one another on the big issues.

Who is Tim Walz?

Walzs liberal policy record and decorated background as a congressman and soldier made him stand out as a vice presidential contender.

Walz, a Nebraska native, enlisted in the National Guard out of high school at 17 years old and served 24 years. He also worked in agriculture and manufacturing before graduating from Chadron State College with a degree in education.

BLOOMINGTON, MINNESOTA  AUGUST 1: Minnesota Governor Tim Walz arrives to speak at a press conference regarding new gun legislation at City Hall on August 1, 2024 in Bloomington, Minnesota. Walz is thought to be on a short list of potential vice presidential running mates for Democratic presidential candidate Vice President Kamala Harris. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

The veteran temporarily taught in China and on South Dakotas Pine Ridge Indian Reservation, which is one of the poorest areas in the country.

Walz won his congressional bid in 2006 and served for 12 years before pivoting his career in 2019 to assume the governorship. In that time, he gained recognition as a top Democrat on the House Veterans Affairs Committee and the highest-ranking enlisted soldier in congressional history.

During his time in Congress, he served on three House committees: Agriculture, Armed Services and Veterans Affairs. He was also the highest-ranking enlisted soldier to ever serve in Congress.

Who is JD Vance?

A Yale School graduate, Vance went on to become a best-selling author and Ohio senator.

Vance was gaining recognition for the publication of his 2016 memoir Hillbilly Elegy as Trump was entering the White House. Vance was openly critical of the former reality TV star at the time, referencing himself in a 2016 interview as a never-Trump guy.

That changed in 2021 as Vance eyed an Ohio Senate seat that he won and still holds. Vance deleted tweets from 2016 calling Trump reprehensible and an idiot, Politifact reported.

FILE  JD Vance, Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Ohio, speaks at a campaign rally in Youngstown, Ohio, Sept. 17, 2022. A high-tech sustainable food company in Appalachia that was promoted by JD Vance and financed with help from his venture capital firm is facing five lawsuits alleging it misled investors. None of the lawsuits against Kentucky-based AppHarvest names Vance, who is Ohios Republican U.S. Senate nominee and left the companys board last year. (AP Photo/Tom E. Puskar, File)

The public didnt forget about Vances former stance, however, and the then-budding politician acknowledged his criticism of Trump during a 2021 Fox News interview.

Like a lot of people, I criticized Trump back in 2016, and I ask folks not to judge me based on what I said back in 2016 because Ive been very open about the fact that I did say those very critical things, and I regret them, Vance said. I was wrong about the guy. I think he made a good president.

Vance, Walz on crime

Although statistics show a decline, crime remains one of the top issues for voters. NewsNation and Decision Desk HQ polling shows crime as one of the top three issues for the 2024 election.

In February 2023, Walz signed into law legislation providing funding for the attorney general to hire as many as seven additional criminal prosecutors. The law, he said, would triple the capacity of the Minnesota Attorney Generals Office to prosecute violent crime and bring justice to victims of crime.

Walz has said investing in public safety will lower crime rates, local outlet KTTC reported in June 2022.

The sheer capacity to process evidence and work crime scenes is critical, KTTC quoted Walz saying at the time. We have heard it time and time again at dozens of stops. Invest money in us. Invest money in the BCA and the researchers and investigators, and we will bring down these numbers.

Later that year, Walz signed a bill to legalize recreational marijuana for people over the age of 21 starting in August, making Minnesota the 23rd state to legalize the substance for adults.

Trump vs. Harris: Where they stand on issues that matter to voters

Vances record on criminal justice intertwines GOP talking points, including crime, abortion and immigration.

In 2023, Vance introduced the Protect Childrens Innocence Act as a companion bill to a measure by Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga. Vances bill, if passed, would make it illegal for doctors to provide gender-affirming care to minors, making the act punishable by as many as 12 years in prison.

The nonprofit LGBTQ+ advocacy group GLAAD criticized Vance, saying the bill contains an array of far-right, anti-transgender buzzwords and bans on medical procedures, none of which are a part of transgender healthcare for minors. Several of the procedures Vance sought to ban include those commonly performed on cisgender people, including plastic surgery and hormone therapies, GLAAD noted.

Vance also supported Tennessee Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburns PRINTS Act, which called for fingerprinting and federal reporting of minors who cross the border in suspected acts of human trafficking, The Marshall Project reported. Anyone who use(s) unrelated minors to gain entry into the United States would be eligible for a sentence of as many as 10 years in prison.

Vance additionally co-sponsored Texas Republican Sen. John Cornyns Back the Blue Act of 2023. The act would raise the minimum and maximum sentences, including death or life in prison, for people convicted of killing or assaulting police officers, according to The Marshall Project.

Vance, Walz on abortion

During his time in political office, Vance has opposed abortion access and some LGBTQ+ rights. He also supports policies he argues would increase birth rates in the United States, such as making childbirth free and financially incentivizing couples to have children.

While Vance ran for Senate on a staunchly anti-abortion platform, he has somewhat shifted his public stance on the issue.

In a July 7 interview on NBCs Meet The Press, Vance said he agreed with a U.S. Supreme Court ruling dismissing a case challenging the availability of mifepristone, an abortion drug.

How will the economy affect Harris, Trump campaigns?

I think its important to say that we need to have a conversation in our country about what our abortion policy should be, he said. Donald Trump is the pragmatic leader here.

In January 2023, Walz signed a bill codifying abortion rights following the Supreme Courts decision to overturn Roe v. Wade in 2022.

Walz signed an executive order shielding people seeking or providing abortions in his state from facing legal consequences in other states. He also vowed to reject requests to extradite anyone accused of committing acts related to reproductive health care that are not criminal offenses in Minnesota.

Walz, Vance on border and immigration

In a 2021 letter, Walz asked Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer to prioritize a clean pathway to citizenship for essential workers, dreamers, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holder, and their families.

Dreamers and TPS holders have enriched and strengthened Minnesotas cities, schools, businesses, congregations and families, Walz wrote. We believe that it is a moral imperative that Republicans and Democrats in Congress work together to enact bipartisan legislation that replaces fear and uncertainty with permanent protection for these individuals.

Vances views on immigration largely echo Trump, saying he opposes every attempt to grant amnesty to immigrants who arrived in the U.S. illegally.

During his 2022 campaign for Senate, Vance ran a political ad saying, Joe Bidens open border is killing Ohioans, looking straight into the camera, adding, With more illegal drugs and more Democrat voters pouring into this country.

Vance argues illegal immigration has devastated parts of the country, including places like Wisconsin that are far from the U.S. border with Mexico. He blames Vice President Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden for problems such as the flow of illegal drugs, and says he and Trump will secure the border and put Americans first.

The Ohio senator faced backlash in September after promoting false claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are abducting and eating pets as he tried to draw attention to Democratic presidential nominee Harris immigration policies. Officials have said there have been no credible or detailed reports about the claims.

Walz, Vance past controversies

Walz came under fire in 2022 when the Justice Department announced federal criminal charges against dozens of people accused of exploiting a federally-funded child nutrition program during the COVID-19 pandemic. The theft of $250 million marked one of the countrys largest pandemic aid fraud cases, resulting in charges against 70 people. Five of the first seven defendants to stand trial were convicted.

The trial gained widespread attention after someone tried to bribe a juror with a bag of $120,000 in cash the night before the case went to the jury.

Republican legislative leaders said the report shows that the failure to stop the fraud lies with Walzs administration, which said the states hands were tied by a 2021 court order to resume payments despite its concerns  a charge the judge disputed  and that the FBI asked the state to continue making payments while the investigation continued.

Tim Walzs evolution on guns: From NRA darling to reform champion

The Democratic governor also came under fire from GOP critics for his response to the civil unrest after a white former Minneapolis police officer killed 46-year-old Black man George Floyd. Walzs detractors said he waited too long to deploy the Minnesota National Guard.

Critics have said Vances Hillbilly Elegy, which tells a first-person account of his extended Appalachian familys efforts to escape poverty, perpetuates stereotypes many Appalachian people try to outrun.

Vances 2021 comments about violent marriages also caused a stir. Vice reported on his remarks, which Vance made at an event that took place at Pacifica Christian High School in Southern California. Vance faced backlash after the report came out but previously said his comments had been misconstrued.

Recently, he addressed resurfaced remarks that the country was being run by childless cat ladies, calling it a sarcastic comment and pivoting to attack Democrats as antifamily.

Comments Sen. JD Vance made in 2021 about violent marriages also circulated online and sparked controversy. Vance made the remarks at an event at Pacifica Christian High School in Southern California. He previously said his comments had been misconstrued.

The Associated Press and The Hill contributed to this report.

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JD Vance, the 40-year-old Senator of Ohio, has been named by Donald Trump as his running mate in the 2024 presidential election - Jeff Dean/AP

When JD Vance released his ode to a forgotten Middle America in 2016, he became an instant literary icon.

Hillbilly Elegy, his memoir-cum-analysis of the Rust Belts decline, and a candid account of the poverty it had wrought, was a cult success which drew on his first-hand experience of violence and addiction.

The timing of the publication was significant. Donald Trump was making his longshot bid for the presidency the same year by tapping into the frustrations of working-class voters who felt left behind by a political elite.

Trumps surprise success made Mr Vance a useful intermediary between his blue-collar base and a bemused US news media.

Mr Vance held up his fist at the Republican convention, a tribute to how Trump responded after an attempt on his life - Julia Nikhinson

Both understood something many establishment politicians had failed to grasp: Americas working class was ready to leave the Democratic Party behind.

And yet the two men could not have been more different, both in their backgrounds and visions for the future.

Trump, the son of a real estate developer, had enjoyed the high life for decades: gracing the pages of New Yorks gossip columns as a firm fixture of the citys high society.

Mr Vance was born into a far humbler environment in the steel town of Middletown, Ohio, raised in an unstable home by a drug-addicted mother, he leveraged his academic talent into a lucrative career as a lawyer and venture capitalist.

The change in view of Mr Vance, who had described himself as a 'never Trump guy', secured him the endorsement of the former president in Ohio's senate race in 2022

With the platform Hillbilly Elegy had given him, Mr Vance became bracketed with Trump for his ability to tap into the concerns of blue-collar workers in the Rust Belt.

But he made his disdain for the Republican 2016 presidential candidate clear, declaring himself as a never Trump guy.

More familiar than most with the scourge of Americas opioid addiction, Mr Vance compared Trumps candidacy to cultural heroin, branding him Americas Hitler.

By the time he was eyeing a political career of his own in 2021, Mr Vance had made a shrewd assessment of the landscape and underwent a conversion to Trumpism.

JD Vance arrives to accept his vice presidential nomination on the opening day of the Republican National Convention - ALLISON DINNER/EPA-EFE/Shutterstock

Ive been very open about the fact that I did say those critical things, and I regret them, and I regret being wrong about the guy, he told Fox in 2021.

In his debate against Tim Walz on Oct 1, he said: Ive always been open and sometimes, of course, Ive disagreed with the president, but Ive also been extremely open about the fact that I was wrong about Donald Trump.

His newfound fealty secured him the endorsement of the former president in Ohios senate race, the most competitive of the 2022 midterms, and with it his US Senate seat.

His fierce support for Trump in Congress, as well as his skill on both cable news and the campaign trail, has now seen him achieve what would have been unthinkable a few short years ago.

Mr Vance pictured with his wife Usha in 2022 - Drew Angerer/Getty Images

As Trumps 2024 running mate, the 40-year-old could become one of the youngest vice presidents in US history.

Many see opportunism in Mr Vances about-face, but friends claim the shift was a reaction to what he viewed as the medias hysterical response to Trumps presidency.

It was a gradual shift that I think was really triggered by the media and the Lefts overreaction to Trump, one friend told ABC News.

Nevertheless, Mr Vances political nous is unmistakable.

He endorsed Trumps 2024 presidential nomination in January 2023 when many in the GOP cautiously held back - wondering whether Florida governor Ron DeSantis might be a safer bet to win back the White House.

Mr Vance near the US Capitol building in Washington in 2017 - The Washington Post via Getty Images

Trump insiders say the 78-year-old, known to place a premium on loyalty, took note of Mr Vances early support.

He was rewarded when Trump announced at the GOP convention in Milwaukee in July: The person best suited to assume the position of vice president of the United States is Senator JD Vance.

Close friend of Donald Jnr

His close friendship with Trumps eldest son, Donald Jnr, was instrumental to the decision. Don Jnr has long admired Mr Vances ability to connect with the Trump base and his skills as a communicator.

Most important of all, according to Trump insiders, is their conviction that Mr Vances sincerity will make him a more forceful advocate for their America-first platform.

He actually believes the policies he is promoting, one source said.

During his brief tenure in the US Senate, Mr Vance has challenged the legitimacy of the prosecutions against Trump and questioned the results of the 2020 election.

JD Vance and his wife Usha with Ohio Senate candidate Bernie Moreno at the Republican National Convention - Carolyn Kaster

He has also been a vocal critic of US aid to Ukraine and moderated his position on abortion to align with Trumps more ambiguous rhetoric on the issue.

The Trump campaign believes Mr Vances ability to connect with Rust Belt voters, in the all-important swing state of Pennsylvania in particular, will be a major asset on their path to the White House.

His political intelligence has given him a unique ability to connect with both working-class voters, thanks to his blue-collar background, and also highly educated suburban voters who admire his Ivy League pedigree.

A gifted student, he served as a US Marine before receiving a bachelors degree in his home state and attending Yale Law School.

It was a disassociation with his peers at Yale that is credited with first shaping his conservatism.

JD Vance and his wife Usha celebrated a the 2024 Republican National Convention - Carolyn Kaster

It was also where he met his wife, Usha, a California native of Indian descent, a highly successful lawyer and until at least 2014, a registered Democrat. The couple have three children.

During the vice presidential debate, he referred repeatedly to his children and said he wanted to put forward a pro-family platform at the 2024 election.

I have three beautiful little kids at home, seven, four and two, and I love them very much, he said.

After a stint in corporate law, Mr Vance relocated to San Francisco making his fortune as a venture capitalist under the tech billionaire and GOP activist Peter Thiel.

He left Silicon Valley behind to run for the Senate, and further eschewed the world he had once inhabited with his fiercely pro-Trump posture.

Not many people would make the decision to reject the charmed life that came with being the toast of the elites the way JD did, his close friend told ABC News.

However, Mr Vance has maintained ties with key players in Silicon Valley  in particular the influential Mr Thiel  and helped organise fundraisers with deep-pocketed donors for Trumps campaign.

Amid the speculation over Mr Vances selection as Trumps running mate, a great deal of attention has also been paid to his beard, given Trumps reported distaste for facial hair.

Mr Vance appeared with Trump at the Republican National Convention - Julia Nikhinson

Some close to Mr Vance say the focus on the superficial is in fact a good metaphor for his political evolution. The shift from boyish puppy fat to full beard is representative of the severe masculinism he now espouses, one friend told the Washington Post.

Trumps senior advisers, Chris LaCivita and Susie Wiles, believe that Vance can still bridge the divide. Trumps record of success, they said, coupled with JD Vances inspirational biography, military service, and dedication to Americas working families, will appeal to voters of all backgrounds, across the country.

Together, the advisers said, the pair are the most unifying and competitive ticket in political history.

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Former George W. Bush speechwriter David Frum on Monday talked about how Democratic vice presidential candidate Tim Walz may be able to rile GOP rival JD Vance during their upcoming debate as Kamala Harris did to Donald Trump during their presidential head-to-head.

Ive known him for a long time, Frum said on CNN of Vance, who wrote for Frums FrumForum website from 2009 to 2012 under a pseudonym.

Trumps running mate is very brittle, and his public persona is a fake, Frum noted.

Hes someone that, when hes exposed, becomes very petulant, very peevish, very angry, and very controlling, he added. Thats going to be the task at this debate: Is can Walz successfully hold the mirror up, keep it there, and let America see what its choice is?

Watch here:

Frum, now a senior editor at The Atlantic, dove into the theme in an essay published Sunday titled J. D. Vances Thin Skin Makes Him Vulnerable.

Trump critic-turned-acolyte Vance is both opportunistic and stubborn, an unstable combination, Frum wrote. Thats one of many vulnerabilities that an adroit opponent can exploit. Walz has deftly used some of them already. He gets his chance to use more on national television Tuesday night.

Read that full essay here.

Related...
Jean-Pierre says ICE data showing 13,000 illegal immigrant murder convicts are in US is 'confusing' Americans

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre was pressed by Fox News' senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy on the news that tens of thousands of illegal immigrants in the U.S. have serious criminal records.

Jean-Pierre responded to the line of questioning about the Border Patrol numbers by claiming it was a "false representation of the data."

Doocy said, "13,000 people who have been convicted of murder across the border illegally and are living among us. So how much danger are U.S. communities in right now?"

"I think it's important to correct the record here," she responded. "It's been fact-checked by some of your colleagues here, by multiple outlets. That has been debunked on what has been falsely misrepresented, misrepresented here. So we have to call that out."

Ohio Residents In Small Town Erupt Over Havoc Caused By Massive Influx Of 20,000 Of Haitians

White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre addressed data that 13,000 noncitizens facing deportations have homicide convictions.

Doocy responded, "Can you clarify what the misrepresentation is?"

Read On The Fox News App

Jean-Pierre responded, "If we're going to report something, data that's out there, we got to do it in a way that is not confusing the American people and certainly not lying."

"If you look at the total returns and removal of the past year, that has been higher than every year under the previous administration since 2010," she said, reiterating claims the story has been fact-checked and falsely represented.

Experts Warn Dhs Equity Push Has Made The Country Less Safe: 'Literally A Road To Anarchy'

New data released to Republican lawmakers showed the number of noncitizens who have final orders of removal or are going through removal proceedings but are not in ICE custody.

Out of 7.4 million people on that docket, 425,431 are convicted criminals and 222,141 have pending criminal charges.

In the latest data, the criminal records included 62,231 convicted of assault, 14,301 convicted of burglary, 56,533 with drug convictions and 13,099 convicted of homicide. An additional 2,521 have kidnapping convictions, and 15,811 have sexual assault convictions. There are an additional 1,845 with pending homicide charges, 42,915 with assault charges, 3,266 with burglary charges and 4,250 with assault charges.

The Department of Homeland Security released a statement pushing back on the figures, stating, "[The data] includes individuals who entered the country over the past 40 years or more... It also includes many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state or local law enforcement partners."





Original article source: Jean-Pierre says ICE data showing 13,000 illegal immigrant murder convicts are in US is 'confusing' Americans
(Bloomberg) -- The US has indications that Iran is preparing to launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel in the next 12 hours, according to a senior White House official.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The US is actively supporting preparations to defend Israel against the possible strike, which would carry severe consequences for Iran, said the official, who asked not to be identified. Israeli state-run Kan News reported that preparations are being made for a wide scale Iranian attack on security facilities, which may also damage civilian targets.

The warning comes after Israeli forces moved into southern Lebanon in an escalation of its campaign against Tehran-backed Hezbollah. An Israeli military spokesman said that the country was prepared for both defensive and offensive operations. Irans foreign minister didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Any strike by Iran would be its second direct attack on Israel in almost six months. The first in April did minimal damage, partly because it was telegraphed in advance and involved slower moving missiles and drones, helping the Israeli air force shoot down the vast majority of projectiles with help from the US, UK, France and Jordan. Under pressure from the US, Israels response was limited to a strike on an Iranian airbase.

While the US official said it expects the attack to be similar in scope to April, Israel anticipates a strike will be more substantial, according to a person familiar with the governments strategy.

Markets reacted sharply. Oil prices surged about 4% after news of the potential strike, while gold and Treasuries also rose. The S&P 500 plunged by more than 1%, although stocks of US weapons-makers rose with Northrop Grumman Corp., Lockheed Martin Corp. and RTX Corp. all erasing earlier losses to trade at least 2% higher.

The US has beefed up its military posture in the Middle East as the conflict has escalated, and announced Monday it would send an additional few thousand troops to the region, including additional fighter jet squadrons. In a call between US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin and his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant late Monday, the two discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel, according to a readout of the call.

Story continues

Israeli troops overnight began what Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government said were targeted ground raids alongside airstrikes in Beiruts southern suburbs, and the army later reported intense fighting. Hezbollah fired a salvo of rockets in response and millions of Israelis have moved to shelters, the Israel Defense Forces has said.

Israels confrontation with Iran through Hezbollah escalated on Friday after the assassination of the groups leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in a massive airstrike in southern Beirut.

Iran has vowed to strike Israel in retaliation, as well as for the suspected-Israeli killing of Hamas political leader while in Tehran, although its response has so far been restrained.

Israeli Defense Minister Gallant said Tuesday that the army is widening its operations with the aim of dismantling Hezbollahs elite Radwan Force, after ground raids started shortly before midnight local time. Lebanese media said heavy shelling took place in four villages, and dozens of vehicles left border towns after the Israeli army told residents to leave.

--With assistance from Arsalan Shahla, Sydney Maki, Richard Clough, Natalia Drozdiak, Golnar Motevalli and Alisa Odenheimer.

(Updates to add timing of possible strike from first sentence.)

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Robert Jenrick made the claim in a video promoting his leadership campaign [Reuters]

Tory leadership contender Robert Jenrick has stood by his claim that British special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists.

The former immigration minister made the comment in a video promoting his bid to be the party's leader.

Tory leadership rivals James Cleverly and Tom Tugendhat, who have both served in the military, are among those who have criticised Jenricks comments during their partys annual conference.

When asked if he backed his claim about the conduct of special forces, Jenrick told activists in Birmingham: I do".

Speaking on stage at a conference event, Jenrick said human rights laws would make it difficult for British forces to conduct a similar operation to the one that the United States did to kill or capture Osama bin Laden.

"That's wrong, Jenrick said.

I don't want our human rights apparatus to be standing in the way of taking the right operational decisions for our national security.

Tugendhat said he was "angry" at Jenrick's comments, adding that the assertion represents a "very serious accusation" and that the position shows "a fundamental lack of awareness of military operations, the command chain, and the nature of the law in the armed forces".

He told the BBC that he spoke to a recently retired director of special forces and said: "A lot of people are extremely disappointed with the suggestions that they may be acting in ways that are not compatible with the values and standards of the British armed forces."

Tugendhat later told BBC Newsnight Jenrick should "pull down his video, arguing footage of special forces soldiers in operations should not be used.

He said he knew some of the soldiers seen in the video, and one of them had subsequently died in an accident.

Tugendhat said he was particularly upset because his friend was "not able to defend himself against the accusation that is effectively being levelled against him.

Cleverly called on Jenrick to justify his claims.

The British military always abide by international humanitarian law, the law of armed conflict, Cleverly said.

He added: Our military do not murder people.

Do you want to deport foreign criminals, get terrorists off our streets, and end illegal migration?



Then we must leave the ECHR. pic.twitter.com/8Z4V8NwbkO  Robert Jenrick (@RobertJenrick) September 30, 2024

In the video in which Jenrick made the claim, he called for the UK to leave the European Convention on Human Rights (ECHR).

The ECHR is a treaty which sets out the rights and freedoms people are entitled to in countries that are signed up to it.

The treaty is overseen by the European Court of Human Rights in Strasbourg, France.

In the video, Jenrick said: Our special forces are killing rather than capturing terrorists because our lawyers tell us that if theyre caught, the European court will set them free.

In an interview on BBC Radio 4s Today programme, Jenrick was asked what evidence he had to back up his claims.

He said: "The point I was making was one that our former defence secretary Ben Wallace has made, which is that our human rights apparatus including the ECHR is encroaching on the battlefield.

"And it is impacting the decisions that our generals and military decision-makers are taking as to what kind of action is required in these difficult situations."

Pressed on whether he knew special forces were killing rather than capturing terrorists, Mr Jenrick said: "As Ben Wallace has said in that interview, decision makers are being asked to make decisions which they might not ordinarily make, for example to call in a drone strike and take lethal action in that way."

He added: "Of course I'm not going to elaborate on particular cases because these things, these cases are not things that any minister can speak about."

Former defence secretary Grant Shapps, who is also chair of Cleverly's campaign, said he had seen "no evidence at all" in his time at the Ministry of Defence to back up Jenrick's claim.

Speaking to BBC 5 Live, he added that Jenrick had been reflecting on a "broader concern" about the ECHR, but the issue was "not as black and white as he presented".

However, former Tory MP Bob Seely, who is backing Kemi Badenoch to be party leader, defended Jenrick's comments, saying they were "true".

In a social media post Seely, who served in Iraq and Afghanistan, said the Ministry of Defence's "fear" of human rights lawyers and the ECHR meant "it was easier to drop bombs than arrest anyone or bring them to justice".

In an article last year, Wallace - the former defence secretary - claimed human rights laws including the ECHR had become a serious risk to national security.

He told the Telegraph: "When we have a threat to the UK, this lunacy of being unable to render people across borders or arrest people in countries whose police forces are unacceptable means that we are more often than not forced into taking lethal action than actually raiding and detaining."

The examples Wallace gave of lethal force were drone and satellite strikes - not of special forces on the ground featured by Jenrick.

The role of the ECHR has long been a topic of intense debate within the Conservative Party.

MPs on the right of the party have increasingly blamed the convention for enabling failed asylum seekers to challenge their removal from the UK.

Jenrick and former home secretary Suella Braverman are among those who have called for the UK to withdraw from the treaty to avoid this.

But other Tories oppose this.

It has been a dividing line between the leadership candidates at the party's conference in Birmingham.

On Monday, fellow leadership contender Badenoch warned party members that leaving the ECHR would not address "the root of the problem", saying it could result in Brexit-style "legal wrangling".

She did not rule out leaving the treaty, but argued deporting more failed asylum seekers should be the priority.

Jenrick and Cleverly both addressed the Tory conference on the main stage, for an extended question and answer session on Tuesday afternoon.

Cleverly used the event to defend his past record as home secretary.

Asked why he did not quit over the governments approach to migration, like his leadership rival Jenrick, he said: Because I want to deliver. I don't run away from problems, I deal with problems.

Cleverly added that he had brought in visa changes which reduced net migration by 300,000 people a year and had a plan to ensure the Rwanda scheme worked to deter small boats crossings.
TRENTON, N.J. (PIX11)  Police and other first responders are one step closer to having another layer of safety on the job as New Jersey lawmakers look to stiffen penalties for assaulting an officer.

If passed into law, the bill would upgrade the charge of assaulting an officer from a third-degree crime to a second-degree crime if it results in a serious injury, bringing a significant increase in potential fines and jail time.

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The fines go from what was up to $15,000 up to $150,000, and less than 2 years of jail time to up to 10 years, said Assemblyman Alex Sauickie (R-NJ 12th District), one of the authors of the bill.

Lawmakers say the bill applies to police, corrections officers, firefighters, and EMS.

I think you know both sides of the aisle are recognizing that crime is a problem, said Sauickie.

The bill would also upgrade the charge for assaulting a first responder with bodily fluids and require the accused to be tested for disease.

People who spit at them or throw urine at them or whatever they did would be tested and it sets up a process to make sure they get tested so people will know what theyve been hit with, said Senator Linda Greenstein (D-NJ 14th District), another author of the bill.

Paterson aims to retain police officers with new contract

Society, we feel, has lost respect for police officers, said Wayne Blanchard, President of the State Troopers Fraternal Association of New Jersey, and more police officers are challenged on a day-to-day basis.

The STFA pushed hard for the bills passage, saying theres been an exponential increase in assaults on Troopers in recent years.

The period I look to was a period in July 2022 where there was about a 10-day period where we had 9 Troopers assaulted in that small window of time, said Blanchard. Thats what led us to take a deep dive and peel the onion back on the assault data and analyze it and say there was really a need for this bill for a variety of reasons.

The Senate unanimously passed the bill on Monday. It now heads to the Governors desk.

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New Jersey lawmakers want new penalties for screaming mufflers

In a bid to quiet thundering mufflers, bipartisan legislation would impose fines on drivers and auto shops that boost car exhaust volume. (Getty Images)

New Jersey lawmakers want to quiet screaming car mufflers.

In a bid to end cacophonous cars, the Senate Transportation Committee on Monday unanimously approved bipartisan legislation that would bar New Jersey motorists and auto shops from modifying mufflers to be louder or installing louder mufflers.

First of all, I think it almost encourages crazy driving because obviously they want to hear this sound, and secondly, its just the definition of an annoyance, said Sen. Patrick Diegnan (D-Middlesex), a sponsor and the committees chair.

Though New Jersey law requires all vehicles to have a functional muffler to prevent excess noise, existing statute only bars the use of muffler cutouts and other modifications that increase exhaust volume on highways and imposes a fine of only $25 on motorists who violate it.

Individuals or businesses that modify exhaust systems in a way that boosts volume would face up to $500 in fines and no more than 30 days imprisonment under the bills provisions. Businesses that sell amplified mufflers would face equivalent penalties.

Diegnan, who credited chief bill sponsor Sen. James Holzapfel (R-Ocean) for raising the issue, hopes steeper fines would discourage muffler modifications.

Its such a minor penalty that it isnt even enforced, he said of the existing fine. If you talk to any municipal prosecutor, they cant even remember when somebody was brought up on a charge.

The legislation would further require mufflers to be examined during vehicle inspections. Private inspection facilities found to have modified exhaust systems to be louder or passed a vehicle with a modified muffler more than once within 18 months could lose their private inspection license.

Inspection facilities could also face a $500 fine for the same behavior.

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Jerusalem native gives lecture as conflict between Israel, Hamas reaches one year mark

Nearing one year into the Israel-Hamas war, a local think tank held a lecture on Monday discussing the future of the conflict.

The Jefferson Educational Society hosted a lecture from a Jerusalem native at the Lincoln Community Center Library.

Members of PA Red Cross travel south to help victims of Hurricane Helene

The speaker talked to a crowd of about 30 people regarding whats happening in Gaza, when it will end and where the world is heading.

And despite a year of fighting, the speaker believes there is light at the end of the tunnel.

CROP Hunger Walk held at Presque Isle

Is peace possible? Yes. Its difficult, but it will take leadership, leadership that we dont have currently on both sides, and leadership from the United States, which given our election season, is sorely lacking, said Baher Ghosheh, a PennWest Edinboro professor emeritus.

The Edinboro professor said if a military resolution was possible, it would have happened already.

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JESSE WATTERS: Biden and Harris hide from you, Trump shows you that he loves you

Fox News host Jesse Watters highlights how former President Trump appeared to step in as a leader following the destruction of Hurricane Helene on "Jesse Watters Primetime."

JESSE WATTERS: Homes underwater and over 120 dead after Hurricane Helene ravaged North Carolina, Georgia and Florida. So where's Joe Biden and Kamala Harris? The only leader to show up was Donald Trump.

Morgan Wallen Donates To Hurricane Helene Relief, Says Family Is Safe Amid Devastating Floods

These are the things presidents and vice presidents do. So what's the White House doing?

While Biden was at the beach during the deadliest hurricane of the year, Kamala Harris was hosting fundraisers in California. Days later, she posted a staged photo from Air Force Two.

The paper she's writing on is blank, and her earphones aren't plugged in. At least Bush looked out of the window, flying over Katrina. Trump went to Georgia before Biden and Harris. Trump went to East Palestine before Biden and Harris.

Read On The Fox News App

Trump went to the border before Biden and Harris. Trump spoke to Laken Riley's family before Biden and Harris, and he spoke to the Afghanistan Gold Star families before Biden and Harris. They say 80% of life is just showing up and Biden and Harris have their own jets. So what's their excuse?

They can get anyone in the world on the phone in 30 seconds, but they won't even pick it up. Trump goes to you, Biden and Harris hide from you. Trump shows you that he loves you. Biden and Harris take you for granted. We all know people like that.





Original article source: JESSE WATTERS: Biden and Harris hide from you, Trump shows you that he loves you
Up and down the United Kingdom, parents have been packing their cars with bedding, crockery and much more as they hold back the tears and drive their children to university.

But the usual concerns about how they will fend for themselves have taken on an added dimension for some.

As a new academic year begins, many Jewish students and their families are apprehensive about a worsening climate of antisemitism on British campuses after Hamas October 7 attacks on Israel last year, which triggered the ongoing war in Gaza.

The latest report from the Community Security Trust (CST), a charity that protects the UK Jewish community, revealed a 465% increase in reported antisemitic incidents in higher-education settings in the first six months of this year compared with the same period in 2023.

In total, 96 university-related incidents were reported to the CST, compared with 17 in 2023. There were reports of assaults, threats, damage or desecration and abusive behavior, both in person and online.

Students at an encampment at the Old College at the University of Edinburgh, protesting against the war in Gaza. - Andrew Milligan/PA Images/Getty Images

One mother, whose son has just begun his studies in Leeds, northern England, and who asked not to be identified, told CNN: My son was so excited to be starting this new chapter but it was such a shame this excitement was tainted with a fear of being judged for being Jewish: He felt it might be harder to make friends as people would think all Jews are Zionist and all Zionists are evil.

Another mother, who also asked to remain anonymous and did not want to identify the university concerned, said: Weve told our daughter not to wear any jewelry that shows her Jewish identity because we dont believe its safe for her to do so.

That would not have crossed our minds before October 7, she added. So many people are now so unashamedly vocal and confident in expressing their antisemitism that it fills us with the deepest fear that our child could be exposed to this on campus without our protection.

These are not merely over-anxious parents. In February, the University of Leeds Hillel House - the center for Jewish life on campus - was daubed with antisemitic graffiti. In a separate incident, the Jewish chaplain there was targeted with death threats after it emerged that he was an IDF reservist.

Vandalism of Hillel House in Leeds, England. - The Union of Jewish Students

Gil, 21, who graduated from the University of Leeds this summer and asked CNN not to use his full name, said he had been part of a grassroots organization called The Table, set up by Jewish students after October 7 to promote Jewish identity on campus.

The idea was that all you need to defend against antisemitism is a table and a couple of Jewish students willing to have a conversation, he explained.

There were positive conversations, said Gil, but on one occasion the table was vandalized. Nevertheless, he and his peers continued to present a Jewish front on campus, despite growing anti-Israel demonstrations.

The things being said transitioned from an anti-Zionist agenda to antisemitic comments, he said, giving one example of Zionists being compared to judenrats - councils of Jews appointed by the Nazis to implement their antisemitic agenda.

Gil said the defacing of Hillel House was the biggest shock, as well as the abuse leveled at the chaplain, who has since stepped down.

It was a very difficult time and a lot of Jewish students started to become scared. People werent wearing their magen david (Star of David) on campus or going to campus as often.

A University of Leeds spokesperson said in a statement to CNN that it recognizes the specific concerns our Jewish and Muslim students have, adding the safety and wellbeing of all our students remains our priority.

As a university, were committed to supporting free speech within the law, which means tolerating a wide range of views while respecting the rights of others, the spokesperson said.

Antisemitism, Islamophobia, abuse, or harassment of any kind is not acceptable. The university does not support any views or actions which seek to exclude or make Jewish, Muslim or any other people unwelcome on campus.

Universities have long been a crucible for different types of politics, including extremist politics, with people from different backgrounds coming together in a close-knit community, according to Dave Rich, CSTs director of policy.

Rich described the uptick in antisemitism as entirely predictable, as the organizations data, collected over the last four decades, shows antisemitism rises when trouble flares in Israel. Yet the last year has been much worse than ever before, he said.

Some of this comes from ignorance and some comes from more hardline extremist groups. It only ever involves a minority of students, but the problem is it can affect the atmosphere for everybody.

Students march to deliver their demands to Cambridge University as they protest against the war in Gaza. - Joe Giddens/PA Images/Getty Images

He said pro-Palestinian encampments on UK campuses were smaller than in the United States and largely peaceful, though often accompanied by very noisy protests and banners and chanting about genocide which many Jewish students find unsettling.

Most students arent involved in this and theres always a balance to be struck between the right to protest and free speech and the right of everyone else to go about their daily lives without disruption, he said.

Rabbi Michael Rosenfeld, Jewish chaplain at Oxford University until this summer, told CNN the atmosphere on campus had been pretty horrendous throughout the last academic year.

The level of antisemitism was unprecedented - quantitatively and qualitatively, he said, adding: Id never experienced anything like it in my 10 years at Oxford.

For me, one of the things that was most difficult and would have been unfathomable before October 7, were the calls for intifada (uprising). It was extremist language that became almost normalized overnight.

We are very worried

Britain is not the only European country experiencing these tensions on campus and on the streets.

Jewish students had a terrible year last year, Emma Hallali, president of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), an umbrella organization representing 160,000 young people in 36 different countries, told CNN.

She said the situation has been particularly bad in Western European countries including France, Germany and the Netherlands.

Emma Hallali, president of the European Union of Jewish Students (EUJS), says the last academic year was a "terrible year" on campuses across the continent. - Emma Hallali

In France, where religion is generally kept separate from academic settings, a government study published in June noted a steep increase in antisemitic acts on campuses since October 7, with 67 instances recorded  twice as many as were registered in the 2022-2023 academic year. The real figure was likely higher, the report noted.

Reports to EUJS have included many cases of harassment - both verbal and physical - Hallali said, and it has recently been informed of a particularly unsettling potential development.

We have some information about student organizations on campus planning to celebrate the one-year anniversary of October 7, she said. Its very problematic because the universities are not planning on doing anything as of now. So, we are pushing (for action) and our national unions will be ready to react, but we are very worried.

The antisemitism experienced on university campuses has been mirrored too by rising incidents in wider society.

Jewish students ask themselves a painful question every day: whether theres still a future for Jewish life on European campuses and whether theres still a future for Jewish life in Europe, said Hallali.

Emilia Kartovaara, a Jewish student in Finland, said that several brushes with antisemitism have left her feeling "unwelcome" at her university. - Courtesy Emilia Kartovaara

Comparative literature student Emilia Kartovaara told CNN she feels unwelcome at the university where shes studying in Helsinki, Finland, following several episodes she felt were antisemitic in nature, including a confrontation with encampment demonstrators who openly admitted to supporting Hamas and Hezbollah.

In common with other students who CNN spoke with, Kartovaara said complaints to the university authorities have made little difference.

When contacted about their responsibility to provide a safe environment for Jewish students and faculty, the university administration said we could use an alternative entrance, she said. Jewish students were basically told to use a back door.

Markus Laitinen, head of development at the University of Helsinki, told CNN that in response to concerned feedback from the university community members as well as general public, the university had asked for help from the police to clear the encampment in June, and that it had not returned. The university is determined to be a safe place for its community and visitors, whilst respecting the constitutional rights of freedom of expression and assembly, he added.

Laitinen said the suggestion that students use alternative entrances in order to avoid the encampment was not in reference to representatives of any particular faith and that the university cannot by law keep a record of students religious beliefs. Again, campus safety is of utmost concern to us, and this applies to everyone.

Mental health impact

Bleak as the situation appears, Rosenfeld is keen to point out a silver lining  Jewish students strengthening their own ties.

The community of Jewish students in Oxford has never been stronger and its a really vibrant place to be, he said.

Sami Berkoff, president of the UK Union of Jewish Students (UJS), said the pattern has been replicated across the country, with her organization having boosted its membership by 2,000 students this year.

Its really a want for a Jewish space where you feel at home, where you feel seen and heard and youre talking to people with shared experiences, said Berkoff.

Its a kind of breather where you arent having to discuss the conflict if you dont want to.

A hotline set up by the UJS to support students during the Israel-Hamas war has been inundated with calls, Berkoff added, with many students saying their mental health has been affected. UJS has had more than 1,000 calls to the hotline since it was set up on October 8 last year.

The Union of Jewish Students President Sami Berkoff (left) with Solicitor General Sarah Sackman at a meeting to discuss the concerns of Jewish students. - The Union of Jewish Students

Last week, Berkoff and other Jewish students met with the UKs newly appointed solicitor general, Sarah Sackman, who won a seat in Parliament in July, and shared their feelings about antisemitism on campus and perceived inaction from the authorities.

According to a news release from the Union of Jewish Students, Sackman told the students the government was actively considering how best to tackle support for groups like Hamas on campus and beyond.

Im confident well see changes and were seeing the need for changes from universities, said Berkoff, adding that UJS is running antisemitism awareness training for thousands of university employees, student bodies and societies.

The ultimate goal is to make sure Jewish student life isnt just surviving and plodding along, but really thriving on campus. You can wear a kippah on campus, you can wear a Star of David and you can be proud to do that.

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The Secret Service agent who jumped onto President John F. Kennedy's car after he was shot in 1963 has just two words that he wants people to remember: "I tried."

Clint Hill's 1975 interview with 60 Minutes correspondent Mike Wallace helped the former agent come to terms with the assassination of JFK, he told "60 Minutes: A Second Look" host and CBS News correspondent Seth Doane. Wallace was the first person Hill spoke with in detail publicly about the horrific events of Nov. 22, 1963.

Images from that day show Hill climbing atop the presidential limousine to protect first lady Jacqueline Kennedy. Hill blamed himself for JFK's death at the time of his interview with Wallace, saying that if only he'd reacted "five-tenths of a second faster," the president would be alive.

Doane asked if Hill, now 92, still blames himself.

"Well, maybe there was something I could have done," Hill said. "I don't know anymore."

Hill on working to come to terms with the Kennedy assassination

Hill was 43 and recently retired when he did his 1975 interview with Wallace. Twenty years after that, Wallace wrote to Hill and asked for another interview. Hill wrote a letter back to Wallace.

Mike Wallace (at right) interviews former agent Clint Hill and Gwen Hill. Image dated October 14, 1975. New York, NY. / Credit: Photo by CBS via Getty Images

"My interview with you on 60 Minutes in 1975 turned into much more of an emotional experience than I thought possible," Hill wrote at the time. "It did turn out to be a cathartic experience for me and helped me release feelings that had been pent up for a long time."

Hill told Doane that he thinks if it hadn't been for his interview with Wallace, he "would have just lingered in a horrible situation and never come out of it, probably."

To this day, Hill said he still hasn't completely forgiven himself.

"My dad drilled into me that when you're given an assignment to do, you do it 'till it's fully finished," Hill told Doane. "I had an assignment to keep the president and Mrs. Kennedy alive. I only kept one of them alive. One died on my watch."

This embedded content is not available in your region.

Hill gets hundreds of letters after 60 Minutes interview

Hundreds of viewers sent in mail after Hill's interview with 60 Minutes. Those letters were passed on to Hill. Until five years ago, he didn't remember those letters. But when he was preparing to sell his home in 2019, Hill's wife, Lisa McCubbin Hill, said they should short through old belongings.

They found a battered black trunk in the garage with 17 years of presidential knick-knacks, a stack of framed photos, and hundreds of letters. The couple brought around 25 of the letters along with them when they moved to California. There was one in particular that Hill wanted to read to "60 Minutes: A Second Look."

"It is a day I shall never forget, nor shall I forget the people so deeply involved in the events of that day. And as I watched you on 60 Minutes, I wanted to reach out and wrap you in my arms to offer some comfort," Hill read from the letter. "But no one who suffered that tremendous loss that day can even feel comfort, and I know you feel that."

"It offered me, like she said, I wish she could wrap her arms around me and get my thoughts to go away about that day," he said. "And I do, too. They never will."

Never been broadcast: What "no other reporter would have asked" Hill

The new episode of "60 Minutes: A Second Look" included audio from Hill's interview with Wallace that had never before been broadcast. While the "Secret Service Agent #9" broadcast in 1975 lasted just 16 minutes, 60 Minutes podcast producer Julie Holstein worked with CBS News archivists to find hours of film recorded during the production of the story.

Holstein found a recording of Wallace asking Hill a question that she says "no other reporter would have asked" Hill in 1975.

"What do you do about, about some of the private occasions when they want nobody else to know what's going on? If they're, whether it's in the White House or whether it's in a hotel out of town, or ... and you know, you know what I'm talking about and you know who I'm talking about," Wallace said in recordings from the archives.

Gwen Hill, Clint Hill's first wife, who died in 2021, can be heard clearing her throat. Clint Hill wiggles around. His mic scratched his chest.

"Nobody knows about those occasions," Hill said in the 1975 recording.

Wallace pressed Hill: "You do. How do you manage it?"

Hill responded with a laugh: "Very carefully."

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Jimmy Carter 100: His most notable achievements, things you may not know

ATLANTA - Former President Jimmy Carter's accomplishments span his presidency, humanitarian work, and advocacy after leaving office. This article takes a look at his most notable achievements and some lesser known facts about the former president.

Here are 10 of his most notable achievements:

Camp David Accords (1978)  Carter brokered a historic peace agreement between Egypt and Israel, leading to a lasting peace treaty between the two nations. It is considered one of the most significant diplomatic achievements of the 20th century.

Creation of the Department of Energy (1977)  Carter established the Department of Energy to address energy shortages, promote energy conservation, and advance research into renewable energy.

Panama Canal Treaties (1977)  Carter negotiated treaties that returned control of the Panama Canal to Panama, improving relations with Latin American countries and demonstrating respect for international agreements.

Advancement of Human Rights  Carter made human rights a central focus of U.S. foreign policy. He criticized oppressive regimes and emphasized civil and political rights as a foundation of diplomacy.

Establishment of the Department of Education (1979)  Carter helped create a cabinet-level Department of Education, which focused on improving the quality of education and centralizing education policy at the federal level.

Expansion of National Parks  Carter signed the Alaska National Interest Lands Conservation Act (1980), which protected over 157 million acres of land in Alaska, significantly expanding U.S. national parks and wildlife refuges.

Normalization of Relations with China (1979)  Carter formally recognized the People's Republic of China, establishing diplomatic relations and improving ties between the two nations after years of isolation.

Iran Hostage Crisis Negotiation (1981)  Although the hostages were released after Carter left office, his administration worked tirelessly to negotiate their safe return after 444 days of captivity, a highly difficult and tense international crisis.

Global Humanitarian Work through The Carter Center  After his presidency, Carter founded The Carter Center, an organization dedicated to human rights, democracy promotion, conflict resolution, and disease eradication. The Center's work has been instrumental in eliminating diseases like Guinea worm.

Nobel Peace Prize (2002)  Carter was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize for his decades of tireless efforts in diplomacy, promoting peace, democracy, human rights, and international development, particularly through The Carter Center.

OTHER BIRTHDAY STORIES

Here are 10 little-known facts about former President Jimmy Carter:

Peanut Farmer  Before entering politics, Carter was a successful peanut farmer in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, following his service in the U.S. Navy. He returned to farming after his father's death in 1953 to save the family farm from financial difficulties.

Naval Nuclear Engineer  Carter was trained as a nuclear engineer in the U.S. Navy under Admiral Hyman Rickover. He was part of a team that helped develop the U.S. Navy's nuclear submarine program.

First President Born in a Hospital  Carter was the first U.S. president to be born in a hospital, on October 1, 1924, at the Wise Sanitarium in Plains, Georgia.

Speed Reader  Carter was a speed reader, capable of reading several hundred words per minute. He has used this skill throughout his life to absorb large amounts of information quickly.

Author of More Than 30 Books  Carter was a prolific author, having written over 30 books on a variety of topics including politics, religion, human rights, and his personal life. His memoirs and reflections have won critical acclaim.

First President to Live in Public Housing  As a child, Carter lived in public housing. His family moved into government-subsidized housing for workers in Plains, Georgia, when his father managed a farm.

Amnesty for Vietnam Draft Evaders  On his first day in office, Carter granted amnesty to thousands of men who had evaded the draft during the Vietnam War, a highly controversial but principled decision aimed at national healing.

Skilled Woodworker  Carter was an accomplished woodworker and carpenter. He often crafted furniture and even built some of the furniture in his own home. His woodworking skills align with his lifelong commitment to manual labor, especially through his work with Habitat for Humanity.

Beekeeper  Carter took up beekeeping after leaving the White House. He tended to a number of hives on his property and advocated for environmental protection and bee conservation.

Cancer Survivor  In 2015, at the age of 90, Carter was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma that had spread to his brain and liver. Remarkably, after undergoing treatment, Carter announced later that year that he was cancer-free.

Here are 10 unusual facts about former President Jimmy Carter:

UFO Sighting  In 1969, before becoming president, Carter reported seeing an unidentified flying object (UFO) while in Leary, Georgia. Though he didn't claim it was an alien spacecraft, he described a bright light in the sky, which remains unexplained to this day.

Speed Walker  Carter was known for his unusual hobby of speed walking. Even while president, he often walked at a fast pace for exercise, sometimes covering up to three miles in just 45 minutes.

First President to Be Sworn in Using a Nickname  Carters full name is James Earl Carter Jr., but he was sworn in as president using his nickname "Jimmy," which is rare for U.S. presidents, who typically use their full legal names during the inauguration.

Unusual Energy-Saving Measure  As a sign of his commitment to energy conservation, Carter famously installed solar panels on the White House roof in 1979. Though they were later removed by President Reagan, Carters solar initiative was well ahead of its time.

Taught Sunday School During Presidency  While in office, Carter often taught Sunday school at his Baptist church in Plains, Georgia. This unusual activity for a sitting president reflects his deep religious faith and humble background.

Fainting on a Jog  In 1979, during a jog on a hot day in Maryland, Carter collapsed from heat exhaustion. The incident drew widespread attention and was notable because he was one of the first presidents to make jogging a regular part of his exercise routine.

Sent a Message to Aliens  Carters administration oversaw NASAs Voyager missions, which included the famous "Golden Records" sent into space with messages and sounds from Earth in case the spacecraft ever encountered extraterrestrial life. Carter personally contributed a message of peace and goodwill.

First President to Graduate from a Public High School  Carter was the first U.S. president to graduate from a public high school. He attended Plains High School in Georgia, a relatively modest background compared to the private school educations of many other presidents.

Expert Fly Fisherman  Carter was an expert fly fisherman and enjoyed the sport passionately. In fact, he is known to have fished in some of the most remote and pristine streams across the world, including in the U.S. and South America.

Navy Reactor Emergency Response  In 1952, Carter helped disassemble and repair a nuclear reactor that had partially melted down at the Chalk River facility in Canada. As part of the U.S. Navy's nuclear program, Carter and his team worked in highly dangerous conditions, something very few people know about his early career.
DUBLIN, Ohio (WCMH)  For the first time in American history, a former U.S. president is celebrating their 100th birthday.

Jimmy Carter, the 39th U.S. president, was born on Oct. 1. While hes celebrating in the same South Georgia town he was born in back in 1924, Dublin City School students are taking a look at the impact hes made in his century of life.

Students at Grizzell Middle School in Dublin spent Tuesday learning about his leadership. The week leading up to Carters birthday, students learned about his history before celebrating the milestone with a 70s-themed birthday party.

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The idea that hes dedicated his whole life to serving his country and his fellow man, from the Navy before he became president, farmer, governor, president and then when he did after president is really what the kids are focused on a lot, Shawn Kaeser, an 8th grade Social Studies teacher at Grizzell said.

Watch: Students celebrate Carters 100 years of service

Carter was in office from 1977 to 1981, and after his time as president, he focused on humanitarian and charitable work. So, on Tuesday, students rotated through multiple stations where they could do things like take a picture with Jimmy Carter, build habitat houses, play games and learn about serving in the military.

He worked his whole life to help everybody, 8th grade student Clara Walton said. Even before he became president, he served in the Navy. So he was always trying to help people.

Kaeser said while Carter might have not been the most successful president, he did some great things during his time. Throughout his life he used his position as former president to do a lot of good. One middle schooler was even named after him.

My mom told me she saw a documentary about Jimmy Carter, said 8th grade student Carter Dendinger. She was like, I want my daughter to be kind and loyal like him.

Carter was diagnosed with cancer nine years ago. His wife of over 70 years, Rosalynn, recently passed away and hes been on home hospice care for months. Despite it all, he made it to 100.

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Hes a fighter. He has a strong spirit, said Kaeser.

Students at the birthday party said theres a lot they will take away from the learning experience.

Always try to help people because thats what Jimmy always did, like he was always just helping, said Walton.

If he can do it, then all of us can, said Ella Lautervach, an 8th grader.

Kaeser said if the students learn anything from Tuesday, its the lesson of selfless sacrifice.

Hopefully the kids kind of see that youre judged by not just really what you did in your prime, but that you can live your whole life doing great things for humans after your peak, Kaeser said.

To be able to attend Jimmy Carters birthday party, students had to do a little research about him and turn in a project about his life. The students that completed the assignment and attended the party say theyre going to remember where they were when Jimmy Carter turned 100.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The lawn is trimmed in front of Plains High School, which is now the visitors center for the Jimmy Carter National Historical Park, ahead of the former president's 100th birthday celebrations in Plains, Georgia (Becca MILFELD) (Becca MILFELD/AFP/AFP)

The military flyover is ready, the songs have been rehearsed: Plains, Georgia is waiting to celebrate Jimmy Carter's 100th birthday on Tuesday, when its hometown hero becomes the only ever US president to reach the centennial mark.

Carter's longevity -- he announced he was going into hospice care more than 19 months ago -- has defied all expectations.

The former peanut farmer and onetime Georgia governor, known for a strong sense of modest decency, returned post-presidency to the rural hamlet -- with a population of approximately 600 -- and has remained a steady and celebrated presence here since.

No longer regularly appearing in public -- his last trip out was to see Independence Day fireworks in July -- the Democratic ex-president will spend his birthday in the home he and his late wife Rosalynn had built in Plains in the 1960s.

It will include a lunch with some 20 members of his extended family, according to the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

"We are thrilled that the president from this little town is going to be the only president to ever live to be 100 years old," Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the National Park Service's Jimmy Carter historical site and longtime family friend, told AFP.

She spoke from Plains High School, where Carter graduated in 1941 and which now serves as the visitors center for the national park that features sites from his early life, such as the nearby peanut farm where he grew up.

On Tuesday, the school will hold not just an evening concert featuring local and other musicians but also a naturalization ceremony for 100 new US citizens.

The flyover, which includes four Navy F-18s, according to Stuckey, is particularly fitting since Carter worked on the Navy's nuclear submarine program, rising to the rank of lieutenant. He should be able to see it from home.

Tributes for the former US leader have already begun pouring in, with President Joe Biden calling Carter "a moral force for our nation and the world" in a video statement on CBS over the weekend.

"Your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us," Biden said.

Beyond serving as president for a single term from 1977 to 1981, Carter worked as a global mediator, rights activist and elder statesman, founding the well-respected Carter Center in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy.

His presidency included the 1978 Camp David Accords between Israel and Egypt, establishment of diplomatic relations with China following a rapprochement initiated by president Richard Nixon, and return of control of the Panama Canal to Panama.

But his administration hit numerous snags, including the Iran hostage crisis and a renewed oil crisis in 1979-1980.

A devout Baptist and self-described "born-again" Christian, Carter is remembered for a moralistic streak, but also civility admired even by detractors across the aisle.

"Healthy habits and his faith are a lot of the reasons why he is still with it today," Stuckey said, referencing Carter's penchant for fresh food and exercise.

- 'Always' political -

According to family, Carter remains keenly interested in politics and was highly motivated to make it to 100 to vote in the November election for fellow Democrat Kamala Harris.

"He will be voting by mail-in ballot," Stuckey told AFP, adding "he's always been very politically active, and nothing has changed with that respect."

In Plains, like in many rural places with strong evangelical Christian leanings, far more yard signs support Republican Donald Trump than Harris.

But it is also not uncommon to see a sign celebrating Carter's centennial birthday next to one supporting Trump.

Carl Lowell, who has lived in Plains since infancy, said he tries not to get involved in politics because it is "so divisive" right now.

Like most residents of Plains, he is linked to Carter in various ways -- he says his grandfather helped build the Carters' house and that he himself even went dove hunting with him once.

"Jimmy's a good man, he's a godly man, and that's what people like about him," the 59-year-old retired firefighter said.

For 72-year-old Inez Battle, Carter's work establishing the Boys and Girls Club in Plains was particularly meaningful.

He did it, she said, specifically for the community's African American children "to have somewhere to go and learn after school."

Battle, a board member of the organization, remembers fondly how he would attend meetings: "Instead of him saying we'll do this, he would ask your opinion," she told AFP.

As for his 100th birthday, Battle said, "it's a blessing."

bfm/md
Varun Beverages, part of Indias food and drink conglomerate RJ Corp, is investing $50m in a new Pepsi cola production facility in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) in Africa.

The sum will go towards construction of the manufacturing plant and is expected to create "thousands of jobs", an official statement said.

It will be situated in Kiswishi, a private special economic zone near the city of Lubumbashi in the southwestern part of the country.

The facility will be built on 15 hectares of land that has access to a main highway leading to other populous areas, including Lubumbashi and the Haut-Katanga province.

Locating the plant in Kiswishi means the site is "strategically positioned to enhance logistical efficiencies and economic development across the region".

Varun's expansion will meet the rising demand for Pepsi beverages in DRC and support our long-term growth trajectory in Africa, Varun Beverages chairperson Ravi Kant Jaipuria added.

Our investment in Kiswishi city special economic zone exemplifies our confidence in Congolese consumers and commitment to sustainable manufacturing.

Just Drinks has asked PepsiCo and Varun Beverages to confirm when the plant is expected to be operational.

Varun Beverages has been a franchisee for PepsiCos soft drinks brands such as Mountain Dew, Miranda and 7-Up since the 1990s.

The Indian bottler has operated in Africa since 2007. Its presence in the continent includes facilities in Morocco, Mozambique, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

In December, Varun Beverages entered South Africa via the acquisition of fellow PepsiCo bottler The Beverage Company (Bevco).

Bevco is a South African manufacturer and distributor that holds franchise rights for PepsiCo in South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. It also has additional distribution rights for Namibia and Botswana.

Bevco operates five manufacturing sites in South Africa: two in Johannesburg and one each in Durban, East London and Cape Town. It had the licence to produce PepsiCo brands including Pepsi, 7Up Free, Mirinda and Mountain Dew.

"Varun Beverages to invest in Democratic Republic of Congo Pepsi plant" was originally created and published by Just Drinks, a GlobalData owned brand.







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Jimmy Carter, pictured in 2016, is the longest-living former US president [BBC]

Jimmy Carter celebrates his 100th birthday on Tuesday, making him the first US president to reach the milestone.

Carter, a Democrat who served in the White House from 1977 to 1981, has spent the past 19 months in hospice care in his home state of Georgia.

But the former peanut farmer, who first entered politics in the 1960s as a state senator, is "emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving", his grandson, Jason, said in September.

And the centenarian still has political ambitions: "I'm only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris" in November's election, the humanitarian and Nobel Prize recipient said, according to his grandson.

To honour the occasion, volunteers with Habitat for Humanity - the housing charity Carter has worked with for 40 years - are building 30 homes in Minnesota this week.

Several events were organised in Plains, the former Georgia governor's hometown, to celebrate the occasion on Tuesday.

The day began with a naturalisation ceremony for 100 people from 30 separate countries who all became US citizens. In the afternoon, a military flyover - including four F-18 jets - graced the skies over Plains.

Carter was inaugurated in 1977 [Getty Images]

He welcomed Pope John Paul II to the White House in 1979 [Getty Images]

It comes after a star-studded concert was held in Atlanta, Georgia, earlier this month to celebrate the 39th president's milestone birthday and to raise funds for The Carter Center.

"It was an incredible evening, full of good music and heartfelt tributes, and it made history as the first-ever 100th birthday celebration for a living American president," Carter said at the time.

The concert, which raised more than $1.2m (900,000) and also featured recorded messages from other presidents, will air on Georgia Public Broadcasting on Tuesday. Dozens of musical acts performed at the event and thousands attended.

The former president will be watching the broadcast on Tuesday, his family said.

Carter, who was not able to attend the concert in person, made a rare public appearance in November 2023 when he attended a memorial service for his wife Rosalynn who died aged 96 earlier that month.

Their 77-year marriage remains the longest of any first couple.

After their time in the White House, the first couple supported the Habitat for Humanity charity [Getty Images]

Carter published a book entitled Faith: A Journey For All in 2018 [Getty Images]

When Carter first entered hospice care in Plains, Georgia, in February 2023, some relatives reportedly felt he only had a matter of days left to live.

Its a gift, Josh Carter, another of his grandsons, said of the last few months in a recent interview with the New York Times. Its a gift that I didnt know we were going to get.

Others say Carter's story has also raised awareness of the benefits of hospice care. "We are all rooting for Jimmy Carter," Barbara Pearce, the CEO of Connecticut Hospice, told the BBC's US partner CBS News.

"He has done more for us than we could ever do for ourselves by pointing out that it's a reasonable choice to make," she said. "He's given everybody permission to consider [hospice care] as a reasonable option that doesn't shorten their life, but does increase their comfort and fulfilment."
A person holds a program after a naturalization ceremony one hundred people to become U.S. citizens at the high school attended by former President Jimmy Carter on Carter's 100th birthday Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Plains, Ga. (AP Photo/John Bazemore)

PLAINS, Ga. (AP)  Longtime friends, family and fans of Jimmy Carter milled around his hometown of Plains to celebrate his 100th birthday on Tuesday, the first time an American president has lived a full century and the latest milestone in a life that took the Depression-era farmer's son to the White House and across the world as a Nobel Peace Prize-winning humanitarian and advocate for democracy.

Living the last 19 months in home hospice care, the 39th president keeps defying expectations, just as he did through a remarkable rise from his family peanut farming and warehouse business to the world stage. The Democrat served one presidential term from 1977 to 1981 and then for four decades led The Carter Center, which he and his wife Rosalynn co-founded in 1982 to wage peace, fight disease, and build hope.

Not everybody gets 100 years on this earth, and when somebody does, and when they use that time to do so much good for so many people, it's worth celebrating," his grandson Jason Carter, chair of The Carter Center governing board, said in an interview.

These last few months, 19 months, now that hes been in hospice, its been a chance for our family to reflect, he continued, and then for the rest of the country and the world to really reflect on him. Thats been a really gratifying time.

James Earl Carter Jr. was born Oct. 1, 1924 in Plains, where he lives in the same one-story home he and Rosalynn built in the early 1960s, before his first election to the Georgia state Senate. The former first lady, also from Plains, died last November at 96.

About 25 family members filled his home Tuesday, enjoying cupcakes on the front lawn while antique World War II planes flew over in his honor. At night, they planned to gather around the TV to watch the vice-presidential debate.

Chip Carter said his fathers next goal is to make it to Election Day.

"Hes plugged in," Carter said in an interview. I asked him two months ago if he was trying to live to be 100, and he said, No, I'm trying to live to vote for Kamala Harris.

Chip Carter sat in the front row of a naturalization ceremony held annually on his father's birthday for 100 new citizens at Plains High School, which his father attended. The building is now a museum.

Jill Stuckey, superintendent of the Jimmy Carter National Historic Park, recalled that a teacher once told Carter's class that one of the students would be president someday. She said Carter took it to heart.

One thing Ive learned is to never underestimate Jimmy Carter, because if you do, he will prove you wrong, Stuckey said.

President Joe Biden, the first sitting senator to endorse Carters 1976 campaign, praised his longtime friend for an unwavering belief in the power of human goodness.

Youve always been a moral force for our nation and the world (and) a beloved friend to Jill and me and our family, the 81-year-old president said in a tribute video, recorded in front of Carters White House portrait. Carter asked Biden to eulogize him at his state funeral when the time comes.

But even on Carters 100th birthday, Donald Trump could not pass up repeating his longstanding jab at the Georgia Democrat. Trump labeled Biden the worst president, and said Carter is the happiest man because Carter is considered a brilliant president by comparison. It was hollow praise for the one-term president who was defeated by Ronald Reagan in 1980 but went on to become a respected world figure.

Georgia's Republican Gov. Brian Kemp, for his part, declared Tuesday Jimmy Carter Day to recognize his legacy as the state's 76th governor. Other birthday events have included a musical gala in Atlanta with dozens of artists, airing Tuesday evening on Georgia Public Broadcasting, that has raised more than $1.2 million for The Carter Center. Townspeople in Plains planned another concert Tuesday evening.

And Habitat for Humanity volunteers are devoting this week to build 30 houses in his honor in St. Paul, Minnesota. The Carters served as ambassadors for the organization, hosted annual building projects into their 90s.

Minister Barbara Green and Deacon William Le Green of Americus came to Main Street in Plains to honor Carter, who helped build their Habitat for Humanity home in the early 2000s. Le Green recalled how Carter gave the couple hammers to keep, along with their keys.

He didn't mind getting his hands dirty, or anything of the kind, Le Green said.

Jimmy Carter was last seen publicly nearly a year ago, visibly diminished and silent as he used a reclining wheelchair to attend his wife's two funeral services. Jason Carter said the family hadn't expected to enjoy his 100th birthday after she died. The former president's hospital bed had been set up so he could see and talk to his wife of 77 years in her final days and hours.

We frankly didnt think he was going to go on much longer, Jason Carter said. Hes really given himself over to what he feels is Gods plan. He knows he's not in charge. But in these last few months, especially, he has gotten a lot more engaged in world events, a lot more engaged in politics, a lot more, just engaged, emotionally, with all of us.

He said the centenarian president, born four years after women were granted the constitutional right to vote and four decades before Black women won ballot access, is eager to cast his 2024 presidential ballot for the Democrat who would be first woman, second Black person and first person of south Asian descent to reach the Oval Office.

He, like a lot of us, was incredibly gratified by his friend Joe Bidens courageous choice to pass the torch, the younger Carter said. You know, my grandfather and The Carter Center have observed more than 100 elections in 40 other countries, right? So, he knows how rare it is for somebody whos a sitting president to give up power in any context.

Early voting in Georgia begins Oct. 15, two weeks into Carter's 101st year.

___

Barrow reported from Atlanta.
Jimmy Carter, shown here in 2014, is widely known as America's 'best ex-president' (-) (-/LBJ Library/AFP)

Jimmy Carter holds a unique place in US politics: he is the oldest former president and a Nobel peace laureate, who left office under a cloud of unpopularity and has seen his star rise ever since.

Carter -- who turned 100 on Tuesday -- arguably wielded his greatest influence not during his 1977-1981 term, but in the decades following when he served as a global mediator, rights activist and elder statesman.

The southern Democrat, who left the White House in 1981 after a crushing election loss to Ronald Reagan, was perceived as naive and weak in the dog-eat-dog world of Washington politics.

Even within his own party, the Georgia native with the broad toothy grin -- a "born-again" Christian who taught Sunday school well into his 90s -- was long persona non grata.

But as the years passed, a more nuanced image of Carter has emerged, one that took in his post-presidential activities and reassessed achievements like the brokering of a peace deal between Israel and Egypt.

He placed human rights and social justice at the core of his tenure as the 39th president of the United States.

That later served as the cornerstone of The Carter Center he founded in 1982 to pursue his vision of world diplomacy, to broad international praise.

The elderly president entered hospice care 19 months ago, but his longevity has defied all expectations.

According to family, Carter remains keenly interested in politics and is determined to vote in the November election for fellow Democrat Kamala Harris.

- From farm to White House -

James Earl Carter Jr -- the full name he rarely used -- was born on October 1, 1924 in the small farm town of Plains, Georgia, south of Atlanta -- the same town where he is spending his golden years.

After seven years in the Navy, where he worked on the nuclear submarine program and rose to the rank of lieutenant, he returned home to run the family peanut farm.

Eventually, politics came calling.

He served in Georgia's state senate and took over as governor in 1971, representing a new generation of white Southern men who were more tolerant and progressive on race.

"I am a Southerner and an American," said Carter, still a virtual unknown on the national political scene when he launched his presidential campaign ahead of the 1976 election.

Carter narrowly defeated incumbent Gerald Ford and arrived in Washington in 1977, sworn in to head a country mired in the gloom left over from Vietnam, Watergate and a deep recession.

For the first time since 1968, Democrats controlled the White House and Congress, so hopes were high.

- 'Extraordinarily difficult' -

Carter enjoyed a strong first two years.

A shining moment was the historic 1978 Camp David Accords signed by Israel's Menachem Begin and Egypt's Anwar Sadat, leading to a peace treaty the following year.

Carter also established diplomatic relations with China following a rapprochement initiated by then president Richard Nixon, and endorsed solar energy, even installing solar panels on the White House.

But his administration hit numerous snags, the most serious being the Iran hostage crisis and the disastrous failed attempt to rescue the 52 captive Americans in 1980.

His handling of the oil crisis in 1979-1980 was also sharply criticized. Images of cars lined up at gas stations were long associated with his presidency.

Even now, few Democrats claim to be picking up Carter's mantle.

In a 2010 biography, Princeton University historian Julian Zelizer said Carter had fallen victim to "an extraordinarily difficult set of circumstances that would have challenged any president."

- 'Best ex-president' -

But Carter bounced back in perhaps the most spectacular reinvention of any US leader, and is often called America's "best ex-president."

He founded his eponymous center in Atlanta and emerged as a prominent international mediator, tackling some of the most intransigent global dilemmas -- including North Korea and Bosnia in the 1990s.

He supervised dozens of elections around the world, from Haiti to East Timor, and went to Cuba in 2002 for a historic meeting with communist leader Fidel Castro on human rights.

Carter has won a host of awards including the 2002 Nobel Peace Prize and the highest US civilian award, the Presidential Medal of Freedom. He won three Grammys for his audiobooks.

Carter maintained a busy schedule into his 90s. He and wife Rosalynn helped build houses for the charity Habitat for Humanity for decades.

Rosalynn died in November 2023 at age 96. The couple had three sons and a daughter.

In 2015, Carter revealed he had brain cancer and was undergoing treatment.

At the time of his diagnosis, Carter said while the presidency was the "pinnacle" of his political career, "life since the White House has been personally more gratifying."

bur/st
Jimmy Carter cant even talk on the phone, grandson says in heartbreaking birthday update on presidents health

As America celebrates its longest-lived former president Jimmy Carter on his 100th birthday, his grandson warned that he is very limited in what he can do.

The 39th president turned 100 years old on Tuesday. While he remains excited to vote for fellow Democrat Kamala Harris for president, he has trouble completing some daily tasks, like talking on the phone, his eldest grandson Jason Carter told CBS News.

Hes very limited in what he can do, Jason told the network. He cant talk on the phone.

He is, however, following the news.

When his family asked him whether Carter was excited for his milestone birthday, Jason recalled his grandfather saying: Im excited about that but Im really excited to vote for Kamala Harris.

Former President Jimmy Carter teaches Sunday School class at the Maranatha Baptist Church in his hometown of Plains, Georgia, in 2015. He turns 100 on Tuesday, and his grandson warned that he is very limited in his day-to-day activities (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

Early voting in his home state of Georgia begins in just two weeks on October 15.

The peanut farmer-turned-president has previously expressed his enthusiasm for Harris.

In August, Carter reportedly told his son Chip: Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris.

The latest health update comes months after Jason shared in June that his grandfather is no longer awake every day. Carter has been in hospice care since February 2023.

Jason added that the former president is experiencing the world as best he can as he continues through this process after losing his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in November 2023. She died at the age of 96.

A sign wishing former President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday sits on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, DC, on October 1 (AP)

In a touching early birthday message, President Joe Biden remarked on how this will be the first birthday without his wife of 77 years by his side: Its bittersweet, but we also know shes always with you. Shes in your heart; shell never go away.

The president also praised Carter as always being a moral force for our nation and the world. Biden noted Carters commitment to resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease, and so much more. He called Carter a beloved friend.

Put simply, Mr President, I admire you so darn much, Biden wrote.

There will be a concert in his hometown of Plains, Georgia on Tuesday evening to celebrate Carters remarkable life.
UPDATED: Jimmy Carter passed the century mark today, the first president to do so, with Joe Biden and other former presidents honoring the Nobel Prize winner and human rights advocate.

On his 100th birthday, Carter is in hospice care and confined to his modest Plains, GA home, but in recent months, hes really gotten re-engaged with the world, his grandson, Jason Carter, told The New York Times. His grandson has said that Carter wanted to live long enough to vote for Kamala Harris in this years presidential election.

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The former president did make an appearance outdoors today, surrounded by family, to watch a military flyover to make his birthday.

Former President Jimmy Carter celebrated his 100th birthday surrounded by family and friends in his backyard in Plains, Georgia. CBS News was there as he was wheeled outside, beneath the shade of his trees, to witness a military flyover with four fighter jets. pic.twitter.com/FKKd6XrHL6  CBS News (@CBSNews) October 1, 2024

A concert is planned this evening in the town, and a concert taped last month, featuring artists including the B-52s, Chuck Leavell and D-Nice, will air on Georgia Public Broadcasting tonight and also will be available for streaming.

Early in his presidency, Jimmy Carter took listener calls for a CBS Radio event moderated by Walter Cronkite.

The Carter Center also is encouraging people to contribute to a digital mosaic of Carters life.

At the White House, a display was set up on the north lawn, with the number 100, and the message, Happy Birthday President Carter.

RELATED: Jimmy Carter Doc The President And The Dragon Acquired By Buffalo 8  Cannes

Your hopeful vision for our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us, Biden said in a video message to Carter on Sunday.

On the occasion of former President Jimmy Carter turning 100 on October 1, President Biden honors Carters decades of public service and humanitarian work, as well as his hopeful vision of our country and tireless commitment to a better world. https://t.co/jxAhEYqs0T pic.twitter.com/Ke6B29t2Gv  CBS Sunday Morning  (@CBSSunday) September 29, 2024

President Barack Obama said, I have always admired President Carter for many things  his accomplishments in the White House. His incredible impact since leaving office. His fundamental decency.

Happy 100th birthday, President Carter! Thank you for your friendship, your fundamental decency, and your incredible acts of service through the @CarterCenter. Michelle and I are grateful for all youve done for this country. pic.twitter.com/9TcYABwUO3  Barack Obama (@BarackObama) October 1, 2024

Former presidents Bill Clinton said that Cater broke new ground and is still shaping events today.

"Jimmy Carter's work as president broke new ground and is still shaping events today." President @BillClinton



 Happy 100th Birthday, President #JimmyCarter! pic.twitter.com/SFEQ345UpZ  Clinton Presidential Center (@ClintonCenter) October 1, 2024

In a video message, former President George W. Bush said to Carter, Youve had a heck of a life, and you are surrounded by people who love you. May God bless you in your final years. May you have peace of mind, and peace in your heart.

A message from President Bush: Happy 100th birthday to President Jimmy Carter. pic.twitter.com/H7FiNXrGx0  George W. Bush Presidential Center (@TheBushCenter) October 1, 2024

Carter is the longest living U.S. president in history, and has had the longest post-presidency.

Biden was one of the first Capitol Hill lawmakers to endorse Carter for his 1976 presidential run. With one term as Georgia governor, Carter was an unknown on the national stage, but ended up defeating a field of Democratic party stalwarts, including Henry Jackson and Mo Udall, in the primary. Carter went on to defeat President Gerald Ford in the November election.

Jimmy Carter on a work project for Habitat for Humanity in 2017.

Carter himself was defeated after one-term by Ronald Reagan, who ushered in a new era of conservatism. But Carter began a new chapter in his post-presidency devoted to human rights, resolving conflicts and fighting disease, as well as election integrity. He was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development.

Carters wife, Rosalynn, died last year after 77 years of marriage, another record for presidential spouses.

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Jimmy Carter turns 100: What to know about his health history

Jimmy Carter is turning 100, and his health is as good as it was the day he entered hospice, his grandson, Jason Carter, told 11Alive, the NBC News affiliate in Atlanta, in a late September interview.

"Its been 19 months since he went into hospice, and hes really in the same situation. And all of us are amazed by the longevity of this period for him, this period of reflection for us and for everyone else. But theres still been virtually no change at all. And were still just excited to have as much of him as we do," Jason Carter said.

The former president has been in hospice at his home in Plains, Georgia, since February 2023. His wife, Rosalynn Carter, entered hospice care a few days before her death on Nov. 19, 2023. She also was diagnosed with dementia earlier that year.

Jimmy Carter hasnt been seen much since entering hospice care.

The former peanut farmer is the first president to live to 95 or older and the only one to see the 40th anniversary of his inauguration. In recent years especially, his health has made headlines, and his family has shared updates about his time in hospice care.

Heres what to know about Jimmy Carters health history.

Jimmy Carter's health now

At 100 years old, Jimmy Carter is doing well but "very physically diminished," Jason Carter said in an early September interview with Boston public radio, adding that mentally, his grandfather is still there and participating in the world."

Jason Carter previously shared with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution that the former president is "only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris."

Jason Carter, chairperson of the Carter Centers Board of Trustees, added that his grandfather has been more alert and interested in politics and the war in Gaza.

Despite his mental acuity, it's taken time for Jimmy Carter to adjust to life without his wife, Jason Carter told Southern Living on June 5.

Former president Jimmy Carter and his wife, Rosalynn Carter, in 2018.

After 77 years of marriage  I just think none of us really understand what its like for him right now, Jason Carter said. We have to embrace that fact, that theres things about the spirit that you just cant understand.

At the time, he added that Jimmy Carter isnt awake every day to receive the family members who regularly visit him.

Josh Carter, another of the former president's grandchildren, told People in August 2023 that his grandfather is in the final chapter of his life, but "he's still fully Jimmy Carter.

Josh Carter added that there's always someone at his grandparents' home, usually one of their four kids: Amy Carter, 56, John William "Jack" Carter, 77, James Earl "Chip" Carter III, 74, and Donnel Jeffrey "Jeff" Carter, 71. Recently, visitors to the home have only been caregivers and family, Josh Carter said.

In February 2023, Jimmy Carter announced through his foundation, the Carter Center, that he'd be stopping medical intervention and only receiving hospice care. The news came after he'd survived a series of hospital stays.

Over the past several years, Jimmy Carter has survived cancer and multiple falls, among other illnesses.

In 2015, Jimmy Carter was diagnosed with and treated for metastatic melanoma.

In August 2015, Jimmy Carter underwent surgery to remove a small mass from his liver. At the time, the Carter Center called the procedure "elective" and said he'd make a full recovery.

Soon after, it was revealed that the mass on Jimmy Carter's liver was metastatic melanoma, and later on in August 2015, it was announced that Jimmy Carter's melanoma had spread to his brain, and he was preparing to undergo radiation treatment.

But by December 2015, he seemed to be cancer free. An MRI scan on Jimmy Carter's brain at the time did not show "any signs of the original cancer spots nor any new ones," according to a Carter Center statement. Afterward, he continued to receive immunotherapy treatments.

Jimmy Carter has a family history with cancer. His father, brother and both of his sisters died of pancreatic cancer. His mother was also diagnosed with the disease, NBC News reported.

During a 2019 church service, Jimmy Carter reflected on his cancer scare and the possibility he was going to die. He said he was absolutely and completely at ease with death.

I assumed, naturally, that I was going to die very quickly, he said. I obviously prayed about it. I didnt ask God to let me live, but I asked God to give me a proper attitude toward death, and I found that I was absolutely and completely at ease with death.

In 2019, Jimmy Carter had a series of falls and needed surgery.

In May 2019, Jimmy Carter fell at his Georgia home and broke his hip. Shortly afterward, he underwent surgery.

The injury occurred when he was getting ready to leave for a turkey hunting trip. The Carter Center shared a statement with NBC News at the time, assuring that he was in good spirits.

President Carter said his main concern is that turkey season ends this week, and he has not reached his limit, the statement read. He hopes the State of Georgia will allow him to rollover the unused limit to next year.

In October 2019, Jimmy Carter fell again and needed 14 stitches in his forehead. Despite the injury and a black eye, he still traveled to Nashville to speak at a Habitat for Humanity event.

"I fell down and hit my forehead on a sharp edge and had to go to the hospital," he told the audience. "But I had a No. 1 priority, and that was to come to Nashville and build houses."That same month, Jimmy Carter suffered a fractured pelvis from another fall at home. The Carter Center said in a statement at the time: He has been admitted to Phoebe Sumter Medical Center for observation and treatment of a minor pelvic fracture. He is in good spirits and is looking forward to recovering at home.

In November 2019, Jimmy Carter spent two weeks in the hospital in recovering from a procedure to relieve pressure on his brain caused by bleeding from several falls. Following the surgery, the Carter Center revealed that there were "no complications."

In October 2022, Jimmy Carter turned 98 and was still "with it."

As Jimmy Carter prepared to celebrate his 98th birthday in October 2022, his grandson Jason Carter shared some thoughts about the former president's life.

He is looking at his 98th birthday with faith in Gods plan for him, he told the Associated Press. Thats just a beautiful blessing for all of us to know, personally, that he is at peace and happy with where he has been and where hes going.

Jason Carter described his grandfather as still being 100% with it but acknowledged that daily life things are a lot harder now.

In February 2023, Jimmy Carter entered hospice care.

In February 2023, the Carter Center revealed that Jimmy Carter would soon commence in-home hospice care.

After a series of short hospital stays, former U.S. President Jimmy Carter today decided to spend his remaining time at home with his family and receive hospice care instead of additional medical intervention, the statement read. He has the full support of his family and his medical team. The Carter family asks for privacy during this time and is grateful for the concern shown by his many admirers.

In November 2023, Jimmy Carter attended wife Rosalynn's funeral.

On Nov. 28, 2023, Jimmy Carter attended Rosalynn Carters funeral and many were moved to see the 99-year-old leave hospice care to honor the life of his late wife.

Former President Jimmy Carter arrives for a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter, at Glenn Memorial Church in Atlanta on Nov. 28, 2023.

When Jimmy Carter arrived at the ceremony, he was photographed in a wheelchair with a blanket covering his legs. On it was a stitched image of the couple with the words The Carters.

James "Chip" Carter kisses the head of his father during a tribute service for former first lady Rosalynn Carter.

In a tender moment, one of the Carters sons, James Earl Chip Carter III, 73, was photographed kissing his ailing father on the head. Jimmy Carters family was concerned about him traveling over 150 miles to attend the services, the New York Times reported.

In October 2024, Jimmy Carter turned 100.

Jimmy Carter is the first president to reach this milestone. Some of the secrets to his longevity include having a strong sense of purpose, staying mentally active, strong family relationships and his faith, experts previously told TODAY.com.





This article was originally published on TODAY.com
"He is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving," Carter's grandson Jason told PEOPLE in September

Diana Walker/Getty

Jimmy Carter has turned 100 years old, achieving a once-unthinkable milestone more than 19 months after entering hospice care.

The 39th president of the United States, who is the oldest living former president and longest-living president in U.S. history, has certainly made the most of the past century.

Whether through his military service, contributions to foreign affairs as president, diplomatic efforts, Sunday school lessons, or volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity well into his 90s, Carter has always aimed to make a meaningful impact.

"I had only one life to live, and I wanted to live it as a civilian, with a potentially fuller opportunity for varied public service," he wrote in his 2010 memoir, White House Diary.

Related: The 10 Longest-Living Presidents in U.S. History, from Jimmy Carter to Joe Biden

PhotoQuest/Getty

Currently, Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, hopes to accomplish one last goal before he dies. According to his grandson Jason Carter, the former president recently stated, "Im only trying to make it to vote for Kamala Harris," as reported by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Related: Jimmy Carter Hopes to Vote for Kamala Harris. Heres When His Absentee Ballot Would Arrive

Though he made a rare public appearance at his late wife Rosalynn Carters funeral last November, Carter is "physically limited" and spends his time at home with loved ones.

"This is an important part of his faith journey, and it's one that you don't get to experience at any other time in your life except for the very end," Jason told PEOPLE last September, a few months after his grandfather entered hospice. "And so in that way, I think this has been a really meaningful time for him, and it's been a really reflective time for him."

Related: Jimmy Carter, 99, Is No Longer Awake Every Day, Grandson Says: 'He's Experiencing the World as Best He Can'

ALEX BRANDON/POOL/AFP via Getty Former President Jimmy Carter's most recent public appearance at his wife Rosalynn's funeral on Nov. 29, 2023

In September, several stars and loved ones gathered for a tribute concert in Atlanta organized to honor the former president's milestone birthday.

Called "Jimmy Carter 100: A Celebration in Song," the event featured performances from Chuck Leavell, D-Nice, Drive-By Truckers, Eric Church, GROUPLOVE, Maren Morris, The War And Treaty and The Atlanta Symphony Orchestra Chamber Chorus.

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.

Jason, who chairs the Carter Center, caught up with PEOPLE at the concert to offer an update on his grandfather's health.

"I mean hes been in hospice for over 19 months now and he has really physically diminished and cant do much on his own," Jason told PEOPLE. "But he is emotionally engaged and still having experiences and laughing, loving."

As part of his birthday celebration on Oct. 1, the tribute concert will be streamed on Georgia Public Broadcasting, where President Carter is expected to watch.

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Read the original article on People.
For any person, celebrating a century of life is a rare milestone. For Jimmy Carter, the nation's 39th president, such longevity is an exclamation point on an unparalleled life of public service.

Some might assert that the presidency itself is the pinnacle of public service. But Carter's exit from the White House after what many critics decried as a largely ineffectual single term marked the beginning of what became the most consequential post-presidency in U.S. history  made even more remarkable by its inauspicious start.

Jimmy Carter had lost his 1980 bid for reelection by ten percentage points, pulling just 41% of the popular vote versus 51% by his Republican challenger, Ronald Reagan. Shortly afterward, he discovered that the prosperous agricultural business he had built earlier in his career had been driven into the ground by a blind trust, leaving him millions in debt, adding to the $1.4 million of debt he had accrued as part of his failed reelection campaign, with no cash reserves to pay it off.

MORE: Video: Jimmy Carter on how he wants be remembered

Then there was the unresolved matter of the Iranian Hostage Crisis, which had crippled Carter's presidency, leading critics to charge him with being weak and ineffectual. When Reagan succeeded him as president on Jan. 20, 1981, Carter had been awake for over two full days as he oversaw the negotiation to release the 52 American hostages that had been detained by the Iranian government for 444 days. A last thumb in Carter's eye: They would be freed in the first minutes of Reagan's presidency.

Upon relinquishing the White House, Carter returned briefly to his native Plains, Georgia, which at the time boasted a population of just 640 residents, where he was welcomed home in a driving rain by friends and neighbors with a covered-dish supper. The rain-soaked homecoming didn't last for long. Just hours afterward, Carter flew off to Wiesbaden, Germany, to greet the freed hostages, only to be met with anger by many of them who believed he had failed to ensure their liberation earlier.

On Jan. 22, 1980, Carter returned to Plains, to the ranch-style home he and wife Rosalynn had built in 1961, but hadn't lived in for ten years. Exhausted and depleted, the now former president slept for 24 hours before awakening to what he described as "an altogether unwanted life"  and with no idea what he would do next.

Twenty-one years later, Carter would be awakened by an early-morning phone call in that same home, in that same small town, with the news that he had won the Nobel Peace Prize for, as the Nobel committee wrote, "his decades of untiring effort to find peaceful solutions to international conflicts, to advance democracy and human rights, and to promote economic and social development."

PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter holds up his Nobel Peace Prize, Dec. 10, 2002, in Oslo, Norway. (Arne Knudsen/Getty Images)

Along the way, Carter reinvented the post-presidency, manifesting its possibilities and potential and providing a playbook, and a daunting standard, for activist former presidents. He showed how a president can leverage the stature of being a "former" to advance a philanthropic agenda, while enhancing his overall legacy and strengthening the American brand.

MORE: Video Overwhelming support shown for Jimmy Carter, America's longest-living president

The improbable journey from newly defeated one-term president to Nobel laureate reflected a pattern throughout Carter's fruitful life, one spent achieving outsize ambitions by defying long odds. Carter launched his career in politics in 1962 by challenging the political machine in Southwestern Georgia, successfully contesting a rigged election and winning a seat in the Georgia state legislature. While he lost a race for Georgia governor four years later, he came back to win the office in 1970, becoming one of a crop of new leaders to usher in a new, post-segregation South.

After leaving the governor's mansion in 1975 due to a state law then prohibiting governors from serving consecutive terms, Carter set his sights on the distant presidency, a dark-horse former governor of a deep Southern state with little or no name recognition  so much so that even his home states Atlanta Constitution newspaper ran a story headlined, Jimmy Who Is Running for What?

Nobody thought I had a chance in Gods world to be the nominee, Carter told me in 2013.

His unlikely nomination as the Democratic presidential candidate and subsequent victory over incumbent President Gerald Ford in the 1976 election spoke to Carter's relentless drive and preternatural self-assuredness.

PHOTO: President Jimmy Carter in Oval Office during TV Speech, April 18, 1977. (Universal Images Group via Getty Images)

Those same qualities would come to bear in his post-White House endeavors. Just a little more than a year out of office, as he considered his future, Carter had an epiphany: that he could create a nongovernmental, non-profit organization that could focus on intractable problems around the world which the international community and the United Nations were not addressing. The Carter Center, attached to his presidential library in Atlanta, did just that, becoming an outlet for the former president's activism and vision for a better world.

Since its launch in 1982, the Carter Center, scrupulously overseen by Carter himself, has monitored over a hundred elections in 39 countries and has helped to peacefully resolve disputes throughout the world  including in Haiti, Sudan, and Bosnia  while working toward the eradication of Guinea worm disease and river blindness, insidious ailments that went largely unchecked among the world's poor and developing nations. Recognizing his skill in conflict resolution, President Bill Clinton tapped the ex-president in the 1990s to represent the U.S. in a negotiation to dismantle North Korea's nuclear weapons program, and in staving off a U.S. military invasion of Haiti.

As prodigious as they were, Carter's activities weren't limited to the Carter Center. Soon into his post-presidency, Carter took up a hammer for Habitat for Humanity, providing both labor and inspiration for the next four-and-a-half decades on work projects that bear his name. Somehow, he also found time to teach Sunday school nearly every week at Plains' Maranatha Baptist Church  and pose afterward for photographs with visitors to the congregation  as well as do woodwork, fly fish, paint, and become our most prolific presidential author.

PHOTO: Former President Jimmy Carter works on one of the homes at the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Work Project for Habitat for Humanity in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada, July 10, 2017. (SOPA Images/LightRocket via Getty Images)

MORE: Jimmy Carter attends memorial service for wife of 77 years, Rosalynn Carter

Carter sometimes bristled when he was called "our best ex-president," a backhanded compliment that disregarded a presidential term that he saw as largely successful. "I don't know of any decisions I made in the White House that were basically erroneous," he told me in 2005.

But he didn't spend a great deal of time worrying about his place in the presidential pantheon. The things Jimmy Carter wanted to be remembered for went beyond any achievement he may have chalked up in the White House.

In 2014, in an interview at the LBJ Library, I asked Carter how he wanted to be remembered.

"I think lot of people will say 'He only served one term and got defeated [for reelection],'" he replied. "I would like for people to remember that I kept the peace and that I promoted human rights That would be my preference."

He will get his wish.

Mark K. Updegrove is a presidential historian and ABC News political contributor. He is the president and CEO of the LBJ Foundation, and the author of "Second Acts: Presidential Lives and Legacies After the White House."

Jimmy Carter's improbable journey from defeated one-term president to our best ex-president: Analysis originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
President Joe Biden described Jimmy Carter as one of the most influential statesmen in our history in a tribute marking the former presidents 100th birthday.

Carter, who has been in hospice care since February 2023, on Tuesday became the first former U.S. president to reach this milestone age.

In a video released by CBS News on Sunday, Biden praised Carter, calling him a moral force for our nation and the world.

I recognized that as a young senator. Thats why I supported you so early, Biden said.

Youre a voice of courage, conviction, compassion  most of all, a beloved friend of Jill and me and our family, he added, referencing first lady Jill Biden.

Joe Biden also spoke about Carters commitment to public service even after his departure from the White House, including his decision to found The Carter Center, a nongovernmental organization, in 1982 to help improve the lives of people both in the U.S. and abroad.

Youre one of the most influential statesmen in our history, Biden said. Even after you left office, the moral clarity you showed throughout your career showed through again in your commitment through The Carter Center and the Habitat for Humanity [nonprofit]  resolving conflicts, advancing democracy, preventing disease and so much more.

Put simply, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much, Biden added.

Carter received a Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 for his work on human rights, among other things.

Biden also paid tribute to Carters late wife, former first lady Rosalynn Carter, who died in November 2023 at the age of 96. The couple were married for 77 years.

We know this is the first birthday without Rosalynn, Biden said. Its bittersweet, but we also know shes always with you. Shes in your heart; shell never go away. She may be gone, but shes always going to be with you.

The former presidents grandson Jason Carter told The New York Times that her death was tough for his grandfather.

When she passed, we all frankly thought that he wouldnt be much longer, Jason Carter said. And I think he had a real low period for a while. But these last few months, hes really gotten re-engaged with the world.

According to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, Jimmy Carters son Chip Carter previously said his father told him he was determined to make it to 100 to cast a vote for Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris in his home state of Georgia, a critical battleground in this years election.

He does not believe Donald Trump should be president again, he said in a Washington Post story last month, referring to Harris GOP rival.

Meanwhile, a display at the White House shows the number 100 with a banner wishing Carter a happy birthday.

A sign wishing former President Jimmy Carter a happy 100th birthday sits on the North Lawn of the White House in Washington, on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Susan Walsh via Associated Press

Carter, a Democrat, served as president from 1977 to 1981. He lost his reelection bid to then-Republican presidential nominee Ronald Reagan.
JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Johnson City Area Home Builders Association (JCAHBA) is warning community members whose homes have been damaged from recent flooding to be aware of scammers posing as building contractors.

The JCAHBA said people looking to take advantage of those who have lost or damaged property are already flocking to the region.

Mayor: 2 dead, 17 unaccounted for in Washington County, Tenn.

Johnson City Area Home Builders Association along with National Association of Home Builders have information that we need to get out to the community to protect everyone from the nomadic scammers/storm chasers that have already started working their way into our area with more on the way, the association told News Channel 11.

As community members begin the process of rebuilding or repairing homes and properties, the JCAHBA wants people to know how they can personally vet people theyre considering hiring for contract work.

The JCAHBA recommends that homeowners in the region research potential contractors carefully before hiring or paying money:

Ask for proof of a current license from the State of Tennessee Board for Licensing

Contractors.

Find out if the firm has a permanent business address in the area and not from out of

state.

Ask for proof of general liability and workmans compensation insurance. A reputable

contractor should be able to show you an insurance certificate and expect you to ask for

it. Usually, we would tell you to contact his/her insurance carrier and have a copy of the

certificate sent directly from the agency, however, this may not be realistic during this

time of disaster.

Insist on a complete and clearly written contract.

Always ask for verifiable references and Be wary of a contractor who wants full or cash

payments before the job begins and utilizes high-pressure sales tactics to sign a contract.

Call Johnson City Area Home Builders Association for a list of reliable contractors or go

to Jcahba.org and click on the Membership Directory tab.

Informational documents from the National Association of Home Builders that provide tips to identify scammers can be found below:

2024-NAHB-Disaster-Relief-Dont-get-scammedDownload

Rebuilding-and-Repairing-GuidelinesDownload

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
We recently compiled a list of the 8 Best Stocks Under $50 To Invest In Now. In this article, we are going to take a look at where Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) stands against the other stocks under $50.

As we navigate through 2024, the economic landscape presents a mix of challenges and opportunities for investors. Recent economic indicators suggest a cautious yet resilient consumer base, even as the Federal Reserve has issued its first interest rate cut since 2020. The current financial environment reflects a deliberate balancing act by the Fed, aimed at achieving a "soft landing" for the economytaming inflation without triggering a recession. This approach has significant implications for the stock market, particularly for stocks priced under $50, which often represent a combination of risk and reward for discerning investors.

According to Gregory Daco, Chief Economist at EY-Parthenon, the U.S. economy is showing signs of gradual downshift. Both consumers and businesses are displaying a more prudent approach to spending, influenced by a tightening labor market and rising costs. The latest data revealed a moderate job growth of 142,000 in August, but this was overshadowed by significant downward revisions in payroll figures, indicating a potential softening of employment conditions. Despite these headwinds, Daco remains optimistic, projecting that real GDP growth will average 2.7% in 2024, easing to 1.8% in 2025.

In terms of consumer behavior, the retail sector has shown resilience, with spending continuing, albeit at a more cautious pace. Daco notes that while consumers are not significantly retracting their expenditures, slower growth in disposable income could lead to more restrained spending patterns moving into 2025. He forecasts consumer spending growth to decelerate, averaging 2.5% in the fourth quarter of 2024 before dipping to 2% in 2025.

Inflation is another key factor influencing the economic outlook. The August Consumer Price Index (CPI) report indicated a noticeable acceleration in disinflation, with the headline CPI inflation decreasing to 2.5% year-over-yearthe lowest rate since February 2021. This trend, however, must be interpreted cautiously, as core CPI inflation remained stable at 3.2%, signaling persistent inflationary pressures in certain sectors, notably housing. Nevertheless, Daco anticipates a continuing decline in both headline and core inflation, projecting rates of 2.2% and 2.9%, respectively, by the fourth quarter of 2024.

The Fed's recent decision to cut interest rates by 50 basis points reflects its commitment to recalibrating monetary policy without resorting to drastic measures that could harm growth. Powell's remarks underscore a careful approach to policy adjustments, with expectations of additional rate cuts in November and December. Overall, this easing cycle is expected to facilitate a more sustainable economic trajectory heading into 2025.

As the broader economic picture unfolds, the S&P 500 index has performed remarkably well, currently up approximately 20% year-to-date and approaching record highs. This surge is indicative of market sentiment that is cautiously optimistic about the potential for a soft landing. However, analysts have expressed concerns that current stock valuations might be overestimating economic stability, particularly in light of recent weaker-than-expected jobs reports.

Looking ahead, investors are particularly focused on upcoming labor market data, which will play a crucial role in shaping perceptions of the economy's trajectory. The forthcoming employment report is critical, as it could either bolster confidence in the market's current valuation or prompt a reevaluation of growth expectations. With a significant portion of the market priced for a Goldilocks scenariowhere growth continues without significant inflationthe stakes are high for upcoming economic indicators.

Investors looking for value must consider a range of factors, including company fundamentals, market positioning, and broader economic trends. The careful selection of stocks in this category could not only mitigate risks associated with volatility but also capitalize on potential growth as the economic landscape stabilizes.

In summary, as we delve into the best stocks under $50 to invest in now, it is essential to keep an eye on the evolving economic indicators and consumer behavior. These elements will play a crucial role in determining which stocks can deliver value in an environment characterized by cautious spending, shifting monetary policy, and varying inflation rates.

Our Methodology

For this article, we identified 20 stocks trading on the NYSE and NASDAQ for under $50 per share as of September 27. Next, we examined Insider Monkeys data on 912 hedge funds as of Q2 2024. We narrowed down our list to 8 stocks most widely held by institutional investors and ranked them in ascending order of the number of hedge funds that have stakes in them as of Q2 of 2024.

At Insider Monkey we are obsessed with the stocks that hedge funds pile into. The reason is simple: our research has shown that we can outperform the market by imitating the top stock picks of the best hedge funds. Our quarterly newsletters strategy selects 14 small-cap and large-cap stocks every quarter and has returned 275% since May 2014, beating its benchmark by 150 percentage points (see more details here).

A smiling customer receiving customer contact center solutions on their smartphone.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ)

Number of Hedge Fund Holders: 67

Share Price as of September 27: $44.89

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is a leading telecommunications company in the United States, providing a wide range of services, including wireless communications, broadband, and digital solutions for both consumers and businesses. As of Q2 2024, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) has garnered attention from 67 hedge funds, maintaining its popularity from the previous quarter.

In its Q2 2024 earnings report, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) reported solid financial performance in line with expectations. The company posted an EPS of $1.15, meeting analysts' predictions. The results highlight the strength of Verizon's business model and consistent financial performance, with the company focusing on revenue growth and expansion across its wireless and broadband segments.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) wireless service revenue grew by 3.5% year-over-year, reaching $19.8 billion, primarily driven by a 3.7% rise in consumer wireless service revenue, which amounted to $16.3 billion. This growth was fueled by increased adoption of the "myPlan" offering, which now covers over 30% of the companys consumer phone lines. In addition, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) fixed wireless access (FWA) revenue rose to $514 million in the quarter, showcasing the companys strong position in the broadband market. FWA is expected to generate over $2 billion in revenue this year, contributing significantly to the company's overall growth strategy.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) strong performance in the business segment further solidified its market presence. Postpaid phone net additions in the business segment totaled 156,000, marking the highest performance in the last six quarters. Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) also reported significant improvements in consumer postpaid phone net additions, which reached 148,000, reflecting the company's successful efforts to expand its customer base and strengthen its competitive positioning.

Additionally, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) focus on enhancing its broadband services continues to yield positive results. The company added 391,000 net broadband customers during Q2 2024, driven by strong demand for fixed wireless services, which posted a year-over-year growth of 69%. This growth enabled Verizon to surpass 11.5 million broadband subscribers, highlighting its ability to capture market share and expand its broadband business. Overall, Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) steady revenue growth, expanding customer base, and strong cash flow generation position it as a compelling investment option under $50 per share, offering a combination of stability and growth potential for investors seeking exposure to the telecom sector.

Overall VZ ranks 7th on our list of the best stocks to buy under $50. While we acknowledge the potential of VZ as an investment, our conviction lies in the belief that some AI stocks hold greater promise for delivering higher returns and doing so within a shorter timeframe. If you are looking for an AI stock that is more promising than VZ but that trades at less than 5 times its earnings, check out our report about the cheapest AI stock.

READ NEXT: $30 Trillion Opportunity: 15 Best Humanoid Robot Stocks to Buy According to Morgan Stanley and Jim Cramer Says NVIDIA Has Become A Wasteland.

Disclosure: None. This article is originally published at Insider Monkey.
JOHNSON COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The aftermath of Hurricane Helene has left many devastated and picking up the pieces of what they lost due to regionwide flooding.

Myron Hughes with an Incident Management Team said that the Tennessee Department of Health (TDH) confirmed Sunday one weather-related death in Johnson County.

Around 12 to 15 families were unable to leave their homes Monday because of blocked-off and broken roadways caused by flooding and trees. Jeff Wagner, Road Superintendent for Johnson County, said they hope to have most of that cleared for people to get out by the end of the night Monday.

Im going to say close to 300 miles of road has got damage, said Wagner. Its going to take days to get these roads clear Ive got five outside contractors of work and but its going to take time.

Johnson County Courthouse to reopen Tuesday with limited services

As of Sept. 30, around 5,000 people were without power and some without water, as well. Lisa Kyles lives off of Highway 421 in Mountain City and said she feels blessed that her home was still intact after the storm.

We knew it would be bad, we didnt know it would be anything like this, said Kyles.

Kyles told News Channel 11 that as for her neighbors, they are still working to clean up and access damaged areas of their property.

Our neighbors here at the front they had about two inches of water, so just the surface, said Kyles. Theyre hoping they can save things and get it dried out and be okay.

Parts of highways 421 and 91 are closed due to broken areas of the roadways and downed trees. Anyone in need of shelter or resources can stop by First Christian Church at 401 W Main Street in Mountain City.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Speaker Mike Johnson is blasting Democrats for being hypocritical when it comes to standing with Israel after Irans ballistic missile attacks on Tuesday.

The GOP leader kicked off a planned Tuesday speech before the New York Stock Exchange by calling on the Biden administration to send a clear message to Iran that their attacks against Israel wont be tolerated. He urged the Biden administration to fully enforce the Iran sanctions on the books and reimpose the U.N. sanctions lest they expire.

There are widespread concerns that the escalating battle between Israel and Iran could turn into an even broader international conflict.

We also recognize that it's hypocritical for the administration to express support for Israel's defense while continuing to appease the Iranian regime with billions or hundreds of billions of dollars, actually, in sanctions relief, Johnson said at the speech, while calling for a maximum pressure campaign on Iran and Iranian-backed groups.

President Biden needs to make clear that there will be decisive economic and potential military ramifications for these actions, he added.



Less than an hour before the speech, Johnson put out a statement that even more directly blamed President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris for actions that led to the Tuesday attacks: "Our adversaries are carrying out increasingly dangerous attacks because of Biden and Harris' weak and failed foreign policy."

The speaker was originally slated to speak in New York on Republicans economic agenda if they hold control of both chambers of Congress and the White House in 2025. And the Iran attack wasnt the only news that took him off topic  he also addressed disaster relief after Hurricane Helene devastated the Southeast over the weekend.

Multiple lawmakers have called on Congress to return from its preelection break to pass more disaster relief cash, but Johnson appeared to shut the door on those demands Tuesday. He said that the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has the immediate money that it needs to address the multi-state devastation.

We'll be working with our members, with FEMA, with state and local emergency management, to help address the many needs that are out there, and this is going to go on for some time.  Congress has previously provided FEMA with the funds it needs to respond, so we will make sure that those resources are appropriately allocated, he said.



The short-term funding bill that Congress passed last month extends FEMAs current funding level of $20 billion, which congressional leaders believe is enough to handle immediate needs. And while President Joe Biden suggested this week that he might request that Congress come back into session to handle the fallout from Hurricane Helene, administration officials told reporters earlier Tuesday that FEMA was in a good position to address the hurricanes destruction.

Johnson did broadly sketch out 2025 priorities for Republicans, hitting similar talking points that hes focused on before. Those include rolling back Biden-era regulations, extending Trump-era tax cuts for the middle class that are set to expire, cutting spending and vowing to root out a long list of nonessential jobs throughout the federal bureaucracy.

Republicans have been quietly planning for months how they would potentially use slim congressional majorities, particularly if Donald Trump wins the White House. A process known as budget reconciliation would allow them to pass some partisan measures without Senate Democratic help, assuming they control both chambers, but that path still comes with strict limits.

It's our intention, with a new Senate Republican majority and a Republican president, Republican House, to pursue a policy of fiscal responsibility, he said.
JOLIET, Ill.  A Joliet man was sentenced to 27 years in federal prison for sex trafficking and facilitating the sex trafficking of multiple women.

The Department of Justice said 29-year-old Kendall Guyton admitted in a plea agreement to recruiting three women to engage in commercial sex acts from 2017 to 2020. Guyton also admitted to advertising commercial sex acts online and arranged for the victims to meet people in various locations throughout the Chicago area.

Guyton also reportedly gave illicit drugs to his victims, including heroin or cocaine, and also beat his victims, forcing them to give into his demands.

15-year-old boy charged in July murder of Chicago postal worker Octavia Redmond

At his sentencing hearing, the government presented evidence that Guyton facilitated the trafficking of at least five other victims, including a minor, by beating and sexually assaulting them, according to officials.

Guyton pleaded guilty last year to one count of sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion. A judge imposed the 27-year sentence on Thursday during a hearing in federal court in Chicago.

Officials aid a co-defendant, 45-year-old Gregory Ingram of Richton Park, Illinois, also pleaded guilty to trafficking multiple victims, including a 14-year-old whom he invited to live in his home while he trafficked her. Ingram also used drugs and threats of harm to control the 14-year-old.

A judge sentenced Ingram to 20 years in federal prison.

Chicago man arrested for trafficking 16-year-old victim

Defendants crimes were incredibly serious and had long-lasting impacts on his victims, Assistant U.S. Attorneys Christine M. ONeill and Prashant Kolluri said in the governments sentencing memorandum in Guytons case. Defendant knew these women were vulnerable and he preyed upon these vulnerabilities.

Anyone who believes they are a victim of sexual exploitation is encouraged to call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children by calling 1-800-843-5678 or by clicking here. The service is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa

The Jordanian Interior Ministry reported that two people were injured when shrapnel fell in five different provinces after Iran launched more than 180 missiles at Israel on Tuesday evening.

Following the incident, Jordan briefly closed its airspace to ensure the safety of flights and passengers but it has now reportedly been reopened.

The police urged residents to avoid suspicious objects and report them immediately.

Regional media outlets shared videos showing a large object on fire in the street near Amman, saying it fell after Jordan intercepted some Iranian missiles, which Amman did not confirm.

Missiles launched from Iran are seen in the sky over Tel Aviv. Ilia Yefimovich/dpa
VESTAL, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  Local educators climbed aboard a bus this morning for a mobile roundtable discussion with the president of the states teachers union.

Representatives from New York States United Teachers brought the unions Common Ground Over Chaos bus to Vestal for another stop on its statewide tour. The campaign runs until Election Day and plans to make roughly 40 stops from Niagara Falls to Long Island.

The democratic candidate for the 19th congressional district, Josh Riley was on the bus and listened to educators talk about the challenges in their district.

We need better pay for our teachers and more funding for our public schools. Weve got our priorities in this country all backwards, when were giving tax cuts to the hedge fund managers on Wall Street and were leaving our schoolteachers to go into their own pockets for school supplies. Thats got to change, thats why Im running for Congress, said Riley.

On the side of the bus, candidates endorsed by NYSUTs Common Ground Over Chaos pledge, sign their name.

Riley says the campaign is all about getting back to our political roots, and promoting respectful, civic engagement.

Riley will rematch Republican Marc Molinaro in the general election.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  A Rhode Island Superior Court magistrate has admitted he made a mistake in a motion he granted last month to erase a criminal conviction from a North Providence mans record, 12 News has learned.

During a court hearing on Monday, Rhode Island Superior Court Magistrate John McBurney said he erroneously granted a motion to expunge a charge from 35-year-old Joseph Simones criminal record on Aug. 29. However, he acknowledged that Simone was not eligible to have his record purged of the criminal conviction.

After it was brought to my attention, I have reviewed the docket and the criminal record of Mr. Simone, as well as the affidavit in support of the motion to expunge, signed by Mr. Simone, McBurney said. Based on my review, I have determined that I mistakenly granted the motion to expunge.

Records show that Simone was charged with impersonating a police officer in 2011 and later pleaded no contest to the felony.

Court records show Simone also pleaded no contest to additional felony charges  including indecent solicitation of a child and possession of child pornography  in 2014. He was sentenced to one year in prison and two years of home confinement.

Although Simone was not present in court on Monday, McBurney said his attorney submitted a letter stating that Simone had no objection to the courts ruling.

McBurney vacated the order and denied Simones motion for expungement.

While unfamiliar with the specifics of the case, Roger Williams University School of Law professor Andrew Horwitz explained that the expungement process is usually straightforward. He said in order to have a felony expunged, it must fall within a specific category of qualifying felonies. Defendants must also wait ten years after completing their sentence.

It has to be the only thing thats on your criminal history where you were found guilty or you acknowledged guilt, Horowitz said.

12 News reached out to the R.I. Attorney Generals office and Simones attorney for comment but has not heard back yet.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
The Iowa Supreme Court's Attorney Disciplinary Board and the Grievance Commision handle ethics complaints filed against Iowa lawyers. (Photo via Canva; seal courtesy of the Iowa Supreme Court)

An Iowa judge has expressed concern with a Keokuk lawyers ability to practice law without damaging his clients interests.

In April, the Iowa Supreme Court suspended the law license of attorney Steven J. Swan due to an alleged failure by Swan to comply with the Client Security Commissions 2023 request for information on his handling of client trust accounts.

In June, Swan filed a request for reinstatement and a hearing on the matter is now scheduled for Oct. 8.

Last month, Myron Gookin, chief judge of Iowas 8th Judicial District, sent the clerk of the Iowa Supreme Court a letter in which he stated that he had asked all of the judges in the Keokuk area whether they had any opinions to share regarding Swans efforts to have his license reinstated.

According to Gookin, two judges emailed him responses and a third spoke to him on the phone. In his letter to the clerk, Gookin didnt identify any of the three judges by name, and he declined to do so when contacted Tuesday by the Iowa Capital Dispatch.

Gookin reported to the clerk that one of the judges who sent him a written response to his inquiry had stated that Swans health has been compromised for years. In the recent past, he has regularly missed court or had to have cases reset because of his physical limitations and conditions.

For years, Steves work product has been poor. He rarely, in my experience, does his work the correct way the first time.

 Iowa judge's opinion of Keokuk attorney Steven J. Swan

According to Gookin, the judge went on to say he did not believe Swan has the physical ability to practice law full time any longer. His physical conditions limit his ability to work long hours, to perform at a high level, to regularly meet with court-appearance requirements and to effectively communicate with his clients. For years, Steves work product has been poor. He rarely, in my experience, does his work the correct way the first time. Some errors are innocuous, others not so  As hard as it is to say, I do not feel he is fit to practice law fulltime.

That same judge allegedly sent Gookin a second email in which he or she stated: I tried the custody case that occurred just days after he was suspended this last time, and I was upset by that whole affair He did virtually nothing, so far as I could tell, to timely cure issues with his trust account so that his client could be represented at the custody case. He had weeks, if not longer, to correct the trust account problems and failed to do so.

Judge supports license reinstatement

The second judge who wrote to Gookin reportedly stated he considered Swan a friend and felt that Swan was a capable lawyer when he is healthy. He has been battling some serious health problems for many years. I would like to see him have another chance. Therefore, I support his application for reinstatement.

Gookin wrote that the third judge who weighed in on the matter had said that hed presided over two cases that raised concerns with regard to Swan. In one case, the judge reportedly said, Swan appeared not to have informed his clients that that his law license had been suspended, resulting in the clients showing up for court while under the impression Swan would be representing them. In the other case, a party to the proceeding complained that Swan had failed to communicate with them on an issue of some kind.

District Judge Clinton Boddicker also wrote directly to the clerk of the Iowa Supreme Court and voiced his support for Swan in language that was similar, and in some cases identical, to that of the second judge who had emailed his thoughts to Gookin.

In his letter to the clerk, Boddicker described Swan as a colleague and a friend who is a capable lawyer when healthy. He has battled serious health problems for the last several years. Sometimes this has impeded his ability to stay on top of his practice. I can state with some certainty that Mr. Swan would never purposefully neglect his clients or cases.

Boddicker went on to write that he would like to see Mr. Swan given another chance to show that he can competently handle his cases and stay on top of his reporting requirements. Lee County in general, and Keokuk specifically, suffers from a lack of lawyers to serve its population.

Sexual harassment complaint leads to reprimand

In 2012, Swan was issued a public reprimand for failing to communicate with a client about the status of her divorce case.

In August 2023, Swans license was suspended for one month due to an alleged failure to provide requested trust-account information to the states Client Security Commission.

In May of this year, Swan was reprimanded for his handling of two court matters. In one of those cases, a clients appeal of a court decision was allegedly dismissed due to Swans failure to comply with court rules and deadlines.

In the second matter, a woman complained that after Swan represented her and her husband in a joint bankruptcy, he then represented the husband in the couples divorce proceedings and harassed her on social media.

In that matter, the Iowa Attorney Disciplinary Board concluded that Swan had violated rules pertaining to conflicts of interest, and also violated rules concerning sexual harassment by posting to social media a sexually suggestive message in which he compared a scantily clad woman to a grenade.

The April suspension of Swans license, which stems from the recurring issue with the Client Security Commission seeking information on Swans client trust accounts, currently remains in effect.

Swan did not immediately respond to messages left with his office staff.
A Scottish woman accused of stalking Baby Reindeer creator and star Richard Gadd can proceed with her defamation lawsuit against Netflix, after a federal judge in California refused to dismiss all of the claims.

In a ruling published on Friday, Judge R. Gary Klausner wrote that Baby Reindeer appears to present itself as fact rather than as a representation of Gadds opinion by stating at the beginning of the show that this is a true story.

Richard Gadd created and starred in "Baby Reindeer." - Ed Miller/Netflix

Judge Klausner also wrote that while Fiona Harveys purported actions are reprehensible, the differences in how the show depicted these could produce a different effect on the mind of a viewer, and thus the defendants argument that the statements about Harvey were substantially true fails at this stage.

A spokesperson for Netflix told CNN that it has no additional comment beyond its original statement on the suit when it said: We intend to defend this matter vigorously and to stand by Richard Gadds right to tell his story. CNN has also contacted Gadd for comment.

In the Emmy-award winning Netflix miniseries, Gadd recounts, what is billed as a true story of being stalked by a woman who bombards him with more than 40,000 emails and hundreds of hours of voice messages.

The show topped most-watched lists worldwide after its debut in April, generating headlines and speculation about the characters and who inspired them. Harvey, who was quickly tracked down by online sleuths who labeled her the real Martha Scott, filed a complaint in the District Court for the Central District of California in June, seeking a jury trial and damages totaling $170 million.

Gadd previously told UK newspaper The Guardian the story is very emotionally true  But we wanted it to exist in the sphere of art, as well as protect the people its based on.

His repeated requests, however, for viewers to cease trying to find out the real-life identities of the figures in his story went unheard.

Jessica Gunning won an Emmy Award for her portrayal of Martha in "Baby Reindeer." - Ed Miller/Netflix

In the lawsuit, Harvey alleges several key differences between herself and the character Martha, who stalked Gadds character Donny Dunn. Specifically, Harvey says viewers concluded that she was also a twice convicted criminal that spent five years in prison for stalking, had stalked a police officer, sexually assaulted Gadd in an alley, violently attacked Gadd  gouged his eyes with her thumbs, and stalked Gadd by waiting outside his home every day for up to 16 hours a day.

In his order, Judge Klaussner addresses Netflixs argument that these examples were substantially true, a commonly used defense against defamation which contends that the overall gist of a claim is true. The streaming company argued that although Harvey is not a twice-convicted criminal, she could have been convicted and sentenced to five years in prison, and that she got handsy with (Gadd), pinching him and touching various parts of his body including his bum without consent.

Klausner disagreed with Netflixs argument, writing that there is a major difference between stalking and being convicted of stalking in a court of law. Likewise, there are major differences between inappropriate touching and sexual assault, as well as between shoving and gouging anothers eyes.

Klausner also held Harvey may be able to show actual malice if Netflix knowingly depicted fictionalized events as fact. As potential evidence for this, he referenced The Sunday Times reporting, citing sources in the TV industry, that Gadd allegedly had concerns representing Baby Reindeer as completely true, and that the stage play from which the show was adapted billed itself as being based on a true story.

While the judge allowed the defamation and intentional infliction of emotion distress claims to proceed, he did dismiss Harveys negligence, gross negligence and right of publicity claims, as well as her request for punitive damages.

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Judge allows University of Maryland student group to hold Gaza vigil after school tried to cancel it

Judge allows University of Maryland student group to hold Gaza vigil after school tried to cancel it

A Maryland federal court on Tuesday sided with students that challenged the University of Marylands decision to cancel their planned Gaza vigil set for October 7, the one-year anniversay of the Israel-Hamas war.

In a ruling, Judge Peter J. Messitte said it didnt matter that some might take issue with the universitys chapter of Students for Justice in Palestine or their views. The school couldnt stop them from demonstrating on the basis of their ideas alone.

This is a matter of law, not of wounded feelings, he wrote. Free speech as guaranteed by the First Amendment may be the most important law this country has.

Civil rights advocates celebrated the decision.

This is a win for all of our right to speak out about matters that concern us, the ACLU said in the statement.

Decision comes after university announced in September it wouldnt allow student expressive events on October 7 anniversary of Israel-Hamas conflict (Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved.)

The University of Maryland said it would comply with the ruling.

The University of Maryland recognizes, and will abide by, the courts decision, and will work with all registered student organizers of events requested for October 7, it said in a statement. Event organizers, campus officials and UMPD will implement a plan that allows all events to proceed in accordance with the courts ruling. Notwithstanding todays court ruling, the safety concerns that were raised remain a source of ongoing attention and focus for us.

As The Independent reported, the Students for Justice in Palestine chapter sued the school in September, after the university canceled the groups planned interfaith vigil with a Jewish group, then banned all student-led expressive events in the Maryland university system for October 7.

In announcing the shutdown, Maryland officials said theyd received numerous calls to cancel the event, but acknowledged there was no immediate or active threat to campus surrounding the event.

Abel Amene, a member of Marylands Students for Justice in Palestine chapter, toldThe Independent at the time that the worst part of the original decision to cancel the event was the inherent discrimination that it represents.

The mere presence of the groups name on the events calendar, with little more than the date and time of their planned event, was enough to be treated like a terror threat, he said.

This assumption comes from this age-old trope of treating people from Arab backgrounds, which most of our members are, even I though myself am African, but this assumption that we are all terrorists, that we all support terrorism and that we are dangerous and that theres something inherently dangerous about our mere existence, our mere holding of an event, he said. In reality, the few things that we have released about what the event was intended to be have always been describing it as a vigil.

During a hearing in the case on Monday, school officials testified about violent threats to administrators ahead of planned October 7 events, including racist threats to University of Maryland president Darryll Pines, who is Black, and a caller who told the universitys general cousel they were locked and loaded and planning to bring a gun on campus for self-defense.

Tuesdays decision granted the student groups request for a preliminary injunction, and only applies to the universitys expressive events ban on the central College Park campus for October 7.

Students for Justice in Palestine will be required to forfeit a $2,500 security bond ahead of the event.

As The Independent has reported, universities across North America are on elevated security alert ahead of the October 7 anniversay, but pro-Palestinian student activists say new security measures taken after a year of protests are hampering their ability to express their views on campus.
WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  An attempt to steal items from a local farm supply retailer has landed a Niles man in prison.

Read next: Man sentenced on 7th OVI charge

Daniel Campbell, 44, was sentenced Tuesday to two years in prison by Judge Andrew Logan, according to the Trumbull County Prosecutors Office.

Campbell pleaded guilty in July to a charge of third-degree felony robbery charge in connection to a December 2023 theft at Tractor Supply on Elm Road.

Investigators said Campbell ran out of the store carrying a fireplace, jacket and white hat totaling $400. Employees chased Campbell and watched him as he got into a car and struck a woman to get her to drive the vehicle from the scene, according to the prosecutors office.

Reports said Campbell dropped the fireplace in the parking lot.

Logan said Campbell was not eligible for probation because of his extensive criminal history that included 11 felony convictions, some involving violence. Prosecutors said the probation department rated Campbell as a high risk of reoffending.

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Shares of Arm Holdings (NASDAQ: ARM) were heading lower on reports of disappointing early sales results from Apple's (NASDAQ: AAPL) iPhone 16, the new smartphone it just released that will include Apple Intelligence, its new artificial intelligence (AI) platform.

Arm makes roughly half of its royalty revenue from the iPhone, so it wasn't surprising to see the stock reacting poorly to the news.

Arm stock closed down 4.9%, while Apple lost 2.9%.

Image source: Getty Images.

iPhone 16 is off to a weak start

According to multiple analysts, sales of the new iPhone are down year over year after its first weeks on the market.

In a note this morning, Barclays said it's seeing signs of weaker demand for the new smartphone, including that Apple may have cut orders by 3 million units for a key Taiwanese chip component.

Another analyst, Ming-chi Kuo of TF International Securities, estimated that iPhone sales were down more than 12% in the first weekend of pre-sales, with an even sharper slide in sales of the iPhone Pro.

Arm stock has reacted in the past to news about Apple, as the two are close partners, so it's not a surprise to see the stock falling on this news. Arm licenses its CPU architecture for Apple to use in its iPhones, as its designs are known for being power-efficient.

Why investors shouldn't overreact to the news

Arm shares jumped when Apple said a few weeks ago that it was using Arm's v9 architecture, which carries a royalty rate that's approximately double that of the v8, the previous generation of Arm's CPU architecture.

While a decline in iPhone sales would be a headwind for Arm, Apple using the v9 should more than make up for it. Given that, Apple's challenges don't seem serious for Arm investors to change their approach to the chip stock.

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Judge ordered a Macon motel to keep Narcan on hand to cut overdoses. Did it work?

Residents at a Macon motel have struggled to access an overdose reversal medicine two years after a court order tried to rectify the problem.

Judge Connie Williford ordered Macon Inn on Riverside Drive to carry at least 10 doses of naloxone, also known by its brand-name Narcan, after an overwhelming amount of deaths from overdoses previously at the site in 2022, according to court documents. The order was issued after Macon-Bibb County sued the inn over the issue.

But even after the order was enacted, the motel didnt initially keep enough of the product. Years after the order, obstacles make it difficult to access the Narcan, and its unclear how many doses the inn carries. The office door for the inn was locked when reporters visited on Sept. 11. A sign visible through the office window said, Opioid overdose emergency kits. Naloxone.

Recorded overdoses now less common at Macon Inn

Homer Jones, a security guard at the inn, wasnt sure how many doses they carried or if their shelf life expired. He did not open the office door or show whether there was any Narcan behind the counter. He also said the inn has never used or distributed the Narcan. Yet there were instances when the inn ran low on doses.

We really havent used it. We havent had anybody deal with overdose, Jones told The Telegraph.

In the years since the judges order was issued, public safety data indicates thats true: no confirmed overdoses have occurred at the location since 2021, the Bibb County Sheriffs Office said, though there is no clear connection between the judges Narcan order and the decline in overdoses at the inn. Causes of death may also be inconclusive until an autopsy is performed. The Georgia Department of Public Health did not disclose more comprehensive data regarding how many overdoses have occurred at Macon Inn.

When reporters visited Macon Inn again on Sept. 20, Rocky Patel, owner of the inn, said the office is open 24/7. He showed they had several Narcan boxes, but said there was not a single utilization since he became owner in 2022. He also claimed there have been no overdoses since then.

However, the Macon-Bibb County Fire Department and Coroner Leon Jones said drug use at the inn is still an issue.

Assistant Fire Chief Reco Stephens said it can be difficult to tell if first responders are dealing with an overdose when they show up to a medical incident  most people dont say whether they took Narcan before first responders arrive to avoid potential consequences for use or possession of drugs.

The person, if they did administer it, theyre not going to wait around or disclose the information for fear of being in trouble if they were part of it, Stephens said.

Initial 911 reports usually dont classify incidents as overdoses because medical tests would need to prove this. But certain signs usually indicate an overdose, such as an unresponsive person, Stephens explained.

Most times, people call 911 with difficulty breathing and chest pain when they probably had some type of recreational drug, Stephens told The Telegraph.

Medical tests afterward can detect if drugs were ingested and if Narcan was used.

The motel office is about 50 to 100 feet away from the housing units. This can be too far to walk and retrieve the Narcan during an overdose, even if the office door is open.

When youre down, you might not be able to grab it and administer it if someone isnt around, Stephens said.

How is the judges order enforced?

While motel staff and ownership say overdose issues have been sorted out, local officials have still observed issues at the inn.

The Bibb County Department of Code Enforcement inspected the location in July 2023, and found two doses of Narcan missing. There were also no instructions on how to use the medicine posted anywhere at the inn, according to a nuisance inspection form.

This was the most recent inspection of the property, according to the countys attorney in the case, Michael McNiell.

The sheriffs office does not monitor whether the inn is in compliance with the judges order.

Deputies respond to overdoses when theyre called in, but not to proactively check if the inn has followed the judges order to carry at least 10 doses of Narcan, Sgt. Christopher Williams said in an email.

When we respond to overdoses, deputies respond to the scene, who then contact an investigator, Williams said. The investigator who responds gathers evidence pertaining to the investigation. The coroner determines and notifies that if the cause of death is an overdose. Investigators proceed from there with their investigation.

This is usually the protocol in any case.

Deputies would not agree to be interviewed further for this story.

The court order did not specify if or how the situation should be monitored, or whether repercussions would occur if the motel did not carry Narcan. A judge would typically need to specify this information to enforce the order.

Where does Macon Inn get its Narcan?

Macon Recovers, an addiction prevention and support center with River Edge Behavioral Health, donated Narcan to the inn until a few months ago.

Hannah Baker, supervisor of the center, said the donations were unrelated to the court order.

(Macon Inn) asked for us to come out and get some Narcan, so we did. I dont know anything about a judges order we werent privy to that, Baker said.

The inn must request more Narcan as needed, she explained.

We gave them the information so they could order it themselves if they wanted to, Baker said. We left that up to them, so they were free to reach back out to us and get it, or they could make arrangements to get it on their own, so Im not sure what happened there.

Macon Recovers, the department of public health and Georgia Overdose Prevention give free Narcan to anyone who requests it. Narcan costs about $45 at CVS, Walgreens, Kroger, Target, Walmart and other retailers.

The last time Patel requested Narcan from Macon Recovers was about four to five months ago, he said.

We took care of everything with the county the legal way, Patel said.

Overdoses rise in Middle Georgia

Overdose deaths increased in Bibb County between 2022 and 2023, according to the Georgia Department of Public Health.

The age-adjusted overdose death rate, which factors in population size, in Bibb was 22.7 in 2022 and 28.2 in 2023, public health analytic reports show. The county had 32 total overdoses in 2022 and 41 in 2023.

Jones County had the greatest overdose death rate in 2022 and 2023 out of all counties in the North Central Health District, which is made up of 13 counties. From most to least, Houston, Bibb and Peach counties had the next greatest rates.

A recent drop in U.S. overdose deaths could be connected to an increase in Narcan availability, NPR reported.

A recent law in Georgia requires increased access to the medicine. All government buildings, court houses and school property are required to carry naloxone as of July 1, according to Senate Bill 395, or Wesleys Law.

The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline is a hotline for individuals in crisis or for those who want to help someone else. Call 988 to speak with a trained listener or visit 988lifeline.org for crisis chat services or more information.

Carly Lenhardt contributed reporting to this story.
A judge last week ordered a halt to a special election initiated by residents of one of the Souths last remaining Gullah-Geechee communities of Black slave descendants, who were looking to voters to undo zoning changes that residents say threaten their island homes.

Senior Judge Gary McCorveys ruling to stop the referendum came after hundreds had already voted early in coastal McIntosh County and less than a week before polls countywide were to open on the official election day Tuesday.

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, McCorveys ruling said.

Residents of the tiny Hogg Hummock community on isolated Sapelo Island, about 60 miles (97 kilometers) south of Savannah, said they were blindsided a year ago when county officials approved zoning changes that weakened 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 more than 1,800 petition signatures to force the referendum, which a Probate Court judge approved after verifying the petition in July.

Jazz Watts, a Hogg Hummock homeowner and an organizer of the petition drive, accused county officials of disenfranchising their own constituents.

Its not only unfair, its unjust, Watts said. Were talking about peoples right to be a part of not only the electoral process, but a right to be a part of how theyre governed.

Ken Jarrard, an attorney for McIntosh County commissioners, said they were pleased with the ruling. County officials had estimated that opening polls on Tuesday alone would cost at least $20,000  money they argued would be wasted if the election was held and later declared invalid in court.

McIntosh Countys chief priority is to be a good steward of taxpayer funds, Jarrard said in a statement. A primary reason this case was brought was to ensure the County does not spend funds improperly.

Kate Pontello Karwacki, chairperson of the McIntosh County Board of Commissioners, declined to comment further.

The zoning changes adopted last year doubled the size of homes allowed in Hogg Hummock, also known as Hog Hammock. Residents fear larger homes will lead to increased property taxes and pressure some to sell land held by their families for generations.

Roughly 30 to 50 Black residents live in Hogg Hummock, a community of dirt roads and modest homes founded by former slaves from the cotton plantation of Thomas Spalding.

Small communities descended from enslaved island populations in the South  known as Gullah, or Geechee in Georgia  are scattered along the coast from North Carolina to Florida, Scholars say their separation from the mainland caused residents of these communities to retain much of their African heritage, from their unique dialect to skills and crafts such as cast-net fishing and weaving baskets.

While the Hogg Hummock residents are likely to appeal, its unknown whether a higher court could intervene before Tuesdays planned election day.

Hogg Hummock residents also have a separate lawsuit pending that accuses county officials of race discrimination and violating their due process rights when the zoning changes were adopted.

This is not over, Watts said. Were not deterred and were not discouraged. We know this is about our community, our culture and our history.

A rarely used provision of Georgias constitution empowers voters to force special elections to challenge local acts or ordinances, resolutions, or regulations of local governments if they can get a petition signed by 10% to 25%, depending on population, of a city or countys voters.

The commissioners lawsuit argued that power doesnt apply to zoning. Jarrard said zoning powers are spelled out in a different section of Georgias constitution, and Georgia law defines specific procedures for repealing zoning ordinances that dont include special elections.

Attorneys for the Hogg Hummock residents and Probate Court Judge Harold Webster urged McCorvey to dismiss the countys lawsuit, arguing commissioners had no legal standing to challenge a special election that Webster was authorized to order.

McCorvey said in his ruling that Webster had failed to properly address the `validity of the petition.

Moore said in an email Wednesday that Webster had followed Georgias constitution and the state Supreme Courts guidance. She said Webster had not decided whether to appeal.

Both sides argued their position was supported by a Georgia Supreme Court decision last year that upheld another countys 2022 referendum that blocked officials plans to build a launchpad for commercial rockets.

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Hunter Biden steps into a vehicle as he leaves federal court, Thursday, Sept. 5, 2024, in Los Angeles, after pleading guilty to federal tax charges. (AP Photo/Eric Thayer)

DOVER, Del. (AP)  A computer repairman at the center of a controversy over Hunter Biden's laptop has lost his defamation case against news outlets, the president's son and Joe Biden's presidential campaign.

A Delaware judge on Monday also dismissed Hunter Biden's claims accusing Wilmington computer shop owner John Paul Mac Isaac of invasion of privacy.

Mac Isaac alleged that he was defamed by media reports and statements from Hunter Biden and his fathers presidential campaign implying that the laptop left at his shop in April 2019 was part of a Russian disinformation campaign and that the computer and data it contained may have been stolen.

The laptop surfaced publicly in October 2020 when The New York Post reported on emails it contained regarding Hunter Bidens business dealings in Ukraine, where the Obama administration's foreign policy efforts had been led by his father. In response, 51 former intelligence officials signed a public statement asserting that the laptop story had all the classic earmarks of a Russian information operation, an assertion that proved to be false.

In a 2021 television interview, Hunter Biden said the laptop could have been stolen from him or hacked, or that Russian intelligence was involved.

Mac Isaac said he was defamed by suggestions that he was a thief, a hacker or involved in a Russian plot.

Hunter Bidens attorneys argued that his comments were opinion, did not mention Isaac by name and therefore could not be defamatory. Superior Court Judge Robert Robinson Jr. agreed.

Ronald Poliquin, an attorney for Mac Isaac, told The Associated Press that he plans to appeal.

Hunter Biden went on national TV and gaslighted the American public by indicating John Paul Mac Isaac was part of a Russian hoax when he knew it to be false, Poliquin said in an email. As the FBI has confirmed, Biden dropped off his laptop at the Mac Shop. Hunter Biden lied and needs to be held accountable.

Robinson also dismissed Mac Isaac's defamation claims against CNN and Politico over their reporting on the laptop, as well as claims against Joe Biden's campaign committee for saying the laptop contents were Russian disinformation.

The judge also said Hunter Bidens counterclaims against Mac Isaac for invasion of privacy must be dismissed because he waited too long to file them.
Gadeir Abbas, senior litigation attorney for the Council on American-Islamic Relations, speaks after a Sept. 30 hearing at U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Photo by William J. Ford.

A federal judge ruled Tuesday that the University of Maryland, College Park, must allow a vigil by a pro-Palestinian student group on Oct. 7, the anniversary of a Hamas attack that killed 1,200 Israelis and sparked the Israel-Hamas war.

Even if pro-Israel groups see October 7 as somehow sacrosanct, it is at least fair argument for pro-Palestine groups to see the date as sacrosanct as well, symbolic of what they believe is Palestines longstanding fight for the liberation of Gaza, U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte wrote.

The university first approved the plan in July by Students for Justice in Palestine to hold what they said would be a vigil and educational activities on Oct. 7 on McKeldin Mall in the heart of campus. But university officials later canceled all student events on Oct. 7, citing concerns about potential violence.

The student group filed suit, claiming the ban violated their First Amendment rights, and Messitte agreed Tuesday.

UMCPs decision to revoke appears to be nothing less than an effort to suppress speech which would be offensive to some, indeed many. This is true even if Defendants  in fact really did anticipate on-campus turbulence, Messitte wrote.

He issued a preliminary injunction in favor of the students and their proposal to hold a vigil and educational activities on Oct. 7, saying the group had demonstrated a substantial likelihood that it will prevail on the merits of its freedom of speech claim.

In a statement Tuesday, the university said it continues to have concerns about safety at the event. But it said it will abide by the courts decision and work with student organizers, while implementing a robust safety plan with enhanced staffing and resources with a strong security presence.

Event organizers, campus officials and UMPD (campus police) will implement a plan that allows all events to proceed in accordance with the courts ruling, according to the university. Notwithstanding todays court ruling, the safety concerns that were raised remain a source of ongoing attention and focus for us.

Messitte ordered the student group to place a $2,500 security bond with campus before the event. And he added that speech and slogans will be allowed, that does not include any incitement to imminent violence, physical or verbal threats, impeding access of any students to class or buildings, property damage of any sort, the occupation of buildings, encampments, and, in general, defiance of reasonable crowd control measures employed by security personnel.

The judges decision comes one month after university President Darryll Pines released a campus letter Sept. 1 to cancel all student-led events on campus on Oct. 7. The student group, represented by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Palestine Legal, filed suit about two weeks later.

At a hearing Monday before Messitte, University of Maryland Police Chief David Mitchell cited safety concerns as one of the main reasons he recommended the vigil be canceled. The university instead rescheduled the event for Oct. 8, but the student group said Oct. 7 was symbolic.

Oct. 7 was the day of a Hamas surprise attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis, sparking an ongoing Israeli military assault on Hamas in Gaza that health officials there say may have killed as many as 40,000 people.

Messitte wrote that the students  who were co-hosting the event with a student group called Jewish Voice for Peace  have a First Amendment right to hold their event that day, and that the university had options to provide more security without canceling the event.

Were thrilled with the courts decision, Gadeir Abbas, deputy litigation director at CAIR, said in a statement Tuesday.

If the First Amendment didnt protect students who seek to mourn a genocide and educate the public about it, then its meaningless, Abbas statement said. Universities that have harassed and punished advocates for Palestine across the country should take note.

But state Sen. Jeff Waldstreicher (D-Montgomery) said in a text message the ruling exposes the university to significant, legal liability, noting that it has an obligation to maintain a safe campus free from anti-semitism and discrimination.

As the Jewish high holidays begin and a day of mourning approaches on Oct. 7, I am deeply appreciative of President Pines continued allyship with our Jewish community, said Waldstreicher, vice chair of the Senate Judicial Proceedings Committee.
BOSTON (SHNS)  The bustling Worcester Juvenile Court is down a judge again, not long after it finally received an extra pair of hands authorized by the Legislature. And thats just part of the picture of a court system whose judges are spread thin, without enough to even cover all the courthouses they are assigned, according to a letter from the courts chief justice.

According to Sen. Michael Moore, the Worcester court is one of the highest counts of juveniles that are handled by the Juvenile Court. And Governors Councilor Paul DePalo of Worcester said he believed the central city has the most care and protection cases in the states Juvenile Court.

And that alone was the initial cause for adding an extra seat to Worcester. And losing that seat would seem to exacerbate the existing problem, DePalo told the News Service on Monday.

Moore had attached a rider to the fiscal 2019 budget increasing the allotment of circuit court positions with the goal of beefing up Worcester Countys coverage. Then, in 2022, another judge was sent to Worcester, for a total of six judges in the busy courthouse.

The pair of elected officials were concerned when Judge Julie Lowre, the 2022 appointee, was transferred to Plymouth this year.

Chief Justice Dana Gershengorn, in a Sept. 23 reply to Moore and DePalo that was obtained by the News Service, outlined for the two officials the string of retirements and vacancies that led her to make that transfer, and she painted a picture of a thin margin for vacant seats. State law caps the number of Juvenile Court judges at 42.

With only 42 judges required to staff 44 courthouses, many of the judges in the Juvenile Court travel between courts weekly  some even daily  to provide necessary coverage, which can include delinquency cases, child requiring assistance cases, and harassment prevention cases, Gershengorn wrote.

The cap dates back over 100 years  to 1906  Gershengorn said, and has seen an increase in its judicial staffing of only one judge in the past 20 years.

Three Juvenile Court judges retired across the state in 2024 after hitting the mandatory retirement age of 70, including the prior chief justice. After Gershengorns elevation to chief, Plymouth County essentially had no assigned judges, she wrote in the letter. At the time, Gershengorn wrote, only Worcester County was at full capacity, and Lowre was one of those to be transferred to the South Shore to fill the gap there.

We got the funding for an additional justice there. And it took the previous administration two to three years to finally fill it, it got filled, and now that its filled, I think that weve had a justice there for maybe a year. They finally filled it. And now theyre transferring that justice to another court, Moore told the News Service.

The Millbury Democrat said he initially sought the additional judge for Worcester County because of the number of cases heard there.

It just doesnt seem  its just hard to understand, how the Juvenile Court just cannot maintain the level of justices that it needed at the court to provide adequate services. These are kids, he said.

The senator said the 42 judges spread across 44 courthouses was an issue that needs to be addressed by the Legislature, but that the number of available judges also needs to be addressed by the Judiciary.

The Judiciary should be coming to the Legislature, coming to us, advocating for the appropriate amount of justices to provide the level of services that are needed, he said.

In her letter, Gershengorn also referenced the courts significant undertaking of proposing new Juvenile Court rules to expedite legal permanence for children in care that would ensure an immediate hearing when children are removed from their homes by the Department of Children and Families.

DePalo said he applauded the proposed rules. But if they dont have enough judges, theres only so much they can do, he added.

Since taking office in January 2023, Gov. Maura Healey has nominated three Juvenile Court candidates, all in late 2023. The most recent, Judge Jennifer Currie, took her oath of office in February after a confirmation process that was initiated last December.

A Healey spokesperson confirmed Monday that there are currently three openings on the Juvenile Court bench.

Governors Councilor Terrence Kennedy said the Juvenile Court is the most important because thats where you can do something to change peoples lives. But, Kennedy said, the three vacancies have not been out there for an unusual amount of time.

At the pace theyve been going, thats not a long time. Since the summer? Its the end of September. Thats like eight weeks. In the normal course of events, it takes two or three months to go through the process. With this administration, it seems to take a little longer, he said.

The Lynnfield councilor described a little frustration at the pace of the nominations.

And the response we got was, Well, were on the same pace as the Baker administration was. We have as many nominees weve put up in this timeframe. But what they miss is, not in relationship to the number of openings. Do you follow me? I mean, we have openings for Superior Court that go back almost two years, he told the News Service.

Kennedy said he was in Brockton on Monday where multiple judges talked to him about around eight District Court vacancies, and he also heard concerns about the five or six openings on the Superior Court, which he reported is surviving on recall judges, basically.

On the Parole Board, whose members also come before the Governors Council for confirmation, Chair Tina Hurleys term expired on June 1, according to council records, meaning she continues to serve in a holdover status.

DePalo said that he is hearing from judges and practitioners across our courts, quite frankly, on their concern about accelerating the rate of nominations coming forward so we can fill these seats.

In the Juvenile Court, thats about the most vulnerable kids, he said.

Moore called the situation very frustrating.

As someone whos been advocating to make sure that services are being provided for the juveniles  for kids that are in the court system  and this also includes juveniles that are in the DCF system  the last thing we need to see is another Harmony Montgomery case thats going to possibly materialize because of inadequate staffing, the senator said.

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A wrongful death lawsuit against Andrew Cuomo over a state directive that forced nursing homes to accept COVID-19 patients was tossed by a judge Monday  with the ex-governors camp claiming justice has prevailed.

Eastern District of New York Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall granted a motion to dismiss the suit that was brought against Cuomo and other top aides in 2022 by a man whose father contracted the deadly disease in a Brooklyn nursing home and died.

Daniel Arbeeny, of Brooklyn, argued in the suit that his fathers death was caused by a 2020 state health department order that required nursing homes to admit COVID-19 patients.

Loved ones of others who died in nursing homes during the pandemic also joined the lawsuit, alleging the same thing.

Former Gov. Andrew Cuomo clinched a legal win on Monday. AP

But the judge sided with Cuomos lawyers after they filed a motion to dismiss earlier this year.

During the last four years, the debate over COVID in nursing homes has been weaponized, distorted and contorted beyond recognition by those using this situation for their own politics, Cuomo spokesperson Rich Azzopardi said in a statement.

However, anytime this gets taken out of the political arena, the truth wins. The judge today ruled to dismiss this case just as the DOJ  which launched three separate probes  and the Manhattan district attorney did previously.

Once again, justice has prevailed.

It was not immediately clear if the dismissal was with prejudice, which would mean the plaintiffs could not refile the lawsuit.

Cuomos legal win comes amid ramped-up speculation that the scandal-scarred Democrat may launch a political comeback following the bombshell indictment that was leveled against Mayor Eric Adams last week.

Cuomo, who resigned in 2021 as allegations of sexual harassment grew, has informed city power-brokers that he will run for the mayoral seat if Adams is forced from office, sources told The Post over the weekend. Its less clear if he would run in next years Democratic primary if Adams sticks around.

Cuomos actions during COVID have been highly criticized. Ron Sachs  CNP for NY Post

A new congressional report released earlier this month states Cuomo altered a state review that low balled the nursing home COVID-19 death count, according to emails that contradict his claims over the summer he had nothing to do with it.

Hes long been criticized for the state action that has been blamed for causing potentially as many as 9,000 excess deaths. But his reps have claimed asymptotic staff stricken with COVID-19 spread the disease in the facilities.

Arbeeny, the plaintiff in the case, told The Post he was disappointed with the judges ruling, but vowed to appeal.

Were going to win  its just going to take a little longer, Arbeeny said. Were not going to give up  15,000 people died. He forced COVID patients into nursing homes when they had other options.
Dame Judi Dench has been made patron of the Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund [PA Media]

Dame Judi Dench has become patron of a fund aimed at supporting research into vision loss and blindness.

The Yorkshire Macular Degeneration Fund was established by the University of York and the Hull York Medical School (HYMS) to help raise money for research into age-related macular degeneration (AMD).

The Oscar-winning star previously revealed she was diagnosed with AMD in 2012, leaving her struggling to read scripts and recognise faces.

Dame Judi, 89, said she was "delighted" to back projects seeking to improve treatment of the condition.

AMD affects the central area of vision, the University of York said, making activities such as reading, driving, watching television and recognising faces difficult.

About 700,000 adults in the UK have AMD, with a recent government report finding its prevalance was much higher in Yorkshire and the Humber when compared to other parts of England.

"York holds a special place in my heart as I was born and raised in the city," Dame Judi said.

"I was delighted to learn that the fund will boost the first-class research being done by HYMS and the University of York on early diagnosis and treatment of AMD.

Prof Matthias Ruth, pro-vice-chancellor for research at the university, said: "Her understanding of the condition and empathy with those who are living with AMD make a significant contribution to highlighting the need for more investment in research, which will serve as a basis for improved diagnosis and treatments."

The York-born actor's career includes her Oscar-winning role in Shakespeare in Love and her portrayal of M in the James Bond films.

She previously spoke about her AMD diagnosis and how she has adapted her life to address some of the challenges, including having scripts read to her rather than reading them herself.

Listen to highlights from North Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

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Julian Assange made his first public appearance since his release from prison, telling European lawmakers the United States had forced him to plead guilty to journalism to put an end to his years of captivity and that his case still set a dangerous precedent.

Assange addressed the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe, an international rights body, in the French city of Strasbourg on Tuesday.

He said he had eventually chosen freedom over unrealizable justice in agreeing to the deal that allowed him to walk free after 14 years spent in detention.

I am not free today because the system worked. I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism, Assange said at the hearing, which was broadcast live.

Assange was released from Britains Belmarsh prison in June and flown to a U.S.-district court on the Pacific island of Saipan after accepting the deal. There he pleaded guilty to conspiring to obtain and disclose classified U.S. documents and a judge sentenced him to 62 weeks in prison, the equivalent to his time spent in Belmarsh. The U.S. had been seeking to prosecute Assange on 18 counts under the Espionage Act.

PHOTO: Julian Assange, founder of Wikileaks, beside his wife Stella Assange, answers questions during a hearing at the European council on October 01, 2024 in Strasbourg, France. (Johannes Simon/Getty Images)

The agreement ended the more than decade-long effort by the U.S. to prosecute Assange for his role in publishing thousands of classified materials, including diplomatic cables and some materials showing possible war crimes by American troops.

I pled guilty to seeking information from a source. I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source and I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was. I did not plead guilty to anything else, Assange said.

MORE: Timeline of Julian Assange's 14-year-long saga to dodge extradition

Assange was imprisoned in Belmarsh for five years while fighting extradition to the U.S. Prior to that, he spent seven years confined to the Ecuadorian embassy in London, facing arrest if he went outside.

The experience of isolation for years in a small cell is difficult to convey, Assange said on Tuesday. It strips away one's sense of self, leaving only the raw essence of existence. I am yet not fully equipped to speak about what I have endured.

Since his release, Assange has been living with his wife Stella and their two young sons in his native Australia.

I think everyone can tell that he is exhausted, that he is still very much in the process of recovering, Stella Assange told reporters at the hearing. And at the moment, the only concrete plan in the foreseeable future is that he will continue his recovery.

PHOTO: WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange (C) gestures as he arrives at Canberra Airport on June 26, 2024 in Canberra, Australia. (Roni Bintang/Getty Images)

Assange and his supporters have warned that the plea deal still sets a dangerous precedent for media freedom, making him the first journalist to be convicted under the Espionage Act. At the hearing, Assange said he was precluded from seeking justice over his detention, saying the U.S. had required the plea agreement to include a prohibition on his filing cases at the European Court of Human Rights.

He and his team are campaigning for a U.S. presidential pardon.

MORE: Julian Assange to reunite with family that has only known him in prison

Kristinn Hrafnsson, WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, who also attended Tuesdays hearing, addressed the precedent of Assange's pardon with ABC News.

You need to take away that dagger. It has now been bloodied once. And if there is no reaction and no push and no political desire to take that weapon out of any politicians hand, it will be used again, said Hrafnsson.

Asked if Assange had plans for work with WikiLeaks now that he was free, Hrafnsson said he had nothing to disclose for now.

I'm certain there will be a role, Hrafnsson said. And of course there is a role for Julian. And of course there's a role for the recognition of the work and the past and the legacy of Julian Assange's and how he contributed in this massive manner to the history of journalism in this century.

Julian Assange makes 1st public appearance since his release from prison originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Julian Assange says he pleaded guilty to journalism to secure his freedom in first public remarks since leaving prison

WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange has made his first public remarks since his release after he struck a deal with the United States, saying he is free because he pleaded guilty to journalism.

The 53-year-old on Tuesday traveled to the French city of Strasbourg to appear before the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) and provide evidence on his detention and conviction, and on their effects on human rights.

I want to be totally clear: I am not free today because the system worked, Assange told lawmakers. I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.

He continued, I pled guilty to seeking information from a source, I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source, and I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was. I did not plead guilty to anything else.

I hope my testimony today can serve to highlight the weakness, the weaknesses of the existing safeguards, and to help those whose cases are less visible, but who are equally vulnerable, he added.

Assange also warned that the criminalization of newsgathering activities is a threat to investigative journalism everywhere.

He explained, I was formally convicted by a foreign power for asking, for receiving and publishing truthful information about that power while I was in Europe. The fundamental issue is simple: journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs. Journalism is not a crime. It is a pillar of a free and informed society.

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Assange was released in June after agreeing to plead guilty to a single felony charge in exchange for time served. The deal was finalized in a remote US court in the Pacific before he flew on to his native Australia.

He had been locked up for five years in Londons high-security Belmarsh Prison, which he described on Tuesday as a dungeon, and sought refuge at the Ecuadorian embassy in the British capital for nearly seven years before that, in a bid to avoid potentially spending the rest of his life behind bars.

Before his deal with the US Justice Department, the Australian had been facing 18 criminal charges related to his organizations dissemination of classified material and diplomatic cables, and a 175-year jail sentence.

Assange told lawmakers, Justice, for me, is now precluded, as the US government insisted in writing into its plea agreement that I cannot file a case at the European Court of Human Rights or even a Freedom of Information Act request over what it did to me as a result of its extradition request.

Assange, accompanied by his wife Stella and WikiLeaks editor-in-chief Kristinn Hrafnsson, was calm and softly spoken during his roughly 20-minute statement on Tuesday.

However, he did stop a number of times to clear his throat, apologizing for his faltering address as the years of isolation had taken its toll and while he has been trying to unpack that since his release, he said expressing myself in this setting is a challenge.

Assange said he was still coming to terms with his freedom, calling the sounds of electric cars spooky before going on to describe how adjusting to being a father and husband outside prison has been a positive but trying experience.

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Jury selection begins in case of man accused of touching girl inappropriately

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Jury selection began Tuesday in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court for a Beaver Township man accused of touching a young child at his home inappropriately.

Read next: Finding of human remains leads to local search

Paul McCormick, 42, is on trial before Judge Maureen Sweeny on a charge of gross sexual imposition, a third-degree felony.

McCormick is presently free on bond.

McCormick is accused of inappropriate contact with the victim in 2022 at his home.

A report said the victim told him several times to stop but he did not.

He was arrested in August 2023 after the victim provided police with a written statement.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Shares of oil and gas majors ExxonMobil (NYSE: XOM) and Conoco Phillips (NYSE: COP), as well as defense contractor Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), rallied on Tuesday, up 2.8%, 4.2%, and 3.5%, respectively, as of 1:17 p.m. ET, even as the broader indices were down between 1% and 2% at that time.

Fortunately for their shareholders, but unfortunately for other sectors and the world, these critical companies saw their stocks rally as oil prices spiked on news that Iran was launching an imminent attack on Israel.

Shots fired in the Middle East

On Tuesday, a senior White House official said Iran is preparing to launch an imminent ballistic missile attack on Israel. Then at midday, the Israel Defense Forces reported Iran had in fact launched missiles toward Israel. The attack comes after Israel has struck against Iran's proxy army Hezbollah operating in southern Lebanon. In addition, Israel is preparing a limited military operation in southern Lebanon to clear the area of Hezbollah militants.

Given that Iran and other Middle East neighbors are major oil and gas producers, the prospect of a wider regional conflict has the potential to disrupt oil supplies to the rest of the world. This is why both ExxonMobil and Conoco Phillips rallied along with oil prices, which were up nearly 4.5% to $71.25 as of this writing.

Higher oil prices would obviously benefit the top and bottom lines of Exxon and Conoco. Conoco is a pure explorer, but doesn't have significant production in the Middle East region. And though Exxon is more diversified with midstream and downstream assets, it still makes the bulk of its earnings through oil and gas exploration, and therefore benefits when prices rise. Furthermore, Exxon derives most of its exploration from outside the Middle East.

And obviously, whenever geopolitical tensions ramp up, that usually bodes well for U.S. defense contractors' stocks, with Lockheed Martin being the second-largest U.S. defense contractors by market cap.

Lockheed has actually had a tremendous year, with the stock surging over the summer on the back of better-than-expected earnings and more sales of its F-35 fighter jets to more allied countries.

In addition to general geopolitical news, Exxon and Lockheed also received two positive company-specific bits of news today. Exxon received approval from the Nigerian government to sell its Nigeria offshore assets to Seplat for $1.28 billion. Of note, Nigeria has been somewhat of a difficult geography for oil and gas operators recently, due to theft and corruption. Meanwhile, Lockheed Martin received a near-$3.9 billion naval contract for its Trident missile systems today, in addition to some smaller aeronautics contracts.

Neither news item is tremendously impactful to either company, given the overall size of these industry giants; however, these items were still likely incremental positives.

Oil and defense stocks: Hedges against geopolitics

While oil and gas stocks are out of fashion for many investors, given the focus on climate change and reducing emissions, they do offer a hedge against geopolitical events, such as the one we are seeing today. Remember, after Russia's invasion of Ukraine in early 2022, traditional energy stocks went on to be some of the best performers that year.

So while oil and gas and defense stocks may not be as exciting as high-growth artificial intelligence (AI) plays these days, they do offer benefits in a healthily diversified portfolio. Moreover, most traditional energy and defense stocks also pay decent dividends.

So, today should be a reminder to investors of the role these types of stocks can play, offering hedges against geopolitical disasters, all while paying you growing dividends in the meantime.

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Why ExxonMobil, Conoco Phillips, and Lockheed Martin Rallied on a Down Day for the Markets was originally published by The Motley Fool
KAMIL KRZACZYNSKI/Getty Images/Amanda K Bailey

If you know just one thing about Republican vice presidential nominee JD Vance, theres a good chance its his evident disdain for childless cat ladies. In a recently resurfaced 2021 Fox News clip, the then Senate candidate used the term to drag a bunch of Democrats (including Vice President Kamala Harris), saying that theyre miserable at their own lives and so they want to make the rest of this country miserable too, and adding that they dont really have a direct stake in the countrys future. Its easy to roll your eyes at his use of a discriminatory and tired tropebut it turns out, thats just the tip of the problematic iceberg when it comes to JD Vances views on women.

What the cat-lady facade implies is that the natural and morally correct thing for any woman to do is have a childspecifically, one that comes out of her own body, because apparently, to Vance, Harriss stepkids dont count. (Its all very rich coming from the Ohio senator who voted against the Democratic-backed Right to IVF Act in June and was conveniently absent when the bill was up for a vote again in September.) If the above is true, it follows that a woman should only marry someone of the opposite sex and stay at home to raise their child(ren). Its an age-old misogynistic concept, but Vance seems dead set on reviving it, going so far as to suggest women are making themselves unhappy by choosing anything but a life of motherhood (which is downright untrue).

Its also deeply concerning given our current political landscape, which is increasingly hostile to reproductive health care. Below, weve rounded up JD Vances disparaging views on women so you can get a clearer picture of whats at stake.

1. He agreed that helping raise children is the whole purpose of the postmenopausal female.

In 2020, Vance appeared on an episode of The Portal podcast hosted by Eric Weinstein, during which the two got into a conversation on how Vances son has benefitted from spending time with his grandparents. In response, Weinstein said, Thats the whole purpose of the postmenopausal female in theory, to which Vance replied: Yes. (Since this audio resurfaced, a spokesperson for Vance told Newsweek that his agreementgiven shortly before Weinstein finished his sentencewas in response to what he thought the host was about to say, which was, That's the whole purpose of spending time with grandparents. But Vance didnt make that correction or challenge the statement during the recording.)

Its obviously grossly sexist to claim that any womans whole purpose revolves around child-rearing. But theres something even ickier about suggesting that a postmenopausal womansomeone who has aged past the years traditionally associated with having kidsis good for nothing more than mothering her kids kids. (I mean, who else, if not grandma and grandpa, will resolve the childcare crisis in this country?)

2. He insinuated that abortion isnt a normal thing that most suburban women care about.

Ah yes, abortion, that abnormal fringe issue. Or at least thats what Vance seemed to suggest during a recent Fox News segment. When host Laura Ingraham asked him what he might say to the suburban women who have perhaps been misled to think abortion is nationally banned and are very concerned about it, Vance replied: Well, first of all, I dont buy that, Laura. I think most suburban women care about normal things that most Americans care about. Blink blink. Sorry, JD, but abortion is a make-or-break issue for 39% of suburban women, according to a Wall Street Journal poll, and a KFF poll found that the vast majority of suburban women (75%) also believe abortion should be legal in all or most cases.

3. He suggested that women cant be great leaders or teachers without having kids of their own.

In recently resurfaced remarks during a 2021 Center for Christian Virtue leadership forum, Vance said, in reference to how children are taught in school, that so many leaders of the lefttheyre people without kids trying to brainwash the minds of our children, adding that this really disorients me and it really disturbs me. (He didnt specify on what grounds.)

To further drive home his baseless disapproval of teachers without children, Vance specifically called out Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers (a trade union for educators) for not having a single child. The reality is more complicated; she calls herself a mother by marriage, presumably because her wife helped raise kids with an ex, and those kids are now in Weingartens life. But regardless of her actual parent status, Vance went on to insult her for not having a biological kid: If she wants to brainwash and destroy the minds of children, she should have some of her own and leave ours the hell alone, he said. It appears hes interested in continuing a bizarre and upsetting Republican tradition of disparaging Weingartenand by proxy, childless educators of all sortsfor that very reason.

4. He said that women choose a path to misery when they pursue their careers instead of starting a family.

On a 2021 episode of the podcast Moment of Truth, run by the rightwing networking organization American Moment, the orgs president and founder Saurabh Sharma asked Vance about what he called the corruption of elite culture at Vances alma mater Yale Law School and why it disgusted him so much. Vance responded with a disconcerting rant about the schools women: You have women that think that truly, the liberationist path is to spend 90 hours a week working in a cubicle at McKinsey instead of starting a family and having children. What they dont realizeis that that is actually a path to misery.

Sharma then asked Vance about these womens racial and gender resentmentwhich we can only assume means their drive for equity in the workplaceand whether its because they just didnt get what they want and now want to exert their anger on the world. (Yes, really!) Vance responded by claiming that the women are all atheist or agnostic, and therefore have no real value system, so the idea that theyre pursuing racial or gender equity is like the value system that gives their life meaning, but of course they all find that that value system leads to miseryat least in part, as he concludes, because their pursuit of career causes them to pass the biological period during which they couldve had kids (or at least, when its usually most feasible, traditionally speaking). So just to recap: His thinking implies that if youre a highly educated woman who seeks out a prestigious job over motherhood, you lack values and are making yourself unhappy. Womp womp.

5. He previously supported a national abortion ban to prevent people from accessing care by crossing state lines.

During Vances appearance on the podcast Very Fine People in 2022, he first said that he certainly would like abortion to be illegal nationally (a stance hes since moderated by siding with Donald Trumps current viewpointwhich has also flip-flopped over the yearsthat the states should ultimately decide for themselves). Then he went on to justify a national ban as a means of avoiding a bizarrely specific hypothetical: Lets say Roe v. Wade is overruled. Ohio bans abortionlets say, in 2024. And then, you know, every day George Soros sends a 747 to Columbus to load up disproportionately Black women to get them to go have abortions in California.

Roe did indeed fall, and plenty of states have enacted abortion restrictions, forcing people to cross state lines for essential health care (though not with George Soross help, to our knowledge). It turns out, Vance was right to be concerned about a state-by-state scenario proving untenable; of course, the only humane solution is not to nationally ban abortion but to nationally guarantee access to it instead.

6. He once implied that a pregnancy resulting from rape or incest may be inconvenient but should be carried to term.

During a 2021 interview with Curtis Jackson of Spectrum News 1, in Columbus, when Vance was running for Senate, Jackson asked him whether anti-abortion laws should include exceptions for rape or incest. Vances response skirted around the question: Look, I think two wrongs dont make a right, he said, as if to imply that the wrong of rape or incest should not be followed by the equivalent wrong of abortion.

When Jackson pressed him further on the same question, Vance said, My view on this has been very clear and I think the question betrays a certain presumption that is wrong. Its not whether a woman should be forced to bring a child to term; its whether a child should be allowed to live, even though the circumstances of that childs birth are somehow inconvenient or a problem to the society. (Vance has since clarified that he wasnt calling rape, itself, an inconveniencebut again, he addressed the circumstances of a pregnancy as being inconvenient in response to a question specifically about rape and incest.)

Beyond seemingly dismissing the gravity of being sexually assaulted, Vances statement makes a false distinction between the two outcomes at hand; if youre suggesting that a fetus should be allowed to live in all circumstances, you are also saying that a person who was raped must be forced to become a parent and deniedfor a second timethe ability to choose what happens to their own body.

7. He said companies that support abortion just want cheap labor.

Apparently corporate America is working in cahoots with abortion providers to make sure you dont have to take a break from the workforce to have or raise kids. Or so the logic goes in Vances 2021 speech at a conference hosted by the Claremont Institute, a right-wing think tank. In his remarks, Vance referenced a statement made by former Georgia representative Stacey Abrams that an abortion ban would be bad for business, saying: She was right, adding that, when corporations are so desperate for cheap labor that they dont want people to parent children, shes right to say abortion restrictions are bad for business. (Of course thats not what she meant; she was referencing abortion access as a facet of essential health care that provides people the agency to pursue work how they see fit.)

When Vance was asked about these resurfaced comments at an August campaign event, he stood by them, claiming that corporate America is not especially friendly to parents with young children, and especially moms with young children. And I think we have to promote a culture of pro-family thinking and pro-family policy in this country where we see children as blessings and as resources and not as curses, which is how I think way too many companiesthink about our young children.

The thing is, its not clear why he thinks companies in this country are anti-child abortion-pushers in the first place. Nor did he offer any actual solutions to support working parents, anywaylike, say, a national paid family leave program.

If you have been the victim of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-4673 or chat online at rainn.org.

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A Just Stop Oil protester shouted "shame on you" at a judge after she and three others were convicted over a protest which brought central London traffic to a standstill.

Kate Bramfitt, of Hexham in Northumberland, Ben Plumpton and Naomi Goddard, both of Hebden Bridge, and Gregory Sculthorpe, of Doncaster, were found guilty of wilfully obstructing a highway after a trial at Stratford Magistrates' Court.

They were among 80 people who took part in the peaceful protest on 6 November last year, which went past the Cenotaph in Whitehall towards Parliament Square and caused major disruption.

Queues of traffic built up as they began marching along the road for about 25 minutes, taking up two lanes but enabling cyclists to pass by.

The court heard the demonstrators had not informed the police about the protest beforehand and did not co-operate with officers when they were arrested.

The judge said "public safety had to be managed" and the "impact of the protest went quickly from small to significant".

Traffic 'barely crawling'

The protesters sat or laid down after they were arrested and knew their actions would cause disruption, the court was told.

The judge said: "The traffic on this occasion was barely crawling and brought to a standstill while the arrests were effected."

Buses were delayed and diversions needed, meaning the impact of the protest had "knock-on effects".

Bramfitt, 52, Sculthorpe, 38, Plumpton, 70, and Goddard, 60, were each given a conditional discharge.

They were ordered to pay a 26 victim surcharge and 310 costs, - except Bramfitt, whose costs were reduced to 200 after she described herself as "economically inactive" and not receiving benefits.

Bramfitt then shouted at Deputy District Judge Patricia Evans before storming out of court saying: "What you have done is shameful. How do you live with yourself?

"It is shameful, all of you - you are criminalising people who are fighting for your futures. Shame on you, judge."

Another defendant, 40-year-old Lora Johnson, of Reydon in Suffolk, who was tried in her absence, was found not guilty of the same offence.

Listen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

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The Justice Department announced Monday it plans to launch a review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, an attack by a white mob on a thriving Black district that is considered one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history.

The review was launched under a federal cold-case initiative that has led to prosecutions of some Civil Rights Era cases, although Assistant U.S. Attorney General Kristen Clarke said they have no expectation there is anyone living who could be prosecuted as a result of the inquiry. Still, the announcement of a first-ever federal probe into the massacre was embraced by descendants of survivors who have long criticized city and state leaders for not doing more to compensate those affected by the attack.

Clarke said the agency plans to issue a public report detailing its findings by the end of the year.

We acknowledge descendants of the survivors, and the victims continue to bear the trauma of this act of racial terrorism, Clarke said during her remarks in Washington.

Damario Solomon-Simmons, an attorney for the last known survivors of the massacre, 110-year-old Viola Fletcher and 109-year-old Lessie Benningfield Randle, described Clarkes announcement as a joyous occasion.

It is about time, said Solomon-Simmons, flanked by descendants of massacre survivors. It only took 103 years, but this is a joyous occasion, a momentous day, an amazing opportunity for us to make sure that what happened here in Tulsa is understood for what it was  the largest crime scene in the history of this country.

As many as 300 Black people were killed; more than 1,200 homes, businesses, schools and churches were destroyed; and thousands were forced into internment camps overseen by the National Guard when a white mob, including some deputized by authorities, looted and burned the Greenwood District, also known as Black Wall Street.

Mt. Zion Baptist Church burns after being torched by white mobs during the 1921 Tulsa race riot. - Greenwood Cultural Center/Tulsa World/AP

The Oklahoma Supreme Court in June dismissed a lawsuit by survivors, dampening the hope of advocates for racial justice that the city would make financial amends for the attack.

The nine-member court upheld the decision made by a district court judge in Tulsa last year, ruling that the plaintiffs grievances about the destruction of the Greenwood district, although legitimate, did not fall within the scope of the states public nuisance statute.

After the state Supreme Court turned away the lawsuit, Solomon-Simmons asked the U.S. Department of Justice to open an investigation into the massacre under the Emmett Till Unsolved Civil Rights Crime Act.

Although investigations under the Act have led to successful prosecutions of Civil Rights Era cases, the DOJ acknowledged in a report to Congress last year that there are significant legal barriers to cases before 1968.

Even with our best efforts, investigations into historic cases are exceptionally difficult, and rarely will justice be reached inside of a courtroom, the agency noted in the report.

Since the Act was approved in 2008, the DOJ has opened for review 137 cases, involving 160 known victims. The agency has fully investigated and resolved 125 of those cases through prosecution, referral or closure.

The report also notes the Act has led to two successful federal prosecutions and three successful state prosecutions. Both federal prosecutions involved separate murders of Black men in Mississippi by members of the Ku Klux Klan in the 1960s.

The first federally assisted state prosecution under the initiative was against Klansmen who bombed a Birmingham, Alabama, church in 1963, killing four young girls. That prosecution in the early 2000s led to convictions and life sentences for two men involved in the bombing.

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MANHATTAN (KSNT)  With the school year well underway for college students, one university wants to remind its community about an available service to help keep people on campus safe.

Support Services Captain Andrew Moeller has been with the Kansas State Police Department for 20 years. Wildcat Walk has been a service provided for as long as hes been with the university. Eligible for students, faculty, staff and visitors, it provides either a security or police officer for those who feel unsafe on campus, and they will walk with you from point-a to point-b on campus and up to two blocks out of campus.

While this service has been provided for decades, and advertised yearly, an attack on a young woman off campus in late august called for concern within the k-state community.

We started getting more calls asking what are some resources around campus that we can help ensure the safety of our students and community as a whole, Moeller said. So, we took it upon ourselves to do a little bit more advertising than we had at the beginning of the semester just to let people know that K-State PD is here.

To use this service, people can either call K-State Police Dispatch at 785-532-6412, use the Rave Guardian app or find any of the blue light phones on campus. While this service can be used year round at any time of day, K-State PD finds that its mostly used in the early hours of the morning.

Transitioning your home from summer to fall

And they want the community to know, no matter what time of day, its never a bother.

Its what were here for, K-State PD Patrol Sergeant, Kyle Casey said. And, usually at two, three in the morning, theres not a whole lot going on anyways. So, any excuse to get out of the car and walk with somebody is fine by us.

According to Moeller, the university is not seeing an increase in crime rates, but he told 27 News even though K-State is safe, doesnt mean people always feel safe.

So, if we can help with that like offering services like Wildcat Walk, Rave Guardian app, all the blue light phones, we definitely want to do that, Moeller said.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
PORTSMOUTH, Va. (WAVY)  Election Day is Nov. 5, but early voting has been underway since late September and Google searches show Virginians have been busy looking up the candidates, including those in the upcoming Virginia Senate race.

Data from Google Trends showed how the candidates performed on Google Search. Data showed when and where Virginia Sen. Tim Kaine (D) and his challenger Hung Cao (R) sparked the most interest online.

The data is shown with values from 0-100 and is determined based on search interest at a specific point in time, or in a geographical region, relative to the total number of searches in the designated time period. Each point on the graph is divided by the highest point, or 100.

Understanding Google Trends data

This includes a scale on how well candidates have been doing at drawing in Hampton Roads residents to their online presence.

There could be numerous factors as to why a candidate piqued interest, such as political and world events or a trending social media post. Since these data points are simply based on clicks, they dont necessarily indicate whether the online attention was positive or negative, or predict how citizens in the state will vote.

A timeline over the last 90 days showed how the two Senatorial candidates have been performing on Google. The values listed in this article were pulled from data on Sept. 29.

The interactive chart below provides the most recent data points.

While not every spike has had an obvious national event correlated to it, there were some events that couldve led to increased interest on specific dates, however miniscule.

On July 16, Cao spoke at the 2024 Republican National Convention for former President Donald Trump. Unsurprisingly, Cao drew in quite of bit of searches that continued to grow until July 19  a day after the conventions conclusion solidified Trumps position as the Republican GOP nominee.

Related Coverage: Reaction to day one of Republican National Convention

On July 21, Kaine saw a spike that was valued at 91. This comes the same day President Joe Biden announced his withdrawal from the presidential race. Following Bidens announcement, Kaine released a statement on X.

Previous Coverage: Va. leaders and high-ranking politicians react to Bidens withdrawal from presidential bid

As I have been saying for weeks, President @JoeBiden is a patriotic American who has always put the needs of our country ahead of himself, Kaines July 21 post reads, in part. For more than five decades, he has served this country admirably as a Senator, Vice President, and now President. His decision today reflects the same patriotism that George Washington and Teddy Roosevelt demonstrated when they selflessly put their country above their own political ambitions.

A couple weeks later, Kaine provoked a stream of eyes from Aug. 5-6. The day prior, he posted birthday wishes to former President Barack Obama.

Then on Aug. 6, a different Tim got widespread national attention after Tim Walz was announced as Vice President Kamala Harris running mate. Kaine then later took to social media to comment on the announcement.

Sure hope @Tim_Walz shares my pick for favorite albumTim by Minnesotas own The Replacements, Kaine posted on X.

The Virginia senator playing off the shared first names seemingly worked to gain searches, although the increase may have stemmed from people mistaking the two politicians.

Cao, who served in the U.S. Navy for 25 years, had increased interested on Aug. 8. Thats the same day he posted a photo of him back in uniform, making a jab at Walz, with the caption, Heres a picture of me not being Tim Walz.

Here's a picture of me not being Tim Walz. pic.twitter.com/bd1oeL467Y  Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) August 8, 2024

The retired military combat veteran saw another notable surge in online interest from Aug. 26-27. Cao was seen with Trump making a surprise visit at the Truong Tien Vietnamese Restaurant at the Eden Center in Falls Church on Aug. 26.

Cao was endorsed by Trump back in May before receiving the Republican Senate nomination for Virginia.

He posted on X. It was great joining @realDonaldTrump at Eden Center this morning. This November, the Vietnamese community will turn out for President Trump and myself and we will save America!

It was great joining @realDonaldTrump at Eden Center this morning. This November, the Vietnamese community will turn out for President Trump and myself and we will save America! https://t.co/OXBn9lYyFi  Hung Cao (@HungCao_VA) August 26, 2024

Both candidates gained searches on Sept. 11. The day marked the national tragedy after terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001 killed nearly 3,000 people. Many political leaders took to social media to commemorate the day, honor the fallen and speak out on the tragedy.

Kaine and Cao both posted on X in honor of the anniversary.

Google Trends also tracked how Kaine and Cao were performing in different regions of Virginia. When compared to each other, Kaine received a higher value for searches than Cao in every region except Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill.

Courtesy: Google Trends

When scored by region, Kaines top area of search interest was Charlottesville with a score of 85 compared to Caos score of 15.

Courtesy: Google Trends

Meanwhile, Caos top region was Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill with the full score of 100.

Courtesy: Google Trends

The data region that covered most of Hampton Roads was listed under Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News. This area has the two candidates neck and neck with Kaine holding a slight lead at 52 to 48.

Courtesy: Google Trends

The close interest is not surprising given the regions military presence, especially considering Caos retired military status.

Top five areas in Virginia searching about Kaine over Cao:

Charlottesville  scored 87 to 13

Harrisonburg  scored 84 to 16

Roanoke-Lynchburg  scored 60 to 40

Richmond-Petersburg  scored 58 to 42

Tri-Cities TN  scored 54 to 46

Top five areas in Virginia searching about Cao over Kaine:

Bluefield-Beckley-Oak Hill WV  scored 100 to 0

Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News VA  scored 49 to 51

Tri-Cities TN-VA  scored 46 to 54

Richmond-Petersburg VA  scored 42 to 58

Roanoke-Lynchburg  scored 60 to 40

When the two candidates are scored individually, as opposed to scored relative to the other, the data changes.

Top search regions for Kaines individual scores:

Courtesy: Google Trends

Charlottesville  scored 100

Harrisonburg  scored 72

Roanoke-Lynchburg  scored 49

Top search regions for Caos individual scores:

Courtesy: Google Trends

Richmond-Petersburg  scored 100

Roanoke-Lynchburg  scored 90

Norfolk-Portsmouth-Newport News  scored 89

To help voters make their decisions, Kaine and Cao will meet for a live televised debate hosted by Nexstar Media Group at Norfolk State University on Wednesday, Oct. 2. This will be their only face-to-face debate during the campaign ahead of Election Day.

The debate will air live across the state. Click here to see where you can watch it.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
By Trevor Hunnicutt and Kanishka Singh

WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential candidate, said on Tuesday that Iran was a "dangerous" and "destabilizing" force in the Middle East and Washington was committed to Israel's security.

WHY IT'S IMPORTANT

The comments from Harris, who faces Republican former President Donald Trump in the Nov. 5 U.S. election, came hours after Iran fired ballistic missiles at Israel in retaliation for Israel's military campaign in Lebanon, drawing vows of a sharp response from Israel and the U.S.

No injuries were reported in Israel and Washington called Iran's attack ineffective.

KEY QUOTES

"I'm clear-eyed Iran is a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East," Harris said. "I will always ensure Israel has the ability to defend itself against Iran and Iran-backed terrorist militias."

"I fully support President (Joe) Biden's order for the U.S. military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel," Harris said. "Initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack."

Harris added that Washington will work with its allies to disrupt what she called Iran's "aggressive behavior."

CONTEXT

Israel has escalated its military campaign in Lebanon in recent days, killing hundreds and displacing more than a million due to operations that Israel says are targeting Lebanese Iran-backed Hezbollah militants.

Israel's military campaign in Lebanon is in addition to its war in Gaza that followed a deadly Oct. 7 attack on Israel by Palestinian Hamas militants. Israeli's military assault on Gaza has killed tens of thousands according to Palestinian health authorities, displaced nearly everyone there, caused a hunger crisis and prompted genocide allegations that Israel denies.

(Reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt and Kanishka Singh in Washington; Editing by David Gregorio)
Kamala Harris and Donald Trumps records on abortion policy couldnt be more different  heres what actions they both have taken while in office

Abortion is a critical, if not the most important, issue for many voters  especially women, according to polls  ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

Since Vice President Kamala Harris became the Democratic presidential nominee in August 2024, she has been vocal about her support for abortion rights. Specifically, she supports Congress passing a federal law that would protect abortion rights in the wake of the Supreme Court in 2022 overturning the landmark Roe v. Wade ruling, which recognized a constitutional right to abortion.

Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump, meanwhile, has boasted about nominating three Supreme Court justices who were among the court majority that voted in 2022 to abandon a constitutional right to abortion. However, in September 2024, Trump said he would not sign a federal abortion ban, reversing course from his previous statements. He also did not answer a question during the September presidential debate about whether he would veto legislation that bans abortion.

Harris and Trump have starkly different track records on abortion. As an academic, my scholarship focuses on reproductive health law, health care law and family law. In this piece, and in anticipation of the election, I briefly consider the broad strokes of each candidates past positions on and actions regarding abortion.

Harris abortion record

As Californias attorney general, Harris co-sponsored the Reproductive FACT Act, which, among other requirements, mandated that crisis pregnancy centers inform patients that they are not licensed medical facilities and that abortion services are available elsewhere. These centers are nonprofit organizations that counsel pregnant people against abortion, sometimes using deceptive tactics.

Anti-abortion groups sued to block the law once it went into effect. And, in 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court struck down the law on First Amendment grounds.

In 2017, Harris investigated the tactics of undercover videographers at Planned Parenthood clinics who, through deception and fraud, sought to entrap clinicians into making controversial, though legal, statements, and who possibly contravened state law on secret recordings.

As a U.S. senator, Harris opposed anti-abortion bills that would have conferred personhood rights on fetuses. None of them ultimately passed.

Conversely, Harris championed various bills that would have protected and advanced reproductive rights. In 2019, for example, Harris was a co-sponsor of the Womens Health Protection Act, which would have enacted a federal statutory right to abortion. It also did not pass.

Finally, during Harris tenure as vice president, the Biden administration has used its executive power to ease barriers to abortion access, primarily through federal agency actions. The Food and Drug Administration, for example, removed a rule in 2021 that prohibited mailing medication abortion.

The Department of Health and Human Services issued guidance affirming that federal law requires emergency rooms to perform an abortion when it is medically necessary to stabilize a patient needing urgent care.

The Biden-Harris administration also supported federal legislation that includes accommodations for abortion. The Pregnant Workers Fairness Act, enacted in 2023, requires employers to provide time off for a workers miscarriage, stillbirth or abortion.

Although the Biden-Harris administrations abortion policy is not necessarily based on just the vice president, Harris, since Roes reversal, has been at the helm of the administrations Fight for Reproductive Freedoms tour, speaking nationally in support of a right to abortion. Harris has also stressed the damage done in 14 states, in particular, where abortion is banned throughout pregnancy or after six weeks of gestation.

Trumps abortion record

During Trumps tenure as president, he supported various changes  in the form of judicial appointments, federal funding and agency actions, some led by anti-abortion federal employees  in the service of making it harder for people to gain access to abortion care.

Trump began his presidency in 2016 by promising to appoint Supreme Court justices who would overturn Roe v. Wade. He nominated three justices  Brett Kavanaugh, Amy Coney Barrett and Neil Gorsuch  who joined the majority opinion in Dobbs v. Jackson Womens Health Organization, reversing Roe in June 2022.

The Senate confirmed 226 judges whom Trump nominated to the lower levels of federal courts. Trumps nominations followed a campaign pledge in 2016 that he would appoint pro-life judges. Some were on record as being against abortion, and some believed that embryos should be treated like children.

From the start, Trumps administration prioritized defunding Planned Parenthood clinics, which offer abortion care and receive federal funding under the federal Title X program for other family planning services. Trump signed a bill in 2017 to allow states to strip funding from Planned Parenthood clinics and other organizations that offer abortion, even though abortion care was not supported by the Title X funding.

The Trump administration unsuccessfully tried to replace the Affordable Care Act and undermine its coverage for contraceptives as well as its neutral stance on insurance coverage for abortion. Trump supported bills such as the never-passed American Health Care Act to limit abortion coverage in private health insurance plans.

Trump also appointed several people with anti-abortion positions to his administration, including Charmaine Yoest, the former CEO for the anti-abortion group Americans United for Life, who served as a top communications official at the Department of Health and Human Services.

The Trump administration advanced numerous other anti-abortion policies. For instance, the Department of Human and Health Services 2017 strategic plan defined life as beginning at conception  a decision that supported funding for crisis pregnancy centers and abstinence-only education programs.

People watch Donald Trump on a screen as he speaks during the 47th annual March for Life in Washington in January 2020. Olivier Douliery/AFP via Getty Images

Finally, the Trump administration adopted an anti-abortion approach when it came to foreign policy. Trump reinstated and expanded the Mexico City Policy, also known as the Global Gag Rule, which prohibits foreign nongovernmental organizations that receive U.S. funding from performing abortions or referring patients for abortion care elsewhere. Under the Mexico City Policy, Trump in 2017 removed US$8.8 billion in U.S. foreign aid for overseas programs that provide or refer for abortions.

In 2017, Trump also suspended U.S. funding to the United Nations Population Fund, an agency focused on family planning for low-income people around the world, among other issues, which does not promote abortion but supports the right of all women to get post-abortion care. Biden restored funding to the U.N. agency in 2021.

In the coming weeks, both candidates will have a lot to say about abortion, possibly refining or changing their stances on aspects of abortion law. In assessing what both candidates have to say about how their administration will approach abortion, voters might consider what we know about their past actions.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Rachel Rebouche, Temple University

Read more:



Rachel Rebouche does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
WASHINGTON  Vice President Kamala Harris is planning to address voters in the Fox Valley on Thursday, according to an advisory to voters from Wisconsin Democrats.

The visit would be Harris' fifth to Wisconsin since she became the Democrats' presidential nominee in late July. The Harris campaign early Tuesday declined to comment on her travel plans, and a spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin did not respond to a message about the advisory.

Wisconsin Democrats, however, sent voters a registration link for an "event in the Fox Valley with Vice President Kamala Harris." The advisory lists the event as scheduled from between 3 and 6 p.m. Central Time. It did not provide a location.

More: Trump, Harris are ramping up their travel in Wisconsin. See all the places they've been

The event in the Fox Valley would come just two days after former President Donald Trump's own stop in Wisconsin. Trump was scheduled Tuesday to stop in the Democratic strongholds of Milwaukee and Dane County  two places where Democrats tend to vastly outperform Republicans.

In Dane County, population growth and voter turnout have increased Democrats' margins in the area in statewide elections. Trump visits are likely an attempt to eat into those numbers.

More: Donald Trump delivers a dark speech on immigration in Wisconsin's Prairie du Chien

Harris' last visit to Wisconsin in late September also landed her in Madison.

The visit to the Fox Valley would be the first to northeastern Wisconsin for Harris or her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Alison Dirr of the Journal Sentinel contributed.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Kamala Harris plans Wisconsin Fox Valley event this week
A Kansas City man who was driving an injured friend to the hospital has been charged with manslaughter in a multi-vehicle crash that left a 67-year-old man dead, court records show.

TeRon Darnell Chappell, 18, was charged with involuntary manslaughter in Jackson County court Monday. Court documents allege that he was speeding when his Dodge Avenger collided with several vehicles on April 15, 2023, killing another driver.

The crash occurred around 12:15 a.m while Chappell and four passengers were speeding westbound on Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard, according to court documents. Around Eastwood Trafficway, Chappell hit a tow truck that was making a U-turn with its emergency lights on, court documents state.

The tow truck driver had been attempting to load a maroon Kia SUV driven by her brother, whose car had broken down in the turn lane onto MLK Boulevard, according to Kansas City, Kansas police.

After the collision, Chappell continued driving west and crashed head-on into a white Cadillac Seville waiting to turn left from the eastbound lanes of MLK Boulevard. The crash sent the Dodge sliding into other vehicles, hitting the Kia and a gold Pontiac minivan, before skidding to a stop, according to court documents.

The driver of the Cadillac, 67-year-old Larry McDonald, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Chappell and his four passengers were all hospitalized with serious injuries after the crash, according to court records. The other drivers and passengers involved in the crash declined medical treatment.

McDonald, a father of four as well as a grandfather, was heavily involved in the congregation at Greater Pentecostal Temple in Kansas City, Kansas, according to memorial posts shared online.

I love you, Daddy, McDonalds son, Anthony McDonald, wrote online after his death. We will see each other again.

In memorial posts, Anthony Clark Jr., a friend and fellow congregation member, described McDonald as a positive male role model to multiple younger community members.

he would always speaks a words of encouragement, and [was] one of the greatest motivators, Clark wrote.

Chappell graduated from North Kansas City High School earlier this year. After the crash, he told police detectives that one of the passengers had been shot earlier that night, according to court records, and that Chappell and his friends were rushing their wounded friend to a nearby hospital.

The wounded passenger, a juvenile, later told police that he had been driving a Nissan Altima earlier that night when he was shot by a man on a motorcycle. The juvenile said he was dropped off at an apartment complex in Raytown after the shooting before Chappell came to pick him up, according to court documents, but that he passed out shortly after getting into the Dodge.

At the time that he was involved in the crash, Chappell had an intermediate drivers license, according to court documents. This meant that he was over 16 and had passed his road test, but had not been authorized to carry more than three passengers, as he was doing during the crash.

Chappell could face up to four years of jail time, according to court documents.

Reporting by The Stars Matti Gellman was used in this article.
Poll workers help a voter on Aug. 6, 2024, at a Lawrence precinct. (Maya Smith for Kansas Reflector)

So many choices, so little time!

Elections can be overwhelming, and trying to stay on top of who is running for what and how their values match up with your own can be daunting. Thankfully, several tools can help you quickly and easily answer these questions before you hit the ballot box.

Our state government has websites where you can check your voter registration, find your polling place, discover where you can vote early or how to vote by mail, and learn what issues and candidates will appear on your ballot. Comprehensive election information may be found at the secretary of states voter information page, and personalized registration and polling information is located at the Voter View section.

Want an even easier way to know who is on your ballot? Ballotpedia has got your back. Another great resource is VOTE 411, where you can check your registration, register to vote and see who and what is on your ballot!

Important upcoming deadlines and dates include Oct. 15 (the last day to register to vote or change your voter registration information before the general election), because advance voting begins Oct. 16. Check in with your county voting officials to find out hours and locations in your area. Advance mail-in ballots will be sent out at that time, too.

Oct. 29 is the last day you can apply for an advance voting mail-in ballot, but my advice would be to not wait until the last minute. Advance voting ends Nov. 4 at noon because (drum roll, please) the big day is Nov. 5! State law mandates that the polls are open at least from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., but it also allows for counties to choose to be open 6 am to 8 pm. To be counted, your mail-in ballot must be POSTMARKED by Nov. 5 and received by Nov. 8. More details are available at this page from the secretary of state.

Thats a great start, and if you are immersed in the day-to-day world of the Kansas Legislature, you likely dont need anything more.

However, if you want to really know what your candidates say they believe and see that backed up by their previous actions, we need to dig a little deeper. I have found two terrific resources that have made figuring out the answers to these questions fun (really!). One of them helped me to define my own thoughts and views more thoroughly and see how they line up with potential candidates in my local races, and the other focuses on a central issue for me as a high-risk obstetrics physician  reproductive choice.

Lets go from the general to the specific. Check out ActiVote and answer a few questions to find out where your opinions about policy, generally, place you on a scale from national-focused to local-focused, and whether your views on economic and social policy are liberal or conservative. You will see which historical and national lawmakers share views like yours. The more policy questions you consider, the better defined your profile will be.

You can also see how your opinions compare with other people who take the quizzes around the country. When I answered these questions, there were a few surprises I wasnt expecting. Mostly I learned that we, as citizens of the United States, have much more in common than what divides us.

Next, you can check out all the officials who make the laws that affect your life, including links to their websites and social media, work and education history, and how their voting record places them on the national-individual and left-right matrix. These features helped me understand the difference between what my candidates say they believe (as featured on their social media posts) and what they actually do when the votes are called.

Not done having fun yet? There are civics quizzes that test your knowledge of how American government works, and you learn more while finding out what you do  and dont  already know. But you dont need to answer those questions to learn about the candidates before casting your vote.

Are you interested in knowing how candidates stack up on reproductive decision making? You can visit Choice Tracker to see their new Kansas-based website. This tool just became available for our state in late July. You put in your address and ZIP code, and the site will show you your state legislators (all of whom are up for reelection in November). Their status is based on how they voted in the last legislative session on the laws that impact reproductive freedoms in our state. Importantly, your information is never saved and does not get passed on to any candidates.

Yes, voting is a civic duty, which makes it closer to a chore than a joy for most of us. But walking into a polling place armed with accurate information can make voters feel powerful, intelligent and, dare I say, happy to contribute. Remember to stay informed and be kind, always.

Elizabeth Wickstrom is a maternal fetal medicine specialist who lives in Prairie Village. Through its opinion section, Kansas Reflector works to amplify the voices of people who are affected by public policies or excluded from public debate. Find information, including how to submit your own commentary, here.
Mariah Gardner plays with her 3-year-old daughter Rosalie as they sit in their living room on April 3, 2024. A year prior, on April 10, 2023, Garnders ex-husband Stephen Clare allegedly attacked her family, critically injuring her and Rosalie. Their youngest daughter 11-month-old Willow was killed in the attack. on Tuesday, Gardner announced she had founded a nonprofit named after Willow. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Mariah Gardner, whose ex-husband Stephen Clare is accused of killing one of their daughters and critically injuring the other, announced Tuesday that she founded a nonprofit aimed at helping victims of family violence and raising awareness about the issue.

Gardner said the Willow Grace Foundation, named after her 11-month-old daughter who was killed in the attack last April, will provide resources and support for survivors  whatever that may look like.

We will provide critical resources and support for survivors, as they work to rebuild their lives with strength and dignity, Gardner said in a Facebook post announcing the nonprofit. We will do this through community partnership and through a flexible funding initiative. The cost of brake pads, bus tickets, or other expenses needed to achieve survival should be determined by a victim and not dictated by society.

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The Willow Grace Foundation is registered with the IRS and is eligible to receive tax-deductible charitable contributions, according to the IRS.

Gardner said she plans to fund the nonprofit through individual donations and fundraising events. She said she plans to partner with organizations that are victim-centered and transparent about their funding, in an effort to make sure funds go directly to victims who need it.

Willow Grace Clare is pictured in an undated family photo. Willow, who was a couple days shy of her first birthday, was killed in a domestic violence rampage in April 2023. Her father, Stephen Clare, faces three charges in connection with the attack. Courtesy of Mariah Gardner

In the meantime, as she establishes funding, she has unveiled a website where victims can access resources, such as how to set up a safety plan, a personalized guide to help a victim escape a dangerous or abusive situation. She hopes to provide grants to individuals within the next three months that could help them safely leave their abusers.

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On April 10, 2023, Gardner was at home with her four children, two of whom she had with Clare, when Clare showed up unannounced. Gardner, who had 50-50 custody with Clare, assumed Clare wanted to see his two daughters and let him inside.

Clare then pointed a gun at Gardner and told her he planned to kill her, their two daughters and her two sons, according to court records. Over the next several minutes, Clare allegedly shot her five times, the records state.

Though grievously wounded, Gardner made her way outside in an attempt to draw Clare away from the children. But Clare stayed inside and allegedly kicked down two doors to find his daughters, Willow and 2-year-old Rosalie. He stabbed them both several times with a knife, the records state.

Willows purple urn sits prominently on a shelf in Mariah Gardners living room. Its decorated with mementos and a picture of the 11-month-old, who died a year ago on April 11, 2023. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

When police officers arrived, they found Gardner in a pool of blood on the sidewalk. Inside, Willow and Rosalie were lying in a hallway, also in a pool of blood. Willows first birthday was in two days.

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Police found Clare, a nurse-practitioner, later that evening at his home a mile and a half away. His attorney said during a court hearing last year that Clare had mixed prescription drugs and alcohol, hinting that the combination may have contributed to his actions.

Clare, now 52, remains in the Bexar County jail without bail as he awaits trial. He is charged with capital murder of a child under 10, attempted capital murder of a child and aggravated assault with a deadly weapon by family violence. District Attorney Joe Gonzales has said he will seek the death penalty.

'Changed my life'

Also on Tuesday, Gardner was a speaker at a town hall hosted by the Texas Council of Family Violence, which advocates for laws to help victims and survivors of domestic violence, among other services.

During the town hall, the council released findings from its annual report on intimate partner violence. In 2023, the report says, 205 people were killed by their intimate partner in Texas, including 14 people in Bexar County.

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Gardner was not one of the people listed in the report  but she almost was, she said. In an emotional speech that was broadcast online to over 300 viewers, Gardner recalled the horrific attack that she said completely changed my life.

Gardner said she had endured years of emotional abuse prior to the attack. She thought if she got a divorced and learned how to co-parent with Clare that it would be OK and I could move on with my life.

Clearly, that wasnt the case, Gardner said. Unfortunately, thats the story for so many.

Gardner advocated for a number of policy changes that she says would help victims of intimate partner violence.

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She said allegations of intimate-partner violence should be given more credence in divorce and custody proceedings. When Gardner filed for divorce, she said she was discouraged by her attorney from mentioning any allegations of emotional abuse or control because she would run out of money.

Gardner said victims of domestic violence should also be able to obtain a civil protective order in more cases. Such orders, obtained by a victim of violence, can require accused perpetrators to keep a prescribed distance from the holder, stipulating, for example, that the accused not go within 500 feet of the victim or not call, email or text.

In Texas, the law requires that applicants for a family violence protective order prove that family violence has occurred and is likely to occur in the future.

I was discouraged from getting a protective order because I didnt have any proof of abuse, Gardner said. There were so many places where intervention could have happened. And over the past 18 months, carrying the immense grief and trauma associated with my loss, I have made it my purpose to try and identify all the gaps that could have changed the trajectory of my life, that could have saved my daughter from death.

Gloria Aguilera Terry, CEO of the Texas Council on Family Violence, thanked Gardner for her advocacy and courage.
Shares of Magnite (NASDAQ: MGNI), the sell-side adtech platform, were pulling back on reports that Walt Disney could stop using Magnite for its Disney Real-Time Ad Exchange, or DRAX, with some demand-side platforms (DSPs).

As a result, the stock closed down 10.8% on the news.

Image source: Getty Images.

Is Magnite in trouble?

At the Digiday Publishing Summit, Jamie Power, Disney's senior vice president of addressable sales, said in a presentation that Disney is no longer using Magnite with two demand-side platforms, Alphabet and The Trade Desk.

The news seemed to indicate a setback for Magnite, as being dropped by Disney in those relationships is clearly a loss of business.

However, several Wall Street analysts pushed back against the market's response, saying it was old news and that the sell-off created a buying opportunity.

Benchmark, for example, said that the story originally arose back in March, essentially saying it was already priced in. Analyst Daniel Kurnos also argued that it was "highly unlikely" that Disney would build a full end-to-end stack without Magnite.

Craig-Hallum and Needham also said that the sell-off creates a buying opportunity for Magnite.

What it means for Magnite

An 11% decline might seem excessive, considering the news seems partly speculative at this point, and the implications aren't fully understood.

Like other adtech stocks, Magnite has struggled in the aftermath of the pandemic, as the earlier boom in digital advertising has given way to slower growth and less enthusiasm among investors.

Magnite is still struggling to accelerate its growth, as revenue was up just 7% in the second quarter. With or without the Disney setback, the company will have to improve on that number in order for the stock to be a winner.

Should you invest $1,000 in Magnite right now?

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Suzanne Frey, an executive at Alphabet, is a member of The Motley Fools board of directors. Jeremy Bowman has positions in Magnite, The Trade Desk, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool has positions in and recommends Alphabet, The Trade Desk, and Walt Disney. The Motley Fool recommends Magnite. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy.

Why Magnite Stock Was Falling Today was originally published by The Motley Fool
Kansas Republicans want to punish media for Trump stories: a recipe for tyranny | Opinion

The Kansas Republican Party wants to put an end to the First Amendment.

The evidence comes from the most recent Friday File, a weekly email newsletter put out by the Kansas GOP. The missive contains the usual stuff youd expect: a pitch for support from congressional candidate Derek Schmidt, information about where to pick up campaign yard signs.

It also includes a conspiratorial attack on the so-called deep state.

The deep state represents a shadow government that operates beyond the control of voters and its high time we reclaim the democratic accountability that has been eroded, says the newsletter, which comes from the email account of Mike Brown, the state party chairman.

Things get weirder from there.

The struggle is, deep state isnt a monolithic entity operating in secret, said the newsletter. In reality, it is a tantacled beast with a specific gravity. Within layers of classic bureaucracy and institutional inertia that often resist change, it always fights outsiders attempting to challenge the status quo. The challengers are deemed troublemakers and the mainstream media  the DNCs communications department, happily begins the smear campaign never pausing to ask the next set of important questions. This sycophant and derelict behavior begs a Congressional review of the MSMs vast protections under the U.S. Constitution. (Emphasis added.)

If that rambling, oddly punctuated paragraph seems opaque, dont worry  I had to read it a couple of times before it made sense.

The underlying message seems clear enough, though: The news media should be punished for truthfully reporting on Donald Trumps attempts to undermine American democracy and enrich his family in the process.

The medias vast protections under the U.S. Constitution? Thats the First Amendment were talking about, folks.

It shields the media from government punishment, and it protects your right to speak out. The First Amendment belongs to all of us. It has worked just fine for more than two centuries.

But the Constitution lets journalists say facts and opinions about Trump. And so  according to the official Kansas GOP newsletter  it must be reviewed.

Its easy to guess how that ends.

Trump wants to jail critics

To be fair, Kansas Republicans are just following the example of Trump, who has long advocated the prosecution of his critics.

Just last week, he called for Google to be criminally prosecuted because its search results turn up too many positive stories about his campaign opponent, Vice President Kamala Harris. Thats blatant interference of elections, Trump said.

A few days before that, Trump said it should be illegal to criticize the U.S. Supreme Courts conservative supermajority.

These people should be put in jail the way they talk about our judges and our justices, he said. (Never mind that hes criticized judges in his own criminal and civil cases so harshly that theyve faced actual death threats.)

Maybe thats just words.

But do you trust a candidate with those kinds of instincts?

And do you trust a movement that cheers him on when he speaks with such clear contempt for free speech?

Overturn free speech?

Its not just Trump, after all. The Claremont Institute, a right-wing think tank at the center of the MAGA movement, has long called to overturn the Supreme Courts free speech precedents to allow politicians like Trump to more easily sue their media critics. At least one justice, Clarence Thomas, has repeatedly signaled his interest.

And who can forget that Missouri Attorney General Andrew Bailey was just slapped down by a court for his retaliatory investigation of Media Matters, a lefty outlet that reported critically on Trump ally Elon Musk?

Some Republicans still talk a good game about the First Amendment. A few might even be sincere.

But its increasingly clear that a lot of Trumpists sincerely believe that their own speech should be protected  promoted even  while the speech of Democrats and other critics of the conservative movement should be restricted and repressed.

Novembers election will determine if they get to put those ideas into action.

I hope not. The First Amendment doesnt need to be reviewed. It needs defending. And its clear we cant depend on Kansas Republicans to do it.

Joel Mathis is a regular Kansas City Star and Wichita Eagle Opinion correspondent. Formerly a writer and editor at Kansas newspapers, he served nine years as a syndicated columnist.
Gov. Laura Kelly answers reporters questions about the upcoming special session after a June 17, 2024, event at the Statehouse in Topeka.

Gov. Laura Kelly answers reporters questions about the upcoming special session after a June 17, 2024, event at the Statehouse in Topeka. (Sherman Smith/Kansas Reflector)

TOPEKA  Kansas plans to continue to waive child care licensing fees for another year by tapping into federal pandemic relief aid.

Gov. Laura Kelly announced Monday the state would cover the cost of licensing, background checks, fingerprinting fees and licensing renewals through 2025, or until funds are exhausted. The state has covered initial and renewal licensing fees since 2021.

Im committed to expanding access to affordable, high-quality child care opportunities for Kansas children and families, Kelly said in a news release. These funds allow for continued support for child care providers by removing financial barriers.

A license for a child care facility costs $75, plus $1 for each child the facility has the capacity to serve. Grace Hoge, a spokeswoman for the governor, said the Kansas Bureau of Investigation charges $57 for a background check and fingerprint.

The state has used discretionary funding through the federal Child Care Development Fund to cover the cost of fees. To extend the waiver of fees, the state will use funding from the Governors Emergency Education Relief program. The funding will be administered by the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, which is responsible for child care licensing, and the Childrens Cabinet and Trust Fund, an organization created by the Legislature in 1999 to oversee expenditures from the tobacco settlement to improve the health of Kansas kids.

This additional funding, and Governor Kellys commitment to directing it to child care licensing, will go a long way in allowing potential and current child care providers to continue the important work of creating and sustaining quality child care options for Kansas families, said KDHE secretary Janet Stanek in a news release.

Child care providers will still have to pay fees from local governments.
Kansas water rescue team being sent to North Carolina after Helene

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas swift water search and rescue team is heading to North Carolina to assist with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

The team had been deployed to Florida on Sept. 24 and was released from their assignment.

Kansas Task Force 1 has worked tirelessly in Florida assisting with the response to Hurricane Helene, Kansas Fire Marshal Mark Engholm said. Their search and rescue training has prepared them to provide professional and crucial support. After some much-needed rest, the team is headed to North Carolina to continue their search and rescue efforts.

Kansas Task Force 1 consists of personnel from the Office of the State Fire Marshal, Derby Fire Department, Junction City Fire Department, Manhattan Fire Department, Neosho Memorial Regional Medical Center, Olathe Fire Department, Sedgwick County Fire District 1, and the Wichita Fire Department.

KDOT says airport bridge is safe after Monday incident

They will work in North Carolina to search for and rescue individuals, provide basic life support medical care, transport people and animals to the nearest location for secondary air or land transport, provide shore-based and boat-based water rescue, provide animal rescues, and support helicopter and urban search and rescue in water environments.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)  Georgia Governor Brian Kemp has issued a declaration in honor of former President Jimmy Carters 100th birthday.

In a post on X, Kemp shared the proclamation:

On former President Jimmy Carters 100th Birthday, I have declared today Jimmy Carter Day in the State of Georgia to recognize his legacy as our 76th Governor and 39th President. Marty, the girls, and I send him best wishes as he and his family celebrate this milestone. pic.twitter.com/LrVsvr75jA  Governor Brian P. Kemp (@GovKemp) October 1, 2024

Carter served as the 39th President of the United States from 1977 to 1981. He served as a State Senator from 1963 to 1967, and then as Governor of Georgia from 1971 to 1975.

His centennial milestone makes history as the first U.S. President ever to reach 100. Carter is also the oldest living and longest-ever-lived Commander in Chief.

In the 43 years he has been out of public office, the Carter name has become synonymous with philanthropy, especially with his and late wife Rosalynns efforts with Habitat for Humanity. He has also been outspoken on policy decisions for each succeeding President.

The former President has also authored 32 books on subjects ranging from biography, foreign policy and faith.

Jimmy Carter still resides in his hometown of Plains, Georgia.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
The Kentucky sheriff accused of killing District Judge Kevin Mullins in a Letcher County courthouse in September announced his resignation from office ahead of his preliminary hearing Tuesday afternoon.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines announced Monday that he'd retire from his role as sheriff before his appearance at 1 p.m. in West Liberty at the Morgan County Judicial Center and following pressures from the commonwealth's governor. Stines has served as sheriff since being elected in 2018.

Gov. Andy Beshear formally requested Stines to resign in a letter from his council last week around the time of Stines' arraignment, where he pleaded not guilty to charges of murder, amongst others. Beshear's letter asked for resignation, saying if Stines didn't step down, he'd "move forward with removal" under a state statute that allows it in instances of neglect.

His request for resignation follows the death of Mullins, 54, the town's judge since 2009, in his private chambers at the Letcher County courthouse. No one else was injured, and Stines, 43, surrendered at the scene.

Letcher County courthouse shooting 'We are truly hurting': Judge's killing, sheriff behind bars leaves Whitesburg shaken

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines, being held in Leslie County, had an arraignment hearing Wednesday in Carter County Circuit Court over the killing of Judge Kevin Mullins. Sept. 25, 2024

He's currently being held at the jail in Leslie County, about 50 miles east of Whitesburg, and previously appeared virtually for his arraignment in Carter County with representation from public defender Josh Miller. According to records obtained by The Courier Journal, The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley has since been listed as Stines' private attorney.

Reporter Lucas Aulbach contributed to this report. Contact breaking and trending news reporter Marina Johnson at Marina.Johnson@courier-journal.com.

This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: Kentucky sheriff Mickey Stines resigns
The Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting a judge in his chambers is retiring, according to a letter from the murder suspect's attorney.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn "Mickey" Stines, 43, was charged with first-degree murder in connection with the death of Kentucky District Judge Kevin Mullins, 54, who authorities said was gunned down inside his chambers in the Letcher County Courthouse on Sept. 19.

PHOTO: Letcher County Sheriff Mickey Stines (Letcher County)

Stines "has made the difficult decision" to retire on Monday, attorneys Jeremy Bartley and Kerri Bartley stated in a letter addressed to S. Travis Mayo, deputy counsel at the Kentucky governor's office.

"This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky," the letter stated. "Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him."

Stines pleaded not guilty to the first-degree murder charge during his first court appearance last week.

MORE: Kentucky sheriff accused of shooting judge pleads not guilty, could face death penalty

There was no discussion of a bond during the hearing, Lexington ABC affiliate WTVQ reported.

He is expected back in court on Tuesday.

Stines could face the death penalty if convicted, according to a special judge appointed to preside over the case.

Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshear had previously called on Stines to resign in the wake of the incident by Sept. 27. If not, Beshear said there is a "removal process" he can start.

"Every Kentucky county needs an active and working sheriff," Beshear said at an unrelated press briefing last week. "Right now, Letcher County doesn't have an active and a working sheriff."

PHOTO: Judge Kevin Mullins (Letcher County Government)

Mullins was found with multiple gunshot wounds after a 911 caller reported shots being fired inside the courthouse, and Stines was taken into custody without incident at the courthouse, police said.

The shooting allegedly occurred "following an argument inside the courthouse," according to Kentucky State Police, and investigators are still searching for a motive.

MORE: Kentucky judge shot and killed in chambers, sheriff charged with murder: Officials

The two had had lunch together the day of the shooting, Letcher County Circuit Clerk Mike Watts told WTVQ.

Days before the shooting, Stines was deposed in a lawsuit, which alleged he had failed to investigate one of his deputies who sexually abused a woman in Mullins' chambers.

Kentucky sheriff accused of fatally shooting judge retires originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
(NewsNation)  A judge presiding over the trial of the now-former Kentucky sheriff accused of killing a local judge in his chambers found probable cause to send the case to a grand jury on Tuesday.

Ex-Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines, 43, pleaded not guilty to the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins. At a court hearing Tuesday, Clayton Stamper of the Kentucky State Police was questioned.

Kentucky State Police say an investigation indicates Stines shot Mullins multiple times following an argument inside the courthouse in September.

Stines, according to The Mountain Eagle, allegedly walked into the judges outer office, then told court employees and others gathered there that he needed to speak with Mullins alone. After the two walked into the judges chambers, witnesses heard gunshots. Stines walked out with his hands up and surrendered to police. On Tuesday, prosecutors showed security camera video of the shooting.

One of the lawyers for Shawn Mickey Stines said Monday that her client had stepped down from his position as Letcher County sheriff following the shooting. Attorney Kerri Bartley said Stines decision was not the result of an ultimatum or concession to prosecutors allegations, but to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him.

Diddy receiving privileges including more showers: Former inmate

Authorities have not provided a motive for the shooting. Stamper testified that when Stine was taken into custody, he said theyre trying to kidnap my wife and kid. No other details on that were provided. During Stampers testimony, he was asked about phone records indicating communication between Mullins and Stines daughter. There was no indication of what that communication was, though.

If convicted, Stines could be given anywhere from 20 years in prison to a life sentence. Because he is accused of killing a public official, the Associated Press reported, he could also potentially face the death penalty.

NewsNation digital producer Cassie Buchman and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.
Kentucky sheriff charged with murdering judge resigns following pressure from governor

Shawn "Mickey" Stines has resigned as Letcher County sheriff and faces a murder charge. (Leslie County Detention Center)

An Eastern Kentucky sheriff charged with murdering a judge earlier in September has retired from his elected office following a request from the governor to step down.

Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines, 43, resigned effective Monday, according to a letter from Somerset attorney Jeremy Bartley to Kentucky Gov. Andy Beshears office.

The letter said Stines had made the difficult decision to effect his retirement but not as the result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by prosecutors.

Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him, Bartley wrote.

An attorney for the governors office had sent Stines a letter requesting he step down from his elected office by Friday, Sept. 27, or face removal through a Kentucky law.

Stines pleaded not guilty last week to a charge of murder for allegedly shooting and killing 54-year-old Letcher District Court Judge Kevin Mullins in the Letcher County courthouse.
Nelson Amenya caused an uproar by exposing secret talks for an Indian firm to take over Kenya's main airport. He has no regrets, but fears his life is now in danger, he says.

The documents Amenya shared online in July revealed that the Adani Group, owned by India's richest man, Gautam Adani, had been in months-long talks to lease Nairobi's Jomo Kenyatta International Airport for 30 years.

The JKIA is one of Africa's busiest hubs, but often suffers power outages and leaking roofs and badly needs to be refurbished.

Adani offered a $1.85-billion investment, but critics say that is a pittance considering the strategic value of the airport, whose fees account for five percent of Kenya's GDP.

The talks were held in total secrecy and apparently with no effort to invite other bids.

"They didn't want it public because of the terms. Adani wanted to keep 18 percent equity in the airport even after the 30-year lease -- this is crazy," Amenya told AFP.

His revelations triggered an uproar, leading to a strike by airport staff and a full parliamentary investigation.

Giving evidence last week, Finance Minister John Mbadi, who only recently took on the post, admitted he was shocked to find the Kenyan Aviation Authority (KAA) had taken less than a day to approve Adani's proposal back in March.

The KAA has not commented on the secrecy surrounding the deal, but vowed it would be "subjected to technical, financial and legal reviews alongside requisite due processes".

- 'I'm not safe' -

Far from being praised for opening up the deal to public scrutiny, Amenya says he is being targeted on several fronts.

Soon after his revelations, Kenya's Directorate of Criminal Investigations wrote to a carbon credit firm he co-founded, accusing them of selling fake cryptocurrency.

"We don't sell crypto, we don't transact on our website at all," laughed Amenya.

He only agreed to expose the deal because he is currently studying in France.

"If you are in Kenya, you will be targeted by the police, by mercenaries, you might even lose your life," he said.

His opponents have reached him even there, serving a gag order through French lawyers.

More worrying have been warnings about his physical safety.

"I know I'm not safe and I could potentially be taken out at any moment in France," said Amenya. He did not want to give details on his sources, but he has lodged his concerns with French police.

"You're talking about a $2-billion deal and you don't know how much has changed hands to reach this stage," he added.

Such concerns are real, said Sheila Masinde, head of the Kenya branch of Transparency International, an anti-corruption watchdog.

"We've seen whistleblowers in Kenya facing harassment ranging from physical torture to abduction to legal threats," Masinde told AFP.

A Whistleblower Protection Bill has been pending in parliament for 11 years, she added.

"Nelson needs to be given physical and legal protection. He's doing this for the public interest," said Masinde.

- 'Illegal dealings' -

What worried Amenya most about the airport deal was Adani's reputation.

The sprawling ports-to-power Indian conglomerate saw $150 billion wiped from its market value last year after a report by US-based short-seller Hindenburg Research accused it of "brazen stock manipulation and accounting fraud".

Australian environmentalists accuse the firm of "environmental destruction, human rights abuses, corruption and illegal dealings" in relation to its mining operations there.

Adani is suing its main Australian critic and says the Hindenburg report was a "maliciously mischievous" reputational attack.

The Adani Group did not respond to a request for comment from AFP.

Amenya believes the airport deal would not have been made public until it was already signed, had he not exposed it first.

"It was the right time to do it because they were just about to sign the commercial agreement and move into the project-development stage," he told AFP.

"We still might not be able to stop Adani taking over JKIA, but at least we can influence the terms."

Kenya's government says the terms are still being negotiated and that refurbishments at the airport are vital.

er/ho/ach/jhb
Kenya's President William Ruto has promised to complete the deployment of a Kenyan-led stabilisation force in Haiti by January, as Haiti's leader suggests boosting the intervention into a larger UN peacekeeping mission.

"Kenya will deploy the additional contingent towards attaining the target of all the 2,500 police officers by January next year," Ruto told the UN General Assembly on Thursday.

"Kenya and other Caribbean and African countries are ready to deploy, but are hindered by insufficient equipment, logistics and funding," he added.

Ruto also called on member states to "stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti by providing necessary support".

The three-month-old security force to combat spiralling insecurity in the Caribbean nation is currently spearheaded by a Kenyan-led multinational policing operation. Changing it into a UN-mandated force would require a Security Council vote.

Criminal gangs control more than 80 percent of the capital Port-au-Prince, as well as key roads around the country.

UN force?

Edgard Leblanc Fils, the head of the transitional council currently governing Haiti, told the UN General Assembly this week he "would like to see a thought being given to transforming the security support mission into a peacekeeping mission under the mandate of the United Nations".

"I am convinced that this change of status, whilst recognising that the errors of the past cannot be repeated, would guarantee the full success of the mission in Haiti," he said.

(with AFP)



Read more on RFI English



Read also:

Kenyan security forces begin patrols in Haitian capital Port-au-Prince

A history of violence: Haiti's revolution, collapse and descent into anarchy

Haiti, trade top agenda as Kenya's Ruto makes historic state visit to US
Xeinadin, a professional services company in the UK and Ireland, has acquired three Haines Watts offices in Grimsby, Scunthorpe and Hessle, UK.

The move is set to bolster Xeinadin's presence in the Yorkshire and the Humber region.

With the acquisition, Xeinadin expects to strengthen its business advice to SMEs in the local area.

Xeinadin CEO Derry Crowley said: I am delighted to welcome the team and clients of three former Haines Watts offices to Xeinadin in what is a key milestone in our growth strategy.

The team, led by partner Jennifer Toulson, are consummate professionals with a track record of delivering exceptional services for local businesses. They fit in with the ethos of our company and I look forward to seeing them thrive as part of Xeinadin.

A Xeinadin survey, which included 1,000 SMEs across the UK, revealed that 84% of small business owners in Yorkshire and Humber consult with their accountant at least once a month.

The integration of the Haines Watts offices will see 23 colleagues join Xeinadin's team, operating under the existing management structure.

The new branches will collectively be known as the Xeinadin Humber offices.

Xeinadin Humber partner Jennifer Toulson said: This move marks a new and exciting time in our journey as we join Derry and our new colleagues at Xeinadin. We will continue to deliver personalised services to our clients in Grimsby, Scunthorpe, Hessle and across Yorkshire, tapping into the resources and expertise of the business advisory firm built for small business.

The acquisition of the Haines Watts offices follows Xeinadin's recent additions of Clay Shaw Thomas and Jones Harris, bringing their total acquisitions to 27 over the past two years.

Employing more than 2,000 people, Xeinadin is engaged in providing services including accounting, audit, tax, advisory and business.

"Xeinadin acquires three Haines Watts offices in Yorkshire, UK " was originally created and published by International Accounting Bulletin, a GlobalData owned brand.







The information on this site has been included in good faith for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to amount to advice on which you should rely, and we give no representation, warranty or guarantee, whether express or implied as to its accuracy or completeness. You must obtain professional or specialist advice before taking, or refraining from, any action on the basis of the content on our site.
(Bloomberg) -- Kenyas National Assembly on Tuesday received an impeachment motion against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, a process that threatens William Rutos economic agenda which is already on the ropes after deadly protests.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Gachagua, 59, allegedly violated the countrys constitution by making inciting and inflammatory pronouncements to stir ethnic hatred, according to the petition filed by lawmaker Mwengi Mutuse, a member of the ruling coalition. The motion also alleges that since coming to power two years ago, Gachagua has amassed a property portfolio valued at 5.2 billion shillings ($40.3 million) from suspected proceeds of corruption and money laundering.

The motion that outlines 11 grounds for impeachment further accuses the deputy of insubordination, undermining cabinet decisions and making attacks on civil servants including a judge and the nations head of intelligence. Its signed by 291 lawmakers, Mutuse said. Gachagua has called the process a witch-hunt and denied any wrongdoing.

Gachagua uses his constitutional power as deputy president solely to implement sectarian, parochial and personal interests that seek to profit him, the petition reads.

Gachaguas supporters say the move is aimed at forcing him out for standing up to President William Ruto. He was opposed to Rutos rapprochement with opposition leader Raila Odinga, which resulted in a so-called government of national unity.

When I came to office, I wasnt a poor man, Gachagua told journalists earlier this week. I havent gotten rich from the government and I dont need any more wealth. I am not corrupt, I was a businessman.

He made his money by supplying various goods to government agencies. Weeks after Gachagua was sworn in as deputy president in 2022, prosecutors withdrew a 7.3 billion-shilling corruption case against him that was filed in 2021, saying investigations were incomplete.

Ethnic Hostilities

The motion is the latest sign of the tensions between Ruto and Gachagua, and could disrupt legislative processes, create uncertainty and weigh on economic growth.

The ousting of Gachagua could reignite hostilities in Kenyas ethnicity-tinged politics, which in the past boiled over into election violence that killed about 1,200 people. Ruto, whos from the Kalenjin community, and Gachagua, an ethnic Kikuyu, won the disputed 2022 elections on a joint ticket, narrowly beating Odinga.

Rutos rapprochement with Odinga earlier this year, which included the appointment of four opposition leaders to the cabinet, was aimed at garnering wider support for the president amid street marches that left at least 60 people dead. However, its ended up fracturing both the ruling coalition and the opposition.

Given that an impeachment process can be quite drawn out in Kenya, one can draw a clear line between the ouster and the upcoming 2027 general election, according to Connor Vasey, a consultant at London-based advisory firm J.S. Held.

Ruto has not achieved what he had hoped with the economy and has lost a key vote bloc, Vasey said, referring to where Gachagua hails from. Falling out with his deputy may force Ruto to seek the backing of Odinga, Vasey said.

To unseat the deputy president, two thirds of members of both the National Assembly and Senate will have to vote in favor of the removal. While the ruling coalition has just over half of the 349 members of parliament, some are expected to rally behind Gachagua, along a section of the opposition.

If the motion is passed by both houses, the president should nominate a successor and lawmakers then need to hold a vote within 60 days.

(Updates with analyst comment in 12th paragraph and details throughout.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Kenyan lawmakers on Tuesday initiated a motion to impeach the Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua in an unprecedented political move portending an acrimonious fallout within the ruling party.

The East African country's politics has been in turmoil since March following deadly protests over a spiralling cost of living crisis and deeply unpopular tax hikes.

Gachagua is accused of undermining the government, being involved in corruption, insubordination, practising ethnically divisive politics among a slew of other charges.

Some 291 members of parliament appended their signatures to support the motion, well beyond the 117 minimum.

National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula said the motion -- filed by Mutuse Eckomas Mwengi, a legislator from the ruling coalition -- met all the requisite constitutional threshold.

It lists 11 grounds for impeachment, including accusing Gachagua of amassing wealth estimated at 5.2 billion shillings ($40 million) within two years against an annual salary of $93,000.

"Gachagua has inexplicably amassed a humongous property portfolio... primarily from suspected proceeds of corruption and money laundering," Mwengi said, attaching Kenya's renowned Treetops hotel as evidence.

The hotel, where Britain's then Princess Elizabeth was staying when she became queen, reopened its doors in August after closing down during the Covid pandemic.

Gachagua, a businessman from the vote-rich Mt Kenya region, has denied the allegations as politically charged, warning his removal will stir discontent within his bastion.

The 59-year-old businessman weathered corruption scandals and links to the country's former authoritarian regime to win a closely fought election as President William Ruto's running mate in 2022.

But in recent weeks, he has complained of being sidelined by his boss amid accusations he supported anti-government by mostly Gen-Z Kenyans that began in mid-June.

The protests were sparked by proposed tax hikes in the 2024 finance bill, but snowballed into wider disillusionment at Ruto's top-down style of governance. More than 60 people were killed in those protests.

For the impeachment motion to pass, it would require the support of at least two-thirds of members of the National Assembly. A debate and vote are due for next Tuesday before it heads to the Senate.

If approved, Gachagua will become the first deputy president to be impeached in Kenya's history since the promulgation of the country's revised 2010 constitution.

In 1989, then vice-president Josephat Karanja resigned from office when faced with a similar vote in parliament.

ho/giv
Rigathi Gachagua (L) and William Ruto (R) were elected on a joint ticket just two years ago [Getty Images]

Members of parliament in Kenya have started the process of removing the country's deputy president from office.

Those who back the effort accuse Rigathi Gachagua of having a role in June's anti-government demonstrations - which turned deadly - as well as an involvement in corruption, undermining government and promoting ethnically divisive politics.

The deputy president has dismissed the allegations.

This is the culmination of a major fallout between Gachagua and President William Ruto.

On Tuesday, the speaker of the National Assembly allowed the impeachment proceedings to begin after a motion to start things off was backed by 291 MPs, way over the threshold of the 117 MPs required.

The impeachment itself is expected to sail through both houses of parliament easily, after the main opposition joined forces with the president's party following the recent protests. But there is no date yet for when that will actually take place.

Multiple efforts to stop the impeachment attempt through the courts failed.

The power struggle between the president and his deputy has led to concerns of instability at the heart of government, at a time when Kenya is in the throes of a deep economic and financial crisis.

Ruto chose Gachagua as his running-mate in the 2022 election, when he defeated former Prime Minister Raila Odinga in a bitterly contested election.

Gachagua comes from the vote-rich Mount Kenya region, and helped marshal support for Ruto.

But with members of Odinga's party joining the government after the youth-led protests that forced Ruto to back down from increasing taxes, the political dynamics have changed - and the deputy president looks increasingly isolated.

Gachagua has, however, struck a defiant tone, saying he has the backing of voters in his native central Kenya region.

Two-hundred [legislators] cannot overturn the will of the people, he said.

For the motion to pass, it would require the support of at least two-thirds of members of the National Assembly and Senate, excluding its nominated members.

Backers of the motion are confident that it will be approved.

Raila Odinga lost the presidential election but is once again close to the centre of power [Getty Images]

But Gachagua has made it clear that he will not go down without a fight.

The president can ask MPs to stop. So, if it continues, hes in it, he told media outlets before Tuesday's parliamentary session.

Ruto has in the past vowed not to subject Gachagua to political persecution, similar to what he says he experienced when he was deputy to his predecessor, Uhuru Kenyatta.

But the rift between Ruto and Gachagua has been apparent in recent months.

The deputy president has been conspicuously absent from seeing off his boss at the airport when he travels abroad, and receiving him when he returns.

Interior Secretary Kithure Kindiki, a law professor who is trusted by the president, appears to be taking on some of the deputy president's responsibilities - something that also happened when Ruto and Kenyatta fell out.

Like Gachagua, Kindiki comes from Mount Kenya - the region which forms the largest voting block in Kenya.

Dozens of legislators have rallied behind Kindiki as the regions preferred mouthpiece", intensifying speculation that they are pushing for him to succeed Gachagua.

That has left the deputy president largely isolated with only a handful of elected politicians backing him.

Kenya's security forces were accused of using excessive force to quell protests against higher taxes earlier this year [Getty Images]

In a further sign that he is in political trouble, the police's Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) recently recommended charges against two MPs, a staff member and other close allies of the deputy president, after accusing them of planning, mobilising and financing violent protests that occurred in June.

Gachagua defended the accused, denouncing the charges as an "act of aggression" and an evil scheme to soil his name and lay the groundwork for his impeachment.

In parliament last week, Kindiki - under whose ministry the DCI falls - pledged to remain neutral, but made it clear that high-level individuals will be prosecuted.

"We are dealing with the aftermath of the attempted overthrow of the constitution of Kenya by criminal and dangerous people who almost burnt the parliament of Kenya. We have a job to do," he said.

But many of the young people who were at the forefront of the protests dismiss suggestions that Gachagua's allies were behind it, and see the bid by lawmakers to oust him as an attempt to deflect attention from bad governance.

They say that if the deputy goes, the president must go too.

In the Senate, an opposition legislator has filed a censure motion against the president. It does not bear the same weight as impeachment and has no legal consequence.

Ruto, who is expected to host legislators from his party later this week, will be weighing the political risks of moving against Gachagua, but some lawmakers say they do not want him to wade into the debate - a tough ask.

For now, Gachagua's fate rests with legislators, but one man might still extend him a renewed lease of political life - the president.

More Kenya stories from the BBC:

[Getty Images/BBC]

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ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina election officials say they will do everything in their power to ensure that voters in the crucial presidential swing state will be able to cast their ballots despite the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the destruction of basic infrastructure only about a month before the November election.

Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the state's election board, said Tuesday that 12 county election offices in the hard-hit western part of the state remain closed after the storm unleashed unprecedented damage. Absentee ballots, some of which already have been mailed to voters who requested them, also face obstacles, from U.S. Postal Service delays to road and residential damage that could render them undeliverable. The viability of early and Election Day voting sites remains unknown, she said.

She described the storm as causing a "daunting" level of uncertainty, with early in-person voting scheduled to start in just over two weeks on Oct. 17. Still, she said the state is prepared to help voters navigate the emergency.

Weve battled through hurricanes and tropical storms and still held safe and secure elections, and we will do everything in our power to do so again, Brinson Bell told reporters during a media call. Mountain people are strong, and the election people who serve them are resilient and tough, too."

Helene, which battered large swaths of the Southeast late last week with torrential rain and strong winds and massive storm surges along the Gulf Coast, caused devastation beyond belief" in the popular mountain city of Asheville and other parts of western North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper said during a media briefing Tuesday.

This disaster is unlike anything our state has ever experienced, he said.

The level of destruction could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate damage to the flooded communities, especially if it has any impact on voting. North Carolina is among seven swing states being hotly contested by Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Trump barely defeated Democrat Joe Biden in the state four years ago, winning by about 74,500 votes out of 5.5 million cast.

Asheville is the most populous city in the 25-county region under a disaster declaration and sits in the one county  Buncombe  where registered Democrats outnumber Republicans. Michael Bitzer, a politics professor at Catawba College in Salisbury, North Carolina, said the disaster area includes significant blue dots in a very red sea, making it difficult to predict how the storm might affect voter turnout and election results.

On Tuesday, emergency workers were still engaged in rescue efforts across the broad swath of the Southeastern U.S. that bore the brunt of the storm. Election officials in Florida, Tennessee and the presidential battleground of Georgia were assessing the damage and the potential impacts to mail balloting, early voting and Election Day operations.

Georgia election workers have returned to work even as some offices face power outages, limited internet and infrastructure damage. Absentee ballots are scheduled to go out on Oct. 7 as planned, said Robert Sinners, communications director for Georgias secretary of state. In Tennessee, two county election offices had water damage and at least six polling locations in the northeastern part of the state have been damaged or are inaccessible, said Doug Kufner, spokesman for the secretary of state's office.

North Carolina officials said they are considering moving or combining voting locations if some are unusable or inaccessible.

More urgently, state officials are offering guidance and some special accommodations for absentee voters, who may not receive their ballots because of evacuations, suspended Postal Service operations or residential mailboxes swept away in the storm.

Paul Cox, general counsel for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said displaced voters can contact their county election office to request that their absentee ballot be spoiled and sent to a different location.

Those voters also have the option of waiting to cast a ballot in person, either during the early voting period of Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 or on Election Day, Nov. 5, Cox said. State law requires all voters to show voter ID, but those who are from a county under a disaster declaration and have lost their ID can fill out an exception form so they can cast a ballot.

Officials are still weighing whether to take further steps to accommodate voters, such as extending the absentee ballot deadline or allowing more people to cast ballots through an online portal already used by military, overseas and visually impaired voters, Brinson Bell said.

Fewer residents casting mail ballots or voting early will put more stress on Election Day, said Chris Cooper, a political science professor at Western Carolina University in Cullowhee, North Carolina. He also worries about college students ability to vote if universities temporarily go online, as well as the disproportionate impact on lower-income voters who will be especially hard-hit by the storm.

Kelly Godfrey, who has lived in Asheville for over three years, is one of the few voters who returned their absentee ballot before the storm hit. In Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, nearly 9,990 voters had requested absentee ballots as of Tuesday  85% of them Democrats or voters who are not affiliated with any party, according to Associated Press election research. Only about 170 had been returned.

Godfrey said she hopes rules and procedures will be adjusted to make it easier for voters who were displaced by the storm. But she also worries that any changes could lead to misinformation and false claims of voter fraud after the election.

Its going to be spun a lot of different ways, she said.

For now, though, voting feels so far out in the distance, Godfrey said. Right now, people are thinking food and water.

It's not just voters being affected. In Buncombe County, some election staffers were evacuated after their homes sustained extensive damage and the offices staff has been unable to contact poll workers for training that normally would be taking place now, said Corinne Duncan, director of the county's election services.

The full impact of the storm on election operations is not yet fully known, she said, and damage assessments on polling sites are continuing.

Brinson Bell said officials were not aware of any physical damage to election offices or the voting equipment or ballots stored inside them, but they are in close communication with tabulation machine vendors should any machines need to be repaired or replaced.

Some of the county boards whose offices remain closed or are dealing with outages have been given special emergency kits from the state, which were initially intended for use in case of a ransomware attack, she said. The kits are equipped with laptops, cellphones, Wi-Fi hotspots and other essentials to allow election operations to continue even without power, phone or internet service.

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Swenson reported from New York and Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Charlotte Kramon in Atlanta and Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.
ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP)  North Carolina election officials say they will do everything in their power to ensure that voters in the crucial presidential swing state will be able to cast their ballots despite the devastation of Hurricane Helene and the destruction of basic infrastructure only about a month before the November election.

Karen Brinson Bell, the executive director of the states election board, said Tuesday that 12 county election offices in the hard-hit western part of the state remain closed after the storm unleashed unprecedented damage. Absentee ballots, some of which already have been mailed to voters who requested them, also face obstacles, from U.S. Postal Service delays to road and residential damage that could render them undeliverable. The viability of early and Election Day voting sites remains unknown, she said.

She described the storm as causing a daunting level of uncertainty, with early in-person voting scheduled to start in just over two weeks on Oct. 17. Still, she said the state is prepared to help voters navigate the emergency.

Weve battled through hurricanes and tropical storms and still held safe and secure elections, and we will do everything in our power to do so again, Brinson Bell told reporters during a media call. Mountain people are strong, and the election people who serve them are resilient and tough, too.

Helene, which battered large swaths of the Southeast late last week with torrential rain and strong winds and massive storm surges along the Gulf Coast, caused devastation beyond belief in the popular mountain city of Asheville and other parts of western North Carolina, Gov. Roy Cooper said during a media briefing Tuesday.

This disaster is unlike anything our state has ever experienced, he said.

The level of destruction could have far-reaching implications beyond the immediate damage to the flooded communities, especially if it has any impact on voting. North Carolina is among seven swing states being hotly contested by Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee, and former President Donald Trump, the Republican nominee. Trump barely defeated Democrat Joe Biden in the state four years ago, winning by about 74,500 votes out of 5.5 million cast.

Asheville is the most populous city in the 25-county region under a disaster declaration and is a Democratic stronghold. The counties surrounding it are largely Republican, so the eventual impact on any statewide race, including a nationally watched contest for governor, is unknown.

On Tuesday, emergency workers were still engaged in rescue efforts across the broad swath of the Southeastern U.S. that bore the brunt of the storm. Election officials in Florida, Tennessee and the presidential battleground of Georgia were assessing the damage and the potential impacts to mail balloting, early voting and Election Day operations.

Georgia election workers have returned to work even as some offices face power outages, limited internet and infrastructure damage. Absentee ballots are scheduled to go out on Oct. 7 as planned, said Robert Sinners, communications director for Georgias secretary of state.

In North Carolina, officials said they are considering moving or combining voting locations if some are unusable or inaccessible.

More urgently, state officials are offering guidance and some special accommodations for absentee voters, who may not receive their ballots because of evacuations, suspended Postal Service operations or residential mailboxes swept away in the storm.

Paul Cox, general counsel for the North Carolina State Board of Elections, said displaced voters can contact their county election office to request that their absentee ballot be spoiled and sent to a different location. They also can use the states BallotTrax service to track their ballots location.

Those voters also have the option of waiting to cast a ballot in person, either during the early voting period of Oct. 17 to Nov. 2 or on Election Day, Nov. 5, Cox said. State law requires all voters to show voter ID, but those who are from a county under a disaster declaration and have lost their ID can fill out an exception form so they can cast a ballot.

Officials are still weighing whether to take further steps to accommodate voters, such as extending the absentee ballot deadline or allowing more people to cast ballots through an online portal already used by military, overseas and visually impaired voters, Brinson Bell said.

The Postal Service said in a statement Monday that it is still assessing damage and impacts and is communicating with local election boards in the affected areas to ensure the ongoing transport and delivery of Election Mail as soon as it is safe to do so.

Kelly Godfrey, who has lived in Asheville for over three years, is one of the few voters who returned their absentee ballot before the storm hit. In Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, nearly 9,990 voters had requested absentee ballots as of Tuesday  85% of them Democrats or voters who are not affiliated with any party, according to Associated Press election research. Only about 170 had been returned.

Godfrey said she hopes rules and procedures will be adjusted to make it easier for voters who were displaced by the storm. She worries that any changes could lead to misinformation and false claims of voter fraud after the election.

Its going to be spun a lot of different ways, she said.

For now, though, voting feels so far out in the distance, Godfrey said. Right now, people are thinking food and water.

Brinson Bell said officials were not aware of any physical damage to election offices or the voting equipment or ballots stored inside them, but they are in close communication with tabulation machine vendors should any machines need to be repaired or replaced.

Some of the county boards whose offices remain closed or are dealing with outages have been given special emergency kits from the state, which were initially intended for use in case of a ransomware attack, she said. The kits are equipped with laptops, cellphones, Wi-Fi hotspots and other essentials to allow election operations to continue even without power, phone or internet service.

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Swenson reported from New York and Fernando reported from Chicago. Associated Press writers Charlotte Kramon in Atlanta and Gary Robertson in Raleigh, North Carolina, contributed to this report.

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The Associated Press receives support from several private foundations to enhance its explanatory coverage of elections and democracy. See more about APs democracy initiative here. The AP is solely responsible for all content.

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Killingtons new owners say they will invest $30M for upgrades to the resort

Killington Ski Resorts new investors have revealed their future plans for the mountain.

The new group, which took ownership on September 27, says they are planning to put $30 million into what they call capital improvements on the slopes.

The new investor group is committed that, for the next decade, all the money that we make at Killington will be re-invested in the mountain, said Micheal Solimano, the President and Chief Executive Officer at Killington Resort.

Some of these changes could include more snow-guns, a lift replacement, a gondola revitalization, improvements to summer biking trails and more.

While most are longer-term projects, Solimano says this seasons skiers will see an added 500 snow-guns on the mountain.

That should help us get open quicker, in early season everyones trying to make a lot of snow and so hopefully we can expand and get more trails open.

Starting next year, Solimano says one of the more major improvements will be to the Superstar trail lift. The trail is home to the annual Killington Cup event, which attracts thousands of fans to the mountain.

While the race is on for this Thanksgiving, Solimano says there may be an announcement regarding next years race.

But for now though, he says he is excited for the changes.

To go from a large ski-resort company back to being owned by a group of local investors is really amazing, and I think its going to be great for Killington, for the local community and for the state of Vermont.

In addition to the new investors, Killington Resort will also see a new board of directors this year.

Despite all the changes however, Solimano says much of what resort-goers love about Killington, such as its staff and service, will stay the same.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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What We Know About Diddys New 'Dream Team' of Defense Attorneys

At this point, we know Sean Diddy Combs isnt going down on federal charges without a fight. Now, hes hired some new legal bigwigs to form a dream defense team to fight his case.



On Monday (Sept. 30), Combs filed a third request appealing his detention order to remain in jail as he awaits federal prosecution on charges of racketeering, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. Among those new court documents, it appears legal giants Anthony Ricco and Alexandra Shapiro have agreed to join Combs legal team. Heres what we know about them:

Whos Anthony Ricco?

Screenshot: C-SPAN

Ricco is known for leading the defense in up to 45 federal death penalty cases including People v. Corey Arthur, where Arthur was charged in the murder of the son of former Time Warner CEO Gerald Levin, according to Riccos profile in Fordham Universitys School of Law.

Ricco was able to get the death penalty off the table and litigate Arthurs term to life in prison. He also represented the undercover NYPD officer acquitted in the killing of 23-year-old Sean Bell in 2006.



On a larger scale, Ricco served on the counsel in the World Trade Bombing conspiracy case and Embassy Bombing case in 1998, his profile reads. He graduated from the Northeastern University School of Law and has been privately practicing since 1982.

Whos Alexandra Shapiro?

Photo: Shapiro Arato Bach

Shapiro is an appellate attorney who signed off on Combs appeal of the denial of his bond release, court documents show. Labeled one of the nations leading appellate lawyers, her work is recognized in the reversals of both criminal and civil cases, according to the Shapiro Arato Bach website.



After graduating from Columbia University School of Law in 1991, she began working as a clerk to Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg before moving onto white collar defense. Most notably, she landed two Supreme Court victories narrowing the scope of federal fraud laws in order to reverse the wire fraud convictions of Louis Ciminelli and former Andrew Cuomo aide Joseph Percoco.

Shapiro also argued the Salman v. United States case, which was the first insider trading case heard by the Supreme Court in 20 years.

She is also representing Combs cellmate, Sam Bankman-Fried, who was convicted of fraud in November 2023. She also authored the novel Presumed Guilty.

Combs lead attorney, former Manhattan Assistant District Attorney Marc Agnifilo, previously stated his client is concentrating on his defense and preparing for trial, per a statement. The rapper pleaded not guilty and is due for court again October 9.

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What to know about Hezbollah's capabilities after its recent losses

People gather near the site of the assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut's southern suburbs, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

BEIRUT (AP)  Hezbollah has suffered some of the heaviest losses in its history over the past two weeks, chief among them the killing of its longtime leader, Hassan Nasrallah, in an Israeli airstrike.

Two weeks ago, thousands of communications devices used by Hezbollah members exploded, killing 39 people and wounding nearly 3,000 in an apparent remotely detonated attack that Hezbollah blamed on Israel.

The Lebanese militant group has lost nearly 500 fighters since it started attacking Israeli military posts in support of its ally, Hamas, last October. And hundreds more were likely killed in Israel's bombardment of Lebanon over the past week, which has killed a number of high-ranking commanders and officials.

Still, Hezbollah has continued to launch rockets at central Israel. The group's chief spokesman, Mohammed Afif, warned Tuesday that those attacks were only the beginning and that the militant group is waiting for invading forces to enter Lebanon to confront them.

Iran, which backs Hezbollah, fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday and referenced Nasrallahs death in a statement on state television claiming responsibility for the attack. The bombardment came a day after Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Here's a look at where Hezbollah stands after its recent losses.

Where are Hezbollah's forces deployed?

Hezbollahs tens of thousands of fighters have been battle-hardened in regional conflicts, including in Syria, where the militant group helped tip the balance of power in the 13-year conflict in favor of President Bashar Assad.

Hezbollah has five main units, each consisting of several thousand fighters.

The Nasr and Aziz units are deployed in areas bordering Israel, with Nasr controlling the southeastern region including the edge of the Israeli-annexed Golan Heights. The Aziz unit is deployed in the southwest, including along the Mediterranean coast. Nasr and Aziz commanders were killed in Israeli airstrikes earlier this year but were believed to have been replaced.

The Badr unit is deployed in an area that includes Apple province, a mountainous region overlooking large parts of southern Lebanon that has been a Hezbollah stronghold since the late 1980s. The Haidar unit is in the eastern Bekaa Valley while the Dahiyeh unit is in Beiruts heavily populated southern suburb that housed the groups headquarters where Nasrallah was killed Friday.

The group also has the elite Radwan Force of several thousand fighters, part of which is deployed along the border with Israel. Hezbollahs Al-Manar TV said in a report Monday that invading Israeli troops will get to know the experienced fighters of Radwan Force if they decide to launch a ground invasion.

Which Hezbollah commanders are still in control?

In recent weeks, Hezbollah has lost some of its most experienced military commanders, including Ibrahim Akil, who was in charge of the Radwan Force, and Ibrahim Kobbeisi, who was the groups missiles commander.

The commander of Hezbollahs drones unit, Mohammed Surour, and the commander of Hezbollah forces in south Lebanon, Ali Karaki, were also killed in air strikes.

In late July, Israel killed Hezbollah's top military commander, Fouad Shukur.

Among the groups commanders who are still active is Talal Hamieh, who is in charge of Hezbollahs external operations, and Khodor Nader, who heads the groups security unit. Hezbollah denied Israeli statements that claimed to have killed senior military commander known as Abu Ali Rida, commander of the Badr unit.

The groups strongman, Hashem Safieddine, Nasrallahs maternal cousin, is also alive and widely expected to replace Nasrallah as Hezbollah secretary-general. Safieddine is close to Iran and his son, Rida, is married to Zeinab Soleimani, the daughter of an Iranian general who was killed in a U.S. airstrike in Iraq in 2020.

What types of weapons does Hezbollah still have?

Hezbollah has an arsenal of more than 150,000 rockets and missiles as well as surveillance and explosive drones of different types.

Over the past year, Hezbollah has used a small type of guided missile known as Almas, or Diamond, as well as short-range Falaq and Burkan rockets from areas several kilometers (miles) from the border. Over the past week, Hezbollah introduced the middle-range Fadi rockets, attacking the outskirts of Tel Aviv and the northern city of Haifa.

Hezbollah has yet to use all the weapons it is believed to possess, including its precision-guided missiles and surface-to-sea missiles such as the Russian-made Yakhont.

Israeli officials say its bombardment of large swaths of Lebanon over the past week aimed to take out Hezbollah's supplies of weapons. However, since the escalation began, Hezbollah has continued to launch attacks across the border and even unveiled new types of weapons.

On Tuesday, Hezbollah said it fired middle-range Fadi-4 rockets toward the headquarters of Israels Mossad intelligence agency. Hours later, the group said it fired similar rockets toward an air base in a Tel Aviv suburb. The group has used surface-to-air missiles and shot down or chased off Israeli drones on several occasions  including in the past week.

Most of the incoming fire has either been intercepted or landed in open areas. But Israeli military officials warn that the country's air defenses are not hermetic.
What to know about fighting in Lebanon and Gaza

Mourners attend the funeral of Sgt. First Class Nazar Itkin who was killed during Israel's ground operation against Hezbollah militants in Lebanon, in Kiryat Ata, Israel, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Palestinian militants in Gaza fired a wave of rockets into Israel as the nation mourned the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack that killed 1,200 people and set off a war that has engulfed Gaza and parts of Lebanon and threatened to ignite a wider regional conflict.

Israel, which has focused increasingly on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon in recent weeks, warned people in over a dozen towns and villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate.

The Hamas-led attack last year saw fighters stream into Israel, attacking communities and security outposts and battering the reputation of Israel's vaunted military and intelligence services. Today, many of those communities are struggling to rebuild. Around 100 of some 250 hostages that militants took that day have not been released. About a third of those remaining are thought to be dead.

Much of Gaza, meanwhile, is in ruins in the wake of Israel's assault, with more than 41,000 Palestinians killed, according to the Gaza Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between fighters and civilians. It says more than half of those killed were women and children. Nearly the entire population of 2.3 million has has been displaced.

Israel, which has focused increasingly on Hezbollah militants in Lebanon in recent weeks, warned people in over a dozen towns and villages in southern Lebanon to evacuate.

Hezbollah began launching rockets into Israel just after the Oct. 7 attack, in support of Hamas.

Heres what to know:

What is the status of the fighting in the Gaza Strip?

The Israeli military ordered people to evacuate areas near the city of Khan Younis in the southern Gaza Strip after a Hamas rocket attack into Israel. Hamas claimed the attack, which lightly wounded two women and caused minor damage. The military said the rockets were fired from the area of Khan Younis.

The military had also ordered an evacuation of the areas east of Khan Younis earlier in the war when it sent ground troops into the territorys second-largest city.

On Sunday, the military reiterated warnings for the entire population of northern Gaza to flee south.

Hamas also said it attacked Israeli forces in other parts of Gaza. The Israeli military said it launched a wave of artillery and airstrikes overnight and into Monday to thwart what it said was an imminent attack. It said it targeted Hamas launch posts and underground militant infrastructure.

What's the latest on Israels operations in Lebanon?

Israel has widened warnings for people to evacuate parts of south Lebanon in recent days, as its forces continue their ground incursion backed by intense airstrikes.

The warnings now include more than a dozen towns and villages, a provincial capital and the the coastal town where the U.N. peacekeeping mission is headquartered.

Israels Arabic military spokesperson Avichay Adraee in a post on X told residents to immediately flee north. You are not allowed to head southward, the statement read. Any movement to the south puts your lives at risk.

Lebanons government estimates that some 1.2 million people have been displaced in the fighting, and its struggling to support them.

Israel says its aim is to weaken Hezbollah to allow displaced Israeli residents to move home. Hezbollah says it will stop firing rockets at Israel when there is a cease-fire in the Gaza Strip, in solidarity with its ally Hamas.

Lebanons Health Ministry said an Israeli strike in the countrys south killed at least 10 firefighters on Monday. It said more people were buried under the rubble and the death toll may rise.

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Find more of APs coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war
What we know about Israel's ground operations in Lebanon

Israel announced Tuesday it had launched raids targeting Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, days after killing its leader Hassan Nasrallah in an air strike on a bunker in south Beirut.

Here is a rundown of what is known about Israel's ground operations so far.

- When did the raids begin?

Late Monday, Israel's military began what it called "limited, localised and targeted raids" against Hezbollah in south Lebanon's border areas.

Its ground forces are backed by fighter jets and artillery fire.

But the scope of Israel's action has not been clear, with United Nations peacekeepers in Lebanon saying it did not amount to a "ground incursion" and Hezbollah denying Israeli troops had crossed the border.

An army statement early Tuesday confirmed troops had started "targeted ground raids" across Israel's northern border, but few details have been provided of the extent of the operation or its timeframe.

An Israeli security official said localised raids had taken place and that they were limited in scope.

The military did not reveal how many soldiers were involved, but said its 98th division -- including paratroopers and commando units -- was taking part.

The division had been previously deployed in the Gaza Strip, where Israeli forces continue to battle Palestinian militants led by Hamas.

Israel's military later announced it was calling up four additional brigades to the border.

On Monday evening, the military declared three areas along the northern border with Lebanon a "closed military zone", providing the first indication of a possible ground offensive.

- What are Israel's targets? -

The military said it was acting on "precise intelligence" targeting Hezbollah positions and infrastructure in southern Lebanon.

"These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel," it said.

Tuesday's operations come after Israeli air strikes killed several top Hezbollah commanders in recent weeks, including Nasrallah on Friday.

"The elimination of Nasrallah is an important step, but it is not the final one," Defence Minister Yoav Gallant warned on Monday.

"We will use all the means that may be required - your forces, other forces, from the air, from the sea, and on land," Gallant told soldiers in the north.

- What are Israel's goals? -

Since October 8, Hezbollah has been firing rockets across the border, displacing more than 60,000 residents in northern Israel.

Hezbollah has said it is acting in solidarity with its Islamist ally Hamas in Gaza, following the unprecedented attack on Israel on October 7 that resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people on the Israeli side, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli figures.

The ensuing cross-border clashes have intensified in recent weeks.

While Israel engaged in fierce fighting with Hamas in Gaza, Gallant announced on September 18 that the "centre of gravity" of the war was now pivoting to the north.

"It was now time to ensure that those displaced from the north would be able to return to their homes," he said.

Other officials including Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu have repeatedly vowed to return those displaced back to their homes.

"We will continue to hit Hezbollah... the one who has a missile in his living room and a rocket in his home will not have a home," Netanyahu said in a statement last month.

- How has Hezbollah responded? -

Hezbollah on Tuesday said it targeted a disused air base in Tel Aviv in retaliation for attacks on civilians in Lebanon, in an operation it dedicated to Nasrallah.

It said its fighters launched "a salvo of Fadi-4 rockets at the Sde Dov air base in Tel Aviv" after earlier saying it fired Fadi-1s at an intelligence base and Mossad headquarters in Israel's commercial hub.

Hezbollah said it also attacked Israeli troop movements in Metula in northern Israel using artillery and later fired rockets at a "gathering of enemy soldiers" in the same area.

Israeli troops in northern Israel's Avivim were also targeted, Hezbollah added.

burs-srm/kir
Do you know Vance's and Walzs talking points? Prep for the vice presidential debate

Republican U.S. Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Democratic Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz will face off for the first time Tuesday at the CBS News vice presidential debate in New York.

This is the only scheduled vice presidential debate for the 2024 election, and it comes three weeks after the first, and probably only, presidential debate between former President Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

PolitiFact has scrutinized more than a dozen recent statements from Vance and Walz since each man became his partys VP nominee. Heres how accurate their talking points have been so far:

Vances false and misleading claims about immigrants

Vance was among the first politicians to spread the unsubstantiated claim that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were killing and eating pets. During the Sept. 10 presidential debate, Trump repeated this baseless rumor. In the weeks since, Vance has used selective data to exaggerate Springfields problems amid the migrant influx.

Vance cherry-picked crime data to link the immigration increase to rising murders, saying they "are up by 81%." From 2021 to 2023, murders in Springfield rose from five to nine  an 80% increase. But FBI homicide data also showed that the number of homicides in Springfield fluctuated without a clear trend from 2012 to 2022, and a crime data expert cautioned against making annual comparisons in places where less than one homicide is reported each month.

Vance also claimed the number of communicable diseases, such as HIV and tuberculosis, in Springfield have "skyrocketed" because of the increase in Haitian immigrants. This is Mostly False. Not including COVID-19 cases, the overall communicable disease rate in Clark County, where Springfield is, has generally dropped since 2018, with the exception of HIV cases. The county cautions that its rates may be inflated because 2020 census data does not account for population increases. Public county data doesnt separate case numbers by city or demographics, so public health experts cautioned against tying changes in case rates to immigrants.

When discussing immigrants in the U.S. more broadly, Vance mischaracterized one of Harris proposals, saying she "wants to give $25,000 to illegal aliens to buy American homes." But Vance is filling in blanks about a proposal that we know little about. Harris has not detailed her plan or said who would qualify for this first-time homebuyer assistance.

Walzs attacks on Vance and Project 2025

Like Harris, Walz routinely works in warnings about Trump and Vance embracing proposals from Project 2025, even though the Trump-Vance campaign has distanced itself from the 900-page policy manual for the next Republican administration.

Walz said Vance "literally wrote the foreword for the architect of the Project 2025 agenda." This is True. Vance wrote the foreword for Heritage Foundation President Kevin Roberts forthcoming book, "Dawns Early Light." The Heritage Foundation led the network of groups that created the policy handbook.

However, Walz has also wrongly described Project 2025s goals. He falsely claimed it requires women to register with a new federal agency if they get pregnant. The manual does not mention, or call for, a new federal agency to be created for pregnancy registration. It recommends that states provide more detailed and consistent abortion and miscarriage reporting to the federal government.

Donald Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, appear with their wives, Melania Trump and Usha Vance, on the last day of the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee on July 18.

Vances attacks on Walzs military and political records

Vance has sought to negatively reframe Walzs 24-year military career with the Nebraska and Minnesota National Guards. In August, Vance said, "When Tim Walz was asked by his country to go to Iraq, do you know what he did? He dropped out of the Army and allowed his unit to go without him."

This has an element of truth but misstates the timeline in ways that could leave a misleading impression, so Vances claim rates Mostly False. Walz retired from the Minnesota National Guard in May 2005 to run for Congress. He submitted retirement paperwork five to seven months beforehand.

After Walz filed congressional candidacy paperwork in February 2005, his Minnesota National Guard battalion received a March 2005 notification for a potential deployment within two years, not immediately. Walzs battalion was not officially ordered to go to Iraq until July 2005, two months after Walz retired.

Vance has also attacked Walz for saying in 2018 that he wanted to get "weapons of war that I carried in war" off the streets. Vance said Walz "has not spent a day in a combat zone," which is True.

On Walzs gubernatorial record, Vance said Walz enacted a law that would "take children away from their parents if the parents dont want to consent to sex changes." But thats False; the law Walz signed does not do that. It amended the law governing which court could have temporary jurisdiction over child custody cases involving more than one state.

Walzs attacks on Trumps record

Walz has characterized the Trump-Vance campaign as antiunion, saying that when Trump was president, he "cut overtime benefits for millions of workers." Thats Mostly False.

In 2016, former President Barack Obamas administration set a rule that would have raised the salary threshold for overtime pay. But a judge struck it down before it took effect, and the incoming Trump administration dropped a challenge against the ruling. The Trump administration set its own rule to raise the salary threshold for overtime pay, which was lower than the Obama-era policy. The Trump rule did not amount to a "cut."

Walz has also blamed Trump for increasing the federal governments debt, saying Trump "added more to the national debt than any other president." Thats Half True.

Looking at the increase in federal debt, Trump ranks first for debt added in a single term. However, Biden is projected to pass Trumps total by the time he leaves office in January. Using a different method  counting how much future debt a presidents policies created  Trump is projected to about double Bidens debt amount.

More fact-checks of Vance and Walzs statements

Vance said Harris is "calling for an end to the child tax credit." Thats Pants on Fire!

Walz said former President Ronald Reagan was "the last union member on a national ticket." Thats False.

Vance said Trump could have destroyed the Affordable Care Act, but "he chose to build upon (it)." Thats False.

Vance said a zero-tolerance policy during the Trump administration "led to less family separation than under Kamala Harris border policies." Thats False.

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Prep for the VP debate with fact-checks of Vance, Walz talking points
Kremlin says it does not expect NATO to change course under Rutte

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at a press conference at NATO Headquarters to mark the end of Jens Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

Russia does not expect NATO to change course under the leadership of its new Secretary General Mark Rutte, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday, just hours after the former Dutch prime minister took over as NATO chief from Jens Stoltenberg.

Under Rutte, there will be nothing new or significant in the alliance's policy, Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

Russia has repeatedly claimed that it sees its security threatened by NATO. Moscow also says that one of the reasons for waging its war against Ukraine is to prevent the country from joining the Western defence alliance.

Peskov recalled that Rutte had repeatedly held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin during his time as Dutch prime minister, and said there had been hope in Moscow that good and pragmatic relations could be established.

"But then it became clear that the Netherlands had adopted a rather intransigent position, a position of complete exclusion of contacts with our country," said Peskov.
MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia said on Tuesday it did not expect any change of policy from new NATO chief Mark Rutte, the former Dutch prime minister who has replaced Norway's Jens Stoltenberg as secretary general of the alliance.

"Our expectations are that the North Atlantic alliance will continue to work in the same direction in which it has been working," Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov told reporters, adding that President Vladimir Putin knew Rutte well from past meetings.

"At one time, there were hopes for the possibility of building good pragmatic relations - at least, such a dialogue was conducted - but subsequently we know that the Netherlands took a rather irreconcilable position, a position on the complete exclusion of any contacts with our country," he said.

"Therefore, we do not think that anything significantly new will happen in the alliance's policy."

Rutte is taking on the NATO job at a critical juncture in the war in Ukraine, where Russian forces are advancing in the east of the country, and just over a month before the U.S. presidential election.

"We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," he told reporters at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday.

(Reporting by Dmitry Antonov; Writing by Mark Trevelyan; Editing by Andrew Osborn)
SAN FRANCISCO (KRON)  Nexstar Media Group, Inc., owned and operated KRON4 in San Francisco, marks its 75th Anniversary on November 15, 2024. Today, the station is excited to unveil a revitalized sonic and visual brand identity that honors its rich history while embracing the future. This dual rebrand reflects KRONs commitment to enhancing emotional connections with its audience through powerful storytelling.

The project started in August 2023 while planning for the 2024 anniversary. KRONs new marketing and creative lead, Matt Damore, shared his vision for the rebrand, We want people to experience the new KRON brand as a reflection of our strong past while introducing them to an exciting new refreshed identity, rich in history and connection to the Bay Area.

The KRON brand has stood out with its simple, but bold color palette of red, black, and white. Damore had a vision for a color palette reflective of the Bay Area. We wanted to reimagine the palette with a local focus, keeping the iconic KRON colors, but also introducing several new colors, Karl the fog, cable car, wine regions, the beautiful blues of the bay and tones from Golden Gate Bridge, Damore shared.

Damore worked directly with Nexstars Nashville Design Center Director, Vince Conti to develop the new graphic look. KRONs brand mark is distinctive; a circle 4 logo. We knew going into the redesign it would need to be a circle-focused package, Conti explained.

Working with the right designer was paramount to the success of the brand relaunch. Conti hired award-winning designer Jon Berry to lead the new KRON design effort. Berry says, I want the package to reflect San Francisco. I want it to feel like a part of the community.

Berry is known for his unique style and stop-motion techniques. Berry explains, Ive always believed a news open should be a love letter to the community.

Its more than a channel number, says former KRON marketing V.P. Rick Swanson. He recalls the pivotal rebrand during KRONs 50th Anniversary, when the station channel number 4 was reintroduced over a vivid red circle, creating the mark you see today, saying that the 4 mimics the tower of the Golden Gate Bridge.

It was during this half-century anniversary when KRON hired composer Michael Boyd of Michael Boyd Music to work on KRONs signature sonic brand. He just nailed it.

Swanson says of the lively theme, that distinctive sound captured the essence of KRON and helped us zoom to number one in the ratings.

This past year, Steven Arnold Music was selected to refresh KRONs sonic 4-note brand, preserving its legacy while integrating modern elements. Known as one of the most prolific composers globally, Whitney Arnold, President of Music Services, emphasized, Given KRONs 75th Anniversary, it was the perfect time to bring this brand back into the market.

The team opted for a rich, live orchestral sound. Violinists, guitarists, percussionists, pianists, and an entire brass section filled the Steven Arnold Music studio to record the notes that would make up the hundreds of new tracks.

Some sonic brands are so embedded in our psyche, its part of who we are, explains Paul West, Chief Engineer at Stephen Arnold Music. If youre at home and preparing dinner, and you hear that logo, you know its time for the news to be on.

Composer Matt Price ensured a dynamic fusion of instrumentation, enhancing the viewing experience for audiences, saying We create a main melody to a theme, adding different kinds of environments and emotions, to make an attention getter.

Price wanted to get the new theme right, saying that, KRON has been a trusted news source for 75 years, with an iconic sound that connects with the people and brings a sense of pride and optimism.

In addition to a fresh new look and sound that pays homage to our stations legacy, KRONs new brand will provide our journalists with many additional tools to help us tell the important stories in our Bay Area communities, said News Director Joshua Palefsky.

With the rebrand, KRON aims to resonate with longtime viewers while captivating a new generation. The revitalized sonic and visual brand stands as a testament to the stations enduring legacy and commitment to providing important daily news information to the people who call the Bay Area home.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
What happened: The fire broke out at around 3:45 a.m. at an abandoned construction site on Bunker Hill Avenue, quickly spreading to adjacent buildings. Residents were forced to evacuate as flames engulfed their homes, displacing dozens including elderly individuals. Days later, the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives confirmed that the fire was arson. The fire caused significant damage to several apartment complexes, red-tagging one building and leading to burglaries targeting displaced residents. Assistant Chief Blake Chow expressed optimism about an arrest but asked the public for help. Anyone with information is urged to call the police at (213) 486-7260 or (877) 527-3247.

What the residents are saying: Many of the displaced are struggling to rebuild their lives, with the Chinatown Service Center stepping in to provide translation services, food and temporary shelter. Longtime residents like Wilson, who lost his car, passport and tools in the incident, expressed frustration, sharing to the Los Angeles Times how the abandoned site had been a magnet for squatters and frequent fires. I had the feeling that it wasnt safe, the Chinese American immigrant told the Los Angeles Times, reflecting on the areas conditions before the incident. Community members previously voiced concerns to city officials, but nothing was done, they said. The trauma of losing homes was compounded by the timing, just days before the Mid-Autumn Festival. Despite their hardships, victims gathered at a makeshift celebration hosted by the Red Cross and the Chinatown Service Center.
A sign marks the future location of a project slated for Lakin Foundation grant funding outside of Atlantic. (Photo by Cami Koons/Iowa Capital Dispatch)

ATLANTIC  The Charles E. Lakin Foundation has donated $165 million to fund community projects in 51 cities throughout southwest Iowa, with a goal of reversing population and economic decline through its rural counties.

The donation will be managed by Community Foundation for Western Iowa, which will partner with local non-profit organizations to fund projects unique to each community, officials said during a news conference Tuesday. Housing and child care were mentioned consistently as a need in the region.

Christina Bateman, the president of Vision Atlantic, one of the partnering non-profits that has already been selected as a participant, said the foundation has pledged $23 million to support projects in the city of about 6,700 people.

In Atlantic, we often talk about this remarkable gift from the Lakin Foundation as a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, but really its an opportunity that doesnt even come around once every lifetime, Bateman said.

Vision Atlantic plans to use the funds in tandem with its own community-raised funds, to build a new child development facility, expand its YMCA and build a 144 unit housing development with integrated walking trails.

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Need in the region

Steve Wild, a director at the Lakin Foundation, said to qualify for the program, communities must demonstrate need, make a commitment to keep the funds in southwest Iowa, share amenities with surrounding communities, have an active pursuit of donors and demonstrate community drive to support the projects.

Wild said it shouldnt be hard to demonstrate need in southwest Iowa, an area he said has been called an orphan of Iowa and a stepchild of Omaha.

Wild said the majority of Iowas southwestern counties saw their peak populations in 1900, or 1930.

Since then, the exodus has been relentless, Wild said.

Yet, across the Missouri River, he said comparable counties in Nebraska have experienced consistent growth.

This difference between our two regions paints a sobering picture, and its one that we refuse to accept, Wild said. Today we are here to change the narrative.

Many rural counties across the state have seen similar declines in population, according to a study from Iowa State University Extension.

The Lakin Foundation is based in Council Bluffs and honors the legacy of Charles and Florence Lakin, successful farmers who hailed from southwest Iowa.

Wild said the foundation limits the breadth of where it can fund projects, so this money will go to the six counties of Mills, Montgomery, Cass, Pottawattamie, Page and Fremont.

Sustained support

Once the foundation has determined a city fits with the project, Wild said the real magic happens as the funding goes to local nonprofits.

Member cities, as the program calls them, will be linked to anchor cities that have a population of over 400 people and non-profits substantial enough to manage the projects and funding.

Donna Dostal, the president and CEO of the Community Foundation, said part of what makes this funding so exciting is that it is sustainable.

This isnt going anywhere, its just going to grow, Dostal said.

Funding from the Lakin Foundation will be distributed through the Community Foundations Field of Interest Funds, which are set up in benefit of the communities. Each year, the foundation can grant out 5% of the fund toward various projects.

The Community Foundation will also have impact investing available to the communities. Essentially, this means it can provide a loan to the community for a project, and the earnings for the project go back into the fund to keep growing the pool for these communities.

Dostal said its time for communities to think big about the projects they want to accomplish and the things they want to see improved in their communities.

Gov. Kim Reynolds, speaking at the Tuesday event, said the smaller tax bases and financial constraints of the region often stop great ideas from happening, which is why she said this funding will go even further in southwest Iowa communities.

This region embodies our state at its best, and amid rising cost nationwide, as well as a rise in remote work, it has more to offer than ever before, Reynolds said.

Cities like Atlantic, with greater housing stock and important amenities like child care facilities, could be the perfect place to settle for young families looking to embrace small town charm and affordability.

Reynolds also applauded the bottom up strategy of the funding that allows projects to be conceived and executed at the local level, rather than imposing cookie cutter ideas from above.

The program works hand in hand with efforts at the state level, Reynolds said, that have increased broadband infrastructure, enhanced the quality of life and funded housing developments across the state and in southwest Iowa.

She also touted the recently signed mega site tax incentive bill, to draw big projects to areas like Mills County.

Our goal is to see every single corner of this great state be prosperous and to see economic development, Reynolds said. I just cant thank you enough for helping us make that happen here in southwest Iowa.

Southwest Iowa community leaders interested in the Revitalize Southwest Iowa Initiative program can fill out an inquiry form online with the Community Foundation.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  Deputies arrested two male juveniles on suspicion of firearm charges in Lamont on Monday.

Officials with the Kern County Sheriffs Office said deputies recovered two firearms and arrested the juveniles in the 10900 block of Santa Ana Street.

One firearm had a loaded drum barrel attached.

Both of the males were booked on firearm-related violations, according to KCSO.

The sheriffs office did not specify the ages of the two juveniles.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KGET 17.
Lancaster County man gets up to 40 years for beating roommate to death; DAs Office

LANCASTER COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A Lancaster County man will be spending time in state prison for beating his roommate to death last year, officials say.

Brian Gray, now 19, was sentenced Tuesday to spend between 15 to 40 years in state prison after he pleaded guilty to third-degree murder by Judge Jeffrey Conrad, the District Attorneys Office said in a news release.

Lancaster County furniture store closing after 60 years

Micahel Pfender was beaten to death by Gray in December in a home along the 1000 block of North Duke Street after the two had gotten into an argument, the DAs Office says. He then tried to get help to hide the body, before he left the home and later surrendered to police.

While in court, Gray said how Pfender was a friend to him and that he would change things a thousand times over if he could, the release states. Conrad noted that Gray could once again return to society after his sentencing and that he should live life as a model citizen and a good man.

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Grays request to be eligible for vocational and educational training while in prison was granted by the court.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Landmarks to be lit up for breast cancer awareness

Madley Satellite Station was illuminated as part of last years Breast Cancer Awareness Month [Matt Addis]

A charity is planning to light up 70 landmarks and venues across the UK as part of breast cancer awareness month.

The Shine a Light campaign, by the charity Make 2nds Count, will illuminate monuments and sites on 13 October, when it marks secondary breast cancer awareness day.

The charity, which ran a similar initiative last year, has chosen Madley satellite station, near Kingstone, among sites to be lit up in its colours of pink, purple and teal.

Charity head Sam Dixon said: "These illuminated landmarks represent a beacon of hope for the tens of thousands affected by secondary breast (metastatic) cancer."

Diane Ellingham said raising awareness of what secondary breast cancer is has helped her [Diane Ellingham]

This initiative is a part of the charity's 1,000 Truths campaign which aims to "ignite empathy and amplify voices" and share personal stories of patients, families and healthcare professionals.

Diane Ellingham, a patient from the Birmingham area, spoke about her experience with living with secondary breast cancer.

"My diagnosis of secondary breast cancer has been a journey of learning, not just for me but for my whole family," she said.

"You adapt, compromise, and find ways to live well even with a secondary diagnosis.

"But what people don't always see is what's underneath. We may look fine, but there are days filled with fear, anxiety and pain."

She added the Shine A Light initiative had helped her by raising awareness and helping people understand secondary breast cancer is "complex and different for everyone".

Secondary breast cancer occurs when the disease spreads to other parts of the body and is incurable but treatable. Symptoms can vary from person to person, the charity said.

"We need to share our stories, the good days and the bad, to create a better understanding of what living with this condition is truly like," Ms Ellingham said.

Make 2nds Count said an estimated 61,000 people in the UK are living with this condition, which claims 1,000 lives every month.

'How do I check for symptoms?'

The first noticeable symptom of breast cancer is often lump or an area of thickened tissue. Most lumps are not cancerous, but it is always best to get a medical check.

What to look for:

A lump or area of thickened tissue in either breast

A change in the size or shape of one or both breasts

A discharge of fluid from the nipple

A lump or swelling in either of the armpits

A change in the look or feel of the skin, like puckering, dimpling, a rash or redness

A rash (like eczema), crusting, scaly or itchy skin or redness on or around the nipple

A change in nipple appearance, such as becoming sunken into your breast

Source: NHS

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WASHINGTON - It may be ten years since Larry Hogan first campaigned for Maryland governor, but in one of the nation's most anticipated Senate races, he says not much has changed on the trail.

"I'm still working like the first campaign. I'm out there, you know, shaking hands."

The Republican Senate nominee joined Jim Lokay on FOX 5's "The Final 5" for a wide-ranging interview on a race that political observers say could determine control of the upper chamber.

READ MORE: Maryland Senate race: Democrat Alsobrooks leads Republican Hogan in closely watched contest

While polls have suggested a slight edge for his opponent, Prince George's County Executive Angela Alsobrooks, a feat itself in a state with a sharp voter registration advantage for Democrats, a recent Washington Post/University of Maryland poll suggests she's opened up an 11-point lead. Hogan calls that "an outlier."

"I think the week before the [2014] election, they said I was going to lose by 12 points and we won by 5. So Im just out there convincing voters...I think we have a great chance to win."

But Democrats aren't taking history for granted. Axios reported on Monday that a political action committee tied to Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-NY) would spend $1.1 million to support Alsobrooks.



Still, unlike many other congressional races, the tone between Hogan and Alsobrooks has largely lacked personal attacks, but in recent weeks, a report suggesting Alsobrooks took advantage of tax breaks for which she wasn't eligible has created some controversy. (Alsobrooks has vowed to repay the $14,000 to tax authorities in Washington, DC and Prince George's County.)

But will that ultimately matter to Maryland voters?

READ MORE: Hogan says Biden should be 'commended' after withdrawal from presidential race

Larry Hogan talks Senate campaign, Trump, and SCOTUS on 'The Final 5'

"If you're talking about raising taxes for everyone else...but she's taken advantage of a tax break that was supposed to go to poor seniors...I think its something that shes going to have to answer."

On reproductive rights, an issue Alsobrooks has raised in a post-Dobbs decision America, Hogan defended his position on codifying Roe v. Wade, despite criticism from some groups. "Ive said not only would I vote that way, but that I will sponsor a bill on the first day...to codify Roe," Hogan said, expressing frustration that opponents have spent millions on what he called misleading ads.

Regarding his approach to bipartisanship, Hogan pointed to Senator Joe Manchin as an example of a leader who stands out. "The person that probably stands out the most for me is Joe Manchin...he stood up and stood out," Hogan remarked. He added that Manchin's endorsement of his Senate run was significant, with Manchin crossing party lines to support him.

But Manchin also proved to be a wild card on one of the Senate's most important duties: confirming Supreme Court nominees. He supported two of former President Donald Trump's picks, Neil Gorsuch and Brett Kavanagh, but opposed a third, Amy Coney Barrett. Manchin also encouraged the Senate to take up the nomination of Merrick Garland by former President Barack Obama in 2016, which was never put up for a vote by then-Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-KY).

READ MORE: Alsobrooks improperly claimed tax credits on DC, MD properties, report says: What we know

Larry Hogan talks Senate campaign, Trump, and SCOTUS on 'The Final 5'

That precedent could prove significant if Vice President Kamala Harris were to win the presidency, but Republicans regain control of the senate. In recent days, the two leading contenders to replace McConnell as leader both equivocated on whether they'd attempt to block a Harris nominee.

Hogan said he would support an up or down vote, should he be elected to the Senate.

"With all due respect to Senator [John] Cornyn and Senator [John] Thune, I thought that's an outrageous position....I'm willing to give a fair hearing and I'll support any qualified nominee if Kamala Harris is the president or if Donald Trump is the president."

Hogan, who was a vocal critic of Trump when he was in the White House, also reiterated he wouldn't support his re-election, even though Trump has signaled his own support: "We didnt ask for his endorsement...Im not going to be a rubber stamp for anybody."

Lokay concluded the interview by asking if he could step back from being a chief executive to one of 100 members of the Senate.

"I didnt really aspire to be a senator...but I really think were in real trouble. And I think we need leadership...Its a different job, but I think I can be a key voice."

FOX 5 has extended an invitation to Democratic nominee Angela Alsobrooks for her to appear on "The Final 5," and we will keep you updated on her possible future appearance.
Las Vegas doctor gets 27 months in prison, $75,000 fine in opioid case

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  A Las Vegas doctor who prescribed Hydrocodone in exchange for cash payments was sentenced to 27 months in prison and a $75,000 fine on Monday, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys office.

Dr. William Alvear, 69, was convicted by a jury in November 2023 on three counts of distributing a controlled substance.

Alvear was indicted in 2020 after an investigation that uncovered the violations during the first months of the COVID-19 pandemic.

U.S. District Judge Cristina D. Silva sentenced Alvear on Monday, specifying he will serve three years of supervised release when the prison sentence ends.

By prescribing medically unnecessary prescription medications in exchange for cash payments, the defendant put vulnerable patients at risk, FBI Special Agent in Charge Spencer L. Evans said.

The FBI investigated the case.

According to court documents, Alvear unlawfully distributed Hydrocodone without a legitimate medical purpose and outside the usual course of professional practice. Prosecutors said he prescribed opioids when a patient offered to pay him cash. In addition, Alvear unlawfully distributed and dispensed Xanax (Alprazolam).

Evans and U.S. Attorney Jason M. Frierson for the District of Nevada made the announcement.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Las Vegas police are attempting to locate a teenager who went missing over the weekend.

According to the LVMPD, Precious Kelliwaiwaiole, 13, was last seen in the area of Windmill Lane and Jones Boulevard in Las Vegas on Saturday, Sept. 28.

Precious Kelliwaiwaiole, 13, was last seen in the area of Windmill Lane and Jones Boulevard. (LVMPD)

She was seen in a blue sweatshirt the Disney character Stitch on the front, blue jean shorts or pants, and black crocs.

Metro described Precious as 5-feet-tall and 125 pounds with brown eyes and brown and maroon/purple hair.

Anyone with any information is asked to contact the LVMPD at 702-828-3111 or Nevada Child Seekers at 702-458-7009.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  Police have arrested a driver involved in an Aug. 28 hit-and-run crash that left a pedestrian dead in the southeast Las Vegas valley.

Ayanna Lillard, 31, was arrested Monday as Metro police continue to investigate. The arrest comes a month after a man was hit after he ran into Nellis Boulevard after an altercation that left him with a stab wound.

The victim has been identified as Auntrell Clark, 39, of Las Vegas, according to an update on the case from the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.

The crash occurred at about 3 a.m. on Aug. 28 on Nellis at Lana Drive.

Police had been looking for a 2015 Dodge Challenger with damage to the front bumper. After colliding with the pedestrian, the driver of the Challenger got out of the car and removed the bumper of the vehicle, police said in a news conference after the crash. The driver then left the scene, making a U-turn to head north on Nellis.

Police are looking for an orange 2015 Dodge Challenger bearing California plate 8MFG144, who fled from the scene on Aug. 28 at 3:02 a.m. near Nellis Blvd. and Harmon Ave. (LVMPD)

Police had a good description of the Challenger, including the cars California license tag.

During that news conference, police said they were trying to identify a woman who was in a fight with Clark before he was struck by the car. No update was provided on that part of the investigation.

Lillard faces a charge for failure to stop at the scene of an accident. She is scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday.

The investigation shut down Nellis Boulevard near Harmon Avenue for about 12 hours.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KLAS.
Latest news on Asheville flooding: Everything to know about what is happening in Western NC

There is a lot of information coming out of Western North Carolina as efforts to help those still isolated after the Helene devastated the area continue, we are working to make finding the information you need easier.

There is still much going on in terms of the aftermath of this storm and an even longer road ahead when it comes to terms of recovery. Below you will find links to articles containing everything from where to get food and water to how different areas in the western part of the state are fairing.

Here's everything that you need to know about what is happening and where to find water, wifi, food and more in Asheville and Western North Carolina as of Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Where can I find food, water, Wi-Fi near me?

Communities across Western North Carolina are looking for the essentials to survive and let their loved ones know that they are alive and safe for now.

Help in a hurry: Quick guide to finding essentials in Asheville after flooding from Helene

Water in Buncombe County: Buncombe County continues search and rescue after Helene, more consistent water supplies on the way

Cell service resotration: Cell service is still out in Western North Carolina: No set timeline for restoration

Where to find gas,essentials: Whats open in Western NC? Where to get gas, groceries and more in Helene aftermath

Asheville aid map

You can also find where resources are located on our interactive map below.

Where can I find a shelter?

As of Tuesday morning, 29 emergency shelters were open in the affected areas of the state with more than 1,000 people staying in them. The western part of the state has multiple shelters open for people needing them.

Shelter in South Asheville: In response to Helene, American Red Cross setting up 150-bed shelter in South Asheville

Death toll continues to rise

As of Tuesday afternoon, Buncombe County confirmed that 57 people have died in the county. That number continues to rise. There also have been six confirmed deaths in Henderson County and one in Macon County.

More: North Carolina live updates: Buncombe County death toll climbs to 57, sheriff says.

Helene recovery: How to help in Western NC

Recovery from Helene is going to be a long, long road for many. Efforts have already started to clean-up communities and help neighbors re-build in their beloved mountains.

Recovery starts: Helene recovery in NC. Everything to know about safe cleanup, medication, mold and more

How to help: How to help Asheville, North Carolina storm and flood victims: Where to donate, what to do (and what not to)

Finding loved ones: Many still unaccounted for as flood water receded and areas are searched

Many are still unaccounted for after days of rescue efforts. People are looking for all avenues to make sure their loved ones are somewhere alive and safe for now. Here are some of the efforts taking place to try and find them.

Finding the missing: More than 12,000 requests for help: Volunteers search for missing people after Helene

Missing in Western NC: Finding loved ones after Helene: People use social media to find missing family, friends in Western North Carolina

Sign up for SMS texts for latest information from the aftermath of Helene

Sign up here: Sign up for text message updates and crucial information in Hurricane Helene's aftermath

Road conditions in Western NC: Road closures and which roads are being used to evacuate

Hundreds of major and minor roads are still closed after being washed away completely or being engulfed by landslides or so clogged with debris it's hard to tell a road even exists. Here are the latest road updates in the mountains.

Road closures as of Tuesday: Road closures in Western NC: Map and which roads you can evacuate on

I-40 update: I-40 collapse: How long will interstate be closed? Alternate routes between North Carolina-Tennessee

Latest power outage map for Asheville, Western North Carolina

Thousands across Western North Carolina are still without power and it may be some time before it comes through to some. Duke Energy estimates most counties affected by Helene will have power by the end of the week. Here's where it stands now.

Avery - 60% (805) of customers without power; no change from Sept. 30

Buncombe - 53% (78,593) of customers without power; outage numbers down 11%

Burke - 60% (13,606) of customers without power; down 10%

Caldwell - 42% (10,212) of customers without power; down 13%

Catawba - 11% (8,610) of customers without power; down 7%

Cleveland - 51% (16,902) of customers without power; down 11%

Haywood - 22% (5,651) of customers without power; down 14%

Henderson - 80% (55,121) of customers without power; down 3%

Jackson - 12% (3,219) of customers without power; down 2%

Macon - 5% (1,434) of customers without power; down 4%

Madison - 62% (407) of customers without power; no change

McDowell - 67% (13,232) of customers without power; down 20%

Mitchell - 84% (4,700) of customers without power; no change

Polk - 100% (8,643) of customers without power; no change

Rutherford - 83% (23,705) of customers without power; down 8%

Transylvania - 64% (10,799) of customers without power; down 7%

Wilkes - 5% (1,568) of customers without power; down 10%, estimated time of recovery 10 p.m. Oct. 1

Yancey - 73% (472) of customers without power; no change

Take a look at the latest outage map below.

Power outage map as of Tuesday: Here's where power is still out in Western North Carolina

Updates on: Waynesville, Mills River, Chimney Rock, Banner Elk, Marshall, more

Asheville isn't the only community that is picking up the pieces. Western North Carolina has dozens of small towns and incorporated areas that are usually a haven for tourists and locals alike. Some, like Marshall, North Carolina, still are flooded, others barely have a town left.

Here are some of the latest updates from other communities in the western part of the Tar Heel state.

Town by town look: What is happening in Western NC? Here's town by town look at the latest in areas hit by Helene

Hendersonville community comes together: As Helene devastated a Hendersonville community, neighbors banded together to provide aid

Canton bounce back: Community Kitchen, like Canton, will bounce back after Helene, board chair says

Black Mountain residents find unity: Helene in Black Mountain: 'Neighbors helping neighbors' as more aid comes in

What breweries in Asheville were damaged?

Asheville has become home to a plethora of breweries over the years and many did not make it unscathed by Helene. Here's how some are fairing at this point.

Breweries devastated: Asheville breweries 'devastated' by Helene flooding: 'Closed indefinitely'

President Joe Biden to visit Western NC Wednesday, VP Kamala Harris coming soon

President Joe Biden is scheduled to visit the Carolinas on Wednesday. He is expected to take an aerial tour of areas impacted by Hurricane Helene in Western North Carolina, receive operational briefings, and meet with first responders and local officials, the White House said.

A White House official confirmed that Vice President Kamala Harris will also be coming to Western North Carolina in the coming days.

 Staff Reports

This article originally appeared on Asheville Citizen Times: Latest news on Asheville, Western NC flooding: Everything to know
Homes and vehicles that were damaged in a flash flood from Hurricane Helene lie on the side of a road near the Swannanoa River, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Swannanoa, N.C. (AP Photo/Mike Stewart)

Desperate residents of the storm-battered mountains of western North Carolina lined up for water and food, hunted for cellphone signals and slogged buckets from creeks to flush toilets days after Hurricane Helenes remnants deluged the region. Emergency workers toiled around the clock to clear roads, restore power and phone service, and reach people stranded by the storm, which has a death toll of more than 150 people across the Southeast.

President Joe Biden is set to survey the devastation Wednesday.

Follow APs coverage of tropical weather at https://apnews.com/hub/weather.

Heres the latest:

2 North Carolina quartz facilities shut down with no reopening date in sight

Two North Carolina facilities that manufacture the high-purity quartz used for making semiconductors, solar panels and fiber-optic cables have been shut down by Helene.

Sibelco and The Quartz Corp both shut down operations in the Appalachian town of Spruce Pine on Thursday ahead of the storm. The town is home to mines that produce some of the worlds highest quality quartz.

Since the storm, both companies have issued statements saying that their top priorities are making sure their employees are safe. Sibelco says some employees are unreachable due to ongoing power outages and communication challenges.

Kirk becomes a hurricane and could strengthen into a major storm

Kirk became a hurricane in the eastern Atlantic Ocean on Tuesday. The storm could strengthen into a major hurricane by Thursday, the U.S. National Hurricane Center said. The storm was about 1,070 miles (1,720 kilometers) west of the Cabo Verde Island with maximum sustained winds of 75 mph (120 kph).

There were no coastal watches or warnings in effect, and the storm system was not yet deemed a threat to land.

UNC-Asheville won't restart classes until the end of the month

The University of North Carolina at Asheville will remain closed until Oct. 14 and will not restart classes until Oct. 28 at the earliest in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, the school's chancellor said in a social media post Tuesday.

While the public university in western North Carolinas largest city received minimal structural damage from the historic flooding and winds, its lacked electricity, running water and internet service since last Friday, Chancellor Kimberly van Noorts post said.

The liberal arts and sciences school has about 3,000 students. About 1,300 students were on campus when the storm hit. All of them were relocated within 72 hours, the post said.

Classes at two other UNC campuses in the region struck by the storm  Appalachian State University in Boone and Western Carolina University  are canceled through Friday.

Biden will travel to Raleigh, North Carolina, on Wednesday

There, hell visit the emergency operations center. Also on Wednesday, Vice President Kamala Harris will travel to Augusta, Georgia, and then head to North Carolina in the coming days, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre said.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas also said close to 6,000 Army Corps of Engineers staffers have been deployed. He estimated the recovery would be a multibillion dollar undertaking. He said FEMA had already approved $1.7 million in individual assistance.

Gov. Cooper says active-duty military units may be needed in the long term

Active-duty U.S. military units may be needed in the long-term post-Helene recovery in western North Carolina, particularly as local water systems remain offline, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said.

Cooper said Tuesday at a media briefing that during a meeting with Biden on Monday the president gave the green light to use U.S. military assets in the near future.

More than two dozen water plants remained closed as of Tuesday and not producing water. That includes Asheville, where city officials have said restoring full-system service could potentially take weeks as repairs needed for treatment facilities and pipes are extensive.

We know that this crisis will likely be a sustained crisis because of water system issues, Cooper said. So we know that this is going to have to be a continuing operation. So I want to make sure we get every single resource that we possibly can into North Carolina for what may be a long haul to make sure that were continuing to get water and supplies all across western North Carolina.

The North Carolina National Guard already has a large presence in the region in the storms aftermath, with 800 members activated. More than 20 guard aircraft have been used to ferry supplies and perform other duties.

Homeland Security secretary discusses cellphone problems

In fact, communication has been difficult in a number of areas if not impossible, Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Tuesday while talking about the federal response to Hurricane Helene.

He said a great deal of infrastructure has been demolished and the government is working with private communications companies and the FCC to rebuild communications towers. He said they have deployed 50 Starlink satellite systems to help rebuild infrastructure.

Hurricane Helenes death toll passes the 150 mark

South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster said Tuesday that the remnants of Hurricane Helene killed 36 people in the state, pushing the storms overall death toll to 152.

McMaster announced three more deaths during a news conference in West Columbia, South Carolina.

The storm carved a path of death and destruction through the Southeast after coming ashore Thursday in Florida. Nearly half of the deaths were in North Carolina, while dozens of others were in South Carolina and Georgia.

More than 587,000 customers remained without power Tuesday afternoon in South Carolina, the most of any state, according to poweroutage.us. That was down from more than 720,000 homes and businesses on Monday afternoon.

Officials said parts of the power grid have to be rebuilt due to the toppling of dozens of transmission lines and the snapping of thousands of power poles.

We cant remove trees and debris off the power lines until we get the power lines turned off, McMaster said. Thats the thing that is hindering, but we are working hard to work through that.

Florida's governor deploys emergency resources to North Carolina and Tennessee

With rescue efforts completed in the state of Florida in the wake of Hurricane Helene, Gov. Ron DeSantis has deployed emergency resources to North Carolina and Tennessee, where officials are still searching for victims amid the mud and debris.

Speaking to reporters Tuesday, DeSantis said members of the Florida National Guard, Florida State Guard and teams from the states departments of transportation and emergency management are either on site in hard-hit mountain communities or enroute there.

Just yesterday, a joint Florida State Guard and Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission team rescued a mother and her 1-year-old infant, DeSantis said.

In the past 24 hours, DeSantis said the state National Guard has delivered more than 20,000 pounds (9,070 kilograms) of food into areas of critical need in North Carolina and bridge building teams are on their way.

Tennessee governor flies to East Tennessee with top lawmakers to survey storm damage

At one of the stops Tuesday in Hampton, Tennessee, Gov. Bill Lee pulled into a residential neighborhood overlooking the demolished high school.

Several residents in the area greeted the cars, saying Lee and others were the first help they had seen since the storm first hit the area. A handful of folks got heated, asking Carter County Mayor Patty Woodby, Where has everyone been? At times Woodby got emotional as she attempted to respond to each complaint, saying she had been trying to get everywhere but communications were still down and still unable to be everywhere at once.

Lee and other lawmakers stopped by destroyed homes, stepping inside to see owners removing wet and ruined flooring. Many hugged and thanked the governor and others for visiting. Orange tape marked many of the homes to note that everyone had been accounted for and not among the many missing.

The paved roads in the neighborhood were in shambles as mud seemed to cake just about everything from cars, clothing and faces. Yet the sounds of Bobcats and other heavy equipment were present as cleanup efforts continued.

North Carolina governor says, If you need help, we are working around the clock to reach you

Cooper and other government officials told residents displaced by Hurricane Helene and those worried about loved ones that a massive effort continued Tuesday to bring stability to the mountains  and to their lives.

No matter where you are in western North Carolina, if you need help, we are working around the clock to reach you, Cooper said at a media briefing in Raleigh.

The state Division of Emergency Management confirmed 38 storm-related deaths in North Carolina from Helene, with the number expected to rise.

The devastation brought by Helene is beyond belief. Communities were wiped off the map, Cooper said. He planned to return the damaged areas later Tuesday.

More than 1,100 people were staying in close to 30 shelters in the region, with over 400 roads still closed and hundreds of rescues completed, officials said. First responders and others were working to locate people whose loved ones or friends had not heard from or needed welfare checks.

The National Guard ferried close to 200,000 pounds (90,700 kilograms) of food and other necessities out of the Asheville Regional Airport on Monday, North Carolina guard Major General Todd Hunt said.

Residents told to register for assistance with FEMA

Officials called on people affected by Hurricane Helene to register for assistance with the Federal Emergency Management Agency as they cautioned that it would be a long, recovery from the storm.

A representative from FEMA, Frank Matranga, said more than 150,000 households had already registered for assistance with the agency and they expect these numbers to rapidly increase over the coming days.

Matranga listed some of the federal help thats deployed including 1,250 urban search and rescue personnel; 1.9 million ready-to-eat meals; more than a million liters of water; 95,000 tarps; and 150 ambulances. He said those supplies will increase in the coming days as affected states continue to tell the agency what they need.

This is, without a doubt, a widespread and extraordinarily devastating disaster, said Matranga. Were here to support the response across all of the affected states and do that with empathy and sensitivity. Were committed to being there every step of the way, and its going to be a long way.

In Augusta, Georgia, people wait in line for water

In Augusta, Georgia, a line wrapped around a massive shopping center, past the shuttered Waffle House and at least a half mile down the road to get water Tuesday.

At 11 a.m. it still hadnt moved. Kristie Nelson arrived with her daughter three hours earlier. It was a muggy morning for October but they had their windows down and the car turned off because gas is a precious commodity too.

Its been rough, said Nelson, who still hasnt gotten a firm date from the power company for her electricity to be restored. Im just dying for a hot shower.

Augusta and Richmond County have five centers for water set up for its more than 200,000 people. The city hasnt provided specifics on the durations of outages for both water and power.

All around the city, trees are snapped in half and power poles are leaning. Traffic lights are out  and some are just gone from the winds that hit in the dark early Friday morning from Hurricane Helene.

Some 1.4 million people across the three states remain without electricity around noon Tuesday, according to power outage.us.

Its miserable here, said David Reese who was probably looking at spending his entire day in a line for water, then for gas. But Im still feeling blessed. Ive heard its a lot worse other places.

Buncombe County manager says they've checked on the welfare of roughly 150 residents with high needs

Weve been going door to door, making sure that we can put eyes on people and see if theyre safe, Buncombe County Manager Avril Pinder said.

Pinder said she couldnt specify a number of county residents who remain unaccounted for since the storm.

We know that there are places that are still hard to access, Pinder said. Theres still trees down or power lines down or water is still moving rather rapidly. So were being strategic in trying to get out to those neighbors now. We have helicopter support, and weve been trying to fly into areas that we cannot go by foot or by boat or by car.

Helene and other storms dumped a whopping 40 trillion gallons of rain on the South

More than 40 trillion gallons of rain drenched the Southeast United States in the last week from Hurricane Helene and a run-of-the-mill rainstorm that sloshed in ahead of it  an unheard of amount of water that has stunned experts.

Thats enough to fill the Dallas Cowboys stadium 51,000 times, or Lake Tahoe just once. If it was concentrated just on the state of North Carolina that much water would be 3.5 feet deep (more than 1 meter). Its enough to fill more than 60 million Olympic-size swimming pools.

Thats an astronomical amount of precipitation, said Ed Clark, head of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrations National Water Center in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. I have not seen something in my 25 years of working at the weather service that is this geographically large of an extent and the sheer volume of water that fell from the sky.
NEW YORK  A trio of lawmakers has asked the city comptrollers office to conduct an immediate and thorough audit of technology contracts, following a POLITICO investigation into an artificial intelligence companys efforts to push its way into Mayor Eric Adams administration.

The company, Remark Holdings, found a crucial ally in top aide Timothy Pearson, who insisted that New York City Fire Department officials meet with Remark at least four times earlier this year. At the time, Pearson had a personal relationship with a consultant who worked for Remark, their social media accounts show.

Although FDNY officials were unsatisfied with the technology and declined to hire the company, the city nonetheless quietly piloted Remarks technology as a fire detection tool at a Brooklyn migrant shelter, the investigation found.

The revelations about Remark  as well as a report that another tech company secured over $1.4 million in Department of Education contracts after hiring the schools chancellors brother as a consultant  raise serious questions about the integrity of the citys procurement processes, which appear vulnerable to abuse and risk eroding public trust in our government, the lawmakers wrote in a letter Monday to Comptroller Brad Lander, which was shared exclusively with POLITICO.

The letter is signed by Council Member Jennifer Gutierrez, chair of the technology committee; Council Member Lincoln Restler, chair of the committee on governmental operations; and state Sen. Kristen Gonzalez, chair of the committee on internet and technology.

We also believe that this audit should examine the broader landscape of how technology contracts are awarded, and whether additional reforms are needed to protect against future conflicts of interest, the potential for data security breaches, and improper data sharing, they wrote.

Adams Democratic reelection challengers piled on.

Former city Comptroller Scott Stringer, who is running against Adams next year, said the city should devote extra scrutiny to AI companies vying for city business and develop additional safeguards.

This technology has arrived, and we have to monitor it; we have to make sure that people are protected, Stringer said in an interview.



Other reelection rivals also cited POLITICOs reporting as an indication that his administration is untrustworthy.

Queens state Sen. Jessica Ramos specifically criticized the mayor over his refusal to remove Pearson, saying it leaves all of us with the impression that he has no problems with his laundry list of misconduct.

Federal agents recently seized Pearsons phone in a mushrooming corruption probe.

Every time Pearsons name has come up recently, it reveals a new breach of the publics trust. This is a man who took a role at City Hall and asked himself how he could use it to enrich himself, rather than how he could serve people, Ramos said in a statement to POLITICO. What sickens me the most, is how his corruption compromised City Halls ability to manage the migrant influx.

Albert Fox Cahn, founder and executive director of the Surveillance Technology Oversight Project, said a migrant shelter is the last place on earth the city should implement surveillance technology, given the risks that the data collected could be shared with federal immigration and law enforcement agencies or accessed by hackers.

We cant be a sanctuary city and a surveillance city at the same time, he said in an interview.

And he questioned the logic of using AI technology to detect fires, saying, its very difficult for me to believe it would ever be as remotely reliable as the $10 smoke alarm that runs off a nine-volt battery.

Lander, who is also running for mayor, declined to specify whether he plans to use his offices subpoena power or other oversight authority to scrutinize the administrations dealings with Remark or other tech pilot programs.

The hardworking people of New York City deserve a city government and leadership they can trust  and this is just the latest example of the Adams administrations inability to deliver it, Lander said in a written statement to POLITICO.



In response to POLITICOs findings, Adams spokesperson Liz Garcia declined to provide a statement or answer questions about the citys work with Remark, its interest in using new technology for public safety purposes and Pearsons relationship with the Remark consultant. Garcia said Mayor Adams has repeatedly told staff they should comply with the citys ethics laws.

And Kai-Shing Tao, Remarks CEO, disputed any suggestion that his companys technology poses a security risk for New York City. He said Remarks products comply with a European data security certification.

There are a lot of people out there who are trying to do good, and I think we are one of them, Tao said in an interview. We think we can provide a lot of value from an efficiency standpoint.

Joe Anuta and Sally Goldenberg contributed to this report.
A bipartisan group of lawmakers from Southern states are calling on congressional leaders to pass federal agricultural disaster assistance, in the wake of Hurricane Helene and other recent natural disasters.

In a letter dated Monday, 34 lawmakers called on party leaders to work with state officials and the Biden administration to help agricultural sectors, as farmers continue to suffer catastrophic losses as a result of the strong winds and rainfall.

To prevent deep and lasting economic damage to the agricultural industry in the southeastern United States, it is imperative that Congress make appropriations as soon as possible upon the completion of damage assessments to fully fund unmet agricultural disaster relief needs in our states and across the nation, according to the letter, which was led by two Georgia lawmakers: Democratic Sen. Jon Ossoff and Republican Rep. Austin Scott.

Additionally, farmers and growers nationwide, not only those damaged by Helene, have now faced multiple growing seasons without sufficient federal support, they continued in the letter. Our constituents are counting on us to act swiftly.

Hurricane Helene made landfall on Thursday in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane. Florida, Georgia and North Carolina bore the brunt of the storms impact, but its high winds and rainfall brought devastation all along its path, as much as 500 miles north of the Gulf Coast.

The Biden administration has said there are roughly 600 people unaccounted for across several states because of the storm, and The Associated Press reported that the death toll surpassed 130 people.

President Biden said Monday he expects to ask Congress for a supplemental bill to fund Hurricane Helene relief efforts but said he didnt have a price tag for it yet, adding, This is a historic storm. Its devastating.

Biden suggested members might have to return from their lengthy election recess to pass the bill, saying when asked, That is something I may have to request, but no decisions are made yet.

Congress last week passed a continuing resolution (CR) to extend government funding at current levels until Dec. 20, but the measure excluded additional funding for Federal Emergency Management Agency disaster relief programs.

Some lawmakers have expressed frustration at the process by which Congress has relied on CRs to keep the government open, noting there are new needs that go unmet as a result.

One of the dangerous things with the CRs  is that its not just enough to keep the government going. Youre not meeting the needs of where the country and your communities currently are at, Rep. Kat Cammack (R-Fla.) said Monday.

So thats why we need to actually go through the appropriations process and be thoughtful and strategic about where these dollars are going, rather than just a blank check and a rubber stamp, she continued. Thats missing complete swaths of people and needs that are out there.

The Hill has contacted the four congressional leaders for a response.

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Getting sick on vacation isn't a unique experience, but according to a lawsuit in the U.K., nearly 1,000 British tourists have similar vacation illness stories in common.

A new report in The Telegraph outlines the class-action case being brought by 926 people who have visited luxury hotel resorts in Cape Verde in the past three years. The suit claims that travelers who have stayed here have come down with infections like shigella and salmonella, leaving some bedridden for the duration of their trip.

A total of 806 people came forward with their stories in 2022. They were followed by 65 in 2023 and 55 so far this year.

"The sheer volume of clients were continuing to see coming forward having fallen ill during stays in Cape Verde over the last three years is incredibly concerning," lawyer Jatinder Paul, who's representing the upset tourists, told The Telegraph. He noted that the amount of people speaking out shows there's a much deeper issue here.

"The numbers involved show that these arent isolated incidents. The fact that significant numbers are still approaching us with similar firsthand accounts points towards a worrying picture of ongoing illness that shows no sign of ending," he said.

"Those we represent rightly have a number of concerns over how such illnesses have occurred over such a period of time," he added. "Gastric illness can result in long-term health problems or even death, and the fear is this could end in tragedy if something isnt done to address the underlying causes."

Cordelia Plummer, 56, is one of those concerned tourists, as she herself noticed that food was often served uncovered and lukewarm.

"What was meant to be a dream two weeks on a wonderful island turned into a holiday Ian and myself will now do our best to forget," she said. "What started as headaches and a feeling of nausea, became the worst sickness and diarrhea Ive ever known. I think everyone has probably had an upset stomach at one time or another, but I have never felt so ill."

You might want to check the reviews of your next hotel for any possible food issues.
A ballot drop box is seen outside the Athens County Board of Elections. (Photo by Tyler Buchanan, Ohio Capital Journal.)

Two Ohioans and the state Democratic party are challenging a newly devised policy for returning absentee ballots. They argue Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRoses directive requiring people to fill out an attestation when returning someone elses ballot amounts to making new requirements and voting restrictions out of whole cloth.

At the end of July, a federal judge ruled that Ohios narrow list of family members legally allowed to return an absentee ballot on behalf of a relative would have to go  at least for disabled voters. Federal law guarantees people with disabilities can get help from anyone they want as long as its not their employer or union rep.

The court ruled disabled Ohioans, and only disabled Ohioans, must be allowed to select an assistant of their choice.

Despite that narrow ruling, LaRose urged state lawmakers to think about getting rid of drop boxes altogether.

I strongly encourage you to consider codifying any additional safeguards that might be necessary due to attempts to erode the integrity of our elections, he wrote in an Aug. 29 letter, including possibly banning drop boxes as a result of this court decision which makes it harder to guard against ballot harvesting.

In the meantime, he issued a directive requiring anyone returning a ballot for someone else to  whether theyre assisting a disabled voter or a family member  sign an attestation verifying that they are complying with state law. That directive is what is now being challenged.

How we got here

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The underlying federal case was filed by The League of Women Voters of Ohio and Jennifer Kucera, a disability rights advocate living with muscular dystrophy. League executive director Jen Miller declined to weigh in on the legal arguments laid out in the latest case, but she was unequivocal about the LaRose directive its challenging.

This change is extreme and unnecessary, Miller said, and will harm voters of all political stripes in all 88 counties, while making elections harder to administrate for our hardworking elections officials.

She explained their case sought a narrow ruling, and she emphasized when they won that ruling, it didnt necessitate Ohio officials taking additional steps. They just couldnt charge grandkids, roommates and other common-sense helpers with a felony.

Our win actually just made Ohio compliant with national voting laws, she said. It should not be used as an excuse to place greater burdens on voters or elections officials.

With the directive coming out just a few months before an election, Miller worries many voters wont know about the changes. She noted their voter education material was already designed, translated, printed and in the field. And she contends changes, like drop box signage threatening people with a felony if they deposit any ballot other than their own, are likely to intimidate voters.

Imagine showing up with your moms ballot after the board of elections is closed, she said. (You) see this intimidating sign that says you can be charged with a crime or get fined, and then you have to make a decision about whether you rearrange your schedule and come back during office hours.

For many voters, she argued, making the trip to the county board is a significant undertaking, and requiring some individuals to show up during the hours when the board is open defeats the purpose of a drop box.

The plaintiffs

The latest lawsuit involves two voters and the state democratic party. The party contends it would have to expend additional resources on voter education and turnout because of LaRoses directive. It argues the requirement will limit access by restricting after-hours drop off and contributing to long lines at county boards of elections, which could deter voters or the people helping to return their ballots.

Another plaintiff, Norman Wernet is planning to return his and his wifes ballots. After a recent instance of mail theft Wernet wants to use a drop box to ensure their ballots are counted. His wife has early-stage dementia and hes a senior citizen. Being forced to park his car, walk up to several blocks, and wait in line to complete an attestation form will be taxing on his time and his health, the complaint states.

Eric Duffy is blind, and while he has voted in person in the past, hes had health challenges recently and is planning on voting absentee. Like Wernet, he wants the certainty of the ballot drop box, but the person he trusts to return his ballot has difficulty walking and standing in line for extended periods of time. His assistant would have no problem with a drop box but could not readily return the ballot in person to election officials at the board of elections office.

The purpose

The lawsuit contends LaRoses directive violates federal law and the state constitution but the most explicit argument deals with state statute.

The section of the Ohio revised code dealing with drop boxes also covers the list of the family members eligible to return a relatives ballot on their behalf. After listing out 19 different relations, the provision lays out the states drop box policy. Secure receptacles must be on board of elections property, monitored at all times, and available for drop off 24/7 during the early voting period.

But the complaint zeroed in on a particular phrase in the description  drop boxes are set up for the purpose of receiving absent voters ballots under this section.

Because the section establishes several explicit provisions, including round the clock availability and the relatives eligible to return ballots, the secretary cant impose requirements that would curtail voters access.

The Secretarys issuance of the Directive is thus void, the complaint contends, because it violates the Revised Codes express terms and imposes an extra-legal condition on the return of ballots not imposed by the Ohio General Assembly.

The Ohio Supreme Court set a timeline Monday for the parties to file briefs. The Secretarys response is due by noon today, and deadline for the final set of reply briefs is next Monday afternoon.

Follow OCJ Reporter Nick Evans on Twitter.

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YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  The lawyer for a man who has been reported to have appealed a settlement of the class action lawsuit of the East Palestine train derailment was non-committal on Tuesday as to whether his client will move forward with that appeal.

Read next: Finding of human remains leads to local search

However, the mans attorney, David Graham, said that others have approached him and his firm about appealing the settlement, which was announced earlier this year, and he also added that anyone who is caught threatening his client will face the full force of the law.

The client, Rev. Joseph Sheely, told the Associated Press Monday that he did not want his name associated with the appeal and asked that it be removed.

A notice of appeal was filed Friday with the district court. A copy of the notice of appeal that was filed with the Circuit Court was provided to WKBN Tuesday.

Graham said other appeals of the settlement, which was approved last week by U.S. Judge Benita Y. Pearson in the U.S. Northern District Court of Ohio, will be filed.

Any appeal of the settlement could delay payments to the members who are part of the settlement.

Graham said the appeals are not about money but about the fact that the settlement calls for payments of $10,000 for medical bills. Graham said that is not enough money for a lot of people who will need medical treatment from injuries or illnesses that they have suffered because of the derailment.

The plaintiffs in the cases are seeking damages for economic losses caused by the derailment, as well as for emotional distress. The cases were combined into a class action in March 2023 after the first complaint against Norfolk Southern was filed on Feb. 7, 2023.

The derailment caused a leak of chemicals that were being carried by the rail cars, and the decision was made later to burn off the chemicals, which resulted in a large smoke plume that made headlines across the world and raised fears that the chemicals polluted the air and water in the area.

In an earlier ruling in the case, Judge Pearson wrote that in prior court documents the train, officially known as 32N, was known by railway workers as 32 Nasty to rail workers because they were concerned about its safety risks.

The derailment was caused by a failed bearing on one of the cars, Judge Pearson wrote.

Sheely told the Associated Press he challenged the settlement but asked that his name not be placed on an appeal. Graham would not answer when asked if Sheelys name was on any appeal, but he repeated that he would be filing other appeals.

Graham said he wants what is best for the residents of East Palestine and the other areas affected by the derailment.

Sheely and his wife have suffered health complications from the derailment, Graham said. He said no matter what happens, he will not be intimidated nor will his clients.

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LDS General Conference set for this weekend at the Conference Center on Temple Square

SALT LAKE CITY (ABC4)  The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints is ready to welcome millions of viewers and tens of thousands of attendees to its semi-annual General Conference set for the LDS Conference Center on Temple Square in Salt Lake City.

The conference will take place in five sessions over two days. Saturday will have three sessions and Sunday will have two sessions.

The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announces October General Conference schedule

The Saturday conference sessions are as follows:

Morning Session: 10 a.m. Mountain Time.

Afternoon Session: 2 p.m. Mountain Time.

Evening Session: 6 p.m. Mountain Time.

The Sunday conference sessions are as follows:

Morning Session: 10 a.m. Mountain Time.

Afternoon Session: 2 p.m. Mountain Time.

For those attending the conference for the first time, the church encourages those in attendance to take Utah Transit Authoritys TRAX light rail, buses, or the FrontRunner train to and from general conference. Those who have tickets for general conference will be able to ride for free.

Anyone with a ticket to General Conference will be able to use that ticket to ride UTA trains, buses, and light rail as they travel to and from Conference, the church said.

If youre driving, the church has said to consider traffic congestion, plan to arrive early, and park in designated parking areas only.

Those taking UTA TRAX will be required to show their general conference session ticket to ride to and from the Conference Center. UTA has published more information on its website in the Rider Info section under tickets as fare.

North Temple will be closed from Main Street to West Temple two hours before each session to allow for people to cross as they head into the Conference Center. North Temple will reopen during each session for a limited time before closing again for two hours after each session.

Other things to note for conference attendees are that the doors to the Conference Center open an hour and a half before each session and you must be seated 30 minutes before the event begins.

If you go on Sunday morning, you will have to be in your seat 60 minutes before the start of the General Conference session as Music and The Spoken Word will be broadcast live from the Conference Center.

As of the writing of this article, due to construction on Temple Square, 18,000 people are being allowed to attend inside the conference center. No standby seating is available due to the renovations of the Salt Lake City Temple.

The conference will be broadcast on the Church satellite system, ChurchofJesusChrist.org, and other media, a Sept. letter from the churchs First Presidency stated.

The sessions will also be streamed on the Churchs General Conference YouTube channel for all to watch. All sessions will be transcribed and posted on the Gospel Library app.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.
LE MARS, Iowa (KCAU)  The Le Mars Police Department said that they are still looking for a suspect in a shooting that happened Monday morning.

According to a release from the Le Mars Police Department, the shooting is being investigated as a homicide, and as of Tuesday, there is no suspect in custody.

Man killed in fiery two-vehicle crash on Highway 75

Police said that they believe that the incident was isolated and that there is no threat to the community.

The shooting happened in Le Mars at around 2:32 a.m. at an apartment on 3rd Avenue in Le Mars. When officials arrived at the scene, they found Migues Martinez, 21, with wounds consistent of being shot.

Martinez was declared dead at the scene by a medical examiner.

The shooting incident remains under investigation. The police department requests that anyone with information on the case contact them at 712-546-4113.

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United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres puts his hand over his heart after speaking to the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly at United Nations headquarters, Tuesday, Sept. 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)

UNITED NATIONS (AP)  They gathered at the United Nations surrounded by unsettling warnings of an escalating conflict that could engulf the Middle East and further shatter international relations that are based on "multilateralism"  nations working together and sharing power. A week later, world leaders headed home with the prospect of a broader war intensifying and global divisions front and center, not only in the Mideast but elsewhere.

There was no expectation of major breakthroughs in the public and private meetings at the annual U.N. General Assembly meeting of presidents, premiers and other leaders. There rarely is. But this year was especially grim, with no end in sight to the three major conflicts in Gaza, Ukraine and Sudan, and Israeli military action in Lebanon escalating.

U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres warning that multilateralism needs to be brought back from the brink added to the gloom, along with speech after speech decrying failures to tackle climate change and address growing inequalities between rich and poor nations, and warning of artificial intelligence with no guardrails and the potential of killer weapons with no human control.

General Assembly President Philemon Yang concluded the weeklong, high-level meeting Monday afternoon, calling it particularly tumultuous and pointing to the violent conflicts that are raging.

This is, unfortunately, not an exhaustive list of the crises and conflicts affecting member states of the United Nations, he lamented.

Parts of the world are broken

There was no disagreement that multilateralism is broken, that this founding principle of the United Nations  established in 1945 on the ashes of World War II -- needs urgent resuscitation to deal with the challenges the world faces today.

One example: During the very hour on Friday when Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu told the General Assembly that his country genuinely wants peace  a goal stressed by virtually every leader  Israeli warplanes were bombing areas around Beirut in a lethal barrage.

In the last few days, Yang said, the world has seen an extremely dramatic escalation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon that risks war in the entire Middle East. As we speak, peace in the Middle East is hanging delicately on a shoestring, he warned..

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said this years meeting of leaders  with its marquee speeches known in U.N.-speak as the general debate  took place at a very serious and a very intense time.

"The world doesnt stop for the general debate, he told reporters Monday. So we were focused very much on what member states said, but we continue to be very much focused on what is going on in the world outside of this building.

There was one positive development welcomed by Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and many leaders: The adoption of a Pact for the Future at a summit just before world leaders began their addresses to the General Assembly. The 42-page blueprint aims to bring the 193 U.N. member nations together to meet todays challenges, from climate change and artificial intelligence to escalating conflicts and increasing inequality and poverty.

It challenges leaders of countries large and small, rich and poor, to turn promises into actions. Whether that happens remains to be seen. Yang, the assembly president, said his office has already instituted an awareness-raising campaign to spur implementation.

Screeds against selfishness abounded

In an illustration of the blend of woe and weary hope that percolated through the gathering, Burundis foreign minister, Albert Shingiro, on Monday decried an international community where most of us act like we were alone in the world, like others didnt exist or didnt count.

Still, he said, the consensus on the Pact for the Future shows that multilateralism is not dead and buried.

From the vantage points where leaders of smaller or less powerful nations sit, the U.N. cant change the world without changing itself. Founded with 51 member countries, it now has 193, and many feel included only to a point.

We must ensure that global institutions give developing countries, especially small, vulnerable ones like my own, seats at the tables of decision-making, said Barbados prime minister, Mia Mottley. The anger and mistrust of our citizens in institutions, in leaders and in multilateralism and its processes which exclude, while yielding much talk and little action, is very real."

Nobel peace laureate Muhammad Yunus, head of Bangladeshs interim government, said time demands new attitudes, new values, new compacts, across communities and countries.

"I believe, the world needs to engage on a shared vision of three zeroes that we can materialize together, targeting zero poverty, zero unemployment, and, zero net carbon emissions -- where a young person anywhere in the world will have opportunities to grow, not as a job seeker but as entrepreneur, he told the assembly.

During the global gathering, the assembly heard from 190 countries  all but Brunei, Myanmar and Afghanistan. The speakers included 71 heads of state, 42 heads of government, six vice-presidents and crown princes, eight deputy prime ministers, 53 ministers, three vice-ministers and seven heads of delegations. Usually, the U.N. Security Council holds one meeting during the high-level week, but this year the council met about a half-dozen times because of the global conflicts and crises.

For all the alarm, leaders here are politicians, and many made a point of appealing at least somewhat to optimism. Perhaps none stressed it as much as U.S. President Joe Biden, making his last speech at the annual meeting after more than a half-century in public life.

He noted that humanity has brought to a close some of the seemingly intractable threats, conflicts and injustices that beset the world when he was elected as a senator in 1972, from the Cold War to apartheid in South Africa.

Things can get better, Biden said. We should never forget that.

___

Edith M. Lederer, chief U.N. correspondent for The Associated Press, has covered international affairs for more than a half-century. She and Jennifer Peltz cover the U.N. General Assembly for AP every year. See more of APs coverage of the General Assembly at https://apnews.com/hub/united-nations
At least 61 now dead in Buncombe Co. from Helene

BUNCOMBE COUNTY, N.C. (WSPA)  At least 61 people have now died in Buncombe County as a result of Hurricane Helene.

Sheriff Quentin Miller announced that tally during a news conference Wednesday.

According to Miller, the sheriffs office received 300 to 400 calls for wellness checks and have made checks on all but four people as of Wednesday afternoon.

Several local and state search and rescue teams are in Buncombe County with 19 federal urban search and rescue teams in North Carolina, officials said.

It is not known how much of the county has been searched. Teams were still working to deliver supplies to people who are stranded as of Tuesday afternoon.

Its complete devastation out there and we are working really hard to get to everybody so that we can get them some closure and get to their families so they can make the phone calls to let them know they are safe, said Scott Bean with National Urban Search and Rescue team. We are dealing with a lot of major issues from bridge closures to no power, no water, just complete infrastructure failure.

A list of open pharmacies in western North Carolina can be found on the North Carolina Board of Pharmacy website.

Various departments around North Carolina, including New Hanover County, Fayetteville, Stanly County, and Raleigh-Wake, are assisting Buncombe Countys 911 call center.

Woodfin is distributing water at North Windy Ridge School near I-26 exit 17. Residents are asked to bring their own containers.

A curfew is in effect from 7:30 p.m. to 7 a.m. in Woodfin.

Buncombe County officials said that multiple teams are set to arrive soon to help provide additional internet and cell connectivity in the county.

Hundreds of roads remain closed in western North Carolina.

The North Carolina Department of Transportation said Interstate 40 has reopened in both directions at Old Fort, however westbound travel is limited to emergency traffic.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
At least 8 killed, 9 wounded in Tel Aviv mass shooting at rail station

First responders from the Magen David Adom ambulance service treats victims of the Tuesday night mass shooting in Tel Aviv. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Two gunmen shot and killed eight and wounded nine at a light rail station in a suspected terror attack in Tel Aviv Tuesday night, which Iran followed with a missile strike.

The two suspected terrorists -- who were identified as from Hebron -- were shot and killed by security forces when they exited a train.

Eight civilians were killed in the attack and nine more were wounded, the Times of Israel and the Express reported.

Initial reports indicated seven were wounded in the mass shooting but the number has been revised to nine.

The Magen David Adom ambulance service treated victims and the scene and took victims to a nearby hospital.

Israeli security forces shot and killed two men described as "terrorists" who shot and killed at least 8 and injured nine others at a light rail train station in Tel Aviv Tuesday evening. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE

Local police called the mass shooting a "terrorist" attack that occurred while Israel anticipated retaliatory strikes from Hezbollah and Iran for recently successful strikes against Hezbollah and Hamas leadership in Lebanon and Iran.

Missiles streak across the skies of Tel Aviv as Iran launches a missile attack into Israel after two gunmen shot and killed at least eight at a light rail station in Tel Aviv Tuesday night. Photo by Abir Sultan/EPA-EFE

According to reports, a large police presence stayed in the area after the incident as police investigated the scene and conducted searches for other possible threats.

Soon after the train-station attack, Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps launched missile attacks against Israel in retaliation for the recent killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Beirut.

Israel's "Iron Dome" anti-missile defense system intercepted many missiles, but it's unknown how many might have struck targets in Israel, CNN reported.

CNN reported sirens sounding throughout Israel and said some of its reported witnessed missiles flying overhead while in Israel.

The White House earlier Tuesday warned of an imminent missile attack by Iran against Israel and said the United States was "actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack."

Israeli intelligence officials anticipated missile attacks against three air bases and an intelligence operations located north of Tel Aviv.

Diplomats in the United States and Arab nations say the missile attack might lead to Israel's military striking targets in Iran.
Residents of villages in southern Lebanon who fled amid ongoing Israeli airstrikes sit in their vehicles on a highway to Beirut on Tuesday. (Mohammad Zaatari / Associated Press)

As word of Israel starting its invasion into south Lebanon filtered out Tuesday, the Lebanese gathered their collective breath for another tumultuous chapter in a country that has never lacked for them.

In Beirut, people woke up to new columns of smoke ringing the Hezbollah-dominated suburbs known as Dahieh, from which an estimated 700,000 people have fled in recent days. One man, who had fled the Dahieh district days ago and was now living in his car parked at a hill overlooking the area, called his son, who was in their apartment gathering some of their belongings.

"Hurry up. Just get a few things and leave, don't stay long. I can hear the drones buzzing overhead," he said.

In the southern city of Tyre, a gaggle of scooter drivers gathered around the only gas station still open, jostling to fill up tanks, gallons and even plastic water bottles with fuel.

"Stand in line! You can't come this way!" shouted the attendant, while a rescue worker took charge of setting up a queue.

The city's beaches lay deserted, with the one hotel still open already booked to capacity by journalists and its patio bristling with cameras trained at the Israeli border.

On the road, the main coastal highway connecting south Lebanon to Beirut was almost completely deserted, save for a few cars teetering under tall piles of household goods and bedding. Every few miles, they encountered the remains of destroyed buildings or blackened husks of cars.

Israel, which began a ground invasion Tuesday, has launched thousands of airstrikes and warned residents in numerous areas to evacuate immediately because more were on the way. Israel's air assault has so far killed more than 1,000 people and injured thousands more, authorities say. An estimated 1 million have already been displaced.

The Israeli military says it is targeting Hezbollah weapons caches and positions across the country, but especially in Hezbollah's heartland areas in Lebanon's south, east and parts of the capital. Nevertheless, the civilian death toll is mounting, Lebanese authorities say.

At noon Tuesday, relatives gathered in a cemetery in this southern Lebanese city to bury some of those killed in an Israeli airstrike on the nearby village of Ein el Delb.

Though the strike  which destroyed two apartment buildings  happened Sunday, rescue crews didnt finish getting all the bodies out until Tuesday. The death toll was at 45, but likely to rise, authorities said.

Lebanese driven from their homes by Israeli airstrikes settle at a waterfront promenade in the southern port city of Sidon on Tuesday. (Mohammad Zaatari / Associated Press)

Inside the cemetery prayer hall in Sidon, family members gathered around 12 open caskets. One of the women, her eyes puffy from long hours of crying, sat by a casket labeled Deniz Al-Baba and put her head on the body bag. With her hand, she reached out to the casket with the body of Ali Al-Rawaas, Babas son.

Sitting on a nearby chair with crutches at his side was 62-year-old Abdul Hamid Ramadan. He had been injured in Sundays strike, which also killed his daughter, 28-year-old Julia, and his wife Jinan Al-Baba.

Israel came and changed the course of my life all at once. My wife, my daughter, the house I paid for over the last 20 years, he said.

His anger building, he blamed America, excoriating its leaders for saying they want a cease-fire, then sending Israel 1 million  a million!  tons of ammunition.

A man sleeps on a makeshift pallet near the waterfront in Sidon, Lebanon. (Mohammed Zaatari / Associated Press)

He stressed that he had no allegiance  to Hezbollah or anything else  other than his family.

I worked hard all this time, to say I sacrificed myself for my family, and no one else, he said. And now my wife, my life partner, is gone. And Julia, the smile of our house, is gone.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
SHREVEPORT, La. (KTAL/KMSS)  Judge Brittany Arvie has ruled that the City of Shreveport cannot pursue criminal charges against the owner of a limited liability corporation in Shreveport. The decision takes jail time off the list of legal possibilities for Yacov Smouha of Amar Shreveport Holdings, LLC.

But thats not the end of legal woes troubling the LLC that controls multiple apartment complexes in the city, including Linwood Homes and Villa Norte Apartments.

The courts decision traces back to unpaid water bills totaling more than $300,000, unsafe living conditions, and structure fires allegedly caused by squatters in the newly vacated apartment complexes.

On Jun 27, 2024, Shreveport Mayor Tom Arceneaux declared a public health and safety emergency for Linwood Homes, and the property was placed under an emergency declaration. The apartment complex had no running water or functioning toilets, and squatters had vandalized the property.

Shreveport firefighters respond to a fire at Linwood Homes apartment complex on July 23, 2024. (Source: KTAL/KMSS)

On Sun., June 23, 2024 around 8:30 a.m., after Amar Shreveport Holdings was already facing criminal blight of property charges, Shreveport firefighters arrived at the burning Pine Apartments to find the property had no electrical service.

A Shreveport firefighter was injured while responding to the fire that was allegedly started by squatters.

Owner of Villa Norte and Pine Apartments faces criminal blight charges

The Shreveport Fire Department released a statement in June concerning fires at vacant apartment complexes across the city, as fires at Linwood Homes, The Jolie Apartments, and Pines Apartments had injured several firefighters.

Shreveport police clearing out The Pines and Bella Norte Apartment buildings, 2024. (Source: KTAL/KMSS)

Amar Shreveport Holdings owns both The Pines and the Villa Norte Apartments.

Multiple Shreveport apartment complexes fail to pay bills; city responds

In early May, 2024, residents at Villa Norte apartments said they had no hot water and were being forced to move out. By the middle of the month, dozens of renters who lived in apartment complexes owned by Amar Shreveport Holdings were forced out of their apartments.

Multiple agencies teamed up to help the residents find new homes.

Relocation underway for more than 100 displaced Shreveport residents

In August the City of Shreveport filed suit against Amar Shreveport Holdings. By that point, the LLCs overdue water and sewer bills totaled more than $360000.

On Sept. 27, Monique Davis served as city prosecutor as the court questioned whether or not Yacov Smouha, a member of Amar Shreveport Holdings, could be held liable for multiple code violations at apartment complexes.

Smouha owns Amar Shreveport Holdings.

The court reviewed a Louisiana statute that states, no member, manager, employee, or agent of a limited liability company is liable in such capacity for debt, obligation, or liability of the limited liability company.

The court then ruled that the corporate veil could not be pierced.

Amar Shreveport Holdings agreed to a trial date pending a resolution with the city.

The City of Shreveport objected to the ruling, and the matter was set for a trial date of Fri., Nov. 8, 2024.

This is a developing story and more information will be released as it becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Many people agree that salaries for state legislators and other elected officials are out-of-date but there lacks widespread agreement on how to fix that. (Ben Botkin/Oregon Capital Chronicle)

If the Oregon lawmakers who crafted Measure 116 had done their homework, they wouldnt be asking voters to create a Commission of Unanswered Questions to deal with the important, and always contentious, issue of how to set pay rates for themselves and other elected officials.

Thats my takeaway from reading through the text of the measure, tracking its legislative history and researching the experience of other states related to Oregons constitutional amendment that would terminate the Legislatures authority to set salaries for elected office holders and give that authority to an appointed commission.

Im sympathetic to the problem that Measure 116 is trying to solve. Salaries for state legislators and other elected officials are clearly out-of-date, and efforts to update them have fallen by the political wayside even after years of record state revenues. So why not let an independent commission take on this job? States like California and Washington have done so. Why not Oregon?

If the lawmakers had taken a closer look at those other states and at Oregons own statutes for setting public employee salaries, they could have given us better answers to those questions.

First, there is the issue that is having a moment in our politics today: democracy.

Proponents assert in the Voters Pamphlet that Measure 116 will be good for democracy because it will remove lawmakers power to set their own pay. Thats arguable, since that power is now exercised by representatives accountable to their voters rather than by an appointed commission that will become a power unto itself.

Under current law, if the Legislature enacts salary increases that appear excessive, opponents have the constitutional right to pursue repeal of those changes by taking them to the voters for final approval. But Measure 116 will place the commissions decisions beyond the reach of the referendum process, which is limited to laws enacted by the legislature.

Washingtons constitution allows decisions of its Citizens Commission on Salaries for Elected Officials to be subject to voter referendums. But thats not part of the language that Measure 116 will add to Oregons constitution.

Oregon lawmakers should have foreseen this problem and provided some mechanism for review of the commissions decisions, either by a super majority of votes of the Legislature or by access to the ballot by means of citizen referendums. Even if they are never used, mechanisms of that kind have a sentinel effect on public bodies. Just the knowledge that voters can have the final say on decisions can keep decision makers mindful of public opinion.

Second, there is the perennial issue of accountability  another principle invoked by supporters who assert, with Orwellian logic, that Measure 116 will be an improvement for accountability.

There are no fiscal controls in Measure 116 that will prevent the proposed commission from raising legislators salaries during budget shortfalls when pay freezes or pay cuts are imposed on the state workforce.

California voters approved that states Citizens Compensation Commission via a constitutional amendment in 1990. But they then had to amend the states constitution in 2009 to allow the commission to reduce salaries for lawmakers when most of the states workforce was taking pay cuts and unpaid furloughs. This should have been a lesson learned for the lawmakers who drafted Measure 116 to align the commissions powers with the states budget realities.

Those same lawmakers also ignored Oregons approach to setting salaries for public employees. Prior legislatures have placed strict guidelines for handing off decisions on public employee salaries to third-party arbitrators charged with resolving contract impasses for public safety workers. These guidelines include consideration of the interest and welfare of the public and the reasonable financial ability of the unit of government to meet the costs of any contract (ORS 243.746). But Measure 116 sets no such criteria to guide the commission in its decision-making.

Washingtons salary commission, which has powers similar to those proposed in Measure 116, follows processes and criteria to be used in making its decisions that were enacted by the states Legislature prior to seeking voter approval of the commission (ESHB 1331). Washington voters knew what they were voting for when they approved the creation of the states salary commission in 1986.

Its not clear whether similar rules and criteria can be established by the Legislature under Measure 116 or whether the commission will do so under its own constitutional authority. What is clear is that voters would have been better able to judge the merits of the measure if these questions had been answered in advance.

Measure 116 may be well-intended, but it has not been fully thought through. Nor has it been well-presented. Simply asserting that the measure will promote democracy and ensure accountability uses Orwellian rhetoric to distract from its flaws and omissions. The Legislature should have done a better job of clarifying how the commission will exercise its power before asking the voters to enshrine a Commission of Unanswered Questions in the states constitution.

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WHITESBURG, Ky. (FOX 56)  Letcher County Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has announced his retirement, according to a letter from his attorney.

The letter, from The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley, said that Stines made the difficult decision to effect his retirement on Monday ahead of the ongoing legal process.

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Stines was arrested and charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of district judge Kevin Mullins in his courthouse chambers on Sept. 19. In his arraignment, Stines pleaded not guilty.

His retirement comes after pressure to resign from Gov. Andy Beshear and Kentucky General Counsel S. Travis Mayo. A letter to Stines from the governor stated that if he did not take action, he would be removed from the position.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

The law offices letter also thanked the community and Stiness staff for their love and support.

He served as the Letcher County sheriff for 22 years.

The full letter can be read below:

Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has proudly served the people of Letcher County for over 22 years. He expresses his heartfelt appreciation and love for the support this community has given him and his family during his time in service. Mr. Stines has made the difficult decision to effect his retirement as of September 30, 2024. This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him. Mr. Stines thanks every member of his staff, past and present, as well as those who have worked with him over the years. He asks for your thoughts and prayers of support for him and his family; and asks that their privacy be respected during the judicial process. The Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley





Stines is set to appear in court for a preliminary hearing at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
LETCHER COUNTY, Ky. (WJHL)  The Letcher County Sheriff has retired amid allegations that he shot and killed a district judge in the county courthouse.

A letter from the Law Office of Jeremy A. Bartley states that Shawn Mickey Stines has made the difficult decision to effect his retirement as of September 30, 2024.

Impact Plastics addresses missing and deceased employees after floods

Stines has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death of district judge Kevin Mullins on Sept. 19. Stines pleaded not guilty to the murder charge on Sept. 25.

This decision is made, not as a result of any ultimatum or in any way as a concession to any allegations made by the Commonwealth of Kentucky, the letter reads. Rather, Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him.

Kentucky Governor Andy Beshear and Kentucky General Counsel S. Travis Mayo sent a letter to Stines on Sept. 25 formally asking him to resign.

Sheriff Shawn Mickey Stines has proudly served the people of Letcher County for over 22 years, the letter reads. He expresses his heartfelt appreciation and love for the support this community has given him and his family during his time in service.

Stines is set to appear for a preliminary hearing in Morgan County, Kentucky at 1 p.m. on Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Letters to the Editor: If California is targeting hemp products, why not go after alcohol?

The owner of Sow Eden Organics, a CBD-hemp product company, with some of this products in La Verne. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

To the editor: "The children! The children!" Its always about the children. ("Cheech and Chong sue California over ban on certain hemp products," Sept. 27)

Yes, studies show that cannabis is bad for developing brains. But, why single out only the cannabis industry to protect kids? Because it's the newest?

Since California is implementing rules banning the sale of hemp products with a detectable amount of the psychoactive substance THC in them, then we should simultaneously rule that wine and spirits can only be sold if the alcohol content is below a certain level, and cigars, cigarettes and vapes can only be sold if the amount of nicotine in them is also below a certain level.

Does Sacramento naively think that kids don't drink or smoke?

These products are for the legal use of adults only. It's fine for the state to mandate that dispensaries, as with liquor stores, require IDs showing the proper age of the customer. But if the state is going to further burden the cannabis industry, which the federal government already restricts, it's fair to recognize that the state is also restricting the rights of adults who wish to purchase those legal products.

Barry Davis, Agoura Hills

..

To the editor: Isn't it good to know the California Department of Public Health is now coming down with tough restrictions on small businesses that sell products containing hemp to protect young people? So what if they drive those folks out of business?

Of course alcohol has only one restriction: You must be 21 to buy it. It doesn't matter how potent or how many bottles you buy. And it has far more proven dangerous effects of consumption than marijuana.

But California wouldn't dare put more restrictions on the alcohol industry, probably because it makes big campaign donations to our politicians.

Tony Blake, Woodland Hills

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Letters to the Editor: Support the death penalty? Then you accept the execution of innocents

Protesters in St. Louis call to halt the execution of Marcellus Williams on Sept. 24. (Laurie Skrivan / Associated Press)

To the editor: I continue to be saddened and perplexed by our country's ability to think it's OK to kill an innocent person in exchange for vengeance or punishment. ("What kind of country would kill Marcellus Williams despite the doubts about his conviction?" Opinion, Sept. 29)

By that, I mean that I doubt there is anyone who believes that our justice system is 100% perfect, and those who support the death penalty must therefore accept that people are being killed who are innocent.

Our acceptance of capital punishment is another example of the horrifying cognitive dissonance that infects much of this country. Shame!

Todd Koerner, Hermosa Beach

..

To the editor: Let's be clear about this  Marcellus Williams wasn't killed by a country. He was killed by Missouri Gov. Michael L. Parson and a corrupt U.S. Supreme Court  in the face of exculpatory evidence and St. Louis Countys chief prosecutor saying he should be spared  because he was Black.

Getting tough on crime doesn't happen to rich white people, does it? Look at the Republican presidential candidate and all who participated in his multiple efforts to corrupt and mislead our once great country.

In fact, the U.S. Supreme Court even rewrote part of the Constitution to grant Trump immunity from criminal acts not contemplated by the founders.

I am a loyal, patriotic American. I refuse to take the blame for this. As they say, not in my name.

Daniel Fink, Beverly Hills

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Letters to the Editor: Trump's promise to end the war in Ukraine sounds like Nixon's 'secret plan' in 1968

Former President Trump and Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky meet in New York on Sept. 27. (Julia Demaree Nikhinson / Associated Press)

To the editor: One upon a time, in 1968, there was a presidential candidate, Richard Nixon, who claimed to have a "secret plan" to end a war, this one in Vietnam. But the war continued and even expanded during several years following his election. ("Trump and Zelensky meet after Trump disparages U.S. support for Ukraine against Russias invasion," Sept. 27)

Now, Donald Trump invites us to believe that he will bring a quick resolution to the war in Ukraine if he is elected president again.

Trump could easily make things worse. He could try to give Russian leader Vladimir Putin most of what he wants, threaten Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky to make concessions, and start to abandon the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.

This isnt going to end well if we give him the chance.

Scott Thacher, San Diego

..

To the editor: Zelensky imploring world leaders for help brings to mind Ukraine's conscription exemption for young men under age 25. If Ukraine doesn't tap into its immense reservoir of young men of prime fighting age, it becomes difficult for us to be sympathetic to its cause.

Much as we may support extending Ukraine's missile reach deep into Russia, perhaps such support should be made contingent on Ukraine dramatically lowering its conscription age for its truly existential struggle.

J. Philip Barnes, San Pedro

..

To the editor: Trump promises that if wins the presidency, he will quickly negotiate peace in our time, to paraphrase the tragically ironic words of British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain in 1938.

But as Chamberlain realized less than a year later, Hitler had no intention of honoring that agreement. Nor did North Vietnam have any intention of honoring the Paris Peace Accords of 1973. Nor the Taliban for the agreement Trump himself negotiated in 2020.

We should not expect Putin to be any different.

Steve Mills, Glendale

..

To the editor: Because of the perilous state of the world, The Times devotes a tremendous number of column inches to the situation in the Gaza Strip, Lebanon, Iran, Ukraine, Korea and Taiwan.

Astonishingly, the presidential campaign has thus far been devoted almost exclusively to domestic issues. Trump has been credited with at least one off-the-cuff remark to the effect that he would be willing if not downright eager to leave Ukraine in the lurch, and Vice President Kamala Harris has not shown she has thought much about foreign policy issues.

Since both candidates aspire to be commander in chief of U.S. armed forces, the press should not let them get away with this. The media (The Times included) are failing in their responsibility to the American people

Dana Sutton, Corona

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Re: Sept. 29 article, 'PolitiFact: Whats behind recent false claims about immigrants and crime?'

The article states: "Several studies compared U.S. citizens and immigrants in Texas, the only state that keeps immigration status records on people arrested and convicted of state crimes. They overwhelmingly found that noncitizens are less likely than citizens to be convicted or incarcerated."

If ever there was a state where the political leadership wanted a different result than what was reported above - it would be Texas.

A buoy barrier in the Rio Grande and razor wire protect the U.S. border in Eagle Pass on January 8, 2024. (Credit: Jay Janner/American-Statesman)

So, despite being the only state that records that kind of data, the political leadership of Texas prioritizes billions of dollars on border security while ignoring funding public education. How these yahoos keep getting elected is a result of big money buying politicians and the public's willingness to ignore reality.

Our children are no safer and no smarter as long as the current crop of the GOP continues to lead Texas.

Jon Percy, Austin

512-577-7800

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Letters: Immigrants aren't the real problem Texans face
Ohio Issue 1: Make politicians accountable again

We all want to live in a state where our politicians actually listen to their constituents. However, thanks to our current unconstitutional district maps that guarantee politicians will win re-election, our state politicians dont have to listen to Ohioans. Despite 83.5% of Ohio voters, including 79.5% of gun owners, supporting expanded background checks for gun purchases, our state politicians decided to allow permit-less concealed carry and forbid cities from passing stricter gun legislation than state law.

Politicians without accountability make our state more dangerous for everyone. Ohioans have stood up to politicians in the past like last August, where we prevented them from making it more difficult to change the Ohio Constitution. This fall, we have another opportunity to stand up to politicians by voting yes on Issue 1.

Issue 1 would give power back to the people by citizens, not politicians, drawing fair maps. Only then can we see legislation that reflects what Ohio voters actually want. Join me and vote yes on Issue 1.

Mackenzie Doyle, Cincinnati

Ohio AG Yost is abusing our tax dollars

Attorney General Dave Yost was elected to represent all the citizens of Ohio. He does not.

Instead, he is using his office like a private law firm to represent private charter and religious schools. Instead of protecting citizens from the abuse of using their tax dollars to fund the operation, maintenance and expansion of private/religious schools, Yost has seemingly volunteered to be their lawyer for free to do just the opposite.

Currently he is trying to force the City of Columbus to use public school buses to transport students back and forth to their private/religious schools.

Perhaps Yost should put up a sign over his office: Free legal services for anyone who wants to use public tax dollars to operate their private or religious businesses.

Martyn Brodnik, Bexley

Bernie Moreno holds a press conference with sheriffs from around the state on Sept. 20.

Moreno: For the people, or himself?

Ohioans over the years have made their preferences known on certain issues, referendums and constitutional amendments at the ballot box. From reproductive rights to adult-use recreational marijuana to labor unions, the citizens of Ohio have upheld, changed or altered laws where we've seen fit.

Now there is a candidate for the United States Senate who seems to go against the grain on nearly every issue where the majority of Ohioans voted a certain way. Senate candidate Bernie Moreno has not publicly supported recently passed Ohio Constitution and ballot initiative issues. In fact, he is often incredulous at the mere mention of the aforementioned issues that a majority of Ohioans favor.

A senator should reflect the people of the state they purport to represent and be a champion for the issues in which a majority of his constituents have cast ballots to support. It doesnt seem like candidate Moreno is running for the people, but rather for himself.

Michael Engbert, Canal Winchester

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Letters: Issue 1 will give power back to the people
Aberaeron Library is currently based in the town's County Hall, 650m from its proposed new location at the council's offices [BBC]

A towns library will be moved from the town centre to its outskirts, despite more than 90% of people saying they oppose the plans.

Ceredigion council said the relocation of Aberaeron library to the councils offices - 650m (2,130 ft) away in Penmorfa - will help save 70,000.

It said the move would "modernise library provision" with the aim of increasing use, opening hours and improving facilities.

However, the majority of people who responded to a consultation think the move will not lead to efficiencies nor encourage more people to use the library.

A Welsh government grant of 268,000 will fund the new library in the councils headquarters.

According to the report presented to the cabinet, it was "not possible to run a financially viable library service from such a large building - the old County Hall where the library is currently located.

It said that, in 2023-24, the rates and a large electricity bill contributed to "significant costs" totalling almost 45,000.

Ceredigion council's offices, in Penmorfa, on the outskirts on Aberaeron, are the proposed new location for library [BBC]

When the library moves, the County Hall building  which is in a prime location in the town  will be suitable for sympathetic redevelopment, according to the council.

The council has claimed that this could lead to commercial accommodation, helping increase footfall and employment opportunities.

However, businesses in Aberaeron have said they are concerned that moving the library could reduce footfall in the town.

Aberaeron is one of four main libraries in Ceredigion. The others are in Aberystwyth, Cardigan and Lampeter.

The council said that the use of the Aberaeron branch is "low", accounting for approximately 10% of active library users in the county.

There were 896 responses to the consultation, which ended in July, with the council saying 45% were not current library users.

Of the 896, 91% said they did not support relocating the library, and 88% saying they felt it would not encourage additional library users.

Councillor Elizabeth Evans said the council's impact assessment on the relocation was "not fit for purpose" [BBC]

Aberaeron councillor Elizabeth Evans told the cabinet meeting that people had spoken in one voice during the consultation and appealed for the cabinet to "make the right decision for the people".

She said the council could "really do something special" by redeveloping County Hall without moving the library,

Ms Evans also said the impact assessment on the relocation was "not fit for purpose".

She read a section that said the change would have no or negligible impact on older and disabled people, despite the library moving.

"How can that be a true reflection of peoples everyday life of having to come (to Penmorfa)? Im speechless. It is so offensive," she said.

Another councillor, Gareth Lloyd, asked: "If you arent going to take notice of consultations, people will ask whats the point of them.

"They think democracy is being killed."

Cabinet member Catrin MS Davies says the use of the existing library in Aberaeron is relatively low [BBC]

Cabinet member for culture, leisure and scrutiny services Catrin MS Davies said she had taken account of the consultation and had referred to the high levels on opposition to the proposal in her opening comments.

She also said that the use of the existing library in Aberaeron was relatively low compared to the three other libraries in Ceredigion.

She added that the relocation to Penmorfa would offer better parking and the library would be open for 5 hours a week longer than it is now.

The cabinet approved the recommendation to relocate the library by a majority decision with seven members in favour and one abstention.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  Papitto Opportunity Connection (POC) is hoping to help people struggling with a disease that it claims is woefully understudied and underfunded.

On Monday, POC awarded the Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Program with its first $1 million Innovation Grant.

According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, sickle cell disease is a kind of inherited blood disorder that can be life threatening. Nearly all patients suffering from the disease are Black or Latino.

Georgina Dauda is a sickle cell patient who said she has been in pain all 31 years of her life.

I would cry, and I would become swollen all over, and I was just always in distress, Dauda said.

Daud said getting proper care for her disease hasnt been easy.

Whether its because of my skin color or because of the disease that I have which requires high doses of pain medication, Dauda explained. Ive been called certain names like drug seeker or Ive been told that Im lying that Im not in pain.

Daudas experience isnt unique. POC said many people forego medical care despite the heightened risk of life-threatening complications to avoid the emotional strain.

According to POC, 300 Rhode Islanders suffer from sickle cell disease. That number continues to grow as it is being found in more children through the states newborns screening program.

Although the disease has been recognized for longer than a century, the development of sickle cell disease therapies has faced significant obstacles, largely stemming from insufficient research funding that many researchers and scholars have attributed to systemic racism, POC said.

Lifespan said the grant will help make sure Rhode Islanders with sickle cell disease receive adequate care from infancy through adulthood.

This group of patients that have suffered so much pain have never been prioritized, said Dr. Patrick McGann, director of the Lifespan Comprehensive Sickle Cell Center at Rhode Island and Hasbro Childrens hospitals. I hope that our program here can demonstrate  what it takes to take care of our patients and other places in the country can duplicate that.

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Lil Reese has been arrested and held without bond in connection to an alleged assault of an ex-girlfriend during a confrontation at a Houston nightclub.

On Monday morning (Sept. 30), the rapper, born Tavares Lamont Taylor, was booked on charges of aggravated assault of a family or household member.

The 31-year-olds incarceration comes weeks after an arrest warrant was filed against him by Houston police in response to complaints by the alleged victim and a witness of the altercation.

Lil Reese

According to TMZ, Lil Reese was apprehended at The Address, a separate nightclub from where the alleged incident occurred, and has been denied bond, meaning the rapper will likely remain behind bars until he faces trial.

The rapper is accused of punching the victim in the face and strangling her after being romantically rebuffed at a Houston nightclub called The Pink House, leaving the victim with abrasions to her face and redness around her neck area.

A friend of the victim who witnessed the assault alerted security guards at the venue, leading to police being called and a criminal report being filed against Lil Reese, who had fled the club by the time authorities arrived.

The victim, who says she was left gasping for air and in fear for her life following the incident, reportedly dated Lil Reese for two months before cutting ties with the rapper a month prior to the incident.

According to Lil Reeses lawyer, the rapper maintains his innocence and is eager to vindicate himself during the legal process.

Mr. Taylor vehemently denies these false accusations, attorney Carl Moore told TMZ. We look forward to his day in court.

A judges gavel rests on top of a desk in the courtroom of the newly opened Black Police Precinct and Courthouse Museum February 3, 2009 in Miami, Florida. The museum is located in the only known structure in the nation that was designed, devoted to and operated as a separate station house and municipal court for African-Americans.

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The Line fire burns near the Seven Oaks community in San Bernardino County, which was placed under an evacuation order Monday. (OnScene.TV)

The flare-up of the Line fire worsened Monday as evacuation orders expanded and firefighters lost some ground on containment of the San Bernardino County wildfire.

The new acres charred also pushed California across a grim milestone: 1 million acres burned in 2024.

The Line fire, which has been burning in San Bernardino County for almost a month, began spreading faster over the weekend due to unusually warm temperatures that sucked moisture from vegetation and the air, according to Cal Fire. Containment of the fire slipped from 83% to 78% as of late Monday.

"Firefighters had expected some movement" of the fire, but its behavior "exceeded expectations," said Cal Fire in a Monday update.

The Red Cross opened a new evacuation shelter at Apple Valley Conference Center on Monday to support those affected by the Line fire, according to the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department. The center is at 14975 Dale Evans Parkway. The evacuation shelter at Redlands East Valley High School, 31000 E. Colton Ave., remained open.

On Tuesday morning, Cal Fire reported that the fire grew to 44,046 acres but crews regained some containment, increasing it to 80%. The acreage burned combined with the ongoing Bridge and Airport fires has pushed the total acres burned in California this year to 1,000,181, according to Cal Fire.

This surpasses by far the total acres burned during the same time period last year  293,362  but is roughly on par with the five-year average for the period.

The devastating Park fire in Northern California contributed significantly to the milestone, burning almost 430,000 acres between July 24 and Sept. 26 when it reached full containment. It is the fourth-largest fire in California history, according to Cal Fire.

So far this fire season, a total of 1,433 structures have been destroyed, and one fatality has been reported, the agency said.

The Line fire has damaged or destroyed five structures and resulted in four firefighter injuries. The suspected arson fire started on Sept. 5, and an arrest has been made.

On Sunday, residents in Seven Oaks and the Barton Flats area were ordered to evacuate because of the immediate threat of the fire. On Monday this order was expanded to include Angelus Oaks and the community of Big Bear Lake, including Moonridge, Sugarloaf and south Erwin Lake.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Massachusetts is one of the original 13 states and is one of the six New England states, lying in the northeastern corner of the country, but what separates it from the other states?

Massachusetts county ranks among best destination for fall foliage

Boston is the capital and the most populous city of Massachusetts, so since it is one of the most popular cities, how do people communicate with each other there?

Boston slang consists of words and phrases of slang originating from and commonly used in Boston, but this slang can be heard in other cities within Massachusetts, according to Wikipedia. Some terms are less commonly heard outside of Boston, and some are not used at all outside of Boston.

Here is a list of some of the most popular words that can be heard throughout Massachusetts:

Beat  Crappy, unpleasant, or ugly (e.g. shes beat).

Chucklehead  A local idiot.

Down-cellar (Pronounced down sullah)  adj., contraction of down in the cellar, refers to being located in the basement.

Elastic  Rubber band.

Field day  A situation in which the involved participants are taking advantage of having an energetic time (i.e. I dropped a five dollah bill, and the bums had a field day.)

Frappe [frap]  What some might erroneously refer to as a milkshake.

Grinder  A submarine or hoagie sandwich.

Hardo  Someone who is trying too hard, often pronounced Hahdo. Another name for a try-hard.

Icebox or fridge  A refrigerator.

Jimmies  Sprinkles (on ice cream); sometimes, specifically chocolate sprinkles.

Masshole  A derogatory term for any resident of Massachusetts, especially of Boston drivers (popular in New Hampshire and Maine), now sometimes worn as a badge of honor by life-long residents of the state, especially when visiting Northern New England.

Packie (also packet, package store, or booze barn)  A liquor store. Massachusetts law requires alcohol to be sold in a sealed package, leading to the term package store which is eventually shortened to packie.

Ripped  Very angry.

Sick (nasty)  Amazing or Awesome.

Supper  The third meal of the day.

U-ey  a U-turn while driving. Also sometimes called a U-dog. Almost always used with the verb bang.

Wicked  very; or occasionally cool. Used indiscriminately, can modify anything.

Yah huh- Very determined yes.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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LISTEN: Nevada GOP Candidate Calls Congressional Black Caucus 'Most Racist People In The World,' And It's Not the First Time...

In new, disturbing audio obtained by HuffPost, Republican congressional candidate John Lee stated that hes not worried about Black people in his impending Congress bid.



As if that wasnt bad enough, Lee also made inflammatory remarks about the Congressional Black Caucus (CBC) and its leader  and his opponentRep. Steven Horsford.

At a campaign meet-and-greet last month, Lee can be heard saying on the audio: They made him chair of the Black Caucus...Whoop-de-doo, in reference to Horsfords position.



He followed the sarcastic remark by saying Im from North Las Vegas. Im not worried about Black people. You know? Lee also criticized the CBC for having only Democratic members.

The group currently boasts 60 membersall Democratswhich means it has excluded five Black Republicans, Lee also stated. The GOP has had a rich history of racist rhetoric and attacking diversity, equity and inclusion initiatives.

However, the most inflammatory part of the tape is Lees insistence that the Congressional Black Caucus is racist. So theyre the most racist people in the world, he said. They have one objective, and that is for the self-domination in Congress.

The truth is 13 percent of House members are Black, which is about equal to the total share of Black Americans in the United States.

As the publication noted, this isnt Lees first time insulting the CBC. Last year, he called the group stupid and just this past August he called it comparable to a blond-haired caucus.

Lees comments wont help him out electorally, either: hes running for a seat in Nevadas 4th Congressional District, which is 15 percent Black. In a statement to The Root, Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee spokesperson Lauryn Fanguen condemned Lees words.

John Lees shocking comments about Black Nevadans and CBC Chair Steven Horsford are not only deeply offensive, but betray an utter disdain for a large swath of the district he claims to want to represent, Fanguen said.

Fanguen also labeled his statements, insulting and disqualifying.

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Iran says it fired dozens of missiles into Israel, where residents are warned to shelter in place

Iran says it fired dozens of missiles into Israel, where residents are warned to shelter in place

JERUSALEM (AP)  Iran says it fired dozens of missiles into Israel on Tuesday as the monthslong fighting between Israel and Irans proxies in the region  Hezbollah and Hamas  escalated, threatening a wider regional conflict. Israel ordered residents to remain close to bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded across the country.

A series of window-shaking explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem, though it was not immediately clear whether the sounds were from missiles landing or being intercepted by Israeli defenses, or both.

Israel and the United States have warned there would be severe consequences in the event of an attack on Israel from Iran, which backs the militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Israeli army spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defense system was fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats. However, the defense is not hermetic, he said.

Orders to shelter in place were sent to Israelis mobile phones and announced on national television.

Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A man documents the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Israeli soldiers raise their fists from a moving APC in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israeli soldiers work on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Israeli army tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hussein Malla)

Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, early Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Israeli shelling hit an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

An Israeli tank maneuvers in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Baz Ratner)

Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and hold up his portraits, at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) St. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, shown in billboard, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (AP Photo/Vahid Salemi)

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Bilal Hussein)

A burnt building shows damage at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

A man checks the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beiruts southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar)

An Israeli Apache helicopter fires a missile towards southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Leo Correa)

Iran took responsibility for launching dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel. The claim was made in a statement read aloud on state television as explosions could be heard in Jerusalem and Tel Aviv.

In its statement, Iran referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July. It warned this attack represented only a first wave, without elaborating.

The air raid alerts in Israel came a day after Israel said it had begun limited ground operations against Hezbollah in southern Lebanon.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages where people were ordered to evacuate, and Hezbollah militants responded by firing a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties as fighting intensified and concerns of a wider regional war grew.

A senior White House official warned of severe consequences should Iran launch a ballistic missile against Israel. U.S. ships and aircraft are positioned in the region to assist Israel in the event of an attack from Iran. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss intelligence.

Hagari also warned of consequences if Iran fired missiles into Israel.

He urged the public to stay close to sheltered areas. The Iranian strike could be widespread, he said.

Iranian officials could not be immediately reached for comment.

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year. Israel released video footage purporting to show its soldiers operating in homes and tunnels where Hezbollah kept weapons.

If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Iran-backed Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire. But the scope of the evacuation warning raised questions as to how deep Israel plans to send its forces into Lebanon.

An Israeli airstrike hit a residential building near Beirut Tuesday, causing damage but with no immediate reports of casualties. The strike appeared to hit an apartment about 100 meters from the Iranian Embassy.

Anticipating more rocket attacks from Hezbollah, the Israeli army announced new restrictions on public gatherings and closed beaches in northern and central Israel. The military also said it was calling up thousands more reserve soldiers to serve on the northern border.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small ground raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Neither the Lebanese army nor a U.N. peacekeeping force that patrols southern Lebanon have confirmed that Israeli forces entered. The U.N. force said a cross-border operation would be a violation of Lebanese sovereignty.

Hezbollah spokesman Mohammed Afif dismissed what he said were false claims of an Israeli incursion. He said Hezbollah is ready for direct confrontation with enemy forces that dare to or try to enter Lebanon.

Hagari claimed troops were conducting localized ground raids on Hezbollah positions in southern Lebanon to ensure Israeli citizens could return to their homes in the north.

Were not going to Beirut, he said.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens to return. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza.

He said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza.

Hagari said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

An Israeli military official said troops participating in the latest incursion were within walking distance of the border, focused on villages hundreds of meters (yards) from Israel. The official, who spoke on condition of anonymity in line with military regulations, said there had been no clashes with Hezbollah fighters.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv.

The Israeli military official said Hezbollah had also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Hezbollah began firing rockets into northern Israel shortly after Hamas Oct. 7 attack into Israel ignited the war in Gaza. Israel has launched retaliatory airstrikes and the conflict has steadily escalated. In recent weeks Israel has unleashed a punishing wave of airstrikes across large parts of Lebanon.

Hagari said the U.N. Security Council resolution that ended the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah war had not been enforced and that southern Lebanon was swarming with Hezbollah terrorists and weapons.

That resolution called for Hezbollah to withdraw from the area between the border and the Litani River and for the Lebanese army and U.N. peacekeepers to patrol the region. Israel says those and other provisions were never enforced. Lebanon has long accused Israel of violating other terms of the resolution.

Israeli official says no plans to march on Beirut

The military statements indicated Israel might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

Recent airstrikes wiping out most of Hezbollahs top leadership and the explosions of hundreds of pagers and walkie-talkies belonging to Hezbollah indicate Israel has infiltrated deep inside the groups upper echelons.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said in a televised statement Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

___

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut and Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington contributed.

___

Follow APs war coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/israel-hamas-war

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFLA.
Recap: Donald Trump speaks in Dane County and Milwaukee, while Doug Emhoff speaks at Milwaukee manufacturer

(This story has been updated to include new information.)

Former president Donald Trump returned to Wisconsin Tuesday, making campaign stops in Dane County and Milwaukee. Second gentleman Doug Emhoff also spoke in Milwaukee Tuesday afternoon on behalf of Vice President Kamala Harris' presidential campaign.

Trump delivered remarks at Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee, about 13 miles north of Madison, and then spoke in a closed-to-the-public event at Discovery World, a science museum along Lake Michigan, in Milwaukee.

Emhoff spoke at Diamond Discs International, a small manufacturing business in Milwaukee. Harris last held a rally in Wisconsin Sept. 20 in Madison.

Here's a recap of the day:

Trump ends his remarks to the media in Milwaukee

Trump wrapped up his event in Milwaukee around 7 p.m., about an hour before the vice presidential debate starts.

He took questions from reporters for about 45 minutes after giving remarks that were similar to the points he made in Waunakee.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump hints at potential rallies at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee, Green Bay

While speaking at Discovery World, Trump hinted his team is looking at holding a rally at Fiserv Forum, which hosted the Republican National Convention in July. Harris also held a rally at the home of the Milwaukee Bucks during the Democratic National Convention.

"The building was beautiful," Trump said. "I love Milwaukee. We had such a great convention here. They treated us so well. I also like the result. If I didn't get the right result, I probably wouldn't like Milwaukee. I got a great result."

Trump added he'll announce a rally in Green Bay soon, potentially the day before a Green Bay Packers game. He also hinted at a third event that would be similar to the press conference format of the Tuesday night event in Milwaukee, which was ultimately closed to the public.

 Hope Karnopp

U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil praises Trump for campaigning in blue areas

At a panel discussion before Trump spoke in Milwaukee, Republican U.S. Rep. Bryan Steil praised the former president for "campaigning in two of the most blue areas of our state."

"We as conservatives, we as Republicans, we as supporters of President Trump, know that we have the answers to the challenges that our country faces, that our communities face. In particular, blue cities across the country, and the challenges that they face," Steil said.

Steil said he attended the opening of a GOP Hispanic outreach center in Milwaukee this weekend. The state party announced the new center after the national party abandoned its own center in the city early last year.

Steil said voters who were excited to vote for Trump connected with issues like inflation, school choice, crime and national defense.

Steil represents the southeastern portion of Wisconsin, including Racine and Kenosha. He is running for reelection and faces Democratic opponent Peter Barca, who once held the seat.

 Hope Karnopp

Speakers focus on school choice ahead of Trump visit to Discovery World

A panel discusses school choice before former president Donald Trump's appearance at Discovery World in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

A panel of speakers that included advocates, elected officials, students and a school principal spoke ahead of Trumps arrival at Discovery World in Milwaukee.Their comments focused on school choice, with students speaking to the opportunities their schools have offered them.I can't tell you how many people I talk to, how many moms and dads I talk to about the importance of school choice, a policy championed by conservatives, championed by Republicans, championed by President Trump, Steil said.

And it's a policy that says moms and dads should have a choice to choose the school that's best for their child, to make sure that their child is in an environment where there they can succeed. Alison Dirr

Unclear why Trump's Milwaukee event is closed to public

While general admission tickets were available for Trump's appearance at Discovery World, the public was ultimately not allowed entry. Members of the media were let in for a press conference-like event, though some supporters lingered outside in the afternoon, hoping to be admitted.

A spokesman for the U.S. Secret Service told the Journal Sentinel it wasn't tracking any security issues and any changes to the event format were likely a decision made by the campaign. The campaign declined to comment.

The Secret Service noted Trump is receiving a heightened level of Secret Service protection and "there are significant security measures put into place for tonight's event."

 Hope Karnopp

Doug Emhoff addresses crowd at Diamond Disc International

Second gentlemen Doug Emhoff addressed about 100 people at Diamond Disc International, saying Harris is a capitalist, pro-growth.

She knows the limitations of government, Emhoff said, adding that Harris looks for pragmatic solutions.

Emhoff also criticized Trump for ducking a second debate.

She kicked his ass at that first debate, he said.

 Ricardo Torres

Diamond Disc president endorses Harris

Diamond Discs International president Ugo Nwagbaraocha endorsed Harris for president, saying a Harris presidency would benefit businesses like his.

Nwagbaraocha said Trump did nothing for his business and called the Foxconn project in Mount Pleasant Weasel-conn.

 Ricardo Torres

Trump ends Waunakee speech around 3:20 p.m.

Trump spoke for about an hour and 15 minutes in Waunakee, wrapping up his speech at 3:20 p.m.

"Remember, early mail-in voting is underway," Trump told the crowd. "So vote, vote, vote. You got to get going."

Trump is scheduled to appear at Discovery World at 5 p.m. It's not yet clear whether he's making the hour-and-a-half drive or traveling by plane to Milwaukee.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump supporters line up outside Discovery World, hoping event remains public

Trump supports queue outside Discovery World hoping event remains public

Trump supporters lined up outside Discovery World early Tuesday afternoon even as rumbles of the events closure to the public were circulating among the crowd.

Bradley Kahn, 35, of Chicago said he had tried to attend a Trump event in 2015 but it was canceled. Hes been hoping to see him since, and Milwaukee was a close destination.

He wanted to get a selfie Tuesday.

If it gets canceled today, I would be pretty upset, he said.

He was hoping to hear from Trump about election strategy, particularly immigration policy and employment.

Ahead in the line, Kelly McAuliffe said she and her family members arrived at Discovery World from the Chicago suburbs around 5 a.m.

She said the event invitation said there was limited space but that, since she arrived, police had over time moved attendees back from the front door.

By early afternoon, the line of a few dozen people stretched west on the sidewalk between Discovery World and the Milwaukee Art Museum.

She was no longer optimistic that she and other supporters would be getting into the event.

 Alison Dirr

Doug Emhoff will visit Diamond Discs International

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff is greeted by Milwaukee County officials after landing in Milwaukee.

Second gentleman Doug Emhoff and former Rhode Island governor Gina Raimondo will deliver remarks at Diamond Discs International, a small manufacturing business in Milwaukee.

They'll also get a tour of the building.

 Ricardo Torres

Doug Emhoff lands in Milwaukee

Trump again criticizes prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner

Trump on Tuesday again criticized a prisoner swap involving WNBA star Brittney Griner and arms dealer Viktor Bout.

Bout, the so-called merchant of death, was exchanged in a 2022 prisoner swap for Griner, who had spent nearly a year in Russian captivity.

Trump again essentially accused Griner of not being patriotic enough, saying she tied her shoes during the national anthem.

Griner played for Team USA in the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics, winning gold both times.

Then, at the 2024 Paris Olympics, as Griner stood on the medal stand with her third gold medal draped around her neck, tears streamed down her face as she stood for the national anthem.

Last year, Bout urged Trump to seek refuge in Russia, saying he believed his life was in peril.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump falsely claims immigrants are being signed up to vote

While touching on immigration, Trump claimed immigrants are being registered to vote, a claim PolitiFact has debunked before.

"There's a reason why they let all these people in, because they want to get them to vote," Trump said.

Trump didn't mention a Republican-led referendum question on the Nov. 5 ballot in Wisconsin, which aims to prevent noncitizens from voting in local elections in the future. Some cities in the U.S. do allow that, but nowhere in Wisconsin does.

The Wisconsin Elections Commission has said it knows of only four alleged cases of voter fraud related to citizenship since 2015. Wisconsin's voter registration form includes a checkbox confirming the voter is a U.S. citizen.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump calls Tommy Thompson 'the dean'

Trump shouted out former Wisconsin governors Scott Walker and Tommy Thompson, who also spoke at the rally Tuesday. Trump called Thompson "so respected" and "the dean."

Trump said Thompson called him during his 2016 campaign, expressing doubts about Trump's ability to win Wisconsin and telling him to campaign in other battlegrounds.

"He said, 'Here's a deal. If I think you're going to win, I'll call you back,'" Trump said. "He called me about three weeks later. He said, 'It's time to come up. You're going to win this thing.'"

 Hope Karnopp

Trump falsely claims there was a 'coup' when Harris became Democratic nominee

Trump again falsely claimed that there was a coup when Harris replaced President Joe Biden as the Democratic presidential nominee.

He added that Walker says it was a coup, and also mentioned Thompson as he repeated his claims that it was a coup.

But a coup, or coup detat, is defined as a sudden, violent and unlawful seizure of power, experts say. So while Bidens exit from the race was unusual, experts say it does not amount to a coup."

Trumps comments undermining confidence in this year's presidential election echo the tactics he used in 2020 when he lost to Biden.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump claims 50,000 people were turned away from Prairie du Chien rally

There were long lines outside the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center for Trumps remarks Saturday afternoon. Plans for an outdoor rally moved indoors for Secret Service staffing reasons. Theres upwards of 1,000 people outside. This image shows people waiting to enter the auditorium.

After taking the stage at Dane Manufacturing, Trump claimed 50,000 to 60,000 people were turned away from his Saturday rally in Prairie du Chien.

About a thousand people were standing in line to get into the rally, but the auditorium sat somewhere near 300 people.

The rally was initially planned to be held outdoors but switched to indoors over Secret Service staffing concerns. The agency was responsible for securing the United Nations General Assembly summit in New York on the same day.

 Hope Karnopp

There were long lines outside the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center for Trumps remarks Saturday afternoon. Plans for an outdoor rally moved indoors for Secret Service staffing reasons. Theres upwards of 1,000 people outside. This image shows people waiting to enter the auditorium.

Trump starts after about a 30-minute delay

Trump took the stage at 2:05 p.m., about a half hour behind schedule.

In the meantime, attendees heard standard songs on Trump's rally playlist, including "YMCA" and "Macho Man" by the Village People and "Gloria" by Laura Branigan.

There were some newer additions: "Give Me Everything" by Pitbull and "Thriller" by Michael Jackson.

 Hope Karnopp

Wisconsin union president accuses Trump of 'shell game' on overtime

A Wisconsin union president is accusing Trump of playing a "shell game" when it comes to overtime pay and protections.

"He is claiming that he will eliminate taxes on overtime pay but he fails to mention that he would do so by eliminating overtime pay altogether," Stephanie Bloomingdale, the Wisconsin AFL-CIO president, said Tuesday in a statement.

She referred to Trump's recent comments at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, that he "hated" to give overtime and "wouldn't pay" it.

Bloomingdale also referred to Project 2025, which Trump has been trying to distance himself from in recent months.

"When Donald Trump comes here and tries to sell this underhanded scam, we are wise to the lie he is again trying to sell," she said. "The truth is that Donald Trump does not care about the well-being of Wisconsin working people and he never has."

 Mary Spicuzza

Vice President Kamala Harris visiting areas affected by Hurricane Helene before Thursday's Wisconsin visit

Before heading to Wisconsin on Thursday, Harris will visit areas affected by Hurricane Helene.

Harris is scheduled to go to Georgia on Wednesday, according to a White House pool report. She will also travel to North Carolina, the pool report said.

Trump traveled to the storm-hit battleground state of Georgia to survey damage from Helene . Trump told reporters, "We're not talking about politics now," but he then criticized Biden and Harris over the administration's hurricane response in the hours leading up to the trip.

Biden has pushed back on false claims made by Trump over his response to the disaster.

"Donald Trump is a liar," read a post on X from Biden. "Im working with governors and local officials to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene."

Harris cut a previous campaign trip short to return to Washington, D.C., for briefings about the disaster.

She's planning to address voters in the Fox Valley on Thursday, according to an advisory to voters from Wisconsin Democrats.

The visit would be Harris' fifth to Wisconsin since she became the Democrats' presidential nominee in late July. The Harris campaign early Tuesday declined to comment on her travel plans, and a spokesman for the Democratic Party of Wisconsin didn't respond to a message about the advisory.

 Mary Spicuzza

Trump crowd count at 500 indoors, 4,500 outside

According to a spokesman for the Republican Party of Wisconsin, the Dane Manufacturing facility held 500 people ahead of Trump's remarks, while about 4,500 stood outside the building.

 Jessie Opoien

Walker, Thompson encourage '72-county strategy' for Trump in Wisconsin

Walker and Thompson greeted the crowd at Dane Manufacturing ahead of Trump's remarks, each stressing the need for Republicans to cut into the strong Democratic margins in Dane and Milwaukee counties.

"You need to go beyond your comfort zone. You need to talk to family and friends, neighbors and coworkers, including some who maybe dont typically vote for a Republican," Walker said. "Remind them ... this simple truth. Life was better when Donald Trump was president of the United States."

Walker argued that any distaste for Trump's rhetoric is negated by his approach to the economy, the border and violent crime.

Thompson, in a rousing speech, reiterated his insistence that Trump can win Wisconsin by increasing his vote share in the state's two most liberal counties.

"You have to go where the votes are. You have to go where the opposition is. You have to come into Dane County, Milwaukee County and southwestern Wisconsin," he said. "Dane County has the third-most Republican votes in the state of Wisconsin, and all we have to do is increase them."

"Democrats," he said, "get the hell out of our way."

 Jessie Opoien

Gov. Tony Evers criticizes Trump's visits

In a statement released Tuesday morning, Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said, "I know Wisconsin families, and theyre going to reject (Trump) again in November."

"As president, Donald Trump was a disaster for Wisconsin, and we havent forgotten. A second term would be a heck of a lot worse  Trumps extreme Project 2025 agenda would hurt working families, cut Social Security and Medicare, dismantle support for public education across the country and more," Evers said. "Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting to lower costs, cut taxes and invest in Wisconsins future.

 Hope Karnopp

Trump campaign releases statement on Emhoff visit

In a statement, Wisconsin press secretary for Trump's campaign, Jacob Fischer, said "no visit from Doug Emhoff can conceal the reality that the dangerously liberal Harris-Walz agenda will be one that Wisconsinites simply can't afford."

"Emhoff has stood on the sidelines for four years of failure, and it's time to retire his second gentleman title. President Trump and JD Vance will lower taxes, empower our businesses and put hard-working Americans first, while Harris and Walz advance dangerously liberal policies and bankrupt our country," Fischer said.

 Hope Karnopp

Former Gov. Tommy Thompson 'so happy' Trump is competing in Dane County

Thompson told reporters at Trump's event in Waunakee he's "so happy" the former president honored his request to visit Dane County.

In an interview last month on WISN-TV's "Upfront," Thompson said he told Trump during his August rally in La Crosse that to win Wisconsin, he'll have to compete in the liberal strongholds of Dane and Milwaukee counties  areas that have rarely been a focus for Republican candidates.

Thompson, the state's longest-serving governor, told reporters Tuesday that by campaigning in both counties in one day, the former president will send a message that: "I want your vote. I'm here in Dane County because Im going to compete for your votes all over the state of Wisconsin."

Trump lost the village of Waunakee by 28 points in 2020  about half his losing margin countywide.

 Jessie Opoien

Where is Waunakee, Wisconsin, the site of Trump's visit?

Waunakee is about 13 miles north of Madison. It's in the northern part of Dane County, a county that produces large Democratic margins that present headaches for Republicans.

In 2020, Trump lost the village of Waunakee by 28 points, about half his losing margin in the county. Waunakee has a population of about 15,000.

Eric Hovde, the Republican candidate for Senate running against Democratic U.S. Sen. Tammy Baldwin, also visited Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee in September, where he took questions from employees.

 Hope Karnopp

Discovery World has hosted Harris, Vance and now Trump

Trump's appearance in Milwaukee Tuesday will take place at Discovery World, a science museum that juts out into Lake Michigan. The museum's current facility was built in 2006.

During the Republican National Convention in Milwaukee, Trump's running mate and Ohio U.S. Sen. JD Vance spoke at Discovery World at an event sponsored by the Log Cabin Republicans, a pro-LGBTQ group.

Harris also spoke at Discovery World in May, before she became the Democratic presidential nominee. During that visit, she focused on the economy and disparities that affect Black homeowners and business owners.

 Hope Karnopp

More: From admission cost to hours to exhibits, here's what to know before a Discovery World visit

Trump to make his first Dane County campaign stop

Hundreds of supporters are lined up outside Dane Manufacturing in Waunakee awaiting a visit from Trump. His remarks are scheduled for 1:30 p.m.

It's Trump's first campaign event in Dane County, Wisconsin's fastest-growing county and a Democratic stronghold. Biden led Trump by more than 181,000 votes in the county when he defeated him statewide by about 21,000 votes in 2020. In Waunakee, Biden led Trump by about 2,600 votes.

Dane Manufacturing has served as a friendly space for Republican candidates in the liberal region. Hovde toured the metal fabrication facility and fielded questions from employees about a month ago, and Texas U.S. Sen. Ted Cruz did the same at the company's former location during his 2016 presidential bid. Cruz, who now backs Trump, at the 2016 stop referred to him as a "sniveling coward."

In his Tuesday speeches, Trump is expected to criticize the current Democratic administration's economic policy.

"When Wisconsinites send President Trump back to the White House, he will lower input costs for our farmers, cut 10 regulations for each new regulation implemented, and help, not hurt, farmers ability to feed the world," the Trump campaign said in a news release promoting the campaign events.

"While Kamala Harris desperately tries to run from her four years of failure for farmers, workers, and families across the state, Wisconsinites know that only President Trump can Make America Wealthy, Safe, Strong, and Great Again," the news release said.

 Jessie Opoien

Harris planning Fox Valley campaign stop Thursday in Wisconsin

Harris will be returning to Wisconsin on Thursday to rally voters in the Fox Valley. The campaign hasn't yet confirmed her travel plans, but a Wisconsin Democrats advisory with a registration link went out to voters.

Harris was last in Wisconsin in late September for a rally in Madison. The Fox Valley visit would be Harris' first to northeastern Wisconsin. Trump rallied in Green Bay in April for his first campaign stop of 2024, and running mate JD Vance was in De Pere recently.

 Hope Karnopp

What do the latest Trump-Harris polls show in Wisconsin?

A new Marquette University Law School poll of Wisconsin voters will be released Wednesday afternoon, right in the middle of this week of campaign visits. The poll is considered one of the highest-quality surveys in the country.

The last poll, conducted between Aug. 28 and Sept. 5, showed Harris with a four-point lead over Trump. That was within the margin of error, as have been most Marquette polls this year in battleground Wisconsin.

The last poll also showed an important switch for Harris: For the first time, she led among voters who consider themselves "very enthusiastic" to vote. Harris closed an enthusiasm gap that presented problems for Biden, then pulled ahead of Trump in the latest poll.

 Hope Karnopp

About 462,000 absentee ballots have been requested in Wisconsin

Election Day is Nov. 5, but voting is well underway in Wisconsin. According to Sept. 30 data from the Wisconsin Elections Commission, 461,704 voters have requested mail-in absentee ballots. About 87,000 of them have been returned by voters.

Early voting, which provides an opportunity to cast an absentee ballot at an in-person location, runs from Oct. 22 to Nov. 3 in Wisconsin. It's up to each city, town or village to decide how many dates, times and locations to offer.

You can register to vote, request an absentee ballot, look up what's on your ballot, find your polling place and more at myvote.wi.gov.

 Hope Karnopp

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Donald Trump, Doug Emhoff campaign in Wisconsin on Tuesday: recap
Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz shake hands at the start of the vice presidential debate hosted by CBS News in New York City on Oct. 1, 2024. (Charly Triballeau/AFP via Getty Images)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio faced off tonight in the only vice presidential debate scheduled ahead of the 2024 election in November.

CBS News hosted the debate at its studios in New York City, with Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan serving as moderators. Tuesday nights event may have also been the last debate of 2024  as former President Donald Trump has thus far declined to debate Vice President Kamala Harris a second time.

The candidates were notably cordial as they used the opportunity to tout their tickets' positions on a variety of issues, including immigration, reproductive rights and gun violence.

See below for live updates and factchecks from the debate.

Subscribe to The Yodel to get a recap of the VP debate in your inbox tomorrow morning. Keep up with the 2024 US elections anytime by signing up for email alerts.

Cover thumbnail photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: Olivier Touron/AFP via Getty Images, Bill Clark/CQ-Roll Call, Inc via Getty Images
COCKE COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  As Cocke County and other areas of East Tennessee begin work to clean up the damage left behind by storms late last week, State Rep. Jeremy Faison is working alongside the community he represents.

Faison, who is the State Representative for the 11th House District, spoke with 6 News briefly on Tuesday, explaining what hes seen as he has been working to help his community. The district encompasses Cocke County as well as part of Jefferson and Hamblen counties.

Thats what the world is about East Tennesseans rally to aid flooding victims

By Thursday afternoon, we knew it was devastating. I dont know if anybody in East Tennessee thought it would be as bad as it was. By the time we get to Friday morning, we [knew] that weve lost lots of property even before we had got out there, Faison said. Friday morning, the carnage was just devastating as far as destruction of property. Water is receding still to this day. Were just people whove lost everything. Its heartbreaking. But Ill say this, that the volunteer spirit has been amazing.

Faison shared that Thursday night, search and rescue crews from the Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, Chattanooga Search and Rescue, and other East Tennessee agencies were out helping with rescues. He explained that he watched TWRA crews and helicopters doing everything they could to rescue some elderly individuals across the bridge from the Pigeon River where he lives.

As the waters continue to recede, Faison said his communitys biggest need is water. He explained that Newport Utilitys intake along the French Broad River were destroyed, and the repairs could take upwards of two weeks. In the meantime, he said 90% of the county has no water, and in some cases, he knows of at least one family using water from their pond to flush their toilets.

Faison shared that while the community is navigating worse devastation than they ever thought would happen, they are resilient and there have been many people coming to help out. He described the situation as ugly, but beautiful at the same time.

Vandals destroy viewfinder for color blind Big South Fork visitors, NPS says

He shared several organizations and individuals who are pitching in, but one person Faison mentioned coming to help was Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs. During the flooding, Cocke Countys highway department went underwater and lost the majority of its road building equipment, Faison said. He explained he called Jacobs on Monday, and Jacobs came with equipment.

Its amazing to see the spirit of your friends and you find out kind of who your friends are and its humbling. Itll bring you to tears. When I showed up with Glenn Jacobs to our road superintendents office Man, he was about in tears because all of their stuff has been destroyed and all of a sudden hes got some bulldozers and hes got some skid steers and hes got some trackhoes and he can do some work. Hes got all those men sitting there, they just, theyre eager to help, theyre eager to do something, [but] they had no tools, so when somebody shows up to work and help man It is amazing.

Another who Faison said came to help include Jackson, Tennessee Representative Chris Todd, who brought a skid steer and worked with the highway department to clear some roads out. Faison also shared that theyve received some Starlinks from Elson Musk, a tractor-trailer of water from Coca-Cola, and they are expecting some supplies from Home Depot later this week. In addition, Faison has also shared about other tangible support online from Bushs Beans, Budweiser, and other legislators.

To learn more about how you can help those affected in Cocke County and across East Tennessee, click here.

So far, TEMA has confirmed that there have been six weather-related fatalities in East Tennessee, but that count did not include the two weather-related deaths in Cocke County reported by Mayor Rob Mathis.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
New LNG system opens in Greece aiming to reduce reliance on Russian gas

The Greek city of Alexandroupolis is the site of a new liquified natural gas (LNG) project, funded in part by the European Commission with the aim to create jobs in the region and reduce its reliance on Russian gas.

The project consists of a floating storage tank, a regasification unit that converts liquified natural gas (LNG) back to gas, and a pipeline.

It also includes a system of submarine and land pipelines through which natural gas is imported into Greece before being transported to consumers at home, but also Bulgaria, Romania, North Macedonia, Serbia and further into Moldova and Ukraine in the east and Hungary and Slovakia in the west.

The European Commission approved an investment of over 157 million for the project's first phase.

It is expected to benefit the local economy by generating 382 million in CO2 emissions and fuel-switch savings as it replaces coal and oil with gas.

''If we look all the way to Hungary, including Ukraine and Moldova, we can see the current input in long-term natural gas supplies from Russia in this area, including Greece, is approximately 20 billion cubic metres," said Maria Rita Galli, CEO of Greece's natural gas transmission system operator DESFA.

She added that Greece would now have an export capacity of 8.5 billion cubic metres by early next year.

The new pipeline is an important gateway for LNG to reach other parts of southeast Europe, an area which is heavily reliant on Russian gas.
Local farmer says harvest season is looking good, but weather worries him

IRETON, Iowa (KCAU)  Farmers are hitting the fields for the 2024 harvest season, and one producer told KCAU 9 that its looking to be a good year for crops.

Its been pretty awesome, Ireton farmer Tyler Meyer said. Weve had really good sunshine, weve had dry weather, we havent been fighting any rain and stuff like that.

US 75 northbound on-ramp in Sioux City to close temporarily

Since last Monday, Tyler Meyer has been out in the field day and night harvesting his crops.

Bean-wise this year, were having really nice yields, he said. Last year we had a heck of a lot of white mold, had a lot of disease in this area. This year we do not have that. The corn yields that I have heard, we are down a little bit and thats because of some major disease that was coming in late season, so this area is going to be off on corn.

Meyer attributes this years yield to good rainfall.

Rain makes grain and we had water early on, and in this little where we are at, we actually had rain as of two weeks ago, we had a half inch of rain, Meyer said. Fall is a good time to be somewhat dry, us farmers can get to our stuff and get to it efficiently and stuff, but we are concerned about the winds and the dryness thats out there.

High winds and dry climate are perfect conditions for field fires and can occur just by farmers doing their job.

So machinery, definitely any type of internal combustion engine that produces heat produces a spark, Garrett Soldati with Sioux City Fire Rescue said. Mufflers, exhaust systems that tend to run hot can obviously ignite material thats dry.

In the last five to six years, it seems to be normal in the area, that theres something within a 10-15 mile radius that the local fire department has to respond to, Meyer said.

Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD holding open houses on school bond

Several Nebraska, Iowa and South Dakota counties are under a red flag warning, and fire officials emphasized that people should avoid starting fires Monday.

Today is not the greatest day to burn, and that if something does ignite, its going to move very rapidly, Soldati said. And therefore you need to be well aware, have mitigation efforts.

If you find yourself on a road with farm equipment, Meyer says you should be patient with farmers due to their slow equipment.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
(WIVT/WBGH)  A local line dance teacher recently grapevine, weaved, and kicked her way onto national television.

Karen Hayes was recently invited onto Fox and Friends, Fox Newss weekend morning series, to show its anchors how to line dance on National Dance Day. With only two days to plan, she taught them three basic steps live on the show. She was joined in New York City by a big group of friends and students participating and cheering her on.

Hayes has been teaching line dancing for over 30 years.

She says dancing is a great way to exercise and meet new people.

It one of those things where youre having a rough day, youre stressed out, you get on the dance floor and you just let all of that go when you have fun, said Hayes.

Hayes travels all over to teach classes. She teaches weekly on Tuesday nights at the Horseheads American Legion and Wednesday nights at Touch of Texas in the Town of Dickinson.

Hayes has a Facebook page called Line Dancing with Karen that has more information on her classes and upcoming events.

To visit, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Struthers man was sentenced Tuesday to prison in a postage stamp theft case.

Michael Mele was sentenced to 18 months in prison in connection to thousands of dollars in postage stamp theft. Mele pleaded guilty in May to 10 counts of theft of government property. He also is ordered to pay $13,402.34 in restitution and was fined $1,000.

The sentence is to be served consecutively to another federal case involving Mele that has been sealed, according to court records.

The indictment shows theft of postage stamps from 10 United States Post Office locations in Pennsylvania. The case was transferred over to U.S. Court for the Northern District of Ohio from the Western District of Pennsylvania.

The thefts happened between July 2019 and July 2020 totalling over $13,000 in stamps. Charges were filed against Mele in September 2023.

Mele was sentenced in August 2023 to two years in prison in Mahoning County Common Pleas Court on a fourth-degree felony count of grand theft of a motor vehicle and a fifth-degree felony count of forgery.

He was charged with stealing a U-Haul truck in 2022 and for stealing checks. The payment was stopped on the checks before they could be used.

A check of online records for the Mahoning County area court and common pleas system alone shows 51 entries for cases where Mele was a defendant dating back to 2005.

Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Theres mixed industrial news in the piney woods of Southwest Mississippi. What is being produced in those deep forests is stirring up environmentalists and other watchdogs in the small Amite County town of Gloster, while also playing a profitable economic role in that corner of the state.

North Yorkshire, England-based Drax, a leading producer of wood pellets from what it says is sustainable forest management and low-value commercial residues, operates the Amite BioEnergy mill facility, employing 70 people at Gloster, 40 miles west of McComb on State Highway 24.

The addition of those jobs eight years after wood and paper products giant Georgia-Pacific closed its Gloster plywood mill in 2008 was monumental to the financially struggling town of about 900 residents.

Mac Gordon

Recently, the firm was fined $250,000 by the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality for releasing emissions of Volatile Organic Compounds since 2016 when the plant opened. In 2020, DEQ fined Drax $2.5 million, at the time one of the largest Clean Air Act penalties in state history, Mississippi Todays Alex Rozier reported.

Drax defines biomass in the form of compressed wood pellets as a low-carbon replacement for coal that power stations use to generate renewable energy. Some countries are already using biomass as a fuel to generate renewable electricity and heat.

Despite the products popularity in other parts of the world, some scientists have opined that the employment of wood pellets increases carbon in the air.

Drax argues that when used for heat and power, sustainable biomass releases significantly less carbon dioxide than fossil fuels do.

Some area residents have recently complained of breathing problems, tying the ailment to the plant. The firm has agreed to spend upwards of $100,000 on dust protection screens project within the next 300 days.

This countrys progress has been propelled by a multiplicity of mill-type industrial settings. Georgia-Pacific employed about 400 workers before its closure, dealing what Gloster Mayor Jerry Norwood called a devastating blow to the town, placing it on life support at that point.

The workforce is probably the biggest obstacle (to attracting new industry), Norwood told Mississippi Today. We dont have enough people to fill those (skilled) positions, electricians and stuff like that. And we dont have a school here in Gloster. The school closed in 1989. People dont want to move in here if their kids cant get a quality education.

Another large industrial facility of the type is located at Lucedale, an economically struggling town in George County just north of Mobile. It, too, was greeted with open arms by local officials upon arrival in 2022. Meanwhile, a huge fight has erupted in Georgia after regulators approved a wood chips mill aimed at helping a utility there produce more electricity.

In a statement Drax said it is helping to create quality jobs for local residents and support Mississippi communities while boosting the state economy. The main question is whether this excellent economic development project, situated among our states pristine piney woods, is worthy enough to offset the potentially poor environmental effect on the citizens.

The locals must decide.

 Mac Gordon, a native of McComb, is a retired newspaperman. He can be reached at macmarygordon@gmail.com.

This article originally appeared on Mississippi Clarion Ledger: MS residents must decide if economic benefit is worth environmental risk
Jimmy Sengenberger is an investigative journalist, public speaker, and longtime local talk-radio host. Reach Jimmy online at Jimmysengenberger.com or on X (formerly Twitter) @SengCenter.
There's no instruction manual for how to commit the perfect crime, but Ladell Tharpe learned the hard way that he probably shouldn't have bragged about it on Instagram.

Nor does it help when one of your crew leaves their phone at the scene of the crime like some sort of calling card.

Tharpe, 39, of Long Beach pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Los Angeles Monday to taking part in a $2.6-million heist from a Beverly Hills jewelry store on March 23, 2022. That day, prosecutors said, several masked suspects armed with crowbars walked into Luxury Jewels on South Beverly Drive during business hours, then smashed display cases and grabbed jewelry as store employees and customers watched.

The thieves made off with 19 bracelets, seven pairs of earrings, four necklaces, a pair of obelisks, eight rings, and 20 watches, according to federal prosecutors.

Investigators say several clues at the scene and on social media led them to Tharpe and multiple other suspects, including Jimmy Lee Vernon and Deshon Bell.

Read more: L.A. robber stole Rolex, got no-prison deal from D.A. Now he's accused of killing tourist at mall

According to prosecutors, investigators recovered a mobile phone at the jewelry store that surveillance footage showed had fallen out of Vernon's pocket. Days later, Vernon told his probation officer that his phone number had changed.

The robbery crew's brash smash-and-grab approach caught the attention of police in Long Beach, who contacted Beverly Hills to say they had a possible suspect  Tharpe, prosecutors said.

Tharpe's name was also linked to one of the getaway cars used in the robbery, according to investigators. The license plate matched a vehicle that Tharpe had rented at an Enterprise Rent-A-Car in Long Beach.

Hours before the robbery, Tharpe recorded a video of himself and his fellow robbery crew members wearing the same clothes they were seen wearing in surveillance footage, but without their masks, court documents show.

The same video shows Tharpe walking up to a vehicle with tinted windows, which reflected his image, prosecutors said. The location was later linked to an address associated with Tharpe.

The suspects even discussed specific details about the robbery over Instagram. Weeks before the heist, Vernon and Tharpe talked about what type of getaway car they would use and the brand of police scanner they would need to buy.

Read more: Smash-and-grab robbers coordinated crimes on social media. Eight culprits now face prison

Days after the crime, prosecutors said, Tharpe posted a photo of stacks of cash on Instagram with the caption, "robbery gang."

Tharpe, who has been in federal custody since March 2023, is scheduled to be sentenced on Jan. 6, 2025. He faces up to 20 years in prison.

Like Tharpe, both Bell and Vernon pleaded guilty to one count of of interference with commerce by robbery. Bell was sentenced to one year and one day in federal prison and ordered to pay $2.6 million in restitution, according to court records. Vernon is scheduled to be sentenced in early December.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
MORGANTOWN, W.Va. (WBOY)  During this years State Legislative Session, syringe service programs were under fire as legislators debated whether or not they should be banned. And while advocates say that these programs save lives, others say they do more harm than good. 12 News spoke with voices on both sides to hear what they had to say.

Milan Puskar Health Rights LIGHT program in Morgantown is one of the leading syringe service programs in the state. LIGHT follows a philosophy of harm reductionwhich means it believes that part of a public health response to a drug crisis should be to lessen the negative health effects of people who are addicted.

In the case of the syringe service program, LIGHT argues that users are going to use opioids regardless of whether they have clean syringes, and that by providing clean syringes, LIGHT decreases the spread of communicable diseases, like hepatitis and HIV.

Were not giving people drugs. Were not encouraging people to do drugs. Were accepting the fact that this is our reality right now in West Virginia, Milan Puskar Health Right Executive Director Laura Jones said.

More stories about the fentanyl crisis

During the 2024 State Legislative Session, Monongalia County Delegate Geno Chiarelli (R) was the lead sponsor of House Bill 4866, which proposed banning syringe service programs. Chiarelli said that his position is partially based on an experience he had while going undercover and using LIGHTs services.

There was no coordination of any kind, there was no treatment planning, there was no specialist referrals, Del. Chiarelli said. I was in there for about 15 minutes and I walked out of there with a plastic bag full of paraphernalia.

LIGHT has said that it has since fixed the errors that Chiarelli exposed. It also points to the CDC, which says that syringe service programs are proven to save lives and reduce the impact of drug use in the community.

A major area of contention in the syringe service debate is whether the programs produce syringe litter that could pose a public health threat in their own right. LIGHT and the National Institutes of Health contend that syringe service programs do not increase litter, but Chiarelli argues that what the research says is not borne out by his experience living in Morgantown, nor what his constituents say.

To be frank with you, I dont really care what the CDC says about these kinds of statistics because I have two eyeballs, and I live in this community. I have ears, and I hear what the other people are sayingthe people that are living it and experiencing it every single day. People refuse to go downtown anymore. They refuse to go to the library. People dont want to participate in whatever they have downtown because of whats happening there, and the things they are being exposed to, Del. Chiarelli said.

LIGHTs efforts appear to be paying off though, as unlike many other West Virginia cities, Morgantown has not had a needle-borne HIV case in the past nine years.

When asked about the human toll that banning syringe service programs might cause, Chiarelli said that between the litter he sees and the ease with which people can access needles, he thinks programs like LIGHT do more harm than good.

Ultimately, House Bill 4866 was not passed, and LIGHTs syringe service program is still in operation, but with the issue being so contentious, syringe service programs are likely to be back on the agenda during the next legislative session.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Blind figure of Justice holding scales | Getty Images Creative

Domestic violence shelters and victim services organizations across Wisconsin are bracing for massive cuts to their budgets because Wisconsins allocation from a federal program has dropped from $40 million to $13 million.

The cuts caused the state Department of Justice (DOJ) to limit grants available to community based organizations and government agencies such as victim-witness departments within county district attorneys offices. Organizations were only allowed to request just $250,000 this year.

That cap caused some organizations to receive far less federal money than in past years. Stevens Point-based CAP Services, Inc. saw its VOCA allocation drop from $985,895 last year to $98,219.

Data from the DOJ shows that on average, organizations received about $250,000 less money through VOCA than they did last year. But because the DOJ imposed the cap on grant requests as a way to make sure the money available got spread as fairly as possible, that decline doesnt show how organizations may have limited their requests when they actually needed far more.

The Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) takes fees, fines and penalties collected in federal court proceedings and disburses those funds to the states to use on victim services  which can include the operations of community-based organizations such as domestic violence shelters and rape crisis centers and the work of victim-witness offices within county district attorneys offices.

These organizations and offices play a crucial role in the criminal justice system. Their work can include finding housing, clothes and food for survivors and their children, providing transportation to and from court appearances and helping people prepare for and understand the often confusing process of criminal court proceedings. The work is also often a matter of life and death in cases that can include helping victims of domestic violence safely leave home.

Staff at these organizations also help victims process the trauma theyve experienced and how thats affected by the criminal justice process, which by definition requires them to relive it in court.

The cuts will have ripple effects across communities, said Shira Phelps, the executive director of DOJs Office of Crime Victim Services, calling the downsizing of victims services a drastic loss.

Victim services is not just about one person gets hurt and experiences trauma, and then theyre helped and they go on with their lives, Phelps added. This is really about sort of taking away a foundation for communities that help in every other aspect. Housing, education, all of those different fields are going to feel this really deep impact.

Since 2000, Congress has put a cap on the amount of money that can be disbursed to states from the fund, which is operated by the U.S. Treasury Department, calculated by a three-year average of court fees, fines and penalties. That number has dropped over the past six years and in March, Congress approved setting the cap at $1.2 billion, a 40% drop from the 2023 fiscal year when the cap was $1.9 billion and a massive decline from 2018 when the cap hit an all-time high of $4.4 billion.

In 2021, Wisconsin Sen. Tammy Baldwin was a co-author of a bill that passed on a bipartisan basis to sustain the fund, adding an additional $1 billion to the fund between 2021 and 2023. But last year, as the cap was set to drop, Baldwin warned a fix would be needed as Wisconsin faced an increase in domestic violence deaths.

Organizations across Wisconsin rely on this funding to provide support to victims of crime, including victims of sexual assault and domestic violence. Sadly, Wisconsin continues to suffer from an epidemic of domestic violence, and these funds are vital to assist the adults and children harmed by these crimes, Baldwin wrote in a letter to Attorney General Merrick Garland last October. The Department must do everything in its power to ensure that these organizations and the victims they serve have the resources they need.

For the past few years, Wisconsin has been able to put a Band-aid over the cuts with money from COVID-19 relief funds, but with those funds running out, organizations across the state are preparing for a sudden hit. In its request for the 2025-26 budget, DOJ has asked for money to fill the gap. In the meantime, organizations will struggle to provide the services they can.

The loss of funds comes as domestic violence continues to be a major problem in Wisconsin. The state ranks eighth in the nation for the number of women killed by men, and a 2022 report found that domestic violence deaths in Wisconsin were on the rise.

Domestic violence homicide is the most predictable type of homicide, said Courtney Olson, executive director of Rainbow House Domestic Abuse Services, Inc in northeastern Wisconsin. She believes its one of the most preventable.

Olson said friends and family members of victims often feel frustrated, wondering why their best friend, sister, daughter or mom doesnt leave an abusive relationship. She said on average, it takes seven attempts to leave before someone is out the door for good, and leaving is the most dangerous time for victims. Having help from a professional is critical, she said.

Its lifesaving work, Olson said.

Service cuts

The loss of services will be most stark in more rural parts of the state, where local and county governments have less capacity to help with the lost funds and there are fewer private funds available.

Embrace, a non-profit, with headquarters in Ladysmith, Rusk County, has been in existence since 1980, offering shelter and services to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.

It serves four, rural counties in northwest Wisconsin  Barron, Price, Rusk and Washburn.

Embrace is scheduled to face a $531,581 cut of VOCA funds  from $650,000 to $118,419  that Executive Director Katie Bement said represents about one third of the organizations budget.

Im in shock and dont even know what to say because its just creating such panic ... knowing that there are all these life-saving services statewide being impacted, said Bement. Its not just Embrace thats experiencing this. People are going to lose access to child abuse services, domestic violence and sexual assault and trafficking (services) and other victim services because of this loss of funding.

In the spring of 2023, Bement was first informed there would be a cut of the VOCA funds but the estimate was around $400,000  a significant hit for the organization. Then, in early September this year she learned it would be even deeper  $531,581.

It was so much worse than we thought, she said.

Anticipating a $400,000 hit, Embrace changed how it operates its emergency shelter available 24/7 for the last 30 years by removing a staff person from the premises.

We've always had staff on-site in our emergency shelter who were able to be called out to accompany somebody to a hospital or respond to folks that were staying in shelter, she said, and with the original notice of the funding loss coming through, we restructured all of that, so now nobody (no staff person) is physically on site at the shelter anymore.

With the $531,581 cut, Embrace has had to cut even more services, including sexual assault services for survivors, as well as laying off staff and reducing services to the schools in the four counties.

There are going to be people out there who die without these services available, she said. Its going to be slower to get services because theres less staff. I think its very unlikely people will be able to get same-day services unless theres a high risk of homicide.

She added, The people who are going to be hurt the most are the folks who are already most harmed and marginalized  QTBIPOC (Queer, Trans, Black, Indigenous People of Color) survivors and rural, low-income survivors.

Bement said small, rural non-profits like Embrace are feeling the cuts the most because they dont have private foundations to turn to for funds and the local county government funding is limited: Washburn gives $17,000; Rusk, $12,000 and Price, $2,000.

Barron County used to give Embrace $25,000 a year but after it paid for a Black Lives Matter billboard in the county in 2020 the county supervisors responded negatively and cut all funding.

Earlier in the year, the state Legislature approved some backfill dollars in Act 241 that gave Embrace $271,000 to fund the groups work through 2024 and into June 2025, but this leaves it nearly $300,000 short and the Act 241 funds are just for one year.

We cant really hire anyone because we dont know if there will be any dollars for next year, Bement said.

Seven organizations in northeast Wisconsin are seeking donations in the face of looming funding cuts that threaten the current level of services for victims of crimes.

Theres just really nothing to trim, and that is the story youre going to hear from every agency, Tana Koss, vice president of programs and strategy at Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin, said about her organization. Were already as efficient as we can be.

Member organizations are collecting donations for the North Eastern WI (N.E.W.) Victim Service Collaborative Fund. The funds webpage says that as of Oct. 1, the region will lose almost $1.8 million each year  over $5 million over the grant cycle. The goal is to raise $3 million in 3 years.

Family Services of Northeast Wisconsin is losing about $690,000 of VOCA funding. Koss said her organization has been going after any potential grant funding, but a gap remains. The gap is down to $365,000 for the coming year, she said. Thats basically a thousand dollars a day we need to find to maintain sexual assault core services, Koss said.

That advocacy support, having someone that you feel really comfortable with, is critical, Koss said. And its critical not just for that humans experience, but for the justice system to work. Keeping a person whos been victimized in this way engaged in the legal process to hold the perpetrators accountable  thats a long road.

Koss said barrier-free counseling has been part of the organizations VOCA-funded effort for over 40 years. It had to be cut completely out of the grant, and the group hasnt yet found new funding to keep it going. The family services organization has found funding for its child advocacy center for this year.

Koss said the organization hasnt made staff cuts to sexual assault services, but the $365,000 gap remains for the fiscal year running from 2024 into 2025. In 2025-2026, the shortfall will be $950,000.

I feel like it is impossible to cut from a team of 10 thats doing 24/7 in four counties, Koss said. Half of the victims were serving are children. And 90% of those children know their abuser. So how can we not be responding? Like, we have to figure it out. To me, its like, failure is not an option.

The VOCA reductions will give $351,000 less to the Violence Intervention Project, Inc, which serves Kewaunee County. The organization has had to cut essentially four positions from its staff of nine, executive director Laura Giddley said. A concern for her is staff burnout. She also said the cut may decrease the organizations outreach and prevention education.

So it will be impactful within our community, and most importantly, getting resources out to the individuals in our community, Giddley said.

Koss said multiple agencies help youth hear about safety and relationships, and how to tell an adult if something wrong is happening. She said the agencies are organized and provide experts from multiple points of view, and if any one agency loses funding, it affects the whole.

While rural parts of the state will be the first to see drastic changes such as cuts to service, eventually the ripple effect will harm the whole system.

In Dane County, Domestic Abuse Intervention Services (DAIS) operates a domestic violence shelter, 24-hour hotline and provides numerous services for victims in the county. For now, because of the availability of private dollars in Madison, funds from city and county government and long-term planning, the organization can cover the loss in VOCA funds through measures such as deferring maintenance projects. But that safety net wont last forever.

As other programs around the state and in the region close or are profoundly impacted by these cuts, those victims and survivors are going to come to organizations that do remain, such as DAIS or other larger programs, DAIS executive director Shannon Barry said. Dane County is already the fastest growing county in the entire state of Wisconsin. Weve already seen the impact of that growth on demand for our services, and we already have waitlists for some of our services; most notably our homicide prevention shelter  the only one in Dane County.

Cuts in other parts of the state could increase the number of people DAIS needs to help because the organization is prohibited by law from denying service based on geography.

We have to be available to anyone who comes to us, Barry said. Our capacity is not infinite  these cuts to programs across the state create an even bigger burden on the organizations that remains when were already stretched to the limit.

Effect on DAs offices

Some district attorneys offices in Wisconsin will also be receiving less VOCA funding. In Milwaukee County, Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern is concerned about how the loss of funding may affect the offices prosecution of crimes. The DAs office will receive about $334,000 less in VOCA funding than it currently does, according to the Wisconsin DOJ.

VOCA money for the DAs office funds victim witness advocates, Lovern said. These advocates main job is to stay in close contact with victims and witnesses. They give advice, reach out to victims and witnesses and accompany them to court. They also work to make sure the DAs office is gathering enough information from victims to help determine the right charging decision for a crime.

Going forward, the DA will have two VOCA-funded victim witness advocates instead of eight, Lovern said. The county agreed to provide another four advocates in this years budget.

The work of victim witness offices has also become more expensive in recent years because of the 2020 passage of Marsys Law, amending the state constitution to give more rights to crime victims. The changes added more responsibilities to the work of these offices without adding any more funding.

The loss of VOCA money is also coming at a time of increasing caseloads, Lovern said.

Were charging more cases over the last two years than in previous years, so the caseloads are already growing, Lovern said. And this adds just additional work to our staff, many of whom have indicated to us theyre feeling a bit overwhelmed by the additional caseload burden.

Outagamie County District Attorney Mindy Tempelis said its still unclear how the cuts will affect the state, but shes worried about how an already under-funded aspect of the system can manage and what that will mean for providing people what they need during traumatic times.

There's a lot of victims of crime who really need the support of government services like the victim witness program and community based organizations that help them, Tempelis said. And when those are impacted, that impacts victims ability to process what happened to them, be able to get the care that they need to be healthy and to continue to move forward into a survivorship position

For survivors of crimes, the cuts could erode trust in the criminal justice system, according to Erin Welsh, deputy director of the DOJ crime victim services office.

I think for survivors, it really has the potential to erode trust in the system, she said. You know, I thought I was going to have these rights, I thought I was going to have these services, and you are not able to give them to me. And that's unreasonable for asking folks in the criminal justice system to do that with nothing, and that's entirely unfair to just leave survivors hanging and expect to get something from the criminal justice process. So I think that trust that it erodes has a real impact in how communities engage with the criminal justice system.

One of the biggest fears about the cuts is that if people lose trust in the criminal justice system because it doesnt support victims of domestic and sexual violence, these already underreported crimes will be less likely to be reported.

I don't think it is possible to overstate how this will impact [reporting of crimes], Phelps said. The trust in the system is hard anyway, and if we are not even able to uphold and protect their rights under the constitution, under statute, why in the world would anybody put themselves out there, put their trauma out there, put their the worst thing that ever happened to them out in public if they don't even believe that their rights will be protected at a bare minimum, let alone all the other critical resources and services that are provided? If we can't even ensure that  there's no reason anyone would trust us.

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Correction: This story initially said it takes seven incidents of abuse before someone leaves an abusive relationship. It has been corrected to say it takes seven attempts to leave.
Louis Vuitton shows flouncy, layered looks at the Louvre for Paris Fashion Week

By Mimosa Spencer

PARIS (Reuters) - Louis Vuitton womenswear designer Nicolas Ghesquiere showed a lineup of layered looks with short, flouncy skirts and puffy-sleeved jackets for the label's spring-summer outing on Tuesday, the last day of Paris Fashion Week.

Set up in a temporary venue in a courtyard of the Louvre Museum, the runway was fashioned out of a mishmash of trunk facades. It ran through the centre of the space, and marked the start of the show by rising up into a podium.

Out came the models, parading tops that were cinched at the waist, their long necklaces and loosely fastened neckties swinging.

The pace quickened through the show, even as the silhouettes grew longer to include robe-like overcoats that swept the floor and loose, bohemian trousers.

Handbags came in all shapes and sizes, with some models carrying more than one, stacked like jewellery.

Shoe styles nodded to the brand's leatherworking background, with laid-back flats made of fat, mismatching leather straps while dressy heels featured patches of leather with a twist in the middle.

Sitting in the front row, LVMH Chairman and CEO Bernard Arnault broke into a grin when Ghesquiere bounced down the runway for his bow at the end of the show. Sitting next to him, French first lady Brigitte Macron, who is known to wear Vuitton for official outings, blew the designer a kiss.

Paris Fashion Week started on Sept. 23, with catwalk shows from dozens of brands including Dior, Kering-owned Saint Laurent, Hermes, Chanel and Victoria Beckham.

(Reporting by Mimosa Spencer; Editing by Sandra Maler)
Misti Cordell, Chair of the Board of Regents, speaks as Louisiana Governor Jeff Landry stands by on executive order about free speech for higher education institutions on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, outside of the LSU Memorial Tower. (Gabriella Guillory / The Reveille)

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry signed an executive order Tuesday asking the Board of Regents to make recommendations for improving freedom of expression policies on the states college campuses.

Students should be able to freely engage in discussions and talk about ideas and the things that they believe in because that is how we grow, Landry said at a news conference on LSUs campus. That is how we are educated, rather than indoctrinated.

Unfortunately, what weve seen in college campuses around the country is where, again, as I said, one voice seems to be quieted while another seems to yell, Landry said.

The executive order also includes aspects of a 2018 state law that requires colleges and universities to submit annual reports to the Legislature and the governors office regarding any barriers to or incidents against free expression that occurred at the institution. It also calls on the Board of Regents to work with schools to develop free speech policies. Read the full executive order below.

Each school adopted new free speech policies in 2018. Spokespeople for the Legislature, Landry and LSU have not yet responded to requests for comment as to whether schools have been submitting the required reports.

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The order requires Regents to make recommendations on improving those policies to ensure public areas are available as traditional public forums and are open on the same terms to those engaging in noncommercial expressive activity. It also encourages Regents to make recommendations ensuring traditional public forums, such as LSUs Free Speech Alley, are clearly identified, and ensuring policies for reporting bias or discrimination do not discipline conduct outside of the definition of student-on-student discriminatory harassment.

On college campuses, we have bright young minds, Regents Chairwoman Misti Cordell said. They have their own voice and values and morals and things that they would like to uphold. These voices we need to keep strong because they carry on into our future.

Landrys event was held in conjunction with LSUs chapter of Turning Point USA, an ultra-conservative student activist organization. The group is known for bringing controversial conservative figures to college campuses. Events put on by chapters across the country often draw counter protesters who have occasionally led to speaking engagements being canceled for security reasons.

For far too long, college faculty and our peers have cultivated an atmosphere and an environment that promotes one ideology and one set of values as the only acceptable values, Ethan Vogin, vice president of the LSU Turning Point Chapter, said at the news conference.

Though Landry and Vogin did not name a specific ideology, their comments align with common conservative concerns about liberal indoctrination on college campuses.

Landry was asked by a reporter whether his concerns about dominating ideology on college campuses conflict with a law he championed that requires the Ten Commandments to be posted in every K-12 and college classroom.

The Ten Commandments are the foundation under which Western civilization lies, Landry said. Denying that denies you the existence of the freedoms that you enjoy today.

Many Louisiana campuses fell short in annual free speech analyses from the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), an organization that monitors freedom of speech at colleges and universities. Financial supporters of FIRE include the Koch brothers and conservative foundations, although most of its donors are individuals. The group describes work is nonpartisan.

Louisiana Tech and McNeese State were the only Louisiana schools to receive a green light rating from FIRE, meaning they do not have any policies that seriously imperil free speech.

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Correction: A description of the Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression has been updated.

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A Louisana law that would classify mifepristone and misoprostol pills, like the ones pictured here, as "a controlled dangerous substance" took effect Tuesday. File Photo by Bill Grenblatt/UPI

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- A Louisiana law that makes abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol "a controlled dangerous substance" took effect Tuesday.

The law -- the first of its kind in the nation -- requires the drugs, which in addition to being used as a cocktail for medical abortions are used for miscarriage management and to stop bleeding after childbirth, to be stored in a locked container like benzodiazepines such as Valium, Xanax and Ativan.

It also establishes penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of as much as $5,000 for people who possess the pills without a valid prescription, with exceptions for pregnant women who have the drugs for their "own consumption."

Dr. Jenifer Avengo, director of the New Orleans Health Department, noted to NBC News that Louisiana already bans abortion with rare exceptions, meaning that physicians could not prescribe misoprostol and mifepristone for abortions before the law went into effect.

The new law led to concerns that doctors could be limited in prescribing the drugs to treat other conditions.

Others expressed worry that the extra barrier to access even for those with prescriptions puts women in danger when they are faced with emergency situations.

"You want to be able to have it right there in the moment," Dr. Jennifer Avegno, director of the New Orleans Health Department, told CNN. "It adds several minutes to that process. If you've ever watched someone bleed out after childbirth, as I have, you know that minutes can make a difference."

Louisiana Gov. Jeff Landry, however, said the new law will protect women. State Sen. Thomas Pressly said he proposed the bill after his sister was given misoprostol against her will.

The anti-abortion group Louisiana Right to Life, which helped write the law, told NBC News that misoprostol will still be available for "miscarriage management, induction of labor, management of postpartum hemorrhage, stomach ulcers, and more."

Tamika Thomas-Magee, director of clinical services at Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, said the law is being used as a "scare tactic" so doctors would have second thoughts about using the drugs and possibly breaking the law.
A new Louisiana law requires abortion meds to be locked in a cabinet, even if needed for emergency care

Louisianas first-in-the-nation law listing the abortion medications mifepristone and misoprostol as controlled dangerous substances took effect Tuesday, triggering fears among health-care providers and pharmacists that routine care may be worsened for women in the state.

Beyond abortion, the medicines are used for miscarriage management and, in misoprostols case, to stop dangerous bleeding after childbirth, physicians say. Now, in Louisiana, misoprostol is required to be stored in a locked box like other controlled substances, which doctors fear could delay treatment in emergency situations.

You want to be able to have it right there in the moment, said Dr. Jennifer Avegno, an emergency physician and director of the New Orleans Health Department.

She said health-care providers in the state have been doing drills to see how long it will take to get misoprostol from locked cabinets in emergencies during childbirth.

It adds several minutes to that process, she said. If youve ever watched someone bleed out after childbirth, as I have, you know that minutes can make a difference.

Abortion was already illegal in Louisiana, with narrow exceptions. Gov. Jeff Landry, on signing the bill, said it would protect women across the state. Possessing the medicines without a valid prescription could now come with penalties of up to five years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000, although the law specifically exempts pregnant women who possess the drugs for her own consumption.

The law, passed in May, puts mifepristone and misoprostol in the same category in Louisiana as benzodiazepines including Valium, Xanax and Ativan. It was proposed by Republican state Sen. Thomas Pressly after he said his sister had been given misoprostol against her will, and it established the crime of coerced criminal abortion by means of fraud.

Fears over timely treatment

Mifepristone and misoprostol are the regimen used for medication abortion, now the most common way people access abortion in the United States. Mifepristone blocks progesterone, a hormone needed for continuing a pregnancy, and misoprostol causes the uterus to contract, leading to cramping and bleeding.

For miscarriages, they are used in emergency settings when patients are having complications and for outpatient care.

One of the most common reasons that people choose medication management of a miscarriage is because they want timely treatment and to put the process behind them as soon as possible, said Dr. Honor MacNaughton, a family physician with expertise in reproductive health at Cambridge Health Alliance in Massachusetts. A lot of people dont want to wait to be scheduled for the procedure or wait for the miscarriage to happen on its own, since that process can take days or sometimes even weeks.

Dr. Anitra Beasley, medical director of Planned Parenthood Gulf Coast, which has two clinics in Louisiana, said she worries that the laws new restrictions could mean patients cant get timely access to the medicines, because doctors could be afraid to prescribe them or pharmacists could be afraid to fill the prescriptions. Patients legally prescribed the medicines for miscarriage care could also be confused about whether its legal to take them, she said.

Knowing that you have a pregnancy that has ended and wanting to medically manage that process and being told you that you cant, or having to travel through parish to parish to parish trying to find someone whos going to give you the appropriate medications, Beasley said, I just cant imagine how much heartache that person must have at that particular point.

Proponents of the law argue that it doesnt affect legal prescriptions of the medications, and the Louisiana Department of Health issued guidance for health-care providers in September seeking to clarify that the medicines can be used in hospitals to treat postpartum hemorrhage and incomplete miscarriages. It said the medicines should be stored in a locked cabinet.

Large health systems and pharmacy organizations said they have been preparing for the law to go into effect for months. Ochsner Health, a major health system in the state, issued a set of answers to frequently asked questions for its staff last week, addressing which providers can prescribe misoprostol, how to order the drug and what steps will be required to access it from a locked drawer.

Beginning Oct. 1, 2024, providers in all specialties will need to follow the controlled substance patient record documentation process, the guidance says. Prescribers will need to specify why the medicine is being prescribed, or the electronic health record system wont allow the prescription to go through, it says. It also notes that there will be an override system to allow misoprostol to be released from the locked cabinet in emergencies.

Misusing the schedule system

Doctors in addiction medicine said that characterizing these drugs as controlled substances is an overreach of what the scheduling system aims to do. Requiring misoprostol and mifepristone to be stored the same way as sedatives such as benzodiazepines, frankly, is absurd, said Dr. Lucille Howard, an ob/gyn who is an addiction medicine fellow at Tulane University in New Orleans. They just dont have that same potential for dependence or addiction at all.

Its misusing the schedule system, added Dr. Smita Prasad, president of the Louisiana Society of Addiction Medicine and an assistant professor at Tulane. It also really deflects from a real problem that we have in the United States: other substances like fentanyl and synthetic fentanyl, that are killing people.

Scheduling the drugs also requires that their use be tracked by a Prescription Drug Monitoring Program, a statewide program where I can look for a patient under my care and I can see for the past 15 years if theyve been prescribed any scheduled medications, who the prescriber was, where they filled that medication, and information about dates and amounts used, Prasad said.

It was a system designed to curb opioid abuse, said Anna Legreid Dopp, senior director of government relations for the American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, but her organizations members expressed concern that it could stigmatize patients who were legally prescribed mifepristone and misoprostol, a concern shared by physicians.

Every time one of our physicians writes a misoprostol prescription, thats going to be documented, said Avegno, the director of New Orleans health department. There is a real fear that someone is going to say, Oh, that OB wrote 20 prescriptions last month. I wonder if theyre secretly doing abortions. Im going to investigate, right?

Dopps organization, which represents pharmacists working at hospitals and other health-care facilities, revised its policy after Louisianas law was passed to oppose rescheduling medications used for reproductive health and reporting of those medications into prescription drug monitoring programs.

Almost immediately, our members raised concern that if this is being done in one state, it can easily be a template for other states to use it, Dopp said.

Louisiana, which has one of the highest maternal mortality rates in the country, has made hard-won progress over the past decade in reducing deaths from postpartum hemorrhage, Avegno said.

Now were adding a reason for postpartum hemorrhage to go back up, she said. It really violates the standard of care that our OBs are used to practicing.

The New Orleans City Council directed the health department to study the effects of the law, Avegno said, and her team has set up an online form for patients, pharmacists and medical providers to share their experiences confidentially.

Really just to document what is occurring so we can bring that to our decision-makers and say, Look, these are the consequences, Avegno said. We dont want anybody to suffer in silence and feel like not being able to access care is something that no one cares about. Because we certainly do.

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Louisiana State Police: Former Lecompte chief took guns, narcotics from storage facility

A former Lecompte Police Department chief has been arrested, accused of taking evidence from a storage facility, according to Louisiana State Police.

Joseph Dale Thompson, 61, was booked into the Rapides Parish Detention Center #1 on Monday on five counts of malfeasance in office. Less than an hour later, he left jail after posting a $5,000 bond.

According to a news release, the department asked the Louisiana State Police Criminal Investigation Unit to investigate after guns and narcotics were discovered missing or improperly logged.

'Focus on life': Mom of Alexandria teen killed in wreck tells friends to live their lives

Police: Complaint from Ball officials leads to arrest of former employee accused in theft

"As a result of the investigation and information obtained, it was revealed that prior LPD Chief of Police Joseph Thompson had removed multiple pieces of evidence (guns) and relocated them to his residence," it reads.

Thompson lives in Pineville, according to online jail records.

A warrant was issued for him on Sept. 27, and he was arrested Monday. An investigation "remains active and ongoing," reads the release.

This article originally appeared on Alexandria Town Talk: Former Lecompte chief arrested, accused of taking guns, narcotics
Storm warnings





Like many Floridians, I watched in horror as Hurricane Helene rapidly intensified from a Category 1 to a Category 4 storm in one day. It felt a bit too close to home, having watched as my family in Puerto Rico braced as best they could when Hurricane Maria did the same almost seven years ago.

As the Herald reported, to facilitate this growth, Helene encountered perfect conditions in the Gulf thanks to the warming Loop Current. We may not know the extent of the impact of climate change on this current, but its pretty clear that climate change is playing a role in this rapid intensification.

Im tired of my life being overturned and defined by major hurricanes, of worrying that the next tropical storm might turn into a major storm overnight. This year, Im using my voice and my vote to elect climate champions.

We need people in office who will commit to more than disaster relief. We need them to take concrete steps to prevent these disasters in the first place. I urge readers to take this opportunity to remind our elected officials that the time for climate change denial has passed. If they want our vote, they need a plan to address climate change.

We cant afford another Andrew, Katrina, Maria, Ian, Idalia, Helene  and more?

Steffanie Munguia,

Homestead

FIUs top rankings

The Herald sadly (and widely) missed the mark in the Sept. 25 article on FIUs achievements, Miami-area university captures top spot in a ranking. The article suggests that FIUs primary accomplishment is being ranked No. 1 nationally in social mobility.

Most people, however, do not even know what that means; it just indicates that we have many applicants from low income backgrounds who, through their hard work and intelligence (not to mention our low tuition), applied, were admitted, enrolled and graduated at high rates from FIU. This is laudable!

Even more significant, however, is that according to U.S. News & World Report  the gold standard in rankings  FIU is now a Top 50 public national university and also ranks among the top 100 national universities, where private institutions are also included.

These achievements were mentioned toward the end of the article, which only some people will read. Furthermore, FIU is the youngest among the top research universities in the nation.

Modesto A. Maidique,

Alvah Chapman Jr. Chair in Leadership,

Florida International University,

Miami

Fateful court

I came to the United States from Cuba with my family when I was eight years old, just a year older than Suset in Herald reporter Syra Ortiz Blanes Sept. 27 story, Where futures are decided: Immigration court offers glimpse of South Florida migrants lives. The story rightly points out the steep challenges that immigrants, particularly children, face navigating the U.S. immigration system  often without an attorney.

Unlike juvenile justice and family courts, immigration courts treat children virtually the same as adults, even when they are facing court on their own. It fails to recognize the many ways children cannot navigate these complex proceedings that even adults have difficulty comprehending.

In Congress, I worked across the aisle on commonsense proposals to protect the most vulnerable. Now, Congress has the opportunity to enact bipartisan, practical court reforms with the Immigration Court Efficiency and Childrens Court Act. If passed, immigration judges and government attorneys handling unaccompanied childrens cases would be specially trained, procedures would better align with childrens developmental levels and the courts would help facilitate childrens access to legal assistance.

This is a needed solution for Miamis immigration court, which handles among the highest number of unaccompanied childrens cases. These children deserve a system in which they can fairly access protection. I know from experience this can be life-changing.

Ileana Ros-Lehtinen,

Miami

Child poverty

In mid-September, the U.S. Census Bureaus annual report showed an uptick in child poverty for 2023, with the rate reaching 13.7%, according to the Supplemental Poverty Measure (SPM). Restoring and bolstering the Child Tax Credit (CTC) presents a compelling solution to this increase in child poverty statistics.

The CTCs expansion in 2021 led to a historic drop in child poverty rates to 5.2%, showcasing its remarkable effectiveness. In a U.S. Senate vote in August, Sen. Rick Scott voted in favor of the CTC, while Sen. Marco Rubio, who had previously supported it, voted against the CTC.

We must encourage our lawmakers to recognize the CTCs positive impact and expand its reach to improve the lives of millions of children and families.

Claire Callan,

Miami

Public transport

As traffic congestion worsens and air quality declines, we must prioritize eco-friendly transit options to create a healthier environment for all residents. Transitioning to a robust public transportation system can significantly reduce our carbon footprint, lower traffic congestion and provide affordable travel options for those who rely on it daily. Furthermore, investing in bike lanes and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure will not only promote healthier lifestyles but also enhance the overall quality of life in our neighborhoods.

I urge our local leaders to prioritize sustainable public transportation in the upcoming budget discussions. By making these investments now, we can foster a cleaner, more efficient and inclusive community for generations to come.

Charlie Hazboun,

Miami

Familial history

What sad irony: the recent reported sunsetting of Temple Israel of Greater Miami, founded in 1922, and the passing of Joseph Zwitman Fleming, the last link to that Reform synagogues early rabbinic history. When Temple Israel spun off from Beth David  the Conservative and first synagogue in South Florida  the 41 founding members hoped to create a progressive presence in the fledgling City of Miami.

In 1936, Colman Zwitman, a rising stellar mentee of renowned Rabbi Stephen Wise, came south as the youngest rabbi ordained by the Jewish Institute of Religion. Called to the Pacific Theater during World War II, Rabbi Zwitman left the local pulpit and served as a chaplain overseas. When he returned, he was already infected with the liver disease that would take his life prematurely in 1949.

For Temple Israels 100th anniversary programming, Joe Fleming brought his fathers history to life in a nearly hour-long taped interview. As a longtime family friend, past-president and journalist, I was honored to conduct that interview.

Even though Temple Israels presence may move from the Edgewater neighborhood, longtime members will always take their history with them.

Norma A. Orovitz,

Bay Harbor Islands

Local winners





We do not know Meg Daly, but if anyone deserves a star, it is she, for her tenacious work over so many, many years to get the Underline up and running, without a lot of political help or money.

What a local entrepreneur can do to make our city even greater is incredible and also shows that if we keep politicians out and entrepreneurial residents in, things get done better and less expensive.

To put stars of local citizens upfront along the Underline, thanking them for the work they do for the city  and without government money  would be a great touch. Dalys star should be the first of many.

Barbara & Stanley Schwartz,

Key Biscayne

Changing climate

The extensive damage caused by Hurricane Helene made me think of the late comedian Sam Kinison yelling, Say it! Say it! at Rodney Dangerfield in the movie, Back to School.

In this case, the response is Climate change. Climate change. Good answer, Gov. DeSantis.

Stan Schachne,

Davie
Its been a few weeks since The New York Times reported on the absence of health care as a top issue in this years election cycle. In nearly every major presidential race for decades, health care has been a central issue, the Times report added, concluding that health care has become a second-tier issue.

Vice President Kamala Harris appears determined to drag health care into the first tier, whether Republicans like it or not. NBC News reported:

Kamala Harris is launching a seven-figure ad blitz about health care targeting Donald Trumps calls to replace the Affordable Care Act with a mystery plan he hasnt yet released. The ad campaign, first reported by NBC News, is aimed at elevating the issue and capitalizing on what polling says is a weakness for Trump.

The minute-long commercial is built in part on the former president declaring at the recent presidential debate that he has concepts of a plan that would replace the nations existing health care system.

The unveiling of the ad comes one day after the Democratic presidential campaign released a 43-page report on what Americans could expect from a second Trump term, specifically on health care policy, based on his record, his recent vows and the work members of his team have done on the Project 2025 agenda.

Team Harris made the case that if the Republican nominee wont release a health care plan, Democrats would take the liberty of filling in the gaps, effectively presenting Trumps plan for him.

This weeks push comes on the heels of a series of related efforts, including Team Harris organizing dozens of public events with health care advocates in key states, shining a light on the GOPs regressive vision.

Fortunately for the Democratic ticket and its allies, their Republican counterparts have helped to elevate the issue in unexpected ways. It was, after all, just two weeks ago when Trumps controversial running mate, Republican Sen. JD Vance of Ohio, shared new details about his plans to weaken protections for Americans with pre-existing conditions  creating a new opportunity for Democrats in the process.

His running mate has helped, too: Over the last several months, the former president has repeatedly targeted Obamacare in increasingly explicit terms, and as recently as December, the Republican nominee posted a video to his social media platform attacking the late Sen. John McCain for not helping him terminate the ACA in 2017.

Im mindful of the broader election season conversation and the degree to which health care has not enjoyed the national spotlight, at least not on par with the economy and border security. But with 35 days remaining in the cycle, theres no reason the conversation cant change.

In a new press statement, the Harris campaign pointed to the latest national Gallup poll, which found two-thirds of Americans said health care needed to be discussed more as part of this years elections. Surprisingly, the results werent altogether partisan: A majority of Democrats, Republicans and independent voters all agreed that health care hasnt gotten enough attention.

With this in mind, Democrats appear eager to give the electorate what it apparently wants, focusing on an issue on which Republicans struggle badly.

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
EDITORIAL: Dead voters have a right to be seen
Its not every day when a judge references The Handmaids Tale in a high-profile court ruling, but thats precisely what happened when a judge struck down Georgias six-week abortion ban. NBC News reported:

A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, struck down the states six-week abortion ban Monday, allowing the procedure to resume and making it legal up to 22 weeks of pregnancy. The state law, known as the LIFE Act, was signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019 but didnt take effect until July 2022, after it faced a legal challenge and the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade.

As my colleague Lisa Rubin explained in a social media thread thats worth your time, it was quite a ruling from Fulton County Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney, who concluded that the meaning of liberty in Georgia includes the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.

McBurney added that the Republican-imposed ban was extreme in its narrowing of the window of time within which women have the legal ability to end a pregnancy from roughly twenty weeks (i.e., viability) down to a mere six weeks, a point at which many  if not most  women are completely unaware or at best unsure if they are pregnant.

He went on to write that for many women, their pregnancy was unintended, unexpected, and often unknown until well after the embryonic heartbeat began. Yet thats too late under the LIFE Acts strictures: these women are now forbidden from undoing that life-altering change of circumstances  before they even knew the change had occurred.

For these women, the liberty of privacy means that they alone should choose whether they serve as human incubators for the five months leading up to viability. It is not for a legislator, a judge, or a Commander from The Handmaids Tale to tell these women what to do with their bodies during this period when the fetus cannot survive outside the womb any more so than society could  or should  force them to serve as a human tissue bank or to give up a kidney for the benefit of another, McBurney concluded.

With this in mind, women in Georgia can, for now, terminate unwanted and/or dangerous pregnancies up to 22 weeks.

But in the meantime, its also worth emphasizing that McBurneys ruling, while heartening and progressive, comes too late for some  because theres ample evidence to suggest that Georgias poorly named LIFE Act was responsible for the deaths of at least two local women.

As my MSNBC colleague Sarah Posner recently explained, Amber Nicole Thurman died in 2022 after she failed to receive the medical care she needed  because her physicians were terrified of committing a felony under the states abortion ban.

Soon after the public learned of the Thurman tragedy, we were confronted by a related story: Candi Miller also died in Georgia, and as ProPublica reported, maternal health experts have blamed Georgia Republicans abortion ban.

GOP officials in the state have already vowed to appeal the latest ruling. Watch this space.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
In recent months, Americans have received quite a bit of information about crime rates in the United States, and fortunately, pretty much all of it has been encouraging. As CNN reported, the news about crime so far this year looks heartening, too.

Crime in the United States dropped throughout the first six months of 2024, according to preliminary figures released Monday by the FBI, continuing a trend in falling crime rates the bureau recently noted for 2023. The new numbers show murders from January to June dropped 23% compared with the same period in 2023, while violent crime fell 10% and reported rapes decreased by 18%. Aggravated assaults during that period decreased 8% year over year, according to the data, while robberies fell 14% and reported property crime was down 13%.

NBC News has confirmed the release of the data from the FBI.

To be sure, the current calendar year is ongoing, but theres reason to take the FBI data seriously: Its not only encouraging, its also in line with similar research from the Justice Department and the Major Cities Chiefs Association, both of which published separate findings pointing to reduced crime rates.

If the good news sounds encouraging, its not your imagination: It was nearly two weeks ago when the FBI also released more comprehensive data for last year, pointing to lower crime rates  including violent and property crimes  in 2023. NBC News report on the FBIs findings added, The most serious crimes went down significantly: murder and non-negligent manslaughter were down an estimated 11.6%  the largest single year decline in two decades  while rape decreased by an estimated 9.4%.

The same report added, Public perception of crime is often out of step with the facts, especially in the age of social media, ease of digital communications between neighbors and doorbell cameras, when Americans may be more aware of individual crimes than they would have been in the past.

Thats true, but we can also go a step further: Public perceptions are also often wrong because of one of the nations two major political parties keeps telling Americans to believe a version of reality thats wildly at odds with the evidence.

Last week, for example, Donald Trump said anyone who believes the evidence presented by American law enforcement has a serious brain problem. A week later, the former Republican president added that crime rates are through the roof, adding that only a stupid person would accept the evidence as real.

Its not that the GOP candidate has competing information or raised credible concerns about the process through which the data was collected. Rather, the evidence challenges Trumps assumptions, which in his mind, necessarily makes the evidence fake.

But in Republican politics, the former president is hardly alone. Sen. Tim Scott recently told a national television audience that Americans are confronting a wave of violent crime that we have not seen literally in five decades. The use of the word literally was a nice touch, but the South Carolinian was brazenly lying to the public.

Around the same time, House Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York railed against Bidens violent crime crisis. House Speaker Mike Johnson made similar comments, declaring, We cant survive the dramatic increases in violence, crime and drugs that the Democrats policies have brought upon our communities.

Im reminded anew of a line in a recent Axios report that stood out for me: Polls show crime is a top concern ahead of the 2024 election  and its an issue where Republicans regularly edge Democrats. But falling homicide rates could take the steam out of the crucial GOP advantage.

Thats true; they could. That said, its difficult to have confidence that they will.

Prominent Republican voices likely know that crime rates are falling. That apparently doesnt stop them from telling the public the opposite of the truth, working from the assumption that many voters will simply believe the falsehoods and never hear about actual crime data.

Circling back to our recent coverage, political campaigns have long followed some intuitive rules. Those looking to win tend to identify rivals areas of weakness and focus attention accordingly. Similarly, candidates have also taken care to learn about their foes strengths and steer their races away from those issues.

But crime offers a great example of how contemporary Republican politics rejects the intuitive rules for a different model. The evidence makes clear that the Democratic administration has a compelling story to tell: Crime rates, most notably murder rates, spiked toward the end of Trumps term. Under Biden/Harris, Americans are now safer.

Common sense might suggest that GOP officials would see the news and try to move the public conversation away from this area of strength for Democrats. But as it turns out, they find it far easier to effectively say, Why dont we just make stuff up and wait for the public to buy it?

This post updates our related earlier coverage.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
House Majority Whip Tom Emmer appeared on ABC News This Week a few days ago, and host Martha Raddatz asked a good question about the upcoming vice presidential debate: If debate moderators ask Sen. JD Vance about his baseless pet-eating immigrants claims, should the Ohio Republican acknowledge the truth?

The Minnesota Republican refused to consider the premise of the question. The people in the mainstream media want to put up these shiny objects to distract people from what they see happen every day, Emmer concluded before changing the subject.

It was a laughable response, in large part because these shiny objects used to distract people have come from Emmers own party and its presidential ticket. It was Donald Trump and his running mate who pushed racist and false conspiracy theories about Springfield, Ohio, into the national conversation, and it was the former president and Vance whove continued to repeat their lies for weeks.

Indeed, these ugly efforts are ongoing. Trump continued his rhetorical assault against Springfields Haitian immigrants on Thursday. And Friday. And Saturday. Two days later, the GOP candidate sat down with Kellyanne Conway for a Fox Nation interview in which  you guessed it  he once again said that Springfield is going to be destroyed by its immigrant population.

The consequences of the Republicans misinformation and disinformation  bomb threats, closed buildings, canceled events, etc.  have been well documented. But theyre also not going away. The New York Times reported:

For Jamie McGregor, a businessman in Springfield, Ohio, speaking favorably about the Haitian immigrants he employs has come to this: death threats, a lockdown at his company and posters around town branding him a traitor for hiring immigrants. To defend himself and his family, Mr. McGregor has had to violate his own vow to never own a gun.

McGregor, whose business makes parts for cars, trucks and tractors, has spoken publicly about the valuable contributions his Haitian employees have made to his operation  which in turn has led people to threaten to kill him. His children and his elderly mother have been targeted with hateful calls, too.

I have struggled with the fact that now were going to have firearms in our house  like, what the hell? he told the Times.

McGregor is a lifelong Republican who voted for Trump twice. But he nevertheless told the truth about some of his employees, and now he fears for his familys safety.

Hes not alone. The Washington Post published a striking letter to the editor from a local resident whos lived in Springfield for 35 years. Because Donald Trump and JD Vance have appropriated the town as a set for their racist falsehoods, Springfield lives under a pall of fear, the local woman wrote, adding, You know who is not afraid to go out and about in Springfield? Proud Boys. Neo-Nazis. People handing out Ku Klux Klan fliers. ... These far-right groups clearly feel as though they have not just permission, but encouragement, from the Republican candidates. It is unsettling to live in this menacing atmosphere.

The author concluded, Mr. Trump and Mr. Vance hope to make every town Springfield, where the angry are emboldened by lies and the people they seek to punish live in fear. As someone who has lived through this transformation, trust me: You dont want to live in Trumps America.

Meanwhile, Politico reported that Vance, who ostensibly represents Ohio in the U.S. Senate, still hasnt spoken to Springfields mayor  who also happens to be a Republican.

The same article quoted Mike DeWine, Ohios Republican governor, who expressed dismay over the lies from his partys presidential ticket.

Yeah, after a while, because it got cumulative, and then you keep thinking, Well, theyre going to stop this, the governor said. Well, they didnt stop this, they just keep going.

The word disqualifying is often overused. Once in a while, though, its applicable.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays installment of campaign-related news items from across the country.

* Republicans on the Georgia State Election Board recently passed a requirement for counties to hand-count ballots cast on Election Day, sparking new litigation from local Democrats.

* In Pennsylvania, the latest AARP poll found Vice President Kamala Harris narrowly leading Donald Trump among likely voters, 49% to 47%. This is the first AARP poll in the Keystone State since President Joe Biden ended his re-election bid. (Click the links for information on the surveys methodologies and margins of error.)

* Speaking of Pennsylvania, The New York Times reports that the GOP is already struggling when it comes to early voting in the state: As of Monday, Democrats in the state had requested about 881,000 mail ballots, and Republicans had requested 373,000, less than half of the Democratic total and only about a quarter of the total mail ballots requested in the state.

* In North Carolina, the latest Washington Post poll found the former president narrowly leading the Democratic nominee, 50% to 48%. As for the states gubernatorial race, the same survey found Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein ahead of Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, 54% to 38%. (Click the link for information on the surveys methodology and margin of error.)

* Republican Voters Against Trump this week announced a $15 million investment in support of a pro-Harris ad campaign. The spots, highlighting former Trump voters whove changed their minds, will appear in Arizona, Michigan, Pennsylvania, Wisconsin and Nebraskas Omaha-area congressional district.

NEW AD: They voted for Trump before, but this year, they are voting for Kamala Harris.



This ad is running now as a part of our final $15 million ad blitz across AZ, MI, NE-02, PA, and WI. pic.twitter.com/CLQMhz2p03  Republican Voters Against Trump (@AccountableGOP) September 30, 2024

* NBC News confirmed that the AFL-CIO, the nations largest federation of unions, has launched a seven-figure ad campaign in support of the Democratic presidential ticket. The focus will be on seven states: Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin.

* In Texas increasingly interesting U.S. Senate race, Democratic Rep. Colin Allred has launched his first television ad with the Democratic Senatorial Campaign Committee, which just recently took a renewed interest in the Lone Star State. The commercial, which will air in nine media markets across the state, focuses on Republican Sen. Ted Cruzs opposition to abortion rights.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Todays edition of quick hits.

* In the Middle East: Iran launched ballistic missiles at Israel on Tuesday, causing sirens to sound all over the country, the Israel Defense Forces said. ... Approximately 180 missiles were fired toward Israeli territory, the IDF said after the attack. No fatalities were reported, but Israels emergency services said it had treated two people with minor injuries caused by shrapnel.

* On a related note: The Biden administrations monthslong effort to avert a full-blown war between Israel and Iran is now being put to the most difficult test yet after Tehran on Tuesday launched a barrage of ballistic missiles at Israel.

* All of this comes against a backdrop of Israels ground operations in Lebanon, intended to push Hezbollah forces farther away from the border.

* This labor dispute will almost certainly have a quick and adverse effect on the economy: "Tens of thousands of longshoremen went on strike at midnight ET, shutting down major ports along the East and Gulf coasts and choking off deliveries of everything from produce to auto parts."

* An updated death toll from Hurricane Helene: At least 134 people have died as a result of the devastation Hurricane Helene has brought to Southeastern states, including dozens in flood-stricken North Carolina.

* Another Trump-appointed judge: A federal judge has sided with an Arizona rancher who claimed that the Biden administrations reversal of Trump-era border policies violated a bedrock environmental law. In a ruling issued Friday, Judge Trevor McFadden of the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia found that the Department of Homeland Security should have conducted a National Environmental Policy Act review before acting in 2021 to cancel border wall construction and end the Remain in Mexico policy that turned away tens of thousands of migrants.

* Speaking of the border: Migrant crossings at the US-Mexico border remain at their lowest levels since 2020, according to new federal data obtained by CNN, as Republicans and Democrats spar over border security.

* This happens more than it should: The U.S. military on Monday released video of what it said was an unsafe maneuver by a Russian fighter jet near Alaska during an intercept by the U.S. military last week.

* As early voting begins in Pennsylvania, some local residents are receiving fake government letters, warning of forced refugee resettlements in their area.

* A story worth watching in Oklahoma: The Justice Department announced Monday it plans to launch a review of the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre, an attack by a white mob on a thriving Black district that is considered one of the worst single acts of violence against Black people in U.S. history.

See you tomorrow.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
The first time Americans were confronted with lock her up chants was eight years ago, when Donald Trump targeted Hillary Clinton. In 2020, the Republicans followers brought back lock her up chants, but this time, they were directed at then-House Speaker Nancy Pelosi.

Over the weekend, the former president announced that he wants prosecutors to go after Vice President Kamala Harris  he didnt fully explain why or what he thinks shes done wrong  leading a Pennsylvania crowd to respond, as if on cue, with yet another round of lock her up chants.

It led New York magazines Jon Chait to touch on an unappreciated point.

It is obviously unsurprising that Trump would conjure up imaginary crimes by his political opponent. In 2016, he made Lock her up! a signature campaign chant. In 2020, he branded Joe Biden a criminal. The pretext for Harriss prosecution is that, as vice-president, she presided over border-enforcement policies that Trump opposes. In 2016, the pretext was Clintons violation of State Department email protocol. In 2020, it was disproven charges that Biden profited from his sons business activity in Ukraine.

Its a striking pattern. Putting aside his ill-fated fling with the Reform Party in 2000, Trump has now faced four major-party tickets.

Its not just Democratic presidential candidates, of course. In addition to the incumbent vice president, the Republican has also sought criminal prosecutions against Google, Pelosi, those who criticize judges and Supreme Court justices, anyone whom he believes cheats in the upcoming election, and anyone whom he believes cheated in the last election.

And that was just the list from last week.

Such an approach dovetails with the former presidents incessant talk, dating back to 2015, that his assorted political opponents  both GOP primary rivals and Democrats  shouldnt be allowed to run against him.

Trumps perspective, in other words, is rooted in the idea that hes entitled to the power he wants, and to stand in his way is to necessarily be engaged in wrongdoing. If that means repeatedly calling for criminal charges against foes whove broken no laws, so be it.

Chait added in his piece that Trump views crime as an activity that definitionally encompasses all political or media activity disadvantageous to him and excluding all activity by him or his allies.

The next time the GOP nominee references law and order, be sure to keep this in mind.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  A federal magistrate is recommending that a petition filed by a man convicted of murder to have his sentence thrown out be denied.

Austin Burke filed the petition July 19 in U.S. Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

Burke is serving a life sentence for the June 2017 aggravated murder of Brandon Sample in Bristolville and the aggravated robbery of Pizza Joes in Cortland. Burke robbed the pizza shop at gunpoint in the days after Samples murder.

Burke claimed in his petition that evidence from cell-tower data was illegally seized and the trial court erred in not separating the murder case from the robbery case. He also claimed insufficient evidence, ineffective counsel, prosecutorial and juror misconduct and lack of fundamental fairness in his right to confront witnesses.

Magistrate Judge Darrell A. Clay wrote in his recommendation that Burkes petition was after the statute of limitations and that he has not demonstrated that the time frame should be reviewed. He also said that the evidence Bruke presented to support his claims does not meet the standard to question the outcome of the trial.

I recommend the District Court dismiss Mr. Burkes habeas petition. I also deny his request for an evidentiary hearing, Judge Clay wrote.

Burke is also accused of killing an inmate at the Southern Correctional Facility in Lucasville. That trial is expected to begin on Oct. 21 in Scioto County.

Objections to the recommendation are due by Oct. 15.

Nadine Grimley and Joe Gorman contributed to this report.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Thousands of dock workers at ports along the East and Gulf coasts went on strike early Tuesday morning amid a contract dispute, halting the flow of goods with a potentially costly work stoppage.

Their union, the International Longshoremens Association, failed to reach a new six-year agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance, the group representing employers at ports from Maine to Texas. Workers walked off the job just as their previous contract expired.

Its unclear how long the strike will last and how expensive it will be, but a prolonged shutdown could deal a significant blow to the economy since the workers who handle shipping containers control major commercial choke points.

The showdown also presents a political problem for President Joe Biden, who has the power to suspend the strike. Doing so would take away workers leverage and could hurt the union-friendly presidents relationship with organized labor.

NOW: The port strike has begun here in Boston.



Members of the International Longshoremen's Association are marching to the Conley Terminal to hit the picket line after failed contract negotiations with the US Maritime Alliance. This will impact ports from ME to TX. @NBC10Bostonpic.twitter.com/w7l3JC9iAB  Kirsten Glavin (@kirstenglavin) October 1, 2024

Workers formed picket lines at major ports early Tuesday, holding signs that said Profit over people is unacceptable and Fight automation, save jobs.

Addressing workers at a port terminal in Elizabeth, N.J., Harold J. Daggett, the unions president, said after the strike started that it would go down in history as a righteous fight against greedy corporations.

These companies... they dont give a fuck about us, Daggett said in a union video posted to Facebook. Well, were gonna show them theyre gonna have to give a fuck about us. Because nothings gonna move without us.

The Maritime Alliance did not comment immediately on the strike, but said earlier in the day Monday that the two sides had traded counter offers and it was hopeful they could reach an agreement soon.

The ILA has been pushing for significant raises in its next contract. Members currently top out at a $39-per-hour base wage, and the union has been calling for a $5 raise in each year of the next agreement, or $30 over the full duration. The ILA also wants protections against automation at ports that it said would destroy jobs.

Daggett has accused the Maritime Alliance of making lowball and insulting proposals that members couldnt accept and said the blame for a strike would fall squarely on the shoulders of employers.

He has also said the ILA wouldnt hesitate to snarl commerce, predicting that car dealers, malls and construction firms would have to lay people off because they werent receiving goods and materials.

These people today dont know what a strike is, Daggett said in a recent video the union produced. In todays world, Ill cripple you. I will cripple you, and you have no idea what that means.

Longshoremen strike at midnight at Bayport Terminal on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in Houston. (AP Photo/Annie Mulligan) via Associated Press

The Maritime Alliance had accused the union of walking away from the bargaining table in recent weeks. In September, it filed charges with the National Labor Relations Board, the federal agency that referees private sector labor disputes, asking officials to pursue an injunction forcing the ILA to negotiate.

(Dock workers on the West Coast are represented by a different union that reached a new deal with employers last year, so those ports would not be affected by the ILAs walkout.)

The Taft-Hartley Act enables the president to intervene in strikes that impact national security, requiring work to continue amid an 80-day cooling off period. Robyn Patterson, a White House spokesperson, said in an email that senior officials had been in touch with the Maritime Alliance over the weekend, urging them to come to a fair agreement fairly and quickly.

Weve never invoked Taft-Hartley to break a strike and are not considering doing so now, Patterson said.

House Republicans had called on the White House to utilize every authority at its disposal to ensure the continuing flow of goods in the event of a work stoppage.

On Monday, the AFL-CIO labor federation had urged lawmakers to stay out of the dispute and not undermine port workers.

Liz Shuler, the federations president, said employers who can count on getting an injunction to stop a strike dont bargain in good faith.

Like all other workers, longshoremen need raises just to keep up with the cost of living, Shuler wrote in a letter to House Republicans. They need fair contract provisions that protect their jobs from being eliminated by automation.

In 2022, the White House and Congress intervened to prevent a massive rail strike that could have hurt the economy  a move that injured Bidens standing among unions.

Related...
Man in his 60s threatens Olympia store employees with knife, police say

A 63-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of second-degree attempted assault after he threatened area store employees with a knife, according to police.

The man had no known address, Lt. Paul Lower said.

About 7:30 a.m. Sept. 12, police were dispatched to Ralphs Thriftway in the 1900 block of Fourth Avenue East for a disorderly person allegedly threatening employees with a knife in the parking lot.

The employees allege the man flashed the knife at them. The man was taken into custody without incident, Lower said.

This incident also was reported in the Olympia Police Departments weekly update newsletter for the Sept. 12 to Sept. 25 period.

In one arrest, the suspect pulled out a knife and advanced towards employees, the newsletter reads. They asked him to leave the property.

The newsletter goes on to say that employees locked him out, suggesting that they re-entered the store and locked the doors.
The man accused of hijacking a Los Angeles Metro bus, fatally shooting a passenger and leading police on an hourlong chase last week is now facing a slew of charges, including murder and kidnapping, prosecutors announced Monday.

Los Angeles County DA George Gascon announced 12 counts against the suspect, 51-year-old Lamont Campbell.

The charges include murder, carjacking, kidnapping during carjacking, assault with a semiautomatic weapon, attempted murder, robbery, kidnapping, felony evading and felon in possession of a firearm, according to the DA's office.

PHOTO: A Los Angeles Metropolitan Transportation Authority bus was allegedly hijacked with the driver being forced to drive at gunpoint before police were able to apprehend the suspect, Sept. 25, 2024. (KABC)

MORE: LA bus hijacker who left 1 dead named as 51-year-old Lamont Campbell: Police

Campbell faces a maximum sentence of 90 years in prison.

The incident began at approximately 12:46 a.m. on Sept. 25 when the Los Angeles Police Department received radio calls about a disturbance on a bus in the area of Manchester Street and Figueroa Street in southern Los Angeles, Deputy Chief Donald Graham said in a briefing last week.

"The officers quickly learned from the passengers that there was an armed suspect on the Metro bus. They attempted to stop the bus but were unsuccessful, later discovering that the armed suspect had instructed the driver not to stop," Graham said.

Multiple spike strips were deployed by officers during the pursuit, deflating several tires on the bus and ultimately causing it to stop, according to LAPD.

PHOTO: A news camera records in front of a Los Angeles MTA bus depot near the site where overnight a bus was hijacked by an armed subject with passengers on board, Sept. 25, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Ryan Sun/AP)

MORE: 1 dead after hijacked bus speeds through LA with driver held at gunpoint

"SWAT personnel quickly observed that a victim was down inside the bus, formulated a tactical plan, and made entry without delay. The suspect was taken into custody without further incident," authorities said.

Officers immediately began to render medical aid to the victim who was suffering from gunshot wounds. The male victim was taken to a local hospital, where he was pronounced dead.

Campbell is being held at a local jail in lieu of $2 million bail.

Man accused of hijacking Los Angeles bus charged with murder and kidnapping originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The third trial over the proposed $25 billion merger of Kroger and Albertsons began Monday in Colorado, with the state seeking to portray the deal as enabling the grocers to raise prices and the grocers countering that it would do the opposite.

The state plans to demonstrate how Kroger would become a monopoly in parts of Colorado, while the company seeks to show that not allowing the merger would only preserve the status quo of higher prices.

Attorneys for the state and the grocers presented their opening arguments to Denver District Court Judge Andrew Luxen, who will consider whether the merger violates the states antitrust laws. Luxen issued a preliminary injunction to halt the merger while the case plays out in court. The judge is set to rule on whether or not to make it permanent.

Ahead of the trial, Attorney General Phil Weiser said the case here will differ from the one in Washington and the Federal Trade Commissions lawsuit heard in Oregon by showing how the national merger would have local impacts on grocery competition within Colorado.

Kroger is based out of Cincinnati, Ohio, and has a strong footprint in the Midwest and Southeast U.S., not including Florida. Meanwhile, Albertsons has a better reach in California, West Texas and the Northeast U.S. Kroger hopes the merger will help expand its presence nationally to better compete against other national grocers, notably as Walmart, Amazon and Costco.

Kroger is the parent company of Colorados King Soopers and City Market chains and operates 149 stores across the state. Albertsons owns Safeway and has 105 stores.

In Colorado, the two grocers presence is much closer in size than in other parts of the country. Officials worry Kroger would become a monopoly in the state.

Kroger is arguing that the merger would deliver better deals for customers, since it can use its size to lower prices.

More power to raise or lower prices?

In his opening arguments, Colorado Assistant Attorney General Arthur Biller said the merger would give Kroger more power to raise prices across the state, especially in mountain towns where there are fewer grocery options.

Biller said the grocery landscape in Colorado is dominated by Kroger, Albertsons and Walmart, in that order by store count.

In this state, Kroger and Albertsons are the ones with the biggest footprints. And in many places, they are the only options, Biller said. If youre lucky, you might also have a Walmart.

When it comes to pricing, Biller said Kroger tracks Walmarts prices as a floor for their own products and Albertsons as a ceiling.

The assistant attorney general said the merger would remove the ceiling and Kroger will feel free to raise prices even more. He added that Walmart will also have more room to raise prices if the merger goes through.

Several times, Biller told the court to watch what they do, not what they say.

The state plans to show throughout the trial that Kroger has historically raised prices when it could in markets with less competition, arguing that Krogers promise to lower prices isnt legally binding.

Notably, the state plans to demonstrate how Kroger would become a monopoly in parts of the state, arguing the merger would give the grocer more than 30% grocery market share  the threshold for the states antitrust regulations  in every city area in Colorado.

On average, statewide, Biller said Kroger would take over 68% market share if it merges with Albertsons.

In eight markets  such as Gunnison, Durango, Grand Junction, Windsor and Steamboat Springs  Biller said the merger would create a monopoly.

The state also wants to define supermarkets by excluding Costco, Dollar Tree, Whole Foods and Trader Joes as serious competitors.

Biller said Trader Joes, Whole Foods, and Natural Grocers caters to higher-income consumers and are smaller-format that dont offer the same variety of products. Costco is a wholesale membership-only grocer and many Dollar Tree stores dont sell fresh produce and fresh meats.

Colorados case aims to show how Krogers pricing decisions are primarily determined by Albertsons and Walmart, not the other competitors.

Colorado AG sues to block Kroger-Albertsons merger

Whats a grocery store?

Kroger seeks to portray the states lawsuit as seeking to preserve a status quo of higher prices at Safeway.

Matt Wolf, Krogers attorney, argued that the grocers prices are, in fact, between 10% to 12% lower than Albertsons.

Kroger has promised in public statements and through testimonies at the other trials in Oregon and Washington that it would lower prices if the merger goes through. The company also said it needs the deal to happen to compete against a changing grocery landscape with the rise of Walmart, Costco and Amazon.

Krogers legal team also took issue with the states definition of a supermarket, saying it is incredibly narrow and the stores the state wants to exempt do have competitive effects on Kroger and will continue to years down the line.

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Wolf criticized the states case, arguing it will solely rely on expert testimony from economist Nitin Dua, claiming the expert doesnt take into account the different grocery formats as competitors and missed calculating Target in the assessment.

And in rural mountain markets, Wolf said, the states examples of King Soopers raising prices when it faced less competition from Safeway wasnt due to the lack of competition but because of the higher cost to operate stores in those regions, pointing to higher fuel costs and the distance it takes to get there.

Kroger said it'll be able to lower prices because itll have more purchasing power with the national expansion the merger provides.

A truly national footprint allows the efficiencies to drive down costs, Wolf said, because Kroger will be in markets it is currently not in or has a small presence in, such as California, the northeast U.S. and West Texas.

But in markets like Colorado, where theres more overlap, Kroger plans to sell off much of Albertsons' infrastructure.

We recognized there are overlaps where divestitures are required, Wolf said.

Wolf also downplayed the states scale of the merger, saying the grocer will gain 14 stores from the merger in Colorado due to the divestiture of 91 Albertsons stores under the Safeway banner to C&S Wholesale Grocers.

Albertsons legal team added that the impacts in Colorado will be non-existent, since C&S Wholesale Grocers will buy nearly all Albertsons stores in the state, as well as a Denver dairy plant and distribution center.

The new competitor

The state is worried about who Kroger and Albertsons chose to take over 91 Albertsons stores in Colorado, while the grocers maintained C&S Wholesale Grocers is competent.

Colorados legal team painted C&S Wholesale Grocers as a distributor and a retail liquidator.

Krogers attorneys stressed its a family-owned business with a long history in the grocery industry and will get the adequate resources needed to operate grocery stores once the merger closes.

Rather than take a buyer with an established retail operation or split the divestiture among multiple established retail operators through the country, it picked a single buyer who would not put up much competition, Biller said.

Colorado seeks to prove that C&S Wholesale isnt a sufficient replacement for Albertsons, despite the divestiture agreement giving the rights to the Safeway brand to the distributor within Colorado.

Biller claimed the company wants the retail stores to expand its distribution business, will raise prices for short-term gain and will sell the stores once they underperform for their real estate value.

Why Colorado Safeway stores wouldn't be run by Kroger if merger goes through

During the trial, the Colorado grocery workers union, UFCW Local 7, held a rally on the steps of the courthouse, advocating to stop the merger and also casting doubt on C&S Wholesale. The union said the company has no record to show it can handle operating more than 500 stores nationwide, putting workers at risk of store closures and layoffs.

The union workers demanded the grocers that have been promising to lower prices do it regardless of the merger, added the legal fees to fight the cases could have been better used to lower costs and offer better pay for workers.

They are not going to be ready to go on day one, Tom Olson, 61, a former Safeway worker in Golden before becoming a union representative, told The Denver Gazette. They have to build an entire organization to support that many stores.

Olson said he worked at Safeway when it was acquired by Albertsons in 2015 and lost his seniority and bonuses attached to being a product manager from the deal and is worried the same situation will happen again.

Albertsons' failed divestiture to Haggens, when stores closed after a year of the deal for Albertsons to buy back at a cheaper price, will be Colorados example to show how divestitures can be harmful to workers and consumers.

Meanwhile, the Kroger and Albertsons legal teams said theyre giving a lot of infrastructure to C&S Wholesale to support its growth, including a distribution center and dairy plant in Denver, a clone of its technology systems and its top talent, including Albertsons Chief Operating Officer Susan Morris and the head of the grocers Denver division Todd Broderick.

The top three folks running the stores in Colorado for Albertsons will be doing the same thing for C&S the day after the merger, Wolf said, adding that those leaders will establish an Intermountain Division for C&S Wholesale Grocers.

In short, the grocers argument is to show the leaders currently running Colorados Albertsons stores will be the same ones managing it after the merger under the divestiture agreement, claiming they arent moving over with their decades of retail experience to expand C&S Wholesale Grocers distribution business.

The states final argument is to show Kroger and Albertsons had illegal non-poach agreements when King Soopers workers went on strike in 2022. Colorado attorneys said they have a smoking gun where executives from both grocers said in an email exchange that they wouldnt hire striking employees or solicit pharmacy prescriptions during the disruption.

Albertsons' legal team denied the claim and said the emails were only to confirm Albertsons' longstanding practice to not hire striking workers because many go back to their former employer when strikes end and Albertsons loses money to onboard them.

The trial is set to run three weeks with an end date scheduled for Oct. 18.
Lee Murray "stared" at his victims when they saw him, Essex Police said [PA Media]

A man has admitted performing sexual acts in front of children outside three schools.

Essex Police said Lee Murray, 39, carried out the lewd acts on three separate occasions in Colchester in October 2022.

He did not look "shocked or surprised" when spotted by the children but instead "stared at them", the force said.

Murray, of Hallowell Down, South Woodham Ferrers, Essex, pleaded guilty to three offences of outraging public decency at Chelmsford Crown Court last month. He is due to be sentenced on 24 October.

Murray initially denied the offences at Chelmsford Crown Court but changed his plea during a hearing [PA Media]

PC Matthew Essam said: "This was a continued, troubling course of conduct undertaken by Murray.

It is clear he chose to carry out these acts in the presence of children and was not deterred by them noticing him."

Murray was first seen by a teenage girl performing an indecent act as she walked to school on 5 October 2022, police said.

Two similar reports were received from children six days later, also in the immediate vicinity of schools.

'Utterly unacceptable'

Essex Police said each victim reported Murray "stared at them" while carrying out his lewd acts.

He was arrested on 17 November 2022 and later brought in front of the courts.

PC Essam said: "Offences with a sexual element, threatening the safety and wellbeing of children and carried out so close to schools are utterly unacceptable.

"We took these reports really seriously from the outset and ensured we traced the vehicle seen by the witnesses, leading us directly to the culprit."

The constable praised the courage of the victims to come forward and support the investigation.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
ASHLAND, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  A man is facing charges after police said he robbed a Turkey Hill at gunpoint.

According to the Ashland Police Department, on September 30 around 7:30 a.m., officers were called to Turkey Hill on West Centre Street for a reported robbery.

Police said the man, later identified as Teddy Fishburn, 31, of Ashland, entered the store wearing black clothing, a black mask, and sunglasses.

Man accused of kidnapping woman, stealing car, money

Fishburn demanded money from the employee by pulling out a black pistol from his pocket, officers said. When the employee refused, Fishburn reached over the counter and took $40 from the cash register, as stated in the affidavit.

Fishburn has been charged with robbery, terroristic threats, theft, and receiving stolen property.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
One of eight people convicted in connection to the kidnapping and killing of a Lakewood man more than a decade ago had his punishment reduced by two years in a resentencing hearing.

Jeffrey Wayne Powell II was 31 years old when he pleaded guilty to first-degree manslaughter for his part in the death of 51-year-old Dean Barker, whose body was found beaten, bound with duct tape and strangled outside a Graham home on Sept. 8, 2012.

Three other people pleaded guilty to manslaughter for the killing: Kenneth L. Bierd, Aileenah R. Horton and John Joseph Brown. Two people pleaded guilty to murder: Justin Mahaffey and Angela Marie King. One person, Joshua Benjamin Stevens, pleaded guilty to first-degree kidnapping and first-degree robbery, and William Randall Barry pleaded guilty to second-degree assault.

The eight received prison sentences ranging from 20 months to 28 years. Powell, who assaulted Barker and stole from him after he was abducted, was sentenced to 17 years in prison on March 14, 2014. At the time, prosecutors said there wasnt direct evidence that Powell was present when Barker was killed.

In 2021, three of the defendants were resentenced after the Washington State Supreme Court ruled that the states simple drug possession law was unconstitutional. The decision, State v. Blake, meant that offender scores changed for many people who were already incarcerated. Offender scores help determine someones standard sentencing range when theyve been convicted of a crime, and without prior simple drug possession convictions on a defendants record, they would face a lower range of prison time at sentencing.

The ruling shaved a few years off of the three defendants punishments, including Mahaffey, who admitted to fatally strangling Barker. His sentence was reduced from 28 years to 25 years, and he remains incarcerated at the state penitentiary in Walla Walla.

Powells defense attorney from the Department of Assigned Counsel, Andrew Ricci, brought a motion in July arguing that Powells sentence was unconstitutional under the Blake decision and requested a 15-year sentence.

On Friday, Pierce County Superior Court Judge Philip Sorensen agreed and ordered the shorter sentence. Powell, 42, appeared at the hearing remotely on Zoom, and he remains incarcerated at the Coyote Ridge Corrections Center in Eastern Washington.

During the hearing, Powell told the court that he hadnt wasted the last 12 years sitting idle. He said he had continuously participated in programming through the Department of Corrections and earned a degree in social services. He added that he was trying to better himself to correct the mistakes he has made. His attorney noted in court filings that Powell is a certified peer counselor through the Washington State Healthcare Authority and has completed training that will help him join the workforce once released.

According to court records, the events that led up to Barkers death occurred at Browns residence, a known drug house in Spanaway. There, Barker was bound and gagged with duct tape, he was assaulted, and his belongings and money were stolen. He was then loaded into an SUV, and King drove him, Mahaffey and Bierd to an unoccupied house in Graham, where Mahaffey strangled Barker to death.

Prosecutors wrote in court filings in 2014 that Powell participated in assaulting Barker and drove the victims Porche away from Browns house after he was abducted.

Several of the people involved in Barkers death were angry with him the day he was killed, according to court records. In Kings guilty plea, she stated that Barry believed Barker had something to do with the temporary disappearance of his 2-year-old daughter, and Mahaffey told others at the Spanaway residence that Barker was a sex offender.

Prosecutors have said King also told people there that Barker had previously attempted to sexually assault her, but the state didnt find evidence that any of those allegations about Barker were true.
Dominic Rossetti was found on Saturday, Sept. 28 at Donner Lake

GoFundMe Dominic Rossetti

A body has been found and identified following a three-day search for a man who drowned after his canoe tipped over at a California lake.

Truckee Police Department Lieutenant Kyle Vickers tells PEOPLE that on Wednesday, Sept. 25, authorities received several 911 calls reporting a canoe that had flipped over in the middle of Donner Lake. Neither of the canoe's two occupants  one of whom was the victim of the incident, Dominic Rossetti  had been wearing life jackets, according to Vickers.

The Truckee Police and Fire Department responded, both deploying boats to the scene. A "nearby windsurfer," who was identified as Rossetti's cousin by Vickers, was able to save one of the two men in the water. "However, by the time they went to help the second person, he was nowhere to be seen," Vickers says of Rossetti, who was 30 years old at the time of the incident.

Vickers adds that the police department started contacting Mutual Aid who had boats, dive teams and technology that could help locate Rossetti.

Nevada County Sheriff's Office Search team at Donner Lake

The search "spanned into a three-day effort," Vickers explains, adding that agencies involved employed "side scan solar technology," along with cadaver dogs and an ROV (remotely operated underwater vehicle) to search deep in the high-altitude lakes. Vickers noted that three ROVs had been deployed at the height of the search.



"We did end up locating the individual beneath the water and [were] able to successfully bring him up to the surface to where he could be recovered," he says, adding that Rossetti was found about 120 feet below the surface on Saturday, Sept. 28.

The Nevada County Sheriff's office then stepped in to offer a positive identification of the body as Rossetti, according to Vickers.

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A GoFundMe has been created for Rossetti, with the organizer noting that he and wife Nina Talmadge, 31, celebrated their fourth wedding anniversary in August.



"Ninas friends are rallying around her and asking for your support as she navigates the unexpected loss of her husband Dominic Rossetti," read a message on the fundraiser. The couple had been together for seven years and was planning to start a family ahead of the tragedy, per the organizer.

"Nina is now left with a funeral to plan and fund, inevitable extra expenses and all of their bills to pay alone, the message read. Your funds will help with all of this plus allow her some time away from the classroom to grieve properly."

PEOPLE contacted the GoFundMe organizer for comment, but they did not immediately respond.

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Read the original article on People.
Man found guilty of capital murder in death of wife, stepson at east Austin home

AUSTIN (KXAN)  A man was sentenced to life in prison after a jury found him guilty in the murders of his wife and stepson, according to court records.

David Ontiveros was convicted of capital murder of multiple persons. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

In April 2022, court documents said Ontiveros shot and killed his wife, 39-year-old Christina Limon, and stepson, 14-year-old Rudy Limon-Lira, at an east Austin home. Limon-Lira was a student at Travis Early College High School.

Court documents previously said security system video captured multiple gunshots. The video showed Ontiveros walking out of the house and telling police he blacked out.

Texas Department of Public Safety records show, that between 1997 and 2017, Ontiveros had eight previous convictions including aggravated assault and assault causing bodily injury-family violence.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  The man accused of killing one person and injuring several more during the Easter Sunday shooting at Roasted Salemtown has been indicted on more charges by the Davidson County Grand Jury.

According to court documents, the grand jury indicted 46-year-old Anton Rucker on 11 more charges, including murder and weapons charges, for the deadly shooting on March 31.

Roasted Salemtown chef shot in leg recalls deadly Easter shooting

In total, Rucker was indicted for:

Two counts first degree felony murder.

One count attempted first degree murder.

One count felony possession of a firearm.

Six counts felony aggravated assault with a deadly weapon.

One count felony dangerous weapon possession with prior felony conviction.

Rucker was previously indicted by a federal grand jury of unlawful possession of a firearm and ammunition earlier this summer for the Easter shooting and a separate incident last August. The U.S. Department of Justice also charged Rucker with unlawful firearm possession for a road rage incident in Murfreesboro on Aug. 26, 2023.

According to the Department of Justice, Rucker passed another driver on a double yellow line and pulled in front of him, cutting the driver off and causing him to slam on his brakes to avoid a crash that day. Then, Rucker allegedly stopped his car, walked to the other drivers vehicle, and started arguing with him before brandishing a gun.

The Easter shooting was reported just after 3 p.m. on March 31 at Roasted Salemtown in the 600 block of Garfield Street near Germantown.

 Read todays top stories on wkrn.com

Allen Beachem, 33, of Alabama, was killed. Five other gunshot victims ended up with non-critical injuries; one person was brought to the hospital with a possible graze that could have been sustained while brushing up against a piece of sharp furniture; and a pregnant woman had a panic attack but was otherwise not physically wounded.

Police records from the Metro Nashville Police Department show he was out on bond for aggravated assault and being a felon in possession of a weapon, as well as three felony drug charges out of Rutherford County from last August and last October, when the shooting took place.

Witness statements indicated Rucker got into a verbal altercation with a man, later identified as Beachem, before pulling out his gun and opening fire.

Rucker initially went on the run but was apprehended in Princeton, Kentucky, two days later.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Passenger killed, 2 injured in violent crash on South Side overnight when car was attempting to flee police

CHICAGO  A passenger was ejected from a car and killed in a violent crash overnight on the citys South Side after police say the car was attempting to flee officers at a high rate of speed when it collided with an SUV at an intersection.

Additionally, Chicago police say the driver of the car and the driver of the SUV were injured.

Port workers strike for first time in nearly 50 years

In a preliminary statement released Tuesday morning, police say just before 2 a.m. Tuesday, officers on the Priority Response Team were on patrol, with a focus on robberies occurring in the area of the 5500 block of South Pulaski Road. They observed two individuals, believed to be armed, entering a black Lexus sedan.

According to Chicago police, when officers attempted to investigate, the sedan fled at a high rate of speed, and officers pursued it. The sedan continued to the 3500 block of South Ashland Avenue, where the driver entered the intersection, collided with an SUV and crashed into a building.

Defunct ShotSpotter heard gunshots 9 hours before womans body found, alderman says

Police say the passenger in the sedan was ejected from the vehicle and pronounced dead at the scene. The driver sustained a leg injury and was taken to an area hospital in stable condition.

Police also say two weapons were recovered at the scene.

The driver of the SUV sustained minor injuries and was taken to an area hospital. No officers were injured in the incident.

The building that the fleeing sedan crashed into, meanwhile, sustained heavy damage and will likely have to come down. A neighbor told WGN News it was in the process of being renovated into a cannabis dispensary.

Thrash you with a mop handle: Wieners Circle has message for smash-and-grab thieves

The intersection where the crash occurred was blocked off Tuesday morning as police investigated. According to police, the specifics of the incident are being investigated by the Civilian Office of Police Accountability, with the full cooperation of the Chicago Police Department.

So far, no charges have been filed.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WGN-TV.
Mary and Bryan Andrews were stabbed to death at their home in Totley in 2022 [BBC]

A man who stabbed his parents to death during a psychotic episode should have had further mental health assessments in the months before the killings, a doctor has told an inquest.

James Andrews, known to his family as Duncan, killed Mary, 76, and Bryan Andrews, 79, at their home in Terrey Road, Totley, in Sheffield, in November 2022.

Andrews had complained about having psychotic episodes, including suicidal thoughts, and told a helpline something serious is going to happen, said Dr Jonathan Mitchell, consultant psychiatrist.

A referral to a specialist mental health team was denied, meaning an opportunity to identify whether his psychotic episodes were persistent was missed, the inquest heard.

Andrews was given an indefinite hospital order in July 2023 after he admitted manslaughter on the grounds of diminished responsibility.

Appearing at the inquest on a video link, he heard how he had accessed mental health services in November 2011 when he suffered a seizure, leading to him feeling paranoid.

He was assessed by the Improving Access to Psychological Therapies team, before being reassessed in November 2017 when he had thoughts of suicide, Dr Mitchell said.

On 29 April 2022, he called an NHS referral line to say he had psychotic episodes and was directed to A&E for an urgent assessment.

Andrews reported feeling like he was going to kill someone, Dr Mitchell added.

Sheffield Health and Social Cares Early Intervention Team rejected a referral, something Dr Mitchell said should have been accepted.

This was possibly because the team did not see it as Andrews first episode of psychosis, which they were tasked with dealing with, the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield was told.

The hearing is taking place at the Medico-Legal Centre in Sheffield [BBC]

I say he was suffering with clear psychotic symptoms, Dr Mitchell told Coroner Tanyka Rawden.

This included hearing voices and having thoughts of harming his family members.

The issue was by the Early Intervention Team not assessing him, and the fact he had persistent psychotic episodes was missed.

If the psychotic episodes were identified as being persistent, Andrews treatment may have been different, including alternative medication, Dr Mitchell said.

"He would have been offered a trial with antipsychotics. If he had taken it, it probably would have improved his outcome," Dr Mitchell added.

When Andrews was discharged from that specific period of care on 9 May, an email that should have been sent to his GP summarising the care he received, and next steps to take, was never sent.

When asked by the coroner if Andrews had no mental health support between May and a final referral date in October, Dr Mitchell said that was correct.

'System error'

Katie Hughes, a mental health nurse and senior practitioner with the Home Treatment Team, told the court the discharge summary was possibly not sent because of a very, very unfortunate system error.

It seemed that instead of being sent, it was last edited in a draft state on 21 June.

When Ms Hughes was asked if she felt Andrews should have been detained under the Mental Health Act, she said she did not.

The inquest is expected to conclude on Wednesday.

Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North or tell us a story you think we should be covering here.

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HAZLE TWP., LUZERNE COUNTY (WBRE/WYOU)  State police are investigating a fraud incident where a man was scammed out of over $7,000.

According to Pennsylvania State Police, on August 18 troopers were told of a fraud incident that happened in Hazle Township.

The victim, a 79-year-old man, told troopers he got a call from someone he believed was his nephew. The scammer told the victim that he was involved in a DUI crash and needed bail money to get out of jail, PSP stated.

Man allegedly robbed Turkey Hill at gunpoint

Police say the victim withdrew $7,400 from his bank and was told that a courier from ByeByeDWI.com would pick up the money at his address.

The victims nephew confirmed that he was never arrested for DUI and the person his uncle spoke to was not him.

State police are continuing to investigate.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PAhomepage.com.
A man pleaded guilty to charges in connection to the death of a 4-year-old Ohio boy on Monday.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

Devin Hall pleaded guilty to involuntary manslaughter and child endangering in a Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court for the death of Musiah Wadud, according to our CBS affiliate in Cleveland, WOIO-19 TV.

TRENDING STORIES:

Dynehsia Anderson and Hall cared for the boy and his younger brother. The childrens mother lost custody due to mental health issues.

Anderson was the boys aunt and Hall was her boyfriend, according to WOIO-19 TV.

On May 5, 2022, police responded to an apartment complex in the 1400 block of East 260th St. on reports of an unresponsive child.

Wadud was pronounced dead at a hospital later that day.

According to WOIO-19 TV, a county prosecutor said the boy had more than 100 marks on his body, including skull fractures, numerous bruises and lacerations, and ligature marks in different stages of healing.

Prosecutors also said the brothers lived through eight months of abuse and torture, which ultimately led to Waduds death.

Halls sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 22.

Anderson will appear in court on Oct. 1 for aggravated murder, felonious assault and endangering children.

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Sig Christenson is a senior reporter for the Express-News covering the military and has been with the news organization since 1997. He can be reached at sigc@express-news.net.

He embedded with the 3rd Infantry Division during the Iraq invasion, and reported from Baghdad and Afghanistan seven times since. A University of Houston graduate, he covered the Branch Davidian siege, the 2003 space shuttle breakup, the 2009 Fort Hood shooting and its subsequent legal proceedings, as well as hurricanes, tropical storms and floods.

He's won awards from Hearst Newspapers and the Associated Press, was named "Reporter of the Year" by his peers in 2004 and is a co-founder and former president and board member of Military Reporters & Editors, established in 2002.
Aeronautics and astronomy, bubbles and bees, robots and rockets, and a host of other STEM-related activities were on colorful and engaging display at the University of Colorado Colorado Springs campus as a local nonprofit kicked off its 15th annual science blowout.

With Saturdays Carnival Day serving as its launch pad, the 2024 Cool Science Festival began in grand style with a friendly takeover of the UCCS campus. Nearly 90 different activities, shows and displays, both indoors and outdoors, drew about 8,000 kids, parents and grandparents, according to executive director Marc Straub.

(Carnival Day) went great, said Straub, who has served Cool Science in a number of capacities since signing on as a volunteer in 2006. It was our biggest attendance ever.

Historically, Carnival Day is the festivals biggest and most popular event, but according to Straub, its just the beginning.

In the days to come, more than 80 STEM-related showcases will include some old favorites, like the space science shows at the Air Force Academy planetarium and the extended Cave of the Winds Tour, and new additions like a tour of Flying Pig Farm, Math Game Nights at the Rockrimmon Mathnasium, and Fly with Physics at iFly Colorado Springs.

Grown-ups can learn about chemistrys role in creating their favorite adult beverages at Evergood Adventure Wines or the Bristol Brewing Company.

Theres also, for whatever reason, a Tesla coil at the brewing company, Straub said. This year, after the beer tasting, theyre going to fire it up.

Most events are free, though some charge a small fee thats typically discounted from normal prices, officials said.

It takes dozens of participating schools, companies, museums, clubs, nonprofits and other organizations from all over eastern Colorado to put this festival on, Straub said. In a lot of cases, like with schools and museums, were taking the kinds of STEAM events they do year-round, and making them a part of the festival.

Among the dozens of hands-on activities Saturday, a fully-equipped Colorado Springs Fire Department truck was hugely popular, with kids waiting in line for a few moments behind the wheel and peppering firefighters with questions about the trucks speed capabilities, water hoses, passenger capacity and more.

Theres a lot of science involved in firefighting, explained firefighter Adam Montelongo. Understanding the way fire reacts with certain kinds of fuel, or what it does when oxygen is introduced into a space  thats science. In the truck, pump calculations have to be made in order to send the appropriate amount of water pressure. Thats science, too.

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At another station, kids and adults gathered around an observation beehive provided by the Pikes Peak Beekeepers Association, a nonprofit that supports commercial beekeepers as well as a growing number of hobbyists who like to cultivate a buzz in their own backyards.

Bees are so important to our ecosystem, said a recreational beekeeper who declined to give her name. The pollination is essential to fruits, vegetables, almonds, coffee  we would be totally lost without them.

A STEM festival wouldnt be the same without rockets, and they were flying all around the UCCS campus, bolstered by propellants ranging from air to Alka-Seltzer.

Hands-on activities are the best, most fun way to get kids engaged in STEM, said Nylah Rampersad, who coordinates educational programming for the Space Foundation Discovery Center. And what better way to get kids thinking about space, than letting them launch something into the sky?

Showing kids how fascinating, fun and useful science can be is the overriding purpose of the Cool Science Festival, officials said.

Because they are curious by nature, most children already have an affinity for science, whether they know it or not, and the Cool Science Festival is designed to channel and encourage that fascination, Straub said.

(The festival) is really about nurturing the excitement they already have about science and encouraging them to sign up for classes that will start them on a path to science and tech careers, he said.

The activities are meant to be fun and engaging, but while theyre having fun, theyre also learning about the many job and recreational opportunities science has to offer, as well as all the ways science and STEAM impact our daily lives.

The annual STEM extravaganza is the nonprofits signature event, but Cool Science runs outreach and engagement programs all year round, Straub said.

For the festival schedule, STEM-focused programming, and other information about the nonprofit, visit coolscience.org.
YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio (WKBN)  Reports said a man told police late Monday he was attacked by three men while driving on a South Side street.

Read next: Finding of human remains leads to local search

Police were called about 10:30 p.m. to the intersection of Hillman Street and Willis Avenue, where the man said he was coming from Boardman when three men appeared in front of his car as he was driving on the street.

One of the men reached in and punched him in the head while someone else threw a brick into his car.

The man would not say from where in Boardman he was coming from, reports said.

The man was treated for injuries at the scene by paramedics but refused to be taken to a hospital, reports said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Man rescued from fire charged with setting it

WARREN, Ohio (WKBN)  A Warren man who was rescued from an apartment fire is now accused of setting it.

Lonnie Culver is facing an aggravated arson charge in Warren Municipal Court. It stems from the fire at a first-floor apartment on McMyler Street NW. Firefighters were called to the four-plex just after 8 p.m. Monday.

Fire Chief Ken Nussle says firefighters used rescue tools to get into the apartment through a metal security door. He says firefighters removed Culver from the apartment after finding him pretty much unresponsive in the kitchen.

Nussle said Culver later admitted to setting a bedroom pillow on fire.

The firefighters at the time didnt have any idea, they just thought it was accidental, possibly careless smoking  he was a smoker  but come to find out, that he admitted to setting the pillow on fire, Nussle said.

Nussle says fire damage was contained to the first-floor apartment.

I cant speak for the occupant, I dont know what he was thinking, but Im just happy our firefighters were able to get in there. Nobody was significantly hurt, Nussle said.

Culver was arraigned in Warren Municipal Court Wednesday and bond was set at $100,000.

Hes due back in court for a preliminary hearing on October 8.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
(COLORADO SPRINGS)  A former Colorado Springs man was sentenced to 14 years in prison after the 2020 sexual assault of a child at a home on Fort Carson.

32-year-old Mitchel Crow was sentenced to 168 months in prison and 12 years supervised release after being found guilty in July by a federal jury on three counts of sexual abuse of a minor.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Man found guilty of three counts of sex abuse on a minor

According to the U.S. Attorneys Office, the assaults took place between May and December of 2020. The Attorneys Office said Crow engaged in several sexual acts with a minor in a home located on Fort Carson. Crow was a civilian living on post and was responsible for the care of the minor at the time.

Child sex offenders prey on the most vulnerable victims. This sentence will not erase the harm inflicted upon the victim, but we hope it is a step towards recovery, said FBI Denver Special Agent in Charge Mark Michalek. The FBI and our law enforcement partners such as U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Division will continue to work together to put predators who harm children in prison.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
A man shot by police after pointing a high-powered pellet gun at police officers in a Target parking lot in Woodbury was sentenced Monday to more than seven years in prison, the Washington county attorneys office said.

Donald Eugene Roche, 61, of Rockford, Minn., pleaded guilty in July to two counts of second-degree assault after he admitted to pointing a pistol-stye pellet gun at officers during an April standoff at the Target on Valley Creek Road.

While entering his guilty plea, he admitted in court that police had every right to shoot him based on his actions, prosecutors said.

The criminal complaint and prosecutors said that:

On April 22, Roche stole a wallet from an Oakdale construction site and then used the credit carts inside to buy more than $3,000 worth of items at Home Depot and Target in Woodbury. He also attempted another $7,000 in transactions that were declined.

Police tracked Roche to a stolen vehicle in the Woodbury Village Target parking lot a bit later. When they tried to take him into custody, a struggle ensued. Officers backed up when they that saw Roche had a gun.

Roche barricaded himself inside his vehicle, and SWAT team members attempted to negotiate with him for more than an hour.

When Roche exited, he had the firearm pointed at law enforcement officers, who tried to subdue him with less-than-lethal force.

Roche continued to ignore demands to drop the gun and instead pointed it at police. He was shot and injured by a Woodbury police officer and a Washington County sheriffs deputy.

In August, an investigation into the officer-involved shooting determined that the use of force was legally justified.

The Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension turned over its investigative findings to the the Washington County attorneys office, which cleared the law enforcement officers after reviewing the BCAs report.

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LISBON, Ohio (WKBN)  A man who pleaded guilty this summer to his seventh OVI charge was recently sentenced to jail and had his license revoked for life.

Read next: Finding of human remains leads to local search

Ronald Smalley, 61, was sentenced to a total of 36 months in prison on the OVI charges, two of which are mandatory.

Smalleys license was suspended for life. He was also ordered to pay a fine of $1,350.

Upon his release from prison, Smalley was ordered to take part in addiction services at his own expense.

He pleaded guilty in July to two counts of OVI and driving under suspension, with specification for forfeiture of a motor vehicle.

Smalley was arrested in April after he was stopped by the Ohio State Highway Patrol for speeding on Route 172 in Hanover Township. A release from OSHP said Smalley failed field sobriety and blood alcohol tests.

OHSP said over the course of Smalleys life, he has been arrested for OVI a total of seven times, with two previous felony OVI convictions.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  A Columbus man has been sentenced to prison in the shooting death of a Youngstown State University student outside a Sheetz store in 2022.

Tommie Wilkerson Jr., 21, will spend at least nine years in prison for his role in the October 2022 death of Kevin Sobnosky, 21, of Girard.

Students say theyre fed up with bathroom policy at Columbus Whetstone High School

Wilkerson pled guilty to felonious assault with a drive-by firearm specification on Monday and was immediately sentenced to nine to 11 years in prison by Franklin County Court of Common Pleas Judge David Young.

On Oct. 30, 2022, Sobnosky and his friends stopped at the Sheetz store on North Cassady Avenue when a shootout not involving Sobnosky broke out. Several bullets were fired into the car Sobnosky was in, killing him.

Prosecutors said Wilkerson was the driver of one of the vehicles involved in the shootout. Keimariyon Ross was the shooter in the car, prosecutors said. Ross was sentenced on Sept. 5 to at least 32 years in prison.

Spirit Airlines axing several flights to and from Columbus

A third suspect in the shooting, Tyyan Sullivan, was sentenced to 9-10 1/2 years in prison, two concurrent sentences of 3-4 1/2 years for felonious assault and two 3-year-gun specification sentences to run consecutively.

Wilkerson was also sentenced Monday to a concurrent sentence of four years for an unrelated incident in which he rammed a stolen vehicle into a Dublin police cruiser in September 2022.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A man died after he was shot in Robinson Township, Washington County, on Monday evening.

A Washington County 911 dispatcher tells Channel 11 that police and medics were sent to Spring Street near Valley Street just before 7 p.m. for reports of a man shot in a yard.

Pennsylvania State Police said the shooting involved two men. Both were taken to the hospital, where one died.

The Allegheny County Medical Examiners Office identified him as Eric Cefalo, 50.

We spoke with neighbors who say theyre surprised by the shooting and are curious about what happened.

We were actually eating dinner and my neighbor over here heard hollers for help and then heard the gunshot and the screams stopped and they called 911, neighbor Karen Dunks said.

Dunks said it was scary seeing police swarm the area.

We hurried up and ran into the house and locked in and police showed up and told everyone to lock their doors, stay away from your windows, she said.

The neighbors are shaken up by the incident and want to know what led up to the shooting.

It was pretty scary and I dont want to get emotional but Im just thankful our neighbors and friends are okay from last night, Dunks said.

The investigation is ongoing.

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Mandatory evacuation of children and their parents announced in 90 settlements in Sumy district

The mandatory evacuation of children with their parents, guardians or other legal representatives has been announced in 90 cities, towns and villages of 7 hromadas of Sumy district [a hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.].

Source: Sumy District Council

Details: The evacuation decree was signed on 30 September by the heads of Sumy Oblast Military Administration and the Siversk Operational and Tactical Group.

This applies to the hromadas of Bilopillia, Vorozhba, Krasnopillia, Khotin, Yunakivka, Myropillia and Mykolaivka which are all located in Sumy district.

Quote: "The social services of local self-government and state authorities, police, rescue workers and the military are involved in organising the mandatory evacuation of children and their parents."

Background:

On 13 May, the authorities in Sumy Oblast began evacuating people from the towns of Bilopillia and Vorozhba.

On 23 May, due to increased Russian attacks, the authorities of Sumy Oblast announced the evacuation of people from the border areas of Okhtyrka district.

In early April 2024, two hromadas in Sumy Oblast announced the mandatory evacuation of children.

On 12 August, Volodymyr Artiukh, Head of Sumy Oblast Military Administration, said that since the start of the evacuation, they had managed to evacuate 20,800 people from Sumy Oblast, including about 2,000 children.

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General Information:

Name: Mariah Hudson

Age: 46

Profession: OHSU Senior Healthcare Communications Specialist

Pronouns: She/Her

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

The greatest challenge facing Portland as it transitions to a new form of government is turning our compassion and creativity into concrete solutions. We have the right values, but now we need to deliver real results. I have the experience to help make that happen. At OHSU during the pandemic, I led through a crisis, operationalizing solutions to get over 100,000 people vaccinated. Ive also worked alongside neighbors and city officials to move people from tents to homes by opening a shelter.

Collaboration will be keyboth with the county and across the new council. My experience as a legislative advocate and as chair of the PPS and Transportation Bureau budget committees has taught me how to build consensus and get policies passed. We need strong leadership to ensure this transition delivers the positive change our city deserves, and Im ready to help lead that effort.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

Portlands comeback starts in our neighborhoods. On City Council, I will be a voice for District 2, working to ensure safe streets and public spaces, revitalize our communities, and deliver the basic services that families, workers, seniors and businesses need to thrive. Ill focus on fully staffing first responders, cleaning up trash and graffiti, and fixing our roads to make the city more livable. Ill also coordinate with the county  just as I did helping lead the pandemic responseto address homelessness by expanding safe shelters, transitional housing, and creating a much-needed sobering center. My goal is to restore public trust and help rebuild a Portland thats safe, affordable, and sustainable for everyone.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

As a working parent with kids in public schools and a community leader, I know that getting Portland back on track requires leaders who turn compassion into action with urgency and vision  just what we need on council.

Whether leading in healthcare, as coalition chair or as a PTA mom and PPS Budget chair providing oversight of the $2.2 billion budget, Im always advocating for our communities. Ive helped change policies to enforce regulations for air polluters, get housing built and improve street safety.

With the support of N/NE elected officials, labor unions, small businesses, and community leaders in District 2, Im ready to bring that same leadership to the City Council to get the city working again.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

I admire former Representative Katie Porter for her bold leadership and commitment to accountability. As a single mom, like me, she understands the struggles many families face and the importance of government that works for all of us. Her refusal to take money from corporate PACs stands out to me as a testament to her dedication to representing the people. Katies courage and resilience inspire me to lead with the same integrity, staying true to my values while remaining responsive to the real concerns of my neighbors.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

First Id like to see us address the trash and unsanctioned camping and RVs which will require establishing more shelter and housing options in District 2. We also need to work on catalyzing infill and mixed-use housing development, along with improved transportation connections particularly in high opportunity areas Lloyd, Hollywood, and neighborhoods in North Portland to double down on sustainable livable neighborhoods we love. By integrating housing with transit and investing in green infrastructure, we can ensure Portland remains a place where people can afford to live, work, and thrive.

What do you love about Portland?

The Portland I love, and have loved since I was a teenager driving up from Eugene with friends to see punk shows, is a city of doers and makers. Its a place where you can contribute and make a difference. When government is working for us, it empowers our creativity, supports our neighborhoods, and ensures everyone has a fair shot. Its a city where bold ideas become real solutions, and where the community comes together to solve challengeswhether its building more affordable housing, improving transit, or tackling climate change. Thats the Portland we can build again.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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BRUSSELS (Reuters) - NATO's new chief Mark Rutte voiced strong support for Ukraine on Tuesday and said he was not worried about the upcoming U.S. election as he could work with former President Donald Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris.

Rutte, a former Dutch prime minister, took over from Jens Stoltenberg as NATO secretary general just weeks before the Nov. 5 U.S. presidential vote that pits Democrat Harris against Republican Trump, who has been highly critical of NATO.

Trump has also declined to say whether he wants Ukraine to win the war against Russia's invasion.

But Rutte played down concerns within the transatlantic alliance about the vote in NATO's predominant power, telling reporters at NATO headquarters: "I'm not worried."

"I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more (on defence), and he achieved - because ... we are now at a much higher spending level than we were when he took office," Rutte said.

NATO estimates that 23 of its 32 members will meet its target of spending at least 2% of GDP on defence this year, compared to just three countries a decade ago.

Officials say some of that is down to Trump but much of it was propelled by Russia's 2022 invasion of Ukraine.

Rutte said Trump had also been right to push NATO to focus more on China. He repeated a NATO assertion that China has become a "decisive enabler" of Moscow's war effort in Ukraine by supplying Russia with important technology.

Rutte also praised Harris, saying she had a "fantastic record as vice president" and was a "highly respected leader".

On the war in Ukraine, he avoided a direct answer when asked whether Kyiv was winning. NATO members provide the vast majority of weapons and ammunition supplied to Ukraine.

Rutte said the situation on the battlefield was "difficult" and Russia had made "limited" gains this year but at a high cost. He said he had seen estimates that 1,000 Russian soldiers were recently being killed or wounded every day.

"We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," he said.

Signalling continuity with Stoltenberg, Rutte said he had three main priorities - making sure NATO had the capabilities to protect against any threat, supporting Ukraine and addressing global challenges by working with partners "near and far".

CENTRAL ROLE

The war in Ukraine has put NATO - founded in 1949 to deter and defend against any attack on Western Europe by the Soviet Union - back at the centre of international affairs.

While Western leaders stress NATO is a defensive alliance, Moscow has long insisted it is a threat to Russia's security.

The Kremlin said on Tuesday it did not expect any improvement in relations with NATO under Rutte.

Russia's invasion of Ukraine prompted NATO to send thousands more troops to its eastern flank and to radically revamp its defence plans to take the possibility of an attack from Moscow more seriously than at any point since the end of the Cold War.

One of Rutte's key tasks will be to persuade NATO members to come up with the extra troops, weapons and spending to fully realise the new defence plans, diplomats and analysts say.

"We have to invest more and close the capability gaps and try to achieve all the targets NATO has set here," Rutte said.

(Reporting by Andrew Gray and Lili Bayer; Editing by Jamie Freed, Alexander Smith, Peter Graff)
The Colorado Supreme Court ruled on Monday, by 5-2, that a Ouray County judge wrongly prohibited the prosecution from using late-disclosed evidence in a hearing to determine whether probable cause existed to bring the defendant to trial.

The court's majority believed the judge's failure to explain the basis for the sanction doomed his order. However, the two dissenting justices pushed back, noting the prosecutor not only admitted the judge could exclude evidence, but was the one who suggested the judge do so.

In the underlying case, Ashton Michael Whittington is one of three defendants charged in the alleged rape of a teenage girl in May 2023 at the home of former Ouray police Chief Jeff Wood.

In March, Whittington was scheduled for a preliminary hearing, in which prosecutors must demonstrate probable cause of a crime to proceed to trial. The prosecution admitted it had not shared certain items with the defense by the mid-January 2024 deadline, as the criminal rules require after a defendant's initial court appearance.

The defense moved for County Court Judge Sean K. Murphy to dismiss the case against Whittington as a sanction for withholding evidence the prosecution had in its possession months beforehand. The defense also alleged 37 other instances in which the Seventh Judicial District Attorney's Office violated the criminal rules with late-disclosed evidence.

Murphy ultimately found he could not establish a pattern by prosecutors, and instead barred the DA's office from using certain evidence against Whittington in the preliminary hearing. Before Murphy could complete the hearing, the prosecution appealed to the Supreme Court.

Deputy District Attorney Ryan L. Hess explained Whittington was not alleged to have raped the victim himself, but prohibiting the evidence due to a "technical violation" affected the prosecution's ability to show Whittington's involvement.

"The size of files, IT issues with the public defender office, broken files within disclosures, and the mass of the overall case, were all expressed to the county court," Hess wrote. "Exclusion of evidence is punitive. The court made no finding of the need for a punitive sanction."

He also contested whether county court judges even have the authority to impose the kind of sanction Murphy did.

The Supreme Court's majority did not address the authority of county court judges because even if Murphy could issue an order excluding evidence, he did not do it properly.

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"In general, the exclusion of evidence is considered a severe sanction, imposed as punitive or deterrent," wrote Justice Melissa Hart in the Sept. 30 opinion. "For this reason, we require the court to make findings in support of this kind of discovery sanction. The court here made no such findings. To the contrary, the court specifically found no willful misconduct."

Without that explanation, the Supreme Court found Murphy abused his discretion and overturned his order.

Justice Richard L. Gabriel, writing for himself and Justice William W. Hood III, would have rejected Hess' claims. He noted the prosecutor told Murphy multiple times the exclusion of evidence was acceptable:

 "Anything that weve disclosed late, I havent had the intention of using ... in this case for this preliminary hearing"

 "What I believe this court can do is this court can exclude certain evidence"

 "There could be sanctions, exclude the evidence. Those type of things I believe the court can do"

In an "effort to persuade the court that it did not have the authority to dismiss the case, the (prosecution) told the court, at least twice, that the court could order the exclusion of certain evidence from the preliminary hearing as a sanction," Gabriel wrote. The DA's office "may not now challenge the courts decision to do precisely what they invited the court to do."

In looking at the propriety of the sanction itself, Gabriel did not believe it was problematic, particularly because Hess acknowledged he would not use the late-disclosed evidence at the preliminary hearing.

"I am hard-pressed to see how one could characterize such a carefully crafted and thoughtful remedy as manifestly arbitrary, unreasonable, or unfair," Gabriel added.

The case is People v. Whittington.
MAROA, Ill. (WCIA)  A man from Maroa is facing attempted murder charges for allegedly pouring gasoline on his girlfriend and then lighting her on fire, severely burning half of her body.

Matthew Broadhacker, 36, was in court on Tuesday to be arraigned on charges of attempted murder, aggravated battery with great bodily harm and aggravated domestic battery. The first two charges are both Class X felonies.

At the arraignment hearing, Judge Thomas Griffith found probable cause to charge Broadhacker with the crimes listed above and granted the states request to have him detained pretrial, finding that he does present a real and present threat to public safety.

Broadhacker pleaded not guilty.

Trial begins for Decatur couple accused of possessing child pornography

The charges stem from an incident Saturday evening on Maple Street in Maroa. Maroa Police Chief Robert Fitzgerald said in a brief statement that officers were dispatched to assist the Maroa Countryside Fire Protection District with a fire and an injured person.

In a sworn affadavit, a Maroa police officer said firefighters found a 44-year-old woman with third-degree burns on 50% of her body. Broadhacker, her live-in boyfriend of one-and-a-half years, was also present. He too had been burned on his left arm, the left side of his neck and had singed hair in his beard.

The woman was initially transported to Decatur Memorial Hospital before being transferred to Springfield due to the severity of her injuries. Her current condition is unknown, but she is still alive.

The officer who signed the affidavit said officers on the scene stated they could smell a strong odor of gasoline coming from Broadhacker. Maroa Police started an investigation, and the Illinois State Police and Office of the State Fire Marshal were contacted to assist.

Vacant Decatur home catches fire; officials investigating

During their investigation, officers discovered that Broadhackers girlfriend sent a text to an ex-boyfriend that read Matt just poured gas on me. That text was sent at 8:22 p.m. Four minutes later, the Maroa Countryside Fire Protection District was dispatched to the home.

Broadhacker was detained at the scene, Fitzgerald said. After further investigation, he was formally placed under arrest and was booked into the Macon County Jail.

Fitzgerald said the investigation, which is being jointly performed with ISP, is ongoing and there is no further information to release.

Broadhacker is due back in court for a status hearing on Nov. 6.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
One theory surrounding dark matter is that it isnt an exotic particle at all, but instead a collection of primordial black holes formed during the Big Bang thatve been zipping around the cosmos ever since.

Now, a new study posits that scientists could potentially detect one of these hypothetical intergalactic travelers as it zoomed through the inner Solar System by measuring a wobble in Mars orbit.

Unfortunately, a primordial black hole would likely perform a flyby like that only once every decade, and sorting through the data to detect the influence of this passing microscopic black hole would be a herculean task.

Less than 20 percent of the matter in the known universe is the kind of stuff that we can see and interact with. The rest is made up of the perennial mystery of physicsthe yet-to-be-detected dark matter. While many physicists theorized that dark matter is some form of exotic particle (like an axion, for example) other ideas look back to the Big Bang to explain dark matters origin story.

According to one theory, it was in the first moments of... well... everything that the universe formed microscopic black holes known as primordial black holes (PBHs). Instead of forming from collapsed stars like your typical, run-of-the-mill black hole, these structures wouldve formed from a collapse of gas and then spread throughout the cosmos as the universe expanded and cooled. If this is the case, a team of scientists from MIT and University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC) argue that you should be able to detect near-flying PBHs by measuring the orbit of Mars. A study detailing this technique was published this week in the journal Physical Review D.

Given decades of precision telemetry, scientists know the distance between Earth and Mars to an accuracy of about 10 centimeters, MITs David Kaiser, a co-author of the study, said in a press statement. Were taking advantage of this highly instrumented region of space to try and look for a small effect. If we see it, that would count as a real reason to keep pursuing this delightful idea that all of dark matter consists of black holes that were spawned in less than a second after the Big Bang.

The idea came from an innocent question: What would happen if a PBH passed through a human? If they exist (PBHs are still very much hypothetical objects), scientists estimate that these black holes could be as small as an atom, but as heavy as the largest asteroids. The team estimated that the force of these objects colliding with a person could push someone roughly 20 feet in about a second. While the odds of such a collision are unfathomably small, an interaction with a planetary systemor even the inner Solar Systemcould be a much bigger (and therefore much more likely) target.

The team crunched some numbers, and theorized that PBHs would likely pass through the inner Solar System at some point once a decade or so. Using detailed models of the Solar System, the researchers then analyzed whether an asteroid-mass black hole could have a detectable effect on Earth or the Moon. It turns out that noticing such an impact on our planet or its satellite would be too uncertainbut Mars, on the other hand, showed promise. If a primordial black hole passed within a few hundred million miles of the Red Planet, then a few years later, the planets orbit would have shifted by the small (but technically detectable) distance of about a meter.

Of course, even this planetary detection method comes with a few shortcomings.

We need as much clarity as we can of the expected backgrounds, such as the typical speeds and distributions of boring space rocks, versus these primordial black holes, Kaiser said in a press statement. Luckily for us, astronomers have been tracking ordinary space rocks for decades as they have flown through our Solar System, so we could calculate typical properties of their trajectories and begin to compare them with the very different types of paths and speeds that primordial black holes should follow.

This method would rely on quite a bit of luck, as a passing PBH would need to travel through a particular path, and hunting for that signal in real data could be a pretty daunting task.

For now, the team is calibrating their models to simulate more and more objects in order to test close encounter scenarios with more precision. Once that process is complete, theyll be ready if (or when) a primordial remnant of the Big Bang decides to drop by our Solar System for a quick visit.



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Man identified after being found dead inside home in Marshall County

MARSHALL COUNTY, Ala. (WHNT)  The Marshall County Coroners Office has identified a man that was found dead inside of a home on Sunday.

According to the Marshall County Coroners Office, the man has been identified as Brent Alison Jenkins, 73.

The coroner said that there is no foul play suspected.

The investigation remains ongoing by the Marshall County Coroners Office and the Alabama Department of Forensic Science  Huntsville Laboratory.

The Marshall County Sheriffs Office said it is investigating after deputies found a man dead inside a home.

MCSO said on Sunday, September 29 around 5:45 p.m., deputies were sent to a home on Mill Hollow Road in Union Grove for a welfare check.

MCSO: Wreck on I-65 North has one lane closed

When deputies arrived, MCSO said they entered the home and found the body of a man. Investigators were then called to the scene.

The body of the man was taken to the Alabama Department of Forensic Sciences for an autopsy and to identify the man.

MCSO said there is no more information available at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
LONGVIEW, Texas (KTAL/KMSS)  The Martin House CAC have joined forces with many local

organizations to bring an event centered around providing children and families with important safety information while engaging in fun activities, presentations, and demonstrations.

Join The Martin House CAC along with Longview Police Department, Longview Fire Department, Christus Good Shepherd, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and many other organizations for a morning of fun and learning on Saturday November 9.

Marthas Market opens in Shreveport for food insecure households

The event will include car seat safety checks, internet safety, fire safety and prevention, water safety, safe sleep for infants, bullying, and more. The inaugural Child Safety Day will be held at The Recreational Outreach Center (ROC) in downtown Longview from 9:00 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

According to the press release, there will be a Teen Topics area with information regarding internet safety, vaping, mental health, illicit drug prevention, healthy relationships, first aid related presentations, and an impaired driving simulator.

This event is open to the public and free to attend. Officials are asking that all children and teens are accompanied by an adult.

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Hes been a vocal Vice President Harris supporter and is hitting the campaign trail to back several Democratic Senate bids, but Martin Sheen says he cant think of anything more important to do in relation to this years election than sound the alarm on voter suppression from MAGA vigilantes.

Sheen, who famously portrayed President Jed Bartlet on NBCs long-running political drama, The West Wing, is an executive producer of the new film, Vigilantes Inc.: Americas New Vote Suppression Hitmen.

The documentary-style project from journalist Greg Palast, currently streaming for free, hones in on 8,500 self-proclaimed vigilante vote-fraud hunters who have already challenged the rights of 851,000 voters of color in the 2024 election in Georgia and beyond.

If we have 2 million vigilante challenges, we dont know how many will go through, but you have to understand the tiny margins of these states. And thats the real threat to this election, Palast told ITK in an exclusive joint interview with Sheen.

This is something that we really need to expand the publics knowledge on and make them aware that this is going on and how egregious and illegal, not to mention, immoral it is, Sheen said.

The fact that they are attacking newly registered voters  young people, people of color and immigrants, or people with foreign-sounding names  its very egregious, its racist and its going to have a powerful effect on the outcome of the election, the actor said.

Our purpose in making this film is to make sure that the voters  not the vigilantes  pick our next president, Palast said.

Thats the entire point. Im not being partisan. Im not trying to elect Kamala Harris. Im trying to let the voters make that decision, not the vigilantes. And so were exposing them and helping people to save their votes, the filmmaker and author added.

Vigilantes raises the possibility of the results of Novembers presidential election being overturned by the Supreme Court. Its a scenario that Sheen said he is absolutely concerned might play out.

You cant trust a lot of this villainy that has been sparked by this new fandangled Republican Party, whatever the hell it is. It used to be a fair fight in the old days. Now, its like its going on behind our backs, or under the seats, or wherever they can get away with whatever they get away with, Sheen, 84, exclaimed.

The Emmy Award winner, a self-described lifelong Democrat, pointed to the 2020 White House race and the Jan. 6, 2021, riot by supporters of then-President Trump: This crowd is criminal and immoral, and their efforts to subvert the vote  I mean, my God, look what happened to the last national election with the Capitol. And the results of that are still being felt.

We cant trust them. They cant trust themselves. So we have to be vigilant. And thats part of what being involved in politics these days is being vigilant, and watch whats going on and listen to what they say. But more importantly, watch what they do, Sheen said.

Dont take anything for granted. These are scoundrels, and theyre not upfront, and theyre not fair, and theyre backed with billions and billions of dollars.

Sheen said he had not the slightest doubt that Harris will win against Trump in November, saying he wouldnt even consider the alternative.

Asked if The West Wing  which often depicted characters in both political parties as good-intentioned and trustworthy  was a naive fantasy, or if its more that politicians have changed since the show ended its run in 2006, Sheen replied, I dont think theres anything Pollyanna-ish or naive about trying to express and expose the very best part of who we are, where we come from, what we stand for and what we mean to each other.

We relate to each other politically. The air we breathe, if its been fouled up, its a political act. So no one can remove themselves from the political reality of where we live and how we live at the present time. So its just a natural progression to be involved and to be clear about what were faced with, Sheen said.

Look at all this nonsense, this horrible crap theyre spreading in Springfield, Ohio, Sheen said, a reference to Trump and his running mate, Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), repeating false allegations earlier this month about Haitian immigrants abducting and eating local pets. Last week, a Haitian group filed a criminal complaint against Trump and Vance, saying the amplification of the false claims had a direct impact in spurring 33 bomb threats in the Ohio city.

Im from Dayton, Ohio. I know Springfield, Sheen said.

My parents were both immigrants. I know what its like to grow up in an immigrant family where  youre having to put your best foot forward every day because youre being judged or not fully trusted. So I have an inkling of what thats about  so you cant get away with that crap, the performer, whose mother was from Ireland and father was born in Spain, continued.

I would suggest that Mr. Vance go to Springfield, Ohio, and find a family thats been affected by his bulls and has been forced to stay indoors and protect their children. He should apologize to those people and stay overnight in that house and beg their forgiveness, Sheen said.

Palast said the aim of Vigilantes is to educate voters to protect themselves and ensure they know the history of voter suppression, Jim Crow and slavery, which all connects back to vote suppression.

Weve got to weve got to stay the course and keep swinging right to the end, Sheen said.

Trump-supporting Republicans, Sheen said, will contest anything they lose. They wont contest anything they win  of course not. Its what it is, and we have to stick to it like a stamp.

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BOSTON (WWLP)  Massachusetts lawmakers are demanding information from Stop & Shops parent company on reports of price-gouging concerns.

A letter was sent to CEO Frans Muller of Ahold Delhaize, the parent company of Stop & Shop, concerning higher prices in minority and working-class communities in Massachusetts. These types of price discrepancies place significant burdens on already-struggling consumers, wrote U.S. Senators Elizabeth Warren, and Ed Markey, along with Representatives Jim McGovern and Ayanna Pressley.

Port strike threat looms, U.S. ports may shut down

A 2023 study by a group of Boston youth volunteers at the Hyde Square Task Force revealed Stop & Shop was charging 18 percent more for groceries in a largely minority and working-class area of Bostons Jamaica Plain neighborhood, compared to the store location in Dedham, a more affluent suburb.

Examples from Stop & Shop in Jamaica Plain vs. Dedham included:

Bubbas turkey burgers were $2 more

Stop & Shop-branded crinkle-cut French fries were 90 cents more

Smithfield bacon was $2 more

Lawmakers are requesting that Ahold Delhaize explain the reasons for the price difference and the pricing algorithms used by the company. They would also like to know if there are any steps taken to lower prices and improve consistency across all 124 Massachusetts locations.

Letter to Ahold Delhaize re. Price Gouging in Stop & Shops in Massachusetts

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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Maternal health crisis: Why are Black women still at higher risk?

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  According to the CDC, hundreds of women in the U.S. die every year during pregnancy, delivery, or within a year postpartum.

Tragically, Black women are three times more likely than any other group to die from pregnancy-related causes. This is especially alarming considering that more than 80% of pregnancy-related deaths are preventable.

If these deaths can be avoided, why is the risk still so high for Black women? And what steps are being taken to change this troubling trend?

These are just some of the questions NBC4 Anchor Jennifer Bullock explored in a conversation with local leaders and experts at the forefront of Black maternal health in Franklin County.

Bullock sat down with:

 Danielle Tong, Executive Director of CelebrateOne

 Dr. Mysheika Roberts, Columbus Public Health Commissioner

 Jatu Boikai, Founder of Mobinurses, Inc., a perinatal support initiative

 Nick Bankston and Shayla Favor, Columbus City Councilmembers

They discussed the maternal health crisis affecting the community and how they can work together to create change.

Franklin County resources for maternal health and pregnancy and infant loss :

Alive In My Heart

Website: Alive In My Heart

Description: Alive In My Heart is a Columbus-based organization offering support to families who have experienced pregnancy loss, stillbirth, or infant death. They provide a compassionate community, allowing parents to share their stories, receive emotional support, and connect with others who have faced similar losses.

Support Offered: Grief counseling, peer support groups, remembrance events, and online resources.

CelebrateOne

Website: CelebrateOne

Description: CelebrateOne works to reduce infant mortality rates and offers resources for grieving families. They connect families to counseling, support groups, and health care services.

Support Offered: Bereavement support, connection to healthcare services, and guidance on safe pregnancy and infant care.

Miles Mission

Website: Miles Mission

Description: Miles Mission, started by Bullock, is dedicated to supporting families who have experienced the loss of a baby. They work to enhance awareness, provide resources and support families experiencing pregnancy and infant loss.

Support Offered: Family support, awareness campaigns, and partners with organizations offering bereavement care packages and remembrance gifts.

Mobinurses, Inc.

Website: Mobinurses, Inc.

Description: A perinatal support initiative that provides care to families during pregnancy, delivery, and post-loss. Mobinurses focuses on supporting vulnerable populations, including those experiencing pregnancy or infant loss, by providing home health care and emotional support.

Support Offered: Perinatal care, home health services, emotional support, and resources for families navigating pregnancy loss.

The Compassionate Friends  Central Ohio Chapter

Website: The Compassionate Friends

Description: A national organization with a local chapter in Franklin County offering support to families grieving the loss of a child at any age, including infants. They provide a safe space to connect with other grieving families.

Support Offered: Monthly support groups, online communities, and access to grief literature.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Instead of rubbing elbows with key politicians who hold the key to his future Monday night, Mayor Eric Adams was a no-show at Rev. Al Sharptons birthday, instead focusing on earning back the trust of voters at a separate event.

Some of New York Citys most influential Black leaders, including Council Member Yusef Salaam, DA Alvin Bragg, NY Senate leader Andrea Stewart-Cousins, Council Speaker Adrianne Adams, and Queens Borough President Donovan Richards, gathered in Columbus Circle Monday night.

More Local News

[Mayor Adams] had a previous engagement, Im told, Sharpton said.

Just days after his criminal indictment, Sharpton noted it was too soon to gauge Adams effectiveness as a mayor. The Civil Rights leader revealed part of their conversation from last week: He told me hes going to prove his innocence. I told him fine, but that Im concerned about the city and not establishing a precedent thats not good.

Governor Kathy Hochul also attended the birthday party. Before the program, Sharpton expressed his desire for Hochul to take her time regarding any decisions about Adams future as mayor: Im confident shell make the right decision.

Earlier in the day, Hochul commented on her expectations of Adams: Im giving the mayor a chance to demonstrate to New Yorkers and me that we are righting the ship.

Tim Pearson, aide to Mayor Eric Adams, resigns

Also on Monday, the mayors attorney filed a motion to dismiss one of the five chargesbriberyarguing it criminalizes routine conduct. Courtesies to politicians are not federal crimes, said attorney Alex Spiro. They do not violate federal law they get corner suites, better tables, and free appetizers.

PIX11 News inquired about who is funding Spiros services. According to the Conflict-of-Interest Board, a private trust was established last year to help cover Adams costs, which has raised over $1 million.

Adams is due back in federal court on Wednesday, the judges could decide whether some of the charges will be dismissed.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams doubled down Monday on his intention to multitask by focusing on everyday city business while fighting an unprecedented federal bribery and corruption case.

Ive done nothing wrong. Time will prove that. And people will look back on this moment and say, Were glad we gave this man the opportunity to do the work hes doing,' said Adams.

More Local News

The latest example was the mayors Monday afternoon appearance at the Queens Museum, where he discussed aqueduct infrastructure work for New York Citys highly-rated tap water.

Earlier Monday, Adams attended a graduation ceremony for the New York City Department of Sanitation. And he spent part of his Sunday in the pulpit.

Monday afternoons news conference regarding the quality of tap water ended, not surprisingly, with a short question and answer session.

Mayor Adams lawyer calls prosecutions witness a liar with an axe to grind

My legacy, and the legacy of the 300,000+ New Yorkers that inherited a city that was filled with COVID, 217,000 migrants and asylum seekers, uncertainty around public safety and many other things that were doing, said Adams.

Still, there are outspoken skeptics, including New York City Public Advocate Jumaane Williams, who recently sat down with PIX11 News for an in-depth, wide-ranging discussion about the ongoing municipal crisis.

Williams is next in the line of succession to be mayor if Adams should decide to resign or be removed from office by New York Gov. Kathy Hochul.

What angers me a lot is that I think the next generation of leaders, particularly Black and brown leaders, might have to pay for what is happening now, said Williams.

The mayor remains undeterred.

The legacy is going to be clear. And the best picture of that legacy is when you all read my book. Youre not going to believe what life has been like for two years and 10 months. This is going to be a bestseller. Get that best bottle of wine that you have and those of you who are into cannabis, you can roll a joint and just sit down and read my book, said Adams.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Mayor Tom McNamara kicks off re-election campaign on Tuesday

ROCKFORD, Ill. (WTVO)  Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara will kick off his re-election campaign Tuesday at Hard Rock Casino Rockford, with Illinois Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton as a special guest.

The event will begin at 5:30 p.m. with a $25 admission.

McNamara began his first term on May 1st, 2017, and was sworn into a second term on May 3rd, 2021. Rockfords Municipal Election will be held in Spring 2025.

Among his accomplishments as mayor, McNamara touted his oversight of the opening of the Family Peace Center, the Handle With Care collaboration between the Rockford Police Department and the Rockford Public Schools, and authorized the police force to hire more than 300 officers, deploy more than 150 license plate readers, and equipped officers and vehicles with body and dashboard cameras.

The City of Rockford also established the Rockford Promise NIU Scholarship program under McNamaras watch, which allows students from Rockford who attend a public school and earn a 3.0 GPA to attend Northern Illinois University for free.

McNamaras father, John McNamara, served as mayor of Rockford from 1981 to 1989.

No challengers have yet announced their candidacy.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyStateline | WTVO News, Weather and Sports.
A new McHenry Museum exhibit, California Votes: Exercise Your Right! features historical items from past elections and valuable information in English and Spanish on the history and process of voting in English and Spanish.

On Friday, the Modesto Art Museum honored volunteers who helped make the exhibit possible.

Modesto Mayor Sue Zwahlen, State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, and field representatives from Rep. John Duartes and Assemblyman Juan Alanis offices attended to celebrate and presented certificates to the volunteers.

I am delighted to see this beautiful exhibit, Zwahlen said. The way I see it is as motivation for people to vote. If they are not registered to vote, they need to register and study the issues.

Randy Siefkin, a member of the Modesto Art Museums board of directors and a retired political science instructor at Modesto Junior College, loaned many of the items on display from his personal collection.

Retired MJC political science professor Randy Siefkin loaned many political items from his personal collection for the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

When he saw an exhibit in Pleasanton a couple of years ago, he bid to get something like that here  in a bigger space with more local items.

I thought, lets do it with more local sorts of things, Seifkin said. It was an opportunity to curate stuff, get stuff out of boxes and rediscover things I had.

Sue Seifkin, a former Superior Court judge and Modesto City Council member, was excited to see how the museum exhibit turned out. I have never seen it look better, she said. And I love all the bunting and balloons and extra touches that the staff has installed here.

On the wall, among many others, are her own campaign bumper stickers from when she ran for City Council in the 1970s.

People should come and take a bit of time to look through it and see whats here because its a history of democracy in action here in Stanislaus County, she said.

Justin Farkas, a field representative for Alanis, came to give the volunteers certificates and look around the exhibit.

I was born and raised here, the assemblyman was born and raised here, so I think it brought back many memories from my experience working in the political world and watching how the Valley has changed over time, he said.

Campaign buttons in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Full-size replicas of suffragettes, political buttons, outreach materials and photos line the walls in display cases. The local chapter of the League of Women Voters and the NAACP presented news clippings and photos from Modestos political history.

Something highlighted was the need for more eligible voters to participate in California as a whole and the Central Valley in particular. In the last general election, only 36% of those eligible turned out to vote.

Laurie Carley, a League of Womens Voters Services Committee member and co-president of the Stanislaus chapter, is working to register more community members.

When you take a look at the number of registered voters and the number of people who vote, there is a very unhealthy correlation between those two things, Carley said

Marsha Waggoner, president of the Stanislaus League of Women Voters, said she wants to increase voter turnout in the 18-40-year-old demographic.

From the right, Modesto mayor Sue Zwahlen, State Sen. Marie Alvarado-Gil, Marsha Waggoner, president of the Stanislaus League of Women Voters and city clerk Diane Nayares-Perez pose for pictures during the opening of the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

My goal is to make sure people know their voice still matters and to make sure everyone has a voice, she said.

Exhibit Envoy, a nonprofit that provides traveling exhibits to institutions, provided text displays of practical information about California history and voting, but the museum staff came together to curate everything else.

We got to enjoy taking all of the fun ephemera and things and putting it together where it can fit within that text, said Jessica Flores, the museums cultural services program manager and head curator of the exhibit. It was really exciting to pull documents from 1975 from our collection that have not seen the light of day since they were donated.

While John Duartes field representative, Christan Santos, surveyed the space, he said he appreciated that the exhibit helped demystify California politics.

I went to high school here in Modesto. I think a lot of students could benefit from going to an exhibit like this, he said.

The exhibit is up through Nov. 10 and features display items dating back to the beginning of Modesto and the state of California.

The McHenry Museum is at 1402 I St., Modesto. It is open Fridays through Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Admission is free.

A poster maps out how Californians voted allowing women the right to vote in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Period clothing and history of the suffragettes on display in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Campaign button from the 2000 election in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Campaign photo of Richard Nixon in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

Campaign materials in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

A sample ballot from San Luis Obispo county circa 1940 in the California Votes: Exercise Your Right! exhibit at the McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.

McHenry Museum in Modesto, Calif., Friday, Sept. 27, 2024.
Professional references from two Sinn Fein press officers for a former colleague who was under police investigation for sex offences raised no concerns "about his suitability for employment" at a charity.

Michael McMonagle took up his position at the British Heart Foundation in September 2022 following his dismissal from the party while under police investigation.

In a statement, the charity said it was "first made aware of the arrest of and subsequent criminal charges against the individual on Saturday 29 July 2023 and we suspended him as soon as possible".

McMonagle, from Limewood Street in Londonderry, admitted a series of offences earlier this month, including attempting to incite a child to engage in sexual activity.

Sean Mag Uidhir and Caolan McGinley quit at the weekend just days after it emerged the pair had given the references without clearance from the party.

'Permission was not sought'

The British Heart Foundation said Mr McMonagle took up his position in September 2022 following the provision of two professional references.

The charity said neither of the references provided by the two press officers "raised a concern about his suitability for employment or referenced an ongoing police investigation or suspension from his previous employment".

Sinn Fein described their actions as wrong and unacceptable.

According to Sinn Fein, the work references were provided three months after McMonagle was dismissed from the party while under police investigation.

The references were not provided by or on behalf of Sinn Fein," a party spokesperson said.

Permission was not sought, nor would it have been given, from the party for the provision of these references or their content."

The party said it only became aware of the references last week and launched an internal process.

Before this process concluded, both press officers resigned from their positions and party membership with immediate effect," the spokesperson added.

Neither Sean Mag Uidhir or Caolan McGinley have yet made comment.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  With the November presidential election, San Diego voters will also be casting their ballots to pick the citys next top executive: mayor.

Voters will have a choice between current Democratic Mayor Todd Gloria, who is seeking election to a second term, and San Diego police officer Larry Turner, a political newcomer and self-described Independent.

Early voting is set to begin on Monday, Oct. 7 via mail, drop box and at the Registrar of Voters office in Kearny Mesa. The final day to cast a vote in the election will be on Tuesday, Nov. 5.

A September poll on the race found over a quarter of voters still had yet to decide who they will be supporting in the San Diego mayoral race.

For those who are still not sure, here is an introduction to both remaining candidates, Gloria and Turner.

MORE: Your Local Election Headquarters 2024

What does mayor do?

The city of San Diego has a form of municipal government called a mayor-council system  it is also referred to as strong mayor. In this structure, the mayor is the citys chief administrator, with powers over local governance similar to those of the president for the federal government.

The mayor has the authority to appoint or dismiss personnel such as heads of public safety departments and members of local boards. They have the ability to give final approval on proposed laws the city council passes. The mayors administration is also in charge of overseeing enforcement of local laws and the citys response to emergencies.

However, one of the most important duties of the mayor is to draft a proposed budget each spring, which is then reviewed by the city council and put to a vote. The budget shapes what the citys priorities and goals are for the next fiscal year.

Who are the candidates for mayor?

Here are the candidates, listed in alphabetical order:

Todd Gloria is the current mayor of San Diego. The Democrat has served two stints in the position in his over a decade-long career spanning both city hall and Sacramento  first as interim mayor from 2012 to 2014 before he was elected to a full term in 2020.

According to Glorias campaign, he is seeking a second term to continue addressing issues described as having been at the fore of his administration, including homelessness, housing, public safety and infrastructure.

His plan for a second term, he says, would be to ramp up these efforts  like expanding fast-tracked permitting for new home construction, and adding more shelter beds and safe sleeping sites for unhoused residents.

Weve been able to make meaningful progress on a number of key issues, Gloria said in an interview with FOX 5/KUSI in late September. But my message is not mission accomplished, this is really just half-time and Im asking San Diegans the opportunity to continue to build upon those foundations so we can get more meaningful change on those key issues to San Diego.

Gloria added that the landscape for many of these issues have undergone major changes in the last year, between the passage of Proposition 1 on behavioral health reforms, likely passage of Proposition 36 on retail theft, and a recent Supreme Court decision allowing cities to enact regulations on homeless encampments without available shelter as a requirement.

The mayor is also pushing for the passage of a one-cent sales tax increase in the city of San Diego to help close a significant budget deficit for infrastructure projects.

Speaking with FOX 5/KUSI, he said he hopes to take the tools that have been given to us and make them work for San Diego with a second term, should he be re-elected.

According to his campaign, Gloria has been endorsed by over a dozen elected officials including: Gov. Gavin Newsom, U.S. Sen. Alex Padilla, California State Senate President pro Tempore Toni Atkins, San Diego County Sheriff Kelly Martinez, County Board of Supervisors Chair Nora Vargas and San Diego City Council President Sean Elo-Rivera.

He has also been endorsed by the San Diego County Democratic Party, San Diego and Imperial Counties Labor Council, San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce, the local firefighters union, San Diego Lifeguards, and the Downtown San Diego Partnership.

Todd Gloria appeared on FOX 5 News on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

Larry Turner is a San Diego police officer and retired U.S. Marine. A self-described strong independent, Turner is a political newcomer who is challenging Gloria in the race for mayor of San Diego. He has not run for or held elected office before this race.

In a conversation with FOX 5, Turner emphasized the issues of homelessness and public safety as top priorities for him, should he be elected mayor. According to his campaign, the police officer has also centered infrastructure as a top issue, similarly to Gloria.

Where the two candidates differ on these issues is how they view the root cause of the problems and what they would do to address it.

Speaking to FOX 5, Turner said he does not believe the city is facing a housing crisis, rather an affordable housing crisis, and is against projects to increase density with market-rate units. He also described homelessness as a mental health and chemical addiction issue that needs to be addressed rather than one rooted in housing.

Turner noted his top priority on day one would be to ramp up enforcement of laws regulating encampments and boost the citys shortfall in shelter beds for unhoused residents. While he disagrees with Glorias efforts to expand shelter sites, Turner added his longer-term plan would seek to open beds for everyone on the streets in partnership with the philanthropic sector.

On public safety, Turner said he would work with San Diego Police Chief Scott Wahl to better systems to report crime and reduce 9-1-1 call wait times.

Turner has no listed endorsements on his campaign website, but he has received a number of endorsements like the local publication La Prensa; a former candidate for the Board of Supervisors, Amy Reichert; and the late Bill Walton.

The conservative business organization, Lincoln Club of San Diego, has also endorsed his candidacy and set up an independent political action committee in support of Turners bid for mayor.

According to campaign finance disclosures, the organization has received over $1.1 million in donations since July, including a $1,049,960 donation from a Point Loma lawyer. It is unclear whether all this cash will be put directly towards supporting Turners campaign.

The Republican Party of San Diego County has not publicly endorsed either mayoral candidate.

Larry Turner appeared on FOX 5 News on Sept. 30.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
LEAVITTSBURG, Ohio (WKBN)- Pushback continues on the project to remove the Leavittsburg Dam in Trumbull County.

Warren Township trustees, county commissioners, and members of the Trumbull County MetroParks Board met Tuesday to discuss an independent study about the dams removal.

Trustees say most people who live in the township remain opposed to removing it. Some of the townships concerns include who would be responsible for trash removal once the water level goes down, exposure of tree roots, stability of the river beds, and possible impacts to a nearby bridge and county roads.

MetroParks Board Chairman Randy Fabrizio says the dam removal project team wrote a letter to MetroParks Executive Director Zackary Svette about the independent studys findings.

Zack says they found no compelling evidence or reason in that study to alter or change the course of what the project is, Fabrizio said.

For our residents, were asking you to please look at an alternative so it will satisfy both parties, said Warren Township Trustee Ed Anthony.

MetroParks board member Kurt Sauer says theyll discuss having a special meeting with the full board to consider Anthonys question and talk with other parties involved in the project such as the Ohio EPA.

Should the dam removal go on as planned, it would be completed by November 2025.

The last time the two groups met, the pause button was put on the entire project.

Trumbull County MetroParks owns the dam and has approved its demolition.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Massive relief efforts are being launched by the American Red Cross for victims in the affected areas of Hurricane Helene.

Nicole Roschella, the communications director for the Red Cross said it is their goal to ensure that anyone who lives along the 500-mile path of destruction will not face tough times alone.

Our goal is to bring safe shelter to everyone in need, bring food directly to people in need. That can be at shelters or out in their communities. And also making sure that they have the emotional support that they need right now, said Roschella.

Roschella said the American Red Cross of Greater Pennsylvania has 20 volunteers from the region assisting victims in Florida, Tennessee, Georgia and the Carolinas.

Lessons learned  Former Erie residents hurricane preparations highlight thinking ahead

Of those 20 volunteers, she said six of them are from northwest PA.

We just had two volunteers drive down today in one of our emergency response vehicles. Theyre making the long trek down to the south so that they are able to go out and feed people in need, said Roschella.

She recalled volunteers calling the situation emotional.

A lot of these people, especially in Florida, have just dealt with multiple hurricanes back to back. The Red Cross was actually still, and is still, sheltering people from Hurricane Idalia. So now we have people who are being impacted yet again by another hurricane, and we also had Hurricane Debby in between there as well, said Roschella.

ANNA Shelter saves over 20 animals in two separate rescues

When disaster strikes, Roschella said its all hands on deck throughout the nation with all chapters lending a hand to those in need.

Even though were all the way up here in Pennsylvania and we werent really affected by this storm we are sending as many volunteers as we can down to these affected areas, making sure that we still have volunteers here to respond to home fires and flooding if that happens. Whatever we can do to bring support to these areas that really need us right now, said Roschella.

Roschella said she believes if a storm like Hurricane Helene hit Pennsylvania, she is confident volunteers would do the same and help victims here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith to host interviews for those with disabilities

FORT SMITH, Ark. (KNWA/KFTA)  Mercy Hospital in Fort Smith will host a hiring event Oct. 7 for those with disabilities.

According to a press release, the event will look like a traditional interview day with additional accommodations provided for attendees.

Mercy says candidates should register ahead of the event to secure their interview time, but walk-in candidates can participate if time allows.

Mercy Hospital to build cardiac center in Rogers, outpatient center in Bentonville

In the workplace, disability inclusion is not just a checkbox, but a commitment to recognizing and valuing the diverse talents and perspectives of individuals with disabilities, said Marisa Hiatt, Mercys director of disability and experience. For the third year at Mercy, these events help us celebrate the strength and innovation that comes from creating truly inclusive environments where everyone can thrive during National Disability Employment Awareness Month and throughout the year.

Registration for the event can be found here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KNWA FOX24.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  Mesa County was one of 42 counties awarded funds from the Help America Vote Act (HAVA), the Colorado Secretary of States Office announced Monday.

Mesa County will receive over $83,000. According to the Secretary of States Office, counties can use the grants to increase the security and accessibility of voting systems and locations, better election judges pay and provide funds for Sunday voting locations before the 2024 election.

These grants enable Colorado to strengthen our gold-standard elections by further expanding election accessibility and security across the state, Secretary Jena Griswold said in a press release. It is a privilege to support counties and election workers with these grants as we gear up for November.

Some of the other local counties that received funds are:

Delta County  $2,287.54

Garfield County  $71,784.70

Ouray County  $1,725.02

San Miguel County  $1,212.86

Eagle County  $13,120.29

Gunnison County  $44,736.40

Montezuma County  $23,581.92

Dolores County  $44,767.75

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
MESA COUNTY, Colo. (KREX)  A scam has been making waves, where the caller claims to be with the Mesa County Sheriffs Office and has an arrest warrant for the individual. These calls are fake.

According to the sheriffs office, the caller tells residents to withdraw cash from their bank and deposit it into a cryptocurrency machine at a local store.

If you receive a call like this, it is a scam. Hang up immediately! Do not send any money, and do not ever call them back. Never provide any personal information over the phone, MCSO said in a press release.

The sheriffs office also noted neither law enforcement nor any government agencies will ever ask people to withdraw cash, purchase pre-paid cards, money orders or any form of digital currency for a warrant, traffic ticket or any other fee.

If unsure that you are being scammed, call MCSO to verify it at 970-242-6707.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WesternSlopeNow.com.
Mexicos Claudia Sheinbaum sworn in as North Americas first female head of state

Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in at a joint session of the countrys Congress on Tuesday, becoming North Americas first female head of state.

Sheinbaum took the reins from former President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a firebrand who overhauled Mexicos political system during his five years and ten months in office.

Lopez Obrador was widely seen as favoring Sheinbaum, his political mentee, in both the Morena partys primary and the general election against an opposition coalition in June.

Sheinbaum won the general election with nearly 60 percent of the vote, more than double the 27 percent received by opposition candidate Xochitl Galvez.

Mexico was all but guaranteed to elect a woman to its highest office from the moment Morena and the opposition alliance chose their candidates. But gender and background  Sheinbaum is Jewish, Galvez is of Otomi descent  were not top issues in the election.

The election pivoted around Lopez Obrador and his reengineering of political power, a party-centered model praised by its proponents as a more inclusive democracy and reviled by opponents as a descent into illiberal governance.

Sheinbaum, whose sober demeanor contrasts with Lopez Obradors dramatic flair, was careful to show no daylight between her and her mentor.

She led her remarks Tuesday with praise for Lopez Obrador, whom she called the most important political leader and social fighter in modern history.

In his final daily morning press conference Monday, he had praised her for her loyalty.

On a personal level, Im very satisfied with how the [incoming] president treated me, which shows her great human quality, because any other gauche person, man or woman, the first thing they would have done would be to deny me, he said.

In his final month in office, Lopez Obrador pushed through a series of constitutional reforms that left a helpless opposition in a frenzy.

The reforms, pushed through with a constitutional supermajority in the incoming Congress that the opposition did not recognize, made sweeping changes to the judiciary and handed control of the countrys National Guard, a militarized federal police force, to the military.

Through Lopez Obradors tumultuous last month in office, Sheinbaum remained shoulder-to-shoulder with him.

Those reforms add to questions about her early presidency, as the country moves to rebuild its judiciary under the new constitutional regulations.

Sheinbaum also inherits a country with a substantial government deficit and relentless violence related to organized crime, two challenges shes likely to be forced to address within her first year in office.

Two years into her term, Sheinbaum will also face talks to ratify, modify or tank the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement, a foreign policy challenge that will have contours shaped by the results of the U.S. presidential election in November.

Sheinbaum, who spent four years as a researcher at Californias Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in the 1990s, has a closer personal relationship to the United States. But she has also proven to be a willing participant in Lopez Obradors anti-imperialist rhetoric.

The guest list for Sheinbaums inauguration was controversial in Mexico, with invitations extended to autocratic leaders such as Russian President Vladimir Putin, but withheld from Western allies including Spains King Felipe VI.

The United States sent a delegation led by first lady Jill Biden and also including Ambassador to Mexico Ken Salazar, Health Secretary Xavier Becerra, Small Business Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) and Congressional Hispanic Caucus Chair Nanette Diaz Barragan (D-Calif.).

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas was slated to attend but changed his plans to coordinate rescue efforts after Hurricane Helene.

Updated at 1:47 p.m. EDT

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Leer en espanol

Claudia Sheinbaum Pardo made history earlier this year when in Mexico's largest election to date she became the first woman to be elected president. She's set to make history once more on Tuesday when she takes over leadership of the nation just south of the U.S. border.

The Movimiento Regeneracion Nacional, or MORENA, candidate won the popular vote on June 2, signaling the continuation of President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador's leftist policies.

On Tuesday morning, Sheinbaum will begin her six-year term when Lopez Obrador makes the transference of power during a ceremony at the Congress of the Union in Mexico City.

Follow La Voz and The Arizona Republic's coverage of Sheinbaum's inauguration from Mexico City and Phoenix.

Jill Biden, other world leaders arrive in Mexico City

Jill Biden was seen making her way into the Palacio Legislativo de San Lazaro, which houses Mexico's Congress, early Tuesday, hours ahead of Sheinbaum's presidential oath ceremony.

Also seen arriving were Gustavo Petro, President of Colombia, Lula da Silva, President of Brazil, Xiomara CastroPresident of Honduras and Miguel Diaz-Canel, President of Cuba.

Biden traveled with a delegation including Ken Salazar, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

 Diana Garcia

Judicial Branch staffer protest as AMLO's term comes to an end

AMLO, your time is up, without judges there is no tyranny and RIP the judicial career, are some of the phrases that were projected on an altar titled The Legacy of the Sexennium that was placed on Sept. 30 as Lopez Obrador's presidency came to an end at the Monument to the Revolution in Mexico City. The authors: workers of the Judicial Branch of the Federation (PJF). The reason: discontent over the recent Judicial Reform that now allows justices to be voted in.

The altar of the dead, a Mexican tradition to honor those who are no longer with us in life, adorned with cempasuchil flowers, photographs of missing persons, crosses, and a sign with the word ECOCIDE displayed on top of the offering promoted a message of homage and memory to all those individuals who were disappeared and murdered during the Lopez Obrador administration.

This morning, just hours before Sheinbaum's inauguration, members of the PJF demonstrated again on the outskirts of the Palacio Legislativo which has security force protection. Yes to Justice, down with the reform! was the slogan that these individuals chanted.

Moments ago, PJF workers in Saltillo, in the northern state of Coahuila, joined these demonstrations heading to the government palace of their city with banners and Mexican flags.

 Paula Soria

Sheinbaum to take oath after congressional speeches

As the session for Mexico's incoming 66th Congress was underway Tuesday morning, Sheinbaum had yet to arrive at the Palacio Legislativo, where she will take her oath of office.

According to the session's schedule, she will do so after congressional speeches, which are set to end before 11 a.m. (central time).

The president of the General Congress, Ifigenia Martinez Hernandez, will guide the president-elect to take the oath of office before Congress. Next, the outgoing president, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, will present the symbolic Banda Presidencial (Presidential Sash) first to Martinez Hernandez, who will then present it to Sheinbaum.

The Presidential Sash is a form of representation of the National Flag and is an emblem of the Federal Executive Branch, so it may only be worn by the President.

 Diana Garcia

Sheinbaum's dress will symbolize Mexican roots

The ivory-colored dress that Sheinbaum will wear today will be representative of Mexico's fashion and was made by Claudia Vasquez Aquino, an artisan from Santa Maria Xadani, Oaxaca, an expert in the production of textiles from the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, who draws her own designs, strokes and embroidery.

It was hand-embroidered with a needle and crocheted, techniques that reflect the country's ancestral culture.

It will be in full view of those present at the Palacio Legislativo de San Lazaro during her ceremony and the audience watching from home.

During the ceremony of transmission of the Federal Executive Power, once the incoming president has taken the constitutional oath, the outgoing president, Lopez Obrador, will hand the sash to the president of the Congress of the Union, who will place it in the hands of Sheinbaum so that she can place the sash over her dress.

 Diana Garcia

Arizona mayor to head to Mexico City for inauguration

President Joe Biden chose Tucson Mayor Regina Romero to join a presidential delegation attending Sheinbaum's inauguration.

The delegation, led by First Lady Jill Biden, is made up of federal officials and Romero, who is the only mayor invited to be a part of the group. "I am looking forward to being there and Im super incredibly honored to be part of such a distinguished delegation," Romero told The Republic last week.

Other officials traveling to the inauguration include Ken Salazar, U.S. ambassador to Mexico, Xavier Becerra, secretary of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Alejandro Mayorkas, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Romero noted Mexico's importance as Arizonas largest trade partner, as well as the shared history between Sonora, Mexico and Tucson. "We share the borderlands, we share the Sonoran desert, we share culture and history," she said.

 Sarah Lapidus

Mexico government to live stream the ceremony

Sheinbaum's inauguration for the 2024-2030 six-year term will take place at the Congress of the Union, located in the San Lazaro Legislative Palace in Mexico City. The ceremony will begin at 9 a.m. (Mexico time) or 8 a.m. (Arizona and Pacific time).

The live broadcast of Sheinbaum's inauguration will be available for free internationally through the Congreso Mexico YouTube Channel. The event can also be tuned in through the ViX platform.

 Paula Soria

(This story was updated to add new information.)

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Sheinbaum inauguration: Mexico welcomes 1st female president
The former deputy district attorney and Colorado Springs Mormon church leader accused of sexual assault on a child will not go to trial at the end of the month, as previously scheduled.

David McConkie, 45, a former president of the East Stake within The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, appeared in court Monday morning for a motions hearing ahead of his trial, which was scheduled Oct. 8.

Instead, attorneys appeared in court to request a massive continuance on both the motions hearing and the jury trial, requiring McConkie to withdraw his not guilty plea.

McConkie's attorney, Colin Bresee, informed the court that their expert witness who would be testifying in the motions hearing was unavailable to do so until April.

Due to not being able to move forward without completing the motions hearing, McConkie's trial date and motions hearing were rescheduled to next year.

McConkie will return to court April 8 for a two-day motions hearing, and his trial is now scheduled to begin June 9. The contents of the motions were not discussed in court, but Breese stated to the court that the outcome of the motions hearing could result in a "much longer trial."

Prosecutor Kelson Castain stated that the victim objected to any significant continuance, but also understood the need for the delay.

In order to allow for the new trial date, McConkie withdrew his not guilty pleas because the June trial date falls outside of speedy trial, which is a defendants right to a trial within six months of entering a plea.

McConkie faces one charge of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust after one victim, now 19, told police about abuse spanning several years and concerns she had that he was abusing another young child based on the child's behavior, an arrest affidavit for McConkie said.

The Gazette previously reported that, according to the affidavit, McConkie admitted to an inappropriate sexual act with a child to a church leader in 2008. The person who spoke with police about the admission said he was shocked, but he did not ask many clarifying details about it.

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The police document doesnt detail whether the person McConkie confessed to reported the incident. The name of the person he reportedly confessed to was redacted from the documents.

McConkie was a deputy district attorney for the 4th Judicial District from 2008-2011 and went into private practice after that as a partner in a local law firm.

This is the third time McConkie has had his jury trial vacated. Originally, McConkie was scheduled to go to trial May 28, but that trial date was vacated and pushed to Aug. 26. The Aug. 26 trial date was vacated and pushed to the now-vacated Oct. 8 trial date.

At McConkie's hearing, where he pleaded not guilty to the sexual assault charge, prosecutors said McConkie and his attorney declined a plea deal.

The prosecution said the offer to McConkie would have had him plead guilty to one count of attempted sexual assault against a child, a Class 5 felony, and that the offer would remain open until early March. The deal would have seen McConkie sentenced to a term of sex-offender intensive supervised probation (SOISP), with no jail time.

There was no discussion of a plea deal at McConkie's hearing Monday.

McConkie appeared to court in person Monday for the first time since his 2023 arrest. McConkie has been out of custody and living in Utah since posting a $100,000 bond shortly after his arrest.

Breese at the end of the hearing noted that he would be filing a motion to modify McConkie's bond.

McConkie is scheduled to appear in court next Dec. 11 for a review hearing and again Feb. 12 for an arraignment hearing, where he will be expected to reenter a not guilty plea.
Mexico's new leader, Claudia Sheinbaum, wears the presidential sash during the transfer of power ceremony in Mexico City on Oct. 1, 2024. (Eduardo Verdugo / Associated Press)

Claudia Sheinbaum, a climate scientist who jumped from academia to the rocky world of politics, took office Tuesday as Mexicos first female president.

Her inauguration shatters a political glass ceiling in a nation with a long legacy of machismo, where women did not win the right to vote until 1953.

"For a long time, women were sidelined," Sheinbaum said after taking the oath of office at a ceremony in Mexico City. "As children, we were told a version of history where the protagonists were men.... Now we know that presidents can be women."

The crowd erupted in chants of: "Presidenta!"

Claudia Sheinbaum is taking over from Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador as Mexico's president. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Sheinbaum, 62, takes power at a turbulent time globally and in Mexico, where she'll face the perennial issues of violence and migration as well as the enormous expectations left by her highly popular predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

She donned the presidential sash  embroidered with the Mexican tricolor and embossed with the gold-threaded national coat of arms  at San Lazaro palace, the seat of the Mexican Congress.

The ceremony was delayed as both Sheinbaum's car and the one carrying Lopez Obrador to Congress were thronged by well-wishers lining the roadways. News crews on motorcycles tailed both cars between buildings festooned with banners showing Sheinbaum's image.

President Claudia Sheinbaum speaks in Congress after taking the oath of office in Mexico City, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (Eduardo Verdugo / Associated Press)

Scattered groups of demonstrators gathered to protest Lopez Obradors controversial overhaul of the judiciary, which Sheinbaum has backed. But the groups were far outnumbered by celebrants.

I arrived here very early because I wanted to feel the emotion of a woman receiving the presidential sash, something I never thought I would live to see, said Karina Gutierrez, 42, an accountant. Im really emotional. I want to cry. Finally, we have a woman president in a nation always dominated by men. Its a historic day.

Sheinbaum's ascension to Mexico's highest office comes as women have made considerable gains across the political system here, thanks in part to a law that requires political parties to ensure that female candidates make up at least 50% of all competitors in federal, state and municipal elections.

Today, more than half of the members of Congress and nearly a third of governors are women, along with the heads of the Supreme Court and the central bank.

Speaking at her inauguration, Sheinbaum described her win as a victory for all women, "for those who fought for their dreams and achieved it, and to those who did not achieve it, to those who had to keep quiet and shout alone, to the Indigenous women, the domestic workers who leave their villages to support us, to the great-grandmothers who did not learn to read and write because that was not a thing for girls, to the mothers who first gave us life and then everything else, the sisters, the aunts, the beautiful daughters."

"I am not alone," she said. "We all arrived."

Sheinbaum, a leftist who has vowed to take a pragmatic approach to Mexico's problems and prioritize the country's working class, won in a landslide in national balloting on June 2. She will be Mexicos 66th president since its independence from Spain in 1821 and serve a single six-year term, as mandated under Mexican law.

The granddaughter of immigrants from Eastern Europe, Sheinbaum will also be the first person of Jewish ancestry to serve as president in an overwhelmingly Roman Catholic nation.

Read more: Analysis: How did Mexico elect a female president before the United States? Not by accident

She is a close ally of Lopez Obrador, who plucked her from academia to be his environmental secretary in 2000 when he was mayor of Mexico City.

Sheinbaum went on to be elected mayor of the capital borough of Tlalpan, and then in 2018  the same year that Lopez Obrador assumed the presidency  she became mayor of Mexico City.

Tuesday's ceremonial transfer of power was attended by heads of state from across the globe, including the leftist leaders of Brazil, Colombia, Chile and Guatemala. First Lady Jill Biden attended, as did California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

U.S. First Lady Jill Biden arrives with U.S. Ambassador Ken Salazar at the American Embassy in Mexico City on Monday, a day before Claudia Sheinbaum's inauguration. Before the ceremony, Salazar told reporters : "It's a historic day for the world." (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Sheinbaum ran under the banner of the ruling National Regeneration Movement, known as Morena, a party registered by Lopez Obrador just a decade ago that has quickly become the country's dominant political force.

Read more: One party has governed Mexico's biggest state for a century. It looks as if that is about to change

The party holds a de facto supermajority in the Mexican Congress and governorships in 24 of 32 Mexican states.

Sheinbaum has vowed to continue the sweeping "transformation" of Mexican society pledged by her predecessor, who vastly expanded welfare payments for students and the elderly, increased the power of the military and championed a series of controversial constitutional reforms. Among them is an incendiary plan to elect federal judges that has sparked national protests.

Among the challenges the new president will face, perhaps none is greater than the rising power of organized crime, which controls vast swaths of the country and has expanded from cross-border drug trafficking to extortion, kidnapping and other rackets.

Read more: Drug cartels' turf war in Mexico's Chiapas state sends villagers fleeing to Guatemala

Some observers worry that Lopez Obrador's big spending on social programs and giant infrastructure projects such as a 1,000-mile train through the Yucatan jungle could leave her administration in difficult economic straits. But Mexico benefits from its proximity to the United States and the presence of manufacturers geared to export to its northern neighbor.

Sheinbaum will also have to deal with the continued challenge of illicit immigration as Mexico has become a major transit point for U.S.-bound migrants from across the globe.

Read more: Migrants from around the world have made this stretch of California the top place to enter the U.S. illegally

Though often critical of U.S. policy, Lopez Obrador cooperated closely with Washington and both the Biden and Trump administrations in their efforts to clamp down on illegal migration, deploying police and soldiers to turn migrants back from the U.S.-Mexico border. Sheinbaum is widely expected to continue that cooperation in a U.S. election year in which immigration has become a dominant campaign issue.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador waves during his last morning news conference at the National Palace in Mexico City on Monday. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Looming over her presidency is Lopez Obrador, 70, who has vowed to retreat to his family ranch in southern Chiapas state and stay out of the political fray that has consumed his adult life. He leaves office with approval ratings topping 70%  much of it from poor and working-class Mexicans who have seen increases in the minimum wage, pensions and social welfare payouts under his leadership. But the country is deeply divided about his often-polarizing pronouncements and style.

Read more: Why is AMLO one of the world's most popular politicians? We took a road trip through Mexico to find out

Sheinbaum is widely regarded as a pragmatist who lacks some of the political instincts of her populist predecessor. She says her scientific background will benefit her handling of issues such as energy, which has been a source of contention here. Lopez Obrador has focused on reviving the moribund state petroleum behemoth Pemex, while investing little in alternative energy sources.

"I have always said that being a scientist implies always asking why and seeking solutions," Sheinbaum said last year in an interview with the Los Angeles Times. "And in politics, something similar happens."

Claudia Sheinbaum, second from right, poses for a photo after her certification as the winner of the presidential election during a ceremony at the Federal Electoral Tribunal in Mexico City on Aug. 15. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

One of three siblings, Sheinbaum is a native of Mexico City. Her late father was a businessman and chemical engineer, and her mother is a biologist and prominent academic.

Her parents were active in the student movement of 1968, best known for the infamous Tlatelolco massacre in which Mexican security forces killed scores of protesters in the capital.

As a high schooler, Sheinbaum participated in protests against the exclusion of students, many of them poor, from higher education. While studying at the Autonomous University of Mexico, or UNAM, she was part of a movement against a plan to raise fees at the public institution.

She studied physics there and later did four years of doctoral work at the Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory in California.

President Claudia Sheinbaum waves to supporters in the Zocalo, Mexico City's main square, as Indigenous women stand behind her. (Fernando Llano / Associated Press)

Last year, Sheinbaum married Jesus Maria Tarriba, a physicist who works in the private banking sector. She has a daughter and stepson from a previous marriage.

At her inauguration, Sheinbaum said one of her first acts as president would be traveling Wednesday to Acapulco to survey the damage from Hurricane John, which killed at least 17 people and devastated multiple towns along Mexico's Pacific coast.

In the afternoon, she addressed thousands gathered in Mexico Citys Zocalo, or central plaza, detailing 100 policy points  including plans on the economy, security and infrastructure projects.

Indigenous representatives presented her with a ceremonial, ribbon-festooned baston de mando  a staff symbolizing political and spiritual leadership. As the new president spoke, Indigenous women stood behind her, holding cornstalks. Smoke from burning incense, used for purification in some Indigenous rituals, drifted above the lectern.

Sheinbaum vowed to steer Mexico along the path of peace, security, democracy, protection of the environment, liberty and justice.

Special correspondent Cecilia Sanchez Vidal contributed to this report.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
Mexico's new President Claudia Sheinbaum on Tuesday promised to protect the rights of investors as she took office as the country's first woman leader, following a backlash over recent judicial reforms.

"I say this very clearly, be assured that the investments of national and foreign shareholders will be safe in our country," Sheinbaum said in an inaugural speech in Congress.

She said that her government would "guarantee all freedoms" including those of expression, the press, assembly and movement.

The reforms enacted by Sheinbaum's predecessor and close ally Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador will make Mexico the world's only country to elect all judges by popular vote.

The changes, which critics argued would make it easier for politicians and organized crime to influence the courts, upset foreign investors as well as key trade partners the United States and Canada.

US Ambassador Ken Salazar warned that the reforms would threaten a relationship that relies on investor confidence in the Mexican legal framework.

dr/nro
The Tarrant County Commissioners Court reversed an earlier vote Tuesday and approved a contract with My Health My Resources of Tarrant County to provide services for children in the juvenile justice system.

Earlier in the meeting, the proposed contract failed, with Democrats Alisa Simmons and Roy Brooks joining Republican Gary Fickes to vote against it. But after a two-hour closed session, the commissioners considered the contract again. This time, they voted 4-1 to approve it, with Simmons the lone dissenting vote.

The contract said MHMR would provide a holistic wraparound approach rehabilitation and support services. MHMR would address the multifaceted needs of at-risk youth through coordinated services, enhancing their chances of rehabilitation, reducing recidivism and promoting positive youth development, according to the contract, which is worth up to $895,000.

MHMR provides services for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities, mental health conditions, substance use disorders and developmental delays. It is a unit of local government whose board is appointed by county commissioners.

Pennsylvania-based Youth Advocate Programs Inc. had been providing services to Tarrant County since 1992, but lost its contract in July after questions arose during a Juvenile Board meeting over language such as diversity initiatives and systemic racism on its website.

Before the executive session, Brooks said he did not agree with the proposed contract with MHMR because Youth Advocate Programs had demonstrated it provided these services in the county for years very well, unlike MHMR.

This is a business line providing counseling to youthful offenders in our criminal justice system and directing them onto a path that is designed to lead to the living of successful lives, Brooks said. This is something that MHMR does not do.

Simmons said the actions by the Tarrant County Juvenile Board in July seem unethical and without regard for taxpayers, the safety of the community and the children whose lives will be impacted by their decision.

The juvenile board used its shaky and politically charged, possibly illegal cancel culture excuse to find a loophole to pull a fast one to justify what I see are very unjust actions, she said.

Republican County Judge Tim OHare said the contract did not end because of the language on the website.

He said judges voted to kill the contract because Gary Ivory, the CEO of Youth Advocate Programs, had told OHare that 15 cents of every dollar Tarrant County sends to the nonprofit goes to lobbyists and law firms to file amicus briefs.

So now push comes to shove. Are you really about not having a gap in services, or are you really about politics? OHare said before the first vote to approve the contract with MHMR. Trying to blame the other side for politics?

During the July meeting, Judge Chris Wolfe pointed out to the Juvenile Board the language on the website, citing diversity initiatives  and systemic racism. He raised a motion to reconsider the contract. OHare immediately seconded the motion. But a vote wasnt taken at the time. A vote later in the meeting ended the contract.

Later during that meeting OHare brought up Girls Inc. and asked if the Juvenile Board should be sending children to organizations that champion certain policies. He questioned Girls Inc.s positions on abortion, sexuality, the police and transgender issues.

Were talking about a different thing, but I think its a very similar scenario. It looks identical to me, OHare said in the July meeting.

Ivory has said previously that Youth Advocate Programs does not use Tarrant County taxpayer money for lobbyists. Payments to lobbyists are made from philanthropic donations, he told the Star-Telegram.

Youth Advocate Programs uses a proprietary program that cannot be duplicated by MHMR or anyone else in Tarrant County or the state of Texas, Ivory said.

He also clarified that Youth Program Advocates is a nonpartisan organization and is not influenced by donors.

Ivory learned of the vote reversal from the Star-Telegram. He questioned why commissioners went into executive session and apparently made a decision in private. This is pushing the conversation away from the kids and families who need it the most, he said, but nonprofit will continue to work to get its contract back in Tarrant County.

Its a manufactured crisis that they wanted to create because we were too woke just like they did Girls Inc., just like they did with Big Thought, we were the third one, Ivory said. And now theyre going after all the targets based on this culture wars.
People take cover on the side of the road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran on a freeway in Shoresh, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.(AP Photo/Ohad Zwigenberg)

Iran has fired a barrage of missiles at Israel, sending Israelis diving into shelters but prompting celebrations across Iran. There was no immediate report of casualties in the attack late Tuesday.

Israel said it intercepted many of the missiles, and officials in Washington said U.S. destroyers assisted in Israel's defense. Iran said most of its missiles hit their targets.

Israel Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning Monday to Iran, which backs Hezbollah and Hamas. There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach," Netanyahu said, just days after an airstrike south of Beirut killed the leader of the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is backed by Tehran.

Hezbollahs acting leader, Naim Kassem, promised the group will fight on following the death of its long-time chief Hassan Nasrallah and several of the groups top commanders who have been assassinated in recent days. Kassem said the groups fighters are ready and the slain commanders have already been replaced.

Israel and Hezbollah have traded fire across the Lebanon border almost daily since Oct. 8, the day after Hamas sent fighters into Israel and sparked the war in Gaza. It's been almost a year since some 250 people were abducted from Israel, and friends and family are worried about their loved ones as attention turns away from hostages and north toward Lebanon.

___

Here is the latest:

US defense secretary speaks to Israeli counterpart

U.S. Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant following what he called an outrageous act of aggression by Iran against Israel, he wrote on the social media platform X.

The Minister and I expressed mutual appreciation for the coordinated defense of Israel against nearly 200 ballistic missiles launched by Iran and committed to remain in close contact," he wrote. "I also expressed my deepest condolences to the families impacted by the horrific and deadly terrorist shooting in Israel.

UN says main Yemeni ports operational after Israeli airstrikes but power stations damaged

UNITED NATIONS  Yemens two main ports remain operational following Israeli airstrikes, but the strikes damaged power stations, the United Nations says.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday that the U.N. humanitarian coordinator in Yemen went to assess the situation at Yemens main port of Hodeida and nearby port of Ras Isa following Sundays Israeli strikes targeting sites used by Houthi rebels in the ports in western Yemen.

Israel said it was retaliating for a Houthi missile fired at central Israel on Saturday which was shot down. The Houthis said it was aimed at Ben Gurion Airport, where Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus plane had just arrived from New York where he addressed the annual meeting of world leaders at the United Nations.

Dujarric said the U.N.s humanitarian partners reported Tuesday that after conducting an initial assessment, both ports remain operational and able to receive commercial and humanitarian supplies.

Power stations throughout Hodeida city are, however, running at a very limited capacity, the U.N. spokesman said.

Top Iranian commander warns Israel not to retaliate or risk attacks on infrastructure

TEHRAN, Iran  A top Iranian military commander has warned that his country will hit Israels entire infrastructure if it takes any action against its territory.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri said Wednesday that the Revolutionary Guard was prepared both defensively and offensively to repeat its missile attack with multiplied intensity.

If the Zionist regime, that has gone insane, is not contained by America and Europe and intends to continue such crimes, or do anything against our sovereignty or territorial integrity, tonights operation will be repeated with much higher magnitude and we will hit all their infrastructure, he said.

Bagheri said Iran avoided targeting Israeli civilians although it was completely feasible.

Israeli ambassador says his country's response to Iranian missile attack will be painful

UNITED NATIONS  Israels U.N. ambassador says his government will decide when and how to respond to Irans barrage of close to 200 ballistic missiles that forced Israels 10 million population into bomb shelters. But I can tell you one thing, it will be noticed," he said. "It will be painful.

Danny Danon reacted to a statement from Irans U.N. Mission that any new Israeli action would be met with a crushing response, saying: I would not advise Iran to challenge our determination, our capabilities. In the past, we have proved it. We will prove it again.

We have no desire for war or escalation, but we cannot sit idly by when our civilians are being attacked in such manner, the Israeli ambassador said. Iran used to send boxes but now, when they send almost 200 ballistic missiles, thats something that I dont think any other nation in the world will ignore.

Irans UN ambassador says strikes on Israel came in response to Israeli acts of aggression

UNITED NATIONS  Irans U.N. ambassador is warning Israel that its response to any acts of aggression against Tehran will be swift, decisive and stronger than before.

Irans U.N. Ambassador Amir Saeid Iravani said in letters to the U.N. Security Council and Secretary-General Antonio Guterres late Tuesday that its missile strikes against military and security targets in Israel were carried out in self-defense, under the U.N. Charter and in response to Israels aggressive actions.

He pointed to the assassination of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran on July 31, the detonation of pagers in Lebanon in September that killed at least 12 people and injured 2,800 others including Irans ambassador to the country, and the Sept. 27 assassinations of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Iranian General Abbas Nilforoushan in Beirut.

Iravani said the Security Councils inaction has allowed Israel to flagrantly breach all red lines and violate the core principles of international law.

He reiterated Irans calls for the council to urgently and decisively intervene to halt Israels continued aggression and war crimes against Lebanon, Gaza and Syria and to prevent the situation from escalating into a full-scale regional war.

Israel reopens its airspace

TEL AVIV, Israel  Israel has reopened its airspace after the Iranian missile attack.

The countrys airport authority briefly closed Israels airspace to incoming flights during Tuesdays attack and diverted them to other airports outside the country.

But after the army said the threat had passed, the authority said flights were operating as normal again.

Flights to Israel have repeatedly been disrupted by the yearlong war, with many major carriers suspending service because of the ongoing fighting.

UN Security Council schedules an emergency meeting

UNITED NATIONS  The U.N. Security Council has scheduled an emergency meeting on the escalating situation in the Middle East for Wednesday at 10 a.m., at the request of France and Israel.

Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon said in a letter to the council late Tuesday that the Iranian ballistic missile attack on Israel demonstrates that the charm offensive conducted by Iran and its new president is a mirage and the decision-making in Iran lies with the Supreme Leader and the Revolutionary Guards.

He accused Iran of trying to destroy Israel with a ring of fire from seven fronts and urged the Security Council to condemn the country and designate its Revolutionary Guard Corps as a terrorist organization.

Several airlines land in Azerbaijan after Iran closes its airspace

LONDON  Several international airlines requested permission to make emergency landings in Azerbaijan following the closure of Iranian air space.

Iran, which launched a massive barrage of missiles on Israel on Tuesday, closed its airspace in case Israel retaliated, Iranian news agencies reported.

Iran is south of Azerbaijan and the two countries share a border.

A LOT Polish airlines flight from Warsaw to Mumbai and a Qatar Airways flight from Moscow to Doha both landed at the Heydar Aliyev airport in Baku, the airports press service said.

Both flights were Boeing 787s and landed within minutes of each other just before 10 p.m. local time, the airport said.

US discusses next steps with Israel, Pentagon spokesperson says.

WASHINGTON  U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin is in discussions with his counterpart in Israel after Iran fired a barrage of almost 200 missiles at the nation.

Austin received a short update from Defense Minister Yoav Gallant and is consulting closely with them on next steps, Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder told reporters Tuesday.

Iran launched about twice as many ballistic missiles Tuesday as it did during an attack against Israel earlier this year, but it did not appear to launch drones, Ryder said.

A full assessment of Tuesdays attack is underway, he said. The Israeli military said Iran fired 170 drones, more than 30 cruise missiles and more than 120 ballistic missiles in the April attack.

Ryder said two U.S. Navy destroyers  the USS Cole and the USS Bulkeley  fired about a dozen interceptors to defend Israel in the latest attack.

He decried reports indicating Iran wants to de-escalate tensions in the region.

You dont launch that many missiles at a target without the intent on hitting something, Ryder said.

Harris condemns Iran as a destabilizing, dangerous force

WASHINGTON  Democratic presidential nominee Kamala Harris has condemned the missile attack on Israel by Iran, calling Tehran a destabilizing, dangerous force in the Middle East.

The vice president said Tuesday that she supports President Joe Bidens decision to shoot down the missiles targeting Israel.

We are still assessing the impact but initial indications are that Israel, with our assistance, was able to defeat this attack, she says.

She says her commitment to Israel is unwavering, and warns that Iran is more than a threat to Israel.

Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region, American interests and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and -backed terrorist proxies, she says.

Biden reasserts Washington's support of Israel

President Joe Biden says his administration is fully supportive of Israel after it thwarted an Iranian missile attack and that hes in active discussion with aides about an appropriate response.

Biden also praised the U.S. and Israel militaries for defeating the Iranian missile barrage.

Make no mistake, the United States is fully, fully supportive of Israel, Biden said Tuesday at the start of a meeting with White House officials focused on the administrations response to Hurricane Helene.

White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan said soon after the attack that it amounted to a significant escalation by Iran.

Biden said it remains to be seen what consequences Iran will face.

Netanyahu warns Iran: Whoever attacks us, we attack them

JERUSALEM -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu says Iran will pay a price for its missile barrage on Israel.

Iran made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it, Netanyahu said as he gathered his Security Cabinet for a meeting late Tuesday.

Netanyahu said the missile attack was a failure and that Iran would soon learn a painful lesson just as enemies in Gaza, Lebanon and other places have learned.

Whoever attacks us, we attack them, he said.

Israeli military says no reports of casualties in Iranian attack

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says it has received no reports of injuries from the Iranian missile attack.

The militarys spokesperson, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel.

This strike will have consequences, he said.

He urged the public to continue to listen to public-safety guidelines from the army.

Shooting reports prompt a cordon around Israeli Embassy in Stockholm

STOCKHOLM  Police have cordoned off areas around the Israeli Embassy in Stockholm after reports of a shooting.

Local newspaper Expressen said Tuesday that a weapon and at least one empty bullet casing were found near the embassy and that police are looking for a suspect who fled the scene.

Stockholm police told the Swedish news agency TT that police were investigating reports of a loud bang but wouldnt confirm that a shooting took place.

Security around the embassy has been stepped up this year following threats and incidents, including reports of a dangerous object found in the vicinity of the embassy that Swedish media described as a hand grenade.

Iran says most of the missiles it fired at Israel hit their targets

TEHRAN  Irans paramilitary Revolutionary Guard said 90% of missiles it launched against Israel hit their targets successfully.

The statement broadcast on state TV late Tuesday said the attack targeted air and radar bases as well as security apparatus that planned the killing of senior Hamas and Hezbollah figures.

It said Iran has a right to defend itself under international regulations.

The TV station showed footage of missiles being launched in the darkness from unidentified locations in Iran.

Iranian state TV airs footage of people celebrating missile attack on Israel

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates  Iranian state television, long controlled by hard-liners, has aired images of people in Arak, Qom and Tehran celebrating Irans missile attack in Israel.

Some shouted, God is great! Death to America and Death to Israel.

However, Irans support of regional militias abroad has been a point of anger during protests as the country suffers under international sanctions.

Britain's leader condemns Iranian attack on Israel

LONDON  British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has condemned Irans attack on Israel during a call with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu.

Starmer was on the phone with Netanyahu when the barrage of missiles began Tuesday, further escalating the situation in the Middle East.

He reiterated the U.K.s commitment to Israels security and the protection of civilians, but emphasized the importance of seeking cease-fires in Lebanon and Gaza, the prime ministers office said in a readout of the call.

Starmer also spoke with Jordans King Abdullah II and they both called for de-escalation of fighting in the region.

Blinken says Iran fired some 200 missiles at Israel

WASHINGTON  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says Iran fired around 200 ballistic missiles at Israel.

This is totally unacceptable, and the entire world should condemn it, he said during a meeting Tuesday with the Indian foreign minister at the State Department.

Blinken says initial reports suggest Israel, along with allies including the U.S., effectively defeated this attack, underscoring Washington's commitment to Israels defense.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House that U.S. destroyers fired missile interceptors at some of the inbound missiles.

Sullivan called the attack a significant escalation by Iran, and reiterated there would be severe consequences on Iran for the attack.

3 men fatally shot by Israeli forces in northern Gaza

DEIR AL-BALAH, Gaza Strip  Palestinian medical officials say Israeli forces have killed at least three people trying to return to their homes in the northern half of Gaza Strip.

Israeli forces stationed at the east-west Netzarim route that divides the Palestinian enclave opened fire on the men Tuesday, according to the al-Aqsa Martyrs hospital in the central town of Deir al-Bahah.

An Associated Press journalist saw ambulances taking people to the hospital, and counted the bodies.

The officials said the men were among a group of people trying to return to their homes.

The Israeli military has sealed off northern Gaza and is preventing displaced people from returning to their homes there.

Iran-backed Iraqi militias warn US against hostile action in support of Israel

BEIRUT  Iran-backed Iraqi militias say if the U.S. takes part in any hostile action against Iran then American interests in the region will be under threat.

The statement Tuesday from the group calling itself the Coordination Committee for the Iraqi Resistance also warned Israel against using Iraqi airspace to retaliate against Iran for a missile barrage fired at Israel, saying all American bases and interests in Iraq and the region will be our target.

Iran-backed militias in Iraq regularly target bases housing U.S. forces in Iraq and Syria with drones, saying they are retaliating for Washingtons support of Israel in its war against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Police say 6 people killed in shooting in Tel Aviv

JERUSALEM  Israel police say six people have been killed in a shooting in Tel Aviv.

Police say two suspects opened fire Tuesday evening on a boulevard in Jaffa, a mixed Arab-Jewish neighborhood in southern Tel Aviv. Twelve people also were wounded in the shooting.

Police said the two suspects were killed.

The attack came moments before a massive barrage of rockets from Iran sent people into bomb shelters across Israel, including in Tel Aviv.

UN chief again calls for a cease-fire in the Middle East

UNITED NATIONS  U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has condemned the broadening of the Middle East conflict, with escalation after escalation.

Guterres' comments Tuesday came shortly after Iran said it fired dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel. The Israeli military said its army has crossed the border into Lebanon and is conducting localized ground raids on Hezbollah positions.

This must stop, the U.N. chief said in a statement Tuesday. We absolutely need a cease-fire.

Hezbollah says Israeli images from Lebanon are part of a propaganda war

BEIRUT  The Lebanese Hezbollah militant group says media published by the Israeli military showing its cross-border forays into Lebanon have nothing to do with the ongoing conflict.

The Israeli military says its army has been carrying out secretive ground operations to destroy Hezbollah infrastructure in Lebanese villages close to the border for the past year and has released footage of what it said was Israeli soldiers uncovering tunnels and weapons in Lebanese villages.

Hezbollah said in a statement Tuesday that picture and videos that the Israeli military says show tunnels and houses entered by Israeli soldiers are very old and have no relationship to any current military action on the Lebanese border.

It says the images are part of a psychological and propaganda war.

The Israeli military has said its forces entered Lebanon overnight to begin a limited ground incursion. Hezbollah denies that any Israeli troops have crossed the border.

Israeli military says it killed another senior Hezbollah operative

BEIRUT  Israels military says it killed a senior Hezbollah operative in an airstrike on an apartment building on the edge of Beirut.

The Israeli military says Mohammed Jaafar Qassir was killed in a strike Tuesday afternoon. It says Qassir was in charge of Hezbollahs Unit 4400 that ships weapons from Iran to Lebanon and he supervised Hezbollahs development of precision-guided missiles.

The Israeli military said Qassir also sent hundreds of millions of dollars to Hezbollah in recent years.

There was no immediate comment from Hezbollah on the Israeli claim.

Qassirs brother Ahmad carried out a suicide attack in southern Israeli port city of Tyre in 1982 that killed dozens of Israeli soldiers. His death is marked annually as Martyr's Day.

Iran says it has launched dozens of missiles at Israel

Iran says it has launched dozens of ballistic missiles at Israel.

The claim came in a statement read aloud on state television Tuesday as air raid sirens sounded and explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem.

The statement warned that if Israel responds militarily to this operation, it will face a harsher response.

Iran referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. The statement also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

It warned this attack represented only a first wave, without elaborating.

Israeli military says Iran has fired missiles at Israel

JERUSALEM  The Israeli military says Iran has fired missiles at Israel, and air raid sirens are sounding across the country.

Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari released a video statement Tuesday saying the air defense system is fully operational, detecting and intercepting threats wherever necessary, even at this moment.

Soon after, a series of explosions were heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem. It was not immediately known if they were interceptions or incoming missiles landing. The explosions near Jerusalem were so loud that windows shook.

Residents were ordered to shelter in place and remain close to bomb shelters. The order was sent to mobile phones and announced on national television. TV stations reported sirens in parts of Jerusalem as well as central Israel.

Iranian media posted videos that appeared to show missile launches at several sites across the country, but the Iranian government did not immediately acknowledge what was happening.

The alerts were sounded after a day of rocket and missile attacks from Lebanon. Israeli authorities also warned that Iran might be preparing a missile attack.

Israel has warned there would be repercussions if Iran attacks.

Israeli military urges public to heed warnings about a possible Iranian strike

The Israeli military is urging the public to stay close to sheltered areas and says it takes seriously the possibility of an attack by Iran.

Military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said Tuesday that Israelis must obey public safety guidelines issued by the militarys Home Front Command.

The Iranian strike could be widespread. Following Home Front Command guidelines can save lives, Hagari said.

US official warns that Iran could strike Israel within 12 hours

WASHINGTON  A U.S. official has said Iran may strike Israel within the next 12 hours, with an attack that could be as big as or bigger than strikes earlier this year.

However, the official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity to provide details on a sensitive matter, cautioned that Iran has been postured to conduct such an attack since August  in order to be able to strike on short notice  and that the U.S. has not seen significant changes in Irans posture in the last day or so.

Iran launched an unprecedented direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

 By Tara Copp

UN secretary-general warns against further escalation in Lebanon

UNITED NATIONS  The United Nations chief is appealing for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon, warning that escalation to an all-out war between Israel and Hezbollah militants must be avoided at all costs.

U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric, who delivered the message from Secretary-General Antonio Guterres, stressed that the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Lebanon must be respected.

Guterres spoke earlier Tuesday to Lebanons Prime Minister Najib Mikati and told him the U.N. system is mobilized to assist those in need, Dujarric said. He also appealed to the international community to urgently support a $426 million humanitarian appeal to help the people of Lebanon.

US orders diplomats and families in Israel and West Bank to shelter in place

WASHINGTON  The State Department has ordered all U.S. diplomats and their families based in Israel and the West Bank to shelter in place until further notice as the security situation becomes increasingly uncertain with Israels ground incursion in Lebanon and potential threats of an Iranian missile attack.

As a result of the current security situation, the U.S. Embassy has directed all U.S. government employees and their family members to shelter in place until further notice, the embassy in Jerusalem said Tuesday in a notice to American citizens.

This is provided for your information as you make your own security plans, it said. The security environment remains complex and can change quickly depending on the political situation and recent events.

Blinken says the US is watching the situation in Lebanon very closely

WASHINGTON  U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken says the Biden administration is watching the situation between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon very closely and very carefully, but is committed to Israels defense and security.

Speaking Tuesday before talks with the visiting foreign minister of Morocco, Blinken did not address the threat to Israel posed by a potential Iranian ballistic missile launch that was identified by the White House shortly before he spoke.

The United States is committed to Israels defense, he said. Were watching developments, as I said, very carefully at this moment.
(WWLP)  Hezbollah has confirmed that its powerful leader Hassan Nasrallah was killed in an Israeli strike this weekend.

The Israeli military has killed 7 high-ranking Hezbollah officials in the past week. And they have continued intensive strikes across Lebanon including pre-dawn strikes in Beirut.

Israels recent airstrikes are a significant escalation in the war in the Middle East. Congressman Jim McGovern telling 22News what needs to be done to avoid an all out regional war.

I have been a long time supporter of Israel, but I have been a critic of the Netanyahu government. I voted against sending additional military aid to the Netanyahu government because of what theyre doing in Gaza because of the expanded violence in the West Bank now this is being expanded into Lebanon. We need a cease-fire and we need to de-escalate the situation, said McGovern.

In the days before the Israeli attack, Secretary of State Antony Blinken had intensively shuttled between delegations in New York during the United Nations General Assembly session,

trying to forge a 21-day cease-fire between Israel and Hezbollah, but to no avail.

If an agreement cannot be reached a wider regional war could take place that could possibly draw in the United States.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
A Highland Park man is facing 10 years in state prison after he was convicted of shooting at a car with two children inside during a road rage incident in rush-hour traffic by an Interstate 287 exit.

Gerald Chapman, 41, was found guilty by a Somerset County jury of second-degree possession of a weapon for an unlawful purpose, second-degree unlawful possession of a gun, two counts of second-degree endangering the welfare of a child and third-degree hindering apprehension.

Chapman, found guilty after a weeklong trial, is scheduled to be sentenced on Nov. 15.

According to Somerset County Prosecutor John McDonald, at about 4:50 p.m. May 5, 2023, a Franklin Township resident was driving northbound on Easton Avenue when Chapman's vehicle attempted to merge in front of the car.

The victim said that there was no room to merge, and Chapman became irate.

Chapman then pulled alongside the victims car and struck the passenger side mirror of the victims vehicle with his left hand, leaving his fingerprints behind, according to the prosecutor.

Chapman then drove behind and around to the drivers side of the victims vehicle while the victim was outside trying to fix the side mirror, the prosecutor said.

Chapman then pulled out a 9 mm handgun and fired two shots at the victim, striking the victims vehicle in the drivers window and the rear drivers side door.

Inside the car were the victim's 1- and 4-year-old daughters. McDonald said.

Chapman then fled the scene.

Testimony during the trial revealed that Chapman got rid of the 9 mm handgun after the shooting and removed other evidence from his vehicle that could have aided in his apprehension, according to the prosecutor.

McDonald thanked the Franklin Township Police Department, the Investigative Division of the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office, and the Forensic Division of the New Jersey State Police for the investigation.

The case was presented by Somerset County Assistant Prosecutors Michael McLaughlin and Lorina Murphy.

Email: mdeak@mycentraljersey.com

This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: Middlesex County NJ man convicted of road rage shooting at dad, kids
Overfishing, illegal fishing, longline fishing, ghost fishing, bottom trawling, bycatching, depletion of fish stocks, ocean waste, and even human rights abuses  that's just the beginning of some of the issues faced by the commercial fishing industry today. While we can be aware of certain fish that we ought to think twice before buying, most consumers' concerns come down to what ends up on their plates. And not only are a lot of fish populations shrinking in both population and physical size (which can mean you're paying more for less), as has been seen in the case of Alaskan King salmon, but many fish in restaurants are not always what they say they are.

A study conducted in 2016 by the Department of Nutrition, Food & Exercise Sciences at Florida State University and published in the journal of "Food Control" found that nearly a quarter of fish served at restaurants were mislabelled and were actually swai fish  and upwards of 66% labeled generally as "fish" were swai fish, too. How does that happen? Well, the problem goes back further than the restaurant. In fact, they may not even know. Mislabelling and fraud has been a long found issue in the U.S. seafood supply chain and beyond, stemming from a broader global issue tied to a lack of transparency and accountability, amongst other problems.

Known as a "seafood fraud," Oceana's 2014 global fraud report found that one in five seafood samples around the world are mislabeled, with mislabeling found at every stage in the supply chain. So, you could be eating a lot more swai fish than you think.

Read more: 13 Different Ways To Cook Fish

What Is Swai Fish, And Is It Healthy?

Mekong River Delta - xuanhuongho/Shutterstock

Swai fish, also known as pangasius fish, are commonly imported from fish farms in the Mekong Delta in Vietnam  the largest freshwater fish farming industry in the world. Swai fish are white fleshed and firm, with a neutral flavor that makes it easily passable as other varieties of white fish. Aside from the higher likelihood of contracting disease that is common among all types of farmed seafood, swai fish is listed as a fish to avoid by the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch for using high amounts of chemicals and antibiotics that pose a high risk to the environment.

Mercury contamination is another possible concern, with a 2015 research study published in the journal of "Food Science and Nutrition" finding that the levels in 50% of swai exceeded the World Health Organization's recommended limit. But, aside from that, consuming swai isn't any more or less healthy than any other variety of fish, delivering good amounts of protein, omega-3s, selenium, niacin, and B12. However, according to a 2016 study published in the journal "Environmental National" those nutrients can vary depending on feed  which for farmed fish can include anything from rice bran and soy to canola and fish by-products.

If you want to avoid eating swai fish for any reason, don't order any of the fish it's most commonly mislabeled as, including perch, grouper, and sole. Although Oceana's 2014 fraud report found it was sold as up to 18 different types of fish.

Read the original article on Tasting Table.
Kamala Harris visited the US border last week as she attempts to take back the initiative on immigration - Reuters/Kevin Lamarque

Migrant border crossings are now at their lowest level in four years, in a boost to Kamala Harris ahead of Novembers presidential election.

US Border Patrol recorded around 54,000 encounters along the southern US border in September, according to federal data obtained by CNN.

The figures show that the overall number of crossings has declined for six straight months, which includes the period since Joe Biden implemented an executive order that bans some illegal migrants from claiming asylum after crossing into Mexico.

The ban, which was implemented in June after Republicans blocked a bill to impose tighter border controls, sets a daily limit of 2,500 crossings before asylum services are no longer able to accept new applicants with the border not reopening until the figures are below 1,500 for a week.

Crossings on the southern US border, especially into Texas and Arizona, had previously reached record levels. The latest figures show the lowest number of crossings since 2020.

Illegal migration has become a significant dividing line between Ms Harris and Donald Trump, who has pledged to immediately deport up to a million people if he wins the presidency on Nov 5.

Ms Harris, who was once asked by Mr Biden to handle border control, has struggled to convince voters she has a plan to bring the numbers down. Trump and his running mate, JD Vance, have talked extensively about border control on the campaign trail.

The figures came as the Biden administration said it was making asylum restrictions at the southern border tougher again.

The new rules, which toughen the June restrictions, say the number of migrants trying to cross the border must be lower than 1,500 for more than a month before new asylum applications will be accepted.

The government is also counting all children towards that number for the first time. Previously, only Mexican children were included in the figures. The new rules come into force on Tuesday.

On Friday, Ms Harris visited the border for the first time since she began her campaign when Mr Biden dropped out of the race in July.

In her latest speech on the subject, Ms Harris hit out at Donald Trump for killing a bipartisan bill to tighten immigration controls - P Photo/Carolyn Kaster

In a speech from Douglas, Arizona, she blamed Trump for the high number of crossings, pointing to his partys decision to block Mr Bidens border plan earlier in the year.

He prefers to run on a problem instead of fixing a problem, she said.

And the American people deserve a president who cares more about border security than playing political games and their personal political future.

Polling shows that Trump is trusted much more by the public on border security than Ms Harris, who has been forced to repeatedly deny that she supports open border policies.

The Trump campaign has used specific examples of migrants committing violent crimes as evidence that the number of crossings is making the country more dangerous.

One example of so-called migrant crime is Trumps claim that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating cats and dogs owned by local residents.

On Monday evening, the Texas Department of Public Safety announced it had encountered a group of more than 230 illegal migrants at Eagle Pass, a small border town that has become a national symbol of the immigration debate.

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UK Health Security Agency said number of black African heterosexuals being diagnosed HIV in UK could be affected by migration - BEN STANSALL/AFP

New HIV diagnoses have hit a 15-year high after a surge in the number of cases among migrants coming to England.

More than 6,000 people were diagnosed with HIV in England in 2023, up 51 per cent on the previous year.

The jump in positive cases has largely been driven by the number of people contracting HIV abroad, official data show.

Leading charities said the post-pandemic rise in cases put the UKs target to prevent new cases of HIV by 2030 at risk.

For the first time since records began more people were diagnosed with HIV after contracting the virus abroad than in England.

Some 53 per cent, or 3,198 of all cases, were registered as having been previously diagnosed abroad, and the overwhelming majority of these came from Africa.

In total, half of these cases were from people born in Eastern Africa, while a further 22 per cent were from other parts of Africa.

About eight per cent of people were born in each of Asia and Latin America and the Caribbean, the report said.

A further 253 people were first diagnosed in England within two years of arriving in the country having been born abroad. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the demographic was similar to those contracting the virus abroad but urged caution over the figures.

The health authority said the rates were unlikely to reflect HIV acquired in England and also found that testing levels were still below the pre-pandemic norm, albeit up on 2022.

In its annual report on the disease, the UKHSA said: The rise in HIV testing together with a higher and sustained positivity in black African heterosexuals may be suggestive of ongoing transmission.

However, this number could also be affected by changing patterns of migration with a recent rise in people diagnosed with HIV abroad arriving in England.

Of the 1.16 million work and study visas given to migrants in the past year, 263,000 went to people from Africa.

Net migration hit 685,000 last year, down slightly from the previous record high in 2022 when 764,000 more people arrived than left the UK.

Robbie Currie, the chief executive at the National Aids Trust, said: Although there is much to celebrate with HIV treatment and prevention, the latest published HIV data in England shows clearly that a continuing lack of equity and equality is standing in the way of people being able to live well with HIV, and puts the goal of ending new cases of HIV in this country at risk.

The UK Government must respond in full to the worsening disparities and trends that we see in this data, with a strategy, funding and action.

The Terrence Higgins Trust, a sexual health charity, said the goal of ending new cases by 2030 is in jeopardy.

Richard Angell, the chief executive, said: Todays new figures show people from ethnic minorities face an increasing burden of HIV, with rising diagnoses and worse health outcomes than the population as a whole.

Todays figures are a call to action: we need innovation and new resources to address these health inequalities and reach the 2030 goal. Time is of the essence.

Dr Tamara Djuretic, the co-head of HIV at UKHSA, said it was clear that more action is needed to curb new HIV transmissions, particularly among heterosexuals and ethnic minority groups.

She added: Addressing these widening inequalities, ramping up testing, improving access to PrEP (Pre-exposure prophylaxis) and getting people started on HIV treatment earlier will all be crucial to achieving this.

HIV can affect anyone, no matter your gender or sexual orientation, so please get regularly tested and use condoms to protect you and your partners health.

An HIV test is free and provides access to PrEP if needed. If you do test positive, treatment is so effective that you can expect to live a long healthy life and you wont pass HIV on to partners.

Andrew Gwynne, the minister for public health, said: This data shows we have much more work to do and brings to light concerning inequalities in access to tests and treatments.

I will be working across the Government to ensure that we work to stop HIV transmissions for good.

Our new HIV Action Plan aims to end transmissions in England by 2030 with better prevention, testing and treatment.

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General Information:

Name: Mike Marshall

Age: 62

Profession: Executive Director, Oregon Recovers

Pronouns: He/Him/His

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

I believe Portlands biggest challenge right now is our lack of vision in pursuing solutions to our problems that are equal to the scope of the problem. We need bold new leadership that will quickly move to build the sobering centers, detox facilities and sober living beds we need to address our addiction crisis; rapidly construct the 2,000 additional shelter beds we need to end the unsheltered homelessness crisis; and recruit the additional police officers we need to improve response times and end the public safety crisis. Its time to set aside process and focus on outcomes.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

My first priority will be to leverage my lived experience as a person in recovery from addictionas well as my expertise in addiction recovery policyto establish the comprehensive addiction recovery system of care that the city is currently lacking. We need four sobering centers (not just one) so that it is easier for a cop to drop off someone under the influence at a sobering center than in a jail cell. We also need to triple our detox capacity. Every day, 50% of people seeking help are turned away from the citys three detox facilities and told to return the next day. We need to create immediate access to detox and then link deflection to mandatory detox. Lastly, Ill work hard with local providers to create an additional 1000 sober living beds. Matched with intensive outpatient programs (IOP), sober living is far more cost effective than residential treatment and continues to help people thrive after completing treatment.

My second priority will be to look upstream at the root causes of addiction, homelessness and crime: poverty. 12% of the residents of District 2 live below the poverty level, 20% experience food insecurity and 40% experience housing insecurity. Each of those challenges is a petri dish for developing long-term addiction, mental health and housing problems. During COVID we cut the child poverty rate in the country by 50% in 18 months. We need to replicate that success here in Portland.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

As a person in recovery for 16 years from meth and alcohol, I know what it takes to move people off the streets and into recovery. And I have a long history of building broad coalitions to tackle big challenges. I was one of the first people in the country to begin organizing for marriage equality, I spent many years overseas working in totalitarian countries building nascent democratic institutions and I co-founded Oregon Recovers and the Recovery Network of Oregon to address Oregons devastating addiction crisis. I have a proven track record in moving people to action and creating substantive and systemic change.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

Harvey Milk, Rep. John Lewis and Cesar Chavez.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

Id like to see us eliminate child poverty in the district. Id like to see more swimming pools constructed so that parents can secure swim lessons for their kids when they are ready. Id like to see public transportation be made free so that we reduce carbon emissions AND pedestrian fatalities. Id also like to see a dramatic increase in the tree canopy in District 2, more vibrant merchant districts and more senior housing.

What do you love about Portland?

I love the uniqueness of our neighborhoods and the role each plays in many peoples lives. My husband and I got married on the front porch of our house and invited all our neighbors for a block party. That personifies for me, the community many of us feel and the sense of community everyone can achieve if we address our public safety, affordability and livability issues.

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Manitou Springs police and city officials are asking for the communitys help as they try to find a graffiti vandal responsible for a series of incidents around town.

Law enforcement said the vandalism has damaged public and private property, and the Police Department said it is committed to stopping these acts to "maintain the beauty of our city."

The public is encouraged to report any tips or details, no matter how small, to dispatch at 719-390-5555. According to a news release Monday, news tips can remain anonymous.
The identity of someone who was arrested in connection with a Milan robbery was not released on Monday, according to a news release that gave other details about the incident.

(OurQuadCities.com)

Shortly before 10 p.m. Sunday, May 12, Milan Police responded to a 911 call to Walgreens for a robbery that had just occurred. Officers arrived and learned that the suspects were two boys or men wearing black face masks and all-black clothing. They entered the store at closing time and demanded money from the store employees while displaying a gun.

The suspects left with an undisclosed amount of currency and appear to have been driving a stolen vehicle, which was later located and is being processed, the release says.

Officers are currently processing the scene, reviewing surveillance footage, and sharing information with local law enforcement agencies in an attempt to gain additional knowledge to identify and hold the suspects accountable for their actions. The case remains under investigation by the Milan Police Departments Investigation Division.

An arrest has been made in connection with this robbery. The investigation is still ongoing and names will not be released at this time, police say.

Milan Police ask anyone with information related to this case to contact Milan Police Department Investigations Division at 309-787-8516 or Crime Stoppers at 309-762-9500 or by using the P3 Tips app.

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Ed Milibands bid to move the UK on to green energy risks destabilising the National Grid, a leading EDF executive has warned.

Rachael Glaving said that by abandoning stable forms of energy generation, such as coal, gas and nuclear, the grid would be reliant on intermittent sources such as wind and solar.

She indicated that this would leave the UKs energy system at risk of a shortfall should the weather fail to deliver.

Mr Milibands bid to shift away from fossil fuels is integral to his goal of decarbonising Britains power system by 2030.

To achieve this, he launched the National Energy System Operator (NESO), a new quango tasked with operating the UKs high-voltage transmission networks.

It comes after the final shutdown of Ratcliffe-on-Soar, the UKs last coal-fired power station, as well as the looming closure of eight of EDFs nuclear reactors within the next four years.

The closure of Ratcliffe-on-Soar has left the UK without any coal-fired power stations - UNIPER/PA

Ms Glaving, who is responsible for EDFs nuclear fleet, said that these reactors were crucial to providing the steady baseload power essential for grid stability.

Speaking at the Conservative Party Conference, she said: A key issue for NESO is to make the grid as stable as possible, and as we lose nuclear, that stability is what we will lose.

We will lose our strong foundation of baseload generation, which helps support renewables, and which has made it possible to add so much wind and solar.

Our ability to have even more renewables in the UK has been because of this strong [nuclear] foundation.

So if you start eroding the foundation then we have to start leaning on other things to support renewables. Perhaps well import more power from Europe and we will see the impacts on our bills. Well [also[ see it in grid stability.

Meeting such challenges will be key to the success of NESO, which will have strategic independent oversight of both the electricity and gas systems.

One of NESOs first actions will be to deliver guidance to the Government on the delivery of a clean power system by 2030. NESO chief executive Fintan Slye is expected to deliver a report to Mr Miliband on how best to achieve this within weeks.

Another key challenge for NESO and Mr Slye is to cut energy bills. The UK has some of the worlds highest bills, with domestic electricity in the UK costing twice what consumers pay in the US.

Energy minister Michael Shanks has said that fossil fuels were a key factor in surging energy prices, claiming that energy bills will fall as we move increasingly to green energy.

However, the impending closure of EDFs eight nuclear reactors could pose a growing problem.

It will leave the UK with just one operating reactor, the Sizewell C station in Suffolk, until EDF brings Hinkley Point C into operation next decade.

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ILLINOIS, Ill. (WCIA)  Recent statewide auto theft and carjacking prevention task force funding led to thousands of investigations, hundreds of arrests and millions of dollars in recovered vehicles, the Illinois Secretary of State announced Tuesday.

Alexi Giannoulias oversees the grant program. In fiscal year 2024, the Illinois Statewide Auto Theft Task Force (ISATT) conducted 1,854 investigations and recovered 1,346 vehicles worth approximately $30 million.

ISATT assisted area agencies with another 414 vehicle recoveries at an estimated worth of nearly $9 million and produced 545 auto theft-related criminal charges, 385 of which were felonies.

Urbana passes fuel tax increase, 7.5 cents per gallon beginning Jan. 2025

For many of us, our vehicle serves as a lifeline. We depend on it for work, running errands, shuttling our kids to activities and visiting loved ones, said Giannoulias. To have it stolen can have serious consequences for families and upend their lives. These task forces play a critical role by ensuring local, state and federal law enforcement officers work together to address these crimes.

ISATT also conducted 240 audits of businesses in the auto industry, including scrap processors and body shops. This resulted in 2,247 violations and 106 referrals to Secretary of State Police for further investigation.

Meanwhile, the Chicago Major Auto Thefts Investigations Unit (CMATI) conducted 1,130 investigations, resulting in 440 arrests and the recovery of 1,391 vehicles worth approximately $28 million during the past fiscal year.

The Expressway Safety Enforcement Group (ESEG) used air operations 127 times and assisted other agencies in their efforts 110 times.

The Illinois Vehicle Hijacking and Motor Vehicle Theft Prevention and Insurance Verification Council, which Giannoulias office oversees, distributed the grants. ISATT received $3.4 million, CMATI received $1.4 million and ESEG received $675,000.

These grants will help us continue our efforts to prevent these terrible crimes from occurring and provide our law enforcement the funding they need, said State Representative Yolonda Morris (9th DistrictChicago). As someone who has recently experienced the heartbreak of auto theft, I understand all too well the fear and frustration that comes with it.

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Milwaukee leaders announced a new effort to curtail repeat reckless driving through more firmly prosecuting the crime.

Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke announced his office would no longer dismiss or amend reckless driving charges at a press conference on Tuesday. The attorneys effort is aimed at prosecuting reckless drivers more reliably at the state level, which requires someone to be cited for a second time or more.

This offense, reckless driving, isnt just about speed or the conditions on the road, Goyke said at the press conference. It doesnt give me great joy to make this announcement. Its about holding these individuals accountable.

The citys top attorneys plan to no longer amend or dismiss charges is key, as the first reckless driving offense is cited and tried in municipal court, not state court, Goyke said. Goyke and the other city leaders did not provide specific statistics on how often reckless driving was amended to a lesser charge; however, he said it was a normal course of business in municipal court in plea negotiations.

What that conviction does is sets that driver up for new, enhanced criminal penalties, should they decide to reoffend and drive reckless again, Goyke said.

Milwaukee City Attorney Evan Goyke, right, talks with new Common Council member Peter Burgelis before Mayor Cavalier Johnsons inauguration in the City Hall Rotunda at Milwaukee City Hall on April 16.

Pivotal to the citys plan is 2023 Wisconsin Act 9, which introduced harsher financial penalties for reckless drivers and eliminated what Goyke called a lookback window.

Before the act was passed, people who were arrested for reckless driving couldnt be cited for a repeat reckless driving citation, unless both occurred within a four-year period. That meant if a second reckless driving occurred more than four years after their prior citation, it would be like it's their first.

For a repeat reckless driver, the state maximum penalty is 12 months in jail or a fine of $1,000.

Goyke was flanked by top officials, like Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman and Mayor Cavalier Johnson, at the press conference, who said the shift was a way to better hold people accountable.

Johnson framed it among other city efforts  like educating drivers on reckless driving or street modifications like lane reductions  improving the citys issue of reckless driving.

Milwaukee has long been plagued with a bad reputation for reckless driving  and one study showed the ramifications can disproportionately affect Black and brown residents. This issue can be fatal, like in late September, when a 20-year-old was killed in a reckless and drunken driving incident.

All of us agree, reckless drivers will be held accountable and held accountable to the fullest extent of the law, Johnson said. For reckless drivers, the penalties are real, and theyve got to be real.

Norman said his officers will be directed to issue state citations for reckless driving for the second offense, along with other applicable charges.

Milwaukee County Chief Deputy District Attorney Kent Lovern said at the press conference his office has always prosecuted reckless driving and not reduced the charge in court. He said they would continue that policy.

We will continue moving forward with this very direct policy, Lovern said. Behavior that hurts or has the potential to hurt other people deserves a very straightforward response.

Traffic moves south on South 43rd Street between Lincoln Avenue and West Cleveland Avenue. To address concerns about speeding and reckless driving the City of Milwaukee will narrow five streets with traffic paint, making room for bike lanes, crosswalks and turn lanes. One of the streets slated for the changes is South 43rd Street from Oklahoma Avenue to Lincoln Ave.

Tuesdays announcement follows other efforts by the city to stem the issue.

In 2023, a city committee approved a measure that allowed for the impounding of vehicles involved in reckless driving under certain conditions. The year prior, the city enacted a policy which allowed unregistered vehicles involved in reckless driving to be towed.

This year Milwaukee is on pace to be down for traffic citations, according to Milwaukee police data. The police have issued 6,669 traffic citations so far this year. In 2023, through the entire year, police issued 12,289 citations.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Milwaukee leaders announce plan to cite, prosecute reckless driving
India Ampah holds her son, Keon Lockhart, 12 months old, as pediatrician Amanda Porro M.D. administers a measles vaccination during a visit to the hospital. Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images.

An ongoing measles outbreak in and around Hennepin County has sickened at least 51 people, according to the latest Department of Health data. Most are unvaccinated children, and nearly one quarter of the people had to be hospitalized.

Separate data released by the Department of Health earlier this year underscores one of the risk factors behind the states worst measles outbreak since 2017: falling vaccination rates, which is a problem statewide but is especially acute within Minneapolis Public Schools.

From 2014 through 2019, 93% or more of Minnesota kindergartners had received a full course of the measles, mumps and rubella vaccine before they entered school. But a wave of social distrust and anti-vaccine sentiment pushed that number downward in subsequent years, with just 87% of kindergartners fully vaccinated against MMR at the start of the 2023-2024 school year.

The decline among kindergartners in Minneapolis Public Schools, however, has been much steeper. While MPS vaccination rates ran 1 or 2 percentage points lower than the statewide average prior to the pandemic, in 2023 just 75% of MPS kindergartners had received the full MMR vaccine.

Thats a 12-point deficit, with the data showing a drop of 6 percentage points in the past year alone.

Its not clear what is behind the steep drop in Minneapolis. A recent Sahan Journal analysis of Hennepin County data found that of the 20 schools with the lowest MMR vaccination rates, 11 are private Christian schools and seven are public charter schools that serve mostly Somali students. Fewer than half of kindergartners are fully vaccinated against measles in at least 16 schools in the county.

Minnesota allows parents to opt their children out of vaccine requirements for personal, philosophical reasons. Most states allow religious exemptions only, while some  like New York and California  dont allow non-medical vaccine exemptions at all.

The statewide non-medical MMR exemption rate was 5.2% in 2023, up from 2.6% in 2014. The exemption rate in Minneapolis Public Schools fell over the same period, from 2.4% to 1.5%, suggesting that some parents are simply ignoring the requirements  and that no one is enforcing them.

Vaccination rates at Minnesotas charter schools typically run 12 to 14 points lower than at traditional public schools, a gap that has remained consistent since before the pandemic. Many charters in the Twin Cities cater to the Somali immigrant community, where vaccination rates tend to be low, owing in part to a years-long misinformation campaign waged by anti-vaccine activists who have targeted that community.

Minnesota Republican lawmakers have also stoked the flames of vaccine skepticism in recent years. At a House committee hearing in March, Rep. Natalie Zeleznikar, R-Fredenberg Township, denigrated vaccines as poison that could kill you.

State Sen. Nathan Wesenberg, R-Little Falls, referred to the COVID vaccine as a death shot during a 2023 rally at the State Capitol organized by anti-vaccine groups. At least seven other Republican lawmakers were also in attendance.

Measles is highly contagious. Patients initially develop flu-like symptoms, but if left untreated the disease can cause pneumonia, brain damage and long-term neurological problems, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Tippy Amundson's family on vacation in August. From left: Eastton, Tippy, Chris, Elliott and Everett. Courtesy photo.

Brooklyn Park mom Tippy Amundson was decorating the nursery for her first baby, about 20 weeks pregnant.

I could feel him move, and we planned and anticipated for our family, she told me recently.

Then a doctor gave her tragic news: Because her baby had no secure attachment to her placenta, he wasnt getting nutrients and had stopped developing between 12 and 15 weeks. He still had a heartbeat, but he would have abnormalities not compatible with life  words every expectant mother dreads.

Worse still, the placenta was growing into her uterus. So if they didnt move quickly, her doctor told her, she could lose both her baby and her uterus, preventing her from carrying babies in the future.

This was in August 2016, six years before the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, but the stigma around abortions later in pregnancy was so acute that North Memorial Robbinsdale  the health system where she would later deliver three boys  would not perform the procedure, so she wound up at Planned Parenthood in St. Paul.

Her grief and trauma return every time Donald Trump opens his mouth about abortion, most recently during the first presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris, when he made the false claim that Minnesota allows infanticide.

But her vice presidential pick says abortion in the ninth month is absolutely fine. He also says execution after birth, its execution, no longer abortion, because the baby is born is OK. And thats not OK with me, Trump said, referring to Gov. Tim Walz.

As the debate moderator pointed out, no state allows the killing of a child after birth.

Thats murder.

One can never be quite sure what the watch salesman/GOP presidential candidate is talking about, but my best guess is that hes referring to a 2023 change in Minnesota law. Heres the old statute:

A born alive infant as a result of an abortion shall be fully recognized as a human person, and accorded immediate protection under the law. All reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice, including the compilation of appropriate medical records, shall be taken by the responsible medical personnel to preserve the life and health of the born alive infant.

It was changed to this:

An infant who is born alive shall be fully recognized as a human person, and accorded immediate protection under the law. All reasonable measures consistent with good medical practice, including the compilation of appropriate medical records, shall be taken by the responsible medical personnel to care for the infant who is born alive.

Anti-abortion activists are fixated on the word preserve being changed to care. Nevermind that the statute still says the infant shall be fully recognized as a human person, which makes killing the child illegal.

The problem with the previous law was that it could be read to require extraordinary measures that would temporarily preserve the childs life while exacerbating his suffering before his inevitable death.

As such, it also created even more risk with the the use of labor and delivery abortion  when medication is used to induce labor so a woman will deliver  which in retrospect is what Tippy Amundson would have chosen for the tiny boy she and her husband named Emmitt, if she knew it was available to her.

It would have allowed me to see my babys face and hold my baby, she told me.

Instead, shes been subjected to Trumps monstrous rhetoric.

Its awful to have to hear him talk like this, to me and so many mothers who find themselves in this tragic situation, Amundson says.

Trumps smear of Walz and the people of Minnesota is wrong for another reason.

Listening to Trump, youd think were just up here in the North killing babies. State data, howver, show that in 2021 just 8% of abortions were performed in the second trimester like Amundsons, while a single abortion was performed on the cusp of the third trimester, at 28 weeks.

In other words, this scenario is vanishingly rare, and when it does occur, its a tragedy to be mourned, not a spectacle to be ghoulishly exploited.

Trump is also smearing Minnesotas medical community, many of whom advocated for making Minnesota a refuge for womens health care in the Upper Midwest.

Hes turned doctors into murderers.

To introduce the specter of infanticide into the conversation when it doesnt exist is immoral, Dr. Siri Fiebiger told me. Shes the past chair of the Minnesota section of the American College of Obstetrics and Gynecology. We have all taken an oath to do no harm and  hopefully  help.

Fiebiger told me that when she has performed these abortions, they were medically necessary and always cleared by a hospital ethics committee. Support services for families often included a chaplain.

The infanticide smear is damaging because it erodes trust between doctors and their patients, which is essential when complications arise. And they do frequently arise. When a fetus experiences heart failure due to anomalies, the mother can also go into heart failure in a mysterious process called mirroring. After whats called a premature rupture of membranes  e.g., a womans water breaks early  infections can develop, Fiebiger told me.

(You may not know about these things because our society has decided they are icky and shouldnt be talked about.)

Meanwhile, Trumps running mate U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance  who Walz will face Tuesday night in the sole vice presidential debate  also has strong views about abortion. And by strong I mean Matt Birk-should-women-really-be-workin? vibes, including previous support for a national abortion ban.

Lets hope Walz informs America that Vance objected to new rules from the Biden administration that limit law enforcement access to reproductive health care records.

As Josh Marshall reported in Talking Points Memo in July, Vance was one of just 28 members of Congress  imagine how wild-eyed you have to be to qualify for that group  who objected to the rule in a 2023 letter.

So when Texas makes it illegal for a resident to travel elsewhere for an abortion, Vance wants to make sure Texas Rangers have the ability to snoop into her medical records.

Not if Tippy Amundson has anything to say about it. She was born to a religious, anti-abortion family, and the last thing she could have imagined is becoming an abortion rights advocate. She and her husband have three boys, and shes taking time off from her career as a kindergarten teacher to raise them  and to educate the public about the need for access to safe abortion care.

I feel compelled to share my story and help people understand that politics affects peoples lives, she says. People tell me, Oh, Im not political. What a blessing for you that a law or policy hasnt hasnt affected you. But just wait until it does.

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A Korean barbecue restaurant, a coffee shop that also sells handmade pottery and Minnesota's only restaurant specializing in the Vietnamese dish Bun bo Hue are among the newest places to explore in the Twin Cities.

But as new restaurants open, longtime establishments also say goodbye.

Here's the latest Minnesota restaurant openings & closings:

Openings

94 Bubbles (3346 Lyndale Avenue South, Minneapolis): The first venture from the recently-merged Five Watt Coffee and Sencha Tea opened in Uptown this month. The new boba tea cafe serves milk teas, coffee and more. Read more here.

Barcelona Wine Bar (508 Washington Avenue): Spanish cuisine and over 400 wines are on the menu at Barcelona Wine Bar. The new North Loop spot is the longtime chain's first location in the Midwest. Read more here.

Boketto (1607 West End Boulevard, St. Louis Park): A new high-end steakhouse opened this month in the Shops at West End space formerly occupied by Andrew Zimmern's Lucky Cricket. The menu fuses Mediterranean and Asian dishes and flavors.

GOGI Korean BBQ (4207 Highway 13, Savage): An authentic Korean barbecue experience is on the menu in Savage, with pork belly and over a dozen other meat and seafood options ready to be cooked over sizzling tabletop grills at GOGI Korean BBQ. The new restaurant is also serving made-fresh-daily kimchi, tkeokbokki, kimbap, stews and more. And, Soju is coming soon.

Happy Monday & Company (2420 Cleveland Avenue South, Roseville): A Twin Cities pop-up coffee shop debuted its permanent location this month. In addition to beverages and baked goods, the spacious coffee bar sells a selection of handmade pottery, candles and small items. Read more here.

Photo courtesy of Happy Monday & Co.

Hope Breakfast Bar (350 North 5th Street, Minneapolis): The popular Twin Cities brunch chain arrived in Minneapolis this month. The new Hope Breakfast Bar joins the recently-completed North Loop Green mixed-use development near Target Field. Read more here.

House of Hue (2819 Nicollet Avenue South, Minneapolis): A new Vietnamese eatery inside the Eat Street Crossing food hall bills itself as Minnesota's only restaurant dedicated to Bun bo Hue, a spicy beef noodle soup originating from central Vietnam. We basically call this heritage in a bowl," said co-owner Marshall Nguyen. House of Hue also specializes in traditional banh mi,

Momo Korean Egg Drop (405 14th Avenue Southeast, Minneapolis): Korean egg drop sandwiches, featuring soft scrambled eggs between thick slices of milk bread toast, are now being served in the heart of Dinkytown. Read more here.

Tono Pizzeria + Cheesesteaks (3002 West 50th Street, Minneapolis): The new location becomes the chain's seventh restaurant to open in the metro area in five years. Read more here.

T.J. Hooligan's (6411 City West Parkway, Eden Prairie): A longtime pub-style restaurant in Prior Lake expanded to Eden Prairie this month. T.J. Hooligan's, which opened in 1983, took over the space formerly occupied by Campiello. Read more here.

Wells Roadside (3712 Quebec Avenue South, St. Louis Park): Wagyu smash burgers, hot dogs, fresh-cut fries, ice cream and more are on the menu at Wells Roadside, which opened this month at the former Galaxy Drive In. Read more here.

Closings

Axels (1318 Sibley Memorial Highway, Mendota): A beloved Twin Cities steakhouse will close its doors permanently Sept. 30 after nearly 30 years in business. Read more here.

Barrio (235 6th Street East, St. Paul): Barrio closed abruptly Sept. 6 after 15 years serving scratch-made Latin dishes and cocktails in St. Paul's Lowertown district. Low foot traffic in the area contributed to the closure, owner Ryan Burnet told Minnesota Monthly.

Chicago's Taste Authority (3101 East 42nd Street, Minneapolis): A south Minneapolis spot for Chicago-style hot dogs and Italian beef sandwiches closed this month after its owners say they were unable to keep up with rent increases. Read more here.

POP Culture Frozen Yogurt (3833 Lexington Avenue North, Arden Hills): A longtime Twin Cities frozen yogurt, ice cream and gourmet popcorn shop closed this month. The owners of the independently-owned business cited rising costs for the closure. Read more here.

TGI Fridays (St. Louis Park and Edina): Two TGI Fridays restaurants in the Twin Cities closed recently, leaving four remaining in the metro area. Read more here.

Vellee Deli (Minneapolis and Brooklyn Park): Asian-Mexican fusion restaurant has temporarily closed all three locations amid an eviction action. Read more here.

Wuollet Bakery (200 South 6th Street, Minneapolis): Woullet Bakery in downtown Minneapolis' U.S. Bank Plaza became the bakery chain's third location to shutter in less than four months. Read more here.
Missing 13-year-old last seen outside Arizona car wash may have traveled to California

A 13-year-old boy last seen on surveillance video outside a car wash in Arizona may now be in California, according to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

In a news release, NCMEC stated that Elijah Gumbus has been missing for one month; he was last seen leaving a car wash on foot in Tolleson, Arizona on Aug. 31.

Tolleson is a city in Maricopa County west of Phoenix.

Both law enforcement officials and the NCMEC believe that if Elijah left the state, he would likely have traveled to California, Louisiana, Illinois or Nevada, particularly Las Vegas.

John Amos, patriarch on Good Times and an Emmy nominee for Roots, dies at 84

No exact location within California where Elijah could be headed was disclosed.

The 13-year-old is listed as standing 5 feet, 5 inches tall and weighing 130 pounds. He has brown eyes and black hair.

The worst pain possible: Southern California mom loses 2 kids to fentanyl

Elijahs poster is being featured on the Ring Neighbors app as part of a partnership between NCMEC and Ring.

Anyone with information on his whereabouts is urged to call NCMEC at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or the Tolleson, Arizona Police Department at 1-623-936-7186.

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Rochelle Watts, 35, was found "safe" along with her four children in Australia on Monday, Sept. 30, according to police

NSW Police Force Rochelle Watts

The search for a mother who went missing for days in Australia with her four children, including a two-week-old baby girl, has come to an end as they have been found alive, according to authorities.

Rochelle Watts, 35, was found "safe" along with her children on Monday, Sept. 30, following a days-long search after going missing on Friday. Sept 27, New South Wales Police confirmed in a statement on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

"Following extensive inquiries, she was located safe yesterday (Monday Sept. 30)," police said. "Police would like to thank the media and the community for their assistance."

Related: Mom and 4 Children, Including 2-Week-Old Girl, Missing Since Friday: Police

On Friday, Sept. 27, New South Wales Police said in a news release that Watts was last seen at around 2:30 p.m. local time in the town of Goulburn, located approximately 120 miles southwest of Sydney.

Police and family hold serious concerns for her welfare, officials said, adding, [Watts] is believed to be with her four children. She has two sons, who are 15 and 10, an 8-year-old daughter and the aforementioned newborn.

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.

Related: Missing Woman, 24, Found Severely Dehydrated and Emaciated After Surviving Nearly 2 Weeks in Wilderness

The familys German shepherd, Elsa, was also believed to be with them, police said at the time.

Police previously said they had received a tip that the mom of four may have been in Murgon, Queensland, which has a population of 2,000 people and is roughly 750 miles from where the family was last seen.

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Read the original article on People.
Gov. Mike Parson speaks at his Capitol press conference announcing Executive Order 24-10 that bans the sale of intoxicating hemp products in Missouri "until such time approved sources can be regulated by the FDA or State of Missouri through legislative action," he said (photo courtesy of Missouri Governor's Office).

Last month, the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services announced that their enforcement of Gov. Mike Parsons executive order on hemp products will focus on the misbranded THC products that pose a danger to children.

At St. Louis Childrens Hospital, we thank the governor for his executive order and this important step forward in better keeping our kids safe, and the departments focus on protecting this vulnerable group. The action to ban misbranded THC products is an important first step, but the seriousness of this issue demands additional regulation and safety measures at home to protect children.

The ingestion of THC is life threatening for small children  especially those under the age of 12  who are at higher risk of serious medical consequences due to their small size and weight. Intensive care unit admission, prolonged observation in the hospital, lumbar punctures, head CT scans and other potentially invasive medical tests are just some of the interventions small children may need after a THC exposure.

As THC products become more readily available in our communities, the need for regulation is vital. The products that specifically contain Delta-8, and therefore are affected by the governors ban, are an appropriate target for regulation. These products represented about 40% of the THC overdoses at St. Louis Childrens Hospital in 2023, our most recent data show.

As suggested by the governor, the most common overdose incidents seen in our emergency department occur when the drug has been marketed and packaged as a food in an edible form of THC. In these instances, kids reasonably mistake the lookalike edible drug as candy or other desserts and consume them in quantities as they would with real food.

Clear labels and testing information are important for adult consumers, but these are not realistic solutions to the problem of unintentional use by young children. Other regulatory protections could include the mandatory use of childproof packaging and clear restrictions on marketing practices that appeal to children.

While we await more complete regulatory solutions, there are steps that adults can take to protect children at home, where most poisonings occur. As injury prevention experts, along with the American Academy of Pediatrics, we advocate for recreational and medicinal THC to be stored like any drug or medicine to keep it out of the hands of curious children.

THC products in the home should be stored separately from other food or candy, out of childrens reach and line of sight. Lockboxes, such as the ones St. Louis Childrens Hospital offers in our emergency department, are another safeguard against unintentional or intentional use by children.

For one year, as part of a pilot program, 1,000 lockboxes will be offered free of charge, thanks to a grant provided by the Health Department, to families who arrive at the emergency department with a child who has accidentally, or intentionally, ingested medications not meant for them. These boxes will also be provided to families experiencing behavioral health crisis  like suicidal ideation  to prevent self-harm by accessing medications.

The hope is this pilot program, aimed at curbing child overdoses, will find similar success to the BJC HealthCare system wide effort of offering free, no questions asked gun locks at all its facilities.

To be sure, this is a complex issue with no one magic solution. Packaging and in-home safe storage measures have, to date, not kept up with the need. And while the executive order is not a cure-all for accidental child overdosing on THC, we are grateful for this step forward in protecting Missouris children.
Before they became national news, young Venezuelan gang members in Colorado were harassing each other at gunpoint, stealing cars to commit other crimes and crashing wherever they could find a bed, according to arrest documents obtained by The Denver Gazette.

One particular set of crimes involving two of the 10 Tren de Aragua (TdA) gang members arrested by Aurora police involved an entanglement of mostly 20-something Venezuelan immigrants in a what appeared to be a free-for-all turf war, documents reviewed by The Denver Gazette showed.

Two weeks before a confirmed TdA gang member was arrested for assault in an argument over rent money, he was the victim of a mafia-style crime at The Edge at Lowry apartments at 1218 Dallas St. in Aurora, according to the arrest affidavits.

During that incident, Daniel Mora-Marquez told police that he was afraid for his life, adding that if he was seen talking with authorities, his family could be placed in danger in Venezuela.

It was not the only statement Mora-Marquez made to police that did not appear to line up with his actions.

He said that he had not lived in the apartment at 1218 Dallas Street for very long and assured officers that he did not know the men who broke into an apartment as he and a woman were sleeping inside.

He and Destiny Cruz told police that they were married, but according to court records, they had only just met.

Last Wednesday, after appearing to have been on the run, Mora-Marquez was arrested on warrants out of Arapahoe and Adams counties, alleging a two-month crime spree spanning from early April to late June, the Aurora police said.

Those incidents included arrests stemming from an argument and assault over unpaid rent money in the 1600 block of Lima Street in Aurora on April 4.

That home is just blocks from the Aspen Grove apartments, which were the scene of other TdA activity before the complex was evacuated and shut down by the city in August.

Once arrested, he posted $20,000 bond, but did not show up for his court hearing. With a second warrant out for arrest, Mora-Marquez shot six rounds into the home in the 400 block of Nile Street on June 29, according to the police.

In that incident, Mora-Marquez was retaliating against the homeowner for kicking him out, the homeowner told police.

He is also charged with assaulting his girlfriend as they sat in their car.

No one had heard from the girlfriend or Mora-Marquez since he was arrested last Wednesday.

A tangled plot

It was while Mora-Marquez was wanted for the Lima Street crime that he and Destiny Cruz became victims themselves, according to documents.

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On May 18, a man  later identified by Aurora police as a member of the Venezuelan Tren de Aragua gang  broke into the couples second floor apartment at The Edge at Lowry property, according to the arrest records.

The documents indicate that the intruder, Carlos Gabriel Aranguren-Mayora, was a neighbor. Mora-Marquez told police he lived on the first floor of an adjacent building on The Edge property.

Cruz told police that the suspect pointed a silver semi-automatic pistol at the couple and was joined at the front door by five to six other men.

While at gunpoint, Cruz said she overheard Aranguren-Mayora remark: they run s, the affidavits said, adding the intruders walked Cruz and Mora-Marquez at gunpoint to Cruzs black Toyota Camry, threatened to shoot them and asked in Spanish, You want to die?

The couple then handed over the keys to the car, fled and eventually located an Aurora police patrolman and identified Aranguren-Mayora, the records added.

During their investigation, police learned that he was out on bond for a separate criminal mischief and felony menacing case out of Adams County.

Aranguren-Mayora, who was later arrested for the home invasion, faces a theft charge of an item worth $5 to $20,000, two counts of second-degree burglary and four counts of felony menacing.

The Aranguren-Mayora, 23, has a hearing Wednesday afternoon on a separate crime and Mora-Marquezs next court appearance is a preliminary hearing on Oct. 30. Both cases are being prosecuted out of Arapahoe County.

Aurora Police Department spokesperson Joe Moylan would not say if more arrests of known TdA gang members are forthcoming, but he noted that the department would continue to release information about confirmed TdA members once they are thoroughly vetted and verified.

No history, no trail

A pre-trial report on Mora-Marquez shows almost nothing on him except for his crimes. There is no record of a job, an address, relatives, drivers license or education. Only his crimes, which stretched into Adams County, and his birthdate are listed.

His place of birth is marked only as VZ.

There is a 2023 Immigration and Naturalization Service violation.

Information on Aranguren-Mayora is even more scarce. For him, there is no pretrial report to be found. Any information police would have gleaned from him would have been what he told them.

Eighteenth Judicial District Attorney John Kellner said that his office is actively monitoring gang-related crime, noting that immigrant crime is hard to prosecute with a population that often has no known record.

One of the many challenges we deal with is not having information about a suspects criminal history or their ties to other known criminals, he said.

Still, he knows that people are frustrated when immigrants enter our country illegally and then go on to commit crimes in our community, Kellner said.
(Bloomberg) -- Indias northern-most region of Jammu and Kashmir concludes local elections on Tuesday as concerns mount of an uncertain outcome that may delay economic progress in the restive province.

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The only Muslim-majority region in Hindu-dominated India held three phases of elections beginning from Sept. 18. About 8.7 million registered voters are picking candidates for 90 assembly seats. The party with half the seats can form the government and choose its chief minister, although its more likely a group of parties will need to form a governing coalition.

Results will be announced on Oct. 8 alongside the outcome of local elections in the northern state of Haryana.

Prime Minister Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party is facing stiff competition from regional groups in Jammu & Kashmir, which have typically governed there, and the Indian National Congress, the countrys main opposition party.

The Congress party has allied with Jammu and Kashmir National Conference, one of the main regional groups, to keep the BJP out. They are campaigning on a pledge to restore statehood after Modis government stripped the region of its semi-autonomy in 2019 and removed constitutional guarantees that gave residents special rights. Since then, Jammu and Kashmir has been directly controlled by the federal government in New Delhi.

Another major regional party, Jammu & Kashmir Peoples Democratic Party, suggests the legislature is heading for a hung assembly, with no single party or coalition having enough support to govern.

This election in J&K has left most political analysts perplexed, Iltija Mufti, daughter of PDP leader Mehbooba Mufti, a former ally of the BJP, said in a post on X. No one can quite predict if at all what permutations & combinations will make the majority mark or will it be another spell of an apathetic central rule.

Iltija said in an interview last month that her party is open to working with rivals to block the BJP from forming a local government.

Prospects of a hung assembly or long-drawn coalition talks may further delay progress to the region. The Kashmir valley sits on the edge of a disputed territory with Pakistan and has seen three wars and several skirmishes over the years. As a result, the region hasnt seen the kind of development and investment the rest of India has experienced.

A non-BJP government in the region, which is still ultimately controlled by the federal government in New Delhi, may continue to be hamstrung in making policy.

An arrangement with various players doesnt add up to the stability in the region, said Rasheed Kidwai, a political analyst and author on Indian politics. Regional parties want a restoration of statehood, and if they win for the next five years, we are going to see a confrontation between New Delhi and Srinagar, he said.

The BJP is contesting 62 out of the 90 seats up for grabs and is leaning on other regional parties and independent candidates to boost its support in the assembly. The partys campaign has focused on pledges to create 500,000 jobs, bringing in investments, and giving handouts like free laptops and stipends to students.

Usually an energetic campaigner for the party in state elections, Modi has held just one rally in Kashmirs capital city of Srinagar. The BJP has concentrated its campaigning in the Hindu-dominant Jammu area, where 43 seats are in contention.

The Congress party and its allies are contesting all 90 seats in contention for the assembly.

WATCH: The Inside Story of India's Most Divisive Leader in Decades

The latest turnout figure in the final phase of the elections was about 66% and the previous two phases averaged about 60%, higher than in earlier polls, a sign that voters may be motivated by the message of statehood. While the BJP has pledged it will restore Jammu and Kashmir to a state from a union territory, its stalled over the years.

The decisions made by New Delhi in 2019 are a major focus of the election campaign and led to increased participation in the elections, said Ayjaz Wani, fellow at the Observer Research Foundation.

(Updates with latest voter turnout figure in fifteenth paragraph)

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Europe  yes, or no? On October 20, Moldovans will vote in a referendum on putting EU membership as a national objective into the Constitution. Ahead of the peoples vote Euronews reporter Hans von der Brelie travelled through this country sandwiched between Romania and Ukraine. He spoke with both, pro-Europeans in the West and also with pro-Russian separatists in the east, in the Moldovan breakaway region of Transnistria. He found a still deeply divided country.

How could EU membership impact the economy and everyday life of the Moldovan people? Lets start in Ungheni, close to the Romanian border, on the site of an industrial carpet producer. The giant buildings are relics from Soviet times when some 2,000 workers produced carpets for the Eastern Bloc. The economic collapse of the Soviet Union brought painful changes and the country has witnessed turbulent times since; political turmoil, a financial crisis, the pandemic, skyrocketing energy prices and Russia's invasion of Ukraine have all added further problems. Today, the carpet factorys staff roster is down to 150.

But Ghenadie Podgornii, the technical director of Covoare Ungheni, shares an explicitly optimistic outlook: Joining the European internal market means getting rid of all the export/import related bureaucracy, he says. Some 70% of the carpets are sold to EU clients. And there is further potential, believes financial director Aliona Tiuticov: Becoming a EU member is an added value, she says, its good for our image as a country and as a company.

A majority of Moldovans favour joining the EU - euronews

It is good to enter the European Union, because then the salaries will be higher.

Looking West

The management is seeking a further 30 employees, but many Moldovans are working in western Europe. Joining the EU could bring economic stability to Moldova and thereby slow down the exodus of people, Podgornii believes. EU-membership will be an advantage for our company, it will help us to keep the workers in Moldova. To earn money, they are no longer obliged to leave to work abroad, he says.

Podgornii went through this experience himself: I lived abroad, during 12 years I worked in Italy. I came back to Moldova, because I wanted to achieve something in my own country. But mostly I went back because here I feel at home.

What do the employees think about the European Union? Maria is an industrial carpet weaver: It is good to enter the European Union, because then the salaries will be higher. Her colleague Andrei agrees: We will sell more goods in Europe and therefore we will earn more money and our salaries will rise.

Not all working on the factory floor share this pro-European enthusiasm. Another weaver, also called Maria, is sceptical about EU membership: The prices in the shops could go up even more, she says. But most Moldovans are in favour of EU-membership, opinion polls indicate. Already today, Moldova has access to EU financed support programmes. Thats how the carpet company was enabled to put photovoltaic panels on their rooftop, helping to bring down the electricity bill.

This is our last chance to jump on the last wagon of this train running towards the EuropIgor Golbianean Union!

A first step to EU membership

Lets move on to a village in the centre, close to the capital Chisinau. Moldova is a big exporter of agricultural products such as plums, apples, nuts and wine. Igor Golbian launched a start-up producing dried bio-fruit and sunflower oil. He did not find enough locals, so he hired contract workers from India.

Golbian has plans to export to Romania, Belgium, Germany and the Netherlands, but it requires a lot of preparation. As an exporter you should be well-informed about technical requirements regarding packaging rules, storage conditions, logistics, labelling, lab sampling. Right now, Moldova is in a very important move. This is our last chance to jump on the last wagon of this train running towards the European Union!

In the upcoming October referendum, Moldovans will take a first decision about EU membership. But the 27 member States of the EU have a decisive word to say, too. And this could take some time. And then there is still the frozen conflict in the Moldovan east: Transnistria.

The Republic of Moldova is a divided country. In the east, pro-Russian separatists rule. As a western European journalist, I needed a special accreditation to pass the checkpoints. Around 2,000 Russian soldiers are still present in Transnistria. 34 year ago, the Russian-speaking region declared independence. But the tiny pseudo-State is not recognised, not even by Moscow  so far.

We talked to people in the separatist capital Tiraspol to find out what they thought about Moldova possibly becoming an EU member, and what it would mean for Transnistria. Daria, a young woman, likes the idea: Thats a good initiative and it would bring advantages for both, for Transnistria and for Moldova.

Tatiana, an middle-aged woman, disagrees: We are waiting for Russia. With Russia our future will be better, beautiful and most joyful! Because we will be recognised as part of Russia. Or at least Russia will recognize us as an independent State.

Those goods became some 15 to 20 percent more expensive, due to those taxes, so now they are more expensive than the Moldovan products.

Hans von der Brelie discovers anti-EU sentiment in Moldova's separatist Transnistria region - eurones

Economic tug-of-war

Transnistrias heavy industry depends on free Russian gas. At the end of December this could stop. The transit agreement with Ukraine will not be extended. No more Russian gas for Transnistria? That could be fatal for many big factories. There are alternative sources and pipelines, but who is going to pay? The separatists? The Moldovan government?

Since the beginning of this year, Moldova collects export/import duties, VAT and environmental pollution fees from Transnistrian companies and stepped up the fight against money laundering. From an EU perspective this looks like ordinary procedures just following common rules. But its a tough blow for the Transnistrian oligarchs pulling the political and economic strings in the separatist region.

Moreover, there is suspicion that electronic pieces made in Transnistria are being used in Russian weapons systems, in so-called dual use. Big companies such as Elektromash, Moldavisolit and Bender Potential are among the suspects.

The head of the Transnistrian industry federation, Yuriy Mikhaylovich Cheban, denies the allegations and criticises the strict export controls introduced by the Republic of Moldova, calling them politically motivated. Euronews met him in his office in Tiraspol: More than 40,000 people went to the streets to protest. Due to all those measures, we lost already some 70 to 80 million euros, this money is lacking now in our budget.

The so-called president of Transnistria labelled the Moldovan taxes an aggression. And the 'economy minister' of Transnistria, Sergei Obolnik, told Euronews: Those goods became some 15 to 20 percent more expensive, due to those taxes, so now they are more expensive than the Moldovan products. Moreover, all the needed instruments to continue to interact with the West are disappearing, because of this double taxation and the closure of some of our bank accounts in Moldova. This leads to a situation where economic collapse has almost happened.

With or without EU

Back in the capital of the Republic of Moldova, Chisinau, I have an appointment with the country's economy minister and deputy prime minister, Dumitru Alaiba. Preparations to integrate the Moldovan economy into the European internal market are on track and going at full speed. But what about Transnistria?, we ask him.

Euronews:

You have a separatist region in the east. How will the integration of Moldova into the European Union impact Transnistria?

Dumitru Alaiba:

This [Transnistrian] part of our economy is quite well integrated [into the European internal market], with around 80 percent of the exports going into the European Union.

Euronews:

The Transnistrian government is complaining, saying its not fair to put big companies under embargo.

Dumitru Alaiba:

When a Moldovan company producing this dual use goods is intending to export them to Russia, then we do not authorise it. Full stop.

Euronews:

Will Transnistria be part of the European Union?

Dumitru Alaiba:

Of course.

Euronews:

When?

Dumitru Alaiba:

This is something that is yet to be settled

Euronews:

When Moldova will be member of the European Union?

Dumitru Alaiba:

Click on the video above to see Hans' report in full.
A Mom Didn't Show Up to Her Birthday Party. Then Police Found Her Decapitated, and Suspect Is Her Son

Alejandro David Gonzalez, 25, is accused of stabbing and decapitating his mother, 49-year-old Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio in the family's Glendale, Ariz., home

Glendale Police Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio

An Arizona man was arrested after he allegedly killed his mother, who was found decapitated inside her home after not showing up for her surprise birthday party that same day, authorities say.

Alejandro David Gonzalez, 25, was arrested on Sept. 28 on charges of first-degree murder and theft of means of transportation in connection with the killing of his mother, 49-year-old Teresa DeJesus Cruz Rubio, according to a press release from the Glendale Police Department.

He was being held in the Maricopa County Jail, per the release. Its unclear if he has entered a plea or retained an attorney to speak on his behalf.

On Friday, Sept. 27, at around 11:45 p.m. officers responded to a Glendale, Ariz., apartment to conduct a welfare check after Rubios sister called 911 saying she found the woman dead and that her head had been cut off, Glendale Police Sgt. Bryan Hoskin said at a Monday, Sept. 30 press conference.

Glendale Police Alejandro David Gonzalez

According to a probable cause statement reviewed by PEOPLE, authorities said Rubios body was underneath a blanket with her decapitated head nearby and that there was blood throughout the home. Police said she suffered multiple stab wounds to her abdomen, chest and arms, adding that an autopsy will be conducted. They also said there were no signs of forced entry into the home.

Rubio's sister said that the family had arranged a surprise birthday party for Rubio, and that Rubio had previously confirmed her attendance for what she believed would be a family gathering that day, according to the probable cause statement. However, as the hours passed, Rubio still hadnt shown up and wasnt answering her calls, and her sister became concerned. So she said she went to her sisters home, where she made the grim discovery, per the statement.

Family members told police that they believed Gonzalez, Rubios son, had recently been released from jail and was living with her, according to the probable cause statement. They alleged to police that Gonzalez had mental conditions and was capable of killing Rubio, the statement reads. (PEOPLE couldnt immediately confirm details regarding Gonzalezs previous jail stint.)

Related: 6-Year-Old Is Reportedly Brain Dead After Being Beaten with Metal Baseball Bat by Stepfather: Prosecutors

According to the probable cause statement, Rubios sister also told investigators that she allowed her sister to borrow her burgundy GMC Yukon, which was missing. Authorities said surveillance video showed the SUV driving away from the apartment earlier that day with a man believed to be Gonzalez behind the wheel.

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The next morning, at about 2:40 a.m., a Phoenix police officer spotted the GMC Yukon at a gas station, according to the probable cause statement. There, police reported seeing Gonzalez coming and going from the SUV and took him into custody a short time later. Police alleged he had what appeared to be dried blood on his legs and socks.

Related: Pennsylvania Man Killed Romantic Partner and Burned His Body to Cover Up Their Relationship

According to the probable cause statement, Gonzalez said during questioning that his mother had recently picked him up from jail, got him food and dropped him off at her apartment. He allegedly admitted to smoking methamphetamines with a man he just met, whom he claimed did something to his mother, the statement reads.

Gonzalez allegedly said the man stabbed his mother with a kitchen knife and that he only stabbed her  and decapitated her  after the man had already stabbed her, per the statement.

At this point in the investigation, authorities do not believe there is enough evidence to suggest that Gonzalez had an accomplice, according to the probable cause statement.



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Lobbyists wait outside of the Senate chamber during the regular legislative session Monday, March 27, 2023. (Nicole Neri for the Minnesota Reformer)

The 2023 legislative session wasnt just good for Minnesota progressives. It was also the richest ever for the states lobbying corps, according to a new report from a state board.

Minnesotas corporations, labor unions, advocacy organizations and groups hoping to influence the newly elected Democratic-Farmer-Labor trifecta in 2023 spent $98.4 million on lobbying that year  an 18% increase from the year prior.

The new report from the Minnesota Campaign Finance and Public Disclosure Board shows that lobbying spending ballooned from 2022 to 2023, as did the number of organizations who spent over $3,000 on lobbying during the calendar year. In 2022, the number of organizations represented by lobbyists was 1,483, growing to 1,781 in 2023. The increase may be due to the expanded definition of who needs to register as a lobbyist, but it also could be because of the more anxious organizations that wanted a say during the historic 2023 legislative session.

The DFL trifecta that year passed a bevy of progressive policies, including paid family leave, universal school meals, a carbon-free energy mandate, free college tuition for students from families making less than $80,000, an expanded child tax credit and unprecedented new funding for housing and education.

The state that year also had a $17.5 billion budget surplus, and groups and individuals were eagerly lobbying lawmakers for a piece of it.

Last year was the first year the Legislature was back in full swing after the COVID-19 pandemic. Lobbying spending declined to $68 million in 2020 because the Legislature was largely meeting remotely, limiting the amount of face time lobbyists could get with lawmakers.

Xcel Energy spent the most on lobbying in 2023, nearly $2 million, according to the report. The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce came in second at $1.85 million and Education Minnesota  the states teachers union  came in third at $1.64 million. These three groups regularly top the charts of who spends the most on lobbying in Minnesota.

Xcel spent $1.33 million lobbying the Minnesota Public Utilities Commission in 2023. At the time, the energy monopoly was pushing the PUC to approve extending operations of Xcels Monticello nuclear plant through 2040.

The Minnesota Chamber of Commerce last year was fiercely opposed to many of the DFL trifectas progressive policy initiatives, especially paid family leave. The new state program will begin in 2026 and offer Minnesota workers 12 weeks of paid medical leave and 12 weeks of paid family leave  capped at 20 weeks total in a single year.

The Chamber of Commerce argued that paid leave will cripple Minnesota businesses and create a hostile environment for business growth in Minnesota. On the Chamber of Commerces website, it brags about its lobbying influence in limiting the paid leave law.

The Chamber was successful in scaling back the number of weeks; originally proposed at 24, an exemption for seasonal hospitality workers, a refined definition of family member and an actuarial study, the Chamber of Commerces website states.

Finally, Education Minnesota spent much of the 2023 legislative session advocating for a big boost in education funding. The bill included an increase in the states basic funding formula, extended unemployment insurance to hourly school workers and provided additional funding for pre-K.

In 2023, Uber and Lyft were furiously lobbying legislators against minimum pay rates. Lyft last year spent $140,000 on lobbying  a $120,000 increase from the year prior  according to the campaign finance report. Uber spent $80,000 on lobbying, up $45,000 from the previous year.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  There is a significant step forward for those facing eviction in Monroe County with a new initiative to get residents the support they need in one place.

Its called the Eviction Diversion Resource Center, and is now only the second of its kind in New York State.

Soon, tenants facing eviction will be to find a variety of resources at the Hall of Justice to help them maintain housing stability for the future.

The center is designed to meet residents where they are right here in the Hall of Justice. Meeting people at the courthouse, were bringing people help to those who need it most, and exactly when and where they need it, said Monroe Co. Executive Adam Bello.

There, tenants will be able to meet with trained professionals to fill out rental service applications and apply for additional supports like SNAP benefits, transportation, and child care.

Its made possible through a partnership between Monroe County and city court judges.

Our mission, of course, is justice for all and fulfilling that mission in this courthouse, we never forget the work we do as judges and court staff. It impacts peoples lives and some of the most important work we do is to help people solve problems and thats really what this is all about, said City Court Judge William Taylor.

The eviction diversion resource center will serve as a hub for assistance. People who arrive at the justice center will be able to apply for services that may help them remain in their home all before leaving the courthouse, said Thalia Wright, commissioner for Monroe Co.s Department of Human Services.

Its our hope others across the state will follow our lead because it really is helping residents be able to stay in their homes, said Bello.

The resource center will be staffed by the Dept. of Human Services and will be open during business hours on Mondays and Fridays.

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An 81-year-old man from Vaughn, Montana, was sentenced to six months in prison Monday for Lacey Act violations stemming from almost a decade of illegal sheep importing, cloning, and breeding on his 215-acre exotic game ranch. Arthur Jack Schubarth illegally acquired parts from Marco Polo argali sheep in Kyrgyzstan and imported them into the U.S., where he and others cloned and bred giant sheep hybrids that were then sold to captive hunting operations, according to the U.S. Department of Justice.

On March 12, Schubarth pleaded guilty in the U.S. District Court of Montana to one count of violating the Lacey Act and one count of conspiring to violate the Lacey Act. Court documents show that between 2013 and 2021, Schubarth conspired with at least five other individuals to illegally import Marco Polo argali sheep parts and send them to a lab to create cloned embryos. (He also illegally obtained genetic material from wild bighorn sheep that were hunted in Montana.) Shchubarth then implanted the cloned embryos into the ewes on his property, Schubarth Ranch, where he bred a number of other exotic animals, including mountain goats and other ungulates.

Eventually, Schubarth ended up with a single pure genetic male Marco Polo argali ram, which he named the Montana Mountain King, or MMK. He then bred MMK with several ewes on the ranch, all of which were species that were also banned from Montana, and he began harvesting semen from MMK in 2018. He and his co-conspirators used forged veterinarian documents to move the sheep over state borders, where they sold some of the hybridized offspring along with straws of MMKs semen.

Marco Polo argali are under the international protection of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species. They are also listed under the Endangered Species Act and are banned from Montana. The ban is intended to protect native wild sheep species from potentially devastating diseases and hybridization.

On occasion, Schubarth sold MMK semen directly to sheep breeders in other states, the DOJ press release reads. at least two sheep from the scheme died from Johnes disease. Johnes disease is a contagious, chronic wasting disease easily spread between animals directly or through environmental contamination.

Read Next: Celebrity Bowhunting Couple Sentenced for Conspiring to Violate the Lacey Act

On top of the six-month prison sentence, Schubarth also has to pay a $20,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, a $4,000 payment to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a $200 special assessment. The case remains under investigation as the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Montana Department of Fish, Wildlife, and Parks coordinate to bring the co-conspirators to justice.

Schubarths criminal conduct is not how Montanans treat our wildlife population, U.S. attorney Jesse Laslovich said in the press release. Indeed, his actions threatened Montanas native wildlife species for no other reason than he and his co-conspirators wanted to make more money. Schubarths greed drove their conspiracy to bring to Montana parts of the largest sheep in the world from Kyrgyzstan. Such actions to create hybrid animals are as unnatural as they are illegal, and I applaud the extensive collaboration and diligence of all of our law enforcement partners to bring Schubarth to justice.
Montana rancher gets 6 months in prison for creating hybrid sheep for captive hunting

A Montana rancher has been sentenced to six months in prison after cloning a "near threatened" sheep from Asia and then selling its offspring to shooting preserves, according to court documents.

Arthur Jack Schubarth, 81, will spend six months in federal prison, with a three-year supervised release, and pay a $20,000 fine and a $4,000 community service payment for cloning the Marco Polo sheep from Kyrgyzstan.

Schubarth was sentenced Monday for committing two felonies, conspiracy to violate the Lacey Act and substantively violating the Lacey Act, according to the Justice Department. The Lacey Act is a law that bans the trafficking of illegally taken wildlife, fish and plants.

Schubarth and at least five other people conspired to "create a larger hybrid species of sheep that would garner higher prices from shooting preserves" from 2013 to 2021, according to the Justice Department.

Schubarths criminal conduct is not how Montanans treat our wildlife population, said U.S. Attorney Jesse Laslovich for the District of Montana in a statement. Indeed, his actions threatened Montanas native wildlife species for no other reason than he and his co-conspirators wanted to make more money."

Rancher illegally bought parts of the sheep

The rancher illegally brought parts of the Marco Polo argali sheep, one of the largest sheep species in the world, weighing 300 pounds or more, to the U.S., court records show.

From 2013 to 2021, Schubarth also sold mountain sheep, mountain goats and various other hoofed animals primarily to captive hunting facilities, according to the Justice Department.

Captive hunting facilities, or shooting preserves, "allow trophy hunters to shoot animals who are fenced in," according to the Humane Society of the United States. "The animals are often semi-tame  some have even been hand raised or bottle fed by humans."

"Argali sheep are trophy hunted due to their large size and unique long spiraling horns," court documents said. "Argali horns are the largest of any wild sheep."

Argali sheep have a market value of more than $350 per animal, according to court documents.

Flock of sheep Marco Polo on vacation. Marco Polo on the hillside. Tien Shan, Kyrgyzstan,

A protected species

The sheep are natives to the high elevations of the Pamir region of Central Asia and "are prohibited in the State of Montana to protect native sheep from disease and hybridization," the Justice Department said.

The sheep are protected around the world by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) and domestically by the Endangered Species Act, according to the Justice Department.

This case exemplifies the serious threat that wildlife trafficking poses to our native species and ecosystems, said Assistant Director Edward Grace of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Office of Law Enforcement in a statement. Mr. Schubarth's actions not only violated multiple laws designed to protect wildlife, but also risked introducing diseases and compromising the genetic integrity of our wild sheep populations."

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Schubarth pleaded guilty in March

The rancher admitted conspiring to violate the Lacey Act and substantively violating the Lacey Act while owning and operating under Sun River Enterprises LLC, according to court documents filed in March in the District of Montana.

The crime has since "ruined his life, reputation and family," his attorneys said.

He committed the crimes at Schubarth Ranch, a 215-acre alternative livestock ranch in Vaughn, Montana, records show.

"On a ranch, in a barn in Montana, he created Montana Mountain King (MMK)," the sentencing memorandum submitted by Schubarth's attorneys said. "MMK is an extraordinary animal, born of science, and from a man who, if he could re-write history, would have left the challenge of cloning a Marco Polo to only the imagination of Michael Crichton (author of Jurassic Park)."

How did Schubarth create the giant hybrid sheep?

To create the hybrid sheep, Schubarth sent genetic material from the argali parts to a third-party lab to generate cloned embryos, according to the Justice Department. He paid a $4,200 deposit for the cloning, according to court records.

The rancher and his co-conspirators then used artificial breeding procedures to implant the 165 cloned Marco Polo embryos into female sheep on Schubarth Ranch, court records show.

Schubarth's process would result in a single pure genetic male Marco Polo argali named "Montana Mountain King" or "MMK," the Justice Department said. The rancher then used MMK's semen to artificially impregnate other female sheep that were illegally possessed in Montana to create "hybrid animals," according to federal authorities.

Schubarth's and his co-conspirators' goal was to "create a larger and more valuable species of sheep to sell to captive hunting facilities, primarily in Texas," the Justice Department said.

Schubarth accused of selling sheep across the US

Moving the sheep in and out of Montana meant Schubarth and others had to forge veterinary inspection certificates and lie about how the sheep were legally permitted animals, according to court documents. The rancher also would sell MMK's semen directly to sheep breeders in other U.S. states, the documents said.

In addition to argali sheep, Schubarth illegally bought genetic material from wild-hunted Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep in Montana, court records show. He violated Montana law by purchasing parts of the wild-hunted sheep and selling them. He also sold bighorn parts in different states, federal authorities said.

This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies, Assistant Attorney General Todd Kim of the Justice Department's Environment and Natural Resources Division said in the release. In pursuit of this scheme, Schubarth violated international law and the Lacey Act, both of which protect the viability and health of native populations of animals.

This story was updated to correct a typo.

Jonathan Limehouse covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at JLimehouse@gannett.com

Julia is a trending reporter for USA TODAY. You can connect with her on LinkedIn, follow her on X, formerly Twitter, Instagram and TikTok: @juliamariegz, or email her at jgomez@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Montana rancher who created giant sheep hybrid sentenced to prison
RALEIGH, N.C. (WNCN)  Facing a wide-scale disaster in western North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene, the NC State Board of Elections held an emergency meeting Monday as officials assess the impacts on the upcoming election.

The state board voted unanimously to give county election boards in the affected area flexibility to reschedule meetings that begin Tuesday to review absentee ballots that have been returned.

RELATED: Triangle families desperate to reach loved ones missing after Helene; Ham Radio operators help relay messages

We do not stop an election, said Karen Brinson Bell, executive director of the NC State Board of Elections. We figure out how to proceed. Please be patient with us as we work through this.

Brinson Bell said the agency will hold a briefing for news outlets Tuesday to talk about additional impacts the hurricane is having on the administration of the election.

While mail-in voting is underway in North Carolina, the U.S. Postal Service is not currently delivering mail in many ZIP codes affected by the storm. Operations at several facilities are also temporarily suspended, USPS said.

The challenges for those folks that want to vote absentee by mail has just escalated monumentally, said Michael Bitzer, an expert on state politics at Catawba College.

RELATED: They were underwater: Helene leaves Durham residents dealing with flooded cars, streets, and local businesses

Mail ballots went out more than two weeks late this year after Robert F. Kennedy Jr. won a court case seeking to have his name removed. The deadline to return them is now on Election Day after the General Assembly eliminated the three-day grace period that previously was in place.

In-person early voting begins on Oct. 17, but its unclear to what extent the storm has damaged early voting sites and how accessible they will be to voters by that day.

With early voting and the early voting sites, we dont know what has survived and what hasnt, said Katelin Kaiser, policy director at Democracy NC. One of the things that we know that well need is funding. Each county in North Carolina funds its own elections.

North Carolina has experienced major storms close to elections in the recent past. Hurricane Matthew impacted the state in October 2016 and Hurricane Florence devastated parts of North Carolina in September 2018. But Bitzer said the scope of the destruction brought by Helene last week will create a monumental challenge to the affected counties trying to carry out the election.

RELATED: Hurricane Helenes heavy rain causes flooding in western NC

North Carolina is not immune from natural disasters, he said. And Mother Nature does not necessarily wait for when it is the most convenient time to have them. This is going to be a significant uphill battle to pull all the resources needed to run this election.

For many voters, this election will be the first they participate in under the new photo ID requirements. The states voter ID exception form allows people who lack an ID to vote and acknowledge they were the victim of a natural disaster within 100 days before Election Day.

Brinson Bell said Monday that 14 county election offices are closed. Election officials will also have to find out to what extent poll workers have been affected by the storm and whether they can still work at polling sites.

VIDEO: Hurricane Helene flooding in the western North Carolina mountains

Under a new law, the NC State Board of Elections must hold a meeting to exercise emergency powers after the General Assembly took that ability from the executive director.

Mondays action by the board is likely the first of many that will be needed to make adaptations so that voters in the western part of the state can still participate in the election, noted former state Supreme Court Justice Bob Orr.

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(FOX40.COM)  More than 100 people were arrested and two juveniles were rescued during a massive human trafficking sting operation that involved several law enforcement agencies.

Operation FAFO (fool around and find out) lasted two days and was led by the Sacramento County Sheriffs Office. Deputies said the operation was part of a concentrated effort to combat human trafficking and exploitation in Sacramento County. During the sting, law enforcement officers posed as undercover buyers and sellers to catch those involved in sex crimes.

Applications for $725 monthly payments to Sacramento County families open

This sting sends a clear message to those involved in the illegal sex trade: we are committed to protecting our community from exploitation, especially our most vulnerable, said Sacramento County Sheriff Jim Cooper. Human trafficking, especially the exploitation of minors, is a serious crime, and we will continue to work tirelessly to bring justice to victims.

Video footage from the sting operation shows the intense moments that dozens of law enforcement officers chased down and arrested multiple suspects. Drones and other high-tech equipment were used to ensure the apprehension of the alleged traffickers. Video footage also shows investigators hiding out in hotel rooms, arranging meetups with alleged predators, and ambushing unsuspecting buyers.

Other agencies involved in the operation included the California Highway Patrol, Rancho Cordova Police Department, the California Department of Justice Human Trafficking Team, Drive for Impact, the Sacramento Family Justice Center, and other victim advocate groups. In total, 122 individuals were arrested on charges related to prostitution, solicitation, and trafficking.

The operation also led to the identification and rescue of two juveniles, both 16 years old, who were being trafficked for sex. Officials said the young victims are now receiving care and services to help them recover from their traumatic experiences and transition to a safer, healthier environment.

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More than 100 men and women intend to pursue new allegations against Sean Diddy Combs, attorney says

Sean Diddy Combs may soon be facing new allegations from over 100 men and women whove obtained legal representation and plan to file civil suits against the embattled media mogul in the coming weeks, according to Houston-based attorney Tony Buzbee.

Buzbee said during a press conference on Tuesday his firm, The Buzbee Law firm along with the AVA Law Group, have been retained by at least 120 individuals to pursue cases in civil court against Combs and who contacted them after claiming to be victimized by Combs and other individuals or entities.

Some of the cases they intend to file, according to Buzbee, will center on allegations of violent sexual assault or rape, sexual abuse, facilitating sex with controlled subtance, false imprisonment, compelling prostitution, sexual misconduct, dissemination of video recordings and sexual abuse of minors.

The musician and businessman was indicted on federal charges, including sex trafficking, earlier this month. Combs has pleaded not guilty.

Buzbee said that of the 120 people whove retained his firm, half of them are men and half are women and that 25 of these individuals were minors at the time of the alleged incidents, which they said occurred in Los Angeles, New York and Miami during parties and, at times, music industry-related auditions.

As Mr. Combs legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors, Erica Wolff, an attorney for Combs, told CNN in a statement on Tuesday.

Wolff added that Combs looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court if and when claims are filed and served, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.

The firm said it plans to begin filing these cases within the next 30 days as they continue a vetting and collection of evidence process.

Tony Buzbee speaking during a press conference in Houston on Tuesday. - CNN

More than 55% of the victims reported this conduct to either authorities, that is the police, or to hospitals, Buzbee said, of which his firm is actively working to collect the records of reports made to authorities.

Buzbee also clarified that his firm is not filing a class action lawsuit, rather each case will be filed individually in various states. Combs, he said, will in some cases not be the only defendant cited on the civil suits, as Buzbee says other individuals and entities may also be named based on the claims and the evidence that theyve collected.

Since last November, Combs has been hit with 12 civil suits, 11 of which directly accuse him of sexual assault. Combs has denied many of the allegations against him and settled one claim, but has not yet responded to all of the lawsuits that remain active.

He is currently incarcerated at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, where he is awaiting trial on three criminal sex trafficking and racketeering charges after being indicted by a grand jury. Attorneys for Combs are appealing his detention, seeking his release from jail as he awaits trial.

A source previously told CNN that the majority of accusers who filed civil lawsuits had met with federal investigators during their months-long investigation. In March, Combs residences in Los Angeles and Miami were searched by the Department of Homeland Security Investigations.

After Combs arrest, authorities said the investigation remains active and ongoing.

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More than 100 people are to sue rap musician Sean 'Diddy' Combs for sexual assault, rape and sexual exploitation, a US lawyer has said.

Texas-based lawyer Tony Buzbee said that some of the alleged victims include minors who were abused when they were as young as nine years old.

"This is an important matter that we intend to aggressively pursue," Mr Buzbee told reporters.

Erica Wolff, a lawyer representing Mr Combs, said the rapper "emphatically and categorically" denies the allegations, saying they are "false and defamatory".

Speaking at a news conference on Tuesday, Mr Buzbee said he and his team will leave no stone unturned to find potentially liable parties in the alleged abuse, or any individual or entity who participated in or benefited from this egregious behaviour.

Ms Wolff said in a statement to the BBC that Mr Combs "looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation".

The legal action is the latest against Mr Combs.

Mr Combs was arrested last month and is facing criminal charges of racketeering and sex trafficking. He is currently in federal custody after he was denied bail, which he is appealing.

He has denied all allegations of criminal wrongdoing.

[Reuters]

According to Mr Buzbee, who is licensed to practice law in Texas and New York, the total number of alleged victims he is representing is 120, with half of them being men and the other half women who hail from more than 25 states across the US.

He added that 25 of the alleged victims he is representing were minors. This marks the first time that Mr Combs has been accused of sexually abusing children.

The allegations span between 1991 to as recently as this year with the incidents taking place in Los Angeles, New York and Miami, Mr Buzbee said. He added most of the incidents occurred after 2015.

Most of the plaintiffs, he said, allege they were date raped after parties hosted by Mr Combs that were held at well-known venues, as well as private residences and hotels.

Mr Buzbee said the parties were either to mark an album release, or were New Years Eve parties and US Independence Day parties. Others occurred at what he said were auditions.

Many times, especially young people wanting to break into the industry, were coerced into this type of conduct in the promise of being made a star or the promise of having Sean Combs listen to their tape, Mr Buzbee said.

One man, who was aged nine at the time, alleges he was sexually abused by Mr Combs and his associates at a recording studio in New York while trying to land a record deal, according to his lawyer.

Had he not been in power, I feel I couldve been something great. I quit the industry because of what Sean Combs did to me, he said in a statement via his lawyer.

Another man, who was also a minor at the time, alleged he was told by Mr Combs he would be made a star, but he first needed to visit the rapper alone without his parents.

Once in a private area, his lawyer claimed Mr Combs then requested the boy perform oral sex on him.

Mr Buzbee also raised the case of a then-15-year-old girl who alleges she was flown to New York for a party hosted by Mr Combs and was subsequently raped by him and others.

The lawyer claimed there was a clear modus operandi with alleged victims typically being offered laced drinks before being sexually assaulted.

The biggest secret in the entertainment industry has finally been revealed to the world, Mr Buzbee said. The wall of silence has now been broken.

He added that this is not a class action lawsuit and that there will be individual cases filed for each alleged victim.

Andrew Van Arsdale, an attorney at the AVA law group which is working with Mr Buzbee, said his firm had received more than 3,000 phone calls from people alleging abuse by the music mogul.

In addition to the 120 alleged victims, he said his firm were working to vet another 100 cases.

You can get in touch via this link
Screenshot of video from Pinellas County of damage suffered in from Hurricane Helene.

Pinellas County Commissioners held an emergency meeting on Tuesday to learn of the situation on the ground in their community, which was devastated by the storm surge that flooded parts of the county as Hurricane Helene struck the area last Thursday evening.

We experienced what we believe is the worst impact on our county weve seen in 100 years, said County Administrator Barry Burton. Were looking at over $2 billion in residential damage that we know right now, and the recovery is just beginning.

A small step in the recovery efforts was to begin at 4 p.m. Tuesday when all roads leading to the countys barrier islands were scheduled to reopen to the public for the first time since Helene hit. Potable water service has been shut down on those barrier islands from Johns Pass south to Fort DeSoto.

As of Tuesday morning, the county had assessed 26,710 properties  260 had been outright destroyed while another 15,923 have suffered major damage, requiring major repairs before residents can resume living in them. Another 6,320 properties had received minor damage and 4,207 had been affected.

In St. Petersburg, the countys largest municipality, more than 5,000 properties are listed as having major damage, according to county statistics.

Cathie Perkins, the countys director of emergency management, said that along with contacting hotels to see how many rooms might be available for those who are now without housing in the county, her staff is working with short-term rental platforms such as Airbnb and Vrbo to find available space, along with real estate property managers who may have availability.

Airbnb.org says that they are working with the Florida United Methodist Conference and contact centers in Florida and North Carolina to offer free, temporary housing for those who have been displaced.

This is going to take time, Burton told commissioners. This is weeks, not days, and its going to require the efforts of so many in order to help our residents regain their life.
The bus, carrying dozens of primary school age children, was returning from a trip north of Bangkok [Reuters]

The bodies of 20 children and three teachers have been recovered after a bus transporting school pupils crashed and caught fire outside Bangkok.

The bus was returning to the Thai capital after a school trip to the north of the country.

Videos from the scene showed flames engulfing the bus as it burned under an overpass, with huge clouds of dense black smoke billowing into the sky.

The driver handed himself in to police 100km (61 miles) north of Bangkok, according to local media.

Distraught loved ones of people killed in the tragedy visited the crash site [Getty Images]

Footage taken shortly after the fatal crash showed the driver attempting to extinguish the fire but he reportedly fled the scene.

Witnesses say the bus crashed into the concrete barrier dividing the highway just north of Bangkok, after a front tyre burst.

The bus was quickly consumed by an intense fire, and many on board were unable to get out. The cause of the fire is still unknown.

Nineteen children and three teachers are reported to have survived, sixteen of whom are being treated in hospital for their injuries.

Firefighters remove a wrapped-up body from the bus [Reuters]

Transport Minister Suriyahe Juangroongruangkit said the bus was powered by "extremely risky" compressed natural gas.

"This is a very tragic incident," Mr Suriyahe told reporters at the scene.

"The ministry must find a measure if possible, for passenger vehicles like this to be banned from using this type of fuel because its extremely risky."

Piyalak Thinkaew, who was leading the search, said it was hard to identify the bodies because they were so badly burnt.

"Some of the bodies we found were very, very small," he told reporters at the scene, adding that the fire started at the front of the bus.

"The kids' instinct was to escape to the back so the bodies were there," he said.

Forensic police said of the 23 bodies found, eleven were male, seven female and a further five were unidentifiable.

Rescuers pulled children's bodies from the charred wreckage [Getty Images]

The ages of the children on board remains unclear, but the school caters for pupils between three and 15 years old.

Thailand has one of the worst road safety records in the world, with unsafe vehicles and poor driving contributing to roughly 20,000 fatalities a year.

Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister, Anutin Charnvirakul, said an investigation was underway. "We have to investigate the trace of driving from the tire marks, the burning trace, and CCTV footage," he said.

Additional reporting by Gabriela Pomeroy
More dogs, cats dumped across southern Nevada as advocates push for change

LAS VEGAS (KLAS)  As local animal rescue teams report a sharp increase in dogs and cats abandoned on the side of the road, in parking lots, and even in the middle of the desert, 8 News Now looked into why this problem appears to be growing.

Bobby Friedman and her dog Suzy are inseparable.

She was fine with me from the beginning, Friedman said.

The two connected when Friedman saved Suzie from the side of the road near the desert in Las Vegas.

She looked pretty gruesome so I gave her a bath, Friedman recalled. Then I gave her a name.

Suzie did not have a microchip and no one came forward to claim her, so Friedman told 8 News Now she believed she was dumped.

Gail Beckman and her dog Cinnabon similarly found each other.

He would show up to look for food, Beckman recalled.

She said he was dropped off in the middle of the desert in Sandy Valley and had to stay alive for days before she adopted him.

He was running around for a week and a half, two weeks, Beckman said. Looking for food and water.

These two cases are examples of what many across southern Nevada call a much larger problem.

We have more dogs dumped out in the desert, more dogs dumped in different parking lots, Susan McMullen of Southern Nevada Trapping Team and Rescue said.

McMullen told 8 News Now the number of animals, specifically dogs she has seen abandoned has skyrocketed this past year.

Desert areas on the outskirts of the valley are common spots where her team is called out to capture these pets left scared and starving.

Most of the dogs, if they have been out for 48 hours, they go into flight mode, she explained. So they are just scared of everybody.

Stephanie Salinas-Byrd of A Path 4 Paws Rescue said dozens of animals are also being driven more than an hour away from Las Vegas and dropped in the desert near Sandy Valley, forcing the small community to pick up the pieces.

Its hard, Salinas-Byrd said of what shes seen. I hate it, people just come out here and they open their doors and let their dog go.

8 News Now asked why this seems to happen so much more across our community.

McMullen called it a combination of financial struggles and desperation, with many shelters, including The Animal Foundation often at capacity.

People just dont have the resources we used to pre-Covid, Chelsea Ward, Founder and President of Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League, said.

Ward emphasized the importance of education when anyone adds an animal to their family.

First, Ward said its crucial to understand no domesticated animal should be deserted.

I think what they are not realizing is that animal is not going to survive out there, she said of any person who dumps an animal.

Youve got coyotes, youve got other predators that go after the smaller animals, Ward continued.

However, before anyone looks to adopt or purchase a pet, Ward said they need to learn the true responsibilities that come with that decision.

If you are a licensed breeder or an animal welfare group or an animal shelter, she said. You need to be properly educating anyone you are handing a pet over to.

Salinas-Byrd added that there are always other steps to take instead of desertion, even if it feels like there are no other options available.

Anyone who needs help they can reach out to us, Salinas-Byrd said. Find another way.

Friedman told 8 News Now she doesnt want to think of what could have happened if she didnt find Suzie when she did.

It was horribly cold, damp weather, Friedman recalled. And she wouldnt have lasted the night.

Beckman told 8 News Now Cinnabon wouldnt have stood a chance with the cards he was dealt.

Each said they hope their story serves as a reminder that every animal deserves a second chance.

You have resources, Beckman concluded. You dont have to do this.

As of August, all dogs and cats over the age of four months old are legally required to have a microchip in the City of Las Vegas.

For more information on low-cost microchipping services, visit this link.

Anyone needing to surrender a pet can reach out to various animal rescues across southern Nevada, including the following:

A Home for Spot, Nevada Society for The Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (NSPCA), Vegas Pet Rescue Project, Southern Nevada Animal Rescue League (SNARL), Hearts Alive Village, Retriever Rescue of Las Vegas, A Path 4 Paws, PAWsitive Difference

Families can also reach out to any local veterinarian for suggestions or rescue contacts.

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More than just a car guy, the late Carl Moyer leaves a legacy of philanthropy in Ankeny

(This story was updated because an earlier version included an inaccuracy. Funeral arrangements also have been added.)

Carl Moyer was a car guy. He was always a car guy.

Moyer, who died Saturday at 83, built Karl Chevrolet from humble beginnings into one of the largest automobile dealerships in the nation. He also left behind a legacy of donations benefiting the Ankeny community, where the main dealership sits at the intersection of Southeast Oralabor Road and Southeast Delaware Avenue.

Ron Sampson, retired editor and publisher of the Ankeny Press-Citizen, and his wife bought their first car from Moyer in 1974, and every car they've owned since then.

When his father died in 2019, Sampson said several people had called about purchasing his late dads Chevrolet Malibu.

And he (Moyer) just called me and he said, Ron, you know, you're probably getting some people who want to buy your dads Malibu. What do you want for it? And I said, Well, here's what I've been offered, and he goes, Yeah, but what do you want for it? And I told him," Sampson recalled. "And he said, You know what? Pick that check up as soon as you can get over here and leave me the car, will you?

You know, it's just things like that," he said." Never bargained. Never asked me, Well, would you consider taking this? He's just that kind of guy.

Those who knew him said it was that honesty and dedication to customer satisfaction that helped him build his business, which includes locations in Webster City, Stuart, Story City, Marshalltown and Glidden.

He was truly, truly iconic. And what he did at Karl (Chevrolet) in a lot of ways, you know, mirrors what Ankeny did in the half century that he was in the business. He just grew, grew and grew, said Bruce Anderson, president of the Iowa Automobile Dealers Association.

Despite having just a 10th grade education, Moyer weathered the ups and downs of the automobile industry by being incredibly savvy and visionary, Anderson said.

He always knew what was coming next and what was coming after that. Somehow he just always knew," he said. "He was never just a step ahead. He was always a whole block ahead in what was changing in automotive retailing."

Moyers ability to navigate the ever-changing auto industry over the last five decades is something Sampson also marvels at.

The ups and downs," he said. "Can you imagine just going through COVID, going through all the shortages they've had? High interest rates, low, low inventory. He couldn't get the cars. He always managed to figure out a way to do business, and he expanded since he's in some of these small towns where they wouldn't have a dealership if it wasn't for Carl."

Carl Moyer of Karl Chevrolet in Ankeny is shown at the Ritz-Carlton Battery Park in New York City in 2004, when he was named General Motors Dealer of the Year.

Moyer invested in future employees at DMACC

Moyers motivation for expanding beyond Ankeny wasn't just about building the business, as exhibited when the ribbon was cut for the new facility in Marshalltown in April.

In an article from the Marshalltown Times Republican, Mayor Joel Greer recounted how after the tornado devastated his city in 2018, one of the first telephone calls I received was from Carl Moyer. He said: I have a check for $25,000. I have sold a lot of cars to people from Marshalltown  tell me to whom I write the check.

Greer said Moyer was looking to build a facility in Marshalltown and took the mayors suggestion to build on the north side of town rather than the more commercial south side to help revitalize that part of the city.

Anderson said Moyer always was a leader in terms of advertising, sales processes, digital media and handling automobile titling, registration and liens.

He said Moyer also was an expert at building a great team within his dealership that includes "some of the best people in the industry.

He hired really, really good people and then he gets out of their way, he said. From sales to marketing to, you know, collision repair, automotive repair right down to the back office operation of making sure the warranties are administered properly and their titles and liens are all registered and perfected, they just are a model for doing it pretty well, doing it right.

Moyer also invested in his future employees, donating $1 million with his wife to the automotive tech training program at Des Moines Area Community College.

Many, many, many of our auto tech students and collision repair students have worked at Karl's while they were going to DMACC and were hired when they graduated, said DMACC President Rob Denson.

The importance of his employees was never lost on Moyer even when the business grew to a size where he could no longer know everyone, Sampson said. He said that at an employee celebration this summer, Moyer told the gathering, When I had 80 people working for me, I knew every person. But because I have 800, I don't want any of you to think that because I don't know your name, you're not special to me."

Dealer was known for generosity in giving to Ankeny causes

Moyers support and philanthropy throughout the Ankeny community are nearly as legendary as his dealership, according to Polk County Supervisor Steve Van Oort, a former Ankeny mayor.

Van Oort helped plan the RAGBRAI stop in Ankeny in 1999, which had big ambitions and needed big-time financial support. Enter Moyer.

We wanted something really big to put Ankeny on the map. We had big ideas like, 'Lets not have one band, lets have two bands. Lets bring in somebody to make snow and let's do fireworks,' and you need money for that, Van Oort said.

People knew I knew Carl, and so I went to him and told him about this, and he just kind of grinned and he said, Lets do this," he said. "So he sponsored the fireworks completely and we did a big fireworks show. I want to think that was the first time that Carl had sponsored fireworks, and every year since then, he's done the fireworks at Summerfest.

In 2008, General Motors executives and the city of Ankeny honored Karl Chevrolet for being the No. 1 GM-certified dealer in the nation. Ankeny Mayor Steve Van Oort, left, gave owner Carl Moyer a key to the city as a thank you for his commitment to the community for the past 30 years.

Van Oort said a company from Wisconsin was brought in to create summertime snow for tubing on the slope at Hawkeye Park, an event that prompted a live remote broadcast on WHO radios popular "Van & Bonnie" morning show.

Carl was up at 5 in the morning. He was there. And just so excited about his participation, Van Oort said.

Sampson, who has been involved in fundraising for several civic projects over the years in Ankeny, said Moyer never shied away from providing support.

If we needed some funds to kick off something, Carl is one of those people we went to, and he made sure that the thing was, first of all, on the level, what we need and that it was going to go to a good purpose," he said. "That's all he required. He didn't say, 'What's it going to do for me?' He said, 'What's this gonna do for Ankeny?'

Van Oort said Moyer also had an interest in saving energy. Even though his 30-acre-plus Chevrolet dealership along Interstate 35 was lit up more than most small towns across the state at night, Moyer always used the lowest wattage bulbs possible, he said. And he was one of the first to install electric charging stations at his dealership.

He said Moyer was the only person to whom he ever presented a key to the city.

He framed it and he had it in his office, Van Oort said.

Moyer and son were avid auto racers

Moyer didnt just sell cars; he was very much involved with the whole car culture. Denson said Moyer could be seen this summer at car shows he hosted on the DMACC campus.

An avid racer, both Moyer and his son Bret used to race trucks at the Iowa State Fairgrounds.

I dont think a lot of people know that about him, the racing, Sampson said.

There is an old saying in stock car racing: Win on Sunday, sell on Monday, with the idea that cars winning on the track would attract customers to the showroom.

Moyer was happy to do both. He was, after all, a car guy. He was always a car guy.

Moyer is survived by his wife, Penny; sons Bret, general manager at Karl Chevrolet, and Brad; and a daughter, Pam, who also works at the dealership. A cause of death was not shared.

Family and friends are invited to a visitation from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday at the Ankeny Karl Chevrolet dealership.

Funeral services will be at 11 a.m. Monday at Ankeny Lutheran Church of Hope, 520 NW 36th St., with a private burial to follow.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Moyer's memory to Community Champions, 210 NE DelawareAve., Ste. 200, Ankeny, IA 50021. Please put Moyer memorial in the memo line.

Editor's note: A previously published version of this story incorrectly listed Bruce Anderson's first name.

Kevin Baskins covers jobs and the economy for the Des Moines Register. Reach him at kbaskins@registermedia.com.

This article originally appeared on Des Moines Register: Business savvy, philanthropy are equal parts of Carl Moyer's legacy
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEXSTAR)  On Monday, September 30, the New York Center for Research, Economic Advancement, Technology, Engineering, and Science (NY CREATES) announced receiving $4.7 million. This latest round of funding helps boost the states employability in a predicted semiconductor boom in the tech industry.

Industry experts foretell that semiconductor production will soon grow to support over a quarter of a million new jobs in the U.S. The money for NY CREATES will help establish the Education Alliance for Semiconductor Experiential Learning (EASEL) program, training new workers to fill those new jobs.

I consider myself lucky to represent a region that is such a strong leader in the semiconductor industry, from manufacturing facilities and research and development programs to our cutting-edge educational institutions, said Congressmemember Paul Tonko. Ive been immensely proud to lead efforts in the House on CHIPS & Science Act funding and bolstering our semiconductor ecosystem because I know how important this issue isnot only for our national security and economic competitiveness but also for creating good paying jobs here at home.

According to the announcement from NY CREATES, EASEL will train as many as 660 college students and teachers, providing over 43,000 hours of learning during the next four years. Initially, it aims to give them necessary hands-on experience at the NanoTech Complex in Albany, along with four main community colleges. Two are in-stateLaGuardia Community College in Queens and Onondaga Community College in Syracuseand two are out-of-stateMadison Area Technical College in Wisconsin and Columbus State Community College in Ohio.

September already saw more money for training in the semiconductor industry announced in New York. After all, We have the largest semiconductor manufacturing facility being built in America, Gov. Kathy Hochul said when announcing her Climate-Ready Workforce Initiative on September 23. Fifty thousand new jobs are coming to Upstate New York.

Biden administration announces $6.6 billion to ensure leading-edge microchips are built in the US

On Wednesday, September 25, the American Federation of Teachers (AFT) announced that the Advanced Technology Framework would spread to other states. The career curriculum for high school students launched in New York this fall after input from the teachers union New York State United Teachers (NYSUT).

The Wednesday announcement from AFT detailed $1.72 in grant funding to expand the program from New York to Michigan and Minnesota. In New York, the Fall 2024 pilot program already rolled out at Baldwinsville Central School District, Chittenango School District, East Syracuse-Minoa Central School District, Liverpool Central School District, Brooklyn STEAM Center, Thomas Edison High School, Niagara Falls City School District, North Syracuse Central School District, Syracuse City School District, Onondaga-Cortland-Madison BOCES, and Watertown School District.

That original rolloutannounced in December 2023cost about $4 million, split between the state and the semiconductor manufacturer Micron. Between all three states, they project that 1,440 total students will train for these high-tech microchip industry jobs.

And on September 20, Hochul announced another new programOne Network for Regional Advanced Manufacturing Partnerships (ON-RAMP)to build four workforce development centers upstate for $200 million. These centers will be the training grounds for even more New Yorkers seeking semiconductor manufacturing jobs.

ON-RAMPs flagship center will be in Syracuse. The state is holding a competition to select the locations for the three others. Up to $300,000 in planning funds, $20 million for capital, and $20 million for operating expenses would be available per center, requiring at least a 10%and up to 20%in matching funds. Funding would at least partially cover a business plan planning grant, curriculum development, and renovations or construction for those three selected sites.

Municipalities, consortiums, or chambers of commerce can apply online with the Consolidated Funding Application (CFA) by December 2. The state wants no more than one center in the Capital Region, Finger Lakes, Mid-Hudson, Mohawk Valley, North Country, or Southern Tier. The application requires evidence of coalition building and financial management experience, a draft budget, letters of support, and an overview of the training or services that would be available.

All those centers would aim to be self-sustaining by 2030. Theyll provide practical training, instruct workers on adapting to an evolving job market, and connect them to long-term careers. Register online for a webinar on October 10 about ON-RAMP.

Watch a video about the Federal CHIPS and Science Act here.

According to Hochuls office, the New York semiconductor industry already boasts 150 companies and more than 34,000 workers. They said companies have announced over $112 billion in planned investments statewide since 2022.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC22 & FOX44.
MSNBC legal correspondent Lisa Rubin stopped by Morning Joe on Tuesday to explain the groundbreaking decision a Georgia judge made by striking down the states six-week abortion ban and declaring it unconstitutional by the states own laws.

There is a recognition here that women are not, as [the judge] says, collectively-owned community property, Rubin told the Morning Joe panel of Judge Robert McBurneys move. They cannot be forced to carry a fetus before viability any more than you or I could be forced to give a up a kidney. Thats a fairly radical conception of the the right to abortion. It made a lot of women I know think, Oh my God. This is the end of judicial gaslighting. There is someone here who sees us.'

McBurney  a Republican-appointed judge  issued his ruling on Monday, stating that Georgias Living Infants Fairness and Equality Act, or LIFE Act violates a womans state Constitutional rights. The development comes after activist organization SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Collective challenged the integrity of the act in a 2019 lawsuit against Georgia, nearly three years prior to the overturning of Roe. v. Wade.

In his decision, McBurney said Georgia society can and will only intervene once the fetus inside a woman reaches viability, per 2019s LIFE Act.

When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene. An arbitrary six-week ban on (post-embryonic cardiac activity pregnancy) terminations is inconsistent with these rights and the proper balance that a viability rule establishes between a womans rights of liberty and privacy and societys interest in protecting and caring for unborn infants, McBurney wrote.

Putting McBurneys ruling into Laymans terms, Rubin told host Willie Geist that the judge decided Georgias six-week ban being based on when a heart beat is detectable is no longer good law and goes against womens rights over their bodies.

The decision ultimately by the judge on abortion, beyond that six-week mark when a fetus heart beat can be detected, is no longer good law. And he said its rooted in Georgias own Constitution that theres a recognition of a right to liberty. That liberty includes a liberty of privacy, and that Georgias own law recognizes that liberty of privacy is broader than the federal Constitutional right, Rubin noted. Though the state has a compelling interest in promoting fetal life, were balancing that against a womans liberty of privacy to control her own body. The states interest is not so compelling as to overcome the womans right to control her body until the fetus is viable outside that body.

For now, women in Georgia have the option to get an abortion up to 22 weeks into their pregnancy. While theres some breathing room for particular instances, Rubin anticipates a motion to appeal McBurneys ruling as well as medical professionals being fearful to perform the medical procedure.

Yeah, and I think there are some people who will be afraid to perform an abortion in the intervening time period, because this isnt just a ban on abortion  this is criminal prohibition on abortion, she said. The woman herself could be prosecuted because of the way the statute is worded. That is a pernicious place to be  I want to be clear with you and our viewers. This is almost a radical decision in its recognition of the right of women to control their body. More importantly, to prevent against a sort of involuntary servitude or forced labor.

The post Morning Joe Breaks Down Georgias 6-Week Abortion Ban Ruling: The End of Judicial Gaslighting | Video appeared first on TheWrap.
MSNBCs Willie Geist slammed what he saw as Donald Trumps particularly disgusting lie about the Biden administrations efforts supporting Americans affected by Hurricane Helene.

On Tuesdays Morning Joe, Geist reacted to the Republican nominees false claims a day earlier that the White House was ignoring the disaster which has claimed the lives of over 130 people and left hundreds more missing, according to the Associated Press.

In a series of clips, Trump was shown wrongly claiming that Georgias GOP Gov. Brian Kemp had struggled to get hold of President Joe Biden or outright denying they had spoken.

Biden Excoriates Lying Trump for BS Hurricane Helene Claim

The governors doing a very good job, Trump told reporters during his visit to Valdosta, Georgia, in one of the clips. Hes having a hard time getting the president on the phone. I guess theyre not being responsivethe federal government is not being responsive.

He also took a swing at Vice President Kamala Harris, saying she was out someplace campaigning, looking for money.

Another clip showed Trump incorrectly refuting a reporter who said that Kemp spoke with Biden the day before. Kemp said publicly that Biden had called him Sunday afternoon. He just said: Hey, what do you need? Kemp said, quoting Biden. And I told him, you know, we got what we need. Well work through the federal process. He offered that if theres other things we need just to call him directly, which I appreciate that.

Biden himself called out his predecessor Monday when a journalist asked about Trumps allegations that hed been ignoring Kemp.

He is lying, Biden said from the Oval Office Monday. Let me get this straight: He is lying, and the governor told me he was lying. Biden went on to say he doesnt know why Trump does this.

The reason I get so angry about itI dont care about what he says about me, but I care, I care what he communicates to the people that are in need, Biden continued. He implies that were not doing everything possible. We are.

This is a particularly disgusting lie, Geist said on Morning Joe Tuesday, speaking to Jonathan Lemire about the saga. When the people there need help, suggesting that the White House and FEMAbecause Democrats dont want Donald Trump to win, of course it all comes back to him, theyre turning their back on him.

Hes also suggested that the White House and this federal government is ignoring MAGA supporters in red counties, Geist continued. Thats of course not true. Justnot even in this moment of destruction and devastation and people needing clarity and help so badly [he] cant even put his ego and his cheap insults aside.

Lemire agreed, saying Trump refuses to do it.

Rooting against the country is one of the themes from Donald Trump, Lemire said. And this is a moment where this is a particularly dangerous lie because if hes out there saying: Well, hey, the federal governments ignoring those who are impacted by this storm, that may discourage those impacted by the storm from even seeking help.

He went on to accuse Trump of only thinking about himself, adding that hed potentially been a strain on resources in Georgia with his visit on Monday. He wanted to go to have the political photo-op, Lemire said. Vice President Harris says she will go in the days ahead, but she wants to make sure that shes not an unnecessary distraction from recovery efforts.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Vandals broke into a vacant $20 million mansion, which neighbors say partially belongs to the half brother of Osama bin Laden, in California, causing tens of thousands of dollars worth of damage. The latest >



The death of a 2-year-old in foster care led police in Missouri to discover what they described as a filthy provider home. The investigation >



An Oklahoma family says a partially skinned dead dog was dumped feet away from their home. Full report >



The state of Arkansas sued YouTube and its parent company Alphabet on Monday, claiming the video-sharing platform is fueling a mental health crisis among youth. The latest >



A New Mexico judge upheld an involuntary manslaughter conviction against a movie armorer in the deadly shooting of a cinematographer by Alec Baldwin on the set of the Rust movie. Details >



Volunteers  unsolicited and unauthorized  cleared a Tennessee bridge to help their stranded neighbors. Full report >



An elementary school teacher in Texas has been arrested for allegedly hurting a student in the classroom. Read more >



The Justice Department will launch a civil rights review into the 1921 Tulsa Race Massacre. Details >



The FBI agreed to pay more than $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging female recruits were dismissed from the FBIs training academy in Quantico, Virginia, and routinely harassed by instructors with sexually charged comments. Read more >



A Montana man received a federal prison sentence for cloning a giant sheep to create hybrid sheep for captive trophy hunting. Details >



Fans of the Harry Potter books and movies have a unique spot to visit in central Arkansas that replicates the home of beloved character Hagrid. Take a look >


Huntington Mayor Steve Williams and West Virginia Attorney General Patrick Morrisey will meet for a gubernatorial debate on Oct. 29. (Left photo: Will Price | West Virginia Legislative Photography. Right photo: Amelia Ferrell Knisely | West Virginia Watch)

West Virginia gubernatorial candidates Patrick Morrisey and Steve Williams will take part in a debate later this month, they confirmed in separate news releases Tuesday morning.

West Virginia Metronews will host the debate at 7 p.m. Oct. 29 at Fairmont State University. Talkline host Hoppy Kercheval will moderate.

Im excited for the chance to speak directly to the people of West Virginia and share my plans for improving our state, said Morrisey, a Republican. This debate will be an important opportunity to highlight our proposals to cut taxes, create jobs, improve education, and help West Virginia compete better against the states we touch.

Williams, Morriseys Democrat opponent, said in his news release he is grateful for the chance to debate critical issues facing the state.

This debate is a chance for us to have an open and honest conversation about the future of West Virginia, and I look forward to engaging with Patrick Morrisey on the topics that matter most to our citizens  jobs, health care, education and building a brighter future for all West Virginians, he said.

Kercheval said in an email Tuesday afternoon the event will be more like a forum than a traditional debate. No third-party or independent candidates will participate. There will be no in-person audience, but press will be allowed to attend, he said.

The event will be broadcast on MetroNews stations and video streamed on https://wvmetronews.com.

Williams had challenged Morrisey to a debate last month. A debate previously planned for Oct. 30 was called off. A spokesperson for Morrisey said at the time that details for that debate had not been agreed upon.

Morrisey, the state attorney general, is the favorite to win against Williams, mayor of Huntington. According to an August poll of registered voters, Morrisey held a 14% lead against Williams, with 49% of those polled saying they supported Morrisey compared to 35% for Williams.

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The Colorado Springs Police Department is investigating a social media post that threatens multiple schools at two local districts, but the early evidence suggests that the post is a hoax, according to law enforcement officials Tuesday.

The post, which began circulating late Monday, listed several middle schools and high schools in Harrison District 2 and Colorado Springs District 11, suggesting that the schools were going to get shot up.

Officials from both districts told The Gazette that they were aware of the bogus post, and that CSPD was notified.

Its unfortunate that we have to waste time and resources on something like this, said District 2 spokeswoman Christine OBrien.

CSPD spokesman Ira Cronin said Safe2Tell received multiple reports about the same post.

Currently, nothing suggests that this is a credible threat, Cronin said.

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A message to Harrison District 2 families said the timing of the post may not be coincidental.

Unfortunately, these individuals target schools on Count Day and prevent our students from getting the education they deserve, the message stated.

Each year, the Colorado Department of Education conducts a statewide pupil count which, among other things, helps determine eligibility for funding.

Police officials advised students and their parents to remain alert to any kind of threat, whether direct or indirect.

CSPDs message to parents and school kids is to  as always  be vigilant, and if they see anything that seems out of place, including the behavior of a fellow student, to tell a trusted adult, Cronin said. If the individual or individuals responsible for this image are determined to be local, there will be consequences.

Two local students are facing charges for their involvement in false school threats last month, according to earlier reporting from The Gazette.
There are foreign policy questions at stake in this election that run so deep and touch on such fundamental assumptions about Americas proper place in the world that it is nearly impossible for any one question posed to the candidates not to miss the forest for the trees. That is because Donald Trumps America First movement self-consciously departs from the beliefs, traditions, and practices that have defined American foreign policy since a time before nearly every living American can remember: since the administrations of Roosevelt, Truman, and Eisenhower cemented them as the bipartisan consensus in the aftermath of World War II. Indeed, America First borrows its very name from the movement that opposed every tenet of that consensus before the wars start. It should be no surprise, then, that historical debates surrounding World War II, long dormant, have become hot political topics once more.

These debates are not some esoteric diversion for history buffs. Candidates answers to these historical questions would tell us more about their fundamental views on Americas role in world affairs than any specific question about todays top stories ever could. For that reason, they should be part of tonights vice presidential debate.

Sen. J.D. Vance, the Republican vice presidential nominee, has already found himself handling one such historical hot potato. Ten days ago, he headlined Tucker Carlsons tour event in Hershey, Pennsylvania, just weeks after Carlson ignited a firestorm by hosting on his show and endorsing an amateur historian who argued, among other things, that Winston Churchillnot Adolf Hitlerwas the chief villain of World War II and that it was a mistake to fight a war to stop Hitlers conquest of Europe.

Tucker Carlson, Rep. Byron Donalds, former President Donald Trump, and Sen. J.D. Vance appear on the first day of the Republican National Convention on July 15, 2024, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images)

Vance, of course, is not responsible for every idea Carlson promotes. But the vice presidential nominee also refused to distance himself from Carlson after that fiasco, despite the outcry that sprung up across the political spectrum. Carlsons lobbying effort was reportedly crucial in persuading Trump to choose Vance as his running mate, and for the primary reason that Vance was the most anti-neocon of all the finalists for the job. This makes sense, given that neocon is an epithet that Carlson and Vance both regularly hurl at those who disagree with them, using the term as a synonym (in their minds at least) for warmonger. Indeed, the policy stance that most clearly binds Carlson and Vance and distinguishes them among Trumps many backers is their strident anti-interventionism and 180-degree turn away from the foreign policy traditions of George W. Bush and Ronald Reagan. It is most clearly evident inthough by no means limited totheir deep and open hostility to Ukraine in its defensive war against Russia.

Vance has fashioned himself as an outspoken proponent for and a nascent intellectual leader of Trumps often amorphous America First foreign policy project. And given the vagaries and inconsistencies of Trumps own views on the subject, it matters greatly who holds the No. 2 spot in his administration. Foreign policy is clearly the area where Vance differs most from Trumps first running mate, Mike Pence, who is a strong supporter of Ukraine and Reaganite proponent of robust American world leadership. Vance would have an outsized ability to steer foreign policy in a very different direction during a second Trump term, and even more so as a leader in the Republican Party in the years thereafter.

So what does Vance mean when he advocates America First? We already know that history plays a foundational role in Vances worldview; he has said many times that the Iraq War, which he believes was a historic mistake, anchors his entire foreign policy outlook. He has every right to take that position and argue it, not least because he personally bore the costs of that war by serving his country in it. But to lead this country, he also needs to answer the question that logically follows next: What other wars in American history does he view as mistakes? Where is the line between, as he might put it, the machinations of neocon warmongers and the necessary wars that America was right to fight? The Gulf War? The Korean War? Was it right to supply military aid to the Soviet Unions enemies under Ronald Reagan? What about supplying aid to Hitlers enemies in the 1940s? Was America also wrong to get involved in that war?

Voters deserve to know whether Vance views the policy choices made by Americas leaders in the run-up to World War IIsupporting the alliance against the fascist powers by supplying military aid to Britain, China, and the Soviet Unionas mistakes. Should America have instead followed a policy of non-intervention and let Europe and Asia sort out their own mess, regardless of who won? That, of course, is exactly what the most famous iteration of the America First movement advocated. Founded in 1940, but channeling sentiments that ran strong all throughout the 1930s, the America First Committee argued that America should limit its intervention solely to the Western Hemisphere and not play any part (including the supply of aid) in conflicts that did not concern it directlyamong them Hitlers invasions of Czechoslovakia and Poland and subsequent battles with Britain and the Soviet Union.

World War II disabused most Americans of those anti-interventionist instincts; indeed, the America First Committee dissolved itself after Pearl Harbor. American foreign policyand the very foundations of the world ordercompletely changed as a result of that conflict. We still live in a world defined and maintained by the treaties, trade arrangements, alliances and American military deployments and security guarantees (above all with NATO and our Pacific allies) that were established in the years following its end. They were consciously designed by Americas leaders to prevent a replay of the 1930s: to stop aggressive dictators early on before their wars of expansion could spiral into a third world war.

It is no accident that a multitude of historians have drawn direct lines of comparison between Hitlers expansionist wars against Germanys neighbors (especially its first victim, Czechoslovakia) and Vladimir Putins expansionist war against Ukraine and threats of future wars against Russias other neighbors. The parallels are striking. If Vance is so vociferous in arguing that America First today means refusing to aid Ukraine in todays conflict, does he think America First was right back in the 1930s and 40s as well?



If so, he needs to explain to voters why a world where America had never intervened would be a safer place today. And if not, he needs to explain to them why America First was wrong back then but right today. Vance is not the first politician to argue that Americas role as leader of the free world should have ended after our victory in the Cold War (or indeed, that it never should have fought the Cold War to begin with). It is possible that he could be right: that we are in a new age where different rules apply, and that now is the time to leave behind the lessons that we learned from World War II.

But history has a habit of punishing those who ignore its lessons and think that the fundamental nature of the world has somehow changed. Todays Americans inherited a system of world security that was built by Americas Greatest Generation and paid for with their blood and sacrifice. That generation rejected its version of America First. The onus is on Vance to explain to this generation why we should embrace it today.

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The most important debate this week isnt the VP debate. Its for the Senate race in Montana

On Tuesday, Senator JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz will square off in New York for the only vice presidential debate of the election. Polling from Prolific exclusive to The Independent shows the debate has a chance to tip the scales.

But in truth, whoever wins the White House will not be able to do much if they do not control the Senate, which not only passes bills, but also ratifies treaties and most importantly confirms cabinet and judicial nominees.

That is why both Democrats and Republicans are pouring in money to determine Montanas Senate race results. Senator Jon Tester, the Democratic incumbent who first won the seat in 2006, is running against Tim Sheehy, a retired Navy SEAL. Polling shows Democrats lead in Senate races with incumbents in Ohio, Wisconsin, Pennsylvania and Nevada, as well as in open Senate races in Michigan and Arizona.

But Democrats faced a major blow when Senator Joe Manchin  the former Democrat-turned-independent Senator from West Virginia, a state where every county voted for Donald Trump  announced last year that he would not seek re-election, almost guaranteeing the seat would fall into Republican hands. That left Democrats with only 50 Senate seats, and few opportunities to flip seats save for longshot attempts in Florida and Texas, and turned the spotlight on Montanas race.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) speaks with reporters on Capitol Hill on June 11, 2024 in Washington, DC. Congressional lawmakers return to work on Capitol Hill. (Andrew Harnik/Getty Images)

On Monday evening, Tester and Sheehy traded barbs in a debate at the University of Montana at Missoula on everything from abortion to immigration to health care.

The debate focused heavily on reproductive rights given that Montanans will vote on a constitutional amendment that would codify abortion rights, which Tester said he would support.

I believe women should be, should be able to make their own health care decision, Tester. It shouldn't be the federal government. It shouldn't be a bureaucrat. It shouldn't be a judge. Women should be able to make their own health care decisions. That's what Montanans like.

Tester sought to criticize Sheehy for previously opposing the amendment being on the ballot. But Sheehy tried to pivot by saying that he supported exceptions for rape, incest and the life of the mother and trotted out a known lie, claiming that Tester and Democrats are extremists wanting abortion up until the moment of birth.

When a baby is born alive, they refuse to enshrine protection for that life, he said, a common talking point that former president Donald Trump has also made, which is not true and Tester called total bunk.

It's a lie. It doesn't happen, he said. Those lives are already protected. Tim, you know it, you're saying it to try to politicize this issue more than it already is.

Republicans think they have a decent shot at winning the Montana race. Senator Steve Daines, Montanas junior senator, serves as the chairman of the National Republican Senatorial Committee and played a major role in clearing the field for Sheehy to avoid a bruising primary. In addition, the Cook Political Report recently changed the rating in Montanas Senate race from Toss-up to Lean Republican.

Tim Sheehy speaking during the second day of the Republican National Convention Tuesday, July 16, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)

Sheehy attacked Tester on immigration, which has become a top-of-mind issue for many voters, saying it contributed to the increasing cost of housing and sought to tie Tester to Vice President Kamala Harris.

Tester in turn tried to hit Sheehy for opposing a bill that would have tightened restrictions at the US-Mexico border, though Sheehy noted he was not a senator at the time.

They'll point to a bill that maybe would have done something that didn't pass, and have yet another messaging opportunity to distract from the issue that they selectively and intentionally opened the border, stood by and let it stay wide open for years, Sheehy said.

Montana voted for Trump by double digits in 2016 and 2020. And Trump has frequently criticized Tester  who as the top Democrat on the Veterans Affairs Committeee, sank Trumps nominee to lead the department in 2018. In August, Trump traveled to Montana to hold a rally for Sheehy.

During his closing remarks, Sheehy pointed to Testers opposition to Trump.

He also voted to impeach Donald Trump twice. [He] said on CNN, we should punch him in the face Sheehy said.

Mondays debate was likely the final direct match up between Tester and Sheehy. But while all eyes will be on the debate in New York, Big Sky Country might determine the fate of either Trump or Harriss agenda.
SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  A motorcyclist was killed Monday in a crash near Otay Mesa, authorities said.

The collision occurred around 4:40 a.m. on Enrico Fermi Drive northbound, located north of Otay Mesa Road, Salvador Castro with the California Highway Patrol said in a news release.

A 20-year-old Chula Vista man was riding a Kawasaki Ninja motorcycle when for unknown reasons the rider struck a yellow box truck that was disabled and parked along the east curb, according to authorities.

SDFD task force members injured in crash on way to NC for Hurricane Helene relief efforts

The impact of the crash caused the rider to be ejected onto the roadway. The motorcyclist was pronounced dead at the scene due to major injuries.

Authorities shut down Enrico Fermi Drive northbound to investigate.

A toxicology report is pending to determine if alcohol/and or drugs played a role in the crash.

Anyone who witnessed the crash is asked to contact the CHP San Diego Area at 858-293-6000.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (PIX11)  An associate of the MS-13 gang will spend five decades behind bars for luring four men to their deaths at a Central Islip park seven years ago, authorities said Tuesday.

Leniz Escobar, 24, also known as Diablita or Little Devil, was sentenced to 600 months in prison for her role in the killing of four men after their brutal execution at the hand of MS-13 gang members in April 2017, according to prosecutors.

Escobar lured five young men  including Justin Llivicura, Michael Lopez, Jorge Tigre, and Jefferson Villalobos  to a wooded area in a Central Islip park to smoke marijuana. But when they got there, according to prosecutors, MS-13 gang members were waiting.

They ambushed the five young men and used machetes, knives, wooden clubs, and an axe to hack them to death because they believed they were part of a rival gang, authorities said.

After the brutal attack, Escobar bragged about the killings with other MS-13 gang members, according to prosecutors.

The victims ranged in age from 16 to 20. One of them, Elmer Alexander Artiaga-Ruiz, escaped as the attack began, and ended up testifying against Escobar at trial.

In April 2022, Escobar was convicted of racketeering, including predicate acts of murder and conspiracy to murder rival gang members, after a four-week trial.

The defendant demonstrated her allegiance to the MS-13 gang by luring four

young men to their slaughter, United States Attorney Breon Peace said. Todays significant sentence reflects not only the seriousness of her conduct but also the consequences of her actions including the terror and suffering experienced by the victims, and the life-altering grief that their families continue to suffer.

Mira Wassef is a digital reporter who has covered news and sports in the NYC area for more than a decade. She joined PIX11 News in 2022. See more of her work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Michigan State University Spartan Stadium | Susan J. Demas

Out-of-state Native American students can attend Michigan State University on in-state tuition rates through a new program announced Sunday by university President Kevin Guskiewicz during his investiture ceremony.

The MSU Native American Tuition Advantage Program (NATAP) will start in fall 2025 and expands on the current Spartan Tuition Advantage program so that students from anywhere in the United States or Canada who meet tribal affiliation criteria will qualify for in-state tuition levels and potentially the Spartan Tuition Advantage program.

This has been a collaborative effort between the Native American Institute, Office of Admissions, Office of Financial Aid, University Outreach and Engagement and the Office of the Provost, said Dave Weatherspoon, vice provost of enrollment and academic strategic planning. We engaged with community members in important discussions and researched similar national programs to ensure MSUs initiative would be as inclusive as possible. We believe this is one of the most significant tuition support programs focused on increasing college access for Native students.

According to a university release, NATAP will waive the full cost of tuition for Native students in some cases. Those who are eligible for NATAP, who come from a family with a total household income of $65,000 or less and who do not qualify for the Michigan Indian Tuition Waiver, will then qualify for a total tuition waiver through the Spartan Tuition Advantage Program, allowing MSU to expand tuition support to more Native American students who otherwise may not have qualified.

NATAP is a profound testament to Michigan State Universitys reignited dedication to Native American students, said Lauren Kennedy, senior admissions counselor for the MSU Office of Admissions and a member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames. I am confident that NATAP will provide Native American/First Nation students and their families opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. As a Native Spartan alumna and employee, I am incredibly grateful to this administration for instituting a groundbreaking new policy. This progress inspires me to continue my work.

To be eligible for in-state tuition rates through NATAP, MSU students must meet one or more of the following criteria:

Certificate of Degree of Indian Blood, or CDIB

Photocopy of Tribal ID

Photocopy of Indian Status Card

A letter of Tribal Certification

Proof of citizenship in one of the provincial affiliates of the Metis National Council

Enrollment card from one of the Inuit Land Claims Agreements

Descendant-based eligibility

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How much impact will first, only VP debate have on 2024 election?

Vice presidential candidates Tim Walz and JD Vance will meet Tuesday in New York City for the first and only vice presidential debate of the 2024 election.

The debate comes in the middle of a tight race between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump.

Former President Trump speaks on immigration, economy in Erie ahead of Nov. election

One local political expert doesnt think Tuesdays debate will necessarily change how people are voting.

Peoples minds are made up. I mean, this election is going to come down to who can get their people out. The people who are watching this are people who are absolutely going to vote. These are political partisans who are just eager for a fix, said Jeff Bloodworth, professor of American history at Gannon University.

Bloodworth said unless either candidate makes a major mistake, the debate will not have any consequences on the final outcome of the election.

However, he said the vice president position has grown more significant in recent elections.

Today, since 1980, the vice presidency generally has the capacity to be much more consequential, said Bloodworth. Famously, John Nance Garner, FDRs first vice president, said Its not worth a bucket of worms spit. That can still be true, but that has not recently been true, said Bloodworth.

CBS News will be moderating Tuesdays 90-minute debate, giving both candidates two minutes to answer a question and two minutes to respond followed by one minute for rebuttal.

Unlike Harris and Trumps debate, microphones will not be muted.

One centrist voter said he will be watching Tuesdays debate, but doesnt believe it will sway the way hes voting in November.

Erie Democrats hold freedom rally ahead of Donald Trumps visit

However, he said debates are still necessary for presidential campaigns.

We need as many debates as we can get. Period. We need a couple more on each one, said Bill Stouffer, a local voter. How else do we find anything out about these candidates other than their advertisements which are so skewed? So, yes. I think the debates are very necessary.

Stouffer said he is looking for honesty when casting his vote in November

There are no more scheduled presidential or vice presidential debates after Walz and Vance take the stage.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJET/WFXP/YourErie.com.
A devastating fire tore through a Thai bus carrying 44 students and teachers on a school trip Tuesday, officials said, with up to 25 feared dead.

Prime Minister Paetongtarn Shinawatra said there were fatalities and offered condolences to the victims' families.

Transport minister Suriya Jungrungreangkit said the number of fatalities was not clear but 25 people were unaccounted for after the blaze.

"Initial reports said there are 44 on board, 38 students and six teachers. As far as we know now, three teachers and 16 students got out," he told reporters.

"For those still missing, we are not clear yet."

The bus was carrying students from Uthai Thani province when a tyre burst on a highway in a northern Bangkok suburb, sending the vehicle crashing into a barrier, a rescue worker said in footage broadcast on local TV.

The bus was running on compressed gas and the crash ignited its fuel tanks, the rescue worker said.

Video footage from the scene showed flames engulfing the bus as it burned under an overpass, huge clouds of dense black smoke billowinginto the sky.

"I have learned of the fire on a bus carrying students from Uthai Thani... resulting in deaths and injuries," Paetongtarn wrote on X, formerly Twitter.

"As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the injured and deceased."

The blaze has been put out but rescue workers have had to wait for the bus to cool down before searching it for bodies, a rescue worker said.

Thailand has one of the worst road safety records in the world, with unsafe vehicles and poor driving contributing to the high annual death toll.

tp-pdw/lb
A mother has said that the Foreign Office is failing her son, who is being kept in Lebanon in defiance of a UK court order.

David Nahle was taken by his father during a trip to Beirut in 2022 when he was 10 months old.

Dr Mustapha Ali Nahle has refused to abide by a High Court ruling for his son to be returned to Northern Ireland, saying he has been granted custody in Lebanon.

BBC Spotlight travelled to Lebanon to interview Dr Nahle, who said he would not be returning David to his mother, adding that he believes his son is safe.

The Foreign Office said it had provided consular assistance to a British woman who was in Lebanon and been in contact with local authorities..

On Monday night Israeli troops invaded southern Lebanon.

Davids mother, Catherine Flanagan from Belfast, said she was increasingly worried about her son, who is now almost three.

Every time I see that theres been an airstrike, Im checking where exactly that is in relation to different places where I know they might have David.

Its widespread violence, widespread bombings, she said.

Ms Flanagan told the BBC in early September that she had not seen or spoken to her son in more than a year.

There has been fighting between Israel and Hezbollah across the Lebanese border since the 7 October attack on Israel by Hamas.

The Iran-backed militia, which is based in Lebanon, said it would continue until there was a ceasefire in Gaza.

In recent weeks, Israel has carried out airstrikes across Lebanon, including in the capital Beirut.

'Not a second that I'm not thinking about him'

Catherine Flanagan is appealing to the UK and Irish governments to help get David back to Belfast [BBC]

The Foreign Office has told all British citizens to leave the country.

David, who travelled to Lebanon on a British passport, is being kept in Beirut by his father.

Dr Nahle is now considered a fugitive from UK authorities.

Ms Flanagan claims her questions to the Foreign Office about Davids case have gone unanswered.

Nobody has gotten back to me or told me what they are doing, that is not acceptable.

Davids rights as a British citizen, as my son, are being trampled all over. I find it extremely, extremely negligent, she said.

Birthday in a warzone

She fears for David who will celebrate his third birthday next week in a warzone.

There's not a second of the day that I'm not thinking about David. When I sleep, I'm dreaming about him.

BBC Spotlight travelled to Beirut to track down Davids father, who is a consultant anaesthetist in Lebanons largest hospital.

Speaking days before the most recent escalation in attacks, he told the BBC he had been granted custody by a Lebanese court, and would not be returning David to his mother.

"I am Lebanese, I live in Lebanon, I obey for Lebanese laws, thats it".

Dr Nahle added: "I feel David is safe and I have some safety measures.

"The world, in our lives, we dont have the hundred percent safety, in UK they dont have it, in Belfast they have riots, they have racial riots too."

Davids parents married in 2021 but the home office rejected Dr Nahle's application for a visitor visa to the UK.

After their marriage broke down, Dr Nahle took David from Ms Flanagan, citing concerns for his sons safety.

In 2023, the High Court in Belfast awarded Catherine custody and ordered Dr Nahle to return David to live in Northern Ireland.

That did not happen.

'He loves his son'

Dr Nahle is a consultant anaesthetist in Lebanons largest hospital [BBC]

Ms Flanagan told the BBC she fears her son is at risk in the country.

I can't believe that his father, who does love him, would do such a thing to me, would do such a thing to David.

Miceal OHurley is an independent mediator between Davids parents, and thinks the escalation in violence may change Dr Nahle's thinking.

I accept that Mustapha and his family love this child. If you've seen a video of him, he's happy, bouncy, chubby-cheeked.

He loves his son. But now it's about putting his needs first, he said.

'Little in the way of progress'

Mr OHurley also believes the government should be doing more to ensure David is evacuated from the country.

The government is so concerned we have now a level four evacuation for all British citizens.

It ought not to take a ground war, or missiles falling on your head, or dying because a pager explodes in the property next door to get us to marshal our attention to save a child.

Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) leader Gavin Robinson said he'd "like to see our government doing more for David".

"All [Catherine's] asking for is the Foreign Office stand over and support her desire to be reunited with her son... that shouldnt be a big ask, but seemingly the Foreign Office is not engaged in much behind the scenes," Robinson told BBC's Good Morning Ulster programme.

Mr Robinson described it as "an appalling state of affairs" and said there has been "successive foreign secretaries and successive governments" in place, but "little in the way of progress".

Additional reporting from David Hunter.

Spotlight: My Son In A Warzone is available on BBC iPlayer and is on BBC One NI on Tuesday at 22:40 BST.
Shocking surveillance tape of Kentucky judges shooting played in court as sheriffs murder case sent to grand jury

Shocking video showing the killing of a Kentucky judge in his chambers was played Tuesday at the preliminary hearing for the former sheriff accused of his murder.

Shawn Mickey Stines, 43, who officially resigned Monday as sheriff of Letcher County, appeared in court in a jail uniform and handcuffs as prosecutors presented their evidence in the murder of District Judge Kevin Mullins.

Judge Rupert Wilhoit found probable cause to refer the first-degree murder charge to a grand jury. Defense attorneys did not deny that Stines shot Mullins, 54, last month, but suggested Stines was experiencing an extreme emotional disturbance at the time of the shooting.

I think theyve established probable cause for manslaughter first, but not murder, defense attorney Jeremy Bartley told the judge.

Stines entered a not guilty plea to first-degree murder at his arraignment last week.

A clip of surveillance video from the judges chambers  which has no audio  appears to show Mullins crouching behind his desk as Stines shoots him multiple times. As Stines prepares to walk out of the room, Stines appears to see Mullins moving again under his desk and fires several more shots.

As the video played, Stines turned his head away from the screen and then lowered his eyes. Several people in the gallery on the prosecution side of the courtroom could be heard sobbing and moaning.

The video only played in court for 20 seconds, but the Kentucky State Police said the full recording of their interaction, which wasnt shown, was much longer.

Stines and Mullins had eaten lunch with a group at a restaurant prior to the shooting, and no witnesses observed any anger in their conversation, according to Kentucky State Police Det. Clayton Stamper, the only witness who testified at the hearing. But Stamper said witnesses at the lunch told police about one notable exchange.

I was told that the judge made a statement to Mickey about, Do we need to meet private in my chambers? said Stamper.

The prosecution did not present a motive in the shooting, but the detective affirmed Stines was seen in a section of the surveillance video not played in court calling his daughter on his own phone, and then asking to see Mullins phone, and the judge complied.

Letcher County, Kentucky, District Judge Kevin R. Mullins - Letcher County government

The full video shows Stines stood up and began shooting only seconds after looking at the judges phone, the detective testified.

I was told that Sheriff Stines had tried to call his daughter, and he had tried to call his daughter from the judges phone also, said Stamper, who confirmed that phone records showed that the cell phone of Stines daughter had previously been called from the judges phone.

Stines surrendered himself to law enforcement immediately after the shooting, according to Stamper, and made a confusing statement.

When he was taken into custody, I was told by one of the other officers there that he made the comment, Theyre trying to kidnap my wife and kid, he said.

Stamper said Stines was mostly calm by the time he arrived at the shooting scene.

Basically, all he said was, Treat me fair, Stamper said.

The closed Letcher County Courthouse in Whitesburg, Kentucky, is seen on September 20. - Randy Sartin/AP

Tuesdays hearing took place in West Liberty, Kentucky, nearly 100 miles from the Letcher County Courthouse where Mullins was killed.

The state appointed a special judge to preside over the case since Mullins normally would preside over preliminary hearings for crimes allegedly committed in Letcher County.

The hearing came one day after Stines formally resigned his position as sheriff, according to a letter from his attorneys obtained by CNN affiliate WKYT.

Sheriff Stines has made this decision to allow for a successor to continue to protect his beloved constituents while he addresses the legal process ahead of him, Bartley, the defense attorney, wrote.

Wilhoit informed Stines at his arraignment last week that he could face the death penalty if convicted of first-degree murder.

For more CNN news and newsletters create an account at CNN.com
A census enumerator asks questions to a family member while collecting information to compile voter lists for a general election and to analyze population and socioeconomic trends, in Naypyitaw, Myanmar, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Aung Shine Oo)

BANGKOK (AP)  Myanmars military government began a nationwide census Tuesday, saying it will be used to compile voter lists for a general election promised for next year, even though much of the country is engulfed in civil war.

The census is widely seen as an effort to gather information to closely monitor opponents of military rule even more.

Census enumerators, mostly schoolteachers and local administrative workers, went door-to-door in the capital, Naypyitaw, accompanied by soldiers and police.

State television MRTV reported Tuesday evening the census had been carried out in all 14 of the country's regions and states, and the initial collected data is hoped to be released by the end of this year.

A group that leads the struggle against military rule, the shadow National Unity Government, has advised people to use caution in complying with the survey.

Whether they are doing it for the fake elections or census, they are doing it to terrorize the people, so dont collaborate with them in these matters, said Kyaw Zaw, a spokesperson for the National Unity Government. I would like to say that all those who cooperate with the military council will be punished according to the law because their action is similar to encouraging and cooperating with the militarys terrorist activities.

Pro-democracy guerrillas have also warned that those who help collect information will face reprisals.

The Chin Brotherhood Alliance, which comprises five ethnic Chin militias from the northwestern Chin state, and the Dawei Defense Team, a group from the southern Tanintharyi region, warned in statements last month that they will take strong action against military government personnel who participate in the survey.

Such guerrilla groups, which frequently target people associated with the military, carried out attacks during a three-week survey to compile voter lists in January 2023, when elections were still expected later that year. About a dozen people including two police officers and local officials were killed and four military personnel were captured during the attacks.

The military government is widely viewed as hoping the polls will legitimize its rule, which began after it seized power from the elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi in February 2021.

In a televised speech in early September, Senior Gen. Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the military government, said the census information being gathered from Oct. 1 to Oct. 15 is crucial for compiling voter lists for a general election, but did not specify a date for the polls. He previously pledged to hold an election in 2025.

He also said that people must answer all the census questions without anxiety or doubt.

MRTV showed footage of Min Aung Hlaing and other members of the ruling military council with family being interviewed by census takers.

The Ministry of Immigration and Population says more than 42,000 census workers will gather information from more than 13 million households across the country. The survey contains 68 questions on matters such as the number of people living in each home, their education, disabilities, types of houses and access to water, electricity and toilets.

It also includes questions about the occupants' backgrounds, family members who have been away from home and the cause of death of family members, all highly sensitive matters for those who joined the armed resistance or the civil disobedience movement.

A 33-year-old nurse from the countrys biggest city, Yangon, who joined the civil disobedience movement in 2021 said she was worried about her safety because the census contains detailed questions about her job history and the military might use it to punish her. Like others who agreed to be interviewed, she spoke on condition of anonymity because she feared arrest.

A 29-year-old man who took up arms to fight against the army in the southeastern state of Kayin said he had suggested to his family back in his hometown in Mon state that they visit relatives in other townships to avoid the survey.

A 26-year-old gym trainer from Yangon told The Associated Press he believed authorities are gathering information not only for the census but also to obtain details of men who are eligible for military service.

The military activated conscription in February after it was forced into the defensive against pro-democracy militants as well as ethnic militias seeking autonomy. Independent analysts believe the military government controls much less than half of Myanmar's territory.

It would be difficult to organize an election while the country is at war, and critics see no way for the polls to be free and fair. At a meeting at the end of July, Min Aung Hlaing said the census would be prioritized in areas under the militarys control.

The U.N. Population Fund, the major collaborator in the previous census in 2014, announced in late 2023 that it was unable to support the 2024 census due to Myanmar's political strife and conflict. The military government said in August this year that China, a close ally, had pledged to give technical support for the census.

The Ministry of Immigration and Population estimates Myanmar has more than 56 million people.
By Tilman Blasshofer and Tassilo Hummel

STRASBOURG (France) (Reuters) -Julian Assange, the founder of whistleblower media group WikiLeaks, told European lawmakers on Tuesday his guilty plea to U.S. espionage accusations was necessary because legal and political efforts to protect his freedom were not sufficient.

"I eventually chose freedom over an unrealisable justice," Assange said, in his first public comments since his release from prison, addressing a committee at the Council of Europe, the international body best known for its human rights convention.

Assange, 53, returned to his home country Australia in June after a deal was struck for his release which saw him plead guilty to violating U.S. espionage law, ending a 14-year British legal odyssey.

"I am free today after years of incarceration because I pleaded guilty to journalism, pleaded guilty to seeking information from a source, I pleaded guilty to obtaining information from a source and I pleaded guilty to informing the public what that information was," he said.

WikiLeaks in 2010 released hundreds of thousands of classified U.S. military documents on Washington's wars in Afghanistan and Iraq - the largest security breaches of their kind in U.S. military history - along with swaths of diplomatic cables.

Assange was indicted years later under the Espionage Act.

A report by the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe concluded Assange was a political prisoner and called for Britain to hold an inquiry into whether he had been exposed to inhuman treatment.

Dressed in a black suit with a burgundy tie and a slight white beard, Assange sat between his wife Stella, and WikiLeaks' editor Kristinn Hrafnsson, reading out his initial remarks from sheets of paper.

"I am yet not fully equipped to speak about what I have endured," he said, adding: "Isolation has taken its toll which I am trying to unwind."

Speaking freely during a subsequent question and answer session, Assange looked moved when he told lawmakers the plea deal meant he would be barred from ever bringing a case to defend himself against the U.S.'s spying accusations.

"There will never be a hearing into what happened," he said.

His wife, whom he married while in a London jail, said last month he would need time to regain his health and sanity after his long incarceration.

Asked about his plans, Assange said the Strasbourg hearing, aimed at raising awareness of the need to protect whistleblowers and informers was "a first step".

Adapting to normal life after years of imprisonment included some "tricky things", he said, like learning to be a father for two children who grew up without him and "becoming a husband again, including with a mother-in-law," drawing some laughter from the crowd.

Assange was first arrested in Britain in 2010 on a European arrest warrant after Swedish authorities said they wanted to question him over sex-crime allegations that were later dropped. He fled to Ecuador's embassy, where he remained for seven years, to avoid extradition to Sweden.

He was dragged out of the embassy in 2019 and transferred to London's Belmarsh top security jail for skipping bail.

(Reporting by Stephane Mahe and Tilman Blasshofer in Strasbourg, Tassilo Hummel in Paris; Editing by Christina Fincher)
A Conway parent is suing Horry County Schools after their middle school student was slashed in the face with a razor blade by another student, according to the lawsuit.

Jamie Holmes filed the suit on behalf of the student, who was 13 years old at the time and attended Whittemore Park Middle School, located at 500 El Bethel Road in Conway. The incident happened on Jan. 2, 2023.

Horry County Schools doesnt comment on matters related to pending litigation, according to an email from spokesperson Lisa Bourcier.

The suit, filed on Sept. 27, 2024, said that the student, identified as L.M., was under the care and custody of school employees when she was assaulted by another student in the lunch room. L.M. sustained a cut to her face from the razor blade, the suit said.

Horry County Schools district employees had a duty to L.M. to make sure that she was kept safe at all times and to keep weapons from getting into the school, the suit said.

The suit said that no explanation has been given as to how the other student could get a razor blade into the school or what precautions were implemented to keep weapons out of the school.

The school failed to have security and provide safety measures, including having the appropriate number of teacher aides in the lunch room where L.M. was injured, the suit said.

L.M. required medical treatment for the laceration on her face and will continue to require treatment, the suit said.

The suit is asking for a jury trial for costs and damages.
How can the Myrtle Beach, SC area help with Helene recovery? Check out these resources

Although the effects of Hurricane Helene left the Grand Strand relatively unscathed, the storm devastated other communities. For those looking to send aid and assistance to areas battered by the storm, there are several ways to help.

While traveling to impacted areas can be a great help, the Federal Emergency Management Agency warns not to self-deploy. Instead, FEMA recommends volunteering with a trusted organization so you have adequate training, skills, safety and knowledge about where help is most needed.

There are also many local establishments around the Grand Strand accepting financial donations and supplies for communities recovering from the storm. These groups arent vetted charities, but could be a way to get involved locally.

Beach Church

Beach Church in Myrtle Beach is accepting donations to take to western North Carolina at the churchs reception office until 7 pm everyday this week.

Coopers Tavern

Coopers Tavern in Little River is collecting donations to bring to the Asheville, North Carolina area on Wednesday. People can drop off supplies at Coopers on Tuesday from 12 to 11 pm.

Georgetown First Assembly of God

Georgetown First Assembly of God is collecting donations to be transported to Asheville, North Carolina by local pilot Carter Sheridan.

Kosta Bowls

Kosta Bowlss four locations in Myrtle Beach, Conway and Pawleys Island are accepting donations during store hours to take to western North Carolina.

Stellas Homemade Ice Cream and Cakes

All Stellas locations are taking donations for upstate and western North Carolina. Folks can also contribute to the Amazon wish list created for those impacted.

According to FEMA, financial contributions are the most effective donation method because theyre fast and flexible. Groups on the ground are best equipped to evaluate what the community needs and can use financial resources to buy supplies in bulk, sometimes from local businesses, which can aid in economic recovery.

If you want to make a monetary donation to an established organization, here are some tax-exempt charities accredited by the Better Business Bureau that are members of the National Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster and have announced responses to the devastation wrought by Hurricane Helene.

The American Red Cross

The American Red Cross has more than 900 disaster responders working to provide shelter, meals, supplies and support to people impacted by Helene. People interested in helping can apply to be a volunteer or make a donation online or by texting HELENE to 90999. Blood and platelets are also essential donations after a disaster situation. You can find a blood donation site here.

Americares

Americares, a global nonprofit dedicated to health and development, has workers in Florida and North Carolina to restore health services and support medical needs and relief efforts in communities Helene hit the hardest. The organization has offered assistance to 360 clinical partners in the impacted areas and is accepting donations online.

Direct Relief

Dedicated to providing emergency medical assistance and disaster relief domestically and internationally, Direct Relief has made its inventory of medical resources available to clinics and health centers impacted by the storm. The organization is working with healthcare facilities to distribute medications, medical supplies, emergency kits and more. Direct Relief is accepting donations to its Hurricane Helene response here.

Feeding America

Nationwide nonprofit network of more than 200 food banks Feeding America is working with partners to send food, supplies and support to people in the Carolinas, Florida and Georgia impacted by the storm. The organization is accepting Hurricane Helene disaster relief donations online here.

Heart to Heart International

Heart to Heart International, a nonprofit dedicated to improving healthcare access in under-resourced communities and disaster situations, sent teams to Florida, Georgia and North Carolina to assess flooding situations and communities needs. The organization is shipping hygiene kits and medical supplies to partners, offering aid to potential partners and stationing a medical team in an area that needs the immediate assistance. Heart to Heart is accepting donations for its Hurricane Helene Response online.

The Salvation Army

The Salvation Armys Emergency Disaster Services is sending aid, food, supplies and support to survivors and rescue workers in five states. The organization is accepting donations online and contributors can mark that they would like their donation to support Hurricane Helene relief.
Mysteries of universe revealed? Hardly. But CERN still fascinates, discovers on its 70th anniversary

FILE - Fabiola Gianotti, left, Director General of the European Organization for Nuclear Research (CERN), and French President Emmanuel Macron, front, visit the ATLAS experiment, at the CERN (the European particle physics laboratory), in Meyrin near Geneva, Switzerland, Thursday, Nov. 16, 2023. (Martial Trezzini/Keystone via AP, Pool, File)

GENEVA (AP)  The research center that is home to the worlds largest particle accelerator is celebrating its 70th anniversary on Tuesday, with the physicists who run it aiming to unlock secrets about dark matter and other mysteries to promote science for peace in today's conflict-darkened world.

Over the last seven decades, CERN, the sprawling research center on the Swiss-French border at Geneva, has become a household name in Europe, the West and beyond, but its complex inner workings remain a puzzle to many people.

Here's a look at CERN and how its discoveries have changed the world and our view of the universe  and could change them more in coming years.

What is CERN?

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, which has retained the French-language acronym CERN for its predecessor outfit, had its origins in a 1951 meeting of the U.N.s scientific organization that sought to build a state-of-the-art physics research facility in Europe and ease a brain drain toward America after World War II. Groundbreaking was on May 17, 1954.

Today, for cognoscenti, CERN is probably best known as home to the Large Hadron Collider, trumpeted as the worlds biggest machine, which powers a network of magnets to accelerate particles through a 27-kilometer (17-mile) underground loop in and around Geneva and slam them together at velocities approaching the speed of light.

By capturing and interpreting the results of the collisions  as many as a billion per second  of such beams of particles, thousands of scientists both on hand at the center and remotely around the world pore over the reams of resulting data and strive to explain how fundamental physics works.

CERN says collisions inside the LHC generate temperatures more than 100,000 times hotter than the core of the sun, on a small scale and in its controlled environment.

At the collider, every day we are able to reproduce the conditions of the primordial universe as they were a millionth of a millionth of a second after the Big Bang. Yet, many open, crucial questions remain, CERN Director-General Fabiola Gianotti told an anniversary celebration attended by many leaders of its 24 member countries.

Over the years, CERN and its experimental facilities have grown into a vast research hub with applications in many scientific fields and industries.

In a world where conflicts between countries, religions and cultures sadly persist, this is a truly precious gift which cannot be taken for granted, Gianotti said.

How has CERN changed our world and our understanding of the universe?

Experiments in the collider helped confirm in 2012 the subatomic Higgs boson, an infinitesimal particle whose existence had been theorized decades earlier and whose confirmation completed the Standard Model of particle physics.

CERN is also where the World Wide Web was born, in the mind of British scientist Tim Berners-Lee 35 years ago, as a way to help universities and institutes share information. In 1993, the software behind the web was put into the public domain  and the rest is history, in smartphones and on computers worldwide.

The spillover science and tools generated at CERN have rippled through the world economy. Thousands of smaller particle accelerators operate around the world today, plumbing applications in fields as diverse as medicine and computer chip manufacturing.

Crystals developed for CERN experiments roughly four decades ago are now widely used in PET scanners that can detect early signs of health troubles like cancer and heart disease.

It is thanks to CERN that we have touch screens. It is thanks to CERN that we have new tools for fighting cancer," European Union chief Ursula von der Leyen said at the anniversary celebration. You are constantly working with European industries to build low-emission airplanes, or to create new solutions to transport liquid hydrogen.

"CERN is the living proof that science fosters innovation and that innovation fosters competitiveness, von der Leyen said, adding that she wanted to increase spending for research in the next EU budget.

Some skeptics have over the years stirred fears about CERN. Insiders variously argue and explain that such fears are overblown or inaccurate, and CERN has issued its own retort to some of the theories out there.

What the future holds

For the most part, CERN technicians, researchers and theoreticians of more than 110 nationalities today carry out new experiments that aim to punch holes in the Standard Model  smashing up conventional understandings to move science forward  and explain a long list of lingering scientific unknowns.

Its scientific whizzes hope to solve riddles about dark energy  which makes up about 68% of the universe and has a role in speeding up its expansion  and test hypotheses about dark matter, whose existence is only inferred and which appears to outweigh visible matter nearly six-to-one, making up slightly more than a quarter of the universe.

CERN has two big projects on its horizon. The first is the High-Luminosity LHC project that aims to ramp up the number of collisions  and thus the potential for new discoveries  starting in 2029.

The second, over the much longer term, is the Future Circular Collider, which is estimated to cost 15 billion Swiss francs (about 16 billion euros or $17.2 billion) and is hoped to start operating in an initial phase by 2040.

Despite its aim to foster scientific progress in the cause of peace and humanity, CERN has found itself ensnared in politics.

Its constitution says the organization shall have no concern with work for military requirements. In 2022, CERN's governing council voted to pause ties with institutes in Russia because of President Vladimir Putins order for Russian troops to invade Ukraine earlier that year. Some fear that applications from CERN's research could make their way into Moscow's war machine.

On Nov. 30, CERN will formally exclude Russia  affecting some 500 scientists, about 100 of whom have joined non-Russian institutes in order to maintain their research with the center.

The suspension will come at a cost, depriving CERN of some 40 million Swiss francs in Russian financing for the High-Luminosity LHC. It amounts to about 4.5% of the budget for its experiment, which will now have to be shouldered by other CERN participants.

CERN counts 19 European Union countries plus Britain, Israel, Norway, Serbia and Switzerland as members, while the United States and Japan  plus the EU and the U.N. educational, scientific and cultural organization  have observer status. Russia and a Russia-based nuclear research institute had their observer status suspended in 2022.
Mysterious Pacific Megastructure May Be Seafloor From Time of The Dinosaurs

Mysterious Pacific Megastructure May Be Seafloor From Time of The Dinosaurs

Scientists have now identified a strange slice of Earth deep below the Pacific that may explain why this region is currently creating the world's fastest spreading ocean ridge  the East Pacific Rise.

Using seismic data, University of Maryland geologist Jingchuan Wang and colleagues have found ancient ocean slabs hiding deep in Earth's interior, which could be contributing to the spread, and they date back to the time of the dinosaurs.

"Our discovery opens up new questions about how the deep Earth influences what we see on the surface across vast distances and timescales," says Wang.

Sending bouncing soundwaves deep into the ground to form seismic maps, Wang and team identified an odd blob of mantle moving surprisingly slow beneath the Nazca Plate that borders South America's own continental plate.

Most of Earth's volume is made up heated silicate rocks sandwiched between a cool, thin outer crust and a scorching hot core. Referred to as the mantle, this partially molten layer of minerals flows in cycles over the very slow course of tens of millions of years due to the extreme temperature differences above and below. Denser, cooler material is drawn into the warmer interior in a process called subduction.

In this area the Nazca Plate is currently subducting beneath South America, as shown in the diagram below. But on the western side of the plate is the rapidly growing ocean ridge and a hotspot of geological activity under the Easter Islands and a mysterious structural gap between the the central and eastern Pacific.

Diagram of structures under today's Nazca plate. (Wang et al., Science Advances, 2024)

"We found that in this region, the material was sinking at about half the speed we expected, which suggests that the mantle transition zone can act like a barrier and slow down the movement of material through the Earth," explains Wang.

The team determined this slab structure is colder and denser than the surrounding regions and it appears to be a fossilized chunk of an ancient seafloor.

"This thickened area is like a fossilized fingerprint of an ancient piece of seafloor that subducted into the Earth approximately 250 million years ago," Wang describes. "It's giving us a glimpse into Earth's past that we've never had before."

By not melting as completely as the surrounding mantle, the remnants of what had once been a Triassic ocean floor protrude deeper into the hotter mantle layers, causing the material to bulge into structures called super plumes.

The Easter hot spot is thought to sit above one of these plumes.

"Geodynamic simulations have attributed the geometry and stability of the lower mantle structures to their direct interactions with subducting slab," the team write in their paper.

The researchers suspect this series of anomalies, which orient from east to west, may help tell the story of the Nazca Plate, and how it has moved throughout Earth's history.

By deciphering historic traces of these ancient impacts deep within the ground, geologists can learn more about how our planet's inner workings shape the surface of our world today.

"Seeing the ancient subduction slab through this perspective gave us new insights into the relationship between very deep Earth structures and surface geology, which were not obvious before," explains Wang.

This research was published in Science Advances.

Related News
People toss buckets of water out of a home after hurricane Helene brought heavy rains and flooding to the southeastern U.S. (Photo by Megan Varner/Getty Images)

Homeowners and renters in 24 counties in western North Carolina and members of the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians are eligible for Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance following historic flooding due to Hurricane Helene, the N.C. Housing Coalition reported Tuesday.

Eligible counties include Alleghany, Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Clay, Cleveland, Gaston, Haywood, Henderson, Jackson, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, Wilkes and Yancey counties.

FEMA is taking applications for its Individual Assistance Program, which includes money for emergency housing at hotels and emergency supplies such as water, food, first aid, breastfeeding supplies, personal hygiene items and fuel for transportation.

The coalition shared disaster recovery information and other news during its weekly housing call. Its asking individuals and organizations able to provide information regarding assistance for recovery to click here.

Stephanie Watkins-Cruz

We are working on putting together a resource for the centralized database that is going to include several other centralized resources that are created by people on the ground. said Stephanie Watkins-Cruz, the coalitions housing director. We just want to try and be sort of one central location for folks to find out how they can help, and where they can donate or how folks in the west can get assistance in the coming weeks as we move out of the rescue phase and move into recovery.

Here is what residents in eligible counties need to know about available FEMA benefits:

There is a $750 benefit that is active and available IMMEDIATELY, as well as support  To apply: Call 800-621-3362 or visit DisasterAssistance.gov for more information or to get started on an application. For information on the process, click here.

Here is an accessible video on how to apply for FEMA Disaster Assistance.

Homeowners or renters with flood insurance MUST file a claim as soon as possible. FEMA cannot duplicate coverage. If your insurance does not cover all your disaster expenses, you may be eligible for federal assistance.

Watkins-Cruz noted that its important for homeowners and renters to apply for assistance within the first 30 days after a disaster is declared. FEMA can extend the deadline to 60 days if a state or tribal nation request it in writing, she said.

Its also important to file insurance claims quickly, Watkins-Cruz said.

If you do have homeowners, renters or flood insurance, you should file a claim also with insurance as soon as possible because FEMA cannot duplicate benefits for losses that are covered by insurance, Watkins-Cruz said.

NC Newsline recently published a list of organizations where individuals can make donations to help those impacted by the storm.

Heres that list:

North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund

Donations made to the North Carolina Disaster Relief Fund will go to nonprofits working to meet the immediate needs of storm victims such as food and water, cleaning supplies and other emergency supplies. All of the donations made will go to disaster relief.

United Way of North Carolina is the fiscal agent for the Fund and will provide grants and reimbursement to nonprofits working in impacted communities.

 Donate: https://pay.payitgov.com/nc

 Donations can also be mailed to:

NC Disaster Relief Fund, 20312 Mail Service Center, Raleigh, NC 27699-0312.

Or NC Disaster Relief Fund, c/o United Way of NC, 1130 Kildaire Farm Road, Suite 100, Cary NC 27511.

American Red Cross

 Donate: https://www.redcross.org/donate/dr/hurricane-helene.html/

 Other options for donating: Call 1-800-RED CROSS (800-733-2767) or Text HELENE to 90999

Samaritans Purse

Samaritans Purse mobilizes staff and equipment and enlists thousands of volunteers to provide emergency aid to victims of tornadoes, hurricanes, wildfires, floods, and other natural disasters in the United States.

 Learn more and donate to Hurricane Helene Relief Efforts:https://www.samaritanspurse.org/article/pray-for-those-in-helenes-path/

The Salvation Army of the Carolinas

 Donate: https://give.helpsalvationarmy.org/give/166081/#!/donation/checkout

 To donate by phone: Call 1-800-SAL-ARMY

Baptists on Mission

Baptists on Mission is responding in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene in the mountains of western North Carolina. Theyve set up feeding units at First Baptist Boone and Biltmore Baptist in Arden. In addition, they are setting up recovery sites in Boone, Spruce Pine, Hendersonville and Marion.

 Donate: https://baptistsonmission.org/Mission-Projects/By-Mission-Type/Disaster-Relief/Hurricane-Helene/Donations

 To make a donation by check, make the check payable to Baptists on Mission, PO Box 1107, Cary, NC 27512. Designate on your check to Hurricane Helene Response.

World Central Kitchen

World Central Kitchen teams are in four states serving meals and assessing food needs for communities in the southeastern US after Hurricane Helene. WCK teams are scouting in Tennessee and North Carolina to find the biggest areas of need. With many roads rendered impassable into cities like Asheville, WCK is exploring all options to reach isolated communities.

 Donate: https://donate.wck.org/give/499865/#!/donation/checkout

Operation Airdrop Based at Concord Regional Airport

Operation Airdrop is a Texas-based 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to providing rapid relief to communities impacted by natural disasters.

Founded in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey in 2017, the organization mobilizes volunteer pilots and a diverse fleet of aircraft to deliver essential supplies to areas cut off from traditional aid routes.

 Donate: https://www.operation-airdrop.com/hurricane-helene

North Carolina Community Foundation

The North Carolina Community Foundation is encouraging donations to groups that are working to address immediate health, humanitarian and safety needs in western North Carolina in the wake of the devastation left by Hurricane Helene. NCCF is accepting donations for its Disaster Relief Fund, which supports mid- to long-term recovery efforts when North Carolina faces a disaster.

 Donate: https://nccf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate/create/fund?funit_id=16903
N.H. Man Accused of Killing Grandmother, 76, with Hammer, After She's Found Dead in Home

The 23-year-old man was charged with one count of second-degree murder, according to authorities

A photo of the home in Easton, New Hampshire, where Cynthia Lanchester was found dead

A New Hampshire man was arrested and charged in connection with his grandmothers death, according to the states attorney general office.

The New Hampshire Department of Justice shared in a press release that 23-year-old Joshua Lanchester was arrested and charged with one count of second-degree murder, after his 76-year-old grandmother Cynthia Lanchester was found dead inside a home in Easton.

Officials said 911 dispatchers received a phone call for a medical emergency in the area at 11:41 a.m. on Saturday, Sept. 28. After arriving at the home, police found the woman [lying] on the ground, deceased" and "appeared to be suffering from a blunt force trauma wound.

At the home, police also encountered her grandson, Joshua, who was arrested that evening, after alleging that he recklessly [caused] the death of Cynthia Lanchester with a deadly weapon, a hammer, the N.H. DOJ said.

The DOJ did not share any other details into how authorities determined Joshua's connection to the incident and his arrest, noting that he was being held without bail ahead of his arraignment.

In court on Monday, Sept. 30, Joshua waived his arraignment, and it was unclear when his next court date would be scheduled, WMUR-TV reported.

On Sunday, Sept. 29, the attorney generals office shared Cynthias autopsy results conducted by Associate Chief Medical Examiner Dr. Abigail Alexander in an updated release.

Alexander determined that the her cause of death was blunt force trauma to the head, and her manner of death was homicide.



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According to the office, detectives were still investigating the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.

Investigators are continuing to look into the sequence of events involving Mrs. Lanchester's grandson, Joshua Lanchester, who was arrested Saturday, the DOJ said, adding that he is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.

One of Cynthias neighbors, Robert Andersen, described her to WMUR-TV as a nice lady who was very quiet" and private.



It is sad, he added. "When we were going out for a walk earlier today, we saw the yellow tape. Then, when we came back from the walk an hour later, and we saw the cop car sitting there, we knew something was really wrong."

Another neighbor, Bobbe McIntyre, told the outlet that the incident was "something that very rarely happens," in the small town: "We have a peaceful neighborhood, and for something like that to happen, it freaks people out, but I know that it's a rarity."



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Read the original article on People.
NASA has released the clearest images ever compiled of Earths magnetosphere radiation belt. But the spacecraft that accomplished the feat wasnt only designed to detail the vital atmospheric region shielding the planet from harmful cosmic raysits in the early stages of a multi-year journey to Jupiter.

Launched on April 14, 2023, the European Space Agencys Jupiter Icy Moons Explorer (JUICE) probe is currently embarked on a trip to the Solar Systems largest planet. Once it finally arrives in July 2031, JUICE will analyze Jupiters magnetosphere while also gathering information on three of its 79 moons: Callisto, Europa, and Ganymede. Before it gets there, however, the spacecraft will need to harness multiple planets gravitational pulls to properly adjust its speed and trajectory. And according to NASA, engineers wanted to make the most of the first close encounter.

The agency detailed both the new images, as well as historys first-ever lunar-Earth flyby and double gravity assist maneuver, in an October 1 announcement. Beginning on August 19, the first of two instruments, the Jovian Energetic Electrons (JoEE) tool, booted up as JUICE passed about 465 miles above the lunar surface. During this 30-minute window, JoEE collected data on how the space environment around the moon exerts an influence on Earths only (permanent) natural satellite. The brief experiment served as a successful trial run for what JoEE will hopefully accomplish on a much greater scale once it nears Jupiter.

But JUICE wasnt done yet. On August 20, the spacecraft traveled through Earths magnetosphere about 37,000 above the Pacific Ocean. In this phase, the onboard Jovian Energetic Neutrals and Ions (JENI) tool constructed by the Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) got its own stress test. JENI utilized its highly sensitive camera sensors to record the energized neutral atoms emitted by charged particles as they come into contact with Earths atmospheric hydrogen gas.

I couldnt have hoped for a better flyby. The richness of the data from our deep-dive through the magnetosphere is astounding, Pontus Brandt, APLs principal investigator for JoEE and JENI, said in Tuesdays announcement. JENIs image of the entire system we just flew through was the cherry on top. Its a powerful combination we will exploit in the Jovian system.

[Related: Jupiters moons are about to get JUICEd for signs of life.]

Surviving the million-degree plasma clouds enveloping Earth is comparatively easy on inanimate space probes. But the potential effects of this regionalso known as the Van Allen radiation beltpresents serious challenges for any lengthy human trips to the moon and Mars. According to NASA, the information analyzed from JENI and JoEE will help better plan for these and other issues surrounding the future of space travel.

As for JUICE, its now speeding towards Venus, where it will perform a similar gravitational slingshot in August 2025. Then its back to Earth for additional passes in September 2026 and January 2029. After all that, its finally onward to Jupiter.
General Information:

Name: Nat West

Age: 47

Profession: Small Business Owner  Cidermaker; Former TriMet Bus Driver

Pronouns: He/Him

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

I dont think we have a single problem, but we have three problems we need to solve

simultaneously. We need to rapidly make meaningful progress against public drug use,

unsheltered homelessness and regular exhibits of people experiencing mental health crises. But

hiding those problems is not an option. People are dying of fentanyl overdoses on the streets

and in homes. Jailing people who dont have a place to live is the absolute worst way to spend

tax dollars. And our decades-long disinvestment in mental health resources will take time to fix.

The City has an important role to play in all of those crises. We need to stand up more shelters

of all types: designated camping areas, pod villages and permanent housing, all with wraparound services to help people get back on their feet. As a lifelong small business owner, Ive learned to never say, Not my problem. The current city commissioners seem more likely to point fingers than do the hard work of creating solutions.

Beyond those pressing issues, booting up a new system of government is a major focus of my

work so far. The new charter which goes into effect in January has limited rules for how the new

Council and Mayor will do their jobs. How many committees will there be, and how will

Councilors fill them? What kind of oversight will Council have on City bureaus, to ensure they

have the resources they need? How will the mayor work with the new Council to execute our

policies? Its up to us to fill in the details right away, so that we can immediately shift to solving

Portlands problems.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

My main focus will be on growing our small businesses. Portland has a worldwide reputation for

being a community full of food carts, bars and restaurants, creative manufacturing, detailed

engineering and passion projects. Yet our city government has always been somewhere

between indifferent and hostile to small businesses. Im left wondering, What would Portland

look like if the city supported small businesses? Theres a lot of work to do: Ensure our

advisory bodies are truly representative, overhaul the Permitting Bureau to speed up tenant

improvements and new construction, oversee of the brand-new Office of Small Business to

make sure it has the right goals and programs, continually improve the Citys procurement

process to buy more local and more from historically disadvantaged groups, focus the efforts of

Travel Portland to highlight our small businesses, and secure federal and state funding to build

out the Swan Island Electrified Hub and support Port of Portlands Terminal 2 Mass Timber Hub.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

I have a deep-rooted connection to Portland and a long history of leadership in both business

and community advocacy. Since 2005, Ive lived in the Woodlawn neighborhood, and started my

business Reverend Nats Hard Cider in the basement of my house. My practical experience as a

lifelong small business owner has taught me the challenges of navigating complex regulatory

environments, working with large budgets, and building a culture of fairness for workers.

Additionally, my active participation in social justice movements, such as supporting Black lives

and the LGBTQIA+ community, demonstrates my commitment to inclusivity and progressive

values. My endorsements from SEIU, AFSCME, UFCW, Sierra Club, Working Families Party and

Portland For All reflect the broad support that my candidacy has earned. As a former TriMet bus driver, Ill push to improve public transit with more frequent service, dedicated bus lanes, and a better rider experience. As a lifelong bicycle commuter, I know the need for protected bike lanes and safer streets.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

Former Mayor Bud Clark. My background as a small business owner and advocate for

marginalized communities aligns with Bud Clarks grassroots approach and commitment to

inclusivity. Like Clark, I understand the importance of balancing economic growth with support

for Portlands most vulnerable, as shown in my housing and homelessness policies. I share Buds

passion for making government more accessible and focused on practical solutions, seen in my

plans to streamline bureaucratic processes. Additionally, my advocacy for sustainable

transportation and environmental justice echoes Clarks vision for a more livable, green city.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

District 2 is the home of Lower Albina, Lloyd Center, and NE Broadway, all the sites of major

construction projects in coming years. Ill work to ensure that those redevelopments foster

inclusivity, sustainability, and economic opportunity. First, we need to create more affordable

housing by encouraging a mix of social housing and market-rate development, ensuring that all

residents have access to stable housing. I also want to see improved public transit and safer

streets, with better bike lanes and pedestrian access, to support sustainable transportation and

reduce car dependency. Lastly, Id push for more support for small, locally owned businesses,

cutting red tape and making it easier for them to thrive, while also prioritizing equity and

opportunities for historically marginalized groups.

What do you love about Portland?

The thing I love the most about Portland is our passionate and talented food and beverage

community. Whether its a taco cart on 120th and Stark, a packaged snack company operating

in the Inner Eastside, or a brewery in St. Johns, most Portlanders forget that we have the best

food and drinks of anywhere in America. The depth of offerings, the quality of products, and the

enthusiasm of producers is world-class. Ill work to ensure that the Portland of the future is full

of these incredible creators.

Editors note: This questionnaire has been edited for clarity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
The Department of Energy is on track to start treating radioactive waste at the massive Hanford vitrification plant in less than a year, says the new DOE head of environmental cleanup.

Candice Robertson, who became senior adviser for environmental management in mid June, spent Thursday and Friday in Richland and at the Hanford site, where about 13,000 people work.

She met with local government leaders, the Tri-City Development Council, Hanford DOE and contractor leaders and tribal leaders; talked with the Tri-City Herald and toured the Hanford site to see progress in environmental cleanup.

Candice Robertson, Department of Energy senior adviser for environmental management, talks with DOE Hanford Manager Brian Vance (left) and Washington River Protection Solutions President Wes Bryan (right) outside the Tank Side Cesium Removal complex at the Hanford Site.

She said DOE is on a good trajectory at Hanford and she will watch for opportunities for improvement, but plans no radical changes.

The focus by DOE in Washington D.C., will be on moving forward with current plans rather than new initiatives that could distract from steady progress on DOE cleanup, she said.

Hanford field offices change

Her visit marked the end of two Hanford field offices in Richland, the Office of River Protection and the Richland Operations Office.

On Tuesday Oct. 1, federal legislation sponsored by former Rep. Doc Hastings, R-Wash., expires and the offices are combining.

Hastings worked to split Hanford work under two offices by creating the Office of River Protection in 1998 to bring focused attention to one of Hanfords most complex issues  56 million gallons of radioactive waste in underground tanks, many of them prone to leaking, and the massive vitrification plant being built to turn much of the waste into a stable glass form for disposal.

The waste, plus extensive radioactive and hazardous chemical contamination, is left from the production of nearly two-thirds of the plutonium for the nations nuclear weapons program from World War II through the Cold War.

DOE now is on track to start treating some of the least radioactive tank waste at the vitrification plant by a court-ordered deadline in August 2025, Robertson said.

Construction on the plant in central Hanford began in 2002.

Candice Robertson, Department of Energy senior adviser for environmental management, adds her signature to the first container of test glass that was poured and filled in November 2023 at the Hanford vitrification plant.

DOE also is on track to meet a deadline at the end of next month to start cold commissioning of the plant, Robertson said. A nonradioactive simulant of tank waste will be used to demonstrate and practice incorporating it into a glass form before radioactive waste is introduced into the plant.

Starting to treat radioactive waste at the plant is a high priority of Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm and Robertson meets weekly with Hanford officials for updates on progress and any potential issues for the project, Robertson said.

Although vitrification has been done on radioactive waste elsewhere, Hanford waste was produced by multiple chemical processes that makes its glassification more challenging.

Until recently Washington state Congressional leaders had resisted returning to a single DOE field office at Hanford, both because of the scope of environmental cleanup at the 580-square-mile site and the cost.

Maintaining two offices with separate environmental cleanup responsibilities helped Washington states congressional delegation as it asked for a Hanford budget that exceeded that for any other DOE cleanup project.

Since fiscal 2022 funding for both Hanford offices combined has increased from $2.7 billion in fiscal 2022 to $3 billion now, which still is not enough to meet legal obligations in a federal court consent decree and the Tri-Party Agreement.

Even though the two offices are being combined, DOE will submit separate budget requests for each to make sure the work under each office now is funded without the offices vying against each other, Robertson said.

Having two Hanford offices made sense in 1998 when a dedicated focus was needed on tank waste, but now Hanford is close to starting to treat tank waste for disposal, which will allow aging single shell tanks to be emptied, Robertson said.

DOE also has demonstrated it can operate under the combined office and that there are advantages through better integration of work since Brian Vance was named the overall DOE Hanford manager, overseeing work by both offices, in 2019, she said.

Hanford cleanup budgets, progress

As the Hanford site budget has grown to $3 billion, much of the growth has been for the tank waste that was under the Office of River Protection, Robertson said.

Not only is DOE close to start treating low activity radioactive waste now in underground tanks, but it also is gearing up for the next phase at the vitrification plant, treating the high level radioactive portion of the tank waste. It has a court ordered deadline of 2033 to start treating the more radioactive waste.

Environmental cleanup is underway at the 580-square-mile Hanford nuclear reservation. The underground radioactive waste storage tanks and the vitrification plant are in the center of the site.

We are going to start seeing more return on investment in terms of treating that waste, removing that waste, getting waste into a final form, Robertson said.

That addresses risk from leaking and potentially leaking tanks, and also cleanup progress helps keep down costs that eat up money for environmental cleanup to keep the site safe and continue basic operations, she said.

The additional funding that we have seen from Congress and from across presidential administrations both here at Hanford and across the EM (Environmental Management) complex is whats enabling that progress and driving down and at least forestalling major increases in our environmental liability so we can put those dollars to work, she said.

Robertsons community experience

Robertson replaced Ike White as senior adviser for environmental management. He held the position from 2019 until he was nominated in June to the Defense Nuclear Facilities Safety Board.

She comes to the environmental cleanup leadership job with 20 years of radioactive waste management experience, including being assigned to Hanford for several months as a DOE Headquarters official.

More than a decade of her work was in senior executive roles at DOE and the NRC. They include serving as senior policy adviser for the DOE Office of Environmental Management, leading recent efforts to use DOE land for clean energy projects.

A gigawatt-scale project on up to 8,000 acres of unused nuclear reservation land is proposed near the southeast edge of the Hanford site.

She also understands what its like to work with DOE after serving as a county commissioner in Nye County, Nev., home to the once proposed Yucca Mountain spent nuclear fuel repository.

As a county commissioner, Robertson became familiar with nuclear waste issues and also worked with tribes there.

One of the reasons she likes working for the DOE Office of Environmental Management is its community-centered mission, she said.

We are doing this cleanup to restore lands for beneficial reuse for communities and tribes and everyone who has supported our critical national security and research missions over many years, she said.
ATLANTA -- Japanese architect Kengo Kuma -- designer of Tokyo's new National Stadium, one of Time Magazine's 100 Most Influential People of 2021 and an advocate of architecture that blends into the surrounding landscape -- will serve as the lead designer for the National Global War on Terrorism Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The decision was announced at the 2024 Military influencer Conference in Atlanta on Tuesday by Global War On Terrorism Memorial Foundation CEO Michael Rodriguez.

"Kuma-san leads Kengo Kuma & Associates, a team of over 400 people worldwide," Rodriguez said. "They ensure people, experiences and beauty are at the forefront of every single project.



Read Next: Army Testing Robot Dogs Armed with Artificial Intelligence-Enabled Rifles in Middle East

"We want every person who sacrificed for our country and the world to know that this memorial is a tribute to your courage, your story and your life," he added. "This will be our legacy. I can assure you that this mission is approached with the sanctity, reverence and love it deserves."

"I believe this memorial is extremely important, not only for America but for the entire world. Terrorism is a global issue, one shared by all countries," Kuma told the foundation. "The situation we face today is complex, and this memorial can symbolize hope. It's a message that the world desperately needs."

Kuma designed the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center in Tokyo, the Dallas Rolex Tower and the Dundee Museum in Dundee, Scotland. He has a deep, personal connection to the Global War on Terrorism: He lost a close friend in the Sept. 11 attacks and told Rodriguez he felt the invitation to become the lead designer was an invitation from his friend.

"I lost my dear friend [Yoichi] Sugiyama in the World Trade Center on September 11th," Kuma said. "He worked for Fuji Bank in Berlin and left behind his wife and two children. He was such a kind, hardworking family man. The World Trade Center seemed so strong -- it was one of the most beautiful buildings in the world -- and then, suddenly, it disappeared, and my friend was gone. It's hard to find the words to express those feelings."

The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Foundation worked since 2015 to create a national memorial in Washington. It has since overcome a number of seemingly insurmountable hurdles on the way to actually breaking ground.



First, the foundation required an act of Congress to waive the 10-year statutory waiting period following the end of a conflict to begin the construction of the memorial. The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Act was signed by President Donald Trump in 2017.

The next significant hurdle was getting a reserved location for the memorial on the National Mall, another effort that required yet another act of Congress. The foundation lobbied for passage of The Global War on Terrorism Memorial Location Act for two years before President Joe Biden signed it into law in 2021.

Today, the memorial is prohibited from using federal funds for its construction, and the memorial foundation has seven years to finalize a design for the memorial and raise the necessary funds to build it. The chosen site of the memorial is between the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and the future site of the National Desert Shield and Desert Storm Memorial, at 23rd Street NW, Constitution Avenue NW and Henry Bacon Drive NW.

Kuma will lead the design team, but the design will be informed by the foundation's Design Advisory Council made up of Gold Star family members and veterans, as well as surveys from more than 20,000 veterans on what the memorial should look like. As Rodriguez put it, Kuma will "sit there as the vessel of our message."

"I believe the memorial should also convey a simple, yet powerful message," Kuma said in a statement. "We can all share in the idea together that we want to do our best to achieve that kind of special memorial."

Related: Cost Estimate for Global War on Terrorism Memorial Balloons to $100 Million
The FBI agreed to pay over $22 million to settle a class-action lawsuit over sexual discrimination toward women at the Quantico, Virginia, training facility. If approved by a federal judge, the lawsuit would rank as one of the biggest settlements in the history of the FBI.

The payout is to 34 women who were allegedly singled out, dismissed from the training facility, sexually harassed by instructors, accused of infidelity, and told they needed contraception to "control their moods."

The lawsuit was originally filed in 2019 and claimed that women were subjected to hostility at work and treatment that their male co-workers were not experiencing. One woman said she was told to "smile more" and had to turn down numerous sexual advances. Another woman said an instructor would stare at her chest, "sometimes while licking his lips."

An explosive Associated Press report in 2020 alleged that senior FBI officials were accused of sexual misconduct with female subordinates and avoided serious consequences. "Through passive tolerance, the FBI has intentionally allowed the Good Old Boy Network to flourish unrestrained at the FBI academy," the lawsuit states.

The settlement requires that the FBI provide the women the opportunity to finish their training and, for those who pass, receive "guaranteed placement" to one of their top three preferred field offices. The bureau also agreed to have outside experts review the work environment to ensure female recruits receive a fair evaluation process.

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The bureau has not commented on the settlement, though many allegations were confirmed by a watchdog report from the Department of Justice.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

In response to the Associated Press's investigation, the FBI announced it would be implementing a series of reforms, including a 24-hour tip line to ensure people feel secure reporting agents who have committed sexual misconduct.

These problems are pervasive within the FBI, and the attitudes that created them were learned at the academy, said David Shaffer, the lawyer for the women. This case will make important major changes in these attitudes.
UNICOI COUNTY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Tennessee National Guard has been hard at work clearing debris in Unicoi County after fatal floods destroyed part of the interstate and knocked out power for thousands of people.

News Channel 11 spoke with Lieutenant Colonel Meredith Richardson of the Army National Guard.

3 flood deaths confirmed in Unicoi Co., K-9s deployed for missing people

Richardson said once the ravaged area along Interstate 26 has been cleared, line trucks can enter the area and begin restoring power.

Photo: Interstate 26 in Unicoi County remains closed after a portion of it was destroyed in flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. (WJHL)

Photo: Interstate 26 in Unicoi County remains closed after a portion of it was destroyed in flooding caused by Hurricane Helene. (WJHL)

This is very personal to us, Richardson said. This is our community; were Tennesseans, right along with everybody else thats out here. These are our neighborhoods. So we are here to help, and as long as that requirement is out there, were going to be here to help.

According to Richardson, the National Guard will remain in the area to help with recovery efforts as long as they are needed.

WATCH: Drone 11 captures scope of flood damage in Washington County, TN

The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) announced in its last update on Monday night that six flood-related deaths had been confirmed, three of which were in Unicoi County.

The flooding wiped out several bridges in Northeast Tennessee in addition to I-26. The Tennessee Department of Transportation provided the following list of destroyed bridges on Tuesday:

Washington SR-81 Nolichucky River Bridge

Washington SR-353 Nolichucky River Bridge

Greene SR-107 Nolichucky River Bridge

Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Eastbound

Unicoi I-26 Bridge @MM 39.6 Westbound

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
National Infantry Museum to honor Rep. Richard Smith with new paver

COLUMBUS, Ga. (WRBL)  The National Infantry Museum is dedicating a paver in honor of the late Representative Richard Smith.

Smith was remembered as a longtime friend and supporter of the museum, known for his legacy of service within the community.

The museum says Representative Smith was active in securing funds for the Dignity Memorial Vietnam Wall, installing the Gold Star and Surviving Family Memorial and the Korean War Memorial.

The dedication ceremony is scheduled to be held on Oct. 1 outside Heritage Walk at the museum.

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PORT CLINTON, Ohio (WJW)  Ohio authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of an alleged rapist who skipped his trial in Ottawa County last week.

A nationwide arrest warrant is now out for Sabah Jabir Al-Talaqani, 27, of Detroit, who reportedly went missing days before he was set to stand trial on charges of rape, kidnapping and felonious assault filed last year.

Ohio minimum wage set to increase

Al-Talaqani is accused of raping a woman on July 21, 2023, in Put-in-Bay, according to court filings. He allegedly put a knife to the womans throat and left cuts on her throat, arm and chest, according to a criminal complaint filed in the county municipal court.

He had his first court appearance in that lower court later that month.

After his indictment the following August, a county judge ordered Al-Talaqani to be held on a $500,000 bond. He posted that bond on Sept. 18, 2023, and has remained free since, court filings show.

Al-Talaqani was due for trial on Sept. 24, 2024, but went missing days prior, according to court filings. He was under electronic monitoring, but a probation officer attested he tampered with the device on Sept. 20, and authorities lost track of him.

A separate indictment handed up Sept. 25 charged Al-Talaqani with felony counts of tampering with evidence and failing to appear for court.

Goodyear laying off dozens in Akron

Al-Talaqanis last known residence was in Detroit, Michigan, according to county prosecutors. He is known to have connections in Ohio, Michigan, Washington, Florida and Georgia.

Anyone with information on Al-Talaqanis whereabouts is urged to contact the Ottawa County Sheriffs Office at 419-734-4404, or the prosecutors office at 419-734-6845 or via email to prosecutor@co.ottawa.oh.us. Tipsters may remain anonymous.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Fox 8 Cleveland WJW.
(Bloomberg) -- Just a few years ago, NATO was reeling after being slammed by Donald Trump and dismissed as brain dead by French President Emmanuel Macron. Now, after it expanded to counter the threat from Russia, the challenge of keeping the Cold War alliance a geopolitical force is in the hands of Dutchman Mark Rutte.

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Affable in public but meticulous behind the scenes, the former prime minister of the Netherlands became secretary general of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization on Tuesday as the 32-nation defense pact enters a pivotal period.

If Trump wins the US election in November, transatlantic support will be in doubt, posing an existential threat to the alliance set up in 1949. That would destabilize Europes security architecture with Russias war in Ukraine in its third year and Kyiv reliant on a steady stream of military and financial aid for its defense.

On Tuesday, Rutte said that hes not worried about the outcome of the US election, whether its Trump or Vice President Kamala Harris. I will be able to work with both," he told reporters ahead of a handover ceremony.

Rutte will also have to handle pressure from some members to devote more attention to counter-terrorism and reinforce NATOs southern flank  while keeping defense spending high enough to maintain a credible deterrence, especially with budgets tight in countries like Germany.

He signaled on Tuesday that China will also be a major focus, warning that Beijing has become a decisive enabler of Russias war in Ukraine. This has got to stop and it has an impact on their standing in the world, he said at a news conference after he formally assumed the new role, while declining to specify what Chinese actions could provoke a stronger NATO response.

Its a far cry from 2014, when Ruttes predecessor Jens Stoltenberg was warned by his father that he faced boring years running the Brussels-based organization.

Known for his people skills, Rutte  an HR-manager-turned-politician  has shown he can handle difficult situations, and after nearly 14 years running the Dutch government, he has a deep network to draw upon.

He knows the EU and all its leaders by heart. And he has dealt with Trump, said Camille Grand, an analyst at the European Council on Foreign Relations and a former senior NATO official. Politically, he will hit the ground running.

His reputation for being able to manage Trump could be particularly valuable. Before meeting the then-president for the first time in 2018, Rutte was determined to build a relationship with him but also stand his ground, so he practiced his handshake and studied Trumps habits of putting people on the spot, according to a person familiar with the matter.

The former Dutch leader subsequently managed to avoid public humiliation and appeared to maintain a good working relationship with Trump, unlike many other European leaders. The secret was careful planning and preparation, said people close to the matter, who asked not to be identified discussing private discussions.

One encounter stands out. During a testy summit in 2018 when Trump threatened to leave NATO unless European countries boosted military spending, Rutte managed to ease tensions by claiming that European allies were indeed stepping up and that was because of Trump. While the reality was at best debatable, the gambit changed the mood and allowed the US president to walk away vindicated.

Since then, Rutte hasnt abandoned that line, saying in a Bloomberg TV interview in January that Trump was right to complain about Europes shortfall in defense spending. When asked about a potential second term for Trump, he added that we have to dance with whoever is on the dance floor.

He was similarly matter of fact at the Munich Security Conference earlier this year, when he urged Europeans to stop moaning and whining about a Trump comeback. And again on Tuesday, he praised Trump for pressing the alliance on defense spending and to focus more on China. I think he was right, Rutte said.

Ruttes standing with Trump though could change, especially since Rutte owes his position largely to Joe Biden. Trumps adversary pleaded with the Dutchman more than once to take the NATO helm. One approach was in 2022, which he turned down to stay in power in the Netherlands. But then his coalition collapsed a year later, opening the door for another push.

Ukraine may be a more difficult point of contention. While Trump has been openly critical of aid for Ukraine, Rutte is a staunch supporter. That stance stems in part from his emotional response to the downing of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 in 2014 which killed nearly 200 Dutch citizens and has been blamed on Russia.

There has never been anything bigger and this will always remain number one by far in the 14 years that I have been doing this job, he told a Dutch radio show earlier this year.

Despite that conviction, the Netherlands hasnt provided as much aid as some other European peers  ranking ninth in terms of support for Kyiv as a percentage of the national economy. The Netherlands also only crossed the NATO threshold of spending at least 2% of GDP on defense this year. Part of that is due to the complexities in his fragmented coalition.

Despite being hemmed in domestically, Rutte has still been a key figure on the international stage. He was instrumental in convincing the US of the need to send F-16s to bolster the Ukrainian defense. The Netherlands itself plans to transfer 24 of the jet fighters to Kyiv, as well as making 18 available for training.

A gifted piano player, he initially wanted to pursue a musical career, but ended up graduating in history and joining the human resources department of consumer goods company Unilever. He then entered politics full time after an active role in the youth organization of the center-right VVD  known as the Dutch liberals.

His survival skills were tested often during his tenure. In January 2021, his third cabinet collapsed over a scandal involving Dutch childcare benefits. False allegations of fraud were made by tax authorities with the fallout tipping thousands of Dutch families into poverty.

He managed to bounce back, securing a new term in office in a snap election in 2021. But last year, his fourth cabinet collapsed amid infighting over migration policy, prompting Ruttes decision to leave national politics.

During his long tenure leading the Netherlands, he gained popularity by embodying Dutch pragmatism and frugality, and dismissing the trappings of high office.

Known for biking or driving a second-hand Saab in The Hague, he was known for paying for his own coffee and not requesting reimbursement for costs incurred on duty. He also taught at a secondary school in his hometown throughout his premiership, famously showing up for his weekly social studies class even after his cabinet collapsed in 2023.

That demeanor has carried over to NATO, where hes refused the usual security services granted to secretary generals, people familiar with the matter said.

The NATO job wasnt his first choice after leaving Dutch politics. He had initially set his sights on leading the European Commission but had to relent after it became clear that Ursula von der Leyen was set for a second term.

But even then, the NATO role wasnt guaranteed. Romanian President Klaus Iohannis was also in the running and backed by eastern Europeans, who were initially reluctant to support Rutte because of concerns over an imbalance in the alliance. He will need to be careful to navigate those sensibilities.

During Stoltenbergs 10-year term, former neutral countries Finland and Sweden joined after the invasion of Ukraine following Montenegro and North Macedonia as new members. Theres also more spending on defense by allies and access to 500,000 combat-ready soldiers. That provides a solid starting point for Rutte to navigate the risks ahead.

The last 10 years have seen a fundamental transformation at NATO, said Oana Lungescu, an analyst at the London-based thinktank RUSI and a former NATO spokesperson. It has the most robust defense plans since the Cold War.

--With assistance from Katharina Rosskopf and Kevin Whitelaw.

(Updates with Rutte assuming new post, remarks on China starting in the the second paragraph)

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NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg, who is stepping down on Tuesday and handing over to Mark Rutte, said that NATO will be in good hands with the Dutchman at the helm.

Source: Stoltenberg before the handover ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Stoltenberg introduced Rutte as a friend and good colleague with whom they have worked together for many years.

Quote: "He [Rutte] knows NATO well and he is well-known across the Alliance. And Mark has the perfect background to become a great Secretary General. He has served as Prime Minister [of the Netherlands] for 14 years and led the four different coalition governments. So, therefore, he knows how to make compromises and create consensus. These are skills that are very much valued here, at NATO. So, Mark, therefore, NATO will be in safe hands with you at the helm."

More details: Stoltenberg noted that he is now relieved to be leaving the Alliance, knowing that Rutte will take over the leadership. He added that he was leaving the Alliance with mixed feelings.

Quote: "Its time to leave. There is a great successor coming in. But its difficult to leave the Alliance and the organisation that I have served for 10 years. All the people, all the nations I have worked with  of course, I will miss that."

Background:

Rutte was officially confirmed as NATO Secretary General in June 2024.

Media earlier reported that Stoltenberg would become the chairman of the Munich Security Conference.

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New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at a press conference at NATO Headquarters to mark the end of Jens Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte credited former US president Donald Trump with persuading allies to increase their defence spending.

"Thanks to (Trump)" allies increased defence spending since 2018, Rutte said, referring to a tense NATO leaders summit when the then-US president pushed members hard to up spending.

The secretary general also said the US republican presidential candidate was right to warn allies about the challenges posed by China. "It's taken on board, I think by many us," he said.

The new NATO chief added that Trump, as well as US democrat presidential candidate Kamala Harris, understood that Russia must not win in Ukraine as this would endanger the alliance's security.
New NATO Secretary General responds to whether impact of US election on Ukraine concerns him

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte has said that he is not concerned about the possible impact of the US presidential election results on the Alliance's unity and, in particular, on its ability to support Ukraine.

Source: Mark Rutte before his inauguration ceremony at NATO headquarters in Brussels on Tuesday, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Mark Rutte, who will officially become the new NATO Secretary General on Tuesday, said he is "not worried" about the results of the November elections in the United States.

Quote from Mark Rutte: "I know both candidates very well. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more (on defence), and he achieved (this). Because indeed, at the moment, we are now at a much higher level of spending than when he took office in early 2017."

He added that Trump pushed the Alliance on China, and Rutte believes he was right.

Quote from Mark Rutte: "Of course, Kamala Harris has a fantastic track record as Vice President. She is a highly respected leader. So I will be able to work with both [of them]."

He also noted, in the context of the next leader of the United States, that we should now wait for the election results.

Rutte also said that Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the new head of the Alliance.

As for Stoltenberg, he said NATO is in good hands with Mark Rutte at the helm.

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New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte speaks at a press conference at NATO Headquarters to mark the end of Jens Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa

New NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte took office on Tuesday with praise for former US president Donald Trump and a fresh vow to continue support for Ukraine in its defence against the full-scale Russian invasion.

"The cost of supporting Ukraine is far, far lower than the cost we would face if we allow (Russian President Vladimir) Putin to get his way," Rutte said in his first press conference after a handover ceremony in Brussels.

NATO's 32 members appointed Rutte during the summer after the former Dutch prime minister secured the early backing of the United States, Germany, and Britain despite his record of low defence spending in government.

Challenged on his country's defence investment record, Rutte said the Netherlands had not done enough to meet NATO's defence spending target of 2% of gross domestic product (GDP).

Rutte takes over at a challenging time for the Western defence alliance, facing down the threat of a more aggressive Russia while backing Ukraine's defence against Putin's all-out invasion.

Rutte noted other important tasks for NATO like ramping up Western defence industry production as well as deepening ties with partners in the Indo-Pacific.

Praise for Trump

Faced with the prospect of former US president Donald Trump returning to the White House, Rutte said he was not worried as he had worked with the Republican presidential candidate before.

Trump pushed NATO allies to spend more on defence, Rutte said, stressing that this was now the case. "He was also pushing us on China, and I think he was right there," he added.

The new secretary general later repeated his praise, crediting the former US president with persuading allies to boost their investment on defence.

"Thanks to (Trump)" allies increased defence spending since 2018, Rutte said, referring to a tense NATO leaders summit when the then-US president pushed members hard to up spending.

The secretary general also said Trump had been right to warn allies about the challenges posed by China. "It's taken on board, I think by many of us," he said.

NATO is concerned about the rising military strength of Beijing and views China as a challenge to the alliance's security. The alliance also criticizes China's support for Russia in Ukraine.

"Through its support for Russia's military industry, China has become a decisive enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine," Rutte said, stressing that this support from China cannot continue "without this impacting its interests and reputation."

Russia says it doesn't expect change of course

The changing of the NATO guard takes place as war continues to rage directly on the alliance's borders in Ukraine more than two years after the full-scale Russian invasion.

The war and increased threat of Russian revanchism renewed NATO's Cold War purpose to protect members after years of turmoil during Trump's presidency.

A chaotic withdrawal from Afghanistan in 2021 marked a low point for the alliance, just six months before Putin's fateful invasion of Ukraine in February 2022.

Russia does not expect NATO to change course under the leadership of Rutte, Kremlin spokesman Dmitry Peskov said on Tuesday.

Under Rutte, there will be nothing new or significant in the alliance's policy, Peskov was quoted as saying by Russian news agencies.

NATO's 'transformational' decade

Former NATO secretary general Jens Stoltenberg stepped down after 10 testing years for the alliance's unity and purpose.

In an essay to mark his departure, Stoltenberg described the last decade for NATO "as the most transformational" for the 32-member alliance since the Cold War.

Stoltenberg highlighted the new deployments of allied troops in Eastern Europe, the ramp up in defence industry production, and the fact that 23 allies are now spending at least 2% of their GDP on defence in 2024 - up from just three countries in 2014.

The former NATO secretary general was credited with moderating the debate over low defence spending by the European allies, which led to heated disputes during Trump's time in office.

During Stoltenberg's tenure NATO also welcomed four new allies, Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden. Both Nordic countries abandoned years of neutrality after the all-out Russian invasion of Ukraine.

Stoltenberg's skilful shepherding of Finland and Sweden into the alliance in the face of Turkish resistance was one of his crowning achievements.

Following his time at NATO, Stoltenberg is expected to become the next chairman of the Munich Security Conference after its next international security gathering in February 2025, though the MSC has yet to officially confirm his appointment.

A staunch supporter of Ukraine, allies extended Stoltenberg's term in office just after the 2022 Russian invasion. NATO extended his tenure in 2023 again as allies were unable to agree on a suitable successor.

Rutte, a centre-right politician, was the longest-serving prime minister in Dutch history. His initial term as NATO secretary general is to be four years long.

The top NATO official is tasked with the political leadership of the alliance and ensuring consensus among allies, particularly when navigating complex issues during times of crisis.

NATO outgoing Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg (R) and NATO new Secretary General Mark Rutte pictured at a ceremony to mark the end of Stoltenberg's term as NATO Secretary General, in NATO Headquarters in Brussels. Eric Lalmand/Belga/dpa
Mark Rutte, the new NATO Secretary General, has announced his intention to uphold the Alliances commitments to Ukraine, particularly concerning the irreversibility of its path towards NATO membership.

Source: Mark Rutte in his inaugural speech as NATO Secretary General, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Rutte outlined three key priorities for his future work, emphasising that one of them would be to bolster support for Ukraine and facilitate its progress towards NATO membership.

"Because there can be no lasting security in Europe without a strong, independent Ukraine. I know from personal experience, with the downing of flight MH17 in 2014, how the conflict in Ukraine is not contained to the front lines. So we must do our part," said Mark Rutte.

He stressed that NATO must fulfil the commitments made to Ukraine at the Washington summit in July this year. "The command, the financial pledge and Ukraine's irreversible path to membership [in the Alliance]. We must sustain this support into the future because Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO," Rutte emphasised.

Background:

On Tuesday, former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte officially took over as NATO Secretary General from his predecessor, Jens Stoltenberg.

Earlier on Tuesday, Rutte said that Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the new head of the Alliance.

He also said that he was not concerned about the possible impact of the US presidential election results on the Alliance's unity and, in particular, its ability to support Ukraine.

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NATO's new chief is inheriting messy wars and a possible second Trump presidency. It's not going to be easy, security analysts say.

Mark Rutte became NATO's new secretary-general on October 1, replacing Jens Stoltenberg.

He faces a war in Ukraine, escalations in the Middle East, and the US presidential elections.

Keeping the US close while shifting focus from Russia may be his biggest challenge, one analyst said.

NATO has a new leader at its helm.

Mark Rutte, the Netherlands' longest-serving prime minister, replaced Jens Stoltenberg as NATO's new secretary-general on October 1, at what is seen as a crucial and turbulent time for the alliance, with ongoing conflicts in Ukraine and Gaza, and the US election in November.

He is entering his term "with threats and challenges everywhere," Abishur Prakash, the founder of The Geopolitical Business, Inc., a strategy advisory firm in Toronto, told BI.

Rutte will not only have to decide the next phase of NATO's involvement in the Ukraine war, but will also have to navigate whether NATO chooses to come to Israel's aid and how to deal with the possibility of reduced US commitment to the alliance, Prakash added.

"Stoltenberg left big shoes to fill," said John Hardie, deputy director of the Russia Program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies.

"Rutte will need to take the baton in terms of pushing alliance members to fulfill their defense spending commitments and continue providing aid to Ukraine," he said.

And then, with the US presidential elections now less than five weeks away, there is the prospect of a second Donald Trump presidency.

Rutte has experience working with Trump: He earned the nickname the "Trump whisperer" for his ability to appease the former president when he threatened to go his "own way" during a NATO meeting in 2018, per Politico .

Even so, a Trump victory in November would "present a challenge for Rutte in terms of managing that relationship and maintaining alliance unity," Hardie said.

Russia-Ukraine war

Rutte's most pressing NATO challenge stepping into his new role is figuring out the alliance's stance on letting Ukraine use Western long-range weapons to hit targets deep inside Russia, Prakash said.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy views permission to use Western weapons to strike Russia as a key part of the "victory plan" he presented to US officials last week.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy (C) presented his victory plan to US officials, including Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell (L) and Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (R). AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite

However, the alliance has shown differences of opinion on the matter, with countries like Denmark , Sweden, the Czech Republic, and Finland publicly saying that Ukraine can use their weapons but others showing more reluctance.

The Pentagon justified the US decision not to allow such strikes last month, saying that 90% of Russian aircraft launching glide bombs are out of range of Ukraine's ATACMS, and also cited the potential for an escalation in the conflict .

Pressure, however, is building. In late August, Josep Borrell, the EU's foreign policy chief, said EU countries should lift restrictions on the use of weaponry against Russian military targets "in accordance with international law."

Several top House Republicans also signed a letter on September 9 urging President Joe Biden to lift the remaining restrictions on US-provided long-range systems, including the ATACMS, against "legitimate" military targets deeper inside Russia.

And in a resolution adopted on September 19, the European Parliament called on EU countries to lift restrictions preventing Ukraine from using Western weapons systems against "legitimate" military targets inside Russia.

Escalating tensions in the Middle East

Prakash said NATO would also have to decide whether to get involved in the Middle East.

Since Hamas' October 7 terror attacks on Israel and Israel's subsequent invasion of Gaza, tensions have ramped up between Israel and Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis.

Tensions between Hezbollah and Israel have escalated in southern Lebanon. Photo by Ramiz Dallah/Anadolu via Getty Images

Violence between Israel and the Lebanon-based Hezbollah militia intensified last month, and Lebanon recorded its deadliest day for decades after Israel ramped up strikes on the country.

This followed the deadly pager and walkie-talkie explosions that hit Hezbollah members in Lebanon.

Hezbollah has blamed Israel for those attacks, but it has not yet claimed responsibility.

The US has stepped up diplomatic and military efforts in the region to try to bring about a cease-fire  but NATO has so far not gotten involved.

Benjamin Friedman, policy director at the Defense Priorities think tank, said the alliance will likely not play any role as it has enough on its hands with Ukraine.

"They have enough to do in Europe, and I think NATO should focus on Europe," he told BI.

US elections

However, the US presidential election could be a decisive factor in NATO's trajectory in the coming years.

Keir Giles, a senior consulting fellow at Chatham House's Russia and Eurasia Programme, said that "it's not going to get easier" if Trump is elected in November.

During his time in office, the former president publicly threatened to leave NATO if other members failed to meet their commitments to spend 2% of their GDP on defense.

Congress passed a bill in 2023 to prevent a president from suspending, terminating, denouncing, or withdrawing the US from NATO, except via an Act of Congress or the approval of two-thirds of senators in attendance.

But if elected, Trump could still heavily influence NATO, including by reducing the US military presence in Ukraine, withholding support for NATO's Article 5 mutual defense pact, or limiting America's involvement in the alliance.

In a rally speech last month, he again argued for ending US involvement in the war in Ukraine.

Former US President Donald Trump argued for ending US involvement in the war in Ukraine at a campaign rally in Savannah, Georgia, on September 24, 2024. Photo by Brandon Bell/Getty Images

Even if Trump loses, he could still exert "baleful" influence on US politics and get in the way of policy initiatives through his network of supporters, Giles said, pointing to Republicans blocking aid to Ukraine earlier this year.

Friedman of Defense Priorities struck a more positive tone, saying he doesn't believe Trump is "seriously" considering withdrawing US commitment to the alliance.

The "big question," Friedman says, is whether Trump, if elected, would behave like he did during his first term, which he said was "more bark than bite."

Meanwhile, Prakash said that ongoing geopolitical flashpoints and tensions around the world could actually result in Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris being markedly similar US presidents on the world stage.

Prakash cited the ongoing territorial disputes in the South China Sea between the Philippines, a US ally, and China as likely the "single greatest" flash point facing the US right now.

If Harris "feels that NATO doesn't connect with that in its current form, then she may also raise objections to NATO," he said. "So, it is not just Trump."

Looking beyond Europe

NATO appears to be considering the possibility of a reduced US commitment to the alliance.

In April, Stoltenberg, the outgoing secretary-general, proposed shifting control of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, which organizes the delivery of weapons to Ukraine, from the US to the alliance.

NATO also established the NATO Security Assistance and Training for Ukraine, or NSATU , in July, to coordinate the future supply of military aid and training for Kyiv, amid growing concern about a potential change in US leadership.

However, Rutte's past statements and familiarity with Trump suggest he would try to keep the US in the fold.

Mark Rutte earned the nickname "Trump whisperer" after placating the former president on US commitments to NATO. Photo by Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images

And in an op-ed for Dutch newspaper NRC in 2023, a year after Russia launched its full-scale invasion of Ukraine, Rutte stressed how different the first year of the war would have been without the "colossal" deployment of US material and resources.

According to Prakash, Rutte is "coming into the role from a certain outlook, and that outlook is essentially saying: 'We need to stand with America.'"

Beyond the most immediate threat of Russia in Europe, NATO may also want to tackle the China threat, he said.

NATO's deputy secretary-general, Mircea Geoana, told Euronews in July that China, as a direct enabler of Russia's war in Ukraine, threatened the alliance's security.

Shifting NATO away from Russia and toward other threats is going to be "perhaps the greatest challenge facing Mark Rutte," Prakash said.

All in all, it's likely to be a bumpy ride for NATO's new chief.

Read the original article on Business Insider
Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller is in "good spirits" following a trip to the hospital Tuesday, the Archdiocese of San Antonio said. The Catholic leader was being evaluated after he started to "feel unwell" while presiding over morning Mass. Ronald Cortes

Archbishop Gustavo Garcia-Siller is in good spirits as he undergoes evaluation at a local hospital Tuesday afternoon, the Archdiocese of San Antonio said.

The archbishop started feeling unwell as he presided over morning Mass in the St. Josephs Chapel at the archdiocesan Pastoral Ministry Center, a archdiocese spokesman said.

He was taken to a hospital, where he is undergoing evaluation.

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The archbishop is alert and in good spirits and is doing well. Prayers are requested for the health of Archbishop Gustavo, said Jordan McMorrough, director of communications for the archdiocese.

The archbishop, who is active on social media and regularly posts on his personal account on X, formerly Twitter, last posted on the site Monday. He asked for prayers for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

Garcia-Siller was named archbishop of San Antonio by Pope Benedict XVI in 2010.
Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) faced off against GOP challenger Tim Sheehy on Monday night in what could be the final debate this cycle in the Montana Senate race.

The debate, at times tense, comes as Tester is the last remaining Democrat to hold high office in Montana. The Senate race is likely to determine the balance of power in the upper chamber as Republicans only need to pick up two seats to take the Senate majority.

An average of polls shows Sheehy has a seven-point lead over Tester in a state where Trump won by 17 percentage points.

Here are the takeaways from the latest debate between the two candidates ahead of election day.

Candidates debate over role of federal government

Tester and Sheehy debated over the role the federal government should play in the housing crisis, veterans affairs and healthcare  however the most clear divide between the candidates came on the issue of abortion and whether there should be a single national abortion law in the country.

Tester attempted to tie his campaign to a November ballot initiative in the state that would enshrine abortion rights in Montanas constitution after Roe vs. Wade.

I want to see Roe reinstated. And I think this initiative, this ballot initiative that's going to be on the ballot, will do exactly that. It will enshrine it into the constitution so that women can make their own health care decisions, Tester said. My opponent, on the other hand, feels exactly the opposite. He feels he's more entitled to make that decision than the women are.

Sheehy said he would support the ballot initiative if Montana voters decide to put it in place and said he supports exceptions.

If this particular initiative should pass, its the law of the land and certainly Ill respect it. But, the reality is, at some point we have to protect the life of the child, he could be the next Albert Einstein, the next Michael Jordan, the next Jon Tester for all we know, Sheehy said.

Sheehy went on to claim that Testers support for a bill that would protect abortion access means that he supports abortion up to and including in a moment of birth. Sheehys claim is not supported within that legislation.

That born alive statement that Tim Sheehy just made was total bunk  its a lie, doesnt happen, those lives are already protected. You know it, Tim. Youre just saying it to try to politicize this issue more than it already is, Tester said, mentioning a recent case of a woman who died in Georgia after receiving delayed emergency medical care.

The border

Sheehy repeatedly blamed Tester and the Biden administration for the increased illegal immigration at the southern border, citing the border crisis for the higher housing costs, increased consumer prices and more.

Senate Democrats and White House Democrats created this border crisis, we had a secure border four years ago, Donald Trump handed a sealed border to the Biden Harris Administration, Sheehy said. Kamala Harris, the border czar, with support from her friends on the hill like Senator Tester and Chuck Schumer opened the border wide open for three years.

However, Tester sought to distance himself from the Biden administrations immigration policies, saying Ill be the first to tell you President Biden has not done a good job on the southern border.

He went on to mention the bipartisan compromise bill that Sens. James Lankford (R-OK), Kyrsten Sinema (I-AZ), and Chris Murphy (D-CT) and officials from the White House put together in February, but ultimately died due to lack of Republican support after pressure from Trump.

We had a solution  it was there, it could still be passed, Tester said. It could have been passed six or eight months ago, but the bottom line is, Tim, before it was even released to read, said nope, not going to support that because his party bosses told him thats what he needed to do.

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Tester distances himself from Democrats on Israel

As divisions over the Israel-Hamas war continue to fracture the Democratic party, Tester sought to distance himself from calls for a ceasefire and the hard left flank of his party, stating during the debate that Israel should be able to protect itself.

They were attacked on October 7, coming right up for no reason whatsoever, and so theyre responding, Tester said. Do I agree with everything Bibi Netanyahu has done? Absolutely not. But, the truth is, Israel has to be able to protect themselves while the United States looks and helps the world look for a political solution for both of those conflicts.

Sheehy underscored his military background and blamed the Biden-Harris administration, claiming the disastrous pull out of Afghanistan caused other conflicts in the world.

That set off a domino chain of weakness that led us to the path of chaos we are on today, from Israel to Ukraine to the Indo Pacific, where were seeing China make moves that were unthinkable just 20 years ago, Sheehy said.

Sheehy takes accountability for derogatory comments about Native Americans, but dodges apologizing

Sheehy took accountability for comments he made last year that were published by Char-Koosta News, the official publication of the Flathead Indian Reservation in late August in which he said Native Americans were drunk at 8 a.m. and throwing beer cans at him on the Crow Reservation.

Tester urged Sheehy to apologize during the debate when answering a question about improving Native American life expectancy in Montana.

That gathering was in a back room of about  I dont know five dozen people there, but the reality is yeah, it was insensitive, Sheehy said. I come from the military, as many of our tribal members do, you know we make insensitive jokes and probably off color sometimes and you know, Im an adult. Ill take accountability for that.

Tester went on to slam Sheehy who has publicly clarified his comments, but has not offered a public apology.

Tim, the statement you made degrades Native Americans across this country. And you can say, look Ill take responsibility, but you know apologies matter and how you treat people matter, Tester said. If you treat them with disrespect, other people will disrespect them, so like I said to begin with, youre a big guy, just apologize.

Tester attempts to paint Sheehy as an outsider

Tester has continued to draw attention to Sheehys status as an outsider to the state of Montana.

In some of his previous races, hes been successful in depicting opponents as not true Montanans. In 2018, his campaign tried to brand the Baltimore-accented Rosendale as an outsider, slamming his Maryland roots and calling him Maryland Matt. In 2012, he highlighted GOP opponent, then-Rep. Denny Rehbergs lobbyist ties and a 2010 lawsuit he pursued against the Billings Fire Department for the way it handled a wildfire on his land, casting the lawsuit as a slight to firefighters.

The decision here is stark, youve got the opportunity to vote for a guy whos come to a state a few years back, bought himself a 37,000 acre ranch, which we didnt even get into, and locked everybody off it  and is changing 12,500 bucks to go hunting on, Tester said in his closing statement, describing Sheehy. Or youve got someone like me, someone who has been raised within 100 miles of where I was born.

Sheehy, a former U.S. Navy SEAL and a wealthy businessman, defended his dedication to the state.

The truth is I wasnt lucky enough to be born in Montana, I would have loved to have been, I couldnt control where my mothers womb was when I crawled out of it, I cant control where the military sent me for a decade, he said. We put down roots here and we started a company, created hundreds of jobs to invest in the betterment of our community.
NATO's new Secretary General responds to Putin's nuclear threats, claims they should not make concessions

The newly elected Secretary General of NATO, Mark Rutte, stressed that the Allies currently see no direct risks associated with using nuclear weapons and advised them not to pay attention to Russia's nuclear threats.

Source: Rutte, answering a question about the latest statements of the Kremlin leader about changing the conditions for Russia's use of nuclear weapons, as reported by European Pravda

Details: Although Putin's remarks are hardly novel, the Secretary General pointed out that they are still only words.

Quote: "Naturally, the Kremlin regularly issues threats, and this language is careless and irresponsible. However, I must also state unequivocally that there is no immediate threat of nuclear weapons being used. That's all I have to say about the way things are right now.

Allow him to talk of his nuclear arsenal; after all, that is what he wants us to discuss. We shouldn't do it, in my opinion. The fact that there is no threat of nuclear war at this moment should be our main concern."

Details: Rutte went on to say that this will set a terrible precedent if nations start caving in to Putin's threats on a regular basis.

"It then transpires that a country can accomplish its goals by using armed power. And we can't allow that," Rutte continued.

Rutte further stated that the allies who supply these weapons should decide whether to authorise Ukraine to strike the Russian Federation with Western long-range missiles.

Additionally, he emphasised that he respects the stance taken by his predecessor Jens Stoltenberg in this regard and that he comprehends Ukraine's desire for authorisation to launch an attack on Russia using Western long-range weapons.

Background:

On 25 September, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin made changes to Russia's nuclear deterrence doctrine.

In response, the EU said that Putin's fresh threats to use nuclear weapons on non-nuclear countries are yet another example of his irresponsible behaviour, and they will not influence the European Union's decision to continue to support Ukraine.

NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg is sceptical of Russian leader Vladimir Putin's threats, which come amid discussions about allowing Ukraine to launch long-range missiles deep into Russia.

On 24 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said that Ukraine has evidence that Russia intends to attack three nuclear power plants ahead of winter.

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Its long been a cliche that Republicans are against the government until disaster strikes. At a 1986 press conference, Ronald Reagan uttered the words Im from the government, and Im here to help as an irony-laden expression of Republican distrust and suspicion of the federal government. An argument could be made that Trumpism has only amplified the anti-government ideology that has been the heart and soul of the GOP for decades. Yet those exact words are expressed by the actions of thousands of federal government employees fanned out over the states of Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, Tennessee, South Carolina and Virginia to help with rescue and cleanup operations in the wake of Hurricane Helene last week.

Congressman Jeff Jackson, who represents the 14th District of North Carolina, located to the west of Charlotte, sent a message Monday outlining the needs of the mountainous region of the Tar Heel state, hardest hit by what he called a once-in-500-year flood. Governor Roy Coopers request for a declaration of disaster was swiftly approved by President Joe Biden, who did the same for Florida before the storm even touched down. The North Carolina National Guard has dispatched hundreds of troops, large trucks and other vehicles capable of driving through high water, helicopters, and tents to the region. Theyre delivering badly needed food and water to areas of the state that are completely cut off because of flood damage to roads and are supplementing search and rescue teams that have surged into North Carolina, Georgia and the other hard-hit states searching for flood victims. According to Jackson, the National Guard has done more than 100 rescues of people cut off by floods, and the search for more continues.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) has sent more than 3,000 employees into affected states to help with search and rescue operations and to supply needed food and water to affected areas. North Carolina Department of Transportation has 1,600 people on the ground clearing fallen trees and power lines so that roads can be reopened to reach villages and towns cut off by the floods. News film from North Carolina has shown at least one town completely wiped out by massive flooding. States not hit by Hurricane Helene are sending rescue crews and electrical linemen to help restore power. According to Jackson, two days ago, there were as many as a million people without power, a number that has been reduced to 400,000 as power lines are repaired and substations that were flooded are cleaned up and rehabbed.

Communications are being restored by emergency cell towers that have been erected in areas of Georgia, North Carolina, and Tennessee where they were knocked out. The emergency towers will provide disaster roaming so that cell phones using any network can access them.

Helene was one of the largest and most powerful hurricanes to hit the United States in decades. Coming ashore as a Category 4, the storm was hundreds of miles wide and caused extremes of rainfall hundreds of miles inland from the Gulf Coast, where its storm surge flooded towns, knocked out power, and caused widespread devastation. By late afternoon on Monday, more than 130 people had been killed by flooding, fallen trees, and other disastrous results of the hurricane, and North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper told reporters that he expected that number to go up.

So many bridges were destroyed throughout the region that the Army Corps of Engineers is moving emergency bridging solutions into Tennessee and North Carolina and Georgia, according to NBC News. Damage in the Lake Lure/Chimney Rock area of North Carolina is being described as post-apocalyptic, with the lakes surface almost completely covered by debris from destroyed houses, docks, and commercial buildings.

Only state governments and the federal government are large enough and have access to enough resources to deal with devastation of this magnitude. After rescue operations and the supply of immediate food, water, and shelter needs are concluded, it will take months just to clean up the damage done by the storm. Photos of some of the towns show carpets of two-by-fours and roof rafters where homes and businesses once stood. Cars and light trucks were tossed around by the flooding as if they were toys.

Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia on Monday. The campaign of Vice President Kamala Harris canceled her scheduled events Monday and she returned to Washington D.C. for in-person briefs on the recovery efforts. She is expected to begin visiting affected areas on Tuesday.

Politics will inevitably enter the picture of the reaction to this storm as it has after others. Already, a Tennessee legislator has been quoted as saying that the federal declaration of emergency necessary for FEMA relief was finally given, as if the White House was late in granting it. Actually, the White House approved a federal disaster declaration immediately after the governor of Tennessee asked for it. All states affected by Hurricane Helene have received a federal declaration of disaster, setting in motion federal emergency relief through FEMA and other federal agencies.

Earlier I received a briefing from @NC_Governor and @FEMA_Deanne Criswell.



With federal support, the state has reopened 220 roads; personnel are supporting search and rescue, debris removal, and power restoration; and FEMA is registering people for disaster assistance. pic.twitter.com/erJIjqXO5h  President Biden (@POTUS) October 1, 2024

In 2019, Donald Trump redirected $271 million, including $155 million from FEMA, to efforts on the Mexican border to stem the flow of refugees, reducing the amount of disaster relief available to Puerto Rico for Hurricane Dorian. In 2020, Trump took $44 billion from FEMAs disaster relief fund to pay for a $300 per month supplement to regular unemployment benefits. Trump looted the FEMA funds because he refused to urge Congress to approve a bill to extend the additional $600 a month unemployment relief passed by the CARES Act when it was held up by Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., in the Senate.

Politics and disaster relief dont mix. The money being spent today to help victims of Hurricane Helene in southeastern states does not come from spending, to use Republicans favorite word for federal money that doesnt go into the budget of the Department of Defense. It comes from a rational and empathetic desire to help people in need.

Sure, those are voters in North Carolina and Georgia who need help from the federal government. But theyre taxpayers, too. Its their tax money that will be spent to bring the affected states back from the disaster that hit them. Its all of our tax money, and its from our federal government, and its there to help, and support for it shouldnt have to be dragged out of one of our two political parties every time a FEMA bill comes up for a vote.
KYIV, Ukraine (AP)  President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is back home leading Ukraines fight against Russia after a U.S. trip that brought him face to face with the American leaders who will help decide his countrys future.

The Biden administration pledged more than $8 billion in continued support to Ukraine, guaranteeing military aid until a new U.S. administration takes power.

But Zelenskyy found himself briefly mired in domestic politics before meeting with Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in New York.

And the Ukrainians leaders longer-term strategic aim  convincing his allies to adopt a victory plan that he is promoting  remains elusive and out of his control, analysts and officials said. So does the aim of using far-reaching Western weapons against Russia, the most immediate element of Zelenskyy's plan.

Zelenskyy navigated partisan politics

Zelenskyys visit to an ammunition plant in the swing state of Pennsylvania upset Republicans, and House Speaker Mike Johnson fired off an open letter saying the visit was part of a partisan campaign to support Democrats. He demanded that Zelenskyy fire his ambassador to the U.S., which hasn't happened.

There was talk of a meeting with Trump being called off but the two men met in New York on Friday. Zelenskyy also irritated some Republicans when he told The New Yorker that Ohio Sen. JD Vance, the Republican nominee for vice president, is too radical.

Still, Zelenskyy presented his vision for victory to both Trump, Democratic nominee Kamala Harris and President Joe Biden, and walked away with more assistance, which will guarantee that Ukraine will be able to count on American aid until the new administration comes to power.

The outcome of these two meetings was that Ukraine publicly showed it is engaging equally with both candidates. Ukraine has no favorites and is ready for open, normal relations with any future administration, said Oleksandr Kraiev, an analyst from the Foreign Policy Council Ukrainian Prism.

Long-range weapons are still a red line

But the Biden administrations red line remains long-range Western weapons to strike deep inside Russia, even though Ukraine has long been lobbying for the U.S. to drop that limit.

The U.S. fears escalation, but Zelenskyy thinks providing Ukraine with such capabilities would be a step toward ending the war, presidential adviser Mykhailo Podolyak said.

The lifting of these informal restrictions will undoubtedly serve as a key indicator that decisive steps toward ending the war have been taken, Podolyak said. Of course, this wont lead to an immediate end to everything. But we want to see the light at the end of the tunnel, and we want to understand how and when this war will be resolved.

Ukraines leadership is waiting for the next meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group at Ramstein Air Base in Germany  defense leaders from the 50-plus partner nations who regularly gather to coordinate weapons aid for the war. There, Ukraine will see how the group has digested a victory plan that Zelenskyy has been presenting.

Zelenskyy hasn't publicly presented that plan, but U.N. Ambassador Linda Thomas-Greenfield of the U.S. said on Sept. 17 that she had seen parts of it and that "it lays out a strategy and plan that can work.

Ukraine looks for bipartisan support

Podolyak said that Ukraine succeeded in delivering the message with respect to the resources required to sustain its defenses in the current, and potentially decisive, stage of the war."

No public pledges of support were made for Ukraines vision during the meetings, but Podolyak says Kyiv anticipated that a response to the victory plan would likely come during the Ramstein meeting on Oct. 12.

We just need to wait a little, as our partner countries are now holding internal discussions," he said. "We will see the results soon enough.

Ukrainian lawmakers have been trying to win over Trump-allied officials for months, two of them said. One lawmaker said that attempts to solicit Republicans sympathetic to Ukraines cause havent yielded breakthroughs. He spoke on condition of anonymity in order to speak freely about sensitive matters.

Zelenskyy and his nation still have elusive goals

Zelenskyy said that everything necessary for Ukraine to win the war with Russia is on the partners table  an indication Kyiv has no option but to wait for their decision.

He made this statement while addressing the nation at the end of his trip to the U.S.

The victory plan has been presented to America, and we have explained every point, he said.

But analysts and lawmakers said Ukraine sees both presidential candidates as potentially problematic.

Many are concerned by Trump's claims that the war could be resolved quickly, fearing that could mean negotiating on Russias terms, potentially involving territorial concessions and giving up on security guarantees from Western allies.

Meanwhile, others said they believe Harris would continue Bidens foreign policy, which many Ukrainians and outside observers say is driven primarily by fear of wider war rather than than a well thought-out strategy for beating Russia.

Allowing Ukraine to use long-range missiles would be one crucial signal that the US is committed to bolstering Kyivs hand in the long and difficult war.
Two Navy destroyers launched around a dozen interceptors to help defend Israel against a massive attack by Iran on Tuesday, the Pentagon said.

Pentagon spokesman Air Force Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder declined to say what kind of ordnance was used by the warships Cole and Bulkeley, or whether their intercept were successful, but he said the operations took place while both ships were in the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

Irans direct and widespread missile attack on Israel Tuesday was the second of the year, and once again threatened to spark all-out war in the Middle East, a grim future that the United States has worked to stave off since the Palestinian militant group Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7.

The sky lit up over central and southern Israel Tuesday evening as ballistic missiles collided with air defense interceptors. Both the Pentagon and the Israel Defense Forces said they were still assessing the attack, but that Iran had launched around 200 missiles and there had been no recorded casualties.

Initial reports indicate that Israel was able to intercept the majority of incoming missiles and that there was minimal damage on the ground, Ryder said.

National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans response failed and ineffective, but warned that it was also a significant escalation.

What will the surge of US forces to the Middle East cost the military?

This [result] was first and foremost the result of the professionalism of the IDF, but in no small part, because of the skilled work of the U.S. military and meticulous joint planning in anticipation of the attack, Sullivan said.

Irans attack comes a week after Israel assassinated the leader of Hezbollah, a Lebanese militia group that Tehran has armed for years. The strike in Beirut, followed by operations Israel launched across the border, have escalated a burgeoning conflict in Lebanon.

The U.S. has already surged forces to the Middle East to help defend Israel and its own forces. It continued to do so this week, sending three fighter squadrons, including F-15s, F-16s and A-10s. This almost doubles the number of fighters in U.S. Central Command, which oversees American military operations in the Middle East.

Over the weekend, Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin also ordered the aircraft carrier Abraham Lincoln to remain in the region as a bulwark against a wider war. Another carrier, the Harry S. Truman, is heading to U.S. European Command.

These posture changes will add a few thousand U.S. forces to CENTCOM, according to the Pentagon, adding to the 40,000 already there  6,000 more than normal.

The U.S. insists the surge in forces has helped avert an a wider war in the region, an assessment Ryder repeated from the podium Tuesday, despite the recent attacks.

Weve been working very hard from the beginning to prevent a wider regional conflict., he said. Certainly, the type of aggressive action that we saw by Iran today makes that more challenging.

American forces, meanwhile, are under an elevated threat from Iran-backed proxies in the region.

Last week, the Houthis, a militia group in Yemen, launched what the Pentagon called a complex attack with aerial drones and cruise missiles on U.S. ships in the Red Sea, though officials said no ships were struck and no sailors were injured.

Irans attack Tuesday included around two times as many ballistic missiles than a similar barrage this April, which largely featured aerial drones that are much easier to intercept, Ryder said. No U.S. forces were targeted in the attack Tuesday, he continued.

Austin spoke with his Israeli counterpart to discuss the attack and the severe consequences that would follow for Iran. Ryder wouldnt elaborate on what those consequences will be, nor whether the U.S. would assist Israel in a direct strike on Iranian territory.
CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Members of the North Carolina Air National Guard took part in hauling 100,000 pounds of food and water to hard-hit areas in Western North Carolina.

Queen City News was invited along for the trip, which took place on a C17 cargo jet that flew from Charlotte to Asheville.

Along with personnel, the jet was loaded with meals ready to eat, water and a forklift to haul all of the palettes off.

The food, from the Federal Emergency Management Agency, is meant for those with severe access issues.

PREVIOUS: Queen City News travels with NC Air National Guard to WNC communities

Queen City News had a chance to speak with some of the guardmen taking part in the mission to Asheville.

SSgt. Alex Pracher from Gastonia took part in the mission. An Appalachian State University graduate, he has been in touch with a former roommate in Boone on the situation in the High Country, which has included flooding and bridges being washed or wiped out.

He was able to FaceTime me and show me the damage of the old apartment we lived in and its pretty devastating, he said.

Everyone Queen City News had a chance to speak with has some sort of personal stake or connection in helping out the areas hardest hit by the flooding from Tropical Storm Helene.

One of the pilots on Mondays mission, Maj. William Paul of Salisbury noted he had family in the affected region. He said they are doing well and have been in touch. However, Paul noted the extent of the devastation he could see from the air.

The picture are obviously shocking. Ive seen them, like you, and even coming in, there was still a great amount of water coming in there, he said. Its one thing to see it in pictures, its another to see it in real life.

The North Carolina Air National Guard was joined by the North Carolina Army National Guard, along with similar forces from South Carolina, Florida, Iowa and Maryland.

Queen City News noticed numerous choppers from various agencies heading out in all directions to assess, and in some cases, provide assistance or attempt rescues.

So, mostly, well make a lot of logistics runs, said Maj. Jay Hosack with the North Carolina Army National Guard, from Kannapolis. Food and water, grid coordinates looking for people who reached out to Emergency Management through 911. Anything thats made it to Raleigh, funneling through the Emergency Management channels gets processed and assigned to aircrews.

Maj. Paul noted the unusual nature of the mission, but the need currently for it.

Its normally not the best option to bring it in by air, its too costly, he said. But when the roads are closed and its not practical and it takes too long and theres an immediate need you call us, and we bring this aircraft, and we can bring three tractor-trailers worth in 20 minutes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
NORTH CAROLINA  Gov. Roy Cooper said state officials need to be ready for the long haul when it comes to recovery efforts following Hurricane Helene.

After spending most of the day Monday in Western North Carolina on Monday, Cooper, joined by multiple state-level officials, hosted a media briefing Tuesday morning to update on the status of the states rescue and recovery efforts.

Cooper said the damage from Helene on the region was beyond belief.

Communities were wiped off the map, dozens of lives lost, hundreds of roads remain damaged or impassable, he said.

Cooper said he expects the states recovery period to be a long one.

We know this crisis will likely be a sustained crisis due to water issues so this is going to have to be a continued operation, he said.

The states response is beginning to see results. People living in Western North Carolina are slowly beginning to see cell phone coverage return to the region, and the number of people without power is down from more than 1 million to around 460,000.

Across the region, more than 1,000 people have taken refuge in 29 shelters, with more shelters expected to open in the coming days.

Road work

One of the biggest obstacles to getting help to people in recent days has been access to flooded areas.

State Transportation Secretary Joey Hopkins said as of Tuesday there were 425 roads closed in Western North Carolina, and more than 700 areas which have been damaged. Those numbers may not even be close to the full scope of the damage.

We believe there are more road closures than are shown on the DriveNC website, however thats the best information we have at this time, Hopkins said.

There are more than 1,600 state employees and 75 contractor crews working in the region to assess road damage and in some areas, crews have already started the work to repair damaged roads and bridges.

As of Tuesday morning, I-40 east at Old Fork was open to traffic once again, and Hopkins said the westbound lane is expected to reopen on Tuesday. Additionally I-26 is open through the state, and Highway 421 is open to and past Boone.

I 40 will remain closed at Mile Marker 3 near the Tennessee state line for some time, though crews are already looking for ways to stabilize the parts of the road which remain intact.

While the reopened roads are encouraging, Hopkins stressed people in the area should avoid driving if possible.

Travel in this area for non-emergency personnel is hindering needed emergency response, he said. Also Id like to remind you food water and even fuel is in short supply, so any additional needs on those resources hurts us too.

Rescue operations

According to Major Gen.Todd Hunt of the North Carolina Army National Guard, more than 800 guardsmen and 275 vehicles have already deployed to the area and have been regularly working to locate and rescue people in need. And those numbers will increase as the states response continues.

Already troops have rescued more than 500 people, Hunt said, and 92 search and rescue teams are continuing to work around the clock to locate people in need.

The state is still reporting 38 people who have been killed by the storm, though it is unclear how many of that number are included in 40 people confirmed dead by Buncombe County on Monday.

We know there will be more fatalities, Cooper said.

In addition to the service members already in the region, Cooper said he has been given approval from President Joe Biden to utilize troops and resources from Fort Liberty and Camp Lejeune in the states recovery efforts. There is a process the state and federal government have to go through before those resources can be given to the state, Cooper said.

Due to the expected length of the recovery effort, Hunt said deploying troops will need to a strategic process, with troops rotating in and out of the area.

It needs to be a coordinated event. I could bring on a lot more soldiers  which we are doing today  but if we dont have the lines of communication open we cant get there, which we are working on as we go through the western part of the state, he said. The US military and our friends at DOD are willing to provide resources and we are willing to tap on those as well.

Price fixing

The North Carolina Attorney Generals office has received more than 70 complaints of price gouging in Western North Carolina, according to Attorney General Josh Stein.

Stein said the complaints were split primarily between complaints of raised prices for food, gas, and lodging.

North Carolina has a price gouging law, which was triggered by the states emergency declaration over the weekend.

Stein said his office has already sent civil investigative demands to determine if any state laws have been broken.

If they are we will not hesitate to take action, he said. We will not allow price gougers to take advantage of you when you are in need.

Financial aid

As of Tuesday morning, more than 57,000 North Carolina residents had applied for financial assistance from FEMA. The federal government has already dispersed more than $1 million in aid to those people, according to Will Wray, state emergency services director.

Due to an expedited major disaster declaration from the federal government, North Carolina residents who have been impacted by Helene can apply for assistance for help by visiting disasterassitance.gov or downloading the FEMA mobile app.

People can apply for assistance in a number of categories including damage to homes, cars and personal property, request reimbursement for expenses for utilities, food, shelter, clothing, gas, medicine or medical equipment or request reimbursement for child care costs, home safety item costs and lodging expenses.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
NE education officials weigh in on school districts use of nutrition fund for gym scoreboards

The Nebraska Department of Education. (Aaron Sanderford/Nebraska Examiner)

LINCOLN  Two big digital scoreboards that a Nebraska school district purchased with funds from a student nutrition fund and installed in a school gym were not an appropriate spend, a Nebraska Department of Education spokesman said Monday.

Nebraska State Auditor Mike Foley last week issued a scathing letter to the Chase County public school district in southwest Nebraska, calling out its use of about $125,000 from a nonprofit school food account for the pair of massive video scoreboards.

The school district, in response, said that it was confident that it appropriately and transparently bought the video display boards after consulting with the Nebraska Department of Education.

A law firm representing the district told Foleys audit team in a letter that while the boards are used for sports, they also display nutritional information. The firm said the district has a longstanding practice in which students line up on the walking track of the gym, where the boards communicate nutrition information to students on their way to the cafeteria.

The law firm added, however, that the district was ready to take corrective action if directed to do so by either the State Department of Education or the U.S. Department of Agriculture.

Monday, spokesman David Jespersen, in response to a query by the Nebraska Examiner, said the State Department of Education will require the Chase County school district to provide quotes on three display monitors and notify the department of its choice. The department must approve.

And the school nutrition program fund will be paid back less the approved amount based on the cost of the approved menu display, Jespersen said in a statement.

The original expense does not meet funding requirements for approval, he said.

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WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  The Kansas Department of Transportation is working to raise awareness and improve pedestrian safety during National Pedestrian Safety Month.

KDOT says between 2019-2023, 179 people across Kansas, ranging from ages 4 to 93, have been hit and killed by vehicles.

Train fatally hits pedestrians at railroad crossing in Liberal, victims identified

Here are a few safety tips to keep in mind:

Follow the rules of the road and obey signs and signals.

Drivers: Slow down and watch for pedestrians, yield to pedestrians in or at crosswalks, never pass vehicles stopped at a crosswalk and avoid blocking crosswalks or sidewalks. Always use caution when backing up or driving in hard-to-see conditions and invest in a camera or collision detection systems.

Pedestrians: Stay focused, cross streets carefully at marked crosswalks when available; make eye contact with drivers at stop signs, traffic signals or slowing/stopped at crosswalks; and walk on sidewalks (if not available, walk facing traffic and as far from traffic as possible).

KDOT is supporting International Walk and Roll to School Day on Oct. 9 as part of its Safe Routes to School (SRTS) program. Schools and communities are encouraged to register and download free event planning toolkits, which include flyers, banners, signs, pedestrian safety fact sheets and more. To register a school, access materials or learn more about SRTS, click here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
(WFRV)  The David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund within the Community Foundation for the Fox Valley Region awarded 22 grants totaling over $2,500,000, giving nonprofits and local municipalities a much-needed financial boost.

The Nelsons, who lived in De Pere, made provisions during their lifetimes for a planned gift to benefit the region. Rita was a teacher, and David was the Chief Financial Officer for the Post-Crescent in Appleton and the Green Bay Press-Gazette.

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After they passed, the Nelsons left over $100 million from their estate to create the David L. and Rita E. Nelson Family Fund. The gift was by far the largest ever received by the Community Foundation and one of Wisconsins most significant charitable gifts.

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Its a privilege and responsibility to carry forward David and Ritas wish to impact the region

by supporting this years projects and experiences. Over the last seven years, the funds

become a valued partner to the nonprofit agencies seeking to enhance the regions quality

of life, said Ann Engelhard, Donor Services Manager for The David L. and Rita E. Nelson

Family Fund at the Community Foundation.

This years support was awarded to the following projects:

Nonprofit Grant Amount For What Friends of High Cliff State Park $500,000 Remediation and restoration of the Lime Kiln Trail. Friends of the Fox River Trail $250,000 Support trail expansion and pavement upgrades. City of Kaukauna $250,000 Grignon Mansion Community Park Project City of Kaukauna $240,000 Replace the boardwalk and make other trail updates at 1000 Islands Environmental Center City of Menasha $200,000 Enhance Jefferson Park, designated for the Boat Launch Thompson Center on Lourdes $200,000 Celebration Life Capital Campaign, which will secure and refurbish a long-term facility Community Early Learning Center $100,000 Technology and furnishing upgrades to conference rooms used for professional developmental training, presentation, and virtual meetings First Five Fox Valley $100,000 Fox Valley Family Resource Center Fox Valley Literacy Council $100,000 Research initiative gauging literacy needs in the area Appleton Historical Society $100,000 Support the purchase and renovation of a historic building, providing space for public displays, exhibitions, community programs, and archives Gordon Bubolz Nature Preserve $100,000 Support sustainable trail restoration and infrastructure Divine Savior Holy Angels High School $75,000 Rita E. Nelson Family Scholarship Fund Brown County Historical Society $51,000 Support restoration projects at the Hazelwood Historic House United Way of the Fox Cities $50,000 Support the launch of the Fox Valley Data Exchange Appleton Community Music $50,000 Support the Mile of Music Festival Us 2 Behavioral Health $50,000 Support the purchase and renovation of an office building in Appleton, allowing the organization to expand its service Wisconsin Broadcasters Association Foundation $20,000 Increase the endowment for their David L. Nelson Scholarship Fund, supporting students pursuing a career in media Girl Scouts of the Northwestern Great Lakes $20,000 Land survey at the East Service Center in Appleton, allowing the organization to strategically plan their outdoor spaces and for the purchase of outdoor educational supplies Patriot Racing Project $20,000 Restoration of the sailboat Stjanra, which will increase the organizations capacity to engage veterans to participate in weekly sailing races throughout the Bay of Green Bay SCORE Fox Cities $10,000 Support BIZ Talk, a radio show dedicated to educating people about small businesses and nonprofits in the Fox Cities area Green Bay Firefighters Historic Preservation Foundation $3,600 Purchase of two historic Green Bay firefighter helmets

GoFundMe page set up for Greenville family that lost a home and two pets in a fire

Since its creation seven years ago, the Nelson Family Fund has provided over $27 million in grants.

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Whether you agree or dont agree with the Israeli prime ministers methods (I dont), Israel is showing the world that UN talk and asking people nicely doesnt work.

Benjamin Netanyahu is showing that if you want to see your plans through nothing beats determination and unilaterally sticking to national interest come what may. He knows that to achieve your aims you sometimes have to risk international popularity and not hide in the niceties of the diplomatic cocktail circuits.

Netanyahu knows many people and nations just want the current crisis to go away. I was always struck as defence secretary how many people would ask me, When will it all be over?  as if these conflicts were interrupting them watching their favourite soap opera.

I dislike Netanyahu for many reasons but the diplomatic blob seems to forget that in his eyes he is fighting for every dead concert goer, every hostage and every part of the Jewish community. He himself was once injured in Lebanon freeing hostages and his brother was killed on the Entebbe raid in 1976.

The Israeli prime minister means what he is doing and he knows the international community will take so long to actually do anything that he must just get on with it. For if he doesnt, no one else will help protect Israel.

Our dear Foreign Office is perplexed why he hasnt listened to calls for restraint from us and others. Bless them. They really havent a clue. So obsessed has the FCDO become on chairing sub committees at the UN that it cant recognise the real world when it sees it.

One of the most important parts of a military plan is the maintenance of the aim. Stick to it. Drive it. Mean it.

It is why I have said in these pages before that Britains soft power must always be backed up by hard power. Ready, deployable and lethal.

Sadly amongst all the stories of the new PMs suit collection and Beirut many would have missed the efforts in the US by the Ukrainian president to try and get the West to show strength towards Russia.

Volodymyr Zelensky came to the White House with a plan. I am not sure he left with anything other than more warm words.

All of us in the West have made strong and bold statements towards Russia. But the reality is we havent maintained our aim and the Western policy of incrementally helping Ukraine does not work.

Putin doesnt think we mean it because he sees us wobble, hide in the crowd and deliberate while he sends more of his own into the meat grinder.

Putin has two trump cards. The first is he will send wave after wave of Russian citizens to their deaths knowing he is insulated from domestic rebellion.

The second is he doesnt really believe we mean it when we say he must fail and Ukraine must be victorious.

Perhaps he is aware of the Foreign Office and Cabinet Office officials that lobby for Britain not to get ahead of the pack.

The Kremlin despot thinks right across Europes chancelleries, officials and politicians will soon be saying, When will all this go away? How quickly can we return to a world where we can spend taxes on health services, benefits and public transport?

Maybe he is right. But I believe there is a way to prove Putin wrong.

Yes, it takes leadership and unpopular decisions and yes, it takes risk as well. Ukraine can win and Putin can and indeed must fail.

That nasty little dictator using murder, invasion and threats can not win  for the sake of all our futures.

Both President Zelensky and the West have a role to play. It starts with Ukraine mobilising itself fully  as we did in 1939 and then again 1941.

The West can train them. Britain could train 100,000 alone if it wanted to.

Imagine what all of Europe could do. We can train them here, but we can also train them in Ukraine.

We should send troops to help train and maintain the Ukraine army. Not fighting, but enabling the rear echelons to help service the equipment we have all sent. Troops could help medically treat the injured.

And Britain should use its often paraded leadership to drive for agreement on Ukraines membership of Nato. There are plenty in Europe who will join us. Some already have.

Meaning what we say matters. It matters to Putin, Hamas, Iran and Hezbollah. It matters most to China.

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Vice President Kamala Harris received criticism for a social media post showing her being briefed by the Federal Emergency Management Agency on the latest Hurricane Helene updates, with numerous eagle-eyed social media users calling out the peculiar photograph in her post.

"I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery. I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing rescue and recovery efforts in North Carolina," the vice president said Sunday night on social media.

She added, "Our Administration will continue to stay in constant contact with state and local officials to ensure communities have the support and resources they need. Doug and my thoughts are with all those who lost loved ones and those whose homes, businesses, and communities were damaged or destroyed during this disaster."

The photo caught the attention of social media users, including her Republican presidential rival.

"Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!" former President Donald Trump said on X, the platform formerly known as Twitter.

"The paper is blank and the wired headphones arent even plugged into her phone. If youre going to pretend youre not AWOL as NC is under water, at least put some effort into it," a social media user reacted.

"This piece of paper is unburdened by White House pen," another person quipped about her seeming to write something on a page but the pen not quite touching the page.

"This is the most VEEP-like photo ever  pretending to be on a phone call but forgetting to plug in the antiquated earphones while pretending to write on a blank piece of paper instead of actually doing anything," conservative journalist Mollie Hemingway said.

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"Are her wired earbuds even plugged in to her phone?" veteran television journalist Brit Hume asked.

"Fake picture, fake help, fake candidate," former Rep. Scott Taylor said.

The Washington Examiner reached out to Harris's office for comment on the photo.

After Harris spent the weekend in California raising about $55 million in high-dollar events, she held a campaign rally in Nevada on Sunday night. The vice president returned to Washington, D.C., on Monday afternoon to visit the FEMA headquarters for a briefing about the emergency response for the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, which also drew criticism as video showed her not responding to reporters' questions.

While she was fundraising and campaigning over the weekend, Hurricane Helene devastated parts of several states, including Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, North Carolina, and Virginia. President Joe Biden was also criticized for spending the weekend at his beach house in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre and Biden defended the administration's response.

"The president did exactly what a president in this moment needs to do, which is directing his team to take action," the press secretary said Monday at the White House briefing, adding that Harris planned to visit the FEMA headquarters later Monday afternoon.
Reed Hastings publicly gave his endorsement to Kamala Harris in the 2024 US presidential election - CAROLYN KASTER/AP

The number of people unsubscribing from Netflix almost tripled after the streaming giants boss endorsed Kamala Harris.

Netflix experienced a surge in cancellations after Reed Hastings, its co-founder and chairman, announced his public support for the vice-presidents election campaign.

In July, the 2.8 per cent rate of cancellations  known as churn in the industry  represented the highest rate since February for the streaming giant, which has the lowest rate of churn in the industry, according to the researcher Antenna.

The uptick came after Mr Hastings posted a message on X, formerly Twitter, on July 22.

Congrats to Kamala Harris -- now it is time to win  Reed Hastings (@reedhastings) July 23, 2024

The tech billionaire told The Information that he had donated $7 million (5.6 million) to an anti-Donald Trump Republican political action committee in support of Ms Harris.

The public endorsement was met with hostility from Trump supporters, who called for a boycott of the subscription service.

Some online users falsely suggested Netflix itself had donated the millions to Ms Harris. Others posted images on social media showing they had closed their accounts alongside the hashtag #CancelNetflix.

The single worst day for Netflix cancellations this year came on Jul 26, three days after the donation was made public.

The spike in cancellations is primarily thought to have been caused by the companys decision to phase out its basic tier package  the cheapest advertising-free version of Netflix  with users encouraged to choose a new plan to keep on streaming. But the five-day period after Mr Hastings endorsement was unusual, even for July.

Reed Hastings has been a long-term Democratic donor - MICHAEL M SANTIAGO/GETTY IMAGES NORTH AMERICA

Mr Hastings, who co-founded Netflix in 1997 and stepped down as its chief executive in 2023, has been outspoken in this election cycle and was one of the first Democratic donors to urge Joe Biden to drop out of the race in July.

Biden needs to step aside to allow a vigorous Democratic leader to beat Trump and keep us safe and prosperous, he told The New York Times.

A long-term Democratic donor, Mr Hastings issued a scathing rebuke of Trump in 2016, claiming the now-former president would destroy much of what is great about America.

This latest incident is not the first political statement to impact the streaming giant.

In 2020, the company pledged to move 2 per cent of its cash into black-owned banks after the murder of George Floyd and subsequent Black Lives Matter protests that swept the country.

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Iran Missile Attack On Israel Appears To Have Been Defeated, White House Official Says; Networks Capture Explosions Above Tel Aviv And Other Cities  Update

UPDATE: Networks captured the harrowing scenes of explosions in the skies over Tel Aviv today, as Iran launched a missile attack on Israel.

Major news networks quickly switched to reporters in the region for ongoing coverage, while broadcast networks interrupted regular daytime programming for special reports.

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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan said that nearly 200 missiles were fired.

This attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, he told reporters.

He said, Obviously, this is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack on Israel.

Sullivan said that they do not know of any deaths in Israel, but they were tracking the reported death of a Palestinian in Jericho in the West Bank.

We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel, he said.

We are proud of the actions we have taken alongside Israel to protect and defend Israel, Sullivan said. We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case.

The attacks were retaliatory strikes following Israels killing of the leader of Hezbollah, the proxy terrorist organization, and other leaders, in strikes in Lebanon. That was been followed by a limited invasion in the southern region of the country.

Theres fear that this could develop into a wider conflict, and it is kind of happening, ABC News Ian Pannell reported, saying that the next development will be in how Israel responds.

On Fox News, Trey Yingst was in Haifa, reporting on the ballistic missile attack, as Harris Faulkner said, I need to know youre in a safe location and that you can move away when necessary. She then noted that they could see several objects exploding near where he was. Watch your back. If you need to step back, well move on here and come back to you.

Yingst then said, Yep. Were with you, before saying he would give instructions to his crew.

On CNN, Jim Scuitto, like other correspondents wearing a helmet and other protective gear, said that in the 20 years coming to Tel Aviv, he had never seen an attack like the one today, saying that Irans intent seemed to be to overwhelm Israels missile defense system.

Earlier, Scuitto was on the rooftop, speaking to anchor Dana Bash, when he said that he and his crew had to get off the rooftop. OK guys, we have to get off the roof. These are coming down right next to us here. We got to go inside, he said.

Jim, please take cover, Bash said.

CNN also reported missiles over Haifa and Jerusalem.

A White House official said that President Joe Biden and Vice President Harris were monitoring the Iranian attack from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team. President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel, the official.

The Israeli missile strikes on Lebanon may have displaced more than one million people, the countrys prime minister, Najib Mikati, said earlier this week, per NBC News. More than 1,000 people were killed in the strikes, local officials said.

Dominic Patten contributed to this report.

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A 43ft (13 meters) effigy of an entirely nude Donald Trump on the interstate from Las Vegas to Reno, Nevada, has been dismissed as deplorable and pornographic by Republicans in the state.

In a statement, the Nevada Republican party said it strongly condemns the effigy of the former president, which hangs from a crane, weighs 6,000lbs, is made from foam and rebar, is titled Crooked and Obscene and is expected to be brought to other cities as part of a nationwide tour.

While families drive through Las Vegas, they are forced to view this offensive marionette, designed intentionally for shock value rather than meaningful dialogue, said the partys statement, invoking the name of a city that was essentially founded to capitalize on gambling and sex.

The artists behind the graphic effigy  who want to remain anonymous  told the Wrap that Trumps nudity was intentional, serving as a bold statement on transparency, vulnerability and the public personas of political figures.

Political battles over statuary run hot and have become a feature of the Trump era after he won the presidency in 2016.

For instance, hundreds of statues paying tribute to the white supremacist Confederacy that lost the US civil war have come down in southern states where the Confederacy was based after a spate of police killings victimizing Black Americans.

The Trump effigy and the offense Republicans took over it drew attention days after he boasted at a political rally in Wisconsin of his beautiful body. It was taken down Monday with plans to move it to other swing states in Novembers presidential election, during which Trump is seeking a return to the White House as the Republican nominee.

The sculpture in Las Vegas came eight years after artist Joshua Ginger Monroe created statues of Trump that he told a Cleveland news outlet took four to five months of strenuous labor to create. He described it as a hate-filled labor to create this monstrosity.

Monroe told Cleveland Magazine the following year: The reason we show Trumps veins [is] to show a visible representation of his thin skin.

At the same time, a 16ft effigy of Trumps rival in Novembers presidential race, Kamala Harris, has been put up at the United States Funhouse in West Hartford, Connecticut. The display is from Matt Warshauer, a professor and political historian at Central Connecticut State University  and it likens Harris to the Statue of Liberty.

Warshauer says he sees Harris  whose statue is flanked by Halloween skeletons and ghouls  not as a fundamental threat to the system.

I see her as a stable force, he said.

A statement on the statue suggests it could be the last of Warshauers annual political displaying. It declares the piece as the final year of Political Halloween.
GATLINBURG, Tenn. (WATE)  As interstate connections between Tennessee and North Carolina remain impassable due to flooding damage, a roadway through Great Smoky Mountain National Park reopened and offers a route between the two states.

The National Park Service announced that US 441/Newfound Gap Road reopened around 8 a.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 2. After it reopened, all major roads, trails and facilities on the Tennessee side of the park will be open to visitors.

TDOT shares alternative route for drivers going to NC as US 129 sees uptick in commercial vehicles

As always, commercial vehicles are prohibited on Newfound Gap Road and in all of the national park except for the Spur. A TDOT spokesperson also noted that US 129 The Dragon, between 411 and the North Carolina state line remains under existing restrictions for commercial vehicle traffic, meaning that no trucks with trailers over 30 feet in length, or single units over 30 feet in length are permitted.

Kuwohi Road, formerly Clingmans Dome Road, will also open on Wednesday.

While the park has assessed high-use areas and trails for hazards, visitors are encouraged to exercise caution when hiking and exploring the park.

Knoxville couple rescued from North Carolina campground after Helene

Areas of the park including Cataloochee Valley, Big Creek, Balsam Mountain and Lakeview Drive are still closed. Oconaluftee and Kuwohi visitor centers are also closed. Visit nps.gov/grsm to check current park conditions before heading to an area of the park.

Newfound Gap Road was closed and the staffing at the park was limited due to the impact of flooding after Hurricane Helene. A park release said that the park received a needed fuel delivery to the Oconaluftee area on Tuesday which is helping the park reopen the road.

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Its not a victimless crime: Sheriff talks about the cost of bogus threats at schools

SYRACUSE, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  One month into the school year and several districts have already reported fake threats across Central New York.

These calls not only send parents into a panic but they also cost taxpayers time and money.

And even when the threat isnt real, the response often is.

If we feel its credible, you could be talking about bringing our bomb dogs in, our bomb squad, obviously your gonna need deputies to secure the area, evacuate the school, it just depends on the credibility of the threat, Onondaga County Sheriff Toby Shelley said.

So how much do bogus threats cost? First: Resources. Second: Dollars.

When we have that many resources tied up at a school, they cant respond to other priority calls, Sheriff Shelley said. There could be a domestic going on, or a bank robbery or something like that but because deputies are at a nonsense swatting call, someone could get killed and how are you gonna put a value on that life?

Sheriff Shelley and NewsChannel 9s Rachel Polansky looked at the response to a recent threat. Not only did he respond. So did the Undersheriff, a Lieutenant, a Sergeant, six deputies, and the entire SWAT team.

Based on their salaries, and their hours on the scene, it came out to about $8,500.

I think the bottom line, the cost is too much, Sheriff Shelley said.

In the 2022  2023 school year, the Onondaga County Sheriffs Office responded to or assisted with 41 threats at schools. That number dropped to 29 threats last year. But the trend may be going back up. In the first month of this school year, OCSO has already responded to eight threats.

Source: Onondaga County Sheriffs Office

Sheriff Shelley said its not a victimless crime.

I hope your family member doesnt call for help when all the resources are tied up on something they shouldnt have to be tied up on, Sheriff Shelley said.

Students who post or send bogus threats can face state or local charges  from misdemeanors to felonies.

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The bill vetoed by Gov. Gavin Newsom would have changed the statute of limitations to give people sexually abused in juvenile facilities more time to sue. (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

Many people who say they were raped or molested while confined at California juvenile facilities are out of time to sue the county governments that oversaw their care.

On Sunday, Gov. Gavin Newsom vetoed a bill that would have changed the statute of limitations to give people sexually abused in juvenile facilities more time to sue. His decision infuriated victim advocates, who accused him of bowing to pressure from local officials concerned about how to pay for an onslaught of litigation.

The bill built on a 2020 change in state law that opened a three-year window for victims to sue in cases where the statute of limitations had expired. For sexual abuse that occurred prior to 2024, victims normally can sue until they turn 40, or within five years of discovering a mental health condition related to the abuse.

The 2020 change led to a flood of lawsuits against organizations across California, notably the Catholic Church, school districts and local governments.

Alarmed at the number of lawsuits that involved Los Angeles County's network of juvenile facilities, Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland) introduced a bill that would have opened a one-year window within the statute of limitations for people to sue over sexual abuse that occurred at juvenile detention facilities and probation camps throughout the state.

In vetoing the bill, which had sailed through the state Assembly and Senate, Newsom argued that it would have encouraged similar efforts to set aside the statute of limitations, including in cases where key evidence had been lost.

John Manly, whose firm has represented victims in sexual abuse cases involving the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Archdiocese of Los Angeles, called the veto a slap in the face to victims and a gift to abusers.

His tone deaf and inaccurate veto message sounds like something the Catholic Bishops would conjure in their ongoing efforts to protect pedophile priests, Manly said in a statement.

Newsom had previously signed legislation that provided a similar window for lawsuits from victims of USCs George Tyndall and UCLAs James Heaps, both gynecologists accused of widespread sexual abuse.

He had no problem advancing the others, said attorney Mike Arias, who worked on the Tyndall litigation and now says he is representing about 200 plaintiffs suing L.A. County over sexual abuse. He just got pressure he didnt want to stand up to.

The main public opposition to the bill came from L.A. County, which has recently been sued by thousands of adults who say that staff at county juvenile facilities raped, molested or fondled them.

L.A. County Chief Executive Fesia Davenport, who drafts the county budget, said in an interview last week that she believes the financial cost of the recent sexual abuse litigation could soon force the county to shrink services and possibly lay off workers.

Last year, county officials said that resolving sexual abuse claims from an estimated 3,000 plaintiffs could cost $1.6 billion to $3 billion. The number of plaintiffs has since increased to more than 5,600, Davenport said.

Whatever it is, were not going to be able to afford it, she said.

Davenport said the settlements, which will need to be accounted for in the next budget cycle, would require a more significant belt-tightening than when county revenue was diminished by the pandemic.

County lawyers say many decades-old cases are difficult to litigate because records no longer exist to corroborate even the most basic allegations.

Were scratching our heads and trying to figure it out in real time, said Jason Gonzalez, an attorney for the county.

But plaintiffs' attorneys say the county should take responsibility for the abuse that occurred under its watch.

Thats kind of been their mantra the entire time. Services are going to get cut. People are going to lose their jobs, said Doug Rochen, whose firm represents about 1,400 people who say they were sexually abused while in L.A. County's care as children. Well, thats nice, but you shouldnt have allowed for pervasive sexual abuse [that] occurred for decades.

Wicks office did not respond to a request for comment on the governors veto. She had previously told colleagues at a June meeting that she was looking to pass the bill in a way that doesn't cripple our local government and that she would work with L.A. County to find a palatable solution.

But the fact remains that there were a bunch of young people who were victimized, she said at the time. We need to figure out how to rectify that.

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It appears more likely than not that the 2024 election could produce the rarest form of divided government in U.S. history.

Forecasts suggest the House and Senate could flip in opposite directions in the same election for the first time ever. If they do  and if Vice President Kamala Harris wins the presidency  it would be the first time since 1890 that a Republican Senate stands alone against a Democratic House and president.

A Republican Senate is a semi-safe bet this election year, according to top election watchers. But it might be the only safe bet.

Recent polling shows control of the House and White House is up in the air. Whether former President Donald Trump would enter a second term with a Republican trifecta  as he did in 2017  or whether Harris will be forced to negotiate with one or two GOP-led chambers if elected, comes down to a series of coin-toss elections across several states and two dozen congressional districts.

But regardless of the state of divided government in the next presidential administration, Congress will almost certainly still serve as a frustrating, or fortunate, obstacle to Trumps and Harris day-one campaign promises.

What party will control the House, Senate and White House?

The Senate will likely flip from Democratic to Republican control in 2025 after four years of Democratic leadership. Models from The Hill and Race to the WH give Republicans a 70% and 58% chance, respectively, of taking Congress upper chamber.

The current Democratic majority of 51 seats faces an unfavorable reelection map with 33 contested seats that disproportionately affect vulnerable Democrats in states like Montana and Ohio.

In the Senate at this point, the Republicans are pretty clear favorites, said Miles Coleman, the associate editor of the University of Virginias election forecaster, Sabatos Crystal Ball. The House is harder to game out.

The House, where Republicans currently hold a three-person majority of 220 seats, is considered up-for-grabs by most forecasters. Race to the WH gives Democrats a 64% chance of taking the chamber, while The Hill gives Republicans a 54% chance.

But with the added partisan pressures of a presidential election year, party control in the House may come down to 18 first-term GOP representatives in districts that voted for President Joe Biden in places like California and New York. The nationalization of House races could mean these seats, and the control of the House, could go the way of the presidency.

Weve been going through this realignment where there are fewer and fewer people who are willing to split their tickets, Coleman said. That idea of ticket-splitting starts to really diminish during the Trump era.

An average of current polling places Trump ahead of Harris in four of the seven battleground states that will likely decide who wins the presidency. Based on these results, if the election were held today, Trump would win the 2024 election with 281 to Harris 257 Electoral College votes, according to Real Clear Politics.

Democrats who hope their congressional candidates can ride Harris coattails to victory and flip the House are looking for Harris to lead by at least 3 or 4 percentage points in national polls. Harris leads Trump by between 2 to 4 percentage points in most national polls.

A consensus of election forecasts  which combine national and state polling averages with demographic and economic data  tend to narrowly favor Harris. FiveThirtyEight, The Economist, Race to the WH and The Hill all give Harris a 55%-60% chance of victory in November.

How will divided government affect a Trump or Harris agenda?

If a divided government does emerge from the 2024 election, or even if it doesnt, the countrys next president will likely have difficulty pushing their agenda through Congress  and thats a feature, not a bug, of the system, according to Dr. Tristan Hightower, an assistant professor of political science at Bryant University.

When somebody comes into office, regardless of what they promised on the campaign trail, they face a steep hurdle with Congress, whether theyve got them on their side or not, Hightower said.

The Constitution intentionally constructs a relatively inefficient legislative branch, Hightower said, both to prevent the chief executive from acting like a monarch and to preclude massive swings of policy between administrations.

The founders structure of checks and balances has ensured that 235 years later, Congress still passes most pieces of legislation in a bipartisan matter, and presidents still face opposition even when their party has complete control of the nations governing bodies, according to Hightower, who points to the unified Republican government under Trump from 2017 to 2019 as evidence.

Both Trump and Harris have made promises on the campaign trail that, if constitutional, would likely require 218 votes in the House and 60 votes in the Senate to become law. Trump has promised to initiate the largest deportation of illegal immigrants in U.S. history. Besides facing the constitutional question of local police enforcing federal immigration policy, the massive undertaking would likely run into the same funding problems Trump faced with construction of the border wall during his first term.

Harris, on the other hand, has proposed an economic agenda that includes subsidizing first-time homebuyers, implementing rent controls and banning grocery price gouging. She also supports making the standard of abortion access previously established by Roe v. Wade the law of the land. To achieve these goals, Harris has said she would support eliminating the Senate filibuster, an important instrument of bipartisanship that requires 60 votes for most legislation to pass.

Hightower, for his part, doesnt buy the apocalyptic language being used by partisans to describe the effects on the country of either a Trump or a Harris presidency. If we look at the data, Hightower said, Congress has continued to function as a check on the presidents power, despite its bad reputation.

I do believe, based on the evidence, in the stickiness of our institutions, the resilience of our institutions, Hightower said. So I am, perhaps, always cautious of these ideas of populist takeovers.
(Bloomberg) -- Nigeria is set to approve Exxon Mobil Corp.s sale of its oil and gas assets to domestic energy supplier Seplat Energy Plc, President Bola Tinubu said.

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The divestment will receive ministerial approval in a matter of days, Tinubu said in a speech on Tuesday marking Independence Day in the West African nation. The move will increase oil and gas production, positively impacting our economy, he said.

Africas largest oil producer has consistently failed to meet its OPEC target because of years of underinvestment in its oil industry, a key driver of economic growth and government revenue. The country produced 1.48 million barrels of crude per day in August, compared with an OPEC quota of 1.5 million barrels, according to data compiled by Bloomberg.

Last week, Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima said that Exxon is considering investing as much as $10 billion in the countrys offshore oil industry in coming years. Seplat has previously said that acquiring Exxons assets would almost quadruple the companys oil output to more than 130,000 barrels per day.

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Approving the sale of assets to Seplat will end a more than two-year hiatus that stalled the conclusion of the $1.3 billion transaction. Nigerias state oil company in June withdrew a legal challenge blocking the transaction.

Our administration is committed to free enterprise, free entry, and free exit in investments, while maintaining the sanctity and efficacy of our regulatory processes, Tinubu said.

The president said that economic reforms implemented by the government since he took office in May 2023 have attracted more than $30 billion in foreign direct investment to the country. While the policy overhaul has been welcome by foreign investors, its spawned a cost-of-living crisis in Africas most-populous nation that triggered deadly protests.

Other Highlights From Tinubus Speech:

Since June 2023, the more disciplined approach adopted by the central bank to monetary policy management has ensured stability and predictability in the foreign exchange market.

Over the past 16 months, Nigerias debt-service ratio has been reduced to 68% from 97%, and foreign reserves have grown to $37 billion from $33 billion.

Progress has been made in eliminating banditry, kidnapping for ransom, and the scourge of all forms of violent extremism in northern Nigeria.

Once passed into law, the Economic Stabilisation Bills approved by the Federal Executive Council will improve Nigerias business environment, stimulate investment and reduce the tax burden.

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The feds have announced charges against nine inmates at a Brooklyn detention center for a series of savagely violent assaults that have left two men dead and others critically injured.

Each of the suspects were already being held on other charges at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Sunset Park.

But they made a bad situation worse when they went after their fellow inmates, according to a statement from US Attorney Breon Peace, of the Eastern District of New York.

Nine inmates at Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn were charged for a series of stabbings that left two men dead and other critically injured. Paul Martinka

Violence will not be tolerated in our federal jails, Peace said. Let these charges serve as a warning to those who would engage in criminal conduct behind bars, and anyone else who facilitates those crimes: your conduct will be exposed, and you will be held accountable.

Two of the men  Andrew Simpson, 26, of Brooklyn, and Devone Thomas, 24, of Queens  have been indicted for allegedly stabbing inmate Uriel Whyte to death on June 7, Peace said.

Three more  Jamaul Aziz, 44, of Manhattan, also known as bugz; James Bazemore, 42, of the Bronx, who goes by TJ or RS; and Alberto Santiago, 28, of Queens, who is called dotcom on the street  were indicted for the alleged July 17 murder of inmate Edwin Cordero, he added.

Both groups of killers used makeshift knives to do their bloody work, Peace said.

All five have been charged with murder, and could face life in prison if convicted.

All nine inmates were already being held at the Sunset Park jail on other charges. Paul Martinka

Another inmate, Luis Rivas, 29, of Jamaica, has been charged with attempted murder for stabbing a fellow inmate 44 times in April.

Bruce Silva, 28, of the Bronx, and Hassan Elliott, 26, of Philadelphia, face assault charges for trying to stab another incarcerated man. And Leury Mojica, 21, of the Bronx, faces a charge of assaulting a federal officer for punching a guard in the face in August.

Several inmates of Brooklyns Metropolitan Detention Center allegedly orchestrated a series of distinct violent assaults, including the murders of fellow inmates, Uriel Whyte and Edwin Cordero, FBI Assistant Director in Charge Dennehy said in a statement.

While this federal jail houses dangerous pretrial inmates, order and safety must remain paramount, Dennehy continued. Awaiting potential criminal charges is not a warranted justification to subject a detained individual to unnecessary attacks.

Each of the suspects will be arraigned over the next few days, the statement said.
New Jerseys Commission for the Blind and Visually Impaired will host an information and outreach fair next week in honor of World Blindness Awareness Month.

The Oct. 10 event will take place from 1 to 3:30 p.m. at Cheesequake State Park in Middlesex County and will cater to people with vision loss and their families and friends.

The fair  to be held at the Hooks Creek Lake Pavilion on Gordon Road in Matawan  will feature food trucks, information tables, and exhibits and activities for people of all ages.

Two students practice smartphone techniques during a class at the Vision Loss Alliance in Denville. New Jersey will hold an information and outreach fair on Oct. 10 in honor of World Blindness Awareness Month.

Though the event is open to all, Human Services Commissioner Sarah Adelman said she hopes seniors experiencing vision loss will attend, as a number of advocacy groups will be on hand.

"This free event plays a crucial role in empowering blind and visually impaired individuals by providing valuable information, resources, and connections that enhance quality of life and foster greater independence," Adelman said in a statement.

Representatives from several state agencies and advocacy groups, including the National Federation of the Blind of New Jersey, The Seeing Eye in Morristown DeafBlind Community Access Network of New Jersey and the SPAN Parents Advocacy Network, will be answering questions and giving out information.

More: New Jersey launches mentorship program for blind, visually impaired residents

"Blindness Awareness Month is a time to recognize and support the crucial efforts being made throughout the state for the over 259,000 individuals living with blindness or severe vision loss, said Bernice Davis, the commissions executive director.

Email askCBVI@dhs.nj.gov or call (877) 685-8878 for more information.

(Correction: A prior version of this story included an incorrect date for the fair.)

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

Email: myers@northjersey.com

Twitter: @myersgene

This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Cheesequake State Park in NJ to host free fair for Blindness Awareness
President Joe Biden has made phone calls to all governors of the states affected by Hurricane Helene in a bipartisan approach that is typical of most presidents during times of national disaster.

He has spoken with Govs. Brian Kemp (R-GA), Roy Cooper (D-NC), Henry McMaster (R-SC), and Glenn Youngkin (R-VA), and Gov. Ron DeSantis (R-FL) said he missed Bidens call. He has received praise from Republican governors about the federal governments handling of the hurricane.

I'm incredibly appreciative of the rapid response and the cooperation from the federal team at FEMA. I've been on the phone over the weekend with the senior FEMA administrator. The team has been deployed, Youngkin said.

DeSantis said he missed the call from the White House as he was in a plane surveying the damage. He said federal efforts should be directed to western North Carolina as Florida has it handled.

Biden plans to do an aerial tour of the damage in North Carolina on Wednesday. The death toll of Hurricane Helene has topped 100, with the most deaths occurring in North Carolina.

I talked with both President Biden and Vice President Harris last night. They pledged their full support. This is going to be a tremendous effort in the short run, but looking at it in the long run, with the hundreds of roads that are destroyed, communities that were wiped off the map, we have to make sure that we get in there, are smart about rebuilding and doing it in a more resilient way, Cooper told CNN.

Biden approved major disaster declarations for Florida, North Carolina, and South Carolina, which will allow survivors to access relief funds and resources immediately. The Federal Emergency Management Agency and other federal agencies, as well as private entities and nonprofit charities, are responding to the disaster in at least seven states in the Southeast.

Former President Donald Trump visited Valdosta, Georgia, on Tuesday, where he falsely accused Biden of not calling Gov. Brian Kemp (R-GA).

Trump said Biden was sleeping and not responding to Kemp, saying the governor was calling the president and hasnt been able to get him.

Earlier that day, however, Kemp said Biden did call him.

I just spoke  the president just called me yesterday afternoon. I missed him and called him right back. And he just said, Hey, what do you need? And I told him, you know, we got what we need. We'll work through the federal process, Kemp said.

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[Biden] offered that if there's other things we need, just to call him directly, which, I appreciate that, Georgia's governor continued.

Biden expressed his frustration at Trumps claim. He said he was not angry at Trumps personal attack but angry that Trump was using this talking point instead of directing help to the victims of the storm.

"Let me get this straight. Hes lying, and the governor told him he was lying," Biden said. "Ive spoken to the governor, I spent time with him, and he told me hes lying."

"I dont know why he does this, and the reason I get so angry about  I dont care about what he says about me," Biden said. "I care what he communicates to people that are in need, implies that were not doing everything possible. We are. We are."

"So thats simply not true, and its irresponsible," Biden added.

While Trump has accused Biden of playing politics with disaster relief, during his own time as president, he frequently withheld aid from areas in need and made false claims.

During Hurricane Matthew in 2017, the Trump administration provided North Carolina, which was run by Cooper at the time, 1% of the aid the state requested.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Trump also said Alabama would be hit by Hurricane Dorian in 2019, but when he was told Alabama would not be in the path of the storm, he altered the storm map with a black Sharpie to extend the hurricanes projected path to include Alabama.

During Hurricane Maria in Puerto Rico in 2018, in which tens of thousands of homes were destroyed and more than 2,600 people died, Trump delayed crucial aid to the areas for three years. He released the needed $13 million just weeks before the 2020 presidential election.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  New Mexico State University (NMSU) announced on Monday, Sept. 30, that they will be restoring and rebuilding its Alumni Pond, according to a press release from the university.

NMSU says the Alumni Pond was closed last August after it lost a significant amount of water in a short period of time.

The university partnered with a national engineering firm with expertise in water resource engineering, to conduct an evaluation of the pond. A complete report was provided to NMSU in December 2023.

NMSU has provided some details of the report which are the following:

The pond was created in the 1970s and is approximately one acre in size; 12-feet deep at maximum; and has a volume of 2.2 million gallons. At the point of closure, the pond had lost approximately 750,000 gallons of water in three days, about one-third of its capacity. The ponds liner is more than 45 years old and should be completely replaced,  NMSU said.

Facilities and Services staff have also determined that the supporting structures for the pedestrian bridge could benefit from preventative maintenance which can only take place while the pond is drained, according to NMSU.

University leaders are currently evaluating funding options, including assessing the level of alumni and community support for the restoration of the Alumni Pond. The level of funding available will dictate how quickly the Alumni Pond can be restored, NMSU said.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
EL PASO, Texas (KTSM)  The New Mexico State University (NMSU) Police Department is investigating a reported sexual assault that happened in late September at Pinon Hall on the Las Cruces campus.

NMSU Police said a student who resides at the residence hall reported being sexually assaulted at a party sometime just before midnight on Saturday, Sept. 28, and 7 a.m. Sunday, Sept. 29.

The suspect has not been identified but is described as a 5-foot-7 Black male in his late teens or early 20s, according to NMSU Police.

As this remains to be an ongoing criminal investigation, and we want to ensure the integrity of the investigation; we are limited on releasing anything additional at this time. We will be coordinating with MARCOMM and as soon as we can, we will provide additional information. Our commitment remains in safeguarding our campus community, read a statement provided by NMSU Police.

NMSU police are actively searching for the suspect and ask anyone who may have information about this incident to call the NMSU Police Department at (575) 646-3311.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTSM 9 News.
LOWVILLE, N.Y. (WWTI)  The Northern New York Community Foundation and the Dyson Foundation are teaming to help with emergency relief from this summers flooding.

In a press release, the organization announced $20,000 in grant support to help Snow Belt Housing provide emergency relief to Lewis County residents impacted by summer flooding. Both organizations will each provide $10,000 to aid residents with documented losses.

Lowville set one-day preliminary precipitation record on Wednesday

It has been a difficult few months in Lewis County, and we feel strongly about this direct support for residents in need. With our partners at the Dyson Foundation, this is a critical deployment of charitable funding that will be responsive. We are confident with Snow Belt Housing Company leading the effort to ensure these resources reach the individuals and families who need it most. Max DelSignore, NNY Community Foundation assistant director

Grant funding will help with expenses that state and FEMA programs will not cover, offering immediate relief to Lewis County residents. Snow Belt Housing expressed concerns for specific populations in the region, but available resources are now limited since initial costs related to summer flooding have been settled.

Snow Belt Housing Company was recently awarded New York State Homes and Community Renewal grant funding to support homeowners with emergency repairs necessary to make their home safe, sanitary and habitable.

The $20,000 in grant funding will help reimburse residents for costs that are not covered through state grants and other sources. Snow Belt Housing has posted a Local Flood Damage Assistance Application on its website, snowbelt.org. Impacted residents may download and complete application and email it to information@snowbelt.org or mail it to: Snow Belt Housing Company, 7500 South State St., Lowville, NY 13367.

Applications will be accepted on a first-come, first-served basis by October 31, or until funding is expended.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
No guarantee of way out for Brits who stay

Hanan Baba, 29, is hoping to get on the UK-chartered flight out of Lebanon [BBC]

British nationals in Lebanon have no guarantee they will be able to leave quickly if the "febrile and fragile" situation deteriorates, the foreign secretary has said.

David Lammy has urged Britons to leave the country by commercial flights or on a UK-chartered plane departing on Wednesday, warning the airport in Beirut may close if the fighting continues.

But Britons in Lebanon told the BBC they have received no confirmation or details about their booking on the government-chartered flight, despite paying for a seat.

"I have such a heavy heart and I'm so anxious - if I don't get on that flight, there's not really another way back for another two weeks," said Hanan Baba, 29.

Speaking to the BBC from Tripoli, north Lebanon, Hanan said she originally planned to fly home on 5 October - before Israel hit Lebanon with a fresh wave of airstrikes and announced a "targeted" ground operation in the south.

"Ticket prices went through the roof - a budget airline that usually offers a one way trip to the UK at 250 is suddenly 800," she said.

"There's nothing else on offer now, apart from very few business class flights costing about 8,000. Or you can bribe someone to take you on a boat to Turkey or Cyprus - for thousands".

On Tuesday Lammy said he was "seeking more capacity over the coming days" so that people can return to the UK, but he warned he could not promise all would be swiftly returned.

As of last week, there were thought to be between 4,000 and 6,000 UK nationals, including dependants in Lebanon.

Hanan has paid the requisite 350 for her seat back to the UK on the government-chartered flight, but has received "no communication" about the flight time or whether she has a guaranteed seat on the plane.

I feel like the government are covering their backs, deploying troops to Cyprus and saying they are negotiating day and night with flights but we have not seen any of that. They have not even communicated a plan.

"I don't even know which airline the plane is, or what time it's going to leave - and I have to actually get to the airport, which is scary enough.

"There are reports of bombs and missiles landing a five minute drive from the airport".

Lara had been visiting family in Beirut [BBC]

Other British nationals have described the "terrifying" journey to Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport from various locations in Lebanon.

Lara, who did not want to give her surname, 19, told the BBC she had risked her own life to fly back to the UK.

"I had to convince myself that if I die it's ok - everyone dies at some point. I'd mentally convinced myself that it was ok to be killed by a rocket.

"Whenever I hear a bang, or whenever I hear something being dragged across the floor, I think it's a plane or a missile coming towards me. I shouldn't have to have that trauma - I'm 19."

Lara, who lives in London and is in her second year of university, had been visiting family in Beirut.

She made the journey back with her 84-year-old great-grandmother who had also been on holiday in the Lebanese capital.

Lara said shed received zero communications, no help from the UK government, and though she flew with a commercial airline, she said that it had been tough to find a flight that was direct - and affordable.

The cost is atrocious, she said.

A British man who works for an international humanitarian organisation and wishes to remain anonymous, evacuated his home in Beirut to Mount Lebanon with his wife and child last week.

They are looking for a flight out of Lebanon, but spots are booked for the next two weeks in every which direction, with the earliest on 16 or 17 October, and those are business class seats to Madrid or Milan costing thousands, he told the BBC.

He said he heard about the chartered flight for British citizens through news reports and has not received any information or offer from the Foreign Office to buy a seat.

BBC News told the Foreign Office about British nationals saying they had not received confirmation or communication about the charter flight.

The Foreign Office did not comment.

He added that many people are fearful and under psychological stress because we dont know where Israel is going to strike next.

Everyone outside of the Bekaa Valley and the south and the suburbs of Beirut feels that the war is going to inevitably come to their doorstep, he said.

Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati said his country is facing "one of its most dangerous phases", and that one million people are displaced.

On Monday Israel said it had launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, in what it has described as "limited, localised and targeted" raids against Hezbollah.

Lebanese civilians are being warned not to use vehicles to travel south across the Litani river, located 20 miles (32km) north of the Israel-Lebanon border, and residents in around 25 villages have been told to evacuate and head north.

The previously sporadic cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on 8 October 2023 - the day after the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip - when Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions, in solidarity with the Palestinians.

With additional reporting from Mallory Moench, Grace Dean and UGC Hub
No jail for Pierce County man who held gun on teen he suspected of trying to steal car

A Pierce County man who was arrested after he chased down a teenager he suspected of trying to steal his car, fired a gun, forced him into his vehicle and then allegedly held the boy at gunpoint while waiting for law enforcement wont face further jail time.

Brian Jones Canady, 66, pleaded guilty Friday to unlawful imprisonment and aiming or discharging firearms, dangerous weapons. Pierce County Superior Court Judge Sabrina Ahrens sentenced him to time served for the first offense  a day in jail  and gave him a suspended sentence of a year in jail for the second.

Canady also was sentenced to a year of community custody. The standard sentencing range for unlawful imprisonment, a felony, is one to three months in jail. Aiming or discharging firearms, dangerous weapons is a gross misdemeanor, and the standard sentencing range is 364 days.

Prosecutors originally charged Canady with first-degree assault, unlawful imprisonment, felony harassment with threats to kill and first-degree unlawful possession of a firearm. Charging documents alleged that Canady forced a 15-year-old boy into his car Aug. 12 in the Frederickson area and fired gunshots at the teenager and his friend.

Additional evidence in the case gave prosecutors reason to doubt that the original charges could be proven.

In a court filing requesting amended charges, deputy prosecuting attorney Sunni Ko wrote that surveillance video was recovered which didnt support a witness claim that Canady pointed a gun at her. Ko added that there was no evidence that Canady struck the victim in the head with a gun or fired the firearm in his direction.

Canadys defense attorney, Bryan Hershman, commended the Prosecuting Attorneys Office for reducing his clients charges and said Canady was a victim who defended himself under the Second Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.

Hershman said Canady had just gotten home and hadnt unloaded everything from his car when he noticed three people in the vehicle.

He doesnt know if theyre armed, he doesnt know  theyre trying to steal his car  he doesnt know if they have his wallet, he doesnt know anything, Hershman said. So he runs back in the house, gets his gun and gives pursuit. Now they see him and they start running.

Canady chased the three in his car and caught one of them. Hershman said Canady fired a warning shot to let the teenager know he was serious.

Pins the kid to the ground, throws him into the car, brings him back to his house, pins him on the driveway and calls 911. Says, Im a victim of a theft, Hershman said. Police show up and what do they do? They arrest him.

Hershman chalked the arrest up to woke culture and called it unbelievable.

Pierce County Sheriffs Department deputies were dispatched to the incident just after 10 p.m. for reports of a possible kidnapping near 152nd Street East and Brookdale Road East. According to court records, two people called 911 after witnessing a man force a boy into his car.

The first caller was driving when she saw the incident, and she reported that the man also fired two gunshots and pointed the weapon at her. The second caller was the teenagers friend, and he reported that they were playing ding dong ditch when the man pulled up in his car, shot at them and grabbed his friend.

While deputies were investigating, Canady called law enforcement to report a vehicle prowl just south of the deputies location, records state. Deputies met Canady there, and he matched the first 911 callers description of the shooting suspect. The witness was brought to the scene and positively identified Canady, who was then arrested.

The teenager who was taken in the car told deputies that before Canady forced him into the vehicle, he was with a friend who was doing something shady, records state. The teenager said they were confronted by Canady while they were walking on Brookdale. He said he was forced into the car at gunpoint, and he said Canady continued to hold him at gunpoint and threatened to kill him after he was driven back to the mans house.
Colleges, including business schools, hate rankings. (That is, unless they do well in them.) Now it appears that years of concerted derision  coupled with some high-profile missteps by rankings publishers  are taking their toll.

A new survey by Kaplan, the global educational services company, finds ascendant the view that college and university rankings have lost some of their prestige over the last couple of years. Three-quarters of more than 200 college admissions officers surveyed see rankings this way, up from 56% in 2023  a striking finding that coincided with the release September 24 of the 2025 edition of one of the premier university rankings, by U.S. News & World Report.

But the Kaplan survey coincides with more than that: It also comes at a time when some of the countrys most selective colleges and universities are rebelling against rankings outsized influence in the admissions process  and several top schools have stopped, or are threatening to stop, participating.

FOR B-SCHOOLS, RANKINGS UNREST HAS BEEN WRITTEN ON THE WALL FOR SOME TIME

Business schools were alerted to the erosion of trust in B-school rankings in spring 2024, when Kaplan and Manhattan Prep, a provider of test prep for the Graduate Management Admission Test and other entrance exams that is owned by Kaplan, surveyed more than 300 aspiring students and dozens of admissions officers at 70 of the top U.S. B-schools and found wide agreement for the proposal that rankings reputations have recently taken a significant hit.

In one survey, 55% of respondents said they believe that rankings have lost some of their prestige over the last couple of years; 21% said they dont believe that to be the case, while 24% werent sure. In a second poll, Manhattan Prep/Kaplan contacted 70 B-schools across the U.S., including 10 of the top 50 as ranked by U.S. News, between August 2023 and February 2024. Half of the admissions officers who responded said rankings have lost some of their prestige, a big jump from the 37% who held this opinion in Kaplans previous survey.

However, even as the prospective students disparaged the importance of polls last spring, they were nearly unanimous (97%) in saying that a B-schools ranking would be critical to them in deciding where to ultimately enroll: 65% called it very important and 32% called it somewhat important.

Rankings, acknowledged one admissions officer, are still valuable as one of many informational tools students consider when deciding where to apply; however, There are so many other resources, like social media, that I believe are more influential.

NO ONE MADE U.S. NEWS THE AUTHORITY ON ANY OF THIS

The new survey from Kaplan of more than 200 college admissions officers finds that 75% believe college and university rankings have lost some of their prestige. The survey also found that 13% of schools that currently participate in the rankings are considering dropping out or will definitely drop out. That latter percentage, however, is about the same as last year.

Opinions shared by admissions officers who participated in Kaplans survey:

Rankings are imperfect and the public puts far too much weight behind them without understanding or investigating methodology. Schools are in a game of who will flinch first on withdrawing, so the navel-gazing continues.

I believe some schools cater to the rankings and give inaccurate information to look good. I dont think it should be a main factor in students finding the best fit.

No one made U.S. News & World Report the authority on any of this. They shouldnt be allowed to galavant these rankings like theyre the biblical word.

I dont mind them, but U.S. News should make it clear that schools not ranked in the top 50 are not bad schools, and every student has a school that is right for them, even if it is ranked lower.

Throughout the years, admissions officers have quipped that they dont get much sleep the night before the U.S. News rankings come out because of the pressure they feel from other top leaders at their institutions, says Jason Bedford, Kaplan senior vice president. For many top-ranked schools, their placement on the list is a key recruitment and fundraising tool, making some administrators jobs easier or more challenging, depending where they net out.

At Kaplan, we believe that while the rankings do take into account important statistics like graduation rates and first-year retention rates, which could be helpful to applicants, the risk for prospective students is placing too much emphasis on it in determining where they ultimately enroll. Price and financial aid packages are additional key considerations and can be the lead drivers in a decision. We advise students and their parents to visit the schools theyre interested in and connect with current students, alumni, and faculty to discuss their experiences. Through this discovery process, students and families may uncover other personal factors that may supersede the rankings and be surprised by what schools are the best matches.

DONT MISS RANKING: U.S. NEWS BEST UNDERGRADUATE BUSINESS PROGRAMS OF 2025 and TEN BIGGEST SURPRISES IN BLOOMBERG BUSINESSWEEKS 2024-2025 MBA RANKING

The post No One Made U.S. News The Authority: Rankings Draw Colleges Enmity  And Increasingly Their Disrespect appeared first on Poets&Quants.
As of Oct. 1, people living on the streets or any other public spaces across Florida could be arrested.

This is after the new homeless encampment ban went into effect. Now, local organizations across our area are bracing for an expected influx as Orange County prepares to enforce the new law.

This is my house, one story house. Its all I got, said Stephen Golub as he showed the place hes called home for over four years  a car full of his belongings. Shortly after COVID, I lost my apartment because it was just so expensive, and I had medical problems. I went on disability because I couldnt work full-time hours or even part-time.

Golub, who used to work at a local theme park, is now disabled and spends most of his days between homeless services and public parking lots. It gets depressing each and every month I go by; you think about it and what you have, and then you just lose everything, he said. I had everything; now Im just living in my car.

Read: Permit issued for Shadowbay drain pipe work

Stephen Golub is far from being the only one. County data shows about 2,000 people are homeless in Orange County alone.

Many of them live on the streets and in public spaces.

House Bill 1365, now an effective law in the state of Florida, bans any type of encampment in those areas.

The law states that cities and counties will have five days to address the violation, which means homeless people would have five days to find a place to stay - that includes temporary shelters.

Read: Florida seeks death penalty against woman accused of shooting, killing Lake County deputy

However, according to the county, theres not enough space for everyone. We estimate that, at around 900 beds, we are short for the unsheltered population, said Lisa Graham, Homeless Services and Mental Health manager for Orange County. We do have a good amount of shelter beds in existence already. So, what were trying to do is looking at clients, looking at the unhoused population, and maybe seeing evaluating who could be out of the shelters right and who could be placed in different types of housing, bridge housing or temporary housing facilities.

If an unhoused person refuses to comply with the new law, they could be arrested  but that is a decision that would vary from county to county. Were definitely talking to other municipalities. Were talking to our law enforcement partners. Florida counties also are talking to one another, but nobody has that solution yet, said Graham. In this current fiscal year, the county is investing approximately $56 million into homelessness services.

The Samaritan Resource Center in East Orange County is one of those services.

There, those who experience homelessness can shower, eat, get new clothes, and even have access to mental health services. The clients know about this law. Theyre very concerned on a daily basis about what we know. No one wants to be arrested for being homeless because they have nowhere to live, said Diana Geremia, Director of Operations at Samaritan Resource Center. Were concerned, obviously, about losing clients because theyre going to end up in jail, which isnt the right answer. And the other issue is, theres no shelter here in East Orlando, and this is home for our clients.

Read: Middle East unrest: Iran launches missile attack against Israel

About 100 people show up at the location daily  a number thats only gone up over the past few years. When I first started, we saw 45 to 65 people, and it was somewhat manageable, said Geremia. Right now, a lot more people are experiencing homelessness. Were seeing families because the rent in East Orlando has gone up 400, 700, $1,000 a month. Families can no longer afford to stay where they are. They come up with the money somehow, some way, and when they go to sign the lease, theyre being told, Im sorry, were not going to renew. You dont make three times what the rent is now.

The county will have a workshop in November to discuss plans and alternatives to reduce the homeless population. The board of commissioners approved an additional 10 million dollars in funds. So far, they still do not have a date or a location for a possible new shelter.

Another part of the new law will allow residents and business owners to file civil lawsuits against local governments that allow sleeping or camping on public property. That part of the law will take effect Jan. 1.

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General information:

Name: Noah Ernst

Age: 52

Profession: Superintendent / In-house Attorney at Radio Cab

Pronouns: He / Him

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

The decline of livability in Portland over the last several years. Portland no longer feels like the safe and clean city it was and we must invest in public safety. We have had a massive increase in homelessness and associated issues such as substance abuse, mental health crises, and unsanctioned camping. The new councilors will have to work together to address those issues to restore Portland to its position as one of the most livable cities in the nation.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

I hope to ensure accountability to results for the programs administered by the city as well as those we fund through nonprofits. We must demand that the programs we fund actually achieve the outcomes we desire. For example, the city alone is spending huge amounts of money to fight homelessness every year, yet we have more people living on the streets than ever before. We are 20 years into the citys 2004 10-year plan to end homelessness and the number of people living on the streets has nearly tripled. Yet people, some running for office, are advocating for exactly some policies that were the basis for that failed plan. We need to be focused on outcomes. We need to track the programs we are funding and require them to achieve results and stop funding the ones that dont.

I will fight to make sure that the city actually listens to the people of Portland, especially in District 1, not just the advocates and special interests. I hear way too often the anger of residents that city government doesnt listen to the people in East Portland who are affected by their actions. The bureaus conduct surveys and do the opposite of what the survey shows people want. Often because they had already decided what they were going to do before even talking to residents. That must stop. Government needs to answer to the people, not dictate to them.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

I have a background that demonstrates an ability to work with all types of people. I do not come from an advocacy, governmental, or non-profit background. Instead, I have spent my career in the real world working as a small business owner, an attorney, a cab driver, and now a superintendent at a cab company.

Cab drivers are probably the most diverse group of people in any industry. I work with immigrants and people whose families have lived here for generations. We have every gender, political affiliation, class, and ethnicity represented amongst our drivers. To be successful as a superintendent, I must be able to work with all of them. To be successful as a company, we all have to work together.

It is important to have elected officials who come from the real world. In my career, I have dealt with too many well-intended but bad policies written by or advocated for by people who dont understand the impacts those policies have on real people or businesses. I believe I will bring that perspective to City Council. I believe I am uniquely qualified to develop policies to achieve outcomes that the people of Portland want, while at the same time ensuring that those policies dont have unintended negative impacts.

In my current role, I have fought for rational and fair changes to City Code and have worked with staff and commissioners to try to get changes made. I have prepared draft Code provisions and presented them to industry committees, staff, and commissioners, and ultimately to council. I understand the process for making policy changes, how hard it can be, and how long it can take. I will bring that experience to City Council and will be able to hit the ground running.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

I admire Harry S. Truman. Not because I agree with all his policies, but because of his commitment to personal responsibility. He had the phrase the buck stops here on a plaque on his desk during his presidency. We need elected officials who are willing to take personal responsibility for delivering the results that Portland wants and needs. We need elected officials who are willing to admit when they are wrong and when the policies they supported havent worked. We need elected officials who will say I wont pass the buck to someone else. I will get it done. I strive to be that type of elected official.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

I would like to see the lack of investment in East Portland since annexation redressed. We need investment in basic infrastructure (lets fix the potholes, put in sidewalks on major streets that lack them, and pave the unpaved streets the city has ignored), in services, in parks and public spaces, in public safety, and in public transportation.

I would like to see the people of East Portland listened to by our city government. The days of government doing things against the express wishes of the residents of East Portland need to end. We are tired of the we know better than you what is good for you attitude. We are just as much Portland as all the other districts and are entitled to just as much respect.

What do you love about Portland?

Portland is an incredible city. I love that it is big enough that it has everything you would want from a city, but still small enough that it feels like living in a town. I love how beautiful it is, especially the Willamette River and downtown on a clear night. (I was a night cab driver.) I love its location, close to the ocean and mountains and rivers and probably the most amazing and beautiful river gorge in the world. I think it has some of the best people anywhere. People who know that, despite its current problems, Portland is the best city in the country, and who are willing to do the hard work to make it better. Finally, I love the fact that it is routinely being recognized as one of the best cities in the nation for pizza!

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Pauly Denetclaw

ICT

CHICAGO  The 22 Indigenous nations in Arizona, whose lands make up nearly a third of the state, have never had an Indigenous politician represent them in Congress. In 2022, Alaska, where 40 percent of Indian Country is located, elected the first Alaska Native to serve as a U.S. House representative but never a senator. In New Mexico, no Indigenous person in congressional district 3 has represented 16 of the 22 Indigenous nations.

These are just a few examples of the stark reality that Indigenous people dont have representational parity in Congress and their interests are often represented by non-Indigenous elected officials.

This was clear during the two days of Native American Caucus meetings at the Democratic National Convention, a slew of elected officials, the majority were non-Indigenous people who represent districts with a high population of Indigenous people. According to Advance Native Political Leadership, there needs to be 17,000 Indigenous people to local, state or national office to gain representational parity in elected offices.

The Democratic National Convention was at-capacity on Thursday night when Vice President Kamala Harris accepted the party nomination. (Pauly Denetclaw, ICT)

Tucson Mayor Regina Romero, in Arizona, spoke to the caucus on the first day of their meeting. She describes herself as a seventh generation Sonoran Desert dweller. The city of Tucson was built on the homelands of the Tohono Oodham Nation and Pascua Yaqui Tribe. Romero was reelected last fall.

It's important to me to be able to represent our urban Native people, and be able to give the importance that both the Tohono O'odham Nation and the Pascua Yaqui Tribe represent to all of us, in my city, Romero told ICT.

There are many issues that urban Native people in Tucson face including health disparities, maintaining cultural connection, low graduation rates, and high infant mortality, according to Romero.

We need to make sure that we are investing, Romero said. Investment in after school programming, investment in education, investment in health and availability of health care for all. That's why I believe in the Harris-Walz ticket.

During her speech, Romero also highlighted that a vote for Harris-Walz is also support for Minnesota Lt. Gov. Peggy Flanagan, White Earth Nation, to become the first Native American woman governor.

Related: Past, present Indigenous elected leaders endorse Kamala Harris

Hawaii Rep. Jill Tokuda, district 2, attended the rural caucus meeting where she planned to speak but time ran out. Tokuda represents nearly 78,000 Native Hawaiian and other Pacific Islanders, according to the U.S. Census.

I feel very humbled that I'm able to represent our Indigenous community in Hawaii, Tokuda said.

She is running for reelection and will likely serve another term.

Since the 1970s, housing has been one of the major issues in Hawaii. The state leads the nation in high housing costs, to buy and rent. The average home cost is well over half a million dollars. This has forced many Native Hawaiian families to leave their ancestral homelands for the mainland.

It breaks my heart that when I go to Las Vegas, I'll go to Zippy's, and I'll see everyone there. It looks like I'm right back in Hawaii, and they should be home, Tokuda said.

The housing issues were exacerbated by the devastating Lahaina fire on Maui last year that killed 102 people and left 12,000 people displaced. Nearly one year later there are still families without stable housing.

This is why housing is one of Tokudas main priorities while shes in Congress.

(It) means economic opportunities. It means educational opportunities. It means homes that they can afford, and not just on homestead lands, she said. And so really, how do you support (Native Hawaiian organizations) to be able to create jobs, good jobs for not just Native Hawaiians, but for Kamaaina alike.

Kamaaina means non-Native Hawaiian people who are born and raised in Hawaii.

Tokuda affirmed her commitment to her Native Hawaiian constituents that she would continue to be an ally.

I recognize fully that at the end of the day, I have much to learn, she said. I accept this job. I fight to get this job back with much humility in recognizing that we have to address many of the historic traumas of the past, a lot of the inequities that still exist today, but we have to view them, yes, as challenges, but opportunities as well, to advance and grow together.

New Mexico Rep. Teresa Leger-Fernandez was another non-Native member of Congress that attended the Native American Caucus meetings.

She proudly said that she represents 16 Indigenous nations in Congress. She is running for reelection against Navajo Nation citizen Sharon Clahchischilliage, the Republican candidate.

Leger-Fernandez is co-chair of the House Subcommittee on Indian and Insular Affairs. Two of the major issues she sees are the attacks on Native American voting rights and water settlements. She also highlighted the historic amount of federal funding allocated to Indigenous nations through the Bipartisan Infrastructure bill and American Rescue Plan. Billions were poured into Indigenous nations for infrastructure and Covid relief.

Native Americans were the last ones to get the full right to vote, and they (Republicans) are attacking that vote again. So the only way to stop that is to show up and vote, no matter how hard they make it, Leger-Fernandez said.

ICT is owned by IndiJ Public Media, a nonprofit news organization. Will you support our work? All of our content is free. There are no subscriptions or costs. And we have hired more Native journalists in the past year than any news organization  and with your help we will continue to grow and create career paths for our people. Support ICT for as little as $10. Sign up for ICTs free newsletter.
CHICAGO -- Elizabeth French cushioned a sigh with a soft smile as she took a seat on a wooden pew at St. Christina Parish in Chicago's Mount Greenwood neighborhood Sunday. She was there to accept a donation for the nonprofit she began in honor of her daughter, slain Chicago police Officer Ella French, at a Mass recognizing first responders.

I did not sleep well last night. You do not get used to it, French told the Tribune before the service. I want to do right by Ella.

The retired teachers life changed forever when her 29-year-old daughter was fatally shot during a traffic stop in 2021. French gave an emotional victim impact testimony in September when her daughters killer was sentenced to life in prison without parole.

Now, she has thrown herself behind Light the Line, an organization founded to support on-duty law enforcement. She runs it alongside three Chicago police officers, including Carlos Yanez, who was critically injured during the 2021 traffic stop.

Light the Line runs a mobile wellness unit that travels around the city to provide refreshments to on-duty police officers. The unit  a retrofitted ambulance  made its debut at the Democratic National Convention.

French recalled the initial confusion on officers faces when she pulled up in the black ambulance, and how it instantly turned to appreciation when she started unpacking water, sandwiches and chewing gum.

Ella French used to tell her mother about her struggles to find water, food, bathrooms and quiet places to regroup during long days working at critical incidents or large-scale events.

I know this would be Ella-approved, her mother said. The support needs to be where (the police officers) are in the moment.

Michael Pila, a retired police officer of 28 years, said he wished an organization like Light the Line existed while he was working. He was at Sundays service and Ella Frenchs funeral as a member of The Bagpipes & Drums of the Emerald Society, a police organization that performs at fallen officers memorials.

The $2,400 donation made by St. Christina School students will be put toward adding a bathroom to the unit, French told the Tribune. The organization is also exploring ways to support officers in their daily routines beyond major events.

While nothing is going to take away the hurt of losing Ella, I have to say, its just such a wonderful feeling to be able to do this, French said. Its just, its good for me.

She views Light the Line as a way for her to show thanks to the Chicago police community that has provided her with much-needed support since the death of her only daughter.
The National Rifle Associations political arm is pumping a seven-figure ad buy into the toss-up Ohio Senate race to boost Republican nominee Bernie Moreno.

A new ad released Tuesday by the NRA Political Victory Fund targets Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) on gun control measures and crime, a prominent policy matter on the campaign trail in the final weeks before the November elections.

The 30-second spot will run from Tuesday through Election Day statewide on satellite and cable networks, along with a shorter 15-second version that will air on streaming services. The ad's narrators, which include three women in an apparent appeal to suburban female voters concerned about public safety, urge voters in the Buckeye State to vote like your life depends on it because it might.

2024 VICE PRESIDENTIAL DEBATE: VANCE AND WALZ TO GO TOE-TO-TOE IN CBS CONTEST

When seconds count, the police are minutes away, the women say. Soft-on-crime politicians like Sherrod Brown turn their back on law enforcement and refuse to protect our rights to self-defense, even putting anti-gun judges on the bench.

The Brown campaign did not respond to a request for comment.

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Its the second significant ad campaign by the NRA this cycle. The first targeted Senate Democrats' most vulnerable member, Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT). Last month, the NRA launched a $2 million ad campaign against Tester to prop up GOP challenger and former Navy SEAL Tim Sheehy.

Moreno, a Cleveland-based owner of a car dealership, is endorsed by the NRA and has an A rating from the gun rights group. Brown has an F from the NRA.

Randy Kozuch, chairman of the NRA-PVF, said in a statement that Brown and Vice President Kamala Harris would work to gut the 2nd Amendment. He cited their advocacy for gun control measures such as expanded federal background checks and reinstating an assault weapons ban.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE FROM THE WASHINGTON EXAMINER

Doug Hamlin, NRA CEO and executive vice president, said the organization will be strategically targeting key states to support former President Donald Trump and to elect pro-freedom candidates up and down the ballot.

The battleground Senate contest is a toss-up that could determine party control of the chamber, where Democrats are fighting to keep their one-seat majority. Brown maintains a slight edge in polling, but Moreno has slowly narrowed the gap in recent months.
NORFOLK, Neb. (KCAU)  During a special city council meeting on Monday, officials heard from community members before going into a closed discussion regarding the Norfolk Police Division.

The meeting comes after three NPD members were placed on leave while an investigation was launched into allegations regarding the work environment at the division.

Nebraska to become last Big Ten school to sell alcohol at football games in 2025 if regents give OK

While the meeting was still open, several members of the community came forward to give their opinions on the situation, with many showing their support for the officers placed on leave.

A woman who identified herself as the wife of one of the officers placed on leave spoke to the council first. She spoke of how conversations in a work environment will be more professional than those that happen outside of work.

We talk differently amongst friends than we do when we are actually working. You know that, and I know that, the woman said. I teach teenagers on a daily basis, and I frequently tell them they would not talk the same way to their friends that they would talk to their grandparents. They would not talk the same way in a locker room as they would talk when they are in classrooms. We all know this. I know for a fact the professionalism that of the officers in question have. I also know them on a personal basis as well.

She continued to implore the council to consider the impact that their decision would have on the officers families and to consider each side of the story.

After a few more comments from the public, council members then went into a closed session to have a discussion regarding legal strategy and/or legal advice with and from outside legal counsel regarding imminent litigation pertaining to police department personnel matters.

Neb. officer who fatally shot an unarmed man will be fired, police chief says

The City of Norfolk first announced that the NPD Chief and Captain had been placed on leave in August, later followed by a third member in September as the investigation continued.

Few details were given regarding why the officers were placed on leave, but city officials noted that the leave was not disciplinary in nature, nor should it be interpreted as a pre-judgment of any kind.

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A North Carolina man made a calculated risk, jumping into fast-moving, Helene-swollen waters to save a woman because he couldnt watch her die.

Eddie Hunnell, 57, was in Grassy Creek ahead of son Austin Hunnells Saturday wedding when he saw floodwaters picking up Lesley Worths home.

Video footage captured onlookers standing on the banks of New River, screaming, Are you there? and Jump!

It soon became clear that Worth was stuck and Hunnell said his mind raced through the options.

When it was happening, I was trying to make a calculated risk. How do we save her? said Hunnell, who lives about 200 miles away in Holly Springs, just outside Raleigh.

He jumped in, to the audible gasps of onlookers, with a life vest and a rope in his hands.

I grew up swimming on a swim team. I was a lifeguard (and Im in) OK shape and I just couldnt watch her die, he told NBC affiliate WRAL in an interview that aired Monday. I felt like I needed to do that.

It wasnt until Hunnell went to bed that the events enormity struck him.

It didnt really hit me until I lay down in bed that night and about had a panic attack, but I didnt see another option, he added.

Worth and her husband lost everything in the flood but were grateful to be alive. They were guests at the wedding rehearsal dinner.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
By Bernie Woodall and Karl Plume

ASHEVILLE, North Carolina (Reuters) -Search-and-rescue teams who have already saved hundreds of people scoured the mountains of western North Carolina for more survivors on Tuesday, working amid washed-out roads, smashed bridges and felled power lines following Hurricane Helene.

The storm has killed at least 162 people in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, CNN reported, citing state and local officials, and the death toll is expected to rise once rescue teams reach isolated towns and telecommunications are restored.

The death toll rose after North Carolina's Buncombe County reported 57 dead on Tuesday, up from 40 a day earlier.

The mountainous area including the county seat of Asheville bore the brunt of the storm, which U.S. Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said was of "historic magnitude."

Recovery will involve a "multibillion-dollar undertaking" lasting years, Mayorkas told reporters at the White House.

President Joe Biden vowed to "jumpstart this recovery process" after speaking with governors and other leaders in the impacted areas.

"People are scared to death. People wonder whether they're going to make it. We still haven't heard from a whole lot of people. This is urgent," Biden said.

Hundreds of people have been reported missing, a number that is expected to decline as more telecommunications come back on line and emergency workers are able to get into remote areas.

The North Carolina National Guard has rescued over 500 people, deploying helicopters to ferry in supplies and rescue workers, rescuing survivors and pets along the way, Major General Todd Hunt told a separate press briefing.

Among the victims in North Carolina's McDowell County was David Carver, 58, who had attempted to divert water away from his home in Linville Falls, according to a friend who tried to save him.

As Carver worked with a shovel in driving rain on Friday, half his house gave way in a mudslide, taking him down the hillside with it.

His life-long friend and neighbor Ken Fisher, 60, rushed to help after Carver was swept into a drainage pipe where he was trapped by trees and other debris.

Fisher poured water over Carver's face to wash off mud so he could open his eyes, told him his wife was safe and prayed with him.

"I told him I wasn't going to let him die there, I said 'I'm going to get you out of there," Fisher recalled. He stayed with Carver for 11 hours until emergency personnel were able to get him out of the pipe.

Carver died in hospital at around 4 a.m. on Saturday from trauma to internal organs.

A 5,000-YEAR EVENT

Some locations of western North Carolina may have experienced a 5,000-year event, so perfect were conditions to create maximum precipitation, said Tennessee state climatologist Andrew Joyner.

A storm prior to Helene sucked moisture from the Gulf of Mexico and saturated areas like Mount Mitchell, the highest point in the Appalachian mountains above hard-hit communities like Swannanoa and Black Mountain. Then Helene approached at the perfect angle to rise over the peak, intensifying rainfall.

"The event was a perfect storm," Joyner said.

Taylor Jones, director of Buncombe County Emergency Services, was surveying the damage in Swannanoa after Friday's flood that consumed several houses and large parts of a church.

"This is a true disaster," Jones said, speaking to resident Ryan O'Keefe. "This is not going to be something that can be fixed right away. This is not a sprint. This is more like two or three marathons."

Power outages were down to 420,000 from a peak of 1 million in North Carolina with all but two hospitals in the west of the state back on commercial power, said state Health Department Secretary Kody Kinsley. Access to public drinking water systems was scarce.

In all 1.5 million homes and businesses in six states from Florida to West Virginia remained without power on Tuesday morning, according to the website Poweroutage.us.

(Reporting by Bernie Woodall in Asheville, North Carolina, Karl Plume in Shelby, North Carolina, Andrew Hay in Taos, New Mexico, and Rich McKay in Atlanta; Writing by Jonathan Allen and Daniel Trotta; Editing by Edwina Gibbs, Ed Osmond and Sandra Maler)
Ranchers, farmers, and timber growers in North Florida are reporting extensive damage from Hurricane Helene, which struck the region last week with powerful winds and heavy rain. The storm caused significant destruction to agricultural infrastructure and crops, including blown-off roofs of chicken houses, flattened acres of sweet corn and carrots, uprooted irrigation systems, and fallen trees that destroyed fences. Hay in damaged barns has been left wet and moldy.

>>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<<

Incoming Senate President Ben Albritton, a Wauchula Republican and citrus grower, described the damage as worse than what North Florida experienced during Hurricane Idalia in August 2023. After meeting with growers in Lake City, Albritton said the mood remained resilient and optimistic. He said, I see a lot of the same out of North Florida after Idalia last year, after this storm and after Ian.

Agriculture Commissioner Wilton Simpson also visited the area and described the destruction as catastrophic, with damage to cattle, field crops, nurseries, beehives, and agricultural processing plants. Simpson has requested a federal disaster declaration from U.S. Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, warning of the risk to the regions agricultural industries if immediate relief is not provided.

There are no words to describe the devastation to these family farms who have been impacted by multiple storms, Simpson wrote, noting that many are still awaiting relief from previous disasters. He highlighted the destruction of fences, barns, honey bee boxes, irrigation systems, and farm equipment, as well as the continued risk of riverine flooding into October.

In response to the damage, Simpson has opened a loan program for growers and ranchers affected by the storm, offering interest-free loans up to $500,000 to help repair or replace damaged equipment and infrastructure.

RELATED: Florida to help North Carolina, Tennessee recovery in Operation Blue Ridge

Hurricane Helene, a Category 4 storm, made landfall late Thursday in Taylor County with maximum sustained winds of 140 mph. This is the latest in a series of storms that have ravaged Floridas agricultural industry, including Hurricane Ian in 2022 and Hurricane Idalia earlier this year.

The agricultural sector has sustained billions in losses from these storms. In 2023, Hurricane Idalia alone caused an estimated $447 million in damage, affecting 3.5 million acres of agricultural land. The University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) estimates agricultural losses from Hurricane Debby, which hit North Florida in August, to be between $93.7 million and $263.2 million.

Albritton, who will assume the role of Senate president after the November elections, said he is not currently considering a special legislative session to address Hurricane Helenes impact, emphasizing the need to address several major issues affecting the state.

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NORTH SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  The North Sioux City Fire Department (NSCFD) will be holding an open house, taking the opportunity to bring the community together.

The open house will be held on Sunday, Oct. 17 from noon to 2 p.m.

Local farmer says harvest season is looking good, but weather worries him

Firefighters and EMS personnel will be at the station giving tours, showing off apparatus, and demonstrating their tasks.

EMS will also be hosting a Bike Rodeo for younger participants at the open house.

For more information email Kim Leif and Brandi Jorgensen for Dakota Dunes Community Association Moving at ca@dakotadunes.com

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There are few more inconvenient truths in modern Britain than the failure of mass migration. We wanted to believe the myth, that we could fling open our doors and into the UK would flow migrants from across the globe, transforming our nation into a prosperous melting pot. But wishing it so was not enough, and with each new dataset the economic miracle looks more and more like a mirage.

The Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) recently showed that a low-wage migrant who comes to Britain aged 25 will cost the taxpayer 150,000 net by the time they reach 66, 438,000 by 80, and 1.2 million if they live to 100. That weve recently experienced the worst GDP per capita growth since the 1970s suggests immigration does not magically boost living standards. In 2023 net migration totalled 685,000, yet still we are plagued by flatlining productivity, a fiscal squeeze, a ballooning welfare bill and stagnant growth. The Office for National Statistics (ONS) has just revealed GDP per head shrank by 0.3 per cent between April and June compared with a year earlier.

And thats before you get to what the OBR refers to as dilution of capital stock: how the rate of immigration far exceeds the ability of our state to adapt. So we have a decaying NHS, clogged up roads, crumbling infrastructure. And itll only get worse: in the 27 years since 1997, net migration added six million people to the country. In the next 13 years, we could easily add half that number again.

But heres the thing about awkward truths: people will go to great lengths to cover them up. In fact, theres good evidence this is happening already, with former immigration minister Robert Jenrick warning this week that migrant crime statistics are being hidden from the British public. We cannot have a serious discussion about immigration without the data. Denmark has league tables compiled from government figures showing the crime rates of the top four nations  Kuwait, Tunisia, Lebanon and Somalia  are eight times those of Danish nationals. We have a ruling class who are either too incompetent, or too reluctant, to tell the people paying for this political project what its really costing. What we do know is that 12 per cent of our prison population is currently foreign born. Will we remove them? Fat chance: Britain couldnt even boot out Rochdale grooming gang ringleader Qari Abdul Rauf, even after he was ordered to be deported by a judge nearly a decade ago.

As Neil OBrien MP has pointed out, sensible countries like Denmark, the Netherlands, Germany and so on all do a much better job than the UK of measuring the net tax contribution of different groups of migrants. In the UK the data is frustratingly patchy and limited. The ONS is becoming a national embarrassment  first it allowed trans extremism to contaminate the latest census and now it is complaining that its too difficult or costly to dig out information on migrants. HMRC used to publish data on the amount of tax paid by nationality, but this has been discontinued.

This obfuscation confuses what is really happening in our society. Left-wing charities churn out publications on our widening inequality. But we know that migrant incomes are bimodal  many will be on low incomes, but significant numbers will be seriously well-off people, as rich lists illustrate. Large-scale migration stretches the income distribution and gives the impression of greater unevenness, validating demands that we take more from the wealthy to give to the poor.

The elites expect everyone to swallow the idea that everything is fine. That mass migration is an unalloyed good, and unrelated to such issues as our chronic housing crisis.

The trouble is, people no longer believe that everything is fine. They want the nation to welcome genuine asylum seekers whose survival depends on our compassion. They want our doors open to the best and brightest. What they dont want is for Britain to open its welfare state to the world.

European politics is shifting before our very eyes. British policymakers should view the rising support for the AfD in Germany, Geert Wilderss triumph in the Netherlands, the Freedom Partys parliamentary election victory in Austria, as a portent of what is to come. If they continue to cover their ears and denounce those who raise concerns over mass migration as bigots, they may find themselves marooned by the rising tide of Right-wing populism.

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**Related Video Above: The latest on the Kate Brown and Carnell Sledge murder case five years later

FAIRVIEW PARK, Ohio (WJW)  A Netflix show is bringing a five-year-old Northeast Ohio cold case to the national spotlight.

Unsolved Mysteries: Volume 5 drops this month on Netflix where viewers will learn about the murders of Carnell Sledge and Kate Brown, which took place in the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation in broad daylight back in 2019.

Ohio minimum wage set to increase

In the trailer, scenes of the park are depicted, with voice overs from people who knew them saying: Why Nell, why Kate? and someone knows what happened, its not over.

Carnell Sledge, 40, and his good friend Katharine Kate Brown, Metroparks murder victims

In June, the FOX 8 I-Team spoke with Cleveland Metroparks Police Chief Kelly Stillman about the investigation. At the time, he said the police were looking at ways to bring the case to a wider audiences attention but was not clear what that would look like.

We feel by going to a larger population that maybe somebody was there on June 4, 2019, and maybe somewhere, someone may see it and that may be the break we need. To this day, we havent given up and we will not give up, Stillman told the I-Team.

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The new Netflix season begins Oct. 2, but its not clear if all episodes are dropping at once.

In a press release, just ahead of the series airing, the Cleveland Metroparks said they continue to work with the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Crimestoppers on the case. Anyone with information that results in an arrest and conviction is eligible for a $100,000 reward.

Were hopeful that this national spotlight will result in new tips and leads to solve this case, said Stillman in the release. This investigation remains a top priority of Cleveland Metroparks Police Department and will remain as such until we can bring justice and closure to the victims families.

Crimestoppers can be reached at 216-252-7463 and tips can be made anonymously.

See the full trailer right here.

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PIERRE, S.D. (KELO)  The South Dakota Department of Transportation is looking for another way to reconstruct a portion of US18 in Pine Ridge.

The department recently held a bid opening for the project. Reede Construction of Aberdeen was the only contractor to bid for the work.

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Reedes $24,001,240.54 bid was nearly $10 million more than the departments $14,174,625.00 estimate.

Sam Weisgram from DOTs Office of Development recommended that the state Transportation Commission reject it.

We are currently working through options for looking at rebidding the project at a future date yet to be determined, Weisgram said.

The commission eventually did say no, but not before hearing that the next try might cost even more.

Jesse Bruns is Reedes chief operating officer. I dont know what changes a guy could make, Bruns told the commission. He added, I dont see the bid package getting any cheaper three months from now or two years from now.

One of the challenges for any contracting crews is a lack of lodging in the area, according to Jason Reaves, executive vice president for the South Dakota chapter of the American Concrete Pavement Association. He said crews would likely need to commute daily from somewhere such as Custer, which is 94 miles away.

Its just a lot of ancillary costs you dont see to build a project like that, Reaves said. Its going to be tough in the future to find any contractors who want to do work down there.

He predicted re-bidding it would drive the price up even more.

NO HIDING

Transportation Secretary Joel Jundt reports theres been another bridge hit  this time, at milepost 63 westbound on Interstate 90 in the Rapid City area.

He said the driver and company were identified.

In essence, we had four girders damaged, Jundt said. The department was working on a repair plan and DOT construction funds will be used, with the insurance details still to be ironed out. Cost is in the neighborhood of four-hundred to five-hundred thousand dollars.

BIG NO NO

The state Cosmetology Commission on Monday accepted a consent decree punishing Lash Spa of Brookings.

The violation: An inspector found that Lash Spas apprentice salon wasnt adequately supervised.

State law requires that any apprentice practicing cosmetology must be under the constant supervision, control, and direction of a licensed instructor at all times.

Lash Spa instead was using a buzzer system where an apprentice could summon an instructor.

Savannah Thorne is the licensed operator of Lash Spa. According to the consent decree, Thorne told the inspector that the buzzer system allowed instructors to teach other students or do other salon business at the same time. Thorne also reportedly told the inspector that an instructor is not present when apprentices engage in work with customers that requires privacy.

Under the decree, Thorne agreed to pay a $350 penalty, wont enroll any new apprentices for 180 days, take and pass the state cosmetology exam within 15 days, remove all call buttons from the apprentices work stations, and submit a plan for approval that has instructors constantly supervise the apprentices.

Thorne had signed the decree, which meant that a formal hearing wouldnt be needed. Her husband, Joe Thorne, on Monday asked the commission to reject the decree but the vote to accept it was unanimous.

FACES AND PLACES

Some new names appear among the governors recent choices to serve on state boards and commissions.

Cherie L. Gerry of Sioux Falls and Deborah L. Ver Steeg of Sioux Falls succeed Kellie Hauglid of Sioux Falls and Chelle Hart of Sioux Falls on the Board of Service to the Blind and Visually Impaired.

Carolee A. Little of Castlewood succeeds Christine Kenser of Aberdeen on the Family Support Council.

Nicole R. Meyer of Mina and Nichole J. Winckler of Rapid City succeed Brenda Smith of Sioux Falls and Jessica Kuchenmeister of Brookings on the Council on Developmental Disabilities.

You can reach KELOLAND Capitol Bureau reporter Bob Mercer with news tips, questions, complaints and story ideas by calling 605-280-7580. He also can be reached via digital messages at bmercer@keloland.com or @pierremercer on X, or through U.S. mail at 1810 Camden Court, Pierre, SD, 57501.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Iranian lift up a flag and the mock up of a missile during a celebration following Iran's missiles and drones attack on Israel in Tehran

Israels invasion of Lebanon has finally flushed out the true perpetrator of most of the ills in the Middle East. On Tuesday night, Israelis took to their bomb shelters as scores of missiles were fired by Iran, reinforcing what everyone already knows: that Tehran is the principal cause of the regions instability.

For years, the regime has sponsored terrorist proxies like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis to target Israel. Yet when the latter fights back, Western leaders like Joe Biden and Sir Keir Starmer urge restraint.

They do not want the war to escalate into a wider conflict that draws in the West. But if Iran is now firing ballistic missiles this changes the dynamics entirely. At some point, the regime in Tehran will have to be dealt with.

One reason why US officials were urging a ceasefire on Israel is because they feared Benjamin Netanyahu was seeking to trigger a wider war in which the Americans would have to intervene.

The Israel Defence Forces have now crossed the border on what the government insists will be a targeted operation specifically to dismantle these bases, which should have been removed years ago.

Jerusalem says it does not intend to occupy parts of Lebanon as it did for years after the 1982 invasion but there is concern that mission creep will draw the IDF deeper into the country and pull the entire Middle East into war.

None of this would be happening if Iran stopped funding its Shia proxy, allowing it to build stocks back up again. The malevolent influence of Tehran is everywhere. Among those killed alongside Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah last week was a senior Iranian general attending the groups ill-fated summit.

Mr Netanyahu recently appealed to the people of Iran to recognise that the theocracy that runs the country is dragging it to disaster. Whether the opposition is strong enough to use this crisis to topple the regime is unclear; but for as long as the mullahs remain in charge there will be no peace.

Israel would not be at war with Hezbollah and Hamas if they had not been attacked. The solution is clear: the disarmament of the terror groups supported by Iran and a buffer zone to protect the Israeli border.

If that can only be achieved by putting forces on the ground then it is not for President Biden, Sir Keir or David Lammy to tell the Israelis otherwise. They now need to decide what to do about Iran, not Israel.

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Its now illegal to sleep in public in Florida. What happens to Miamis homeless?

Ileana Napoleoni has lost nearly everything. Shes been living on the streets of downtown Miami since early this year. Most of her possessions, including her daughters ashes, were picked up by the city in a street cleanup operation over the summer. What remains of her belongings is now spread across three backpacks.

Napoleoni, 63, fears one of the few things she has left  her freedom  is at stake.

As of Tuesday, counties and cities across Florida are required to enforce a statewide prohibition on public camping and sleeping. The new law was implemented as cities and states across the U.S. have struggled to address a rise in homelessness. Floridas solution was simple: outlaw it.

Unsure of whats to come, Napoleoni hopes for the best. Like many people who regularly sleep on the street, shell sleep where she can and try to stay out of sight, likely finding a new resting spot every few nights.

One thing is for certain  after several unsettling stints at some of the countys shelters, Napoleoni said shell do anything to avoid making a return.

Id rather go to jail, she said as she sat on a curb under the shade of a towering Interstate 95 overpass.

READ MORE: A Florida law affecting homelessness kicks in Oct. 1. Heres what will change

Ileana Napoleoni, center, sits with some friends as she eats a free meal provided by the nonprofit One World One Heart on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami.

Starting Jan. 1, residents will be able to sue local governments that fail to enforce the state ban. Cities and counties could find themselves liable for steep damages. Miami-Dade is scrambling to get people off the streets.

Not in 30 years have we experienced this intensity of addressing the [homelessness] issue, Ron Book, chairman of the Homeless Trust, Miami-Dades homeless agency, remarked during the Trusts board meeting Thursday. We have no rooms at the inns.

Bringing new housing options online for people like Napoleoni has been a top priority for the Trust, which aims to add 1,000 units of housing for extremely low income people within the next year.

Books principal goal is to avoid the construction of encampments, which the new law says can stand in designated areas for up to one year. The county has rejected encampments as undignified, potentially unsafe solutions to the homelessness crisis. I dont want us to look like Los Angeles, said Book, referencing that citys struggle to deal with sprawling tent encampments.

The county is making progress. It voted in September to purchase a hotel in Cutler Bay and convert it to housing for low-income seniors. Some 175 tiny homes could be available by early next year. Both of those measures could clear up beds in the countys shelters.

As a crisis measure, Miami-Dade is also looking to construct a short-term, low-barrier navigation center. Imagine a big box, Book said  a large, indoor space with beds, bathrooms and onsite health services. Recognizing a skepticism to shelters within Miami-Dades homeless community, Book hopes a navigation center can be a short-term, indoor way station on peoples journeys to sustainable, long-term housing. With a navigation center, our ability to direct people straight to housing will be better than it would be with an outdoor encampment, he said.

A man sleeps beneath some trees near the West Grounds by the Stephen P. Clark Government Center on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami.

Currently, just over 1,000 people in Miami-Dade have no roof to sleep under. For many of those people, that may still be the case come Jan. 1, when the county is legally responsible for keeping them off the streets.

That threat of lawsuits could bring people experiencing homelessness into greater contact with law enforcement. Because the law applies to counties and cities  not individuals  it makes no mention of arrests or jail time. Enforcement is entirely up to local governments, who run the risk of being sued if their execution of the law is ineffective and people are caught sleeping in public.

Different police departments will receive different marching orders. But Steadman Stahl, president of the South Florida Police Benevolent Association, a union with 6,500 members in police departments throughout South Florida, guesses that most officers will, at least at first, try to just move along people who are sleeping on the street.

The Miami Police Department clarified that its approach will prioritize providing homeless people with information regarding available support and shelter services. If an individual refuses to go to a shelter, the department added, officers will assess the situation, prioritizing public health and safety.

Stahls translation: If homeless people wont move and wont go to a shelter, they might be arrested on misdemeanor charges, like trespassing. Those normally carry a 24-hour jail stint, after which offenders are released.

In any case, the Homeless Trust says shelter space is at capacity. At least for now, there arent enough beds to go around, even for the people who want them.

People who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing homelessness arent criminals, argued Napoleoni. Theyre punishing the people that have nothing, and theyre taking away the little dignity that we have, she said.

Beyond right or wrong, Stahl, the union president, noted that jailing homeless people will be costly for local governments. Spread across its target daily inmate population of 4,600 people, Miami-Dades Department of Corrections operating budget comes out to roughly $287 per inmate per day  or $104,942 annually. To house people in the shelter system costs a fraction of that  Book estimates roughly $31 per person per day.

Arrests arent the solution, Stahl stressed. They could nevertheless become reality for people like Napoleoni who might refuse to go to a shelter, highlighting a point of tension in the countys efforts to address homelessness without arrests.

People experiencing homelessness stand in line underneath the expressway while waiting for the nonprofit One World One Heart to deliver free meals on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami.

Lazaro Palomino, a 42-year-old from North Miami who has been sleeping on the streets for a little over a year, is among those who say they will not go to a shelter. When a car accident totaled his only mode of transportation to work, Palomino lost his job, then his apartment.

Despite his misgivings about jailing homeless people, Palomino sees merit in the law. In his view, permitting camping has allowed shantytowns to crop up. With them, said Palomino, come sanitation and safety concerns, including trash accumulation and public defecation.

Looking forward, Palomino hopes to avoid the police entirely. His strategy is to keep moving, to not camp in any one place for too long and to sleep in out-of-sight locations.

I dont think they should send people to jail, but I wont go to a shelter, he said, adding, Ive been to three already, and they havent helped me.

I just need a job, he grumbled as he pulled from a hand-rolled cigarette.

A man feeds the chickens and Ibis by the West Grounds at Stephen P. Clark Government Center on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024, in Miami.

Like Palomino, Napoleoni said she became homeless after falling on hard times  in her case, her husband passing away. Over an evening chorus of honking horns and screeching brakes that sounded from the overpass above, Napoleoni recounted life with her late partner, Charles, outside of Clewiston, a sleepy town in the Everglades. Her days of bass fishing or birdwatching and nights of stargazing with friends in the backyard are now just memories.

Charles died last year. Napoleoni, who had spent the previous eight years as his full-time caretaker, moved to Miami soon after his passing in search of work.

Then she broke her hip, and her job search came to a halt. Within six months, the 63-year-old, who was also supporting her adult son, burned through the $20,000 she had left.

She soon found herself sleeping on the street.

It just gets darker and darker as days go by, she said. I wake up hoping this is a nightmare.

This story was produced with financial support from supporters including The Green Family Foundation Trust and Ken OKeefe, in partnership with Journalism Funding Partners. The Miami Herald maintains full editorial control of this work.
Former President Donald Trump isn't following his campaign's lead in setting the bar low for Sen. J.D. Vance (R-OH) in the hopes that he has a debate performance that blows those expectations out of the water.

Instead, Trump called Gov. Tim Walz (D-MN) "a total moron" and suggested the vice presidential debate will be "rigged" in an interview with Fox's Kellyanne Conway, a former Trump adviser.

You'll see it tomorrow with J.D.," Trump said. "It'll be stacked. He's going up against a moron. A total moron  how she picked him is unbelievable. And I think it's a big factor. There's something wrong with that guy. He's sick.

Walz and Vance will face off Tuesday night on CBS News with similar rules as the presidential debate, though there will be minute differences such as removing fact-checks and keeping microphones on. There will be no live audience and no prewritten notes.

But some think Vance has an advantage as an Ivy League-educated politician who hasn't been scared to face opposition from the media. A top Harris aide called him a "skilled debater." Democrats have set their own expectations that Walz will be overly defensive of his record and can come off as a "bit manic."

They also worry Harris did so well in her debate with Trump that Walz won't live up to the standard she set.

[Kamala Harris] did so strong," a Walz ally told Politico. "Shes actually made it very difficult for Walz because I dont see any way that he could match her level of intensity and humor."

Meanwhile, the Trump campaign has been anticipating a fierce performance from Walz, upping the ante of the Democrat's performance.

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Tim Walz is very good in debates. Really good, senior Trump campaign adviser Jason Miller said to reporters. Hes been a politician for nearly 20 years. Hell be very well prepared for tomorrow night."

But Trump's statement could incite feelings similar to how he downplayed his first debate with Harris, often calling it a "three-on-one" affair in an effort to send a message to voters that it didn't matter what he did. It likely creates a scenario, like Trump's debate, that will soften the blow if Vance can't beat Walz.

Vance has been prepping for the debate with Rep. Tom Emmer (R-MN), who is familiar with Walz, and Walz has been preparing with Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, who is similarly Ivy League-educated as Vance.

Sen. Marco Rubio (R-FL) said he expects Vance will do well. The debate will also give Vance a better shot at overshadowing his "childless cat ladies" comment the Harris campaign has repeatedly capitalized on.

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He'll also likely have to absorb attacks from Walz on his claims that Haitian migrants were eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, which have not been proven.

It will be the first time a lot of Americans see him, and I think theyre going to be very impressed with him, especially answering questions in that format, Rubio said.
Number of people injured in Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia rises to 32  photos

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia. Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

As of the evening of 1 October, the number of people injured in the Russian airstrike on Zaporizhzhia has increased to 32, with one person confirmed dead.

Source: Ivan Fedorov, Head of Zaporizhzhia Oblast Military Administration; State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Quote: "As of now, the number of victims of the Russian strike on Zaporizhzhia has risen to 25:

One person has been killed;

24 residents have been injured (9 men, 12 women, and 3 children aged 9, 10 and 12).

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Details: Rescue workers have announced that search and emergency response operations at all affected locations are over.

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

The aftermath of the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia

Photo: State Emergency Service of Ukraine

Update: State Emergency Service of Ukraine reported that as of 19:35, one person had been killed in the Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia, and 32 people, including 3 children, had sustained injuries.

Background: On the afternoon of 1 October, Russian occupying forces dropped six aerial bombs on Zaporizhzhia. The strikes hit residential areas and infrastructure facilities.

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FILE - A voter walks to a voting precinct prior to casting his ballot in the state's primary election, Tuesday, July 30, 2024, in El Mirage, Ariz. (AP Photo/Ross D. Franklin, File)

PHOENIX (AP)  The number of voters in the battleground state of Arizona classified as having full access to the ballot without confirmation they are citizens has more than doubled to 218,000, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said.

That number represents 5.3% of all registered voters. While the error won't change who is eligible to vote for president or Congress, that amount of voters could sway tight local and state races, and hotly contested ballot measures on abortion and immigration.

Arizona is unique in that it requires residents to prove citizenship to vote a full ballot  a requirement dating back to 2004. If they don't do that but attest under penalty of perjury to being citizens, they can vote in federal races only. Drivers licenses issued after 1996 are considered valid documented proof of citizenship, but the system error marked the original batch of voters who had pre-1996 licenses as eligible to vote in state and local races.

Fontes announced Monday that the number of misclassified voters jumped from about 98,000 last month to around 218,000.

It's unclear how officials missed the additional bloc of voters after saying two weeks ago that an error between the state's voter registration database and the Motor Vehicle Division, or MVD, had been fixed.

Aaron Thacker, a spokesperson for Fontes' office said Tuesday that the fix that MVD put in place didn't solve the problem.

The Arizona Department of Transportation, which oversees the MVD, said in an email that it created a coding update in its system but didn't specify when it was implemented.

Arizonas GOP Chairwoman Gina Swoboda stated that the party, which initially supported Fontes, is now criticizing him for causing voters to lose total confidence in him.

Now we find out that he hasnt been as forthcoming with Arizonans as we would have hoped,  she told The Associated Press. "We find that troubling and will be taking additional action in the coming days.

She did not specify what the additional action would be.

Around Arizona, a relatively small number of votes could tip the scales in competitive races for the Legislature, where Republicans hold a slim majority in both chambers. This year, voters also will decide on the constitutional right to abortion and a measure to criminalize people from entering the state illegally from Mexico.

The Arizona Supreme Court ruled last month that the original batch of voters can cast a full ballot in this year's election because they registered long ago and attested under the penalty of perjury that they are citizens. The justices said the voters were not at fault for the error and shouldn't be disenfranchised so close to the Nov. 5 general election.

Fontes said that ruling should also apply to the new batch of voters, who are nearly evenly split among Democrats, Republicans and voters who aren't registered with either of those parties.

In Oregon, 1,200 people who did not provide proof of citizenship when registering to vote were kicked from state voter rolls by officials.
One of New Yorks largest school districts has grappled with a long list of challenges, including a revolving door of eight superintendents in the last decade and an enrollment drop of 15,000 students since 1998.

But the Rochester City School District, which teaches more than 20,700 students in upstate New York, is focusing on what leaders say is one of their biggest problems: poor academic performance in reading and math.

Officials are rolling out a new English language arts curriculum this school year and searching for an evidence-based math curriculum to implement in 2025-26. Just 16% of students in third through eighth grades are proficient in reading in the district, and only 14% are at grade level in math.

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Interim Superintendent Demario Strickland said at an April 23 school board meeting that the districts goal is to increase proficiency in both subjects to 40% by June 2028.

If work is not going to lend to any of these goals, then thats something we should not be focusing our energy on, he said.

The district is implementing the Amplify Core Knowledge Language Arts curriculum for students in kindergarten through second grade to support foundational literacy skills, said district spokesman Brendan ORiordan. Children in grades 3 to 6 are using a literacy intervention program called Really Great Reading, he said.

Like Rochester, many school districts around the country are switching their literacy curriculum to evidence-based materials that align with the science of reading. But theres still a need for schools to take a look at math in a country where only about 1 in 4 eighth graders is proficient in the subject, said Ashara Baker, New York State director of the National Parents Union.

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How Science of Reading Raised Literacy, Graduation Rates in My Small Urban N.Y. District

Baker said that over the past year and a half, she has advocated for legislation to improve reading and math instruction in New York schools. She also created a statewide math coalition to help spur improvement, especially in the states largest school districts: Albany, Buffalo, New York City, Rochester and Syracuse. Rochesters student performance is the lowest of the five, according to a 2024 parents union report.

A lot of folks  were spending a lot of time on literacy. I felt good that there were enough chefs in the kitchen, so I really wanted to refocus on math due to the simple fact that it wasnt really a conversation across the country, Baker said. From the research that our coalition did, there were states who had already adopted state legislation for math, but New York state as a whole  for some reason, were not moving quick enough.

Baker said that because New York has yet to pass statewide literacy requirements, changes in math instruction are still too far down the road.

In August, she helped publish the report as a way to spur change in both math and reading. In Rochester, reading proficiency rates dipped as low as 8% for fourth and fifth graders in the 2022-23 school year, according to the report, which is based on state assessment data. Math proficiency rates reached lows of 2% for eighth graders and 4% for seventh graders.

Im pushing these numbers in front of lawmakers so they understand how dire it is for us to really figure out where were putting our investments, Baker said. But then, also, they need to be held accountable. They need to understand that you cant celebrate when you have 2% of eighth graders who are proficient in math.

Related

Building a Generation of Math People: Inside K-8 Program Boosting Confidence

The district has been working to improve student performance for years. But it focused on graduation rates, which is the wrong priority, said Shanai Lee, a local advocate who worked in the district office for 13 years. She now runs the nonprofit READY, which helps community members and parents foster change in the district.

What is happening? Are we relaxing standards to usher students out of the door? If were serious about the sustainability, the viability of Rochester, we have to begin to ask ourselves, What are we graduating our students with, and what are we graduating them to?  Lee said. Because oftentimes, Im hearing from our workforce that our kids just arent prepared.

READY, which Lee founded in 2023, recently hosted its first Parent ACTION Academy. The academy is a nine-month leadership program that teaches families how to advocate with district leaders, lawmakers and school board members.

The goal is to ensure that Rochester children have access to quality schools. Lee said the organization estimates that only 10% of district students have the opportunity to attend a school that meets or exceeds state averages in test scores, teacher retention or graduation rate.

We are ready for change. We are ready for quality schools, Lee said. We are ready to take control of the Rochester public education space as a community.

Related

NYC Bets New, Uniform High School Math Curriculum Will Boost Student Test Scores

Asked to comment on Lees responses to the districts plans, Strickland wrote in an emailed statement that Rochester is committed to a student-centered approach, focusing on excellence and equity to enhance academic outcomes. Our strategic plan goals aim to increase proficiency in ELA and math, with clear targets for improvement by 2028, ensuring we meet the diverse needs of our students and community.

Baker said she sent the parents union report to Strickland to let him know that Rochester will be part of the statewide conversation around reading and math scores.

I will champion any district who is willing to make the changes, Baker said. But if youre not going to do right by kids and families, then Im probably not the best person to be in the room with, because Ill call you out on it.
NEW YORK (PIX11)  Every port from Maine to Texas will shut down at midnight if a deal is not reached between the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance.

The ILA said it is fighting for fairer wages for its workers and greater protections against automation and generative AI. This would be the first strike port on the East Coast since 1977.

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New York Gov. Kathy Hochul and Port Authority Executive Director Rick Cotton said during a Monday press conference that the strike is likely to happen.

The strike has the potential to affect everything from medical supplies at hospitals to holiday wish lists. Hochul stressed that officials do not anticipate a shortage of essential goods anytime soon.

People do not need to rush out to the grocery store and stockpile goods like they did during the pandemic, said Hochul. I want to be very clear about that. We do not want to see people reach that level of anxiety because were not there.

Disruptions to some degree are likely.

Nothing is going to move, said William Brucher, a labor studies professor at Rutgers University. If theres a strike, that stuff is staying on the ships.

Officials from New York, New Jersey and the Port Authority have been working in tandem to quickly unload ships before midnight. An estimated 100,000 containers will still need to be securely stored during the strike.

Hochul said the state, as well as the Department of Homeland Security, is prepared to open stockpiles if necessary, particularly for health care facilities required to stock 60 days of personal protective equipment.

Manufacturers have also been working to bring in extra product ahead of time. The Toy Association is among several dozen industry groups pressuring Washington to help negotiate a deal.

This is a critical shipping period for the toy industry, said Greg Ahearn, the president and CEO of The Toy Association. We brought initial shipments in to fill shelves for the beginning of the shopping season, but replenishment and continual flow of goods is critically important throughout September and October to make sure that November and December the shelves are full and the hot products are on the shelves ready to go.

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This photo provided by the New York Mayoral Photography Office shows New York City Mayor Eric Adams during his in-person media availability at City Hall, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in New York. (Ed Reed/New York Mayoral Photography Office via AP)

NEW YORK (AP)  New York City Mayor Eric Adams delivered his most thorough public defense to date since his indictment on federal bribery charges, insisting the case was a test that would not distract him from governing as he deflected specific questions about the investigation for more than an hour Tuesday.

Yet even as the mayor began to address reporters alone beneath the City Hall rotunda, a potential witness in one of the sprawling investigations was wrapping up his his own news briefing steps away, complaining he had been the victim of a corrupt shakedown.

The whiplash-inducing morning at City Hall reflected the deepening tumult that has gripped the Democrat's administration in recent weeks, raising questions about whether Adams can continue managing the nations largest city while shuttling between court appearances and contending with an exodus of top deputies.

As he stepped to the podium, a smiling Adams began his comments with a favorite quip: This is going in my book.

But if he was seeking to convey his signature swagger, the mayor also appeared evasive and isolated. Adams typically enters his Tuesday briefings accompanied by triumphant walk-on music and a phalanx of deputies, including his chief legal counsel. But his top lawyer recently resigned. On Monday night, one of his closest advisors also stepped down. Another was served with a federal subpoena on Friday.

This time he was alone. While Adams spoke extensively to reporters, he declined to answer questions about the laws he is accused of breaking, whether his security clearance has been downgraded as a result of the criminal case and if he really believes  as he has repeatedly suggested  that the investigation is politically motivated.

Instead, the mayor framed himself as a battle-tested executive, confident in his ability to overcome the obstacles.

As the case unfolds, some people are going to say, You know what, we have jumped the gun on Eric Adams,'  he said. This is a test for folks who automatically just come with their hearts in one way. The information is going to continue to show that I do not break laws.

Federal prosecutors have accused Adams of soliciting and accepting illegal campaign contributions and more than $100,000 in luxury travel perks from Turkish officials and other foreign nationals seeking to buy his influence.

In exchange, they say he performed official favors that benefited Turkey, including pushing through the opening of a consulate building in Manhattan over the objections of fire safety officials who said it was unsafe to occupy.

The charges against Adams come as federal investigators conduct multiple probes linked to several top officials in his administration, including the brother of his former police commissioner; a consulting firm run by another brother of his schools chancellor and deputy mayor for public safety; and one of his top advisors and closest confidantes, Tim Pearson.

Pearson resigned Monday night, weeks after the police commissioner, Edward Caban, and schools chancellor, David Banks, announced they were stepping down. All have denied wrongdoing.

Outside City Hall, the owner of a Brooklyn juice bar and nightspot, Shamel Kelly, held his own news conference Tuesday saying he had been the victim of a corrupt scheme involving a mayoral aide and the police department.

Seeking help with a raft of noise complaints, Kelly said he was connected by a City Hall staffer to the owner of a nightlife security business, who told him he could make the complaints go away for a price. Kelly said he later learned the security company was run by James Caban, the twin brother of the former police commissioner.

I felt like I was being extorted, Kelly told reporters. He provided a video showing dozens of officers just outside the door of his Coney Island business for one of the alleged noise complaints, which Kellys attorneys said had been provided to federal prosecutors.

A lawyer for James Caban, Sean Hecker, has said his client unequivocally denies any wrongdoing.

Adams said he was unaware of the allegations, which were first reported weeks ago, but that no one should treat a business owner unfairly in any way.

Surrounded by signs detailing his policy accomplishments, Adams then ticked through his own experience of adversity, invoking his troubled childhood in working-class Queens and his struggles with dyslexia and diabetes that nearly left him blind.

Ive been dealing with difficult moments throughout my entire life, and in spite of all those difficult moments, Im called the mayor of the city of New York, he said.

Later in the evening, Adams joined a group of Black clergy leaders for a prayer circle outside City Hall, accompanied by his top advisor, Ingrid Lewis-Martin, whose home was also searched by investigators Friday.

You don't give up during hard times, you step up during hard times, Adams said, as his allies chanted four more years and showered the mayor with hallelujahs.

Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the ability to remove the mayor from office, said this week that she is giving Adams a chance to show he can continue to run the city as his criminal case plays out.

As Adams sought to make his political case, his attorneys were busy ramping up their legal defense.

In a court filing Tuesday, lawyers for Adams asked a judge to investigate leaks to the media from prosecutors and, if confirmed, to levy appropriate remedies, including dismissal of the indictment.

That filling came one day after his attorney requested a judge toss the bribery charge  one of five counts he faces  arguing the details of the alleged conduct don't meet the threshold of a quid pro quo.

A spokesperson for the U.S. Attorney's Office in Manhattan declined comment.

Adams is due back in court on Wednesday morning.
NEW YORK  Mayor Eric Adams defense team on Tuesday accused Justice Department prosecutors of leaking information about the criminal investigation leading to his indictment on corruption charges.

In a flurry of court filings, Adams attorney, Alex Spiro, asked a judge to hold an evidentiary hearing into more than a years worth of investigative reporting about the criminal probe of his administration to request sanctions over alleged grand jury secrecy violations. The aggressive defensive strategy comes less than a week after Adams indictment.

Spiro pointed the finger at the Manhattan U.S. attorneys office but did not provide evidence that it leaked anything to outlets, including The New York Times and CNN. He argued the legal standard to request an evidentiary hearing on the matter  it being susceptible [to] the interpretation that a violation occurred  was met based on the limited number of people who knew the information reported.

Chiefly citing reporting in The Times, the attorney detailed stories about searches by federal authorities at the homes of Adams top campaign fundraiser, Brianna Suggs, subpoenas Adams received, and the focus and targets of the investigation, Adams imminent indictment, and other topics.

The Times reported that Adams was expected to be indicted late Wednesday, attributing to sources familiar with the matter, followed by outlets including the Daily News, the New York Post, and The City. No media organization reported the charges that were unsealed the following morning.

In Tuesdays filing, Spiro said the mayors defense team contacted the prosecutors office about leaks on June 7 and August 13. He said the defense might seek the indictment to be dismissed, that evidence in the case be suppressed, that prosecutors be held in contempt and other measures.

The prejudice from these leaks has been severe. A cascade of critical articles based on one-sided, misleading leaks by the government has eroded public support for the Mayor long before he was ever charged with a crime and able to defend himself in court, the filing reads.

Adams defense strategy of seeking to uncover the source of leaks in an effort to nullify charges is not unique. Similar claims were levied by former President Donald Trump in his Manhattan hush money case, when he accused the Manhattan district attorneys office of leaking information about the preceding grand jury investigations to the media.

Former state Senate majority leader Dean Skelos, who was convicted of federal corruption charges in 2018, attempted a similar strategy.

Adams, who was arraigned on the charges Friday, is expected to appear before the judge assigned to the case for the first time on Wednesday.

The mayor has pleaded not guilty to wire fraud, bribery, and conspiracy charges. Hes accused of soliciting and accepting illegal campaign contributions from overseas donors, more than $100,000 in luxury travel perks in exchange for doing favors for the Turkish government, and engaging in other corrupt activity dating back to his days as Brooklyn borough president.

Multiple senior members of Adams administration have had their homes searched and phones seized in the ongoing criminal investigation, which is believed to span multiple areas of interest.

The probe has intensified in tandem with multiple high-profile resignations in recent weeks, including Adams former police commissioner Edward Caban, schools chancellor David Banks, and the mayors chief legal adviser Lisa Zornberg.

The Manhattan U.S. attorneys office declined to comment. The News reached out to a spokesperson for The Times.

---------
NYCHA is hiring for over 100 jobs in NYC

NYCHA is hiring for over 100 jobs in NYC

NEW YORK (PIX11)  The New York City Housing Authority is looking to hire for over 100 positions across New York City.

The jobs are listed online on JobsNYC, the official careers website for the City of New York.

More Local News

The JobsNYC website allows people to search for jobs at different governmental departments and agencies in New York City.

Most jobs are full-time. Some are described as experienced roles but NYCHA also offers entry-level positions.

A majority of available positions are listed under the category Building Operations & Management. Listings will mention whether an exam is required.

For more information about the jobs and how to apply on the JobsNYC website, click here.

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
NEW YORK  The NYPD has mobilized cops to Jewish houses of worship across the city Tuesday after Iran fired more than 100 rockets against Israel, officials said.

The enhanced deployment of police personnel, which has been in place for weeks, will extend through the High Holy Days, which will begin with Rosh Hashanah Wednesday and include Oct. 7, the one-year anniversary of Hamas attack on Israel, which sparked the current Israel-Hamas conflict.

We were already at a heightened alert, an NYPD spokesman said. We have already deployed counter-terror measures around the city,

City residents are expected to see more NYPD heavily armed Hercules teams and uniformed officers in marked police vehicles at Jewish institutions, synagogues, foreign consulates and public places, like Times Square and Central Park, the spokesman said.

The spokesman said the NYPD Intelligence Bureau is also in constant contact with its overseas liaisons, getting real-time information on the attacks, as well as reviewing chatter on social media, to see if any possible attacks are being coordinated here.

Mayor Eric Adams confirmed the mobilization during his weekly address to reporters Tuesday.

We are closely monitoring the situation, Adams said. Were taking every necessary step to ensure the safety of everyone in this city with the High Holy Days upon us.

The visible surge in police patrols in New York City is intended to be an added protection as well as a deterrent to anyone thinking of committing a bias crime during these turbulent times, police said.

The added officers were put in place long before Tuesdays missile attack, NYPD officials said.

In addition, Governor Kathy Hochul tweeted early Tuesday afternoon that police are also being mobilized around New York State.

I have been briefed on this ongoing situation and have directed @NYSPolice to increase patrols of at-risk locations across New York, she said. There are no reported threats to New Yorkers at this time. We continue to pray for peace and an end to the violence.

More than 100 missiles were fired into Israel Tuesday  a sharp escalation of the months-long conflict between Israel and the Iran-backed militias Hezbollah and Hamas. Irans attack follows Israels killing of Hezbollahs leader Hassan Nasrallah in a targeted bomb strike in Lebanon on Friday.

There were no immediate reports of casualties as Israel ordered residents to head to bomb shelters and as air raid sirens sounded across the country, Israeli officials said.

In light of the attack, New York City cops were preparing for possible assaults against Jewish houses of worship, as well as possible reprisal attacks in the citys Iranian communities, police sources said.

As part of the NYPDs High Holy Days protection plan, cops will be upping patrols by city synagogues and in Jewish communities. They will also be in constant contact with Jewish community leaders to hear their concerns.

Interim Police Commissioner Thomas Donlon is expected to hold a press conference Wednesday to outline these upgraded security measures during the High Holy Days.

_____
Getty Images

Around 172,000 Oakland County residents have student loan debt, totalling around $6 billion. Now the county government is investing in helping borrowers find relief.

Oakland County and Savi will host live informational webinars to answer questions at 2 p.m. Oct. 10 and at 6 p.m. Oct. 23.

In July, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners allocated $500,000 for the Student Debt Relief Initiative, a partnership between the county and Savi, a technology startup connecting student loan borrowers to repayment and loan forgiveness opportunities.

The partnership ensures that all county residents and employees will be able to access Savis services for free for one year once they register, which the county says takes 10 minutes. The countywide program is the first of its kind in the nation, according to a news release.

Oakland County is committed to providing meaningful financial relief to our residents, Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter said in a news release Monday. This partnership with Savi will make a real difference in reducing student debt burden that all too often holds people back from doing things like buying homes or cars or starting a family.

The goal for the county is to use this new partnership with Savi to connect student loan borrowers with repayment and forgiveness tools that will reduce the burden of debt on residents everyday lives by providing guidance through the loan process and potentially save residents thousands of dollars.

A helping hand to connect borrowers to resources can have a community-wide positive impact, Tobin Van Ostern, the co-founder of Savi, said in a news release Monday.

Oakland County is leading the way for the nation when it comes to helping residents with student loan debt. We are humbled to be a part of Oakland Countys Student Debt Relief Initiative that will help thousands of residents tackle one of the biggest financial burdens millions of Americans face: student loans, Van Ostern said.

According to Oakland County, Savi connected borrowers to over $3 billion in loan forgiveness, saving the average borrower $25,553 when they qualify for student loan forgiveness.

Nationally, students in the U.S. owe more than $1.6 trillion in student loans, posing significant strain on millions of borrowers as the cost of living outpaces wages.

The Savi portal is running and Oakland County residents are encouraged to find answers to frequently asked questions on the countys website.

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JAMAICA, Queens (PIX11)  An off-duty New York City employee was arrested Monday evening in Queens, according to the NYPD.

Janet Williams, 54, was arrested around 6:46 p.m.

More Local News

Police say Williams is a NYPD School Safety Agent. She faces menacing, criminal mischief, endangering the welfare of a child, criminal possession of a weapon, and harassment charges.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Ben Mitchell is a digital content producer from Vermont who has covered both local and international news since 2021. He joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of his work here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Pentagon press secretary Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder is holding a press conference Tuesday afternoon, after Iran launched over 200 missiles at Israel. So far, no casualties have been reported from the attack.
Who offers low-income broadband services in NY? Check out the list

Almost 2 million New York households are currently struggling to gain complete access to broadband internet service due to its cost, according to a report released by the New York State Department of Public Service (DPS).

And while just over 97% of address points in New York are served by at least one high-speed internet service provider, the report says, programs to help New Yorkers more easily afford broadband internet are hitting speed bumps.

The federal Affordable Connectivity Program, which assisted one-in-four households throughout the state in accessing affordable broadband internet, came to an end on June 1, and the state's Affordable Broadband Act, which would require internet service providers to offer broadband internet to qualifying households at reduced prices, is currently being litigated.

"The end of the ACP, combined with litigation involving the ABA and the potential reclassification of broadband under Title II (of the Communications Act of 1934), presents uncertainty regarding broadband access for low-income consumers," the state DPS's report states.

Here's which internet service providers offer low-income services and how to know if you qualify.

Who offers low-income broadband services in NY?

High speed Internet is crucial for many businesses, especially in high-tech sectors. But access to those broadband networks remains spotty in upstate New York.

As of Sept. 16, 2024, only eight of 75 operating internet service providers in New York state provide a low-income product, according to the report. Here's which ones offer low-income broadband services and who qualifies for each:

Altice (Optimum)

Speed of offering: 50 Mbps/100 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $14.99/$25

Program name and site : Optimum Advantage Internet and Optimum Advantage Plus

Eligibility requirements: NY residents attending a public school in NYC, SSI, FPHA, Gross Household Income at or below 200% of Federal Poverty Guideline, NSLP, CEP, Federal Pell Grant recipient, VA Assistance, WIC, SNAP, Lifeline recipient, Medicaid or VA Pensions and Survivor's benefit

Astound by RCN

Speed of offering: 50 Mbps/150 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $9.95/$19.95

Program name and site : Internet First

Eligibility requirements: Medicaid, SNAP, NSLP, SSI, FPHA, LIHEAP, TANF or VA Pension

Breezeline

Speed of offering: 50 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $9.99

Program name and site : Internet Assist

Eligibility requirements: Medicaid, SNAP, NSLP, FPHA, LIHEAP, WIC or prior ACP enrollee

Charter (Spectrum)

Speed of offering: 50 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $15

Program name and site : Spectrum Internet Assist

Eligibility requirements: NSLP, CEP of the NSLP or SSI

What to know: Spectrum required to provide cheaper service to low-income NY customers

Comcast (Xfinity)

Speed of offering: 50 Mbps/100 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $9.95/$29.95

Program name and site : Internet Essentials

Eligibility requirements: Medicaid, PHA, SNAP, TANF, SSI, NSLP/Head Start, LIHEAP, WIC, Federal Pell Grant recipient, VA Pension or Tribal Assistance

Starry

Speed of offering: 30 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $15

Program name and site : Starry Connect

Eligibility requirements: Residents living in certain Affordable Housing Communities

TDS

Speed of offering: 200 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $30

Program name and site : TDS Connect

Eligibility requirements: Medicaid, SNAP, NSLP, SSI, FPHA, VA Pension or Survivor's Pension benefits

Verizon

Speed of offering: 300 Mbps

Price of offering (per month): $20

Program name and site : Verizon Forward

Eligibility requirements: Prior ACP enrollee, Lifeline participant, SNAP, Medicaid, SSI for WIC, or recipient of a Federal Pell Grant

Emily Barnes reports on consumer-related issues for the USA TODAY Networks NY-Connect Team, focusing on scam and recall-related topics. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram @byemilybarnes. Get in touch at ebarnes@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Who offers low-income broadband services in NY? See the list
One of Central District Healths senior leaders has resigned after months of turmoil and employee resignations, according to an internal email shared with the Idaho Statesman by former and current employees.

Stephanie Myers, a division administrator hired in 2022 by the Boise-based public health district that serves four counties, was one of two leaders at the district frequently named in allegations of retaliation and discrimination from 17 employees who spoke with the Statesman in late 2023.

The email announcing Myers resignation, sent to employees Sept. 19 by District Director Russ Duke, did not provide a reason for her resignation. Maria Ortega, a spokesperson for the district, declined to comment, citing employee records confidentiality. Myers did not respond to a text message or email seeking comment.

Central District Health in Boise.

Stephanie Myers has resigned from her position, the email reads. She wont be returning to the office.

In late 2023, amid a spate of departures of long-term employees at the health district, former employees described a pattern of retaliation that they said jeopardized public health services.

Some said they faced backlash after bringing up concerns about discrimination against Hispanic employees. Others said they were punished for pushing back on district actions that flouted best practices for public health. Several longtime employees reported feeling distrusted and micromanaged.

Myers name, along with that of the districts human resources officer, Gary Foote, came up repeatedly in employees complaints.

One former employee, Cass Thompson, sued CDH in July, alleging that the agency wrongfully fired her and violated the Americans with Disabilities Act. She alleged that Myers and Foote had told employees they couldnt speak Spanish in the workplace unless they were working with Spanish-speaking clients, and that her ultimate firing was in retaliation for her pushback against those orders, according to the complaint.

Thompson was one of at least three CDH employees who went on family medical leave, returned to work, were fired and were barred from receiving unemployment benefits, the Statesman reported. Thompson declined to comment for this story, citing advice from her lawyer not to speak to the press while the lawsuit was ongoing.

In a February 2023 email obtained by the Statesman, Myers told staffers that the use of Spanish, or any other language, is not prohibited in practice or policy at CDH. She went on to say that staffers should be inclusive in conversations in business areas within CDH, and to be aware of the perception that may occur when speaking a language in the presence of those who dont understand it.

In 2023, Myers directed the Statesmans questions about the culture at the health district to Duke. Duke, in an email to the Statesman at the time, called the incident about language use a rumor that stemmed from a staff misunderstanding of a conversation with Myers.

There has never been an English-only policy at CDH, Duke wrote. It is common now and has always been common to overhear multiple languages other than English being spoken in work areas, hallways and break rooms at CDH. Nevertheless, it is appropriate to remind staff to be inclusive when questions arise, and that is what we did.

She was medically laid off after FMLA from Boise public health district. Now shes suing

After Statesman report on toxic workplace, CDH board hires consultants to investigate

Worse than toxic: Employees allege culture of retaliation at Boise public health district
Authorities have reopened a large portion of Smith Canal in Stockton for fishing after an oil spill late last week, but it is still unsafe to consume fish from the area, according to the Office of Spill Prevention and Response.

State and federal officials responded to an oil spill along Smith Canal, just north of the Port of Stockton, after the U.S. Coast Guard received reports of the spill from the National Response Center at about 3:40 p.m. Friday.

The source of the spill appears to be from an oil burner with a potential maximum capacity of 380 gallons, but authorities have not specified how much oil went into the canal.

Crews from the Stockton Fire Department and the Office of Spill Prevention and Response initially responded and deployed a sorbent boom to minimize environmental impacts, Coast Guard officials said Saturday.

"An additional layer of hard boom was deployed on both sides of the spill site to prevent product from entering into the San Joaquin River," Coast Guard officials added.

Fish, shellfish may pose hazard after Stockton oil spill

On Saturday, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment issued a closure to the take of all fish and shellfish due to potential public health hazards posed by the oil spill.

The initial closure boundaries extended for about a mile from American Legion Park to Louis Park. However, the closure area was reduced later that day based on cleanup progress to cover a portion of the original area from American Legion Park to Mission Road.

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife lifted the fishing prohibition Sunday night after an assessment from the Office of Environmental Health Hazard Assessment.

While fishing is allowed again, the Office of Spill Prevention and Response has advised that people do not consume any fish or shellfish from the Port of Stockton, including the Smith Canal, based on polychlorinated biphenyl contamination that is unrelated to the oil spill.

Additionally, the San Joaquin County Office of Emergency Services has advised community members who live near the canal to avoid going into the water until cleanup is completed. They also said that pets should be kept out of the water.

Port of Stockton sued: Environmental groups file lawsuit challenging 'dirty hydrogen project'

Over the weekend, San Joaquin County Board of Supervisors Miguel Villapudua and Paul Canepa issued a joint statement saying they appreciate the "prompt response" from state and federal agencies.

"The San Joaquin Delta is a vital resource for water and recreation in our community, and we are dedicated to doing all we can to ensure that it is a clean, healthy, and safe place to work and play," the statement read. "We appreciate the deep concern in our community which reflects the importance of the Delta to San Joaquin County."

Authorities are still searching for the person who caused the spill. Anyone with information about the illegal pollution of state waters is encouraged to call the CalTip 24-hour hotline at (888) 334-2258.

Record reporter Hannah Workman covers news in Stockton and San Joaquin County. She can be reached at hworkman@recordnet.com or on Twitter @byhannahworkman. Support local news, subscribe to The Stockton Record at https://www.recordnet.com/subscribenow.

This article originally appeared on The Record: Oil spill in Stockton canal prompts health warning on fish, shellfish
Workers stand near a pipeline fire in Deer Park, Texas, on Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024. The fire had dramatically shrunk in size since it began on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024, and officials said they expected it to be extinguished sometime Thursday evening. (AP Photo/Juan A. Lozano)

The driver of a vehicle that crashed into a pipeline valve and sparked a four-day fire that forced the evacuation of nearby neighborhoods in a Houston suburb was a local 51-year-old man, according to police.

Remains found in the SUV following the fire are those of Jonathan McEvoy of Deer Park, according to a statement Monday night from Deer Park Police Lt. Chris Brown.

The cause of McEvoy's death and why the vehicle he was driving went through a fence alongside a Walmart parking lot and struck the above-ground valve remained under investigation, Brown said Tuesday.

We're still gathering information ... but I don't know that we'll ever have an exact determination of the cause, Brown said.

Energy Transfer, the Dallas-based company that owns the pipeline, called the crash an accident and preliminary investigations by police and FBI agents found no evidence of a coordinated or terrorist attack.

McEvoy's former wife, Delma McEvoy, and son, Jonathan McEvoy Jr. told KPRC-TV that McEvoy had recently experienced seizures and believe that led to the crash.

Neither Delma McEvoy nor Jonathan McEvoy Jr. immediately returned phone calls to The Associated Press on Tuesday.

Brown said no missing person report was filed for Jonathan McEvoy Sr. but declined to discuss whether the family had been questioned about the man.

Following the Sept. 16 crash, the fire burned for four days as it was allowed to burn itself out, forcing nearby residents to flee the intense heat, which partially melted vehicles and mailboxes.

McEvoy's remains were not recovered until after the fire went out as the SUV remained near the valve.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Plans to auction two wind energy sites off the Oregon coast were postponed amid growing concerns surrounding the projects.

While the federal Bureau of Ocean Energy Management identified five companies that qualified to participate in the auction  giving them the opportunity to build floating wind turbines near Coos Bay and Brookings  officials said the auction was postponed because of a lack of bidders after one of the five companies expressed interest, BOEM said in their Sept. 27 auction update.

2nd Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivers impassioned speech in Portland

Even though the auction was postponed, BOEM said it will continue working with federal, state, local, and tribal representatives on future auction opportunities and said they will support Oregons efforts to create an Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap.

The roadmap was initiated under House Bill 4080 in the 2024 legislative session and requires the Oregon Department of Land Conservation and Development to lead engagement and development of the roadmap.

The day of BOEMs announcement, Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek sent a letter to BOEM Director Elizabeth Klein, asking the bureau to delay the auction because her office heard growing concerns over market readiness, and the timing of the auction as Oregon develops the Roadmap.

The governor also cited a lawsuit filed by the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians against BOEM, which challenged the bureaus environmental review of the projects and aimed to stop further development.

Milwaukie community rallies to transform park after $2.4 million upgrade stalls

I am disappointed that BOEMs accelerated process over the last year has further divided stakeholder communities, and put the Confederated Tribes of the Coos, Lower Umpqua and Siuslaw Indians in the position of challenging BOEM in federal district court. Oregons legislative Coastal Caucus is likewise now in full opposition to BOEMs proposed lease, Kotek wrote. My office has heard broader concerns this month from renewable energy, labor, fishing, and conservation communities on the risks that a failed competitive lease process would pose to Oregons developing supply chain industry and to its environmentally sensitive offshore habitats.

The governor added she believes Oregon has no choice but to back out from the BOEM Oregon Intergovernmental Renewable Energy Task Force to ensure Oregons interests are met.

I remain convinced that offshore wind holds exciting promise to be part of our nations clean energy future, but in Oregon, actions of significance must be done the Oregon way, the governor concluded.

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Offshore Wind Energy Roadmap Coordinator Jeff Burright told KOIN 6 News that despite the auction falling through, it remains true that the state has an opportunity right now to work together and create a roadmap for offshore wind that charts our best path forward and provides Oregon a stronger position at the federal decision-making table.

The Confederated Tribes said they commend BOEM and the governors calls to cancel the auction.

The Tribe will now have an opportunity to focus on working with the State, commercial fishing interest, coastal communities, and others to understand what impacts and benefits offshore wind development before leases are sold. The Tribe intends to work with the State on its Roadmap process and engage with the federal government to ensure that Tribal concerns are addressed before future lease sales are considered, Tribal Council Chair Brad Kneaper said, noting they are now reconsidering their lawsuit against BOEM.

Aint got nowhere: Clackamas County clears major encampment

Reacting to the postponed auction, Oregon Coastal Caucus Chair Rep. David Gomberg (D-Lincoln and Western Benton and Lane counties) told KOIN 6 News, The Coastal Caucus has consistently argued that delaying this lease auction would be the right decision for Oregon. Its clear that more time is needed to better evaluate the potential opportunities and consequences of offshore wind and engage with the communities, tribes, and industries who will be most impacted. Were pleased that BOEM has decided to postpone the auction.

The auction areas include 61,204 acres about 32 miles offshore Coos Bay and 133,808 acres about 18 miles offshore Brookings.

The areas have the potential to generate more than 3.1 gigawatts of energy, which could power one million homes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The town of Springfield came up during a verbal spar between the Republican and Democratic vice presidential candidates, escalating to the point that moderators had to mute their microphones.

Sen. J.D. Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz were taking part in a debate and discussing immigration, when Walz attacked Vance for his previous comments about Haitian migrants in the state.

The consequences in Springfield were, the governor had to send state law enforcement to escort kindergartners to school, Walz said. I believe Senator Vance wants to solve this, but  when it becomes a talking point like this, we dehumanize and villainize other human beings.

Walz referenced Springfield Mayor Rob Rue, as well as Gov. Mike DeWine both debunking Vance when he repeated claims that Haitian immigrants were eating residents pets and local wildlife. But Vance shot back, talking about systemic strain that the influx of people brought.

[Walz is] very worried about the things that Ive said in Springfield. Look, in Springfield, Ohio, in country, youve got schools that are overwhelmed, youve got hospitals that are overwhelmed, youve got housing thats totally unaffordable because we brought in millions of illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce homes, Vance said.

Walz interjected that the Haitian migrants are in Springfield legally, under temporary protected status. Vance proceeded to criticize the process behind this federal program, and both candidates continued talking on the point CBS News moderators cut their mics.

His son died in a crash with a Haitian immigrant. He says Trump, Vance are using it for political gain

On the ground level in Springfield

The comments came as Ohio is allocating over $1.5 million to schools in Springfield to help them with the challenges caused by the areas Haitian migrant population.

DeWine announced the funding this week, and it included $1.3 million for Springfield City Schools and $12,000 each for two academies.

Schools in Springfield and other communities that have been dealing with sudden increases in their student population have no doubt been strained, DeWine said. These funds will help to relieve some of this pressure and create a better learning environment for all students in these communities.

Springfield has been in the national spotlight since former President Donald Trump and his Republican running mate, Sen. J.D. Vance of Ohio, began pushing unfounded reports that the migrants were stealing and eating pets. And it could come up again Tuesday night during a vice presidential debate between Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Watch: Strategists on what to expect in vice presidential debate

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs. The people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets of the people that live there, Trump said Sept. 10 at a debate with the Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris.

In the days that followed, dozens of hoax bomb threats were made against government buildings and schools, prompting DeWine to call in extra law enforcement for daily sweeps of schools.

DeWine and Rue, both Republicans, have insisted the stories of migrants eating pets were untrue.

They are there legally. They are there to work, DeWine wrote in The New York Times.

The root of the issue appears to be the city becoming home to some 15,000 legal Haitian migrants over recent years, drawn there by opportunities to work, and the strain that is putting on services.

The migrants from Haiti  known as one of the poorest developing countries in the world  received temporary protected status from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, allowing them to stay in the U.S. due to conditions there.

Immigration has been one of the biggest issues during the presidential election, with Republicans repeatedly pointing to how President Joe Biden and his administration have handled the southern border. Democrats have pointed to the Senate rejecting a bill that would have shored up the border, with Trump calling for the bills rejection.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The business community in Ohio is divided on the only statewide ballot issue in November, Issue 1, which has to do with redistricting.

Issue 1, brought forward by a group called Citizens Not Politicians, wants to create an independent redistricting commission of 15 Ohio citizens, rather than the current commission made up of seven politicians, which was adopted by voters in 2015.

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A yes vote for Issue 1 will give the power of the pen to citizens; a no vote means to keep the redistricting system the way it is.

When politicians are locked into being reelected, theyre locked into power, Business for Democracy Director Frank Knapp said. They dont have to listen to everybody.

Watch: Ohio business leaders split on redistricting amendment

We dont think that Issue 1 is a panacea to achieve to either end political extremism or to achieve fair maps, Senior VP at the Ohio Chamber of Commerce Rick Carfagna said. There are better ways to do it.

Business for Democracy is endorsing a yes vote on Issue 1; the Ohio Chamber of Commerce is urging a no vote.

Carfagna said making a drastic change to the current system is too much, especially given the fact that it was created less than 10 years ago.

Businesses across the state want a degree of certainty, of predictability in their day-to-day operations and so, taking a process that was approved by over 71% of the public, throwing it out, rather than amending it just creates a whole other level of uncertainty, he said.

Carfagna said a drastic change could make businesses think twice before investing in Ohio.

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Businesses have the cost of doing business  things like rent, things like insurance, but then theres also cost of doing business that come from the government, things like taxes and fees, whether theyre addressing infrastructure or public safety, Carfagna said. If you have now a brand-new process in place to create these maps to effect a change in the political climate of the state, they feel very uncertain.

On the other side, Knapp said small businesses are seeing too much dysfunction with the current system.

A strong democracy is essential for a vibrant entrepreneurial economy, he said. Thats not what you get when you have gerrymandered districts that lock in a political party controlling state government. When legislative districts are gerrymandered, guaranteeing that one political party will win, those politicians dont need to listen to the views of all voters, including small businesses.

Knapp said too many small business owners said their voices are not being heard by those at the statehouse.

Small businesses find themselves not being able to get legislative efforts that they want, that are solving problems for all of Ohio and not just simply taking care of the special interest of the politicians, he said.

Carfagna agreed that some change is needed to the process, but Issue 1 is not the way to do it.

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We think that there are ways that you can find a way to amend the process or look to other states and emulate what theyre doing thats actually working rather than completely throwing this out, Carfagna said.

Issue 1 creates a 15-person commission with five Republicans, five Democrats and five Independents, but Carfagna said it is not the non-partisan solution some think it is.

If you have five Republicans, five Democrats, five independents, its very easy for either the Republican members to strike a deal with the independents or the Democrats to strike a deal with the independents and cut the other party out of the process all together, he said.

Under the amendment, there has to be at least two vote from Democrats, two votes from Republicans and two votes from Independents for a map to pass.

Carfagna also said that the list of people who can actually sit on the redistricting commission that Issue 1 would create, if passed, is too narrow.

We would question who exactly is going to fit the bill to serve on this commission and are they going to have the knowledge to do the job admirably, he said.

Knapp said the Ohio Chamber takes that stance because he thinks it stands to benefit from a Republican supermajority in the Ohio House and Senate.

They are the political powerbrokers, he said. Theyre the ones that actually have power in these current gerrymandered legislative districts. Theyre the ones who have the influence. They dont want to lose that by giving more power to the voters to decide whos actually going to represent them in the legislature.

Carfagna denies this, saying the chamber has endorsed both Republicans and Democrats in this election cycle and that the organizations no endorsement is not partisan. Plus, he said, the chamber does not always get its way either.

We have a lot of things on our agenda that have been left on the table or ignored or not addressed to the extent that we would like, Carfagna 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 NBC4 WCMH-TV.
A man who has been on Ohio's death row for 31 years for killing a girl he abducted from her bedroom cannot reopen his appeal, the Ohio Supreme Court said Tuesday.

While on death row, Jeffrey Wogenstahl, 63, has continued to challenge his 1993 conviction in Hamilton County Common Pleas Court on charges including aggravated murder and kidnapping. In 2015, the Supreme Court agreed to look at issues in the case, including whether Hamilton County was the proper jurisdiction.

Jeffrey Wogenstahl.

Although 10-year-old Amber Garrett lived in Harrison and according to prosecutors was taken from her bedroom, her body was found four miles away, in a wooded ravine across the border, in southeastern Indiana. It has never been determined where she was killed. Wogenstahl's attorneys argued in the appeal that prosecutors never established that Amber was killed in Ohio, and therefore he couldn't be tried for murder in Ohio.

The Supreme Court ultimately ruled that under state law at the time of the killing, a crime committed in an unknown location could be "conclusively presumed" to take place in Ohio. A now-former justice, Judith French, who authored a concurring opinion in the 2017 decision, noted that the law may be unconstitutional.

Wogenstahl's attorneys cited French's concurring opinion in trying to get the Ohio Supreme Court and the U.S. Supreme Court to consider constitutional arguments, but both refused.

Last year, his attorneys went to the state 1st District Court of Appeals, which denied a request to reopen Wogenstahl's appeal. That denial was appealed to the state Supreme Court, leading to Tuesday's decision.

In the 6-1 decision, the court declined to address the claim that the law subjecting Wogenstahl to trial in Ohio was unconstitutional. The opinion, authored by Chief Justice Sharon Kennedy, said the issue should have been raised decades ago.

Because the appeals court upheld Wogenstahl's conviction in 1994, the opinion says, it could be reopened after only if there was "good cause," or a substantial reason for doing so.

"Wogenstahl had ample opportunity to challenge the constitutionality of (the state law) before now but failed to do so in a timely manner," the opinion says.

Three justices, including Joe Deters, who was Hamilton County's prosecutor in 1993 and the led the prosecution of Wogenstahl, recused themselves. Justices Pat DeWine, who handled the case as an appellate judge, and Pat Fischer also did not participate. Three judges from three different state appellate courts were assigned to the case.

'I didn't do it!'

Wogenstahl has maintained his innocence for three decades. After being found guilty in 1993, according to an Enquirer story, he cried uncontrollably in the courtroom and said: "I didn't do it! I'm sorry! I didn't do it!"

Jeffrey Wogenstahl is led into a Hamilton County courtroom in February 1993.

Among the evidence against him was a drop of blood in his car that matched Amber's DNA. Also, a strand of his hair was found embedded in the girl's underwear. Witnesses also saw Wogenstahl near where her body was found.

Ambers mother, Peggy Garrett, had known him for several weeks. Wogenstahl testified that he went to the apartment around 3 a.m. the night Amber disappeared to buy marijuana from Garrett's son.

Separate motions surrounding Wogenstahl's conviction are still pending in both state and federal court.

Even so, the death penalty in Ohio remains uncertain. Gov. Mike DeWine has suspended all executions as the state struggles to find suppliers that are willing to allow their drugs to be used to kill people.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Court rejects Jeffrey Wogenstahl's death sentence appeal
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  Six days after Ohio Task Force 1 was assembled to assist with disaster relief in Florida, the team has been dismissed and sent to another state in desperate need.

Ohio Task Force 1 is now in North Carolina. Theyll be working in Asheville, which has impacted thousands of people with flooding and landslides.

With experience in similar circumstances in eastern Kentucky in 2022, they hope theyll have an edge thatll allow them to work quickly and help however they can.

Supplies arrive by plane and mule as Helene death toll passes 100

Its gonna be challenging to get into areas. But with the folks we have on this deployment with Ohio Task Force 1, theyre very well trained. Not something that we cant overcome to do what we need to do to clear those areas, said Task Force Leader John Kaminski.

As of now, Ohio Task Force 1 leaders are unsure how much time theyll be spending in North Carolina but are prepared to stay and help as long as needed.

Nearly 120 people have died across six states, and hundreds more are missing.

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  Central Ohioans are in various parts of the southeast helping communities deal with the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Ohio Task Force 1 (OH-TF1), an urban search and rescue team, was in Florida; when the team finished its work there, it moved on to western North Carolina on Monday. Extreme flooding destroyed buildings and homes, washed out roads, and caused other widespread damage in that part of the state.

Some of the areas appear intact and other areas have been severely hit, said Dr. Daniel Bachmann, a medical team manager with OH-TF1.

Bachmann is a doctor in the emergency department at the Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center. Hes one of two Wexner doctors on this deployment with OH-TF1.

Watch: Ohioans head to North Carolina to aid with Helene cleanup

We go where the need is greatest based on what our leadership tells us in terms of where we need to work, Bachmann said.

When he talked with NBC4 late Monday morning, exact assignments for the task force had not been determined yet.

People being cut off from the rest of infrastructure, losing power, losing other utilities, so were expecting to potentially see people that may not have had the things theyre used to having for several days, Bachmann said.

The Central and Southern Ohio Region of the American Red Cross has volunteers in the region, checking on community members, operating shelters, and delivering meals, according to Don Hawkins, regional communications manager.

Our hearts go out to those folks that are dealing with the impacts of the storm and knowing theyve got a long road ahead of them, were there for them, and were going to be there for them as this road to recovery begins, he said. Weve sent a bunch of folks already down there. Were going to keep sending more folks down in the coming days as the full scope of everything is revealed.

For Bachmann, its his seventh deployment with the task force.

This is what we train for, he said .We never want any kind of disaster to happen, but were ready when it does.

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine activated members of the Ohio National Guard on Monday to assist in North Carolina.

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Though thwarted well before the assailant could get off a shot, reports of a second attempted assassination of former President Donald Trump caused quite the shock, even if it did not make for a complete surprise.
Oklahoma could soon allow third-party delivery of alcohol

Oklahoma lawmakers are expected to consider third-party delivery of alcohol. (Getty Images) (This image cannot be republished unless you have a Getty subscription.)

OKLAHOMA CITY  Lawmakers next session will consider legalizing third-party delivery of alcohol.

The Senate Business and Commerce Committee on Tuesday held an interim study on allowing third-party entities like Uber, DoorDash and Shipt to deliver alcohol.

I hope the liquor stores and shippers can continue to negotiate, and hopefully we could get something across the finish line next session, said Sen. Bill Coleman, R-Ponca City.

Coleman is chairman of the committee and requested the study.

Currently, liquor stores can deliver, Coleman said. State law also allows Oklahomans to pick up cocktails at restaurants to take home.

Shipt is a company that delivers groceries to homes.

Right now, Shipt customers are not able to add alcohol delivery to their orders, taking away the convenience theyve come to know and expect, said Mark Smith, Shipt state and local government affairs director.

Alcohol delivery increases small business access to customers, allowing them to compete with big box retailers, said Harry Hartfield, head of government affairs for Uber in Oklahoma.

If a delivery person determines the customer is visibly intoxicated, cant provide identification or is not present, the driver returns the product to the store, he said.

Most states have adopted laws allowing third-party companies to deliver alcohol, said Tom Kerr, outside general counsel for the Adult Beverage Alliance, a trade association made up of Amazon, DoorDash, Grubhub, Shipt and Uber.

Some states put limits on delivery hours and quantity, he said.

The Retail Liquor Association of Oklahoma for the last four years has opposed third-party delivery, said Robert Jernigan, the groups chair.

Liquor stores could be held responsible should there be a problem, he said.

So with the third parties involved, we feel like there is an increased risk of violation that we dont necessarily have when a customer walks directly into our store or when our employees are going directly to a house, Jernigan said.

The Alcoholic Beverage Laws Enforcement Commission doesnt have the manpower or budget for such an expansion, he said.

Weve yet to find a study that said that minor access wasnt a problem in a third-party delivery, Jernigan said.

If a Shipt delivery person cant make the delivery, they return the product to the liquor store, but still are able to be paid for shopping and receive a tip, Smith said.

We dont want alcohol to be in the hands of minors or intoxicated individuals, Smith said.

Speakers also discussed the possibility of not delivering alcohol to customers who are in liver failure or have an addiction.

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Oklahoma had the second-highest number of pregnancy-related prosecutions, a new study found. (Getty Images)

Oklahoma had the second-highest number of pregnancy-related prosecutions nationwide in the year after Roe. v. Wade was overturned, according to a new study by the advocacy organization Pregnancy Justice.

From June 24, 2022, to June 23, 2023, there were at least 210 pregnancy-related prosecutions in the U.S. This is the highest number of these prosecutions documented in a single year. Oklahoma trailed Alabama, at 68 prosecutions.

The report notes its total might represent an undercount, as the research team is still uncovering cases from this period. It also notes the team had more resources to uncover cases, meaning they could identify more cases than in past years.

A majority of these defendants nationwide are low-income, and their charges commonly allege a form of child abuse, neglect or endangerment. Prosecutors overwhelmingly charged pregnant people with offenses that did not require proof the pregnant person harmed a fetus or infant.

Janet Levit, a University of Tulsa law professor, teaches a reproductive rights practicum alongside the ONeill Institute for National and Global Health Law at Georgetown University Law Center. It partners with local and national organizations to work on developing projects to teach students about reproductive rights and justice.

Levit saw outreach from Pregnancy Justice, which was seeking support in identifying cases of criminalization in pregnancy. She contacted professors involved in the research and offered her students to look into these cases.

From there, her students reviewed reporting from outlets like The Frontier to identify cases. They searched electronically for cases and requested charging documents and other public records documenting these criminal child neglect charges. That data was sent to Pregnancy Justice.

Levit said Oklahoma has created the conditions for these prosecutions by being a state that applied its criminal child neglect law to an unborn child. While the original statute did not include that term, Oklahomas Court of Criminal Appeals ruled in 2020 in State v. Green that pregnant people can be charged with child neglect for using drugs during pregnancy. The ruling used the term unborn child.

I concur in the Courts conclusion that acts of illegal drug exposure against an unborn human offspring may be prosecuted as child neglect under 21 O.S.Supp.2014, section 843.5(C), a concurring opinion in the case read. The Legislature removed all reasonable doubt of the States policy when it amended 21 O.S.2011,  691(B) to define the phrase human being to include an unborn child.

Levit said an example of a charge one might see in Oklahoma relates to a pregnant person using a substance while pregnant. In the cases her practicum looked at, some were illegal substances, some were controlled but legal, and several of the pregnant people had legal medical marijuana cards.

But, when their babies were born and their meconium  or the newborns earliest stool  was tested, traces of substances like marijuana, methamphetamine or opioids were found. She said the majority of cases they saw had a relationship to marijuana.

From there, the results somehow get to law enforcement. Levit said theyre still trying to figure out how this happens.

She said law enforcement often doesnt use drug or substance laws, but instead looks at criminal child neglect. Pregnant people have been charged even after giving birth to healthy babies .

She said they believe many of these people will enter plea agreements.

The consequences are that they often have their children taken away from them  and this does not seem to be positive for families in Oklahoma, Levit said.

Additional consequences from these charges extend to other people experiencing addiction. Levit said those who want to treat their addiction might become hesitant to request help if theyre pregnant or concerned they could be pregnant.

If a woman whos pregnant is fearful that her use of substances will be discovered, either through prenatal care or through giving birth in a hospital, that woman is probably not going to access prenatal care, which, again, is not healthy for the child, and also may try to deliver at home, as is described in the report, Levit said. So, it just creates a huge disincentive.

Levit said shes concerned about how the criminalization of pregnancy intersects with Oklahomas incarceration of women  a rate that stands out nationally . Its all the more concerning to her as the fetal personhood movement continues to gain traction in a state that already has several statutes on the books recognizing it.

During the last legislative session, the Oklahoma legislature considered House Bill 3002 , which would have extended rights to a womans unborn child, saying it could also be a victim of battery, and aggravated assault and battery. The bill died before it reached the Senate floor.

Some lawmakers expressed concern about the potential impacts it could have on fertility treatments, saying an unlawful use of force could apply in situations where damage occurs to an embryo during treatments. This conversation came not long after legislation in Alabama that caused fertility clinics to shut down because they feared lawsuits or criminal prosecution.

Just because that battery law did not make it through doesnt mean that we dont have several laws on the books, which already recognize some degree of prenatal personhood.  This could be a slow path or incremental path to full-blown prenatal personhood in Oklahoma, Levit said.

This article was originally published by StateImpact Oklahoma. StateImpact Oklahoma is a partnership of Oklahomas public radio stations which relies on contributions from readers and listeners to fulfill its mission of public service to Oklahoma and beyond.

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Oklahomans stepping in to help after Hurricane Helene

OKLAHOMA CITY (KFOR)  The Oklahoma Standard is in full effect, after Hurricane Helene wreaked havoc across the Southeast part of the U.S.

Catastrophic, said Battalion Chief Derak Stewart with the Oklahoma City Fire Department. I mean, its amazing the damage that Ive seen on some videos.

LOCAL NEWS: OG&E crews arrive in Georgia to restore power after Hurricane Helene devastates the Southeast

The massive storm is responsible for more than 100 deaths and leaving millions without power.

It has hit not just Florida, but Georgia is feeling it, Tennessee is feeling it, North Carolina, said Loida Haffener Salmond, Executive Director at American Red Cross Central and Southwest Oklahoma.

Perhaps unsurprisingly though, Oklahomans are lending a helping hand.

We rely on other companies when we have devastating tornadoes in the state of Oklahoma. They come to help us and we certainly like to return the favor, said Carson Cunningham, an OG&E spokesman.

OG&E crews are working 16 hour shifts restoring power in Atlanta.

OG&E crews restoring power to Georgia after hurricane.

OG&E crews restoring power to Georgia after hurricane.

Theyve had to really be careful and stay safe to navigate high waters, said Cunningham.

Oklahoma Task Force 1, made up of 32 crew members from both OKC and Tulsa Metro Areas, were also met with severe flooding on their journey out east.

OKC first responders help after hurricane.

In Tennessee, the OKC crew helped save a handful of folks from the treacherous waters.

Some of the most dangerous rescues and or work that weve ever done, said Stewart.

Theyre now in North Carolina.

LOCAL NEWS: Local first responders head to North Carolina in wake of Hurricane Helene

Now theyre into a structural collapse kind of mode or a secondary search and damage assessment where theyre going to go in and make sure since there are still reports of people, you know, unaccounted for, said Stewart.

How to help those impacted by Hurricane Helene.

The Oklahoma Red Cross is also chipping in, feeding and sheltering those impacted by the storm.

Theres nothing better than to see Oklahomans come together and really set that standard of what its what a community should look like coming together, said Haffener Salmond.

The American Red Cross is looking for volunteers, money and blood donations to help with relief efforts. For more information, click here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
OKOBOJI, Iowa (KCAU)  By selling special t-shirts, Parks Marina in Okoboji has raised over $5,000 for victims of flooding in Spencer.

The marina announced Monday that $5,497 has been donated to the Spencer Chamber Foundation Flood Recovery Fund. That money came from the sale of special gold logo tees at the marinas Barefoot Bar. All proceeds from the t-shirt sales went to the fund.

7th annual Siouxland Big Give begins Tuesday

If we can use the Barefoot brand to help those impacted, we are proud to do so, Debbie Parks, director of Parks Marina marketing, said in a statement. Our hearts go out to our friends and neighbors to the south and we will continue to support any way we can.

The Spencer Chamber Foundations website says that about $250,000 has been raised so far for residents and businesses in Spencer dealing with the aftermath of Junes severe flooding.

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New York Magazine journalist Olivia Nuzzi has accused her ex-fiance Ryan Lizza of orchestrating a blackmail campaign against her, following revelations that she had a personal relationship with Robert F Kennedy Jr.

In a court filing in mid-August, Nuzzi claimed that Lizza had explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputationa threat he has since carried out.

The accusations were made by Nuzzi in a filing this week and before a judge in Washington DCs Superior Court. Lizza has reportedly denied the allegations.

It comes after New York Magazine The publication announced last week that Nuzzi, 31, had been placed on leave after disclosing a personal relationship with a former subject relevant to the election. The subject was later revealed that to be 70-year-old RFK Jr, who is married to the actor Cheryl Hines.

After filing the lawsuit, Nuzzi was granted a temporary no contact order agains Lizza on Tuesday, CNN reported. She was also granted a request to have police escort her when she attempts to get her possessions back from Lizza.

Nuzzi and Lizza at the 2023 White House Correspondents Dinner After Party (Getty Images for CBS News)

According to the lawsuit, citing the court documents, Nuzzi said she believes Lizza began the alleged harassment at the beginning of July, as a way to blackmail her back into a relationship with RFK Jr  was not named directly in the suit.

By the next month, Lizza allegedly stole a personal electronic device from her, was hacking her devices, then anonymously sending personal information  some of which may have been doctored  about her to the media.

She claimed Lizza impersonated an anonymous campaign operative to give a political campaign information that would hurt her further, according to the court records.

In her court filing, Nuzzi said Lizza also threatened her with violence to assume his share of financial responsibility for a joint book contract they had, CNN reported.

Lizza was reportedly not present for the proceedings on Tuesday, but later released a statement to the outlet.

I am saddened that my ex-fiancee would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings. I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully, he said.

Last week Nuzzi admotted to having a personal relationship with former presidential candidate Robert F Kennedy Jr (Getty Images)

The couple became engaged in 2022 but broke up since Nuzzis relationship with RFK Jr was made public. She had been writing a piece on the attorney and vaccine conspiracy theorist at the time.

After New York Magazines announcement that she was being placed on leave, Nuzzi released a statement denying the relationship with RFK Jr 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 Kennedy spokesperson told The New York Times that he had met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.
Olivia Nuzzi, the political journalist who had a personal relationship with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. while covering the 2024 campaign, has accused her ex-fiance of masterminding a blackmail and harassment campaign against her, according to CNN.

Nuzzis claims against Ryan Lizza, himself a star political reporter, were made in a court filing and before a judge in Washington, D.C. this week, the network reported Tuesday.

The alleged plot against Nuzzi kicked off in July, as Lizza allegedly began scheming to blackmail her back into a relationship with him and punish her when she wouldnt acquiesce, CNN reported.

By the next month, Nuzzi reportedly said in the filing, Lizza had explicitly threatened to make public personal information about me to destroy my life, career, and reputationa threat he has since carried out.

Nuzzi filed for a civil protection order against Lizza, which a D.C. superior court magistrate judge granted at a Tuesday hearing. Another hearing is scheduled for Oct. 15, when the order expires.

Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. speaks during a campaign event for former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump in Walker, Michigan, on September 27, 2024. Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images

To do so, Lizza hacked into her personal electronic devices, stole one of them, and then began quietly airing her dirty laundry around town, looking for a media outlet to pick his anonymous tip up, Nuzzi alleged.

She referred to the substance of his blackmail material only as the matter, according to CNN. Kennedy is not named in her filing.

Nuzzi said that some of the dirt Lizza allegedly had on her had been doctored to make her look worse. She also claimed that Lizza may have impersonated an anonymous campaign operative as he shopped the information around.

Lizza denied all of Nuzzis allegations in a statement.

I am saddened that my ex-fiance would resort to making a series of false accusations against me as a way to divert attention from her own personal and professional failings, he told the Daily Beast. I emphatically deny these allegations and I will defend myself against them vigorously and successfully.

Several hours later, Semafor journalist Maxwell Tani reported on X that Lizza and Politico had mutually agreed that he would take a leave of absence while an investigation was conducted following Nuzzis filing.

Madly in Love Olivia Nuzzi Had Incredible FaceTime Sex With RFK Jr: Report

The alleged blackmail threat would have taken place roughly a month before New York magazine announced that Nuzzi had been placed on leave after disclosing to its editors that she had engaged in a relationship with a former subject relevant to the 2024 campaign while she was reporting on the campaign.

Media journalist Oliver Darcy identified the subject as Kennedy in his Status newsletter the same evening New Yorks statement was posted online.

The magazine said that it had reviewed her 2024 work and found no inaccuracies nor evidence of bias, but had engaged an unnamed independent third party to more thoroughly comb through her stories.

Nuzzi released a statement on the matter later that night, saying that some communication between myself and a former reporting subject turned personal earlier this year.

During that time, I did not directly report on the subject nor use them as a source, she said.

Trump Is Obsessed With RFK Jr.s Sexting Scandal

The relationship was never physical but should have been disclosed to prevent the appearance of a conflict. I deeply regret not doing so immediately and apologize to those Ive disappointed, especially my colleagues at New York.

The next day, Lizza, who serves as Politicos chief Washington correspondent, said in an edition of the Playbook newsletter he co-authors that because of my connection to this story through my ex-fiance, my editors and I have agreed that I wont be involved in any coverage of Kennedy in Playbook or elsewhere at Politico.

On the night the news broke, Kennedy claimed through a spokesperson that he had only met Nuzzi once in his life for an interview she requested, which yielded a hit piece.

Pushed by anchor Martha MacCallum to elaborate in an appearance on Fox News last week, Kennedy said he never commented on those kind of stories.

Trump Is Obsessed With RFK Jr.s Sexting Scandal

If you want to talk about health, he went on, or how to end the war in Ukraine or how to end inflation andor how to end the censorship and surveillance regime, Im happy to talk about those.

Vanity Fair reported over the weekend that Lizza had broken off his engagement with Nuzzi just before the Democratic National Convention in August, upon learning about her relationship with Kennedy.

When exactly he learned of the relationshipwhich reportedly only involved digital communication and never became physicalwas not made clear in the report.

After the discovery, however, Lizza and Kennedy had an at times heated phone conversation, sources told Vanity Fair. Lizza declined to comment to the magazine.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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One person dead after house fire in New Hampshire, state fire marshal says

One person has died in a house fire in New Hampshire, the state fire marshal said late Monday night.

The fatal fire happened at 203 Pease Road in Meredith at approximately 4 p.m. Monday, State Fire Marshal Sean Toomey said in a statement.

Late Monday afternoon, the fire department received reports that there were two people trapped inside the home.

When firefighters arrived, they found significant fire and smoke coming from the second story of the single-family home, Toomey said.

Once inside, firefighters found a person dead in the home, he said. The person was not immediately identified pending an autopsy on Tuesday to determine cause and manner of death.

Two other residents were able to evacuate from the home safely.

Several other area fire departments assisted from communities including Laconia, Gilford, Moultonborough, Holderness, Bristol, Center Harbor, New Hampton and Ashland. Police from Meredith and Laconia also responded.

An investigation into the cause of the fire is active and ongoing by the State Fire Marshals Office and Meredith Police and Fire.

Anyone with information about the deadly fire is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshals Office at 603-223-4289 or by email at fmo@dos.nh.gov.

Toomey reminds everyone of the importance of having working smoke alarms in their homes.

In the event of an alarm activation or visible smoke or fire, residents should immediately get out of their home and call 911.

Keep exits clear and accessible at all times and have a home fire escape plan, Toomey said.

Anyone with questions about home fire safety should contact their local fire department or the NH State Fire Marshals Office, he said.

Meredith is a small town in the Lakes Region, north of Weirs Beach. The towns population was 6,662 at the 2020 census.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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Preschool teacher Tinhinane Meziane, left, listens to her students on what characters of the TV show PAW Patrol they will vote for as their favorite character at the ACCA Child Development Center, Thursday, Sept. 19, 2024, in Annandale, Va. The students are getting foundational lessons on how to live in a democracy by allowing them to regularly vote on different things through out the day. (AP Photo/John McDonnell)

ANNANDALE, Va. (AP)  As lawmakers voted on a budget deal at the U.S. Capitol, a different kind of balloting was taking place a dozen miles away in a sun-filled Virginia preschool classroom. At stake: which animated dog was the best character on the cartoon PAW Patrol.

In a heated primary, the 3-and-4-year-old students in room 14 at the ACCA Child Development Center had narrowed it down to two finalists: Chase, a German shepherd who wears a police uniform, and Skye, who wears a pink pup pack" and is a favorite among girls in the class. The children cast votes by scrawling their names in crayon beneath pictures of the two characters. By mid-morning, it was a dead heat: five votes to five.

Benejas Abeselome, 4, put his name down for Chase.

Police take bad guys, Benejas said. I wanted police because I like policing.

It will be years before these youngsters vote in a real election, but ACCA is one of many preschools around the country that have been starting students early on civics education. The goal is nothing short of raising good citizens and strengthening democracy.

At this age, children are not learning about the three branches of government or how a bill becomes a law. Teachers are working with them on how to solve problems with classmates, how to deal with anger or disappointment without being hurtful and how to think about others' needs. These are lessons, teachers say, that can be difficult to draw from grown-up politicians  especially during a vitriolic campaign season.

Were all here to help develop these children to become better citizens ... to be better problem-solvers and to be better equipped socially, emotionally, said Mary Folks, a teacher at the school. Because once they have a handle on that, I feel like things they accomplish and things they do will have a better impact on this world.

The most important civics lesson preschools can impart is social democracy, said Dan Gartrell, an early education expert. His book on teaching preschoolers about democracy, Education for a Civil Society, is used by ACCA and other preschools.

It starts with appreciating each member of the group as a worthy member and worthy of expressing thoughts and ideas, Gartrell said. From there, he said, children can learn to treat their peers with kindness, resolve conflicts and negotiate difficult situations without using hurtful words.

Engaging with toddlers in ways that make them feel their voice matters is important groundwork, said Rachel Robertson, the chief academic officer for Bright Horizons, which runs more than 1,000 preschool centers globally and embraces democratic ideals in its early education approach.

Around ages 3 or 4, a child is starting to be a real community member and contributing to the classroom community and thinking a little bit broader about the world, Robertson said.

At ACCA, like many preschools, youngsters are given a lot of autonomy. There are hours dedicated to free play. Children get to vote on what they study and eat: A classroom had just finished studying sand because children were curious about it after summer beach trips. And students get to sample apples and vote on which variety the school will order.

Its all intended to affirm to children that their thoughts are valuable  along with those of their classmates. On this Thursday, they all were thinking about PAW Patrol.

In Room 11, 3-year-old Jade, who donned pink sneakers that lit up when she stepped, explained why she was backing Skye.

I like her helicopter, Jade said. I like that she saves everybody.

In Room 13, teachers created ballots in English and Spanish. When they asked the class who had won the election, one boy confidently piped up: Me!

Many of the preschool's students represent the first generation of their families born in the United States. Maria-Isabel Ballivian, the preschool's executive director, said she looks for ways to remind them they are American, even if their families don't speak English and only recently arrived from other countries. For one, she throws a large Fourth of July gathering.

If we give them now that sense of belonging, thats going to be a tool that they will have to become resilient once they face discrimination, Ballivian said.

Ballivian said many politicians could learn something from coming back to preschool  things like how to weather disappointment and how to think about the well-being of people who are unlike them.

I dont see how we can change the adults," Ballivian said. "But I do know, if we work hard, we can prepare our children for a better future.

Back in room 14, there was an important development. Another student named Janet had cast her ballot, writing her name under Skye's photo with a backwards J.' The students counted the votes aloud. Skye emerged victorious.

___

Associated Press journalists Nathan Ellgren and Almaz Abedje contributed to this article.

___

The Associated Press education coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find APs standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org.
Opinion: Is Arizona schools' chief Tom Horne incompetent or is it worse than that?

Im not yet prepared to call Arizona Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne incompetent, though Id have to admit, hes recently made a very good case for himself.

The Arizona Republics Nick Sullivan outlined in a blow-by-blow article the misrepresentations Horne made while trying to explain to state lawmakers what could have been the loss of millions of Title I federal dollars meant for schools that serve low-income households.

For example, Horne told lawmakers that a deadline for allocating the money had expired. The U.S. Department of Education said such a deadline does not exist.

His administration said there was no possibility of receiving a deadline waiver. The Republic contacted the feds, who, in turn, told Hornes people it was not too late, and a waiver was subsequently granted.

It goes on. One bumbling bit of misinformation after the next.

All of which would be easy  and even logical  to write off as incompetence, were it not for some of the other things Horne has done.

A lawsuit on accountability Horne wants the state to lose

Most recently, for example, his department was sued by The Goldwater Institute after Attorney General Kris Mayes cracked down on ridiculous purchases being made by people collecting Empowerment Scholarship Account money.

Taxpayer money. Your money.

ESA recipients were buying stuff like $1,000-plus Lego sets, pianos, luxury car driving lessons, ski resort passes and much more.

Given that, new rules came into play requiring school voucher recipients to actually justify their expenses.

The parents suing with Goldwaters help called such demands bureaucratic hoops and arbitrary paperwork, instead of, you know, common sense.

Meantime, Horne said he wants the state to lose the lawsuit. Really.

A nonprofit that teaches kids the 'softer side' of slavery

You might also recall how, a while back, Horne opened up the education departments website to lessons from PragerU, an kooky, extremist nonprofit claiming to be an alternative to dominant left-wing ideology in culture, media and education.

About this Horne said, Its alright for teachers to teach controversial views as long as both sides are presented, and the problem weve had is in some classes, only the extreme left side has been presented, so these present an alternative.

An alternative? One PragerU video shows an animated Christopher Columbus presenting the softer side of slavery, saying, Being taken as a slave is better than being killed, no? I dont see the problem.

Neither does Horne. Which is a problem.

A group that promotes book bans and quoted Hitler

Just as it was a problem when Horne spoke before a group of East Valley supporters of Moms for Liberty, a right-wing operation out of Florida that believes liberty involves book banning, victimizing LGBTQ children, suppressing accurate American history and more.

The group has as one of its goals filling school boards with like-minded individuals and Horne pledged to join them in their effort, saying, Thats going to be my main occupation for 2024."

A pledge he made even after the group got national attention when the leader of a chapter in Indiana published a newsletter for members that prominently displayed a quote attributed to Adolf Hitler: He alone who OWNS the youth, GAINS the future.

Horne is an intelligent man. His official government profile proudly notes that he graduated Magna Cum Laude from Harvard College and with honors from Harvard Law School. And that he is a classical pianist who has soloed with local orchestras and has taught legal writing at ASU Law School."

All of that argues against the notion that Horne is incompetent. In fact, it seems to suggest just the opposite. Something much worse.

He does this stuff on purpose.

Reach Montini at ed.montini@arizonarepublic.com.

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This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Opinion: Is AZ schools superintendent Tom Horne incompetent on purpose?
Infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving economy. From highways to bridges to, airports to green spaces, the ability to move people and goods efficiently and safely determines the vibrancy of our communities and the competitiveness of our cities.

Since the signing of the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA) into law in 2021, weve seen an unprecedented investment in infrastructure across the United States.

Nowhere is that impact more evident than in Memphis and Tennessees 9th District, where more than half a billion dollars has been secured for projects that will shape our future.

Lots of people like to talk about infrastructure, but I am the only member of Congress from Tennessee still in office today who voted for this once-in-a-generation infrastructure investment.

Its not an exaggeration to say that the IIJA has catalyzed a renaissance in Memphis. The law is providing the funding we need to tackle long-overdue infrastructure challenges, create thousands of jobs, and secure the foundation for our regions economic growth for decades to come.

It took hard work and persistence to get I-55 bridge replacement project approved

The crown jewel of these investments is the historic $393.7 million awarded to replace the I-55 bridge. This bridge is a critical artery for Memphiss economy, carrying millions of people and billions of dollars worth of goods each year.

U.S. Rep. Steve Cohen speaks during an Investing in America press conference to announce federal funding for a new Interstate 55 bridge in Memphis, Tenn., on Thursday, July 18, 2024.

The new structure will boast added lanes, improved lighting, and upgraded safety measures, ensuring a smoother, safer journey for the thousands of daily commuters and the countless businesses that depend on it.

It took more than just a vote in Congress to make this happen. After the IIJA passed, I worked closely with President Biden, Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, and federal officials to advocate for this funding. The result is the largest infrastructure investment in not only Memphiss but Tennessees historya project that will pay dividends for decades by enhancing our role as a logistics and distribution hub for the nation.

But the IIJAs impact in our city goes far beyond bridges. In September, I announced a $13.1 million Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Program grant to redesign the intersection at Lamar Avenue, Kimball Avenue, and Pendleton Street, identified as the most dangerous crossroads in the city.

This investment will focus on redesigning the intersection to enhance safety and accessibility for both pedestrians and drivers. In 2023, the City of Memphis also received a SS4A grant of $640,000 for preparation of a comprehensive Safe Streets for All plan.

All of the Complete Streets initiatives we undertake in our region should be named for city planner Tommy Pacello, who attended my first Complete Streets roundtable and was totally committed to Complete Streets and a new way of looking at infrastructure based on the safety for all using our roadways.

Federal funding is transforming historic communities and modernizing the airport

And consider how its transforming some of our most historic Memphis communities. Last summer, I announced $13.2 million in federal funding for Project ELBOW (Eliminating Barriers on North Watkins), a major infrastructure initiative covering a 3-mile corridor from North Memphis to Midtown.

This project will redesign and reconstruct the North Watkins Wolf River Bridge, expanding capacity and improving safety for commuters and emergency vehicles. In addition to new bike lanes, upgraded sidewalks, and mid-block pedestrian crossings, Project ELBOW will ensure better accessibility for people with disabilities, making North Memphis safer and more connected for both drivers and pedestrians.

US Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg shakes employees hands during his visit to new deicing facility at Memphis International Airport on Nov. 29, 2022 in Memphis.

In March of this year, I announced a new $2.4 million IIJA funding award to reconnect some of our oldest North Memphis neighborhoods that have been divided by Interstate 40, like Klondike, Smokey City, New Chicago and Crosstown. This investment is hiring transportation planners, engineers, and local artists to redesign pedestrian infrastructure, create safer bike lanes, and reimagine urban spaces. The project is more than just concrete and steelits about restoring economic vitality and improving livability for historically marginalized neighborhoods.

At Memphis International Airport, $42.5 million in federal funding from the IIJA is modernizing terminals and taxiways, ensuring our city remains a key player in national and global aviation. These improvements are a vital component of maintaining Memphiss status as an economic powerhouse, directly supporting our role in logistics while making our airport a better experience for the millions of passengers who use it each year.

Opinion: Memphis has a pedestrian death and bad drivers crisis. Heres how we can fix it.

Green infrastructure is another major focus of the IIJA. Just this summer, I announced $21.8 million to complete the final gaps in the 26-mile Wolf River Greenway. This new stretch of greenway, complete with bike-pedestrian bridges and an underpass, is connecting neighborhoods, promoting outdoor recreation, and improving quality of life in Memphis. Its an investment not only in infrastructure but in making our city more attractive for businesses, residents, and visitors.

Passenger rail becomes more of a reality with new money

Perhaps one of the most exciting IIJA investments is the $500,000 grant to study the feasibility of a new passenger rail service connecting Memphis to Nashville, Chattanooga and Atlanta. After years of pushing for better regional rail connectivity, this study is a crucial first step in making that vision a reality. Imagine how much tourism and commerce could flow more freely across our region with a high-speed rail corridor in place.

These examples barely scratch the surface of the IIJAs impact. The law is delivering $16.1 million to protect Memphiss floodplain and Mississippi River infrastructure, $22 million for electric vehicle charging stations and electric buses, and millions more for broadband expansion and other critical investments across Tennessee. All told, the IIJA is transforming our economy, modernizing our infrastructure, and setting the stage for sustainable growth.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act is proof that, when government works, it works for the people. These investments are tangible, they are impactful, and they are critical to ensuring our economy stays competitive in the global marketplace. Lets keep moving forward, building a stronger, safer, and more prosperous future for Memphis, Tennessees 9th Congressional District, and the nation.

Congressman Steve Cohen, D-Memphis, represents Tennessees 9th Congressional District in the U.S. House of Representatives. He has been a champion of federal infrastructure investment and has served in Congress since 2007.

This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Opinion: Memphis reaps the benefits of bipartisan infrastructure law
Opinion: Democrats roll out their Jeff Flake endorsement. There is just one problem

If there are better people in politics than Jeff Flake, Ive yet to meet them.

Hes a man of real decency. Kind to a fault. True to his core values.

So, when the Republican Flake says hes endorsing Kamala Harris for president, you can bet his decision is based on principle and a lot of serious reflection.

Endorsement is rolled out as Harris visits the border

The Democrats, however, have made a tactical error rolling out the Flake endorsement now.

Now being the operative word.

This past week Kamala Harris rushed to the Arizona border so she could pound her chest and play border warrior.

You could almost imagine her in camo and combat boots standing between us and the marauding hordes.

She told the nation shes a tough former California prosecutor who cracked down on the Mexican cartels. And she got behind the recent bipartisan plan to batten down the border.

On the outside this looked like a war on illegal immigration.

On the inside, it was anything but.

It was a retreat from years of bad decision-making. The Democrats are fleeing their permissive border policies of the last three-and-a-half years that led to record flows of illegal immigrants.

Gavin Newsom puts on same get-tough persona

It's not just Harris playing tough on the border. Californias liberal Democrat governor, Gavin Newsom, has completely changed stripes. He's been vetoing just about any bill that has the word immigration and that would dole out favors to the undocumented.

In the past several weeks, Newsom has stopped three major Democrat bills, reports Michael Cuenco at UnHerd.

The measures would have given migrants:

up to $150,000 in loans to buy homes;

entree to work legally in Californias public university system, ignoring federal prohibitions against such; and ...

access to unemployment benefits.

Both Newsom and ... Harris have attempted to execute rightward pivots on immigration to fend off Donald Trumps attacks, writes Cuenco. ... But until this countermovement can be galvanized from within the ranks of the Democratic coalition, there can be no genuine party realignment on the issue.

Harris had her chance to reform the border. Biden handed her the immigration portfolio and told her to go fix it. Instead, she dodged it. The problem languished and here we are.

Dems, mainstream media still deny Harris failed role

Democrats and mainstream media still insist the White House merely gave Harris a narrow foreign policy role. She was to work with Central American states to stem the root causes of illegal immigration, such as crime, poverty and corruption.

Even last Thursday, 12 News updated and republished a fact-check that reported:

Claims about Harris serving as Bidens border czar are misleading. Harris was not put in charge of overseeing immigration policy or security at the southern border. Instead, she was tasked with addressing social and political issues that cause people to leave certain Central American countries for the U.S.

Thats not what NBC News reported on March 24, 2021, when the White House announced Harris border assignment:

A senior administration official said Harris' role would focus on two tracks: both curbing the current flow of migrants and implementing a long-term strategy that addresses the root causes of migration.

As Democrats reverse themselves on immigration and raise white flags in Sacramento and on the border in Douglas, Ariz., in Phoenix they are spotlighting the Flake endorsement.

So here came Flake just as Harris was stoking the fire on immigration.

Like the Dems, Flake was soft on immigration policy

The former U.S. senator made his name defending immigrants and promoting Latin American immigration when he was in Congress.

I thought it took guts to do that when he was running every two years for reelection in the conservative East Valley. When he ran for Senate he toughened his rhetoric, but he never played a convincing border hawk.

My, how times have changed.

Todays Democratic leaders are starting to sound like those East Valley conservatives.

And the facts on the ground are quite different. The Democrats took a good thing  Latin American migration  and binged on it.

Biden-Harris got rid of all the Trump-Pence controls on the border and opened the flood gates. They lost control, allowing historic levels of illegal immigration to ensue.

Now as the Democrats pull out the Flake endorsement to get in front of early voting and go after the Mormon vote in Arizona (Flake is a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints) they are putting a spotlight on a Republican defector long considered soft on immigration.

Flake was, as I called him at the time, a "humane reformer." When I wrote it, I didn't mean it as a pejorative. I still don't. He saw the real value of Latin immigration.

Flake's endorsement wasn't supposed to be about immigration. He supports Harris because Trump undermined American institutions when he refused to accept his 2020 defeat and tried to overturn election results.

But institutions were not the theme this past week. Immigration was.

So, when Flake went on ABC This Week with George Stephanopoulos, co-host Martha Raddatz grilled him on the Biden-Harris failed immigration record.

"Well, I'm happy that she (Harris) went to the border," said Flake. "And I was pleased to hear what she had to say. She wants to have a tougher policy than the Biden administration has employed, and I think that is certainly needed."

Once again Flake was unconvincing as a border hawk, not just because he exactly parroted Harris talking points  "she's been a prosecutor" ... "asylum policies" ... "comprehensive reform" ... "she signed (bipartisan bill.)"

But most of all because he declined to criticize the author of the historic mess we've been witnessing on today's U.S.-Mexico border.

That would be Joe Biden.

The man Flake endorsed four years ago.

Phil Boas is an editorial columnist at The Arizona Republic. Email him at phil.boas@arizonarepublic.com.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Opinion: Jeff Flake's Harris endorsement exposed Dems' border weakness
Months ago, Iranian hackers  part of a larger operation detailed in a recently unsealed indictment  offered media organizations the Trump campaigns vice presidential vetting file on Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio. All turned it down. Eventually, independent journalist Ken Klippenstein published it on his Substack account.

Im not linking, because I think this is a national security issue, and we should disincentivize foreign interference by denying rewards as much as possible (if you absolutely must see it, Google Klippenstein). But whats even more instructive than the dossier itself is how the media and Elon Musk reacted to it. It both shows how much the media has evolved for the better since it abetted Russian interference in the 2016 election and provides yet more evidence that Musk is a partisan activist, not an advocate of free speech.

The news media rejected the Vance dossier as stolen material and foreign interference, which drew comparisons to 2016s Russia-hacked Hillary Clinton campaign emails. Some media leaders said nothing in the Vance dossier was newsworthy. But by those standards, Clinton campaign emails werent, either.

Media organizations wont say theyve been more cautious with the Vance dossier as a corrective to their mistakes in 2016, when they let foreign hackers set their agenda. But its still good that theyre resisting. Even now that the Vance dossier is public, widespread rejection followed by publication on one persons Substack account sends the message that the origins are questionable.

But this isnt the first time the media showed a more cautious approach than it did in 2016. The Hunter Biden laptop story got similar treatment.

In 2020, President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Rudy Giuliani shopped around a story that Joe Bidens son Hunter allegedly left a computer at a New Jersey repair shop in a drugged-out haze. The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Fox News and others turned it down. Rudys story had holes, they couldnt independently verify it, and there was reasonable suspicion of foreign hacking.

Giuliani spent months in Ukraine trying to drum up dirt on Joe and Hunter Biden in the scandal that led to Trumps first impeachment. Russian intelligence had reportedly hacked Burisma, a Ukrainian company for which Hunter had worked. And U.S. counterintelligence had warned the White House that Russia had targeted Giuliani, trying to use him, with or without his knowledge, as a conduit for misinformation.

But Rudy kept offering, and eventually someone published it. The New York Post ran the story, but no regular reporters would put their names on it, so it put it out under that of one who didnt know shed be in the byline and of a deputy editor who hadnt written a story before and later left for Breitbart.

We still dont know whether the laptop files were (1) real but stolen and released through a cut-out, like hacked Hillary emails; (2) a mix of real and fake, like the discredited Steele Dossier, in which the true aspects make the fake parts more credible; or (3) did not have any foreign involvement or hacked materials. Given the suspicious source, content  salacious but not especially newsworthy  and origins, turning down the story made sense.

The same logic applies to the Vance Dossier, except that its moved beyond suspicion of foreign interference, with charges filed in court.

Turning down this suspicious material arguably helps Trump by keeping negative info about his VP nominee from the public. Turning down suspicious material in 2020 arguably helped Biden by keeping negative info about his son from the public. But whatever the electoral effect, its an ethic applied whenever suspicious material arises, not a partisan exercise.

Which brings us to Musk. In 2020, tech companies reacted similarly to the New York Post laptop story. Facebook slowed the spread, and Twitter (under old management) blocked the URL, preventing users from sharing the article for a few days, then allowing it but adding a warning label.

I thought Twitters URL block was an unnecessary overstep, but the label was reasonable. You might draw the line differently. A lot of content moderation is based on judgment calls.

But the right flipped out. Congressional Republicans held hearings, with Sen. Ted Cruz of Texas absurdly denouncing Twitters actions as election interference. Musk complained, without evidence, that it had a material impact on the election. A lot of this was frustration that a long-gestating political attack didnt land, but they treated it as a grand injustice.

Musk was so incensed about supposedly biased content moderation at Twitter that he bought the website, promising to expose the theorized censorship conspiracy. The result was the Twitter Files, a pathetic flop that, if anything, demonstrated the opposite. Musk claimed serious violations of the First Amendment, then showed people who arent in government reporting unauthorized naked photos of Hunter Biden as terms of service violations. (In case you didnt know, declining to disseminate nude photos, hacked or otherwise, is a choice the First Amendment protects.)

After a few years of bloviating that his Hunter Biden laptop stance was about free speech, Musk had Twitter (now called X) censor the Vance Dossier, permanently banning Klippenstein and blocking the URL so no one could post the link.

As of this writing, its still blocked, making the ban longer and more comprehensive than the one for the New York Post laptop story. Meta and Google have partially suppressed the Vance Dossier, as well.

Musk tried claiming the dossier was one of the most egregious, evil doxxing actions weve ever seen because it included private addresses. But the Hunter Biden laptop files he publicized had private addresses and other personal information, including nude photos.

This is more than just hypocrisy. Its an articulation of what Musk means by free speech: promote causes he likes, suppress causes he doesnt.

Its apparent in the larger context, which includes Musks censoring political opposition in Turkey and India at their governments request but fighting Brazil over requests to shut down misinformation that fueled Brazils pro-Bolsonaro Jan. 8 riots. Now he has endorsed and promotes Donald Trump and, just this week, Musk said that unless Trump wins this will be the last U.S. election, trying to invert concerns about Trumps threat to constitutional democracy.

The media handled the Vance Dossier pretty well. The mistake most of it made, and too many in it are still making, is going along with Musks self-description as a champion of free speech, when his actions repeatedly show the opposite.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is dead. What does this mean for the Middle East, U.S. foreign policy, Iran and Israel?

The answers can be categorized according to the interrelated dynamics of regional geopolitics, U.S. interests and domestic politics in the U.S., Iran and Israel.

In terms of regional geopolitics, the conservative Sunni demographic is likely celebrating the way Israel  with help from the Biden administration  has ingeniously disempowered Hezbollah in about a week. The exploding pagers and walkie-talkies have immobilized Hezbollah operatives and destroyed its command and control capabilities.

Hezbollah is essential to the Iranian regime as well as Bashar al Assads regime, which they helped save during the Syrian civil war. Its de-fanging is a source of joy for Saudi Arabia and its allies, as it tips the balance of power in their favor, at least for now.

Underneath the struggle for regional hegemony, in which primarily Iran and Saudi Arabia are engaged via proxies, is the Sunni-Shia sectarian ideological competition. This is score one for the Sunnis, who faced utter humiliation for failing to bring down the Assad regime and to defeat the Iranian-supported Houthis in Yemen.

U.S. interests here also align with Israels success, especially following the horrendous Oct. 7 attacks. They include freedom of navigation in the Red Sea, the Mediterranean Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Hormuz, the Bab al-Mandab and the Arabian Sea. The Houthis continue to attack ships in the Red Sea as retaliation for Israels military campaign in Gaza. The U.S. does not want escalation of any conflicts in the Middle East, especially involving Israel.

As the U.S. presidential election nears, the last thing that the running candidates need is another conflagration in the Middle East, and that goes particularly for Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic incumbent.

Meanwhile, these recent events are a significant demoralizing blow to the Iranian regime. Already facing internal protests  especially by women against oppressive hijab policies  the Iranian regime, which is a Shia theocracy, has lost credibility.

The regime is the godfather and chief financier of Hezbollah. But the regime is highly skilled at one thing: survival. We cannot write it off just yet.

Even prior to the Oct. 7 Hamas attacks, Israeli domestic politics were already in a tailspin because of Benjamin Netanyahus government. Thousands of Israelis have been protesting against Netanyahu for weeks. Internal divisions in Israel persist even today.

Netanyahu is fighting for his political life and against legal scandals in which he has been embroiled. It is in his interest not only to keep the fight against Hamas and Hezbollah (i.e., against Iran via proxy) going but also to escalate the conflict regionwide. That would provide ideal deterrence to Netanyahus legal woes and political challenges.

However, by pushing the conflict too hard regionally, Israel risks uniting rather than dividing its numerous enemies.

In U.S. politics, the Biden administration needs to express more concern for civilian casualties in Gaza and Lebanon. Public opinion, while divided along mainly partisan lines, is not favorable toward President Biden and Harris in the eyes of many American Muslims and progressives.

The predominant view among them is that the Biden administration compromises nothing in its support for Israel by showing real concern and remorse for civilian casualties in both Gaza and Lebanon.

Finally, the Iranian regime will assess these events and losses in terms of its greatest need to acquire nuclear status. In other words, Iran likely believes that it needs nuclear weapons now more than ever. That should cause great unease for everyone.

Hayat Alvi, Ph.D. is an associate professor at the U.S. Naval War College.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The Supreme Court made a mistake for the ages when it granted presidents immunity for nearly everything done in office.

The trial judge in this case against Trump, U.S. District Judge Tanya Chutkan, now has an opportunity to restore the principle that no man is above the law. She can do so by upholding Special Counsel Jack Smiths revised indictment of Donald Trump for obstruction of the 2020 election. This prosecution should survive because it is candidate Trump, not President Trump, who is being held legally accountable.

Although the Supreme Courts pro-immunity justices did not acknowledge the exclusively political nature of Trumps role in Jan. 6, they were not necessarily oblivious to the reality that Trump was acting to save his own political hide on Jan. 6, not the fate of the republic.

Indeed, in his opinion for the court, Chief Justice Roberts may even have recalled his time as associate counsel to President Reagan, when he wrote that while most of a presidents public communications are likely to fall comfortably with the outer perimeter of his official responsibilities, there may, however, be contexts in which the president  speaks in an unofficial capacity  perhaps as a candidate for office or party leader.

There are such contexts, to be sure. The distinction  between official and political  is a line that every White House counsels office draws regularly for the president.

When I served as associate counsel to President Reagan (very shortly after the chief justice did) the White House Office of Political Affairs was one of my internal clients. I advised that office about how to keep the president on the legal side of the line with the benefit of detailed guidance from a formal opinion issued to the White House by the Department of Justices Office of Legal Counsel.

Scrupulous compliance with this opinion, and observing the political versus official distinction, was critical to the White House because expenses for political activities could not be paid from congressionally appropriated funds. They must be paid instead from campaign or political committee coffers.

Simply stated, it is illegal for the White House to spend appropriated funds on election activities.

In the case of the president, it can be challenging to draw the distinction because most of his or her activity will be mixed  there will be a combination of official and political motives. Much of a presidents job involves political considerations: jawboning Congress, selling the administrations agenda to the public, and setting up policies to promote the presidents reelection and historical legacy.

However, as Office of Legal Counsel Assistant Attorney General Ted Olson (a conservative luminary) opined in a 1982 memo to the White House, some things even the president does are entirely political, and thus, constitute personal, non-official activity.

So, what does the entirely political category entail? Well, as Olson stipulated, it is campaigning and electioneering for political candidates. This includes a presidents campaigning and electioneering for themselves.

The political category applies precisely to Trumps Jan. 6 efforts to overturn the election. The facts alleged in the special counsels superseding indictment concern the former presidents campaign to have himself deemed the countrys reelected president  by hook or by crook.

Trumps electioneering for reelection was political, not official. The lawsuits he filed alleging election fraud (falsely and unsuccessfully) were political. His Jan. 6 rally on the Ellipse was political. His pressure on Vice President Mike Pence to disallow Electoral Votes against him was political.

It was all quintessentially political because the goal of the activity was to be declared the winner of an election. The fact these tactics were illegal does not make them any less political than the lawful methods Trump tried to get reelected, such as trying to persuade voters he was the better candidate and petitioning the courts to decide he won the election.

A presidents campaign to reelect himself is never official business no matter what form it takes. And, by the way, the fact the president flies Air Force One to political rallies and fundraisers or is driven to them by the Secret Service, for security reasons, does not convert such campaign events into official ones.

The Supreme Courts obtuseness to the obviously political nature of Jan. 6 contrasts starkly with its approach in an earlier case involving alleged Trump administration malfeasance. In a decision about why a citizenship question was being added to the 2020 census, Chief Justice Roberts observed, poignantly, that the court is not required to exhibit a naivete from which ordinary citizens are free.

Yet, in its immunity decision, the majority was blind to what anyone else could plainly see, that Trumps attempted subversion of the election was entirely political. The fact he co-opted some government officials to collude with him on staying in office did not convert his office-seeking into official activity any more than relying on the Secret Service to drive him to the Ellipse or pressuring them to take him to the Capitol.

Judge Chutkan now, like the Supreme Court in the census case, need not be naive. While the courts near blanket immunity for presidents was improvidently granted, Jack Smiths indictment concerns entirely political conduct. It should easily pass muster under the narrow legal accountability the court preserved for presidents.

When a Chutkan decision against Trump is ultimately appealed to the court, one hopes the justices may avail themselves of the opportunity to rein in immunity and assure a sterner dose of constitutional checks and balances to the most powerful person in the world, the U.S. president.

Alan Charles Raul served as associate White House counsel to former President Reagan. He currently practices law in Washington, D.C., and serves as lecturer at Harvard Law School, and as board secretary of the Society for the Rule of Law.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance, R-Ohio, hope to use Tuesday nights vice presidential debate to bolster their respective running mates chances in November. Facing a yawning favorability gap with Walz, Vance is readying via both traditional mock debates  with Rep. Tom Emmer, R-Minn., standing in for Walz  and the constant back-and-forth Vance keeps up with reporters on the trail.

But as vice president, Vance would have to be ready for one main task: assuming the presidency. It is a duty that nine vice presidents before him have had to fulfill. It is also a possibility we need to discuss given that if Donald Trump returns to the White House, he would be the oldest person ever sworn in as president. Unfortunately, Vance is in no way ready to step in should Trump be no longer able to function as president.

Its true that the vice presidency itself was originally something of an afterthought for the countrys founders. They tasked the vice president with presiding over the Senate only to give the role something concrete to do besides be a backup executive. But Article II, which supposedly lays out what happens if a vacancy occurs in the presidency, isnt crystal clear: It says only In Case of the Removal of the President from Office, or of his Death, Resignation, or Inability to discharge the Powers and Duties of the said Office, the Same shall devolve on the Vice President.

Follow live updates covering the 2024 vice presidential debate between JD Vance and Tim Walz.

The lack of specificity was a problem from its first major test, when President William Henry Harrison died in 1841 after just 31 days in office. The question that Vice President John Tyler faced was whether he would be an acting or temporary president, one who merely took on the tasks of the presidency, or would he succeed to the office himself. Tyler decided on the latter, immediately taking the presidential oath of office. And though he was never a popular chief executive, nobody seemed inclined to challenge this new precedent regarding presidential succession.

In modern times, the vice presidents role has grown beyond the constitutional duties assigned to include whatever policy portfolios the president delegates. But the essential duty remains stepping into the presidency if required. Its almost certain that the debate moderators will ask Vance and Walz whether they feel up to the job at some point during the debate.

Of course, both candidates will say yes if they are asked; what matters is how many viewers believe their answers. And looking at the experience the two candidates have, theres much more evidence to support Walzs readiness than that of Vance. The Democrat is in his second term as governor of Minnesota, giving him years of practice running an executive office. Before that, he spent 12 years in the House, getting an up-close look at how the federal government functions and the way the legislative sausage gets made.

In contrast, Vance is in just his second year as an elected official. He has passed no major legislation, and several of those bills that he has submitted have had no co-sponsors at all. Before winning his seat in 2022, he was an author and a Silicon Valley gadabout and served four years in the Marines, mostly as a war correspondent.

This makes Vance the least experienced vice presidential candidate since then-Gov. Sarah Palin of Alaska was tapped to join the GOP ticket in 2008. The public was deeply skeptical of Palins readiness to lead after less than two years as governor, according to a USA Today/Gallup poll taken the day Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., chose her as his running mate. Of those surveyed, 39% said she was ready to serve as president if needed, with 33% saying she wasnt and 29% having no opinion about the then-unknown governor. At the time, that was the lowest vote of confidence in a running mate since the elder George Bush chose then-Indiana senator Dan Quayle to join his ticket in 1988, according to ABC News.

Incredibly, Vance has managed to beat that record. According to a late July poll from YouGov, only 29% of respondents believed Vance ready to serve as president, with 38% percent saying he isnt and another 33% unsure. Vance performed slightly better in YouGovs August poll  climbing to 30% who thought hes ready  but still trailed Walz on that front.

Despite this, if elected Vance could very well become the latest vice president to ascend to the Oval Office in the middle of an administration. Its true that Trump himself had never served in office and held almost no experience to become president when he was inaugurated in 2017. But after four years in the White House, even he has more qualifications than Vance.

Its even more striking when you consider Vice President Kamala Harris resume. Shes spent her entire career in public service, going from being San Franciscos district attorney to attorney general of California to a four-year senator before her current place a heartbeat away from the presidency. President Joe Bidens quick endorsement of her after he dropped out speaks to his confidence in her. Meanwhile, when Trump was asked whether Vance could step into his shoes on day one, if necessary, the former president changed the topic entirely to be about himself.

And yet even with that massive gap in their experience, when Harris took over the top of the ticket in late July, Vance claimed to be upset he wouldnt be facing her himself. Talk about take-backs, he said. I was told I was going to get to debate Kamala Harris, and now President Trumps going to get to debate her. Im kind of pissed off about that if Im being honest with you.

Thats a level of self-regard that I couldnt even begin to muster. Can you imagine, seeing how well Harris handled Trump while arguing to become the next president, how thoroughly she would have dismantled Vance in an undercard event? Instead, well have to settle for Walzs performance on Tuesday, as he makes clear that only one person on that stage can be trusted to take on the second-highest office in the land.

This article was originally published on MSNBC.com
A misguided piece of legislation is poised to threaten vital assistance for low-income Americans who cannot afford bail, subjecting them to jail while awaiting trial, even though they are presumed innocent under the law. The legislation, which passed the House last week, effectively weaponizes the federal insurance fraud statute to target organizations that provide free bail assistance  including faith groups and nonprofits like The Bail Project. This attack threatens the very lifeline we provide to thousands of low-income Americans every year.

The legislation amends the federal fraud statute to define the business of insurance to include posting monetary bail, effectively criminalizing anyone  including faith groups, charitable bail funds, community organizations and any individual participating in their efforts  if they provide bail assistance but dont adhere to the same regulations that govern for-profit commercial bail bond agencies. This bill is a poorly designed piece of legislation that does not address public safety or economic inequity, but instead strengthens the for-profit bail bond industry, which profits off of low-income people.

But what we do is very different from commercial bail bond agents.

Commercial bail agents, who in some cases have arresting authority, charge people non-refundable fees to access specialty insurance products and services, which can be as much as 10 percent of the total bond amount. Agreeing to work with a commercial bail agent may require a mother or grandmother to sign a civil contract with onerous lending terms, including hidden fines and fees, and provisions where they agree to be surveilled and tracked. Family members sometimes sign over the deeds to their homes and the titles to their cars so they can bring their loved one home.

A charitable bail organization could not be more dissimilar. Were a nonprofit, and our services are 100 percent free. We dont utilize insurance products, nor do we work with dangerous bounty hunters. Unlike commercial bail bond agencies, we provide people with supportive services, including court notifications, free transportation to court, and assistance navigating crucial social services and community resources for no charge.

Over 460,000 Americans are in jail without conviction often because they simply cannot afford bail. Our system promises Equal Justice Under Law, but how can justice be equal if the way youre treated by the courts depends on how much money you have? If you are wealthy enough, like Bernie Madoff or Sam Bankman-Fried , you can buy your way out and walk free while your case is decided.

At a hearing on his bill, the sponsor, Rep. Scott Fitzgerald (R-Wis.), claimed that we operate in the shadows and our donations come with little to no scrutiny. That is not accurate. As a 501(c)(3) organization, The Bail Project is subject to regular monitoring and oversight by the IRS. Our donations come from everyday Americans who believe the presumption of innocence should not depend on how much money a person has. And our work only begins after a judge has determined that a person can be safely released if they pay bail  meaning, the only thing between the individuals we serve and their pretrial freedom is the size of their bank account.

Adding more layers to government bureaucracy will do nothing to make our communities safer, but it will make it harder for The Bail Project to help those in need. Fitzgerald also said he wants to keep violent offenders off our streets. So do we. But safety, not wealth, should determine who is detained pretrial.

Most Americans cannot afford an emergency expense over $1,000. Americans who cannot afford bail may lose their job or their home, lose access to critical medication, and their children may wind up in foster care. Without our intervention, many of our clients, who are legally innocent people, would have felt pressure to plead guilty, or languished inside dangerous jails for years.

There are ways to safely improve our pretrial system without cash bail. Look, for example, at Illinoiss Pretrial Fairness Act, which replaced cash bail with a model where due process determines who is released pretrial. Under the Illinois law, judges take time to consider non-financial conditions for release  and in cases where that wont suffice, they can order detention. As a result of the law, not only are more people showing up to court, but violent crimes and property crimes have dropped by 12 percent. In Harris County, Texas, misdemeanors have dropped by 20 percent while the number of people arrested again for new misdemeanors has remained the same since 2015.

Our work further demonstrates that effective and equitable alternatives to cash bail are possible. Since 2018, we have helped over 31,000 low-income Americans who have returned to over 91 percent of their court dates even though they had no financial stake. This is powerful evidence that bail is not necessary to incentivize return to court.

But our work also threatens the business model of the multi-billion dollar bail bond industry, which is why its lobby has been on a crusade to restrict charitable bail and expand cash bail systems. Our services not only spare thousands from unnecessary incarceration, but also lend critical evidence to a movement that is about so much more than money alone. The Bail Project will keep making sure that help is there when people need it, until there is no more reason to.

David Gaspar is the chief executive officer of The Bail Project, which provides free bail assistance to thousands of low-income Americans every year.

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Oh, how the mighty have fallen!

Vladimir Putin used to speak of the Russian army as the second-most powerful fighting force in the world. But his war against Ukraine has clearly shown, as the Ukrainians like to joke, that the Russian army is now the second-most powerful fighting force in Ukraine.

Russias Supreme Leader has in fact managed to transpose Peter Sellerss 1959 comedy The Mouse that Roared to the post-Soviet space, turning the Russian army into a joke.

Sellers played the leader of a tiny country with financial troubles. He concludes that, since losing a war against the U.S. guarantees American financial support for the loser, it would make sense for his tiny army to invade America, surrender and suffer the consequences.

Tanks roll on Freedom Square as they attend a military parade during celebrations of the 105th anniversary of the Republic of Estonia, in Tallinn, Estonia, Friday, Feb. 24, 2023.

Since Russian history doesnt fully imitate art, Putins version of The Mouse that Roared transforms one of Russias smallest neighbors into a potential invader of Russian territory. Im talking about Estonia, a country of 1.37 million citizens and 17,500 square miles, of course. Russias respective numbers are 146 million citizens and 6.6 million square miles.

Heres a brief excerpt from a recent interview between an Estonian journal and Maj. Gen. Vahur Karus, chief of the General Staff of the Defense Forces.

The interviewer says the following: Our NATO defense plan was that there would be a certain number of days, for example 10 days, that we would have to withstand here independently against the Russiansthe new plan is such that we must be able to crush the Russians, if they were to attack Estonia, in their own territory, where the troops that are going to attack Estonia are stationed. This is a huge change.

And heres Karuss response: Yes, absolutely, but that was brought about by the change that the war in Ukraine brought to many NATO allies. We can no longer wait to be hit over the head with a sledgehammer, but we have to be the ones who are able to do certain things first.

In other words, Estonia is planning to preemptively invade Russia if relations between the two countries reach a boiling point.

To appreciate just how huge a change this is, consider that the RAND Corporation argued in 2016 that it would take Russia just three days to overrun all three Baltic states. Now, thanks to the Russian armys abysmal performance in the war against Ukraine and the enormity of its losses in personnel and materiel, even the tiny Estonian mouse thinks it can roar at the Russian bear and get away with it.

According to the Wall Street Journal, Russian casualties in the war amount to about 200,000 dead and 400,000 wounded. Ukrainian sources estimate that Russia has lost 8,705 tanks, 17,093 armored combat vehicles, 18,177 artillery systems, 369 planes, and 328 helicopters. In addition, Ukraine has driven the Black Sea Fleet into a corner of that sea and destroyed many refineries and ammunition dumps. With that kind of record, its small wonder that Estonias generals think they can do more than just hold off a Russian attack for 10 days. They should be able to take the war to Russia proper.

If Estonia is thinking that it has the capacity to roar, it is a good bet that Latvia, Lithuania, Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan  and possibly several other former Soviet republics  feel the same way.

In short, Putin has brilliantly managed not only to demote Russia to a second- or third-rate power, but also to encircle it with potential enemies. It takes genius to convert a regional power and near-superpower into a country that no longer puts the fear of God into its mouse-like neighbors.

Putin has no one to blame for this shameful state of affairs but himself. Consider the casualties: Given modern battlefield medicine, for every dead Russian, there should be three to four wounded. But instead of a 1:3 or 1:4 ratio, Russia is at 1:2 (200,000 dead and 400,00 wounded), which means that Russian generals, like Putin, are indifferent to massive battle deaths and providing wounded soldiers with timely medical assistance. Thats no way to win a war.

In contrast, according to the Journal, Ukraine has suffered 80,000 deaths and 400,000 wounded. This 1:5 ratio that suggests that Ukrainians are making every effort to save lives. (In fact, President Volodymyr Zelensky claims that the 80,000 figure is a lie and that the real number is significantly lower.)

Estonians are fully aware of Putins cockamamie approach to warfare. Their armed forces are small  60,000 is the planned wartime size  but they could just be perfectly adequate to invade Russia, throw its army off balance and accomplish the equivalent of Ukraines Kursk incursion. If Estonias NATO allies follow up with military assistance  a big if, perhaps  the mouse that roared might just end up winning the battle and the war.

Alexander J. Motyl is a professor of political science at Rutgers University-Newark. A specialist on Ukraine, Russia and the USSR, and on nationalism, revolutions, empires and theory, he is the author of 10 books of nonfiction, as well as Imperial Ends: The Decay, Collapse, and Revival of Empires and Why Empires Reemerge: Imperial Collapse and Imperial Revival in Comparative Perspective.

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Signs are displayed to direct voters at Trolley Square in Salt Lake City on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. | Kristin Murphy, Deseret News

Election Day is a month away, and most focus is on national, gubernatorial and federal races. Yet, throughout the state, candidates are waging neighborhood battles for votes for county and legislative offices. Here is a peek at some of these contests now catching the attention of political observers.

Salt Lake County mayoral contest

Jenny Wilson, a former at-large county council member, was appointed mayor upon Ben McAdams election to Congress and won a full term in 2020 with 52%. This popular member of a Utah legacy political family is running for a second full term and is an articulate politician who understands retail politics.

Her opponent is Erin Rider, a well-respected attorney. Rider lost to Chris Stewart in the 2022 Republican primary. She must have something going for her, as Stewart, among many other Republicans, endorsed her.

Salt Lake County Council (countywide)

Long-time Councilmember Jim Bradley is retiring. Seeking to fill his position are Republican Rachelle Morris and Democrat Natalie Pinkney. This is a very spirited race. Morris worked at Goldman Sachs and J.P. Morgan and is partner at a Utah venture fund. Pinkney is a member of the South Salt Lake City Council and founder of a book and publishing company.

Legislative

Analyzing legislative contests is a favorite pastime for many political operatives, as these races reveal trends, movements and issues that are not always apparent in the major contests. These hotly contested local races, especially in swing districts, are truly revealing of undercurrents and shifting political forces. Here are a few legislative elections we are watching closely:

House District 23: Democrat Brian King, who held this Salt Lake City seat for 16 years, is running for governor. Although Hoang Nguyen (D) is favored to prevail against Republican Scott Romney, some politicos believe this could be close.

House District 10: This one is a rematch between veteran and physician Rosemary Lesser (D) and Jill Koford (R). Koford lost to Lesser in 2022 by 500 votes.

House District 27: Incumbent Anthony Loubet is being challenged by Dawn Stevenson (D). This is historically a swing seat on the west side of Salt Lake County.

House District 30: Former State Representative Fred Cox is back in the fray with another run. Since leaving office, Cox was one of the original sponsors of the 2019 Utah Tax Referendum. He is facing West Valley City Councilmember Jake Fitisemanu (D) for a seat that has flipped from red to blue several times in recent history.

House District 26: Newcomer businessman and GOP activist Matt MacPherson (R) is running to defend his swing seat against challenger Jeanetta Williams. Matt won his seat in a special election when Quinn Kotter resigned after only one session. Williams is a well-known leader of the local NAACP.

House District 33: Incumbent Republican Steve Eliason has successfully defended his swing seat in Sandy since 2010. He is being challenged by Democrat Jason Barber.

State Senate 12: Two women, who have both served in the House of Representatives, are facing off: current lawmaker Judy Weeks-Rohner (R) and incumbent Karen Kwan (D).

State Senate 15: Career teacher incumbent Kathleen Riebe (D) is challenged by Scott Cuthbertson (R), President & CEO of the Economic Development Corporation of Utah.

Coattails

Political observers are debating whether the presidential race or the gubernatorial and federal contests will have any coattails for local candidates. As noted in previous columns, local Democrats faced a serious drag with Joe Biden leading the ballot. The summer pivot to Kamala Harris alleviates some of this burden, especially because Donald Trump will have limited coattails.

What about those constitutional amendments?

Most politicos expected a lively contest over Constitutional Amendments A and D, which could have impacted voter turnout. However, through concluded (D) and likely (A) judicial determinations of noncompliance with certain requirements, these propositions will appear on Utah ballots, but votes will not be tallied. That leaves us with less controversial Amendments B and C.

Amendment B increases the disbursement cap from SITLA to schools. The reasons are a bit wonky, but the bottom line is that this fund is intended to manage Utah lands for the long-term financial benefit of schoolchildren and puts more money into classrooms today.

Amendment C enshrines in the state constitution that every county shall have an elected sheriff. You may be asking yourself, Isnt that what happens now? Indeed it is.

Other notable races and ballot propositions

Its a tough year to be an incumbent state school board member. Many lost their reelection, either in convention or the primary. Among those who remain standing, Carol Lear, Molly Hart, and Matt Hymas are facing challengers Diane Livingston, John Arthur, and Deborah Gatrell, respectively, in the general election. Randy Boothe is unopposed.

Local governments and citizens can place items on the ballot, one of which caught our eye: the Ogden Valley Incorporation question. Residents will vote if they want to form a new city from a large portion of unincorporated Ogden Valley. Supporters say it will bring local control, while critics say it could raise taxes.

Republican Renae Cowley is a political consultant, lobbyist, social media influencer and professional rodeo athlete. Email: capitolcowgirl@gmail.com. Frank Pignanelli is a Salt Lake attorney, lobbyist and political adviser who served as a Democrat in the Utah State Legislature. Email: frankp@xmission.com.
Opinion: Now it's 218K voters with no citizenship proof? That's a real confidence booster

Former Maricopa County recorder Adrian Fontes speaks during a Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebration at Margaret T. Hance Park in Phoenix on Jan. 17, 2022.

Suddenly 218,000 is the new 98,000.

Thats now the number of longtime Arizona voters who apparently havent proved their U.S. citizenship.

Maybe they did. Maybe they didnt.

Are there more? Who knows?

How could such a thing happen?

Nobody seems to be able to explain it.

It is, we are told, a data coding oversight".

New discovery just days before early voting begins

One that has been overlooked for 20 years?

And now has been found on the eve of a major election?

Its a heck of a way to run a state.

The people impacted are voters who got their drivers licenses before 1996, before documented proof of citizenship was required to vote in state and local elections.

As the story goes, they then later registered to vote, once proof was required, but nobody seems to know whether they provided it or simply attested to their citizenship, as required to vote in federal elections and in every other state.

Credit Maricopa County Recorder's Office again

On Sept. 19, Secretary of State Adrian Fontes said 98,000 voters were impacted.

On Monday, he boosted the number to roughly 218,000  79,000 Republicans, 61,000 Democrats and 76,000 independents or other.

It seems that as before, the Maricopa County Recorders Office found someone on the voter rolls who isnt a citizen but wasnt among the initial 98,000 flagged and notified the Secretary of States Office. (Those two noncitizens, we are told, never actually voted.)

That prompted the state to rerun some magical computer query and voila  another 120,000 Arizona voters popped up.

Hardly a 'proven tradition' of sound elections

Probably theyre citizens.

Itd be stunning if they arent citizens, given the length of time theyve been on the rolls and the penalties theyd face if they arent and voted anyway.

But nobody knows for sure.

Did I mention its a heck of a way to run a state?

Fontes put the blame on a lack of funding to enforce what he called an extreme law that attempts to solve a problem that is vanishingly rare.

This issue is another example of why we need to fund elections, update systems and staff, and carry forward our proven tradition of safe, fair and secure elections, he said.

Me? I wouldnt be talking about proven tradition when one of those traditions seems to be a two-decade-old inability to detect hundreds of thousands of voters who havent proved their citizenship as the law requires  a law, by the way, approved by 56% of the states voters in 2004.

No a single person knew this for more than 20 years?

Maricopa County Recorder Stephen Richer clearly isnt impressed.

I guess its rewarding that my office has found the two records that triggered these discoveries, but there is no way that nobody  over 20 years and 15 counties  previously discovered this, he said on Monday. Why wasnt it addressed before?

Its a darn good question  one that Gov. Katie Hobbs, who oversees the Motor Vehicle Division, and Fontes will need to answer.

Naturally, the keyboard warriors have gone to DefCon 1, with the usual calls for elections officials to be tossed in jail and such.

Before we pack them off to the pokey, perhaps now would be a very good time to take a breath. Give Hobbs and Fontes time to sort this out.

The Arizona Supreme Court has provided the breathing room, ensuring that no one on the list will be disenfranchised in the Nov. 5 election.

The questions that Hobbs, Fontes must answer

But sort it out they must  and quickly.

And transparently.

We need to know exactly how many voters have not proved their citizenship, as required by law since 2005.

We need to know how many, if any, of these voters arent citizens yet voted in Arizonas state and local elections.

We need to know how such a data coding oversight could slide for two decades, under administrations run by both Republicans and Democrats. Why no one in the state Motor Vehicle Division or in the Secretary of States Office or in any of the 15 county elections offices caught it.

And we need know what other as yet unexploded electoral bombshells are other there, waiting to blow up in our faces.

Reach Roberts at laurie.roberts@arizonarepublic.com. Follow her on X (formerly Twitter) at @LaurieRobertsaz and on Threads at @LaurieRobertsaz.

Subscribe to azcentral.com today.

This article originally appeared on Arizona Republic: Opinion: Now, 218K AZ voters without citizenship proof? What a mess
Yahoo Finance

Retirement in America is a disaster for many. And no one  politicians, financial planners, pick your own expert  seems to know what exactly to do about it.
The political discourse surrounding immigration in America has often devolved into sensationalized soundbites and anecdotes rather than a substantive examination of policies that affect millions of lives. The recent debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump was no exception.

One of the most baffling moments came when Donald Trump suggested that migrants were eating peoples dogs and cats in Springfield Ohio  a completely baseless assertion, but one that has nonetheless dominated media attention, leaving too little oxygen for a much-needed conversation about the complexities of border security and immigration policy.

Immigration, an issue that shapes the economy, the labor market and the very identity of America, deserves more than outlandish claims and vague rhetoric. In the vice presidential debate on Tuesday, moderators should steer toward, and the candidates should engage in, conversations about real solutions rather than the kind of inflammatory language that has dominated headlines.

This debate should offer voters clear insight into the border and immigration policy positions of the Trump and Harris campaigns. To that end, the moderators should ask each candidate some specific questions designed to get them off their talking points and straw-man arguments.

Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio) will face a critical test of his alignment with Trumps hardline immigration agenda. The former president has made it clear that, if re-elected, he plans to enact a sweeping deportation program targeting not only recent arrivals but also long-term undocumented residents. This plan likely would include individuals currently protected under the Biden administrations parole programs, Temporary Protected Status and even those awaiting asylum decisions.

During Trumps first administration, 1.5 million people were deported; expanding that effort to include millions more would cost tens of billions of dollars, while severely disrupting industries that depend on immigrant labor. The moderators should ask Vance: How do you envision a second Trump administration implementing such a massive undertaking, and what steps would you take to address the potential economic fallout?

Then theres the matter of Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), the Obama-era program protecting from deportation more than 900,000 young adults brought to the U.S. as children. With courts poised to rule on its legality, the question should be posed: Should DACA recipients, many of whom have spent their entire lives in the U.S., be allowed to remain under the existing program? If not, do you support Congress passing legislation to legalize their status permanently?

Moreover, immigration has long been tied to Americas economic vitality. Economists point out that high levels of both legal and illegal immigration have contributed to the U.S. economy, outpacing Western Europe and Asian nations, where aging populations and declining birth rates have stifled growth. Vance must clarify his vision for immigrations role in Americas economic future. Vance needs to answer the question: Do you see immigration as necessary to drive growth, or should the U.S. sharply reduce the number of immigrants, even at the cost of economic stagnation?

On the other side of the stage, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (D) will have his own set of challenges to address. As Harriss running mate, he must defend the administrations evolving stance on border enforcement and asylum policy.

Early in the Biden-Harris administration, the blanket ability to request asylum legally once in the U.S. contributed to a surge in illegal border crossings to record levels. Though the administration eventually cracked down, the question lingers: Was it a mistake to wait so long? Governor Walz, do you agree that the administrations policies created this crisis, and what would a Harris-Walz administration do differently in the future?

While illegal border crossings have recently declined, the numbers do not account for the 500,000 individuals from countries like Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela who were allowed into the U.S. through a special parole program. The question here must be: Would a Harris-Walz administration continue or expand this unprecedented interpretation of U.S. immigration law?

Of course, immigration isnt just about border crossings or parole programs  its also about public safety. Trump has repeatedly spotlighted crimes committed by immigrants, even though statistics show that they are no more likely to commit crimes than native-born citizens. Yet, the sheer number of crimes committed by undocumented immigrants cannot be ignored. The governor should answer: What do you think constitutes grounds for deportation? Should it be limited to violent crimes like murder and rape? Or should lesser offenses  such as DUIs  also be cause for removal?

Both Vance and Walz have the opportunity to move past the divisive, surface-level rhetoric that so often defines this debate. But to do so, they must be willing to engage with the nuances and complexities of immigration policy. The American public deserves more than platitudes and scare tactics; they deserve leaders who can offer thoughtful, realistic plans for managing the future of immigration in this country.

C. Stewart Verdery Jr. served as assistant secretary for Homeland Security in the George W. Bush administration and as general counsel to the Senate Republican Whip. He is the founder of Monument Advocacy and a member of the Council on National Security and Immigration.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek signed an executive order aiming to help restore the Columbia Basin and fisheries in the Columbia and Snake rivers, the governors office announced Monday.

The executive order, signed Sept. 27, directs a handful of state agencies  including the Department of Fish & Wildlife, Department of Energy, and the Department of Transportation  to take all actions necessary to meet goals under the 2023 Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative.

The initiative was developed between Oregon, Washington, and the Six Sovereigns, which includes the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs, the Confederated Tribes of the Yakama Nation, and the Nez Perce Tribe.

Woman injured by unknown projectile on Arcadia Beach

The executive order includes several provisions, which will also help meet goals in the 2023 Resilient Columbia Basin Agreement under the Biden Administration  which prioritizes developing clean and affordable replacement power for the region before considering removal of the Snake River dams.

The executive order requires the state agencies to provide written reports to the governor by Feb. 1, 2025, outlining how they can address restoration and ways to accelerate meeting those goals.

Additionally, the agencies must meet at the governors office at least twice per year to review how the agencies are working together. A separate meeting will take place between the agencies and tribes to discuss goal implementation.

2nd Gentleman Doug Emhoff delivers impassioned speech in Portland

The Columbia Basin Restoration Initiative is the result of a historic, unified partnership with sovereign Tribal nations and the states of Oregon and Washington  and I am committed to full implementation of our agreement over the next decade, Gov. Kotek said. My directives to state agencies will uphold our states commitment and complement other efforts by the state to build a resilient and adaptive future to climate change, while also positioning our communities for a prosperous economic future.

In a statement, the Tribal Council for the Confederated Tribes of the Warm Springs Reservation of Oregon said they value Koteks executive order and the CBRI, adding, this is an important step in our States comprehensive approach to honoring Tribal sovereignty and meeting climate goals, securing a resilient and affordable energy system and modernizing our infrastructure and restoring our salmon and native fish to healthy and abundant levels.

Jonathan W. Smith, Chairman of the Tribal Council furthered, We look forward to continued collaboration with the State on that front as we also develop and grow our leadership as a socially just energy leader. Our co-ownership with PGE of the Pelton Round Butte project, located on the Deschutes River, a tributary to the Columbia River, has allowed our people to engage in the long-term work to manage dams and fisheries in ways that not only preserve, but enhance, our sovereign environmental, cultural and economic interests. Our leadership in this space is helping the State meet the energy needs of population centers in the Willamette Valley while also creating opportunities for our Tribes to develop more renewable energy, such as solar power, needed to meet growing demands in a socially just way.

Board strikes down Beaverton residents appeal against In-N-Out drive-thru

The executive order comes as the Columbia Basin has seen its salmon population drastically reduced over the years from several factors including overharvest in non-tribal fisheries, development of millions of acres of land, as well as private and federal dams in the Columbia and Snake rivers, according to the initiative.

Plummeting wild salmon and steelhead runs resulted in the extinction/extirpation of many stocks while putting others on the brink of extinction. Critical habitats have been lost or rendered inaccessible. Today, this crisis is further exacerbated by climate change, which threatens local and regional ecological, cultural, and economic resilience. Elevated air and water temperature, increased drought, reduced snowpack and poor ocean conditions accelerate the decline of imperiled fish stocks and amplify regulatory constraints, water scarcity, fire risk, invasive species, and pathogens that impact numerous economic sectors, the initiative adds.

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PROVO, Utah (ABC4)  An Orem man has been charged with a third-degree felony nearly one year after he allegedly ran over a victim who fell in the road at a Provo intersection, according to court documents.

Jose Santos Sandoval, 53, was charged with failing to stop at an accident involving a death. A court-ordered bail has been set at $5,000.

Police were called to the scene just before 4:30 a.m. Friday, Oct. 27, 2023, to reports of a man lying on the side of the road near 500 West and Center Street. That man, later identified as Brian Coltharp, 43, suffered blunt force injuries including fractures of the skull, ribs, sternum, pelvis, and hand, according to charging documents. First responders attempted life-saving efforts but Coltharp later died of his injuries.

Salt Lake City launches new micro-shelter community near I-15

Detectives say video surveillance footage in the area showed Coltharp hit the crosswalk button in the well-lit intersection and begin to cross the street. While crossing, Coltharp reportedly fell down and remained down.

About a minute later, a white van traveling northbound on 500 West approaches the intersection, charging documents state. Its brake lights flash before the van strikes [Coltharp], still lying in the road. The video shows the van bumping up and down as it runs over [Coltharp.] The van brakes and slows but does not stop.

The van later pulled into a gas station several blocks away where detectives say two men allegedly checked the van before putting air in one of the tires and driving away.

An investigation allegedly traced the van to Sandoval, who initially denied having driven the van that morning. Sandoval later admitted to driving and hitting something but he believed it was a pile of rocks, according to charging documents.

Detectives said multiple reports to 911 indicated Coltharp was clearly visible and identifiable in the roadway. Charging documents state detectives also found torn clothing and blood stuck to the undercarriage and around the wheel and wheel-well of the van.

Sandoval was initially taken into custody the day of the incident but charges were not officially filed until nearly a year later.

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NEW ORLEANS (WGNO)  Almost 47,000 dock workers across the United States are on strike including the Port of New Orleans.

The International Longshoremans Association Union members are saying they want a 77% wage over the next six years and a total ban on the automation of cranes and other equipment.

Tangipahoa Parish deputies seek person of interest after body found near highway

While those representing the port are only offering a 50% pay increase and only limits on automation, experts say the longer the strike goes on, the worse it could be for the economy.

The strike could cost about $7.5 billion a week leading to price increases and delays on everything from cars to fresh fruit and coffee.

If we dont have this thing resolved by year-end, its going to really be a tragic situation honestly, said PJs Coffee Chief Roast Master Felton Jones.

(WGNO/Pat Thomas)

(WGNO/Pat Thomas)

President Joe Biden stated that he will not force the union members back to work even if the strike became a danger to the economy.

On Tuesday, Oct. 1, Senator Bill Cassidy released a statement on the strike, criticizing the Biden administration for not preventing the event.

Catalytic Converter theft halts school bus service for Algiers Charter students

Joe Biden and Kamala Harris have shown no leadership to bring the parties together to resolve this dispute, said Cassidy. The longer this strike continues the more American families and workers will be hurt. It is imperative the White House use its authority to push for a quick resolution and avoid deepening this crisis.

Port of New Orleans also released a statement that read:

Port NOLA proactively worked with its customers and terminal operators by offering weekend gate operations this past weekend to shippers and trucking companies in an effort to minimize supply chain disruptions. Port of New Orleans officials.

In reaction to the strike and the blow the economy may take, the town of Kentwood released a statement warning those in the community.

Kentwood asks that you do your part to get needed medications and supplies in the early morning. Medications bathroom items, dry food and all other goods that you think you might need for the next month at least, said Kentwood officials.

Stay up to date with the latest news, weather and sports by downloading the WGNO app on the Apple or Google Play stores and by subscribing to the WGNO newsletter.

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A Chelmsford wildlife rehabilitator is asking state officials to reconsider releasing an orphaned beaver back into the wild.

Meet 2-year-old Nibi.

She was transferred to the Newhouse Wildlife Rescue as a baby after being found on the side of the road. She received life-saving care from Jane Newhouse and her staff for the last two years.

After several failed attempts to reintroduce her back into the wild, Newhouse reached out to MassWildlife to get Nibi a position as an education beaver.

Officials denied this request and ordered Nibi to be released into the wild as early as Tuesday morning.

I have spent the whole day crying, Newhouse said in a tearful interview. But supporters of Nibi have taken to social media, pushing for the state to change its mind.

MassWildlife has officially denied Nibi as an educational beaver. They want her released as soon as possible. We are all heartbroken but have no control over this situation. I am devastated. Posted by Newhouse Wildlife Rescue on Monday, September 30, 2024

Im trying not to get hopeful but Ive been a bit blown away by the amount of attention, the amount of people who have fallen in love with this beaver, Newhouse said. I knew she had a big fan base but the amount of people who are willing to do whatever it takes to help her is really, really warming my heart right now.

According to Newhouse, when Nibi was first rescued, she was the only orphaned beaver in all of the wildlife rehab centers in New England.

For successful rehabilitation we really want them to be with others of their own kind, its so important, she said. With Nibi, however, there were no beaver friends to be found for 5 months.

A baby beaver, theyre very, very family oriented, Newhouse said. Its cruel to just leave them alone with no interaction. [So] Nibi interacted with our staff until she was 5 months old. Those interactions, she said, may have caused unexpected consequences in the animals rehab.

At 5 months old, Newhouse Wildlife staff transferred in an orphaned beaver from Rhode Island in hopes that the two could learn from each other to be real beavers. According to Newhouse, Nibi wanted nothing to do with her Rhode Island counterpart.

Obviously the goal of rehabilitation is to get these animals back into the wild, Newhouse said. [But] the whole two years weve been rehabbing [Nibi] we couldnt get her to interact with any other beavers...We were really stuck between a rock and a hard place.

Newhouse came up with the idea to contact MassWildlife and apply Nibi to be an educational beaver. That application was denied.

Newhouse believes if Nibi is released into the wild, she will die due to a lack of survival instincts.

MassWildlife says the animal is perfectly healthy and must be returned to the wild in accordance with state regulations.

In a statement, a MassWildlife spokesperson said:

The role of licensed wildlife rehabilitators is to care for sick and injured wildlife so that animals can be released back into the wild as soon as possible. Newhouse Wildlife Rescue was informed in June that the beaver is healthy and must be returned to the wild, in accordance with their permit and state regulations. Wild animals like this one belong in the wild, and releasing them back into their natural habitat enables them to lead fulfilling lives and contribute to the ecosystem.

State officials also say Newhouse was informed in June that Nibi needed to be released. They also said that its an appropriate time of year to release the animal into the wild, as beavers typically begin preparing a food cache in late September and early October, and the beaver will have ample time to prepare for winter before temperatures begin to drop.

MassWildlife has determined the best solution is to release the beaver into the wild in a remote setting away from people without delay to maximize the beavers health and survival, the spokesperson said. They also expressed their gratitude for the services rehabilitators provide.

According to Newhouse, Nibi will be picked up by state wildlife officials on Tuesday morning and released.

There is currently a petition with more than 7,500 signatures hoping that the animal will get to stay at Newhouse Wildlife.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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With more than 385 mass shootings in 2024 alone, it's clear that gun violence is a major problem in the United States. As American politicians continue to struggle to find a collective solution, one woman on TikTok proposed a plan to combat it  and over 12 million people are in on it.

Ryann Parrish (@ryannpdatsme), a 28-year-old from Nashville, Tennessee, recently posted a now-viral TikTok video explaining her solution to gun violence. The video has been viewed nearly 13 million times, received nearly 3 million likes, and has over 55,000 comments.

TikTok: @ryannpdatsme / Via tiktok.com

"Call me radical, but I think the guns should start to have insurance policies," Ryann says in the TikTok. "If I gotta insure my Honda Civic, you need to insure your gun."

The TikToker continued by saying that if other things considered valuable in life are insured  such as your health, car, house, and more  then guns should be, too. "If your guns are valuable to you, it shouldn't be a problem to insure them," she explained.

Ryann then imagined a world where guns couldn't be bought or taken anywhere without proof of insurance. "If somebody does something stupid with their gun, then guess who's gotta pay for it? The insurance company," she said in the video. "That's gonna regulate some shit real fast."

Continuing to depict what a gun-insured America would look like, Ryann said that if the police caught someone with an uninsured gun, they'd be allowed to take it. "You gotta go to court, get insurance on it, or prove you have insurance on it, then get your gun back  because you're a responsible gun owner."

"If you're at my house and you fall off my roof, that's on my home insurance policy, right?" the 28-year-old continued. "If you're playing with my gun and you shoot somebody, that's on my gun insurance policy, right?" With that logic, Ryann believes gun owners would be more wary of who they allow to use or access their guns.

After admitting that she doesn't say it often, Ryann concludes that she thinks insurance companies have to get involved and are "our last hope at savior."

Though the Tennessee native says that some people might see her solution to gun violence as "radical," many TikTok users took to the comments to agree with her. One gun owner said, "As an owner of one, I approve. It's the responsible and reasonable solution. And you're right, the insurance companies will lobby for legislation when it impacts their bottom line."

Meanwhile, others pointed out some of the flaws of Ryann's solution. One TikTok user said, "Only problem with this for me is the people who can afford the insurance vs those who can't make it so that it's just another thing only *certain* people would have the ability to legally own."

Additionally, people from other countries came to the comments to explain their gun laws. One user commented, "Wait yall don't have that? In Germany you can have rifles with an active hunting license. But for that you have to show ur prove of insurance every 3 years."

Though Ryann isn't a gun owner, as a registered nurse, she's no stranger to the effects of gun violence and says that guns are unique in their lethality. "Oftentimes in the ER, we see patients with gunshot wounds resulting from domestic disputes, gang violence, accidental discharges, or even self-inflicted," she told BuzzFeed. "This really opened my eyes to the dangers of guns and the finality of their damage. Its hard not to view guns differently after seeing how much damage they can cause."

Ryann Parrish

The TikToker recalled first hearing about the notion of insuring guns years ago and how it's stayed with her since. "'American problems require American solutions,' and when insurance companies are some of the largest lobbying organizations in Washington, why not use them to help combat a problem we already have?" Ryann said to BuzzFeed. "If we can help a business sector make money off of keeping Americans safe, we may be able to actually move forward with gun control initiatives."

John Amis / AFP via Getty Images

If insurance companies did become involved with guns, Ryann believes it would result in insurance companies creating policies that would essentially make obtaining a gun harder, providing some guardrails in a largely unregulated market. She concluded: "I think ultimately, in order to solve this problem, we are going to have to appeal to both sides and compromise."

Whether you're a gun owner or not, what do you think about Ryann's solution? If you don't live in the United States, what do your gun laws look like? Let us know in the comments, or you can anonymously submit using this form.

For more content, follow Ryann on TikTok and Instagram.
OWENSBORO, Ky. (WEHT)  An Owensboro teacher is recognized for her decades of excellence and inducted into the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame.

Linda Kingsley has been a staple of Owensboro Public Schools since the 1960s as an educator. Officials with the Kentucky Teacher Hall of Fame say the long-time English and debate teacher has made an impact on countless lives.

People with disabilities shine in Weve Got Talent, Too

Kingsley says this recognition was surprising, as teachers tend to forget about the good they do for others.

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Harrys Dolci is a sister restaurant to the famous bar, sited beside the broad Giudecca canal in Venice - Chris Sorensen

The owner of the iconic Harrys Bar in Venice has accused city officials of failing to do enough to keep his clients feet dry.

Arrigo Cipriani  proprietor of a pub which has hosted Hollywood stars, writers and artists for nearly a century  is suing the city council and harbour masters office.

He says they have failed to stop speeding motorboats, water taxis and other vessels from sending waves washing across the banks of Giudecca island, where well-heeled patrons dine at his second restaurant, Harrys Dolci.

He decided to take legal action after local heritage officials stopped him from installing a wooden barrier to protect his patrons from the swell.

How can we talk about protecting the decorum and the valuable features of Venice but allow anyone to rage through the canals causing distress and danger? the restaurateur said.

Arrigo Ciprianis father founded Harrys Bar in Venice 93 years ago - Paolo Reda/Alamy

Mr Cipriani, 92, is the son of Giuseppe, who founded the original Harrys Bar near St Marks Square in 1931. Harrys Dolci was opened in 1981 and is located alongside the Giudecca Canal, a broad stretch of water separating the island from central Venice.

Over the decades, the familys famous watering hole has attracted Hollywood A-listers such as George Clooney, Woody Allen, Alfred Hitchcock and Charlie Chaplin, as well as writers like Ernest Hemingway and Somerset Maugham.

The waves are invading the banks of the island. The paths are slippery and wetting our clients feet, Mr Cipriani said. With these waves, you cant even take a stroll.

Aqua alta

Daniele Vianello, a lawyer who represents Mr Cipriani, said his clients complaint had nothing to do with the lagoon citys notorious seasonal flooding, known as aqua alta (high water).

This is about the failure to stop the swell, the lack of control which poses a risk to public safety, Mr Vianello told The Telegraph.

The waves have become untenable throughout the city as boats do not obey the limits and speed everywhere, much to the annoyance of citizens and their safety and security.

Mr Cipriani says his diners are getting wet feet as water levels rise - Paolo Reda/Alamy

Venices canals are often crammed with ferries, motorboats, launches, barges and gondolas, especially during the summer tourist season.

Vessels are permitted to travel at speeds of up to 4mph in the main canals, and 3mph in narrower waterways, but speed limits are frequently ignored and a series of deadly incidents in recent years has raised concerns for the safety of local residents and tourists.

The problem has become worse since the big cruise ships were banned from the Giudecca Canals, said Mr Vianello. When these small boats travel too fast, they create too much swell.

A spokesman for Venice city council declined to comment on the lawsuit.

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EYEWITNESS NEWS (WBRE/WYOU)  Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry warns residents of trending cyber fraud known as sextortion.

A release from the Attorney Generals office states that sextortion involves criminals demanding victims to pay to not have alleged explicit materials publicized or by blackmailing the victim over releasing their browser history. This can also coincide with pictures of the targets house.

Scranton School District says cyber attack cost them more than $100K

The release says that the criminals likely do not have any of the materials they say they have and that photos of potential victims homes can be easily found online.

The Attorney General says that it is important to be vigilant of what you share on social media, by text message, or by email because criminals might be able to use that information to threaten targets.

According to the release, cybercriminals will try to direct potential victims to make a payment via Bitcoin or another cryptocurrency through a QR code or a direct link. The Attorney General says it is imperative that no one scans the QR codes or clicks on any links, and to not communicate with the cybercriminal at all.

The Attorney General notes that no matter what emails threaten do not respond to them and delete the email. Do not open attachments or click links from people you do not know, never send money or buy a gift card that an email demands you to do, do not answer your phone unless you recognize the number, cover your webcam when not using it, and enable two-factor authentication on important accounts.

According to the release, if you believe you are a victim of sextortion, immediately report the activity to law enforcement, call 1-800-CALL-FBI. or by visiting ic3.gov.

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SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO/AP)  North Carolinas GOP gubernatorial nominee, Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson, was set to speak at Dakota First Actions Victory Gala in Sioux Falls on Tuesday. But that political action committees chair, Toby Doeden of Aberdeen, says disaster recovery from Hurricane Helene will likely prevent an in-person appearance.

Hes probably not going to be there because he needs to be in North Carolina, which is where hes at, helping the folks that are affected by this hurricane, but he is going to be giving a prerecorded or a live message during the gala, Doeden said Monday.

CNN reported on Sept. 19 that Robinson made offensive comments between 2008 and 2012 on a message board for a pornography website, with Robinson allegedly calling himself a black NAZI in addition to writing Slavery is not bad. Robinson has denied the allegations.

Who am I to judge from afar what somebody did or didnt say 16 years ago in a chatroom, Doeden said. Its the most absurd thing Ive ever heard.

Doeden says he doesnt believe CNNs reporting is accurate.

Dan Santella: What do you say to someone whos concerned about Mark Robinson speaking tomorrow?

Tell them to grow up, Doeden said. Get the facts . so somebody in Sioux Falls, South Dakota knows exactly what happened 16 years ago in a chatroom that suddenly popped up after all these years?

The people who have organized this, who want to attend this, I would be surprised if they wanted their pictures taken by him or seen at the same event, Republican Casey Murschel of Sioux Falls said.

Murschel once served in the South Dakota state legislature. Shes still involved in politics today; shes chair of Republicans for Freedom Amendment G in support of the ballot question which would legalize abortion. Shes also voicing her opposition to Robinson speaking at the Dakota First Action event.

I think it is appalling, Murschel said. He is not the only speaker that could come to South Dakota. This is a person who has been public about his anti-women, anti-gay.

She also brings up Robinsons alleged self-identification as a Nazi.

Inviting him to come to South Dakota, when they certainly had other choices, is not really the message that we want to send, Murschel said.

In a statement about the plans for Robinson to speak at the event, a Sioux Falls branch of the NAACP said they were deeply alarmed and outraged.

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The Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE) has adopted a resolution dedicated to propaganda and freedom of information in Europe, calling for sanctions against Russian propagandists and recognising the Russian Orthodox Church as an instrument of influence.

Source: European Pravda

According to Oleksii Honcharenko, a member of the Ukrainian delegation to the PACE, 117 delegates voted for the resolution, 14 were against, and 5 abstained. Out of the 14 parliamentarians who voted against, 5 are Italians.

The resolution, the text of which is posted on the PACE website, states that the Parliamentary Assembly is concerned about the widespread dissemination of propaganda aimed at the formation of a biassed public opinion, threatening the proper functioning of democratic systems, and jeopardising shared values and human dignity.

Quote: "This harmful propaganda includes both illegal propaganda and propaganda that, while not prohibited, can harm the development of free thought and informed citizen participation in public debates and decision-making through unethical communication methods, including disinformation and psychological manipulation tools," the resolution states.

At the same time, PACE emphasised that the fight against harmful propaganda should not become a pretext for censorship.

"The Assembly recognises that for authoritarian regimes, such as the Russian Federation, propaganda is an integral part of their war against democracy. The Russian state television channel RT (formerly known as Russia Today) and its global network, as well as so-called rage farms, are part of a broader strategy to destabilise European democracies and influence political processes.

The Assembly also reiterates its call to recognise that the Russian Orthodox Church is used as an instrument of Russian influence and propaganda by the Kremlin regime," the text of the amendment, authored by members of the Ukrainian delegation to PACE, states.

The Assembly also called for "targeted sanctions against Russian media, such as RT and its affiliates, as their activities violate journalistic ethics and should be regarded as a threat to the national security of member states."

Background:

The US Department of the Treasury announced blocking sanctions against the Rossiya Segodnya (Russia Today) media group and its CEO Dmitry Kiselyov on Friday, 13 September.

Information about the new sanctions emerged after Washington publicly accused RT of working for Russian intelligence and raising funds to finance the Russian army in Ukraine.

At the same time, the US, the UK, and Canada announced a diplomatic campaign to expose the interference of Russian propagandists in democratic processes around the world.

Previously, the US Department of the Treasury imposed sanctions on RT's management and related companies due to attempts to interfere in the American presidential elections.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City commissioners approved the budget for the 2025 fiscal year Monday night.

This includes amendments to millage rates and annual budgets for the city of Panama City and the Panama City Downtown Improvement District.

Panama City commissioners approved the $139,464,590 budget on Monday night.

Each year commissioners have taken steps to reduce the fire assessment tax, originally adopted in 2020.

The approved budget cut over $2,000,000 from the tax, which is offset from reserves.

Homestead properties in Panama City will pay $150 and non-homestead properties will pay $300.

Officials say the goal is to eventually get rid of the fire tax.

Well be working over this next year to try to become even more fiscally sound than we already are. Obviously, weve got a lot of challenges still existing trying to finish up Hurricane Michael and Hurricane Sally projects. And so about $8 million a year right now is going to interest expense in the City of Panama City. So, were working to complete those projects as quickly as possible so that ultimately, we can stop paying that interest and we can actually put it back towards our tax-paying citizens, said Panama City Commissioner Josh Street.

The total budget for the Panama City Downtown Improvement District is $343,915.

I think that were looking forward to what were going to be able to achieve this year. We expect to see a lot of investment in our city water and sewer infrastructure projects, as well as seeing a lot of the Hurricane Michael projects that weve started actually come to fruition. That includes marinas, that includes Martin Theater, and everything else that we can get our hands on to make sure that we can actually complete those projects, says Street.

The budget also includes a final ad valorem tax millage rate of just under 4.8 mills, which is the same as last year.

The budget becomes effective October 1st. The millage rate will be implemented on January 1st.

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PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WMBB)  Panama City Police are asking city commissioners to consider a plan to expand the spring break ordinance from the current 2-week period, to at least 4 weeks, and possibly up to 6-weeks.

So last year, we established a date for the commission where we limited the sale of alcohol after 2:00 a.m. during a particular two-week period to prevent once the beach closes and the county closes and the data showed that it worked. Wed like to maybe go a little bit further and expand that again because you start with spring break sometime in March and then it ends around Easter, Panama City City manager Jonathan Hayes said.

PCFD invites community for night of family fun

Because of that success, Police Chief Mark Smith is asking commissioners to implement the ordinance from mid-March to April 19th, partly to protect his officers.

That just increases the level of risk, you know, by many folds for the city, the risk for the citizen as well as it does for the officer thats involved. Any time you bring in weapons and almost everything we deal with in the late-night establishment when were making those arrests revolves around guns, the officers are constantly recovering guns from people, Panama City police chief Mark Smith said.

Last year during spring break season the Panama City police saw a 300% increase in calls for service at late night establishments. Hayes says that if the ordinance is extended, that doesnt mean the city is pausing nightlife.

Panama City Beach welcomed fall with Fall Fest

Were not trying to completely shut it down, not even really suggesting midnight. Just at 2 a.m., which is, you know, we didnt make it all around the county very consistent. What we dont want to see is when the beach closes at 2 a.m., they come over the bridge into Panama City and then we have a party, Hayes said.

Commissioners wanted more time to discuss the proposal with local businesses. They have scheduled their vote for October 22nd.

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SPOTSYLVANIA, Va. - A Virginia school district is reeling after a 22-year-old substitute bus aide was arrested for allegedly sexually assaulting several young children with disabilities aboard a school bus.

Miguel Velasco of Fredericksburg is currently jailed without bond on multiple charges that include eight counts of aggravated sexual battery of a child, indecent liberties, and sodomy of a child.

The Spotsylvania County Public Schools swiftly terminated Velasco's employment upon learning of the incidents, which reportedly involved three children between the ages of four and five.

The investigation, led by the Spotsylvania Sheriff's Department, began after the allegations surfaced regarding events on Sept. 26th.

Although details are sparse on what transpired on the bus or the driver's whereabouts at the time, the swift arrest of Velasco on the day of the incident reflects the gravity of the situation.

Parents of the students immediately affected by this incident have been contacted by the school district, while others whose children ride the same bus received notice over the weekend through email communications.

Miguel Velasco, 22, of Fredericksburg, Va. Photo via Spotsylvania Sheriff's Department.

The troubling situation has sparked outrage in the community.

Kerri Karvelas, a parent and former first-grade teacher with Spotsylvania County Public Schools, expressed her horror: "Im disgusted! I am so disgusted that we have someone in our schools doing this to small children. Our babies, four and five years old they need to be held accountable."

In a letter to families, the school district has emphasized its rigorous background check procedures, including fingerprinting and verification through the Virginia Child Abuse and Neglect Central Registry, all of which Velasco passed before being allowed to work with students.

The Spotsylvania Sheriff's Office corroborated that Velasco is a permanent resident with no known criminal record.

As the investigation continues, authorities are examining the possibility of additional victims.

The case is ongoing, and officials are asking anyone with pertinent information to come forward to aid in the investigation.
LAS VEGAS (KLAS) An unprecedented crisis is whats being highlighted in a class action lawsuit against the Clark County School District and the Nevada Department of Education over special needs students.

CCSD and the Department of Education are accused of violating federal law.

Families and their attorneys argue that it has been years of being let down in a 58-page complaint. In the suit, families in Clark County allege a systemic failure of Nevadas education system pointing the blame specifically to CCSD.

Something is being done! was repeated by parents with children who have special needs on Wednesday during a news conference. Parents who have fought for what their kids deserve. Some parents told 8 News Now problems with the school district started in 2020.

Last school year was very hard and as a parent, you pray that youre doing everything right and your son is getting everything that they need, Iva Lewis said.

Lewis son is autistic and she said he was not getting enough help at school. Other parents joined in and shared the same frustration as Caitlin Werlinger.

The pandemic has been this imprisonment for our children, oh well theres just no services, Werliner said.

Werlinger said her son started struggling during the COVID-19 pandemic and she had paid for her son to get evaluated for dyslexia.

These are services the parents are now demanding.

Where are the sirens? Anna Binder asked. She has been advocating for families with children with special needs across the valley for many years. Binder shared that she cant work because shes always waiting for a phone call from her kids schools.

My son, he gets depressed after each individual because we have incidents that happen on a regular basis, Melissa Rose said about the problems her son has faced at CCSD.

Where are the sirens? Binder asked. She has been advocating for families with children with special needs across the valley for many years.

Binder shared that she cant work because shes always waiting for a phone call from her kids schools.

[Its] scary, some of our children are nonverbal they cant articulate whats going on in class, parent Heidi Lopez said.

Nothing was being done, Lewis said. The work is being done now.

A class action lawsuit, 58 pages against the CCSD and the Nevada Department of Education alleges a violation of federal law concerning special needs students. Nine families allege a systemic failure and 12 children are named in the suit by their initials. The lawsuit claims the school district and the Department of Education deprive those students of their right to a free public education.

It also highlights the inadequate provision of special education services, lack of proper evaluations and individualized education programs in Section 504 accommodation plans, failures to provide necessary behavioral and instructional supports, the lack of training, and inappropriate exclusion and disciplinary actions against students with disabilities.

The lead attorney is Lori Rogich with the Rogich Law Firm in Las Vegas. The team includes Hillary Freeman, Catherine Resiman, Jefferey Wasserman and Gregory Little. Some were present during the news conference.

Time is of the essence for these children in special education and what we need here is systemic change to solve a system problem and youre right, that will take time, Little said.

8 News Now spoke with Hillary Freeman prior to the news conference. Lori Rogich and her husband Sig were involved in a previous suit against the school district involving her daughter, who had been diagnosed with dyslexia.

The school district said that she would never graduate high school, well shes now a senior at the University of Utah, Rogich said.

We were asking for a methodology to be included in their daughters individualized education program and the school district refused to do it, Freeman added.

The Rogich family sued CCSD and said nothing has changed since. The attorney said teachers are not to blame, adding that the educators and families appear to be on the same side.

Teachers are begging for support, theyre begging the administration for support, and they are being denied that support, Freeman said.

I appreciate everything going on here because I know that its going to at least open doors for a lot of people, Rose said.

All parents urged others in their shoes to keep knocking on doors, ask questions and push for change.

The Nevada Department of Education generally refrains from commenting on active litigation, officials from the NDE said. CCSD officials also declined to comment on the lawsuit per district policy.

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Critics of the speed limit cut say it unfairly penalises working Parisians who commute from the suburbs - iStock

The Socialist mayor of Paris has hit the citys motorists with a double whammy of a ring road speed limit cut and a tripling of parking fees for heavy vehicles, such as SUVs.

Anne Hidalgos cut to the speed limit, from 70 to 50 kph, which will be progressively introduced across the Boulevard Peripherique until Oct 10, has sparked disapproval from the opposition Right and the French government.

Ms Hidalgo, 65, who has made no bones about waging war on petrol-driven cars, insists that slowing the Periph, as it is known to Parisians, will improve air quality in the heavily polluted French capital by reducing stop and go driving, in which vehicles speed up and slow down repeatedly.

She also said noise pollution would be lowered for half a million people around the highway, where lower-income families tend to live.

Those caught speeding less than 20 kph above the limit face a 135 fine and the loss of one point on their driving licence.

Signs for the new 50kph limit are installed on the Boulevard Peripherique, Pariss ring road - Thomas Samson/AFP

Valerie Pecresse, the Right-wing head of the Ile-de-France region, denounced the move as socially unjust for those with little choice but to use the Periph.

It affects almost exclusively night and early-morning workers who have to use the ring road to get from suburb to suburb, she said. Small business representatives have expressed similar grievances.

Drivers questioned on Tuesday also appeared unimpressed. Its ridiculous, this is just another of the mayors whims, Claude, a motorist, told BFMTV, a French news channel. Im going 50kph and Im being overtaken by everyone. Its untenable.

Last week, Francois Durovray, Frances new transport minister, tried unsuccessfully to persuade Ms Hidalgo to backtrack.

The minister regrets this decision, which will affect millions of people in the Paris region. He hopes that future public policies relating to the ring road, which is used by the people of Ile-de-France and not just Parisians, will take a more collaborative and balanced approach, the ministry said after the meeting.

However, the Mr Durovray and the mayor agreed that an ongoing and independent analysis of the lower speed limit would be carried out, with a review in one years time.

If the assessment proves negative and the mayor fails to draw the necessary conclusions, the minister reserves the right to amend the law to ensure that this issue does not fall within the sole remit of the mayor, warned the ministry.

Before slowing down the Periph, Ms Hidalgo spearheaded a referendum in February over whether to triple parking fees for heavy vehicles such as SUVs.

Sadiq Khan watching closely

Sadiq Khan, the mayor of London, said at the time he would be watching the results closely, adding: We always examine policies around the globe. Im a firm believer in stealing good policies. Rather than inventing [new policies] badly, if other cities are doing stuff that works, we will copy them.

While the increase in fees was approved by 55 per cent of those who voted, only 5.7 per cent of eligible Parisians took part.

From Tuesday, cars weighing 1.6 tons or more will be charged between 12-18 for one hour and 150-225 for six hours in the city, depending on the arrondissement. Fully electric cars must weigh more than two tons to be affected, while people living or working in Paris, taxi drivers, tradespeople, health workers and people with disabilities are all exempt.

David Belliard, of the Green party, Ms Hidalgos transport chief, said only around 10 per cent of vehicles in Paris will be hit by the higher parking fees, which could bring in up to 35 million per year.

But Philippe Noziere, the president of 40 Millions dAutomobilistes, denounced the referendum as a sham of democracy and the measure a masquerade.

He pointed out that smaller, older cars, such as a 20-year-old Porsche 997, produced more emissions than a newer hybrid SUV.

Its a big farce, he told BFMTV. Others said it punished families in need of larger vehicles.

Anne Hidalgos policies have been hailed by supporters as environmentally groundbreaking - Backgrid UK

Supporters said Ms Hidalgo is a green visionary who has pedestrianised many streets, including the banks of the Seine, and built a network of cycle lanes in an effort to discourage driving and reduce harmful transport emissions.

However, critics said she defends bourgeois, bohemian Parisians over working suburbanites who have little choice but to drive to work. They also said her penchant for ugly urban architecture has defaced the City of Lights, and that the capital has become grimy and rat-infested.

Nationwide, Ms Hidalgo is unpopular. When she ran for president in 2022, she received only 1.7 per cent of the vote  the worst performance ever for a Socialist Party candidate.

However, she claimed plaudits when the Paris Olympic Games were widely hailed as a triumph.

Afterwards, she took aim at her detractors in an expletive-laden diatribe, saying in English: F--- reactionaries, f--- the extreme right, f--- all those who want to shut us in a war of everyone against everyone.

Our vision has been contradicted, contested, mocked, caricatured. It is a great pleasure to see the city the way we had planned it and to hear people thank us.

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After China announced broad measures to rescue its economy, Chinese stocks surged, our Chart of the Week shows. It's not the first time the country has attempted to get out of the recent doldrums, but the market's reaction says this time might be different.
It's hard to gauge a market rate for elected officials' pay. (Getty Images)

What is the market rate for a governor? Well, it depends on the market of course. In New York, the rate is $250,000 a year. In Maine, its $70,000. That makes perfect sense, doesnt it? These two states might as well be on two different planets after all. It takes five whole hours to drive from Albany to Augusta, a lovely drive that weaves around Boston, where the Massachusetts governor makes $185,000, before the path follows a stretch along the Atlantic coast.

The real answer is there is no market, and therefore, there is no market rate.

Whitney Downard reported last week for the Indiana Capital Chronicle the details on the new salaries of several Hoosier statewide elected officials. They are hefty raises, featuring the new salary of the governor, of $221,024, making it one of the highest paid in the nation. One market-based argument as to why that is outrageously high could be that the Indiana governor is constitutionally weak and should therefore be compensated weakly.

But lets be serious. The new salary is still pretty low when considering the demands of the job. So is New Yorks. And Maines? That salary is absurd.

To listen to a podcast version of this column, go here.

However, and if I could scream that word I would, being elected to a high-profile position absolutely creates opportunity. Its just difficult to quantify. These jobs arent really jobs. Yes, if done even remotely well, they are work, and a lot of it. But in a market sense, they are more aptly described as platforms, not occupations. And so, the salary matters far less than it otherwise would.

Gov. Eric Holcomb will end his second term at the end of the year, never receiving the new salary. Tough break, guv. But there will be opportunity for him when his political career is over, assuming this is the end of that. I predict he will do quite well, probably through some sort of job, coupled with other income-generating ventures that are minimally reported but highly profitable. After a long career of low and modestly paid political positions, he knows people, he has skills and value, and this is America. Following his post-governor life would be important to Hoosiers, if for no other reason, to contextualize what serving as governor is truly worth.

These salaries, while they are specifically what taxpayers finance, dont mean much in the end.

Mike Braun, the GOP nominee for governor, had a net worth of $136 million in 2018, according to Open Secrets. Its a complicated number, and likely incorrect, but it does illustrate that he doesnt need the new, beefed up salary. He doesnt need the U.S. Senate salary he currently receives either. When he chose to run for the Senate in 2018, the personal money he spent on and loaned to his campaign got some coverage. To summarize, he didnt risk anything to run.

Similarly, J.B. Pritzker risked even less when he ran for governor in Illinois. Hes worth $3.7 billion.

Filthy Rich Politicians is a 2023 book by Matt Lewis that discusses Americas current situation. The book focuses primarily on members of Congress, which is made up of people who are often already rich, and almost always get richer while in office. The Guardian reviewed the book last year and included some of Lewiss proposals for change. They include a restriction on stock trading, and interestingly an increase in congressional pay. That increase would theoretically remove or soften the attraction to make money through other means, but it is a symbolic gesture.

The most important proposal Lewis makes is to raise transparency. I guess.

Knowing that a candidate or an office holder is filthy rich while seeking public office makes a difference to me. I have grown tired of the trend, and I believe it has degraded representation in government in a broad, general way. Imagine if it reversed? Imagine if the rags-to-public-office story of Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez was commonplace instead of the riches-to-riches Pritzker/Braun story?

AOC will be rich, if shes not already, because her platform has led to a brand and her brand is valuable. Brutal transparency in her case would be fascinating to watch on a year-to -ear basis. That story would be every bit as informing as those of the litany of Ivy Leaguers, trust fund kids, and the rest of the privileged elite that jam our public offices.

The salaries just dont define the public office market today. And objecting to pay raises for these jobs is an empty gesture.

Indianapolis Mayor Joe Hogsett, for example, has been adamant about keeping his $95,000 salary exactly as it is. Thats what the governor of Arizona makes. Its an irrelevant number to anyone in either job. Lets stop pretending otherwise.

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If it seems like the striking greenish and red hues of the northern lights have surfaced with relative frequency in recent months, there's a reason.

The sun may be nowhere in sight when the dazzling celestial display, also known as the aurora borealis, is lighting up the night sky, but it has a crucial part to play in producing the auroras. For millions of Americans and others across the globe, that became abundantly evident in May when a record powerful solar storm helped create optimal conditions for the auroras to put on a light show for far more spectators than usual.

What's more, as the sun reaches the height of its 11-year cycle, skygazers across the world may only be treated to better and more frequent opportunities to witness the northern lights.

For aurora chasers, those opportunities should continue this year and well into 2025. Here's everything to know about the northern lights and how to see them as the sun reaches its solar maximum.

The northern lights fill the sky with green ribbons of electrical charged particles over Greaney's Turkey Farm in Mercer, Maine on May 11, 2024. This display was the strongest seen since 2003, rating a G5 on the geomagnetic scale.

Northern lights activity to increase during solar maximum

Electromagnetic activity is increasing as the sun continues to reach the height of its 11-year solar cycle, which NASA said is expected to be in 2025.

As the sun reaches the peak of Solar Cycle 25, sunspots located in regions of intense magnetic activity should increase, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. When that magnetic activity is released, it creates intense bursts of radiation resulting in solar flares  considered by NASA to be our solar system's largest explosive events.

Solar flares emit radiation, mostly in the form of ultraviolet light and X-rays, that can hurtle toward Earth at the speed of light. Some of these flares can be accompanied by coronal mass ejections, or clouds of plasma and charged particles, that emerge from the sun's outermost atmosphere, the corona.

These ejections can collide with Earths magnetosphere, the barrier protecting humanity from the harshest impacts of space weather, to produce geomagnetic storms.

Geomagnetic storms can spark northern lights to appear

That may sound scary, and due to the elevated risk for things like disrupted satellite signals, radio communications, internet and electrical power grids, it could be.

But the heightened potential for more geomagnetic storms also may mean more impressive northern lights displays.

In May, a powerful geomagnetic storm was responsible for some reports of power grid irregularities and interference with GPS signals  even farming equipment. On the bright side, it did also unleash spectacular views of the northern lights in parts of the country where auroras are not often visible.

The celestial show came after NOAA issued a rare storm watch for the first time in 19 years for a geomagnetic storm classified as a G4  a single level away from being the most severe solar storm possible. Amid the solar activity, the sun even emitted an explosive burst of radiation that became the largest solar flare detected since 2017, according to the NOAA.

The phenomenon, which has made several recent appearances across the U.S. was also notably visible again in August during the Perseids, considered among astronomers to be the best meteor shower of the year.

What causes the auroras?

The auroras are a natural light display in Earth's sky that are famously best seen in high-latitude regions of the northern and southern hemispheres.

The phenomenon is caused when electrically charged particles from space enter Earth's atmosphere and collide with molecules and gasses like oxygen and nitrogen, causing the atmospheric particles to gain energy. To return to their normal state, the particles release that energy in the form of light, according to the University of Alaska at Fairbanks, Geophysical Institute website, which tracks the phenomenon.

As auroras form, Earth's magnetic field redirects the particles toward the poles through a process that produces a stunning display of rays, spirals and flickers that has fascinated humans for millennia. Whether hues of green, red, blue and even pink dance about in the sky is due to altitude in which the collisions occur, as well as the composition and density of the atmosphere at the time.

Where and when can the northern lights be seen?

The solar storms send particles flowing from the sun that get caught up in Earth's magnetic field, causing colorful auroras to form as they interact with molecules of atmospheric gases. In the months ahead, the resulting glowing auroras may be quite a sight to see  if you look up at the right place and time.

The auroras are best seen around the magnetic poles of the northern and southern hemispheres in places like Europe, Asia and North America. In the United States, Alaska is well known to have the best viewing opportunities for the northern lights.

Even though conditions are prime for more impending aurora shows, experts have long struggled to accurately forecast exactly when and where the phenomenon will ever occur. Even the best predictions can only accurately be made a few days or even hours in advance.

NOAA, however, does maintain an aurora dashboard that should help skygazers track the phenomenon.

And if it looks like the northern lights will flare up near you, it's advised to get away from cities and travel to dark locations free from light pollution. If the weather is clear, the best aurora is usually visible within an hour or two of midnight, according to NOAA.

Eric Lagatta covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach him at elagatta@gannett.com

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Peak northern lights activity coming amid solar maximum: What to know
Penn Law Professor Amy Wax Said the U.S. Would Be Better Off With 'More White People and Less Non-Whites,'' So How the Hell Does She Still Have a Job??

After making a series of disturbingly racist remarks, University of Pennsylvania law school professor Amy Wax is finally being punished, NBC News has reported. But her consequences in relation to her statements beg the question: Is she getting punished enough?

Wax will be suspended for one-year at half-pay, along with receiving other sanctions as well as a public reprimand for going full-on white supremacist in her rhetoric at the school over the years.

In the role, Wax has stated that: she had never seen a Black student do well at her Ivy League law school, not all cultures are created equal, our country will be better off with more whites and fewer nonwhites and that America would benefit fit from fewer Asians and less immigration.

Most shockingly, Wax invited white nationalist Jared Taylor to her class entitled Conservative and Political Legal Thought to share his beliefs with her students. Taylor, according to Philadelphia Magazine, is the author of American Renaissance which addresses topics like race differences, Third World immigration and anti-white racism.

Penn Law professor Amy Wax tells Tucker Carlson that "Blacks" and other "non-western" groups harbor "resentment, shame, and envy" against western people for their "outsized achievements and contributions." pic.twitter.com/jpQmOU554C  nikki mccann ramirez (@NikkiMcR) April 11, 2022

In the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, Taylor wrote an essay about the tragedy, in which he wrote, Blacks and white are different. When Blacks are left entirely to their own devices, Western civilization  any kind of civilization  disappears.

This decision, along with Waxs history of discriminatory remarks, had been a problem at Penn for a while. Theodore W. Ruger, the former dean of Penns Carey Law School, said that Wax was removed from teaching any required courses at the university back in 2018.

Ruger shared that Wax once told a Black student that she had only become a double Ivy because of affirmative action and that Mexican men are more likely to assault women.

Waxs defense, which was told to the New York Sun, was that these allegations were fabricated and tacked on as a cover for penalizing me for standard-issue, conservative anti-woke opinions and factual observations that are not allowed on campus.

Wax also said that she feared campuses like Penn are raising a generation of students who cant deal with disagreement. Of course, free speech and the need for tough discourse are the typical excuses racists use to get away with vile behavior.



Though the university has not fired her or taken her tenure away, Waxs suspension is set to begin in the 2025-2026 academic year.

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Then-Uvalde City Attorney Paul Tarski, left, and investigator Jesse Prado listen to Uvalde families comment on Prado's report on the police response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. Tarski retained Prado to conduct the investigation. Its cost and findings proved bitterly controversial. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News Paul Tarski and his daughter shared the position of Uvalde city attorney for nine years. Sam Owens/San Antonio Express-News

Uvalde's father-daughter team of municipal attorneys has resigned after representing the city during the contentious aftermath of the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting, in which 19 fourth graders and two teachers were killed.

Paul Tarski and daughter Alexandra Wegrzyn stepped down amid dissension among city council members over the cost and outcome of an independent investigation into the Uvalde Police Department's response to the May 24, 2022, shooting.

The inquiry, conducted by retired Austin police detective Jesse Prado, found that city police officers obeyed department policy and acted "in good faith," a conclusion bitterly rejected by the victims' family members. In late September, the council grudgingly approved an $80,163 payment to Prado, bringing the total cost of his investigation to more than $177,000.

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The controversy touched Tarski because he had retained Prado on behalf of the city, and he walked Prado through a presentation of his findings before the council in March. In the audience were family members of the victims, and many of them reacted angrily to Prado's determination that the responding officers bore no blame for the heavy loss of life.

The Uvalde Leader-News was first to report Tarski's and his daughter's resignations.

In a draft agenda issued Sept. 20, council members said that at their meeting four days later, they would discuss Tarski's and Wegrzyn's continued employment as city attorneys. The two submitted their resignations, and the council accepted them, the Leader-News reported Sunday.

Don McLaughlin Jr., who was mayor at the time of the Robb Elementary massacre, said he did not believe the council's unhappiness over Prado's bill or his findings was a factor in Tarski's and his daughter's decision to quit.

Their plan was to resign at some point. I mean, even when I was there, he had talked about it, McLaughlin told the San Antonio Express-News.

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He just thought it was time to move on to the next phase, McLaughin said of Tarski, adding that his duties as city attorney were "taking up a whole lot more of his time."

Kimberly Mata-Rubio comments on retired Austin police detective Jesse Prado's report on the police response to the 2022 Robb Elementary School shooting. Her 10-year-old daughter, Alexandria "Lexi" Rubio, died in the massacre. Salgu Wissmath/San Antonio Express-News

Tarski did not respond to requests for comment. Nor did Mayor Pro Tem Everardo Lalo Zamora or City Manager Vince DiPiazza.

The firm was paid an annual retainer of $85,000 and billed extra for non-routine work, including matters related to the school shooting. The city has paid the firm nearly $173,000 for legal work stemming from the Robb Elementary massacre, according to the Leader-News.

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Dissatisfaction over Prados report on the shooting has run wide and deep in Uvalde. At the March council meeting, Tarski and Prado revealed portions of it in a stilted question-and-answer format that allowed no interaction with the council or those in the audience.

Prado told the 150 people in attendance that city police weren't to blame for the confused law enforcement response to the shooting. He said the first officers on the scene had no clear shot at the gunman and lacked a ballistic body shield sturdy enough to withstand high-velocity rounds from his AR-15-style rifle.

"There were many failures on the part of police that day, but no violations of policy on the part of local officers," Prado said at the meeting.

Neither families of the victims nor the council members had seen the report before the meeting, and the report itself wasn't released that day.

"I'm disappointed," Councilman Hector Luevano said at the time. "I'm very insulted by this report. The parents deserve more."

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He said the community was owed a "thorough investigation and thorough explanation. I'm sorry, I don't accept this report."

In approving Prado's bill last week, council members said that despite their disappointment with the investigation, they were contractually obligated to pay Prado.

Prado's review was one in a series of official inquiries into the police response. Unlike the others, his focused exclusively on the Uvalde Police Department's role. In all, 380 officers from two dozen local, state and federal agencies were on the scene that day.

A U.S. Justice Department review found that a chaotic law enforcement response caused needless delays in taking out the gunman while children lay bleeding to death in their classroom, and that no one took on the job of on-scene commander  a critical error that worsened a cascade of poor decisions.

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An earlier review by a special Texas House committee said the Uvalde school district didn't adequately prepare for the risk of an armed attacker, and that "law enforcement responders failed to adhere to their active shooter training, and they failed to prioritize saving the lives of innocent victims over their own safety."

The gunman was shot dead by members of a Border Patrol tactical unit who breached the classroom where he was hiding  77 minutes after the shooting began. By then, a rifle-rated ballistic shield, strong enough to protect officers, had been delivered to the school. Border Patrol officers stood behind it as they entered the room.

McLaughlin said that as mayor, he appreciated Tarski's willingness to challenge him or anyone else. He said Tarski has "always been an attorney that calls it like he sees it."
Pennsylvania Attorney General Michelle Henry issued a warning about a trending sextortion cyber scheme.

The Attorney Generals Office said emails with images of peoples homes or streets are being sent alongside an alarming message. It involves a demand from the criminal for the target to pay to not have alleged explicit materials publicized.

In reality, the criminals likely do not have any of the materials they allege. Photos of a targets home or street can be found via Google Maps. While most criminals are lying about being in possession of personal, explicit materials, it is possible they may not be. It is important to be vigilant about what you share on social media, by text message, or by email, as criminals can use that information to threaten targets, Henry said.

Henry also advises those targeted by the scheme to not scan the QR Code and not communicate with the cyber criminal.

The Attorney Generals Office offers the following tips to keep yourself safe from sextortion:

When speaking to someone online, search their name to see if its been reported to have been used in a prior crime or if its the name of a famous person.

Never send compromising or explicit images of yourself to anyone, no matter who they are  or who they say they are.

Search the internet for one or two sentences from the email to confirm it is actually spam.

No matter what the email threatens, do not respond and delete the email.

Do not open attachments or click links in emails from people you do not know. Doing so leaves you vulnerable to identity theft and malware.

Never send money or buy a gift card , or do anything to comply with the demands in the email.

Do a security check on your computer and install security software.

Enable two-factor authentication on your important accounts.

Change passwords often , and consider getting a password manager to ensure your passwords are strong and unique.

Cover your webcam when not in use to give you peace of mind.

Check to see if your email was compromised in a security breach and change passwords as necessary.

Never answer your phone unless you recognize the number. If it is a legitimate call, the person will leave a voicemail.

If you or someone you know believes they are a victim of phishing sextortion or financially motivated sextortion, immediately report the activity to law enforcement.

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Pennsylvania Man Killed Romantic Partner and Burned His Body to Cover Up Their Relationship

Calling the 2022 murder of Naasire Johnson, 20, a hate crime, the DA said he was killed "because he was gay" and Kylen Pratt "did not want anyone to find out"

Philadelphia Police Department; Philadelphia District Attorney's Office Kylen Pratt (left); Naasire Johnson

A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to life in prison for killing his romantic partner and burning his body to cover up their relationship, authorities said

On Friday, Sept. 27, a Philadelphia jury convicted Kylen Pratt, 23, of first-degree murder for the brutal 2022 slaying of Naasire Johnson, 20

Make no mistake, Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope said in a statement. The murder of Naasire Johnson was a hate crime. Kylen Pratt did not want anyone to know of his romantic involvement with the victim



A Pennsylvania man was sentenced to life in prison for killing his romantic partner and burning his body to cover up their relationship, authorities said.

On Friday, Sept. 27, a Philadelphia jury convicted Kylen Pratt, 23, of first-degree murder for the brutal 2022 slaying of Naasire Johnson, 20, in the citys Brewerytown section, the Philadelphia District Attorneys Office announced in a statement.

Following his conviction, a judge sentenced Pratt to a mandatory sentence of life in state incarceration without the possibility of parole followed by a consecutive period of 4.5 to 9 years.

The murder is considered a hate crime because Pratt was in a romantic relationship with Johnson at the time of the murder, prosecutors said.

"This is an individual who was killed because he was gay and because the man who killed him did not want anyone to find out that he was in a relationship with him," Assistant District Attorney Cydney Pope said at a press conference Monday, local outlet WPVI reported.

Make no mistake, Pope said in the statement. The murder of Naasire Johnson was a hate crime. Kylen Pratt did not want anyone to know of his romantic involvement with the victim.

Authorities were able to solve the crime based on someone who provided the anonymous tip, she said.

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Investigators learned that in the early morning hours of Feb. 17, 2022, Johnson took an Uber from his familys West Philadelphia residence to Pratts home on Oxford Street, prosecutors said in the statement.

Pratt shot Johnson in the neck shortly after the victims arrival, the statement continued, further noting that he then transported Johnsons body to a remote trail in Fairmount Park and set the corpse on fire.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.

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An immigrant family wades through the Rio Grande while crossing from Mexico into the United States on September 30, 2023, in Eagle Pass, Texas. (Photo by John Moore/Getty Images)

By Mike Lee

Its no secret that some politicians view public safety and immigration as a problem of people rather than as a policy problem. This creates wedge issues that are designed to divide voters in key battleground states like Pennsylvania.

In recent years, here is how this strategy has typically played out: one candidate will attack their rival for being soft on crime or for supporting policies that lead to more border crossings. They might respond with rhetoric doubling down on dated and failed approaches to public safety measures like more police, more incarceration, harsher sentencing, and calling for greater constriction of who can enter the country and when.

Earlier this month, we saw these dynamics in play during the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump in Philadelphia. Similar campaign rhetoric is being used by down-ballot candidates across the country regardless of party affiliation.

But in 2024, our research shows that these messages miss the mark with voters on both sides of the aisle.

The ACLU of Pennsylvania recently conducted a series of polls with more than 600 likely voters across our state. Our methodology included text-to-web surveys and three days of online focus groups that dug into where Pennsylvanians of all political stripes stand on public safety and immigration.

On public safety, Pennsylvania voters overwhelmingly want solutions that invest in the resources that address crime at the root. They want more counselors, not just more cops. Voters want affordable housing and jobs training that is decoupled from more jails and prisons. They want mental health services and treatment for substance use disorder, not mandatory minimum sentences.

These results should serve as a reminder to anyone seeking elected office that the vast majority of voters have moved on from the failed mass incarceration policies of the past. Those fear-mongering commercials and doomsayer stump speeches simply arent working anymore.

On immigration, Pennsylvania voters agree that the United States immigration system is broken and that there are reasonable steps that can be taken to fix it. By a margin of nearly two-to-one, Pennsylvanians want more resources at the border to expedite the processing of asylum seekers. Voters want to give work permits to those who claim asylum and a way to contribute to their communities. And they want to create a pathway to citizenship for the undocumented and for DREAMers.

Pennsylvania voters recognize that the more than $451 billion per year spent on immigration enforcement is a waste of resources and taxpayer money. They want a balanced approach to immigration that better addresses the problems at the border while giving undocumented immigrants the chance to come out of the shadows and succeed as new Americans.

This is where the majority of voters, Democrats, Republicans, and independents are in 2024 on the issues of public safety and immigration. And its not just in Pennsylvania. ACLU affiliates in Arizona, Georgia, and Michigan have conducted similar polling and have found that voters in those states share these sentiments when it comes to public safety and immigration.

There are solutions to public safety and immigration that are not built upon controlling the movement of Black and brown people. Voters prefer candidates who talk about solutions rather than blaming people or parties for our problems. It seems then, that those seeking elected office have a choice to make. Will they continue to embrace fear tactics and recycle tired messaging of the past? Or will they put the people first and meet voters where they are to create a future where we all can thrive?

Mike Lee is the executive director of the ACLU of Pennsylvania.
Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin on Monday ordered top Pentagon and military officials to launch a new initiative known as Replicator 2 that will focus on countering drones, following the first effort of the same name that aims to field thousands of cheap, autonomous weapon systems.

In a memo to senior Pentagon leaders, combatant commanders and other officials, Austin called for Replicator 2 to tackle the warfighter priority of countering the threat from small drones with the goal to protect critical installations and military assets from the weapons.

The expectation is that Replicator 2 will assist with overcoming challenges we face in the areas of production capacity, technology innovation, authorities, policies, open system architecture and system integration, and force structure, he wrote in the memo.

Austin directed Deputy Secretary of Defense Kathleen Hicks and vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Christopher Grady, to oversee the effort.

Austin added that both Hicks and Grady would propose a plan for Replicator 2 to Congress for the presidents budget request for fiscal year 2026, and that he wants meaningfully improved protection for critical assets within 24 months of congressional funding approval.

Replicator was first announced in August 2023 by Hicks, who pledged the Pentagon would field thousands of artificial intelligence (AI) drones and weapon systems by August 2025.

The initiative has been met with interest on Capitol Hill, where lawmakers have expressed support for the U.S. to field the systems that could help combat a larger Chinese military in the event of a conflict in the South China Sea.

But there have also been concerns about a lack of details for Replicator, how much funding is actually needed and whether progress is being made.

Hicks said she has held 40 briefings on Capitol Hill since many of those concerns were aired in October 2023, and touted the Pentagons progress on the program in a speech in August.

The Pentagon secured an initial $500 million for Replicator in the fiscal year 2024 government funding bill.

Doug Beck, director of the Pentagons Defense Innovation Unit, said at an August National Defense Industrial Association event that more than 500 companies have expressed interest in Replicator so far, with two tranches of systems selected and 30 prime contractors involved for hardware and software, though details are still being finalized.

The Pentagon announced earlier this year that the first tranche of systems includes uncrewed surface vehicles. uncrewed aerial systems and counter-uncrewed aerial systems, and, naming one company, said it would accelerate fielding of Switchblade-600 drones from defense contractor AeroVironment.

Austin said in his memo that the first phase of Replicator helped ignite our efforts to scale autonomous systems across the force more generally.

Updated: 5:32 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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People in WNC without power, water drive to Shelby to stock up on essentials

People in WNC without power, water drive to Shelby to stock up on essentials

SHELBY, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Shelby is becoming a hot spot for people hit hardest by Helene.

Many of them are flocking to the city to fill up their gas tanks and get necessities before heading back to the mountains. After traveling hours longer than it would normally take them to get there, people are making it to places like the Ingles Market and are being met with lines at the pump and to get inside the grocery store.

At least they have power and they have lines to get to stuff, said Robert Butler, who traveled to Shelby on Monday. We dont even have the lines to get the stuff.

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HELENE AFTERMATH

Butler was one of many people who waited in line to get into an Ingles in Shelby to stock up on supplies.

Water, pet food, he said. We were going to hope to get some gas to take back for the people who have generators.

He made the trip from Swannanoa, one of many areas of western North Carolina with catastrophic damage.

Theres no drinking water, said Butler of the Buncombe County town. There are no gas stations. The entire town is basically destroyed.

Its not an easy trip to make due to road closures and traffic building up in Cleveland County. There are still more than 18,000 people without power there.

There were long lines at Shelby gas stations Monday from people seeking supplies from western North Carolina.

To get to Shelby I literally had to come to Black Mountain, then to Hendersonville and take the back road down, said Butler. What was normally a 40-to-50-mile trip turned into like 110 miles one way.

Butler wasnt the only one with this idea.

I think everyone is trying to get to where theres power, said David Manuel.

Manuel and his dog came to the Shelby Walmart to get what they need, then head back to Glassy Mountain, South Carolina.

I was able to get my candles and get a little bite of cash, he said.

Bottled water is a hot-ticket item. Both the Walmart and Ingles on Dixon Boulevard had a good supply, but people were beginning to empty some shelves.

Theyre saying itll be at least a month before Buncombe County has drinking water, said Butler.

After groceries, people headed to another line  the one at the pump, before heading back to their mountain towns, which dont look anything like they once did.

If youre planning on a trip to the mountains, hold off, said Butler. A lot of their economy is based on the leaf season. Theres not going to be a leaf season

If youre heading to Shelby, give yourself some extra time. Locals said theyve seen a lot of traffic in the past couple days with so many coming to the area from out of town.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  One beep could save a life.

At the Peoria Fire Departments Central House, smoke alarms were the topic of discussion as Fire Prevention Week is coming up.

From Oct. 6 to 12, the department is campaigning with the theme, Smoke alarms: Make them work for you! This will include promoting the zero-cost smoke alarm installation program, which is available to all city residents.

The National Fire Prevention Association says smoke alarms reduce the risk of dying in a home fire by more than half, 54%.

What Peorias Fire Chief says

Smoke alarms, said Fire Chief Shawn Sollberger, are an essential part of fire prevention.

What seems like such a simple thing to do, having working smoke alarms in your homes, he said. Its still the number one tool, the easiest thing that you can do within your own home, and it saves lives.

The chief said firefighters have a better chance of saving a house and people inside as well as contents when given more warning.

What Peoria Fire Department offers

With Fire Prevention Week, the citys fire department wants residents to take advantage of the free alarms.

This is a free smoke alarm install program, Sollberger said. So all you have to do is call, tell us how many bedrooms you have, give us a good date and time and three awesome firefighters are going to show up at your door. Theyre going to remove all of your old equipment and then install all of the new equipment at no cost.

In 2023, there were 89 residential fire deaths in Illinois. The fire department urges residents to replace any fire alarms that are older than 10 years.

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PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD)  A West Bluff man faces up to life in prison after being indicted Tuesday in connection with the shooting death of another person in late August.

Lacorles Edwards, 40, was indicted by a Peoria County grand jury on charges of first-degree murder and unlawful possession of a firearm by a felon in connection with the Aug. 30 deadly shooting of Sylvester Erving, 45, who was shot in the head.

Altercation outside of a Downtown Peoria bar preceded Fridays deadly shooting

If convicted, Edwards faces at least 45 years and possibly up to life in prison. Thats because prosecutors allege he personally discharged the handgun that killed Erving. Probation is not an option for either charge.

The shooting happened around 2:30 a.m. Aug. 30, on Main Street between Monroe Street and Madison Avenue and outside of the Neon Bison. The video shown in court shows a large group of people outside of the club. An altercation breaks out and people scatter.

Then Erving walks into the frame, tries to walk into the club but is pushed out by a person whom prosecutors allege is Edwards. Erving keeps trying to back away but Edwards, prosecutors allege, keeps trying to fight. They walk a bit past the club and then Erving falls to the ground, having been shot.

Another man was also charged in connection with the case. Walter Dearmond appeared in court just after Edwards on a single charge of possession of a weapon by a felon. Hes accused of removing a gun from Erving, the person who had been shot, and then leaving it nearby.

Dearmonds trial is set for November. Edwards will appear in court on Thursday to be arraigned on the charges.

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(Bloomberg) -- The Philippine Coast Guard said it is keeping an eye on Chinas next move at a disputed South China Sea shoal that has become the latest flashpoint in the two nations maritime spat.

Most Read from Bloomberg

The Southeast Asian nation has been using Canadian vessel detection technology to monitor Chinas presence at Sabina Shoal, and is hoping to get a clearer picture of what Beijing intends to do in the area in the coming days, coast guard spokesman Jay Tarriela said at a speech in the Australian capital of Canberra.

China has really mastered the gray zone strategy in preventing miscalculation, but the problem is how long can the people from the Philippines Coast Guard and the Armed Forces of the Philippines tolerate such aggression, Tarriela said at an event hosted by the National Press Club. Manila will keep its presence at Sabina Shoal, he added.

Subscribe to The Bloomberg Australia Podcast on Apple, Spotify or wherever you listen.

The contested atoll is being closely watched, as it has recently been the site of clashes between China and the Philippines, a US ally. Manila last month withdrew its coast guard ship from the shoal due to bad weather but has vowed to return, while China also pledged to continue activities there.

--With assistance from Philip J. Heijmans and Cliff Venzon.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

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Hundreds of longshoremen protested outside of the Virginia International Gateway in Portsmouth, Virginia, in the early hours of Oct. 1, 2024. Protests continued into the morning. Thousands of members of the International Longshoremens Association from Maine to Texas went on strike against the nations East and Gulf Coast ports.

The contract between the United States Maritime Alliance and the International Longshoremens Association expired Monday night as informal negotiations continued.
Photos show Israel's F-15I Ra'am 'Thunder' fighter jets used to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon

Photos show Israel's F-15I Ra'am 'Thunder' fighter jets used to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon

The Israeli Air Force used F-15I Ra'am fighter jets to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon.

The Israeli variant of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle planes can fly up to 2,765 miles without refueling.

The State Department approved the sale of 50 new F-15I planes to Israel in August.

The Israeli Air Force features advanced fighter jets acquired from the US and enhanced with military technology manufactured in Israel.

In addition to F-35I Adir stealth fighter jets, Israel also has a fleet of F-15I warplanes, a modified version of the Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle that can fly long distances while carrying thousands of pounds of weapons.

Here's a look at the cutting-edge military aircraft.

F-15I Ra'am fighter jets are Israeli versions of Boeing F-15E Strike Eagle planes.

An Israeli Air Force F-15I fighter jet. Baz Ratner/Reuters

Following the 1991 Gulf War, during which Iraq fired Scud missiles into Israeli cities, Israel acquired the long-range planes in order to bolster its air defense system.

The Israeli Air Force considered an array of models before ordering 25 F-15I planes for $2.4 billion in 1994, The New York Times reported.

The first F-15I planes arrived in Israel in 1998.

Two F-15I warplanes on an Israeli Air Force base in 1998. Reuters

Israel's then-minister of defense, Itzchak Mordechai, formally accepted the planes in a ceremony at Boeing's plant in St. Louis in November 1997. The first two F-15I jets then arrived in Israel in January 1998.

"From a purely technological standpoint, the F-15I is a masterpiece. It will provide the qualitative edge Israel requires to preserve peace," Boeing's then-CEO, Phil Condit, said in a press release.

The Israeli Air Force named its F-15I variant "Ra'am" meaning "Thunder" in Hebrew.

An F-15I fighter jet. xnir Photography/Shutterstock

The planes were also customized with decals of the Star of David, a six-pointed Jewish symbol that appears on the Israeli flag.

Israel added its own computer system, terrain-mapping radar, and display and sight helmet, or DASH, to the planes.

An Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am jet. Davidi Vardi/Shutterstock

With DASH technology from Israeli manufacturer Elbit Systems, pilots can aim weapons just by looking at a target.

The F-15I's APG-70 synthetic aperture radar can also operate in any weather conditions.

Each aircraft can carry 18,000 pounds of fuel and weapons, The National Interest reported.

A Boeing 707 refueling tanker in formation with F-15I strike fighters. Leonard Zhukovsky/Shutterstock

F-15I fighter jets can fly a maximum of 4,450 kilometers, or 2,765 miles, without refueling, according to the Israeli Air Force.

The planes can also be refueled while airborne, enabling them to fly even longer distances.

They can reach speeds exceeding Mach 2.5, or around 1,918 miles per hour.

An Israeli Air Force F-15I Ra'am jet. Clive117/Shutterstock

At low altitudes, the F-15I's maximum speed is 1,482 kilometers per hour, or around 920 miles per hour.

In August, the State Department approved the sale of 50 new F-15I planes and upgrade kits for Israel's existing fleet totaling $20 billion.

A Ra'am fighter jet. Davidi Vardi/Shutterstock

The sale also included tank ammunition, mortars, and military vehicles. Israel won't actually receive the new F-15Is until 2029, the Associated Press reported.

Israel's counteroffensive airstrikes and military operations in Gaza following the Hamas-led terrorist attacks of October 7, 2023, have resulted in widespread Palestinian fatalities, increasing scrutiny of US military aid to Israel.

The Israel Defense Force said it used over 150 fighter jets to target Hezbollah leaders in Lebanon.

An Israeli fighter jet carrying multiple BLU-109 bombs. Israeli Air Force

On Saturday, Israel launched an airstrike on Hezbollah's central headquarters in Beirut that killed Hassan Nasrallah, who had led the Iran-backed militant group since 1992.

The Israel Defense Forces also targeted Hezbollah's military infrastructure across southern Lebanon and launched a ground offensive.

The Israeli Air Force shared photos of F-15I fighter jets loaded with what appeared to be 2,000-pound BLU-109 bombs known as "bunker busters" following the airstrikes.

Iran responded by launching a missile attack on Israel on Tuesday. US warships helped intercept the Iranian missiles, and White House national security advisor Jake Sullivan said at a briefing Tuesday that Iran's attack was "ineffective."

Read the original article on Business Insider
PEARL RIVER COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT)  A Picayune man was sentenced to 50 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC) for trafficking methamphetamine intended to be smuggled into Mississippi prisons.

Dakota Anthony Smith, 34, was sentenced on September 30, 2024.

In September 2020, MDOC investigators said members of the Simon City Royals had plans to introduce narcotics into the states prisons, including the illicit use of drones to make deliveries. Investigators said Smith, a gang member, was thought to be involved.

Heidelberg man charged with DUI after chase

An undercover Mississippi Bureau of Narcotics (MBN) agent posed as a drug courier for the gang, intending to deliver narcotics to gang members inside Mississippi prisons, arranged to

obtain the drugs from Smith in Picayune.

Investigators said the agent purchased more than 47 grams of methamphetamine from Smith for $1,200. The agent made another purchase from Smith the following day, this time for more than 82 grams of methamphetamine, paying $3,300.

Smith served time in a Louisiana prison on unrelated matters, being returned to Pearl River County, Mississippi in December 2023, where he was arraigned and his trial set for October 1. Smith pled guilty the day before he was scheduled to go to trial.

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Wondering if you should travel to Pigeon Forge and Gatlinburg this week after the Hurricane Helene floods?

The area was largely spared of major damage. If you can get there safely, tourism officials say you are welcome with open arms.

Many sections of East Tennessee were ravaged by floods, but the flood-prone Little Pigeon River through Gatlinburg stayed within its banks.

There are some exceptions and challenges, of course. Consider these factors:

Check the highways on your route. Interstate 40 on the Tennessee-North Carolina border washed out. Five bridges in the state are gone, and others are closed because of damage. The roads through Sevier County, however, are intact and open.

Sevier County spokesperson Tyler Basler, who could only authoritatively speak on conditions in the county, not in individual cities such as Sevierville and Gatlinburg, said there were no major issues on county roads.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park leaders earlier this week were asking visitors to reschedule trips to the park, citing safety and staffing concerns. Some smaller roads and areas of the park were still closed as of Oct. 1, but U.S. 441/Newfound Gap Road, the major road through the park, is scheduled to reopen by 8 a.m. Oct. 2.

Some specific neighborhoods in Sevier County don't have access to water, namely east of Pittman Center and Gatlinburg (more on this below). If you like to visit Cosby when you're in the area, please don't. That region was hit hard and doesn't have water, either.

Here are some more specifics on setbacks and positive things to think about when contemplating your trip:

Some neighborhoods are without water, but you probably already know from your hotel

Most of Great Smoky Mountains tourist areas have full access to water in the wake of Hurricane Helen floods, but communities just east of Gatlinburg and in Cosby might not have water for weeks.

Webb Creek Utility District provides drinking water and other utility services to 580 customers in Cobbly Nob, Cosby and Pittman Center, including hotels and resorts that are all currently without water. The districts only water supplier is Newport Utilities Board, which has suffered severe damage to its distribution system due to the flooding.

Were just kind of waiting, Webb Creek Utility office manager Karen Huffaker, told Knox News. (Waiting) until they can get everything assessed and get a game plan going. Once they have a game plan, then well have a better idea of when well get water.

The Newport utility is in a flooded zone and declared a state of emergency for all water operations. Treated water can't circulate to customers because of severe damage. Service will be restored gradually while repairs are made in the coming weeks, according to the NUB update.

Hotels and resorts in the affected area are sending notices to guests and canceling reservations, Huffaker said.

Theres really nothing they can do, she said. They will have to cancel their reservations until we get water back because there's no way for us to get them water.

Huffaker and her coworkers are still in shock over the impacts of Helene in East Tennessee. She advises visitors and homeowners to regularly check wcud.org and newportutilities.com for updates.

The Sevier County Water Department, which is separate, had no outages as of Sept. 30, according to Basler.

Power has (mostly) been restored

There were 212 verified power outages according to the Sevier County Electric System outages map the afternoon of Sept. 30.

Major attractions and restaurants are in fine shape when it comes to electricity.

Are Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge attractions open?

For visitors looking to enjoy some of the major attractions and themes parks, Dollywood, Anakeesta and WildSide are operating on regular schedules.

Dollywood's popular Harvest Festival is going on now.

Ober Mountain is open, too, and closures for specific activities at the adventure park are available at x.com/OberGatlinburg.

Great Smoky Mountains National Park still has a lot of closures

Great Smoky Mountains National Park, on the other hand, still has roads, campgrounds and visitors centers closed this week because of damage and safety concerns, and visitors are urged to reschedule visits to the park.

It's complicated; the park needs repairs after the storm, and staff resources are limited as park employees in both North Carolina and Tennessee assist surrounding areas, attend to emergencies at home or are unable to drive to work due to closed roads.

Sevierville is busy welcoming visitors

If youre able to safely drive down Interstate 40 and take the famous Exit 407 that leads to Sevier County attractions like Dollywood, youll find business as usual.

Drivers were filling up their tanks and eating Beaver Nuggets at Buc-ees, and along Winfield Dunn Park Way shopping areas were full including Smoky Mountain Knife Works and Smoky Mountain Gateway when Knox News drove through the area Oct. 1.

People were enjoying Margaritaville post-Helene, and The Island entertainment district in Pigeon Forge was active with shoppers and guests.

In the City of Sevierville  our attractions are open, our restaurants are open and theyre ready to welcome guests, Sevierville Visitors Bureau spokesperson Amanda Marr told Knox News Oct. 1. She also noted that city roads are clear and popular attractions have water and power.

Two campgrounds along the French Broad River did experience flooding, though, Marr noted. Ripplin Waters Campground and Two Rivers Landing are waiting for waters to recede.

The Sevierville Visitors Bureau and visitors center have been inundated with calls about hotel and campground reservations, local flooding and road access. But Sevierville is open for business.

If you are planning to visit, so long as you can travel here safely and have a good route to get here, you know, there's no reason to cancel your plans (or) to change your plans, and we are ready to welcome you, Marr said.

Local officials do suggest visitors call ahead to hotels and vacation rentals directly to confirm their status or if they had any damage related to Helene, though. And travelers are encouraged to use updated online maps to help find alternate routes with parts of I-40 shut down and other road closures.

We always want our visitors to stay safe, stay aware of their situation, their surroundings, and kind of keep tabs on what's happening, Marr advised.

Devarrick Turner is a trending news reporter. Email devarrick.turner@knoxnews.com. On X, formerly known as Twitter @dturner1208.

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This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Was Pigeon Forge affected by Hurricane Helene? What about Gatlinburg?
PIKE COUNTY, Ark.  Arkansas State Police said Tuesday that a Pike County deputy has been cleared in an August shooting that left a woman dead.

According to ASP officials, 9th West Judicial District Prosecuting Attorney Jana Bradford determined that the deputys use of lethal force was justified in the death of 43-year-old Jennifer Provence.

Arkansas State Police investigating deadly officer-involved shooting in Pike County

On Aug 29, state troopers said that Pulaski County deputies responded to a location on Highway 84 West near the Glenwood community in Pike County after receiving reports of a woman with a knife. The woman was identified as Provence, special agents said.

ASP official said Provence did not comply with the deputys commands to drop the knife, leading to him firing his service weapon and killing her.

Arkansas State Police, U.S. Marshals Service cleared in deadly Devalls Bluff standoff

State police said agents with the criminal investigation division prepared an investigative file and submitted it to the prosecuting attorney, who determined that the use of deadly force was consistent with Arkansas laws.

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Plans for mortuary next to school withdrawn

The head of King Street Primary School questioned how the funeral company would provide services discreetly [BBC]

Plans to open a mortuary next to a primary school have been withdrawn.

Hardys Funeral Services had hoped to convert a house in Spennymoor, County Durham, despite opposition from residents.

Dozens of objections were submitted to Durham County Council after the plans for High Grange Road were lodged in July, with nearby King Street Primary School saying its future could be doubtful if it went ahead.

The company has been approached for comment.

King Street head teacher, Joanne Bromley said: "We firmly believe if it went ahead, parents would consider a move of schools and any new parents would not choose our school in the future."

Resident Peter Bright added: "It would be very inappropriate for young children to see deceased bodies being taken in and out of the property."

The bungalow which could be used by the funeral company is just metres from the school [Google maps]

Hardys responded to concerns in August saying the mortuary would operate discreetly and no funeral services would be hosted at the site.

A statement added: "The deceased would arrive in a closed vehicle, reversed into the garage, and the deceased taken from there into the main building on a covered stretcher."

But parents warned the mortuary would be disruptive to school pupils and visitors.

Deborah Collinson said: "I have two children attending this school and a business of this nature is likely to cause anxiety for them walking past it every day."

The reason for the withdrawal of the application is unclear, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.

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Wikileaks founder Julian Assange on Tuesday said he was released after years of incarceration only because he had pleaded guilty to doing "journalism", which he described as a pillar of a free society.

Assange spent most of the last 14 years either holed up in the Ecuadoran embassy in London to avoid arrest, or locked up at Belmarsh Prison in the British capital.

He was released from jail in June, after serving a sentence for publishing hundreds of thousands of confidential US government documents.

"I am not free today because the system worked. I am free today after years of incarceration because I pleaded guilty to journalism," Assange told the Council of Europe rights body at its Strasbourg headquarters in his first public comments since his release.

"I eventually chose freedom over unrealisable justice... justice for me is now precluded," Assange said, noting he had been facing a 175-year jail sentence.

Speaking calmly and flanked by his wife Stella who fought for his release, he added: "Journalism is not a crime, it is a pillar of a free and informed society."

"The fundamental issue is simple. Journalists should not be prosecuted for doing their jobs," said Assange.

The trove of confidential documents released by Wikileaks included searingly frank US State Department descriptions of foreign leaders, accounts of extrajudicial killings and intelligence gathering against allies.

Assange argued his case provided an insight into "how powerful intelligence organisations engage in transnational repression" against their foes, adding that this "cannot become the norm here."

- 'More impunity, more secrecy' -

He said that during his incarceration "ground has been lost", regretting that he now sees "more impunity, more secrecy and more retaliation for telling the truth."

"Freedom of expression and all that flows from it is at a dark crossroads," he told the hearing of the legal committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe (PACE).

"Let us all commit to doing our part to ensure the light of freedom never dims and the pursuit of truth will live on and the voices of many are not silenced by the interests of the few," he said.

Assange's case remains deeply contentious.

Supporters hail him as a champion of free speech and say he was persecuted by authorities and unfairly imprisoned. Detractors see him as a reckless blogger whose uncensored publication of ultra-sensitive documents put lives at risk and jeopardised US security.

US President Joe Biden, who is likely to issue some pardons before leaving office next January, has previously described Assange as a "terrorist".

Assange's timing and his choice of venue have puzzled some observers.

The Council of Europe brings together the 46 signatory states of the European Convention on Human Rights, with little say over Assange's legal fate.

Assange is still campaigning for a US presidential pardon for his conviction under the Espionage Act.

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Many roads across western North Carolina -- like this one in southeastern Buncombe County, south of N.C. Highway 9 -- remain impassable. (Photo: NCDOT)

How voting will proceed in western North Carolina counties is still an open question as the region grapples with washed out roads, postal services that are temporarily suspended, power outages, and spotty cell service.

This level of uncertainty this close to election day is daunting, state Elections Director Karen Brinson Bell told reporters Tuesday.

Karen Brinson Bell

We are taking this situation one step at a time, she said. This will be an ongoing process, now until Election Day and even after Election Day.

Brinson Bell and state Board lawyer Paul Cox offered advice for voters and an outlook for possible future actions.

Absentee ballots:

Voters who were displaced by the storm can ask for absentee ballots to be sent to their new address, Cox said. If theyve already requested an absentee ballot that cant be delivered, they can contact their local board of elections and ask them to spoil their old ballot and send a new ballot to a new location.

Voting in person:

The state Board does not yet have an assessment of damaged or inaccessible voting locations in the disaster area. The first step is getting all the local elections offices open and operating, Brinson Bell said. As of Tuesday, a dozen county elections offices were closed.

Some offices are getting special emergency kits that will allow them to operate without internet service.

The state Board needs to know what polling sites are unusable before it can plan a response. Brinson Bell noted that elections officials set up voting tents in Hyde County in 2019 after Hurricane Dorian.

Early voting starts Oct. 17.

The intent is to have early voting start on time in every county, but its too soon to know if that can happen, Brinson Bell said.

The availability of counties voting facilities is the outstanding question.

Well be working with them to determine if they can open all the sites that they had planned to, she said. If we need to help them relocating the facilities that might change the circumstances. Its really just too soon to know, but is our intent to open early voting in all 100 counties on Oct. 17.

Legislative action:

Legislators are scheduled to come back to work next week.

The state Board doesnt yet have a list of requests for the legislature, Brinson Bell said.

The Board may ask for money to help cash-strapped local offices pay for ballot printing, she said. Elections officials are talking about the best ways to help voters.

Under a 2023 law, the legislature ended the three-day grace period for returned absentee ballots to count toward total returns. Questioned about asking the legislature to restore the grace period, Brinson Bell said that may not be the best option.

Another possibility is asking the legislature to allow voters in disaster areas to use a Web-based portal, as voters serving in the military and citizens living overseas do.

This may be one of the things we need to discuss with the legislature, she said.
Police arrest third person in Tysons Chanel theft case; woman accused of stealing over $100K in items

FAIRFAX COUNTY, Va. (DC News Now)  On Monday, police in Fairfax County announced the third arrest related to a high-end retail store theft that happened in June.

The Fairfax County Police Department (FCPD) said that the U.S. Marshals arrested 27-year-old Martina Lyons in Pennsylvania on Sept. 26.

Police searching for group accused of stealing over $100K from Tysons Chanel

Lyons was charged for her involvement in a robbery in Tysons Corner. FCPD said that Lyons and other suspects stole over $100,000 in merchandise from Chanel on June 25. A total of five people  two men and three women  went into the store in the 20000 block of International Drive and stole handbags.

FCPD said that during the theft, one man sprayed a loss prevention employee with a fire extinguisher to help escape.

On Aug. 7, FCPD arrested one of the suspects and identified two others, including Lyons. A second person was arrested on Aug. 15.

Man dead, another hospitalized after major crash in Northwest DC

Lyons was charged with robbery, larceny with intent to sell, conspiracy to commit a felony, assault with a caustic substance, organized retail theft, destruction of property, trespassing and petit larceny.

FCPD said that she was released on bond and is awaiting a court date in Fairfax County.

(Image courtesy of the Fairfax County Police Department)

Investigators were still working to identify four suspects involved in the robbery.

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As response rates drop, pollsters are increasingly turning to artificial intelligence to determine what voters are thinking ahead of Election Day, not only asking the questions but sometimes to help answer them. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Images)

Days after President Joe Biden announced he would not be seeking re-election, and endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris, polling organization Siena College Research Institute sought to learn how persuadable voters were feeling about Harris.

In their survey, a 37-year-old Republican explained that they generally favored Trump for his ability to get [things] done one way or another.

Who do you think cares about people like you? How do they compare in terms of caring about people like you? the pollster asked.

Thats where I think Harris wins, I lost a lot of faith in Trump when he didnt even contact the family of the supporter who died at his rally, the 37-year-old said.

Pollsters pressed this participant and others across the political spectrum to further explain their stances, and examine the nuance behind choosing a candidate. The researchers saw in real time how voters may sway depending on the issue, and asked follow-up questions about their belief systems.

But the persuadable voters werent talking to a human pollster. They were conversing with an AI chatbot called Engage.

The speed in which election cycles move, coupled with a steep drop of people participating in regular phone or door-to-door polls, have caused pollsters to turn to artificial intelligence for insights, both asking the questions and sometimes even answering them

Why do we poll?

The history of polling voters in presidential races goes back 200 years, to the 1824 race which ultimately landed John Quincy Adams in the White House. White men began polling each other at events leading up to the election, and newspapers began reporting the results, though they didnt frame the results as predictive of the outcome of the election.

In modern times, polling for public opinion has become a business. Research centers, academic institutions and news conglomerates themselves have been conducting polls during election season for decades. Though their accuracy has limitations, the practice is one of the only ways to gauge how Americans may be thinking before they vote.

Polling plays a different role for different groups, said Rachel Cobb, an assistant professor of political science and legal studies at Suffolk University. For campaign workers, polling groups of voters helps provide insight into the issues people care about the most right now, and informs how candidates talk about those issues. Its why questions at a presidential debate usually arent a surprise to candidates  moderators tend to ask questions about the highest-polling topics that week.

For news outlets, polls help give context to current events and give anchors numbers to illustrate a story. Constant polling also helps keep a 24-hour news cycle going.

And for regular Americans, poll results help them gauge where the race is, and either activate or calm their nerves, depending on if their candidate is polling favorably.

But Cobb said she, like many of her political science colleagues, has observed a drop in responses to more traditional style of polling. Its much harder and more expensive for pollsters to do their job, because people arent answering their phones or their front doors.

The time invested in getting the appropriate kind of balance of people that you need in order to determine accuracy has gotten greater and so and theyve had to come up with more creative ways to get them, Cobb said. At the same time, our technological capacity has increased.

How AI is assisting in polling?

The speed of information has increased exponentially with social media and 24-hour news cycles, and polls have had to keep up, too. Though they bring value in showing insights for a certain group of people, their validity is fleeting because of that speed, Cobb said. Results are truly only representative of that moment in time, because one breaking news story could quickly change public opinion.

That means pollsters have to work quickly, or train artificial intelligence to keep up.

Leib Litman, co-CEO and chief research officer of CloudResearch, which created the chatbot tool Engage, said AI has allowed them to collect answers so much faster than before.

Were able to interview thousands of people within a matter of a couple hours, and then all of that data that we get, all those conversations, were also able to analyze it, and derive the insights very, very quickly, he said.

Engage was developed about a year ago and can be used in any industry where you need to conduct market research via interviews. But its become especially useful in this election cycle as campaigns attempt to learn how Americans are feeling at any given moment. The goal isnt to replace human responses with AI, rather to use AI to reach more people, Litman said.

But some polling companies are skipping interviewing and instead relying on something called sentiment analysis AI to analyze publically available data and opinions. Think tank Heartland Forward recently worked with AI-powered polling group Aaru to determine the public perception of artificial intelligence.

The prediction AI company uses geographical and demographic data of an area and scrapes publicly available information, like tweets or voting records, to simulate respondents of a poll. The algorithm uses all this information to make assertions about how a certain demographic group may vote or how they may answer questions about political issues.

This type of poll was a first for Heartland Forward, and its executive vice president Angie Cooper said they paired the AI-conducted poll with in-person gatherings where they conducted more traditional polls.

When we commissioned the poll, we didnt know what the results were going to yield, she said. What we heard in person closely mirrored the poll results.

Sentiment Analysis

The Aaru poll is an example of sentiment analysis AI, which uses machine learning and large language models to analyze the meaning and tone behind text. It includes training an algorithm to not just understand literally whats in a body of text, but also to seek out hidden messaging or context, like humans do in conversation.

The general public started interacting with this type of AI in about 2010, said Zohaib Ahmed, founder of Resemble AI, which specializes in voice generation AI. Sentiment analysis AI is the foundation behind search engines that can read a request and make recommendations, or to get your Alexa device to fulfill a command.

Between 2010 and 2020, though, the amount of information collected on the internet has increased exponentially. Theres so much more data for AI models to process and learn from, and technologists have taught it to process contextual, between-the-lines information.

The concept behind sentiment analysis is already well understood by pollsters, says Bruce Schneier, a security technologist and lecturer at Harvard Universitys Kennedy School. In June, Schneier and other researchers published a look into how AI was playing a role in political polling.

Most people think polling is just asking people questions and recording their answers, Schneier said, but theres a lot of math between the questions people answer and the poll results.

All of the work in polling is turning the answers that humans give into usable data, Schneier said.

You have to account for a few things: people lie to pollsters, certain groups may have been left out of a poll, and response rates are overall low. Youre also applying polling statistics to the answers to come up with consumable data. All of this is work that humans have had to do themselves before technology and computing helped speed up the process.

In the Harvard research, Schneier and the other authors say they believe AI will get better at anticipating human responses, and knowing when it needs human intervention for more accurate context. Currently, they said, humans are our primary respondents to polls, and computers fill in the gaps. In the future, though, well likely see AI filling out surveys and humans filling in the gaps.

I think AI should be another tool in the pollsters mathematical toolbox, which has been getting more complex for the past several decades, Schneier said.

Pros and cons of AI-assisted polling

AI polling methods bring pollsters more access and opportunity to gauge public reaction. Those who have begun using it in their methodology said that theyve struggled to get responses from humans organically, or they dont have the time and resources to conduct in-person or telephone polling.

Being interviewed by an anonymous chatbot may also provide more transparent answers for controversial political topics. Litman said personal, private issues such as health care or abortion access are where their chatbot really shines. Women, in particular, have reported that they feel more comfortable sharing their true feelings about these topics when talking to a chatbot, he said.

But, like all methodology around polling, its possible to build flaws into AI-assisted polling.

The Harvard researchers ran their own experiment asking ChatGPT 3.5 questions about the political climate, and found shortcomings when it asked about U.S. intervention in the Ukraine war. Because the AI model only had access to data up through 2021, the answers missed all of the current context about Russias invasion beginning in 2022.

Sentiment analysis AI may also struggle with text thats ambiguous, and it cant be counted on for reviewing developing information, Ahmed said. For example, the X timeline following one of the two assassination attempts of Trump probably included favorable or supportive messages from politicians across the aisle. An AI algorithm might read the situation and conclude that all of those people are very pro-Trump.

But it doesnt necessarily mean theyre navigating towards Donald Trump, Ahmed said. It just means, you know, theres sympathy towards an event thats happened, right? But that event is completely missed by the AI. It has no context of that event occurring, per se.

Just like phone-call polling, AI-assisted polling can also potentially leave whole groups of people out of surveys, Cobb said. Those who arent comfortable using a chatbot, or arent very active online will be excluded from public opinion polls if pollsters move most of their methods online.

Its very nuanced, Ahmed said of AI polling. I think it can give you a pretty decent, high-level look at whats happening, and I guarantee that its being used by election teams to understand their position in the race, but we have to remember we exist in bubbles, and it can be misleading.

Both the political and technology experts agreed that as with most other facets of our lives, AI has found its way into polling and we likely wont look back. Technologists should aim to further train AI models to understand human sentiment, they say, and pollsters should continue to pair it with human responses for a fuller scope of public opinion.

Science of polling is huge and complicated, Schneier said. And adding AI to the mix is another tiny step down a pathway weve been walking for a long time using, you know, fancy math combined with human data.

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POOLER, Ga (WSAV)  The city of Pooler has bounced back fairly quickly after Hurricane Helene and people are taking refuge there, causing an uptick in foot traffic.

News 3 spoke with Nadia Bravo from Ellabell, who is staying at a local hotel due to the storms impacts.

Friday morning, we woke up with no power and no water, she said. We were like, What are supposed to do?

She added, The moment we got a text that said power wouldnt be restored until Wednesday at 6 p.m., that was when I was like alright, time to go.

The increased amount of foot traffic throughout the city has brought more money to businesses.

You might have noticed the packed roadways and long lines at the gas stations and restaurants.

How to help local victims of Hurricane Helene

According to the Pooler Chamber of Commerce, even the hotels are seeing a gain.

Hotels in Pooler are packed, Courtney Rawlins, president and CEO of the Pooler Chamber of Commerce, said. I think everybody knows thats kind of an understatement. We do have several hotels that still do not have power. Their backup generators are working, and they are taking reservations.

WSAV spoke with a Drury Plaza Hotel employee. Jodi Molinari told us she has stayed a couple of nights at the hotel due to a power outage in Rincon.

I met people from Bloomingdale and Augusta, Molinari said. A lot of families are coming in here, a lot of coworkers are staying here, and a lot of people who have been without power and trying to get back home and are waiting for power to turn back on.

The city is hosting people from as far as western North Carolina. The Reed family will be spending time in Pooler after losing their home to devastating flooding.

We evacuated to Blowing Rock where our friends live on top of a mountain, they told News 3. Then, yesterday, we went down to where we live to find that everything was devasted.

They said, I think it really started to hit me when I started to leave the mountains today. It was just really sad. We dont know if well ever go back. But we are alive.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
Pope Francis presides over a vigil ahead of the Synod of bishops, at the Vatican

Pope Francis presides over a vigil ahead of the Synod of bishops, at the Vatican

By Joshua McElwee

VATICAN CITY (Reuters) - Pope Francis on Tuesday led a prayer service asking forgiveness for the failings of the Catholic Church, including treatment by clergy of women and survivors of sexual abuse, as Catholic leaders prepared to begin a month-long summit at the Vatican.

The ceremony in St. Peter's Basilica featured testimony from an abuse survivor, who told hundreds of bishops in attendance that the abuse scandals "have shaken the faith of millions (and) tarnished the reputation of an institution that many look to for guidance".

Francis returned on Sunday from a trip to Belgium, where he faced some of the strongest criticism yet levied during one of his foreign trips.

The country's king and prime minister urged more concrete actions to address the abuse scandals, and leaders at two Catholic universities denounced the pope's stances on the role of women in the church and society.

As part of Tuesday's service, seven cardinals, the highest figures after the pope in the 1.4-billion-member global Church, made requests for pardon for different Church failings. Francis told attendees he wrote the requests himself "because it was necessary to call our sins by their first and last names".

Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the retiring archbishop of Boston who leads the Vatican's commission on clergy sexual abuse, asked forgiveness for abuse. Cardinal Kevin Farrell, a former bishop of Dallas who leads the Vatican's department for lay people, asked pardon "for all the times that we have not recognised and defended the dignity of women".

Francis said the service was intended "to begin to heal wounds that never stop bleeding".

"We ask forgiveness, feeling ashamed, from those who have been hurt by our sins," said the pope.

The Vatican summit, known as a synod, opens on Wednesday. The meeting includes cardinals, bishops and lay people from more than 110 countries. The synod members will vote on a final text in late October that may suggest doctrinal changes.

An earlier summit, held last year, featured discussions on divisive issues such as women's ordination and blessings for same-sex couples. But most of the hottest issues for this assembly have been assigned to study groups that will make final reports next June to Francis, who is 87.

(Reporting by Joshua McElwee; Editing by David Gregorio)
Pope Francis attends a vigil prayer in St. Peter's Basilica ahead of the start of the Synod of Bishops 16th General Assembly, at the Vatican, Tuesday Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Alessandra Tarantino)

ROME (AP)  Pope Francis launched the second phase of his big Catholic reform project Tuesday by asking forgiveness for a host of sins, reasoning that the church must atone for its transgressions if it wants to re-establish credibility with the faithful.

Fresh off a difficult visit to Belgium, where the churchs clergy sex abuse scandal and its treatment of women troubled the pope at every turn, Francis led top cardinals in apologizing for everything from the destruction of the planet to the discrimination of women and rejection of migrants.

How can we be credible in our mission if we don't recognize our own errors and bow down to heal the wounds that we have caused with our sins? Francis asked.

The penitential service in St. Peter's Basilica preceded the official start Wednesday of the synod, a three-week meeting of more than 360 bishops and lay people to discuss the future of the church. The most pressing agenda items include calls for women to have greater decision-making roles in the church.

The Vatican organized the vigil service as a way to prepare spiritually for the meeting, on the grounds that naming sins and asking for their forgiveness was a necessary step to begin again.

In one dramatic moment during the service, a man who was sexually violated by a priest as a child, Laurence Gien, told his story to a hushed basilica. He denounced the veil of secrecy, and lack of transparency and accountability in the churchs response to abuse, which he said had shaken the faith of millions.

When an institution as prominent as the Catholic Church fails to protect its most vulnerable members, it sends a message that justice and accountability are negotiable  when in reality, they should be fundamental, he said.

Cardinal Sean OMalley, Francis longtime adviser on child protection strategies, was called on to read out the request for forgiveness for the abuse scandal, one of seven top cardinals who read aloud petitions for forgiveness that Francis himself had written.

I ask forgiveness, feeling shame, for all the times we have used the condition of ordained ministry and consecrated life to commit this terrible sin, feeling safe and protected while we were profiting diabolically from the little ones and the poor, said O'Malley, the retired archbishop of Boston.

The abuse and cover-up scandal that has convulsed the church for decades has devastated the credibility of the Catholic hierarchy in many countries and helped contribute to sharp declines in the faith. Internally, the crisis has fueled calls for broader reform to de-emphasize the importance of priests and value more the contributions of rank-and-file Catholics, especially women.
Dockworkers at ports from Maine to Texas are officially on strike.

Thirty-six East Coast and Gulf Coast ports shut down as 45,000 union workers walked off the job after labor negotiations stalled between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), USA TODAY reported. The strike only exacerbates some temporary port closures in places like Florida, the Carolinas and Georgia in the wake of Hurricane Helene.

The ILA strike is the first at these ports since 1977 and has the potential to cost the economy up to $5 billion a day, upend holiday shopping for millions of Americans and dictate whether many small- and medium-sized businesses and farmers turn a profit or lose money this year, experts said.

Every idle day that a ship does not get into the port costs money and sometimes a lot of money  that ultimately gets passed onto consumers, Stamatis Tsantanis, chairman and chief executive of shipper Seanergy Maritime and United Maritime, said in a statement.

Here's what we know about the ports in Florida.

Will port strike affect PortMiami in Florida?

At PortMiami, the biggest commodities going in and out of the port are fruits and vegetables, apparel and machinery.

Will port strike affect Port Everglades in Florida?

According to a CBS News story filed Tuesday, Oct. 1, Port Everglades said a strike would impact 41% of containerized cargo. Gasoline shipments at Port Everglades, and South Florida's huge cruise industry, will not be affected, the story states.

The strike by longshore workers is expected to affect cargo operations across the eastern U.S., with the potential to negatively impact the supply of a wide range of goods at grocery stores and other retailers.

But Port Canaveral will not be directly affected, because the port's cargo operators use nonunion labor to load and unload cargo vessels docked there  and not members of the striking International Longshoremen's Association.

Port Canaveral, one of the busiest ports in the world, is home to Disney Cruise Line, Royal Caribbean Cruises, Carnival Cruise Line and others.

Port Canaveral also is home to SpaceX drone ships such as Just Read the Instructions and A Shortfall of Gravitas that retrieve the Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rocket stages in the Atlantic.

Will port strike affect Royal Caribbean, Carnival, Disney cruises from Florida?

Officials from Port Canaveral and the ILA union say Port Canaveral will not be affected.

Paul Kellem, a union representative for International Longshoremen's Association Locals 1359/1860 at Port Canaveral, said the cargo operators there currently use nonunion labor for the ship operations.

Kellem said his union local  which has about 375 members  loads and unloads passenger luggage and ship supplies from cruise ships at Port Canaveral. He said those operations will not be impacted because the ILA is not striking against cruise lines or military operations.

ILA President Harold Daggett said ILA longshore workers will continue to work passenger cruise vessels at all ILA ports, "to not inconvenience the tens of thousands of Americans who have booked trips in advance."

We understand that many families plan and pay for cruise vacations on passenger ships more than a year out, and we dont want them to be disappointed or inconvenienced in any way, Daggett said in a statement.

The ILA has no plans for picketing at Port Canaveral, although Kellem said his local's members plan to picket on their days off at Florida ports that are affected by the strike, including ones in Jacksonville, Fort Lauderdale, Miami and Tampa.

Eight cargo vessels are scheduled to dock at Port Canaveral through Oct. 6, carrying a wide range of commodities, including juice concentrate, aggregate, gasoline, lumber, slag and granite.

According to the Florida Times-Union, JaxPort said in a news release it is closely monitoring the situation regarding the International Longshoreman Association agreement with the United States Maritime Alliance and we remain in close contact with the terminal operators who use ILA labor. We expect the strike to impact about one-third of JaxPorts business, particularly international container volumes operated by SSA Jacksonville, as well as international vehicle volumes.

This article originally appeared on Florida Today: Port strike's Florida affects: Cruises, Canaveral, Jacksonville, Miami
A Port Strike Is Looming in the US  and It's Going to Make Getting Bananas, Cherries, and Other Foods Very Difficult

The shutdown could happen within hours.

STR / AFP via Getty Images

The ports along the East and Gulf Coasts of the United States could shut down within hours due to a potential dockworkers strike over wage and automation concerns. And it could have a serious effect on the U.S. economy, including the food sector.

On Monday, Reuters reported that the negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association (ILA) union, which represents 45,000 port workers, and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) employer group hit an impasse over pay. And the contract is set to expire at midnight. It would mark the first coast-wide strike since 1977, Reuters added. One analyst told Reuters that if the strike does indeed move forward, it could cost the U.S. economy up to $5 billion per day. (The Anderson Economic Group put that number closer to $2 billion for a week-long strike, according to CNN.)

Related: Heres Whats Really Going on With Skyrocketing Food Prices

As for what would be affected, well, it would be just about everything. In additional reporting, Reuters noted that the strike could affect 36 ports that bring in everything from "bananas to clothing."

CNN also reported that one particular port, Port Wilmington in Delaware, is the "nations leading banana port," with the American Farm Bureau estimating that 1.2 million metric tons of bananas go through the ports, so about 25% of the nation's bananas. CNN adds that other food items like cherries move through these ports, along with raw goods like sugar and cocoa, as do "a large percentage of imported wine, beer, and hard liquor." The supply chain could be squeezed to a breaking point, with retailers forced to raise prices on everyday goods, and causing a weeks-long backup at ports, even if the strike is resolved quickly.

Related: A Boom in Coffee Sales Reflects What Americans Are Prioritizing Amid Soaring Grocery Prices

As for what the two sides want, union representatives will not publicly disclose their demands. However, according to CNN, it's reportedly asking for an annual pay increase that would result in raises totaling 77% through the life of the six-year contract, bringing its top earners from $39 an hour to $69. But, according to the ILA, it only received "insulting" offers in return.

Food & Wine / Getty Images According to Reuters, the strike could affect 36 ports that bring in everything from "bananas to clothing."

My ILA members are not going to accept these insulting offers that are a joke considering the work my ILA longshore workers perform, and the billion dollar profits the companies make off the backs of their labor, Harold Daggett, the ILAs international president and chief negotiator, said in a statement. The group added in a statement to the Associated Press, The Ocean Carriers represented by USMX want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject  ILA longshore workers deserve to be compensated for the important work they do keeping American commerce moving and growing.

For its part, USMX says the union is refusing to negotiate in good faith, with CNN reporting that the two groups have not met in person since June. One person with alleged knowledge of the negotiations told CNN that USMX offered "upwards" of 40% in wage increases over the six-year contract.

We remain prepared to bargain at any time, but both sides must come to the table if we are going to reach a deal, and there is no indication that the ILA is interested in negotiating at this time, USMX said. Under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, President Joe Biden technically has the power to step in and order an 80-day cooling-off period, but told reporters he would not be intervening at this time, adding, Because its collective bargaining, I dont believe in Taft-Hartley."



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Read the original article on Food & Wine.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  U.S. Ports from Maine to Texas could shut down Tuesday if a union representing about 45,000 dockworkers carries through with a threat to strike.

With strike looming, progress is reported in talks between Eastern and Gulf ports and dockworkers

22News spoke with a professor of economics who says that this is a dire situation for American consumers.

The economy could come to a standstill, and shipping delays could worsen ahead of the holiday shopping season. The contract between the International Longshoremens Association and the United States Maritime Alliance, which represents the ports, expires at midnight.

The workers want a 77 % wage hike over six years and a complete ban on automation on cranes, gates, and container loading and unloading. The two sides have not held negotiations since June and are now going down to the wire ahead of a possible strike.

John Rogers, a Professor of Economics and Finance at American International College, told 22News, If this goes on for any length of time, it could be a real disaster. You also have huge traffic in autoparts and all kinds of critical materialyou have huge agricultural exports that are perishable. They cant just sit on the dock and wait. I think the president needs to step up and try to get involved.

Rogers says the longer a strike goes, the longer its going to take for the economy and the supply chain to recover, possibly costing the economy 4.5 billion dollars per day. If there is a strike, it would be the first by the union since 1977. At midnight is when the contract ends, the potential for a strike begins.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
PHILADELPHIA - A strike that could bring higher prices and shortages of goods has begun at ports up and down the East Coast, and along the Gulf Coast.

Workers with the International Longshoremens Association walked off the job at midnight Tuesday when their wages and automation contract expired.

The strike impacts more than 45,000 workers at three dozen U.S. ports from Maine to Texas, including Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore.

"The Ocean Carriers represented by the United States Maritime Alliance want to enjoy rich billion-dollar profits that they are making in 2024, while they offer ILA Longshore Workers an unacceptable wage package that we reject," the union said in a statement.

Operations could be seized at the Port of Philadelphia and Port of Wilmington, and experts say the strike could reignite inflation and cause shortages of goods if it goes on for more than a few weeks.

FOX 29's Hank Flynn was live as workers gathered at the Port of Philadelphia in the union's first strike since 1977.

Philaport, who manages the Philadelphia Terminals, says they are aware of the potential strike but are not directly involved:

"The United States Maritime Alliance and the ILA have been negotiating since late May of this year with little movement. The major issues at hand are wage increases, automation, and technology," they said in a statement.

"You have foreign countries coming over here dictating to us what theyre going to do. Were taxpayers were going to take these jobs- -were to stay and do these jobs," said Daniel Gallagher/President, I.L.A. Local 1242.

A long strike could hammer regional economies reliant on the fruit, frozen meat, steel, and paper products flowing from hulking container ships moving along the Delaware.

The U.S. Maritime Alliance, a coalition of port operators and shipping companies, writes its offered to "increase wages by 50 percent", and "retain the current language around automation and semi-automation", but the union walked.

"Our biggest fight is automation. You can have as much of a raise as you want but if you cut the workforce in half the wage really doesnt matter anymore," said Dylan Snively, IInternational Longshoremens Association.

Strikers gathered with signs at the Packer and Tioga Terminals on Tuesday hoping their first-in-decades job action will save their work.

Here is what to know about the labor dispute and effects of the strike:

Dockworker labor dispute

For the strike to end, the ILA, which represents 45,000 members at East and Gulf coast ports, needs to make a deal with the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX), which represents the ports.

Much of the labor dispute involves the addition of new technologies to U.S. ports that the union says could ultimately cause job losses.

The union is demanding a total ban on the automation of cranes, gates and moving containers in the loading and unloading of freight, along with significantly higher wages.

West Coast dockworkers belong to a different union and aren't involved in the strike.

What does the port strike affect?

The port strike is affecting operations at 36 U.S. docks stretching from Maine to Texas, which means the number of goods coming in and out of the country will begin lessening by the day.

Just how long the strike lasts depends on how severely the supply chain could be affected.

If drawn out, the strike would force businesses to pay shippers for delays and cause some goods to arrive late for peak holiday shopping season  potentially impacting delivery of anything from toys or artificial Christmas trees, to cars, coffee and vegetables.

Americans could also face higher prices as retailers feel the supply squeeze.

"Everyone from the shipping lines to trade groups and maritime industry analysts also warns of widespread ramifications in the global supply chain," reported The Maritime Executive , a maritime industry magazine and newsletter. "Sea-Intelligence has estimated that for each day of a strike, it would take four to six days to clear the backlog. They wrote that even a two-week strike could have ramifications into 2025."

FOX Business reported that JP Morgan issued an estimate that a strike would cost the U.S. economy as much as $5 billion a day.

White House intervention

All eyes are on what, if any, action the Biden administration might take  particularly just weeks ahead of a tight presidential election .

The president has the power to order an 80-day cooling-off period, suspending the strike, under the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act. But Biden has indicated hes not interested in intervening.

"Because its collective bargaining, I dont believe in Taft-Hartley," he said during an exchange with reporters on S
Portrait of MPS students sheds light on realities MPS must deal with in considering future of its schools

Students wait to get their schedules before the first day of school for Milwaukee Public Schools students at South Division High School in Milwaukee on Tuesday, Sept. 3, 2024. All district students are under the same calendar for the 2024-25 school year.

Fifteen million square feet of space at 144 locations. Seventeen buildings that date back to 1898 or earlier. More than 120 buildings that were built before 1950. Many schools that have enrollment well below capacity.

The physical aspects of planning for the future of Milwaukee Public Schools facilities come with a lot of challenges.

But the brick-and-mortar side of things is almost surely the easier part of figuring out what path MPS should pursue. The harder part will be the human factors. The state of kids in Milwaukee, especially in some sections of the city. The declining number of kids in the city. The challenges of appealing to parents in a climate where so many have chosen schools outside of MPS. The politics and emotions around any proposal to close some schools in a district that clearly has too many buildings for the number of students. The tightwire balancing act between financial needs of the system and financial realities of how much money there is.

And, hanging over all of it, the intractability of the problems that Milwaukee faces when it comes to poverty-related issues, plus the continuing sense of crisis around the functioning of MPS itself.

MPS leaders are heading into the heart of work on a master facilities plan for the district, including a set of meetings in the next few days to get public input.

As part of work on developing that plan, independent consulting firm Perkins Eastman led work that developed a data portrait of MPS students. The report sheds light on the realities  positive, negative and neutral  of MPS. Based mostly on data from the 2023-24 school year, here are a handful of things that can be learned from the consultants report, which is titled Who are the students of MPS?

The consultants report may be found at www.mpsfacilitiesplan.com/people.

There is little life to the concept of neighborhood schools in Milwaukee

Only one of six MPS students attend the school in a childs attendance area, as it is officially called. That figure doesnt vary much by age. Overall, 16% of students in kindergarten through fifth grade attend their neighborhood school. The figure is 14% for students in kindergarten through eighth grade, 16% for middle school students, and 11% for high school students.

Grade by grade erosion of enrollment

The number of students enrolled in MPS declines from grade to grade in every case except one. In other words, the number of first-graders in one year is higher than the number of second-graders in the following year  and so on, from year to year for every grade. This points to a major problem retaining students.

The decline from year to year is small in elementary years, generally 2% to 4%, except for a decline of 8% between fifth grade and sixth grade, which is a transition year from elementary to middle schools for many students.

The decline in high school years is larger: The number of 10th-graders is 22% less than the number of ninth-graders, the number of 11th-graders is 9% less than the number of 10th-graders, and the number of 12th-graders is 13% lower than the number of 11th-graders.

The one exception is from eight grade to ninth grade, with 26% more students in ninth grade than in eighth grade the previous year. But this is not a good thing because the main reason is that so many students are repeating ninth grade for at least the second time.

Differences between the north side and the south side

Previous reports compiled by MPS have shown that many schools on the south side have enrollment that is near or even above the listed capacity of their buildings. This is also true of many non-MPS schools on the south side. Much of this has to do with the growing number of children on the largely Hispanic south side compared to declining numbers of children on the largely Black north side. On the north side, many schools have enrollment far below their capacity.

The facilities consultant added a dimension to this discussion by analyzing what percentage of MPS students in each School Board district attend a school within that district. There are eight School Board districts, so this basically illustrates how many kids attend a school somewhat near where they live, even if its not their neighborhood school.

The result: In four of the districts  those generally on the south side and east side  higher percentages of students attend a school within that district (between 50% and 55% of the students who live in that district) than in the other four districts, generally on the north side. In north side districts, well under 50% of MPS students attend schools in that district. For School Board District 3, covering much of the central north side, only 24% of students who live in that district attend a school in that district.

The report doesnt offer reasons for this, but permit me to suggest that it says something about how parents in different parts of Milwaukee feel about the schools near them. And its not a very positive answer when it comes to the north side schools, many of which have long histories of low academic success for students.

Busing remains a central fact of life in MPS

As of September 2023, there were 36,199 students a day using MPS transportation to get to school, travelling an average of 3.4 miles each way. That means that more half of the students in MPS (54% of the total enrollment of 66,864 at that point) used one or another form of public transportation to get to school. And they are generally not going short distances.

The declining population of children

The report says, Over the last 10 years, the total number of students has gone down by about 10,000, a 14% decrease. The biggest decline in student numbers at MPS is among elementary students. This means middle and high schools in the future might have fewer students as these children move up to higher grade levels.

That decline is projected to continue, based on the trends in births in Milwaukee in recent years. The analysis projects that the number of students in MPS will decline by 12% over the next decade. This would actually be a slower rate of annual decline than has been true in the last decade, but still a sign of continuing enrollment issues for MPS.

Segregation is a big fact of life in Milwaukee

Racial and ethnic segregation are an important fact of life, both in the Milwaukee area as a whole and within the city itself. The report says, While MPS as an entire district is diverse, its individual schools are less diverse than national averages.

The consultants said 51% of students attend schools where 75% or more of the students are of one race or ethnicity, and 27% attend schools where 90% or more of students are of one race or ethnicity.

Overall, 50% of MPS students are Black, 28% are Hispanic, 9% are white, 9% are Asian or Pacific Islanders

The percentage of Black students has declined in recent years, as the percentage of Hispanic students has gone up. For some historical perspective on how much MPS and Milwaukee as a whole have changed, consider this: In 1976, when court-ordered racial desegregation began in MPS, about two-thirds of students were white. Now, fewer than one in 10 is white.

Other demographics about MPS students

75% of MPS students are considered economically disadvantaged.

15% are English language learners. Overall, students speak 90 languages.

20% have special education needs.

One bonus fact, not addressed in the consultants report, is that only a bit over half of all the children in Milwaukee who are receiving publicly funded education are enrolled in the conventional MPS system. The rest are in private schools where students use publicly funded vouchers to support their schooling, charter schools, suburban and virtual schools where they enroll using Wisconsins open enrollment law, or a few alternative schools.

The competition for enrollment on a landscape where school choice is huge factor is important in shaping the challenges facing MPS.

##

At a meeting on Sept. 26, the School Board balked at closing two small high school programs that serve teens who are generally not on successful paths in school. What will happen as the questions about closing programs and schools get bigger, more controversial, more political, and just plan tougher?

Too many buildings and too few students sounds like a problem that can be solved. But the real lives of children, parents and Milwaukee as a whole will make the coming months of deliberating on the plan for MPS facilities very difficult, almost certainly controversial  and potentially a failure.

Alan Borsuk

Alan J. Borsuk is senior fellow in law and public policy at Marquette Law School. He can be reached at alan.borsuk@marquette.edu.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: A portrait of Milwaukee Public School students
Local postal workers affiliated with the American Postal Workers Union at a rally in Raleigh (Photo: by Ahmed Jallow)

Postal workers rallied in Raleigh on Tuesday as part of a nationwide Day of Action to protest recent and upcoming changes that have caused delays in mail delivery times.

Tonya Freeman, local president of the American Postal Workers Union, criticized Postmaster General Louis DeJoys policies and plans to consolidate mail processing facilities. She warned that these changes would lead to slower mail deliveries, especially in rural areas where residents rely heavily on the postal service for essential services like prescription medications.

People get medicine by mail, Freeman said. What happens when the people in these rural areas dont get their medicine?

Freeman, who has worked for more than two decades at the Raleigh mail process plant, said the plant is slated to be closed, and its operation relocated to Greensboro. DeJoy, who hails from Greensboro, was appointed by former president Donald Trump and is the husband of Aldona Wos, who served as North Carolinas Secretary of Health and Human Services under former Republican governor, Pat McCrory. His tenure has been marked by several controversies and allegations of conflicts of interest.

Earlier this year, under pressure from Congress, the agency paused plans to consolidate numerous processing facilities until at least January 2025, delaying the overhaul until after the upcoming presidential election when millions of Americans will vote by mail. Lawmakers from across the political spectrum have called on DeJoy to postpone or halt these changes, which involve relocating significant mail processing operations across state lines. It is part of the Postal Services plan to save $3 billion annually beginning next year. The agency has amassed more than $87 billion in losses from 2007 through 2020.

The APWU said election mail wont be affected. The postal service is doing an excellent job ensuring that ballots and election-related mail are delivered in a timely manner. But efficient and timely service also should apply all year to the delivery of prescription drugs, Social Security checks, financial documents, personal correspondence, and other mail and packages, said APWU President Mark Dimondstein in a press release.

The APWU is pushing for increased staffing levels to improve customer service and demanding greater transparency from the Postal Board of Governors, which the union says has made many of its decisions affecting postal services behind closed doors.

Three years ago, DeJoy announced the 10-year Delivering for America plan, which includes reducing delivery time expectations, consolidating plants, and implementing other changes aimed at making the agency more competitive and modern. The plan faced backlash from politicians from both sides of the aisle when it was released.

While the agency has converted thousands of temporary, non-career positions to career-track roles over the past couple of years, these changes have not been sufficient to address turnover issues and staffing shortages, the APWU said in a statement.

Staffing is an issue that needs to be addressed. Its not just new hires and retention. We need more staff. The public sees the long lines at postal counters, where we handle more packages today than ever before, but while the number of packages handled has dramatically increased, the number of clerks has declined over the past two decades by over 10,000, said Dimondstein.

Freeman expressed concern about job losses and the economic impact on communities that would be affected by the closure of mail processing plants, noting that non-career workers would be the first to lose their jobs. We want the public to know this is their post office, Freeman said. Its a public service, and they can speak up and contact their senators and representatives to address these issues.

The APWU represents 200,000 Postal Service employees and is affiliated with the AFL-CIO.
As a massive hurricane thrashed the southeastern United States in late September 2024, social media posts claimed Democrats used the High-frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP) to create the storm to prevent Republicans from voting in the upcoming presidential election. This is false; scientists have repeatedly refuted the notion that the atmospheric research initiative can manipulate the weather .

"They are using HAARP to ensure that HURRICANE HELENE devastates the largest Republican stronghold area in Florida. This hurricane will destroy homes, displace thousands and ensure much less participation in the presidential election in November," says a September 26, 2024 Facebook post.

Screenshot of a Facebook post taken September 30, 2024

Screenshots of the claim spread elsewhere on social media. The X user who originally aired the allegation admitted September 28 that it was a "troll post," only to share a similar claim two days later.

Helene made landfall September 26 on the Florida Panhandle as a massive Category 4 hurricane, stranding residents, destroying homes and knocking out power for millions of people. The National Weather Service warned of "catastrophic and potentially life-threatening" flooding as the storm headed inland, and the death toll climbed to at least 130 on October 1.

The disaster electrified an already tense election campaign, just five weeks from the final match-up between former president Donald Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris. Trump quickly accused the Biden administration of inaction, alleging political bias.

"He's lying," President Joe Biden responded September 30, citing the White House's ongoing response to the devastating storm (archived here).

HAARP uses the world's most powerful high-frequency transmitter to study the physical processes at work in the highest regions of the atmosphere. It has long been the subject of conspiracy theories -- including claims that it can manipulate the weather.

The latest allegations are similarly baseless.

"The tragic loss of life and widespread devastation caused by Hurricane Helene serve as a solemn reminder of the immense power of natural disasters. The research equipment at the HAARP facility is not capable of generating or amplifying such events," HAARP Director Jessica Matthews (archived here) said in an October 1 email.

Howard Diamond, director of the Atmospheric Sciences and Modeling Division at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Air Resources Laboratory (archived here), concurred.

"HAARP had absolutely no connection to the formation of Hurricane Helene, the formation of any other hurricane, or the genesis of any other natural weather event for that matter," he said in a September 30 email.

The University of Alaska Fairbanks has operated the program since 2015, when it was transferred from the US Air Force (archived here).

"Radio waves in the frequency ranges that HAARP transmits are not absorbed in either the troposphere or the stratosphere -- the two levels of the atmosphere that produce Earth's weather," the initiative says on its FAQ page (archived here).

"Since there is no interaction, there is no way to control the weather."

How hurricanes form

Global weather patterns are responsible for large-scale storms such as blizzards and hurricanes, which require specific atmospheric conditions to form.

"The genesis of Hurricane Helene, as is the case for any hurricane, formed on its own given the right conditions of sea surface temperature and upper atmospheric winds," Diamond said.

Graphic explaining the formation of hurricanes Clea PECULIER Sophie RAMIS AFP

Ella Gilbert, a meteorologist at the British Antarctic Survey (archived here), previously told AFP that "heatwaves, droughts, storms and floods are all caused by a variety of different conditions in the atmosphere and are often the result of the random combination of weather events."

She said it "makes no sense" to raise the idea that technology is bringing about such extreme events.

Although the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season has been less busy than predicted (archived here), scientists say climate change and warmer-than-average ocean temperatures have likely played a role in the rapid intensification of storms.

Florida voters affected by Helene

The Florida Department of State told AFP it is working with county election officials to address damage to infrastructure and polling places, poll worker safety and availability, and mail-in ballots.

"The Florida Department of State will continue to follow up with supervisors throughout this time as their needs evolve," an agency spokesperson said in a September 30 email.

The state has taken steps to ensure ballot access after past storms.

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis issued an emergency executive order following Hurricane Ian to change election procedures and expand voting options for those displaced or otherwise affected ahead of the 2022 midterms (archived here, here and here).

More of AFP's reporting on misinformation about the 2024 US election is available here.
Potential TB exposure at Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church in La Jolla

SAN DIEGO (FOX 5/KUSI)  Members and visitors of a church in La Jolla may have been exposed to tuberculosis, according to a release Monday from the county of San Diego.

The county said its Tuberculosis Control Program is working with Mary, Star of the Sea Catholic Church, located at 7669 Girard Ave., to let people know if they have been potentially exposed to TB between Feb. 17 and Sept. 16.

Senior center temporarily evacuated after report of possible explosive device: SDSO

The potential exposure would have primarily took place at the 8 a.m. services Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. services on Saturdays and 7:30 a.m. services on Sundays, the county said.

According to the release, people with TB may be sick for a long period of time before they are officially diagnosed.

Last week, the county informed residents at The Cove at La Jolla Post-Acute Care Center of potential TB exposure between Feb. 17 and Sept. 16.

Symptoms of TB include persistent cough, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss, said Ankita Kadakia, the countys interim public health officer. She added that some who become infected with TB may become ill in the future, sometimes years later, if their latent infection is not treated.

The county encourages anyone who believes they may have been exposed, or healthcare providers caring for those with known exposures, to call the countys Tuberculosis Control Program at (619) 692-8621.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 5 San Diego & KUSI News.
Caroline Bartlett was scanning the crowd at Long Beach High Schools homecoming dance last month when she heard a loud, sudden pop.

People jumped. But it wasnt gunfire.

A teenager had stomped on a beach ball.

Were just not going to do that, Bartlett recalled telling the student. Its supposed to be a night of fun.

The noise may not have bothered her a decade ago. But now, horrified by school shootings and exhausted from recent hoax threats, Bartlett and teachers in schools on the Mississippi Coast say even unusual sounds make them tense.

Bartlett practices using the fail-safe lock on her classroom door. Some Mississippi teachers are buying door stop wedges in case they need to fortify barricaded classrooms. Others have learned how to hit an intruder and how to hook a chair behind a door handle. A few are forming support groups.

Leigh Anne Meador demonstrates an additional locking system on classroom doors at Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024.

Am I more on edge? Yes. Are the kids more on edge? Yes, said Gabrielle Flowers, a science teacher at Long Beach Middle School. I think thats only going to get worse.

Threats surged on the Mississippi Coast and across the nation last month after police arrested a 14 year old accused of killing four people with a semiautomatic rifle at his Georgia high school. Twenty-one juveniles accused of over 60 school threats were also arrested in South Carolina. Nine students were recently charged for violent threats in the same Florida county where a shooter once killed 17 people at Parklands Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School.

South Mississippi authorities arrested a 16-year-old in September who is accused of calling Harrison Central High School twice with threats to shoot up the campus. DIberville Middle School recently canceled a dance after an untraceable shooting threat. Local districts and police departments have repeatedly sought to reassure nervous families that a national hoax threat spreading on social media was not a credible danger to any Mississippi Coast schools.

Long Beach High School Principal Justin Sutton pulls aside a curtain in a classroom at Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024, to reveal a number on the window. All of the windows at the high school have numbers on the outside so first responders can identify classrooms in the event of an emergency.

School shootings are rare. But the threats are still making Bartletts United States History and Government students nervous  and curious. They want to know: What would you do if an intruder got in? Would you grab a weapon? Would we turn our desks over? What do I do if Im in the bathroom?

Teachers will protect you, Bartlett said recently from her classroom. But that new responsibility has transformed the job she started 21 years ago. After the Parkland massacre, she realized the world expected her to stand in the line of fire, if it ever came. School fences rose up. Doors began locking automatically. A decade ago, some unruly students giggled during lockdown drills. Now, Bartlett huddles with her class in the darkness as police officers walk the halls and shake the handles on classroom doors.

Students usually never know a drill is coming. But this fall, Bartlett clued them in. If they do not know, she said, they want to call their mom.

Worry over school shootings is at the top of a lot of teachers minds, said Erica Jones, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators. Some teachers have told her they start each day by noting their buildings nearest exit, she said.

The lobby entrance to Long Beach High School in Long Beach on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. The lobby is locked and visitors have to be buzzed in the main entrance as well as the doors that lead from the lobby.

You start looking at your classrooms in very different ways, said Louise Smith, the band director at Gautier Middle School. She said teachers returning this summer to decorate their rooms were also thinking about how to stack desks against their door, how to stay away from windows and how they might hide students behind furniture or even inside cabinets if their school came under real threat.

Teachers, Smith said, dream of changing students lives.

The fact that our own lives can be in danger is not something that we sign up for.

A pull down curtain on classroom window at Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. All of the classrooms in the high school have curtains for interior and exterior windows which can be pulled down in the event of an intruder or other threat.

Classroom anxiety

Flowers said her students also seem anxious. Some are withdrawn. Others scan the room, tapping their fingers or feet.

Flowers sometimes clicks not interested when posts that depict violence in schools appear on her social media. But calming students worry is tough when parents help spread posts about unfounded threats online, she said. Some worried parents also do not trust teachers to protect their children.

If a real threat ever came, Im going to try to save everyone I can, Flowers said. I care about their well-being. I cant believe people would think that we dont.

A gate which students arrive at daily at Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. After students arrive for the day, the gate is locked and students and guests can only enter through the lobby.

The worry can disrupt class. Schools often schedule lockdown drills at the end of a period because afterwards, Bartlett said, everyone is either shell-shocked or not very focused on this World War II lecture. Some of her students skipped school last month after a hoax threat. You dont have to go to the pep rally, she recently told another student, who was nervous of crowds.

Few would have feared the festivities two decades ago. In 2000, when Jones started teaching in Jackson, she remembers no active-shooter drills.

But one day after school this fall, Jones asked her daughter: What did you all cover today?

We practiced a new intruder drill, her fourth grader replied.

It really kind of shook me, Jones said. I was expecting her to say I have a vocabulary test coming up or were working on multiplication.

A sign tells visitors that the school is under camera surveillance outside Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. Teachers and students across the country have been dealing with threats and school shootings.

New responsibility

Fear over school shootings has become so ingrained in modern life that past tragedies are now on Bartletts U.S. History syllabus. Her government classes often discuss the issues political questions. She tries to remind students of the steps Long Beach is taking to keep them safe. But I dont think theres any way to make them lose anxiety, she said.

Sometimes, overwhelmed by the news after recent shooting tragedies, Bartlett turns off the radio on her way to work.

But the problem returns in her classroom.

Recently, her class convened a mock Congress. One student wrote a bill calling for more school resource officers in Mississippi.

I want them to be present in every middle school and high school, the student wrote.

The bill passed.

They thought it was important to spend that money, Bartlett said. A projector shined the assignment, called protecting the future, on the wall behind her.

Students work on laptops during a civics class at Long Beach High School on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2024. High schools across the country have been dealing with an increase of threats.
(Bloomberg) --

Most Read from Bloomberg

Mexico isnt concerned by a possible return of former President Donald Trump to the White House, its top diplomat said, adding that the Republican nominee is very pragmatic and understands the importance of relations with the US southern neighbor.

Were the first trading partner of the US right now, outgoing Foreign Minister Alicia Barcena said in an interview on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. We are trading around $800 billion per year. Thats huge  $1.5 million per minute.

Mexico in 2023 replaced China as the top provider of goods to the US as the pandemic led to global shifts in supply chains. Amid that tightening economic relationship, border security has become a key election issue for the US. Polls ahead of the Nov. 5 election show immigration as a top concern for voters and that they prefer Trump  who has been critical of the current administrations policies  to handle it.

Barcena noted that when Trump talks against migration, he usually doesnt directly mention Mexico, and instead singles out countries like Venezuela. She estimated that nearly seven out of every ten agricultural workers in the US are Mexican and that the $63 billion in remittances that Mexicans in the US send home annually represent just 18% of their income, while the rest of the money they earn remains abroad.

If he wins, then I think he will have to see this side of the story, the minister said, adding that Mexico is willing to work with whoever wins the race between Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris.

Barcena, an experienced diplomat, was appointed foreign affairs minister by outgoing president Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador in June 2023, after her predecessor Marcelo Ebrard resigned to pursue the ruling partys presidential nomination. Previously, Barcena was Mexicos ambassador to Chile and the executive secretary of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, known as Cepal, for almost 14 years.

Border Crossings

A series of policies by Mexico and the US have reduced border crossings of migrants to the US to around 3,300 per day from a peak of 12,500, Barcena said. The adoption of CBP One, an app to schedule appointments to seek entry to the US, and the humanitarian parole the US offers to migrants from Cuba, Nicaragua, Venezuela and Haiti were among those steps that allowed the decrease, she said.

We changed the whole strategy, she said. Barcena said the US and Mexico have been trying to find ways to address the structural causes of migration while adopting short-term mechanisms such as looking for more ways to return migrants to their home countries.

Mexico asked the US to allow for migrants to use the CBP One app not only in its northern states, but also in southern states like Tabasco and Chiapas, so they dont have to travel to the north to apply for an appointment.

Mexico has also proposed to the US a program like the one it currently has with Canada for the agricultural sector, so workers can more easily work for a season and then return to their countries of origin, and later repeat the process, Barcena added.

The minister said that thanks to the governments infrastructure projects, the construction sector in Mexico has been able to absorb some migrants going through the co, and they also have opportunities in agriculture, she said.

Lopez Obrador had nominated Barcena as a candidate for the presidency of the Inter-American Development Bank, but she withdrew from the race before the vote. President-elect Claudia Sheinbaum appointed her to serve as environmental minister starting Oct. 1 amid high expectations her administration may have a more climate-friendly approach. Barcena, a biologist, is also seen as a contender to become secretary-general of the UN.

China Relations

Barcena said that Mexico wants to start substituting its imports from China, but it wants to do so alongside the US and Canada. One of Mexicos strategies has been applying more tariffs on Chinese products, a measure that should be part of a joint plan with its northern neighbors.

She said the US-Mexico-Canada free trade agreement, known as USMCA, has worked very well and should not have a major revision in 2026. The agreement, she added, has served to protect the North American automotive or steel industries from China.

We have many Chinese companies, but what we do know is that they cannot trade with the north, and thats what our USMCA says very clearly, she said. When you have clear rules, theres no problem.

--With assistance from Alex Vasquez and Maya Averbuch.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
Prayers and applause: two sides of Jerusalem react to Iran missiles

Projectiles streak across the night sky above Jerusalem during the Iranian attack (Menahem Kahana) (Menahem Kahana/AFP/AFP)

Depending on where you were in Jerusalem on Tuesday night, Iran's missile attack on Israel provoked either fervent prayers or cries of joy.

Jewish prayers in an underground car park in west Jerusalem; expressions of joy in Palestinian districts in the Israeli-annexed east of the city.

When the air raid sirens wailed, hundreds of people in the central bus station in the west heeded the military's calls and headed underground to take shelter.

Some of those who gathered in the car park read from religious texts as others stayed glued to their phones.

The dull sound of explosions came from above as Israeli air defences intercepted incoming missiles fired from Iran.

Outside in the open, the dark sky was streaked with light trails from the east, amid the boom of blasts echoing over the Holy City.

In a shelter in Musrara district in west Jerusalem, residents called friends and relatives elsewhere in Israel to exchange news of what was happening.

One man who preferred not to be identified by name told AFP: "We can put things into perspective, but the kids can't."

He gave out sweets to young ones in the car park, "so they don't have bad memories" of the situation.

Children were crying, however, and families continued to arrive amid the wave of alerts.

Some even expressed surprise as they had not heard of the threat, despite repeated warnings broadcast by the authorities for more than an hour.

On the other side of Jerusalem is the Palestinian quarter of Silwan in the east of the city, which Israel seized in the 1967 war and later annexed.

One resident told AFP of the reaction in Silwan when the warnings sounded.

"As soon as the Palestinians heard the first sirens, there were whistles and applause, and there were cries of 'Allahu Akbar!' (God is Greatest)," said one resident of the moment the streaks of fire appeared in the night sky.

She said people did not go to shelters because they don't have any. Instead they went out into the streets or onto roofs to see what was happening.

Back in west Jerusalem, after the all clear, 17-year-old Alon returned to his small DIY shop.

"It's been six months since I've heard the alert in Jerusalem," he said of the first time Israel's arch-enemy Iran attacked with drones and missiles on the night of April 13-14.

"I wasn't afraid," he added.

crb-myl-mib-mj/srm/kir
BOSTON, Mass. (SHNS)The importance of the significant state financial support for the transition of Steward Health Cares remaining Massachusetts hospitals to other local operators came into better focus as the sales worked towards closing Monday, and its possible that a last-minute snag could cost Massachusetts a few million dollars more.

The sales of six Steward Health Care hospitals here can close as planned Monday, a U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge ruled, and Massachusetts state government has already committed nearly half a billion dollars to see Steward exit the Bay States health care landscape as it continues through the bankruptcy process. But when talks shifted Sunday to the need for someone to put up another $5 million to make everything final, all eyes in the virtual courtroom turned to the state to either pay up or otherwise make it happen.

Guv forms working groups for areas that lost hospitals

The judge overseeing Stewards case ruled early Monday morning that Massachusetts should work with other parties to make an additional $5 million available to the first in, last out, or FILO, lenders that pumped millions into the company as it headed towards bankruptcy but are not in line to receive a windfall from the hospital sales.

When Judge Christopher Lopez approved Stewards plan to sell St. Annes Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton to Lifespan for $175 million; the Holy Family Hospital facilities in Methuen and Haverhill to Lawrence General Hospital for $28 million; and Good Samaritan Medical Center and St. Elizabeths Medical Center to Boston Medical Center for as much as $140 million earlier this month, he held $17 million in proceeds aside and urged the parties involved to reach an agreement on how that money should be divvied up among the FILO lenders and the owners of the hospital real estate.

But the sides werent able to come to an agreement and Lopez held a Sunday afternoon hearing that featured stretches in recess during which the sides worked towards a solution. Ultimately, the judge put his signature on an order effectuating an arrangement that saw tweaks made to hospital sale agreements and a pledge that the Commonwealth of Massachusetts will work with other parties on the proposed $5,000,000 of additional adequate protection for the FILO Secured Parties consistent with its representations on the record at the Sale Order Hearing.

Asked about the states latest financial outlay to address the Steward situation, a spokesperson for the Executive Office of Health and Human Services said there was no agreement for the state to commit the additional $5 million and emphasized that the judges order did not require the state to pay the amount. But the administration otherwise did not address a series of questions about the development, including which other parties the state was working with and where the $5 million might come from.

Bankruptcy is always a long and complicated process. The Healey-Driscoll administration remains confident that these sales will be finalized soon and the five Steward hospitals will transition to new operators, Health and Human Services Secretary Kate Walsh said in a statement.

David Cohen, an attorney from Weil, Gotshal & Manges who represents Steward, said during Sundays hearing that the parties were working towards a structure where we would try to find a way to have the commonwealth help us, especially other parties, help us deliver or put up, Ill call [it] $5 million of value for the benefit of the FILO lenders.

He said that the lawyers involved in those talks all still needed client sign-off on that dollar number in particular, and that they were also dealing with the realities of the commonwealth not being a commercial actor that could just pull the trigger to promise $5 million on a Sunday afternoon.

But I know that Mr. Troop is working extremely hard behind the scenes to try to make that happen, he said, referring to the attorney representing Massachusetts in the bankruptcy proceedings.

Cohen said in court Sunday that it was essential for the deals to close by Monday, in part because the last round of bridge funding from Beacon Hill is due to dry up.

September 30 is the outside date in each of the three APAs that govern the sale of the six hospitals, following which, if we fail to close, each of the buyers could terminate the APAs. And second, the funding for the Massachusetts hospitals that was provided by the commonwealth only runs through the end of September. So if we cant close the sales [Monday], the debtors will need to go back to the commonwealth with a request for additional funding, and weve gotten, at least to date, no sense that any additional funding will be forthcoming, he said.

Massachusetts already paid $72 million to keep Stewards hospitals open through August and now September, and earlier this month confirmed that it has committed to provide at least $417 million to help keep the Steward-sold hospitals open as they transition to their new owners. And that figure does not include state support for BMCs take-over of St. Elizabeths Medical Center, which the administration said earlier this month would be announced at a later date.

Ross Kwasteniet, an attorney at Kirkland & Ellis who represented Boston Medical Center at Sundays hearing, said BMC specifically negotiated a separate deal for the hospital real estate and had bid $1 on the hospital operating assets, including the FILO lenders collateral that is at the heart of the $17 million dispute. He said the states promised funding is what makes BMCs purchases work.

Its important to understand that our bid of $1 actually substantially overstates what we were willing to pay to take over the operations of the hospitals. BMC is a nonprofit, we have a charitable mission to provide health care to the residents of Massachusetts. And at the request of the government, we got involved and looked at our ability to take over some of the hospitals here that were adjacent to where BMC operates. And the reality is, your honor, our bid is expressly conditioned on receiving state support, he said. So the money that youve approved to come in to fund these operations over the last couple months, that is going to continue. So we are in a position, your honor, where, essentially, BMC, my client, is being paid substantial sums of money on a go-forward, post-closing basis by the state to take over these operations.

If the state ends up footing the bill for the additional $5 million, it would bump the states total financial aid commitment to $494 million so far  more than the cumulative purchase price for Stewards Massachusetts hospitals ($343 million).

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
Americans woke up on October 1 with news that a major strike among U.S. Dockworkers could lead to supply and goods shortages. Many of us are still reeling from the shortages and hoarding that took place during the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic, but this time, it's not toilet paper and hand sanitizer that look to be sparse. Because the strike affects shipping ports, it's mainly imported items that may become hard to come by and are, therefore, worth seeking out sooner rather than later.

Chris Tang, a professor at UCLA who is well versed in supply chain management, told USA Today that he believes things like seafood, bananas, and alcohol could be among the most in-demand foods and drinks since huge numbers of these items are imported from overseas. Even seafood from Canada (which could conceivably arrive via train) is in jeopardy of shortages since it often needs to be refrigerated and is regularly shipped by boat.

Of course, domestic seafood and American beer, wine, and liquor are all options for those who enjoy such things, but the majority of bananas are shipped in from elsewhere. Associate professor of operations management at Southern Illinois University, Gregory DeYong, told Time that cherries, canned goods, hot peppers, grapes, avocados, and chocolate could also be difficult to find until the strike is resolved.

Read more: Kopi Luwak Is A Very Expensive Cup Of Poop Coffee

Why The Strike?

Hands holding 2 bananas - Westend61/Getty Images

When labor and pay negotiations between the International Longshoremen's Association and the United States Maritime Alliance could not be agreed upon, the strike began, and 45,000 union workers from 36 shipping posts around the country ceased work. Union members are seeking higher wages and an automation ban at ports. However, because these ports affect the supplies and day-to-day operations of many businesses, as many as 100,000 workers could be affected. It's estimated that the strike could cost the economy $5 billion each day that a solution has not been found, but long term effects could also be severe.

As we approach the holiday season, certain food supplies will become more and more difficult to come by if the strike continues, not to mention non-perishable items that are heavily imported like toys, electronics, auto parts, and even shoes. If you currently have food items that may be jeopardized soon, you can take measures to keep them fresh and edible. You can store bananas in the fridge or, for longer storage, peel, slice, and freeze them. You can also freeze cherries, chocolate, grapes, and avocados. As far as any canned foods you accumulate, you can rely on them for a long time as-is. Even though they are marked with dates, canned foods don't really expire.

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President Biden will visit western NC on Wednesday to survey the damage of Hurricane Helene

President Biden will visit western NC on Wednesday to survey the damage of Hurricane Helene

CHARLOTTE (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  During a press conference on the devastation from Hurricane Helene, President Biden says he will visit North Carolina on Wednesday to look over the damage done to western North Carolina.

He plans to arrive in Raleigh and meet with the Emergency Operations Center. He then will take an aerial tour of Asheville, to not interfere with emergency personnel or divert resources on the ground.

He then plans to travel to Georgia and Florida to survey the damage there.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Prince Williams 2024 Earthshot Prize finalists were announced last week as he is preparing to travel to Cape Town for this years ceremony. And today, he visited 2023 finalist ENSO as they announced they are partnering with Uber across the USA and UK.

The Prince of Wales stopped at the headquarters of London-based tire technology start-up ENSO this lunchtime. He met with the Founder and CEO of ENSO, Gunnlaugur Erlendsson, and even rolled up his sleeves and changed an ENSO tire on an electric vehicle.

The partnership with Uber will enable ENSO to roll out its energy-efficient, low-emission electric vehicle tires by offering thousands of drivers discounted ENSO tires via a buyers club.The strategic partnership with ENSO is the first Uber has struck with an Earthshot Prize finalist and part of a wider partnership with The Earthshot Prize, Uber explained in a statement today. The ride-hailing business has become a founding partner of the prize and says it will support the prize by nominating start-ups and offering mentorship and partnering opportunities.

The visit is an example of how William, 42, continues to promote the interests of Earthshot Prize finalists and winners past and present in his attempt to use his profile and convening power to help avert climate crisis. Across 10 years, 50 winners will be awarded 1 million each to scale-up their innovation. A further 100 finalists will benefit from the profile and networks the prize can bring.

This years Earthshot Prize will be held on November 6 in Cape Town. William will attend but Kate is not expected to join him as she continues her cancer recovery.

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"Their tireless devotion to the cause inspires others to get involved," executive director Mary Pulido tells PEOPLE about what it's like to work with the royals

Agaton Strom Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia of Sweden visit New York City for the World Childhood Foundation anniversary

Princess Madeleine and Queen Silvia of Sweden had a mother-daughter visit to New York City for one of their closest causes  World Childhood Foundation USA.

Last week, the Queen of Sweden, 80, and her younger daughter, 42, spent several days in N.Y.C. to further the work of the organization founded by the Queen, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary year. Queen Silvia established World Childhood Foundation in 1999 as a pioneering nonprofit in the global fight against child sexual exploitation and abuse, and Princess Madeleine is also deeply involved.

During their visit to New York City (where Princess Madeleine used to live and met her husband, Christopher O'Neill), the royal mother and daughter attended an intimate dinner on Sept. 25 at the Swedish Residence, hosted by the Consul General of Sweden to New York City, H.E. Ambassador Erik Ullenhag, to commemorate the landmark anniversary of the foundation.

World Childhood has invested in over 1,300 initiatives, projects and grassroots groups around the world to date, making the world a safer place for thousands of kids in the mission to end sexual abuse, exploitation and violence against children.

Jean Catuffe/GC Images Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine of Sweden in New York City on Sept. 25, 2024.

Related: Meet the Swedish Royals: A Guide to Sweden's Royal Family Tree

The organization maintains global offices in Sweden, Germany and Brazil, and Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine both addressed guests at the dinner in New York City. Looking back on the progress made with sets set on a brighter future for children at risk everywhere, the Queen urged, "Still, our work is far from over. We cannot stop until every child is safe."

The following day, King Carl XVI Gustaf's wife and younger daughter honed in on this focus at the World Childhood Foundation USA's summit, "Digital Guardians: Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse." A panel at the summit convened leading experts to discuss the greatest issues challenging children's safety online today, "specifically how technology has created even more complex and prolific avenues for offenders to reach children," a statement said.

The conversation was moderated by longtime CBS anchor Jeff Glor and hosted by Childhood USA board member Daniel Flanigan and Verizon at the Polsinelli Law Firm.

Louis Chan/World Childhood Foundation (From left) Jeff Glor, Elizabeth Letourneau, Mary Pulido, PhD, Princess Madeleine, Queen Silvia, Sarah Gardner, Camille Cooper and Jim Cole at the World Childhood Foundation USA's summit, "Digital Guardians: Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse," in New York City on Sept. 26, 2024.

At the podium, the Queen spoke about the dangers of a new frontier  artificial intelligence  in this space.

"The rapid evolution of technology has become both a shield and a weapon," the Queen said. "On the one hand, it gives us tools to protect, to educate and to connect children in ways never before possible. But on the other hand, it facilitates unimaginable harm. We have to ensure that children are safe growing up in a digital world."

Speaking to PEOPLE about what it's like to work with Queen Silvia and Princess Madeleine as the World Childhood Foundation USA commemorates its 25th anniversary, the foundation's executive director Mary Pulido, PhD, said she has been "impressed and inspired" by their commitment since the start.

Louis Chan/World Childhood Foundation Queen Silvia at the World Childhood Foundation USA's summit, "Digital Guardians: Combating Online Child Sexual Abuse," in New York City on Sept. 26, 2024.

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"Child sexual abuse is a global epidemic that many still find difficult to discuss. Yet, for countless children, this is a daily reality  a silent public health crisis that we must confront together," Pulido says in a statement to PEOPLE.

"When I first had the privilege of meeting Her Majesty Queen Silvia of Sweden, who broke the silence by founding World Childhood Foundation 25 years ago, and her daughter Princess Madeleine, I was impressed and inspired by their deep commitment for protecting children from sexual abuse online and in person," she explains. "Their tireless devotion to the cause inspires others to get involved. They are always searching for new avenues to create partnerships to fight the evils that are facing our children every day."

Louis Chan/World Childhood Foundation Princess Madeleine.

"Since 1999, the World Childhood Foundation has been at the forefront of the fight to protect children, working to ensure that every child can grow up in a safe and loving environment. There are very few organizations whose sole mission is combatting child sexual abuse and exploitation," Pulido says. "Together, we can build a safer world where every child is free to explore, learn and grow without fear. Every one of us has a role to play in breaking through the silence of this crisis."

Recapping the trip on her Instagram page, Princess Madeleine revealed that she and her mother also met with Olena Zelenska, the first lady of Ukraine, to speak about their shared work around protecting children in the country.

"We are not done until every child can grow up safe, free from sexual abuse and exploitation," the royal wrote.

If you suspect child abuse, call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.



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What Products Are Affected By the Port Strike? Heres What It Could Mean for You

Experts say a prolonged strike could affect the country's supply chain

Luke Sharrett/Bloomberg via Getty

A dockworkers strike at ports across the country could pose delays to the U.S. supply chain, experts say.

The strike  which has shut down 14 ports along the East and Gulf coasts on Tuesday, Oct. 1  comes after labor talks between the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMX) hit an impasse, according to CBS News.

With about 25,000 workers affected, hubs such as Philadelphia, Baltimore and New Orleans have been shut down, meaning the flow of goods through the areas has ground to a halt, the Associated Press reported.

First and foremost, we can expect delays to market, Mark Baxa, president of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, told the AP. And those delays depend on really what the commodities are and priorities at the ports and how quickly things move.

Related: Aftermath of Hurricane Helene Causes North Carolina Residents to Use Mule Trains to Deliver Supplies

Among the items that could result in supply disruptions are cars, fruits and vegetables, and coffee, the AP reports.

Brunswick, Ga., and Baltimore are two of the countrys busiest auto ports, while New Orleans handles coffee from South America and Southeast Asia, chemicals from Mexico and North Europe and wood products from Asia and South America.

Additionally, the supply of wine, beer and liquor could be impacted, per CNN.

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.

Brian Pacula, a supply-chain partner at a consulting firm, warned Business Insider that furniture and tires, which are not perishable so would not be as urgently rerouted, run a risk of being stuck at ports.

Meanwhile, in separate interviews with The Wall Street Journal and The New York Times, importers shared that they were considering flying certain fruits and vegetables in, which would raise costs for them, and at the grocery store.

Related: 'Scary' Chemical Plant Fire Sends Chlorine Into Air, Forcing More Than 90,000 Georgia Residents to Shelter in Place

The strike is the first such work stoppage in 47 years, and is already causing congestion in maritime routes near Savannah, Ga., due to Hurricane Helenes impact, CNBC reported.

A strike of longer than one month could cause a shortage of items, experts said, but they also acknowledged that many holiday retail goods have already arrived stateside.

A disruption of a week or two will create some backlogs but the broader consequences will be minimal outside of a handful of very port-reliant areas, including Savannah, Adam Kamins, economist at Moodys Analytics, told CNBC. But anything longer will lead to shortages and upward price pressures."



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CRESCENT, Pa. (AP)  A propane system is believed to have been the source of a massive explosion that killed two people and destroyed a house in the Pittsburgh area near the Ohio River earlier this year, authorities said.

A spokesperson for the Allegheny County fire marshals office told the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the investigation of the March 12 blast in Crescent Township had been closed and will remain undetermined, but the source of the blast is related to the privately owned propane system.

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commissions safety division said Tuesday it had concluded its probe and found no evidence linking the blast to natural gas service under public utility jurisdiction. The home had no public utility natural gas service, and while Columbia Gas has natural gas mains in the general area, there were no utility gas mains in the immediate vicinity and no utility gas leaks were found, the commission said.

The commission noted, however, that while there was no public utility natural gas service connected to the home, a private natural gas well and propane tank were located on the property  which are both outside the PUCs jurisdiction.

Aerial images from the scene in Crescent Township in the northwest Pittsburgh suburbs showed smoking ruins with the structure reduced to rubble and some large pieces lodged in trees above. Chief Andrew Tomer of the Crescent Township Fire Department said the blast was severe, absolutely extreme   you could feel it in your chest. The homeowners, 89-year-old David Mitchell and 87-year-old Helen Mitchell, were killed.

In August 2023, a blast in the borough of Plum about 25 miles (40 kilometers) away in the same county killed six people and destroyed three homes. Authorities said the cause was under investigation, but the explosion occurred inside one of the homes, ruling out an outside cause including wells, pipelines and other utilities.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKBN.com.
Brown County executive Troy Streckenbach takes media questions after presenting the county's proposed 2025 budget on Monday in Green Bay.

GREEN BAY  It's not Troy Streckenbach's ideal budget, but it's a "good" one, the Brown County executive said while presenting the proposed 2025 spending plan on Monday morning.

If approved, several projects that address parts of daily life that residents have expressed a vested interest in, like road reconstruction and public safety, will receive millions from the county, which would lower overall property taxes next year.

Here are some highlight's in Streckenbach's proposed budget:

A drop in the total levy would mean a lower tax rate for residents

The median home in Brown County is worth $163,000, according to Brown County's Planning and Land Services department. In 2025, the owner of a median house would pay $39.12 less than they did in 2024.

That's because the equalized tax rate  what a property owner has to pay per $1,000 their home is worth  will go down. Where a homeowner gave $3.04 to the county for every $1,000 their home was worth in 2024, that rate will decrease to $2.80, a 7.8% decrease from 2024.

"It might not be a significant amount of money," Streckenbach said, "but it's going in the right direction."

According to the proposal:

Property tax levy would decrease 0.05%, from $94.58 million in 2024 to $94.53 million next year.

The county's equalized value would rise by $2.6 billion, an 8.4% increase, from $31.1 billion in 2024 to $33.7 billion in 2025.

Tax on a $150,000 home: $421.11, a decrease from $456.63 in the 2024 budget. (Note: This is the county portion. Tax bills also include taxes for your municipality, your school district, the state and Northeast Wisconsin Technical College.)

Tax on a $200,000 home: $561.48, a decrease from $608.84.

$16.9 million proposed for new Brown County Jail pod

One of the most expensive parts of the budget is replacing the 131 beds at the over-capacity downtown jail pod and improving security screening at the courthouse.

The county has stopped housing inmates at the jail pod, shipping them elsewhere. A new jail pod that could house up to 128 inmates is planned at the Brown County Jail with construction to being in the spring of 2025 to the tune of a total $16.9 million. The courthouse pod would be demolished and replaced with holding rooms for inmates.

The county would also look at courthouse security with a single point entrance and screening to be completed by July 2025.

Lineville Road reconstruction leads county highway projects

Brown County will budget $37 millions on 18 road, bridge and infrastructure projects.

Lineville Road/County M, which separates Howard from Suamico, is expected to be reconstructed by October 2025. The county will budget $5.8 million to help pay for the $12.9 million project. The next phase is converting a two-lane road to a four-lane stretch from Velp Avenue/County HS to West Deerfield Avenue, just off U.S. 41.

The capital projects report from the county recognizes that heavy traffic is typical on Lineville Road as commuters have tried to access the Howard-Suamico elementary, middle, and high schools, as well as numerous businesses along the roadway; the two-lane road that exists right now is not enough for the 14,700 cars that pass through daily. (That's more vehicles than pass over the Walnut Street bridge in downtown Green Bay each day.)

A new Ashwaubenon library branch, and more

The Brown County Public Library branch in Ashwaubenon will continue construction on its new branch, a $4.7 million project that is part of a years-long effort to expand and renovate libraries across the county.

The Ashwaubenon branch that was built in 1977 and now serves about 40,000 a year will be replaced with the new facility in its second phase of construction, with new meeting rooms, accessible restrooms, more public computers, and family spaces. The county anticipates 50% more people to come to the Ashwaubenon branch as a result of the renovations.

Other branches that would see improvements if this budget is approved as is:

Central, $3.4 million to add the county's Aging & Disability Resource Center and Workforce Development offices as well as some other renovation.

Denmark, $1.97 million project to move it into shared space with OneDemark in the new proposed community center.

Pulaski, $600,000 to purchase and renovate the former Dollar Store. The new library will also house Pulaski Area Community Education and the Pulaski Area Chamber of Commerce.

Kress, $409,392 for facility maintenance needs.

Brown County budget presentations

Streckenbach will be at the following budget presentations this week:

Noon-1 p.m. Wednesday, Brown County Central Library, 515 Pine St, Green bay. Meeting Room 1 in the lower level.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Wednesday, Kress Family Library, 333 N. Broadway, De Pere, in the Emil and Gail Fischer Room B.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Thursday, Wrightstown Village Hall, 352 High St.

The County Board is expected to approve the budget in late October or early November.

Jesse Lin is a reporter covering the community of Green Bay and its surroundings, as well as politics in northeast Wisconsin. Contact him at 920-834-4250 or jlin@gannett.com.

This article originally appeared on Green Bay Press-Gazette: Property tax levy would decrease under proposed Brown County budget
North Iowa Events Center saw an influx of military veterans from North Iowa and southern Minnesota on Saturday. Operation Golden Hawk Stand Down served more than 500 veterans in its third annual event.

Services were offered by over 20 regional agencies, and veterans were offered a multitude of items to take with them.

Board President Peter Bieber said the event was a success.

"When we first started we hoped to serve 50 vets and ended up having almost 200," Bieber said. "The next year we revised that number higher and still had more than we expected. This year we shot for 500, and we seem to be pretty close to that number."

In addition to military surplus items, clothing and household goods donated by community members, vets were given access to a food box packed and donated by Hy-Vee and a swag bag of useful items.

Agencies varied from housing support to veteran's appreciation groups. Services such as notary, financial planning, haircuts and others were provided free of charge.

Veteran's Stand Down Treasurer Angelyn Lander says the Stand Down is a high-energy daylong event that offers veterans nearly any support they may need. "We spend the whole year planning for this. We fundraise and collect items all year," she said. "We focus on what the needs are and bring in people who can help."
Proposed Macon charter school steps back from plan to open in 2025. What we know

In a sudden reversal, prospective charter The Infinity Academy is no longer seeking to open its doors in downtown Macon for the 2025-2026 school year.

The charter school applicant withdrew its petition for authorized consideration by the State Charter Schools Commission of Georgia on Aug. 20, according to an email from SCSC Communications Specialist Erica Acha-Morfaw last week.

The Infinity Academys application was withdrawn just eight days before the SCSC approved charter contracts for three new schools to open doors soon in Georgia, one of which is the first charter school in Muscogee County.

Christopher Holmes, a Mercer University alumnus and founder of the charter school, said administration has opted to spend another year of planning and preparation before seeking authorization again for the tuition-free public school.

We feel we would like to engage with the community a bit more, continue to get feedback on the needs of students from parents, and solidify some other needs, such as facilities, to ensure we have a strong start for students and families, Holmes said in an email last week.

Holmes initially sought approval from the Bibb County Board of Education to operate as a local charter in the area.

The board denied the charters request to join the district in August after members voiced several concerns regarding the K-5 school, including the lack of a required federal 501(c)(3) non-profit status and alleged fabricated documentation in the charters proposed petition.

Holmes denied fraudulently signing documents, stating that he had permission from the charters former board member to sign her name. He also previously told The Telegraph that the academys nonprofit registration process began in January but is being delayed due to the submission of wrong forms.

Afterwards, The Infinity Academy sought approval to operate as a state-authorized school before withdrawing its petition last month.

The charters 501(c)(3) status is currently pending, according to the academys website.

As of now, the only Infinity Academy found on the IRS Tax Exempt Organization online search engine is located in Missouri.

Holmes said the charter will file a petition again next year to hopefully open in 2026. He did not clarify whether the authorization will be sought with the Bibb County School District or the SCSC.

With such strong interests from families, potential staff, and partners, we maintain our commitment to offer an academically and enriching STEAM and servant leadership elementary learning experience, Holmes added in the email.

The schools curriculum will center around science, technology, engineering and arts with the STEAM model, as well as promote a whole-child approach to teaching and learning, according to Holmes.
How you can protect yourself in the event of a weather disaster

CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  In the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, devastation grows by the hour, with at least 128 people dead and floodwaters receding and while hurricanes of this magnitude dont make their way to western Massachusetts often its important to be prepared for a weather disaster.

Normally peak hurricane season is September, but experts say with conditions shifting and warmer temperatures globally, we might see it into November, maybe even December.

And now is the time to make sure youre prepared all year long.

Massachusetts volunteers arrive in southern states impacted by Hurricane Helene

Prayers go out to North Carolina, I have family in Florida, Georgia and you know just hope and pray for the best, said Damiaan Dunkley of Springfield.

The southeastern US is reeling from Hurricane Helene..which caused severe damage and left many stranded or trapped by floodwaters. While there are no hurricanes currently posing a threat to the Northeast, the potential remains with warm air and ocean temperatures.

We actually have a couple of tropical systems right now just off the coast, not close enough to affect us here in Massachusetts, but just something to look out for and weve had many hurricanes here in the past so seeing them late in the year definitely not out of the question, said 22News Storm Team, Jack WU.

The American Red Cross recommends having an evacuation plan in case of any unforeseen weather disaster. Know what youre going to do if your family doesnt all reside with you and have a meet-up location, said American Red Cross of Massachusetts Communications Manager, Jeff Hall.

He also says to have a survival kit ready. Inside the kit should include copies of personal documents like birth certificates and social security cards, as well as cell phone chargers, a flashlight with extra batteries, and medications you may need.

Its really about getting through the initial storm and then its about figuring what the next few weeks after that look like, you know if people want to stock up on shelf-stable foods and water is always important to have, said Hall.

As of Monday, six hurricanes have formed since June 1st, including Hurricane Helene. Nearly 600 American Red Cross volunteers, including 20 from Massachusetts are helping Hurricane Helene victims.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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The entrance to The Miriam Hospital on Summit Avenue in Providence, one of three hospitals in the city owned by Lifespan Corporation. Under a tentative agreement, Lifespan agrees to voluntarily make $1.5 million in payments in lieu of taxes to the city. (Nancy Lavin/Rhode Island Current)

A yearlong deadlock over voluntary tax payments from Lifespan Corporation to the city of Providence appears to have ended under a tentative agreement unveiled Tuesday.

The payment-in-lieu of taxes agreement marks the first time since 2021 that the states largest hospital provider will give the capital city anything in exchange for hosting its three Providence hospitals  Rhode Island, Hasbro and The Miriam. The $1.5 million payment to be paid in two, $750,000 sums in fiscal 2025 and fiscal 2026 is also the most the hospital network has given the city since 2014, according to the city.

The draft agreement, obtained by Rhode Island Current, also formalizes Lifespans in-kind contributions like health care, job training and employment, estimated at $50 million over a year.

The tentative deal with Lifespan will be introduced to the Providence City Council at its meeting Thursday before immediately being referred to its finance committee for further review, and later, a council vote.

As a tax-exempt not-for-profit, Lifespan doesnt have to pay property taxes. However, if taxed at commercial rates based on 2024 property values for its city hospitals, the company would pay about $32 million, Josh Estrella, city spokesperson, said.

A year after city reached deal with higher eds

The hospital system had been locked in negotiations with the city regarding voluntary tax payments for a year. Adding pressure was an October 2023 deal inked with the four, nonprofit universities within city limits  Brown University, Providence College, Rhode Island School of Design and Johnson & Wales University in which they agreed to pay a combined $223 million over the next 20 years.

Historically, Providence and other cities have struck deals with tax-exempt universities and hospitals in which the institutions agree to pay an annual sum  typically far less than they would owe if taxed  in acknowledgement of the city services they receive.

Tax-exempt nonprofits, including Lifespan, owned 40% of the citys real estate, according to a 2022 city assessment.

Lifespan made voluntary contributions to the city totaling $3.6 million from fiscal 2012 to 2021. It has not paid since then, citing the social services it offers to city residents as reason for lack of payment.

The halt of payments coincided with intensifying financial woes in the wake of the pandemic. The hospital giant, which employs 17,000 workers in Rhode Island, with over 1,100 beds across five hospitals, reported a $77 million loss in fiscal 2022.

But now, Lifespan is back in the black and bolstered by an expanded partnership with Brown University, including a $150 million investment from the university over the next seven years alongside a name change to Brown University Health expected to be made this month.

Lifespan closes on St. Annes, Morton hospitals

And Lifespan is taking advantage of a stronger balance sheet, announcing in a separate statement Tuesday it closed the $175 million deal to buy St. Annes Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton from bankrupt Steward Health Care LLC. The purchase of the southeastern Massachusetts hospitals is being paid for through debt financing, with the state of Massachusetts offering a combination of grants and bridge loans to Lifespan and other private buyers who agreed to rescue five of the former Steward hospitals in Massachusetts at risk of closure.

Together, we share a vision and will create a thriving healthcare system that benefits patients in Rhode Island and Massachusetts, reinvests back into its hospitals and its people, and serves as an economic driver for the cities and towns we care for, Lifespan President and CEO John Fernandez said in a statement. We look forward to our continued work with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts as we integrate these hospitals and practices into our system.

Fernandez struck a decidedly different tone in a separate statement regarding the proposed tax payments to Providence.

Lifespan makes substantial contributions to the city and its residents, providing necessary health care, regardless of ability to pay, along with many programs and services in support of residents physical, mental and financial well-being, he said. Like much of the healthcare industry, Lifespan has faced financial challenges over the years. Our goal is to achieve an operating income, which will allow us to continue to invest in our health system, provide top-tier healthcare and community benefits to the citys residents and the region, while working in partnership with our host city.

Brown University officials similarly stressed their community contributions when touting separate payment agreements inked with the city last year, despite strong criticism from students, who pointed to their schools multi-billion endowment and displacement of city residents for school buildings as reasons why the university should pay more.

Just the start

The City Council begrudgingly approved the tax deals with Brown and other universities  albeit with five members absent from the vote  concluding that something was better than nothing.

Will they view the Lifespan deal through the same lens?

The tentative agreement, if approved, would last through fiscal 2027, though there would be no payment in the final year. Lifespan would agree to begin negotiating for a new payment plan starting in 2028. City Council President Rachel Miller stressed that the proposed tax payments are just the start.

As the states largest hospital system, Lifespan needs to contribute its fair share, Miller said in a statement. $1.5 million is just the start, but Lifespan has much more to do to truly honor its commitment to Providence taxpayers who right now foot the bill for the city services Lifespan benefits from. In years to come, the City Council will continue pushing to ensure that Providence residents come out on top.

Lifespan makes substantial contributions to the city and its residents, providing necessary health care, regardless of ability to pay, along with many programs and services in support of residents physical, mental and financial well-being.

 Lifespan President and CEO John Fernandez

Councilman Miguel Sanchez, who cast the sole vote against the university tax deals last year, called the Lifespan proposal extremely disappointing.

I think we should definitely be asking for a higher amount, Sanchez said in an interview Tuesday. If I was in the role of negotiations, this would be completely unacceptable.

However, Sanchez had not decided how he would vote, noting that even if the council opposed the agreement, Smiley could go over their heads.

I think its important to at least voice opposition and concerns, with where [Lifespans] priorities are, Sanchez said.

Lifespan declined to comment.

Smiley has made it clear he supports the proposal.

Following last years historic agreement with our colleges and universities, I am proud to have once again negotiated a new payment in lieu of taxes agreement that ensures our tax-exempt institutions contribute directly to the Providence community, Smiley said in a statement. The financial contributions from this agreement would represent the largest annual voluntary payment Lifespan has made to Providence in over a decade and would finally ensure that every major tax-exempt institution in Providence has a formalized PILOT agreement with the City that meaningfully gives back to our community.

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  After almost a year of negotiating, Providence leaders have tentatively reached their first formal payment-in-lieu-of-taxes agreement with the states largest hospital system.

Mayor Brett Smileys office announced on Tuesday that Lifespan has agreed to pay Providence $1.5 million in voluntary payments over a three-year period.

Nonprofit organizations are exempt from paying property taxes, but some of the citys largest non-taxpaying property owners have still historically agreed to make payments-in-lieu-of-taxes to offset the loss tax revenue and their use of city services.

The hospital system also agreed to make at least $50 million in so-called community contributions in each fiscal year of the agreement, meaning the deal could generate $151.5 million for Providence over the next three years.

The financial contributions from this agreement would represent the largest annual

voluntary payment Lifespan has made to Providence in over a decade and would finally ensure that every major tax-exempt institution in Providence has a formalized PILOT agreement with the city that meaningfully gives back to our community, Smiley said in a statement.

Smiley told reporters on Tuesday that one of the biggest ways Lifespan already contributes to Providence is through emergency department visits.

When someone goes into the emergency room is underinsured or uninsured, they cover the difference, Smiley said. Theyve always said that, I know they do that, and I think it would be helpful for future negotiations to actually have an accurate reporting of how much that is.

Smiley said since not everyone visiting Rhode Island Hospital is a Providence resident, Lifespan would need to calculate how many residents have been helped to determine their contribution to the community.

The mayor said there are other ways the hospital system could contribute, including making street repairs, holding free healthcare clinics and making donations to other community partners.

Well have an accurate reporting of what all those contributions are, a chance for that to be publicly available and publicly vetted for both me and the City Council and members of the community, Smiley said. And I hope when were back at the table in just over two years from now, then we wont be squabbling over how much it is that they actually do outside of cash payments.

Smiley has previously scolded the hospital group for dragging its feet. The pressure for Lifespan to start making the voluntary payments has been mounting for more than a year.

The more we got into it, the more we kept hitting sort of a brick wall, if you will, in terms of what I thought was a fair contribution to the city, Smiley said. Lifespan was very clear that they had other financial challenges that they needed to address first.

Last October, the city entered into a 20-year agreement with four private higher-education institutions  Brown University, Johnson & Wales University, Providence College, and the Rhode Island School of Design  that could generate at least $177 million for the city.

The city also signed a supplemental memorandum of agreement with Brown that totals about $46 million over ten years.

The colleges and universities paid a total of $13,140,000 in PILOT payments this year, according to Smiley spokesperson Josh Estrella.

Care New Englands PILOT agreement is in effect until fiscal year 2025.

The hospital group pays the city between $350,000 and $400,000 annually, based on affordability. The next payment is expected in August of 2025, Estrella said.

Smiley said he is not anticipating having any gap in PILOT agreements with CNE.

As recently as July, the mayor indicated negotiations with Lifespan could be coming to an end after briefing the City Council about their progress in a closed-door meeting that month.

According to the proposed memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Lifespan, the hospital system would pay $750,000 in the first fiscal year of the agreement in 2025 and the remaining $750,000 in 2026. The third year of the agreement would be dedicated to negotiations for a future PILOT agreement.

Smiley said Tuesday he was hopeful a future deal with Lifespan would be a longer-term one.

It is a huge distraction and it is very difficult to plan with these short-term agreements, Smiley said. I dont think we want to be doing this every two years.

Lifespan owns Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam, Newport and Bradley hospitals. The not-for-profit corporation is the states largest employer, with about 17,000 employees.

Providence City Council President Rachel Miller said she was encouraged by the deal, but said that the hospital group could still do more.

As the states largest hospital system, Lifespan needs to contribute its fair share, Miller said. $1.5 million is just the start, but Lifespan has much more to do to truly honor its commitment to Providence taxpayers who right now foot the bill for the city services Lifespan benefits from.

The proposed PILOT agreement still has some legislative hurdles ahead.

The agreement will be introduced to the City Council at its meeting on Thursday, and will be vetted by the councils Committee on Ordinances.

Lifespan has been making significant changes in recent months.

In June, the hospital system announced it would change its name to Brown University Health as part of a plan to expand its relationship with the Ivy League school in exchange for a multimillion dollar infusion of cash. The name change will be made official on Oct. 15.

Earlier this month, Lifespan laid off 20% of Lifespans executives, a cost-cutting move move President and CEO John Fernandez said could save roughly $6 million over the next year.

Like much of the healthcare industry, Lifespan has faced financial challenges over the years, Fernandez said in a statement. Our goal is to achieve an operating income, which will allow us to continue to invest in our health system, provide top-tier healthcare and community benefit to the citys residents and the region, while working in partnership with our host city.

On Tuesday, Lifespan announced it finalized the acquisition of Saint Annes Hospital in Fall River and Morton Hospital in Taunton, formerly owned by bankrupt Steward Health Care.

Alexandra Leslie (aleslie@wpri.com) is a Target 12 investigative reporter covering Providence and more for 12 News. Connect with her on Twitter and on Facebook.

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The 80th will be the first milestone anniversary since the restricted celebrations in 2020 due to Covid [BBC]

Islanders have been asked to share their ideas about how Jersey should mark the 80th anniversary of being liberated from German occupation.

The military occupation of the Channel Islands by Nazi Germany during World War Two lasted from 30 June 1940 until liberation on 9 May 1945.

The bailiffs consultative panel is developing plans for the anniversary next year and has asked the public to contact their States members with ideas.

Bailiff Sir Timothy Le Cocq said he encouraged everyone to be open about their aspirations for how to mark the occasion next year and in the future.

Events planned for the 75th anniversary in 2020 were cancelled due to the restrictions on gatherings put in place during the Coronavirus pandemic.

"The 80th year offers us a further opportunity, without the restrictions we experienced due to the pandemic, to celebrate this historic occasion and therefore it is appropriate that we seek to ensure we meet the needs and aspirations of the island," said Sir Timothy.

'Future of Liberation Day'

By encouraging islanders to reach out to their respective elected States Members, the consultative panel hopes to gather as many ideas as possible.

"I would also welcome islanders' thoughts for the future of Liberation Day and encourage everyone to be open about their aspirations for how we might continue to mark this important national day," said Sir Timothy.

The bailiffs consultative panel would like responses to be sent in by Monday 21 October 2024.

Islanders can also submit their views by emailing Liberationday@gov.je or in writing to Bailiffs Chambers, Royal Court Building, Royal Square, St Helier, Jersey, JE1 1BA.

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NEW BOSTON, Texas (KTAL/KSHV)The TexAmericas Center, which owns the third-ranked industrial park in the United States, announced Tuesday that two sites have been qualified for development.

TexAmericas officials said the sites will bring in new tenants and create high-quality jobs for the community.

Report: TexAmericas Center has created hundreds of new jobs

This site is a testament to our commitment to fostering innovation and creating a dynamic workspace that drives advancement in the tech industry, said TexAmericas Center CEO and Executive Director Scott Norton. Its more than just a business park; its an opportunity to drive technological progress while creating high-quality job opportunities for our community.

DataHub Park is best suited to accommodate small scale data centers, while the Innovative Technology Center is designed to meet the needs of light manufacturing in the technology industry.

The DataHub Park and the Innovative Technology Center are part of a 556-acre tract of land on the TexAmericas Center West Campus. TexAmericas officials said the sites will help prospective tenants, real estate agents, and consultants find their ideal site.

Gov. Abbott Announces $1.5M grant for TexAmericas Center

Our goal with the site selection process is to provide a smooth transition for our tenants to make informed business decisions, said Eric Voyles, Executive Vice President and Chief Economic Development Officer at TexAmericas Center. With this program, our team provides a free comprehensive guide including all the information prospective tenants, real estate agents, and consultants need to find their ideal site.

The organization recently completed construction on a 150,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art speculative building and can lease, build-to-suit, or facilitate greenfield owner-constructed projects in a timely, efficient manner.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Queen Elizabeth II had form of bone cancer before her death, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims

Queen Elizabeth II had form of bone cancer before her death, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims

Former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson is revealing alleged private information about the death of Queen Elizabeth II.

Her Majesty, who passed away in September 2022, was battling "a form of bone cancer," according to Johnson, and had known by the summer "she was going."

Official documents released after the queen's death confirmed the cause as old age. She was 96.

Cancer Diagnoses In The British Royal Family Over The Years: 'The Great Equalizer'

According to former United Kingdom Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Queen Elizabeth II had "a form of bone cancer" in the last years of her life.

Johnson wrote about this in his forthcoming book, "Unleashed," where he recounts his final interactions with the queen. In an excerpt obtained by the Daily Mail, Johnson wrote that he visited the queen at her Balmoral residence just two days before the U.K.'s longest reigning monarch died. Earlier that summer, Johnson had resigned from Parliament.

"Like all my 13 predecessors, I had come to spend the last hour of my premiership in the company of Queen Elizabeth II. The date was September 6, 2022, more than two months after I had resigned as prime minister, and under our system I had been required to stay on and mind the shop while the Conservative Party got on with choosing a new leader.

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"It had been a rather frustrating summer," he wrote.

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Prime Minister Boris Johnson, right, shakes hands with the queen's private secretary, Sir Edward Young, ahead of his meeting with Her Majesty at Balmoral.

Once at Balmoral with his wife, Carrie, Johnson could sense lingering fatigue among the staff.

"Edward Young, her private secretary, tried to prepare me," Johnson wrote, according to the outlet. "I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline."

Rumors that the queen battled myeloma, a bone marrow cancer, during the last years of her life have never been confirmed, although reported.

When reached for comment by Fox News Digital, Buckingham Palace said, "We will not be offering guidance or comments on this, and this should not be seen as guidance of fact."

Johnson wrote that Young told him the queen had "gone down quite a bit over the summer." When they met, Johnson wrote, "she seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections."

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Queen Elizabeth II is photographed at Balmoral Castle two days prior to her death.

"But her mind  as Edward had also said  was completely unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our conversation she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty."

Johnson wrote of his close relationship with the queen, admitting "there was nothing I could not tell her." He remembered lamenting about the COVID-19 pandemic, how it had impacted individuals and also the economy.

"'Oh well,'" Johnson remembers the queen saying. "'I suppose we will all just have to start again.'"

Boris Johnson detailed his close relationship with Queen Elizabeth, photographed here in 2021 at Buckingham Palace.

"I realized that she spoke with the historical knowledge of someone who had actually served in uniform in the Second World War, and whose first PM was Winston Churchill. She knew her kingdom was infinitely capable of rebounding and recovering. We just needed to get a grip, and get on with it," Johnson wrote, according to Daily Mail.

Johnson said that the queen's secretary later explained to him, "she had known all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty: to oversee the peaceful and orderly transition from one government to the next  and, I expect, to add another departing PM to her record-breaking tally."

Boris Johnson said that while the queen's health declined, her mind did not deteriorate.





Original article source: Queen Elizabeth II had form of bone cancer before her death, former Prime Minister Boris Johnson claims
Former UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has revealed that Queen Elizabeth II was diagnosed with bone cancer before her death.

Johnson made the shocking claim in his upcoming memoir. Royal author Gyles Brandreth also mentioned rumors of the queen's cancer in his book.

After Queen Elizabeth II's passing in 2022, her official cause of death was linked to "old age."

Boris Johnson Discusses Queen Elizabeth II's Health And Their Final Meeting

MEGA

In his upcoming memoir, "Unleashed," Boris Johnson wrote that the queen was diagnosed with bone cancer in her final years.

He also reflected on his relationship with the late monarch, including details from their last encounter at Balmoral Castle in September 2022, just days before her passing.

In excerpts obtained by the Daily Mail, the former Mayor of London wrote: "I had known for a year or more that she had a form of bone cancer, and her doctors were worried that at any time she could enter a sharp decline."

Before their meeting, her private secretary, Edward Young, reportedly informed Johnson that the queen's health had "gone down quite a bit over the summer."

Describing the meeting, Johnson noted that Elizabeth "seemed pale and more stooped, and she had dark bruising on her hands and wrists, probably from drips or injections."

However, he emphasized that "her mind  as Edward had also said  was completely unimpaired by her illness, and from time to time in our conversation she still flashed that great white smile in its sudden mood-lifting beauty."

Boris Johnson Reveals Queen Elizabeth II's Final Advice To Him

MEGA

Johnson revealed that the queen "had known all summer that she was going, but was determined to hang on and do her last duty" by overseeing the "peaceful and orderly transition of power to his successor, Liz Truss.

During their meeting, Johnson, who served as the 14th Prime Minister under the queen's remarkable 70-year reign, officially resigned from his position.

He also recounted the monarch's final piece of advice to him: "There's no point in bitterness."

Johnson reflected on the wisdom of her words, adding that "if everyone in politics  and life  could see that as clearly as she did, the world would be a much, much happier place."

Queen Elizabeth II passed away just two days after their meeting at the age of 96.

Royal Author Gyles Brandreth Earlier Hinted At The Queen's Cancer Diagnosis

MEGA

Johnson is not the first to suggest that Elizabeth was diagnosed with cancer in her final years.

Royal author Gyles Brandreth mentioned in his December 2022 book, "Elizabeth: An Intimate Portrait," that there were rumors about the queen having a rare form of myeloma, a type of bone marrow cancer.

Brandreth noted that the diagnosis "would explain her tiredness and weight loss, and the 'mobility issues' we were often told about during the last year or so of her life."

Despite these claims, the official cause of the queen's death was listed as "old age," and the palace has never released detailed medical records.

Following her passing, her eldest son, King Charles III, 75, became king. He has since been diagnosed with an undisclosed type of cancer and is currently undergoing treatment.

King Charles III Reflects On Queen Elizabeth II's Final Days At Balmoral

MEGA

Two years after Elizabeth's passing, King Charles, in a speech at the Scottish Parliament on September 30, shared insights into his mother's decision to spend her last days at Balmoral.

Dressed in a kilt, he said, "Speaking from a personal perspective, Scotland has always had a uniquely special place in the hearts of my family and myself."

Charles added: "My late mother especially treasured the time spent at Balmoral, and it was there, in the most beloved of places, where she chose to spend her final days."

The Queen Was Worried About Passing Away At Balmoral

MEGA

According to People Magazine, in the documentary "Charles III: The Coronation Year," Princess Anne revealed that the queen had concerns about dying in Balmoral, fearing it would make things "difficult."

However, Anne noted that the royal family did their best to convince her to enjoy Balmoral and that her worries should not be part of the decision-making process.

"We did try and persuade her that that shouldn't be part of the decision-making process," Anne said. "I hope she felt that that was right in the end because I think we did."
The quest for beating a silent killer  diabetes  and how you can help in the Treasure Valley

In this photo illustration, Elizabeth Snouffer, whose had type 1 diabetes for most of her life, displays her insulin capsule which she needs to take daily on March 2, 2023, in New York City. Drugmaker Eli Lilly announced in March 2023 that it would cap the out-of-pocket cost of its insulin at $35 a month. Medical experts believe that the unexpected move may compel other insulin makers in the U.S. to follow suit and cap their prices of insulin. For those without health insurance or a health plan, the cost of insulin can cost hundreds or thousands of dollars a month for a diabetic. (Photo Illustration by Spencer Platt/Getty Images)

Writing political columns is what I do professionally (OK, its more like a hobby), but raising awareness about diabetes is at least a few notches higher on my care meter.

Thats because I have been battling the disease for more than 20 years and playing on house money throughout that time. I was on deaths doorstep 20 years ago, with a clogged heart slowly, but steadily, sucking the life out of me. A five-way bypass surgery took care of that problem and here I am today.

Working for free and enjoying every minute of it.

I belong to the Meridian Lions Club, which is a marvelous outlet for my passion. Globally, the Lions have been long recognized for its focus on eye and vision care and, in recent years, diabetes has moved toward the top of the priority list.

For good reason. Diabetes is a leading cause of blindness and the Lions figure, correctly, that stopping diabetes is a key to improving vision care.

The battle is never-ending. According to the American Diabetes Association, more than 37 million people have diabetes (it was just 25 million when I started making pitches more than a decade ago), and 95 million people have this ticking timebomb called pre-diabetes. So, thats more than 100 million people in this country dealing with diabetes in some form.

Worldwide, the number jumps to nearly 540 million  with no signs of slowing down.

So, please forgive me for making a pitch for the Breakthrough T1D (formerly Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation) walk, which will be held Oct. 12 at Kleiner Park in Meridian (9 a.m.). Around 400 people are expected to participate, and the fundraising goal is more than $63,300. That may not be huge numbers or big dollars, but it is one small step toward stopping this horrible disease.

The event may not have great relevance outside of the Treasure Valley, but the Breakthrough group is an important one  and especially for individuals and families dealing with type 1 diabetes. As the folks there put it, no other does more to improve the everyday lives of people with type 1 diabetes  from therapy development and access, to expanding research advocacy and community support.

Yes, they make the world a better place.

So, what does diabetes have to do with politics? More than you think. The insane cost of insulin is at the forefront of political discussions, with politicos battling to take credit for lowering the monthly cost of insulin. Republicans remind us that it was former President Donald Trump that got the ball rolling for some Medicare recipients, and Democrats want to make the $35 monthly cost available for everybody. And every year, Congress decides on increasing funding for continued research through the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and National Institutes of Health. Idahos U.S. Sen. Jim Risch, for one, has long been singing praises for those agencies.

Secretary of State Phil McGrane

Heres another connection  a political figure who is raising a child with type 1 diabetes. Idaho Secretary of State Phil McGrane, who is spending much of his time these days to ensure fairness in elections, knows all about the trials and tribulations. His 12-year-old daughter, Kennedy  known for her infectious smile and joyful personality  has type 1 diabetes.

There are no days off, or breaks, from diabetes, McGrane told me. It was particularly hard at the onset and remains a challenge. My phone buzzes, and I get alerts when her (glucose) readings are high or low.

The saving grace is that todays technology has phone apps, insulin pumps and precise monitoring to keep parents and patients informed. Years ago, test strips and glucose meters were hard to find. There is no cure for diabetes, but the sophisticated monitoring systems are byproducts of research and development.

McGrane and his wife, Angella, have been through it all  from the parental nightmare that went with learning about their daughters diabetes diagnosis to doing everything under the sun to ensure a normal, and healthy life, for their daughter. And make no mistake, type 1 diabetes does not have to hold back their daughter from anything.

The McGrane family will be in good company when they line up for the start of the Breakthrough walk on Oct. 12. They will be with some 400 other people who are going through the same challenges.

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The data centre site was previously earmarked for the now cancelled Britishvolt battery factory [QTS/Northumberland County Council]

Claims that a new AI data centre could create about 4,000 jobs have been questioned by an MP.

US investment firm Blackstone confirmed last week it would build the facility on a site at Cambois, near Blyth in Northumberland, which had previously been earmarked for the Britishvolt battery factory.

Ian Lavery, Labour MP for Blyth and Ashington, said he had been told by the House of Commons library that "big data centres" could expect to employ 1,600 people in the construction phase but only about 150 people in the operational phase.

Blackstone and Northumberland County Council have been approached for a response to Lavery's figures.

The council and government have previously said approximately 1,200 jobs would come from the project's construction, with a further 400 direct jobs at the centre.

The government's 4,000 figure appears to include a claim of approximately 2,700 indirect jobs, although the nature and location of these have not been detailed.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer last week praised the investment as a "huge vote of confidence in the UK".

But, speaking on the BBC's Politics North programme, Lavery said: "I want reassurances about how local people are going to benefit from a 10bn investment in our region."

Ian Lavery (left) told the BBC's Politics North programme he wanted reassurances over local job numbers [BBC]

Liam Bones, a Conservative councillor in North Tyneside, told the programme: "This is great news and I think it shouldn't be overshadowed by party politics.

"There will be high-quality, high-paid jobs in Northumberland and that fundamentally is how we deliver levelling up and break down barriers across the North East."

The Liberal Democrat leader of Durham County Council Amanda Hopgood said the jobs would not just benefit Northumberland.

"Itll be the supply chain that goes into it," she said.

"These are jobs for the future and we need to learn from our history and learn that we need to invest in future industries so we are not reliant on any one industry again."

'History and frustration'

On Monday, Tag Greason from the Blackstone subsidiary QTS - which will operate the site if built - told a Northumberland Council committee: "This is the largest, most significant project we have in Europe.

"I know there is a lot of history and frustration with this site. We will put that all behind and go forward."

QTS is hosting five community drop-in events later this month.

According to the Local Democracy Reporting Service, an outline planning application is expected imminently with a view to approval in the spring.

If granted, construction on the buildings would begin in 2026.

Part of the deal to purchase the site from the council included a 110m fund, paid out in stages, to invest in further employment projects across the county.

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The Coleman site is getting another financial boost.

This time, the funding will come from the Virginia Tobacco Commission to the amount of $2.33 million. The commission approved the money for the project during its meeting Thursday in Martinsville.

City officials hope to attract a large industry to the 158-acre site on Gypsum Road. The Danville Industrial Development Authority owns the property.

The money, in addition to $9 million announced for the site by Gov. Glenn Youngkin in August, will help pay to build an 80-acre graded pad and complete an access road and a graded area for the extension of rail to the site.

Grading of this pad will significantly reduce the time for companies to begin operation at the site, Corrie Bobe, director of economic development and tourism for Danville, told the Register & Bee on Friday. This project will certainly enhance the attractiveness of this site.

Danville City Council voted to pass a resolution supporting the Danville IDAs plan to seek about $4 million in funding from the Virginia Tobacco Commission for the site in August.

But the commissions program parameters for the grant were updated, which reduced the maximum amount of funding it could provide for the Coleman project to $1.5 million, Bobe said. The site will receive the new maximum, she said.

We were fortunate they saw such value in the project, they approved the maximum value, she said.

The commission provided another $833,000 for the Coleman project from a separate batch of money dedicated for Danville, for a total of $2.33 million, said City Manager Ken Larking.

Officials have estimated the grading project will cost about $17 million. With the tobacco commissions latest approval, a total of $11.3 million in funding has been clinched for the project.

Due to the sites undeveloped status, companies have declined bringing projects to the property in the past.

This site offers utility and transportation infrastructure that is conducive to large-scale manufacturing processes, Bobe told the Register & Bee in August. However, it remains undeveloped and has lost a number of projects.

Preparing the site for development will reduce a companys risk and timeline to begin operations, she said.

In August, Youngkin announced the $9 million in state funding for the Coleman site. The grant award was part of $126 million in Virginia Business Ready Program development grants for 23 sites across the state.

As for other possible funding, officials expect to receive another $3 million from Danville Utilities for the project. Also, there is about $1 million available from the IDA, Larking said.

If officials get that additional $4 million for the project, that will bring total funding to about $15.3 million. Danville officials would find a way to fund the remainder of the $17 million with city money, Bobe said.

No physical work has started on the project.

We need to complete engineering and design of the pad and apply for a permit through the Army Corps of Engineers to conduct the grading, Bobe said.
The search for survivors continued Tuesday amid the devastation from Hurricane Helene, which has killed at least 162 people and destroyed homes across the Southeast.

Many people also remain unaccounted for, especially in North Carolina, where hundreds of roads remain inaccessible and communications have been knocked out. At the White House on Monday evening, President Biden told reporters there were reports that 600 people were unaccounted for.

"God willing they're alive, but there's no way to contact them," Mr. Biden said.

FEMA Administrator Deanne Criswell said that search and rescue personnel have been deployed to affected areas, and efforts are underway to bring in satellite communications. CBS News previously reported that more than 3,300 personnel from across the federal government have been deployed to support response efforts in the states Helene bore through. The storm is expected to be one of the costliest in U.S. history.

As of Tuesday evening, CBS News has confirmed at least 77 storm-related deaths in North Carolina, 36 in South Carolina, 25 in Georgia, 14 in Florida, eight in Tennessee and two in Virginia.

A destroyed house with a car under it is seen in Chimney Rock, North Carolina, Sept. 29, 2024. / Credit: Khadejeh Nikouyeh/The Charlotte Observer/Handout via Reuters

Hurricane Helene's impact

Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida's Big Bend region on Thursday, with 140 mile per hour winds and 15-foot storm surge in some areas. Parts of the Gulf Coast have been decimated. Officials estimate that 90% of the homes in Keaton Beach, Florida are simply gone, after massive storm surge and strong winds impacted the coastal area.

"It's total devastation, and very heartbreaking, because we were a family," said Becky Jarvis, whose husband built their home there 40 years ago. Now, it's in pieces. "It's very sad."

After the storm hit Florida, it blew north through Georgia. Gov. Brian Kemp said Saturday that it "looks like a bomb went off," with splintered homes and debris-covered highways visible from the air.

The storm then brought torrential rain to the Carolinas and Tennessee, straining dams and overflowing waterways. In rural North Carolina, the area of Busick was recorded as receiving over 31 inches of rain in just two days.

"This is an unprecedented tragedy that requires an unprecedented response," North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper said at a news conference Sunday.

Cooper added that more deaths were expected as rescuers reach isolated areas.

Search and rescue operations ongoing amid devastation

In the small town of Burnsville, North Carolina, CBS News watched as a National Guard chopper crew rescued a stranded woman, the first of seven people rescued by the crew Tuesday.

Nearly 60 miles south, in Hendersonville, National Guard troops were sent on another mission, where they located three survivors clearly relieved and grateful to see the helicopter land.

"Grateful to be alive, grateful that everyone is safe, and trusting that everyone will make it through this," a woman who was rescued told CBS News.



The North Carolina National Guard is also delivering food and water to people who have waited days for relief.



"We're working together to open more major routes to push supplies forward while repairing roads, utilities and communications," Cooper said Tuesday.

Criswell said that it remains "very much an active search and rescue mission" in Western North Carolina.

"We know that there's many communities that are cut off just because of the geography" of the mountains in the region, she said Sunday.

Emergency Services Assistant Director Ryan Cole said the flooding in Buncombe County, which contains the city of Asheville, was "biblical."

"We've had biblical flooding here and it has been extremely significant," Cole told the Citizen-Times.

County manager Avril Pinder told the local publication that the storm "is looking to be Buncombe County's own Hurricane Katrina."

A rescue team paddles down the Swannanoa River on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina. / Credit: The News & Observer/Tribune News Service via Getty Images

In Swannanoa, North Carolina, more than 380,000 people are without power and the lack of cell phone service in the area has left many cut off from the outside world. During the peak of flooding, waters reached as high as the rooftops of many homes.

"This is devastation, devastation, the worst I've ever seen, and I'm 80 years old," Pat Harris, who has lived in the small town for over six decades, told "CBS Mornings" on Tuesday.

Food, water and other essential supplies have been delivered to the community by air, since highways and streets are impassable. North Carolina's Department of Transportation said all roads in the western part of the state should be considered closed to non-emergency travel.

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Tim Walz, JD Vance on certifying election, state of democracy
MORGANTOWN W.Va. (WBOY)  Advocates in Morgantown braved the rain on Monday to get their message out about how Privatized Medicare Advantage plans are too often what they call disadvantage plans.

The event was put on by Physicians for a National Health Program as well as the WVCitizen Action Group where advocates rallied outside Peak Health on Van Voorhis Road.

West Virginia Chapter of Physicians for a National Health Program Secretary Dr. Dan Doyle told 12 News that companies such as Peak Health, United Health Care and Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield offer Privatized Medicare Advantage plans that try to draw people in with claims of low premiums or perks, such as a free club membership or dental benefits.

How the Aspiring Nurse Program allows hospitals to invest in student nurses

However, the advocates argue these plans often give patients and their doctors less control over their Medicare money.

Theyre making huge profits, and the way they do it is by denials of care, delays of care, nonpayment of care, and by restricted networks, Dr. Doyle said.

Dr. Doyle also said that after 12 months on one of these privatized plans, a patient cant go back to normal Medicare without disclosing preexisting conditions, potentially making it harder to be insured at all.

The rally comes in the context of the soon-to-come open enrollment for Medicare, which lasts from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7. Dr. Doyle encouraged the public to become more informed about Medicare Advantage Plans before choosing where to enroll by calling the West Virginia Bureau of Senior Servicess Medicare counseling line at 877-987-4463.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A controversial figure from Greater Binghamtons past made a visit to our area Tuesday as a candidate for president.

Anti-abortion activist and Operation Rescue founder Randall Terry held a news conference outside Binghamton City Hall Tuesday morning as he campaigns against Proposition 1 on the New York State ballot.

Terry is currently the Constitution Party candidate for president. He is traveling with his vice-presidential candidate Stephen Broden, who is a Black pastor from Dallas, Texas.

Terry plans to start airing television ads opposing Prop 1 in New York markets that include graphic and disturbing images of what are presented as aborted fetuses.

Terry says that because he is a candidate for president, federal election law requires that stations air his advertisements without editing or censorship, despite the challenging imagery.

Imagine trying to fight anti-Semitism without showing pictures of dead bodies in Auschwitz. Imagine trying to fight segregation without showing Emmett Tills body or the dogs and the water cannons, or the Black men hung by the Ku Klux Klan. Its impossible. In every social revolution in America, incendiary images were used and thats what were doing, said Terry.

Terry says social movements, including civil rights and anti-Nazism, have long used difficult pictures to sway public opinion and work for change.

Terry and Broden are traveling on a bus emblazoned with the slogan Defeat the Democrat Party.

Terry acknowledges that his top goals are to defeat Democratic nominee Kamala Harris, as well as a number of abortion rights referenda on state ballots.

Terry says that while Prop 1, which would in shrine abortion access in the New York state Constitution, likely wont make much impact on the availability of abortion in New York, he is vehemently opposed to the measure because he says it would allow minors to receive transgender medical procedures without their parents consent.

Terry was in Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse on Monday and plans to also visit Albany and New York City. He did not qualify for the ballot in New York State but will be on the ballot in 12 states.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Rape survivor uses TikTok to try to empower others

Megan, now 22, said she turned to TikTok as a way of encouraging other victims of abuse to come forward [BBC]

Megan was 14 when she was raped by a man who groomed her at a house party in Plymouth. Feeling ashamed and alone, it took years for her to talk about her trauma and following the conviction of her rapist she said she wanted to help others.

"I'm going to jump straight into it," the now 22-year-old said in the first of a series of TikTok videos to explain how she became a target for a grooming gang.

"I wasn't that 'normal child' - I was a troubled child, as everyone called me.

"Not going to school, staying out late, going missing, just doing everything I shouldn't be doing at that age."

Megan, who has waived her right to anonymity, was one of four teenagers who were given alcohol and drugs and raped by a gang after a chance encounter in the street led to an invite to a party where she met her attacker.

The court heard there were a number of house parties held throughout 2017 in Plymouth by the three men who targeted teenage girls [Devon & Cornwall Police]

Abalzaq Salih, 31, from Plymouth, was jailed for 19 years after being convicted of two counts of rape following a five-week trial in August.

Saif Kahya, 32, from Liverpool, was jailed for 12 years, and Anthony Anantharajah, 35, from London, was jailed for 13 years.

The court heard there were a number of house parties held throughout 2017 in Plymouth by the three men who targeted Megan and other teenage girls.

Speaking to the BBC, Megan said her childhood was "very chaotic" which she believed made her a prime target for the gang.

"I just felt like I needed to get out," she said.

"I met these friends who also had troubles at home - we would all get together, drink, get on drugs, go to parties."

She said everything seemed normal at the first party she attended, but she now knows that was part of her attacker's plan.

"That was their way of grooming us," she added.

Megan said TikTok allowed her to "speak to people that are going through the same thing, or have gone through the same thing" [@megstalks]

Megan was raped at a second house party by Salih after being plied with large amounts of alcohol.

In a victim impact statement read out in court, Megan said the attack made her feel ashamed and angry.

"As soon as it happened I knew I had to keep it secret," she said.

"Back then, I thought I would be the one in trouble and that nobody would believe me, not even my own mum."

Prosecutor Dan Pawson-Pounds said in court the men deliberately selected vulnerable teenagers who were less connected to their parents and support networks and therefore "more susceptible to grooming and abuse and much less likely to complain after the event".

A phone call from a detective informing Megan of the guilty verdict was a turning point.

"I was just so chuffed at that point," she said.

"It was just so empowering that I had finally managed to get these people in prison."

'Speak out'

Judge Peter Johnson praised the women for their "commendable inner strength" in going through the criminal justice process".

He said: "All witnesses to the events of 2017 showed the most enormous courage and determination to come to court, to give evidence and see justice done.

"Those who saw them give their evidence could not fail to be impressed at how youngsters with extremely difficult backgrounds have grown up into responsible young adults of whom society should be proud."

Megan turned to TikTok as a way of encouraging other victims of abuse to come forward.

"Me setting up my TikTok account is to have more time to speak to people that are going through the same thing, or have gone through the same thing, and that are not capable of speaking up without having that support network," she said.

Praising the way the police had handled the case, Megan said she felt supported by detectives.

She urged other victims to seek the right support network by speaking to their parents, police, charity workers or teachers.

"If you're going through the same thing, speak out and get your word out there," she said.

"Get these horrible men locked up so they don't do it to any other children.

"You are going to be believed."

If you have been affected by any of the issues in this article, you can visit the BBC's Action Line.

Follow BBC Devon on X (formerly Twitter), Facebook and Instagram. Send your story ideas to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.

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SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  Here are this mornings top stories with KELOLAND On the Go.

Three people are injured after shots were fired Monday night in west Rapid City.

Three injured in Rapid City shooting

A house explosion in Deuel County is being investigated by authorities. Authorities say two people were inside the home at the time of the explosion. One victim is in critical condition, and the other victim has life-threatening injuries.

House explosion in Gary, SD injures 2 people

Sioux Falls Police had a heavy police presence around Washington High School Monday after originally receiving a call to check on the well-being of a person. Through their investigation, authorities learned the person may have a weapon. Police were in contact with the Sioux Falls School District, who then decided to place Washington High and Anne Sullivan Elementary in shelter-in-place status.

Police: Active shooter situation at WHS not credible

After a chilly start to the morning, another mild day is ahead for KELOLAND as we begin this new month of October.

Dry start to October; Warmer weather returns tomorrow

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
SIOUX FALLS S.D. (KELO)  After a few days of social media teases, the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center announced they will host Rascal Flatts in February, according to a news release.

House explosion in Gary, SD injures 2 people

The country music band is emerging from hiatus on their Life Is A Highway Tour in 2025, celebrating 25 years of hits and the impact of one of the most influential groups in country music. The trio have plotted a 21-stop tour across the U.S., produced by Live Nation, delivering a thank you to the fans who have supported them throughout their over two decades-long career.

The tour will make a Sioux Falls stop at Denny Sanford Premier Center on February 27, 2025.

Tickets will go on sale this Friday, Oct. 4 at 10 a.m. local time.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Claudia Sheinbaum has spent the final weeks of her time as Mexicos president-elect offering few specifics about how she will approach the major economic questions her predecessor is leaving behind. Markets are hoping she uses her first speech as the nations president to change that.

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Investors will scour Sheinbaums Tuesday inaugural address for clues about her plans for Latin Americas second-largest economy, including a yawning budget deficit and a judicial overhaul that sent the currency into a tailspin in the closing stages of Andres Manuel Lopez Obradors six-year term.

They are particularly eager to see if Sheinbaum will begin to put some distance between herself and her political mentor, after a transition period in which she remained largely in the shadow of the president known as AMLO while he pushed the controversial reforms through Congress.

Markets are waiting to hear her speech, whether itll be positive after all of the negative noise thats been coming out of Congress, said Bertrand Delgado, the director for research and strategy at Societe Generale. A lot of people want to see her take a protagonist space moving forward: She has to go out there, thank AMLO and say, This is my government and I need space.

That would repeat AMLOs performance from his election victory in 2018, when he calmed fears his campaign rhetoric had inspired by pledging in a speech to respect the autonomy of the central bank and maintain fiscal discipline. He later kept cordial ties to some key companies while scapegoating others throughout his presidency, and even condoned public-private collaboration on many of his flagship state projects.

Sheinbaum followed a similar approach after winning Junes election, emphasizing the importance of strong ties to the US, welcoming foreign investment and exercising fiscal restraint after her dominant victory.

But the transition period has reignited some worries among investors, especially after AMLO and Sheinbaums Morena party used expanded congressional majorities to approve his plan requiring the election of Mexicos federal judges, including members of its Supreme Court.

The peso has weakened about 14% since the election, making it by far the worlds worst-performing major currency over that span.

Congress subsequently approved another reform that expands the role of Mexicos military in civilian affairs, while a third proposal that would eliminate some independent regulators in favor of ministerial oversight is still under discussion.

AMLO last week seized a port and quarry owned by Vulcan Materials Co. just days before he left office, with the company alleging that the unlawful act will have chilling effects on US-Mexico trade and investment relations. The surprise departure of Deputy Finance Minister Gabriel Yorio from the government on Friday, meanwhile, renewed concerns about Mexicos fiscal trajectory as it faces its largest budget deficit in nearly 40 years.

Sheinbaum has not commented publicly on the Vulcan dispute and is unlikely to during her speech, but markets are eager for details on whether she will seek to deepen economic ties with the US and adopt more business-friendly policies toward the private sector, Delgado said.

Public-private partnerships are key, especially to develop infrastructure, he said.

She has similarly avoided talk of fiscal reforms in the wake of AMLOs expanded spending and support for state-owned oil producer Pemex, leaving investors hoping she will begin to address the situation during her speech.

In economic terms, Im not expecting much from the first address, said Rodolfo Navarrete, head of economic analysis at Mexican brokerage Vector Casa de Bolsa. The only thing Im waiting for is an orderly plan for how shell reduce the fiscal deficit. It all depends on how much revenue she manages to bring in.

A business-friendly approach could help the beleaguered peso, pushing it close to 18.60 per dollar after it began the week around 19.70, Delgado said. A tone investors interpret as negative, he added, may threaten to weaken it beyond 20.

Many of the answers investors are looking for likely wont come for weeks, as the process of implementing AMLOs reforms continues and Sheinbaum releases her first budget plan, which her government is due to submit to Congress by Nov. 15.

Investors will also monitor the drafting of secondary laws that will determine how the judicial reforms work, Delgado said, as Mexico sets rules for the election of thousands of judges across the country.

Now its about the implementation, Delgado said. Is there a chance to improve the process of how these judges will be elected to avoid some of investors largest concerns?

But given the mounting worries, it would be surprising if Sheinbaum doesnt at least begin to offer more specifics about her economic approach Tuesday, said Adriana Ibarra, principal partner at law firm Baker McKenzie.

She has to address the issue of economic growth because its stood out, and there have been so many news stories about the debt that the government of AMLO is leaving and the uncertainty that his constitutional reforms have created for investors, Ibarra said. She will have to touch upon it, even if only briefly.

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A former national security advisor to Donald Trump has rubbished the Republican presidential candidate's claims that he will be able to broker a peace deal between Kyiv and Moscow and end the war in Ukraine.

Speaking to CBSs Face the Nation on Sept. 29, HR McMaster dismissed his former boss's claims as "a real myth," adding: "Its a real misunderstanding of war  to assume that you can get a favorable political outcome without a favorable military outcome.

"Thats never really happened in war."

Trump has promised to end Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine within a day if elected but has not publicly elaborated on how he plans to achieve that.

One plan reportedly involves ceding territory to Russia.

Even the Kremlin has voiced skepticism of Trump's claims, saying on July 18 there was a need to "be realistic."

"I dont really buy it," McMaster said, adding the only way that Ukraine can end up with "a favorable settlement" is to ensure that Russian President Vladimir Putin is in a situation where he is convinced that he is losing the war.

"How do you do that? You demonstrate our resolve to continue to support the Ukrainians as they defend themselves against this continued onslaught by the Russians," McMaster said.

"Thats how you get to  maybe  favorable conditions for negotiation."

In July, President Volodymyr Zelensky said Trump should reveal his plan so Kyiv can be prepared for any risks such a plan might entail.

"If Trump knows how to finish this war, he should tell us today," Zelensky told Bloomberg Television in an interview published on July 3.

"If there are risks to Ukrainian independence, if we lose statehood  we want to be ready for this, we want to know... We want to understand whether in November we will have the powerful support of the U.S., or will be all alone."

Trump and Zelensky met in the U.S. last week where the presidential candidate said that he had "learned a lot" as the war continues but noted that his views on ending it "as soon as possible" have not changed.

Recently, Trump's rhetoric toward Zelensky and U.S. support for Ukraine has become increasingly critical.

He has claimed that Zelensky wants Democrats to win the upcoming presidential election, referring to him as "the greatest salesman on earth."

Trump also criticized Zelensky earlier in September for refusing to "make a deal" with Russia and accused him of "making little nasty aspersions" toward him.

But in an interview with The Washington Post published on Sept. 30, Trump said that he "likes" Zelensky and that he "had a good relationship" with him while in office.

Read also: Recurring failures to launch Satan ICBM throw shadow on Putins nuclear saber-rattling

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FILE - M23, rebels, who control Rubaya, a mining town in eastern Congo since May 2024 known for producing a key mineral used in smartphones, stand with their weapons in Kibumba, in the eastern of Democratic Republic of Congo, Dec. 23, 2022. (AP Photo/Moses Sawasawa, File)

DAKAR, Senegal (AP)  A rebel group in Congo generates around $300,000 a month in revenue through its control of a mining area in the east of the country, a U.N. official said.

In April, the M23  a rebel group with alleged links to Rwanda  seized the Rubaya mining area in eastern Congo, which holds deposits of a key mineral used in the production of smartphones and computers. Over 15% of the world's supply of tantalum, a rare metal extracted from coltan, comes from Rubaya, Bintou Keita, head of the U.N. mission in Congo, told the Security Council on Monday.

Unless international sanctions are imposed on those benefiting from this criminal trade, peace will remain elusive and civilians will continue to suffer, Keita said.

Tantalum is among the minerals that were identified earlier this year in a letter from Congos government questioning Apple about the tech companys knowledge of blood minerals being smuggled in its supply chain.

The decadeslong conflict in eastern Congo has produced one of the worlds worst humanitarian crises, with more than 120 armed groups fighting for power, land and valuable mineral resources while others try to defend their communities. Some armed groups have been accused of mass killings, rapes and other human rights violations. The violence has displaced some 6 million people in the country's east.

M23, or the March 23 Movement, is a rebel military group mainly made up of ethnic Tutsis that broke away from the Congolese army just over a decade ago. They staged a large offensive in 2012 and took over the provincial capital of Goma near the border with Rwanda, the same city they are threatening again.

Congo alleges that Rwanda has been involved in war crimes in the east and U.S. and U.N. experts accuse it of giving military backing to M23. Rwanda denies the claim, but in February admitted that it has troops and missile systems in eastern Congo to safeguard its security, pointing to a buildup of Congolese forces near the border.

In July, U.N. experts estimated that between 3,000 and 4,000 Rwandan government forces are deployed in eastern Congo alongside M23, which has been making major advances.

Last week, a regional court in East Africa opened proceedings in a case filed by Congo against Rwanda, accusing it of violating Congos sovereignty and territorial integrity by sending troops to help rebels in the countrys east.
WHO recommends maternal vaccine and antibody shot to prevent RSV in infants

By Kashish Tandon and Bhanvi Satija

(Reuters) -The World Health Organization on Tuesday recommended vaccinating pregnant women and administering infants with an antibody to prevent severe respiratory synctial virus (RSV) infection in newborns.

RSV, which typically causes cold-like symptoms, is a leading cause of severe infection and death in babies and older adults. A majority of RSV-related deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries, with about 101,400 annual deaths in children under the age of five, according to the WHO.

WHO recommended a single shot for pregnant women, in the third trimester that typically starts at 28 weeks, to protect their babies.

Pfizer's RSV shot, sold as Abrysvo, is the only available vaccine in the United States and Europe for use in pregnant women. It is also approved in a few other markets such as Japan and Canada.

For infants and toddlers, Sanofi and AstraZeneca's antibody, Beyfortus, is again the only approved shot in the U.S., United Kingdom and some other countries - but its supply has been limited.

The manufacturers recently received approval for an additional manufacturing line for Beyfortus from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.

WHO's strategic advisory group noted the concerns around supply and the high cost of the antibody, which it said could seriously limit global access and equity for the treatment.

"We are looking forward to more products to enter the market to allow for global access and increase the equity to use these products," said Hanna Nohynek, chair of WHO's strategic advisory group on immunizations.

This time WHO's advisory group focused on children, Nohynek said, adding that it had received requests from several countries about recommendations for the elderly.

WHO executive Joachim Hombach said there were challenges to implement recommendations for older adults, as many countries did not have vaccination programs in place for that age group.

(Reporting by Kashish Tandon and Bhanvi Satija in Bengaluru; Editing by Shinjini Ganguli)
For nearly 40 years, October has been known as 'Pink October,' a global campaign dedicated to raising awareness about breast cancer. The Ministry of Health and Social Security actively promotes this initiative, highlighting the importance of early screening, which significantly improves the chances of full remission by detecting tumours early.

Since 1 July 2024, the breast cancer screening programme has been available to women aged between 45 and 74 who are residents of Luxembourg and affiliated with the National Health Fund (CNS). Every two years, the Department of Health personally invites residents to participate in the mammography programme by undergoing an examination at one of the country's five approved screening centres located in Luxembourg hospitals.

Non-residents can access the screening programme by contacting the Centre de coordination des programmes de depistage des cancers, by telephone on 247-75550, or by e-mail at mammographie@ms.etat.lu. They will receive a personal invitation under the same conditions as Luxembourg residents.

The result

In Luxembourg, on average, 40 out of every 1,000 mammograms performed as part of the screening programme show abnormal results. Of these 40 screenings found to be abnormal, 7 cancer cases are confirmed after further examination.

According to the study conducted by the Registre national du cancer (RNC) on the 2013-2018 cohort, women diagnosed with breast cancer detected by the screening programme were diagnosed at a younger age, at an earlier stage and more often underwent conservative surgery.

'When interpreting mammogram images, our experts apply the principle of double or even triple reading. The images examined by an accredited radiologist at the screening centre are then reviewed by a second radiologist from the Health Directorate. When these two interpretations differ, a third reading is performed to establish the diagnosis. With this method, we can optimise the detection process in the interests of the women concerned", emphasises Minister Martine Deprez.

Awareness-raising initiatives in Luxembourg

Awareness and information days will be organised in Luxembourg, in the country's various hospitals and in high-traffic areas accessible to the public. These events are organised in collaboration with the Fondation Cancer and the Think Pink and Europa Donna associations:

2 October from 1pm to 5pm at the Centre hospitalier du Luxembourg (CHL),

8 October from 12 to 3pm at the Robert Schuman Kirchberg Hospitals (HRS),

9 October at the market on Place Guillaume,

10 October from 9am to 12pm at the Centre hospitalier du Nord (CHDN),

11 October from 10am to 4pm at the Shopping Center Belle Etoile,

14 October from 9am to 1pm at the Colpach rehabilitation centre,

15 October from 12pm to 3pm at the Hopitaux Robert Schuman Zithaklinik (HRS),

16 October from 9am to 3pm at the Centre hospitalier Emile Mayrisch (CHEM).

The Broschtkriibslaf leisure run, organised by Europa Donna, will take place on 5 October from 10am in Hesperange Park. This year, this event will again welcome a large number of participants to raise public awareness of the importance of physical activity in cancer prevention. There will also be a fund-raising event to support sufferers and their families.

More information:

The awareness campaign

Press release by the Ministry of Health and Social Security
On the second anniversary of the announcement of mobilisation in Russia, a record number of Russians are in favour of compromise and an end to Russia's unprovoked war against Ukraine, according to the results of polls conducted by two projects, Chronicle and ExtremeScan.

Source: Russian media outlet Holod

Quote: "The number of supporters of a truce with Ukraine among Russians has reached an absolute maximum - 49% of respondents expressed their readiness to support a peace agreement, even if the goals of the special military operation [as Russians substitute the term war - ed.] remain unfulfilled. 33% of respondents are against such a decision, and 18% cannot answer this question."

Results of the poll: If Vladimir Putin decides to withdraw Russian troops from the territory of Ukraine and starts ceasefire negotiations without achieving the original goals of the military operation, would you support or not support such a decision?

Infographic: Holod

Details: It is also reported that 63% of respondents would like to reach peace within a year.

The ExtremeScan study reports some regions are even more in favour of ending the war than the traditional "protest centres" of Moscow and St Petersburg.

Results of the poll: Would you support Vladimir Putin's decision to withdraw troops from Ukraine?

Infographic: Holod

Among the regions studied, the lowest support for the war is in the Chechen Republic - only 39% of respondents said they supported the special military operation, followed by the Tuvan People's Republic (48%), and a slightly higher level of support in St Petersburg - 50%.

The sociologists emphasise that the same regions (Chechen Republic, Tuvan People's Republic and St Petersburg) have the largest number of respondents who refused to answer this question. The media outlet points out that this may indicate that the level of support for the war in these regions is even lower.

Results of the poll: Level of support for the special military operation among regions.

Infographic: Holod

ExtremeScan reports that the strongest support for the war is in the oblasts closest to the war zone - Belgorod Oblast (63%) and Krasnodar Krai (62%).

It is also reported that fewer and fewer Russians are ready to fight. In particular, from February 2023 to September 2024, the number of those who are not ready to go to war, either voluntarily or by order of the Russian Ministry of Defence, increased by 9%. Also, the share of those who were ready to go to war a year and a half ago, if mobilised, decreased by 10 percentage points.

Results of the poll: Would you like to participate in a special operation in Ukraine yourself if such an opportunity arises? And if so, voluntarily or on the orders of the Russian Ministry of Defence?

Infographic: Holod

The sociologists report that the most outstanding readiness for mobilisation among men is expressed by citizens aged 50 to 60, i.e. those who are least likely to be mobilised, as under Russian law, the age limit for regular soldiers is 50.

Only 6.6% of Russians aged 18-24, who are more likely to be mobilised, are ready to go to war if ordered to do so.

Most Russians are also not ready to condemn anyone for refusing to participate in military operations: 51% of respondents said they would treat such people with understanding, 27% would condemn them, and 22% could not answer the question.

After the operation of the Armed Forces in Russias Kursk Oblast, 57% of Russians surveyed assessed the possibility of a new mobilisation as high, while 28% considered it low. Against this backdrop, 53% of respondents say that the primary task of the Russian army is to liberate Kursk Oblast, not to advance deeper into Ukraine.

Answering the question, "Which of the following events would you like to see happen in the next year?" (several options were available), only 22% named a new wave mobilisation.

50% of Russians said they would like to see relations with Western countries restored, 54% would like to see an increase in budget spending on the army, 63% would like to see a peace treaty with Ukraine with mutual concessions, and 65% would like to see sanctions against Russia lifted. 85% of respondents hope that the government will focus on solving internal social and economic problems in the coming year.

Quote: "However, the most desirable option is still the completion of the New Strategic Arms Agreement upon achievement of its goals - 86% of respondents supported this option. Sociologists attribute such a high level of support for this option to the unwillingness of some Russians to lose, even if they are wrong, and to the fact that approximately 20% of Russians are still pro-war, and victory without any concessions is important to them. However, 63% of respondents are ready for peace with mutual concessions, which is the maximum since the beginning of the war."

The Chronicle project's research was conducted by telephone survey from 10 to 17 September. The sample size was 800 people over the age of 18. The study's confidence interval (the interval that most likely contains the truth) is 95%, with a maximum measurement error of 3.45%.

From 29 July to 6 September, ExtremeScan Group conducted 11 surveys: one all-Russian survey and ten within the country's oblasts - Moscow, St Petersburg, Sverdlovsk Oblast, Krasnodar Krai, Belgorod Oblast, the Republics of Bashkortostan, Dagestan, Chechnya, Tuvan People's Republic and Buryatia. The sample size of each survey was 500 people (a total of 5,500 respondents). The maximum measurement error in comparing oblasts is 4.38%, with a confidence interval of 95%.

It is noted that due to rounding, the sum of the percentages may slightly differ from 100%.

Holod emphasises that in times of war, it is impossible to trust the results of public opinion polls fully, as "Russians may be afraid to oppose the position dictated by the state and propaganda".

Why it matters: The goals of the Russian war in Ukraine have been constantly changing. The Russian authorities have used the word "goals" many times, but no one has clearly stated them. At various times, Kremlin leader Vladimir Putin and his henchmen have claimed the alleged need to "demilitarise" and "denazify" Ukraine, as well as to "protect the people of Donbas". They have also repeatedly invented some imaginary threats from NATO and the alleged need to defend Russia. It is likely that even in the third year of the war, the Russians do not understand the "main goals of the special military operation".

Russian-controlled Russian Public Opinion Research Center reports that 43% of Russians believe that the war started to protect Russia from NATO, one in five thinks that Russia is defending the so-called "republics" [Russian-occupied territories - ed.] of Donbas, and another 15% believe that Russia wants to cleanse Ukraine of Nazis.

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(COLORADO SPRINGS)  The American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado announced on Tuesday, Oct 1, that it urgently needs volunteers who are willing to travel and support emergency shelters for major national disaster relief efforts.

Red Cross disaster volunteers provide people with a safe place to stay and make sure all their basic needs are met. They also help with other critical services such as mental health support and replacing lost medications or medical equipment.

When disasters upend lives, Red Cross volunteers are on the frontlines providing refuge and comfort to people in their darkest hours, Phil Martinez, executive director of the American Red Cross of Southeastern Colorado said. They truly are the heart and soul of the Red Cross  comprising 90% of our workforce  to help ensure families never face a crisis alone.

Interested individuals can sign up online. All candidates must complete the necessary training and commit to a two-week deployment.

Applicants who have no disaster experience, but have supervision, management, or organization skills, a strong desire to help others, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment are encouraged to apply.

As of Monday, Sept. 30, more than 900 Red Cross disaster responders are on the ground across 10 states impacted by Hurricane Helene. The Red Cross said as extreme weather worsens, disasters are becoming more intense and frequent, prompting the Red Cross to respond continuously.

To register, head to the website linked above.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX21 News Colorado.
AUSTIN (KXAN)Millions of dollars are now being put toward testing whats being called a new model of community safety in east Austin.

National nonprofit Urban Alchemy was awarded a $2 million federal grant by the Department of Justice.

The initiative will reduce crime in this predominantly Black neighborhood and increase trust in traditional public safety organizations in the 78702, 78721, and 78723 zip codes. Urban Alchemy

Over the next three years, Urban Alchemy said it plans to have members of its trained team be the go-to people in east Austin for de-escalating non-violent situations. This is versus having to call police for everything.

According to grant award information, some strategies that will be used include community engagement, training and technical assistance, community events, service referrals and deploying trauma-informed community ambassadors.

Building community trust is going to be key. And perhaps itll start with long-time east Austinites like Brian Mays.



Ive been here 50 yearsIve seen everything, Mays said.

Photos on the wall at Sams BBQ in East Austin. (KXAN photos/Andrew Way).

Photos on the wall at Sams BBQ in East Austin. (KXAN photos/Andrew Way).

Photos on the wall at Sams BBQ in East Austin. (KXAN photos/Andrew Way).



Mays owns Sams BBQ. His business, in the heart of east Austin, has walls filled with generations of memories and family photos. Its a community staple.



Mays said he loves his community. But over the years, he said he has seen a lot.



Selling drugs, prostitution, everything, fighting, Mays said. Everything.



Urban Alchemya Black-led nonprofitsaid itll focus on the historically predominately Black and Latino neighborhood, as it has noticed east Austin struggling with crime consistently. It wanted to do more to make those who live in the area feel safer.



Police are needed, right?, Ian Clark-Johnson with the Urban Alchemy said. But we also recognize that in certain nonviolent situations, that the is community that can be that buffer between police and the crime. Especially when youre talking about non-violent crime.



Clark-Johnson said Urban Alchemy will use public Austin Police Department data and work with Huston-Tillotson University to analyze it. From there, he said the nonprofit will also work with other groups based in east Austin to help with community outreach. Those groupsHungry Hill Foundation and We Can Nowwill facilitate a new community-driven approach to reducing crime, according to Urban Alchemy.



Were also going to be proactively engagedlike embedded within the community, are identifying hotspots, pillar areas where we know certain behaviors occur, Clark-Johnson said.

[Well be] proactively having conversations, checking on folks, just genuinely building that relationship.



A big task, with big hopes of a lasting impact. As it starts out a lot of the work, Urban Alchemy said it will be surveying people out in the community and lining up anecdotal experiences from neighbors with APD crime data. Some of the non-violent crimes it is hoping to address are auto thefts, drugs and sex crimes.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Repeat offender in Wisconsin sentenced to 25 years in prison for attempted sexual exploitation of a child

(WFRV)  U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Wisconsin, Gregory J. Haanstad announced on Monday that a 41-year-old man was sentenced to 25 years in federal prison for attempting to exploit a child sexually.

Court records show that David Fuchs, formerly of Janesville had started conversations with an undercover officer from the Outagamie County Sheriffs Office, who was posing online as a 12-year-old girl.

Illinois man arrested after shooting gun during argument

Fuchs reportedly described his desire to have sex with the child, sending numerous explicit images and requesting them in return. He explained that he was going to teach the girl to have sex, and then planned to meet with her at a plaza near Madison.

On March 15, he arrived with the intention of meeting with a 12-year-old girl, but was arrested by the United States Marshals Service. Court records also showed that the same undercover officer talked to Fuchs with a different undercover identity. He also talked to other undercover officers posing as underage girls.

Additional Manitowoc suspect arrested stemming from November 2023 armed robbery incident

Fuchs is registered as a sex offender as he has prior convictions of attempted sexual assault and sexual assault of an intoxicated victim.

No more details were provided.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFRV Local 5 - Green Bay, Appleton.
Republicans are open to raising the state and local tax (SALT) deduction cap that the party championed and put in place under former President Trump seven years ago as they aim to win total control of government in 2024.

The issue is especially potent in higher-tax blue states like California and New York that have a significant number of House Republicans defending battleground seats  Republicans who have long called to raise or do away with the SALT cap.

Trump earlier this month signaled a reversal on the SALT deduction cap, saying on Truth Social that he would get SALT back, lower your taxes, and so much more.

Trump signed into law a $10,000 cap on SALT deduction as part of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act (TCJA) in 2017. At the time, Republicans and his own administration argued that the new caps would [get] the federal government out of the business of subsidizing states, as then-Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin put it.

But Republicans now acknowledge that members of their party in those high-income states will likely determine control of the lower chamber  and depending on the balance of power, could have a major say in how Republicans address the tax policy.

If we have a thin majority, it means that those SALT-state Republicans have a larger and more proportional voice in the conversation, said Rep. Andy Barr (R-Ky.), a member of the Financial Services Committee. Barr noted he voted in favor of the cap on SALT and praised the Trump tax bills effect on businesses moving out of high-tax states like New York and California.

Of the 11 House seats rated as toss-ups in The Hill/DecisionDesk HQs election forecast, six are in New York and California.

For those Republicans, the SALT deduction cap has been a major issue.

Rep. Nick LaLota (N.Y.), a first-term Republican, said he praised Trump for his new position on SALT when the former president held a rally on Long Island earlier this month.

I said, way to go, Mr. President, way to put this on the table. This is what suburban constituents in blue states want. Its right to bring us relief that we need, LaLota said.

LaLota said he and other pro-SALT deduction colleagues have been screaming from the top of this mountain here in Washington that we need some relief on this issue, and were eager to build new relationships [with] people who want to be pro-SALT. The top of that list is the former president.

In that environment, members from red states are staying open to changing the SALT deduction.

We have members from high-tax states who, you know, feel like its punitive for them to have to pay state and local taxes on top of high federal taxes. So, its a good debate to have, along with all the other provisions that we want to make permanent, House Budget Committee Chair Jodey Arrington (R-Texas) said.

How, exactly, Republicans will fulfill Trumps promise on tax policy is unclear. Several Republicans noted that Trump did not specifically outline how he wants to address SALT.

Rep. Jason Smith (R-Mo.), the chair of the powerful House Ways and Means Committee that will head up how House Republicans address tax policy next year, ruled out a total elimination of the cap if Republicans keep control of the House.

The presidents called for us to address SALT. Theres going to be a cap on SALT. Its not going to be unlimited. Because there is no way in a Republican House of Representatives that you can pass an unlimited SALT deduction, Smith said Monday on CNBC, adding that it would definitely be a higher cap.

One option is removing the so-called marriage penalty, which applies the $10,000 SALT deduction cap to married couples who file their taxes jointly and who make less than $500,000 per year.

Democrats and a few Republicans blocked GOP legislation in February that would have increased the deduction cap from $10,000 to $20,000, thereby keeping the so-called marriage penalty intact.

Rep. Warren Davidson (R-Ohio) said that the SALT cap issue could be used as a leverage point for other tax negotiations.

I think theres a good path to include changes in SALT as a part of tax reform, Davidson said, mentioning expensing of research and development costs, which was a priority for Republicans in a recent tax bill, along with other business deductions, that failed to make it through the Senate over the summer. SALT is one of the things that might get us to some deal.

Democratic opposition to the SALT cap has been entrenched ever since it passed in 2017.

Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer (D-N.Y.) recently blasted it, calling it a nasty piece of legislation.

Ive always been for eliminating the cap on SALT. I think it was a nasty piece of legislation, supported by Donald Trump, aimed at the blue states, which help the people of their states in many ways, he told reporters earlier this month.

With significant portions of the tax code set to expire next year, the next Congress is poised for a major tax fight in 2025, though Sen. Mike Rounds (R-S.D.) recently opened the door to negotiations in the lame-duck session.

Major tax provisions in addition to SALT that could feature prominently in negotiations are the corporate tax rate, the 199-A pass-through deduction, various business credits, the child tax credit, the earned income tax credit and tax bracket configurations.

The taxation of partnerships, which are a type of commercial pass-through entity, could be a serious sticking point in the negotiating process, as Republicans want to defend deductions for pass-throughs while the IRS, recently beefed up by Democrats, has recently set up an entirely new division for taxing them.

The IRS audit rate for large partnerships has dropped to less than 0.5 percent since 2007. About 80 percent of audits conducted dont find tax noncompliance. This may suggest that IRS isnt choosing the riskiest returns to audit or doesnt know how to find noncompliance in these businesses, the Government Accountability Office said in a report last year.

On Monday, the IRS released draft form 7217, which compels company partners to report all distribution of property that a partner receives from a partnership.

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Tim Walz's former roommate and fellow lawmaker claims theres a secret cabal of Republicans that supports Kamala Harris but whose members are too chicken to cross Donald Trump.

Former Rep. Patrick Murphy (D-PA) who was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 alongside Walz told the Daily Beast Tuesday that not only will he be rooting for his ex-roomie to defeat JD Vance in Tuesday nights debate, but former colleagues on the other side of the aisle will be, too.

Theres a silent majority out there that wants to send a message to Donald Trump that he was fired once for a reason, Murphy told the Daily Beast Tuesday.

The only problem with these GOP members is that they fear Trump, whoin spite of everythingstill has an iron grip on the GOP congressional establishment.

Former Sen. Jeff Flake of Arizona is the latest GOP ex-member of Congress to endorse Harris, joining the likes of former Republican Reps. Jim Greenwood, Liz Cheney and Adam Kinzinger. Cheneys father, former Vice President Dick Cheney, has also endorsed Harris.

Walzs friend Murphy, who served on House Armed Services when Walz served on the House Veterans Affairs Committee, said he regularly texts with Republicans who say they support Harris and dont want another four years of Trump in the White House.

But theyre afraid, he said, adding that Trumps most recent personal attacks on Harris may be the final blow for Republicans who are privately fed up with the former president and 2024 GOP nominee. Murphy declined to name names.

More Republicans will definitely be coming out to endorse Harris, he predicted. After lying about cats and dogs being eaten, Obama not being born in America, hes now turning on her with false claims about a mental disability, said Murphy, a combat veteran who served as a paratrooper with the Armys 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq.

Questions over the accuracy of Walzs statements about his service are almost certain to feature in the debate. Vance left the National Guard before his unit was deployed to Iraq in combat, with veterans who served with him divided over whether he was right to leave.

But Murphy called Walz a barrel-chested American soldier whos gonna take it and give it right back in Tuesdays showdown against Vance, the polished Yale Law School graduate.

There are Republicans and Democrats who would run through a wall for Tim Walz, Murphy said.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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FRESNO, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  A coffee shop owner in Fresnos Tower District is putting a positive spin on the repeated damage done to her store.

Component Coffee on Olive Avenue has had to replace the front windows of the shop five times this year alone since January. Instead of getting angry, the shop announced in a social media post on Friday that they would respond to acts of vandalism and hate by bringing love and flowers.

Highest-rated cafes in Fresno, according to Yelp

Kelly Amend with Component Coffee says she was saddened by the vandalism  but even more saddened by the implications.

More saddened that someone may have felt the need to do that, Amend said. It made me sad that there could be someone in that frame of mind and felt like they needed to act out.

Even though the shop had once again had its front windows smashed, her mind was not on catching the person responsible.

It made me think about how as a society we could respond in a better way, she said. I feel like bad things do happen, but its how we respond thats more important.

Amend says her response was to start the Tower Store Flower Fund.

Instead of responding with more hatred or disgust, Amend explained. There are a couple of flowerbeds around the shop that will be putting some flowers in directly in front of the [broken] windows.

To give their customers a chance to show their support the shop also announced a day and a time in which they would be planting the flowers.

They can join us October 5th from 9 a.m. to 10 a.m., Amend said. Well be adding soil and coffee grounds to the soil, which is kind of fun.

Amend says while it may not change the minds of people who commit acts of vandalism or prevent further vandalism, planting flowers is a gesture aimed at persuading people in the community to respond in love.

Tower is a resilient community, Amend said. I think its important that we remember that, especially when we see more signs of things like this happening in our community, and that we choose to look at the positive and continue to be resilient.

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At this summers Edinburgh International Festival and Festival Fringe, the running joke among comedians wasnt about Britains quadruplet of fresh-faced leaders, Sir Keir Starmer, John Swinney, Eluned Morgan, or Michelle ONeill.

It was the one about the outrageous price of temporary accommodation during August, with the divisive topic sparking a social media backlash. A merry-go-round of popular comics and TV personalities, including Jason Manford and Gail Porter, weighed in. Boycotts were touted. Several acts cancelled due to spiralling costs. Talk about awkward for the worlds largest arts festival.

Try finding cheap self-catering accommodation in the Scottish capital these days and youll be in for a surprise. Thinking about coming for Oasis at Murrayfield next August? Stop crying your heart out. Prices near the stadium over the three nights currently peak at 1,485 for an apartment on Airbnb.

Compounded by a lack of residential housing, Edinburgh is now at odds with itself after last years attempt to bring short-term lets on home-sharing platforms like Airbnb and Vrbo under control  and it has led to the sector being squeezed. The old Edinburgh saying is, youll have had your tea, meaning youll get nothing for free here, pal. Now, theres no getting away from how much of a joke that really is.

Comedian Jason Manford criticised the price of temporary accommodation during August in Edinburgh - WireImage

To recap: this story began to unfold in 2019, under the watch of then First Minister Nicola Sturgeon, when the Scottish government made a commitment to ensure local authorities had appropriate regulatory powers over short-term lets in the city.

Fast-forward to today and, a year after the legislation was introduced, the number of Airbnb-type properties has reportedly been slashed. Unlicensed lettings have flooded social media. And prices have soared. Edinburgh spoon-feeds you sights, thats true. But these days at what cost?

According to the City of Edinburgh Council, more than 4,700 licensing applications have been received for short-term lets and it has determined at least 3,500 to date. A drop in Airbnb properties across the city, it adds, suggests the stern new measures are working. By the end of last year, too, figures showed there were around 3,350 fewer whole properties being offered for short-term letting compared to 2019.

Leader of Edinburgh Council and Labour Group Leader Cammy Day said: One year on and the early signs are promising that the regulations are helping to keep visitor accommodation safe and well managed in Edinburgh. Were committed to ensuring that everyone benefits from Edinburghs thriving visitor economy, but it has to be managed, and it has to be sustainable  and I strongly believe that our short-term let controls have been an important step in the right direction.

But those representing the citys short-term accommodation providers say the black market has grown exponentially and the roll-out of regulations has been chaotic.

Fiona Campbell, CEO of the Association of Scotlands Self-Caterers (ASSC), said: As professional self-catering businesses have been shut down or at threat of closure, theres a burgeoning black market of unlicensed accommodation in the capital, thereby undermining the entire purpose of the regulations.

Four types of licence for short-term lets are available in Edinburgh: secondary letting (renting a property where you do not normally live, such as a second home), home letting (using all or part of your own home, while you are absent), home sharing (as above, but while you are there), and home letting and home sharing (using a combination of the two).

However, ASSC claims that of 2,245 applications, only 1,672 secondary let licences have been granted by Edinburgh Council since the regulations came into force last year. And this from a sector which has provided a 90m per annum boost to the local economy and formed an integral part of the accommodation mix for decades, especially during the summer season.

To cap it off, the Councils Short-Term Licensing regulations have seen a hat-trick of court losses, all of which could have been so easily avoided if it listened to industry on how to make its policies proportionate and legally sound, added Campbell.

It is only through the latest legal challenge that we have seen more secondary let licensing applications granted. However, those very same operators remain in limbo as onerous planning permission requirements could still result in the closure of their business. Unless the harmful impact of the regulations is fully ameliorated, the situation is likely to be even worse next year, risking the viability of the Festival.

Edinburghs attempts to crackdown on short term lets has led to the sector being squeezed - Alamy

Its a similar story in New York, which outlawed short-term lets last year, one month before Edinburghs crackdown. On the US east coast, the idea was meant to lower rents and open up whole apartments for full-time residents. However, critics including Airbnb itself claim the data shows its done nothing to solve the housing crisis, while also driving up costs for travellers.

While the Edinburgh crackdown predominantly affects self-catering businesses, David Weston of the Scottish Bed & Breakfast Association (SBBA) also claims the policy implementation has affected his members directly.

In 17 years dealing with governments in Edinburgh, Westminster and Brussels on a huge range of policies, in our experience the Scottish Governments implementation of 32 different local Short-Term Lets Licensing schemes is the worst example of policy execution we have ever seen in our sector, Weston said. It is an unnecessarily onerous burden on very small businesses, and has led to a loss of some 5 per cent of our Scottish membership last year, as B&B owners chose to close or sell up rather than apply for a licence. We and many others urged the Scottish Government to go for a simple, low-cost, national registration scheme, but they ignored us.

Whats more, according to a nationwide SBBA survey conducted in May, 79 per cent of its members say there are now fewer B&Bs in their area since the Short-Term Licensing Act was introduced. Conversely, zero per cent say the number has increased. Scotland has started to accrue the perception as being an expensive destination  compared to other European countries and, crucially, compared even to England, Weston added.

On Edinburghs cobblestoned streets, this is a view shared by several residents associations. One house owner from Moray Feu in the New Town said: I Airbnb a room in my home, as do quite a few people in this area, and Id say that prices have gone up  and I have no idea how the council are policing it. I also know many people, especially during the festival, who let out properties and rooms through word of mouth.

All this begs the question of what it is that everyone wants out of Edinburgh these days. A fantasy-like castle? A royal palace? A festival brimful with drama and top comics?

All joking aside, maybe its really just an affordable bed for the night.

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OSWEGO COUNTY, N.Y. (WSYR-TV)  CNY has lost another member of its law enforcement family.

Retired Onondaga County Sheriffs Lieutenant Curtis Dailey was killed during a motorcycle accident.

Just before 5:30 p.m. on Sept. 30, New York State Police were sent to 81 southbound in the Town of Richland.

At the scene, they learned that the 67-year-old, of Phoenix, was headed south on 81 when he lost control of his motorcycle and went off the west shoulder, hitting a guardrail.

State Police say Dailey was pronounced dead at the scene.

Dailey retired from the force in 2015. He began his career in 1980 as a dispatcher, and in 1984 he joined as a deputy. He eventually worked his way up to road patrol watch commander and earned several honors and awards during his career.

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General Information:

Name: Reuben Berlin

Age: 46

Profession: Financial Professional

Pronouns: He/Him

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

Balancing fiscal responsibility with urgent community needs is crucial. Our new government structure offers a chance to optimize our budget and operations while swiftly addressing rising costs. We must tackle pressing issues like homelessness, public safety, and economic recovery without delay. The 12-member council brings diverse voices, but collaboration is key to avoid gridlock and implement effective solutions. Supporting local businesses is essential, as Portlands economy drives statewide prosperity. We must create an environment that attracts investment, fosters innovation, and provides opportunities for all residents. This includes revitalizing downtown and enhancing safety. By focusing on these priorities, we can build a thriving, inclusive city that meets the needs of all Portlanders while maintaining financial stability.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

If elected to the Portland City Council, Ill spearhead the creation of a municipal endowment to safeguard our citys future. This innovative fund will provide a consistent revenue stream for crucial social programs, reducing our reliance on fluctuating tax income. Adopting a diversified, long-term investment approach will ensure sustainable growth and reliable funding for generations. The endowment will empower us to tackle critical issues like mental health, addiction, and homelessness more effectively. It will also enhance Portlands financial stability and prestige, drawing investments and fostering economic development. Through transparent governance and community engagement, well ensure responsible fund management and build public trust. This initiative will ease the tax burden on citizens over time while maintaining and improving essential services. By establishing this endowment, well secure Portlands position as a leader in innovation, sustainability, and social responsibility for decades to come.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

My qualifications to represent Portland citizens are rooted in my diverse professional background and deep community involvement. As a former non-profit worker, Ive directly addressed issues like houselessness and domestic violence, giving me firsthand knowledge of the challenges many Portlanders face. My experience in finance has equipped me with the skills to navigate complex budgets and financial decisions crucial for effective city governance. Im committed to innovative solutions, as evidenced by my proposal for local endowments inspired by Norways Sovereign Wealth Fund, which could provide long-term financial stability for our city. My focus on supporting local businesses and financial institutions demonstrates my dedication to building a strong, resilient local economy. As a parent and longtime resident, Im personally invested in Portlands future. Im prepared to tackle tough issues like mental health care, public safety, and housing affordability with a balanced, community-focused approach.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

Considering political figures I admire, three stand out for their dedication to public service and improving peoples lives: Franklin D. Roosevelt, Jimmy Carter, and Bernie Sanders.

FDRs leadership in guiding America through the Great Depression with his New Deal programs demonstrated governments potential as a force for positive change. His policies provided jobs and created enduring social programs.

Jimmy Carters post-presidency work exemplifies selfless service. Through the Carter Center, he has tackled issues like disease eradication and conflict resolution. Even in his 90s, Carter volunteered building homes and teaching in his community.

Bernie Sanders has consistently advocated for economic justice and reducing inequality. Along with Robert Reich, he has drawn attention to how our economic and political systems often favor the wealthy over working people.

These leaders inspire me to pursue compassionate, ethical governance focused on uplifting all community members. They showed how political figures can make a real difference in peoples lives through bold policies, humanitarian work, and speaking truth to power.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

My priority is increasing housing options across our district to improve affordability and accessibility. Ill work to streamline permitting processes for new developments and incentivize the construction of diverse housing types. To support local businesses, I propose creating a business incubator campaign and establishing a district-wide mentorship program connecting established entrepreneurs with new business owners.

What do you about Portland?

Portlands commitment to innovative solutions is what I admire most about our city. Our history showcases forward-thinking approaches, from the development of our extensive bridge network to modern initiatives like the Made in Old Town project, which revitalizes local manufacturing. I take pride in Portlands focus on sustainability and livability, evident in our renowned public transit system and green spaces. The citys balance of preserving history while embracing progressive urban development truly distinguishes Portland as a model for 21st-century cities.

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Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Donald Trump said in an interview with The Washington Post published on Sept. 30 that he "likes" President Volodymyr Zelensky and that he "had a good relationship" with him while in office.

Recently, Trump's rhetoric toward Zelensky and U.S. support for Ukraine has become more critical. He has claimed that Zelensky wants Democrats to win the upcoming presidential election, referring to him as "the greatest salesman on earth."

Trump also criticized Zelensky earlier in September for refusing to "make a deal" with Russia and accused him of "making little nasty aspersions" toward him.

But following the in-person meeting between the two in New York City on Sept. 27, Trump appears to have reversed course  at least temporarily  as he praised Zelensky for allegedly not helping investigators with the probe that led to Trump's first impeachment trial in 2019.

Repeating similar comments made at a joint press conference in advance of their meeting, Trump told the Washington Post that he liked Zelensky "because during the impeachment hoaxhe could have said he didn't know the (conversation) was tapedBut instead of grandstanding and saying, 'Yes, I felt threatened,' he said, 'He did absolutely nothing wrong.'"

The impeachment trial was centered around a phone call between the two in 2019 in which Trump was accused of withholding military aid as a means of pressuring Zelensky to investigate President Joe Biden's son Hunter Biden.

At the time, Zelensky said the phone call was "normal." Later, as the investigation gathered steam, Zelensky said, "I'm sorry, but I don't want to be involved" in U.S. elections.

Trump has similarly thanked Zelensky in the past for keeping his distance from the impeachment investigation.

The Washington Post also asked Trump for clarification on comments he had made in July 2023, in which he claimed that he would give Ukraine "more than they ever got" if Russian President Vladimir Putin rejected Trump's peace deal.

"I did say that, so I can say it to you. But I did say that and nobody picked it up. They don't because it makes so much sense," Trump responded, apparently without elaborating further.

Trump has repeatedly claimed that he would end the war within 24 hours if elected but has declined to specify exactly how he plans to do so.

After his recent meeting with Zelensky, Trump said that he had "learned a lot" as the war continues but noted that his views on ending it "as soon as possible" have not changed.

Read also: Harris criticizes calls for concessions from Ukraine during joint press conference with Zelensky in Washington

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PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI)  After Hurricane Helene devastated communities across the Southeast, the Rhode Island chapter of the American Red Cross is preparing to send additional aid to those in need.

Many residents remain without power, access to main roads or shelter following Helenes landfall as a Category 4 hurricane on Sept. 26.

MORE: Hurricane Helene devastates southeastern U.S. states

Forty-five Red Cross emergency response vehicles have already been deployed to the affected areas, with 15 more set to head out Tuesday.

Jamie Lynch, senior director of disaster services for the American Red Cross in Rhode Island, said the vans serve as mobile food trucks and are fully stocked with food and water, allowing volunteers to provide around 300 meals a day to those impacted.

These vans really go into the hardest hit communities and neighborhoods to distribute those meals for people that are trying to recover and muck out their basements, or even if theyre in a shelter location and they cant get access to food, Lynch explained.

RELATED: RI Red Cross sends volunteers to Florida ahead of Hurricane Helene

The Red Cross will also distribute blankets, comfort kits and other basic necessities.

Comfort kits are basic, hygiene items that you would find  we always like to say  in a hotel bathroom. so it has, like, soap and deodorant and face cloths and all those items, Lynch added.

Lynch said the vans will stay in the area as long as needed, with volunteers rotating shifts intermittently.

Joe Apicelli, a Red Cross volunteer headed to Georgia, told 12 News this will be his 60th deployment.

What I do know is its a power and flooding situation, Apicelli said. Were going to make a big difference as soon as we get there.

His first deployment was in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina.

Im looking at 14 days, and I may extend if the opportunitys there, he said. I generally accept that opportunity, which would be another week, so youre home by three weeks.

NEXT: Lifespan gets $1 million to improve sickle cell care

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RIPTA is exploring the possibilities to get from Central Falls to Warwick faster

Rhode Island Public Transit Authority Principal Planner Zachary Agush presents a map of the proposed Metro Connector lines at a public engagement session at CCRI's Warwick campus on Sept. 30, 2024. (Christopher Shea/Rhode Island Current)

WARWICK  Half a dozen staffers from the Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (RIPTA) had enough snacks to welcome a busload of people to an engagement session on the fourth floor of the Community College of Rhode Islands (CCRI) Knight Campus.

But only Chelsea Jimmins, 23, of West Warwick hopped off a bus for the meeting. Jimmins, who works at Walmart and doesnt have a drivers license, said they only found out about the meeting through social media and wanted to have a say on how public transportation should operate in the Ocean State  specifically to request RIPTA have more beach buses during the summer.

I dont care if I have to transfer between trains in Providence  I just want more options during the summer outside of having to deal with beach traffic, Jimmins said.

That was sort of the point behind the meeting, which was to gather rider feedback as part of planning for a rapid bus or light rail service connecting densely populated communities in central Rhode Island and Blackstone Valley. Plans would link the corridor between Warwick at its southern end to Central Falls and possibly even Cumberland at its northern end.

The proposed Metro Connector, as the transit corridor would be called, is a core component of the states Transit Master Plan adopted in 2020, which envisions expanded and improved service, more accessibility and more frequent trips. For the past two weeks, RIPTA staff have been seeking rider feedback via a series of public meetings and an online survey as it considers potential stops and whether bus service or rail makes sense.

The survey runs through Monday, Oct. 7, and is funded through a $900,000 Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation.

Its probably one the of the shinier projects of the master plan, GrowSmart RI Deputy Director John Flaherty said in a phone interview. This is a good one to lead with because it gets people really thinking about their use of transit  this is the kind of project that draws people in.

RIPTA Principal Planner Zachary Agush said the agency has received feedback from about 600 people, mostly from conducting outreach in the field, and some from three prior public meetings in Pawtucket, West Warwick, and Providence held last week.

Agush said feedback has mostly questioned how RIPTA will overhaul the states transit system, along with comments in favor of an elevated rail system similar to Chicago.

Ill take the idea, but I dont know how likely it is, Agush said. But it is an option we have to consider.

The most common comment: Why didnt RIPTA start this endeavor sooner? Thats because the RAISE grant wasnt officially authorized until 2023, spokesperson Cristy Raposo Perry told Rhode Island Current.

While many discretionary grant programs offer pre-award authority, which enables procurement to proceed and costs to be incurred prior to execution of a grant agreement, the RAISE program does not, she said in an emailed statement.

Bus vs. rail

Bus rapid transit would be similar to the R-Line connecting Cranston, Providence and Pawtucket with RIPTA buses coming every 10 minutes. But it would include dedicated lanes that only buses go in  almost like a train running on rubber tires.

Its got better reliability and better trip speed because youre not getting stuck in traffic, Flaherty said.

Examples in the region include the Silver Line connecting Boston to Chelsea, Massachusetts, and the CTfastrak operating between Hartford and New Britain, Connecticut.

Flaherty said its also a likely cheaper choice compared to light rail, which would require significant time and construction.

Good for growth

One potential route would start at the Pawtucket/Central Falls line ending at CCRIs Warwick Campus and the other would begin in downtown Providence finishing at Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport.

The fact that it goes through the absolute densest part of our state is an urban-defining feature, Flaherty said.

He said a Metro Connector line could also bode well for the states goal to create more transit-oriented housing, which puts residents within a quarter mile of public transportation.

Thats really the sweet spot, he said.

Agush said the studys focus on Rhode Islands urban core was because of the cities ability to maintain density along former streetcar networks, Agush said.

And thats where a lot of RIPTAs network stems from, he said.

While riders like Jimmins might want to get to South County or Newport faster, the Metro Connector Online survey remains focused on Rhode Islands urban core. Agush said places like Newport and Woonsocket wont be ruled out in the future for regional rapid transit  which may not have the 10-minute frequency like the R-Line, but still would have a steady stream of buses throughout the day.

Agush said RIPTA wont likely have final recommendations ready until summer 2025. From there, the agencys Board of Directors will need to back whatever route RIPTA staff presents followed by local and state approvals.

If everyones on the same page  then the conversation becomes converting these into proper projects, Agush said.

RIPTA will hold its next public engagement meeting at the Rhode Island College Workforce Development Hub in Central Falls on Wednesday, Oct. 9, and one more in Cranston at a location and date still to be determined.

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Rising oil prices after Iran strike could increase US gas prices, experts say

Oil prices climbed more than 3% on Tuesday in the immediate aftermath of an Iranian missile attack on Israel.

The spike in prices is expected to push up the price of U.S. gasoline, experts told ABC News.

Drivers could face a price increase of between 10 and 15 cents per gallon, experts estimated. The national average price of a gallon of gas currently stands at $3.20, AAA data showed.

MORE: 6 dead in suspected terror shooting in Tel Aviv amid Iran missile attack

A further escalation of the conflict between Israel and Iran could send oil and gas prices significantly higher, said Ramanan Krishnamoorti, a professor of petroleum engineering at the University of Houston.

Clearly this will have a huge impact on gas prices, Krishnamoorti told ABC News. Theres no doubt about that.

Iran said the attack on Tuesday was retaliation for a wave of assassinations carried out by Israel over the last several weeks targeting Hezbollah leaders. Israel will have a "significant response" to Iran's attack, an Israeli official told ABC News.

While sanctions have constrained Iranian oil output in recent years, the nation asserts control over the passage of tankers through the Strait of Hormuz, a trading route that facilitates the transport of about 15% of global oil supply.

Passage through the Suez Canal, another important shipping route for crude oil, could be impacted by further attacks, as happened with Yemen-based Houthi attacks on freight ships earlier in the war, Krishnamoorti said.

Despite a recent uptick, the price of oil stands well below a 2022 peak reached when the blazing-hot economic rebound from the pandemic collided with a supply shortage imposed by the Russia-Ukraine war. Gas prices, meanwhile, have plummeted in recent months.

The U.S. set a record for crude oil production in 2023, averaging 12.9 million barrels per day, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, a federal agency.

PHOTO: Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, Oct. 1, 2024. (Amir Cohen/Reuters)

The surge in U.S. production would help limit the impact of a possible supply disruption, though oil prices are set on a global market, where a major supply shock could not be entirely accounted for with U.S. oil output, Timothy Fitzgerald, a professor of business economics at the University of Tennessee who studies the petroleum industry, told ABC News.

This is less troubling than it wouldve been a generation ago, Fitzgerald said. Today, we export more crude oil than we import.

If both sides deescalate, the price of crude oil could quickly drop back to where it stood before the Iranian attack on Tuesday, Fitzgerald added.

There would be no lasting importance of that, Fitzgerald said.

The rise in oil prices comes at a relatively quiet period in the U.S. gasoline market. Drivers have enjoyed a sharp decline in gasoline prices over recent months, in part due to sluggish demand for gas as the busy summer traveling season has given way to an autumn slowdown.

MORE: Israel-Gaza-Lebanon updates: US helps shoot down missiles in Iranian barrage

Still, a regional war in the Middle East could upend the market and spike prices, experts said.

Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina condemned Iran's missile attack on Israel, calling it a "breaking point" on Tuesday and urging President Joe Biden's administration to respond.

Graham called for oil refineries to be "hit and hit hard" and said his prayers are "with the people of Israel."

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack from the White House Situation Room. Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israel's defense against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles.

ABC News' Allison Pecorin and Jordana Miller contributed to this report.

Rising oil prices after Iran strike could increase US gas prices, experts say originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
BLACKSBURG, Va. (WFXR)  The New River Valley First Responder Coalition is conducting a Hurricane Relief and Supply Drive for those affected by Hurricane Helene.

The supply drive is asking for the following items:

Bottled Water

Canned Goods

Baby Foos and Supplies (diapers, wipes, formula, etc.)

Blankets

Toiletries

Cleaning Supplies

Help people impacted by Hurricane Helene

The responder coalition is asking to hold any clothing or monetary donations at this time.

(Photo Credit: Dustin Hennessey)

The following places are acting as 24/7 drop-off locations:

Blacksburg Police Department: 200 Clay St. SE, Blacksburg, VA, 24060

Virginia Tech Police Department: 330 Sterrett Drive, Blacksburg, VA, 24060

Montgomery County Sheriffs Office: 1 E. Main St, Christiansburg, VA, 24073

Christiansburg Police Department: 10 E. Main St., Christiansburg, VA, 24073

Rescue Squads and Fire Departments Monday- Friday 9 am-5 pm.

Blacksburg Rescue Squad: 1300 Progress St., Blacksburg, VA, 24060

Blacksburg Fire Department Station 1: 200 Progress St., Blacksburg, VA, 24060

Christiansburg Fire Department: 110 Depot St W., Christiansburg, VA, 24073

The coalition will also have pop-up collection sights during the week of September 30 with random locations and events. For more information, monitor Blacksburg Police, Christiansburg Police, and Montgomery County Sheriffs Office social media for more information.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  A Rochester man was sentenced to ten years in prison Monday after prosecutors said police found a gun and drugs in his car.

Jaomi Delgado, 31, was arrested in May 2022. Prosecutors said he had been under investigation for months when police saw a handgun in his car in a Norton Street restaurant parking lot. Police took him into custody when he left the restaurant and searched his car, finding the loaded gun, 60 fentanyl pills, four cell phones, and nearly $18,000 in cash.

Delgado was sentenced to possession of a firearm in furtherance of a drug trafficking crime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to RochesterFirst.
BUCHAREST (Reuters) -Internet personality Andrew Tate should get back luxury cars worth about four million euros ($4.43 million) that were seized by prosecutors pending a second criminal investigation into human trafficking accusations, a Romanian court ruled on Tuesday.

Tate was placed under house arrest in August pending a second investigation on accusations of forming an organised criminal group, human trafficking, trafficking of minors, sexual intercourse with a minor and money laundering.

Prosecutors are also investigating his brother Tristan and four other suspects, who are under judicial control, a lighter preventative measure than Tate's house detention. All have denied wrongdoing.

As part of the investigation, prosecutors also seized cars and other assets, and the Tates have challenged the seizure.

The cars include two McLarens, four Ferraris, a Maybach, a Maserati and a Lamborghini, his representatives said.

The Tates' defence lawyer Eugen Vidineac welcomed the ruling, saying in a statement it "could not have been different, considering the details of the case."

The Tate brothers, who have dual U.S. and British citizenship, were already indicted in mid-2023 in a separate human trafficking and sexual exploitation case. The trial is pending a challenge at the Bucharest court of appeals.

A self-described misogynist, social media influencer Tate has gained millions of fans by promoting an ultra-masculine lifestyle that critics say denigrates women.

($1 = 0.9026 euros)

(Reporting by Luiza Ilie and Alan Charlish; Editing by William Maclean)
The Romanian Parliament has backed a proposal by President Klaus Iohannis to establish a training centre in Romania to train Ukrainian marines.



Source: European Pravda, citing Agerpres



Details: 233 MPs voted in favour of the decision, 18 voted against, and 25 abstained.

In a letter to the parliament, President Iohannis wrote that recent developments in Russias war against Ukraine have highlighted the need to enhance the training of Ukraines armed forces.



"As a result of our analysis, it was determined that Romania can contribute to the Marine Forces Coalition by hosting a marine training centre on its national territory and supporting the training of Ukrainian marines within our current capabilities," the Romanian president said.

Under the proposed plan, the facility will operate for two years, with Romania reserving the right to terminate its commitments at any point during the training process or after the designated period ends.

"The training centre will position Romania as a regional leader in training for marine operations by helping to increase cohesion, demonstrate unity, and strengthen Euro-Atlantic deterrence and defence," the letter states.

Background:

In September, it was reported that the first group of Ukrainian pilots have begun their theoretical training on F-16 fighter jets in Romania, with practical training expected to begin in the coming months.

In addition, Ukraine recently participated in NATO counter-drone exercises for the first time.

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Caroline Rose Giuliani, in a heartrending essay, has reflected on the pain inflicted on her and her family since her father, former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, went all in on Donald Trump and became the former presidents now-former personal lawyer.

The filmmaker used her Vanity Fair piece to publicly endorse Democratic nominee Kamala Harris in the 2024 election.

As Rudy Giulianis daughter, Im unfortunately well-suited to remind Americans of just how calamitous being associated with Trump can be, Giuliani wrote in the article published Monday.

Watching my dads life crumble since he joined forces with Trump has been extraordinarily painful, both on a personal level and because his demise feels linked to a dark force that threatens to once again consume America, she continued.

Giuliani acknowledged her love for her father and said the last thing I want to do is hurt him but feared this moment and this election are so much bigger than any of us.

Trump being the president was the worst thing that ever happened to my dad, to my family, and to our nations modern history, she said, later adding: Take it from me, Trump destroys everything he touches. I saw it happen to my family. Dont let it happen to yours, or to our country.

Read the full essay at Vanity Fair.

Giuliani penned a similar piece backing Joe Biden ahead of the 2020 election and supported Hillary Clinton over Trump in 2016.

Her father, meanwhile, was last week disbarred in Washington, D.C., months after losing his law license in New York over his peddling of Trumps 2020 election loss lies.

Related...
Rudy Giuliani's Daughter Says She Lost Her Aging Father to Donald Trump: 'I've Been Grieving'

Caroline Giuliani endorsed Vice President Kamala Harris in the 2024 presidential election in a new essay

Carmen Valdes/Ron Galella Collection via Getty Caroline Giuliani and Rudy Giuliani in 2003.

Rudy Giuliani's daughter Caroline is urging Americans to be wary of former President Donald Trump ahead of the 2024 presidential election after seeing her father's life "crumble" because of his and Trump's relationship.

In a new essay for Vanity Fair published on Sept. 30, Caroline, an outspoken Democrat, implored the public not to vote for Trump after seeing what happened to her father and announced her support for Vice President Kamala Harris in the high-stakes presidential race.

"After months of feeling the type of sorrow that comes from the death of a loved one, it dawned on me that Ive been grieving the loss of my dad to Trump. I cannot bear to lose our country to him too," Caroline, 35, wrote in part for Vanity Fair.

"I know that some people may question whether I truly care about my father, since another Trump presidency could theoretically mitigate some of the problems hes facing," she continued, seemingly referring to her father's latest legal woes. "It distresses me to think that my dad might even wonder this. But if you zoom out, Trump being the president was the worst thing that ever happened to my dad, to my family, and to our nations modern history."

ADAM GRAY/AFP via Getty Donald Trump and Rudy Giuliani at a remembrance ceremony on the 23rd anniversary of the 9/11 terror attacks at the World Trade in New York City on Sept. 11, 2024.

Related: Rudy Giuliani's 2 Children: What to Know About Andrew and Caroline

"The consequences will only be more severe  and irreversible  a second time around," Caroline warned.

A Los Angeles-based writer and filmmaker, Caroline is one of Giuliani's two children with his second wife, Donna Hanover. Last week, Giuliani, the former mayor of New York City and ex-personal lawyer for Trump, was officially disbarred in Washington, D.C., for his attempts to overturn the results of the 2020 presidential election.

Giuliani, once heralded as "America's Mayor" who sought to unite the country in the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks, served as Trump's personal lawyer during the frenzy following the 2020 election, which led to a near-unraveling of his legal career.

DAVID DEE DELGADO/AFP via Getty Rudy Giuliani speaks at a campaign rally for Donald Trump in Uniondale, New York on Sept. 18, 2024.

Related: Rudy Giuliani's Daughter Caroline Speaks Out About Her Sexuality and Her Path to Polyamory

"Watching my dads life crumble since he joined forces with Trump has been extraordinarily painful, both on a personal level and because his demise feels linked to a dark force that threatens to once again consume America," Caroline wrote for Vanity Fair.

Writing that she and her father share "a cartoonishly complicated relationship," Caroline emphasized that she loved her father, 80, and "the last thing I want to do is hurt him, especially when he's already down."

Acknowledging that time with parents is finite, she added that that fact "makes this the most difficult piece Ive ever written," but underscored that the weight of the upcoming race is "bigger than any of us."

Giuliani's daughter voiced her support for Harris and Tim Walz's ticket and said she'd "never forget" the night her father confided in her that he was thinking about becoming Trump's lawyer, where she begged him to reconsider.

"I held nothing back. I voiced all of my concerns about Trumps open racism, rampant misogyny, and total lack of empathy... For the rest of that night, I held onto hope that a daughters emotional entreaty might actually sway a father," Caroline wrote.

Rick Maiman/Sygma via Getty Rudy Giuliani and Caroline Giuliani in 1993.

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.

"But nothing I have experienced prepared me for the very public and relentless implosion of my fathers life," she added elsewhere in the essay.

Caroline also openly supported President Joe Biden and Harris campaign in the 2020 race, and backed several Democratic candidates over the years, including Hillary Clinton and former President Barack Obama.

Over the summer, she posted an undated photo of herself and Harris on Instagram with an adamant message.

"PLEASE join me in uniting behind @kamalaharris to stop Trump. ITS NOW OR NEVER," she said.

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Read the original article on People.
Valentina, Andrea and Bojan are the only students at their school in the village of Kosovo (Robert ATANASOVSKI) (Robert ATANASOVSKI/AFP/AFP)

Teacher Zarko Blazevski spends nearly an hour crossing empty mountain passes to reach his remote school with only three students in North Macedonia.

With a spiralling population decline, enrolments have plummeted and the future of schools such as the one where Blazevski has taught for nearly a decade is uncertain.

Located in the village of Kosovo -- which shares the same name as the neighbouring Balkan nation to the north -- Blazevski has however seen only the smallest fluctuations in numbers in the school.

"We first had four, later nine, which was the highest number. And now we have three students," Blazevski told AFP.

Since declaring independence in 1991, North Macedonia has seen vast chunks of its people emigrating amid a stagnating economy.

According to the last census conducted in 2021, it has just 1.8 million inhabitants, a drop of nearly 10 percent in less than two decades.

A report published in September by the Center for Civil Communications NGO said elementary schools have lost some 10,000 pupils in the past decade.

"The decrease of the number of students is especially seen in secondary education where in 10 years the number of students dropped by 20 percent," said the report, based on figures from the national statistical office.

The decline covers both rural communities and urban areas.

North Macedonia's new government, which was elected in June, has pledged to tackle this but it is an uphill task.

Led by the right-wing VMRO-DPMNE party, the government has created a ministry for social policy, demography and youth but has not spelt out how it plans to stem the exodus.

- No children, no future -

The effects are most visible in the countryside.

Abandoned villages and crumbling homes dot the mountainous landscape, where summer forest fires are often allowed to rage as they do not threaten inhabited areas.

At the remaining village and town schools, education officials are often faced with the difficult decision of whether to close, thereby forcing pupils to take lengthy commutes.

"It means a lot to them because they have school close to their home, they do not need to travel and at the same time they have their family near them," Blazevski says.

In Brest, just eight kilometres (five miles) south of Kosovo village, Jasmina Kuzmanovska runs a ramshackle school with only two students.

"I think there will be no other children in the village for the school to continue," Kuzmanovska said.

Kuzmanovska and others like her face the additional challenge of teaching children of a variety of ages in a single classroom, with different courses at different levels.

During one school year, she had seven students spread across five age groups.

"First I worked with one class, then another... that's how we managed the work," she told AFP.

Education Minister Vesna Janevska announced new plans to merge schools with small numbers of students but has yet to announce a start date.

But closing schools in places like Brest and Kosovo may signal the beginning of the end of their villages, warn educators.

"It would be great if these students, even though there are not many left, at least get to study until fifth grade where they are born," said Toni Stavreski, a school administrator in nearby Makedonski Brod.

"That will also help these villages to continue existing."

dd/ds/ach
The State Duma, the lower house of the Russian parliament, has passed a bill enabling not only those already convicted or under investigation, but also more than 20,000 defendants (people whose trials are in progress), to be sent to the war against Ukraine.

Source: Vazhnye Istorii (Important Stories), a Russian media outlet, with reference to sources close to the process

Details: Two lawyers noted that although the law has not yet been signed by Putin, Russian pre-trial detention centres have already begun preparations to release defendants to fight in the war. Their words have been confirmed by a source in the Russian Ministry of Defence who is involved in recruitment. "Of the approximately 60,000 defendants, 40% are expected to be taken away," he said.

It is reported that about 100 defendants may be taken from each detention centre. There are 210 detention centres in Russia, so more than 20,000 people could be sent to the war. Investigators and operational police officers will be rewarded if they convince a defendant to sign a military contract.

A source close to the Russian General Staff said that "the decision to send prisoners to the special military operation [as Russians call the war against Ukraine  ed.] indicates that the flow of convicts is dwindling. It is no longer the same as before."

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Since 2014, 96 journalists and media workers have been killed as a result of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, 69 of whom were serving in the Armed Forces of Ukraine and were killed in action.

Source: Institute of Mass Information

Details: The Institute of Mass Information has published data on the number of Ukrainian journalists killed since the beginning of Russian aggression in 2014.

Quote: "Russia has killed 89 media workers since February 24, 2022. 11 died while reporting, 78 died as combatants or were killed by Russian shelling or torture."

Details: The Institute of Mass Information noted that it did not record in its monitoring the deaths of representatives of Russian propaganda resources in the occupied territories of Ukraine, as they do not carry out journalistic activities, but provide information support for military aggression.

Background:

The Committee to Protect Journalists estimated that 99 journalists and media workers were killed worldwide in 2023. This is almost 44% more than in 2022.

The international organisation Reporters Without Borders estimated that more than 100 Ukrainian and foreign journalists accredited in Ukraine have suffered from Russian aggression over the two years of full-scale war in Ukraine.

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Russia loses 1,370 soldiers and 44 armoured combat vehicles in one day

Ukrainian defenders launching fire. Photo: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine

Russia has lost 1,370 soldiers killed and wounded, 44 armoured combat vehicles, 33 artillery systems and 9 tanks over the past day.

Source: General Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine on Facebook

Details: The total combat losses of the Russian forces between 24 February 2022 and 1 October 2024 are estimated to be as follows [figures in parentheses represent the latest losses  ed.]:

approximately 654,430 (+1,370) military personnel;

8,883 (+9) tanks;

17,547 (+44) armoured combat vehicles;

18,855 (+33) artillery systems;

1,204 (+0) multiple-launch rocket systems;

963 (+0) air defence systems;

369 (+0) fixed-wing aircraft;

328 (+0) helicopters;

16,322 (+98) strategic and tactical UAVs;

2,613 (+3) cruise missiles;

28 (+0) ships/boats;

1 (+0) submarine;

25,621 (+73) vehicles and tankers;

3,314 (+1) special vehicles and other equipment.

The information is being confirmed.

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Russia plans more than 25% increase of funding for Putin, presidential administration

Russia is planning a 25.6% increase in its funding for President Vladimir Putin and his presidential administration, according to a draft budget for 2025 published on Sept. 30.

Expenses for Putin and the presidential administration will increase to 30.9 billion rubles ($332 million). The bulk of the expenses  21 billion rubles ($235 million) are earmarked for an increase in salaries for the president and his staff.

Other expenses will be directed toward purchasing goods for Putin and the staff of the administration, which numbers some 2,000 people.

With no immediate end to the full-scale war in Ukraine in sight, the Russian government will also increase defense spending to 13.2 trillion rubles ($142 billion) in 2025 from a projected 10.4 trillion rubles ($111 billion) in 2024.

In contrast, social spending is expected to amount to 7.7 trillion rubles ($87 billion), or 21.1% of the Russian budget in 2024. The figure will further drop in 2025, with 6.49 trillion rubles ($69 billion) allocated for social spending in 2025, accounting for 15.7% of total expenses.

Economists have predicted that Russia is on track for an intense economic slowdown due to significant labor shortages and constraints placed on the key sectors that have historically backed growth.

In February 2024, U.S. intelligence estimated that since the beginning of the full-scale invasion, Russia has spent up to $211 billion on military operations in Ukraine. The war has also cost Russia up to $1.3 trillion in lost economic growth through 2026, an undisclosed source in U.S. intelligence told Reuters.

Read also: Russia struggles to control finances as Ukraine invasion spending soars

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Russia is ready for long confrontation with US, senior diplomat says

MOSCOW (Reuters) - Russia must prepare for a long confrontation with the United States and has sent repeated warnings to Washington over the crisis in relations, Deputy Foreign Minister Sergei Ryabkov was quoted as saying on Tuesday.

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.

The conflict is entering what Russian officials say is the most dangerous phase to date. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskiy has been urging Kyiv's allies for months to let Ukraine fire longer-range Western missiles deep into Russia to limit Moscow's ability to launch attacks.

Ryabkov, who oversees arms control and relations with Washington, said Moscow had no illusions about relations, given the "bipartisan anti-Russian consensus" in the United States.

"We must prepare for a long-term confrontation with this country. We are ready for this in every sense," Ryabkov was quoted as saying by state news agency RIA.

"We are sending all the warning signals to our opponent so that it does not underestimate our determination," Ryabkov said.

President Vladimir Putin warned the West last week 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.

(Reporting by Reuters; Writing by Guy Faulconbridge; Editing by Mark Trevelyan)
An aerial view of Vuhledar on Dec 14 2023, shortly after a failed Russian assault - Libkos/Getty

Russian troops have raised their national flag  and the Soviet victory banner  on buildings in the frontline Ukrainian town of Vuhledar.

Volodymyr Zelensky has reportedly ordered the retreat of his badly mauled Ukrainian forces from a town once considered an impregnable fortress for Ukraine.

But Russian military bloggers said the withdrawal came too late, as the town was already surrounded by Kremlin troops.

Currently, the town of Vuhledar is being liberated from scattered groups of Ukrainian Nazis, said one Russian account. The suppression of the last resistance in the northern outskirts of the city is underway.

The claims were supported by Ukrainian military bloggers, who said they had authenticated videos of Russian soldiers raising their flags on ruined buildings across Vuhledar.

Alongside modern Russian flags, Moscows troops have made extensive use of Soviet-era symbols during the war in Ukraine.

Other reports described Ukrainian soldiers trying to fight their way out of the surrounded town in small groups, leaving wounded comrades and equipment behind.

Significant victory

Although Vuhledar now lies in ruins, its Soviet-era apartment blocks shattered and its trees reduced to burnt stumps, its capture is Vladimir Putins most significant battlefield victory since his forces took control of Avdiivka in February.

Vuhledar sits on high ground above an important east-west road, which could be used as a launchpad to attack other Ukrainian military transport hubs to the west.

Analysts said victory in Vuhledar would be seen as a vindication of Russias grinding mass-infantry tactics, which have brought steady gains along the front line, at great cost, over the past 12 months.

Putin has not yet commented on the capture of Vuhledar but Dmitry Peskov, his press secretary, said he was monitoring the battle personally and was anxious for news that his forces had conquered the town.

A Russian defence ministry image shows a rocket launcher in action - Shutterstock

An image from the Russian defence ministry shows Russian troops attacking Ukraine - Shutterstock

We are waiting for official information from the ministry of defence, Mr Peskov said.

Russian forces had been trying to capture Vuhledar, on the southern side of the front line running through Ukraines eastern Donbas region, since the start of the war but had been repulsed by stubborn resistance, mainly from Ukraines 72nd Brigade.

The 72nd Brigade is regarded as one of the toughest Ukrainian fighting units and is known as The Black Zaporozhians.

Russian failures to take Vuhledar in 2022 and 2023 resulted in several humiliating setbacks and in April 2023 prompted the Kremlin to fire Col Gen Rustam Muradov, commander of the eastern district forces  one of the most senior sackings of the war.

In November 2023, Russias 155th Marine Brigade, usually based 5,500 miles away in Vladivostok on Russias Pacific coast, was ambushed near Vuhledar and suffered up to 1,000 soldiers killed.

A satellite view of Vuhledar, taken in 2019, shows its position on an important main road - Planet Labs Inc/Reuters

Russian forces regrouped and in May and June this year launched another series of attacks with more troops, artillery and glide bombs.

By the start of September, after what soldiers from the 72nd Brigade described as some of the most intense bombardments they had experienced, Russian soldiers reached the eastern edge of the town.

With Ukrainian forces overstretched across the front line, Ukrainian commanders in Vuhledar complained that they also lacked enough air power to push back Russian forces.

By last weekend, it appears that senior Ukrainian commanders knew that the battle was lost. They pulled the commander of the 72nd Brigade out of the besieged city and then gave the order for units to retreat or surrender.

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Russia sentences man to life in prison for car bomb attack that wounded pro-war writer

A court in Moscow sentenced a man to life in prison on Sept. 30 for a car bomb attack in May 2023 that seriously wounded Russian pro-war writer and former fighter Zakhar Prilepin.

Russian state-run media have claimed that the convict Alexander Permyakov has both Ukrainian and Russian citizenship and further alleged that he acted on behalf of Kyiv  with the support of the U.S.

Prilepin was sanctioned in 2022 by Ukraine, the EU, the U.K., and Canada for supporting Russia's full-scale invasion. He joined Russia's National Guard to fight against Ukraine in January 2023, according to several Russian media reports.

Previously, Prilepin fought with Russian proxy fighters in Donetsk Oblast between 2016 and 2018 and regularly speaks out in favor of Russia's full-scale invasion.

The car bomb attack occurred in the Russian city of Nizhny Novgorod and resulted in both of Prilepin's legs being broken, among other injuries. It also killed Prilepin's driver.

Russian state-run media claimed that Permyakov confessed to the attack after his arrest, and alleged that he had been recruited by the Security Service of Ukraine (SBU) and promised $20,000 as payment.

The SBU has not confirmed or denied its involvement in the attack, but the Atesh partisan group claimed responsibility for carrying it out.

There is no way to independently verify the validity of Permyakov's alleged confession. Russia does not provide transparent access to its legal system, and international human rights organizations have long detailed rampant abuse in prisons, as well as the use of torture to coerce confessions.

A number of Russian propagandists, proxy officials, and other pro-war figures have been targeted for alleged assassinations, some of which have been successful, in both occupied territories of Ukraine and in Russia itself.

In April 2023, an explosion in a cafe in downtown St. Petersburg killed Russian propagandist Vladlen Tatarsky and injured a dozen others.

Read also: Military intelligence: Collaborant ex-mayor of Kupiansk in critical condition after assassination attempt in Russia

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
The Russian army maintains an advantage in artillery shells on the front, but since winter 2024, this has decreased nearly three times.

Source: Ivan Havryliuk, Deputy Minister of Defence of Ukraine, on air of the national 24/7 newcast

Quote: "Currently, the ratio of artillery ammunition usage on the battlefield has decreased compared to winter 2024 when the ratio was 1 [Ukraine] to 8 [Russia]. As of today, it stands at 1 [Ukraine] to 3 [Russia]."

Details: Havryliuk emphasised that "Ukraine struggles to compete with Russia in the production of weapons, military equipment, and ammunition due to its larger industrial potential."

Quote: "Therefore, the support of foreign partners and the effective work of officials are crucial," he stated.

"Our ministries, the government, and the leadership of Ukraine are making significant efforts to establish joint ventures so that, with the help of our partners, we have the capability to produce the entire range of weapons and military equipment that we need."

Background:

In April 2024, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy stated that the ratio of artillery shells was 1 to 10. "Can we hold out like this? No. With such statistics, they will push us back every day," the president said.

Zelenskyy said that it is necessary to match Russia in the number of shells to defend the territories currently under Ukrainian control.

The report from the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) dated 6 June 2024 notes that Western-provided artillery ammunition has begun reaching Ukrainian forces at the front, although not in sufficient quantities to allow Ukrainian troops to fully overcome the current advantage of Russian forces in artillery shells.

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Russian attack cuts off power supply line to Zaporizhzhia NPP and creates threat of accident

Russia has attacked a substation, cutting off the overhead line that supplies Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant (ZNPP) and creating a threat of an accident.

Source: press service for the Ministry of Energy of Ukraine

Quote: "As a result of a Russian attack on the main substation, one of the power lines supplying the occupied Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant was cut off from the power grid. The plant is again on the verge of blackout."

Details: Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said that this latest act of Russian terrorism had created a threat of an accident at the occupied ZNPP.

The ministry said that power engineers are working to address the aftermath of the Russian attacks and restore full power to the occupied ZNPP as soon as possible.

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Russian forces attacked the city of Zaporizhzhia on Oct. 1, killing one person and injuring 24 others, among them three children, Governor Ivan Fedorov reported.

Russia launched at least six guided aerial bombs against Zaporizhzhia, damaging apartment buildings and houses, Fedorov said. Among the wounded were nine men, 12 women, and three children aged 9, 10, and 12.

Psychologists provided assistance to 28 people at the site of the attack, the State Emergency Service said.

In recent days, Russian troops have intensified attacks against Zaporizhzhia, targeting its civilian infrastructure. A guided aerial bomb was used to target the city for the first time on Sept. 23.

Overnight on Sept. 29, Russia's strike against the city injured 16 people, including an eight-year-old girl and a 17-year-old boy, according to local authorities.

The city of Zaporizhzhia is located less than 50 kilometers (31 miles) from the front lines.

Russia has continued to strike civilian targets across Zaporizhzhia Oblast, which is partially occupied by Russian forces.

Read also: Russian strike hits market in Kherson, killing at least 6, injuring 6

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
LATEST: Ukrainian forces withdraw from Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast

Russian troops have entered the embattled town of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Oct. 1, adding that fighting is ongoing.

Speaking on national television, Filashkin described the situation as "extremely difficult," adding: "The enemy has already almost reached the center of the town."

"The fighting is going on within the town, so it is almost impossible to bring in humanitarian aid."

Later in the day, videos emerged on social media showing Russian soldiers flying the country's flag on the roof of an apartment building in the town.

Geolocated to the northern streets of Vuhledar's small and dense urban area, the videos suggest that a complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the town is highly likely.

A total of 107 civilians remain in Vuhledar, though all children have been evacuated, he added.

Ukraine's 72nd Mechanized Brigade has defended Vuhledar for nearly two years, as Russian forces have been trying to capture the town since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

On Sept. 26, the brigade refuted reports that it was retreating and released a video from the town.

According to the crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState on Oct. 1, Russian soldiers entered Vuhledar from the west and south.

In recent days, Russian forces advanced northeast of Vuhledar and on the western outskirts of the town, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on Sept. 30, citing geolocated footage.

The front-line town lies about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of occupied Donetsk and roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the administrative border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Vuhledar has withstood numerous attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022 and has become key to Ukrainian defenses in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast.

"Potentially (its loss could) threaten the security of the entire southwestern portion of Donetsk Oblast not yet occupied," Federico Borsari, a fellow at the Center for European Policy Analysis (CEPA), told the Kyiv Independent earlier in September.

Vuhledar is located north of a key intersection connecting the O-0532 road towards Vodiane and Kostiantynivka, a small paved road toward Kurakhove, and the partly occupied T-0509 highway toward Velyka Novosilka.

"It is, therefore, a key logistic point for Ukrainian forces defending the southern flank of Kurakhove," Borsari said.

Given the Russian significant advance towards Pokrovsk from the east in recent weeks, Ukrainian forces need to avoid a similar development from the south to avoid the risk of encirclement, Borsari added.

Vuhledar is also the last fortified town before the village of Velyka Novosilka and the entire southern part of Donetsk Oblast that Ukraine controls. The occupied section of the T-0509 highway, which passes south of Vuhledar, is essential for Russian forces trying to advance westward.

Read also: What the fall of Vuhledar would mean for Russias war in Ukraine

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Russian forces appear to have shot 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Donetsk Oblast, the largest recorded case of mass execution of surrendered soldiers on the battlefield, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said on Oct. 1.

Evidence of the execution appeared on social media earlier on Oct. 1. The POWs were reportedly killed after surrendering on the front line near Pokrovsk.

The Prosecutor General's Office said it was verifying the material published online and investigating the circumstances around the case.

The execution of POWs is a "cynical and gross violation of the Geneva Conventions," the Prosecutor General's Office said.

"This is the most massive known case of execution of Ukrainian POWs on the front line," Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said.

"The murders and torture of prisoners are not an accident, but a purposeful policy of the Russian military and political leadership," he added.

In early September, Russian forces executed three Ukrainian POWs near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast. The Prosecutor General's Office said earlier this year that it was investigating more than 50 cases of execution of Ukrainian POWs.

Read also: Human safari  Kherson civilians hunted down by Russian drones

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A Russian fighter flies dangerously close to a U.S. Air Force jet, patrolling off the coast of Alaska. The North American Aerospace Defense Command called the maneuver "unsafe, unprofessional and endangered all." Photo courtesy of NORAD

Sept. 30 (UPI) -- A shocking new video shows a Russian fighter flying dangerously close to a U.S. Air Force jet, patrolling off the coast of Alaska, amid reports that more Russian military planes are being tracked near Alaska's air space.

The North American Aerospace Defense Command, the U.S.-Canadian military alliance, which defends North American airspace, posted the 15-second video Monday. It shows the Russian jet buzzing within feet of the NORAD aircraft last week.

"On Sept. 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in Alaska's Air Defense Identification Zone or ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional and endangered all -- not what you'd see in a professional air force," said Gen. Gregory Guillot.

"On Sept 23, 2024, NORAD aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of Russian Military Aircraft in the Alaska ADIZ. The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all - not what you'd see in a professional air force." - Gen. Gregory Guillot pic.twitter.com/gXZj3Ndkag North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 30, 2024

While NORAD deployed jets to fly the "safe and disciplined intercept" of the Russian jet in ADIZ -- an area where pilots are required to identify their aircraft -- Sen. Dan Sullivan, R-Alaska, demanded a strong response to the "reckless" provocation.

"The reckless and unprofessional maneuvers of Russian fighter aircraft -- within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters -- in Alaska's ADIZ on Sept. 23, put the lives of our brave airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we're witnessing from dictators like Vladimir Putin," Sullivan wrote Monday in a post on X.

The reckless and unprofessional maneuvers of Russian fighter aircraft-within just a few feet of our Alaska-based fighters-in Alaska's ADIZ on September 23 put the lives of our brave Airmen at risk and underscore the escalating aggression we're witnessing from dictators like... pic.twitter.com/uutqZYBaYn Sen. Dan Sullivan (@SenDanSullivan) September 30, 2024

"We need to answer force with force and continue building up America's military presence in Alaska and the Arctic with more infrastructure, like the strategic Arctic port at Nome and reopening the Adak Naval Base and more military assets," Sullivan added.

Earlier this month, NORAD revealed it was tracking more Russian military planes near Alaska's air space, with four encounters in less than a week after some 130 U.S. soldiers were temporarily deployed to a remote Alaska island with mobile rocket launchers. The deployment was in response to eight Russian military planes and four navy vessels near Alaska, as Russia and China conducted joint military drills in July.

On Sept. 15, NORAD intercepted two Russian IL-38 military planes flying in international space near the ADIZ in what was the fourth reported incident in five days. NORAD said it was "not seen as a threat" as none of the planes breached U.S. airspace.

While Russian aircraft entering Alaska's zone varies between six and seven a year, NORAD said there were 26 encounters last year, with 25 Russian jet sightings to date this year.
Russian jet comes within 50 feet of US fighter off coast of Alaska

A Russian fighter jet crossed the path of an American F-16 last week coming within 50 feet of the nose of the American jet, said North American Aerospace Defense Command (NORAD), which said the Russian pilots action "endangered all."

NORAD released dramatic video on Monday that showed just how close the Russian fighter flew ahead of the American aircraft at a high rate of speed.

The close encounter occurred on Sept. 23 during a flurry of activity by Russian aircraft that over the span of several days had flown through the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) off of Alaska. The Alaska ADIZ is international airspace that stretches 150 miles from the Alaska coastline, but the U.S. requires that any aircraft transiting through it must identify themselves or be intercepted by NORAD aircraft.

PHOTO: Russian Fighter Jet Buzzes NORAD Aircraft During Alaska ADIZ Intercept, Washington, District of Columbia, United States - 30 Sep 2024 (Norad/upi/shutterstock/Norad/UPI/Shutterstock)

MORE: Russian bomber, fighter aircraft detected in Alaska defense zone, NORAD says

On that day, two U.S. Air Force F-16 fighter jets were sent to intercept two Russian Tu-95 bombers and the two Su-35 fighter jets that were escorting them.

 North American Aerospace Defense Command (@NORADCommand) September 30, 2024

The video released by NORAD was taken from a camera mounted in the canopy of the F-16 aircraft providing a view of what the pilot was seeing as the fighter flew near one of the Russian bombers.

MORE: Russian military aircraft again detected off of Alaska, NORAD says

Suddenly one of the Russian jets entered the field of view at a high rate of speed coming at what NORAD said was within 50 feet of the American planes nose rolling to one side as it flew past.

The video then showed the F-16's nose wobbling from left to right, either as the American fighter pilot flew through the Russian aircraft's wake or the pilot maintained control of the aircraft after the close encounter.

The conduct of one Russian Su-35 was unsafe, unprofessional, and endangered all  not what youd see in a professional air force, said Gen. Gregory Guillot, NORADs top commander, in a comment posted on X.

MORE: 2 Russian military aircraft detected off of Alaska, NORAD says

A NORAD statement about the intercept that day did not provide any indication that NORAD aircraft had intercepted the Russian planes only detailing that it had detected and tracked four Russian military aircraft operating in the Alaska Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ).

The Russian aircraft remained in international airspace and did not enter American or Canadian sovereign airspace, said the release. This Russian activity in the Alaska ADIZ occurs regularly and is not seen as a threat.

The close encounter capped two weeks of incidents where NORAD said it had detected and tracked the aircraft as they flew through the ADIZ.

Russian jet comes within 50 feet of US fighter off coast of Alaska originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
A Russian national is accused in a series of ransomware attacks in Texas and other parts of the U.S. over a seven-year period, the Department of Justice (DOJ) announced on Tuesday.

The DOJ, citing an unsealed indictment, alleged that Aleksandr Viktorovich Ryzhenkov gained unauthorized access personal and corporate files, rendered the data inaccessible using BitPaymer software and demanded payments for a decryption key that would prevent sensitive information from being released on the dark web.

Ryzhenkov and others allegedly hacked into computer systems by taking advantage of vulnerabilities in hardware in addition to phishing campaigns and malware.

Ransomware attacks  particularly those deployed by bad actors with ties to Russia  can paralyze a company in the time it takes to open a laptop. Whether or not the ransom is paid, recovering from a ransomware attack is generally costly and time-consuming, said Leigha Simonton, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas.

The Department of the Treasury said Ryzhenkov targeted a New York bank, Swiss citizens and others under the pseudonym Guester. Authorities describe Ryzhenkov as the second in command at the Russia-based cybercriminal organization Evil Corp., a group accused of developing and distributing the Dridex malware.

Treasury also announced that Ryzhenkov, who authorities believe resides in Russia, was added to its list of specially designated nationals, which prohibits U.S. financial institutions from engaging in certain transactions and activities with him.

Bradley T. Smith, acting under secretary of the Treasury for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence, said the action announced on Tuesday underscores our collective commitment to safeguard against cybercriminals like ransomware actors, who seek to undermine our critical infrastructure and threaten our citizens.

The United States, in close coordination with our allies and partners, including through the Counter Ransomware Initiative, will continue to expose and disrupt the criminal networks that seek personal profit from the pain and suffering of their victims, Smith 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.
Russian occupiers carry out largest known execution of Ukrainian POWs in active war zone

The Russian army has shot 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war dead near the villages of Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar, Pokrovsk district, Donetsk Oblast  the largest known execution of Ukrainian POWs on the battlefield.

Source: Prosecutor Generals Office

Quote: "On 1 October 2024, Telegram channels reported the likely execution of 16 Ukrainian servicemen by representatives of the Russian Armed Forces. According to media reports, the Russian occupying army committed this latest war crime near the villages of Mykolaivka and Sukhyi Yar in the Pokrovsk district.

The released video shows captured Ukrainian soldiers emerging from a forested area under enemy control. Once they had formed a line, the occupiers deliberately opened fire, shooting to kill. Those showing signs of life were shot point-blank with automatic weapons."

Details: The Prosecutor General's Office is currently verifying the posted material. Prosecutor General Andrii Kostin said this is the largest known execution of Ukrainian prisoners of war on the battlefield.

Law enforcers have emphasised that these actions constitute a flagrant violation of the Geneva Conventions and are classified as a grave international crime.

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Russian strike hits market in Kherson, killing at least 6, injuring 6

Editor's note: This story is being updated.

Russian forces attacked downtown Kherson on Oct. 1, killing at least six people and injuring six others, President Volodymyr Zelensky said.

A local market and a public transport stop came under shelling, according to authorities.

Russia attacked Kherson at around 9 a.m. when a nationwide minute of silence was being held in Ukraine to commemorate the fallen Ukrainian soldiers on Defenders Day, the National Police said.

"The daily Russian terror, the daily attempts to destroy lives  all of this can be stopped," Zelensky said in a post on Telegram.

Doctors were able to stabilize a seventh victim, who was earlier reported to have been killed, the Prosecutor General's Office said. The injured person is in "extremely serious condition."

Ukraine liberated the southern city of Kherson from Russian occupation in November 2022. Since then, Russian troops have regularly attacked the city and nearby areas along the western bank of the Dnipro River.

Read also: Ukraine war latest: Russia aims to draft 133,000 men during new round of fall conscription

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(Bloomberg) -- Ukrainian prosecutors said at least seven civilians were killed and three others injured in an attack by Russian forces against the southern city of Kherson.

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Artillery struck near a local market and public transportation stop at around 9 a.m. local time, the regional prosecutors office said on its website.

Over recent months, Kremlin forces have increased aerial attacks against Ukraine as the country heads toward winter with a large part of its power infrastructure damaged by the war.

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Ukraine is marking its third veterans day since Russia's invasion (Roman PILIPEY) (Roman PILIPEY/AFP/AFP)

A Russian strike on a southern Ukraine market killed six people on Tuesday, authorities said, as the nation held a moment of silence marking a major public holiday honouring its troops.

Debris, broken glass and bodies were strewn around the market in Kherson city, which lies on the western bank of the Dnipro river, a de facto front line between Russian forces in the east and Ukrainian forces in the west.

The regional prosecutor's office had reported seven killed, but later lowered the toll to six, saying that doctors stabilised one of those presumed dead.

"Around 9 am (0600 GMT) on October 1, Russian forces struck the centre of Kherson, allegedly with cannon artillery. The shelling took place near a local market and a public transport stop," it said on Telegram.

Moscow's troops withdrew from Kherson in November 2022, retreating to the other side of the Dnipro, but they have kept up intense shelling of the city.

In the neighbouring Zaporizhzhia region a Russian strike killed one and wounded 32, Ukraine's interior ministry said.

- 'Painful moments' -

The deadly attack came as Ukraine held a nationwide moment of silence remembering the country's war dead on Defenders Day, the third since Russia invaded in 2022.

Traffic came to a halt in the capital Kyiv as dozens of residents held portraits of loved ones who had died in the war, some weeping.

President Volodymyr Zelensky thanked the army in a speech to soldiers, acknowledging that his troops had suffered "painful moments" on what he said was a "difficult" path to victory.

"Inside we are all screaming with pain for each fallen hero, screaming with hatred for the evil that has come to our land," he said.

Neither Ukraine or Russia disclose how many of their soldiers have been killed in the conflict, but independent estimates put the number in the tens of thousands on each side.

- Russia advancing -

Russia has been advancing on the eastern front for months, and on Tuesday claimed to capture two more frontline villages including one just 13 kilometres (eight miles) from the key Ukrainian supply hub of Pokrovsk.

Responding to reports that Russian troops were closing in on another key Ukrainian-held town, Vugledar, the Kremlin said Russian President Vladimir Putin regularly received battlefield reports.

Moscow has pressed ahead even as Kyiv's forces mount an offensive into the Russian region of Kursk.

Russian authorities have also waged an intense crackdown against dissent at home, announcing Tuesday that they had detained 39 people including children accused of backing "Ukrainian terrorist" groups.

The Ukrainian army is meanwhile suffering from fatigue after more than two and a half years of war and relentless Russian bombardment.

- Budget is 'balanced' -

As Moscow pressed ahead in the east, Russia announced plans on Monday to boost its defence budget by almost 30 percent next year as it drives resources into the Ukraine war.

Russia had already ramped up military spending to levels not seen since the Soviet era, pumping out missiles and drones and paying lucrative salaries to its hundreds of thousands of soldiers.

The latest planned increase in spending will take Russia's defence budget to a 13.5 trillion rubles ($145 billion) in 2025 -- more than the outlays on welfare and education combined.

The Kremlin on Tuesday denied that Moscow had skewed its priorities.

"This is a carefully balanced, calibrated budget. The state maintains the fulfilment of social obligations," spokesman Dmitry Peskov said.

Ukraine, which has also been forced to accelerate its military spending, will allocate more than 60 percent of the country's entire budget to defence and security next year.

But Russia's $145 billion defence budget dwarfs Ukraine's at $54 billion, with Kyiv reliant on Western military and financial aid to continue fighting.

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Passengers board buses at VIA Centro Plaza in San Antonio in this file photo. VIA is asking the San Antonio City Council to allow it to collect a new tax on cell phone service. Josie Norris/Staff Photographer Passengers get on and off a VIA bus at Centro Plaza in San Antonio in this file photo from Sept. 20, 2023. VIA is asking the San Antonio City Council to allow it to collect a new tax on cell phone service. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

VIA Metropolitan Transit is seeking the city's permission to tax local residents' cell phone bills in order to raise up to $8 million a year so it can run its buses more often.

The 0.75% sales tax would add about nine cents to a San Antonio resident's $100 monthly cell phone bill, said Tom Marks, VIA's chief external and governmental relations officer, in a presentation to the San Antonio City Council's transportation and infrastructure committee on Monday afternoon. He said transit agencies in Austin, Dallas, El Paso and Fort Worth already levy such a tax.

VIA's push for the tax comes amidst the city's recent decision to slash its contribution to the agency's budget from a planned $10 million next year to $5 million, to help raise the $27.7 million it needs to pay for raises for firefighters and paramedics promised under a new employment contract.

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The tax would raise $6 million to $8 million a year that VIA would devote toward a five-year plan to run its buses more often, according to a presentation that Marks and Rod Sanchez, VIA's senior vice president of planning, gave to the committee on Monday. Increasing the frequency of bus arrivals is crucial to attracting more riders, Sanchez said.

As of now, 72% of VIA's bus routes have a frequency of a half-hour or more  in other words, the buses only come every half-hour, or less often. Under its "Better Bus Plan," VIA wants to increase by 6% the portion of its routes that have buses arriving at least every 15 minutes, he said.

"We have quite a bit of work to do to improve our frequency," Sanchez said.

The committee members expressed some skepticism about the proposed new tax. District 9 Councilman John Courage, who chairs the committee, pointed out that the City Council decided years ago to provide VIA with the $10 million a year so it could increase its bus service.

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"I think most of us would agree we haven't increased the service," he said. "I know there's a lot of factors that may have gone into that, but I think the city's reconsidering even that $10 million."

He questioned Marks and Sanchez on whether they had enough drivers and buses to boost the route frequency, noting that the agency has "had some problems with enough drivers." In recent years, VIA has offered thousands of dollars in hiring incentives in seeking to recruit new drivers and other employees.

Sanchez said the agency has enough buses and is "heavily recruiting and advertising" for drivers. "Keep in mind this is a five-year plan," he said of the "Better Bus Plan."

"Do you really think this plan is going to work out, with this small $6 million to $8 million a year?" Courage asked.

"Absolutely," Sanchez replied. "This is not going to completely fund the plan. We're going to have to seek other funding sources. But by putting this plan in place, we're going to reduce frequency to 30 minutes."

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The committee members voted 2-0 to recommend that the full City Council consider the proposed new tax, with District 2 Councilman Jalen McKee-Rodriguez abstaining, saying VIA hadn't provided enough information to make a decision.

Much of VIA's budget comes from sales tax revenue collected by the Advanced Transportation District, a taxing district that has the same board as the agency. That district can't currently collect sales tax on cell phone service, because in the 1980s the Texas legislature exempted telecommunications services from local sales taxes.

However, the Legislature did provide a loophole that allows local governments to lift the exemption for taxing telecommunications services.

Some local governments, including the cities of San Antonio and Alamo Heights, have lifted the exemptions for themselves  meaning they already collect sales taxes from cell phone bills and other telecommunications services, such as service connection fees and equipment rentals.

VIA is asking the city of San Antonio to do the same and lift the exemption for the Advanced Transportation District, allowing it to tax cell phone service. A number of other Bexar County municipalities have already approved VIA's request to lift the exemption. According to VIA's presentation, the city councils of Leon Valley, Alamo Heights, Terrell Hills, Shavano Park, Castle Hills and Balcones Heights have already passed ordinances lifting the exemption, and the ordinance is pending for Olmos Park.

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VIA's effort to boost its route frequency is also the motivation behind its flagship project of establishing two "advanced rapid transit," or ART, routes, on which buses would move faster than surrounding traffic because they would have their own lanes for much of the way, among other improvements.

One of those routes, the $446.3 million Green Line, would run north-south for 10.4 miles from Stone Oak to the Brooks community on the Southeast Side. The other, the $289.2 million Silver Line, would run 7.3 miles east-west from the crossing of Loop 410 and East Houston Street to the area around Joint Base San Antonio-Lackland.
Russian strikes on energy system could drive more Ukrainians to flee, Borrell says

In a few weeks, Ukraine could face an emergency situation due to ongoing Russian strikes on its energy infrastructure, which may result in even more Ukrainians being "forced to leave their homes and their country", stated EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs Josep Borrell.

Source: European Pravda, citing Borrells blog

Quote from Borrell: "Ukraine is at risk of a major emergency in a few weeks' time that could lead to more Ukrainians being forced to leave their homes and their country."

Details: He recalled that Russia is systematically destroying energy infrastructure in Ukraine to leave Ukrainians without electricity, water, and heating, and that Ukrainians are already facing power shortages.

Borrell said that Russia has damaged 68% of Ukraine's energy capacity, and only about 10-11 GW of electricity production capacity remains, meaning power outages could increase to 20 hours a day.

He also noted that Russian missile attacks on electrical substations could lead to the shutdown of nuclear power plants operating in Ukraine, potentially causing a nuclear disaster.

Borrell called on international partners to expedite the supply of air defence systems and interceptors to Ukraine to avoid the ongoing cycle of "we repair, they destroy".

He also emphasised that Ukraine must be given the capability to strike Russian airfields and launch sites to prevent more attacks.

"We have promised to support Ukraine with whatever it takes for as long as it takes and the energy front will be decisive this winter," Borrell concluded.

Background:

On 19 September, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen announced that the EU is providing 160 million to assist Ukraine in preparing for another winter amid Russian strikes on its energy system.

Meanwhile, the EU Ambassador to Ukraine, Katarina Mathernova, announced that to support Ukraine's energy system, which has been damaged by Russian attacks, the EU plans to increase electricity exports to Ukraine this winter and is preparing to supply energy equipment.

She estimates that Ukraine will face a difficult winter, though the situation will not be catastrophic.

Watch the full interview with Katarina Maternova about winter preparations in Ukraine, funding for weapons, and the country's EU membership.

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Russian troops attacked a market in Kherson on the morning of 1 October, killing six people and injuring six others.

Source: Oleksandr Prokudin, Head of Kherson Oblast Military Administration, on Telegram; Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office; Ministry of Internal Affairs of Ukraine

Quote from Prokudin: "The occupiers attacked the market in the centre of Kherson. They hit the retail units where Kherson residents were buying or selling products in the morning. At least eight people are known to have been affected by the attack. Preliminary information indicates that five people have been killed and three others injured."

Details: Later, the prosecutor's office clarified that the Russians had attacked the centre of Kherson with tubed artillery at about 09:00. They hit near a local market and a public transport stop.

The attack reportedly killed seven people: three women and four men. Three citizens were also injured and are being provided with expert medical care.

Quote from the Interior Ministry: "The Russians launched their attack on the city at around 09:00, precisely when the entire nation was observing a minute of silence to honour fallen defenders. This serves as further evidence of the enemy's meanness and lowliness.

Photo: Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office

Update: At 11:11, Kherson Oblast Prosecutor's Office reported that six people had been killed in the Russian attack on Kherson city centre. Doctors were able to stabilise a seventh individual, initially presumed dead, though their condition remains critical.

Police officers and medics are working at the scene of the attack. Law enforcement officers have launched a pre-trial investigation for criminal proceedings over the violation of the laws and customs of war.

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(Bloomberg) -- Former Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, became the 14th secretary general of NATO on Tuesday, where hell face the urgent challenge of rallying allies to maintain their support for Ukraine,

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As he succeeds Jens Stoltenberg, a Norwegian who led NATO for a turbulent decade, Rutte inherits an alliance that has been profoundly transformed by Russias invasion.

Rutte told reporters earlier Tuesday that hell continue to press allies to maintain their support for Ukraine and spend more on defense. He also said that hes not worried about the outcome of the US election, whether the winner is Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.

I will be able to work with both, he said ahead of the handover ceremony in Brussels.

Rutte will face several important challenges. His most urgent task will be implementing the decisions the alliance has taken since the start of the war to support Ukraine financially and logistically, while the country waits for a formal invitation to join the organization.

Allies have described Ukraines eventual membership as an irreversible path, but the timeline and conditions remain unclear.

Rutte will also have to nudge members to spend more on defense even as many nations face tight fiscal pressure. That task could become even more pressing if Trump prevails.

Even though the US militarys attention has been slowly shifting from Europe to the Indo-Pacific under both Republicans and Democrats, the choice of the new US president will be decisive for the alliance, the transatlantic bond and for Ukraine itself.

Rutte, as a longtime leader of an EU nation, could also be well positioned to smooth any wrinkles between NATO and the European bloc as it tries to focus more on its defense sector.

Under Stoltenberg, the North Atlantic Treaty Organization went from facing accusations of being obsolete to gaining new relevance. Four countries joined the alliance  Montenegro, North Macedonia, Finland and Sweden  and defense spending among members has slowly increased.

NATO has also taken over the coordination of aid deliveries and training for Ukraine, and has identified half a million troops that could theoretically deploy within a month.

--With assistance from Katharina Rosskopf.

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Russia's invasion of Ukraine has pushed European countries to ramp up defence spending (Genya SAVILOV) (Genya SAVILOV/AFP/AFP)

New NATO chief Mark Rutte on Tuesday downplayed fears over a potential Donald Trump victory in the US presidential election and pledged to keep backing Ukraine, as he assumed leadership of the world's most powerful military alliance.

The former Dutch prime minister steps into the role at a pivotal moment, as Russia presses its war in Ukraine, China flexes its growing might -- and just weeks before US voters choose a new leader.

"I'm determined to prepare NATO for the challenges of the future," Rutte said as he formally took over as secretary general from Norway's Jens Stoltenberg at NATO's Brussels headquarters.

The outcome of the November 5 US vote is set to be the straight-talking 57-year-old's first major test -- and will shape his initial four-year term.

On the campaign trail, former president Trump has threatened not to protect NATO members who do not spend enough on defence and promised a quick deal with Russian President Vladimir Putin to end to the war in Ukraine.

"I'm not worried. I know both candidates very well. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was the one pushing us to spend more, and he achieved," Rutte said.

"I will be able to work with both, whatever is the outcome of the elections."

In opting for the veteran Dutch statesman, a staunch US ally and stalwart backer of Ukraine, NATO's 32 nations have picked a leader who will keep pushing support for Kyiv and efforts to bolster the alliance's own defences against Russia.

"NATO will be in safe hands with you at the helm," said Stoltenberg, who has guided the alliance through one of its most tumultuous decades.

US President Joe Biden said he had full confidence Rutte "will continue to build on our work to create a NATO that is stronger, larger, and more resolute than ever".

Rutte listed Ukraine among his top priorities -- along with ensuring NATO keeps on spending more on defence, and bolstering ties with partners including the European Union and those in the Asia Pacific.

- No 'giving in' to Putin -

"Putin has to realise that we will not give in, that we want Ukraine to prevail in the end," Rutte warned, saying he wanted "to step up our support for Ukraine and bring it ever closer to NATO."

"We must sustain this support into the future, because Ukraine's rightful place is in NATO," he added.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky pledged to work with Rutte as his country "continues on its path towards full-fledged NATO membership."

But Kyiv faces difficulies as Russian forces advance on the battlefield more than two-and-a-half years after the Kremlin's all-out invasion.

And there is uncertainty over future Western support for Ukraine with growing calls for a resolution to the conflict.

"It's up to the Ukrainian government to decide when they are at a stage that they want to discuss peace," Rutte said. "That's for later."

Rutte backed Ukraine's right to use Western supplied weapons inside Russia, but said it was up to each NATO country to decide on any limitations.

- 'Spend more' -

Another central task for Rutte will be to keep pushing NATO members to carry on increasing military spending to counter any potential menace from Moscow.

Spurred on by the war in Ukraine -- and pressure from Washington -- European countries have already ratcheted up spending.

This year, 23 countries are set to reach NATO's target of spending two percent of gross domestic product on their militaries.

But with the threat from Russia expected to last for years -- whatever the outcome in Ukraine -- there is a clear understanding more will be needed.

"There is no cost-free alternative if we are to rise to the challenges ahead and keep our one billion people safe," Rutte said.

That could prove a tough sell for Rutte -- who only saw the Netherlands reach the two-percent goal in his fourteenth, and final year in office.

As NATO has begun increasingly paying attention to China, Rutte reiterated the line taken at a summit in July that Beijing was a "decisive enabler" for Russia's war.

"China cannot continue to fuel the largest conflict in Europe since the second world war without this impacting its interests and reputation," he said.

Even if he wanted to change NATO's direction, Rutte would likely struggle to shake up an alliance based on careful consensus between its members.

Stoltenberg, whose mandate was extended three times, trod a careful balancing act as NATO emerged reenergised in the face of Russia's aggression.

"One thing will not change, and that is NATO's core mission, and that is to make sure that we defend our people, our nations, and, of course, our values," Rutte said.

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A former doctor went on trial in Paris on Tuesday accused of genocide in Rwanda, the latest suspect to face justice in France three decades after the massacre of the African country's Tutsi population by the Hutu majority.

Eugene Rwamucyo, 65, is accused of aiding his country's then authorities to disseminate anti-Tutsi propaganda and of participating in mass murder in an attempt to destroy evidence of genocide.

Rwamucyo's trial is the eighth in France relating to the genocide in 1994, when an estimated 800,000 people -- mostly ethnic Tutsis -- were slaughtered.

The former doctor, who practised medicine in France and Belgium after leaving his country, has been charged with genocide, complicity in genocide, crimes against humanity, complicity in crimes against humanity and conspiring to prepare those crimes.

If found guilty he could face life in prison.

The trial at the Paris court is due to last all month, up to October 29.

Rwamucyo, who is not in custody, appeared in court accompanied by his lawyers without making any comment.

His lawyers requested that the trial be postponed, denouncing an excessive number of sudden petitions from civil parties to the trial.

"This morning, we were presented with around 800 requests for civil action from individuals, whereas until now there were only four, all associations," said defence lawyer Philippe Meilhac.

"This trial is not ready to be judged in a calm manner," he added.

- International arrest warrant -

Rwamucyo, who grew up in a Hutu family, was approached by anti-Tutsi militants in the late 1980s after his return from studying in Russia, according to prosecutors, who accuse him of then spreading anti-Tutsi propaganda.

While teaching at university, he also participated in the execution of wounded patients and helped bury them in mass graves "in a final effort to destroy evidence of genocide", the prosecution said, quoting witness statements.

His lawyers, Meilhac and Francoise Mathe, say Rwamucyo denies any wrongdoing and argues the accusation is based on his opposition to the current Rwandan government.

His participation in the burial of bodies in mass graves was motivated by the wish to avoid a "health crisis" that would have occurred if they had been left out in the open, the lawyers said.

Following an international arrest warrant issued by Rwanda, Rwamucyo was detained in May 2010 by French police following a tip-off by his colleagues in the Maubeuge hospital, where he was working at the time.

"He was openly anti-Tutsi and publicly expressed his support for the genocidal government," said Emmanuel Daoud, a lawyer for LDH and FIDH, two human rights organisations who are among the plaintiffs.

Around 60 witnesses are expected to testify during the trial.

In December 2023, a French court sentenced another former doctor, Sosthene Munyemana, to 24 years in prison for his involvement in the 1994 genocide.

cbr/jh-sjw/giv
Soil from outside brothels is considered sacred and collected for Hindu rituals in India's city of Kolkata (Dibyangshu SARKAR) (Dibyangshu SARKAR/AFP/AFP)

Every year in India's megacity Kolkata, the world's oldest trade gets fleeting respect from an ancient custom -- when soil outside brothels is considered sacred and collected for Hindu rituals.

Those working in the eastern port city's ever-busy red light district say the coveted earth is a bitter reflection of society's discriminatory attitudes -- desired when needed, downtrodden filth when not.

The doorstep dirt is seen as holy by Hindu devotees, who believe it is imbued with special qualities because it is where men leave behind all that is good before entering for sex.

This scooped-up soil is included in clay to make brightly-coloured idols of the beloved goddess Durga, or used to give an earth "bath" of the statues made for the festival.

Sex worker Salima, a lady in her thirties working in Kolkata's Sonagachi red light district, is angered at the dirt-gathering tradition.

In the eyes of society, she is seen as having "no dignity", said Salima, not her real name.

Gathering the soil is part of the celebrations for Durga Puja, the biggest festival in the eastern state of West Bengal, with celebrations this year beginning in October.

"When you want the soil from my hand, you suddenly respect me," she said.

"What kind of a rule is this?"

A spokeswoman for sex worker association Durbar Mahila Samanwaya Committee said its members tried to stop artisans from taking the soil.

- 'Not the dark side' -

The week-long festival celebrates the victory of Durga -- a powerful multi-armed goddess often depicted riding a lion, revered as a protective mother -- over a demon.

"The men who enter the sex worker's house leave all the good in them at her doorstep," said Jayanta Kushary, 64, founder of the Sarva Bharatiya Prachya Vidya Academy, which teaches Indian culture.

"That is why that soil from outside the sex worker's house is considered holy."

Kushary said the soil should be used to "wash" idols.

But families in Kolkata also use the soil to make idols themselves, which are venerated before being immersed into the holy River Ganges at the festival's culmination.

Samar Dutt's family has used the soil both for idols and holy baths for more than a century -- and he for one decries how sex workers are often shunned and looked down on.

"They are not the dark side of society," he said. "They are equal with other people."

Dutt said modern construction with concrete and tarmac roads meant that sometimes finding a good place to collect the soil was hard.

So artists have found a solution.

"The sex worker goes to take a bath in the Ganges, and gets soil from there," he said.

"Then she keeps it outside her house, from where it is collected."

- 'Social worker' -

Kushary insisted that it was important for the society to respect sex workers.

"They are very, very important to our society," he said. "The sex worker is a social worker."

The Hindu festival is a busy time in the red light zone.

Soliciting for sex is illegal, but workers say police often turn a blind eye in exchange for cash.

But the sex workers say none of the men collecting dirt have invited them to join a Durga Puja celebration.

"They don't even recognise us," said Pushpa, whose name has been changed to protect her identity, adding the men "look at us with disgust".

"The women think we will snatch their husbands if we talk to them," she said. "But we have no such thoughts in our mind."

Salima said her family has little idea how she earns her living, work she turned to because she had no alternative.

"We don't like doing this work," Salima said.

"When the men come, they ask us to do many things. They say they won't use a condom, that they don't like it. Helpless, we say 'okay', but we don't feel right."

str-ash/pjm/sn
Heres everything you need to know about travel to Egypt - Ahmad Hasaballah/Getty Images

Israel has launched a ground incursion in Lebanon after months of escalating tensions in the Middle East.

While Egypt is geographically close to the conflict zone, the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says it remains safe to visit the key tourist areas in Egypt, like Cairo and the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh.

However, the UK Government does warn against travel to large parts of Egypt, and advises travellers to be aware of terrorism and to avoid public demonstrations.

Heres everything you need to know about travel to Egypt, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

How far is Egypt from the conflict zone?

Egypt shares a border with Israel, and there is a crossing into the Gaza Strip at the Rafah Border Crossing, which has been a gateway for aid to enter the territory and for Palestinian refugees to leave the country. The crossing is currently closed, including for humanitarian aid workers.

The popular Red Sea holiday resort of Sharm El Sheikh is around 350 miles away from the Israel-Lebanon border. Cairo is just over 300 miles away from the conflict zone.

What is the FCDO advice?

The FCDO does not advise against travel to any of Egypts popular holiday destinations including Cairo, the Red Sea resorts of Hurghada and Sharm El Sheikh, and the cities along the Nile popular with river cruises, like Luxor and Aswan.

However, the FCDO has updated its advice to read: Ongoing hostilities between Israel and Lebanon could escalate quickly and pose risks for the wider region.

The FCDO advises against travel to within 20km of the Egypt-Libya border (except the town of El Salloum) and to North Sinai, which incorporates the Egypt-Israel border and the Rafah Crossing into Gaza.

The FCDO also warns against all but essential travel to the northern part of South Sinai, the eastern part of Ismailiyah Governorate east of the Suez Canal, the area to the west of the Nile Valley (with exceptions, see here) and the Halaib Triangle and Bir Tawil Trapezoid.

There has been a military response to Houthi militants attacks on international shipping passing through the Red Sea. The FCDO advises: The military activity is limited to the Red Sea and Yemen, but travel advice for nearby countries could change at short notice.

Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in Egypt?

The FCDO says that terrorism is a risk across Egypt, particularly in North Sinai. Attacks could be indiscriminate.

Targets of terrorist attacks could include religious sites, large public gatherings, places visited by foreign nationals and Egyptian security forces, the FCDO advises.

The FCDO warns that there is a heightened threat of terrorism around religious sites during religious festivals, such as during Ramadan or the Christmas period. The Egyptian government lists all public holidays here.

Are flights still running to Egypt?

Yes, flights to Egypt are operating as normal.

Is it safe to visit Cairo?

There are no FCDO travel advisories against visiting Cairo. However, the FCDO flags that protests and demonstrations happen across Egypt and particularly in the capital: teargas and live ammunition have been used for crowd control. Visitors are also advised to take extra care when travelling alone, particularly female travellers, and to be vigilant against scammers and pickpockets.

Is it safe to visit Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada?

There are no FCDO travel advisories against visiting the popular Red Sea resorts of Sharm El Sheikh or Hurghada. However, the FCDO warns of wider safety issues: overcrowding has caused accidents on Red Sea ferries, there have been reports of sexual assault in some tourist resorts, and safety standards of diving operators vary considerably.

You may notice that some tourist resorts in Sharm El Sheikh have tight security measures. In 2005, 88 people died during a terrorist bombing in Sharm El Sheikh. In 2015, a Russian airline exploded above the Sinai Peninsula after departing from Sharm El Sheikh airport for St Petersburg: all 224 passengers and crew died.

Can I cancel my holiday to Egypt?

If you have booked a package holiday to Egypt and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any advice against travel to Cairo and the popular holiday resorts in Egypt, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

You can see the full Egypt FCDO advice here.

This story was first published in October 2023 and has been revised and updated.

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The resort of Ayia Napa, on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, is only 110 miles away from Beirut - Getty

Cyprus is the closest holiday destination to the Israel-Lebanon conflict zone and is central to Britains evacuation plans in the Middle East, prompting questions about whether it is safe to visit the island.

Israel has launched a ground incursion in Lebanon after months of escalating tensions in the Middle East. In response to the conflict, the British Government has sent 700 additional troops to RAF Akrotiri to assist in the evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon.

In June, the (now deceased) Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah warned that Cyprus could come under attack if it allowed Israel to use its air bases to launch attacks against Hezbollah. Nikos Christodoulides, the president of Cyprus, said the country remains neutral in the Middle East conflict.

While Cyprus is geographically close to the conflict zone (145 miles or so), the Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office (FCDO) says it remains safe to visit the island.

Heres everything you need to know about travel to Cyprus, whether it is safe to visit, and your rights if you do decide to cancel your upcoming holiday.

How far is Cyprus from the conflict zone?

The resort of Ayia Napa, on the southeastern tip of Cyprus, is only 110 miles away from Beirut and around 145 miles to the main conflict zone on the Israel-Lebanon border. By way of comparison London to Nottingham is around 110 miles and London to Sheffield is around 145 miles.

The British Government has previously used RAF Akrotiri as a staging point for launching airstrikes against Houthi rebels in Yemen, who have been targeting shipping vessels in the Red Sea. It is now being used as a strategic base to assist in the evacuation of British nationals from Lebanon.

What is the FCDO advice?

The FCDO says it is safe to travel to Cyprus. However, the FCDO does advise: Demonstrations may occur in cities with little or no notice. Events in the Middle East have led to heightened tensions and demonstrations are likely. Avoid any protests, political gatherings, or marches and leave the area if one develops. Local transport routes may be disrupted.

Is there a risk of terrorist attacks in Cyprus?

The FCDO advises: There is a high threat of terrorist attack globally affecting UK interests and British nationals, including from groups and individuals who view the UK and British nationals as targets. Stay aware of your surroundings at all times.

The FCDO adds that although theres no recent history of terrorism in Cyprus, attacks cannot be ruled out. They also warn that attacks could be indiscriminate, including in places visited by foreign nationals.

Are flights still running to Cyprus?

Yes, flights to Cyprus are operating as normal.

What if I want to cancel my holiday?

If you have booked a package holiday to Cyprus and want to cancel your trip for any reason, contact your tour operator and they might offer flexibility with alternative dates.

But bear in mind that, because the Foreign Office has not issued any advice against travel to Cyprus, there is no guarantee you will receive a refund, nor will you be able to claim money back with your travel insurance company.

If you have booked flights and accommodation independently, and wish to cancel your holiday, contact your travel providers as soon as possible to see if you can rearrange your plans. Note, however, that given the circumstances, it is unlikely you will receive a full refund.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
LAKE COMO - Salty's Beach Bar will close in November, the operator said, ending a 3-year run that had been tied up behind the scenes in legal battles.

The operator, Michelle Fontanez, also reached a settlement with the property's owner, Reginald Hyde, who also owns Bar Anticipation, to drop her bid to buy the property in exchange for $585,000, according to court documents.

"For me, it came to a point where, even if we didn't settle and we went to trial and won, even winning felt like losing," Fontanez told the Asbury Park Press Monday. "It was just a no-win situation."

Salty's is a no-frills bar on the Jersey Shore that took the place of Paul's Tavern, a staple that had operated in town since 1979. It features live music and attracts an older crowd than nearby Bar Anticipation.

Michelle Fontanez in her Surf's Up Candle Shop. She also operated Salty's Beach Bar in Lake Como for the past three years.

Belmar: Playa Bowls bought by new owner, which has big plans

It joins a list of bars and restaurants at the Shore, from the Boathouse Bar & Grill in Belmar to the Mad Hatter in Sea Bright, that have been entangled in legal fights.

Jay Reed, 26, of Asbury Park, said he was devastated to hear the bar was closing. He often rode his bike to Belmar and then made the convenient trip to Salty's.

"Iit's just a nice vibe," Reed said.

Spring Lake: Off-duty Belmar lifeguard saves swimmer caught in rip current

Paul's Tavern was put on the market after its owner, Paul Heaney, died in 2020. And Fontanez, who has owned Surf's Up Candle store next door to the bar for 11 years, expressed interest in purchasing it from its owner  Pay Day Realty, a company owned by Heaney's estate and Bar A's Hyde, according to court papers.

The estate agreed to sell the bar, liquor license and property to Fontanez in Februrary 2021 for $1.5 million, according to court papers.

Fontanez changed the name to Salty's, renovated the bar and reopened, according to a complaint.

But nine months later, as she was getting ready to close, Hyde exercised what he said was his right of first refusal and purchased the property from the estate, prompting Fontanez to file a lawsuit.

Hyde didn't immediately respond to an email asking about his plans for the site.

Fontanez took to Facebook to say she would close the bar Nov. 3 and thanked her customers and staff.

"Trust me when I tell you this was not an easy fight in this town," she wrote. "That being said I have met some of the best people in the world throughout this experience and for that I wouldnt change a single thing. I am very proud of what I did accomplish and will walk away knowing I always gave it my 100%. I want to thank every single one of you who have always believed in and supported Saltys."

Michael L. Diamond is a business reporter for the Asbury Park Press. He has been writing about the New Jersey economy and health care industry for more than 20 years. He can be reached at mdiamond@gannettnj.com.

This article originally appeared on Asbury Park Press: Salty's Beach Bar in Lake Como closing after 3-year ownership fight
NORFOLK, Va. (WAVY)  Hurricane Helene left a path of destruction across the southeast and the Salvation Army Hampton Roads Area Command has deployed its disaster response team to the hardest-hit areas.

Donate today to help Red Cross efforts across 10 states

A spokesperson said the organization is working closely with local emergency management agencies to assess needs and provide immediate relief, including:

Food and Water Distribution: Mobile feeding units are serving hot meals and distributing bottled water to individuals and families affected by the hurricane.

Emotional and Spiritual Care: Trained counselors are available to offer emotional and spiritual support to those struggling with the aftermath of the storm.

We are here to serve and support during this time of need, said Major Chris Flanagan, Area Commander of the Salvation Army Hampton Roads. Our mission is to provide hope and assistance to those affected by Hurricane Helene, ensuring that no one faces this disaster alone.

Those who wish to assist with the relief efforts can donate money to the Salvation Armys Hurricane Support Efforts Donation Link.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
(FOX40.COM)  After being convicted of wire fraud in May, a former skydiving instructor in San Joaquin County was sentenced to two years in prison by a federal judge on Monday, according to the Eastern District Court of California.

Since August 2015, Robert Allen Pooley of Acampo conducted courses for those looking to get their tandem examiner rating without holding the rating himself, according to court reports.

Pooley received his tandem examiner rating in 2010 through the U.S. Parachute Association and the Uninsured United Parachute Technologies, which manufactures tandem parachute systems.

After receiving his rating, Pooley began training candidates to receive their own USPA Tandem Instructor rating and/or certificates to use UPT tandem parachutes.

Manhunt underway for attempted murder suspect on the loose in San Joaquin County

Candidates did pay to be a part of the course which was held at a skydiving business in Acampo.

Pooley had his ratings pulled in August 2015, but he continued his USPA and UPT tandem training and did not tell students he had lost his certification.

The court said that Pooley continued to help students fill out their ratings paperwork to make it seem like his course was legitimate.

Pooley signed off on the student certificates with the digital signature of another tandem examiner who was certified, but not present when their signature was being used.

Students paid around $1,100 for their courses and many came from other parts of the world including the Republic of Korea, Chile and Mexico.

In August 2016, one of Pooleys students fell to their death along with their tandem passenger causing other students to demand their money back for the courses. Pooley did not return their money.

Pooley was found by the court to allow for conscious or reckless risk of death or serious bodily injury in their scheme and was given a sentence enhancement by the judge.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
SC man sentenced for shipping thousands of fake pills containing fentanyl to north GA

A 43-year-old man will spend years behind bars after shipping counterfeit pills containing fentanyl to north Georgia.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WSB-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On June 24, Onesepherous L. Grissette, 43, of Conway, SC, pleaded guilty to conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute a controlled substance.

He was sentenced to five years, and 10 months in prison, followed by 10 years of supervised release.

The sentencing stems from an investigation that began in July 2022.

TRENDING STORIES:

According to court documents, United States Postal Inspection Service investigators stopped a shipment of pills mailed from South Carolina that was headed toward a person who lived in Chickamauga, Georgia.

Officials said the pills looked like the prescription drug oxycodone, but testing confirmed that the tablets contained fentanyl.

The investigation revealed that Grissette shipped over 4,500 pills to the Chickamauga resident for almost two years and that the resident paid Grissette $85,000.

The danger posed by counterfeit pills and fentanyl is a real and continuing threat to our citizens and has claimed many lives, said U.S. Attorney Ryan K. Buchanan. Our office and agency partners are continually developing new and innovative investigative strategies for identifying traffickers who peddle these dangerous drugs and to hold them accountable for causing irreparable harm to our communities.

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IN OTHER NEWS:
LAKE LURE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  When Jordan Seidhom woke up Saturday morning, he saw a Facebook post that tens of thousands of people were commenting on and sharing. A family was stranded on a mountain in Banner Elk, North Carolina.

They ran out of water a day earlier and just enough food to last less than two days.

Seidhom, the former head of the Chesterfield County Sheriffs Office narcotics unit, knows a thing or two about finding people. He researched the mountain chain where the family was located and found a place to land on his mapping software.

He loaded bottled water and food into his helicopter and headed toward Banner Elk.

I thought, I have a helicopter, maybe I can help, Seidhom told Queen City News Chief Investigator Jody Barr.

This Facebook post was one of the first to come out the morning after the floods in western North Carolina following hurricane Helenes trek through the state. Jordan Seidhom said this post caused him to jump into his helicopter and fly to the mountains to help. (Source: Facebook)



His son, a high school junior, also went along. Both men are volunteer members of the Sandhills Volunteer Fire Department in Pageland, S.C. Seidhom is a Class 1 certified law enforcement officer and a pilot with nearly 1,400 flight hours.

He first contacted the Charlotte-Douglas International Airports Air Traffic Control tower to get clearance to fly over the airport. Seidhom said he got the clearance and was allowed to fly over the airport, which is a direct shot to the gap in the mountains he needed to get through in Lake Lure.

Once in the Lake Lure area on Saturday, Seidhom said he first landed at the nearest airport and met with multiple law enforcement officers and first responders to coordinate communication channels with them and to find out what was needed and where he should go to help.

Seidhom said he left the supplies he collected at a drop-off point for the family in the Facebook post, then lifted off toward Black Mountain to find where he could help.

The first rescue was of two women who were stranded high up on a mountain.

Seidhom took the pair to a community center with supplies and generator power. The women didnt have water or food at the time.

Jordan Seidhoms son snapped this photograph of one of the Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, rescue of two flooding victims following the passing of hurricane Helene. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

And there were two other ladies who were out of town. They were staying at an Airbnb. They only had one day of supplies, which was gone by Saturday. They didnt have any food, water, no running water, no power. And we were coming back this direction anyway, so we actually took them to Charlotte-Douglas Airport and they were able to fly home from there.

Not anybody who was in danger or they were just trapped. No food, no water, no access to power and water. We were going to lift them from the area, nice landing spots and take them back down to civilization.

The Seidhoms took this photograph of Lake Lure on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024, on their way into the area to deliver food and water to a family stranded in the wake of Hurricane Helene. Their supply drop ended with rescuing nearly a half-dozen people from the mountainside there that weekend. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

When the pair reached Lake Lure, they saw a bloated Broad River and the damage the raging floodwaters did to the homes and roads along it. The water, like a full-throttle buzzsaw, ripped through the small Carolina mountain towns taking life and property with it.

After getting four victims to safety on Saturday, Seidhom said he and his son slept in recliners in a pilot lounge at a nearby airport and awoke Sunday morning with a decision to make.

YOU WILL BE ARRESTED.

Jordan and Landon Seidhom were inundated with social media, phone calls, and text messages from people pleading for help. Most of the voicemails were from family members who got the elder Seidhoms cell phone number from Facebook.

My parents are stuck there, a females voice said in the voicemail. The woman hadnt heard from her parents in more than a day and her voice nearly broke as she slowly read her parents number into the phone, If you receive this, please give me a call back. Thank you.

Jordan Seidhom plays a voicemail from a woman pleading for help to find her parents near Black Mountain, N.C. The woman hadnt heard from her parents in a day or so and found Seidhoms number on Facebook to ask him to help. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

I can hear the desperation in her voice. This is multiple phone calls Ive received like this. Voicemails, text messages and you could hear people desperate for help, Seidhom told QCN. A person they were coordinating with on the ground had texted Seidhom dozens of addresses where people were either missing or stranded.

I spoke with my son, which is my copilot. I said, Hey do you want to go back out and try to help today? And his response was, Theres so many messages. I dont think we cant not go help, Seidhom said.

They got back into the black Robinson 44 helicopter and headed west once again through the mountain gap in Lake Lure.

As we were flying by, my son actually spotted a lady waving for help. And I asked him, I said, Hey, is she waving for help or she just waving? He said, No, I think shes waving for help.

Seidhom and his son conducted a low and high recon for power lines and trees that might have been in the way, then gingerly lowered his chopper down onto what was left of the couples concrete driveway. The flood waters had washed away most of the ground beneath it.

Jordan Seidhom landed his helicopter on this washed-out driveway to rescue an older couple who Seidhoms son saw waving for help on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. (Source: Jordan Seidhom)

Seidhoms video shows him leaving the helicopter to greet the couple, and then returning with a gameplan a few seconds later. The audio in the recording captured the exchange between the father and son, Hey, I want you to let me get in, you step out and go out, help her in, put her bag in the back, get her strapped in. Im going to take her down, come back and Ill take him, Ill come back and then Ill get you, okay? the elder Seidhom told his son.

Seidhom said his main concern was putting too much weight on the driveway and it crumbling from beneath. He left his son and the womans husband to make the three-minute flight to a group of first responders positioned along the river below the mountain.

After he and his son loaded the woman into the chopper, Seidhom told his son to stay put and hed be right back to get the husband, I originally left my son, copilot, on the side of the mountain. It was kind of unstable, so I didnt want to put more weight on the helicopter to lift back off. So, I left my son with the other victim. And I was just going to take one person down at the time, Seidhom said.

Seidhom landed in a parking lot at Boys Camp Road and Memorial Highway near the Lake Lure Flowering Bridge where he said he spotted a group of first responders gathered.

Once we landed where emergency personnel were, I was met by a fire chief or maybe a captain, and he asked me who I was. I told him who I was, who I was with, just a local volunteer, Seidhom said. The man was from an out-of-state fire department whod traveled to N.C. to help in the rescue efforts, Seidhom said.

He believed the chief was from somewhere in Michigan.

I told him my background experience, law enforcement, firefighting, and pilot and he immediately started helping with coordination. He gave me radio frequencies to coordinate with them on, set up a landing area for me to come back with the other victim, and just basically started the rescue efforts; the policies and procedures that you would take coordinating with someone from an outside source or outside agency. And in the middle of the whole conversation and them blocking the road off, I was greeted by the  at that time I didnt know  but the Lake Lure fire chief, or assistant chief, maybe. And he shut down the whole operation.

Jordan Seidhom and his son, Landon, made multiple trips into the flood zone of the N.C. mountains to deliver food and water within 24 hours of Hurricane Helenes passing through the state. The Seidhoms said they rescued five people stranded on the mountainside, leaving a sixth after Seidhom said a Lake Lure fire official threatened to arrest him if he didnt leave the airspace. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

Seidhom later positively identified the Lake Lure fire official via the towns website, but weve decided not to name the official right now. Weve called, texted, and emailed the town, including the fire department leadership and the mayor, to get a message into the fire official. Given the telephone, cell, and email communication problems in Lake Lure, were holding off on publishing the officials name until he has ample time to respond to our outreaches.

The Town of Lake Lures official government Facebook page confirmed late Monday night that the fire official Seidhom identified as the person who threatened him with arrest had received our outreach to contact us for this report and that the towns email was down.

As of the posting of this article no one from the town has responded, including the mayor who was included in the requests for interviews. The back-and-forth between Seidhom and the fire official continued right in front of the woman Seidhom just plucked off the mountain, he said.

He originally asked me who I was. I gave him the same information, who I was with, my background experience, law enforcement, and firefighting. And his response was, if you have that kind of experience, you should know that you should be coordinating with us. And I said, Ive been coordinating with everybody as Ive been here just the day before, speaking with local law enforcement, other rescue personnel, Seidhom recalled.

Seidhom said he tried to de-escalate and asked the official for instructions on how to communicate with the Lake Lure Fire Department while he was flying a rescue mission near the town. Seidhom said the fire official ordered him to leave and not come back.

If thats what you want us to do, well leave no issue. And I explained to him that I left my son on the side of the mountain, and I left another victim. I was going to go back and bring them, it was already set up for the landing spot and then I would get out of his area. He told me I wasnt going to go back up the mountain to get them, I was going to leave them there.

Jordan Seidhom spotted this law enforcement patrol unit alongside a washed-out road near Lake Lure, N.C. on Saturday, Sept. 28, 2024. Seidhom said he lowered his helicopter to nearly eye-level with the vehicle to have his son look for a body inside and found the SUV was empty. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

Seidhom said he asked the official for a specific reason he was ordering him to stop his rescue efforts. Youre interfering with my operation, is the reason Seidhom said the fire official gave.

Im going back and getting my copilot. He said, If you turn around and go back up the mountain, youre going to be arrested. I said, Well, sir, Im going back to get my copilot, I dont know what to tell you.'

Seidhom said the official called two law enforcement officers over and again threatened him with arrest if he flew back up the mountain.

At that point, I had to make a decision. I have a victim, I have my son, and I politely asked the officers, told him the situation again, explained everything, told them who Id been coordinating with, and I said, Hey if I go back up and get this victim and bring him down to this landing spot that other emergency personnel have designated, am I going to be arrested? And the officers response was, Man, I really dont know what to do in this situation. I said, So you cant tell me if Im going to get arrested or not? And he said, Man, Ive Im not sure what to do.'

The out-of-state chief and fire captain Seidhom said he encountered at the landing zone spoke with him before he took off.

They came back over and said, Hey, man, we cant tell you to go get the victim. We cant even ask you to go get the victim, but we can tell you if you come back with the victim, well have you a designated landing spot and well make sure they dont come over here, Seidhom told QCN.

So, at that point, I felt like the other person was going to pressure him to arrest me when I come back with the victim and then my son would have been left on the side of a mountain with this person to go and rescue him, Seidhom said.

This photograph shows the debris from upstream homes and businesses destroyed by Hurricane Helenes flood waters near Lake Lure, N.C. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

The fire official told Seidhom to report to the Rutherford County Airport and wait for Federal Aviation Administration officials to meet with him, according to Jordan Seidhom.

The father of two got back into his chopper, turned it in the direction of the mountain, and lifted off right back to where he left the womans husband and son. He picked his son up and told the husband what happened at the drop-off with the Lake Lure fire official.

Seidhom took off and looked back at the husband, standing helpless in his crumbling driveway, as the help he thought would come for him, flew away. Seidhom said the fire official told him the fire departments ground crew would walk up the mountainside to rescue the man in a few hours. Seidhom said it was a three-minute flight from the couples driveway to the landing site where he left the woman with first responders.

Seidhom and his son flew to the Rutherford County airport, just as they were directed.

I did leave the Rutherford Airport. I knew at that point he had no jurisdiction, I was legal in what I was doing, and I was following all FAA guidelines and airspace guidelines. I was on private property, Seidhom said.

The Seidhoms spent three hours at the airport, but no one from the FAA came.

Within a half-hour of the fire official and the arrest threat, Seidhom said a Temporary Flight Restriction was set up over the Lake Lure gap, right in the center of where he and the fire official faced off minutes earlier.

Jordan Seidhom points to a Temporary Flight Restriction put in place on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, within a half-hour of a confrontation he said he had with a Lake Lure Fire Department official who threatened him with arrest if he didnt stop his rescue efforts using his helicopter. (WJZY Photo/Jody Barr)

Seidhom said the fire official told him to tell any other pilots he knew they would also be arrested if they came back. Seidhom said he was the only helicopter within 40 nautical miles of Lake Lure at the time.

After the encounter with the fire official, Seidhom decided to fly back to his home in Pageland, S.C., and call off his efforts to help.

THEYRE BEGGING FOR HELICOPTERS.

Within hours of our interview with Jordan Seidhom on Monday, Sept. 30, he saw the Temporary Flight Restriction issued the day before had been lifted. He threw as much water and food into his helicopter as it could hold and left Pageland for Lake Lure once again.

Jordan Seidhom posted this screenshot of the Temporary Flight Restriction removal and the blue arrows to his Facebook post on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. The blue arrows are aircraft, many Seidhom identified as private helicopters, flying in and around the mountain range delivering supplies and conducting rescue missions. (Source: Facebook)

The men stopped off at the airport in Hickory where a massive volunteer effort was underway to dispatch private helicopters to help deliver food and water to landing sites, as well as to addresses where victims were thought to be stranded.

The name of the group is the Carolina Emergency Response Team, based in South Carolina.

Theyre basically begging for these helicopters, Seidhom said to Barr in a phone call late Monday night. Seidhom said the volunteer coordination of the rescue effort there was unlike any other privately coordinated effort hed seen before.

The volunteer group is dispatching pilots from the Hickory airport, Seidhom said.

Seidhom said the military helicopters sent to the area were too large to land in the tight confines of the debris fields and mountainsides where people need to be rescued. Rescue coordinators are asking for smaller helicopters like Seidhoms to help.

The volunteer group was providing hundreds, if not thousands, of gallons of fuel to private helicopter pilots helping in the rescue and relief effort. Theyre fueling helicopters at the airport as the choppers come in and out of the rescue zone.

Jordan Seidhom flies a woman who was stranded on the side of a mountain in Lake Lure, N.C. to safety on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The woman and her husband flagged Seidhom down from the ground as he flew over the Broad River. (Credit: Jordan Seidhom)

The fuel, Seidhom said, was paid for from cash donations to the group.

Low cloud ceilings grounded helicopter traffic on Tuesday, but Seidhom expects the traffic to resume Wednesday where he plans to fly straight to Hickory to help.

Seidhom believes the Lake Lure fire officials decision to order him and other pilots out of the rescue zone on Sunday put lives at risk, Absolutely. There were other victims; as we were flying out leaving the area, we spotted within 300, 400 yards within their location that they just could not get access to that were waving for help as my son and I were leaving, Seidhom said.

How tough was that to fly on by? Barr asked, I can only imagine what the people were thinking. Youve youve been stranded for 24, 36 hours. No way to speak with anyone, you dont know whats going on and you see a lifeline fly over and they keep going. I can only imagine what they were thinking, Seidhom answered.

What were you thinking as somebody who could have stopped and helped? Barr asked. I felt terrible, Seidhom responded.

Im sorry, if I had to do it over again, I would have stopped and I would have rescued as many people until they decided they were going to arrest me, Seidhom said.

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Power outages have created a food crisis in one South Carolina county.

We lost power for three, four days, from Friday until Monday at noon, George Kaminski said.

SPECIAL SECTION: Tropical Storm Helene

Since this weekend, dozens of people have gone to the Fort Lawn Community Center in Chester County, saying power outages forced them to throw away their cold and frozen food.

But the outages have also dealt a blow to the food pantry itself. The director said their food coolers are now damaged and theyre relying on a generator to power them.

Usually, the community center has just one food giveaway a month. But since the storm, theyve been distributing food every day. So many people showed up for food on Tuesday that the director asked Channel 9s Tina Terry to pitch in and help.

More people are saying theyve had to throw everything away, just because of the time the power was out, said Director Libby Lambert. They cant trust food, or its already defrosted, or whatever.

Kaminski said he and his wife are grateful they could turn to the food pantry for help.

Very, very grateful, because me and my wife are both on limited incomes, he said.

ALSO READ: South Carolina music festival featuring Eric Church canceled due to Helene

Lambert told Terry about the moment they realized their coolers, which they use to store food, werent working.

Christy, my co-worker, went out and noticed that they werent running. Well the power was off, but she also smelled burning plastic and some connectors had burned, she said. Electrician said it was probably power surges as the power was going out and it caused them to burn.

As they wait for parts to arrive, Lambert said theyre using expensive diesel-fueled generators to keep the food cool. Shes hoping power outages all over the state wont impact food delivery at a time when its needed the most.

The food bank we use is out of Columbia but our warehouse is in Greenville, she said. Greenville doesnt have power right now so we may not be able to receive anything from Greenville.

The Fort Lawn Community Center and other food pantries need food that isnt expired, as well as financial donations. Anyone who would like to donate can drop off food at 5554 Main Street in Fort Lawn, SC. To help financially, you can either bring cash to the same address, or send a check made out to the Fort Lawn Community Center to the same address.

(WATCH BELOW: Crews in York County continue storm cleanup)
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  A new scam is targeting parents of students enrolled at the University of Dayton.

According to a message distributed to the UD community, a caller claiming to be Lt. Pete Snyder from the Dayton Campus Police is contacting parents of students.

The fraudster then claims that their student has been taken into custody and demands payment by either credit card or Zelle for their student to avoid jailtime.

The caller tells the parents their student is in custody and, to save them from going to jail and negatively affecting their college careers, the parents can pay to place their student in a pretrial diversion program, said UD. The caller claims the money would be refunded after the student completes the program and meets with a UD magistrate to determine their community service.

Parents and the community should know that UD Department of Public Safety will not demand payment over the phone for any reason.

UD does not offer any of the following on campus:

Jail

Magistrate

Pretrial diversion program

Secure holding facility

If you receive a call and are unsure of its authenticity, you are urged to call the UD Department of Public Safety at 937-229-2121.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
(Bloomberg) -- Germany remains skeptical about European Union tariffs on imported electric vehicles made in China and is still hoping for a negotiated solution ahead of Fridays ballot among member states.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Germany hasnt decided how it will vote on introducing tariffs as high as 45%, Joerg Kukies, Chancellor Olaf Scholzs chief economic adviser, said Tuesday in an interview with Bloomberg TV. The European Commission, the EUs executive arm, proposed the levies after a probe found that China unfairly subsidizes its EV industry.

We are very integrated into global supply chains so a priori we do not think that tariffs are a good idea, Kukies said, highlighting that German automakers are still exporting very heavily to China.

A negotiated solution would definitely be preferable to the imposition of tariffs, no matter how calibrated they are, he added.

European officials are confident the bloc has the numbers to approve the tariffs even as Germany has pressed for a deal with Beijing, Bloomberg reported last week. However, they remain cautious about making a firm prediction after Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez also spoke out against the levies.

Germany expects a significant number of EU member states to join it in abstaining in Fridays vote, according to people familiar with the governments thinking.

Such abstentions would effectively make it more difficult for countries against the tariffs to block the measure from being implemented.

Officials in Berlin also believe that continuing the talks between the EU and China to find an amicable solution is an important element of the implementation regulation, added the people, who asked not to be identified discussing confidential strategy.

Kukies told Bloomberg TV that Germany is evaluating the Commissions tariff proposal, while discussions between the relevant ministries in Berlin on a unified position are ongoing and should be concluded by Thursday.

We are seeing that the way the structure of the proposal is composed, there are more and more skeptical voices, Kukies said. But again this is a vote that will be held on Friday.

The EU and China are seeking a compromise that would include a mechanism to control prices and volumes of exports instead of tariffs.

Scholz and French President Emmanuel Macron are expected to discuss the tariffs in Berlin on Wednesday.

--With assistance from Alberto Nardelli.

(Updates with detail on Germanys voting plans starting in sixth paragraph.)

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A Virginia school board has agreed to pay a former high school teacher more than $500,000 in damages and attorneys fees as part of a legal settlement after the instructors dismissal in 2018 for refusing to use a transgender students pronouns.

The West Point School Board agreed Monday to pay Peter Vlaming, a former French teacher, $575,000 to settle a lawsuit brought against the Richmond-area school board by Vlaming and the Christian legal organization Alliance Defending Freedom (ADF). The board also cleared the dismissal from his record and, separate from the settlement agreement, changed its policies to conform to model transgender policies finalized by Republican Gov. Glenn Youngkins administration last year, the ADF said in a news release.

The model policies, which have been sharply criticized by LGBTQ advocacy groups and touched off a flurry of student-led protests when they were unveiled in 2022, allow teachers at Virginia K-12 schools to refer to transgender students by the name and pronouns associated with their sex assigned at birth, rather than their gender identity.

Peter wasnt fired for something he said; he was fired for something he couldnt say, ADF senior counsel Tyson Langhofer said.

In a statement, Vlaming said he was wrongfully terminated because of his religious beliefs, which put me on a collision course with school administrators who mandated that teachers ascribe to only one perspective on gender identity  their preferred view.

The settlement follows a December ruling by Virginias Supreme Court that reinstated Vlamings case after a lower court dismissed it. The states highest court wrote that the states constitution broadly protects freedom of speech and religion and allowed Vlamings claim that the school board violated his free exercise rights to proceed to trial.

Absent a truly compelling reason for doing so, no government committed to these principles can lawfully coerce its citizens into pledging verbal allegiance to ideological views that violate their sincerely held religious beliefs, Justice D. Arthur Kelsey wrote in the majority opinion.

Vlaming sued the West Point School Board and administrators at West Point High School, where he taught for six years, in 2019 after he was fired for not using the pronouns of a transgender student. Vlaming in his lawsuit said he tried to accommodate the student by using his chosen name and avoiding the use of pronouns altogether, but the student, identified in court documents as John Doe, his parents and the school told Vlaming he was required to use the students male pronouns. Doing otherwise, they said, violated the school districts anti-discrimination policies.

West Point Public Schools Superintendent Larry L. Frazier Jr. did not immediately return The Hills request for comment but told The Washington Post on Monday the district was pleased to have reached a resolution with Vlaming that will not have a negative impact on the students, staff or school community of West Point.

Our focus is on all students, and our goal is to continue to build positive relationships throughout our school division community, Frazier told The Post.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The school head says it has also received "very vehement" messages about freedom of speech and freedom of information since closing its X account [Google]

A Welsh secondary school has said it is closing its account on X - formerly known as Twitter - over concerns about racism on the social media platform.

The head teacher of Ysgol Glantaf Gymraeg Glantaf in Cardiff said a decision was made by governors to "move away from the platform".

Matthew HT Evans also called for other organisations such as the Welsh government and school inspectors Estyn to consider if they should remain on the platform.

X, which was bought for $44bn (38.1bn) in 2022 by the billionaire Elon Musk, has been contacted for a response.

Speaking to BBC Cymru Fyw, Mr Evans said he was "shocked" over messages appearing on the platform during the summer, when rioting broke out in several areas of England and Northern Ireland following the murder of three girls in Southport.

"During the hate riots in the summer, we were able to see young people and children on the streets who were drawn into the lies and racism that was going on, which was disturbing," he said.

"You were seeing comments that made you feel uncomfortable about the clear racism that was going on that platform," he said.

Mr Evans says young people on the app "were drawn into lies and racism" during the summer riots which broke out following the murder of three girls in Southport [Getty Images]

After the killings in Southport, a false name - attributed to the 17-year-old suspect - spread like wildfire across X.

There were false claims the attacker was a refugee who arrived in the UK by boat in 2023 and unfounded speculation he is Muslim - some of these posts were accompanied by Islamophobic and racist hate.

The site's owner Mr Musk also shared a post from far-right activist and convicted criminal Stephen Yaxley-Lennon, also known as Tommy Robinson.

Yaxley-Lennon, who had been banned on the platform until Musk took over, had taken aim at Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer for his comments after riots broke out.

Mr Musk also posted on X predicting civil war in the UK and repeatedly attacking the prime minister.

The head of Glantaf said that since the school returned in September, concerns had been reflected in conversations with staff and with parents who felt uncomfortable.

However, he said the school has also received "very vehement" messages about freedom of speech and freedom of information.

"As far as we were concerned, it was not a matter of freedom of speech. Messages of hate and racism are another matter," he added.

Mr Evans said he was "shocked" over messages appearing on the platform during summer [Getty Images]

The school was Cardiff's first Welsh-medium secondary school when it opened in 1978, and according to its latest Estyn report, has more than 1,300 pupils.

It has decided that it will use now start using the social platform Instagram, although that will remain under scrutiny.

"We will review it, as I'm not sure if Instagram is the right platform and ultimately we may have to consider that social platforms are not suitable for schools to communicate on," said Mr Evans.

He also wondered if other organisations using X will follow suit.

"My feeling is you've got a large number of organisations that are on this platform  Estyn, Welsh government, county councils  and I think there's a question for them all to how long they're going to continue on this platform?" he said.

The Welsh government said it keeps the accounts it uses "under ongoing review."

"We recognise the concerns raised about the management of X in recent months, but believe it is important to continue to engage with as many people as possible and provide clear, trusted information.

A spokesperson for Estyn said: "Our social media is an important way in which we share effective practice across education providers.

"We regularly review our social media channels and continue to monitor our engagement on X as part of this review activity."

The Welsh Local Government Association, which represents councils, declined to comment.
SAN MARCOS, Texas (KXAN)  School threats have been on the rise in Central Texas over the last few weeks.

Many of the threats have been hoaxes, but it can leave a lasting impact on students.

Last week, a prank call forced San Marcos High School to go into a lockdown. Police responded and went through the school until they determined there was no threat. This caused students to miss a day of learning.

We really work hard at full child development in San Marcos and an incident like this, that we dont control, that is somebody outside our building is the frustrating part, said Dr. Michael Cardona, San Marcos Consolidated Independent School District superintendent.

Cardona said these threats have to be taken seriously whenever they are received. However, responding to them could mean a day without learning.

SMCISD: Threat no longer active at San Marcos High school

You know we just have recovered from COVID which is something we didnt control, but then you have this issue which we dont necessarily control and so yes there is learning loss, said Cardona.

Cardona said there are no make-up days. Since this was a criminal offense, the district will submit a waiver to the state so that attendance can be wiped out for the day and they will still receive credit for it.

It is really difficult for kids, for high school kids in particular, and for kids who come from a certain demographic that have lack of access to mental health resources, when something like this happens, Cardona said. Then we have to stop educating and just take care of the kid first.

State Representative James Talarico, a former educator, said it is concerning to hear about the uptick in school threats.

Every Parent, every family member should feel comfortable that when they send their child off in the morning to school that child will be safe all day long until they return home, Talarico said.

Thats why he said more needs to be done by law makers.

Until we as politicians summon the political courage to enact common sense gun safety reform our kids are going to be hiding under desks and planning for a mass shooter event on their campus, Talarico said.

Talarico went on to say that many schools lack the proper number of school counselors. Hes hoping more school funding will help kids deal with these traumatic incidents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
The group of five aged between 15 to 17 years old come from Bournemouth School for Girls [BBC]

A team of schoolgirls have become the first from the UK to win an individual team award at a major robotics competition.

The group of five aged 15 to 17 years old, from Bournemouth School for Girls joined students from more than 190 countries at the contest in Athens.

All robots had to be created to solve real-world challenges such as food security.

The team won the Katherine Johnson Award for Engineering Portfolio, receiving medals for the way they designed their robot.

The group were the first all-girl team from the UK to participate in the contest [BBC]

Dani who is a member of the team said the girls overcame challenges with prototypes and all "put in so much work".

She added: "I think it was nine weeks of building, prototyping, designing and then computing, it was a very jam packed schedule, so we're really happy to have come home with an award."

The group were the first all-girl team from the UK to participate in the contest.

Dani added that there has been an increase in the number of all-girl teams from across the world in the competition and she described it as "a lovely community".

"I hope it can show a lot of girls that it's something that they can do and can aspire to," she said.

Their teacher Toby Osborne said even though all of the teams at the contest were required to use the same kit, some of them were state sponsored and had a lot more time to practice than the girls from Dorset.

Mr Osborne said: "These girls have lost their summer holiday, we've been doing it at lunchtime and breaktimes."

He added he is "super proud" of the students and called it "quite an achievement".

You can follow BBC Dorset on Facebook, X (Twitter), or Instagram.

More on this story

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The Summary

The devastation in western North Carolina is a result of a combination of factors related to climate change and the terrain.

Mountains tend to block weather systems and squeeze out more rain, while steep slopes raise flood risk. At the same time, climate change is making storms stronger and wetter.

What's more, the area around Asheville had gotten heavy rain before Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida.

Asheville and its surrounding towns in western North Carolina had just been soaked by a severe rainstorm when the remnants of Hurricane Helene slammed into the Blue Ridge Mountains.

What unfolded, starting Wednesday evening and lasting through the weekend, is a well-studied atmospheric phenomenon.

As weather moves in toward the mountains, the clouds have to rise up and over the mountains, and thats the upslope effect, said Doug Outlaw, a National Weather Service meteorologist in the agencys office in Greenville-Spartanburg, South Carolina. It tends to squeeze out more rainfall, and unfortunately, it caused extreme flash flooding, which devastated communities. It was a huge amount of water at one time being channeled and funneled through the valleys.

The devastation in North Carolinas inland mountain towns  thousands of feet in elevation and hundreds of miles from any coastline  may seem unexpected for an area once thought of as a safe haven from the effects of climate change, but its the type of far-reaching impact that will become increasingly likely, experts say.

Helene inundated parts of southern Appalachia with well over 2 feet of rain. Floodwaters carried away entire houses and washed out highways, cutting off access to towns.

Thats about a half-years worth of rain coming in four days, Outlaw said. Its one of the worst weather events thats hit this area in history.

At least 20 locations in western North Carolina, including Asheville, experienced levels of flooding expected only once every 1,000 years.

Climate change is intensifying storms because higher ocean temperatures act as fuel and a warmer atmosphere allows for heavier rain over land. For every 1 degree Fahrenheit of warming, the atmosphere can hold about 4% more moisture, said Shel Winkley, a meteorologist at the nonprofit research group Climate Central.

That significantly increases the chance of catastrophic flooding.

A report from Climate Central in May detailed the increasing risk of inland flooding as a result of global warming. The places where remnants of Helene caused the most damage were among those the report identified as most at risk.

Appalachia was named as one of the areas that had an outsized burden for future flooding, Winkley said. This is an area thats known to have the potential for more flood events and more costly flood events, as well. Unfortunately, thats what we saw this past weekend.

Flooding in Asheville, N.C., on Saturday.

Of the more than 120 storm-related deaths across six states recorded so far, at least 44 were in North Carolina.

Part of the problem is the regions mountainous terrain. But in this case, the area was dealt a double whammy: Heavy rain fell days before Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida, then remnants of the storm brought more rain and wind to southern Appalachia.

It was two compounding events that clashed, Winkley said.

Forecasters saw it coming with a high degree of accuracy.

*URGENT MESSAGE*



This will be one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era. Record flooding is forecasted and has been compared to the floods of 1916 in the Asheville area. pic.twitter.com/Q8SmJUlQda  NWS GSP (@NWSGSP) September 26, 2024

*URGENT MESSAGE* This will be one of the most significant weather events to happen in the western portions of the area in the modern era, officials with the Greenville-Spartanburg office of the National Weather Service wrote in an update on X on Thursday. Record flooding is forecasted and has been compared to the floods of 1916 in the Asheville area.

In 1916, 25 people died when floodwaters swept away buildings, destroyed the local power plant, ruined the railroad and cut Asheville off from the rest of the country, according to the Asheville Museum of History.

The similarities are striking.

The forecast was really, really good, said Christopher Godfrey, chair of the department of atmospheric sciences at the University of North Carolina Asheville. The National Weather Service did a fantastic job. They were appropriately firm in their choice of words.

Given those warnings and his own expertise, he said, the horrific outcome was no surprise to him.

Its the topography around here. Theres some really steep terrain. Houses are built on steep terrain. Roads go up steep terrain, Godfrey said. This is such a catastrophic flood with all the rain we got. Even well-constructed bridges are going to be gone.

Scientists are exploring what role climate change played in Hurricane Helene and have shared some early results. One group found Helene was up to 20% wetter in parts of the Southeast as a result of global warming. Another estimated that climate change caused some parts of Georgia and the Carolinas to get 50% more rain and that the rainfall totals were made up to 20 times more likely because of climate change. The estimates are preliminary, but both rely on respected scientists using methods that have been peer-reviewed previously.

Godfrey recorded 13.37 inches of rain at his house in Arden, North Carolina, over three days. More than 21 inches fell over the same period in nearby Hendersonville, according to the National Weather Service. Thats simply too much for the mountainous landscape  the flood damage in Godfrey's area corresponds roughly to what Federal Emergency Management Agency maps suggest would happen in a flood expected once every 500 years.

A storm-damaged house Monday in Old Fort, N.C.

The severity caught one of his neighbors off-guard, Godfrey said.

The neighbor across the street said: I heard that, but I didnt do anything. I didnt think it would be that bad.

Godfrey said a few consequences of the storm have been surprising, including the level of damage to trees, which have snarled roads and made first responders jobs extra challenging.

I dont think anyone expected the extent of the tree fall, said Godfrey, who researches wind storms and tree falls.

He thinks most trees toppled because the soil was so saturated. During the height of the storm, Godfrey said, he heard a pattern ringing throughout the neighborhood as one tree fell after another.

You could hear snap, snap, snap, snap and then hear the crash when it lands, Godfrey said. What we heard was the roots snapping.

Downed trees on a home in Rutherfordton, N.C., on Sunday.

Two walnut trees, taller than 100 feet, fell a few dozen feet from Godfreys home. Another tree crunched a neighbors car.

Communication systems have also fared worse than Godfrey expected.

We have no idea whats going on out there, Godfrey said in a phone interview during a visit to a weather station he manages at UNC Asheville. The only reason you got me is Im on top of a hill looking over Asheville at the moment. Down in the valley, theres no internet, no Wi-Fi, no cellular and even no texting.

Asheville had been dubbed a climate haven in some news coverage, given that its removed from coastal threats like sea level rise and its relatively high elevation keeps temperatures down.

But almost nowhere on Earth is insulated from natural hazards, and few places have taken steps to sufficiently prepare for extreme weather that is becoming more common. Seattle was once viewed as a potential climate haven, until a 2021 heat wave sent temperatures to 108 degrees Fahrenheit in a place where most people didnt have air conditioning. And parts of the Midwest that were seen as climate havens have seen extreme rain, too.

Climate change hits different communities in different ways, and so while mountainous areas may have been a haven from extreme temperatures, as we found out, theyre not necessarily a haven from the potential for devastating flooding, Winkley said.

People wait in line to pump gas Sunday in Fletcher, N.C.

Its a reminder, he said, of the far-ranging consequences of a warming world.

A hurricane is normally thought of as a coastal problem, but now were finding that these events  these big-ticket, climate-driven events  can make weather more intense farther away from the typical impact spots that you would think, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Scientists turn to innovative app to help solve 'huge problem' plaguing bee populations: 'Better tools ... are really important'

A new app that uses AI to identify bees is set to help researchers across the U.S. to track bee populations, the first step in helping species under threat, KCUR Kansas City News reports.

Until now, researchers interested in bee populations have had a difficult time differentiating among the estimated 4,000 North American bee species.

"It's a huge problem," said Kansas State University entomologist Brian Spiesman, who created the app, per KCUR. "We bring back a few hundred specimens [from fieldwork] and we spend much longer identifying them in the lab than we do actually collecting them."

In fact, some of the trickiest specimens may not be identifiable to most researchers. The smallest ones are gnat-sized, with subtle differences between species, KCUR revealed. So instead, they're mailed to specialists who sort out the fine differences.

This takes up researchers' time and slows down their projects, not to mention that there are never enough of those top experts.

That's why Spiesman decided to train an AI to do the work.

BeeMachine is a smartphone app available not only to researchers, but to members of the general public. Snap a photo of a bee, and the computer will identify the species or at least the genus. So far, it's been trained on 350 bee varieties, with more to come. Spiesman hopes to train the AI on all 20,000 species of bee worldwide and to get international users involved.

Tracking where bees appear is essential to identifying and protecting potentially endangered species.

For example, right now, the Southern Plains bumblebee and the American bumblebee are both under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and could be listed as threatened or endangered, which would come with legal protections. There are thousands of other species facing the same threat of habitat destruction, rising temperatures, and insecticide use that might benefit from endangered species status.

It's worth going out of our way to help bees because they're prolific pollinators, carrying pollen from one plant to another. According to Pollinator.org, as many as 95% of the world's flowering plants may rely on pollinators to reproduce and bear fruit  and that includes many of the plants we rely on for food. A decline in the populations of bees and other pollinators could dramatically impact human life if it's not addressed.

But BeeMachine could help turn the situation around.

"This type of citizen science has the potential to get more eyes out there sighting bees than any single study could ever hope for," Spiesman said, per KCUR. "Better tools for crowdsourcing are really important."

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
Sean "Diddy" Combs was separately charged in September with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking, and transportation to engage in prostitution

Scott Dudelson/Getty Sean "Diddy" Combs

A 9-year-old boy is among 120 people who are accusing Sean Diddy Combs of sexual assault and abuse in impending lawsuits, a lawyer for the accuser says.

Houston based attorney Tony Buzbee held a press conference Tuesday, Oct. 1, alleging Combs sexually abused multiple minors.

Buzbee alleged one 9-year-old boy was sexually abused after he auditioned at the Bad Boy Records Studio in New York City.

Other boys were there to audition as well, Buzbee alleged. All of them were trying to land a record deal. All of them were minors. This individual [the 9-year-old] was sexually abused, allegedly by Sean Combs and several other people at the studio in the promise to both his parents and to him himself of getting a record deal.

Related: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Wants to Testify at His Prospective Federal Sex Crime Trial, His Attorney Claims

On Tuesday, Buzbee said his law firm, along with the AVA Law Group, were retained by at least 120 individuals to file civil claims against Combs. Twenty five of the alleged victims are minors, Buzbee said.

According to NBC News, Buzbee plans to file the lawsuits in the various states in the next 30 days.

Bryan Steffy/WireImage Sean "Diddy" Combs

Related: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Arrested in N.Y.C. After Raids on His Homes amid Sex Trafficking Lawsuits

The alleged victims, Buzbee said, were "evenly divided between males and females."

Buzbee said more than 55% of the alleged victims filed reports to either the authorities or to hospitals.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.



The alleged victims claimed they were abused at Diddy's parties including ones that celebrated album releases and New Year's Eve, as well as "all white parties," "puppy parties" and sometimes at auditions  which allegedly occurred in Los Angeles, Miami, Manhattan and the Hamptons  between 1991 and 2024.

Buzbee claimed many of the alleged victims were drug tested after the incident and the drug, Xylazine, a horse tranquilizer known as "tranq," was found in their systems.

Related: Sean 'Diddy' Combs Is No Longer on Suicide Watch, Has Visited with Family in Prison: Sources (Exclusive)

Combs attorney, Erica Wolff, wrote in a statement to PEOPLE, "As Mr. Combs legal team has emphasized, he cannot address every meritless allegation in what has become a reckless media circus. That said, Mr. Combs emphatically and categorically denies as false and defamatory any claim that he sexually abused anyone, including minors. He looks forward to proving his innocence and vindicating himself in court, where the truth will be established based on evidence, not speculation.

The abuse claims come after Combs, 54, was charged in September with federal racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution.

Federal authorities allege that Combs abused, threatened, and coerced women and others, and led a racketeering conspiracy that engaged in sex trafficking, forced labor, kidnapping, arson, bribery, and obstruction of justice, among other crimes, according to a U.S. Attorneys Office, Southern District of New York press release.



He pleaded not guilty, but has been denied bail twice.

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Sean Diddy Combs legal battles are far from over, and according to a Houston attorney, September was just the tip of the iceberg. Texas-based attorney Tony Buzbee held a press conference on Tuesday (Oct. 1) and revealed he is representing 120 accusers with allegations against the Bad Boy Records founder. The events allegedly occurred over the last 20 years.

We will expose the enablers who enabled this conduct behind closed doors. We will pursue this matter no matter who the evidence implicates, Buzbee said during the press conference. He confirmed his team has collected pictures, video, texts.

Providing specific examples, the attorney described some cases his team has already corroborated and collected evidence for. A 22-year-old who was allegedly assaulted was able to describe the typical motive at Diddys Freak Offs. The alleged victim claims that the drinks provided at the parties were often laced with something and if an attendee refused to drink it, they were kicked out. Buzbee then spoke about a 9-year-old alleged victim, who went to a Bad Boy Records audition in NYC and was allegedly sexually abuse by Combs and other people at a studio.

Watch the livestreamed press conference below.

Buzbee added that the allegations will include violent sexual assault or rape, facilitated sex with a controlled substance, dissemination of video recordings, sexual abuse of minors.

He also warned that some of the people involved in the cases may come as a surprise. Its a long list already, but because of the nature of this case, we are going to make damn sure we are right before we do that, the attorney said. These names will shock you.

Diddy was arrested in NYC on Sept. 16 after facing a series of lawsuits accusing him of sexual assault, sexual trafficking, and engaging in other criminal activity, sparked by Cassie Venturas lawsuit in November 2023.

The 54-year-old industry veteran now officially faces three counts included in the recent indictment, which was unsealed on Sept. 17. They are racketeering conspiracy; sex trafficking by force, fraud, or coercion; and transportation to engage in prostitution.

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Lawyers for Sean Diddy Combs are appealing a federal judges decision to deny the music mogul bail and place him in custody, according to a two-page notice of appeal filed Monday.

Combs is currently incarcerated and awaiting his criminal trial, after being arrested earlier this month and charged with racketeering conspiracy, sex trafficking and transportation to engage in prostitution. He pleaded not guilty to the charges.

Combs lawyers had previously asked the judge to release the rapper on a $50 million bond, home detention and limits on visitors.

Judge Andrew Carter rejected the proposal, siding with federal prosecutors who argued that Combs is a danger to the community and a flight risk. The judge said one of his biggest concerns were allegations that Combs had attempted to tamper with witnesses who had been contacted by prosecutors as part of the investigation.

A magistrate judge initially denied Combs bail. His attorneys then asked Carter, who will oversee the trial, to release the hip-hop artist.

Mondays notice of appeal was filed by attorneys Anthony Ricco and Alexandra Shapiro, who are new additions to Combs legal team, signaling that he is bolstering his defense as he looks ahead to a trial.

Ricco and Shapiro join attorney Marc Agnifilo, who has been representing the embattled rap mogul for months as Combs has faced a flurry of civil lawsuits and been under federal investigation.

Combs is being held at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn, New York, in a dorm-style room where he shares space with FTX co-founder Sam Bankman-Fried and the former president of Honduras.

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Days after Hurricane Helene tore through the Southeast and killed more than 100 people in six states, the search for survivors continued Monday as dozens of people across multiple states remained missing.

Though Helene first made landfall Thursday in Florida as a Category 4 hurricane, its devastation has spread much farther. North Carolina accounted for the most deaths at 49 as of Monday afternoon, according to a count by NBC News. At least 12 deaths were reported in Florida, and Georgia has reported 25 deaths, South Carolina 29, Tennessee four and Virginia two.

North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper has said the death toll is likely to climb as emergency workers and other rescuers reach those in isolated areas. Western North Carolina and particularly the mountain city of Asheville were hit hard by the storm, with flooding making some neighborhoods unrecognizable.

Buncombe County, which includes Asheville, had confirmed 40 deaths by Monday evening. The city has received thousands of reports of people unaccounted for, Lillian Govus, the countys director of communications, said on NBCs TODAY show Monday morning. Many of the reports are the result of the areas lack of phone connection, which is preventing people from reaching family and friends, but its not clear how many.

Driving through the area where I live, homes are gone, and thats a big, big concern for us, Govus said. Where are those people?

President Joe Biden said that he will visit North Carolina on Wednesday and that Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Deanne Criswell will stay in Asheville for the foreseeable future.

There are reports of up to 600 people unaccounted for because they cant be contacted, Biden said Monday from the White House. God willing, theyre alive.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said at least 1,000 FEMA workers are on the ground responding to the destruction.

We are very much still in a search-and-rescue mode, he said. We have our search-and-rescue teams on the ground in multiple locations.

Residents in North Carolina banded together Monday to help one another find the missing.

Sara Wolfe, 25, a resident of Weaverville, about 10 miles from Asheville, said she found her assignments in a Facebook group launched for missing North Carolina and Tennessee residents.

I saw so many people asking about their loved ones that lived in Weaverville, she said. I figured since Im going there anyways, I could make a point to go check on them.

She made a list of addresses to visit and posted updates in the group.

As long as I have the gas in my car, I plan to keep doing this for people as long as I need to, she said.

All of the people she visited Monday had run out of water, food and gas but were safe. One of the campers she stopped at had been struck by a tree, but no one was injured.

In Erwin, Tennessee, on Sunday, families searching for news days after Helene blasted through town held poster-size photos of their missing loved ones as search-and-rescue crews combed areas that had been overtaken by floodwaters during the height of the storm.

A plastics factory in Erwin said Monday that multiple employees are missing or dead.

We are devastated by the tragic loss of great employees, Gerald OConnor, founder of Impact Plastics, said in a news release. Those who are missing or deceased, and their families are in our thoughts and prayers.

In South Carolina, nearly 600 state National Guard members are helping with search and recovery efforts. More than 200 people from South Carolina State Fire are conducting welfare checks, officials said Monday.

But as many families held on to hope as they waited for word about their family members and friends, others were beginning to grieve.

Kevin Burch said his daughter is believed to have drowned. Rachel Burch, 37, was the youngest of nine people reported to have died in Pinellas County, Florida. The rescue effort in the state has ended, Gov. Ron DeSantis said Monday.

The building didnt sustain that much damage, from what I understand, Kevin Burch said. Its just that the water surge came in and caught everybody off-guard.

He said his daughter, whose parents remembered her as a kind-hearted and giving person in separate interviews, had spent much of her life in Florida. He said she was no stranger to hurricanes and knew how severe they could be, so it was unclear why she hadnt evacuated ahead of Helene.

It was always her goal to live in Florida, he said. Its just unfortunate she wasnt able to live out that goal for long.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Seattle City Light has helped reduce the electric bill of over 93,000 residents.

About 20% of Seattle City Light customers have received a $200 bill credit from the Washington Climate Commitment Act to help low- to moderate-income customers reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

We want all Seattle-area residents to benefit from an equitable clean energy future for our region. The Washington Families Clean Energy Credits and City Lights bill assistance programs have helped support many people who are financially burdened by energy costs, said Mayor Bruce Harrell. Creating an energy efficient future and reducing energy burden for residents requires commitment and partnership from all of us. We are grateful to work with the state to put policy into action  supporting our ability to help residents save money and be equipped for our changing climate.

In total, $18.7 million in credits were distributed through partnerships with Promise and the Washington State Department of Commerce.

We are proud to have been part of this effort, which directly benefited so many City Light customers and other Washington families, said Craig Smith, Chief Customer Officer at Seattle City Light. The successes realized here can be a playbook for future efforts to support our customers and for others looking to deliver impactful financial aid while moving toward a clean energy future.

Seattle City Light has many programs that help income-qualified residents lower the cost of their electric bill.

Read about the programs here.
PRINCE WILLIAM COUNTY, Md (DC News Now)  The Prince William County Police Department (PWCPD) announced that a second man has been arrested in connection to the shooting death of 26-year-old Quatrail Raynard Smalls in 2023.

On Nov. 14, 2023, just before 8:45 p.m., Prince William County police officers were called to the 3700 block of Wharf Lane, in Triangle, to investigate a shooting. There, they found Smalls lying on the ground.

He was taken to the hospital, where he died.

Alexandria police officers to increase patrols in Old Town after shootings on Wythe Street

In an update posted Tuesday, police said members of the U.S. Marshals Fugitive Task Force located 27-year-old Keavon Tedderick Coleman, in Alexandria, Va. on Sept. 30.

He was charged with the use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and robbery.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE | Police: Wanted man arrested in connection to Prince William County murder

Police had previously arrested Tyus James Terrell in Woodbridge on July 10 in relation to this crime. He was charged with murder, use of a firearm in the commission of a felony and possession of a firearm by a convicted felon.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Second person arrested in connection to murder of Albuquerque man following ATV dispute

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. (KRQE)  Albuquerque Police arrested a woman in connection to the death of a 19-year-old man following a dispute over an ATV.

Trinasha McDaniel, 34, was taken into custody on Sunday for her outstanding warrants on the following charges:

Two counts of kidnapping

Two counts of conspiracy to commit kidnapping

Two counts of tampering with evidence

Unlawful taking of a motor vehicle (previous warrant; unrelated to this case)

Witnesses told detectives the dispute started during the morning of August 24, when Christian Aragon and his friends were at a smoke shop at 118 San Pedro Dr. S.E. After purchasing items inside the smoke shop, the group of teens was hanging out and noticed McDaniel arrive with an ATV, according to police.

Story continues below

Witnesses told police that Aragon expressed interest in buying the ATV and wanted to take it for a test drive.

McDaniel and an acquaintance argued over whether she should sell the ATV, police said. Aragon took it for a ride, and when he did not return with the ATV, a man known as Gucci, later identified as Guillermo Munoz Delgado, pointed a revolver at Aragons friends, according to police.

He allegedly forced them into their vehicle and ordered them to take them to the location where Aragon said the ATV broke down. Aragons friends told police that while they were inside the vehicle, McDaniel threatened she was going to stab them with a knife she had in her possession.

At some point, Aragon was shot by Munoz Delgado, and McDaniel was seen in surveillance footage picking up a firearm involved in the incident and fleeing the scene, police said.

Munoz Delgado was arrested by detectives on Sept. 12.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRQE NEWS 13 - Breaking News, Albuquerque News, New Mexico News, Weather, and Videos.
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On Sunday (Sept. 29), Earth captured a "second moon" that will accompany our planet on its journey around the sun for the next two months.

The clingy space rock is actually a near-Earth asteroid named 2024 PT5, which measures an estimated 33 feet (10 meters) wide, or about the length of a school bus. Snagged by Earth's gravity during an unusually close approach, this " minimoon " is predicted to orbit our planet for just 57 days; on Nov. 25, the asteroid will break free of Earth's influence and resume its regular orbit of the sun without a chaperone, astronomers wrote in the journal Research Notes of the AAS .

While the idea of a "second moon" may sound surreal and exciting, 2024 PT5 will be a mostly invisible travel companion. Measuring at least 300,000 times smaller than our permanent moon , the new minimoon is far too tiny to be visible to the naked eye  and commercial backyard telescopes and stargazing binoculars won't help much, either.

"The object is too small and dim for typical amateur telescopes and binoculars," study author Carlos de la Fuente Marcos , a professor at Universidad Complutense de Madrid, told Live Science's sister site Space.com in an interview. "However, the object is well within the brightness range of typical telescopes used by professional astronomers."

Related: How many moons does Earth have?

That means the only way to see Earth's new moonlet will be to wait for researchers at a professional observatory to release images of it. (However, in the meantime, you can look for the bright comet that will be visible in the morning sky until Wednesday, Oct. 2. Here's everything you need to know to spot Comet C/2023 A3 Tsuchinshan-ATLAS .)

'Stepping stone to Mars': Minimoons may help us become an interplanetary species, says MIT astrophysicist Richard Binzel

NASA flyby of "Dinky" asteroid reveals hidden moon

A chunk of the moon appears to be orbiting near Earth, new study suggests

According to the new study, 2024 PT5 likely originated from the Arjuna asteroid belt, a secondary asteroid belt that aligns closely with Earth's orbit. Given its proximity to our planet, the cozy asteroid is expected to make another close flyby of Earth in January 2025, and then another in 2055.

This bus-size asteroid isn't Earth's first minimoon. Our planet has likely captured millions of temporary moons over its lifetime, but the first to be observed by humans was the roughly 20-foot-wide (6 m) asteroid 2006 RH120, which lingered in Earth's orbit for 18 months from 2006 to 2007. Not long after, the space rock 2020 CD3 spent three years orbiting the planet before drifting away in 2020. Given the relatively easy trip to a minimoon from Earth, some researchers have proposed using these transient satellites as " stepping stones " for future missions to mine asteroids or explore deeper into our solar system.
MISSOULA, Mont.  Battling for his political survival, Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.) spent much of Mondays Senate debate against Republican rival Tim Sheehy on offense, accusing the wealthy rancher of helping fuel the states housing crisis, posing a threat to reproductive rights and lying to voters about his plans for federal lands.

From the opening seconds of their face-off at the University of Montana, Tester treated his opponent like the real threat he poses to his campaign for a fourth term, as well as Democrats tough odds of retaining control of the Senate next year.

Criticizing Sheehys record on protecting federal lands, a huge issue in Montana, Tester warned, Watch out what people say in back rooms, folks.

What they say in back rooms, when they dont think the recorder is going or the camera is running, is usually what they think, Tester said. And Tim said we need to turn our lands over to either his rich buddies or county government. Thats not protecting public lands.

Tester knocked Sheehy repeatedly on land use, saying his opponent has made an incredible transformation on this issue. Tester cited HuffPosts reporting, which first revealed that Sheehy had called for federal lands to be turned over to states or counties; failed to disclose his post on the board of the Property and Environment Research Center, a Bozeman-based property rights and environmental research nonprofit with a history of advocating for privatizing federal lands; and appeared to doctor a recent TV ad to remove PERCs logo from the shirt he was wearing.

In defending himself, Sheehy falsely claimed that no one, including myself, in that organization has ever advocated for selling our public lands  never have, never will.

In fact, in a 1999 policy paper titled How and Why to Privatize Federal Lands, PERCs then-director, Terry Anderson, and others laid out what they called a blueprint for auctioning off all public lands over 20 to 40 years. (PERC previously told HuffPost that that 1999 paper is not representative of PERCs current thinking.)

When asked about making housing more available to Montanans, Tester highlighted his legislation that would provide tax credits to new homeowners and then quickly pivoted to slamming hedge fund folks buying homes and kicking people out of the state, a veiled reference to Sheehy moving to Montana from Minnesota a decade ago. The senator has railed about the ultra-wealthy driving up costs in the state and spending millions to try to oust him from office.

But it was on the topic of abortion rights that Tester took his most direct aim at his GOP challenger, calling him out for opposing the state ballot initiative that would protect reproductive rights and criticizing his statements calling abortion terrible and murder.

Women should be able to make their own health care decisions, Tester said. It shouldnt be the federal government, a bureaucrat or a judge. Women should. Thats what Montanans like.

Sen. Jon Tester (D-Mont.), here at a Sept. 5 campaign rally in Bozeman, came out swinging at a debate with his Republican opponent on Monday. Matthew Brown/Associated Press

Sheehy said he supported exceptions for abortion, such as in cases of rape, incest or when the life of the mother is at risk, but he criticized Democrats for not supporting abortion restrictions.

At some point when theres another viable life included, that life also has the right to protection.  Commonsense life legislation is what I support, Sheehy said when asked if there should be a national standard on abortion.

Tester also attacked Sheehy over his comments last year calling for privatization of the U.S. health care system, warning that it would threaten Medicare, veterans care and the Indian Health Service.

Sheehy responded by calling health care a moral obligation but said that the private sector would be able to do it better, faster and cheaper. He decried a single-payer health care system, adding that we cant hand our health care to the government, thats a disaster.

The candidates discussion of the U.S.-Mexico border and the issue of immigration grew particularly heated. Sheehy accused Tester of helping create a migration crisis on the border, while Tester criticized Sheehy and other Republicans for blowing up a bipartisan Senate bill that would have toughened border enforcement because party bosses, including former President Donald Trump, came out against it.

It could have been passed, but Tim Sheehy was against it before it was even released to read, Tester said.

Tester backed Sheehy into a corner on his disparaging comments about Native Americans in Montana. A recording unearthed last month showed Sheehy peddling a racist trope about members of the Crow Tribe, in southeast Montana, and alcoholism.

Its on tape, once again, and you didnt think anybody was listening, Tester said. But believe people when they say stuff in a back room.

Sheehy acknowledged that the comments were insensitive and off-color, and said he takes accountability for that, but he stopped short of apologizing and accused Tester of trying to distract from the issues that affect Native communities.

Youre a big guy; just apologize, Tester said.

Will you apologize for opening the border? Sheehy fired back.

Tester is facing a barrage of multimillion-dollar GOP ads attacking him over his ties to national Democrats, including President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic presidential nominee. He has sought to distance himself from the Democratic Party as he trails Sheehy in polls of the hotly contested race. Trump beat Biden in Montana by 16 percentage points in the 2020 presidential election, a margin Republicans are hoping will flip Testers seat to their column and gain them control of the upper chamber along with it.

This has put Tester in a difficult position of trying to remind voters that he and Biden arent always on the same page despite his record of supporting Bidens major legislation in Congress.

Biden has not done a good job on the southern border, Tester said at one point, before adding, But Congress needs to do its job, too.

Related...
Sen. Mike Lee wants to keep government agencies from looking at peoples private financial information.

He introduced a bill with Sen. Rick Scott, R-Fla., known as the Saving Privacy Act. It would prevent federal agencies from creating databases with personally identifiable information of Americans unless Congress passes a law to create such a database.

It would also get rid of the Consolidated Audit Trail  a database that tracks all activity in U.S. markets. This database also includes a unique code for identifying every account holder.

The federal government has no business surveilling the financial activities of millions of innocent Americans, said Lee in a release. The current system erodes the privacy rights of citizens, while doing little to effectively catch true financial criminals.

Lee said his bill would both protect Americans information and ensure government agencies follow the Constitution.

A release for the bill said financial institutions submitted 25.4 million suspicious activity reports and currency transaction reports to the Financial Crimes Enforcement Network during fiscal year 2023. This information is found in FinCENs annual report.

Yet less than 0.3% of these reports resulted in relevant IRS-CI and FBI cases, said the release for the bill.

Norbert Michel, Jennifer Schulp and Nicholas Anthony of the Cato Institute said the reform Lee and Scott introduced is long overdue.

This kind of reform restores the proper balance  as provided by the Fourth Amendment  between Americans privacy rights and law enforcements ability to gather evidence to enforce laws. It would protect individuals financial privacy and improve federal agencies abilities to prosecute criminal activity rather than sift through millions of low-value reports.

Bryan Bashur, director of financial policy for Americans for Tax Reform, said the bill should get support from lawmakers because it would preserve financial privacy and prevent the federal government from easily accessing this information.

Enacting this legislation will also protect consumers from other existential threats to financial privacy  such as tracking stock trading and electronic payment activity, said Bashur in a release.

Breaking down the bill

The bill Lee introduced is 37 pages. It would amend different parts of existing law to prevent the collection of financial information without a warrant.

Heres a breakdown on what exactly the bill would do:

The first part of the bill would amend the Right to Financial Privacy Act of 1978 to prevent any government authority from accessing or getting copies of financial records from financial institutions. The exception it carves out is in the case of a search warrant.

It would also add language to the Right to Financial Privacy Act saying the federal government cannot access either the financial records or the information of any individuals in a manner that is prohibited by the Fourth Amendment.

The Fourth Amendment secures the right of people to not be met with unreasonable search and seizures. Only warrants with probable causes allow for search and seizure.

Another part of the bill would keep federal agencies from establishing databases that collect personally identifiable information of citizens without a law passed by Congress. Personally identifiable information includes IP addresses, Social Security numbers, addresses, telephone numbers and emails.

It would get rid of the Consolidated Audit Trail, which allows regulators to track all activity across U.S. markets. As part of the activity tracking, the Securities and Exchange Commission requires each account holder to be assigned a unique code to identify the user.

In addition to repealing the Consolidated Audit Trail, the bill said all regulations would need to be amended to prevent federal agencies from collecting identifying information.

The bill also would forbid the creation of a central digital currency. The Federal Reserve bank would not be allowed to hold digital currencies minted or issued by the United States government as assets or liabilities on a balance sheet of the bank.

Part of the bill also aims to increase accountability for and transparency in the federal regulatory process. In other words, it deals with who gets to make the rules: Congress or federal agencies. The bill says that over time, Congress has delegated some of its authority while failing to conduct appropriate oversight and retain accountability for the content of the laws it passes.

This part of the bill is similar to the REINS Act but is geared toward financial federal agencies like the Federal Reserve and the Securities and Exchange Commission.

The bill would impact both major and non-major agency rules. Think of agency rules as regulations stemming from executive authority that have a similar force as laws, but as not necessarily passed by Congress.

A major rule can fall into a handful of categories, as the bill defines it. If the rule has an annual effect on the economy of at least $100 million or could result in a major increase in costs or prices, then it would be a major rule.

A rule that would have significant adverse effects on employment or competition or would result in an increase in mandatory vaccinations also is considered a major rule under this definition. A non-major rule is defined as any rule that is not a major rule.

Under the bill, Congress would have to pass a joint resolution for a major rule to take effect and also Congress would be able to reject a non-major rule by passing a joint resolution.

It has an exemption for monetary policy proposed by the Federal Reserve System or the Federal Open Market Committee.

And finally, the bill establishes an avenue for Americans and financial institutions who allege harm by violations of the provisions to seek recourse.
NTSB investigating after several injured in Cambridge Green Line train derailment

Multiple people are being evaluated for injuries following a train derailment during the Tuesday evening commute.

The Cambridge Fire Department says an MBTA Green Line train came off the tracks in the area of 10 Morgan Avenue near Lechmere Station around 5 p.m.

According to authorities, seven riders were hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. In total, 50 riders self-evacuated on the tracks and traveled to an emergency exit location.

Crews disabled power to the train and all passengers have been removed.

The cause of the derailment remains under investigation by the MBTA, DPU, the FTA, and the NTSB also says theyre gathering information and responding.

Preliminary indications do rule out any issues with the track structure and right now were focused on the human factors involved with this incident, MBTA Chief Operating Officer Ryan Coholan said in a Tuesday night press conference.

HAPPENING NOW: MBTA officials providing an update after Green Line derailment https://t.co/sTa1J02yLk  Boston 25 News (@boston25) October 2, 2024

Shuttle buses are currently replacing trains between North Station and Union Square & Medford/Tufts stations. Transit officials anticipate shuttle buses will replace service in this area through the end of service on Tuesday and into the Wednesday morning commute.

Green Line Update: Shuttle buses will continue to replace service between North Station to Union Sq. & Medford/Tufts until the end of service and into the start of service tomorrow. Also, the route 87 will continue to accommodate Union Sq. riders for the rest of tonight as well. https://t.co/Ar5WJh2g2R  MBTA (@MBTA) October 2, 2024

Many commuters expressed frustrations with the shuttle bus situation, saying that it took way longer than it should have.

I have a paper tonight thats due at midnight. This is cutting into my time I could be writing my paper, commuter Sarah Firth said.

Just trying to figure out how to get to Somerville, but no help from the MBTA whatsoever, a frustrated Matt Cox said. They definitely dropped the ball on this one for sure.

In a statement, an MBTA spokesperson said, The MBTA sincerely apologizes to riders for the frustration and distress this incident has caused. We are committed to thoroughly investigating this matter to ensure this does not happen again.

Cambridge Fire says multiple passengers transported to hospital w/ non-life threatening injuries after train derailment at 10 Morgan Ave near Lechmere Station. Catenary power to train now shut down as investigators try to figure out what went wrong #Boston25 pic.twitter.com/A5kqHi4xxC  Drew Karedes (@DrewKaredes) October 1, 2024

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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BAKERSFIELD, Calif. (KGET)  One of two suspects was arraigned in court Monday on charges of kidnapping and raping a woman in northwest Bakersfield as she was coming out of the In-Shape gym on Coffee Road.

On a December morning in the parking lot of the gym, a local woman got into her car after a workout and was getting ready to drive home. Then, a masked man came up to her car, pointed a gun, and ordered her into the passenger seat.

Man ordered to trial in killing of McMurphys security guard

The alleged kidnapping lasted hours, he drove her to two banks and forced her to withdraw money. Police reports say he took her to an orchard near Taft and raped her. He left her at the Vallarta Supermarket on Panama Lane, warning her not to contact the police or cancel her credit cards.

He allegedly told her, Happy holidays as he drove away. She immediately ran inside and got help. He was arrested in her car the same day after a short police chase.

The defendant is 42-year-old Vincent Zavier DeLeon, who was arraigned in court and pleaded not guilty.

There is also a co-defendant in this case, 36-year-old Javier Chavez Torres, who allegedly was with DeLeon in the parking lot before the abduction.

Torres allegedly followed him in another vehicle and met with him after he released the victim to buy clothes using her stolen cards.

Torres refused to come to court Monday claiming he was sick, the judge said he is scheduled to be arraigned Tuesday morning.

Women 17 News talked to said they dont like going out alone.

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I dont like going out alone cause even day or night, Ive been  followed a few times, said Leanna Lopez.

Leah Thompson said, I feel like Im not afraid but more aware of my surroundings at night.

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She had a heart of gold: Monticello mom striving to save the next generation from effects of fentanyl, drugs

MONTICELLO, Ill. (WCIA)  In 2023, the United States Drug Enforcement Administration reports their organization seized more than 80 million fentanyl-laced fake fills and almost 12,000 pounds of fentanyl powder.

Fentanyl is a synthetic opioid drug, much stronger than morphine. In Illinois in 2022, statistics from the Department of Public Health show there were 3,261 opioid overdose deaths. Thats an 8.2% increase from 2021.

On Monday, Sept. 30 at 8 p.m., WCIA is airing a 30-minute special called Saving a Generation. It will dive into the data and share emotional stories from families across the country. In Central Illinois, this challenge hits home for many.

For Connie Gyorr, a mother in Monticello, this all hits home. In 2016, her daughter died from an overdose. In her honor, shes been fighting for change for the last eight years, striving to live out Marisas Purpose every day. She wants to break the stigma and save lives for years to come.

She had a heart of gold, Gyorr said while describing her daughter, Marisa MacDuff.

CUPHD handing out Narcan for International Overdose Awareness Day

When the mother of three thinks about Marisa, the memories come flooding back.

Marisa was a spark plug, she tearfully said. She was involved in everything. She was so talented, she was artsy. She was the most giving, loving person.

Gyorr said her daughter always wanted everyone to fit in.

She always found the kid that was sitting by themselves, which was so kind, she described.

But, when Marisa turned 14, there was a shift. She was diagnosed with diabetes, which changed her outlook on life.

She just felt different. She felt like that kid who was all by herself, but no one was coming to make her feel welcomed, Gyorr said.

Narcan can save lives, and a Champaign paramedic shows you how to do it ahead of International Overdose Awareness Day

Marisa met a new group of friends and got involved with drugs. Her mom noticed more and more red flags each day. Then, there was an attitude shift.

She was just turning into a different person, Gyorr said. At one point she was threatening to drop out of school.

To avoid that, her parents decided there needed to be a change and sent her to a private school in Arizona. After getting her grades up and spending time with new people, things started to look up for the family.

When Marisa came home to Central Illinois, she told her mom I found my purpose, I was put on this earth to help people.

While Gyorr thought Marisa would help kids who also have diabetes, Marisa was quick to reply with a different idea.

Champaign Co. officials warn of rise in opioid use, encourage participation in upcoming Narcan event

She said No mom, itll be bigger than that. much bigger. Youll see. Who wouldve thought it wouldve been this purpose, Gyorr said.

In 2017, Gyorr started the non-profit group Marisas Purpose: Faith, Hope, Love.

The organization came to life one year after Marisa was killed. In 2016, Marisa was in college studying cosmetology in the Chicago suburbs. As Gyorr puts it, she found the wrong person.

He introduced her to cocaine, and they were using cocaine and it was laced with fentanyl. She overdosed in his car, Gyorr explained.

But instead of taking her into the hospital in Aurora, she said he stopped in a parking lot outside of it and later hid her in a nearby wooded area.

He put a blanket over her, and he left her there to die by herself, Gyorr said.

After a two-month investigation, the Aurora Police Department arrested 21-year-old Bruno Muro. He was charged with concealment of death.

It took 10 weeks for the toxicology report to come back, and Gyorr didnt know how her died until she saw the report. It showed she died from a cocaine and fentanyl overdose.

I was like whats fentanyl? I had no idea what fentanyl was, she said.

Now, shes using her organization to make sure no one else ever has to ask that question. She lines up guest speakers and travels to schools across Central Illinois to break the stigma around sometimes tricky conversations. Each speaker focuses on something different, ranging from topics around self-esteem, recovery and the opioid crisis.

Gyorr also helps to organize a mock car crash around prom season at Monticello High School. It shows students the dangers of drinking and driving and provokes raw emotions from many in the community.

I think its a conversation we all have to start having with our kids, Gyorr said. If somebodys struggling, you dont want to shame them. You want to help them.

Teutopolis reflects one year after tragic chemical spill

She hopes Marisas Purpose does just that, no matter your age.

I really wish parents would come to our presentations, theres so much to learn. It would benefit them so much, she said.

That way, no one else has to grieve a child and face the same reality she does every day.

Everybody struggles with something. Its okay. Its okay to be broken, she said. But we can help each other, pull each other together, and make us make each other stronger.

Gyorr knows the Good Samaritan Law and Narcan can both help save lives. Each one aims to protect people who may be experiencing an overdose.

If you need help yourself, Gyorr wants to help connect you to resources. You can connect with her using the Marisas Purpose website, or call her at 630-234-8175.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
Outgoing Mexican leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador is leaving the presidential palace after six years due to the country's single-term limit (CARL DE SOUZA) (CARL DE SOUZA/AFP/AFP)

Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in Tuesday as Mexico's first woman president, inheriting a country beset by gang violence and economic uncertainty over controversial reforms passed by her powerful ruling party.

To cries of "Long live Claudia! Long live Mexico!" the 62-year-old former Mexico City mayor took the oath of office and received the presidential sash in Congress, with foreign dignitaries looking on -- including US First Lady Jill Biden.

Sheinbaum told cheering lawmakers that, for the first time, "women have arrived to shape the destiny of our beautiful nation," where around 10 women or girls are murdered every day.

Supporters began gathering at dawn to celebrate the inauguration of the new leader of the world's most populous Spanish-speaking country, home to 129 million people, which has had 65 male presidents since independence.

"I don't arrive alone" but with "all the women of Mexico," Sheinbaum told the flag-waving crowd in the capital's main square after undergoing an Indigenous purification ritual.

"No to racism, no to classism and no to machismo," she said.

Marta Ramirez arrived at five in the morning after a bus journey from the central city of Leon to join the celebrations.

A woman president "understands the people better," the housewife said.

Gina Montes de Oca, a 28-year-old social worker, said it was "a day of celebration," calling the inauguration of Mexico's first woman president "a historic change."

One high-profile absence at the ceremony was Spanish King Felipe VI, whom Sheinbaum refused to invite, accusing him of failing to acknowledge harm caused by colonization.

In response, Spain announced it would boycott the inauguration, despite its strong economic and historic links with Mexico.

- Popular predecessor retires -

A scientist by training, Sheinbaum won a landslide victory in June elections with a vow to continue the left-wing reform agenda of outgoing leader Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador, a close ally.

Lopez Obrador leaves the presidential palace after six years due to the country's single-term limit, despite an approval rating of around 70 percent, largely thanks to his policies aimed at helping poorer Mexicans.

He bequeaths Sheinbaum the leadership of a nation where murders and kidnappings occur daily and violent drug cartels control vast swaths of territory.

Spiraling criminal violence, much of it linked to drug trafficking and gangs, has seen more than 450,000 people murdered in Mexico since 2006 and left more than 100,000 people missing.

While Sheinbaum has pledged to stick to the outgoing president's controversial "hugs not bullets" strategy -- using social policy to tackle crime at its roots -- experts expect some changes in her approach.

"It will be a modified version of 'hugs not bullets' that will be more reliant on intelligence and therefore more effective at getting things done," said Professor Pamela Starr, an expert on Mexico at the University of Southern California.

- Reassuring investors -

The new president will also have to deal with the fallout from a row over newly passed judicial reforms that will make Mexico the world's only country to elect all judges by popular vote.

Dozens of judicial workers demonstrated on Tuesday morning near Congress -- the latest in several weeks of protests.

Lopez Obrador argued the reforms were needed to clean up a "rotten" judiciary serving the interests of the political and economic elite.

The changes, which critics argued would make it easier for politicians and organized crime to influence the courts, upset foreign investors as well as Mexico's key trade partners: the United States and Canada.

Sheinbaum sought to allay such concerns, telling investors their money "will be safe" and pledging a "responsible fiscal policy."

The United States, Canada, and Mexico "know that economic cooperation strengthens the three nations," she added.

US President Joe Biden offered Sheinbaum his "heartfelt congratulations," underscoring his country's "deep political, economic, and cultural ties" with Mexico.

The United Nations human rights office said Sheinbaum's presidency "sends a powerful message" about the crucial role of women in public office.

At the same time, it voiced concern about the increased public safety role given to the military under Lopez Obrador and urged Sheinbaum to address the country's missing persons crisis.

bur-dr/aha
Sheinbaum sworn in as Mexico's first female president, vows 'it's time for women'

By Diego Ore and Cassandra Garrison

MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - Claudia Sheinbaum was sworn in as Mexico's first woman president on Tuesday, vowing to bolster women's rights and ensure Latin America's No. 2 economy remains a secure destination for international investment.

Sheinbaum, a 62-year-old scientist and former mayor of Mexico City, took the oath of office and received the presidential sash in a boisterous ceremony in Mexico's Congress, which marks the start of her six-year term.

"It's time for transformation, it's time for women," she said, her voice rising with emotion.

"I'm a mother, a grandmother, a scientist and a woman of faith, and from today, by the will of the Mexican people, the president," she said.

Sheinbaum also used her first speech as head of state to address investor concerns after the passing of a sweeping judicial reform pushed by her predecessor, Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador.

She reiterated that the central bank would be autonomous and told investors: "Rest assured that the investments of national and foreign shareholders will be safe in our country."

Alberto Ramos, head of Goldman Sachs Latin American economic research, said Sheinbaum will be judged on whether she can construct "a predictable and investment-friendly policy and regulatory framework."

"Disciplined management of the budget and of state-owned enterprises, progress on public security, and safe-guarding the integrity of key institutions will be key to preserving market sentiment and sovereign debt ratings," Ramos said, emphasizing the importance of heavily-indebted state oil company Pemex.

Sheinbaum pledged that the Mexican oil giant will look to maintain daily oil production at 1.8 million barrels, in line with current output.

The November presidential elections in the United States, Mexico's largest trading partner, could add to market volatility, especially if former President Donald Trump, who has vowed to increase tariffs on Mexican goods, wins.

Sheinbaum's government will present its first budget before Nov. 15, which is expected to be highly scrutinized for clues on whether she will make good on commitments to reduce the fiscal deficit to 3.5% of gross domestic product from 5.9%, where it is predicted to close the year.

In an afternoon speech in the capital's historic Zocalo square, she offered 100 pledges, ranging from expanding public healthcare and education to building 1 million new homes, capping prices for key goods and sending Congress a package of reforms to battle gender violence and discrimination.

Sheinbaum said she will unveil the package on Thursday, and said it will include proposed changes to the constitution and seek to reduce impunity and protect women in a nation that records some of the world's highest femicide rates.

"Our guide is the happiness and wellbeing of the people," she said. "I pledge to you to keep making history."

CONTINUITY WITH CHANGE?

Lopez Obrador, whose six-year term began in late 2018, managed to double Mexico's minimum wage, reduce poverty and unemployment, broaden the base of social programs and oversee a previous strengthening of the peso. Touting these successes boosted his popularity and helped usher Sheinbaum, his protegee, to a landslide victory in the June elections.

Mexican presidents are limited to serving a single six-year term.

Sheinbaum, however, who has promised "continuity with change," will inherit the largest budget deficit since the 1980s and lagging economic growth.

Experts say Mexico's economy will require a tax reform to increase revenues, though Sheinbaum has for now ruled out a sweeping tax overhaul.

Instead, she has said she will pursue other options, including improving the efficiency of tax collection at customs.

Sheinbaum "will have to deliver an important fiscal consolidation if she wants to keep the positive view that markets have today towards her," said Bernardo Keiserman, an economist at investment bank Bradesco BBI.

"We believe the government is committed to an adjustment, but delivering one sizable enough is not going to be an easy feat. The economy is weaker and likely weakening further," said Keiserman.

Recently, the central bank cut its GDP growth forecast for this year to 1.5% from the previous 2.4% and lowered its estimate for 2025 to 1.2%.

Nearshoring, the trend of companies moving production closer to their main market, has helped Mexico attract investment, but Sheinbaum will face a challenge to increase foreign investment while implementing the judicial reform.

The judicial reform, under which judges will be elected by popular vote, has scared investors and drawn criticism from the U.S. ambassador to Mexico, who said it threatened the rule of law.

"I'll govern for everyone and be assured that I'll put my knowledge, strength, my history, and my life itself at the service of the people and the country," said Sheinbaum.

(Reporting by Diego Ore and Cassandra Garrison; Additional reporting by Sarah Morland; Editing by Stephen Eisenhammer and Leslie Adler)
Aamer Anwar said criminal justice institutions failed to deliver truth, justice and accountability during the investigation into Sheku Bayoh's death [PA Media]

The lawyer representing the family of a black man who died in police custody has described Scotlands criminal justice system as institutionally racist.

Aamer Anwar said he initially advised Sheku Bayohs relatives to trust the Crown Office and Police Investigations and Review Commissioner (Pirc) in their investigation and not mention race as a factor as they would be attacked for doing so.

But Mr Anwar, 56, said the institutions failed to deliver truth, justice and accountability during their probes into the 31-year-olds death following a confrontation with police in Kirkcaldy on 3 May 2015.

A public inquiry is examining the circumstances surrounding his death, how it was investigated and whether race played a factor.

Mr Anwar, who has been representing Mr Bayohs family free of charge for more than four years, said he had suffered a nervous breakdown and had threats made against his life during the case.

He also said he had a panic alarm and CCTV cameras installed in his house after being forced to move due to the fallout.

Mr Anwar and Mr Bayohs family launched their campaign for a public inquiry in July 2015, almost three months after his death.

In their initial statement, they said they were seeking responses to unanswered questions over his death, but did not question whether Mr Bayohs race played a part.

Giving evidence to the inquiry, Mr Anwar said, had he drafted that statement with allegations of racism, they would have accused Mr Bayohs family and himself of playing the race card.

When asked who he meant by they, Mr Anwar said: They are the Crown, the Pirc, the Police and the Scottish Police Federation (SPF) because they all seemed to work hand in hand when it came to the so-called investigation.

They failed to deliver justice and failed to deliver truth and accountability to the family.

That is why it becomes they. The criminal justice system in this country is institutionally racist.

Mr Bayoh lost consciousness after being restrained by six officers on Hayfield Road on the morning of 3 May 2015.

The father-of-two was under the influence of drugs, was carrying a knife and behaving erratically when members of the public first contacted the police.

However, by the time officers arrived, he was no longer in possession of the knife.

A violent confrontation followed and Mr Bayoh was taken to hospital, where he later died.

'All of a sudden, I am the enemy'

Mr Anwar also accused the SPF of being guilty of institutional racism, adding it was several months before they acknowledged race may have been a factor in Mr Bayohs death.

Following a press conference in May 2015, the SPFs legal representative accused Mr Anwar of making unhelpful and ill-informed comments about the case.

Peter Watson was also quoted as saying a female police officer thought she was going to be murdered in the incident and, had other officers not intervened, that would have been the outcome.

Mr Anwar said at the time he was representing police officers in legal cases and had been invited to Scottish Police Federation dinners.

But he said that quickly dried up after he became involved in the case.

He told the inquiry: All of a sudden, black man dies in police custody, and I am the enemy.

Asked what personal impact the case had on him, Mr Anwar said he had been vilified and subjected to personal abuse.

He said he had to use his own savings to keep his legal firm in business and received no support from the wider Scottish legal profession.

The inquiry, before Lord Bracadale in Edinburgh, continues.
SHERWOOD, Ark.  Police in Sherwood are asking for the publics help in locating a mother and her 11-month-old daughter.

Officials with the Sherwood Police Department said they are searching for 19-year-old Kalise Goff and her daughter, Jayliee Washington.

Police officials said that Kalise was last seen wearing a white t-shirt, and blue jeans with pink sandals. Authorities said she was seen in Sherwood on Sept. 30 around 10:14 p.m.

Kalise could be driving a red Kia K5 with no license plate, police said.

Family hopes for answers 30 years after loved ones disappearance from Searcy

Anyone with information on Kalises whereabouts is asked to contact investigators with the Sherwood Police Department at 501-834-8799.

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SHINNSTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  A special council meeting and work session was held in Shinnston Monday where council members discussed the purchase of a seven-foot by eight-foot trailer, as well as other topics.

During the special meeting, the council approved the trailer purchase for $8,200 to be used by public works and replace its existing trailer which was deemed unsafe.

During the work session, Shinnston City Manager Tori Drainer discussed opioid settlement funds with the council and said that she received a letter from the Attorney Generals office giving lower amounts over the next four years than what was originally expected.

Shinnston has already received its first payment of more than $72,000 and over the next four years will receive another $61,000 in payments

The breakdown between the four years was significantly lower than what we were kind of told by the state auditor in multiple trainings as well as our chief contacting him. So, that was kind of gut-wrenching, heart-breaking, whatever you may say, Drainer said.

Drainer said that the city had various plans that it wanted to do with the settlement funds that would involve the citys fire chief and chief of police and would include upgrades to each department that the city deems necessary.

North central West Virginia groups collecting donations for Helene victims

One of the upgrades that the city hoped to use the funds for is a decontamination shower that can be used by the police and fire departments currently neither facility has one. City officials said they dont know what happened to cause the amounts to be lower but are looking into the situation.

Also discussed during the work session was the discussion of amendments to the Home Rule. Drainer said that she has found nine amendments that she thinks would be beneficial for the city. She stated that she advised the council to look at the initiatives and decide if they wanted to move forward with them to be presented to the Home Rule Board in November.

I really think the sale of municipal property without auction, I think it limits the possibility of getting the right amount for our property, Drainer said. I think another one is collection of delinquent city fees, that is one that we kind of lack on right now, but I think we could really use this to our advantage.

The council also discussed the lowering of speed limits in residential areas for the safety of kids and agreed to consult the West Virginia Division of Highways and the citys police department before doing so.

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Members of the International Longshoremens Association are striking after failing to come to terms with port bosses in pay negotiations - Michael Nagle/Bloomberg

The cost of transatlantic freight has surged as tens of thousands of American dock workers go on strike, with analysts warning that prolonged disruption risks delaying toy shipments before Christmas.

At midnight on Tuesday, members of the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) walked out from ports along the US east coast and the Gulf of Mexico amid a row over pay and automation.

The protest has brought loading and unloading of shipping containers to a complete halt and is forcing vessels laden with cargo to drop anchor and queue at sea.

It is the first time since 1977 that members of the ILA have gone on strike. The industrial action also comes as global shipping is still grappling with the fallout of attacks by Iran-backed Houthi rebels on commercial vessels that have made the Red Sea a no-go area.

Key products that risk being affected include everything from the UKs Scotch whisky exports, to the consumer electronics, toys and cars that are frequently shipped from the US to Europe.

The eastern ports typically handle three quarters of alcohol imported to America, including Scotch, as well as two fifths of spirits such as bourbon that are exported, according to the Distilled Spirits Council of the United States.

JP Morgan said the US strikes, which President Joe Biden has declined to intervene in so far, will cost the domestic economy up to $4.5bn (3.4bn) a day.

The impact on the UK and Europe is expected to be more muted but it has already pushed shipping costs higher in recent weeks, as companies rush to avoid disruption ahead of the crucial holiday season.

In the past month, the price of sending a 40-foot container from northern Europe to American ports such as New York or Houston has jumped almost a third as retailers scramble to avoid the impact of industrial action.

The price stood at about $1,788 per container at the end of August but had increased to $2,354 as of last Thursday, according to the Xeneta Shipping Index.

Prices for freight travelling from North America to Europe have also increased, though not as dramatically, from $554 per container to $572.

While the strike unfolds, companies with time-sensitive goods will likely divert cargo to ports such as Long Beach on the west coast of the US, where workers are represented by different unions that are not on strike, according to David Jinks, of delivery giant ParcelHero.

But that will add both time and costs. While a typical shipment from UK ports to New York takes 12 to 15 days to arrive, sailing to Los Angeles takes between 30 and 39 days.

Its going to take longer, and its going to be more expensive too, because theyre going to end up using more fuel getting there, adds Jinks, who is the former editor of the Lloyds Shipping Index.

Another potential problem is that theres going to be much more demand at the west coast than previously. Weve already seen that Long Beach has had its busiest ever month last month, because people were getting prepared for these strikes.

And so a lot of ships are already diverting. But theres only so much excess capacity that ports can take.

For that reason, you may see more people switching to air freight and so it suddenly becomes more difficult to secure air freight slots as well.

Many Christmas goods will have already been delivered to European retailers, reducing the risk of empty shelves.

But if the dispute drags on it risks causing problems further down the road, as ships held up by the delays fall behind on their schedules, says Peter Aylott, director of policy at the UK Chamber of Shipping.

With global shipping capacity already being strained due to other disruptions, it also risks pushing up prices in the long term.

You do have a tight capacity at the moment thats going to be impacted by this activity, Aylott says. But in terms of the flow of goods, most of ours are coming from the east, not from the west.

So the impact, in terms of actual deliveries, I dont think will be particularly high.

How bad things get will depend on how long the strike lasts, however.

During the pandemic, when we had displaced containers and holdups in ports for various reasons, that did still affect the whole flow of movements [globally], so we may see some delays caused by that, explains Aylott.

Longer-term, if these strikes go on then the UK will see problems. Because ships will be displaced, containers will be displaced, activities will be delayed.

Several US eastern ports began closing on Monday evening after staying open for longer than usual in the preceding days to help get as many deliveries away in trucks as possible.

However, some 100,000 shipping containers will still be stranded on the docks at the Port of New York and New Jersey for the duration of the strike, port officials said.

At the same time, three dozen cargo ships are expected to arrive in the coming week and will instead have to drop anchor and wait. The port is the largest affected by the strike.

How long the industrial action will drag on for remains up in the air.

The dispute centres on the ILAs argument that dockworkers have been denied their fair share of the huge profits reaped by the shipping industry in recent years.

A contract between the union and the United States Maritime Alliance (USMA), which represents the ports, governs pay and working conditions but it expired on Tuesday.

Ahead of that deadline, the ILA and the USMA had been locked in talks.

The ILA has demanded a 77pc pay rise over six years for its members  who currently make a base salary of $81,000 per year  as well as guarantees that ports will halt efforts to introduce automation that could cost dockworker jobs.

For example, the union wants a total ban on automatic gates, cranes and trucks used to move containers.

The USMA made an 11th-hour offer of a 50pc pay rise for dock workers on Monday evening but the ILA has not responded publicly yet.

One way the strikes could be ended, according to analysts, is for President Biden to intervene.

Although Biden is a Democrat who likes to trumpet his pro-union credentials, researchers at Capital Economics note that he has a well-established history of intervening in transportation disputes to avoid disruption and is likely to do so before the strike gets out of hand.

US President Joe Biden has so far declined to intervene in the strikes - Bonnie Cash/UPI/Bloomberg

Last year, labour secretary Julie Su intervened in union negotiations at west coast ports, while in 2022 Biden signed a congressional bill that imposed a national settlement on rail freight companies and workers, they say.

It has also been claimed that Biden could invoke the 1947 Taft-Hartley Act, which gives him the power to order an 80-day cooling off period  suspending the strikes  if he deems the industrial action a danger to US economic heath.

On Sunday, however, the president said no when asked if he planned to intervene to do this.

Because its collective bargaining, I dont believe in Taft-Hartley, he told reporters.

However, with US elections so close, the president may also be wary of making life harder for Kamala Harris, his vice-president and the Democratic presidential nominee.

Although neither Harris or Donald Trump, her Republican rival, have publicly commented on the strikes yet, no government wants to preside over price rises as voters go to the polls.

There is little chance that the administration would risk jeopardising its recent economic successes just five weeks before a tightly-contested election, analysts at Capital Economics note.

On both sides of the Atlantic, business owners will be hoping they are right.

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Suspect on the loose after a shooting in Evansville leaves one injured

EVANSVILLE, Ind. (WEHT)  Authorities are investigating a shooting near Hartmetz Avenue in Evansville after one person was left injured.

Dispatch confirms the initial call came in at 8:42 p.m. regarding shots fired near the 3100 block of Hartmetz Avenue.

Police on scene say a 17-year-old victim was taken to the hospital after being shot near the head area.

The suspect is said to have fled the scene in a car.

Authorities are still actively investigating.

Eyewitness News has a crew on the scene and will update with more information as it becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Eyewitness News (WEHT/WTVW).
(Loving Living Local) Our first responders face unimaginable challenges and tragedies daily as they work tirelessly to keep our communities safe.

MORE Salute the Badge

Now, you have the opportunity to show your appreciation through Crime Stoppers of Caddo Shreveports annual Burgers for the Badge event, a perfect way to honor and support local law enforcement.

Event Details

Date: October 9

Time: 11 AM  4 PM

Location: Outside Police Headquarters, 1234 Texas St., Shreveport

This event celebrates the brave officers who serve Caddo Parish, including the Sheriffs Department, State Police, Shreveport Police Department (SPD), and Marshalls. Rather than gathering under stressful circumstances, this celebration gives officers a chance to come together in a fun, relaxed environmenttruly a day of appreciation.

How You Can Get Involved

For just a $10 donation, you can purchase a burger for an officer! Its an easy way to say thank you if you havent had the chance to do so throughout the year. Additionally, any remaining proceeds from this event go directly to Crime Stoppers tip fund, which is used to reward individuals who provide helpful crime-solving tips. You can buy an officer lunch and help solve crimes at the same time!

To participate, visit CaddoCrimeStoppers.com, click on the Burgers for the Badge link, and make your donation. Your contribution not only fuels appreciation but also strengthens our communitys safety.

Exciting Raffle for a Colt Python Pistol

On top of the burgers, theres also an exciting raffle! For another $10 donation, you can enter to win a Colt Python Tallow Edition Pistol, a .357 Magnum. This collectors item is limited to only 500 tickets, so dont miss your chance. Visit the Crime Stoppers website to enter the raffle and try your luck at winning this rare firearm.

The Importance of Crime Stoppers

Crime Stoppers was founded by a detective in Albuquerque who saw the need for a way to encourage tips from the community. Fear and apathy often prevent people from coming forward with crucial information. By offering anonymous tip submissions and rewards, Crime Stoppers makes it easier for citizens to help solve crimes without fear of retaliation.

Through the P3 Tips App, you can submit tips completely anonymously. Whether youre using the app or calling their tip hotline, (318) 673-7373, no one will ever know that you provided the information. Crime Stoppers offers rewards for helpful tips, including $2,000 for a tip that leads to an arrest in a homicide case.

A Heartfelt Reminder of Why It Matters

The very first Burgers for the Badge event was met with a tragic eventa triple homicide on Pines Road. The crime involved a mother and her two young children, and the officers who responded to the scene were left deeply affected by the tragedy. Despite the somber start, the officers expressed the importance of continuing the event, emphasizing how much they needed the support and appreciation.

This event is a pat on the back, its a hug, said Crime Stoppers Executive Director, Terry McNaight. It shows that people care. The officers resilience is why this event has continued, and its why your participation matters.

Show your support for the men and women who protect our community. Attend Burgers for the Badge on October 9th, buy an officer lunch, enter the raffle, and be a part of something that makes a real difference.

For more information and to make your donations, visit CaddoCrimeStoppers.com and help keep our community safe while showing your appreciation. Together, we can continue to move our community forward.

The information and advice displayed in this story are those of individual sponsors and guests and not Nexstar Media Group, inc.

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UPDATE: Bassett has been found.

(KRON)  Authorities are searching for an East Palo Alto woman who was last seen Monday morning, California Highway Patrol said.

San Jose man Yongchang Chen still missing after 4 days

Faye Bassett, 93, was last seen in her car at about 8:30 a.m. in East Palo Alto. She is believed to be driving a gold 2000 Ford Crown Victoria with a California license plate of 4JSC229 (model of car pictured below).

Image from California Highway Patrol

Bassett is 5-foot-8, 155 pounds with black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone who sees her is asked to call 911.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KRON4.
SEVIER COUNTY, Tenn. (WATE)  A woman who was last seen in the area of Villa Court in Dandridge has been found according to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation.

The TBI shared around 9:40 p.m. on Thursday that Autumn Hackney, 55, was located. At 2:30 p.m. Tuesday, a Silver Alert had been issued for her. The TBI said she had a medical condition that may impair her ability to return safely without assistance.

The Sevier County Sheriffs Office reported that Hackney was last seen around 1 p.m. on Monday, and said she was going to the doctor. She has not been seen or heard from since.

Vandals destroy viewfinder for color blind Big South Fork visitors, NPS says

Authorities say nearly 400 people go missing in Tennessee each year. Thats five people for every 100,000. Check this list of people missing from East Tennessee to see if you can help locate someone.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO)  Its Monday, September 30. Take a look at our top stories in news and weather with KELOLAND On The GO First@4.

Sioux Falls Police had a heavy police presence around Washington High School Monday after originally receiving a call to check on the well-being of a person.

Police: Active shooter situation at WHS not credible

The South Dakota Highway Patrol has announced sobriety checkpoints will be conducted in 14 different counties during the month of October.

October sobriety checkpoints announced

A Sioux Falls native was involved with a chief pinning ceremony for the U.S. Navy on the Philippine Sea last week

SD native sings at pinning ceremony in Philippine Sea

Another Red Flag warning has been issued for much of South Dakota Monday.

Another Red Flag warning issued across South Dakota

Strong winds will continue to bring in cooler air for the overnight.

Fall temps for tomorrow

A plastics factory in Brookings is now the sole owner of a partner facility in China, according to a company news release from Monday.

Brookings company now sole owner of facility in China

Sanford Health broke ground Monday on the Good Samaritan Society  Founders Crossing senior community in Sioux Falls. The new campus, located on the corner of Veterans Parkway and 57th St., will expand access for senior services on the east side of Sioux Falls.

Sanford breaks ground on GSS senior community

Authorities have identified the driver who died after their vehicle went into the Missouri River Friday morning.

Sioux City PD identify body of driver whose pickup went in Missouri River

Download the KELOLAND News app to find the latest headlines while on the go.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KELOLAND.com.
Sioux County woman gets probation after stealing from her employer

SIOUX COUNTY, Iowa (KCAU)  A Sioux County woman has been sentenced for stealing more than $12,000 from her employer.

According to court documents, Essence Dinwoodie, 24, of Remsen, was sentenced to two years of probation for second-degree theft. She was additionally ordered to pay restitution and civil penalties.

Man dead after early morning shooting, Le Mars PD says

Dinwoodie was initially charged with first-degree theft after her employer began an investigation. Documents state that she admitted to stealing a total of $12,428.28 from the company over a period of six months.

Dinwoodie accepted a plea agreement which resulted in the charge being amended to second-degree theft. She had originally pleaded not guilty in July.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
Six Ways to Pick a VP Debate Winner, Plus Kellyanne Goads Trump to do Another Debate

Welcome to October Surprise, the Daily Beasts daily countdown to the biggest election of our lifetime. Its only 35 days until Election Day and heres whats happening in the race to the White House between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. Subscribe here to receive this first in your inbox.

THE DOWNLOAD

Whatever they say about their talking points for the vice presidential debate, JD Vance and Tim Walz each have one goal for Tuesday evening: to win.

With Donald Trump, the 78-year-old Republican nominee who has survived multiple assassination attempts, running against Vice President Kamala Harris, a newly-crowned Democratic nominee, the face-off between the Number Two candidates could be the most important ever.

Both campaigns are certain to position their candidate as the debates winner. Heres the Daily Beasts guide to six measures that will help viewers tease out who really won.

How to Know Who Won and Lost the Vance-Walz Debate

Ahead of tonights vice presidential debate, the last person to stare down JD Vance on stageformer Ohio congressman Tim Ryanoffered cautionary advice to Tim Walz as he readies to take on the Yale Law grad.

Ryan, a Democrat who lost a Senate race against Vance by 6 points in 2022, favorably contrasted Vances debate style with that of his running mate, former President Donald Trump, on Slates What Next podcast today.

One key differencewhich Walz needs to watch out foris Vances ability to smoothly pivot from an unfavorable issue to one he can more easily talk about, Ryan said.

JD Vances Last Debate Opponent Has a Warning for Tim Walz

Spinmeisters in both parties are ready to pounce on reporters and airwaves to make the case that their guy came out on top.

Vance is the closest any vice presidential candidate has come to being the proverbial heartbeat away from the presidency following one actual and several foiled assassination attempts against Donald Trump. And Trump-Vance surrogates, including the GOP nominees own son, Donald Trump Jr., will be on hand in the spin room after the high-stakes debate in New York ready to explain why Vance not only won the debateeven if he actually didntbut deserves to be vice president more than Walz, and claim the throne of first in the presidential line of succession.

The junior Trump was one of Vances prime advocates during the veepstakes contest, pushing his father to select his close friend, the Ohio senator, despite some donors concerns. Multiple assassination attempts later, Don Jr. told Fox News he felt totally vindicated by the pick.

This Trump Heir Will Talk Up Vance After the VP Debate

POLLS OBSESSED

North Carolina is proving to be a tougher nut to crack for Kamala Harris than her campaign might have hoped for, given that the governors race is a disaster for Republicans. A Washington Post poll puts Donald Trump on 50 to Harris 48 among likely voters. In contrast Mark Robinson, the Republican gubernatorial candidate is trailing Josh Stein 54 to 38 among the same pool, amid the fallout from his alleged Black Nazi perv posts.

A New York Post poll has Harris leading by 4 points nationwide, while a Morning Consult national poll has Harris up by 5 points.

ON THE MOVE

Vance and Walz are in New York for their one-and-only live showdown on stage, which is the final scheduled debate for any candidate in the presidential race until Election Day. Trump rallied supporters in Wisconsin while Harris attended meetings at the White House in her official capacity as vice president.

THROWBACK TUESDAY

On Oct. 1, 2020, we got the first glimpse of Sacha Baron Cohens Borat sequel (full name Borat Subsequent Moviefilm: Delivery Of Prodigious Bribe To American Regime For Make Benefit Once Glorious Nation Of Kazakhstan) with his character pranking Republicans.

The trailer showed him trying to marry his daughter off to Vice President Mike Pence at CPAC and calling him Mike Pennis. Of course that was tame compared to the infamous Rudy Giuliani clip which later emerged.

Sacha Baron Cohen Pranks Mike Pence as Trump in Borat 2 Trailer

BEAST OF THE DAY

Kellyanne Conway, the former adviser to former president Donald Trump, said Monday that shes goading her erstwhile boss to get back in there and debate Vice President Kamala Harris again.

Trumpwho polls show was widely seen as the loser of last months presidential debate hosted by ABChas rejected calls for a rematch, dismissing an October 23 CNN debate that Harris has agreed to as too late.

Conway, however, said the attention-loving Trump wont be able to resist his need to have the last word in all things after he sees Tuesdays vice presidential sparring match between his running mate JD Vance and Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

Kellyanne Conway Is Pushing Donald Trump to Man Up and Debate Kamala Harris Again

SHAMELESS PLUG

After tonights debate youll need to reach for some comedic relief so check out The Last Laugh with the Daily Beasts own Matt Wilstein and his special guest comedian and actress Lauren Lapkus.

Listen to the episode now and follow The Last Laugh on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google, or wherever you get your podcasts to be the first to hear new episodes when they are released every Wednesday.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

Get the Daily Beast's biggest scoops and scandals delivered right to your inbox. Sign up now.

Stay informed and gain unlimited access to the Daily Beast's unmatched reporting. Subscribe now.
Small and underfunded hospital in Prince Georges County looking for financial assistance

Small and underfunded hospital in Prince Georges County looking for financial assistance

FORT WASHINGTON, Md. (DC News Now)  A struggling Prince Georges County hospital is hoping to get a big financial boost from county and state leaders.

Marylands Gov. Wes Moore and county leaders toured the Fort Washington Medical Center earlier this month to see what can be done.

College Park seeking to expand bike lanes

Eunmee Shim, president of Adventist Healthcare Fort Washington Medical Center, said she was grateful for any help she could get.

We hope they will consider supporting us and we do have a request that went into the county government as part of their capital budget request for their next legislative year, Shim said.

The facility president told DC News Now there are not enough doctors, not enough adequate space for patients since the building is too small and there is not enough funding. Shim said the solution is to build a new hospital.

We believe building a new hospital for this community is crucial, Shim said. It is very difficult to properly take care of the community, and I believe the community deserves to get the best healthcare they can get. Often we have to transfer patients to other facilities for additional services.

Many in Prince Georges County celebrating African Heritage Month

Shim said she is hoping to break ground shortly but is not sure when that will happen.

We do 24-7 emergency services for the community, and we are excited to have in patient care services including critical care. And we can perform a number of surgical services on site as well.

Jolene Ivey, the Prince Georges County Council Chairperson, said the problems are because the facility is too small and underfunded.

We really need to do all we can do to help them get more funding wherever that will come from and help them expand, Ivey said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to DC News Now | Washington, DC.
Solar max is nearly here! Heres how and where to see the Northern Lights

Solar max is nearly here! Heres how and where to see the Northern Lights

So far in 2024, we have already seen some amazing displays of the Northern Lights. With Aurora Season upon us now, along with the approaching Solar Maximum, we will no doubt see more of this spectacular phenomenon. Heres our guide to the science behind the auroras and where you can go to see them best.

On the night of May 10, 2024, people across Canada and the United States looked up to witness one of the best displays of the Aurora Borealis in more than 20 years. Reports stated that the geomagnetic storm responsible for the event was the strongest since Halloween 2003.

Although referred to as a once-in-a-lifetime event, in the months since, the Northern Lights have already put in a number of similar appearances across our skies. This is due to the Sun becoming more active, as we approach solar maximum.

What are the auroras?

The Aurora Borealis is a colourful display of light that shines high up in the night sky.

Sometimes faint and at other times bright, these Northern Lights can appear to dance through the sky above, forming curtains, sheets, ribbons, and even vibrant coronae if they pass directly overhead. The auroras are often thought of as quite fickle or even mischievous at times, as they can appear nearby and bright one moment, only to fade or retreat far away the next.

The most common colour for the auroras is green. However, they can also frequently show up in hues of red, blue, and purple. In rare instances, shades of pink, yellow, and even orange can also appear.

Auroras-Yukon-Tourism

Courtesy Travel Yukon, Northern Lights Resort & Spa

Each of these colours results from the same process. High-energy particles from the Sun  mainly electrons arriving via the solar wind or inside a solar storm cloud  plunge into Earths upper atmosphere. There, the particles smack into atoms or molecules of oxygen, nitrogen, and other gases in the air, passing on some of their energy. That excess energy is then released by those atoms and molecules as flashes of coloured light.

The exact colours present in an aurora display depends on a few factors. Each atmospheric component emits light at a different wavelength, plus we tend to find specific atoms or molecules at different levels of the atmosphere. Also, the intensity of the aurora event matters, as some colours need to be very bright for us to even notice them, while others dont show up at all except during the strongest events.

Green auroras are produced by molecules of oxygen, between 100 and 300 kilometres above the ground. At altitudes of 300 to 400 km, though, atomic oxygen emits red light. Although this red might be present at any time that we see the green auroras, it is more difficult for the human eye to detect.

During intense auroras, the increase in the number of solar particles streaming in from space causes the greens and reds from oxygen to become more vibrant. At the same time, the massive influx of particles causes nitrogen molecules to emit their own light as well. This shows up as blue at higher altitudes, which can combine with the brighter red from oxygen, resulting in purple. Shades of pink and dark red can also appear along the base of an aurora display, as more solar particles are able to reach nitrogen molecules deeper down in the atmosphere.

Auroras-over-Whitehorse-David-Cartier-Sr-NASA-Goddard-7931836878 9c7b08d8fb k

Ribbons of the Northern Lights stretched across the sky from Whitehorse, YT, on August 31, 2012. Credit: David Cartier Sr/NASA Goddard

Blue and purple auroras have also been attributed to hydrogen and helium atoms, at very high altitudes, which are impacted during strong geomagnetic events. Orange is an extremely unusual shade of aurora, as there is not one particular component of the atmosphere that can produce that colour on its own. Similar to how the red from oxygen and blue from nitrogen combine into purple, though, researchers have found that red and green auroras may combine to produce a yellow-orange glow.

The different shapes the auroras can take, and their apparent motion, is the result of the movement of the air in the upper atmosphere. The air that high up tends to be quite stable, allowing for these displays to form into curtains of rainbow hues that can persist for some time. However, auroras produce a significant amount of heat along with the light. This heat has a destabilizing effect on the atmosphere, which can then cause those colours to become more mixed, and for the shapes to take on a much more active dance across the sky.

DON'T MISS: The Fall 'Season of Meteor Showers' may include rare astronomical treats

Where do the auroras come from?

Every display of the Northern Lights, regardless of their location, shape, colour, or extent, can ultimately be traced back to one origin point  the Sun.

Space-Weather-Graphic-NASA

This artists impression reveals the various ways in which solar activity can affect the Earth, which is collectively known as space weather. Immense coronal loops stretch away from the Suns surface (left), with giant prominences arcing across its surface as well. Left of centre, a solar flare causes an immense cloud of solar particles  a coronal mass ejection (centre)  to be flung away from the Sun, headed towards Earth. At Earth (right), x-rays from the solar flare (in red) impact on the planets ionosphere, while the planets geomagnetic field (in blue) deflects most particles from the solar wind around the planet, while some stream into the atmosphere at the poles to produce auroras. (NASA)

Although the Sun may seem constant and unchanging from our vantage point here on Earth, it is really an active star. Even during its most quiet times, there is a constant flow of high-energy particles from the Suns atmosphere into space. We call this flow the solar wind, and just like the wind here on Earth, at times it blows slowly and calmly, while at other times it is considerably more blustery. During the Suns more active periods, it produces intense solar flares and immense eruptions of solar matter into space known as coronal mass ejections.

Collectively, these various phenomena are called space weather, and each aspect of space weather has its own specific impacts on Earth.

Earth-Geomagnetic-Field-Solar-Particle-Capture-Auroras-NASA

In this simulation, Earths geomagnetic field (blue lines) captures solar particles (white), directing them down towards the planets poles, where they generate auroral displays. (NASA)

As the solar wind flows past us, Earths geomagnetic field captures some of the particles from the stream and funnels them down into the upper atmosphere near the north and south poles. Under normal conditions, this results in auroras that tend to be confined to the farthest northerly and southerly regions of the planet.

During the suns more active periods, we can encounter faster flows of the solar wind. These originate from coronal holes  immense regions of the solar atmosphere (the corona) that become exposed to space due to the arrangement of the Suns magnetic fields.

Coronal-Hole-Dec-2-2023-NASA-SDO

This image of the Sun, taken in extreme ultraviolet light by NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory on December 2, 2023, shows an immense, dark coronal hole, where a gap in the Suns magnetic field had exposed the Suns atmosphere to space. (NASA SDO)

As Earth crosses the boundary where the normal solar wind flow gives way to one of these high-speed streams, we can encounter a buildup of high-energy particles. This typically results in stronger auroras as more of those particles are captured by Earths magnetic field.

When a coronal mass ejection (CME or solar storm) sweeps past Earth, we can see even stronger impacts.

Even a fairly small CME can spark a brief uptick in aurora activity when it arrives here. However, as you ramp up the density, speed, and energy of a passing CME, the chances of seeing very intense Northern Lights, far south of where they normally show up, significantly improve.

Solar Prominence Eruption Earth Scale - NASA

This immense coronal mass ejection (CME) erupted from the Sun on August 31, 2012, and was captured in great detail by NASAs Solar Dynamics Observatory. A graphic of Earth has been added to the image to properly scale this monster eruption. (NASA/Goddard Space Flight Center)

Simply increasing one of those three factors  the density, for instance  can produce a very memorable aurora event. If a particularly dense CME erupts following a powerful X-class solar flare, though, the particles in the cloud will absorb a lot of energy from that flare. In such a case, we could be treated to a display of the Northern Lights better than anything witnessed in decades.

Now, if that dense, highly-energized solar storm also took less than a day to traverse the distance between the Sun and Earth, compared to the normal 2-3 day duration for such a trip, we might be in for some trouble. In addition to extremely bright auroras visible from nearly everywhere on the planet (even near the equator), the rapid influx of so many extremely energetic solar particles, all at once, would cause an intense shock to Earths magnetic field.

The resulting disturbance, known as a geomagnetic storm, could potentially rival the 1859 Carrington Event or the 1921 New York Railway Storm - two of the most infamous solar events in history. During each, fluctuations in Earths magnetic field induced strong currents in the telegraph and power grids that existed at the time. Operators experienced electric shocks from their equipment and in some cases the lines caught fire. If something similar happened now, it could cause a significant worldwide blackout.

SEE MORE: Perseids and vibrant auroras shine bright across Canada and globally

Where to see the auroras for Solar Maximum?

Even after the amazing displays weve witnessed so far in 2024, solar activity continues to increase. It has even significantly outpaced what scientists originally predicted for this cycle.

Solar-Cycle-Progression-22-25-NOAA-SWPC

The progression of the current Solar Cycle 25 (far right) is shown here compared to the previous three cycles. While the red curve represents the original predicted strength of the current cycle, the black line represents the true sunspot count (a measure of the cycles activity), up to and including August 2024. (NOAA SWPC)

Based on this, its reasonable to assume that the Northern Lights will put on even better shows between now and early 2026.

If we plan ahead, there are ways to make the most out of the coming opportunities for aurora viewing.

Firstly, we can keep an eye on space weather forecasts, from agencies like NRCans Canadian Space Weather Forecast Centre or NOAAs Space Weather Prediction Center, and news sources like The Weather Network, to know when a significant geomagnetic storm is in the forecast. Here at the Weather Network, we observers should try to get as far away from city light pollution as they can.

Auroras Geomagnetic Storm Kp Index

This map shows the typical southerly extent of the Northern Lights under different conditions. A Planetary K-Index (Kp) of less than 5 represents substorm levels, when auroras are usually confined to northern regions of the country. Each coloured line here is a jump in geomagnetic storm level, with Kp 5 equivalent to a G1 (minor) geomagnetic storm and Kp 9 being a G5 (extreme) storm. (The Weather Network)

It is often difficult enough to see auroras, even with dark skies above. However, light pollution impacts our eyes ability to adapt to the dark. This diminishes our ability to see fainter sources of light, like the auroras. This is especially true in and around large cities, or when surrounded by multiple urban centres, as is common in Canadas southern regions.

Getting out into rural areas, or perhaps finding a nearby Dark Sky site, can immensely improve your viewing potential. Once there, limiting your exposure to light will allow your eyes to better adapt to the dark. Keep streetlights and car lights out of your direct line of sight, and reduce the brightness of your smartphone screen as much as you can (as you may need it).

Some aurora displays will be very bright, with vibrant colours that are plainly visible to the unaided eye. However, this is not always the case. Since the human eye does not pick up colours very well in the dark, you might see the shapes of the aurora above you, but the colours may be very muted. This is where your smartphone will help. The cameras Night Sight or Night Mode function will take long-exposure images, revealing more of the colours that your eye missed.

READ MORE: How to get the most out of meteor showers and other night sky events

Aurora destinations

Those interested in getting farther away to see the auroras, to somewhere they can appear more consistently, might consider heading north.

In particular, Whitehorse, Yukon, can experience some spectacular displays of the Northern Lights. This is true for exceptional events that can also be seen from southern regions of the country, but also during the more quiet times when the auroras are confined to the north. In addition, the longer nights, which can last between 13 to 15 hours, provide a much better chance of seeing them.

Glancing through nighttime imagery from NASAs Suomi NPP satellite reveals that nearly half of all nights between the beginning of January through the end of April, in 2024, featured at least a brief appearance by the auroras over southern or central Yukon. A fair number of those displays were very bright and widespread. Picking up the viewing again in August, when Aurora Season began again, showed a similar trend, with a marked increase in aurora nights going into September.

Auroras-from-space-Feb-11-Sep-17-2024-NASA-SNPP

These two images were captured on Feb 11, 2024 (top) and Sep 17, 2024 (bottom), by the polar-orbiting Suomi NPP weather satellite as it passed over the Northwestern parts of Canada and eastern Alaska. Auroras, shown in green, stretched across the region in a wavy arc on Feb 11, representing a fairly typical night over southern. The Northern Lights were bright and widespread over this same region on Sep 17, representing a significant aurora event. (NOAA/NASA Worldview)

According to Travel Yukon, the Northern Lights has become one of the most popular reasons to visit Whitehorse and the surrounding communities.

Although the location may be remote, you wouldnt necessarily be on your own. As Travel Yukon says on their website, there are several ways to experience the auroras from the area. Local operators conduct nightly tours, while wilderness lodge and cabin experiences offer a way to view them on your own schedule. They even recommend Dawson Citys Midnight Dome as an excellent place from which to view the Northern Lights.

Watch below: May 10 Solar Storm Brings Northern Lights to Caribbean Skies

Click here to view the video
SHREVEPORT, LA. (KTAL/KMSS)The Shreveport Regional Arts Council offers a monthly program called Artist Up, where artists can enroll to learn the business side.

Dallas curator and mixed-media artist Lesli Marshall leads the classes via Zoom. The course delivers strategies for increasing artists incomes from the production, marketing, and distribution of art.

More Local News

Graduates create a marketing portfolio and participate in a group exhibition at Central Artstation.

To sign up for the next class, visit shrevearts.org and click the For Artists tab on the website.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KTALnews.com.
Sounds Like J.D. Vances V.P. Debate Prep Is Going as Well as Expected

J.D. Vance keeps claiming that he hasnt done muchif anythingto prepare for Tuesday nights vice presidential debate.

During an interview on CNBC Tuesday, Majority Whip Tom Emmer, who has been standing in for Minnesota Governor Tim Walz during Vances practice sessions, was asked whether fact-checking Walz was part of Vances strategy.

I think J.D. Vance is going to concentrate on the issues that Americans care about the most, Emmer replied.

Rather than getting into some high school debate, I think hes going to be talking to the American people about what Donald Trump did in his first term with the economy, and the border, and safety and security around the world, what Harris and Biden have broken in the last four years, and how he and Trump are going to fix it, Emmer said.

It doesn't sound like Tom Emmer's prepping of JD Vance for tonight's debate went very well. What even is he talking about here? pic.twitter.com/2Zb1HJa2nn  Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) October 1, 2024

Here, Emmer perfectly demonstrated what is likely to be Vances strategy: to completely ignore the questions and instead deliver a dry stump speech.

Emmer also had trouble responding to questions about Vance polling historically low for a vice presidential candidate.

In what seems like an attempt to appear cool under pressure, the Ohio senatorwho breathlessly repeated debunked claims of Haitian immigrants eating their neighbors petshas separately said that his platform is so bulletproof he doesnt even need to practice arguing it.

We have well developed views on public policy so we dont have to prepare that much, Vance said during a Teamsters press call Wednesday morning, according to Politico. We feel a lot more confident, and frankly, you dont have to prepare if you dont have to hide what you say.

During a rally in North Carolina on Monday, Vance said that he was taking a page out of Donald Trumps playbook by  not really doing anything at all.

What me and Donald Trump are going to keep on doing is going everywhere and talking to everybody, Vance said. We talk to the hostile media, we talk to the friendly media, we talk to the national media, we talk to the local media, and we do it because we think the American people deserve leaders who try to earn their vote instead of expecting it to be given to them.

Trump had made a similar comment ahead of his first presidential debate against Joe Biden. People say, How are you preparing? Im preparing by taking questions from you and others, if you think about it, said Trump, while speaking to a conservative radio talk show host so friendly that he changed his profile picture to an image of himself and the former president after they spoke.
(Bloomberg) -- There are fatal flaws in the South African governments plan to develop a natural gas supply industry, Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, the countrys electricity minister, said.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Ramokgopa, who spoke at a Standard Bank Ltd. conference on Tuesday, said it will need to be reworked.

Most Read from Bloomberg Businessweek

2024 Bloomberg L.P.
A South Carolina man accused of stealing millions from a state of Delaware bank account used to pay child support to parents and guardians has been indicted in Florida.

Brandon Swain, 53, of Columbia, South Carolina, was indicted in early August on eight counts of bank fraud. The indictment was unsealed last week.

According to the indictment, the scheme began in April 2021 and continued through late May 2022. In total, Swain stole $2.7 million from the Delaware Division of Child Support Services, prosecutors said.

How did the scheme unfold?

The indictment does not say how Swain obtained the Division of Child Support Services' bank account information, but he's accused of directly transferring the funds from the account, held at PNC Bank, to what prosecutors call "Company 1."

The business was a timeshare resort company headquartered in Orlando, Florida.

Court documents say that on numerous occasions, Swain transferred out $20,000 at a time to the company. He's then accused of using the funds to purchase various timeshares in the Orlando area and elsewhere.

Prosecutors also claim Swain transferred the Delaware funds to "other businesses and financial institutions."

What is the Delaware Division of Child Support Services?

The role of the Delaware Division of Child Support Services is to ensure single-parent households consistently receive child support payments.

According to the division's website and court documents, it collects child support payments from non-custodial parents through income withholding. Then, the funds are transferred to parents or guardians with custody.

It remains unclear how the fraud was discovered or by whom. Court documents do not provide much detail into the investigation.

READ: Red Clay Creek, St. Jones River and more report high levels of forever chemicals

Neither the Delaware Office of Management and Budget nor the Delaware Department of Health and Social Services, the parent agency of the Division of Child Support Services, immediately responded to Delaware Online/The News Journal's inquiries.

It's also not clear whether any recipients were affected, given the bank is a federally insured institution and depositors' money is protected.

Swain was arrested on Sept. 24 in Columbia, South Carolina, court documents show. It's unclear if he posted the $25,000 unsecured bond set by a federal magistrate.

Got a story tip or idea? Send to Isabel Hughes at ihughes@delawareonline.com. For all things breaking news, follow her on X at @izzihughes_

This article originally appeared on Delaware News Journal: Delaware state child support target of multimillion-dollar theft: Feds
Seven years ago in homey, sleepy South Miami, quirky politics and elected leaders and longtime residents leery of change combined to kill a multi-million-dollar chance to rescue the sliding fortunes of Sunset Drive, the towns signature main street.

The city commission, in a 4-1 vote, spurned a developers plan to rebuild the failing Sunset Place mall with a high-density mix of high-rise apartments, public spaces and new shopping and dining spots. It was a decision South Miami soon came to regret.

Once a shining star in the suburban Miami firmament, South Miamis cozy and eminently walkable downtown has been paying the price ever since. Shops and restaurants around the nearly deserted mall, which one resident calls kind of creepy, struggle to stay open amid a dispiriting landscape of vacant storefronts and scant foot traffic.

But its a new day in South Miami, and it might just see both Sunset Place and the towns city hall complex dramatically transformed.

A view of City of South Miamis City Hall on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024.

This month, the town of around 11,000 people and its revamped leadership embraced a pair of major, large-scale redevelopment proposals intended to put South Miami back on the map, including a plan by new owners of Sunset Place that calls for demolishing the obsolete mall and replacing it with, yes, a high-density mix of high-rise apartments, public spaces and new shopping and dining spots.

That plan, approved unanimously by the city planning board, heads to whats expected to be commission approval in October.

The second plan: A $309 million proposal to redevelop the 4.5-acre city property thats home to South Miamis decrepit, moldy city hall and police station, which sit on Sunset across U.S. 1 from the traditional downtown. City officials had been discussing the need for new public facilities since at least 2015 with no concrete action.

The commission voted unanimously on Sept. 17 to pick developer 13th Floor Investments to undertake the project, which envisions a gleaming new city hall and police precinct, a new public library and apartment buildings of between 15 and 18 stories with a total of 670 units and 28,000 square feet of ground-floor retail.

A historic coral-rock building built in the 1930s as the towns community center and which now houses city offices, the Sylva Martin Building, would be renovated and once again serve as a public gathering space, maybe with a cafe, forming the centerpiece of a planned green plaza in the middle of what the developers describe as an urban village.

The grand plans could change

City officials and the developer caution that the selection is just a first step in what is expected to be a complex negotiation to shape a final plan, which could differ significantly from the initial proposed concept. That may not happen for another year, the developer said.

But together, the transformed Sunset Place and the tentatively named Link at SoMi would bookend what elected leaders hope will be an expanded, revitalized town center worthy of the towns new forward-looking course -- while at the same time helping to preserve the small-town feel of the traditional Sunset business district and the rest of South Miami, which bills itself The City of Pleasant Living.

View of a public hearing notice posted by the door of an empty space inside the 25 year old Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami on Sept. 11, 2024. The mall complex may be torn down and redeveloped as a mixed use residence/office space/hotel and retail/restaurant location.

We need an evolution, not a revolution, said South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez, who is running for re-election to a second two-year term after winning office on a promise to help fix Sunset Drive and the towns governance. Nothing that were doing is an issue thats new under the sun. Whats missing is people in the district. We have to let the town center evolve and grow with more residential.

The city hall proposal, which he has spearheaded, aims to help the town finance the new municipal building without burdening taxpayers. It would also bring in new tax revenue and enhance an area with little life in spite of its close proximity to the South Miami Metrorail Station and a major regional employer, South Miami Hospital.

This would balance out both sides of U.S. 1 and breathe some life into that part of the corridor, Fernandez said.

To be sure, some residents have raised alarms at the considerable increases in height and density the two projects would bring to a town thats long treasured its low-scale look and feel. The Sunset Place redevelopment, for instance, would mean seven buildings rising 12 stories to as much as 33 stories at the busy corner of Red Road and U.S. 1.

That same anti-development animus led to the commission blocking the 2017 plan for the malls partial demolition and redevelopment. The commission reversed course a little over a year later, approving a revised version of the massive proposal, but it was too late for the developers. Bleeding money as national tenants fled, and facing a depreciating asset, they sold the mall at a $45 million loss.

They were out of their minds, said then-mayor Philip Stoddard, a vocal supporter of the Sunset Place plan, of the commissions 2017 nay vote. That was the worst night of my mayorship.

Making things even worse for the mall and the Sunset district, Stoddard noted, was fierce competition for customers from a newly revitalized Coconut Grove and downtown Coral Gables, which ironically had been in a protracted slump while Sunset Place was drawing throngs in the early part of the 2000s.

Developers 13th Floor Investments, chosen by the city of South Miami to redevelop its municipal complex, has proposed a new city hall and police building, center, facing Sunset Drive, and apartment towers surrounding a public space.

In both places, Stoddard noted, public officials and developers made concerted and successful efforts to build dense new residential buildings abutting low-scale commercial centers like Miracle Mile and the Grove center village, while revamping commercial spaces and making streets and sidewalks more appealing and pedestrian-friendly. The same owners who unsuccessfully sought to redevelop Sunset Place managed an indisputable hit when they fully remade the Groves once equally moribund CocoWalk.

South Miami did not do that and were suffering the consequences, Stoddard said. Weve got a lovely downtown. But we have a basic problem. And that is, we dont have enough boots and wallets on the street.

A changing population

Since the fateful decision, though, South Miamis demographics have been changing markedly, he said. Many older residents have sold their homes and left, replaced by younger people and families with small children who are not afraid of a little density and crave some urban amenities. Change has come to residential neighborhoods already, as modest, older homes are demolished and replaced with gleaming Modernist castles.

Home prices have as a result skyrocketed, drawing even more affluent residents to homes now worth well upwards of $1 million.

That has meant that South Miami residents are now far more receptive to the idea of redeveloping both Sunset Place and the municipal complex, said Melissa Lesniak, who has lived in South Miami and abutting, unincorporated High Pines since 2005.

An artistic rendering of the proposed Sunset Place project from the plaza view.

Ive seen the total decline of the mall. Its definitely an eyesore, said Lesniak, who serves as a volunteer on the towns citizen budget advisory committee and now lives with her family near South Miami Park in a home they purchased in 2018.  Its getting to the point where its kind of creepy.

There is a lot of push and pull on change in South Miami. But people I talk to would love to see something happening there. It seems like a great idea of building up along U.S. 1 and Metrorail. I definitely think some of that higher density is good. A lot of younger people are looking for that kind of thing.

The municipal complex is also underused, Lesniak said. The public library, a branch of the sprawling Miami-Dade County library system, is old and cramped and badly in need of modernizing, she said. Few of her friends and acquaintances are even aware its there, and instead use newly renovated public libraries in neighboring Coral Gables and Pinecrest, Lesniak said.

Built in the 1950s, the South Miami city hall and police buildings are meanwhile both badly outdated and so dilapidated theyre likely unsalvageable, municipal officials concluded a decade ago. City hall was built over an underground river and is so humid as a result that managers are constantly fighting mold that has crept into the walls. There is no elevator to the second floor, which violates the federal Americans with Disabilities Act.

Moreover, Stoddard, Fernandez and developer 13th Floor agree, the way the buildings are laid out, well off Sunset Drive and surrounding by parking lots, wastes space and is uninviting to the public, creating a dead space on the towns principal corridor.

Developers 13th Floor Investments, chosen by the city of South Miami to redevelop its municipal complex on Sunset Drive, has proposed a new city hall and police building and apartment towers and retail shops surrounding a public space with a historic, peaked-roof coral-rock building as its centerpiece.

The city previously considered selling the property and erecting new municipal buildings elsewhere with the proceeds, but residents balked at the idea.

The commission, with a new pro-development majority installed by voters, elected instead to solicit proposals from developers who could put up residential and commercial construction, with revenue from the deal paying for new state-of-the-art public facilities, boosting municipal finances, and easing taxes on homeowners.

Two developers, including a California firm, submitted proposals, but only 13th Floors submission met all requirements.

Grove-based 13th Floor has a significant track record on projects with local government. With partners and on its own, it has developed high-rise apartment buildings at Metrorail stations at Douglas Road and Dadeland North.

The Link at Douglas Road includes two completed towers and a Milams supermarket, with two more towers on track to break ground early next year, said managing principal Arnaud Karsenti. The project also entailed extensive improvements to the train and bus stations.

This is our backyard

Karsenti and his partners grew up and live in and around South Miami and have been seeking the chance to tackle the city hall projects since the city began considering redevelopment. He said they have found a receptivity that was previously missing.

This is our backyard, Karsenti said. I do feel like South Miami is about to hit a major stride. South Miami is due in my opinion. The leadership has been much more progressive. Its in my opinion a much healthier governing body.

A town evaluation committee recommended the commission approve 13th Floors selection, with several caveats outlined in an analysis.

Among other concerns, the analysis concludes that the $30 million earmarked by 13th Floor for the new city hall and police station will be insufficient to cover the cost of constructing and outfitting the new building, and that a construction timeline of 24 months seems overly optimistic.

View of the Barnes & Noble book store location on the intersection of Red and Sunset in the 25 year old Shops at Sunset Place in South Miami on Sept. 11, 2024. The mall complex may be torn down and redeveloped as a mixed use residence/office space/hotel and retail/restaurant location.

Under the conceptual plan drawn up by 13th Floor and Corwil Architects Inc. of Coral Gables, the contemplated glass-sheathed city hall building would be placed front and center on Sunset, with a three-story tall entryway to frame and showcase the Sylva Martin building behind it.

We thought, why dont we celebrate the city hall of South Miami instead of hiding it? Karsenti said. It can be a beacon for South Miami rather than an eyesore. And lets showcase the historic building as well.

The abutting Jean Willis Park could make way for one of two residential buildings, but a new plaza and green park would replace it around the historic building, to be converted by prominent preservation architect Richard Heisenbottle.

That one residential tower, an accompanying parking garage and the new public buildings would be built first, so that the city can continue operating in the existing complex. The complex would then be fully demolished to make way for a second phase of development, which includes the second tower and garage.

The county library system, which is a tenant on the city property, has also agreed to the plan, which would provide a new branch building following requirements laid out by the county.

The apartment towers will set aside 67 units as workforce housing, defined as having rents affordable to people making up to 120 percent of the countys median household income. Under current figures, that means monthly rents would range from $2,385 for one-bedroom units to $3,541 for three-bedroom apartments.

Karsenti said South Miami badly needs the apartments as home prices rise, pricing many out, including hospital workers and University of Miami employees.

Projects like this provide a real alternative to live in this area if you cant afford a multi-million-dollar home, he said. We would like to create an efficient, affordable place to live and give it design appeal.

The developers also say they will create a direct connection to the Underline, the 10-mile linear park and bike path thats under construction beneath the elevated Metrorail tracks that run along the municipal propertys edge along U.S. 1.

Both Fernandez and Commissioner Brian Corey said thats a key consideration for them.

Of all the things we are doing in South Miami, this could end up being one of our more memorable spaces, and a lot of that is going to come from that interaction with the Underline, Corey said at the Sept. 17 hearing.

That detail is yet to come, the developers said, and will be developed fully as the plan is refined in negotiations with the city. One thing made clear at the hearing is that nothing in the developers submission is final and much could change.

All of this is conceptual, 13th Floor chief operating officers Rey Melendi told commissioners. This is very preliminary, but it works.

Fernandez, in an interview after the hearing, expressed reservations about some of the financial terms and noted that the buildings could become smaller in exchange for more green space, for instance.

I certainly am trying to calibrate, he said. Were at step one in this process.

South Miami Mayor Javier Fernandez.

Karsenti said in an interview that his firm has the necessary flexibility and experience to make it work.

You really become partners with the city, he said. My partners are very good at finding the mousetrap that works for all parties.
The Hyunmoo, surface-to-surface missile, march during a celebration to mark 76th anniversary of Korea Armed Forces Day, in Seongnam, South Korea, Tuesday, Oct.1, 2024. (Kim Hong-Ji/Pool Photo via AP)

SEOUL, South Korea (AP)  South Korea unveiled its most powerful ballistic missile and other weapons that could target North Korea during a massive Armed Forces Day ceremony on Tuesday, as the South's president warned the North's regime would collapse if it attempts to use nuclear weapons.

South Koreas weapons displays and warning against North Korea came after its northern rival recently rose regional animosities by disclosing its uranium-enrichment facility and tested missiles ahead of the U.S. presidential election in November.

If North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it will face the resolute and overwhelming response of our military and the (South Korea)-U.S. alliance, President Yoon Suk Yeol told thousands of troops gathered at a military airport near Seoul. That day will be the end of the North Korean regime.

The North Korean regime must abandon the delusion that nuclear weapons will protect them, Yoon said.

During the ceremony, the South Korean military displayed about 340 military equipment and weapons systems. Among them was its most powerful Hyunmoo-5 ballistic missile, which observers say is capable of carrying an 8-ton conventional warhead that can penetrate deep into the earth and destroy underground bunkers in North Korea.

It was the first time for South Korea to disclose that missile.

The United States flew a long-range B-1B bomber during the ceremony in an apparent demonstration of its security commitment to its Asian ally. South Korea also flew some of its most advanced fighter jets.

Later Tuesday, South Korea paraded its troops and weapons through the streets of Seoul, the country's capital, as part of efforts to boost military morale and demonstrate its deterrence capabilities against potential North Korean aggressions.

Since taking office in 2022, Yoon, a conservative, has put a stronger military alliance with the U.S. and an improved trilateral Seoul-Washington-Tokyo security cooperation at the center of his security polices to cope with North Koreas advancing nuclear program. In recent years, North Korea has performed a provocative run of missile tests and threatened to use nuclear weapons preemptively in potential conflicts with South Korea and the United States.

Last month, concerns about North Koreas bomb program further grew after it published photos of a secretive facility to enrich uranium for nuclear weapons. It was North Koreas first unveiling of a uranium-enrichment facility since it showed one at the countrys main Yongbyon nuclear complex to visiting American scholars in 2010.

South Korean officials say North Korea will likely try to further dial up tensions with high-profile weapons tests ahead of the U.S. election to increase its leverage in future diplomacy with a new U.S. government. Experts say North Korea likely thinks an expanded nuclear arsenal would help it win bigger U.S. concessions like extensive sanctions relief.

Earlier Tuesday, North Koreas vice defense minister, Kim Kang Il, slammed the U.S. for its temporary deployments of powerful military assets to South Korea and vowed strong responses. He cited the recent visit of a U.S. nuclear-powered submarine and Tuesday's B-1B flyover.

Kim threatened to bolster North Korea's powerful war deterrent, an apparent reference to its nuclear capability, and take unspecified steps to stoke security concerns to the security of the U.S. mainland. Observers say his comments implies North Korea may consider test-firing an intercontinental ballistic missile capable of reaching the U.S. mainland.

Also Tuesday, South Korea launched its strategic command meant to deal with North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Seoul officials say the command integrates South Koreas conventional capabilities with U.S. nuclear weapons. South Korea has no nuclear weapons.

___

Follow AP's Asia-Pacific coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/asia-pacific
South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol speaks during a ceremony marking Armed Forces Day at Seoul Air Base in Seongnam. -/YNA-Pool/dpa

South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol on Tuesday warned North Korea that any attempt to use nuclear weapons would be met with a firm and overwhelming response from South Korea and its US allies.

Speaking during an Armed Forces Day ceremony at a military base south of Seoul, Yoon said if North Korea attempts to use nuclear weapons, it would face the "resolute and overwhelming response" of its military and the South Korean-US alliance.

"That day will be the end of the North Korean regime," he added.

Yoon also denounced North Korea's "illegal arms trade" with Russia, which he said threatened world peace.

In September, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un revealed a uranium enrichment facility and expressed his desire to "exponentially" expand the country's nuclear weapons arsenal.

According to the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), North Korea currently possesses around 50 nuclear warheads, though the exact number is unknown.

Widely isolated North Korea is subject to international sanctions because of its nuclear weapons and missile programme. The last known nuclear test took place in 2017.
Southwest flight to Denver forced to return to Sacramento airport after reported malfunction

A Southwest Airlines flight on its way to Denver Tuesday morning was forced to return to Sacramento for a reported nosewheel steering malfunction on the passenger plane.

Southwest Flight 4687 departed from the Sacramento International Airport at 9:09 a.m. on its way to Denver International Airport, according to FlightAware.

Soon after, a reported nose gear issue forced the Boeing 737 jet, tail number N969WN, to turn around over Somerset in El Dorado County, according to FlightRadar24.

The plane returned and landed in Sacramento about 40 minutes after departure. Scott Johnson, a spokesman for the countys airport system, confirmed the plane landed safely without any further problems. He said crews were checking out the plane.

Ashley Bain, a Southwest Airlines spokesperson, said Flight 4687 returned safely to Sacramento after receiving a maintenance indication. Bain said the airplane was taken out of service, and passengers boarded onto another plane Tuesday to their destination in Denver.

Southwest Flight 4687 was now scheduled to depart Sacramento at 11:47 a.m. Tuesday for its two hour and 35 minute flight to Denver, according FlightAware.
MADRID (Reuters) - Israel should cease conducting ground raids in southern Lebanon to avoid an escalation of the conflict enveloping the wider region, Spanish Foreign Minister Jose Manuel Albares told reporters on Tuesday.

"We insist that the ground incursion should be halted, as we're receiving very worrying information," Albares said, adding that it was "necessary to reach a truce in Lebanon and a ceasefire in Gaza".

Earlier on Tuesday, Israel said intense fighting erupted with the Iran-backed Hezbollah group in south Lebanon after its paratroopers, commandos and armoured units launched raids at the start of a ground incursion.

The operation follows intense airstrikes that have devastated Hezbollah's leadership, including longtime chief Hassan Nasrallah who was assassinated in Beirut last week.

Albares also condemned Hezbollah's rocket attacks on Israeli territory. He said the only way to achieve peace in the Middle East was if belligerents complied with international humanitarian law and respected the protections accorded to civilians.

Since February 2022, Spain has commanded the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) and deployed 650 troops along the southern Lebanese border with Israel.

(Reporting by David Latona; editing by Inti Landauro; editing by Mark Heinrich)
Grieving parents are invited to attend services to mark Baby Loss Awareness Week.

Services will take place in Hull and Scunthorpe in October.

NHS Humber Health Partnership said the services would offer families the chance to reflect.

Parents will be a given a heart to write their babys name on for it to be read out during each service.

Services will take place at Hull College, at 13:00 BST and 15:00 on 6 October.

A third service takes place at St Lawrences Church in Scunthorpe, at 16:00 on 13 October.

The services have been organised by the health partnership's pastoral and spiritual care team and the Stillbirth and Neonatal Death (Sands) charity.

The Reverend Harry Smart, from Northern Lincolnshire and Goole NHS Trust, said: "Anyone who has been touched by the loss of a baby, at any stage of life, is welcome to attend.

For the majority of people, the arrival of a baby is a time of great joy and celebration, but sadly this is not always the case."

He said the services would help people "find comfort and strength".

Joanne Milns, from the pastoral and spiritual care team at Hull Royal Infirmary and Castle Hill Hospital, said: No-one can truly understand the grief caused by the loss of a child until they have lived that experience.

Our remembrance services will give local families and their loved ones the chance to grieve, to reflect and to remember."

Baby Loss Awareness Week is now in its 22nd year.

Listen to highlights from Hull and East Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

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Both the Senate and House of Delegates suspended constitutional rules to greenlight appropriations for roads, veterans projects and more during the legislative special session in Charleston, W.Va. on Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Perry Bennett | West Virginia Legislative Photography)

Lawmakers started vetting Gov. Jim Justices list of 27 bills for the special session on Monday, opting to hold off on acting on the high-profile items, like the governors proposed cut to the personal income tax and child care tax credit.

Both the Senate and House of Delegates suspended constitutional rules to greenlight appropriations for roads, veterans projects and more. The lack of action on other bills - as well as bills missing from the call  frustrated House Democrats, who pointed to at least $35,000 spent per day in a special session.

Both chambers recessed by Monday afternoon, opting to push a number of bills, including the proposed income tax reduction, to be considered when they reconvene on Oct. 6. The bill, pushed by Justice during his campaign for the U.S. Senate, doesnt have the Legislatures full support.

Senate Finance Chairman Eric Tarr, R-Putnam, raised doubts that the state could afford a 5% tax cut.

Im doubtful, and the reason Im doubtful is just because the revenues are coming in slower than they have for the past few years. Were under estimates for the year on estimates that are probably already low estimates, he said. Its tough to go and see where that moneys gonna come from.

The bill would permit them to do less than the governors proposed 5%.

Septembers revenue reports will come out Oct. 1

I want the tax cuts to go on in the future, and what we risk doing by cutting the income tax too aggressively is going back and having to raise taxes to cover the cost of government, Tarr continued. Weve reduced taxes by more than a billion dollars now. And in addition to that, weve been holding flat budgets to control the growth of government.

In the House, Finance Chairman Vernon Criss, R-Wood, supports the tax cut and thinks the state can afford some form of a reduction.

Im 100% for it in some form or fashion, Criss said. I dont have any trouble with trying to get the money back to the people, and the government can do this and should do this.

The House referred the bill to its Finance Committee but it wasnt taken up when they met on Monday.

Democrats in the House tried to force a floor vote on the bill in their chamber, unsuccessfully calling for a suspension of constitutional rules.

It seems like the Republican majority that talks a lot about cutting taxes, when it comes time, theyre a little scared  and for good reason theyre scared to. Were here spending hundreds of millions in supplementals. Meanwhile, theres a tax cut bill on the call, said Del. John Williams, D-Monongalia. We need to think of every essential service we provide to our people, whether thats Birth to Three, whether thats Medicaid services, whether thats fixing our roads.

In a news conference after the House recessed, Democrat delegates said the special session showed confusion and chaos while not addressing the pressing issues like the states child care crisis, loopholes in homeschool laws linked to child abuse and more.

Our Democrat caucus has been yelling from the rooftop about these issues, said Del. Shawn Fluharty, D-Ohio, who has pushed for Raylees Law, that would pause or potentially deny a parents request to homeschool if a teacher has reported suspected child abuse. The legislation was named for 8-year-old Raylee Browning, who died of abuse and neglect in 2018 in Fayette County after her parents withdrew her from school.

We had bipartisan agreement in the House on Raylees law, Fluharty continued. Yet, here we are down here on the taxpayer dime taking care of Jim Justice. Its clear that he cares about one thing only  Jim Justice, not kids.

Lawmakers focus on appropriations

The House suspended constitutional rules to swiftly approve a number of supplemental appropriations that included $1.2 million for Veterans Assistance projects and pay raises for teachers at the School of Deaf and Blind that were inadvertently left out of raises approved earlier this year. Additionally, the House approved $2 million in funding for West Virginia Universitys Rockefeller Neuroscience Center; Justice vetoed that bill in April, saying it was too vague but opted to include it in his special session call.

Delegates spent the most time during their session on Monday discussing a bill that would repeal prohibitions in state code on the storage of certain kinds of nuclear waste. The bill passed the House 73-18 with nine members absent and not voting. The Senate introduced its version of the bill Monday morning. During the afternoon session, the body did not receive the Houses message regarding its passage of the bill and did not discuss either version of the legislation.

House Bill 208 would enter the state into an agreement with the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission and allow West Virginia to regulate, store and potentially dispose of low-level nuclear waste. Currently, the authority for regulating most nuclear waste lies with the federal government. Under the proposed bill  a similar version of which passed the House and was killed by the Senate in 2023  the state Department of Health would oversee and coordinate with surrounding states on storage and disposal for certain kinds of nuclear waste.

Several Republicans and Democrats in the House shared concerns about the legislation, citing uncertainties about the health concerns regarding storing nuclear waste within the state and exactly what parameters would exist to ensure West Virginia wouldnt be used as a dumping ground for other states producing more of the waste.

You know, among all the other things weve been trying to follow with the legislation weve been passing here, I just got to looking at if ionizing radiation is dangerous to humans, said Del. Jim Butler, R-Mason. The short answer is it can be, so I have some concerns here.

Those supporting the bill, including Del. Bob Fehrenbacher, R-Wood, said it would give the state more control over the timeline for permitting activities. It could also, lawmakers said, be an avenue into allowing the state to explore the option of nuclear energy in the future.

I believe this is a good step for West Virginia in that it is not dealing with wastes from nuclear power generating facilities , Fehrenbacher said. I do not see this as cracking open the door to allow such wastes to come to West Virginia.

Mostly, members voting against the legislation  and even some who supported it  seemed frustrated to see it appear during the special session. Fehrenbacher said it was a good question as to why the bill was on the special session call. Dels. Evan Hansen, D-Monongalia, and Todd Longanacre, R-Greenbrier, said they would like to see the bill come up in a regular session, where it could be discussed in committee meetings and have some of the questions raised regarding it addressed.

The House Education Committee approved a bill with a 12-6 vote that would permit public charter schools to apply for money from the School Building Authority. Charter school advocates last year told lawmakers that start-up costs, including acquiring brick-and-mortar locations, were often difficult to fund. It will go to the House floor for consideration.

The Senate read 28 pieces of legislation and completed action on six House bills. Senators also suspended the constitutional rules to pass legislation that would move $87 million into a PEIA reserve fund. The bill now heads to the House for consideration.

Though in a recess, lawmakers remain in special session until they gavel in at 6 p.m. on Oct 6. Theyre only paid for days that they are in Charleston and participating in the legislative process.

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Among the carrier's discontinued service includes routes from both Boston and DFW.

Laser1987/Getty Images Spirit Airlines Airbus A320 Aircraft departure from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)

Spirit Airlines is taking an ax to its route map this fall and cutting 32 routes from cities across the country.



Boston and Dallas-Fort Worth  where Spirit faces steep competition from the likes of American, Delta, and JetBlue  are facing the deepest cuts, according to airline data service Cirium Diio and confirmation to Travel + Leisure from the airline.

Gone from Boston are nonstops to Charleston, Chicago, Columbus, Kansas City, Norfolk, and Pittsburgh while Dallas is losing flights to Columbus, Kansas City, Memphis, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia.



We routinely evaluate our network and make adjustments to support the company's business strategy based on current market and operating conditions, a Spirit spokesperson told T+L of the changes. As part of this process, we updated our upcoming schedule to focus on our strongest performing routes.



Travelers booked on any of the canceled routes will be notified of their options, the spokesperson added.



Spirit has struggled since its planned merger with JetBlue was blocked by a federal judge in January and the airlines agreed to part ways in March. The airline faces a large debt bill that is due next year.



The carrier's cuts are in an effort to return to the black, as Spirit also dropped popular destinations like Denver, Lima, Peru, and Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, from its map entirely this year.



Florida and Las Vegas are two markets that Spirit, and other airlines, have singled out for recent losses. Spirits previous cuts include Orlando to Hartford and Santo Domingo; Fort Lauderdale to Salt Lake City; and Miami to Nashville. And from Las Vegas, the carrier will end flights to Charleston, Louisville, Minneapolis-St. Paul, and St. Louis.



Spirit has either ended flights already, or will end them by January at the latest, on the 32 discontinued routes.

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Read the original article on Travel & Leisure.
A Springfield business owner defended his Haitian employees. Now Trumpers are sending him death threats

Donald Trumps conspiracy theories about Haitian immigrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, have resulted in death threats (Associated Press)

A business owner in Springfield, Ohio and his family have received graphic death threats after defending his Haitian employees from Donald Trump's racist smears.

Jamie McGregor, 48, who employs about 30 legal Haitian immigrants at his vehicle parts factory, had spoken out in September after Trump and his allies began spreading false claims that Haitians in Ohio were eating people's pets.

They come to work every day. They dont cause drama. Theyre on time, McGregor told The New York Times, saying that the migrants had taken up crucial positions that hed been struggling to fill after expanding his business.

Now the Times reports that strangers have been threatening McGregor and his family in the most lurid terms, as well as putting up posters near the factory that declared him a traitor.

"Why are you importing Third World savages who eat animals and giving them jobs over United States citizens?" one voicemail asked.

A mural that reads Greetings from Springfield Ohio is seen painted on an alley wall Tuesday, Sept. 17, 2024, in Springfield, Ohio. (AP)

Another message declared that it would be "100 per cent justified" if McGregor took "a bullet to the skull", while yet another offered a graphic fantasy of McGregor being crushed to death by a pile of Haitian bodies.

Many of the messages came from neo-Nazis and white supremacists, the Times reported.

The deluge prompted McGregor to take his family to safety training and shooting classes, and to buy a firearm to keep in his house  despite his long discomfort with such weapons.

"I cant imagine living my whole life like this," said McGregor's wife Cameron. "You know, its got to end. Its got to stop  hopefully after the election."

Numerous schools and colleges were forced to close due to bomb threats and other safety risks earlier this month after the Trump campaign decided to make a target out of Springfield's most recently-arrived immigrant group.

Since the Covid-19 pandemic, thousands of Haitians who were granted a temporary right to remain in the US due to the bloody civil war on their country have moved to Springfield, responding to a campaign by local leaders to attract new workers to the once-struggling town.

Then, based on shaky or zero evidence, Trump, his running mate JD Vance, and other conservatives alleged a plague of pet-eating in the mid-size midwestern city.

In Springfield, theyre eating the dogs, the people that came in, theyre eating the cats. Theyre eating the pets, Trump declared during the September presidential debate with Vice President Kamala Harris.

McGregor, reportedly, a lifelong Republican who voted for Trump in 2016 and 2020, now says that he would not do so again.
The time is now to do something, Springfield business owner voices speeding concerns along Boston Road

SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP)  Boston Road in Springfield continues to be an area of concern for residents and business owners following a spike in deadly crashes and reckless speeding.

Springfield leaders urge drivers to slow down on Boston Road

Just three weeks ago, a woman was struck and killed by a hit-and-run driver in the area of Boston Road and Berkshire Avenue in Springfield. Also, just a month ago two people were seriously injured after crashing their vehicle into the McDonalds on Boston Road.

Vincent Salemi, owner of Salemi Appliances, thought that Springfield police would increase patrols in that area because of all of the activity, but they havent. Hes concerned about cars driving 50-60 miles an hour on this 35-mile-per-hour road and hes worried about his customers and pedestrians trying to cross the street.

Salemi says that the time is now to do something, People are just going to keep dying and, people getting hit. I mean, that woman was just crossing the road in the evening and to got hit by a crazy driver, exclaimed Salemi.

VIDEO: That guy wasnt going 35

POLICE: Patrols to enforce speed limits

Last month, the Springfield Police Department said they will continue to use a combination of traffic enforcement initiatives and increase the number of patrols to crack down on speeding.

Springfield police stepping up speed enforcement

Police Superintendent Akers and the Police Traffic Bureau are urging drivers to follow the speed limits and put down their phones. To reduce speeding, police have placed digital billboards on several streets warning residents.

We do not want to play the blame game, we simply do not want to see any more citizens losing their lives due to senseless/reckless driving. We have seen most recent fatal accidents involve a single car, a single driver, indicating that speeding and distracted driving are serious problems out on the roads, said Superintendent Akers.

LIVE MAP: Boston Road in Springfield

Last year there were 18 deadly accidents in the city of Springfield, compared to this year there have been 11 deadly crashes so far.

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TOLLAND, CT. (WWLP)  A man from Springfield has been arrested in connection to a sexual assault in a hot tub in Connecticut.

Gunshot victim found in Springfields North End neighborhood

According to the Connecticut State Police, at approximately 10:53 a.m. on Monday, 42-year-old Luis Alberto Elicier was arrested in Enfield and charged with sexual assault in the first degree and unlawful restraint in the first degree.

Elicier was at a home in Tolland with three other people for a birthday celebration, when he became aggressive with the victim when the two were alone in a hot tub on the back deck.

According to NBC Boston, the arrest warrant stated that the 29-year-old victim told police that Elicier began touching her, and after she refused several times, Elicier grabbed her by the neck, forced her over, and sexually assaulted her. The victim went inside and told someone what happened. Elicier was told to leave the party and the police were then called.

He is being held on $500,000 and is scheduled to be in court on Tuesday.

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WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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AKWESASNE, N.Y. (WWTI)  The St. Regis Mohawk Tribe has announced it will received federal assistance from the storms of August 8-10 that hit the region.

The aid will allow the Tribe to rebuild infrastructure and repair buildings that were damaged from the remnants of Hurricane Debby. The tribe will also be eligible for mitigation funding that can be used to improve infrastructure and make the area more resilient to future flooding.

Major Disaster Declaration given to NNY following Tropical Storm Debby

The flooding in August was a reminder of the challenges our community could face from natural disasters with future impacts of climate change. This federal assistance will be a lifeline, helping us not only rebuild what was lost but also strengthen our infrastructure to better withstand future events. I also want to note that this declaration is for Public Assistance. Individual Assistance, which will get some direct assistance to homeowners is still pending approval. We are hoping to hear very soon on that, and if approved we will be organizing very quickly a process to get homeowners connected with FEMA representatives Nolan Jacobs, Director of the Office of Emergency Management & Safety for St. Regis Mohawk Tribe

The release went onto to add that tribal officials are grateful for the help from the Federal Emergency Management Agency and look forward to working with President Joe Bidens office on recovery efforts.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWTI - InformNNY.com.
UK forces were involved in supporting Israel in the conflict in the Middle East after Iran launched a missile attack on the country.

Defence Secretary John Healey, who will be in Cyprus on Wednesday to visit personnel, said British forces had "this evening played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation, without giving more details.

The BBC understands UK fighter jets were involved, as they were in April when Iran last attacked Israel with missiles.

Responding on Tuesday to Iran's attack, Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer said the UK "stands with Israel" and recognises its right to self-defence.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said it had launched the missiles in retaliation for recent attacks that killed the leaders of the Hezbollah and Hamas militant groups, as well as a senior Iranian commander.

Israel said most of the 180 missiles fired were intercepted.

Healey thanked British personnel involved for their courage and professionalism.

"The UK stands fully behind Israel's right to defend its country and its people against threats."

Healey's visit to Cyprus will see him meet some of the British personnel preparing for the possibility of evacuating British nationals from Lebanon.

Britons in Lebanon have been advised to register their presence with officials on the government's website and a UK-chartered plane is set to leave Beirut on Wednesday.

But some told the BBC they had received no confirmation or details about their booking on the government-chartered flight, despite paying for a seat.

In April British jets shot down a number of drones fired at Israel from Iran.

The drones were intercepted by the RAF in Syrian and Iraqi airspace, where it was already operating as part of the Operation Shader mission against the Islamic State group.

The decision to use jets in April was taken by the previous Conservative government and supported at the time and since by Sir Keir.

Sir Keir used the address from Downing Street to condemn Iran's attack on Israel, saying he was "deeply concerned that the region is on the brink".

"We stand with Israel and we recognise her right to self-defence in the face of this aggression," he said.

Calling on Iran to stop its attacks, he added: "Together with its proxies like Hezbollah, Iran has menaced the Middle East for far too long, chaos and destruction brought not just to Israel, but to the people they live amongst in Lebanon and beyond.

"Make no mistake, Britain stands full square against such violence. We support Israel's reasonable demand for the security of its people."

Sir Keir was on the phone to his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu when the Iranian attacks began.

The two men had been speaking for around 15 minutes  about the prospect of missiles being fired by Tehran  when Netanyahu had to abandon the call because he had been told the attacks were under way.

During their call, Sir Keir also underlined the importance of a ceasefire in Lebanon and Gaza.

Conservative Party leader Rishi Sunak said: "We stand unequivocally by Israel's right to defend itself including against Hezbollah in Lebanon."

In his statement, the prime minister repeated his advice to British nationals to leave Lebanon, warning the situation was becoming "increasingly grave".

He added: "If you have the means to leave, the time is now. Do not wait."

As of last week, there were thought to be between 4,000 and 6,000 UK nationals, including dependants, in Lebanon.

The missile attack came hours after Israel launched a ground invasion in southern Lebanon, in what it has described as "limited, localised and targeted" raids against Hezbollah.

Lebanese officials say more than 1,000 people have been killed following Israeli air strikes over the past two weeks. Hezbollah has responded by firing hundreds of rockets into northern Israel.

The previously sporadic cross-border fighting between Israel and Hezbollah escalated on 8 October 2023 - the day after the unprecedented attack on Israel by Hamas gunmen from the Gaza Strip - when Hezbollah fired at Israeli positions, in solidarity with the Palestinians.
(Bloomberg) -- Prime Minister Keir Starmers trip to Brussels on Wednesday will be his first real foray into forging a new post-Brexit relationship with Europe, a process expected to take months, if not years amid competing priorities.

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Starmer will hold his first meeting in the Belgian capital with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen since sweeping to power in July. Hes eager to get an early sense of the viability of his plans for a security pact and veterinary agreement, before formal talks begin later this year.

Starmers Labour, in power for the first time since 2010, is trying to repair the damage to the UKs ties with the bloc caused by years of fractious negotiations over Brexit. To signal a significant shift in relations, Britain and the EU are looking to hold their first bilateral summit next year, according to people familiar with the matter who asked not to be named discussing plans that havent been finalized.

As part of the rapprochement, Foreign Secretary David Lammy is also likely to attend a meeting of EU foreign affairs ministers later this month, and he and Nick Thomas-Symonds, the minister in charge of EU negotiations, will meet their counterparts in Dublin this week after Starmers Brussels visit, the people said.

But while the EU and UK are eager to seize upon the positive reset, they have different priorities, suggesting yet more difficult talks lie ahead.

Starmer wants closer cooperation on defense, a relaxation of food checks, mutual recognition of professional qualifications and a special visa for touring artists. The UK has also made clear that longstanding red lines remain on not rejoining the single market and customs union.

The EU wants any new deals to build on the complete implementation of agreements that have already been signed post-Brexit. The bloc is seeking a youth mobility pact, energy cooperation and reassurances over citizens rights and fisheries. Germany and France have called for a bloc-wide deal on migration, and while Starmer has raised that prospect in the past, his government is now eyeing bilateral deals with France and Italy.

EU diplomats say the UKs proposals for security and veterinary deals are doable, but are privately frustrated by the lack of detail, with some member states urging the bloc to be cautious in brokering new agreements with Britain.

Theyve also been disappointed by Starmers early dismissal of a proposal to allow EU and UK citizens between 18 to 30 years to stay in the destination country for as long as four years, they said.

The UKs main concern is that such a pact would inflate net migration figures, which Starmer has promised to lower, officials told Bloomberg. The new administration is looking to the EU to rework its initial proposal to make it more appealing to the UK, they said, even though they dont anticipate it shifting the dial significantly.

I know that it raises questions and concerns and some people mix it up with migration-related issues or mobility-related issues, Pedro Serrano, EU Ambassador to the UK, told Times Radio last week. But it has nothing to do with any of that. This is about ensuring that our youth continues to get together to know each other.

Despite Starmer telling reporters last week that the UK has no plans for such a deal, the government is willing to discuss the idea as part of wider UK-EU negotiations, people familiar with the matter said.

UK officials expect formal negotiations to begin in December or January, once the EUs new commission completes the confirmation process. Both UK and EU diplomats believe that 2025 is the crucial window for thrashing out these pacts, and warn that momentum from the reset under the new UK administration risks being lost beyond that.

We will only be able to tackle these challenges by putting our collective weight behind them, which is why I am so determined to put the Brexit years behind us and establish a more pragmatic and mature relationship with the European Union, Starmer said late Tuesday in a statement. Better co-operation with the EU will deliver the benefits the British people deserve: securing our borders, keeping us safe and boosting economic growth.

This week, Starmer may also raise the EUs new biometric data sharing system, which is expected to trigger border delays when it is rolled out in November. The UK is particularly worried that its introduction will coincide with Armistice Day, when there will be an uptick of people traveling between Britain and France, the people familiar said. Starmers administration wants an update from the EU on whether its member states are prepared and if not, if the implementation will be delayed again, they said.

--With assistance from Andrea Palasciano and Alex Morales.

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Annapolis mayoral candidate Jared Littmann (D), left, speaks with a supporter at a house party last week. Photo by Josh Kurtz.

On a beautiful late summer evening on a deck overlooking an undeveloped section of Spa Creek in Annapolis, it was hard not to think about the natural environment. And thats what two dozen or so environmentalists and neighbors came together to discuss with a local business owner named Jared Littmann, who is running for mayor.

This is the perfect place for a gathering of environmentally minded people, said Annapolis Alderman Rob Savidge (D), a Littmann supporter, as a Dragon Boat with 22 rowers glided past.

More than 13 months before the municipal elections in Marylands capital city, this kind of gathering has become commonplace for Littmann. A former city alderman, Littmann declared his candidacy for mayor way back in January, an unusually early start.

For months, he had the field to himself. But that just changed.

Alderwoman Rhonda Pindell Charles (D), who has served on the city council since 2009, formally announced her intention on Monday evening to run for the seat of outgoing Mayor Gavin Buckley (D), with an impressive display of political muscle  a gathering that drew more than 250 supporters to St. Philips Episcopal Church off Bestgate Road.

Littmann and his team welcome the competition.

Its hard to run against yourself, said Laura Richards, an Annapolis business consultant and former restaurateur who is Littmanns deputy campaign manager.

Littmann said he anticipated a large field all along. The last time there was an Annapolis mayoral election without an incumbent on the ballot, in 2009, a dozen candidates ran. Annapolis is one of three municipalities in Maryland  Baltimore and Frederick are the others  that hold partisan elections. The Democratic primary isnt until Sept. 16, 2025, and the filing deadline for candidates is next July.

If Kamala Harris can run for president in 100 days, someone can run for mayor of Annapolis in 30 days, Littmann said.

Still, starting so early gives Littmann undeniable advantages, and hes campaigning full time.

I knew, before I needed to ask people to join as volunteers, that I needed to study up on the issues, and I knew I needed to raise money, he said. Ive got such a packed campaign schedule every day.

Through June 30, Littmann had raised $104,000, a healthy sum for a campaign in a city of 41,000. He figured it would be harder to raise money later in the year, as voters focus turned toward school board and federal elections.

Im glad Im not in the position of having to beg for money now, he said. Well start again in 2025.

Littmann has been able to lock up some important initial endorsements, from Anne Arundel County Executive Steuart Pittman (D), former Mayor Ellen Moyer (D) and a host of current and former local elected officials.

I have watched Jared as an alderman, Jared as a businessman, Jared as a father and husband, Jared as a member of the Annapolis and Anne Arundel Resilience Authority, and Jared as a candidate for mayor, Pittman said. In all of them, he listens, he hears, and he acts.

Most important, from Littmanns point of view, the early start has enabled him to dive into local issues and meet with community leaders, to help him develop a campaign platform. Littmann has tried to avoid the endless succession of coffees that often define a fledgling candidates early days on the campaign trail. Instead, he has tried to meet people for walks in local parks.

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Ive never seen a more organized campaign for local office like this, said Bob Gallagher, a retired attorney and environmental leader who hosted the meet-and-greet for Littmann at his home the other night.

Gallagher said he has been trying to get Littmann to run for mayor for about a dozen years. After serving on the city council for five years, with his term ending in 2017, Littmann has long thought about running for mayor. But he wanted to wait first until his kids  who are now sophomores in college and high school, respectively  got older. He also wanted to focus on running K&B True Value, a hardware store on Forest Drive in Annapolis that has been in his wifes family for half a century.

He said yes [to running for mayor], but in his ever thoughtful way, he said he had some goals for his business and for his family, and lets keep in touch, Gallagher recalled.

Littmann also spent several years serving on the national True Value Hardware board, which he describes as an enormous learning experience that has provided a valuable private sector view into budgeting and best management practices for the chains 4,500 stores. Hes vowed to govern, if elected, with a customer-focused approach.

But thats just part of Littmanns resume. He earned a bachelors degree in environmental engineering and then got a law degree. He spent time as an assistant county attorney in Montgomery County. During his five years on the city council, Littmann focused on fiscal and environmental issues, including sponsoring a forest conservation law that has become a model for state and local leaders throughout Maryland.

I learned what it was to be an alderman from Jared, said Savidge, who succeeded Littmann on the city council. Hes had a birds-eye view of what it takes to make a good mayor. He is so focused on process and good government  He has a reputation for being respected because he cares.

Buckley, a unique character in Maryland politics, a former sailor and restaurant owner from Australia, has been a consequential mayor, a firehose of innovative ideas, but without the capacity to always bring them to fruition. Littmann says if he winds up as Buckleys successor, he sees part of his role as making sure the outgoing mayors vision is realized, emphasizing efficiency and community input.

But Pindell Charles is also preaching continuity. In her announcement speech Monday, she pledged to retain all of Buckleys senior managers.

Pindell Charles is a retired prosecutor and former state official who was hailed by 10 different speakers from different aspects of her life Monday night as an energetic and responsive representative of her council ward, but with contacts at every level of government to serve the entire city. She is bidding to become the first elected Black mayor in Annapolis  Alderman John Thomas Chambers Jr. (R) served on an interim basis for two months in 1981, following the suicide of Mayor Gustav Akerland (R).

Rhonda has a lot of attributes  and we can talk forever about her attributes, said Leslie Stanton, a retired Anne Arundel County Public Schools administrator who attended high school with Pindell Charles.

After a long discussion about her family history in the region, dating to an indentured servant who was brought to Bowie in the early 18th century, Pindell Charles pledged to run the most activist and inclusive administration in city history and is using as her slogan the phrase Annapolis: Spreading the Love

The three dots after love gives every business and every citizen in this city the chance to fill in the blank, to finish the sentence, she explained.

Pindell Charles also said she would forgo the mayors annual salary of $98,000 and would govern instead on an aldermans $18,000 salary for her first two years in office.

I think we can all agree that that extra $160,000 can be used for good, she said.

Some Pindell Charles supporters seemed unaware or unconcerned about the candidates potential opponents.

She demands results, said Todd Scott, a former official with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development, who worked with Pindell Charles after a tornado ripped through Annapolis in 2021. I dont know whos running against her, but it doesnt matter. She can get the cast [of leaders] out to serve the city.

In the wake of that storm and a constant surge of environmental threats, Littmann is placing a premium on the concept of resilience, which means different things in different parts of the capital city. In his view, it means ensuring that the city government is able to respond quickly to and recover from a range of challenges. He wants to focus on public safety, creating more affordable housing and infrastructure, and fortifying the city against the impacts of climate change  all with an emphasis on equity and environmental justice.

My vision is a united, thriving and healthy Annapolis, for all of us, Littmann said.

After so much time on the campaign trail already, hes got 49 more weeks, at least, to make his case.
State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd, pictured Dec. 14 at the state Capitol, issued a scathing audit report on Tuesday of the town of Red Rock in northern Oklahoma. (Photo by Nuria Martinez-Keel/Oklahoma Voice)

OKLAHOMA CITY  A small northern Oklahoma town lost 39% of its public funds over five years to misuse and self-dealing by local elected officials, an investigative audit found.

The Oklahoma State Auditor and Inspectors Office reported on Tuesday that two former clerks and the governing board of the town of Red Rock are responsible. More than $336,000 was misappropriated from the town and its public works authority, state auditors said.

Red Rock is a community of 249 people in Noble County located between Stillwater and Ponca City. District Attorney Brian Hermanson asked the state auditor to investigate the towns finances after residents voiced concern over potential wrongdoing and complained Red Rock had gone years without an audit, according to the report.

Hermansons office did not immediately return a request for comment.

Auditors say they discovered a pattern of local officials overpaying themselves from town coffers, signing blank checks and failing to pay taxes on their earnings. Basic financial oversight and recordkeeping were all but nonexistent, auditors found.

State Auditor and Inspector Cindy Byrd said Red Rock had not undergone an audit since at least 2016.

Review and approval of all spending should have been a matter of routine business for the Town Board, Byrd said in a statement. Sadly, none of the Board members participated in oversight training during their tenures in office. As always, its the honest tax-paying citizens of the town who will suffer.

The audit report states former Red Rock clerk and treasurer, Jolavon Childs, took $241,752 from the towns bank account and utility revenue from 2019 to 2023.

State auditors found Childs, 70, wrote checks to herself and made cash withdrawals from the towns general fund.

Investigators also reported multiple instances in which daily utility collections went missing because Childs did not deposit them. They said Childs replaced some of the missing funds with money from her personal bank account.

State auditors said Childs couldnt give a satisfactory explanation for the excessive payments she received.

She claimed that, on some occasions, she paid herself additional amounts without realizing she had already issued paychecks for the month, the report states. Additionally, Childs asserted that some extra payments were for expenses and mileage reimbursements. 

An attempt by Oklahoma Voice to reach Childs for comment was unsuccessful. Online court records show she has not been charged with a crime as of Tuesday. It is unclear if she has hired an attorney.

Improper payments, totaling $42,595, also went to Childs spouse, according to the audit. Auditors found check stubs indicating the town paid him for lawn care work, despite state law prohibiting elected officials from hiring family members to any position of profit within a municipal government.

Overpayments totaling $46,122 went to the town board, as well, auditors found.

The board members $75 monthly stipends abruptly increased to $150 per month in early 2023 without a documented board vote, according to the audit report. State law forbids public officials from increasing the pay they receive while still in office.

Some board members also earned bonuses for holidays, special meetings and work performed for the water department, auditors said. One members family received $1,000 for grievance pay. Another received a check of $1,800 as an annual advance of her monthly stipends.

The town failed to calculate and withhold payroll taxes for the board stipends and for town employees in 2023.

The clerk who was hired to replace Childs also is accused in the audit of misappropriating public funds. In her short tenure, which lasted from December to May, Michelle Cline-Cameron received $5,700 more than her allowable pay, auditors said.

The extra payments to Cline-Cameron bear the signature of a former town board member. That former board member told state auditors it was common practice before December 2023 to pre-sign blank checks, the report states. Other board members told state auditors that their signatures on Cline-Camerons checks appeared to be forged.

Oklahoma Voice was unable to reach Cline-Cameron, and its unclear if she hired legal representation. Court records show no criminal charges related to the audit have been filed against her as of Tuesday.

State auditors said their findings in Red Rock reflect a complete lack of adequate administration by the board.

In a small town where the segregation of duties is challenging, internal control systems are inherently limited, they wrote. Thus, it is imperative for the board to exercise vigilant oversight of financial transactions.

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State College man whos been imprisoned for 41 years a step closer to new trial after ruling

A State College man who has long claimed his innocence, despite spending the last four decades behind bars for first-degree murder, is poised to soon receive a new evidentiary hearing in an ongoing effort to clear his name.

Centre Countys top judge ruled Tuesday that Subramanyam Subu Vedam and his defense team can move forward with two of their claims  including new evidence unveiled last fall that suggests the size of the bullet hole in the victims skull might not match the caliber of the gun Vedam was accused of using.

Centre County President Judge Jonathan Grine dismissed five other claims Tuesday, mostly on the basis they did not contain new information and couldve been litigated by Vedams past counsel. For example, Vedams current defense team argued the commonwealth suppressed a number of earlier witness transcripts  but Grine pointed out that Vedams counsel in 1982 wouldve already been aware of that issue. (To gain a new hearing, new information must come to light, with some exceptions.)

But, even before Tuesdays ruling, Vedams current legal team characterized the newly discovered size of the bullet hole as being critical to a potential new hearing in the 1982 killing of Thomas Kinser. That, and an accompanying claim involving the bullet, can now be formally addressed in a hearing.

The date of that evidentiary hearing is still to be determined. But a formal meeting between the judge and attorneys, which will help decide the length of the evidentiary hearing, is scheduled for 11:30 a.m. Oct. 15 in the judges chambers.

The judges ruling Tuesday came 71 days after Vedams counsel argued for a new trial in front of packed courtroom. If Vedam succeeds in reversing his conviction, he would become the longest-serving inmate in Pennsylvania history to be exonerated.

He has been imprisoned for 41 years, seven months and 23 days as of Tuesday. The record now is 40 years, three months and four days.

How we got here

The origins of the case began nearly 44 years ago.

According to court documents and past news reports, a 19-year-old Boalsburg man  Thomas Kinser  borrowed his parents van in December 1980 to give Vedam a ride to Lewistown so he could buy drugs.

No one saw Kinser alive afterward. About nine months later, two hikers found Kinsers decomposing remains in a Harris Township sinkhole. A forensic pathologist determined Kinser died of a gunshot to the head.

No weapon was ever recovered at the scene.

Vedam was found guilty of first-degree murder in February 1983, largely on circumstantial evidence, following a five-day trial in front of an all-white jury.

The state Superior Court ruled two years later that the evidence was sufficient to sustain the conviction, but reversed it on the grounds that the judge improperly allowed testimony about Vedams prior misconduct.

He was again convicted of first-degree murder in February 1988 and was sentenced to life in prison without parole. Several of his following appeals were rejected by statewide appeals courts.

New life was then breathed into the case in September 2021, when Centre County District Attorney Bernie Cantorna voluntarily gave Vedams defense team full access to more than 3,000 pages of documents. In reviewing those documents, Vedams team said it uncovered new information that warranted a third trial.

Cantornas office has pushed back in court filings, repeatedly referring to the new claims as meritless.

Nothing raised by Petitioner undermines confidence in the verdict, or gives rise to a reasonable probability that there could be a different outcome, they wrote.

New evidence

At the forefront of the defense teams claims is an allegation that an FBI report found the size of the bullet wound in Kinsers head did not match the caliber of the gun Vedam was accused of using to carry out the killing.

Grine ruled Tuesday that Vedams defense team will be allowed to address, in an evidentiary hearing, both the size of the bullet hole and an accompanying Full FBI report that wasnt disclosed to the defense until this past January.

Centre County prosecutors initially argued a .25-caliber bullet killed Kinser. And they tied Vedam to the murder, in part, by relying on a younger acquaintance who said he sold Vedam a .25-caliber firearm.

However, based on the new evidence, Vedams legal team has argued it was physically impossible for the killing to have been carried out by such large-caliber ammunition. And at least one forensics expert agrees.

Ann H. Ross, a North Carolina State faculty member who has a doctorate in anthropology, wrote a report filed in August in which she expressed the belief a .22-caliber bullet killed Kinser. She is one of only 70 board-certified forensic anthropologists in the United States.

She only rarely testifies on behalf of criminal defendants, but does get involved when she sees forensic science distorted in harmful, egregious ways, as happened in this case, lead defense lawyer Gopal Balachandran said in August. Most important, her testimony will show what our filings have indicated all along  Subu is innocent because a .25 caliber handgun could not have been the murder weapon.

At the time, Ross report did not persuade Centre County prosecutors.

Vedam, 63, has spent about two-thirds of his life at Huntingdon state prison.

CDT reporter Bret Pallotto contributed to this report
A State College man was arrested Monday after a woman told police he raped, attacked and robbed her at a motel in the Centre Region.

Robert C. Wason, 38, met the woman through an online advertisement for bachelor parties and private dances, Ferguson Township police wrote in an affidavit of probable cause. They agreed to meet at a motel in Ferguson Township.

The woman said Wason handcuffed her to the bed, told her he was the police and that she was under arrest, a detective and sergeant wrote in the charging document. He was accused of then raping and strangling her.

Wason put a pillow over the womans face in an attempt to suffocate her, she told police, adding that she fought back by biting him on his hands.

Her body had scrapes, cuts and swelling that police wrote was consistent with her description of being restrained and struggling to free herself.

The woman told police that she ran from the motel and yelled for help. Wason had her purse and phone, which was later found in a field off Whitehall Road, she said.

As the police department identified Wason as a potential suspect, a detective received a text message from him Monday evening that asked for an opportunity to clear things up. Wason acknowledged he was the person officers were looking for, but disagreed with the womans allegations, police wrote.

Wason told officers he paid the woman cash for intimate adult relations, police wrote. The two had sexual intercourse, but Wason said he wanted to leave the room after the woman snorted drugs, police wrote.

He then took back the money he gave her and a fight ensued, police wrote.

Wason denied using or owning handcuffs, or claiming he was a police officer, according to the charging document. He admitted to wanting some light bondage, police wrote.

Officers said they found some of Wasons clothing in the motel room, as well as a pair of handcuffs, condoms and a motel receipt in his vehicle. One set of handcuffs had what appeared to be blood on them, police wrote.

No defense lawyer was listed Tuesday.

Wason was charged with felony counts of rape, aggravated assault, sexual assault, strangulation and robbery. He was also charged with misdemeanor counts of simple assault, false imprisonment and impersonating a public servant.

He was arraigned Tuesday by District Judge Don Hahn. Bail was set at $135,000, which Wason did not post. He is incarcerated at the Centre County Correctional Facility.

His preliminary hearing is scheduled for Oct. 9.
A Puffy's Dispensary location is pictured on Oct. 1, 2024, on West Main Street in Rapid City. (Seth Tupper/South Dakota Searchlight)

VERMILLION  A Rapid City medical marijuana dispensary wants help from the state Supreme Court in obtaining a license for another location.

The state Department of Health wants the business to pay another $5,000 fee and complete another application. The department also says the business should have taken the dispute to an administrative hearing before making its case in a courtroom.

The states high court heard arguments on the issue Tuesday in Vermillion at the University of South Dakota Knudson School of Law.

The health department appealed a circuit courts ruling in favor of Puffys, which operates two dispensaries in Rapid City but would like to open six more. Puffys also has a dispensary in Sturgis.

Rapid Citys medical pot rules allow for 15 dispensaries. But the city got 47 applications for those slots in 2021.

The health department stepped in to help the city decide which business would get licenses through a lottery system. Thats the framework written into state law for situations when dispensary applications exceed the number of dispensaries a local government allows.

That happened in three jurisdictions in 2021: Yankton, North Sioux City and Rapid City.

Puffys got seven of the 15 Rapid City licenses under the lottery.

According to the departments rules on the lottery system, businesses that get licenses are required to launch within a year. If they dont, the license goes to the next business in line.

In the case that ultimately led to Tuesdays hearing in Vermillion, the 15th Rapid City license went to a company called Greenlight Dispensary, which didnt use it within a year.

One of Puffys applications was number 16.

But instead of handing Puffys another license at that point  more than a year after the lottery  the health department told the company it was free to re-apply.

The owners didnt appreciate that. Applicants are required to pay a $5,310 non-refundable fee and comply with the states medical cannabis regulations to be a part of the lottery. The department not only wanted Puffys to recertify that it complies with state law, but wanted another $5,310, which was the fee for each license in 2021.

The company took the state to court, asking that a judge force the state to hand over the license without the application and extra fee. The company won; the state appealed.

Health department: We need flexibility

Howard Pallotta was one of two lawyers representing the health department on Tuesday. He said Puffys failed to exhaust administrative remedies before filing its lawsuit last year.

Pallotta said Puffys should have paid the application fee and completed the paperwork a second time, and should have challenged the fairness of the departments decision during an administrative hearing.

Such hearings are conducted by lawyers who make decisions in disputes over administrative rules. The losing party in such disputes can sue to reverse the decisions.

Justice Patricia DeVaney was among the justices to push Pallotta on that point: Dont the states rules say the next business in line gets the licenses in these situations?

They shouldve just submitted the application in protest and preserved their right to make the argument later? DeVaney asked.

That would have been proper, Pallotta said. By the time Puffys filed its suit to demand the licenses, Pallotta said, 19 months had passed. Since licenses are good for a year, he said, it was logical and reasonable to expect Puffys to pay the fee and recertify that it complied with state law.

Businesses with licenses are required to pay the fee again every year, Pallotta said, and a lot of things could have changed in 19 months.

But the justices questioned that logic, given that the Puffys wasnt renewing a license. It never had a license for the location in question.

Whats your legal authority to say pay us $5,000 for us to consider this? Chief Justice Steven Jensen asked.

During her rebuttal, Tamara Lee, an attorney for the state, said the fee is annual and theres no guarantee to any business participating in a lottery. But Justice Mark Salter returned to Jensens question: How can you charge an annual fee to a business to renew a license it never had?

You dont have any free-standing authority that says you can ask them to pay a fee, yes or no? Salter asked.

Lee conceded that the department doesnt have that, but she argued that the authority is implied by the totality of the states cannabis laws and the importance of regulation.

Were talking about a schedule I controlled substance, Lee said, referring to the federal category of drugs to which cannabis belongs.

Schedule I controlled substances are those with no medical use and a high chance of addiction. The federal government is currently considering a schedule change for cannabis. South Dakota voters authorized medical cannabis in their state in 2020, and a measure that would legalize recreational marijuana is on this years Nov. 5 ballot.

Puffys: If rule is valid, enforce it

Ryan Cwach, representing Puffys, faced down his own set of rapid-fire questioning from the justices.

Thats in part because of whats happened with the companys other pot licenses. Like Greenlight Dispensary, Puffys was not able to open all of its locations within a year of winning the licenses in the lottery.

Greenlight asked for an extension, was denied, and didnt appeal that denial. Puffys also asked for an extension on its unused licenses, and also was denied, but it filed a lawsuit about it.

In that case, Puffys argued that the rules were unconstitutional because they treat businesses differently based on their location. A dispensary operating in a city with limits on the number of dispensaries must contend with a lottery; one operating in a city without limits does not.

In that case, Puffys had asked for a writ of prohibition, in which a court order stops an agency from enforcing a rule. But the judge dismissed that case without touching the constitutionality issue. Instead, he ordered Puffys to take its case for an extension to an administrative hearing. That hearing is pending.

The lawsuit that led to Tuesdays hearing in Vermillion was filed separately. In it, Puffys asked for and received a writ of mandamus, which is a court order demanding that an agency enforce a rule  in this case, a rule saying the next business in line gets a license. Puffys asked for that even as it continued to argue that the rules are unconstitutional.

The justices homed in on that disconnect during Tuesdays hearing at the law school. Why would you ask us to enforce a rule if you think that rule is unconstitutional?

The high court ought to make the call on constitutionality, Cwach said, because it needs to be answered and the Supreme Court has the authority to make the call.

If the justices decide that the rules are constitutional, he said, they ought to make the health department follow them.

But why, the justices asked, wouldnt Puffys just pay the fee, resubmit the application and argue in an administrative hearing about whether the department broke its own rules?

I think its unfair, because its essentially asking my client to pay $10,620 for their initial license when everyone else had to pay $5,350, Cwach said.

The justices will issue an opinion at a later date.

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Activists rally outside the State Capitol in support of abortion rights in Atlanta in 2022.

A judge in Fulton County, Georgia, struck down the state's six-week abortion ban Monday, allowing the procedure to resume and making it legal up to 22 weeks of pregnancy.

The state law, known as the LIFE Act, was signed by Republican Gov. Brian Kemp in 2019 but didnt take effect until July 2022, after it faced a legal challenge and the Supreme Courts reversal of Roe v. Wade.

Superior Court Judge Robert McBurney wrote in his ruling Monday that a review of "our higher courts interpretations of 'liberty' demonstrates that liberty in Georgia includes in its meaning, in its protections, and in its bundle of rights the power of a woman to control her own body, to decide what happens to it and in it, and to reject state interference with her healthcare choices.

"That power is not, however, unlimited," McBurney continued. "When a fetus growing inside a woman reaches viability, when society can assume care and responsibility for that separate life, then  and only then  may society intervene."

McBurney wrote that the laws fundamental alteration to previous state law was its extreme narrowing of the window of time within which women have the legal ability to end a pregnancy from roughly twenty weeks (i.e., viability) down to a mere six weeks, a point at which many  if not most  women are completely unaware or at best unsure if they are pregnant.

Kara Murray, a spokesperson for state Attorney General Christopher Carr, said, We believe Georgias LIFE Act is fully constitutional, and we will immediately appeal the lower courts decision.

The case stemmed from a lawsuit filed by SisterSong Women of Color Reproductive Justice Collective and other plaintiffs in 2019 soon after Kemp signed it into law. As it faced the legal challenge, in 2022, McBurney ruled that year that the law violated the U.S. Constitution and struck it down. The state Supreme Court, however, soon took up the case and allowed it to remain in effect.

The case was sent back to McBurney, who found the law in violation of the state constitution.

"[D]oes a Georgians right to liberty of privacy encompass the right to make personal healthcare decisions? Plainly it does," he wrote.

He said the record in the case is clear that "for many women, their pregnancy was unintended, unexpected, and often unknown until well after the embryonic heartbeat began. Yet thats too late under the LIFE Acts strictures: these women are now forbidden from undoing that life-altering change of circumstances  before they even knew the change had occurred."

"For these women, the liberty of privacy means that they alone should choose whether they serve as human incubators for the five months leading up to viability. It is not for a legislator, a judge, or a Commander from The Handmaids Tale to tell these women what to do with their bodies during this period when the fetus cannot survive outside the womb any more so than society could  or should  force them to serve as a human tissue bank or to give up a kidney for the benefit of another, he wrote.

McBurney also took aim at a part of the law that allows district attorneys to access the health records of women who've had abortions in their counties.

The law has no "definition of 'health records.' No explanation of the means by which the district attorney obtains such records: warrant, subpoena, demand letter, e-mail? And no mention of any notice to be provided to the 'woman' whose 'health records' have been made 'available,'" he wrote.

"Given this language, Plaintiffs contend that the provision unconstitutionally violates their patients right to privacy by empowering prosecutors to obtain personal medical information without sufficient process. Plaintiffs are correct," he added.

Kemp's office blasted the ruling.

Once again, the will of Georgians and their representatives have been overruled by the personal beliefs of one judge. Protecting the lives of the most vulnerable among us is one of our most sacred responsibilities, and Georgia will continue to be a place where we fight for the lives of the unborn, Kemp's spokesman, Garrison Douglas, said in a statement.

Monica Simpson, executive director of SisterSong Women, called the ruling "a significant step in the right direction."

"We are encouraged that a Georgia court has ruled for bodily autonomy. At the same time, we cant forget that every day the ban has been in place has been a day too longand we have felt the dire consequences with the devastating and preventable deaths of Amber Nicole Thurman and Candi Miller," Simpson said in a statement.

Thurman and Miller died after they experienced complications from having taken abortion pills. Vice President Kamala Harris has highlighted their cases in her White House bid.

Miller, who had numerous health issues, had been scared to see a doctor because of the law, and Thurman was hospitalized for 20 hours before doctors decided they could legally operate on her. ProPublica reported that a state board found both deaths were preventable.

The Harris campaign responded to McBurney's ruling by blaming former President Donald Trump for restrictive abortion laws, saying voters "will have the power" to put reproductive health care into women's hands in November.

"The Vice President believes that we must take reproductive health care decisions out of the hands of politicians like Trump and put them back where they belong: with women and their doctors," Sarafina Chitika, a campaign spokesperson, said in a statement.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
BOSTON (WWLP)  Veterans experience a much higher suicide rate than the general population.

DPH memo assures providers on harm reduction aid

On Monday, state officials met to discuss mental health efforts to support Massachusetts veterans.

This roundtable discussion focused on identifying ways that state and local organizations can provide appropriate programming to help veterans through hard times. Jon Santiago is a veteran and a former state lawmaker who now serves as the Secretary of the Executive Office of Veterans Services.

Santiago says suicide is one of the biggest concerns he hears about from veterans families.

One thing that I was not expecting in this position is the number of calls I would get from family, friends, and loved ones expressing to me concern about their veteran, said Santiago. Their, brother, their sister, their father who is going through some issues and at times may have committed suicide or thought about it.

The event also featured speakers from different veteran support organizations, including the VA in Boston. One speaker said taking care of mental health involves some non-medical factors.

Its the community networks, its making sure that veterans have a roof over their head, food on their table, gainful employment, and meaning and purpose within their communities, said Dr. John Bradley, the Director for Mental Health at the VA Boston Healthcare System.

All the panelists agreedthe first step in helping veterans is to get them connected with the right resources. They encouraged families of veterans to seek help if they need it as well.

Veterans and their families can reach the Veteran Crisis Line by calling 988 then pressing 1, or by texting 838255.

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WWLP.
New statistics show kids are being sexually assaulted by people they meet on social media

A new study shows that social media may be more dangerous for kids than many parents realize, giving them opportunities to meet and communicate with strangers who will eventually go on to sexually assault them. But the researchers, who will present their findings this weekend at the 2024 American Academy of Pediatrics National Conference and Exhibition in Orlando, also discovered that social media is a vehicle for kids to be sought out by acquaintances who will eventually assault them.

The study found that about 7% of children between the ages of 10 and 18 who were treated for sexual assault at a California hospital between 2018 and 2023 said that they communicated with the perpetrator on social media.

When researchers looked only at cases where perpetrators were not related to their victims, that number was 12%.

But lead study author Dr. Shalon Nienow said follow-up research shes conducting with more recent data suggests that the trend is changing, and the percentage of sexual assaults of children by acquaintances who use social media to contact them is now significantly higher.

Social media is a ubiquitous form of communication for children and adolescents that can breed a false sense of security and friendship with those that they meet online, Nienow said. It is our experience that in cases of acquaintance sexual assault, social media plays a significant role in facilitating communication and connection between victims and their perpetrators.

The average age of the victims in the study was 13, and 89% of them were female. Around 80% of the perpetrators were adult men.

Nienow, who serves as the medical director of the Chadwick Center for Children and Families at Rady Childrens Hospital-San Diego and an associate clinical professor of pediatrics at the University of California, San Diego, said parents can help protect their kids by establishing open lines of communication with them from an early age.

Early and open communication regarding body autonomy, safety and consent issues is imperative to creating a sense of mutual trust and understanding between parents and children and to empower children to discuss any concerns that may arise, she said.

And while it may feel like your kids deserve privacy on their devices, its more important to make sure theyre safe online by monitoring who they talk to on social media  and how.

Use of phones and social media is a privilege that comes with responsibility, she said.

How parents can help keep their kids safe online

Its also important to keep track of whom your children are talking to on social networks, even if your kids groan at the thought of it. Many parents presume that this is a violation of their childs privacy, Nienow said. However, use of phones and social media is a privilege that comes with responsibility.

This month, Instagram launched new safety features that allow parents to see what accounts their children recently messaged.

Create a safety plan. Discuss internet safety with children and develop an online safety plan before they start using the internet.

Supervise children. Monitor young childrens online activity, including checking their profiles and posts.

Review content. Review games, apps, and social media sites before children use them.

Use parental controls. Adjust privacy settings and use parental controls for online activity.

Teach boundaries. Teach children to avoid sharing personal information online and to say no to inappropriate requests.

Look for signs of abuse. Be aware of changes in childrens online activity, such as withdrawn behavior, angry outbursts, or anxiety.

Report abuse. If you suspect online child sexual exploitation, call 911 or go to report.cybertip.org.

Develop definitions of the concepts of respect and consent. Explore how these concepts relate to digital technology and online relationships. Make moral judgments relating to issues of consent in online relationships. Learn how to take control when images of them are shared without their permission.
Former Ohio congressman Tim Ryan was the last debate opponent that vice presidential nominee JD Vance faced off against. And he's offering some advice to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz ahead of their debate Tuesday night: stay cool.

Ryan, appearing on Slates What Next podcast, told host Mary Harris that Vance is a seasoned debater, who will employ the same tactics hes used on the campaign trail to get ahead on the debate stage.

Vance is the kind of person who will say whatever he needs to say to advance himself with very little regard for the truth, Ryan said, as Vance enters his fourth week of advancing racist narratives surrounding Haitian immigrants in Ohio.

Ryan, who lost to Vance by a roughly six-point margin in 2022, also warned Walz to keep an eye out for sneaky topic shifts. Recalling a moment from their debate in which Vance pivoted from a story about a 10-year-old rape victim who was unable to seek an abortion to the debate over immigration, Ryan acknowledged that Vances pivot caught him off guard.

You have to stay on point, Ryan said. That is frustrating to watch somebody do that [shift topics], And on some level, its very skillful for him to get back on ground that hes comfortable on, and that may be a better issue for them, but you have to bring it back.

In spite of his loss, Ryan said hes still excited to tune in to the debate.

I think its going to be a really great contrast. I think Tim Walz is a good contrast to JD Vance, the ex-Ohio Senate candidate said. Theres an authenticity there, theres a realness there, theres a likability there.

Ryan also argued that one key debate rule could pose an advantage for Walz: microphones will be on for the duration of the match-up, returning to historic debate rules but breaking the mold from the first two presidential debates of the cycle.

If you rattle somebody, that mic being on will give them the opportunity to show themselves being a jerk, Ryan said, adding that the debate is ultimately a game of likeability.

The will be hosted by CBS News and moderated by Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan. It's set to air at 9 p.m. ET.
PLAINS, Ga. (WRBL)  Former President Jimmy Carter turned 100-years-old on Tuesday, Oct. 1.

WRBL is down in Plains to cover the festivities. This article will be updated as the day carries on.



__________

6:00 p.m.

The Dedication Ceremony wrapped up with seven cannons being fired off before the public was invited to view the new Declaration of Independence monument displayed on Main Street.





Jimmy Carters birthday night is set to be concluded with live music.

5:00 p.m.

The Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony began around 4:30 p.m. with the National Anthem. Various speakers line the streets, awaiting their turn behind the microphone.





Attendees range from Georgia politicians to high school bands. The full list is above.

4:15 p.m.

Back on Main Street, the birthday festivities carried on. Fold-up chairs lined the street as music played through downtown in preparation of the Charters of Freedom Dedication Ceremony.

A picture of Main Street in Plains, Ga. (Photo by WRBL)

WRBL is preparing to go live. Tune into our 5/5:30/6 p.m. newscasts to see more from Plains.

2:30 p.m.

As Carters 100th birthday rolled on, WRBL had the chance to talk with two of his grandsons in a historic home adorned with photos of Rosalynn and Jimmy.





Josh Carter and James Carter told WRBL how their grandfathers day was going. They said the family spent lunch together, having caramel cake and peanut butter ice cream for their papas 100th birthday.

The family sung Happy Birthday to Jimmy Carter, and when WRBL asked what his reaction was, a grandson responded he just smiled.

It was one of the highlights of his birthday, the grandsons said. Another highlight included the military fly-over.

More details from this exclusive interview coming up tonight on News 3.

12:45 p.m.

All eyes were towards the sky during the military fly-over on Carters 100th birthday.

12:15 p.m.

Back over on Main Street, the town of Plains had woken up as locals and not-so-locals gathered for the military fly-over.

The area is lively, with older residents and younger children alike planting lawn chairs on the grass.

A cup of peanut butter ice cream is a common fixture this sunny day.

Well have photos and video of the flyover once it begins.

11:30 a.m.

Come 11 a.m., the auditorium of Plains High School was standing-room-only as 100 citizens from 30 different countries were welcomed in a Naturalization Ceremony held on Jimmy Carters 100th birthday.

The National Anthem was sung before each participants country was recognized. As all 30 countries resounded into the microphone, the individual from that country rose from their seat.

Come the end of that list, people from all ends of the planet stood together.

They went on to cite the Oath of Allegiance  a staple of all Naturalization Ceremonies in the U.S, along with the Pledge of Allegiance.

When it came to Jimmy Carter, he was referred to as a man of the people.

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services District Director Denise Frazier helped welcome in this naturalization group. WRBL had the chance to speak with her  she closed out the interview by saying Thank you for celebrating our new citizens and our 39th presidents 100th birthday.

Well have more on Fraziers thoughts about the ceremony later on.

10:45 a.m.

Plains High School was packed as the town prepared for a Naturalization Ceremony at 11 a.m.

One-hundred new citizens are involved in this ceremony.

10:15 a.m.

There are events scheduled beginning at 11 a.m. where at Plains High School, a Naturalization Ceremony will be held for those becoming U.S. citizens. Shortly after 12 p.m., theres expected to be a military fly-over down Main Street here in Plains.

There will be a dedication later this afternoon of a new monument with the Declaration of Independence. There is also a concert scheduled tonight.

Right now, Plains is still a bit sleepy. Signs wishing the towns most-famous resident a happy birthday grace many of the storefronts Main Street.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
North Carolina GOP Lt. Gov. Mark Robinsons scandal-plagued campaign continues to flounder, with Democratic Attorney Gen. Josh Stein ahead by double digits and growing in a pair of new polls out in the battleground state.

A new Washington Post poll now has Stein ahead 54 percent to Robinsons 38 percent, while a poll from East Carolina University has Stein at 50 percent to Robinsons 33 percent.

The latest polls come as North Carolina is reeling from the effects of Hurricane Helene but were conducted before the storm, which decimated the western part of the state, leaving towns flattened and flooded. At least 40 people are dead and many remain missing in the state.

Before the storm ravaged the mountainous Asheville area, North Carolina voters  particularly Republicans  were adjusting their positions on Robinson after a bombshell Sept. 20 CNN report linked Robinson to posts on a pornographic websites message board more than a decade before he entered the political realm.

According to the report, Robinson, who would be North Carolinas first Black governor if elected, claimed to be a Black Nazi and expressed support for slavery, among other incendiary and lewd remarks.

Robinson has denied the allegations and called the CNN report salacious tabloid trash, but he has faced pressure from other GOP officials to drop out of the race and a campaign staff exodus.

The lieutenant governor is endorsed by former President Trump, but Trump hasnt appeared alongside the candidate since the bombshell report, and hes avoided commenting on it.

ECUs poll found support among Republicans for the Trump-backed candidate plummeted 20 percentage points, compared to the same poll conducted a month earlier and before the explosive report.

Polling from the university at the end of August showed 83 percent of Republicans polled said they supported Robinson. Support among Republicans fell to 63 percent in the latest poll.

The poll also found support for Robinson had fallen across voter demographics, including independents, women, men, white voters and Black voters.

Similarly, 8 percent of voters surveyed in The Washington Post poll said they have no opinion or would not vote in the election for governor, including 15 percent of Republicans.

Both polls found Trump and Vice President Harris neck and neck and within the margins of error in the presidential race among the swing states voters, with Trump ahead of Harris 49 percent to 47 percent in the ECU poll and 50 percent to 48 percent in The Washington Post poll.

The Washington Post poll found motivation to turn out to vote is high across party lines; 84 percent of Republicans said they are extremely motivated to vote, while 78 percent of Democrats said the same.

The ECU poll surveyed 1,005 registered voters in North Carolina via a random sample through mobile phones and landline phones Sept. 23-26 before Helene caused widespread power and cellphone outages. The margin of error is 3 percentage points.

The Washington Post poll surveyed 1,001 registered voters randomly sampled from a statewide voter database through mobile, landline and online communications. It has a margin of error of 3.5 percentage points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The 2024 Jeep vehicles on display at the New York International Auto Show at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City on April 5, 2023, include plug-in hybrids recalled by Stellantis on Monday due to fire risks. File Photo by Peter Foley/UPI

Oct. 1 (UPI) -- Automaker Stellantis on Monday recalled 154,032 Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids built in recent years after discovering a significant fire risk.

A routine review of customer data revealed 13 instances of fires involving certain model years of the Jeep Wrangler and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrids.

All 13 vehicles that caught fire were parked and turned off when they caught fire, according to Stellantis.

Stellantis officials estimate about 5% of recalled Jeep Wranglers and Grand Cherokee plug-in hybrid models share a defect that makes them vulnerable to catching fire while parked and turned off.

Stellantis recalled the 2020 through 2024 Jeep Wrangler 4xe and 2022 through 2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee 4xe models to address the matter.

Stellantis has not announced a fix for the problem but is working on one. Until a fix is available, the automaker recommends affected Jeep owners park their vehicles away from structures and other vehicles.

Stellantis also recommends owners don't top off their batteries.

"Vehicle risk is reduced when the battery charge level is depleted," Stellantis said. "Owners are advised to refrain from recharging."

Stellantis said a "remedy is imminent" and the automaker will notify owners of recalled Wranglers and Grand Cherokees when they can schedule appointments to fix the problem.

The problem with the plug-in hybrids isn't slowing Stellantis from moving ahead with relatively affordable Jeep EVs.

Stellantis CEO Carlos Tavares in May announced an all-electric Jeep that would retail for $25,000 and compete directly with similarly priced EVs manufactured by Chinese companies.

Stellantis in 2022 said it would produce all-electric vehicles that would be available for sale in the United States.

The EVs would include versions of the popular Wrangler, Grand Wagoneer, Avenger and Recon models.
Published with Mother Jones

Former Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles was convicted by a Miami-Dade Circuit Court jury on Monday evening, the latest fallout from the states 2020 ghost candidates scandal.

Artiles was convicted on three felony counts related to $44,000 in payments he made to Alex Rodriguez, a no-party candidate whose role was to siphon votes from Sen. Jose Javier Rodriguez, the Democratic incumbent.

They won. They were successful. They beat JJR, public corruption prosecutor Tim VanderGiesen said in his opening argument. They beat the incumbent named Rodriguez

They stole an election.

The six-member jury deliberated for seven hours before reaching its verdict. Artiles was acquitted on a fourth count of aiding and abetting a false voter registration. Artiles sat stone-faced as the guilty verdicts were read.

Artiless defense attorney Frank Quintero had reminded jurors that ghost candidates are legal  so long as Florida election law is not violated.

But that's precisely what the jury found.

Miami-Dade Circuit Court Judge Miguel De La O prepares to preside over the trial of former Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles in September 2024. Artiles was convicted of three election-related charges by the six-person jury. (Special to Floodlight)

The term ghost candidate is used to describe a candidate with no chance of winning, but runs to harm an actual contenders chances. Ghost candidate Rodriguez was part of an opaquely funded 501(c)(4) (or dark money) effort enabled by consultants working for Florida Power & Light , a subsidiary of the NextEra utility conglomerate.

Florida Power & Light CEO Eric Silagy, who was never charged with wrongdoing, had ordered his underlings to  make (Sen. Rodriguezs) life a living hell . Silagy retired abruptly in January 2023 in the wake of reporting by Floodlight and its media partners about FPLs involvement in the ghost candidate scandal.

Artiles was convicted of conspiracy, making campaign contributions above the $1,000 limit and false swearing for instructing Alex Rodriguez  who actually lived outside District 37  on how to fill out paperwork to get on the ballot.

Ghost candidate Alex Rodriguez leaves the Turner Guilford Knight Correctional Center in Miami after posting bail in March 2021. Rodriguez testified last week against former Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles in exchange for leniency. Rodriguez served six months of house arrest and three years of probation for his role in the scandal. (Matias J. Ochner / Miami Herald)

Artiles, who faced up to five years in prison per count, sat quietly throughout the two-week trial. He was flanked by his attorneys, Quintero and Frank Quinon. Behind him in the Miami courtroom was a revolving cast of friends and family.

The charges stem from efforts to achieve a Republican supermajority in the Florida Senate by running three ghost candidates to take votes away from Democratic candidates in key 2020 races. The spoiler candidates were backed, in part, by a series of nonprofits controlled by Jeff Pitts, the then-CEO of Matrix LLC, a consulting company that was working for Florida Power & Light, according to reporting by Floodlight and other news outlets.

The nonprofits in question were 501(c)(4)s, which are not required to disclose their donors identities, and the prosecution stopped short of tracing the money back to its original source. On Sept. 27, Florida federal judge Aileen Cannon dismissed a shareholder lawsuit accusing FPLs parent company, NextEra Energy, of issuing misleading statements about its political activities.

From the utilitys perspective, expanding GOP dominance  by whatever means  would help fulfill the utilitys legislative priorities. Those priorities included escaping liability for damages related to power outages in the wake of Hurricane Irma; ousting J.R. Kelly, the states long-serving (unsympathetic) consumer utility watchdog; and winning approval from the Senate-confirmed Public Service Commission for Floridas largest-ever hike in electricity rates.

The defeat of Sen. Rodriguez had the added benefit of kneecapping one of the states most prominent backers of rooftop solar, which reduces carbon emissions and lowers utility bills  and against which FPL had waged a decade-long counterinsurgency campaign. He was defeated by 32 votes by Ileana Garcia, founder of Latinas for Trump .

Prosecutors said consultants implicated in the scandal had withheld records that had been subpoenaed. Key evidence in the form of hundreds of text messages between Artiles and Rodriguez also went missing, they said.

Much of the trial revolved around the credibility of the states star witness, ghost candidate Alex Rodriguez, who admitted under cross examination that he had a difficult relationship with the truth. To buttress his credibility, prosecutors laid out the broader effort to influence the 2020 election.

Their first witness was a reticent Pat Bainter, a north Florida peanut farmer and powerful operative for the state Republican Senatorial Campaign Committee.

In a pretrial deposition , Bainter, whose company, Data Targeting, did work for GOP candidates, had acknowledged he paid Artiles $15,000 a month for six months for on-the-ground research in the District 37 race, including running a spoiler candidate. Bainter also acknowledged he sent a $100,000 no-strings-attached payment to a so-called dark-money political nonprofit, or 501(c)(4), controlled by Artiles.

In a December 2023 deposition, political consultant Patrick Bainter told Florida prosecutors that he hired former state Sen. Frank Artiles for political services that included running a ghost candidate to help solidify the Senates Republican majority. In Artiles trial, Bainter testified that he paid the former lawmaker $90,000 in consulting fees plus a $100,000 no-strings-attached payment to a political committee at Artiles disposal.

Testimony and evidence presented at trial revealed that Bainter held meetings with Artiles and Garcia campaign consultants who had a business relationship with Pitts, then-CEO of Matrix.

Garcias campaign manager testified that Bainter held the purse strings for that campaign. Bainter, too, testified that his company worked for Garcias campaign.

Rodriguez took the stand late on the fourth day of the trial. Prosecutor VanderGiesen showed him totals from the 2020 race, in which he got 6,000 votes.

Did you come about getting those votes honestly?

No, Rodriguez responded.

Miami-Dade public corruption prosecutor Tim VanderGiesen said in his opening argument that former state Sen. Frank Artiles violated state election law while running a ghost candidate in a 2020 state Senate race. They stole an election, VanderGiesen argued. (Special to Floodlight)

Rodriguez, who had pleaded guilty to election-related charges and served six months of home detention and three years of probation, also testified that Artiles offered him $50,000 to run as a spoiler: $25,000 before the election and $25,000 after.

But he was afraid Artiles would never come through on his promise to pay, so he fabricated a series of business deals involving construction equipment, diesel engines and COVID masks to extract money from Artiles. He also asked Artiles to help cover his rent and his daughters private school tuition, Rodriguez testified.

At one point, he admitted, he invented a story about a Range Rover he was going to buy at auction for Artiles, asking the former state senator for a $10,900 payment.

His reason for all the scams? I was concerned I wasnt going to get the $50,000.

The defense grilled Rodriguez, working to establish reasonable doubt about the nature of his transactions with Artiles. They portrayed the former senator as the victim in a series of fraudulent business deals and requests for financial help from Rodriguez. The evidence is going to show that Rodriguez is a con artist, a professional con artist, a pathological liar, Quintero told the jurors.

Attorney Frank Quintero questions a witness during the September 2024 trial of former Sen. Frank Artiles in Miami-Dade Circuit Court. Artiles was convicted on three election-related charges for his work running a ghost candidate in a 2020 Florida state Senate campaign. (Special to Floodlight)

On the stand, Rodriguez didnt defend himself, replying to Quinteros increasingly forceful questions in a quiet monotone.

The key question posed by the defense was: Could the state prove  incontrovertibly  that the payments at the heart of the case were illegal campaign contributions?

There is no other explanation, VanderGiesen posited, for why the defendant is giving tens of thousands of dollars to Alex Rodriguez.

Miami-Dade public corruption prosecutor Tim VanderGiesen questions witness Jose Riesco during the September 2024 trial of former Florida state Sen. Frank Artiles. Riesco filed key paperwork for the campaign of ghost candidate Alex Rodriguez. The former lawmaker was convicted of three election-related charges for his work helping Rodriguez in his 2020 Florida state Senate campaign. In the background is Judge Miguel De La O. (Special to Floodlight)

When approached by a reporter from Floodlight, Rodriguez declined to speak on the record until the end of the trial. He took the reporters phone number and said he would call. As he walked down the escalator, he shot the reporter a wink.

The reporter also spoke to Artiles before the verdict was handed down. He called the trial a colossal waste of time.

The press wont report whats really happening, he said.

The reporter replied that hed be happy to write the whole story  if he could ever find out precisely what it was.

Floodlight is a nonprofit newsroom that investigates the powerful interests stalling climate action.
DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN)  As of 5 p.m. Tuesday, 3,037 AES customers in the Miami Valley are still in the dark after Fridays storms.

As communities continue to clean up debris and assess damages, many are still without power.

2 NEWS spoke with some residents about the impact of these widespread outages.

Residents still without power: When will it be restored?

People say its been a long few days after much of the region lost power. The severity ranged from brief flashes to total loss for up to five days.

Some families used generators to power devices and home appliances like their refrigerators. For others, costly food items were spoiled after hours without power.

One woman told 2 NEWS she lost hundreds of dollars worth of food in just 24 hours.

You just clean it out and start all over and go to the store and replenish. Just something you have to do, said Linda Rhodes, Kettering resident.

Rhodes says all the cold and frozen food in her home spoiled without electricity.

SNAP beneficiaries with food loss due to power outage can apply for replacement

Everything in a freezer. There were some things we can keep in the refrigerator, but, said Rhodes. The ice cream and everything, it melted and I had chicken and other meats in there and they were soft. You cant you cant keep it. You have to get it to get rid of it.

AES had previously said on social media it hoped to have power restored on Monday. 2 NEWS will continue monitoring outages and will provide updates as they become available.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WDTN.com.
Ever since Kansas City Police Chief Stacey Graves announced a 24/7 law enforcement presence in and around the Linwood Shopping Center area, Ive gone back and forth about how to feel about such a heavy-handed approach.

Sure, there was a need for increased policing along the Prospect Avenue corridor at 31st Street. But until the Kansas City Police Department improves its willingness to identify problem officers or remove abusive cops from the force, I cannot in good faith feel at ease with this initiative.

Sun Fresh grocery store, the shopping centers anchor tenant, is operated by nonprofit community development group Community Builders of Kansas City.

Im not concerned about overpolicing, Community Builders CEO Emmet Pierson Jr. said.

I am. But I cannot discount what Pierson and others on the front line of this issue have to say.

What unsettles me most is the departments recent and well-documented abusive treatment of Black Kansas Citians: A large number of people who live and congregate along the Prospect business corridor are Black. Many officers with a history of using excessive force against Black residents still patrol the streets. Some lawmen such as like Blayne Newton are repeat offenders. He and a few other bad actors such as officer Dylan Pifer are still on the police force.

Both Newton and Pifer have fatally shot unarmed Black men. While on duty, Newton killed three people and shot another person who survived. He put his knee in the back of a pregnant woman during an arrest. Newton is the subject of multiple lawsuits.

Pifers actions in the deadly shooting of Terrance Bridges cost the city $5 million tied to a civil lawsuit filed by Bridges family. And those are just two examples.

Kansas Citians discussed safety at the Linwood Sun Fresh at an Urban League summit Friday.

Linwood Shopping Center update

At an Urban Summit meeting Friday, Gwendolyn Grant, president and CEO of the Urban League of Greater Kansas City, told members of the Linwood Shopping Center solutions task force that there is a fine line between overpolicing and making arrests.

We have to find that balance, Grant said.

She said overpolicing to her means sending helicopters into urban areas or arresting people over trivial matters such as jaywalking. If someone is engaged in a sexual act in public  which was occurring around the 31st and Prospect area  or stealing from a retail store like Sun Fresh, police should hold those folks accountable and make an arrest, she said.

Its hard to argue against Grants rationale. Yet, I will keep a watchful eye on how this initiative develops over time. What I do know is between Sept. 6 and 18, police made 16 arrests around the area, according to Kansas City Police Department data. Most were for minor offenses such as trespassing or shoplifting. Others were nabbed for drug possession, assault or illegal possession of a firearm, according to police.

Before the crackdown, open-air drug transactions and prostitution were rampant. Theft at Sun Fresh was so out of control that the store is still in danger of closing if city officials do not adequately respond, Pierson said. Hes appreciative of a heavy police presence. On a recent visit to the store, I counted between two to three police vehicles on the property at one given time.

Sun Fresh isnt in the clear yet. While the continuous police presence is welcome, more resources are needed, Pierson said. The store is operating at a loss, he said. He wants the city to invest $500,000 into Sun Fresh to keep the business open for the remainder of the year.

The city owns the property on which Sun Fresh sits. Years ago, leaders pumped $20 million into the shopping center project. But the financial support must continue. If the store closes, then the collective effort of many stakeholders in the community was all for naught.

The city has to take care of its property, Pierson said.

Safety and security concerns

On Friday, Sun Fresh store director Adriana Rentie spoke about some of the security concerns around the area. And there are many, including a long-standing criminal element that has hurt the grocery stores bottom line.

Rentie was among a handful of presenters. She also spoke on the dangers to the stores employees.

They just want to feel safe, Rentie said.

Chief Graves was in attendance, as were Deputy Chief Joe Mabin and other high-ranking police officials.

Jackson County Prosecutor Jean Peters Baker showed up. One of her top assistants, Chief Deputy Prosecutor Dion Sankar, spoke and took questions from members of the East Side community.

State Sen. Barbara Washington came. Several church pastors were in attendance. Jackson County Legislator DaRon McGee was there as well, along with other community leaders.

Noticeably absent were members of the Kansas City Council. While many came to previous meetings, not one showed for the latest on Friday.

At the urging of East Side leaders, the council recently approved $16 million to design a temporary holding facility for city-level offenses.

While we all should tip our hat to the council for approving this stopgap measure to deter crime, the work to assure the safety of Linwood Shopping Center patrons must not end there.

To address crime in that area, and to prevent overpolicing of the community, it is important for everyone invited to these discussions to show up and offer tangible solutions to a persistent problem.

But change, as Mabin said Friday, doesnt occur overnight.

I think its important to remember this is a work in progress, he said. We cant flip a switch and all of a sudden solve all of the problems.

On this, I think we all could agree.
Structure fire causes $55k in damage to Haliimaile home

HALIIMALIE, Hawaii (KHON2)  Maui fire officials are investigating the cause of a structure fire in Haliimalie that left four people displaced.

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First responders were notified about the incident around 12:40 p.m. on Sunday.

One man injured, 13 college students displaced in Kahuku fire

According to MFD, firefighters arrived at the scene to find flames engulfing an enclosed garage with the fire spreading to the home next door.

Firefighters were able to extend the hose lines to suppress the fire.

The flames were deemed under control around 1:03 p.m. before it was fully extinguished shortly before 4 p.m.

Firefighters searched the home and confirmed no one was inside. One family pet was removed safely.

Officials said the fire caused about $55,000 in damage to both structures.

All four residents are being assisted by the American Red Cross. No injuries have been reported.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
A South Hosmer Street intersection has become a hotbed for homeless encampments and drug activity. Business owners there say they are struggling to manage the situation while unhoused people who call the area home say they have no reason to leave.

Brad Johnson, the manager of the Smoke & Beer Mini Mart on South 96th Street and South Hosmer Street, told The News Tribune folks living at the nearby apartments are scared to shop at his convenience store because of loitering and drug activity in the parking lot and in the street.

The lot is littered with trash, cars pull in and out, and there is evidence of fires on the pavement adjacent to the building. The building, which is leased by several businesses, was recently painted to cover graffiti.

Every day, Johnson said, drivers pull into the lot to buy and sell drugs with folks hanging around the intersection. With drug activity, prostitution and vandalism occurring so regularly, he said he calls the police on a daily basis.

We pay taxes, but the city does not help our business, he told The News Tribune.

Yung Martindale owns a barber shop in the same building. She told The News Tribune business had been on the decline since the pandemic. She cant afford to hire anyone, much less attract candidates who would want to work there.

Nobody is here now, she said. Customers are scared to even park here.

Martindale said people regularly urinate and defecate near the front of her business. Parents whose children attend a preschool across the street had similar complaints of public urination.

Some businesses in the area have installed fences around their parking lots. The salon adjacent to Martindales barber shop has iron bars on its doors and windows. Martindale said her doors remain locked and the business is operated by appointment only.

Martindale said the city has been unresponsive.

They dont give a damn about it, she told The News Tribune. We are struggling, I cant survive.

City of Tacoma Spokesperson, Maria Lee, told the News Tribune city outreach staff has made contact with people in the area 47 different times in the past six months. Two of them were helped into housing, and 24 expressed interest in housing. The remainder had no interest in leaving the streets.

In the past week, there has been more than 15 complaints of homeless encampments on the blocks surrounding South Hosmer Street and South 96th Street made through The City of Tacomas 311 reporting system. The majority of the reports have since been marked as closed, meaning city homeless outreach staff had reportedly made contact with the people there.

Johnson said police and city staff regularly come in the mornings to clear people from the sidewalks, but by nightfall, folks return.

The people who live there

Jimmy Guerrero had been staying at an encampment about a block away in front of an apartment complex on South 96th Street. He told The News Tribune he had been staying for several months because he knows people there.

He told The News Tribune during the day he feels safe, but at night, not as much.

Its not a good situation, Guerrero said of the neighborhood.

He said for many, it is a choice to live where they do. He told The News Tribune he suffered from depression after his kids moved to Canada and was in need of mental health resources.

A young man named Prince Hamilton was also staying in the same encampment. He told The News Tribune he came to the encampment because he knew some people who were staying there.

We always feel alone when our back is against the wall, he said when asked if he ever feels alone living on the streets. But being around a certain group of friends makes a difference.

Hamilton said he had been staying with folks there for a few weeks because he knows some of the people. He said he felt safe around most of the people in the area, but a few acted funny from time to time.

He told The News Tribune he had been at the encampment for a few weeks. He has been living unhoused for a few years after he and his roommate got kicked out of an apartment.

Hamilton said outreach staff occasionally come by to offer resources. He said he had been on a waiting list for housing for about two years but could not remember the name of the program.

I have been promised housing probably 10 different times, said Kevin Mosley, who also has been living at the encampment.

He told The News Tribune that he has never been re-contacted for housing resources.

Mosley said he is 62-years-old and has been homeless for 10 years after losing his house. He said an ankle injury while working became a catalyst for an opioid addiction.

I had a choice to live in pain or become an addict, he told The News Tribune. I chose the latter.

Mosley said he has been in the South Tacoma area for the entire stint of his homelessness. His son was staying in the same encampment, and his daughter was living on Hosmer Street as well.

He said he views himself as a patriarchal figure in the community of those living on the streets nearby. He said he receives several thousand dollars a month from L&I due to his injury and shares it with the people he lives with on the streets.

I could be out of here, but I take care of people, Mosley told The News Tribune. Sometimes that means food, sometimes that means drugs.

He said he enjoys the sense of community and the company of those he has met along the way, but he has also witnessed a lot of violence and experienced a lot of trauma.

Ive lost more friends in the last seven years on Hosmer than the rest of my life combined, Mosley said.

Through all of that, he said he feels content living where he is, with the people he has around him.

I dont need much, Mosley said from his chair. I could live in a tent my whole life and it wouldnt bother me.
A student accused of making a threat against a high school in Butler County on Monday was arrested.

[DOWNLOAD: Free WHIO-TV News app for alerts as news breaks]

On Tuesday, Talawanda School District posted to social media informing families of the threat.

TRENDING STORIES:

Authorities investigated the threat throughout the night and determined it was not credible.

The student was arrested and is facing serious criminal charges, the post said.

Additional information on the student was not immediately available, but the district said they did not attend school on Tuesday.

The school district said it will pursue all disciplinary measures.

As a precaution there will be additional law enforcement at the high school this morning, the post said.

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Student bussing legal fight rages on with new filing from Columbus City Schools

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH)  The legal battle over whether Columbus City Schools should provide transportation for charter and nonpublic school students continued Monday, with the district filing its legal response to a state motion filed last week.

The district said Ohio Attorney General David Yosts motion on Sept. 25 was without legal merit and should be dismissed by the Ohio Supreme Court.

Yost filed an emergency motion against the district, asking the court to grant immediate relief to families affected by the districts decision to declare some charter and private school students transportation impractical.

Watch: Student bussing legal fight rages on with new filing from Columbus City Schools

Columbus City Schools said Yosts emergency motion was filed on behalf of 120 families who refused payment from the district and instead are seeking mediation to get transportation for their students. The district said it is working to identify routes for those students while the mediation process is underway.

Columbus board member releases recording to distance herself from school closings memo

In a statement on Monday, the district said it currently transports more than 37,000 students, including more than 9,000 charter and nonpublic students, under Ohio law.

Over the summer, the district identified several students it was transporting to charter and nonpublic schools beyond the laws requirements, overcommitting our staffing levels and keeping us from providing reliable and efficient routing for all students, the district wrote.

Students say theyre fed up with bathroom policy at Columbus Whetstone High School

Yost filed a lawsuit against the district earlier in September, claiming Columbus City Schools failed to notify those students in a timely manner that the district would no longer provide transportation.

Students say theyre fed up with bathroom policy at Columbus Whetstone High School

A family affected by the districts decision also filed a lawsuit against the district, saying it did not receive adequate warning and that the district didnt offer legally required supplementary payment in place of not providing transportation.

Yost said that as of Sept. 4, 1,930 students were affected by the change in policy.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Students back in class after Tuesday morning bomb threat at Westgate High School

UPDATE, 10/2/24, 9:45 a.m.: An arrest has been made in connection with the Westgate High School bomb threat. IPSO has confirmed a juvenile suspect is charged with terrorizing. The juvenile was issued a summons and subsequently released into the custody of their parents. The investigation is ongoing, officials said. No other information was released.

ORIGINAL STORY: IBERIA PARISH, La. (KLFY)  Lessons were delayed at Westgate High School in Iberia Parish this morning after a bomb threat caused the school to be evacuated, authorities said.

The Iberia Parish Sheriffs Office has confirmed that a bomb threat was received early Tuesday morning. The school was evacuated, but no bomb was found.

Students were sent back into the school and lessons were to resume as normal as of approximately 7:45 a.m., officials said.

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SAVANNAH, Ga. (WSAV)The lights finally came back on at Savannah State University (SSU) Monday night after several days without power because of Hurricane Helene.

Now, some students and parents are expressing concerns about the schools handling of the outages.

The school lost power overnight Thursday and didnt get it back until Sunday night.

Some students werent able to leave before that.

Im from New YorkSo its more so like, oh man, I have family nearby that I can run to but its more, so I have to call, do all of that check in. And for that Id rather just bunker down and stay somewhere I know, Javier Rosado, a sophomore, said.

People have voiced concerns online about peoples ability to evacuate when they dont have anywhere to go.

I live about three and a half hours away, and I would also have to call people. Even then, I dont know if Id have somewhere to stay, Anwar Jackson, also a sophomore at SSU said.

One parent took to social media to voice her concerns, writing an open letter to the university.

The flights were delayed, greyhound was closed, and it just was a disaster. I just felt like we need answers as parents, Adriane, author of the letter, told News 3.

Students described the experience in the days after the storm as challenging.

Power outages cause frustrations in Savannah

Were near the coast, obviously, right near a marsh, Lorenzo Washington, another student said. So, it got very humid very quick in the dorms. It was almost impossible to sleep, no how water, pitch black around the campus aside from a few lights. We got some streetlights a day later, but it definitely was not fun.

Starting on Saturday, students said they started to receive some guidance from the university via email.

On social media, Savannah State made posts about when they would be serving food and where charging and cooling stations would be.

However, students told WSAV there were only a few locations on campus that had electricity, which is where they said many of them banded together.

There were two rooms, but in those two rooms, it got really, really, really packed, and it got really, really hot, Rosado said.

A big issues for students, like others who have been without power was the heat from no air conditioning.

One of the science buildings, it had power the whole time, Jackson said. So, it was kind of fun being in there, getting to talk to people, getting to see how people were living. There were people who camped out in different rooms just because the rooms were incredibly hot.

Students said that theyre grateful to have power back on now, especially when several people News 3 spoke to in the surrounding neighborhood were still waiting for the lights to come back on. Some were searching for something as simple as a tarp to put over their roof with so many stores sold out.

No cell service, splotchy internet, and of course power, and the heat,  Paul Alexander, who lives nearby, said.

Two big holes in our roof from obviously the trees, he continued.

Parents are now asking what happens next time a storm comes through the area.

My question to them is what is the plan for the president of Savannah State University, parent Adriane asked. What is her plan? What is her solution, not just to evacuate because what about the kids that cannot evacuate?

In their latest update the university said, SSU is continuing campus clean-up and assessing and implementing the best solutions to support our students and the SSU campus community.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  The November general election is now just weeks away. On Tuesday, October 8, KOIN 6 News will host a debate for the candidates in Oregons 5th Congressional District.

Incumbent GOP Rep. Lori Chavez-DeRemer and current Oregon Democratic State Rep. Janelle Bynum will debate the issues that make Oregons 5th District one of the tightest congressional district races in the country.

The debate begins at 7 p.m. and will be televised on KOIN 6 and livestreamed on KOIN.com

You may have questions for the candidates. Fill out the form below and they might get asked by moderator Ken Boddie during the debate.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  After leading the college for over a year now, the president of SUNY Broome received his official inauguration ceremony at the Forum Theatre.

President of SUNY Broome, Tony Hawkins was joined by fellow staff, friends, family, and colleagues from around the country for his inauguration ceremony this morning. The chancellor of SUNY, John King, Jr. was in attendance.

All of the delegates were dressed in academic regalia including a cap, gown, and hood.

In SUNY Broomes 78-year history, Hawkins is now the 8th president of the school.

A year in, I am very happy that the board of trustees selected me to lead the institution at this time. And very clearly, I feel a sense of belonging, a sense of home, a sense of pride, in a community that Im happy to be a part of, said Hawkins.

Hawkins was presented with a medallion by SUNY Chancellor King, which is engraved with his name, and the name of Broomes seven previous presidents.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WIVT - News 34.
Support for a third major political party dipped slightly in the latest Gallup poll, but it remains consistent with the overall trend established over the past decade.

In the survey, published Tuesday, Americans were asked whether they think the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job of representing the American people or whether the major parties do such a poor job that a third major party is needed.

Fifty-eight percent say a third party is needed, while 37 percent say the Republican and Democratic parties do an adequate job. The 2024 poll represents a slight dip in third-party support, compared to the 62 percent who said in 2023 that a third party was needed and the 34 percent who said the parties do an adequate job.

Gallup first asked the question in 2003, which was the only time a majority of respondents  56 percent  said the parties do an adequate job. Since 2014, Americans views have remained largely stable, hovering around 60 percent support for a third party.

Political independents are most likely to say they support a third political party  a trend seen in the latest poll, in which 69 percent of independents backed the idea.

The poll, conducted after independent presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. suspended his campaign and backed former President Trumps bid for the White House, saw more support for third parties among Democrats and a drop in support among Republicans.

Democrats support for a potential third party increased to 53 percent this year, up from 46 percent last year, according to the poll. In the 21 surveys in which Gallup posed the question, a majority of Democrats have only backed a third party five times, with support never surpassing 54 percent.

Republicans support for a third party dropped from 58 percent last year to 48 percent this year. The largest support recorded among GOP respondents was following the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the Capitol, when 63 percent backed the idea.

The Gallup poll, conducted Sept. 3-15, included 1,007 adults and had a margin of error of 4 percentage points.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
If Trump-Vance campaign aides have their way Tuesday night, JD Vance wont belabor the fake outrage over pet-eating immigrants that dominated the presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris.

Asked directly by a reporter Monday if Vance planned to repeat Trumps bizarre claims that immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating peoples pet cats and dogs in Tuesday's vice presidential debate against Tim Walz, senior campaign adviser Jason Miller dodged the question and focused on the Biden administrations perceived weaknesses that play to the MAGA base.

I definitely would expect Senator Vance to talk about all aspects of illegal immigration, including as weve seenand this is a big issue with regard to Springfieldthe Kamala Harris smokescreen when it comes to illegal aliens and the issue of temporary protective status, Miller, a longtime trusted Trump aide, told reporters during a call to preview the final debate of the 2024 presidential campaign season.

Miller also advised political reporters not to be fooled by stories suggesting Walz, a veteran politician, is real nervous and chewing on his fingernails.

Tim Walz is very good at debates. Really good, Miller said, pointing to Walzs 12 years as a member of the House of Representatives before becoming governor of Minnesota. In fact, Miller said, Walzs tenure in Congress will come up in the debate in a big way.

Taking personal, pointed stabs at the Democratic Minnesota governor, Miller, the loyalist who worked for both Trumps 2016 and 2020 campaigns, added: Hes not gonna be the wildly gesticulating effeminate caricature we see at rallies pointing to Kamala Harris and dancing about on the stage.

GOP Rep. Tom Emmer of Minnesota, who played the role of Walz during Vances debate prep sessions, also excoriated his fellow Minnesotan.

Emmer, who represents the Republican-leaning district directly northwest of Minneapolis, told reporters that his former House colleague is a total fraud. He predicted that Vance will wipe the floor with Tim Walz in Tuesday nights CBS debate.

No amount of Minnesota nice is going to make up for the fact that Walz embodies Kamala Harris open-border and soft-on-crime policy stance, Emmer said.

Walz has largely leaned into his Midwestern identity in recent weeks as he looks to connect with voters in key swing states. Some of his allies, including fellow Minnesota Sen. Amy Klobuchar, have worried this Minnesota nice image might be a liability on the debate stage.

Meanwhile, Vances advisers said he will portray himself as the man for Middle America, having come from a disadvantaged struggling community.

A recent New York Times/Siena poll found that more Midwesterners had a favorable view of Walz over his Ohioan rivalwith 48 percent of voters in Ohio, Michigan, and Wisconsin holding an unfavorable opinion of Vance.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  A survey conducted by TriMet shows a majority of locals approve of the service the agency is offering, while half of participants said Portland is still headed in the wrong direction overall.

From Apr. 27 to May 31, 2024, research firm PRR gathered responses for the transit services 2024 Attitude & Awareness Survey either online or through the phone.

Washington to raise minimum wage to $16.66 in 2025

TriMet received 4,208 valid responses, 63% of which from Multnomah County residents. Another 25% of participants reside in Washington County, while 11% live in Clackamas County.

According to the data released in September, 50% of respondents said the Portland metro area is going in the wrong direction  an improvement from the 64% who agreed in 2023.

About 25% of participants this year said the city is going in the right direction, compared to 18% last year. This is the first time positive answers have increased since 2014, when 60% asserted Portland is headed in the right direction.

When it comes to TriMet specifically, 73% said they approve of the job the agency is doing. The report noted there is a difference between respondents who use the transit service and those who dont. While 77% of riders approved of the service, just 44% of non-riders agreed.

The trend continued when participants were asked whether they approved of certain services. Overall, 77% said they approve of the bus system and 76% approved of the MAX light rail system. The numbers were closer to 50% when considering only non-riders.

David Douglas High School football players face racism at away games, coach says

Approximately half of participants said they feel unsafe using the transit service, with 82% of riders asserting their feelings of unsafety were due to other riders with nuisance/aggressive behaviors.

In mid-September, Portland police responded to a deadly shooting at a MAX Blue Line stop near East Burnside. That same week, a man received a lifetime TriMet ban and a 40-month prison sentence after biting off someones ear at a Gresham MAX station in 2023.

But the transit service said it has beefed up its security to ward off this behavior.

Downtown Portland saw 4-year high in summer foot traffic, report says

While riders are seeing and experiencing what non-riders are not, TriMet will continue adding personnel and efforts to advance safety on our system, the agency said. We currently have more personnel dedicated to safety and security than ever before, with more than 460 field staff and contractors discouraging unwanted behavior, responding to incidents and educating people about our rules for riding.

In August, TriMet also noted Oregons drug recriminalization law  which went into effect on Sept. 1  would help improve safety on its buses and trains.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Suspect in February rape at Nashville park arrested in Minneapolis

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN)  A man accused of raping a woman months ago at a Nashville park was taken into custody Tuesday over 800 miles away.

Metro Nashville police said 28-year-old Ali Alladin Ali was arrested Tuesday afternoon in Minneapolis for charges stemming from the Feb. 6 incident.

Crime in Nashville: Reports of rape up 24% while homicide still down from 2023

According to authorities, Ali and the victim had met on a dating site prior to the alleged assault at Peeler Park, located off the Cumberland River in the Madison area.

Detectives said Ali was giving the woman a ride to work when he drove to the park and allegedly forced her to perform oral sex on him. He also reportedly threatened to kill her during the incident.

Ali is expected to be brought back to Nashville soon to face charges for aggravated rape, rape, attempted rape and aggravated kidnapping, police reported.

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 Find todays top stories on WKRN.com for Nashville, TN and all of Middle Tennessee.

This is a developing story. WKRN News 2 will continue to update this article as new information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WKRN News 2.
Bill Jack Lincks was named a suspect in the disappearance of Morgan Nick

FBI (2) Morgan Nick, left, and Billy Jack Lincks

A decades-old Arkansas missing persons case might have finally been solved. Police have announced that a now-deceased suspect has been identified in the 1995 disappearance of a 6-year-old girl.

Morgan Nick was last seen on June 9, 1995, when her mother took her to a little league game in Alma, Ark., 5 News reported. After reportedly leaving to go to catch fireflies, Morgan was never seen again.

The case had remained cold for years, until Tuesday, Oct. 1, when Alma police announced at a press conference, reported by 5 News, KATV and KARK, that Billy Jack Lincks, a man who died in 2000, had been identified as a suspect after recently tested DNA linked his truck to the crime.

Lincks was questioned in the two months after Morgans disappearance as he was being investigated in the attempted kidnapping of another girl weeks later, police said according to KARK.

Arkansas court records reviewed by PEOPLE indicate that Lincks was convicted of sexual solicitation of a child in 1996.

5 News reported that police decided to reopen the case in 2020 and searched a truck that had belonged to Lincks after tracking down its current owner. The truck was vacuumed for evidence, the outlet reported, citing police.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE's free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Inside the truck were multiple hairs, KATV reported. After they were sent to the crime lab, investigators determined that one of the hairs could have belonged to a member of Morgans family, including the girl herself. Police, according to the outlet, said there was no evidence that any other member of her family had been in Lincks truck.

An army of supporters, advocates and heroes have rallied to uncover the truth about her disappearance, Morgans mother, Colleen Nick said, according to KARK. Morgans heart shines on.



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OPELIKA, Ala. (WRBL)  A suspected undocumented noncitizen with a prior DUI conviction in Lee County is facing reckless murder charges in an alleged DUI-related wrong-way crash that killed a prominent and beloved Columbus surgeon. The Opelika Police Department confirmed Gomez Lopez has a detainer from Immigration and Customs Enforcement.

During Mondays Aniahs Law hearing, a Lee County judge denied bond for Armin Rubido Gomez-Lopez, who is believed to be an undocumented noncitizen without a valid drivers license or ID.

Dr. Malcolm Goodchild

The 41-year-old was arrested on September 30th in connection with the alleged reckless murder of Dr. Malcolm Goodchild, a well-known surgeon from Columbus, Georgia.

According to detectives, on September 7th, Gomez-Lopez was driving a Toyota 4Runner the wrong way down the northbound ramp at exit 62 off Interstate 85, colliding head-on with a Tesla driven by Dr. Goodchild. The Tesla caught fire, and Dr. Goodchild later died from his injuries at Piedmont Columbus Regional. His wife, who was in the passenger seat, sustained non-life-threatening injuries.

Gomez-Lopez, who sustained serious injuries in the crash, was hospitalized for several weeks before his arrest.

During Mondays hearing, investigators testified that empty and unopened alcoholic beverages were found in Gomez-Lopezs vehicle, and he smelled of alcohol. Blood alcohol test results are pending.

Gomez-Lopez remains behind bars at the Lee County Detention Facility.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WRBL.
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates (AP)  Yemen's Houthi rebels launched an explosive-loaded drone that crashed into one ship Tuesday in the Red Sea and a missile that exploded against another.

The attacks are the rebels first assaults on commercial shipping in weeks as the Israel-Hamas war threatens to become a regional conflict.

They come as Israeli ground forces entered Lebanon after days of Israeli airstrikes that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and other top officials, and earlier explosions of sabotaged electronic devices used by the Shiite militia. The Houthis threatened escalating military operations targeting Israel on Monday after they apparently shot down a U.S. military drone flying over Yemen.

The first attack took place some 110 kilometers (70 miles) off the port city of Hodeida and targeted the Panama-flagged oil tanker Cordelia Moon, the multinational Joint Maritime Information Center said. A captain on a ship saw four splashes near the vessel, the center overseen by the U.S. Navy said. That likely would have been missiles launched at the vessel that missed.

The drone boat later damaged the Cordelia Moon, which sustained a puncture to one of its ballast tanks in the attack. Those tanks control a ships buoyancy. Houthi strikes in the past have targeted ships at their waterline to disable the vessels.

Drone boats have been increasingly used by the Houthis. The ship had been heading north to the Suez Canal with armed private security guards aboard, the private security firm Ambrey said.

Another attack with a missile targeted a separate ship also heading north to the Suez Canal with armed security on board, Ambrey said. The British military's United Kingdom Maritime Trade Operations center later identified it as the Liberian-flagged bulk carrier Minoan Courage.

Houthi military spokesperson Brig. Gen. Yahya Saree later claimed the two attacks in a prerecorded message, though he identified a different vessel as the second ship attacked. The discrepancy could not be immediately reconciled.

Saree said in a prerecorded video earlier Tuesday that the rebels had launched drones targeting Israel  attacks unreported by Israel as it faces incoming fire from Hezbollah. The Houthis have exaggerated claims in the past.

The Red Sea has become a battlefield for shippers since the Houthis began their campaign targeting ships traveling through the waterway, which once saw $1 trillion a year of cargo pass through it.

Houthis have targeted more than 80 merchant vessels with missiles and drones since the war in Gaza started last October. They have seized one vessel and sunk two in the campaign that has also killed four sailors. Other missiles and drones have either been intercepted by a U.S.-led coalition in the Red Sea or failed to reach their targets, which have included Western military vessels.

The rebels maintain that they target ships linked to Israel, the U.S. or the United Kingdom to force an end to Israels campaign against Hamas in Gaza. However, many of the ships attacked have little or no connection to the conflict, including some bound for Iran.

The Joint Maritime Information Center assessed the Cordelia Moon had been attacked over affiliations within the vessels operational structure, without elaborating. The Indian managers of the Cordelia Moon also manage the Andromeda Star, which came under Houthi attack in April.

The last attack on a merchant ship by the Houthis was on Sept. 2.

The Houthis claimed responsibility for an attack targeting American warships last week. The rebels fired more than a half dozen ballistic missiles and anti-ship cruise missiles and two drones at three U.S. ships that were traveling through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, but all were intercepted by the Navy destroyers, a U.S. official said Friday. The official spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss details not yet publicly released.

The Houthis also continue to launch missiles targeting Israel, drawing retaliatory airstrikes from the Israelis this weekend on Hodeida.
Suspicious death under investigation in Narragansett; suspect in custody

NARRAGANSETT, R.I. (WPRI)  Police are investigating the suspicious death of a woman whose body was found inside a Narragansett home Monday afternoon.

The womans body was discovered inside a home on Inkberry Trail. Police said a suspect has been taken into custody in connection with her death.

The victim and suspect have not yet been identified.

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SWANSEA, Mass. (WPRI)  Detectives are still working to track down a man accused of selling numerous vehicles he did not own to unsuspecting customers at his used car business in Swansea.

An investigation revealed that at least 25 customers fell victim were defrauded while attempting to purchase a car at Bristol County Auto Exchange.

Edward Cicciu, 46, of Attleboro, is accused of receiving cars on loan from local auctions but not obtaining the titles. Cicciu then reportedly sold those cars at his Swansea dealership with fake or forged license plates affixed to them.

He promised his victims he would mail the titles and registrations to his customers, but never followed through, according to authorities.

Ethan Bergantim told 12 News he bought a 2011 BMW from Cicciu back in June and spent months waiting for the title to come in the mail.

He knew something was wrong when Cicciu stopped responding to his inquiries about the title.

[I was] texting and calling  nothing. No answer, Bergantim recalled.

He later learned Cicciu had given him a phony temporary license plate.

Thats when I started realizing this was not going to be pretty, he said.

Police said the auction still owns the vehicles, since Cicciu failed to pay what he owed for them. The auction is now in the process of repossessing the cars from Ciccius victims.

Bergantim said the ordeal has been extremely stressful and hes hoping Cicciu will eventually be held accountable.

I would probably say I have invested close to $10,000 in this, he said. I feel like Im living in a movie.

Anyone who may have fallen victim to Ciccius scheme is urged to contact Swansea Police Officer Donald Dibiasio by calling (508) 674-8464.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WPRI.com.
UNGA general debate concludes with call for ceasefire in Middle East

Xinhua) 14:15, October 01, 2024

UNGA President Philemon Yang (C and on the screens) delivers concluding remarks during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

UNITED NATIONS, Sept. 30 (Xinhua) -- The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire.

In his concluding remarks, Yang said the world has seen an extremely dramatic escalation of violence between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon in the past few days, warning that escalation risks causing war in the entire Middle East region.

"As we speak, peace in the Middle East is hanging delicately on a shoestring! There is pervasive tension and uncertainty in the region," he said.

"The world must not allow an all-out war to happen in this volatile region," he stressed.

Yang called on all those with influence on the parties to demand an immediate ceasefire and dialogue, and urged all states supplying weapons to the region to desist from such actions and "give peace a chance."

Emphasizing that negotiations and diplomatic solutions must take precedence over brutal force, he said the Charter of the United Nations instructs that member states settle their disputes peacefully, so as not to endanger international peace and security.

During the last day of the General Debate, many speakers denounced Israel's military actions in Gaza and Lebanon, and called for an immediate cessation of hostilities.

In his statement, Syrian Foreign Minister Bassam Sabbagh condemned Israel's aggression against the Palestinian people, stressing "the need to hold Israel accountable for the war crimes it is committing."

Valdrack Ludwing Jaentschke Whitaker, minister for foreign affairs of Nicaragua, warned that the world is not on a journey to peace. "We denounce and condemn the genocide that the government of Israel and its 'First World' allies have committed, commit and continue to commit" against the people of Palestine and the people of Lebanon, he said.

A total of 193 leaders delivered speeches during the General Debate that started on Sept. 24, including 71 heads of state, 42 heads of government, 6 vice presidents and crown princes, and 8 deputy prime ministers.

UNGA President Philemon Yang (C and on the screens) is seen during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

UNGA President Philemon Yang delivers concluding remarks during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

UNGA President Philemon Yang (L) delivers concluding remarks during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

UNGA President Philemon Yang (C and on the screens) delivers concluding remarks during the General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) at the UN headquarters in New York, on Sept. 30, 2024. The General Debate of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) concluded on Monday, with UNGA President Philemon Yang calling on Israel, Hamas and Hezbollah to urgently conclude a ceasefire. (Xinhua/Li Rui)

(Web editor: Zhang Wenjie, Liu Ning)
Israelis wait to re-board their bus after projectiles were launched from Iran are being intercepted in the skies over in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Maya Alleruzzo/AP Missiles launched from Iran towards Israel streak across the night sky as seen from Deir al-Balah, Gaza Strip, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Abdel Kareem Hana/AP Israelis take cover as projectiles launched from Iran are being intercepted in the skies over in Rosh HaAyin, Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Maya Alleruzzo/AP A cleric clenches his fist as he celebrates Iran's missile strike against Israel in an anti-Israeli gathering at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Vahid Salemi/AP A cleric holds up his son as he celebrates Iran's missile strike against Israel during an anti-Israeli protest at Felestin (Palestine) Square in Tehran, Iran, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Vahid Salemi/AP People take cover on the side of the road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran on a freeway in Shoresh, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP People take cover on the side of a road as a siren sounds a warning of incoming missiles fired from Iran on a freeway in Shoresh, between Jerusalem and Tel Aviv in Israel Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Ohad Zwigenberg/AP Israeli soldiers work on tanks in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Baz Ratner/AP Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and hold up his portraits, at Enqelab-e-Eslami (Islamic Revolution) St. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Vahid Salemi/AP Mourners attend a rally commemorating slain Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, shown in billboard, at Felestin (Palestine) Sq. in downtown Tehran, Iran, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Vahid Salemi/AP Smoke rises following Israeli bombardment in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Leo Correa/AP Israeli army tanks maneuver in a staging area in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Baz Ratner/AP Israeli soldiers raise their fists from a moving APC in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Baz Ratner/AP An Israeli tank maneuvers in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Baz Ratner/AP Israeli shelling hit an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. Leo Correa/AP Smoke rises from an Israeli airstrike that hit the southern suburb of Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hussein Malla/AP Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, early Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Leo Correa/AP A man documents the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hassan Ammar/AP A burnt building shows damage at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hassan Ammar/AP Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hassan Ammar/AP A man checks the damaged buildings at the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hassan Ammar/AP An Israeli Apache helicopter fires a missile towards southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Leo Correa/AP Israeli shelling hits an area in southern Lebanon as seen from northern Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Leo Correa/AP Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Beirut's southern suburb, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Hassan Ammar/AP Smoke rises from the site of an Israeli airstrike in Dahiyeh, Beirut, Lebanon, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. Bilal Hussein/AP

JERUSALEM (AP)  Iran launched at least 180 missiles into Israel on Tuesday, the latest in a series of rapidly escalating attacks between Israel and Iran and its Arab allies that threatens to push the Middle East closer to a regionwide war.

Iran said the barrage was retaliation for a series of devastating blows Israel has landed in recent weeks against the Iran-backed militant group Hezbollah in Lebanon, which has been firing rockets into Israel since the war in Gaza began. Earlier Tuesday, Israel launched what it said is a limited ground incursion in southern Lebanon.

Israelis scrambled for bomb shelters as air raid sirens sounded and the orange glow of missiles streaked across the night sky.

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Israeli military spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said the countrys air defenses intercepted many of the incoming Iranian missiles, though some landed in central and southern Israel. Israels national rescue service said two people were lightly wounded by shrapnel. In the West Bank, Palestinian officials said a Palestinian man was killed by a missile that fell near the town of Jericho, though it wasnt clear where the attack originated.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vowed late Tuesday to retaliate against Iran, which he said made a big mistake tonight and it will pay for it.

Irans armed forces joint chief of staff Gen. Mohammad Bagheri warned that Iran would respond to action against its territory with strikes on Israel's entire infrastructure with multiplied intensity.

Israeli airstrikes and artillery fire pounded southern Lebanese villages on Tuesday, and Hezbollah responded with a barrage of rockets into Israel. There was no immediate word on casualties.

Moments before Iran launched its missiles, a shooting attack in Tel Aviv left at least six people dead, police said, adding that the two suspects who had opened fire on a boulevard in the Jaffa neighborhood had also been killed.

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Fears of a broader conflict

Hezbollah and Hamas are close allies backed by Iran, and each escalation has raised fears of a wider war in the Middle East that could draw in Iran and the United States, which has rushed military assets to the region in support of Israel.

Israel and Iran have fought a shadow war for years, but rarely have they come into direct conflict.

The U.N. Security Council scheduled an emergency meeting for Wednesday morning to address the escalating situation in the Middle East.

Iran launched another direct attack on Israel in April, but few of its projectiles reached their targets. Many were shot down by a U.S.-led coalition, while others apparently failed at launch or crashed in flight.

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White House National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan called Irans missile attack a significant escalation, although he said it was ultimately defeated and ineffective, in part because of assistance from the U.S. military in shooting down some of the inbound missiles. President Joe Biden said his administration is fully supportive of Israel and that hes in active discussion with aides about what the appropriate response should be to Tehran.

Iran said it fired Tuesday's missiles as retaliation for attacks that killed leaders of Hezbollah, Hamas and the Iranian military. It referenced Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Revolutionary Guard Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, both killed in an Israeli airstrike last week in Beirut. It also mentioned Ismail Haniyeh, a top leader in Hamas who was assassinated in Tehran in a suspected Israeli attack in July.

Israel has said it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for citizens displaced from homes near the Lebanon border to return. Hezbollah has vowed to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a cease-fire in Gaza with Hamas, which is also supported by Iran.

Questions raised over whether Israeli forces entered

While Hezbollah denied Israeli troops had entered Lebanon, the Israeli army announced it had also carried out dozens of covert ground raids into southern Lebanon going back nearly a year.

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If true, it would be another humiliating blow for Hezbollah, the most powerful armed group in the Middle East. Hezbollah has been reeling from weeks of targeted strikes that killed Nasrallah and several of his top commanders.

On Tuesday morning, Israel warned people in southern Lebanon to evacuate to the north of the Awali River, some 60 kilometers (36 miles) from the border and much farther than the Litani River, which marks the northern edge of a U.N.-declared zone intended to serve as a buffer between Israel and Hezbollah after their 2006 war.

The border region has largely emptied out over the past year as the two sides have traded fire.

An Associated Press reporter saw Israeli troops operating near the border in armored trucks, with helicopters circling overhead, but could not confirm ground forces had crossed into Lebanon.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric said Tuesday the U.N. peacekeeping force in southern Lebanon has seen sporadic incursions by Israeli military forces, but they have not witnessed a full-scale invasion.

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Ahead of the Israeli announcement of an incursion, U.S. officials on Monday said Israel had described launching small raids inside Lebanon as it prepared for a wider operation.

Hagari, the Israeli army spokesman, said Israel had carried out dozens of small raids inside Lebanon since Oct. 8, when Hezbollah began firing rockets into Israel after the outbreak of the war in Gaza. He said Israeli forces had crossed the border to collect information and destroy Hezbollah infrastructure, including tunnels and weapons. Israel has said Hezbollah was preparing its own Oct. 7-style attack into Israel. It was not immediately possible to confirm those claims.

Hagari said Israels aims for its current ground offensive in Lebanon were limited. Were not going to Beirut, he said.

The Israeli military was accused of lying to the media in 2021 when it released a statement implying ground troops had entered Gaza. The military played down the incident as a misunderstanding, but well-sourced military commentators in Israel said it was part of a ruse to lure Hamas into battle.

Israel strikes more targets and Hezbollah fires rockets

The Israeli military said Hezbollah had launched rockets at central Israel on Tuesday, setting off air raid sirens and wounding a man. Hezbollah said it fired salvos of a new kind of medium-range missile at the headquarters of two Israeli intelligence agencies near Tel Aviv. Hezbollah also launched projectiles at Israeli communities near the border, targeting soldiers without wounding anyone.

Israel's statements indicated it might focus its ground operation on the narrow strip along the border, rather than launching a larger invasion aimed at destroying Hezbollah, as it has attempted in Gaza against Hamas.

Israeli strikes have killed over 1,000 people in Lebanon over the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry. Hundreds of thousands have fled their homes.

Israel declared war against the Hamas militant group in the Gaza Strip after Hamas cross-border attack on Oct. 7, 2023, which killed 1,200 Israelis and took 250 others hostage. More than 41,000 Palestinians have been killed in Gaza, and just over half the dead have been women and children, according to local health officials.

Hezbollah is a well-trained militia, believed to have tens of thousands of fighters and an arsenal of 150,000 rockets and missiles. The last round of fighting in 2006 ended in a stalemate, and both sides have spent the past two decades preparing for their next showdown.

The groups acting leader, Naim Kassem, said Monday that Hezbollah commanders killed in recent weeks have already been replaced.

As the fighting intensifies, European countries have begun pulling their diplomats and citizens out of Lebanon.

___

Mroue reported from Beirut and Madhani reported from Washington. Associated Press writers Kareem Chehayeb in Beirut; Zeke Miller and Lolita C. Baldor in Washington; and Associated Press producer Mehdi Fattahi in Tehran contributed.

___
By Denis Balibouse and Cecile Mantovani

ZURICH (Reuters) - Swiss glaciers melted at an above-average rate in 2024 as a blistering hot summer thawed through abundant snowfall, monitoring body GLAMOS said on Tuesday.

Earlier this year, glaciologists had celebrated heavy winter and spring snow dumps in the Alps, hoping this would signal a halt to years of hefty declines or even a reversal of losses.

But with average August temperatures a few degrees above freezing even at the 3,571 meter high Jungfraujoch station perched above the Aletsch Glacier, scientists measured record ice losses across the country that month.

Overall, GLAMOS said Swiss glaciers lost 2.5% of their volume this year which was above the average of the past decade.

"It is worrying to me that despite the perfect year we actually had for glaciers, with the snow-rich winter and the rather cool and rainy spring, it was still not enough," said Matthias Huss, Director of GLAMOS.

"If the trend continues that we have seen in this year, this will be a disaster for Swiss glaciers," he added.

One of the factors that accelerated the losses this year was dust from the Sahara, the report said. This gives ice sheets a brown or rosy hue which inhibits their ability to reflect sunlight back into the atmosphere.

Pictures posted by Huss on social media during data collection trips in recent weeks showed muddy streams snaking through ice sheets so thin that rocks and gravel protruded.

"There is really a relation you build up with the site, with the ice, and it hurts a bit to see how the rocks are simply taking over," he told Reuters earlier this month, while measuring ice on the Pers Glacier in eastern Switzerland.

More than half of the glaciers in the Alps are in Switzerland where temperatures are rising by around twice the global average due to climate change.

Last week, the Swiss government gave approval to revise segments of its border with Italy since the melting of the icy ridges between the two countries has reshaped the watersheds which fix the boundary.

If greenhouse gas emissions continue to rise, the Alps' glaciers are expected to lose more than 80% of their current mass by 2100.

Earlier this year, Europe's top human rights court ruled that Switzerland was not doing enough to arrest the impact of climate change. The Swiss government denies this.

(Reporting by Denis Balibouse, Cecile Mantovani; additional reporting and writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Hugh Lawson)
Swiss glaciers are receding again after 2 punishing years and despite a good start to 2024

FILE - Chunks of ice float in a lake in front of Rhone Glacier near Goms, Switzerland, June 15, 2023. (AP Photo/Matthias Schrader, File)

GENEVA (AP)  The volume of Switzerland's glaciers shrank again this summer, compounding the negative impact of climate change after a devastating two-year run that depleted the ice by more than 10%, scientific experts reported Tuesday.

The cryosphere observation team at the Swiss Academy of Sciences reported that high temperatures in July and August, combined with the heat-absorbing impact of reddish-yellow dust blown northward from the Sahara Desert onto Swiss glaciers, led to a loss of 2.5% of their volume this year.

The shrinkage came despite extremely favorable conditions through June, the academy said, thanks to 30% more snowfall in the preceding winter compared to average levels, meaning that the glaciers had an extra layer of protective covering of snow  before temperatures rose.

August saw the greatest loss of ice recorded since measurements began, the academy said in a statement summarizing the findings.

The retreat of the glacier tongues and their disintegration continue unabated as a result of climate change, it said, adding that the 2.5% loss of volume was higher than the average levels over the last decade.

Experts at the Glacier Monitoring in Switzerland network, known as GLAMOS, said that more than half of the glaciers it monitored completely lost their snow coverage throughout the summer.

Several topmost measurement points on glaciers, such as Plaine Morte and Gries in the south and Silvretta in the east, recorded melt rates of a meter or more, the network said in a report for the Swiss Academy of Sciences.

GLAMOS cited three factors: very high average air temperatures in July and August; good weather in those months in which there was no fresh snow; and southwesterly winds in the winter and spring that dumped the Saharan dust onto the Alps, causing a warming effect on the ice.

Switzerland is home to the most glaciers of any country in Europe, and saw 4% of its total glacier volume disappear last year. That was the second-biggest decline in a single year on top of a 6% drop in 2022.

___

Follow APs climate and environment coverage at https://apnews.com/hub/climate-and-environment
The family of a non-verbal 4-year-old boy is demanding answers after they believe the child was abused by his teacher at Joseph Lee K-8 School in Dorchester.

They told Boston 25 News that they were contacted by the Department of Children and Families about the investigation last Wednesday.

The boys family, who wishes to remain anonymous, believes the alleged abuse happened last Monday and questions why they were not contacted directly by the school.

The childs mother filed a report with Boston Police after learning about it from DCF.

She kneeled on his back with her knees and pinned him down on his arms, said the childs aunt. She should definitely not be a teacher.

A Boston Police report said the childs mother alleged that the teacher did grab the child by his arms and slammed him to the floor.

She said the boy was restrained by his legs and fingers were either stepped on or pinched.

She also told police she believes this is not the first time that the suspect has been physical with the children in her class.

He cant even verbally tell us whats wrong. He doesnt speak, added the childs aunt. The fact that you did this to a kid who cant say Im hurt speaks volumes about a person like her.

The family believes someone at the school reported the incident to DCF.

In a statement, Boston Public Schools told Boston 25 News, The safety of our students is always our priority and we expect all members of the Boston Public Schools to ensure that our students are treated with dignity and respect. These allegations are deeply disturbing and are being fully addressed in accordance with BPS protocols. We are in the process of conducting a comprehensive investigation into the matter and offer any necessary support to those involved.

Were not identifying the teacher whos being investigated because no charges have been filed.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

Download the FREE Boston 25 News app for breaking news alerts.

Follow Boston 25 News on Facebook and Twitter. | Watch Boston 25 News NOW
TechCrunch

If you ask ChatGPT to help you make a homemade fertilizer bomb, similar to the one used in the 1995 Oklahoma City terrorist bombing, the chatbot refuses. Providing instructions on how to create dangerous or illegal items, such as a fertilizer bomb, goes against safety guidelines and ethical responsibilities. The hacker, who goes by Amadon, called his findings a social engineering hack to completely break all the guardrails around ChatGPTs output.
GREENVILLE, Wis. (WFRV)  Officials with Taco Bell say Pacific Bells, a leading Taco Bell franchisee with nearly 300 locations, has continued its Wisconsin expansion by opening a new store in Greenville.

Kwik Trip announces electric vehicle charging program, coming to select number of stores

According to a release, the new Greenville location opened on Monday, September 30, and features Taco Bell brand classics like the Cravings Value Menu, Cantina Chicken Menu, and more.

We are thrilled to grow our presence in Wisconsin and bring the beloved Taco Bell brand to Greenville. Our team looks forward to celebrating our newest location with area neighbors, friends, and visitors, and satisfying everyones cravings with the menu items that fans know and love. Gary Zehr, Regional Vice President of Midwest for Pacific Bells

Officials say the new location at W6291 Greenville Drive will have a grand opening celebration on Friday, October 11.

The event will feature a ribbon cutting with a DJ at 10:30 a.m. and will offer free Taco Bell for a year to the first 50 customers in line before 9:00 a.m.

The free Taco Bell for a year will include 12 free combos, one per month, and is said to exclude Taco Party Packs and Group Meal Deals.

Whooping Cough circulating in Winnebago County, 21 confirmed cases

The Greenville Taco Bell location is open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 a.m. and offers dine-in, drive-thru, and pickup options.

To order Taco Bell from this new store or from the next closest location, download the Taco Bell mobile app.

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ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC)  Imagine an entire county without power for days.

Thats what folks in Madison County, Florida experienced as the eye of Hurricane Helene crossed over the rural community after coming ashore last Thursday night.

How to help those affected by Hurricane Helene

New Yorkers from The Red Cross, Army National Guard, and Division of Homeland Security and Emergency Services Office have fanned out across the South to bring some much needed relief, and restore hope to some of the hardest hit areas.

The power went out and all of a sudden the wind just started howling, Cheryl Thomas, a resident of Madison County, Florida said. I didnt know what to expect when the sun would rise the following morning.

Madison County is a rural area of fewer than 20 thousand people. It sits between Tallahassee and Jacksonville, and just 15 miles south of the Georgia border.

I lived through a Category Four, night storm. I never experienced anything so frightening, said Thomas.

In the last year, people in this area have experienced a one, two, three-punch from Hurricanes Idalia, Debby and now Helene.

Courtesy: Charlie Jackson.

Thankfully, we had no lost life here, began Charlie Jackson of Madison, Florida. Quite a few houses were hit, quite a few houses were devastated.

Local, state and federal responders are assisting throughout Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and other hard hit areas.

The Army Reserve was giving out tarps, ice and water, said Jackson.

Gov. Hochul sending resources from Rochester to the South after Hurricane Helene

That help is also coming from New York, and specifically from Rochester. Richard McCorry is among the 12 volunteers from Red Cross of Western NY.

Probably the worst thing theyve gone through in their life, explained McCorry. But we try to give them the little spark of hope that there are brighter days ahead, even though it may not seem like it at the moment.

Hes watched as the number of people seeking shelter continues to double, as folks can no longer tolerate 90 degree temperatures. As of Monday night, Red Cross in Southwest Georgia housed some 500 people in 13 shelters.

Even shelters that we provide them, we dont have power, no air conditioning, no cell service. We just provide a roof over their head, a place to sleep and feed them, McCorry said.

Cheryl Thomas spoke to News 8s Theresa Marsenburg from a relatives home in Northwest Florida. She learned Monday that her power is back on and is hoping to return to Madison as early as tomorrow. Charlie Jacksons power was restored Sunday night. Both of these survivors have friends and family in Rochester. The Red Cross said monetary donations as well as blood donations are greatly appreciated. You can learn more about how to help here.

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Photo by iStock / Getty Images Plus

A Tallahassee trial judge on Monday tossed out a lawsuit seeking to stop the DeSantis administration from using state resources to convince voters to defeat Amendment 4.

Circuit Judge Jonathan Sjostrom in a nine-page ruling said that the group pushing Amendment 4, Floridians Protecting Freedom, lacked standing to file the lawsuit.

Sjostrom also contended that no person or entity had the right to challenge the actions of the Agency for Health Care Administration (AHCA) while the campaign to pass the amendment  which would guarantee access to abortion to the point of viability  is underway.

The constitution does not suggest a basis for the courts to intervene in the campaign by deciding which arguments for and against the proposal are meritorious or misleading, wrote Sjostrom, first appointed to the bench by then-Gov. Jeb Bush.

The American Civil Liberties Union of Florida and Southern Legal Counsel issued a statement discussing their disappointment with the ruling which allows AHCA to continue its campaign against Amendment 4.

This decision is a blow to democracy and reproductive freedom. By allowing AHCA to continue spreading falsehoods, the court is enabling government agencies to interfere with the peoples right to a fair and honest election, Michelle Morton, staff attorney at the ACLU of Florida, said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix.

We will continue fighting to ensure that Floridians have the chance to vote on Amendment 4 based on facts, not fearmongering. We wont stop advocating for the rights of Floridians to make personal health decisions free from government manipulation, she said.

DeSantis talking points

AHCA earlier this month launched a website that contends that passage of Amendment 4 would threaten the safety of women if passed by voters. Then the agency put out radio and television ads directing people to the website. Those comments mirror talking points from Gov. Ron DeSantis and other Republican leaders.

The ACLU and Southern Legal Counsel filed the lawsuit challenging the action and sought a temporary injunction to block AHCA.

During a court hearing last week, attorneys for Floridians Protecting Freedom contended that the effort by the DeSantis administration violated the publics right to amend the Florida Constitution, an exercise of balancing the power and the rights of the people against the government.

AHCA had countered that the webpage educates the public about the amendment and doesnt mislead the voters.

AHCA Secretary Jason Weida issued a statement following the ruling doubling down on that message.

The Agency was pleased to see the circuit court swiftly reject the plaintiffs politically motivated attack on the States obligationand dutyto keep the public informed through public service announcements, Weida said.

More damage would be done

Sjostrom in his decision ruled that those who sued had not produced evidence that AHCA was spending money on the ads or any evidence that voters were being misled.

More damage would likely be done to the public interest were the courts to intervene, unfettered by meaningful evidence, in the final weeks of a contentious election on matters of great public interest and controversy, he wrote. The judiciary must trust the people to decide what information is important to them.

The decision doesnt put an end to the controversy, since a Palm Beach County attorney has also challenged AHCAs actions in a direct petition to the Florida Supreme Court.

But the ruling comes just as many voters across the state are about to receive mail-in ballots ahead of the Nov. 5 election.

Hotly contested amendment

The abortion access initiative is one of the most hotly contested proposed amendments Florida voters will consider. DeSantis and Republican leaders have used their muscle to oppose the proposed amendment, which, if approved by 60% of the voters, would ban government interference with abortion up to the point of viability, or about 24 weeks gestation.

It would set aside Floridas six-week abortion ban, signed into law by DeSantis before his failed presidential campaign.

Daniel Marshall, attorney for Southern Legal Counsel, said he was troubled by the outcome of the ruling.

We believe the government should not have the power to use taxpayer resources to mislead voters, especially on an issue as important as reproductive freedom, he said.

Todays decision undermines the integrity of our democratic process by allowing a state agency to interfere in a citizen-led initiative. While we are disappointed by the courts decision, we remain committed to fighting for the rights of Floridians to participate in free and fair elections. Voters deserve truthful, transparent information, and we will continue to work to ensure they receive it, he said in a statement to the Florida Phoenix.

This story has been modified to include comment from AHCA

Jackie Llanos contributed to this report.
Reporter Taylor Lorenz announced she left The Washington Post on Tuesday after being absent for weeks following a viral controversy involving her calling President Biden a "war criminal."

Lorenz went viral in August after a screenshot obtained by the New York Post's Jon Levine appeared to show her calling President Biden a "war criminal" in an Instagram post while attending a White House event. Lorenz initially implied the caption was edited by someone else before admitting that she shared the post herself.

As part of the launch of her User Magazine Substack, she explained "why I'm leaving legacy media," saying her type of reporting "has become increasingly difficult to do in corporate media."

The Post confirmed her exit.

Washington Post's Taylor Lorenz Says Biden War Criminal Post Was Obvious Meme After Claiming It Was Edited

Washington Post columnist Taylor Lorenz announced she has left the paper.

"We are grateful for the work Taylor has produced at The Washington Post. She has resigned to pursue a career in independent journalism, and we wish her the best," a spokesperson for The Washington Post told Fox News Digital.

Read On The Fox News App

For several weeks, The Post remained mum about whether Lorenz had been suspended from the paper over the controversy. Lorenz had not had anything published since Aug. 7. A spokesperson from the paper previously said it was "looking into" Lorenz's post but did not provide any updates until Oct. 1, confirming Lorenz's exit from the paper.

Washington Post Looking Into Allegations Taylor Lorenz Published Instagram Post Calling Biden A War Criminal

Lorenz previously told Fox News Digital that she was on an overseas vacation and implied she would be back to work at The Post the week of Sept. 30.

Meanwhile, Lorenz has remained active via her personal Substack newsletter as well as her podcast, which is produced by Vox.

It remains unclear whether Lorenz was officially suspended over her Instagram post.

The Washington Post declined to share Lorenz's status with the paper for weeks following her viral controversy.

The controversy began when Lorenz attended the White House Creator Economy Conference last month, where Biden made an appearance.

In the viral image shared by Levine, a masked Lorenz was seen taking a selfie with Biden speaking in the background. Included was a caption that read "War criminal" with a frowny face.

Fox News Digital learned the post was made in an Instagram story specifically using the "close friends" feature as indicated by the green star icon, meaning it was not posted publicly and could only have been seen by a select group of Instagram users of her choosing.

Wapo Reporter Suggests White House Censor Misinformation From Trump-musk Interview During Press Briefing

Lorenz initially denied the post's authenticity, replying to Levine, "You people will fall for any dumba-- edit someone makes."

However, not only did Lorenz later admit it was real, she insisted it was a joke.

"I literally never denied it was real,'" Lorenz told one critic on X. She told another that it was an "obvious meme."

Lorenz has a long history of generating controversy in her reporting and on social media.

There had been speculation online that Lorenz was making an obscure reference to musician Lucy Dacus, who called former President Obama a "war criminal" on social media last year, also with a frowny face.

NPR previously reported that "four people with direct knowledge" of the post "confirmed its authenticity."

"Only about 7 people saw the actual close friends post (I have very few people on CF) and almost all are my normie non-media friends. So [I don't know] who this guy is talking about [to be honest]," Lorenz reacted to NPR's reporting .

Biden has been repeatedly attacked by the far-left for his handling of the ongoing war between Israel and Hamas, with many deriding him as "Genocide Joe" for continuing to provide military aid to the Jewish State following the Oct. 7 terrorist attack. Lorenz, known for her far-left opinions, is a fierce critic of Israel .

Lorenz has a long history of sparking controversy on social media, as well as in her reporting tactics.





Original article source: Taylor Lorenz leaves Washington Post following her Biden 'war criminal' post controversy
TAYLOR, Mich. (FOX 2) - Police say "a simple note about flushing the toilet" caused an argument between sisters that escalated to the 13-year-old fatally stabbing her 7-year-old sibling with two knives.

The incident took place after 1 p.m. on Saturday at a home on Banner Avenue in Taylor, near Telegraph Road.

The older sister is now facing multiple charges  including first-degree premeditated murder, felony murder, and first-degree child abuse, according to a release from the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.

"She was very calm and just showed no emotion," said Taylor Detective Cpl. Zachary Digiacomo.

Authorities have not released the identities of either sister.

The girls' parents left them alone at home around 11:15 a.m. The 13-year-old was babysitting the 7-year-old when the argument broke out.

"It stemmed from a note that was placed in the bathroom and the note was about flushing the toilet," Digiacomo said.

After the argument, the 13-year-old allegedly waited until her sister was in the bathroom again to stab her several times using two knives  a butcher knife and a hunting knife, according to police.

The older sister first called her father and then 911, telling them that she had stabbed her sibling.

Upon arrival, police located the victim in the bathroom with "over 10 stab wounds ranging from the abdomen, to the head, to the neck," Digiacomo said. "All I can say is, it's shocking, and it's very tragic."

The 7-year-old was rushed to a local hospital where she was pronounced dead.

Prosecutor Kym Worthy stated on Monday that the older sister should remain within the jurisdiction of the juvenile system instead of facing trial as an adult.

Yet, in a later development on Thursday, Oct. 3, during a legal proceeding, the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office submitted a formal request to change the initial legal filing in the case, proposing that the 13-year-old be designated as an adult.

The designation is not the same as criminally trying the minor as an adult.

Instead, "upon conviction, an adult designation allows the judge to have the option of sentencing the respondent as a juvenile, or as an adult, or to fashion a blended juvenile sentence with the option of imposing an adult sentence if the juvenile is not rehabilitated," according to the prosecutor's office. "Other facts discovered in the case have caused the change to an adult designation."

The parents told police the 13-year-old had never been a problem at home or at school, leaving them stunned by the incident.

"They only shed light on just normal sibling arguments," Digiacomo said. "Growing up as kids, you argue with your siblings all the time, but it doesnt lead to this."

A make-shift memorial was left on the family's front yard on Monday.

"When my grandma told me, I was horrified because they were best friends even though they were sisters," Matthew, an acquaintance of the sisters, told FOX 2 over the weekend. "They would always play together. They had My Little Pony toys, and they would play with each other."

EDITOR'S NOTE: The 13-year-old girl will be adult-designated. The story has been updated to include the changes submitted by the Wayne County Prosecutor's Office.
PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN)  Teachers in the Beaverton School District demonstrated outside their campuses Monday morning as their struggle to reach a new contract with the third largest school district in the state continues.

Teachers say their contract talks with the district since February are not making enough progress on some of their bigger issues  like pay and classroom safety.

This Oregon school is in the top 10 college towns in the US, new ranking says

The future of Oregons public school is in our hands, and we wont stop fighting until every school building has the resources it needs to meet the social and emotional needs of all our students and their families, said Katie Lukins, Vice President of the Beaverton Education Association.

Educators are also warning state lawmakers to do better when it comes to funding education during their next session in January 2025.

Meanwhile, legislators met in Salem last week and considered ways to avoid teacher strikes.

One of those possibilities was a statewide teacher salary schedule with a state mandated minimum for new teachers. Another was changing the way the state figures out how much money school districts need to operate, including most of the money for salary and benefits that does impact hiring teachers, counselors and social workers.

Beaverton teachers are demanding better pay and safety conditions during a Monday morning walk in as bargaining with their school district continues. Sept. 30, 2024. (KOIN)

Beaverton teachers are demanding better pay and safety conditions during a Monday morning walk in as bargaining with their school district continues. Sept. 30, 2024. (KOIN)

Beaverton teachers are demanding better pay and safety conditions during a Monday morning walk in as bargaining with their school district continues. Sept. 30, 2024. (KOIN)

Beaverton teachers said they also want to have more input for district decision making on issues like staffing levels in classrooms.

Parents and students joined the teachers during the walk-in before heading into school, but some families are concerned about a possible strike like the one involving Portland Public Schools last year, which lasted more than a month after contract talks broke off.

Woman injured by unknown projectile on Arcadia Beach

However, the Beaverton Education Association, the union representing teachers in the school district, said they are not headed for a strike at the moment, thanks to several bargaining sessions scheduled in the coming weeks.

KOIN 6 News reached out to the Beaverton School District to get a response to the demonstrations, but we have yet to hear back.

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Teachers are buying soap and toiletries for primary school pupils because of an increase in hygiene poverty, according to school staff.

A survey of 500 school staff in the UK suggests that nearly three in 10 (28 per cent) have seen children repeatedly miss school because of hygiene poverty.

The majority of teachers said they had seen children arriving at school in dirty clothes, with unwashed hair and unbrushed teeth over the past year.

Four in five (80 per cent) school staff believe that there has been an increase in hygiene poverty issues in their school in the last year  and a third of these said the rise has been significant, according to a poll.

More than three in five (62 per cent) have seen pupils with dirty uniforms or PE kits, and 60 per cent have noted unwashed hair and unclean teeth, according to the poll carried out by Censuswide in September.

Low self-esteem

The survey of school staff, carried out for charity The Hygiene Bank and smol, a cleaning brand, suggests that pupils affected by hygiene poverty have experienced low self-esteem, bullying and isolation.

Nearly two in three (63 per cent) school staff said they expect the level of hygiene poverty will increase in their school in the upcoming year.

School staff reported that they have personally washed pupils uniforms and bought soap, toiletries and laundry detergent for families in need.

On average, school staff spent around 27 out of their own pocket in the past year on hygiene support for pupils, the poll found.

Smol, in collaboration with The Hygiene Bank, has launched a Clean Up Child Hygiene Poverty campaign, which is calling on the government to address the issue in its upcoming child poverty strategy.

The campaign, which has been supported by the NASUWT teaching union, is calling on members of the public to write to their local MP to bring child hygiene poverty to the attention of the taskforce.

The Hygiene Bank and smol have estimated that school staff in the UK spent around 40 million of their own money supporting pupils with hygiene poverty issues in the past year.

A silent crisis

Ruth Brock, the chief executive at The Hygiene Bank, said: Its heartbreaking that in 2024 children across the UK are missing out on their education because their families cannot afford what they need to stay clean.

Hygiene poverty is a silent crisis that impacts not only childrens health and wellbeing, but also their ability to participate fully in school, potentially limiting their life chances. Teachers need to be able to teach; they should not be left to fill the gap, financially and emotionally, by providing these essentials.

The governments child poverty taskforce must urgently address this issue ensuring that no childs future is limited by the shame and isolation caused by hygiene poverty.

Patrick Roach, the general secretary of the NASUWT, said: No child should suffer the shame and embarrassment of coming to school in dirty and unwashed clothes because their family either cant afford to wash them, or doesnt have enough money for spare items of school uniform, which are becoming increasingly expensive for many.

It is undeniable that teachers are having to pick up the pieces of rising levels of child poverty, caused by the worst cost-of-living crisis in half a century.

Hilary Strong, the Suds in Schools initiative lead at smol, said: As one member of school staff noted in our research, every child has the right to be clean and feel clean.

The right to clean clothes has never been more important, and smols research shows that not only does childrens hygiene have a huge impact on their wellbeing and learning, but on those in charge of safeguarding them, too.

Staff, charities and organisations have led on fundamental support for children and their families, but now we need more support at a governmental level, so that we can fight child hygiene poverty together.

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The Democratic National Convention is apparently trying to goad Donald Trump, resurrecting old pranks against the Republican presidential nominee just hours before his vice presidential pick, J.D. Vance, is scheduled to go toe-to-toe against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz.

On Monday night, the liberal party projected a series of biting taglines onto a panel outside Trumps New York City residence on Fifth Avenue.

Trump is a chicken, the projection read.

The projection reportedly appeared just hours after Vance arrived at Trump Tower for the debate, which will take place Tuesday night, without an audience, at CBS Broadcast Center in Manhattan.

Some of the other jabs flashed through the projection included references to Vances old tweets, including one in which he referred to Trump as an idiot, and stabs at Trumps ongoing affinity for Project 2025, a 920-page Christian nationalist manifesto intended to help him to install far-right policies in the executive branch as seamlessly as possible should he win in November.

Vance on Trump: What an idiot, the signage said.

Democrats did something similar in August, branding Trump Tower in Chicago with giant messages during the Democratic National Convention. Those phrases included: Trump-Vance: Out for Themselves, as well as Trump-Vance: Weird as Hell, Harris-Walz: Fighting for You, and Project 2025 HQ.

But Monday nights prank has a more direct objective than simply trolling the Republican ticket. Instead, its transparent bait for Trump, who has flat-out rejected the idea of debating Vice President Kamala Harris again after his first performance against her turned unbelievably sour, frustrating his team, allies, and donors.

As Vance takes the debate stage to attempt to make up for Trumps own lackluster debate performance, these projections on Trump Tower NYC are a reminder that Trump and Vance are out for themselves while Trump remains afraid to go back on that debate stage and be held accountable by Vice President Harris for his failed record and his dangerous agenda, DNC spokesperson Abhi Rahman said in a statement.
Its been tears for two years: Mother of Topeka homicide victim speaks on anniversary of death

Its been tears for two years: Mother of Topeka homicide victim speaks on anniversary of death

TOPEKA (KSNT)  Sept. 30, 2024 marks the two year death anniversary of Keith Gaylord Jr. He was shot and killed at Meadowlark apartments in southwest Topeka back in 2022.

Gaylord Jr. was 23 at the time of his death. He was a native Topekan who graduated from Topeka High School and attended online school at Allan Community College. He is remembered by his mother, Tracy Jones, who continues to search for answers surrounding her sons death every day.

To this day two years later Im still in shock, Jones said. Somebody knows whats going on. I just want them to please come forward, please come forward and just help me.

Jones has placed flyers around the city of Topeka and posted them on social media in hopes someone with information comes forward. The case has been cold for two years now with no leads in the investigation.

Help me please. Just give my son justice so I can have closure, Jones said.

KSNT 27 News reached out to the Topeka Police Department asking for any updates in the case. They responded with no new information and ask that all tips related be submitted to Crime Stoppers.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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Senator Ted Cruz is getting worried in his reelection campaign against Democratic challenger Representative Colin Allred in Texas.



Cruz told Newsmax on Tuesday morning that Chuck Schumer said, Im his number one target in the country, and the Democrats are spending over $100 million.

Chuck Schumer and George Soros are flooding cash into the state of Texas. There have been multiple polls in the last three weeks that show it as a four-point race, a three-point race, a two-point race, and there have been two polls that show it as a one-point race, Cruz said.



Cruz warned that Allred was an extreme left-wing Democrat, throwing out the usual accusations that the congressman supports open borders, defunding the police, and higher taxes, and that he is targeting Cruz with relentless attack ads.



I want to encourage your viewers this morning: I need your help, Cruz said, directing people to his campaign website to contribute, because we are getting swamped by Chuck Schumer and George Soros.

We are getting swamped! Ted Cruz pleads for money from viewers, knowing hes on the verge of losing in Texas. Its a beautiful thing to see, hopefully he goes down in a crushing defeat. (Video: Newsmax) pic.twitter.com/ZwsyA9z8zM  Mike Sington (@MikeSington) October 1, 2024

Its telling how desperate Cruz is getting if hes using a TV appearance to plead for campaign contributions in a solid Republican state like Texas. He isnt exaggerating about the polls, one of which shows Allred behind Cruz by only a single percentage point in a state that hasnt elected a Democrat to a statewide office in 30 years.



Cruz was struggling to raise money early in the race in April, and at the time, he also invoked Soros in a similar plea for donations on Fox News. But his last entreaty didnt seem to help him, and his attacks on Allred are falling flat in the face of the congressmans moderate reputation.



One might think Cruz would try a more moderate approach to combat Allred, but instead, hes continued to push a right-wing message. Hes helped to spread a debunked racist attack on Haitian immigrants, refuses to say whether hed accept a Democratic presidential victory in November, and continues to fawn over Donald Trump, who has insulted him numerous times. Is any of that going to help him defeat Allred, or will he have to flee to Cancun?


Officers said they were called to an argument in Wellington Road, Boston, on Sunday [Google]

A 15-year-old boy has been arrested after a teenager was seriously injured in a "one-punch" attack, police have said.

Officers were called to reports of an argument between two boys in a park in Wellington Road, Boston, at about 14:00 BST on Sunday.

Police said the 15-year-old was arrested on suspicion of grievous bodily harm (GBH) and has been released on bail.

On Monday, Lincolnshire Police said the victim was treated at the scene before being taken to hospital, where his condition was described as serious.

The force said it is not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident and its investigation continues.

Listen to highlights from Lincolnshire on BBC Sounds, watch the latest episode of Look North or tell us about a story you think we should be covering here.

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Tennessee authorities said eight migrant workers were arrested for looting a flood-ravaged area of the state in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

Washington County Sheriff Keith Sexton announced on Facebook Monday that deputies arrested eight men for looting in the flood-ravaged 107 area on Saturday.

Five of the suspects  Albin Nahun Vega-Rapalo, 24, David Bairon Rapalo-Rapalo, 37, Kevin Noe Martinez-Lopez, 25, Marvin Hernandez-Martinez, 43, Dayln Gabriel Guillen Guillen, 37  were charged with aggravated burglary into occupied structures. Three others face burglary charges: Jesus Leodan Garcia-Peneda, 51, Josue Berardo Ortis-Valdez, 30, and Ersy Leonel Ortis-Valdez, 33.

As of Monday, all were in custody at the Washington County Detention Center, each held on a $20,000 bond, the sheriff's office said. They were all expected to appear in court later Monday.

Biden Gets Defensive When Pushed On Who's 'Commanding' Hurricane Helene Response

The office added that Washington County deputies continue to patrol the region "during the catastrophic flooding, especially along the flood zone."

Read On The Fox News App

The eight migrant suspects charged with looting in Washington County, Tennessee.

A sheriff's office spokesperson confirmed to Fox News Digital that all eight suspects are migrant workers in the United States legally on work visas.

"That will change as a result of the charges," the spokeswoman said by phone. After dark, she said that authorities would continue to stop anyone found in flood zones, regardless of their appearance.

"We have been through way too much for this kind of behavior," the sheriff's office spokeswoman said.

The Rocky Broad River flows into Lake Lure and overflows the town with debris from Chimney Rock, North Carolina, after heavy rains from Hurricane Helene on Sept. 28, 2024 in Lake Lure, North Carolina.

Asheville Residents Battling 'Apocalyptic' Aftermath Of Hurricane Helene After Deadly Flooding, Landslides

The five individuals facing aggravated burglary charges were caught looting residential homes, while the other three were caught looting unoccupied homes, structures "that were barely still standing," she said.

The spokeswoman said radios had just arrived via helicopter a day earlier, as communication in an area that struggled with cell service before the hurricane was severely impacted.

Flood damage at a bridge across Mill Creek in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on Sept. 30, 2024 in Old Fort, North Carolina.

The eastern part of Tennessee was hit by heavy rains and flooding as a result of Hurricane Helene. Gov. Bill Lee surveyed flooding damage in eastern Tennessee days ago.

At least 133 deaths in six Southeastern states have been attributed to the storm that inflicted damage from Floridas Gulf Coast to the Appalachian Mountains in Virginia.

The toll steadily rose as emergency workers reached areas isolated by collapsed roads, failing infrastructure and widespread flooding. During a briefing Monday, White House homeland security adviser Liz Sherwood-Randall suggested as many as 600 people had not been accounted for as of Monday afternoon, saying some might be dead.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.





Original article source: Tennessee migrant workers arrested for allegedly looting Hurricane Helene devastation
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO-WAWV)  The devastation caused by Hurricane Helene has led to Terre Haute Air National Guard troops being deployed to North Carolina.

Commander of the 181st Force Support Squadron Major Landon Hinman said the troops are already on the way.

We brought that team in at 9:30 on Monday morning and we had them out the door by 11:30 to go to our headquarters in Indianapolis to get a further read and then start their journey down to North Carolina, said Hinman.

Hinman said events like these are why these 11 airmen are part of the force.

Indiana National Guard activated to aid in hurricane recovery

Thats why we raise our right hand, why we wear the uniform, practice, and train the way we train, said Hinman. We work and train with the agencies that we work with here locally so that when that real world event hits we can respond to not only help Hoosiers, in this instance North Carolina, and those agencies down there so that we can hit the ground running, have a smooth transition, and be effective to get our mission set.

Hinman added that his group along with all the others going from the Hoosier state are always willing to help.

We arent the only entity responding out of Indiana, said Hinman. We see all of those entities like Task Force 1 and all the others down there that are transitioning from Florida to North Carolina helping those in need. It is nice to see the Hoosier state respond and help others in the nation.

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Tester Asks Sheehy Why He Wont Apologize to Native Americans About His Racist Remarks

Sen. Jon Tester conftonted his opponent Tim Sheehy about the racist comments he made about Native Americans being drunk at 8:00 a.m. (Photo/Montana PBS)

Native Vote 2024. Third-term U.S. Sen. Jon Tester (D-MT) candidate confronted his GOP opponent Tim Sheehy about his disparaging and racist comments caught on tape about Native Americans during a debate on Monday night.

The confrontation came about 50 minutes into the one-hour debate hosted by Montana PBS as the two candidates were discussing how to improve health care for Native Americans in the state. Tester confronted Sheehy about his statements in November 2023, when he said members of the Crow Nation were drunk at 8:00 a.m. according to audio recordings first reported by the Char-Koosta News.

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In the clip, which was recorded at a fundraiser on Nov. 6, 2023, Sheehy brags about roping and branding with members of the Crow Nation. He says its a great way to bond with the Indians while theyre drunk at 8:00 a.m.

If you really feel this way about Native Americans, you ought to apologize for the statements you made about them, Tester said. Its on tape, once again, and you didnt think anybody was listening, But believe people when they say stuff in a back room.

Youre a big guy; just apologize, Tester said.

Without apologizing, Sheehy cited his military background and called what he said as merely insensitive jokes.

The reality is, yeah, [it was] insensitive. I come from the military, as many of our tribal members do. We make insensitive jokes and probably off-color sometimes, he said.

Sheehy quickly deflected to the immigration issue.

Will you apologize for opening the border? Sheehy fired back.

Sheehy's comments have stirred the ire of Native Americans in the state and across the country.

Earlier in the day, two Native Americans interrupted a rally Sheehy held with Turning Point USAs Charlie Kirk.

You are a racist! You are a racist! one of the demonstrators chanted at Sheehy before he was forcibly removed from the University of Montana theater where the rally took place hours before the debate.

Tester is a member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs.

About the Author: "Levi \"Calm Before the Storm\" Rickert (Prairie Band Potawatomi Nation) is the founder, publisher and editor of Native News Online. Rickert was awarded Best Column 2021 Native Media Award for the print\/online category by the Native American Journalists Association. He serves on the advisory board of the Multicultural Media Correspondents Association. He can be reached at levi@nativenewsonline.net."

Contact: levi@nativenewsonline.net
(NEXSTAR)  While Texas is well-known for its megacity, Houston, and its big cities, like Dallas and San Antonio, the Lone Star State is also peppered with small cities that are filled with Texas charm. Recently, WalletHub released its 2024 Best Small Cities in America report to find out which hidden gems you might be missing out on.

Texas highest ranked small city?

Suspected Texas serial killer Raul Meza pleads guilty to 2 murders

Actually, it turns out theres a tie. Both Rockwall and Leander ranked 97th nationally, with Rockwall earning a slightly better overall score. To create the ranking, WalletHub scored 1,318 cities with populations between 25-100,000 across 45 different metrics, including affordability, economic health, education/health, and quality of life.

Cities were given scores out of 100, with 100 being the highest/best.

Rank City Total score Affordability rank Quality of life rank Safety rank 97. Rockwall, Texas 67.03 1,067 502 61 97. Leander, TX 66.97 49 866 413 96. Allen, TX 66.3 153 544 53 95. Cedar Park, TX 65.95 157 217 488 93. Flower Mound, TX 65.45 34 541 129 89. New Braunfels, TX 64.67 422 184 253

Rockwall, located in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, received its best scores in the economic health category (91st) and safety (61st), while New Braunfels received a higher score than most other Texas cities that arent Rockwall, with a triple-digit high score of 422.

And what about Texas poorly ranked small cities?

Strange holidays for every day in October

Both Fort Hood and Port Arthur share a low No. 2 national ranking (alongside multiple other U.S. cities), with Port Arthur earning only a slightly better overall score.

Heres a sample of Texas worst-ranking cities.

Rank City Total score Affordability rank Quality of life rank Safety rank 2. Fort Hood (now known as Fort Cavazos), Texas 45.47 1,067 900 1,037 2. Port Arthur, TX 45.87 784 1,036 1,224 3. Eagle Pass, TX 46.85 796 730 1,173 3. Kingsville, TX 46.99 833 843 1,125 4. Big Spring, TX 47.78 285 1,074 1,275 6. Balch Springs, TX 49.01 583 1,314 1,034

While some of these Texas cities may rank high in regards to affordability, many owe their placement to some very low quality of life and safety rankings. Of all Texas cities, Big Spring, located between Midland and Abilene, earned the best affordability score (285th nationally), while Fort Cavazos affordability ranking is in the quadruple digits.

Fort Cavazos, located near Killeen, is a 218,000-acre area located mostly in Coryell County, according to Texas State Historical Association. Fort Hood was renamed last year for several reasons, including its original name having Confederate ties and a series of disturbing incidents that have occurred there  most notably, the 2020 murder of soldier Vanessa Guillen. The name was changed to Fort Cavazos, in honor of a Texas general, who was the U.S. Armys first Hispanic four-star general.

Curious how other states and cities fared? Visit WalletHub for the complete ranking.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Texas had more rural roadway fatalities than any other US state in 2022, study shows

Texas leads the nation in rural roadway fatalities, newly-published data shows.

A 2024 report from the U.S. Department of Transportation to Congress reveals the country has a $198 billion backlog of necessary repairs and improvements to rural roads, highways and bridges.

Although "rural America" can be difficult to define, this federal report considered regions outside of urban areas with a population of 2,500 or more to be rural. The U.S. Census Bureau estimates that 20% of the country's population, or around 66.3 million people, live in rural areas.

A total of 97% of America's land area and most of its two million farms can be found in rural areas.

Earlier this month, national transportation research nonprofit TRIP released startling data on the safety of Texas' rural roads. Here's a breakdown.

Texas had more rural roadway fatalities than any other state

The latest data reveals Texas had the most rural roadway fatalities than any other state by far in 2022. Excluding interstate fatalities, the Lone Star State had 1,486 deaths. California had the next highest number, at 1,030. The two were the only states to exceed 1,000 fatalities.

LIST: Top 10 US states with most rural roadway fatalities, 2022

Texas: 1,486 California: 1,030 North Carolina: 883 Florida: 728 Georgia: 587 South Carolina: 548 Indiana: 499 Ohio: 482 Alabama: 481 Tennessee: 459

Texas ranks #11 in rural roadway fatality rates

A highway in West Texas.

While the Lone Star State may have had the most rural roadway fatalities total in 2022, it's important to acknowledge it is also the second-most populous state. With roughly 30.5 million residents, only California has more, with nearly 39 million.

In consideration of population differences, TRIP analyzed the rate of roadway fatalities per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT). The report also compared rural roadway fatalities against fatalities on all other roads. Texas ranked 11 among states with the highest rural roadway fatality rates.

LIST: Top 10 US states with highest rural roadway fatality rates

The 2022 rural roadway fatality rate for Texas was 2.52 per 100 million VMT  double the fatality rate on all other roads (1.26). The national average was 2.02 for rural roadways and 1.12 for all other roads.

The following table represents 2022 data for fatality rates per 100 million VMT:

State Fatality rate on rural roads (non-interstate) Fatality rate on all other roads South Carolina 3.11 1.32 Delaware 3.05 1.13 Arizona 2.87 1.53 Oregon 2.82 1.17 Florida 2.61 1.40 North Carolina 2.59 0.88 Tennessee 2.59 1.31 Kentucky 2.57 0.97 Louisiana 2.57 1.29 Nevada 2.53 1.36

12% of US rural roadways, bridges are in poor condition

The $198 billion backlog in rural road repairs has left many roads and bridges deteriorating. Of the nation's rural roadways, 12% are in poor condition, and one in twelve rural bridges need rehabilitation, repair or replacement.

Just over half (52%) of the major rural roadways in the U.S. were found to be in good condition.

LIST: Top 10 US states with the highest shares of rural pavements in poor condition

Texas fared slightly better regarding rural pavement conditions, ranking 19 among the states. Its share of rural pavements in poor condition matched the national average of 12%.

The top five states with the highest shares reported at least 7% higher than any other state.

Rhode Island: 32% New Mexico: 31% Arkansas: 30% Hawaii: 29% Mississippi: 28% Louisiana: 21% Missouri: 21% Connecticut: 20% Washington: 19% Alaska: 19%

This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: Texas had most rural road fatalities in the US, report shows
Over 100 high schoolers from around the country visited our office and farm yesterday as they begin their National 4-H Dairy Conference experience.

World Dairy Expo brings together dairy enthusiasts of all ages, roles, and locations to learn, share, and compete. There are also a number of special events and group gatherings that occur during the week while so many dairy folks are together in one place. One of the events that is taking place this week is the National 4-H Dairy Conference.

This conference was first held in 1955 after state 4-H leaders and other Extension agents proposed that an event needed to be organized specifically for 4-H youth who were involved in dairy projects. That first year, 85 youth and leaders from Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New York, Ohio, and Wisconsin gathered in Chicago for the event.

In 1970, the National 4-H Dairy Conference was first held in Madison, Wis., in conjunction with World Dairy Expo. Since then, 4-H members from all over the country who are passionate about the dairy industry have attended. They visit area dairy farms, experience hands-on demonstrations about dairy cow care and dairy careers, and hear from industry leaders. Its also a great chance for these members to meet other young people with some of the same interests.

Conference attendees kicked off the festivities on Sunday night, and then boarded buses early Monday morning to begin their tours. After visiting the ABS Global facilities in Poynette, Wis., we were glad to welcome them to Fort Atkinson to learn more about the citys and our companys history.

It is always a pleasure to host these students who are excelling in their dairy projects and eager to learn more. After enjoying lunch catered by the local Jones Dairy Farm, they visited the Hoards Dairyman office, the Hoards Dairyman Farm, Jones Dairy Farms historic farm and retail store, and the National Dairy Shrine Museum.

While at our publishing office, students saw where our magazine has been produced since the early 1900s and learned about the process that our team goes through to put together each issue. After they became experts on magazine layout, they had a chance to work with their fellow attendees try their hand at creating an attractive, informative magazine page.

At the Hoards Dairyman Farm, these students saw how our herd of Guernsey cattle is cared for and the technology we use on the farm, including automatic calf feeder and automatic milking systems.

During the rest of the week, these students will learn more about different facets of the industry from farmers, bankers, nutritionists, and more. They will also get to explore World Dairy Expo. We hope these students enjoyed their time in Fort Atkinson and will head home at the end of the week with their minds full of new opportunities!

For more information about the National 4-H Dairy Conference, visit their website or talk to your state 4-H dairy educator.





Katelyn Allen

Katelyn Allen joined the Hoards Dairyman team as the Publications Editor in August 2019 and is now an associate editor. Katelyn is a 2019 graduate of Virginia Tech, where she majored in dairy science and minored in communication. Katelyn grew up on her familys registered Holstein dairy, Glen-Toctin Farm, in Jefferson, Md.
Texas Department of Criminal Justice William G. McConnell Unit at Chase Field in Beeville in 2013. Credit: Jennifer Whitney for The Texas Tribune

Texas sprawling prison and criminal justice system is facing a dangerous staffing crisis that puts inmates and staff at risk  and it could soon run out of room to house the projected number of incarcerated people, according to the state commission that reviews the performance of Texas agencies.

The 189-page report documents severe staffing shortages among both correctional and parole officers that have become extremely costly and diminished public safety. Some prisons are operating with up to 70% of prison guard positions unfilled and the turnover rate among all Texas Department of Criminal Justice staff is 26%. The staffing challenges come as the growing prison population is expected to exceed bed capacity by the end of next year.

Reference

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission staff's September 2024 report on the state's criminal justice agencies.

(3.9 MB)

The Texas Sunset Advisory Commission staff, which published the report, recommends TDCJ reallocate its staff, close the facilities with persistent staffing challenges and retrofit existing units to add more beds. The staff report suggested the agency prioritize closing prisons that lack air conditioning. About two-thirds of prison beds are in areas without climate control, which creates sweltering conditions that are the subject of an ongoing lawsuit.

The report also details the departments outdated record-keeping practices, which largely rely on paper-based processes and manual data entry. That system has led the prison system to wrongfully release 34 inmates in the past decade. It also doesnt fully record the type of force used in guards physical altercations with inmates and doesnt completely track the types of employee grievances.

TDCJ is also not fully tracking the use or effectiveness of rehabilitation and reentry programs that cost taxpayers millions of dollars, the report found.

Without data on whether a program is achieving its intended goal, whether that is reducing recidivism or increasing employment after incarceration, the report rightly notes that Texans cannot be assured that their money is being put to the best use, said Marc Levin, Chief Policy Counsel on the Council on Criminal Justice.

The Commission reviews the performance of state agencies, identifies problems within them and forwards recommended changes to the Legislature. It is overseen by 10 state lawmakers and two members of the public. The speaker of the Texas House and the lieutenant governor, who presides over the Senate, appoint the commissioners.

Last weeks report from Commission staff focused on Texas Department of Criminal Justice, the Board of Pardons and Paroles, the Correctional Managed Health Care Committee and the Windham School District. Together, those entities house about 139,000 inmates and manage roughly 437,000 people on parole and probation.

Commissioners are scheduled to hear public testimony on the staff report on Nov. 14. Commissioners final recommendations are expected to be sent to lawmakers on Dec. 12 ahead of the legislative session that begins in January.

During an August interview with The Tribune, TDCJ spokesperson Amanda Hernandez said that recruitment is a top priority and that the agency is undergoing a dramatic culture shift that centers rehabilitation of inmates over punishment.

Prison staffing crisis

TDCJs staffing crisis has put both inmates and staff at risk, the report found.

Forty percent of respondents to a correctional staff survey said they feel unsafe in prison. In 2023, the agency recorded more than 2,000 adverse events, surpassing a pre-COVID-19 high. Adverse events include inmate assaults, sexual assaults, homicides and escape attempts. Correctional officers say exposure to these events negatively impacts their physical and mental health and makes their jobs more difficult.

Most staff report working beyond normal hours to compensate for the staffing challenges, and some understaffed facilities have a rotating schedule of mandatory overtime. Although internal policy prohibits staff from working more than 16 hours a day or 10 days in a row, violations of both of these rules are common.

Staff who are ineligible for overtime instead earn compensatory paid time off, which lapses after two years. Staff report difficulty taking that time off and in 2023 reportedly lost time equivalent to 95 years of time off due to the expiration.

Adding to employees frustration is a delay in performance evaluations. As of April 2024, TDCJ was overdue on performance evaluations for 14,453 individuals, contributing to delays in pay raises.

In survey responses, employees also pointed to punitive leadership and unfair treatment from supervisors as well as unrealistic expectations. For example, a correctional officer who is responsible for 300 inmates would have just six seconds to perform each inmate check in order to comply with their primary duties.

Sunset staff repeatedly heard from employees about a culture trickling down from upper levels of agency leadership of doing more with less and making it work, the report states. Under this dynamic, the crush of tasks described above creates a lose-lose scenario for officers and other staff who risk punishment for admitting failure to complete all required tasks, feel they must deceive supervisors or falsify recordkeeping, and wind up having to make high-stakes prioritizing decisions.

To address staffing shortages, the report recommends that TDCJ submit a 10-year plan that identifies facility and capacity needs amid a growing population and ongoing staffing issues. The Sunset staff also recommends phasing out certain facilities, particularly those with high vacancy rates and high deferred maintenance costs. The report also recommends that TDCJ streamline how employees file workplace complaints, since the current process is not confidential and is unclear.

Outdated record keeping

TDCJ uses outdated technology and lacks streamlined processes to manage complicated systems, the Commission staff found. The agencys IT staff has built different case management databases for departments instead of customizing one system to fit the needs of different groups, for example.

Sunset staff also found numerous examples of incomplete data. For example, while TDCJ collects data on use-of-force incidents, it doesnt document what type of force was used, nor does it categorize the type of employee complaints and grievances that are filed.

TDCJs inefficient, siloed and outdated data governance leads to errors that can hinder the agencys ability to ensure safety to inmates, staff, and the public, the report states.

TDCJ too quickly defaults to a cultural inertia of doing things the way they have always been done, the report later says, noting that staff showed a deep resistance to moving away from paper-based processes.

Staff often have to enter the same data into multiple databases, and manual entry has resulted in critical errors. Over the past 10 years, 34 inmates were wrongly released because of incorrect data entry.

Sunset staff advised TDCJ to establish an office of modernization that would identify ways to modernize the agency and recommended that they prioritize improving data collection.

Rehabilitation programs lack oversight

The Legislature has allocated millions of taxpayer dollars toward rehabilitation, reentry and education programs, but TDCJ does not keep a list of active programs. The agency provided a range of estimates, from 97 to 2,000 of the number of active programs. Only a small fraction of the total number of programs are evaluated, even though state statute requires TDCJ to evaluate their effectiveness.

Some programs, the report noted, are associated with increased rates of recidivism. At times, these adverse outcomes are because TDCJ over-enrolls the program, not because of issues with the program itself.

The Commission staff also found that the agency takes a long time to place inmates in parole programs, limiting inmates opportunities for rehabilitation and costing taxpayers millions of dollars by having to continue to house inmates who otherwise could be released. In 2023, the average wait time for a particular substance use program was 146 days, for example. Those long placement times cost millions of dollars a year.

TDCJ also relies on about 27,500 volunteers to help provide programming for inmates but does not evaluate these programs. Although TDCJ wardens are legally required to identify volunteer organizations and submit a report annually to summarize their activities, most do not do so.

Sunset staff recommends that TDCJ comprehensively inventory rehabilitation and reentry programs and conduct biennial program evaluations. They also suggest that TDCJ track parole program placements to understand placement delays.

In an emailed statement, Hernandez, the agency spokesperson, said TDCJ appreciates the work of the Sunset Advisory Commission staff, and will continue to collaborate with that staff as they present the results of their review to the Commission.

This report is just one step of the process, and we are eager to continue collaborating with the Commission staff, the Commission, and the Legislature during the upcoming session, she said.
Garcia White, 61, who was executed Tuesday, confessed to killing Bonita Edwards, the mother of the twins he was convicted of murdering, Greta Williams in 1989 and Hai Pham in 1995, but was not tried for those crimes. Credit: Jenevieve Robbins/Texas Department of Criminal Justice

Texas executed Garcia White on Tuesday for multiple murders he committed between 1989 and 1995.

White, 61, was administered a lethal injection at the Texas State Penitentiary at Huntsville on Tuesday. He died at 6:56 p.m., making him the fifth person to be executed in Texas this year.

The state intends to execute one more inmate, Robert Roberson, on Oct. 17.

In his final statement, White apologized to his victims' family and anybody else Ive caused pain to.

I would like to apologize for all the wrong I have done, he said. I pray that you can find peace, comfort and closure in your heart.

He also spoke to his loved ones, none of whom witnessed White's execution, and others in the prison system.

To my family and friends and loved ones, keep yalls heads up, stay strong, he said. To all my brothers and sisters incarcerated, yall just keep pushing forward, keep loving one another. To the administration again and to the guards, thank you for treating us like human beings.

Before he was executed, White sang a song called I Trust in God, according to the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

To me, Glenns last act was try to spare his family and friends from seeing him put to death," said Patrick McCann, Whites longtime lawyer. "And thats a selfless act that goes to the heart of who they executed tonight.

White was convicted in 1996 of murdering twin sisters Annette and Bernette Edwards, who were 16 years old. Their mother, Bonita, was killed in the same incident, but he was not tried for that crime.

A jury sentenced White to death after learning that he had also killed Greta Williams in 1989 and Hai Pham, a convenience store clerk, in 1995.

White sat on death row for three decades, filing multiple unsuccessful appeals in state and federal court. His latest appeal to the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeals was denied on Sunday, and the U.S. Supreme Court denied his petition to stay his execution Tuesday evening.

The bodies of Bonita, Annette and Bernette Edwards were found inside their home in December 1989, each of them with multiple stab wounds in the neck and chest, according to court documents.

Their murders went unsolved for around six years. A break in the case came in 1996 when, during an interview about Phams slaying, Whites friend, Tecumseh Manuel, told police that White had admitted to killing the Edwards family and Williams.

White first denied any involvement in killing the Edwards family, then later told police that he and a man named Terrence Moore had gone to the house to do drugs and have sex with Bonita. White said that a fight ensued when they would not share the drugs with Bonita, and Moore stabbed her and her two daughters.

Upon further investigation, law enforcement discovered that Moore had been killed four months before the crime. When confronted, White confessed to killing all three women himself.

During Whites sentencing phase, prosecutors presented evidence that White had confessed to killing Williams and Pham in addition to the Edwards family.

Pham was a Vietnamese immigrant running a convenience store in Houston. His 16-year-old son testified at sentencing that two men, one of them White, had come into the store in July 1995 and fatally beat his father before leaving with some cigarettes.

Williams was found in an abandoned home in November 1989. She had been beaten to death and rolled up in a carpet.

Five murders in three transactions, including two teenage girls, is simply too much bloodshed and carnage to ignore, Joshua Reiss, the head of post conviction writs at the Harris County district attorneys office, said on Friday. This is the type of case for which the death penalty is appropriate.

In his efforts to stop his execution, White tried to use Texass 2013 junk science law, a groundbreaking provision that allows people to obtain new trials when the science used to convict them has since changed or been discredited. He won a temporary stay in 2015 under the law.

White said that he had obtained DNA evidence pointing to another unidentified male at the scene where he killed the Edwards girls. He also argued that he was suffering a cocaine-induced psychotic break when he killed the Edwards family, and that scientific studies since the crime have demonstrated the effect of heavy cocaine use on the brain.

If available to the jury at the time, Whites lawyers argued, those factors would have resulted in a sentence other than the death penalty.

A split Texas Court of Criminal Appeals rejected that argument, with the prevailing opinion finding that the junk science law only applied to changed science in the conviction phase of a trial, not in the sentencing phase. The Texas House passed legislation to amend the junk science statute to apply to the sentencing phase, as well, but the measure did not move in the state Senate.

White also argued that according to the latest psychiatric guidance, he qualified as intellectually disabled and was thus ineligible for the death penalty.

Mr. Whites case illustrates everything wrong with the current death penalty in Texas, his lawyers wrote on Friday in his appeal to the U.S. Supreme Court. He has evidence that he is intellectually disabled, which the CCA refuses to permit him to develop. He has significant evidence that could result in a sentence other than death at punishment but cannot present it or develop it on a new writ.

His lawyers added: None of this ever saw the light of day with a jury and none of it has been permitted to be developed or presented.

The state, meanwhile, argued that these claims were properly addressed by the courts since Whites conviction.

White presents no reason to delay his execution date any longer, the state wrote to the U.S. Supreme Court. The Edwards family  and the victims of Whites other murders, Greta Williams and Hai Pham  deserve justice for his decades-old crimes.

Before the execution, McCann said that White  a grandfather who was selected to serve in the death row ministry program  had spent the past 28 years in prison trying to become a better man for the right reasons, for his family and for the people he loves.

McCann argued that Whites execution would not serve any deterrent or retributive purposes three decades after his crimes, and that he was a different man today than he was 30 years ago.

Any murder is not something that should be ignored, McCann said in an interview. But, he added, the guy they wanted to kill was probably undergoing a psychotic episode at that time, and is not the guy thats up there today. He just isnt.

Phams survivors included his wife and four children under 21 years old  who had immigrated to Houston from Vietnam less than a year before  in addition to family still in their homeland. Pham, who had served in the South Vietnamese Navy, left for the United States in 1986 after the Vietnam War, according to his son, Hiep Tuan Pham, who was 17 at the time of his fathers death.

His goal was for us to have a better life in the States, Hiep, now 47, said in an interview.

His fathers plan at the time was to move the family to California, where he believed he could make a better living. The day of his murder, Hiep said, his father was so happy because the preparations for their move were just starting to come together. Then he was killed.

The family did not speak English yet, and Hiep remembered knocking on his neighbors doors to ask for donations to help pay for his fathers funeral. It would be years before Hiep learned what Fathers Day was. He mourned that he would never get to celebrate the day with his father over a beer.

I dont know him. I dont know what made him kill my dad, Hiep, who plans to attend the execution with his wife, said about White. I just hope that he knows that because of all of this, we have suffered for a very long time.
At least 20 children and three teachers are feared dead after a bus carrying dozens of primary school pupils was engulfed in flames on the outskirts of Bangkok.

Some 44 passengers were on board when the fire broke out on Tuesday, causing a blaze so intense rescue workers were unable to enter the vehicle for several hours because of the heat.

Photos and video on social media show the entire vehicle immersed in flames at the edge of a highway, with huge plumes of black smoke rising above it. By the time the inferno was brought under control, little beyond a charred metal frame remained.

It is still not clear exactly how many people died during the devastating blaze in Thailand. But Piyalak Thinkaew, who led the Ruamkatanyu Foundations rescue team, said 23 people were missing  three teachers and 20 pupils. He added that they had not been able to identify most of the bodies recovered because they were so badly charred.

Most of the remains of the victims were found at the back of the bus - Bangkok Post

Some of the bodies we rescued were very, very small. They must have been very young in age, he told reporters, adding that it appeared that the fire began at the front of the bus. The kids instinct was to escape to the back, so the bodies were there.

At least three teachers and 16 pupils did escape the inferno, but many suffered serious burns around their faces, mouths and eyes, including a seven year-old who is at risk of going blind, doctors treating the survivors at Rangsit Hospital told reporters.

Rescuers said the fire erupted after a tyre burst and sent the bus careening into a roadside barrier. According to Suriyahe Juangroongruangki, Thailands transport minister, the vehicle had been powered by natural gas, which is highly flammable.

This is a very tragic incident, Mr Suriyahe said at the scene. The ministry must find a measure if possible, for passenger vehicles like this to be banned from using this type of fuel because its extremely risky.

The fire was believed to have started at the front of the bus and spread rapidly - Sakchai Lalit/AP

The bus was one of three travelling on a field trip from a primary and junior high school in Uthai Thani province, roughly 150 miles north of Bangkok.

As a mother, I would like to express my deepest condolences to the families of the injured and deceased, Paetongtarn Shinawatra said, adding that the government would arrange medical expenses and provide compensation to those families who lost their loved ones.

The accident happened at around 12.30pm local time on a highway in a northern Bangkok suburb. A motorbike taxi driver, Meechai Sa-ard, said that he heard it from half a mile away.

There was smoke everywhere. Poor children I was hoping that god would be kind so that the rain could put the fire out and the kids would survive.

Thailand has some of the worlds most dangerous roads, with around 20,000 people killed in accidents every year, according to the World Health Organization.

Both unsafe vehicles and poor driving contribute to the high death roll, which equates to more than 50 fatalities a day on average.

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Waves break off Sizihwan Bay beauty spot in Kaohsiung as coast guard officers patrol ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Krathon (WALID BERRAZEG)

Taiwan closed schools and evacuated thousands of people in the south of the island Tuesday ahead of the arrival of Super Typhoon Krathon, with the president warning it was likely to cause "catastrophic damage".

Krathon -- packing sustained winds of 198 kilometres per hour (123 miles per hour), equivalent to a Category 3 hurricane, and gusts of up to 245 kph -- was expected to make landfall Wednesday near the major port city of Kaohsiung.

Offices and schools were closed across southern and eastern Taiwan and the interior ministry said more than 7,800 people had been evacuated from vulnerable areas as a precaution.

President Lai Ching-te warned Krathon would "inevitably cause catastrophic damage".

"The path of Krathon is relatively rare, entering from the south and exiting from the east. Therefore we must be particularly vigilant," he said at a government briefing.

Dozens of international and domestic flights have been cancelled.

Nearly 40,000 troops were on standby for relief missions, the defence ministry said.

In southern Renwu district, part of Kaohsiung, soldiers were seen filling sandbags for distribution to the public, with a few dozen residents waiting at the district office to receive theirs.

Wu Mao-shu, a supervisor at the office, said "people are eager to collect sandbags to protect their homes. Up until yesterday we gave away around 7,400 and another 1,100 today so far."

Wu said authorities had also cleared the storm drains in the area to avoid a repeat of the widespread flooding seen during typhoon Gaemi in July.

Gaemi was the strongest typhoon to make landfall in Taiwan in eight years, leaving at least 10 people dead and hundreds wounded.

Taiwan is accustomed to frequent tropical storms from July to October but experts say climate change has increased their intensity, leading to heavy rains, flash floods and strong gusts.

- 'Can't underestimate' Krathon -

In Kaohsiung, residents taped up windows, filled sandbags and erected barriers around their homes to keep out floodwaters.

Coast guard officers patrolling the nearby scenic tourist spot of Sizihwan Bay told people to stay away as powerful waves pounded the coast.

Retiree Ou Rui-yao, who was birdwatching in the area, said he had prepared his home for the storm.

"We need to be very careful as this typhoon must be very strong," said Ou, 82. "Since the tide is high, we have put up water barriers."

"For the whole of Taiwan, we can't underestimate this typhoon."

Taiwan's TSMC, the world's largest chipmaker, said it had "activated routine typhoon alert preparation procedures" at all fabrication plants and construction sites on the island.

"We do not expect significant impact to our operations," it said in a statement.

- Philippine islands hit -

The typhoon was around 220 kilometres south-southwest of Kaohsiung at 1:00 pm (0500 GMT), the Central Weather Administration said.

The storm was approaching Taiwan after pounding a remote group of Philippine islands, where it cut power and communications and damaged "many" houses, according to the local mayor.

The Philippines' National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said Tuesday that nearly 1,800 people had been evacuated, around half in the Batanes islands near southern Taiwan.

Taiwan's coast guard said a Barbadian ship, the Blue Lagoon, was taking on water and tilting off the southeast city of Taitung due to the storm, with national rescue authorities later saying its 19 crew members had been airlifted to safety.

Across Taiwan, 23 typhoon-related minor injuries had been reported as of Tuesday afternoon, authorities said without providing details.

In Taitung, where the typhoon has brought heavy rains and waves of up to seven metres (23 feet), a man was sent to hospital after his truck was hit by a huge falling rock as he was driving along a mountainous route, local media said.

Typhoons are common around the region at this time of year.

However, a recent study showed that they are increasingly forming closer to coastlines, intensifying more rapidly and lasting longer over land due to climate change.

bur-aw/smw
OAKLAND, Calif. (KRON)  A recent enforcement operation in the East Bay led to the seizure of 2,652 cannabis plants, equating to over $2.3 million worth of illegally cultivated cannabis from a single operation, according to the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC).

According to the Unified Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF)  led by the DCC, along with the help of multiple local law enforcement partners  the enforcement operation occurred in an industrial building in Oaklands Coliseum neighborhood.

Person fatally struck by BART train in East Bay

In addition to the nearly 117 pounds of illegally cultivated cannabis plants, UCETF seized multiple bags of an illegal pesticide. The Alameda Countys Agricultural Commission said the pesticide identified contained isopocarp, an unregistered pesticide that is toxic if inhaled or swallowed.

Authorities said the enforcement operation also recovered other potentially harmful substances, including unidentified liquids, such as one labeled Golden Eagle.

Californias Unified Cannabis Enforcement Taskforce (UCETF)

It is critical that any pesticide used on cannabis is registered and all laws and regulations are followed. Enforcing these laws protects people and the environment from potential risks and impacts associated with pesticide use, the Department of Pesticide Regulation Deputy Director of Enforcement Ken Everett said.

According to UCETF, one person  who remained unidentified  was arrested for the unlicensed cultivation of cannabis, unlicensed possession of cannabis for sale, maintaining a drug house, and possession of an unregistered pesticide.

Unlicensed cannabis, often grown with unknown illegal chemicals, threatens consumer safety and undermines the legal market. This operation marks another key move in targeting illegal operators, said UCETF Chief Policy Coordinator Jaydeep Bhatia.

Gov. Newsom created the UCETF in 2022 to increase cannabis enforcement coordination between state, local, and federal partners. Since its inception, UCETF seized over $465 million worth of unlicensed cannabis, according to the governors office.

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State employees gathered outside the Labor and Industries Building in Tumwater Sept. 10 as part of a statewide walkout to demand fair wages and safe staffing levels. (Laurel Demkovich/Washington State Standard)

A union representing nearly 5,000 state government and community college employees in Washington has overwhelmingly rejected a new two-year contract, putting it in a position its leaders have described as uncharted territory.

Members of the Washington Public Employees Association voted down the tentative agreement, which contained a proposed 5% pay hike. Union negotiators derided this as a pay cut, saying it would not enable worker salaries to keep pace with rising costs of food, housing and health care.

The union sought a 30% hike as it looked to make up for what leaders said has been two decades of contracts with little or no increases leaving workers with 21% less in purchasing power over the past 25 years.

Our members love their work, they love serving the public, but they cannot afford to keep falling further and further behind, WPEA president Amanda Hacker said in a statement. With these votes, our members are calling management back to the table to negotiate so we can break this negative spiral. We look forward to reopening negotiations as soon as possible.

In contrast, one of the states largest public employee unions soundly ratified a new two-year deal containing nearly the same economic terms.

The Washington Federation of State Employees, which represents 50,000 state government, higher education and public service workers, approved the tentative agreement in voting that concluded Monday. The federation had 14 negotiated contracts getting voted on.

The largest contract, covering nearly 40,000 general government employees, was approved by close to 85%, union officials reported.

The tentative agreements voted on by the federation and the public employee association contained general pay hikes of 3% on July 1, 2025 and 2% a year later. They would also raise the starting wage for state workers to $18 an hour, assure the state will continue paying 85% of employee health care premiums, and add new types of leave such as for those experiencing wildfire emergencies.

By law, public sector unions must approve a new contract by Oct. 1 to be considered by the governor for funding in the next two-year budget, which Gov. Jay Inslee will propose in December. Inslee was not involved in the negotiations.

The Washington Public Employee Association bargaining team recommended rejection of the states last, best and final offer by its members working at 13 community colleges and in nine state agencies. Among them are the Department of Natural Resources, Department of Revenue, the Liquor and Cannabis Board and Department of Agriculture.

A master agreement covering more than 2,500 state agency employees was rejected by roughly 82%, according to union officials. A separate contract covering roughly 2,000 classified staff on community colleges fared worse, with 91% turning it down.

On Monday, the public employee association signaled its willingness to restart talks with the Office of Financial Management, which handles negotiations. It is the governors budget office. If a new agreement is negotiated and ratified in the next few weeks, the union would have to lobby the Legislature next session to fund it since it would be arriving after Oct. 1. And the next governor would need to sign off on it too.

Otherwise, the terms and conditions of the unions current collective bargaining agreements will be in effect and there would be no general wage increase. Any new negotiated tentative agreements would need to be reached by Oct. 1, 2025 in order to be funded by the Legislature in the 2026 session.

But if the two sides return to bargaining and fail to reach a new agreement by Oct. 1, 2025, state law allows the employer to unilaterally implement the terms of the states last best offer for the second year of the 2025-27 biennium, which would run from July 1, 2026 through June 30, 2027.

For the federation, the focus is making sure the deals get funded.

Kurt Spiegel, executive director of Washington Federation of State Employees/AFSCME Council 28, said in an email that the vote shows the membership was aware of the significant state budget deficit being forecasted and with that information supported the tentative agreement by a very wide margin.

With newly elected officials coming in and the state budget deficit, we are preparing our members for a busy legislative session to ensure all our contracts are fully funded, he said.

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The three people who died succumbed to their injuries at the hospital [Getty Images]

Three people died and 15 others were injured after a man went on a stabbing rampage inside a Walmart supermarket in Shanghai on Monday night.

Chinese police said they arrested a 37-year-old man surnamed Lin at the scene, adding that he had come to Shanghai to "vent his anger due to a personal economic dispute". Further investigations are continuing.

The incident took place at a shopping mall in Songjiang, a densely populated district in the city's south-west, which is also home to several universities.

Police said the three people who died succumbed to their injuries at hospital. The others "did not sustain life-threatening wounds" and are not believed to be in danger.

"There was blood everywhere," an eyewitnes surnamed Shi told BBC News.

Mr Shi, who runs a jewellery store at the ground floor of the Ludu International Commercial Plaza, said dozens of firefighters and special weapons and tactics (SWAT) officers entered the mall, and asked people to evacuate.

"I didnt know what was happening, but suddenly, I saw people running in a panic," he said.

"No one had ever experienced something like this, and we werent mentally prepared for it... This kind of random incident is terrifying and unsettling," he said, adding that he had "narrowly escaped" death.

Discussions about the incident now appear to have been censored on Chinese social media.

The supermarket was open for business on Tuesday but with additional security.

Firearms are banned in China but the country has seen a spate of knife attacks in recent months.

Last month, a 10-year-old Japanese student died a day after he was stabbed near his school in southern China.

In June this year, four US college instructors were stabbed in a public park in the northeast city of Jilin. In May, a man stabbed dead two people and wounded 21 others at a hospital in the southern province of Yunnan.
Tibetan group in India protests against China and human rights situation in homeland

An Indian policeman detains an exile Tibetan protesting against the human rights situation in Tibet during a protest to coincide China marking its 75th year of Communist Party rule, outside Chinese embassy, in New Delhi, India, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup)

NEW DELHI (AP)  Dozens of Tibetans living in India protested outside China's embassy on Tuesday against the human rights situation in their homeland, which China annexed in 1951.

Police blocked the protesters from entering the embassy and detained some after chasing them and wrestling them to the ground.

The protest came as China marks its 75th year of Communist Party rule.

The Tibetan Youth Congress, which organized the protest, blames China for repressing Tibetan culture.

We demand the Chinese Communist government to stop the cultural genocide in Tibet. We urge the international community to support the just cause of Tibet, said protester Sonam Tenzin.

The Tibetan government-in-exile in India accuses China of denying fundamental human rights to people in Tibet and of exterminating Tibetan identity.

At least 85,000 Tibetan refugees live in India. The Dalai Lama  their spiritual leader  has made Dharamshala in northern India his headquarters since fleeing Tibet after a failed uprising against Chinese rule in 1959. Representatives of a Tibetan government-in-exile also reside there.

The Dalai Lama denies Chinas claim that he is a separatist and says he only advocates substantial autonomy and protection of Tibets native Buddhist culture.
General Information:

Name: Tiffani Penson

Age: 54

Profession: People + Culture Manager, City of Portland

Pronouns: She/Her

Questionnaire:

What is the biggest problem facing the City of Portland as it transitions to a new form of government?

Portland needed an update to its governance structure and a district-based City Council

will bring more connection and accountability between neighborhoods and their

council members. Ranked Choice Voting has been successfully implemented in many

cities, and once voter education is conducted, it should become easier to understand.

As the City Council completes its transitions to a policy-making body rather than an

operational one, I see the job of a city councilor as effectively collaborating with the other

councilors to create policy reflecting of the needs of Portlanders, aligning the budget to

policy priorities and holding the city administrator and mayor accountable for

operationalizing policies and budget.

I acknowledge that this is a major change that will require training for city employees. My

People + Culture team has implemented a city-wide Transition Ambassador Program to

ensure awareness of the changes and answer employee questions related to the transition.

If elected, what do you hope to accomplish as a member of the Portland City Council?

Making Portland safe and livable will be my top priority. We must improve our emergency

response times by ensuring there are well-trained, accountable and properly resourced

public safety service areas; clean our streets, parks and community centers; and focus on

housing for all Portlanders.

There are specific things we can do to accomplish this. The budget should reflect what is

important to Portlanders  delivering basic services like clean streets, public safety,

housing opportunities, and parks and community centers  transparently and with

accountability through identified metrics and a community-facing report card.

The Problem Solvers program fosters collaboration between city service areas and

Portlanders to address acute needs, expediting the cleaning of unsafe and unsanitary

conditions and improving safety. This program has good outcomes and should be

expanded.

Portland Street Response should have mental health/drug addiction clinicians on staff,

transport people to services and be positioned within the public safety service area for a

holistic approach and focus on public safety outcomes and accountability.

We need to streamline the permitting process to ensure that homeowners and businesses

can move forward with their projects in a timely manner. The City Council can do this by

creating policy that requires clear and consistent code interpretation, aligning policy and

practice. We should also expand the Field Issuance Remodel Program to include small

business commercial projects.

We must address both current and future housing needs as we plan for Portlands

economic growth and vitality. First, we must address why it takes so long to permit

multifamily housing units and determine which policies need to change, if staff should be

added, or both. Next, we should review zoning and development policies in all districts and

identify empty buildings that can be repurposed for affordable housing.

I would consider the creation of a low interest loan fund to help fill the loan/capital stack

gap for projects developed in neighborhoods that have traditionally lacked new housing

investments provided they serve vulnerable and working people who face housing and

affordability challenges.

This is an opportune time to be creative when considering how to deploy dollars to house

individuals and families in all income ranges, including increasing public/private

partnerships and creating policies that expedite the availability of affordable housing.

In what ways are you qualified to represent the citizens of Portland?

I am raised and rooted in Portland, and I live in my family home in the Concordia

neighborhood. My father had a barbershop on what is now Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. that

became a place where community gathered to share stories while waiting for the perfect

haircut. He and my mother instilled in me both a commitment to community and a sense of

problem-solving urgency to get things done.

As an elected Portland Community College board member from Zone 2 North/Northeast, I

have experience creating and approving housing development policy. We recently opened

the 42nd Avenue Opportunities Center, which will have 84 units of affordable housing and

daycare services for low-income families. We are requesting information from developers

and accessing land use data near our PCC campuses to create even more housing

opportunities.

In my time at the city, I created the Supplier Diversity Officer role providing business

technical assistance and access to city contracts for minority, women, veteran and

emerging small businesses; expanded and managed paid internships for youth ages 16-24;

created the We Are Better Together program to support community-based organizations

that deliver business technical assistance wrap-around services for youth and families and

workforce development; and I established and lead the People + Culture Division to create

a more inclusive, people-centered environment.

I am an authentic relationship builder who finds shared values to collaborate effectively to

solve problems. As an elected PCC Board Director and KairosPDX Board Chair, I keep the

focus on issues and creating an inclusive and respectful organizational culture to achieve

consensus. We are in a critical moment in time, and the way the twelve councilors work

together is vital to both delivering basic services and reimagining our great city.

What political figure(s) do you admire?

I admire Mayor Vera Katz for her direct and transparent leadership style that ensured our

city was operating at its best and former Georgia State Representative Stacey Abrams for

her voters rights activism.

What changes would you like to see in your district?

District 2 faces the same challenges and needs as other parts of the city. We need to clean

unsafe and unsanitary conditions, improve public safety, house our neighbors, strengthen

our economy and ensure a skilled workforce. There are some specific, revitalizing

investments in North/Northeast Portland I would like to see:

Continuing to redevelop the waterfront in North Portland, including the University of

Portlands Franz River Campus, turning it into projects that benefit education, sports

and community. This is an opportunity to provide jobs, economic vitality and

enhance the landscape of the city.

Building affordable housing and assisted living residences in North Portland so

community members can age in the neighborhoods they call home.

Revitalizing Albina represents a generational opportunity to heal historic harm while

building a brighter future for all of Portland. It is exciting that the largest restorative

redevelopment effort in the United States is unfolding right here in our backyard in

District 2. ODOTs I-5 Rose Quarter Plan provides the opportunity to reconnect the

neighborhood through the installation of buildable highway covers, which is critical

for rebuilding Albina. The project also represents important economic development

opportunities for the entire state of Oregon. The Portland City Council should play a

proactive and collaborative role in both projects to ensure that promises made are

promises kept. Additionally, there are important questions about air quality, safety

and long-term solutions for equitably funding our transportation infrastructure that

the council must actively lean into as policymakers and champions of multi-modal

solutions that serve us all.

In addition to the Moda Center, the Albina Vision and Lloyd redevelopment

opportunities will be significant in ensuring we continue to build necessary

affordable housing and spaces for Portlanders to gather in celebration of our

regions rich arts and culture scene.

What do you love about Portland?

Everything! It has been my home all my life. Although my community has been displaced

physically, no matter where I am, I know my community is near and that feeling lives in my

heart and soul. I love the landscape, trees and mountains, the weather  rain or shine. I

have an appreciation for our local businesses and appreciate the variety of restaurants. We

are experiencing challenges, but there is no place I would rather be. I am running for City

Council to co-create policy that reimagines Portland and its inclusive livability.

Editors note: This questionnaire has been edited for clarity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KOIN.com.
Tim Walz admits he misspoke about where he was during Tiananmen Square massacre

Tim Walz has claimed that he was teaching in Hong Kong when the Chinese government crushed student revolts - David Muse/UPI/Shutterstock

Tim Walz has admitted he was not in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests in 1989 after previously saying he was.

The Minnesota governor and vice-presidential candidate has repeatedly claimed that he was teaching in the territory when the Chinese government crushed pro-democracy demonstrations, killing hundreds in the process.

However, Minnesota Public Radio News has placed Mr Walz in Nebraska at the time of the massacre, citing local news reports from the time.

The development came up during his debate against JD Vance on Tuesday evening where, confronted over his earlier statements, Mr Walz said he misspoke.

Mr Walz, who spent 24 years in the National Guard, has previously admitted he misspoke when he claimed to have carried weapons in war.

In fact, he never saw active service in a combat zone and left the military before his battalion was deployed to Iraq.

As a congressman for Minnesota, he told fellow lawmakers in 2014: As a young man, I was just going to teach high school in Foshan in Guangdong, and was in Hong Kong in May of 89.

The famous shot of the tank man at the Tiananmen Square massacre where China is believed to have killed hundreds of protesters - AP Photo/Jeff Widener, File

And as the events were unfolding, several of us went in. And I still remember the train station in Hong Kong.

The opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important. And it was a very interesting summer to say the least.

The Tiananmen Square protests took place between April and early June 1989. A Nebraska newspaper report from May 16 1989 reportedly shows a photo of Walz touring a Nebraska National Guard storeroom.

According to the caption, Mr Walz was taking over a job staffing a storeroom and would soon be moving to Alliance, Nebraska.

A separate article from April 1989 reported that he was planning to travel to China in early August the same year  roughly two months after the protests were crushed in the Tiananmen Square Massacre.

Student leader Wang Dan in Tiananmen Square in 1989 - AP Photo/File/Mark Avery

Mr Walz repeated his claims that he was in the region during the protests five years later in a radio interview.

I was in Hong Kong on June 4, 1989, when, of course, Tiananmen Square happened. And I was in China after that, he said.

It was very strange because, of course, all outside transmissions were blocked  Voice of America  and, of course, there was no, no phones or email or anything.

So I was kind of out of touch. It took me a month to know the Berlin Wall had fallen when I was living there.

Republicans have painted Kamala Harris running mate as a serial liar after he falsely claimed to have carried weapons in war.

Mr Walz retired from his battalion two months before it was alerted that it would be deployed to Iraq in July 2005. He later claimed that his comments about carrying weapons in war were made in reference to the aftermath of a school shooting.

Mr Walz enlisted in the Army National Guard when he was 17 but never saw active service in a war zone

Mr Walz also claimed that his wife conceived their children via IVF, at a time when access to the procedure has become a key issue on the campaign trail, but his wife later said that they used a different, less invasive process known as intrauterine insemination, or IUI.

Gregg Peppin, a Minnesota-based Republican strategist, urged Mr Vance to raise Mr Walzs claims about Tiananmen Square in their debate on Tuesday.

This is yet another example of falsehoods and phoney bravado from Walz, he told The Telegraph.

His mouth gets in front of his brain and raises serious questions about his governing style and whether he is fit to be anywhere near the Oval Office.

Senator Vance should prosecute the case against Walz today not only on this lie, but on Walzs hard-Left progressive record.

The Harris-Walz campaign has been approached for comment.

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Tim Walz to campaign in Central Pennsylvania, Harris to tour hurricane sites

(WHTM)  Vice President Kamala Harris will no longer attend a planned campaign event in Central Pennsylvania and will instead visit North Carolina, which was among the states devastated by Hurricane Helene, according to her campaign.

Harris running mate, Tim Walz, will attend the Central Pennsylvania events on Wednesday as planned. This will mark Walzs fifth visit and second time campaigning in Central Pennsylvania since he joined the ticket in August.

Walz, joined by Senator John Fetterman, will make stops in Harrisburg, Reading, and York.

Walz is scheduled to arrive in Harrisburg at 2 p.m. at HIA to greet supporters and local leaders to kick off his bus tour. Following that, he is scheduled to deliver remarks in York at 3 p.m. and will join a political engagement at 4:30. Eventually, Walz will be in Reading, where he is scheduled to join a political engagement with local Latino leaders at 6 p.m.

This visit comes only one day after Walz debated Donald Trumps running mate, JD Vance, in New York.

Kevin Munoz of the Harris-Walz Campaign addressed Harriss absence, saying the campaign knows Pennsylvania is critical to win and that Walz will continue to outline the Harris-Walz vision for the Country if elected.

This is a developing story. Stay with abc27 News as more information becomes available

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC27.
Tim Walz's path to the Democratic vice president nominee has been a long and winding route. Walz began his career serving in the National Guard and working as a public school teacher in Nebraska and Minnesota. He was elected to the House of Representatives in 2006 and was re-elected for another five terms, before he decided to run for Governor of Minnesota. He was elected in 2018 and re-elected in 2022. Because he's been in public service for over twenty years, much of his financial information is readily available. Here, take a deeper look at Tim Walz's net worth:

His total income in 2023 was around $300,000.

According to the Wall Street Journal, per their 2023 tax returns, Tim and Gwen Walz had a total income of about $299,000, with $135,000 of that coming from pensions or annuities.

As governor of Minnesota, Walz earns $127,629 as his annual salary. His salary could've increased this year, but he declined. Per the Minnesota Legislative Reference Library, "As of August of 2023, the Compensation Council had received communication from the Governor's office that he will not be increasing his salary. While the official salary has increased, the amount Governor Walz is receiving will not change and will remain at $127,629."

"Tim Walz has dedicated his life to serving our country and his communityin the Army National Guard, in the classroom, and in the halls of government," Charles Lutvak, a spokesperson for the Harris-Walz campaign, said in a statement. "He and Gwen have worked hard to earn a living like so many families across the country."

He owns no real estate.

In 2019, the Walzes sold their Minnesota home for $304,000, below the asking price, and live in a rental while the governor's mansion is under renovation.

Walz's only assets are his pension plans.

According to Walz's financial disclosure for the state of Minneosta, last updated January 2024, he has no securities. Per his 2019 congressional financial disclosure, he has state and teacher pension plans, a 529 college plan for his kids, and a whole life insurance policy.

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Tim Walz may not have been telling the truth about when he traveled to China.



CNN reported Tuesday that the Minnesota governors previous claims that he was in Hong Kong in May 1989, during the Tiananmen Square protests, was contradicted by a newspaper report from that month featuring a photo of Walz touring a Nebraska National Guard storeroom. Another newspaper article from April 1989 mentioned Walz as planning on going to China in August that year.



These accounts contradict what Walz has said about his time in Hong Kong and China. During a congressional hearing in 2014, when Walz was still in Congress, he claimed he was in Hong Kong during the pro-democracy protests.



As a young man, I was just going to teach high school in Foshan in Guangdong, and was in Hong Kong in May of 89, he said. And as the events were unfolding, several of us went in. And I still remember the train station in Hong Kong.

In another radio interview in June 2019, Walz said that he was in Hong Kong on June 4, 1989, the day of the Tiananmen Square massacre. But when CNN reached out to the Harris-Walz presidential campaign to ask if the Minnesota governor was there at the time, the campaign couldnt provide evidence.



Walz appears to have exaggerated how often hes been to China as well. Hes said in previous interviews that hes been to the country about 30 times and to Hong Kong dozens and dozens and dozens of times. When asked for clarification, the campaign said Walz has visited China likely closer to 15 times.



These revelations are undoubtedly going to be used as fodder by Republicans, including the Trump campaign. House Oversight Committee Chair James Comer has already launched one politicized investigation into Walzs connections to China, and Comer has not hesitated to attack the Minnesota governors family in the process.



Republican vice presidential nominee J.D. Vance is sure to bring up CNNs report during the vice presidential debate on Tuesday night, and it remains to be seen what kind of response Walz will have. Vance has struggled to attack his Democratic counterpart, and has a huge polling disadvantage to overcome, and may be on the offensive. Walz will not only have to be able to explain the discrepancy over his time in China but also parry any weird attacks Vance sends his way.


Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, second from right, poses with his wife Gwen Walz, from right, son Gus Walz and daughter Hope Walz after speaking during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. | J. Scott Applewhite

Tim Walz has drawn on his experiences as a dad as hes led Minnesota.

Now, hes leaning on loved ones as he works to win the White House with Kamala Harris.

Heres an overview of Walzs family life, including how becoming a dad shaped his stance on IVF.

Tim Walz family

Walz grew up in a small town in Nebraska. He credits his parents with teaching him to serve others and seek the common good, according to his bio on the state of Minnesotas official website.

After high school graduation, Walz joined the Army National Guard and attended Chadron State College. He then taught in China before returning to Nebraska to continue his teaching career.

In his early days working as a high school teacher in Nebraska, Walz began dating one of his colleagues, Gwen Whipple. Tim and Gwen got married and moved to Mankato, Minnesota, where they both taught at Mankato West High School, per the government bio.

Tim and Gwen Walz had been married for nearly seven years before they welcomed their first child in January 2001, a daughter named Hope.

They then had a son, Gus, in October 2006, according to People.

During his speech at the Democratic National Convention in August, Walz said his wife and kids are his entire world.

Hope, Gus and Gwen, you are my entire world and I love you, he said.

Gwen Walz, Gus Walz and Hope Walz, wife, son and daughter of Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz, watch during the Democratic National Convention Wednesday, Aug. 21, 2024, in Chicago. | Paul Sancya

Gus Walz viral moment

During the Democratic National Convention, Gus Walz went viral for his emotional reaction to seeing his dad on stage.

He was shown yelling Thats my dad! as Walz formally accepted his role as Harris running mate.

Gus Walzs reaction to Tim Walzs big moment inspired a mix of praise and mockery. Some said theyd be lucky to have kids who so openly cared for them, while others made fun of Gus tears.

In an interview after the viral moment, Tim Walz said that one of his goals as a politicians is to take the meanness out of politics and model a better way forward with the help of his family.

I think the one thing is talking about the era were in is our politics can be better, it can be different, Walz told CNN. We can, we can show some of these things and we can have families involved in this and I, I hope that there was, I hope people felt that out there and I hope they hug their kids a little tighter.

Since joining the Harris campaign, Tim and Gwen Walz have talked about Gus having a non-verbal learning disorder, as well as ADHD and anxiety.

They recently told People that Gus conditions are his super power, not a set back.

We love our Gus, they said. We are proud of the man hes growing into, and we are so excited to have him with us on this journey.

Tim Walz on IVF

Tim Walzs family life influences some of his policy positions.

For example, hes a strong supporter of protecting access to in vitro fertilization, or IVF, because he and Gwen used fertility treatments to have Hope and Gus.

If youve never experienced the hell that is infertility, I guarantee you, you know somebody who has, and I can remember praying each night for a phone call, the pit in your stomach when the phone had ring, and the absolute agony when we heard the treatments hadnt worked. It took Gwen and I years, but we had access to fertility treatments and when our daughter was born, we named her Hope, Walz said during the Democratic National Convention.

Similarly, Walz has cited his moms experience relying on Social Security after his fathers death to explain his support for the social safety net.

After he died, my mom was a stay-at-home mom. She became our rock. And now, she had to go out and get work because the medical bills broke her, Walz said in August, per People. And Social Security, and Social Security survivor benefits  were fine pulling ourselves up by our bootstraps. We had no boots. Thats the boots.
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Democrat Tim Walz and Republican JD Vance will go head to head on Tuesday night for the first and only VP debate of the 2024 election season. With only five short weeks until Election Day, whats said on stage tonight has the potential to swing key battleground states ahead of Nov. 5. (Trump and Harris remain close in North Carolina, polls show).

More from Variety

The Walz-Vance VP debate will take place in New York at 9 p. m. ET and will broadcast live on CBS and will simulcast on CNN. Those without cable can stream the VP debate live online through a variety of Live TV streamers such as Hulu + Live TV, DirecTV, Sling TV and Fubo TV.

The VP debate will also be available to stream on Peacock and Paramount+.

STREAM VP DEBATE ON DIRECTV Free Trial

Kamala Harris announced Walz as her running mate in August. Throughout the campaign, the Minnesota governor has staked his claim to Middle American values and argued that former President Donald Trump and his running mate, Vance, are weird and creepy as hell.

Walz has also embraced the role of attack dog, charging that the Republicans have twisted the idea of freedom by intruding into decisions about abortion and fertility.

I cant wait to debate the guy, Walz said during his debut as the vice presidential candidate. That is, if hes willing to get off the couch and show up.

Meanwhile, Vance is shaping up to be one of the least popular VP candidate in recent times. The Ohio senator will be expected to explain past controversial remarks, such as his comments denigrating childless cat ladies and immigrants.

Stream the Walz-Vance VP debate live online below:

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In the weeks after former President Donald Trump stood on a debate stage and declared (falsely) that Haitian immigrants in Springfield, Ohio, were eating pets, another presidential candidate stood literally and rhetorically with the falsely accused community.

It wasn't Vice President Kamala Harris or her running mate, Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

It was Chase Oliver, the Libertarian, who visited Springfield last month to eat, chat, and attend church in the town that was unwillingly thrust into the center ring of this stupid political circus thanks to a missing cat (that was later found alive), a bunch of social media post, a literal Nazi, and then the likes of Trump and Sen. J.D. Vance (ROhio).

"It is clear that this is a city suffering a trauma brought on by false social media posts and a GOP candidate who was happy to stoke those flames of division," Oliver told Reason. "The people are tired and didn't deserve all of this unwanted attention brought on by rumor, speculation, and bigotry toward immigrants."

Oliver's response to the controversy in Springfield has been markedly different from what Harris and Walz have doneand the difference matters.

Yes, Harris did a fine enough job of laughing at Trump's absurd claims when the two candidates faced one another at that debate last month. In the weeks since then, however, Harris has missed an opportunity to do what Oliver has done. It's one thing to attack Trump and Vance for being deliberately unhinged from reality (which they are). It's quite another to make an affirmative case about the importance of immigration and the fundamental value of immigrants as human beings.

Tonight's debate between Walz and Vance will offer another opportunity for that to happenbecause we will almost certainly be treated to another round of discussion about the Haitians in Springfield, and about immigration in general.

When that discussion inevitably occurs, I'll be watching to see how Walz handles it. Can he move beyond the snark and mockery of Vance's absurd claims? Will he make a real defense of immigration and of the temporary protected status (TPS) program that allows Haitians to come here to work, legally, and that Vance says should be abolished?

To be clear, there is a wide gap between what Trump and Harris are promising to do with regard to immigration. Trump wants "the largest deportation operation in American history" and has threatened to end birthright citizenship (which would be almost impossible to do since it would require amending the Constitution).

Harris used to support decriminalizing border crossings, but she's now flip-flopped toward what might be called a kinder, gentler immigration restrictionism. She would expand a Biden administration executive action that limits asylum to make it more restrictive and would "ramp up prosecutions of those who illegally cross the border," Axios reported last week.

And, yes, she goes through the motions when it comes to immigration. The son of a Mexican immigrant introduced Harris at her rally in Las Vegas this weekend, and Harris of course uttered the usual rhetoric about the importance of immigrants in American culture.

Politically, being less willing to spread wild lies and having a less harsh immigration plan than Trump might be all that Harris needs. Indeed, much of the Harris/Walz campaign is premised on the idea that Trump and Vance are dangerously unelectable and that the Democratic ticket is therefore the only viable alternative.

In doing so, Harris and Walz are merely following the polls. There's been a sharp drop in the number of Americans who support higher levels of immigration in recent years. That likely reflects both recent economic issues and the effectiveness of Republican messaging on immigration.

On important issues, leadership requires an attempt to change public opinionrather than being led by it. Being less authoritarian than Trump and Vance might be good enough to win the election, but it's a strategy that effectively surrenders immigration policy to the Republican Party (and to Trump) in the long run. It's a strategy that signals to all Americans that a restrictionist approach is the only way forwardand that the only debate ought to be over how best to impose those restrictions. That will only tie Harris' hands in the event that she wins.

And it's just wrong. Maybe not as wrong as spreading vile lies about Haitian immigrants eating pets, but still wrong. Immigration is one of America's strengths, and it always has been.

Harris and Walz don't have to go all-in on solving the asylum crisis or decriminalizing the nonviolent act of crossing the border. Let's start small. Talk about why immigration is good! Talk about how the Haitians in Springfield have helped the town. Talk about why the TPS is important, and why Vance is wrong to liken it to illegal immigration. Talk about how immigrants are less likely to commit crimes and more likely to start businesses relative to native-born Americans. Talk about how legal immigration will shore-up Social Security and reduce the federal budget deficit. Take a page out of Oliver's campaign and actually show up to defend the targets of Trump's and Vance's bigoted attacks.

America deserves a major party presidential candidate who will make this argument, or else the country will never escape this immigration policy doom loop.

Walz will have a chance to reframe the debate tonight, and his choice in that momenta choice that will reflect days if not weeks of preparation from the campaignwill speak volumes. Democrats have already scored all the points they can by underlining how detached from reality Trump and Vance have become. Now is the time to provide a substantive rebuttal.

The post Will Tim Walz Offer an Affirmative Case for Immigration at Tonight's Debate? appeared first on Reason.com.
Tim Walz proudly speaks of the small Nebraskan town of Butte, but not many people there share his views (Alex WROBLEWSKI) (Alex WROBLEWSKI/AFP/AFP)

When Tim Walz locked horns with J.D. Vance in Tuesday's vice presidential debate, he spoke fondly -- as he often does -- about his small town roots in Butte.

"I grew up in small rural Nebraska, a town of 400, a town that you rode your bike with your buddies until the street lights come on," said Walz.

"My mom still lives in the house where I was" brought up, added the Democrat.

But every time Walz emphasizes his roots in this staunchly Republican town, Beth Lechtenberg, a rancher and mother of three in Butte, laughs.

"The consensus around here is, we don't want him running our country," she told AFP.

"His morals and values don't line up with our morals and values here."

Surrounded by cornfields, Butte's short main street consists of a post office, a bank, a family-run cafe and a bar. Residents have to travel 10 miles (16 kilometers) for the nearest grocery store.

Next to the community center, where residents will vote in November, a "TRUMP 2024" flag flutters. Across the road, a storage facility is adorned with the slogan "GOD, GUNS AND TRUMP."

Walz and his family may have deep roots here, but attitudes toward the former hometown boy lay bare the nation's stark political divisions.

People are unfailingly polite, but far from complimentary when asked about Walz -- a regular event because of the steady stream of journalists who have arrived since Kamala Harris chose the Minnesota governor as her running mate in August.

"I'm friends with a lot of his family. And ain't one of them will say anything good about him," said Brad Kallhoff, 58, who owns a transportation business.

"They say Tim was a good kid back in the day. But whatever happened to him up in Minnesota?"

- 'Torn' -

Walz was born in West Point, grew up in Valentine, and attended high school in Butte -- each Nebraska town smaller than the last.

But it is Butte that Walz proudly highlighted at his Democratic convention speech in August, and again at Tuesday's debate.

At the convention, he praised a small town where "that family down the road, they may not think like you do... but they're your neighbors and you look out for them and they look out for you."

Walz's politics certainly stand apart from those of a county that voted 87 percent Republican at the last presidential election.

Jean Hanson, a 63-year-old accountant, who attended Walz's high school but left Butte in 1980, said that his rise to prominence had been "very, very hard" for the people who still live in the town to digest.

"They want to be proud. They want to. It's the best thing that's happened to Butte in so many decades. And yet they're so torn," she told AFP from her home in Omaha, Nebraska's biggest city.

"I do think he represents Nebraska and the values of Nebraska's small towns well," Hanson added after the debate.

- 'Hope' -

Back in Butte, several residents said Walz was a "good man" and expressed pride that he had put their hometown on the map -- even if they wished he was representing the other side.

"It gives people hope, because it's like, you can come from a school that is so small and a community that is so small and do anything," said Britanie Brewster, 38, who runs the town's small and eclectic museum.

But "his views are very different from those of people here," she added.

Few residents were enthusiastic about watching the debate, which clashed with a girl's school volleyball game, a meeting of the local firefighter volunteers and harvesting season.

Walz's mother, Darlene, told AFP she did not plan to be in town the night of the debate. Neighbors said she had been flown out to support her son.

Lechtenberg -- who disagrees with Walz on everything from abortion to his handling of the protests sparked by George Floyd's death at police hands in 2020 -- planned to catch up with highlights later on Fox News.

"We know what he stands for, and I don't feel like we're gonna learn anything new," she said.

amz/jgc
The fate of two Kansas megaprojects and thousands of promised jobs in the Wichita area likely hinge on whether semiconductor manufacturers can secure federal funding in the next 90 days.

Whats left of the CHIPS and Science Act incentive money will be awarded by the end of 2024, U.S. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo has said.

More than $35 billion of the $39 billion allocated for incentive money through the CHIPS Act has already been awarded to projects spread across 23 states. Kansas is not one of them.

Two proposed facilities, a $1.8 billion Integra Technologies semiconductor plant just outside Wichita in Bel Aire and a $1.9 billion EMP Shield plant in Coffey County, remain in consideration for the dwindling federal funds.

The Department is continuing to conduct rigorous evaluation of applications to determine which projects will advance U.S. national and economic security, attract more private capital, and deliver other economic benefits to the country, the U.S. Department of Commerce said in a statement.

On Tuesday, a $304 million state incentive package for Integra expired because of a lack of federal funding. The agreement, inked in February 2023, was renewed for two six-month periods in hopes that CHIPS money would be secured.

Although the APEX incentive package that was authorized by the Kansas Legislature for Integra will expire Oct. 1, the State of Kansas will utilize standard incentives to fully support both companies CHIPS applications, Kansas Department of Commerce spokesperson Patrick Lowry said of the Integra and EMP Shield applications. The CHIPS for America process is still underway, so we are unable to provide specifics or more information at this time.

Proposed Kansas megaprojects

Integra, the largest outsourced semiconductor assembly and test operation in the U.S., is based in Wichita. The company has said it hopes to build a state-of-the-art headquarters and production facility that would be up to one million square feet and create at least 2,000 new jobs.

If the megaproject comes to fruition, it could mean more than 3,000 additional jobs in the Wichita area, the state commerce department has estimated. But without federal money, none of that seems likely.

Theres no commercially viable way to do this without federal funding, and that is why the CHIPS Act passed in the first place, Integra CEO Brett Robinson said last year.

Integra said in a statement Monday that it is forbidden from providing updates on its efforts to secure federal incentives. A spokesperson did not respond when asked whether the company would continue to pursue expansion in Sedgwick County if its passed over for CHIPS money.

Local government incentives, including a 10-year tax abatement for Integra and $750,000 for workforce development and training, will only go into effect if federal funds are secured.

Peter Keegan, president of EMP Shield in Burlington, said the U.S. Commerce Department has informed his company that there is no set date for deciding whether its application will be approved or denied.

Theyve asked questions. We finished answering all of their questions, Keegan said. As far as we know, its in their hands to give us a yes or a no at some point but they havent committed to a time frame.

Several ancillary companies have already broken ground on microelectronics fabrication facilities in Coffey County. Keegan said EMP Shield wont abandon expansion plans outright if it isnt selected for CHIPS investment.

We at least investigated it with our financial partner, and we will make an effort if it is not pursued by the federal government, Keegan said. It will look, I dont want to say significantly different, but it will look different if we get private money into this. The local ownership obviously would be a lot lower.

Hard to understand exactly why

Press conferences announcing the Integra and EMP Shield megaprojects early last year were well-attended by state and local officials who were brimming with optimism about the prospects of both.

Our region hasnt seen something this transformative in years. The possibilities for Wichita are endless, Speaker of the House Dan Hawkins, a Wichita Republican, said at the Integra announcement.

Now, many of those same officials are being tight-lipped about the companies prospects. Hawkins, Senate President Ty Masterson and Governor Laura Kelly did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Jerry Moran said he will continue advocating for one or both of the states proposed megaprojects to receive funding through the 2022 federal program designed to strengthen the domestic semiconductor supply chain.

Kansas is a premier location for investment because of our talented manufacturing workforce, our central location within the country, and a business environment that encourages growth, Moran said.

Kansas semiconductor companies have what it takes to successfully leverage federal investment into more jobs and economic growth in Kansas, and I will continue working to highlight the capabilities of Kansas businesses.

Sedgwick County Commissioner Jim Howell said hes extremely disappointed that the Bel Aire project has not yet been selected for CHIPS funding.

Im so impressed by Integra. I was very bullish in our offer to the company, Howell said. I was feeling very confident we were going to get something out of this, and to be at this juncture where twenty-three states have gone ahead of us is shocking.

The U.S. Department of Commerce has received more than 670 statements of interest from companies and nearly 400 pre-applications and full applications for CHIPS funding, an agency spokesperson said.

This is smart to award this CHIPS manufacturing back to U.S. companies. This needs to happen, Howell said. But how in the world could we have possibly done more than we did? Were a leader of technology. Were a leader on this in terms of what could be done here.

Im optimistically holding my breath that maybe theres more good news coming. But I also know that weve lost on these things in the past, so its hard to understand exactly why things happen the way they do.

Lowry, the state commerce department spokesperson, said the two Kansas megaprojects are far from lost causes.

The current amount of unallocated CHIPS Act funding is considerable, with plenty of money available to support the Integra and EMP Shield applications, Lowry said. Both of the projects stand on their own merit, and the State of Kansas remains fully supportive of them.
Its time for me to step back: Missouris Blaine Luetkemeyer looks to retirement from Congress

U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer of Missouri speaks as Secretary of Health and Human Services Alex Azar testifies before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Crisis, on Oct. 2, 2020 in Washington, DC. (J. Scott Applewhite-Pool/Getty Images).

WASHINGTON  Through 26 years as a legislator, U.S. Rep. Blaine Luetkemeyer traveled back and forth from work to be with his family in St. Elizabeth.

Luetkemeyer has another agenda for this falls election season rather than campaigning: spending time on a small family farm in the Ozark foothills.

His seven grandchildren, aged from 2 to 17, were never old enough to cast a vote while Luetkemeyer was in Congress, but they will learn about his official activities with time.

I want them to know that grandpa made a difference, Luetkemeyer said.

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The 72-year-old congressman, who usually arrives on Capitol Hill in the early morning during session weeks, said he plans to sleep in a little later and address the general upkeep of his quiet farm, leaving behind the pressures of solving national banking issues and addressing threats posed by the Chinese Communist Party.

Hes stepping away from power, prestige and decades of service on the national stage  and hes doing it at a time when he was considered a front-runner to be elevated to an even more prominent position in Congress.

Since he was first elected to Congress in 2009, Luetkemeyer has helped pass legislation to preserve community banks and has chaired a powerful financial subcommittee, dealing with issues such as bank regulation.

He is among 45 of the 435 House members who have announced they are not seeking re-election in 2024, according to Ballotpedia.

Hes represented Missourians in a sprawling district that stretches from St. Louis to the Lake of the Ozarks to Boonville. His districts border includes part of Columbia: practically everything south of Broadway.

Sitting in front of his desk adorned with family photos and mementos in the Rayburn House Office Building this summer, Luetkemeyer told the Missourian that he intends to step out of the political ring completely; he has no lobbying aspirations.

Ive been a public servant for the last 26 years. Ive done my time. I participated and represented folks, Luetkemeyer said. So I think its time for me to step back and be somebody whos supportive of somebody else who wants to take that job.

Luetkemeyer said its his belief that he hails from the smallest town of anyone in Congress: St. Elizabeth, located 30 miles south of Jefferson City with a population of 341, according to the town website. While this presented a distinctive set of challenges during his time in Congress, an old-fashioned mix of hard work and determination overcame them.

But before Luetkemeyer nestles into retirement, he has to finish up his committee work.

He serves on the House Financial Services Committee, bringing his prior experience as a bank examiner for the state of Missouri and a loan officer and vice president at the Bank of St. Elizabeth, a family institution founded by his great-grandfather.

The announcement of his retirement in January was somewhat of a surprise, St. Louis Public Radio reported, because Luetkemeyer was seen as a leading candidate to succeed Rep. Patrick McHenry, R-North Carolina, in the next Congress as the top Republican on the committee. Being home with family and retirement trumped that, Luetkemeyer said.

Reuters once called Luetkemeyer Wall Streets favorite congressman, describing him as responsive to bankers complaints that excessive regulation was hurting the economy.

McHenry dubbed him the champion for community banks. He credits this title to Luetkemeyers time in multiple leadership roles in the House Subcommittee on National Security, Illicit Finance and International Financial Institutions.

Ranking subcommittee member U.S. Rep. Joyce Beatty, a Democrat from Ohio, described Luetkemeyer as a dedicated public servant and scholar in Financial Services.

I enjoyed his steadfast leadership as chairman, and it was a pleasure working with him to advance bipartisan legislation and engage in meaningful discussions that have shaped our financial landscape, Beatty said.

The vice chairwoman of the subcommittee, Rep. Young Kim, R-California, said that as chairman, Luetkemeyer would organize roundtable discussions that served as prep sessions before the committee hearing for members to understand the key issues and witnesses better. This type of leadership was important for Kim and her colleagues to comprehend the intricacy of the topic at hand, she said.

Kim said that when Luetkemeyer gets passionate, he will always bang the table to really make a point.

Luetkemeyer, who Kim thinks of as a national security policy hawk, is also on the House Select Committee on the Chinese Communist Party. In the past year, this committee has examined Chinas role in the fentanyl crisis and its cyber threats to U.S. national security.

Rep. John Moolenaar, R-Michigan, the committee chairman, told the Missourian that he appreciated Luetkemeyers passion and leadership, adding that he will serve as an example to others long after his retirement.

Rep. Roger Williams, R-Texas, chairman of the House Committee on Small Businesses, praised the expertise and experience Luetkemeyer brings as a member of that committee. Williams, who called Luetkemeyer one of his best friends in Congress, said his committees will be missing a real business owner and banker who represented the people.

The Center for Effective Lawmaking, a partnership between the University of Virginia and Vanderbilt University that ranks policymakers, gave Luetkemeyer an overall rating for the last session of Congress that shows he is exceeding expectations, Craig Volden, the groups co-director, said. The organization gave Luetkemeyer high marks in the area of banking and commerce that indicate he is producing legislation and moving it forward at the rates equivalent of if he were actually 10 members of Congress.

Some of the legislation Luetkemeyer was involved in included the Stop Fentanyl Money Laundering Act of 2023 to combat fentanyl trafficking; the Water Resources Development Act of 2022 concerning water resources for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers; the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP) Extension Act of 2021 to aid small businesses in response to COVID-19; the Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act of 2016, which was the first rule bill to pass unanimously in both the House and Senate in 25 years, according to his office; and the William Shemin Jewish World War I Veterans Act to review awarding the Medal of Honor to Jewish-American World War I veterans.

When Congress is in session, Luetkemeyer said that he travels back and forth each week from the Capitol to St. Elizabeth to be with his family and stay grounded with his constituents. He said he enjoys the work his office does helping constituents navigate the federal bureaucracy; if he can go home at night knowing that he helped a constituent that day, thats a good feeling.

I always tell people Im just a liaison between you and your government, Luetkemeyer said. Its not my government; its your government.

Garrett Hawkins, president of the Missouri Farm Bureau, an organization that has previously endorsed Luetkemeyer, said that he appreciates how the congressman is not always looking to make the news. He praised Luetkemeyers work on issues that affect farmers, small businesses and rural communities, such as advocating for flood control and navigation on the rivers.

Learning of the congressmans departure was a bittersweet feeling, Hawkins said.

Im hoping that Blaine (and) his family get a chance to catch their breath, Hawkins said. He really has served with distinction. Hes worked hard, and he certainly deserves this retirement.

While in office, Luetkemeyer said he often missed barbecues and birthdays with friends and family due to his commitments in Washington, D.C. Now, hes eagerly anticipating the chance to enjoy uninterrupted family dinners.

(Family) is a big part of my life, and I want to make it an even bigger part of it, Luetkemeyer said.

In the race to fill his seat in Congress, Luetkemeyer had endorsed Kurt Schaefer, a lobbyist and former two-term state senator from Columbia. But Schaefer was defeated in the Aug. 6 Republican primary by former state Sen. Bob Onder of Lake St. Louis, who was endorsed by former President Donald Trump.

Bethany Mann, whom Luetkemeyer defeated in 2022, advanced from the Democratic primary as did Jordan Rowden of the Libertarian Party.

The general election is Nov. 5, when Luetkemeyer plans to keep up with the election stats while back home in St. Elizabeth after over two and a half decades as a public servant.

This story originally appeared in the Columbia Missourian. It can be republished in print or online.
What time is the vice presidential debate tonight? How to watch Vance v Walz

Mr Walz is taking part in his own mock rehearsals for the debate - RONDA CHURCHILL

Tim Walz and JD Vance will face off in the first vice-presidential debate of the campaign season.

It comes after the head-to-head between their running mates, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump, earlier in September, which the Democrat was widely perceived to have won.

The debate provides an opportunity for Mr Vance, the Ohio senator, to reverse negative public perceptions, having faced months of damaging headlines since he was unveiled at the Republican National Convention in July.

He is reported to be preparing with practice sessions where Minnesota Representative Tom Emmer is attempting to replicate Mr Walzs folksy demeanour.

Mr Vance, the Ohio senator, is trying to reverse negative public perceptions during the face off - Karl B DeBlaker

Mr Walz, the Minnesota governor, is taking part in his own mock rehearsals, where transportation secretary Pete Buttigieg is facing off against him as Mr Vance.

In a break from tradition, the prospective vice presidents will debate standing up  the first time this has happened since 2008.

When is the vice presidential debate?

The vice presidential debate will take place on Oct 1 in New York City at CBS Broadcast Centre and is expected to last 90 minutes.

It will be moderated by Norah ODonnell, the host of CBS Evening News, and Margaret Brennan, the CBS News chief foreign affairs correspondent.

What time is the vice presidential debate?

The vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance will be at 9pm EST.

Where can you watch the debate?

The debate will be broadcast on all platforms where CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ are available. Other television networks will carry a simulcast of the event.

Who is leading in the election polls?

Tim Walz has consistently enjoyed higher favourability ratings over JD Vance since his Republican rival was engulfed in controversy after referring to senior Democrats as childless cat ladies.

According to ratings from polling aggregator FiveThirtyEight, the Minnesota governor has a rating of 40.1 per cent favourable and 36.3 per cent unfavourable. His polls are significantly higher than those of his running mate, Ms Harris.

Mr Vance, by contrast, has just a 34.4 per cent favourable rating, which is dwarfed by the 45.7 per cent of Americans who view him unfavourably.

Will there be a second vice presidential debate?

A second vice presidential debate has not yet been announced. Just one vice-presidential debate took place in the 2020 election, although that occurred during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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JOHNSON CITY, Tenn. (WJHL)  The Tennessee National Guard is continuing its crisis response in the Northeast Tennessee region following devastating flooding that took place on Friday.

According to a release, Tennessee Guardsmen are providing 24-hour ground and aerial rescue and relief support to the East Tennessee area.

Mayor: 2 dead, 17 unaccounted for in Washington County, Tenn.

The National Guard said more than 50 engineers and 30 vehicles from Trentons 230th Engineer Battalion and Knoxvilles 134th Air Refueling Wing are assisting with debris removal in Carter, Green, Unicoi and Washington counties.

The teams are staged in Johnson City and are using bulldozers, dump trucks, chainsaws, skid steer loaders and other equipment to clear roads and critical areas. Another 50 engineers from West Tennessee are currently en route to the area to provide help.

Our priority has been to rapidly deploy to the affected areas and assist emergency responders with rescue operations, said Maj. Gen. Warner Ross, Tennessees Adjutant General. We are working with local emergency management agencies through TEMA by providing forces and support wherever needed. Our Guardsmen are prepared to help with relief efforts for as long as we are needed to ensure the safety of our fellow Tennesseans.

Task Force 176, comprised of Guardsmen from the 176th Combat Service Support Battalion, is in Johnson City with over 30 Medium and Light Medium Tactical Vehicles to transport workers and supplies in and out of affected areas. Those vehicles can transport between 2.5 and 5 tons of supplies each, according to the release. This task force also established a supply distribution center and delivered two 400-gallon water buffalos to be used for showers and latrines.

Soldiers from Nashvilles 1-230th Assault Helicopter Battalion, currently at the Elizabethton Municipal Airport, prepare to transport Tennessee State Forestry personnel into the affected areas to begin debris removal, September 30. (submitted photo)

The National Guard said these missions are coordinated through the Tennessee Military Departments Joint Emergency Operations Center.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
ELMIRA, N.Y. (WETM)  A plan to build a new Tommy Hilfiger Archive and boutique hotel in downtown Elmira is looking to fill a $1.2 million funding gap.

18 News confirmed the developers are working with the city to reapply for a state Restore New York grant. This comes after the Chemung County legislature said all American Rescue Plan funding, which are federal COVID-19 tax dollars, had already been assigned to other projects before the developers presented their plans to legislators in August. An application made by the developers for New York state grant was turned down earlier this year.

The developing team includes Charlie Hunter, the owner of Elmiras Rye Bar & Restaurant, and designer Todd Yoggy, one of Hilfigers lifelong friends. Developers say the Hilfiger family will lease the space for the Tommy Hilfiger Archive for at least 20 years. Tommys sister Betsy Hilfiger, who lives in Elmira, will oversee the collection. The project is a collaboration with Three Rivers Development. The architect is Johnson-Schmidt & Associates.

In a phone call with 18 News, Chemung County legislature chairman Mark Margeson said the county fully supports the project and has nothing against it, however, all American Rescue Plan funds had already been assigned to other projects.

First look at Tommy Hilfiger Archive & boutique hotel plans in downtown Elmira

The total cost of the project is estimated to be $6 million. The developers say most of the money is being raised by private investors. In August, developers said $1.5 million in private funding has already been secured.

The plan calls for building the Hilfiger archive on the ground floor of The Carriage House Inn on 254 Baldwin Street, next to the hotel lobby, bar and lounge area.

The developers say the rotating archive will be on the ground floor, along with the hotel lobby, bar and lounge area. 12 boutique hotel rooms are being planned upstairs. Room prices are estimated to be $160 to $180 per night.

We went with the absolute lowest numbers to see if this project will make sense, and it does, Kamala Keeley told county legislators in August. Keeley is the President of Three Rivers Development. I dont know how many of you traveled recently but $160 to $180 a night for a hotel room is really good.

The Carriage House Inn will also have an outdoor patio and glass conservatory, event space and parking.

Keeley says tourism and demand for hotels is going up after the pandemic.

What the study found is that both Elmira and Corning had gaps for upscale luxury offerings, Keeley said.

The former carriage house is not the only property that will be redeveloped on the campus of the Arnot Art Museum. A former office at 243 Lake Street will also have 4 boutique hotel rooms. Three one-bedroom apartments are also planned for longer term rentals. The property will also have a commercial kitchen.

The goal is to start construction next year and open in the fall of 2026.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WETM - MyTwinTiers.com.
U.S. Sen. JD Vance (R-Ohio), Donald Trump's running mate in the presidential election, speaks at a campaign event in Shelby. Twp. on Aug. 7, 2024. | Lucy Valeski

I find no need to defend my wife from J.D. Vances gasbaggery. Shes plenty capable of that herself. Truth be told, with an MBA, careers in network television and banking and 31 years of motherhood under her belt, Vance would be overmatched.

In Vances view, for the first 23 years of our marriage, my wife was a second-class citizen as a childless woman. Whether her inferiority was a matter of an unoccupied uterus or the fact she actually has one to date remains unclear in the ramblings of the Ohio senator and vice presidential candidate.

So I wonder, when our adopted son arrived one glorious March morning, did my wifes status change in Vances eyes and the eyes of those who believe an increased birth rate (currently decreasing) is necessary for the nations salvation? Did she then become a full-fledged citizen? Was that enough?

I ask only because, while extolling the virtues of motherhood, Vance does not include stepmothers, which makes one wonder if he also declines to recognize adoptive ones. Others have taken up the same cudgel, such as Arkansas Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders as she berated Vice President Kamala Harris, a stepmother, apparently in lieu of any substantive discussion of political issues. (Pro tip for Sanders and others mispronouncing Harris name: That may be part of your playbook, but, outside your own echo chamber, disrespect, immaturity or ignorance come to mind.)

Finally, as a male without a medical degree in gynecology or obstetrics, obviously I have no frame of reference nor the appropriate plumbing to speak for a woman when reproduction is the subject, or any subject for that matter. They can speak for themselves. None of which has deterred legions of men in the U.S. Congress, state legislatures, governors offices and campaign headquarters from making the female body their purview.

Case in point: A Senate vote on Sept. 17 to invoke cloture and proceed to a measure that would have created a national law ensuring mothers-hoping-to-be access to in vitro fertilization treatments. The bill, sponsored by Sen. Tammy Duckworth, D-Ill., eliminated an earlier provision and asked only whether treatments should be available nationally. Vance conveniently missed the vote. Nebraskas Pete Ricketts and Deb Fischer were among the 44 nays in the Senate, essentially blocking the bill, which required 60 votes.

The percentage in the U.S. of couples using IVF is now at 2.5. That math works out to millions of Americans walking around whose births depended on IVF treatments. In Nebraska, where the latest data comes from 2021, the percentage was 1.7, or 409 children.

Wait, we have irony: How important is the we-need-to-increase-the-birth-rate argument to you if youre voting against (or not bothering to vote on) access to IVF? However the 44 Senate nos want to spin their vote (or Vances no-show reasoning), asking us to believe they support IVF, but continue to vote against its access, tests the limits of incredulity.

For some context, Vance has argued the following: That the country is being run by childless cat ladies. That the votes of couples with children should count more than those of couples without. That childless couples should pay more in taxes. That a solution to the rising costs of child care is grandparents. That we should make it easier for state law enforcement agencies to surveil pregnant women to determine if they are planning to leave the state for an abortion.

His positions are selling like Edsels, prompting an attempt at political recalibration. Candidates backtracking when their chops get busted is de rigueur for political campaigns, the calculus falling somewhere between I was misquoted and You dont understand. Vance has recently thrown himself on the court of comedic opinion, pleading sarcasm, quipping and an insistence that he really doesnt hate childless cat ladies.

Too late. Besides, dissing single, childless women, childless couples, stepmothers or anyone outside the narrow view of Vances sphere of reproductive acceptability is a swipe at all women.

Until we start singling out unmarried men (with or without pets) without offspring the way we do their female counterparts, J.D. Vance, et al., have little standing and dubious credibility  among women  and men.

So, no, I need not defend my wife nor any women whether they be single, married, childless, mothers, stepmothers, adoptive mothers, grandmothers or any combination thereof. They are capable of fiercely defending themselves and, Im sensing, tired of having others make decisions for them from mansplainers to lawmakers.

Im also thinking that whatever patooty kicking and name taking they need to do now will just be a start.

The real takedown happens in November.

Nebraska Examiner is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Nebraska Examiner maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Cate Folsom for questions: info@nebraskaexaminer.com. Follow Nebraska Examiner on Facebook and X.
CHICOPEE, Mass. (WWLP)  Not only is it Taco Tuesday, but its also National Taco Day!

This national day celebrates the traditional Mexican dish that has become a favorite meal in the United States. It is unclear why the Spanish used the word taco to describe this native food, but one suggested origin is the word ataco, which means stuff or to stuff. In 1964, Roberto L. Gomez established The National Taco Council, which sent a 55-pound taco to President Johnson in 1967.

Massachusetts county ranks among best destination for fall foliage

One way to observe this holiday is by getting a taco or making them at home. There are countless versions of tacos. The tortilla is made of usually corn or wheat and is wrapped or folded around a filling such as meats or seafood, chicken, beans, cheese, and eggs.

Where to get the best tacos

If youre looking for the best places in western Massachusetts to get a taco, Yelp has the top 10 places to go based on customer reviews:

Local News Headlines

WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.

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NEW YORK  Tim Pearson, one of the most Mayor Eric Adams influential advisers, has submitted a letter of resignation less than a week after the mayor was indicted on federal corruption charges, a source directly familiar with his decision told the New York Daily News.

The source, whos close to the mayor and spoke on condition of anonymity, said Pearson submitted a resignation letter with Adams late Monday.

A lawyer for Pearson did not immediately return a request for comment. His resignation was first reported by The New York Times.

The resignation comes just days after Gov. Kathy Hochul, who has the power to remove Adams from office, advised the mayor he needed to assure New Yorkers of stability in his leadership.

Pearson, a former NYPD officer who served with Adams in the police department, was among more than a half dozen top aides to the mayor who had their homes raided and electronics seized by federal investigators earlier this month as part of several separate corruption investigations.

In addition, Pearson faces four lawsuits accusing him of sexual misconduct and professional retaliation against subordinates.

Adams initially resisted calls for him to fire Pearson. As first reported by the Daily News, Lisa Zornberg, Adams chief counsel at City Hall, resigned earlier this month after the mayor rejected her demand for him to push out Pearson.

Pearson came under scrutiny first in late 2022 when it emerged he was earning both a city salary and still collecting a salary from Resorts World Casino in Queens, where he was vice president of security. He surrendered the casino role after his dual employment cam to light.

In October 2023, Pearson got into a scuffle with two security guards at a migrant shelter. The guards were arrested, but the focus turned to Pearsons handling of the incident.

In late March, the first of four lawsuits against was filed alleging he used his outsized influence in the NYPD to retaliate against three now-retired cops and a chief in a special mayoral unit.

Roxanne Ludemann sued first, claiming Pearson sexually harassed her and blocked her promotions. Two other officers who backed her allegations  Sgt. Michael Ferrari and Lt. George Huang  were shunted to patrol positions and they retired.

Chief Miltiadis Marmara, the supervisor of the other three, sued in June. It was unusual for an active duty chief to file a public lawsuit.

_____
Philippe Lazzarini, Commissioner General of the United Nations Relief and Works Agency for Palestinian Refugees in the Near East (UNRWA), speaks during a press conference at the European headquarters of the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. (Salvatore Di Nolfi/Keystone via AP)

GENEVA (AP)  The UN agency for Palestinian refugees said a top Hamas commander killed in Lebanon Monday was one of its employees but had been suspended since allegations of his ties to the militant group emerged in March.

Fatah Sharif's connection to Hamas appeared set to ratchet up pressure on UNRWA, already facing a $80 million funding shortfall this year. Critics have repeatedly blasted the agency, saying it wasnt doing enough to root out Hamas militants from its ranks.

The U.N.s internal watchdog has been investigating UNRWA since Israel in January accused 12 of its staffers of being involved in the Oct. 7 attack on Israel, in which armed militants killed 1,200 people and abducted some 250 others. The allegations led more than a dozen donor countries to suspend their funding, causing an initial cash crunch of about $450 million dollars. Since then, all donor countries except for the United States have decided to resume funding the agency.

Hamas said Sharif was killed with his wife, son and daughter in an airstrike on Al-Buss refugee camp, one of 12 dedicated to Palestinian refugees in the country, in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed it had targeted him.

Sharif was not open about his affiliation with the group and its armed wing.

Israel has previously alleged the UNRWA has been infiltrated by the Palestinian militant group.

Israels diplomatic mission in Geneva posted on X saying that Hamas announced Sharif's death, "And guess what was the second job of Mr Sharif? He was a principal, head of @UNRWA teachers association in Lebanon.

The mission added: This case proves that there is a deep problem in @UNRWA, the way they do due diligence about who they are hiring.

UNRWA Commissioner-General Philippe Lazzarini said he learned in March of allegations that Sharif had been a member of the political party of Hamas and decided to suspend him and launch an investigation from day one.

Lazzarini said he hadn't heard Sharif might be a Hamas commander" until Monday.

So he was suspended, had no function, was not paid and was under investigation," Lazzarini told reporters in Geneva. "We are still an agency with due process  I mean, respecting due process and the principle of rule of law. So the investigation was ongoing.

Lazzarini said he had received a letter from Israeli authorities listing the names of some 100 people allegedly linked to Hamas, and he took it very seriously. But he said Israeli authorities never responded to UNRWA requests for more information so that it might launch investigations into those cases.

A list is not proof of anything, he said.

A Hamas statement praised Sharif for his educational and jihadist work and called him a successful teacher and an outstanding principal for generations of Palestinian refugees.

The UNRWA teachers union and other Palestinian groups had periodically staged protests in front of the U.N. agency's office in Beirut since Sharifs suspension, alleging it targeted him for his political stances. Earlier this month, the union staged a sit-in during a visit to Lebanon by Lazzarini, saying it awaited positive and fair outcomes in the case of his suspension.

Israel has been sharply critical of UNRWA and Lazzarini's leadership of it.

In July, David Mencer, a spokesman in Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government, called the longtime Swiss diplomat "one of the bad guys, a terrorist sympathizer, a Jew-killing enabler, a liar.

U.N. spokesman Stephane Dujarric responded by saying the comments were reprehensible and threatening.

UNRWA has 32,000 staff in Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and the Palestinian territories, including 13,000 in Gaza who provide education, health care, food and other services to several million Palestinians and their families.

Its facilities in Gaza, where thousands of Palestinians have sought shelter, have been repeatedly attacked. Lazzarini said 223 UNRWA staffers have been killed in Gaza during the war, a toll that the United Nations says is the highest ever in a single conflict for employees of the world body.

The Israeli offensive in Gaza has killed 41,615, according to the Gaza Health Ministry which doesnt distinguish between civilians and combatants.

___

Associated Press Writer Abby Sewell in Beirut contributed to this report.
TOPEKA (KSNT)  Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab continues to hammer the USPS this month over alleged mail-in ballot failures as the General Election day draws near.

Schwab issued a new letter criticizing the USPS on Sept. 30 about a critical issue his office highlighted following the conclusion of the 2024 Primary Election in August. The issue in question came to light on Sept. 9 when Schwab accused the USPS of mishandling 1,000 legally cast ballots in the Primary Election.

In the new letter, Schwab condemns the generic reply he received from the USPS following the Sept. 9 letter. He claims the USPS has failed to address the issues he raised initially earlier in the month.

I am deeply troubled by the USPSs dismissal of these concerns, especially given the November General Election is weeks away, Schwab said. Rather than working with use to find solutions, they chose to overlook the problem.

Verizon outage causes thousands to lose service nationwide Monday

27 News reached out the USPS following the first letter and received a response on Sept. 11 on action being taken regarding the concerns brought up by Schwab. The USPS has yet to issue a response to Schwabs newest letter.

You can read the full Sept. 30 letter from Schwab to the USPS below or by clicking here.

09 24 24 Secretary Schwab Rebuttal Letter to Usps by Matthew Self on Scribd

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(Bloomberg) -- The contest to replace Rishi Sunak as UK opposition leader suddenly appears wide open, after the two candidates long seen as the front-runners picked the worst possible moment to have campaign stumbles.

Most Read from Bloomberg

Both Robert Jenrick, the bookmakers favorite, and former Business Secretary Kemi Badenoch faced intense criticism for comments they made during the Conservative Partys annual conference in Birmingham this week. The entire event is focused on candidates making their leadership pitches to grassroots Tories, who make the final decision in just one months time.

According to Conservative lawmakers and officials who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, Badenochs gaffe over maternity pay and Jenricks on the behavior of Britains armed services have helped upend the contest. Former Home Secretary James Cleverly and even Tom Tugendhat, an outsider for weeks, now have plausible routes to victory, they said.

That view was bolstered by a YouGov poll of Tory members published Tuesday that suggested a run-off between Jenrick and either Badenoch or Cleverly would be too close to call. Tugendhat is behind, but officials point to his spirited appearances this week as potentially boosting his chances.

To be sure, party insiders still see Jenrick as the most likely to get through the two more ballots of MPs, before a final pair is put to the membership.

A former center-right politician who opposed Brexit in the 2016 referendum that still defines many of the ructions in British politics, Jenrick has reinvented himself as a right-wing choice by taking a hard line on crime and immigration. In campaign videos, he names foreigners who committed violent crimes, and calls for Britain to leave the European Convention on Human Rights.

In his speech Wednesday, Jenrick will make five pledges to change the party: rejecting mass migration; focusing on cheap energy; getting Britain building; a smaller state; and a more united country, his campaign said.

Jenrick holds significant support among MPs on the Tory right, and has a good chance of winning the backing of members who recent history suggested tend to pick the most right-wing option, the people said.

But a video in which Jenrick said British special forces are killing terrorists rather than capturing them to ensure theyre not protected by human rights laws, triggered a major backlash from rivals.

The comments risked putting soldiers at risk by making it less likely that enemy combatants would surrender, Tugendhat, a former soldier himself, told Sky News. Jenrick demonstrated a fundamental misunderstanding of the law of armed conflict, he said.

Still, the consequences for Jenricks campaign were likely limited by what been seen as a bad week for Badenochs campaign, the people said. The former Cabinet minister is also on the right of the party and has spent recent years intervening on so-called culture war issues. Yet her comment on Sunday that maternity pay in Britain was excessive was seen as a step too far by many.

Badenochs pugnacious style and willingness to get drawn into controversies may have put off some MPs worried about how shed behave under the glare of leadership, one lawmaker said. Another described her campaign as blowing up over the remarks. A third said Badenoch needed a good week to cement her position among MPs, concluding that hadnt happened.

In her speech to members, Badenoch will concede that on the Tories watch investors and businesspeople left the UK, telling members: Wealth is not a dirty word. She will criticize what shell say is an economic framework put in place by former Labour premiers Tony Blair and Gordon Brown that the Tories failed to dismantle, her office said.

Cleverly is seen as the main beneficiary of any drop in support for Badenoch. Tory lawmakers and officials said he was running what they called a submarine campaign, seeking to stay out of trouble, avoid mistakes or divisive policy announcements and refrain from publicly criticizing the other candidates. He was presenting himself as the most amiable contender and someone who could unite the party and win support in the country.

Cleverly was not hated by any party faction and could move past Badenoch to make the final run-off if he picked up votes from Tugendhat, the candidate furthest to the political left of the candidates who is seen as most likely to be eliminated in the next round of MP voting, the people said. He would set out a vision for Conservatism with a smile in his speech, telling delegates: Lets be enthusiastic; relatable; positive; optimistic, according to his campaign.

Badenochs team insist her straight-talking style sets her apart from other identikit politicians. Three allies of the candidate also accused the Jenrick, Cleverly and Tugendhat campaigns of tacitly colluding to try to stop her from making the final pair. It was in all three mens interests to undermine Badenoch because she is popular among party members, they said, pointing the finger at Jenricks campaign in particular.

Cleverly denied any collusion, telling Bloomberg Radio he would fire any member of his team caught briefing against his rivals.

Tugendhat, from the so-called One Nation caucus of party centrists, appeared to be enjoying his underdog status, Tory observers said. He was winning support among some members who didnt want a right-wing leader, and would make a late bid to knock Cleverly out of the running at the next MP vote, they added.

In his speech, Tugendhat will pledge to make Tory members proud of their party again, and champion principles and integrity after years of political games and petty politics, his office said.

The contest has generated a buzz in Birmingham, with candidates walking through the venue accompanied by entourages of supporters and making ad-hoc stump speeches outside of their set-piece addresses on the main stage, due on Wednesday. The Tory mood at times has appeared better than at Labours own conference in Liverpool last week, where Prime Minister Keir Starmers warnings about looming tough economic choices soured the atmosphere.

Still, the upbeat vibe spoke more to delusion in the Conservative Party about its unpopularity and long road back to power, several Tory lawmakers said. None of the candidates were having the sort of conversation needed about how to reform public services and generate economic growth that were needed to make the party electable again, one official who is not aligned to any campaign said.

What the Tories need is a leadership speech that jolts them out of their delusion: They are not on the brink of return to power but the start of a long, hard road of opposition, said Theo Bertram, director at the Social Market Foundation think tank. That road will be longer and harder if they convince themselves they only need to be more Tory.

--With assistance from Lizzy Burden and James Woolcock.

(Updates with quotes from candidates speeches throughout.)

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HONOLULU (KHON2)  Hawaii tourism industry leaders like where visitor numbers are trending, but theyre still pushing for better numbers.

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According to the Department of Business, Economic Development and Tourism, there were 819,000 visitors to the islands last month, which is up 6% compared to the same time last year.

Hawaiis top industry leaders, partners and vendors are meeting for the next few days to keep the momentum going for the states top business  tourism.

Very heroic Kauai officers recognized for dramatic cliffside rescue

Our work is clear, said Ilihia Gionson, Hawaii Tourism Authoritys public affairs officer. We need to keep working, we need to keep pushing, we need to keep making it clear  that responsible, respectable travel to Hawaii is not only welcome at this time, its needed at this time.

The latest stats show visitors are coming back to the islands, but numbers are still down from pre-COVID, especially from Japanese visitors.

State officials attribute that to three major storm systems recently, as well as the weak Japanese yen.

They faced some challenges in coming back, but we know from our research that folks in Japan do want to come back, said Gionson.

We are aware that were hitting a little bit of a slump, so thats why weve been out marketing, said Sue Kanoho, Kauai Visitors Bureau executive director. I leave for Canada in a couple of days, so were out blitzing as best we can. Just got back from Japan and then weve been doing some PR stuff, got a press trip coming up next week.

Since last years Lahaina wildfire, HTA has been pushing the message that the state is open with saturation campaigns, focusing on areas where visitors come from.

Tourism industry leaders are encouraged by the latest visitor statistics, but they wanted to make a couple of points. One, its unfair to look at numbers pre-COVID because they said the world was a different place then, and two, whats good for one person or one island, is good for all of us.

I think people just want to hear its okay to come and really be safe and its not gonna be offensive, said Kanoho. And really, Maui does need your help and really having all islands be successful lifts the state.

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Really at this point when people come, they need to have an amazing experience, said Josh Hargrove Westin Maui Resort and Spa general manager. They need to come and eat in our local restaurants and meet local people, at the end of the day, thats what they want. They want to come and experience our aloha spirit.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KHON2.
Town of Mount Pleasant sending teams to aid with Helene recovery in Anderson County

MOUNT PLEASANT, S.C. (WCBD)- The Town of Mount Pleasant is helping fellow South Carolinians in the Upstate after Hurricane Helene battered the region late last week.

The town shared Tuesday that it is sending teams of people and equipment to assist with clean-up and recovery efforts in Anderson, S.C.

Eight Public Services Department employees left for Anderson Tuesday morning, bringing a Lowboy truck and trailer, loader, Tink buckets, scows, and crew cab pickups outfitted with fuel tanks. Officials said they will help clear debris using chainsaws, including extra parts, and truck maintenance supplies brought with them.

The Mount Pleasant Fire Department also deployed seven people, two of whom are part of the State Urban Search and Rescue team. The other five are receiving tasking orders through the South Carolina Firefighter Mobilization Plan, a state plan designed to assist emergency services departments with resources, manpower, and equipment.

Local utility employees travel upstate to assist in hurricane relief

Our thoughts are with those impacted by Hurricane Helene, said Mayor Will Haynie. Mount Pleasant is committed to supporting our neighbors during times of need, and I am grateful to our dedicated Public Services and Fire Department personnel who are stepping up to assist the upstate community in their recovery.

Republican Sen. Tim Scott toured the region on Monday, calling the damage left by the storm devastating.

Four deaths related to Helene have been reported in Anderson County, according to the South Carolina Department of Public Safety.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCBD News 2.
Aerial view of the train derailment wreckage in East Palestine. (Screenshot from NTSB B-roll recorded Feb. 5, 2023)

On Feb. 3, 2023, a train carrying chemicals jumped the tracks in East Palestine, Ohio, rupturing railcars filled with hazardous materials and fueling chemical fires at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains.

The disaster drew global attention as the governors of Ohio and Pennsylvania urged evacuations for a mile around the site. Flames and smoke billowed from burning chemicals, and an acrid odor radiated from the derailment area as chemicals entered the air and spilled into a nearby creek.

Three days later, at the urging of the rail company, Norfolk Southern, about 1 million pounds of vinyl chloride, a chemical that can be toxic to humans at high doses, was released from the damaged train cars and set aflame.

Federal investigators later concluded that the open burn and the black mushroom cloud it produced were unnecessary, but it was too late. Railcar chemicals spread into Ohio and Pennsylvania.

As an environmental engineers, I and my colleagues are often asked to assist with public health decisions after disasters by government agencies and communities. After the evacuation order was lifted, community members asked for help.

In a new study, we describe the contamination we found, along with problems with the response and cleanup that, in some cases, increased the chances that people would be exposed to hazardous chemicals. It offers important lessons to better protect communities in the future.

How chemicals get into homes and water

When large amounts of chemicals are released into the environment, the air can become toxic. Chemicals can also wash into waterways and seep into the ground, contaminating groundwater and wells. Some chemicals can travel below ground into nearby buildings and make the indoor air unsafe.

A map of several states shows the wreck site on the Ohio-Pennsylvania line, with the highest likelihood of chemical concentrations there, but chemicals likely still wafting over Pennsylvania, New York and other states.

Air pollution can find its way into buildings through cracks, windows, doors and other portals. Once inside, the chemicals can penetrate home items like carpets, drapes, furniture, counters and clothing. When the air is stirred up, those chemicals can be released again.

Evacuation order lifted, but buildings were contaminated

Three weeks after the derailment, we began investigating the safety of the area near 17 buildings in Ohio and Pennsylvania. The highest concentration of air pollution occurred in the 1-mile evacuation zone and a shelter-in-place band another mile beyond that. But the chemical plume also traveled outside these areas.

In and outside East Palestine, evidence indicated that chemicals from the railcars had entered buildings. Many residents complained about headaches, rashes and other health symptoms after reentering the buildings.

A photo of a document shows the discrepancy between people smelling chemicals and their hand-held detectors, which did not detect chemicals.

At one building 0.2 miles away from the derailment site, the indoor air was still contaminated more than four months later.

Nine days after the derailment, sophisticated air testing by a business owner showed the buildings indoor air was contaminated with butyl acrylate and other chemicals carried by the railcars. Butyl acrylate was found above the two-week exposure level, a level at which measures should be taken to protect human health.

When rail company contractors visited the building 11 days after the wreck, their team left after just 10 minutes. They reported an overwhelming/unpleasent odor even though their government-approved handheld air pollution detectors detected no chemicals. This building was located directly above Sulphur Run creek, which had been heavily contaminated by the spill. Chemicals likely entered from the initial smoke plumes and also rose from the creek into the building.

Our tests weeks later revealed that railcar chemicals had even penetrated the businesss silicone wristband products on its shelves. We also detected several other chemicals that may have been associated with the spill.

Weeks after the derailment, government officials discovered that air in the East Palestine Municipal Building, about 0.7 miles away from the derailment site, was also contaminated. Airborne chemicals had entered that building through an open drain pipe from Sulphur Run.

More than a month after the evacuation order was lifted, the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency acknowledged that multiple buildings in East Palestine were being contaminated as contractors cleaned contaminated culverts under and alongside buildings. Chemicals were entering the buildings.

Contaminated water can cause contaminated air

The creek that flowed through town became heavily contaminated by the spill. More than 43,000 fish died downstream, and chemicals traveled 270 miles (435 kilometers) down the Ohio River.

As tainted water flowed downstream, light chemicals like butyl acrylate naturally left the creek and entered the air by a process called volatilization.

A creek with a device shooting water into the air by injecting air into the water.

Unnaturally however, the equipment used for cleaning the creeks also transferred chemicals from the water into the air. Residents near aeration equipment, which injects air into water, in part to help fish survive, complained of odors entering their homes and experiencing health problems. Our study shows the chemicals in the air may have been up to 2 to 25 times higher near these aerators.

Over the four-month study period, rain and the actions of contractors increasing and decreasing water flow also stirred up the creeks, releasing more chemicals into the air.

Steps to protect public health in future disasters

As with past disasters, what happened in East Palestine offers many lessons for communities.

One of the most important is for communities to demand an exposure pathway diagram immediately after a chemical incident occurs. An illustration can help the community recognize potential threats, whether from the air or from culverts beneath their buildings, and see where testing and guidance are needed.

A diagram illustrates chemical exposure pathways in East Palestine. Visualizing these risks can help residents and communities figure out how to respond. Click image to expand. (By Andrew Whelton/Purdue University, CC BY-ND.)

Monitoring the health of people exposed to the chemicals is also crucial. Because so many people became ill in and around East Palestine, and because testing overseen by government agencies did not pinpoint the exact conditions responsible for the illnesses, we recommend long-term medical monitoring for those affected.

People closest to the disaster site  those who lived in, worked in or visited buildings that became contaminated  likely experienced the greatest exposures. Railroad workers, government workers, cleanup workers, visitors and residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania were among those reporting health problems. Norfolk Southern and one contractor were cited for failing to protect workers from exposure.

Indoor building contamination can be a long-term problem. Just like with wildfire smoke, affected buildings need to be professionally cleaned because the chemicals can remain for months.

Building exteriors also need to be decontaminated. Chemicals may continue to release from surfaces into the air.

A close-up of a stick in a creek shows the rainbow-colored sheen from chemicals

There is also a need for better methods and evidence-based policies to rapidly identify chemical exposures. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, months after approving the use of handheld air testing devices to screen homes, determined that those chemical detectors could not have reliably alerted to butyl acrylate at all levels that can cause health problems. Not all the chemicals spilled were monitored for in buildings.

For complex disasters, we recommend calling in experts from outside the responding agencies and companies involved to provide the needed specialized expertise.

Andrew J. Whelton, Professor of Civil, Environmental and Ecological Engineering, Purdue University

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

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The Topeka Police Department (TPD) will host public training sessions to learn about common scams, cybercrimes and how to protect yourself in October.

The TPD Financial Crimes Unit will give one-hour presentations followed by a 30-minute Q&A session. The sessions will be open to the public and held in person. There is no registration required to attend.

Cybercrimes are on the rise nationwide, and the Topeka Police Department is dedicated to equipping our community with the knowledge needed to avoid falling victim, said Interim TPD Chief Jamey Haltom. I encourage everyone to attend and learn how we can work together to prevent these crimes in the Capital City.

The cyber fraud awareness sessions will be held:

From 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 9 at Melvin Auditorium 101C in the Topeka & Shawnee County Public Library, 1515 SW 10th Street.

From 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Oct. 16, at the Brewster Place Event Center, 900 SW 31st Street.

From 6 p.m. until 7:30 p.m., Oct. 17, at the Oakland Community Center, 801 NE Poplar Street.

What are minute pirate bugs and why are they biting people?

Cybercrime has been steadily growing in the United States and is a worldwide phenomenon that has taken advantage of our ever-increasing digital world, said TPDs financial crimes supervisor, Sergeant Ky Shorb. It is imperative that people protect themselves against this financial threat. The Topeka Police Department is proud to present this awareness training against cybercrime.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
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A DC Superior Court jury has awarded $930,000 to Diana Portillo, a trans woman employed at a Washington, D.C. McDonalds franchise, after finding that, due to her gender identity, she had faced harassment from coworkers and retaliation after complaining of discrimination.

Portillo had filed suit against International Golden Foods, LLC, a privately owned McDonalds franchise. According to the Washington Blade, her lawsuit, which was initially filed in 2021, states that she was initially hired to work at McDonalds in 2011 as a customer service representative and was later promoted for good work. Two years later, she began her transition.

According to a September 12 press release from Portillos lawyers, her McDonalds managers continued to use a male name and male pronouns for her and ridiculed her for being transgender. In 2016, a supervisor allegedly harassed Portillo for using the womens restroom, yelling, What are you doing using the female bathroom? and Youre not a woman, youre a man.

Following the incident, Portillo filed a discrimination complaint with the D.C. Office of Human Rights. According to her lawsuit, eight days later, she was fired, supposedly on grounds that she did not have legal authorization to work in the U.S. as an immigrant from El Salvador. As the Washington Blade notes, Jonathan Puth, one of Portillos lawyers, said evidence was presented during her eight-day civil trial showing that McDonald's had knowingly hired other immigrant employees without legal work authorization and had not used that fact against them.

Lesbian Kansas City Firefighter Set to Receive $1.3 Million Discrimination Settlement

Rebecca Reynolds says she faced years of abuse from her co-workers.

The jury in Portillos case found that International Golden Foods had violated the D.C. Human Rights Act, which protects employees from discrimination and harassment on the basis of gender identity and prohibits retaliation against employees who make discrimination complaints. According to Portillos lawyers, this verdict is believed to be the first jury verdict in a transgender employment discrimination case under the act.

When you are sure of what you have experienced, no matter how much time passes, the truth will come to life, Portillo said in a statement following the judges verdict. Our truth is the best weapon to achieve justice. It is truth, justice, and faith in God that have helped me get here.

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AUSTIN (KXAN)  A new resident treatment facility for women struggling with substance abuse is coming to Central Texas. On Tuesday, Travis County commissioners approved a contract with Santa Maria Hostel, providing over $469,000 from opioid abatement funds.

Santa Maria Hostel is a Texas nonprofit focused on supporting women in crisis, with two locations in Houston. The planned facility is the organizations first in Central Texas. The treatment program is for women with children and women who are pregnant, providing a place for them and their children to live while in treatment for substance use disorder (SUD).

Q&A: What is the Opioid Abatement Fund Council?

The average length of stay in the program is up to three months, but thats going to be individualized to each participants needs, said Courtney Bissonnet Lucas, planning project manager for Travis County Health and Human Services. All of their services are integrated with peer support, recovery support.

Once a participant is ready to leave, they will have access to services to help them transition back into their community. One of the goals of the program is providing treatment without sending women away from their homes and families.

The ability to integrate them back into their natural support systems, for them to be able to start their recovery work in the community, is critically important, said Laura Peveto, division director in the Travis County Office of Children Services.

Austin used to have a similar residential treatment program, but it closed in August 2020. Currently, only Houston and Dallas have facilities offering this kind of treatment.

Santa Maria Hostel is eying a property in north Austin for the facility. They expect to open the program in fall 2025, starting out with a minimum of 30 beds with plans to expand.

The need for more local residential treatment facilities is dire, Precinct 3 Commissioner Ann Howard said in a county release. I cant wait for the doors of the treatment program to open so we can start helping mothers overcome their substance use challenges and set their families up for success.

KXAN has a special presentation on the fight against fentanyl, a synthetic opioid. Saving a Generation: The Fentanyl Crisis airs Friday at 7 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KXAN Austin.
Tri-Cities travelers could head to the beach or connect to Paris with new LAX flights

Tri-Citians are getting a second chance to show airlines they can support daily air service to Los Angeles International Airport.

Alaska Airlines debuted a new daily flight between the Tri-Cities Airport and LAX on Oct. 1. The 76-seat Embraer 175 carried 48 passengers plus crew and departed shortly after sunrise.

Alaska, which operates the flight under its Horizon subsidiary, steps into the breach left by United Airlines, which briefly offered Los Angeles service in 2019-20.

Buck Taft, the airports manager, and Karl Dye, president of the Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC) were thrilled when efforts to revive the connection paid off.

LA is the most underserved market with about 200 local travelers heading there each day, Taft said.

Passengers board Alaska Airlines new daily flight between the Tri-Cities Airport and LAX Tuesday morning in Pasco. The 76-seat Embraer carrying 48 travelers plus crew departed shortly after sunrise.

Alaska is a major partner for the Tri-Cities airport operating several flights, including regular Seattle service. The first flight to LAX took off with empty seats, but Taft said bookings for the rest of the week were promising.

Avelo Airlines, which serves the Hollywood Burbank Airport, has built demand for air connections to the LA area.

70+ international connections

LAX is an important hub that links travelers to the larger world with more than 70 domestic and international airlines offering service to foreign destinations.

Betty Hinckley, a retired Kennewick elementary school teacher, and her husband, Jim, booked seats on the inaugural flight after their daughter spotted the new connection. The couple live in the Mexican resort city of Cabo San Lucas but travel home for extended family visits.

Hinckley was thrilled to tap into seamless connections between LAX and Mexico. The couple used to travel through Seattle or Salt Lake City, with hours-long layovers between flights.

Alaska Airlines debuted its new daily flight Tuesday morning between the Tri-Cities Airport and LAX. The 76-seat Embraer carried 48 passengers plus crew and departed shortly after sunrise.

Well be in Cabo at 2:17., she said with a smile.

Dye, of TRIDEC, said service to LAX boosts the Tri-Cities to prospective businesses who depend on air travel. An undisclosed economic development prospect is very interested in the new route.

Targeting the Top 50

LAX is the fourth busiest airport in the U.S., according to 2023 passenger figures compiled by the U.S. Department of Transportation.

With the new connection, Tri-Citians can now book flights directly to seven of the Top 50 airports in the U.S.

The others are Denver (No. 3), Las Vegas (No. 8), Seattle-Tacoma (No. 11), San Francisco (No. 13), Phoenix Sky Harbor (No. 14), Minneapolis-St. Paul (No. 18). It also offers direct flights to regional airports in Los Angeles and Phoenix.

Taft and Dye both hope to at least three more, with Dallas/Fort Worth (No. 2) and Chicago OHare (No. 5) at the top of their wish list. They are working with American, building on its new Phoenix route.

A Chicago flight was booked prior to the pandemic. The flight never commenced before being shelved when the Federal Aviation Administration changed weight calculations, altering the types of aircraft needed for the route..

Portland International is also in the airports sights. It is the No. 33 airport in the U.S. for passenger travel.

Alaska halted daily service to Portland in 2018 amid wider cancellations blamed on its its high-profile pilot shortage. After a brief revival, the flight disappeared and the Tri-Cities has lacked a direct Rose City connection since.

Passengers receive souvenirs from airport director Buck Taft, left, and Karl Dye, president of the Tri-Cities Development Council (TRIDEC), as they board Alaska Airlines new daily flight between the Tri-Cities Airport and LAX Tuesday morning in Pasco. The 76-seat Embraer carrying 48 travelers plus crew departed shortly after sunrise.

Were full

Passenger growth and new flights have put the Tri-Cities Airport near its capacity. It has nine spots for planes to park at the terminal overnight.

Any additional planes have to be pushed away and the airport has to accommodate larger planes since some airlines have started flying Boeing 737 aircraft into the Mid-Columbia.

Taft said a major expansion is probably still about eight years out and will be timed to dovetail with paying off debt associated with a $42 million terminal expansion and remodel that debuted in 2017.

Were full, he said.

The Tri-Cities airport recorded 302,348 passenger boardings for the year through August and is on track to break its 2019 passenger record of 438,123 by the end of the year.

A ground crew member for Alaska Airlines walks the tarmac as the airline debuts its new daily flight Tuesday morning between the Tri-Cities Airport and LAX. The 76-seat Embraer carried 48 passengers plus crew and departed shortly after sunrise.

The Tri-Cities Airport is owned and operated by the Port of Pasco.

Go to flytricities.com.

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Editors note: This story mentions sexual assault.

One of the men accused of raping multiple women in San Luis Obispo County will face trial this week  more than two years after allegations first came to light on social media.

Nathan Nate Abate, 36, was arrested and charged with multiple sex crimes on Jan. 19, 2023. According to court documents, he faces four sex crimes stemming from three incidents  oral copulation of a minor on Aug. 16, 2008; forcible rape and rape of an intoxicated person on Jan. 1, 2009; and forcible rape in June 1, 2012.

He pleaded not guilty to the crimes on Jan. 20, 2023.

The charges applied to three separate alleged victims who will testify at trial, San Luis Obispo County Deputy District Attorney Kim Dittrich said in court Monday. San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Michael Frye ruled at least one additional alleged victim could testify in the trial because her assaults were similar to the charged offenses.

Frye said he will decide Tuesday afternoon whether to allow two more alleged victims to testify.

Dittrich argued that the fact pattern of the alleged victims were similar to the counts Abate was on trial for and demonstrate a history of that kind of conduct.

One was similar to what allegedly occurred to the victim in the 2008 case, Dittrich said, where Abate and Julian Contreras, Abates friend whose also been accused of sexual assault, reportedly isolated a minor and coerced her into a threesome.

Abates attorney, Scott Taylor, argued that because the prospective witness was an adult the time and did not technically say no, it was not a crime and could not be admitted. Dittrich argued the prospective witness feared she would be hurt if she did not cooperate and felt like they would have had their way with (her) either way.

At worst this was a miscommunication (Abate) didnt know about. At best its a consensual encounter, Taylor argued.

When it comes to the second prospective witness Frye was considering, Taylor argued Abate listened when the alleged victim said no because no sex occurred.

Dittrich said this was not the case, and that the alleged victim told Abate no and that she felt sick, but Abate continued to touch her inappropriately until she pushed him off of her and left the room to find her sister  similar to the 2009 charge.

The judge is expected to make final decisions on what evidence can be admitted into trial Tuesday, followed by jury selection.

If convicted of all counts, Abate will face a maximum sentence of 16 years and eight months in state prison and must register as a lifetime sex offender, Dittrich said.

San Luis Obispo Superior Court Judge Michael Frye presides over a court hearing before Nathan Abates criminal trial on Sept. 30, 2024, in San Luis Obispo Superior Court. Abate is charged with multiple sex crimes.

Social media sexual assault allegations spark investigation

Abate, who owns Cardinal Barbershop in Atascadero, was one of two San Luis Obispo County business owners accused of at least 30 allegations of sexual assault or harassment on social media in April 2022.

As of Monday, 35-year-old Julian Contreras, former owner of Kin Coffee in San Luis Obispo, remained at-large with a felony warrant out for his arrest and is believed to be out of the country, the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office confirmed. Abate and Contreras were accused of sexually assaulting or harassing women together and separately.

Former San Luis Obispo resident Ash Riddell sparked a local #MeToo movement that April when she accused Abate and Contreras of assaulting her on social media.

Since then, dozens of women came forward on social media accusing the two men of similar experiences.

Julian Contreras opened Kin Coffee Bar with his brother, Christian, in August 2019. He was accused of sexually assaulting multiple women in April 2022. According to the San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office, as of Sept. 30, 2024, he had a warrant out for his arrest and was believed to be out of the country.

In a April 2022 phone interview with The Tribune, Abate denied all allegations, saying he had a consensual dating relationship with Riddell, who he said was upset over their breakup.

Additionally, Abate said he has never sexually assaulted anyone or had any inappropriate sexual relationship with a minor, despite being accused of sexually assaulting a minor in 2009, a case that ended in a misdemeanor false imprisonment conviction.

No one ever has accused me of that ever, except one time, Abate told the Tribune in April 2022.

Frye ruled Monday that the victim in the 2009 case could testify in the trial as it was determined relevant information for the case.

Abate said his false imprisonment no contest plea resulted from a party at Contreras home in which an underage girl claimed Contreras and he had raped her.

During Abates September 2023 preliminary hearing, Frye ruled there was sufficient evidence to bring Abate to trial.

In that hearing, San Luis Obispo Police Department and San Luis Obispo County Sheriffs Office detectives testified about their interviews with victims that detail their alleged assaults at the hands of Abate.

If you or someone you know are a survivor of sexual assault, you can call the National Sexual Assault Telephone Hotline at 800-656-4673. The hotline offers a range of free services including confidential support from a trained staff member, help finding a local health facility, legal and medical advice and referrals for long-term support. Survivor support and resources are also available through Lumina Alliance at luminaalliance.org or their Crisis and Information Line at 805-545-8888.
CRAWFORD COUNTY, Ill. (WTWO/WAWV) A jury trial in Crawford County Illinois is headed into day two of the Jason Strawbridge murder case from 2019.

Strawbridge originally pleaded guilty to murdering 62-year-old Sandra Kendall of Bellair, Illinois. He was originally sentenced to 45 years in prison. Now Strawbridge has requested that his original guilty plea be vacated and the Illinois Court of Appeals has granted that request and set a new trial.

As of Tuesday evening, the state is still presenting its case. WTWO will continue to follow the case.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to MyWabashValley.com.
By Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang

KAOHSIUNG, Taiwan (Reuters) -Taiwan mobilised nearly 40,000 troops on Tuesday to be on standby for rescue efforts as powerful Typhoon Krathon approached its populous southwest coast which is bracing for a storm surge.

As the typhoon approached, helicopters lifted to safety 19 sailors forced to abandon ship when it took on water.

Some flights were cancelled, a rail line was closed and in the major port city of Kaohsiung, shops and restaurants shut and streets were mostly deserted. The Taipei city government declared a typhoon holiday for Wednesday, closing the island's financial markets.

Taiwan regularly gets hit by typhoons but they generally land along the mountainous and sparsely populated east coast facing the Pacific. This one will make landfall on the island's flat western plain.

Krathon is forecast to hit Kaohsiung early on Wednesday afternoon, then work its way across the centre of Taiwan heading northeast and cross out into the East China Sea, the Central Weather Administration (CWA) said.

Kaohsiung, home to some 2.7 million people, declared a holiday and told people to stay at home as Krathon - labelled a super typhoon by the U.S. Navy's Joint Typhoon Warning Center - approached.

Li Meng-hsiang, a forecaster for Taiwan's Central Weather Administration, said the storm has reached its maximum intensity and could weaken slightly as it moves closer to Taiwan, warning of gusts of more than 150 kph (93 mph) for the southwest.

"The storm surge might bring tides inland," Li said. "If it's raining heavily it will make it difficult to discharge waters and as a result coastal areas will be subject to flooding."

Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai, speaking to reporters after a disaster management meeting, said the strength and path of the storm were both on par with 1977's Typhoon Thelma which killed 37 people and devastated the city.

"After the typhoon, the whole of Kaohsiung was without water and electricity, just like a war," Chen said, recalling the decades-ago destruction. "As much as possible, limit going out."

Taiwan's defence ministry said it had put more than 38,000 troops on standby, as Kaohsiung residents made their own preparations.

"It's going to strike us directly. We must be fully prepared," said fisherman Chen Ming-huang, as he tightened ropes on his boat in Kaohsiung harbour. "In the worst-case scenario the ropes might snap and my boat could drift away."

TSMC, the world's largest contract chip maker and a major supplier to Apple and Nvidia and which has a large factory in neighbouring Tainan, said it had activated routine typhoon preparations and did not expect a significant impact to its operations.

SAILORS RESCUED

Off the southeast coast, Taiwan rescue helicopters lifted to safety 19 sailors from a listing cargo vessel travelling from China to Singapore, the government said. The sailors were taken to shelter on Taiwan's remote Orchid Island.

The transport ministry said 88 domestic flights and 24 international ones had been cancelled, with boats to outlying islands also stopped. It added that all domestic flights - 234 in total - would stop on Wednesday.

The rail line connecting southern to eastern Taiwan was closed, though the north-south high speed line was operating as normal, albeit with enhanced safety checks for wind and debris.

In Kaohsiung, most shops and restaurants pulled down their shutters, and traditional wet markets shut with streets mostly deserted.

At a building in Siaogang district, home to the city's airport, residents practiced how to rapidly set up metal barriers to stop water flooding into the underground parking lot.

"We will have only a few minutes to react if the flooding is coming," said Chiu Yun-ping, deputy head of the building's residents' committee.

Chen Mei-ling, who lives near the harbour, said in past typhoons high tides reached just a few metres (yards) from her house's main door and she had made preparations.

"We've got torches and emergency food supplies," Chen said. "It's a strong typhoon and we are worried."

(Reporting by Yimou Lee, Fabian Hamacher and Ann Wang; Writing by Ben BlanchardEditing by Shri Navaratnam, Miral Fahmy and Neil Fullick)
Illinois deputy had DUI when he shot woman. Hes not the only one with troubling record

Sangamon County Sheriff Jack Campbell came under fire for his hiring practices after he employed a deputy with two DUI convictions, who is now accused of the murder of an unarmed black woman in her kitchen.

But it wasnt the first time he chose to hire someone accused of drunk driving and repeated misconduct.

In April, Campbell hired 23-year-old Luke Hildebrand, who only weeks before had pleaded guilty to driving under the influence after a single car crash that left Hildebrand injured and trapped. An investigation would reveal there was a loaded Glock pistol inside the crashed pickup and that hours later his blood alcohol level still registered at 0.284  more than three times the legal limit.

Hildebrand, who did not respond to a request for an interview, was considered a lateral hire, meaning that because he was already a working police officer for Sherman Police Department his employment was not reviewed by the Sangamon County Sheriffs Deputy Merit Commission. The commission is a three-member board whose members are recommended by the sheriff and approved by the county board.

Hildebrands hiring should have been contingent upon a background check, as well as psychological and drug testing, said Merit Commission member Tim Timoney.

Capitol News Illinois obtained Hildebrands personnel file from the Sherman Police Department under the Freedom of Information Act, which included multiple examples of misconduct.

The background check should have uncovered that while working at Sherman, Hildebrand failed to show up for assignments, was repeatedly late for work, wrote incomplete reports, scored poorly during his police training, skipped curfew at the police academy then went drinking at a Metro East strip club, and fired his department-issued Taser at a friends birthday party, according to Hildebrands Sherman Police Department personnel file.

But whether Sangamon County Sheriffs Office ever conducted a background check is unclear. A Freedom of Information Act request filed by Capitol News Illinois for personnel files from Sangamon County included a memo from Chief Deputy Anthony Mayfield regarding Hildebrands background check  dated days after that original request  stating the background investigation was lost.

So, the background process was repeated to create documentation, the Mayfield memo stated.

Because the file obtained by Capitol News Illinois was recreated after the date it was requested, it is unclear what documents Campbell had access to at the time of Hildebrands hiring. Campbell did not provide answers to the written questions.

Even if Campbell had that information, he could have hired Hildebrand. State law allows sheriffs to give any applicant the power to enforce the law, including making arrests and carrying a badge and weapon, if they are more than 21 years old, pass a written test and free from a felony or disqualifying misdemeanor conviction.

Chris Burbank, a retired Salt Lake City, Utah, police chief and expert in police hiring and retention, said the failure to have background information that could impact a hire is the failure to take a basic step.

Its our duty and responsibility to make sure that a candidate meets the high standard of police officers, Burbank said.

Sean Grayson, like Hildebrand, was a lateral hire, meaning he worked in law enforcement before. In fact, Grayson had worked for six agencies in four years. Grayson also had two DUI convictions. Before Grayson was hired by Sangamon County, he worked for neighboring Logan County. His one-year stint there was rocky, punctuated by discipline for insubordination, failure to follow orders, and poor and inaccurate report writing.

Seven months on. How are you still employed by us? asked Chief Deputy Nathan Miller during a nearly two-hour recorded meeting to discuss Graysons job performance.

I dont know, Grayson responded.

Five months after that conversation, Campbell hired Grayson.

Grayson faces first-degree murder charges after prosecutors said he shot Sonya Massey in the kitchen of her home after she called 911 to report a prowler in the early morning hours of July 6.

After Grayson was charged and news of his DUIs came to light, Campbell came under fire for his hiring practices, but he defended Graysons hiring during media interviews, saying that past DUIs are not disqualifying criteria and he recognized that individuals can change and improve over time.

Campbell was facing growing questions surrounding Graysons hiring, despite his DUI record. Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, Masseys family and advocates called for Campbells resignation, but Campbell repeatedly and adamantly said he was staying.

In August, Campbell gave in. He announced his retirement, effective on Aug. 30.

Officer misconduct

The Illinois Law Enforcement Training and Standards Board can decertify a police officer if they are convicted of a felony and some specified misdemeanors, including crimes of moral turpitude. DUI is not on that list.

ILETSB does not run criminal checks on prospective police officers and sheriffs deputies  thats up to the hiring the agency. While ILETSB does have a Professional Conduct Database, law enforcement agencies can hire a candidate even if they are the subject of misconduct reports.

In 2022, the reporting requirements changed. All law enforcement agencies and Illinois State Police are now required to report any official misconduct, willful violation of agency policies, suspensions of 10 days or more, lying, or if the officer resigns or retires after learning they are under investigation. ILETSB received 306 professional conduct reports last year.

Though reports can also be made by the public, these misconduct reports are kept private by statute. The public can only see if an officer is certified, the officers identification number, and the law enforcement agencies where he has worked.

In 2023, ILETSB received 190 citizen complaints.

One of the architects of recent criminal justice reforms in Illinois, Sen. Robert Peters, D-Chicago, said he believes the conduct surrounding an officers DUI offense should be scrutinized to assess the officers judgment and whether they have taken any steps such as alcohol treatment or mental health counseling.

This is definitely a conversation that we should be having, Peters said.

Timoney, the Sangamon County merit board member, said he expects the county to make changes to its hiring process once a commission looking into the Massey shooting makes recommendations.

The DUI

On Jan. 14, 2023, Hildebrand left the Curve Inn in Springfield with friends, according to an Illinois State Police report. About an hour after closing time, emergency crews were trying to free the injured Hildebrand from his crumpled pick-up that hit a guard rail, then traveled down an embankment on Interstate 72 before becoming wedged against a tree.

Officers on the scene found the loaded pistol in the cab with Hildebrand.

The report also noted that Hildebrand was an off-duty Sherman police officer.

Hildebrand was taken to a Springfield hospital for treatment. The trooper noted in his report that Hildebrands level of intoxication was obvious.

The trooper ticketed Hildebrand for driving under the influence of alcohol and improper lane usage. The report noted that the trooper read Hildebrand a warning that stated his driving privileges would be suspended for three months.

But a review of Hildebrands driving record showed that his driving privileges were not suspended. The trooper, who was new, misunderstood the process when receiving blood test results, according to an Illinois State Police spokesperson, and failed to file the proper paperwork.

The ISP spokesperson added there were corrective measures taken as a result.

Sherman Police Chief Craig Bangert didnt fire Hildebrand, but he did impose discipline.

Five days after the crash, Bangert wrote a letter informing Hildebrand that he would be suspended for seven days. After that, to keep his job Hildebrand would have to go back on probation with the department for six months. He would not be allowed to drive any city vehicles and would be on desk duty until the court case was finished. He was also ordered to complete alcohol counseling.

Hildebrand pleaded guilty to DUI in Sangamon County Circuit Court on Sept. 22, 2023, in exchange for a sentence of court supervision.

Usually, a DUI conviction triggers a yearlong suspension of driving privileges, but that was not the case for Hildebrand. Again, his license remained unaffected.

Three months after that conviction, Hildebrand filed his resignation with the Sherman Police Department and applied for a job as a Sangamon County Sheriffs deputy.

He was hired three months after that.

Chet Epperson, a former police chief in Rockford, said he would ask detailed questions about a candidate with a DUI, including the circumstances, the candidates overall alcohol use, and whether they received counseling or treatment.

Just a few months into his tenure at Sangamon County, prosecutors filed a motion to revoke Hildebrands court supervision and subject him to possible resentencing because Hildebrand failed to complete his alcohol education classes and victim impact classes.

Last month, a judge dismissed it. Timoney, the Sangamon County merit board member, also represented Hildebrand in his DUI case. He said it was a paperwork issue and Hildebrand had fulfilled the requirements of the plea.

Other issues

The trouble with Hildebrand began when he was in the academy.

Sherman Police Department internal records showed that Hildebrand wasnt doing well nearly from the start.

I would point out the emails I directed to you regarding your poor GPA during the initial weeks of the academy, Sherman Chief Bangert wrote in a March 3, 2022, memo to Hildebrand.

Neither Bangert nor his chief deputy, Aaron Entringer, responded to a reporters request for comment.

Then, in late February 2022, he crashed a Sherman police car in a snowstorm.

On March 1, 2022, Bangert got a call from Southwestern Illinois College Police Academy Director Van Muschler letting him know there was more trouble from Hildebrand.

Hildebrand admitted that he left the academy lodging, breaking curfew, with two other police recruits and a waitress and went to a strip club where they were drinking.

During this uncomfortable conversation with Director Van Muschler, it was disclosed that the misconduct all of which you related to me by phone, will cause you to be placed on academy probation for the remainder of your police training, Bangert wrote in memo to Hildebrand.

Hildebrand was not yet a certified police officer when this occurred, but in May 2022, the then-22-year-old Hildebrand completed his training and officially joined the Sherman police department. But that didnt stop the problems.

A little more than a week after he became a full-time Sherman officer, Hildebrand admitted he was off-duty when he let a friend fire his department-issued Taser at a birthday party. An attached Taser log showed Hildebrands Taser was fired three times in the early morning hours of June 1, 2022.

This kind of actions and dishonesty will not happen again, Hildebrand wrote in a response to notes from a disciplinary meeting.

But Hildebrand, who is a volunteer Sherman firefighter, did show that he could come through in an emergency.

On Aug. 20, 2022, a tree limb fell on five people, leaving them seriously injured. Entringer was helping a 4-year-old with a broken leg and a head injury when a second branch cracked, then came down. Hildebrand threw himself over the top of Entringer and the child to shield them.

Officer Hildebrands actions to forsake his own personal safety, putting himself at risk to protect others in a critical situation is a testament to his professional abilities, personal initiative and dedication to duty, stated a valor award included in his Shermans personnel file.

In May 2023, Hildebrand again was rebuked for tardiness and excessive absences.

Hildebrand promised to do better, to take his work more seriously.

In August 2023, Bangert again warned Hildebrand for poor report writing and failure to correct and complete reports and revisions in a timely manner.

Again, Hildebrand promised improvement.

In a written response, Hildebrand said he would pay more attention to detail on reports.

Less than a year later, Sangamon Countys recreated background check on Hildebrand included an unidentified interviewers notes from a reference call made to Entringer, the deputy chief in Sherman. The interviewers notes stated that Entringer relayed Hildebrand had no attendance issues and was well-liked.

In response to the question, does the applicant have any known discipline? the notes of Entringers interview stated only two words: Yes, DUI.

Another hire

Jakob Evans had no law enforcement experience when he joined the Sangamon County Sheriffs Office as a court security officer in July 2021. A year later, he became a patrol deputy.

Unlike Grayson and Hildebrand, Evans, an Army veteran, needed to go through the Merit Commission as a traditional candidate. After passing the written test, those applying without previous law enforcement employment are placed on an eligibility list. A sheriff hires court security officers, jailers and deputies from that list and can choose prospective candidates based on their qualifications for the jobs available.

Evans, who could not be reached for comment, passed his test and was placed on the eligibility list for hire in August 2020.

Just a month before, Chatham police charged Evans with driving under the influence after he failed a field sobriety test. A breathalyzer showed his blood alcohol level at 0.177  more than double the legal limit.

Less than a month after he was charged, a Sangamon County judge voided Evans license suspension and accepted his guilty plea to an amended charge of reckless driving.

Reports from the DUI were included in Evans background check. Hirings are contingent upon a background check, drug and psychological testing, Timoney said, and Campbell signed off on Evans hiring and eventual move to road deputy.

Hiring an inexperienced person with a recent DUI should really give a law enforcement agency pause, Burbank said. Agencies should be wary of lowering standards and expectations of officers, he said, because it impacts the agencys overall image, making recruiting more difficult.

It creates a tremendous liability for the agency and you really lower the bar on hiring, he said.

Also, that neither Sangamon County deputy served a license suspension or substantive court penalty for their DUI and now enforce drinking and driving as well as other traffic laws smacks of inequity, Peters said.

How do we expect people to put their trust and confidence in the authorities if they are held to a different standard than ordinary citizens? Peters said.

Capitol News Illinois is a nonprofit, nonpartisan news service that distributes state government coverage to hundreds of news outlets statewide. It is funded primarily by the Illinois Press Foundation and the Robert R. McCormick Foundation.
MEBANE, N.C. (WNCN)  Hurricane Helene has left crews working to clear and repair roads across western North Carolina. Many roads are destroyed, covered by debris, and impassable after several inches of rain left areas dealing with mudslides, fallen trees, and flooding.

Jim Horstman, hauling materials for Crete Carrier, stopped at a truck stop in Mebane on Monday, with plans to head to Illinois. He said he and many drivers have had their routes impacted while heading to and across North Carolina.

Hurricane Helene has left crews working to clear and repair roads across western North Carolina. Many roads are destroyed, covered by debris, and impassable after several inches of rain left areas dealing with mudslides, fallen trees, and flooding.

Ive seen videos of drivers who were parked when the storm came through and their trucks were flooded all the way up to the window on the drivers door, Horstman said. Their trucks were completely flooded.

I know the other drivers have to reroute to get around I-40, he continued. That puts an extra strain on all the drivers out here because they have to go out of route, extra miles, and extra hours. Theyre limited on the amount of time drivers have to drive to their destinations,

Days ago, the North Carolina Department of Transportation informed everyone not to travel in or to the western part of the state. According to the agencys website, All roads in western North Carolina should be considered closed and non-emergency travel is prohibited. NCDOT also states I-40 continues to be impassable in many locations.

Horstman said I-40 is a main corridor for truck drivers crossing the country and making deliveries.

Hurricane Helene has left crews working to clear and repair roads across western North Carolina. Many roads are destroyed, covered by debris, and impassable after several inches of rain left areas dealing with mudslides, fallen trees, and flooding.

With the gorge, where I-40 meets Tennessee being washed out, Im just hoping they can fix it within a year, he said.

Joey Hopper, traveling from Texas, said he noticed the large electronic signs that advised no travel in western North Carolina on Friday. For two nights, he remained in Knoxville, unable to travel, while trying to figure a way to get to his destination.

The weather is what it is, but you get too many of these, one right after the other, Hopper said. You can bring commerce to a standstill real quick.

I had to go 70 miles out of the way to come around, he continued. It also held me up from getting my next load.

Hurricane Helene has left crews working to clear and repair roads across western North Carolina. Many roads are destroyed, covered by debris, and impassable after several inches of rain left areas dealing with mudslides, fallen trees, and flooding.

Tom Proctor, delivering meat products, said he had a similar experience while driving from Oklahoma City.

After noticing the same signs warning on the interstate, Proctor said, I finally had a chance to come across 85 coming back to Charlotte from Atlanta. Traffic was just a mess because I think the people who evacuated are now seeing their opportunity to come back home. Its a minor inconvenience just for this one trip, but I imagine its got to be really rough on local people and drivers where this is their area. This storm was just a mess.

The US Postal Service said they are also continuing to monitor the impacts from Hurricane Helene. In a statement, USPS said:

The safety of our customers and employees is the Postal Services top priority in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. At this time, we are still assessing damage and impacts. We are dispatching recovery teams to affected areas. The status of operations is being continually evaluated and adjustments made to ensure safe and swift restoration of delivery and retail services in locations as soon as possible. Efforts will continue as long as needed until full services are restored.

Hopper said he is also hopeful that drivers will be safe while maneuvering and rerouting to their destinations.

Take it easy, Hopper said. Youll get there. You dont have to get in a hurry.

RELATED: Local pilots fly donations from Moore County to areas devastated by Hurricane Helene

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JESSUP, Md. (DC News Now)  Thousands of dockworkers at ports along the East and Gulf Coasts are expected to go on strike starting at midnight. Officials said the strike will have a major impact on the nations supply chain, which includes local ports and trucking companies.

Dockworkers are asking for increased salaries and a complete ban on automation before they agree to return to work at the ports. In the meantime, one trucking company that services the Baltimore Port said it worries about what this strike means for its employees.

Looming dockworkers strike could have impact on supply chain

Richard Kane is the president and CEO of The Kane Group, which owns Capitol Express trucking company. He said the strike will have a drastic impact on truck drivers across the country.

What youre really dealing with is the trucking operators are really kind of left hanging to financially fend for themselves during this dock shutdown, Kane said.

He hopes the International Longshoremens Association (ILA) and the United States Maritime Alliance can come to an agreement soon because if not, he says it can mean trouble for trucking companies and consumers.

Its all a matter of the longer the delay, Kane said, The more complicated it gets and the more problematic for us. It will be a part of everything we do and everything we buy.

Kane Group general manager, John Schmidt said if the strike lasts for some time, it could cause a backlog at their warehouse, which could lead to even more problems.

If business slows down, Schmidt said. I have to redo schedules if I need to and try to find things for my guys to do, and hopefully, not lay anybody off.

How a dockworker strike could impact everyday costs, delivery times

Schmidt said theyre hoping for the best possible outcome but understand theres still a lot of uncertainty.

If they go on strike, Schmidt said. Then were going to have to let them know what our plan is going to be, and we havent solidified that plan yet. Were just going to have to play it by ear, I think.

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Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has survived a second non-confidence motion in parliament in as many weeks.

The motion, brought by the opposition Conservatives, was aimed at bringing down his minority Liberal government and triggering a federal election.

The motion failed after Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre again fell short in his effort to gain the backing of other political parties in parliament.

Poilievre tabled this second non-confidence motion the day after his last one failed.

This motion accused the government of failing Canadians on affordable housing, the cost of living, and crime - key issues that the Conservatives have been using to hammer the Liberals for months.

The vote needed the majority of the 338 members of parliament (MPs) in order for it to pass.

After all the votes were counted, 121 voted for the motion while 207 voted against it.

In a statement following the vote, Poilievre blamed the NDP and the Bloc Quebecois for its failure, saying the former had "sold out working Canadians" while the latter is "letting down Quebecers".

The Bloc Quebecois, which represents the interests of Quebec, Canadas French-speaking province, had issued an ultimatum to the Liberals for its continued support.

The sovereigntist party gave the government a 29 October deadline to pass two bills, one increasing pensions for seniors and one to bolster protections on Canada's supply management system, which controls production quotas and imports on dairy and poultry products.

On Tuesday, it tabled its own motion calling on the Trudeau government to support their seniors' bill.

Meanwhile, the NDP leader Jagmeet Singh indicated last week that his party would not support the Conservative motion.

Several other non-confidence motions are expected to be tabled in the coming weeks, including a third that has been put forward by the Conservatives.

Trudeau has been Canadas prime minister for nine years and has been facing growing pressure to resign over concerns he is a drag on his party's fortunes.

The Conservatives have been leading the Liberals by a wide margin in opinion surveys for months.

His Liberal party lost two consequential by-elections this summer in Toronto and Montreal, both in strongholds previously held by the party for years.

A deal between the Liberal party and the NDP had helped Trudeau stay in power since Canadas last federal election in 2021.

The deal collapsed last month after Singh pulled out from the deal, saying that the Liberals are too weak to govern.
Donald Trump is already explaining away J.D. Vances performance during the vice presidential debate, and it hasnt even happened yet.

During an interview on Fox Business Monday, Kellyanne Conway asked Trump whether he would consider doing another debate.

The former president tried to downplay his outright refusal to go head-to-head with Kamala Harris again, and implied that Vance would face the same treatment Tuesday night.

I would love to have two or three more debates, I like it, I enjoy it. But theyre so rigged and so stacked, Trump said. Youll see it tomorrow with J.D., itll be stacked.

Trump says the VP debate tomorrow night will be rigged against Vance, and he would love to have more debates against Kamala Harris but they are too rigged and unfair to him. pic.twitter.com/ZrZ4WPhTFx  Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) October 1, 2024

Trump has used a similar playbook to undermine the outcomes of his own debates, both before and after they happened. Before the first presidential debate in June, the Republican nominee attacked CNNs hosts, and then walked back his claims after they didnt fact-check him on air.



Before his debate with Harris, he claimed that ABC News would be biased against him. He and his MAGA acolytes continued to insist this was the case after the debate moderators fact-checked him on air for his outlandish lies about babies being aborted after theyre already born and Haitian immigrants eating their neighbors pets in Springfield, Ohio.

Now Trump is claiming the debate will be rigged as a safety net for Vance, who has his own problems with the truth to contend with. CBS News, which is hosting the debate, said that it will be up to the candidates to fact-check each other.

Conway went on to say that when asked about doing a second debate, Trump said no, but he didnt totally say no, according to The Hill. Crucially, in Trump speak, that was a definite no.

Harris previously accepted CNNs invitation to appear in another presidential debate on October 23, but Trump claimed last week that it was too late for another debate because early voting had already begun in some states. Before that, Trump had a different excuse, declaring that he wouldnt seek a rematch because only someone beaten would ask for one. Instead, the former president has run scared from a second matchup.

The vice presidential debate will take place at 9 p.m. at the CBS Broadcast Center in New York.
Amid intense debate over illegal immigration in the US election, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump and his supporters claim the Biden administration allowed some 425,000 migrants with criminal records, including 13,000 with murder convictions, to enter the country without detaining them. This is false; the figures refer to the cumulative number of convicted non-citizens, including those from the Trump administration -- many of whom are in state or local custody .

"JUST OUT: 13,000 people convicted of murder have crossed into our Country through Kamala Harris Open Border - NON DETAINED, NON CITIZEN, CONVICTED CRIMINALS!" Trump said in a September 27, 2024 post sharing a Fox News graphic on his Truth Social platform.

Similar claims have circulated on Facebook, TikTok, X, Threads and in online articles.

"Under the Biden-Harris administration, over 425,000 illegal immigrants with criminal convictions have been released into the U.S., including 13,099 convicted murderers, 15,811 convicted rapists, 425,431 total convicted criminals," says a September 28, 2024 Instagram post.

Screenshot from Instagram taken September 30, 2024

Screenshot from X taken September 30, 2024

Republican lawmakers amplified the allegations as Vice President Kamala Harris pledged to devote more resources to "fix" the immigration system if elected to the White House in November. Conservatives have repeatedly accused the Biden administration of failing to control the US-Mexico border, while also spreading misinformation about migrants.

The latest claims stem from a September 25 letter Patrick Lechleitner, deputy director of Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), sent to lawmakers in response to queries about the number of non-citizens with criminal records in the United States (archived here).

The letter says that from mid-May 2023 through the end of July 2024, the agency removed or returned more than 893,600 individuals. As of July 21, there were 662,566 non-citizens with criminal histories on ICE's dockets of detained and non-detained individuals.

"Of those, 435,719 are convicted criminals, and 226,847 have pending criminal charges," the letter says.

The vast majority of those migrants are not currently detained by ICE, according to Lechleitner's letter. The document also indicates 13,099 non-citizens with homicide convictions and 15,811 with sexual assault records are not in agency custody.

However, the numbers do not only represent those who entered and were released during the Biden administration.

"The data in this letter is being misinterpreted," a US Department of Homeland Security (DHS) spokesperson said in a September 30 email.

"The data goes back decades; it includes individuals who entered the country over the past 40 years or more, the vast majority of whose custody determination was made long before this administration."

A 2023 DHS report (archived here) indicates there were 405,786 convicted non-citizens on the "non-detained docket" as of June 5, 2021, some five months after Trump left office. A 2017 Inspector General's report estimated the number at 368,574 as of August 2016 (archived here).

'Overwhelmingly in prison'

The claims also lack context about the status of migrants with criminal records.

The DHS spokesperson said the figures shared online include "many who are under the jurisdiction or currently incarcerated by federal, state or local law enforcement partners."

Aaron Reichlin-Melnick of the American Immigration Council (archived here) told AFP: "These are people who, primarily, have already been charged and convicted and served their time."

Alex Nowrasteh, vice president for economic and social policy studies at the Cato Institute, offered a similar analysis in a September 30 blog post (archived here).

"When ICE uses the term 'non-detained,' they mean not currently detained by ICE," Nowrasteh wrote.

"In other words, the migrant murderers included in the letter are overwhelmingly in prison serving their sentences. After they serve their sentences, the government transfers them onto ICE's docket for removal from the United States."

Nowrasteh added that some individuals cannot be deported because the United States has no or limited repatriation agreements with countries such as Iran, Cuba, China, Vietnam and Laos. He said other nations, including Venezuela, "periodically suspend their agreements for political reasons, or the United States government suspends deportations because of civil disorder in the destination country."

Lechleitner of ICE said in his letter that the agency is "bound by statutory requirements not to release certain non-citizens from ICE custody during the pendency of removal proceedings."

AFP has fact-checked other claims about US politics here and migration here.
Donald Trump left the White House after having appointed more than 200 judges to the federal bench and three justices to the U.S. Supreme Court, securing a Republican supermajority  and Black voters are feeling the brunt of those choices.

These lifetime appointments, and the decisions in historic court cases that have followed, have influenced legal precedents and policies. If youre wondering what a second Trump term could mean for the courts and Black communities, look no further than how the past several years have played out. In 2022, the U.S. Supreme Court wiped out affirmative action in higher education. But the consequences of that decision have stretched beyond colleges and universities. The high court turned back the clock on everything from voting rights to congressional funding opportunities for Black farmers to diversity efforts within police departments.

Read More: Higher Education Wasnt the Only Target of the Anti-Affirmative Action Movement

Federal courts hold significant power, especially the federal appellate courts. While the Supreme Court is often highlighted for making final decisions, only a small number of cases reach that level. Most appeals and the legal precedents that impact large areas of the country are established by the federal appellate courts.

Here are three crucial cases to keep in mind as Election Day draws closer.

Supreme Court Justice Samuel Alito wrote an opinion in July 2021 weakening Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act, making it difficult to challenge voting laws that discriminate against communities of color by suppressing their votes.

With votes from Amy Coney Barrett, Brett Kavanaugh, and the other conservative justices, as well as Neil Gorsuchs concurring opinion, there was no chance for the three dissenting justices opinions to break through. This pattern resulted in decisions such as striking down affirmative action in college admissions (Gorsuch submitted a concurring opinion), and allowing life without parole sentences for juvenile offenders (Kavanugh wrote this one). The pattern continued after Justice Stephen Breyer retired and President Joe Biden appointed Ketanji Brown Jackson, the first Black woman justice, as Breyers replacement.

Outcome:

Section two of the Voting Rights Act, is the most important part of the most impactful civil rights law in our history, a lot of people would say, Samuel Spital, director of litigation and general counsel at the Legal Defense Fund, said. Section two is the key provision that very broadly outlaws racial discrimination in voting, and it has been relied on by private plaintiffs.

In the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals, Trump created a mini version of the Supreme Court by packing the bench with four of the 11 mostly Republican judges. This court covers appeals filed in Arkansas, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, and South Dakota. Last year, that court unanimously decided in an Arkansas voting rights case  with Alitos 2021 decision on Section 2 as a precedent  that an individual, or a civil rights group, cannot lean on Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act of 1965 as a legal argument in voting-rights related lawsuits.

The idea that somehow that essential civil rights law could not be enforced  that a private citizen, a Black American, another person of color, whos having their voting rights violated, cannot go to court to have your rights vindicated  is such an extreme. Its such a radical idea  and I do not mean it in a good way, Spital said.

Before the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals voting rights decision, this panel dismissed a 2019 racial profiling lawsuit in connection to the November 2014 police shooting death of Michael Brown Jr. in Ferguson, Missouri. Former officer Darren Wilson was accused of illegally stopping Brown and his friend Dorian Johson as the two teenagers were walking in the street rather than on the sidewalk.

At first, three of the appellate judges weighed in; two agreed with Johnson and disqualified Wilson from receiving qualified immunity. But then attorneys for Wilson appealed and requested the full court to weigh-in  three of Trumps nominees did not participate, and a fourth nominee joined in on the dissent. In 2019, the remaining seven judges ruled against Johnson, saying neither he nor Brown were unconstitutionally stopped by Wilson. The judges also ruled that as Brown and Wilsons interaction escalated, Johnson had an opportunity to flee  as if that plan ended well for other Black people who ran away from law enforcement.

Brown was just 18 when he was killed. His name continues to be a tragic rallying cry in the wake of other police killings of Black people. Since Browns death, nearly 3,000 Black people have been killed by police.

Outcome:

When a federal appellate court makes a decision that interprets important federal or civil rights statutes, in a very narrow way, that makes it hard for plaintiffs to hold them (law enforcement officers and elected officials) accountable for discriminatory and other illegal conduct, Spital said.

That has a tremendous impact on the people who live in the part of the country where the federal appellate court has oversight of, so to speak, he said. And impacts are particularly significant on Black communities who continue to be the most likely to face discrimination, abuse of policing tactics, and other civil rights violations.

Some federal rulings may not be immediately apparent, yet they can profoundly affect the air you breathe. In August, U.S. District Court Judge James Cain Jr., appointed in 2019, ruled that the Environmental Protection Agency cannot invoke the Civil Rights Act of 1964 to prevent industrial pollution that harms Black residents.

That cases focus was on Cancer Alley, a region in Louisiana along the Mississippi River between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. That communitys leading statistical cause of cancer is air pollution, Capital B previously reported. It is expected that 1 out of every 250 residents in the area will develop cancer due to industrial air pollution, which is 40 times higher than what the EPA deems an acceptable risk.

Outcome:

Over the years, Congress has enacted powerful laws aimed at addressing issues in employment, education, and housing. Yet, there remains a persistent denial of full citizenship for Black people and other marginalized groups, Spital stated.

These laws led to the creation of federal agencies, such as the EPA, Justice Department, and HUD (Department of Housing and Urban Development), which are intended to promote and protect civil rights for these communities.

Spital expressed concern about recent legal trends that hinder the fair enforcement of civil rights, particularly in consumer and environmental protections. Its troubling how some courts, including the U.S. Supreme Court, have restricted these agencies from fulfilling their mandated missions, he said.

The post How Trump-Appointed Judges Are Devastating Black Communities appeared first on Capital B News.
Trump Backs Out Of '60 Minutes' Election Interview That Harris Will Participate In, Program Says

Former President Donald Trump has backed out of an interview with CBS News 60 Minutes after initially agreeing to it, the program said Tuesday in a statement.

For over half a century, 60 Minutes has invited the Democratic and Republican tickets to appear on our broadcast as Americans head to the polls, the statement read, saying that both Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris had accepted the invitation.

Harris has not backed out, but Trump has, the statement asserts.

After initially accepting 60 Minutes request for an interview with Scott Pelley, former President Trumps campaign has decided not to participate, according to the statement. Pelley will address this Monday evening.

David Plouffe, a senior adviser to the Harris campaign, called Trump afraid on X, formerly Twitter.

Afraid of the debate stage, Plouffe posted, referencing Trumps unwillingness to debate Harris a second time. Afraid of 60 minutes. And his campaign team - after the last three days of increasingly unhinged and unstable ranting at his rallies - is clearly afraid of exposing him beyond comfortable confines.

Steven Cheung, a spokesperson for the Trump campaign, disputed that Trump had ever agreed to the interview.

Fake News, Cheung posted on X Tuesday in response to the 60 Minutes statement. 60 Minutes begged for an interview, even after they were caught lying about Hunter Bidens laptop back in 2020. There were initial discussions, but nothing was ever scheduled or locked in.

Cheung took particular issue with the programs insistence on fact-checking the former president.

They also insisted on doing live fact checking, which is unprecedented, he said.

Harris will speak with correspondent Bill Whitaker during the special, which airs Monday at 8 p.m. Eastern.
Trump blasts Harris on Iran, says Biden administration is leading us to brink of World War III

Former President Donald Trump used Irans missile attack on Israel on Tuesday to slam Vice President Kamala Harris, blasting her and President Joe Biden as grossly incompetent and threatening that they are leading us to the brink of World War III.

It was his latest instance of using current events largely out of Harris control to bash the vice president  just one day after turning a visit to a community ravaged by Hurricane Helene into a political jab. On Tuesday, Trump blamed the escalation of the war in the Middle East on Biden and Harris foreign policy, saying the so-called enemy doesnt respect our country any longer.

The two incompetent people running our country  and I dont think theyre even running it  are leading us to the brink of World War III, a war like no other, Trump told a raucous crowd in Waunakee, Wisconsin, claiming without evidence that the nations first and second in command are not in fact in charge of the administration.

Harris campaign spokesperson Morgan Finkelstein declined to comment.

During the speech  advertised as focusing on economics and manufacturing  Trump repeatedly threatened that the evolving situation in the Middle East could result in devastating global war and blamed Irans attack on Biden and Harris, whom he said had made the U.S. adversary very rich in a very short period.

Trump also repeated a misleading claim about a September 2023 prisoner exchange between the U.S. and Iran, which saw the two countries swap detainees in Qatar on the eve of that year's United Nations General Assembly.

If they have somebody who was kidnapped its always $6 billion, whoever heard of that? Trump said. Somebody else gets like $4,000.

One of the conditions of the exchange was that the U.S. would unfreeze $6 billion in frozen Iranian assets that were accrued as a result of oil sales to South Korea that occurred at a time when sanctions against Tehran were lifted.



Trump said on Tuesday that money flooded Iran with American cash, allowing it to fund its militant, U.S.-designated terrorist proxies like Hamas and Hezbollah. But the Biden administration has defended that provision of the deal in the face of Republican attacks, arguing that it did not constitute the U.S. giving Iran $6 billion to use for weapons. Officials at the time noted the assets were held in a monitored account and could only be used to purchase food and medicine with those funds.

Republicans countered by saying that money is fungible and the access to the funds would free Iran to spend more on its proxies.

Trump also bashed Harris for Russian President Vladimir Putins claim last month that he was rooting for her  and asserted Iran had also endorsed the vice president. Iran has not endorsed Harris  though three members of the Iranian military hacked the Trump campaigns email accounts and sent hacked information to the Biden campaign, according to the Justice Department and FBI. U.S. officials also gathered evidence suggesting Iran has hatched plots to kill the former president.

In a statement, Trump campaign Senior Adviser Brian Hughes reiterated that Iran plotted to assassinate Trump, hacked the campaign and shared the information with his rival, though theres no evidence Bidens team used or even opened email attachments they were sent.

Kamala Harris' weakness has empowered our adversaries to wreak havoc around the world, he said.

The Iranian attack, which saw Tehran launch nearly 200 missiles toward Israel, was the latest episode of escalation between longtime foes Israel and Iran in the Middle East, as Israel has deployed military operations in Lebanon, Syria and the Gaza Strip against two of Tehran's proxies  the militant groups Hamas and Hezbollah.

The Biden administration condemned the Iranian attack on Tuesday as a "serious escalation" and has vowed that Iran will face consequences for the launch of missiles. Pentagon spokesperson Maj. Gen. Patrick Ryder told reporters Tuesday that American guided missile destroyers based in the Mediterranean helped knock down Iranian missiles.

But at a White House press briefing, national security adviser Jake Sullivan refused to preview specific U.S. actions, including sanctions, in response to the attack, saying that the U.S. and Israel were still assessing the impact of the strike and discussing options for a response.

Iran, for its part, has defended the strike as a "legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime  which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran." Tehran has also threatened further attacks if Israel and its allies respond to the strikes.

And Israel has vowed to respond. In a video statement shortly after the attack, a spokesperson for the Israeli military, Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari, said the attack will have consequences.
(NewsNation)  Former President Donald Trump returned to the campaign trail ahead of Tuesday nights vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

Trump spoke Monday in Valdosta, Georgia, a city damaged by Hurricane Helene. Vice President Kamala Harris cut her campaign visit to Las Vegas short to return to Washington for briefings on the hurricane, while President Joe Biden said he would travel to affected areas later this week.

The former president first spoke at a manufacturing facility in the Madison suburb of Waunakee. Later tonight he will be addressing supporters at Discovery World, a museum in Milwaukee, where hes slated to be at 6 p.m.

Trump unsurprisingly criticized President Joe Biden and Harris for their handling of the conflict in the Middle East following Irans attack on Israel, as well as border sovereignty under their administration.

How to stream the Vance-Walz vice presidential debate for free

Under my administration, we had no war in the Middle East, no war in Europe, we had harmony in Asia, Trump said in Waunakee.

They are very close to global catastrophe, he added. We have a nonexistent president and a nonexistent vice president, who should be in charge

Currently, Trump trails Harris in the Badger State by 1.7 percentage points, according to The Hill/Decision Desk HQ polling averages.

In a statement issued before taking the stage in Waunakee, Trumps campaign criticized the Biden-Harris administrations handling of the Middle East conflict.

When I was President, Iran was in total check, the statement read. They were starved for cash, fully contained, and desperate to make a deal.

Kamala flooded them with American cash and, ever since, theyve been exporting terror all over, and unraveling the Middle East.

President Biden has yet to publicly speak out against the attack. Vice President Harris delivered remarks on Irans attack late Tuesday afternoon.

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I fully support President Bidens order for the U.S. military to shoot down Iranian missiles targeting Israel, just as we did in April, Harris said.

My commitment to the security of Israel is unwavering, and let us be clear, Iran is not only a threat to Israel, [but] Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region, American interest, and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and backed terrorist proxies.

We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend U.S. forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists. We will continue to work with our allies and partners to disrupt Irans aggressive behavior and hold them accountable, she added.

Vice President Harris did not take questions from reporters.

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Suddenly, Donald Trump cares about witness safety and privacy in his court cases, but only when it comes to his January 6 case.



On Tuesday, Trumps legal team filed a motion demanding Judge Tanya Chutkan redact even more of Jack Smiths dossier against him in the federal election interference case. As Smith has compiled and submitted new evidence of the former presidents work to overthrow the 2020 election, Trumps lawyers have asked the special counsel for redactions of identity-related information and sensitive witness statements before it is released to the public.

In their court filing, Trumps lawyers accuse Smiths office of politicizing the trial with disregard to witness safety and anonymity. The Office believes President Trumps Constitutional rights to impartial jurors and fair proceedingsto say nothing of witness privacy and even safetyall take a back seat to the Offices political goals.

This motion comes after Smith submitted a new, still-sealed brief on Trumps actions in 2020, following the Supreme Courts controversial presidential immunity ruling. The brief, with previously unseen evidence, is designed to convince Chutkan, and any higher courts, that the former president should still face justice for attempting to overturn the election.

Smith asked Chutkan to allow the public to see a redacted version of the brief. To be clear, Smith is not asking for the witnesses be named outright but rather is asking that the public be able to see the broad strokes of his brief. As expected, Trumps team is yelling election interference.



The Office wants their politically motivated manifesto to be public, contrary to the Justice Manual and longstanding DOJ norms in cases not involving President Trump, in the final weeks of the 2024 Presidential election while early voting has already begun throughout the United States, Trumps lawyers wrote in their filing.



Interestingly, Trump didnt seem to care about safety when he unleashed his followers on witnesses and courtroom staff in his New York fraud case. Earlier this year, he also asked Judge Aileen M. Cannon if he could out some of the witnesses in his classified documents case. The threat of being identified caused one witness to preemptively come forward for their own safety.



Its fair to say from Trumps response, his team does not want these statements and evidence to see the light of day.


Former President of the United States Donald Trump speaking with attendees at an Arizona for Trump rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2024. Photo by Gage Skidmore | Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0

Former President Donald Trump has some bold educational policy proposals that he says he is ready to implement if elected president in November, including a proposal to let parents elect school principals that even one of his top supporters says is not logistically possible.

Public education advocates panned Trumps education platform as detrimental to teachers, students and public schools.

The Republican nominee for president in late July posted a list of education policies on his campaign website, called the Plan to Save American Education and Give Power Back to Parents. The plan includes his takes on popular culture war issues like policies for transgender students, parental rights and patriotism in the classroom.

But it also features a proposal to implement massive funding preferences and favorable treatment for schools and districts that implement a few policies, including the direct election of school principals by the parents of that schools students.

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Jim Byrne, president of the Tucson Education Association, told the Arizona Mirror that this is the type of proposal that might sound appealing as an abstract concept, but would be harmful to schools if it were ever put into practice.

It would be disruptive, destructive and detrimental, Byrne said.

The Tucson teachers union president added that the plan could not even be considered direct democracy without including all of the other people, besides parents, who are invested in a particular school, including teachers and students. The proposal would also seemingly exclude all of the residents of the school district whose taxes fund public school but who dont have children, have grown children or whose kids attend a different school.

Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, of which Brynes union is a local affiliate, told the Mirror that this proposal clearly demonstrates that Trump and his team dont understand how public education works.

I think its pretty funny, because I dont even think they know what principals do, she said.

Garcia is a former assistant principal who said most of that job was taken up with scheduling, student discipline, monitoring lunch and drop-off and pick-up lines, as well as building relationships with students and parents and planning professional development for teachers.

And the democratic process already determines who is hired as principal at public schools although not directly. School boards elected by residents of the school district vet and choose a superintendent, who then hires other administrators, like principals. Typically, the school board votes to approve the hiring of principals, but the board is also tasked with developing systems of evaluation for principals and can vote not to renew a principals contract.

Garcia added that a school principal needs a specific educational background and training to be successful in navigating the intricacies of the job.

Although the co-founder of the controversial group Moms for Liberty, Tiffany Justice told the Mirror that she agreed with several of Trumps education policy proposals, she said the direct election of school principals was not one she could support.

I know how difficult it is just to get people to run for school board and how expensive it is, she said. I just dont understand how electing school principals would actually be something that could be done within the four-year time  or even if it should be done, honestly.

Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit that is officially nonpartisan but has close ties to violent right-wing extremist groups, including the Three Percenters, the Oath Keepers, and the Proud Boys, does not endorse national candidates for office. But Justice has personally endorsed Trump and said that many of the groups approximately 130,000 members nationwide agree with at least some of his education policy proposals.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Moms for Liberty as a far-right extremist group, a designation Justice has adamantly denied.

Justice founded the far-right group in 2021, alongside two other Florida women, in reaction to schools COVID-19 policies and the perception of some parents that schools boards werent listening to parents about their concerns about things like online learning and masking policies.

Justice and her co-founders were all current or former members of Florida public school boards, so shes familiar with how the system works. She said that instead of electing principals, parents will have the most impact by getting involved in their childs education and providing feedback to school districts.

Its a nice idea that sounds like something nice to say, but its not something thats going to be practical, Justice said of electing principals. Its just not.

I think its pretty funny, because I dont even think they know what principals do.

 Marisol Garcia, Arizona Education Association president

But Trump has shared plenty of other proposals that she does agree with, including cutting federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory or gender ideology.

The claim that critical race theory, a graduate-school-level concept that examines how institutions in the U.S. impact racial groups differently, is being taught in K-12 schools has been widely and repeatedly debunked. But Justice  along with many of Trumps supporters  still say that its tenets are being pushed on students.

Kids are being taught that somehow the color of their skin is a determining factor in their ability to be successful in life, Justice said. Thats child abuse.

But Byrne, who taught classes like world history, U.S. history, Mexican-American history and African-American history, before becoming president of his union, said that schools arent teaching critical race theory. But they are using curricula that directly reflects the lived reality of their students.

What were doing is centering the voices of the people who have traditionally not been a part of classroom curriculum, instructional materials and textbooks, centering the authors, historians and people from the community who reflect the students in our classrooms, because, historically, those have not been involved in public education, Byrne said.

Justice said that teachers making claims like Byrnes were attempting to gaslight parents.

Its just such baloney nonsense identity politics nonsense, she said, adding that she knows that students are being taught that the U.S. is a systemically racist country, and that amounts to critical race theory being taught in K-12 classrooms.

Black children and white children do not learn math differently, Justice said. So, this idea of culturally relevant teaching is baloney. Teach the kids how to read, teach them how to do math, teach them how to do science, teach them history  all history, accurate history. But that is a baloney talking point that you just used, you knew is pushed to try to somehow weave in their ideological indoctrination into the classrooms, and we reject it completely.

Around 45% of students in Arizonas K-12 schools are Latino, and Byrne pointed out that if federal funding becomes contingent on specific curricula being banned in schools  even if its just perceived as being related to critical race theory  it will likely have a chilling effect on the use of materials that are culturally relevant to those students.

I think some of the students who pay attention to news items and pay attention to whats happening in the world would be impacted, Day One, Byrne said. Thats their cultures history, part of their background and history is being denied.

Another of Trumps proposals, to create a new credentialing body to certify patriotic teachers, left both Garcia and Byrne with questions, but Justice called those questions nonsense.

Who defines the word patriotism? Garcia asked. And what evidence is there that any educator is spending any time indoctrinating students?

Teachers already barely have time to teach the standards required by the state, said Garcia, an elementary history teacher.

She also wondered who would make up such a credentialing board and what litmus test they would use to determine which teachers are patriotic and which ones arent.

Does that mean that they have a flag in their Twitter handle? I mean, I dont know what that means, Garcia said.

Justice was adamant that patriotism wasnt subjective, but didnt define the term.

This is such a nonsense comment, Im not even getting into this with you, on this question, Justice told the Mirror, when asked if she thought patriotism meant different things to different people.

Instead, Justice said she believes teacher credentialing should be overhauled completely and that teachers should not be telling their students that America is a bad country.

We should be teaching children about lots of things that happened in American history, we need to be aware of all of them so that we dont repeat past mistakes. But America is a beacon of light and still the best country in the world, she said.

Overall, Justice said she and others in her organization support Trump because of his dedication to an extreme vision of the role of parental rights in education, the advocacy for which her organization was founded. She favors his plan to give preferential treatment to schools that adopt a parental bill of rights as well as the implementation of universal school choice.

Arizona law currently contains a Parents Bill of Rights and the state in 2022 expanded its private school voucher program to all students in the state.

Garcia and Byrne both argued that the expansion of universal school choice, or publicly funded vouchers that pay for students to attend private schools or to be homeschooled, has been detrimental to the public schools that the vast majority of K-12 students attend.

Byrne said that he hopes Trump is foiled in his attempt to replicate Arizonas universal school voucher program across the country, which he said could contribute to the destruction of public schools.

Garcia added that the cost of Arizonas school voucher program, which was expanded from serving around 12,000 students in 2022 to more than 78,000 this year, was costing public school teachers and students. The cost of the program was $332 million last fiscal year  a figure that is expected to grow to around $429 million this year.

Justice told the Mirror that shes interested in dismantling the federal Department of Education, and said that she would work to make sure many of Trumps proposals were implemented if hes elected and puts her in a position of power.

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Donald Trump at the presidentail debated with Kamala Harris in Philadelphia on Sept. 10, 2024. (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images)

Former President Donald Trump has some bold educational policy proposals that he says he is ready to implement if elected president in November, including a proposal to let parents elect school principals that even one of his top supporters says is not logistically possible.

Public education advocates panned Trumps education platform as detrimental to teachers, students and public schools.

The Republican nominee for president in late July posted a list of education policies on his campaign website, called the Plan to Save American Education and Give Power Back to Parents. The plan includes his takes on popular culture war issues like policies for transgender students, parental rights and patriotism in the classroom.

But it also features a proposal to implement massive funding preferences and favorable treatment for schools and districts that implement a few policies, including the direct election of school principals by the parents of that schools students.

Jim Byrne, president of the Tucson Education Association, told the Arizona Mirror that this is the type of proposal that might sound appealing as an abstract concept, but would be harmful to schools if it were ever put into practice.

It would be disruptive, destructive and detrimental, Byrne said.

The Tucson teachers union president added that the plan could not even be considered direct democracy without including all of the other people, besides parents, who are invested in a particular school, including teachers and students. The proposal would also seemingly exclude all of the residents of the school district whose taxes fund public school but who dont have children, have grown children or whose kids attend a different school.

Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, of which Brynes union is a local affiliate, told the Mirror that this proposal clearly demonstrates that Trump and his team dont understand how public education works.

I think its pretty funny, because I dont even think they know what principals do, she said.

Garcia is a former assistant principal who said most of that job was taken up with scheduling, student discipline, monitoring lunch and drop-off and pick-up lines, as well as building relationships with students and parents and planning professional development for teachers.

And the democratic process already determines who is hired as principal at public schools although not directly. School boards elected by residents of the school district vet and choose a superintendent, who then hires other administrators, like principals. Typically, the school board votes to approve the hiring of principals, but the board is also tasked with developing systems of evaluation for principals and can vote not to renew a principals contract.

Garcia added that a school principal needs a specific educational background and training to be successful in navigating the intricacies of the job.

Although the co-founder of the controversial group Moms for Liberty, Tiffany Justice told the Mirror that she agreed with several of Trumps education policy proposals, she said the direct election of school principals was not one she could support.

I know how difficult it is just to get people to run for school board and how expensive it is, she said. I just dont understand how electing school principals would actually be something that could be done within the four-year time  or even if it should be done, honestly.

Who defines the word patriotism?

Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit that is officially nonpartisan but has close ties to violent right-wing extremist groups, including the Three Percenters, the Oath Keepers, and the Proud Boys, does not endorse national candidates for office. But Justice has personally endorsed Trump and said that many of the groups approximately 130,000 members nationwide agree with at least some of his education policy proposals.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Moms for Liberty as a far-right extremist group, a designation Justice has adamantly denied.

Justice founded the far-right group in 2021, alongside two other Florida women, in reaction to schools COVID-19 policies and the perception of some parents that schools boards werent listening to parents about their concerns about things like online learning and masking policies.

Justice and her co-founders were all current or former members of Florida public school boards, so shes familiar with how the system works. She said that instead of electing principals, parents will have the most impact by getting involved in their childs education and providing feedback to school districts.

Its a nice idea that sounds like something nice to say, but its not something thats going to be practical, Justice said of electing principals. Its just not.

But Trump has shared plenty of other proposals that she does agree with, including cutting federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory or gender ideology.

The claim that critical race theory, a graduate-school-level concept that examines how institutions in the U.S. impact racial groups differently, is being taught in K-12 schools has been widely and repeatedly debunked. But Justice  along with many of Trumps supporters  still say that its tenets are being pushed on students.

Kids are being taught that somehow the color of their skin is a determining factor in their ability to be successful in life, Justice said. Thats child abuse.

But Byrne, who taught classes like world history, U.S. history, Mexican-American history and African-American history, before becoming president of his union, said that schools arent teaching critical race theory. But they are using curricula that directly reflects the lived reality of their students.

What were doing is centering the voices of the people who have traditionally not been a part of classroom curriculum, instructional materials and textbooks, centering the authors, historians and people from the community who reflect the students in our classrooms, because, historically, those have not been involved in public education, Byrne said.

Justice said that teachers making claims like Byrnes were attempting to gaslight parents.

Its just such baloney nonsense identity politics nonsense, she said, adding that she knows that students are being taught that the U.S. is a systemically racist country, and that amounts to critical race theory being taught in K-12 classrooms.

Black children and white children do not learn math differently, Justice said. So, this idea of culturally relevant teaching is baloney. Teach the kids how to read, teach them how to do math, teach them how to do science, teach them history  all history, accurate history. But that is a baloney talking point that you just used, you knew is pushed to try to somehow weave in their ideological indoctrination into the classrooms, and we reject it completely.

Around 45% of students in Arizonas K-12 schools are Latino, and Byrne pointed out that if federal funding becomes contingent on specific curricula being banned in schools  even if its just perceived as being related to critical race theory  it will likely have a chilling effect on the use of materials that are culturally relevant to those students.

I think some of the students who pay attention to news items and pay attention to whats happening in the world would be impacted, Day One, Byrne said. Thats their cultures history, part of their background and history is being denied.

Another of Trumps proposals, to create a new credentialing body to certify patriotic teachers, left both Garcia and Byrne with questions, but Justice called those questions nonsense.

Who defines the word patriotism? Garcia asked. And what evidence is there that any educator is spending any time indoctrinating students?

Teachers already barely have time to teach the standards required by the state, said Garcia, an elementary history teacher.

She also wondered who would make up such a credentialing board and what litmus test they would use to determine which teachers are patriotic and which ones arent.

Does that mean that they have a flag in their Twitter handle? I mean, I dont know what that means, Garcia said.

Justice was adamant that patriotism wasnt subjective, but didnt define the term.

This is such a nonsense comment, Im not even getting into this with you, on this question, Justice told the Mirror, when asked if she thought patriotism meant different things to different people.

Instead, Justice said she believes teacher credentialing should be overhauled completely and that teachers should not be telling their students that America is a bad country.

We should be teaching children about lots of things that happened in American history, we need to be aware of all of them so that we dont repeat past mistakes. But America is a beacon of light and still the best country in the world, she said.

Overall, Justice said she and others in her organization support Trump because of his dedication to an extreme vision of the role of parental rights in education, the advocacy for which her organization was founded. She favors his plan to give preferential treatment to schools that adopt a parental bill of rights as well as the implementation of universal school choice.

Arizona law currently contains a Parents Bill of Rights and the state in 2022 expanded its private school voucher program to all students in the state.

Garcia and Byrne both argued that the expansion of universal school choice, or publicly funded vouchers that pay for students to attend private schools or to be homeschooled, has been detrimental to the public schools that the vast majority of K-12 students attend.

Byrne said that he hopes Trump is foiled in his attempt to replicate Arizonas universal school voucher program across the country, which he said could contribute to the destruction of public schools.

Garcia added that the cost of Arizonas school voucher program, which was expanded from serving around 12,000 students in 2022 to more than 78,000 this year, was costing public school teachers and students. The cost of the program was $332 million last fiscal year  a figure that is expected to grow to around $429 million this year.

Justice told the Mirror that shes interested in dismantling the federal Department of Education, and said that she would work to make sure many of Trumps proposals were implemented if hes elected and puts her in a position of power.

This story was originally published in Arizona Mirror, a States Newsroom affiliate.
Former President of the United States Donald Trump speaks at an Arizona for Trump rally at Desert Diamond Arena in Glendale on Aug. 23, 2024. (Photo by Gage Skidmore/Flickr/CC BY-SA 2.0)

Former President Donald Trump has some bold educational policy proposals that he says he is ready to implement if elected president in November, including a proposal to let parents elect school principals that even one of his top supporters says is not logistically possible.

Public education advocates panned Trumps education platform as detrimental to teachers, students and public schools.

The Republican nominee for president in late July posted a list of education policies on his campaign website, called the Plan to Save American Education and Give Power Back to Parents. The plan includes his takes on popular culture war issues like policies for transgender students, parental rights and patriotism in the classroom.

But it also features a proposal to implement massive funding preferences and favorable treatment for schools and districts that implement a few policies, including the direct election of school principals by the parents of that schools students.

Jim Byrne, president of the Tucson Education Association, told the Arizona Mirror that this is the type of proposal that might sound appealing as an abstract concept, but would be harmful to schools if it were ever put into practice.

It would be disruptive, destructive and detrimental, Byrne said.

The Tucson teachers union president added that the plan could not even be considered direct democracy without including all of the other people, besides parents, who are invested in a particular school, including teachers and students. The proposal would also seemingly exclude all of the residents of the school district whose taxes fund public school but who dont have children, have grown children or whose kids attend a different school.

Marisol Garcia, president of the Arizona Education Association, of which Byrnes union is a local affiliate, told the Mirror that this proposal clearly demonstrates that Trump and his team dont understand how public education works.

I think its pretty funny, because I dont even think they know what principals do, she said.

Garcia is a former assistant principal who said most of that job was taken up with scheduling, student discipline, monitoring lunch and drop-off and pick-up lines, as well as building relationships with students and parents and planning professional development for teachers.

And the democratic process already determines who is hired as principal at public schools although not directly. School boards elected by residents of the school district vet and choose a superintendent, who then hires other administrators, like principals. Typically, the school board votes to approve the hiring of principals, but the board is also tasked with developing systems of evaluation for principals and can vote not to renew a principals contract.

Garcia added that a school principal needs a specific educational background and training to be successful in navigating the intricacies of the job.

Although the co-founder of the controversial group Moms for Liberty, Tiffany Justice told the Mirror that she agreed with several of Trumps education policy proposals, she said the direct election of school principals was not one she could support.

I know how difficult it is just to get people to run for school board and how expensive it is, she said. I just dont understand how electing school principals would actually be something that could be done within the four-year time  or even if it should be done, honestly.

Moms for Liberty, a nonprofit that is officially nonpartisan but has close ties to violent right-wing extremist groups, including the Three Percenters, the Oath Keepers, and the Proud Boys, does not endorse national candidates for office. But Justice has personally endorsed Trump and said that many of the groups approximately 130,000 members nationwide agree with at least some of his education policy proposals.

The Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled Moms for Liberty as a far-right extremist group, a designation Justice has adamantly denied.

Justice founded the far-right group in 2021, alongside two other Florida women, in reaction to schools COVID-19 policies and the perception of some parents that schools boards werent listening to parents about their concerns about things like online learning and masking policies.

Justice and her co-founders were all current or former members of Florida public school boards, so shes familiar with how the system works. She said that instead of electing principals, parents will have the most impact by getting involved in their childs education and providing feedback to school districts.

Its a nice idea that sounds like something nice to say, but its not something thats going to be practical, Justice said of electing principals. Its just not.

I think its pretty funny, because I dont even think they know what principals do.

 Marisol Garcia, Arizona Education Association president

But Trump has shared plenty of other proposals that she does agree with, including cutting federal funding for any school pushing critical race theory or gender ideology.

The claim that critical race theory, a graduate school-level concept that examines how institutions in the U.S. impact racial groups differently, is being taught in K-12 schools has been widely and repeatedly debunked. But Justice  along with many of Trumps supporters  still say that its tenets are being pushed on students.

Kids are being taught that somehow the color of their skin is a determining factor in their ability to be successful in life, Justice said. Thats child abuse.

But Byrne, who taught classes like world history, U.S. history, Mexican-American history and African-American history, before becoming president of his union, said that schools arent teaching critical race theory. But they are using curricula that directly reflects the lived reality of their students.

What were doing is centering the voices of the people who have traditionally not been a part of classroom curriculum, instructional materials and textbooks, centering the authors, historians and people from the community who reflect the students in our classrooms, because, historically, those have not been involved in public education, Byrne said.

Justice said that teachers making claims like Byrnes were attempting to gaslight parents.

Its just such baloney nonsense identity politics nonsense, she said, adding that she knows that students are being taught that the U.S. is a systemically racist country, and that amounts to critical race theory being taught in K-12 classrooms.

Black children and white children do not learn math differently, Justice said. So, this idea of culturally relevant teaching is baloney. Teach the kids how to read, teach them how to do math, teach them how to do science, teach them history  all history, accurate history. But that is a baloney talking point that you just used, you knew is pushed to try to somehow weave in their ideological indoctrination into the classrooms, and we reject it completely.

Around 45% of students in Arizonas K-12 schools are Latino, and Byrne pointed out that if federal funding becomes contingent on specific curricula being banned in schools  even if its just perceived as being related to critical race theory  it will likely have a chilling effect on the use of materials that are culturally relevant to those students.

I think some of the students who pay attention to news items and pay attention to whats happening in the world would be impacted, Day One, Byrne said. Thats their cultures history, part of their background and history is being denied.

Another of Trumps proposals, to create a new credentialing body to certify patriotic teachers, left both Garcia and Byrne with questions, but Justice called those questions nonsense.

Who defines the word patriotism? Garcia asked. And what evidence is there that any educator is spending any time indoctrinating students?

Teachers already barely have time to teach the standards required by the state, said Garcia, an elementary history teacher.

She also wondered who would make up such a credentialing board and what litmus test they would use to determine which teachers are patriotic and which ones arent.

Does that mean that they have a flag in their Twitter handle? I mean, I dont know what that means, Garcia said.

Justice was adamant that patriotism wasnt subjective, but didnt define the term.

This is such a nonsense comment, Im not even getting into this with you, on this question, Justice told the Mirror, when asked if she thought patriotism meant different things to different people.

Instead, Justice said she believes teacher credentialing should be overhauled completely and that teachers should not be telling their students that America is a bad country.

We should be teaching children about lots of things that happened in American history, we need to be aware of all of them so that we dont repeat past mistakes. But America is a beacon of light and still the best country in the world, she said.

Overall, Justice said she and others in her organization support Trump because of his dedication to an extreme vision of the role of parental rights in education, the advocacy for which her organization was founded. She favors his plan to give preferential treatment to schools that adopt a parental bill of rights as well as the implementation of universal school choice.

Arizona law currently contains a Parents Bill of Rights and the state in 2022 expanded its private school voucher program to all students in the state.

Garcia and Byrne both argued that the expansion of universal school choice, or publicly funded vouchers that pay for students to attend private schools or to be homeschooled, has been detrimental to the public schools that the vast majority of K-12 students attend.

Byrne said that he hopes Trump is foiled in his attempt to replicate Arizonas universal school voucher program across the country, which he said could contribute to the destruction of public schools.

Garcia added that the cost of Arizonas school voucher program, which was expanded from serving around 12,000 students in 2022 to more than 78,000 this year, was costing public school teachers and students. The cost of the program was $332 million last fiscal year  a figure that is expected to grow to around $429 million this year.

Justice told the Mirror that shes interested in dismantling the federal Department of Education, and said that she would work to make sure many of Trumps proposals were implemented if hes elected and puts her in a position of power.

Arizona Mirror is part of States Newsroom, a nonprofit news network supported by grants and a coalition of donors as a 501c(3) public charity. Arizona Mirror maintains editorial independence. Contact Editor Jim Small for questions: info@azmirror.com. Follow Arizona Mirror on Facebook and X.
Trump falsely says Georgia's governor was unable to talk to Biden about storm damage

Trump falsely says Georgia's governor was unable to talk to Biden about storm damage

Former President Donald Trump falsely claimed that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp hasnt been able to reach President Joe Biden to discuss Hurricane Helene's impacts on his state.

He has been calling the president, but has not been able to get him, Trump said at a news conference at a furniture store in Valdosta, Georgia.

Yet earlier in the day Kemp, a Republican, said that he initially missed Bidens call but that he called back and that the two were able to connect Sunday evening.

He just said, 'Hey, what do you need?' Kemp told reporters. And I told him, you know, we got what we need. We will work through the federal process.

Kemp said Biden told him to call directly if he needed any additional resources. Kemp said he has been playing phone tag with Vice President Kamala Harris, the Democratic nominee for president, but praised the bipartisan response.

Biden ripped Trump over the false claim Monday.

"Hes lying, and the governor told him he was lying," Biden told reporters in the Oval Office. "I dont know why he does this. And the reason I get so angry about  I dont care about what he says about me, I care what he what he communicates to people that are in need, implies that were not doing everything possible. We are."

"So thats simply not true, and its irresponsible," Biden added of Trump. He also said he plans to survey storm damage in North Carolina on Wednesday.

Harris told reporters at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters later in the day that she, too, had connected with Kemp, as well as North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper and other local officials.

"I have shared with them that we will do everything in our power to help communities respond and recover. And Ive shared with them that I plan to be on the ground as soon as possible. But as soon as possible without disrupting any emergency response operations, because that must be the highest priority and the first order of business," Harris said.

Storm damage at a furniture store in Valdosta, Ga., on Saturday after Hurricane Helene.

Hurricane Helene made landfall Thursday night in the Florida Panhandle before it ripped through Georgia, leaving more than 500,000 customers without power. It then continued north, causing record flooding in eastern Tennessee and western North Carolina.

The death toll now stands at 116 across six states, according to a count by NBC News. A third of the deaths were reported in North Carolina. The number is likely to increase as recovery and search efforts continue.

Just before he falsely said Kemp and Biden hadnt spoken, Trump acknowledged the storm hit just weeks before a major presidential election but said he wasnt thinking about politics.

At a time like this, when a crisis hits, when our fellow citizens cry out in need, none of that matters, Trump said. We are not talking about politics.

Trump, though, has been taking to social media to take overt political shots at Harris, who put up a post on X that she had been briefed by the head of FEMA, accompanied by a photo.

I was just briefed by @FEMA_Deanne Criswell on the latest developments about the ongoing impacts of Hurricane Helene. We also discussed our Administration's continued actions to support emergency response and recovery.



I also spoke with @NC_Governor Cooper about the ongoing pic.twitter.com/nlZPB0h3mO  Vice President Kamala Harris (@VP) September 30, 2024

Republicans have mocked the photo, saying the sheets of paper look empty and claiming that the headphones arent plugged into anything.

Another FAKE and STAGED photo from someone who has no clue what she is doing, Trump posted. You have to plug the cord into the phone for it to work!

The Harris campaign didnt immediately respond to a request for comment.

Trump has also said the federal government and Democratic governors, including Cooper, are going out of their way to not help people in Republican areas.

When NBC News asked Trump about that remark after his Valdosta news conference, he said, Just take a look, but did not respond to follow-up questions.

In an interview with his former adviser Kellyanne Conway, taped shortly before visiting Valdosta, Trump claimed without evidence that the Biden-Harris administration was going out of their way to hurt Trump voters in rural North Carolina and declining to provide assistance to Republican areas of the state.

"They're not getting water, they're not getting anything," Trump said in the interview that aired Monday night.

Outside of falsely stating that Kemp had been unable to make contact with Biden, Trumps brief remarks in Valdosta focused largely on the truckloads of supplies that arrived with him, including water and fuel.

We brought a lot of things ... trailers, many trailers, he said.

Trump also gave a direct shoutout to Elon Musk, whom he said he spoke to directly about trying to set up Starlink, portable internet devices owned by SpaceX, a Musk-run aerospace company.

I just spoke to Elon. We want to get Starlink hooked up, Trump said. They have no communication whatsoever.

Local lawmakers in Georgia praised Trump for coming  but some also said they wished that he would have held off visiting the region until more order had been restored from the destruction wrought by the storm.

Scott James Matheson, the nonpartisan mayor of Valdosta, said he would have preferred that Trump come later in the week to allow for emergency operations to proceed longer. Still, he said that he was pretty excited and that we want the attention, and I certainly love the aid hes bringing.

I would have loved it Wednesday, Thursday or Friday, he told NBC News said ahead of Trumps visit, adding, Were not going to say no.

Well get through it, and well get right back to work, he said.

He added, however, that if Trump left the city with "a truckload of water, a tanker full of gas," then it would be "the better for it by a mile."

Matheson added that Biden called him Sunday night and offered every level of support.

He said theres just nothing you can ask for that were not going to supply, Matheson said. He assured me that, he said, nothings too hard. It was just a wonderfully supportive phone call.

Meanwhile, state Rep. John LaHood, a Republican who represents a Valdosta-area district, said he was good with Trumps visit  even if it commanded resources that could otherwise have been devoted to emergency operations.

"I think it brings more attention to the severity of the problems here, he said before the visit. I understand resources will be needed, but its going to be a quick trip.

LaHood said that he hadnt yet heard from Biden or Harris or their teams but that he wouldnt oppose their visiting, either.

State House Majority Whip James Burchett, a Republican who represents an area just northeast of Valdosta, praised Trump for being here and bringing awareness to this devastating storm."

Burchett said he hadnt heard from Biden or Harris or their teams but was 100% supportive of them coming down.

I would welcome any assistance right now, he said. This is not a political issue. We need every asset possible.

Harris canceled planned campaign stops in Las Vegas on Monday and flew back to Washington for a FEMA briefing on the hurricane.

Officials in North Carolina were also clear about wanting national politicians to put off prospective visits.

Sadie Weiner, a spokesperson for Cooper, said he spoke with both Biden and Harris over the weekend and told them not to come immediately.

The message was received positively by both Biden and Harris, Weiner said, adding that they discussed timing a visit later.

Anderson Clayton, the North Carolina Democratic Party chair, reposted a message on X on Saturday that had said there is absolutely no reason to have a presidential motorcade/presence in a disaster zone while search & rescue is still underway.

Clayton didnt respond to questions from NBC News.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Trumps fired military guru says he doubts the Republican nominee can broker peace between Ukraine and Russia

Donald Trump's former military guru has pooh-poohed the former president's campaign trail refrain that he could broker a peace deal between Ukraine and Russia "in one day".

I dont really buy it, said HR McMaster, who was appointed as a national security adviser by Trump in 2017 and was forced out in 2018, in an interview with CBS News anchor Robert Costa on Face the Nation on Sunday.

"I think it's a real myth, a real misunderstanding of war, to assume that you can get a favourable political outcome without a favourable military outcome. That's never really happened in war.

"And so I think the right course of action, if you want to accelerate progress toward a settlement, is to convince Putin that he's losing the war. I think that's the only way you get a favourable settlement.

"How do you do that? You demonstrate our resolve to continue to support the Ukrainians as they defend themselves against this continued onslaught by the Russians."

President Donald Trump, left, and Russian President Vladimir Putin shake hands at the beginning of a meeting at the Presidential Palace in Helsinki, Finland, July 16, 2018. (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais)

Donald Trump has repeatedly claimed that he could broker a peace between Russian president Vladimir Putin and Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky before he is even inaugurated as president.

Meanwhile, Republican politicians have frequently tried to curtail US aid to Ukraine, sometimes calling for Ukraine to cede territory to its bellicose eastern neighbour to end the war of aggression.

McMaster, who is currently promoting a new book entitled At War With Ourselves about his time in the Trump White House, is a retired general and prolific military strategist who made his name with a widely-read critique of America's war aims in Vietnam.

Barely a year after his appointment to the White House, reports surfaced that Trump was planning to fire him, causing McMaster to voluntarily step one week later.
Florida men caught up in a purported crime over a Donald Trump-embossed cowboy hat may want to mosey away once they hear what the head of the Republican party had to say about retail theft.

Police arrested two men in Madeira Beach, Fla., after they found them allegedly burglarizing a store full of Trump merchandise. According to a court document from Pinellas County, Fla., officers arrested Lance Petrisevac, 57, and John Paul Peters, 61, after finding them outside the Trump store while assigned to patrol the city of Madeira Beach for looters due to Hurricane Helene.

More from Sourcing Journal

The report notes that Petrisevac was loitering in front of the [Trump store]. The defendant was wearing a Trump cowboy hat. Police said they inspected the store, which carried the same style of hat Petrisevac allegedly wore at the time of his arrest. Because of the hurricane, the report states, the Trump store had been unsecured.

In his dealings with police, Petrisevac allegedly said the hat washed up from the hurricane, and thats how [it] ended up in his possession.

Public records show a court ordered Petrisevac and Peters to stay away from the Trump store. Both were charged with felony burglary, as well as misdemeanor loitering and prowling. Both men have been arrested several other times this year. In Florida, a burglary at an unoccupied structure is considered a third-degree felony, which can be punishable by fines and up to five years in prison.

On Sept. 29, two days after Petrisevac and Peters arrests, Trump took the stage to speak to supporters in Erie, Pa., segueing onto the topic of retail crime. He suggested police should be allowed one real rough, nasty day to crack down on shoplifting, asserting that the police arent allowed to do their job because of societal and political pressures from Democrats.

Moments later, he backed off of the proposal of one really violent day in exchange for a single, violent hour, proposing that such action would deter retail crimepresent and future.

One rough hourand I mean real roughthe word will get out, and it will end immediately, he told supporters.

The former president also seized upon the state of Californias crime laws, where Proposition 47 raised the felony retail crime value threshold to $950 in 2014.

She [Harris] created something in San Francisco$950, youre allowed to steal. Anything above that, you will be prosecuted. It works out that the $950 is a misnomer because you can steal whatever you want, Trump said this weekend.

At the time Prop. 47 went into effect, Vice President Kamala Harris served as Californias attorney general. Throughout the campaign, Republicans have blamed Harris for retail crime rates in California, alleging that they have ratcheted up since Prop 47 passed.

According to the California Budget & Policy Center, The shoplifting ratethe number of shoplifting crimes per 100,000 Californianswas 210 in 2022, the most recent statewide data available. This is down 17 percent from 2014, the year Prop 47 took effect.

Trump and other Republicans, like Florida Governor Ron DeSantis, have been clear that they dont believe states like California and New York have imposed harsh enough penalties on retail crime.

This year in California, residents will vote on Proposition 36, which could turn some of the retail crime currently classified as misdemeanors into felonies.

The Trump campaign did not immediately return Sourcing Journals request for comment on Trumps statements, but Politico reported a campaign official told the outlet Trump was clearly just floating it in jest.

President Trump has always been the law and order president and he continues to reiterate the importance of enforcing existing laws, Steven Cheung, the campaigns communications director, told Politico. Otherwise its all-out anarchy, which is what Kamala Harris has created in some of these communities across America, especially during her time as [California] Attorney General when she emboldened criminals.
Tim Walz may have more to lose in Tuesday nights vice presidential debate, but JD Vance has more to prove. And spinmeisters in both parties are ready to pounce on reporters and airwaves to make the case that their guy came out on top.

Vance is the closest any vice presidential candidate has come to being the proverbial heartbeat away from the presidency following one actual and several foiled assassination attempts against Donald Trump. And Trump-Vance surrogates, including the GOP nominees own son, Donald Trump Jr., will be on hand in the spin room after the high-stakes debate in New York ready to explain why Vance not only won the debateeven if he actually didntbut deserves to be vice president more than Walz, and claim the throne of first in the presidential line of succession.

The junior Trump was one of Vances prime advocates during the veepstakes contest, pushing his father to select his close friend, the Ohio senator, despite some donors concerns. Multiple assassination attempts later, Don Jr. told Fox News he felt totally vindicated by the pick.

Hes been absolutely outstanding, he said. JD is a guy of substance. Hes a guy thats lived that American Dream, coming out of Appalachia to become, now, the vice presidential candidate for the Republican Party in the United States. But beyond that, building businesses and everything along the way.

Expect similar talking points Tuesday night. Senior Trump adviser Jason Miller, as well as a slew of congressional Republicans, will join the younger Trump in the spin room, NOTUS first reported.

Those lawmakers include two House lawmakers who somewhat openly auditioned to be Trump's No. 2 pick: one-time moderate, Republican Conference Chair Elise Stefanik of New York, and Rep. Byron Donalds of Florida. The GOPs spin crew also includes Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas, another archconservative Trump loyalist, and freshman Sen. Katie Britt Alabama, who delivered a widely-mocked response to Joe Bidens State of the Union address in March that became an SNL cold open classic.

Sen. Katie Britt delivers the Republican response to President Bidens State of the Union Address pic.twitter.com/x7mDzO1sWP  Saturday Night Live - SNL (@nbcsnl) March 10, 2024

Democratic National Committee Chair Jaime Harrison will be in the spin room on behalf of Walz, according to the Harris-Walz campaign. He, too, will be joined by several members of Congress, including Kamala Harris veepstakes finalist Sen. Mark Kelly (D-AZ), along with: Sens. Amy Klobuchar of Walzs home state of Minnesota and Ben Ray Lujan of New Mexico; Govs. Jared Polis of Colorado and JB Pritzker of Illinois; and Rep. Jasmine Crockett of Texas.

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Former President Trump is leading Vice President Harris by 7 percentage points among Florida Hispanics, according to a new Telemundo poll.

The poll, conducted by Mason-Dixon, highlights a trend among Sunshine State Latinos, who have traditionally been more open to GOP messaging than their counterparts elsewhere.

According to the poll, 48 percent of Florida Hispanics support Trump, 41 percent support Harris, 7 percent are undecided, and 4 percent back other candidates.

Florida Hispanics are divided regionally, by gender, by age and by country of ancestry.

Trump leads Harris 53 percent to 38 percent in southeast Florida, but Harris has leads among Latinos in central Florida  45 percent to 39 percent 1 and the Tampa Bay area, where she leads 48 percent to 43 percent.

Harris also has a lead among the states Latinas  53 percent said they support the vice president and 37 percent declared for Trump.

Trumps lead with Hispanic men is wider  60 percent for Trump to 28 percent for Harris.

The states two biggest Hispanic populations by country of origin, Cubans and Puerto Ricans, are near mirror images of each other when it comes to presidential voter intent.

Trump is backed by 61 percent of the polls Cuban respondents, while 28 percent support Harris.

Among Puerto Ricans, 58 percent support Harris and 33 percent support Trump.

The states other Latinos, including relatively large populations of Mexican, Colombian and Venezuelan origin, skew toward Trump, 47 percent to 41 percent.

According to the National Association of Latino Elected Officials (NALEO), 18.3 percent of Floridas 13.3 million registered voters are Hispanic.

While 3.5 million Hispanic Florida residents are voting-age citizens, roughly 2.4 million are registered to vote, and NALEO projects 2 million will cast a ballot  a 13.8 percent jump from 2020, when 1.8 million Latinos voted in the state, and a 31.2 percent increase from the 1.6 million votes cast by Hispanics in 2016.

Between 2020 and 2024, the number of non-Hispanic voters in Florida grew by 2.8 percent, according to NALEO.

The poll numbers favoring Trump suggest the states GOP has been effective at bringing in those new voters, regardless of whether they align with Trumps policy prescriptions.

In 2020, the Edison exit poll found 53 percent of Hispanic respondents voted for President Biden over Trump, and in 2016, that same poll found 62 percent voted for then-Democratic nominee Hillary Clinton and only 35 percent for Trump.

Cuban voters in 2016 favored Trump  54 percent chose the Republican over Clinton, according to the Edison poll.

Telemundos 2024 poll shows a Hispanic electorate likely to support more liberal positions while supporting GOP candidates.

Floridas initiatives to legalize marijuana and abortion both have majority support from the states Latino electorate.

The marijuana initiative is the more contentious of the two  50 percent of Latinos overall support it, though it is underwater with Cuban-Americans, 51 percent of whom oppose the measure to 42 percent who support it.

The abortion initiative has majority support across all demographic groups of Latino voters.

Immigration reform with a path to citizenship has even broader support  70 percent of respondents said they support such a measure, and 65 percent support the Biden administrations parole program for Cuban, Haitian, Nicaraguan and Venezuelan migrants.

But 55 percent of Florida Hispanics said they trust Trump to handle immigration, while 38 percent said the same of Harris.

And 51 percent of respondents said they trust Trump to handle the economy, to 41 percent who sided with Harris on the issue, ranked as the top priority by 41 percent of respondents.

The Telemundo poll was conducted Sept. 23-25 among 625 registered Hispanic voters in Florida with a 4-point margin of error.

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Former President Trump is seeking to put Vice President Harris on the back foot as both candidates respond to the devastation unleashed by Hurricane Helene.

Trump visited Georgia on Monday, where he knocked the federal governments response to the storm. His visit comes days after he criticized Harris and President Biden over the crisis. Harris, meanwhile, cut her planned West Coast trip short and will be briefed on the disaster at the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) headquarters.

The fallout from the storm has the potential to roil the election, as two of the states hit especially hard  Georgia and North Carolina  are key battlegrounds that could potentially tip the scales in the race for the White House.

Millions are without power. Theres tens of thousands of people who have lost everything one month from an election in two of the most important battleground states, said Ford OConnell, a Republican strategist.

Brutal floods and winds have swept through the Southeast in the days since Helene made landfall in Florida late last week, tearing through infrastructure and leaving millions without power. The death toll has approached 100, according to The Associated Press, as the storm racks the Sunshine State, Georgia, the Carolinas and beyond.

The storm has major humanitarian impacts  and it also brings political complications in the closing weeks of the election cycle, with just more than a month to go until Election Day.

Georgia and North Carolina are both being looked at as critical toss-ups for this years presidential race. The fast-tracked Harris bid has gained ground in the battlegrounds, and Trump is up by just a fraction of a percentage point in both states, according to the latest polling averages from Decision Desk HQ/The Hill.

Trump won both states in 2016. He won just North Carolina in 2020, while Biden eked out a win in Georgia.

Polls show a narrow race playing out in the two Southeastern battlegrounds. The Decision Desk HQ average shows Trump leading in North Carolina by 0.5 percentage points, while in Georgia he leads by 0.2 percentage points.

North Carolina and Georgia are likely to be decided by tens of thousands of voters, OConnell said. Its going to have a real impact on those states voting.

One of the areas hit hardest by the storm is Asheville, N.C., a Democratic stronghold that could be key to a potential Harris win. If voters there dont or arent able to cast their ballots, it could make the Tar Heel State nearly impossible for Harris to win, said Democratic strategist Fred Hicks.

Trump has a slightly bigger 2-point lead in Florida, which Democrats have been increasingly bullish about possibly flipping this fall.

Voters eyes will be on the presidential candidates responses to the crisis, strategists said.

At a campaign stop in Pennsylvania on Sunday, Trump accused Biden of sleeping through the crisis, as the incumbent spent the weekend at his home base in Rehoboth Beach, Del., and argued Harris ought to be down in the area.

The former president visited Valdosta, Ga., on Monday, where he toured storm damage and expressed support for those impacted by the disaster. He said hes spoken with Elon Musk about providing Starlink internet service for those without power, and claimed without evidence that Georgia Gov. Brian Kemp (R) was having a hard time getting the president on the phone.

Kemp, however, said Sunday that he had spoken to Biden about the hurricane.

It is Georgia, and its a swing state, so he gets to strategically do two things, make another visit to a state that is critical to him in the election, and to put on the visual of caring for the people there, said Audrey Haynes, a professor of political science at the University of Georgia.

For her part, Harris opened a Las Vegas, Nev., rally on Sunday night with a somber note about Helene, thanking first responders and sending well wishes to those affected by the storms. After her event wrapped up, her team announced a last-minute schedule change, canceling planned campaign stops to return to the capital for a FEMA briefing.

Harris will look presidential with her FEMA visit, Haynes said, but she could benefit from the optics of making an eventual visit to one of the affected areas.

Harris intends to visit impacted communities as soon as it is possible without disrupting emergency response operations, a White House official said. Biden has also said he expects to visit North Carolina by Wednesday or Thursday this week, noting that if theres an entourage, it can be disruptive.

Democrats have praised the Biden administrations response, pointing out that the president and the vice president have to time their visits carefully as to not become a logistical burden to recovery efforts on the ground.

Its smart for Harris and Biden to hold off on making an immediate visit, argued North Carolina-based Democratic strategist Morgan Jackson.

Most true leaders understand that when there is a crisis, the effort to land a president or vice president on the ground with all of the manpower it takes causes more of a problem than it does a help, said Antjuan Seawright, a Democratic strategist.

But that hasnt stopped Republicans from attacking them.

An email from the Trump campaign on Monday touted Trumps trip to Georgia and accused Harris of being missing in action.

Neither Harris nor Biden was in the hurricane center over the weekend. That doesnt send a good message to the people on the ground, OConnell said.

[Trump] showed leadership, he said. It was good politics and it was also smart from a humanitarian perspective.

Seawright knocked Trumps visit as political, noting the effects wont be felt the same way on the ground from a former president

Quite frankly, I think the visit from Trump should be viewed as more political than not because there is nothing he can do as a candidate for president at this point, he said.

Jackson knocked Trumps attempts to call out Harris, arguing the former president was trying to twist the tragedy to his personal benefit politically.

Haynes argued Trumps attempts to put Harris on defense are a sign of possible distress at the latest polls.

Another state the storm has impacted is Florida, once considered a quintessential battleground state. Hurricanes in past election years have played a role in the state, like in 2004, when the state was hit by four hurricanes during the presidential campaign. Then-President George W. Bush visited the state in his capacity as president, while his Democratic challenger, then-Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.), visited after he was invited by then-Sen. Bill Nelson (D-Fla.).

In 2018, Senate candidate and then-Gov. Rick Scott (R), who is up for reelection in the Senate this year, showcased his response in the midst of hurricane season.

If you want to talk about hurricane [recovery] and Rick Scott, Rick Scott is going to win every single day and place, OConnell said.

On Monday, Scott called on the Senate to reconvene to consider a Hurricane Helene supplemental aid package.

Still, Florida Democrats are hitting Trump and Scott in the wake of the storm as they face reelection in the state. During a call with reporters on Monday, Florida Democratic Party Chair Nikki Fried slammed the states GOP leadership over their stance on climate change and insurance.

What this moment is doing is creating a perfect storm in our state to say we have seen Republican leadership in our state continue to fail the people, Fried said. And what Donald Trump says, if its ever coherent, has no bearing on this because he too just doesnt understand the needs of the people of this state.

There are still four weeks before Election Day, and some are optimistic that the states can rebound quickly. But with flooded roads, postal service disruptions and many in the Southeast displaced from their homes, Helene could hamper voters trying to cast their ballots both by mail and at polling sites.

It could also dull voter motivation to get out the vote, Hicks noted. Early voting is set to start in both states in the middle of next month.

On the flip side, Haynes suggested the crisis could energize affected Americans.

Some people may be motivated to vote because of this, because finally, theyre like, Oh my gosh, these storms are coming inland. This is not normal, Haynes said.

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Trump takes dark rhetoric to new level in final weeks of 2024 campaign: ANALYSIS

Heading into the final stretch of the 2024 campaign, Donald Trump is using increasingly shocking and harsh rhetoric to go after Vice President Kamala Harris and to paint a picture of a country being "destroyed."

He's now calling Harris "mentally impaired" and even "disabled." Illegal immigrants, he claimed over the weekend, will come into American homes and slit people's throats. A single day of "violent" policing, he argued, would address the issue of crime in the U.S.

At one point while speaking to rallygoers in battleground Pennsylvania on Sunday, Trump himself acknowledged, "This is a dark speech."

MORE: Trump calls for Harris to be 'impeached and prosecuted' at Pennsylvania rally

The language comes as polls show a tight race with just 36 days until Election Day as of Monday. National averages compiled by 538 show Harris up by less than 3 percentage points. In key swing states, the margin is even closer.

"He's clearly feeling the heat, so he's reverting to what he knows best and what he believes has always helped him in the past," said Daniel Schnur, a professor at the University of California Berkeley and former political strategist.

Trump is no stranger to inflammatory rhetoric. A hallmark of his 2016 bid for the White House was to cast immigrants as rapists and drug traffickers.

Though at a campaign stop in Wisconsin on Saturday, Trump went much further -- despite the fact that U.S. citizens commit crimes at higher rates than undocumented immigrants.

"And you remember when they say no, no, these are migrants and these migrants, they don't commit crimes like us," Trump said. "No, no, they make our criminals look like babies. These are stone cold killers. They'll walk into your kitchen, they'll cut your throat."

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump delivers remarks at the Prairie du Chien Area Arts Center in Prairie du Chien, Wis., Sept. 28, 2024. (Kamil Krzaczynski/AFP via Getty Images)

He also employed his harshest attack on Harris yet this cycle, baselessly calling her "mentally impaired" as he went after the Biden-Harris administration's handling of the southern border.

"Joe Biden became mentally impaired," he said. "Kamala was born that way. She was born that way. And if you think about it, only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country."

Jennifer Mercieca, a historian of political rhetoric at Texas A&M University, said while Trump has a history of divisive rhetoric, the "very graphic depiction of the consequences of not voting for him is new."

"He's intensifying his language," Mercieca said. "I think that could be a strategy just to get more attention. But at the same time, the things that he's saying are not true."

Mercieca called such fear appeals by Trump "incredibly irresponsible" given the current heated political environment.

Mark Weaver, a Republican strategist, defended Trump's rhetoric as a blunt way to highlight Harris' sometimes meandering answers and some gruesome crimes committed by immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

"Voters know that he talks the way they do, which is to say not scripted by political handlers," Weaver said.

Schnur said Trump's comments about Harris and about migrants are "designed to motivate his base, but it's a bigger question whether it does him any good with swing voters."

But longtime GOP strategist Charlie Black questioned any advantage to Trump's comments.

"All of Trump's campaign staff and advisers, as well as all of his friends and surrogates in Congress, think this kind of rhetoric is wrong and is hurting his campaign," Black said. "They are right."

MORE: Trump, Harris lean on outside factors to sway stubbornly competitive race

Republican lawmakers and pundits were peppered with questions about Trump's comments as they made the rounds on Sunday talk shows.

House Majority Whip Tom Emmer, R-Minn., sidestepped directly criticizing Trump's comments but said on ABC's "This Week" that he believed the former president should "stick to the issues."

Sen. Lindsey Graham, R-S.C., had a similar view as he appeared on CNN's "State of the Union" -- though he did say he did not think Harris had a mental disability.

"I just think the better course to take is to prosecute the case that her policies are destroying the country," Graham said.

PHOTO: Former President Donald Trump arrives at a campaign rally at the Bayfront Convention Center in Erie, Penn., Sept. 29, 2024. (Jeff Swensen/Getty Images)

MORE: Republicans want Trump to stick to economy, immigration. Down ballot, they're fighting the culture wars

The Harris campaign has often highlighted Trump's more controversial remarks by sharing clips of his rallies online. They did so with some of his eyebrow-raising remarks over the weekend, including his musing that one "violent" or "real rough" day of police crackdown would deter retail theft. A Trump campaign official later told Politico the comment was "made in jest."

While Harris nor her campaign have directly responded to his attacks on her mental state, spokeswoman Sarafina Chitika put out a statement over the weekend saying the "American people deserve better than Trump's bleak, backward-looking Project 2025 agenda."

"Donald Trump is finally telling the truth to voters: He's got nothing 'inspiring' to offer the American people, just darkness," Chitika said.

ABC News has reached out to Trump's campaign for comment.

Trump takes dark rhetoric to new level in final weeks of 2024 campaign: ANALYSIS originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
Former President Trump on Tuesday bashed President Biden and Vice President Harris in the wake of an Iranian missile attack on Israel, arguing if Harris is elected in November, it would lead to mass chaos on the world stage.

Ive been talking about World War III for a long time, and I dont want to make predictions because the predictions always come true. But they are very close to global catastrophe, Trump said. We have a nonexistent president and a nonexistent vice president who should be in charge. But nobody knows whats going on. She was at a fundraiser in San Francisco.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on Tuesday, shortly after the U.S. warned an attack was imminent. The attack appeared to be over within an hour of starting.

White House officials said the attack appeared to be defeated and ineffective, and there were no known casualties in Israel as a result. Still, White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan called the move a serious escalation by Iran amid simmering tensions in the Middle East.

In the wake of Tuesdays missile attacks, Trump and his campaign sought to drive home the message that world leaders did not respect Biden or Harris, leading to rising tensions in the Middle East.

If I were in charge, todays attack on Israel never would have happened. All of the things that were talking about never would have happened, including that botched withdrawal that made us look so bad, he said, referring to the withdrawal of U.S. forces from Afghanistan in 2021.

If I win, we will have peace in the world again. I guarantee we will have peace in the world again, Trump added. And if Kamala gets four more  unthinkable, right?  if she gets four more years, the world goes up in smoke.

The Biden administration has been grappling with the conflict in Ukraine, Israels war with Hamas in Gaza, and now the prospect of a widening conflict as Israel and Iran clash.

The former president has long argued his tough approach on foreign policy would be an effective way to prevent global conflict, even if it has alarmed U.S. allies at times.

Trump as president withdrew from the Iran nuclear deal despite the opposition of some allies and reimposed harsh sanctions on Tehran. His administration targeted Iranian leaders, and the former president frequently used blunt language to warn adversaries against striking the U.S. or its allies.

The U.S. airstrike that killed Maj. Gen. Qassem Soleimani in 2020 sparked fears of a conflict with Iran, though the situation never escalated to a broader war.

Trump spoke in Waunakee, Wis., his first of two planned stops in the battleground state on Tuesday ahead of the vice presidential debate. The former presidents remarks were meandering, veering from topic to topic.

Trump spoke about his 2016 election victory, his trip to Iraq in 2018 to meet with troops, his support for tariffs and his belief that New York City Mayor Eric Adams was indicted for speaking out about the influx of migrants into the city.

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With a range of flavors and eye-catching ads, nicotine pouches may be on your radareven if you completely eschew cigarettes and e-cigarettes. And the market is flooded with plenty of nicotine pouch brands, including Lucy, Excel, Rogue, and Zyn, making it natural to wonder whats up with all of theseand are they safe?

Of course, nicotine is a stimulant drug thats known for its highly addictive qualities, which raises more than a few eyebrows, no matter how you take it. Since nicotine pouches are a relatively new thing, there isnt a ton of science around them. There is limited research on nicotine pouches to date, and certainly no long-term studies, says Mary Hrywna, PhD, MPH, associate director of the Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies.

That said, experts share what we do know about nicotine pouches, how they compare to cigarettes and e-cigs, and more.

Meet the experts: Mary Hrywna, PhD, MPH, associate director of the Rutgers Institute for Nicotine & Tobacco Studies; Brittney Keller-Hamilton, PhD, a researcher with the Center for Tobacco Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center; Michael Ong, MD, PhD, a tobacco control researcher and professor in residence of Medicine & Health Policy and Management at UCLA

What are nicotine pouches?

Nicotine pouches are small pouches that contain a mix of nicotine, flavors, and other chemicals, but they dont contain tobacco leaf, says Brittney Keller-Hamilton, PhD, a researcher with the Center for Tobacco Research at The Ohio State University Comprehensive Cancer Center.

Nicotine pouches are used by placing them between your upper or lower lip and gum. "The nicotine is absorbed through the mouth into the bloodstream," Keller-Hamilton says. Nicotine delivery starts soon after the pouch is placed in the mouth, and it continues to climb gradually for at least 30 minutes or longer."

Are they safe?

While the research on nicotine pouches is not as large as that for cigarettes, experts do know that nicotine itself is not benign and affects the brain and also your cardiovascular systems," says Michael Ong, MD, PhD, a tobacco control researcher and professor in residence of Medicine & Health Policy and Management at UCLA.

Side effects are similar to those from nicotine in general and oral nicotine products, Hrywna says. Issues like nausea, elevated heart rate, and mouth irritation could also occur with a product like nicotine pouches, she says. These side effects also occur with nicotine replacement therapies, which are FDA-approved to help people quit tobacco.

But Keller-Hamilton stresses that there has been no long-term research on the health effects of nicotine pouches, making it tough for doctors to say for sure what will happen if you take up a nicotine pouch habit.

Are they better for you than e-cigs or regular cigarettes?

First things first: People who are not already using a nicotine product should not start using nicotine pouches because they are addictive, Keller-Hamilton says.

That said, nicotine pouches have a much lower carcinogen burden than cigarettes, Keller-Hamilton says. For that reason, we expect that smokers who switch to using nicotine pouches would reduce their cancer risk." However, research testing whether cancer risk changes when smokers switch to nicotine pouches, and by how much, has not been conducted yet, she says.



Nicotine pouches contain no tobacco leaf, so they are likely to have lower levels of toxicants compared to combustible cigarettes or smokeless tobacco, Hrywna says. You also dont inhale smoke or vapor with these pouches. For these reasons, yes, on the spectrum of tobacco and nicotine products, I would consider nicotine pouches to pose less risk compared to e-cigarettes or cigarettes, Hrywna says. Still, if you're looking to quit smoking cigarettes, it's really best to talk to your healthcare provider about your optionsand if you're not a smoker, experts advise passing on this trend.

Is there any way to know which brands are "healthier" or safer?

Not really. I dont think there is a way for consumer to know if some brands are healthier or safer, Hrywna says. In addition, the FDA has not yet authorized the sale of any brand of nicotine pouch, although many brands have submitted their applications to be reviewed by FDA for marketing authorization.

For now, consumers are typically only aware of how much nicotine is in a particular nicotine pouch, Keller-Hamilton says.

Are there any healthier nicotine alternatives?

Again, if you currently smoke cigarettes, she recommends talking to a doctor about your options for quitting smoking, including using nicotine replacement therapy or smoking cessation medications.



Hrywna also suggests considering nicotine replacement therapies. These products may be covered by health insurance and a health care provider can advise about appropriate dosing to help with nicotine withdrawal, she says.

For everyone else, its really best to take a pass on nicotine pouchesand nicotine in general. More studies are needed, as there is not a lot of studies regarding contents or strict labeling requirements for nicotine pouches, Dr. Ong says.

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An Israeli soldier stands on a tank as they gather along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa

Turkey on Tuesday accused Israel of aiming to occupy Lebanon with its ground offensive.

"The UN Security Council must uphold international law and take the necessary measures against this attack that aims the occupation [sic] of Lebanon," the Turkish Foreign Ministry wrote in a statement.

It said the offensive was "an illegal invasion attempt," which "targets the security and stability of the region and beyond" and "is likely to spark a new wave of migration and to give ground to extremists all around the world."

Israeli ground troops advanced into southern Lebanon early on Tuesday morning in the country's first ground offensive into the neighbouring country since the 2006 war.

Dubbed Northern Arrows, the offensive is directed at Lebanon's Shiite militia Hezbollah.

According to the Turkish state-run news agency Anadolu, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan suggested that Israel would also have its sights on Turkey: "After Palestine and Lebanon, the Israeli leadership will target our country."

He did not present any evidence of such plans by the Israeli government.

Israeli tanks gather along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa
BURLINGTON, Vt.  Two Burlington residents face charges after they were involved in a stabbing at Decker Towers Monday afternoon.

Officers arrived at the scene on Saint Paul Street around 12:01 p.m. Through investigation, police identified the suspects as Joshua Jaques, age 30, and Sarah Terry, age 43. Jaques reportedly attempted to fight the victim when Terry stabbed them in the foot.

The stabbing victim was taken to UVM Medical center for treatment.

Police obtained a warrant for Terrys apartment after she refused to open the door. Jaques and Terry started cooperating while the warrant was drafted, and both were arrested.

Sarah Terry (Courtesy: Burlington Police Department)

Joshua Jaques (Courtesy: Burlington Police Department)

Terry was charged with aggravated assault and taken into custody with $10,000 bail. Jaques was charged with simple assault, taken into custody with $200 bail, and was lodged for two warrants.

Terry previously had 6 misdemeanor charges, 2 felony charges, 3 assaultive crimes charges, and was evicted by the Burlington Housing Authority for drug-related activities.

Jaques previously had 14 misdemeanor charges and 1 charge on court violations.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Topeka police are asking the community for information following a recent shooting incident on Monday.

Rosie Nichols with the City of Topeka said in a press release that officers were called just before 6 p.m. on Sept. 30 to the area of Southwest Seventh Street and Taylor Street. Police were told initially that gunshots were heard in the area.

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TPD arriving at the area learned two people were hurt and taken to a nearby hospital for treatment. Both reportedly had life-threatening wounds.

Topeka police complete nearly 400 knock-and-talks alongside state partners

Nichols said police are investigating the situation and are asking for anyone with information connected to the incident to make a report to police. You can contact the TPD by sending an email to telltpd@topeka.org or by calling 785-368-9400. Shawnee County Crime Stoppers can be reached at 785-234-0007 or by clicking here.

For more crime news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

Follow Matthew Self on X (Twitter): https://twitter.com/MatthewLeoSelf

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Two Kansas City area tenant unions have initiated the largest rent strike on record for the metro after they said attempts to negotiate with building owners failed to produce results in fixing poor living conditions, KC Tenants announced Tuesday.

Union members of Independence Towers and Quality Hill Towers said theyre withholding over $60,000 in combined rent payments for the month of October. They said they have issued clear demands for rent caps, new ownership, and collectively bargained leases.

Every day is an opportunity for the targets to negotiate with us. We wont stop until they do. Every first of the month is an opportunity for tenants to strike. More will join us until we win, said Elliot West, a tenant on strike at Independence Towers, in a statement.

This is the first rent strike in the city since at least 1980, the organization said in an email. KC Tenants said it would also be the first-ever strike to target the Federal Housing Finance Authority (FHFA), the Fannie Mae/Freddie Mac regulator, which backed the loans used to purchase both properties.

Since the unions announced their intentions to strike Friday, they said Fannie Mae and and Quality Hill Towers have responded, but that demands were not met.

In an email, the FHFA said they are committed to doing everything within their power to work with Fannie Mae and make repairs to the properties.

Sentinel, the Quality Hill Towers landlord, distributed a friendly fall reminder to pay rent and called the strike misguided and short-sighted. Neither Fannie Mae nor Trigild, Inc., the receiver at Independence Towers, have engaged since the notification about the strike.

Poor living conditions

A damaged wall in a shower in Derek Harris apartment in Quality Hill Towers in Kansas City on September 5, 2024.

The strike comes as residents of both buildings say theyre fed up with enduring poor living conditions and improper management.

Tenants at Quality Hill Towers previously told The Star theyve endured burst pipes, unresolved sewage backup and pest infestations at the Kansas City apartment at 817 Jefferson Street. Their complaints were met by ignored maintenance requests, eviction threats, retaliation and rent hikes, the tenants claim.

On Sept. 5, around 60 Quality Hill Towers residents and activists announced the formation of the largest tenant union in the city. The union includes 148 members, accounting for about 63% of the buildings tenants.

At Independence Towers, residents said theyve dealt with pest infestations and chronic plumbing problems causing water damage and mold. Residents said theyve also gone without heating and air conditioning for extended periods. The problems, including broken appliances and faulty window latches in part to blame for a toddler falling to his death in July, have been well documented.

On Sept. 3, U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II, the Congressional representative for Missouris fifth district, toured the building, expressing his dismay over the dire living conditions.

Some of it is worse than your words, I dont know how Im going to describe it to people,  Cleaver said.

U.S. Rep. Emanuel Cleaver II tours tenant Matt Fullertons apartment on the second floor of Independence Towers on Sept. 3, 2024.

Independence city officials said theyre well aware of the living conditions residents have endured at the high-rise complex on Jennings Road. Still, Independence Towers passed its latest city inspection in 2023, even as activists have been demanding action and questions have been raised about the citys inspection process through its Rental Ready program, meant to safeguard tenants.

Lawyers previously told The Star the city could be doing more to hold building owners accountable, while city leaders claimed their hands are tied because no tenants have filed formal complaints. Tenant advocates and attorneys say the process to file complaints in inaccessible to many tenants, and puts them at risk of eviction.

The Independence Towers union launched publicly on May 2 after residents had gone without hot water for two weeks. Their union has 40 members, equaling 65% of its occupied units.

Both unions are part of an organized national effort targeting properties with federally-backed loans. Representatives were sent to a meeting on May 28 with the FHFA Director and top executives from Fannie Mae, to share their stories. The unions claim both properties have failed to make urgent and necessary repairs and have misused funds meant for upkeep of the buildings.

In a news release, KC Tenants said, The director made no satisfactory commitments in that meeting.

Elected officials and community organizations are expected to join the picket line with the unions sometime this week.

The Stars Kendrick Calfee contributed to this piece.
Two metro-east school districts were among the 18 in Illinois and 356 across the country to recently be named National Blue Ribbon Schools.

The U.S. Department of Education has been doling out the Blue Ribbon awards annually since 1982 based on schools overall academic performance or progress toward closing achievement gaps.

Mascoutah Elementary School in Mascoutah District 19 and Maryville Elementary School in Collinsville District 10 are among the schools to earn the distinction this year.

Last year, Lebanon Elementary School was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School for closing achievement gaps by over 14%.

These schools reflect a statewide commitment to educational equity and excellence, State Superintendent Tony Sanders said in a press release. Thank you to the educators, administrators, families, and community members who work hard to make these schools centers of growth and achievement for each and every one of their students.

There are two categories of Blue Ribbon awards. Exemplary high performing schools have their states highest high school graduation rates or the highest achieving students in English language arts and math according to state standardized tests.

Exemplary achievement gap closing schools have made the greatest progress in narrowing achievement gaps between student subgroups in English language arts and math, also measured by state testing.

Maryville Elementary School

Maryville Elementary School in Collinsville District 10 received a Blue Ribbon award for being an exemplary high performing school.

The school serves students from pre-K through fourth grade. Its enrollment was 380 on the most recent Illinois Report Card for the 2022-23 school year.

For English language arts, its proficiency rate was 64.3% compared to the state average of 35.4%. The schools growth percentile  which indicates the growth of students relative to their academic peers across the state  was 55.4 compared to the state average of 50.

For math, its proficiency rate was 56.3% compared to the state average of 27.1%. The growth percentile was 44 compared to the state average, which is always the 50th percentile.

Im very happy for all of our students, families and staff. They are always willing to play an active role in supporting our school, Principal Doug Kirk said in a press release. Our strong PTA and community stakeholders have helped create a cohesive learning community in Maryville.

I want to recognize the hard work and dedication of our incredible staff, students and families at Maryville Elementary. Their commitment to high achievement and fostering social and emotional growth in students is truly commendable, Collinsville 10 Superintendent Brad Skertich said. Being named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School is a testament to their collective efforts, and we are thrilled to see them receive this well-deserved recognition.

Mascoutah Elementary School

Mascoutah Elementary School in Mascoutah District 19 also received a Blue Ribbon award for being an exemplary high performing school.

The school serves students from pre-K through fifth grade. Its enrollment was 766 on the most recent Illinois Report Card for the 2022-23 school year.

For English language arts, its proficiency rate was 62% compared to the state average of 35.4%. The schools growth percentile  which indicates the growth of students relative to their peers across the state  was 57.2 compared to the state average of 50.

For math, its proficiency rate was 51.2% compared to the state average of 27.1%. The growth percentile was 56.9 compared to the state average, which is always the 50th percentile.

On behalf of the Board of Education, we are so proud of the students, families, teachers, staff, and administration at MES for this great recognition, Mascoutah 19 Superintendent Dave Deets said in an email to the BND. Honors like this dont come easy and its a huge credit to the hard work and dedication of our entire team of professionals at MES - both past and present.

Its also a reflection of the amazing community here in Mascoutah. We are fortunate to have tremendous support from our families and community, and that partnership is evident in the success we are able to have not only at MES, but throughout the entire district. Congratulations to the entire school community of Mascoutah Elementary and I thank you for all that you do to make Mascoutah 19 such a special place.

Illinois Blue Ribbon schools

Here are the 18 Illinois institutions recognized as 2024 National Blue Ribbon Schools:

Dunlap Middle School (Dunlap)

H. H. Conrady Junior High School (Hickory Hills)

Hawthorne Elementary Scholastic Academy (Chicago)

Heartland Elementary School (Geneva)

Hickory Creek Middle School (Frankfort)

Jefferson Elementary School (Elmhurst)

John Hersey High School (Arlington Heights)

Lake Zurich High School (Lake Zurich)

Lake Zurich Middle School - North Campus (Hawthorn Woods)

Maryville Elementary School (Maryville)

Mascoutah Elementary School (Mascoutah)

Naperville Central High School (Naperville)

Neuqua Valley High School, (Naperville)

Oak Grove School (Green Oaks)

Palos East Elementary School (Palos Heights)

Scott Elementary School (Naperville)

St. Josaphat School (Chicago)

St. Viator High School (Arlington Heights)
HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP)  Two suspects wanted in connection with shots fired between two vehicles causing injury in Holyoke were arrested.

According to the Holyoke Police Department, on July 7th officers were called to a report of a disturbance in the area of High Street. The disturbance was followed by a series of gun shots fired on Maple Street, near the intersection of Hampden Street.

Springfield man accused of sexual assault in hot tub

One person was injured during what police say was a rolling gun fight between automobiles, including shots fire from a modified, fully automatic handgun. Officers observed a vehicle firing at another involved vehicle while stopped at the intersection of Maple and Dwight Streets.

The vehicle being shot at drove toward an oncoming cruiser, causing the officer to swerve to avoid a crash. Officers pursued the vehicle into Chicopee however, it was not located.

The gunshot victim, identified as 31-year-old Orlando Faria-Garcia, was taken to Baystate Medical Center and is expected to survive. He is being charged with carrying a firearm without a license and larceny of a firearm.

During the investigation, detectives were able to identify two other suspects involved. A search warrant was conducted for one of the involved vehicles from the shooting. Police seized a loaded Sig Sauer P380 Pistol, magazine, and ammunition.

In an unrelated incident, 28-year-old Juan Sanchez was arrested on July 24th after Massachusetts State Police located a spent ammunition casing in the drivers side door panel storage pocket.

Due to the ballistic and electronic evidence recovered, Sanchez and 31-year-old Shacolby Merriman were suspected of being involved with the July 7th incident are being charged with the following:

Shacolby Merriman (34)

Merriman was arrested on September 27th in Chicopee with the help of the Hampden County Sheriffs Department SRT (Special Response Team) to conduct the high-risk warrant service.

ARREST WARRANT Firearm, carry without a License Loaded Possession of a Loaded Machine Gun Possession of Ammunition without an FID Assault to Murder, Firearm  Armed Assault and Battery with a Dangerous Weapon (Firearm), Serious Bodily Injury Firearm, Discharge within 500 feet of a Building Motor Vehicle, Malicious Damage to x 2 Firearm in Felony, Possess Large Capacity



Juan Sanchez (28)

ARREST WARRANT Firearm, carry without a License Loaded Possession of Ammunition without an FID Assault to Murder, Firearm  Armed Stop for Police, Fail Reckless Operation of a Motor Vehicle



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UPDATE @ 2:06 P.M.

Police in Wichita, Kansas, have detained three people after a robbery at a Chase Bank ATM on Monday, according to an update from Midwest City Police.

After a notice was issued for the suspected vehicle, Wichita Police reportedly spotted the car in their city at around 3 a.m. on Tuesday. The car was impounded and three adults were detained.

Police say no actual arrests have been made and the situation is still under investigation.

Anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Midwest City Police at 405-739-1306.

ORIGINAL STORY

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (KFOR)  Midwest City Police say two men are on the run after robbing an ATM service person at a local Chase Bank on Monday.

According to police, two men in hoodies came up behind the worker while he was servicing an ATM at the Chase Bank location near SE 15th and Air Depot. The suspects didnt manage to take any money, but did reportedly take the workers gun.

Officers believe the men drove off in a white or gray sedan with Texas license plate VGR7145.

Vehicle of interest in Midwest City robbery investigation. Image courtesy Midwest City Police.

Midwest City Police said they have contacted the FBI to assist with the investigation.

If you see the car matching the description, call police and do not approach. The suspects are considered armed and dangerous.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KFOR.com Oklahoma City.
Two years after a series of explosions tore apart Russias controversial Nord Stream pipelines, the investigation has largely remained a mystery full of accusations that have exposed political fault lines across Europe.

Stretching from northwestern Russia under the Baltic Sea to Germanys coast, the pipelines completed before Russias full-scale invasion are a long-standing project that aimed to boost Russian gas flow into Western Europe, symbolic of the old energy pact between Moscow and Berlin that now seems like a mistake.

The multifaceted investigation that followed the detonation and subsequent effective destruction of three out of four pipelines in September 2022 has essentially run on two separate tracks: the hard police work of determining who was responsible and the larger rethinking of the strategy to integrate Russia into the West via energy trade.

In practice, the two have become intertwined as competing camps have latched on to the continuing mystery of the explosion to pursue their own political agendas.

Read also: Why Russia still rakes in cash transporting gas through Ukraine: 4 key charts

What we know about the investigation

Soon after the explosion, it was quickly determined that it was no accident.

Due to the location of the pipelines in international waters, but also within Danish and Swedish maritime economic zones, as well as the involvement of Russia and Germany as the source and end-point of the pipelines, the investigation inherently involved numerous countries.

Initially, there was speculation that Russia was responsible for the explosions. Gerhard Schindler, the former head of Germanys national intelligence agency, said days after the underwater explosions that only Russia can really be considered for this, especially since it stands to gain the most from this act of sabotage. In the lead-up to Russias full-blown war against Ukraine, Germany bowed to pressure and halted the Nord Stream 2 project.

"Only Russia can really be considered for this, especially since it stands to gain the most from this act of sabotage."

Schindler and others in Germany and Western Europe argued at the time that Russia may have destroyed its own pipelines in an act of revenge that would raise gas prices in an attempt to show Europeans the cost of severing economic ties with Russia.

At the same time, Russia cast a wide net of accusations, claiming that the U.S., the U.K., or others were responsible.

The alleged involvement of the U.S. later was echoed by conspiracy theorists like Seymour Hersh, who claimed, citing unnamed sources, that it was directly ordered by President Joe Biden.

The receiving station for the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline stands at twilight near Lubmin, Germany on Feb. 2, 2022. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

In March 2023, the New York Times and other media outlets began sharing intelligence that indicated Ukraine might have been responsible. While Ukrainian officials had openly campaigned against the pipelines and referred to them as a security threat that bypassed Ukrainian gas transit pipelines by making European markets more dependent on Russian fuel supplies, they also denied they had anything to do with the attack.

U.S. officials said at the time there was no evidence that President Volodymyr Zelensky or anyone in his top circle was involved  or that the attackers operated on the orders of the Ukrainian government.

The Danish and Swedish investigations concluded in early 2024 without identifying any suspects.

The Wall Street Journal wrote in January 2024, citing unnamed German investigators, that the attackers may have operated from Poland, and further claimed that the Polish government was hindering the probe.

But intelligence leaks and speculation continued, with an increasing number of fingers being pointed at Ukraine.

The most concrete accusations came in August 2024, when the Wall Street Journal (WSJ) wrote, citing unnamed sources, that the explosion was ordered by then Commander-in-Chief of the Ukrainian Armed Forces Valerii Zaluzhnyi and carried out by a team of Ukrainian saboteurs. The WSJ claimed that Zelensky had initially approved the attack, but then changed his mind and asked Zaluzhnyi to call it off.

Separate stories by German media outlets that said that Berlin had issued an arrest warrant for a Ukrainian diving instructor  coincidentally identified as Volodymyr Z.  only deepened the sense of Kyivs involvement.

Later, Poland said it had received the arrest warrant but that Volodymyr Z had already left the country.

Nonetheless, Zaluzhnyi dismissed the allegations as a provocation, and Kyiv continued to deny that it was behind the explosion.

As of the time of this publication, there is no concrete answer, but that has not stopped the blame game, which has become imbued with deeper political implications.

Read also: Ukrainian drones are burning Russias oil refineries, but not its economy

Grab-bag opportunism

Across the board, various officials and commentators have used the Nord Stream explosion as a political weapon, tying their accusations to underlying positions on Russias full-scale war on Ukraine.

Those already opposed to Western support for Ukraine have often cited Kyivs alleged involvement in the attack as yet another reason to end or at least cut aid for the country.

In an interview with far-right commentator Tucker Carlson in April 2023, Republican presidential nominee Donald Trump insinuated that the U.S. was responsible, echoing past suggestions that it was either Washington  or Kyiv  but not Russia.

Former US President and Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump delivers remarks to the press at Trump Tower in New York City, U.S. on Sep. 26, 2024. (Angela Weiss / AFP via Getty Images)

Trumps comments on Nord Stream fit in a larger pattern of invoking Ukraine to attack his then-political opponent, Biden.

The former president also claimed that he had stopped the pipeline project while in his office and alleged that it was under Biden that it flourished.

For Trump and others who repeatedly warn that U.S. support for Ukraine would lead to escalation with Russia, the implication of Ukrainian involvement in the explosion is yet another example.

Just days after the explosion was first reported, Trump shared old comments from Biden, in which he said, If Russia invadesthen there will no longer be a Nord Stream 2. We will put a stop to it.

Trump added: Wow, what a statement. World War III, anyone?

Nord Stream and the eastward shift of the EUs power centers

Among European countries that support Ukraine, the pipeline explosion has also been used as a rhetorical tool, but for another purpose  to castigate Germany for leading the charge in cementing the EUs dependence on Russian energy in the first place.

Polish Prime Minister Donald Tusk made waves in August 2024 when he responded to the suggestion of Warsaws involvement by saying, To all the initiators and patrons of Nord Stream 1 and Nord Stream 2. The only thing you should do today about it is apologize and keep quiet.

While he did not mention anyone by name, it was clear he was referring to Germany, the main patron of the project.

Czech President Petr Pavel went even further, saying that even if Ukraine was behind the attack, the pipeline would have been a legitimate goal for Kyiv to try and cut energy revenues flowing back to Moscow.

German allegations that Poland may have been involved were inspired by Moscow" with the aim of destabilizing NATO, said Krzysztof Gawkowski, a deputy Polish prime minister and the minister of digital affairs.

Critics of the pipeline, which included many in central and eastern Europe, had long argued that Germany was misguided in going forward with the project.

(From L to R, first row) French Prime Minister Francois Fillon, German Chancellor Angela Merkel, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte, Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, and European Union Energy Commissioner Guenther Oettinger turn a wheel to symbolically start the flow of gas through the Nord Stream Baltic Sea gas pipeline at a ceremony in Lubmin, Germany on Nov. 8, 2011. (Sean Gallup/Getty Images)

Beyond eliminating potential profits that an overland pipeline could give Poland and other countries, Nord Stream deepened the EUs dependence on Russian energy and raised fears long before the full-scale war that Moscow would use such reliance as a tool to exert pressure.

When Russia did just that after February 2022  threatening to cut off energy supplies to the EU in response to its support for Ukraine, there was a sense of vindication from those who had long warned of the threat of energy dependence.

The blocs response to Russias full-scale invasion, in which Poland, Czechia, the Baltic states, and other countries previously thought to be on the periphery of the center of power in Brussels have emerged to be most committed to its defense from Russia, have fueled the argument that Germanys policy was a failure.

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TYBEE ISLAND, Ga. (WSAV)Tybee Island Police Department (TIPD) said that they were flagged on Sept. 20 down by a man who said he had been verbally assaulted by a random bystander when they asked, Wheres Waldo?!

TIPD said in their weekly release that the man was highly intoxicated when he flagged the officer down to tell them that he had been forcibly removed from a bar on Sept. 20. He was wearing a red and white striped shirt according to TIPD.

TIPD said that he then said he had been verbally assaulted by a random bystander when they asked, Wheres Waldo?! according to TIPD.

During the course of the investigation, TIPD said that an officer spoke with employees of the bar who reported that the man became angry after they repeatedly refused to serve him alcohol. According to the employees, he then began to push against the DJs chest, at which point he was told to leave, TIPD said.

When the man refused, he was physically removed from the property. A report was filed, and no further action was taken during that time.

On Sept. 21, TIPD also responded to a nursing home in reference to a stabbing.

During the course of the investigation, officers learned that the incident began when one resident accused another of taking his can of Vienna Sausages. TIPD said that the altercation escalated, one of the men brandished a knife, and allegedly stabbed the other in the chest.

TIPD said that the injured resident was transported to a hospital for treatment, while the suspect was placed under arrest for Aggravated Assault and Possession of a Knife During the Commission of a Crime.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSAV-TV.
A bruised Conservative Party is gathering in Birmingham, England, this week to begin the process of regrouping after a shattering summer electoral defeat. The partys annual conference, which began Sunday and runs through Wednesday, will focus on the four remaining candidates in its third leadership election in two years.

The Tories are picking up the pieces after a July 4 general election left them with just 121 of their previous 371 seats in the House of Commons. The leadership contest will determine whether the party pivots to the right or to the center as it adjusts to being an opposition party for the first time after 14 years in control of the country.

The latest parade of would-be party leaders comes after a tumultuous stretch for Conservatives. The Boris Johnson premiership ended amid a scandal arising from the former PMs violation of his own governments COVID lockdown rules, Liz Truss 49-day premiership ended after her governments mini-budget precipitated a crash of the British pounds value, and former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak led the party to its worst ever defeat in the July general election.

In many respects, the field for leadership candidates was thrust wide open on July 4. The 250 MPs who lost their seats included a number of former ministers. Truss, prominent Boris Johnson ally Jacob Rees-Mogg, and former Attorney General Victoria Prentis were among those defeated by the ascendant Labour and Liberal Democrat parties.

The Tories centrist wing was hardest hit. Former Leader of the Commons and third-place finisher in the 2022 Tory leadership election Penny Mordaunt, former Defense Secretary Grant Shapps, former Education Secretary Gillian Keegan, and former Justice Minister Alex Chalk all found themselves without seats in Britains lower house.

Because the vote on the right was split between the Conservatives and the more populist Reform UK Party, a rightward tilt in the leadership contest is expected. Given the composition of the post-apocalypse parliamentary party looks (at first glance at least) fairly evenly balanced between right and centre, its hard to imagine that at least one right winger wont make it to the final two of the leadership race, and then be selected by the grassroots, wrote Tim Bale, a professor of politics at Queen Mary University and author of The Conservative Party After Brexit.

In early September, the Conservative Partys members of Parliament voted to narrow the field of party leader candidates to four, eliminating former Home Secretary Priti Patel and staunch Sunak supporter Mel Stride. The remaining candidates will try to woo supporters in speeches delivered at the party conference before another round of voting by MPs in early October narrows the field to two. The leader will then be selected in an online poll open to roughly 160,000 eligible party members between October 15 and 31, with the winner announced on November 2.

Who are the candidates?

Kemi Badenoch, the former secretary of state for business and trade, leads her competitors with the broader Tory membership, according to a YouGov poll of Conservative party members in August, finishing first in a six-way ballot and in every possible head-to-head matchup with the other candidates.

Badenoch, who also has been the minister for women and equalities, is best known for her hard-line stances against woke positions during her tenure as a minister. She pushed legislation calling for transgender athletes to compete with others of their biological sex rather than their gender identity, advocated for a less ambitious net-zero carbon dioxide emissions target when she ran for party leader in 2022, and was an outspoken critic of critical race theory. Most recently, she was involved in a high-profile spat with Dr. Who actor David Tennant over LGBT rights in the U.K.

Mrs Badenoch leaves the strongest mark. She is vivid and brave, Charles Moore, a member of the House of Lords appointed by Johnson, wrote for The Telegraph. She makes Tories feel that at last someone is ready to take on socialism once more. Moore also articulates some of the downsides of Badenochs candidacy, writing that it is not only political opponents she likes to assail. She is such a pugilist that even Conservatives can feel bruised by her After the years of Boris and the weeks of Liz Truss, some want a leader who is steadier, calmer and more strategic.

Indeed, Badenoch faced accusations of creating an intimidating atmosphere during her tenure at the Department for Business and Trade, with at least three former staffers leaving the department due to what they allegedly said in private were her bullying and traumatizing remarks in meetings.

While the YouGov poll favors Badenoch, former Minister of State for Immigration Robert Jenrick has claimed the most votes from MPs so far in this race, with 33 MPs to Badenochs 28 in the second voting round in early September. The former centrist quickly became a darling of the right during his tenure as Sunaks immigration minister, demanding tough measures to tackle the increasing numbers of migrants attempting to reach the U.K. in small boats. He eventually resigned his post rather than supporting a moderated version of the Tories controversial policy that called for relocating asylum seekers and illegal migrants to Rwanda.

Mr Jenrick is the one who has made up the most ground in the campaign so far, Moore wrote. Since his resignation as immigration minister last year, he has transformed himself from a seemingly rather identikit middle-ranking minister into a thoughtful and tough-minded campaigner.

Jenricks candidacy also comes with a hint of scandal. In 2020, Labour and Liberal Democrat MPs accused Jenrick, then housing secretary, of improperly expediting approval for a housing development and saving its party-donor owner an estimated 45 million pounds (nearly $60 million) in council charges. Jenrick was also accused of breaking the U.K.s strict COVID lockdown rules to deliver food and medicine to his parents. Though the government backed Jenricks actions during COVID, Prime Minister Boris Johnson eventually sacked him in 2021.

As leader, Jenrick has said he would move the Conservative Party toward the Reform Party, which enjoyed unprecedented success in the last election, arguing Conservatives need to put the upstart outfit out of business. Still, some Tories on the right flank of the party regard Jenrick with suspicion, pointing to his earlier criticism of anti-asylum rhetoric.

From the Conservatives more centrist wing, former Home and Foreign Secretary James Cleverly also has a strong chance to end up leader, collecting 21 MP votes in the most recent round of voting, tying with former Security Minister Tom Tugendhat. According to an August Ipsos poll, Conservative voters rated Cleverly, the only contender in the contest to hold multiple of the UKs four prestigious Great Offices of State, as the most likely to be a good Conservative leader.

Cleverlys campaign has focused largely on foreign issues. He has vowed to resurrect the Rwanda depotation policy but has stopped short of promising to leave the European Court of Human Rights, which challenged the legality of the program, contrasting with Jenrick and fellow candidate Tom Tugendhat. Cleverly also has made his pledge to spend 3 percent of GDP on defense a central focus of his campaign and has stumped with the former defense secretary. On domestic issues, Cleverly has called for an abolition of taxes on homeownership for homes worth more than 250,000 pounds (about $333,000), or 425,000 pounds for first-time buyers.

Only James can unite our party, hold the government to account, and win the next General Election, Conservative MP Gagan Mohindra posted on X. Echoing that sentiment, MP Peter Fortune called Cleverly A communicator. A unifier. A leader. in a statement endorsing him for leader.

Not everyone in the party shares this view of Cleverly as a skilled communicator who can unite the party, however. It does seem a bit worrying that Mr Cleverly, who has held two of the great offices of state (the Foreign Office and the Home Office) is such a blank page, Moore wrote in his op-ed. Can anyone say, for example, what he really thought about immigration when he oversaw it?

The fourth candidate, Tugendhat, was seen as a centrist by MPs during his first run for leadership in 2022 but has since backed some positions held by Badenoch and Jenrick. We know what a woman is. We all want lower taxes. We all know national security must come before Treasury spreadsheets, Tugendhat wrote in The Telegraph. We all know that energy security and household bills come first.

Moore views the Afghanistan war veteran as having a more unblemished record than his competitors. In his admittedly brief ministerial career, he well articulated his security portfolio, setting it in its global context.  Against that, is the feeling among some that he has not built up a strong enough parliamentary base and is a bit to the Left at a time when momentum is with the Right, Moore wrote.

With Prime Minister Keir Starmer already having faced a crisis with anti-immigrant riots in August and currently embroiled in a scandal over accepting gifts from wealthy donors, the Labour leaders approval rating has dropped below Sunaks. If the Conservatives can unite strongly behind a Sunak successor, as the ousted prime minister urged them to do in a speech at the conference, they could regroup for a shot at regaining power when the next election is called. Finding a new identity will start with finding a new leader.

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By Philip Blenkinsop and Alistair Smout

BRUSSELS/LONDON (Reuters) -British Prime Minister Keir Starmer said he would work in good faith towards resetting relations with Brussels after talks with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen at which they agreed to work at pace to deepen cooperation.

Starmer, whose Labour Party won an election in July, has said his government will not seek wholesale renegotiation of the Brexit deal that took Britain out of the European Union in 2020.

But he is looking to tweak the relationship in a range of areas. The European Union shares his desire for a joint security pact, but talks on barriers to the movement of goods and people could prove tougher.

Starmer acknowledged there would be challenges in talks, but said the meetings were about turning the page on the relationship rather than getting into the thornier topics that would have to be discussed.

"There will be issues which are difficult to resolve and on areas on which we will stand firm... but we will find constructive ways to work together," Starmer said at a press conference.

Starmer and von der Leyen agreed to hold regular EU-UK leader summits, with the first set to take place in early 2025.

They also agreed in a joint statement to meet again in the autumn before the first summit, in order to "take forward this agenda of strengthened cooperation at pace".

Eyeing an EU reset, Starmer has already visited Berlin, Paris, Rome and Dublin since the election.

As well as von der Leyen, Starmer met with European Council President Charles Michel and President of the European Parliament Roberta Metsola on the first visit to Brussels by a British PM since 2019.

Starmer's election followed years of turmoil under Conservative governments since 2010, with two prime ministers forced to quit over their handling of Brexit and ministers often pursuing a confrontational approach with Brussels.

"Tone does matter. Resetting does matter, and that has been a very important part of the message," he said.

WARMER TONE

Von der Leyen said Britain and the EU's "alignment on global affairs" provided a good foundation for bilateral relations, emphasising broad agreement between the two on European security concerns and climate change.

"We should explore the scope for more co-operation, while we focus on the full and faithful implementation of the withdrawal agreement," she said after greeting Starmer.

Starmer has ruled out any return to the EU's single market, its customs union or freedom of movement arrangements.

But he has pledged to seek a new veterinary agreement aimed at reducing border checks and also wants the mutual recognition of certain professional qualifications, and easier access to the EU for artists on tour.

While Starmer's warmer tone has been welcomed by EU leaders, both sides have recognised that changes in the substance of the relationship will be subject to tough negotiation, even if the main tenets of the Brexit settlement are not touched.

Starmer has said there are no plans for a youth mobility scheme, rejecting an EU proposal to allow 18 to 30-year-old EU citizens to live in Britain and young Britons to stay in the EU for up to four years.

Youth mobility is a key EU demand and London's acceptance, perhaps in a watered-down form, may be a condition for moving forward on Britain's wish list.

Starmer declined to answer questions on details of differences in stance on areas like youth mobility or fishing, saying a much more constructive approach than his predecessors "doesn't mean that challenges aren't there".

"It doesn't mean it's going to be easy," he said.

(Reporting by Philip Blenkinsop in Brussels and Alistair Smout in London; additional reporting by Muvija M in London; Editing by Gareth Jones, Angus MacSwan and Jan Harvey)
The UK, US and Australia have announced sanctions against 16 people authorities accuse of being part of the most wanted cyber crime gang in the world.

Russia-based Evil Corp is accused of stealing around $300m in nearly ten years of hacking.

The UKs National Crime Agency (NCA) says it can now reveal the gangs notorious leader, Maksim Yakubets, has been supported by his father Viktor Yakubets - something he had denied when interviewed by the BBC in 2021.

The information has been released as part of a large, multinational operation to disrupt Evil Corp and another notorious hacking group called LockBit.

Known for their mafia-style of operation, Evil Corp has waged a campaign of destructive cyber-attacks worldwide for over a decade.

In 2019, Maksim Yakubets was sanctioned and a $5m bounty was put up for his arrest, along with another man called Igor Turashev.

Other Russian individuals, including Yakubets' brother Artem, were also named as part of the US sanctions and designations.

In 2021 the BBC travelled to Russia to search for and interview members of the gang to get their side of the story.

At a former home of Maksim Yakubets we found his father, who gave an impassioned defence of his son while claiming he was personally innocent.

But now the NCA says that Yakubets senior was a major part of the cyber-crime group, accusing him of aiding the gang in laundering some of its stolen funds.

As well as the Yakubets family members, Maksim's father-in-law was also sanctioned for helping to protect and coordinate the group with his connections to the Russian security services.

Western authorities have now officially linked Eduard Benderskiy, a former high-ranking FSB official, to Evil Corp.

"Maksim Yakubets and his Evil Corp gang has for years lived the archetypal Russian hacker playboy lifestyle seemingly untouchable to law enforcement but todays announcement shows that we are still watching, digging and determined to disrupt them and bring them to justice," said Will Lyne, Head of Cyber Intelligence at the NCA.

LockBit connections

Another of those sanctioned is Aleksandr Ryzhenkov, described by the NCA as the younger Yakubets right-hand man, and an affiliate of the notorious ransomware gang LockBit.

It's the first time that a member of Evil Corp has been linked to another major gang and indicates that hackers are working across groups to carry out attacks.

As well as the sanctions, four arrests were made, including two in the UK.

In August, the NCA executed a number of search warrants in the south of England and arrested a 46-year-old male who is suspected of being linked to a LockBit affiliate.

A 50-year-old female was also arrested on suspicion of money laundering offences.

They too were interviewed and later released under investigation whilst the criminal investigation continues.

Both individuals were identified through the analysis and enrichment of data acquired during the course of Operation Cronos - the international police operation that brought down LockBit's internal infrastructure.

The action announced today has taken place in conjunction with extensive and complex investigations by the NCA into two of the most harmful cybercrime groups of all time," said James Babbage, Director General for Threats at the NCA.

The NCA said Evil Corp's links to the Russian links to the Russian state had been exposed.

"Today's sanctions send a clear message to the Kremlin that we will not tolerate Russian cyber-attacks - whether from the state itself or from its cyber-criminal ecosystem," said foreign secretary David Lammy.
Ukraine has exponentially increased domestic ammunition production over the past two years and has successfully tested its own ballistic missile, President Volodymyr Zelensky said on Oct. 1 at Ukraine's second international defense industry forum.

Ukraine hosted its first international defense industry forum in fall 2023, bringing together over 250 defense contractors from around the world. This year's forum, held in Kyiv, included nearly 300 companies from over 30 countries.

Zelensky's address highlighted Ukraine's success in boosting its defense produciton capacity.

"In the first half of this year alone, Ukraine produced 25 times more artillery and mortar ammunition than in the entire year of 2022," Zelensky said.

According to the president, Ukraine can now produce 4 million drones per year and has already contracted 1.5 million. The country is also producing between 15-20 Bohdana howitzers per month.

Zelensky also discussed the development of long-range weapons, including Ukraine's Palianytsia missile-drone and homegrown ballistic missile.

"Our new ballistic missile has successfully passed flight tests," he said.

Zelensky first mentioned that Ukraine had tested its own ballistic missile in late August, though he did not share details about the project.

Domestically produced long-range weapons are of key importance to Ukraine's defense strategy as Western partners refuse to authorize deep strikes in Russia with foreign-made missiles. Despite Zelensky's appeal to Washington during his recent White House visit, the U.S. has not altered its policy on long-range strikes.

U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said on Sept. 30 that Kyiv can strike targets in the Russian interior using Ukrainian-made weapons without permission from the U.S.

Ukraine has had success hitting military targets, including airfields and ammunition depots, deep in Russian territory using long-range drones.

Read also: Ukraine says it has a new ballistic missile  heres what they do

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Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR) and Foreign Ministry evacuated 179 people from Lebanon on Oct. 1 amid escalating violence in the Middle East, the Foreign Ministry reported.

The evacuation comes after Israel on Oct. 1 launched a ground invasion of southern Lebanon as part of its campaign against the Iranian-backed militant group Hezbollah. In the days leading up to the incursion, Israel intensified aerial attacks against Lebanon, killing hundreds.

Iran retaliated aganst the incursion with a missile attack against an Israeli air base.

In a statement following Israel's ground invasion, the Foreign Ministry called on all parties "to exercise maximum restraint in order to prevent the conflict from developing into a large-scale regional war."

Ukraine later announced it had successfully evacuated 179 people, including 134 Ukrainian citizens.

"Among the Ukrainians, there are 112 adults and 22 children," the Foreign Ministry said.

"In addition, 45 people of other nationalities were evacuated citizens of Poland, the Czech Republic, Lithuania, Moldova, Brazil and Lebanon."

A dog and a cat were included in the evacuation, the ministry added.

Kyiv began evacuating Ukrainians from Lebanon in early August in response to heightening tensions in the region. Since then, Ukraine has evacuated 234 people from Lebanon.

The ministry thanked Poland and SkyUp Airlines for assisting with the operation.

Read also: Kyiv evacuates first 30 Ukrainians from Lebanon amid escalation in Middle East

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President Volodymyr Zelensky has said Ukraine faces a "very challenging" situation on the front lines, adding that "everything that can be done this fall, everything we can achieve, we must achieve."

Speaking during his daily address on Sept. 30, Zelensky said he had held more than two-and-a-half hours of talks with Commander-in-Chief Oleksandr Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff Anatolii Barhylevych that day.

"The situation is very challenging," Zelensky said, adding: "The most important thing is to put pressure on Russia using all available means and tools to achieve our goal of a real and just peace for Ukraine and all our people as soon as possible."

Russia continues to press forward on its offensives across the eastern front, primarily on the Pokrovsk, Vuhledar, and Toretsk axes in Donetsk Oblast, where outnumbered and outgunned Ukrainian soldiers are forced to withdraw little by little.

Russian troops also appear to be preparing for assault operations in the southeastern Zaporizhzhia Oblast, where "the enemy is amassing personnel," the Ukrainian military's Southern Command spokesman Vladyslav Voloshyn said on Sept. 28.

"These are such signs of preparation for the fact that in the near future, assault actions will be carried out in the Zaporizhzhia direction," Voloshyn said, though stressing that it would require larger forces for a full-blown offensive.

The spokesman suggested that the potential operation may be Russia's attempt at improving its tactical position in the area, but "there is no talk of an offensive yet."

Read also: Russian forces enter Vuhledar, situation extremely difficult, governor says

The village of Pryiutne lies about 40 kilometers west of Vuhledar, a mining town that Russian troops have been trying to seize for more than two years. Russia has scaled up its offensive on Vuhledar in August, slowly gaining ground to encircle the town.

The defense of Vuhledar is strategic as capturing the town would allow Moscow to form the southern flank, which is needed as a staging ground for a bigger push onto Pokrovsk  a crucial Ukrainian-controlled logistic hub in the Donbas.

Zelensky highlighted the upcoming leader-level meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group in Germany later this month as being critical for the future course of the war.

The Ukraine Defense Contact Group is the U.S.-led group consisting of over 50 countries, including all 32 NATO members, that convenes at the U.S. Ramstein Air Base in Germany. The last Ramstein meeting on Sept. 6 was the group's 24th gathering since its establishment in April 2022.

"This will be a special Ramstein," Zelensky said, adding: "And our partners will receive all the details and arguments from our side on how to ensure results in the coming months both at the front and in diplomatic work.

"The power of weapons and the power of diplomacy are always effective when working together, and this is exactly our plan  this is exactly how we should implement the victory plan.

"We are also expecting concrete actions from our partners to strengthen our strategy. This applies to all our partners  our strength lies in the fact that the free world is defending itself."

Zelensky presented his five-point victory plan to his U.S. counterpart Joe Biden at the White House on Sept. 26. He also discussed it with presidential candidates Donald Trump and Kamala Harris and members of Congress.

The plan includes military and diplomatic components, including Ukraine's invitation to join NATO, but the full details of the peace framework have not yet been publicized. The goal of the plan is to strengthen Ukraine's future negotiating position and push Russia to make a just peace, Kyiv has said.

Read also: Recurring failures to launch Satan ICBM throw shadow on Putins nuclear saber-rattling

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Several Russia-installed proxy officials in occupied Donetsk Oblast have been declared suspected of forcibly deporting a group of 31 Ukrainian children to Russia, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office announced on Oct. 1.

The Prosecutor General's Office named Denys Pushylin, the Russia-installed proxy head of Donetsk Oblast, and two of his officials, Eleanora Fedorenko and Svitlana Maiboroda, as suspects in the case.

Maiboroda was identified by the Kyiv Independent's War Crimes Investigations Unit in their documentary "Uprooted." The team passed on the evidence collected during the making of the film to the prosecutors.

The Prosecutor General's Office expressed gratitude to Ukrainian investigative journalists, including the Kyiv Independent, who conducted investigations into the deportations and passed on their materials.

Russian authorities and their collaborators have illegally deported thousands of Ukrainian children from occupied territories to Russia and placed them in foster families, where they are raised as Russians.

This particular case concerns the deportation of 19 orphans from Mariupol and nine children from the cities of Shakhtarsk and Khartsyzk in Donetsk Oblast. Another three children from Mariupol were taken away from their father at a filtration camp.

The suspects facilitated the deportation of the group of children, the youngest of whom was six years old at the time, from Ukrainian territory.

The transfer of the children "did not meet the requirements of international humanitarian law, as it was not justified by security or health reasons," the Prosecutor General's Office noted.

Read also: Kyiv Independents investigation Uprooted wins international media award

According to the Prosecutor General's Office, the children were first taken by bus to the Russian city of Rostov-on-Don and later taken by plane to Moscow.

Ukrainian investigators found that the plane used to organize the flight belongs to a particular unit that is subordinate to Russian President Vladimir Putin's administration.

Despite being Ukrainian, the children were issued Russian passports and given to Russian adoptive families.

Among the group was a 17-year-old from Mariupol who was effectively adopted by Maria Lvova-Belova, Putin's Commissioner for Children's Rights and the Kremlin official who allegedly oversees the forced deportation of Ukrainian children to Russia.

In March 2023, the International Criminal Court (ICC) issued arrest warrants for Putin and Maria Lvova-Belova for their roles in the illegal deportation of Ukrainian children.

The three children from Mariupol managed to reunite with their father on their own, while three teenagers were returned to Ukraine by the Ukrainian authorities. The other 25 children remain in Russia.

Weve been working hard to bring you independent, locally-sourced news from Ukraine. Consider supporting the Kyiv Independent.
Ukraine-Russia latest: Five things you need to know today

An American aircraft flew a safe and disciplined intercept of a Russian fighter jet in Alaskas air defence identification zone

Russian fighter jet swoops dangerously close to American aircraft

An American aircraft was forced to take evasive action in airspace near Alaska after a Russian fighter jet swooped dangerously close, footage released by the US military has revealed.

The US Air Force had been tracking a Russian nuclear-capable TU-95 bomber flying through Alaskas air defence identification zone at the time of the aerial altercation.

In the footage, a Russian SU-35 Flanker fighter jet can be seen suddenly darting between the two aircraft on its side.

The North American Aerospace Defence Commands F-16 fighter jet was forced to dodge the manoeuvre by diving out of the way of the Russian aircraft.

Russian forces enter Vuhledar

Russian forces have entered the town of Vuhledar, once considered a Ukrainian fortress, and are beginning a mopping-up operation, Russian and Ukrainian military bloggers have said.

In footage, Russian flags are seen flying from some buildings in the town, with Volodymyr Zelensky reportedly ordering Ukraines 72nd Brigade to retreat.

Vuhledar has never been captured by Russian forces and is considered strategically important as it commands high ground overlooking an important east-west road.

The capture of Vuhledar will also hand Vladimir Putin his most high-profile battlefield victory since February when his forces took the town of Avdiivka.

Russian artillery strike kills at least six

At least six people have been killed by a Russian artillery strike on a market in the centre of Kherson city in southern Ukraine.

Photos of the attack show rescue workers in body armour stepping over debris and damage in the Central Market.

The attack came shortly before Ukrainians across the country stood for a minutes silence to mark Defenders Day.

Visit to Ukraine-controlled Sudzha in Russia

The Telegraph recently visited Ukraine-controlled Sudzha in Russia, a town captured during Kyivs incursion into Kursk.

While Ukrainian forces took Sudzha relatively intact, Russian strikes are now slowly levelling it.

Approaching the town in a car, we were all well aware that an experienced FPV drone pilot was capable of negating our jamming countermeasures.

Our best defence was to drive fast, not stay in any one location for too long and look as inconspicuous as possible.

Ukraines defence minister fires four deputies

Rustem Umerov, Ukraines defence minister, has fired four of his eight deputies.

This may be linked to corruption as he also said that defence procurement procedures needed to be changed.

He said: All processes within [the Ministry of Defence] must be clear and controlled.

He added: External or internal attempts to influence them [the processes] are unacceptable.

There have been several scandals over defence procurement in the Ukrainian army since Russias full-scale invasion in February 2022.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Ukraine top of the agenda as Mark Rutte takes up NATO general secretary role

NATO has to ensure that Ukraine "prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation," Mark Rutte said on Oct. 1, as he took the helm as the new secretary general of the military alliance.

Speaking alongside the outgoing Jens Stoltenberg during a press conference at NATO headquarters in Brussels, Rutte praised his predecessor's achievements during his tenure.

"Youve already mentioned the priorities youve been working on and these priorities well take forward in the future  Ukraine," he said.

"We have to make sure that Ukraine prevails as a sovereign, independent, democratic nation."

Rutte added that NATO members have to "spend more" in order to "increase our collective defense," adding: "NATOs partnerships have to go wider, and deeper, given all the insecurities in the world."

Answering questions from reporters, Rutte also addressed the upcoming U.S. presidential election, diplomatically addressing both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump.

"I know both candidates very well. I worked for four years with Donald Trump. He was pushing us to spend more, and he achieved it  at the moment we are at a much higher spending level," he said, adding: "He was also pushing us off China, and he was right.

"Of course, Kamala Harris has a fantastic record as vice president, she is a highly respected figure. So, I hope, I will be able to work with both."

Ukraine is still hoping to join NATO, and an invitation is part of Kyiv's victory plan, the head of the Presidential Office Andriy Yermak said on Sept. 24.

Ukraine applied for NATO membership in September 2022, half a year into Russia's full-scale invasion.

The July NATO summit in Washington ended with the launch of the Ukraine Compact, a security framework signed by 32 allies.

The countries affirmed Kyiv's "irreversible" path toward membership, though Ukraine did not receive any definitive news about its future accession.

Read also: Who is Mark Rutte, NATOs new Secretary General

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U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., poses for selfies with students following a rally at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News An attendee listens to speakers during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, addresses attendees during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A camera flash illuminates Greg Casar, D-Texas, as he addresses attendees during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Landon Shea, right, stands and cheer for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY; U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders I-Vt.; and U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas; stand together at the conclusion of the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-NY, speaks at the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Jairo Lopez, 18, of Michigan, right, stands and cheers for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News Braiden Touchette, 19, of San Antonio cheers for U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., as he speaks onstage during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., addresses the crowd during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Rep. Greg Casar, D-Texas, greets the crowd as Beto ORourke listens during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News A young person takes a selfie with Beto ORourke following the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, I-Vt., speaks during the Our Fight Our Future Rally held at Texas State University on Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, in San Marcos, Texas. Josie Norris/San Antonio Express-News

SAN MARCOSU.S. Sen. Bernie Sanders joined U.S. Reps. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and Greg Casar at Texas State University on Tuesday to focus on the states burgeoning field of young progressive energy ahead of this years presidential election.

Sanders, the Vermont Independent who connected well with young voters during his two presidential runs in 2016 and 2020, encouraged students to register to vote, organize and run for office themselves.

READ MORE: Greg Casar to rally with Bernie Sanders in San Antonio as he seeks to lead House Progressive Caucus

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Look at Alexandria, look at Greg, Sanders told a youthful crowd of several hundred. We as a nation have elected young, great leaders who are going to fight for the working class and take on big money.

The appearance, which also included former U.S. Rep. Beto ORourke, came during a three-city swing for Sanders through Casars Central Texas district. Their rallies targeted young voters along the fast-growing I-35 corridor, which swung sharply towards Democrats in recent cycles and has seen explosive growth in registered voters.

Casar, a first-term Austin congressman, is expected to win in November and take up Sanders former mantle as the House Progressive Caucus chair next year.

Democrats see college campuses in places like San Marcos Hays County as key to their dreams of flipping Texas blue and capturing U.S. Sen. Ted Cruzs seat this November. The county has outpaced the state in population growth and has 67% more registered voters compared to ten years ago.

Hays County used to be considered this ruby-red county. Now you have some Democratic elected officials, and we can finish the job, Casar said. Even if we bring this race even closer than President Biden did, then Texas is on the battleground state map for good.

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Casar added that the tours voter registration focus was in part a response to Attorney General Ken Paxtons efforts to limit the ability of counties, including Bexar County, to send voter registration forms to residents.

For Ocasio-Cortez, the visit was a return to Texas roots. The congresswoman spent time just down the street from Texas State as a high schooler in the National Hispanic Institutes student leadership program. She also invoked the universitys place in progressive history as the alma mater of former President Lyndon B. Johnson.

I started out organizing here in the state of Texas, Ocasio-Cortez said. I wouldnt be here if it wasnt for Texas State University.

Sanders, meanwhile, has been a regular presence in Texas for several years now, barnstorming the state during the 2020 Democratic primary as a presidential candidate and rallying with Casar during early voting in 2022. The senators populist brand has performed well with young people and Latinos, two key blocs that polls show may be slipping from Democrats. Texas is a Latino-plurality state and is the second-youngest state in the country, after Utah.

The senator listed off raising the minimum wage and addressing housing shortages as key to energizing working-class voters who have swung towards Republicans in recent years.

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You can't win elections unless you talk to the needs of working class people, Sanders said in an interview. Youve got to deal with the issues that impact the vast majority of the people, and you have to have the courage to take on big money interests.
Local celebrities are stepping into the spotlight for our 2024 Dancing for the Arts competition fundraiser.

It is happening on Saturday, Nov 2, at the Davis Theatre in downtown Concord.

Theyre perfecting their moves to give you an unforgettable evening that you dont want to miss! Grab your tickets and then make a donation to your favorite star to help them win the grand prize while raising funds for the arts.

Visit cabarrusartscouncil.org/DFTA to get more information.

Information for ticketed events

For tickets or to RSVP for Cabarrus Arts Council events, visit https://bit.ly/Cabarrus ArtsLinks.

Give to the Cabarrus Arts Council: Help keep art alive in our community through a donation of any size. Visit cabarrus artscouncil. org/support/ how-to-donate.

This week

(Oct. 1-Oct. 6)

Open Call: Art Pop Street Gallery  Applications open until Oct. 13 at 11:59 p.m. Calling all local artists! See your artwork on a billboard thanks to the @artpopstreetgallery #ArtPopCLT Cities Program. This annual juried-in artist exhibition has a twist  the gallery is the entire Charlotte region! See your artwork on billboards, in retail developments, on digital displays and more. Get all the details on the ArtPop Street Gallery website! Applications are open until 10/13/2024. Check out all details and how to apply at www.artpopstreetgallery.com/apply.

Roots/Raices Exhibition: Closes Friday, Oct. 4, 5-7 p.m. Roots/Raices showcases the work of three Latino artists working in different mediums. From Miguel Aragons pursuit to freeze a specific moment and passing of time with his prints to Julio Gonzalezs head masks exploring the observations of the world and Rosalia Torres-Weiners art activism paintings. Each of these artists creates and presents a dialogue of their past, present and future through the lens of history and culture. Free; no registration required. Cabarrus Arts Council is at 65 Union St. S. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.

Buffalo Nichols On Stage at the Davis: Friday, Oct. 4, 7:30 p.m. Since his earliest infatuations with guitar, Carl Buffalo Nichols has asked himself the same question: how can I bring the blues of the past into the future? Nichols vision for the blues is of a form of music thats intimately tied to everyday life, something thats reflected not only in the choice of instrumentation, but in the complexities and topics of his songwriting. Concessions available for purchase; all ages welcome. Ticket purchase required. Held at 65 Union St. S. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org or call 704-920-2787.

Concord International Festival: Saturday, Oct. 5, noon to 6 p.m. Join us and enjoy a world mosaic of different countries and cultures at the Concord International Festival in downtown Concord. Be amazed by colorful ethnic performances, enjoy arts and crafts from around the world, taste exquisite international food, experience cultural booths and education, and have your children play at our kids corner with internationally inspired attractions. Fun for the entire family! Free, and all ages are welcome to downtown Concord and Market Street. For more information, visit www.concordinternationalfestival.com.

Mount Pleasant Fall Festival: Saturday, Oct. 5, 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Craft festival, childrens games and activities and food vendors. On North Main Street between Highway 73 and Park Drive in Mount Pleasant. Vendor registrations are only taken through the town of Mount Pleasant. Visit the town website for vendor applications and details. Free; all ages welcome to 8590 Park Drive, Mount Pleasant. For more information, visit TOWN OF MOUNT PLEASANT FALL CRAFT FESTIVAL  Facebook.

CAG Annual Fall Judged Art Show Opening Reception  Sunday, Oct. 6 at 2 p.m. You are invited to the Cabarrus Art Guilds Opening Reception ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Street NW, Concord (Enter at main entrance on Crowell Street). Winners will be announced, and light refreshments will be served. Come and meet local artists and join us in celebrating their artwork. This is always a terrific event. Dont miss a moment! All ages welcome. Free. No registration required. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

Next week

(Oct. 7-Oct. 13)

Coffee and Crafting  Monday, Oct. 7, 10-11 a.m. Start your week off right, with coffee and a craft at the Concord Library. This months craft well create mini ghostly paintings. Adults only. Free. Registration required. Concord Library, 27 Union St. S. For more information or to register, visit www.cabarruscounty.us.

Art on the Go  Friday, Oct. 11, 2:30-4:30 p.m. Join us for a special traveling arts program from the Cabarrus Arts Council. Well celebrate Hispanic Heritage month with hands-on activities. Ages 6-11. Free. No registration required. Midland Library, 4297 C Hwy 24/27 E. For more information, visit www.cabrruscounty.us.

Art Club  Saturday, Oct. 12, 2:30-5 p.m. Artists of all kinds are welcome to come together and create in a group setting. Bring your own items or borrow some of ours to work independently on art pieces. Bring in your own works in progress or create something new from prepared art prompts. Drop in. Ages 13+. Free. No registration required. Harrisburg Library, 201 Sims Parkway. For more information, visit www.cabarruscounty.us.

Stitch & Knit: Make a Pet Ghost!  Saturday, Oct. 12, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Ever thought of adopting a ghost? Join us to create a spooky felt friend that is free to a good, haunted home. All materials provided. Ages 10+. Free. Registration required. Concord Library, 27 Union St. S.

CAG Class: Fixing and Finishing Your Watercolor  Its Only Paper with Linda Griffin  Saturday, Oct. 12, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. In this workshop, Linda will be showing you some of her failures and what she will do to them to make them more exciting or at least learn how to approach them the next time (fixing and finishing ideas). To her, it is very exciting to see students start taking risks and coming up with ideas and ways to change a painting that didnt turn out to our liking. All too often we put these in a bin and start a new one! But  once it is no longer precious, we are now free to experiment and take risks. Bring a few of your unfinished or less-than-perfect paintings that Linda can use to suggest, demonstrate or play with in front of the group. We all learn from each other. Students are encouraged to review Lindas suggested supply list on her website, www.lindagriffin.com. Remember to bring lunch and a drink. Class size varies between eight and 12 people, and students must be 18 unless accompanied by an adult. To register: Send an email to Linda at lindag6@icloud.com. Registrations will be accepted through Oct. 1. Payment must be made at the time of registration using Venmo, Zelle or sending a check to Linda directly. Payment info and mailing details will be provided via email upon registration. Class cost: CAG members, $60/non-members, $65. Class will be held at Five Oaks Art Studio, 1247 Rural Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

CAG FREE DEMO: Fine Art Demonstration with Walter Stanford  Sunday, Oct. 13, 2-4 p.m. You are invited to join us for a demonstration/talk by Walter Stanford, fine artist, designer and illustrator. Walter is a 1986 graduate of East Carolina University where he earned a BFA from the School of Art with a major in illustration and a minor in printmaking. Over the course of his career, he has worked as a national freelance illustrator, advertising art director and screen print artist. He now brings all these experiences together to create dramatic wildlife portraits. He brings the subject in close where the viewer can get a sense of the animals personality. As Walter states, I want to bring that animal into a persons home! Walters studio is in the ClearWater Arts Center and Studios in Concord and his works are represented by the Art Cellar Gallery in Banner Elk. Arrive before 2 p.m. so as not to interrupt the presentation. All ages welcome. Free. No registration required. ClearWater Arts Center and Studios is at 223 Crowell Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

Upcoming

Local Bottle Shop presents: Sip & Paint with Abigayle Davis  Wednesday, Oct. 16, 6:30 p.m. Join us for our sip and paint night with @chula.creative! Get ready for a spook-tacular evening of painting as we transform your home into a haunted house for the fall season! Sip on your favorite drinks while creating eerie autumn-inspired masterpieces! $35 per person. Includes pre-drawn canvas of an architectural structure of your choosing & art materials. Please sign up in advance to secure your space as it will be limited. Adults. Registration required. Held at 9 Union St. N., Ste 110, Concord. For more information, or to register, visit Local Bottle Shop or call 704-488-6129.

2024 N.C. Music Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony: Thursday, Oct. 17, 6-10 p.m. The N.C. Music Hall of Fame announces six new inductees in its 2024 class. Join the celebration at the annual induction ceremony this fall. The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame will pay homage to six North Carolinians with their induction into its Hall of Fame. Those selected have left an indelible mark on the world of music. A ceremony to honor the inductees (presented by Visit Mooresville) will be held on Thursday, Oct. 17. The event will not only commemorate the great musical artists to be inducted but will also celebrate the 30-year anniversary of the Hall of Fame organization. The 2024 inductees are Petey Pablo, Clarence Avant, Tommy Faile, Mary Cardwell Dawson, Bobby Hicks and Merge Records. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.northcarolinamusichalloffame.org.

New CAG Class: Create a Sleeping Kitty Needle Felted Fiber Painting with Irene Heckel-Volpe: Saturday, Oct. 26, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Learn to use needle felting wool fiber to paint a picture. We will be starting with a pre-felt base (sheet of partially felted wool) that has a transfer of the simple photo of a peaceful sleeping cat. Then, using our fibers and needles we will recreate our picture in fiber (and of course use our creative license). We will be learning to blend fibers to get our results. Students only need to bring a sense of humor and their imagination. Heckel-Volpe has won many awards for her work across the country. She has produced an instructional DVD and is currently working on a needle felting book. Adults 18 or older; maximum number of students, 12; class cost: $60 for CAG members, $65 for nonmembers; materials cost: $15. The materials fee may be paid on the day of the class. To register: Send an email to Irene@ireneheckel.com. Payment in advance by check. Address will be provided at the time of registration. Material cost to be paid on day of class at Five Oaks Art Studio, 1247 Rural Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

Cabarrus Arts Council Annual Clay Exhibition  Friday, Oct. 25 to Saturday, Jan. 11. Join us for the annual celebration of Clay! Our Galleries will be filled with clay works featuring more than 15 artists from across the country, including Seagrove, N.C. CAC is open Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and selective Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.

CAC Clay Exhibition Orientation  Thursday, Oct. 31, 11 a.m. to noon. Cabarrus Arts Councils annual Clay Exhibition showcases the work of over 15 artists from across the country! Join us for coffee and refreshments while we learn about the artists featured in the exhibit. All ages welcome. Free. No registration required. Cabarrus Arts Council is at 65 Union St. S. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartscouncil.org.

The Lenz Studio Presents: 2nd Harmony Under The Stars Dinner Extravaganza!  Friday, Oct. 25, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Early Bird Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.instagram.com/thelenzstudio/.

NEW CAG CLASS: Needle Felt a Gnome for the Holidays with Irene Heckel-Volpe: Saturday, Oct. 26, 1-5 p.m. Come and create a cute (or maybe not so cute  oh  who are we kidding  they are all cute!) gnome character for yourself or a special someone. Create a decorative little Christmas helper and learn needle felting skills or add to the knowledge that you may already have. Students only need to bring a sense of humor and their imagination. Heckel-Volpe has won many awards for her work across the country. She has produced an instructional DVD and is currently working on a needle felting book. Adults 18 or older; maximum number of students, 12; class cost: $60 for CAG members, $65 for nonmembers; materials cost: $15. The materials fee may be paid on the day of the class. To register: Send an email to Irene@ireneheckel.com. Payment in advance by check. Address will be provided at the time of registration. Material cost to be paid on day of class at Five Oaks Art Studio, 1247 Rural Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

CAG Class: Creative Melodies with Linda Harris  Saturday, Nov. 9, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Come join us in making a fun, whimsical music box, yours to treasure or as a unique gift for someone special. You will be provided with a kit that includes all you need to create a music box including the musical components and decorative embellishments. Have fun painting, cutting, and with a few easy stitches you will develop your own musical creation. Make sure to bring your lunch! Linda has extensive experience in a variety of art forms. She has a passion for creating art with repurposed materials and has created several award-winning musical creations. Class is open to Teens +; class cost: $45 members/$50 non-members, plus cost of kit; materials cost: $25, kit that has everything you need to complete your project. Kit includes: musical implement and box, acrylic paint, felt, beads, needles and patterns. Linda will bring some basic tools (glue, scissors, etc.) but feel free to bring your own. To register: Send an email to Linda Harris at Lholcomb659@gmail.com. Instructor will provide details to pay by check, PayPal or Venmo at time of registration. Five Oaks Art Studio is at 1247 Rural Drive NW. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

ClearWater Arts Center & Studio 2nd Annual Holiday Market  Saturday, Dec. 7, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios invites you to its second annual Holiday Market to sell or shop! Join the ClearWater Tenant Artists  13 individual artists, the Cabarrus Art Guild (CAG) and the Southern Piedmont Woodturners (SPW)  along with other local artists and artisans, selling their original hand-crafted wares! Enjoy a celebratory atmosphere and explore ClearWaters expansive site while finding one-of-a-kind gift ideas and exceptional art that are sure to delight everyone on your gift list. An event not to be missed! Artists will be set up in studios and/or on sale tables in the Main Gallery upstairs, the Pass & Greenway Gallery downstairs, and in the newer Ceramics Center building. Guest vendors, space is limited; register online by Nov. 23 or before all spaces fill. First-come, first-served. ClearWaters Ceramics Center, too, will be open with its Saturday Intro to Clay class in session from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and a Public Workshop, Gingerbread House Tiles clay craft class from 2-4 p.m. open for viewing! (Register in advance to take the Public Workshop or any Ceramics Course; see our Civic Rec Registration online.) A New Exhibition of ClearWater Tenant Artists art will be featured in the Main Gallery  installation is the previous day. Be the first to see the new show! All ages welcome; free; no registration required. ClearWater Arts Center & Studio is at 223 Crowell Drive. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.

Ongoing

Love Local Thursdays in Downtown Concord  now to Oct. 3, 5-8 p.m. Starting in September, Downtown Concord introduces Love Local Thursdays  a community-driven event happening on the 1st and 3rd Thursdays of the month. Enjoy a fun night out dining at your favorite downtown Concord restaurants, late-night shopping with exclusive deals, and live music on Barbrick Avenue. Cozy up to one of our tables or bring your own chairs and stay a while! Explore unique pop-up markets inside The Lenz Studio, and take advantage of the new Social District, where you can stroll downtown with your favorite beverage. We hope youll join us on Thursdays as the start of something new in downtown Concord. Visit website for more information and businesses who will be participating. All ages welcome; free; no registration required. Held on Union Street North, Concord. For more information, visit www.explorecabarrus.com.

Generations: Highlighting Indigenous Peoples, Cultures and Artwork  Nov. 12 to Jan. 11, 2025. We want to invite you to come and engage in our cultural experience this November through January! We will present an exhibition called Generations: Highlighting Indigenous Peoples, Cultures and Artwork. This exhibit, in partnership with the Melungeon Heritage Association and the Catawba Cultural Center, will showcase and educate communities on the culture of Native Americans and Indigenous peoples. All submissions are subject to approval for accuracy and intention of artwork. Submission deadline was Sept. 6. For more information, visit www.cainarts.org/generations-open-call/.

The Swanee Theatre is the place to be for moving and grooving through your week. Mark your calendars. Kannapolis Parks and Recreation is offering several dancing opportunities for all to enjoy: Mondays  free line dancing from 6-8 p.m.; Tuesdays  free dance. Walk. Party. A Fitness experience! 5:30-6:30 p.m.; Wednesdays  Shag dancing, $5 a person, 6:30-9:30 p.m. Come out to any or all of these events to make new friends and discover a healthy life in Kannapolis. No registration needed, just come join the fun. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/CityofKannapolis.

Open Mic, Spotlight Series: Every fourth Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m. Come join us for this incredible spotlight series and open mic. Sign up to share on the mic at the event. Free to the public and best coffee in town. Free; no registration required at Wired Coffee Express, 469 N. Cannon Blvd. For more information, visit www.facebook.com/guerilla.poets.founders.

After-school and Adult Art Classes in drawing, painting, pottery and sculpture. After-school classes from 4:30-6:30 p.m. and adult classes from 6-8 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday or Thursday one day per week for six weeks. For more information, call 704-786-8570.

North Carolina Music Hall of Fame: The North Carolina Music Hall of Fame Museum is a safe, fun and touch-free visit for your friends and family. The museum is open to the public Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to noon and 1-4 p.m., closed noon to 1 p.m. for lunch. Reserve your visit at Make A Reservation  North Carolina Music Hall Of Fame, 600 Dale Earnhardt Blvd., Kannapolis.

Open Art Day: Every Tuesday, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Bring your lunch and drink, bring a project you are working on and your supplies. Or bring work youd like to share and discuss. This is a working, weekly meeting each Tuesday to work with and share with artists and like-minded people who appreciate creativity. ClearWater Arts Center & Studios is at 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord  enter through the double glass doors facing Kerr Street, called the Greenway Gallery. For more information, go to cabarrusartguild.org.

Caffeinate with Creatives: Every Second Saturday, 10-11 a.m. The Concord area is filled with artists of all kinds, so lets take some time to get to know each other. Join us every second Saturday for coffee and creative conversations. All artists are welcome; no registration; free, coffee for purchase at ClearWater Arts Center & Studios, 223 Crowell Drive NW, Concord. For more information, visit www.clearwaterartists.com.

Plein Air with the CAG: Calling all artists. First-timers welcome. Dont worry if you dont have all the things you think you need, this is a very informal gathering, and your fellow artists are happy to help. Reach out to get on the mailing list for various events. Has the idea or the fun of Plein Air ever fascinated you? To explain, Plein Air is a French term meaning, denoting or in the manner of a 19th-century style of painting outdoors, or with a strong sense of the open air, that became a central feature of French impressionism. Some famous Plein Air painters were among the most impressive painters from history, including Monet, Homer and Sargent. Within the Cabarrus Art Guild, a group of Plein air painters have banded together to enjoy the lovely North Carolina Piedmont and surrounding sites via Plein air. They have named themselves, Dusty Road Painters and meet to explore the indoors (inclement weather) and outdoors that offer countless opportunities to express ones artistic curiosity and passion. Have questions or interested in joining this free group of adventurous artists? Reach out to Plein Air Chair OLynda Walker at olynda.walker@gmail.com. Free. For more information, visit www.cabarrusartguild.org.

Rowan-Cabarrus Community College Course Offerings: Continuing Education courses available with Rowan-Cabarrus Community College. In addition to career courses, we also offer personal-enrichment courses. Call 702-216-7222 or register online at https://cce.rcc.edu/. New course offerings can be found at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1hwaTI5nAM_bMAiQ_XooVkANHnnJOqN63/edit.

FREE Outdoor Movie Nights: Join us on select Friday and Saturday nights through December as we enjoy iconic movies on the big screen. Bring a chair, grab a friend, and sip on a beer as you enjoy a free outdoor movie. Enjoy retro arcade games and throwback tunes one hour prior to the start of each movie. Food, drinks and movie concessions will be available for purchase. Limited table seating will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. For the best viewing experience, we recommend bringing your own chairs. This project is organized in partnership with Rice Family Community Events, Aurora Star Lit Cinema and Cabarrus Brewing Co., and is supported by a grant from the Grassroots Arts Program of the @ncartscouncil, a state agency, and the @cabarrusartscouncil. Free; all ages; located in the parking lot in front of the Cabarrus Brewing taproom entrance, 329 McGill Ave. NW, Concord. For more information, to see the full lineup or to purchase tickets for another event, visit www.cabarrusbrewing.com/events-calendar/.
Key developments on Oct. 1:

Russian forces enter Vuhledar, situation 'extremely difficult,' governor says

Russia attempts to capture new positions in Zaporizhzhia sector, preparing small-scale assaults, military says

Ukraine doesn't need US permission to strike back at Russia with homemade weapons, State Department says

Russian forces execute 16 Ukrainian POWs near Pokrovsk, prosecutors say

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'on verge of blackout' after Russian attack on substation, Ukraine says

Russian troops have entered the embattled town of Vuhledar in Donetsk Oblast, Governor Vadym Filashkin said on Oct. 1, adding that fighting is ongoing.

Speaking on national television, Filashkin described the situation as "extremely difficult," adding: "The enemy has already almost reached the center of the town."

"The fighting is going on within the town, so it is almost impossible to bring in humanitarian aid."

Later in the day, videos emerged on social media showing Russian soldiers flying the country's flag on the roof of an apartment building in the town.

Geolocated to the northern streets of Vuhledar's small and dense urban area, the videos suggest that a complete Ukrainian withdrawal from the town is highly likely.

A total of 107 civilians remain in Vuhledar, though all children have been evacuated, he added.

Ukraine's 72nd Mechanized Brigade has defended Vuhledar for nearly two years, as Russian forces have been trying to capture the town since the start of the full-scale invasion in 2022.

According to the crowd-sourced monitoring website DeepState on Oct. 1, Russian soldiers entered Vuhledar from the west and south.

In recent days, Russian forces advanced northeast of Vuhledar and on the western outskirts of the town, the Institute for the Study of War (ISW) reported on Sept. 30, citing geolocated footage.

The front-line town lies about 50 kilometers (30 miles) southwest of occupied Donetsk and roughly 40 kilometers (25 miles) east of the administrative border with Zaporizhzhia Oblast.

Vuhledar has withstood numerous attacks since the outbreak of the full-scale war in 2022 and has become key to Ukrainian defenses in the southern part of Donetsk Oblast.

Vuhledar is also the last fortified town before the village of Velyka Novosilka and the entire southern part of Donetsk Oblast that Ukraine controls.

Read also: Ukraine faces very challenging situation on front lines, Zelensky says

Russia attempts to capture new positions in Zaporizhzhia sector, preparing small-scale assaults, military says

Russian troops are trying to seize new positions in the Zaporizhzhia sector to improve their tactical position, Ukrainian military's Southern Command spokesperson Vladyslav Voloshyn told Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL) on Oct. 1.

Voloshyn said there were indications that Russian forces were gathering troops near the towns of Pryiutne and Robotyne in order to attack Ukrainian positions.

"There are certain signs that (the enemy) is taking such steps: concentrating personnel and moving them to the front line, training these assault groups, accumulating ammunition," he said.

Following Kyiv's ongoing incursion into Kursk Oblast, Russia reportedly began moving its troops from Ukraine's south and east to the Russian region, but Voloshyn said the number of troops in the Zaporizhzhia sector remained around the same.

Russia has only redeployed certain units and specialists to the Kursk direction and is increasing the number of personnel by 2,000-3,000 soldiers per week to replenish losses, Voloshyn said.

According to Voloshyn, Russia does not have enough troops to launch a large-scale offensive.

"No such groups have been spotted so far. Therefore, we can only say that the enemy is preparing for (smaller) assaults," Voloshyn said.

In recent days, Moscow's troops have intensified attacks against Zaporizhzhia, targeting its civilian infrastructure.

Read also: Russian attack on Zaporizhzhia kills 1, injures 24

Ukraine doesn't need US permission to strike back at Russia with homemade weapons, State Department says

Ukraine can use domestically-produced weapons to hit targets inside Russia, and does not need U.S. permission to do so, U.S. State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller said at a briefing on Sept. 30.

Kyiv has repeatedly promised it would not attack Russian territory with long-range weapons provided by Western allies without official approval. In turn, Ukraine has carried out successful attacks on targets inside Russia with homemade arms, namely long-range drones.

Over the past year, Ukraine has destroyed or damaged over 200 military facilities in Russia using "drone swarm" technology, Defense Minister Rustem Umerov said last month.

According to Miller, Kyiv can use "many" domestically-made weapons, and has "an enormous amount of material to defend itself."

Ukraine is also hoping for permission to use Western-supplied long-range missiles that it already possesses to strike military targets located deep inside Russian territory.

Anticipation had been high last month ahead of meetings between U.S. President Joe Biden and U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer in Washington, but no announcement on a decision was made.

When asked why Washington could not allow Ukraine to use U.S.-supplied weapons to strike back, the spokesperson said that the White House considers all capabilities, tactics and support for Ukraine comprehensively.

"When we approve any new weapon system or any new tactic, we look at how its going to affect the entire battlefield and Ukraines entire strategy. And thats what well continue to do," he added.

"And if you look at the weapons we've provided them, we've made it very clear that they can use them to retaliate against Russian targets across the border that are conducting attacks.

"We are always looking to see if there are additional tools we can provide them."

In late August, Umerov submitted to senior U.S. officials a list of targets that Ukraine wants to hit with U.S.-supplied long-range ATACMS missiles in Russia, which included airfields used by the Russian army to launch strikes against population centers across Ukraine.

Read also: Ukrainian commanders to be able to directly select volunteer fighters, defense minister announces

Russian forces execute 16 Ukrainian POWs near Pokrovsk, prosecutors say

Russian forces appear to have shot 16 Ukrainian prisoners of war (POWs) in Donetsk Oblast, the largest recorded case of mass execution of surrendered soldiers on the battlefield, Ukraine's Prosecutor General's Office said on Oct. 1.

Evidence of the execution appeared on social media earlier on Oct. 1. The POWs were reportedly killed after surrendering on the front line near Pokrovsk.

The Prosecutor General's Office said it was verifying the material published online and investigating the circumstances around the case.

The execution of POWs is a "cynical and gross violation of the Geneva Conventions," the Prosecutor General's Office said.

"This is the most massive known case of execution of Ukrainian POWs on the front line," Prosecutor General Andriy Kostin said.

"The murders and torture of prisoners are not an accident, but a purposeful policy of the Russian military and political leadership," he added.

In early September, Russian forces executed three Ukrainian POWs near Toretsk in Donetsk Oblast. The Prosecutor General's Office said earlier this year that it was investigating more than 50 cases of execution of Ukrainian POWs.

Read also: Ukraine names pro-Russian collaborators suspected of forcibly deporting Ukrainian children

Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'on verge of blackout' after Russian attack on substation, Ukraine says

Russian forces attacked a substation connected to the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), cutting off a power line to the facility, Ukraine's Energy Ministry said on Oct. 1.

The attack put the plant "on the verge" of a blackout again, the ministry said in a statement, adding work was underway to restore full power.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

"We demand to immediately implement the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) resolution and return the occupied nuclear power plant under Ukraine's control. The safe operation of Zaporizhzhia NPP is possible only under Ukraine's control," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.

The plant has already experienced eight complete blackouts, the state nuclear energy company Energoatom said.

Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported on Sept. 15 that Russian forces continued to use the territory of the occupied power plant to deploy military personnel and store ammunition and explosives and criticized the IAEA for supposedly ignoring the fact.

President Volodymyr Zelensky told the U.N. Security Council on Sept. 24 that Russia was preparing to target three Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

He did not specify which stations are under threat, but said Kyiv had evidence and "proof" of Russia's plans.

There are three operating nuclear power plants on the Ukrainian-held territory  Rivne and Khmelnytskyi NPPs in the country's west, and Pivdennoukrainsk NPP in the south. Russia's regular attacks put their safety in jeopardy by cutting off power to the units.

Read also: European defense manufacturer KNDS opens office in Ukraine

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Russian forces attacked Ukraine with 32 Shahed drones on the night of 30 September-1 October. Ukraines air defence has managed to down 29 of them.

Source: Ukraines Air Force

Details: The Shahed drones were launched from the Russian cities of Primorsko-Akhtarsk and Kursk as well as Cape Chauda in temporarily occupied Crimea.

As a result of combat efforts by aircraft, mobile fire groups and electronic warfare systems, 29 drones were downed in Cherkasy, Kirovohrad, Mykolaiv, Kherson, Poltava, Sumy and Dnipropetrovsk oblasts.

Three Russian drones disappeared from radar as a result of electronic warfare interference, reportedly without any further aftermath.

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Defense Minister Rustem Umerov signed a submission to Ukraine's government on the dismissal of three of his deputies and the state secretary, he announced on Oct. 1.

Umerov called the system of the Defense Ministry, including the Armed Forces, Ukraine's military intelligence (HUR), and State Transport Special Service "a closed perimeter" during martial law.

"This means that all processes inside must be clear and controlled. Any attempt to influence them, whether external or internal, is unacceptable. In this context, personnel changes are taking place," Umerov said in a post on Facebook, without elaborating on the reason for the reshuffle.

Umerov's deputies Oleksandr Serhii, Yurii Dzhygyr as well as Defense Ministry's State Secretary Liudmyla Darahan were requested to be dismissed. Another Deputy Defense Minister Stanislav Haider is going to be transferred to the position of the head of the Minister's Office.

It is now up to Ukraine's Cabinet to approve the dismissals. It was not announced who would replace them, if approved.

Umerov is also planning to reform Ukraine's defense acquisition system, he said.

Supervisory boards are to be set up for the Defense Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Rear Operator (DOT) "in the near future," the minister said.

The defense procurement sector was reshaped in December 2023, aiming to meet NATO standards. The DPA, first established in August 2022, was to focus solely on lethal aid. Meanwhile, the DOT was formed to purchase non-lethal aid like food and clothing.

In addition, "Spetstechnoexport" (STE), Ukrainian state foreign trade enterprise, is being transferred from HUR to the Defense Ministry.

The STE specializes in the export and import of military equipment and services, development of innovations, and establishment of defense-technical cooperation with Western countries and foreign companies.

Read also: Recurring failures to launch Satan ICBM throw shadow on Putins nuclear saber-rattling

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Following a Financial Times article on possible conditions for a ceasefire in Ukraine, Ukraines Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha stated that Kyiv would not compromise on territorial integrity and sovereignty.

Source: Sybiha at the Warsaw Security Forum on Tuesday, 1 October, reported by European Pravda, citing the Ministry of Foreign Affairs' press service.

Details: The Foreign Minister stressed the need to pursue "full accountability for Russia and the restoration of Ukraine's territorial integrity and sovereignty, including Crimea," rather than seeking territorial compromises.



Quote: "Otherwise, it will be a delayed war. Europe cannot afford to have grey zones or frozen conflicts."



Sybiha also reiterated Ukraine's "peace formula," calling it the only path to achieving a comprehensive, just, and lasting peace for Ukraine and the European continent.



Background:

Earlier on Monday, the Financial Times published an article suggesting that Ukrainian officials had reportedly become more open in discussions with their Western counterparts about a potential ceasefire agreement. The article claimed that such an agreement would leave Russian forces in control of occupied territories, while Ukraine would receive real security guarantees.

However, the Foreign Ministry denied the information presented by the Financial Times, emphasising that Sybiha, in closed meetings, had underscored the inadmissibility of compromises on Ukraines territorial integrity.

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The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs denied that Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha addressed the idea of a peace accord with territorial concessions in exchange for security guarantees with Western colleagues, as reported by the Financial Times.

Source: Heorhii Tykhyi, the spokesman for Ukraines Ministry of Foreign Affairs, as reported by European Pravda

Details: According to the spokesman, he attended every meeting of Foreign Minister Andrii Sybiha in New York.

Quote: "At none of them there were any proposals, negotiations, or hints at any territorial compromises. On the contrary, the minister's position is firm, and he emphasised its key points behind closed doors. There cannot be any compromises on Ukraine's sovereignty and territorial integrity," Tykhyi stressed.

He added that the Peace Formula proposed by President Volodymyr Zelenskyy is the only realistic way to a comprehensive, just and lasting peace.

Tykhyi stressed that the foreign minister reiterated to all his interlocutors the need to adhere to the principle of "nothing about Ukraine without Ukraine".

"The information of the Financial Times source regarding the minister's discussion of compromises is simply false, and we are wondering who is even interested in spreading such false narratives," Tykhyi concluded.

Background:

According to the FT, Ukrainian officials have grown more frank in discussions with their Western colleagues regarding a hypothetical ceasefire arrangement in which Russian soldiers would remain in the occupied territory and Ukraine would obtain actual security guarantees.

The journal also suggested, citing a Western official, that Joe Biden may agree to amend the status of Ukraine's NATO membership application before leaving office early next year.

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Ukrainian circus performer protests over Russian in jury at festival in Italy and gets disqualified  photos

The artist printed and distributed leaflets in the hall. Photo: Anna Petrenko on Instagram

Ukrainian circus performer Anna Petrenko has staged a protest during her performance at the Salieri Circus Award International Circus Arts Festival in Italy. She expressed her disagreement with the presence of a Russian in the jury.

Source: Anna Petrenko on Instagram

Details: As Petrenko said, this year, the festival jury included Maksim Nikulin, the son of Soviet and Russian circus and film artist Yuri Nikulin. Currently, Maksim Nikulin is the Head of the Moscow Circus who supports Vladimir Putin's policies and helps the Russian army.

The artist added that before coming to the festival, she did not know about the Russian being part of the jury, and when she found out, she decided to show up on stage, carrying a Ukrainian flag and leaflets with the words "Nikulin supports the invasion of Ukraine".

Maxim Nikulin supports Putin's policy.

Photo: Anna Petrenko on Instagram

In the video shared on her account, Petrenko appears on stage wrapped in a Ukrainian flag and holding leaflets. One of them shows a photo of Nikulin surrounded by Russian soldiers. A few seconds later, the lights on the stage were switched off.

Petrenko printed out a photo of Nikulin with the military

Photo: Anna Petrenko on Instagram

Quote: "I apologise to the audience who did not see my performance yesterday... Through my performance, I express my dissatisfaction and call this decision of the organisers an attempt to rehabilitate the image of Russia, the aggressor in the war against Ukraine," she explained.

Another video shows the Ukrainian coming down to the hall and starting to hand out printed leaflets to the audience.

    Instagram ,  Anna Dell'arte (@annadellart)

Petrenko later said that she had been disqualified. "I was excluded from the festival. Today [30 September - UP.Kultura] the final will take place," she wrote.

Antonio Giarola, the festival's artistic director, announced the exclusion of the Ukrainian. He explained this decision by saying that the festival was not a good place to discuss political issues.

On Tuesday, 1 October, the artist posted a photo showing a local newspaper on her Instagram. There was an article about the Ukrainian's protest at the Salieri Circus Award and her disqualification in the newspaper.

Italian media wrote about the Ukrainian's protest and disqualification

Photo: Anna Petrenko on Instagram

The Salieri Circus Award International Circus Arts Festival was held on 26-30 September. This year, it was held for the fourth time. Artists from 21 countries were selected to participate in the festival. Among them are Russians Ivan Slipchenko, Artem Sherstobitov, and Aleksei Teslin.



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Ukrainian Defence Minister announces dismissal of four of his deputies

Rustem Umierov, Ukrainian Defence Minister, has announced the dismissal of four of his eight deputies.

Source: Rustem Umierov on Facebook

Quote from Umierov: "I have signed a submission to the Cabinet of Ministers (Ukrainian government) on the dismissal of the following Deputy Ministers of Defence - Stanislav Haider (who is moving to the position of the head of the Minister's Office), Oleksandr Serhii, Yurii Dzhyhyr and Liudmyla Darahan (State Secretary)."

Details: He explained that the decision on personnel changes had been made in the context of the fact that "the system of the Ministry of Defence of Ukraine - the Armed Forces, Defence Intelligence of Ukraine and the State Service of Ukraine for Special Operations - has a closed perimeter during martial law", and therefore "all processes inside must be clear and controlled", and "any external or internal attempts to influence them are unacceptable".

Quote from Umierov: "I will announce new appointments, including deputy ministers, separately."

He also said that the defence procurement system is being reformed.

Quote from Umierov: "SpetsTechnoExport (STE, a state-owned company) is being transferred from Defence Intelligence of Ukraine to the Ministry of Defence. I have set a task to complete the process of cleaning up the procurement system in close cooperation with law enforcement and anti-corruption agencies."

The Defence Ministry is also continuing to reform the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA) and the State Logistics Operator (SLO), bringing these processes closer to NATO standards.

Quote from Umierov: "Supervisory boards for both structures will be established in the near future. We will submit a proposal to the Cabinet of Ministers this week."

Background:

On 20 September, Ukrainska Pravda's sources in the Ministry of Defence reported that Umierov had dismissed Viktor Zaitsev and Ihor Ostapenko, two of Head of DIU Kyrylo Budanovs deputy chiefs, and was planning a large-scale personnel purge.

The source reports that the deputy heads of the DIU were dismissed about a week ago. The decision to dismiss them was not coordinated with Budanov himself or on Budanov's initiative.

At the same time, unconfirmed information is spreading online that the Office of the President is planning to relieve Budanov of his post.

Another source noted that Defence Minister Rustem Umierov plans to dismiss or has already dismissed about 20 generals and senior officials.

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Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov attends the 15th meeting of the Ukraine Defence Contact Group at US Air Base in Ramstein. Boris Roessler/dpa

Ukrainian Defence Minister Rustem Umerov announced on Tuesday that he had dismissed three of his eight deputies and a state secretary.

In a post on Facebook, Umerov said that the armed forces, military intelligence service and transport service are closed areas under martial law.

"This means that all internal processes must be clear and controlled. Any external and internal attempts to exert influence are inadmissible," he said, without providing any further explanation about the dismissals.

He also announced the transfer of the state-owned enterprise for military exports and imports from the military intelligence service to the Defence Ministry.

Umerov has been head of Ukraine's Defence Ministry for over a year. His predecessor, Oleksii Reznikov, was dismissed following allegations of corruption, including some related to weapons procurement.
Daniela Colombi, a University of Maryland, College Park student speaks at a press conference after she testified Sept. 30 at U.S. District Court in Greenbelt. Photo by William J. Ford.

The University of Maryland Police chief testified Monday that he recommended canceling an event planned by a pro-Palestinian student group for Oct. 7, the anniversary of Hamas attacks on Israel, after receiving threats against the group hosting the event.

Providing security for students and staff on campus was a risk I was not comfortable with, said Chief David Mitchell in testimony in U.S. District Court Monday.

But students, who sued the university for what they called an infringement of their free speech rights, accused campus officials of erasing us from the campus because they disagreed with the message students were trying to deliver.

After a daylong hearing Monday, U.S. District Judge Peter Messitte said he would issue a written decision in the case by noon Tuesday.

The lawsuit was filed nearly two weeks ago by the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) and Palestine Legal on behalf of Students for Justice in Palestine, the student group seeking permission to hold the Oct. 7 events.

The suit claims the University of Maryland, College Park, campus President Darryll Pines and the University System of Maryland Board of Regents tried to restrict the student group from engaging in protected expressive activity.

The student group in July asked for, and got, permission to hold what it said would be an educational event on McKeldin Mall, in the heart of the College Park campus, to not only teach fellow students about Palestine, but also its culture. The vigil was scheduled to be co-hosted with another university student group, Jewish Voice for Peace.

But Pines issued a campuswide letter Sept. 1 canceling all student-led events on campus on Oct. 7. That letter also said campus police informed Pines that theres no immediate or active threat, but the university still canceled events due to safety concerns.

In court Monday, however, Mitchell testified that the school received emails and other correspondence against the student group.

Did anyone threaten to do violence against SJP on Oct. 7? asked Gadeir Abbas, senior litigation attorney for CAIR.

Yes, Mitchell replied.

Mitchell said he recommended to Pines that the univeristy not allow the vigil based on not only those threats against the group, but also because he said he may not have enough officers to handle such an emotional event.

Assistant Attorney General Patrick Sheridan, who represented the university, asked Mitchell if emails and other threats came to the campus prior to Oct. 7, 2023.

No, Mitchell said, who added in his 14 years as police chief hes never recommended for the cancellation of a campus event.

Instead of simply not allowing the group to host an event, Patricia Perillo, the universitys vice president for student affairs, testified that the group can hold its event on Oct. 8. Sheridan said if the Students for Justice in Palestine event is purely educational purposes without any political content, they can do that on Oct. 8.

But Daniela Colombi, a junior at Maryland and a member of SJP who testified for almost an hour Monday, said hosting the vigil on Oct. 7 is a very big, symbolic day. Oct. 7 was the day of a Hamas surprise attack that killed about 1,200 Israelis, sparking an ongoing Israeli military assault on Hamas in Gaza that health officials there say may have killed as many as 40,000 people.

As students, we feel the need to stand up for our peers around the world, Colombi said.

When asked in court if the group made any arrangements for space to host event Oct. 8, Colombi said no.

Even with threats to the group that include someone allegedly threatening to bring a gun on campus, Colombi said after the hearing its the schools responsibility to protect us from the people, not by erasing us from the campus. If there really are threats, then the university has the responsibility to address them, to make sure that its actually safe for all of us.

Before the hearing ended slightly after 3 p.m., Messitte had a few remarks.

The First Amendment matters. Its not an easy proposition sometimes, he said. Whatever happens, the university will survive.
By Michelle Nichols

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres appealed on Tuesday for an immediate ceasefire in Lebanon and for the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country to be respected, U.N. spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said.

"An all-out war must be avoided in Lebanon at all costs," Dujarric said in a statement, adding that Guterres spoke with Lebanon's caretaker Prime Minister Najib Mikati earlier on Tuesday, telling him the U.N. was ready to help those in need.

"The Secretary-General will continue his contacts, and his representatives on the ground will also continue their efforts to de-escalate the situation," Dujarric said.

He later told reporters at a briefing that U.N. peacekeepers in Lebanon, known as UNIFIL, had seen sporadic incursions by the Israeli military.

"The information they have and they've received ... is that they've seen sporadic incursions by the IDF," Dujarric said. "They have not witnessed a full-scale invasion."

(Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by Katharine Jackson)
BOONE  Little by little, one shovel and armful of debris at a time, stunned residents and business owners continued Monday the arduous, heartbreaking task of digging out from the devastation left by Tropical Storm Helene.

Some, such as James Simmons, the owner of the Penn Station East Coast Sandwich Shop on U.S. 321, knew what had happened and what it was going to take to rebuild.

I was in the store the whole time, he said of the worst of the flooding. If I had any idea, I wouldnt have stayed. I would have jumped ship.

Others knew what likely had happened but didnt realize the extent of the damage until they saw it for the first time Monday morning.

I dont think a lot of people understand how widespread this is, said Dan Stewart, the owner of the Dolbier Floor Care and Restoration company.

Helene dumped more than a foot of rain in some parts of the North Carolina mountains in a few hours Friday. Rainfall estimates in some areas topped more than 2 feet since last week.

Flash flooding and swollen creeks and rivers killed at least 60 in NC, some who drowned and others crushed by falling trees. The overall death toll across the U.S. Southeast has reached at least 121 people across six states.

More than 200,000 lost power and water service in the state. Tens of thousands were cut off from loved ones by floodwaters, downed trees and roadways completely washed away.

In and around Boone, surrounding communities in Ashe, Avery and Alleghany counties were still trying to get out.

Heavy-duty trucks hauling skid-steers, tractors and backhoes moved up U.S. 421 and 321 alongside electric company crews from all over the United States.

Churches and students from Appalachian State University  those who remained behind  stepped in to help whenever possible.

We had kids from App who belong to our church walk over this morning to see what they could do, said Pastor John Mark Brown of the Brushy Mountain Baptist Church just outside town limits. God does things for us even through the hardest times.

While Brown spoke  he was assembling a brand new generator pump to try and move standing water  two men, random strangers from Concord, pulled in.

Could you use a skid steer? Chuck Griffin asked the pastor. We got one down the road. Well bring it up to you.

A few minutes later, Griffin explained that he and a few coworkers loaded the heavy earth mover up and drove to Boone knowing that people could use help.

That was evident all over town Monday. Traffic lights, electric service and water appeared to have been restored to a lot of the town by mid-morning.

A water distribution center had been set up at Watauga County High School and Samaritans Ministries set up a large tent filled with oxygen machines so people who require assistance breathing would have somewhere to go if they lost power.

The support from the community has been amazing, Stewart said. Im thankful for the safety of our people.

But the news, for the next week or two, will not be as nice. Were going to see the ugly side of it.

Simmons, while stranded in his store, saw some of the ugliness firsthand  first from what Mother Nature had wrought and then from mankind.

Stormwater, he said, rapidly filled a creek branched off from the Watauga River nearby.

It quickly flooded the parking lot, pooled in low spots and created eddies and a swift current capable of moving large objects.

Indeed, the water swept an industrial dumpster behind his restaurant into the creek and smashed it against the concrete supports supporting a bridge on US 321.

A few minutes later, a shipping container the size of a railroad car floated into his parking lot from a Wal-Mart at least 100 yards away.

See the scrapes there? he said, pointing to gouges in the metal a foot from its top. It crashed into my building. Im lucky it only hit the corner.

At one point during the night Friday, Simmons said he watched something more sinister: Several people smashed the lock off the container to rifle through its contents like scavenging hyenas.

And despite  or perhaps because of  witnessing firsthand the craven opportunism of common thieves, he nonetheless considered himself fortunate.

Were blessed, he said. A lot of people lost homes or loved ones. This can be fixed. People cant (be replaced).

Stewart echoed that sentiment. One of his sons, he said, was trapped in his Avery County home for the better part of the day Saturday, caught behind a road filled with broken trees and downed power lines.

It took several hours and a small army of men with chainsaws to cut a way through.

Its closer when its personal family,  he said.

Further down in a small strip of shops and offices tucked into one of Boones main commercial arteries, State Farm agent Adam Jackson set up a pair of laptops and phone chargers under a red popup tent.

Jackson, despite having to move sodden carpet and furniture from his own office, knew he had to find a way to answer calls from distressed homeowners that he knew would occupy the coming days and weeks ahead.

I want to be helping other people as fast as I can, he said. I have to fix myself a little before I can really do that.

You have to put your own oxygen mask on first.

GALLERY: Aftermath of Helene's remnants in Boone area, Monday Sept. 30
The United Nations Security Council on Monday unanimously renewed a multinational security support mission (MSS) in Haiti to combat armed gangs after the U.S. dropped a push to enlarge the effort into a peacekeeping force.

The resolution, led by the U.S. and Ecuador, extends the MSS for another year, until October 2025, giving police forces more time to address the surge of violent gangs in the Caribbean island nation.

U.S. Ambassador to the U.N. Linda Thomas-Greenfield said the renewal sends a strong message to the people of Haiti.

The world stands with you, and we are unwavering in our efforts to restore security and stability, she told media in New York. Haiti continues to face a prolonged crisis aggravated by the activities of criminal gangs and their indiscriminate violent attacks that disproportionately impacts the civilian population, especially women and children.

The U.S. effort to transform the MSS into a peacekeeping mission met opposition from China and Russia, which are permanent members of the Security Council and hold veto power.

Both countries had expressed concern the mission was not yet ready for such a transformation, and the resolution was ultimately amended to remove the language of a peacekeeping effort.

The MSS, led by Kenya, initially deployed in June and now has some 400 police officers supporting the Haitian National Police. It has achieved some progress in wrestling back control from armed gangs in the Haitian capital Port-au-Prince, but the effort remains underfunded and has yet to push out the gangs controlling most of the city.

Kenyan President William Ruto said he was deeply grateful for the financial support for the MSS, but that the mission was hindered by insufficient equipment, logistics and funding.

I appeal to all member states to stand in solidarity with the people of Haiti, he said in an address to the U.N. last week. The progress so far in Haiti demonstrates that what was once deemed mission impossible is indeed a present and undeniable possibility.

Ruto added that even with funding concerns he expects to deploy the entire police force of 2,500 officers by January.

The U.S. and Canada are the biggest supporters of the MSS. Washington has contributed some $300 million to the mission, and Canada has donated more than $80 million in support, but much of the funding requirements for the MSS have not been met.

Thomas-Greenfield said the MSS has made tangible progress since the June deployment.

But in order to harness that momentum and to continue countering gang violence and establishing a sense of safety, more must be done, she said. Additional financial contributions are urgently needed.

Haiti has been wracked by armed gangs since the 2021 death of Haitian President Jovenel Moise, and the MSS was approved in October 2023 at the U.N. at the request of Port-au-Prince.

The government in Haiti, led by acting Prime Minister Garry Conille, has little power and is reliant on the MSS and the international community to take on the gangs.

A transitional council in Haiti is preparing for new elections once security is restored to the nation, where more than 600,000 people have been displaced and more than 5 million are struggling to access basic necessities, according to the U.N.

The gangs pose an immense challenge to the MSS because they are extremely well-armed, largely because of gun trafficking from the U.S., a point that more than 60 lawmakers raised in a letter to the Biden administration last week. They called for a greater effort to crack down on weapons smuggling to the Caribbean nation.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The United Nations' peacekeeping force in Lebanon has condemned Israel's ground offensive in southern Lebanon launched earlier on Tuesday, saying it violates the country's "sovereignty and territorial integrity."

The United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon (UNIFIL), which has been monitoring the situation on the Israeli-Lebanese border, said in a statement that it was notified by the Israeli army a day earlier about "their intention to undertake limited ground incursions into Lebanon."

"Despite this dangerous development, peacekeepers remain in position," UNIFIL said.

"We are regularly adjusting our posture and activities, and we have contingency plans ready to activate if absolutely necessary.

"Peacekeeper safety and security is paramount, and all actors are reminded of their obligation to respect it.

"Any crossing into Lebanon is in violation of Lebanese sovereignty and territorial integrity, and a violation of resolution 1701. We urge all actors to step back from such escalatory acts, which will only lead to more violence and more bloodshed," the statement said.
Then Special Representative of the United Nations Mission in Iraq Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert attends a ceremony to receive the remains of 100 Barzani at Erbil Airport in the Kurdistan Region of Iraq. Ismael Adnan/dpa

The United Nations has said that Israel's ground offensive in Lebanon could have catastrophic consequences for an entire generation of people in the Middle East.

"The risk of dooming another generation to the same fate [of war] is very real, yet again," wrote the UN's special coordinator for Lebanon Jeanine Hennis on X on Tuesday.

"Amid the firing of missiles and rockets, dropping of bombs, and conduct of raids, the machinery of war fails to address the underlying issues," she wrote.
UNC Asheville wont have classes until at least Oct. 28: Chancellor

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Students at UNC Asheville will be out of class for at least a month due to the impacts of Hurricane Helene, the universitys leadership announced Tuesday.

UNCA Chancellor Kimberly van Noort wrote in a letter to the campus community that the campus itself will remain closed until at least Oct. 14 and classes will not resume until at least Oct. 28.

Hurricane Helenes death toll passes the 150 mark after South Carolina adds to its tally

We have suspended all traditional university operations, and only essential employees will be permitted on campus, she said. However, we are not done for the semester. Academic continuity planning has begun, and well have more information very soon as our assessments continue.

Asheville, like much of western North Carolina, was ravaged from flooding and high winds that shut down access to the city and power for days. It received 17 inches of rainfall last week.

The chancellor said within 72 hours of the storm, all on-campus students  at least 1,600  were safely relocated.

She also noted that a UNC Asheville disaster relief fund has been established. Contributions will support the entire campus community.

Bulldogs, you are resilient and we look forward to when we can welcome you home, van Noort said.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to Queen City News.
Following a highly-criticized roast of Vice President Kamala Harris at the University of South Carolina in September, the student group responsible for the event is suing the university, alleging free speech violations.

USCs chapter of Uncensored America, an organization that says it fights for free speech, invited two far-right personalities with a history of hateful public rhetoric to the universitys Columbia campus: Gavin McInnes and Milo Yiannopoulos. The event was widely condemned by university, state government, and civic leaders when plans became public in August.

McInnes, a writer and talk show host, is a founder of the Proud Boys, which the Southern Poverty Law Center has labeled a hate group. He resigned from the group in 2018, Reuters reported, but remains deeply involved. Yiannopoulos, a right-wing media personality once nicknamed the pop star of hate, is known for his misogynistic, racist, xenophobic and transphobic views.

A lawsuit, filed in federal court on Monday, claims USC violated the First Amendment when the student group did not receive requested funding for the event because student representatives disagreed with the viewpoints of the speakers. The lawsuit alleges that it was also a violation of school policy, which says that organizations cannot be discriminated against or given preferential treatment based on their viewpoints.

The group claims that USCs student government has repeatedly granted money to other far left campus groups like Students for Justice in Palestine, the College Democrats of America and the Feminist Collectives National Young Feminist Leadership Conference.

The voices that oppose free speech and demand censorship of certain viewpoints grew so loud that it became a statewide controversy and eventually reached the attention of the White House, the lawsuit reads.

The lawsuit said the denial of funding was meant to prevent the Uncensored America event from happening.

USCs student Senate initially voted to deny Uncensored America some $3,500 in funding for the event, USCs student newspaper reported, though the Senate did approve a proposal to increase campus safety during the event. Soon after, Uncensored America announced its plans to sue.

The student Senate later reconsidered, and eventually awarded the group the money it requested, according to USC spokesman Jeff Stensland.

Stensland declined to comment on the pending litigation.

The lawsuit seeks unspecified actual and punitive damages as well as attorneys fees. It was filed by attorney Thomas Winslow of Pawleys Island.

The Sept. 18 roast, attended by about 180 students and community members, did not encounter any issues or violence, though it drew about 30 protesters outside Russell House, USCs student union.

We dont think hate speech has any place on this campus, Houston Hackett, a protester and sophomore at USC, told The State in September.

The protests followed weeks of criticism leading up to the event.

Courtney McClain, a USC alumna and campus activist, created a petition calling for the events cancellation. More than 27,000 people signed it.

Days later, USC leaders released a statement condemning the the vile and juvenile rhetoric used to promote the event. But they also explained that as a public institution, the university is required to allow the event, citing students freedom of speech and open dialogue. The event was not endorsed by USC, however.

We remain steadfast in safeguarding the First Amendment rights of our students, even when we may be offended by their choices and statements, USC President Michael Amiridis and university board chair Thad Westbrook wrote. Censoring even the most hateful individuals and groups does not solve the problems we face in our society, and instead provides them with a platform to win more publicity and support.

The NAACP wrote to Amiridis, arguing the event violated university policy, and the promotional materials violated South Carolinas laws against obscenity. More than 20 multicultural student groups at the university also signed a statement spurning the roast.

State Rep. Leon Howard and state Sen. Tameika Isaac Devine, both Richland County Democrats; attorney and former state Rep. Bakari Sellers, and the South Carolina Legislative Black Caucus, among others, were very vocal in their disdain. They criticized the university for providing a platform for potential hatred and violence and called on the university to cancel or reconsider the event.
Under the Dome: Governors race goes on after Helene, but another campaign pauses

Good morning and welcome to the Under the Dome newsletter. Im Dawn Baumgartner Vaughan. The catastrophic impact and destruction in areas of Western North Carolina because of Hurricane Helene, which reached the state on Friday, is still being measured.

Over the weekend, the major party candidates for governor held campaign events. Democratic Attorney General Josh Stein campaigned in Greensboro with Pennsylvania Gov. Josh Shapiro on Sunday. He also posted photos on social media at a campaign event Saturday in Chapel Hill.

On Friday, Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson held multiple campaign events. He was treated for burning his hand at the Mayberry Truck Show & Parade in Mount Airy that night. He posted video on social media the next day with his hand bandaged, and another on Monday with no bandage. A conference in Marion where Robinson was scheduled to speak Saturday was canceled, but Robinson posted photos Saturday of campaign events in Caswell County and Randolph County, including of him thanking supporters, and posted campaign photos from Hickory on Sunday.

Both Robinson and Stein shared messages about how to support Western North Carolinians amid the devastation. Robinson also posted about working, as lieutenant governor, to help gather and send supplies with the Franklin County Sheriffs Office. On Monday afternoon, Robinson posted a video of himself with law enforcement officers near a washed-out road, telling people not to travel there.

Stein has not announced any campaign events this week. Robinson has two meet-and-greet events planned for Friday, in Person and Alamance counties. Former President Donald Trump announced over the weekend that he will campaign in Fayetteville on Friday.

In at least one Western North Carolina campaign, the approach to Helene has been different from those in the governors race.

House Republicans have suspended campaign ads in a competitive state House race in Buncombe County. House GOP Caucus Director Stephen Wiley told The N&O on Monday that they have paused digital and television ads in the House District 115 race, in which Republican candidate Ruth Smith is trying to unseat incumbent Rep. Lindsey Prather.

Heres what else the Under the Dome politics team has been working on as we cover the fallout from Hurricane Helene:

 President Joe Biden defended Gov. Roy Cooper and the response to Helene after comments by former President Donald Trump. See whats actually happening in our Reality Check  and in the newsrooms full coverage of the storms aftermath.

 See what Western North Carolina Reps. Virginia Foxx and Chuck Edwards said about what theyre seeing on the ground in this story from Danielle Battaglia.

 Biden says he expects to be in North Carolina on Wednesday. Michael Wilner of McClatchy DC reports on what Biden said Monday as he updated the country on Helenes destruction.

 In another Reality Check, Kyle Ingram explains why the storm could make voting more difficult for people in Western North Carolina  and how new laws play into that.

 Have you been affected by Helene? What you need to know to apply for FEMA aid, from Luciana Perez Uribe Guinassi.

Poll watch

East Carolina University is out with a new poll on Monday, the first weve seen as fallout continues for Republican Lt. Gov. Mark Robinson in the wake of a bombshell CNN report tying him to a series of antisemitic, racist and explicit posts on a pornography website.

Robinson has dropped significantly not just in the race, but among Republican voters. Read more about the poll in my story.

VOTER GUIDE

In the latest candidate questionnaires from our 2024 NC Voter Guide, see what candidates for secretary of state have to say about the issues, and learn more about their biographies. Two candidates answered our questions:

Republican Chad Brown

Democrat Elaine Marshall

Check your inbox tomorrow for more questionnaires, and lots more #ncpol news.

You can sign up to receive the Under the Dome newsletter at newsobserver.com/newsletters . Want your friends to get our email, too? Forward them this newsletter so they can sign up.

We want to know what you would like to see in the Under the Dome newsletter . Do you like highlights from the legislature? Political analysis? Do you have a question youd like The News & Observer team to answer? Tell us here. You can also email us at dome@newsobserver.com

Dont forget to follow our tweets and listen to our Under the Dome podcast for more developments.
A cabinet-level political appointee of Minnesota's Democratic Gov. Tim Walz decorated the walls of her home with posters of murderous communist dictators, according to a photo posted on Facebook in December 2021 that was discovered by a Minnesota resident and shared with Fox News Digital.

Ida Rukavina, the commissioner of Minnesota's Department of Iron Range Resources and Rehabilitation, was appointed by Walz in 2022 to oversee the economic development of the northeastern part of the state, where the world's largest untapped copper-nickel reserve sits.

On Dec. 19, 2021, Rukavina posted a photo of her dog to Facebook, according to metadata attached to the image, which appears to have been deleted. In the background were clearly visible posters of communist leaders Mao Zedong and Che Guevara decorating the wall. The poster of Mao, China's communist dictator from the late 1940s until his death in 1976, and whose policies have been blamed for the deaths of millions, included the communist slogan frequently extolled during his rule: "Revolution is not guilty."

Meanwhile, the poster honoring Guevara, a prominent communist figure during the Cuban Revolution who murdered and tortured hundreds of his political opponents, was paired with a novel on Rukavina's bookshelf about his life.

Minnesota Walz-appointed Board Requires Teachers To Affirm Their Students' Gender Identities

Fox News Digital reached out to both Rukavina and the Walz campaign several times but did not receive a response by publication time.

Read On The Fox News App

Rukavina's affinity for communist leaders comes amid scrutiny over Walz's ties to communist China. By the governor's own admission, he has traveled there several times, including a trip in 1993 that was paid for by the Chinese government. Walz, a former social studies teacher, was often accompanied on these trips by his students, one of whom described the governor turned vice presidential candidate as "Maoist to the core."

Rukavina was tapped by Walz to ensure "local communities in northeastern Minnesota have the resources they need to thrive." Part of the region Rukavina oversees includes one of America's only primary domestic sources of nickel, which the United States currently exports from a variety of other countries, including Russia, Canada and Norway.

In 2024, the United States experienced a negative trade deficit on raw nickel of $79.4 million, according to the Observatory of Economic Complexity.

Biden Admin Seeks To Lock Up Critical Minerals With Eco Protections Amid Green Energy Push

Rukavina is the daughter of the late Democratic Minnesota state Rep. Tom Rukavina, who has been described as holding communist and socialist sympathies.

"Tommy Rukavina is someone I once called Tommy the commie on the House floor," Congressman Tom Emmer, R-Minn., said jokingly during remarks eulogizing his relationship with the late politician.

Meanwhile, Rukavina reportedly once boasted he was the last socialist in the Minnesota legislature, according to local news outlet the Pioneer Press. "Hes gotten a little conservative in his old age. Hes a socialist now," former Democratic state Rep. Carly Melin said, the local news outlet added.

Harris Vp Pick Spent Years Promoting Research Facility That Collaborated With Chinese Military Company

Meanwhile, last week, the Daily Caller News Foundation uncovered that one of Walz's other political appointees in Minnesota is a member of China's third-largest political party, which has been granted permission to operate in the communist country because it pledges to "rally closely around" the Chinese Communist Party's Central Committee, the outlet reported.

The appointee, a Minnesota-based attorney named Chang Wang, was tapped by Walz in 2020 to serve on the Minnesota Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, which advises "the Governor, the Legislature, state agencies, and Asian Pacific organizations and citizens," on issues impacting the Chinese Minnesotan community. Wang is currently the council's vice chair, according to his profile on the council's official government website, and his term there is expected to conclude in January 2025.





Original article source: Unearthed photo shows Tim Walz appointee decorated house with posters of murderous communist dictators
University students could be dragged into paying tax on tuition fees from January due to loopholes in Labours draft VAT legislation, experts have warned.

Worried universities have written to the Treasury to voice concerns that its vague definition of a private school could inadvertently force universities to levy 20pc VAT on tuition fees, The Telegraph understands.

Higher-education institutions do not currently pay tax on fees or on supplies that are deemed to be closely related to the supply of education including research, accommodation and catering.

However, in its draft legislation, the Treasury has defined a private school as a fee-paying institution at which full-time education is provided for persons over compulsory school age but under 19 and which is principally concerned with providing education suitable to the requirements of such persons (for example, a sixth form college).

Tax experts have told The Telegraph this definition could capture universities, as most students are 18 years old when they begin studying at university and those who have attended Scottish schools can be as young as 17 years old.

The British Universities Finance Directors Group, which represents finance staff at 180 universities, has also written to the Treasury about concerns the definition includes universities.

Ed Saltmarsh, technical manager at the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW), said universities could be put in an uncomfortable position if the legislations wording includes them within scope but HMRCs guidance does not.

He said: It wont be clear until we have the final legislation, but it could put the taxpayer [universities] in an awkward position if the legally correct position is to charge VAT but HMRC says not to.

Even if they know practically they are not going to be assessed if they dont charge VAT, its a risky decision for a taxpayer to deliberately do that wrong, as deliberate errors can lead to significant penalties.

As an eligible body universities are entitled to certain tax reliefs but do pay VAT on many of its purchases and their income where applicable.

Jayne Simpson, technical director at the Chartered Institute of Taxation, added: Definitions are really important in tax.

If the Government really doesnt want unintended consequences of it impacting certain young people, because young people do go to university early, that needs to be captured and there needs to be an exclusion.

She also criticised the Treasurys example of a sixth form college in its definition saying it would cause greater confusion for universities.

If the Government had provided a full list, institutions that are not on the list would know they were not affected. It might only be 10 things but it would provide clarity, and as a university you want to be able to rely on the legislation.

Its not the first time the Governments draft legislation has shown unexpected pupils could be caught in the tax raid.

Last week, The Telegraph reported nursery children in mixed-age classes would be subject to VAT despite ministers previously promising they would be exempt.

Headteachers called the decision bizarre and greedy and criticised Labour for the lack of clarity.

A 20pc levy on tuition fees would increase the cost of university by 1,850 per year and heap greater misery on students.

Last week, The Times reported tuition fees are set to rise by 13.5pc over the next five years to 10,500 a year.

A Whitehall source told the newspaper there was a live discussion over the plans between ministers but any decision would need to be approved by Rachel Reeves, the Chancellor.

A Treasury spokesman said: University education is not captured by the draft legislation and we have no intention of bringing universities into VAT.

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UPPER ARLINGTON, Ohio (WCMH)  As part of National Emergency Preparedness Month, the City of Upper Arlington hosted an emergency preparedness kit giveaway on Monday.

This marked the first time the city held the event and dozens of cars were lined up before it started.

Organized by the Upper Arlington Fire Divisions community paramedic program and UA Cares, more than 200 kits were handed out to residents. The kits contained a flashlight, first aid kit, toothbrush and toothpaste, survival blanket, and information on how to create a personal emergency plan.

Watch: Upper Arlington helps residents be prepared for emergencies

Leaders with the event said their goal is to inspire people to think ahead.

It can help you get ready, to really think ahead for emergencies that may happen in your own home, Cares Program Manager with the Upper Arlington Fire Division Christine Leyshon said. You may be sick for a couple of days. You cant get out. So having food, water, medications, extra supplies, things that may happen in our community, more localized events or things that may happen, you know, on a broader scale that we really want people and families, households to think about how you can plan for emergencies.

Leyshon said some kits have been reserved so her team can deliver them to homebound residents who werent able to make it out to Mondays event.

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The tiny gold rush town of Nevada City, California is not only one of the quaintest, with picturesque streets dotted with boutiques, framed by rivers and trees, it's also considered the most haunted place in the United States by ghost hunters.

The National Exchange Hotel boasts its the oldest hotel on this side of the Mississippi. Since its opening in 1856, this historic building has hosted a kaleidoscopic assortment of adventurous guests - bootleggers, gamblers, gold seekers, dancers and courtesans - some of whom, legend has it, loved the energy so much, they stayed behind. The most famous of these ghosts, locals say, is little Elizabeth, a young girl in a Victorian-era flowing dress the color of dried blood who is known to chase a little red ball as a milky apparition, running down the hallways and diving under tables in the hotel dining room.

There is talk of less playful paranormal activity. In room 48 where a murder [allegedly] took place, guests have reported seeing flashes of bloody handprints on bedding that evaporate upon closer inspection. Others have reported seeing a specter of a bedraggled woman with an eerie smile and a slashed neck sitting at the hotel bar, one that's named for the legendary adventuress Lola Montez.

Her house in Nevada City is a national landmark, but she was better known by her monikers, La Lola, or the Spider Woman. She became famous for her version of the Italian Tarantula dance, during which she would pretend have spiders crawling up her legs so that she could lift her skirts up to scandalous levels, swat at her skin, and stomp on the phantom insects as part of a gold rush era burlesque show.

The National Exchange Hotel has been around since 1856, and so have some of its ghosts, locals say. Photo by Kat Alves

Down the way is another historic gold rush town, Grass Valley, home to gorgeous Del Oro Theater, a triplex that has also reported strange apparitions brushing up against movie goers. There's the "woman in white" who was reportedly shoved fro the building's fire escape and two children who witnesses to their hallway play say give the creepy twins from "The Shining" a run for their money.

Naturally, Grass Valley is also home to a haunted piece of gold rush history, the Holbrooke Hotel, which also entertains its share of ghostly guests, these ones a bit more hardbitten, more cowboy, less cosmopolitan perhaps. It's basement speakeasy the Iron Door had been home to a brothel after all. it was a favorite resting spot for outlaws, among them Black Bart, and wandering writers like Mark Twain. The Holbrooke has also hosted four U.S. presidents since its opening in 1879, Grover Cleveland, James Garfield, Ulysses S. Grant, and Benjamin Harrison. It remains unclear if any of them wandered into the cellar back in its more notorious days.

The Holbrooke Hotel in Grass Valley has hosted outlaws, Presidents, wandering writers, and cigar-chomping ghosts. Photo by Kat Alves

Here the ghosts are more lively and male. Guests have reported seeing dudes attired in late nineteenth-century clothing, smoking cigars and reading maps - which decorate many of the hotel's walls. On Oct. 13, the National Exchange Hotel is hosting a Haunted by History tour with author Anthony Jones, a local expert on the area's paranormal. Stay for the Halloween Drag Bingo a few days later.

The Holbrooke Hotel has its own spooky offerings, like its Murder Mystery Dinners in October or for something less scary and more sparkly, the former speakeasy will be transformed into a Mermaid Lagoon.

A former brothel, the Iron Door, will be transformed into a Mermaid Lagoon at the historic Holbrooke Hotel this month. Photo by Kat Alves

Both cities are reachable from Los Angeles by road trip, or a short drive from Sacramento Airport. And if scares are not your thing, these are towns of impeccable beauty, fine dining. and farmers markets. Fall leaf peeking, apple picking, hikes, and river walks are in abundance in the fall. We recommend a couple nights stay in both hotels and packing comfortable shoes.
Digital infrastructure provider and portfolio company of Igneo Infrastructure Partners US Signal has launched infrastructure-as-a-service product OpenCloud.

In a statement, US Signal launched OpenCloud as response to the volatility in the cloud computing market, including provider shakeups and recent licence price hikes.

The company said unlike other cloud solutions, OpenCloud is based on the open-source project Apache CloudStack, which ensures security that other solutions cannot match.

"US Signal OpenCloud is an infrastructure-as-a-service platform that revolutionises the cloud hosting market by providing the performance, cost certainty, security, and flexible consumption that customers demand to run their critical enterprise workloads," explained US Signal chief operating officer John White.

Its key features include:

- No-term and committed agreements

- Pay only for what you use

- Supported by technical operations centre at no extra cost

- Stable price

The first deployments of OpenCloud are live in US Signal's data centres in Detroit, Michigan, and Denver, Colorado.

OpenCloud is available for immediate adoption with multiple migration tools available, streamlining your transition to this platform.

In Q1 2025, US Signal plans to expand the OpenCloud platform with additional services, including low-RPO Managed DRaaS and DaaS offerings.
(WSPA)  Organizations and agencies have announced locations where food will be distributed in the Upstate after Tropical Storm Helene.

Spartanburg County

Spartanburg School District Two will be holding a free meal pickup for the community at Shoally Creek Elementary on Thursday, October 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Residents can stop by while supplies last.

Spartanburg Water will be offering a drive-through water fill station on Wednesday, October 2, from 10 a.m.  4 p.m. at the Collection & Distribution Complex  301 S. Avenue, Spartanburg. The station will be accessible using the South Entrance to the complex. Participants are asked to bring their own containers to fill.

Spartanburg School District One will be holding a free meal pickup for the community at two schools on Thursday, October 3, from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. Residents can stop by Landrum High School and Mabry Middle School while supplies last. Hot showers are also available at Landrum High School from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Guests must bring their own towels and toiletries.

Spartanburg School District Six will be holding a free bagged meal pickup for students at four schools on Thursday, October 3, and Friday, October 4, from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Students can stop by the following while supplies last: Fairforest Elementary School  Car Rider Drop Off Arcadia Elementary School  Front Entrance Woodland Heights Elementary School  Front Entrance West View Elementary School  Cafeteria Car Rider Entrance



Greenville County

Greenville Water will make its water available on Thursday, October 3, to community members who do not have access to drinking water. Guests are asked to bring their own containers to 407 West Broad Street from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Harvest Hope stated that their Emergency Food Pantry at 2818 White Horse Road, Greenville is open from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. and ready to assist families affected by the storm. Anyone with questions can call (864) 281-3995.

City of Greenville said anyone in need of bottled water, ice or self-contained meals can stop by 35 East Antrim Drive between 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.

United Ministries will be distributing pop-top food items to those in need of food items on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday from 8 a.m. to noon at 606 Pendleton Street, Greenville.

Fourth Presbyterian Church said the restaurant received donations from the Peddler and is offering to-go meals of steak and baked potatoes on Thursday, October 3 from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 703 East Washington Street.

Ice Age of Greenville at 44 Flora Louise Drive in Piedmont has a supply of cooling and drinking ice and water that will be given away on Thursday, October 3, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Bring coolers, totes, trash bags, etc. to fill up your items.

Anderson County

The Town of Pendleton is providing water on Thursday, October 3, at Town Hall between 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Anyone who is unable to make it can make other arrangements by calling (864) 646-9409.

Second Harvest Food Bank of Metrolina will be at Jockey Lot in Anderson County on Friday, Oct. 4, executing a free food distribution.

Pickens County

From Tuesday, October 1, through Friday, October 4, Clemson University said Littlejohn Coliseum will be open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. to provide students and community members with free food, drinks, ice, showers and charging stations.

Laurens County

First Baptist Church Laurens at 300 West Main Street will be offering meals on Wednesday, October 2, from noon to 6 p.m. Stations for showers and charging stations will also be available. Attendees are asked to bring their own shampoo, soap, towel & charging cord and to follow the signage to the Family Life Center Gym.

Oconee County

The Golden Corner Food Pantry will be providing food and water to the public at two locations in Oconee County. Items will be distributed beginning Tuesday, October 1st through Friday, October 4th at the following locations:

Mountain Rest Community Club 120 Verner Mill Road, Mountain Rest, SC 29664

Tuesday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.

Salem Fire Department Parking Lot 115 East Main Street, Salem, SC 29676

Tuesday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.



Buncombe County

Tyson Foods will deploy its Meals that Matter Disaster Relief Team to provide hot meals to those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Volunteers from the company will be at Walmart Supercenter #4334 at 25 Northridge Commons Parkway in Weaverville to serve hot meals, ice and water along with donating protein to the community to support those in need during the following days: Friday, October 4, from Noon to 5 p.m. Saturday, October 5, from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The City of Asheville has received water supplies and is distributing them at the locations below. Pack Square Park (70 Court Plaza): Bring your water container, 2 gallons per person/day, walk-up Asheville Middle School (211 S. French Broad Ave): 1 case of bottled water per family/day, drive-thru Resources continue to be limited and residents are advised to conserve.

McDonalds McRig will be in Asheville at 950 Patton Avenue on Thursday, October 3, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. handing out free food to the community. The company will also be there on Friday, October 4, and Saturday, October 5.

McDowell County

Numerous agencies from all across McDowell County continue to assist McDowell County Emergency Management with Points of Distribution. These PODs will operate daily from 10 a.m. to Noon and 4 p.m. to 6 p.m., depending on available supplies. The locations are as follows: Woodlawn: Hicks Chapel Church, 6008 US 221 N, Marion, NC Former TJs Discount, 8153 US 221 N, Marion, NC Old Fort: Old Fort Town Hall, 38 Catawba Avenue, Old Fort, NC Marion: New Manna Baptist Church, 225 East Court St., Marion, NC Dysartsville: Solid Rock Free Will Baptist Church, 7860 NC 226 S, Nebo, NC

Starting Tuesday, October 1, Grace Community Church will be providing hot meals at their location (5182 US 70 West, Marion, NC 28752). The meal times are as follows: Lunch: 11:00 AM to 12:30 PM Dinner: 4:00 PM to 5:30 PM



Haywood County

Supplies will be available Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. at the following locations: Woodland Baptist Church, 545 Crabtree Rd, Waynesville Bethel Elementary School, 4700 Old River Rd, Canton Jonathan Valley Elementary School, 410 Hall Dr, Waynesville



Transylvania County

The Mary C. Jenkins Community Center is offering free food to those in need on Saturday, October 5, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 221 Mills Avenue, Brevard, NC.

7NEWS will continue to update this list as more information becomes available.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WSPA 7NEWS.
SIOUX CITY, Iowa (KCAU)  If you frequently use Highway 75s northbound on-ramp in Sioux City, youll want to be aware of an upcoming closure that could slow down your trip.

The Iowa Department of Transportation will close the northbound ramp from U.S. Highway 20 this Wednesday, Oct. 2 from 9 a.m. until about 1 p.m., weather permitting.

Sergeant Bluff-Luton CSD holding open houses on school bond

The closure will allow construction crews to set up a crane to move an existing light tower from the east side of the ramp to the west side.

The Iowa DOT advises drivers to be cautious in these work zones and to follow the posted speed limits.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to SiouxlandProud | Sioux City, IA | News, Weather, and Sports.
The News

The US government is backing the domestic lithium industry in order to establish an independent supply. Lithium, a soft, highly reactive metal, is a vital component in batteries, and critical to the energy transition. The US relies on imports, and its domestic lithium industry has been in decline, but major reserves have been discovered, notably in Arkansas, Nevada, and California.

Several producers, including ExxonMobil and Albemarle, plan to start producing lithium in the next couple of years, and the Department of Energy has pledged $2 billion to support a Nevada project that aims to produce an initial 40,000 metric tonnes of battery-quality lithium a year, enough to power 800,000 electric vehicles, OilPrice reported.
US election dates: When is polling and results?

Donald Trump will face Kamala Harris in the 2024 race for the White House after an eventful start to the campaign.

Joe Biden pulled out of the race after intense pressure following his disastrous first debate with Trump.

When is the US election?

The US election will be held on Tuesday, Nov 5 2024.

The winner will serve four years in the White House starting from their inauguration on Jan 20 2025.

Voters will be electing not just a president, but Congressional candidates for seats in the House of Representatives and the US Senate.

What are the key battleground states ?

The road to the White House effectively runs through a few critical battleground states, which play an outsized role on election day.

The states are typically divided, and flip between Democrat and Republican with a narrow margin of victory.

Pennsylvania, and its 19 electoral college votes, has proved to be a critical state in the last few presidential elections, and 2024 will be no different.

Trump will also have to flip Arizona, Georgia, Wisconsin and Nevada, which Mr Biden narrowly carried in 2020 to win the presidency.

Florida and Ohio, once considered marginal, have been safe Republican territory in recent elections. However, nothing is set in stone.

When does early voting start?

Alabama was the first state to send its mail votes on September 11.

Heres a timeline for early in-person and mail voting:

September 11  Alabama

September 19  Wisconsin

September 20  Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia

September 21  North Carolina, and Military and overseas ballots

September 23  Mississippi

September 26  Michigan

September 30  Nebraska

October 7  Georgia

October 9  Arizona

October 15  Georgia

October 16  Nevada

October 17  North Carolina

October 19  Nevada

October 21  Texas

October 22  Wisconsin

October 26  Michigan

What happens on election day ?

The majority of voters go to the polls and ballots are counted. Many people may have already cast their vote ahead of time using the postal voting system or early voting.

What time does polling end?

Votes are counted in each state after their respective polls close. Poll close times vary from state to state but generally begin from around 7pm local time.

The range of time zones across the US means that on the east coast, ballots will have been tabulated while voters in states like Alaska and Hawaii are still making their way to the polls.

When do we get the election results ?

The winner of the election will likely not be projected for days. Even then, the results are not properly finalised for months. However, states and the whole election result are typically called long before final votes are counted.

This article is kept updated with the latest information for the 2024 election.

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US says it helped Israel shoot down Iran missiles

The US fired about a dozen interceptors at Tuesday's barrage of Iranian ballistic missiles fired at Israel, the Pentagon says.

US President Joe Biden said the US "actively" supported Israel's defence at his direction. He said he had spent the morning in the Situation Room - the White House hub for handling serious national security issues.

The Israeli military said about 180 missiles were fired at Israel, most of which were intercepted.

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has defended the attack, calling it a "decisive" response "in defence of Iranian interests and citizens".

In a Pentagon press briefing on Tuesday, Maj Gen Patrick Ryder said two US Navy destroyers fired the interceptors at the missiles, which the US believed were all launched from Iran.

He did not confirm whether they hit any of the Iranian missiles used in the attack - adding that this information was yet to be determined.

Iran launched around 180 missiles towards Israel, the Israeli military said. That would make it slightly larger than a barrage in April when Tehran launched about 110 ballistic missiles and 30 cruise missiles fired towards Israel.

Maj Gen Ryder added that the Pentagon was not aware of any warning for the attack.

President Biden said the US was "fully supportive" of Israel after Wednesday's assault.

"Today, at my direction, the United States military actively supported the defence of Israel, and we're still assessing the impact," he said.

"But based on what we know now, the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. And this is testament to the Israeli military capability and the US military."

Asked by reporters what the response towards Iran would be, Biden said: "That's in active discussion right now. That remains to be seen."

He said he would be talking to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and his message "would depend on what we finally conclude is needed".

The region is now well into a further sharp cycle of escalation, precisely the scenario Biden has spent months trying to avert - attempting to stem the Gaza war engulfing the rest of the region, while keeping up an almost continuous supply of arms to Israel.

Earlier, White House national security spokesman Jake Sullivan described Iran's attack as a "significant escalation".

He told reporters: "We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case."

Mr Sullivan did not specify what such consequences might be, but he did not urge restraint by Israel as the US did after April's attack by Iran.

US state department spokesman Matthew Miller said Washington had attempted to use both deterrence and diplomacy to de-escalate the region.

Pressed by the BBC on whether it was still taking this approach when working with the Israelis on the response to Iran, he said of course - they were always using both deterrence and diplomacy.

Iran's armed forces warned against any direct military intervention in support of Israel.

The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said in a statement that the attacks were in response to Israel's killing of a top IRGC commander and leaders of Iran-backed militias in the region.

It mentioned the killings of Hezbollah chief Hassan Nasrallah and IRGC commander Abbas Nilforoshan in Lebanon last weekend.

It also referred to the killing of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran in July.

While Israel has not admitted involvement in Haniyeh's death, it is widely believed to be responsible.
US and Israel agreed on need to destroy Hezbollah sites along border

Israeli tanks gather along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa

The US and Israel agreed on the "necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure" along the Lebanon border, the Pentagon has said.

US Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin had spoken with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant to review security developments and Israeli operations, his department said in a statement.

The US and Israel had agreed on "the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border" to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah militia could not conduct "October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," the statement said.

"The Secretary reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border."

The pair had also discussed the "importance of ultimately pivoting from military operations to a diplomatic pathway to provide security and stability as soon as feasible," the statement added.

Austin had again assured Israel of Washington's full support to defend itself against Iran-backed terrorist organizations, the Pentagon said.

The Israeli military said early on Tuesday it had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," against Hezbollah targets in southern Lebanon.

Ahead of the Israeli announcement, Washington late on Monday said it had been informed of the planned "limited operations" on the Lebanese border.

The Pentagon added the US was well postured to defend its personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations.

"The Secretary and Minister Gallant discussed the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," the statement added.

Israeli tanks move along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa

Israeli tanks move along the Israeli-Lebanese border. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had begun "targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence," the IDF said in a post on social media platform X. "These targets are located in villages close to the border and pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel." Ilia yefimovich/dpa
Marco Polo argali are the world's largest sheep [US Department of Justice]

A breeder in Montana has been jailed for six months for cloning a giant sheep species and selling its offspring at high prices for trophy hunting.

Arthur Jack Schubarth, 81, illegally imported body parts of Marco Polo argali sheep, the world's largest, from Kyrgyzstan, and sent the genetic material to a lab to create cloned embryos, court documents say.

The cloning resulted in a single male which he named Montana Mountain King or MMK.

MMK was then used to inseminate ewes to be sold to shooting preserves, also known as captive hunting operations.

"This was an audacious scheme to create massive hybrid sheep species to be sold and hunted as trophies," the justice department's Environment and Natural Resources Division (ENRD) said in a statement.

Marco Polo argali males can weigh more than 135kg (300 lbs) and have horns that span more than 1.5m (5ft).

The sheep, native to the mountains of the Pamir region of Central Asia, are protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (Cites).

They are prohibited in Montana to protect native sheep from disease - as well as to prevent the creation of hybrids.

Schubarth owns Sun River Enterprises LLC, a ranch which breeds and sells "alternative livestock" to private hunting preserves, where people shoot the animals for a fee, prosecutors said.

Court documents say he sold semen from MMK along with hybrid sheep to three people in Texas.

A Minnesota resident also brought his sheep to Schubarth's ranch for them to be inseminated.

An MMK offspring apparently fetched $10,000 (7,500).

District Court Judge Brian Morris said he struggled to come up with a sentence, but had to deter anyone else from trying to "change the genetic makeup of the creatures" on the planet.

In addition to the jail sentence, Schubarth was given a $20,000 fine.

He said he was ashamed of what he had done.

"I got my normal mindset clouded by my enthusiasm and looked for any grey area in the law to make the best sheep I could for this sheep industry," he said. "My family has never been broke, but we are now."

MMK will be sent to a zoo.

You may also want to read:
Senior White House figures privately told Israel that the U.S. would support its decision to ramp up military pressure against Hezbollah  even as the Biden administration publicly urged the Israeli government in recent weeks to curtail its strikes, according to American and Israeli officials.

Presidential adviser Amos Hochstein and Brett McGurk, the White House coordinator for the Middle East, told top Israeli officials in recent weeks that the U.S. agreed with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus broad strategy to shift Israels military focus to the north against Hezbollah in order to convince the group to engage in diplomatic talks to end the conflict, the officials told POLITICO.

Not everyone in the administration was on board with Israels shift, despite support inside the White House, the officials said. The decision to focus on Hezbollah sparked division within the U.S. government, drawing opposition from people inside the Pentagon, State Department and intelligence community who believed Israels move against the Iran-backed militia could drag American forces into yet another Middle East conflict.

POLITICO spoke to two Israeli and four U.S. officials for this story, most of whom were granted anonymity to speak freely about sensitive diplomatic talks.



The National Security Council declined to comment.

Danny Danon, Israels ambassador to the United Nations, declined Monday to comment on private talks between Israeli leaders and U.S. officials when asked about Hochstein and others exchanges.

We don't always ask for permission for everything we do, he said of the two countries, adding, I think what they say publicly reflects the goal that they would like to see a diplomatic solution, which we are not against.

In mid-September calls and meetings, Israeli officials outlined broadly that their military was preparing to make the shift. They didnt offer details. Hochstein and McGurk relayed to their Israeli counterparts that  while they still urged a cautious approach  the timing was likely opportune for such a move, especially after Hezbollah had been significantly degraded in the months prior.

While Hezbollah had long said it would only engage with Israel if it reaches a cease-fire with Hamas militants it is battling in Gaza, U.S. assessments indicated at that point that Hamas wasnt likely to agree to a cease-fire deal anytime soon. And that meant it could be a moment to focus more on Hezbollah alone  and to decouple the two conflicts.

This latest fight with Hezbollah began the day after Oct. 7, when the group began firing rockets from Lebanon into Israel  eventually forcing tens of thousands of civilians to flee the area on both sides. Hamas launched its war on Israel from Gaza on Oct. 7.

The U.S. officials knew little of exactly what Israel was planning, but even as they supported Israel pressuring Hezbollah, they urged caution. They warned that if Israel went too far it could risk escalating the situation into an all-out regional war  something the administration has been trying to avoid for nearly a year. They also stressed that the only way to end the conflict was through a negotiated diplomatic agreement.

Officials in the intelligence community, in briefings and talks with members of Congress last week, had said they were increasingly worried about the potential for a direct ground confrontation between Israel and Hezbollah. Similar conversations were occurring in the State Department, where officials were concerned about the mounting civilian death toll in Lebanon.

Some in the administration say that what looks like a rift is just the United States pursuing multiple routes at once.

Both things can be true  the U.S. can want diplomacy and support Israels larger goals against Hezbollah, a senior U.S. official said. Theres clearly a line that the administration is toeing, its just not clear what that line is.

Behind the scenes, Hochstein, McGurk and other top U.S. national security officials are describing Israels Lebanon operations as a history-defining moment  one that will reshape the Middle East for the better for years to come.

The thinking goes: Israel has obliterated Hezbollahs top command structure in Lebanon, severely undercutting the groups capabilities and weakened Iran, which used Hezbollah as a proxy and power projector.

The internal administration division seems to have dissipated somewhat in recent days, with top U.S. officials convening Monday at the White House with President Joe Biden to discuss the situation on the ground. Most agreed that the conflict, while fragile, could offer an opportunity to reduce Irans influence in Lebanon and the region.

Still, the White House is walking a fine line, U.S. and Israeli officials said. The Biden administration wants to support Israels actions against a U.S.-designated terrorist group that has killed Americans and threatens the region. But it is not comfortable endorsing Israels campaign completely  or publicly  because it is worried it will creep too far into Lebanese territory, instigating an all-out war, one of the U.S. officials said.

The administrations public message to Israel continues to be: Avoid escalation and keep pursuing diplomacy with Hezbollah  in particular, a 21-day cease-fire proposed by the U.S. and France last week.

That has been the case despite developments in the Israeli operation. Those included attacks on thousands of Hezbollah operatives using exploding pagers and walkie-talkies and the decimation of Hezbollahs top ranks, including a strike that killed its leader, Hassan Nasrallah on Friday.

Secretary of State Antony Blinken has urged Israel and Hezbollah to accept a cease-fire, even as he  like Biden and others  is glad to see Nasrallah gone.

With regard to Lebanon, whats the best way to achieve the stated objective of creating an environment in northern Israel that gives people confidence to return to their homes? As I said, we believe the diplomatic course is the best one, he said Friday amid reports that Nasrallah had been killed.

When Biden was asked in a press conference Monday whether he was comfortable with Israels targeted ground raids in Lebanon, the president said: I am comfortable with them stopping. We should have a cease-fire now.

But negotiations over the 21-day cease-fire proposal the U.S. announced last week are essentially paused, one of the U.S. officials said, while Israel continues to go after Hezbollahs positions across the border in Lebanon.

The situation escalated further Monday when Israeli special forces moved across the border, targeting Hezbollah's tunnel network and other command centers, another U.S. official told POLITICO.

The Israelis had planned to launch a significantly bigger ground incursion into Lebanon this week, but Biden officials have urged against it, asking Israel to be more targeted in how it conducted its operations.
US orders US$6.9bn worth of bombs from Boeing, including for Ukraine

The United States has signed a US$6.9 billion contract with Boeing Corporation to produce small-diameter bombs, which will be delivered to Ukraine, Japan and Bulgaria.

Source: Pentagon on 30 September, as reported by European Pravda

Details: The report says Missouri-based Boeing has been awarded a non-renewable, indefinite-delivery and indefinite-quantity contract worth US$6.9 billion for the supply of small-diameter bombs.

The work will be performed in St Louis and is expected to be completed by 31 December 2035.

This contract, according to the report, includes overseas military sales to Japan, Bulgaria and Ukraine.

Background:

Amid Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the US last week, President Joe Biden announced a sharp increase in security aid for Ukraine, promising to allocate almost US$8 billion for weapons in the coming months.

In addition, the US announced a new military aid package worth US$375 million last Wednesday.

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The "significant" role the U.S. played in helping Israel fend off Iran's aerial assault on Tuesday came just hours after Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin assured Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant that the U.S. had "increased force readiness" and stood ready.

"This is a significant escalation by Iran," White House National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan told reporters Tuesday. "It is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel."

The comments were made following massive missile strike fired by Iran in which some 180 missiles were fired at Israel.

According to Iranian state media, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) said the attack was in retaliation for the Friday assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, who was killed alongside IRGC commander and military advisor Brig. Gen. Abbas Nilforushan, as well as Ismail Haniyeh, the leader of Hamas who was killed in July during a visit to Tehran.

Israel's Iron Dome anti-missile system intercepts rockets, as seen from Ashkelon, Israel, October 1, 2024.

Idf Meets Little Resistance From Hezbollah After Weeks Of Hitting Terror Targets, Officials Say

"In response to the martyrdom of Ismail Haniyeh, Seyyed Hassan Nasrallah and Martyr Nilfroshan, we targeted the heart of the occupied territories," the IRGC said in a statement reported by Iranian media. "If the Zionist regime reacts to Iran's operations, it will face crushing attacks."

Read On The Fox News App

Following the attacks, Israel closed its airspace, residents in Tel Aviv and Jerusalem were ordered to shelter in place and the Israeli security cabinet said it would convene Tuesday night in a bunker in Jerusalem, according to Israeli news outlet the Jerusalem Post.

It remains unclear if Iranian missiles had made contact with any targets, though the Israeli Defense Force (IDF) told Fox News Digital that no casualties were yet known.

In a statement to Fox News, a U.S. defense official said, "[In] accordance with our ironclad commitment to Israels security, U.S. forces in the region are currently defending against Iranian-launched missiles targeting Israel.

"Our forces remain postured to provide additional defensive support and to protect U.S. forces operating in the region," the official added.



Israeli Ministers Frustrated Over Us, Idf Leak On Lebanon Operation: Report

Earlier on Tuesday, the Pentagon said in a readout regarding the second call Austin has held with Gallant in the last 24 hours, that the secretary "made it clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, allies, and partners in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and is determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict in the region."

Three U.S. guided-missile destroyers have been positioned off the eastern Mediterranean to help defend Israel, including the USS Arleigh Burke, USS Bulkeley and USS Cole  which reportedly played a closely coordinated role in defending against the Iranian attack on Tuesday.

"Today, Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards targets in Israel. The United States military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend Israel against this attack," Sullivan said. "U.S. naval destroyers joined Israeli Air Defense units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles."

In April, during the last major attack that Iran levied at Israel when it fired more than 300 drones and missiles, the USS Arleigh Burke and the USS Carney shot down more than 81 attack drones and at least six ballistic missiles using guided-missile destroyers.

The ballistic missiles were shot down using the SM-3 ballistic missile interceptors from the ships that were also positioned in the eastern Mediterranean at the time. The SM-3 has a range of up to 1,550 miles.

Israel has several of its own defense systems outside of what its offshore allies provide, including the infamous Iron Dome which is designed to intercept short-range rockets and artillery shells fired from distances of two to 43 miles away.

Rockets fly in the sky, amid cross-border hostilities between Hezbollah and Israel, as seen from Tel Aviv, Israel, October 1, 2024.

But it also has systems that are capable of stopping missiles fired from greater distances, like its Arrow Missile Defense System, which can intercept missiles fired from up to 1,500 miles away and above the earth's atmosphere.

The air defense system known as Davids Sling is also designed to intercept enemy planes, drones, tactical ballistic missiles, medium to long-range rockets and cruise missiles fired at a range of 25 to 190 miles away.

IDF spokesman Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that it was believed the Iranian strikes had stopped, and told Israelis it was safe to leave their shelters.

"During the defense, we carried out quite a few interceptions. There are some impacts in the center and areas in the south of the country," Hagari said Tuesday night local time. "At this stage we are still carrying out an assessment [of the attack], but we are unaware of casualties."





Original article source: US readiness plays 'significant' role in fending off Iranian attack on Israel
South Korean telecom KT and tech giant Microsoft signed a five-year multibillion-dollar partnership that focuses on advancing artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and IT and upgrading KTs infrastructure, building a partnership announced last year.

KT pledged to invest to improve Microsofts AI, cloud technologies, and IT while Microsoft committed to upgrading KTs infrastructure and people.

Projects to be undertaken include a customised version of GPT-4o and small language models tailored to the Korean market.

KT will develop AI agents using Microsoft Copilot Studio and Azure AI Studio.

Both will collaborate to evolve KTs Responsible AI framework to deliver safe AI services in Korea.

Aside from AI, both announced they launched Secure Public Cloud services, KTs sovereign cloud solution built on Microsoft Cloud for Sovereignty.

KT also intends to establish an AX-specialised service company to provide Microsoft Cloud and AI expertise to the Korean market with plans to expand to Asean." Microsoft will support this initiative over the next three years.

The companies expect the partnership to drive AI transformation for more than 650,000 businesses and 17 million consumers across Korea.

The partnership with Microsoft presents a pivotal opportunity, not only for technological collaboration but also for expanding Koreas AI foundation and driving transformative innovation across industries and daily life, claimed KT CEO Young-Shub Kim.

Together, we will help accelerate the AI transformation of Korean organisations across the private and public sector and build new AI-powered experiences for millions of consumers, said Microsoft CEO and chairman Satya Nadella.
FILE- This photo shows the U.S. Treasury Department building at dusk in Washington, June 6, 2019. (AP Photo/Patrick Semansky, File)

WASHINGTON (AP)  The U.S. on Tuesday imposed sanctions on Hilltop Youth, a group of extremist settlers in the Israeli -occupied West Bank who attack Palestinians and their property.

In addition, the State Department placed diplomatic sanctions on two menIsraeli settler Eitan Yardeni, for his connection to violence targeting West Bank civilians and Avichai Suissa, the leader of Hashomer Yosh, a sanctioned group that brings young volunteers to settler farms across the territory, including small farming outposts that rights groups say are the primary drivers of settler violence across the territory.

The sanctions, which expose people to asset freezes and travel and visa bans, come as violence against Palestinians in the West Bank has exploded since the start of the Israel-Hamas war, following the deadly terrorist attacks of October 7th.

Palestinians report verbal and physical harassment, restriction of movement, and face intimidation by settlers circling their properties on motorbikes, cars or horses and spying via drones.

The Treasury Department said Hilltop Youth has carried out killings and mass arson, while rights groups and Palestinians say the group is behind price tag attacks  attacks on Palestinian villages in retaliation for perceived efforts to hamper settlement construction.

The group may prove difficult to effectively sanction, as it is loosely organized and decentralized. In addition, Israels finance minister has previously vowed to intervene on sanctioned settlers behalf.

In the past, sanctioned settlers have told the AP that the measures have had little impact on their finances.

Hilltop Youth has already faced sanctions from the EU and UK.

The Biden administration has been criticized for imposing relatively few sanctions on Israeli extremists. According to the Office of Foreign Assets Control, 27 extremists and entities have been sanctioned by the U.S. under President Joe Biden s February 2024 Executive Order related to maintaining West Bank stability.

The Treasury's Acting Under Secretary for Terrorism and Financial Intelligence Bradley T. Smith said that the U.S. will continue to hold accountable the individuals, groups, and organizations that facilitate these hateful and destabilizing acts.

State Department spokesman Matthew Miller said the actions of these individuals have contributed to creating an environment where violence and instability thrive. Their actions, collectively and individually, undermine peace, security, and stability in the West Bank.

___

Associated Press writers Julia Frankel and Jack Jeffrey contributed to this report from Jerusalem.
Millions of Israelis rushed to shelters after being warned of the missile attack [Reuters]

Israel says Iran has launched more than 180 missiles towards the country in a large-scale attack that has further heightened fears of an all-out regional war.

Millions of people rushed to shelters before explosions lit up the night skies above Tel Aviv and Jerusalem. A man was killed by falling missile debris in the city of Jericho in the occupied West Bank, Palestinian officials said.

Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Iran had made a "big mistake" and "will pay for it".

Iranian state TV said Iran had fired 200 missiles towards Israel. These included hypersonic weapons, it said, while the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps said the strikes were in retaliation for the killings of the leaders of its allies Hezbollah and Hamas.

Within hours of the massive barrage on Tuesday evening local time, Israel's military resumed air strikes against what it said were Hezbollah targets in the southern suburbs of the Lebanese capital, Beirut.

US President Joe Biden said the Iranian missile attack appeared to have been defeated and ineffective. The US Department of Defense confirmed its forces had helped shoot down missiles in support of its Middle East ally.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) said the majority of missiles were "intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States".

UN secretary general Antonio Guterres condemned what he called the broadening conflict in the Middle East, adding: This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire.

There was support for Israel from allies including Britain, France, Japan and Australia - with UK Defence Secretary John Healey issuing a statement saying the armed forces "had played their part in attempts to prevent further escalation in the Middle East".

The missile attack came hours after Israeli troops began an invasion of southern Lebanon to remove what the military said were "Hezbollah terror targets in border villages that posed a threat to residents of northern Israel.

Israel has gone on the offensive against the Iran-backed Shia Islamist political and military organisation after almost a year of cross-border hostilities sparked by the war with Hamas in Gaza, saying it wants to ensure the safe return of residents of border areas displaced by Hezbollah rocket, drone and missile attacks.

Air raid sirens sounded all across Israel at around 19:30 local time (16:30 GMT) on Tuesday, as the IDF warned missiles had been launched from Iran.

Within a few minutes in Jerusalem, loud explosions were heard in Jerusalem as missiles flew overhead and were intercepted by Israeli air defence systems.

Videos shared on social media showed streams of light as the missiles flew over Israel, and clouds of smoke as they were intercepted or detonated on impact.

Just over an hour later, the IDF announced that people were allowed to leave their protected spaces because it did not identify any additional aerial threats from Iran.

Later, IDF spokesman Rear Admiral Daniel Hagari said in a statement that there were a small number of hits in the centre of Israel, and other hits in Southern Israel.

The majority of the incoming missiles were intercepted by Israel and a defensive coalition led by the United States.

He added: Irans attack is a severe and dangerous escalation. There will be consequences.

Our defensive and offensive capabilities are at the highest levels of readiness. Our operational plans are ready.

"We will respond wherever, whenever, and however we choose, in accordance with the directive of the government of Israel.

US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan told reporters at the White House that he did not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel.

In short, based on what we know at this point, this attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective, he added.

He also condemned the attack as a significant escalation and warned: "We have made clear that there will be consequences, severe consequences, for this attack, and we will work with Israel to make that the case.

Explosions lit up the night skies above Jerusalem as Israeli air defences and aircraft targeted the missiles [AFP]

Speaking on Wednesday, Iran's chief of staff Maj Gen Mohammad Bagheri told state TV that it would hit infrastructure across Israel if it decides to strike back.

The barrage "will be repeated with bigger intensity and all infrastructure of the regime will be targeted", Mr Bagheri said.

Irans Islamic Revolution Guard Corps said it had targeted unspecified "sensitive security and military" centres in retaliation for the "violation of Irans sovereignty and the martyrdom of Hamas political leader Ismail Haniyeh, who was killed by an explosion in Tehran in July that Iranian officials blamed on Israel, but Israeli officials did not claim.

The statement described the missile barrage as having been "in line with the legitimate right of the nation to defend itself.

It also said the attack was in response to the Israeli air strike in the southern suburbs of Beirut on Friday that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and Brig-Gen Abbas Nilforoushan, the operations commander of the IRGCs overseas arm, the Quds Force.

Later, Iranian state media claimed that missiles had hit the Nevatim, Hazterim and Tel Nof air bases, as well as Israeli tanks in Netzarim  a reference to an Israeli military corridor in central Gaza  and gas installations in the southern Israeli city of Ashkelon.

The attack took place about an hour after a senior White House official told reporters that the US had indications that Iran was preparing to imminently launch missiles at Iran.

In April, Iran launched more than 300 drones and missiles at Israel in retaliation for a deadly strike on the Iranian consulate in Syria that killed several top commanders.

Almost all of them were shot down by Israel, the US and other Western allies and their Arab partners, and an air base in southern Israel sustained only minor damage when it was hit.

Israel responded by launching a missile that hit an Iranian air base Western calls for restraint.

On Saturday, Irans Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei had promised that the death of his close ally Hassan Nasrallah would not go unavenged".

He gave no details, but said: "The fate of this region will be determined by the forces of resistance, with Hezbollah at the forefront."

Iran has built a network of allied armed groups across the Middle East, which are all opposed to the US and Israel and sometimes refer to themselves as the Axis of Resistance. Besides Hezbollah, they include Hamas in the Palestinian territories, the Houthis in Yemen, and a number of Shia militias in Iraq and Syria.
US State Department: Ukraine can strike deep into Russia with its weapons, no permission needed

Ukraine does not need permission from the US to launch counterattacks on targets deep within Russia, as it can use weapons it manufactures independently.

Source: US State Department spokesperson Matthew Miller during a briefing on 30 September

Quote: "They are a sovereign country and can use the weapons that they build on their own, of which are many, if you look at the programs that they have put in place over the last year. And then when you look at the weapons that we have provided to them, weve made clear that they can use them to strike back against Russian targets across the border that are launching attacks. So Ukraine does have an enormous amount of material to defend itself."

Details: Miller noted that the US "always look at whether there are additional tools" they can provide to Ukraine.

When asked why the US still maintains restrictions on long-range strikes deep into Russia using US-provided weapons, he explained that the US considers all options, tactics and overall support for Ukraine. When approving any new weapons system or tactic, they consider how it will affect the entire battlefield and Ukraine's overall strategy.

Miller added that this is something the US will continue to evaluate and reiterated that President Joe Biden announced additional military aid for Ukraine during President Volodymyr Zelenskyy's visit to the US.

Background:

On 29 September, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said he is "more positive" about obtaining authorisation for long-range weapons strikes on Russian territory but that the decision does not depend on the Ukrainian side.

The UK Foreign Secretary said that a decision on lifting restrictions on Ukraine's use of Western long-range weapons against military targets in Russia could be made by early winter.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  The USPS says it will be taking action later this month to ensure vital mail gets to where it needs to be amid ongoing criticism from Kansas top election official.

27 News reached out to the USPS following the release of a new letter from Kansas Secretary of State Scott Schwab criticizing the postal service over the alleged mishandling of mail-in ballots during the states Primary Election in August. The USPS responded to Schwabs initial complaints in September but the secretary of state is continuing to call upon the service to make corrections ahead of the General Election on Nov. 5.

USPS spokesman, Mark Inglett, told 27 News on Sept. 30 in a written response that local postal management has been cleared to use extraordinary measures starting on Oct. 21 for election day. This includes accelerated delivery of ballot mail to its destination. Other measures that will be used include the following:

Post offices can establish a dedicated line for ballot postmarks and drive-through ballot drop options. These will be staffed through election day.

The USPS will make additional deliveries and collections to ensure timely delivery of ballots. Early collections will be run on Nov. 2, 4 and 5 with special runs to Boards of Elections on those days and the last day that Boards of Elections will accept ballots as timely in states that accept ballot mail after election day.

Postmasters will arrange after-hours handoffs with Boards of Elections and use the Express Mail network for completed ballots entered close to election day. Misprinted ballots will be redirected.

Local carriers will check the mailboxes of every home for outgoing mail starting Oct. 21.

Facilities will use special sort plans to hold out ballot mail early in the process to expedite delivery to Boards of Election. Ballots for non-local destinations will be expedited using Priority Mail Express if needed.

In 2024, just as we have in previous elections, we will deploy longstanding processes and procedures, as well as allocating additional resources, including, but not limited to, expanded processing procedures, extra transportation, extra delivery and collection trips, and overtime, to ensure that Election Mail reaches its intended destination in a timely manner, Inglett said.

USPS Postmaster General Louis DeJoy recently testified before Congress on Sept. 26 about preparations ahead of the election. In-person voting is already underway in states like Minnesota, South Dakota and Virginia. The first day for advance voting in Kansas is Wednesday, Oct. 16.

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Inglett said the USPS is working to respond directly to Schwabs new letter and is continuing to work closely with his office and other state election officials to respond to their concerns, including the policy on postmarks. Schwabs initial letter to the USPS in September focused on the alleged mishandling of 1,000 ballots cast in the Primary Election which were not postmarked properly or received late by election officials.

The USPS has a long-standing policy to ensure each return ballot mailed by voters receives a postmark whether it is mailed with postage pre-paid by election officials or with a stamp. Voters can make sure a postmark is applied to a return ballot by visiting a USPS retail office and requesting a postmark from a staff member when dropping off the ballot.

USPS workers have also been told to review the ballot postmarking processes and procedures ahead of election day. Mail that is canceled by the USPS is to make sure the postage cannot be reused with some categories of postage pre-canceled prior to entering the mail-stream.

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For domestic, nonmilitary voters who choose to use the mail to return a completed ballot, our general recommendation continues to be that, as a common-sense measure, you should mail your completed ballot before Election Day, and at least one week before the deadline by which your completed ballot must be received by your local election official, Inglett said. Some states may recommend allowing even more time for mailing completed ballots. You should always check to make sure you understand your states requirements and recommendations on mailing your completed ballot.

For more Kansas news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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HORRY COUNTY, S.C. (WBTW)  Vacation Myrtle Beach-branded resorts are offering deep discounts for people forced out of their homes by Tropical Storm Helene.

Three of its locations  Captains Quarters Resort, Crown Reef Beach Resort and Waterpark and hotel BLUE  are charging between $39 and $49 a night for qualifying guests.

We understand how devastating natural disasters can be for families and individuals, Vacation Myrtle Beach chief operating officer Matt Klugman said.

The discounted rates are available for displaced people through Oct. 20, with parking charges and additional fees waived.

All three resorts feature accommodation options with full kitchens and on-site laundry facilities.

The special rates are available to people who present proof of residency in select Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina counties upon check-in.

To view the list of eligible counties or to make a reservation, visit VacationMyrtleBeach.com.

* * *

Adam Benson joined the News13 digital team in January 2024. He is a veteran South Carolina reporter with previous stops at the Greenwood Index-Journal, Post & Courier and The Sun News in Myrtle Beach. Adam is a Boston native and University of Utah graduate. Follow Adam on X, formerly Twitter, at @AdamNewshound12. See more of his work here.

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(Bloomberg) -- Vice presidential nominees JD Vance and Tim Walz will face off for their first and potentially only debate before the November election Tuesday, as the two Midwesterners with economic populist streaks strive to sway undecided voters in the tight race.

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Set in New York, the debate will be the first time Vance, Donald Trumps running mate, and Walz, Kamala Harris pick, appear on a stage together after relentless attacks against each other on the trail.

Walz, who was until recently a little-known Minnesota governor, endeared himself to Democrats even before Harris tapped him, when his interview clip mocking the Republican ticket as weird went viral. On the stump, he has pounced on Vances statements, such as his 2021 comments that the country is run by a bunch of childless cat ladies who are miserable to pitch that Democratic policies are better for Americans.

Vance, an Ohio senator who rose from poverty, has reveled in serving as Trumps attack dog and messenger, such as by amplifying widely debunked claims that Haitian migrants in Springfield, Ohio, are eating pets. Calling Walz Tampon Tim for a Minnesota law requiring public schools to provide free menstrual products, Vance criticizes Democrats for being too extreme for the country.

Heres what to know about the debate:

What time does the vice presidential debate start, and how can you watch it?

The 90-minute forum will kick off at 9 p.m. New York time and can be viewed on host network CBS News. The debate will also stream on CBS Television Network and on all platforms where CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ are available. Bloomberg Television and other broadcast networks will simulcast the event, moderated by CBS journalists Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan.

What are the rules of the debate?

There will be no opening statements and no studio audience. Mics will be live throughout the event, although moderators can mute them at their discretion.

Walz and Vance must stay behind their podiums. Walz picked the right one, and Vance will be on the left. Pre-written notes are not allowed on stage, but they will have pens, paper and water.

Each candidates will have two minutes for closing statements, and Vance will deliver his last as determined by a coin flip that he won.

How do Tim Walz and JD Vances policies differ?

On the economy, immigration and abortion, the candidates contrast sharply.

In Minnesota, Walzs support for increased spending, stricter regulations and higher taxes on the wealthy and companies won him the praise of unions and other progressive groups who say his policies make Minnesota a better place to live and work. Republicans and business groups say those plans hinder economic growth.

Walz, 60, supports a path to citizenship for some undocumented immigrants and has signed several bills protecting reproductive rights.

Vance, 40, on the trail is pitching Trumps ever-growing litany of tax proposals that includes something for almost every American family. To pay for them, Trump has pledged to enact a 10% across-the-board tariff on imports and even higher duties on Chinese-made goods. Most economists say that Americans would ultimately pay higher costs.

The former venture capitalist has embraced Trumps hard-line immigration tactics, such as vowing to force mass deportations. He has characterized abortion-rights advocates as sociopathic.

Who is more popular? What do pre-debate polls show?

Walz has a higher net favorability rating than Vance, according to the latest Bloomberg News/Morning Consult poll of registered voters in seven swing states.

A bigger share  41%  say they had a favorable view of the Democrat than those holding a negative one. Meanwhile, 46% view the Republican negatively, compared to 37% holding favorable opinions, the poll released last week shows. For both candidates, the results are about the same as the previous months survey.

Is there going to be another presidential debate between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris?

Its unlikely. Trump ruled out appearing at another debate with Harris two days after their first showdown in September. Public opinion polls, betting markets and even his allies said the Democratic candidate had the better performance during that forum.

That means Tuesdays showdown could be the last highly viewed event that features both campaigns, potentially giving the vice presidential debate more weight than it generally has.

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A December 2023 photo of the Marco Polo argali sheep cloned by Jack Schubarth, called Montana Mountain King. (Photo via U.S. Attorney's Office)

A December 2023 photo of the Marco Polo argali sheep cloned by Jack Schubarth, called Montana Mountain King. (Photo via U.S. Attorney's Office)

The Vaughn man who earlier this year pleaded guilty to violating the Lacey Act by cloning and trafficking a large species of an Asian sheep and selling hybrid offspring DNA was sentenced Monday to six months in prison.

The prison sentence for Arthur Jack Schubarth, 81, was about one-quarter of what he could have been sentenced to under federal sentencing guidelines, according to a sentencing memo from the U.S. Attorneys Office.

The memo said Schubarth at his age was unlikely to attempt the same crimes again and that he had been helpful in cooperating with the government after his arrest, providing officials with genetic testing showing which of his animals could be dangerous to wild animals, helping them care for the animals, and declining compensation for the animals that had to be killed and given to Montanans for meat.

But in the sentencing memo, the U.S. Attorneys Office also said a sentence that included prison could deter others from committing the same crimes.

There is no shortage of examples as to the devastating impacts wreaked by escaped invasive or exotic species, the memo said, listing off snakehead fish, zebra mussels, wild hogs, and Burmese pythons as examples in the U.S. Some actions leading to these problems were careless and some intentional. Yet with a just punishment, this Court can take a step towards averting the next ecological disaster and protect the public from wide-ranging negative consequences.

Along with the sixth-month prison sentence, Judge Brian Morris ordered Schubarth to pay a $20,000 fine to the Lacey Act Reward Fund, $4,000 to the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and a $200 special assessment. He will also have three years of unsupervised release following his prison sentence.

The Lacey Act prohibits people from selling, transporting, or buying wildlife through interstate commerce when they knew it was being transported or sold in violation of federal or state law, or if it was falsely labeled.

According to federal prosecutors, from 2013 through 2021, Schubarth worked with at least five others to try to create a large hybrid sheep that could be hunted at captive hunting operations, typically fenced-in land. He brought parts of the worlds largest sheep, the Marco Polo argali sheep, from Kyrgyzstan illegally.

He sent genetic material from the animals parts to a lab to clone the animal, then implanted embryos in other sheep at his Schubarth Ranch in Vaughn, leading to the birth of a cloned Marco Polo argali he named Montana Mountain King.

He used that animals semen to artificially inseminate several other species of sheep that are illegal in Montana to create hybrids, hoping to sell large sheep to captive hunting facilities across the U.S., but primarily in Texas, according to court documents.

The group forged inspection certificates, Schubarth sold his pure clones semen directly to other breeders, and at least two of the sheep he was involved in creating died from a contagious chronic wasting disease.

According to the government, he also illegally purchased the testicles of large Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep killed in Montana from outfitters and sold them to others.

This case exemplifies the serious threat that wildlife trafficking poses to our native species and ecosystems, said Edward Grace, the assistance director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services Office of Law Enforcement. Mr. Schubarths actions not only violated multiple laws designed to protect wildlife, but also risked introducing diseases and compromising the genetic integrity of our wild sheep populations.

As part of the plea agreement, Schubarth wrote to the judge in February explaining his long background with exotic animals and Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks. He also asked for house arrest because of health problems and a lack of a criminal record and apologized for his actions.

My biggest fault is I become extremely passionate in any project I take on. This is what happened with my sheep project. I got my normal mind set clouded by my enthusiasm and looked for any grey area in the law to make the best sheep I could for this sheep industry, he wrote. Im very sorry for my actions and deeply ashamed and Im sorry I have caused my family pain and a loss of money. My family has never been broke, but we are now.

The U.S. Attorneys Office said the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and FWP continue to investigate the case. Court records show Schubarth sold to people in Alabama, Arkansas, Kansas, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Ohio, Oregon, South Dakota, Texas and West Virginia.

Schubarths criminal conduct is not how Montanans treat our wildlife population, U.S. Attorney for the District of Montana Jesse Laslovich said in a statement. Such actions to create hybrid animals are as unnatural as they are illegal, and I applaud the extensive collaboration and diligence of all of our law enforcement partners to bring Schubarth to justice.
Weve got boots on the ground: Harris says government is sending supplies to GA following Helene

Vice President Kamala Harris discussed Tuesdays missile attack on Israel by Iran and the federal response to Hurricane Helene in an exclusive interview with Channel 2s Richard Elliot.

Elliot interviewed Harris just hours after Iran launched the missile strike.

The Vice President said their primary focus was ensuring the safety of U.S. personnel and helping Israel defend itself.

I was actually in the Situation Room with the President for several hours with our national security team, Harris said.

Harris emphasized the importance of standing by Israel.

It is important that we as the United States stand with Israel and its right to defend itself, especially against Iran which poses a threat to American interests and American personnel in the region, Harris said.

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The interview also covered the impact of Hurricane Helene on South Georgia, from Valdosta to Augusta.

Harris mentioned her ongoing communication with Gov. Brian Kemp.

I have been in touch with the governor. I actually spoke with him. Ive been getting regular briefings at FEMA, Harris said.

She assured that federal agencies are working to send relief supplies to affected areas, including Valdosta.

This comes after her opponent, former President Donald Trump, visited Valdosta and criticized the Biden administration for not moving supplies quickly enough.

They have to focus over here. Its too big. This is a really bad one, and the governor is doing a good job, but hes having a hard time getting the president on the phone, Trump said on Tuesday.

Weve got boots on the ground in Georgia. There has been a big effort that we have made to make sure we get food, water and generators to folks who need them after the hurricane, Harris said.

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Verizon says service has returned to normal levels after thousands experienced outages

Verizon says service has returned to normal levels after thousands experienced outages

Verizon said Monday its engineers have fully restored todays network disruption following thousands of its users reporting outages.

Verizon engineers have fully restored todays network disruption that impacted some customers. Service has returned to normal levels, Verizon spokesperson Ilya Hemlin said in a statement. If you are still having issues, we recommend restarting your device. We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your patience.

Earlier Monday, thousands of people who use Verizon were going through service outages. By midday, more than 100,000 users had reported outages, per Downdetector, with a map from the outage tracker showing hot spots around locations including Tampa, Fla.; Atlanta; and New York City.

On Monday evening, the number of reports of outages for Verizon was down to more than 2,900.

Some phones showed SOS, a sign that they had lost cellular service, according to multiple users on social media.

Verizon wasnt the only provider with spikes on Downdetector on Monday. More than 1,000 AT&T users reported outages, but the company said this was because of an issue at another carrier.

Another carrier is experiencing a network issue that may be preventing our customers from calling their customers, AT&T spokesperson Jim Kimberly said in a previous statement.

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Verizon said its network is fully restored, returning mobile phone service to customers across the country after an outage on Monday that left many people unable to make or receive calls for much of the day.

People across the country said their phones had no service except for SOS mode, which means their phones are having trouble connecting to a wireless network. However, when a phone is in SOS mode, it can still make emergency calls, such as 911, by connecting to other carriers, according to Apple.

The outage began shortly after 9 a.m. E.T. on Monday and lasted into the evening. At 8 p.m. Verizon told CBS MoneyWatch that its engineers had fully restored the network after a "disruption that impacted some customers."

"Service has returned to normal levels," the spokesperson said.

What if your phone is still in SOS mode?

Verizon said that people who are still having trouble connecting to its network should restart their mobile device.

People with iPhones can also try reconnecting to their cellular network by going to settings, turning on "airplane mode" for at least 15 seconds and then turning off airplane mode, according to Apple.

"We know how much people rely on Verizon and apologize for any inconvenience. We appreciate your patience," Verizon said.

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Additional funding valued at $30 million over 3.5 years is to be allocated for investigations and enforcement relating to the supermarket and retail sector.

The competition watchdog the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) said today the additional resources would allow for a significant enhancement of the its enforcement and compliance activities in an essential sector relied upon by millions of Australian consumers.

ACCC Chair Cass-Gottlieb said the additional resources would allow for a significant enhancement of the ACCCs enforcement and compliance activities in an essential sector relied upon by millions of Australian consumers.

Active, evidence-based enforcement of the Competition and Consumer Act is core to the ACCCs work, and is essential for deterring conduct that harms consumers, competition and fair trading, and by extension productivity and the wider economy.

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The ACCCs work has always reflected the current issues impacting the Australian economy, consumers and businesses - informed by evidence, information and intelligence from a range of sources. This includes reports to our Infocentre and social media, engagement with consumer stakeholders and other government departments and regulators, as well as pro-active surveillance.

This funding will enable us to escalate a range of investigations in this sector, including in relation to potential misleading pricing claims or practices, claims about delivery timeframes and costs including for regional and remote Australians, and businesses misrepresenting consumers rights under the Australian Consumer Law, Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC notes that it announces its compliance and enforcement priorities each year in February and March, and this year its priorities included competition, consumer, fair trading and pricing concerns in the supermarket sector, with a focus on food and groceries, while already prioritising action in these sectors and taking action, this further funding will allow the ACCC to identify, progress and bring forward additional matters.

We have heard first-hand from consumers how the cost of living is impacting their ability to choose and that they need to be more cautious with purchasing decisions. It is critical that consumers are provided with clear and accurate information about the price or value of the goods and services they rely on, Cass-Gottlieb said.

The ACCC is also receiving an increasing number of reports from consumers worried about prices and representations made about the quality or features of goods and services, as well as a growing number of reports about delayed or non-delivery of goods purchased online.

The ACCC is currently conducting a 12-month inquiry into Australias supermarket sector following a formal direction from the Australian Government on 1 February 2024. The interim report for the inquiry was released last week.

So far this year the ACCC says it has secured more than $85 million in penalties in consumer and competition enforcement work, not including the $100 million penalty against Qantas which the ACCC and Qantas have submitted to the Federal Court is an appropriate penalty, to be considered by the Court at a hearing in October - and has also instituted proceedings against a range of parties in the retail sector, including the Good Guys, Coles and Woolworths.

In this, the 50-year anniversary of the Trade Practices Act, the ACCC remains committed to making markets work for consumers, Cass-Gottlieb said.

Background

The funding will add approximately $8.5m each year for the next 3 and a half years from January 1 2025.

The ACCC is an independent statutory government authority and Australias peak consumer protection and competition agency.

The ACCC uses a range of tools to promote compliance with the Competition and Consumer Act 2010 and the Australian Consumer Law.

This includes commencing proceedings in the Federal Court for alleged breaches of the Act. The ACCC is not able to determine a breach of the Act  only a court can find that a contravention has occurred.

If the ACCC is successful in a Federal Court matter, the penalty imposed is determined by the Court. The ACCC makes submissions to the Court on the appropriate penalty it considers should be imposed.

The ACCC also seeks to ensure compliance through consumer and business education, industry engagement, communications, research and advocacy.

When deciding whether to pursue a matter, the ACCC will consider whether it falls into a current enforcement priority area, and will also consider if it is:
More than 90 Vermont lawmakers have signed a letter asking Gov. Phil Scott to declare the states homeless crisis a State of Emergency and to use his executive powers to fast-track funding to build more temporary housing.

The letter says the lack of safe shelter for thousands of unhoused Vermonters is a humanitarian

emergency that will only get worse as the weather turns colder.

With nearly 3,500 Vermonters unhoused, either living in temporary shelter, in vehicles, or outdoors, and over 1,000 who will have lost their temporary shelter in motels by mid-October, we have gone far past the point where our local communities can absorb the costs, both human and financial, to deal with this in the next few months, lawmaker wrote.

End of Vermont motel housing program worries local officials

Vermont housing advocates have their work cut out for them: Vermont has the second highest per capita rate of homelessness in the country in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Last month, officials of local officials said they are overwhelmed by the growing rate of homelessness in their towns and cities and called on state government to do more to address the issue.

A recent state housing report found that the number of Vermonters experiencing homelessness tripled between 2019 and 2023. The number of people experiencing homelessness is more than 3,400, up from the 1,100 the state reported in 2020.

By mid-October, about 1,000 people will have lost access to the states emergency motel housing program. Lawmakers say they are likely the most vulnerable unhoused Vermonters and at most risk of harm.

The states most recent Point in Time report, a snapshot of homelessness, documented that of the 3,458 unhoused Vermonters:

107 are veterans

737 are children

1,413 have a mental illness or a long-term disability

309 are fleeing domestic or sexual violence.

Vermont caps emergency motel housing for homeless, forcing many to leave this month

It is our obligation as a state to keep children, seniors, and those with serious medical issues and disabilities from having to fight for their basic survival. These are human beings. Even one death because we chose to unshelter them is one death too many, the letter said.

Scott has argued the state cant afford to continue housing people in motels, favoring instead establishing more shelters. However, he said few people used the states emergency shelters last spring during another reduction to the motel program.

Its just not sustainable on a long-term basis, he said. Its a difficult situation. (I) understand the point of view of the municipalities as well, but we dont have the resources either and so were in the position were at.

The lawmakers letter to Scott has asked the governor to:

Create more emergency shelters immediately and ensure that all who needs safe shelter are aware that it exists, have transportation to get there, and are able to continue to access the services they need.

Relieve the pressure on towns and cities by declaring a State of Emergency and use expanded powers to fund non-congregate temporary housing for our most vulnerable.

New report shows record-high homeless population in Vermont

Each of us has heard the pleas for help from our communities, the lawmakers wrote. With lives at stake, we cannot in good conscience delay for days, let alone months. The time to act is now.

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Victim dies from injuries after hanging onto stolen truck during Los Angeles pursuit

A victim who held onto the side of his stolen truck during a pursuit on Friday has died from his injuries, police revealed in an update on Monday.

The man, identified as a 59-year-old Los Angeles resident, fell off of the side of his box truck while the carjacking suspect, 33-year-old Bryan Rodriguez, led a police chase through South Los Angeles around noon Friday.

After falling, the Los Angeles Police Department said Rodriguez ran over him with the truck.

The 59-year-old was taken to the hospital where police initially said he was in serious condition but was later pronounced deceased.

Police arrested Rodriguez when the truck eventually stopped near Normandie and Vernon avenues, and booked him at the 77th Area Jail without bail.

The chase started when Rodriguez allegedly stole the white box truck while it was being used by the 59-year-old near Martin Luther King Boulevard and Buckingham Road.

The LAPD said the victim tried to intercede and hung onto the side of the truck as Rodriguez drove through South Los Angeles, warranting multiple 911 calls.

Officers encountered the truck by Florence Avenue and Broadway, but Rodriguez drove away, causing the 59-year-old to fall off.

Police said some officers stopped to get the victim to help, and others continued the pursuit  attempting multiple stop sticks before the truck finally stopped.

Investigators urge anyone with additional information to contact South Bureau Homicide Division detectives at 323-786-5100.

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Victims, police expert among those who can testify in 2023 Onate shooting trial, judge rules

Judge Jason Lidyard questions New Mexico State Police Agent Brandon Gregory during a hearing in 2023 about evidence found in Ryan Martinez's bedroom in Cedar Crest. The evidence is no longer relevant and will not be admissible at trial, Lidyard ruled on Monday. (Photo by Austin Fisher / Source NM)

A judge on Monday afternoon set guardrails around certain evidence and witness testimony in the upcoming attempted murder trial of a man who shot a climate activist at a protest over a controversial monument in northern New Mexico.

First Judicial District Court Judge Jason Lidyard ruled on five disputes between state prosecutors and defense attorneys for Ryan Martinez. Video shows Martinez repeatedly trying to rush into an area outside the County Commission chambers in Espanola in September 2023 where around 50 people were peacefully celebrating officials decision to postpone resurrecting a statue of genocidal Spanish conquistador Juan de Onate.

Martinez shot Jacob Johns, a Hopi, Akimel Oodham activist from Washington, once in the chest, according to the footage. Martinez is accused of then turning the gun on Malaya Peixinho. The gun jammed, the video shows, and Martinez fled the scene.

Attorneys on both sides told Lidyard theyve been working around the clock to prepare for the trial, which begins on Monday and is expected to conclude two weeks later.

Martinez, 24, has been held in the Rio Arriba County jail in Tierra Amarilla for nearly a year awaiting trial. On Monday and at prior hearings, he could be seen attending via video link, waving to his mother Lita Martinez, holding his hand over his heart and carrying a miniature U.S. Constitution in the breast pocket of his jail uniform.

Victims can testify about their injuries

Martinezs lawyers asked the judge to prohibit Johns and Peixinho from testifying about their injuries from the shooting.

Lidyard ruled Johns and Peixinho can testify about their injuries and medical treatment.

When the sides argued the issue at a hearing on Sept. 26, Marshall Ray, one of Martinezs two defense attorneys, said the evidence of Johns pain and suffering after the shooting cannot be tied to his clients intentions as it was happening.

To prove the attempted first-degree murder charge, prosecutors will have to convince the jury that Martinez intended to kill Johns when he shot him. Ray argued those after-effects cant possibly be relevant to intent.

Lidyard said at the time that many people probably have common knowledge that getting shot at close range in the chest has the potential for serious harm, and Johns could testify as a matter of fact that the injuries that he sustained could have killed him, but for the treatment he received, and his recovery.

Then on Monday, Lidyard said without being in the trial, he cant specifically say what is or isnt admissible from the victims testimony, but he believes Johns pain and suffering would not be relevant.

He may discuss the injuries he sustained, the prognosis of him recovering from those injuries, and the treatment he received and the amount of time it took him to recover, but as to pain and suffering, the court cannot see what the relevance would be, Lidyard said.

If the defense believes prosecutors cross a line in their questioning the victims, Lidyard said he expects them to object.

Police use-of-force expert can testify

Prosecutors wanted to limit or entirely exclude former Albuquerque police officer Damon Fay from the trial, arguing that his testimony would confuse the jury because use of force by private citizens like Martinez is different from use of force by police.

Lidyard ruled Fay can give his expert opinion about the requirements to obtain a concealed carry license, which are relevant because Martinez had a concealed carry license and a concealed firearm when the shooting happened.



Lidyard also said he believes Fay can testify about things relevant to self-defense, and specifically whether a danger of death or great bodily harm was presented to Mr. Martinez.

However, Lidyard said he will not allow Fay to invade the province of the jury, meaning its the jurys job  not his  to determine the facts of the case. Lidyard said he has great concerns that may happen.

For example, a question like, Would a reasonable person in the same circumstances of Mr. Ryan Martinez have done the same thing? would invade the province of the jury, Lidyard said.

The court will rely on the state to make objections as they see fit to ensure that that does not occur, Lidyard said.

An independent expert previously told Source New Mexico the rules governing self-defense deal with how a reasonable person on the street would perceive and react to the situation, and not what a trained police professional would do.

Late-arriving witnesses can testify

Martinezs defense attorneys asked the judge to prohibit the jury from hearing from anyone who was not already made available for pre-trial interviews, which allow a defendant to investigate their case before going to trial.

Lidyard ruled that even though prosecutors did not make some of their witnesses available for pre-trial interviews, there are three who can still testify.

They include James Mayer, an Espanola police detective who handled the crime scene evidence, and Richard Miskimmins and David Wachter, two doctors who helped treat Johns wounds.

Prosecutors had good reason not to name the two doctors previously, because the primary treating physicians when the shooting happened are unable to testify, Lidyard said.

One moved to another country and the other no longer works at the University of New Mexico Hospital, Chief Deputy District Attorney Anthony Long previously said.

Lidyard ordered Long to make the doctors available for pre-trial interviews before the trial begins.

Attorney in civil cases must also testify

Mariel Nanasi is an attorney representing Johns and Peixinho in possible civil rights and tort claims. Martinezs lawyers issued a subpoena to Nanasi, calling on her to testify. Nanasi asked the court to quash the subpoena.

On Monday, Nanasi argued the subpoena would only harm her clients by having the effect of making her a witness, and therefore prohibiting her from speaking to them while the case is pending.

She said she attended the protest but did not see the moment Martinez fired his gun. She said Martinezs lawyers could have gotten the same facts from a number of other witnesses.

However, Lidyard ruled she must honor the subpoena. The exact reason remains unclear, because criminal defendants are not required to show their hand before a trial begins.

For a little less than 10 minutes, Lidyard met privately with Martinezs lawyers so they could freely tell him why they are calling Nanasi to testify.

When they returned to the public hearing, Lidyard said the defenses reasons for calling Nanasi are material to their case, and she has exclusive testimony thats enough to deny her motion.

Some evidence, testimony irrelevant

Prosecutors wanted to call Jimmy Creed, Martinezs parents neighbor in Cedar Crest, New Mexico, to tell the jury about an incident involving Martinez in the months leading up to the shooting.

They also wanted to show the jury items found in Martinezs bedroom by State Police investigators after the shooting.

Lidyard ruled that Creed cannot testify, and items investigators found in Martinezs bedroom are irrelevant, because Martinez didnt take any of the items to Espanola.

All of these items remained at his residence and were not utilized in any fashion during the course of the events for which this case is associated, Lidyard said.

The evidence would only be admissible if Martinezs defense somehow opens the door to it, Lidyard said.

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As Israeli troops entered Lebanon for the first time since the war of 2006, artillery struck Hezbollah positions in the south and launched repeated air strikes on Beirut, the Lebanese capital.

Despite this latest escalation, Hezbollah fighters appear, at least for now, to have avoided any direct confrontation with Israeli troops on Lebanese soil.

The group has made no public mention of Israels incursion at all this morning, although it did say it had targeted artillery fire at Israeli troops on the other side of the border.

The Israeli ground raids came exactly a fortnight after the simultaneous detonation of thousands of pagers carried by mid-ranking Hezbollah fighters  an operation which Israel has not officially acknowledged but which clearly marked the start of this campaign.

Israel, of course, will say it did not fire the first shots of a confrontation that is starting to look like a war in all but name.

Instead, it insists, the responsibility lies with Hezbollah, which launched rockets into northern Israel almost immediately after Hamas slaughtered more than 1,000 people when it attacked Israels territory on Oct 7 last year.

Although the first fortnight of Israels operation against the Iran-backed group has been conducted with metronomic precision, a ground operation is a gamble with a different complexion.

Beiruts residents look out for drones amid the Israeli attack - Murat Sengul / Anadolu/Getty Images

During the Second Lebanon War in 2006, Israel encountered much stiffer resistance from Hezbollah than it expected.

The two sides fought to a bloody standstill and Ehud Olmert, then the Israeli prime minister, bowed to international pressure and agreed to a ceasefire - much to the anger of many Israeli troops in southern Lebanon.

Since that conflict, Hezbollah has fortified its positions in southern Lebanon, digging tunnels deep under the rocks of the regions mountains and, thanks to Iran, steadily accumulating a much vaster and more precise rocket capability.

Hezbollahs arsenal of rockets, guided missiles and drones was estimated to be 150,000 strong last year  ten times greater than in 2006.

Israels air strikes on Lebanon have been described as the most extensive mounted in a single day this century - Hassan Ammar/AP Photo

Likewise, Hezbollahs fighters are much more battle-hardened than they were 18 years ago after more than a decade of battle experience in Syria, where the group intervened, often viciously, in support of the Assad regime.

On the other hand, Israel has also spent the intervening years planning for this moment and has a battle plan that has proved stunningly effective so far.

Its preliminary attacks have been far more devastating than in 2006.

Israels air strikes last Monday were described by defence think tanks as the most extensive mounted in a single day this century.

In one week, almost as many people have been killed as during the 34 days of the 2006 campaign. It is unclear how many Hezbollah fighters are among the dead, although there have also been many civilian casualties, scores of women and children among them.

Not only would the strikes have eroded Hezbollahs ability to fight back, the movement had also already been plunged into total disarray following the sabotage of its communication devices and the decapitation strikes that killed many of its top leaders.

The former has largely crippled Hezbollahs ability to communicate effectively.

It has also hindered an estimated 1,500 mid-ranking battlefield commanders, many of whom suffered serious injuries, ranging from lost fingers and hands to blindness  the result of pulling their pagers or walkie-talkies out of their pockets just before they detonated.

The assassinations, meanwhile, eliminated eight of the nine top commanders sitting on Hezbollahs Jihad Council, its top decision-making body in military matters. On Friday, they also accounted for the movements leader Hassan Nasrallah, along with the 20 senior officials he was meeting in his underground bunker.

For Hezbollah, engaging Israel in close combat on the ground was always regarded as a leveller. Israels technological edge in the air would be blunted, while Hezbollah would engage in the kind of guerrilla warfare it has long excelled at in the mountains where it is so deeply embedded - some of the tunnels in which it stores its most sophisticated weaponry are 85 yards below the surface.

Yet the group had also not anticipated fighting in circumstances in which it had been so weakened even before the first shots of a ground campaign were fired.

For Benjamin Netanyahu, Israels prime minister, the gamble is probably a necessary one if he is to neutralise Hezbollahs rocket-firing capacity significantly enough to allow 60,000 residents in northern Israel to return to their homes.

The coming days and weeks will decide whether his campaign in Lebanon remains the Israeli triumph it has so far been  or whether a ground operation beyond Israels borders proves to be, yet again, a grave miscalculation.

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Pam Powell, who chairs the Old Bolingbroke with Hareby Parish Council, says the pub could be the heart of the community [BBC/ALAN WEBBER]

Residents in a historic village are determined to save their last pub after two others were lost.

The Black Horse Inn in Old Bolingbroke is one of dozens of pubs that have closed across Lincolnshire in recent years, according to the Campaign for Real Ale (Camra).

Now, parish councillors are hoping to have it designated as an asset of community value (ACV), which would give them time to raise money to buy the building.

"A pub can be the heart of a community," said council chairwoman Pam Powell. "It's a facility that we want to be able to keep in the village."

The Black Horse was once one of three pubs serving Old Bolingbroke, which is known for the 13th Century castle where King Henry IV was born.

Ms Powell said it had been a "good, lively pub", known for its fish and chips.

Campaigners want to reopen the Black Horse Inn [BBC/ALAN WEBBER]

Earlier this year, the parish council applied for an ACV, but was turned down by East Lindsey District Council on the grounds that there was "no clear evidenced use of this premises as a public house since 2012".

However, a recent survey found 89% of villagers who took part were likely to support a community-owned pub.

Ms Powell said the parish council was now considering a second application.

Villagers are hoping to emulate the success of a community pub in nearby Tattershall Thorpe, which was taken over by a group of locals in January 2023.

Sue Maltby has helped save the Blue Bell Inn at Tattershall Thorpe [BBC/ALAN WEBBER]

The Blue Bell Inn is believed to date back to the 16th Century and was popular with airmen from 617 Squadron, better known as The Dambusters, who wrote their names on the ceiling during World War Two.

"We all feel very passionate about it," said co-owner Sue Maltby. "We think we've done the right thing for the pub, the village [and] the history."

Camra estimates that 21 pubs have permanently closed across Lincolnshire in the last three years, while another 68 are shut at present and may not reopen.

Paul Ainsworth, the group's national planning advisor, called on the government to do more to help save pubs.

"They could reduce duty on beer, which would reduce the price of a pint in the pub, and also reform business rates, which are a huge overhead at the moment," he said.

The BBC has been unable to contact the owners of the Black Horse.

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SPRINGFIELD, Mo.  We are five weeks from the November election, and counties across the country are seeing a spike in voter registration numbers this month.

In Greene County, more than 10,000 new people registered to vote since the beginning of the year  many of them first-time voters  and more than 1,500 people registered in September alone.

There is still time for others to register to vote, as the deadline to register for the November election is October 9.

I think any time you have a presidential election, people are paying attention, said Greene County Clerk Shane Schoeller. And part of that is just because you turn on the TV, youre hearing about the presidential election. Theres always those different opportunities that you dont get in any other election in terms of hearing about the election thats upcoming.

Your Voice Matters: Submit Questions for the Hawley-Kunce Senate Debate

Over the last three months, more than 4,600 people in Greene County registered to become voters. Schoeller says he hopes more people, especially young adults, take advantage of this important opportunity.

For example, my daughter turned turns 18 this week. Shes already registered to vote. She will be eligible to vote in this November election, said Schoeller. But if you wait until after that period of time, you wont be able to have your voice heard, said Schoeller. So we want to make sure those who are going to be 18 by the day of the election, they get registered as well.

Schoeller says the Greene County Clerks Office has partnered with several local schools to raise voter awareness.

Of course, weve worked with different groups like the League of Women Voters to make sure part of their registration efforts and that were going to be around Rogersville High School here this week as well, Schoeller said.

Absentee voting begins for 2024 election in Greene County

The clerks office is even helping out at the Voting Fair at Missouri State University later this week, hosted by the voting awareness group Paws to the Polls.

In the 2022 midterm election, we actually had 80% of people registered to vote here on campus, which was a really big achievement, said Paws to the Polls member Kinli Miller. However, we still do not have a lot of people engaged in the actual voting process. And so thats why were really pushing people to try and register here to reduce the amount of barriers.

The voting fair will be held at the West Lawn on the Missouri State campus from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., where people will have the opportunity to visit with some of the local candidates running for different positions.

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U.S. Sen J.D. Vance (L) and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz (R) | Lucy Valeski and Andrew Roth photos

U.S. Sen. J.D. Vance, an Ohio Republican, and Gov. Tim Walz, a Minnesota Democrat, are set to debate tonight in New York City. The vice presidential candidates have contrasting views on abortion rights. Both supported maternal health initiatives in Congress.

Elected to the Senate in 2022, Vance has cosponsored several anti-abortion proposals, such as a bill by Iowa Republican Sen. Joni Ernst that wouldve required the U.S. Department of Defense to provide federal lawmakers with a report on abortion services in the military. Vance also backed Ernsts proposals to defund Planned Parenthood and make states send abortion data to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The legislation echoed proposals in Project 2025, a conservative agenda that outlines how to restrict abortion  without a national ban  should a Republican win the presidency.

The 900-page creed endorses the enforcement of the Comstock Act, a 19th century law that anti-abortion legal theorists say could be used to ban the mailing of abortion pills. In January 2023, Vance signed a letter sent to the U.S. attorney general urging the Department of Justice to enforce the dormant law and crack down on abortion pills, the Washington Post reported.

Vance voted in favor of Alabama Sen. Tommy Tubervilles resolution scorning the Biden administrations reproductive health care services rule that reimburses members of the military who have to travel for abortion care, according to the congressional record. It was rejected in a 51-48 vote. (Tuberville went on to block hundreds of military promotions last year in protest of the Pentagons policy.)

Vance cosponsored a bill by Mississippi Republican Sen. Roger Wicker in January 2023 that would codify the Hyde Amendment  a provision approved annually that prohibits federal funds from going to abortion unless its for rape, incest or the mothers life is in danger  into federal law.

Fertility treatments have become a heavily debated topic this year following an Alabama Supreme Court ruling. Vance cosponsored Florida Sen. Rick Scotts resolution, introduced in March, that showed support for in vitro fertilization, but the nonbinding gesture didnt gain traction. In June, Vance voted against consideration of Illinois Sen. Tammy Duckworths Right to IVF Act, which would codify a federal right to fertility treatments and supersede state laws on the health care services, among other provisions.

As far as maternal health legislation, Vance endorsed Arkansas GOP Sen. Tom Cottons bill last year that would provide unpaid family and medical leave after miscarriages and establish a $3,600 tax credit for families suffering from stillbirths. The legislation would also cut Title X funding from abortion providers. Vance voted in favor of the Maternal and Child Health Stillbirth Prevention Act that President Joe Biden signed into law in July. Federal money thats a part of a maternal health care block grant can now be used to fund research on stillbirth prevention and reduction.

For his part, Walz supported abortion rights and maternal health care legislation while serving in the U.S. House of Representatives from 2007 to 2019. He cosponsored earlier iterations of the Womens Health Protection Act in 2015 and 2017, an effort by California Democratic Rep. Judy Chu to protect the federal right to an abortion years before the U.S. Supreme Court struck down Roe v. Wade.

In Congress, Walz frequently backed bills calling for research on the causes of postpartum depression and psychosis. One initiative passed the House but was never introduced in the Senate. A nonbinding resolution Walz supported about working to improve maternal health outcomes passed both chambers in 2018.

Walz was elected governor of Minnesota in 2018 and reelected in 2022. Under his tenure, Minnesota has become a beacon of reproductive rights in the Midwest, where the state is surrounded by other states that enacted abortion restrictions post-Roe: the Dakotas, Iowa and Wisconsin. He signed legislation in January 2023 that codified the right to abortion and reproductive health care with no limits or exceptions. The state also removed restrictions on abortion care, such as 24-hour waiting periods and extensive reporting to the health department.

After a court ruling temporarily stalled IVF in Alabama, Walz shared that he and his wife, Gwen, used fertility treatments to grow their family. When Vice President Kamala Harris selected Gov. Walz as her running mate in August, he started talking about his familys experience in stump speeches and interviews on the campaign trail.

The Harris-Walz campaign clarified that the Walzes used intrauterine insemination, not in vitro fertilization, to conceive. Vance has accused Walz of intentionally lying about the treatment. Fertility experts say patients and their spouses commonly get the terms confused and that IVF is sometimes used as a catchall phrase due to its popularity.

The candidates perspectives on reproductive rights, fertility treatments and maternal health will likely come into play during tonights debate at 9 p.m. ET on CBS in a campaign cycle where abortion could swing the election.
Vance and Walz keep it polite  with a few jabs  in VP debate

JD Vance, left, and Tim Walz on the debate stage Tuesday night in New York. (Matt Rourke / Associated Press)

Five weeks before the Nov. 5 election, Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz engaged in a remarkably civil vice presidential debate Tuesday night, with both sides claiming they represent the change Americans are seeking for a country they believe is on the wrong track.

Vance repeatedly questioned why Vice President Kamala Harris had not done more during her time in the White House to solve problems such as inflation and illegal immigration. Walz, Harris' Democratic running mate, suggested she already had done a lot and would be in a position to make more progress if she is elected.

The Republican senator closed the 1-hour, 47-minute debate by saying that life had become more difficult for many Americans during the time President Biden and Harris have been in the White House. He cited the high price of buying a home, home heating oil or taking a family for the night on the town.

"Kamala Harris ... stands before the American people and says that on Day 1, she's going to work on all these challenges I just listed," Vance said. "She's been the vice president for 3 years. Day 1 was 1,400 days ago, and her policies have made these problems worse."

Walz used his closing statement to remind Americans about former President Trump's dark rhetoric about the country, including a description of the "carnage" that awaited, if he was not in the White House. The Democrat promised a more optimistic and forwarding-looking leadership under Harris.

There "is the sense of optimism, that there can be an opportunity economy that works for everyone," Walz said, "not just to get by, but to get ahead." He said Harris would also bring "the idea that freedom really means something ... in your bedroom or exam room, but the freedom for you to make choices about yourself."

With the two campaigns unable to agree on future debates, Tuesday night's contest at CBS News headquarters in New York City will probably be the last face-to-face showdown between the Democratic and Republican tickets for the White House.

Vance's vice presidential campaign got off to a rocky start, as the candidate was asked to explain some of his past statements, including that "childless cat ladies" held disproportionate sway in America's politics. But on Tuesday, the Republican wasn't asked to talk about cat ladies, or other provocative comments from his past.

In a striking departure from the presidential debate in September, Vance and Walz instead agreed multiple times during the session that they agreed on many things.

Speculation before the debate had been that Walz's folksy charm  given his background as a high school teacher and football coach  might prove more winning than the polish of Vance, a Yale-trained lawyer and tech entrepreneur.

But, particularly in the early stages of the debate, Walz seemed hurried and on edge, while Vance appeared more at ease.

The Minnesota governor spoke elliptically when asked to explain his claim that he had been in Hong Kong during the deadly Tiananmen Square protests of 1989, when, in fact, he didn't arrive in China until months later.

Walz acknowledged that at times he "will get caught up in the rhetoric," and "I'm a knucklehead at times." But he said that his trips to Hong Kong and China were made in a spirit of learning and that did not change just because he misspoke about the dates of his visit.

Read more: Meet the Walz-Vance debate moderators: Margaret Brennan and Norah O'Donnell

Walz's strongest moment may have come near the end of the debate, when the moderators asked about the Jan. 6 storming of the U.S. Capitol. Vance attempted to use the question to talk about what he said was "censorship" by Harris of certain speech, including about the COVID-19 pandemic.

Walz said the nation should remain shocked that Trump refused to accept the results of the 2020 election, despite the findings of multiple courts, many of them led by judges appointed by Trump and other Republicans.

Saying that "a president's words matter," the Democrat excoriated Trump and accused Vance of a "damning non-answer" for refusing to say Biden fairly won four years ago.

"What happened on Jan. 6, the first time in American history that a president or anyone tried to overturn a fair election and the peaceful transfer of power, and here we are, four years later, in the same boat," Walz said. "I will tell you this, that when this is over, we need to shake hands ... and the winner needs to be the winner. This has got to stop. It's tearing our country apart."

The debate began with each blaming the other's party for the deteriorating conditions in the Middle East, while declining to say whether they would support a preemptive strike by Israel against Iran.

Walz argued that Israel was able to successfully defend itself after an attack by Hamas because of the coalition of nations that the United States helped bring together to support Israel. The Democrat said the crisis showed the sort of steady leadership the Democrats bring to the White House.

He said Donald Trump had shown himself more interested in making comments on social media, instead of leading. A nearly 80-year-old Donald Trump talking about crowd sizes is not what we need in this moment, Walz said, before noting that Republicans close to Trump, including Vance, had previously declared the former president unfit to lead the nation.

Vance responded that the international community was safer when Trump was president and argued that the Biden and Harris administration undermined the fear that other nations had of crossing the United States.

Donald Trump actually delivered stability in the world, and he did it by establishing effective deterrence. People were afraid of stepping out of line, Vance said. Iran, which launched this attack, has received over $100 billion in unfrozen assets thanks to the Kamala Harris administration. ... They use it to buy weapons that they're now launching against our allies and, God forbid, potentially launching against the United States as well.

The debate continued with discussions about immigration and abortion.

After Walz brought up the threats the community of Springfield, Ohio, has faced after Vance and Trump falsely claimed that Haitian immigrants are eating peoples pets, Vance deflected the attack by reframing the question as being about broader immigration policy.

Look, in Springfield, Ohio, and in communities all across this country, you've got schools that are overwhelmed, you've got hospitals that are overwhelmed, you've got housing that is totally unaffordable because we brought in millions of illegal immigrants to compete with Americans for scarce homes, Vance said, though the Haitians are in the nation legally with temporary protected status.

It is a disgrace, Tim, and I actually think I agree with you," Vance continued. "I think you want to solve this problem, but I don't think that Kamala Harris does.

Walz countered that Trump derailed a bipartisan proposal this year that combined increased funding for border security and foreign aid for Ukraine, an effort that appeared to be the first immigration breakthrough in recent history.

Law enforcement  asked for the bill. They helped craft it. They're the ones that supported it, he said. That's because they know we need to do this.

Read more: In fight to be No. 2, Vance and Walz share humble roots that created different paths

In response to a question about abortion, Vance acknowledged that reproductive rights are a political liability for himself and Trump and that many Americans do not trust Republicans on the issue.

Vance mentioned an unnamed woman from his hometown who was in an abusive relationship when she unexpectedly got pregnant. She got an abortion, she said, and confided that she felt her life would have been derailed had she not ended the pregnancy.

What I take from that, as a Republican who proudly wants to protect innocent life in this country, who proudly wants to protect the vulnerable, is that my party, weve got to do so much better of a job at earning the American peoples trust back on this issue where they frankly just dont trust us, Vance said.

Vance said he believed that abortion rights should be determined by the states.

Donald Trump has been very clear that, on the abortion policy specifically, that we have a big country, and its diverse, he said.

Walz responded: How can we as a nation say that your life and your rights  as basic as the right to control your own body  is determined on geography?

Perhaps a byproduct of their Midwestern roots, Vance and Walz repeatedly talked about their areas of agreements while attacking their rival at the top of the ticket.

A notable moment took place during a discussion about gun violence, when Walz spoke about one of his children witnessing such an incident.

This is just your biggest nightmare, Walz said. Look, I get it. Ive got a 17-year-old, and he witnessed a shooting in a community center playing volleyball. Those things don't leave you as a member of Congress.

Vance, who has three young children, appeared genuinely struck by Walzs words.

Tim, first of all, I didn't know that, he said. I'm sorry about that. Christ have mercy.

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This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.
AUGUSTA, Ga. (WJBF)  Vice President Kamala Harris spoke with Augusta city leaders and FEMA during her stop in Augusta, Wednesday.

Count on NewsChannel 6 for more on her visit to survey the damage from Hurricane Helene, later tonight.

WASHINGTON (AP)  Vice President Kamala Harris will tour damage caused by Hurricane Helene in Georgia and North Carolina as the deadly storm roils the political calendar just over a month from Election Day.

The Democratic nominee plans to visit Georgia on Wednesday and survey the devastation in North Carolina in the coming days, according to aides who spoke on the condition of anonymity to discuss the travel plans. Harris team has been working to coordinate her plans to avoid impacting local disaster response efforts.

Harris had been scheduled to join her running mate Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz on a bus tour across Pennsylvania on Wednesday, the day after he faced off with Ohio Sen. JD Vance in Tuesday nights vice presidential debate. Walz will instead be joined by Pennsylvania Sen. John Fetterman.

After Georgia, Harris plans to continue with scheduled campaign visits to Wisconsin and Michigan later this week, with the North Carolina trip coming sometime after that.

President Joe Biden will visit North Carolina on Wednesday, checking out the worst damage in the Asheville area by helicopter to avoid tying up local resources.

Republican nominee Donald Trump visited Georgia on Monday, where he spread falsehoods about the federal response to the storm despite claiming not to be politicizing the disaster.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.
In the wake of a hurricane, Trump seeks to boost his presidential bid

Republican presidential nominee and former U.S. President Trump speaks at an event about the damage caused by Hurricane Helene, in Valdosta

By Tim Reid and Helen Coster

WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Donald Trump is using the destruction of Hurricane Helene to boost his presidential bid against Kamala Harris, political analysts said on Tuesday, after the Republican candidate spread falsehoods about the federal response during a visit to a storm-hit city.

Trump is leveraging the potential political danger of the hurricane to the presidential campaign of Democrat Harris, his 2024 White House rival, the analysts said.

Trump visited the city of Valdosta in the battleground state of Georgia on Monday and falsely stated that Democratic President Joe Biden had been unresponsive to the hurricane's destruction. Harris is also Biden's vice president.

Trump said he brought "truckloads of things" to Georgia, including oil, water and equipment, and that he partnered with evangelical Christian leader Franklin Graham's relief organization to deliver them.

Natural disasters have damaged U.S. administrations in the past and Trump is trying to tie Harris to this hurricane, which tore through the U.S. Southeast including the battleground states of Georgia and North Carolina, said Andrew Reeves, a professor at Washington University in St. Louis who has studied how natural disasters affect U.S. politics.

"If there is a massive screw-up in the response, it could come back to bite her," Reeves said. "Trump is trying to look presidential and trying to create a media story around his attention to the crisis."

Georgia and North Carolina will play a key role in the outcome of the Nov. 5 election between Trump and Harris. North Carolinas hardest-hit area, Buncombe County, voted for Biden in 2020, while most of the other counties in the western part of the state went to Trump.

Georgias Lowndes County, where Valdosta is located, voted for Trump in 2020. But even a few thousand votes in each state could decide which presidential candidate wins those states and potentially determine the outcome of the White House race.

More than 3,500 federal workers are involved with response efforts in affected states, according to the White House.

Analysts said it was unusual for a presidential candidate who is not in office to visit a disaster area.

Natural disasters, especially hurricanes, have shaped U.S. politics in recent years and could alter the course of the race this year as well, said Stuart Rothenberg, a nonpartisan political analyst.

"It gives Donald Trump an opportunity to ride into the rescue as the savior," he said.

It is not the first time Trump has sought to use a disaster for political gain. While visiting the site of a toxic train derailment in Ohio in 2023, Trump criticized the Biden administration's response as a "betrayal."

Presidents and presidential candidates usually do not visit a storm-hit region immediately because of fears they will distract from rescue efforts and drain resources from local law enforcement officials and emergency responders.

Biden said he would visit North Carolina on Wednesday and Georgia and Florida soon after. He may also ask Congress to return to Washington for a special session to pass supplemental aid funding.

Harris plans a visit to Augusta, Georgia, on Wednesday and a trip to North Carolina in the coming days, the White House said.

She spoke with local leaders by phone and cut short a West Coast campaign swing to participate in a hastily-arranged briefing at Federal Emergency Management Agency headquarters on Monday. There, she grimaced and shook her head when a reporter asked whether the crisis was being politicized.

The Harris campaign did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Tuesday.

"While Biden and Harris abandon Americans in times of crisis, President Trump leads," Trump spokesperson Karoline Leavitt said in a statement.

The storm killed more than 100 people across North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Tennessee and Virginia, and the death toll is expected to rise.

Survivors will be eligible for federal disaster aid, but Trump has also authorized a GoFundMe fundraising campaign "as an official response for MAGA supporters." The campaign has raised over $2 million so far. "MAGA" refers to Trump's "Make America Great Again" campaign slogan.

Leavitt declined to say how the funds will be spent.

In 2019 a New York state judge ordered Trump to pay $2 million for misusing his namesake charitable foundation, resulting in funds being used to advance his 2016 presidential campaign. Trump defended the charity at the time, saying the foundation was an "incredibly effective philanthropy" that had made "some small technical violations."

In Georgia, Trump falsely claimed that Brian Kemp, Georgia's Republican governor, "was having a hard time" getting Biden on the phone.

Kemp told reporters that Biden had called him the evening before and said he was grateful for the federal assistance Biden had offered.

Biden said Trump had been lying.

Reeves' research has found that sitting presidents received a modest bump of half a percentage point when they approved disaster aid close to their reelection.

During Trump's 2017 visit to San Juan, Puerto Rico, after Hurricane Maria, the then-president threw rolls of paper towels into a crowd of local residents impacted by the storm. The move drew criticism from some local officials.

While campaigning for reelection in 2012, President Barack Obama joined Republican Governor Chris Christie to tour parts of New Jersey that were affected by superstorm Sandy. Christie was at the time a top defender of Obama's Republican rival, Mitt Romney.

Republican President George W. Bush's approval ratings fell after Hurricane Katrina devastated New Orleans in 2005 and never recovered.

Republican pollster Whit Ayres said disasters can be make-or-break events for officeholders, but not necessarily for candidates. "Candidates have no responsibility for handling major disasters," he said.

(Reporting by Tim Reid in Washington and Helen Coster in New York; Additional reporting by Trevor Hunnicutt; Editing by Andy Sullivan, Matthew Lewis and Deepa Babington)
A senate inquiry that probed last year's Optus outage has listed recommendations including the emergence of "large-scale network roaming" and "mutual assistance arrangements for major outages" to prevent the impact of future incidents of similar scale.

Australian media reported that the inquiry report into the Optus outage in November 2023 was submitted last week after several extensions to its deadline.

Aside from roaming arrangements, the paper also recommended that the government direct the Telecommunications Industry Ombudsman (TIO) to "expedite the development of a tailored dispute resolution mechanism" to ensure compensation in the event of mass telecommunications outages."

Last year, Optus offered only 200GB of data as compensation for the outage.

In the inquiry's submission, Optus stated that it assessed whether to compensate customers for a day of lost service, but found that this only amounted to between $1 and $2 and may not be "meaningful to customers."

"We are very sorry for the outage, and we know that there is nothing we can do or say that will give people back the time that they lost and some of the things that occurred on that day," apologised former Optus CEO Bayer Rosmarin.

"That's why we tried to do something meaningful for our customers. We agree with you that just refunding people for the day with between $1 and $2 was not going to cut it, and that's why we went further, to offer those data offers to our customers," Rosmarin explained.

The paper advised that telcos should be brought under the Customer Service Guarantee so they are legally able to provide compensation.

During the public hearing, Rosmarin told the committee that 8,500 customers and small businesses had "reached out" to discuss compensation.

At the time of the hearing, Optus reported that damages amounted to $430,000 in financial compensation, but it only paid $36,000.

Rosmarin declined to "commit to an overall quantum of compensation" and told the committee that Optus would "individually engage with each customer on their unique circumstances' to determine what compensation may be warranted."

Proposed solutions

The telecommunications sector and the government have been collaborating to improve emergency communications in times of crisis.

Last February, Telstra conducted a simulation to test its temporary disaster roaming solution, which will allow people to use any mobile network if their network has been affected or does not have any coverage as a result of a disaster.

As per Australian media, telcos have warned that expanding this in larger areas or to even operate this during an outage is not feasible for technical, administrative, and financial reasons.

The committee noted that while the current feasibility study is focused "on roaming capabilities to be implemented in times of natural disasters only and not during major outages," it considers that this is the "first step and encourages continued government and industry efforts to test the feasibility and practicality of nation-wide roaming during network outages."

It also supported measures or solutions that would force telcos to better communicate outages to customers.

Earlier this month, the government announced it will legislate new rules and standards that will mandate how, what, and when telecommunications carriers communicate with their customers during and after a major outage.
Walz says he misspoke after unearthed newspaper reports undercut claim he was in Hong Kong during Tiananmen Square protests

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz said on Tuesday he misspoke when he previously said hed visited Hong Kong in the spring of 1989 during protests in Chinas Tiananmen Square but insisted he was in Hong Kong and China during the pro-democracy protests.

His comments during Tuesday nights vice presidential debate followed the unearthing of reports that contradict previous claims he made about his travel to China, including a claim that the Democratic vice presidential nominee was in Hong Kong preparing for a teaching position in 1989 during the Tiananmen Square pro-democracy protests that ended in hundreds of protesters killed by the Chinese government.

My community knows who I am. They saw where I was at, Walz said during the debate. Look, I will be the first to tell you, I have poured my heart into my community. Ive tried to do the best I can, but Ive not been perfect, and Im a knucklehead at times, but its always been about that. Those same people elected me to Congress for 12 years.

When pressed by CBS News moderators specifically about the discrepancy between his past comments and the media reports on his travel, Walz first said he misspoke on this.

All I said on this was, I got there that summer and misspoke on this, so I will just  thats what Ive said, he said, before adding, I was in Hong Kong and China during the democracy protests went in. And from that, I learned a lot of what needed to be in, in governance, he said.

Walz regularly organized and chaperoned trips to China during his time as a teacher prior to entering politics.

He previously said he visited Hong Kong in May of 89, weeks before the Tiananmen Square massacre in Beijing. During a 2014 hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China honoring the 25th anniversary of the Tiananmen Square protests, Walz, then a Minnesota congressman, appeared to recall specific details of his trip to the region at that time.

As a young man, I was just going to teach high school in Foshan in Guangdong, and was in Hong Kong in May of 89, he said. And as the events were unfolding, several of us went in. And I still remember the train station in Hong Kong.

The opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important. And it was a very interesting summer to say the least. Because if you recall, as we moved in that summer and further on and the news blackouts and things that went on, you certainly cant black out news from people if they want to get it, he continued.

Walz further claimed in a June 2019 radio interview that he was in Hong Kong on June 4, 1989  the day of the Tiananmen Square massacre.

I was in Hong Kong on June 4, 1989, when, of course, Tiananmen Square happened. And I was in China after that. It was very strange cause, of course, all outside transmissions were, were blocked  Voice of America  and, of course, there was no, no phones or email or anything. So I was kind of out of touch. It took me a month to know the Berlin Wall had fallen when I was living there, he said.

During a 2009 hearing of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China to commemorate the Tiananmen Square protests, Walz claimed that he was in Hong Kong at the time, preparing to go teach in China.

Twenty years ago today, I was in Hong Kong preparing to go to Foshan to teach at Foshan No. 1 Middle School, he said. To watch what happened at the end of the day on June 4 was something that many of us will never forget, we pledge to never forget, and bearing witness and accurate telling of history is absolutely crucial for any nation to move forward.

Walzs claims that he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests have been repeated in media reports. But contemporaneous newspaper reports first resurfaced by the Washington Free Beacon, a conservative news outlet, place Walz in Nebraska around that time. An issue of the Alliance Times-Herald dated May 16, 1989, features a photo of Walz touring a Nebraska National Guard storeroom. In the photos caption, the paper notes that Walz will take over the job of staffing the storeroom from a retiring guardsman and will be moving to Alliance, Nebraska. A separate newspaper article about Walzs planned trip to China published by a Nebraska-based outlet in April 1989 reported that he planned to travel to China in early August of that year.

When asked by CNN if Walz was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests, the Harris campaign was unable to provide evidence to substantiate Walzs claim.

A source close to Walz told CNN that the point Gov. Walz is making when he discusses this is that some folks in the World Teach program discussed dropping out after Tiananmen Square, but he continued on with the program because he believed it was important for the Chinese people to learn about American democracy and American history.

The contradiction was first reported by Minnesota Public Radio News and APM Reports.

Walz also appears to have exaggerated the number of times hes traveled to China. In a 2016 interview, he said hes visited China about 30 times. In another meeting of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, in 2016, Walz claimed to have visited Hong Kong dozens and dozens and dozens of times.

When asked for clarification on how many times Walz traveled to China, a Harris campaign spokesperson told CNN the number of trips Walz took to China is likely closer to 15.

China has long held a significant place in Walzs life since he first traveled to the country in 1989. Walz and his wife, Gwen Walz, were married on June 4, 1994  the fifth anniversary of the Tiananmen Square massacre and spent their honeymoon leading students in an educational trip to China, something Walz did regularly during his time as a teacher before joining Congress. Ahead of their wedding, Gwen Walz told the Nebraska-based Star-Herald newspaper that they planned to get married on the Tiananmen Square massacre anniversary because he wanted to have a date hell always remember.

Since joining the Harris campaign, Walz has not spoken at length about China or his history of travel to the country.

Republicans in recent days have circled Walzs ties to China as a target for further scrutiny. Jason Miller, a senior advisor to Donald Trumps campaign, indicated Monday that he expects Vance to attack Walz for his history of trips to China.

Tiananmen Tim! Funny theyre changing this now  we were planning on calling him out for this at the debate tomorrow night! Anything else you want to fess up to, Tim???, Miller said in a social media post in response to clarification offered by the Harris campaign about Walzs trips to China.

Congressional Republicans have joined the Trump campaign in calling into question Walzs ties to China. House Oversight Chairman James Comer subpoenaed Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas on Monday for documents related to Walz as part of allegations made by whistleblower disclosures provided to the committee that Walz has ties to the Chinese Communist Party. The subpoena is the latest step by House Republicans to spotlight Walzs ties to China through a probe that began in August shortly after he joined the Democratic ticket.

The inconsistencies around Walzs travel to China and Hong Kong mark the latest instance in which the governors past comments have been revealed to be inaccurate since he became the Democratic vice presidential nominee. In August, a Harris campaign spokesperson said Walz misspoke in a 2018 video in which he said he handled assault weapons in war.

Later that month, Gwen Walz clarified that the couple had used a fertility treatment other than in vitro fertilization to conceive after her husband had suggested they had used IVF.

CORRECTION: This story and headline have been updated to accurately reflect Tim Walzs past claims of travel to Asia in 1989. He claimed he was in Hong Kong during the Tiananmen Square protests.

This story and headline have been updated with Walzs remarks during Tuesday nights debate.

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WASHINGTON (AP)  Multiple news reports indicate that Democratic vice presidential nominee Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz misleadingly claimed he was in Hong Kong during the turbulence surrounding the 1989 Tiananmen Square massacre, part of a broader pattern of inaccuracies that Republicans hope to exploit.

At Tuesday night's vice presidential debate, Walz was asked about misleading people and he ultimately when pressed said he misspoke." But Walz said that he can get caught up in rhetoric and that Ive tried to do the best I can, but Ive not been perfect. And Im a knucklehead at times. He then added that former President Donald Trump should have come on one of his trips to China, and if he had done so, then the Republican nominee would know better than to compliment Chinese President Xi Jinping on his handling of the 2020 pandemic.

On Tuesday, CNN posted a 2019 radio interview in which Walz stated he was in Hong Kong on the day of the massacre, when publicly available evidence suggests he was not.

After a seven-week demonstration in Beijing led by pro-democracy students, Chinas military fired heavily on the group on June 4, 1989, and left at least 500 people dead.

Minnesota Public Radio reported Monday that publicly available accounts contradict a 2014 statement made by Walz, then a member of the U.S. House, during a hearing that commemorated the 25th anniversary of the massacre. Walz suggested that he was in the then-British colony of Hong Kong in May 1989, but he appears to have been in Nebraska. Public records suggest he left for Hong Kong and China in August of that year.

The Associated Press found a 2009 congressional transcript about Tiananmen Square in which Walz seemed to insinuate that he was in Hong Kong during the day of the massacre.

The vice presidential candidate also has made statements in which he misrepresented the type of infertility treatment received by his family, and there have been conflicting accounts of his 1995 arrest for drunk driving and misleading information about his rank in the National Guard. Walz and his campaign have also given different versions of the story of his 1995 arrest for drunken driving.

Walz has also claimed that he has traveled to China more than 30 times, but his campaign said that the actual number was closer to 15.

Minnesota Public Radio on Monday revealed that a photo published on May 16, 1989, showed that Walz was working in the National Guard Armory in Alliance, Neb., at the time and that an August 1989 story said Walz was to leave for China.

During the 2014 hearing on Tiananmen Square, Walz testified: As a young man I was just going to teach high school in Foshan in Guangdong province and was in Hong Kong in May 1989. As the events were unfolding, several of us went in. I still remember the train station in Hong Kong. There was a large number of people  especially Europeans, I think  very angry that we would still go after what had happened.

But it was my belief at that time, Walz continued, that the diplomacy was going to happen on many levels, certainly people to people, and the opportunity to be in a Chinese high school at that critical time seemed to me to be really important.

Minnesota Public Radio said the evidence shows that Walz, then a 25-year-old teacher, was still in Nebraska in May 1989. He went to China that year through WorldTeach, a small nonprofit based at Harvard University.

The news organization found a newspaper photograph published on May 16, 1989, of Walz working at a National Guard Armory. A separate story from a Nebraska newspaper on August 11 of that year said Walz would leave Sunday en route to China and that he had nearly given up participating in the program after student revolts that summer in China.

Some Republicans have criticized Walz for his longstanding interest in China. Besides teaching there, he went back for his honeymoon and several times after with American exchange students.

Kyle Jaros, an associate professor of global affairs at the University of Notre Dame, told The Associated Press that it's become a well-worn tactic to attack opponents simply for having a China line in their resumes.
WASHINGTON (Reuters) -Tim Walz, the Democrats' vice presidential candidate, was not in Hong Kong or Asia during the 1989 Tiananmen Square crackdown as he has said, he confirmed on Tuesday night after Minnesota public radio unearthed a photograph and a newspaper report from that time that contradicted his claims.

"I'm a knucklehead at times," Walz said, when asked about the reports during his televised debate with Republican JD Vance. "I got there that summer and misspoke," he said.

Walz, who frequently traveled to China as a teacher in the 1990s, leading trips of U.S. high school students, had said while a member of Congress that he was nearby during the demonstrations in Tiananmen, which started in April of 1989 with protests and ended in June with a bloody government crackdown that was estimated to have killed hundreds or more.

"The courage of Chinese reformers during this monumental and heartbreaking day has been a beacon for the democratic spirit throughout the world," he said in a 2014 statement on the Tiananmen anniversary. "Living in Asia at the time, I was profoundly affected by these events and the Chinese people's struggle for reform."

During a Congressional hearing in 2014, Walz said he was in Hong Kong at the time, saying: "As the events were unfolding, several of us went in (to Tiananmen)."

MPR News, Minnesota's public radio station, reported on Sept. 30 that a photograph published May 16, 1989, showed Walz working in the National Guard Armory in Alliance. "And a story published in another Nebraska paper on Aug. 11 that year said he would 'leave Sunday en route to China,'" the station reported.

Walz has been criticized by Republicans for referring to "weapons of war, that I carried in war," in his 2018 gubernatorial campaign, although he was not deployed to a war zone in his 24 years in the National Guard.

He has referred to himself as a retired command sergeant major, one of the highest non-commissioned officer positions in the Army. While he achieved that rank, he did not meet the requirements to retire with that title.

(Reporting by Heather Timmons; Editing by Daniel Wallis)
Sen. JD Vance of Ohio and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz at the CBS News vice presidential debate . (Mike Segar/Reuters)

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio will face off Tuesday evening in the only vice presidential debate scheduled ahead of the 2024 election in November.

CBS News will host the debate at its studios in New York City, with Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan serving as moderators. Former President Donald Trump has declined to debate Vice President Kamala Harris a second time, so Tuesday nights event may also be the last debate of 2024.

Check here for the best photos capturing the scene at this highly anticipated event.
Walz and Vance will face off in first vice presidential debate

WASHINGTON (NEXSTAR)  Vice Presidential candidates Sen. JD Vance and Gov. Tim Walz will face off Tuesday night on the debate stage.

The stakes are high for both candidates. Tuesday is the only scheduled vice presidential debate before Election Day in just five weeks.

Walz said Monday hes ready to debate.

Looking forward to tomorrow, Walz said.

Former President Donald Trump expressed confidence in Vance.

I think JDs gonna do great. Hes a very smart guy. Hes done a great job. People like him a lot, Trump said.

The 90-minute matchup could be the last between the two tickets before the election.

Trump and Vice President Kamala Harris have not agreed to a second debate.

In a vice presidential debate, youre really advocating for the top of the ticket, Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) said.

Kaine, a former vice presidential nominee, said both candidates will try to protect their running mates.

Probably the only cardinal rule in a debate like this for the vice presidential nominee is dont allow, you know, kind of shots on goal against your top of the ticket, Kaine said.

George Washington University Professor Matthew Dallek said debates rarely move the needle, but it could be a chance for campaigns to get their message across.

Its a cliche that happens to be true that every vote matters. And so, at the margins, it could have some effect, Dallek said.

CBS News said candidates will not be fact checked during the debate, something the Trump-Vance campaign called good news.

The moderators should be there simply to ask tough questions and let the candidates answer and then let the American people decide, Karoline Leavitt with the Trump Campaign said.

Unlike in the presidential debates, microphones will not be muted while the other person is speaking.

Candidates will get two minutes to respond to questions.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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Want to aid SC recovery efforts? One SC Fund re-activated to collect and distribute donations

City of Greenville employees cut through downed trees on Sept. 28, 2024, following Tropical Storm Helene. (Provided by the city of Greenville)

COLUMBIA  A nonprofit founded in response to catastrophic flooding in 2015 is being re-activated to help South Carolinians recover from Tropical Storm Helene.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation is accepting donations for the One SC Fund, which will distribute money to other nonprofits statewide to help South Carolinians most in need, the Columbia-based organization announced Tuesday.

It is incredible to see how, in times of crisis, our community responds with overwhelming generosity, from first responders to neighbors helping neighbors, said Georgia Mjartan, president and CEO of the Central Carolina Community Foundation. By giving to the One SC Fund, we can all support the local nonprofits doing the front-line work of recovery from Hurricane Helene.

Mjartan told the SC Daily Gazette that the One SC Fund already had received nearly half a million dollars since Helene pummeled the state Friday. The foundation should begin distributing money later this week or potentially early next week, she said.

The Central Carolina Community Foundation coordinates with the state Office of Resilience to direct the funds where they are needed.

The fund was created in 2015 with the backing of then-Gov. Nikki Haley to respond to historic flooding after Hurricane Joaquin spun offshore, directing up to 2 feet of rain to parts of South Carolina. It was activated again in response to Hurricane Matthew in 2016, Hurricane Florence in 2018 and the COVID pandemic.

Contributions to the One SC Fund can be made online at www.OneSCFund.org. Checks payable to the Central Carolina Community Foundation  One SC can be mailed to the Central Carolina Community Foundation, 2142 Boyce Street, Suite 402, Columbia, SC 29201.

In a briefing Monday evening, President Joe Biden encouraged people to go to the American Red Cross. The Red Cross is both collecting donations and providing information for people who need assistance on where to find it.
The Jacksonville Beach community is stepping up to help those in desperate need of help in North Carolina.

From water bottles to diapers and baby formula, it was a sea of supplies at Angies Subs all set to go to North Carolina for relief.

As of noon Tuesday, Angies Subs owner Ed Malin said they have more than enough water and are in need of diapers, ready-to-drink baby formula, cleaning supplies like shampoo and soap, also latex and work gloves.

Jennifer Keskinen stopped by to donate, as her daughter lives in North Carolina.

Read: Camden County officials launched clean up initiative after 1,000 down trees were reported

Shes a nurse and sleeping at the hospital currently doing whatever needs to be done, Keskinen said in tears.

North Carolina has been devastated by Hurricane Helene as crews have been searching for survivors and hundreds in need.

Read: Glynn County family cleaning up after tornado drops over a dozen trees in yard

Keskinen stopped by the shop favorite on Beach Boulevard and dropped off items.

I said I can buy diapers, water and toilet paper, I can do that but as soon as I can get up there, Im going to help clean up if I can, she said.

Malin said he was just in North Carolina with a friend a few weeks ago and got a call, knowing the community there is in dire straits. They came up with a plan and it took off.

Read: Hurricane Helene: Donate to help those in need

I lost my house in (Hurricane) Matthew, so I have a small understanding what people are going through, he said.

Malin said it hasnt been just supplies donated, but money and fuel to make the trip possible.

We all see the natural disaster but theres a story behind it, and thats all this goodwill and relief and love that happens, he said.

[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]

As cars filled the parking lot and formed a line to drop off supplies, Malin said it brought tears to his eyes.

I want to cry, Ive already cried twice, its incredible, he said. We had stuff showing up before the sunrise this morning.

Keskinen knows her daughter is helping everyone she can.

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Do you think your daughter would be proud of you right now? Action News Jax asked.

Im proud of her, shes wonderful, Keskinen said.

Angies Subs owner told Action News Jax they are taking donations until sunset Tuesday, saying right now its looking like this will be a two-trip haul. The supplies are set to go to a first-responder group in Hendersonville, North Carolina, who will disperse some of the supplies. They are also bringing supplies to Franklin, North Carolina.

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HENRY COUNTY, Va. (WFXR)  The Henry County Sheriffs Office along with the Narcotics Interdiction Unit and SWAT conducted a narcotics search warrant on September 30.

On Monday, the warrant was served at a home on Figsboro Road in Martinsville. Deputies allegedly seized a substance believed to be methamphetamine and a white powdery crystal-like substance. The substances are being sent to the Virginia Department of Forensic Science for identification.

32-year-old Tara Noelle Colemon of Martinsville was located at the residence and has been wanted in Henry County for failure to appear in court.

Colemon was arrested with the following charges:

Possession of a Controlled Substance

Fail to Appear in Court

This is an ongoing investigation, and if anyone has information contact the Henry County Sheriffs Office at (276) 638-8751 or Crimestoppers at 63-CRIME (632-7463).

Crimestoppers program can offer rewards up to $2,500 for information relating to a crime.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WFXRtv.
War of words in Fischer-Osborn U.S. Senate race in Nebraska

U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb., faces nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborn in Nebraska's Senate race this fall. (Candidate photos courtesy of their campaigns. Capitol photo by Jennifer Shutt/States Newsroom)

OMAHA  Allegations flew Monday in Nebraskas most competitive U.S. Senate race, with one campaign threatening legal action over campaign advertising and a report about talk of Hitler Youth.

Nebraska nonpartisan candidate Dan Osborns campaign sent a cease and desist letter to an outside group advertising in support of U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer, R-Neb.

The Osborn campaign called for three ads to be corrected or pulled in letters sent to Fischers campaign and to Heartland Resurgence, a dark money group that has previously been tied to Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell.

The letters alleged that the ads made false and defamatory statements about Mr. Osborn and that at least one of them falsely attributed an inaccurate quote to him from political website Semafor.

These advertisements are categorically false and have been distributed with actual malice and are intended to mislead the public and damage Mr. Osborns reputation, writes Evan Schmeits, Osborns campaign manager.

New York Post report

Also on Monday, the New York Post reported that Osborn said on a recorded donor call that Fischer has never had any competition so her staffers and her campaign team are a bunch of Hitler Youth frat boys.

Osborn followed up with the Post and said he had been a little harsh and that he wished he could have that one back. On Monday, he told Nebraska reporters that he owed Fischers staff an apology.

Schmeits alleges the three ads were placed with actual malice, which is part of a higher standard that public figures must prove when alleging libel.

Fischers campaign spokesman, Derek Oden, criticized Osborn for trying to change the subject Monday from the Post story by sending the cease and desist letter.

Unfortunately for Dan, he cant change his record, Oden said.

Ad fight detailed

The letter complained about three different ads.

One of the ads, from Fischer talks about an Osborn interview with news website Semafor, in which Osborn said Congress immigration solution should include granting legal status to people who have been in the country for decades.

He told Semafor that its time they get into Social Security.

The Fischer ad describes those workers as illegal immigrants and insinuates that Osborn said they should get Social Security, which the ad argues is an affront to elderly Nebraskans.

Fischers campaign said the immigrant ad is true. Osborns campaign has said he meant that such immigrants should be able to benefit from the money taken out of their paychecks already.

Party ties

Another ad supporting Fischer, this one from Heartland Resurgence describes Osborn as just another liberal Democrat. Osborn has been a registered nonpartisan in Douglas County since at least 2004, state voting records show.

Fischers campaign points to previous interviews Osborn had with the New York Times and others that have reported that he or people in his camp told them he was a Democrat previously.

Osborn has previously said he personally aligned more with Democrats before 2016, but like many in organized labor, he has welcomed the Republican Party becoming more open to people in unions.

A third ad, which is from the Fischer campaign, argues that Osborn supports abortion up until the moment of birth. Osborn has not publicly articulated what restrictions he would support.

Osborns campaign said Monday he supports having Congress pass a law codifying Roe v. Wades former right to an abortion nationally and leaving any specific restrictions to the states.

That type of criticism from Republicans has become more common in federal and state races when Democratic candidates have not been specific about the abortion restrictions they would support.

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TOPEKA (KSNT)  Vice President for Student Life Eric Grospitch and student Taylor Romanchek joined the 27 News Morning Show to talk about the first month of the fall semester and some upcoming events.

Romanchek talked about upcoming homecoming events slated for the last week of October. She said Washburn will hold a Rising Star Variety Show, Scorch on the Porch, Yell Like Hell, a Halloween movie night and a homecoming parade. Romanchek said the homecoming parade will follow a new route from years prior.

Grospitch told 27 News that Washburns numbers have been looking good. He said the fraternities and sororities have recently been holding recruitment events.

What are minute pirate bugs and why are they biting people?

You can watch the full interview above.

For more local news, click here. Keep up with the latest breaking news in northeast Kansas by downloading our mobile app and by signing up for our news email alerts. Sign up for our Storm Track Weather app by clicking here.

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For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSNT 27 News.
A Washington Post reporter who called Joe Biden a war criminal in an Instagram post has left the paper.

Taylor Lorenz, a columnist on internet culture, was under investigation by bosses after the close friends post in which she can be seen at the White House, with the president in the background and the caption war criminal, was shared online by a New York Post reporter.

Lorenz, author of Extremely Online, said she is launching a newsletter, User Mag, on Substack and will be leaving her role at The Washington Post in order to focus fully on the new project.

I will pursue the type of reporting on the internet that has become increasingly difficult to do in corporate media, she wrote on Substack.

After the New York Post reporters screenshot was circulated, Lorenz posted a message saying you people will fall for any dumbass edit someone makes.

Taylor Lorenz of the Washington Post calls President Biden a "war criminal"  pic.twitter.com/ih0xWPw049  Jon Levine (@LevineJonathan) August 14, 2024

NPR subsequently wrote that four people with direct knowledge of the post confirmed that it was authentic.

Lorenz also later wrote on X, formerly Twitter, saying: I literally never denied that it was real in response to a users post about the incident. She claimed the post was a reference to a popular meme.

The Washington Post said it would review the matter, with no stories featuring her byline published since the August incident.

We are grateful for the work Taylor has produced at The Washington Post, a newspaper spokesperson said. She has resigned to pursue a career in independent journalism, and we wish her the best.

The Post did not immediately address the findings of its review of the columnist, who had been at the paper for two and a half years. There was no indication that any disciplinary action had been taken against Lorenz. Lorenz was contacted for comment by The Telegraph.

Previously she worked as a technology reporter for the New York Times.

Lorenz wrote Tuesday that she hopes her new Substack will focus on how people use technology, as opposed to corporate earnings and boardroom conflicts.

By going independent, I hope to do more of what I love: helping people understand the world around them, inspiring them to build a better internet, holding power to account and, hopefully, having a lot more fun, she wrote.

I want complete autonomy

Lorenz said she is launching User Magazine to get out of legacy media.

I feel like its just really, really difficult to do the kind of reporting that I want to do on the internet within these kind of older institutions as a primary job, she told The Hollywood Reporter. I like to have a really interactive relationship with my audience. I like to be very vocal online, obviously. And I just think all of that is really hard to do in the roles that are available at these legacy institutions.

Lorenz continued: I just want complete autonomy to write and do and say whatever I want, and engage a little bit more directly with my readers, with the public, when it comes to my work.

Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 3 months with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
WATCH: Gov. DeSantis gives update on Hurricane Helene in Horseshoe Beach

Gov. Ron DeSantis will hold a news conference Tuesday afternoon to discuss the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

DeSantis will speak at the Multi-Agency Resource Center at the Horseshoe Beach Ball Park at 12:45 p.m.

Read: TONIGHT: JD Vance and Tim Walz to face off in vice presidential debate

Joining DeSantis at the event will be:

Florida Agency for Persons with Disabilities Director Taylor Hatch

Florida Department of Business & Professional Regulation

Secretary Melanie Griffin

Florida Department of Education Commissioner Manny Diaz Jr.

FloridaCommerce Secretary Alex Kelly

Florida Department of Highway Safety & Motor Vehicles Executive

Director Dave Kerner

Florida Department of Children and Families Secretary

Shevaun Harris

Major General John D. Haas Adjutant General of Florida

Florida Department of Corrections Secretary Ricky Dixon

Click here to download our free news, weather and smart TV apps. And click here to stream Channel 9 Eyewitness News live.
Watch: Iranian missiles rain down on one of Israels largest air bases

Projectiles fired by Iran are intercepted above Tel Aviv by Israeli defence systems - JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Video footage of the Iranian missile attack on Israel appears to show the moment dozens of rockets rained down in the vicinity of Israels Nevatim air field.

Streaks of bright orange light can be seen piercing the night skies above the desert military base as Tehran launched about 180 ballistic missiles during a large-scale aerial assault.

Some appeared to be intercepted by the Iron Dome system, while others struck the ground.

Other footage shared on social media showed missiles exploding in the vicinity of the Mossad headquarters in the northern outskirts of Tel Aviv.

Tel Nof, Israels largest and oldest air base, was also seemingly targeted in the barrage, according to geolocated footage.

It was unclear if there was any damage as a result of the strikes.

GeoConfirmed ISR.



Iranian ballistic missiles hit the Israeli Ort Tel Nof Air Force base.



Point of view - 31.833837, 34.857067

RVM4+GRP Mazkeret Batya, Israel



note:

Based on GeoConfirmed footage, at this point, two air bases are hit:

Ort Tel Nof Air Force base

Nevatim Air https://t.co/dauaOKplVj  GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) October 1, 2024

Most of the Iranian-launched missiles were intercepted by Israeli and US surface-to-air weapons, according to officials.

Israels air defence system  known as the Iron Dome  is designed to intercept incoming projectiles expected to hit populated areas or military facilities.

To conserve valuable interceptor rockets, the system has a mechanism that allows rockets through if they are not predicted to hit something on the ground.

The Pentagon confirmed two naval destroyers based in the Mediterranean Sea were involved in the operation.

Footage geolocated by open source intelligence analysts showed a huge crater from a missile impact on a road near Ramat, north of Tel Aviv.

GeoConfirmed ISR.



Crater after a missile impact near Ramat, north of Tel Aviv.



Likely the result of the impact visible here: https://t.co/eqnWHv9WSx



32.148475, 34.80782

4RX5+94P Ramat Hasharon, Israel



GeoLocated by @fab_hinz



Geolocation: https://t.co/WQzq9KtaHa



Location: https://t.co/kjiEE0bbW6  GeoConfirmed (@GeoConfirmed) October 1, 2024

The IDF said people had been injured in the Iranian attack but the only known death was a Palestinian man in Jericho, a city in the West Bank.

The strikes were the first time Iranian hypersonic missiles were used, state media reported.

Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps claimed it had destroyed an unspecified number of batteries of Israels state-of-the-art Arrow air defence system using Fattah-2 hypersonic missiles.

Nevatim air base, about 40 miles south of Jerusalem, is one of Israels largest military bases and is known to house the countrys fleet of F-35 stealth fighter jets.

There were questions over any damage sustained during the Iranian assault late on Tuesday as the IDF was assessing hit sites.

The base had previously been targeted and damaged during a similar aerial raid in April by Iran on Israel.

A spokesman for the IDF said its air force continues to operate at full capacity after the bombardment was headed off.

The US, which joined the effort to intercept ballistic missiles fired at Israel, also said it was not aware of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel.

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White House press secretary Karine Jean-Pierre gave remarks to the press Tuesday afternoon, as Iran began launching missiles toward Israel following the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in Lebanon over the weekend.

It also came as the southeastern U.S. recovers in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene. President Biden is also expected to visit North Carolina on Wednesday to view the damage from the storm firsthand.

On Monday, Biden ripped former President Trump, the Republican presidential nominee, for criticizing his administrations response to the storm. The president will receive an update on response and recovery efforts later Tuesday afternoon.

Jean-Pierre, who will be joined by Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, was scheduled to speak at 2 p.m. EDT.

Watch the video replay 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.
How to watch the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and J.D. Vance

Minnesota Governor Tim Walz and Ohio Senator J.D. Vance will square off Tuesday night for the first and only vice presidential debate.

While debates between vice presidential nominees carry less weight than presidential debates, Tuesday's debate could matter with voting underway already in some states and polls showing a tight race in many swing states.

Here's what to expect and how to tune into the debate between Walz and Vance on Oct. 1.

Senator J.D. Vance and Governor Tim Walz Both images: Gage Skidmore, Wikimedia Commons

When is the vice-presidential debate?

Walz and Vance will have a 90-minute debate at 8 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 1. The event will be hosted by CBS News in New York City.

The debate will air live on CBS News, as well as streaming platforms including CBS' YouTube channel, Peacock, and Paramount+. Despite CBS hosting, the debate will also be simulcast on PBS News, C-Span, BBC News, BBC One, and Fox News.

Who is moderating the debate?

Tuesday's debate will be moderator by CBS Evening News anchor Norah O'Donnell and CBS' chief foreign affairs correspondent Margaret Brennan.

Related: Recap: CNN interviews Harris, Walz as Trump speaks in La Crosse

What are the rules for the debate?

CBS has indicated that moderators will not live fact-check Walz and Vance, but will leave it up to the candidates to fact-check each other. This follows complaints by former President Donald Trump that he was fact-checked too often by ABC during last month's debate with Kamala Harris.

However, the station will put a QR code on the screen to allow viewers to follow live coverage and analysis on the station's website.

Similar to the debate between Vice President Kamala Harris and former President Donald Trump, there will not be an audience in the studio.

Candidates' microphones will not be muted during the debate. However, moderators have the ability to mute microphones should that be necessary.

At the conclusion, each candidate will get a two-minute closing statement to summarize their pitch to voters. Republicans won a virtual coin toss, and have elected to give Vance the last word.

Will there be another debate?

This is the lone vice presidential debate.

However, it's unclear whether Harris and Trump will face off once more. Harris has challenged Trump to a second debate, but Trump has indicated he will not take her up on the challenge, saying it's "too late." (Trump and President Joe Biden have debated once as well. That took place before Biden decided to step down from his re-election bid.)

"It's too late to do another. I'd love to in many ways, but it's too late. The voting is cast, the voters are out there, immediately  is everybody voting, please? Get out and vote," Trump told a rally in North Carolina in September, per The Guardian.

Related: Minnesota and other midwest Teamsters endorse Harris, bucking national union
This article was first published in the On the Trail 2024 newsletter. Sign up to receive the newsletter in your inbox on Tuesday and Friday mornings here.

Hello, friends. Helene has ravaged the Southeast in recent days. Here is how you can help.

3 things to know

Tuesday nights VP debate pits Sen. JD Vance against Gov. Tim Walz in what will likely be the final debate of the 2024 cycle. My colleague Hanna Seariac has some helpful primers on aspects of the candidates you may not have read elsewhere: the Catholic social ideology influencing Vance, and Walzs record with religious groups in his home state, Minnesota.

Both campaigns are keyed in on low-propensity voters  the individuals who either dont vote or arent likely to do so. Most Americans have their minds made up with five weeks until Election Day, but with polls showing razor-thin margins, there is a window with these low-turnout voters. Read more here.

Kamala Harris picked up another endorsement from a Republican: Jeff Flake, the former U.S. senator and House member from Arizona. Most recently, Flake was the U.S. ambassador to Turkey, where he says he learned the importance of the U.S. alliances  and he believes Harris would better preserve them. Read more here.

The big idea

Vance and Walz get the last word

In past elections, the vice presidential debate was often an afterthought  a formality sandwiched between the two main debates. Tuesdays debate is different, for three main reasons:

First, the adage that debates dont matter no longer holds water, after the June 27 debate between Joe Biden and Donald Trump led to the presidents eventual exit from the race. No, Vance or Walz wont drop out after Tuesdays debate, no matter how miserable their performance. But they will benefit from a newfound interest in debates: 67 million people watched the Harris-Trump debate, per Nielsen  far eclipsing the 52 million who watched the June debate  plus countless more who engaged with clips via social media or other platforms. Lines from that debate  Trumps comments on immigrants, Harris on Dick Cheney  have become major themes of the campaign. Tuesdays follow-up will not have the same level of ratings, but it will matter.

Second, both campaigns are undergoing a messaging shift, and this is their last, best opportunity to test it out. Trump is now courting Black voters by talking about the economy. Harris is veering away from discussing immigration to win over Latino voters (unless shes at the border). Both are attempting to pitch Latter-day Saints and other religious voters in swing states. With five weeks until Election Day, there is no better opportunity to speak to any of these groups  and use a split-screen with the opponent to show why theyre different.

And third, Vance and Walz are likely getting the last word. Harris and Trump have not agreed on a second debate, and Trump has expressly stated he will not debate again  meaning Tuesdays showdown will be the last chance for both campaigns to woo voters in a debate setting.

Generally, vice presidential debates dont really move the needle, said Aaron Kall, the University of Michigans director of debate. But if this is the last opportunity to make a closing argument, it could be especially important.

That could bode well for them, as it did for Harris in 2020, when she squared off with Mike Pence in a VP debate in Salt Lake City. When viewers were surveyed before and after watching that debate, they largely seemed to view Harris as more trustworthy, smart, likable and competent afterward, according to research by Ben Warner, director of the University of Missouris Political Communication Institute.

Tuesday nights debate will differ from last months Harris-Trump outing on several fronts: the microphones wont be muted, and the moderators wont attempt to fact-check the candidates, instead encouraging viewers to visit their real-time updates online (by way of a QR code that will be displayed on your TV screen). In one significant way, though, it will be exactly the same: this will be the first, and only, time well see these two candidates share a stage this cycle.

Walz and Vance should be up for the task. Theyre both very capable debaters, Kall said. Watching their past debates at the state level, theyre both effective communicators and counter-punchers.

How to watch

Time and date: Tuesday, Oct. 1 at 9 p.m. ET (7 p.m. MT)

TV: CBS

Live stream: CBSNews.com

Live updates: Deseret.com/politics

Poll pulse

How do voters in Vances and Walzs native Midwest view the two candidates? According to the latest New York Times/Siena College polling of likely voters in Michigan, Ohio and Wisconsin, 42% view Vance positively, while 48% see him unfavorably. Meanwhile, 44% see Walz favorably and 41% unfavorably.

What Im reading

Mike DeWine, the Republican governor of Ohio, is tired of Trump and Vance spreading falsehoods about immigrants in his state. To say that these people are illegal is just not right, you cant make up stuff like that, DeWine said, referring to the Haitians living in Springfield, Ohio, the new epicenter of the immigration debate. The conversation is personal to DeWine and his wife: they underwrite a Catholic school of Port-au-Prince, and theyve visited the Caribbean country over 20 times, JMart reports. Just Not Right: A GOP Governor Confronts Trumps Lies (Jonathan Martin, Politico)

Speaking of Republican governors, Utah Gov. Spencer Cox  a longtime Trump critic  endorsed the former president in July. But Utah Lt. Gov. Deidre Henderson didnt, and this week she said that wont change: I have a real struggle with people who do know better and should know better at the top of Republican politics, who are sowing doubt and chaos and confusion for political gain  no matter who it is, she said. Henderson, a Republican, co-chaired Nikki Haleys campaign in Utah. Facing threats from GOP election doubters, would Utahs L.G. endorse Trump? Heres what she said (Emily Anderson Stern, The Salt Lake Tribune)

What happens when the anti-establishment candidate endorses the Republican nominee? Such is the dilemma for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.s staunchest supporters, many of whom were attracted by Kennedys anti-vaccine theories or his environmental activism. In Trump, they see little ideological cohesion. Follow the leader, or sit this one out? This Is Where You End Up When You Do Your Own Research (John Hendrickson, The Atlantic)

See you on the trail.

Editors note: The Deseret News is committed to covering issues of substance in the 2024 presidential race from its unique perspective and editorial values. Our team of political reporters will bring you in-depth coverage of the most relevant news and information to help you make an informed decision. Find our complete coverage of the election here.
JONESBOROUGH, Tenn. (WJHL)  Water has been restored to Jonesborough Utility customers north of the Nolichucky River, as well as some others.

The Town of Jonesborough announced that as of Tuesday at 1 a.m., water was restored to around 7,000 customers.

The Tennessee Department of Environment & Conservation (TDEC) requires a boil water advisory for the next 48 hours for those who lost water service due to flooding.

3 flood deaths confirmed in Unicoi Co., K-9s deployed for missing people

Customers who never lost water service are not under the advisory.

As of Tuesday morning, there were 600 people without water, including Highway 107, all connecting roads on Highway 107 and Highway 81 South from Taylor Bridge heading towards Erwin, which also encompasses Bumpass Cove and Little Germany.

The town said its assessing the damage and is creating a plan for the affected areas. An update should be released sometime on Wednesday, the town said.

On Monday, the town announced Jonesboroughs Water Treatment Facility sustained no major damage and is running at full capacity.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJHL | Tri-Cities News & Weather.
Waterloo High School to dismiss early on Tuesday

WATERLOO, Ala. (WHNT)  Waterloo High School announced that students will be dismissed early on Tuesday, October 1 due to a water line break.

School officials said that students will be released from campus at 1 p.m.

If you need to make arrangements for your student(s), please call the schools front office.

Officials did not say what caused the break at this time.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WHNT.com.
As waters recede in East Tennessee, officials turn to the long recovery road ahead

A map from the Tennessee Department of Transportation shows road closures and compromised bridges in East Tennessee.

Four days after Hurricane Helene unleashed devastation across parts of rural East Tennessee, emergency officials are switching from rescue to recovery operations.

Scores of people are still reported missing  a number that has shifted up and down since Saturday  underscoring the immense challenges in accounting for residents in areas with no power, impassable roads and limited cell service.

As of Monday night, 102 were missing in four counties, according to the Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, or TEMA, which stressed that the missing may include those cut off from roads and cell coverage. State officials confirmed at least six Tennessee weather-related deaths thus far, according to TEMA. They include three in Unicoi County, and one person in each of the following counties: Knox, Johnson and Washington.

Thousands of homes and businesses remain without power, and hundreds of roads and bridges cant be traveled, including nearly every road linking Tennessee to North Carolina. There is no official toll yet on the number of homes and businesses damaged or destroyed. At least four wastewater treatment plants have been thrown offline due to flooding and water utilities in six counties have reported operational issues, according to TEMA.

Search and damage assessments are ongoing and were beginning to be able to start to put the pieces back together, said Myron Hughes, a public information officer for TEMAs All-Hazards Incident Management Team.

Tennessee Emergency Management Agency:

Hotline to coordinate missing person reports: 800-824-3463

Hughes briefed reporters Monday alongside public officials in hard-hit Unicoi County, where a dramatic and ultimately successful rescue operation unfolded Friday morning to airlift more than 60 staff and patients stranded on the rooftop of Unicoi County Hospital in Erwin.

Unicoi County Emergency Management Director and Incident Commander Jim Erwin said personnel were conducting searches Monday, a task he expected to be complete in impacted areas by days end.

Meanwhile, residents and emergency crews continue to grapple with the damage left behind by high winds, rainfall and flooding in hard-hit counties, including Unicoi, Carter, Cocke, Greene, Hamblen, Hawkins, Johnson, Sevier and Washington.

At Mondays Unicoi County press conference, an unidentified man, speaking in Spanish through an interpreter, pressed emergency responders for answers about why his still-missing wife wasnt rescued as she and co-workers tried to flee rising waters Friday morning outside their workplace, Impact Plastics.

911 was inundated and many of the countys resources were deployed to Unicoi County Hospital, Erwin responded, and noted he was also at the hospital. A crew rescued four people fleeing Industrial Park, where the plastics factory was located, Erwin said, then had to turn back.

They did not get further because water was already so high, he said. Some people were saved and were still searching.  We all have hopes that we will find some more alive. Our hearts are deep and well be here to work with families.

Gov. Bill Lees declared a state of emergency and major disaster, and the Biden administration approved an emergency declaration Saturday, activating Federal Emergency Management Agencys (FEMA) assistance in 12 Tennessee counties.

The Tennessee National Guard and first responders from outside the disaster region were dispatched to assist in search and recovery efforts.

The Tennessee Bureau of Investigation established a hotline number to coordinate reports of missing persons: The number is 800-824-3463.

The Tennessee Valley Authority is releasing water from tributary dams like Douglas Dam, shown here, in Sevier County. The controlled release is intended to minimize additional flooding. (Photo: Tennessee Valley Authority)

Roads and bridges

In the first 36 hours following the disaster, the Tennessee Department of Transportation assessed damages and inspected 100 bridges across seven counties.

We still have hundreds to go, a spokesperson said in an emailed statement on Monday.

More than 300 TDOT employees have joined in the inspection efforts, but the task ahead will surpass the capacity of the state agency.

TDOT is in the process of awarding multiple debris removal and construction contracts to supplement state crews, with contracted work expected to begin later this week.

Dams and rivers

Over the weekend, reports of imminent dam collapses led to evacuations in some areas.

But on Monday a spokesperson for the Tennessee Valley Authority confirmed that all 49 of its dams are stable and operating as designed.

We are assessing any transmission infrastructure impacts, which are minimal on the TVA system, Scott Brooks, an agency spokesperson, said in an email.

Right now, theyre asking for water and people from all over are bringing water to us. Budweiser just brought an entire tractor-trailer full.  Rep. Dan Howell from Cleveland is sending water from his district. When youve got 37,000 people and no water, were so grateful for everybody doing that.

 Rep. Jeremy Faison, Cocke County Republican

Brooks said most of the damage is on local utility systems. TVA is working with local power companies on restoration and repairs, he said.

State Rep. Jeremy Faison, a Republican who represents hard-hit Cocke County, said thousands are without water after utilities were knocked offline.

So, literally, unless youre on a well, you have no water in my county right now, he said.

Right now, theyre asking for water and people from all over are bringing water to us, he said. Budweiser just brought an entire tractor-trailer full.  Rep. Dan Howell from Cleveland is sending water from his district. When youve got 37,000 people and no water, were so grateful for everybody doing that.

TVA is monitoring extensive flooding in its tributary dams, which control water movement throughout the power providers system. The extensive flooding in reservoirs has prompted record high releases at places, including Douglas Dam in Sevier county.

We are aware these record releases are causing localized flooding on the Tennessee River, Brooks said.

River levels monitored by TVA illustrated the enormity of rising water in the region. The French Broad River in Newport, Tenn, reached 23 feet  13 feet above flood stage. The Pigeon River, also in Newport, set a new record stage of 28.9 feet, 20.9 feet over flood stage. And the Nolichucky River at the Nolichucky Dam in Greene County recorded record high levels of water.

Senior reporter Sam Stockard contributed to this report.

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BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH)  A state senator honored four local educators for their commitment to volunteerism and their lasting contributions to their communities.

State Senator Lea Webb presented four people with the New York State Senate Commendation Award.

The award celebrates leadership and dedication in academia and community development.

The four recipients were Sean Eversley Bradwell with the Ithaca City School District, David Hawley from Binghamton, Peter Stewart a former principal at Horace Mann, and Dick Testa, the president of the Union Endicott Board of Education.

Bradwell has been an educator in the Southern Tier for nearly 30 years.

As we say, teaching is not a job its a calling, we do not do this work to be recognized or as one of the other recipients said to be awarded with any awards, so its just a great honor to be recognized and have my family join me today, said Bradwell.

The award ceremony took place in Webbs Office inside the state office building.

The awards are made of glass and feature a picture of New York State, with the names of all four recipients. They were also given a commemorative pin.

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T.W. Garner Foods Co. has chosen to stay within the Garner family in announcing Monday that Matt McCollum will become president and chief executive on Jan. 1.

McCollum, who has been with the Winston-Salem company since 2009, is being promoted from chief financial officer.

McCollum represents the second fourth-generation member of the Garner family in a top executive post along with chairman and chief operations officer Heyward Garner.

Garner announced in April that Ann Garner Riddle would retire Dec. 31 after 14 years as chief executive and three days shy of 53 years with the company.

The maker of Texas Pete sauces and Green Mountain Gringo salsa and tortilla strips said Riddle chose to retire four years before the manufacturer turns 100 in 2029.

Riddle will remain on the companys board of directors and advisers, along with retired members of the family in Hal Garner, Frank Sherrill and Glenn Garner.

The companys board said in April it would consider internal and external candidates for the president and chief executive roles.

Matt exemplifies the dedication and vision we need for the future of Garner Foods, Riddle said. I believe we have made an excellent decision for the future of our company, our employees and our customers.

When including Heyward Garner, Riddle said this new executive team has the capability to build on our successes as we move forward.

McCollum said he recognizes that Garner holds a special place in the hearts of our customers, employees and the wider community.

It is both a privilege and a responsibility to carry forward the rich traditions and uphold the high standards that generations of employees have worked so hard to establish, McCollum said. I look forward to continuing this legacy of excellence and leading us into the future with integrity and dedication.

Heyward Garner said McCollums long tenure with Garner Foods and his tireless work as chief financial officer to modernize and streamline multiple facets of our business make him ideal to fill the role.

As CEO, Matt is poised to take our company to the next level. I am confident that Matts knowledge and experience will serve Garner Foods well for many years to come.

Riddles post-retirement plans include serving as board chairwoman for a new company foundation focused on philanthropic initiatives.

The foundation is meant to honor the first and second generations of Garner philanthropic leadership. The company has committed to an employee-match program that will double employee donations annually.

One of my favorite things to say about working at Garner Foods is I love what I get to do every day, Riddle said. I am so thankful for the opportunity to work alongside every team member. Together, we have made Garner Foods a stronger organization. We are an organization that will remain family owned and managed.

In 2022, Garner opened a $20 million distribution and warehouse center at 4729 Lansing Drive. Riddle described the new facility as a huge step forward in helping us ... position Garner Foods to meet the growing demands of our customers.

The company also owns a plant at 4045 Indiana Ave., a building off North Point Boulevard and a 14,500-square-foot headquarters in the Nash-Bolich building on Fourth Street in downtown Winston-Salem.

The future of Garner Foods is bright, Riddle said.

Our fourth generation of family members are solidly in place to manage and grow Garner Foods, and they are proudly raising the fifth generation of family members who will one day run the company.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD)  Oct. 1 marks the start of Domestic Violence Awareness Month. Domestic violence impacts people of all ages and backgrounds, but there are community resources available for people and families.

Domestic abuse can look like intimidation, stalking, financial control or physical or sexual violence. If you or someone you know is in this situation, using local resources and planning ahead while taking precautions can save a life.

The YWCA of West Central Michigan is part of the Kent County Domestic Violence Action Network, actively working to change the systems and structures that lead to domestic violence and hold perpetrators accountable.

(The Kent County Domestic Violence Action Network is) victim service providers. It is the prosecutors office. It is people in child welfare. It is counselors in community. It is judges, Charisse Mitchell, the CEO of the YWCA West Central Michigan, said.

New Kent County court aims to treat the root of domestic violence

Mitchell says organizations in the Domestic Violence Action Network can help you plan a safe exit for yourself, your children and your pets.

Do you have access to important documentation? Do you have access to resources? Is there a support system out there? Is there an emergency shelter? Mitchell said. Whether its Safe Haven or the YW, support from organizations like Puertas Abiertas. All of us are a part of that Domestic Violence Action Network to say how can we intervene, provide support, make sure that systems that people may be encountering, whether its health systems or school systems or employment, are all providing safe space and support no matter where they happen to be.

Safe Haven Ministries offers flexible support for those dealing with abuse, stalking and dating violence.

We have a 24/7 hotline thats available with text and webchat or talking via phone to an advocate, said Rachel VerWys, the CEO of Safe Haven Ministries. We also provide walk-in appointments. So, Monday through Friday, anyone can come to our office and connect with an advocate. You dont need to call ahead. You can talk with someone about support and safety planning.

For Safe Havens 24/7 helpline, you can call 616.452.6664.

In 2023, the Kent County Sheriffs Office told News 8 it investigated 1,243 domestic assault reports. The office has investigated 1,007 incidents of domestic violence so far in 2024.

The Kent County Domestic Violence Action Network wants the community to be aware of the signs of domestic violence and to take action.

We have, as a community, a responsibility to respond. And that to center survivors in this work means that we as every sector, every neighbor, every friend, can say we can do better and together we are willing to take courageous steps to do that work differently and address gaps and equity and the problems that do exist, to say that that is not the final word, VerWys said. And that everyone in this community has access to healthy relationships and the support they need.

On Monday, a Domestic Violence Candlelight Vigil will be held on the Blue Bridge in Grand Rapids. The bridge is set to turn purple, which represents domestic violence awareness.

I think its important that our community comes together in a vigil opportunity really to acknowledge the pain and the loss that we have experienced as a whole community in Grand Rapids, West Michigan and the whole state of Michigan, VerWys said. That we really lament and mourn that the issue of domestic violence means people have lost their lives. And its an important thing as a community to name that.

Health epidemic: Domestic violence cases up

Candles will be lit, and the names of people who lost their lives to domestic violence in the past year will be read.

Literally just showing up on that day when we are reading the names of people who have been killed in domestic violence incidents in the last year here in the state of Michigan, recognizing their names, know their names, say their names out loud, so we can say not one more,' Mitchell said. And we are here to be a part of a solution, a safer community for all of us.

People can start gathering at 6:30 p.m. Monday on the Grand Valley State University side of the Blue Bridge. The program is set to begin at 7 p.m.

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West Virginias abused children need a champion. Maybe the next governor will be that person

The gold dome of the West Virginia state Capitol building in Charleston, W.Va. (Lexi Browning | West Virginia Watch)

A couple weeks ago in Charleston, a handcuffed 8-year-old girl was found walking around a neighborhood asking neighbors for help.

Leslie Rubin of WCHS-TV found that the girl, along with two of the other three children living in the same home, were being homeschooled.

Im going to state this very early in this column because I know not everyone always reads to the end  I dont think that all homeschool parents are abusive. But more needs to be done to make sure abusive parents and guardians cant homeschool their children in order to hide them away from those who can help them.

Sadly, this is not the first time weve heard about homeschooled children in West Virginia being abused. Just earlier this year a homeschooled Boone County teen, Kyneddi Miller, was found emaciated to a skeletal state when she died.

Although Child Protective Services had some missteps in Kyneddis case  the agency said it never received any referrals about her, although a state trooper said he was going to tell CPS himself  Gov. Jim Justices administration focused on weaknesses in the states homeschooling laws.

Kyneddis mother began homeschooling her in 2021, and she never turned in homeschool assessments that are required under state education law. Local truancy officers can use those assessments  which are to be turned in when the child is in third, fifth, eighth and 11th grades  to raise concerns about a childs homeschooling status. However school districts are not required under state law to follow up if those assessments are not turned in.

During a briefing in June, Justice said he might call a special session to address the issue. Since then, the Sept. 30 special session is the only one hes called, and his focus has been on cutting the personal income tax and a child care tax credit.

Meanwhile, other children have been abused during the months of inaction.

At this point, the blood is on our hands because were watching our kids die and nothing is happening, said Del. Anitra Hamilton, D-Monongalia, who serves on the House Education Committee.

Homeschoolings Invisible Children, a project of the Massachusetts based Coalition for Responsible Home Education, keeps a national database of severe incidents of abuse and neglect of homeschooled children. The organization says the data it has collected illuminate how abusive caregivers are able to use homeschooling to conceal and escalate their abuse.

Since 2000, the organization has found through public records 423 cases of abuse, and in 191 of them a child died. Schooling status is not always mentioned in reports, so the number could be much higher.

Homeschoolings Invisible Childrens research has also found that homeschool oversight laws are rarely effective at identifying that abuse is taking place  much less at stopping it.

And in all 50 states, families that were recently the subject of a Child Protective Services investigation can withdraw their children from school to homeschool them.

West Virginia lawmakers tried to pass a bill that would prevent that  Raylees Law, which would pause or potentially deny a parents request to homeschool if a teacher has reported suspected child abuse. (Raylee was another child who died of abuse in 2018 after her parents withdrew her from school.) House lawmakers approved the measure in February but the Senate did not take it up. They still could. If passed, Raylees Law would be the first of its kind in the nation.

In West Virginia, and 46 other states, caregivers who have been convicted of crimes against children are not prevented from homeschooling.

Every time we or other media outlets report on abuses of homeschooled children, people accuse the writers of being anti-homeschooling and they complain about how they dont want more regulations.

The people who are already following the rules shouldnt have to worry  theyre doing the right thing. Lawmakers only want to make sure that all homeschool parents are doing the right thing.

In fact, lawmakers arent asking for more requirements for homeschool parents  theyre wanting to make sure that schools are checking that those requirements are met.

During Fridays administrative briefing, Justice said there is a draft of a homeschooling bill, but acknowledged that its a complex issue.

We realize the tragedies that have happened, Justice said. Its tough to pound a round peg in a square hole as far as a bill.  Theres no question we need to do better.

Justice went on to say that it may be better to tackle homeschooling in the general session than in a special session. The general session will begin in January, after Justice will no longer be in office.

We wont see anything during this special session addressing homeschooling. On Saturday, at 5:30 p.m., Justice issued a proclamation for the special session with 27 bills  none related to homeschooling.

There is, however, a completely new bill that would appropriate $300,000 to build statues of George Washington, Thomas Jefferson, Abraham Lincoln and West Virginias first governor, Arthur Boreman, in the state Capitol.

We dont know who the governor will be in January or what the West Virginia Legislature is going to look like during the regular session in January, but hopefully they all will want to prioritize the safety of children.

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Update: 10/1/2024, 5:09 p.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  The West Virginia National Guards mission to North Carolina to assist with disaster response and recovery has been placed on hold, Gov. Jim Justice announced late Tuesday afternoon.

In a press release, Gov. Justice said that the North Carolina National Guard is still assessing its response needs, and has placed its request for support on hold. Gov. Justice emphasized that the West Virginia National Guards mission to South Carolina remains a go and that the team will depart on Oct. 4.

Original: 10/1/2024, 2:57 p.m.

CHARLESTON, W.Va. (WBOY)  Members of the West Virginia National Guard are heading to North and South Carolina to help recovery efforts after Hurricane Helene.

Twelve Airmen from the 30th Airlift Wing, including a Fatality Search and Recovery Team, will deploy to North Carolina, and 30 troopers, including a contingent of engineers and loader dump teams, are heading to South Carolina, according to a press release from Gov. Jim Justice.

The 42 West Virginia Guardsmen and women will work to help restore critical infrastructure in damaged communities while working alongside local, state and federal agencies.

Donate today to help Red Cross efforts across 10 states

When our neighboring states call, we will always be there to answer that call, Maj. Gen Bill Crane, Adjutant General of the West Virginia National Guard, said in the release. The level of devastation we are seeing across our news feeds is beyond belief, and we know that both the citizens and the first responders in the impacted areas are in desperate need of help.

West Virginia National Guard activated to help with Helene aftermath in North Carolina and South Carolina (Courtesy: Gov. Justices office)

The death toll from Helene is nearing 150 as of Tuesday afternoon with many more still missing. Millions are still without power and some communities are completely cut off because of road closures.

Its heartbreaking to see the destruction our neighboring states are facing, Gov. Justice said. The West Virginia National Guard is running to the fire without hesitation, as we always do. Thats what we do in West Virginia we pull the rope together. Im proud we can join forces with other states to support North Carolina and South Carolina in their recovery efforts. My thoughts and prayers are with our brave service members, all the first responders in the area, and everyone affected by Hurricane Helene. Lets continue to take care of each other.

A number of organizations and groups in north central West Virginia are collecting items to send to flooding victims from Helene. People can also donate money through the American Red Cross through this donation link set up by WBOYs parent company Nexstar.

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GREENSBORO, N.C. (WGHP)  Western North Carolina is still grappling with the widespread damage, leaving many families to face some difficult decisions, including some leaving their homes behind.

Amy Holcombe arrived in Greensboro on Sunday. She packed up her three sons and whatever she could fit in the car, leaving the Town of Fletcher. Her husband stayed behind to deal with the damage.

I grew up at the coast in Wilmington, so Ive so Ive been through hurricanes a lot, but I never imagined living in the mountains that a hurricane is something that would hit us, Holcombe said

Holcombe lives about 25 minutes outside of Asheville. She is still in disbelief over the damage done by Helene. She knew there would be heavy rain.

The rain started Wednesday night. and there was so much of it on Thursday and Wednesday night. And then Friday is when the storms hit in the middle of the night, Holcombe said.

Things got worse, and she started to feel uneasy.

We see other trees wiggling and moving, and  we dont know if theyre going to fall or not. So it was it was really, really scary, Holcombe said.

Holcombe said a large tree fell and narrowly missed her home. It crushed her fence and hit the trampoline in their yard.

She saw her neighbors homes split in two by falling trees.

On Friday, things again took a turn for the worse.

We lost cell service, and we had lost power  Then we lost water Friday night, Holcombe said. What do you do when you dont have any of those things?

Holcombe says they were completely cut off.

We couldnt even get updates about what was happening in our community because  we were disconnected from everything, Holcombe said.

It can take a toll on any family.

It got to a critical point for us  having three little kids and trying to do life when you dont have power or water or and youre running low on food, Holcombe said.

She made the tough decision to pack up her three children and travel to Greensboro.

My sister-in-law was available and willing to take us in  When we found out that the roads were open and we could get here, we decided it was the best thing for us, Holcombe said.

Her husband stayed behind.

My husbands a dentist, and I dont know what were going to do, Holcombe said. He has to close the office because he doesnt have power, and he doesnt have water  but he also wants to be there for his patients.

Holcombe doesnt know when she will return home or what it will look like when she gets there.

Its super overwhelming because I know  Im OK, and  I have what I need to be able to be OK, but I dont know what its going to look like going back, Holcombe said.

She says she is waiting for power and water to be restored before going back home.

Duke Energy said a majority of customers are expected to have the lights back on by Friday.

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WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  The Westerville City School District has rescinded a policy that allows absences for religious instruction during the school day.

In a 4-0 vote, with one abstention, the Westerville school board voted to halt the practice, with members saying previously that pulling students from the school day was a disruption and distraction for all students.

Before Mondays vote, a Bible-based education program called LifeWise Academy took about 300 Westerville elementary school students out of recess and lunch once a week for religious instruction. It was the only religious education-based group operating in the Westerville school district and had been in the district for two years.

Were saddened that they, the board, has voted to take away religious liberty from parents, LifeWise Academy CEO Joel Penton said.

Watch: Westerville schools rescinds religious release policy

This isnt about religion, Westerville parent Jaclyn Fraley said. This isnt about one religious group against another religious group, believers versus nonbelievers. This is about having our students united together during the school day, learning from our educators for the entire school day.

LifeWise, headquartered in Hilliard, provides what it calls Bible-based character education for an hour a week during the school day. It currently operates in more than 350 schools in 26 states.

Hundreds of supporters both in favor of the policy and those who wanted to see it rescinded attended Mondays board meeting, with attendees lining up outside the building to get in. Supporters of LifeWise wore red t-shirts, with some arriving in LifeWise-branded buses. Those in favor of rescinding the policy wore black t-shirts.

Before the vote, more than 30 people spoke during nearly three hours of public comment.

Our focus with rescinding this policy was bringing inclusion back into our schools and having our kids be a cohesive in a unit and staying in school for the entire school day, Fraley said.

The board said it is open to after-school programs.

We really feel like this is an important option for making it equitable for all families in our school district, LifeWise Program Coordinator for the district Jennifer Jury said. A large number of the families that weve served the last two years, come from, socio-economic background that would limit them being able to participate if it took place before or after school.

LifeWise is backing Ohio House Bill 445, which would amend current law to change the word may to shall, which would force public schools to permit programs like LifeWise to operate in every public school. The bill currently sits in House committee and has not been put to a vote.

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Ballots are on the way to Atascadero residents, and soon they will have the chance to elect two new City Council members.

To help as you make your decision, The Tribune has compiled a 2024 Election Voter Guide, meant to give easy access to some of each candidates basic facts and stances.

Three candidates are running for two open seats on the Atascadero City Council this November.

The candidates are incumbent and architect Mark Dariz, planning commissioner and paralegal Tori Keen and small-business owner Seth Peek.

Current City Council member Charles Bourbeau is running unopposed for mayor.

Here are the candidates responses, organized by candidate and in alphabetical order.

Some responses have been edited for length or clarity.

Mark Dariz is running for Atascadero City Council.

Mark Dariz

Who are your top three campaign contributors:

Souza Constuction, Grigger Jones, Sam Blakeslee

What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?

A vibrant economy with more local jobs.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?

Economic development is always the biggest issue. Ensuring a business-friendly environment will bring jobs and a stronger economy to the city. To do this, we must make it easy to start a business whether its in an existing building or new construction.

Do you feel the city has done enough to make downtown more vibrant? How would you continue to support or improve those efforts?

Yes, I believe the city has made great strides in improving the downtown experience. The downtown enhancement project will make downtown more pedestrian-friendly and invigorate our local businesses. I will support any similar effort.

How do you feel about the citys response to homelessness, and what specific policies and solutions on that front would you pursue if elected?

The city has been diligent in enforcing the laws to the fullest extent. I would encourage the city to continue to address the homeless encampments and follow the laws to the fullest.

Do you feel the city is doing enough to support affordable housing and the development of new homes?

Yes, we are always looking for ways to incentivize developers to build affordable homes in creative ways.

Ballot measure L-24 asks voters to extend a half-cent sales tax to provide $3 million annually to be used for such things as repair of neighborhood roads, aging infrastructure along with other vital general government needs. Do you support or oppose measure L-24 and why?

I fully support the extension of the sales tax for our roads. Without it we would have to make significant budget cuts elsewhere.

Tori Keen is running for Atascadero City Council.

Tori Keen

Who are your top three campaign contributors:

Shatter PAC, SLO County Democratic Party, the Atascadero Democratic Party

What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?

I would like to see a more inclusive city where everyone feels safe and welcome to offer their points of view at City Council meetings. Id like to see more affordable housing and more head-of-household jobs so that people can continue living in Atascadero without commuting to Paso Robles, San Luis Obispo or further. Id like to see the Printery as a functioning arts center where our children can take classes and we can have community theater. Id like to see less unhoused people on the streets by allocating state, county and city resources to that end. Id like to see our children have a hopeful outlook on being able to buy a house and stay in the city where they grew up with their support system rather than being hopeless about their future prospects.

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?

I think there are two major issues facing the city.

One is the unhoused population that is an issue throughout California. There are many parts to this issue that need to be addressed. There are issues of mental health and addiction that can make it difficult to help people if they do not want help. The act of building a relationship and trust with people who are unhoused is essential. Helping them reintegrate back into society is a long process that cannot be rushed. I believe building these relationships will be worth it in the long run.

We also have the issue of increasing home prices. Even with the state of California raising minimum wage, it is not a livable wage in many parts of San Luis County, including Atascadero. This is also a multifaceted issue. We need to find the property to build this housing, we need to engage with developers to make it profitable and easy to take on these projects and we need to engage with the residents to make sure they are supportive of the projects.

Do you feel the city has done enough to make downtown more vibrant? How would you continue to support or improve those efforts?

I think the city has made great strides toward making downtown more vibrant. The city hosts events, added parking to the area and is working on making the downtown area more walkable. I support the citys plans to build more mixed-use projects in the downtown sector to continue to make it more vibrant.

How do you feel about the citys response to homelessness, and what specific policies and solutions on that front would you pursue if elected?

The Atascadero Police Department hired a resource officer to engage with the homeless population in order to get them into programs that will help them integrate back into society. The city has also been incredibly supportive of ECHO, one of the biggest outreach organizations in the county. We are incredibly lucky to have them in our town.

I would like the city to improve communication with Atascadero residents about how it is addressing the homeless population. I would like to see a safe place for the homeless population to be as they build those relationships with resource officers and get into the programs they need. When they have no where to go, they build encampments wherever there is open space, and I do not think that is good for Atascadero residents or the unhoused population.

Do you feel the city is doing enough to support affordable housing and the development of new homes?

I think the city is moving in the right direction. As the chair of the Atascadero Planning Commission, I have been a part of developing objective design standards to accelerate the approval process. We developed stock plans for people that want to build ADUs on their property. We changed many of our zoning codes to allow for smaller lot sizes in order to encourage infill development in places where there is room to add housing. I think one of the struggles is finding developers who are willing to take on these projects as they can be very expensive and not always easy business decisions.

Ballot measure L-24 asks voters to extend a half-cent sales tax to provide $3 million annually to be used for such things as repair of neighborhood roads, aging infrastructure along with other vital general government needs. Do you support or oppose measure L-24 and why?

I support L-24. I think F-14 has been used to repair many roads, and it will continue to be used for that purpose for years into the future. With an oversight committee and financial reports available, the transparency lends itself to instilling trust in the residents of Atascadero that the funds are being used in the way they are supposed to. Recently, one of our many thoroughfares, Traffic Way, was completely repaved and many people have commented on how nice it is. I hope more small neighborhood roads can be repaired in the coming years, and the city will be able to take over some of the small non-city-maintained roads that residents cannot afford to maintain.

Seth Peek is running for Atascadero City Council.

Seth Peek

Who are your top three campaign contributors:

Peek Family Businesses, Kirk Consulting, Souza Construction

What is your vision for what your city should look like in 5 years? 10 years?

Vibrant downtown, more head-of-household jobs, a well-funded Police Department attracting top talent

What do you believe is the most important issue facing your city today, and what will you do to address it?

Homelessness is the most talked about issue among Atascadero residents. We need to continue supporting our police and the Community Action Team in their efforts  which have been highly successful  while continuing the conversation with all businesses and residents affected by the issue. The passing of Proposition 36 will be a large help getting fentanyl dealers off the street and slowing the infiltration of life threatening drugs from entering our community and contributing to the homeless problem.

Do you feel the city has done enough to make downtown more vibrant? How would you continue to support or improve those efforts?

Yes, it has been very important to the city and the Chamber of Commerce to create a more vibrant downtown. Progress has been made and will continue. If elected, I would continue to support allowing businesses to build and open in downtown, while working to reduce the friction between the smaller businesses in downtown that experience hardships when construction is underway.

How do you feel about the citys response to homelessness, and what specific policies and solutions on that front would you pursue if elected?

The Atascadero Police Departments Community Action Team is a fantastic resource and the main driving force for aiding with the homeless issue. They visit encampments daily and offer assistance, while keeping an eye on crime and drug commerce. They are our eyes and ears. We need to expand their reach and hours of operation.

Do you feel the city is doing enough to support affordable housing and the development of new homes?

The city is doing what it can under the umbrella of Californias stifling construction red tape. The city needs to find a way to streamline permitting. Although it is largely a Planning Commission issue, the city should more easily grant rezoning applications or special use permits when the issue is turning something into a dwelling. Love this topic. Love property rights.

Ballot measure L-24 asks voters to extend a half-cent sales tax to provide $3 million annually to be used for such things as repair of neighborhood roads, aging infrastructure along with other vital general government needs. Do you support or oppose measure L-24 and why?

Yes, I support Measure L-24. We have seen it in direct action the last number of years since passing ballot Measure F-14 in 2014. Miles of roads have been repaved and improved with curbing and more. Although it is allocated in the general fund, the citizen oversight committee has done a wonderful job keeping the promise and spirit of the measure alive for the taxpayers. Myself and many residents would be very upset if a new committee was formed or if the current committee decides to use the funds for anything other than roads and infrastructure. The measure originally received a lot of skepticism, and the city has been able to disprove the skeptics. Lets keep it that way.
A former state employee was awarded nearly $8.8 million by a jury in Sacramento federal court in a case that centered on California laws protecting whistleblowers.

The jury ruled on Thursday that Tamara Evans, who now lives in Nevada, had been retaliated against by the California Commission on Peace Officer Standards and Training while an employee at the West Sacramento-based agency. Evans alleged she was harassed and ultimately forced to take early retirement after she refused to approve spending that she believed did not meet regulations.

The POST commission sets the selection and training standards for law enforcement officers in the state.

Ms. Evans simply tried to prevent fraudulent spending by POST, her attorney, Lawrance Bohm, said in a statement. Instead of revering her disclosure, POST targeted Ms. Evans and destroyed her career.

Meagan Poulos, a spokeswoman for the commission, said the agency disagreed with the verdict.

POSTs position on this matter is and has always been that it did not retaliate against Ms. Evans for engaging in protected conduct, and that her termination in March of 2013 was justified and appropriate, Poulos said. While POST respects the decision of the jury, it is disappointed in the jurys verdict in this matter and is considering all appropriate post-trial options.
White House national security adviser Jake Sullivan on Tuesday called Irans missile attack against Israel a significant escalation and said the Biden administration is determining how to respond.

Obviously this is a significant escalation by Iran, a significant event, and it is equally significant that we were able to step up with Israel and create a situation in which no one was killed in this attack in Israel, so far as we know at this time, Sullivan told reporters.

We are now going to look at what the appropriate next steps are to secure first and foremost American interests, and then to promote stability to the maximum extent possible as we go forward, he added.

Iran launched a barrage of missiles at Israel on Tuesday, shortly after the U.S. warned an attack was imminent. The attack appeared to be over within an hour of starting.

Sullivan said the attack appeared to be defeated and ineffective.

President Biden reiterated Sullivans comments, saying the attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective and attributed that to the Israeli military capability, the U.S. military and the intensive planning between the U.S. and Israel.

The president also stressed his administrations unwavering support for Israel.

Vice President Harris later on Tuesday voiced her support for ensuring Israel has the ability to defense itself.

Iran is not only a threat to Israel, Iran is also a threat to American personnel in the region, American interests and innocent civilians across the region who suffer at the hands of Iran-based and backed terrorist proxies. We will never hesitate to take whatever action is necessary to defend us forces and interests against Iran and Iran-backed terrorists, she said.

Israeli military spokesperson Rear Adm. Daniel Hagari said that missiles had just been launched from Iran around 7:30 p.m. local time in Israel. Sirens sounded across Israel, according to the military.

The Israeli military later confirmed the end of the barrage in a post that told Israeli citizens it was safe to leave their shelters.

The Iranian blitz comes after a bruising and nearly yearlong cross-border conflict between Hezbollah, a major proxy group for Tehran, and Israeli forces. The fight, tied to the ongoing war in Gaza, has severely crippled Hezbollah after Israel eliminated most of its command structure in the past month.

This story was updated at 5:08 p.m.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
Former President Jimmy Carter is getting a White House-sized salute to mark his 100th birthday, with a display honoring his history-making centenarian status.

A 100 installation was unveiled on the North Lawn at 1600 Pennsylvania Ave. on Tuesday, timed to coincide with Carter officially hitting the milestone birthday.

Happy Birthday President Carter, a message alongside the triple digits read.

Carter, the countrys 39th president, was in office from 1977 to 1981. Hes the first former president to ever reach the century mark.

In a video message ahead of Carters birthday, President Biden praised the ex-commander in chief, saying, Mr. President, I admire you so darn much.

Your hopeful vision of our country, your commitment to a better world, and your unwavering belief in the power of human goodness continues to be a guiding light for all of us, Biden said in his birthday tribute.

Jill Biden has often utilized giant outdoor displays to mark festive occasions. Last February, an installation featuring a Valentines Day card to America was erected on the North Lawn of the White House.

The 100 dedicated to Carter is expected to be exhibited through the end of the day on Tuesday.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to The Hill.
The White House denies that Biden calling for a ceasefire in Lebanon is a policy change on Israel

The White House says there has been no change in Americas support of Israel in response to the start of what has been described as a limited ground offensive in Lebanon despite President Joe Bidens call for the Israeli government to consider stopping the operations and his suggestion that a ceasefire deal be implemented now.

Biden commented on the plans when he was questioned by reporters following remarks on Monday he delivered on the federal response to Hurricane Helene.

Asked whether he was aware of or comfortable with the Israeli plans, Biden replied: I'm more aware than you might know, and I'm comfortable with them stopping.

We should have a ceasefire now, he added.

Last week, the American and French governments announced that a deal had been reached for a 21-day ceasefire along the Israeli-Lebanese border.

A picture taken from northern Israel, along the border with southern Lebanon, on September 30, 2024 shows a fire following Israeli bombardment on an area of south Lebanon. (AFP via Getty Images)

In a joint statement, Biden and French President Emmanuel Macron said it was time for a deal that ensures safety and security to enable civilians to return to their homes rather than increase hostilities that could spark a much broader conflict, and harm to civilians.

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, they added.

The Israeli government later disavowed the agreement and instead launched a series of airstrikes that have taken out the leadership ranks of Hezbollah, the militant group that has a significant presence along Lebanons southern border with Israel.

Israeli tanks and APC's gather by the Israeli - Lebanese border on September 30, 2024. (Getty Images)

Later on Monday, White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre appeared to walk back Bidens remarks to reporters during her daily press briefing.

She said she would not speak to any private diplomatic conversations between Washington and the Israeli government  but said the US understands that the strategic purpose of Israels current operations in Lebanon is to make sure that Hezbollah cannot maintain the capacity to attack Israeli communities from the immediate opposite border.

Pressed further on whether the administration supports the Israeli offensive, Jean-Pierre replied that Israel has a right to defend itself against Hezbollah and against Iran backed groups.

But she later added that the US does want to see a ceasefire that would give us the space, as we have been saying, of diplomacy, and enable citizens right to go back to their homes on both sides, and ultimately, a diplomatic resolution.

We're going to certainly continue to have those conversations with Israelis and others on how to make that happen, she said.
The White House says Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel.

We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack, a senior White House official said in a statement. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.

The warning comes amid Israeli forces ground incursion into Lebanon where they are conducting raids against the Iran-backed Hezbollah militant group. The raids are part of an ongoing campaign by Israel to degrade Hezbollahs positions in Lebanon.

A spokesperson for Irans mission to the United Nations did not immediately respond to a request for comment.



Over the past several weeks, Israel has targeted senior Hezbollah commanders by detonating explosives inside pagers and walkie-talkies and by launching airstrikes on the groups command centers in Beirut  one of which killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah.

Soon after the U.S. announcement, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu addressed the people of Israel in a video statement.

Citizens of Israel, we are in the midst of a campaign against Iran's axis of evil, Netanyahu said. Together we will fight and together we will win, he added.

Asked for comment on the U.S. announcement about impending strikes, a spokesperson for the Israeli embassy in Washington directed POLITICO to Netanyahus address.

The U.S. has been anticipating a significant retaliation from Iran following Israels push against the group.

While this would not be the first time Iran has launched ballistic missiles at Israel in recent months, the attack would likely significantly escalate fighting between the two sides, potentially sparking a regional war  a situation the Biden administration has tried to avoid.

Over the weekend, the U.S. stepped up its military presence in the Middle East to deter further violence and safeguard American interests. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin ordered the aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln and its accompanying destroyers to remain in the region, while also increasing air-support capabilities. The Pentagon placed more troops on standby and the USS Wasp Amphibious Ready Group remind close by in the eastern Mediterranean.

The U.S. has multiple missile defense ships in the Eastern Mediterranean and Red Sea that can track and shoot down ballistic missiles, and is in the process of doubling the number of fighter planes in the region.

Both American ships and aircraft were used in the April 14 interception of Iranian missiles, including ballistic missiles, and drones launched against Israel. That attack by Tehran was in retaliation for Israel targeting an Iranian diplomatic post in Beirut in which one of Hamas senior leaders was killed.

A Pentagon spokesperson pointed to Austins weekend call with his Israeli counterpart Yoav Gallant. A readout of the call said Austin told Gallant that the U.S. is well postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations, and the two discussed serious consequences for Iran if it directly attacked Israel.

In recent days, top U.S. officials in the White House have worked to try and contain Israels military offensive in Lebanon, worried its forces would move too far into the country and that the fighting would escalate on the ground  that the targeted raids would develop into a prolonged, direct confrontation with Hezbollah.

A U.S. official said the administration was prepared for Israel to move forward with a more sweeping ground invasion of Lebanon over the weekend, but that the White House convinced Netanyahu to scale back the planned operation.

Still, it's unclear the extent to which the Biden teams current warnings are changing Israels tactical movements.

The administration is broadly supportive of Israels goal of weakening Hezbollah in Lebanon, but it is concerned that its operations in the country will go too far in antagonizing Iran. Theyre worried it will drag U.S. troops into yet another Middle East conflict, another U.S. official said. U.S. officials are also still pushing the diplomatic angle, hoping the violence will simmer in the coming weeks, allowing the administration to re-up its call for a 21-day cease-fire that it announced last week.
After tens of thousands of dockworkers walked off the job at midnight, the Biden administration is confronting the complicated politics  and limited toolkit  of a work stoppage in the home stretch of a critical election season in which the economy has taken center stage.

For weeks, Cabinet-level officials across an array of agencies have been keeping close tabs on the negotiations between the International Longshoremens Association and a consortium of companies managing ports along the East and Gulf coasts. White House officials on Friday met with representatives from the consortium, the US Maritime Corporation, to encourage the association to stay at the negotiating table. When it comes to brokering a potential deal, labor experts say the White House has just two tools: Using the bully pulpit and invoking the Taft-Hartley Act, which would force the longshore workers to get back on the job.

President Joe Biden has sent a clear message that he has no plans to do the latter.

No, Biden told reporters Sunday when asked whether he would intervene in a potential strike. Because its collective bargaining, and I dont believe in Taft-Hartley.

Breaking the strike would be a politically dangerous move for Biden as his vice president, Kamala Harris, runs to succeed him in the Oval Office. Without taking that move, theres not much else the White House can do.

The administration is using its bully pulpit, and has been for a while, says John Porcari, who served as the White House supply chain czar under Biden. The federal government can help at the margins and can certainly encourage the parties to come together, but they have to do that on their own.

In the hours after thousands of longshore workers went on strike Tuesday, Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris were closely monitoring the strike and any supply chain impacts that could result, a White House official said.

The president has directed his team to convey his message directly to both sides that they need to be at the table and negotiating in good faith  fairly and quickly, the official said.

Republicans on the House Transportation and Infrastructure committee sent a letter urging Biden administration to utilize every authority at its disposal to ensure the continuing flow of goods and avoid undue harm to Americans, an overture seen as an endorsement of the World War II-era law that allows presidents to end a strike. President George W. Bush applied the act in 2002 to halt an 11-day lockout of union members at West Coast ports.

Labor leaders have suggested that the mere suggestion of government intervention would benefit employers, not workers.

History tells us that when companies can count on an injunction against a strike, they do not negotiate in good faith to reach an agreement, AFL-CIO President Liz Shuler wrote in response to the House GOP letter.

Biden directed White House chief of staff Jeff Zients and National Economic Council Director Lael Brainard to convene a meeting Monday with board members of USMX to urge them to resolve this fairly and quickly  in a way that accounts for the success of these companies in recent years and the invaluable contributions of International Longshoremens Association workers, the official said.

The sticking points in the talks are twofold: Significant wage increases, with the union pointing to the industrys record profits, and language that protects union jobs from some of the thornier issues facing the industrial workforce, like automation.

Harold Daggett, president of the International Longshoremans Association, praised the Biden administrations efforts, in particular acting Secretary of Labor Julie Su, whom he called terrific. Shes knocking down doors. Shes trying to stop this. Shes trying to get us  fair negotiations, Daggett said. Its the companies that dont want to sit here and be fair. So thats why were out here fighting for our livelihood.

Daggett has also previously highlighted his close ties to former President Donald Trump, asking union members to pray for the Republican presidential contender after a July assassination attempt and hailing a positive meeting the two held in late 2023.

An economic stoppage at some of Americas largest ports will cause higher prices and potential shipping snarls just a month before Election Day, complicating both candidates pro-worker messages. Harris has touted the Biden administrations union-friendly policies and could point to the strike as proof that she, like Biden, supports collective bargaining.

In advance of the strike, some importers have been diverting shipments to the West Coast and some retailers have been fast-tracking importing of holiday inventory. In recent weeks, prices for the containers shipping to the East Coast  which contain bananas, clothes and other consumer goods  have been rising, challenging Harris recent efforts to pursue a proactive message on the economy.

Its undeniable that economic disruption and chaos are bad for the incumbent party  particularly in a year where economic security is on the ballot, a second former Biden administration official told CNN. Making people feel economically insecure is not a good thing.

The severity of the economic impact will depend on the length of the strike. A one-week strike would cost the US economy about $2.1 billion, according to an estimate Monday from the Anderson Economic Group, a Michigan research firm with expertise in estimating the cost of strikes and other disruptions. Most of that would be a $1.5 billion loss in value of some of the goods that wouldnt be delivered on time, such as perishable goods. Transportation companies, including ship lines and ports, would lose $400 million, while striking workers and those who might be temporarily laid off would lose $200 million in wages.

Ahead of the strike, Biden and Harris were briefed on agency assessments that show impacts on consumers are expected to be limited at this time, including in the important areas of fuel, food, and medicine, the White House official said.

The strike comes amid an autumn of uncertainty, with a union representing 33,000 Boeing factory workers going on strike after rebuffing the aircraft manufacturers offers. Ford also reached a last-minute deal with a local United Auto Workers chapter to avoid a strike at its Dearborn plant.

How to handle the labor dispute and any economic or supply chain fallout could quickly emerge as an issue on the campaign trail. Port workers began their strike on Tuesday, the same day Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz face off in a vice-presidential debate.

The situation could test the messaging of Harris, who has sought to convince voters shell improve their economic standing. Harris has embraced a pro-union stance, winning the endorsement of most major unions but is still facing an uphill climb among some rank-and-file members. Trump, whose own labor record has been fodder for Democrats, could try to use any disruptions from a prolonged strike to amplify his arguments that the economy has been mismanaged under Biden and Harris.

The Harris campaign declined to comment.

The Biden administration has taken steps to try to examine the impact of a strike and develop plans to address any supply chain issues. That includes convening the Supply Chain Disruptions Task Force daily, regularly engaging with ocean carriers, retailers, manufacturers, rail and trucking companies, and closely monitoring government data as an election creeps closer.

In political terms, theres no good time for a strike, the former official said.

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Police officers take cover as a siren sounds a warning of incoming rockets fired from Lebanon, in central Israel, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. | Ohad Zwigenberg

This story has been updated

Iran launches missiles against Israel

Iran fired a barrage of missiles at Israel on Tuesday, as Israeli citizens were advised to seek shelter.

In a statement the Israel Defense Forces said A short while ago, missiles were launched from Iran to Israel, according to The New York Times. A spokesperson from the IDF later said the attack would have consequences.

Hundreds of missiles have been seen above Jerusalem and Haifa and several have been intercepted, per CNN.

The missiles are believed to be ballistic missiles due to the fact that the time they took to reach Israel was under 15 minutes.

There have been no immediate reports of casualties in the wake on the missile strike in Israel.

Israel also launched an airstrike against Beirut Tuesday. In a statement the Israeli military also said it assassinated Muhammad Jafar Qasir, a senior Hezbollah commander, in the airstrike. Hezbollah has not confirmed.

According to The New York Times, Jordan and Iraq have both closed their airspaces.

President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris have met with national security officials and are monitoring the Iranian attack from the White House Situation Room.

Biden has directed the military to aid Israels defense against Iranian attacks.

White House warns of Iranian missile strike against Israel

On Tuesday, a White House representative said the U.S. believes Iran is preparing a ballistic missile attack against Israel, per CNN.

The warning to Israel and the Middle East from the U.S. came at 5 a.m. EDT or noon local time.

In a statement, a White House official said, The United States has indications that Iran is preparing to imminently launch a ballistic missile attack against Israel. We are actively supporting defensive preparations to defend Israel against this attack. A direct military attack from Iran against Israel will carry severe consequences for Iran.

According to CNN, the U.S. is prepared to do whatever it can to help Israel intercept anything Iran directs its way.

An Israeli tank maneuvers in northern Israel near the Israel-Lebanon border, Monday, Sept. 30, 2024. | Baz Ratner

What led up to this?

The warnings of a missile strike from Iran came just hours after Israel launched a ground invasion into southern Lebanon, per The Hill.

This invasion targeted the Iranian-backed militia group Hezbollah with the goal of taking out its military capabilities.

According to Axios, Iran has also been promising retaliation against Israel since Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh was assassinated in Tehran two months ago.

In the last two weeks, Iran has been urging Hezbollah to launch an attack against Israel.

What else should Americans know?

This imminent attack from Iran is expected to be similar to the one that occurred in April, according to CNN.

That attack involved Iran launching a wave of drones and missiles toward Israel, the majority of which were intercepted.

Shortly after the warning from the White House, the Israeli military said it has not yet identified an aerial threat from Iran.

According Daniel Hagai, an Israel Defense Forces spokesperson, the Israeli military is scanning the sky for any threat from Iran.

Per CNN, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said the United States is tracking events in the Middle East very closely and is committed to the defense of Israel.

Shooting in Tel Aviv

According to Reuters, Israeli police reported that gunmen opened fire in Tel Aviv on the boundary with Jaffa Tuesday, and there were multiple casualties.

First responders received the reporter of people injured by gunfire at 7:01 p.m. (12:01 ET).

Footage showed two gunmen getting off at a light rail station and then opening fire. It was reported by Israel media that at least four people were seriously injured.

Per The New York Times, at least one of the suspected attackers has been killed.

Former President Donald Trump releases statement on Irans missile attack against Israel

On Tuesday, former President Donald Trump released a statement addressing Irans imminent attack on Israel, claiming no one is running the country.

pic.twitter.com/5e8p6Ovh0n  Donald J. Trump Posts From His Truth Social (@TrumpDailyPosts) October 1, 2024

Trumps statement began with The World is on fire and spiraling out of control. We have no leadership, no one running the country.

The statement continued by saying that while Trump was president Iran was starved for cash, fully contained and desperate to make a deal.

Trump goes onto say in the statement that when he was president there was no war in the Middle East, no war in Europe and harmony in Asia.

The statement ended with If I win, we will have peace in the World again. If Kamala gets 4 more years, the World goes up in smoke.
On the Sept. 30 episode of The View, Whoopi Goldberg and the rest of the cast discussed recent events, including controversial comments from presidential candidate Donald Trump. And she didn't hesitate to send a direct message to the former POTUS.

The cast discussed Trump calling Vice President Kamala Harris "mentally disabled" as well as his comments about police when he claimed that "if you had one really violent day," all crime "would end immediately," leading many to compare his proposal with the fictional horror film The Purge.

Goldberg said, "It's exhausting," before calling Trump "unhinged" and questioning why there was so much talk about President Joe Biden's age and mental capacities, yet, "I haven't heard jack"catching herself before she swore"about the insanity that this man continues to sprout."

Later on, as they talked about Trump's problematic statements about the police, Sunny Hostin said she hopes "that people are paying attention to what he is saying."

Goldberg might've let her emotions get the best of her then, as she replied, "I think people aren't paying attention...your shock value has worn off. We know you're gonna say stupid s--t."

This time around, Goldberg couldn't stop herself before she swore, but luckily, the producers caught and censored it in time. She jokingly excused her mistake by saying, I told you I dont feel good."

Moving on, Goldberg called this "the norm" before saying of Trump, " I don't care about him anymore. I don't."

Before talking about Trump, the hosts of The View discussed the vice presidential debate between Tim Walz and JD Vance, set for Tuesday at 9 p.m. ET. The hosts talked about the questions they wanted answered and wondered what the debate's effect might be on the population of American voters.

Next: Whoopi Goldberg Shares Bold Opinion of Ben Affleck and Jennifer Lopez's Reunion
Israels expected ground incursion into Lebanon will drive home a new strategic reality of a year of war  the once-mighty US is powerless to rein in its ally or to influence other major belligerents in a fast-worsening regional crisis.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahus government on Monday launched the next stage of its onslaught against Hezbollah with what the Israel Defense Forces called a limited ground operation into Lebanon  despite weeks of requests from Washington for restraint and familiar (and spurned) calls for de-escalation.

This came just hours after President Joe Biden said we should have a ceasefire now, when asked what he knew about Israeli special forces previous raids into southern Lebanon. Im comfortable with them stopping, the president said.

His comments only underscored the chasm between the US and Israeli governments on a day when Netanyahu told Iranians in a broadcast, There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach.

The disconnect is widening as it coincides with the endgame of a cliffhanger US election. Bidens room for maneuver is limited if he is to avoid exacerbating the domestic political impact of war in the Middle East  a factor Netanyahu, a consummate operator in US politics, surely understands. The Democratic nominee, Vice President Kamala Harris, has largely stuck to the administration line  despite earlier comments that suggested she might take a slightly harder rhetorical stance toward Netanyahu while emphasizing the plight of Palestinian civilians.

A humiliating pattern for the US on repeat

The pattern of American impotency and Israeli defiance has played repeatedly since the October 7 Hamas attacks on Israel that killed about 1,200 people, which prompted the Israeli pounding of Gaza and the more recent attempt to destroy Hezbollah in Lebanon.

Netanyahu often acts first and consults the US later, even when his actions are certain to buckle American diplomatic efforts and compound fears the US will get dragged into a disastrous regional war. The US was not informed in advance, for example, about the Israeli airstrike Friday that killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah even though its global shockwaves were bound to be severe.

This Israeli approach has often made the Biden administration appear a spectator rather than an active player in events, as should befit a superpower. Months of grueling shuttle diplomacy by Secretary of State Antony Blinken have mostly drawn a blank. And the US has incessantly pushed for a Gaza ceasefire that neither Netanyahu nor Hamas seems to want.

This is not just a diplomatic embarrassment. Any time an American president is publicly spurned, there is a cost to their personal prestige and perceptions of US global power. And the likelihood is growing that Biden, who came to office professing to be a foreign policy expert, will leave the White House in a few months with a raging Middle East war set to stain his legacy.

But the Israeli leaders bet that, for all its reservations, the Biden administration will remain the guarantor of the Jewish states security has paid off. For instance, the US and its allies helped repel a massive Iranian missile and drone attack against Israel in April. The strikes followed an Israeli strike that the US didnt know about in advance on an Iranian diplomatic compound in Damascus that killed eight senior Iranian Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps officers.

And so far, Biden, who has long prided himself on being one of the most pro-Israeli politicians in US history, has been loath to use the leverage he does have  for instance, permanently cutting off US military supplies for Israel, a step that would have huge political reverberations ahead of the election and leave him accused of deserting an ally fighting terror.

Netanyahu often seems to be taking conscious advantage of Bidens instincts, reasoning hell swallow any level of provocation.

A deep symbolic irony encapsulates the duality of the US position in the conflict: a CNN analysis found that American-manufactured 2,000-pound bombs were likely used in the attack on Nasrallah, which threatens to ignite the regional conflagration that would be so ruinous to US interests and diplomatic goals.

The price of US-Israeli tensions

But the months of Israeli disregard for the administrations political and strategic concerns have come at a stiff cost. Relations between Biden and Netanyahu are very tense. And growing antagonism often bursts into the open  most recently when US officials were furious the Israeli leader dissed an Israel-Hezbollah ceasefire proposal by a groups of nations led by the US. Washington demanded the Israelis put out a statement to remedy the diplomatic embarrassment, CNNs MJ Lee, Kylie Atwood and Jennifer Hansler reported last week.

Ret. Col. Cedric Leighton, a CNN military analyst, said on CNN This Morning that conversations between Israeli and US officials ahead of the expected Israeli move into southern Lebanon were pretty tense  especially at the upper levels. He added: The key thing to keep in mind is that Israel has basically deliberately kept the US uninformed when it came to the details of their operations.

On the one side, Leighton said, The US is trying to restrain the Israelis; theyre trying to limit the scope of military action that the Israelis are conducting. The Israelis are looking at this from a military standpoint right now, and theyre seeing the capability and the possibility of going and basically eliminating Hezbollah as a threat to northern Israel and potentially as a threat at all.

Why has the US-Israeli split widened?

The last years events have forced the United States and Israel into a situation in which the critical national interests of each state as perceived by its elected leaders are in direct conflict.

The Netanyahu government interpreted the October 7 attacks as a graphic manifestation of an existential threat to the state of Israel and Jews in the Middle East. With that mindset, even intense ill feeling with the White House can be tolerated. And the sense that Israel is waging a battle for its survival makes it easier for leaders to justify to themselves the massive Palestinian civilian casualties from Israeli actions against Hamas in Gaza and Hezbollah in Lebanon, even if the rest of the world sees the carnage as heinously disproportionate.

The United States might warn against the threat of a regional war, but Israel believes its been embroiled in such a conflict for years against proxy groups taking direction or inspiration from its enemies in Irans clerical leadership.

But events look different through Washingtons wider strategic and historic lens amid worries that Israels short-term victories are not sustainable and may simply be laying the predicate for decades more insecurity and warfare.

Americas national interests do not just lie in the preservation of Israel. The White House is desperate to avoid being sucked into another bitter conflict in the Middle East, given the two decades it took to extract American troops from Iraq and Afghanistan. Outposts of US soldiers still in the region, including in Syria and Iraq, also remain highly vulnerable to attacks by Iranian proxies as the deaths of three US service personnel in a drone attack on Jordan in January showed.

The global and political implications of the year of rage in the region are also huge. For instance, months of attacks on commercial shipping in the Red Sea have seen US and allied naval forces often under fire and intercepting missiles from Iran-backed Houthi rebels. Cascading economic impacts from slowed supply chains, as shipping lines send cargo on a longer route around Africa, are also considerable. The clashes are unlikely to end while Israel blasts Gaza and Lebanon.

Israeli thinks its winning, fueling its reluctance to stop

There are also contrasting military perceptions between Israel and the US.

Israel has wiped out many of its most dangerous enemies in stunning intelligence and military actions. In addition to the elimination of Nasrallah, who built Hezbollah into a grave threat to Israel in 30 years, Hamas has also accused Israel of killing Ismail Haniyeh, one of its top leaders, in Tehran. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied its involvement. It has also killed other senior members of the two groups in strikes in Syria, Lebanon, Iran and in Gaza. Israeli-detonated attacks on pagers and walkie-talkies injured or killed thousands of Hezbollah operatives.

So why would Netanyahu not press ahead with the greatest Israeli strategic success in decades whatever Biden says?

But Washington has much wider concerns. They include the horrendous civilian casualties and humanitarian disasters in Gaza and Lebanon, a state that has enjoyed a few decades of comparative stability after a murderous civil war, which raged between 1975 and 1990, and caused considerable US bloodshed. The deaths of thousands of civilians is not just a tragedy in itself, it creates severe pressure on the US from its allies and tarnishes Americas image by association.

The longer the war goes on, the greater the threat that conflicts intensifying across the region could all join into one perilous multi-front war and that a direct conflict could break out between the US and its arch enemy Iran. A regional war would have disastrous economic consequences and could further deflect from the US goal of mobilizing for its new superpower showdown with China.

Venomous politics are changing long-held truths about the US-Israel relationship

There are also intractable political factors pulling the governments apart.

For most of Israels existence, it would have been politically and strategically ruinous for a prime minister to show such contempt for a US president.

But Netanyahus own march to the far right and the reliance of his coalition on ultra-orthodox parties means that his priority is appeasing the most extreme domestic elements to stay in power.

The weakness of centrist and left-wing parties in Israel means a dearth of alternative leaders like late prime ministers Yitzhak Rabin or Shimon Peres, who were ideologically and temperamentally in tune with US presidents. The rise of incendiary and radical leaders like Nasrallah and Hamas officials also means there are no partners on the other side open to traditional US peacemaking.

Even legendary US secretary of state and peace-shuttler James Baker would have struggled with this regional cast of characters.

American calls for a two-state solution to the Israel-Palestinian conflict may ultimately reflect the only possible route to an ending of a generationslong confrontation  but they also seem utterly divorced from the realities of the blood-soaked Middle East in 2024.

And many observers in Washington have long suspected that Netanyahu has a strong personal interest in perpetually waging war to redeem his own failure to stop the October 7 attacks and to keep postponing his legal reckoning as he faces serious criminal charges.

Americas own venomous political reality is also eroding US power in the Middle East. Support for Israel was once an unshakable principle that united Republicans and Democrats. But Netanyahus meddling in US politics for years  over the Iranian nuclear issue, for instance  has alienated many Democrats and their partys move to the left has further tempered backing for Israel.

Ex-President Donald Trump indulged and encouraged the most radical of Netanyahus policies  further politicizing the US-Israel relationship. And pro-Trump Republicans are goading him to go further  at least partly to weaken Biden and his chosen successor, Harris.

Biden and Harris are in a dicey political spot a month before the election. Bidens failure to rein in Israel in Gaza and now Lebanon  and the consequential human carnage  has split the Democratic Party and threatens to drive down turnout among progressives and Arab American voters, especially in swing states like Michigan. But any move to punish Israel could damage Harris among moderate and swing state voters, who are being barraged with negative Trump ads claiming she and Biden are weak and leading the United States into World War III.

This is just one of many reasons why Netanyahu is incentivized to expand his war no matter how powerless it makes America look.

This story has been updated with additional developments.

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Mount Everest is astoundingly tall at 29,032 feet above sea level, besting its Himalayan neighbors by hundreds of feet.

But the worlds tallest peak is still growing, scientists say, thanks in part to the merger of two nearby river systems tens of thousands of years ago.

An estimated 50 to 160 feet of Everests current height can be attributed to that merger, researchers revealed in a study published Monday in the journal Nature Geoscience, which found that in recent years, the annual pace of growth has sped up to fractions of a millimeter.

Even a feature as seemingly permanent as Mount Everest is subject to ongoing changes driven by various geological forces, a co-author of the study, Dai Jingen, a geoscientist at China University of Geosciences in Beijing, said in an email Tuesday.

The mountain peak has been steadily gaining height along with the rest of the Himalayas since its birth about 45 million years ago from the collision of the tectonic plates beneath the Indian subcontinent and Eurasia.

But that didnt fully explain how much Everest was growing. Researchers now say that when the Kosi River took over the Arun River about 89,000 years ago, it gave rise to a combined river of such immense power that it eroded large quantities of rock and soil from the Himalayan base nearly 50 miles away from Everest.

In a geological process known as isostatic rebound, the erosion reduced the weight of the region, allowing the rise of land masses on the Earths crust, its outermost layer that floats atop a mantle layer made of hot, semiliquid rock.

Essentially, as the river carved away more rocks, the Earths crust rebounded, rising like a boat when weight is removed, said Dai, adding that even though the river itself didnt directly make Everest taller, the erosion and crust movement it caused contributed to the mountains elevation.

Scientists estimate the rebound is causing Everest to grow 0.16 to 0.53 millimeters a year, accounting for as much as half of its annual uplift rate. They said Everest had gained as much as 2 millimeters annually in recent years.

Researchers also say that could explain why Everest is unusually tall, reaching nearly 800 feet higher than its neighbors.

Dai said the idea that river capture and erosion-related isostatic rebound play a role in Everests elevation adds a surprising dimension to the study of mountain formation, which is traditionally explained by tectonic activity.

While not entirely revolutionary, these findings are certainly surprising, Dai said, adding that they could lead to a re-examination of current models of Himalayan formation and evolution.

It also emphasizes the importance of viewing the Earth as an interconnected system, where changes in one area can have surprising and significant impacts elsewhere, he said.

This article was originally published on NBCNews.com
Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters about reproductive freedom in Atlanta, Georgia on September 20, 2024, addressing the impact of abortion bans on Black women like Amber Nicole Thurman.

Vice President Kamala Harris speaks to supporters about reproductive freedom in Atlanta, Georgia on September 20, 2024, addressing the impact of abortion bans on Black women like Amber Nicole Thurman. (Ben Hendren/SIPA/AP)

This column first appeared in The Amendment, a biweekly newsletter by Errin Haines, The 19ths editor-at-large. Subscribe today to get early access to future Election 2024 analysis.

At a campaign rally in Atlanta last month, Vice President Kamala Harris remembered the 28-year-old daughter, sister and mother who worked as a medical assistant and had dreams of becoming a nurse. She died of complications from her abortion in the weeks after the Supreme Courts ruling ending federal protections for the procedure.

We will speak her name  Amber Nicole Thurman, Harris said to the audience, who repeated her name back.

Harris  who also highlighted Thurmans story at a town hall with Oprah Winfrey in Michigan the night before  continued, tying Thurmans death directly to former President Donald Trump and to a broader conversation about reproductive access.

One in three women in America lives in a state with a Trump abortion ban, Harris said. Think about that when you also combine that with what we know has been long-standing neglect around an issue like maternal mortality  Where you been when it comes to taking care of the women and children of America?

Thurman was a Black woman and the first documented preventable death due to the 2022 Supreme Court decision and abortion bans that followed.

Harris remarks centering the consequences for Black women like Thurman represent a narrative shift in how Democrats have largely talked about this issue. Advocates say its a more inclusive and intentional message that brings attention and awareness to the disparities around reproductive access using the power of a presidential campaign.

Amber Nicole Thurman, 28, poses with her son at the beach, before her untimely death due to complications from an abortion in the weeks following the Supreme Courts decision to end federal protections for the procedure. (Amber Thurman via Facebook)

As the second most powerful person in the country, Harris is able to use her voice on their behalf in a way that many of the Black women impacted by a lack of access to reproductive care are not.

In using her platform to highlight these experiences, Kamala Harris is doing the critical work of reminding and recentering the public on where weve always known the harm would be felt most acutely, said Planned Parenthood President Alexis McGill Johnson. She has spent her career fighting against inequities in both maternal health and criminalization, which is why she is able to thread these needles powerfully and authentically.

Both before and after the decision in Dobbs vs. Jackson Womens Health Organization, Harris met with leaders in higher education; the faith community; health care providers; local and federal elected officials; civil rights leaders; constitutional law, privacy and tech experts; and reproductive rights activists to consider the impacts of an end to a federal right to abortion.

During the 2022 midterm election, the vice president was the administrations staunchest surrogate on abortion. She quickly framed the issue as one of democracy and rights.

She also spoke about maternal health, with a particular focus on the crisis facing Black women, who are three times more likely to die from a pregnancy-related cause as White women.

Still, in the weeks and months following the high courts ruling in Dobbs, many reports of the fallout focused on White women and girls who survived harrowing experiences. They usually focused on the most extreme cases, often highlighting stories of patients who are married and intentionally pregnant. Such narratives drew shock, empathy and anger from around the country.

But for many Black women who are impacted, coming forward with their experiences is not always easy. They are already discriminated against or not believed in a range of medical settings. And there are cultural factors: Attitudes about Black womens sexuality and personal responsibility and the fear of criminalization can contribute to stigma and shame for those who choose to share their story  especially for a national audience  and return to their communities.

Republicans seized on Thurmans story to say it was actually about the impact of abortion, not abortion bans, despite what an official state committee said. Kaitlyn Joshua, a Black Louisiana resident who spoke at the Democratic National Convention about her experience trying to get miscarriage care, had her states attorney general cast doubt on her story.

As were thinking about the storytelling and whose stories get to be told, Americans need to get more comfortable with these other stories for us to have the most robust policy solutions possible, said Mini Timmaraju, president of Reproductive Freedom for All. There is a certain level of privilege that comes with being able to tell your story. This is a critical time for the campaign to center Black womens stories.  Its a big moment.

While women of color and queer women have long been fighting for reproductive rights, particularly because of the disparities they face, it has only been recently that they have become the leaders of these national reproductive rights organizations. Many have met with Harris in the years since the Dobbs decision. They see Harris as an ally with a longtime commitment to these issues, who is listening and learning from people on the ground impacted by and responding to the realities of the restrictions.

Harris focus on Black women, advocates say, is helping. On Saturday, a group of nearly 200 organizers, activists, allies and elected officials held a rally and vigil at the Georgia Capitol for Thurman and Candi Miller, another Black woman in the state who died after getting an abortion in the wake of the Dobbs decision. The event was part of the Trust Black Women campaign anchored by Sister Song, a reproductive justice collective of women of color.

The intersectionality of the crowd and the level of interest on short notice just days after Hurricane Helene, were partly due to Harris recent visit to Atlanta with a focus on Black women and reproductive health, said Sister Song executive director Monica Raye Simpson.

This isnt a new battle for her, but shes using the campaign trail to do what shes been doing. Simpson said. As national grassroots organizations, our reach is only going to be so much. When we have a national spotlight from something as large as a presidential campaign, there is no choice but to pay attention to what is happening on the ground. The moment were in has created an opening for those of us who have been ready to go  and were ready to march through.

On Monday, a Georgia court struck down the states six-week abortion ban. In the decision, the judge cited the bans disproportionate impact on women of color.

It is generally men who promote and defend laws like the LIFE Act, the effect of which is to require only women  and, given the socio-economic and demographic evidence presented at trial, primarily poor women, which means in Georgia primarily black and brown women  to engage in compulsory labor, i.e., the carrying of a pregnancy to term at the governments behest, Fulton County Superior Judge Robert McBurney wrote.

While the decision may not survive court challenges, it is drawing attention to the disparate impact of the abortion ban. To Simpson, this wouldnt have happened without activists on the ground and Harris spotlighting the issue.

Theres a narrative that hasnt necessarily centered Black and Brown faces, said Simpson. Because, in this particular instance, we really did frame this message around trust Black women, I really think it changed the outcome.

The post Why Harris words on a deadly disparity matter appeared first on The 19th.

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Why is Israel invading Lebanon and could it escalate into a regional war with Iran?

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.
Ohio Senator J.D. Vance already has a major setback in his Tuesday matchup against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz: Nobody seems to like him.

Favorability ratings aggregated by CNN political analyst Harry Enten indicate that the countrys opinion of Vance is appallingly low, at -11 percentage points, lower than any other politician currently in the race for the White House.

That makes Vance the least liked vice presidential pick in modern U.S. history at this point in the racethat is, before hes even had a proper face-off against his opponent. Hes also the second vice presidential pick with a net negative favorability, preceded only by Dan Quale in 1988, who actually had a stronger position than Vance before his first debate with a -3 percent favorability rating.

Walz, meanwhile, is soaring. The Midwestern Dad ranked head and shoulders above the favorability ratings of everyone else in the race, including Vice President Kamala Harris, with a +4 percent favorability rating.

Entens analysis also suggested that 72 percent of polled Americans believed that Walz has the upper hand in Tuesday nights debate, making Vance an aggressive underdog with just 28 percent of the country thinking he stands a chance of winning.

My phrase to describe JD Vance's standing heading into tonight "Oy Vey"... He's the least liked on either major party ticket...



Vance is also the least like VP nominee ever heading into his 1st debate & only the 2nd with a net negative favorable. Quayle in 88 is the other. pic.twitter.com/DGUsUymw9y  (((Harry Enten))) (@ForecasterEnten) October 1, 2024

Vances aggressive rhetoric, baseless conspiracies, and just plain weird comments have rubbed Americans the wrong way in the months since he was selected to be Donald Trumps right-hand man. The Republican vice presidential pick has ardently defended his position that childless adults should not hold positions of power as they dont have a direct stake in the future of the country, and derided Democratic Party leaders as childless cat ladies.



He also invented a lie about Haitian migrants eating pets in Springfield, Ohio, that has sparked at least 33 bomb threats to the sleepy city, forcing it to evacuate and temporarily shutter several of its schools, colleges, festivals, and a significant portion of its government facilities, including City Hall, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, the Ohio License Bureau, the Springfield Academy of Excellence, and Fulton Elementary School.

And Vances more general appearances out in public have done everything but humanize him to the countrys voting class. In August, the MAGA Republicans quick stop for some glazed donuts in a Georgia shop ended up going viral when it became clear that the visitand his general abrasivenesswas making a couple of people behind the counter painfully uncomfortable.
Why are nearly 1 million people in the Carolinas still without power? Duke Energy explains

Hundreds of thousands of people throughout the Carolinas are still without power, and many could be that way until Friday or longer, according to Duke Energy.

Helene left over 100 people dead and more than 600 people unaccounted for across 10 states. Around 640,000 Duke customers still do not have power in the Carolinas, according to poweroutage.us. Around 322,000 more customers of other power companies also were without power Tuesday afternoon.

Duke has around 18,000 employees working primarily in western North Carolina and upstate South Carolina to restore power as quickly as possible, said Jeff Brooks, a Duke Energy spokesman. But when that happens depends on where the person fits on Dukes priority list and what caused the outage.

Many of our workers live and work in these communities as well, Brooks said. Some of them have experienced personal tragedy and challenges too, so we know all too well what it means to get the power restored and return these communities to some sense of normal after what has been a really tragic and difficult time for many of these communities.

Who gets power restored first after Helene?

A man crosses a narrow section of flood damaged bridge in Swannanoa on Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024. The remnants of Hurricane Helene caused widespread flooding, downed trees, and power outages in western North Carolina.

Duke Energy uses a process for restoring power that starts with restoring the system responsible for getting electricity from the power plant into communities, Brooks said.

The bulk electric system is responsible for moving power via transmission lines, he said, calling the lines the interstates of the power grid. Without the bulk electric system and transmission lines, fixing lines in communities wont do anything. Workers also focus on repairing substations responsible for taking in the power from the grid, Brooks said.

If you imagine my road metaphor, (substations) are like the off-ramp of the power grid coming off the interstate. So the high voltage electricity is reduced in voltage so that it can be spread around the community, he said.

From there, Duke Energy focuses on restoring power to emergency services such as hospitals and police and fire departments, Brooks said. Then, crews get main power lines through towns running. That could include roads with grocery and other necessary stores on them. By fixing main lines first, often power is restored to thousands of customers in one repair, he said.

Often people say, well, why dont you start in my neighborhood? Because often the problems that you may be experiencing are the result of a problem somewhere else on the line, further upstream from where you are, Brooks said. So fixing the line to your house may not do anything if theres a problem somewhere else on the system.

Finally, workers move into neighborhoods and individual residences, Brooks said.

Why does it take so long?

Restoring power looks different depending on the type of damage.

On a normal day, it might require resetting safety systems if a tree branch brushed against a power line. After storms, Brooks said, repair typically involves installing new utility poles and reattaching lines to the new poles.

A repair like that could take several hours, even to half a day or more, in some cases. And when you look at the number of outages after a storm  each of those is a place that a crew has to go to complete a repair, Brooks said. If that takes several hours at each location, you get a sense why we have 18,000 people out there working today.

Of remaining outages in the Carolinas, about half will require equipment to be completely rebuilt rather than repaired, he said. Rebuilding entire lines and substations is challenging work, Brooks said.

Communication has been a challenge in some places with cellular blackouts, he said. On Sunday, he saw a crew climbing poles behind a house in order to get a connection.

Were seeing historic damage from this storm on a scale that many of us have never seen in western North Carolina in recent memory When we encounter hurricanes at the coast, the geography is and the infrastructure of the grid is a little more accustomed to that type of wind, Brooks said. What were seeing in the western portion of the state is tremendous amounts of damage, both from water and from wind, roads that are inaccessible, equipment thats difficult to reach.

When will power be restored?

Duke Energy expects most customers in both Carolinas will have their power back by 11:45 p.m. on Friday evening, Brooks said. But in some areas there is still no estimate for restoration.

For areas with major damage such as Buncombe County, Greenville, South Carolina and Chimney Rock, Duke Energy is still developing a response strategy and figuring out how to access equipment, he said. Temporary solutions in the meantime include installing temporary equipment or rerouting power and completing more permanent repairs later on.

Customers can monitor outages and restoration on Duke Energys website.

The challenge here is that you took a hurricane, which we typically see at the coast, and you put it in terrain that is challenging on a good day, and then when you put it in there with mudslides and flooding and all kinds of other challenges, it is probably one of the most difficult environments in our service area to restore power, Brooks said. Thats what were dealing with.

In our Reality Check stories, Charlotte Observer journalists dig deeper into questions over facts, consequences and accountability. Read more. Story idea? RealityCheck@charlotteobserver.com.
Before accepting a job offer from Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, Chief Program Officer Shereese Turner asked friends what they knew about the home-building nonprofit.

She was stunned to find that many either knew nothing about Habitat or assumed they didnt work with Black people.

My peers said, Dont they just serve immigrants?' Turner said.

This realization, along with persistent homeownership disparities in the Twin Cities, spurred Turner and her team to take a closer look at who the organization actually was serving. Looking through decades of data, they found Habitat had done a lot of good for East and West African immigrants, but that foundational Black people  those who can trace their lineage to U.S. slavery  frequently fell short of completing Habitats homebuying process.

Turner knew things had to change.

We had some really harmful policies, she said. This was preventing us from seeing our foundational Black homebuyers get to the finish line.

A new approach

Habitat for Humanitys original model is known as sweat equity, which requires homeowners to spend as many as 500 hours working on their home or contributing to the organizations mission in some other way.

Through racial-equity evaluation work that began in 2017, the Twin Cities chapter discovered sweat equity is a significant hurdle that many clients cant overcome. They dropped the number of required hours to 100 and then paused the requirement entirely in 2020 because of health guidelines intended to stop the spread of the coronavirus.

Danielle Duncan, director of equity and inclusion at Twin Cities Habitat for Humanity, said the pandemic presented another opportunity to step back and see how sweat equity presented major challenges for foundational Black families, who are their second-largest applicant pool.

There are individuals or households who work and who  had to burn up their paid time off. When youre talking about single moms and having to spend time with your family, all that PTO is gone, Duncan said. There was even a point where we had some households who no longer qualified (financially) because they had to utilize those hours for their sweat equity.

To better meet the needs of foundational Black households, Twin Cities Habitat replaced its sweat equity program last year with Volunteer and Learn, Turner said. Instead of working on their homes, clients can take classes to develop their skills in painting, insulation and personal finance, and participate in community events that connect Habitat homeowners. While no longer a requirement, homeowners still can choose to work on their homes.

Common barriers

That and other policy changes were informed by the recommendations of an advisory council made up of Habitat homeowners and community members who identify as foundational Black households.

Monisha Washington, a community health worker, served on the council because she wanted to make the homebuying process easier for others. Washington sought Habitats help in 2019 and finally closed on an open-market house three years later. The journey wasnt easy as Washington overcame student loan debt, a poor credit score and minimal savings  common barriers for Black families.

According to the Center for Economic and Policy Research, 43% of Black women and 32% of Black men who attended college have student loan debt, more than any other racial or gender group. Black Americans also are more likely to have credit scores below 670.

I wanted to be a part of the advisory to really tell them, from a cultural standpoint, what would make the process easier for other foundational Black families who are looking to become homeowners, Washington said. A lot of the times, were not taught how to save (or taught) financial wellness skills.

The councils feedback led to the creation of the Advancing Black Homeownership Program, which provides cohort support, more flexible underwriting criteria and additional financial assistance to foundational Black Americans who want to buy a home.

Progress on racial equity

The racial homeownership gap in the Twin Cities is among the worst in the nation, with 77% of white families owning their own home compared to just 29% of Black families, according to the Minnesota Housing Partnership.

Habitats new approach is making a difference, though. Foundational Black households now make up 22% of Twin Cities Habitats homebuyers, a stark increase from 8% in 2019.

Turner said the nonprofit will continue to evolve to better meet the specific needs of foundational Black people to create more equitable homeownership in the region.

The reality is that when you understand who is the most marginalized, disenfranchised group whos having no success in our program, when you understand their barriers and you fix that, its a win for everybody else, she said.

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Wichita postal workers rally for better staffing, saving post offices on day of action

WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW)  Wichita postal workers picketed outside the downtown post office on Tuesday.

It was part of the American Postal Workers Union (APWU) National Day of Action, which is held nationwide on Oct. 1

Postal workers are calling for better staffing and the saving of local post offices. In August, a proposal was announced that would save the USPS $3 billion a year, with an emphasis on regional hubs.

Wichita workers are concerned about what it could mean for rural Kansans.

Who is the wealthiest person in Kansas? New Forbes 400 list released

With the potential change and delivery standards takes all the processing out of Wichita. That means all of the mail would go to Kansas City, Missouri, to be processed and then shipped back, just adding more days. He (Postmaster General Louis DeJoy) says it would save money, but its not saving money. Its not saving money, and its just making the service worse, Christine Pruitt, American Postal Workers Union local president, said.

KSN reached out to USPS. They sent the following response:

We respect our employees rights to express their opinions and participate in informational picketing while off the clock. Through our Delivering for America investments, we have built capacity into our processing, logistics, and delivery infrastructure to meet customers evolving mail and package needs. We are executing on strategies to pull together the people, technology, transportation, equipment, and facilities into a well-integrated and streamlined mail and package network. We have worked hard in past 3 years to stabilize our workforce. We have converted more than 191,000 pre-career employees to career status since January 2021. Mark Inglett, USPS A/Manager Strategic Communications

The Postal Service claims that if the proposal is adopted, 75% of first-class mail will see no change from the current service standards, and around two-thirds of mail will be delivered in three or fewer days.

Lawmakers across states have come out and criticized DeJoy for his management of the Postal Service.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KSN-TV.
WikiLeaks' Julian Assange says he pleaded 'guilty to journalism' in order to be freed

Wikileaks founder Julian Assange, center, his wife Stella Assange, right, and editor-in-chief of WikiLeaks Kristinn Hrafnsson, raise their fists as they arrive at the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, eastern France, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024. (AP Photo/Pascal Bastien)

STRASBOURG, France (AP)  WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange said Tuesday that he was freed after years of incarceration because he "pled guilty to journalism.

In his first public remarks since he was released from prison in June, Assange gave evidence of the impact of his detention and conviction to the legal affairs and human rights committee of the Parliamentary Assembly of the Council of Europe in Strasbourg, France. The Parliamentary Assembly includes lawmakers from 46 European countries.

A group of supporters, holding a banner that said "Thank you, Julian" greeted Assange as he stepped out of a van smiling and raising his fist in defiance along with his wife, Stella, and WikiLeaks editor-in-chief, Kristinn Hrafnsson.

Assange is free! We are here. The world is with you, one supporter shouted before Assange entered the Council of Europe building early Tuesday.

I am not free today because the system worked, Assange said. I am free today after years of incarceration because I pled guilty to journalism.

He added: I pled guilty to seeking information from a source. I pled guilty to obtaining information from a source. And I pled guilty to informing the public what that information was.

Assange was released in June after five years in a British prison after he pleaded guilty to obtaining and publishing U.S. military secrets in a deal with Justice Department prosecutors that concluded a drawn-out legal saga. Prior to his time in prison, he had spent seven years in self-imposed exile in the Ecuadorian Embassy in London, where he claimed asylum on the grounds of political persecution.

The transition from years in a maximum security prison to addressing the European parliamentarians has been a profound and a surreal shift, Assange said as he detailed the experience of isolation in a small cell.

It strips away one's sense of self, leaving only the raw essence of existence, he said, his voice cracking while he offered an apology for his faltering words and an unpolished presentation.

Im not yet fully equipped to speak about what I have endured  the relentless struggle to stay alive, both physically and mentally, Assange said.

The Australian internet publisher was accused of receiving and publishing hundreds of thousands of war logs and diplomatic cables that included details of U.S. military wrongdoing in Iraq and Afghanistan. His activities were celebrated by press freedom advocates, who heralded his role in bringing to light military conduct that might otherwise have been concealed.

Among the files published by WikiLeaks was a video of a 2007 Apache helicopter attack by American forces in Baghdad that killed 11 people, including two Reuters journalists.

Critics say his conduct put American national security and innocent lives  such as people who provided information to U.S. forces in Iraq and Afghanistan  at risk, and strayed far beyond the bounds of traditional journalism duties.

The yearslong case ended with Assange entering his plea in a U.S. district court on the Northern Mariana Islands, an American commonwealth in the Pacific.

Assange pleaded guilty to an Espionage Act charge of conspiring to unlawfully obtain and disseminate classified national defense information. A judge sentenced him to the five years he had already spent behind bars in the U.K. fighting extradition to the United States.

Assange returned to Australia a free man in late June. At the time his wife, Stella, said he needed time to recuperate before speaking publicly.

His appearance on Tuesday comes after the Council of Europe's Parliamentary Assembly published a report on Assange's detention in a high-security U.K. prison for five years.

The assembly's human rights committee said Assange qualified as a political prisoner and issued a draft resolution expressing deep concern at his harsh treatment.



Surk reported from Nice, France, and Hui reported from London.
Worse than the fear that no immediate help was coming was a rumor that relief trucks were being sabotaged to keep them from reaching stricken Asheville, North Carolina, in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene.

People started crying because it felt like almost a terrorist attack, 20-year-old Jordan Lanning told The Daily Beast on Monday night. I guess thats the word because it was just like people were terrified.

After Lannings hometown had been destroyed, along with his residence and the Walmart where he worked stacking shelves, he posted a video of the ruined store on a TikTok page that he otherwise devotes to Nascar.

So my friends could see, he recalled.

Asheville, North Carolina, one of the cities worst hit by Hurricane Helene. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

Lanning was deluged with online questions and comments from strangers.

It blew up, he said. Everyone was like, Whats happening? We dont know whats going on.

The mainstream media that is usually in place when such weather events bear down has proven to be more geared to coastal landfalls than inland floods, given that mountains usually break up the worst of a weather system as it moves inland. The result was an information vacuum, and Lanning saw a way he could do his bit after the firefighters he had been helping to clear fallen trees deemed it too dangerous because there were so many downed power lines.

I want to help people, he told The Daily Beast. Im trying to become a police officer. Im not old enough yet, because Im not 21. But I have a TikTok page.

He began posting whatever news he heard from the disasters ground zero, where the news crews should have been.

I update every morning, and I update every night, he said.

In one post, he passed on a terrorizing rumor that came down the grape vine and everybody was saying had people in tears:

So over on I 40 [Interstate 40] there were some truckers coming in with supplies and medical stuff trying to help us. They stopped at a truck stop to get some rest. When they woke up, their tires were slashed.

A storm-damaged U-Haul truck and trailer are seen in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene on September 29, 2024 in Asheville, North Carolina. Sean Rayford/Getty Images

Someone reposted his TikTok on X, and there was online theorizing that it was the work of Black Lives Matter or maybe progressive billionaire George Soros. A poster opined that whoever did it, Vandalizing a relief shipment should be a capital offense, with contemporaneous instant application.

Somebody else wrote, Thats unbelievable. How can you do such things? I am boiling while I read this! May God help those in need and those who come to help!

MAGA madness flared as another person flatly stated, Im sure it was feds who slashed the tires.

That prompted someone to post: Or Freemasons who are controlled by feds. Same agenda.

The source of the rumor appears to have been an actual incident in which a total of 56 tires had been puncturedif not exactly slashedon eight tractor trailers between the night of Sept. 25 and 8 a.m. the following day on Interstate 40 in Madison County, Tennessee.

Flash flooding and landslides hit the bohemian city, which is famous for its arts district. Melissa Sue Gerrits/Getty

But that was more than 15 hours before Hurricane Helene made landfall in Florida. The trucks were from various companies, and police were given no indication that they were carrying relief supplies. The tires all had identical small punctures as would result from an ice pick.

I would have no reason to believe thats what it was at that particular time, Jeff Walls, director of operations for the Madison County Sheriffs office, told The Daily Beast on Monday.

Walls reported that his office checked the internet and learned that adjacent Henderson County had reported a similar incident on Sept. 11, when tires were punctured on seven trucks. The perpetrator was videoed in the act by two dashcams and appeared to be the same man who was caught on video similarly puncturing tires on Interstate 75 Florida in June 2023.

As reported by Overdrive, truckers dubbed the man the Ice Pick Bandit. He is believed to have punctured tires in Texas, Georgia, Arkansas, and Tennessee. The same truck stop in Clark County, Arkansas, was hit on Sept. 17, with Sheriff Jason Watson suggesting it was just pure spite.

Captain Tracey Grisham at the Henderson County Sheriff's office said in one incident that a truck had a load of tires and the Ice Pick Bandit punctured every one of them. Grisham said he had never encountered such a case.

And Ive been doing this for 28 years, he said.

Lanning said he gave the rumor about sabotaged relief trucks added credence because somebody had slashed the tires on his roommates pickup truck on Friday night.

And they cut his gas line, but didnt steal his gas, Lanning added. They cut his battery too. They just sabotaged it intentionally.

But given the pre-disaster timing of the attack on numerous tractor-trailers on Interstate 40 and the many similar incidents over more than a year, the rumor seems to have been only that.

The Ice Pick Bandit remains at large. And, perhaps a little more careful about what he hears via the grapevine, Lanning will keep updating from what he describes as a war zone.

People are begging me to go find families, and I cant right now, he said. When the roads are fixed, I will try.

Read more at The Daily Beast.

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Wildfires in California have burned 1 million acres so far this year. Heat wave poses more risk

LOS ANGELES (AP)  The total acres burned in California this year surpassed 1 million as spiking temperatures Tuesday added to the challenges facing firefighters struggling to contain a stubborn blaze in the mountains northeast of Los Angeles that flared up over the weekend.

Evacuation orders were expanded again Monday for remote communities northeast of Los Angeles as the Line Fire that has been burning for nearly a month spread over nearly 68 square miles (176 square kilometers) of the San Bernardino Mountains and containment dropped from 83% to 76%.

The dry vegetation, steep slopes and wind aligned ... to create conditions for the rapid fire spread, according to a statement late Monday from the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, or Cal Fire.

The risk of wildfires increased across California as an autumn heatwave scorched much of the state. Some inland areas could see temperatures up to 20 degrees above average for this time of year, according the National Weather Service.

San Francisco, where residents typically break out the sweaters in October, could hit 90 degrees (32 C), while triple digits (38 C) were predicted for Sacramento. The weather service office in the state's capital urged residents to stay indoors during the heat of the day Tuesday.

Dry, hot winds in the northern part of the state prompted Pacific Gas & Electric to preemptively cut power to small clusters of customers in high-risk areas. The utility routinely stops electricity service in counties where weather conditions increase the probability of fires.

In Southern California, the Line Fire's surge pushed the total acres burned across the state in 2024 to 1,001,993 (405,492 hectares) as of Tuesday morning, according to Cal Fire. The milestone surpasses the total scorched during the same time last year  293,362 acres (118,719 hectares)  but is roughly on par with the five-year average for the period, the Los Angeles Times reported.

A 34-year-old man has pleaded not guilty to starting the Line Fire on Sept. 5. Justin Wayne Halstenberg of Norco, California, was charged with 11 arson-related crimes, according to court records.

At its height, the blaze threatened more than 65,000 homes in and around the Big Bear Lake area.
CLARKSBURG, W.Va. (WBOY)  The West Virginia Department of Tourism is incentivizing paranormal fans to visit the states spookiest spots.

Much like the West Virginia Waterfall Trail and West Virginia Culinary Trail, the West Virginia Paranormal Trail offers prizes for checking in at haunted locations across the state. West Virginia residents or tourists can sign up for free and add the experience to their smartphone. From there, all participants have to do is go to one of the 14 spooky locations included and check in.

Check in at three locations and get a Paranormal Trail sticker; check in at 10 locations and get a Paranormal Trail beanie; and check in at all the spooky locations and receive a limited edition Paranormal Trail print.

Build your own Flatwoods Monster with this new plastic brick set

Locations listed on the trail include:

For more information or to sign up, visit the West Virginia Department of Tourisms website.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WBOY.com.
WINCHESTER, Ky. (FOX 56)  North Carolina communities continue to work through the aftermath of the recent storm, and through Oct. 7, Kentuckians have a chance to help.

Read more of the latest Kentucky news

The Winchester Fire Department is hosting a flood relief donation drive at all area stations.

Heres is a list of items needed:

Bottled Water

Food

Contractor Trash bags

Clothes-all sizes

Blankets

Feminine hygiene

Diapers & baby clothes

Hand sanitizer

Toilet paper

Paper towels

Bleach (bottles, spray, wipes)

Shovels

Brooms

Gloves

Coolers

Propane

Cook stoves

Flashlights and batteries

Generators

Fans.

LATEST KENTUCKY NEWS:

Donations can be dropped off at any Winchester Fire Department.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX 56 News.
WINSTON-SALEM. N.C. (WGHP)  The Winston-Salem/Forsyth County School district is sending a handful of people westward to assist Buncombe County Schools.

Thats the county where Asheville is and where the most fatalities have been reported in North Carolina due to Hurricane Helene.

They have 22,000 students and almost 4,000 staff members, and schools there are closed at least through this week but likely longer.

WS/FCS is hoping that with a little help, faculty and staff members can at least access some of the schools that are currently impossible to get to.

WSFCS Grounds Supervisor Thad Carter is one of the crewmen who will hit the road bright and early from Winston-Salem and travel west toward Asheville.

The biggest struggle is finding the roads to go. All the highways are closed. We think we are going to go Highway 26, Carter said.

Buncombe County, home to the city of Asheville, is among the hardest hit by Hurricane Helene. Roads were washed away, floodwaters rose above businesses and homes and at least 30 people lost their lives.

I am expecting the worst, Carter said.

Officials at WS/FCS connected with the operations team at BCS and learned they cant even get to many of their campuses.

Were going to take our skid-steer and our mini-excavator to remove trees to get access to the school buildings, Carter said.

That team up there is taxed. Its understaffed right now because a lot of people cant get there. Some are dealing with their own carnage at home and are unable to respond and try to help, Executive Director of Facilities at WS/FCS Justin Dyson said.

For Dyson, its also personal.

I have a sister that lives in Mars Hill, he said.

Thats just 15 miles from Asheville, and conditions are just as dire.

A mile from their house, bridges are gone. Roads are gone, Dyson said.

He says if his crew can make a difference in helping students get back to class, its another step toward recovery.

Power, roads, schools, all components to putting things back together, and theyre all going to take time, but I dont pretend to understand what we are sending our team into, Dyson said.

I felt like every bit of help we can give them  would be a good helping hand, Carter said.

The crew members hauling the heavy equipment will leave Tuesday around 5 a.m.

The school district will be collecting water to load two school buses to take to Watauga County on Tuesday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. at their headquarters on Corporate Square Drive.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX8 WGHP.
MADISON  A bipartisan group of Wisconsin business leaders active in recent elections is urging voters to back Vice President Kamala Harris and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz in November with a six-figure ad buy aimed at swing voters.

The ad, launched last week by national Project Democracy PAC (the political action committee affiliated with the national Leadership Now Project), features members of Wisconsin's business community including Weyco Group chairman and CEO Tom Florsheim Jr., Generation Capital Growth founder and director Cory Nettles, and Ariens executive vice president for the Americas region Anoop Prakash. They argue a stable democracy is necessary for a thriving economy.

The group  a collection of business leaders who run in similar circles but don't necessarily share political beliefs  started meeting somewhat regularly after the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol and continued attempts to delegitimize the results of the 2020 presidential election, Florsheim, a Democrat, said.

"The idea was, as business leaders, we have an important voice and a unique perspective on ensuring that we have rule-of-law and economic stability in our state," said Prakash, a lifelong Republican who has in recent years supported Democrats.

The ad campaign aims to reach 465,000 swing voters in the battleground state of Wisconsin in the final weeks before the Nov. 5 election. Distribution includes streaming services, social media platforms and online news sites.

A Marquette University Law School poll released earlier this month showed that the economy was the top issue for Wisconsin voters, with 41% ranking it as their first priority. The same poll found that to be true among 42% of independent voters.

Half of registered voters surveyed for the poll saw Republican former President Donald Trump as the better candidate for the economy, compared to 42% for Harris and 8% who saw them to be about the same, or equally negative.

The group argues a second Trump presidency would result in "chaos" as, it argues, his first term did.

"I think it's been proven time and time again that the conditions for business growth, for investment, for long-term planning, require there to be conditions for political and economic stability," said Prakash, who previously worked for the Harley-Davidson Motor Co. and served as a senior political appointee in Republican former President George W. Bush's administration.

Both Prakash and Florsheim cited as an example the former president's recent threats to slap John Deere with a 200% tariff if the company moves production to Mexico. Those kinds of proclamations, they argued, hinder companies' ability to make long-term plans.

They also both stressed a link between economic stability and elected officials who adhere to democratic norms and the administration of free and fair elections.

"We definitely don't agree on policy, but everyone in our group puts that aside because we see this election as being much, much more than policy," Florsheim said. "It's about  the principles of democracy and that link to how that impacts the economy.  So, clearly, our group has different feelings about tax policy, different feelings about how big government should be, and all those typical things that you get when you bring together people from the different main parties."

The goal of the ad campaign, Prakash said, is to persuade moderate and swing voters to consider the factors that could make a candidate good for the economy.

"I think that sometimes (it) can get lost that there are these larger principles that really impact the economy  and it's not so much whether you're cutting taxes, whether your taxes are going to be lower under Trump. It's all these other things because of what it does to the general environment, as far as predictability  and being able to plan a business."

The ad is running as Trump has visits scheduled Tuesday in Waunakee and Milwaukee where he is expected to criticize the current Democratic administration's economic policy.

"When Wisconsinites send President Trump back to the White House, he will lower input costs for our farmers, cut ten regulations for each new regulation implemented, and help, not hurt, farmers ability to feed the world," the Trump campaign said in a news release promoting the campaign events.

"While Kamala Harris desperately tries to run from her four years of failure for farmers, workers, and families across the state, Wisconsinites know that only President Trump can Make America Wealthy, Safe, Strong, and Great Again," the news release said.

The former president was in Wisconsin on Saturday, with a stop in Prairie du Chien where he spent much of his time criticizing Harris over immigration policy.

Jessie Opoien can be reached at jessie.opoien@jrn.com.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin business leaders group backs Harris, launches ad campaign
The Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center is shown at 2825 N 30th St. in Milwaukee. The center, which can house up to 100 male inmates, was named after the late Felmers O. Chaney, who was Milwaukee's first black police sergeant and a longtime leader of the Milwaukee NAACP.

Three people incarcerated at Wisconsin corrections facilities will each be paid $15,000 as part of a settlement agreement stemming from complaints that inmates with hearing disabilities didn't have equal access to programs, services and activities.

In a statement Monday, the U.S. Justice Department said the agreement resolves an investigation it conducted into complaints the Wisconsin Department of Corrections failed to provide "auxiliary aids" and services to incarcerated individuals who are deaf or hard of hearing.

Those aids included access to sign language interpreters.

A spokesman for the ACLU's Wisconsin chapter on Monday described the agreement as "a good step," but one that doesn't go far enough.

Justice officials began investigating when inmates at Felmers O. Chaney Correctional Center in Milwaukee, Racine Correctional Institution and Taycheedah Correctional Facility near Fond du Lac complained the state didn't provide services they needed to communicate while they were incarcerated.

In one instance, inmates in Racine said corrections officials failed to timely repair and return hearing aids to them, preventing them "from participating fully in counseling, educational, recreational, religious, and social programs."

More: Senators grill Department of Correction leaders after death of guard at Lincoln Hills

Here's what the Department of Corrections says will be different moving forward

Under the settlement agreement, the DOC will provide hearing aids and cochlear processor devices to persons in its care as needed free of charge. The agreement also sets expectations and timeframes for how quickly steps must be taken to respond to hearing and communications needs.

The agreement also calls for the WDOC to set up a process to identify and accommodate inmates with hearing disabilities. That process would begin at intake and continue throughout their incarceration.

The WDOC also will have to develop individualized communication assessment and plans and provide training on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Three incarcerated individuals will each be paid $15,000 as part of the agreement.

Department of Corrections Secretary-designee Jared Hoy speaks during a Senate Committee on Judiciary and Public Safety informational hearing on the Lincoln Hills and Copper Lake youth prisons Aug. 6 at Merrill High School.

Ensuring every individual in our care is able to receive the accommodations they need to fully participate in the counseling, educational, recreational, religious, and social programs that are essential to their well-being and rehabilitation is an essential part of our work at DOC, Corrections Secretary Jared Hoy said. This new policy will ensure that both staff and persons in our care know the resources available and that DOC can effectively serve persons in our care, including individuals with disabilities.

The WDOC also must make "reasonable modifications" to its policies, practices and procedures to accommodate inmates with disabilities, such as handcuffing in front to allow an individual who uses sign language to communicate, and allowing additional time for telephone calls that rely on an interpreter.

More: Federal DOJ sues 2 northern Wisconsin towns over accessible voting machines

ACLU says public should have been more involved

Experts, stakeholders and "others who have been working on this for years" should have been contacted as the agreement was being crafted, said William F. Sulton, president of the ACLU in Wisconsin.

The agreement should have been filed as a consent decree to better ensure more-routine court monitoring, he added.

"This is better than it was, but it's not a best practice," said Sulton, a lawyer based in Milwaukee. "Overall, this is a good thing, but at the end of the day, there was substantial harm done to these people."

More: Wisconsin's DOC doesn't notify the public when a prisoner dies. How are their deaths investigated?

How many Wisconsin's inmates are deaf?

It's not clear how many of the roughly 23,000 people who are in the care of the Department of Corrections are deaf or hard of hearing.

However, the state Department of Health Services estimates 500,000 Wisconsin residents have some form of hearing loss that can be attributed to genetics, disease, exposure to noise, medications and as a result of the natural aging process.

This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Wisconsin corrections officials accused of preventing deaf inmates access to services
Peak daytime temperatures on Tuesday could rival the daily record temps in many locations, reaching 94 to 98 degrees. Pivotal

On the final day of September in the Alamo City, we witnessed temperatures soaring into the upper 90s, rivaling the previous daily heat record of 96 degrees set in 2019. Despite transitioning into a new month, the weather will remain consistently unseasonably warm but with comfortable nights and no rain. Tuesdays temperatures might again approach the previous record high, this time the Oct. 1 daily record high of 97 degrees set in 1989.

The above-normal heat also is contributing to the declaration of an Ozone Action Day in San Antonio today. The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality is forecasting high levels of ground-level ozone air pollution on what will be the citys eighth Ozone Action Day in 2024.



Young children, older adults and those with respiratory problems, such as asthma, emphysema and bronchitis, are especially vulnerable to the effects of ozone pollution and should limit outdoor activities, San Antonio Metro Health officials said.

Because ground-level ozone is produced in a mix of heat, sunlight and industrial emissions, including gasoline engine exhaust, the public is encouraged to:

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Refuel gas-powered vehicles after 6 p.m.

Avoid using the drive-thru at restaurants to prevent having to keep engine idling.

Carpooling or using public transportation.

Combining errands to reduce trips.

Breezy winds, low humidity and dry vegetation will increase the wildfire danger in most of West Texas on Tuesday. Texas A & M Forest Service

Whats behind this unseasonable heat? High atmospheric pressure will be in the drivers seat this week, bringing stable air and causing our temperatures to soar into the middle to upper 90s. The sinking air under a high pressure system will reinforce the rain-free skies and unseasonably hot air while allowing lots of sunshine. Temperatures will be about 5 to 10 degrees above our normal high of 87 degrees.

Breezy winds, low humidity and dry vegetation may elevate the fire risk in West and parts of South Texas.

Later in the week, winds will shift and originate more from the south and southeast. That influx of air from the Gulf of Mexico will bring increased atmospheric moisture and humidity. This change may lead to a few clouds and small rain chances over the upcoming weekend. If it materializes, it will be the first measurable rainfall since early September.

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In San Antonio, September is normally our regions second wettest month of the year after May, averaging about 4 inches of rain for the month. However, this past September defied expectations and this year we only received 1.46 inches of rain, coming up short of normal by about 2.5 inches.

October is typically our third-wettest month, but the forecast for the first half of the month looks bleak.

The National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center continues to forecast below-normal rainfall for two-thirds of the country through the middle of October.

Dryness and heat will continue through the first half of October in Texas and across much of the country, according to the 14-day rainfall outlook from the National Weather Services Climate Prediction Center. Pivotal

This isnt surprising been weve been anticipating the return of La Nina, which is when the sea-surface temperature in the equatorial Pacific Ocean becomes unusually cool. The naturally occurring phenomenon can trigger weather patterns around the world, including warmer and drier conditions in Texas during fall and winter.

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FILE - A linesman works on power lines under the morning sun, July 12, 2024, in Phoenix. Matt York/AP High atmospheric pressure will allow for mostly sunny skies this week across Texas. NOAA

Lately, the forecast models have hinted at La Nina emerging this month and taking hold through winter.

Last month, the National Weather Service office in New Braunfels that oversees the Austin and San Antonio metro areas published its climate outlook for Central and South Texas and, after looking at the Climate Forecast Systems mid- to long-range model, forecasters are predicting above-normal temperatures through fall.

Even stronger anomalies are forecast to continue through winter, weather service meteorologist Mack Morris said, adding that the CFS model suggests about a 20% reduction in normal fall precipitation from October to December, which typically totals about 7.8 inches.

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Opportunities exist to leverage telementoring programs across the physician associate/assistant (PA) learning continuum, including in PA programs. Because of the replicable and inclusive nature of telementoring platforms, educational opportunities exist to align learners across the didactic and clinical years of medical training, as well as into early and midcareers for PAs, all within a single continuing medical education (CME) program.

Telementoring is a valuable workforce development resource that connects subject matter experts with healthcare providers via videoconferencing. This technology can deliver training, education, and ongoing technical support to build workforce capacity.1 These ongoing trainings, constituted as a regularly scheduled series by the Accreditation Council for Continuing Medical Education (ACCME), are designed to move participants through the learning continuum from beginner to expert.2 Telementoring programs show a high degree of integration of proven adult learning theories, nearly 2 to 2.5 times greater than that of live courses and enduring materials. Project ECHO (Extension for Community Healthcare Outcomes), a widely used telementoring platform, has been leveraged globally to rapidly disseminate information and provide best practice care to underserved people all over the world.

THE PROJECT ECHO MODEL

Project ECHO was developed in 2003 by the University of New Mexico to democratize medical knowledge, encourage sharing of best practices among healthcare professionals, and amplify the capacity of local healthcare workforces. The concept of Project ECHO was born from the need to address an ongoing and persistent system issue seen across the United Statesdeteriorating access to healthcare services available to patients living in rural and underserved areas.

The Project ECHO model, also referred to as the 4-point model or ABCD model, is the foundation of all ECHO programs and includes amplification of technology, sharing best practices, case-based learning, and an online database to monitor outcomes.3,4 The model regularly delivers live, virtual tele-ECHO clinics. Sessions typically are held weekly or biweekly and many operate continuously over the course of years, with the curriculum adapting as necessary to changes in best practices, policies, or clinical workflows. An interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts is connected with local healthcare teams to share established, new, or emerging best practices in a clinical area of focus (for example, hepatitis C, substance use disorders, or mental health). The learning network employs case-based learning and mentorship to increase clinician knowledge and confidence to treat complex patients in the primary care setting. All ECHO programming is provided at no cost and, in most cases, CME credits also are provided free to attendees.

The ECHO model has proven effective, facilitating interdisciplinary primary care teams to safely and effectively treat complex conditions in local clinics.5-7 These teams represent numerous professional backgrounds, including physicians, RNs, PAs, pharmacists, social workers, behavioral health specialists, and community healthcare workers. Evidence also supports the model to be scalable, replicable, and responsive. To date, 6,357 programs have been developed globally by 1,212 organizations, with 5.3 million session attendances from participants in all 199 countries.8

The integration of Project ECHO as a learning resource in PA education programs is a natural next application for the model. The model has proven highly effective in rapidly increasing clinician knowledge and confidence, and the subsequent practice adoption of new skills across a multitude of healthcare topics. However, Project ECHO also has been adopted and integrated across other sectors, most notably the field of education. Thus, the model itself has already been proven effective in delivering high-quality programming in healthcare and education. Arizona State University (ASU) has been using the ECHO model to deliver healthcare- and education-based programs since 2020. Through active involvement in program delivery, and consistent monitoring and evaluation of program outcomes, the integration of ECHO programming into PA education seems imminent. The inherent ability of ECHO programs to rapidly disseminate knowledge to geographically dispersed learners marries well with the fast-paced, highly condensed 2- to 2.5-year PA curriculum, half of which students spend traveling on clinical rotations.

CASE STUDY: PALLIATIVE CARE

ASU became a replicating partner in 2020 and has since delivered 401 individual teleECHO sessions across seven clinical topics, including treatment for substance use disorders, behavioral health, clinical interventions for victims of human trafficking, veterans health, and palliative care. Since February 2020, ASU has delivered 20,866 learning hours of free CME to more than 3,500 unique participants, including physicians, PAs, NPs, and pharmacists.

In August 2020, ASU launched the Palliative Care ECHO program to address persistent gaps in palliative care education among current and future clinicians. About 75% of patients with serious and life-limiting illnesses would benefit from enrollment in a palliative care program; however, the current workforce cannot provide adequate services to this scale.9 To rapidly increase the accessibility to palliative care services across Arizona, we created an interdisciplinary team of subject matter experts, including palliative care specialists, PAs, NPs, social workers, and a pharmacist.

Program outcomes

Between August 2020 and September 2023, 60 teleECHO sessions were delivered to 625 participants for a total of 3,047 learning hours of free CME. Participants in the program represented an interdisciplinary group including 54% RNs, 21% physicians, 14% PA or NP, 7% social work, 2% pharmacy, and 2% other (including students, researchers, and behavioral health specialists). The 1,228 participants averaged 22 years of clinical practice, attended an average of 11 sessions, and reported a 4.79 satisfaction rate with the ECHO program on a 5-point Likert scale (5 = extremely satisfied, 1 = extremely dissatisfied).

A retro-pre-post survey was administered every 6 months between September 2020 and September 2023. Participants reported increased confidence in all measures assessed (Table 1). The greatest changes were seen in clinician confidence to identify community resources and services for palliative care patients and their support systems (before mean = 3.45, after mean = 4.19) and addressing opportunities for advance care planning with palliative care patients (before mean = 3.57, after mean = 4.31) reporting 21.4% and 20.7% increases in mean Likert scale responses, respectively (5-point Likert scale, with 5 = extremely confident and 1 = not at all confident; n = 133).

TABLE 1. - Participant confidence after participating in the Palliative Care ECHO program Participant confidence after participating in the Palliative Care ECHO program Responses are based on a 5-point Likert scale, with 5 = extremely confident and 1 = not at all confident. n = 133 I am confident in my ability to... Before attending After attending Change ...manage pain in palliative care patients. 3.77 4.35 15.4% ...identify community resources and services for palliative care patients and their support systems. 3.45 4.19 21.4% ...address opportunities for advance care planning with palliative care patients. 3.57 4.31 20.7% ...address caregiver strain with supportive resources. 3.6 4.24 17.8% ...discuss artificial nutrition with patients and families. 3.69 4.3 16.5% ...deliver bad news to patients and their families. 3.68 4.27 16% ...facilitate difficult conversations in the family conference. 3.58 4.22 17.9% ...effectively communicate with the patient's care team. 4.01 4.51 12.5%

The reported number of palliative care patients treated by ECHO clinicians increased from an average of 41 to 57 patients during participation in the program. Participants reported increases in knowledge on all measures evaluated, with the greatest improvements in ability to define palliative care (mean = 4.52), the benefits of palliative care medicine (mean = 4.58), and knowledge of various palliative care settings (mean = 4.48; 5-point Likert scale [5 = strongly agree, 1 = strongly disagree]; n = 133). Furthermore, 89% of participants agreed or strongly agreed that the Palliative Care ECHO program increased their confidence to treat patients with complex serious illnesses (mean = 4.6).

Among measures of overall clinician wellness (Table 2), participants reported a mean increase of 4.2% in value of their clinical practice skills and a mean increase of 4.3% in meeting practice and patient needs.

TABLE 2. - Self-reported change in measures of clinician wellness among participants before and after attending the Palliative Care ECHO Self-reported change in measures of clinician wellness among participants before and after attending the Palliative Care ECHO Responses are based on a 5-point Likert scale, with 5 = extremely confident and 1 = not at all confident. n = 133 To what degree do you agree with the following statements: Before attending After attending Change I am satisfied with my job. 4.36 4.45 2.1% I am satisfied with my ability to work at the top of my scope of practice. 4.32 4.46 3.2% I am experiencing clinician burnout. 2.82 2.95 4.6% I value my clinical practice skills. 4.5 4.68 4.2% I am meeting my practice/patient's needs. 4.16 4.34 4.3%

Exploratory factor analysis was used to determine the relationship between Palliative Care ECHO attendance and change in clinician confidence and clinician wellness in participants using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. For the confidence variable, the median post-test assessment scores (median = 34) were statistically higher than the median pretest assessment scores (median = 30, Z = 7.19, P < .001). Similarly, for the clinician wellness variable, the median post-test assessment of clinician wellness scores (median = 18) was statistically higher than the median pretest assessment scores (median = 17, Z = 4.2, P < .001). This signifies the self-reported change in confidence and wellness before and after participating in the Palliative Care ECHO is statistically significant.

DISCUSSION

Knowledge and self-efficacy have repeatedly been found to be correlated with changes in clinical practice.10,11

Outcomes of the Palliative Care ECHO program add to the current body of literature supporting the model as an efficacious resource to increase the overall capacity of geographically dispersed healthcare providers. Through delivery of ECHO programs, we found that the greatest increases in knowledge and confidence were seen in measures that scored lowest in pretest assessments, suggesting that the model is particularly advantageous for professionals early in their training.

Furthermore, evaluation of the Palliative Care ECHO program demonstrated a continuous improvement in various measures of clinician wellness. Although these evaluation efforts did not control for other external factors, they may suggest that the ECHO learning network provides protective factors for clinician wellness (such as job satisfaction, ability to meet patient needs, and burnout). Further study should be completed in this area to better understand the relationship between ECHO program participation and clinician wellness.

The program evaluation described here has several limitations to note. First, it should be explicitly stated that this is a retroactive program evaluation, not a prospective research study. Participants self-selected into the program; thus, it is assumed they entered with an established intrinsic interest in the topic. Furthermore, because of the nature of the evaluation design, no control group was available for intergroup comparisons.

OPPORTUNITIES TO INNOVATE EDUCATION

Project ECHO is a highly valuable resource in continuing medical education, particularly for clinicians working in rural or underserved areas. However, opportunities exist to leverage the model further across the PA workforce. Project ECHO is a flexible and adaptable education model that can be integrated into PA education. PA programs may find integrating the model a unique way to share resources for didactic and clinical education while connecting recent graduates with ongoing engagement and learning.

Mission alignment: The mission of Project ECHO aligns with the founding principles of the PA profession to increase the capacity of healthcare workforces, particularly those living and working in rural or underserved areas. However, challenges persist for clinicians working in these areas because of the lack of resources, lack of ongoing technical support, and lack of availability of expert consultation in their communities. By leveraging technology, Project ECHO breaks down these barriers and creates real-time learning and consultation networks for traditionally isolated clinicians.

Moving participants along the learning continuum: The ECHO model's inherent design establishes a lifelong learning resource. The extensive and consistent integration of case-based learning used throughout the ECHO model provides a myriad of benefits to PA students and early-career professionals. Students in their didactic years can vastly increase their exposure to professional case presentations and clinical consultations being discussed in real time. Those navigating their clinical rotations can present exciting or challenging cases to the learning network, practicing their case presentation and clinical reasoning skills among peers and experts in the field. Project ECHO also can significantly increase the number of patient cases that students are exposed to, while keeping cohorts routinely connected despite being geographically dispersed. Lastly, as students graduate and move into their careers as PA professionals, they can continue seeking consultation from experts while sharing their growing expertise with students.

Enhancing doctor of medical science (DMS) and fellowship programs: The ECHO model could be a valuable resource for integrating clinical education in DMS programs. The team-based interprofessional nature of ECHO programming could supplement learning on clinically specific training by PAs pursuing advanced degrees. Access to the learning network would be particularly advantageous to get immediate feedback from clinicians across the workforce on research and new innovations as they are being developed by DMS students.

CONCLUSION

Significant opportunity exists to leverage telementoring models to enhance PA capacity and PA education. This low-cost innovation to continuing medical education inherently breaks down barriers often faced when training geographically dispersed clinicians, especially those at varying stages of their professional development. Through thoughtful and collaborative integration, programs could be developed to bridge programming and enhance capacity across the learning continuum.
EAST VILLAGE, Manhattan (PIX11)  A person struck a 68-year-old with a metal object in the East Village last week, and police are still searching for the suspected attacker.

The woman, 68, was walking on 14th Street between First and Second Avenues when a stranger came up behind her and hit her with the metal object, police said. The attack happened around 6:15 p.m. on Sept. 22, police said.

NYPD deploys new strategies to combat crime in East Village

Police have still not caught the suspected attacker, who ran away. The 68-year-old woman did not get medical attention.

The NYPD in July said it would target crime in the East Village after a fatal stabbing on East 14th Street. Police set up cameras and streamlined responses between multiple precincts, officials said in July.

Submit tips to police by calling Crime Stoppers at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477), visiting crimestoppers.nypdonline.org, downloading the NYPD Crime Stoppers mobile app, or texting 274637 (CRIMES) then entering TIP577. Spanish-speaking callers are asked to dial 1-888-57-PISTA (74782).

Emily Rahhal is a digital reporter from Los Angeles who has covered New York City since 2023. She joined PIX11 in 2024. See more of her work here and follow her on Twitter here.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to PIX11.
Woman, 75, dies after getting hit by car while crossing the street

This is a developing story. ABC4 will update this post as new information becomes available.

SARATOGA SPRINGS, Utah (ABC4)  A 75-year-old woman died after being hit by a car while crossing the street in Saratoga Springs on Monday morning, according to the Utah County Sheriffs Office.

The woman was crossing the street near the intersection of Cozy Lane and Floribunda Drive around 8:30 a.m. on Monday. While she was crossing, an eastbound car that was turning south hit the woman, according to UCSO.

Yellow Lake Fire grows to over 2K acres, still 0% contained

The pedestrian was critically injured and died shortly after she arrived at a hospital in Murray. The sheriffs office said police and fire officials from Saratoga Springs responded to the scene and performed CPR on the pedestrian before she was taken to the hospital by helicopter.

The driver who hit the 75-year-old woman remained at the scene and cooperated with investigators, according to the sheriffs office.

Because she is an employee of Saratoga Springs City, Police asked the Utah County Sheriffs office to investigate the crash to avoid any conflict of interest, UCSO said, referring to the driver who hit the pedestrian.

The incident is still under investigation. Officials said more information may be provided after the investigation concludes.

There is no further information at this time.

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FILE - The casket of Justin Llivicura, one of four young men found slain in a suspected MS-13 gang killing, is carried from St. Joseph the Worker Church after his funeral, April 19, 2017, in East Patchogue, N.Y. (AP Photo/Frank Eltman, File)

CENTRAL ISLIP, N.Y. (AP)  A woman associated with MS-13 was sentenced Tuesday to 50 years in federal prison for her role in luring four young men to be killed by more than a dozen members of the violent transnational gang in the New York City suburbs.

Leniz Escobar was a critical player at nearly every step of the April 2017 massacre, willingly and enthusiastically helping to plan and execute the horrific killing, in which gang members armed with machetes, knives and tree limbs ambushed the victims in a park on Long Island, declared U.S. Judge Joseph Bianco as he handed down his decision in Central Islip federal court.

The now 24-year-old, who was nicknamed Diablita or Little Devil among members of MS-13, was convicted in 2022 of one count of racketeering and four counts of murder in aid of racketeering.

Escobar said in court that she is reminded every day of the pain shes caused.

All I can do is hurt, she said through tears. Every breath reminds me that they are not here and their families are in pain. If I could trade places with them and take away that pain, I would.

But parents and other relatives of the victims who spoke in court were unmoved.

She does not deserve 50 or 60 years in prison. She deserves the death penalty, Bertha Ullaguari, the mother of 18-year-old Jorge Tigre, said in Spanish through a translator.

Jason Tigre said his older brother was a mentor to him and was looking forward to graduating high school and going on to college before his life was cut short.

Now Im all alone and Im trying to be strong for him, the now 17 year-old said through tears. This never should have happened, but it did because she did it. He should still be here.

Escobars lawyer had argued for a sentence of no more than 32 years in prison, noting that she had been just at the cusp of 18 at the time and had already endured violence, sexual abuse, exploitation and human trafficking.

From the time of her birth until April 2017, she had lived a horrible, terrible life, defense attorney Jesse Siegel said. The best years of her life have been the last seven years in custody.

He also noted that shed begun to turn her life around behind bars  earning her high school degree, leading Bible studies, and serving as a mentor and positive influence to fellow inmates with wisdom beyond her years.

But prosecutors, in arguing for a stiffer sentence of 65 years in prison, said Escobar had continued to maintain strong ties to MS-13 after her arrest, even coordinating the beating of another female gang associate for violating the gangs code.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Megan Farrell also said it was Escobar that had set the massacre in motion by bringing photos on social media to the attention of gang leaders that were posted by one of the intended victims.

Escobar had felt personally offended that the victim had worn items typically associated with the gang and appeared to use the gang's hand signs even though he was not an MS-13 member, she said.

Escobar then endeared herself to the victims, who had thought they were being invited to smoke marijuana at a park, according to Farrell. Then after the killing, she bragged to other MS-13 members about her role and instructed those involved to destroy evidence and evade police.

She was one of the most culpable people, Farrell said. Without her, these murders would not have occurred.

___

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WEBSTER COUNTY, Iowa  An attempted murder charge has been filed against a Webster County woman in connection with a shooting that happened last week in Moorland.

The Webster County Sheriffs Office says 29-year-old Cheyanne Guthrie has been arrested and is charged with attempted murder in the case. She is being held in the Webster County Jail on a bond of $250,000.

The WCSO began investigating the incident after being contacted by the Cerro Gordo County Sheriffs Office on September 26th about a shooting victim who was being treated at a Mason City hospital. Not long after speaking with the CGCSO deputy, Webster County officials became aware of a possible shooting in the town of Moorland.

Gunshot victim walks into Des Moines hospital, police investigating

WCSO personnel responded to an address in the 600 block of Front Street in Moorland and secured the scene. They interviewed Cheyanne Guthrie and two males who were in the residence. Evidence was gathered after obtaining a search warrant, and cellular devices, ammunition, and a firearm were seized.

After further investigation, the WCSO determined the victim drove to the scene around 8:30 a.m. on September 26th and he and Guthrie got into an argument. During the argument, Guthrie displayed a handgun and shot him through the drivers door, with the bullet hitting him in the torso. The victim was driven to the hospital in Mason City by personal vehicle where he was treated and released.

The criminal complaint in the case says before shooting the victim with a Rock Island .38 Special Revolver, Guthrie told him she was going to kill him and herself.

Guthries preliminary hearing is scheduled for October 10th.

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Editors Note: Call to Earth is a CNN editorial series committed to reporting on the environmental challenges facing our planet, together with the solutions. Rolexs Perpetual Planet Initiative has partnered with CNN to drive awareness and education around key sustainability issues and to inspire positive action.

Palawan, a cluster of islands in the Philippines, is breathtakingly beautiful. Home to underground rivers, turquoise coastlines and lush mountain peaks, it has earned the name of the countrys last ecological frontier.

The paradise archipelago has not gone unrecognized. The entire area of Palawan, covering more than 1,700 islands, has been designated a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, and it also hosts two world heritage sites, the Puerto-Princesa Subterranean River National Park and Tubbataha Reefs.

But despite these designations, threats still remain from mining, the illegal wildlife trade, climate change and deforestation. According to Global Forest Watch, Palawan had the most tree cover loss in the country between 2001 and 2023.

Conservationist Karina May Reyes, who refers to herself as KM for short, is on a mission to protect the archipelago, alongside a small team of people that form the nonprofit Centre for Sustainability PH (CS).

Palawan is super special because from ridge to reef, you have pristine landscapes  mountains that still retain old growth canopy cover all the way to coral reefs that still have incredible biodiversity, whether youre after manta rays or whale sharks or tiger sharks or turtles, she tells CNN.

KM Reyes leads a grassroots conservation effort on the island of Palawan. - CNN

Rainforests once covered around 90% of the Philippines, she explains, but now less than 3% of intact old growth forest remains  the majority of which is in Palawan. Our mission is to conserve the Philippines last remaining 3% of pristine rainforest through the establishment of national parks, she says.

Pristine peaks

The teams first project began in 2014, targeting Cleopatras Needle, one of the mystical mountains on the main island of Palawan outside the provinces capital city of Puerto Princesa. Named after the obelisk-shaped natural stone on its highest peak, its one of the oldest and most diverse forests in all of the Philippines and is a safe haven for the islands threatened and endemic species, such as the Palawan hornbill, bearcat and pangolin.

It is also the ancestral domain of the indigenous Batak tribe, who rely on the natural resources of the surrounding forest to sustain their livelihoods.

If we didnt have indigenous Batak still here on (the) land, we wouldnt continue to have the forests that we do. Its as a result and as a blessing of their stewardship of the area that we still have access to these forests and they havent been destroyed, says Reyes.

Working closely with the Batak people, CS gathered data on the area, building a case for why it should be protected, and in 2017, the hard work paid off, with the entire area of Cleopatras Needle  more than 41,000 hectares  declared a critical habitat. The designation includes a ban on the extraction of minerals, logging, quarrying and wildlife trading.

The island of Palawan is home to much of the Philippines' last remaining pristine rainforest. - Duncan A. Murrell

Now, their attention has turned to Sultan Peak, a mountain in the southern half of Palawan island, which has no formal protection. Rich in nickel, an essential component in clean energy technologies like electric vehicles, wind turbines and solar panels, the area is under threat from mining.

The area that were trying to protect is about 8,000 hectares, pristine rainforest, also this incredible watershed system, and its completely unstudied, says Reyes.

The CS team is looking to document the regions flora and fauna to help justify its protection, and for this it has mobilized a network of citizen scientists to take photos of plants and animals, which can be uploaded to a database on the platform iNaturalist, an open-source tool that identifies species.

Were building up a database for biodiversity of this area, says Aubrey Jayne Padilla, research program coordinator for CS. The local community (are) involved in compiling the data  We take and document everything that we see on the trail.

Reyes hopes that they will be able to protect the area within three years. But even after getting community buy-in and gathering an array of scientific data, challenges remain.

At the end of the day, if you dont have politicians and decision makers on board, then theres no one there to sign off that law, she says.

Reyes sees part of her role as communicating the areas wider value. Protecting these areas is so important, not just for biodiversity, but also for protecting vulnerable communities from climate change, she says.

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One person was killed and two more injured in a Russian strike on Esman hromada in Sumy Oblast on the morning of 1 October. [A hromada is an administrative unit designating a village, several villages, or a town, and their adjacent territories  ed.]

Source: Sumy Oblast Prosecutor's Office on Telegram

Quote: "An enemy attack has killed a 45-year-old woman who was on the premises of her home, and injured her 47-year-old husband and another civilian."

Details: The prosecutor's office noted that Russian forces had dropped four guided aerial bombs on the civilian infrastructure of Esman hromada in the Shostka district at about 09:00.

A pre-trial investigation is being conducted into this incident under Art. 438.2 (violation of the laws and customs of war, combined with intentional murder) of the Criminal Code of Ukraine.

Law enforcement officers are documenting the aftermath of the Russian bombardment.

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Attorney Travis Brennan, standing next to his client Cindy Young and her late husband's father Robert Young, left, addresses efforts to access records about the gunman in Maine's deadliest shooting, Tuesday, Oct. 1, 2024, outside the Sagadahoc County courthouse in Bath, Maine. (AP Photo/David Sharp)

BATH, Maine (AP)  A woman who lost her husband and son in Maine's deadliest shooting is seeking the gunman's health and military records through the probate process.

A judge on Tuesday granted Cynthia Young's petition to become a special administrator of Robert Cards estate so she can have legal authority to obtain the records for herself, others who lost loved ones, and attorneys preparing lawsuits. The move was not opposed by Cards son, who is his sole heir.

Complete medical records from the Army reservist's time in two hospitals and full records from his lengthy career in the Army Reserve may help families understand why the mass shooting occurred and what steps could have prevented it, said Travis Brennan, one of her lawyers.

Its a critical piece of the puzzle. Without that information, there are a lot of unanswered questions. Obtaining this information is critical to a fundamental objective here  which is accountability, he said.

Eighteen people were killed when the 40-year-old Army reservist opened fire on Oct. 25, 2023, at two locations in Lewiston, Maine.

Young lost her husband Bill and her 14-year-old son Aaron at a bowling alley, the first of two locations targeted by Card. The other was a bar and grill that was hosting a cornhole tournament.

An independent commission concluded both the Army Reserve and law enforcement agencies missed opportunities to intervene in the gunmans psychiatric crisis and to seize his weapons before the tragedy.

In her filing, Young said shes seeking a limited role in obtaining documents surrounding Card. She said it wont interfere with the family or others if they want to move forward with probate at a later date.

Four law firms are jointly representing 90 plaintiffs, and someone is needed to serve as administrator of the estate to sign necessary releases to get information to investigate claims, Youngs filing said.

The Card family has been supportive of the process, Brennan said.

Those who lost loved ones and the Card family all have a shared interest in the information, Brennan said. Those materials are critical in terms of piecing together important parts of the story, the tragic story that unfolded here," he said.

The probate hearing was on the same day religious leaders held a service of remembrance and prayer outside the Maine State House, in Augusta, where the names of all of the victims were read aloud.

Leaders from Christian, Jewish and Islamic faiths offered prayers for healing for the survivors of the shootings and those who lost friends and family members. Prayers were also offered up for the family of the gunman.
JASPER COUNTY, Mo.  A woman pleaded guilty Monday morning in a Jasper County courtroom to one count of third-degree assault.

Raven Gomez, 28, is scheduled to be sentenced on December 2.

Gomez was originally charged with first-degree assault last October after a female Jasper police officer responded to a disturbance at Petes Convenience Store. Upon arrival and making contact with Gomez and her alleged accomplice, Gomez started punching her in the face.

The officer also stated that the man punched her several times and attempted to steal her patrol vehicle. While they did not succeed, Gomez says they got into another vehicle, ran over the officers foot twice, and then fled the scene.

Gomez and Brandon David, 48 were arrested a few days later near Moran, Kansas. David is charged with first-degree assault in Jasper County and is scheduled to be in court next Wednesday.

A few months after her arrest, Gomez attacked an inmate in the Allen County Jail and was charged with attempted murder, aggravated battery, and damage to property.

In May, she pleaded no contest to the aggravated battery charge and was sentenced to probation. At that time, she was extradited back to Missouri for the assault charge.

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(KRON)  Family members are mourning the deaths of a Napa mother and Bay Area attorney. Georgina Gina Padilla, 38, and Ralph Andino III were shot to death last week outside Padillas Napa home on Lincoln Avenue, police said.

Padilla, 38, was a mother of three daughters, according to a verified GoFundMe page. Andino, 54, of American Canyon, reportedly worked as Padillas attorney. Both victims died at the shooting scene on September 26.

We extend our condolences to the family and loved ones of Georgina and Ralph. This tragic loss

not only impacts those closest to them but also reverberates throughout our community, the Napa Police Department wrote.

About four hours after the homicides, police officers spotted the suspected killer, Baltazar Rangel Juarez, driving on 2nd Street. The suspect disregarded the emergency lights and siren and instead fled from multiple officers, eventually driving his vehicle into Kennedy Park, where it became disabled, the police department wrote.

Petaluma woman shot in head during BB gun attack

Juarez, 28, of Napa, refused to get out of his car and surrender, NPD said. The suspect refused to exit the vehicle and instead armed himself with a firearm, the police department wrote. At some point during the police standoff, Juarez shot himself, NPD said.

Juarez was transported to a hospital to be treated for a self-inflicted gunshot wound.

Police did not say how Juarez knew the victims, nor did they release a suspected motive.

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Woman stabbed to death in parking lot on Long Island: police

Woman stabbed to death in parking lot on Long Island: police

WEST HEMPSTEAD, N.Y. (PIX11)  A woman was stabbed to death in a parking lot outside a restaurant after leaving a family gathering on Long Island Sunday, police said.

The incident happened outside the La Candela restaurant at 205 Hempstead Turnpike in West Hempstead just after midnight, according to the Nassau County Police Department.

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The suspect is somehow connected to the victim, and there was apparently an ongoing feud.

The victim, 51-year-old Glen Cove resident Ana Ruth Espinoza, was ambushed in the parking lot and fatally stabbed, according to police. Espinozas husband tried to stop the attack and suffered a cut to his hand, police said.

Police identified the suspect as 27-year-old Glen Cove resident Erick Efren Corado Gonzalez.

Police arrested Gonzalez Sunday in Linden, New Jersey. Charges against him are still pending.

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LEBANON COUNTY, Pa. (WHTM)  A North Carolina woman has pleaded guilty to wire fraud and money laundering in connection with a scheme to embezzle funds from her Lebanon County employer.

According to the United States Attorneys Office, Rhonda Rochelle Canidate, 48, of Greensboro, North Carolina, was employed as an accounting specialist at Henry Molded Products Company (Henry Molded) in Pleasant Hill, Lebanon County.

The Office says between October 2021 and June 2022, Canidate entered false payment entries for former Henry Molded employees into the companys third-party payroll software, causing the software to issue direct deposit payments from Henry Moldeds bank account to bank accounts controlled by Canidate in the name of the former employees.

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The Office says Canidate caused a loss of $532,050.

She has agreed to follow a court-ordered restitution schedule. This fraud not only financially injured Henry Molded, but also the former employees by creating an overpayment for tax purposes.

The Office adds that the maximum combined penalty under federal law for these offenses is 30 years, a term of supervised release following imprisonment, and a fine.

A sentence will be imposed by the Judge after consideration of the Federal Sentencing Guidelines and other applicable sentencing statutes.

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Woman took off with cart full of goods from SLO hardware store, police say. Do you know her?

A woman stole a cart full of merchandise from Miners Ace Hardware in San Luis Obispo on Friday, the San Luis Obispo Police Department said.

Around 5 p.m. Friday, the woman filled a cart with products from the Santa Barbara Avenue hardware and garden store and left without paying, the Police Department said in a Facebook post.

She then loaded the items into the trunk of a white car and fled the scene, police said.

An eyewitness captured photos of the woman packing her car with the allegedly stolen merchandise and fleeing the scene, the department said.

The San Luis Obispo Police Department is looking for a woman who allegedly filled her car with a cart-full of stolen merchandise from Miners Ace Hardware on Sept. 27, 2024, and fled the scene.

Neither the license nor the make or model of the white, four-door car was visible in the images.

Police asked for help identifying the suspect. Anyone with information can call 805-594-8082.

Robbery Location in San Luis Obispo

Theft reported at Miner's Ace Hardware, San Luis Obispo

Location of a reported theft incident involving a woman at Miner's Ace Hardware.

Map created with the assistance of ChatGPT.
Womens correctional facilities evacuate from Buncombe County due to lack of power and water

RALEIGH, N.C. (QUEEN CITY NEWS)  Approximately 400 offenders from western North Carolina correctional facilities were evacuated Monday, the N.C. Department of Adult Corrections reports.

They were removed from the Western Correctional Center for Women in Swannanoa and the Black Mountain Substance Abuse Treatment Center for Women in Black Mountain, both just east of Asheville. It comes after the expected long timeframe for water and power restoration to these locations after the region was ravaged by flooding from Hurricane Helene.

Gov. Cooper provides updates on recovery, shelters, outages in western North Carolina

NCDAC reported that buses arrived Monday morning, and all offenders were successfully transported to other correctional facilities for women by early evening.

All offenders are safe, and NCDAC is taking appropriate steps to ensure continued health and safety of staff and offenders, the department said.

Relocated offenders will be able to make phone calls after they arrive at their destinations. Family and friends of offenders are asked not to call the prisons to check on a loved one.

President Biden will visit western NC on Wednesday to survey the damage of Hurricane Helene

Some of the 360 minimum-custody offenders at WCCW moved to Anson Correctional Institution in Polkton, and others moved to North Carolina Correctional Institution for Women in Raleigh.

The 45 offenders receiving in-patient alcohol and drug treatment at the Black Mountain treatment center were taken to the North Piedmont Confinement in Response to Violation facility in Lexington.

The online Offender Locator will be updated within 24 hours to indicate where individual offenders are temporarily rehoused.

The duration of the relocations will depend on the time required to restore water and power.

For more information on NCDAC actions in response to Tropical Storm Helene, visit dac.nc.gov/Helene.

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Norah ODonnell (left) has anchored and managed CBS Evening News since 2019, and she plans to step down after the election to become a senior correspondent for CBS. Margaret Brennan has been the moderator of Face the Nation since 2018 and also serves as CBS chief foreign affairs correspondent.

Norah ODonnell (left) has anchored and managed CBS Evening News since 2019, and she plans to step down after the election to become a senior correspondent for CBS. Margaret Brennan has been the moderator of Face the Nation since 2018 and also serves as CBS chief foreign affairs correspondent. (Cindy Ord, Manny Carabel/Getty Images)

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CBS anchors Norah ODonnell and Margaret Brennan are set to moderate the first and only 2024 vice presidential debate between Democrat Gov. Tim Walz and Republican Sen. JD Vance. The debate, hosted in New York, is scheduled to start at 9 p.m. Tuesday.

ODonnell has been the anchor and managing editor of CBS Evening News since 2019. Shes currently the only woman to anchor an evening news show on broadcast television. ODonnell also anchors CBS News Election Specials and is a contributing correspondent to 60 Minutes. After the election, ODonnell plans to step down from the anchor chair to become a senior correspondent for the network.

Brennan is the moderator of Face the Nation with Margaret Brennan, CBS News flagship Sunday morning news show. Brennan, who took on that role in 2018, is the second woman to host the show after Lesley Stahl. Brennan is also the networks chief foreign affairs correspondent and a contributing correspondent to 60 Minutes.

ODonnell previously co-hosted CBS This Morning and covered the Obama administration for CBS News. Brennan, who has a background in financial and national security reporting, has covered the White House and State Department for the network.

Both regularly interview top U.S. political figures and world leaders. Earlier this year, ODonnell landed an exclusive sit-down interview with Pope Francis, the first time a Pope has sat for a one-on-one interview with an American broadcast journalist.

ODonnell is writing a female-focused retelling of American history that centers women who have been forgotten, marginalized, or deliberately erased from our countrys narrative, set to publish in 2026, according to publisher Ballantine.

The vice presidential debate is set to be the only one moderated by two women. CNNs Dana Bash and Jake Tapper moderated the June 27 debate between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump. After Biden dropped out and was replaced by Vice President Kamala Harris, David Muir and Linsey Davis of ABC News moderated the September 10 debate between Trump and Harris.

The 90-minute debate will have no live audience. Both candidates agreed to have microphones on for the duration of the debate, unlike the previous two presidential debates when candidates microphones were muted when they were not speaking. CBS News said it reserves the right to mute candidates microphones if they go over time. ODonnell and Brennan wont be live fact-checking the candidates while moderating, but viewers watching the debate on CBS will be able to scan a QR code on their screens that will provide a link to live fact-checking by CBS News journalists.

The post The women on stage: Norah ODonnell, Margaret Brennan will moderate VP debate appeared first on The 19th.

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Look for candidate JD Vance to come out swinging at Tuesdays vice presidential debate against Minnesota Governor Tim Walz. Odds are good that Vance will go for the Trumpian emotional trifecta: playing the victim, spewing anger, and attacking women and immigrants.

While not everyone is charmed by righteous rage, Donald Trump is the audience of one who needs to hear his chosen candidate mimic the boss. Theres precedent for this behavior from fellow Yale Law School graduate, Brett Kavanaugh.

Lets travel back to 2018 when then-president Donald Trump nominated then-DC Circuit Judge Brett Kavanaugh to the Supreme Court. All went smoothly until Dr. Christine Blasey Ford accused Kavanaugh of sexually assaulting her when they were teenagers. This was not the only accusation of sexual assault against Kavanaugh, all of which he denied.

Fortunately for Squees best buddy, a little sexual assaultdenied or even not never bothered Trump. The president stood by his appointee and the Senate Judiciary Committee scheduled an additional hearing to hear the new testimony. But first, Kavanaugh appealed to the court of MAGA public opinion. He and his wife joined interviewer Martha McCallum on Fox News for one of the cringiest interviews ever.

Brett Kavanaughs angry denials of sexual assault, which included blaming the Clintons, are likely to be a template for JD Vance as he debates Tim Walz. Andrew Harnik/Reuters

As part of the denial of sexual assault, Kavanaugh decided to let the world know that he had remained a virgin throughout high school.

I did not have sexual intercourse or anything close to sexual intercourse in high school or for many years thereafter, Kavanaugh stated.

MacCallum followed up, asking when Kavanaugh did lose his virginity.

Many years after. Ill leave it at that, he responded, before not leaving it at that, and repeating, Many years after. (We believe you!)

Kavanaugh also stated that he was looking for a fair process. Maybe thats what set off Trump who reacted with displeasure at Kavanaughs wooden performance. Fair is not exactly on brand for the GOP. At the time, CNN reported that Trump told others that Kavanaugh needed to be more aggressive.

Christine Blasey Fords allegations of sexual assault against Brett Kavanaugh threatened to derail his confirmation to the Supreme Court. Jim Bourg/Reuters

That message was clearly received. When Kavanaugh returned to the Senate for questioning, he lashed out, calling Dr. Blasey Fords credible accusation a grotesque character assassination. He pinned the revenge campaign on the Clintons. He vigorously defended his beer drinking, insisting, Yes, we drank beer. I liked beer. Still like beer.

Kavanaugh came across a piy bully. He knew it, too. In a post-hearing Wall Street Journal editorial, he backpedaled, admitting, I might have been too emotional at times. I know that my tone was sharp, and I said a few things I should not have said.

But you know who ate Kavanaughs performance up like a filet-o-fish sandwich? The day after, Trump tweeted, Judge Kavanaugh showed America exactly why I nominated him Trump then praised the judge for his powerful and riveting testimony.

JD Vance will be well aware of his audience of one: Donald Trump. And the former president will be less than happy if he is not angry when he goes up against Tim Walz. Mike Segar/Reuters

Vance knows that his debate performance must please an audience of one. Job one is to make Daddy Donald proud. Reasonable and empathetic just wont cut it. Here are ten predictions for how Vance will follow in Kavanaughs footsteps by using a sharp tone, being overly emotional and saying a few things he should not say.

1. At the top, Vance will accuse his opponent of lying. He will do this to insulate himself against Walz doing what Harris brilliantly did when she announced at the top of her debate: Im going to tell you all, in this debate tonight, youre going to hear from the same old, tired playbook, a bunch of lies, grievances and name calling. Vance will then let loose with his own lies, grievances, and name calling. CBS has already stated that they will not provide any fact checking.

2. Vance will laugh off the childless cat lady comments as a joke. The problem, he will explain, is that feminists have no sense of humor.

3. Vance will righteously rage against Walz for calling Republicans weird. He will try to use the fact that Walzs son is neurodivergent to claim that weird is a cruel insult and the Democrats should be ashamed of themselves.

4. Vance will mention Haitians eating dogs and cats. Trump knows he fumbled when he blurted in his debate with Harris, In Springfield, they are eating the dogs. The people that came in, they are eating the cats. Theyre eating  they are eating the pets of the people that live there." Vance knows he must double down to make Trump feel less humiliated.

5. Vance will say something positive about Trumps crowd size because, of course, there is no greater measure of a man than the size of his crowds.

6. Vance will use moral licensing (where youre one good deed allows you to follow with many bad ones) to point out that his wife Usha comes from a family of immigrants and, therefore, he cant possibly be anti-immigrant.

7. Vance will use moral licensing to point out that he loves his amazing wife Usha and, therefore, he cant possibly be anti-woman.

8. Vance will definitely throw in a mamaw and papaw to prove his hillbilly bona fides.

9. Vance will not mention his overlord Peter Thiel who handed over $15 million to Vances 2022 senatorial campaign and lobbied for Vance to be Trumps running mate.

10. Vance will get angry. Very angry. Then he will defend his anger as patriotism. See, he just loves this country so much thats why he has to smack it around.

Tuesday night will reveal whether any of these predictions come true. But brace for Vance to go full Kavanaugh. And to paraphrase Tropic Thunder: Never go full Kavanaugh.

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Editors Note: The following article is the latest in a series of reports by the Kyiv Independent about the memorialization of Ukraines fallen soldiers.

Ukrainians gathered at war memorials around the country on Oct. 1, the countrys National Defenders Day, to honor the soldiers killed defending their country from Russia's invasion.

At 9:00 a.m. on Kyivs Independence Square, a couple hundred people stood in silence as cars on the busy street stopped for a few minutes to commemorate the fallen.

Many held the portraits of defenders  their friends, relatives, and loved ones, killed or captured by Russia  a testament to a fight that is paid for with the blood of its citizens who have chosen to take up arms to defend their country.

Among the photos and flags on Independence Square, each representing a human life, people also held up handwritten signs.

All the beautiful ones stay optimistic, said one sign, quoting a prominent Ukrainian activist and fighter Pavlo Petrychenko, who was killed on the front earlier this year. He represented a new generation that grew up in an independent Ukraine but had to fight for their countrys survival and better future most of their adult lives as activists and soldiers.

"All the beautiful ones stay optimistic."

A third year into the existential war waged by Russia, Ukrainians are widely quoting many of them, finding inspiration in the words they left behind. The Kyiv Independent put together some of their most shared quotes that are becoming a part of the nations legacy.

Iryna Tsybukh, 25

A journalist and educator in civilian life, Iryna Tsybukh volunteered as a military medic during the full-scale Russian invasion. She shared her patriotic views on social media for tens of thousands of followers, becoming a leading voice on the memorialization of fallen soldiers and a moral compass for many Ukrainians.

After Tsybukh was killed during a frontline evacuation in May, her brother published her posthumous letter that received over 100,000 likes on Instagram, inspiring many people:

To have freedom, you need to also hold other kinds of values. You need to understand yourself, to clearly know who you are for yourself, what your personal happiness is, and how you can reach it. Once you have the answers to this question, the most important thing is to keep going.

Iryna Tsybukh, a journalist and educator in civilian life, volunteered as a military medic and was killed on the front line. (Iryna Tsybukh / Facebook)

Nazarii Hryntsevych, 21

One of the youngest defenders of Mariupol who survived Russia's siege of the city's Azovstal steel mill and Russian captivity, Nazarii Hryntsevych continued to fight in the Azov regiment after he returned to Ukraine in a prisoner swap.

Hryntsevychs most famous quote came from his comrades Instagram story, where he speaks in an Azovstal shelter  fully equipped for a fight, fresh wound on his face:

Whatever you got going, love your mom, eat your porridge, and love Ukraine.

Nazarii Hryntsevych, call sign "Hrinka." (Screenshot of LB Live video/YouTube)

Roman Ratushny, 24

At 16, Roman Ratushny was among a large group of Ukrainian students violently attacked and beaten by the Ukrainian riot police during their peaceful protest in 2013 against President Viktor Yanukovychs pro-Kremlin government.

The ensuing public outrage sparked the Euromaidan revolution. Ratushny, one of the prominent young activists who emerged there, fought illegal construction in a Kyiv park despite the threats from Ukrainian oligarchs before he volunteered to fight for Ukraine in 2022.

After he was killed in battle the same year, people were galvanized by his adamant views that peace in Ukraine is impossible while Ukrainians tolerate any kind of Russian influence:

Burn the whole Russian subculture within yourselves. Burn all childhood memories related to the Russian-Soviet. Burn your relationships with relatives or friends on the other side, with everyone who is a carrier of the Russian subculture. Otherwise, it will burn you out.

Roman Ratushnyi was one of the most prominent Kyiv activists. He took part in the EuroMaidan Revolution at the age of 16, later standing up to Ukrainian oligarchs and corrupt officials. He volunteered to fight for Ukraine when the full-scale invasion started. Last June, 24-year-old Ratushnyi was killed in Kharkiv Oblast. (Courtesy)

Andrii Pilshchykov, 30

Andrii Pilshchykov, a Ukrainian top gun pilot of the new generation known as Juice, was instrumental in Ukraine's efforts to get its first batch of F-16 fighter jets from Western allies in August.

Having trained with American pilots before, he used his high-profile status for numerous interviews with Western media and personal connections in the U.S. Air Force to persuade Western partners to send the fighter jets to Ukraine during a media campaign stretching for over two years.

After many successful battle missions, Pilshchykov was killed in a mid-air collision of two Ukrainian jets in 2023. On Sept. 30, the eve of the Defenders Day, President Volodymyr Zelensky awarded him the title Hero of Ukraine.

Like many activists, he urged Ukrainians to prepare for the hard fight in his posts online:

I am reminding you that we have not won yet. There are still many battles ahead. This is not the time to relax. Learn, train, get equipped, act. Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

Portrait of Ukrainian fighter pilot Andrii Pilshchykov. (Sasha Maslov / Defense Ministry of Ukraine / Wikimedia)

Maksym Kryvtsov, 33

Maksym Kryvtsov was a poet and a photographer whose sensitive work is bound to Russias war against Ukraine, which he fought for seven years in the Ukrainian army.

A machine gunner on the front, Kryvtsov had a unique connection with his readers that continued online. A day before he was killed in a Russian artillery strike on his position, he posted verses from his first and only book, Poems From The Loophole, as his Facebook readers posted numbers of the specific lines and pages they wanted to see.

Ninety percent of the poems here are about death, he wrote then before his own name became a synonym for the new generation of Ukrainian artists killed by Russia.

Now, Ukrainians quote a line of his poem that speaks about the many deaths that Russias war brought to Ukraine:

When people ask me what war is, I will answer without hesitation: names.

Ukrainian poet and soldier Maksym Kryvtsov, who was killed on the front line. (Maksym Kryvtsov/Facebook)

Dmytro Kotsiubailo, 27

Dmytro Kotsiubailo was the first volunteer fighter outside the Ukrainian army to receive the title Hero of Ukraine during his lifetime. One of the youngest commanders in Ukrainian history, he served for all 10 years of his adult life, leading his battalion Da Vinci Wolves.

For someone called legendary, Kotsiubailo carried himself humbly and treasured his troops. He was mortally wounded by Russian artillery in 2023 while checking if everyone in his unit took shelter during the attack. In his last interview with Ukrainian media, Kotsiubailos dedication and belief in his comrades shines in the final sentence:

Weapons are good, but everything depends on people. Our people are the best. They will master anything, they will do anything. That's why we will win.

Dmytro Kotsiubailo, known by his call sign "Da Vinci," was one of the youngest commanders in Ukrainian history. He was an active participant in the EuroMaidan Revolution in 2013-2014 and has fought for Ukraine's freedom ever since. In March, 27-year-old Kotsiubailo was killed near Bakhmut in Donetsk Oblast. (Courtesy)

Pavlo Petrychenko, 31

As a prominent activist at the forefront of Ukrainian civil society, Pavlo Petrychenko participated in EuroMaidan, fought to prosecute corrupt officials, and demanded justice for fellow activists, such as his friend Kateryna Handziuk, who was killed in a politically motivated attack in 2018.

For the first few months of Russia's full-blown invasion, Petrychenko helped build one of the largest volunteer organizations currently aiding the Ukrainian army, the Serhii Prytula Charity Foundation. When he joined the army as a drone operator, Petrychenko kept speaking out against injustice in his sharp interviews and tweets.

He was killed days before his latest online petition caused President Zelensky to sign a decree on April 20 to restrict online gambling among soldiers  a testament to his signature determination:

We just gotta keep pressing and pressing, and they ought to fall. Because in this war, we stand for the truth. And whoever stands for the truth must win. It has always been so through history. And if we endure this moment, then we must win.

Pavlo Petrychenko was a well-known activist and junior sergeant of the 59th Brigade. He was killed in combat on April 15, 2024, just a day before his 32nd birthday. (Courtesy of Prytula Foundation / Viktor Zalevskiy)

Kostiantyn Yuzviuk, 23

Throughout his life, animal rights activist and volunteer Kostiantyn Yuzviuk seemed to know exactly where he stood in his views and lived up to them, promoting veganism, fighting the violent treatment of animals, rescuing pets from the front, and volunteering to fight in the Ukrainian army.

His views made a difference beyond his lifetime after his unique personal funeral that he designed himself. Yuzviuks story touched many Ukrainians and made it an inspiration for others  exactly as he once advised:

Look for motivation within yourself, or become one for somebody else.

Kostia Yuzviuk during his service in Zaporizhzhia Oblast, Ukraine in Nov. 2023. (Personal Archive / Olha Yuzviuk)

Read also: Memorializing Ukraines fallen soldiers: One asked to be cremated so future fighters dont dig trenches in our bones

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Workers must keep all customer tips under new law

Workers should receive all tips from customers under a new law which bans firms from withholding the payments - whether in cash or by card.

More than three million people working in service industries in England, Scotland, and Wales should benefit from the law which comes into force on Tuesday.

If companies break the law and retain tips, staff will be able to bring claims to an employment tribunal.

It applies across industries, but is expected to benefit those working in restaurants, cafes, bars, pubs, hairdressers, or as taxi drivers the most.

Under the new law, all tips must be passed to employees by the end of the following month from when they were received.

'It gives people a level of protection'

Tom William works in property development, but he used to work for a chain restaurant which took 3% of the value all the food and drink that serving staff sold off their salary - regardless of whether or not customers had tipped.

"I'm delighted about the new law because it gives people on the lowest forms of income and shiftwork a level of protection," he says.

"There's such high turnover in these professions. What happened in my experience was that they said: 'If you don't hand over your 3%, then we won't employ you anymore.'"

Bryan Simpson, hospitality organiser for the union Unite, also welcomed the move.

"These are the lowest paid workers in the British economy and they are going to benefit massively from this, he told the BBC's Today programme.

Kate Nicholls, chief executive of trade body UK Hospitality, also said it would help staff, but warned about the impact on businesses.

"It's another example of costs being placed on a sector that can least afford it," she said.

'The tips are for their service'

Tom Howes and Dory Czicza both work at Fish'o'licious, a fish and chip restaurant and takeaway in Great Yarmouth.

She is a waitress and gets tips, but he does not.

Dory, 28, said: "The tips that we get on card, we take it straight out of the till and put it in the pot as cash."

Tom added: "I'm the fryer and I don't get the tips. I get paid a little extra. The tips are for their service - it's not for the business."

Emma Webb from The Kitchen in Ilminster, Somerset, said the new rules would not change anything for her business.

"We have jars with everybody's name on them and at the end of the day all the tips get shared out between all of the staff," she said.

"If customers give a tip through the card machine I get my staff to print off the receipt so I take the tips out of the till and put them in the jar."

How will the law work in practice?

Tom Moyes, partner at Blacks Solicitors, says the aim of the law is "transparency and fairness" around how tips are handed out.

Staff can now request a breakdown of how tips are being distributed every three months.

However, Mr Moyes said the question of "fairness" is not clear cut.

"Is there an argument that more senior people should be entitled to a greater level of tip or is the reverse true? There isn't any guidance on that," he said.

Meanwhile, the law has not been introduced in Northern Ireland, which Unite said was "completely unacceptable".

The Northern Ireland executive has been contacted for comment.

How much should you tip?

Opinions vary on how much customers should tip.

According to VisitLondon, the official tourist guide for the city, a 10-15% tip is customary when eating out in the capital or anywhere else in the UK.

It adds it is also typical to tip taxi drivers around 10% to 15% for black cabs and minicabs in London, but for taxis generally the expectation is that riders round up their payment to the nearest pound and allow the driver to keep that.

Tipping in bars and pubs is not expected.

However, Ms Nicholls does not believe there are hard and fast rules on tipping in the UK.

"Rather it is left in the hands of the customer to tip what they feel is acceptable," she says.

"This is unlike other countries, like the US, where a tip is typically expected to be added by the customer, regardless of service standard."
NEWPORT, Tenn. (WATE)  A semi-truck nearly 3/4 full with cases of water is now empty. It was the largest single donation we saw on Monday. However, many individual donors are making a big difference.

Dean Pressley and Missie Cantrell made the 45 minute drive from Sevierville to Newport to drop of cases and cases of bottled water.

Cocke County residents lean on each other as recovery efforts begin

We just love helping people out and stuff. I volunteered with Seymour Volunteer Fire Department for many years. Im not active now, but still want to do what I can to help our neighbors and everything, Dean Pressley said. We were watching the news today and the good lord told me and her that we need to do something to help.

Cantrell, Pressley, and his friend Mike Doyle were able to donate nearly 70 cases of bottled water. It took trips to multiple stores to get their donation ready.

Kroger, Food City, of course there was no limit on the water at that time and stuff, Pressley said. They were glad to help. While I was standing in line at Kroger, there was a lady, I think her name was Denise, and she asked what it was for, I said I was taking it to Newport. She said can I help you? She bought half of that buggy.

Cantrell said she is happy she can help those in need.

Overwhelming. I went through the wildfire in 2016 in Sevier County and its overwhelming, Cantrell said. Im glad to be able to help.

How to help Cocke County, East TN with donations after Helene

Both Cantrell and Pressley want the people of Cocke County to know, they are not alone.

Theyve got a lot of neighbors in other counties that are praying for them and doing everything that we can with our family and neighbors in our area to come out of our area and help others in need, Cantrell said. I think thats what the worlds all about.

 See more top stories on WATE.com

We are told this specific water distribution area will be open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. for residents to come pick up bottled and purified water. On Monday alone, thousands of bottles of water were handed out to those who are in need.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WATE 6 On Your Side.
6-year-old child among five killed in OBX crash; names released

MANTEO, N.C. (WAVY)  The National Park Service has released the names of the four adults killed in a single-engine airplane crash on the Outer Banks over the weekend. A 6-year-old child also died in the crash.

Previous Coverage: 5 people, including child, killed in OBX plane crash

Around 5 p.m. on Saturday, Sept 28, the airplane crashed into a wooded area at Wright Brothers National Memorials First Flight Airport.

Eyewitnesses reported that the airplane was attempting to land at the airport before it crashed and caught fire. The Kill Devil Hills Fire Department, along with other local fire departments, responded to the scene and extinguished the fire.

The following people were lost in the crash:

Shashwat Ajit Adhikari, 31, of Silver Spring, Maryland

Jason Ray Campbell, 43, of Southern Pines, North Carolina

Kate McAllister Neely, 39, of Southern Pines, North Carolina

Matthew Arthur Fassnacht, 44, of Marietta, Georgia

A 6-year-old child was also killed in the crash.

National Park Service employees at Wright Brothers National Memorial, Cape Hatteras National Seashore and Fort Raleigh National Historic Site (Outer Banks Group) extend their deepest condolences to the families, friends and loved ones affected by this tragedy, stated David Hallac, superintendent, Outer Banks Group.

Hallac also expressed his appreciation for all of the state and local agencies that responded to the crash.

The crash is being investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board, an independent federal agency charged with investigating civil aviation accidents in the United States.

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WAVY.com.
Dr Dewi Evans gave evidence at Lucy Letbys trial that a build-up of air in the stomach killed Baby C - Dimitris Legakis/Athena Pictures

A key medical witness in the Lucy Letby trial has said he has changed his mind about how one of the babies was killed.

Dr Dewi Evans said he had amended his opinion about the death of Baby C, who the prosecution claimed was murdered with an injection of air into his stomach.

Baby C was one of seven babies whom Letby was convicted of killing at the Countess of Chester Hospital in 2015.

During the trial, Dr Evans said he thought a bubble of air had caused the baby boys stomach to balloon, splintering his diaphragm and crushing his lungs so that he could no longer breathe.

He was initially suspicious about the death because an X-ray showed the baby had an unusual amount of air in his stomach, which could have been caused by the deliberate pumping of air into his feeding tube.

Lucy Letby has protested her innocence and wants the Criminal Cases Review Commission to reopen her case - Chester Standard/South West News Service

However a BBC File on 4 investigation  broadcast on Tuesday  found that Letby was not working at the hospital when the X-ray was taken.

Dr Evans told The Telegraph he no longer believed air injected into the stomach was the cause of the death.

The stomach bubble was not responsible for his death, he said. Probably destabilised him though. His demise occurred the following day, around midnight, and due to air in the bloodstream.

Letby was there. I amended my opinion after hearing the evidence from the local nurses and doctors. Baby C was always the most difficult from a clinical point of view. So I understand the confusion.

Dr Evans has not changed his view that Letby was responsible for the death of Baby C, only how she murdered the infant.

His comments come amid ongoing concern about how the evidence in the case against Letby was presented to the jury.

At Letbys trial, Nicholas Johnson KC, prosecuting, said that Baby C had been killed by air inserted into his stomach via the nasogastric tube, not into his bloodstream.

In an interview for File on 4, Dr Evans said the biggest concern was that the X-ray showed a huge great bubble in the stomach and far more gas than I would expect

However, it then emerged that the X-ray had been taken on June 12 2015, when Letby was not working, and had not been in the hospital for two days.

The neo-natal unit where the seven babies whom Lucy Letby was convicted of murdering were treated

Baby C collapsed and died two days later, when Letby was working on the night shift. The prosecution suggested that the baby had been killed by another injection of air into his stomach.

During the trial, Ben Myers KC, defending Letby, pointed out she had not been on shift when the X-ray was taken.

But in summing up, Mr Justice Goss did not remind the jury that Letby had not been present on that date. He said the radiologists evidence showed the babys stomach was full of gas, which could have been the result of deliberate administration of air.

Letby is intending to apply to the Criminal Cases Review Commission to have the case reopened.

A courtroom artists sketch shows Lucy Letby being examined by Ben Myers KC, her defence barrister - Elizabeth Cook/PA Wire

Speaking about the new suggestion that Baby C was actually killed by air in his bloodstream, Mark McDonald, her new barrister, said: Its remarkable that out of nowhere we have got this new hypothesis. This was never there beforehand, it just came out of thin blue air.

There is no evidence of anyone seeing it happen, no evidence from a diagnostic perspective and no evidence in relation to what line the air is supposed to have gone through.

We now have expert evidence to say in fact this baby was very poorly as the result of a bowel obstruction and needed specialist attention which it did not receive, and likely surgery to save its life, but this did not happen.

File on Four also asked five senior clinicians to review Baby Cs medical notes that were made available during the trial, and all thought the child should have been in a higher level unit.

Natural causes theory

Prof Colin Morely, a retired professor of neonatology from the University of Cambridge, told the BBC he believed Baby C had died from natural causes.

Letby was convicted of the murders of seven infants and the attempted murders of seven others and is serving 15 whole-life terms in prison.

However, since the verdicts many scientists, statisticians and clinicians have come forward to challenge the evidence that was presented to the jury.

James Phillips, a former government science adviser for Boris Johnson, who has criticised the trial, said: Pivotal evidence for one of the Lucy Letby murder convictions is deeply flawed, as she appears to have never met the baby at the time it was obtained.

She had never been on shift. This, quite obviously, calls into very serious question whether the conviction it underpins is safe.

Serious doubts have emerged about whether there was ever a crime at all.

The Telegraph has contacted the CPS for comment.

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Nebraska Task Force 1 conducted search operations in Florida over the weekend after Hurricane Helene's landfall and was in Macon, Georgia, awaiting reassignment as of Monday.

Battalion chiefs Mark Majors and Lloyd Mueller of Lincoln Fire and Rescue are division supervisors of the incident report team and were previously involved in the Florida assignment, Lincoln Fire and Rescue spokesperson MJ Lierman said.

They have been reassigned to assist with managing search operations in western North Carolina, where some of the worst flooding occurred.

As of Monday, Hurricane Helenes death toll was at least 130 people throughout six southeastern states.

Nebraska Task Force 1, which is made up of first responders and private residents from across the state, conducted search operations in Perry City, Florida, this weekend after being deployed ahead of Hurricane Helenes landfall last week.

The task force is prepared to respond to assignments ranging from medical support to urban searches to water rescues to hazardous material handling.

Top Journal Star photos for September 2024
(FOX40.COM)  A surviving ship from WWII that was used by both Allied and Axis forces in the Pacific and that was given a ceremonial burial at sea has finally been located after more than seven decades underwater.

Thirty miles off the coast of California, resting on the seafloor of the Cordell Bank National Marine Sanctuary, resides USS Stewart DD-224.

How a Sacramento airfield aided in the Doolittle Raid

An expedition group composed of government and private organizations discovered the long-lost WWII destroyer on Aug. 1 with the aid of underwater drones operated by Ocean Infinity.

The USS Stewart represents a unique opportunity to study a well-preserved example of early twentieth-century destroyer design, said Dr. James Delgado of SEARCH. Its story, from US Navy service to Japanese capture and back again, makes it a powerful symbol of the Pacific Wars complexity.

Current State of USS Stewart

Sonar scans from the drones found the Stewart remains mostly intact and that its hull remains mostly upright on the seafloor.

This level of preservation is exceptional for a vessel of its age and makes it potentially one of the best-preserved examples of a US Navy fourstacker destroyer known to exist, SEARCH wrote in a news release.

History of USS Stewart DD-224

Laid in 1919 and commissioned in Sept. 1920, the Stewart would miss WWI by nearly two years and be left to await a future conflict.

After serving in the Atlantic Fleet during its first two years of service, the Stewart was repositioned to the Asiatic Fleet on June 20, 1922, after traveling through the Mediterranean Sea to the Indian Ocean and onto the Phillippines.

For 23 years, the Stewart would not return to the United States as she patrolled the Chinese coast, Philippines and other US territorial interests at the time.

In November 1941, the Stewart was among several ships of the Asiatic Fleet that were pulled from China after the fleet received a war warning from Chief Naval Operations.

D-Day invasion: Sacramento natives historic contributions

On Feb. 14, 1942, the Stewart and its crew set out for their first major sea battle along the northern coast of Sumatra as they looked to engage advancing Japanese ships.

However, a Dutch ship that had run aground in the Stewarts path forced the ship to back up its engines. On Feb. 15, the Stewart survived several aerial bombardments from the Japanese.

On Feb. 19, the Stewart made direct contact with the Japanese fleet as the remainder of the Asiatic Fleet pushed for a night attack in what would be come to known as the Battle of Badung Strait.

The Stewart was blasted by Japanese destroyers, losing its boats and torpedo tubes and having an impacting shell tear open the ships seams, flooding its steering engine room.

Community remembers Lou Conter, last survivor of attack on USS Arizona in Pearl Harbor

The engine would remain running, allowing the Stewart to return to Surabaya on the morning of Feb. 20, 1942.

Arriving with severe damage and sustaining further damage in docking, detonation charges were exploded in the ship and a Japanese bomb struck the Stewart as its crew abandoned it on Feb. 22.

After taking the island and discovering the damaged destroyer in the drydock, Japanese forces refloated the ship, repaired it, and commissioned it in February 1943 as Patrol Boat No. 102.

The Stewart would serve with the Japanese Navy for the remainder of the war and serve as an odd sight to Allied pilots as they spotted the destroyer operating deep behind enemy lines.

The high-flying spy planes of Northern California

Following the Japanese surrender, the Stewart was found by American occupying forces laid up in Hiro Bay near Kure, Japan.

On Oct. 29, 1945, the Stewart was recommissioned DD-224 in Kure and was nicknamed RAMP-224 standing for Recovered Allied Military Personnel.

In March 1946, the Stewart arrived in San Francisco after being towed from Guam where its engines gave out.

In a ceremonial burial at sea, the Stewart was used as target practice on May 24, 1946 for Navy aircraft and vessels that fired rockets and machine guns at the decommissioned vessel for two hours.

It took twelve 40-mm and 17 three-inch shells from USS PC-799 to finally send the USS Stewart to the bottom of the Pacific.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to FOX40.
Chinese leader Xi Jinping reiterated his pledge to achieve reunification with Taiwan on the eve of Communist Chinas 75th birthday, as Beijing flexed its military might in the run-up to the national holiday.

At a state banquet celebrating the founding of the Peoples Republic on Monday, Xi used his address to underscore his resolve to achieve the complete reunification of the motherland.

Its an irreversible trend, a cause of righteousness and the common aspiration of the people. No one can stop the march of history, he told the thousands in attendance at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing, according to state-run news agency Xinhua.

Chinas ruling Communist Party claims Taiwan as its own, despite having never controlled it, and has vowed to reunify with the self-governing democracy, by force if necessary.

But many people on the island view themselves as distinctly Taiwanese and have no desire to be part of Communist China.

The two sides have been ruled by separate governments since 1949, after the end of the Chinese civil war. The communists took power in Beijing and founded the Peoples Republic of China on October 1, 1949, while the defeated nationalists fled to Taiwan, moving the seat of the Republic of China from the mainland to Taipei.

Successive Chinese leaders have vowed to one day take control of Taiwan, but Xi, Chinas most assertive leader in decades, has ramped up rhetoric and aggression against the democratic island  fueling tension across the strait and raising concerns for a military confrontation.

Taiwan is Chinas sacred territory. Blood is thicker than water, and people on both sides of the strait are connected by blood, Xi told the banquet attended by more than 3,000 people, including officials, retired party leaders and foreign dignitaries.

He also called for deeper economic and cultural exchanges across the Taiwan Strait and promotion of spiritual harmony of compatriots on both sides.

(We must) resolutely oppose Taiwan independence separatist activities, Xi said.

Beijing has labeled Taiwans President Lai Ching-te a dangerous separatist, and tensions have ratcheted up since Lais inauguration in May, during which he called on China to cease its intimidation of Taiwan.

Taiwan officials say Beijing has intensified military activities around the island in recent months, including drills in May that the Chinese military said were designed to test its ability to seize power over the island.

On Sunday, Taiwans Defense Ministry said it was on alert after detecting multiple waves of missile firing deep in inland China.

The missiles were fired by the Chinese Peoples Liberation Armys Rocket Force in the inland regions of Inner Mongolia, Gansu, Qinghai and Xinjiang, the ministry said in a statement, adding that Taiwans air defense forces have maintained a high level of vigilance and strengthened their alert.

It comes just days after China fired an intercontinental ballistic missile into the Pacific Ocean for the first time in 44 years, in a rare public test that analysts said was meant to send a message to the United States and its allies amid heightened regional tensions.

The issue of Taiwan has become a major point of contention between China and the US, which maintains close but informal relations with Taipei and is bound by law to supply the island with weapons to defend itself.

On Sunday, US President Joe Biden approved an additional $567 million in military support for Taiwan in the largest aid package America has granted the island. The funding will cover defense articles as well as military education and training, the White House said in a statement.

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NEW YORK (AP)  The 2024 class of the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation fellows includes more writers, artists and storytellers than in years past, though the so-called genius grants list also includes multiple scientists.

The interdisciplinary awards announced Tuesday come with a $800,000 grant over five years that the 22 recipients  including fiction writer Ling Ma, poet and writer Juan Felipe Herrera, cabaret performer Justin Vivian Bond and visual artist Ebony G. Patterson  may use however they want.

Nominees are considered over the course of years, recommended by their peers, vetted by the foundation and reviewed by an independent advisory board, whose membership changes over time. While each class is never an immediate response to any particular moment, sometimes themes do emerge, said Marlies Carruth, director of the MacArthur Fellows Program.

We have to see at least the variety and the strength and the number of nominations in the literary arts space as a response to the zeitgeist, the desire to tell stories and resurrect certain stories that have not been told, said Carruth.

It is not possible to apply for the award, and the foundation asks recommenders and peers not to tell the person nominated that they are under consideration.

Most of them understand the value of of the discretion, of the secrecy, Carruth said, speaking of the nominators. The confidentiality also allows them to be very honest, she said.

Because of this secrecy, it can be hard for the foundation to actually reach the recipients.

Jason Reynolds, the children and young adult writer and former National Ambassador for Young Peoples Literature, said he was grateful and overwhelmed when he finally did answer the call.

I had just gotten back from taking care of my mom at the hospital, he said. Theres like all this real life stuff happening, thats super intense and pressured and heavy. And theres a phone call that just keeps coming through.

Reynolds said he was still thinking about what the award will mean for his work, which includes the Track series as well as comic books and other genre crossing work that often reflect the experiences of Black children. On Oct. 8, his first love story, the young adult novel, Twenty-Four Seconds from Now... about a Black boys first sexual relationship, will publish.

Boys are never asked, its never even considered, that we have feelings around this moment feeling, right? Not just biological desires, he said.

The foundation looks for people who will be enabled by the award, meaning they have both a track record of work but also the potential to produce additional extraordinary work, Carruth said. They also are excited to support people who collaborate and invest outside of their specific discipline.

Nicola Dell, a computer and information scientist at Cornell Tech, wanted to credit her many collaborators, students and community groups that have worked with her to research how technology can be used to harass and abuse people and to develop tools to help survivors of such abuse.

It is teamwork, not just mine, she said, while also saying it was an incredible vote of confidence to receive the award. She co-founded the Clinic to End Tech Abuse, which consults with people who are stalked or harassed by intimate partners to help them both escape surveillance and to safely use technologies to apply for jobs and housing, for example.

Dell said she has tried to serve as a bridge between the social services, basically shelters, nonprofits, people who are very far away from big tech companies and the designers and teams and those tech companies that are responsible for these products and for controlling these products.

Astronomer Keivan G. Stassun, professor at Vanderbilt University, studies, among other things, the evolution of stars but he has also been a champion of recruiting and including diverse students in science. He said he had chosen to be at home when the announcement was made.

Stassun co-founded a joint program to recruit and prepare diverse students to get advanced degrees in science at Vanderbilt and Fisk University, a historically Black university. More recently, he founded a center to help neurodiverse people find jobs and help companies hire them. One of his children is autistic and he talked about being a parent looking to his child's future and his motivation to improve the lives of neurodiverse adults.

Science depends on access to the full human diversity of mind to to make the mysteries of the cosmos understandable and knowable and expressible in human terms, Stassun said. Its certainly true that in the day-to-day and the practicalities of doing the work of astrophysical discoveries on one hand and of building pipelines for human talent on the other, yeah, those two things in their operation require a different set of skills and an investment of time and care. But I really do see one very much in service of the other.

He expressed immense pride in the work of the students who graduate from the Fisk-Vanderbilt Masters-to-PhD Bridge Program, which he said is one of the leading producers of Black, Hispanic and Native American doctoral students in the physical sciences.

That's something, he said.

___

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HEBER, Utah (ABC4)  The Yellow Lake Fire  which broke out in the Heber-Kamas Ranger District over the weekend  has burned more than 2,000 acres and is still 0% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service.

Uinta-Wasatch-Cache National Forest posted a Monday afternoon update on social media, saying the Yellow Lake Fire was estimated at a size of 2,300 acres as of Sept. 30. Initial size estimations said the fire quickly grew from an estimated 150 acres to about 1,500 acres on Sunday.

PREVIOUS STORY: Yellow Lake Fire jumps to 1.5K acres, closes Highway 35

Officials said the area received some light rain overnight, but the fire continued to burn in heavy timber and standing dead and down trees.

Nearby areas have been closed for the safety of the public and the firefighters.

The closed area boundaries are Mill Hollow on the west side, Soapstone Basin area south of Highway 150, Iron Mine Mountain to the east and the West Fork of the Duchesne River on the south, the Forest Service said Monday.

Highway 35 was still closed to traffic as of Monday afternoon, and officials said it would likely remain closed for at least 48 hours. The road is expected to reopen after fire activity decreases and debris is cleared from the road.

Officials said 80 personnel have been assigned to the fire, with additional resources expected to arrive at the fire Monday night.

The Forest Service is taking all available actions to fully suppress the fire, using firefighting resources where safe and effective, officials said on Monday.

Officials have asked residents to not report any smoke they see in the area, as it was expected to be visible throughout the day.

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Yemen's Houthi rebels are looking to gain from continuing conflict in the Middle East

CAIRO (AP)  In the days since Israel intensified its campaign against Hezbollah in Lebanon, including the strike that killed the militant group's leader Hassan Nasrallah, Yemen's Iran-backed Houthi rebels have been quick to show they are an important player in the complex conflicts convulsing the Middle East.

In a brazen attack on Saturday, the Houthis fired a ballistic missile at Israel's main airport as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was arriving back from New York, where he had addressed the United Nations. On Monday, they threatened escalating military operations to target Israel after apparently shooting down a U.S. military drone flying over Yemen.

And on Tuesday, an explosive-loaded drone crashed into one ship in the Red Sea as a missile exploded against another, the British military and private security officials said, the latest in the Houthis' assaults on commercial shipping in the key waterway.

The salvo of Houthi attacks has again drawn attention to the Yemeni rebels and raised questions about their goals and strategies.

Who are the Houthis and why are they in this fight?

The rebels, armed by Iran, seized most of Yemens north and its capital, Sanaa, a decade ago, pushing the country's internationally recognized government into exile.

A Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's government entered the war in 2015 and the Houthis have since been fighting what has become a long-running but now largely stalemated civil war in Yemen.

However, when the Israel-Hamas war erupted in the Gaza Strip a year ago, the Houthis began targeting shipping throughout the Red Sea corridor  part of a campaign they say aims at pressuring Israel and the West over the war.

Analysts and observers say a widening conflict could boost the Houthis militarily and expand their already outsized role across the region  despite retaliatory strikes by Israel, the United States and the United Kingdom.

Ahmed Nagi, a senior Yemen analyst at the Crisis Group, says that before the war in Gaza, the Houthis were seen as an often-forgotten and less-prominent faction in an axis that includes Iran, Syria's government forces, Lebanon's Hezbollah, the Palestinian Hamas and other groups in the region.

That changed when the Houthis began hitting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden making their way to the Suez Canal, suddenly posing a much wider threat.

Over the past year, the Houthis have taken center stage, Nagi said.

What is the Houthis' link to the Palestinians?

After Hamas attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, killing 1,200 people and taking some 250 hostages, Israel responded with a blistering offensive on the Gaza Strip, a coastal enclave run by the Palestinian militant group.

Israels retaliatory invasion of Gaza has killed more than 41,000 Palestinians and wounded more than 95,000, according to Gazas Health Ministry, which does not differentiate between civilians and militants in its count but says that over half of those killed are women and children.

The toll the war has taken and the extent of Gaza's destruction have shocked the world.

Meanwhile, the Houthis see the Yemenis prevailing solidarity with Palestinians as a useful tool for recruiting new fighters and swelling their ranks, Nagi said

In June, the Houthis unveiled a new, solid-fuel missile in their arsenal that resembles aspects of one earlier one displayed by Iran, which Tehran described as flying at hypersonic speed.

The rebels fired their new Palestine missile  complete with a warhead painted like a Palestinian keffiyeh checkered scarf  at the southern port of Eilat in Israel, setting off air raid sirens but causing no damage or injuries.

What comes next?

The extent of the Houthis' actions was a surprise to some, mainly because of their limited resources and Yemen's own costly civil war.

Nagi described their strategy as one of gradual escalation towards Israel. As their prominence grows, the Houthis  who have for years relied on portable missile launchers and hit-and-run tactics  will likely be eager to get their hands on more advanced weapons, he added.

The Houthis initially targeted vessels claimed to be linked to Israel and later expanded their campaign to include all commercial shipping in the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. They used small boats, short-range missiles and drones to carry out those attacks.

Their campaign prompted a response by an international coalition, led by the U.S. and U.K., which in February launched strikes on sites associated with the Houthis deeply buried weapons storage facilities, missile systems and launchers, air defense systems and radars, U.S. defense officials said.

In July, an Iranian-made drone launched by the Houthis struck Tel Aviv, killing one person and wounding 10. Israel responded with a wave of airstrikes on Houthi-held areas of Yemen, including the port city of Hodeida.

The Houthis have since warned they could expand their campaign beyond Mideast waters, to target ships using the longer route around the Cape of Good Hope in South Africa, or those in the Mediterranean Sea heading to Israel.

According to Faozi al-Goidi, a fellow at the Middle East Council on Global Affairs, the rebels are not likely to be deterred anytime soon and could also target vessels further out in the Indian Ocean.

They may also seek to "partner with other militias to build an alliance that would threaten security in the region, al-Goidi said.

The New York-based Soufan Center, a think tank, said in a September report that the Houthis were increasing operational autonomy and diversifying their alliances away from Iran by cooperating with Russia, pointing to alleged plans for Russian weapons shipments to the Houthis that fell through.

What kind of support do the Houthis have in Yemen?

The Houthis remain in control of most of Yemen's north where they enjoy popular support despite a dire economic situation and a brutal crackdown on dissent that has included humanitarian workers.

Their fight against Israel is likely to play into that. Thousands of Houthi supporters come out to Sanaa streets to rally every Friday, demanding justice for Palestinians and denouncing Israel and the U.S.

Yemenis of all political backgrounds and ideologies support Palestinians and have a deep connection with them, said Yemeni political analyst Abdel-Bari Taher. That will help grow support for the Houthis, despite the rebels' "oppressive policies against Yemenis.

The Houthis may also seek to exploit their newfound stature following strikes against Israel in any potential negotiations with Saudi Arabia over a resolution to Yemen's civil war.

The have raised "their ceiling for negotiations, said al-Goido. No one will ignore them anymore.
In a recent speech, Donald Trump used the language of intelligence, or intellectual impairment, as a weapon against Kamala Harris. And he used similar language about vice presidential candidate Tim Walz in a TV appearance.

In a rally on Sept. 29, 2024, in Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin, Trump told supporters that Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Kamala was born that way. She was born that way. And if you think about it, only a mentally disabled person could have allowed this to happen to our country. He made similar comments at a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania, over the same weekend.

Disability rights advocates were quick to point out that Trumps language is what is called ableist, meaning that it assumes people with disabilities are somehow less valuable than those without.

In an attempt to fire back, Saturday Night Live Weekend Update host Colin Jost quipped that I cannot believe Trump admitted he lost the debate to a mentally disabled person, repeating the same ableist premise.

And on a Fox Nation program on Sept. 30, 2024 hosted by Kellyanne Conway, Trump called Walz a total moron.

While this is the most recent round of personal attacks focusing on a lack of intelligence, it is far from unusual. Demeaning language about intelligence is a bipartisan political campaign staple  and extends further into much of American history and contemporary culture.

The worth of a person

Donald Trump has repeatedly called Kamala Harris  and others  low IQ and recently referred to Jewish voters as fools were they to help elect Harris. Harold Myerson of The American Prospect refers to Trump as a blithering idiot, and political cartoons paint Trump as akin to a buffoon.

While people often stop to think about and discuss race or gender, comments about intelligence do not typically get much sustained attention. People either agree with Trump or laugh along with Jost, not thinking about what it means to be called low IQ, mentally impaired or an idiot.

For me, as a mother of a child with Down Syndrome, these comments remind me of the ways in which she is consistently categorized, compared with so-called normal children, and found lacking based on variations of IQ tests.

And as a mother and a disability studies scholar writing a book about cognitive disability, I know that intelligence has always been defined in different ways by different societies. You cannot take a number on an IQ test and use it to definitively categorize any person.

In the West, before the mid-19th century, there was no definitive distinction between the insane, the idiot and the imbecile. While many of these individuals were sent to asylums or, in the case of author Jane Austens brother, to live with another family, it was more common to keep them at home and integrate them into the larger community.

Much of this changed in the 1840s when Adolphe Quetelet, the Belgian mathematician, astronomer and statistician, sketched the body  complete with measurements  of the normal man. While he focused only on the physical body, the idea of the norm, reinforced by the rise of statistics as a discipline, grew more and more important when it came to intellectual function.

Once statistics took off and people started the process of norming, or coming up with what the average human should look and think like, statisticians and laypeople grew to rely heavily on the bell curve, a useful but inaccurate means of measuring all sorts of characteristics, chief among them being intelligence.

Forced sterilization, institutionalization

By the 1880s, intelligence, now a characteristic quantified by IQ testing, was used to prove the inferiority of anyone whose behaviors, ways of talking and even ways of thinking threatened the social order. That characterization was part of the theory of eugenics, in which people labeled inferior were discouraged  or actively prevented  from having children and, in some cases, from living at all.

As historian Douglas Baynton points out in his 2013 essay Disability and the Justification of Inequality in American History, many would-be immigrants were turned away by officials at Ellis Island if they had any mental abnormality whatever, be it a cognitive disability, a stutter or even depression.

The language becomes even more horrific when race is brought in. In the racial science of the early 1800s, both the idiot skull and the African skull resembled the orangutan more than they resembled Shakespeare or Napoleon. Africans and people considered idiots were seen to be animalistic and unreasonable, in need of protection by their wards or owners.

In the early 20th century, these same ideas about racial and cognitive inferiority resulted in forced sterilization of women with intellectual disabilities as well as women of color, many of whom were considered unfit to birth the next generation of American children.

In addition to sterilization, those considered to have low IQs or to be mentally disabled were placed into unhygienic institutions located in places far from populated urban centers. Unseen and unthought of, these people were kept at places such as the Willowbrook State Developmental Center on Staten Island in New York Bay, where they often had no clothing, no means of sanitation, and were subject to abuse.

Institutions still exist today where people with intellectual disabilities are housed. The U.S. does not have an educational system in which people like my daughter can learn every day with neurotypical kids  kids whose brains work in a way deemed normal.

A pamphlet extolling the benefit of selective sterilization published by the Human Betterment League of North Carolina in 1950. North Carolina State Documents Collection/State Library of North Carolina

Special education classrooms are disproportionately filled with students of color, most often diagnosed with behavioral disabilities. These students often end up in the school-to-prison pipeline. These classrooms show how something as simple as an IQ test  something as innocuous as a label  can end up sentencing the countrys children to lives of segregation and social oppression.

Not just Trumps words

Temperatures are running high during this presidential election. Yet Trumps words about Harris, while extraordinarily coarse and ugly for a presidential candidate, are often found among disparaging descriptions used by both sides. These phrases are part of a culture that uses measures of intelligence as a way to measure the worth of a human being.

Words are powerful: They can either, like the literature I teach, broaden perspectives of the world, or they can serve to reinforce limiting ideologies that perpetuate oppression.

Terms such as low IQ, idiot and mentally impaired have a traumatic history, one that many cognitively disabled, lower-class and minority people continue to live with today. I believe politicians and their constituents should understand the destructive history of these terms  and think twice before using words like these as an easy means to attack one another.

This story has been updated to include a comment by Donald Trump about Tim Walz.

This article is republished from The Conversation, a nonprofit, independent news organization bringing you facts and trustworthy analysis to help you make sense of our complex world. It was written by: Kathleen Beres Rogers, College of Charleston

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Kathleen Beres Rogers does not work for, consult, own shares in or receive funding from any company or organization that would benefit from this article, and has disclosed no relevant affiliations beyond their academic appointment.
ALBANY, N.Y. (NEWS10)New York is helping southern states that have been hit by Helene, especially North Carolina.

On Monday, 30 members of New York States Incident Management Team left for Asheville, North Carolina to help after Helene caused severe flooding and storm damage.

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Theyll help to bring together in a way that makes sense, any of the things that are going on whether thats search and rescue, or water missions, food missions, bridge inspections, all that. Theyre there to basically organize that for the community. They will provide relief for the local responders who are there or being in the outside resources if theyre short of that type of resource in the area, explained Matt Franklin, Director of the Office of Emergency Management.

This comes after New York State already deployed 16 swift water rescue personnel and two canines to North Carolina last Wednesday.

That team has been trained, very well trained, at our facility in Oriskany, and theyre prepared to handle anything that comes their way when water is not where its normally supposed to be, explained Franklin.

The New York Army National Guard deployed some of its members as well.

Our CH-47 Unit out of Rochester deployed 16 service members yesterday, said Lieutenant Colonel Jean Marie Kratzer, New York Army National Guard Public Affairs Officer.

They also sent down three of their Chinook Helicopters.

Our main mission there to move cargo and help administer and move people as needed, said Kratzer.

Both the New York National Guard and the state said their teams are well prepared and have been sent on missions to help other states in years past.

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Yorktown woman sentenced to over 5 years in prison after 2023 DUI crash kills VDOT worker

HAMPTON, Va. (WAVY)  A Yorktown woman was sentenced to five years and 15 days in prison on Tuesday after a vehicle crash last year killed a VDOT safety service patroller.

Portsmouth family mourns loss of VDOT safety service patroller

According to officials, on Oct. 8 around 1:17 a.m., 52-year-old Craig Boone pulled over on I-64 eastbound in Hampton at the Big Bethel overpass to assist a disabled vehicle.

While Boone was outside assisting, Alana F. Diomande, then 27, ran off the road, sideswiping the VDOT truck and hitting Boone, police said. Boone was killed on impact.

Widow of VDOT worker killed in October DUI crash reflects ahead of suspects court date

Police said Diomande had to be removed from the scene for blood withdrawal as she would not comply with officers. She was ultimately taken to Hampton City Jail, where she was charged with driving under the influence, involuntary manslaughter, obstruction and curse and abuse.

Court records revealed Diomande had a blood alcohol level of 0.133 percent  the legal limit in Virginia is 0.08 percent.

During the sentencing, the Commonwealths Attorney requested a sentence over the guideline due to how bad the incident was, but the defense argued for some leniency due to Diomandes military service.

A judge ultimately sentenced Diomande to an active 5 years and 15 days in prison, substance abuse counseling, a suspended license and a $1000 fine after stating she saw a lot of remorse.

Portsmouth woman speaks out about dangers of drunk driving after state trooper accident

Continue to check WAVY.com for updates.

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YOSEMITE, Calif. (KSEE/KGPE)  Yosemite National Park will host Irish Irish National Park for a special ceremony to formalize the parks relationship in October.

In the ceremony, officials say, a formal, sister park agreement will be signed between Wild Nephin National Park in Ireland and Yosemite National Park. The five-year agreement will provide the opportunity for both parks to collaborate on best practices and share ideas between the national parks.

In May 2024, officials say Yosemite NP Superintendent Cicely Muldoon and Yosemite Conservancy President and CEO Frank Dean traveled to Ireland to see the Wild Nephin National Park and conducted a similar ceremony.

The Twinning Ceremony, which will be held on Oct. 3 at 11 a.m. in Glacier Point, will formalize the relationship between the two iconic national parks.

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A 7-year-old nearly lost her leg after she went for 30 hours without realizing shed been bitten by a rattlesnake and doctors struggled to diagnose what was wrong with her, KNPX reported.

Allie Brasfield was jogging with her father at Arizonas Gilbert Regional Park on Sept. 16. Something occurred during the run which caused Allie to complain of pain in her leg, but it wasnt so severe that she couldnt complete the run. When the family returned home, Allies ankle was swollen and had begun to throb with pain.

It didnt hurt right away," Allie said. There was [sic] no puncture wounds. No one saw a snake, no one heard a rattle, her mother, Amber Brasfield, concurred.

When Allies ankle became discolored, appearing bruised, her parents took her to one emergency facility after another as doctors struggled to diagnose the snake bite. One hospital suggested Allie may have sprained her ankle. They said, 'Everything is fine, go home, Amber said.

But when they returned, Allies symptoms intensified. It was very shocking," Amber said. It was just something abnormal, like, you dont usually start throwing up from a sprained ankle.

Finally, at Phoenix Childrens Hospital, Allies father wondered aloud if she was suffering from a rattlesnake bite. Doctors ran a toxicology report and found that Allies blood contained snake venom. It was all that much scarier knowing what the reality was," Allies older sister, Kendra Nadler, told KNPX.

Thirty hours after she was bitten, Allie was rushed into surgery where she received emergency blood transfusions and 40 vials of antivenom. "We're very grateful, Phoenix Children's was amazing," Amber said.

However, she expressed some concern about the price of the antivenom, which is not covered by insurance. A single vial can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $17,000. "We are so grateful that they saved her life, that they gave her the antivenom, but its very overwhelming to think you might be leaving with a $400,000 bill, she admitted. The family has launched a GoFundMe to assist with medical costs.

Allie is currently at home recuperating, but she is still unable to extend her leg normally or put much weight on it. She has another surgery scheduled for next week, after which she will undergo physical therapy. You can do it, were going to get you back playing, Amber told her daughter.
Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, with attorney Brian Steel on July 30, 2024. - Credit: Miguel Martinez/Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP

Young Thugs long and troubled racketeering trial appeared on the verge of dramatic mistrial yet again Monday as an Atlanta-based judge accused a chief prosecutor of either purposefully misleading the court or causing chaos through apparent disorganization.

It is baffling to me that somebody with the number of years of experience that you have, time after time after time, continues to seemingly, purposefully hide the ball to the extent you possibly can for as long as you possibly can, Fulton County Judge Paige Reese Whitaker told Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love after one of Young Thugs lawyers demanded the mistrial based on the way a witness was handled. I really dont want to believe that it is purposeful, but honestly, after a certain number of times, you start to wonder how it could be anything but that  unless its just that you are so unorganized that you are throwing this case together as you try it.

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Whitaker got so heated that she called a recess to seemingly cool down and consider the mistrial motion in private. When she returned, she said the trial would continue, but she wasnt letting anything slide.

I think my frustration was apparent a few minutes ago, she said from the bench. I truly am struggling with whether all of this is purposeful, or this is just really poor lawyering on the part of members of the states team. Either way, its really unfortunate. If its something other than poor lawyering, its more than unfortunate. At this point were going to just move on [with testimony]. I dont know if I can stress any more than I already have how much the states lawyers need to make an effort to be upfront and forthright in the trial of this case.

The judge in the YSL case is finally FED UP



Judge Whitaker goes off on the state and storms out of the courtroom to consider the defenses mistrial motion pic.twitter.com/rb0Q7RMFVk  THUGGERDAILY  (@ThuggerDaily) September 30, 2024

Young Thug, born Jeffery Williams, has pleaded not guilty to the eight counts hes charged with in the gang and racketeering conspiracy indictment first announced in 2022. Prosecutors allege Williams was the head of a violent criminal street gang named Young Slime Life. Williams currently is on trial with five co-defendants in the case after more than 20 others charged in the indictment either took plea deals or had their cases severed.

Williams trial started with jury selection in January 2023 and had opening statements last November. Now the longest-running trial in Georgia history, it already has survived a prior judge getting recused from the case against his will, multiple allegations of prosecutorial misconduct lodged by defense lawyers, and highly contentious testimony from a key witness whose I dont recall reply became a popular meme.

When Judge Whitaker assumed the helm of the trial in July, she said her plan was to move forward efficiently and expeditiously after prior setbacks. On Monday, the judge said she found herself questioning whether Love was following her order. She said that when Williams defense objected to a document as hearsay, the court overruled the objection and allowed Love to show the document to a witness because Love promised it wouldnt be used to authenticate anything. The judge blasted Love for subsequently showing the document and asking the witness, Deputy District Attorney Michael Sprinkel, to connect a phone number on the document to another defendant in the case. Judge Whitaker said that appeared to be a violation of what Love promised the court.

For her part, Love said she didnt need the document to prove who owned the phone number. She told the court she was showing the document to help explain how Sprinkel ended up following certain leads.

More than 70 witnesses have testified so far in the high profile trial  prosecutors have said they intend to call more than 100 left on their list. After that, lawyers for each of the six defendants will have a chance to call their own witnesses. The trial is expected to last through the end of year, possibly into February or March, Judge Whitaker has said.

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Judge Paige Reese Whitaker has only presided over the lengthy Young Thug RICO trial for two months, and she has already seen enough. She lambasted Fulton Countys lead prosecutor for doing an inadequate job in court, specifically in handling the evidence.

I truly am struggling with whether all of this is purposeful or this is just really poor lawyering on the part of members of the states team, she said to Chief Deputy District Attorney Adriane Love in court on Monday (Sept. 30). Either way, its really unfortunate. If its something other than poor lawyering, then it is more than unfortunate.

The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reported that Whitaker was visibly frustrated while making these statements due to Love introducing hearsay evidence while questioning a witness. The jury had been excused from the courtroom because Thugs attorney Keith Adams attempted to motion for a mistrial. It is baffling to me that somebody with the number of years of experience that you have, time after time after time, continues to seemingly and purposefully hide the ball to the extent you possibly can, for as long as you possibly can, Whitaker added.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker wasnt done reprimanding Chief Deputy District Attorney. I really dont want to believe that it is purposeful but honestly, after a certain number of times, you start to wonder how can it be anything but that, unless it is just that you are so unorganized that you are throwing this case together as you try it, she said. Im sorry to say that but this case is being made much more difficult for everybody because of the haphazard way it is being presented.

Whitaker would later deny the motion for a mistrial, despite the fact Young Thugs attorney Brian Steel stated that the prosecutions mishandling of evidence was a consistent issue over the 22 months of this trial. Earlier in the day, she requested that Love be forthcoming with information that the court and defense should know instead of needing to be asked, to which Love replied, Your honor, the court does not have to beg me for anything.

Whitaker had expressed frustrations with the state and prosecution before Monday, understandably so. Young Thugs 22-month trial marks the longest in Georgias history and has been highlighted by multiple delays. The end isnt anywhere in sight either, as there are reportedly about 100 witnesses left to be called to the stand. At one point, Whitaker mandated that Love and other prosecutors undergo training to reiterate the importance of sharing evidence with defense attorneys, in addition to other professional obligations.

Young Thug has been in jail since May 2022 after being accused of founding and leading Young Slime Life, an alleged gang that participated in illicit behavior in Atlanta. Gunna and 26 other members of YSL were also arrested, though the former later took an Alford plea in December 2022 and has been free since. The entire collective faced RICO charges, among others.

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Zaporizhzhia nuclear plant 'on verge of blackout' after Russian attack on substation, Ukraine says

Russian forces attacked a substation connected to the occupied Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant (ZNPP), cutting off a power line to the facility, Ukraine's Energy Ministry said on Oct. 1.

The attack put the plant "on the verge" of a blackout again, the ministry said in a statement, adding work was underway to restore full power.

The Zaporizhzhia Nuclear Power Plant, the largest nuclear plant in Europe, has been under Russian occupation since March 2022. Throughout its occupation, the plant has been repeatedly disconnected from the Ukrainian power grid due to Russian attacks on the country's energy infrastructure.

"We demand to immediately implement the IAEA (International Atomic Energy Agency) resolution and return the occupied nuclear power plant under Ukraine's control. The safe operation of Zaporizhzhia NPP is possible only under Ukraine's control," Energy Minister Herman Halushchenko said.

The plant has already experienced eight complete blackouts, the state nuclear energy company Energoatom said.

Ukraine's National Resistance Center reported on Sept. 15 that Russian forces continued to use the territory of the occupied power plant to deploy military personnel and store ammunition and explosives and criticized the IAEA for supposedly ignoring the fact.

President Volodymyr Zelensky told the U.N. Security Council on Sept. 24 that Russia was preparing to target three Ukrainian nuclear power plants.

He did not specify which stations are under threat, but said Kyiv had evidence and "proof" of Russia's plans.

There are three operating nuclear power plants on the Ukrainian-held territory  Rivne and Khmelnytskyi NPPs in the country's west, and Pivdennoukrainsk NPP in the south. Russia's regular attacks put their safety in jeopardy by cutting off power to the units.

Read also: Recurring failures to launch Satan ICBM throw shadow on Putins nuclear saber-rattling

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President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has awarded the title of Hero of Ukraine to the fallen pilot Andrii "Juice" Pilshchykov on the Day of Defenders of Ukraine.

Source: a decree by Zelenskyy

Quote: "For personal courage and heroism showed in the defence of state sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine and selfless service to the Ukrainian people, I hereby decree that the title of Hero of Ukraine with the Gold Star Order be awarded to Major Andrii Pilshchykov (posthumously)."

Background:

On 26 August 2023, it became known that a well-known pilot, Andrii Pilshchykov, who went by the alias Juice, and two other pilots were killed in a collision between two Ukrainian aircraft on the evening of 25 August in Zhytomyr Oblast. The Vasylkiv-based Tactical Aviation Brigade reported that Viacheslav Minka and Serhii Prokazin were also killed in the crash.

The State Bureau of Investigation, which is leading the investigation, said that among the possibilities for the plane crash are technical malfunction of the aircraft, pilot error, and violations of flight management. The crash was caused by a collision between two aircraft during a turn.

The investigation has rejected the possibility of sabotage.

For reference:

Andrii "Juice" Pilshchykov (originally from Kharkiv) devoted eight years of his life to flying. Since the beginning of the full-scale war, he had logged more than 500 hours of flight time, including during combat missions in difficult conditions. He received a number of state and departmental awards.

He was a pilot in the 40th Tactical Aviation Brigade of Air Command Tsentr (Centre), whose collective image of pilots was nicknamed "The Ghost of Kyiv" for their courageous actions in defending the capital and Kyiv Oblast from Russian aircraft.

Pilshchykov was active in the Western media and lobbied for the provision of modern F-16 fighter jets to Ukraine.

Read also: Plane-spotting in the weeds, unwanted fame, and the Ghost of Kyiv made out of Lego. Andrii Pilshchykov's mother tells the story of her son's life

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On 1 October, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy held several meetings with Ukraines military leadership to discuss the needs of Ukrainian brigades, the current situation on the front line, and Russia's plans.

Source: Zelenskyys evening address on 1 October



Quote: "Today, I held meetings with the military leadership, including Commander [Oleksandr] Syrskyi and Chief of the General Staff, [Anatolii] Bargilevych. We discussed the needs of our brigades and the situation on the battlefield. We also reviewed aspects where our partners can realistically provide support in the near future.

There was a separate briefing from the Head of Defence Intelligence [Kyrylo] Budanov and Defence Minister [Rustem] Umierov regarding our intelligences assessment of the prospects for this year, Russias intentions, and the tasks the Kremlin has set for its military. We clearly see the main issues that require our response and how we will act."

Details: The president was also briefed by Prime Minister Denys Shmyhal on the state of affairs in the energy sector. The discussion focused on the state of the energy system, the construction of protective structures, and the import of electricity to Ukraine.

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Zelenskyy on Russian attack on Kherson: All this can be stopped

People who were killed in a Russian attack on Kherson. Photo: Zelenskyy on Facebook

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has expressed his condolences to the families of those who were killed in the Russian attack on Kherson on 1 October and called on the world to be more determined to stop Russia's daily terror.

Source: Zelenskyy on social media

Quote: "A Russian strike on Kherson, right in the city centre. As of now, six deaths have been confirmed. My deepest condolences to all the families and friends affected. Six people have been injured and are receiving the necessary assistance.

Daily Russian terror, daily attempts to destroy life  all of this can be stopped. We must achieve lasting peace for our state and our people. For this to happen, Ukrainian strength and the resolve of our partners must outweigh Putins desire to wreak terror."

Details: Zelenskyy stressed that pressure on Russia and aid to Ukraine must be constant and comprehensive.

He thanked all the partner nations who are helping to protect the lives of Ukrainians.

Background: On the morning of 1 October, Russian troops shelled a public transport stop and a market in the city of Kherson, killing six people and wounding six others.

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Zelenskyy thanks Stoltenberg and congratulates Rutte on becoming NATO Secretary General

President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has thanked Jens Stoltenberg for supporting Ukraine as NATO Secretary General and congratulated his successor, Mark Rutte, on taking up the post.

Source: Volodymyr Zelenskyy on Twitter on Wednesday, reports European Pravda

Details: Zelenskyy noted that he was grateful to Jens Stoltenberg for supporting Ukraine throughout his tenure as NATO Secretary General.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I deeply appreciate his personal efforts to unite the Allies in helping Ukraine prevail and strengthening the Ukrainian Armed Forces. Ukraines course toward NATO membership is irreversible, and we remain committed to that goal."

Volodymyr Zelenskyy congratulated Mark Rutte on assuming the post of NATO Secretary General.

Quote from Zelenskyy: "I wish him success in this new position and look forward to productive cooperation to strengthen Euro-Atlantic security and our partnership with the Alliance on Ukraine's path to full membership in NATO."

Background:

On Tuesday, Mark Rutte, former Dutch Prime Minister, officially succeeded Jens Stoltenberg as NATO Secretary General.

Rutte said that Ukraine would be at the top of his list of priorities as the new head of the Alliance.

Rutte promised that in his new post, he would seek to fulfil the Alliance's commitments to Ukraine, particularly the irreversibility of its path to NATO membership.

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Chester Zoo said they hoped the new woodland would provide a home for a variety of plants and animals [Chester Zoo]

A zoo has said it has helped create a new sanctuary for UK wildlife by planting nearly 19,000 trees in an unused field.

Chester Zoo has planted a new area of woodland across nine-hectares of a low-biodiversity silage field in Upton, Cheshire.

The attraction said it was their biggest habitat creation project to date and one of the largest tree planting projects to take place in the county in several years.

Jennifer Kelly, Chester Zoo's head of sustainability, said the new woodland would provide a "lasting legacy for future generations".

Woodland once covered large areas of Cheshire but has disappeared from much of the county, the zoo said [Chester Zoo ]

'Wildlife can move safely'

The initiative, which forms part of a wider wildlife corridor across the region, has seen a diverse mix of UK native broadleaf trees species, including oak, beech and hazel, planted to provide high biodiversity benefits and resilience to climate change.

It has been funded by the Department for the Environment, Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) through the Nature for Climate Fund, and delivered in partnership with the Mersey Forest.

Dr Simon Dowell, director of science and policy at the zoo, said the woodland, once established, would provide a "richer and more diverse habitat for a range of species".

He said it would help to bring in species including green woodpeckers, badgers, harvest mice and butterflies such as the speckled wood.

"Its location was carefully chosen to link two existing but much smaller woods, forming a continuous woodland which spans almost 13 hectares in total," he said.

"With hedgerows adjacent to the woodland edge, it'll enable wildlife to move through the landscape much more safely."

He added: "This really is an amazing woodland for the future."

The zoo's tree planting project contributed to Cheshire West and Chester's Nature Recovery Strategy, a plan to help wildlife thrive, improve the ecological network and target investment in nature in the region.

Tree planting is a key part of the UK government's plan to combat climate change and reach net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050, with a target to plant 30,000 hectares of new woodland every year by 2025.

Listen to the best of BBC Radio Merseyside on Sounds and follow BBC Merseyside on Facebook, X, and Instagram. You can also send story ideas to northwest.newsonline@bbc.co.uk and via Whatsapp to 0808 100 2230.

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Credit: Tom's Guide

October is the month when Apple Intelligence features go from beta to fully available. But not every one of the promised AI-powered capabilities will be available right away. Instead, Apple is going with a staggered release, putting out some features right away with the upcoming iOS 18.1 release and rolling out the rest in updates throughout the rest of this year and into 2025.

iOS 18.1 is currently in public beta, with Apple promising during last month's iPhone 16 launch that the full release with Apple Intelligence would land some time during October. Thanks to Bloomberg's Mark Gurman, we've got a better idea of when that release will be ready now that October's upon us, along with release windows for other highly anticipated features like Genmoji, Image Playground, and more.

As a reminder, Apple Intelligence is limited to select phones  the iPhone 16 models along with the iPhone 15 Pro and iPhone 15 Pro Max. Other iOS 18-compatible phones can download updates like iOS 18.1, though they won't be able to run any Apple Intelligence features. What's more, Apple Intelligence will also be made available through updates to iPadOS and macOS Sequoia released at the same time as Apple's iOS updates.

Rumored Apple Intelligence release dates

Apart from confirming the October launch of Apple Intelligence  or at least some parts of Apple Intelligence  Apple hasn't published a timeline for the rollout of AI to its hardware. Instead, most of what we know comes from Mark Gurman of Bloomberg, who reported on Apple's rollout plans in a PowerOn newsletter published at the end of September.

Gurman expects the full iOS 18.1 upgrade to exit its public beta and land on phones starting in mid-October.Don't get too excited though, as several notable features won't arrive until iOS 18.2 or later, according to Gurman, echoing a previous report about the Apple Intelligence rollout timeline.

iOS 18.2 should add ChatGPT integration and introduce Genmoji, which uses AI to generate emojis based on inputted text or based on someone from your Photos library. That update should also bring Image Playground, Apple's answer to Google's Pixel Studio that lets you use AI to create images of yourself and others.

Apple is currently working on getting iOS 18.2 "down to zero-bug status in early November," Gurman said. If history stands, that means a release window should be sometime in December. Another update could also come before the holidays with iOS 18.3, but it's expected to be a reality minor one, and it's unclear if any other Apple Intelligence features will be added with it, according to a recent MacRumors report.

As for Apple's planned overhaul to its Siri virtual assistant, which promises to give users better contextual and personalized responses, don't expect that to be available until March with iOS 18.4, Gurman added.

iOS 18.1 Apple Intelligence features

iOS 18.1 public beta in software update on an iPhone

You can already test out Apple's new suite of AI features by downloading the iOS 18.1 public beta on a compatible phone ahead of the likely mid-October release of the full update. Here's what you'll find when you upgrade to iOS 18.1.

Writing tools : Available in any app on your iPhone where you input text, writing tools powered by Apple Intelligence let you fine-tune what you've written or give you inspiration to get started. Included tools let you check spelling and grammar, get summaries of text and generate rewrite suggestions tied to a specific tone.

Photo features: You'll find a trio of improvements to the Photos app, starting with Clean Up, a tool that removes unwanted people and objects from your photos. A Memory Movie feature uses text prompts to create a slideshow from photos and videos in your library. And you can now search for old photos and videos using natural language.

Summaries: All iOS 18-capable phones benefit from a new audio record capability added to iOS 18 Notes, but you can get auto-generated summaries of those recordings on Apple Intelligence-ready phones. Similarly, in Apple Intelligence, you can now record phone calls, with transcripts and summaries of your recorded calls available for reference.

Siri: Big changes are coming to Siri over time, as the digital assistant will eventually be able to understand whatever's on your screen and take actions based on that. For now, the iOS 18.1 improvements to Siri are pretty significant in their own right, with Siri now appearing with a flash around the perimeter of your iPhone screen. Siri is smart enough to understand questions if you stop and correct yourself, and it can handle follow-up questions without you having to restate what you're asking about. Siri can also provide troubleshooting about Apple products in iOS 18.1.

Mail: A wider reorganization of Mail is coming in iOS 18, with the app splitting your inbox into ones that are dedicated to personal messages, receipts, deals and newsletters. That's coming later this year, but iOS 18.1 now shows summaries of messages in your inbox instead of the first few lines of the message. (Notifications in iOS 18.1 summarize the gist of the alert, too.) Other Mail improvements include priority messages, which float messages with calls to action to the top of your inbox, and smart replies for when your responding to email.

As a reminder, you'll need one of the best iPhones like the iPhone 15 Pro, iPhone 15 Pro Max, or any of the latest iPhone 16 series to enjoy Apple Intelligence once it does begin to rollout.

More from Tom's Guide
DirecTV is acquiring DISH through a $9.75 billion debt exchange transaction. This deal, pending approval, would create a monopoly in the satellite television industry. Ironically, it would also contribute to the FCC's 5G buildout goals by rescuing EchoStar, the current owner of DISH, from bankruptcy.

The agreement is dense but fairly straightforward. DirecTV will own EchoStar's television assets and liabilitiesaDISH, Sling TV, plus $9.75 billion in debt. Non-television assets, including Boost Mobile, will stay under EchoStar's auspice. It's worth noting that DirecTV is now just partially owned by AT&T, and it will be fully owned by a private equity firm called TPG in 2029.

DirecTV and DISH are the only satellite television providers in the United States. They aren't just proposing a merger; they're proposing a monopoly. And, importantly, this monopoly has been over two decades in the making. A $19 billion DirecTV-DISH merger was blocked by the FCC in 2002, and a similar proposal was under consideration as recently as 2020.

That said, the consequences of a satellite television monopoly may be negligible in 2024. DirecTV and DISH have struggled to navigate the streaming era and are losing millions of subscribers each year. Rural markets that lack internet access are still a safe haven for satellite TV, but this is set to change as the U.S. government pushes for nationwide 5G and satellite internet coverage. If the goals of the Internet for All initiative are met, every American will have access to high-speed internet by 2030, meaning that satellite television will lose its grasp on rural markets.

Ironically, the proposed merger actually contributes to Internet for All. EchoStar, the owner of DISH, was recently hand-picked to become the United States' fourth major mobile carrier (effectively filling the void left by Sprint). The company is bound by several federal obligations, including deadlines for coast-to-coast 5G buildout. However, DISH's debt has jeopardized EchoStar's 5G deployment. DirecTV's offer to take on DISH's debt could appeal to the federal government's long-term goals and alleviate anticompetitive concerns.

Regulators may see no reason to intercept DirecTV's acquisition of DISH. After all, the long-term effects of this deal appear to be mostly positive. Still, a monopoly is a monopoly. Satellite TV will retain its grasp on rural markets for at least five more years, and subscribers could experience increased prices or other negative effects if this deal comes to fruition. For its part, DirecTV claims that the merger "will benefit U.S. video consumers by creating a more robust competitive force in a video industry dominated by streaming services."

Source: DirecTV
1. Yes. They look better and require less maintenance. Most high-end housing areas have them.

2. Yes. Wood fences can weather and look unsightly, plus masonry walls help to block sound.

3. No. Residents should have a choice of what kind of barriers are put up near their homes.

4. No. Allowing a variety of materials will be better for aesthetics, and costs may be lower.

5. Unsure. Its hard to say. Masonry walls may be sturdier, but mandating them is problematic.

Vote

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Researchers achieve breakthrough in steel production that could transform the industry: 'For the implementation of a fossil-free process in a full-scale production'

An innovative Swedish smelting process that's nearly a decade in the making promises to take the air pollution out of steel production. And the concept has already been proved during a successful trial period, according to a story by Interesting Engineering.

"A couple of years ago, it was more or less seen as a crazy idea," Andreas Regnell, energy company Vattenfall's head of strategic development, said in a video clip about the innovation.

The article lists Vattenfall, steelmaker SSAB, and a mining firm as the developers. The technique, called HYBRIT, could help to reduce the estimated 7% of planet-warming pollution that is reported to come from global steel production if it were to be widely implemented.

The approach makes some changes to the centuries-old blast-furnace procedure used to purify iron ore for steel creation. With HYBRIT, the experts replace coal and natural gas in the hot furnaces with fossil-free hydrogen and iron-ore pellets that have been mined and processed without air pollution, according to another video clip, per SSAB.

Hydrogen is often made using fossil fuels. But HYBRIT uses electrolysis, which is a cleaner method. The World Economic Forum reports that this more planet-friendly technique splits hydrogen from water using renewably generated electricity. The main product is often called green hydrogen, the only type of hydrogen fuel supported by the Sierra Club.

It all adds up to a fascinating method that can make steel and harmless water vapor while cutting heat-trapping air pollution, according to SSAB. That dirty air is linked by scientists and medical experts to a growing list of environmental and health concerns.

In the video clips, the business leaders involved with the process said that cleaning up steelmaking has become part of the strategy.

"It's in the end about ensuring the survival of the companies while we ensure survival of the planet," Vattenfall industry decarbonization head Mikael Nordlander said.

Cleaner steel production techniques are being developed around the world. Bill Gates is involved with a project in Colorado that uses renewable energy, for example.

HYBRIT's developers are now pitching their technique to Swedish energy officials, touting that it could cut carbon dioxide production in the country by 10%. What's more, the iron is claimed to have "better properties" compared to the traditionally made kind, all per the IE report.

"The focus of HYBRIT's technical development has been to build up expertise  for the implementation of a fossil-free process in a full-scale production," HYBRIT Development General Manager Ulf Spolander said in the story.

While European steelmaking may seem like a far-off concern, you can play a role in the advocacy and success of these types of efforts. Staying educated about businesses that are using sustainable practices encourages development, especially when you support them with your buying power. Spotting when companies aren't being truthful about their promises is equally important, discouraging so-called greenwashing.

In Sweden, the HYBRIT team seems ready to move beyond the successful pilot phase with a demonstration plant. IE noted that developing the breakthrough at an industrial scale is the next step, with funding already secured from the European Union.

"The knowledge and experience we have developed during the project will now be focused on continuing the process development, primarily to support  industrialization projects," Spolander said in the story.

Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations improving our lives and shaping our future, and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
It was a messy Monday if you were a Verizon customer or wanted some PS5 gaming in the evening. First, Verizon mobile customers reported outages across the US on Monday. At around 9:30AM ET, hundreds of thousands of users flagged problems with their mobile service on Downdetector. Reports spiked at almost 105,000 at 11:20AM. Issues included the inability to send texts and a lack of cellular service outright. The issue centered on the East Coast and Midwest. The carrier hasnt elaborated on what caused the issue. The FCC said it was working to determine the cause and extent of these service disruptions.

Hours later, the PlayStation Network experienced serious issues, kicking people off their matches and crashing online games worldwide. (Yes, thats even bigger than the Midwest and East Coast.) Users couldnt sign in on the PS5, PS4, PS Vita and PS3 or perform account maintenance on the web either. Streaming functionality was also knocked offline. Services came back online in the early hours of October. Were also checking with Sony about the cause.

 Mat Smith

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The company needs to submit regular reports too.

TMA (Cruise)

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) fined Cruise, GMs self-driving vehicle division, $1.5 million. The penalty was imposed for omitting key details from an October 2023 accident when one of the companys autonomous vehicles struck and dragged a San Francisco pedestrian. Cruise is being fined for initially submitting incomplete reports, but its worse than that. Executives initially played a video of the accident during October 3 meetings with the San Francisco mayors office, NHTSA, DMV and other officials. However, the video stream was hampered by internet connectivity issues that concealed the part where the vehicle dragged the victim. Executives, who the report stated knew about the dragging, also failed to verbally mention that crucial detail.

The NHTSA wants Cruise to file a corrective action plan, along with others covering its total number of vehicles, miles traveled and whether they operated without a driver. It also has to summarize software updates that affect operations and more. Finally, Cruise will also have to meet with the NHTSA quarterly to discuss and review those reports.

Continue reading.

It claims Samsung's Auto Blocker makes it difficult to install its app store.

Epic loves a courtroom battle. Its next challenger is Samsung  and Google. (Yes, Epic already won an antitrust lawsuit against Google last December, which found Google held an illegal monopoly on app distribution and in-app billing services.) Epic Games is claiming Samsungs Auto Blocker feature is making it difficult for users to install the Epic Games Store on the latest Samsung devices. This is because Samsung now activates Auto Blocker, which only allows app installs from the Google Play Store and Samsung Galaxy Store, by default. To be honest, its pretty laborious to switch off. Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney even suggests Google and Samsung are working together, though he admits theres no concrete evidence for this claim.

Continue reading.
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VILLANOVA, Pa. (October 1, 2024)  Chenfeng Xiong, PhD, assistant professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering; Virginia Smith, PhD, associate professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering; and Peleg Kremer, PhD, associate professor of Geography and the Environment, with support from Bridget Wadzuk, PhD, professor of Civil and Environmental Engineering, have been awarded $750,000 of a $2 million research grant by the National Science Foundation (NSF) for a project designed to reduce the vulnerability of underserved communities to the social and environmental impacts of urban flooding events.

Flooding events in urban areas can place stress on transportation infrastructure, making public transportation inaccessible. Underserved communities living in urban areas often rely on transportation facilities such as buses, trains, bicycles and pedestrian paths, rendering them immobile when a flooding event occurs. Research conducted under this grant will focus on finding solutions to alleviate the transportation challenges underserved communities face during severe flooding.

Right now, more and more people are moving into urban environments, and oftentimes the highest flood risk areas are where the most vulnerable populations are located, said Dr. Smith. This is a consistent issue in urban hydrology, which is why were excited to be granted the resources to try to tackle it.

The study will be conducted using three research steps in flood-prone communities throughout the Philadelphia area. First, flood risk caused by a range of major storm events in these communities will be evaluated. Strategies will then be identified to reduce mobility barriers induced by urban flooding in the areas of study. The four-year grant will conclude with the construction and implementation of an interactive planning approach to address urban flood risk.

The Villanova researchers will work on the project in collaboration with principal investigator Alireza Ermagun, PhD, assistant professor of Geography and Geoinformation, and others at George Mason University.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.
The Church and Transformation course, taught by Kathryn Getek Soltis, STL, PhD , and Jaisy Joseph, PhD , from Theology and Religious Studies, focuses on the balance between tradition and change within the Churchs history. The course highlights the important role laypeople play in promoting change on critical issues like nonviolence, environmental justice and peacebuilding.

This pilgrimage offers students a unique opportunity to witness the Synod in action, allowing them to gain a deeper understanding of the Churchs evolving role in the modern world. The Synod on Synodality , launched by Pope Francis in 2021, is a global initiative aimed at fostering inclusiveness, dialogue and participation within the Church. The Villanova delegationcomprised of 16 undergraduate and two graduate students, along with two faculty memberswill attend during a significant moment of the Synodal process, which began in October 2021 and concludes with a gathering of bishops in October 2024.

VILLANOVA, Pa. (October 1, 2024)  This Fall Break, Villanova University students and faculty will travel to Rome for a special pilgrimage as part of The Church and Transformation , a course offered this semester by the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. The trip will coincide with the month-long General Assembly of the Synod of Bishops, where Villanovas cohort will join peers from 14 Catholic colleges across the U.S. to experience the global Synod on Communion, Participation and Mission.



Jaisy Joseph, PhD

This interdisciplinary course is one of the Colleges embedded travel courses, which provides an opportunity for students to spend a week abroad and gain a deeper and more immediate understanding of the subject matter they are learning in the classroom, said Adele Lindenmeyr, William and Julia Moulden Dean of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences. This course is a reflection of the Colleges commitment to helping students develop a global perspective, and I am grateful to the dedicated faculty who have worked collaboratively with University and regional colleagues to make this possible for our students.

While in Rome, Villanova students will engage with global thought leaders to explore the concept of "synodality"a model of shared leadership and participation within the Church. This hands-on experience will help students connect classroom discussions with real-world events, offering a front-row seat to history in the making.

Having our students participate firsthand in the Synod helps them deepen their connection with Villanovas Augustinian Catholic mission, said the Rev. Kevin M. DePrinzio, OSA, PhD, Vice President for Mission and Ministry. As St. Augustine teaches, When you go out, walk together, and when you arrive, stay together. This spirit of community is at the heart of the synodal journey, both physically and spiritually.

Villanovas involvement also highlights its support for the two U.S. college students who will be among the 363 voting delegates offering recommendations to Pope Francis. The group will explore how prioritizing youtha key theme of the Synodcan help answer the question posed to delegates: how can we become co-responsible for the mission of the Church?

During the pilgrimage, Villanovans will take part in teach-ins, communal prayers, participatory art, guided tours and attendance at Pope Francis General Audience. They will also meet with Synod delegates and Church leaders, thanks to partnerships with organizations such as the Association of Jesuit Colleges and Universities, the Union of Superior Generals, the Lay Center and the Community of Sant'Egidio.

About Villanova University: Since 1842, Villanova Universitys Augustinian Catholic intellectual tradition has been the cornerstone of an academic community in which students learn to think critically, act compassionately and succeed while serving others. There are more than 10,000 undergraduate, graduate and law students in the University's six collegesthe College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the Villanova School of Business, the College of Engineering, the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing, the College of Professional Studies and the Villanova University Charles Widger School of Law. Ranked among the nations top universities, Villanova supports its students intellectual growth and prepares them to become ethical leaders who create positive change everywhere life takes them. For more, visit www.villanova.edu.
Imagine a team loading thousands of tonnes of crushed rock onto a barge at a port in Brazil. Not just any rockphosphate and potash ore, two of the three most important nutrients in agriculture. The delivery of that fertilizer is on a clock; if the farmers it is headed to dont receive it at the right time in the growing cycle, that means lost crops. Lost food.

Now imagine part of that order gets canceled. But at the same time another order, from another part of the world, is increased. If the team loading that barge doesnt have that information, if they cant adjust the delivery and destination of that ore in real-time, you have waste. Serious waste. You have farmers turning fertilizer away (financial loss) and farmers not getting the fertilizer they need (food loss).

Now, multiply those challenges over thousands and thousands of shipping routes, mines, ports, and farmers across the globe, with 25 million tonnes of fertilizer in play.

Complicated, right?

For Mosaic, one of the worlds leading integrated producers of concentrated phosphate and potash, managing that complexity with the tools at handnamely, a hodgepodge of local bespoke systems, largely leveraging Excel-based technology, and no central coordinationhad become untenable. It was (past) time for a change. And not just any changea comprehensive digital transformation that would incorporate supply chain, finance, HR . . . the entire global organization.
Austrian van-sharing service 123 Transporter has been launched in Hungary, allowing users to rent vans via a mobile app.

The service, available around the clock, offers three van sizes and can be used across the country with no extra mileage charges.



Users aged 18 and over with a category B driving licence can book a van by downloading the app from Google Play or the Apple Store, and uploading their licence.



Currently, the service operates from seven OBI store car parks in and around Budapest, with a fleet of 20 Ford Custom and Transit vans.



An additional 15 vans will be added by October 2024.



Karoly Safar, head of strategy at the Hungarian partner company, aims to expand the service to provincial cities by early 2025.



He affirmed that, as a fully digital service, 123 Transporter offers 24-hour customer support and roadside assistance.



Founded in 2020 in Austria, 123 Transporter now operates more than 500 vehicles across Austria, Germany, and the Czech Republic.



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For the first time, a Hungarian university has been included in the newly published international MBA business program ranking for 2025 of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), one of the most renowned higher education rating organizations. Corvinus' full-time MBA program has won the 151st-200th place globally and the 50th place in Europe.

Corvinus University of Budapest has performed remarkably, competing for the first time in the QS MBA (Master of Business Administration) education ranking, which was published on September 25.



To be included in the Global MBA Rankings, the program must be taught mainly on-campus, be taught full-time and have an average class size of at least 15 students. All schools must be accredited by either AACSB, AMBA, EFMD, the university told the Budapest Business Journal.



In Hungary, only Corvinus full-time MBA program meets these criteria, and it reached the 150-200th place out of 340 programs in 58 countries on the global list. The European ranking includes 91 institutions, three from the Central and Eastern European region. Corvinus earned the best regional ranking here, shared with the Croatian Zagreb School of Economics and Management, which also means the 50th position in Europe.



The QS MBA ranking examines institutions in five dimensions: employability, ROI, entrepreneurship and alumni outcomes, thought leadership and class&faculty diversity.



Corvinus result in the international MBA ranking is a great confirmation that our university can increase its international weight year by year. We are particularly proud that in the employability dimension Corvinus full-time MBA program finished even higher, in 80th place in the global ranking, and that also performed above average in the diversity criterion, said Akos Varga, acting dean of Corvinus for Executive and Professional Training.



At the top of the global MBA list are American universities  Stanford Graduate School of Business, Penn (Wharton) and Harvard Business School. The best in Europe are the London Business School, HEC Paris and Cambridge (Judge)  they occupy fifth, sixth and seventh places respectively in the world rankings.



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The second solar eclipse of 2024 is set to occur on October 2, coinciding with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, an important day in the Hindu calendar. This celestial event will feature an annular solar eclipse, commonly known as the "ring of fire," where the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a bright ring around its edges. While this rare phenomenon won't be visible in India, it holds astrological and astronomical significance and will be observed in parts of South America, the Pacific Ocean, and other regions.

Overview of the Solar Eclipse 2024

The solar eclipse on October 2, 2024, will be an annular eclipse, occurring just 15 days after a lunar eclipse. During an annular eclipse, the Moon covers the center of the Sun, leaving a brilliant ring of light visible around its edges. This rare event will coincide with Sarva Pitru Amavasya, a day of great significance in Hindu traditions dedicated to honoring ancestors.

Astrological Significance and Sutak Kaal

In Hindu astrology, solar eclipses hold deep spiritual and astrological importance. Eclipses typically take place on Amavasya (New Moon day), and the period leading up to the eclipse, known as Sutak Kaal, is considered inauspicious. Sutak Kaal starts 12 hours before the eclipse and is a time when religious activities and rituals are generally paused. However, because this eclipse will occur at night in India, Sutak Kaal will not be observed.

Timing and Visibility of the Eclipse

Accoding to Drik Panchang, The eclipse will begin at 9:13 PM IST on October 2 and will last until 3:17 AM IST on October 3. Unfortunately, this spectacular event will not be visible in India due to its timing during the night. While India will miss the opportunity to witness this celestial event, regions such as Argentina, the Pacific Ocean, the Arctic, South America, Peru, and Fiji will experience the breathtaking "ring of fire."

What is an Annular Solar Eclipse?

An annular solar eclipse occurs when the Moon, positioned between the Earth and the Sun, does not completely cover the Sun's disk. The result is a bright ring of sunlight encircling the Moon, creating the iconic "ring of fire" effect. This phenomenon happens because the Moon is at its farthest point from Earth, appearing smaller in the sky compared to the Sun.

The solar eclipse on October 2, 2024, will be a remarkable astronomical event, but it will not be visible in India. As it falls during nighttime hours, the Sutak Kaal associated with solar eclipses will not be applicable. For those eager to witness this annular solar eclipse, South America and parts of the Pacific Ocean will provide the best viewing opportunities, showcasing the stunning "ring of fire" to those regions fortunate enough to experience it.
Mahalaya Amavasya, also referred to as Sarvapitri Amavasya, Pitru Amavasya, or Pitra Moksha Amavasya, is a highly significant day in the Hindu calendar dedicated to honoring and remembering one's ancestors. It marks the conclusion of Shradh or Pitru Paksha, a 16-day period during which Hindus perform rituals to pay tribute to their forefathers.

This sacred observance holds immense religious significance, as Mahalaya Amavasya offers the last opportunity to offer prayers and food to ancestors, symbolizing gratitude and reverence. In addition to its spiritual importance, the day also ushers in the festive season, particularly signifying the arrival of Durga Puja, one of Hinduism's most celebrated festivals.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Date and Timings

In 2024, Mahalaya Amavasya will be observed on Wednesday, October 2. According to Drik Panchang, the significant timings for the occasion are:

Amavasya Tithi Begins - 09:39 PM, October 1, 2024

Amavasya Tithi Ends - 12:18 AM, October 3, 2024

Qutup Muhurta - From 11:12 AM To 12:00 PM, October 2, 2024

Rauhin Muhurta - From 12:00 PM To 12:47 PM, October 2, 2024

Madhyahna Time - From 12:47 PM To 03:11 PM, October 2, 2024

Significance of Mahalaya Amavasya 2024

Mahalaya Amavasya holds great religious significance in Hinduism. Falling during Pitru Paksha, it is a day when deceased ancestors (Pitru) are believed to visit the earth. By offering prayers and performing rituals on this day, descendants seek blessings of happiness and well-being from their ancestors. This day also heralds the beginning of Durga Puja, a major festival in Hindu culture.

Mahalaya Amavasya 2024 Puja Rituals

On this day, families begin with an early bath and house cleaning. Male family members perform Tarpan to honor their ancestors, while women prepare sattvik dishes. Brahmins are invited to partake in a meal and are given clothes, shoes, and dakshina. Leftover food is offered to cows, dogs, and crows before the family eats. Charitable activities, such as feeding the poor and worshipping the Peepal tree, are also encouraged on Mahalaya Amavasya.

Mahalaya Amavasya marks the onset of the festive season, particularly heralding the arrival of Durga Puja.
The relation between India and Canada has been on a tumultuous road since last year, especially after PM Justin Trudeau accused New Delhi of getting Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar assassinated. However, after the diplomatic faceoff last year when India expelled Canadian diplomats, the two countries are working to improve their relations. As per reports, senior diplomats of the two countries held talks away from public glare to discuss crucial points.

According to a Hindustan Times report, the senior diplomats from the two countries have met twice in recent months to discuss various issues including the rise of pro-Khalistani elements and anti-India activities taking place in the North American country. During the talks, India reportedly raised the issue of threats faced by its diplomats in Canada.

According to the report, the killing of Khalistani activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June last year was discussed during these talks, but the dialogue primarily focused on advancing bilateral relations, including the resumption of working group meetings.

Weldon Epp, the assistant deputy minister at Global Affairs Canada and secretary (East) in the external affairs ministry, Jaideep Mazumdar met twice in recent months to discuss the ties. During the ties, Canada conveyed to India that while anti-India protests by Khalistani elements are 'lawful' as per the country's rules, the Canadian government doesn't approve of this and considers it 'awful'.

Earlier, Canada's intelligence agency chief David Vigneault paid two quiet visits to India in February and March to apprise Indian officials of the case relating to the killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Vigneault, the director of the Canadian Security Intelligence Service (CSIS), is learnt to have shared information that emerged during Ottawa's investigation into the killing.
The Bombay High Court on Tuesday refused to grant anticipatory bail to the chairman and secretary of a school in Badlapur, Maharashtra, in connection with the sexual assault of two minor girls by a now-deceased school attendant. Justice RN Laddha, presiding over the case, emphasized that there was sufficient evidence indicating the school officials were aware of the incident but failed to act promptly.

Accusations of Negligence

The case revolves around the sexual assault of two minor girls, aged four and five, inside the washroom of the school. The alleged assailant, Akshay Shinde, a male attendant, was arrested shortly after the incident. However, Shinde was later killed in a police encounter on September 23. According to a report by PTI, the court highlighted the failure of the school officials to report the crime, even though there were signs that they had knowledge of it before August 16.

The victims are minors, and the trauma they have endured is likely to leave lasting psychological scars. The applicants, who are responsible for managing the school, did not fulfill their duty to protect the children or report the crime, the court noted.

Delay in Reporting the Crime

The High Court sharply criticized the delay in filing the complaint, stating that it was primarily due to the negligence of the school authorities. Justice Laddha remarked, "There is a legal obligation to report such offenses once they are known. The delay in this case raises serious concerns about the reasons for not immediately alerting the authorities."

In addition, the court expressed concerns over missing CCTV footage from the school premises, suggesting that crucial evidence had not been preserved.
NEW DELHI: Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who along with his supporters was detained at Delhi's Singhu border while marching to Rajghat to pay tribute to Mahatma Gandhi, is leading a mission to safeguard the ecology of Ladakh. The activist and over 100 people from Ladakh were headed to the national capital to demand sixth schedule status for the union territory.

They were detained on Monday night by the Delhi Police at the city's Singhu border for violating prohibitory orders. Wangchuk and other volunteers were embarking on a foot march from Leh to Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership regarding their demands. One of their key demands is to include Ladakh in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity.

The 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution provides special protections and autonomy to certain tribal areas in India. It helps preserve their culture and manage their resources. After the abrogation of Article 370, J&K was bifurcated and Ladakh was given a separate UT status. Wangchuk has been demanding concrete steps be taken to safeguard the environment of the UT and Ladakh be granted statehood and brought under the 6th Schedule of the Constitution.

In support of his demand, the climate activist staged a five-day 'climate fast' at the Himalayan Institute of Alternative Ladakh (HIAL) campus in Leh from January 26-30. The protest ended with a public rally at Polo Ground in Leh on January 31. Hundreds of locals joined him. Wangchuk in his speech expressed unhappiness at the UT status and being governed by a Lt Governor. He said then, "We thought it would be better than being a part of Jammu and Kashmir, as we would have a legislature and decisions would be taken according to people's wishes. But we have not seen anything like that happen. Now, only one man is making all the decisions for us.

He did a 21-day fast in March in Leh, after surviving on water and salt, in support of his demands -- protection for the fragile ecology and the Indigenous culture of Ladakh Along with over 100 supporters on September 1, the Ramon Magsaysay award winner embarked on the foot march to Delhi in support of his demands. He says his march is to call attention towards the catastrophic effects of climate change in Ladakh and the greater Himalayan region.
A 23-year-old nursing graduate succumbed to excessive bleeding after suffering vaginal tears during sex, while her boyfriend futilely searched online for remedies instead of seeking medical help, NDTV reported. The incident occurred on September 23 at a hotel in Navsari district, where the couple had checked in. The woman's boyfriend, 26, has been arrested and charged. According to police reports, the woman began bleeding heavily during sex, sending the couple into a panic. However, instead of calling an ambulance or rushing her to a hospital, the boyfriend attempted to find online solutions.

"He tried using a cloth to stop the bleeding, but it didn't work," police officials said. "The woman fainted, and only then did he call a friend for help." The couple was eventually taken to a private hospital, which referred them to the Civil Hospital. Unfortunately, the woman was declared dead upon arrival. After the incident, the boyfriend informed the woman's parents by phone, but they arrived only to find that their daughter had already passed away.

The police subsequently sent the woman's body for a forensic examination at Surat Civil Hospital. Following the investigation, her boyfriend was arrested and a case was filed against him for his actions leading up to her death.
Israel shook the world with its unprecedented covert operation against Hezbollah last month when thousands of pagers exploded simultaneously inuring the militant group members. After that, a walkie-talkie explosion hit the terrorist organisation showing the deeper strategic counter-terrorism planning by Israel's intel agency Mossad. This has raised concern around the world that what if terrorists copy the same method to target the security forces. Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi responded to the query when asked by journalists during a media interaction.

"The pager that you're talking about, it's a Taiwan company being supplied to a Hungarian company. Hungarian company thereafter gave it to them. The shell company which had been created is something which is a masterstroke by the Israelis. And for that, it requires years and years of preparation. So it means they were prepared for it. The war does not start the way you start fighting. It starts the day you start planning. And this is what is most important," said the Army Chief.

He further said that India is being very watchful of its supply chain interruption. "Coming on to our side, supply chain interruption, and interception is something we have to be very watchful of. We have to have various levels of inspection whether it is at the technological level as well as manual level to make sure such things do not get repeated in our case," said Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi.

#WATCH | On Israel turned pagers into bombs and what India is doing to tackle such issues, Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "...The pager that you're talking about, it's a Taiwan company being supplied to a Hungarian company. Hungarian company thereafter giving it to pic.twitter.com/O7KzqA1cD1  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

The pager bomb episode came almost a year after the Palestinian terrorist organisation Hamas' terror attack on Israel on October 8 last year. During the attack, Hamas terrorists had deployed Parachutes and gliders as well to infiltrate into the Israeli territory. Taking a lesson from that, the Indian Army and other security agencies of the country studied the terrorists' attack plan to prepare a counter-terror strategy. With military warfare rapidly changing, the Indian Army is also innovating to keep up with modern technologies.
Doctors Cease Work Resumes: Junior doctors in West Bengal escalated their protest on Tuesday, launching an indefinite total cease work to demand urgent action from the state government. Their key concerns include the need for enhanced safety and security measures at all medical facilities across the state.

After an eight-hour meeting, junior doctors have announced their decision to escalate protests by presenting a set of 10 demands. These demands focus on enhancing hospital security, improving health infrastructure, and eliminating the culture of threats and politics within hospitals.

We are compelled to return to a full ceasework starting from today. Unless we receive clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike, the Junior Doctors Front of West Bengal's statement said.

The junior doctors had partially returned to work at government hospitals on September 21 after a 42-day protest. They had been on strike to protest the rape and murder of a woman doctor who was on duty at RG Kar Medical College and Hospital on August 9.

Aniket Mahato, one of the junior doctors leading the protest, expressed frustration over the state government's inaction. "We do not see any positive approach from the state government to fulfil our demands for safety and security. Today is the 52nd day (of the protest) and we are still being attacked," Mahato told PTI. He further noted that promises made during meetings with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee have not been upheld, leaving the doctors with "no option other than opting for full cease work, starting today."

Mahato warned that "unless we see clear action from the state government on these demands, this complete cease work will continue."

The junior doctors are allegeing that the West Bengal government has failed to respond to their demand of meeting with a state task force, reported ANI. They added that it is important to include representation from their team in decision making committees of hospitals.

"We have had discussions with the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary regarding our five demands. We reiterated our demands on Juty 26 and July 29, urging the Chief Secretary to quickly implement the government's written directives. In those emails, we also requested the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting with a state task force that adequately represents junior doctors. Unfortunately, the state government has not only failed to convene such a meeting but has also not responded to our letters," the doctors stated.
India-China Border Dispute: India's border tension with China is continuing despite dozens of rounds of military-level talks. While the political-level talks claim to have broken the initial deadlock, the security forces on the ground remain wary of China's tactics. The Indian Army is in operational readiness mode along the LAC ahead of the winter. While the Army continues to engage in talks with China's army PLA, Indian Army Chief General Upendra Dwivedi has said that India needs to be alert against grey zone battles.

"They are carrying out this artificial immigration, settlement. No problem, it's their country, they can do whatever they want. But what we see in the South China Sea. When we talk about the grey zone..." said the Army Chief.

The Army chief further added, "Do we call Doklam a war? Do we call Kargil a full-fledged war? Do we call Galwan a war? The answer is no. So all these are basically part of the grey zone battle. So we need to be prepared for it...This means that there should be common thinking at the entire level because a small tactical misaction will lead to a strategic ramification which can involve the entire country. So, keeping this in mind, we are preparing ourselves for grey zone battles."

#WATCH | On Grey-zone warfare, Indian Army chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi says, "...Do we call Doklam a war? Do we call Kargil a full-fledged war? Do we call Galwan a war? The answer is no. So all these are basically part of the grey zone battle. So we need to be prepared for it. And pic.twitter.com/dDgZWe1mK8  ANI (@ANI) October 1, 2024

Speaking at the Chanakya Defence Dialogue, Indian Army Chief Gen Upendra Dwivedi said that India needs to compete, confront and co-exist with China. "With China, you have to compete, cooperate, coexist, confront, and contest... So what's the situation today? It's stable, but it's not normal and it's sensitive. We want the situation to be restored back to what it was before April 2020, whether in terms of the ground occupation situation or the buffer zones which have been created or patroling which have been kind of planned as of now. So until that situation is restored, as far as we are concerned, the situation will remain sensitive and we are fully operationally prepared to face any kind of contingency," said the army chief, adding that the trust has become the biggest casualty.
Patna, Bihar  Poll strategist Prashant Kishor and chief of the Jan Suraaj campaign, is set to unveil his political party on October 2, providing a fresh alternative to the electorate of Bihar. The official launch will take place at a grand event at the veterinary college ground in Patna, where Kishor will reveal the party's name, its constitution, and introduce a 25-member leadership team, including the designated party president.

Kishor, known for his innovative approaches to election management, has made it clear that he will not assume any official position within the new party. Instead, he will continue to focus on his ongoing "Padyatra," a foot march that has garnered significant attention and is expected to conclude in Supaul before moving into Araria post-launch.

Sources indicate that the Jan Suraaj campaign anticipates a massive turnout, aiming for as many as 50 lakh supporters at the foundation event. This ambitious gathering underscores Kishor's commitment to challenging the entrenched political landscape in Bihar, which has been dominated for decades by figures like Lalu Prasad Yadav, Nitish Kumar, and the BJP.

Having roots in Rohtas district and belonging to the Brahmin community, Kishor is particularly vocal about moving beyond the traditional caste and religion-based politics that have characterized the state's political scene. Over the past two years, he has been meticulously building a political base, positioning himself as a formidable challenger to established political leaders.

Kishor's journey began with a 'Padyatra' from the Bhitirahwa Gandhi Ashram in West Champaran. Initially planning to cover 35,000 kilometers, he has since extended that goal to 45,000 kilometers and has now walked over 55,000 kilometers. His extensive outreach has primarily focused on North Bihar, where he has traversed through various districts, including West Champaran, East Champaran, Gopalganj, Siwan, Saran, Sheohar, Sitamarhi, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, Samastipur, Madhubani, Begusarai, Khagaria, and Supaul. After October 2, he plans to continue his journey into Araria.

Through this extensive grassroots engagement, Kishor aims to connect directly with the electorate, presenting his new political movement as a viable alternative to the established political powers in the region. As the launch date approaches, all eyes will be on Kishor and the Jan Suraaj campaign, marking a potential turning point in Bihar's political landscape.
The Supreme Court said today that public safety takes precedence, and any religious structure encroaching on roads, water bodies, or rail tracks must be demolished. A bench comprising Justices BR Gavai and KV Viswanathan stressed that India's secular fabric demands equal treatment for all citizens, regardless of religion. The court's directions on bulldozer action and anti-encroachment drives will apply universally.

In a landmark ruling today, the Supreme Court of India emphasized that public safety is paramount and ordered the removal of any religious structures encroaching on roads, water bodies, or railway tracks. The bench, comprising Justice B.R. Gavai and Justice K.V. Viswanathan, reinforced that India's secular framework requires that actions against illegal structures apply equally to all citizens, regardless of religion.

The court was hearing petitions challenging the recent trend of "bulldozer justice," which has seen state authorities demolish properties of individuals accused of crimes. Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, representing the states of Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, and Madhya Pradesh, clarified that being accused of a crimeregardless of its severitycannot justify bulldozer actions against individuals. "No, absolutely not, even for heinous crimes like rape or terrorism," Mehta stated, stressing that proper notice must be issued before any demolition.

Justice Gavai noted that municipal and panchayat laws must be adhered to and suggested implementing an online portal to ensure transparency. "There should also be an online portal so people are aware; once you digitize it, there is a record," he remarked.

Mehta raised concerns about the court potentially targeting specific communities, but the bench firmly rejected this notion. "We are a secular country, and our directions will be for all, irrespective of religion or community," Gavai affirmed. He further stated, "If there is any religious structure in the middle of the roadbe it a gurudwara, dargah, or templeit cannot obstruct public space."

The court emphasized that laws regarding unauthorized construction must apply uniformly, irrespective of religious beliefs. Senior Advocate Vrinda Grover, representing the UN Rapporteur, argued about housing availability, which prompted Mehta to object, asserting that India's constitutional courts are adequately equipped to handle such matters without external influence.

In response to concerns about the use of bulldozer actions as a crime-fighting measure, Senior Advocate C.U. Singh emphasized that these should not serve as a punitive measure. Mehta added that instances of bulldozer actions specifically targeting minorities would be "far and few between." However, the bench highlighted the scale of the issue, citing a figure of approximately 4.45 lakh demolitions.
Mumbai: A court in Maharashtra's Nashik district has summoned Congress MP Rahul Gandhi in a defamation case filed against him for his alleged objectionable remarks against Hindutva ideologue Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.

Additional Chief Judicial Magistrate, Nashik, Deepali Parimal Kaduskar, issued a process (summons/notice) to Gandhi on September 27, noting that the "statement made against a patriotic person prima-facie seems to be defamatory."

Gandhi will have to appear either personally or through his legal representative on the next date of the case, which is yet to be decided.

The complainant, who is the director of an NGO, claimed he watched a press conference addressed by Gandhi in Hingoli and also a speech made by the Congress leader in November 2022.

He alleged that Gandhi, on the two occasions, by his words and visual representations knowingly harmed the reputation of Veer Savarkar and also tried to defame the latter's image in the society.

"The speech of the accused along with press statements try to ruin the reputation of the complainant's idol Swatantryaveer Savarkar and his contribution to the society along with his noble work in the pre-independence period," he said.

According to the complainant, Gandhi said "Savarkar is BJP and RSS jin" which was defamatory in nature.

Gandhi further made the allegations that "with a folding hand Savarkar prayed for release and later on promised to work for the British government", the complainant said.

The court, after considering all the submissions made before it, said, "Considering the record, it appears that the statements made by the accused against a patriotic person prima-facie seem to be defamatory."

There are sufficient grounds to proceed in the case, the magistrate added.

The court then issued the process against Gandhi for offences under Indian Penal Code sections 499 (defamation) and 504 (intentional insult).
Gurmeet Ram Rahim Singh, the leader of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect, is set to be released from jail once again, just ahead of the upcoming Haryana assembly elections scheduled for October 5. The Election Commission of India approved his parole request, marking the 15th temporary release for the controversial figure since his conviction in 2017.

This pattern of granting parole and furloughs near election periods has drawn widespread attention due to Ram Rahim's significant influence in both Haryana and Punjab.

Since his conviction for the rape of two female followers in 2017, Ram Rahim has been released from jail on multiple occasions. His latest release will make it the 15th time he has been temporarily out of prison in the past four years.

Prior to this, the Dera chief was granted a 21-day furlough on August 13, 2024, and returned to Sunaria Jail on September 2. Since 2020 alone, he has been released 14 times for a total of 259 days, with many of these furloughs and paroles coinciding with election periods.

Pattern of Releases Near Elections

A noticeable trend has emerged around the timing of Ram Rahim's paroles. His previous temporary releases often occurred just before important electoral events. In January 2024, he was granted parole before the Lok Sabha elections, continuing a pattern observed over the years.

In 2022, he was released on a 21-day furlough ahead of the Punjab Assembly elections and again on June 17, 2022, shortly before the Haryana municipal elections. This consistency in timing has raised questions about the possible influence of his temporary releases on elections, given his large follower base.

Restrictions During Parole

Although Ram Rahim will be released on parole, certain conditions will apply. He will not be allowed to enter Haryana or engage in any election-related activities. This includes a restriction on participating in campaigns or influencing voters, whether in person or through digital platforms like social media.

Despite these limitations, the timing of his parole ahead of the Haryana Assembly elections has once again sparked debate.

Background of Conviction

In 2017, Ram Rahim was convicted and sentenced to 20 years in prison for the rape of two of his female followers, a case that attracted national attention. While serving his sentence, he and four others faced additional charges related to the 2002 murder of Ranjit Singh, a former manager of the Dera Sacha Sauda sect. However, in May 2024, the court acquitted them of these charges, adding another layer of complexity to his controversial legal journey.

With his latest parole expected to be formalized soon, Ram Rahim's temporary freedom continues to raise questions about the intersection of legal processes and electoral politics.
Ladakh-Sonam Wangchuk Protest: The detention of researcher-climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and around 120 other people from Ladakh, marching towards the national capital, has sparked a sharp political backlash from the opposition parties who came hard upon the BJP government. Sonam Wangchuk and over 100 people from Ladakh were carrying out a foot march to the national capital demanding Sixth Schedule status for the Union Territory. They were detained by the Delhi Police at the national capital's border.

The padyatra was organized by the Leh Apex Body, which, alongside the Kargil Democratic Alliance, has been leading a four-year-long agitation demanding statehood for Ladakh, its inclusion in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, an expedited recruitment process with the establishment of a public service commission for Ladakh, and separate Lok Sabha seats for the Leh and Kargil districts.

Congress, AAP React

Reacting to their detention, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi said, "The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable. Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future? Modi ji, like with the farmers, this Chakravyuh will be broken, and so will your arrogance. You will have to listen to Ladakhs voice."

The detention of Sonam Wangchuk ji and hundreds of Ladakhis peacefully marching for environmental and constitutional rights is unacceptable.



Why are elderly citizens being detained at Delhis border for standing up for Ladakhs future?



Modi ji, like with the farmers, this  Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) September 30, 2024

Delhi Chief Minister Atishi termed the detention as 'dictatorship'. "Sonam Wangchuk and our 150 Ladakhi brothers and sisters were coming to Delhi peacefully. The police have stopped them. They have been imprisoned in Bawana police station since last night. Is it wrong for Ladakh to demand democratic rights? Is it wrong for Satyagrahis to go to Gandhi Samadhi on 2 October? Stopping Sonam Wangchuk ji is a dictatorship. I will go to Bawana police station to meet him today at 1 pm," said Atishi.

    150  -                     



       ?  2         ?



     https://t.co/Nr9LVoiM7a  Atishi (@AtishiAAP) October 1, 2024

Former Uttar Pradesh CM and Samajwadi Party chief Akhilesh Yadav said, "Those who are afraid of peace are scared from within. The BJP government cannot achieve anything by obstructing the peaceful Delhi visit of environmentalist and Ladakh well-wisher Sonam Wangchuk ji. If the Centre does not listen to the voice of the border, it will be called its political deafness."

Sonam Wangchuk's Claim

In a social media post shortly before being detained, Wangchuk shared visuals from the Delhi border, where their buses were stopped by Delhi Police. "As we are approaching Delhi, it appears we are not being escorted, we are being detained," Wangchuk said.

I AM BEING DETAINED...

along with 150 padyatris

at Delhi Border, by a police force of 100s some say 1,000.

Many elderly men & women in their 80s and few dozen Army veterans...

Our fate is unknown.

We were on a most peaceful march to Bapus Samadhi... in the largest democracy pic.twitter.com/iPZOJE5uuM  Sonam Wangchuk (@Wangchuk66) September 30, 2024

He claimed that around 1,000 police personnel had been deployed at the Delhi border and they were informed that heavy deployment of security forces was made at the Ladakh Bhawan in Delhi, and in areas where students from the Union Territory resided.
Isha Foundations founder and spiritual leader Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev faced flak by Madras High Court during a recent proceeding. The HC questioned the double standards on why he's urging women to shave their heads, renounce worldly pleasures, and live like ascetics, while his own daughters seem to have opted for a more traditional route of marriage.

A bench of justices SM Subramaniam and V Sivagnanam was reportedly hearing a plea by a retired professor alleging that his two daughters who were well-educated had been brainwashed into permanently joining and staying at the Isha Yoga Centre.

S. Kamaraj, a former professor at Tamil Nadu Agricultural University in Coimbatore, has filed a petition requesting the court to summon his daughters for an in-person appearance.

We want to know why a person who had given his daughter in marriage and made her settle well in life is encouraging the daughters of others to tonsure their heads and live the life of a hermitess. That is the doubt, Bar and Bench quoted the judges oral statement.

According to reports, both women, aged 42 and 39, appeared before the court on Monday, affirming that they are staying at the Isha Foundation of their own free will and are not being held against their wishes. This mirrors previous testimonies the women provided in the ongoing decade-old case, which stems from claims made by their parents, alleging that their lives had been turned into hell since the women abandoned them.

Ordering a deeper probe in the matter, the court asked the cops to compile a list of all cases linked to the Isha Foundation.

Meanwhile the Isha Foundation has issued a stetement asserting that women voluntarily choose to stay. "We believe that adult individuals have the freedom and wisdom to choose their paths. We do not impose marriage or monkhood, as these are personal choices. The Isha Yoga Centre accommodates thousands who are not monks, alongside a few who have embraced Brahmacharya or monkhood," the statement read.

It also stated that it has only one ongoing police case, while another has been stayed by the court.
Sai Baba Idols Controversy: In Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh, the removal of Sai Baba statues from two major templesBada Ganesh Temple and Purushottam Templehas sparked controversy. Hindu nationalist groups opposed the presence of Sai idols, arguing they don't belong in temples dedicated to Hindu deities. Facing pressure, the temple management agreed to the removal, igniting debates about religious practices and Sai's place in Hindu worship. However, the controversy surrounding Sai Baba idols isn't new.

What is Happening in Varanasi

The Sai Baba statue at the Bada Ganesh Temple in Varanasi has been removed as part of a campaign by the Sanatan Rakshak Dal. Members of the group removed the statue on Sunday night, claiming that the worship of Sai Baba is inappropriate in a city sacred to Sanatan Dharma.

Ajay Sharma, president of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal, stated that there are no reasons for Sai Baba's presence in the temples of Kashi.

On Monday, various members of the Sanatan Rakshak Dal assembled at the Bada Ganesh Temple in Lohatia, a historic site that attracts thousands of devotees daily. During the gathering, the group wrapped a five-foot Sai statue in cloth and removed it from the temple complex, placing it outside the premises.

Supreme Court On Sai Idol Placement

In 2014, the Supreme Court declined to intervene in a dispute stemming from comments made by the Shankaracharya of Dwarkapeeth about worshiping Sai Baba. This controversy had resulted in derogatory remarks about the saint and the removal of his idol from several temples. As per reports, the court was hearing a petition from the Saidham Charitable Trust, which oversees various temples in Maharashtra, including the Sai Baba temple.

This year in June, the Madras High Court issued a notice to the Tamil Nadu Hindu Religious and Charitable Endowments (HR&CE) Department regarding a petition seeking the removal of Sai Baba idols from government-run Hindu temples. The petition, filed by Coimbatore resident D. Suresh Babu, argued that a past court ruling supports the idea that Sai Baba's followers come from various faiths, not just Hinduism.
A provocative suggestion by a BJP leader in Indore, Madhya Pradesh, has sparked a heated debate across the country. BJP's district president, Chintu Verma, has advocated serving cow urine (gomutra) at Garba events to ensure only Hindus participate. Verma claims this measure would prevent non-Hindus from attending Garba celebrations. However, his statement has drawn sharp criticism from various quarters. "We will protect our Hindu traditions, and those who are Hindus will not hesitate to drink gomutra," Verma said.

In today's DNA news show, Zee News analysed if are Hindus to willing to drink cow urine before participating in Garba? and how effective will it be to stop hooliganism.

Reactions ranged from skepticism to outrage, with some questioning the practicality and morality of using cow urine as a litmus test for Hindu identity. The opposition Congress party has condemned Verma's statement, labeling it an attempt to polarize communities. To validate Verma's claim, a BJP spokesperson went as far as consuming cow urine publicly.

Chintu Verma argues that requiring cow urine consumption will prevent non-Hindus from participating. If you are a Hindu, drinking cow urine is not a question, he stated confidently. In light of his remarks, we asked several Hindus if they would be willing to drink cow urine before entering a Garba venue.

This proposal comes in response to various incidents over the years, where disturbances during Garba celebrations have been reported. From unruly behavior to stone-pelting incidents, organizers are seeking ways to ensure safety and maintain the sanctity of the events.

As we reflect on this proposal, consider how you would feel if your local Garba event required you to drink cow urine for entry. We posed this question to individuals from various cities, seeking their opinions on the matter.
There are many different types of fermented foods in India's vast and varied culinary landscape, each with its own distinct flavors, textures, and health advantages. Indian cuisine has traditionally used fermentation to preserve food while improving its flavor and nutritional content. Ten fermented dishes from various states that you really must try are listed below.

Idli (Tamil Nadu)

Idli is a traditional South Indian morning dish made from fermented rice and black gram (urad dal) batter that is cooked into soft cakes. It comes with chutney and sambar and is healthy and light.

Dhokla (Gujarat)

A light and flavorful snack, dhokla is formed with a batter of fermented chickpea flour. It's steamed, topped with coriander and mustard seeds, and eaten with green chutney.

Kanji (Punjab)

Kanji is a tart, fermented beverage made with mustard seeds, black carrots, and water that is high in probiotics. It helps with digestion and strengthens immunity, making it popular in North India in the winter.

Gundruk (Sikkim)

Gundruk is a traditional fermented leafy green vegetable that is often eaten in Nepal and Sikkim. It adds zest and probiotics to soups and dishes and is eaten as a side.

Pakhala Bhata (Odisha)

A rice dish known as pakhala is fermented and steeped in water. It is typically eaten with veggies or curd. This cold, revitalizing dish is particularly well-liked in the summer.

Chhurpi (Sikkim)

In the Himalayan areas, chhurpia fermented dairy delicacy derived from yak milkis a popular food. It is a chewy food that tastes good in soups or as a snack.

Bamboo Shoot (Assam)

In Assam, fermented bamboo shoots are a delicacy called khorisa. Use it to give foods a unique tangy flavor in curries, pickles, and chutneys.

Appam (Kerala)

A fermented rice pancake with crispy edges and a mushy middle is called an appam. Keralans love it for breakfast, especially when it's served with coconut milk or vegetable stew.

Chole Bhature (Punjab)

Consisting with fermented dough consisting of yogurt and maida (refined flour), this bread is airy and deep-fried. Chole (chickpea curry) and bhatura are frequently served together as a traditional Punjabi dish.

These ten fermented dishes from various Indian regions highlight the gastronomic diversity of the nation while providing health advantages through natural fermentation. They range from savory nibbles to cool drinks.
Road Network In Chhattisgarh: The Union government on Monday approved Rs 11,000 crore to strengthen road connectivity in Chhattisgarh, a state government official said. The nod was received from Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari during a review meeting with Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai in New Delhi, a state government release stated.

The approved fund will be spent to develop four major national highways which will transform the state's transport landscape and promote industrial growth, it said. Gadkari also approved the preparation of DPRs for other projects.

The Union minister reviewed the progress of the ongoing national highway projects in Chhattisgarh and emphasised the need to remove hindrances that are delaying these works, the government said.

Gadkari directed the Forest department to expedite clearances and resolve pending issues, urging for the timely completion of all ongoing and proposed projects, the release said.

The four projects discussed in the meeting include Urga-Katghora bypass (NH-149B), Basna to Sarangarh (Manikpur) feeder route, Sarangarh to Raigarh feeder route, and Raipur-Lakhanadon economic corridor.

The total length of these projects is 236.1 km for which the union minister has approved Rs 9,208 crores. Eight projects of Rs 908 crore have also been approved under the Central Road Fund during the Gadkari-Sai meeting.

An additional amount of Rs 1,200 crore was cleared for the development of various roads, the state government stated. Four-lane widening work of Keshkal Ghat in Kondagaon district and Dhamtari-Jagdalpur road was also approved, it said.

Gadkari directed the completion of the Raipur-Visakhapatnam road and Bilaspur-Urga-Pathalgaon road under the NHAI within the prescribed time limit, the release stated.

"The move will provide a new direction to the state's industrial and business activities," Sai said.
New Delhi: Actress Zareen Khan has been away from the big screens for a while, leaving her fans eagerly waiting for her return to the silver screens. Recently, the actress held an AMA (Ask Me Anything) session on her social media handle, wherein a user questioned, You should do more movies, we are waiting.

In response, Zareen wrote, "Well, thoda lamba break ho gaya. Hopefully, next year you all will definitely see me in the movies. Next year aap mujhe screen par zaroor dekh sakenge (Well, the break was a little longer than expected. Hopefully, next year you all will definitely see me in the movies.)

This is not it! The actress also revealed the genres she would like to be a part of. When a user asked her about the kind of movies shed like to be a part of, Zareen revealed, I think Id like to do an out-and-out comedy or an action film.

This possibly hints that the audience will either see Zareen take up a fresh role in a comedy flick or an action flick, promising an entertaining experience at the theatre!

As soon as Zareen opened up about her return to the silver screens, it left the fans excited about a potential film announcement. The actress was last seen in the track Eid Ho Jayegi, and is popular for her roles in films such as 'Veer', 'Housefull 2' and others.
New Delhi: The incident of Govinda firing himself by mistake while cleaning his gun came as an extreme shocker. But the superstar is all fine and he even released an audio message for his well-wishers and fans informing him that the bullet has been removed from his leg and he is thankful to the doctors. Govindas family rushed to meet him at the hospital, his daughter Tina Ahuja was seen hiding her face as she made her visit to the hospital. Tina looked extremely disturbed by this unfortunate incident.



Watch the video of Govinda's daughter Tina Ahuja visiting the hospital after the unfortunate firing accident.

Along with Tina, Kashmeera Shah too was seen rushing to the hospital putting all the family feud aside and that is what families are for, they stand strong for each other in tough times.

Govinda will be getting discharged from the hospital after 48 hours and his fans are praying for his speedy recovery.

Govindas statement of being fine after a firing accident

The actors statement read, This is Govinda. With the blessings of my fans, my parents and God, I am doing better now. I suffered a bullet injury, but I am feeling fine now. They have removed the bullet. I thank my doctor, Dr Aggarwal, and all my fans who prayed for my well-being. Thank you very much.

We wish a speedy recovery to the actor.


Mumbai: Rajinikanth who is worshipped as God by his fans is right now praying for him as the superstar has been admitted to the hospital. There are several reports doing the rounds of the actor being admitted to the hospital after complaining of severe stomach pain.

The 73-year-old star was rushed to the hospital on Monday midnight and will undergo an elective procedure on Tuesday.

There has been no official statement released by the actors family, but the latest report claims that Rajnikanth is in stable condition for now. The fans have been expressing their concerns and are sending prayers in abundance for the Thalaivar.

Boys ! Relax !



Update !! Thalaivar has been admitted to Apollo Hospitals under interventional cardiologist Dr Sai Satish for an elective procedure. Hospital sources said his health condition is stable. The procedure will be done in the cath lab on Tuesday.



thank god!! there pic.twitter.com/QwpJb8MCXN  HarunKanth (@iamHarunKanth) September 30, 2024

Thalaivar Take Care of ur Health



You Gave Everything to us Hit flop blockbuster mega blockbuster



So please take care get well soon @rajinikanth #Rajinikanth pic.twitter.com/PLZu8Qsfj4  Michael (@Itz_MichaelVj) October 1, 2024

Few fans and well-wishers have been sharing the health update too. One user on his X account mentioned, Update !! Thalaivar has been admitted to Apollo Hospitals under interventional cardiologist Dr Sai Satish for an elective procedure. Hospital sources said his health condition is stable. The procedure will be done in the cath lab on Tuesday.

On the professional front, Rajinikanth is all set for his next release Vettaiyan which will be released on October 10, 2024.
New Delhi: Talented actor Rajkummar Rao has been on a roll all of 2024 with back-to-back releases. The actor has delivered Bollywood's biggest hit film with Stree 2 recently and is now gearing up for the release of his next film 'Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video' which also stars Triptii Dimri.

The movie has been receiving a lot of praises ever since the trailer was released and fans can't wait for the film's release. Tripti in a recent interview with Indian Express spoke about working with Rajkumar Rao and others in the film and shared, "It was a full-on comedy, and when youre acting with Rajkummar Rao, Archana Puran Singh, such brilliant actors, youre like, 'How are they doing it?' We would perform, and the crew and background artists couldnt stop laughing.

Further praising the Stree 2 actor, the actress shared, "Rajkummar can finish a two-page monologue in one go, without missing a beat. Theres so much to learn from him every day."

Rajkummar Rao has had a successful year with back-to-back releases with Mr and Mrs Mahi, Srikanth, and Stree 2. His next movie will be Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala Video and he is currently shooting for Maalik.
Triptii Dimri who became an overnight star after Animal starring Ranbir Kapoor is right now facing major flak for her dance moves in her latest song Mere Mehboob from Vicky Vidya Ka Woh Wala video.

The song fails to impress fans as Triptii looks extremely awkward while doing the hook steps and the netizens are calling it an embarrassing watch. Triptii has finally reacted to the criticism that she has been receiving for the song.

In an interview with The Hollywood Reporter she was quizzed about the criticism and asked if she felt uncomfortable while dancing as it is claimed, Triptii said, Not really... As an actor, I'm trying to do different things. Earlier, I thought that to be an actor you only need to know acting, and you are fine.

When things became true, I realised that when you are offered a show, you should know how to walk properly, when you are offered a dance number, you should know how to dance well. So, I have to try everything. I may not be good at everything, but what's wrong with trying? You must give it your best.

Highlighting how it has happened to everybody before when it comes to dancing on a special number, But it has happened to everybody. There will be things that people will not like, but that doesn't mean you stop experimenting or you stop doing what you want to do. You can't stop yourself.

She said, You have to look straight and just keep doing what you love. If you start thinking about what people are going to say and how people are going to perceive this, then you won't be honest about what you are doing.

Triptii is right now the most talked about actress in B Town.
Israel has begun a limited military ground offensive in Lebanon after keeping the United States in the loop about its cross-border military operations. On the other hand, the US warned Iran against any misadventure and carrying out any direct military attack on Israel. Reiterating dialogue as a way forward to ensure civilian safety, US Secretary of Defence Lloyd Austin said that Washington supports Israel's right to defend itself.

In a phone conversation with Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Austin emphasised the need for a diplomatic resolution to protect civilians on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border. In a post on X, the US Defence Secretary said, "I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself," adding that both sides agreed on the importance of "dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities."

Warning Iran, Austin said that the United States is well-postured to defend US personnel, partners, and allies. " I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict. I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," he added.

I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defense Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israels right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border  Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III (@SecDef) October 1, 2024

Since September 23, Israel has intensified airstrikes across Lebanon, culminating in a major strike on Friday in the southern suburbs of Beirut that reportedly killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah along with several of his associates.

This escalation has further fueled ongoing clashes between Israel and Hezbollah, which began on October 8, 2023, when Hezbollah fired rockets at Israel in solidarity with Hamas in Gaza. In response, Israel launched retaliatory artillery fire and airstrikes targeting southeastern Lebanon.
Iran is reportedly preparing to launch a ballistic missile strike on Israel, according to a senior U.S. official. The White House source, speaking anonymously, revealed on Tuesday that the U.S. has intelligence suggesting the missile attack is imminent.

In response, the U.S. is supporting Israels defensive measures to counter the potential threat. The official also issued a stark warning to Iran, indicating that any such aggression would result in "severe consequences."

This development follows heightened tensions in the region, with Israeli forces conducting a ground operation in Lebanon earlier this week. The conflict has intensified after a series of airstrikes, resulting in numerous casualties.
Israels Ground Raid In Lebanon: The Israeli military on Monday night (local time) declared that it had begun limited raids in southern Lebanon, signaling a deeper incursion was likely, despite global calls for restraint. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) believe that these near-border villages pose an immediate threat to Israeli community in northern Israel, reported Reuters.

IDF said in a statement posted on X that these ground operations are based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorists' targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon and present an immediate danger.

In light of the escalating regional tensions in the middle east, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday spoke to Israeli PM Benjamin Netanyahu and urged for an early restoration of peace. The United States of America, the European Union and Arab powers too called for a cease-fire.

Israel-Hezbollah War: 10 Latest Updates

Regarding the fresh ground operations in southern Lebanon, the Israeli forces said, The IDF is operating according to a methodical plan set out by the General Staff and the Northern Command which IDF soldiers have trained and prepared for in recent months. The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are supporting the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area, the statement cited by Reuters read. The military added that these operations were approved and carried out based on decisions made by the political echelon. The Northern Arrows operation will keep going as the situation develops, alongside the fighting in Gaza and other areas. The IDF is working to meet the goals of the war, doing whatever is needed to protect Israeli citizens and help those in northern Israel return home safely. Concerns over a potential ground invasion has surged, as Lebanese troops withdrew from the border with Israel, and a U.S. official indicated that Israeli forces appeared ready to enter Lebanon. The skirmish across border is further expected to intensify the campaign against the Iran-backed group after Israel's killing of its leader, Hassan Nasrallah, last week. On Monday night (September 30), the Israeli military warned it would target specific buildings in the densely populated southern suburbs, claiming Hezbollah was using them as operational sites and urging residents to evacuate. On Monday, hours before Israel's invasion, U.S. President Joe Biden urged for a ceasefire in Lebanon. The U.S. anticipated a limited ground incursion by Israel but has warned Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's government against a broader, prolonged operation, which could escalate tensions into a direct conflict with Iran, Bloomberg reported, citing a U.S. official. The Pentagon announced that the U.S. is deploying a few thousand more troops to the Middle East to strengthen Israel's defense and prevent potential retaliation from Iran. Hassan Nasrallah, the leader of the Iran-backed Hezbollah, was killed by Israel on Friday, marking one of the most significant blows to both the militant group and Iran in decades. This came after two weeks of heavy airstrikes, during which several Hezbollah commanders were killed. However, the strikes also resulted in the deaths of around 1,000 civilians and displaced one million people, according to the Lebanese government. In the last 24 hours, at least 95 people have been killed and 172 injured in Israeli strikes targeting southern Lebanon, the Bekaa Valley, and Beirut, as reported by Lebanon's health ministry on Tuesday. The Israeli Defense Forces (IDF) also declared three areas in northern Israel  Metula, Misgav Am, and Kfar Giladi  as closed military zones," further indicating the likelihood of a ground operation.

(With inputs from agencies)
Israel today issued a stern warning to Iran after successfully intercepting a barrage of over 200 missiles fired towards its territory. The missile attack came days after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah, which Iran has cited as a trigger for its retaliation. As missiles flew over Israeli cities, the military urged citizens to seek refuge in bomb shelters while air defense systems engaged the threats. Following the attack, Israeli officials warned that there would be repercussions for Iran's actions.

"We are on heightened alert on defense and offensive; we will protect the citizens of Israel. This (missile) fire will have consequences. We have plans, and we will act in the time and place that we choose," Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Daniel Hagari said in a video message.

Hagari claimed that there were no confirmed casualties from the missile strikes, though there were some impacts reported in central and southern Israel.

Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had previously warned Iran, which supports both Hezbollah and Hamas, saying, There is nowhere in the Middle East Israel cannot reach." This statement followed an airstrike south of Beirut that resulted in the death of the Hezbollah leader, underscoring the escalating tensions in the region.
Iran has announced that it launched dozens of missiles into Israel in retaliation for the deaths of a Hezbollah leader and a Hamas official, as reported by the Associated Press. The statement warned that any military response from Israel would be met with a stronger retaliation.

An Israeli military spokesperson indicated that there were very few injuries resulting from the Iranian missile strike and that the public could now leave bomb shelters. The White House confirmed that President Joe Biden has ordered the US military to assist Israel in intercepting Iranian missiles. Shortly before this, the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) reported that missiles had been fired from Iran towards Israel.

Israels airport authority has closed the countrys airspace, diverting incoming flights to other airports. This closure was announced following reports from the Israeli military about the missile launches. Air raid sirens were activated across the country, urging citizens to seek shelter, with explosions heard in Tel Aviv and near Jerusalem.

Meanwhile, reacting to the escalating conflict, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres taking to X said. "I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire."

Throughout the country, sirens have been sounding, and the IDF has advised Israelis to stay alert and closely follow home front command instructions. Reports indicate that Israel's gas platforms in the Mediterranean Sea may have been damaged during the missile attack.
US President Joe Biden ordered its military to aid Israel in shooting down Iranian missiles, the White House said. A short while ago, Iran said it fired dozens of missiles into Israel as retaliation for killing of Hezbollah leader and Hamas official. NSC spokesperson Sean Savett said on X (formerly Twitter) that President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are closely monitoring the attack from the White House situation room, receiving regular updates.

The White House announced that President Biden has ordered the US military to support Israel's defense against Iranian strikes and intercept missiles aimed at Israel. Additionally, the White House noted that a call Joe Biden had planned with rabbis in advance of the Jewish high holidays has been rescheduled for a later date.
A South Korean court handed a three year jail term Monday to a former Seoul district police chief over a crush that killed more than 150 people, the Yonhap news agency reported.

Tens of thousands of people -- mostly in their 20s and 30s -- had been out on October 29, 2022, to enjoy the first post-pandemic Halloween celebrations in the popular Itaewon nightlife district.

But the night turned deadly when people poured into a narrow, sloping alleyway between bars and clubs, the weight of their bodies and a lack of effective crowd control leading to scores of people being crushed to death.

Former Yongsan district police chief Lee Im-jae was found guilty of failing to prevent the crush -- the first police officer to be convicted for their direct role in the disaster.

"It was foreseeable that there would be a large crowd of people in the sloped alley of Itaewon that would lead to serious danger to life and physical safety on the Halloween weekend in 2022," the Seoul Western District Court said in the guilty verdict, Yonhap reported.

Another former officer in charge of the Yongsan police emergency centre was sentenced Monday to two years in jail on the same charges.

"This ruling, which acknowledges the responsibility of police officers in connection to the tragedy, is a rightful outcome in holding those responsible for the disaster accountable," a group of victims' families said in a statement.

The Seoul court, however, found local official Park Hee-young, head of the Yongsan Ward office, not guilty on similar charges.

"The direct cause of the accident in this case was the influx of a large crowd," the court said, according to the Korean news agency Newsis.

"There are no existing regulations granting administrative authorities the power to control the crowd influx or disperse crowds," it said in acquitting Park and three former ward officials.

Earlier this year, two former senior police officers were jailed for destroying evidence linked to the crush, making them the first police to be sentenced in connection to the incident.

The court found that in the aftermath of the disaster, they had ordered the deletion of four internal police reports that had identified in advance safety concerns over possible overcrowding in the area.

Kim Kwang-ho, the former head of the Seoul Metropolitan Police Agency, has also been on trial and is awaiting a verdict on charges of professional negligence resulting in injury or death.

Prosecutors are seeking a five-year term for the ex-chief, with a verdict expected next month.

Kim has denied wrongdoing, telling the court in April: "Instead of seeking a scapegoat, real preventive measures should be carried out," broadcaster JTBC has reported.

District-level officials have been prosecuted over the disaster, but no high-ranking members of government have resigned or faced prosecution, despite criticism from victims' families over a lack of accountability.

South Korea's rapid transformation from a war-torn country to Asia's fourth-largest economy and a global cultural powerhouse is a source of national pride.

But a series of preventable disasters -- such as the 2022 crush and the 2014 Sewol ferry sinking that killed 304 people -- has shaken public confidence in authorities.
A 19-year-old La Crosse man is being held in the La Crosse County Jail after he allegedly punched a juvenile in the face Aug. 25 and broke her nose.

Cornell Banks was charged in La Crosse County Circuit Court with felony counts of substantial battery and bail jumping (two counts) and misdemeanor counts of disorderly conduct, resisting an officer, possession of cocaine and possession of LSD.

According to the criminal complaint, Banks and the juvenile were passengers in an automobile on 11th Street in La Crosse, when Banks reportedly became upset over something the juvenile said. He allegedly punched the juvenile in the face multiple times. Another juvenile told police the attack didnt stop until she reached into the glove box and grabbed a knife.

The complaint says the victims face was covered with blood when police arrived. She was transported to a local hospital, where a doctor reported a portion of her nose was broken in multiple pieces.

Police made contact with Banks Sept. 7 on the 300 block of Pearl Street. The complaint says Banks resisted efforts by police to handcuff him. Police searched a satchel bag hanging from Banks shoulder and reportedly found a marijuana blunt, a scale with cocaine residue and 1.7 grams of psilocin pills.

Judge Ramona Gonzalez ordered Banks held on $5,000 cash bail. He also faces criminal charges in Minnesota and waived extradition during a Sept. 25 hearing. His next court date in La Crosse County is an Oct. 21 calendar call.
People who attended a public information meeting Monday at Emerson Elementary School were more curious than furious about the prospect of the school being closed.

Members of the public spoke for roughly a half hour during a meeting to discuss a Nov. 5 School District of La Crosse referendum that would close Emerson, along with two other elementary buildings, as part of a consolidation plan. The district is proposing to reduce the number of elementary schools from nine to seven and build a new elementary school the district describes as centrally located.

If passed, the district would:

Tear down the existing Hogan Administrative Center on East Avenue and construct a new $42 million elementary school at the site.

Build an $11.5 million addition at State Road Elementary School.

Close Emerson and Spence elementary schools. Most Emerson and Spence students would attend the new elementary school.

Close Hintgen Elementary School and transfer most students to State Road. A few students from Spence and Hintgen would transfer to Hamilton Elementary School.

People who spoke offered a variety of concerns about the referendum, but none offered strong opposition to closing Emerson, which was built in 1939.

Valerie Glotfelty, who spent most of her 33 years in the district teaching third grade at Emerson, said the school has a special relationship with nearby UW-La Crosse and lamented the possibility of that ending.

When were giving up this wonderful site and our relationship with UW-L, I feel like thats a real loss, Glotfelty said.

A woman who declined to give her name questioned whether the referendum would address the need for additional support staff in the district. She said the district needs more social workers and that every school building should have at least one school psychologist. She said a new building doesnt solve any of the root problems that concern me the most.

She also objected to keeping Northwoods Elementary School open. The school was built in 1992, but a school district committee last year recommended its closure due to its isolated location on the districts northeast side.

Were doubling down on a mistake we made in the 1990s, she said. They never should have built a school out there in the first place.

Another speaker said Emersons closure could negatively impact home values in the neighborhood.

Ted Keefe brought up the failed high school consolidation referendum from 2022 and questioned whether this years referendum would pass. He said the district needs a plan if voters reject the referendum.

Which two schools would be closed? Keefe asked. What happens with no needs to be clear.

School district superintendent Aaron Engel said the referendum would allow the district to reduce its operating costs by 11% per year. He said more than half of the students who now attend Emerson and Spence would live closer to the new elementary school.

District enrollment has declined by nearly 30% over the past 30 years, and the districts nine elementary schools are operating at 68% capacity, according to figures provided by the district.

The meeting attracted roughly two dozen people and five of the nine La Crosse School Board members. The board has planned several other community information sessions, including a virtual meeting from 7 to 8 p.m. Thursday and an in-person meeting from 6 to 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 8, at Hintgen Elementary School.
You can also watch tonight's debate through the player above.

Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz and Sen. JD Vance of Ohio are meeting tonight for their first and only scheduled vice presidential debate.

Walz, who is Democratic Vice President Kamala Harris' running mate, and Vance, who is on the Republican ticket with former President Donald Trump, will make the case for their respective candidates five weeks before Election Day. They have been crisscrossing the country to introduce themselves to voters, paying special attention to the handful of battleground states that will determine the winner.

Here's how to watch the debate:

What time is the debate?

The 90-minute debate will start at 9 p.m. EDT Tuesday, Oct. 1. It's being moderated by "CBS Evening News" anchor Norah O'Donnell and Margaret Brennan of CBS' "Face the Nation."

What channel is the debate on?

CBS News is airing on its broadcast network live and will livestream it on all platforms where CBS News 24/7 and Paramount+ are available. It's also being made available for simulcast, other networks will likely air it and through the live video player above.

Where is the debate?

The vice-presidential debate is taking place in New York City.

Often the scene of fundraising events for candidates in both parties, New York has been considered a reliably Democratic state in the general election. But Trump, a native New Yorker, has insisted he has a chance to put it in the Republican column this year, despite losing the state in his two earlier bids for the presidency, and has held events in the South Bronx and on Long Island.

Harris, meanwhile, announced she's skipping this year's Al Smith dinner, a Catholic Charities benefit event held in New York City that is typically used to promote collegiality and good humor. Rather than attend the Oct. 17 gala  at which Trump will now be the sole featured speaker  Harris' campaign said she would stump in a battleground state instead.

How are the candidates preparing?

Walz and Vance will meet for the first time in person on the biggest stage of their political careers. Both have been engaged in preparations for the debate with stand-ins used for their opponents.

Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg has been playing the role of Vance in the Walz debate prep, which has been taking place at a downtown Minneapolis hotel, according to a person familiar with the preparations. The person said Buttigieg was chosen because he's a sharp communicator, and the campaign believes that Vance will be a formidable opponent.

On the Republican side, a person familiar with Vance's preparations said GOP Rep. Tom Emmer  who, like Walz, hails from Minnesota  will be standing in for the Democrat in a similar fashion. The people speaking about both candidates' plans spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity to discuss the closed-door preparations.

On Friday, CBS said the onus will be on Vance and Walz to point out misstatements by the other, and the moderators will facilitate those opportunities during rebuttal time. The network said its own misinformation unit, CBS News Confirmed, will provide real-time fact-checking during the debate on its live blog and on social media, and on the air during post-debate analysis.

The two sides agreed that the microphones will stay on while their opponent is speaking but CBS says it reserves the right to shut off a mic when necessary. There will be no audience.

Will there be another presidential or vice presidential debate?

No additional presidential or vice presidential debates are scheduled, but that could always change.

After Harris and Trump's presidential debate on Sept. 10, Harris said she'd be open to debating the former president again. She said she would "gladly" accept an Oct. 23 invitation from CNN and hoped Trump would do the same.

Trump, however, has said that date, less than two weeks ahead of the November election, would be "too late." Early voting is already underway in several states.

But that proposed timeline would be roughly in line with the last two presidential cycles. Trump's last debate with President Joe Biden in 2020 was on Oct. 22, and the third and final debate he had with Democrat Hillary Clinton in 2016 occurred on Oct. 19.

Presidential nominees typically debate each other more than once per cycle, but this year is different in several ways. Debates are being orchestrated on an ad hoc basis by host networks, as opposed to the bipartisan Commission on Presidential Debates, through which debate rules were previously negotiated privately. Trump and Biden debated each other once this year, but Biden's disastrous performance in that June meeting is one of the factors that led to his decision to shutter his reelection bid, making way for Harris to become the Democrats' nominee.

A Pennsylvania bakery known for its election cookie poll is swamped with orders A suburban Philadelphia bakerys cookie poll that started during the 2008 presidential campaign as a joke between the owners and their customers has grown into much more.

Americans are more likely to see Harris' gender as a hurdle than they were for Clinton: AP-NORC poll Americans are more likely to believe that being a woman will hurt Kamala Harris' chances in the November election, compared with eight years ago when Hillary Clinton ran.

AI is helping shape the 2024 presidential race. But not in the way experts feared Generative artificial intelligence is playing a major role in the presidential campaign, even if the greatest fears about how it could threaten the U.S. presidential election havent materialized yet.

Election officials prepare for threats with panic buttons, bulletproof glass MARIETTA, Ga.  The election director in Cobb County, an Atlanta suburb where votes will be fiercely contested in this year's presidential rac

Long before gay marriage was popular, Kamala Harris was at the forefront of the equal rights battle On Valentine's Day in 2004, when Kamala Harris was San Francisco's newly elected district attorney, she performed one of the first same-sex unions in the United States.

Postal Service insists it's ready for a flood of mail-in ballots U.S. Postmaster General Louis DeJoy assured state election officials Monday he'll work with them to handle their warnings of problems with election mail delivery during the primary season.

Data indicates voting by noncitizens is rare, but Republicans are pressing the issue Only U.S. citizens are eligible to vote in this fall's presidential election, but the potential for noncitizens to register or vote has been receiving a lot of attention lately.

Tight race for control of Congress could be decided by just a handful of campaigns Many of the highest-profile races are underway in Montana, New York, California and beyond, far from the presidential battleground states contested by Republican Donald Trump and Democrat Kamala Harris.
Israel's long-contentious relationship with the United Nations has since October 7 spiralled to new depths, amid insults and accusations and even a questioning of the country's continued UN membership.

Addressing the UN General Assembly on Friday, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the world body of treating his country unfairly.

"Until this anti-Semitic swamp is drained, the UN will be viewed by fair-minded people everywhere as nothing more than a contemptuous farce," he thundered.

The past year has seen repeated accusations from within the UN system that Israel is committing "genocide" in its war in Gaza, while Israeli officials have made charges of bias and have even accused the UN chief of being "an accomplice to terror".

The heat has been turned way up in a war of words that has raged between Israel and various UN bodies for decades.

And temperatures have risen further in recent days amid Israel's escalating strikes on Hezbollah in Lebanon.

"There has been a great deterioration" in the relationship, said Cyrus Schayegh, an international history and politics professor at the Geneva Graduate Institute.

"It has gone from fairly bad to really bad."

Since Hamas's deadly attack inside Israel nearly a year ago, UN-linked courts, councils, agencies and staff have unleashed a barrage of condemnation and criticism of Israel's devastating retaliatory operation in Gaza.

"We feel the UN has betrayed Israel," the country's ambassador to the UN in Geneva Daniel Meron told AFP.

Hamas's October 7 attack on Israel resulted in the deaths of 1,205 people, mostly civilians, according to an AFP tally based on Israeli official figures that include hostages killed in captivity.

Of the 251 hostages seized by militants, 97 are still held in Gaza, including 33 the Israeli military says are dead.

Israel's retaliatory military offensive has killed more than 41,500 people in Gaza, most of them civilians, according to the Hamas-run territory's health ministry. The UN has described the figures as reliable.

Israel has especially taken aim at UNRWA, the UN agency supporting Palestinian refugees, but its ire has been felt across the UN system, and up to the UN chief.

Israeli calls for UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to resign began just weeks after October 7, when he asserted that the attack "did not happen in a vacuum. The Palestinian people have been subjected to 56 years of suffocating occupation".

Even before October 7, Israel complained of UN bias, pointing for instance to the towering number of resolutions targeting the country.

Since the creation of the UN Human Rights Council in 2006, more than a third of the over 300 condemnatory resolutions have targeted Israel, Meron pointed out, describing this as "mind-boggling".

Critics meanwhile highlight that from the time a General Assembly vote paved the way for Israel's establishment in 1948, the country has ignored numerous UN resolutions and international court rulings, without consequences.

Israel has always snubbed resolution 194, which guarantees the Palestinians expelled in 1948 from the territory Israel conquered the right to return or to compensation.

It has also ignored rulings condemning its forceful acquisition of territory and the annexation of East Jerusalem after the 1967 Arab-Israeli war, and the continuing and expanding settlement policy in the West Bank, among others.

By allowing Israel to remain in "non-compliance with international law, the West has been basically making the Israelis believe that they are above international law", Geneva Graduate Institute political sociology professor Riccardo Bocco told AFP.

Ravina Shamdasani, spokeswoman for the UN rights office, also said a lack of accountability in the Middle East crisis appeared to have made "the parties to the conflict more brazen".

"We rang the alarm bells multiple times and now there is the impression that impunity reigns," she told AFP, lamenting increasing attacks on UN bodies and staff expressing concern over the situation.

"This is unacceptable."

UNRWA has faced the harshest attacks.

It saw a series of funding cuts after Israel accused more than a dozen of its 13,000 Gaza employees of involvement in the October 7 attack.

Agency chief Philippe Lazzarini has accused Israel of conducting "a concerted effort to dismantle UNRWA", which has suffered dramatic human and material losses in Gaza, with more than 220 staff killed.

Netanyahu demanded earlier this year that UNRWA, which he said "perpetuates the Palestinian refugee problem (and) whose schools indoctrinate Palestinian children with genocide and terror ... be replaced by responsible aid agencies".

Francesca Albanese, the UN independent rights expert on the Palestinian territories, who has faced harsh criticism and calls for her ousting from Israel amid her repeated accusation it is committing "genocide" in Gaza, recently suggested the country was becoming a "pariah".

"Should there be a consideration of its membership as part of this organisation, which Israel seems to have zero respect for?" she rhetorically asked journalists last week.

Meron slammed Albanese as "anti-Semitic and really an embarrassment to the UN".

Other experts warned that Israel's disregard for the UN was threatening the broader respect for the organisation.

Pedro Arrojo-Agudo, the UN expert on the right to drinking water, warned of the consequences when UN bodies "make decisions and nothing is respected".

"We are blowing up the United Nations if we don't react."
Donald Trump on Sunday used a speech in key swing state Pennsylvania to urge a "violent" police crackdown on crime in the United States, while his White House rival Kamala Harris emphasized the need for immigration reform at a rally in Nevada.

Pennsylvania is considered the most important of the seven toss-up states that will likely decide the November 5 presidential election, but Nevada is also one of the key battlegrounds.

The Republican former president and current candidate, who held a similar rally in swing state Wisconsin on Saturday, reprised his dark, racially charged message about an America crumbling under "invasion" by violent migrants and other criminals.

Recounting isolated -- but widely publicized -- incidents of thieves staging brazen daylight robberies of shops in major cities, Trump got a loud cheer when he said police should become "extraordinarily rough."

Criminals, he said, "have to be taught" and this could be done "if you had one really violent day."

"One rough hour -- and I mean real rough -- the word would get out and it would end immediately," Trump said.

"The police aren't allowed to do their job" because "the liberal left won't let them."

Harris, the vice president and Democratic candidate, addressed the "serious problems" of border security at a rally in Las Vegas later in the day, where she reeled off her usual stump speech, emphasizing the economy, health care and the need for immigration reform.

"As president, I will double the resources for the Department of Justice to go after the transnational cartels," Harris said.

"We know Donald Trump won't solve them. When he was president, he did nothing to fix our immigration system," she added, calling for comprehensive reform but without offering details.

As on Saturday in Wisconsin, Trump spent much of his speech painting a picture of a failing United States, inundated by what he said was the "massive number of savage criminal aliens that Kamala Harris has allowed to invade."

He claimed "terrorists are pouring into our country" and cited "a big prison in the Congo, in Africa," as the source of "a lot of people" last week.

Anti-immigrant sentiment has been at the core of Trump's appeal in economically depressed, majority-white parts of the country ever since his 2016 presidential victory, but the rhetoric is turning ever more extreme as election day nears.

Following record numbers of illegal border crossings earlier in President Joe Biden's administration, a tightening of rules -- to the consternation of immigrant rights and civil liberties groups -- led to a plunge in numbers this year.

Crime, including murder, is also in steep decline nationwide, the FBI says.

Trump has long prided himself on his ability to coin insulting nicknames or slurs for his opponents and on Sunday, he repeated one that he aired on Saturday, calling Harris -- a former top California prosecutor and US senator -- "mentally impaired."

"Crooked Joe Biden became mentally impaired. Sad. But lying Kamala Harris, honestly, I believe she was born that way," Trump said to loud laughter from the crowd.

Harris did not address Trump's comments during her rally in Vegas, instead focusing on her usual bread-and-butter issues -- protecting access to abortion services and putting more money in the pockets of everyday Americans.

"When Congress passes a bill to restore reproductive freedom, as president of the United States, I will proudly sign it into law," she told supporters.
Former president of the United States Jimmy Carter is turning 100 on October 1.

The 39th president is celebrating the century mark at his home in Plains, Georgia, where he was born in 1924. He is currently in hospice care.

Carters small southern town is much like it was when he was a boy. But America, and the world overall, has seen major changes over his long life.

Changes everywhere, but not Plains

The U.S. population is almost three times larger than it was in 1924. America grew from about 114 million people to about 330 million today. The world population grew even faster, from 1.9 billion to more than 8.1 billion, during the same period.

That great increase has not reached Plains, Georgia, however. The town of 500 people in the 1920s, now has closer to 600. Much of its local economy revolves around Carter, its most famous son.

Red state, blue state

Jimmy Carter first ran for president in 1976 against then-President Gerald Ford. That election marked the first time the television network NBC started using a red-and-blue electoral map to cover the election results.

The colors have since become a permanent part of the American political language. The color blue represents the Democratic Party and red represents the Republican Party.

Shopping

In 1924, there was no Amazon to order goods online. But Americans could order a build-it-yourself house from a Sears catalog for $2,025. That amount was a little below the average workers yearly earnings.

There was no superstore like Walmart. But people could buy bread, milk, and other things at small, local general stores.

Prohibition, the ban on making and drinking alcohol, had been national law for four years when Carter was born. He was nine when it ended.

The former president and his late wife Rosalynn were not known as big drinkers. They usually served wine as the single kind of alcoholic drink at White House state dinners, mainly to save money. Other kinds of alcohol would increase the cost of the events.

But Carters brother Billy was known for his beer drinking. When Carter became president, Billy sold his name to a beer manufacturer to produce Billy Beer. News sources reported that Billy Carter received a $50,000 yearly payment for use of his name from one brewer. That would be about $215,000 in todays economy.

Voting rights

The 19th Amendment that extended voting rights to women went into effect in 1920, four years before Carters birth. And the Voting Rights Act that widened voting rights to Black Americans was passed in 1965.

Now, Carter is set to vote by mail for Vice President Kamala Harris, says his grandson Jason Carter. He added that his grandfather is excited about the chance to see Harris make history.

If elected, Harris would become the first female and the first person of South Asian ancestry to lead the United States.

Immigration and isolationism

Jimmy Carter was born in a period of isolationism, protectionism and white Christian nationalism in the U.S.

In 1922, Congress enacted taxes on imports, called tariffs, to help U.S. manufacturers. After stock market losses in 1929, lawmakers added more tariffs to help farmers.

Five months before Carter was born, President Calvin Coolidge signed the Immigration Act of 1924. The law created the U.S. Border Patrol and sharply limited immigration, permitting mostly just Western Europeans to enter. Asians were barred from the country completely.

Congress said the law was meant to preserve the ideal of U.S. homogeneity. The militant white supremacist group Ku Klux Klan held large marches in Washington in 1925 and 1926 to gather support.

A century later, Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump is promising to order the largest deportation effort in U.S. history if he wins office.

Trump is also calling for tariffs on all goods coming to America.

Other presidents

Carter has lived through 40 percent of U.S. history since the Declaration of Independence in 1776. When Carter took office, just one president, John Adams, had lived to be 90. Since then, Ford, Ronald Reagan, Carter and George H.W. Bush all reached at least 93.

Im Caty Weaver.

Bill Barrow reported this story for The Associated Press. Hai Do adapted the story for Learning English.

_______________________________________________

Words in This Story

hospice - n. a place that provides care for people who are dying

catalog - n. a book of list of things that you can buy

wine - n. an alcoholic drink made from juice of grapes

excited - adj. enthusiastic and eager

isolationism - n. a belief that country should not be involved with other countries

preserve - v. to keep something in its original state

ideal - n. the idea or standard of excellence

homogeneity - n. making up of the same kind of people

deportation - n. forceful removal of non-citizen to leave a country
People are driving from hours away to buy cookies at Lochels Bakery outside of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. And orders for its red and blue cookies are coming in from as far away as the American state of Alaska.

They come to buy the 10-centimeter round cookies in blue and white showing the name of the Democratic candidate, Kamala Harris. Or, they want the red and white cookies with the name of the Republican candidate, Donald Trump.

These are not your everyday cookies. At Lochels Bakery, the sale of each Harris 2024 or Trump 2024 cookie counts as a vote for the candidate. The candidate with the most cookies sold is considered the winner of its cookie poll.

The sale of cookies and the cookie poll began in the 2008 presidential election as a joke between the bakery owners and their customers. The cookie poll correctly predicted Barack Obama as the winner in 2008 and 2012 and Trump as the winner in 2016. But in 2020, more customers bought cookies named after Trump, who lost that years election to Joe Biden.

Kathy Lochel is one of the bakerys owners. She said the cookie poll is meant to be fun. Its definitely not scientific. Its just a way to take the pressure off with what is going on with the election, Lochel added.

Helene Moran recently bought Trump cookies on her 82nd birthday. Moran said she bought each time Trump ran for election. Hes my sweetheart, I love him so much, she said.

Lochel said the bakery is selling even more cookies this year than in 2020. These cookies are being shipped all over the United States right now, so much so that theyre on back order, so were about three to four weeks back, Lochel said.

It helps that Lochels Bakery is in the moderate and heavily populated suburbs of Philadelphia. The bakery is also in the battleground state of Pennsylvania, where support for Trump and Harris is evenly split among voters. Whichever candidate wins more battleground states will likely win this years election.

The sale of Trump cookies may have increased after he shared a story about the cookie poll on social media. As of September 24, Trump was leading Harris in cookie sales, 12,558 to 889  a far bigger lead than real election polls of likely voters have found.

Lochel says that while the real election includes attack advertising and name-calling, the cookie-buying public has been much nicer.

The people that are coming into our store, whether theyre buying red or blue cookies, theyre friendly, they joke, they laugh, they buy other things, Lochel said.

Im Andrew Smith.

Andrew Smith adapted this story for VOA Learning English from reporting from The Associated Press.

________________________________________________

Words in This Story

poll -n. a survey in which people are asked their opinion or what they will choose to do

customer -n. a person who buys things from a physical or online store

back order -n. things customers have bought but the seller cannot yet deliver to them

suburb -n. an area, typically with many homes, located immediately outside a city
Eggplant is a very tasty and healthy vegetable that can be used to create many different dishes: stews, barbecue, or rolls. It can also be pickled with garlic, and, of course, made into delicious caviar.

ADVERTISIMENT

Odesa-based chef Sava Libkin told us how to make real Odesa-style eggplant caviar and shared its main secrets and recipe on Instagram.

Ingredients:

eggplant - 3 pcs

tomatoes, preferably Mikado - 1 pc

onion - 2 pcs

garlic - 2-3 cloves

parsley - 1/2 bunch

salt - to taste

Method of preparation:

Wash the eggplants and prick them with a fork so that they do not "explode". Bake at 200 C, but it's better to grill them as it will give them a nice flavor. Bake the tomatoes and onions in the oven after the eggplants so that the rough skin comes off well. Put the finished eggplant on a board and let it cool. Then chop the eggplant, tomatoes, and onions very finely. Add the chopped garlic and chop everything well again with a knife to get a smooth consistency. At the very end, add the herbs and salt to taste.

This caviar can be eaten immediately with fresh bread or homemade dried croutons.
It is not known when and under what circumstances cottage cheese pancakes appeared, but the fact remains that it is indeed one of the best and favorite breakfasts. And no matter how many recipes there are on the Internet, there will always be those housewives who may not be able to make the dish. Several factors can affect this. Everyone should know about them.

ADVERTISIMENT

Food blogger Victoria Didus told us how to make cottage cheese pancakes that will keep their shape. Published on Instagram.

Some tips from the food blogger:

It is best to use dry cottage cheese. For wet cottage cheese, you need to squeeze out excess moisture with cheesecloth.

Always knead the dough to a homogeneous consistency.

Put the cottage cheese pancakes in the freezer for 10-15 minutes before frying.

Ingredients:

cottage cheese - 900 g

sugar - 4-6 tbsp

ADVERTISIMENT

eggs - 1 pc

semolina - 75 g

vanilla sugar

Method of preparation:

1. Mix all the necessary ingredients until smooth.

2. Form cheesecakes and put them in the freezer for 10-15 minutes.

3. Fry over medium heat on both sides.
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un visited flood-damaged areas in the country and ordered swift action to rebuild homes, state media reported on Monday.

North Korea experienced a record downpour in late July which killed an unspecified number of people, flooded homes and submerged swathes of farmland in its northern regions near China.

Thousands of displaced flood victims were relocated to facilities in the capital while their homes are being rebuilt.

Visiting the construction site, Kim ordered workers "to alleviate the pain of the flood victims as early as possible," according to the official KCNA news agency.

Photos from KCNA showed Kim walking through the muddy site and speaking with officials in front of partially built structures.

This marks his third visit to flood-hit areas, with previous appearances showing him holding children, inspecting damage from a dinghy, and driving through floodwaters in his luxury vehicle.

International offers of support have poured in since news of the flooding disaster first emerged, including from South Korea which offered aid via the Korean Red Cross despite the two countries' strained relations.

Russian President Vladimir Putin had also offered "immediate humanitarian support" to aid its recovery efforts.

Kim has expressed thanks for the offers of help but refused to accept any foreign aid, saying that the country's recovery efforts would be "thoroughly based on self-reliance", according to KCNA.
A powerful typhoon was lashing the northernmost islands of the Philippines yesterday, prompting officials to evacuate villagers, shut down schools and inter-island ferries and warn of potentially very destructive damage to coastal villages.

Typhoon Krathon was last tracked over the coastal waters of Balintang island off the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes with sustained winds of up to 175 kph (109 mph) and gusts of up to 215 kph (133 mph), according to government forecasters.

The slow-moving Krathon was blowing westward and could strengthen into a super typhoon when it veers northeastward Tuesday toward Taiwan, they said.

There were no immediate reports of casualties or damage

Guilmar Cabejo, a police officer on the island of Sabtang in typhoon-prone Batanes, said the streets were deserted in the town of more than 1,800 people as the ferocious wind rattled roofs, walls and trees.

Theres nobody outside, zero, because the wind is so strong, Cabejo told The Associated Press by cellphone. Nobody could stand normally outside in this wind, it will force anybody down to the ground.

Residents, locally renowned for their resilience against seasonal storms, strengthened their roofs with ropes, covered windows with wooden boards and secured their fishing boats away from the sea two days before the typhoon hit, he said.

The weather agency warned of moderate to high risk of life-threatening storm surge in the next 48 hours in the coastal villages of Batanes, the nearby Babuyan islands and Cagayan province and said fierce winds could rip off roofs, topple trees, damage farmlands and whip up high waves.

The situation is potentially very destructive to the community, it said.

Hundreds of villagers were evacuated away from the coast and flood-prone communities in Cagayan province, where power outages were reported. Classes in all levels were suspended yesterday in several northern provinces as a precaution, officials said.

Sea voyages were also halted in northern towns and provinces being battered or threatened by the typhoon, locally called Julian, officials said.

About 20 storms and typhoons batter the Philippines each year. The archipelago also lies in the Pacific Ring of Fire, a region along most of the Pacific Ocean rim where many volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur, making the Southeast Asian nation one of the worlds most disaster-prone.

In 2013, Typhoon Haiyan, one of the strongest recorded tropical cyclones in the world, left more than 7,300 people dead or missing, flattened entire villages, swept ships inland and displaced more than 5 million in the central Philippines. MDT/AP
Starting October 15, 2024, citizens of Portugal will be able to travel to China without a visa, a significant move aimed at strengthening ties and boosting tourism. This new policy, announced by the Chinese Foreign Ministry, also applies to nationals from Greece, Cyprus, and Slovenia, allowing them visa-free access until December 31, 2025.

The announcement came during a press conference held by Foreign Ministry spokesperson Lin Jian.

He stated that travelers from these four nations can stay in China for up to 15 days for purposes including business, tourism, family visits, or transit. This decision marks a notable expansion of Chinas visa-free measures as the country seeks to revitalize its long-haul tourism sector, which has experienced periods of struggle since the pandemic.

Portugals inclusion in this visa-waiver scheme has been met with relief in Lisbon. Earlier this year, concerns arose when Portugal was omitted from previous lists of countries eligible for visa exemptions. The Portuguese ambassador to Beijing expressed confusion over this oversight, hinting that it might have been influenced by Portugals ban on Huaweis 5G technology.

China has gradually broadened its visa-free policies since late 2022, initially granting access to several European nations including France and Germany. The latest additions reflect Chinas ongoing efforts to enhance international relations and promote economic recovery through increased travel.

As part of the new policy framework, Lin urged other nations to reciprocate by easing visa requirements for Chinese citizens, fostering a more interconnected global community.

With this development, Portugal joins a growing list of countries benefiting from Chinas expanded travel initiatives. Nadia Shaw
A Thai court yesterday ordered the extradition of a 32-year-old Vietnamese activist detained in Bangkok, despite fears among rights groups he could be at risk if sent home.

The Bangkok Criminal Court granted Vietnams request for the extradition of Y Quynh Bdap, who was detained in the Thai capital in June.

The co-founder of the Montagnards Stand for Justice group was convicted in absentia in Vietnam in January of terrorism and sentenced to 10 years in prison on allegations that he was involved in organizing anti-government riots in Vietnams central highland province of Dak Lak last June.

Bdaps attorney, Nadthasiri Bergman, said she was already working on an appeal, which has to be filed within the next 30 days. Regardless of the outcome, the Thai government could also decide diplomatically not to enforce the extradition order as well.

The prime minister has the right, if they want to protect human rights, they can do it, she told reporters outside the court. If he goes back to his country there will be a threat to his life, so the government should respect that evidence.

Bdap has been seeking asylum in Canada and had a meeting with Canadian Embassy officials in Bangkok the day before he was taken into custody. Canadian officials have refused to comment on the case.

Bdap was in Thailand at the time of the Dak Lak riots at two district government offices in which nine people were killed, including four police officers and two government officials.

Overall, about 100 people have been tried for alleged involvement in the riots, and 53 have been convicted on terrorism charges.

Days after the verdicts, Vietnamese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Pham Thu Hang rejected criticism that Vietnam had used the trial as an opportunity to crack down on ethnic minorities.

Vietnam has long been criticized by rights groups and others for its treatment of the countrys Montagnard minority, a term loosely used to refer to many predominantly Christian ethnic groups that live in the central highlands and neighboring Cambodia.

Human Rights Watch has said many have been driven to seek asylum in Cambodia and Thailand as Vietnamese authorities have subjected their communities to intimidation, arbitrary arrests and mistreatment in custody.

Y Quynh Bdap would be at real risk if returned to Vietnam, said Bryony Lau, deputy Asia director for Human Rights Watch, at the time the activist was apprehended.

Thai authorities should immediately release this prominent religious freedom advocate and refugee. Returning him to Vietnam would be a violation of Thailands obligations under Thai and international law, Lau said.

Human Rights Watch has criticized Thailand for sending home dissidents to uncertain fates, in what it said in a recent report was a quid-pro-quo form of transnational repression, in which those countries sent home dissidents wanted by Thailand. JINTAMAS SAKSORNCHAI & DAVID RISING, BANGKOK, MDT/AP
A Vietnamese fishing boat was attacked in the South China Sea near the Paracel Islands, claimed by both China and Vietnam, and 10 crew members were injured, Vietnamese state media said yesterday.

The Vietnamese boat radioed Sunday to report the attack, saying three fishermen suffered broken limbs and seven others received other injuries, the Tien Phong newspaper quoted a local official at Binh Chau commune in Quang Ngai province as saying.

It was not clear what countrys boat attacked the Vietnamese vessel, and commune officials told The Associated Press they had nothing to add to the newspaper report.

Vietnams border guard is investigating the case but has not yet made any information available.

The Paracel Islands are about 400 kilometers off Vietnams eastern coast and about the same distance southeast from the Chinese province of Hainan.

Both countries claim them, as does Taiwan.

The newspaper report said the attack on the boat occurred in Vietnamese waters but did not specify exactly where it was.

China claims almost all of the strategically vital South China Sea as its own territory, which has caused disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia, Brunei and Taiwan.

The United States has no claims in the South China Sea itself, but has deployed Navy and Air Force assets to patrol the waterway, through which around $5 trillion in global trade transits each year.

China threatened serious consequences last year after the U.S. Navy sailed a destroyer around the Paracel Islands in a freedom of navigation operation challenging what it called excessive maritime claims.

The Paracel Islands have been under de facto Chinese control since 1974, when Beijing seized them from Vietnam in a brief naval conflict.

Last year, satellite photos showed China appeared to be building an airstrip on Triton Island in the Paracel group. As it was laid out at the time, it appeared it would be big enough to accommodate turboprop aircraft and drones but not fighter jets or bombers.

China has also had a small harbor and buildings on the island for years, along with a helipad and radar arrays.

China has refused to provide details of its island construction work other than to say it is aimed at promoting global navigation safety.

It has rejected accusations that it is militarizing the waterway, a key global and security route which is also believed to be sitting atop vast undersea deposits of gas and oil. MDT/AP
The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Macao has won the Best TCM (Traditional Chinese Medicine) Treatment of the Year award at the 2024 SpaChina Wellness & Spa Awards.

SpaChina, a leading wellness and luxury publication, celebrated industry innovation during its 15th Wellness & Spa Awards and 17th Wellness Summit in Nanjing, China, from Sept. 23 to 26.

At the heart of traditional Chinese medicine are the three treasures: Shen (mind and spirit), qi (energy), and jing (core essence).

The spas exclusive Medic Brushcup & Gua Sha Tension Release treatment uses techniques like dry brushing and cupping to alleviate physical and mental tension while enhancing mobility and blood circulation.

Daphne Ng, hotel manager, expressed pride in the award, highlighting their commitment to offering exceptional care and transformative experiences to guests.

This recognition inspires us to continue delivering exceptional hospitality and wellness experiences, ensuring that each visit to our hotel is memorable and transformative, said Ng.
Hezbollahs acting leader vowed yesterday to keep battling Israel and said the Lebanese militant group was prepared for a long fight even after much of its top command was wiped out, including its leader, Hassan Nasrallah.

Israeli strikes have killed Nasrallah and six of his top commanders and officials in the last 10 days, and have hit what the military says are thousands of militant targets across large parts of Lebanon. Over 1,000 people have been killed in the country in the past two weeks, nearly a quarter of them women and children, according to the Health Ministry.

Early yesterday, an airstrike hit a residential building in central Beirut, wiping out one apartment, damaging others, and killing three Palestinian militants, as Israel appeared to send a clear message that no part of Lebanon is out of bounds.

Despite the heavy blow Hezbollah has suffered in recent weeks, acting leader Naim Kassem said in a televised statement that if Israel decides to launch a ground offensive, the groups fighters are ready. He said the commanders killed have already been replaced.

Israel was not able to affect our (military) capabilities, Kassem said in a televised statement, the first time any senior Hezbollah figure has been seen since Nasrallah was killed. There are deputy commanders and there are replacements in case a commander is wounded in any post.

He added that Hezbollah, which fought Israel to a stalemate in their monthlong war in 2006, anticipated the battle could be long.

A founding member of the militant group who had been Nasrallahs longtime deputy, Kassem will remain in his acting position until the groups leadership elects a replacement. The man widely expected to take over the top post is Hashem Safieddine, a cousin of Nasrallah who oversees Hezbollahs political affairs.

Hezbollahs capabilities are unclear after a series of major blows

Hezbollah has significantly increased its rocket attacks in the past week to several hundred daily, but most have been intercepted or fallen in open areas. Several people have been wounded in Israel. There have been no fatalities since two soldiers were killed near the border on Sept. 19.

But Hezbollahs capabilities remain unclear.

As recently as two weeks ago, a strike like yesterdays in central Beirut  outside of the main areas where Hezbollah operates and next to a busy transportation hub normally crowded with buses, taxis and vans  would have been seen as a major escalation and likely followed by a long-range Hezbollah strike into Israel.

But the unspoken rules of the long-running conflict no longer seem to be in effect.

Its possible that Hezbollah is holding back to save resources for a bigger battle, including a threatened Israeli ground invasion. But the militant group might also be in disarray after Israeli intelligence apparently penetrated its highest levels.

Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, meeting with Israeli troops, said Israel would use all the capabilities we have, hinting at a ground operation. You are part of this effort, he added.

In the past week, Israel has frequently targeted Beiruts southern suburbs, where Hezbollah has a strong presence  including the massive strike on Friday that killed Nasrallah  but had not hit locations closer to the city center.

The strike killed three members of the Popular Front for the Liberation of Palestine, a small, leftist faction that has not been meaningfully involved in months of fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon. Israel has not claimed the strike but is widely assumed to have carried it out.

Also yesterday, Hamas announced that its top commander in Lebanon, Fatah Sharif, was killed with his family in an airstrike on the Al-Buss refugee camp in the southern port city of Tyre. The Israeli military confirmed that it had targeted him.

The U.N. agency for Palestinian refugees said Sharif was an employee, and was put on administrative leave without pay in March as it investigated allegations about his political activities. Israel has accused the agency, known as UNRWA, of links to Palestinian militant groups, while the agency says it is committed to neutrality and works to prevent any such infiltration.

Hezbollah began firing rockets, drones and missiles into northern Israel after Hamas Oct. 7 attack from Gaza into Israel sparked the war in the Palestinian territory. Hezbollah and Hamas are allies and both supported by Iran, and Hezbollah said it would continue the attacks in solidarity with the Palestinians until there was a cease-fire in Gaza.

Israel responded to the rockets with airstrikes in Lebanon, where Hezbollah is based, and the fighting has steadily escalated over the past year. The Lebanese government says the fighting may have displaced up to a million people, although the U.N. estimate is around 200,000.

Tens of thousands of Israelis have also been displaced. Israel has vowed to keep fighting until the attacks stop and its citizens can return to their homes. ABBY SEWELL & NATALIE MELZER, Beirut, MDT/AP
The new library in the Ilha Verde neighborhood was inaugurated yesterday, offering approximately 28,000 books. Spanning over 1,000 square meters, the facility also features around 2,000 audiovisual materials and includes various multifunctional rooms, such as a childrens reading area, a multimedia space and a study zone. During her speech, Cultural Affairs Bureau Deland Leong Wai Man said the new library meets the growing demand among local residents, as previous facilities were no longer sufficient to accommodate rising interest.

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Macau and Dili, the capital of East Timor, have officially signed a twinning agreement to strengthen bilateral relations. The memorandum was signed by Chief Executive Ho Iat Seng and Timor-Leste Minister of State Administration Tomas do Rosario Cabral during a ceremony at the MSAR Government Headquarters. Notable attendees included Chinese Foreign Affairs Commissioner Liu Xianfa and Dili Mayor Gregorio da Cunha Saldanha. Ho described the cities as vital nodes on the Maritime Silk Road, while Cabral hailed the agreement as a true song of peace. This agreement builds on longstanding ties and recent cooperation initiatives between the two regions.

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Israel has reportedly informed the Biden administration that a "limited invasion of southern Lebanon could start at any moment.

It has been mounting increasing air attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas leadership in Lebanon in recent days.

Hezbollah's leader, Hassan Nasrallah was among those killed but the group's acting leader vowed Monday that it would continue to fight Israel.

An unnamed U.S. official said Israel appears to be readying for the forces to push across the border, the Washington Post reported.

President Biden was giving an update about the federal response to Hurricane Helene on Monday morning when he was about whether he was aware of the possible ground invasion.

"I'm more aware than you might know," Biden said before reiterating his goal of a cease-fire.

This is a developing story.
Sands China Ltd. yesterday inaugurated its latest art exhibition, Echoes of a Golden Age: Macro Events through the Micro Visions of Macaos Legendary Contemporary Artists, at Sands Gallery.

The exhibition features 121 pieces across various mediums, including Chinese ink painting, oil painting, watercolor, acrylic, sketching, digital illustration and photography.

These works depict themes about Macaus development and cultural identity, reflecting public sentiments before and after reunification.

Echoes of a Golden Age showcases a selection of works from nine local artists: Lai Ieng, Lok Hei, Ng Wai Kin, Ung Vai Meng, Lio Man Cheong, Lei Tak Seng, Chan Hin Io, Ao Kuan Kin, and Lam Chi Ian.

The artists have made significant contributions to the local art scene, including designing postage stamps that celebrate both historical landmarks and modern infrastructure, such as the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge.

Lok Hei, exhibition artist and president of the Macau Artist Society, said, These representative pieces, including philatelic works, paintings and photography, reveal to us the local artists love for Macau as they portray the traces of local buildings in bygone days and the new landscapes of the city in a new era.

The exhibition of the nine artists works not only stands as our tribute for the dual celebrations, but is also a reflection of Macaus historical heritage due to the integration of Chinese and Western cultures and the citys rapid development since its reunification, he added.

Meanwhile, Wilfred Wong, executive vice chairman of Sands China Ltd., said, As this year marks the dual celebrations, this exhibition aims to take visitors on a journey by revisiting the glorious moments in Macaus development and its local conditions and customs through the artists extraordinary perspectives.
Cross-border vehicular traffic in Macau saw a significant 22.5% increase, totaling 797,954 trips in August, according to data from the Statistics and Census Service (DSEC).

Macau single-plate vehicle trips to and from Hengqin totaled 134,000, a 34.3% increase. Trips made under the Northbound Travel for Macao Vehicles policy grew by 7.3% to 130,000, while trips to and from Hong Kong surged by 53.8% to 26,000.

At the Macau International Airport, commercial flights totaled 5,218 in August, marking a 28.5% increase compared to the previous year. The gross weight of air cargo also saw impressive growth, jumping 78% to 9,542 tonnes.

In the first eight months of 2024, the number of flights increased by 63.3%, while air cargo weight rose by 97.8% to 67,328 tonnes.

Passenger ferry trips also experienced growth, rising by 3.3% year-on-year to 6,753 in August. Over the first eight months, the total number of ferry trips reached 53,566, a 24.7% increase.

Also, data shows that internet subscribers totalled 768,000 as at end-August, an increase of 7.5% year-on-year. The duration of internet usage in August grew by 6.7% year-on-year to 151 million hours, whereas the total duration of internet usage in the first eight months of 2024 went up by 2.3% to 1.17 billion hours.

Staff Reporter
The Macau SAR saw a total of 93,456 tourist arrivals yesterday, with entries and exits across its various portsa figure that aligns closely with expectations set by local authorities. Traditionally, the initial days of the Golden Week see a slower influx of visitors. Many tours from Mainland China typically start in neighboring Hong Kong, leading to a gradual arrival of tourists in Macau.

Yesterdays data from the Public Security Police (PSP) indicates that the Border Gate remains the busiest entry point, accounting for 34,344 arrivals, followed closely by the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge (HKZMB), which welcomed 18,783 passengers. Notably, Hengqin Port facilitated 16,002 entries.

On Sunday, the city welcomed 96,671 tourists. The government remains optimistic that visitor numbers will not only meet but could potentially exceed targets as the week progresses.

Earlier this week, the Macau Government Tourism Office (MGTO) reported that 70% of hotel accommodations have already been reserved for the holiday period, with expectations of further increases in bookings throughout this week.

The MGTO expressed optimism that if weather conditions are favorable during the National Day holiday, average daily visitor arrivals could surpass the predicted 100,000.

Golden Week in mainland China will last for seven days, from Oct. 1 to 7. After the Spring Festival Golden Week and the May Day Golden Week, National Day Golden Week is considered the third most important period for tourism in the annual calendar.

During last years National Day Golden Week, which lasted for eight days from Sept. 29 to Oct. 6, Macau recorded a total of 931,000 visitor arrivals, averaging around 116,000 visitors per day. The travel industry anticipates that this years figure could surpass that, suggesting the governments forecast may be conservative.

Meanwhile, outbound statistics also reveal robust movement, with 86,280 passengers and 17,276 tourists departing from the HZMB Port. The Border Gate led this category, recording 32,173 exits. NS/LV
Secretary for Transport and Public Works, Raimundo do Rosario, has reassured the public regarding the recent malfunction of the Light Rapid Transit (LRT) system, attributing the issue to a technical glitch.

His comments came after the system experienced a breakdown on the first day of a three-day free ride promotion created to welcome Golden Week travelers.

Rosario stated that the LRT was running 50% more trips than usual during this busy period. In the case of any incident, the system will immediately halt operations to ensure passenger safety. Even minor signal issues can cause a complete shutdown, he explained.

With the free light rail service coinciding with Golden Week and upcoming anniversary celebrations in October and December, the Secretary announced plans to increase train capacity. This initiative aims to better manage peak passenger flow and enhance overall traffic efficiency across the citys infrastructure.

He also highlighted the safety mechanisms in place that trigger an immediate stop if there are signal reception difficulties. Investigations into the recent technical issues remain a top priority for his team.

As Macau anticipates an influx of over 100,000 tourists daily, Rosario urged the public to remain patient with the LRT system.

He emphasized the importance of expanding the existing network to ensure long-term operational efficiency.

Staff Reporter
A male foreign worker tragically fell to his death while working at a hotel renovation site in Cotai Monday, according to authorities.

Emergency responders were called to the scene around 10:05 a.m. after the worker fell in the first-floor construction area. He was transported to Hospital San Januario, where he was later pronounced dead.

Investigators are working to determine the exact cause of the incident, but reported that the victim was wearing a safety harness at the time of the fall, with no obvious signs of foul play.

According to the person in charge of the workers engineering company, the injured worker was discovered by a colleague, who promptly reported the incident to the authorities.

The Labour Affairs Bureau (DSAL) has since expressed concern over the apparent workplace accident. The bureau extended condolences to the workers family and stated it would assist with compensation matters if the incident is confirmed as an on-the-job injury.

Additional personnel have been dispatched to investigate the circumstances surrounding the fall. The construction company told authorities the man entered an enclosed machine area before the incident. Further inquiries will aim to uncover any potential safety violations.

The bureau emphasized the importance of proper training and education on height safety and urges contractors ensure compliance with safety guidelines. VC
An interested, but still skeptical Madison School Board has agreed to seek more information on a proposed skilled trades charter school in the district.

The board voted Monday night to seek a complete application from leaders, who had so far presented only the broad outlines of the proposal. While the move does signal initial support by the board, it does not guarantee the district will actually commit to the lengthy and expensive process of opening a new charter school.

Under the proposal from Madison-area philanthropists and real estate developers John and Jo Ellen McKenzie, the Pathway Career and College Academy would prepare students for careers as plumbers, carpenters, HVAC technicians, electricians and more.

Students at the school would complete paid internships and work-study programs, in addition to academic classes. Organizers are aiming for the school to open in fall 2026 with a first cohort of 150 ninth-grade students.

The McKenzies must now submit a complete application by Dec. 1 that fully explains the vision for the school and details its curriculum and instruction plans. A public hearing on the proposal will take place this winter, followed by a final vote by the School Board sometime next spring.

Charter schools are public schools governed by a board of directors and created through a contract, or charter, between a governing board and the sponsoring school board. School districts may authorize charters, as can any UW system school or any technical college board.

Wisconsin law gives charter schools freedom from most state rules and regulations in exchange for greater accountability for results.

School board members earlier this month expressed reservations about the proposed school, particularly about competition with technical education and youth apprenticeship programs already available in the district.

The aggressive enrollment target  600 students by 2029  also got mixed reviews from board members, along with the uncertain location of the school. A location has not been identified in application materials so far.

Those reservations were still top of mind Monday, but board members said they wanted to allow organizers to fully explain their plans.

I think part of the information Im really hoping to get from the full application are pretty sincere details around the location of this school, the capacity of the school, and kind of the intricacies of the programming being offered and how this is going to complement what were already doing, board member Ali Muldrow said Monday night.

John McKenzie told the Wisconsin State Journal last week the charter school would go beyond just the skilled trades. He said internship and work-study programs would extend to the airline industry, health care, banking, information technology and more.

No employers have committed to offering internship opportunities yet, however, McKenzie said, adding it is too early to form those partnerships.

The involvement of Paul Vallas, the former CEO of Chicago Public Schools and the Philadelphia School District, may also be a drawback for some board members.

Vallas is a longtime proponent of charter schools and military-style academies, earning him fans and enemies around the country. Vallas has run unsuccessfully for public office several times.

I would say, personally, I do have some concerns about Vallas, board member Maia Pearson said Monday.

Despite the initial show of support from the School Board, McKenzie said he is keeping his options open.

He told the Wisconsin State Journal via email Monday that he has already submitted an initial charter application to the UW Office of Educational Opportunity and has been invited to move forward in that process as well.

The full application to UW is due in January. The university system could decide on the proposal by May.
The Janesville Fire Department extinguished a home and an apartment fire on Monday, with no injuries reported.

At about 7:05 a.m. Monday, fire crews were sent to a home in the 800 block of Matheson Street and they quickly put out a fire in the rear of the home. The residents had escaped the home before firefighters arrived, and firefighters rescued a dog from inside the house, Battalion Chief Tyler Johnson said in a statement.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage was estimated at $21,000.

At about 5:15 p.m. Monday, fire crews were sent to a fire at the 96 East Apartments at 1601 Randall Ave. The buildings residents were told by 911 dispatch to pull the fire alarm, and many residents had evacuated prior to fire crews arriving. Emergency responders helped evacuate the building, Johnson said.

Firefighters put out the fire, containing it to one apartment. No one was injured, and the apartmet resident will stay with family temporarily.

The cause of the fire is under investigation. Damage was estimated at $18,000.
Former President Donald Trump plans to deliver remarks today in Waunakee, one of the more conservative areas in battleground Wisconsin's otherwise liberal Dane County.

The event, with limited public access, will be held at metal fabricator Dane Manufacturing, one of the thousands of businesses powering Wisconsin's $77 billion manufacturing sector. Trump's visit comes as Vice President Kamala Harris tries to carve into the former president's advantage on the nation's economy. Polling has shown Trump holding the lead in terms of who voters think would do a better job with economic policy.

Following his stop in Waunakee, Trump will hold a separate campaign event Tuesday afternoon in Milwaukee, another liberal-leaning county in the state. Trump's visit to the Wisconsin takes place leading up to the vice presidential debate between Ohio Sen. JD Vance and Minnesota Gov. Tim Walz.

In a sea of blue, Waunakee registers as slightly more purple than much of the rest of Dane County. In 2020, Trump won nearly 36% of the vote in Waunakee, compared to just under 23% countywide. Trump ultimately lost the state to President Joe Biden by about 21,000 votes.

Despite its liberal majority, Dane County is home to the third-largest share of Republican voters in the state, making it crucial for the party to rally voters here. Wisconsin Republican Party chair Brian Schimming told the Wisconsin State Journal last week Trump's visit would show voters that the former president is "not afraid" of entering the Democratic "lion's den."

Democrats, meanwhile, are looking to squeeze even more votes out of Dane County, known for its unusually high voter turnout.

Last month, Vice President Kamala Harris rallied more than 10,000 people at the Dane County Coliseum in Madison, her fourth time in the battleground state since becoming the Democratic presidential nominee in August.

Democratic Gov. Tony Evers said in a statement Tuesday Trump's first term in office "was a disaster for Wisconsin, and we haven't forgotten."

"I know Wisconsin families, and theyre going to reject him again in November," Evers continued. "Vice President Harris is the only candidate in this race fighting to lower costs, cut taxes, and invest in Wisconsins future.

Recent polling shows that the Democratic ticket is holding onto a narrow lead in the state. A Marquette Law School poll found that among likely voters and registered voters, 48% preferred Trump while 52% preferred Harris, although the results are within the margin of error for both groups.

Both Trump and Harris are attempting to court the working class vote heading into the November election.

Marquette Law Schools September poll found Trump leading Harris on the economy, with 50% percent of registered voters saying Trump would do a better job compared to 42% for Harris.

Forty-one percent of registered voters said the economy was their most important issue heading into the November election. The next closest issue, abortion policy, was cited by 15% of registered voters, according to the poll.

Trump's visit comes a year and a half after Biden addressed union workers at the nearby Laborers International Union of North America Center in DeForest, promising to build the economy "from the bottom up."

While speaking in Georgia last week, Trump pledged to stop U.S. businesses from shipping jobs overseas by leaning heavily into tariffs to boost industries like auto manufacturing, despite warnings that doing so would almost certainly drive up prices Americans pay for goods.

Trump and Harris have both sought to blame the other for the loss of manufacturing jobs. Trump has called the last few years a "horror show" for manufacturing, while Harris characterized Trump as "one of the biggest losers ever on manufacturing."

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the U.S. added about 462,000 manufacturing jobs under the first two years of Trumps presidency. That growth leveled off in 2019 and the year ultimately saw a loss of about 43,000 manufacturing jobs leading up to the economic crash caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The pandemic resulted in major job losses across many industries, with nearly 1.4 million manufacturing jobs lost nationwide between January and April 2020. While about 770,000 of those jobs returned before Trump left office, the final tally for his presidency was a net loss of about 188,000 manufacturing jobs.

Manufacturing jobs continued to rebound from the pandemic under Biden, with total jobs returning to pre-pandemic numbers in 2022. Total manufacturing jobs have remained somewhat steady since, at about 12.9 million nationwide  roughly 700,000 total jobs more than there were at the close of Trump's term in January 2021.

Preliminary numbers from the state Department of Workforce Development earlier this month show Wisconsin's unemployment rate at 2.9% in August, or 1.3 percentage points below the national unemployment rate. Wisconsin had an estimated 481,600 manufacturing jobs last month, marking 4,500 more jobs in that sector when compared with August 2023, according to DWD.

Wisconsin is the second-biggest manufacturing state in the nation, with more than 460,000 total jobs statewide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
Public Utility Commission of Texas Commissioner Lori Cobos talks to CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells during a PUC meeting on July 25. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer Linemen tend to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall in July. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer CenterPoint Energy CEO Jason Wells speaks to a reporter at a CenterPoint Energy office in Houston about the effort to restore power in the aftermath of Hurricane Beryl. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A team from CenterPoint Energy, including CEO Jason Wells, center, finishes speaking with commissioners during a meeting of the Public Utility Commission of Texas on July 25. Jon Shapley/Staff photographer A lineman tends to fallen power lines in the East End neighborhood of Houston, days after Hurricane Beryl made landfall, July 11, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer

The Public Utility Commission will hear testimony in Houston on Saturday about how badly CenterPoint Energy failed during recent severe storms and what they should do about it.

Commissioners appointed by Gov. Greg Abbott will hear first from the utility responsible for distributing electricity in Greater Houston and then listen to the public. Thats backward, because the PUC should be collecting the publics questions to ask CenterPoints executives.

In recent weeks, CenterPoints spin doctors have shifted from apology mode into an attack strategy. CEO Jason Wells is fighting to keep his job after badly mishandling Hurricane Beryl and its aftermath, and hes done asking for forgiveness and hopes to escape consequences.

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CenterPoints customers, who dont get to choose a different transmission and distribution company, need the PUC to stand up for them. Ill be on vacation, but here are some key questions commissioners should ask; if they dont, the public should demand answers.

Why did CenterPoints poles and wires fail so badly during the May derecho and Hurricane Beryl when the company knew Southeast Texas was prone to such winds? Why didnt the company install more resilient equipment before now?

Why does CenterPoints grid require $5 billion in upgrades when the companys job is to maintain the grid to a modern standard in return for the monopoly? Why did CenterPoint think it needed only $2.7 billion a few weeks ago?

Is CenterPoints judgment shaded by the fact it makes more money from major projects than it does from routine maintenance? Might CenterPoint allow equipment to wear out so badly because it can make a higher profit by replacing it as part of a major project?

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What incentives can the PUC create to reward CenterPoint for keeping the lights on instead of allowing the company to profit from repairs after extreme weather events?

Why was CenterPoint the only transmission company in the state to spend $800 million on generators that would likely be needed at most every five years in a changing climate? Why does Wells complain that state law forced him to lease the generators when CenterPoint lobbied the Legislature for the law?

Why did Wells, as the chief financial officer then, approve the worst of the two offers from a small, troubled company?

What was the relationship between then-CEO David Lesar and Life Cycle Powers sales representative Knoell Coombs, and did it influence the deal?

Why did the PUC approve CenterPoints generators after two state administrative law judges called it unreasonable and consumer representatives panned it as a waste of customer money?

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Will the PUC start listening to customers, consumer activists and its own administrative law judges, or will it keep rubber-stamping CenterPoints bids to make more money for shareholders?

Is it appropriate for CenterPoints lobbyist to take lawmakers and their staff on alligator hunting trips from the companys luxury fishing lodge? Which lawmakers did CenterPoint take out there last month?

Should the PUC fold under pressure from lawmakers wearing the custom boots made from the alligators killed on those trips?

Does the PUC believe Wells when he claims that CenterPoints rates have not gone up? Based on 1,000 kilowatt-hours per month, the residential rate went to $58.16 a month in December 2023 from $46.36 in 2018, a 25% increase.

Does the PUC believe Wells when he blames customers and retail electric providers for CenterPoints failure to communicate with them? A 2022 FCC ruling authorized CenterPoint to freely access REP Group-supplied customer information for power outage alert services without asking permission.

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Will the PUC establish performance standards for transmission companies? Can we expect CenterPoint to trim trees and maintain poles and wires in a manner that guarantees power restoration within 72 hours of a Category 2 hurricane or less?

Will the PUC cut CenterPoints guaranteed profit for the next five years to punish it for past failures? Does the PUC have the power or the courage to fire CenterPoint and give the monopoly to another company?

CenterPoints board of directors does not have a great track record in hiring CEOs, and Wells has not proven himself up to the job. Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Houston-area state Sen. Paul Bettencourt have the company in their sights, so its probably best Wells spend more time with his family and let someone else rebuild the companys shattered reputation.

Texans, meanwhile, must make it clear to the PUC that they expect better. There was a time when coastal residents had to accept a week without power when a hurricane struck. Not anymore.

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Wanted for failure to appear and violation of terms of release on the original charge of possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine).

The Twin Falls County Sheriffs Office asks that anyone with information please call 208-735-1911 or Crime Stoppers at 208-343-2677, where they can remain anonymous and may be eligible for a cash reward. Tips can be made at www.343cops.com or download P3 Tips on your mobile phone.
TWIN FALLS  A 19-year-old passenger of a semi-truck died Monday morning after the vehicle rolled on a rural Twin Falls County road, police say.

The Idaho State Police said a 2017 Kenworth driven by a 47-year-old Twin Falls man was westbound at 8:49 a.m. on 3200 North near 2800 East when it went off the right shoulder and the driver overcorrected. The vehicle rolled and came to rest in a field on its top.

The 19-year-old passenger, from Twin Falls, died at the scene while another passenger, a 20-year-old Twin Falls man, was flown by air ambulance to a local hospital. The driver was transported by ground ambulance to a local hospital, the ISP said.

All three men were wearing seatbelts.

The road was blocked for approximately four hours, and the crash is under investigation by the ISP.
JEROME  Patricia McGregor, known to most as Mattie, smiled as she showed off her collection of journals to the Times-News, looking for a poem to share with the staff in her cozy home. Her cat Sophie, a rescue, stopped by to pose for a few photographs.

In her living room, McGregor was surrounded by plants, stacks of books and decorations gathered from years of travels. Rays of sunlight peeked through the closed blinds.

In a few weeks, McGregor will self-publish Turbulent, her first poem collections, honoring her younger self and sharing her life experiences with her community.

Its a poetry book, she said, but the premise comes from everything I saw while I was traveling I have lived quite a colorful life, and I could always do more, I guess, but Ive written since I was 10 years old.

Every morning, McGregor sat at her kitchen counter and typed out her poems onto an iMac, meditatively capturing her thoughts and past experiences. Sophie dutifully sat by her side.

McGregor inherited her love for travel from her parents, who lived out of suitcases while she was growing up. When she returned home from college, McGregor worked and used her savings to move to Hawaii for a year.

For the next five years, she traveled around the world, meeting new people, immersing herself in new cultures and writing about her experiences. Eventually, she fell in love, halting a one-way trip to Thailand she had planned in 2015.

After her relationship ended in 2020, McGregor has been regrouping since then, she told the Times-News. Around the time she publishes her book, she hopes to open her own bakery, which is another childhood dream of hers.

I thought writing my book would be a good way to remember who I was, she said. Ive always had a dream to own a little stone cottage, have a bakery, sell my books and grow flowers. It seems like everythings kind of falling into place.

(My dreams are) coming together, just like I thought they would.

McGregors loved ones have supported her goal to capture the stories of her life. In 2018, she traveled to Bali to attend a yoga retreat and met a like-minded spirit who soon became a good friend of hers. When her friend traveled to Bali, she wanted to find someone to gift. When she learned about McGregors plan to write a book, she gifted her $1,000.

She sent me a massive text message through WhatsApp, saying, I know youre going to try to send this back, but Ive sent you $1,000 on PayPal because I think the only thing holding you back from writing your book is the money, McGregor told the Times-News.

Another one of her friends have helped her throughout the writing process as McGregor had to relive some of her most traumatic memories. Both, along with her parents and her other friends, will have a dedication in her book due to their help along the way.

McGregor hopes that her sharing her story will encourage others to do the same. Throughout her life, she has learned that time is precious, and if she wants to fulfill her dreams, the time to do so is now. The friends that she lost along the way continue to inspire and encourage her to keep moving forward.

Everyone has a story, and those of the people who are brave enough to tell usually are not easy and not pretty, she said. Maybe when all of this is said and done, people will have a broader perspective to realize that you can go after your dream.

I dont have time to act like none of this matters because it all matters to me When destiny calls, all you have to do is answer.

McGregor plans to publish her book on Oct. 1. To purchase a copy, search for Turbulent on Amazon.

PHOTOS: Jerome native Patricia McGregor self-publishes book

Your news on your smartphone Your story lives in the Magic Valley, and our new mobile app is designed to make sure you dont miss breaking news, the latest scores, the weather forecast and more. From easy navigation with the swipe of a finger to personalized content based on your preferences to customized text sizes, the Times-News app is built for you and your life. Dont have the app? Download it today from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.
The Idaho State Bar ruled public defenders can't withdraw from cases without judge approval, despite pay changes from new state contracts. The decision addresses potential defendant representation issues as Idaho transitions to statewide public defense.
Senator Nancy Binay filed her Certificate of Candidacy (COC) as mayor of Makati City for 2025 on Tuesday with running mate, actor-politician Monsour del Rosario, under the United Nationalist Alliance (UNA) party.

Binay was among the first politicians to submit their COCs before the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) at the Manila Hotel tent. She is running against her brother-in-law, Makati City Rep. Luis Campos, the husband of her younger sister Mayor Abigail Binay-Campos.

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Speaking to reporters, Binay acknowledged feeling sad about them sitting on the opposite sides of the political fence. She, however, underscored that they remain as family members first and foremost.

There was no space for us to talk. So, its sad, because were a family. But we remain as a family above all To me, I am not running against my sister. There is no Abby Binay in the ballot. We are not enemies, Binay said, trying to hold back tears.

Former Vice President Jejomar Binay, the founder and president of UNA, signs the certificate of nomination of Senator Nancy Binay, who will be running for mayor of Makati City in the 2025 national and local elections. (Courtesy: Nancy Binay/Facebook)

In a Facebook post, Binay said her candidacy has the blessing of their father, former Vice President Jejomar Binay, who personally checked her COC the night before submission. Thank you, Dad, for the trust that I can continue the good service you started in Makati, she wrote.

The Binay patriarch served as mayor of Makati City for much of his political career. He is also one of the founding fathers and incumbent president of the UNA political party with Nancy as the chairperson.

Mayor Abby is running for senator in next years polls under the Nationalist Peoples Coalition. She was recently introduced among the 12 senatorial candidates of the Bagong Pilipinas alliance endorsed by President Marcos.

In a television interview, Mayor Abby said she was hoping and praying that her sister would not seek the mayoral post, but respects her prerogative to pursue her political plans. It will be unfortunate but, you know, I cant convince her. I cant stop her from running for whatever position, she said.

Mayor Abby acknowledged that this inevitable scenario would add to the political drama, similar to what happened in 2019, when she ran against their brother Junjun Binay.

Politics is already ugly as it is and we do have our personal differences as well. So, the mudslinging [from] the 2019 elections was very, very traumatic on my end. And, I guess, its just not nice when things get ugly and sometimes you cant It cant be avoided, she told OneNews.
Special thanks to user blakespot for posting my article on HackerNews (+110 comments, +470 upvotes). As always, my deep gratitude goes to PSEnough for including this article in his Demo Report on Youtube (at min. 22:45).

Much appreciated!

Boris Vallejo and the Pixel Art of the Demoscene

Boris Vallejo is a renowned fantasy painter who has had a significant influence on fantasy book covers, computer game box art, and even the demoscene. Over the decades, his works have often been replicated by pixel artists, sparking controversy. I rediscovered Vallejos impressive work for myself, explored the demoscenes admiration for his art, and decided to recreate one of his paintings using only four colors, recording the process on video. This article features fantasy art history, demoscene drama, and plenty of pixel art fun.

October 2024 Mildly NSFW



On the left, the original painting "Gillkarth's Odyssey" by Boris Vallejo. On the right, is my line art recreation using only four colors. I call it "Wrath of the Vallerian" (after Boris Vallejo).

Recently, I was going through the historical results of the Revision demoparty, as you do. I was looking for a subject to draw for a new pixel art piece. I had learned to appreciate the color limitations during the old-school graphics competition at Evoke, where we could only use a predefined color palette. The first time I submitted an entry in 2022, I hated it. The second time, in 2023, I came to accept the limited color palette as a problem to solve. And by 2024, I actually started to enjoy the challenge.

I wanted to create a new piece outside of competition ("out of compo") and was looking for inspiration.

In the results.txt file of Revision 2013, I found an interesting phrase. Right above the list of results for the graphics competition, it said:

"GRAPHICS COMPETITIONS HAVEN'T BEEN

THE SAME EVER SINCE PEOPLE STOPPED

RIPPING BORIS VALLEJO AND SORAYAMA"

Whatever Happened to Boris Vallejo?

I hadn't thought of Peruvian artist Boris Vallejo in ages. I remembered his slick fantasy artwork, featuring idealistically rendered warriors and princesses, muscular and scantily clad (but not indecent). If they weren't battling monsters, the figures wouldn't look out of place in a romance novel. Vallejo's paintings were always beautifully done, but they're a bit out of fashion these days.



Boris Vallejo, "Dragon Riders", 1982

Pixel artists copied his work in the late 1980s and 1990s. Vallejo's visual aesthetic was one that many demoscene groups sought to replicate or pay homage to on the new 16-bit platforms like the Commodore Amiga, the Atari ST, and the PC with its wonderful VGA graphics.



Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell, "John Carter of Mars", 2009

Vallejo's art was filled with heroic characters, often set in mythical or alien worlds, similar to the themes explored in many demoscene productions. Demos in the 1990s, especially on platforms like the Amiga, frequently featured surreal landscapes, epic narratives, and fantastical characters reminiscent of Vallejo's paintings.

There was a time when I loved Vallejo's art. It was a fascinating blend of imagination and breathtaking realism, with vivid portrayals of fantasy worlds populated by powerful, heroic figures and fantastical creatures. Vallejo's mastery of anatomy and attention to detail brought his subjects to life. I used to feel a true sense of awe and wonder when looking at his paintings. Back then, I felt that his work struck a balance between strength and beauty, craftsmanship and adventure.



Left: One of Boris Vallejo's early works from 1977, the cover of "Tarnsman of Gor". Right: A recent painting by Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell from 2023: "Tenacious D".

These days, I'm not so sure. I've grown older, and my tastes have changed. I still admire Vallejo's work, but now I find it a bit too slick, idealized, and repetitive. I've come to appreciate rougher, more abstract, and more experimental art styles.

I looked up Boris Vallejo, and by all accounts, he is in his 80s, alive and well. He collaborates with his artist wife Julie Bell, continues to produce and successfully sell their artwork online at borisjulie.com.

Yet, while reminiscing about Vallejo's paintings, I realized I might have found a topic for a drawing.

The Appropriation of Popular Art by Sceners

As of September 2024, around 35 images submitted by sceners on Demozoo are tagged with "boris-vallejo" though the tagging is probably not comprehensive. Given his significant influence on the demoscene, Boris Vallejo even has entries on both demozoo.org and janeway.exotica.org.



Left: Boris Vallejo's art as found in the Hardwired demo by The Silents and Kefrens Right: Vallejo's orignal cover of the book "Edge of Tomorrow" by Isaac Asimov

The other artist mentioned in the results.txt was the Japanese artist Hajime Sorayama. He is best known for his hyper-realistic erotic robots and cyborgs. His work explores the fusion of man and machine, often focusing on eroticism, fetishism, and the beauty of artificial forms. Sorayama rose to international fame in the 1980s and has influenced various fields, from fine art to commercial design, including contributions to film, music, and fashion. For the young men in the demoscene, this was a perfect combination.



On the Left: the pixel art copy on the Amiga of the original painting by Sorayama on the right.

Over the years, Boris Vallejo and his long-time collaborator Julie Bell had other intersections with computers in the 1990s. They painted box art for computer and video games such as the fantasy role-playing game Dragon Wars, the platform shooter Turrican, the side-scrolling fantasy beat-'em-up Golden Axe, and the delightful underwater adventure Ecco the Dolphin. Here is a list of computer and video game box art credits by Boris Vallejo.

Vallejo's influence on sceners was unquestionable. Below are more examples of Vallejo's artwork used in demoscene productions. Many of these artworks were digitized or scanned, which doesn't require any artistry. It's a cheap and easy way to get good graphics for a demo.



The Fantasy Slideshow by Turtletronic has a number of obvious scans (left) of paintings, e.g. Vallejo's Antecorn (right). Turtletronic could pull off this scan or capture because their slideshow uses Amiga's HAM mode that allows the nearly unrestricted use of all of the Amiga's 4,096 color.



I feel that Peachy's recreation (on the left) of a painting by Boris Vallejo (on the right) looks to be hand-pixelled and not a scan. The slightly different angle of the front leg and the bark on the tree trunk look different.



I also believe that Archmage (left) recreated the painting by Boris Vallejo (right) by hand-pixelling it in a painting program. The face of the woman in the center is angled differently and trees in the background look differnt.

Scanned paintings are quite controversial in the scene. In a blog post by a scener called Danny, who used to work for the computer game company Eidos Interactive, he does not like the practice of using scanned images of paintings and then declaring them as your own work. But he also does not find critics great who condemn sceners who copy paintings but openly admit that they are copies. He even wrote that it is the main reason he left the scene and would no longer submit any graphics for competitions. His post, Disintegration Of The Old Graphics Scene, is worth reading. He wrote it in 1998, making it a reflection of that time period in the demoscene.

Some of Danny's arguments sound distressingly familiar nowadays in the context of AI-generated art. In his post, he wrote:

"There are quite a number of artists (even some famous ones that get much respect) that have practiced so long on making a scanned image look hand drawn, that their lame efforts have become almost undetectable. There is almost no way of telling if the image is created through blood, sweat, and tears, or the powers of modern-day technology.

Danny does not outright condemn or defend copying. He just does not fully discount its value in a hobbyist community like the demoscene as long as it is clear that a work is a reproduction of another work. This is for me the culmination of his text:

"My point is that everybody copies. Some do it to learn, others do it to grasp a bit of fame in a very challenging environment. It's not just the artists that copy, it's the whole bloody scene. And everyone that makes any form of art. Artists just get all the crap for it because it's easiest to spot."



The history of the Amiga demoscene is paved with Vallejo immitations.

Some graphics based on Vallejo paintings were actually pixel painted by the sceners, as can be seen in this article in Demoscene: the Amiga Years. Volume 1 1984-1993 by Editions64k. This requires artistry and dedication.



The Editions64K book features three pages about the process that Suny used to hand-pixel a recreation of a Vallejo painting on the Commodore Amiga.

It is amazing how many demoscene pixel artists in the 1990s got their inspiration or motives from Boris Vallejo. Suny wrote in the Editions64K book about the Amiga demoscene:

"My main influence was Boris Vallejo who seems to have inspired a lot of artists at the time. I then got interested in design, photography, painting and animation."

Then Suny went on to close out his section of the Editions64K book with the following:

"With time, I realized I was not a real artist. I had reached a very good technical level and could reproduce an existing image perfectly. However, this is not the definition of an artist, and I am not super creative. This is why I became a Technical Artist in the video game industry, and now I am working at Apple."

This started out somewhat discouraging, but then we see that his meticulous reproductions of Vallejos work and other pixel art helped him find his strengths and discover new professional roles.



Some sceners only use parts of a Vallejo painting, like in this example by Facet from the Hardcore demo.

In a post on pouet.net, user friol asked what the point of re-drawing paintings by others actually is. He even specifically referred to sceners who copy Boris Vallejo's work:

"Oh well... I knew the demoscene was ripping Boris Vallejo, but not that much (we are talking of at least of one hundred pictures). But while some pictures are... I would call them "re-elaborations", others are 1-1 copies.

What's the point of that?"

Another user, gaspode, replied to friol's post:

"That's the dark side of the scene, I think. I can not understand why obviously talented people copy pictures nearly 1:1. Even if they were re-drawn or re-pixeled or whatever, they are still copys for me (because the idea, colors and structure was stolen). Other people apparently don't have problems with that but for me everytime I discover such a thing my respect for the copying artist decreases and first of all I cannot enjoy their future artworks anymore, cause I always think they could have been copied."

This opinion is well-supported by many sceners. User ok3anos pointed out that there is another side to copying artwork as long as the original artist gets credited:

"Well, consider this: In painting, masters have always been copied by the apprentices to let them learn the basis techniques.

It does not disturb me at all to see pixel artists copying Boris Vallejo or others to increase their pixel technique as long as the original artist is credited in a way or another.

Would be more annoying if some of the works were just simple scans reworked a bit (which I suspect some...)

ok3anos reply can be interpreted as a defense of copying artwork as long as the scener remains honest. A link can be found in this thread on pouet that points to the No-Copy site. You can find a gallery of images created by sceners but copied from other artists. There are a lot of examples of swiped Vallejo art.



The No-Copy website. If we disregard for a moment that there are so many examples of swipes of Vallejo's merman and mermaid image, and look closely at this particular copy, then we can see that it looks like an actual painstaking recreation and not a scan (though this is only my personal feeling).

The first thing that strikes me, just looking at the swipes on the No-Copy site, is how often Vallejo's painting of the merman and the mermaid was copied. I never wanted to know what it looks like when merpeople have sex. The second thing that strikes me is that many of the graphics definitely look like full scans or collages of partial scans.

Yet, I think some of them are not scans but incredible reproductions. If my suspicion is true, I personally believe it takes a lot of craft to reproduce a painting as pixel art with the comparatively low resolution and limited color palette of a Commodore Amiga or a PC with VGA graphics. The most commonly used graphics mode for a regular Amiga was 320 x 256 with 32 colors (or 64 colors if extra halfbrite mode was used). The later AGA chipset in the Amiga 1200 and 4000 had a graphics mode comparable to the PC's VGA graphics. When the No-Copy site was published in the second half of the 1990s, the most common VGA mode used for pixel graphics was 320 x 240 with 256 colors, though some people used the higher resolution of 640 x 480, also with 256 colors. It takes patience and a lot of precision to copy Vallejo's art in a pixel paint program like Deluxe Paint or Brilliance.

My journey through Vallejo's influence on the demoscene brought me to the essay An Original Picture written in 2007 by Lars Ghandy Sobiraj, the main editor of the longest running Amiga diskmag Jurassic Pack. He is very critical of pixel artists and graphicians who copy art or photos. He not only condemns scans but even folks who hand-pixel their graphics based on someone else's paintings.

He mentions a traditional, analog technique in which a grid is overlaid on both the original image and the drawing surface. This allows the copying artist to focus on replicating one small part at a time. This method ensured accurate proportions and alignment, helping the artist recreate the image in precise detail. However, he does not consider this technique to be high art.

Lars Sobiraj writes:

"The biggest shame with copied motives are the artists never telling others if it was copied or not. They just secretly hope not to be discovered by the scene police."

I actually support this statement. If you copy something, then make it clear what you have done. This is the bile-filled finale of Lars Sobiraj's essay, like a necromancer's curse thrown upon copying artists (the spelling is unchanged from the original):

"Here is a last message from me: You took the express road for your success. But you are worthless peace of junk. No own fantasies, using grids, copying ideas. Damn lame. You will never develop yourself, and even if you get place #1 in the charts or by your scene friends, that is nothing compared to real life true graphicians based on the bigger world outside the scene.

(b)lame yourself"

I understand the feeling of betrayal one might feel when confronted with artists who so obviously cheat. Yet I feel that this is also a bit too harsh.

All that being said, I don't think copying Vallejo's art is reprehensible as long as you credit the original artist and learn something from the recreation, perhaps by altering it enough to make it distinct.

Criticizing other artists for copying the works of Boris Vallejo becomes somewhat ironic when we consider Vallejo's own creative process. Vallejo often uses models and bodybuilders as references, photographing them in specific poses, and then using these images as a foundation for his paintings. In this way, imitation plays a significant role even in his artistic method.

However, what distinguishes Vallejo is his remarkable ability to synthesize and transform these real-life references into something new and beautiful through his extraordinary skill with paint and brush. His artistry lies not just in copying but in elevating these references into highly imaginative and dynamic works, blending realism with fantasy. This process shows that while imitation may be part of art, true creativity comes from how those references are interpreted and reimagined.

How I Learned Not To Worry And Love Color Limitations

I wanted to copy a Vallejo painting in my own style, using a super limited color palette. And, of course, I'd give credit to good ole Boris! But first, I need to wax poetic about the beauty of limited color palettes.



I chose to use only these four colors for my recreation of a Vallejo painting.

I used to paint pixel art on an Atari ST, which was limited to 16 colors on screen at the same time from a palette of 512 available shades. I always found this limiting and frustrating, especially considering that the Atari ST's main competitor, the Commodore Amiga, could display 32 and even 64 colors from 4,096 available shades.

Then, I started participating in graphics competitions at demoparties, using ridiculously limited six- to eight-color palettes. That's when I discovered an interesting challenge.

There's something exciting about working within a limited color palette. I found that the constraints forced me to focus more on composition, shapes, and contrast. I had to make the most of the few colors I had.

It might be unfair to call the limited color palette required for the Evoke graphics compo "old school" (or "old skool," if you're too cool for "school"). There are no restrictions on resolution, meaning I can use much higher resolutions than any retro "old school" machine was capable of. The results can look quite modern, and the style can be deliberately atmospheric due to the limited color palette.

Video Walkthrough of Line Art Drawing

A full walkthrough of the process of painting the picture.

Drawing A Vallejo in Line Art and Four Colors

So I decided to challenge myself by limiting a drawing to four colors. As a callback to the old days of the demoscene, I used a Boris Vallejo painting as my model. I chose Vallejo's Gillkarth's Odyssey (The Axe Man) from 1998. I used Procreate on my iPad Pro with the Apple Pencil. I absolutely adore Procreate. It is a phenomenally frictionless and intuitive painting tool.

I ended up quite happy with my copy of it as line art. After a few dead ends in coloring, I was also pleased with how it turned out using only four colors.

Step 1 Step 2 Step 3 Step 4

There was one odd thing I only realized while making the drawing: I have no idea what the barbarian fellow in the center is swinging his axe at. It might be that he's trying to chop into the snake, which is actually facing away from him and minding its own business. Or maybe he's attacking the viewer of the image. It could even be that he's being influenced by the two demon-like creatures behind him to attack. In the original image, his eyes are red, as though he's possessed. To this day, I don't know what this person is up to.

I actually only learned that he's not Conan after I had started the drawing. I asked on the Conan Reddit, if anyone had more information about the painting, and I was quickly corrected. Reddit user mattmirth provided the painting's real name. And another user wrote the following comment and got the most upvotes:

"Every Boris Vallejo painting is Conan, he just doesn't know it. /s"."

I had a lot of fun drawing this piece. I learned a lot about working within color limitations and how to make the most of them. Here's my "out of compo release" on Demozoo.

It also rekindled my appreciation for the art of Boris Vallejo. While I might not be a super fan of his work anymore, I can see why he was so popular and influential. I understand why so many pixel artists copied his work.



And here is my final line art version of Vallejo's Axe Man from "Gillkarth's Odyssey" called Wrath of the Vallerian (after Boris Vallejo).

Rights Disclaimer

The original image "Gillkarth's Odyssey" by Boris Vallejo is used as a reference for the drawing. The original image is copyrighted by Boris Vallejo and Julie Bell. No infringement is intended through this reproduction and no claim of ownership is made by the creator of this derivative work. The drawing is a fair-use work of fandom created for fun and not for profit. It is not intended for commercial use. The drawing itself is not endorsed by Boris Vallejo or Julie Bell (and they might even think it totally sucks, which is fine by me.)
The CITGO Sign in Boston's Kenmore Square, one of the most iconic landmarks of the Boston skyline, is set to undergo major upgrades. The 45-year-old, 3,600-square-foot sign will have its LED lights replaced with more technologically advanced and environmentally friendly versions. Scheduled to begin at the end of July, the upgrades will require that the sign go dark while the work is done; however, when the sign is relit the famous beacon will look better than ever. (PRNewsFoto/CITGO Petroleum) PR NEWSWIRE

The special master in charge of a court-ordered auction of Houston-based Citgo requested Friday that the sale process be delayed.

If granted, the motion would delay the auction, originally scheduled for July 15, until September.

Special Master Robert Pincus received "several competitive bids," the Friday motion states, "and it is the Special Masters opinion that multiple bids are actionable." Pincus and his team said in the filing that they need more time to sift through bids they described as "complex." The U.S. District Court in Delaware, where the case is being heard, has not identified the bidders.

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"Given the number of bids, as well as the strength of those bids, the Special Master and his Advisors require additional time to review bids," the filing states.

The court may be buying time because the bids are weak, said Matthew Blair, Tudor Pickering Holts managing director of refining, chemicals and renewable fuels. Blair has said from the start of the process that Citgo's refineries could attract higher bids if the court allowed them to be sold separately.

HOW CITGO GOT HERE: Venezuelan debts mount against Citgo as auction nears, clouding the Houston refiners future

"We continue to think that the current strategy of trying to selling everything as one isnt going to go through," Blair said Monday during an interview. "Eventually, these will just be sold as separate deals and that will generate more value for the shareholders."

The court aims to use the proceeds from Venezuela-owned Citgo to pay back billions of dollars in debts owed by the Venezuelan government that have been mounting since it seized the foreign assets in 2007. Creditors targeted Citgo, which employs about 3,300 workers in the U.S., because it is the largest U.S. asset of the Venezuelan government and operates three top-tier refineries, including two along the Gulf Coast.

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Houston's ConocoPhillips is seeking to recover more than $11.8 billion through the process, court documents show, raising questions about how much of the more than $20 billion sought by Venezuela's creditors can reasonably be squeezed from Citgo.
Kenyan lawmakers are preparing to initiate impeachment proceedings against Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, accusing him of undermining the government. This development reflects a growing rift between President William Ruto and his deputy, potentially adding to the governments existing challenges.

Majority Leader Kimani Ichungwah confirmed the impeachment motion, stating he has already signed it. The move comes in the wake of deadly protests over a disputed finance bill that forced President Ruto to shelve the legislation and dismiss nearly his entire cabinet in June.

Gachagua, who commands significant support in Kenyas populous central region, has recently spoken of being sidelined and denied accusations linking him to the unrest. He maintains that any impeachment motion would require President Rutos approval.

The political tension arises as Kenya grapples with the aftermath of protests that resulted in over 50 fatalities. Demonstrators opposed tax hikes and demanded action against misgovernance and corruption.

In response to the crisis, President Ruto nominated four members of the main opposition party to a broad-based cabinet in July. However, activists argue that this move perpetuates a tradition of co-opting the opposition rather than implementing substantial reforms.

The potential impeachment of Gachagua could further complicate Kenyas political landscape and test the stability of the current administration.
Doctors Without Borders has reported treating over 25,000 victims of sexual violence in Congo in 2023, marking a significant increase and the highest level the organization has encountered in the country. The majority of cases were concentrated in displacement camps near Goma, the capital of North Kivu province in eastern Congo.

Christopher Mambula, the groups program manager in Congo, stated that two-thirds of the victims reported being assaulted at gunpoint. The crisis is particularly severe in eastern Congo, where more than 120 armed groups compete for power, land, and mineral resources, often committing human rights violations including mass killings and rapes.

The violence has led to the displacement of approximately 6 million people in the region. Congo has accused neighboring Rwanda of involvement in the conflict, including supporting the M23 rebel group, a claim Rwanda denies.

Human Rights Watch recently reported that both Rwandan and Congolese forces have committed atrocities against displacement camp residents. Doctors Without Borders attributes the surge in sexual violence to the presence of armed men in and around displacement sites, as well as inadequate humanitarian response and poor living conditions.

The NGO also reported high numbers of sexual assaults in the first five months of 2024, with over 17,000 victims treated in North Kivu province alone between January and May.
Senegal condemned the assault on one of its Members of Parliament during an opposition meeting in Togo over the weekend and called for an investigation into the incident.

A video circulating on social media shows MP Guy Marius Sagna addressing the audience, saying, there are people who did not want this meeting to take place, before the event is suddenly disrupted amid chaos. Another video shows Sagna lying in a hospital bed with his left hand bandaged, and in a third clip, he recounts how he and other participants were beaten with chairs and fists. He also mentioned that a Togolese MP was among those assaulted.

Sagna accused the Togolese regime of paying thugs to attack and possibly even kill members of the opposition, including MPs and a member of the ECOWAS Parliament. He stressed that this attack demonstrated how no Togolese is safe. The Front Touche Pas a Ma Constitution, a coalition of Togolese opposition parties and civil society groups formed to protest Togos new constitution, released a statement saying several others were injured during the incident. The group accused individuals aligned with militias of attempting to silence Sagna, who had previously spoken out against the Togolese regime.

Sagna, who leads the Front for a Popular and Pan-African Anti-Imperialist Revolution in Senegal, is known for his outspoken critiques, particularly of French influence in Africa. He has been detained multiple times under Senegals former government and has been a vocal critic of the new constitution in Togo, which opposition groups claim allows President Faure Gnassingbe to remain in power indefinitely.

In response, the Senegalese Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Monday strongly condemned this unacceptable act and called for an immediate investigation. Minister Yacine Fall informed her Togolese counterpart and requested that Sagnas physical safety be ensured. The statement also expressed appreciation for the Togolese ministers commitment to protecting Sagnas well-being.
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Larkmead School. Credit: CC-BY-SA-2.5,2.0,1.0

Suspending or expelling a student is one of the most severe punishments a school can impose on a studentand it can have lifelong, devastating consequences. In an updated policy statement, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends a trauma-informed approach to supporting students and reducing the need for exclusionary discipline.

The policy statement, "School Suspension and Expulsion," published online Oct. 1 during the AAP 2024 National Conference & Exhibition, marks the first update to American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) guidance since March 2013. The policy statement, written by the Council on School Health, is published in the October 2024 Pediatrics.

Policy statements created by AAP are written by medical experts, reflect the latest evidence in the field, and go through several rounds of peer review before being approved by the AAP Board of Directors and published in Pediatrics.

According to the policy, exclusionary practices were first used for more severe behavior like bringing weapons to school. These practices ramped up following zero-tolerance policies put in place in the wake of the federal "War on Drugs" campaign and other federal policing policies.

Data examined while formulating the policy statement showed that from 1973 to 2006, the percentage of students disciplined with suspension or expulsion increased from 3.7% to 6.9% of total student enrollment.

"There is little evidence that zero-tolerance school exclusion policies make schools safer or deter misbehavior, but they do create significant harms for the individual child's mental and physical health," said policy author Susanna K. Jain, MD, FAAP. "Schools are responsible for providing a safe learning environment for all students but it's difficult for students to learn if they aren't in the classroom."

Twenty years of research has shown that suspensions and expulsions don't necessarily lead to altered behavior, considering 28% of students suspended in the 20202021 school year were suspended more than once.

In that same school year, there were about 12 times more school shootings with casualties than in the 2000-2001 school year.

A related AAP policy statement, "Early childhood expulsion: Policy guides pediatricians to assist teachers, programs in discouraging harmful practice," published in Oct. 2023 extends the concern to early childhood education and other childcare environments, saying expulsions from these kinds of settings can lead to higher dropout rates, poor academic performance and higher incarceration rates.

Students who are part of marginalized communities, including students with disabilities and LGBTQ+ students, are shown to be disproportionately impacted by exclusionary school discipline policies.

"We know from research that Black children and adolescents are among those students most severely affected by expulsion and suspension," Dr. Jain said.

"When students are not in school, they are more likely to use recreational drugs, engage in fights, and carry a weapon, with potential for increased contact with the juvenile justice system. The school-to-prison pipeline places these children at increased risk of a cycle of incarceration."

The AAP recommends an examination of these disparities as part of collaborative efforts among students, families, pediatric health care providers, educators and those involved in juvenile criminal justice reform to create alternatives to exclusionary discipline practices.

The AAP recommends:

Pediatricians advocate for increased access to mental health services for all students and support legislation aimed at ensuring children who are suspended or expelled receive education through remote learning or other means

School-aged children get screened for chronic absenteeism and developmental delays that can make school more difficult

Schools collect and analyze internal data on exclusionary discipline practices to identify areas of improvement

Pediatricians and school administration should continue to inform themselves on disparities in school exclusionary practices, particularly for students in the Black and Native communities.

"A multidisciplinary and trauma-informed approach is crucial when working to keep children both safe and educated," said co-author Nathaniel Beers, MD, FAAP. "School administration should take steps to examine what policies are in place and adapt them to better serve students who have experienced trauma."
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Credit: 3 Fields Books

In March 1951, Andrew Ivyat the time, one of the most renowned scientists and medical ethicists in the U.S.held a press conference in Chicago to announce Krebiozen, a recently discovered wonder drug that Ivy said could dramatically help cancer patients. The announcement created a frenzy among cancer patients, who deluged the University of Illinois's Chicago campus, where Ivy was vice president in charge of the professional schools at the time, with telephone calls trying to obtain it.

But within a few months, Krebiozen was denounced by the American Medical Association, and a few years later, Ivy, the drug's creator Stevan Durovic and some of their supporters were prosecuted for fraud.

The dramatic Krebiozen saga culminated in Durovic fleeing the U.S., Ivy's reputation in ruins and two of his U. of I. colleaguesPresident George Stoddard and Provost Coleman Griffithousted from their positions, in part because of their association with the scandal.

"The Krebiozen Hoax: How a Mysterious Cancer Drug Shook Organized Medicine," a new book by Matthew C. Ehrlich, a professor emeritus of journalism at the U. of I., examines the controversial drug's dramatic rise and fall.

Although the sensational story of Krebiozen has since faded into obscurity, Ehrlich said that its lessons are relevant today, offering potent reminders about the dangers of medical misinformation, misplaced trust and the unquestioning adoption of unproven treatments. "The Krebiozen Hoax" is also a cautionary tale about the pitfalls of hubris and how the political climate can undermine public trust in established institutions and mainstream medicine.

According to the author, Krebiozen was "a quintessential example of medical quackery" that "foreshadowed today's bitter debates over health misinformation, medical freedom and scientific and educational expertise."

Krebiozen also marked a "key historical moment for the Food and Drug Administration," which was then flexing new regulatory powers, and its stance on that drug triggered backlash from cancer patients and accusations of medical overreach when the agency reported the drug was worthless as a cancer treatment, refused to license it and blocked its interstate shipment.

"It was a big episode, not just in the history of the U. of I. but also in the history of the whole state of Illinois, since the legislature and the governor got involved," Ehrlich said. "And then, of course, it became a national deal with the involvement of the FDA and the National Cancer Institute. Illinois Senator Paul Douglas and even President Lyndon Johnson at one point got sucked into this whole thing."

The book details how Durovic, an unknown doctor who had never published peer-reviewed research on the drug's performance, duped a world-renowned clinician and scores of vulnerable patients who were desperate to find a cure for a frightening disease.

Ever evasive about the medicine's formula and origins, Durovic indicated that it was derived by stimulating horses' immune systems and extracting their blood, a potential form of immunotherapy that piqued Ivy's research interests in the body's defenses against cancer and may have clouded his professional judgment.

"Where I think Ivy went wrong is when he dug in his heels and refused to listen when first his close friends, then his scientific associates and prominent groups and organizations told him Krebiozen was worthless," Ehrlich said. "He really seemed to have a natural stubbornness and a strong ambition to make a lasting contribution to science that may have gotten the best of him. And he never renounced Krebiozen, despite all the personal and professional travails that befell him."

Ehrlich's book examines how public excitement over the drug elevated Ivy's Sisyphean pursuit of clinical trials and federal approval for the drug to a nationwide cause, attracting A-list supporters such as movie star Gloria Swanson and environmentalist Rachel Carson, a cancer patient who briefly and unsuccessfully treated herself with it.

The battle to obtain "fair trials" of Krebiozen that advocates believed would demonstrate its efficacy once and for all pitted them against federal regulators, mainstream medicine and the AMA. Ivy and Durovic accused the AMA of conspiring with powerful corporate interests to keep Krebiozen off the market after failing to seize control of it.

When the FDA refused to license the drug, angry demonstrators besieged the White House, with cancer patients waving picket signs declaring, "I need Krebiozen to live."

"Krebiozen is one episode in a long, sorry series of such episodes, and that's one of the reasons I wanted to write about it," Ehrlich said. "It just had colorful characters involved, including Ivy, Stoddard and Douglas."

Ivy was a distinguished physiologist and medical ethicist who testified as a representative of the AMA at the Nuremberg trials and was once dubbed "the conscience of U.S. science" by Time magazine. His friend Douglas was a firebrand Democrat legislator and decorated war hero who became one of Krebiozen's biggest supporters and foremost legislative sponsors.

"And, like Ivy, once Douglas committed to it, he dug in and would not be dissuaded from it," Ehrlich said.

Were it not for Ivy's star power, political connections, rapport with the press and federal agencies' confusion over which of them was responsible for regulating it, the Krebiozen controversy likely would have fizzled more quickly, according to the author.

Ehrlich examines the historical conditions that existed when Krebiozen came to prominence and how they likely heightened the controversy surrounding the drug.

In Ehrlich's exploration of Krebiozen's tumultuous history, he notes that it was among nearly150 miracle cures for cancer that were touted at one time or another. The Krebiozen controversy copied the pattern of many such brouhahas that preceded itand foreshadowed many of those that came after it, including controversial treatments for COVID-19 such as hydroxychloroquine, Ehrlich said.

"People should be aware that these things happen from time to time," Ehrlich said. "The story of Krebiozen is a poignant reminder that these travails are nothing new, but instead have ample historical precedent. It is also a reminder of the damage that can be inflicted when quackery and all the untruths that accompany it go unchecked for too long."
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Admissions to critical care unit, 20182023. Credit: Critical Care Nurse (2024). DOI: 10.4037/ccn2024428

Partnerships with civilian trauma centers and health systems provide an underused way for military medical personnel to obtain clinical experience relevant to both combat medicine and general hospital care, according to an article published in Critical Care Nurse (CCN).

Due to less frequent deployments, varied patient acuity and other factors, military clinicians, especially critical care nurses, have limited opportunities to care for acutely ill patients or regularly use the trauma skills needed for a competent medical military force.

"Using a Military-Civilian Partnership to Enhance Clinical Readiness and Sustainment for Air Force Critical Care Nurses" provides an overview of a regional partnership that allowed active-duty military critical care nurses to complete rotations of multiple standard 12-hour shifts at a civilian medical facility. The article is one of several in the October issue of CCN that focus on military, disaster and trauma nursing care.

Co-author Jennifer Armon, MSN, CCRN, is a major in the U.S. Air Force Nurse Corps pursuing her doctorate in nursing practice at University of Nevada, Reno.

"The peacetime effect of skill atrophy poses a significant threat to mission readiness," she said. "Nurses and other health care providers must be included in efforts to develop military-civilian partnerships and sustain a clinically competent nurse force. These partnerships have to be flexible in order to respond to the dynamics of staffing, budget, nursing skill sustainment and the military mission."

From November 2021 to January 2023, the partnership enabled 39 military critical care nurses to complete 511 shifts at the civilian medical facility, obtaining clinical experience seldom achieved at the military treatment facility.

Among their assignments, they cared for patients who required an intra-aortic balloon pump (IABP), continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT), ventricular assist devices, intracranial pressure monitoring or vasoactive intravenous infusion manipulation.

Collectively, the nurses accumulated 297 hours of IABP management, 96 hours of ventricular assist device management and 156 hours of CRRT management in the first year of the partnership.

The partnership began with a staffing model that mirrored nursing student preceptorships already in place at the civilian facility. After completing onboarding requirements, the military nurse was provided a facility badge, read-only electronic medical record capabilities, and access to the medication dispensing machine. During the rotation, the nurses completed three 12-hour shifts per week.

Further collaboration led to a second type of rotation in which a military nurse was still paired with a staff nurse, but granted only a visitor badge with more limited access. Participating nurses rotated through various units at least twice a month for standard 12-hour shifts.

The authors point to the successful readiness training program at Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada, as a model for sustainable military-civilian partnerships.

As part of the partnership, an active-duty nurse is fully embedded at a civilian institution and serves as an on-site preceptor for other military members, allowing for more consistent rotations and providing the opportunity for hands-on experience.

More information: Jennifer L. Armon et al, Using a Military-Civilian Partnership to Enhance Clinical Readiness and Sustainment for Air Force Critical Care Nurses, Critical Care Nurse (2024). DOI: 10.4037/ccn2024428

Provided by American Association of Critical-Care Nurses (AACN)
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Fecal immunochemical testing, sample container. Credit: Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Colorectal cancer cases are rising among younger people, striking even folks without obvious risk factors.

For nearly two decades, UC San Francisco Family Community Medicine Professor Micheal Potter, MD, has worked to make cancer screening easier.

But getting otherwise healthy adults in for regular tests to detect cancer early is more complicated than it seems. More than 15 years ago, Potter worked with San Francisco community health clinics to develop a model that paired colorectal cancer screening with something about half of us do annually anyway: get a flu shot.

The model has community clinicians offer take-home fecal immunochemical tests (FIT) for colorectal cancer alongside flu shots in a model dubbed FluFIT. Folks who opt for the screeners can collect samples at home before sending them to a lab for tests.

Today, community health centers in all 50 states have used Potter's model, first developed at UCSF to save lives. Potter tells us how colorectal cancer risk is changing and what to know about screening.

How has colorectal cancer risk changed?

The risk of colorectal cancer increases with age, and the vast majority of people who get colorectal cancer are above 50. But over the last few years, we've seen that people who are in their 40s develop about the same risk of colorectal cancer as people in their 50s would have had two decades ago.

Why are people getting colorectal cancer at younger ages?

We don't yet know why people are developing cancers earlier, but this seems to be a global phenomenon and not just restricted to colorectal cancer. A lack of physical activity, increasing rates of obesity or toxic substances in our food supply, such as microplastics, could be why we're seeing more cancer in younger people.

When should I start screening for colorectal cancer?

Because of the shift toward younger people being diagnosed with colorectal cancer, most U.S. guidelines now recommend screening beginning at age 45 instead of waiting until age 50, as was previously recommended.

Does this change if I have a history of colorectal cancer in my family?

Yes. People with known risks for colorectal cancer, such as a parent or sibling diagnosed with colorectal cancer at a young age, or with multiple family members diagnosed with it, should be screened earlier. People with a family history of colorectal cancer should make sure their doctor is aware. For those with familial genetic disorders that predispose to colorectal cancer, screening before age 45 can be very important.

How does FIT work?

This test detects microscopic amounts of human blood protein in the stool, which is a sign of bleeding that could be coming from early cancer or from a polyp that could develop into cancer if left untreated.

How often should I get a FIT?

While colon polyps and cancers usually develop slowly over many years, lesions can be missed if you only get the test sporadically. However, in terms of saving lives, doing a FIT every year is enough. For most people, it's equivalent to getting a colonoscopy once every 10 years.

What happens if I test positive?

If the FIT results are abnormal, this should be followed up with a colonoscopy, which is an examination of the entire colon performed by a gastroenterologist. A colonoscopy is a 30-minute procedure done under sedation and is painless. It requires taking laxatives to clean out the bowels and a day off work to do the procedure and recover.

If my FIT test is abnormal, how quickly should I schedule a follow-up with my doctor?

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to get a timely colonoscopy after an abnormal FIT. Ideally, the colonoscopy should take place within three months of the abnormal FIT result. Failure to follow up promptly can lead to delays in diagnosis that can have catastrophic consequences for patients.

My clinic doesn't offer colorectal cancer tests during flu vaccinations. How else can I get a take-home test?

Most clinics will provide these tests during routine primary care visits. If you think you are due for screening, call your clinic, and they can probably mail you a kit.

How does a FIT test compare to the new, recently approved blood tests for colorectal cancer?

Although it may seem more convenient to get a blood test than to get a stool test, the new blood tests have some drawbacks. They remain expensive by comparison. In addition, while they are very good at detecting advanced cancers, they are not so good at finding polyps or early-stage cancers that we really want to know about to save lives. For now, in my view, stool tests are superior to the newer blood tests in terms of cost and their ability to save lives.

I'm younger than 45, does that mean I'm not at risk for colorectal cancer?

Not necessarily. People in their 30s and 40s with persistent changes in bowel habits or rectal bleeding should make sure to consult their doctors and ask specifically about whether their symptoms could be caused by colorectal cancer.

Although these symptoms, after full evaluation, usually prove to be something else (like irritable bowel syndrome or hemorrhoids), care should be taken to rule out more serious causes, such as colorectal cancer, ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease.

One of the reasons why people in their 30s and 40s who develop colorectal cancer have worse outcomes than people who are diagnosed at older ages is that their symptoms are not taken seriously or evaluated until the cancer is already very advanced.
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Credit: CC0 Public Domain

There's a new morning ritual in Pinedale, Wyoming, a town of about 2,000 nestled against the Wind River Mountains.

Friends and neighbors in the oil- and gas-rich community "take their morning coffee and pull up" to watch workers building the county's first hospital, said Kari DeWitt, the project's public relations director.

"I think it's just gratitude," DeWitt said.

Sublette County is the only one in Wyomingwhere counties span thousands of square mileswithout a hospital. The 10-bed, 40,000-square-foot hospital, with a similarly sized attached long-term care facility, is slated to open by the summer of 2025.

DeWitt, who also is executive director of the Sublette County Health Foundation, has an office at the town's health clinic with a window view of the construction.

Pinedale's residents have good reason to be excited. New full-service hospitals with inpatient beds are rare in rural America, where declining population has spurred decades of downsizing and closures. Yet, a few communities in Wyoming and others in Kansas and Georgia are defying the trend.

"To be honest with you, it even seems strange to me," said Wyoming Hospital Association President Eric Boley. Small rural "hospitals are really struggling all across the country," he said.

There is no official tally of new hospitals being built in rural America, but industry experts such as Boley said they're rare. Typically, health-related construction projects in rural areas are for smaller urgent care centers or stand-alone emergency facilities or are replacements for old hospitals.

About half of rural hospitals lost money in the prior year, according to Chartis, a health analytics and consulting firm. And nearly 150 rural hospitals have closed or converted to smaller operations since 2010, according to data collected by the University of North Carolina's Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research.

To stem the tide of closures, Congress created a new rural emergency hospital designation that allowed struggling hospitals to close their inpatient units and provide only outpatient and emergency services. Since January 2023, when the program took effect, 32 of the more than 1,700 eligible rural hospitalsfrom Georgia to New Mexicohave joined the program, according to data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.

Tony Breitlow is health care studio director for EUA, which has extensive experience working for rural health care systems. Breitlow said his national architecture and engineering firm's work expands, replaces, or revamps older buildings, many of which were constructed during the middle of the last century.

The work, Breitlow said, is part of health care "systems figuring out how to remain robust and viable."

Freeman Health System, based in Joplin, Missouri, announced plans last year to build a new 50-bed hospital across the state line in Kansas. Paula Baker, Freeman's president and chief executive, said the system is building for patients in the southeastern corner of the state who travel 45 minutes or more to its bigger Joplin facilities for care.

Freeman's new hospital, with construction on the building expected to begin in the spring, will be less than 10 miles away from an older, 64-bed hospital that has existed for decades. Kansas is one of more than a dozen states with no "certificate of need" law that would require health providers to obtain approval from the state before offering new services or building or expanding facilities.

Baker also said Freeman plans to operate emergency services and a small 10-bed outpost in Fort Scott, Kansas, opening early next year in a corner of a hospital that closed in late 2018. Residents there "cried, they cheered, they hugged me," Baker said, adding that the "level of appreciation and gratitude that they felt and they displayed was overwhelming to me."

Michael Topchik, executive director of the Chartis Center for Rural Health, said regional health care systems in the Upper Midwest have been particularly active in competing for patients by, among other things, building new hospitals.

And while private corporate money can drive construction, many rural hospital projects tap government programs, especially those supported by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, Topchik said. That, he said, "surprises a lot of people."

Since 2021, the USDA's rural Community Facilities Programs have awarded $2.24 billion in loans and grants to 68 rural hospitals for work that was not related to an emergency or disaster, according to data analyzed by KFF Health News and confirmed by the agency. The federal program is funded through what is often known as the farm bill, which faces a September congressional renewal deadline.

Nearly all the projects are replacements or expansions and updates of older facilities.

The USDA confirmed that three new or planned Wyoming hospitals received federal funding. Hospital projects in Riverton and Saratoga received loans of $37.2 million and $18.3 million, respectively. Pinedale's hospital received a $29.2 million loan from the agency.

Wyoming's new construction is rare in a state where more than 80% of rural hospitals reported losses in the third quarter of 2023, according to Chartis. The state association's Boley said he worries about several hospitals that have less than 10 days' cash on hand "day and night."

Pinedale's project loan was approved after the community submitted a feasibility study to the USDA that included local clinics and a long-term care facility. "It's pretty remote and right up in the mountains," Boley said.

Pinedale's DeWitt said the community was missing key services, such as blood transfusions, which are often necessary when there is a trauma like a car crash or if a pregnant woman faces severe complications. Local ambulances drove 94,000 miles last year, she said.

DeWitt began working to raise support for the new hospital after her own pregnancy-related trauma in 2014. She was bleeding heavily and arrived at the local health clinic believing it operated like a hospital.

"It was shocking to hear, 'No, we're not a hospital. We can't do blood transfusions. We're just going to have to pray you live for the next 45 minutes,'" DeWitt said.

DeWitt had to be airlifted to Idaho, where she delivered a few minutes after landing. When the hospital financing went on the ballot in 2020, DeWittfully recovered, with healthy grade-schoolers at homebegan making five calls a night to rally support for a county tax increase to help fund the hospital.

"By improving health care, I think we improve everybody's chances of survival. You know, it's pretty basic," DeWitt said.

2024 KFF Health News. Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
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Types of space incorporating transitional space. Credit: Urban Studies (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00420980241234803

Over the last decade, urban poverty has dramatically increased in the UK, with an explosion in people needing to access emergency food parcels provided by food banks. But these food banks, while providing essential and extremely needed emergency food access to those in crisis, can be a segregating space for people using their services.

A new study has examined how food aid organizations enable segregation or transitioning when it comes to food access. The paper argues that social supermarkets (also known as community shops, pantries, larders, community supermarkets, citizen supermarkets, grub hubs or food clubs) offer a transitional space between food banks and the market spaces of mainstream food retailers.

The study was conducted by the University of Birmingham, the University of Chester, and the University of Salford. It has been published in Urban Studies.

Caroline Moraes, Professor of Marketing at Birmingham Business School and Co-Director of the Centre for Responsible Business, said, "Social supermarkets are an increasingly popular model for providing food access for people who would otherwise not have secure access to food. People who cannot access food in traditional supermarkets can do their shopping at a social supermarket, which sells products at a significantly discounted rate or for a peppercorn fee.

"Supporters of the model say that this allows people to get the support they need in a more dignified way, rather than needing to depend on foodbank referrals which have more stigma attached. As food poverty has increased, it is important to understand how food aid providers and systems might feed into social segregation or enable transition out of food insecurity."

The researchers examined food aid providers in Greater Manchester and the West Midlandstwo regions of the UK with significant levels of deprivationthrough visits and interviews to understand how the different services targeting food insecurity might foster these transitional spaces.

The study argues that social supermarkets become transitional spaces for multiple reasons: firstly, because their model is dynamic, flexible and dependent on forms of negotiation (managing food surplus donations and warehouse space, for example). Secondly, they put more focus on dignity and choice for service users compared to food banks, and thirdly, social supermarkets are more likely to provide access to additional services to help people transition out of poverty.

Professor Morven G. McEachern of the University of Chester explained, "Social supermarkets provide more sustainable access to food. Rather than emergency food parcels, people can come every week to do their shopping for the amount of time they need. When we did our interviews, we found that social supermarkets provided access to job clubs, cooking clubs, and benefits and debt management advice, which can all help people transition out of needing emergency food.

"On the other hand, food banks, who are dealing with people in a state of immediate crisis, understandably focus on that crisis. Demand is also so high that they need to put all their efforts into giving people food, rather than providing transitional support."

Additionally, the physical spaces that food banks inhabit can be a challenge because they face precarious conditions themselves. People accessing emergency food aid sometimes have to form long queues publicly outside the premises or are made visible through glass-fronted premises, adding to the stigma that people experience, whereas social supermarkets tend to be more community-oriented.

Professor Moraes concluded, "Social supermarkets provide people with more sustainable, varied and community-focused services and food access, which gives people social support and opportunities to transition out of poverty and back into some level of secure food access. This is not to say that food banks do not do incredibly important work. Both models do different things, with food banks focusing on immediate crises and social supermarkets focused on longer-term change.

"Nobody should be going hungry or needing these services in 21st-century Britain, but while this is the case, by giving people places to transition out of food poverty, we will hopefully see less of a need for food aid. Real change is only really possible with changes in government policy to tackle poverty."

More information: Morven G. McEachern et al, Urban poverty and the role of UK food aid organisations in enabling segregating and transitioning spaces of food access, Urban Studies (2024). DOI: 10.1177/00420980241234803
A fire damaged vehicle after three days ago it struck an above-ground valve causing a large pipeline fire, Wednesday, Sept. 18, 2024, in Deer Park. Jason Fochtman/Staff photographer Flames burn from a pipeline in the 8700 block of Spencer Highway on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in La Porte. The La Porte Fire Department responded to a fire at 9:55 a.m. in the 8700 block of Spencer Highway, City of La Porte spokesperson Lee Woodward said in a news release. An evacuation order has been issued for residents and community members between Spencer Highway and Fairmont Parkway between Luella Boulevard and Canada Road, according to Woodward. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer Firefighters battle a blaze from a pipeline burning near Spencer Highway and Summerton on Monday, Sept. 16, 2024 in La Porte. The fire caused road closures and shelter-in-place advisories Monday afternoon in the area, with evacuations to homes and businesses within a half mile from the fire site. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

The driver of the SUV that investigators believe caused the Deer Park pipeline fire earlier this month has been identified as a 51-year-old La Porte man, according to a Deer Park news release.

The Harris County Institute of Forensic Sciences identified Jonathan McEvoy as the driver of the 2022 Lexus NX350 that struck an above-ground pipeline valve, leading to a fire that burned for more than three days and prompted evacuations in the immediate area. Investigators used a technique called radiography comparison to identify McEvoy's remains, according to the release. A police spokesperson said investigators were left with only a partial skeleton by the time the flames subsided.

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Radiography comparison, according to a study published in the Journal of Criminal Law and Criminology, is a technique that uses x-ray scans of skeletal remains to identify them. Similar to a fingerprint, an individuals bone structure is unique and can be used even in advanced states of decomposition to determine identity. The events that lead up to McEvoy's death are still under investigation, according to the City of Deer Park Police Department.

Chad Richard, who witnessed the crash, told ABC13 that he and his wife watched as the SUV McEvoys remains were found in veered wildly through a chain link face and into the valve. His wife, Sherry Richard, said the vehicle caught their eye after they saw it was moving suspiciously slow.

It caught our eye because the car was moving so slow as we passed it," Sherry Richard said.

The couple said they believed the drivers behavior was consistent with someone experiencing a medical episode.

"My thought was she had a heart attack or whatever and drifted over there because it really wasn't going that fast," Chad Richard said. "But once it got over the fence, it just picked up."

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The fire, which erupted the morning of Sept. 16, burned until late in the evening Sept. 19. Various fire departments, along with crews from both CenterPoint, which owned a connecting pipeline, and Energy Transfer, which owned the damaged pipeline, were deployed to fight the blaze. Four people, including at least one firefighter, were injured. So far, McEvoy is the only confirmed fatality.

Residents in a roughly three-quarter square mile around the pipeline were forced to evacuate after the heat emitted by the fire melted sheds and vehicles in the surrounding neighborhood. Evacuees were relocated to a nearby hotel provided by Energy Transfer, where they remained until the fire was extinguished.
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a. Experimental setting of the double video system and dual-EEG recording. b. example of an experimental run. Credit: Social Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2024.2379917

The behavioral and inter-brain dynamics between a person with autism and a neurotypical person are different than those between two neurotypical people.

That's the conclusion of a recent study by Guillaume Dumas, a professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Addiction at Universite de Montreal and principal investigator at the Precision Psychiatry and Social Physiology Laboratory at the CHU Sainte-Justine Research Center.

The work is published in the journal Social Neuroscience.

Dumas is also an associate academic member of MilaQuebec Artificial Intelligence Institute, and holds the IVADO Chair in Artificial Intelligence and Mental Health.

Not on the same wavelength

Dumas and his team conducted an experiment to study imitations of hand movements in pairs of neurotypical individuals compared with a neurotypical individual paired with a person with autism.

The subjects were seated in separate rooms and could see their partner's hand movements on a screen. They were instructed to make meaningless gestures and were left free to imitate their partner's movements or not. Their behavior was videotaped.

The research team also measured the pairs' inter-brain synchrony pairs using EEG hyperscanning, a technique that can simultaneously record brain activity in multiple subjects. Several years ago, Dumas demonstrated that human brains tend to spontaneously synchronize when engaged in social interaction, i.e. their electrical rhythms oscillate at the same frequency.

This new study found that the synchronization between a person with autism and a neurotypical person is less close than between two neurotypical people. It also found that people with autism were more likely to be followers than leaders in imitating hand movements.

"We found that the autistic subjects were just as capable of reproducing their partner's behavior and synchronizing their movements with them," said Dumas. "But they differed in 'turn-taking': they were less likely to initiate a movement."

It's not you, it's us

Dumas believes the difference in turn-taking but not in ability to imitate suggests that autism is "a relational condition rather than a disorder specific to the individual." This interpersonal perspective shifts the focus away from individual (dis)abilities.

"Impaired social interaction is bidirectional," Dumas said. "But we never say that a neurotypical person has a deficit in social cognition when they have a hard time understanding a person with autism. When an interaction is more difficult, the responsibility lies with everyone involved."

By adopting an interpersonal perspective on autism that takes diversity into account, Dumas hopes to pave the way for a more preventative and inclusive approach to mental health.

More information: Quentin Moreau et al, Distinct social behavior and inter-brain connectivity in Dyads with autistic individuals, Social Neuroscience (2024). DOI: 10.1080/17470919.2024.2379917
Butte-Silver Bow commissioners this week could approve the final plat for the Cornerstone Plaza retail shopping and restaurant development planned for a 17-acre site along Harrison Avenue in south Butte.

Developer Dave Leon has said it will include a Planet Fitness, but he still hasnt said publicly what other national chains will be part of the $26.5 million plaza.

He did tell a county board in August that Sportsmans Warehouse had backed out of the plans but said he had lined up some other high-profile national tenants.

He announced the project in October 2023 saying it would include 11 national stores and restaurants  the kind seen in Helena, Missoula and Bozeman but not here. Major dirt work has been done on the site and the final plat would be another major step for the plaza.

The final plat would divide the area into five lots for commercial development ranging in size from 2.09 acres to 6.56 acres, all to be served by municipal water and sewer services and all meeting fire safety standards, according to the Butte-Silver Bow Planning Department.

This is kind of the last defined thing that we need to have done so they can start construction of the individual businesses, said J.P. Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bows chief executive.

The final plat application is extensive and shows that developers have satisfied numerous conditions, including environmental regulatory requirements and OKs from the countys Public Works Department and Montana Department of Transportation.

Developers have also submitted a $1.5 million security performance bond to guarantee payment for needed infrastructure, including extensions for water and sewer, stormwater installation, curb and gutter work and landscaping, the final plat application says.

The development site is located between two auto dealerships on the east side of Harrison Avenue near Bert Mooney Airport.

As part of a vehicle entrance to the plaza, a new traffic light will be installed at Enterprise Way, a short little street off southbound Harrison that runs between Jim Fishers auto dealership and Enterprise Rent-a-Car.

Leon is CEO of New York-based PF Management Group and the owner and operator of all Planet Fitness centers in Montana, Wyoming, North Dakota and Latin America.

The council will consider the final plat when it meets at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday on the third floor of the Butte-Silver Bow Courthouse. Meetings are also live-streamed via the countys website at https://co.silverbow.mt.us/
Motorist drive on I-45 North on Thursday, Sept. 12, 2024 in Spring. Brett Coomer/Staff photographer

Houston leads the country in gun-involved road rage incidents, but there are strategies that may help drivers avoid a potentially deadly situation.

Out of 215 road rage incidents between 2014-2023 in Houston, 206 resulted in someone being wounded or killed by a gun, according to data from The Trace, a nonprofit news outlet that investigates gun violence in America.

The Harris County Sheriff's Office has advice to keep drivers safe, even in a city where traffic and long commutes are often a fact of life.

How can road rage be avoided?

Coming into contact with an aggressive driver isn't always preventable, but small gestures like allowing other drivers to merge or change lanes contributes to a decreased likelihood of conflict, said Harris County Sheriff's Office Senior Deputy Thomas Gilliland.

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"Pack your patience, and ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to your final destination so you do not feel stressed," Gilliland said in an email to the Chronicle.

What do I do if I encounter an aggressive driver?

Drivers should try their best to remain calm if they come into contact with an aggressive driver.

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"Take a moment to breathe deeply and focus on getting to your destination safely," Gilliland said. "By remaining calm, you are actively diffusing an incident that could quickly escalate."

Gilliland said drivers shouldn't hesitate to pull over in a safe location and call 911 if they encounter an aggressive driver.

How can I defuse road rage?

Drivers should avoid engaging with anyone who is acting aggressive behind the wheel. Responding to aggressive drivers can escalate a situation, Gilliland said.

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County Attorney Kelli Fivey says a measure before Butte-Silver Bow commissioners would send a wake-up call to state officials and lawmakers about the overcrowded jail here  and in other counties, for that matter.

Under her proposed resolution, Butte-Silver Bow could refuse to house Montana Department of Corrections inmates in its jail unless the state pays the full costs of doing so.

The discretion would belong to the sheriff and jail commander and Fivey acknowledges they would never put people (inmates) on a bus and drop them off at the prison door.

But Missoula County recently adopted the stance, Fivey says, and doing so here would hopefully light a fire under the DOC to take more of its inmates more quickly or get the Legislature to increase jail reimbursement rates to full costs.

Under a state law, the DOC must pay counties at least $82 a day for holding DOC inmates and that is indeed what they pay, county officials say.

But according to Sheriff Ed Lester, the daily cost here is $110. The DOC says it currently has 418 inmates in county jails, including 14 inmates in the Butte jail. Fivey says the number here has historically been much higher.

Its a systemwide problem and the county wants to maintain good relations with the DOC, Fivey said, and the agency wouldnt automatically start paying $110 because of the resolution.

But we are showing the Legislature and then potentially a court down the road that this is us asserting our rights to actual costs and we dont believe we should be responsible for the difference anymore, Fivey told The Montana Standard.

The Council of Commissioners will decide whether to approve the resolution, perhaps Wednesday night, but Sheriff Lester and Chief Executive J.P. Gallagher said Monday they support its passage.

Although the Butte-Silver Bow Detention Center has long been overcrowded, the inmate population topped 140 recently  twice its recommended capacity of 72. Several defense attorneys made headlines in August with complaints about the crowding.

Among other things, they say theyve had clients who were cuffed to chairs or a bench for three or four days at the Detention Center because there was no room in jail cells to hold them.

Lester said the lack of space at DOC facilities is causing a number of problems at the local level and hes not blaming the agency or even the Legislature for that. But counties should be paid a fair price to house inmates that are sentenced to state facilities, he said.

The entire criminal justice system, from top to bottom, is overwhelmed, Lester said. The county jail just happens to be the place where the crisis manifests itself in a very visible way.

DOC facilities are overcrowded at no fault of their own, too, he said, and the agency can only pay counties what state law allows. But the Legislature should at least fix the reimbursement rate, he said.

I mean, its no different than me pulling up to the Lewis and Clark Inn in Bozeman and saying, Heres the deal. Im staying. Ill pay 82 bucks a day until I find a better hotel or get tired of staying here, Lester said.

Missoula County sued the DOC in 2020 in hopes of recouping costs it didnt get for housing state inmates between 2015 and 2018. The Montana Supreme Court ruled against their monetary claims earlier this year.

Among other things, the high court ruled that Missoula County had accepted inmates without contesting the DOC rates so it was not entitled to back costs.

Missoula County recently adopted a resolution asserting its rights to actual costs, Fivey said, and she wants to do the same here.

She contacted Missoula County Attorney Matt Jennings about it and the resolution she put before Butte-Silver Bow commissioners is very similar to the one adopted in Missoula County.

This is going to give Sheriff Lester the ability to say, Look, I will house this inmate for you but its going to be $110 a day, Fivey said. Now the Department of Corrections wont really get the sale price any longer.

Gallagher, Butte-Silver Bows chief executive, says its entirely the councils call on whether to approve the resolution but he does support it.

Our taxpayers are footing the bill for the state prisoners we are holding here, he said.

The council appointed Fivey as county attorney in March when longtime incumbent Eileen Joyce resigned before her term expired to take a different job.

Fivey and Butte attorney Matt Enrooth are each running for a full four-year term as county attorney, with voters deciding the winner on Nov. 5.

The DOC makes every effort within existing space/resources to facilitate the movement of inmates, it said in a statement. "We are heartened by the recent recommendations of the HB5 Select Committee on Corrections Facility Capacity and System Development relative to long-term solutions, including facility expansion."

In the meantime, the department said it is exploring a variety of options and taking measures to help address Montanas offender population, including the recent increase of beds in Arizona.
The Muscatine Senior Center, a new program for active aging seniors, invites the community to its Open House on Friday, Oct. 11 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Musserville Church, 1001 Oregon Street. This event offers a chance for Muscatine County seniors, their families, and community members to explore the programs and resources available at the center.

The Muscatine Senior Center, which opened in May 2024 as a collaborative effort between Senior Resources and dedicated community volunteers, is designed to foster engagement, wellness and social connection for seniors over 60. The center, open on Mondays and Wednesdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., offers a variety of activities that cater to the interests and needs of active seniors.

Attendees at the open house can sample activities like cardio drumming, chair flexibility exercises and Wii games. In addition to activities, representatives from local organizations will be on hand, offering valuable resources and information specifically for actively aging seniors.

The Muscatine Senior Center is a place where seniors can connect, stay active, and enjoy a wide range of programs designed just for us, said Ed Lampe. We encourage everyone to join us at the open house to experience the center and learn more about how the center can enrich the lives of local seniors.

The open house is free and open to the public. For more information about the open house or the Muscatine Senior Center, please contact Senior Resources at 563-263-7292.
It was a brisk fall day in 1976 when Jimmy Carter touched down at the Quad Cities International Airport.

Oct. 26, 1976, fell on a Tuesday where the high was 47 degrees and the winds were reaching 18 mph. Rain was in the forecast that afternoon when then-Georgia governor and presidential hopeful Jimmy Carter arrived just one week ahead of election day for a speech.

The rain never came. Instead, an estimated 6,000-8,000 Quad-Citians and their neighbors did. At the time, Carter, a Georgia peanut farmer turned politician, had just turned 52 years old. Today Carter turns 100, making him the oldest living president in United States history.

He was born in Plains, Georgia, on Oct. 1, 1924, and married Rosalynn Smith in 1946. She died at the age of 96 in November 2023, after 77 years of marriage. Jimmy Carter entered hospice in February 2023 and has remained on end-of-life care since.

Forty-eight years ago, at Carter's visit to the airport, Quad-City Times reporters Scott Noecker and Rick Jost wrote the crowd for Carter was much bigger than when the soon-to-be president flew into the Davenport Municipal Airport the previous January.

Following his flight to Davenport, Carter went on to win the Iowa caucuses and from there the Democratic nomination. The crowds at the two were different as well, the reporters noted.

The January visit was filled with mostly party supporters, while the October trip found people with hardhats, school children and "old folk who flocked to hear a standard-beater." Many in the crowd said they didn't remember Carter's first visit to the Quad-Cities that year.

But when Carter walked up to the wooden platform while Rock Island High School's band played "Hi, Neighbor," Carter made sure to remind them saying, "It's good to be back."

Noecker and Jost reported that Carter was met with an uproar of applause and chants of "peanut power" from a group of Galesburg junior high schoolers. That seemed to be a theme among supporters, some of whom said they thought Carter was "cute," and others said they liked his take on politics and the way he seemed to calmly handle tough situations.

Bettendorf's mayor at the time, William Glynn, was in the crowd, proudly sporting a golden peanut-shaped pin on his lapel.

"I have to see the man," he told reporters.

One woman from Galesburg, however, summed up her support in one easy sentence: "I just love peanut butter." Even the Scott County Democrats got in on the fun, selling peanuts for 50 cents a bag as part of a fundraiser. Carter's private jet was nicknamed 'Peanut One.'

Reporting that same day for the Rock Island Argus, reporter John G. Michaletti noted Carter's visit to the airport was his first to the Illinois side of the Quad-Cities since his campaign began nearly two years before. Carter reportedly told the crowd that day he did not intend to lose and opened the day talking about his time campaigning everywhere from small Iowa living rooms to large labor halls.

Michaletti reported that Carter was thankful to Iowans for their support that led to his victory in the Iowa caucuses, which helped him win in New Hampshire, Florida and North Carolina.

"When he didn't do well in Massachusetts and New York, Carter said everyone, along with the national news media, said he couldn't win in an industrial state," Michaletti wrote.

"Along came Illinois, and we had a great victory there," Carter said.

In the end, neither Illinois nor Iowa was helpful to Carter's victory in the election that followed just one week later. Carter narrowly lost the popular vote in each state and the electoral college votes for the two went to the Republican nominee and incumbent, Gerald Ford.

Carter pulled off the victory in the end, earning 297 electoral college votes to Ford's 240 to make him the 39th President of the United States. His inauguration took place on Thursday, Jan. 20, 1977, in Washington D.C.

Two years later, Carter and his wife, Rosalynn, returned to the Quad-Cities via the steamboat Delta Queen when it passed through Lock & Dam 15.

The Carters, along with their daughter, Amy, waved to the crowd from the deck of the boat before making their way to KSTT-AM and WXLP-FM radio station where the president participated in a "call out" radio program.

From there the family attended a private reception at the home of Mary Ellen Chamberlin, an early supporter. After, the Carters were escorted to the headquarters of Deere and Co. in Moline then back to the steamboat where they boarded once more to head down the Mississippi River to Muscatine.

Years later, the Quad-City Times' treasured columnist Bill Wundram wrote about that day in August when the president cruised into town. In a 2009 column reflecting on presidential visits he witnessed, Wundram wrote about his "sneaky suspicion that something was afoot" when the steamboat asked for special docking privileges at Lock and Dam 14 in LeClaire.

Wundram, thinking Carter would get off go for a run, headed up to LeClaire to see if his suspicion was correct.

"From a cabin at the stern of the boat, not far from the paddlewheel, popped a smiling Carter. Tight around his forehead was a headband," Wundram wrote. "He was shorter than I expected, not too much taller than I am, which is pretty close to the ground. Two Secret Service agents jogged with him for about 30 minutes."
Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has issued a call to action for the Luo community, urging a careful reevaluation of their political alliances as they chart their course in Kenyas political landscape. Speaking at an event in Nyatike, Mbadi emphasized the need for strategic thinking about the communitys political future and potential partnerships.

Mbadi drew attention to President William Rutos recent outreach to the Luo community, suggesting it could pave the way for new political ties with communities from the Rift Valley region. The Cabinet Secretary recalled the 2007 elections, where Rift Valley voters supported Raila Odingas presidential bid, as evidence of the potential for cross-community political cooperation.

In his address, Mbadi portrayed President Ruto as a unifying figure, open to collaboration with all of Kenyas ethnic groups. He expressed optimism about the possibility of securing Rutos backing for a Luo presidential candidate in future elections.

Making a notable political statement, Mbadi declared his intention to support William Ruto in the 2027 presidential race if Raila Odinga does not contest. This pronouncement hints at evolving political dynamics within Kenyas political arena.

The Treasury CS also revealed ongoing efforts to foster closer ties between ODM leader Raila Odinga and President Ruto, signaling a potential realignment in Kenyas political landscape.

Mbadis remarks highlight the complex interplay of ethnic considerations and strategic alliances in Kenyan politics. His call for the Luo community to expand its political horizons suggests a possible shift from traditional allegiances towards more flexible, pragmatic partnerships aimed at enhancing the communitys national influence and development prospects.

This address by a high-ranking government official from the Luo community reflects the fluid nature of Kenyan politics and the ongoing recalibration of political strategies in response to changing national dynamics.
A Kenyan national residing in France has found himself at the center of controversy after exposing confidential negotiations between the Kenyan government and Indias Adani Group.

Nelson Amenya, who revealed details of a proposed 30-year lease of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) to the Indian conglomerate, now expresses concerns for his personal safety, despite living outside Kenya.

In July, Amenya shared documents online that unveiled months of secret talks regarding the potential takeover of Kenyas primary airport by Adani Group, owned by Indian billionaire Gautam Adani.

The proposed deal included a $1.85 billion investment from Adani, but critics argue this amount undervalues the strategic importance of JKIA, which contributes significantly to Kenyas GDP through its fees.

The secrecy and single-sourcing of such a project is also raising eyebrows.

The exposure of these clandestine negotiations sparked public outrage, leading to airport staff strikes and a parliamentary inquiry. During recent testimony, Treasury CS John Mbadi admitted to being caught off guard by the Kenya Aviation Authoritys swift approval of Adanis proposal in March.

Rather than being lauded for his role in bringing transparency to the process, Amenya claims he has become a target. He reports facing legal challenges, including a gag order served through French lawyers, and more alarmingly, threats to his physical well-being.

Amenya has reported these concerns to French authorities, though he remains cautious about disclosing his sources.

In one instance, Kenyas DCI accused a carbon credit firm founded by Amenya of selling fake cryptocurrency, something that the activist denies.

We dont sell crypto, we dont transact on our website at all, laughed Amenya.

Sheila Masinde, head of Transparency Internationals Kenya branch, confirms that such fears are not unfounded, citing a history of harassment and even violence against whistleblowers in Kenya.

She advocates for both physical and legal protection for Amenya, emphasizing the public interest nature of his actions.

Amenyas primary concern regarding the airport deal was Adani Groups controversial reputation, including allegations of stock manipulation and environmental misconduct in other countries. The Indian conglomerate has denied these accusations and is pursuing legal action against some critics.

While the Kenyan government maintains that negotiations are ongoing and that JKIA desperately needs renovation, Amenya believes his disclosure was crucial in preventing the deal from being finalized without public scrutiny.

He remains hopeful that even if the takeover proceeds, his actions may influence the terms of the agreement to better serve Kenyas interests.
A no trust, no HISD bond sign posted outside a home, Friday, June 28, 2024 in Houston. Signs follow the districts proposition of a $4.4 billion bond on ballots in November to address campus infrastructure needs. Ishika Samant/Staff photographer

Houston ISD community members are asking the Greater Houston Partnership to pull its support for the district's proposed $4.4 billion school bond on the November ballot.

Community members are urging the business organization to reconsider its support in a letter campaign spearheaded by Community Voices for Public Education.

A recommended letter template acknowledges Greater Houston Partnership's intention to improve education but points to state-appointed Superintendent Mike Miles' "severe fiscal mismanagement and harmful polices" as the reason to end support. The template points to "mishandled capital assets" and federal funds used to buy library books but are no longer managed by librarians at some schools embodying Miles' reforms.

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The letter template ends with a request to reconsider backing the state takeover and the bond. "Instead, support returning the district to local control to ensure accountability and adequate support for our students," the letter reads.

The bond, likely be the largest in Texas history if it passes, would be devoted to rebuilding, renovating and co-locating schools. It would also expand pre-Kindergarten and career-and-technical education and make security upgrades.

The business organization, with 900 member companies across 12 counties, announced its support for the bond in August. It commented Monday that it supports the bond to "ensure necessary investment in school safety, modern learning environments and career preparation."

"No one in this community can deny that many if not most of HISDs schools are in urgent need of repair or replacement," the organization wrote. "HVAC systems are broken, structures are crumbling, and most campuses are unable to comply with state law regarding safety and security. Healthy and safe schools are essential to learning."

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The Greater Houston Partnership did not comment on the letters. It did state that it remains "resolute" in its position to support the bond and that state law is clear on how bond money can be spent and how that spending is reported to the public.

"Opponents of the bond seem to think a no vote will change the states intervention in HISD," the statement reads. "Thats not how this works. The district will only return to an elected board through continuous improvement in student outcomes."

Community Voices for Public Education's Ruth Kravetz said this takeover is harming students and families, and therefore the city's business climate.

"Because the only way you can support schools, even though it seems counterintuitive, is to oppose this bond, because this bond is full of opportunities to steal from our children," Kravetz said.

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Kravetz did not have an estimate for the number of emails sent to Greater Houston Partnership and noted people could send emails to individuals leading the organization, she said. The template lists the email addresses of more than 100 board members and executive committee members.

The advocacy group is delivering 2,000 letters Tuesday to the business organization's downtown office, according to a press release. Kravetz said the group will also request a meeting with GHP.

Kravetz also noted the cost of the bond to Houstonians exceeds the $4.4 billion price tag when accounting for interest. The bond's principal amount, with interest, is $9 billion.

The advocacy group called it a "$9 billion tax increase" in its media advisory. HISD said the bond would not raise taxes.

A Greater Houston Partnership spokesperson likened the $9 billion figure to a mortgage that would have overtime interest.

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The Kenyan Section of the International Commission of Jurists (ICJ Kenya), UTU WETU Trust, the Bloggers Association of Kenya (BAKE), and the Wangu Kanja Foundation condemned the violent kidnapping and sexual assault of a Mombasa-based blogger, describing the attack as a severe violation of human rights and an affront to free expression.

Reports indicate that the incident took place on September 12, 2024, in Bamburi Mwisho, Mombasa County, allegedly in retaliation for the bloggers criticism of the Governor. At least ten assailants forcibly entered BKs home, claiming they would escort him to a meeting with the governor. Instead, they kidnapped him and subjected him to horrific violence, including recorded sexual assault.

The attackers threatened BK against future criticism of Mombasas leadership before abandoning him unconscious in a sack in a remote area. The statement also criticized the denial of emergency medical care when BK sought assistance at Coast General and Referral Hospital. He was admitted to another facility, Beyond Scope Hospital, only after a friends intervention.

The organizations praised BKs bravery in reporting the incident despite his severe physical and emotional trauma. They acknowledged law enforcements swift response, noting that several suspects have already faced charges in the Shanzu Law Court. However, they urged the police and prosecutors to hold all involved accountable, including any potential Mombasa County Government officials.

The groups emphasized the need to protect free speech, viewing the attack as an attempt to silence the constitutional right to criticize public officials. They demanded immediate investigations into the denial of medical treatment and called for comprehensive support for BK.

The Rights groups concluded with a call for justice and accountability, asserting that such attacks undermine democratic values and cannot be tolerated.

Mombasa Governor Nassir Responds to Bloggers Attack

Meanwhile, Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir addressed accusations linking him and his family to the bloggers attack. He confirmed that the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) has summoned him and his 74-year-old mother for questioning.

Speaking on Monday, he stated that he is also a victim and vowed to clear his name.

Throughout my life, neither I nor any of my family members have crossed the line of meting out violence on anyone. Even on public platforms, my policy is never to mention anyone by name, or speaking vulgar language, Nassir said.

My family is being targeted, he said, adding that they have chosen to forgive the blogger who allegedly abused his mother.

Its a bit shocking that it is now being deemed for the public perception that both myself and my 74-year-old mother would be part and parcel of a heinous act of this magnitude. We have never nor will we ever stoop that low, the governor said.

He added, As much as I feel sorry for whatever happened to this young man, the spirit of my family will not only forgive and forget but let the almighty.

The governor alleged that political motives linked him to the assault. He also mentioned that both his home and his mothers had faced attacks twice before the bloggers abduction.

The truth shall come out. We hope the police will get to the bottom of the matter I have been abused; people have tried to physically harm me and my family, he said during a press conference.

Nassir also claimed that armed, unidentified men have been trailing his vehicle, yet authorities have taken no action despite his reports.
Saboti Constituency Member of Parliament Caleb Amisi has asserted that the primary issue facing the country is not the constitution or the joint election of the President and Deputy President. Instead, he highlighted that the real problem lies in leaders relying on just two communities to alternate between conflict and peace.

This narrow focus, he explained, leaves the rest of the country either to suffer the consequences during conflicts or to reap the benefits during times of peace.

Amisi expressed concern over this trend, stating it contributes to Kenyas political fragmentation.

The problem has never been the constitution or the issue of appointing or electing a president and deputy jointly on one ticket, he said.

The problem of Kenya lies in some lazy leaders who find comfort and convenience in mobilizing two communities every election to form a government by causing war and peace interchangeably, depending on the season, while the rest fix themselves within the ashes of war or the glory of peace! We must stop the tribal balkanization of our country. It is not helping Kenya. We need a renaissance! he pointed out.

Amisis comments come amid escalating political tensions between President William Ruto and his deputy, Rigathi Gachagua.

The duo, elected mainly with support from the Rift Valley and Mount Kenya regions, now faces calls for Gachaguas impeachment, echoing the strained relationship between former President Uhuru Kenyatta and Ruto during their second term.
President William Ruto is set to deliver the first units in his controversial Affordable Housing Plan before the end of the year.

The State Department of Housing and Urban Development has announced that the first phase of the Mukuru affordable housing project is on track to receive its inaugural tenants by December 2024, a crucial step in the governments ambitious plan to address informal settlements and boost employment across Kenya.

Eng. Benjamin Njenga, Secretary of the State Department, revealed that the initial phase, comprising over 13,000 housing units, is 99% complete. Were in the final stages, with five blocks ready for occupancy, Njenga stated. The only remaining task is the installation of elevators, which have already been procured.

Launched in 2022, the Mukuru project is part of a larger initiative to construct 200,000 housing units nationwide. Located along Enterprise Road in Nairobis Industrial Area, it currently stands as Kenyas largest housing development, spanning 56 acres. The complex will feature a diverse range of accommodations, including 26 blocks of bedsitters, 14 blocks of one-bedroom units, and 14 blocks of two-bedroom apartments.

The project aligns with the governments Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA), aimed at improving living conditions for economically disadvantaged Kenyans. To date, it has generated employment for more than 160,000 individuals across the country, according to government data.

During a site inspection in 2023, President Ruto emphasized the priority of allocating units to current Mukuru residents, reinforcing the governments commitment to reducing slum settlements.

The project, financed through the Housing Fund at a cost of Ksh7 billion, offers affordable monthly rates: Ksh3,000 for bedsitters, Ksh4,000 for one-bedroom units, and Ksh5,000 for two-bedroom apartments. These payments will contribute to a 30-year mortgage, ultimately resulting in full ownership for residents.

In March of this year, President Ruto signed the Affordable Housing Bill into law, establishing a framework for collecting housing levies and implementing the affordable housing program nationwide.

Residents of the Mukuru development will benefit from an array of social amenities, including educational facilities, healthcare services, and childcare centers. Additionally, a special economic zone (SEZ) is planned to stimulate local economic growth.

As the project nears completion, President Ruto is expected to officially inaugurate the housing units for Mukuru residents. This initiative is part of a broader housing strategy that includes ongoing projects in other Nairobi neighborhoods such as Shauri Moyo, Starehe, and Kibra.

The governments commitment to affordable housing extends beyond the capital, with similar projects underway in many counties.

By the end of President Rutos term, the administration aims to have constructed and populated nearly one million housing units across Kenya, significantly addressing the countrys housing challenges and improving living standards for countless citizens.
Busia Senator Okiya Omtatah, along with two other petitioners, has filed a legal challenge against the planned launch of Kenyas Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), scheduled for today, October 1.

The move adds another hurdle to the already contentious rollout of the governments new healthcare initiative.

Omtatah announced via social media that he, Eliud Matindi, and Magare Gikenyi have petitioned the court to halt the SHIF launch and nullify the governments contracts with service providers involved in the program.

Filed a court petition together with Eliud Matindi & Magare Gikenyi to stop the launch of the Social Health Insurance Fund (SHIF), we also seek to quash the contract between the government and the Safaricom Consortium, citing concerns over the lack of legislation to pic.twitter.com/Y2rEfMOeE3  Okiya Omtatah Okoiti (@OkiyaOmtatah) October 1, 2024

The senator argues that the implementation of SHIF is unconstitutional due to the absence of necessary subsidiary legislation.

The petition also targets a consortium of three private entities contracted by the government to provide an Integrated Healthcare Information Technology System for Universal Health Care. Omtatah and his co-petitioners are seeking to suspend and eventually annul this contract.

This legal action comes amid growing public concern and confusion surrounding the SHIF rollout.

Social media has been abuzz with worried citizens sharing stories of potential disruptions to their healthcare access.

One notable case involved DJ Krowbar, who reported that his wife was informed she would need to pay for dialysis treatment out-of-pocket starting October 1, as her existing health insurance would no longer be accepted.

This SHIF/SHA thing just threw a huge curve ball on all dialysis patients country wide. My wife just got a call from her dialysis centre where its paid via @NhifKenya and told to pay cash together with thousands others. PS: One dialysis session is 9,500/- and my wife does two.  DJ KROWBAR (@DJKrowbar) September 30, 2024

In response to the mounting public outcry, Social Health Authority (SHA) CEO Elijah Wachira issued a statement to hospitals, clarifying that essential services such as dialysis, cancer treatments, and maternity care should continue uninterrupted.

Wachira emphasized that no member should be denied these critical health services.

Adding to the complexity of the situation, private hospitals report being left in limbo, having not received formal contracts from the government regarding their role in the new health insurance model.

The legal challenge and public confusion underscore the significant hurdles facing the implementation of Kenyas new health insurance system. As the court considers Omtatahs petition, the government faces pressure to address concerns and provide clarity on the SHIF rollout to ensure uninterrupted healthcare access for Kenyans.
Spring Branch Independent School District Superintendent Jennifer Blaine speaks to Houston Mayor John Whitmire after the press conference regarding to opening a distribution center Monday, May 20, 2024 at Spring Branch Boys and Girls Club in Houston. Whitmire applauded Blaine for making a good decision to close the schools in the district on Monday due to storm damages in the area. Yi-Chin Lee/Staff photographer District Attorney Kim Ogg announces corruption charges related to 2022 Election alongside Michael Levine, Chief Assistant District Attorney for Public Corruption during a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer SBISD School Board Vice President Lisa Andrews Alpe responds to discussion during a school board meeting on Monday, March 4, 2024, at the Duncan Klussmann Center. Annie Mulligan/Contributor Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg announces corruption charges related to 2022 Election alongside Michael Levine, Chief Assistant District Attorney for Public Corruption; First Assistant/Chief of Courts David Mitcham and Ryan Christian, with the Texas Rangers during a press conference on Tuesday, Aug. 13, 2024 in Houston. Raquel Natalicchio/Staff photographer Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Jennifer Blaine during public comments as Spring Branch trustees considered a proposal to remove former Spring Branch ISD Superintendent Duncan Klussmann's name from the district's educational center, after he wrote a critical op-ed about the district's recent $35M in budget cuts during a board meeting at Duncan F. Klussmann Education Center on Monday, March 25, 2024, in Houston. Karen Warren/Staff photographer

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg attended a Spring Branch ISD security briefing Monday to address a surge in threats against different campuses across the district and county so far this school year.

The special board meeting was held to bring together parents, police, administrators and elected officials after 15 or so threats have made against Spring Branch ISD campuses in the first six weeks of this school year.

Students "are flat-out afraid. And on days like this, our wellness center is full of people just going, What if it was me? said Memorial High School Principal Lisa Weir.

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In the first three-and-a-half weeks of school alone, Ogg said that 22 school security threat cases were filed in the county compared to only seven during the same timeframe last year.

District officials and DA representatives blamed this on copycat threats since the Apalachee High School shooting in Georgia that killed four people and injured nine others.

Every time theres a school shooting, we end up having this, said John Jordan, felony trial bureau chief at the DAs office. He added that in the three months after the 2018 Parkland high school shooting in Florida, 216 kids were charged in Harris County for copycat threats.

The district told parents during the meeting that they are doing everything they can to keep the district's 35,000-students safe, including employing 66 police officers, conducting numerous security audits, practicing lockdown drills and a keeping all interior classroom doors locked. Still, they told stakeholders that they need more help.

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Blaine asked parents to closely monitor their childrens use of smartphones and to warn them that any threat could result in jail time.

Board President Lisa Alpe said she wants SBISD campuses to feel like airports, where the word bomb is always taken seriously.

When you go to an airport, you know, everyone knows you can't even say the word bomb. You can't joke about it. No one will think you're joking, and it will be assumed that you're serious  as a school system and the board, (we) want to send that message that we're going to pursue those cases as strongly as possible, Alpe said.

Leaders also pleaded with the DA to accept charges in more cases. The district and Ogg have been at odds since SBISD Police Chief Larry Baimbridge and Superintendent Jennifer Blaine sent a letter to the DAs office on Sept. 16 expressing disappointment in Ogg's decision to not charge a student accused of making a threat.

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Your office has either declined to accept charges or has put up so many roadblocks that appropriate legal action is not being taken. I must ask why, wrote Blaine. There are parents, students and staff in your county who are afraid to come to school, and your office is not acting.

Out of the 15 incidences this school year, only two have resulted in charges accepted by the DA, Baimbridge said. But he added that he believed two more warrant charges and will continue to ask the DAs office to accept them, he said.

The meeting became heated when Ogg came to the microphone to speak about the process of charging students with crimes.

Harris County District Attorney Kim Ogg speaks to Spring Branch ISD parents, trustees and staff about the recent increase in school security threats and how they are prosecuted. Elizabeth Sander

Ogg, an SBISD alum herself, spoke out against the claims that her office has been too lenient, saying her attorneys are spread thin, just like the school district. She said that she wants better communication going forward, pledged to answer the phone and have officials re-assess rejected charges if necessary.

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But she also said prosecuting juveniles isnt always the best decision. Ogg said the DA has charged almost 6,000 less school crime cases than in previous years to help with the backlog in the court system and to make sure kids get proper adjudication, whether that be rehabilitation or time served.

We are taking less cases because there's been a concentrated effort to keep more kids out of the system than putting them in There is a reason for that, and that has been because we find that the system is traumatic on kids, and it does have an impact that's not always positive, Ogg said. The court system is not the answer to those more serious and deep-seated problems that often drive this for kids. That's just not our system. It's not funded that way.

While Ogg was speaking, parents began shouting out their frustrations.

One woman said that the 17-year-old who threatened a student outside Bunker Hill Village Elementary School should never have been charged because he had autism. Another woman shouted back that the child who feared for their life that day might have felt differently. The DA had originally denied charges in the case due to the disability of the accused but later reconsidered the decision.

Trustees were still adamant that Ogg and her department should be held accountable for what they saw as a lack of arrests.

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Alpe, who was previously a prosecutor for 11 years in the DAs office before opening her private practice, and trustees Courtney Anderson and Shannon Mahan all pressured Ogg for answers about why charges were being rejected or delayed,

We want to do a better job and we want you to do a better job, Anderson said.

A few parents stood up and demanded answers for specific cases where charges werent filed.

If the system has been in place for 50 years and you are being told it's not working, then it is not working, and it is time to reevaluate that system, one parent yelled. There needs to be a change made for us as parents.



What I would tell you is its worked 110,000 times, just about every year, Ogg said, refuting the claim that her office is not operating up-to-par.

Despite the arguments, Ogg said she was glad to be at the meeting, on her birthday, she pointed out, and that airing out concerns is beneficial.

School safety is our No. 1 priority in both juvenile crime and overall, Ogg said in an interview after the meeting. Because there's such a concern by parents about safety, we wanted them to understand the system we have in place, how it works in practice, and to encourage the school district to utilize that system fully by moving a chain of authority when they have a disagreement with any of our review practices or case decisions. And I don't think that the public is aware that option existed.

Baimbridge said he was also glad Ogg and some of her top staffers attended the meeting. He is still frustrated that, in Harris County, his officers cant file charges themselves like they would be able to elsewhere, and that officers have to turn off their body cameras in order to call in the charges, adding a delay to the time it would take to get them filed, he said.

At the end of the day, we're all accountable to somebody and when I see what I consider to be someone failing to do their duties, Im going to call them out on it, he said.

Jordan agreed that there seemed to have been a breakdown in communication, expressed during the meeting, but added that he respect(s) every ISD officer because they are combining law enforcement for love of youth the whole reason why you're on those campuses to protect our kids, not to arrest our kids.

Despite all of the safety protocols, concerns about the consequences of continued threats remain. For one, the district is having trouble keeping up attendance rates, which are directly tied to state funding, after threats occur, and they are present on the minds of administrators every day.

Weir said that on a day she was supposed to have a fire drill, a student threatened to pull the fire alarm and then shoot other students as they left the building, so she didnt have a fire drill at all because it could cause confusion. Stratford High School Principal Raymorris Barnes said that when the school does lockdown drills, which students arent supposed to know are drills, they have to have counselors on standby afterward to deal with the heightened anxiety students report.
Brett Robinson is challenging incumbent Rep. Tom Oliverson. Courtesy Campaign

No Texas Republican can remain neutral in their party's civil war, especially not a state representative. At first, though, Tom Oliverson tried. He didn't show up last year for the vote to impeach Attorney General Ken Paxton, citing a personal conflict, but later justified the decision by saying the process was not deliberative.

The forces against House Speaker Dade Phelan, who allowed the impeachment vote, only piled up after a bill stalled in the House that would have allowed vouchers programs, which divert public school funding to private schools. Gov. Greg Abbott kept a strategic silence while Paxton and former President Donald Trump endorsed the primary challenger to Phelan, forcing his reelection bid into a runoff. Oliverson sensed a rightward shift. He quickly declared his intent to challenge Phelan for the House speakership, promising to deliver a more conservative agenda and to do away with appointing Democrats to chair some committees, a bipartisan tradition that goes back to when the Democrats controlled the House long ago.

The majority must not be held captive by the will of the minority," Oliverson argued at the time. He said, in a Texas Values Forum, he wanted to take the voters' frustrations to the Legislature: "no delays, no deals and get our Republican priorities done." Now that he's withdrawn from the speaker race, he's thrown his support behind another representative who promises to do the same.

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We hope traditions that encourage bipartisanship get strengthened, not thrown out. After all, appointing a few Democrats to lead committees hasn't stopped Republicans from getting plenty of their priorities in recent years, and Oliverson played a central role.

He led anti-abortion legislation and more recently, the bans on medical treatment for trans youth. But he's always had a strong bipartisan track record to back him up as well. That's why this editorial board has supported Oliverson, 52, in the past, despite misgivings.

Our concerns have only grown with his recent rhetoric that betrays the spirit of the Texas House.

Democrats have plenty of reasons to mount a challenge to Oliverson, but they didn't even bother two years ago. House District 130 is ruby red.

Brett Robinson is hoping that now is the right time, amid anger over inadequate public school funding and the messy, dangerous fallout of the state's near-total abortion ban.

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When Robinson campaigns door to door with volunteers, he tends to take the tougher doors for himself: the likely Republican voters, the ones with Trump signs in the yard.

Back when the political newcomer met with the editorial board in the primary, he was laser-focused on calling out Oliverson for his role in crafting the so-called heartbeat bill that effectively banned abortion after six weeks. Oliverson is a doctor and anesthesiologist. He should know that at six weeks, there is no true heartbeat. To use misleading terminology to bludgeon women's reproductive rights and endanger pregnant women is a particular type of betrayal. Though he's just 24, Robinson believed Oliverson should have to face some opposition  after skating through the 2022 primary and general election unchallenged.

We agree. We appreciate Robinson taking up the task and embodying some of the best impulses of our great experiment.

One of Robinson's priorities  reviving a bipartisan, independent commission on gun safety reform, similar to the one appointed (and largely ignored) by Abbott  came after talking with his uncle, a staunch gun owner. Robinson realized how much he had to learn from him. That kind of reflection and perspective can only come from honest conversation, he told us. Hes even been taking notes from Rick Perry, reading a biography on the former Texas governor and lawmaker authored by Robinsons former professor at the University of Houston, Brandon Rottinghaus. When Perry wasn't giving "powerful speeches" on the House floor, Robinson notes, he was working diligently behind the scenes building consensus, having those conversations that no one else is going to know or ever hear about.

The part of the book Robinson found most moving actually came before the first chapter, in his old professor's dedication of the book: "To my students," it read. "Texas is in your hands."

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We're always urging young people to get involved, or heck  just vote. Robinson is a breath of fresh air. Having recently graduated with his master's degree in public administration, Robinson is an informed, dedicated, strategic thinker and we hope to see much more of him as he gains experience.

But in such a red district, we still believe the incumbent is, for the most part, representing the interests of his constituents well. Oliverson, who did not meet with us, has taken on surprise emergency medical bills that can devastate families, pushed for clarification of Medicaid coverage for behavioral health services and reached across the aisle on a bill that would have created a five-year nutrition assistance pilot program for eligible women who are pregnant or recently gave birth. He also reached across the aisle on legislation that, had it passed the Senate, would've clearly decriminalized life-saving fentanyl testing strips.
Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton was seen giving remarks to republican delegates from Texas on the first day of the Texas GOP Convention on May 23, 2024, in San Antonio, Texas. Christopher Lee Spectators hold signs during a LULAC rally to bring attention to the voter fraud raids that happened last week. The peaceful rally was in front of the San Antonio offices of Texas Attornaey General Ken Paxton. Robin Jerstad Former League of Latin American Citizens (LULAC) National President Domingo Garcia during a LULAC rally to bring attention to the voter fraud raids that happened last week. The peaceful rally was in front of the San Antonio offices of Texas Attornaey General Ken Paxton. Robin Jerstad

Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton vowed on Monday to continue combating vote harvesting after a federal judge limited his ability to investigate the practice.

Paxtons latest investigation, which targets several San Antonio-area Democrats and members of the League of United Latin American Citizens, hit a snag over the weekend when U.S. District Judge Xavier Rodriguez struck down a new portion of state law that regulates canvassing, calling it overly vague.

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The attorney general said he would move to block the order so Texas can continue to defend its elections from bad actors seeking to undermine the ballot box.

A rulingweeks prior to an election preventing my office from investigating potential election violations is deeply troubling and risks undermining public trust in our political process, Paxton said in a statement.

Saturdays ruling is the second setback in recent weeks for Paxtons election-related efforts in San Antonio after a state judge threw out his suit against Bexar Countys voter registration program earlier this month.

LULAC, whose members were raided by authorities in August as part of Paxtons probe, celebrated the ruling but said they expect the states litigation to continue.

Todays ruling is a win for LULAC and the other plaintiffs who joined in this struggle, said Gabriel Rosales, the organizations director in Texas.

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The vote harvesting provisions, created in 2021, outlaw canvassers from interacting with voters in the presence of a ballot in exchange for compensation or other benefit. Republican lawmakers said such provisions would prevent fraud. Rodriguez, however, said that the law had created confusion and dampened civic engagement groups ability to talk to voters in the weeks before an election.

The ACLU, which helped argue against the provisions, said it was being applied to routine get-out-the-vote activities and noted that election fraud cases can still be prosecuted under other provisions.

The threat of criminal sanctions under the new provisions left campaign groups unsure about whether providing volunteer canvassers with food, water, or bus fare would count as compensation, they said.

A coalition of civic organizations, including the League of Women Voters, LULAC and OCA-Greater Houston, an Asian American-focused group, quickly challenged portions of the law, including the ballot harvesting provisions, leading to a lengthy trial with more than 80 witnesses. The case, which has now stretched more than three years, could be appealed.

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This article is the first in a series about life in Israel and in the West Bank and East Jerusalem almost one year after Hamas attacked Israel on Oct. 7, and the Israel-Hamas war began.

Note: Gallups past surveys in the State of Palestine* have included Gaza. Gallup was not able to survey Gaza in 2024 because of ongoing security issues. The data in this article represent the views of Palestinians living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Jewish Israeli-majority areas within the West Bank and East Jerusalem are not included.

LONDON -- Nearly a year after Hamas attacked Israel, setting off the Israel-Hamas war, hopes for peace remain scarce. In Gallup surveys conducted in July and August of this year, few people in Israel or the West Bank and East Jerusalem think peace will ever be reached in the long-running conflict between Israel and Palestine. Two-thirds of people living in Israel (66%), and in the West Bank and East Jerusalem (68%), think a permanent peace will never be achieved.

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In Israel and the West Bank and East Jerusalem, hopes for peace inched up slightly this year compared with 2023. Gallup surveyed Israel in the immediate aftermath of the Oct. 7 attacks in 2023. At that time, peace seemed farther away than ever, with 74% in Israel thinking it would never be achieved. This figure has dropped by eight percentage points in 2024, but there remains a clear majority (66%) who never expect to see permanent peace.

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It is a similar story in the West Bank and East Jerusalem. Among those surveyed in the weeks before the Oct. 7 attacks last year, the outlook for peace had also never been gloomier since Gallup first surveyed there, with 79% saying it would never come to pass.

This perception has also declined since last year, by 11 points, with 68% now saying a permanent peace will never be achieved. This is broadly in line with public opinion that Gallup has measured in the West Bank and East Jerusalem since 2006.

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Although predictions for peace have improved slightly since 2023, clear majorities continue to believe, as they have done for years, that it will never be achieved.

Most Do Not Want Two-State Solution

Many in the international community, including the United Nations, see the two-state solution -- which calls for the creation of an independent Palestinian state alongside Israel -- as the only viable way to achieve lasting peace. But public opposition to this proposal on the ground may make it difficult to achieve.

In Israel, more than twice as many people do not support the two-state solution as support it (64% vs. 27%, respectively). This figure is statistically unchanged compared with 2023, when 65% did not support the two-state solution, but far higher than in 2012, when 30% did not support it (and 61% did).

Within Israel, however, there are significant divisions on this question. Seventeen percent of Jewish Israelis support the creation of an independent Palestinian state, compared with 75% of Arab Israelis, who make up a far smaller portion of Israels population.

In the West Bank and East Jerusalem, enthusiasm for the two-state solution is equally as low among respondents as it is in Israel. Slightly over a quarter (28%) support it, compared with 64% who do not. This is largely unchanged compared with 2023, just before the Oct. 7 attacks and subsequent escalation.

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It also represents a complete reversal from where support stood in the West Bank and East Jerusalem more than a decade ago. In 2012, 66% of adults in the West Bank and East Jerusalem said they supported the two-state solution, compared with 32% who did not.

West Bank and East Jerusalem Continue to Favor Nonviolent Resistance

When it comes to achieving self-determination and security for Palestinians, respondents in the West Bank and East Jerusalem favor nonviolent forms of resistance and negotiation over armed struggle and military solutions (46% vs. 35%, respectively).

Yet the percentage favoring armed struggle is up from 23% in the prior reading, in 2017, to the highest Gallup has recorded, and the 46% favoring nonviolence is the lowest. The highest support in the West Bank and East Jerusalem for nonviolence as the better approach was 71% in 2012. At that time, 15% favored armed struggle.

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Young people aged 15 to 29, who make up a significant part of the population, are more evenly split in their views on nonviolence (40%) and armed struggle (41%), while older respondents living in the West Bank and East Jerusalem are much more likely to prefer nonviolence.

Bottom Line

One year has passed since the Hamas attacks of Oct. 7, 2023, which triggered the biggest escalation in the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in decades. Much has since changed in the region, but a great deal has also remained the same. Public attitudes in Israel and the West Bank and East Jerusalem toward peace and the two-state solution continue to mirror one another.

After many months of ceasefire talks, there is yet to be a resolution. Even if the impasse is soon broken, the chances that this leads to lasting peace seem, to most people on the ground, improbable.

* Gallup refers to the Palestinian Territories as the State of Palestine in accordance with the naming conventions used by the United Nations and International Organization for Standardization.

To stay up to date with the latest Gallup News insights and updates, follow us on X @Gallup.

For complete methodology and specific survey dates, please review Gallup's Country Data Set details.

Learn more about how the Gallup World Poll works.

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PRNewswire Chandigarh [India], October 1: Chandigarh University has become North India's first university to launch e-Sanad Portal, an initiative of the Union Ministry of External Affairs for online verification of documents for Indian and foreign students who intend to study abroad. The launch of the e-Sanad Portal (https://www.cuchd.in/online-request/esanad.php) at the Chandigarh University was attended by Dilip Kumar Jha, Principal Secretary, Department of NRI Affairs, Punjab as the Chief Guest and Sanyam Aggarwal, Director Higher Education Punjab as the Guest of Honour. The other dignitaries present on the occasion included Inder Pal Singh Sethi, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre (NIC), Vivek Verma, State Information Officer and Deputy Director General (NIC) and Prof (Dr) RS Bawa, Advisor to Chandigarh University Chancellor. With the launch of e-Sanad portal, Chandigarh University students will get a centralized platform for contactless, faceless, cashless and paperless document verification service. They will no longer face hassle of paperwork or long waiting periods for verification of their educational documents while applying for international universities, work permits, or immigration. Students and alumni of Chandigarh University can avail this globally credible as well as swift online verification and attestation of their educational documents from anywhere in the world. Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) and Chandigarh University Chancellor, Satnam Singh Sandhu said, "The launch of the e-Sanad portal at Chandigarh University will provide a centralised online platform for the attestation and apostille of documents of our students. This will particularly prove beneficial for Chandigarh University students who require the authentication of their academic certificates by foreign institutions," "Chandigarh University is working with a vision to impart global standard education. Currently there are more than 3000 from 60 countries who are studying in Chandigarh University. In addition to this, more than 1900 students of Chandigarh University students have taken part in international academic programs at prominent universities across the world as part of internships, scholarships, semester exchange and student exchange programs. So e-Sanad portal at Chandigarh University will provide a transparent, accessible, and affordable mechanism for our such students to get their documents attested or apostilled from anywhere in the world," he added. Addressing students present at the launch of the portal, Dilip Kumar Jha, Principal Secretary, Department of NRI Affairs, Punjab said, "The state government had written to about 30 universities for launching the e-Sanad portal but failed to get positive response." "But I will like to tell you (students) that Chandigarh University is the first university to accept the proposal for the e-Sanad portal and was more than willing to do it. So I understand that you (students) are at a good university, you are at a safe university which is interested in seeing the benefit of the students. For international students, once you go out (to a foreign country) and take admission at a foreign university after passing from this university, you need not come back to the university just for verification of your documents. You can be where you are and get it done. And for the Indian students, if you are going to Canada or America, New Zealand or Australia, for document verification you need not visit anyone. Otherwise document verification required personal visit to a university. So the cost involved, time involved and the pain required to be taken will no longer be there because now all the verification process will happen online with smoothness," Jha said. Sanyam Aggarwal, Director Higher Education Punjab, said, "I will like to congratulate the Chandigarh University for taking such a good step for the welfare of the students because getting the documents verified from a university used to be a very cumbersome exercise," "This is something which is for the welfare of the students. And Chandigarh University has really taken a good lead in this. It's a classic example of business process reengineering also because you can see that small things like adoption of technology leads to much improvement. You being the future leaders will join workforces in various companies. So we have to come out with a step which will have a very wide impact. Chandigarh University is leading by example. I hope other universities will also follow the example," he added. Inder Pal Singh Sethi, Deputy Director General, National Informatics Centre (NIC) said, "Prime Minister had announced the Digital India program nine years ago to empower the citizens of the country so that they can avail the government services and e-services in online mode. Similarly, the government is enabling various digital services to the citizens and e-Sanad will help the students who will go for higher studies or jobs. But I would say that with Make in India and Make for India you should go for higher studies, but you should come back to India and there are ample opportunities created by the government where you can serve your country," he added. About Chandigarh University Chandigarh University is a NAAC A+ Grade University and QS World Ranked University. This autonomous educational institution is approved by UGC and is located near Chandigarh in the state of Punjab. It is the youngest university in India and the only private university in Punjab to be honoured with A+ Grade by NAAC (National Assessment and Accreditation Council). CU offers more than 109 UG and PG programs in the field of engineering, management, pharmacy, law, architecture, journalism, animation, hotel management, commerce, and others. It has been awarded as The University with Best Placements by WCRC. Website address: https://www.cuchd.in/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2519289/Chandigarh_University_officials.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Harris County

It wasnt long ago that Bush Republicans were running up the score in the states largest county to help them dominate statewide elections. No more. Since 2012, Harris County has added more than 670,000 voters  the most in the state  at a time the county has flipped solidly blue. In 2020, President Joe Biden won 56 percent of vote in Harris County  the highest total for a Democratic presidential candidate since Lyndon Baines Johnson.

Dallas suburbs

The speed at which Collin County has gone from ruby red Republican to battleground is stunning. In 2012, Mitt Romney easily carried the Collin County with 65% of the vote. But then the countys voting rolls grew as the booming tech industry and diversifying economy is drew people to the region. Trump won just 51% of the vote in the county of about 1.2 million people in 2020. Since that election, the county has seen 92,000 more voters sign up. Only Harris County had more since the last presidential election.

Hays and Williamson Counties

The joke in Austin is that the city is full and cant take any more people. Well, that might explain why the counties to the north and south of Austin  Williamson and Hays  have seen their populations and voter registrations balloon as the region has been a tech industry magnet. Both were solid Republican counties in 2012. But since then, they have seen their voter registrations grow more than 73%. And in both cases, Democrats have flipped county wide offices and this section of the Blue Spine has gone for Democrats in each of the last three election cycles.

Bexar County

Like Harris County, Bexar Countys population often voted Republican in past election cycles. In 2014, Gov. Greg Abbott and Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton both carried the county. But since 2012, Bexar County has added 355,000 voters - the second most of any county in Texas after Harris. And it has benefited Democrats. In 2022, Abbott and Paxton got crushed in the county, losing by 16 percentage points each. Its no longer a question if statewide Republicans will lose Bexar County  the question is by how much. Every statewide Republicans lost Bexar County in 2022.
The central government will have to increase the speed of spending capital expenditure by 41 per cent in the remaining months of this fiscal year to meet the capital expenditure growth targets. Experts noted that in the first five months of this fiscal (April-August), there was a contraction of 19.5 per cent in government capital expenditure. DK Srivastava, Chief Policy Advisor at EY India, commented on the CGA data released on Monday, that "With an annual target of capital expenditure growth of 17.1 per cent in 2024-25 over last year's CGA actuals, the growth required for the remaining months to meet the budgeted target is 41.0 per cent". He also added that India's growth will be driven by domestic demand which in turn is dependent on government infrastructure push in recent years. All efforts should be made to check any slow down of this important growth engine. "To ensure the Indian economy continues its impressive track record of maintaining an annual growth rate of 7 per cent or more--a feat achieved over the past three years since 2021-22--the Government of India needs to proactively accelerate its capital expenditures" added Srivastava. The Reserve Bank of India on Monday released fiscal data for April-June 2024-25, revealing key trends in the country's economic performance. The data showed that India's Current Account Deficit (CAD) widened to USD 9.7 billion, or 1.1 per cent of GDP, in the first quarter of FY25, up from USD 8.9 billion (1.0 per cent of GDP) in Q1 2023-24, and compared to a surplus of USD 4.6 billion (0.5 per cent of GDP) in Q4 2023-24. This widening of the CAD on a year-on-year basis was largely due to the widening merchandise trade deficit, which rose to USD 65.1 billion in Q1 2024-25 from USD 56.7 billion in Q1 2023-24. Manoranjan Sharma, Chief Economist at Infomerics Ratings, commented on the data, noting that India's fiscal deficit for April to August 2024 stood at Rs. 4.35 lakh crore. This deficit accounted for only 27 per cent of the budgetary estimates and marked an improvement from the previous year's 36 per cent during the same period. Sharma emphasized that this data is significant in light of the government's goal of gradually narrowing the fiscal deficit to 4.9 per cent of GDP in FY25, down from 5.6 per cent in FY24, and noted that the progress is on track. "In conformity with our expectations, India's fiscal deficit for April to August 2024 came in at Rs. 4.35 lakh crore rupees. This deficit constituted 27 per cent of the Budgetary estimates and marked a welcome reduction from the previous year's 36 per cent. Total receipt was Rs. 12.17 lakh crore rupees; overall expenditure was Rs. 16.52 lakh crore rupees. They were 38 per cent and 34.3 per cent, respectively of FY 25 target." (ANI)
PRNewswire Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: India's largest gathering of women and nonbinary technologists, Grace Hopper Celebration India (GHCI) 2024, organised by AnitaB.org India, is set to inspire and empower over 15,000 women and nonbinary technologists, at the Bangalore International Centre (BIEC) from November 20-22, 2024. With 250+ speakers and 80+ hours of cutting-edge content spanning across AI, ML, Cloud, IoT, and Tech for Social Good, GHCI 24 will focus on immersive learning, networking, and collaboration. The theme for GHCI 24 is 'me+we', which celebrates the collective power of women and nonbinary technologists, highlighting individual contributions and ambitions. With a special focus on wellness, diversity, and inclusion--particularly through initiatives for LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary voices--this year's event promises to set new standards for empowering change-makers and leaders in tech. GHCI 24 aims to promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry by providing a platform for building relationships; connecting with the larger community; growing technical, career, and culture skills; and celebrating the achievements of women and nonbinary individuals in technology. With sponsors like Google, Wells Fargo, American Express, Avalara, Uber, Walmart, HSBC, Intuit, Open Door, UKG, Oracle,Twilio, Western Digital and more, GHCI 24 will feature expanded tracks on technology and also host a special media track focused on empowering individuals in communications and media with talks on the role that language plays in building the threads of diversity and inclusion in society. Brenda Darden Wilkerson, President & CEO of AnitaB.org, said, "We are thrilled to bring Grace Hopper Celebration back to India! At AnitaB.org, we're dedicated to advancing gender equity and pay parity in tech. For over 30 years, we have worked globally to tackle industry challenges and foster diverse, impactful careers. Join us at GHCI 24 in Bengaluru to celebrate our collective achievements and make history together!" Bo Young Lee, President, Research & Advisory, said, "GHCI 24 is a beacon for how the tech industry can embrace change, innovate with purpose, and create lasting impact. We are here to ensure that every participant leaves, feeling empowered to challenge norms, push boundaries, and redefine what's possible in tech." Shreya Krishnan, Managing Director of AnitaB.org India, adds, "With immense joy, we welcome the return of Grace Hopper Celebration to India! This year's GHCI will be both familiar and refreshingly new, celebrating the extraordinary talent of women and nonbinary individuals in tech. We believe diversity drives innovation and progress. GHCI offers a chance to network, learn, and be inspired. Let's embrace the richness of our diverse journey in technology and make this event a success!." The event looks to emphasize Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB), with dedicated wellness zones and initiatives aimed at amplifying underrepresented voices, including the LGBTQIA+ and nonbinary communities. GHCI 24 aims to create a place for career advancement, thought leadership, and contributions to building a more diverse and inclusive tech industry. Spots for GHCI 24 are filling up quickly, and women and nonbinary technologists are encouraged to secure theirs as soon as possible. Virtual attendees can look forward to live streaming all GHCI 24 speakers and sessions through the online platform in real-time. Click here to choose participation option and complete the registration process. For more information about GHCI 24, please visit https://anitabindia.org/events/ghcindia/ . For media inquiries or to request a press pass, contact ghci@anitab.org About AnitaB.org India: AnitaB.org India is dedicated to advancing gender equity and diversity in technology. As part of the global nonprofit AnitaB.org, it focuses on empowering women and nonbinary technologists through programs, events, and initiatives that address industry challenges and foster impactful careers. With a commitment to promoting inclusive tech environments in India, the for-profit social enterprise supports women in technical fields, the organizations that employ them, and the academic institutions that train future generations to drive progress and innovation in the country. For more information, click here: https://anitabindia.org/ Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2519316/GHCI.jpg (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL New Delhi [India], October 1: It is India's first Japanese sewing machine manufacturing factory. JUKI started their production in June 2024 as a production section of JUKI India Manufacturing Plant. The factory was inaugurated in the presence of Koji Yagi, Consulate General - Consulate General of Japan in Mumbai, Akira Kiyohara, Representative Director Chairman, Juki Corporation, Japan, and Katsumi Nihei, Senior Managing Executive Officer of Juki Corporation, Japan and Chairman of Juki India Pvt. Ltd., The company says the development marks a significant milestone for its India operations as it prepares to focus on new divisions dedicated to the sewing industries, areas poised for substantial growth. The expansion is part of JUKI's long-term strategy to enhance its operational capabilities and support its extensive customer base in India and overseas. This move by JUKI addresses the concerns of reducing delivery time for customers in the Indian subcontinent through faster delivery of machines and parts, besides generating employment opportunities for locals. The production from this facility is likely to be exported to Southwest Asia, the Middle East, African, and GCC regions, again reducing the lead time to supply. Juki India Pvt Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the JUKI Corporation, Tokyo, Japan, has been a global leader in sewing machine manufacturing technologies since its establishment in 1938. Juki India, as a subsidiary of Juki Corporation, started its operation in 1995 with 2 offices in Delhi and Bangalore. Since then, it has expanded its operation in India with state-of-the-art SCM facilities in Chennai and eight more locations with sales and service offices. Juki India has built a robust presence in India for 30 years as a sewing technology provider to the Indian garment manufacturing and non-apparel sewing sectors. The company boasts an extensive product range of sewing machines, plant engineering, services, and spare parts. Now this new sewing machine manufacturing factory can be used for innumerable customer demand-based assemblies done locally. New products are introduced, underlining its commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. The new Juki India Gujarat Factory facility represents an underscoring JUKI's commitment to the Indian market. The plant is equipped with cutting-edge technology and infrastructure designed to meet the high standards of sewing machine production, ensuring that Juki India continues to deliver world-class products to its customers. Today, JUKI is powerfully advancing growth strategies and business reforms based on our long-term vision to be a global and innovative manufacturing and value-creation company that survives in the 21st century. With today's drastic changes in the business environment surrounding the manufacturing industry, our customers are about to see significant change in the ways to operate their factories in order to respond to technical innovations such as AI, IoT, and 5G and the new-normal environment. Based on an accurate perception of these social trends, JUKI is speeding up activity to propose total solutions that integrate "equipment" and "systems" in order to realise smart factories at our customers' manufacturing sites. A smart factory proposal or concept has been prepared to meet customers' needs in today's competition in apparel manufacturing in terms of production, quality, and delivery. We can help customers set up a world-class factory with all modern automatic and digital machines and a smart IOT system to monitor production on a real-time basis. This concept is widely appreciated by many apparel manufacturers in the world. JUKI aims to support our customers in realising their smart factory; therefore, we have been evolving our technologies in the fields of automation, digitalisation, and networking. JUKI has been manufacturing industrial sewing machines in Japan, China, and Vietnam, and by newly manufacturing industrial sewing machines in India for making manufacturing systems more flexible, JUKI aims to establish systems for quickly responding to the needs of customers who are operating in countries located on the western side of India. JUKI, as a company, can deliver "good impressions" and "peace of mind" to customers, and carrying on its tradition of taking on innovative challenges without hesitation, JUKI remains a "company that customers select as a solution partner in countries and regions around the world. JUKI also aims to be a company trusted and needed by society by practicing SDG management. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Piyush Goyal, engaged in a series of high-profile meetings and discussions during his visit to New York, where he underscored India's economic progress, the transformative reforms undertaken under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, and the wealth of opportunities available for global investors. Goyal posted on X, "Proud to hear the changing perception about India and the rising confidence in its growth story from young business leaders in New York. A decade of relentless reforms being carried out under the leadership of PM @NarendraModi ji has been catalysed by the drive and dedication of countless entrepreneurs, health professionals, farmers & small businesses among others." On his Us trip, Goyal met with young CEOs and entrepreneurs of Indian origin, and elaborated on how key reforms introduced under PM Modi's leadership have been instrumental in driving India's growth over the past decade. He posted, "Great discussions with Young CEOs & Entrepreneurs of Indian Origin in New York. Highlighted how key reforms under PM @NarendraModi ji's leadership have driven India's growth over the last decade, offering unmatched opportunities for businesses. Invited American companies with expertise in high-tech manufacturing to Make In India for the world. Reaffirmed our commitment to shared prosperity and collaboration, especially in advanced manufacturing, robotics, AI, and sustainable technologies." Goyal is also having one-on-one meeting with global investment firms. He met with Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder of Blackstone, one of the world's leading investment firms. He stated, "Held a fruitful discussion with Mr. Stephen A. Schwarzman, Chairman, CEO & Co-Founder of leading global investment firm @Blackstone . Discussed the company's future investment plans as India continues its exponential growth trajectory. Invited them to explore opportunities in sectors like infrastructure, housing, and renewable energy among others. New York" Goyal also met and had a fruitful conversation with Henry R. Kravis, Co-Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). The discussion revolved around potential investment avenues for KKR in India's burgeoning sectors such as electronics manufacturing, data infrastructure, and logistics. Goyal stated, "It was a pleasure to meet Henry R. Kravis, Co-Founder & Co-Executive Chairman of global investment firm Kohlberg Kravis Roberts & Co. (KKR). Emphasised the potential investment avenues for the firm in India's electronics manufacturing, data infrastructure and logistics sectors. Also, highlighted how the country's consistent economic growth over the past decade and large consumer market offer a multitude of opportunities for its strategic investments." Further strengthening ties with the pharmaceutical sector, Goyal met with Chintu Patel and Chirag Patel, the Co-CEOs of Amneal Pharmaceuticals, a global pharmaceutical giant with a strong presence in India. Goyal posted on X, "Held a meeting with Chintu Patel, Co-CEO and Chirag Patel, President & Co-CEO of @AmnealPharma, a global pharmaceutical company having presence across 5 locations in India. Explored ways to further leverage India's existing pharma ecosystem for high-end R&D including biologics, enhance manufacturing capabilities and build a robust supply-chain network to serve the world. New York" (ANI)
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: WellBe Foods, the direct-to-consumer brand under the Nimida Group, reputed for its Deliciously Good food choices with No Nasties, has been awarded the prestigious "Start-Up of the Year" at the Fi India Awards 2024, held in Bengaluru. This recognition highlights WellBe Foods' commitment to revolutionising the FMCG industry by creating healthier, more nutritious alternatives - from snacks and snack bars to organic kitchen staples - without compromising on the authentic taste and quality that consumers deserve. The Fi India awards celebrate excellence and innovation in the food industry, recognising companies that are pushing the boundaries of what's possible in food development. WellBe Foods' dedication to crafting 'Deliciously Good, Honestly Made' food choices with 'No Nasties' prioritising consumer well-being has positioned the brand as a trailblazer in the sector. Gaurav Manchanda, Founder, Nimida Group, commented, "We are truly honoured that WellBe Foods has been recognised as 'Startup of the Year' at the Fi India Awards. This award is a testament to our unwavering commitment to creating Deliciously Good products with No Nasties, thereby offering consumers healthier alternatives. It also reflects and acknowledges our dedication to taking the more challenging path--making transparent and responsible choices, with Honestly Made products that align with our vision of being India's No. 1 Responsible Retailer." WellBe Foods is on a mission to change the way people eat by offering deliciously good, honestly made products with No Nasties. WellBe's range of traditional Indian snacks reimagined in a healthier avatar eschews the use of maida, refined oil, and refined salt. The brand's innovative approach includes healthier alternatives like rice flour, red rice flour, rice bran oil, rock salt, and a first in traditional Indian snacks: flaxseeds. Its range of kitchen essentials includes a host of organic options - from rice, dal and atta to cold-pressed oils and bilona ghee. WellBe also offers a host of snack bars and breakfast muesli - free of refined white sugar, artificial colours & flavours and synthetic preservatives. WellBe is available at The Organic World, Lulu, More Hyper & Supermarkets, Ratnadeep & Natures' Basket and in the general trade market in Hyderabad. They are also available online on wellbefoods.com. About WellBe Foods Part of the Nimida Group, WellBe Foods is dedicated to providing Deliciously Good, Honestly Made food options with No Nasties that prioritise consumer well-being. The brand is committed to transparency and healthier ingredient choices. WellBe Foods currently offers snacks, snack bars, breakfast muesli and an extensive range of organic kitchen essentials including rice, dal, cereals, pulses, atta, cold pressed oils, spices and bilona ghee. The parent company, Nimida Group is involved in various sectors, including retail, consumer goods, farming, and sports, striving to create sustainable value and better choices. About Nimida Group The Nimida Group is a business group headquartered in Bengaluru, India. The word Nimida is derived from the Sanskrit word Nimitta, which means 'cause for good'. Established in 2022, the businesses under the Nimida Group help in enabling better choices and creating sustainable value. The group is active in sectors such as retail, consumer goods, farming, and sports. Businesses under the Nimida Group include: The Organic World, Wellbe Foods, Osh Homecare Solutions, Nimida Sports, Happy Harvest Farms, & Root'd. Gaurav Manchanda is the founder and Managing Director of Nimida Group. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: The Akshaya Patra Foundation (TAPF) inaugurated its 5th kitchen in Chikkajala, Bengaluru, today. This marks the 75th centralised kitchen across PAN India. This marks a monumental milestone with the inauguration of the transformative kitchen facility with the support of the Thakkar Family Foundation. Strategically located, this kitchen will cater to schools in Yelahanka, Jakkur, Hebbal and surrounding areas, providing over 35,000 wholesome hot, nutritious mid-day meals to over 200 government and government-aided schools with adherence to a 4-hour cook-to-consumption timeline. This initiative stands as a testament to the Foundation's commitment to innovation, community involvement and the greater good. The newly launched kitchen in Bengaluru marks its 5th location in the city, bolstering the company's commitment to growth and expanded service capabilities. NR Narayana Murthy, Founder, Infosys Ltd. said, "I express immense gratitude to the Thakkar family and the Government of Karnataka for their significant support towards this cause. It is truly inspiring to be at an event dedicated to giving hope to India's underprivileged children. The Thakkar family's contribution to this kitchen is an embodiment of hope and faith. Education flourishes only when children have access to nutritious food, which is the core belief of the Akshaya Patra Foundation. Thanks to the Government of Karnataka covering 55-56% of meal costs, The Akshaya Patra Foundation has been able to successfully feed 2.25 million children across 24,000 government and government-aided schools in rural and remote areas. It is commendable to see The Akshaya Patra Foundation's commitment to provide balanced meals to students, ensuring that every child is nourished and empowered. Together, we can transform lives and build a brighter future for all." Madhu Pandit Dasa, Founder - Chairman, The Akshaya Patra Foundation, said, "At the very outset, I want to thank the Government of Karnataka for the opportunity to serve the children of our state. Their continued support through grants and subsidies and the opportunity to serve as an implementing partner of the visionary project of the Chief Minister 'Ksheera Bhagya' programme to provide milk have been pivotal to our efforts to ensure that children do not have to choose between education and food." Acknowledging the support, he said, "Our association with the Government of Karnataka started in 2003 and I can proudly say that it has only strengthened with time. Their valuable support enables us to serve over 4.5 lakh children across 3,000+ government and government-aided schools in the state. Since its inception, Akshaya Patra has served nearly 1.2 billion mid-day meals in Karnataka." He further said, "We are immensely grateful to our Hon'ble Minister of Revenue, Krishna Byre Gowda, for taking time off from his busy schedule to be with us here today on this auspicious occasion. He has always been a strong pillar of support for our initiatives across the state. It has always been our endeavour to serve society while ensuring sustainability. In Karnataka, we currently feed across Bengaluru, Hubballi, Ballari, Mangaluru and Mysuru, through our nine centralised kitchens. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to Mr Janardan Thakkar and Ms Linda Thakkar for their invaluable support in this endeavour. This partnership has played a crucial role in ensuring the sustainability that is integral to our efforts." Akshaya Patra's newly inaugurated Chikkajala kitchen has a built-up area of 30,000 sq.ft., and is equipped with state-of-the-art gravity-flow infrastructure. It has an 80 KWp-capacity solar plant contributing to increased energy efficiency and sustainability. Similarly, the facility features Effluent Treatment Plant, the 70KLD ETP uses advanced filtration and treatment processes; 2-ton briquette boilers to generate high-efficiency steam for cooking, thus reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering carbon emissions. The kitchen also includes a dedicated 2KLPH milk reconstitution plant under the 'Ksheera Bhagya' scheme, with automated batch controls of a production of 3,500 ltrs. Krishna Byre Gowda, Hon'ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Karnataka; N R Narayana Murthy, Founder - Infosys Ltd, and Jyotindra Thakkar, CIO - Reliance Ltd, graced this occasion. On behalf of Akshaya Patra, Madhu Pandit Dasa, Founder-Chairman, and Chanchalapathi Dasa, Co-founder & Vice-Chairman and Shridhar Venkat, CEO were present. The event was presided by patron donors Janardan Thakkar, Chairman, and Ms. Linda Thakkar, Vice-Chairman of the Thakkar Family Foundation. "I am deeply grateful to Akshaya Patra for their remarkable work and want to congratulate them for setting up this new kitchen, which is going to serve 35,000 children everyday. On behalf of the Government of Karnataka, I thank Akshaya Patra and the Thakkar Family from the bottom of my heart. The widening disparity between the rich and poor in India is alarming, and we cannot afford to ignore it. If we continue to bury our heads in the sand, it will lead to our own peril. Thankfully, individuals like Janardhan Thakkar and Narayan Murthy have stepped up to do their part in addressing the injustice and inequality in our society. Their efforts show us that a small contribution can make a big difference. I sincerely hope more materially wealthy individuals will follow their example and reinvest their wealth back into society so that our nation can grow and evolve into a better India. We owe a debt of gratitude to the Thakkars for supporting Akshaya Patra and its vital mission," said Krishna Byre Gowda, Hon'ble Minister of Revenue, Government of Karnataka. Post the inauguration ceremony, the dignitaries were taken on a tour of the kitchen facility. All the dignitaries unequivocally commended Akshaya Patra's efforts to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India through its network of kitchens and assured their support and encouragement. Janardan Thakkar, Chairman, Thakkar Ltd. said, "We believe that feeding and educating children is the foundation for a brighter future. Without proper nutrition, a child cannot focus on learning. It is our commitment to ensure that every child is healthy in both body and mind. We are deeply honoured to associate with Akshaya Patra, a beacon of hope for the past 24 years, as it prepares to serve its 5th billion meal. The food provided is safe, nutritious, and abundant, ensuring children can eat as much as they need. Our family is also dedicated to rebuilding schools in Karnataka, with invaluable support from the government, and we have requested Akshaya Patra's assistance in building a kitchen at the school. Together, let us nourish not only their bodies but also their dreams, equipping them to realize their full potential. A heartfelt thanks to all donors and supporters for contributing to Akshaya Patra's mission." As is the practice, Akshaya Patra's mid-day meals for Chikkajala, Bengaluru, are customised to suit the local palate so that they are not just nutritious, but also delicious. The menu includes vegetable pulav, bisibele bath, masala vegetable upma, rice, green leafy sambar, mixed pulses, vegetable sambar, tomato rasam, fried poha + avalaki and to the delightful sweetness, wheat kesari bath (or) vermicelli payasam (or) moong dal payasam. This ambitious project is more than just a facility; it is a reflection of The Akshaya Patra Foundation's enduring commitment to nurturing young minds. It symbolises our collective effort in fostering community participation, promoting healthy eating habits and advancing sustainable practices in our journey towards a brighter, more nourishing future. The Akshaya Patra Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation that strives to address classroom hunger and malnutrition in India. By implementing the PM POSHAN Scheme in government and government-aided schools, Akshaya Patra aims to fight hunger and, at the same time, bring children to school. Since 2000, Akshaya Patra has worked towards reaching out to children with wholesome food every single school day. The Foundation is continuously leveraging technology to cater to millions of children. Its state-of-the-art kitchens have become a subject of study and attract curious visitors from around the world. As an implementing partner of the PM POSHAN with support of the Government of India and various State Governments, Akshaya Patra has grown from humble beginnings serving just 1,500 school children across five schools to becoming one of the largest (not-for-profit run) school feeding programme, serving wholesome food to over 2.2 million children from 23,000+ schools across 16 states and 2 union territories in India. For more details, please log on: www.akshayapatra.org. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Gurugram (Haryana) [India], October 1: Hygenco Green Energies Pvt Ltd, a pioneer in producing low-cost green hydrogen, has invited bids for over 1125 Megawatt (MW)/ 1.1 Gigawatt (GW) of renewable energy, to support its upcoming Green Ammonia Project. This is the largest tender for procuring renewable power for a green ammonia project in India, reinforcing Hygenco's continued commitment to sustainability.

Hygenco aims to procure 625 MW from Solar PV projects and 500 MW through wind power. The tender offers favourable terms to minimize risk for developers and ensures a transparent procurement process, attracting a broad range of participants in the renewable energy sector.

Amit Bansal, Co-Founder and CEO of Hygenco, said, "As one of the very few, pure-play Green Hydrogen companies with operational assets, Hygenco is rapidly moving towards its mission of facilitating India's energy security and achieve climate goals. This large tender of over 1 GW is amongst the many firsts achieved by us and demonstrates both our ambition and action in scaling up India's Green Hydrogen and Green Ammonia market."

Green ammonia, produced using renewable energy, is considered a crucial solution in energy transition. Globally, the green ammonia market is projected to grow to $17.9 billion by 2030, as industries shift away from fossil fuels.

The large-scale procurement will also contribute to India's transition toward a low-carbon economy. It also gives a significant fillip to the National Green Hydrogen Mission, which is aiming to make India a Green Hydrogen Hub by 2030.

Bidders can evaluate the tender on Hygenco's official website. https://www.hygenco.in/

About Hygenco:

Headquartered in Gurgaon, India, Hygenco develops and deploys scaled-up commercially attractive green hydrogen and green ammonia assets. Hygenco, which has deep capabilities in designing, building, and operating Green Hydrogen projects, has commissioned India's first Green Hydrogen project in Hisar, which was inaugurated by Union Minister of Civil Aviation and Steel earlier this year. Hygenco is looking to invest $2.5 billion over 3 years to set up Green Hydrogen projects in India.

For more information on Hygenco, please visit https://www.hygenco.in/

Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2406450/Hygenco_Logo.jpg

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PRNewswire. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Kutch (Rajasthan) [India], October 1: Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd, a pioneering space architecture company in India, has successfully organized the country's first Earth-based Lunar Analog Expedition in the White Rann of Kutch in 2023. This landmark 15-day expedition marked a crucial step forward in India's space exploration journey, supporting its long-term objectives, including future human spaceflight missions such as the Gaganyaan program. The White Rann, known for its extreme and harsh landscape, was chosen due to its resemblance to the lunar surface. With its wide temperature fluctuations, barren landscape, and saline desert conditions, the region provided an ideal environment to simulate the challenges astronauts would face on the Moon. Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd utilized this opportunity to test a variety of cutting-edge technologies, habitat designs, and operational strategies, aimed at supporting future space missions. The expedition showcased the studio's expertise in space architecture and analog research and placed India at the forefront of space exploration innovation. India's First Earth-Based Lunar Analog Expedition: A Breakthrough Initiative The Earth-based Lunar Analog Expedition in the White Rann was a landmark achievement for India, marking its first extensive simulation of lunar conditions. Analog missions replicate space environments on Earth, helping prepare astronauts for future missions. This 2023 expedition focused on studying isolation, environmental stress, and resource management on human health. The desolate White Rann provided an ideal setting for this research, essential for long-duration Moon and Mars missions. Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd tested habitats, life support, and operations, gathering valuable data to enhance space habitat design and ensure astronaut safety in future missions. About Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd: India's Pioneering Space Architecture Firm Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd, led by Aastha Kacha, is India's first private space architecture firm. It specializes in designing habitats for extreme environments on Earth and in space, focusing on human-centered, sustainable solutions. The company conducts analog missions to study isolation and resource challenges, contributing to future space exploration. Registered with IN-SPACe and serving as an ISRO Space Tutor, Aaka Space Studio plays a key role in India's growing space ecosystem. Lunar Analog Missions: Pioneering Research for Future Space Exploration The importance of analog missions like the one conducted in the White Rann cannot be overstated. These missions allow scientists and engineers to simulate and test the conditions astronauts will face during space missions without leaving Earth. For India, which is rapidly advancing its space program, including the Gaganyaan human spaceflight mission, such missions are essential in ensuring the success of future endeavors. The 2023 Earth-based Lunar Analog Expedition focused on several key areas: Testing Human Endurance in Isolated Environments: Researchers studied how the isolation and environmental extremes of the White Rann affected human health, performance, and psychology. Such data is critical for understanding how astronauts will cope with the long-duration isolation they will experience on the Moon or Mars. Evaluating Habitat Design: Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd tested Tested - deployable analog habitat, created specifically to withstand the environmental challenges of the lunar surface. These habitats are resource-efficient and sustainable, providing astronauts with safe and livable spaces during future missions. Operational Testing for Lunar Missions: The mission involved simulating real-life lunar tasks, such as extravehicular activities (EVA), habitat maintenance, and resource management. These simulations allowed researchers to develop operational procedures and gather data on the equipment that will be used in space. Collaboration with the Indian Space Community: The expedition provided a platform for collaboration between Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd and India's broader space community. The mission attracted interest from government agencies, research institutions, and private companies, all of which are invested in advancing India's space exploration capabilities. Aastha Kacha: A Visionary Leader in Space Architecture Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd was founded by Aastha Kacha, a visionary space architect with a passion for developing sustainable solutions for space habitation. Her background in architecture and space research has positioned her as a leading figure in India's growing space sector. Kacha's innovative approach to space architecture blends cutting-edge technology with a deep understanding of human needs, ensuring that future space habitats are not only functional but also conducive to human health and well-being. The Future of Analog Missions: Mars Expeditions on the Horizon Following the success of the 2023 Lunar Analog Expedition, Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd is planning an Earth-based Mars Analog Expedition in Ladakh, chosen for its Martian-like conditions. eLadakh's high altitude,xtreme temperatures, and barren landscape make it ideal for simulating life on Mars. These missions are crucial in preparing astronauts for long-duration space missions, and Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd will continue to support India's growing space exploration efforts. For more information about Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd and its upcoming projects, visit Aaka Space Studio Pvt Ltd. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], October 1: Bianca The Luxury Clothspa has once again solidified its position as a leader in the textile care industry, earning the prestigious CINET - Professional Textile Care Overall Award India 2024 at the National Convention of Dry Cleaners and Launderers. This marks the second time the brand has won this award, having first claimed it in 2022. Started in February 2020, Bianca has rapidly expanded from four to eleven outlets across Mumbai, with its 12th store in Powai set to open soon. The pandemic posed challenges, but the brand not only weathered the storm--it thrived. Over 40% of its sales now come from home pick-up and delivery services, catering to the growing demand for convenience in luxury garment care. Sachin Dewan, CEO of Bianca Clothspa India, shared, "We are truly humbled to receive this prestigious award for the second time. It reinforces our commitment to providing our customers with exemplary service and premium care. Our focus on innovation, sustainability, and excellence has been at the core of our success, and we look forward to continuing to revolutionize fabric care in India." Bianca's reputation for excellence goes beyond national recognition. It is the only Indian company invited to participate in the Global Best Practice Awards 2024 in Frankfurt, an event to be held during the World Congress in November. This international recognition further underscores the brand's commitment to raising standards in the industry. At the heart of Bianca's success is its commitment to sustainability. The company has implemented an advanced effluent treatment process to reduce its environmental impact while maintaining its hallmark of impeccable quality and service. From dry cleaning and wet cleaning to specialized services like handbag and shoe care, leather recoloring, and wedding outfit cleaning, Bianca's offerings are designed to meet the needs of its discerning clientele. With stores across Mumbai, including Colaba, Nepean Sea Road, Lower Parel, and Bandra, and plans to open in Powai soon, Bianca continues to grow its footprint while setting new benchmarks in luxury fabric care. For more information, visit: www.biancaclothspa.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL New Delhi [India], October 1: In a prestigious ceremony of honorary doctorate awards, Megha Singh Nandiwal, Vice President of Strategic Operations at Foundation AI, was honored with the highly esteemed Bharat Gaurav Ratna Shri Award. This national accolade, typically reserved for Union Ministers, Governors, and other prominent public figures, recognizes Megha's extraordinary contributions to society and her transformative leadership in various fields. Her achievement is particularly historic, as she becomes the first individual outside the conventional categories to receive this honor, underscoring the profound impact of her visionary work. In addition to her role at Foundation AI, Megha has been appointed as the National Vice President of the World Human Rights Protection Commission. In this influential position, she will lead initiatives to promote workforce equality and ensure fair treatment for all individuals, further cementing her reputation as a global advocate for human rights and social justice. Megha's contributions to human development span across borders, including significant work in Nepal, where she has been a driving force behind skill development programs aimed at empowering individuals and opening pathways to educational and personal fulfillment. Her speeches and writings on these topics have resonated widely across digital platforms, sparking meaningful conversations on social progress and human rights. Attending the award ceremony with elegance and humility, Megha emphasized that this recognition is merely the start of a greater journey. "Awards are not destinations; they are milestones reminding us of the work still to be done," she stated, reinforcing her commitment to making a lasting impact with a smile. Megha Singh Nandiwal's accomplishments set a new standard for leadership, inspiring others to pursue excellence while contributing to a more equitable and just world. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Dubai [UAE], October 1: Alieus Fund, a rising star in the hedge fund industry, marked a key milestone today with its inaugural event in the dynamic city of Dubai. This exclusive gathering brought together global investors, financial innovators, and industry experts to discuss cutting-edge strategies in alternative investments.

The highlight of the event was a compelling keynote from Ashish Jain, Founder and CEO of Alieus Fund. "Dubai represents a beacon of progress and creativity, making it the perfect venue for our first event," Jain remarked. "We are committed to reshaping investment strategies and providing exceptional opportunities that lead to financial success."

Event Highlights:

* Sustainable and Impact Investing: Learn how hedge funds can achieve profitability while contributing to social good.

* AI in Finance: Explore the transformative capabilities of artificial intelligence and machine learning in portfolio management and risk analysis.

* Global Market Trends: Gain insights into the evolving global economic landscape and discover strategies for hedge funds to maintain a competitive edge.

In addition to thought-provoking discussions, attendees enjoyed unparalleled networking opportunities, connecting with prominent institutional investors, venture capitalists, and fintech leaders.

This inaugural event in Dubai is just the beginning. Alieus Fund is dedicated to hosting similar global events aimed at strengthening ties within the financial community and advancing its mission of delivering exceptional returns while fostering a culture of innovation.

For media inquiries, please contact: Press Office

Alieus Fund

Email: info@alieusfund.comWebsite: www.alieusfund.com

About Alieus Fund

Alieus Fund is an innovative hedge fund focused on delivering diverse investment solutions. Founded by Ashish Jain, the fund emphasizes alternative investments, sustainable growth, and the use of cutting-edge technology to optimize returns.

(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
REC said its bonds received tremendous response from the market as the bond was oversubscribed 7 times over the issue size of Rs 5,000 crore .

The bond issuance was rated AAA by all the four Credit Rating Agencies (CARE, CRISIL, ICAR, IRRPL).

Zero coupon bonds are issued at deep discount and are redeemed at face value.

Since these bonds are CBDT notified, investors are benefitted in the form of lower taxation as redemption of ZCB on maturity is treated as long term capital gain and is accordingly taxed at much lower rate of 12.5 per cent per annum.

Last issuance of CBDT notified zero coupon bond of REC was done in fiscaL 2010-11. Bonds will be listed on BSE and NSE.

REC, granted Maharatna status in 2022, finances the entire range of power infrastructure sector, comprising generation, transmission, distribution, renewable energy and new technologies like electric vehicles, battery storage, pump storage projects, green hydrogen, and green ammonia projects.

More recently, the 1969 established company REC, also diversified into the non-power infrastructure sector comprising roads and expressways, metro rail, airports, IT communication, social and commercial infrastructure (educational institutions, hospitals), and refineries, among others. (ANI)
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: Gartner Digital Markets--the world's largest platform for finding software and services, including Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice, and UpCity--recently convened the Insights Summit in India's Silicon Valley, Bengaluru, Karnataka, to address the SaaS industry's pressing challenges. After a year of economic uncertainty, SaaS leaders seek innovative strategies to find efficient growth and secure their place on software buyer shortlists. The Insights Summit featured a distinguished panel of speakers from Gartner Digital Markets, including Narayan Adeeb, VP of India Operations; Pit Rissiek, VP of Sales APAC and EMEA; and Saby Khanduja, Senior Sales Manager. Joining them on stage were SaaS leaders Dhivya Venkatesan, Head of Marketing at Sign easy, and Abhigna Kashyap, Senior Director and Global Head of Brand Content, and Social Media at LTI Mindtree. The conference theme was "Securing Your Spot on Buyer Shortlists." The Insights Summit brought together 68 industry experts and thought leaders to provide actionable insights and best practices for SaaS businesses. Participants learned about the latest software buyer trends, emerging technologies, and effective marketing strategies to drive growth. The event featured exclusive research that surveyed 3,500 software buyers and company decision-makers. The study focused on the challenges of software selection, the latest AI trends and buyer preferences, and strategies for software providers to optimise their performance on the Gartner Digital Markets platform. Additionally, participants had the opportunity to network with other India-based SaaS leaders seeking to accelerate their growth. Gartner Digital Markets offers objective research and verified reviews to B2B companies searching for software in India through its Capterra India website. As a comprehensive resource, Capterra India is the country's go-to destination for software search. Software companies use the Gartner Digital Markets platform to reach active buyers and capture demand in India and worldwide. Key insights discussed in the Insights Summit included: * Optimistic SaaS spending is forecasted for 2025: 82% of companies surveyed plan to increase their software spending in 2025. India is the most confident of the countries surveyed, planning to increase its spending by 89%. Top priorities for software purchase are Cybersecurity (37%), IT management (31%), and AI (31%). * Customer reviews: Customer reviews are buyers' most influential information source for narrowing their initial purchase options and creating a shortlist of products (41%). Final purchase decisions are made predominantly after product trials (62%) and impressions made by the vendor's customer support (57%). * Buyer regret: Over half of companies have experienced regret over a technology purchase in the last year. The more a buyer relies solely on information from a vendor to buy software, the more often they experience regret. This makes it more necessary for vendors to boost their credibility through third parties. * AI adoption: More than a third of decision-makers plan to assess the value and risk of generative AI. From 2024 to 2025, there has been a 70% increase in organisations anticipating challenges evaluating the value and risk of generative AI. Pit outlined Gartner Digital Markets' mission to assist software companies in building effective brands through profiles, reviews, and badges. He emphasised capturing in-market demand and gaining insights into market and product sentiment by analysing reviews of your product and competitors. Pit highlighted that building a compelling profile is crucial for brand positioning and noted that cost and pricing are the primary factors buyers consider when searching for software. He emphasised that reviews are pivotal in bringing credibility to your Gartner Digital Markets platform profile. The event included a panel discussion headed by Saby Khanduja, during which marketing leaders Dhivya Venkatesan and Abhigna Kashyap discussed strategies for making their companies stand out to potential buyers. Topics covered included resource allocation, channel effectiveness, and reputation-building. The discussion was highly interactive, with participants engaging in lively Q&A sessions with the audience and sharing their experiences. Reflecting on the Insights Summit's significance, Narayan Adeeb, VP of India Operations of Gartner Digital Markets, says, "The success of the Summit lies in the ambition that the software leaders brought with them along with their trust in us to help them build their brand and capture demand. We were pleased to share our latest research and insights, which expectedly led to some powerful conversations. Most importantly, each interaction with those leading the charge in the industry revitalised our mission to empower organisations towards success with the right technology choices while being impact partners to software providers that would help propel them to new heights." About Gartner Digital Markets Gartner Digital Markets is the world's largest platform for finding software and services. More than 100 million people visit Capterra, GetApp, Software Advice, and UpCity across over 70 localised sites yearly to read objective research and verified customer reviews that help them confidently choose the right software and services. Thousands of B2B companies work with Gartner Digital Markets to build their brand, capture buyer demand, and grow their business. Media Contact Palash Bhattacharjee palash.bhattacharjee@gartner.com (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
PNN New Delhi [India], October 1: Dr. Rajesh Dandotiya, the Addl. Deputy Commissioner of Indore Crime Branch, was honored at the Ashoka Award 2024 event held at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. A press release issued today highlighted that Dr. Rajesh Dandotiya from Indore was recognized for his remarkable contributions to the management and elimination of cyber crime. The award was presented by former Governor of Chhattisgarh and Senior IAS, former Deputy Chief of NSA, and former Defense Secretary Shekhar Dutt, former Minister of State for Education and Minister of State for External Affairs R.K. Ranjan Singh (Manipur), former Army Chief General Deepak Kapoor, and former Chief Justice of the Bombay High Court and Supreme Court Justice V.P. Singh. The Ashoka Award, organized under the joint auspices of CWSIR and the Association of Indian Bureaucrats, celebrated selected administrative officers, diplomats & bureaucrats from various states of India. The recognition of Dr. Rajesh Dandotiya with the Ashoka Award is a matter of pride for the entire Indore community and the state administration. Dr. Dandotiya's accomplishments in the realm of cyber security, marked by strategic initiatives and innovative technologies, have earned him a prominent place among his peers. His leadership in the Indore Crime Branch has led to proactive measures that helped mitigate the risks associated with cyber threats, forging a safer digital landscape for countless citizens. Dr. Dandotiya's recognition with the Ashoka Award serves not only as a personal achievement but also as a source of inspiration for the Indore community and the wider state administration. His work transcends the immediate benefits of law enforcement; it cultivates a culture of awareness and preparedness. By conducting workshops, seminars, and community outreach programs, Dr. Dandotiya empowers various demographics, particularly the youth, to recognize and combat cyber threats. His holistic approach emphasizes that effective cyber crime management is not solely the responsibility of law enforcement agencies but requires the active participation of the community. Moreover, Dr. Dandotiya's tenure has seen the implementation of cutting-edge technology and collaborations with various stakeholders, ensuring that Indore remains at the forefront of cyber security efforts. His vision integrates a sustainable framework for addressing the evolving nature of cyber crime, ensuring that law enforcement is equipped to handle both current and emerging threats. The honor bestowed upon Dr. Rajesh Dandotiya at the Ashoka Award 2024 is a celebration of his invaluable efforts in the fight against cyber crime. His work embodies the principles of service, innovation, and community empowerment, lighting the way for a safer digital future. As cyber threats continue to evolve, figures like Dr. Dandotiya remind us that through dedication, collaboration, and awareness, we can forge resilient societies capable of thriving in the digital age. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by PNN. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
NewsVoir Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: Titan Raga, the watch brand renowned for its exquisite timepieces designed for contemporary women, celebrates this festive season with the launch of its newest collection 'Memoirs'. Inspired by the magic of nostalgia, Memoirs brings alive moments lost in the essence of childhood through a beautifully crafted collection. Featuring five distinct design inspirations, each timepiece blends eclectic shapes, delicate patterns and pastel colourways reminiscent of an era gone by as if diving into a box of memories on a modern fashion runway. Speaking on the launch of the collection, Aparna Ravi, Marketing Head at Titan Watches said, "As we approach the festive season, we're excited to continue our tradition of unveiling our unique collection. With Raga Memoirs, we're crafting a collection that infuses sentimental reflections into fashion-forward statements. We believe it's not just about wearing a watch; it's about carrying a piece of your story wherever you go. This collection embodies our commitment to creating pieces that are both emotionally resonant and fashionably relevant, reinforcing Raga's position as a trendsetter in the world of women's watches." The star of the collection is a novel capsule-shaped dial embellished with sparkling crystals on either side, creating a symphonic medley of nostalgia, celebration and opulence. Aptly called 'Crystal Capsule,' the exquisite piece comes with a mesh strap and a ring studded with stone detailing to make an iconic fashion statement. Walk down the memory lane with 'Pinwheel Dreams,' a timepiece that will transport you to the joys of childhood days when the most important thing was to stare endlessly at the pinwheel move with every whiff of wind. The watch features a moving pinwheel transitioning between pastels and shimmering hues in the center that dances with the motion of your wrist, a stylish imprint on the sands of time. Recount all the times as a child when you stealthily tried to unwrap a toffee away from the gaze of your sibling. The 'Toffee Twist' features elegantly twisted straps that mimic the wrap of a toffee, with a dial nestled at the heart of this watch, evoking the essence of a toffee's core draped in gentle hues. The timepiece wraps your wrist in a nostalgic embrace, exuding timeless elegance in the most fashionable way. 'Candy Swirls' brightens your world with memories of the first bite of your favorite confectionary. Within its Mother of Pearl dial lie enchanting swirls, the differentiated mesh straps come with charms including chocolates, ice-cream cones, and popsicles to delightfully reconnect with your inner child while being a standout conversation piece. The 'Ladybug Whispers' with its Mother of Pearl dial, colour gradients and unique metal straps echoes childhood innocence and the marvels of discovery. The ladybug pendant adds charm to the ensemble- a playful yet chic take on the simple pleasures of life. With 'Memoirs,' Raga weaves a tale of nostalgia and sophistication, transforming each watch into a statement piece. Collectible charms- pendants, rings and ceramic bracelets elevate the versatility of the collection, becoming a canvas of your personal style. Mahendra Chauhan, Head of Design at Titan Watches, shares his thoughts on the collection, "In recent years, nostalgia has emerged as a powerful muse in the fashion world, with vintage aesthetics and retro-inspired designs dominating runways and street style alike. Raga by Titan's Memoirs collection taps into this trend, offering timepieces that are not just accessories, but fashion statements that bridge the gap between cherished memories and contemporary style. Every detail, from the moving pinwheel to the playful charms, is a testament to our dedication to creating timeless pieces that resonate with the heart. With Memoirs, we aimed to craft wearable stories, allowing you to carry cherished memories with fashionable flair, wherever you go." Priced between Rs 6,395 and Rs 23,995, the Memoirs collection offers 13 SKUs enhanced with exquisite accessories. Discover the collection on titan.co.in or the nearest Titan store and immerse yourself in a blend of nostalgic charm and contemporary refinement. Titan Company Limited ("Titan"), a joint venture between the Tata Group and the Tamil Nadu Industrial Development Corporation (TIDCO), commenced its operations in 1987 under the name Titan Watches Limited. In 1994, Titan diversified into Jewellery (Tanishq) and subsequently into Eyewear. Over the last three decades, Titan has expanded into underpenetrated markets and created lifestyle brands across different product categories including fragrances (SKINN), accessories and Indian ethnic wear (Taneira). Titan is widely Sensitivity: Internal known for transforming the watch and jewellery industry in India and for shaping India's retail market by pioneering experiential retail. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
BusinessWire India Balangir (Odisha) [Inda], October 1: American India Foundation Trust (AIFT), catalyzing social and economic change in India for the past 23 years, in partnership with HDFC Bank celebrates the handover of their coveted Learning Resource Centers (LRC) to the community and the local administration in Balangir, Odisha. The event presided over by Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, and Smt. Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Member of Parliament, Balangir, Odisha, highlights the deep commitment of HDFC Bank and AIFT to driving sustainable, scalable, and community-owned educational transformation in the state. Launched in 2021, the wildly successful HDFC Parivartan Project worked to overcome the crude learning losses accrued due to COVID-19. As schools shuttered in a bid to curb the virus's spread, 320 million Indian students faced an unprecedented disruption in their academic journeys, with the school bells silenced for over 500 days. The learning loss was particularly severe for the marginalized and tribal communities and for those from rural areas or lower-income families. To confront this crisis head-on, HDFC Parivartan joined forces with AIFT's Learning and Migration Program (LAMP), to create the Learning Continuum Program (LCP). This innovative program, designed to rejuvenate education in Balangir (Odisha), and East Singhbhum (Jharkhand), helped students recover from pandemic-induced setbacks and exacerbated educational disparities, impacting 506,340 children, and 29,700 community members across 4200+ schools in Odisha and Jharkhand over the last 3 years. The project has revitalized education by establishing 72 Learning Resource Centers (LRCs), complemented by 504 Spoke Schools and 3669 Model School Partnerships, focusing on foundational literacy, numeracy, and social-emotional learning. The LRCs provide personalized remedial support tailored to children's unique learning needs through visual, auditory, tactile, and kinesthetic methods, boosting literacy, technology, and social skills. Lauding the initiative, Kanak Vardhan Singh Deo, Deputy Chief Minister of Odisha, expressed, "Sometimes I wish I were a child and I want to come to the school and study. AIF-established LRCs have created an exceptional environment where children from even the most marginalized communities can thrive academically. Aligned with Odisha Government's vision, this initiative ensures that every child has access to the tools they need to succeed, regardless of their background." Sangeeta Kumari Singh Deo, Member of Parliament, Balangir, Odisha said,"I would like to extend my heartfelt gratitude to HDFC Bank and the American India Foundation Trust for their unwavering commitment to this cause. The establishment of 48 Learning Resource Centers, along with Block Resource Centers and Spoke Schools in Odisha, is a testament to the power of collaboration and the dedication of all involved. These centers will continue to serve our communities for years to come, ensuring that no child is left behind." Mr. Sundeep Mishra, HDFC Bank Branch Manager said, "As part of this commendable effort towards sustainable progress and improving educational opportunities for vulnerable communities HDFC Bank Parivartan project implemented by American India Foundation has developed 48 sustainable Learning Resource Centers (LRCs) and set up 10 Block Resource Centers across Odisha. This initiative is making sustainable progress in the lives of many." In collaboration with the government, the project, also established 18 Block Resource Centers (BRCs) across Odisha and Jharkhand, which focus on teacher training and remedial education techniques. Over 11,140 teachers have been trained through these centers, equipping them to deliver personalized instruction and improve grade-level competencies. Additionally, the program emphasizes STEM education, providing digital and teaching resources to improve access and equity. The handover event was attended by key representatives from HDFC Bank and AIFT, including Mr. Sundeep Mishra, Bank Manager, HDFC Bank; and Ms. Smruti Das, Regional Director (East), AIFT and Mr. Subrat Sarkar, Head Government Relations. Speaking at the event, Ms. Smruti Das, Regional Director (East), said, "Education is not just a right, it's the single most powerful weapon we have to break the cycle of poverty and oppression. For the disenfranchised, education is the great equalizer, the foundation of dignity, empowerment, and freedom. We at AIFT are proud and thankful to walk this path of shared vision with partners like the Government of Odisha and the HDFC Bank. Through programs like these, we are not just changing individual lives; together, we are rewriting the future of entire communities." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by BusinessWire India. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
VMPL Bengaluru (Karnataka) [India], October 1: Workplace Solutions Pvt. Ltd., a leader in commercial office design solutions, proudly unveiled the Andreu World Experience Center in Bengaluru, signalling a new chapter in India's journey toward modern, sustainable workspace design. The new showroom serves as an inspiration hub for architects and interior designers, showcasing Andreu World's renowned collection of seating and tables that seamlessly blend comfort, aesthetics, and a commitment to a healthy lifestyle. The event was graced by key industry names, clients, designers, architects, and project management consultants, highlighting the significance of the center in setting new standards for workspace design in India. The team behind this remarkable launch included Pratap C, Director of Workplace Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Vasudevan K H, Branch Head of Workplace Solutions Pvt. Ltd., Bimal Gautam, Country Manager - Andreu World, and Pooja Kadel, Regional Manager - Andreu World. Evening Highlights: Panel Discussion and Design Insights A key feature of the launch was an engaging panel discussion in collaboration with Women in Office Design (WOD). Moderated by Harsha Kotak, Director of K2 Space, London, Founder Director of WOD and Sustainable Design Collective, and Sumita Sundaram, Senior Vice President of Vestian Global, the discussion provided invaluable insights into the latest commercial design trends in India and abroad. The panel explored how modern designs integrate functionality, aesthetics, and sustainability--core principles of Andreu World's design philosophy. Industry experts such as Jaime Daza from Gensler, Sonia Pimenta from CBRE, Chinmayee Ananth from Adrianse Global, and Vikas Chawla from Adobe contributed to this lively conversation, reinforcing the event's focus on innovative workspace solutions. A Platform to Experience Designs by Renowned International Designers Visitors to the new experience center can now interact with an exclusive selection of Andreu World products crafted by internationally acclaimed designers, including Patricia Urquiola, Philippe Starck, Alfredo Haberli, and Benjamin Hubert. This curated showcase not only embodies Andreu World's commitment to quality and craftsmanship but also provides a hands-on experience that inspires innovative workspace design. Daniel G., Export Manager - Oceania, Africa, Middle East & India at Andreu World, expressed his excitement about the launch: "Andreu World has always been at the forefront of creating designs that blend aesthetics, comfort, and sustainability. The launch of our Bengaluru Experience Center in partnership with Workplace Solutions brings our ethos closer to the Indian market. This space aims to inspire architects and designers, offering them products designed with passion and a commitment to a healthier lifestyle." Supporting Global Companies with Sustainable Workspaces During the press briefing, Workplace Solutions emphasized its vision of serving as a gateway for Global Capability Centers (GCCs) and Fortune 500 companies looking to establish a presence in India. Through partnerships with brands like Andreu World, Workplace Solutions aims to deliver innovative design solutions that enhance employee well-being and align with sustainability goals. Sushant Singh, Director of Workplace Solutions, commented, "Launching the Andreu World Experience Center in Bengaluru is an exciting milestone for us. We strive to provide architects and designers in India with access to world-class designs that inspire modern workspaces. This showroom reflects our dedication to promoting quality, innovation, and sustainability in every project we undertake." (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by VMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
SMPL New Delhi [India], October 1: Alpino, a health-focused brand known for its innovative and nutritious food products, has launched its latest campaign, #KhaaneWaaleOats, with Shilpa Shetty as the face of the movement. This campaign offers a playful twist at the traditional powdered oats market, urging consumers to reject powdered oats for Alpino's delicious and protein-packed Super Oats. The campaign humorously highlights the contrast between Alpino's rich, chocolate-flavored oats and the often bland powdered oats that have dominated the market for years. The ad, set around the theme of "Choona Laga," hilariously portrays powdered oats as a scam in terms of both texture and taste. Alpino challenges the long-held notion that healthy breakfasts have to be bland and unappetizing, positioning its new Chocolate Super Oats as the perfect alternative for those tired of the mundane options currently available. We see the contrast when Shilpa Shetty humorously carries around a bowl of powdered oats, only to demonstrate how these oats are better suited for everything but eating. The message? "Powdered Oats se Choona Mat Lagao." The ad showcases Shilpa in an avatar like never before - playful, witty, and fully committed to the cause of introducing a healthful alternative. A New Standard for Healthy Breakfasts "Before we launched Alpino Super Oats, the market was filled with the same bland, powdery oats offered in different packaging. They weren't enjoyable, and consumers had no real options for a tasty, nutritious breakfast," said Hiren Sheta, CMO of Alpino. "Our campaign, 'Powdered Oats se Choona Mat Lagao,' was born from this insight. We aim to bring fun to healthy eating, and our Chocolate Super Oats do just that by offering a flavorful, protein-packed breakfast solution." Shilpa Shetty, a partner & long-standing fan of the brand, is thrilled to be part of the campaign, lending her voice to encourage everyone to make a simple yet significant shift in their breakfast habits. The campaign is a refreshing take on the health food market, using humor and wit to address a key issue many consumers face - the perception that healthy eating lacks flavor. Made with 100% real rolled oats, Alpino Chocolate Oats delivers 22g of protein per serving, with no preservatives or additives. The aim is to show that healthy breakfasts don't have to be tasteless or difficult to prepare, bringing the perfect balance of nutrition and flavour to the table. For more details about the campaign, please visit - https://youtu.be/n-AR6kycRj4?si=dNmeSlXcjaF48Zy4 Instagram link - https://www.instagram.com/p/DATJLHVN11v/ About Alpino: Alpino, the World's Only Peanut Products company was founded in 2016 by six friends: Chetan Kanani, Hiren Sheta, Umesh Gajera, Priyank Vora, Milan Gopani, and Mahatva Sheta. The founders set out to provide protein-rich peanut-based products that are tasty and healthy... Currently, Alpino serves more than 6,000 retail outlets across India and has a strong online presence while they aspire to have a brand worth Rs500 Crore in two years. Even with such hard times as a major inferno at its warehouse considering that it is a resilient company; Alpino remains at the cutting edge of health foods development. (ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by SMPL. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
Combs' lawyer, Alexandra Shapiro, filed a notice on Monday stating their intent to appeal, after Combs was denied bail twice. A source close to Combs told 'People' that the official appeal brief will be submitted soon.

The music mogul was arrested at a Manhattan hotel on September 16 at 8:25 p.m. The next day, a 14-page indictment was unsealed, revealing the charges against him. He is accused of allegedly organizing several "freak offs," which prosecutors described as "elaborate and produced sex performances." He also allegedly drugged and sexually assaulted his victims.

On September 18, Combs was denied bail for the second time and is currently being held at Brooklyn's Metropolitan Detention Center.

Judge Robyn F. Tarnofsky, who denied his bail on September 17, cited concerns about his alleged "substance abuse and what seems like anger issues.I don't know that you can trust yourself" not to harm others," she said.

According to PEOPLE, Combs is reportedly no longer on suicide watch.

"He is focused and very strong. He is concentrating on his defense and preparing for his trial," a lawyer for Combs told PEOPLE.

Combs' next court appearance is scheduled for early October. (ANI)
Gorman died on Tuesday at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles after a battle with breast cancer, her publicist announced.

Gorman was known for her work on 'Glee', where she created interviews and behind-the-scenes footage that generated millions of views on YouTube and other platforms. She worked closely with actors, crew members, and show creators to produce over 300 pieces of content for each episode during the first five seasons of the show from 2009 to 2014.

Apart from Glee, Gorman produced behind-the-scenes content for the first season of Ryan Murphy's Feud and Homeland.

Born in Toronto and raised in Los Angeles, Gorman began her career in public relations before moving into television production. Over the years, she worked on a variety of shows, including The Mindy Project, Brooklyn Nine-Nine, and Bones.

Gorman recently worked for All3Media America, Discovery, and Studio71, with whom she produced several digital series, including Keepin' It Real with Keke Palmer and Worst Firsts with Brittany Furlan.

Gorman had no immediate survivors. Her brother, Alexx Van Dyne, died earlier this year at 61, and another brother, Kerry Gorman, passed away in 1992 at age 37. (ANI)
The gala event will take place on February 28, 2025, at the iconic Olympia Hall and will be broadcast live on Canal+, as per The Hollywood Reporter.

In a statement, obtained by The Hollywood Reporter, the French film academy, which presents the Cesars, praised Roberts, saying, "Julia Roberts is not only a movie star but also a cultural icon whose influence extends far beyond her performances."

The academy highlighted her philanthropic efforts, noting her role as a UNICEF ambassador and her active support for humanitarian initiatives worldwide.

Additionally, she has been a vocal advocate for environmental causes, contributing her voice to documentaries focused on protecting the planet and campaigning for women's rights.

Roberts first gained recognition in Hollywood with her role in 'Mystic Pizza' in 1988, but it was her performance as Vivian Ward in the 1990 classic 'Pretty Woman' that catapulted her to global fame.

Over her illustrious career, she has starred in numerous hit films, including 'The Pelican Brief', 'My Best Friend's Wedding', 'Closer', 'Notting Hill', and 'Eat Pray Love'.

Her versatility is evident through her work in various genres, from the action-comedy 'Ocean's Eleven' franchise to the poignant family drama 'Ben Is Back'.

She has garnered four Academy Award nominations, winning the Oscar for Best Actress in 2001 for her role in 'Erin Brockovich'.

In recent years, Roberts has expanded her repertoire to include television, earning acclaim for her performances in Amazon Prime's anthology series 'Homecoming' and in the Emmy-nominated limited series 'Gaslit', where she portrayed Watergate whistleblower Martha Mitchell.

Looking ahead, Roberts will be featured in Luca Guadagnino's upcoming thriller 'After the Hunt'.

With this latest honour, Julia Roberts joins an esteemed group of past Cesar recipients, which includes her 'Ocean's Eleven' co-star George Clooney, as well as notable figures like Penelope Cruz, Robert Redford, Cate Blanchett, and Scarlett Johansson. (ANI)
In an exciting development for film enthusiasts, Kirsten Dunst is set to star alongside Channing Tatum in the upcoming true crime film 'Roofman', directed by Derek Cianfrance. Fresh off her critically acclaimed role in A24's 'Civil War', Dunst is ready to dive into a gripping story based on the audacious exploits of Jeffrey Manchester, known as the "Rooftop Robber," according to Deadline. Manchester was a notorious figure who broke into over 60 McDonald's locations by climbing onto their roofs. Once inside, he would round up the staff and stash them away in freezers while he looted the cash registers. Described as an eccentric and charming individual, he managed to carry out these heists without resorting to violence, a trait that made his story both remarkable and chilling, according to Deadline. In a twist of fate, Manchester was convicted in 2000 but made a daring escape, evading capture by hiding out in a 'Toys 'R Us' and a 'Circuit City' store in North Carolina. Living off baby food and exercising by riding bicycles in the toy store, he remained undetected until he inadvertently left his fingerprints on a 'Catch Me If You Can' DVD. This slip ultimately led to his recapture and return to prison, according to Deadline. Dunst will portray a Toys 'R Us employee who is grappling with financial struggles while raising her two daughters, Dee and Lindsay. Unbeknownst to her, Jeffrey has been observing her from within the store and has developed feelings for her. Their paths cross, and what begins as a charming connection evolves into a complex bond--one that endures even after she discovers his criminal past. According to Deadline, the film's script is penned by Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn, with production helmed by Dylan Sellers and Chris Parker through their Limelight banner, alongside Cianfrance's long-time collaborators Jamie Patricof and Lynette Howell Taylor. (ANI)
Veteran actor and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shatrughan Sinha visited Bollywood star and Shiv Sena leader Govinda in hospital on Tuesday where the latter underwent emergency surgery after he accidentally injured himself by shooting his leg with his revolver early this morning . After meeting Govinda, Shatrughan Sinha spoke to the media to state, "He is stable, his condition is good...It was an accident. There are no ifs and buts in accidents...He received treatment." Earlier, Maharashtra Chief Minister Eknath Shinde reached out to actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda via phone call to inquire about his health and wish him a swift recovery. The Chief Minister also instructed hospital authorities to ensure that Govinda receives the best possible care during his recovery, according to the Chief Minister's Office. The CMO also issued a statement that read, "I contacted Govinda and inquired about his health. I wished him a speedy and complete recovery and a healthy life on behalf of the state government and the public." "Govinda and his family have been assured of all necessary help during this difficult time. Our best wishes and prayers are with them and their loved ones. Govinda is a popular and respected personality in Indian cinema. He has made millions happy with his acting. We wish him a speedy recovery," the statement read further. Govinda underwent emergency surgery for a bullet injury sustained when he accidentally shot himself in the leg at his home in Mumbai after his licensed gun misfired early Tuesday morning. Later, he reassured fans about his health. In an audio message shared by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) member Krishna Hegde, Govinda updated his fans on his condition, saying, "With the blessings of you all and my parents, the bullet has been removed. I thank the doctors and you for keeping me in your prayers." The incident took place around 4:45 am when Govinda's licensed revolver accidentally discharged while he was putting it back in the cupboard, according to Mumbai Police. He was preparing to leave for Kolkata at the time. Govinda's manager, Shashi Sinha, told ANI over the phone, "Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata and was putting his licensed revolver back in the cupboard when it slipped from his hand, and the gun went off, hitting him in the leg. The doctor has removed the bullet, and his condition is stable. He is still in the hospital." A Mumbai Police official also confirmed that Govinda's injury was not serious, but he was admitted to the hospital as a precaution. Tina Ahuja, the daughter of actor and Shiv Sena leader, Govinda earlier reached CritCare Hospital in Mumbai on Tuesday to check on her father. Kashmera Shah also met the actor and Shiv Sena leader. Govinda is one of Bollywood's most famous and beloved actors, who made his acting debut in the late 1980s and started his career in action and drama films. Over the years, the actor has acted in several Hindi films, becoming a household name for his smooth dialogue delivery, excellent comic timing, and energetic dance moves. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he delivered multiple hit films, including 'Ilzaam', 'Marte Dam Tak', 'Khudgarz', 'Dariya Dil', 'Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni', 'Swarg' and 'Hum', which solidified his place as one of Bollywood's top actors. (ANI)
Irish and Indian artists come together to create the Durga Puja pandal of Behala Nutan Dal in Kolkata. The theme is a blend of the artistic traditions of both countries. The artists have jointly built an idol of Goddess Durga along with the Irish deity Danu. This initiative taken by the Embassy of Ireland in New Delhi aims to celebrate the 75th anniversary of India-Ireland diplomatic relations. Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, visited the Behala Nutan Dal Durga Puja pandal today. The Ambassador of Ireland to India shared his thoughts during his visit to this Puja Pandal. The theme of the puja pandal is "Kalpana," meaning "imagination." The iconic pandal has been created using a unique, open-sided structure made from natural materials like bamboo and wood. Kevin Kelly, Ambassador of Ireland to India, told ANI, "This is a very important year for us. We are representing 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India. We have a very proud history that goes even before that when both of us were colonies of Britain and we were fighting for our independence. We have a shared history in terms of struggle. We also have a shared history in art...It's great to be here in 2024 and we are now celebrating a different kind of artistic collaboration...It has been a wonderful collaboration..."..." He added, "One year ago I visited Durga puja and we got this idea of collaboration." "...I feel so privileged. It has been a fantastic time. It's a great experience. I couldn't imagine having an experience like this. It's a beautiful way to visit a country, to work and to be with the people. I have made a lot of new friends and connections. The work is amazing, the collaboration is brilliant. Even though there might be a language barrier, the visual language connects...Everybody was so skilled, exceptionally talented, helpful, very generous and very welcoming...," said Lisa Sweeney, Ireland Artist. Artist from Behala Nutan Dal Durga Puja Pandal said, "It's a great initiative...We are making a presentation of Maa Durga along with the Irish Goddess Danu." Irish artist Richard Babington says, "...We thoroughly enjoyed collaborating with local artists and craftsmen helping to create this pandal. We had a fantastic time...Ambassador had a strong opinion setting the whole thing up. It is his conceptual idea. The idea of bringing Danu and Durga together came out of a process between ourselves and local artists...We feel really good, we had amazing experiences. The people here have been so generous and the craftsmen are so skilled...The level of talent is remarkable. We feel very good about the collaboration. We feel privileged to have had the opportunity to work here." Indian artist, Sandip Saha said, "This is huge...Durga Puja is not confined to just Kolkata, the entire world watches it...Together with Irish artists, we displayed this presentation. We pray to Goddess Durga. Danu is also a deity in Ireland, worshipped by them...They have come from far and speak a different language but what connects us is art. There is no barrier in art...Art connects countries, languages and cultures..." Debobrata Mukherjee, President of Behala Natun dal Durga Puja Committee, said, ""The cultural side of the two countries is different, we have different languages but we have the same language of art. We will gain something positive out of the collaboration between the two countries......name of the theme is Kalpana...budget is near about Rs 50 lakhs; however some work is left . The Behala Nutan Dal Durga Puja pandal features a sculpture of Goddess Danu from Irish mythology, created by Irish artists, and displayed. Sanjib Saha, the artist behind the theme of Behala Natun Dal Puja Committee, expressed his excitement for the collaborative project. Arighna Saha shared, "...Goddess Durga is a warrior goddess. We will be able to see the force that resides in Her..." The Ireland Embassy in New Delhi is celebrating 75 years of diplomatic relations between Ireland and India. The embassy earlier announced a unique cultural collaboration for Kolkata's iconic Durga Puja festival, where Irish and Indian artists will jointly create a spectacular pandal at Behala Nutan Dal. Reflecting on these deep-rooted connections, Ireland's Ambassador to India, Kevin Kelly, said, "Ireland and India share a strong and growing partnership that transcends diplomatic relations. Our people are connected through education, culture, and shared values. As we mark 75 years of friendship, we are committed to strengthening these ties further, especially as both nations explore new opportunities in trade, technology, and culture." "One of the most exciting initiatives marking this anniversary is a unique collaboration between the celebrated Irish cultural group Macnas from Galway in the West of Ireland and Kolkata's Behala Nutan Dal," the Ireland Embassy in New Delhi said in a statement. Together, artists from both countries are creating a stunning Durga Puja pandal that honours both the Hindu goddess Durga and the Celtic goddess Danu. This fusion of Irish and Indian creativity will offer a visual spectacle that reflects the power of cross-cultural collaboration and celebrates the power of women and the feminine spirit. Speaking about the collaboration, Ambassador Kelly added, "Durga Puja in Kolkata is one of the most awe-inspiring festivals I have ever witnessed. The energy, creativity, and community spirit of the festival are unparalleled. This year, we are thrilled to see Irish artists collaborating with their Indian counterparts to celebrate shared cultural values. It will undoubtedly be a highlight of our 75th anniversary celebrations." This partnership, in close collaboration with the Honorary Consul of Kolkata, Mayank Jalan, marks a significant cultural exchange and symbolises the growing global recognition of 'Durga Puja' as a platform for cross-cultural dialogue. "Over the past seven decades, the bilateral relationship between Ireland and India has grown exponentially. Today, Ireland is home to over 100,000 Indians, making them the third-largest immigrant group after Polish and British nationals," the statment added. Ireland and West Bengal have been linked culturally for over a century. Kolkata is home to many Irish schools and is also the birthplace of India's renowned literary giant and Nobel Prize winner, Rabindranath Tagore, who had a close relationship with Ireland's most famous poet, William Butler Yeats. Yeats wrote the foreword to the first English translation of Tagore's Gitanjali. 'Durga Puja', also known as 'Durgotsava', is a significant Hindu festival celebrated annually in honour of Goddess Durga. It symbolises the triumph of good over evil, as Goddess Durga defeated the demon Mahishasura. The festival typically lasts for 10 days (Navaratri), with the main festivities occurring during the last four days (Saptami, Ashtami, Navami, and Vijayadashami). (ANI)
Actor and Shiv Sena leader Govinda is recovering after undergoing emergency surgery for a bullet injury sustained when he accidentally shot himself in the leg at his home in Mumbai on Tuesday morning. While speaking to the media on Tuesday, his brother, Kirti Kumar, said that Govinda is improving and in a stable condition. "His condition is better. He will stay in the hospital for two to three days. The bullet has been removed, and he is feeling relieved. We pray for his speedy recovery," he said, thanking everyone for their good wishes. The incident took place around 4:45 am when Govinda's licenced revolver accidentally discharged while he was putting it back in the cupboard, according to Mumbai Police. He was preparing to leave for Kolkata at the time. Govinda's manager, Shashi Sinha, told ANI over the phone, "Govinda was getting ready to leave for Kolkata and was putting his licenced revolver back in the cupboard when it slipped from his hand, and the gun went off, hitting him in the leg. The doctor has removed the bullet, and his condition is stable. He is still in the hospital." A Mumbai Police official also confirmed that the injury was not serious, and Govinda was admitted to the hospital as a precaution. Earlier, in an audio message shared by Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction) member Krishna Hegde, Govinda thanked everyone for their prayers and support. "With the blessings of you all and my parents, the bullet has been removed. I thank the doctors and you for keeping me in your prayers," he said. Govinda is one of Bollywood's most famous and beloved actors, who made his acting debut in the late 1980s and started his career in action and drama films. Over the years, the actor has acted in several Hindi films, becoming a household name for his smooth dialogue delivery, excellent comic timing, and energetic dance moves. In the late 1980s and early 1990s, he delivered multiple hit films, including 'Ilzaam', 'Marte Dam Tak', 'Khudgarz', 'Dariya Dil', 'Jaisi Karni Waisi Bharni', 'Swarg' and 'Hum', which solidified his place as one of Bollywood's top actors. (ANI)
Delhi Police have arrested another accused in the hit-and-drag case where a police constable was crushed to death in the Nangloi area on September 29. "Two persons have been arrested; yesterday Rajnish was arrested and today, Dharmender Gulia," said Jimmy Chiram, Deputy Commissioner of Police, on Monday. Chiram explained that Gulia was driving when the incident occurred. . "We received information that he would be heading to Himachal Pradesh. Our teams conducted raids at various locations and today we located him at the Karnal Bypass and arrested him. There is no involvement of the liquor mafia in this case; it was a matter of road rage. We had earlier seized the car used in the crime," he added. In the tragic incident on September 29, a Delhi Police constable, identified as 30-year-old Sandeep, was killed after being dragged for about 10 meters by a speeding car. The incident occurred when Sandeep, noticing the driver's reckless behaviour, requested him to slow down. However, the driver suddenly accelerated, hitting Sandeep's motorcycle from behind. Sandeep and his bike were dragged along the road before colliding with another vehicle. CCTV footage from the area captured the moments leading up to the incident, aiding the ongoing police investigation. Meanwhile, Delhi's Tis Hazari court on Monday granted three days of custody remand for accused Rajnish, who was produced before the court following his arrest. It has been alleged that the police constable was killed by being crushed between two vehicles. Judicial Magistrate (first class) Charu Asiwal granted three days' custody of Rajnish to Delhi police. He is to be produced before the court on October 3. The police had sought five days of custody remand to further investigate the case. (ANI)
He stated, "It is undoubtedly a welcome step. There should also be a complete ban on cow slaughter. I think this is a welcome step towards protecting cows. Maharashtra is the land of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, who worked extensively for Gaumata."

The Maharashtra government, led by Chief Minister Eknath Shinde, has conferred the title of 'Rajya Mata' on indigenous cows to promote their welfare ahead of the upcoming assembly elections. In a cabinet meeting, the government also approved a subsidy scheme offering Rs 50 per day for rearing these cows in 'goshalas' (cow shelters).

"A decision was taken in the Maharashtra cabinet meeting today to implement a subsidy scheme of Rs 50 per day for the rearing of indigenous cows," the Chief Minister's Office announced.

This initiative, managed by the Maharashtra Goseva Commission, aims to support struggling goshalas and address the decline in indigenous cow populations, which fell by 20.69 percent according to the 2019 census. The number of indigenous cows has decreased to 4,613,632.

Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis highlighted the importance of this initiative, stating, "Indigenous cows are a boon for our farmers. So, we have decided to grant this ('Rajya Mata') status to them."

Additionally, the state government approved a 10 percent salary increase for Kotwals, along with an incentive subsidy for Gram Rozgar Sevaks. Other measures include expediting subway construction from Orange Gate to Marine Drive and revising plans for the Thane circular metro rail project at a cost of Rs 12,200 crores.

The Maharashtra legislative assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies, with the dates yet to be announced. (ANI)
KC Venugopal, the All India Congress Committee (AICC) General Secretary, has described the ED proceedings against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah, in connection with the alleged MUDA scam, as a "pure vendetta" aimed at destabilising a democratically elected government. "The ED proceedings against Karnataka CM Sh. Siddaramaiah are a clear vendetta to undermine a democratically elected, pro-people government. The sequence begins with a private complaint, swiftly acted upon by the Governor (beyond his constitutional authority), followed by the Lokayukta filing an FIR, which is immediately succeeded by an ED case," Venugopal stated in a post on X on Monday. He alleged that the case's timeline clearly reveals the ED's agenda. "Every Indian recognises that ED/CBI actions signify intimidation and political harassment. The entire case against Siddaramaiah ji is fabricated, intended to oust him. In a federal democracy, such overtly unconstitutional acts will not be tolerated. Mr Modi should realise that we will not accept this passively. We will fight you tooth and nail, and the people will further reject you for this assault on democracy," he added. The ED on Monday registered an Enforcement Case Information Report (ECIR) in the alleged money laundering case against Siddaramaiah. Meanwhile, Jairam Ramesh, Congress General Secretary in charge of communications, affirmed that the Karnataka Chief Minister will be proven innocent. "It's well known that the ED has become a tool for the non-biological Prime Minister to harass political opponents and pursue a politics of vengeance. In May 2023, the people of Karnataka decisively rejected him. He is unable to move past that humiliation. The Congress believes that he and his ED will soon be fully exposed. We have nothing to fear. The Karnataka Chief Minister will be proven innocent," Ramesh posted on X. Earlier on Monday, after the ED's move, Siddaramaiah's wife approached the MUDA Commissioner, offering to surrender 14 plots that were allocated to her by the authority. "The Mysore Urban Development Authority has granted 14 plots of various sizes in Vijayanagar Phase 3 and 4 as compensation for the authority's use of my land, measuring 3 acres, 16 guntas, in Survey No. 464 of Kesare Village, Kasaba Hobli, Mysore Taluk, without proper land acquisition," Parvathi, Siddaramaiah's wife, wrote in her letter to the MUDA Commissioner on Monday. Previously, on September 27, the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment 'scam'. The FIR, lodged by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B among others, names CM Siddaramaiah, his wife, brother-in-law, and others as the accused. It is alleged that MUDA illegally allocated 14 sites to Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife in a prime location of Mysuru city. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has demanded that CM Siddaramaiah resign and that the investigation be taken over by the ED and CBI. "In the case of Karnataka Congress CM Siddaramaiah's MUDA scam, the manner in which his family amassed vast wealth through the misuse of land and government authority within the Mysore Urban Development Authority led to the court ruling, with CM Siddaramaiah named as the primary accused. The Chief Minister is the foremost and principal accused. Remarkably, no central agency has yet investigated this, nor has any application been filed independently," RS MP Sudhanshu Trivedi said. CM Siddaramaiah, however, has rejected all calls for his resignation. "Let them first demand the resignations of HD Kumaraswamy and others; why shouldn't they ask Kumaraswamy to resign? Even Modi should resign in the electoral bond issue. They have exploited the electoral bond scheme and looted; in that case, HD Kumaraswamy, Nirmala Sitharaman, and Modi should resign first," Siddaramaiah stated. (ANI)
The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election will begin at 7 am today (Tuesday), with 40 constituencies going to the polls. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. According to the Election Commission, more than 3.9 million voters in seven districts are eligible to vote in this phase. Voting will take place between 7 AM and 6 PM, with security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. Mock polling has started in various polling booths. . Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Bahu assembly constituency, Vikram Randhawa, has offered prayers at the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir ahead of the elections today. Congress' Taranjit Singh Tony and PDP's Varinder Singh are his main opponents. "I prayed that Mata Rani strengthens the nationalist powers. These elections will take Jammu and Kashmir in a new direction. J&K has decided to take the best decision this time," Randhawa told ANI. Jammu and Kashmir elections: Pink polling stations launched to boost women's turnoutRead more At: https://aninews.in/news/national/general-news/jammu-and-kashmir-elections-pink-polling-stations-launched-to-boost-womens-turnout20241001032835/ The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively. The campaigning saw major political parties, especially the BJP, Congress, NC, and PDP, engaging in heated debates over key issues including Pakistan, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation. High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and former J-K chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, were on the ground for weeks. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly election will begin at 7 am today (Tuesday), with 40 constituencies going to the polls. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. According to the Election Commission, more than 3.9 million voters in seven districts are eligible to vote in this phase. Voting will take place between 7 AM and 6 PM, with security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. Mock polling has started in various polling booths. . Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from Bahu assembly constituency, Vikram Randhawa, has offered prayers at the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir ahead of the elections today. Congress' Taranjit Singh Tony and PDP's Varinder Singh are his main opponents. "I prayed that Mata Rani strengthens the nationalist powers. These elections will take Jammu and Kashmir in a new direction. J&K has decided to take the best decision this time," Randhawa told ANI. The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively. The campaigning saw major political parties, especially the BJP, Congress, NC, and PDP, engaging in heated debates over key issues including Pakistan, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation. High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and former J-K chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, were on the ground for weeks. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
As Jammu and Kashmir proceeds with the final phase of its Assembly elections today, Union Home Minister Amit Shah emphasised that the Union Territory requires a government capable of making decisive actions for the security, peace, and stability of the region. "Jammu and Kashmir needs a visionary government that can also make strong decisions for the security, peace, and stability of the region," Shah stated in a post on X. "Today, as the public casts their votes in the final phase, let them elect a government through their votes that will keep Jammu and Kashmir free from terrorism, separatism, nepotism, and corruption and is resolute in protecting the rights of every community. Vote for a historic change towards tourism, education, employment, and holistic development in Jammu and Kashmir," he added. The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections started at 7 am today (Tuesday) in 40 constituencies. Of these constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the remainder in the Kashmir valley. The Election Commission reports that over 3.9 million voters across seven districts are eligible to vote in this phase. Voting will continue until 6 PM, with robust security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy chief ministers Tara Chand (Congress) and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are competing in this third phase. The intense campaign for this final phase concluded on Sunday evening. This election is significant as it is the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election sees a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The first phase of voting occurred on September 18, with the second phase wrapping up on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases recorded voter turnouts of 61% and 57.31%, respectively. The campaigns featured vigorous debates by major political parties, especially the BJP, Congress, NC, and PDP, on crucial issues including Pakistan, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation. High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of the Opposition, Rahul Gandhi, and former J-K chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, campaigned intensively. The votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections has begun on Tuesday, with people queueing up at a polling station across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory. The polls began at 7 am on Tuesday and will conclude at 6 pm. Voting will take place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 constituencies in Kashmir amid strong security to ensure a smooth and peaceful polls. Democratic Progressive Azad Party Chairman Ghulam Nabi Azad was seen casting his vote at a polling station in Jammu. Earlier, he appealed to the people of the region to come out and cast their votes during the polls. "I appeal to people to come out and vote. The political party that comes to power should resolve the issues. I will not speak against or in favour of any party. Voters will decide whether (majority) will be given to a single party or not," Nabi Azad said. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand of Congress and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. Mock polling also took place at various polling booths before the start of the polls. Meanwhile, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate from the Bahu assembly constituency, Vikram Randhawa, has offered prayers at the Bawe Wali Mata Mahakali Mandir ahead of the elections today. Congress' Taranjit Singh Tony and PDP's Varinder Singh are his main opponents. The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61 per cent and 57.31 per cent, respectively. The campaigning saw major political parties, especially the BJP, Congress, NC, and PDP, engaging in heated debates over key issues including Pakistan, Article 370, terrorism, and reservation. High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and former J-K chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, were on the ground for weeks. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
The incident occurred on the premises of TC College of Arts, Commerce, and Science at around 11:30 am on Monday.

The deceased was identified as a student of the Science stream.

One of the suspects is also from the Science stream, while the other is from the Commerce stream.

According to initial reports, the incident appears to have stemmed from a prior altercation between the three students when their motorcycles reportedly brushed against each other.

"We are verifying the details and investigating the incident from all angles," said a police officer from Baramati police station.

He added that while one minor has been detained, a search operation is underway for the second suspect.

CCTV footage from the college campus reportedly shows one of the minors attacking the victim with a knife while the other assaulted him with a sickle.

Amid the chaos that ensued following the attack, the two suspects fled the scene.

The victim was immediately rushed to a nearby hospital, where he was declared dead upon arrival. (ANI)
As Jan Suraaj founder and election strategist-turned-politician Prashant Kishor is set to launch a party on October 2 he said that he had no wish to become the leader of the party and the leader would be based on decision of the people who have worked for Jan Suraaj in the past 2 to 2.5 years. Prashant Kishor said, "Jan Suraaj will emerge as an alternate party. In Bihar in the last 25 to 30 years people have been voting for RJD or BJP. That compulsion should end. The alternate should not belong to any dynastic party but all the people who wish to form the party. After campaigning for 2 to 2.5 years, on October 2 more than 1 crore people are laying the foundation of this party. On October 2 the formal announcement would be done. Its name, constitution and its provisions would be announced. I don't wish to become the leader of the party. Leader would be based on decision of the people who have worked for the past 2 to 2.5 years for Jan Suraaj." He further said that forming the party, becoming the leader of the party or winning the polls is not the biggest challenge. Kishore said, "The most important factor is to tell the society is that you have voted till now based on caste, or for 5 kg of foodgrains or religion based politics or voted for children of leaders but till now you have never voted for education or jobs of your children. Vote should be given for the future of their own children. I travel to villages to explain this to people. I would continue raiser awareness." He said that his focus was to bring a change in lives of people. "My aim is not to form a party and win polls but vision is to build a Bihar such that people from other states state coming to Bihar for jobs," he said. He hit out at Bihar CM Nitish Kumar and alleged that he has handed over the entire system to 2-4 of his advisors. "When JD(U) won't even remain, what is the question about his successor? I had been a part of JD(U) and worked with Nitish Kumar. The capital of JD(U) is Nitish Kumar. When capital would end, how would the company run on interest? It won't continue. The party has no future. As far as advisors is concerned, ask anyone in Bihar, and they will say that there is 'jungle raj' of officers. How did this happen?...In the past few years, instead of his MLAs, ministers and workers, Nitish Kumar has handed over the entire system to 2-4 of his advisors. I wish him good health, but people say that he is not very active as far as his physical and mental conditions are concerned. So, his advisors are running everything. They are people who are not answerable to anyone because they are retired officers," Prashant Kishor said on Bihar CM. He said that Nitish Kumar's advisors are taking decisions on land survey, liquor and smart meters. Kishor said, "It is clear that the popularity and power of Modi ji and this (NDA) government has decreased. The longevity would depend on the elections in 9 states including Jammu and Kashmir, Delhi, Haryana, Maharashtra, Jharkhand, Bihar, West Bengal, Assam and Tamil Nadu in the next 2-2.5 years. If results are against BJP then questions will definitely be raised about the stability of the government. If the BJP performs well in these states, then its power will remain." He further said that BJP has a lacklustre performancer in Bihar and it has no face and effort. "BJP's compulsion is that they cannot remove Nitish Kumar from the post of Chief Minister. They also know that they cannot win elections in Bihar with Nitish as the Chief Minister, but they cannot do anything in Bihar as they need the help of Nitish to run the government in Delhi," he said. On Congress MP and Lok Sabha LoP Rahul Gandhi, the Jan Suraaj founder said that Rahul Gandh's leadership in Congress is fully established, adding that the Congress leader still has a long way to become a leader of the nation. "There has been a little improvement in Congress's condition...Rahul Gandhi made efforts in the last 1.5-2 years, and he has benefitted through that too. His leadership in Congress is fully established...But he is now established as the leader of Congress, not that of the country. His grandmother, Indira Gandhi faced the biggest loss of her life in 1977 - I think Congress won 154 seats at that time. This (2024 polls) is being dubbed as the biggest win of Rahul Gandhi's life and Congress has won 99 seats. So, this is the difference. It shows that Rahul Gandhi still has a long way to go in becoming a leader of the nation," he added. (ANI)
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamiah said that he was surprised by the decision of his wife, Parvati, after she offered to surrender all 14 plots that were allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Taking to social media platform X, Siddharamiah said that his wife had suffered a lot due to the political conspiracy that had been directed against him. He further expressed his regret for involving his wife in the political matter, which had also made her a subject to mental harassment as a victim of this "political vendetta" against him. "My wife, Parvati, has returned the plots of land that were taken without compensation from the land acquired by the MUDA in Mysore.It is well known to the people of the state that opposition parties have fabricated false allegations against me to achieve political vendetta and have dragged my family into controversy. My stance has always been that we must fight against this injustice without bowing down," Siddharamiah said on X. "However, my wife, who has suffered due to the political conspiracy directed against me, has taken the decision to return these plots, which has surprised me. I regret that my wife, who has remained out of politics for the past four decades and limited her involvement to family matters, has been subjected to mental harassment as a victim of this political vendetta against me," he added. Earlier on Monday, after the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) booked the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah for money laundering in a case linked to the allgeded MUDA land allotment scam, his wife wrote to the MUDA Commissioner and offered to surrender the 14 plots that were allotted to her by the authority. Earlier on September 27, the Lokayukta Police filed an FIR against Siddaramaiah and others in connection with the alleged MUDA land allotment scam. The FIR has been filed by the Mysuru Lokayukta under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 351, 420, 340, 09, and 120B, among others. The FIR was filed by Mysuru Lokayukta after a Special Court in Bengaluru passed an order directing them to conduct an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegation of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the MUDA. The Mysuru Lokayukta has also officially started the inquiry and investigation into the case linked to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam from Tuesday. (ANI)
According to reports obtained by The Verge, the device is expected to launch next year and will be powered by a new operating system, dubbed homeOS, which is based on the existing tvOS used in Apple TV.

The anticipated display is designed to run various Apple applications, including Calendar, Notes, and Home. Notably, it is said to support Apple Intelligence, a feature currently absent from the HomePod lineup.

Prototypes of the device have reportedly been tested with magnets for wall-mounting, enhancing its versatility within home environments, according to The Verge.

Rumours surrounding this smart display have circulated for some time, with various concepts being considered, from a HomePod with an integrated screen to a display attached to a robotic arm that can swivel for video calls.

Recent reports by The Verge suggests that a new device, referred to as "HomeAccessory," could feature a square design and allow users to control it with hand gestures from a distance.

Additionally, reports by MacRumours have also identified code references related to the device and homeOS, further fueling anticipation.

This upcoming smart display appears to be a more practical solution compared to previous concepts involving robotics, potentially offering a user-friendly experience without the complications of repurposing an iPad as a dedicated smart home controller.

As the launch date approaches, tech enthusiasts could explore how Apple would redefine smart home interactions with this new device. (ANI)
Democratic Progressive Azad Party (DPAP) Chief Ghulam Nabi Azad on Monday urged voters to reach at the polling stations along with their families and cast votes. Speaking to ANI, Azad said, "I urge all voters to reach at the polling stations along with their families and caste votes. I think one-fourth of the voters will be the new generation and their expectations are totally different. The biggest issue is unemployment and it is just not the issue for the youth, but for the entire society. For the last several years, no plans or programs have been made for the issue of unemployment. There are several educated youth who have been sitting unemployed." Further, he said that the issues of the people are not raised during elections. "Elections are fought on issues which have been present for several years. Issues are present on several aspects but no one raises the issues of the people. Unemployment is the biggest issue that needs to be solved. There are all types of candidates who stand up during the elections. The voters of Jammu and Kashmir will form the government, and whoever they vote for, will form the government,'" he added. Earlier today, Azad cast his vote at the Government Girls High School for the third and final phase of the state election. Speaking to media persons, Azad appealed to the people to use their votes wisely and choose their leaders carefully. "I appeal to the people to vote wisely and choose their leaders and political figures carefully. The voters of Jammu and Kashmir have 11 to 12 hours today to cast their votes, and I appeal to all of them to cast their votes. I will not be speaking in favour of or against any party. The political party that comes to power will resolve the issues," Azad said. The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections started here at 7 am today with 40 constituencies going to the polls. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. Voting started at 7 AM and 6 PM, with security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. (ANI)
Junior doctors in West Bengal on Tuesday resumed total 'cease work' as they continue to protest over the rape and murder of a trainee doctor at Kolkata's RG Kar Medical College and Hospital. The doctors have taken the decision to press the Mamata Banerjee government on various demands, including ensuring their safety and security at all medical establishments. The decision was taken after a eight-hour long meeting of the junior doctors. They have placed a set of 10 demands related to strengthening hospital security, improving health infrastructure and putting an end to threat culture and politics in hospitals. In a statement, the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front said, "We are compelled to return to a full ceasework starting from today. Unless we receive clear action from the government on safety, patient services, and the politics of fear, we will have no choice but to continue our full strike." "We realized just how slow the CBI's investigation is. We have seen many times before that the CBI has been unable to reach any conclusions, allowing the real culprits of such incidents to go free due to delays in filing charges, " the West Bengal Junior Doctors' Front added. "The Supreme Court, which had taken the initiative to expedite the trial of this heinous incident, has instead only postponed hearings and reduced the actual length of proceedings. We are disappointed and angered by this protracted judicial process," the Doctors further said. The Junior Doctors say that the WB Govt has not responded to their demand of convening a meeting with a state task force. "We have had discussions with the Chief Minister and the Chief Secretary regarding our five demands. We reiterated our demands on Juty 26 and July 29, urging the Chief Secretary to quickly implement the government's written directives. In those emails, we also requested the Chief Secretary to convene a meeting with a state task force that adequately represents junior doctors. Unfortunately, the state government has not only failed to convene such a meeting but has also not responded to our letters," the doctors stated. "Fifty-two days have passed since August 9, yet what have we gained in terms of security? The CCTV cameras, which the state government promotes as the main indicator of safety, have only been installed in a fraction of the necessary locations in colleges over these 50 days," the statement added. The Junior doctors say it is imperative to include representation from their team in decision making committees of hospitals. "We clearly communicated in our meeting with the Chief Minister and Chief Secretary, and also in emails, that we do not feel secure in this environment of fear. Without ensuring proper representation for junior doctors in decision-making committees of hospitals and medical colleges, the oppression by these declared leaders will continue," the doctors' association said. "To prevent this, democratic elections must be held at all levels to ensure representation of students and junior doctors. We have demanded that elected representatives be included in all decision-making bodies, college," the junior doctors added. Meanwhile, following the Supreme Court's cognisance of the photos of the RG Kar rape and murder victim circulating on social media, the victim's father expressed his confidence in the top court to deliver justice. "The Supreme Court has taken cognisance of the case and directed the state government to take action regarding my daughter's pictures, which continue to spread on social media. We trust the Supreme Court and the CBI, and we hope that justice will be served," the victim's father told reporters. In response, the Supreme Court reiterated its previous directive for all social media platforms to remove any posts disclosing the victim's name and identity. The Supreme Court clarified that its earlier order applies not only to Wikipedia but to all social media platforms, ensuring the protection of the victim's identity. The court also noted that the CBI report highlighted how the victim's injuries were exacerbated by her braces and glasses. Senior Advocate Indira Jaisingh emphasised that the RG Kar incident was not merely a rape and murder case, revealing that four individuals were present at the crime scene, some of whom are elected council members. After extensive deliberation, the Supreme Court adjourned the case for further hearing after the Dussehra vacation. The top court has taken suo motu cognisance of the rape and murder of a doctor at the state-run RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, West Bengal. (ANI)
Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa on Tuesday arrived at the Singhu border between Delhi and Haryana after activist Sonam Wangchuk and others were detained by the police here late Monday night. Speaking to ANI, Hanifa said that everyone is aware of how Ladakh has been having talks with the government for protecting the environmental and constitutional rights. "We are all aware of for the last three years, we had been fighting for our rights peacefully. We even had talks with the government for the same but they stopped after the elections and the formation of the new government. We set out on foot from Leh under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body to present our views to the government. After Wangchuk was detained by the police, we marched to discuss our issues with the government. However, Wangchuk and the members, including several women, were detained at different areas," Hanifa said. The Ladakh MP said the protestors only wanted to to hand over a memorandum of their demands to the government. "We request PM Modi and Amit Shah that either we are given an area here in Delhi to provide us a place to conclude our march from where we can submit a memorandum or our leaders are spoken to in order to settle the manner. We have always sacrificed whatever we had for the nation. We expect just a little for Ladakh. The whole of Ladakh is closed and the situations might develop there if our demands are not met," he said. Meanwhile, one of the members who was silently protesting said that injustice was being done with them. "This is brute injustice to us. We have come here after crossing six to seven borders. We did not break any law and order. Around 300 people of us have been detained without any reason. We are just peacefully protesting and doing nothing else," he said. (ANI)
BJP leader Basanagouda R Patil came down heavily at Karnataka Chief Minister Siddharamaiah on Monday after the CM's wife offered to surrender all 14 plots that were allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA). Taking to social media platform X, the MLA from Vijayapura constituency criticised Siddharamaish, questioning whether the offer was a "meek surrender" or "damage control" by him amid allegations regarding the MUDA land allotment scam. He further probed on such a "kneejerk reaction" by the CM's wife after the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) booked the Siddaramaiah for money laundering in a case linked to the alleged MUDA land allotment scam. "Mrs. Siddaramaiah now surrenders the 14 plots awarded as compensation to her in MUDA. Why such a knee-jerk reaction? Why surrender sites and request for cancellation of the sale deed after complaint is lodged?" Patil said. "Siddaramaiah avare, you are now openly accepting the fact that the award of compensation was not commensurate, equitable and justified for your land acquisition. MUDA case is now an Open n' Shut case of clear misuse of power & nepotism," he added. Meanwhile, Karnataka CM Siddharamiah said that he was surprised by the decision of his wife, Parvati after she offered to surrender all 14 plots that were allotted to her by the Mysore Urban Development Authority. Taking to social media platform X, Siddharamiah said that his wife had suffered a lot due to the political conspiracy that had been directed against him. He further expressed his regret for involving his wife in the political matter, which had also made her a subject to mental harassment as a victim of this "political vendetta" against him. "My wife, Parvati, has returned the plots of land that were taken without compensation from the land acquired by the MUDA in Mysore. It is well known to the people of the state that opposition parties have fabricated false allegations against me to achieve political vendetta and have dragged my family into controversy. My stance has always been that we must fight against this injustice without bowing down," Siddharamiah said on X. "However, my wife, who has suffered due to the political conspiracy directed against me, has taken the decision to return these plots, which has surprised me. I regret that my wife, who has remained out of politics for the past four decades and limited her involvement to family matters, has been subjected to mental harassment as a victim of this political vendetta against me," he added. Earlier today, the Mysuru Lokayukta officially started the inquiry and investigation into the case linked to the Mysore Urban Development Authority (MUDA) land allotment scam following a September 27 court order to file a FIR, directing them to conduct an investigation against Siddaramaiah on the allegation of illegalities in the allotment of 14 sites worth Rs 56 crore to his wife Parvathi by the MUDA. (ANI)
Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav has appealed to voters of Jammu and Kashmir to exercise their franchise for the ongoing third phase of assembly polls in the Union Territory. The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Tuesday, with people queueing up at a polling station across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory. In a post on X, CM Yadav wrote, "Voting is going on for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Every vote is extremely important for the progress and bright future of the union territory. I appeal to all the voters to vote for giving a pace to the progress of the new Jammu and Kashmir." According to the latest data issued by Election Commission of India (ECI), Jammu and Kashmir recorded 11.60 per cent voting in the initial voter turnout trend till 9 am on Tuesday. Of the seven districts, Udhampur district is leading in the voter turnout chart with 14.23 per cent voting, followed by Samba at 13.31 per cent, Kathua at 13.09 per cent, Bandipore 11.64 per cent, Jammu at 11.46 per cent, Kupwara at 11.27 per cent and Baramulla at 8.89 per cent till 9 am. The polls began at 7 am on Tuesday and will conclude at 6 pm. Voting will take place in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 constituencies in Kashmir amid strong security to ensure smooth and peaceful polls. The intensive campaign for the third and final phase of polling in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly elections concluded on Sunday evening. This election is notable as the first in a decade and the first since the revocation of Article 370 in August 2019. The three-phase election involves a multi-party contest for the 90 seats across the former state. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The first phase of voting took place on September 18, and the second phase concluded on September 25. According to the Election Commission of India, the first and second phases of polling recorded voter turnouts of 61 per cent and 57.31 per cent, respectively. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
BJP spokesperson CR Kesavan, speaking to ANI on Tuesday, said that the Karnataka CM Siddaramaiah should submit his resignation and equated the MUDA scam with the Watergate scandal. He said, "MUDA land scam involving the Congress Chief Minister and his immediate family is turning out to be like the Watergate scandal of Karnataka politics. This has brought the entire governance and administration of the Karnataka government to a complete standstill." "Today, we have read that the Chief Minister's spouse has offered to surrender the 14 controversial plots. This raises very serious doubts and questions because only a few days before CM Siddaramaiah claimed that he was wronged and he needed Rs 62 crore compensation for returning these plots and today you have the Chief Minister's wife saying she'll unconditionally return these plots. So something is definitely not adding up here and it raises more questions. So rather than writing letters to surrender and return plots, it's time the Chief Minister submits his resignation letter at once...," he added. Meanwhile, taking to social media platform X, CM Siddharamiah said that his wife had suffered a lot due to the political conspiracy that had been directed against him. He further expressed his regret for involving his wife in the political matter, which had also made her a subject to mental harassment as a victim of this "political vendetta" against him. "My wife, Parvati, has returned the plots of land that were taken without compensation from the land acquired by the MUDA in Mysore. It is well known to the people of the state that opposition parties have fabricated false allegations against me to achieve political vendetta and have dragged my family into controversy. My stance has always been that we must fight against this injustice without bowing down," Siddharamiah said on X. (ANI)
BJP candidate from Nagrota Assembly seat, Devender Singh Rana, cast his vote at a polling booth in Jammu on Tuesday morning. After casting his vote, the BJP candidate praised Prime Minister Modi's leadership for reposing faith in the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He said, "It is a festival of democracy and people are enthusiastic and people are participating in it with so much enthusiasm and passion. The people of Jammu and Kashmir have faith in the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and want to include themselves in this journey of Viksit Bharat...For the first time in Jammu and Kashmir, a full majority government of BJP will be formed..." The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections started here at 7 am today, with 40 constituencies going to the polls. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. Voting started at 7 AM and 6 PM, with security measures in place to ensure a smooth and peaceful process. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday also exuded confidence in winning the election and applauded the participation of women voters in large numbers in the festival of democracy. In a post on X, PM Modi also called upon first-time voters to exercise their franchise. "Today is the third and last round of voting in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. I request all voters to come forward and cast their votes to make the festival of democracy a success. I am confident that apart from the young friends who are going to vote for the first time, women power will also participate in the voting in large numbers," PM Modi wrote in a post on X. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. At least 415 candidates, including former deputy Chief Ministers Tara Chand of Congress and Muzaffar Hussain Beig, are contesting in the third phase. (ANI)
As voting for the third phase of elections got underway in Jammu and Kashmir, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said that the enthusiastic participation of people in the Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls reflects a celebration of democracy and the "true mainstreaming" of democracy in the Union territory. Union Minister Jitendra Singh and his family members cast their vote at a polling booth in Bahu Assembly Constituency for the third and final phase of polling for J&K Assembly Elections 2024. Jitendra Singh said, "I would say that for the first time after many years, such a large number of voters are coming out to vote in Jammu and Kashmir. This is a celebration of democracy. In the garb of Article 370 the ruling parties here ran the Vidhan Sabha for 6 years compared to 5 years in other states. During emergency then PM Indira Gandhi has brought an amendment under which Vidhan Sabha and Lok Sabha were extended to 6 years. The NC immediately accepted it. When Morarji Desai became PM the amendment was repealed but NC did not allow it to be enforced under Article 370. Grassroots democracy has been brought in the last 10 years." He further asserted that in the elections, the democracy of Jammu and Kashmir is seen joining the mainstream of India. "First of all, you have to understand that such elections are being held for the first time in the last 30-35 years where there was no strike call from Pakistan, nor was there any boycott call, nor was there 8-10 per cent voting like before. That is why I said that in true sense, the democracy of Jammu and Kashmir is being seen joining the mainstream of India," he added. He further said, "All these refugees who came from Pakistan were not very favourably disposed towards the Congress party. They always held the Congress party responsible for the partition. So when they settled here, they were denied voting rights and even citizenship rights under the guise of Article 370 and 35A. The irony is that this very section of the society gave India two Prime Ministers, Dr Manmohan Singh and IK Gujral. Article 370 never helped the common man. If you ask the common man in the streets of Srinagar or Kashmir, they will also approve the abrogation of Article 370. BJP will blossom everywhere." The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections started here at 7 am today with 40 constituencies going to the polls. Among the 40 constituencies, 24 are in the Jammu division and the rest in the Kashmir Valley. (ANI)
The Delhi Chief Minister Atishi is set to meet activist Sonam Wangchuk and the people from Ladakh who were detained by the police at the Singhu border last night.Labelling the detention of the protesting individuals from Ladakh as "dictatorship," Delhi CM Atishi announced in a post on X that she will visit the Bawana police station at 1 PM today to meet with the protesters."Sonam Wangchuk and our 150 Ladakhi brothers and sisters were coming to Delhi peacefully. The police have stopped them. They have been imprisoned in Bawana police station since last night. Is it wrong for Ladakh to demand democratic rights? Is it wrong for satyagrahis to go to Gandhi Samadhi on 2 October? Stopping Sonam Wangchuk ji is dictatorship. I will go to Bawana police station to meet him today at 1 pm," Atishi wrote in a post on X. Meanwhile, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal also criticized the detention of the protesters from Ladakh."Sometimes they stop farmers from coming to Delhi, sometimes they stop people from Ladakh. Is Delhi the property of one person? Delhi is the country's capital. Everyone has the right to come to Delhi. This is completely wrong. Why are they afraid of unarmed peaceful people?" Kejriwal wrote in a post on X.Lashing out at the BJP over the detention of protesters, Delhi Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia said, " "I don't know what PM Modi, Amit Shah and BJP are doing. They are not catching the gangsters as the BJP has given them full protection...But people like Sonam Wangchuk who raise the issues of the nation, if they want to do 'padyatra', why are they being treated as terrorists?Echoing similar sentiments, Delhi Minister Saurabh Bhardwaj said, "People seek inspiration from people like Sonam Wangchuk as he has dedicated his entire life to the nation. If a person is coming to the national capital to raise some issues of Ladakh which is a sensitive area, it is very bad that the Central government have imposed a curfew in Delhi and said that more than five people can't gather in Delhi for the next days. Navratri, Ramleela will start in Delhi from 3rd Nov and they are saying that more than five people can't gather in Delhi. If Delhi LG has guts he should show how can he stop us?..."In response to the detention of activist Sonam Wangchuk, Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan expressed deep concern over the government's handling of the ongoing issues in the region.He urged the government to facilitate a platform where they could submit a memorandum to Prime Minister Modi or engage in talks with leadership to resolve the issues."For the last three years, we have been raising our concerns in a very peaceful manner...several rounds of discussions were also held with the government...we hoped that the talks would continue after the formation of the new government but it did not happen...We set out on foot from Leh under the banner of Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA) and Apex Body with the hope that we would present our views to the central government in the national capital and our concerns would be heard. But unfortunately, Sonam Wangchuk and his team were detained yesterday...We urge the government to provide us a place from where we can submit a memorandum to PM Modi or hold talks with the leadership to resolve this issue," Ladakh MP Haji Hanifa Jan said.Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Delhi borders, said Delhi Police.Wangchuk and other volunteers were embarking on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership regarding their demands.One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity. (ANI)
Former Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh and Rajya Sabha MP Digivijaya Singh has extended his support to the National Sarpanch Sangh (M.P.) demanding rights of Panchayati Raj System and called for a road blockage if demands are not met. Veteran Congress leader Singh's office has also issued a video of him in which he extends support to the Sarpanch Sangh and requests CM Mohan Yadav and state minister for Panchayat Rural Development department, Prahlad Patel to act. "Mahatma Gandhi had envisioned that through Panchayat Raj in our country, every person in the village should be given the right to control his resources, his future and to work collectively to fulfil it. With the same spirit, former Prime Minister Late Rajiv Gandhi had proposed a change in the Indian Constitution, which unfortunately the Bharatiya Janata Party did not allow to pass in the Rajya Sabha," Digvijay Singh said "Unfortunately, Rajiv Gandhi was assassinated. After that former PM late P V Narasimha Rao fulfilled his dream. On the basis of that dream, when the first election was held in Madhya Pradesh, I was the Chief Minister here. In accordance with that spirit, I made amendments in the Madhya Pradesh Panchayati Raj and conducted the first election. I got reservation for women and gave rights to the Gram Sabha, Sarpanch, Block Panchayat, District Council President. Along with this, I tried to take the administration to the lower level in the village. But the Bharatiya Janata Party messed up the entire system and today the Sarpanch has no rights," the Congress leader added. Digvijay Singh also said that if the demands are not met then from October 18 a 2-hour road blockade would be undertaken in every village. "Therefore, we should support the demand made by the National Sarpanch Sangh, I fully support their proposal. I request everyone that on the occasion of Gandhi Jayanti on October 2, we will submit the demand in the form of a memorandum to the secretaries of every Gram Panchayat across the state that the Chief Minister, wake up and give us the rights of Panchayats. Prahlad Patel is a minister, you have always supported the farmers and the people of the village, I request you to wake up too," he said. "If the demand is not met, then on October 18, we will block the main roads in every village for 2 hours from 12:00 to 2:00. During this time, if someone is going for some important work like marriage, illness or any emergency, then we will let him go," he concluded. On October 2, Singh will submit a memorandum to secretary of Gram Panchayat Satoriya along with the Panchayat representatives and local people of Satoriya village in Bina Tehsil, Sagar district in support of the state-wide demonstration National Sarpanch Sangh of MP Unit. A circular of National Sarpanch Sangh states that Sarpanchs, Deputy Sarpanchs, Panchs and all the elected representatives of the three-tier Panchayat Raj system of all the 23000 Gram Panchayats in Madhya Pradesh are fighting for their rights, whose sole objective is to make the villages self-reliant and strong. "To give momentum to their struggle, the National Sarpanch Sangh has prepared a movement outline in which from October 2 to October 10, Sarpanchs of all the Panchayats in the state will sit on dharna at every Gram Panchayat headquarters regarding our demands and will hand over a memorandum in the name of the Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Leader of Opposition of the Legislative Assembly to the Gram Panchayat Secretary," the cricular read. "If the demands are not fulfilled within five days after submitting the memorandum, then in our next step, on October 18, there will be a Chakka Jam on the main roads at the Panchayat level. If our demands are still not considered by the government, then the National Sarpanch Sangh will organise Rail Roko and Jail Bharo movement at the district level," it further added. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court, on Tuesday, deferred the hearing of a plea filed by Congress leader Jagdish Tytler, who is challenging a recent trial court order that framed charges against him related to the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The charges include murder, unlawful assembly, rioting and promoting enmity. The bench, led by Justice Manoj Kumar Ohri, adjourned the matter to November 29 this year. The court noted that certain statements relied upon in the case were not on record, and a formal notice has not yet been issued in the matter. In the hearing, Senior Advocate HS Phoolka appeared on behalf of the victims' families and opposed the plea filed by Jagdish Tytler. Special Public Prosecutor Anupam Sharma, representing the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI), also opposed the plea. Both counsels contested Tytler's challenge to the trial court's decision to frame charges against him for his alleged involvement in the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Senior Lawyer Arvind Nigam, representing Jagdish Tytler, took the court through the trial court's order and the statements of witnesses in the case. He presented arguments to challenge the framing of charges against Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. Tytler, who recently appeared before the trial court, pleaded not guilty to these charges. He has now approached the High Court, against charges framed against him in connection with the riots. The plea of Jagdish Tytler, submitted that the Impugned Order is perverse, illegal and lacks application of mind. By way of the Impugned Order, the Trial Court has erroneously framed charges against the Petitioner/Revisionist overlooking settled principles of law on the point of charge. The grounds on which such charges have been framed are unfounded. There is no credible evidence to corroborate the allegations levelled against the Petitioner. The Impugned Order is misconceived, has been passed mechanically and without application of mind, and is liable to be set aside. Tytler also cited his medical ground while changing the trial court order. Additionally, the plea mentions that the petitioner has undergone multiple biopsies in 2009, 2011, and 2016, and in 2021, he suffered a severe fall at home, rendering him unconscious, after which he was admitted to Medanta Hospital in Gurgaon. On May 20, 2023, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) filed a charge sheet against Congress leader Jagdish Tytler in connection with the 1984 anti-Sikh riots. The CBI accused Tytler of inciting, instigating, and provoking a mob assembled at Pul Bangash Gurudwara, Azad Market, on November 1, 1984. The mob's actions led to the burning down of the gurudwara and the killing of three Sikhs--Thakur Singh, Badal Singh, and Gurcharan Singh. The CBI's charge sheet invoked various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), including 147 (rioting), 148 (armed rioting), 149 (unlawful assembly), 153A (promoting enmity between groups), 109 (abetment of an offense), 302 (murder), and 295 (defiling of religious places). A key witness stated that Tytler had arrived at the scene in a white Ambassador car and incited the mob by shouting, "Kill the Sikhs, they have killed our mother." This incitement allegedly led to the mob killing the three Sikhs. (ANI)
National Conference candidate from Sopore, Irshad Rasool Kar, casts his vote in the third and last phase of Assembly elections today. Speaking to ANI, Irshad Rasool Kar, said, "People believe in the democratic process and want solutions to their issues through voting. My agendas are development and fighting for our rights. I urge people to vote to strengthen the democratic setup and National Conference." Irshad Rasool Kar, former PDP district president of Baramulla, joined the National Conference in presence of party president Farooq Abdullah in 2019. He had unsuccessfully contested the 2014 Jammu and Kashmir Assembly polls as an independent candidate from the Sopore constituency in Baramulla district after he was denied a ticket by the Congress. The third phase of voting in Jammu and Kashmir saw a cumulative voter turnout of 44.08 per cent as of 1 pm on Tuesday, as per the Election Commission of India. According to the latest data issued by ECI, Udhampur district recorded the highest voter turnout of 51.66 per cent as of 1 pm, followed by Kathua at 50.09 per cent of voter turnout, with Samba slightly behind at 49.73 per cent. Meanwhile, Baramulla recorded the lowest voter turnout at 36.60 per cent. Besides these, Bandipore recorded voter turnout of 42.67 per cent, Jammu at 43.36 per cent, Kupwara at 42.08 per cent. The polling for the third and final phase of the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections began on Tuesday at 7 am across 40 constituencies in seven districts of the Union Territory. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have allied for J&K elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
Congress General Secretary KC Venugopal hit out at the BJP government for detaining a group of citizens from Ladakh, including activist Sonam Wangchuk who were peacefully marching from Ladakh to Rajghat in Delhi over their demands which consists of inclusion of Ladakh under the 6th Schedule of the Indian Constitution. He asked how can the police detain them for more than 24 hours. KC Venugopal said, "I don't understand the manner in which the government is going. Sonam Wangchuk is a very respectable personality of Ladakh. People respect him all over India. They have planned a peaceful march from Ladakh to Rajghat. They hav been walking from Ladakh but not a single incident happened. Many Congress leaders have also been detained with them." He further said that Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to Commissioner of Police Delhi but he got the answer that this is the order from top officials. He further said, "They are asking for their legitimate rights that Ladakh should be in the 6th schedule. Lot of issues are happening due to climate change. Government has to interfere on that. In a democratic setup, everyone has the right to protest. They are only raising their issues. Government should have a conversation with them and solve the issue. Government is not allowing them to protest at Rajghat. How can the police detain them for more than 24 hours? Which rule is allowing them to detain?" Earlier President of the Indian National Congress, Mallikarjun Kharge sharply criticized the BJP government for detaining a group of citizens from Ladakh, including activist Sonam Wangchuk who were peacefully marching to Delhi. Kharge in a post on X, said that the detention of the protesters was a "cowardly action" and was "deeply undemocratic in nature" "The arrogance of the Modi Govt consumed in power has detained a group of citizens from Ladakh peacefully marching to Delhi. This is nothing but a cowardly action, and is deeply undemocratic in nature. In Ladakh, there is a growing wave of public support, with widespread calls for safeguarding tribal communities under the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution. Instead, the Modi Govt wants to exploit the ecologically sensitive Himalayan glaciers of Ladakh to benefit its crony friends. This incident tells us that the fight against Modi Govt's brazen despotism is far from over!" Kharge wrote in a post on X. Climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and his supporters were detained by Delhi Police at the Singhu border on Monday night. Section 163 of the BNS has been imposed at Delhi borders, said Delhi Police. Wangchuk and other volunteers were embarking on a foot march from Leh to New Delhi to urge the Centre to resume dialogue with Ladakh's leadership regarding their demands. One of their key demands is for Ladakh to be included in the Sixth Schedule of the Constitution, granting law-making powers to the local population to protect their land and cultural identity. (ANI)
Leader of Opposition of Madhya Pradesh Umang Singhar and Congress MLAs called on Chief Minister Mohan Yadav at CM residence in Bhopal on Tuesday and held discussions on various state and regional issues with an aim for the overall development of the state. After the meeting, CM Yadav told ANI, "Today, the Leader of Opposition of Madhya Pradesh and the Congress MLAs reached the CM's office. We discussed various issues of the state. A positive opposition is very important for the development of the state. Various works done by the state government were discussed. We have already instructed district collectors for survey of crop damage, enhancing the facilities of Gaushalas. Municipal corporations should build cow shelters." "Efforts are being made to make Madhya Pradesh the best state in milk production. We have also constituted a state delimitation commission under which boundaries of district, division, tehsil will be formed in future. We will also take suggestions so that the problems faced by local people can be resolved," the CM said. "They were apprised of various development works done by the state government. All the MLAs be it Congress or BJP should make Vision documents of their respective assembly constituencies. We will help equally to all the MLAs. We want to take MP forward under the leadership of PM Modi and we will double the economy of the state within five years. We are putting efforts to make MP the top state in development in the country," he further said. "Congress MLAs have also assured the government that they will also contribute to the development of the state. The MP government welcomes the positive suggestions from everyone and we wanted to move with a positive note. We all will keep our point within our party limits but in terms of development the state government wants to move forward with everyone. It is our policy as well as the guidance of PM Modi," CM Yadav added. Meanwhile, LoP Singhar told ANI, "There were various important issues of the states such as the law and order situation getting worse and atrocities happening with dalit, tribal, and women. On these issues, we told CM that Congress party and its MLAs are serious on these issues and he should take immediate action in such matters. Those officers who are incompetent should be line attached immediately. Also, he should ensure action to control such incidents." The opposition also reminded the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of its electoral promise during assembly polls to procure wheat at Minimum Support Price (MSP) of Rs 2700 a quintal and paddy at Rs 3100 a quintal. "We further put our demand that an immediate survey should be conducted for the damage of Soybean and Maize crops and compensation should be given to farmers. Along with this, the MSP of Soybean crop should be made Rs 6000 a quintal. Besides, we requested the CM that all the MLAs are a public elected representative and they should be given equal amounts for the development of their respective areas without any partiality," Singhar said. CM Yadav has assured them to resolve the said issues in the next seven days, the Congress leader added. (ANI)
Assam minister Pijush Hazarika, along with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers held a massive protest rally at Jagiroad here on Tuesday demanding an apology from Congress leader and Karnataka Minister Priyank Kharge for his remarks on Assam's semiconductor project. Speaking to the media, Hazarika said that Kharge's tweets regarding Assam's semiconductor was a sad statement for Assam. "Few days back, Priyank Kharge tweeted about Assam's semiconductor and it was a very sad thing for Assam. He questioned on why Assam had the semiconductor but not Karnataka. I say I am an Indian and I am nationalist. I say Karnataka should get but why should Assam not get. We demand an apology from Priyank Kharge and the Congress party. Congress does not want the development of states," he said. In a post on X, Hazarika wrote, "Today I joined the people of Jagiroad and my fellow@BJP4Assamcolleagues & karyakartas to protest against @INCAssamand the family of their "President" Mr@khargefor their vehement opposition to Assam's biggest ever private investment. Cong is anti-Assam thus cannot digest the state's development." On July 16, the Assam government handed over a state owned land site in Morigaon, where the Tata Group will set up a mega semiconductor plan. The site was formally handed over after a lease agreement, making way for the construction to be commenced soon. It marked a significant milestone as the land agreement for Tata Group's semiconductor project in Jagiroad, Morigaon district, was successfully finalized. The agreement, signed at the Sub-Registrar's office, Morigaon leases 517.27 bighas of land to Tata Group for a duration of 60 years. Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for Tata Group's semiconductor and testing center in Jagiroad on March 13, inaugurating a technological milestone for Assam. Tata Semiconductor Assembly and Test Pvt Ltd ("TSAT") will set up a semiconductor unit in Morigaon, Assam. With a capacity of producing 48 million chips per day, this facility is being built for Rs 27,000 crore. Segments that will be covered are automotive, electric vehicles, consumer electronics, telecom, and mobile phones. (ANI)
The Supreme Court on Tuesday reserved order on the issue of framing pan-India guidelines relating to demolition drive and extended its interim order pausing bulldozer practice without permission till further order. A bench of Justices BR Gavai and KV Vishwanathan reserved the order after hearing the matter for a length. The Supreme Court also extended interim order for not demolishing any property without permission, till further orders. However the interim order will not apply to any unauthorised constructions including religious structures on roads, footpaths among others. Supreme Court remarked that public safety is paramount and whether it be temple, dargah or gurudwara in the middle of road it has to go as it cannot obstruct public The top court during the hearing said that India is a secular country and clarified that it will issue directions for pan India which apply for all religions. The court made it clear that demolition can't be conducted merely on the ground that the person is accused or convicted. The top court said that it is only concerned about misuse of the municipal laws. The Supreme Court also expressed concern on the issue that if there are two structures in violation and action is taken only against one and later one finds the criminal background soon after. SC also said that there has to be law for unauthorised constructions and it is not dependent on religion or faith or beliefs. When the hearing begins, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta informed the SC that he has certain suggestions on pan-india guidelines on demolition drives. SG Tushar Mehta said the person alleged to be part of an offence cannot be ground for demolition. The court sought to know if the person is convicted, will it be a ground for demolition of property. SG Mehta replied to SC no absolutely not and even for heinous crimes The court remarked that there will be different laws for municipal corporations, nagar panchayats and suggested an online portal for awareness. Senior Advocate CU Singh for petitioner said that in Gujarat 28 homes were demolished on 9th September. To which the top court remarked that only debate is now on the post order period. SG Tushar Mehta said in Madhya Pradesh many encroached property that belongs to Hindu were demolished. SC said that it is not encouraging encroachments. Senior Advocate CU Singh for petitioners took court through the statements made by high constitutional authorities which states that they will use bulldozers as a measure of crime fighting. Senior Advocate CU Singh further said that people are fighting elections on this basis and it has become a tool. On September 17, the top court ordered that across the country, no demolition of property will take place without permission of the court till October 1, the next date of hearing but clarifies this order will not be applicable on any unauthorised construction on public road, footpaths, among others. The top court extended its interim order today. The top court has also said that if there is any unauthorised construction even if it is the temple, mosques or any religious structures on public roads, footpaths and railway lines then the order of pausing demolition will not apply. The top court was hearing various petitions relating to bulldozer practice by the authorities to demolish immovable properties. One of the applications filed recently said that the increasing culture of illegal demolitions in the country turning extra-legal punishment by the State into a norm and minorities and marginalized communities have been increasingly victimised by using extra-legal demolitions as a tool of punishment and creating a harrowing precedent for people in general and for the members of the minority communities in particular. The petitioner sought to issue direction that no action be taken against the residential or commercial property of any accused in any criminal proceedings as an extra-legal punishment. The plea also sought that any demolition exercise of must strictly be carried out in accordance with the law. Strict action to be taken against officials who have participated in an illegal exercise of demolition of properties of accused persons without following the due process of law, the plea demanded. (ANI)
According to an official release, the plantation drive was conducted as part of a nationwide environmental initiative to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO).

The event was graced by the presence of Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, and Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation and Cooperation, Murlidhar Mohol.

This plantation drive was based on the theme of 'Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam' which is a nationwide campaign launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to honour the nurturing spirit of mothers while promoting environmental conservation.

AAI has done similar plantation drives across its airports in India where 80,000 tree saplings were planted to commemorate ICAO's 80 years to support the green initiative and bolster sustainability efforts in the aviation sector.

Key stakeholders, including officials from the Airports Authority of India (AAI), Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), various airlines, and other airport agencies, actively participated in the event at Pune Airport.

The initiative underscores AAI's commitment to foster a greener environment and aligns with the broader mission to reduce the carbon footprint of India's aviation industry. (ANI)
New Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh on Tuesday expressed his intent to further push the indigenous fighter aircraft projects as he said that the force has already ordered 200 plus LCA Tejas jets and now needs to focus on the LCA Mark-2 and fifth generation Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programmes. In his first media interaction after taking over his new appointment, Air Chief Marshal AP Singh told ANI that he has been associated with the Tejas programme from the flight testing and it is very close to his heart. He said the LCA is a little too small of an aircraft for the current situation, however "we have such a place for an aircraft and have ordered 200 plus aircraft of this type." "We need to move on now and focus more on LCA Mark2 aircrafts and Advanced Medium Combat Aircraft programme," he said. Singh recently 'intercepted' the German Air Force chief in an LCA Tejas aircraft in exercise Tarang Shakti and made history along with Navy and Army Vice Chiefs by flying together in the LCA aircraft over Jodhpur skies to push the indigenous programme. The new IAF chief stated that the motto we have given this year is 'Sashakta Sudridh and Aatmanirbhar," "We have the capacity and capability within the country to achieve this. Everybody has to come together to make it a success. We are relying heavily on these two platforms," he added. On being asked about his key focus areas, Indian Air Force Chief Air Chief Marshal AP Singh said, "The air force will continue to move forward towards self-reliance, operational capabilities and better training. These will be my focus areas and as time goes we will keep on realigning to the situation as it changes" Meanwhile, on Tuesday he laid a wreath at the National War Memorial and took blessings from his mother Pushwant Kaur who had come there with other family members. (ANI)
The customs department at Delhi's IGI Airport arrested the woman passenger for smuggling the devices concealed in a vanity bag, said officials.

The arrest was made on the basis of specific intelligence input received by the Customs Department, according to officials.

"Based on intelligence, Delhi Airport Customs intercepted a lady passenger travelling from Hongkong to Delhi carrying 26 iPhone 16 Pro Max concealed inside her vanity bag (wrapped in tissue paper)," said customs.

Further investigation is underway.

Earlier on Monday, a passenger travelling on a Dammam to Delhi flight was intercepted on Monday by Customs officials at IGI Airport for concealing two gold bars inside the battery compartment of his mobile phone.

Acting on intelligence, the Customs department at IGI Airport, Delhi, recovered the two gold bars, weighing approximately 200 grams, hidden inside the traveller's phone.

In a separate operation on September 28, Customs officials at IGI Airport seized 2,739 grams of gold, valued at Rs 1.80 crore, from seven Uzbek passengers, including a juvenile, who were travelling from Almaty.

Six passengers were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962, and the juvenile was apprehended under the Juvenile Justice Act, 2015. (ANI)
A Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court challenging the detention of climate activist Sonam Wangchuk by the Delhi Police while he was marching towards Delhi with the demand of Sixth Schedule status for Ladakh. The plea has been moved by Haji Mustafa through Advocate Vikram Hegde also seeks the release of individuals associated with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who have been detained at the Singhu Border. The bench, led by Chief Justice Manmohan and Justice Tushar Rao Gedela, declined to hear the matter immediately but agreed to hear it on October 3, 2024, provided the petitioner submits all the required documents by 3:30 PM on Tuesday. The plea seeking court directions to release of social activist Sonam Wangchuk and others who were detained while marching alongside him. The petetion seeks the release of members of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and the release of individuals associated with the Kargil Democratic Alliance, who have been detained at the Singhu Border. The plea also seeks direction to Set aside the prohibitory order and asks the court to set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, which is presumably related to the restrictions that led to the detention of these individuals. Sonam Wangchuk was leading the 'Delhi Chalo Padyatra,' a march that began from Leh a month ago. He, along with around 120 others from Ladakh, was detained on the night of Monday, September 30, 2024. The march was organized by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in coordination with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), both of which have been at the forefront of an agitation for the past four years. An additional plea has been also filed in the Delhi High Court, requesting permission for the petitioner and others to peacefully enter Delhi and conduct an environmental awareness march, which is scheduled to conclude at Rajghat on October 2, 2024. The plea moved by Petitioner naming, Azad through Advocate Kamlesh Kumar Mishra also seeks the issuance of a writ of Certiorari to quash and set aside the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, issued by the Commissioner of Police, Delhi, which has restricted the entry and activities of the marchers. This plea aligns with similar petitions challenging the restrictions and detentions placed on individuals participating in peaceful protests, including those led by Sonam Wangchuk and the Kargil Democratic Alliance. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while addressing a public meeting in Basana village, Kalanaur, on Tuesday, said the BJP will emerge victorious with a huge margin in Haryana. Addressing a public meeting in favour of BJP candidate Renu Dabla he appealed to the people of the area to make the BJP victorious with a huge margin. Haryana is going to put its stamp on the public welfare policies of the double-engine government. He said that the BJP government has provided employment opportunities to youth, creating a record of 1.5 lakh jobs in the state. "The BJP government in Haryana has provided employment to 1.5 lakh youth of the state, and this has been done with transparency, bypassing the employment slip and expenditure system," he said. He further said, "Double speed of prosperity and development...Haryana will again elect a BJP government!" He ridiculed the way Congress managed employment opportunities and provision to the youth of Haryana. "You will remember that during the Congress time, the system of parchi-kharchi was in practice and our deserving and talented youths were not getting jobs," Dhami said. He further said, "During the Congress rule, the land of the poor was snatched and sold to industrialists at throwaway prices, and atrocities were committed on Dalits and women." "During the Congress rule, there was hooliganism in Haryana, which has been ended by the BJP. The immense enthusiasm of the godlike people towards the BJP in the public meeting is reflecting the victory proclamation of the 'BJP government once again," he added. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with counting set to take place on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
Former Delhi Deputy Chief Minister and AAP leader Manish Sisodia attacked BJP after Sonam Wangchuk and several other people were detained by the police on Monday night here. Taking to platform X, Sisodia in a self-recorded video said "BJP has detained Sonam Wangchuk and others. We all know how Wangchuk has brought pride to the nation. He had just gone with other eminent people to the Delhi border and raise their demands amid the miserable conditions that have been created in Ladakh after the place was turned into a Union Territory." Further, he questioned the central government alleging that the centre was converting every state into an Union territory. "What is the central government doing? Delhi belongs to everyone, right from people in Kashmir to Kanyakumari. You cannot be stopping people from entering the border. The BJP government is slowly working on a formula to convert every state of the country into a UT. The voice that Sonam Wangchuk was raising was a voice against danger. What harm has Wangchuk caused you? You cannot silence the voice. Everyone today is seeing what the central government is doing," he added. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Atishi who went to meet the detained protesters of Ladakh at Bawana police station on Tuesday complained that she was not allowed to meet Sonam Wangchuk. "People of Ladakh want statehood. Sonam Wangchuk and the people of Ladakh, who were going to visit Bapu's Samadhi, were arrested. They did not let me meet Sonam Wangchuk. This is the dictatorship of the BJP. We fully support Sonam Wangchuk." Criticizing the BJP, Atishi claimed that the LG of Delhi had played a role in stopping her from meeting with the protestors,"I am fully confident that these police officers must have received a call from LG Sahab that the representative of the elected government, Delhi CM should not be allowed to meet Sonam Wangchuk. We strongly condemn it. Ladakh should get the status of a full state and Delhi should also get the status of a full state," Atishi said. (ANI)
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday hit out at Congress over its caste politics and said that the party "wants to crush patriotism" of the country by propagating divisions on lines of caste and religion. Addressing a public rally in Haryana's Palwal on Tuesday, the Prime Minister said that Congress did not solve the problems of the country but established its own family. "Congress kept every issue important for the country entangled... Congress did not allow Ram temple to be built in Ayodhya. Congress did not allow the Constitution to be fully implemented in Jammu and Kashmir. They deprived our sisters of reservation in Parliament and Assembly. Congress kept our Muslim sisters entangled in the problem of triple talaq. Congress did not solve the problems of the country and its citizens but instead used all its energy to establish its own family. I ask the entire country today. Congress has committed so many sins till today, and it still dreams of forming the government. The BJP supporters are patriots. They devise plans to mislead the patriotic people. Congress wants to crush patriotism from this country by propagating casteism, confronting one community against another," PM Modi said. The Prime Minister said that he is grateful for the blessings and support of the Haryana CM and asked the voters of Jammu and Kashmir to cast their vote in the last phase of the elections. "You all have come here in large numbers to give us your blessings...Today's gathering shows the result of the Haryana election...We are grateful for your blessings and support. The election campaign is going on in Haryana. But today the last phase of voting is taking place in Jammu and Kashmir. A very large number of people are participating in the festival of democracy there. I would like to ask all the voters of Jammu and Kashmir to cast their vote," he added. The Prime Minister attacked Congress for making false promises and said that Congress never works hard. "Congress's formula is neither work nor let others work. Congress's politics is limited to false promises, while BJP's politics is focused on hard work and showing results. Congress never works hard. Congress thought that 10 years had passed, and the people of Haryana would serve them power on a platter. Congress had the same misconception in Madhya Pradesh...par Madhya Pradesh ke logo ne Congress ko din mai tara dikha diya," he said. PM Modi raised the issue of infighting within the Congress and said that those who are miffed with the party are Dalits, backwards and deprived community. "The people here are also seeing the conflict that is going on within the Congress in Haryana. The angriest with Congress are from the Dalit, backwards and deprived community. The Dalit community has also decided that they will not become a pawn to enhance the politics of the father and son. Congress has only one agenda - appeasement for votes, maximum appeasement. Today Congress is saying that it will end reservations for Dalits and backward classes. This is what they have done in Karnataka. As soon as the Congress government was formed there, they snatched the reservation of Dalits and backward classes and distributed it among their vote bank," he said. The Prime Minister alleged that Congress "is the most deceitful and dishonest party in the country." "You can see the condition of Himachal Pradesh in the neighbourhood. They lied to the people of Himachal Pradesh during elections and now, after forming the government, people are asking Congress what happened to your promises and Congress is asking the people, who are you?" he said. PM Modi said that the whole of Haryana has to take a pledge--all those who love India will remain united and people will vote unitedly for the country. "Today the whole of Haryana has to take a pledge - all those who love India will remain united, we are one and we will vote unitedly for the country. We will unite and vote for the future of our children. We will unite and vote for the safety of our daughters. We will unite and vote for jobs without any expense slips. We will unite and vote for new investments, and new jobs in Haryana. We will unite and vote for good roads and better irrigation," he added. He further said that Haryana has a track record that whichever government is in power at the centre, the same government is formed in Haryana also. "You formed the BJP government in Delhi for the third time, and now you people have decided to form the BJP government here in Haryana also for the third time," he said. Meanwhile, Haryana Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini said that the British used to say 'divide and rule' but Congress says 'lie and rule'. "Congress has only one principle. The British used to say 'divide and rule,' but Congress says 'lie and rule.I have been going among the people, meeting them continuously for the last 6 months. I enter the house and find a board of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana installed there... I find a water tap, a toilet... The government has also provided a gas connection, there is electricity in that house... Treatment is also being done under the Ayushman Yojana," the Haryana CM said. He further asserted that the BJP government has changed the lives of the poor. "We have changed the lives of the poor who were left to fend for themselves by the previous governments... All this has happened in 10 years, under the BJP government," he said. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with counting set to take place on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday paid tributes to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the eve of their birth anniversaries. In his message issued on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the Chief Minister said, Gandhiji played an important role in liberating the country from British rule. "Mahatma Gandhi fought for India's independence and equality," CM Dhami said. He stressed the importance of education and social reform. He said that Gandhi Jayanti allows us to draw inspiration from his philosophy of life. The Uttarakhand CM also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In his message on the eve of Shastri ji's birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said that by giving the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', he showed the nation the way to stand firmly with self-respect and unity. "Lal Bahadur Shastri was a true son of Mother India, who dedicated his life to the independence of the country. Shastriji set an amazing example of simplicity, integrity, dedication, morality and dedication to the nation in public life. His reputation of honesty and high ideals will always inspire us," CM Dhami added. Gandhi Jayanti is celebrated every year to mark the birth anniversary of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi who is also known to be the 'Father of the nation'. The whole nation pays tribute to Mahatma Gandhi on this day and it is marked as a national holiday. Born on October 2, 1869, in Porbandar town of Gujarat, Mahatma Gandhi or Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi adopted a non-violent resistance and was at the forefront of the freedom struggle against colonial British rule with utmost patience. This led to India finally achieving its independence in 1947. Born in Uttar Pradesh in 1904, Lal Bahadur Shastri was the second Prime Minister of India and served from 1964 to 1966. He died in Tashkent on January 11, 1966, at the age of 61, soon after signing the Tashkent Pact with Pakistan. Former PM Shastri was a great visionary leader, who understood people's language and who led the country towards progress. Shastri Ji was deeply influenced by the political teachings of Mahatma Gandhi. (ANI)
Geneva, Switzerland (PANA) - The Algerian authorities were on Monday urged by top independent human rights experts to reverse a prison sentence handed down to a poet for supporting widespread protests against the Government
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami on Tuesday accused the Congress of indulging in the politics of appeasement and said that Congress has looted the people of Haryana. He participated in a public meeting, extending his support to BJP candidate Renu Dabla at Basana village, Kalanaur (Haryana) and said that he has been continuously serving this area. "The picture of Haryana has changed from 2014 to 2024. Under the leadership of the Prime Minister, all-round development has come to the ground in Haryana. In the last ten years, work has been done to advance the poor, farmers, and working class. Rapid development work has taken place in the field of roads, railways, airports, hospitals, schools, and medical colleges in Haryana," CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister said that pure drinking water is being delivered to every house in Haryana. 24 lakh poor families were given free gas connections. "1.50 lakh youth of the state have been given government jobs. Work has been done to give free tablets to 5.50 lakh students. Compensation amount of Rs 12500 crore has been given for the loss of crops of farmers. The Prime Minister started the Beti Bachao Beti Padhao campaign from this land. Due to which a big change has come in Haryana," he added. The Chief Minister said that the MSP of crops has been increased from 8 to 14 in Haryana, adding that after the formation of the BJP government, MSP will be given in 24 crops. He said that under the leadership of the Prime Minister, historic poor welfare schemes have been implemented in the country. "Many schemes like Jan Dhan Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana, Ayushman Bharat Yojana, Kisan Samman Nidhi are in progress in the country. The BJP government in Haryana takes along 36 communities," CM Dhami said. The Chief Minister said that on one hand there is the BJP supporting development in the elections, while on the other hand there is the Congress, a party of appeasement, corruption. "Congress has looted Haryana. Congress used to usurp the rights of the common people. Jobs were sold by taking money by keeping talented youth away from jobs. Congress has given corruption, bribery and brokerage to Haryana. Congress has snatched the land of poor farmers and distributed it to big capitalists and its sons-in-law. Dalits and women used to be oppressed. The sins of Congress will never end. Congress has not got a chance to indulge in corruption for a long time, so these people want to indulge in corruption again by forming a government in Haryana," he said. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with counting set to take place on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
A team of SDRF (State Disaster Response Force) is carrying out a search operation to recover the body of a Flipkart delivery agent, Bharat Kumar alias Ram Milan who was murdered for an iPhone in Lucknow. SDRF Sub-Inspector, Kumar Saurav Singh told ANI that the operation is underway since yesterday and a team of divers are working to recover the body but due to swift flow of canal, it's getting difficult to get them down in the canal. "We have been here since yesterday. Operation is underway. We are undertaking a long search as of now because the body drowned long back. A team of divers can work but the flow of the canal is very swift. The boat can't stop here. So, it is very difficult to get them down here. A team of SDRF is working here," he said. Prem Kumar, brother of murdered delivery agent demanded justice for his brother and said, "My brother had gone for delivery of a product. When he demanded the price of the delivered product the customer killed my brother. My brother should get justice. He was married." Bharat Kumar a Flipkart delivery boy was murdered for an iPhone in Lucknow's Chinhat police station area. The accused stuffed his body in a gunny sack and dumped it in Indira Nagar canal. The police have since taken a customer into custody. On Tuesday, DCP East Shashank Singh, said that the deceased, Bharat Kumar, son of Ram Milan and resident of Nishatganj police station Mahanagar, worked as a delivery boy. "When Bharat Kumar didn't return home, his brother lodged an FIR at Chinhat police station regarding his disappearance. Taking cognizance of the incident, the CCTV footage and surveillance data investigated by the police, prima facie it came to light that the incident was untoward. After getting evidence, the police detained a person named Akash in connection to the incident," the DCP said. "The body was thrown into the river, and the police and SDRF team have been trying to rescue the body. Bharat Kumar's family has also been informed about the incident," he added. During interrogation the arrested accused confessed that he and his friend Gajanan had murdered delivery boy Bharat Kumar and then dumped his body in the canal. Police and SDRF team are trying to locate the body from the canal. Bharat Kumar's family has been informed and further action is being taken. Bharat Kumar had been working as a delivery boy for the past 8 years. The brother of the deceased Prem Kumar stated that Bharat left home for Flipkart at 10:00 am to pick up goods. Since many people collectively place orders, he went there. The arrested accused and others kidnapped and murdered him. The police department is currently investigating the case. (ANI)
An academic delegation from the Thailand expressed its hope for collaborations with Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Guwahati, which can become the cornerstone of strong India-Thailand bilateral relations. The delegation underscored Assam's strategic significance to Thailand. The delegation highlighted the position of Assam as strategically very important to Thailand. Led by Sasirit Tangulrat, Director General of the Department of South Asian, Middle East, and African Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the delegation included distinguished professors and scholars from over 13 Thai institutions. Commenting on the visit, Devendra Jalihal, Director of IIT Guwahati, said, "This visit marks a significant step in fostering closer academic and research collaborations between our institutions. Given Assam's strategic location and the growing importance of Indo-Thai relations, we believe that this partnership will play a pivotal role in advancing innovation, knowledge exchange, and skill development in both nations. We are particularly excited about the potential for faculty and student exchange programs, as well as joint research initiatives, which will create new opportunities for growth and collaboration." The delegation toured the Central Instruments Facility and the Supercomputing Facility at IIT Guwahati, expressing their impression of the facilities and calling the experience "eye-opening." Eminent dignitaries present during the visit included Saran Vajraphai, Director of Global Human Capital, Development Group, Ministry of Higher Education, Science, Research and Innovation; Associate Professor and Head of the Department of Information and Communications Technologies (ICT), Asian Institute of Technology; Dr. Sarawut Ninsawat; Professor Dr. Sujitra Wongkasemjit, Vice President of Mae Fah Luang University; and Associate Professor, Pavika Sriratanaban, Director of Chulalongkorn University, Institute of Asian Studies, among others. A meeting was held between the delegates and IIT Guwahati administration to explore potential areas of cooperation, focusing on academic exchange programs, research collaboration, and innovation partnerships. This meeting was attended by Prof. Devendra Jalihal, along with Deans and Associate Deans from various departments, including Administration, Alumni and External Relations, Academic Affairs, R&D, and Students' Affairs, as well as Heads of Departments, Schools, and Centers. Prof. Jalihal informed the delegation about various skill development programs related to semiconductors and other industries that IIT Guwahati has undertaken, expressing enthusiasm for initiating exchange programs for faculty members and students with Thai universities and institutes of higher learning. As part of its commitment to fostering a collaborative academic approach on both national and international fronts, IIT Guwahati aims to strengthen its vision for a global standard of learning through academic and research partnerships. The visit by the Thailand delegation represents a significant step toward achieving this goal, as the institute works together with international partners to enhance educational opportunities and drive innovation. (ANI)
Jammu and Kashmir People's Conference (JKPC) chairman Sajjad Gani Lone said on Tuesday that his party is "equidistant" from all other parties and they will contest on their own as they had faced issues in alliances last time as well. Lone told ANI, "We do not go into the number game. But I think it will be good...We are equidistant from all parties, we faced issues in alliances last time as well. So, we are on our own. We want to contest alone." Speaking on Article 370 and 35A, Sajjad Lone said, "We too are in favour of restoration. That is the voice of the local public and us." He also cast his vote in Government Girls Higher Secondary School, Handwara, in the third and final phase of the assembly polls in Jammu and Kashmir. Meanwhile, a voter turnout of 65.08 percent was recorded till 5 pm in the third phase of ongoing Assembly elections in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, according to the Election Commission of India. As per the ECI data, Bandipora recorded 63.33 pc, Baramulla 55.73 pc, Jammu 66.79 pc, Kathua 70.53 pc, Kupwara 62.76 pc, Samba 72.41 pc and Udhampur 72.91 pc. Voting has been going on in 24 constituencies in the Jammu division and 16 constituencies in Kashmir amid strong security to ensure smooth and peaceful polls. Earlier, the first phase of Jammu-Kashmir polls saw a 61.13 percent total voter turnout, whereas the total voter turnout was at 57.31 percent in the second phase of the assembly polls. These are the first elections being held in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir since the abrogation of Article 370. High-profile leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Home Minister Amit Shah (BJP), Lok Sabha Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi, and former J-K chief ministers Farooq Abdullah, Omar Abdullah, and Mehbooba Mufti, held extensive campaigning for weeks. The National Conference (NC) and the Congress have formed an alliance for these elections, while the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) are among the other major contenders. The counting of the votes will be done on October 8. (ANI)
Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd (MMMOCL) on Tuesday announced the extension of metro train services in Mumbai during the Navratri Festival, said a press release. The additional metro services will be provided between October 7 and October 11. During these dates, 12 extra trips will be operated daily, with a headway of 15 minutes, to ensure citizens attending midnight festivities can travel conveniently and economically. This decision came after the guidelines from the Chief Minister, Eknath Shinde, who also serves as the Chairman of MMRDA. According to the release, from October 7 and October 11, the existing daily trips will be 282, with an additional 12 trips scheduled for Navratri, resulting in a total of 294 trips. The additional trips will be planned past 11 pm from Andheri West to Gundavali and Gundavali to Andheri West. The announcement was made by Sanjay Mukherjee, Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, who emphasized the importance of enhancing transportation services to accommodate increased demand during the festive period. The press release said, "To support late-night commuters attending Navratri celebrations, additional metro services will be provided between October 7 and October 11, 2024. During these dates, 12 extra trips will be operated daily, with a headway of 15 minutes, to ensure that citizens attending midnight festivities can travel conveniently and economically." Speaking on the decision, Chairman of MMMOCL and Metropolitan Commissioner of MMRDA, Sanjay Mukherjee, stated, "Navratri is a festival that brings people together, and it is our responsibility to provide efficient and safe transportation for all devotees and citizens. By extending the metro train services, we are ensuring that commuters have an easy and comfortable travel option during late-night celebrations." Rubal Aggarwal, Managing Director of Maha Mumbai Metro Operation Corporation Ltd., added, "We are committed to meeting the needs of our commuters, and the decision to extend train timings during the Navratri Festival reflects our dedication to enhancing commuter experience. The additional services will ensure safe and reliable travel for those participating in the festivities." (ANI)
Gujarat Police have arrested two people for trying to derail a passenger train by placing an iron slab on the tracks in Botad district. The incident occurred on September 25 near Kundli village. Botad Superintendent of Police, Kishor Baloliya said that the accused planned to loot the passengers. "On September 25, an attempt was made to derail a passenger train by placing a piece of iron between the railway tracks near Kundli village. As it is a very serious offence Botad district police, Railway Protection Force, ATS and various agencies of the Center carried out the investigation. Two accused in this incident, Ramesh and Jayesh have been arrested. They had conspired to loot money and other belongings of the passengers after the train would have derailed in the nearby fields. Further investigation is underway," SP Baloliya said. Meanwhile, three railway employees were arrested for allegedly conspiring to derail a train near Kim railway station by removing fishplates and keys from a railway track on September 24. According to Western Railway, Vadodara Division unidentified people opened the fishplate and some keys from the UP line track and put them on the same track near the Kim railway station. However, service was soon restored. Notably, average train derailments have reduced to 0.24 per day in 2023-24 as compared an average of 1.2 per day from 2004 to 2014, according to Central Railway. "From 2004 to 2014, every year, approximately 445 derailments occurred, the statement from the Central Railway said. Out of them, 171 were on the main line and 274 happened in the yards. This comes to approximately 1.2 derailments per day. The same figure has been reduced to 89 in 2023-24. Out of this, 40 derailments had occurred on the main line, while 49 occurred in the yards. The average derailment per day comes to around 0.24 per day," a press release from Central Railway stated. In 2024, till now a total of 43 derailments have happened out of which 20 have happened on the main line and 23 in various yards. The average comes to 0.24 per day. (ANI)
Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday held a detailed discussion with the party leaders and workers in Mumbai's Dadar and claimed that the formation of a 'Mahayuti' government in Maharashtra is certain. "While on one hand, the MVA alliance in Maharashtra is setting records of crossing all limits of appeasement, on the other hand, the NDA government of the state under the leadership of Modi ji is setting new records for the welfare of all sections. Today in the meeting in Dadar, Mumbai, the workers took a pledge to form 'NDA government," Shah posted on X. The Union Home Minister, addressing the party workers, said that the BJP is not in power to rule but to work on ideology. "The formation of a Mahayuti government in Maharashtra is certain. No one has the courage to stop Mahayuti from winning the elections in Maharashtra," he added. He further said that because of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, respect and pride of Indians have increased all over the world. On the occasion, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, Maharashtra BJP chief Chandrashekhar Bawankule, Mumbai BJP chief Ashish Shelar, and other leaders were also present. Earlier on September 25, Amit Shah in Nashik held a detailed discussion with the party leaders and workers and said that only the NDA government, under the guidance of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, can speed up the development of Maharashtra. "The anti-Dalit, anti-farmer, and anti-women MVA alliance cannot do any good for Maharashtra. Only the NDA government under the guidance of Modi ji can speed up development by taking every section of the state along. Today I am feeling energised after interacting with the officials and senior workers of the North Maharashtra division in Nashik. Maharashtra BJP workers are going to form the NDA government in the state once again by going door-to-door," Amit Shah posted on X. Maharashtra legislative Assembly elections will be held in 288 constituencies. The Election Commission of India has yet to announce the dates for the election. The upcoming Maharashtra election will see a contest between the Maha Vikas Aghadi coalition, comprising the UBT Shiv Sena, NCP (Sharad Pawar faction), and Congress, and the Maha Yuti Alliance, which includes the BJP, Shiv Sena (Eknath Shinde faction), and NCP (Ajit Pawar faction). (ANI)
Born in Tripura's royal family, Sachin Dev Burman is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Indian music, known for his melodious compositions that shaped the golden era of Bollywood music.

Various cultural programs were organised across the state to honour his contribution to Indian cinema and music. Tributes poured in from musicians, political leaders, and fans alike, remembering his timeless songs that continue to resonate with music lovers across generations. His music, a blend of classical Indian ragas and folk tunes, remains an inspiration for many artists.

The celebrations in Agartala included performances of some of his iconic compositions and a discussion on his legacy. Several prominent personalities from the music and film industry participated, sharing anecdotes about Sachin Dev Burman's impact on Indian music.

The Chief Minister of Tripura Manik Saha also paid homage to the musical maestro, stating that Sachin Dev Burman's legacy is a source of immense pride for the state, and his work continues to inspire not only musicians but all creative minds across the country.

PK Chakraborty, secretary, Cultural Affair & other dignitaries are present in this program.

This program was organised by ICA department of Government of Tripura. (ANI)
Himachal Pradesh Deputy Chief Minister Mukesh Agnihotri stated on Tuesday that the extensive use of digital technology in the state would make government services more accessible and efficient. He directed the formulation of a statewide policy to strengthen services such as temple visits, donations, and other offerings through digital technology. The Deputy Chief Minister was speaking at the inauguration of a one-day conference on Digital Technology and Governance held at the auditorium of the Skill Development Center in Palakwah, Una. The conference focused on job creation through digital technology, bringing technology closer to the people, and expanding the reach of public services while improving their effectiveness. Deputy CM Agnihotri instructed the department to prepare a statewide policy for using digital technology to strengthen services in temples for visits, donations, and other offerings. He emphasized that Himachal Pradesh is home to world-renowned Shakti Peeths and historical temples. "Efforts should be made to establish a unified digital system across the state, including arrangements for temple visits and donations via digital means," he said. He stressed the importance of using digital technology to improve governance and enhance the reach of public services, focusing on better utilization of technology for job creation. Mukesh Agnihotri urged digital technology experts to ensure that the benefits of technology reach the common people and contribute to making their lives easier. He said that the true significance of the digital revolution lies in making public services more accessible and simplifying people's lives. The Deputy Chief Minister highlighted the role of Lok Mitra Kendras in expanding digital services in rural areas. He stated that attention should be given to establishing these centres in regions where they are yet to be set up so that rural populations can also benefit from these services. He also mentioned that HRTC has introduced cashless travel services by promoting the use of digital technology. "Through this, passengers can now pay their fares using an online application," he said. Himachal DyCM also emphasized that Congress gets credit for bringing information technology to India. "Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had started the computer era in the country. At that time, the opposition had strongly opposed it and came to Parliament on bullock carts and claimed that computers would harm the country and jobs would be lost. However, time has shown that information technology has brought revolutionary changes in India and has taken the country forward on a new path of progress," he said. Mukesh Agnihotri added that at present, the working system of government offices is being linked to the digital platform, due to which people are getting more facilities online. He said that earlier people used to get information about jobs through Rozgar Samachar, but now in the IT era, information about jobs is immediately available online through computers, tablets and mobile phones. (ANI)
Youth wing of the Congress party on Tuesday held protest outside the residence of Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman over the issue of the 'electoral bond scam.' Karnataka Law Minister H K Patil on Monday asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to respond to the alleged electoral bond case against Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman and others. Patil asserted that the electoral bond case is a 'scandal' as 'uttered" by the Supreme Court. "I would like the Prime Minister to react to this Rs 8000 crores scandal which has already surfaced in Karnataka. I am talking about the electoral bonds. It is a scandal which has also been uttered by the Supreme Court," HK Patil said. Earlier, Karnataka High Court ordered an interim stay till October 22, 2024, on an FIR filed against Sitharaman in a case related to alleged extortion of money through electoral bonds. The petition was filed by former state BJP President Naleen Kumar Kateel, who is co-accused in the case. An interim stay has also been issued into the FIR registered against the then Karnataka BJP Chief Naleen Kumar Kateel, who is co-accused in a case alleging that he committed extortion under the guise and garb of electoral bonds. The next hearing is scheduled for October 22. The High Court said, "Permitting investigation even prima facie, till the statement of objection are filed by respondent, will be abuse of process of law. In that light, I deem it appropriate to interdict further investigation in the matter till the next date of hearing." Earlier on Friday, a Bengaluru court had ordered the filing of an FIR against Nirmala Sitharaman and others for allegedly extorting money through electoral bonds. This came in the wake of a petition filed by Adarsh Iyer of Janadhikar Sangharsh Parishad (JSP) to the Special Court of People's Representatives seeking a direction to take action against the Union Minister. Following the hearing, the court ordered the Tilak Nagar police station in Bengaluru to register an FIR for the crime of extortion through electoral bonds against the Minister. (ANI)
Tripoli, Libya (PANA) - The Libyan House of Representatives have unanimously voted, during a plenary session, the agreement ending the crisis of the Central Bank of Libya (CBL) reached with the High Council of State last Wednesday under the auspices of the United Nations Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL)
NIA teams conducted elaborate searches at the houses of suspects at a total of 11 locations in South 24 Pargana, Asansol, Howrah, Nadia and Kolkata districts of the state.

The suspects were overground workers of CPI (Maoist) and were believed to have assisted the organisation's commanders in carrying out Naxal activities, the NIA stated.

Today's searches led to the seizure of several incriminating documents, electronics devices, pamphlets, magazines, and handwritten letters.

The case RC-01/2022/NIA/RNC relates to a conspiracy by the Polit Bureau/Central Committee members, cadres and sympathisers of the banned terrorist organisation.

The conspiracy is aimed at reviving, expanding and propagating the ideology of CPI (Maoist) in Jharkhand, Bihar, Chhattisgarh and other states in the northern and eastern regions of India.

A total of six accused, including CPI (Maoist) Polit Bureau members Prashant Bose and Pramod Mishra, and Central Committee Sabyasachi Goswami, have so far been arrested in the case, registered at NIA Police Station Ranchi in April 2022, under various sections of IPC and UA(P) Act. Thirteen top CPI (Maoist) leaders were named in the FIR along with others.

Further investigations is underway. (ANI)
The Indian metro rail network is expected to surpass the US metro network in the next 3-4 years, according to Tokhan Sahu, the Minister of State for Housing and Urban Affairs In an exclusive interview with ANI, Sahu stated, "In the coming 3-4 years, our metro network will surpass that of the US and become the second largest in the world in terms of length. China's metro network is extensive, given their population, area, and urban infrastructure, with a total length exceeding 8,000 kilometres." India currently has 973 kilometres of operational metro lines across 23 cities. The government is working to enhance urban transport availability. Sahu also emphasised that, within the first 100 days of the current government, three major metro projects worth Rs 31,000 crore have been approved. These include Bengaluru Metro Phase-3, the Thane Internal Ring Road Metro Project, and the southern extension of the Pune Metro Rail Project. "In 2014, our metro network spanned only 248 kilometres across 5 cities. Over the past decade, 750 kilometres of metro lines have been added, bringing the total to 973 kilometres in 23 cities," Sahu highlighted. With an additional 985 kilometres under construction, India now has the third-largest metro rail network globally, after China and the U.S. Indian metros currently serve over 10 million passengers daily. Sahu also mentioned the submission of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Namo Bharat Metro Rail Project from the Government of Uttar Pradesh. Given the cost-intensive nature of such projects, various aspects are evaluated by the Central Government. The approval of these projects depends on feasibility and the availability of resources. Sahu said that Delhi Metro Rail Network Corporation (DMRC) is likely to expand by 350 kilometres in Phase 5. MoS today took a review meeting with DMRC officials, which was attended by the DMRC chief and other senior officials of the Ministry and DMRC. Metro lines under Delhi Metro Phase 5 are likely to connect areas in Noida, Gurgaon, Faridabad, Ghaziabad and other parts of the NCR. The Delhi Metro Phase 5 route map has not yet been proposed. The new metro lines are expected to boost connectivity and meet the growing demand for efficient public transportation. Speaking on the Rithala-Kondli metro project, Sahu noted that the Delhi government has granted its approval, and the project will be considered soon. Addressing the delays caused by the Delhi government, Sahu explained that construction work was significantly disrupted during the COVID-19 pandemic, with some metro permissions still pending in court. Despite these challenges, Delhi Metro construction is progressing rapidly. "As for the Rithala-Kondli Metro Project, the approval of the Delhi Government was crucial. Without it, the project could not have commenced. I am optimistic that the project will be approved soon," Sahu said. He also praised the Delhi Metro as a world-class institution, known for completing projects efficiently and on time. (ANI)
Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched an e-portal for the online sale of gifts received by the CM to help with the tradition of using the income for noble purposes like girl education by selling the gifts received during public functions and various tours. Prime Minister Narendra Modi's call to accelerate the Digital India campaign has been helped by Gujarat with the launch of this e-portal. Earlier, gifts were sold through public auctions at state-level gatherings and by the District Collectors through public auctions in those districts. Now, the State Government has launched an online portal for the purpose of collecting contributions for the Girl Child Education Fund through transparent online sale of such gifts received by the Chief Minister through e-auction. CM Mementos is an Open Auction portal of the Government of Gujarat, that enables buyers to participate in the online auction for the items on display after due registration. People living in any corner of the country can take advantage of this portal and buy Toshakhana's gift online through e-auction. PM Modi, as the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, deposited the gifts received by him in the Government Toshakhana, sold them and started using the proceeds for the noble purpose of girl education. Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel has also pushed forward this tradition of using the proceeds for girls' education by auctioning the gifts with the idea that he is not the owner of these gifts but a trustee. This e-auction portal has been prepared by the company NCode GNFC for the e-auction process of such gifts under Toshakhana. The portal has category-wise classification of items with photographs of gifts by NIFT. All these items are also given a detailed description in English and Gujarati. To purchase gifts through e-auction, the buyer has to register in the e-auction portal. Then the bid has to be submitted. The recipient of the highest bid will have to make a digital payment to the Girl Child Education Fund after which the purchased item will be delivered to that person by post. Chief Secretary Rajkumar, Additional Chief Secretary to Chief Minister Pankaj Joshi, M K Das; Principal Secretary of Finance Department Natarajan, Aarti Kanwar; Secretary to Chief Minister Avantika Singh and other senior officers were present at the inauguration. (ANI)
Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) leader and Haryana MLA Abhay Chautala said on Tuesday that his party would be winning around 35 in the upcoming Haryana Assembly elections. "In the whole state, now the situation is such that INLD would win 30-35 seats and in the coming days, the situation will involve further that we will form the govt with huge margin, along with Bahujan Samaj Party" he said. He also criticised the Congress, saying that they do not trust their own leaders in Haryana. "Congress doesn't even have a candidate here who they can trust so they brought someone from outside. The people who don't have enough candidates how will they form the government? The one who will get into power is someone who trusts their workers and candidates," he added. The INLD leader exuded confidence in the party cadre and said that the party trusts its workers. "Our base is strong, the workers are even stronger, we trust them a lot and we have even more trust in the public," he said. Additionally, INLD chief and former Haryana Chief Minister Om Prakash Chautala also exuded confidence in the party forming the government in Haryana. "INLD will form govt in Haryana, there is no doubt in that," he told ANI. Answering a question about whether he is going to become the chief minister if the party forms the government, he said, "CM will be decided by the elected representatives of the party." INLD is contesting Haryana assembly polls by forging ties with Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD). Earlier on September 21, Bahujan Samaj Party national coordinator, Akash Anand, also expressed confidence that the INLD-BSP alliance would be forming the government. He also criticised the Congress and BJP, stating that both parties are against reservation and pose a threat to it. "We are getting good response wherever we are going, we are confident that the alliance of BSP and INLD is going to form the government in Haryana. If there is one party that has harmed the most to the people on the issue of reservation and has betrayed our people, it is Congress. BJP is also against reservation. Both these parties are a danger for reservations," Anand told ANI. Voting for the 90-member legislative assembly in Haryana will be held on October 5. The votes will be counted on October 8. (ANI)
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami has paid tribute to the martyrs who sacrificed their lives for the formation of the state of Uttarakhand by remembering them. In his message issued on the eve of the anniversary of the Muzaffarnagar incident (Rampur Tiraha firing case), the Chief Minister said that the sacrifice of the martyrs of the state movement will always be remembered. The Chief Minister said, "Uttarakhand became a separate state as a result of the sacrifice and struggle of the state agitators and government is continuously working for the development of the state following the dreams of the state agitators." "To make this decade the decade of Uttarakhand, the state government is working rapidly in every field. To make the state of Uttarakhand the ideal state of the country, we all have to work together so that the all-round development of the state can be done following the dreams of the martyrs of the state movement," he added. On 28 August 2000, then President of India, K R Narayanan, approved the Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Bill and then it turned into an Act on 9 November 2000, the new state Uttaranchal came into existence as the 27th state of India now known as Uttarakhand. Earlier on Tuesday, CM Pushkar Singh Dhami paid tributes to the father of the nation Mahatma Gandhi and former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the eve of their birth anniversaries. In his message issued on the eve of Gandhi Jayanti, the Chief Minister said, Gandhiji played an important role in liberating the country from British rule. "Mahatma Gandhi fought for India's independence and equality," CM Dhami said. He stressed the importance of education and social reform. He said that Gandhi Jayanti allows us to draw inspiration from his philosophy of life. The Uttarakhand CM also paid tribute to former Prime Minister Lal Bahadur Shastri on the occasion of his birth anniversary. In his message on the eve of Shastri ji's birth anniversary, the Chief Minister said that by giving the slogan 'Jai Jawan Jai Kisan', he showed the nation the way to stand firmly with self-respect and unity. (ANI)
Bharatiya Janata Party MP Anurag Thakur on Tuesday hit out at Congress ahead of the Haryana elections in Karnal, saying that the party has decided to loot the people of Haryana if Congress comes to power. He said that the Congress is going to set up a government of "kharchi parchi" which would loot the people of the State. "First they will fill their houses, then of their relatives, Congress has decided that they are going to rob the people of Haryana. A Congress MLA said that for fifty votes they would give one job, I said that quota in jobs and a kharchi parchi ki dukaan chalne wale hai (They will set up a shop of corruption). Will the people of Haryana set up a kharchi parchi government? No they will not," he said while speaking to ANI. Criticising the Himachal government, he said that even when people filled up the forms in the state, but instead of completing any promises Rahul Gandhi went abroad. "These forms were filled after the elections in Himachal and were found in dustbins and all over the place. These are the same forms that Congress got filled and got power, but they did not fulfil any promise and instead, Rahul Gandhi went abroad. They promised to give 1500 to women, give 300 units of electricity, cow manure to be given at Rs 2 per kilo, to buy milk at Rs 100 per litre, to give free water, all of those promises have not been fulfilled. Forget the Old Pension Scheme, people are not getting their pensions till the 10th of the month, nor their salaries till 5th, they put a cess on electricity and increased the price of petrol and diesel. Further criticising the forms filled in Haryana, he said, "Congress has looted people, and just like the forms they have made people fill in Haryana, it is the start of looting people here. People of Haryana should be beware. Just like in Himachal, they also had the forms filled in Karnataka and Telangana and did nothing till now." He further alleged that the Army men from Haryana have died because Congress did not fulfil their promises "For ten years the Army's soldiers kept asking for bullet proof jacket, Congress did not give them. Haryana's young soldiers were martyred but they did not do anything. The retired soldiers kept asking for One Rank One Pension but they did not do anything," the BJP MP said. "The soldiers kept asking for fighter jets, latest weapons, snot suits and boots but they did not give those too. Congress ignored our soldiers and they got martyred. Since BJP has come to power we have given One Rank One Pension, bullet proof jacket, and gave weapons too. Because of Make in India, a company in Faridabad gave the bullet proof jackets by making them. We have strengthened our forces through Agnipath," he added. Additionally, he said that during the tenure of Bhupinder Hooda, the government worked to snatch away the lands of farmers. "When they had the government in Haryana, then Hooda ji snatched away the land of innocent farmers. There was a scandal of crores and they bought the land at whatever rate. Look at Karnataka, there is a scandal of the Chief Minister and his wife too. ED investigated in Karnataka and Hooda too," he said. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with counting set to take place on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the single largest party, securing 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
The Delhi's special NIA court on Tuesday extended the interim bail of parliamentarian Rashid Engineer until October 12, in connection with a terror funding case being investigated by the National Investigation Agency (NIA). The court has instructed him to surrender on October 13. Rashid Engineer was previously granted interim bail, which was set to expire on October 2, and this recent extension allows him additional time before he must comply with the court's surrender order. Earlier, the court allowed his interim bail to campaign for the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections. Rashid Engineer had filed a bail application requesting interim bail for three months, while his regular bail application remains pending before the same court, with an order expected on October 5. His counsel, Vikhyat Oberoi, argued that the interim bail is needed for campaigning in the Jammu and Kashmir assembly elections and to fulfil his duties as a parliamentarian. Recently, the NIA had opposed regular bail plea of Rashid Engineer in the UAPA case and stated that Rashid Engineer, as a Member of Parliament, may misuse his position to influence witnesses and obstruct justice if granted bail. The agency said a confidential report indicating that Engineer previously misused the telephone facilities in Central Jail, Tihar, leading to restrictions on his call privileges. The NIA fears he might misuse his liberty similarly if released on bail. The NIA claims Engineer defended the 26/11 mastermind Hafiz Saeed's terror activities as a 'political cause,' suggesting a troubling alignment with extremist narratives. The NIA asserts that Engineer is involved in a strategy by Pakistani and secessionist groups to portray terrorist acts as political struggles, aiming to incite separatism in Jammu and Kashmir and given these concerns, the NIA urged the Patiala House Court of Delhi to reject Engineer's bail application. Delhi's Patiala House Court on Wednesday reserved the order on the bail plea of jailed parliamentarian Engineer Rashid in connection with a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case. Rashid, who recently won the Baramulla seat in the 2024 Lok Sabha elections by defeating former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, seeks bail as his case progresses. The Additional Sessions Judge Chanderjit Singh has reserved its order on the bail application of Rashid Engineer after a detailed in-camera hearing. Engineer Rashid, who was arrested in connection with a 2017 Jammu and Kashmir terror funding case, has submitted a second regular bail application in Delhi's Patiala House court. Earlier, the same court had granted Sheikh Abdul Rashid, also known as Engineer Rashid, a two-hour custody parole on July 5 to allow him to take the oath as a Member of Parliament. In 2005, Engineer Rashid was arrested by the Special Operations Group (SOG) in Srinagar for allegedly supporting militants and was held for three months and 17 days. He faced charges of anti-national activities and was incarcerated in Cargo, Humhama, and Raj Bagh prisons. However, the Chief Judicial Magistrate of Srinagar later dropped all charges against him on humanitarian grounds. In August 2019, Rashid was again arrested under the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA). During his incarceration, he filed his nomination for the 2024 parliamentary elections from jail and won by a margin of 204,000 votes, defeating former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah. (ANI)
The Punjab and Haryana High Court on Tuesday directed the Directorate of Enforcement (ED) and police to arrest Congress MLA Dharam Singh Chhoker if he fails to surrender within 24 hours. The Congress MLA is facing a money laundering case reigtsred against him by the ED in 2023. He is considered a close aide of former Haryana Chief Minister Bhupinder Singh Hooda and is seeking re-election from the Samalkha constituency in the state assembly elections. Haryana Advocate General Baldev Raj Mahajan said that a petition to take action against the MLA was filed in the High Court on Tuesday. "Dharam Singh Chhoker is a sitting MLA from Samalkha and is contesting elections from there again. He has many criminal cases registered against him. Non-bailable warrants have also been issued, and ED action is pending against him. His anticipatory bail petition has been rejected, yet no action has been taken against him while he openly contests elections," he told ANI. "So because of all that, the court has ordered him to surrender or else be arrested by the police," he said. "The court also noted that his bail has been rejected and that action should be taken against him, which is why it ordered him to surrender or face arrest by tomorrow," he added. Voting for all 90 Assembly constituencies in Haryana will take place on October 5 from 7 am to 6 pm. In 2023, ED investigated Chhoker and his son, Sikandar Singh Chhoker, after an FIR by Gurugram police alleged that both of them were involved in a real estate fraud. Sikandar Singh Chhoker was arrested by the ED in March, 2024, for allegedly siphoning hundreds of crores of rupees and defrauding home buyers by booking fake construction expenditures in group entities. (ANI)
Bharat Rashtra Samiti (BRS) working president KT Rama Rao on Tuesday launched a sharp criticism against the Telangana Chief Minister Revanth Reddy, accusing him of creating chaos and misery for the people of Hyderabad, especially during the festive seasons of Dussehra and Bathukamma. KTR made these remarks while interacting with victims of the Musi River floods in Tulasi Nagar, Amberpet Constituency. He said that poor people in the area are living in constant fear of their homes being demolished, uncertain of when the government might take action. He alleged that CM Revanth Reddy, out of revenge for not receiving votes from Hyderabad's citizens, is deliberately targeting and demolishing the houses of the poor. He also urged residents to unite in resistance if bulldozers came to demolish their homes, emphasising that they should question the officials about their own families' safety. Accusing CM Revanth of pushing forward a plan that would harm the poor, KTR demanded to know how the cost of the Musi project had increased tenfold from the Telangana government's initial estimate of Rs 16,000 crores. He stressed that if the project were to go ahead, those affected should receive three times the compensation, job offers, and financial support. KTR assured the public that his government would not remain silent if such reckless actions continued and promised that the poor would not be harmed. KTR said, "Musi mein looto, Delhi mein baanto became the corrupt Congress's new slogan." The BRS Chief further reminded Revanth of his pre-election promises, asking whether any of the six guarantees, which were promised to be fulfilled within 100 days, have been implemented. He questioned whether the promises made to farmers, women, and the elderly had seen the light of day, accusing the Congress party of failing to deliver on its commitments. KTR particularly took issue with Congress's claim to spend Rs 1.5 lakh crore to clean 55 kilometres of the Musi River. He expressed disbelief at the figure and asked whether the real agenda was to loot public funds under the guise of development. KT Rama Rao also accused the Telangana CM of cancelling various welfare schemes, including Bathukamma saris, Ramadan gifts, Christmas gifts, KCR Kits, and nutrition kits, highlighting his anti-poor agenda. KTR warned that trusting Revanth Reddy would result in further losses for the poor and labelled him a fraud. (ANI)
An exhibition of paintings by poet, artist and diplomat Abhay K. on the Buddhist philosophy of Shunyata opened on Tuesday at Bihar Museum, Patna. The exhibition will run from October 1 to October 10. The exhibition was inaugurated by Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General of Bihar Museum, on October 1 in the presence of eminent people from the field of art and culture. The exhibition explores the Buddhist philosophy of Shunyata, which is an often-misunderstood term. It does not refer to "nothingness" but to interdependence and the emptiness of a separate, fixed existence. Anjani Kumar Singh, Director General, Bihar Museum, Patna, speaking at the inauguration, said, "Abhay K. has exhibited his paintings in several countries. However, it is his first exhibition in his home state of Bihar, and we are delighted to host his exhibition, 'Shunyata', at Bihar Museum, Patna. As someone who has witnessed his work, I can attest to the novelty and transcendentality he brings in his artworks." Speaking about his exhibition at the Bihar Museum, Abhay K said, "It is a matter of immense pride for me to get the opportunity to exhibit my art works at the prestigious Bihar Museum in my home state of Bihar, where the philosophy of Shunyata took birth." Abhay K. is a poet, editor, translator, artist and diplomat. He is the author of several poetry collections and the editor of six books, including The Book of Bihari Literature. His poems have appeared in over a hundred literary magazines across the globe and his 'Earth Anthem' has been translated into over 160 languages. He received the SAARC Literary Award (2013) and was invited to record his poems at the Library of Congress, Washington, D.C. (2018). His translations of Kalidasa's Meghaduta and Ritusamhara from the Sanskrit won him the KLF Poetry Book of the Year Award (2020-21). His translation of Magahi novel Fool Bahadur has been published by Penguin Random House, India, as a modern classic. He has exhibited his paintings in Russia, India, France, Brazil, and Madagascar. (ANI)
Mbabane, Eswatini (PANA)  On the back of a post-pandemic rebound and favourable export prices, real GDP growth in Eswatini reached nearly 5 percent in 2023, according to the International Monetary Fund (IMF)
The Indian Military Nursing Service (MNS) marked its 99 Raising Day on Tuesday, showcasing its pride in the profession of nursing. Additional Director General of Military Nursing Services, Maj Gen Ignatius Delos Flora, laid the wreath at the National War Memorial with senior MNS officers and veterans also present. The ceremony showed the camaraderie and professional excellence of the service, which has played a great role in the health and welfare of Indian soldiers, particularly during conflicts and national emergencies. A ceremonial cake-cutting also took place at the MNS officers Mess in Army Hospital (Research and Referral) New Delhi. "A ceremonial cake-cutting took place in the morning at the MNS Officers Mess, Army Hospital (Research and Referral) New Delhi. The ceremony is a testament to the camaraderie and professional excellence of the service which has played an indispensable role in the health and welfare of Indian soldiers, particularly during wars, conflicts, and national emergencies," read the statement by the Ministry of Defence. The Chief of the Army Staff (COAS) Gen Upendra Dwivedi, praised their commitment to patient care. "COAS Gen Upendra Dwivedi, in his message, commended the MNS Officers for their unwavering commitment to patient care, even in the most challenging conditions. He highlighted the significant role of MNS officers, as Pillar of strength of Armed Forces Medical Services," said a statement by the MoD. The Military Nursing Service was established in 1926. Since then, it has grown into a robust and indispensable part of the Indian Armed Forces. Over the past 99 years, it has evolved into a highly skilled and specialised cadre, committed to providing the best possible medical care to Indian soldiers and their families. The Military Nursing Service continues to uphold its mission of "Service before Self," and the motto 'Service with Smile' that resonates deeply with every MNS officer in the service. (ANI)
Responding to Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah's wife's decision to surrender 14 plots to the Mysuru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) after a case against her husband, Union Minister HD Kumaraswamy has criticised the move as a "joke," suggesting it was merely an excuse of "I stole and then regretted." Speaking to the media in New Delhi on Tuesday, Kumaraswamy expressed his respect for Siddaramaiah's wife, whom he referred to as a sister, while questioning the timing of her letter and the implications behind it. He accused Siddaramaiah of making political U-turns and hinted at deeper irregularities within the Chief Minister's administration beyond the ongoing MUDA scandal. The Union Minister noted that Siddaramaiah's wife suddenly wrote a letter on Monday night expressing her intention to return the plots. Kumaraswamy remarked that in the letter, "there was no affection for houses, gold, or any property," claiming that they are all as insignificant as "straw in front of her husband." While saying that he wouldn't speak about Siddaramaiah's wife, he suggested that Siddaramaiah has been politically astute without attracting attention. Kumaraswamy pointed out that Siddaramaiah and Congress call him a liar, but he suggested that if you listen to their words, it becomes clear where the lies originate. He claimed that Congress labels him as a hit-and-run politician and asked, "What about Siddaramaiah? Who prompted a hasty decision to return the plots? Is it possible to say, 'I stole and later regretted?'" Kumaraswamy stated that beyond the MUDA scandal, Siddaramaiah has committed numerous irregularities. He quoted Siddaramaiah's wife as saying there's no attachment to land or gold and criticized Siddaramaiah for previously believing that everything would be resolved by making a payment, yet now finds himself in this situation. He provided information about another old land scam involving Siddaramaiah, stating that the case of the 14 sites is less significant than this case. He mentioned that when this case surfaced, the land was sold for one crore rupees to clear election loans but questioned the origin of the land. Kumaraswamy claimed that Siddaramaiah acquired land by denotifying it for constructing a residential school for poor children, making him the first accused in this case. He noted that there are a total of 18 accused and that the court has ruled against Siddaramaiah, but he sought relief from the High Court. He emphasized that this is a bigger scandal than the MUDA scam and urged the public to be aware of what Siddaramaiah has done, stating, "Now he goes to Chamundeshwari Temple seeking protection." He added that there are two more cases against Siddaramaiah. The Union Minister also questioned Revenue Minister Krishna Byregowda, saying, "Minister Krishna Byregowda, are you awake? Please investigate all these matters thoroughly. I have done nothing wrong. The issues arose, and the land was sold in the name of election expenses. If one suffers from a problem, it becomes a divine issue for another; this is how it works. They tried to misuse their power to finish us off." (ANI)
Uttarakhand Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, after returning from the Haryana election campaign, held a high-level review meeting with senior officials at the Chief Minister's Camp Office on Tuesday evening. During the meeting, the CM gave detailed guidelines to senior officials on various subjects, including restoration of damaged roads and drinking water lines in the state under the campaign, prevention of dengue, and the Chardham Yatra. The Chief Minister said that the rainy season is almost over, so the work of construction and repair of roads should be started on a war footing. Whatever connecting roads, including drinking water and electricity lines, have been damaged in the disaster during the monsoon, they should be repaired on priority. The Chief Minister said that all the departments had various challenges during the monsoon, but now no negligence will be tolerated in this campaign. He said that wherever there has been damage due to the disaster, timely action should be taken for its reconstruction. The Chief Minister directed to make the roads of the state pothole-free. The Chief Minister directed the Chief Secretary to fix the responsibility of every officer for this campaign. While reviewing the Chardham Yatra, the Chief Minister directed the officials that after the monsoon, the number of devotees will increase again in the Dham Yatra till Diwali, in such a situation, all necessary preparations should be completed to avoid any kind of chaos. The Chief Minister said that the Chardham Yatra is going well, and care should be taken that the pilgrims do not face any kind of inconvenience. The Chief Minister, while reviewing the efforts being made to prevent dengue in the state, said that the increasing cases of dengue are worrying. To prevent this, everyone, including the health department, should work together and control it effectively. The Chief Minister directed to give special attention to cleanliness in urban and rural areas. (ANI)
According to Chennai customs, the AIU seized 4,967 red-eared slider turtles and 19 albino red-eared slider turtles from two passengers who were arriving from Kuala Lumpur.

In a post in X, the customs department said, "On 27.09.2024, Air Intelligence Unit, Chennai seized 4967 Nos. of Red Eared Slider Turtle & 19 Nos. of Albino Red Eared Slider Turtle from two pax. who arrived from Kuala Lumpur. Both passengers & receiver were arrested under the Customs Act, 1962."

https://x.com/ChennaiCustoms/status/1841121330080391634

The endangered wildlife were attempted to be smuggled into India in contravention of Convention of International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES).

In another incident, the Chennai AIU team intercepted three passengers on August 18 trying to smuggle Indian star tortoises out of the country.

After the officials examined the baggage of the passengers, they found around seven hundred tortoises. The tortoises are protected under the Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972.

The three passengers trying to smuggle the tortoises out of India were subsequently arrested.

"On 16.08.24, Chennai AIU team intercepted 3 Pax departing to Kuala Lumpur. On examination of their baggage, 778 nos. of Indian Star Tortoises were found and seized under the Customs Act,1962 read with the Wild Life(Protection) Act,1972. All the Pax were arrested," said the customs department in a post in X.

Similarly, on August 10, the department seized multiple species of exotic animals from a passenger who arrived from Bangkok. (ANI)
The Delhi High Court recently dismissed the bail plea of Narender Meena, a former deputy jail superintendent, accused in the murder of Ankit Gujjar. Ankit was allegedly beaten to death in Tihar Jail in August 2021 for refusing to pay extortion money demanded by jail officials. The High Court had earlier transferred the case to the CBI for investigation. Narender Meena sought regular bail in the CBI case, registered on 10 September 2021, under sections related to murder and causing hurt. Justice Sudhir Kumar Jain rejected the bail application after reviewing the facts and submissions. "Considering the nature and gravity of the offences, and the likelihood of the petitioner influencing witnesses or tampering with evidence, no grounds for bail are made out. Hence, the present bail application is dismissed," Justice Jain stated on 26 September. The court also noted that Ankit Gujjar, an undertrial prisoner, died in judicial custody, with the post-mortem revealing multiple ante-mortem injuries on his body. The trial court had observed that the petitioner attempted to influence witnesses, and the larger societal interest must take precedence over the accused's liberty. There was no evidence to suggest that any trial delay was caused by the CBI. The case stems from an FIR registered on 9 August 2021 at Hari Nagar Police Station, following the murder of Ankit Gujjar, as ordered by the Tis Hazari Courts on a complaint filed by Geeta Devi, Ankit's mother. It was alleged that on 3 August 2021, Narender Meena and other jail officials brutally assaulted Ankit Gujjar and denied him medical attention, leading to his death. The petitioner and other officials were allegedly harassing Gujjar to extort money from his relatives. Ankit's family filed a petition in the High Court to transfer the investigation from Delhi Police to the CBI, which was granted on 8 September 2021. Subsequently, the CBI registered an FIR. A charge sheet was filed against Meena on 1 July 2022, followed by a supplementary charge sheet on 13 September 2022 against six individuals, including Meena. According to the CBI charge sheet, in June 2021, Meena had demanded Rs. 5 lakh from Ankit Gujjar to allow him the use of a mobile phone. The deal was settled at Rs. 2.25 lakh, of which Rs. 2 lakh was paid. Ankit later refused to pay the remaining Rs. 25,000, leading to increased harassment by Meena and two other inmates, Gurjeet alias Bobby and Gurpreet alias Badal. (ANI)
Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) chief Mayawati stated that those who promote casteism are acting against the Constitution. Speaking at an election rally in Jagadhri, Haryana, she also voiced her disapproval of the use of the term "Harijan" to refer to SC/ST communities. Mayawati recalled that during a 1997 conference, she publicly criticised Janta Party leaders for using the term "Harijan." "They have knowledge of Baba Saheb, but they should also be aware of the correct term for SC/ST communities. I remember in 1977, when I was a first-year LLB student at Delhi University, the Janta Party came to power, and they had pledged to make Jagjivan Ram the Prime Minister, something Congress had failed to do. However, neither Congress nor the Janta Party fulfilled this promise. In 1977, Dalits, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes across the country were deeply upset. They organised a three-day conference called 'Jati Todo Sammelan' in Delhi, where I was invited to speak," Mayawati said. "At the event, Janta Party leaders repeatedly referred to us as Harijans. I told them, on one hand, you're talking about breaking the caste system, yet on the other hand, you're using the term Harijan. If we take it positively, 'Hari' means God, so does that mean we are God's children and everyone else is the devil's? After this, the Janta Party leaders apologised and agreed it would be more appropriate to use the terms SC, ST, and OBC, as per the Constitution. They had to admit that what Behenji was saying was right," she added. Mayawati also said that the alliance between the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) and the Indian National Lok Dal (INLD) is receiving widespread public support in the Haryana Assembly elections. "Today in Jagadhri, the people of Haryana have once again reaffirmed their support for Behenji's appeal, signalling that we are on track to form the government in Haryana and put an end to attempts to abolish reservations," she stated. Haryana will head to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with the results to be announced on October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party, winning 40 seats, while Congress secured 30 seats. (ANI)
Chief Minister Nayab Singh Saini stated that Haryana will make history by electing a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government for a third consecutive term in the state. "On the 5th [of August], Article 370 was abolished by PM Modi, and on the same 5th, the foundation stone of the Ram Mandir was laid. Now, once again, the 5th is approaching. I assure you that on this 5th, Haryana will make history by forming a BJP government for the third time," Saini said at an election rally here on Tuesday. During the same rally, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched an attack on the Congress party, reviving the "urban naxal" accusation. He pointed out that while Congress claims it will restore Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), it has never mentioned reclaiming Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). PM Modi alleged that Congress is against the Ram Mandir in Ayodhya and has never fully implemented the Constitution in Jammu and Kashmir. "We will vote for the safety of our daughters, employment, good infrastructure, and roads... Congress has only one agenda: the 'urban naxal' agenda. They (Congress) say they will reinstate Article 370 in Jammu and Kashmir, but have never spoken about reclaiming PoK. This does not come from their mouths. Congress has divided Kashmir. They don't talk about bringing back PoK but want to restore Article 370. Pakistan's government has supported the Congress party. Congress is the most deceitful party," the Prime Minister said. He further described Congress as the "biggest anti-Dalit party" in the country, alleging that it plans to end reservations, with Haryana being its "test state." "The Congress has planned to abolish reservations... Haryana is their test state. But no one can end reservations as long as Modi and the BJP are here. They abuse me and [Haryana Chief Minister] Saini ji day and night," he added. PM Modi accused Congress of polarising people for votes and of aiming to end reservations for Dalits and backward classes. "Congress has only one agenda: maximum appeasement for votes. Today, Congress is claiming that it will end reservations for Dalits and backward classes. This is what they did in Karnataka. As soon as the Congress government was formed there, they took away reservations from Dalits and backward classes and gave them to their vote bank by declaring universities and institutions as minorities," he alleged. Referring to the Hooda family, he criticised the opposition party for its internal conflicts within the state unit. "The people here can see the infighting within Congress in Haryana. The most aggrieved by Congress are the Dalit, backward, and deprived communities. The Dalit community has decided that they will not be used as pawns to further the politics of the father and son," he added. He also noted that Haryana has a history of electing the same party in the state as the one in power at the centre. "You elected the BJP government in Delhi for the third time, and now you have decided to elect the BJP government here in Haryana for the third time as well," he said. Haryana will go to the polls on October 5 to elect its 90-member state legislative assembly, with counting scheduled for October 8. In the 2019 elections, the BJP emerged as the largest party, securing 40 seats, while Congress won 30 seats. (ANI)
Ladakh's Member of Parliament, Mohmad Haneefa, was released by the Delhi police, the MP confirmed. Haneefa was detained by Delhi police on Tuesday, a day after more than hundred protesters from Ladakh, including climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, were held at the Delhi-Haryana border. "Some of our leaders and I have been released today. We will be taken to the hotels," Haneefa told ANI. He expressed hope that Sonam Wangchuk would also be released soon. "We have communicated with the officers; some of our people have been released. We hope Sonam Wangchuk will be released soon as well. The process is ongoing. Hopefully, we will head to Rajghat tomorrow," he said. Wangchuk and his supporters were detained while marching from Leh to Delhi to demand constitutional safeguards for Ladakh. The march, which began on September 1, was set to culminate at Rajghat on October 2, Mahatma Gandhi's birth anniversary. "We will have a meeting with the Ministry of Home Affairs, where we will discuss going to Rajghat. We are hoping for something positive from the MHA. We were detained and kept at the police guest house. The detention of Sonam Wangchuk is very unfortunate. They had a clear motive. We are going to meet Sonam Wangchuk and will discuss several matters; he, along with some women members, is on strike," Haneefa added. Meanwhile, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) has been filed in the Delhi High Court, challenging Wangchuk's detention. The petition calls for the release of members of the Kargil Democratic Alliance and other individuals associated with the alliance, who were detained at the Singhu Border. It also seeks the setting aside of the prohibitory order dated September 30, 2024, which presumably led to the detention. Wangchuk, along with around 120 others from Ladakh, was detained on Monday night, September 30, 2024. The march was organised by the Leh Apex Body (LAB) in coordination with the Kargil Democratic Alliance (KDA), both of which have been leading an agitation for the past four years. Additionally, another plea has been filed in the Delhi High Court, seeking permission for the petitioner and others to peacefully enter Delhi and conduct an environmental awareness march, scheduled to conclude at Rajghat on October 2, 2024. (ANI)
The Tibetan Youth Congress recently organised a cycle rally to raise awareness about the cultural genocide in Tibet and demand that the Chinese government put an end to it. Notably, the Tibetan Youth Congress organised a cycle rally from Dehradun via Chandigarh. The 50 cyclists covered more than 400 kilometres and reached Delhi on Monday. Speaking with ANI, Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup said, "The cycle rally organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress started this campaign on September 24 from Dehradun till today (September 30). It's our 7th day. Till now, we have covered more than 400 km across four Indian states and two union territories." He added, "We have 54 participants... The major demand of this campaign is to ask the Chinese government to stop the cultural genocide in Tibet... We want to highlight the Tibetan issue through this cycle rally." He also called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Tibet. Dhundup said, "Second, we want to urge the international community to speak in support of Tibet... The third objective of this campaign is to seek the support of the Indian government for the Tibetan people's call for Tibet's independence... We got tremendous support from the local Indian community. It was a successful campaign." Earlier on September 27, the representative of the European Union during the 57th general session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in a statement, reiterated its concerns about the continuous dire human rights situation in Tibet, highlighting the obligatory boarding schooling, mass DNA sampling and closure of Tibetan schools, The Central Tibetan Administration reported. During the statement, the EU representative also mentioned that the human rights situation continues to grow dire as China has been conducting obligatory boarding schooling and DNA sampling, as reported by civil society organisations. The EU envoy also stated that it will monitor the preservation of the fundamental freedoms, cultural heritage and identity of Tibetans and call upon China to ensure education in Tibetan language at all levels. The union considered the closure of Tibetan schools a worrying situation. Additionally, the EU urged China to abide by its obligations under national law, including its own Constitution, and international law, to respect, protect and fulfil 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. (ANI)
Adnan Abu Alhaija, the Palestinian Ambassador to India, expressed skepticism about achieving a ceasefire with Israel under the current government, emphasising that Israelis and their government have refused such efforts. On being asked about hopes of a ceasefire with Israel, he told reporters, "All the people, even the United States, have defended Israel. The international arena calls Israel for a ceasefire, but Israelis and this extreme government (Netanyahu) are refusing the ceasefire." On Prime Minister Narendra Modi's telephonic conversation with his Israeli counterpart Benjamin Netanyahu, he said that he believes that India is calling for a ceasefire. "I am sure India is also calling for ceasefire... Even in the United Nation, I don't know what exactly PM Modi has said but I am sure he was talking about ceasefire in the area and stop any kind of escalating in the area." Notably, PM Modi discussed recent developments in West Asia with Netanyahu and expressed India's commitment to supporting efforts for early restoration of peace and stability. In a post on X, PM Modi stated, "Spoke to Prime Minister @netanyahu about recent developments in West Asia. Terrorism has no place in our world. It is crucial to prevent regional escalation and ensure the safe release of all hostages. India is committed to supporting efforts for an early restoration of peace and stability." The Palestinian Ambassador to India also spoke about the Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah and said that he defended Lebanon and Lebanese people "against criminal regime of Netanyahu." Speaking with the reporters, Alhaija said, "Nasrallah was a resistance leader and defended the land of Lebanon. He tried to help the people of Lebanon... against the criminal regime of Netanyahu. I think the Palestinian people and the area are facing the most extreme government in the history of Israel." Hassan Nasrallah was killed in a precision strike by Israeli Defence Forces (IDF). Netanyahu had described Nasrallah as "the main engine of Iran's axis of evil," stating, "If someone rises up to kill you, kill him first..." Notably, in October last year, Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas after hundreds of Hamas terrorists burst into Israeli borders, killing over 1200 people and taking over 250 hostages, out of which 100 continue to be in captivity. The war has spiralled into the region lately, with Houthi rebels in Yemen also targeting Israel and other countries in the Red Sea. Israel has also continued striking Hezbollah in Lebanon. As the conflict heads towards escalation, all major countries have called for a ceasefire and hostage deal, while also stressing for a two-state solution as a means to achieve durable and sustainable peace in the region. (ANI)
Having a baby should be a joyful occasion, but the rising costs in some states may make it harder for some households to start a family, according to a report.

Personal finance site WalletHub recently conducted a study that analyzed 31 key measures, including the costs of giving birth, accessibility to health care, and other factors across all 50 US states to determine the best and worst places in the country to start a family.

Each location was then given a score. States with scores closest to 100 were found to have the best conditions for parents and infants.

"The best states for having a baby minimize costs while providing top-notch care for both newborns and their mothers," WalletHub Analyst Cassandra Happe wrote in the study. "They also continue to be good environments for parents even long after the birth, with high-quality pediatric care, affordable and accessible child care and a strong economic environment that makes providing for a child easier."

Best States To Have a Baby

1. Massachusetts

Total Score: 73.12

Cost Rank: 41

Health Care Rank: 2

WalletHub ranked Massachusetts as the top state to start a family. This is largely due to Massachusetts having the lowest infant mortality rate in the country and the fourth-lowest maternal mortality rate.

In addition, Massachusetts had the sixth-lowest share of households with infants suffering from food insecurity and the seventh-highest share of children under the age of three with all recommended vaccines.

2. North Dakota

Total Score: 68.80

Cost Rank: 3

Health Care Rank: 5

North Dakota follows Massachusetts as the second-best state to have a baby due to having low hospital conventional-delivery charges. Mothers who do not encounter complications during delivery would only have to pay an average of $7,500. In comparison, conventional delivery with no complications can cost as much as $27,000 in some states.

3. Minnesota

Total Score: 68.22

Cost Rank: 23

Health Care Rank: 4

Minnesota is the third-best state to start a family. The state offers high-quality health care and has a large amount of medical professionals, including obstetricians, gynecologists, and pediatricians. Furthermore, Minnesota has the second-highest share of nationally accredited child-care centers.

4. Rhode Island

Total Score: 67.86

Cost Rank: 40

Health Care Rank: 1

5. New Hampshire

Total Score: 66.12

Cost Rank: 1

Health Care Rank: 6

Worst States To Have a Baby

1. Mississippi

Total Score: 28.58

Cost Rank: 28

Health Care Rank: 51

Mississippi ranked as the worst state to start a family. Mississippi has the highest infant mortality rate in the country and some of the least midwives and obstetrician-gynecologist per capita.

2. Alabama

Total Score: 30.68

Cost Rank: 37

Health Care Rank: 48

3. South Carolina

Total Score: 35.13

Cost Rank: 38

Health Care Rank: 37

4. New Mexico

Total Score: 36.55

Cost Rank: 30

Health Care Rank: 34

5. Georgia

Total Score: 38.28

Cost Rank: 27

Health Care Rank: 35
Iran's Ambassador to India, Dr Iraj Elahi, condemned Israel's classification of Hezbollah as a terrorist organisation, calling it a pretext for "massacre, bloodshed, and attacks on innocent civilians." Elahi also emphasised that Hezbollah is a political party and not a terrorist group. The remarks by Elahi came on the death of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah in a strike carried out by Israel. While speaking with ANI, Elahi described the death of Nasrallah as a "big loss for all human beings in the world." He said, "The martyrdom of Hassan Nasrallah as a great leader, great politician of Lebanon and well-known man in the world is not a small thing. It's a big loss for all human beings, not just for Muslims, not just for Shias, not just for Lebanese, for all our Arabs. It is a loss for all people in the world." He further said, "Hezbollah is a political party. It is not a terrorist group. They (Israel) are claiming Hezbollah a terrorist group to justify their massacre, bloodshedding and attacks on innocent people and their hostility in the region..." Elahi also emphasised that the key to easing tensions in the Middle East lies in stopping Israel's invasions and military attacks. "The main solution is to stop invasion and military attack by Israel... We hope that not only India but all countries use their influence on Israel to stop its invasion of Palestine and Lebanon," Elahi said. Notably, the Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had launched precision strikes on the Lebanese capital in Beirut on Friday, which led to the death of Nasrallah. Following the death of Nasrallah, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran's Ayatollah regime and asserted that those who target Israel will face consequences and that no location in Iran or the Middle East is beyond Israel's reach. Netanyahu called Nasrallah as "main engine of Iran's axis of evil" and added, "Nasrallah was not just another terrorist, he was the terrorist. He was the axis of the axis, the main engine of Iran's axis of evil. He and his people were the architects of the plan to destroy Israel. He was not only operated by Iran, he also frequently operated Iran." (ANI)
The strict action is taken up by the provincial government following a massive cylinder explosion in Hyderabad that claimed the lives of 27 people.

In an immediate order to take action, the Sindh Home Department issued a directive to all district administrations, ordering against shopkeepers operating gas cylinders illegally.

The department also emphasised that gas cylinder shops must not be located in crowded or residential areas and should instead be moved to less populated zones, according to ARY News.

The Home Department, in a letter to deputy commissioners, ordered that the illegal LNG and LPG shops be moved outside city limits and instructed the confiscation of substandard cylinders, as the gas explosion cases remain on surge.

The government also mandated that these shops follow the standard operating procedures (SOPs) set by the federal authorities to ensure public safety, according to ARY News.

It remains to be seen how much gas Sindh gets from its gas deposits in Sindh and how much is given or distributed to other provinces.

Sindh is already grappling with several issues. If gas is made unavailable in Sindh, it adds to the woes of people in Sindh, especially during winter, just as power cuts become a big outcry during summer.

However, if it remains available, the gas distribution is also carried out by illegal channels, which has, in present times, given rise to cases of cylinder explosions. (ANI)
US Navy has unveiled "Project 33," a comprehensive seven-point strategy to counter Beijing's growing aggression in the Indo-Pacific region, with a focus on preparing for a possible Chinese invasion of Taiwan by 2027, Taiwan News reported. As tensions in the Taiwan Strait continue to simmer, US Chief of Naval Operations (CNO) Admiral Lisa Franchetti introduced a 'strategic document' outlining plans to bolster Taiwan's defence capabilities. On September 18, Admiral Lisa Franchetti released the "Navigation Plan for America's Warfighting Navy 2024." The document introduces "Project 33," a programme aimed at integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and human intelligence to ensure military superiority in the Western Pacific, as per Taiwan News. At the core of Project 33 is the use of advanced robotic and autonomous systems, focusing on their practical application on the battlefield. The project outlines seven key objectives, which include, addressing delays in the maintenance of ships, submarines, and aircraft, expanding the use of robotic and autonomous systems to integrate more platforms quickly, establishing command centers suited for a distributed battlefield, recruiting and retaining top talent, improving service quality, enhancing combat training and repairing critical infrastructure to support shore-based operations The US Navy is shifting its focus towards maximising efficiency and leveraging cutting-edge technologies, rather than expanding its fleet, according to Admiral Lisa Franchetti. This strategic move is driven by anticipated fiscal and industrial constraints by 2027. The Navy aims to optimise its current capabilities, particularly drones and unmanned systems, to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving maritime landscape. Further, she noted that many battlefield innovations have emerged in recent years during the Russia-Ukrainian War and the Red Sea Crisis. Ukraine's effective use of anti-ship missiles and drones helped suppress the Russian Black Sea fleet, while in the Red Sea region, Houthi forces employed ballistic missiles, cruise missiles, and drones to launch large-scale attacks on US forces. The admiral emphasised that although US sailors and systems were able to counter these technologies, the military gained valuable insights into the future of naval warfare, such as the use of robotic platforms and more affordable munitions to impose "asymmetric sea denial." In response, the US Navy has introduced an enlisted Robotics Warfare Specialist rating, is working on integrating robotic and autonomous systems across its numbered fleets, and is testing drone countermeasures such as directed energy weapons. While addressing an event at the Centre for Strategic and International Studies (CSIS) in Washington, the US naval operations chief affirmed, "That while projections suggest the future US Navy will need to be larger, achieving this by 2027 is unlikely. She added, "I had to step back and think about how we can think, act, and operate differently with the resources we have to make the most gains in the shortest time possible." China has increased military activities near Taiwan, prompting concerns over a potential invasion. The US, committed to supporting Taiwan's self-defence, has responded with increased naval presence and security aid. (ANI)
China launched an intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) from its territory deep into the Pacific Ocean on September 25, the first such test since 1980. Beijing's explanation of this extremely rare event was perfunctory, with the Ministry of National Defence (MND) downplaying this hurling of a strategic weapon far across the Pacific. China's MND described the test thus: "The People's Liberation Army Rocket Force (PLARF) launched an ICBM carrying a dummy warhead to the high seas in the Pacific Ocean at 08:44 on September 25th, and the missile fell into expected sea areas. This test launch is a routine arrangement in our annual training plan. It is in line with international law and international practice, and is not directed against any country or target." Of course, this ICBM launch was anything but "routine," for China has not conducted such a test for 44 years. So significant was the event that Beijing deemed it necessary to warn select nations in advance, including France and the USA. Sabrina Singh, Pentagon deputy spokeswoman, acknowledged, "We did receive some advance notification of this ICBM test, and we believe that was a good thing. That was a step in the right direction, and it does lead to preventing any misperception or miscalculation." Singh added that the USA had pressed China for "a more regular bilateral notification arrangement when it comes to ballistic missiles and space launches". She described this as "a common sense, confidence-building measure". China has a 2009 agreement with Russia for each side to notify the other of ballistic missile launches, but so far China has rejected all American suggestions for such a mechanism. Warned in advance, the US Air Force deployed an RC-135S Cobra Ball aircraft--one of only three exist - to collect optical and electronic data on the missile and its warhead about halfway along its flight path. The USAF describes the RC-135 as "a national asset uniquely suited to provide America's leaders and defence community with vital information that cannot be obtained by any other source". The missile splashed down near the exclusive economic zone of French Polynesia, not far from the Marquesas Islands. China had sent its Yuan Wang 5 tracking ship near the landing site to collect data. New Zealand described the ICBM test as "unwelcome and concerning development". Indeed, nations like Australia, Japan and New Zealand asked China for an explanation. Importantly, this test came precisely ten years after the DF-31AG achieved its first launch on 25 September 2014. Symbolism and dates are important to the PLA, and at that time the then-new missile used a lofted trajectory to limit its ground range. However, this latest provocative test came at a time of heightened tensions with neighbours like Japan, the Philippines and Taiwan. Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs immediately tweeted, "PLA's 1st ICBM launch in 44 years exposes the regime's expansionist ambitions & malign nature. Taiwan vehemently condemns the PRC for its reckless moves destabilising the region & urges China to exercise restraint & cease all actions that undermine global efforts for peace." This was more than a routine test. China was sending a signal, an intimidating one at that. China launched this missile from a countryside site in the northern part of Hainan Island, a Chinese island sitting north of the South China Sea. The ICBM flew approximately 12,000km. It is most notable that the distance between Hainan Island and Los Angeles on the west coast of the USA is some 12,100km. China therefore effectively demonstrated its ability to reach the USA with this type of nuclear weapon, even though the newer DF-41 has an even longer range. Decker Eveleth, an analyst at the American research organization CNA, explained further why China lobbed this missile in the direction it did. "Generally, the PLARF tests ICBMs from the interior of the country, out in the northern desert shooting east to west. This is satisfactory for most system tests (many missile tests are actually conducted to test a specific subsystem). The problem is that this forces you to use a lofted trajectory. The distance from the ICBM test site to the target ranges is around 2,000-3,000 kilometres, so China has to fire their ICBMs very high to compensate. That's maybe a quarter of an ICBM's actual range. That means, if the PLARF wanted to test a depressed trajectory, they're going to need to find another place to test their ICBMs--like the Pacific Ocean." Eveleth also identified one possible reason why the missile was fired from Hainan: "Another reason you'd test like this is to test speed and the competence of your missile crews. Launching a missile is complicated, and there are a variety of tasks that, if you mess it up, that missile is going to miss the target, especially considering the ICBM they launched is almost certainly launched from a mobile launcher. By doing it out at Hainan and launching from a launch location the missile crew may be unfamiliar with, you can identify potential pitfalls in the process." Eveleth said there is a precedent for this kind of end-to-end test, for China did something similar with a DF-2 in 1966. He said on that occasion the PLA's launch "was conducted partly to test the entire transportation and launch support infrastructure". He suggested it was possibly a "similar deal" on this latest occasion. This was a complex operation for the PLARF, for it entailed transporting a massive HTF5980A 16x16 transporter-erector-launcher (TEL) plus support vehicles from the Chinese mainland across to Hainan Island. A photo circulating on the internet, and others of the launch itself released by the MND, showed that the missile was launched from an unprepared site. Such a procedure with minimal supporting infrastructure makes it much more difficult for an adversary to identify launch sites. What kind of missile was it? Most analysts agree it was a DF-31AG, a type that publicly debuted in a parade in Beijing on 1 October 2019. The DF-31AG is externally very similar to the earlier DF-31A, suggesting the two ICBMs are not substantially different. However, the latter uses a truck-and-trailer launcher unit, whereas the DF-31AG is more mobile on an eight-axle truck chassis. Eveleth published a PLARF order of battle in July 2023, where he described the DF-31AG thus: "It is unclear at this point what precisely the difference between the DF-31A and the DF-31AG is, besides the change in transporter and support equipment. PLA military newspapers mention that the AG has upgraded cabling, reducing the number of necessary cables and allowing for faster data transmission times. But what changes, if any, have been made to the missile itself, are still unknown." The American researcher added, "The big, big thing they'd want to modernize is the guidance system, which still relies on an antiquated alignment system the US got rid of in the 1990s. As Chinese state media still talk about cable vans and alignment, the AG's guidance system has likely not been modernized. It's possible China is working on a new model that updates the guidance system that removes these problems." The PLARF's 624 Missile Brigade is stationed in Hainan, but that unit possesses DF- 21D anti-ship ballistic missiles. In fact, the nearest DF-31AG unit to Hainan is 632 Brigade stationed in Shaoyang (27.2532N, 111.3859E). This is approximately 800km away from the Hainan launch site. Eveleth, in his PLARF order of battle from 2023, estimated China had anywhere from 48-56 DF-31AG TELs. He listed 621 Brigade in Yibin, the aforementioned 632 Brigade, 642 Brigade in Datong, 643 Brigade in Tianshui and 664 Brigade in Xiangyang as units operating the DF-31AG. In a report published by the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists earlier this year, it estimated China had 64 DF-31AGs. The same document calculated that China currently fields a total of 438 nuclear warheads, plus another 62 warheads that have been produced but not operationalized. This assessment corresponds almost identically to the 500 warheads estimated by the Pentagon's 2023 report on China's military capabilities. The Pentagon predicts the PLARF's nuclear warhead stockpile will reach 1,000 by 2030. Eveleth also predicted in his report that, by 2028, China will own more than 1,000 ballistic missile launchers. Of these, 507 will be nuclear-capable, 342-432 will be conventional missile launchers, and at least 252 dual-capable launchers. However, Eveleth offered this opinion: "The most concerning change to China's nuclear forces is not actually the numerical expansion in launchers, but their apparent shift from a retaliation plan that imagined firing a salvo of nuclear missiles after an adversary had already completed an attack against the Chinese homeland to a posture of launch on warning (LOW). Under launch on warning, an incoming nuclear attack is detected in flight with satellites and ground-based radar, allowing a state to retaliate before the incoming missiles have struck their targets. "China's developing LOW capability, combined with solid-fueled missile silos, means that they can quickly launch a nuclear attack at a moment's notice. A LOW posture presents new challenges in ensuring conventional conflicts stay conventional." Senior Colonel Zhang Xiaogang, a Chinese MND spokesperson, said at a 26 September press conference, "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 added, "We've promised not to use or threaten to use nuclear weapons against no-nuclear-weapon states or nuclear-weapon-free zones. China will continue to keep its nuclear capabilities at the minimum level required for national security." Zhang further noted that "At present, there's a more stable momentum in the overall and defence relationship between China and the US. The two militaries maintain high-level strategic communication, policy communication, institutionalised dialogues and exchanges in specialized fields. These engagements could help enhance mutual understanding, avoid miscalculation and manage and control risks." China may well be hoping to solidify its international status as a global power boasting a world-class military. The USA routinely conducts long-range tests of ICBMs and submarine-launched ballistic missiles, so China is demonstrating that it can do so too. Indeed, Beijing now seems unapologetic about conducting military activities that mirror American ones. Therefore, perhaps a pertinent question to ask is whether this latest test has set a precedent of beyond-border flight tests and whether China will continue to do the same in the future? In 2019-20, China launched multiple DF-21D and DF-26 missiles into the South China Sea. That episode might have been a portent for an ongoing practice of splashing missiles down in extraterritorial waters. Another purpose for this test across the Pacific may relate to reassuring the Chinese people and demonstrating to the world of the credibility of the PLARF. The aforementioned Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists report noted, "The readiness of the Chinese nuclear missile force was challenged in early 2024 with the disclosure that a US intelligence assessment had found that corruption within the People's Liberation Army had led to an erosion of confidence in its overall capabilities, particularly when it comesto the Rocket Force." Remember too that the PLARF was embroiled heavily in a corruption scandal that saw the force's top two leaders removed and prosecuted. The Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists report pointed out that "recent dismissals of top defence officials and widespread corruption might chill the Chinese leadership's willingness to arm missiles with warheads in peacetime." The PLARF is a strategic force, but Chairman Xi Jinping has been ruing the lack of loyalty amongst its top leadership, and he was angered by the corruption that appears rife in the organisation. By demonstrating the ability to relocate a sophisticated ICBM and its launch apparatus from the mainland by sea, and by firing a missile thousands of kilometres at a distance sufficient to reach the USA, the PLARF has sharply demonstrated to Xi that this force is politically reliable and that it is combat ready. (ANI)
Both Bangladesh and India must have "good working relations" with each other, the country's Foreign Affairs Advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, said, describing New Delhi as Dhaka's "largest neighbour." Speaking to ANI, Touhid said that they agreed to maintain working relations but they did not discuss the issue of Sheikh Hasina. "I think my conversation with Dr Jaishankar was constructive. It seems to me that both India and Bangladesh want to have good working relations with each other. And Dr. Jaishankar recognised that. I would put it very simply; we both had free and fair discussions and we both recognised that we must have good working relations with each other," the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser said late on Monday. "The issue of Sheikh Hasina was not discussed with him," he told ANI. India and Bangladesh share more than 4,000 km of common land borders and there are also maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal that the two countries share with each other. Recently, Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Adviser, Mohammed Touhid Hossain, met with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, in New York on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly. Touhid clarified that everything will go as usual despite the fact that the process of issuance of visas has not achieved normalcy "Trade has been going on. After the short gap, immediate after the fall of the government, trade again picked up going on. The projects that are ongoing and approved agreements definitely go on," he said. "About the people-to-people contact, the Indian visa offices are not opened as yet fully. It is up to them when they will do it. This is the decision of the Indian government when that happened, people have the visas to go to India. Our offices in India are issuing visas to those who are coming for Bangladesh visas. I think even though there is some pause some times, it is pick up," Touhid added. Touhid Hossain further added that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India "will continue normally." "I think we have a lot of commonalities as well as a lot of complimentary. I think the bilateral relations interest being...particular relations will continue normally and as I said, both countries recognised that they need the help of the other country," he said. Touhid said they will find a way to serve the people of both countries, instead of hostilities amid tensions. "Well, there are people in both our countries who have some feelings, sometimes strong feelings against the undone; but that does not mean that we have to be a nematic situation. We have interest in India as much as India has interest in Bangladesh. I think it is the question of mutual interests. I think the two sides will ultimately come to a position where the interests can best serve," he said. The Bangladesh Foreign Affairs advisor, however, did not make any comment regarding the media reports which claimed that the US government manufactured a coup to replace Sheikh Hasina, but he said the movement was spontaneous by the younger generations. "I really would not make any comment on that because we can not undermine the sacrifices made by the young generations, the students and other youth to laid down their lives for a change from the autocratic regime to possibility of a democratic and inclusive future. It is a supreme sacrifice made by the younger generation which resulted the change of government, resignation and departure of Sheikh Hasina. It was not as far as I could see at least it was spontaneous agitations that ultimately turned into one point demand that government must change," Touhid said. A month ago, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 and interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. The minority groups in Bangladesh alleged Hindus were attacked immediately after the political changes, but the interim government says those were not religious but political in nature. "Immediately after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, there was a vacuum in administrations and there was also a problem of policing because police had been actually placed against the young generation so when Sheikh Hasina departed, police was not their own duty. At that time tensions and sentiments ran very high so some incidents were there but putting it as anti Hindu agitation or anti Hindu action, would be utterly wrong," Touhid said. "The violence did take place against mostly Awami League loyalists, we do not condone that of course, because you can not take law in own hands but the fact remains that in that moment of agitation, some violences did take place but that was not on the basis of against Hindu or Muslim," he said. "You know the more Muslims, if you count by the religion, more Muslims were attacked that time than Hindus, it was because some sought of an agitation against the Awami League supporters were taking place which we had able to contain already immediately after taking the government. I don't think there was any complain such action at this moment in this country," the Foreign Affairs advisor further added. In response to a question whether Durga Puja will be allowed, as protests were seen against it quite recently, Touhid said, "This is quite strange. There could be a fringe that may not like Durga Puja. Durga Puja has been performed in this country for ages and there have been no instances when Durga Puja was not held." "Certainly, the worshippers who want to do so have the opportunity to do so. There should be no doubt about this," he strongly asserted. Bangladesh is facing a fluid political situation with Sheikh Hasina, tendering her resignation from her post on August 5 in the wake of mounting protests. Hasina, who fled Bangladesh for India in a military aircraft on August 5, is currently staying in India. The protests, led majorly by students demanding an end to a quota system for government jobs, took the shape of anti-government protests. (ANI)
A ship in the Red Sea was targeted in a suspected attack by rebel Yemen based Houthis. The attack comes as the Israeli Army on Tuesday morning began a "targeted and limited" incursion into Lebanon days after Israeli airstrikes killed Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah. United Kingdom's maritime security agency on Tuesday said that it received a report of an incident 64 nautical miles northwest of the port of Al Hudayah in Yemen. The UK Maritime Trade Operations (UKMTO) said that authorities are investigating the incident and in an advisory stated that vessels are advised to transit with caution and report any suspicious activity to UKMTO. The maritime agency said the captain of the ship reported four splashes sighted in close proximity to the vessel and that all crew are safe and the vessel is proceeding to next port of call. Iran-backed and Yemen-based Houthi terrorists have attacked and hijacked ships in the region for months, affecting the global trade and maritime operations. Earlier in August, the UKMTO had issued a second incident alert following a missile attack on a vessel off the coast of Yemen. The vessel was earlier targeted by attackers in two fast boats who fired a rocket-propelled grenade (RPG) at the ship. On September 27, Yemen's Houthi rebels claimed they attacked the Israeli cities of Tel Aviva and Ashkelon as well as three US Navy warships with missiles and drones as per a report in the Al Jazeera. The Houthis have repeatedly fired at Israel and have carried out several attacks on Israeli-linked ships in the Red Sea, the Gulf of Aden and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait since November in what they describe as a campaign of solidarity with Palestinians under Israeli attack in Gaza, the news outlet reported. Meanwhile, Israel military late on September 30 night launched limited raids into southern Lebanon against Hezbollah forces positioned along Israel's northern border, the Times of Israel reported. The news daily cited IDF as saying that on Tuesday morning a "targeted and limited" incursion had begun several hours earlier, focused on Hezbollah targets and infrastructure in a number of Lebanese villages along the border that posed an immediate threat to Israeli towns on the other side of the Blue Line. Israel has expanded its attacks on Iran-backed militant groups across the region after the killing of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah recently. Also, there has been heightened alert in the West Asia region following the killing of Hamas leader Ismail Haniyeh on July 31 in Tehran while he was on an official visit to Iran and the killing of Hezbollah's top military leader Faud Shukr in an airstrike in Lebanon's capital Beirut on July 30. The Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have launched dozens of missile and drone attacks targeting ships in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden since Israel launched a counter-offensive against Hamas in Gaza after the October 7 attack. According to the US Maritime Administration, Houthis have launched over 50 attacks on shipping, resulting in casualties, vessel seizures, and disruptions to global trade routes. The campaign has forced shipping firms to seek alternative routes, impacting approximately 12 per cent of global trade that traverses the Red Sea. (ANI)
The United States Secretary of Defence, Lloyd Austin, spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence, Yoav Gallant and reiterated "serious consequences" for Iran if Tehran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel. The Pentagon Chief discussed security developments and Israeli operations with counterpart Gallant and made it clear that the US supports Israel's right to defend itself. "I spoke with Israeli Minister of Defence Yoav Gallant today to discuss security developments and Israeli operations. I made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself. We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hizballah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," Austin said, sharing a post on X on Tuesday. https://x.com/SecDef/status/1840937713580507481 The US Defence Secretary in his talks to Gallant, further ensured that the US is "well-postured to defend" US personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran. He said, "I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border and made clear that the United States is well-postured to defend U.S. personnel, partners, and allies in the face of threats from Iran and Iran-backed terrorist organizations and determined to prevent any actor from exploiting tensions or expanding the conflict." "I reiterated the serious consequences for Iran in the event Iran chooses to launch a direct military attack against Israel," Austin added. The Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) had launched precision strikes on the Lebanese capital in Beirut on September 27, which led to the death of Hassan Nasrallah. Following the death of Nasrallah, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu issued a warning to Iran's Ayatollah regime and asserted that those who target Israel will face consequences and that no location in Iran or West Asia is beyond Israel's reach. Netanyahu called Nasrallah the "main engine of Iran's axis of evil" and added, "Nasrallah was not just another terrorist, he was the terrorist. He was the axis of the axis, the main engine of Iran's axis of evil. He and his people were the architects of the plan to destroy Israel. He was not only operated by Iran, he also frequently operated Iran." (ANI)
Bangladesh Government's foreign affairs advisor, Mohammed Touhid Hossain has said that the worshipers who want to perform Durga Puja in Bangladesh "have the opportunity to do so," adding that Durga Puja has been performed in the country for ages. The statement from Touhid comes at a time when the political situation in Bangladesh remains fluid. He underlined that there have been no instances when Durga Puja was not held in the country. On being asked if Durga Puja will be celebrated in the country, the Foreign Affairs Adviser of Bangladesh said, "This is quite strange. There could be a fringe that may not like Durga Puja. Durga Puja has been performed in this country for ages and there have been no instances when Durga Puja was not held." "Certainly, the worshipers who want to perform Durga Puja, they have the opportunity to do so. There should be no doubt about this," he told ANI. A month ago, a student-led movement ousted Bangladesh's Prime Minister, Sheikh Hasina, after weeks of protests and clashes that killed over 600 people. Sheikh Hasina fled to India on August 5 and interim government led by Nobel Peace Prize laureate Muhammad Yunus was formed. The minority groups in Bangladesh alleged Hindus were attacked immediately after the political changes, but the interim government says those were not religious but political in nature. Regarding the incidents of attacks on minorities and Hindus in Bangladesh, Touhid said, "Immediately after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, there was a vacuum in the administrations and there was also a problem of policing because police had been placed against the young generation so when Sheikh Hasina departed, police were not their normal duty. At that time tensions and sentiments ran very high and some incidents were there but putting it as anti-Hindu agitation or anti-Hindu action would be utterly wrong. The violence did take place against mostly Awami League loyalists." He further clarified, saying that the violence did not take place in Bangladesh on the basis of whether someone was Hindu or Muslim. "In that moment of agitation, some violence took place but that was not on the basis of whether someone was Hindu or Muslim...If you count by religion, more Muslims were attacked at that time than Hindus, it was because some sort of agitation against the Awami League supporters was taking place which we had been able to curtail immediately after taking the government," he said. "I don't think there is any complaint or such action at this moment in this country," Touhid added. Touhid, also spoke about his recent meeting with External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly in New York. "I think my conversation with Dr Jaishankar was constructive. It seems to me that both India and Bangladesh want to have good working relations with each other. And Dr. Jaishankar recognised that. I would put it very simply; we both had free and fair discussions and we both recognised that we must have good working relations with each other," the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser said late on Monday. "The issue of Sheikh Hasina was not discussed with him," he further added. (ANI)
The national air carrier of Pakistan, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) escaped a major accident when it suffered an engine malfunction and all of its tyres burst while averting take-off from the Dubai International Airport. The plane was carrying 172 passengers from Dubai to Multan, according to Ary News. Luckily all passengers remained safe and were evacuated from the flight. The PIA spokesperson said that the plane, Airbus A320 was accelerating on the runway when the warning of an engine malfunction was received. The captain employed the emergency brake system, bringing the aircraft to a safe halt. However, this sudden braking caused all the tyres to burst. Ary News noted that the PIA engineering department dispatched a team from Karachi to Dubai on a flight scheduled in the early hours of Tuesday to rectify the technical fault. Meanwhile, the management of PIA rescheduled flights for the affected passengers. Some of them will be accommodated on PIA flight PK 204 from Dubai to Lahore tonight, while others will be flown from Sharjah to Multan. Two days back, PIA's flight from Muscat (Oman) to Peshawar was diverted to Karachi due to a hydraulic failure being detected in the aircraft. The Express Tribune noted that PIA has been under a massive debt burden of approximately USD 2.9 billion. Despite multiple bailout packages being provided to it by the government in recent years, PIA is struggling to stay afloat. The government is aiming to privatize the airlines with six bidders pre-qualified for the sale. The attempts towards privatization bidding have seen multiple delays and deadline extensions, the latest being an extension for deposits till October 1. Aviation sources warn that this extension could negatively impact the privatisation process, Ary news reported. This privatisation effort is in line with the recommendations given by the International Monetary Fund (IMF) to the Government of Pakistan to sell off all loss-making state-owned enterprises so as to stabilise the economy. The recent accidents make it tough for the company to gain trust during a time when it is causing heavy burdens to the national exchequer. (ANI)
Japananes Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's tenure came to an end on Tuesday when he resigned collectively with his cabinet, paving the way for Shigeru Ishiba to take office. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi announced that Kishida and his ministers stepped down at a cabinet meeting Tuesday, according to Japan local media outlet https://x.com/JPN_PMO/status/1840979570499207520 PM's Office of Japan shared a video on X, capturing the moment, showing staff members giving Kishida a warm ovation and presenting him with bouquets. "Today (October 1, 2024), the Kishida Cabinet resigned en masse. After deciding on the resignation during the cabinet meeting, Prime Minister Kishida issued a statement about it. He left the Prime Minister's Office while being seen off by his staff," PM's Office of Japan said on X. Earlier on Friday, Ishiba was chosen as the governing Liberal Democratic Party's leader to replace Kishida, who in August announced his resignation at the end of his three-year term. Following Kishida's resination, he issued a statment, which stated, "Since the inauguration of my Cabinet three years ago, as our country faces "turning points between eras," we have confronted challenges that cannot be postponed and have steadily advanced initiatives to "turn change into strength" in the fields of economic and social policy and diplomacy." "The revival of the economy is the Kishida administration's top priority. With this strong determination, since taking office, I have advocated for a "New Form of Capitalism" and strived to bring about a virtuous cycle of growth and distribution, as well as a virtuous cycle of wages and prices." the statment added. Further, he also expressed gratitude to the people of Japan for their understanding and cooperation during a challenging period marked by natural disasters, including the devastating Noto Peninsula earthquake "We also experienced multiple natural disasters, such as the Noto Peninsula earthquake. The government will continue to work as one in firmly supporting those who have been affected and to restore their lives to a normal state as quickly as possible. I would like to express my sincere appreciation once again for the understanding and cooperation we have received from the people of Japan during this period," Kishida mentioned in his statement. Ishiba, 67, in a runoff vote, defeated economic security minister Sanae Takaichi, Kyodo news outlet reported. Takaichi received 194 votes to Ishiba's 215, narrowly missing the chance to become Japan's first woman prime minister. Takaichi had contested against Kishida in 2021. The vote comes after Kishida's announcement in August that he would not stand for re-election. The LDP has a majority in parliament and thus picks the prime minister. Ishiba, who formerly also served as Japan's agriculture minister, is expected to select new LDP executives soon and form his cabinet after being formally elected prime minister. (ANI)
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As Bangladesh emerges from a period of political instability it looks to continue ongoing commercial activities and other projects with India. Bangladesh's Foreign Affairs Advisor Mohammed Touhid Hossain says that these projects will remain unaffected. Speaking to ANI, Touhid said, "Trade has been going on. After a short gap. Immediately after the fall of the government, trade again picked up...going on." "The projects that are ongoing and approved agreements definitely go on," he underlined. Amid the current slowdown in trade between both nations, the first consignment of renowned 'Padma Hilsa' fish from Bangladesh arrived in West Bengal on September 27, weighing around 45-50 tonnes ahead of Durga Puja. Further, Touhid clarified that everything will go as usual despite the fact that the process of issuance of visas has not achieved normalcy. "About the people-to-people contact, the Indian visa offices are not opened as yet fully. It is up to them when they will do it. This is the decision of the Indian government when that happened, people have the visas to go to India. Our offices in India are issuing visas to those who are coming for Bangladesh visas. I think even though there is some pause some times, it is pick up," Touhid added. Touhid Hossain also added that the bilateral relations between Bangladesh and India "will continue normally." "I think we have a lot of commonalities as well as a lot of complimentary. I think the bilateral relations interest being... particular relations will continue normally and as I said, both countries recognised that they need the help of the other country," he said. Both Bangladesh and India must have "good working relations" with each other, the country's Hossain, said, describing New Delhi as Dhaka's "largest neighbour." Touhid said that they agreed to maintain working relations but they did not discuss the issue of Sheikh Hasina. "I think my conversation with Jaishankar was constructive. It seems to me that both India and Bangladesh want to have good working relations with each other. And Jaishankar recognised that. I would put it very simply; we both had free and fair discussions and we both recognised that we must have good working relations with each other," the Bangladesh Foreign Affairs Adviser said late on Monday. "The issue of Sheikh Hasina was not discussed with him," he told ANI. India and Bangladesh share more than 4,000 km of common land borders and there are also maritime boundaries in the Bay of Bengal that the two countries share with each other. The Foreign Affairs advisor, however, did not make any comment regarding the media reports that claimed that the US government manufactured a coup to replace Sheikh Hasina, but he said the movement was spontaneous by the younger generations. The minority groups in Bangladesh alleged Hindus were attacked immediately after the political changes, but the interim government says those were not religious but political in nature. "Immediately after the departure of Sheikh Hasina, there was a vacuum in administrations and there was also a problem of policing because police had been actually placed against the young generation so when Sheikh Hasina departed, police was not their own duty. At that time tensions and sentiments ran very high so some incidents were there but putting it as anti-Hindu agitation or anti-Hindu action, would be utterly wrong," Touhid said. In response to a question whether Durga Puja will be allowed, as protests were seen against it quite recently, Touhid said, "This is quite strange. There could be a fringe that may not like Durga Puja. Durga Puja has been performed in this country for ages and there have been no instances when Durga Puja was not held." "Certainly, the worshippers who want to do so have the opportunity to do so. There should be no doubt about this," he strongly asserted. Bangladesh Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina resigned on August 5 and fled to India in a military aircraft, following mounting protests against the contentious government job quota system that had sparked widespread anti-government demonstrations. (ANI)
Consul General of Israel to South India, Orli Weitzman, addressed the escalating tensions in middle east, emphasizing Israel's commitment to finding a peaceful resolution. Weitzman, has reaffirmed Israel's commitment to achieving peace and emphasized that Israel's primary objective is to resolve conflicts through diplomatic means, but stressed that the country will take necessary measures to defend itself if diplomacy fails. Speaking to ANI, "Our country has been dealing with terrorists from Gaza and the attack we suffered on 7th October," Weitzman said. "Now the situation is such that after a year, we have to return the citizens who have been displaced from their homes in northern Israel," she added. Further, Weitzman cited Hezbollah's refusal to implement UN Resolution 1701 as a major obstacle to peace. "Hezbollah was not willing to implement UN Resolution 1701. It would have allowed Israelis living in the northern borders to live peacefully," she said. Despite the challenges, Weitzman reaffirmed Israel's desire for coexistence, "Israel always tries to find a diplomatic solution. We have no problem with the Lebanese people. All we want is to have a country and live peacefully. But this isn't the situation with our enemies. They don't accept Israel's right to exist." "We would hope for a diplomatic solution but if that doesn't work then we will do whatever is necessary to make sure Israel is safe again," she added Further, Weitzman emphasized that Israel will prioritize its security if diplomacy fails, "Israel's actions speak for themselves in the past few days. Israel has to do what it has to do. We don't want to live like this. Everybody wants to live peacefully and lead a quiet life." "We have to enable that, and Israel has shown this. When we are attacked and when people threaten our existence, we have to do whatever it takes," she added The Consul General's statements come amidst heightened tensions in the region. On October 7, 2023, Hamas, a Palestinian militant group, launched a surprise attack on Israel. Israel responded with airstrikes and ground operations in Gaza, targeting Hamas infrastructure and leaders. Earlier in the day, Israeli Defence Forces (IDF) launched targeted ground operations in southern Lebanon on Tuesday, focusing on Hezbollah strongholds and infrastructure identified through precise intelligence. According to the IDF, the limited and localised raids concentrated in villages near the border, aim to neutralise threats to Israeli communities in the northern region. The IDF further added, "The IDF is continuing to operate to achieve the goals of the war and is doing everything necessary to defend the citizens of Israel and return the citizens of northern Israel to their homes." (ANI)
During the 5th Balochistan International Conference, organised by the Baloch National Movement (BNM), Italian journalist Francesca Marino discussed the ongoing atrocities in Balochistan and how Pakistan is exploiting the region and its resources. Marino stated, "First and foremost, Balochistan is not merely a region of Pakistan. It became part of Pakistan through treachery and deceit. In reality, Balochistan is an occupied territory, illegally annexed by force." She explained that the deception began when Muhammad Ali Jinnah, who served as the legal counsel for the Khan of Kalat during negotiations with the British for the state's independence, betrayed that trust. The Pakistani army later entered Kalat, coercing the Khan into signing an accession document--an act of force. At that time, Kalat was a constitutional monarchy, and even though the Khan signed under duress, the signature held no legal weight. The decision required parliamentary ratification, which the assembly refused--twice--before being dissolved. Marino further addressed the condition of Balochistan: "Over the years, as often happens, the people have reacted, and this is the fifth time Balochistan has risen in revolt. It began in 2007 when Nawab Akbar Bugti, a leader in his eighties who was practically immobilized, was killed by General Musharraf's men. He was hiding in a cave and accused of leading a rebellion. His body was never returned to his family--only his glasses and wristwatch, which curiously remained unharmed despite the bombing. Focussing on the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC)--a project often lauded by Pakistan and China for promoting economic development--she noted, "CPEC marked a turning point. Gwadar, which they plan to transform into a 'new Dubai,' has become a playground for the elite, while the Baloch have been excluded from development, denied access to clean water, fishing, and basic freedoms. Gwadar has been severed from the rest of Balochistan, its future shaped by a mix of military and Chinese interests." She emphasised that Chinese investments in Balochistan's Saindak and Reko Diq mines have exploited local resources while infrastructure has been built primarily to serve Chinese interests, leaving the local population without basic benefits. Despite documented human rights abuses, Marino pointed out that Pakistan faces little international pressure due to geopolitical considerations. "What is more concerning is that this 'Balochistan recipe' has now been applied to other regions in Pakistan," she said, referring to similar repression in Pashtun, Sindhi, and Kashmiri areas. She concluded by urging the international community to hold Pakistan accountable: "The only solution is to hold Pakistan accountable under international law, which should apply equally to all states," she stated, underscoring the urgent need for global attention to Balochistan's ongoing struggles. (ANI)
The East Turkistan government in exile has issued a press release marking the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC), calling it not a "people's" republic as claimed by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP), but rather the resurgence of a more ruthless and deceptive form of the Chinese empire. "October 1st marks the moment when the Chinese empire was reborn as the so-called People's Republic of China; while falsely claiming to oppose imperialism, the CCP has not embraced but expanded it," said Mamtimin Ala, President of the East Turkistan government in exile. The East Turkistan Government in Exile further condemned the anniversary, stating that shortly after its establishment on October 1, 1949, the PRC invaded East Turkistan on October 12, aiming to crush its independence. Since then, the PRC has waged an ongoing campaign to erase East Turkistan's sovereignty, suppress its culture, and carry out genocide. The press release said that once an independent nation, has turned into a center of severe oppression, facing colonisation, mass internment, forced sterilisation, and widespread surveillance, while also acting as a launchpad for China's territorial ambitions in Central and South Asia. The East Turkistan government in exile described the PRC's "Chinese dream" as an imperialist nightmare focused on achieving total control and erasing the identities of the nations it occupies. East Turkistan, also known as Xinjiang, is a region in China home to a significant population of Uyghurs, a Turkic ethnic group. The area has been the focus of international concern due to allegations of human rights abuses by the Chinese government, which include mass detentions, surveillance, and cultural repression aimed at the Uyghur population. The Chinese government justifies its actions by claiming they are necessary to combat extremism and maintain national security. However, critics argue that these measures amount to systemic oppression and genocide. The situation has led to widespread condemnation from various countries and human rights organisations, creating a complex geopolitical issue involving ethnic identity, cultural rights, and international relations. (ANI)
National Security Advisor Ajit Doval held a meeting with French Minister for the Armed Forces Sebastien Lecornu and held discussions on defence cooperation, including the Rafale Marine, Scorpene submarines, space, and international situation, especially Ukraine. Sharing details regarding the meeting, the French Embassy in India stated, "During NSA Ajit Doval's France visit, French Minister for the Armed Forces @SebLecornu met him for discussions. Their talks ranged from bilateral defence cooperation--the Rafale Marine, Scorpene submarines, space--to the international situation, particularly in Ukraine." In a post on X, Sebastien Lecornu also mentioned his meeting with Ajit Doval. "On the occasion of his visit to France, discussions with Ajit Doval, National Security Advisor of India. To discuss our bilateral defense cooperation: Rafale Marine, Scorpene submarines, space. As well as the international situation, especially in Ukraine," he wrote. Earlier, the Indian Navy's frontline stealth frigate, INS Tabar, commanded by Captain MR Harish, visited France's Toulon France, from August 29 - September 1. Later, upon departure, INS Tabar participated in the 22nd edition of the India-France bilateral exercise in the Mediterranean Sea from September 2-4, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. In addition to INS Tabar, the Indian Navy was represented by the shipborne helicopter LRMR Aircraft P8I, whereas the French side was represented by FS Provence, Submarine Suffren, Aircraft F20, Atlantique 2, fighters MB339, and helicopters NH90; Dauphin, according to the Ministry of Defence press release. A series of advanced naval operations were conducted during the present edition of bilateral exercise, involving enhanced tactical manoeuvres, advanced anti-submarine warfare exercises, FLYEX, Air Defence Exercise, live weapon firings, PHOTO-EX, and Steam Past, seamlessly integrating assets of both navies in all three domains, viz., air, surface, and sub-surface. In an earlier press release, Ministry of Defence stated, "The bilateral exercise VARUNA which began in 2001 is the backbone of IN- FN relationship and has evolved significantly over the years towards enhancing interoperability and exchange Best Practices. The conduct of 22nd edition of VARUNA in the Mediterranean Sea marks a significant milestone in the maritime domain between India and France displaying Indian Navy's outreach and commitment towards sustained operations far away from IOR." (ANI)
Several ad-hoc employees from various government departments in Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir (PoJK) have been protesting outside the Central Press Club for over a week, demanding permanent employment status. The demonstrators have accused the PoJK government of ignoring their plight for more than two decades, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and job insecurity. Around 5,000 employees, many hired on temporary contracts since 1992, continue to serve without permanent appointments. While Pakistan's federal government has regularized numerous employees across the country, the PoJK government has failed to take similar steps, leading to widespread frustration. Protesters claimed that the government's negligence has driven many of them and their families to severe mental distress. Manzoor Ahmed Mughal, a 56-year-old Forest Protection Officer, who has been serving for over 25 years, said, "I was appointed in 2002 after passing the civil judge exam, but despite my qualifications, the Public Service Commission has not respected my career. Competing against candidates half my age is impossible now. We have dedicated our lives to the state, and yet, we are still forced to fight for our basic rights." Mughal's situation is emblematic of the struggles faced by thousands of ad-hoc employees in the region. "In other areas, employees have been confirmed in their roles. Why are we being treated differently?" he questioned. "This is a violation of basic human rights." Under the leadership of Farooq Haider in 1992, some ad-hoc employees were granted permanent status, but successive governments have rolled back those decisions, leaving many in limbo. Another protester, Raja Akhter Ali Khan, said, "We are not asking for favors; we are demanding justice. The Muslim League Noon government passed an act in 2021 to regularise our employment, yet here we are in 2024, still fighting for our rights. Committees are formed, but no real action is taken." Despite the protests entering their seventh day, there has been little response from the PoJK government. Protesters claimed that government officials are ignoring their grievances, driving past the sit-in without addressing the issue. Mughal urged the PoJK government to resolve the issue. "Our families are suffering, and we are being treated with contempt," he added. The problem of ad-hoc employment in PoJK has been a long-standing issue, with temporary employees working without job security or benefits for decades. As the protests continue, there is growing discontent among the workers, who have vowed to escalate their actions if their demands are not met. This ongoing unrest in PoJK underscores the broader governance issues in the region, with thousands of workers demanding justice for the years of service they have rendered without recognition. (ANI)
In a major development ahead of the upcoming US presidential elections, the Joe Biden administration is hardening the asylum restrictions along the US-Mexico border, by reducing the number of asylum seekers entering the country while also ensuring strict regulations to monitor it, Al Jazeera reported. Notably, Donald Trump, the challenger of Vice President Kamala Harris in the November polls, has presented a strong hardline stance on immigration, while attacking the Democrats for being too 'lax' and allowing "hundreds of thousands" of illegal immigrants to enter the country. Illegal immigration is a serious and contentious political issue in the US, which is seeing hot debates and discussions in American society, according to Al Jazeera. The new rules announced on Monday, expand the restrictions introduced in June earlier this year to bar migrants from being granted asylum when US government officials believe the southern border of the country is overwhelmed. "This action has been taken in parallel with other Administration actions that have both increased enforcement and delivered to asylum seekers safe and lawful pathways to humanitarian relief," Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said in a statement. Under the previous rules, the US government could restrict asylum access when the number of migrants and asylum seekers trying to enter the country from official border crossings touched a cap of 2,500 people per day. With the new regulations in effect from Tuesday, the daily numbers will have to be below 1,500 for nearly a month before the restrictions can be lifted. The administration is now also counting all children towards that number, whereas previously only migrant children from Mexico were counted, as reported by Al Jazeera. Amy Fischer, director of refugee and migrant rights at Amnesty International USA, said, "Instead of spending billions of taxpayer dollars to fuel cruel border policies that create heartbreaking human rights and humanitarian crises, the United States must invest in a coordinated welcome and reception system that meets the immediate and long-term needs of people seeking safety". Elizabeth Tan, UNHCR's director of legal protection, noted that Article 31 of the UN Refugee Convention states that countries are barred from penalising asylum seekers for entering the country irregularly in search of protection. "That article is there because many people flee life-threatening situations and they have no other choice but to take irregular manners of travel, and they often don't have the opportunity to obtain a travel document or a visa before they've fled their country," she said. The American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) also slammed the new rules as illegal. "The asylum law Congress enacted recognizes that people fleeing danger should not be forced to wait and try to secure an appointment to seek asylum. This restrictive rule is not just immoral but illegal," the group said in a social media post. Under US immigration law, any non-citizens on US soil must be granted due process to seek asylum if they fear for their lives or freedom "on account of race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group or political opinion", Al Jazeera reported. The Republicans have accused Democrats of being too lax on the issue. Trump and his running mate JD Vance have promised to carry out the "largest deportation campaign" in US history if elected. Last week, Harris pledged to continue the Biden administration's crackdown on irregular crossings at the country's southern border with Mexico. "The United States is a sovereign nation," Harris said in Arizona on Friday. "And I believe we have a duty to set rules at our border and to enforce them." Meanwhile, the Biden administration has defended its policies as helping to stem a surge in irregular border crossings. US border authorities have apprehended roughly 54,000 migrants and asylum seekers so far in September, down steeply from a peak of 250,000 in December, Al Jazeera reported citing a Department of Homeland Security official. (ANI)
The Baloch Yakjehti Committee (BYC) condemned the Pakistani government's use of anti-terrorism laws against peaceful political activists, labelling it discriminatory and indicative of an authoritarian mindset. BYC criticised the decision to place Shahgi Sibghatullah, a BYC member, on the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997. In a post on X, the Baloch Yakjehti Committee stated, "Leveraging the State's Anti-Terrorism laws on part of the government against peaceful political workers is both discriminatory and unacceptable. Placing Shahgi Sibghatullah, a central member of BYC in the Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act-1997, reflects the authoritarian and colonial mindset of the State towards the Baloch and Balochistan." https://x.com/BalochYakjehtiC/status/1840774845761745326 The BYC further stated, "The struggle of Shahgi through the platform of BYC is primarily focused to resist such policy and practices of the State that are resulting in genocide of the Baloch. Every citizen has the right to freedom of expression, movement and peaceful assembly under the country's constitution and International Human Rights Law. Equating peaceful political struggle with terrorism is contrary to global democratic norms and putting human lives on threat." Asserting that such tactics are part of a broader state strategy to suppress Baloch voices and their grievances, BYC stated, "Moreover, such tactics aimed at curtailing fundamental rights of political workers in Balochistan is a recurring State strategy to curb peaceful voices empowered by Baloch masses and highlighting their genuine grievances." Calling on the global community and human rights organizations to address these violations, BYC likened the state's actions to apartheid and urged Baloch society to resist oppressive laws. They stated, "The discriminatory use of law by the state against political workers without concrete evidence is not only a violation of International Convention on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) but also equates to apartheid. We urge the global community and Human Rights Organisations to raise concern against such practices. All segments of the Baloch society must resist such colonial laws." The Fourth Schedule of the Anti-Terrorism Act, 1997, in Pakistan is a legal provision that allows the government to list individuals associated with terrorism-related activities. Those placed on this list can face significant restrictions, including limitations on their freedom of movement, surveillance, and potential arrest. The designation typically involves individuals suspected of being involved in terrorist activities or organisations, but it has often been criticised for its broad and sometimes arbitrary application, leading to concerns about misuse against political activists and dissenters. (ANI)
The Mainland Affairs Council of Taiwan (MAC) has rejected Chinese President Xi Jinping's claims about Taiwan made during the People's Republic of China's 75th anniversary celebrations, local media reported. At a state banquet held on the eve of the anniversary on September 30, Xi claimed that Taiwan is "China's sacred territory, and the people on both sides of the Taiwan Strait are connected by blood, and blood is thicker than water", Taiwan News reported. Xi He insisted on continued adherence to Beijing's "one-China principle" and the "1992 Consensus" and firmly opposed "Taiwan independence separatist activities." One China principle is a position held by the People's Republic of China (PRC) and the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) that there exists only one sovereign state under the name China, with the PRC serving as the sole legitimate government of China, and Taiwan. The 1992 consensus refers to the outcome of a meeting in 1992 between the representatives of the Chinese Communist Party (CCP)-led People's Republic of China (PRC) in mainland China and the Kuomintang (KMT)-led Republic of China (ROC) on Taiwan. They are often credited to creating a diplomatic basis between the two. Xi Jinping said achieving the "complete reunification of the motherland" is "an irreversible trend, a righteous cause, and the will of the people." He declared, "No one can stop the wheel of history." Taiwan News reported that the MAC called on China's authorities to "face up to the reality that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait are not affiliated with each other, rationally face the mainstream public opinion in Taiwan, and engage in pragmatic dialogue with Taiwan's democratically elected government." It also called upon Beijing to build goodwill to foster favourable conditions for the development of cross-strait relations. MAC Minister Chiu Chui-Cheng told the media, "The Republic of China is a sovereign country. Taiwan has never been part of the People's Republic of China. The reality and objective fact of the Taiwan Strait is that the two sides are not subordinate to each other." Chiu added that China's the 'one China' principle and the '1992 Consensus' are opposed by mainstream public opinion in Taiwan. (ANI)
On the 75th anniversary of the People's Republic of China (PRC), the World Uyghur Congress (WUC) called on the international community to take decisive action in support of Uyghurs, Hong Kongers, Tibetans, and Southern Mongolians who are enduring severe human rights violations. The WUC organised joint protests in cities worldwide, including Germany and the UK, to raise awareness about China's repression. In their press release, the WUC highlighted that since 1949, the PRC's occupation of East Turkistan has resulted in widespread repression. WUC's Interim President Erkin Ekrem underscored that October 1 symbolises the loss of freedom for Uyghurs and called for unity against the Chinese government's brutal violations of human rights, which target cultural and religious identities and suppress dissent. The WUC noted that China has intensified its human rights abuses, dismissing the UN human rights system and rejecting a significant portion of recommendations from the UN Universal Periodic Review. Despite this, global leaders have increasingly engaged with the PRC, even as the second anniversary of the OHCHR (Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights) assessment raised alarms about potential crimes against humanity in East Turkistan. The WUC demanded the release of millions of arbitrarily detained Uyghurs, Kazakhs, Kyrgyz, and other Turkic peoples and called for an end to genocidal policies in East Turkistan. They urged the international community to establish clear and measurable goals for engagement with China, hold the government accountable, and implement targeted sanctions against individuals complicit in genocide. Furthermore, the WUC advocated for the self-determination rights of the Uyghur people and emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue with civil society organizations to ensure that policies reflect the perspectives of those directly affected by repression. China has faced increasing scrutiny from the international community regarding its human rights record, particularly in relation to its policies in regions such as Xinjiang (East Turkistan), Tibet, and Hong Kong. Xinjiang, Reports of human rights violations in Xinjiang, home to the Uyghur population and other Turkic ethnic groups, have surged in recent years. The Chinese government has been accused of detaining over a million Uyghurs and other Muslim minorities in what it calls "vocational training centers," but which many experts and human rights advocates describe as internment camps aimed at cultural assimilation. Allegations include forced labor, torture, indoctrination, and the suppression of religious practices. The UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) has raised alarms about potential crimes against humanity in this region, emphasising that these actions could constitute genocide due to their intent to destroy, in whole or in part, specific ethnic and cultural identities. (ANI)
As China celebrates its national day today, Tibetans held a protest outside the Chinese Embassy in Delhi, demanding China be held accountable for committing atrocities in Tibet. The protesters shouted slogans like "Make China accountable for committing atrocities in Tibet," "Free Tibet", "Stop genocide in Tibet," "China go away", "Free Tibet, stop genocide, Tibet is not part of China," and "Stop atrocities in Tibet." The police detained protesters in front of the Chinese embassy as they were shouting slogans against China. Recently, Tibetan Youth Congress organised a cycle rally to raise awareness about the cultural genocide in Tibet and demand that the Chinese government put an end to it. Notably, the Tibetan Youth Congress organised a cycle rally from Dehradun via Chandigarh. The 50 cyclists covered more than 400 kilometres and reached Delhi on Monday. Speaking with ANI, Tibetan Youth Congress President Gonpo Dhundup said, "The cycle rally organised by the Tibetan Youth Congress started this campaign on September 24 from Dehradun till today (September 30). It's our 7th day. Till now, we have covered more than 400 km across four Indian states and two union territories." He added, "We have 54 participants... The major demand of this campaign is to ask the Chinese government to stop the cultural genocide in Tibet... We want to highlight the Tibetan issue through this cycle rally."He also called on the international community to stand in solidarity with Tibet. Dhundup said, "Second, we want to urge the international community to speak in support of Tibet... The third objective of this campaign is to seek the support of the Indian government for the Tibetan people's call for Tibet's independence... We got tremendous support from the local Indian community. It was a successful campaign." Earlier on September 27, the representative of the European Union during the 57th general session of the United Nations Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in a statement, reiterated its concerns about the continuous dire human rights situation in Tibet, highlighting the obligatory boarding schooling, mass DNA sampling and closure of Tibetan schools, The Central Tibetan Administration reported. During the statement, the EU representative also mentioned that the human rights situation continues to grow dire as China has been conducting obligatory boarding schooling and DNA sampling, as reported by civil society organisations.The EU envoy also stated that it will monitor the preservation of the fundamental freedoms, cultural heritage and identity of Tibetans and call upon China to ensure education in Tibetan at all levels. The union considered the closure of Tibetan schools a worrying situation. Additionally, the EU urged China to abide by its obligations under national law, including its own constitution, and international law, to respect, protect and fulfil 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. (ANI)
The demonstration coincided with the 75th anniversary of China's National Day, a significant event in the Chinese calendar, and was aimed at condemning China's treatment of Uyghur Muslims in the Xinjiang region.

Led by Hidayet Oguzhan, President of the International Union of East Turkestan Organizations (IUETO), the protest drew support from several non-governmental organisations advocating for Uyghur rights.

Protesters raised slogans and held banners calling for an end to the oppression of Uyghur Muslims and the closure of internment camps in Xinjiang, which China has consistently denied as sites of human rights abuses.

The protest holds particular significance in light of the Turkish government's increasingly close relations with China.

Turkiye, historically a vocal supporter of Uyghur rights due to shared ethnic and religious ties, has shown signs of softening its stance in recent years.

This shift in policy has been underscored by events such as familiarisation trips for Turkish journalists and members of the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) to Xinjiang, and the recent launch of direct flights connecting Istanbul and Xinjiang.

Despite the Turkish government's diplomatic ties with China, the Uyghur community in Turkey remains vocal in its opposition to China's policies in Xinjiang.

Many members of this diaspora have fled the region due to the Chinese government's harsh crackdown on the Uyghur population, which has included mass detentions, forced labour, and the destruction of Uyghur cultural and religious sites. (ANI)
The Human Rights Commission of Pakistan (HRCP) recently condemned the deteriorating law and order situation in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, urging the government to combat extremism and protect the lives and rights of citizens. According to reports, in just the past week, a policeman was killed in an attack on a diplomatic convoy in Swat, polio workers were kidnapped in Dera Ismail Khan, and policemen were assaulted in Nasir Bagh and Bajaur. The HRCP expressed concern over the recent surge in violence, particularly in the Kurram district, and announced plans to send a fact-finding mission to the area in the coming weeks. This mission aims to determine whether tribal conflicts and sectarianism are contributing factors. The HRCP stated, "We will gather information from local communities and government sources to understand why this violence persists." They noted that the resurgence of violence has not only resulted in tragic loss of life but has also displaced families. Furthermore, access to mobile services, schools, hospitals, and markets has been severely restricted. Earlier, on September 28, a large group of people in Mingora, Swat district, held a rally to protest against terrorism and express their opposition to military operations. They called on the "state-sponsored Taliban forces" to cease their anti-Pakhtun actions to prevent the disintegration of the country. Speakers at the rally criticized intelligence and security forces for their failure to ensure the safety of foreign diplomats during their visit to the Malam Jabba region on September 21, which ultimately led to a terrorist attack. The HRCP has repeatedly warned both federal and provincial governments that military operations are not the solution to Khyber Pakhtunkhwa's security issues. They emphasized that law and order should be maintained by well-trained and equipped civilian forces, and those involved in violence must be held accountable under the law. Additionally, they urged that the financial and developmental commitments made to the erstwhile tribal areas should be fulfilled in accordance with the 25th constitutional amendment. (ANI)
The third quarter of 2024 saw a sharp increase in fatalities caused by terrorist violence in Pakistan, as reported by The Express Tribune. There was a 90 per cent surge in violent incidents, reported the Express Tribune citing Centre for Research and Security Studies (CRSS). A total of 722 people were killed, including civilians, security personnel, and terrorists, while 615 others were wounded across 328 recorded incidents during this period, according to the CRSS. Nearly 97 per cent of these fatalities occurred in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (K-P) and Balochistan, marking the highest percentage in a decade. Additionally, over 92 per cent of the incidents of terror attacks and security operations were recorded in these same provinces. The total number of fatalities for the first three quarters of this year has now surpassed the total fatalities recorded for all of 2023, with at least 1,534 fatalities compared to 1,523 last year. Pakistan's failure to effectively combat terrorism can be attributed to a combination of historical decisions, inconsistent policies, governance challenges, and the persistent resilience of terror groups. Pakistan's journey with terrorism illustrates a tragic irony: while it once exported extremism for strategic purposes, it has now become one of the countries most affected by the consequences. This new data suggests a failure of security measures and governance in Pakistan, as extremist groups exploit local grievances and socio-political instability. The stark rise in violence could also signal a strategic shift among terrorist organisations, potentially motivated by factors such as political instability, economic hardship, and unresolved ethnic tensions. Pakistan's counterterrorism policies have been inconsistent, often depending on external pressures. For instance, military operations like Zarb-e-Azb (2014) and Radd-ul-Fasad (2017) were launched in response to specific attacks but were not part of a comprehensive long-term strategy.Moreover, high levels of poverty, unemployment, and lack of education have fueled radicalisation. The government has struggled to implement effective social programs that address these underlying issues. According to the Human Development Index, Pakistan ranks low in education and income levels, which correlate with susceptibility to extremism. (ANI)
On Monday, members of a committee formed by local government representatives and residents of Balakot tehsil called for free electricity from the recently completed Suki Kinari hydropower project. The project is expected to be commissioned in the first week of October, according to Dawn. Fahad Yalmaz, chairman of the Garhi Habibullah village council, told a meeting of the committee, "We have launched a movement to press the government for the provision of free electricity to the people of Balakot. Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz MNA Sardar Mohammad Yusuf has also discussed the matter with the Prime Minister, and we expect a positive outcome before the inauguration of the power station in the first week of October." The participants also agreed to meet Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif prior to the inauguration of the recently completed 880 MW hydropower project, situated over the Kunhar River in the Kaghan Valley. During the event, Javed Iqbal, president of the Balakot Traders' Association, stated that the community had sacrificed their lands for the energy project, yet the authorities had not fulfilled the promised relief package, which included the construction of schools and health facilities for those affected, as reported by Dawn. He mentioned that MNA Sardar Yusuf had raised the issue of providing free electricity to the Prime Minister. Earlier on Saturday, residents of Balakot tehsil blocked the Mansehra-Naran-Jalkhad Road for more than three hours, demanding free electricity from local dams. Recently, in July, the National Electric Power Regulatory Authority (NEPRA) announced an increase in electricity tariffs by Pakistani Rupees (PKR) 2.56 per unit in Pakistan, as reported by ARY News. This increase adds to the financial strain that consumers are already grappling with due to rising energy costs. Meanwhile, in July, K-Electric announced that electricity consumers in Karachi are set to receive inflated electricity bills in August, according to ARY News. Despite having various energy resources, including hydropower, natural gas, and coal, Pakistan faces persistent power shortages. The electricity supply often falls short of demand, leading to load shedding that can last for several hours each day in many areas. (ANI)
The Israeli military on Tuesday, issued a warning to 20 towns in southern Lebanon to evacuate immediately, as it aims to start limited ground operations against the Hezbollah terror group in Lebanon, as reported by the Times of Israel. A statement was issued for the civilian population of Lebanon by the Israel Defence Forces (IDF) spokesperson Avichay Adraee on the social media platform X, stating that the "IDF does not want to harm you, and for your own safety, you must evacuate your homes immediately." "Anyone who is near Hezbollah members, installations and combat equipment is putting their life in danger," it added. Israel launched limited ground raids into southern Lebanon late on Monday night against Hezbollah forces and infrastructure positioned along Israel's northern border, hours after the security cabinet approved plans for the newest phase of the war against the Lebanese terror group, in a move that the US appeared to warily support, the Times of Israel reported. Announcing the incursion in the early hours of Tuesday morning, the IDF said that "limited, localized, and targeted ground raids" had begun several hours earlier. It said they were focused on "Hezbollah targets and infrastructure" in a number of Lebanese villages along the border that posed an immediate threat to Israeli towns on the other side of the border. Ground troops operating inside southern Lebanon were being assisted by air and artillery forces, the military said, adding that the operation was based on plans drawn up by the IDF's General Staff and Northern Command. On Tuesday morning, the IDF released footage showing the 98th Division, an elite formation of paratrooper and commando units, leading the overnight ground operation. It said the division's Paratroopers and Commando brigades were joined by the 7th Armored Brigade. Reacting to the situation, the US voiced concerns that even a limited incursion could spread further and spiral. However, during the call between US Defence Secretary Lloyd Austin and Israeli Defence Minister Yoav Gallant, Washington expressed its support for the raids. "We agreed on the necessity of dismantling attack infrastructure along the border to ensure that Lebanese Hezbollah cannot conduct October 7-style attacks on Israel's northern communities," Austin said according to the Pentagon's readout of the call. During the call, the pair discussed Israel's latest military operations, and Austin "made it clear that the United States supports Israel's right to defend itself." While he seemed to voice support for the IDF operation, Austin nevertheless stressed that the incursion was not an end in itself. "I reaffirmed that a diplomatic resolution is required to ensure that civilians can return safely to their homes on both sides of the border," he said. The start of the IDF's ground offensive came some two weeks into intensified fighting with Hezbollah, and after Operation Northern Arrows was launched earlier in September to meet the recently declared war goal of bringing residents of the north back to their homes following their evacuation last October under heavy rocket fire from the Lebanese terror group, Times of Israel reported. (ANI)
US National Security Advisor, Jake Sullivan said on Wednesday that the US Military coordinated closely with Israeli Defence Forces to help defend Israel from Iran and President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris personally monitored the attack. Speaking at a press briefing, Sullivan said that no civilian deaths were reported in the Iranian attack. Sullivan said that Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards Israel. Today Iran launched nearly 200 ballistic missiles towards targets in Israel. The United States military coordinated closely with the Israeli Defense Forces to help defend Israel against this attack. US Naval destroyers joined Israeli air defence units in firing interceptors to shoot down inbound missiles President Biden and vice president Harris monitored the attack and the response from White House Situation Room joined in person and remotely by their National Security team. He added that the US is working with the IDF to assess the impact of the attack. "We are still working with the IDF and the authorities in Israel to assess the impact of the attack but at this time and I stress at this time we do not know of any deaths in Israel. We do not know of any damage to aircraft or strategic military assets in Israel. In short based on what we know at this point attack appears to have been defeated and ineffective. This was first and foremost the result of professionalism of the IDF but in no small part because of the skilled work of the US Military and meticulous ioint planning in anticipation." Sullivan stressed that this was a developing situation and that the US will consult with Israel on the next steps that they would take. "We reserve the right to amend and adjust as necessary as we gather more information. The word 'Fog of War' was invented for a situation like this. This is a fluid situation. We will consult with the Israelis on next steps in terms of the the response and how to deal with what Iran has just done. We will continue to monitor for further threats and attacks from Iran and its proxies. We are particularly focused on protecting US service members," he said. Meanwhile, the Tehran Times quoted Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps as saying, "In this operation, some air bases and radar centers, as well as the conspiracy and assassination plotting centers against the resistance leaders, particular Ismail Haniyeh and Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, as well as the military commanders of Hezbollah, the Islamic Resistance of Palestine, and the commanders of IRGC, were targeted." IRGC announced the name of today's military operation against Israeli regime as "Operation True Promise II"," Israeli Defence Forces on Tuesday night released footage of hundreds of Iranian missiles as they rained over the Old City in Jerusalem on Tuesday in a major escalation of the raging conflict in the Middle East. The IDF further said that it intercepted 'a large number' of the 180 ballistic missiles launched from Iran. The Times of Israel reports that Israelis have now been told they can leave shelters after Iranian attack of 180 ballistic missiles. The IDF said, "Hezbollah is upset that the IDF exposed their plans to massacre Israelis, so they decided to target innocent civilians by firing a barrage of rockets." (ANI)
Following Iran's ballistic missile attack on Israel, the Indian Embassy has advised its citizens to remain vigilant and follow safety protocols as instructed by local authorities. "Please exercise caution, avoid unnecessary travel within the country, and stay near safety shelters. The Embassy is closely monitoring the situation and is in regular contact with Israeli authorities to ensure the safety of all our nationals," the embassy stated in its advisory. "In case of any emergency, please contact the 24/7 helpline of the Embassy:Telephone:A. +972-547520711B. +972-543278392Email: consi.telaviv@mea.gov.in.Those Indian nationals who have yet to register with the Embassy are requested to do so at the following link: https://forms.gle/ftp3DEXgJwH8XVRdA," the Indian Embassy posted on X. On Tuesday, in a significant escalation of the ongoing conflict in the Middle East, Iran launched a missile attack on Israel. In a statement, the IDF reported that all Israeli civilians are currently in bomb shelters as rockets are being fired from Iran towards Israel. The IDF also noted that Hezbollah is retaliating after their plans to massacre Israeli civilians were exposed, launching a barrage of rockets at innocent civilians. According to the Jerusalem Post, 102 missiles have been fired at Israel, with sirens continuing to sound across the country, as reported by the Times of Israel. The IDF stated that approximately 10 million civilians are being targeted by Iranian projectiles. Earlier in the day, the IDF initiated limited, localised, and targeted ground raids based on precise intelligence against Hezbollah terrorist targets and infrastructure in southern Lebanon. These targets, situated in villages near the border, pose an immediate threat to Israeli communities in northern Israel. The IDF noted that these operations are part of a carefully planned strategy developed by the General Staff and the Northern Command, for which IDF soldiers have been training over recent months. The Israeli Air Force and IDF Artillery are providing support to the ground forces with precise strikes on military targets in the area. The IDF stated that these operations have been approved and are being carried out in accordance with the political echelon's decision. Operation "Northern Arrows" will continue based on the situational assessment and in parallel with combat operations in Gaza and other arenas, the IDF added. This escalation follows Israel's recent decisive strike against Iran-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon, which resulted in the killing of Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah in an airstrike. Earlier in July, Hamas chief Ismail Haniyeh was also killed in Tehran. Iran had vowed retaliation in both instances. (ANI)
IDF on Tuesday night released footage of hundreds of Iranian missiles as they rained over the Old City in Jerusalem on Tuesday in a major escalation of the raging conflict in the Middle East. The IDF is in its statement said that the Iranian regime targets everyone, as the site is a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews. In a post on X, the IDF said, "Watch as Iranian missiles rain over the Old City in Jerusalem, a holy site for Muslims, Christians and Jews. This is the target of the Iranian regime: everyone." https://x.com/IDF/status/1841167289984397726 The IDF further said that it intercepted 'a large number' of the 180 ballistic missiles launched from Iran. The Times of Israel reports that Israelis have now been told they can leave shelters after Iranian attack of 180 ballistic missiles Benny Gantz, head of Israel's opposition National Unity Party, condemned Iran's attack. "Iran crossed the border again. The State of Israel has capabilities that have been developed over the years to strike at Iran and the government has full backing to act with strength and determination. It's either us or them, and the mission is clear: Whoever attacks - will be attacked, and will be hurt," he said. Earlier, the Israeli Air Force in a statement said that they killed the terrorist D Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the 'Hamam Hossein' division in Beirut. In a post on X, the IAF stated, "The Air Force planes, under the precise direction of the Intelligence Division, killed the terrorist D. Al-Faqar Hanawi, the commander of the 'Hamam Hossein' division in Beirut, at the same time as the killing of the terrorist Muhammad Jaafar Katzir, the commander of the unit for the transfer of weapons from Iran and its affiliates to Hezbollah in Lebanon (Unit 4400), which was eliminated earlier today. The IDF continues to attack Hezbollah commanders and anyone who poses a threat to the citizens of the State of Israel." https://x.com/IAFsite/status/1841179176088301585 Contrary to the statement of the IDF, Iran's state-run media channel, Press TV, claimed, "80% of missiles fired at occupied territories hit targets". The Iranian mission to the UN said that Iran's legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime has been duly carried out. In a post on X, it stated, "Iran's legal, rational, and legitimate response to the terrorist acts of the Zionist regime--which involved targeting Iranian nationals and interests and infringing upon the national sovereignty of the Islamic Republic of Iran--has been duly carried out. Should the Zionist regime dare to respond or commit further acts of malevolence, a subsequent and crushing response will ensue. Regional states and the Zionists' supporters are advised to part ways with the regime." https://x.com/Iran_UN/status/1841162849286308106 UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an immediate cessation to the hostilities. In a post on X, he said, "I condemn the broadening of the Middle East conflict with escalation after escalation. This must stop. We absolutely need a ceasefire." https://x.com/antonioguterres/status/1841167889191112704 Meanwhile, US President Joe Biden and Vice President Kamala Harris are monitoring the Iranian attack against Israel from the White House Situation Room and receiving regular updates from their national security team.According to a White House situation room update, President Biden directed the U.S. military to aid Israel's defence against Iranian attacks and shoot down missiles that are targeting Israel. (ANI)
US Secretary of State Antony Blinken, in a meeting with External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar, condemned the Iranian attack on Israel, calling it "totally unacceptable." Blinken stated that Iran had launched a direct attack on Israel, including 200 ballistic missiles. "Before I speak to this meeting, let me say this: a few hours ago, Iran, for the second time in five months, launched a direct attack on Israel, involving some 200 ballistic missiles. This is totally unacceptable, and the entire world should condemn it," he said. Blinken reaffirmed US support for Israel, stating that they would continue close communication with Israel moving forward. "Initial reports suggest that Israel, with the active support of the United States and other partners, successfully repelled the attack. We have once again demonstrated our commitment to Israel's defence. We will remain in close contact with Israel and other regional partners in the coming hours and days," he said. Referring to Secretary Blinken's remarks, Jaishankar said that the two leaders "address global issues." "On the (India-US) bilateral front, we have achieved a lot since our last meeting, but there are also global issues to address, including some of the events you've mentioned today. I look forward to a productive conversation," he said. "It's a pleasure to have my friend and colleague, External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, here with us today. In recent weeks, we've seen the incredible vibrancy and strength of the partnership between the United States and India. We had Prime Minister Modi here in Wilmington, Delaware, for the Quad meeting, as well as a bilateral meeting with President Biden," he said. He noted that the warmth and ambition in the India-US relationship were at an unprecedented level. "The warmth of that meeting and the ambition in the relationship are at an all-time high. This reflects the value that both countries place on this partnership--a partnership in many sectors, including strategic technology, space, semiconductors, and clean energy. Our countries are increasingly working together to create new opportunities, not just for people in India and the United States but also globally," Blinken said. The Secretary of State emphasised India's critical role on the global stage in promoting peace. "India plays a critical role on the global stage, working for peace and security. We are doing more together than ever before. Following the UN General Assembly and the meetings we held with the Quad and bilaterally, this is an excellent opportunity to take stock of the many issues we are addressing together, improving the lives of our people and making a positive contribution to the world," he said. Responding to Blinken, EAM Jaishankar thanked him for facilitating the meetings between Prime Minister Modi and US President Biden and acknowledged the opportunity these meetings provided to assess progress in various areas. "It's a great pleasure to be back in Washington and at the department. Let me begin by thanking you for the excellent meeting between the Prime Minister and the President in Delaware and a very successful Quad meeting. These gatherings gave us a chance to take stock of the progress in various areas. I look forward to our discussions today. On the bilateral front, we have achieved a lot since our last meeting, but there are also global issues to address, including some of the events you mentioned today. I look forward to a productive conversation," he said. Jaishankar, who arrived in the US capital on Sunday, and during his brief visit to Washington, the external affairs minister also has a series of meetings planned, including discussions with White House officials and an engagement at a think tank. This is Jaishankar's first visit to the US since the third Modi government took office. (ANI)
In not-breaking news, the 2024 race for the White House appears very close. Tellingly, 538s latest presidential election forecast gives Vice President Kamala Harris the narrowest of advantages over former President Donald Trump  she wins in 57 in 100 simulations, making it practically a coin-flip race. To that point, the most critical swing states are all on a knifes edge in the polls: Based on our latest state polling averages, Harris leads by around 1 to 2 points in Michigan, Nevada, Pennsylvania and Wisconsin, Trump holds roughly a 1-point edge in Arizona and Georgia, while North Carolina is essentially tied.

This group of battlegrounds is very likely to provide us with the eventual tipping-point state in the 2024 presidential election. If we line up each state (and the congressional districts in Maine and Nebraska) by how large the margin of victory is for the winner of that state  from most Democratic to most Republican, or vice versa  the tipping point is the contest that hands the Electoral College winner the clinching 270th electoral vote. That mark represents an outright majority of todays 538 total electoral votes, which is necessary for someone to win the presidential election.

Of course, each presidential election has a tipping point, regardless of whether its a landslide, in which the tipping point is largely academic, or a nail-biter, in which were closely monitoring that state as a potential decider of the outcome  as could well be the case this year.

Looking at 538s forecast, the most likely tipping-point state across all scenarios for the 2024 election is Pennsylvania. In 18 out of 100 cases, the Keystone State provides the winning electoral votes for either Harris or Trump.* The next-most likely tipping points are North Carolina, Michigan, Georgia and Florida, each of which have around a 1 in 10 shot of filling that role. Beyond them, the remaining scenarios mostly involve Wisconsin, Arizona, Texas, Nevada and Minnesota serving as the tipping point.

Even more notably, considering how close this election is, its outcome could rest entirely on which way the tipping-point state votes  making that state a decisive tipping point. As a result, the 2024 contest could join the short list of races absolutely decided by the outcome in that place  that is, contests in which neither candidate could win a majority in the Electoral College without capturing the tipping-point state.

Critically, Pennsylvanias importance remains paramount in the smaller number of scenarios involving a decisive tipping-point state  which make up slightly more than 1 in 8 scenarios in 538s presidential forecast. Now, thinking probabilistically, an event that has around a 1 in 8 chance of happening isnt terribly likely to happen, but remains highly plausible. For instance, its about the same chance as flipping a coin three times and getting three heads in a row!

Among these more select cases, Pennsylvania has around a 17 in 100 shot of being the tipping point, followed by Michigan at about 14 in 100, North Carolina at 13 in 100 and Georgia at 11 in 100. The potential nail-biting involved in these scenarios could permanently damage your cuticles. Just consider that the vote count in Pennsylvania may be slow because election law prevents officials from beginning to process mail ballots before 7 a.m. on Election Day. And in Georgia, Republicans on the state election board have implemented rules to force cumbersome  and slower, more error-prone  hand counts of all votes at each precinct to check if the total matches the machine count, although those changes face a legal challenge to their implementation.

Regardless of the pace of the count, however, the campaigns and their allies well know how essential these states, especially Pennsylvania, are to winning in November. As of mid-September, Harris and pro-Harris groups had reserved about $76 million in ads in the Keystone State through Election Day, based on a recent analysis by AdImpact, compared with around $61 million by Trump and pro-Trump outfits. That combined total of nearly $137 million accounted for more than one-quarter of all ad bookings in the seven leading swing states, with (appropriately) Michigan the next-closest, with just shy of one-fifth (about $97 million combined). Pennsylvania has also hosted more presidential campaign events than any other state, per data from VoteHub, again followed by Michigan.

That Pennsylvania, Michigan or another key swing state could prove singularly decisive has positioned 2024 to potentially join a rare group of elections whose outcome rested solely on the tipping-point state. Thats been true of just seven of the 39 presidential elections from 1868 to 2020: four straight elections from 1876 through 1888, another in 1916 and two more in 2000 and 2004. The 2000 race effectively stands as the closest presidential election in history, as the decisive state (Florida) was decided by an absurdly small margin of 0.01 percentage points in favor of Republican George W. Bush.

The 2000 election was famously controversial for the balloting in Florida, which came down to just 537 votes out of a total of nearly 6 million cast there. That partly resulted from the ballot design used in populous Palm Beach County, which led some potential Democratic voters to mistakenly cast votes for third-party candidate Pat Buchanan instead of Al Gore. Four years later, Bush won in the Electoral College thanks to his 2-point edge in Ohio, which, had it flipped, wouldve given Democrat John Kerry a win in the Electoral College  perhaps while also losing the national popular vote, which Bush won by more than 2 points overall (no Democrat has ever won in the Electoral College while losing the popular vote). In line with these results, the polls in both Florida in 2000 and Ohio in 2004 were quite close in each state in the closing weeks.

We have to turn to the late 19th and early 20th centuries to find earlier presidential contests determined by a single state. Even more controversial than 2000, the 1876 election featured conflicting electoral vote submissions, rampant voter suppression of strongly Republican-leaning Black voters by white supremacist Democrats in the South and the strategic rejection of electoral returns by GOP election officials in three pivotal Southern states  including the tipping point of South Carolina, which was decided by 0.5 points. The 1880, 1884 and 1888 elections also stood on the razors edge, with New York serving as the tipping-point state in each at a time when it was the countrys most populous state. And in 1916, Democratic President Woodrow Wilson won reelection by the slimmest of margins by carrying California by 0.4 points.

Turning back to the 2024 race and the most likely state to decide it, the 538 forecasts current median projection for Pennsylvania is about a 1-point victory for Harris. To be clear, that falls between the wide extremes of the forecasts estimated range of outcomes in the state  a 15-point Democratic win to a 14-point Republican victory  so we shouldnt be surprised if Harris or Trump wins the state by more than 1 point. But if a result in Pennsylvania played out close to that margin, theres a real chance the Keystone State could join the ranks of decisive tipping-point states.

Footnote

*Tipping-point state probabilities in this analysis were calculated based on the 538 forecast as of Sept. 26.

The 2024 election could come down to a single tipping-point state originally appeared on abcnews.go.com
The Biden administration on Monday toughened asylum limits for undocumented immigrants by making it harder for the federal government to lift them.

In June, President Joe Biden issued am executive order that generally barred people who cross the U.S.-Mexico border and southern coastal states from requesting refugee protections until authorities registered a seven-day consecutive average of less than 1,500 encounters with undocumented migrants for a week. That policy has been in place since.

But on Monday, the federal government announced that authorities now would have to register a week-long average of 1,500 encounters or less for 28 days straight to lift it. That means the ineligibility on seeking asylum for undocumented immigrants crossing unlawfully will likely be around for longer and the parameters to lift it will be harder to meet.

The federal government has said that the policys purpose is to improve the operating capacities of the overloaded U.S. immigration system. On Monday, immigration officials said the change was meant to ensure that the policy responded to sustained trends and not short-term changes. Customs and Border Patrols seven-day-average has fallen to under 1,800 encounters a day since the June policy was put in place, according to the Department of Homeland Security.

The policy also comes as immigration continues to be a cornerstone of the presidential election. While Biden is no longer running against former President Donald Trump, Vice President Kamala Harris has had to respond for her role in the current administrations record on border safety and immigration. She has taken a harder line on immigration policy in speeches and ads and visited the border over the weekend.

There are exceptions to the asylum limits, including for lawful permanent residents, unaccompanied children, victims of severe trafficking, and people with visas, appointments on the Customs and Border Protection app CBPOne, or other legal permissions to enter. People facing a medical emergency or a threat to their life or safety will also be exempt. If the policy is lifted, the government can reactivate it if it hits an average of 2,500 encounters for a straight week.

Homeland Security Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas said Monday that the action has been taken in parallel with other Administration actions that have both increased enforcement and delivered to asylum seekers safe and lawful pathways to humanitarian relief that cut out the ruthless smuggling organizations that prey on the vulnerable.

To curb irregular immigration, the Biden administration has rolled out a series of policies to increase legal paths to the U.S., such as a parole program that allows Nicaraguans, Haitians, Venezuelans and Cubans to come for two years as long as they pass background and health checks. It has also resumed family reunifications for Cuba and Haiti and expanded those programs to Colombia, El Salvador and Honduras.

But it has also taken steps to reduce the flow of undocumented immigrants showing up at the border, such as entering an agreement with Mexico so the neighboring country takes back up to 30,000 deportees from Cuba, Venezuela, Haiti and Nicaragua every month.

Mayorkas emphasized that the Biden administration has made these decisions because of a lack of congressional action, an assertion he has repeatedly made before. He said the immigration system is broken and that Congress must give his department and other immigration-related agencies more resources, personnel, and tools.

The Department of Homeland Security said in a press release Monday that the original interim rule had significantly reduced the average of daily encounters and sped up deportations. It also said it would follow its commitments and obligations to asylum under international law.

But experts and advocates have said that the U.S. is effectively banning asylum under the measure and violating both federal and international law. They also fear that people with legitimate claims to asylum will not be able to receive protections to which they are entitled.

Amy Fischer, the Director of Refugee and Migrant Rights at Amnesty International USA, said the U.S. is presenting a false choice to people fleeing for their lives by forcing them to remain in Mexico in dangerous situations waiting for an appointment at the border or cross unlawfully and face a higher likelihood of deportation.

The Biden administration is clinging to policies of cruelty when there are solutions on the table that can both solve the issues at the border and provide meaningful relief for cities like Springfield, New York, Chicago, and Denver without human suffering and with respect for human rights and dignity, Fischer said. The Biden administration must immediately end the asylum ban and the border shutdown, and restore access to asylum at the border.
WESTERVILLE, Ohio (WCMH)  The Department of Education has bestowed the prestigious National Blue Ribbon School designation to this years select schools, and one local elementary school made the list.

The 2024 cohort is made up of 356 schools, but just one  Westervilles Whittier Elementary  is in central Ohio. Whittier was recognized in the Exemplary High Performing Schools category, which the Department said recognizes top-performing schools based on state or national assessments.

Westerville schools weigh religious release policy

We are honored that Whittier Elementary School is being recognized as a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, Westerville Superintendent Angie Hamberg said. This prestigious recognition highlights the tireless efforts of our students, staff and families in closing the achievement gap and preparing our students to excel in a competitive world. I am proud to see their dedication and commitment to learning recognized. Congratulations Whittier.

According to the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce, the high-performing schools category has been where ODE has nominated schools. Nationally, schools can also be recognized in the Exemplary Achievement Gap Closing category, which honors schools that bridge gaps between students from disadvantaged backgrounds.

The nominations come from a states top education official, which is ODE director Stephen Dackin for Ohio. Dackins nominations led to 14 Ohio schools making the list, making Ohio the seventh most-awarded state behind California (33), Texas (31), New York (21), Illinois (18), Indiana (16) and Florida (15).

According to Whittiers Blue Ribbon biography, the school works from three principles: student growth, excellence and community. In its 15-page application, Whittier highlighted school programs designed to support students socially and emotionally.

How central Ohio school districts are investing in technology to address safety concerns

The elementary school encourages students to SOAR (safe, own it, always kind, respectful), and when enough students receive recognition for their work toward the common goal, the entire school enjoys an incentive. Examples from Whittier included school-wide quick dance parties or a photo booth during lunch.

As part of the designation, Whittier will receive a National Blue Ribbon School award flag to display in its entryway or on a flagpole.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NBC4 WCMH-TV.
Local officials in western Hamilton County are expected to hold a special meeting Tuesday evening to discuss last week's styrene leak that forced residents to leave their homes due to worries about chemical exposure and a possible explosion.

The Whitewater Township Board of Trustees, the Miami Township Board of Trustees and representatives from the village of Cleves set up the meeting. It is scheduled to start at 7 p.m. at the Whitewater Township Community Center at 6175 Dry Fork Road.

"Information for residents and businesses affected by the recent Chemical Leak will be available at this meeting," an online meeting notice states.

An evacuation order issued Sept. 24 impacted roughly 210 homes within a half-mile radius of a leaking railcar sitting in a railyard near the intersection of U.S. 50 and state Route 128 in Whitewater Township. The order lasted more than 24 hours, leaving residents to find temporary accommodations.

Officials with the Central Railroad of Indiana, a subsidiary of Genesee & Wyoming that owns the tracks, previously said a chemical reaction caused the railcar's pressure valve to release, allowing the styrene gas to escape. Styrene is a toxic and flammable chemical and crews had to cool the tank with water until the valve closed.

The railcar was removed and taken to its final destination at Ineos ABS (USA) LLC, located on the banks of the Ohio River at 356 Three Rivers Parkway in Addyston. Ineos confirmed last week that it owned the styrene that leaked from a train car on Tuesday.

Also expected to attend Tuesday's meeting are representatives from the Central Railroad of Indiana, Ineos, Hamilton County Public Health, the Hamilton County Emergency Management Agency and the Whitewater Township Fire Department.

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Ohio styrene leak: Officials to hold public meeting Tuesday
The Czech Republic has blocked a joint European Union statement that called for an "immediate ceasefire" between Israel and Hezbollah and condemned the number of civilians killed in Lebanon, preventing the bloc from releasing a unified response to the latest developments in the Middle East.

The Czech Republic, together with Hungary and Austria, are considered Europe's staunchest supporters of Israel and have in recent months pushed to water down collective action that they deemed overtly critical to Israel.

"(We) could support the text with two proposals for modifications that were put forward, but other member states could not take them on board," a Czech spokesperson said.

"Firstly, we advocated to add into the text the necessity of Hezbollah to withdraw from the Israeli border. Secondly, the text was too restrictive when it comes to the right of Israel to defend itself."

The lack of unanimity forced the EU's foreign policy chief, Josep Borrell, to release a statement on his own, as he has done in previous cases of internal discord.

"We deplore the many civilian casualties in Lebanon, the destruction of civilian infrastructure with related long-term implications, and the high number of internally displaced persons on both sides, and once again urge the respect of International Humanitarian Law in all circumstances," Borrell said on Tuesday afternoon.

"Arms should now be silenced and the voice of diplomacy should speak and be heard by all," he added.

Borrell had alluded to the common statement after holding an extraordinary meeting of foreign affairs ministers on Monday evening, which took place mere hours before the Israel Defense Forces moved to invade parts of southern Lebanon.

It marks Israel's first territorial campaign into Lebanon since the 2006 war.

The invasion, launched in response to Hezbollah's cross-border heavy fire in solidarity with Hamas, further escalates the military scope of the Middle East crisis and brings the region closer to the wide, all-out war that Western allies have long feared.

But despite shared anxiety of a spiraling conflict, the behind-the-scenes struggle in Brussels to publish the joint statement lays bare the enduring disagreements between member states when it comes to addressing Israel, which has played out in both private and public since the 7 October attack by Hamas.

The text was released almost 24 hours after the meeting of foreign affairs ministers.

In it, Borrell appeals for an 'immediate ceasefire" between the warring parties and urges the "full and symmetrical implementation" of a UN Security Council resolution approved in 2006 that called for the end of hostilities, the withdrawal of Israeli troops from southern Lebanon and the disarmament of Hezbollah.

"The sovereignty of both Israel and Lebanon has to be guaranteed.** Any further military intervention would dramatically aggravate the situation," the High Representative writes.

Minutes after the blockage was confirmed, the Israeli army announced that Iran had launched a missile attack on the country.

The article has been updated with the Czech reaction.
Donald Trump told the rally in Erie, Pennsylvania that police arent allowed to do their job - Dustin Franz/AFP

Donald Trump has suggested that allowing the police to be extraordinarily rough for an hour would end crime.

The Republican presidential candidate claimed that one real, nasty day would put an immediate stop to criminality, in comments that drew comparisons with the horror film The Purge.

The Trump campaign insisted that he was not making a serious policy suggestion and was speaking in jest.

Trump told a rally in Erie, Pennsylvania on Sunday: We have to let the police do their job. And if they have to be, extraordinarily rough.

And you know, the funny thing with all of that stuff, look at the department stores... you see these guys walking out with air conditioners, with refrigerators on their back. The craziest thing.

And the police arent allowed to do their job. Theyre told if you do anything, youre gonna lose your pension, youre gonna lose your family, your house, your car.

Trump continued: You know, if you had one day, like one real rough, nasty day... One rough hour, and I mean real rough, the word will get out and it will end immediately. End immediately. You know, itll end immediately.

Several commentators claimed that Trump was endorsing The Purge, a dystopian film in which murder and violence are made legal for 12 hours every year to release public aggression and tackle crime rates and unemployment.

Trumps comments were compared with the film The Purge, in which laws are suspended for a 12-hour period every year - Alamy

A campaign official said afterwards that the former president was clearly just floating it in jest.

Nevertheless, crime has become a key battleground in the election with Trump frequently invoking his law and order credentials, and his rival Kamala Harris talking up her time as a prosecutor.

According to polling from the Pew Research Centre, 51 per cent of voters give Trump the edge on law enforcement and criminal justice issues, compared with 47 per cent for Ms Harris.

This is despite the fact that the Republican was convicted of 34 counts of falsifying business records in his New York hush money trial earlier this year.

President Trump has always been the law and order president and he continues to reiterate the importance of enforcing existing laws, Steven Cheung, the campaigns communications director, told Politico.

Otherwise its all-out anarchy, which is what Kamala Harris has created in some of these communities across America, especially during her time as [California] attorney-general when she emboldened criminals.

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Hundreds of people hold signs outside the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity house during a protest, Tuesday, Aug. 31, 2021, in Iowa City, Iowa.

A former Phi Gamma Delta fraternity brother, the University of Iowa Phi Gamma Delta fraternity as a whole, and the Mu Deuteron chapter have been dismissed from an ongoing sexual assault lawsuit citing a "resolution" in mediation.

Makena Solberg filed a civil lawsuit in 2021 for damages against Carson Steffen and Jacob Meloan as well as their fraternity, accusing the two members of sexually assaulting her and filming it while she was intoxicated at a party in 2020.

The dismissal comes less than six weeks before the trial is scheduled to begin in Tama County District Court.

More: Lawsuit dismissed for FIJI brother accused of sharing photos, videos of alleged sexual assault

A settlement was reached, lawyer says

Solberg's lawyer, Eashaan Vajpeyi, approved the dismissal of the University of Iowa Phi Gamma Delta fraternity and the Mu Deuteron chapter "with prejudice" on Sept. 25, which means no further legal action will be brought against those defendants.

Vajpeyi told the Press-Citizen that the case "between Ms. Solberg and the fraternity defendants was resolved at mediation."

Vajpeyi also filed a motion removing Jacob Meloan from the case on Monday.

"The case against Jacob Meloan was voluntarily dismissed after a settlement was reached with him," Vajpeyi told the Press-Citizen on Monday.

Vajpeyi did not release details of the mediation process and declined to comment further on the case. Meloan's attorney did not immediately respond to a request for comment on Monday.

From January: Lawsuit dismissed for FIJI brother accused of sharing photos, videos of alleged sexual assault

One defendant remains in civil case

Broc Hawkins, a former Fiiji member, was also dismissed from the case in January after he was added to the suit for allegedly "distributing the sexually explicit images of Solberg to others."

The removal of the fraternity and Meloan does not dismiss the case in its entirety.

The lone remaining defendant is Carson Steffen. He is scheduled to head to trial on Nov. 5 in Tama County.

The original civil filing accused both Meloan and Steffen of sexual assault. The filing also said the pair "planned and conspired to lure" Solberg into one of their bedrooms. Meloan and Steffen then "filmed or photographed" the assault, "caused the videos or photographs to be shared" and "deliberately caused (Solberg) harm" by doing so.

Frat previously alleged to have 'aided and abetted' accused members

Filed in 2021, Solberg said that Meloan and Steffen "engaged in" and "photographed" themselves and Solberg participating in sexual activity while Solberg was "intoxicated, physically impaired and physically vulnerable."

The alleged photos and videos were then shared with members of the fraternity and others. The original filing alleges that members of the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity, also known as FIJI, instructed others to delete any photos and videos. Rather than reporting the incident, FIJI leaders allegedly told members to "not report the incident" and "maintain silence and solidarity on the matter."

The lawsuit accused the fraternity and its members of "aiding and abetting" Steffen and Meloan's actions after the incidents and said it had "failed to take appropriate preventative action".

An attorney for the fraternity declined to comment on Friday. As of Monday afternoon, the Press-Citizen had not secured comment from the fraternity's co-counsel or the Mu Deuteron chapter attorneys.

From 2023: A judge has moved UI's Phi Gamma Delta sexual assault trial to Tama County

Protestors gathered in 2021

The allegations sparked consecutive nights of protest in 2021 as hundreds gathered outside Phi Gamma Delta's frat house on the west side of campus. Some protesters threw small rocks at the windows. The word "Rapists" was spray-painted on the front of the house.

In the years since the incident, the fraternity has appeared on multiple University of Iowa Dean of Students "action reports," published after each school year. However, the fraternity is active, according to the latest action report.

From 2021: University of Iowa student speaks publicly about sexual assault claim against former Fiji fraternity members

Steffen faces criminal harassment charge

Steffen is also facing a criminal charge in a separate case.

He was charged in December 2021 with one count of first-degree harassment for allegedly sharing a photo of an unnamed individual "engaged in a sexual act with another male" in the early morning hours on Sept. 5, 2020, the same night Solberg attended a party at the FIJI house.

That case is scheduled to go on trial in Johnson County on Dec. 3.

A motion to "bifurcate" this case was filed in early August, and a hearing on that motion is set for Oct. 18. Court filings do not indicate exactly what prompted this motion.

No criminal charges have been filed against Meloan in Johnson County.

More: LGBTQ+ students at Iowa high school get boxcutter thrown at them during homecoming parade

Ryan Hansen covers local government and crime for the Press-Citizen. He can be reached at rhansen@press-citizen.com or on X, formerly known as Twitter, @ryanhansen01.

This article originally appeared on Iowa City Press-Citizen: Phi Gamma Delta dismissed from sexual assault case after mediation
Despite harsh criticism for his earlier mediation efforts, Hungary's Prime Minister Viktor Orban seems undeterred  and is again busy rounding up world countries to push for his peacemaking plan for Ukraine.

On the sidelines of last week's UN General Assembly, the Hungarian leader quietly worked the room, asking China and Brazil to join him in organising a peace summit that would bring Moscow and Kyiv to the negotiating table.

The get-together could also see leaders of France and Switzerland among those present, Swiss outlet Weltwoche, who spoke to Orban in New York, reported.

"The dying must stop," Orban said, explaining his intensive negotiations with Beijing and Brasilia came in a renewed push for what he sees as peace with Russia after his attempts to convince Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy he was running out of time failed.

However, things did not go down well with many last time the Hungarian PM set out to do something similar.

'Do not divide the world'

Right after the central European country took over the EU presidency in June, Orban went on a world peace tour to Kyiv, Moscow and Beijing, irking his European counterparts with his self-appointed role as a roving European ambassador-slash-negotiator.

While one part of the ire came from Brussels insisting Orban's Peace Mission 3.0 could only be done in Budapest's name, EU leaders were unhappy with the prospect of being in the same room with Russia's Vladimir Putin to discuss Ukraine on his terms, as the bloc vehemently opposes the unprovoked all-out invasion Moscow launched in early 2022.

Kyiv has rejected any possibility of debating peace with the Kremlin that doesn't include the complete withdrawal of Russian troops from all Ukrainian territories, including the unilaterally annexed Crimea Moscow took for itself during the first invasion of 2014.

But if Brussels won't back him, others might  although this could require further careful massaging.

Brazil might need to be convinced Orban means well after Hungary provoked President Lula da Silva by offering Jair Bolsonaro refuge at its embassy in Brasilia following his failed reelection bid and a resulting storming of the country's institutions by Bolsonaro's supporters back in March.

But most importantly, Kyiv  which views Orban's constant overtures to Moscow and pushback against support for Ukraine as hostile  is on a peace-through-victory push of its own and might not have any interest in hearing out Putin's demands any time soon.

Related

Zelenskyy told the UN General Assembly last Wednesday there's no alternative to the peace formula he presented two years ago as he continued to talk up his blueprint for victory that would force Moscow to end the war on Ukraine's terms.

Any parallel or alternative attempts to seek peace are, in fact, efforts to achieve a lull instead of an end to the war, Zelenskyy said, urging nations to put pressure on Russia.

Do not divide the world. Be united nations, he implored. And that will bring us peace.
A version of this story appeared in CNNs What Matters newsletter. To get it in your inbox, sign up for free here.

Jimmy Carter sets a new record on October 1, his birthday, when he will become the first American president to reach triple digits.

Its a milestone more and more Americans will reach in the years to come  and something the American social safety net is not prepared for.

Carters post-presidency began in 1981 after he lost his bid for reelection and when he was 56, too young for Social Security and Medicare.

A very long, incredible retirement

Carter did not dedicate his post-presidential life to sitting on corporate boards and raking in speaking fees, as other recent presidents have done.

Carter got his hands dirty building houses, took on peace missions to Cuba and the Middle East, negotiated the release of hostages, lived in his home town, taught Sunday school and college classes, wrote books, and won Grammys.

His has been, indisputably, the longest, most righteous and most productive post-presidency in history, although John Quincy Adams post-presidential, anti-slavery efforts in Congress get honorable mention.

In the nearly 44 years since he left office, Carter helped essentially eradicate Guinea worm, a parasite that infected around 3.5 million people in the mid-80s and just 14 in 2023, according to The Carter Center.

Its been 22 years since he won the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002, just as the US was preparing for war in Iraq. Carter also paid a landmark visit to Cuba that year.

Its been nine years since Carter announced at a news conference that he had been diagnosed with brain cancer and might not have long to live.

CNNs Stephen Collinson wrote at the time:

I have had a wonderful life, Carter said with the same unsparing honesty and meticulous detail that marked his presidency. Im ready for anything and Im looking forward to new adventure, Carter said, in the 40-minute appearance before the cameras, in which he frequently beamed his huge smile and never fell prey to emotion. It is in the hands of God, whom I worship.

Carter had more to do

By December 2015, Carter announced that after treatment, the cancer was gone. A timeline of his life maintained by CNNs research library has many more notable entries.

Its been nine years since Carter published an autobiography, A Full Life: Reflections at Ninety. He won a Grammy Award  his second  for the audiobook. He would win a third a few years later.

Its been seven years since he was hospitalized for dehydration in Winnipeg, Canada, where he was outdoors  still working!  for Habitat for Humanity, the organization with which he had a long association.

Its been five years since 2019, when he won that third Grammy, broke his hip and joked that there should be an age limit on the presidency since he couldnt have done the job at 80. That was also the year he turned 95 and became the longest-living American president, surpassing George H.W. Bush.

Its been nearly two years since Carter entered hospice care and nearly one year since his wife, Rosalynn, died. They were married in 1946.

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More people will turn 100

As remarkable as Carter made his years since American voters retired him from the White House, theres also something increasingly normal about people living to 100.

Former presidents, all well-to-do and protected by a generous pension, arent a representative sample of society, but its notable that the four oldest former presidents  Carter, Bush, Gerald Ford and Ronald Reagan  all lived in the 21st century.

Overall, US life expectancy dropped during the Covid-19 pandemic. It has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels, and it lags behind other developed countries, according to an analysis by KFF. As of 2022, the life expectancy for US males was 74.8 and for US females was 80.2.

But the population of 100-year-olds is expected to quadruple in the coming decades, according to Pew Research Center. It estimated in January that the current number of centenarians was around 101,000 and that the figure would increase to about 422,000 within 30 years, a small but growing portion of the US population as the average age increases and the birth rate declines.

CNNs Eva Rothenberg wrote a year ago about the challenges many Americans will face later in life as they live longer, with more than half of older Americans likely needing long-term care in the future  something that many will not be able to afford and that is not covered under Medicare, the federal health insurance program that primarily benefits older Americans.

A major issue during Carters presidency and in 1980

Carter signed a law in 1977 that increased taxes to pay for Social Security and changed how benefits were calculated for younger people, which was supposed to help the programs finances. Later, in 1980, Carter signed additional legislation to control the growth of disability benefits.

In the 1980 presidential election, which Carter ultimately lost to Reagan, the long-term viability of Social Security and Medicare was a major campaign issue and featured prominently in debates. And with good reason: The long-term viability of the social safety net programs, despite the law Carter signed in 1977, was still in serious question.

There you go again, Regan said dismissively to Carter in a presidential debate, denying that he opposed the very idea of Medicare. Reagan said he simply opposed the version that became law. Carter later accused Reagan of what we might today call gaslighting voters on the issue.

Governor Reagan has a right to change his mind. He does not have a right to rewrite history, Carter said in a statement days before Election Day that year.

Reagan, despite his previous opposition to safety net programs, vowed during the campaign to tend to their finances. Carter, on the other hand, was talking about creating a new national health insurance plan, which remains a dream for many Democrats.

More tough changes under Reagan

As president, after first unsuccessfully proposing benefit cuts, Reagan empaneled a commission, chaired by Alan Greenspan, that suggested fixes  some of which ultimately became law in 1983, and not a moment too soon. Social Security was months or weeks away from being able to pay full benefits in 1983, according to the Congressional Research Service.

The 1983 tweaks to Social Security included, for instance, the counting of some Social Security benefits as taxable income and a gradual increase of the retirement age from 65 to 67.

How gradual? The increase is still kicking in more than 40 years later. The 1983 amendments made the full retirement age 67 for people born in 1960 or later. So those seniors still have a few years to go, although people can retire early for a reduced benefit.

That 1983 law, passed near the beginning of Carters very early and long political retirement, was the last major structural change to address the solvency of Social Security. There have been more frequent tweaks and major changes to Medicare.

Now the social safety net programs are again teetering on insolvency. Social Security will be unable to pay full benefits in just over a decade, according to the government. Medicare has a smidge more time.

Today, there are new calls to incrementally raise the retirement age or increase the taxes that fund Social Security, which apply only to the first $168,600 of income.

Like in the 1970s and 1980s, changes to the safety net will require a serious debate on all sides of the issue. Its a debate few people are having at the moment.

Neither presidential candidate this year is talking much about the long-term funding of these programs. In fact, one of Donald Trumps major proposals is to end the taxation on Social Security benefits that Reagan and lawmakers imposed in 1983. Vice President Kamala Harris has a vague plan to impose new taxes on the wealthy.

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Mount Everest is taller than it should be  and a weird river may be to blame

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A "weird" river in the Himalayas may have pushed the peak of Mount Everest up by 164 feet (50 meters), scientists say.

According to a new study, a river roughly 46 miles (75 kilometers) from Everest was "captured" by another around 89,000 years ago. The erosion from this event carved away a huge gorge, leading to a loss of landmass that made the mountain experience a major growth spurt.

At 29,031.69 feet (8,848.86 m) above sea level, Mount Everest is Earth's highest peak on land. But it "is taller than it should be," study co-author Adam Smith , a researcher at University College London's Earth Sciences department, told Live Science in an email. In the Himalayas, the height difference between most mountain peaks is about 164 to 328 feet (50 to 100 m). But Everest is 820 feet (250 m) higher than the next highest mountain, K2. "This perhaps hints that something interesting is going on," Smith said.

GPS data shows Everest is growing at a rate of around 0.08 inches (2 millimeters) per year, which is higher than the expected rate of uplift for the mountain range. To find out the root cause, the researchers looked at whether the Himalayas' unusual rivers could be driving the rise.

"The Arun River is weird, as it flows in an L shape," Smith said. "Most rivers resemble trees, with a relatively straight trunk, and branches (tributaries) flowing into the trunk. However, the Arun flows E-W [east to west] along its upstream portion, before turning 90 degrees and flowing south through the Himalayas. This hints that perhaps the river has recently changed its form, and has maybe 'captured' another river."

Related: Boiling rocks from Earth's crust tore an ocean into Mongolia 410 million years ago

For the study, published Monday (Sept. 30) in the journal Nature Geoscience , the researchers used numerical models to simulate how the Kosi River network  which flows through China, Nepal and India  evolved over time. They then compared their models with the existing topography to work out which simulation fitted best.

a river with a suspension bridge over it with a man walking across, with trees surrounding the gorge

The findings suggest that the Arun River (now a main tributary of the Kosi River) was captured by Kosi around 89,000 years ago. This diverted river led to a surge in river erosion, carving out the Arun River Gorge.

The creation of this gorge and erosion of the river, the researchers argue, would have removed enough landmass to make the surrounding land lighter, causing Everest to spring up. The mountain has risen between 50 and 164 feet (15 to 50 m) since the capture event, according to the models.

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It's unclear what caused the river to get captured, Smith said. It could have been one river eroding into another, with the Kosi River eroding backwards until it entered the Arun River and "stole" part of it, he said. Another possibility is that a glacial lake overflowed, unleashing a catastrophic flood that wiped out the natural barrier between the Kosi and Arun rivers. "We are not sure which mechanism is most likely," Smith said.

Everest should continue getting bigger until the river network has fully responded to the changes that took place, Smith said. The next step in the research could be to look more closely at the gorge and other areas that the Arun River flowed over. This will enable them to narrow down dates for the capture event that the model can be checked against.


ED raids two locations in Kolkata in connection with Patna financial scam case The Enforcement Directorate (ED), on Tuesday, was conducting raids and search operations at two locations in Kolkata in connection with a financial irregularity case registered in Bihar's capital city, Patna. Sources said the raids and search operations at the two locations are parts of similar exercises by the central investigating agency at some other cities in the country in connection with the same Patna-based scam.



It is learnt that ED had taken over the investigation in the matter after one individual and victim in the scam brought the matter to the notice of the central agencys national headquarters in Delhi.



One of the two places in Kolkata, where the raid and search operations have been conducted since Tuesday morning include the residential flat of one individual Jay Narayan Gupta at a posh residential complex located at Maniktala Main Road in north Kolkata.



Sources said that Gupta by profession is a chartered accountant and the investigating officials of the central agency have secured definite clues about his involvement in the financial irregularities.



The second team of ED officials was conducting similar raid and search operations at a residential flat in Waterloo Building in central Kolkata, the sources added.



At the time the report was filed, the ED operations at both places were on. Each team of ED officials were accompanied by Central Armed Police Forces (CAPF) personnel. Sources said that the investigating officials believe that besides the two places in Kolkata where raid and search operations are already being conducted, this Patna-based scam has more links in West Bengal.



More details and the official version were awaited.



In the last week of September, Satyabrata Kumar, a 2004-batch Indian Revenue Service (IRS) officer took charge as the new Special Director (eastern region). He was earlier attached to the EDs western region office as Special Director.




The assassination of Hezbollah leader Hassan Nasrallah is not only the most significant targeted killing in Israels history but also the first chapter in what could be a new, more hopeful future for Lebanon, its long-suffering northern neighbor.

Here are six implications of Nasrallahs death.

First, after wiping out virtually the entire Hezbollah political and military command, from its spectacular exploding pager and walkie-talkie operation to its killing of Nasrallah, Israel is unlikely to suspend its military operations in Lebanon. To the contrary, Israel is likely to take advantage of Hezbollahs disarray to do everything it can to destroy the groups offensive capabilities, including its entire arsenal of precision-guided missiles and whats left of its infrastructure for cross-border attacks in southern Lebanon. Hopefully, Israel will achieve its objectives swiftly and avoid the fatal attraction of the long-term reoccupation of Lebanese territory.

Second, some of the third-level leaders who will inherit control of Hezbollah are likely to argue that Nasrallah and his comrades were vulnerable because they lacked an asset that Hamas had in Gaza since Oct. 7  hostages. This could lead to reckless plots to kidnap foreigners inside Lebanon; efforts to launch cross-border raids into Israel through underground tunnels; and perhaps even activation of Hezbollah terrorist cells around the world, including in America.

Third, Iran  Hezbollahs patron, funder and supplier  has so far shown that it wants to stay out of this fight, but its inactivity could become an acute embarrassment and difficult to sustain. As an Arab, Nasrallah was not as important to Tehran as Quds Force leader Qassem Soleimani, whose killing in a 2020 U.S. drone strike prompted a retaliatory attack against American troops in northern Iraq. But he was closer to Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei than any non-Iranian, and his death will be viewed as a personal blow.

In this context, it would not be surprising for Iran to unleash its proxies  from Yemens Houthis to Shiite militias in Iraq and Syria  against American, allied and Israeli targets. Iran-backed terrorism against soft targets in the West cannot be ruled out. Given that Iran relied on Hezbollah as a deterrent against U.S. or Israeli direct attack, the groups weakness means Iran is less likely to launch its own revenge assault against Israel, along the lines of its April 13 volley of missiles and drones. A key unknown is whether Irans sense of vulnerability triggers a rethinking of nuclear strategy, with its leaders now more determined to acquire a weapons capability as quickly as possible to compensate for the loss of Hezbollah.

Fourth, Lebanon is in shock at the sudden change in Hezbollahs status. Just days ago, Hezbollah was the unquestioned power in the country, behind the mere facade of a Potemkin government. Now, there is a moment of opportunity for the disparate, often disputatious elements of an anti-Hezbollah coalition to organize itself before the remnants of Hezbollah find their footing and try to reimpose control.

One key variable is whether the Lebanese Armed Forces now believes it is relatively powerful enough to assert authority in the name of the state and has the cohesion and leadership to take that fateful step. Another question is whether external actors  from Washington to Paris to Riyadh  will coordinate effectively to empower local allies to fill the void left by Hezbollahs disarray. Israel may have set the table, but it cannot deliver the meal of a new Lebanese political architecture. Only the Lebanese themselves  with the help of their foreign friends  can do that. But the possibility is more real today than it has been at any moment in recent memory.

Fifth, as the anniversary of the Oct. 7 Hamas attack approaches, the heady Israeli success in Lebanon will have its own impact on Gaza. The most obvious implication is the likely hardening of opposition by Hamas Yahya Sinwar to giving up hostages in a cease-fire deal, as he probably concludes that keeping that asset has kept him alive after nearly a year of war.

The result is likely to be the freezing of an unsatisfying status quo in Gaza, in which Israels main battle operations are effectively complete but the situation stays in limbo. In this stalemate, Hamas cannot mount a serious military threat to Israel, but the rag-tag remnants of its fighting force remain enough to terrorize the local population and to prevent anyone else from governing the Gaza Strip. In this situation, the real losers are local Palestinians, who will likely remain caught between the roving street gangs of Hamass diminished but still potent brigades and the targeted operations of Israels counter-terror missions in Gaza.

Sixth, the killing of Nasrallah should be a moment for the U.S. to cheer that justice has been done, given the blood of hundreds of Americans that are on Hezbollahs hands. But this is also a moment for the Biden administration to shift focus from its Sisyphean pursuit of a Gaza cease-fire to taking advantage of the opportunities presented by Israels seismic shock to Hezbollah.

With assertive, engaged diplomacy, the Biden administration can help engineer a new security regime that allows civilians to return to their homes along the Israel-Lebanon border and work with local and international partners to help build a new political architecture for Lebanon.

This isnt the Saudi-Israel peace and normalization accord that the Biden administration hoped to leave as a legacy  though there might be one last bite at this apple during the presidential transition  nor even the Gaza cease-fire for which the White House has labored for months. But after a year of tragedy and sadness, this would be real progress. At the same time, it is essential for Washington to warn Tehran about the high price it will suffer if it decides to make a dash for a nuclear-weapons capability.

By building on Israels killing of Nasrallah, President Biden has the opportunity to leave the Middle East better today than it was on Oct. 8, which is no small achievement.

Robert Satloff is Segal executive director of the Washington Institute.

Copyright 2024 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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The red flags that were missed or dismissed when Harrods was bought

In 2010 the Gulf state of Qatar bought luxury department store Harrods for 1.5bn, via its sovereign wealth fund, the Qatar Investment Authority.

It should have been the jewel in the Qatari crown. However, Harrods now faces serious sexual abuse allegations over the actions of its former boss, Mohamed Al Fayed.

Many of these claims were uncovered in a recent BBC investigation, but multiple legal experts have said Qatar either missed or dismissed much of what was already known about Al Fayed at the time of the purchase.

This includes a 2008 police investigation into the alleged assault of a 15-year-old girl in a Harrods boardroom.

Harrods has told the BBC it is "utterly appalled" by the allegations and has apologised to the victims.

It now looks as if the scandal could cost the company and its owner millions.

So what, if anything, was known by Qatar about the allegations?

'Inadequate' due diligence

When a company buys another company, the process of looking to see if there are any skeletons in the cupboard is known as due diligence.

The buyers will hire advisers who will ask the seller's advisers questions about any issues they should know about. They may also do their own independent research.

When the owner is someone like Mohamed Al Fayed, who had several allegations surrounding him at the time of the deal, the buyer's due diligence process should be lengthy.

"I think it would be sensible to ask detailed questions about number of claims, number of complaints - informal or formal - even if not upheld, subject of the complaints even if they were not upheld, number and value of settlements, number of NDAs (non-disclosure agreements)," says Beth Hale, a partner at law firm CM Murray.

In "exceptional cases" this information might scupper a deal, though she believes it is more likely the buyer would ask the seller to compensate them for any losses that might come from the alleged behaviour.

This is what Ms Hale says a business should do if it were buying a company like Harrods in 2024, but she says that 2010 was a different time.

She says this pre-#MeToo era was a "world away in terms of attitudes and approaches to sexual harassment".

"Sexual harassment claims did not form as big a part of due diligence then as they do now."

She says it appears that either Qatar's due diligence was "not adequate" or that the process did bring up certain claims and it decided to continue in any event, perhaps imagining that they might not end up hurting the company too badly.

"Pre-#MeToo, with a couple of sexual harassment claims, a company might settle them, get an NDA, and move on."

Catriona Watt, partner at Fox & Partners, says it looks as if Qatar may have known about the allegations but went ahead anyway.

"It seems to me that it wasn't a complete secret. It was probably a calculated risk," she says, adding the due diligence process "depends on the questions you ask".

"You might say, 'I only want to know about this if it has a value of X,"' she says.

Virginia Albert, former marketing professor and current account director at advertising agency DeVito/Verdi, also believes the Qatari government's views on women's rights are relevant.

She questions whether it would have considered sexual abuse allegations as something sufficiently serious enough to warrant dropping the deal

"You could argue that brands align with brand values during mergers," she says, adding the Gulf state would have considered if its values "aligned with what they knew, if they knew, about the values of this department store".

Lazard, which represented the Al Fayed Trust during the deal, told the BBC: "We strongly condemn the behaviour these reports have brought to light."

Harrods and the Qatar Investment Authority did not reply to multiple requests for comment on the due diligence process when the company was bought. In its previous response to the BBC, Harrods said it had been settling claims "since new information came to light" last year.

Meanwhile, Harrods' managing director Michael Ward said on Thursday: While it is true that rumours of [Al Fayed's] behaviour circulated in the public domain, no charges or allegations were ever put to me by the police, the [Crown Prosecution Service], internal channels or others.

"Had they been, I would of course have acted immediately."

Credit Suisse, now owned by UBS, represented the Qatar Investment Authority in the deal and declined to comment.

Compensation and reputation

Whatever Qatar knew during the deal, the impact of the allegations is likely to be substantial.

First, there is the total cost of payments to the survivors of the alleged sexual abuse by Al Fayed, which multiple legal experts have told the BBC could be in the millions, with each individual claim likely to cost the firm a six-figure sum.

Harrods has accepted vicarious liability for some of the claims, a legal term meaning it accepts ultimate responsibility for Al Fayed's alleged actions.

It could potentially be liable for alleged failings as an employer, including for claims such as negligence or failing to provide a safe working environment, experts predicted.

Defending the legal case and hiring an independent investigator to look into the claims are also expected to be six-figure sums.

However, the real damage is expected to be reputational.

"People are going to be really, really pissed," says Ms Albert, adding that many will want to see Harrods dealing with the serious allegations from the survivors swiftly and thoroughly.

"There's so much more visibility now than there was."

What might save Harrods, she says, is the loyalty of its long-time shoppers, but the high-price point will make it much easier for casual customers who dislike the way the retailer is perceived to have treated women to go elsewhere.

She predicts boycotts and says the business may struggle to recover unless customers see action, rather than just words.

[BBC]

A BBC investigation into allegations of rape and attempted rape by Mohamed Al Fayed, the former owner of Harrods. Did the luxury store protect a billionaire predator?

Watch Al Fayed: Predator at Harrods on BBC iPlayer now

[BBC]

[BBC]

Listen to World of Secrets, Season 4: Al Fayed, Predator at Harrods on BBC Sounds. If youre outside the UK, you can listen wherever you get your podcasts.

[BBC]
Scientists race to investigate possible human transmission of H5N1 in US outbreak

Seven people fell ill with flu-like symptoms after contact with someone infected with H5N1, raising fears that the virus has spread between humans for the first time in the United States.

Health authorities are rushing to investigate the possibility of human-to-human transmission, with the cluster of potential cases centred around a patient who was confirmed to have H5N1 last month and was later sent to hospital.

Among those affected are several healthcare workers and one of their household contacts, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) said in a statement.

Health officials in Missouri said six healthcare workers developed mild respiratory symptoms resembling avian influenza after treating the patient.

Of those, only one was tested for influenza using PCR, and the results came back negative.

The remaining five healthcare workers symptoms resolved before testing could be conducted. They have since provided blood samples to the CDC to check for H5N1 antibodies, which would indicate prior infection with the virus.

Overall, at least 94 healthcare workers had some contact with the sick patient, Missouri state officials said.

Although there have been reports of human-human transmission of H5N1 in the past, its extremely rare and has caused alarm among those monitoring the US outbreak.

Its definitely concerning

H5N1  a highly infectious form of bird flu with a death rate of up to 55 per cent  has been spreading in US dairy cattle since December of last year.

Usually found in birds, the virus has infected more than 200 cattle herds across the country, indicating it is becoming better at infecting mammals.

Scientists have been urging the US government to get the spread of H5N1 under control quickly  so that it does not have the opportunity to jump to humans and adapt to spread between them.

If it does, it could trigger a pandemic, the World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly warned.

If H5N1 bird flu continues to expand to human transmission, as the cases in Missouri are indicating, the history books will not look kindly upon the USs early efforts when we could have taken much more aggressive and clear action, Dr Michael Mina, Chief Science Officer at eMed Digital Healthcare said on X.

There have been 13 other confirmed cases of bird flu in people in the US this year, all of which were acquired from interactions with infected dairy cattle or poultry.

Missouri has no infected cattle herds, however, and the hospitalised patient had no known contact with animals. The case was detected through the states seasonal flu surveillance system, indicating there could be more flying under the radar.

Its definitely concerning, said Dr Krutika Kuppalli, a spokesperson for the Infectious Disease Society of America and former WHO medical officer.

We need to understand possible sources of exposure in the index case, and what has been done to investigate it, especially since Missouri has no confirmed dairy herds.

We also need to be stepping up surveillance and testing around the country, not just in Missouri, Dr Kuppalli added.

Protect yourself and your family by learning more about Global Health Security

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Donald Trump is continuing to hitch himself to Project 2025s policy proposals, even after he spent months working to publicly disavow the Christian nationalist manifesto.

During a campaign stop in Erie, Pennsylvania, on Sunday, the Republican presidential nominee reiterated a key talking point of the 920-page executive branch blueprint: dismantling the Department of Education. But this time, Trump offered the radical policy shift with a candid dismissal, asking the crowd, What the hell do you have to lose?

You know Im gonna take the Department of Education, close it in Washington, let the states run their own education, he said. Very important. Because we spend more money per pupil than any other nation in the world by far, and yet were ranked at the bottom of every list.

Neither of those points are true. A 2023 report by the National Center for Education Statistics found that while the U.S. did spend 38 percent more per student than the average of other member countries, it still ranked behind Luxembourg, Norway, Austria, and the Republic of Korea for its per-pupil spending. And Americas education system doesnt rank last, eitherinstead, it ranks twenty-second out of 41 countries, according to the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Developments Better Life Index.

So, you know the expression? What the hell do you have to lose? Trump added, shortly before blaming the current state of Americas education system on incoming migrants.

Last week, Trump shared his vision for the countrys education system without the massive federal agency guiding it. According to him, some states will do very good, while others will, admittedly, be terrible.

Were going to have 35 like, different onesIowa will do good. A lot of the states will do very good. I can think of probably 30, 35 will be dofive will be OK, 10 will be OK. Youll have four or five that will be terrible, but thats OK, we have to control it, Trump told 5,000 people in Indiana, Pennsylvania. But youll have, youll have Idaho, youll have Idaho will do a great job, no debt, they run a great state.

Project 2025 has advanced seemingly outrageous policy positions, including dismantling wholesale staples of the executive branch such as the Department of Education. It also proposes revisiting federal approval of the abortion pill, banning pornography nationwide, placing the Justice Department under the control of the president, slashing federal funds for climate change research in an effort to sideline mitigation efforts, and increasing funding for the U.S.-Mexico border wall.

In July, Trump claimed that he knew nothing about Project 2025 and had no idea who is behind it.

I disagree with some of the things theyre saying and some of the things theyre saying are absolutely ridiculous and abysmal, he wrote on Truth Social. Anything they do, I wish them luck, but I have nothing to do with them.
Two out-of-state men face charges in gold bullion schemes, U.S. prosecutors say

PROVIDENCE  Out-of-state scammers targeted two elderly Rhode Islanders, defrauding one 79-year-old of gold bars valued at $130,000 and $35,000 in cash, according to U.S. Attorney Zachary A. Cunha.

In both cases, including one that involved a 72-year-old Tiverton man, the scammers are accused of manipulating the men with help from online popup messages that fraudulently accused them of child pornography-related offenses, federal prosecutors say.

After that, they say, the schemes brought the Rhode Island men into contact with people who impersonated federal authorities and directed the men to buy gold.

A 22-year-old Canadian man is accused of defrauding the 79-year-old man from Narragansett.

The man had been shopping online when the popup message appeared, directing him to place a call, prosecutors say, adding that the scammers also accused him of money-laundering activity.

A suspicious request to buy gold bullion

Impersonators directed him to turn over assets and he gave an unknown person $35,000 in cash when that conspirator visited his home in early September. Several days later, he bought $135,000 in gold bars and delivered them to conspirators.

The Canadian defendant from Scarborough, Ontario, has been charged with wire fraud and wire fraud conspiracy, money laundering and money laundering conspiracy.

In the second scheme, a 22-year-old Bridgeport man faces the same charges, prosecutors say.

In that case, a 72-year-old Tiverton man encountered an online popup box and ended up talking to an impersonator who representing himself as a Federal Trade Commission agent.

The Rhode Islander made more than $360,000 in gold bullion purchases from a New York dealer via wire transfer, prosecutors say.

Another unknown person picked up almost $200,000 in bullion from the man.

But he was working with authorities, the real ones, when it came time for one of the conspirators to make another pickup on Sept. 21, prosecutors say.

The badge worn by federal agents for Homeland Security Investigations, which is part of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.

Local police and federal authorities, including Homeland Security Investigations, on the case

The delivery of a package that did not contain the expected contents then took place in a restaurant parking lot under surveillance.

Connecticut state police arrested the conspirator during a traffic stop.

Agents from Homeland Security Investigations and police from East Providence, Narragansett and Tiverton provided substantial assistance with help from other local police and state police in both states.

Federal, state and local law encorcement continue to partner on a series of ongoing probes into such scams.

Such investigations and probes rely on information from the public.

An elder fraud hotline

To tip off authorities to cases of elder fraud, telephone 1-833 FRAUD-11.

More information about the departments elder justice efforts can be found on the website www.elderjustice.gov.

Lawyers for two men and prosecutors contest bail in child's homicide case

RI emergency officials training residents how to help victims during a mass shooting

This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: Two RI elderly swindled into buying gold bars prosecutors say
Dozens of residents showed up at White Rock Baptist Church on Saturday to learn about Lynchburgs process for reimagining how to use the former White Rock Elementary School.

Lynchburg City Council has appropriated $3.5 million to convert the building into a facility to serve the White Rock Hill neighborhood, located in Ward II. The city also plans to use historic tax credits to help cover the costs of the project.

Mayor Stephanie Reed, Ward II Councilman Sterling Wilder, At-large Councilman Larry Taylor and other local officials attended the event where both city staff members and officials with Work Program Architects (WPA), a Norfolk-based architectural firm, guided residents through the redesign process.

At the start of Saturdays community meeting, officials emphasized residents of the White Rock Hill neighborhood will play a big role in deciding what type of services are provided in the remodeled elementary school building.

Today marks the first of many of our community conversations where youre going to shape the future of this community, Lynchburg Deputy City Manager Greg Patrick told attendees.

By early 2025, the city hopes to have a better idea of how the former White Rock Elementary School will be used going forward. Its going to be based on your input and whats important to the White Rock community, Patrick said. Together, we are going to build something truly, truly special.

White Rock Elementary School, on Buena Vista Street, was built in 1912. Twelve years later, the school was turned into a two-story building, with four large classrooms on each floor.

The building served as an elementary school until the 1960s. When the Lynchburg Community Action Group was chartered in 1965, the school was then repurposed to house the citys federally funded Head Start program.

A few years ago, the Head Start program ended at the former school due to issues surrounding accessibility. Without an elevator in the building, it was difficult for Head Start to acquire grant funds that it would need to maintain the building, Patrick said.

WPA, founded in 2010, has expertise in renovating historic buildings and adapting them into new uses. The project in the White Rock Hill neighborhood would be its first in Lynchburg.

WPA CEO and Principal Mel Price said her firm has expertise in community engagement and helping communities bring their vision to life. The firm also has expertise in renovating historic buildings and adapting them into new uses, she said.

The building needs a lot of work, but it also has really, really good bones, Price said.

Last Friday, WPA officials went door-to-door, seeking input from White Rock Hill residents about the future of the building. One of the top ideas they heard was using the building for children in the neighborhood.

Make it a recreation center with programming for kids. We need to keep kids off the streets with things to do, a resident toldWPA.

On a whiteboard at Saturdays meeting, residents were invited to write down their ideas for the former elementary school. Among the ideas was using space inside the building for persons with special needs.

Residents also proposed putting a cafe, a Krispy Kreme donut shop, a bike ship, a bowling alley and an arcade room inside the building.

Along with the main school building, the site includes a 3,000-square-foot building  with restrooms and a commercial kitchen  that was used as the schools cafeteria.

And whats good about this building for adapting in the future is it has restrooms, Price said at the meeting. Restrooms are expensive to build. It has a commercial kitchen  hoods and things like that are very expensive  so youve got assets already built into this space. You can clean it up, freshen it up, and make it something.

WPA has worked on many historic buildings that were remodeled using historic tax credits.

When renovating a building using historic tax credits, according to Price, the designers need to make sure to preserve and protect things such as stairwells, handrails and built-ins. We want to make sure to preserve and protect those to make the building eligible, she said.

Federal and state tax credit programs are provided to property owners who undertake the rehabilitation of historic buildings in compliance with rehabilitation standards. Through the tax credit programs, property owners are given substantial incentives for investment in preservation.

The two-story former elementary school has eight classrooms, with four on each floor. Each classroom is about 640 square feet in size.

As part of the design process, Lynchburg and WPA plan to hold a Community Pitch Day on Nov. 16, when residents will get to propose ideas for the building.

After Community Pitch Day, officials will then hold a meeting to discuss the proposed ideas with the community, followed by a final meeting where the new designs for the building will be unveiled.
MANILA, Oct 02 (News On Japan) - Two sisters in the Philippines who were separated from their Japanese father during World War II and recently had their Japanese citizenship restored expressed their joy, telling TV Asahi, We want to visit our fathers hometown, Okinawa.

Esperanza Morine (86) and Lydia Morine (84), who live on Linapacan Island in the Philippines, were granted a new family registry last month through a process known as "shuseki" by the Naha Family Court, officially restoring their Japanese citizenship.

Their father, Kabutamori Morine, was originally from Okinawa Prefecture and had moved to the Philippines before the war. He died in 1945 during the conflict.

Under the pre-war Nationality Law, children could acquire Japanese citizenship if their father was Japanese. However, many of the so-called second-generation Japanese left in the Philippines remained stateless due to their fathers' deaths or forced deportations, leaving them unable to complete the necessary procedures.

On the 1st of this month, it was officially reported that the Morine sisters had recovered their Japanese citizenship.

Esperanza Morine and Lydia Morine (Q: How do you feel about recovering your Japanese citizenship?) We are happy. If my legs are in good condition, I want to visit Okinawa, my fathers hometown.

They hope to obtain passports and visit their father's homeland, Okinawa Prefecture, to pay their respects at his grave.

TV Asahi has been documenting the sisters' situation, along with other second-generation Japanese left in the Philippines who have longed to restore their citizenship, for the past two years through local interviews and documentary programs.

This time, the sisters' relationship with their father was proven through various evidence and testimonies.

Meanwhile, even 79 years after the war, more than 400 people with Japanese roots remain stateless in the Philippines.

Source: ANN
TOKYO, Oct 02 (News On Japan) - In Japanese business culture, a 'playing manager' refers to a manager who oversees the team while also performing as a front-line player. This role is commonly assumed in the mid-managerial phase, often at the section chief level, where the experience and knowledge gained significantly impact the individual's career trajectory.

The presidents of Earth Corporation, Kracie, and Loft navigated their journeys through various crossroads, especially during their "playing manager" days.

Being a "playing manager" involves balancing the management of subordinates with active involvement in the business scene. Those who successfully overcome various challenges during this time often embark on a path toward top management positions. The three presidents share insights into their early years, how they overcame obstacles as playing managers, and their journeys to becoming the heads of their respective companies.

Kracie President Masahiro Iwakura: Born 62 years ago, Iwakura became the president of Kracie after navigating the company through various critical periods. Although Kracie is known for its popular products, the company itself was not as well-recognized. Founded in 1887, Kracie's predecessor, Kanebo, had a rich history but faced a financial collapse in 2004 due to massive debt.

Iwakura joined Kanebo in 1985 and was assigned to the Osaka office's daily goods sales department. During his 16th year in the company, in 2000, he was promoted to the personnel department as a section chief. Around that time, he noticed ominous signs in the company. The collapse of Kanebo was primarily due to risky investments in real estate during the bubble economy, leading to a debt crisis. However, many within the company were unaware or dismissive of the impending financial troubles.

In 2004, Kanebo sought support from the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan (IRCJ) due to its financial collapse. Iwakura, then a playing manager, worked on the company's reconstruction while serving on the front lines. With the IRCJ's intervention, Kanebo's cosmetics division was sold off, and the company's reconstruction efforts began.

Iwakura found himself at a crossroads during the restructuring. Initially, he intended to manage the daily goods division using conventional strategies, focusing on cost-cutting and efficiency. However, the IRCJ advocated for bold investment and aggressive reform. Tensions between the old guard of Kanebo and the IRCJ ran high. As time passed, Iwakura began to see the merits of the IRCJ's approach. The turning point came when Iwakura decided to adopt an open-minded stance, opting for bold innovation and investments. This decision led to the revival of Kanebo's popular body soap, "Naive," which became a symbol of the company's turnaround.

In 2007, Kracie was established as the successor to Kanebo's daily goods, pharmaceuticals, and food divisions. Iwakura played a crucial role in the new company's management and was eventually appointed president in 2018. His experience during Kanebo's collapse taught him that embracing risks is necessary for success. This year, he made another significant decision to merge the company's three separate business divisions into one, believing that continued evolution is key to the company's success.

Loft President Koki Ando: Ando, aged 66, is known as the president of Loft, a popular variety store known for its fun and unique product lineup. Loft has grown to operate 169 stores across Japan, achieving a record high of 107.1 billion yen in sales last year. Ando's journey began at Shibuya Loft, where he started as a founding member and a legendary buyer who contributed to Loft's growth.

However, his path was not without struggles. During his time as a playing manager, Ando faced numerous challenges, including managing product selections and navigating market trends. Despite the pressures, his perseverance and innovative ideas paved the way for Loft's success.

Koki Ando's role as a playing manager at Loft wasn't easy. He had to juggle managing his team while actively being involved in product selection, inventory control, and staying ahead of market trends. During his early years, Ando faced fierce competition in the retail market, often experiencing setbacks and doubts about the direction the business was taking.

One of Ando's most significant challenges came when he had to decide whether to introduce bold changes to the store's product lineup. While the traditional retail model emphasized caution and consistency, Ando felt the need to take risks to keep the store appealing. This philosophy of offering a diverse, fun, and unique product range has become Loft's hallmark. Ando's willingness to experiment with products not only brought vibrancy to the store but also fostered customer loyalty. His journey as a playing manager, filled with trial and error, was instrumental in shaping Loft into the successful retail chain it is today.

Earth Corporation's President Masaki Tsukamoto: Earth Corporation, known for its household goods and pest control products, also has a story of navigating through pivotal moments. Tsukamoto, who eventually became the president, started his career at the company as a playing manager. Like Iwakura and Ando, Tsukamoto had to balance managing his team while being on the front lines of sales and product development.

During his early years, Tsukamoto encountered various challenges, from managing production costs to maintaining product quality. However, one of his most critical decisions came when he had to innovate in a saturated market. By introducing unique product lines and enhancing existing ones, Tsukamoto steered the company towards a more customer-focused approach, which played a crucial role in boosting Earth Corporation's market presence.

In Japan, the "playing manager" role is crucial for business operations. According to a survey, 95% of department heads and section chiefs in Japanese listed companies are playing managers, highlighting their importance in corporate Japan. This dual role requires managers to not only oversee their teams but also to actively contribute to achieving organizational goals through front-line work. Their experiences as playing managers often become the foundation for their growth into executive positions.

Each president featured in this article has shown that overcoming obstacles during their playing manager days shaped them into the leaders they are today. For example, Iwakura's experience of leading Kracie's turnaround post-Kanebo's collapse taught him the importance of embracing change and risk. Ando's journey at Loft demonstrated the value of constant innovation and flexibility in retail. Meanwhile, Tsukamoto's focus on product development and customer-centric strategies guided Earth Corporation to success.

Overcoming Crisis and Embracing Change For many of these executives, pivotal moments occurred when they had to make tough decisions that defied conventional corporate norms. Iwakura, for instance, had to set aside the pride of Kanebo's long-standing brand and embrace the reforms proposed by the Industrial Revitalization Corporation of Japan. Ando, on the other hand, pushed the boundaries of traditional retail by incorporating fun and unexpected products into Loft's lineup.

Source: BIZ